Shropshire Escape to the Country


Shropshire

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Today's county is home to the oldest licensed working brewery in Britain.

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It's been producing local ale since at least 1642. Find out where I am in just a moment.

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Today we're helping a medical couple return to their roots in the countryside.

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'We'll be spoiling them with extravagant equestrian accommodation...'

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One stable would have been brilliant but to have three, excellent.

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-You'll have to get another horse!

-Two more.

-Don't say that!

-Two more!

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'..we'll be throwing in water features to tempt them...'

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We didn't ask for this!

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'..and we've got a mystery house which could just beat the rest.'

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-That is my cup of tea.

-Definitely

-Big-time my cup of tea, that is.

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Today I'm in Shropshire and this is the Three Tons Brewery in the little market town of Bishop's Castle.

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It's one of 16 independent brewers in the county

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and it was given its licence back in the 17th century by Charles I

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who was raising money for his civil war.

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Today, customers in their county's 900 pubs raise their glasses

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filled with beer from brewers like this.

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The West Midland county of Shropshire is landlocked

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by Wales to the west and four other English counties.

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Shropshire is justifiably proud of its beautiful countryside,

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with neatly ploughed fields and hillsides dotted with

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grazing cows and sheep. It takes you far, far away

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from the smoke and grime of the city and its competitive hustle and industry,

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but this rural idyll has been at the heart of some fairly revolutionary activity -

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the Industrial Revolution, to be precise.

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At Coalbrookdale the world's first cast-iron bridge was built in 1779 to span the River Severn,

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inspiring a global transformation in construction and engineering.

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The importance of this historic achievement was recognised in 1986

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when Iron Bridge Gorge was awarded World Heritage status,

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and the county is a boon for architectural buffs too,

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as this beautiful countryside is dotted with impressive examples

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of black and white timber-framed architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries

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in historic towns like Ludlow and Shrewsbury.

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Shropshire is one of the least densely populated counties in England.

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There are 65% less people per square mile here than any other part of the country

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and that's largely due to the fact that it's a stronghold of agriculture.

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Even in these lean times, farmers are hanging on in there, and at current count,

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there are more than 5,000 of them preserving the landscape for people to move here and live,

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and in amongst all these fields, some beautiful property.

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This striking bit of architectural loveliness in Meadowcroft

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comes with no less than four reception rooms, five bedrooms and beautiful exposed wood throughout.

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Tinkle the ivories on the grand piano in the main hall,

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explore the 4.4 acres of grounds or take a dip in the heated swimming pool.

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The price? £1.2 million.

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£575,000 will buy you this four bedroom detached cottage in Albrighton.

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Originally timber framed, it's been renovated, extended and improved,

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leaving a mixture of period features like exposed beams and an Inglenook fireplace

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and modern comforts like underfloor heating and a shiny new kitchen.

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Outside a well-tended garden looks out on the rolling countryside.

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This L-shaped three bedroom barn conversion in Longdon-upon-Tern was finished in 2007

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and comes complete with three reception rooms, underfloor heating and a patio garden,

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all yours for £355,000.

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Shropshire's finest and I think it's going to be just the sort of thing that will lure our buyers today.

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Let's meet them.

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With origins in Wales, army dentist Jeremy and GP Charlotte have been married for nearly nine years

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and currently live along with two young children,

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in a rented four-bedroom house on an army base in Colchester, Essex.

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With Jeremy's retirement from the military looming, they are hoping to fulfil their dream of

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going back to their roots in the countryside.

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We want to move to the country because we were both brought up in the country

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and we want our children to have that freedom of the wide open spaces and clean air and be able to

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just do simple things like going for walks and mountain-biking and getting involved with the horse and...

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Getting back to village life.

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They're currently ready to move, but since they've decided to make the change,

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their busy professional lives haven't allowed them to do that much house-hunting.

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In the last couple of years whilst we've been looking, we've had a very nomadic lifestyle and existence.

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We've got two young children now so trying to view properties is quite a problem, logistically.

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So what kind of dream home are they after?

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What we would really like is four bedrooms, in an ideal world

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a period property with large rooms rather than sort of small, low ceiling,

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cottagey feel, two acres is a minimum need, but obviously what we'd like

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is a little bit more land or outside space, particularly with the children growing up.

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We'd like a big kitchen/living space, really.

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We have a small playroom here but a bigger playroom would be brilliant

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because there are toys littered all over the house.

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We'd like a study if we could and an en-suite bathroom would be a real treat.

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We haven't had that for some time.

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Charlotte has a particular reason for wanting all that land.

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One of my passions in life are horses and at the moment obviously we haven't got enough land

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to accommodate my current horse and I'm really looking forward to us having a bit more acreage

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so we can graze her at home and see her at any time of day.

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What about location?

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Our ideal situation would be moving to a small village.

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We would also consider a rural area.

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Ideally we want to be away from a busy road

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and away from pylons and any large industrial type structures.

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So how much do Jeremy and Charlotte have to spend in order to buy this idyllic dream home?

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Our current budget for this project is £750,000,

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but really on account of the state of the market, we're willing

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to look to a higher budget with a view to bringing the price down into our £750,000 range.

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So this is going to be quite a move for Jes and Charlotte from an army base in Essex

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to the rural charms of Shropshire and they want four bedrooms at least

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for them and their two boys who will be running around in lots and lots of land

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which is also going to be home to Charlotte's foal.

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As they're prepared to push the top limit of their budget,

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we'll be viewing properties valued at up to £800,000,

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and we're taking in the entire county.

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I'll be showing them around some of the best properties on the market right now,

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but as ever, I won't reveal the price until the end,

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and today's mystery house comes with an added bonus in the garden.

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Welcome to Shropshire. How are you doing?

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Well, thank you.

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-Very good. Now you went to school here, didn't you?

-I did. I was at Shrewsbury School.

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-And you're from Wales?

-Mid Wales, yes.

-So this is like a home from home for you two?

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It is, really.

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-And you've got a quite healthy budget?

-Yeah.

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How much are you going to spend?

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Well, 750 is our target,

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and up to 800 would be the absolute maximum.

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-So 800 is the pain limit?

-Yes!

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Great! And you've got lots of reasons to come here?

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Obviously, you've got roots, but also it offers lots in terms of what you're looking for?

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Yeah. I mean for us, we've got two small children, the great outdoor life that Shropshire offers,

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it's a very rural county, Charlotte has got a horse, I'm a very keen golfer,

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so it ticks lots of boxes on that scale.

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Good. So the little ones are important in terms of schools?

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Yes, yes. A village school would be lovely but there's lots of nice prep schools here too, as well.

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Well, it's a beautiful county and there's lots of lovely property, some of which we've found for you.

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Armed with a sizeable budget of up to £800,000,

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Jeremy and Charlotte have quite a shopping list.

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They want a large detached family home with at least four bedrooms and a large kitchen/living space.

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They also want a playroom for their two boys

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and outside space for them to build tree houses,

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and the boys will also have to share that land with Charlotte's horse,

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so stables top off the list.

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Well, their wish is our command,

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so we had better get on the road.

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-Have you guys ever bought a house together?

-Yeah.

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And was it easy or was there a lot of negotiation?

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It was easy because we walked in and immediately loved it.

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-Both of you?

-Yeah, and there were a lot of compromises with it but...

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It really gave us that instant vibe when we went in there.

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So you're pretty much singing from the same song sheet when it comes to house-buying?

