0:00:00 > 0:00:03Today I'm in a county often dubbed "the garden of Wales"
0:00:03 > 0:00:09so where better to kick off the show than next to Britain's newest and shiniest botanical garden?
0:00:09 > 0:00:14A place packed full of inspiration for anybody wanting to escape to the country.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30The couple on today's show need our help even more than usual.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33They have a dream to move to the country
0:00:33 > 0:00:36but it's proved difficult to view a house together.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Are these something you'd have to widen in general?
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Yes, some of the doors we'd have to definitely widen.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47They're pleasantly surprised by the gems we managed to unearth.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Seriously? No!- Yeah.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- What?!- You are joking!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- You are not serious!- You are joking!
0:00:53 > 0:00:54I don't want to go home!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00But will we be able to make their dream of a country life a reality?
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- Did you say you had your cheque book?- I did!
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Shall I get it out? Where is it? Down here?
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Today I'm in Carmarthenshire underneath the great glass house
0:01:12 > 0:01:15at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20Since the garden was opened in 2000 it really has transformed itself.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23It covers 500 acres and includes plants from all over the world.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Many rare species from Wales but also here in the glasshouse,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30plants from all over the world's Mediterranean climates.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34And the structure above me, 785 panes of glass,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38representing the biggest single-span glasshouse in the world.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Given the impressive glasshouse and the lush landscape,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46it's no surprise Carmarthenshire's been given the name "garden of Wales".
0:01:46 > 0:01:50In the south-west corner, Carmarthenshire is the second most visited county in Wales
0:01:50 > 0:01:53only to be outdone by neighbouring Pembrokeshire.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58The medieval castles that punctuate the hilltops in Carmarthenshire are impressive
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and date back to the 11th century.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Much of the coastline in the south-east of the county
0:02:03 > 0:02:07has been reclaimed from industrial wasteland over the last 20 years
0:02:07 > 0:02:09to reveal pristine beaches.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12However, Carmarthen Bay in the south-west
0:02:12 > 0:02:16has remained untouched since inspiring early-20th-century poet Dylan Thomas.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19It's still a big draw for holidaymakers today.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24If you are sizing up a move to south-west Wales,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26you may want to think about Carmarthenshire.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32It's something of a secret. It's often overlooked in the stampede of people racing to Pembrokeshire.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36But if you stick this side of the county line, you could be in for a bonus.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39House prices here are on average £40,000 less
0:02:39 > 0:02:41than in Pembrokeshire.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43So, if you fancy a "rare bit" of Welsh property,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46here's an idea of what's on the market right now.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52For £995,000, this six-bedroomed property is all about the outdoors.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57It's got 24 acres, landscaped gardens and 18 stables.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02After a ride around the property, you could prepare a hearty Welsh meal in the country kitchen.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Then relax by the inglenook fireplace in the drawing room.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08For those that don't have the equestrian urge,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12this six-bedroomed property is on the market for £500,000.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Outside is a barn conversion B&B business
0:03:15 > 0:03:19and inside the kitchen is spacious and the cosy living area comes with a log fire.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25And for £395,000 this stone-built 18th-century farmhouse
0:03:25 > 0:03:28comes with a single-storey barn conversion cottage.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The kitchen has a slate flagstone floor
0:03:31 > 0:03:34while the living room is dominated by a large woodburning fireplace.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Upstairs there are four bedrooms in all.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42As you can see, this stunning county
0:03:42 > 0:03:47offers the perfect backdrop to anybody wanting to start a new chapter in their lives.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51But this week's buyers, their story is a lot more dramatic than most.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52Let's meet them.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57Our house hunters this week are married couple Nick and Julie.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00They've been living in a four-bed bungalow in Kent
0:04:00 > 0:04:03with their beloved dog George for the past five years
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and now hanker for the Welsh countryside.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I've got connections there. My family came from Wales. My father was Welsh
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and my mum was brought up there as an evacuee.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16I spent most of my childhood school holidays there, visiting.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20But also I love the feel of it. To me, Wales is home.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23That explains the Welsh connection.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26But this is a property search with a difference.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Eight years ago, ex-fire-fighter Nick was involved in a car accident
0:04:30 > 0:04:32that left him paralysed from the chest down.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Although they've been thinking about the move for some time,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41viewing a property has been hard because of the practicalities of getting Nick upstairs.
0:04:41 > 0:04:47Because of Nick's needs, it's almost impossible for us to go and find a house on our own.
0:04:47 > 0:04:56Yes, for us to trawl round and try and find different properties and so on would be quite difficult.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01We're happy to help. But after spending a year modifying their current property,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03it seems they're still not happy with it.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06This house doesn't flow properly.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09It's not very well designed, in our opinion.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12It could do with knocking down and starting again!
0:05:12 > 0:05:14That's why we want to find somewhere else.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19Something with easy access is clearly important. What else is on the list?
