0:00:02 > 0:00:05We all know that selling property can be a tricky business.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10But who would accidentally include the sale of a 13th-century castle when selling their house?
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Well, just over 40 years ago, that's exactly what happened here -
0:00:14 > 0:00:18a spectacular mistake in a spectacular setting.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33'On today's show it's a mother and daughter reunion.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36'We'll help them find a home together
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'from a selection of excellent country properties.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41'And, if they can learn a bit of give and take...'
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Everybody must stay out. It's mine.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46'..we could exceed all expectations.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Jules, you've surpassed yourself!
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today we're in Carmarthenshire in South Wales,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59and these are the glorious ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Back in 1966 the then tenant farmer
0:01:02 > 0:01:05who farmed the 200 acres around these ruins
0:01:05 > 0:01:08had a chance to buy them and the farmhouse.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12What he hadn't expected is that he'd also end up owning the castle.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14The then owner, Lord Cawdor,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18had inadvertently included the castle in the title deeds,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20a fantastic stroke of luck for the farmer.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25Today, he and his family welcome 100,000 visitors every year.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Lying in South West Wales,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32bordered by Pembrokeshire to the west and Ceredigion to the north,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Carmarthenshire is the third-largest Welsh county.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38The River Towy flows through its heart,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and it's surrounded by stunning agricultural scenery,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43from verdant, rolling hills inland
0:01:43 > 0:01:46to the vast expanses of golden sandy beaches
0:01:46 > 0:01:49that are the hallmark of the southern coast.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54To the east lie some of the least explored areas in Brecon Beacons National Park,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57overlooked by the brooding Black Mountain.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Carmarthenshire's landscape is scattered
0:02:00 > 0:02:02with the remains of ancient medieval castles
0:02:02 > 0:02:07and historic market towns, lined with traditional Welsh stone cottages.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Boasting beautiful countryside and a glorious coastline,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16it's little wonder that Carmarthenshire is fondly known as "the garden of Wales".
0:02:17 > 0:02:21For a long time, Carmarthenshire has been regarded as a well-kept secret,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24but recent figures would seem to belie that.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Three million people a year enjoy the spoils of this county,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31spending an estimated £332 million.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Combine that with house price figures and the picture is even rosier.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39The national average across the UK is around £260,000,
0:02:39 > 0:02:44but in Carmarthenshire the average property will set you back a cool £176,000.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48So plenty of reasons to make this place your new home.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53In the rural outskirts of Laugharne you could get your hands
0:02:53 > 0:02:59on this fabulous five double-bedroom property, on the market for £635,000.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02With four reception areas and a huge kitchen/diner,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06it also features a detached two-bedroom, self-contained annexe
0:03:06 > 0:03:09and comes with some five acres of land.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Or, if you're looking to spend £355,000,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16this 18th-century stone-built house in Llanelli
0:03:16 > 0:03:18comes with four bedrooms, two receptions
0:03:18 > 0:03:23and a super-slick, open-plan kitchen/breakfast room.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Lastly, £265,000 is the price tag attached
0:03:27 > 0:03:30to this considerable five-bed family home
0:03:30 > 0:03:32in the rural village of Llanboidy.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36It comes with three reception rooms, a bright country kitchen
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and half an acre of landscaped gardens.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Whatever your budget, Carmarthenshire should not disappoint you -
0:03:44 > 0:03:48which is precisely why today's buyers want to move here.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52'Plymouth-based mother and daughter June and Claire
0:03:52 > 0:03:57'decided to partner up after Claire fell ill with a debilitating condition.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59'Claire herself is mum to four
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'and lives five minutes from June's four-bedroom house in this rented property
0:04:03 > 0:04:06'with her two youngest children, Samuel and Natasha.'
0:04:06 > 0:04:12In 2004, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16which is an autoimmune system disorder
0:04:16 > 0:04:19that affects the cells and organs of the body.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23In my case, it affects my joints.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Although it's not degenerative in any way,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29it leaves me in a lot of pain and fatigue.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32'They're hoping that a good dose of Welsh country air
0:04:32 > 0:04:35'will be the ticket to a more relaxed and healthy life,
0:04:35 > 0:04:39'even though June has never actually set foot in Wales.'
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I've seen Wales on the television.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44I've heard about Wales.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48I've met a few people that have been to Wales, and they all say the country's beautiful.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52We discussed it and thought that South Wales was probably the best option
0:04:52 > 0:04:56as it's within a reasonable driving distance back,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00because I have two other children, grown up, left home.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04'They'd like to live in a village location with a community close by.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06'But what about the house itself?'