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I think so, yeah.

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Well, let's hope our selection will have them singing our praises by the end of the show.

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For our first property we're heading way up north to Hengoed,

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a hamlet which sits just on the other side of Oswestry, about 25 miles north-west of Shrewsbury.

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"Hengoed" meaning "old forest" in Welsh

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is part of the parish of nearby Selattyn, which in comparison

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is positively cosmopolitan with local amenities, a church and even a school,

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but Charlotte and Jeremy are here to escape to the country

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and our first house is right out in the sticks, nestled in the Shropshire countryside.

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'Let's hope it's not TOO rural!'

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It's quite a substantial property. What do you think?

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Well, first impressions, it's very neat and looks well looked-after.

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Mmm, what about you, Jes?

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Yes, it's got a nice country feel to it.

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Originally, it would have been a farmhouse and this was all a farmyard,

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probably from the 18th century/19th century, but it's been extensively remodelled in the last ten years.

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Are you keen on renovation?

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It's something we would consider. Obviously it would be nicer to have the finished product, but yeah.

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Good, because you'll not have to do anything in here!

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This stone-built farmhouse is an impressive-looking building from the outside

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and it sits in some pretty impressive grounds too, but we're going to start inside to see if it

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makes the right impression on Charlotte and Jeremy.

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We're hanging a right... into one of the two sitting rooms.

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-Right. Good headroom.

-Good headroom.

-That's important.

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Again, this would have been in the original part of the house,

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the original cottage, but as you can see it's been incredibly beautifully remodelled in the last ten years.

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You've got gorgeous slate flags in front of the fireplace.

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-I really like it.

-Yeah, I mean, as you say, it gives a cottagey-feel almost,

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but we've got a decent amount of headroom so we're not restricted,

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because being quite tall, that's an issue for me sometimes.

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Good. Well, let's go and look at the second lounge.

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Built around this central hearth, again another huge multi-fuel burner.

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-It looks good.

-Snug and warm in the winter.

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So this is the extension, the secondary part of the house.

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It wouldn't have been in the original, but very sunny...

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light coming in from both sides.

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-Very nice...it's a good space.

-A good size again, yes.

-It's light.

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There's a bit of a headroom issue but it's only one beam.

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-Yes, I think there's a joist in there.

-Yeah, so it's necessary!

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It's nice though, it has a nice feel to it.

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-It does. I really like it, yeah.

-'All good, so far then... fingers crossed for the kitchen.'

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-This really is the heart of the house.

-Yes, it's a beautiful space!

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It is excellent, yeah. It's my ideal kitchen, this is how I would plan it.

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I was just going to say with the oak units, I'm not a big fan of the oak units.

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A very sort of traditional country kitchen I suppose, that.

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-You mean you'd change the units?

-Yeah, I think I'd go with something a bit more contemporary.

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Great stuff! They can always change the decor but they're happy with the size.

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Also on the ground floor is a large utility room but we're heading up to check out the six bedrooms.

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-So lovely and sunny up here. It's so nice to have a big landing.

-That's a lovely area, yeah.

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I wanted to take you over in here, actually. This is the modern wing.

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-They're good size rooms.

-Great for one of the boys.

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I was thinking this would be a nice wing for the children because

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-you've got a family bathroom and amazing views.

-Amazing views, yeah!

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-Wasted on the boys, I expect!

-It's your cup of tea and beyond, yeah.

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In the meantime, this is your study.

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Well, there are lots of options in this house as just next door is a single and next to that,

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an ample double, but we're heading past all of those to take a look at the fourth bedroom on this floor.

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As I say, this is being used as the master bedroom by the current owner.

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My initial thought was, "Oh, it's a bit small", because we've got quite a big bed,

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but I think it would be OK, actually.

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But you are really spoilt for choice in terms of bedrooms here,

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so you might want to kind of live in each of them for a while.

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I'd like to live on the same floor as the boys and have the guests on a different level.

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There's no shortage of guest accommodation with this property.

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Now, this is great! I don't often get to show houses that have another floor and if they do,

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they're tiny and this is really rather spacious.

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Spacious and very characterful, with lots of features.

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-This room is wonderful, I think.

-It's beautiful!

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Lots of features.

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It's lovely having the exposed brickwork, something I'm a big fan of.

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-You don't get to see this very often on the show but you are spoilt for choice in terms of space.

-Mmm.

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You've got oodles of bedrooms... six at least.

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The final bedroom is across the landing and is divided in two...

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as a large double and games room, but Jeremy and Charlotte are moving to the country

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to get back to the outdoor lifestyle, so it's no good hanging around indoors.

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Come on out. So much to show you out here.

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Beautiful double garage and shed next door,

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all in stone but this is the real jewel, I think...

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-triple stable, tack room.

-Beautiful, yeah.

-Very big barn.

-Yes, this would be perfect,

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-one stable would have been brilliant but to have three, excellent.

-You'll have to get another horse!

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-Don't say that!

-Two more!

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Well, this is going down very well indeed. Charlotte is loving the stables, just the land to go

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and I don't think this is going to disappoint.

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You've got a horse, a horse needs grass, grass grows in fields,

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this is your field!

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-Wow!

-That's amazing!

-It's a huge field!

-How big is that?

-Eight and a half acres.

-Gosh, ooh!

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This is all geared up for horses.

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-The previous owners had racehorses and they bred a Grand National winner on this paddock.

-Amazing!

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-A lot to live up to!

-Claim to fame!

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Well, a nearly perfect package, but we haven't talked about the price.

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How much do you think this lovely little slice of Shropshire, eight and a half acres, is worth?

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I think with the outbuildings and all the space you could want and a huge field, 850.

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I'm going to have a concerted guess at 795.

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Well, that's very interesting. You'll be glad to know that it's actually on the market for 775.

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-Aah!

-That's interesting.

-Yeah.

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Yeah...because it does tick an awful lot of boxes and the land, as you say,

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is more than we expected so yeah, there's lots of positives about this property.

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-Mmm.

-Go in, have a look around

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-and then we'll meet out the front and then see what happens next.

-OK.

-Grand.

-Thank you.

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Well, I seemed to have pulled out all the stops for the very first property.

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"Perfect", I think Charlotte said, but, the location might be an issue, otherwise it is perfect!

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At £775,000 it's £25,000 less than the upper limit

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and it delivers on pretty much every level.

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It's a period property, it has six bedrooms and a playroom for the kids,

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there's more than enough stabling for Charlotte's horse

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and an impressive 8.5 acres of land...

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what more could they ask for?

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They're really pretty, aren't they?

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They're quite ornate and well-maintained

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and I really like the way that you've got a stable door both sides

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so the horse can look out over the fields as well...

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This property is a very strong contender.

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I'm very impressed with the size of the property, the rural location,

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there's some good sized rooms.

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On a downside, the main thing for me is I have conked my head a few times going around the property,

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but generally, lots of positives here, and yes, something I could see as a very distinct possibility.

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Oh, what's this room?

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This is one of the boys' rooms. It would be great for Oscar, our oldest.

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Do you think it would make a better master?

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I could definitely envisage us living here.

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It's got a lovely family feel, there's plenty of space for the boys.

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The only worry for me is perhaps the location but we'll look into that.

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-All done?

-All done, yeah.

-Gently pull the door. Let's press on.

-OK.

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Country lovers Charlotte and Jeremy want to get back to the rural environment they remember

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from their childhoods, leaving their rented house in Essex to pursue a more active outdoorsy lifestyle

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and indulge their passion for mountain biking and horse riding in the countryside,

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so earlier in the week,

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they visited Church Stretton where we organised for them to meet up with Bob Welsh, the local mayor.

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Church Stretton is located in southern Shropshire near the Carding Valley,

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an area of outstanding natural beauty and Mayor Bob has agreed to take them out for a tour

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of the surrounding countryside

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on bikes - not just any bikes... these are electric.

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And this is the first electric bike hire scheme in the country

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that enables people to leave their cars at home, come by train

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and hop onto a bike, so let's go and explore the hills once we're kitted up.

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You can rent an electric bike from just opposite the station

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for just under £20 a day or £25 on weekends and it's not just the environment they help out...

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they give YOU a bit of a helping hand as well, with a battery pack on the back

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that you can bring into play to power the bike up hills and save yourself some energy.

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This has been a popular bit of British countryside since the railways brought

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Victorians and Edwardians flocking to the area which they nicknamed "Little Switzerland",

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to enjoy the splendid mountainous scenery

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and build their splendid country houses and it's still very popular with hikers and cyclists today.

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Right, so here we are in the Carding Mill Valley which is the honey pot of the Shropshire hills...

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thousands of visitors come here every year, mostly young families with young children

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and this stream here is amongst the most fished in the country

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because every young child wants to have a guddle in the stream but for the older ones there's plenty to do.

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They can go and explore the hills either by foot, by bike, by mountain bike that is,

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or by horse, or if they're really fit, they can go orienteering or geocaching.

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We now have many waymarked walks through these hills, so there is no excuse for

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not getting out of the car and exploring the hills, so I hope you'll go and enjoy.

0:19:570:20:02

No shortage of countryside, then, for Jeremy and Charlotte's outdoor pursuits...

0:20:020:20:07

we've just got to find them a house to move into. On with the search.

0:20:070:20:11

As Charlotte and Jeremy don't want to be far from their work, we've brought them south

0:20:110:20:18

to the tiny hamlet of Shotatton, just over 12 miles to the north-west of Shrewsbury.

0:20:180:20:24

The hamlet of Shotatton overlooking the open countryside is decidedly rural.

0:20:240:20:29

For supplies, Jeremy and Charlotte would have to venture east, to Ruyton Eleven Towns.

0:20:290:20:35

"Ruyton Eleven Towns" acquired its unusual name when a castle was built there in the 12th century,

0:20:350:20:40

making it the major manor for 11 local townships including Shotatton.

0:20:400:20:45

The castle is long gone, destroyed in the early 14th century,

0:20:450:20:49

but the village is still served by a post office and local shop as well as

0:20:490:20:53

a primary school, which could be useful for Charlotte and Jeremy's boys.

0:20:530:20:57

But, delightful as it is, the area means nothing if they don't like the house,

0:20:570:21:02

so we had better let them at it.

0:21:020:21:04

This is a whole different ball game, this property,

0:21:050:21:08

especially for you Jes, I think this is a slight change of gear.

0:21:080:21:12

-It's a barn conversion.

-Ooh!

-Very impressive!

0:21:120:21:15

But it's interesting because as you see, it's a bit of a farmyard.

0:21:150:21:19

There's some buildings scattered around but we're much closer to Shrewsbury.

0:21:190:21:23

-Yeah.

-So I was thinking this is a bit more the area that you want?

-Yeah, yeah.

0:21:230:21:28

And this is a very interesting property. It was pretty much totally derelict

0:21:280:21:33

and the present owner has developed it since and he has been here about seven years.

0:21:330:21:37

I think it was finished in 2001 and he's completely built it from the bottom up

0:21:370:21:42

-so essentially it's a new build but dressed in old clothing.

-Mmm, lovely!

0:21:420:21:47

Wait until you see inside! Excellent!

0:21:470:21:49

'This place is all about the finish.

0:21:490:21:51

'The outside might be old but the inside is absolutely up to date and perfect for entertaining.'

0:21:510:21:57

A much more contemporary affair.

0:21:590:22:02

-Mmm!

-Now you were worried about the last kitchen being a bit fuddy-duddy, Jes!

0:22:020:22:07

Yeah, that's very impressive, isn't it?!

0:22:070:22:11

That's a lovely feature. It's quite stunning.

0:22:110:22:13

What is interesting about it is, the whole building was taken to the foundations and rebuilt

0:22:130:22:19

and the only original bit is these joists because this used to be what they called a "ginny mill"...

0:22:190:22:24

it was like a mill driven by two donkeys turning on a big wheel and this was the mill house

0:22:240:22:30

so this is where the donkeys would have walked, hence the circular size.

0:22:300:22:34

-It's great, yeah!

-It gives you the best of both worlds, both contemporary and traditional

0:22:340:22:39

-and you get the nice clean lines with that, so it's good.

-You don't need any more house than this.

0:22:390:22:44

Well, there's lots more house, you're spoilt for choice -

0:22:440:22:48

-a dining room but I want to show you the sitting room.

-OK.

0:22:480:22:51

-Great utility room.

-Mm-hm.

0:22:510:22:54

-This is your sitting room.

-Ah!

0:22:550:22:59

I don't sort of feel excited by it.

0:22:590:23:02

Is that because of the furnishing or just because of the shape?

0:23:020:23:07

-There's no outlook.

-The idea is that you spend most of your time in the kitchen.

0:23:070:23:11

I think it would work for us, actually.

0:23:110:23:14

-There's one more feature which is this way.

-Ooh, right.

0:23:140:23:17

-Ta-dum!

-Oh, I say!

0:23:210:23:24

-Yeah!

-Well, we didn't ask for this!

-You didn't ask for this, did you?

0:23:240:23:29

-The boys would love it.

-Yeah, Oscar would love it!

-We'd love it too.

-That's absolutely stunning!

0:23:290:23:34

I think I can cope with the plain lounge!

0:23:340:23:37

'It's always good to be able to pull that sort of thing out of the bag -

0:23:380:23:41

'the swimming pool, guaranteed to make a splash! But it's onwards and upwards.'

0:23:410:23:45

It's very big and light and airy and there's a lot to it.

0:23:450:23:52

You've got three bedrooms down there, sort of like a guest wing with a family bathroom,

0:23:520:23:57

and then here, I guess, this room might be your, where you and the boys live,

0:23:570:24:01

so you've got a good size double here with an en suite. Poke your heads in there.

0:24:010:24:07

And then we come down here, and maybe another room for a little one.

0:24:100:24:13

-Very good size.

-And then this I think is fabulous!

0:24:160:24:20

-The biggest walk-in wardrobe...

-My word!

0:24:200:24:25

I'll have to get some more clothes!

0:24:250:24:27

Fabulous en suite. Take a look in there.

0:24:270:24:29

-Oh, wow!

-That's amazing!

0:24:300:24:33

And then there's your bedroom.

0:24:330:24:36

-It's very big!

-It's a huge room!

-And light.

0:24:360:24:41

-Yeah, it's beautiful, yeah.

-So in terms of the inside space, is it enough?

-It is, it's excellent.

0:24:410:24:47

-Yeah, there's an awful lot of square footage in this house.

-It's light, which is nice.

0:24:470:24:52

And it's got the wow factor!

0:24:520:24:54

'Well, I think we've jumped the sitting room obstacle very cleanly.

0:24:540:24:58

'Let's canter on to check out the outside space. Could this be a clear round?'