0:05:19 > 0:05:22We like places with a bit of character.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- We're not keen on the minimalist... - I do like upstairs.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- Yeah. It's nice to escape upstairs. - We like upstairs now we've changed it.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- We do like it.- Yeah.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Three to four bedrooms. We definitely need a lovely sized kitchen.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42If we could have a nice, big farmhouse-style kitchen, that would be great for you.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45We just don't have the space to move around each other.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48So generous proportions on the inside are a must.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50But what about the outside?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52We'd like a nice bit of land as well.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Julie wants to get into doing her vegetables
0:05:55 > 0:05:59and I'd like to be able to take George for a stroll across a meadow
0:05:59 > 0:06:02or a paddock or whatever, that would be good.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07But Nick and Julie aren't just looking for more practical accommodation for themselves.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13They want outbuildings for Nick's carer and to create holiday lets for others with disabilities.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It's very difficult to find adapted accommodation.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18So if we can adapt somewhere
0:06:18 > 0:06:25that's fantastic for people to come along and enjoy their lives as much as hopefully we will
0:06:25 > 0:06:29when we move to the country, then that will be really great.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34A great idea, but what sort of accommodation within Carmarthenshire are they looking for?
0:06:34 > 0:06:39Anything from half an hour to an hour and a half from the sea would be great as well.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- We love...- That would be important.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46The idea of holiday lets, it would be an added attraction if you were near the coast.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50We love being near the sea as well. Julie's a bit of a water babe!
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Fortunately, Nick and Julie don't have to sell their current home before buying in the country.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57So how much do they have to spend?
0:06:57 > 0:07:04Our budget for the move will be £800,000, but that would have to include all the renovation costs.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05- Yes.- Definitely.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14Well, as I'm sure you can appreciate, this house search throws up some pretty unique challenges.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19Nick and Julie have been unable up to this point to view houses in a way we'd take for granted.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21They can't, for example, go upstairs.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24So how do you understand a building in its entirety?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28In terms of what they're after, that's fairly straightforward.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34Something big enough to allow Nick room to manoeuvre, which can be adapted to meet his needs.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37It needs to accommodate a live-in carer,
0:07:37 > 0:07:43and ideally they want to take on holiday lets for people who face similar challenges to Nick.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47So we'll be casting our property net all over the county,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50making sure they're within easy reach of the coast
0:07:50 > 0:07:54which will be a real bonus to the potential holiday let business.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58We'll be looking at three properties, but I won't let them know the prices
0:07:58 > 0:08:00until the end of the tours.
0:08:00 > 0:08:06And then there's the mystery house that promises to challenge their idea of a dream home in the country.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Guys, welcome to Carmarthenshire! All three of you!
0:08:12 > 0:08:16We've got Georgie with us. Hello, mate. Look at you!
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- He's so cute, isn't he? - He is a bit special.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- He's the heart of your family. - Absolutely.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I'm going to learn a lot from this week.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30The modifications you have to make to accommodate your life are pretty extensive and expensive.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34We're talking wider doorways, light switches in the right place.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37What other issues do you have to tackle?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39The best one, I think, is the bathroom
0:08:39 > 0:08:41because of the bathroom sink and mirror.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44They either put the sink too high or too low
0:08:44 > 0:08:47and the mirror is too high from where the person is seated.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- So you're constantly...- Like this, trying to look up all the time.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Absolutely. I'm always struggling. That's why I can't shave this area!
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- Variously!- All manner of problems!
0:08:58 > 0:09:00How much do you think it would cost on average
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- to convert a four-bedroom family home?- You're better at that than me.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09I reckon you're looking from somewhere between 50 to £100,000, really.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- It's quite expensive. - Depends what needs doing, though.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17Even the pathways outside, you need ramps so you can get in and out of the house.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20You have picked a gorgeous part of the country to move to.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I love it here in Carmarthenshire.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26We'll have to leave George out, though, for the house tours.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Oh, bless him!
0:09:28 > 0:09:33But we will meet him at the end, bearing in mind he's a key factor in the property you choose.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36But we've got some great things for you to look at.
0:09:36 > 0:09:37It's not raining, just yet!
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- No.- Let's see what we can find you. - Thanks.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Bearing in mind that out of their budget of £800,000
0:09:45 > 0:09:48they'll need money left to modify the property,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Nick and Julie are after a two-storey home.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09We start today's property tour 15 minutes south of Carmarthen
0:10:09 > 0:10:12in the historic village of Llanstefflan.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Located on the Three Rivers estuary of Carmarthen Bay,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19the village is overlooked by the 12th-century Llanstefflan Castle.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Our first house is just two miles away
0:10:21 > 0:10:25with views of the Dylan Thomas boathouse in Laugharne,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28perfectly situated for anyone interested in a holiday let.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31Right.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33What do you reckon?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- It looks absolutely fantastic. - Oh, wow!
