Worcestershire Escape to the Country

Today I'm in a county that's famous for this stuff - gorgeous, natural spring water,

ready to drink, filtered by the granite in the hills that surround me. On a hot day like this...

..Mmm! It's absolutely fantastic.

It's so good, they say the Queen never travels without a bottle of it by her side.

Frankly, if it's good enough for Her Majesty,

it's certainly good enough for me. Stick around for a very refreshing Escape To The Country.

In today's show, I'll be helping a couple escape suburbia for pastures new in the countryside.

-This is lovely.

-Isn't it?

-Oh!

-Look.

-Oh, well done.

I'll be guiding them around a selection of rural homes

and we almost get full marks.

-I'll give you a nine-and-a-half out of ten.

-Hurray! Great!

And of course there's the mystery house, but will any of our offerings have them heading for the country?

Today I'm in Worcestershire, standing on top of its famous landmark, the Malvern Hills -

famous of course for all of that wonderful water.

They've been drinking it around here for centuries,

but by the 19th century, Malvern itself had become something of a spa town.

The great luminaries of the day would come here to take the waters for its restorative powers.

Among them, the poet Tennyson, and the father of evolution himself, Charles Darwin.

As you can see from the glorious landscape, there's a lot more to this place than just a drink.

Worcestershire lies in the West Midlands,

bordered by five counties.

One of its most striking land forms are the Malvern Hills,

which rise dramatically from the plain below.

At their foot sits Great Malvern. Internationally renowned for its spring water,

it was also home to one of Britain's most treasured composers - Edward Elgar.

Delving deeper into the history books,

the county town of Worcester is dominated by the 12th-century cathedral.

Today the canals that were the motorways of yesteryear offer attractive places to live.

If you don't fancy life on the water, then there's a rich variety of housing stock to choose from.

It has been argued over the years that Worcestershire

has been the poorer cousin of its glamorous neighbour, Gloucestershire,

but I think all that is changing.

In large part, that's due to better transport links,

not least the new M6 toll road, which really is opening up the entire region.

But here are a few facts and figures for you.

In the '90s, people moving into Worcestershire accounted for around 20% of all house sales.

These days, you can double that. And there's more good news.

Over in Gloucestershire,

your average four-bed will set you back a whopping £22,000 more

than it will here. So as you can see,

plenty of good reasons to move to this county and as ever,

there are some fantastic properties on offer.

If you're looking for a large slice of Worcestershire and have a budget to match,

then how about this five-bedroom property in Malvern Wells at just under £1.9 million?

The farmhouse and barn were redeveloped eight years ago

and are now an impressive family home.

You'll need to sit on a mower for the ten-acre plot.

Alternatively, £525,000 would buy

this four-bedroom cottage just outside Franche.

Dating back to the 1800s,

it's the beams and brickwork that help to give this property its cosy feel.

The veranda is perfectly positioned for soaking up the wonderful view.

And finally, if you're looking for a stylish home on a more modest £325,000 budget,

then look no further than this 17th-century, two-bedroom cottage in Broadway.

The interiors are the epitome of modernity and it's topped off with a pretty courtyard garden.

So if that sneaky peek at the Worcestershire property market has whetted your appetite

and you fancy moving here, you're in good company, cos that's exactly what today's buyers want to do.

Financial director Martin and wife Kim share their modern Wolverhampton home with their two daughters,

19-year-old Kimberley and 22-year-old Sarah-May,

plus a menagerie of animals that includes dogs, cats, chickens,

and goats. In addition, there are four equine friends based two miles away,

who are the driving force behind this move. Until now,

it's been the girls who've made the journey to look after them, but that's about to change.

It takes us ten minutes to get here and it'll be more convenient in the next house

if Mum can step out of the back door and help us out more if we're jetting off with our careers.

So it looks like the job has fallen to Mum. Meanwhile,

Martin works from home, but needs to travel regularly for his job

so good access to the road networks is important.

After a 2.5-year search,

finding a property that suits in the right location is proving tricky.

-We've looked at quite a few properties.

-We have looked at a lot.

-A lot of properties.

We've found that either the house is perfect and the land isn't, or the land is perfect and the house isn't.

And when husband and wife are looking for different styles,

that doesn't help either.

I really like period properties,

I love fireplaces, room for a range, beams,

any old-fashioned features.

I like period properties, but I'm also open to more modern properties.

They have the advantage of being more energy efficient, quite often more spacious,

-and therefore they can be more light and airy.

-Whatever. Dream on!

I sense a storm brewing. So what will make them happy?

The perfect house for me would be three double bedrooms,

um, en suite would be fabulous.

Downstairs, I'd like a large kitchen, separate dining room,

possibly a study and a large lounge.

I would like the house to be period as well.

Outside, we would need a minimum of five acres of grazing,

stable block and preferably, though not essential, a manege,

but as long as there's room to put one in, that would be fine.

Before we can start our search,

Martin and Kim are getting an up-to-date valuation for their house.

This is a fine, detached family house

ideally located for schools and amenities.

I value this property at £399,950.

With that in mind, what's the budget for this next move?

Our budget for the move is between £600-650,000.

So the budget is sorted, but is the road to the dream property paved with harmony?

To try and find the property that we both 100% agree on, I think is probably impossible.

As long as he agrees with me, it's not a problem at all.

Point taken! It'll have to be a compromise. How big I HAVE to compromise is the question.

Now you might be forgiven for thinking that we're looking for more of an ark than a house,

for this lot, after all, their £650,000 is going to have to go some way

to finding the right sort of land to accommodate their four horses and a growing menagerie of animals.

That will affect the sort of property we can offer them.

Within that, they want three bedrooms and a nice big kitchen-diner,

and a study, but here's the rub - Kim wants something old and characterful,

whereas Martin is quite happy for something quite modern.