0:24:580:25:02

So out into the very beautifully designed garden.

0:25:020:25:06

This is the sort of zen area, sort of decking extravaganza.

0:25:060:25:10

Plenty of wood here, isn't there? A big surface area.

0:25:100:25:13

'This is a great entertaining garden and there's lots more of it, well, for Charlotte and Jeremy anyway...

0:25:130:25:20

'sadly no room for the horses.

0:25:200:25:21

'Maybe the views will make up for the lack of space.'

0:25:210:25:26

So, if we go up a little higher you get the views.

0:25:260:25:28

I fancy a walk to that little hill.

0:25:280:25:31

It's beautiful, isn't it?

0:25:310:25:33

-Yeah, really lovely.

-It's a lovely aspect, beautiful garden.

0:25:330:25:36

The catch with this property is no land for your horses,

0:25:360:25:40

because there's a lot of livery around here... I mean it's horse-tastic...

0:25:400:25:45

there's stables everywhere and the farmer owns all of this land -

0:25:450:25:48

there is the possibility that you could buy an acre or two...

0:25:480:25:52

-Yeah.

-And extend out to put a paddock there,

0:25:520:25:54

but that's obviously something you would have to negotiate with him.

0:25:540:25:58

-It's three quarters of an acre and how much do you think it's worth?

-I think 675.

0:25:580:26:02

I'm going to go with 725.

0:26:020:26:06

-OK. Well, if you split the difference, you're exactly right. It's on the market at £700,000.

-Mmm.

0:26:060:26:12

-Food for thought.

-Mmm.

-But obviously the land is the issue.

0:26:120:26:15

More walking round. I was a bit worried

0:26:150:26:18

that you were going to deliver that sort of news because everything else is just perfect in there, isn't it?

0:26:180:26:24

-It's a beautiful home.

-Well, I'm sorry!

-But we'll have a talk about it.

0:26:240:26:29

It's a real shame about the land, but it is an absolutely stunning property

0:26:290:26:33

with some wonderful features... something very special, the house, but unfortunately not with the land.

0:26:330:26:39

Well, why don't you have a walk around? Mull it over and I'll see you out front.

0:26:390:26:43

-OK.

-Thank you very much.

0:26:430:26:45

Ooh, that's heartbreaking, I hate delivering those killer blows after a great walk around,

0:26:450:26:51

but this is the garden and it ain't no paddock.

0:26:510:26:54

At £700,000, this barn conversion has more than enough room for them.

0:26:540:27:00

The lack of stable and paddock could be a problem

0:27:060:27:10

unless they can buy some adjacent land from the farmer.

0:27:100:27:15

-Lovely open room, bright, airy.

-It's everything you want in a kitchen, isn't it?

0:27:150:27:19

-Quality kitchen.

-Beautifully-equipped.

0:27:190:27:22

-It really does tick the boxes, doesn't it?

-And the space, the family area.

0:27:220:27:26

There's no land, but I'm optimistic that we perhaps can cover that because I think

0:27:260:27:32

not only is the property wonderful but it's in a really good location for us,

0:27:320:27:36

so I think it just suits on so many levels, it's got the real spine-tingly feeling.

0:27:360:27:41

This is something else, isn't it? Yeah! I mean, how can you not be blown away by that?

0:27:410:27:45

It's a real vote-winner for me, that... It's a real special feature of this property.

0:27:450:27:50

It's beautifully done, too.

0:27:500:27:52

It's just such a pity about the land.

0:27:520:27:54

Well, it's a wonderful property.

0:27:540:27:56

It combines contemporary, modern, loads of space, some amazing features; the kitchen,

0:27:560:28:03

the pool with young children is an absolute dream for us

0:28:030:28:07

but the land situation is potentially a deal-breaker.

0:28:070:28:11

Don't be too disheartened.

0:28:130:28:15

The property market is a marvellous thing.

0:28:150:28:17

Now Jeremy and Charlotte want to escape to the country

0:28:230:28:26

and the countryside isn't complete without the great British pub -

0:28:260:28:30

that icon of British culture, that bastion of country community life

0:28:300:28:35

and regular must-have for Escape To The Country housebuyers,

0:28:350:28:38

but the country pub is under threat, or so we are led to believe.

0:28:380:28:43

According to recent statistics, every week 39 pubs are closed across the UK,

0:28:430:28:47

so is the country pub an endangered species, or is there life left in it yet?

0:28:470:28:52

To find out, I've come to the conservation village of Cardington where I'm meeting up

0:28:520:28:56

with local pub landlords, Steve and Ira, and local brewer, Bill Bainbridge.

0:28:560:29:00

-How important do you think country pubs are for the community, Bill?

-It's very important to the villages.

0:29:000:29:07

The villages have lost their shops, their post offices and when they lose the pub as well,

0:29:070:29:13

the hub of community life disappears.

0:29:130:29:16

-And have you seen that happen in villages?

-Oh, it's happened in many villages, yes.

0:29:160:29:20

In fact, rural pubs are closing at a disastrous rate of 13 every week, unlucky for some,

0:29:200:29:28

and it's now estimated that for the first time since the Norman Conquest,

0:29:280:29:32

half the villages in England are pub-less.

0:29:320:29:35

I think we're in a difficult period at present and as a consequence of that,

0:29:350:29:39

some of the country pubs will close, that's inevitable.

0:29:390:29:42

However, having said that, going to the pub is very popular, it's an experience

0:29:420:29:46

and people, I think, do appreciate, first of all, real ale - there's a lot of interest in that,

0:29:460:29:52

we sell a huge quantity of it and they're interested in Shropshire ales,

0:29:520:29:56

like the ales that Bill produces as well.

0:29:560:29:58

I think that seems certainly true that you go into pubs now

0:29:580:30:03

and there does seem to be a lot of cask ale, you know, that's pumped,

0:30:030:30:06

that is local or organic or certainly not, you know...

0:30:060:30:10

I think people are looking for the local provenance,

0:30:100:30:13

less food miles for the beer to travel

0:30:130:30:17

and they're also interested in something individual and special.

0:30:170:30:21

So in the end, despite the credit crunch, the smoking ban,

0:30:210:30:25

the supermarkets, the pub chains and the commuterisation of the countryside,

0:30:250:30:29

it could be our love affair with the local which saves this important village institution.

0:30:290:30:36

As the day draws to a close in Shropshire,

0:30:390:30:41

Charlotte and Jeremy take some time out to reflect on the properties they've seen so far.

0:30:410:30:46

So what did you think of the farmhouse?

0:30:460:30:48

I really liked it. I was pleasantly surprised when we drew up.

0:30:480:30:52

I had reservations about the location,

0:30:520:30:54

but I thought it had a lovely kitchen, lots of living space and great horsey...

0:30:540:31:00

-Yeah, it was ideal for you on the outside space, wasn't it?

-It was, yeah.

-And the facilities there?

-Yeah.

0:31:000:31:05

It was nicely presented. My main reservation was the head height in a few areas.

0:31:050:31:11

-Yeah, even for me.

-That was a bit of an issue.

0:31:110:31:13

And then the barn.

0:31:130:31:15

The barn, yeah, I loved the barn!

0:31:150:31:17

That was quite impressive.

0:31:170:31:19

-Quite something, wasn't it? Amazing kitchen!

-Yeah.

-Best I've ever seen.

0:31:190:31:23

-The swimming pool.

-The swimming pool.

0:31:230:31:25

-The space, the square footage.

-Yeah.

0:31:250:31:28

-The location was good, too.

-It was very good, wasn't it?

0:31:280:31:31

-Mmm.

-But the downside is the land and the package.

0:31:310:31:35

It's not a horsey package, is it, no.

0:31:350:31:37

We have still got two more properties to see

0:31:370:31:39

and maybe those shortcomings will be rectified with those ones, so let's wait and see what's still to come.

0:31:390:31:45

Country born and bred, Jeremy and Charlotte are now living in Colchester in Essex,

0:31:520:31:57

but want to leave their rented army home and return to their roots.

0:31:570:32:00

They have a healthy budget of up to £800,000 to find their perfect, rural residence.

0:32:000:32:07

So far they've viewed two houses, but what's coming up will take them right into a different country.

0:32:070:32:13

And we'll offer them more than they bargained for with the mystery house.

0:32:130:32:17

It looks like a mini-ballroom in here!

0:32:170:32:18

Day two and I'm hoping the rain is not going to dampen our enthusiasm.

0:32:230:32:26

Yesterday we showed Charlotte and Jes some beautiful properties in Shropshire,

0:32:260:32:30

but I think we can excel ourselves today, combining land and beauty,

0:32:300:32:34

although they may need to compromise, as always.

0:32:340:32:36

Our next property involves an escape from the country of England

0:32:380:32:41

over the border into Wales, to the village of Overton,

0:32:410:32:44

seven miles south of Wrexham.

0:32:440:32:46

Overton on Dee, to give it its full title, is a small rural village

0:32:470:32:50

with a population of about 1,200

0:32:500:32:53

and it has all the usual amenities, like local shops and a post office.

0:32:530:32:58

It's made up of a fine collection of 18th and 19th century buildings, many of which are listed,

0:32:580:33:03

and the high street is dominated by the Church of St Mary the Virgin,

0:33:030:33:07

famous for the 21 ancient yew trees which grow in its churchyard.

0:33:070:33:12

They are one of the Seven Wonders of Wales

0:33:120:33:14

and the oldest of them is estimated to be up to 2,000 years old,

0:33:140:33:19

but the property we're showing Charlotte and Jeremy

0:33:190:33:22

is in a more rural setting, a mile and a half outside Overton.

0:33:220:33:25

Okey-dokey, I'm going to deal with the compromise bit first.

0:33:250:33:30

-OK.

-We're quite a long way from Shrewsbury, relatively speaking.

0:33:300:33:35

It's about a 45-minute drive.

0:33:350:33:37

-The good part is that we're over the border in Wales.

-Right.

0:33:370:33:42

Now, the reason why that's good is because council tax is lower,

0:33:420:33:45

-free medical prescriptions, and much easier planning permission than Shropshire.

-Right.

0:33:450:33:51

Which is all very relevant to this diamond property that I'm about to show you.

0:33:510:33:56

This is the property.

0:33:560:33:59

It looks quite modest from the outside, but inside it's like an Aladdin's cave.

0:33:590:34:04

What do you think about being over the border in Wrexham?

0:34:040:34:08

Not a problem because obviously we're both from Wales, so it's a good thing for us.

0:34:080:34:14

-Yeah.

-Yeah, a positive.

-Good, so we've got over that.

0:34:140:34:17

-Yes.

-So all the rest is plain-sailing, positive!

0:34:170:34:20

Originally the coach house belonging to the neighbouring hall,

0:34:200:34:24

it's been converted into a family home

0:34:240:34:26

and the current owners have lavished great attention on the property,

0:34:260:34:30

extending it in every direction possible, but will it be their cup of tea?

0:34:300:34:34

-Come on in, lovely church door.

-Mmm.

0:34:360:34:40

First thing bought, last thing installed in the house.

0:34:400:34:43

This is actually the oldest part of the house, although you probably wouldn't guess it.

0:34:430:34:48

-What are your thoughts?

-Very characterful and elegant and homely.

0:34:480:34:53

This is the sort of guest-ish wing, because the house goes on much more the other way,

0:34:530:34:59

-because through there you've got a whole guest suite, very big bedroom, the sofa, and a big en-suite.

-OK.

0:34:590:35:04

What do you think of the style of it, the feel of the property?

0:35:040:35:08

-It's very well presented but very homely.

-It's got a nice feel.

0:35:080:35:13

-Very characterful, yes, lots of nice character features.

-Good.

0:35:130:35:16

Let's go and look at the main body of the house.

0:35:160:35:18

What's striking about this property is the way they've married contemporary with old

0:35:220:35:26

because that part of the house is the core property from the 1830s, this is all in the last ten years.

0:35:260:35:33

They've used all these magnificent oak beams

0:35:330:35:35

which are oiled every year to keep them this lovely colour.

0:35:350:35:38

-Yeah, the oak's really impressive.

-It's a beautiful room.

0:35:380:35:42

A very solid feel to that, which is very nice,

0:35:420:35:46

and obviously you've got a wonderful view, with the nice big open windows.

0:35:460:35:50

You'd want to spend most of your time in here, wouldn't you?

0:35:500:35:53

If Charlotte can drag herself away from the living room,

0:35:530:35:56

there are plenty of other rooms on the ground floor,

0:35:560:35:59

including a good size utility room, a small office and a downstairs WC,

0:35:590:36:03

but we're heading towards that all-important kitchen.

0:36:030:36:07

This is the old heart of the house, that's the hearth,

0:36:100:36:12

the original hearth and the original beams,

0:36:120:36:15

which leads us out into this new part.

0:36:150:36:18

Oh, this is lovely! I like the seating area.

0:36:190:36:22

-Yeah.

-That's very nice.

0:36:220:36:23

Yes, very nice in the window, it's a really lovely feature.

0:36:230:36:26

Is it something you could imagine living in?

0:36:260:36:29

Yes, I can imagine living in this bit, yeah.

0:36:290:36:31

-Not the rest of it?

-Not quite yet!

0:36:310:36:33

Well, we haven't seen it all yet.

0:36:330:36:35

-No, exactly! Houses kind of grow on you a bit, don't they?

-Yeah.

0:36:350:36:39

Yeah, they're not giving a lot away, but I'm feeling positive about this viewing.

0:36:390:36:42

Onwards and upwards to the bedrooms.

0:36:420:36:45

Upstairs you've got two small bedrooms

0:36:460:36:52

and then your bedroom.

0:36:520:36:56

-That's very nice.

-I like the bedroom.

-Yeah, I love that circular window.

0:36:560:37:01

-Yeah.

-Because you can lie in bed...

0:37:010:37:03

And look at the ponies!

0:37:030:37:05

-That's what you asked for!

-Yeah!

0:37:050:37:07

So this is all the new extension and then you've got a super en-suite.

0:37:070:37:13

Very nice, very light.

0:37:130:37:16

-Yeah, it's very light in here.

-Beautifully appointed.

0:37:160:37:18

I know what you're chomping at the bit to see...

0:37:180:37:21

-See what I did there! Outside.

-OK.

0:37:210:37:25

I knew they'd like it up here

0:37:250:37:28

and I have a strong feeling that they're going to like what they see outside, too!

0:37:280:37:33

Step out into the fresh Welsh air.

0:37:340:37:36

OK, we'll look at the non-horsey stuff first.

0:37:360:37:41

A pool. Barbecues and all that stuff.

0:37:410:37:44

-Yes, it's a nice big open space for entertaining.

-Beautiful space.

0:37:440:37:47

-And if you swing your eyes to the right...

-Menage! I say!

0:37:470:37:54

-This is what you wanted, isn't it?

-Yes.

-That is a wonderful extra.

0:37:540:37:58

-Would you use it?

-Ooh, yes!

0:37:580:38:00

There's more horses on the horizon, Jes!

0:38:000:38:04

Yes, it's getting a bit worrying now!

0:38:040:38:06

Because you've got six stables, kerching!

0:38:060:38:10

They are absolutely pristine, those stables, aren't they?

0:38:100:38:13

-Beautifully maintained.

-Is it what you're looking for?

0:38:130:38:16

-It's a beautiful yard. You couldn't ask for anything nicer than that!

-The outside space is great.

0:38:160:38:22

-Excellent, yeah.

-Really nice.

0:38:220:38:23

And that's not all!

0:38:230:38:26

'Good news - Charlotte is clearly impressed with the menage.'

0:38:260:38:29

Now time to show them where the horses can graze.

0:38:290:38:33

You wanted some land. I give you seven acres!

0:38:350:38:39

-Oh, I say!

-Seven paddocks and a lake.

0:38:390:38:45

And...woodland.

0:38:450:38:48

-Blimey!

-What do you think about all this?

0:38:480:38:50

Is this alarming for you, Jes?

0:38:500:38:51

It's a big, big set-up and it's obviously got enormous options and permutations here.

0:38:510:38:58

It takes a bit of getting your head around at the moment!

0:38:580:39:00

-Well, what about the price? How much do you think all this costs?

-750.

0:39:000:39:04

I'm going to have a guess at 735.

0:39:040:39:10

Well, you are right. 750 is exactly the price.

0:39:100:39:13

It's been on the market only a few weeks so it's probably a very accurate price, but do you like it?

0:39:130:39:20

Why don't you have a look around, wander through your domain and then I'll meet you out the front.

0:39:200:39:25

-OK.

-Let's go and have a look.

-OK, yeah.

-Thank you very much.

0:39:250:39:28

Mmm, very interesting!

0:39:280:39:30

This is everything they want and a lot more,

0:39:300:39:33

but I'm not at all convinced that Charlotte likes it. Find out.

0:39:330:39:37

At £750,000, this property is £50,000 under their top budget

0:39:390:39:43

and has everything on their wish list.

0:39:430:39:45

Four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms,

0:39:450:39:47

a large kitchen/living area,

0:39:470:39:49

stables, paddocks and a menage for Charlotte's horse,

0:39:490:39:54

woodland for the boys to play in

0:39:540:39:55

and an outside pool for good measure.

0:39:550:39:58

But does it match up to our househunters' expectations?

0:39:580:40:02

There's no horse owner who wouldn't want one of these and it's a huge one, isn't it?

0:40:030:40:08

It's beautiful! There's no doubt this house is a horse lover's dream.

0:40:080:40:13

It's really beautiful and I love the kitchen, but I just can't imagine three men living here, I just can't.

0:40:130:40:19

It's just too bijou upstairs and I feel I need to push the walls out.

0:40:190:40:24

What do you think of the pool?

0:40:240:40:26

Um... We've obviously got the issue with British weather

0:40:260:40:31

and being a lot of work and effort keeping that maintained. So it's a lot of effort.

0:40:310:40:36

The outside is wonderful.

0:40:360:40:39

It's got the horses, the land. I see myself being a slave to it, though.

0:40:390:40:44

There's a lot of work, maintenance and effort

0:40:440:40:47

to put into there and there's too much work for me outside.

0:40:470:40:51

-Aah, hello, I've just come to get you. All done?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:40:540:40:57

Votes taken? Good.

0:40:570:41:00

Moving to the country is going to allow Charlotte to spend a lot more time with her horse

0:41:040:41:09

and with a property like that last one,

0:41:090:41:11

there'd be room for a few more fillies to keep her company.

0:41:110:41:14

Since time immemorial, horse lovers have used the services of a local blacksmith

0:41:140:41:19

to keep their foals in footwear.

0:41:190:41:22

Since we knew they were interested in traditional crafts,

0:41:220:41:25

earlier in the week we sent Jeremy and Charlotte down to meet their future neighbourhood smithy,

0:41:250:41:30

John Herbertson at Acton Historical Farm,

0:41:300:41:32

to say hello and see if they could make something for their new home.

0:41:320:41:35

-I gather you want to do some blacksmithing.

-Yes, please.

0:41:350:41:38

I'm not quite sure what you want to make.

0:41:380:41:40

The normal thing is a poker or a door handle or something like that.

0:41:400:41:43

Any particular feelings, preferences?

0:41:430:41:46

A poker would be good, I think. That would be a nice option, I think.

0:41:460:41:49

This furnace can reach an iron-softening 1,200 Centigrade

0:41:490:41:54

so Jeremy and Charlotte have to don the right protective clothing

0:41:540:41:57

before getting to work on their poker.

0:41:570:42:00

With Jeremy on the bellows and John looking after the business end, things soon start to hot up.

0:42:000:42:04

Yeah, it's heating up.

0:42:040:42:06

It's heating up, it's getting hot at the end, too.

0:42:060:42:08

Now the iron is suitably softened, John gets to work bashing out the pointy end of the poker.

0:42:080:42:13

Turn through 90 degrees and the same again on the other side.

0:42:130:42:20

Time for Charlotte and Jeremy to have a go.

0:42:200:42:22

These techniques have hardly changed since pre-Roman times and back in the Middle Ages,

0:42:220:42:27

every village would have had a smithy banging away with his hammer and anvil.

0:42:270:42:32

Think you're trying to make a point on it.

0:42:320:42:34

In recent years, there's been a resurgence in the popularity of this ancient craft

0:42:340:42:39

and the British Artist Blacksmiths Association now boasts over 600 members.

0:42:390:42:44

That's much better. Nice overlapping hammer blows.

0:42:440:42:46

When Charlotte and Jeremy have finally got the point,

0:42:460:42:49

they heat the mid section and John demonstrates how to rotate the bar in the vice

0:42:490:42:54

to create the decorative twist in the middle,

0:42:540:42:56

and then it's Charlotte's turn to try while Jeremy keeps the twistiness in check

0:42:560:43:01

with drops of cold water before the blunt end of the poker goes back into the furnace.

0:43:010:43:06

All that's now left is to beat a loop out of the blunt end

0:43:060:43:10

by flattening the shaft out on the anvil

0:43:100:43:12

and bending it using the horn of the anvil as a fulcrum.

0:43:120:43:16

I think that just needs knocking down there a bit.

0:43:160:43:18

A final brush-off and they're the proud owners of their very own bespoke poker.

0:43:180:43:23

-Thank you very much, John.

-Pleasure!

0:43:230:43:26

-And this will have pride of place in our new home.

-Good luck with it! I hope you find the house you want.

0:43:260:43:31

Time to get on with finding Charlotte and Jeremy a home in which to install their new poker.

0:43:310:43:36

There's only one property left and this one's a bit different.

0:43:360:43:40

So far we have shown Charlotte and Jes properties that have lots of land or no land, so for

0:43:430:43:48

the mystery house, what we wanted to show them was a period gem where the mystery was hidden in the garden.

0:43:480:43:54

What do you think the mystery house might involve?

0:43:580:44:01

Perhaps a self-build or a renovation.

0:44:010:44:03

Yeah, maybe something a little bit unusual.

0:44:030:44:05

We're intrigued, that's for sure!

0:44:050:44:08

Well, it's quite a drive before we can reveal the mystery house,

0:44:080:44:11

as we're heading far south, 20 miles past Shrewsbury

0:44:110:44:15

to the little hamlet of Strefford.

0:44:150:44:17

It is surrounded by idyllic Shropshire countryside, long winding lanes are bordered by

0:44:170:44:23

old stone walls with the occasional country pub or church barely interrupting the bucolic scenery.

0:44:230:44:30

A 30-minute drive to Shrewsbury puts it within range for Jeremy and Charlotte's commute, and networks

0:44:300:44:36

of bridleways and cycle paths spread out into the surrounding countryside,

0:44:360:44:40

perfect for those weekend rides they've been planning.

0:44:400:44:44

It's not quite as close to Shrewsbury as Charlotte and Jeremy

0:44:440:44:47

would ideally like to be, but that compromise gets them a lot more house for their money.

0:44:470:44:53

Here we have the mystery house,

0:44:530:44:57

finally...on view!

0:44:570:45:00

-Very, very nice.

-That is my cup of tea.

0:45:000:45:04

-Yeah, that's definitely good...

-Big time my cup of tea, that is.

0:45:040:45:07

This is a beautiful property.

0:45:070:45:10

It dates from about the end of the 18th century, so 1790s. From the outside, ticks?

0:45:100:45:16

Very much so.

0:45:160:45:17

-Big ticks.

-Yeah, top marks!

0:45:170:45:20

Perfect proportions typical of Georgian houses, I had a feeling

0:45:200:45:23

this place would appeal to Charlotte and Jeremy but how will they feel about the inside?

0:45:230:45:30

In you come.

0:45:300:45:32

Oh, wow!

0:45:340:45:37

-Lovely elegant staircase.

-It's very regal, isn't it?

0:45:370:45:40

It is regal... We can't linger though, let's take you into here, one of the front rooms.

0:45:400:45:45

Beautiful, yeah. Lovely open fire.

0:45:450:45:48

I love this, this is very elegant and you can't create that in a modern home. I love the light.

0:45:480:45:54

It has a uniqueness, doesn't it, that very few properties have?

0:45:540:45:58

Yes, it's nice and peaceful.

0:45:580:46:01

"Elegant", "regal" and "unique"...

0:46:010:46:02

these are the sort of words I like to hear...

0:46:020:46:05

all good, so far.

0:46:050:46:06

Here's the kitchen.

0:46:080:46:10

Great range and I like the window.

0:46:100:46:13

I think this is a beautiful kitchen, very snug.

0:46:130:46:16

And you've got all the bits and bobs all plumbed in and these beautiful hand-made units.

0:46:160:46:21

From a genuine country kitchen to the living spaces, which aren't in short supply in this property.

0:46:210:46:28

Now we're in the central part of the house, probably the oldest part, and this is the grown-up snug.

0:46:280:46:34

Yeah, I like this.

0:46:340:46:36

So at the moment they've got a similar room next door for the children.

0:46:360:46:39

It's certainly a nice big open hearth, which is very characterful.

0:46:390:46:42

-Cosy, isn't it?

-But it's not the only option because you mentioned wanting a drawing room...

0:46:420:46:47

-Yeah.

-I've got you a drawing room.

-And more surprises.

0:46:470:46:50

Take a turn to the right.

0:46:500:46:51

The drawing room.

0:46:560:46:58

-Oh, wow!

-You wanted elegance.

0:46:580:47:02

It's a cavernous room. It's almost...

0:47:020:47:05

-Really lovely!

-Almost like a mini-ballroom in here, so...

0:47:050:47:08

-It was built as the drawing room.

-I think this would be our lounge.

0:47:080:47:12

It would be a pity not to use it every day.

0:47:120:47:14

Yes. It's got a much more grandiose type feeling here than next door,

0:47:140:47:18

there's quite a low ceiling next door, so this would be,

0:47:180:47:21

certainly from being very tall, this would be better suited to our needs.

0:47:210:47:25

-It's lovely, yeah.

-So that's pretty much downstairs, are you liking it?

0:47:250:47:29

-Very much, yeah.

-Very impressed with it so far.

-Yes, very, very nice.

0:47:290:47:32

It's a real family home and you sort of really feel part of it.

0:47:320:47:37

-There's a lovely atmosphere in here as well, isn't there? There's a lovely feel to it.

-Excellent stuff!

0:47:370:47:42

Sounds to me like Charlotte is already imagining herself moving in.

0:47:420:47:46

Let's see if she's as keen on the atmosphere higher up in the house, up that sweeping Georgian staircase.

0:47:460:47:52

It's nice to have a big, grand sweep of a landing.

0:47:550:47:58

Down there you've got four bedrooms... 'And jolly nice bedrooms they are, too!

0:47:580:48:03

'Three well-proportioned doubles which share the use of a small

0:48:030:48:06

'shower room, and one larger double room with its own en suite, perfect for guests, but I'm taking them up

0:48:060:48:11

'to a room where they can get some work done.'

0:48:110:48:15

Now, you wanted a study.

0:48:190:48:20

This is very nice, yeah. Lovely size, and it's light.

0:48:200:48:25

And it's right next door to the master bedroom.

0:48:250:48:29

What do you think about this?

0:48:290:48:31

A very pretty room, yeah.

0:48:310:48:34

-Two lovely views.

-Yeah.

-It's a pretty good size, isn't it?

0:48:340:48:40

Yeah, we're back to those nice views again which is all-important and

0:48:400:48:43

particularly if you've got them from the bedroom as well, that's nice.

0:48:430:48:46

And you've got some wardrobe space and an en suite.

0:48:460:48:49

A very nice en suite, yeah. Can you imagine yourself living here?

0:48:490:48:53

Does it have the right feel?

0:48:530:48:54

Mmm, it's definitely a country family home, isn't it?

0:48:540:48:57

Yeah, I think so. It does exude a real positive family vibe to me.

0:48:570:49:02

Will it be home enough for your foal, though, that's what we need to ask next.

0:49:020:49:06

'One of the most important criteria on their shopping list was space for Charlotte's horse,

0:49:060:49:10

'and I'm not going to disappoint them.

0:49:100:49:12

'A house as smart as this must come with smart accommodation for the animals.'

0:49:120:49:18

Here we are, your own, immaculate paddock.

0:49:190:49:25

-This is immaculate, isn't it!

-It looks too good for a horse!

0:49:250:49:28

Yeah. Well, I mean, it's been kept in absolute mint condition,

0:49:280:49:32

but you've got two stables here, so you own all of the paddock,

0:49:320:49:36

obviously, and then also all this woodland here around the edge.

0:49:360:49:41

-Plenty of space for the boys to build a tree house.

-Excellent, yeah.

0:49:410:49:45

OK, so that's outside, but I still haven't shown you the surprise, the mystery.

0:49:450:49:50

-Tell us more.

-Come with me.

0:49:500:49:54

'This is all going very well indeed.

0:49:550:49:57

'They like the house, they like the paddock, they like the woods.

0:49:570:50:01

'But how will they react when I reveal what makes this the mystery house?'

0:50:010:50:05

This is the mystery...

0:50:080:50:10

..not one house, but one and a half houses.