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- Yeah?- Looks big.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- It's very big.- It's huge.- We're in heart of a 600-acre farm here.
0:10:41 > 0:10:49- OK.- Of which you would get that house, these outbuildings which are currently split into two lets.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- Oh, already? Excellent.- You'd need to modify them a bit.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55The precedent is there.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58And it terms of somewhere for George...
0:10:58 > 0:11:02What we've got is this lovely paddock in front of you.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Looks nice.- So not a bad start, then?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Pretty good!
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Good! Excellent.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11'In total, the property comes with five acres.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15'I just hope the internal dimensions will keep Nick and Julie smiling.'
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- After you, Julie.- Thank you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21There. What do you reckon?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- Lovely. Lovely entrance. - It's brilliant.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Where our house is similar in the front door,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29you can step back to allow people in.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Cos Nick's there in a wheelchair.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- It doesn't crowd guests coming in. - You'd be in a narrow corridor.- Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- So this is a plus.- Plenty of room.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41On the right of the entrance hall is the main living area.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Get round there? Good. - We manoeuvred that one OK.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I was a bit nervous about the doorways here,
0:11:48 > 0:11:49but it's looking good.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- This is your main living room. - Lovely and light.- Gorgeous.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I don't want to go home!
0:11:56 > 0:11:58So is this what you had in mind?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00This is looking pretty good so far, yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Absolutely.- We saw you squeezing through the door, Nick.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Are these something you'd have to widen in general?
0:12:07 > 0:12:13Some of the doors we'd definitely have to widen. I wouldn't want to struggle through that one.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15'I'm glad they like the space.
0:12:15 > 0:12:21'But heading back down the hall past the entrance, is an important part of the house for Julie.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Come on in, Julie.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Oh, my goodness! Oh, look, it's got an island!
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Come on in, Nick. What do you think? - Absolutely stunning.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- Beautiful.- It's absolutely perfect. Thank you.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37I'm not giving it away! You've got to buy it!
0:12:37 > 0:12:42But you've also got this dining area. Come and have a look.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46It does go on. Loads of space. The flooring's great.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Yes.- Nice and flat and smooth. - Very good, yeah.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52That leads on to that slate floor, which is a utility room,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56boot room and also a study/office.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I'm wondering where to put my things now!
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Great! This is all good.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Presumably, though, at this point, when you view houses,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- the tour stops for you, doesn't it, Nick?- Absolutely.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- You can't go upstairs. - No upstairs for me, no.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Well, we've got you through the front door and the ground floor.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Now we'll get you upstairs through the wizardry of TV.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22Can we have the laptop? Our glamorous assistant. Thank you. Look, no expense spared!
0:13:22 > 0:13:27What we've done is, Nick, we've pre-shot it so you can follow the camera through.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30And I'll describe to you what's up there.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Here we go.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38As you see, a big wide landing area,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42which is great, one of the attractions of this property for you.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- And all in all, five bedrooms.- Five?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Yeah.- Oh, is that all?!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Sorry, we let you down there!
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This is the first one. They've got it set up as a guest room.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- This is all very clever. - There, you see!- Wonderful.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Superb.- Is this working? - Absolutely, yes.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05Further down the L-shaped hallway, there are two modern family bathrooms,
0:14:05 > 0:14:10followed by two bedrooms, one single, and a good-sized double.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Finally, towards the end of the hall, two more large double rooms.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16So this is bedroom four, now.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Plenty of room for a great big double room.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22One thing to point out is that that wall
0:14:22 > 0:14:25that separates the fourth bedroom from the master bedroom
0:14:25 > 0:14:29is a stud wall. What we were wondering is whether or not
0:14:29 > 0:14:36you would basically create a master suite at that end of the house for you.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39By taking down the shared wall in the master bedroom
0:14:39 > 0:14:41and using the plumbing in the en-suite,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45it would be possible to create an accessible bedroom and bathroom.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48That's the main house covered, so it's time to head outside.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52There are outbuildings that could be converted to accommodate a carer
0:14:52 > 0:14:55but we're going to explore the holiday lets.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57On the right, Nick, is a bathroom.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Oh, yeah.- It serves the whole thing.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- The great thing is the width of this hallway.- It's very good, actually.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Opposite the bathroom are two good-sized double bedrooms
0:15:09 > 0:15:12and at the end of the hall is the kitchen/dining area.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- There you go. Quite big, isn't it? - Yeah.- I'm surprised.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It looks like it's got good potential, this.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24Next door is another annexe with one large double bedroom and a kitchen/diner.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28There's a lot of property here for Nick and Julie to consider
0:15:28 > 0:15:30so it's time to head outside and talk money.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Right, then.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37Let's settle down where we started. There it is.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Now you know what you get. Go on, make me an offer. You've got £800,000.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45I reckon we're probably in at about 760.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I'll say 750.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53- Supposing it was closer to six? - Right, I'd start packing!