Add to that they both think that they're the boss in this relationship...

I think this could all get quite interesting, really!

With Martin's commute in mind, we're concentrating our search

in hamlets and villages within easy reach of the motorway network.

Over two days, I'll be showing them around some superb equestrian properties

but I'll be asking my buyers to guess the price, once they've had a good look around.

And last is the mystery house -

a property chosen to challenge their idea of the country dream.

Well, chaps, here we are on the banks of the Severn, how about that?

BOTH: Beautiful.

This house search is slightly different to many because

-this is driven by your passion for horses, isn't it?

-Yes, definitely.

-You really do want them out the back door, which they're not at the moment.

-No, they're not.

So, are we looking for a house with stables or stables with a house?

It depends who you ask. Ask the horses!

But, of course, you've also got two lovely daughters as well, and a growing flock of other animals.

Lots of them. Yes, like a mini zoo.

You've been looking for some time...

We have, about two-and-a-half to three years now.

-That's what worries me.

-It worries us as well!

You've given us some good numbers to work with, £650,000 or thereabouts

which is a healthy budget, but we have to accommodate an awful lot

for that. Are you both going to agree, do you think?

Yes, definitely.

Possibly!

I love it, "Possibly". Let's leave it at possibly and see how we get on. Come on.

So, for their budget of £650,000, Martin and Kim are looking for an equestrian property.

Kim is eager to find a large kitchen and Martin needs a study, as he works from home.

As the girls will move with them, they need three bedrooms

and above all, there has to be a stable block

with at least five acres of land.

It's a tall order,

but let's hope we can find something that fits the bill.

Well, having thought about this move for so long,

how do you feel now that we're at the threshold of a new era for you?

Excited, I think.

Looking forward to seeing these houses. It'll be very exciting, yes.

But you are, by your own admission, Kim, very picky.

-I'm very picky, yes.

-Am I right to be nervous?

-Very right.

-Just be afraid.

Be afraid? I've never heard that before!

You've never met ME before!

It sounds like we could be in for a rough ride, although I hope not!

The first house we've arranged to see is in Hurtle Hill, just north

of the Malvern Hills and 15 miles from the county town of Worcester.

It's an incredibly rural area and there's the bonus of being on the doorstep of the Wyre Forest,

one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in Britain.

Stourport-on-Severn would be Martin and Kim's local town.

Situated on the banks of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal,

by the late 1700s, it had become the busiest inland port in the Midlands.

Back in Hurtle Hill, our first house comes with a splendid bonus.

OK, here we are, our first offering of the day.

Wow, that is a view to die for, isn't it?

-Isn't it just?

-Absolutely.

-You wanted Worcestershire, there it is.

-Beautiful.

The house itself is there. That is an old grain store.

-OK.

-1850, built to go with this farmhouse behind us.

-Yes.

-So they are your neighbours in the farmhouse but you get that.

-Right.

-You like old and characterful.

-I do, yes.

-You want something more contemporary.

-Yes.

I think this could offer you the best of both worlds because you've got a nice period building

but it lends itself to having quite a contemporary feel for you to kind of put your own mark on it.

I'm interested in this little tussle between you, old and new.

I'm being very quiet at the moment, have you noticed?

-Well...

-I have to wait for the first reaction from Kim.

It is more you from the outside, isn't it?

-Yes.

-So I'm very interested to get on the inside. That is just wow.

-But your outside impressions are?

-Favourable.

-Favourable.

I'll take favourable as a start. Right, come on.

Right, in you come.

Now, what do you reckon?

-Lovely.

-Surprised.

-Are you?

-Yes.

-Why surprised?

Because the outside, I think, had the modern feel.

-Yeah.

-You have got the beams and the oldie feel that I know Kim likes.

-A big smile, look.

-Hurrah.

Just up here, we have got your downstairs cloakroom as well,

which is always useful, but let's start with the kitchen.

Come and have a look at this.

-Range, well done, and a hob.

-And a hob.

-Very clever.

In terms of space, kitchen/diner.

It's a great space.

I don't feel claustrophobic, which sometimes with the cottage-type property...

You've got the beamed ceilings, but I can still stand up tall.

Good. Well, it does go on in terms of space.

Through that door, we've got you a nice little utility room as well,

and next door to that, a really big and useful walk-in pantry.

Brilliant. Fabulous. So far, so good.

Let's go and find you a reception room, somewhere to relax. You're going to need that.

-OK, so this is your principle reception room.

-OK.

-OK.

-Nice.

-Great fireplace.

But in terms of you and the girls, you know, relaxing, Sunday evening...

No, this is a good space. The big German shepherd in front of the fire.

-The Jack Russell up the corner, no problem.

-Great!

-Horses in that corner?

-Yeah, yeah.

-Probably with head through windows being fed by the girls. They'd like that.

-Anything is possible.

Well, let's have a look upstairs before we head outside and see what we can find up there for you.

'Fantastic. The mix of old and new seems to be appealing to both of them.

'Maybe this house search won't be as tricky as I thought.'

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, one more than they actually asked for.

The first three are roughly the same size, so Sarah-May and Kimberley

can take their pick, leaving one spare for Dad to use as an office.

The family bathroom is small, but the girls will have it

to themselves as Mum and Dad get an en suite with their room.

So, finally...

Ah, lovely. Dual aspect. Brilliant. Brings the light in.

She has got all the lingo, look.

Dual aspect. The other thing it has, though, is a really lovely en suite.

Go and have a look through there, Martin. Tell me what you think.

-Good size.

-Yeah.

-Not bad, is it?

Really good size and, like the family bathroom, it has just been redone.

Very tasteful.