0:05:06 > 0:05:10From the new property we would need four good-size bedrooms,
0:05:10 > 0:05:11a large kitchen,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15two reception rooms so that Mum and I have separate space.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20I would dearly love, out of all of the choices, a nice kitchen.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23And also a nice large garden if possible.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25We're not looking for a mansion,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29but we're looking for something with a lot of room.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I love doing DIY,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36and over the years I've done a few little projects, when my lupus has allowed.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40In this house this is the only thing I've done for Mum.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44She's got a lot of clutter in her utility room
0:05:44 > 0:05:46and she needed more space.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I'm looking forward to a new house,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53getting stuck in to a new project,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56building things, knocking things down. It'll be fun.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I like sewing and quilting.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I've only just started quilting,
0:06:01 > 0:06:02so I'm a novice.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05But I would like to learn more about it.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07'Having left home at 17,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11'it's been many years since Claire lived with her mother.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16'So do they have any apprehensions about sharing a home after all this time?'
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- We can generally compromise quite easily.- That's right.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25Really easily. So I honestly don't think...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- that she's going to disagree with me. - SHE LAUGHS
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I don't think there's going to be a problem. I think we will be fine.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35'June is selling her house to finance the move.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39'It's on the market for a fraction under £250,000.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42'So what's the final figure we have to work with?'
0:06:42 > 0:06:46If you managed to find us the right house
0:06:46 > 0:06:49that felt right when we went into it,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51for both of us,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55then the maximum budget would be £250,000.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Clearly Claire isn't going to let her illness get the better of her
0:07:01 > 0:07:06and, along with mum June, is determined to start not just a whole new chapter in her life
0:07:06 > 0:07:08but, I think, a whole new book.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10But what is going to be in it, I wonder?
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Well, it will start with a great big picture of a lovely four-bedroom house
0:07:14 > 0:07:16with a nice big kitchen, a decent garden,
0:07:16 > 0:07:21all within striking distance of a good local community and local schools.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Who knows? It might even be a bestseller.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28'June and Claire want to move to South Wales
0:07:28 > 0:07:30'but haven't specified an exact area.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32'So we've chosen Carmarthenshire,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35'which we believe will offer them the best value for their money.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38'They need easy access to visit relatives in Plymouth,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42'so we'll focus our search on the villages surrounding Carmarthen,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44'directly linked to the M4 corridor.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48'We've found some first-rate properties for them to view.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50'As usual, I won't reveal the prices
0:07:50 > 0:07:54'until they've each had a guess as to their market value.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57'And, to top it off, we'll also be unveiling the mystery property,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59'where they could be seeing double.'
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Good morning, Claire. Hi, June. How are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Nice to find you here in Wales, something of my patch
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- but, I gather, a wholly new experience for you both.- It is.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20And whose idea was it to come to Mid Wales?
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- Claire's.- Mine. - All right. Why, Claire? Why here?
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Because it's so beautiful.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30It's got the stress-free environment
0:08:30 > 0:08:33that I love and Mum deserves.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36And it's perfect for bringing up the kids.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40They're both nature-loving animals.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41THEY LAUGH
0:08:41 > 0:08:46They've got plenty of company here. There's lots of nature to look at and enjoy.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I think we're in a good position to find you what you're looking for.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53We've got a reasonable budget for your expectations in a gorgeous area.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56I love it here. I've been here for over 20 years.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58I think you're doing the right thing.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- The weather's fine. Let's see what we can find you.- Fantastic.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05'With £250,000 to spend,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08'June and Claire have given us virtually free rein.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11'They want a spacious four-bedroom house
0:09:11 > 0:09:13'offering them a reception room each,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15'and June fancies a modern kitchen/diner.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19'Outside, they're after a good-size garden for the kids to play in.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21'The rest they've left up to us.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24'Let's hope one of the houses we've chosen
0:09:24 > 0:09:26'suits them both down to the ground.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32'Our first property is in the small town of St Clears,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35'ten miles west of Carmarthen.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37'Believed to date back to the 12th century,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39'St Clears lies on the River Taf.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42'The town has a strong sense of community,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45'complete with a range of independent shops
0:09:45 > 0:09:47'and a couple of watering holes.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49'Situated down a small lane,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53'our first stop is a semi-detached stone cottage dating back 200 years.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56'Originally a terrace of four small cottages,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00'it was converted into two separate houses about 40 years ago.'
0:10:00 > 0:10:03The half that you would get is the left-hand portion.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It looks very nice. Very Welshy.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Very Welshy? That's a new word! You heard it here first. Welshy.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Do you like it, Claire? What do you think?- It is lovely.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- And quiet.- Yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21The trees, the birds. It's beautiful. It's very...
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Yeah!- She likes it.- I know.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- Is this a good sign?- Yes.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- The fact that I'm lost for words, it's quite good.- Good.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33Let's see if we can find a few words to describe it on the inside. Come and follow me.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39'Despite its cottage status, this place has great proportions inside.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43'So let's find out if there's enough room to suit mum and daughter.'