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Let me put you out of your misery.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- You could have this for £595,000. - Seriously no!- Yep.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Really.- I'm not leaving!
0:16:05 > 0:16:09At £595,000, this five-bed farmhouse
0:16:09 > 0:16:12is £200,000 under budget.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24After another look around, what do Nick and Julie think about it?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I think it's absolutely fantastic. Look at that view! Lovely.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31The first time I saw this house, the view was breathtaking.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I couldn't believe it was so near the water as well.
0:16:34 > 0:16:41That was one thing we didn't dare put in the tick box. It's a complete wonderful surprise. I love the sea.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43The layout was really, really good.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47The rooms are big, so there's good turning circles.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49It's all looking quite positive, really.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52That was a pretty good start to the proceedings.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Yeah, not too bad. I think you've tried quite well!
0:16:57 > 0:17:00"Not too bad"?! There's no pleasing some people!
0:17:00 > 0:17:03It's gorgeous. Great price, great location.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Absolutely fantastic. Very good.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Keep it on the list.- We will, without a doubt.- Come on. - Fantastic.- Thank you.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21With approximately three million visitors coming to Carmarthenshire every year,
0:17:21 > 0:17:26it's an ideal location for Nick and Julie to kick-start their dream of holiday lets.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31But this wasn't always the case, and Kidwelly is a town that tells the story
0:17:31 > 0:17:35of the dramatic transformation that's taken place over the centuries.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Kidwelly has long been a busy commercial and trading centre.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41During the Industrial Revolution,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44this area housed nearly 400 workers
0:17:44 > 0:17:48that helped to produce around half of the world's production of tin plate.
0:17:48 > 0:17:55Between 1737 and 1941, Kidwelly was home to the Kidwelly Tin Plate Works.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57After the supply of tin dried up,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00the area became an industrial wasteland.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04But over the last 15 to 20 years, it's been successfully regenerated,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07creating a very profitable tourism industry.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11A draw card for tourists and a symbol of the town's colourful history
0:18:11 > 0:18:13is Kidwelly Castle.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16This is one of the best-kept medieval structures in Wales.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20So we've sent Nick and Julie to meet mayor Fran Burke-Lloyd
0:18:20 > 0:18:23so they can soak up some of the history.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Welcome to the interior of Kidwelly Castle.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27It was built initially in 1106
0:18:27 > 0:18:31by the Normans, and as you can see, it's been fortified over the years
0:18:31 > 0:18:34because it's been attacked by so many armies.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37The outside, where Kidwelly Tower is now,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39was laid to waste by one of these armies.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43But they never actually managed to destroy this one.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47All four corners of Kidwelly Castle and all the towers are all full height.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51This is very unusual. It's so well-kept.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- It's the best preserved castle in Wales.- Wonderful. Fantastic.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01Importantly for Nick, Kidwelly Castle is also wheelchair accessible.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06In fact, local authorities have ensured that many parts of Carmarthenshire are accessible,
0:19:06 > 0:19:11even coastal areas and beaches, notoriously difficult for wheelchair users.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15A good example of this is Pembrey Country Park.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17This is called Cefn Sidan beach.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- Roughly translated, it means silky sands.- OK.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26It's eight miles long, and is the longest beach in Wales.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30This particular part is blue-flagged.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- On the other side, you can take dogs. It's dog friendly.- Good.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41So it's fully geared-up for people in wheelchairs so it's ideal for our business.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46The park is proud of the fact they are wheelchair friendly,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49inasmuch as they even provide, free of charge,
0:19:49 > 0:19:55- powered mobility chairs. - Is that right?- Fantastic.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59So you can get through the park. So if you don't have one,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- you are able to get around. - Brilliant.- There's freedom for all your guests.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05That's really good for us to know.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09They even host the disabled dry-skiing championships here every year.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13So it looks like Nick and Julie will have plenty to offer people
0:20:13 > 0:20:15that might stay in their holiday lets.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20As the weather closes in,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23that's it for our first day of house-hunting.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Let's hope we've given Nick and Julie food for thought.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Coming up: we up the property anti with a ready-to-go business.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- Currently, these are turning over about 20,000 a year.- Really?
0:20:36 > 0:20:41But will the mystery house blow everything else out of the water?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I can see myself living here. I'm not sure I want to go home!
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Our second property is moments away
0:20:50 > 0:20:55from the town of Newcastle Emlyn on the north-west border of Carmarthenshire.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Overlooked by the ruins of its 12th-century castle, and straddling the River Teifi,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02this bustling town of around 1,000 people
0:21:02 > 0:21:05is known for its colourful family-run businesses.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08So Nick and Julie's holiday lets should be in good company.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13Right, then. Here we are. This is where we start our final day, guys.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- Ooh.- What do you reckon?- Yeah, it looks quite impressive.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- I'm guessing that's like a holiday let place? - You guess absolutely correctly.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28We've got you three purpose-built money-making holiday lets here.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- Currently, these are turning over about 20,000 a year.- Really?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Yes.- Good.- But we also have in place
0:21:35 > 0:21:41- planning permission for a building that size to go there.- Really?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- So lots of possibilities here. - Absolutely.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'This property does need work done on both floors
0:21:47 > 0:21:50'as wheelchair access is a problem.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54'So we're heading in through the rear. But they said they were happy to make changes.'