0:50:120:50:16

It's a completely self-contained holiday let. It's run by the Shropshire Tourist Board.

0:50:160:50:21

All you do is collect the rent,

0:50:210:50:23

and it turns over about £10,000 gross every year.

0:50:230:50:28

so we were thinking now you're here, you're setting yourself up,

0:50:280:50:31

you're not quite working yet, that's quite a nice amount of pin money.

0:50:310:50:35

Mmm. I'm not usually keen on these sort of additions,

0:50:350:50:41

but as it's fully set up and fully separate from your own home, I think it's a possibility.

0:50:410:50:47

You make it sound like you're often offered complete holiday lets.

0:50:470:50:50

No. A lot of homes do have an annexe which I'm not keen on because they attract another council tax,

0:50:500:50:55

and if we don't have a purpose for it it's just an expense,

0:50:550:51:02

but this is a possibility.

0:51:020:51:04

So, I want to tell you how much this little bundle of mysterious loveliness costs,

0:51:040:51:08

but first I want you to tell me what you think it costs.

0:51:080:51:12

Well, there's a lot of property for your money here but we are south Shropshire, so I think 725.

0:51:120:51:17

-725?

-Mmm.

-I think I would be inclined to agree.

0:51:170:51:22

There's a lot of real estate, but we are in quite a rural spot so I'm going to guess at 825.

0:51:220:51:28

Well, again, sort of in between, the two of you are quite good at going either side.

0:51:280:51:32

It's actually on the market for 780, so sort of within your budget, really, the top end of your budget.

0:51:320:51:40

-A lot of things to think about, so have a wander round.

-Thank you.

0:51:400:51:43

-And I shall see you out front.

-Right.

-Brilliant, thank you very much.

0:51:430:51:48

Oh, they're hard nuts to crack.

0:51:480:51:50

It's quite hard to know whether they like it or not.

0:51:500:51:53

It is mysterious. I mean, this is, I think, a lovely bonus,

0:51:530:51:56

and I think it offers pretty much everything that they want, but I just don't know.

0:51:560:52:01

The mystery house provides everything asked for and a whole lot more.

0:52:030:52:07

For £780,000 they'd get five bedrooms, a playroom for the kids,

0:52:070:52:13

a paddock for Charlotte's horse and loads of outside space.

0:52:130:52:17

The two-bedroom holiday cottage in the garden

0:52:170:52:20

is already set up and running, which is a plus.

0:52:200:52:23

Well, this property for me is absolutely ideal.

0:52:260:52:30

It's very elegant, lots of wonderful period features and the outside.

0:52:300:52:35

I'm not so sure about the holiday let

0:52:350:52:38

cos obviously it would be nice to have a family home

0:52:380:52:40

and not have the invasion of that going on in the background,

0:52:400:52:43

so something I need to give serious thought to.

0:52:430:52:47

We'd probably have it as our own lounge, I think, so that we could really enjoy it every day.

0:52:470:52:52

Yeah, it would be something that we'd really want to make a feature of the house,

0:52:520:52:55

-more so than it being a music room at this stage.

-Yeah, I think so.

0:52:550:52:59

I think this house is a definite contender.

0:52:590:53:01

It would be a lovely place to bring up the children,

0:53:010:53:04

with wonderful outside space and great access to the outdoors.

0:53:040:53:07

The only thing to perhaps think about is the location of work and schools

0:53:070:53:12

and whether these are a possibility.

0:53:120:53:15

Off you go, down the big drive.

0:53:180:53:21

Well, that's it, it's all over, there's nothing else to show them.

0:53:270:53:31

They've seen the best of what Shropshire has to offer

0:53:310:53:34

and it's time for them to sit down and mull it over.

0:53:340:53:37

I have to say, I think we've served up

0:53:370:53:39

a fantastic selection of properties here in Shropshire for Jes and Charlotte,

0:53:390:53:43

but I am completely in the dark as to which one they like best,

0:53:430:53:47

so I'm going to be very intrigued to find out what they have to say.

0:53:470:53:51

I have to say, Shropshire did us proud. I thought we came up with some very nice properties,

0:53:550:54:00

not that I'm blowing my own trumpet, but it's up to you,

0:54:000:54:02

to choose whether they were appropriate.

0:54:020:54:05

Can you spin your mind that far back to the farmhouse that we saw?

0:54:050:54:08

I liked that one, actually,

0:54:080:54:10

and it offered the most complete package

0:54:100:54:12

because there wasn't anything you didn't want but everything you needed,

0:54:120:54:15

the beautiful, big kitchen, lovely stables and that wonderful field.

0:54:150:54:21

The big issue was the head height, though.

0:54:210:54:23

And a little bit too far out, perhaps, for us.

0:54:230:54:25

What about the very contemporary barn conversion?

0:54:250:54:28

Because this was not really what you were looking for, initially.

0:54:280:54:31

Well, we did wonder when there was no land there

0:54:310:54:36

but we were blown away by the state of the property.

0:54:360:54:40

It was clean, contemporary, we could just move in. The only shortcoming was, obviously, the land issue.

0:54:400:54:47

Well, we spoke to the farmer, and he would indeed be willing to sell you a little bit of the land.

0:54:470:54:52

Would that change your view of it?

0:54:520:54:55

-That would make it a very strong contender.

-A very strong possibility.

0:54:550:54:58

Then we saw the converted coach house,

0:54:580:55:01

which had "horse galore" written over it,

0:55:010:55:06

and I get the impression that you weren't so keen on that?

0:55:060:55:09

No, because horses are a part of my life but they're not all of our life.

0:55:090:55:14

We have children, we go cycling and walking and you love your golf, so it's not the be-all and end-all.

0:55:140:55:21

We've tried to redress the work/life balance,

0:55:210:55:24

-and I can almost see myself, any spare minute I would have creosoting fences...

-Trimming hedges.

0:55:240:55:31

-Working, trimming hedges...

-Spraying the docks!

0:55:310:55:34

Yeah, there was a lot of work to be done there and I could almost see myself being a slave to it.

0:55:340:55:39

How about the mystery house, a more manageable plot?

0:55:390:55:41

Yeah, it was a period property, it was stunning, it was exactly what I was looking for.

0:55:410:55:47

Not so much for Charlotte.

0:55:470:55:49

-I did like it, though.

-It was a beautiful family home.

0:55:490:55:54

The downside, obviously, was the location.

0:55:540:55:57

Would you be able to say that there was one that you would like to proceed on?

0:55:570:56:00

Yeah. I think the barn's a contender if we can get the land.

0:56:000:56:05

-I think that would be a very real possibility.

-It's a strong, strong contender.

-Yeah.

0:56:050:56:09

Great. Well, I do hope things work out for you

0:56:090:56:12

and that you find a property that does answer all your needs,

0:56:120:56:15

many and varied as they are, and that you will be moving to Shropshire very soon.

0:56:150:56:20

-Well, let's hope so, and thank you very much for...

-your input.

-A pleasure.

0:56:200:56:23

-For opening our eyes to parts of Shropshire.

-It's a lovely county.

0:56:230:56:26

How amazing that the house I thought was missing the vital ingredient

0:56:300:56:33

turned out to be the one that they liked most of all.

0:56:330:56:36

Well, that's the magic of shopping for property in the country,

0:56:360:56:39

and if you've been inspired then do tune in next time for more Escape To The Country.

0:56:390:56:43

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0:56:430:56:45

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0:56:450:56:48

and need our help, please apply online at....

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