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Right, guys. In you come. Come in, Claire.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- What do you reckon?- Very pretty. - Isn't it?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Got a lovely working fireplace over there.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55It leads to the kitchen. We'll explore that later.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Do you think our table would fit in here? I do.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Yes, nicely.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Nicely! June's taken with it.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- It is really nice. - It's very pretty. I like it.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- It's Welshy. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- I can see this is going to be a theme.- Yes.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Let's see if it continues with its Welshiness in the living room.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17There we are.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Again, cosy.- Still cosy, yes.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22In terms of size, what do you think?
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It's quite nice. It's comfortable.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27We would get our suite in here, wouldn't we?
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Yes.- You don't know? - Yes, we would. Yes.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- Yeah?- Yes. We'd have to argue about WHOSE suite was going in here.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- SHE LAUGHS - I suppose you've got two.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Two of everything! - That's right.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- So are you going to draw lots on who has to sell their stuff?- Yes.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47'Quite early in the tour
0:11:47 > 0:11:53'it seems that June and Claire suddenly come face to face with the practical realities of sharing.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58'But there should be more than enough space for two sets of pots and pans in the next room.'
0:11:58 > 0:12:03Come and look in here. This is the kitchen, off the dining room.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Now then, June, would this work?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Very nice. It's white.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12I had white the last time I had a nice kitchen, and it's lovely.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14What do you think, Claire?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It's... It's perfect. It's lovely.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- She's speechless. - I am. It's...lovely.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22It's a good size.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Mum and I, on those rare occasions we do work together,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- would fit quite well in here. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:29 > 0:12:31'The ground floor doesn't end there.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'Off the kitchen, the old garage has been converted into additional living space,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39'which includes a good-size utility room and guest suite with its own shower room
0:12:39 > 0:12:44'and a double bedroom with doors out to the garden.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47'This could potentially make a great wing for June,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50'providing private sanctuary away from the grandkids.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53'The remaining three bedrooms are all upstairs.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57'A double and a single room, ideal for the two children,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59'which sit next to the family bathroom.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02'And the last room I've earmarked for Claire.'
0:13:02 > 0:13:05This is the biggest of the three bedrooms up here.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I like it. I like the built-in cupboards, nooks and crannies.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Good. So you think you'd be quite happy up here.- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Now, we've shown you pretty much the bulk of the property thus far.
0:13:16 > 0:13:22- What's your overriding thought? - Like it.- Claire?- It's nice. Quaint.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'So far so good for the bricks and mortar.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29'But I wonder if they're ready for what's coming up outside.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34'Immediately to the rear of the property is a paved, sheltered courtyard with shrubs and flowers.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39'But it's back round the front where the garden really comes into its own.'
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Let's just settle up here and I'll explain what's going on.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47This all comes with the house.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48This bit here?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- An acre and a half.- What?!
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- HE LAUGHS - Yes!
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- How about that?- All this?- All this.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58You get what we're standing on here,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01that little summer room over there with the workshop attached to it,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03that bit of lawn over there,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05that fantastic vegetable patch.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- I have to say that is looking absolutely beautiful. - Yes! All of it?
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- And the paddock beyond. - Beyond the gate? - Yeah, and beyond the next one.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16So an acre and a half.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- All of it?- All of it. - Are you sure?- I'm absolutely sure.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22So let's have a think about the price.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Your first price guess of our house tours.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- June?- I would say £245,000.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- £245,000. That would be nice, wouldn't it?- It would be nice.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Claire?- I think it's over budget.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39I would say...£270,000.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41£270,000?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Could you stretch to £270,000 or thereabouts?
0:14:44 > 0:14:46It's a possibility.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48But...
0:14:48 > 0:14:53Well, here's the good news. You don't have to stretch at all.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- Oh!- But I'm afraid it's not £245,000.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- It's £240,000. - SHE GASPS
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- No way! - HE LAUGHS
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- Well, that's quite good. - I think that's very good. - Very good for all this.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- No way!- Yeah.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Jules, you've surpassed yourself!
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- £240,000. - This...is...
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- It's good, absolutely. - Mum... Mum...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Mum, can we buy it, Mum? - HE LAUGHS
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Look, it's our first one. There's a lot to take in.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- Clearly it appeals. I'm delighted. - I'm happy. I'm staying.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Look around. Check out what you get in your acre and a half.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Look at some of the outbuildings. I'll catch up with you later.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- Brilliant.- Off you go.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Brilliant.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38You never quite know how the first property is going to go,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41but this one has been a genuine result.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I'm delighted that the pair of them absolutely love it.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Let's face it, what's not to love?
0:15:47 > 0:15:50'Just under budget at £240,000,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53'this 200-year-old semi-detached stone cottage
0:15:53 > 0:15:54'lies in the heart of the village
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'and offers good, comfortable accommodation
0:15:57 > 0:15:59'with two reception rooms, a modern kitchen
0:15:59 > 0:16:03'and four bedrooms that include a separate guest suite.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06'But the unexpected bonus must be the grounds that come with it
0:16:06 > 0:16:08'covering one and a half acres.'