0:21:54 > 0:22:00In you go, Nick. So we've started in the kitchen, using these big double doors and the ramps.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- But that could be adapted easily. - Yeah, not a problem.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- What do you think?- Absolutely fine. - It's nice and big. - It's a nice place.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Lovely and spacious.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16That door goes through to a very big downstairs shower room and bathroom.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Through there is a utility room, boot room and so forth.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23So again, a useful space with another door out to the garden.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Very good.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29'The spacious kitchen/diner connects to a large rectangular lounge,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32'but the living space doesn't stop there.'
0:22:32 > 0:22:33No problem.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- As you can see... - It's a lovely size.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It's a great size. But it does all go on. Come and look through here.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44What we have got is this conservatory arrangement through there.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Right.- That's good. - Again, it drops a level.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- So you'd need to resolve that. But it's a nice space.- We've got one
0:22:51 > 0:22:53and we use it a lot.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57'Off the living area is a hallway that doubles as a study.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'But once again we're heading upstairs using the laptop
0:23:00 > 0:23:04'so Nick and Julie can tour the property together.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:08We're going through... Again, this is an issue, this narrowness.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11But this is all stud.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- OK.- So this whole wall which creates that long corridor
0:23:14 > 0:23:16off which come all the other rooms,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- you could completely re-jig that. - Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21First up, the family bathroom.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- It looks a nice size.- It's lovely.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29But I think that the radical thought here is that you empty the upstairs.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- Yes.- And start again and configure the space as best. - The way we need it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Yes.- I like the sound of re-jigging things!
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Off the hall are three bedrooms,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41one single with a Juliette balcony,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43a cosy double bedroom
0:23:43 > 0:23:46and the master bedroom at the end of the property.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Outside it also benefits from 4.5 acres to the rear,
0:23:51 > 0:23:55offering plenty of space for George to get a bit of exercise.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59But we're heading to the largest of the three holiday lets.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Nice to get out of the rain.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- Yeah, definitely.- It is. - Horrible day.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06As you can see, this is the biggest of the three lets.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- They're all very similarly appointed.- Right.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11These nice oak units
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- and kitchen area there. Electric cookers and so on.- Yep.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Then obviously something of a living area here.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22They've all got a central staircase and they've all got two bedrooms.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25The big issue, of course, is getting up and down.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31I know. That's the thing. Yesterday, the potential holiday lets were all on one level.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Yes.- And you had a lot of space around.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- Yep.- I'm not sure how we'd change this into what we particularly want to do.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42This property certainly would need a fair degree of reconfiguring.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Whether that is feasible depends on the price.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48So as we head into the conservatory, it's time to talk money.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53Let's have a think about the price, based on what you have seen.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57I reckon... I would say 650.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- 650.- I was going to say that or under.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- 650 it is.- Is it?- Yeah!
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- Really?- On the nose. - I actually got it right?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09You both got it right.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- There's a good guess.- That's funny.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Quite a lot of money to spare in terms of being able to modify it.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19But it does come with these fantastic lets.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23So I think we should get you a chance to look at them
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and then I'll catch up with the pair of you out the front.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28It's going to be a sticking point now.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44The holiday lets currently earn £20,000 a year.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49If there's money left over from the modifications,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52there's planning permission for a commercial building.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56I think this house has got wonderful holiday lets to it,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59but I'm not so keen on the actual house itself
0:25:59 > 0:26:02because it needs quite a lot of changes made to it.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05So really, it would be quite a major upheaval for us.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Which we'd have to do before we moved in, without a doubt.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12These holiday lets are absolutely cracking.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17There's a lot of potential with this one, but the house was a bit of a disappointment.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20So we'll just have to see how it goes, really.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Well, guys, I can find nice houses, but I can't change the weather, I'm afraid!
0:26:25 > 0:26:27It's really caught up with us now.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Never mind.- It's not good, is it?
0:26:29 > 0:26:31But don't let it put you off.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- It's a gorgeous house, and Wales isn't always like this!- Are you sure?- I promise you!
0:26:35 > 0:26:39It's gorgeous. One more to come and that's the mystery house.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Brilliant.- Come on.- I can't wait.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52Take it from somebody who lives here in west Wales, this sort of weather is not exceptional.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55But our mystery house, well, that is.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59What's more, both Julie and Nick would not normally want to look at it.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02That's exactly why I want to show it to them. It's just down here.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Not a bad spot, is it?