-We like the house so far?

-We do.

-Great.

-Surprisingly.

Good. Well, I'm not surprised, I think it's a great house. But I'm glad you do.

-Not the house, just us agreeing!

-You can agree sometimes.

-All right, let's go outside and see if we agree on the land because that's...

-The key issue.

That's the money, isn't it?

'Well, who would have thought, having been given the heads up that

'they were going to be difficult, this seems like a walk in the park.'

-Pretty.

-It is very, yes.

From the back of the property there are staggering uninterrupted views of the Malvern Hills.

They also have plenty of land as the house comes with

a two-acre garden with a mixed orchard and a five-acre paddock.

Closer to the house, there is also a double garage.

Now, there are no purpose-built stables at the moment.

They are something you would have to look into doing.

As much as I like the house, that's got to be the big question mark.

If I can't put the stable block, then...

-It's not going to work.

-And we both like the house, how amazing is that?

I think that's a first.

Well, OK, I'm happy to take that.

So let's have a think about the money, shall we?

You've got £650,000 to play with.

Let's ask the accountant.

I would say 600.

600.

I think it's a bit more. I think probably about 620-ish.

OK, not bad, actually.

Well, it does begin with a six, but it continues with a 630.

-£630,000.

-Quite close.

I don't think it is an unreasonable figure for, you know, where it is, its situation and what's on offer.

Yes. No, I don't think it is an unreasonable...

But it is something for you to think about.

Yes, we like it very much, so it is food for thought.

Go and explore and I'll catch up with you later.

-Thanks.

-Off you go.

Brilliant, well, what an interesting start to our house search, and the key thing is that for two people

who were sure they wouldn't actually agree on a property, they have agreed on this one.

Will they agree on whether it's actually the one to go for? I wonder.

At £630,000, this barn conversion would offer Martin and Kim the space they need.

It has a large kitchen/diner with the range Kim is looking for.

Four bedrooms, one of which Martin could use as a study,

a double garage,

and seven acres of land including an orchard and paddock.

Beautiful house. Absolutely stunning. Why it's still on the market, I do not know.

I'm actually quite gutted that we have come out here

and seen this cliff drop here, you know, it's a shame.

It's suitable for sheep and goats, but not for horses.

-No.

-No.

I love the house. The gardens are beautiful,

but unfortunately, it's just a little too steep in places for our horses.

In all, it was a very good first impression and the views are superb.

It's the equestrian side that really is the big issue that I'm struggling to get my mind round to see,

can it be overcome?

-Enjoy your walk?

-Yes, thank you.

-Did you see enough?

-Just about, yes.

Just about, right, come on, then.

Let's go.

For Martin and Kim, a move to this area will bring them close

to the ancient city of Worcester.

To give them an insider's guide, they're meeting local expert Georgia Smith.

This street was really important in the English Civil War.

It was the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

This street that we're standing in now, peaceful and calm as it is today,

saw lots of hand-to-hand fighting

as the Royalist troops tried to give Charles I time to escape from the city.

History goes back even further just around the corner at the cathedral.

The core of it dates back to 1084 and it's home to the largest Norman crypt in England.

It contains the remains of King John,

famous for betraying his brother Richard the Lionheart.

King John was also forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 following a dispute with the barons.

We're right by the tomb of King John.

Quite a tyrant in his day.

But I think he realised that he wasn't a fantastic person so he asked to be buried between

these two saints,

Oswald and Wulfstan.

Wulfstan was the founder of Worcester Cathedral and King John thought that,

by being buried between them,

he might get to heaven off their coat tails.

Just opposite the cathedral stands a statue of another famous name associated with Worcester,

Edward Elgar, the renowned English composer

whose great works include Land Of Hope And Glory.

Following his death in 1934,

his daughter established a museum in the cottage in which he was born three miles from the city centre.

We can see here a real slice of Elgar's life.

Things that meant a lot to him.

I think one of the really interesting things in this room is the gramophone.

Elgar live at just the right time to be able to benefit from technological changes

so he was one of the first composers who was able to hear his own music recorded

and to direct how it sounded.

What other interests did Elgar have?

He was a very keen cyclist

so he would cycle all over the countryside here in Worcestershire

and of course, some of that countryside was a real inspiration for his music.

It is undoubtedly a beautiful part of the country.

Let's hope the landscape inspires Martin and Kim enough to find their dream property.

The next house we've lined up is in Castle Morton.

Sitting in the Malvern Hills and eight miles from the town of Great Malvern,

this attractive small village could be the perfect for a horse-loving family to settle.

The quiet roads would offer them plenty of opportunities for leisurely rides,

taking in the views over the surrounding countryside.

Welland is just a couple of miles away, and like most rural villages,

the pub and local shop are the focal point of the community.

Our next house should be right up Kim's street.

-Lots and lots and lots of period charm in here...

-Excellent.

-..which I know you're going to love.

-Yes.

-Love it.

-I think you'll like it.

It's really interesting, this.

Plenty of land which we'll explore a bit later.

Is this what you had in mind in terms of period and character?

Not from the outside, but I don't dislike it at all.

-I think you're going to love it.

-Let's hope so.

-Let's hope so.

Look at that face! I hope so, too.

I feel a little under pressure now, but again I think this house has

the mix they're looking for, but I'm sure they'll let me know if it doesn't.

There is so much to show you here, but let's start with the kitchen.

Now this, I think, is what you were thinking about.

-This is lovely.

-Isn't it?

-Ah!

-Look.

-Oh, well done.

Nice, new range.

-That is fabulous.

-In terms of size...

It's spacious, it's not too cluttered.

-No.

-But it has got everything in here.

-Brilliant. So we like the kitchen?

-We do very much.

-I thought you might.

Top marks here then, and the bonus is that the noisy washing machine could be tucked away in the utility

room just at the end of the kitchen, where there is also a cloakroom and access to a snug, which the

girls might like to snap up as a bit of space for themselves.

Back off the hall is a more formal room.

Now, this is currently set up as the dining room.

-Lovely.

-It is a nice sized room.

Now, it has been beautifully dressed, you're going to have

to go and raid all the local antique shops in Malvern to fill this up with lots of lovely furniture.

-Well, the wallet is.

-The wallet?

Yes, the wallet. That's what we call him at home.

The girls, "Go and find the wallet."

Oh, my goodness me. You're not going to have much money left after this little expedition.

That is what is worrying me!

OK. But back to you, what the wallet might have to afford, it is really, really pretty, so you've

got this as a dining/reception room, but next door, bearing in mind this was two old cottages,

you've got a similar sized room, which is probably going to be your main living room.

Come and have a look at this.

So, very similar to the room next door, pretty much a mirror image,

OK, but this dedicated really now as the main living room.

-It's lovely.

-It's a nice size.

-Very airy, very light.

-That's nice too, a lovely wood burner there.

So how are we doing so far? I know you love it.

I'm getting a little bit nervous, not for the house, I like the house, what I have seen so far.

I'm just worried whether the land outside will match

so we get the whole package because that's always been the key problem.

We can't seem it marry the two so hopefully...

Until now.

Until now, I wonder. Let's see what we can find you upstairs.

This is great. No major fallouts yet.

Upstairs, Martin will have to grab one of the four bedrooms as a study

and then, of course, there is one each for the girls.

The well-appointed family bathroom is at the end of the landing,

but let's see what the master has to offer.

So this is what we have in store for you two.

Lovely. Yes. Lots of light.

-Yeah. Loads of light.

-Yes.

-Loads of storage too behind those doors.

-Enough room for my suits.

Come and have a look at this.

Oh, great. I'm very excited now.

-Yeah?

-Lovely.

-En suite.

-Yeah? OK.

-Yeah.

Good. I thought you would like that.

So I think...

this house is doing quite well for you.

-It's doing very well.

-Well, let's go outside because that, I think, is what is going to swing it.

-Really?

-If it needs swinging.

This is too good to be true and I don't think they will be disappointed with the outside.

OK. Let's have a look at the back of this very pretty little place.

How about that?

-That's lovely.

-Yeah?

-Isn't it sweet?

-Yes.

The gravelled area offers the opportunity for some alfresco dining,

great in the summer and it overlooks the terrific garden

packed with mature shrubs which offers a boundary between here and where the horses would live.

-OK, let's see if this promise of land is all that it has been cracked up to be, shall we?

-Yeah.

That lot...

is yours.

-Nine acres of really, really good pasture.

-That is excellent.

-Level.

-Yes, it is level as well, but you can see the quality of the grass is there, that's very good.

-That's got the potential.

-Definitely.

Now, there are no stables as such at present, but you also get that great big barn,

so I'm thinking go down the internal stable route, free standing, loose boxes.

Yes, definitely because that's certainly big enough.

-So have we completed the package?

-I don't know yet. How much?

Ah, right, OK.

The accountant comes back, you see.

Good point, all right. So how much do you think it is?

Let's hope 630, but I think it might be more.

-£630, nine acres?

-I know. I know.

I'm very nervous that you've actually gone over budget.

We're not prepared to go over budget so I'm going to have to say 650.

-650?

-Yeah.

-And you really don't want to go over budget?

No.

Well, the good news is that it's not over budget.

This could be yours if you want it for £645,000.

-OK, yeah.

-But it's all here.

Yes, it's worth it, definitely.

-I'll give you a 9.5 out of ten.

-Great.

Your pockets feeling a bit lighter?

-Yes, I'm feeling nervous now.

-Feeling sick now.

-Well, go and explore the barn. Check out this gorgeous property as well while you're at it.

-Well done.

Go and enjoy.

At £645,000, this could be the ideal property for Martin and Kim.

It has a family style kitchen/diner with a range,

four bedrooms, one of which Martin could claim as a study,

a barn that could be used for stables and it all sits on a nine-acre plot.

OK, this is a great space. We could do something with this.

Yes. Integral stables.

Yes, and the great thing about it because all the horses

are different sizes, we could get different sized stables in.

-This is nice and light. The girls would love it in here.

-Yes, but I think it'd be more practical...

-..as a boot room with the tacks secured.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

-You'd have to try and persuade those two otherwise.

-True.

In the last three years, we have seen a lot of houses and this is very close to ticking all the boxes.

So therefore, yes, it's very much a property that I'm interested in.

If I'm being highly critical, upstairs was a little small,

but I think in every property you have to compromise and that would be it, but it's still very do-able.

It's still a lovely property.

I wasn't sure you were ever going to come out of there.

-Lots to look at?

-Yes.

-Definitely worth bringing you here to see it.

-Absolutely.

-A lot to think about.

-Yes.

-And a lot to take in.

A lot to spend as well. Come on.

Like Martin and Kim, I am a passionate gardener,

creating something out of nothing is a challenge I'm used to,

but how do you go about it when your garden is a simple one-acre plot, it's a whole landscape?

I've come to this glorious estate near Bestford to find out.

Now, as Britons our love of gardening is well-known, but here at Croome Park in 1751,

one man took that passion to a whole new level.

He has rightly been described as England's greater ever gardener

and his name was Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

To discover more about the link between the estate and Capability Brown,

I'm meeting the National Trust co-ordinator, Michael Smith.

Good to see you. What a gorgeous view. Look at this place.

Why is Croome Park so significant in the story of Capability Brown?

This was the place where Brown defined his philosophy of landscape design.

He worked as the head gardener at Stow for ten years, all the time learning about how great design

could be put in place at a landscape and this is the chance, this very first chance to develop one himself.

He was handed 14,000 acres to play with by the sixth Earl of Coventry in 1751

and he created one of his grandest pieces of work.

Attention to detail was paramount and Brown even went to the extent

of moving the church to improve the landscape's horizon.

He then set about creating a parkland design for the enjoyment of his patron.

Oh, this is lovely, isn't it?

And all of a sudden this watery landscape opens up and Brown's kept this hidden until this very point.

No Capability Brown landscape is complete without water, is it?

And there are various ways of doing it. In some estates Brown had to dam an existing water course,

but here at Croome, he hasn't got any water to play with and what he does is set out a series

of immense brick line culvert drains to draw in water for the whole of the 14,000 acres of the estate.

It is very pleasing to the eye, and yet it is a complete piece of illusion.

It is like an 18th century theme park, isn't it?

You turn a corner and there's another attraction, another folly,

a grotto, maybe a statue of a water nymph.

Michael's passion for this garden is infectious and it is easy to see why.

-What have we got here?

-Just around the corner from the grotto,

we have the lasting testament to Capability Brown.

Capability Brown was very much his nickname. What Brown found here was something

called Seggymere Common, a great boggy, soggy piece of land.

Brown got that nickname from looking out at places like Seggymere, spotting their potential

and saying to his patrons, "Yes, this place has got Capability".

What do you think is his enduring legacy?

Well, it is not just the physical creation of landscape.

What Brown left as an imprint on our minds, the way we appreciate English landscape today

is very much defined by how Brown saw landscape back in the 18th century.

It is rather fitting that this memorial should be here where his career really took off.

This grand landscape may be a little over elaborate for Martin and Kim, but it's certainly worth a visit.

As the afternoon sun dies away, it's a chance to take a break

-and reflect on the search so far.

-So what do you think of the day?

-It was very interesting. The converted grain store, what did you think?

-I was pleasantly surprised.

It was very airy.

The high ceilings, both downstairs and up,

we could move in there, not have to spend any money on it at all.

-Fabulous kitchen.

-Yeah, nice kitchen.

-The garden was brilliant.

-The views were beautiful.

And the orchard for the chickens and all the animals, except for the horses. It wouldn't work.

-It just doesn't work as an equestrian property.

-No.

-What about the Victorian farmhouse?

-Now that is really gorgeous.

Each room was sizeable and airy.

-Hmm. Downstairs was stunning.

-I like downstairs.

Overall, I mean,

-that has ticked a lot of the boxes.

-It has.

It's got very close. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow

to see if they can find something that ticks all the boxes.

I don't think they'll do it.

-Well, let's see.

-I don't.

We'll have to have a bet on it!

Martin and Kim from Wolverhampton have £650,000 to spend

to find themselves an equestrian property in Worcestershire.

Two and a half years after starting their own search, they don't seem

to be able to find a house that suits their different tastes.

So far, we have shown them two properties, but coming up Kim decides it's time to cave in.

If that's the only compromise, I might be prepared to go with it.

Get that on tape!

Our final day of house-hunting is upon us and as you can probably tell, it's going to be a scorcher,

I hope in more ways than one. At this stage, I think it's a story of so far so good,

and that's because both Martin and Kim have remained very focused on what it is exactly they're after.

Today, two more properties, both very different,

but they do have one thing in common - no surprise, it's all about horses.

I can't wait to get cracking this morning as we've arranged a viewing

on a fabulous property in a rural location

two miles south of Stourport-on-Severn.

Hartlebury would be one of Martin and Kim's local villages.

As you might expect, it has a church and pub, but there are not many

villages that can boast their own castle.

Hartlebury Castle was built in the mid-13th century

as a fortified manor house and was home to the bishops of Worcester until 2007.

The servants' wing now houses the Worcester County Museum.

This next property, with its superb facilities, could be the winning ticket,

but Martin and Kim will have to be the judge of that.

-Well, I thought we'd start today here.

-Wow.

-What do you think of this?

-It's a nice yard.

-Very nice yard.

-It's the first property we've been able to show you that has stabling all ready to go.

-Yeah.

That brings us back to this tussle between whether we're finding a house with stables

or stables with a house. My sense with this place

is that it is about stables with a house.

-But the big compromise here is that.

-Yes.

-I'm not sure...

-It's a very large compromise.

It is a big compromise, but when you see what you get up there

in terms of the horses,

-I think you'll feel it was a worth coming.

-OK.

-All right.

-We'll be open-minded.

-You're going to be have to be, because the house itself

is very extensive. There's a lot of it. We'll whizz through there fairly briefly

-and then we'll go outside and see what the horses get.

-Great.

Come and have a look.

OK, let's start in here.

-Oh, it's quite impressive.

-It's a good size.

-It's not bad.

But have a look in the living room. A number of reception rooms here, but we'll start with this one.

-It's a good size.

-Yeah.

-Nice fireplace. Lovely.

That's currently got a gas fire in it,

but again, that can be reconstituted

to be the real thing. Again, the sandstone, which is lovely.

-And views out to the garden.

-Yeah.

-Follow me through here.

-OK.

Now this...

-..is a whopper of a fireplace.

-Wow.

-That is nice.

-Very nice.

-Very impressive.

-Yeah.

-Again, it has a gas fire in it for ease, really, but the flues are all there.

Let's have a look at the kitchen. It's right through here.

-After you, sir.

-Thank you.

-Ooh, lovely.

-Belfast sink, I've always wanted one of those.

It doesn't have... Well, it's an electric gas range,

-but again, size-wise, space-wise...

-It works.

-Yeah. OK.

Well, I'm being given the nod so I guess they're happy so far.

Off the kitchen is a rear lobby which is currently used as a tack room and from there

is access to a cloakroom which could be very useful.

There's also a snug study, which is small, but apart from a computer

and a printer, what more will Martin need?

And the study doesn't mean we're a bedroom down upstairs.

This house has four so there's plenty of space.

The first two rooms are a good size

and I'm sure Sarah-May and Kimberley will be happy with them.

Then there's a small guestroom or an alternative option for study for Martin.

Across the landing is the family bathroom,

which might not be grand in size, but certainly is in style.

And again, the lucky girls can make this their domain as Mum and Dad have a master suite.

-It's a decent size.

-Yeah.

-Wow!

-Yeah!

This is great. This is en suite and dressing area. Have a look.

-How about that?

-Oh, that's lovely.

-Oh, look at that bath.

-It is nice.

-Very nice.

They squeezed in a roll top there.

-So this is a nice bonus. Somewhere for all your stuff.

-Plenty of room for my suits.

-My little bit, his huge bit.

-Yeah, I love it.

It's a nice house. Yes, it needs a bit of updating and TLC...

Well, the outside is really what this place is all about. That's why we've brought you here

and that's why this house tour has been brief, because the tour outside will have to be quite extensive.

Come and have a look.

There is certainly plenty of space here for the family

and I can guarantee that the horses won't be shortchanged either.

At the back of the house, the yard is surrounded by a range of buildings,

including two foaling boxes, and then a structure containing two full-sized stables and pony box.

Then of course there is the huge barn, which gives direct access to the road for hay deliveries.

In terms of what's immediately outside the door,

your horses are very secure, very accessible.

-Hmm.

-But grazing-wise, let's have a look over here.

I think any horse would be proud to call this home.

Out there are ten acres of land providing three paddocks divided by sturdy fencing.

And I've left the icing on the cake for last.

Now then, Kim...

-..what about one of these?

-This is the business!

-Now you're talking.

-This is a beautiful outdoor school.

-It is.

-Competition spec, really.

-Oh, yes.

-You can see that.

We're a bit quiet at the moment.

I'm getting the feeling that...

-you're a bit disappointed.

-I'm gutted, I'm not disappointed.

I'm gutted, really, because it is absolutely fabulous

and there's nothing wrong with the house at all,

-but that road is a big compromise. It's one I don't think that I can take.

-Let's continue

with the rest of the acreage here.

-I think it's still worth you seeing this place.

-Yes.

That's the important thing.

I knew there had to be a reason for the quietness, but I still think they should give this property

serious consideration.

-Long walk on a hot day!

-It certainly is.

We've brought you up here because to get a sense of what this place offers you -

I know the road is an issue -

but all in all, you do get an awful lot of land.

-It's about 10.5 acres.

-Right.

But you've also got access

to Lincomb Equestrian Centre through that gate.

-OK.

-It's a 50-acre site.

It's got a 100-jump cross-country course in it.

200 quid a year is all it costs you

-to have all-year access...

-Crikey.

-..to a fantastic course.

-The girls would love that, wouldn't they?

-That's the thing, OK?

With so much on offer here for the horses and for the girls,

-it would be crazy not to show it to you.

-Absolutely.

The equestrian side

-is perfect.

-Yeah.

OK, let's think about the money, shall we?

I'm going to let you go first on this one.

-Oh, great, thanks very much(!)

-Go on, Kim.

Sorry, guys, but I think it's going to be about 595.

595. OK.

The road, I think, is a factor

and that does affect its value.

So I'm going to say 620,000.

That's why you're a very good financial director, Martin.

This is on the market at £630,000.

You were only out by ten grand.

You're absolutely right - if it wasn't for the road,

-you would add on another £50,000-100,000.

-Easily.

-Go and wander back down the hill.

-Thanks very much.

-See you later.

At £630,000,

this property does have a lot to offer anyone serious about an equestrian lifestyle.

The house is spacious with three reception rooms.

It has four bedrooms, and outside there are 10.5 acres of land,

including fives tables, three paddocks and a manege.

-Absolutely fantastic out there.

-Yeah.

-Absolutely brilliant.

-But it's just the noise of that traffic.

-Yeah.

-It is a fast road.

-It is very fast.

-That's what worries me.

Yeah, it's constant.

I thought the house was nice. The access to the riding school

and beyond, obviously a massive plus point again.

I know my daughters would love a cross-country course.

But I still have to keep coming back to my concern about that road.

This property is very difficult

because normally we find excellent equestrian facilities

and a horrible house or the other way round.

I have to say that this time,

even though the house needs a little bit of work, I'd be quite happy with both.

Well, chaps, bearing up in the heat?

-Only just!

-Jules, you've shown us such a lot

-and given us such a lot to think about as well.

-It's not over yet!

Kim is really keen to keep honeybees when they move and by doing so, she will not only be able to

harvest delicious honey, but would be performing the vital role of helping to preserve the species

which is in danger of becoming extinct by 2018.

This would have a devastating effect on food stocks and would cost the economy millions of pounds.

With that in mind, we have arranged for her and Martin to

visit a local organic vegetable farm to meet David Mills whose own bees

are giving the diminish number of wild bees a helping hand by pollinating the crops here.

So why aren't there enough wild bees to pollinate the crops?

Well, unfortunately about 20 years ago a disease was brought into this

country which has decimated the bee population.

What we're trying to do now is to redevelop the number of bees so there will be enough bees

for pollinating the beans and the wild flowers.

Without the essential role played by the honeybees, a massive 70% of our food crops would be

in danger of not being pollinated, putting our food security at risk.

It is important that the bees stay healthy so David checks his hives

regularly which also gives him the opportunity to extract the honey that has been produced.

Before opening the hive, David puffs smoke into it which has the effect of calming the colony down.

When you're handling bees, you want to handle them as gently as possible and then they don't get excited.

If you're rough with them, they'll be rough with you.

It looks as if there could be quite a lot of honey in here

so before we go down further into the hive,

we'll give them another puff of smoke

and then we'll take a comb out

and we'll see what we've got.

Now that is sealed honey, ready for extraction.

Now, if I just take some of the capping, the wax capping off,

-you will see the honey underneath.

-Look at that.

Although there are 40,000 bees in a hive, each one will only produce one teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.

Nevertheless, on a good year, David's eight hives produce

about 450 jars and this one is looking very promising.

It's beautiful.

I'm thrilled to bits.

David's hives are obviously in top condition and if Kim can follow his standard, she too will be extracting

honey and helping to restore the bee population, ensuring their vital role in our ecosystem.

Now for today's mystery house, there's clearly no point in showing Martin and Kim

a property that doesn't revolve around horses. But when it comes to the mystery house itself,

I always like to challenge my buyers, give them something to think about,

and on this occasion, I suspect to argue about.

It's time to lift the lid on our mystery house and reveal that it is just outside the hamlet of Lobans,

a stone's throw over the border into Gloucestershire

and our closest house yet to a motorway junction for Martin.

Martin and Kim would be surrounded by open countryside with plenty

of opportunities for cross-country rides through a network of bridal paths and if they need to pop

to the shops, their local village store is just a mile away in Pendock.

Now our mystery house itself is not what they asked for, but when it comes to equestrian facilities

and acreage, I can guarantee they're going to be spoilt.

OK.

-The mystery house.

-It's not a house!

It is a house. Just because it is a bungalow doesn't mean that it's not a house, Martin.

Bear with me on this one. It is a really, really pretty house and for

you, Martin, it is a bit more modern than some of the ones we have seen.

It is very comfortable and very charming.

-I don't want him to win though.

-You don't want him to win?

There is plenty for you out there.

So I think as it is the mystery house we should start back to front.

We will start with the land. Let's cut to the chase with the horses.

Satisfy you and then you can help me persuade her that this is the house you need.

-You can try, yes.

-Come on.

I do like a challenge, you know.

The competition between Martin and Kim is really hotting up

so it will be interesting to see how the mystery house pans out.

Hopefully taking a look at the equestrian facilities first will keep Kim on side.

The stable block can accommodate seven horses and is more like a five-star deluxe equestrian hotel.

You can't fail to be impressed with this and just wait until Kim sees what's around the corner.

Come and look at this.

There we go.

-Ah.

-A nice, all weather manege.

-How about that?

-Beautiful.

-Another big tick in the box.

-Good.

-Floodlights.

-Yes.

You know, again competition spec.

-The girls...

-Well, they would love it.

-Well, let's think about land, shall we?

-Go on.

-You wanted five acres, didn't you?

-Yes.

How about 20-ish?

20-ish, it could be 21.

Good grief.

This immense amount of land extends well beyond what the eye can see and

would give Kim's four horses more space than they could ever dream of.

Into the bargain, planning permission has been granted

for a further stable block should they wish to make use of it.

-I'm getting really, really scared. We've gone quiet because we're very nervous.

-Are you, why?

Either the house is terrible inside which I just don't think it will be.

There is planning permission, there is extra land.

You are just teasing now.

Let's go and check the house out.

This is for you. We've sorted the horses.

Horses done.

Marvellous. So all it is, is for you to fall in love with the house and we've done it.

-Yes.

-Well, yeah and the price.

Don't worry about the money. Come on. What's a few quid?!

Well, we started this tour back to front so we might as well come into

the house through the back door, let's start in here.

-Quite a utility room, this.

-It's huge.

Downstairs toilet in there and so on. But it's a great boot room...

-Yes, it is.

-..cum-everything.

-Yes, it is.

-Cats, dogs.

-Animal bliss.

-Still a bungalow.

It is still a bungalow. I can't change that.

-There is no pleasing some people.

-I am trying to be open-minded.

You have to be because it really is pretty. Come and look at the kitchen.

Let's talk about where the humans go for once!

-OK.

-I like the beams and...

Yeah, I think it works really well.

-It does work well.

-Plenty of work surface as well which is always good.

And of course, you have got lovely views out there to your ponies in the paddock.

That is nice.

-Yes, that would be nice.

-You see.

We talked at the very beginning, didn't we, about the idea of having the horses outside the back door.

-Yeah.

-Outside the kitchen window.

Come on, there it is, it is the dream package, guys.

-You're winning me, I think.

-Twist her arm. I think you're winning.

-He is really trying.

-Really?

Adjacent is the dining room, ideal for more formal occasions.

The French doors frame the garden beautifully.

Following on, at this end of the bungalow is the family bathroom

which has been recently refurbished with the ever popular white suite.

Next to it is the first of the three bedrooms offering one of the girls plenty of storage.

There is also a slightly smaller room which has

a massive built-in wardrobe and a lovely view over the garden.

OK, so this is three of three.

This is the biggest bedroom here, therefore it is the master.

-It doesn't have an en-suite.

-No.

You've just got the family bathroom through there, but it is all quite close and convenient.

Well, that doesn't seem to have put Kim off.

Back down the hall and right the other end of the bungalow is the lounge.

OK.

-This is impressive.

-Isn't it nice?

-It is, it's lovely.

-This is a good sized room, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-I like this.

Nice wood burner down the end there.

Very cosy and you've got these lovely double doors overlooking

your yard and your ponies again.

-I thought, Martin, you would like this.

-Yes, this is... yeah.

Martin loves this.

He is being very reserved. He loves this.

-Do you?

-Yes. It feels... me.

It is an impressive room.

-You see that, "It feels me," he said.

-No, he didn't.

-No, he didn't.

-He's fighting back.

-Cut. No, he didn't.

-OK.

Let's go and take a step out on to the veranda.

Well, here we are at the end of the tour of the mystery house.

This one is difficult.

Well, seeing as you have fallen love with it, I will ask you to go first.

It's going to be over budget. The first thought is 675,

I hope it is a little bit less,

but 66... no, 675. I will stick with my first.

675. OK. Kim.

It's a bungalow so 450.

You wish! They would be queuing up for that.

I've just bought it.

I think it's going to be over budget, but as I said before,

I'm not prepared to go over budget so I'm sticking with 650.

Well, the good news is it is not 675.

It is, however, over budget at 665.

-For 650 I think you would have a pretty good chance of getting it, if it's of interest.

-I like it.

And even though it's a bungalow, if that's the only compromise, I might be prepared to go with it.

-You have got that on tape, haven't you?

-At last. Brilliant.

Well, hold that thought, don't let it go away, keep working on it and I'll catch up with you later.

-OK.

-Off you go. Brilliant.

Well, there we are, finally we might have just about won Kim over to this and so we should have done.

It's a great property and it has got all the facilities they are after.

It maybe at the top of the budget, but it is all here.

At £665,000, this equestrian property could still be within

their reach, although Martin would have to make alternative arrangements for his office.

It does however, have a large living room with a wood burning stove, three bedrooms, seven top-of-

the-range stables and just over 20 acres of land with a manege.

The equestrian part will probably swing it for me,

but I have to say I am struggling, as nice as it is, it is not what I would really, really want.

-These stables are absolutely fabulous.

-They are.

These internal stalls would cost a lot of money to put in.

The equestrian facilities are absolutely fantastic.

It is obviously a really, really competitive, working, professional yard.

You can tell that by the quality of the build, all the equipment is just to die for. Very, very good.

There isn't a garage.

There isn't a study

so I've got to just look and not let the heart rule the head.

Look at you sunbathing!

Why not? I thought I would let you take your time in there.

-Good. All done then?

-Yes.

We have given you plenty to think about over the last few days.

-Mind-boggling.

-Well, that's a good sign.

Don't worry about it. Let's get you somewhere where you can cool down a bit and get out of the heat

and carefully consider all that you've seen and then I'll see if the pair of you have made your minds up.

-Or could agree.

-Or can agree.

There has been a competitive streak running throughout this house search, but now it is time for Kim

and Martin to consider if one of our houses could work as their new home.

Well, at long last, it is decision time.

As we know Martin and Kim have been looking for their ideal country home for at least two,

maybe three years, but as yet they haven't found it because they failed to agree on the ideal property.

So have we managed to change that? Well, let's go and ask them.

Well, you two,

how are we feeling?

Shattered.

Confused.

OK. Anything else?

-Shell-shocked.

-My goodness me, it's getting worse!

-I know.

Let's think about where it started, the old grain store.

Yes, very surprising property.

I thought it was newer than it actually was

so I was pleasantly surprised when you said it was Victorian.

-The view, spectacular, that view.

-It was a money shot when you looked from the house.

-Yeah.

-Spectacular, that view.

-Yeah.

-Size-wise, how did you find it?

-I liked it.

The high ceilings throughout gave it an airy feel.

A fabulous sized kitchen, so yes, a lovely property.

Now, the land was not flat.

-There was a sheer drop half-way through the grazing area and it was just too steep.

-OK.

We then went to, I thought, a very charming little cottage, nine acres.

You even got very close to a perfect score.

That would be my dream house definitely.

And the land was great.

The land was great. I think the only down side is you've got to put the stabling etcetera in.

Then we slept on it and we took you to a purpose-built equestrian property.

-What did you make of that one overall?

-Equestrian facilities, brilliant, couldn't fault them.

The house needed some work doing to it, but even so, it was OK.

But I'm afraid that road... Oh, no.

It's a real shame, isn't it, because actually, it did have it all.

Our final offering, the mystery house,

did therefore have an awful lot to make up for.

-Bungalow!

-It was a bungalow,

but it was full of peace and quiet.

-Yes, it was. I'll give you that.

-That stable block...

..was in my view one of the best...

appointed private yards I've seen in a long time.

-And we more than doubled the acreage.

-Yes.

-Which wasn't bad, and good acres too.

-On the equestrian side, you've delivered the full package.

But let's cut to the quick now. What do you do next?

Well, from my side, I think the mystery house has the edge.

I think Kim is still probably more inclined to the Victorian.

Ah, with the nine acres or so?

Now, you see, this is the problem we have had since the day we were married -

he shouldn't think for me because I'm going with the bungalow.

-You're going to go for the mystery house?

-I'm going to go for the mystery house.

-So we've achieved agreement?

-Yes.

-You kept that one quiet.

I'm flabbergasted.

Well, we heard it here first, Martin.

Kim and you have agreed on a property.

Well done, to you and the team. Thank you very much.

Well, I am delighted, it is a really interesting place.

I think you and the girls will be really, really happy there.

-Congratulations. Let us know how you get on.

-Will do.

-Here's to you. Cheers.

-Cheers.

Well, what a rollercoaster of a house search that has been.

Even Martin was caught completely by surprise, as indeed was I.

They're both enjoying a well earned glass of champagne as well they might.

But I have to confess when we started this search, I really didn't think we would be that successful.

After all they had been looking for quite a long time and as yet hadn't

found the house of their dreams, but in the end I think the solution has been quite a simple one.

We have actually found them a property that they can agree on and you can't argue with that.

I'll see you next time.

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