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- This is a huge, lovely storage area.- Yes.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- And I am absolutely... - Overwhelmed with the garden.- Yeah.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- The space in it.- There's lots of different rooms in it.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23I have to admit I'm well impressed.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Well impressed. I think it's lovely.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Well, I've got my wing downstairs.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- Will you and the children be all right up here?- I think so. I think it'd be quite cosy.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I was a little bit concerned as to whether it would be big enough.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40But I did like it. It's a pretty property,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42and I like it.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Marrows there. Look at the size of them.- Wow! They're huge!
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- The apple tree. - And soft fruit.- Yeah.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54- Hello, ladies. Are you admiring the veg patch? - Absolutely.- It is pretty special.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- There's a lot to tend to here. - There is.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- But I have to drag you away. - Really?- Yeah. More to see. Come on.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10'The largely rural county of Carmarthenshire
0:17:10 > 0:17:12'is home to many attractive market towns
0:17:12 > 0:17:17'which developed as commercial centres for the surrounding farming communities.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19'Up on the Ceredigion border lies Lampeter,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23'reputedly the smallest university town in the UK.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26'The original university building is Grade II listed
0:17:26 > 0:17:31'and opened its doors back in 1822 as St David's College.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33'Another seat of learning
0:17:33 > 0:17:36'is the recently restored late 19th-century town hall,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39'housing a gallery and workshops to celebrate the importance
0:17:39 > 0:17:42'of the regional art form of Welsh quilt-making.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44'During the house-hunting week,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47'we sent quilt enthusiast June along with Claire
0:17:47 > 0:17:51'to find out more from quilt restoration expert Janet Bridge.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54'Decorative quilts came into fashion in the late 18th century.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59'Quilt-making was one of the few ways a woman could earn a respectable living.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03'The fact that Welsh quilting was a profession rather than a social activity
0:18:03 > 0:18:06'accounts for their distinctive style and high quality.'
0:18:06 > 0:18:10The majority of Welsh quilts were wholecloth, like the one behind us.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13That actually shows up the quilting patterns.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- When you say whole cloth, that's just one piece of cloth?- No.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- It means it's not a piece. It's generally three widths.- Oh.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Machined down the centre.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Sometimes hand-sewn but mostly machined down.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- That one's beautiful. - That is lovely, isn't it?
0:18:29 > 0:18:35The fabric was hand-blocked in India in 1800,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39and the fabric was made into the quilt,
0:18:39 > 0:18:43with absolutely beautiful traditional quilting patterns,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45in Pembrokeshire in 1810.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- So is that one of the oldest pieces in the gallery?- Yes.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Of course, they go back through millennia really,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57because if people wanted to keep warm, they'd put on lots of petticoats,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01or even wear them as protection under armour - quilted garments, quilted bonnets.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07'Traditional Welsh quilts are identified by the intricate patterns used for the quilting.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08'They are made with three layers.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12'The top and bottom layers sandwich the insulation in the middle.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14'Templates are then arranged in patterns
0:19:14 > 0:19:19'and stitched through all three layers to keep the insulation in place.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23'It's the stitching that gives the quilts their unique texture.'
0:19:23 > 0:19:27I just wanted to show you this. These are old pieces of quilt.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I just wanted to show you what was inside.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32This is a re-covered quilt.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- And here, look, there's pieces of dress pattern.- Yes.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And this one is even more interesting
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- because it's got someone's... - Oh, crocheted.- Crochet chore or something.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49That's how poor people managed to keep warm a lot of the time.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- So they never threw away any pieces of material but clapped it all together.- Exactly.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01'Post-war independence gave women more opportunities to have careers outside the home.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03'As a result, sewing fell out of favour.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08'So, by the 1940s, the Welsh quilt-making enterprise had died out.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12'But there are still devotees keeping the craft alive today.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16'And, with new-found Welsh quilting skills to add to June's repertoire,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20'we need to find a cosy Welsh home where she can indulge her hobby.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23'So it's back to the house hunt.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31'And we're on the road, travelling north to the county border,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35'where our destination is the market town of Newcastle Emlyn.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'With a small population of just over 1,000,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40'Newcastle Emlyn lies on the River Tivy.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44'Built around its own 13th-century castle,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46'the town is steeped in history.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'Today locals are well catered for,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'with a great selection of amenities to choose from.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54'The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57'and about a mile away lies our second property.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00'It started life as a bungalow about 200 years ago
0:21:00 > 0:21:04'but has since been heavily extended both outwards and upwards.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06'As a result, it has an unusual layout
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'which could be ideal for our buyers' unique living requirements.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- What do you think of that one? - Very pretty.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Yeah?- Yes, I like it. - Claire?- It looks bigger.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18It's also got a garage, which is quite useful.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20There's a lot going on behind it,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23which we'll explore once we go through.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Similar to our earlier property, it's also got a vegetable patch,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30located over the little road here up there to my left,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33which you can perhaps have a look at a bit later.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- Right. Let's get in and have a look.- All right. Come on.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39THEY ALL LAUGH
0:21:39 > 0:21:41'That's the enthusiasm we like!
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'So let's head inside, where I've got quite a few ideas
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'about how they could divvy up the property,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'starting with the large reception hall.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Right! Come on in.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- There we are, June, Claire. - A lot more room.- A lot more room.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- You've got a multi-fuel burner set within a slate surround.- Nice.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- But I think there's a lot of scope to put your own mark on it.- Yes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- So far so good? - Very good.- Certainly.- Good.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Come this way, then.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14Up here.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19Through here into another extension on this property is this reception room.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22So effectively you've kind of got two,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25with the entry hall and the fire and so forth.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27But I think this is the cosier.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- This is nice. - Mm. I like the floor.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Yeah?- Yes.- I like this.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35It's also got the addition of that quite big conservatory.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39What I think this property offers you that our previous one didn't
0:22:39 > 0:22:42is two very separate zones for children and grown-ups.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- Yeah.- That's right.- And you could apportion these either way.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51'That also solves the problem of what to do with two sets of sofas.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54'Similar to our first house, there's a ground-floor guest suite
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'comprising of a shower room and double bedroom.'
0:22:58 > 0:23:01You can fight over whoever is going to get this one.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- What do you think? - I like this one, definitely.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- I like it. It's nice. - You like it, too? - HE LAUGHS
0:23:07 > 0:23:09But we won't fight over it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I think this would work a treat.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Very nice. And if that living room across the hallway there
0:23:15 > 0:23:18becomes the adult end of it,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21again, we're thinking about all the kids at the other end,
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- and it would be nice and quiet for you.- It would. Very much so.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29'This house has four bedrooms in total.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32'But since it was originally built as a bungalow,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'another of the bedrooms is on the ground floor
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'and currently used as a study.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41'There's a bathroom next door which could be knocked through to create an en suite.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'The kitchen is our last stop on the ground floor.'
0:23:46 > 0:23:48There you go. Big enough for you?
0:23:48 > 0:23:49- Very.- It's lovely.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- I love the breakfast bar. - Isn't that fun?
0:23:52 > 0:23:55And you've got views out to the garden.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Brilliant.- I love it. - It's beautiful.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Yes. And the white units.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- You said in the previous house that you liked the white units.- I did.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05So it's all working, isn't it?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08It is quite big, this. It's not square but it's big.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11You've got plenty of room for all the goods.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15You've got a generous utility room there with washer, dryer, etc.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It's similar to a galley kitchen in that it's not square.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- But it is quite broad.- It is. - There's bags of space in here.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Loads of worktop space. - There is.- There is.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29'Upstairs are two double bedrooms, both served by a shower room.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32'One of the rooms is currently a well kitted-out office.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35'But who will get the last remaining bedroom?'
0:24:36 > 0:24:39OK, Claire. Could you fit in here?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Oh, yes.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Bit of storage in there for you. - No, she couldn't fit in here.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- YOU want to fit in here. - I want to fit in here. HE LAUGHS
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'I'm not convinced that their plan for living together
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'will go as smoothly as they'd hoped.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57'Do I sense some potential conflict ahead?
0:24:57 > 0:25:02'But there's plenty of space in the garden for all of them with just under an acre of land.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05'At the back is a well-manicured private garden
0:25:05 > 0:25:07'with a pond and summerhouse.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11'There's also an orchard area with mature trees packed with fruit.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14'Several outbuildings include a large workshop,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17'the perfect hideaway for DIY enthusiast Claire.'
0:25:18 > 0:25:21So here we are at the bottom of the garden, almost.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22There's a bit more down there.
0:25:22 > 0:25:28But I like this position. It gives you a real sense of the auditorium, almost,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31that this little complex creates.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33What do you reckon?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36It looks nice from here.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39You get a nice all-round view. I like it.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Claire, off you go. How much is this one going to set you back?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I would go about...£260,000.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47£260,000. June?
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I would say £250,000.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51£250,000?
0:25:51 > 0:25:53You would be right, madam.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Well, dear! THEY LAUGH - How about that?
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Yes, this is absolutely on the market for £250,000.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Right.- How does that make you feel? Is it interesting?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Yes, it's interesting. Yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Go and see if you can sort your arrangements out, June.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Will do.- Off you go.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17'Slap-bang on the budget at £250,000,
0:26:17 > 0:26:21'this detached country home presents versatile living areas
0:26:21 > 0:26:24'which could work very well to unite both our buyers.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29'three reception rooms, a conservatory
0:26:29 > 0:26:33'and delightful mature gardens that sit in just under an acre.'
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- Well, I like this room. - So do I. I love the wooden floors.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I like this end of the house altogether.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44It's that and the kitchen.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- It's lovely.- It's a nice place.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52- But it does seriously need thinking with the layout upstairs for the children.- Mm-hm.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54But it's worth considering.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I was impressed with the size,
0:26:56 > 0:26:57the gardens,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59the conservatory is nice.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04It's a nice size, and I've always wanted a conservatory.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08But I do love this kitchen, and I know Claire likes it as well.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12The house itself I thought was really lovely.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I could see us living here.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18I don't know how it would work yet. I need to think about it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20After you, June.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22There you go, Claire.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25I think that was well worth you looking at.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- So do I.- Definitely.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- Definitely on the list? - Mm-hm.- Good.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31How are you feeling at the end of our first day?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- Confused. - HE LAUGHS
0:27:33 > 0:27:35It's a good sign, trust me.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Come on, let's go and get a drink, shall we?
0:27:45 > 0:27:49'With the last glimmer of the sun setting on the Carmarthenshire horizon,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52'the first day of our house quest draws to a close.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00'Claire and her mother June have decided to partner up
0:28:00 > 0:28:05'and trade in Plymouth's urban sprawl for a whole new life in South West Wales.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07'So far they've seen two fine country homes.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12'Still to come, we'll reveal the mystery property which gets them all territorial.'
0:28:12 > 0:28:16You're going to tell me you want this one now, aren't you?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Wouldn't dare. THEY LAUGH
0:28:18 > 0:28:21'And I'll be horsing around as usual.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:25One more day and one more property to see.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28It is, of course, mystery house time for June and Claire.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33Yesterday went well. They applied themselves to both of the properties we showed them.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38But I still think they remain to be convinced which one - if either - is for them.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42So the mystery house has got everything to play for.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45'So let the games begin.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47'We're heading to our most rural location so far -
0:28:47 > 0:28:51'in Maesllyn, right across the county border into Ceredigion.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54'The tranquil hamlet of Maesllyn
0:28:54 > 0:28:56'is surrounded by outstanding countryside,
0:28:56 > 0:29:01'and the mystery property enjoys incredible views across the valley.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05'When we started this house hunt, mother and daughter wanted to live together.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07'but a few issues have arisen about sharing.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12'They didn't ask for a separate annexe, but perhaps that's the answer for June and Claire.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16'So it's exactly what we're proposing to show them.'
0:29:16 > 0:29:20So there you go. That's our mystery house.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23More like a surprise! HE LAUGHS
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- Hopefully not too much of a surprise.- No, it's wonderful!
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I'm quite shocked. I did expect something a bit weird.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31THEY LAUGH
0:29:31 > 0:29:35It's not weird. It's absolutely conventional in most respects.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37It's nice. I like the look of it.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Good. Right, let's get inside and we'll give you a little treat.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Lovely.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46'First impressions are encouraging.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51'And it's no surprise because this is an imposing detached property.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53'Let's see what they make of the inside.'
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Come on in, June.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Grab the door, Claire.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01There!
0:30:01 > 0:30:02Lovely.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Just a nice size.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- Cosy, isn't it? - Yes, it's lovely.- Oh, yeah.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12- A wood burner.- Nice surround, too, with the natural stone.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- And beams. Look.- Yes.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- It's a nice size.- Yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Yes, I think it's nice. I love it. - It's a family room.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- It's a very good family room. - Yeah. It's a great family house.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29'It's also a perfect house for a family who needs separate zones.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32'Next door, the dining room could be great as a kids' den
0:30:32 > 0:30:36'because, coming up in the kitchen, there's stacks of room to sit down and eat.'
0:30:38 > 0:30:40There, June.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Oh, yes. CLAIRE GASPS It's mine.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45HE LAUGHS
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- Good.- It's mine.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49As you can see, huge space here.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Oh, yes. My big table and eight chairs would go lovely there.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Which would free up the dining room for the kids.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03Now, we have spoken a lot about this sense of space.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06This little bit is for you,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08and it's right through that door.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Come and have a look.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20Now, June, come on in to what I'm going to describe as your wing.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23What's on offer here are five rooms.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26This one is something of a sort of a sitting area
0:31:26 > 0:31:29and it leads on into an enormous conservatory,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- which you probably saw from the outside.- Yes.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34That's all self-contained.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36In here, a self-contained kitchenette.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Again, very much for you to do your own thing if you want to.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42This is the bedroom.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46This is perhaps a little small at the moment.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51This wall, with a bit of imagination, could move potentially.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53But I don't know. You tell me.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57I might have to change my bed, but we can think about that one.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Yeah. The other nice thing is that in here...
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- is that.- Oh, wow. - En suite.- Wonderful.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- Your own corner bath. - Lovely. I like corner baths.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10And shower, of course.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Good. Love it.- Happy?- Absolutely.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17- What do you reckon, Claire? - I'm...- Bowled over, she is.- Yeah.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- You're very quiet. Is this a good sign?- Yeah.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I... You know. I'd move in now, I think.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27'With June well catered for on the ground floor,
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'it's time to see what's on offer for Claire and the children upstairs.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34'The landing splits into two wings.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38'On one side lie two good-size double bedrooms
0:32:38 > 0:32:42'and on the other is the family bathroom and main bedroom.'
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Now then, Claire, come on in.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49This would be your room.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- This is well big enough. - HE LAUGHS
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- This is beautiful.- Isn't it lovely?
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- And you get those two gorgeous windows with the view.- Wow.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- Little dressing table area there. I think this is lovely.- It is.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08You're going to tell me you want this room now, aren't you?
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Wouldn't dare. THEY LAUGH
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- Listen, you've got your own wing! - HE LAUGHS
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Wouldn't dare tell her that!
0:33:15 > 0:33:18'The mystery house seems to be working its magic.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'So let's see what the garden has to offer.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Crunch over the gravel
0:33:24 > 0:33:26to this little green area here.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32Now, obviously the bulk of the formal lawn is going down the slope
0:33:32 > 0:33:34surrounded by its mature shrubs.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37You've got lots of outside storage, as you can see,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40and up there, Claire, quite a useful little workshop for you.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Garden tools and so forth in the other one.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45And there's a little patio area up there
0:33:45 > 0:33:49with the washing line and all that sort of stuff.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- And, of course, you get the greenhouse.- Right. Sounds good.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- Would this be enough? - This is well big enough.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Good. So outside space is all right.- Ideal.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Inside space in the house I think is quite exciting.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Very.- It is.- OK.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Let's see if we can get excited about the price.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09It's our final time of asking.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11June, you go first.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14I think this one might be a little bit over my price.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I think I would say...
0:34:17 > 0:34:20£265,000 to £269,000.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25So £265,000 to £269,000 says your mum, Claire.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27What do you reckon?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Well, even though I've gone over on both my guesses so far,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I still think it's more than Mum.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34I would say £275,000.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39This is on the market for £250,000.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41Well, that's good.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46- We'll certainly... SHE LAUGHS - Wow.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- ..seriously think of this one. - Thought you might!
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Go and gather your thoughts, have a good look around.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56I think this really works for you. See if you can make it work in the long term.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I'll catch up with you later. Off you go. Brilliant.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04There we go. Once again, the mystery house has done it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07'Right on the money at £250,000,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10'the mystery house package has come up trumps
0:35:10 > 0:35:13'in terms of matching both our buyers' aspirations
0:35:13 > 0:35:14'under the same roof.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18'Sitting in delightful gardens, it's a well-presented property
0:35:18 > 0:35:20'featuring three bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:35:20 > 0:35:22'and a large kitchen/diner.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26'An added benefit must be the five-roomed guest suite.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29'I guess you could call that two for the price of one.'
0:35:29 > 0:35:31- It's my kitchen. - The colour scheme's perfect.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- Everybody must stay out. It's mine. - Oh...
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It's a very pretty house, and it was an ideal house.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It was something that I didn't expect.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42The garden is ideal.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I thought, once I step inside it,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49it perhaps won't be as nice as it looks outside.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51But I was very surprised.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53I'm thinking I would like to buy this house
0:35:53 > 0:35:56and I would like to live in this house.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01This is very close to perfect.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Right. I had to tear you away from that one.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- You rather liked the mystery house. - Absolutely.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Now, I suspect that you are still a bit confused
0:36:14 > 0:36:19because we have given you, I think, three very viable options.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25- All for very different reasons. - Reasons which you must now unpick in your own minds.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Let's get you somewhere where you can have a good old think about it.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41'Of the hundreds of pony breeds throughout the world,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43'nine are indigenous to the UK,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47'one of which is native to Wales - the famous Welsh Cob.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52'The Welsh Cob evolved from the cross-breeding of ancient Welsh mountain ponies
0:36:52 > 0:36:55'with Arabian horses introduced by the Romans.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59'During the week I went to meet champion breeder Geraint Davies,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03'his son and daughter and his prize-winning Cob, Princess Royal.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06'In 2010 she was champion
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'of Wales' biggest agricultural show, the Royal Welsh.'
0:37:09 > 0:37:12What is it about the breed that makes it so versatile?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15It's the best ride and drive animal in the world.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18I imagine other breeds can do the ridden and driven job,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20but not as good as the Welsh Cobs.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23They say ride and drive, but what does that mean?
0:37:23 > 0:37:29Years ago, they were used primarily in Cardiganshire
0:37:29 > 0:37:32as the "do everything" horse
0:37:32 > 0:37:37because they would do a bit of farm work - plough, bring the hay in -
0:37:37 > 0:37:41and also they would take the family to church on the weekends.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44'Because the Cob is so versatile,
0:37:44 > 0:37:49'it's made some outstanding historic contributions both in war and peace.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53'The Tudors captured the English throne mounted on the backs of Welsh Cobs.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57'The British military used these horses right up until World War II
0:37:57 > 0:37:59'to pull heavy artillery.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01'Despite its prowess as a work horse,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03'the Welsh Cob is an elegant beast
0:38:03 > 0:38:05'with a loyal and gentle temperament,
0:38:05 > 0:38:10'which makes it highly prized and particularly popular in the show ring.'
0:38:10 > 0:38:14What is it about this animal that sets her apart?
0:38:14 > 0:38:16She conforms well to the breed type.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20She's got a beautiful head and eye, lovely round feet, a real good foot.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22She moves really well.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27'Cobs are so adaptable, they can be entered into various show classes,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'including harness, under saddle and in hand.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34'Five-year-old Princess Royal is trained by Geraint's son, Rhys.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38'She's shown in hand and has won first-place prizes every year
0:38:38 > 0:38:40'since she was a yearling.'
0:38:41 > 0:38:44When you are showing, you're not riding her, obviously.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48You're alongside her, in hand - to use the technical term.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- That's presumably so the judge can see absolutely everything.- Yes.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56If they're being driven, they're being covered by the harness,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00or, if they're being ridden, they're covered by the saddle,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04so in hand they can see all the horse.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10What's astonishing about Princess Royal here is she looks incredibly fit, muscly and well-toned.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13How do you get that kind of look if you're not riding her?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It's a lot of hard work.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19We exercise her a bit by walking her and trotting her.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Leading up to a big show,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- we usually take her out every two or three nights.- Ready?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27'It takes a long time to master ring craft,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31'but, under the watchful eye of Rhys, it's time to give it a go myself.'
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Steady.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36'With four legs to my two, I'll need to be on my toes to keep up
0:39:36 > 0:39:38'using all the stamina I can muster.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43'There's no question this will definitely be a one-horse race.'
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's now decision time for June and for Claire.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53You might think the outcome of this house search is fairly obvious,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55but you know what?
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I'm not so sure.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- Hello there. How are you?- Hello.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Enjoying the view over Llandeilo?
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Of course. Look at it.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Has it helped clear your thoughts?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Er...- A little.- Yes, a little.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14You're looking a bit confused.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Yes, because each of the properties we've seen
0:40:17 > 0:40:23has offered wonderful opportunities but for totally different reasons.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28Let's think about where we went. Then we'll talk about what it's clarified.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33The first property, with 1.5 acres, which was a real surprise to you,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36what are your final thoughts on that one, Claire?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Me, I loved it.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40The outside space.
0:40:40 > 0:40:47And, although very small, the age and character of the older property
0:40:47 > 0:40:49I felt very comfortable in.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- Go on then, Mum, what did you reckon to it?- I liked it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- But I can't see myself living there because of the space.- Yeah.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59I did like the outside space,
0:40:59 > 0:41:04but I didn't want to give up quite so much space in the house.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- But I liked the property.- OK.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Then we went in search of something that offered you
0:41:09 > 0:41:12more size and space in terms of its footprint,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16our second property of the day, up towards Newcastle Emlyn.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- It was a lot bigger, June. - It was, yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21I liked that one, too,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25but the main thing I liked that one for was the kitchen and the garden.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32I went against it because of the doubt about the sleeping quarters.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37I think it would have had to be one adult and one child downstairs
0:41:37 > 0:41:39and one adult and child upstairs,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43and I don't think that arrangement would have lasted very long.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48- What did you think of it, Claire? - I liked the sprawling nature of it,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50the fact that you went upstairs, downstairs...
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- The character of the house was lovely.- It had a nice geography.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It did. Very nice.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58The kitchen was wonderful.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01The view was outstanding.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06So space and getting these detailed arrangements right
0:42:06 > 0:42:09was what we were hoping for in our final property,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11the mystery house.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12I loved that house.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17I loved the house. It gave us loads of space.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22One little change in the annexe would have made it perfect.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27So my sense is that you'll probably go back and have a second look at the mystery house.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- We'd like to before we leave, yes. - That's a foregone conclusion.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33It has been a lot of fun.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Go and have another look and, as ever, let us know.- We will.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- Best of luck.- Thank you.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49For many people, escaping to the country is an idyllic dream.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53But in reality it can present quite a number of challenges.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57I think some of those challenges are dawning on June and Claire.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00We may not quite have found them their ideal house,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03but we have made them fall in love with Wales.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05And when faced with views like the one behind me,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08you can't blame them for that.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:11 > 0:43:13in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland or England
0:43:13 > 0:43:18and would like our help, please apply online at:
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