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Today's mystery house is just over 20 miles north-east of Carmarthen
0:27:09 > 0:27:11in the tiny rural village of Talley.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16Best known for the ruins of Talley Abbey destroyed during the Reformation,
0:27:16 > 0:27:22this little village boasts some typical robust Welsh homes built to weather any storm.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24One such building is this barn conversion.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30With four acres of land, again we're giving Nick and his dog George plenty of space for walks.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33There's also a peaceful landscaped garden to enjoy.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36But I know they prefer a home with an upstairs
0:27:36 > 0:27:39so I can't wait to see what they make of the mystery house.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Because on paper, it's a bungalow.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Right, guys. This is our mystery house.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48What do you think of that?
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Um...
0:27:49 > 0:27:54Absolutely stunning. I love it. It looks fantastic from the outside.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- But I thought you didn't like bungalows?- Well,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00this one could be a different type of bungalow! It's stunning.
0:28:00 > 0:28:06'It looks like our gamble could be paying off. It looks great on the outside,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10'but the barn conversion is extremely high spec inside as well.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14'Off the entrance hall, there's a guest shower room and a large double bedroom.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19'But it's the open-plan living area I'm hoping will really impress Nick and Julie.'
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- Oh, wow!- Yes!
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Oh, my goodness!- That's pretty special! Pretty special!
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Oh!- Very, very nice. - You like?- Yeah, lovely.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31I thought you might, mate! Not bad, is it?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35As you can see, see these windows here...
0:28:35 > 0:28:40You probably wouldn't realise this, but Nick can't see out of conventional sized windows.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- They're always too high.- Ah.- So this is actually perfect.- Fantastic.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48The lovely thing about these is that you can come in and out.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- Yeah, through the... - Through one of ten double doors.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- Yes.- All the length of the building.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- Did you say you had your cheque book in the back?- I did. - Shall I get it out?
0:28:58 > 0:29:04Come on. Lead on, Nick. Let's go and explore. It's sort of zoned
0:29:04 > 0:29:07because everything is very light and airy.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- This, obviously, is the main living area.- Yeah.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13A lovely view out into the garden.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18This atrium divides the main bits of this house in half, really.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22A water feature in there. It lets loads of light in through that glazing.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27On the left is a small utility room and the small third bedroom.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32But this is what I want us to really soak up.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- I think this is great. - The worktop is beautiful.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Yes, it's South American stone, so I'm told.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- It's stunning.- Wonderful.- Absolutely breathtaking, the whole thing.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Good. But the really clever bit, look at this.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50This is quite good. The kitchen is completely freestanding.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- Yep.- Ah.- So you can move it. - Oh, wow!- Really?- Yeah.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56All of this you can pick up and put wherever you want.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01So I know that a clear run through the corridor is obviously important.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03There's room enough here now.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07But if you wanted, you could take this away and leave this completely free.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Brilliant.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Look at that smile. I'm really chuffed you like it.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16I couldn't be more pleased with how the tour is going so far.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Next to the kitchen is an impressive bathroom,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22and past that, the master bedroom and en-suite.
0:30:23 > 0:30:29- OK. Your master bedroom, Nick. - Well, yeah!
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- Very nice.- Yeah?- Very nice.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Julie?- I could live here!
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- I bet you could.- Yeah.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Go through that door there, and see what you can find.- Right.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Wonder what he makes of this. Have a look.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48I think this is great!
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- Ah, it's looking good!- Yeah? - If not a little dark, though.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Hang on, let me see. Ooh... There we go!
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- That's better.- Yeah? And the fan's kicked in.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01This is the best so far, without a doubt.
0:31:01 > 0:31:07- We would have to make some alterations...- Taking that out. - Taking the cubicle apart.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Yeah, but it's the only thing, really, that we've seen...
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- It's the closest we've come. - ..that you've got to change.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16I didn't expect to get this close.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18At the rear of the house,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21accessed from the living area and the master bedroom,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25there's a wonderful surprise for Nick that I hope will be the icing on the cake.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Come in under the dry bit, there.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- Look at this!- This is what I was hoping, something for George.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- He loves swimming.- Never mind George! I'm thinking about you!
0:31:35 > 0:31:37I don't mind a bit of swimming myself!
0:31:37 > 0:31:39He will be so happy!
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- Look at this!- How warm is it?
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- Fantastic.- It's perfect.- Brilliant.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Is there a jet in here? - I don't know if there's a jet.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49But it's 27 degrees all year round.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Yes, there is one.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53Yes, there is.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57So you can swim against that.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Oh, wow!
0:31:59 > 0:32:01To your heart's content.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Also included with the property is a triple garage
0:32:04 > 0:32:07that has had planning permission to extend.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Although the permission has lapsed, the precedent is there
0:32:10 > 0:32:15and could make an ideal residence for a carer and a holiday let.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- So, let's have a think about... - Oh, dear.- ..the price, shall we?
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- It's definitely over budget. - How much over budget?
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- 895.- I would have said nine anyway.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- 900,000.- OK. If it were nearer £800,000,
0:32:32 > 0:32:36I think this would be crazy not to be considered.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Yeah. I think you'd be looking more at it if it was around eight.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Yeah. 750?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44750 would sound very good, yeah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- Then we could do the garage. - 750 would be very good.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- If it were six, you'd have £200,000 left over.- You are teasing.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- If it were six, I'd definitely get a cheque out.- Nothing like this.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Get your cheque out, mate, cos you could have this for £500,000.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- What?!- You are joking! - You are not serious!
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- £500,000?!- You're joking.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- 500,000.- Nobody gives that away.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Well, it's up for sale and it could be yours if you want it.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15It's like a holiday let for £500,000.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- A holiday home. It's just too... - Unbelievable.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- You're speechless!- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- I am utterly speechless. - Absolutely.- I was thinking 950. - I don't know what to say.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- Well, we've saved you then, what, £450,000.- Yeah.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34Go and have a good look around. Think about what it's going to cost you. I'll see you later.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- I'm going straight to the car to get the cheque book!- Start filling it in!- Definitely.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Brilliant. I'm absolutely delighted.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Often, the mystery house does throw up one or two surprises.
0:33:44 > 0:33:50This is no exception. They came here saying, "We don't want a bungalow." That's exactly what it is.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52But what a bungalow!
0:33:52 > 0:33:54And you get a pool.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Might even go for a dip myself!
0:34:24 > 0:34:28What I like about the property is the open plan-ness.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I didn't really think I'd like somewhere that's open plan.
0:34:31 > 0:34:37I can get around OK, so it's absolutely ideal for what I require.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39I could see myself living here.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41I'm not sure I want to go home!
0:34:46 > 0:34:51Whilst in Carmarthenshire, I took the opportunity to visit a favourite place of mine -
0:34:51 > 0:34:53the National Botanic Garden of Wales,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56the first of its kind to be created in the new millennium,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00set within 500 acres of Regency parkland.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05Since the gardens opened ten years ago, I've had the chance to pop in and out
0:35:05 > 0:35:09and they really are transforming themselves year on year.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13For many visitors, the great glasshouse is the centre of attention,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17but behind the scenes an awful lot is going on here. You just have to know where to go.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Apart from creating gardens with plants from around the world,
0:35:22 > 0:35:28the mission statement for these gardens is to research and conserve the native plant species of Wales.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32Dr Natasha de Vere heads up the conservation and research department
0:35:32 > 0:35:35and she explains how they go about preserving Welsh plants.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Let's show you one of our rarities that we work with.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Sorbus leyana, Ley's Whitebeam, this tree here,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- is critically endangered in the wild.- Why? What happened to it?
0:35:46 > 0:35:49It's found in the wild. This was found outside Merthyr Tydfil,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53either side of the dual carriageway on limestone cliffs,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56clinging to the rock face. There's just 16 of them.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- So 16 in the wild and at least one more there.- One more there,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- but there's a few more I could show you.- Let's have a look.
0:36:03 > 0:36:0920 per cent of the 1,140 plants in Wales are close to extinction.
0:36:09 > 0:36:15But the Rare Welsh Plant project aims to eventually repopulate areas that are losing native species,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19bringing back balance to the natural eco system.
0:36:19 > 0:36:26- What are we looking at?- First, I showed you the Sorbus leyana, Ley's Whitebeam plants in the garden.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Just 16 of those in the wild. As you see over here...- Loads of them!
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Loads. Hundreds of them.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35So we've been growing them from stock here at the garden
0:36:35 > 0:36:42so we can learn more about them, how they reproduce in the wild, how they do in the wild.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Potentially some of these plants will also be reintroduced.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49So 16 of those in the wild. Anything rarer than that, if it's possible?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Ah, well. We've got these ones here.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55This is wild cotoneaster.
0:36:55 > 0:37:01- Cotoneaster cambricus. There are just six of those left in the wild. - Six? Where are these?
0:37:01 > 0:37:05These are found on the Great Orme in Llandudno in North Wales.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10This species was particularly famous with Victorian naturalists.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13This was called the Great Orme berry.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16A souvenir of their trip to Llandudno would be a bit of this.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- So they decimated the native population?- Yeah.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23One of the main reasons why this plant went down to six individuals
0:37:23 > 0:37:26was because so many were collected by Victorian naturalists.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31But saving endangered plants is just part of a grander plan.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34So we headed up to the laboratory to find out how Natasha and her team
0:37:34 > 0:37:38plan to preserve all the plant species in Wales.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43This is where our projects happen, where we're working on the wild cotoneaster.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46The other thing we're doing in here is our DNA bar-coding project.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51The DNA bar-coding programme will ensure that the genetic makeup of Welsh plants
0:37:51 > 0:37:54is kept on file for future reference,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58creating a comprehensive catalogue for other researchers to make use of.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03This is, in this tray, there are two of everything of the Welsh flora's DNA
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- within these different tubes. - All the species of Wales?- Yes.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- It's Noah's Ark in the fridge! - Yes, two of everything in there!
0:38:11 > 0:38:16This research will enable scientists to create a genetic encyclopaedia
0:38:16 > 0:38:21of rare Welsh plants, some of which do not exist anywhere else in the world.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27So this really is absolutely crucial in managing the flora and fauna of Wales going forward.
0:38:27 > 0:38:33Yes. It means whenever you need to identify something and you haven't got enough material to do so,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37you can use bar-coding to do it. So the applications are huge.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- And it's all in the fridge. - It's all in the fridge!
0:38:40 > 0:38:46I love it. You come to this garden and you never know that this old fridge was that important!
0:38:51 > 0:38:55As you saw, we finished a very long final day's house-hunt
0:38:55 > 0:38:58in the wet and gloom of a Welsh day.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02The good news is that this morning the sun has come back to greet us.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05So it's decision time for Nick and Julie.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Has this gorgeous start to the day helped to shed any light on their future?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Let's go and ask them.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Well, guys, at long last the rain has passed today,
0:39:19 > 0:39:23I'm delighted to say. It was a long tiring day yesterday.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- We're shattered now.- Let's remind ourselves of where it all started.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31That really extensive white farmhouse. What did you make of that?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I loved the location. It was absolutely brilliant.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40But I'm not sure about the house itself. We'd need to do a few changes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- Quite radical changes. - Was it too much to take on?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I don't think it would be too much to take on.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52- We're more than capable of being able to sort things like that out. - Definitely.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56With a bit of chopping and changing and getting it right in your mind
0:39:56 > 0:39:58before we actually were to get into it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00I think it could work for us.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Well, then we let you sleep on it
0:40:03 > 0:40:09and we woke up to an incredibly wet day for our final day of house-hunting with a lot to pack in.
0:40:09 > 0:40:15We showed you that quite interesting property with three very lucrative and ready to go holiday lets
0:40:15 > 0:40:19and of course, the three-bedroomed house. What happened there?
0:40:19 > 0:40:22I think the house was not really right for us
0:40:22 > 0:40:26because it has only got a kitchen/diner with a separate lounge area
0:40:26 > 0:40:28and the ceilings were a bit low.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32I know it's got a conservatory, but I think it's too small
0:40:32 > 0:40:35for just enjoying it, really.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I think you'd always feel quite closed in.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43Then we took you to the mystery house, which was everything you said you didn't want!
0:40:43 > 0:40:46A bungalow and, of course, open plan.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48But it was pretty special, wasn't it?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51It's stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I think, because it literally flows,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56for Nick, he could just go backwards and forwards.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58The best part are the windows.
0:40:58 > 0:41:04Unless you're a wheelchair user, you don't appreciate that all levels are too high to look out.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I get the feeling that even if you were there on your own,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10you'd be quite at home, quite safe and quite happy
0:41:10 > 0:41:13and could move around with as much freedom as you wanted.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Definitely. Even with the land and the garden as well,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19it was all lovely and flat
0:41:19 > 0:41:23and there were no real problems with anything, really.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28- All accessible.- Yeah.- If it was a plot, you couldn't have built it any better.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- No.- It's almost like it's been architecturally designed for you.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36At this point, I should ask you what happens next.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38But I think we should get George involved here,
0:41:38 > 0:41:43as the fourth member of this decision-making process.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- Come here, mate. There we are. - Good boy.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48So, what happens to all of you now?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Well, on the mystery house,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56I'd like to take Julie's perspective and see what her idea of it is.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59I absolutely loved it, but I've not got much feedback from her.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We're going to view it this afternoon, time permitting.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Obviously we're very keen on it.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09We're looking at it with a view to what we need to buy or have built in there.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- To store things like the wheelchairs and bits and pieces.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16But we've got the lapsed planning permission on it as well.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19There's a big possibility with that.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24It's definitely worth a conversation with the planners before you proceed with a purchase.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Whatever happens it's been a real pleasure having you on the show.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- Let us know how you get on. - We will do.- I really do wish you the very best of luck.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - We loved it.- And you, Georgie boy!
0:42:42 > 0:42:44For all sorts of very good reasons,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48this has to be one of the more rewarding house-hunts I've done on the show.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Certainly in terms of being able to show Nick houses
0:42:51 > 0:42:55in a way that he hasn't been able to before has been a pleasure.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58And we've given them a real choice of fantastic properties,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02one of which I hope will be their new escape to the country.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05And, like the weather, it's turned out beautifully.
0:43:05 > 0:43:12If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:12 > 0:43:14and would like our help, please apply online:
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd