0:00:01 > 0:00:05This is Lacock Abbey, the subject of the very first photograph
0:00:05 > 0:00:08taken way back in 1835.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And this amazing contraption is a Field Bellows camera.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17It works on much the same principles as the camera that took that original photograph.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21So smile, it's time to escape to the country!
0:00:36 > 0:00:40In today's show, I'll be helping a couple say goodbye to their rented flat
0:00:40 > 0:00:42for their first home in the country.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Gorgeous!- Great!
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Isn't it fab?- Really good. - It's fantastic! Wow!
0:00:47 > 0:00:50I'll show them some gorgeous rural retreats...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53With that price, I really, really like it!
0:00:54 > 0:01:01And, of course, there's the mystery house. Will any of the properties get them raiding the piggy bank?
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Welcome to Wiltshire, home of the spectacular Lacock Abbey.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11And the place where William Henry Fox Talbot
0:01:11 > 0:01:16began developing the very first positive and negative photographic process
0:01:16 > 0:01:18on which all modern photography is based.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22It's also where he took the first photograph back in 1835
0:01:22 > 0:01:24using a camera like this.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28This is called a mouse trap because when his wife saw them lying around at home,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30she thought they were mouse traps.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33But actually, at the back here, you put a piece of paper
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and in the front an image is projected through this lens onto the back.
0:01:37 > 0:01:4015 minutes later, voila!, you have a photo.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44And Wiltshire is the kind of place you want a camera handy
0:01:44 > 0:01:47because it's also home to some sensational scenery!
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Wiltshire lies in the south of the country,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53bordering five counties.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57The phrase "chalk and cheese" is often said to have its routes here.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00The chalk downland makes up two-thirds of the landscape
0:02:00 > 0:02:04and the cheese refers to the large pastures of clay soils.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Salisbury is one of the county's most important and historic towns.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Located on a flat plain, the 404-foot spire of the city's cathedral
0:02:13 > 0:02:16can be seen for miles around.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22But of course one of the most important sites is the world-famous Stonehenge.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27The prehistoric standing stones draw in almost 900,000 visitors a year.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32The housing stock changes dramatically as you move from the north to the south.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36The local Bath stone is prominent in the north,
0:02:36 > 0:02:42whereas the south heavily favours the darker limestone imported from the quarries of Dorset.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50If you like the idea of living in Wiltshire, you are not alone.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55Since 1981, this county has seen its population increase by 20 per cent.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59This makes it the fifth highest rate of growth anywhere in the UK.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03As you can imagine, that popularity is reflected in the property prices.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08So the average detached house is selling for about £288,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12That's 22% higher than the national average for England and Wales.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14But if Wiltshire still hits the spot for you,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19then take a look at some of these properties that are on the market right now.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22With £1.3 million to spend,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25take a look at this five-bed house in Rodbourne.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Built in 2004, it has the convenience of a new-build
0:03:28 > 0:03:31but with the character of an older property.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33It includes striking architectural features
0:03:33 > 0:03:37and the principal rooms take full advantage of the view.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39If only a period property will do,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44then how about this four-bed cottage on the edge of the Longleat estate in Dertfords.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48On the market for £550,000, it's bursting with character
0:03:48 > 0:03:52but has also been skilfully extended to provide spacious accommodation.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Or if you fancy a thatched property,
0:03:55 > 0:04:01this three-bed cottage in Stanton St Bernard is ready to be snapped up for £315,000.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04The lounge displays evidence of the 1730s build
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and there's a well-maintained garden.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Clearly, there are plenty of great properties here in Wiltshire.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I'm confident we'll find more gems for today's couple.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17But first, let's meet them.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Our buyers today are Hannah and Les,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23both financial advisors who've been together two years
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and live in a spacious rented flat in Clifton, Bristol.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29We moved to this property just over a year ago.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33It has two large bedrooms
0:04:33 > 0:04:38and also two bathrooms as well. But being a flat, there's no outside space.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40We've been so lucky, living on the edge of Bristol.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44We've got restaurants and bars all on our doorstep.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47There is some trepidation about that convenience,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- so a good country pub would be really good!- Yeah.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Hannah and Les work for the same company
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and divide their time between Bristol and Croydon
0:04:56 > 0:04:58and visiting clients in the south-west.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Now the time has come to buy, they're keen to escape city living
0:05:02 > 0:05:06and find a rural property in Wiltshire half-way between their offices.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10We want to move to the country so we can take advantage of the outside space.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12The peace and quiet, as well.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Being able to sit in your garden and not be overlooked,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20being able to get close to nature and go for walks and that kind of thing.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24That's something we certainly do miss, being stuck in a city.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I suppose we really want to buy "the perfect house",
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- and not have to move again. - Definitely.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The Clifton flat is part of a beautiful building packed with character.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38That's something Hannah and Les are looking for in their new house.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40There are other considerations, too.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I love cooking and we both love entertaining.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48In this current property, we've got the open space of the kitchen/diner
0:05:48 > 0:05:53so in the new property, it would be great to have a similar style of space
0:05:53 > 0:05:55or the potential for that space.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00What we really love about this place is the size of the rooms and height of the ceilings.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Ideally, in the place that we eventually buy,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06it would be great to have this kind of living area.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Hannah and I both leave at the same time for going to work in the morning.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14In the current property, we're used to having two bathrooms.
0:06:14 > 0:06:20So it's almost an essential in the new property that we have two bathrooms,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23be it an en-suite or additional shower room.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Hannah also has a sports car and is keen that the new house has off-road parking.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31But what sort of property will part them from their cash?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- Fairly modern, would you say? - Well, modern, yes,
0:06:35 > 0:06:37because we like the open space.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43But I guess if there was an older property with that bit of character that had that inside,
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- that would be a great bonus. It's got to have a minimum of three bedrooms.- Definitely.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It's got to have office space for both of us to work in.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57The kitchen/diner, open space or potential to open a space.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03Ideally we'd like some kind of wow barn conversion or mill or something,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07but we're not exactly sure whether our funds would stretch to that.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Hannah and Les have a good deposit.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Without a property to sell, they're in a strong position to move forward.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16But how deep will they be digging?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19For a place that ticks all the boxes,
0:07:19 > 0:07:23fulfils all our requirements and has that wow factor as well,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27the maximum budget is 450,000.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35So Hannah and Les are about to buy their first property together,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37which is always an exciting journey.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39They seem clear on what they're looking for.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44Three bedrooms, open-plan living, although there's the issue with the style.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46On the interior, they want sleek modernity,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50all wrapped up on the outside with a period character property.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56I'm pretty confident we can deliver all that, and well within the £450,000 budget.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59But I think the real question is whether Les and Hannah
0:07:59 > 0:08:03are really ready to leave behind the bright lights of the city
0:08:03 > 0:08:05for a more serene and gentle pace of life.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Hannah and Les will continue to work at their Bristol and Croydon offices,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14so easy access to the M4 is crucial to the move.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18So we're focusing our searches around the market town of Marlborough.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Over a period of two days,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24I'll take them on a tour of some of the most desirable properties on the market,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28but we'll be quiet about the prices until after the viewings.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30As ever, our last stop will be the mystery house,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34a property that aims to challenge their original thoughts.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Guys, here we are in the beautiful sunny market town of Marlborough.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47It's a good choice. We thought we'd break you in gently to country living
0:08:47 > 0:08:48so we're on the high street.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51There's a bit of activity. You're both city dwellers.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- How rural are you looking?- Very rural. A lot more rural than this!
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Definitely!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59What's prompted this big decision to move?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02We've been together a couple of years.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Living in the city, living in a flat. And we want to get away to the country.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- So this is the right time for us. - And the right man, as well!
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- Perfect! Right man, right time. All we have to do is find the right house!- Exactly.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17We've got a good budget. It's a really popular area.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22We have lovely properties to show you, and the mystery house. So let's have a look!
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Brilliant. - Grab some peace and quiet!
0:09:26 > 0:09:31For the budget of £450,000, we're ready to hit the road
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and find Hannah and Les their dream home.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Ideally, they'd like...
0:09:48 > 0:09:51So we're in search of peace and getting back to the countryside.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- What are you looking forward to? - Being away from the town centre.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Also, back to nature. The sound of the birds and so on.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02We're fortunate to live next to Bristol Zoo
0:10:02 > 0:10:05so our morning sounds are flamingos and lions!
0:10:05 > 0:10:10I can't guarantee such exotic sounds can be heard from our first house
0:10:10 > 0:10:13which is in High Penn, a mile to the east of Calne.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17In the 18th century, Calne played host to a significant woollen industry.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Some of the 20 mills dotted along the riverbanks still remain.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26The wealth that the cloth brought is evident in the Georgian properties on the green.
0:10:26 > 0:10:32Only a 20-minute drive from the M4, Calne and its surrounding villages are popular with commuters.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Right, guys. First property. Nice and exciting.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40I know something on your wish list was a barn conversion.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Oh, yes!
0:10:42 > 0:10:47So, big intake of breath, cos that's what we've brought you!
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- This is the property.- Wow!
0:10:49 > 0:10:53A "wow" - that's good! Really?
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Yeah.- The windows. I like the lights.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- Definitely.- It looks really good. And it looks quite modernised as well!
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Big smiles. Good start.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Can we go and see it?- Yeah!
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Let's have a look and see if it can be your new home.- OK.- OK.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13This property is currently empty and is unfurnished.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17The fact it's not in a chain makes it a very attractive first offering.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Come on in. A nice generous hallway to get us started.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- First impressions?- Really good. - Light and airy.- Open.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It's a barn conversion but got that modern feel.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- I've noticed the beams as well. - It brings a nice character in.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36It is quite modern, with things you'd want in a modern house
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- like a downstairs cloakroom. - Perfect.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Something convenient.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Let me show you the kitchen.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- Oh, wow!- Wow!
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- That's a nice kitchen!- I love this!
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- I do like this!- What do you like?
0:11:47 > 0:11:51The centre aisle gives you more room to work. Plenty of storage.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- A table round the corner. - That's what I thought.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00- A lovely space here. A table, a comfy chair or something.- Yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03So much light, as well. Yeah. Really good.
0:12:03 > 0:12:04I'm glad you like this space.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08It's thumbs up for the kitchen, then. Across the hallway
0:12:08 > 0:12:10is the first of two reception rooms.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Wow! Good space!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Dining room?- Could be. Could be an office.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21An office, dining room, a lot of scope for this space.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Definitely. Big enough to do anything you want.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28It's not something you've parked away and you have to use it. It's a nice space.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Head through here.- OK.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I think you're going to love this!
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- That's gorgeous!- This is great. - Isn't it fab?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- That is fantastic! Wow!- Really good. - Come down.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43I love the carpeted steps.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Lovely features. The stone's still here.- Gorgeous.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51And the original beams which they have kept, which is so nice.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56And looking back again, I love the double doors everywhere that open out.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And staggered. That's a beautiful perspective.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05- I think this could be the office. - Hold your horses, cos I think I've got a solution on the office.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06And this isn't it.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- We're not finished down here. Let's keep moving.- OK.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Their enthusiasm is shining through.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17But will it continue when they discover one of the three bedrooms is on the ground floor?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- I don't mind, actually. - No. I like the fact it's at the end of the building.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24You walk through a number of rooms. It's not next to the kitchen,
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- or anything like that.- So it makes an ideal guest room.- Yeah.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34It's got an en-suite, which is also quite unusual. Have a look in here.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- Different!- Yeah!- I'd have a shower unit in there and be done with it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44That would make a lot more sense. The rest of this room has another little surprise.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- OK.- You've got all the light from the windows here. But...- Great!
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Oh, wow! That's fantastic!
0:13:50 > 0:13:52What a view!
0:13:52 > 0:13:55That makes an excellent... "Come and stay here!"
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Definitely. No, it's great.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00This property really is a blank canvas
0:14:00 > 0:14:04which should help Hannah and Les visualise living here.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Next for us, the upstairs.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Downstairs really grabbed you.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13The upstairs, as it's a barn conversion, is not quite as big.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15We're building up into the rafters.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- We'll start with the bathroom. - No, that's fine.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22It is fine. It would be good to have a shower.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26But we could probably do something with the downstairs en-suite.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- There are two bathrooms, the plumbing's in.- Yeah.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- So if we need a shower room, we can fit the shower.- Lovely bath!- It is!
0:14:34 > 0:14:36A nice roll-top bath.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Let's look at the master bedroom. After you.- OK.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Wow!
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Another wow!- Beautiful! It's just light and airy.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50- Need a bit of storage, though! - I thought you'd say that. That was my thought.
0:14:50 > 0:14:56You'd have to be creative with the storage. Possibly fit a wardrobe here?
0:14:56 > 0:15:00And you've got the other bedroom, so maybe cheat some space there.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Exactly. There's only two of us. - Only two of us.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08- Some form of dressing room that side.- Millions of wardrobes!
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Two bedrooms up here with the bathroom.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- That's fine by us.- Yes. - It works for us.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19I'm so pleased Les and Hannah see the potential of this place.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Outside is a manageable tidy garden,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25at the end of which is that office space I promised.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32I thought this could be a fantastic office.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33Wow!
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- And it's separate from the house! - Separate from the house!
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- Brilliant.- It wouldn't take too much to sort out the flooring,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44do the walls. It's got power. It's got water as well.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Right.- I really like it. - Yeah.- Really like it.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51And the office is not the only asset to this property.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Beyond the garden lies the bonus of just under two acres of land.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- What about... - You're not having a horse!
0:15:57 > 0:15:59You're not having a horse!
0:15:59 > 0:16:01He's already saying you're not having a horse!
0:16:01 > 0:16:06- I don't know what else you'll do with all this land!- We could have a pony.- Oh, dear!
0:16:06 > 0:16:11I know what's going to happen. Hannah will love this and say, "We're getting a horse."
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Would you really be anti-horse?
0:16:15 > 0:16:16Yes!
0:16:17 > 0:16:23- Having the land is a real bonus. I'm really surprised. Really surprised.- Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25So, take it all in.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- One, two, three paddocks.- Gosh.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30The office. The conversion.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Wow.- But how much are you willing to pay for it?
0:16:34 > 0:16:37It's probably a fair bit over budget.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41I'm probably being optimistic if I say 485.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- OK.- I would go for 500.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- 500?- Yes.- So you think this is way over your price range.- Yes.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52How do you feel, then, when I tell you it's on the market
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- for £425,000?- No!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Where's the cheque book? - Weak at the knees?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Hannah's going to buy it straight away! That's fantastic.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- Wow.- That is great value.- Wow.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08It's great value. It's under budget. Leaves you money to play with.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11You can convert the office, afford the horse!
0:17:11 > 0:17:16I can see that'll take a bit of work. Or you could play golf out here. Turn it into a golf course!
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Fine! That's fine.
0:17:19 > 0:17:25- You think about golf. You think about horses. Head back inside and I'll find you later.- Fantastic.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31This barn conversion was a pleasant surprise for Les and Hannah at £425,000.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I really like the kitchen. It's pretty well set out.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Room for the table for dining.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Entertainment-wise, perfect for us. - Yeah.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55I think the space within this house
0:17:55 > 0:17:59works really well for Les and I to use as a home
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and as an office. It's superb.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06I think the run-through of the house, it flows really well.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Even though it's got one bedroom downstairs, it's tucked away at the end of the house.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14There's a lot of space out there. Do we need all that space?
0:18:14 > 0:18:18We weren't expecting it and we didn't ask for it, but it gives you that security
0:18:18 > 0:18:22that there's never going to be anything within that area.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24So that view will never be spoilt.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29In terms of what you get for your money, the property itself and the land,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I think that the price is really good.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37I would be shocked if you find anything to improve on this!
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Come on, you two! I had to get your attention somehow!
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I'll never drag you out of there!
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Who won - the golf or the horse?
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Not decided, yet!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50While you're thinking, let's find some more properties!
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Marlborough lies at the heart of Hannah and Les's search.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05They're taking some time to get to grips with the area.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10This small town sits on the old coaching route between Bristol and London
0:19:10 > 0:19:14and the high street, the widest in England, is lined with historic buildings.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18The twice-weekly market has been running for over 800 years
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and today offers fresh produce,
0:19:20 > 0:19:25including the famous Wiltshire-cured bacon, and local cheeses.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26- There you go.- Great. Thanks.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Thank you.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31One of the more interesting buildings on the high street
0:19:31 > 0:19:35is the 17th-century house of silk merchant Thomas Bailey.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The brick and timber property is open to visitors in the spring and summer.
0:19:39 > 0:19:45A restoration programme is ongoing and undertaken by a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51When we began to restore this room, we took off the architrave round this fireplace
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and discovered a painting that had been here for 300 years.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57We analyse the paint, reproduce it,
0:19:57 > 0:20:04paint the walls to show what it was like when Thomas Bailey painted the walls in his dining room.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06It's colour!
0:20:06 > 0:20:11A more spiritual aspect of Wiltshire's rich historic tapestry
0:20:11 > 0:20:12lies just six miles away.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The stone circles at the World Heritage Site of Avebury
0:20:15 > 0:20:17are 5,000 years old.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21That's older than its more famous counterpart, Stonehenge.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Druid Terry Dobney is the keeper of the stones.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- Come and meet our stones.- What is the purpose of the stone circles?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30The sun circle is for telling the time,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and the moon circle helps predict the weather.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35What links the stones to the Druids?
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Ah, well, we were the people who bothered to make the effort
0:20:39 > 0:20:43to understand the necessity for predicting the cycles of the seasons.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47What's the difference between Pagan and Druid?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Pagan is country folk
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and Druids are their priests.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- So we're going to become pagans? - Yes, if you move to the country!
0:20:54 > 0:20:57You have to learn to be nice to sheep!
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Hannah and Les can't wait to embrace country life.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04So hopefully, that shouldn't be too difficult.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Our next house is in Milton Lilbourne,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09eight miles south of Marlborough.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11The larger village of Pewsey, two miles away,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14offers a range of shops and a few pubs too.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17The Kennet and Avon canal dates back to 1810
0:21:17 > 0:21:20and today is popular with the boating fraternity.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Milton Lilbourne sits 15 miles from the M4
0:21:22 > 0:21:27and I'm sure Hannah and Les will enjoy exploring the scenic trails here.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32I've brought you to the very exclusive village of Milton Lilbourne.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- What do you think?- It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Chocolate box.- What about your very own box of treats right here?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Oh, wow!
0:21:42 > 0:21:44That's so pretty!
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- It's got all the character that you could want.- Definitely.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Thatch!- Thatch as well! Is that something that would put you off?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- No, not at all.- No, definitely not.
0:21:54 > 0:22:00We just haven't looked at them because they tend to have quite small rooms.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02But that one looks quite big.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05It does. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you go in.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07OK, let's go. Follow me down here.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17Come on through.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Just pause here for a moment. This is the hallway into the cottage.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24What do you think?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Quite small!
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Small, but what you'd expect from what we saw from outside.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34You would. Actually, it's more generous than other cottages.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- It's got more headroom. - Definitely the headroom.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41There are little rooms off here including the downstairs cloakroom.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- There's practical parts to it. - And more functional.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47There's more to it than you might think.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Come through here. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53What do you think of this room?
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Oh, it's so bright. That's fantastic.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Good. Light and airy.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03It's surprisingly big. For a cottage, you don't expect a room of this size.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Character and a period property were something you wanted.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09But you also want it to be quite modern.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11This has got the character and the open space.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16So you can decorate it sympathetically for the old
0:23:16 > 0:23:19but you've still got that modern feel to the living space
0:23:19 > 0:23:22which is exactly what we were looking for.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26All positive thoughts. Just off the lounge is the office space,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31which has been converted from the old garage and would easily accommodate both of them.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34But it's the hub of the home next on our tour.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36I think you'll love this.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Those are happy chuckles!
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- That's gorgeous. That window! - This is fantastic.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- It's huge!- It's perfect for entertaining.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Perfect for the kitchen space, but also that light and airy dining area.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55You could get an eight-seater table in there!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- A big table in there.- Wow.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- You can fit all your friends and some more in here!- Brilliant.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04It's been done so well. The flooring going all through.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- The slate. All of that light.- Mmm.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- And it's a great open-plan space. - It's gorgeous.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13The views out to the garden. It's so pretty.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- So pretty.- Can you picture yourselves in here?
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- Definitely in here. - Yeah.- Yeah. Without a doubt.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22So despite appearances outside,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26the interior of this house is challenging their views of thatched cottages.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Let's hope the feeling continues upstairs.
0:24:28 > 0:24:36Upstairs, we do have four bedrooms. But let's start with one of two bathrooms. Have a look.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41- Excellent.- Just our taste, I'd say. Definitely.- That's perfect.- Yeah.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- Perfect?- There's nothing more to say about a bathroom.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47As long as it's got the essentials. It's got a shower.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49I love you, Les! You're so practical!
0:24:49 > 0:24:52"It's got a bath and a shower. I'm happy!"
0:24:52 > 0:24:55That's the way it is!
0:24:55 > 0:25:00Two of the four bedrooms are singles and unless they like pink, they may want to decorate!
0:25:00 > 0:25:03The third bedroom could accommodate a double bed.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05And finally, there's the master.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- What do you think?- En-suite.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- That's good.- Your second bathroom.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11It's still a good size.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13And with storage.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- Are you surprised?- I am. - I'm more and more surprised
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- by a cottage offering this sort of space.- Yeah.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- So charming.- It is very charming.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It's chocolate box from the outside
0:25:26 > 0:25:33and then all the surprises inside. Probably something we wouldn't have considered had we just looked at it.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Because it's a cottage. - Yeah. Absolutely.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Look at that. We aim to please!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Show you something you wouldn't have thought of.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44We need to head outside, look at the garden area.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Think about the location and then, of course, discuss the price.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50OK.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54It's amazing how deceptive the exterior of a house can be.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58This property really does provide them with what they're looking for.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04- To top it all off, we have this gorgeous garden.- Sun trap!
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- It is. Come on up here.- OK.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09What do you think of the size? Start with that.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It's just right!
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Totally manageable.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18A large garden didn't matter. Just to have an outside space was what we were looking for.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20And just listen!
0:26:20 > 0:26:22BIRDS CHIRP
0:26:22 > 0:26:25That is the sound of the countryside you were looking for!
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- It's great. - Absolutely. Not even a buzz.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31So add that to the fact you have this gorgeous property.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34The mix of the old and the new, the exclusive village.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36How much do you think it's worth?
0:26:36 > 0:26:41I don't know. I still think it's over our budget.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I think maybe 465?
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- OK. Les?- I still think it's over budget.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51For all the reasons you've just said, I'd go for 475.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56But oh, no! This is on the market at £445,000.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's under budget!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Wow!- That is a surprise!
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Five grand under budget, so you've got money to play with.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- There's lots to think about. - Nothing to do!- Just wander round and have a look!
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- OK!- Then tell me what you think!
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- See you later on.- OK, then.- Thanks!
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I think they were pleasantly surprised by that as well.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22The rooms are bigger and the price is lower than they thought!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24But is it the property for them?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It's good news again for Hannah and Les
0:27:27 > 0:27:31as they overestimated the £445,000 price tag.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47I'm just loving the kitchen, and the downstairs is absolutely spot on.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50The kitchen is the place we'll probably spend the most time.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55For entertaining purposes and just having friends round, it's just ideal.
0:27:55 > 0:28:01The downstairs just works. There's an office which is shut away.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03The kitchen/diner is brilliant.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06And the lounge is just spot on.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09This room's ideal. It's got the light, big windows,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- in terms of entertaining or what we want it for.- Mmm.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- We don't need it any bigger than this.- Oh, it's lovely!
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I can just relax.
0:28:17 > 0:28:23I thought this cottage was really pretty and totally different to anything we've looked at before.
0:28:23 > 0:28:30It's beautiful from the outside, in terms of the outside space we were looking for. Fantastic!
0:28:31 > 0:28:34They've been in there hours. Will I ever get them out?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Are you ready yet?
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- Come on!- Just about!
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- Coming!- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It is. It's a lovely place.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46But we're only half-way through this journey!
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Don't get too attached just yet.- OK.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Oh, go on!
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Hannah and Les are looking forward to immersing themselves in village life.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Where better to get a sense of community spirit than in the village of Lacock.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06The settlement dates back to the 13th century
0:29:06 > 0:29:10and prospered during the Middle Ages at the height of the wool trade.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14It's almost frozen in time. Take a look.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Wow. It really is like going back in time!- Isn't it just?
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Apart from the cars!- It's a medieval village, wonderful properties,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23with a lovely story to it.
0:29:23 > 0:29:29The Talbot family, who lived in Lacock Abbey, used to own it up until 1944,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32When Matilda Talbot decided to bequeath it to the nation.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's now under the care of the National Trust.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It's really popular, and you can see why. Isn't it stunning?
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Great.- It really is. - Can we get a house here?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Unfortunately, you can't buy one, Hannah,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47but it is possible to rent, and many people do live here.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52The village is a mix of architecture with examples from the 13th century onwards.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Today, Lacock benefits from the stringent measures introduced
0:29:56 > 0:30:00to prevent the village being spoilt by telegraph poles and satellite dishes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05If you recognise the streets, it's because it's a popular choice for film-makers.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09The village has appeared in Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12And we are getting a welcome from the public face of the community,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15town crier, Leo Stephens.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Earls, thanes and churls!
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Welcome to Les and Hannah,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27to this most ancient county of Wiltshire.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31We hope they're successful in their search
0:30:31 > 0:30:34for a home here and their escape to the country!
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Thank you!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Hannah and Les have had a successful day property hunting.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Now it's time to ponder on what they've seen.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- What did you think of the barn? - I thought it was fantastic.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59The kitchen was just brilliant.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01So much space. What did you think?
0:31:01 > 0:31:06I think the location I was question-marking when we got there.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12But if we're going to compromise, that's it on that particular property.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Other than that, the views were brilliant.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19The other great thing was the potential for the office being away from the house.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Yeah.- That's perfect for us.- Yeah.
0:31:23 > 0:31:29- What did you think about the thatch? - The thatched cottage was a real surprise.
0:31:29 > 0:31:35I never thought I'd find myself saying I liked the inside of a thatched cottage!
0:31:35 > 0:31:41It gave you that feel of modern living. The space downstairs is ideal for us.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44What I really liked about it was the back garden.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48It's got a really nice aspect and it's not too big.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49I can handle that one!
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Yes, it's got character, got everything we were looking for,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- but perhaps it's just a bit too picture-box perfect.- I know!
0:31:57 > 0:32:00That is two properties that are just fantastic
0:32:00 > 0:32:05and have stretched our preconceptions of what we wanted to see.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09So if tomorrow has something anywhere near those two,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- it'll be a hell of a day! - It's going to be great, yeah!
0:32:18 > 0:32:22Hannah and Les from Bristol want to escape their rented flat
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and buy their first home together in Wiltshire.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30They have a budget of £450,000 and with commuting, proximity to the M4 is key.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35So far, they've viewed two properties and their enthusiasm is wonderful
0:32:35 > 0:32:37and coming up, it gets better!
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Oh, what a kitchen!
0:32:41 > 0:32:43And we keep delivering!
0:32:43 > 0:32:45I wish you hadn't told her that!
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Yesterday, it was all smiles and happiness from Les and Hannah.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56They really liked what they saw.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01Today, we're coming back further east to where they started their search.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05I'm just hoping this weather doesn't dampen their spirits.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08We're kicking off this morning in Shalbourne,
0:33:08 > 0:33:1212 miles from Marlborough and close to the Berkshire border.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16It's a quiet village with attractive housing, and eight miles from the M4
0:33:16 > 0:33:19it should make an interesting option fro Hannah and Les.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Although it's a small village, there is a pub,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26and the house sits next to the village store and post office.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30The weather's not great, but I hope you keep your spirits up.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34I'm sure you'll love this property. Thing is, you're coming from the city,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and you wanted to get away for some peace and quiet,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39but I think you could do with neighbours.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Post office. Local pub, and this property!
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Oh, wow!- That's great. - That's so pretty!
0:33:46 > 0:33:48It's a lovely looking cottage!
0:33:48 > 0:33:52If it attracts you from the outside, I'm convinced you'll love the inside!
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- Let's get in.- Excellent.- Great.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04So, what do you think?
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Cosy.- Wow!
0:34:06 > 0:34:10The ceiling's quite low, but at least it's brightly coloured
0:34:10 > 0:34:13so it doesn't have that dark feeling.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- Interesting, though. - It draws you in.- Yeah, it does.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's a cosy cottage. Head in there and have a look.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I think you'll like this room a lot.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Very good, actually. - It's a lovely size.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- Yes.- You step down into it
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- and you've got that extra height. - Yes. That's right.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Gorgeous cornicing as well. Lovely detail.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- But you want modern as well. - That's the other thing.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42We wanted the open plan-style living. Yes, it's a lovely room, but...
0:34:42 > 0:34:44It's trying to work out how that works for us.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Yes. I think it could work for you.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52I understand what you're saying. There is a lot to offer here, as we'll see.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54But a good, practical room.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58And being of Georgian style, there's another one on the other side.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04The hallway has got that feeling of low ceilings,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06but when you come in here, it really opens out.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Yes.- A second living room. Fantastic.- Really nice.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- How generous!- Yes.- Not one, but two.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14A beautiful fireplace.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17The detail on the mantelpiece. Very pretty.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21It's got a good feel to it, even though I mentioned the open plan.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- It's got a nice feel.- Very homely. - Yeah.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Tucked at the back they've got a little office.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30It's a space for one person, really.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34I'm thinking this is a perfect living room as they've set it up.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38So there is the option of having a bigger office, moving that to there.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Yes, that's an ideal size. - A great size.- For an office.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45You don't lose anything cos this is a generous room.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Then we could think about looking at extending that.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Think about what to do there. Maybe bring in a bit more of your open plan living in this space.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Hannah and Les are really seeing the potential of this place
0:35:59 > 0:36:01and I think the next room will be a winner.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Oh, what a kitchen!
0:36:04 > 0:36:09Lovely finish and lovely shape, as well. What do you think?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12It's great. It's got the work area, the dining area.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- More the country kitchen feel. - Lovely floor as well.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19A nice cosy room and biggish room to give you the space.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24- It's ideal.- Yeah, it's good. I can imagine ourselves sitting, having a dinner party.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Nice gin and tonic! - You really are settling in!
0:36:28 > 0:36:31That I like! There are nice little touches in here.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35I like the way they've kept exposed beams and brickwork,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38yet things are tidied away as well.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- A mix of modern... - It is a mix of modern and old. It works really well.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46I knew that the kitchen would hit the right note.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Upstairs, two of the three bedrooms are small doubles.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53And then there's the family bathroom, which isn't huge
0:36:53 > 0:36:56but I do have a solution elsewhere.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01- I love the good sized hallway upstairs.- Oh, yeah.
0:37:01 > 0:37:02It's really nice.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07And unusual for a cottage, to have this much space.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09And in there, that's the master.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Can we go?- Of course.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Now, that's enough wardrobe for you!
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- For your clothes at least! - For me!- Just for you?
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- I've got an idea for a clothes space for you.- Oh?
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Yes. This is a good sized room, isn't it?- Yep, it is.- Definitely.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I really like it. It's got that homely feel.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31It's touching you here, isn't it?
0:37:31 > 0:37:36It's hard to explain. You walk into a place sometimes and it just feels right.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40It has that homely feel. And this is one of those places.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Definitely. - But there is only one bathroom.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- I know you wanted two. - Yeah. Ideally.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- Ideally. Behind there, you've got all the space above the kitchen. - Right.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54They've already put some plans together.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- The cost, for what they were planning, is about £15,000.- OK.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03- But that would give you a shower, bath and wardrobe space.- Brilliant!
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- A dressing room.- A dressing room as well.- Yeah.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Something to think about.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11It is something to think about.
0:38:11 > 0:38:17I agree with Les. It's homely and there are beautiful character features in this house.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Last stop is the garden.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Like the rest of this house, it's a cute and neat little garden.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Fine for us. All we want is the outside space. Somewhere to sit.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33You can dine outside. It's all set up for barbecues.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- A little bit of greenery. - That's fine, honestly!
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- I won't do any more than that. - We can cope with that.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Come up here because there is a little bit more to this. You can park a car.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48- OK.- You can drive through, across the back of the other property. But turn around.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52We did say we'd look at the space for the en-suite.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- There's a lot of space. I see what you mean.- You can see the pitched roof there.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- So it's more than an en-suite. - It is more.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- It is an extra room on the house, definitely.- Wardrobe for me!
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- At last!- A dressing room and a bathroom would be really good.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- Yes.- You've got that option. You've got three bedrooms.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Gorgeous village, close to where you were looking.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Can you afford it?
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Les?- Yes, I think we can afford it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21I think this is under our budget.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25I would hope that it would be no more than 425.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27OK. Good solid guess.
0:39:27 > 0:39:33I'm going to go higher than that because I think the village is an exclusive place to live.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35So I think at least 435.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- If not above.- 435.- Yeah.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- This property has been on the market since June last year.- Wow.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47- 2008. It started at 495.- Right. - Way out of your range.- Yes.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52Right now, you could snap this up for £400,000.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Wow! OK.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- A bargain!- And you could pay for the bathroom.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01With that price, I really, really like it!
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Go back inside, skip through the hoops.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And I will find you happily skipping down the lane later!
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Spontaneous joy. I think we've done it.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19I knew they'd like this property. It's a great village and a cracking price.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23At £400,000, this house is well within budget.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26And less than Hannah and Les estimated, yet again.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30It has character features which provide a homely feel
0:40:30 > 0:40:32and the kitchen/diner they're looking for.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Above all, with 50,000 left over,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40there's plenty of scope for redevelopment.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- What do you think of the reception rooms?- Cosy.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45A cosy feel, but light and airy
0:40:45 > 0:40:48which is what we were looking for.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52It's a good size, and so is the other reception.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56I think this cottage has so much going for it
0:40:56 > 0:41:01in terms of how we could actually spread out into it and make it a home.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04I really like this cottage. The kitchen/diner is good.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Two reception rooms that we can use as we see fit.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12I just have some reservations on the upstairs as it stands at the moment.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16The master bedroom is a really good size.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Relatively small bathroom.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It is a small bathroom, but I quite like it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22It has that cottagey feel.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28For this property to work, it probably needs the dressing room idea.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32It would benefit a lot from opening out a bit further.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36For a cottage in this area, and the size of this place,
0:41:36 > 0:41:37it is a really good price.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42So that may play its part when we come to compromises and so on.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47- Hello!- Hi, there.- It's so quiet round here. It's lovely.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I really like this village. What do you think of the house?
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Yeah, good. Interesting. - Good house in a good location.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Let's have a wander, cos there's a bit more to do.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Wiltshire may be famous for its prehistoric monuments and chalk horses
0:42:07 > 0:42:11but its other claim to fame is its Wiltshire-cured bacon,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13a process dating back to 1840.
0:42:13 > 0:42:18We've arranged for Hannah and Les to visit one of the last producers in the county, to find out more.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- The farm owner is Roger Keen. - How many pigs have you got here?
0:42:22 > 0:42:29We've got 320 sows and they produce something like 20 pigs per year, each sow.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35Enough to produce all the bacon we need for supplying retail and farm shops in the area.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39I'll get one of the little ones for you to have a stroke.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- There she is.- Hello, little girl! Hello!
0:42:46 > 0:42:51- How old are these? - About eight days old, now.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Just over the week. I'll pop her back now with her mum. There.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57There we are. There we are.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02You've seen the piglets. Now we should look at the bacon house
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and see what we're about, which is Wiltshire bacon.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- OK?- Lovely.- Follow me.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10At eight months old, the pigs are slaughtered
0:43:10 > 0:43:14and the meat is taken to the bacon house to be processed.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16Once kitted out, we're allowed entry.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Perfect!
0:43:22 > 0:43:25This is one of our pigs that's come back to us.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28She's ready to be cured and go into the brine.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32The brine is a mix of salt and sodium nitrate, which preserves the meat.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36How long is the pork in the brine, once it's settled in?
0:43:36 > 0:43:41Four days in the brine. We'll get some weights on this later and submerge it.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45Then it'll come out and be stacked to mature for a further ten days,
0:43:45 > 0:43:48making it a fortnight before it's ready for sale.
0:43:48 > 0:43:53So, bacon prepared, it's ready to be shipped out.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56For Hannah and Les, Roger's cooked up a quick taster.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59Here we are, then. The final result.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00The final testing!
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Fantastic!
0:44:02 > 0:44:07- We've got the unsmoked here. - That's absolutely gorgeous.- Yes.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11You've just had the traditional taste of Wiltshire. Well done.
0:44:17 > 0:44:23- What do you think the mystery house could be?- Something that perhaps needs a bit of work?
0:44:23 > 0:44:24Possibly.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27But has a lot of potential.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30I feel it might be a windmill or something like that!
0:44:30 > 0:44:35- You might take us into something completely different! - Four million pounds!
0:44:35 > 0:44:38Sadly, it's not a windmill.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40But it is less than four million, Hannah!
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Our mystery house is just over the border into Berkshire,
0:44:43 > 0:44:45in the village of Chaddleworth.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Just five miles from the M4, this house sits the furthest east
0:44:49 > 0:44:52but offers a swift commute to the motorway.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55Chaddleworth is a well-kept village with pub.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58The house we're viewing is a more contemporary proposition,
0:44:58 > 0:45:02sitting in an elevated position in the heart of the community.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07Your very own driveway off the street!
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- Great! Excellent.- That is good.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11And this very modern house.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- Is it too modern for you? - Definitely not, actually.
0:45:14 > 0:45:20What we were looking for was something quirky or pretty.
0:45:20 > 0:45:25So the fact that it doesn't look like it's falling down isn't an issue!
0:45:25 > 0:45:27I don't think it looks that modern.
0:45:27 > 0:45:33- No?- They've painted the brickwork white, which fits in with the village style.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36So it actually doesn't have that modern feel.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38- And to your taste? - Yes, very much so. Yes.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43If you think the outside isn't that modern, wait till you see the inside!
0:45:43 > 0:45:44Oh, yeah!
0:45:44 > 0:45:48It's looking good for the mystery house and there's a garage for Hannah's car.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54We go in and up, again!
0:45:54 > 0:45:57You keep climbing in this property.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- Down there is a little utility space.- OK.
0:46:01 > 0:46:07But this building is unusual, so you've got all your living accommodation on this one level.
0:46:07 > 0:46:12- Right.- And all your bedrooms at the front, as you come in.- OK.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16You need to see the rooms, then it makes more sense. Come through.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- OK.- Because this is the master.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21It's a good size!
0:46:21 > 0:46:25Fantastic. And the light coming in through the windows, as well!
0:46:25 > 0:46:27Two sides of windows, and big windows.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31And the views. And you're not looked over. No-one can see in,
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- but you can see out. - Just got the greenery outside.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- It's a benefit of being so high up. - Yeah, definitely.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40So it's not only a good size, there's plenty of room
0:46:40 > 0:46:43- to fit the bed and any storage we need.- And all your clothes!
0:46:43 > 0:46:45- And my clothes.- Your many clothes!
0:46:45 > 0:46:48The views might deserve first prize,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51but unfortunately, I can't conjure up an en-suite.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56The stunning contemporary family bathroom, however, more than makes up for it.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58Down the hall are the other three bedrooms.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02Two of them are small doubles, and the final room is used as an office.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09And just round the corner is something quite spectacular. Look at this!
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- Oh, my goodness!- Wow!
0:47:14 > 0:47:15Oh, my goodness!
0:47:15 > 0:47:19- I can't see round the corner, but... - This is what I call open plan!
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- It's huge!- This is enormous!
0:47:22 > 0:47:26Have a look over there. Get a better look at the kitchen.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- This is a very modern kitchen. - It is.- Open-plan style.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33- What do you think?- Beautiful.- It is gorgeous.- So highly finished.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35- But I'm not sure...- Some hesitancy?
0:47:35 > 0:47:38Just having looked at country kitchens,
0:47:38 > 0:47:43- I'm now thinking, having said we liked modern...- Yeah.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45I think I prefer a country kitchen!
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Because you've shown us some excellent older properties,
0:47:49 > 0:47:53which have accommodated the open plan, I think that's what I prefer.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57Ooh! Well, it's not over.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00This may be open plan, but there's even more.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Come with me.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05You'll love this.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11Ta-da!
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- Oh, this is... - God, that's a high ceiling!
0:48:14 > 0:48:20- Actually, for a living space... - We've found a ceiling like is in our flat!- This is really nice.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24This is true open plan, and that's impressive.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27But that makes even more sense now.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29Yeah, now we've opened it up.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31It flows through into your living space.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33This is huge.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36I like this, the idea of having the glass doors there.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40Plus the window on that side. Yeah, looking down.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Come over here. I'm so excited!
0:48:45 > 0:48:49You said how nice it is to have the glass and you can look out.
0:48:49 > 0:48:50Even better,
0:48:50 > 0:48:54- you can bring the outside in. - Wow, look at that.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59- You like those. - I love concertina doors
0:48:59 > 0:49:02cos you just open it right up.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04- Such a beautiful garden as well. - It's great.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07So now what do you think?
0:49:07 > 0:49:10If we'd seen this property first, we'd have said spot on.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13And now seeing this property last,
0:49:13 > 0:49:17it's probably not having the same impact
0:49:17 > 0:49:21- as it would have done. I have to say this is lovely.- Yeah.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24- It's a gorgeous property. - Absolutely stunning.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27Tucked away outside is a sheltered decked area,
0:49:27 > 0:49:30perfect for summer al fresco dining.
0:49:31 > 0:49:38Back out here, you get a lovely look at the whole expanse of the house.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39Looks like a lot of house!
0:49:39 > 0:49:43- It is. It feels like it when you're in it.- It does.- It does.
0:49:43 > 0:49:48- So quiet and peaceful. True countryside.- Goodness, even the sun's coming out!
0:49:48 > 0:49:52- It's an omen!- It's an omen! Can you afford it? How much is it worth?
0:49:54 > 0:49:58Hannah, I'll start with you, because I think you're quite taken with it.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01I think this is on at maybe 420.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- I don't know. I've been surprised all the way through.- Come on.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09Four hundred...and twenty-five.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11Both of you have gone under your budget.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14It is a lot of house.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18I've got to tell you, it went on in October 2008 at £500,000.
0:50:18 > 0:50:24Given the market conditions, it's now on at 399,950!
0:50:24 > 0:50:26- Really?- 50 quid short of 400 grand.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28I wish you hadn't told Hannah that!
0:50:31 > 0:50:34That's an interesting reaction, don't you think!
0:50:34 > 0:50:36How do you feel about it now?
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- I'm still not sure that's me.- Oh!
0:50:41 > 0:50:45- Questions, questions!- A lot of questions. And a lot of house.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49I think you should wander round it. Don't get lost!
0:50:49 > 0:50:53I'll find you later on. But there's a lot for you to think about now.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56- Yes.- So get thinking! - OK.- OK.- See you in a bit.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00We've really mixed things up, haven't we?
0:51:00 > 0:51:02Les loves traditional now
0:51:02 > 0:51:07and Hannah will have her work cut out to convince him that this bargain is for them.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09Not to break with habit,
0:51:09 > 0:51:15Hannah and Les overestimated the £399,950 price tag.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18It has a stunning kitchen/diner,
0:51:18 > 0:51:21a living room with concertina doors out to the garden.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Well, this is a big bathroom.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Do you think it's what we need, though?
0:51:30 > 0:51:32I think it's great.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36And it's the biggest shower we've seen in any of the properties.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39- Best shower!- That's good.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42The finish to this place is superb.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45But there's something in me, I don't feel it's quite right.
0:51:45 > 0:51:50However, the location is just where we wanted to be.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53I could see myself living here, definitely.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56It's fit to move in straightaway and start making a home.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58This is a great room, actually.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Whether you're looking for modern or not,
0:52:01 > 0:52:04- this is a fantastic living room. - Yeah.
0:52:04 > 0:52:10- You've always wanted those doors! - I love concertina doors cos it opens everything up.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12I really like the open-plan living.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16The fact that you come into the front door and have to pass the bedrooms
0:52:16 > 0:52:20is a little bit funny. I just think it needs warming up a bit!
0:52:22 > 0:52:26Closing the gate on our final property. We've given you a lot to think about.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Let's find somewhere for you to sit down, mull it over,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32- and come to some decisions.- OK.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42Hannah and Les have shown endless enthusiasm for the houses they've seen.
0:52:42 > 0:52:48Balancing their property requirements with proximity to the M4 in integral to their decision.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53Well, usually at this point in the show, I have some sort of vague idea
0:52:53 > 0:52:56which property our couple are going to go for.
0:52:56 > 0:53:01With Hannah and Les, lovely though they are, they're impressed with everything!
0:53:01 > 0:53:07You've been on the journey with us. Do you know what they like? I don't! So let's ask them!
0:53:12 > 0:53:15It's been such a pleasure showing you the properties.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18We've shown you different locations, a lot of house,
0:53:18 > 0:53:22but I haven't a clue which one you're going to go for!
0:53:22 > 0:53:25You seem to like them all. So let's go through them.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30And let's start with the barn conversion. That was in Wiltshire. What did you think of that?
0:53:30 > 0:53:32The location we hadn't considered,
0:53:32 > 0:53:36but because of the property, we'd really have to think about that.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40I think for the price, the land was the big surprise.
0:53:40 > 0:53:47- The office space separate to the living space was really ideal. - Brilliant, yeah.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51In terms of your lifestyle, Hannah, can you see yourselves living there?
0:53:51 > 0:53:53Completely. It was absolutely gorgeous.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57Let's discuss the thatched cottage in Milton Lilbourne.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01An exclusive village and a very traditional property. What did you think?
0:54:01 > 0:54:06Absolutely beautiful property. The space inside was a total surprise as well.
0:54:06 > 0:54:11The kitchen/diner was fantastic. You could see yourself in there.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14Really unexpected with that style of cottage.
0:54:14 > 0:54:19The village itself, so many beautiful properties.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22We've just got question marks about how far south it was
0:54:22 > 0:54:26in relation to the main trunk road which we need to get onto.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31What were your thoughts on the cottage in Shalbourne? Lovely village. What about the house?
0:54:31 > 0:54:37Beautiful light airy windows that opened the whole thing out.
0:54:37 > 0:54:38Gorgeous kitchen.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42The cottage surprised in as much as it had the smaller rooms
0:54:42 > 0:54:46but had that warm feel. The kitchen/diner was big enough
0:54:46 > 0:54:49that if we were there in the evening on our own,
0:54:49 > 0:54:52or entertaining, that room was big enough on its own,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55without having to open up to another room.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58So, finally, the mystery property.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00That threw the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Completely modern and different to everything else we've seen.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08- How did you feel?- That was gorgeous. I thought it was gorgeous!
0:55:08 > 0:55:12A pretty house and beautifully landscaped gardens.
0:55:12 > 0:55:16I thought it was a stunning property. It had been finished really well.
0:55:16 > 0:55:21But I struggled with that big space. It seemed too much in that kitchen/diner.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24However, that living space was gorgeous.
0:55:24 > 0:55:29With the concertina doors, I actually could see myself in that room.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32I really had mixed feelings about that place.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36You've been so positive about everything, but I don't know which one you like.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38If you had to choose, which is your favourite?
0:55:38 > 0:55:41The barn. The barn conversion for us.
0:55:41 > 0:55:46I think it just had everything. In terms of the living space,
0:55:46 > 0:55:49- office space.- It's got a wow factor as well.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52- And views.- What's the next step? What will you do next?
0:55:52 > 0:55:58We'll probably be there within the next day or so, testing the routes out to the motorway and so on.
0:55:58 > 0:56:03From then on, it's contact the estate agent. Definitely have another look.
0:56:03 > 0:56:09So are you saying that if you test out the drive, and it's OK, that you'll put an offer in?
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- Yeah.- Yeah.- Definitely. - Without doubt.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Result!
0:56:14 > 0:56:19That makes me very happy. It's been brilliant spending time with you and helping you out.
0:56:19 > 0:56:23Best of luck. Let us know how you get on. Hopefully you'll be moving in soon!
0:56:23 > 0:56:25- We'll let you know. Thank you. - Thank you.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31Well, I really didn't see that coming.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Wiltshire has thrown up lots of surprises.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37At least Hannah and Les have made a decision.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40They're about to start a wonderful new life together.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42We have helped them escape to the country.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I'll see you next time.
0:56:44 > 0:56:50And the latest from Hannah and Les is that they did put in an offer on the barn conversion in High Penn.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55Unfortunately, they were pipped to the post. Hannah must have worked her magic on Les
0:56:55 > 0:56:59as they've now put in an offer on the mystery house and are waiting to hear more.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02If you would like to escape to the country and need our help,
0:57:02 > 0:57:04please contact us through our website:
0:57:26 > 0:57:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd