0:00:01 > 0:00:05Where else in the country will you find a tale of such rich folklore
0:00:05 > 0:00:09that it involves the devil, three bridges, a dog and an old woman?
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Stick around on Escape to the Country and I'll show you!
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Today we're helping a couple swap the suburbs
0:00:27 > 0:00:30for a rural smallholding.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32All in, about eleven and a half acres.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36See? Look at him - he's licking his lips now!
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Eleven and a half acres to play with!
0:00:38 > 0:00:40It won't be a walk in the park.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- You're looking very stern, Brenda. - Am I?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47So will any of our properties deliver the good life?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50It's definitely got stun appeal when you see it first time.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- Stun appeal?- Yes.- That's new. It's normally kerb appeal.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Today I'm in west Wales in the heart of Ceredigion. And these,
0:01:02 > 0:01:04now three bridges behind me are collectively known
0:01:04 > 0:01:06as Devil's Bridge.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08The story goes that back in the day,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12local villagers, keen to span the bubbling Mynach river below me,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14did a deal with the devil.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18He promised them a bridge in return for the first soul that would go across it.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20So an old woman sent her dog across.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24They got a bridge, and the devil, he's still waiting!
0:01:25 > 0:01:29A heady mix of coastline, mountains and lush farmland
0:01:29 > 0:01:32no wonder this landscape has become the stuff of legend.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38Situated in west Wales and bordered by Powys, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Ceredigion is the fourth largest Welsh county but the least densely populated.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47So if you're after an escape with plenty of elbow room, it could be just the place.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Outside tourism, fishing and farming,
0:01:50 > 0:01:55industry is undeveloped, so there's little interrupting the scenic vista
0:01:55 > 0:01:57bar cows and sheep. Head west,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00and those green fields fall away into Cardigan Bay.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04At 50 miles, Ceredigion's shoreline takes in 12 beaches,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08picture-postcard fishing villages and stunning cliffs.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Thanks to the Ceredigion coastal path, which opened in 2008,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16it's now possible to enjoy it in its entirety on foot.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Finding somewhere to put those feet up shouldn't be difficult either.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Whether it's a farmhouse or a seaside terrace you're after,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25there should be something to suit.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35The house prices here in Ceredigion are a bit counter-intuitive.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41Despite its remoteness, prices here are 14% higher than in neighbouring Carmarthenshire,
0:02:41 > 0:02:46despite the fact that that county has the draw of towns and cities like Carmarthen and Swansea.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50So it would appear that peace and tranquillity come at a price.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Whatever the weather.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57So if you think the rolling hills and gorgeous coastline of south-west Wales is for you,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59here's a taste of what's on the market right now.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04If you've had a windfall, how about this Georgian manor near the coast?
0:03:04 > 0:03:08The accommodation covers nearly 18,000 square feet
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and you'll get 74 acres of woodland. Unsurprisingly,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14it comes with a big price tag, too.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16£1.25 million.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20For about half that, how about this contemporary country pad?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23An individually-designed house,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27it has spacious open-plan living and an impressive six bedrooms.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It could be yours for a snip under 600,000.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Finally, traditionalists should be right at home
0:03:33 > 0:03:35in this stone-built farmhouse.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38On the market for 370,000,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40you get four bedrooms,
0:03:40 > 0:03:41three cosy reception rooms,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44an impressive garden room,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and with 3.5 acres of land, you won't be short of outside space.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52As you can see, some wonderful properties to buy,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54and some fascinating ones to visit,
0:03:54 > 0:03:59such as this gorgeous old chapel here on a very blustery coast at Mwnt.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00Lots to see and lots to do.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Which is exactly why today's buyers want to move here.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Meet Colin, Brenda and their dog Tizer.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13For the past 16 years, they've lived in this four-bedroomed detached house in High Wycombe
0:04:13 > 0:04:16where they brought up their two children. However,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20with Colin taking voluntary redundancy last year, and the children moving on,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23they decided it's the perfect time to do the same.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26We have a nice house at the moment.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29But it doesn't have the space to allow us to keep some animals
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and have a much bigger garden.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Brenda's always been keen on running a little plant nursery.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Ah, the rural good life.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42But upping sticks to the Ceredigion countryside is no sudden fancy.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45In fact, six years ago, they bought a holiday bolt-hole here
0:04:45 > 0:04:49so they could get to know the country better in preparation for the big move.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52So now they're ready to upscale considerably,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54what exactly are they after?
0:04:55 > 0:04:58From the smallholding point of view, five acres of land at least
0:04:58 > 0:05:04with supporting outbuildings for the animals, the vehicles, workshops, et cetera.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Yes, it's not just farmyard animals Colin wants to keep.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11He has quite a collection of farm vehicles too.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17One thing I'm really looking forward to is having the land and space where I can uses this tractor
0:05:17 > 0:05:23that I spent months renovating and put it to the use it was designed for, to work the land.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I think we get the picture.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Outside space is going to be a top priority.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30But what about the property itself?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33The house here is a lovely house
0:05:33 > 0:05:37but the kitchen has a drawback currently. It's in the middle of the house.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41So I'd like a kitchen where I can look out onto the garden
0:05:41 > 0:05:43and your own bit of land.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47A nice lounge, maybe an open fire, which we don't have here.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Three bedrooms, ideally.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54Also the opportunity to get something that maybe needs some work doing on it
0:05:54 > 0:05:56so we can put our own stamp on it.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Something that needs a bit of renovation as long as it's not structural or too major.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05I'm happy to rip out a bathroom or kitchen and make it our own.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09And also obviously which is quite key for this whole move
0:06:09 > 0:06:12is an annexe or separate cottage
0:06:12 > 0:06:17which initially we'll use as a holiday let to bring in an income.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20But with the opportunity for family and friends to stay.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Well, we have got a lot of ingredients to get right in this move.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Acreage, annexes, outbuildings - I could go on.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30But before we can hone in on any of that,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Colin and Brenda need to know how much they'll have to spend
0:06:34 > 0:06:36so we've invited in an agent to value their house.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41A great four-bed detached house, ideal location, fantastic for families.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43I value this property at £395,000.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Not a sum to be sneezed at.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52But this is a huge wish list so the question is, do they have the budget to match?
0:06:52 > 0:06:58Taking into account various fees and things, the budget will be between 350 and £360,000.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Now, on the face of it, this list does seem fairly straightforward.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10But it's also quite broad.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13They want a nice three-bed character property.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Brenda wants a classic kitchen/diner
0:07:15 > 0:07:18which has to overlook the garden
0:07:18 > 0:07:22and they want four or five acres for their horticultural projects.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24But throw into the mix the need for an annexe,
0:07:24 > 0:07:29can we get all of that for £360,000 or thereabouts?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Well, only time will tell.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37As Colin and Brenda want to be well connected with transport links,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41we'll concentrate today's search in the south of the county
0:07:41 > 0:07:44near the borders with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47We have some fantastic smallholdings to view,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51but I'll be staying tight-lipped on the price tags until the end of the tours.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57And finally, there's the mystery house, which may leave them rethinking their plans entirely.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05Morning, Brenda. Hi, Colin. Nice to see you. Welcome to Ceredigion.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Thank you.- This is my patch,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11so we could be neighbours in a few days time. Who knows?
0:08:11 > 0:08:17Let's have a think about your move because this is not an alien landscape to you, either.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19You've got a house already.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- We have, indeed.- So what do you need another one for?
0:08:23 > 0:08:27We bought one five or six years ago because we used to holiday here a lot.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31We wanted to get to know the area because we were thinking of moving here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35I've recently given up work so we're going for the lifestyle change.
0:08:35 > 0:08:43- Your budget. Let's remind ourselves of that.- 350, 360, but if we see something really good,
0:08:43 > 0:08:48we can push the boat out, borrow or steal, and get up to about 390.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52390? Well, that's a generous amount of latitude you've given yourselves.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55It's the right part of the world in terms of value for money
0:08:55 > 0:08:57and the lifestyle you want.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01You're not the first to come with these ambitions. And you won't be the last.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It is do-able on that budget.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06So I'm fairly optimistic.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I'm more optimistic about the houses than I am about the weather.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- It'll be fine.- It will be fine. Let's see what we can find you.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20So for 360,000, or 390 at a push,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Colin and Brenda want a detached semi-rural property with three bedrooms.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Brenda is after a big kitchen/diner
0:09:27 > 0:09:29overlooking an equally big garden
0:09:29 > 0:09:31where she can flex her green fingers.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Colin wants outbuildings and between them they need at least five acres.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40On top of that, they'd like a self-contained annexe
0:09:40 > 0:09:42for family and/or paying guests.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Luckily, they're happy to tackle minor projects
0:09:45 > 0:09:48which is just as well, otherwise we might be struggling.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58We've both got a kind of love story with this area, but what's yours?
0:09:58 > 0:10:03The scenery, some of the beaches are beautiful.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It is countryside still.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10It's not tourist countryside. You go ten minutes and you're in farmland.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11It's very diverse.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15It's the perfect mix of coast and countryside
0:10:15 > 0:10:18which is what we're serving up with our first property
0:10:18 > 0:10:23as we head to the rural outskirts of the seaside village of Llangrannog.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Situated along the Hawen Valley,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27you get two villages for the price of one.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32The old part is on high ground and is home to colourful houses and a chapel.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34The new part is down by the beach
0:10:34 > 0:10:36and has a couple of pubs and cafes
0:10:36 > 0:10:40not to mention plenty of outdoor types trying to catch the perfect wave.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45However, we're heading a couple of miles inland for our first viewing
0:10:45 > 0:10:48to an area with nothing but farms and fields...
0:10:48 > 0:10:52Oh. And one large caravan park which is next door to our property,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54give or take a couple of fields.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57But it's only visible from one side of the house.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01I think the whole property package more than makes up for it.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02Let's hope they agree.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07And there is our first property.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09OK. Looks good.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11An interesting one, this. It's about 100 years old.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13You're looking stern, Brenda.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17It's the first one. It can't be that bad!
0:11:17 > 0:11:20The nice thing about it is the land is fantastic.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's south-facing, very well-drained.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25There are 40 sheep on here.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- So it's a small-holding, effectively.- That's nice.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33I do like the way you come in and the house is in the middle of it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- It's not too far to travel, no roads to cross.- Exactly.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Behind this great big hedge is also a barn.- Excellent!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44As soon as the toys get mentioned, he lights up!
0:11:44 > 0:11:47'We're off to a promising start.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50'Hopefully, the interior will get the same reaction.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'They want to put their own stamp on their new home
0:11:53 > 0:11:56'and there's plenty of scope to do it here.'
0:11:56 > 0:12:01In you come. There we are. We're starting with the kitchen.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Very much that classic farmhouse feel, actually.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Coming through the back door into the kitchen.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- It's nice.- A kitchen with a window to outside.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- You did say you wanted to overlook the garden. You overlook your paddocks.- Yes.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18It's a good size.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- It's not bad, but you could make it even bigger.- OK.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24If you went through here.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26This is currently the living room.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31But if you were to knock it through, you'd have a huge kitchen/diner/living area.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Come and have a look.- OK.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38This is what I'm thinking. It's lovely and cosy in here
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- but as your principal living room it is quite small.- Yes.- Yes.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Nice fireplace.- If that wall were to go,
0:12:45 > 0:12:50and potentially this one, which separates this room from the original hallway,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- you'd have an enormous space.- Yeah.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Hmm.- A nice big kitchen/diner.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Huge.- Hub of the house-type thing.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Now, back off the kitchen, as if it wasn't big enough,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05there's a great big utility room through there, and a boot room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Great for the dogs and muck... - Get clean before you come in.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12'There are a couple of further living spaces to check out too.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'Off the hallway is a formal dining room which could be an office or snug.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17'And finally, a new addition.'
0:13:18 > 0:13:23So through the original front door, or doorway.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26We came in through the back door of the kitchen
0:13:26 > 0:13:30because this conservatory covers the front of the house, effectively.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Nice and airy. Nice and light.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'Well, I think it's a thumbs up down here,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38'and upstairs stacks up pretty well, too,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41'with three bedrooms which share a family bathroom.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45'Since all the bedrooms are of a similar size, any could be the master.'
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Now this one may have a little more about it in terms of a master.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- More character.- I think there's a bit more about it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54It's quite sweet.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- None of the rooms have an en-suite. - No.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02There is a tiny box room at the end of the hallway, the landing.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- OK.- So you could make better use of it.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06An office, or...
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Or...- An en-suite.- Another bathroom giving you an en-suite,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12at the other end of the house.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16'So that's it for the main house, but what about the annexe?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'Well, there is something outside that could work
0:14:19 > 0:14:22'if they're prepared to put in some elbow grease.'
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Now, this is very interesting. - Right.
0:14:24 > 0:14:30They call it the frothy. I mean, it is an old stone shed.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31But I think it's got potential.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Have a look in here.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Oh, it's all been...
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Wow!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Yeah?- Yeah.- Nice.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43As you can see, it's had a loose makeover,
0:14:43 > 0:14:48in that the walls have been done and the floor and so forth.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50This mezzanine arrangement here.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53My question to the local planners would be,
0:14:53 > 0:14:58could I push the roof up and turn this into a little studio?
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Good opportunities, I think.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Good base to work from, I'm thinking.- Yeah.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09So potential here. Let's see what the all-important outside space will yield.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12With two large swathes of lawn at the front and back of the house,
0:15:12 > 0:15:17Brenda will have plenty to play with, and for Colin we have acreage galore -
0:15:17 > 0:15:22five and a half, in all, so more than enough space for chickens, sheep, pigs and poly tunnels.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Look at this lot!
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- They're coming to see us! - Food's up.- 40 of them.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31This year's lambs and their mums.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- Quite a mixture, too. - Yes, there are.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Classic small-holding, really. - It is, yeah.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- There's a friend for life! - Friend for life!- Hello!
0:15:39 > 0:15:43It does rather set the scene, in terms of what you're trying to do.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47It does tick the boxes on the lifestyle-type thing.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- It does.- It's lovely out here.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Let's have a think about how much you both think it's worth, then.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- 380?- 380.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01I'm going to go a lot lower, I think. I'll go for 345, then.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Well, it's good news.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07This is on the market for £335,000.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13Now, you said, originally, ideally we'd be spending what, 360,000.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15That gives us some spending money!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18£25,000-worth of spending money. Off you go.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20That's put a spanner in the works!
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Let's go have a look. - Go and get that spanner out!
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Enjoy!- OK. Thank you.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31They'd get a lot for £335,000.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40There's potential to really put their own stamp on the interior
0:16:40 > 0:16:43and outside is a part-converted barn
0:16:43 > 0:16:45ideal for a studio annexe,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47a huge barn for farm vehicles,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51and it comes with Brenda's big garden and five acres of pasture.
0:16:51 > 0:16:57The caravan site is close by, but at this price, I'm hoping it's something they could live with.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I'm liking the house. It's growing on me.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06I think as a whole, looking at the whole thing, it's very much what we envisaged.
0:17:06 > 0:17:12It's what we were looking for. It's a point of tweaking the bits now to get the exact bits we need.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The outside is great, I think.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- The land is certainly good.- Yeah.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21The caravan site, though, is possibly a bit of a worry.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Apart from that...- The price is... - The price is good.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- It does leave us with a bit of money.- Yeah.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33This is fantastic. I can absolutely see why Colin loves doing these up.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Had a good look around?- Very good. - I want to get this going.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Having fun there?- I'm loving it.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43This works every day here, believe it or not. It's not just a pretty relic.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Absolutely gorgeous. But time is of the essence.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Let's see some more houses. - Thank you.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00With 50 miles of glorious sandy beaches
0:18:00 > 0:18:02and turquoise seas,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Ceredigion in west Wales has plenty to attract
0:18:05 > 0:18:09the three million visitors that head to its shores each year.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13One of the most popular destinations is the pretty harbour village of Newquay,
0:18:13 > 0:18:17owing to some very special residents - bottlenose dolphins.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21However, tourism hasn't always been the main money-earner here.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Wanting to get to know Newquay a little better,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27earlier in the week Brenda and Colin dropped anchor in town
0:18:27 > 0:18:30to meet up with local mariner Steve Hartley.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- Colin, Brenda, welcome to Newquay. - Thank you very much.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Been here before?- Yes, but we don't know much about the town.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39It wasn't even featured on a map in the 1750s.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Just a few cottages on the hillside.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46But by the 1850s, it was a thriving shipbuilding harbour.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51Over 1,200 people working here and 100 pubs, would you believe!
0:18:51 > 0:18:53100?! That's almost one each!
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Not big pubs, not like the pub behind us. More like little cottages serving beer.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02And it wasn't just publicans doing a roaring trade.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Between 1800 and 1820 alone,
0:19:04 > 0:19:0831 ships were built, which saw other industries boom too.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Rope-making, sail-making, weaving and stone masonry, of course.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16All around the harbour, terrace upon terrace was built
0:19:16 > 0:19:19to accommodate the merchants and tradesmen.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22However, prosperity was to be relatively short-lived.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25By the late 19th century, shipbuilding in Newquay was in decline
0:19:25 > 0:19:31and it resumed life as a quiet coastal town reliant on fishing and tourism.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Today, it's the wildlife that's the big draw.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Colin and Brenda, this is the first of the bird colonies.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43We've got razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, black-backed gulls, herring gulls,
0:19:43 > 0:19:49there's shags, cormorants, peregrine falcons, oystercatchers and choughs all nesting.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Not only have we the birds here, we have dolphins, seals and porpoise.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56This great diversity of wildlife makes the area so important.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00That's why it's been designated as Britain's first Marine Heritage Coast.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And that's not all.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Whales head here, too. Minkies and even Orcas have been spotted.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11But no time for whale-watching now. It's back to shore.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17We're leaving the coast behind for our next property
0:20:17 > 0:20:19and heading much further inland
0:20:19 > 0:20:21to the rural outskirts of Beulah.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Very much a community village
0:20:23 > 0:20:25supporting the surrounding farms,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30it's stocked with the basic amenities, including a chapel, a post office stores
0:20:30 > 0:20:37and a pub. But our property is situated a hop and a skip away in prime Ceredigion countryside.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Come on down here. OK.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43We'll deal with that a bit later on.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48Because needless to say, it has got plenty of land for what you're after,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50but that's our second property.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55I certainly like the main bit. It immediately hits more character.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59I get the feeling Colin is quite excited by this one.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04There's plenty of opportunity for him to get creative with the interior space and decor.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Let's see what they make of the inside.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Come on in.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Much more open plan, yes, than our first one.- Yeah.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Yes.- "Rosettes R Us"!
0:21:18 > 0:21:23Yes, very horsey family. Hence it's got some land, of course,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25which we'll explore later on.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- I'm a bit worried, Brenda.- No, I take a while to take it all in.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Colin?- I like it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33- Airy.- Yes.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- It literally is freedom.- Yep.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Yes, I like this.- Good. OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Kitchen next. Follow me through here.- OK.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47OK, Brenda. This is currently the kitchen.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I say currently because obviously you can chop things round a bit.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55There is, however, one glaring omission in here.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- No sink.- No sink.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Exactly. There's no sink. The sink is through there.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07That double stable door leads out to a utility which is the new stone-built structure.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- On the side.- On the end. Sink and a bit of a boot room in there.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Yeah.- As well.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Now, you could reconfigure the whole thing a bit more if you wanted to.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I think you can bring this room out and put a sink in somewhere.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27Colin's already redesigning, which in my book is a good sign.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29There's more to see on the ground floor, too.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33The first of three bedrooms is down here with the family bathroom.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38The final two bedrooms are upstairs so it's not an entirely conventional layout.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44Right. Now, this is currently the master.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49One tiny window overlooking the front of the house.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52But what it does offer you through that door over there
0:22:52 > 0:22:57is technically an en-suite, but it is just a loo and a basin.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59OK.
0:22:59 > 0:23:05You have got bedroom two or three next door as well.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08It's on its own. It doesn't have en-suite facilities.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- So I think this is...- It's a pretty good size as well, I think.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15'It seems to be going down well
0:23:15 > 0:23:21'and this house has something our first property didn't - a self-contained annexe.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25'Accessed via the house or its own front door, it has a good-sized kitchen
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and living room.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- There we are.- Oh, lovely.
0:23:31 > 0:23:38- Yeah? Even as a holiday let...- Is it used as a holiday let now?- Yes.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- It's very nice.- I think either way, it works.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43It does. It works very nice.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47It's got a very generous family bathroom down here as well.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48And one bedroom next door.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Which is not the biggest in the world,
0:23:51 > 0:23:56- but you'd squeeze in a moderately-sized double. - Very nice indeed. Yes.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00So in terms of the overall structural package of the house and annexe,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02what are your immediate thoughts?
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Lots of good possibilities. And the annexe ticks all the boxes.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13That's what I like to hear. Let's see if we can get full marks for outside, too.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16As an equestrian property,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20it has stables which could be converted for livestock or vehicle use.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Although there's no formal garden,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25there's more than enough space to create one.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31OK. So this is the final bit of the house to...
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Nice view of the property. Quite elevated. Overlooking...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37all of this lot.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40All in, about eleven and a half acres.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46Look at him - he's licking his lips there! Eleven and a half acres to play with.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- That's nice, yes.- But where are we on the budget?
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I'd say somewhere round about 365.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53365.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56More land. 370.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58370.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01It's on the market for a bit more than that.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06You did say that 390 was the top end.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- Yeah.- It's actually on for 395.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Hmm. Yeah.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14But I haven't brought you here to disappoint you.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Yes, it is 395,
0:25:17 > 0:25:22but speaking to the owner earlier, I do know this is open to serious offers.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Which we hope would leave you enough left over
0:25:25 > 0:25:31to start making some inroads as to what you'd do with the property to bring it up to what you want.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Yeah.- Lots to think about.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- A lot!- Good! That's the idea.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Off you go. Go and explore. There's tons of it!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Thank you.- It's all that way.
0:25:42 > 0:25:48So although, at £395,000 this is stretching their maximum budget,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51it delivers over and above requirements.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54First, you're paying for 11 acres.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Then the self-contained annexe which they could use for family and holiday lets.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02The house itself comes with a huge open plan living/dining room,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05a good-sized kitchen - albeit with no sink -
0:26:05 > 0:26:07and the must-have three bedrooms.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11But I get the feeling Colin is a bit more taken with it than Brenda.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17A lot of it is very flat, so I can put the poly tunnels in various places.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22- But there is a lot of land, but... - I'm worried there's too much land.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- I don't think it would be a problem. - Eleven and a half acres is a lot of land.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Yeah...- A lot of land.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30This property, we could make it work for us.
0:26:30 > 0:26:36The outside area, though, is more of a worry to me than the inside,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39with this one. It's a completely blank canvas.
0:26:39 > 0:26:45There's nothing. No garden. There's nothing out there but fields, really.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49It may be slightly too much for us to take on, this one.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Yeah - eleven and a half acres.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57Which I think would be perfect, but I'm a bit concerned about the quality of some of the pasture.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Well, the weather is getting better.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Are the houses getting better, I wonder? What do you two think?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- We're very confused.- Good!
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Trust me, confusion is a really good sign.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- Because it does mean you've got lots of choice.- Yes!
0:27:13 > 0:27:17It's just as well the end of the day is drawing to a close,
0:27:17 > 0:27:21giving Colin and Brenda plenty of time to think about it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Coming up - it's Mystery House time,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35which today is a tale of two properties.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36A project.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38So this is the living room.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41- Mm-hmm.- Mm-hmm?
0:27:41 > 0:27:43And a perfect pad.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- Very, very well done, isn't it?- Yes.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47But there's a big compromise.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49So will it end happily ever after?
0:27:53 > 0:27:57Yesterday, I think we did pretty well on trying to get Colin and Brenda
0:27:57 > 0:28:01the lifestyle they're after for their budget of 350 to 360,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04possibly stretching that to £390,000.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Our Mystery House, as ever, that's something of a challenge,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12but it could offer the lifestyle they're after, but with a twist.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14And potentially a lot less money.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Everything will become clear shortly
0:28:18 > 0:28:19as we don't have far to travel.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22The Mystery House is situated near Tremain.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25It's about as rural as you can get
0:28:25 > 0:28:29with little interrupting the quiet lanes and endless vistas of fields,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32cows' barns and traditional stone houses.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35However, for supplies there is a mini supermarket
0:28:35 > 0:28:37just a couple of miles away.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Right.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42The Mystery House. What do you think?
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Uh, this lot?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- That lot. The whole lot.- Wow.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48The whole thing.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51What we've got are effectively two houses
0:28:51 > 0:28:53because that low building there
0:28:53 > 0:28:57is currently a well-established holiday let.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- OK.- Stroke annexe.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- Right.- Right.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Height of the season about 650 a week.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- Yes.- OK.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08So it's not inconsiderable.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13The main house over there, that is a kind of separate entity.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15And that is much more work in progress.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17I love the house.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- It's definitely got stun appeal when you see it.- Stun appeal?
0:29:21 > 0:29:24That's a new one. It's normally kerb appeal. But there's no kerbs!
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Come on.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Hey, I could work with "stun appeal".
0:29:30 > 0:29:32This is a very different proposition
0:29:32 > 0:29:37which could offer them some serious but viable alternatives to their dream.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39We'll start in the unfinished part of the house.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44So this is the living room.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Mm-hmm.- Mm-hmm?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- Come on, Brenda. - It's got great character.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- Yeah.- You're not convincing me!
0:29:54 > 0:29:56I think it has great character.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00Probably much bigger than you would originally have seen and would expect
0:30:00 > 0:30:02looking at it from the outside.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Effectively they are two-up, two-downs.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07But this has been knocked around a bit to open it up.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- Added on to the back. - That's the full width of it.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- Are you lighting up with this? - It's big, it's airy.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I do like this room. Lots of possibilities.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Across the hallway is the second reception room
0:30:20 > 0:30:24which could be a kitchen as this part of the house doesn't have one.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Right. Now, I say two-up, but it's actually got three-up.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32One's a bathroom.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Two bedrooms, very similar sizes. There's one.
0:30:35 > 0:30:41That's the bathroom complete with very groovy canary yellow suite!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44A collector's item there, really! But bedroom-wise,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47this is, you could say, the master.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49You could swap it with the other one.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50It's a good size.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52So this is the old bit.
0:30:52 > 0:30:59And this, effectively, is what's designated as the owner's bit of this complex, if you like.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02The annexe being obviously for guests and so forth.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Now you could swap it round.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Yeah.- Yeah.- That's a choice only you can make.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10But it does give you a lot of flexibility.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- Yes, I was going to that one. - Let's look at the annexe
0:31:13 > 0:31:15and see what you make of it. That'll make you decide.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19The annexe is superbly finished
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and again can be accessed via its own front door or the house.
0:31:25 > 0:31:31- Now this, I think is where this house...- Oh, wow!- ..really starts to come together.- Yes.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Yes.- Very, very well done, isn't it?
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Very nice, very airy.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37- Very light.- Nice to look out.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It's got lots of features, lots of character,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43but it's more than that. It's functional.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- Very well done.- Very, very well done.- Very light.
0:31:46 > 0:31:52Do you need to have your holiday let here if you were able to keep your other property in Llandysul?
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Would that allow you the sort of income you would need?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57It could work.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01The other house would need a lot of work to get it to a holiday let.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04But it is an option.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Let's continue to explore the rest of the annexe.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- Now this is what your guests have to enjoy.- Very nicely done.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20Cosy, isn't it? We've got a very well appointed family bathroom
0:32:20 > 0:32:23which serves the annexe through the corridor behind us.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- But also two bedrooms here. - Excellent.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28So you've got a twin and something of a master,
0:32:28 > 0:32:33all of which adds together to create the upper end of the rental market.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36'Well, that's the house done and dusted.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39'Now let's turn our attention outside.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43'This is where the Mystery House is going to get really challenging.'
0:32:43 > 0:32:45So, what have we got for you out here, Colin?
0:32:47 > 0:32:50This is the million-dollar question, isn't it?
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- Because land is...- OK.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56What we've got for you is an acre.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- Right.- And it's an acre of that woodland.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Right.- OK?
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Alpine woodland, almost.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09In terms of immediate land for growing things,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12there's a very well developed vegetable patch down there.
0:33:12 > 0:33:18So how do we join up the circle in terms of giving you land to play with?
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- Well, over there is a huge chunk of farmland.- Yep.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28Almost as many acres as you wanted are available to rent
0:33:28 > 0:33:30for 300 quid a year.
0:33:30 > 0:33:36But of course all of that has to be seen in relation to the price of the property itself.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39So, our final price guess, Brenda.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40Have a go.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- 299.- 299.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46320. 330.
0:33:46 > 0:33:52It's on the market not for 320, nor 330. Nor indeed, 299.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- You could have this little lot for £295,000.- I wasn't far off.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Now, then. We've just knocked £100,000 out of the equation.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04This is a number-crunching one.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06The cogs are turning.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09But it does offer you another dimension.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12It's a very different option to what we set out for.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Yes. Exactly.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Go and have a look at that woodland. - Will do.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- It's down there. Follow the lane.- OK.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24So there you have it. The mystery property.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Hugely under-budget at £295,000,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31the owners' accommodation does need a lot of work.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39The annexe, however, is superbly finished, with a modern kitchen/diner,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42a cosy living room and two bedrooms.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Outside is a sizeable garden for Brenda
0:34:45 > 0:34:50and one acre of woodland with the option to rent acreage from the neighbouring farm.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53So will they forget about the holiday let
0:34:53 > 0:34:55and have a large family house
0:34:55 > 0:34:57or keep the annexe for themselves
0:34:57 > 0:34:59and convert the main house for holiday lets?
0:34:59 > 0:35:01The possibilities are endless.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Well, that's a view-and-a-half! - Certainly is.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- That's the farm down there. - Yeah, that's good.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11A real working farm with tractors and everything.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15We've got everything we wanted but in different sort of options.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Put our thinking caps on.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22The kitchen is a bit of an issue. We have that room there.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25But it's flummoxed me.
0:35:25 > 0:35:26There's so many options here.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It needs serious thought.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Obviously the original house does need a lot of work.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36But the cogs are going. The annexe is perfect.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Brilliantly done, beautifully done.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Right. Time to go. Come on, where are you?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- Out you come, Brenda.- Thank you.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- Seen enough, do you think?- Yeah.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- Yeah.- Oh, dear, it all sounds a bit jumbled.- Just a bit, yes.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55That's thrown a spanner in the works, that one.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58It's the perfect Mystery House. I love it when that happens.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- But...- Lots more options again. - Lots more options.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04We do want a decision from you.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Let's get you somewhere where you can figure it all out.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Then I shall grill you as to what the future holds. Come on.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Thank you.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23Colin and Brenda aren't alone in their search for a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It's becoming something of a national phenomenon,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30with around 100,000 people on waiting lists for allotments
0:36:30 > 0:36:34and vegetable seed sales reportedly going through the roof.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36A 60% increase in recent years.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38However, it's nothing new.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43Llanerchaeron was built in 1795 as a model self-sufficient farm
0:36:43 > 0:36:47by famous architect John Nash of Buckingham Palace fame.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Having never been modernised in its 215 years,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54it remains a time capsule of the Georgian "good life".
0:36:54 > 0:37:00To find out more, during the week I met up with Paul Boland from the National Trust.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Hi, Paul. Nice to see you. How are you?
0:37:02 > 0:37:08- Good, thanks.- We know that Nash built this house, but it's only recently been confirmed.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Yes, in 1995 when we were doing work on the house
0:37:11 > 0:37:16the builders were clearing the roof space and a receipt was found from John Nash.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21- This is it?- For glass. This is a copy. The original is in the National Library. Signed John Nash.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Brilliant. That's amazing, isn't it?
0:37:25 > 0:37:30The original ethic of self-sufficiency that Llanerchaeron was founded on
0:37:30 > 0:37:31continues to thrive today.
0:37:31 > 0:37:36Although the estate is no longer inhabited, nor has dependants needing to be fed,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40it maintains its original function as a sustainable country estate.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Look at these!
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Oh, brilliant, Paul.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- They're terrific. - These are Welsh pigs.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52This is terrific. Llanerchaeron isn't just a static museum.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55No, we manage Llanerchaeron as a working estate.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00But how big an impact do these have on your current financial situation?
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Every little bit contributes. We've got Welsh black cattle,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07the Welsh pigs and Llanerchaeron sheep.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11And we sell all our meat locally in a box scheme to visitors.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- That'll bring in nearly £20,000 to the operation.- That is a lot.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20Well, that's the meat. Now what about the veg?
0:38:20 > 0:38:26This is more like it. There's something about walled gardens. Something magical, enchanted.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31If you wanted veg all year round, or produce all year round, you had to have a walled garden.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34How did you survive the winter here?
0:38:34 > 0:38:37They used to bring on plants in a propagating yard,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39bring things on early for an early start.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42We have a propagating yard the other side of the walls.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46There's a hypercourse flu system
0:38:46 > 0:38:52where a fire pit would be lit which would draw hot air around a series of pipes underground.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56That would warm up all the plants so you'd have a head start.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01They would then come into the walled garden with its microclimate because of the walls.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04This is heated flues, a different system to the other one.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- You've got heated flues.- Is that a chimney?- That's a chimney, yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11So the heat rises up through the walls. It's a Roman system.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Yes, they took it on from the Romans.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19All the produce grown and reared here today is organically farmed by choice.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22But in the 19th century, there wasn't any other way.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25But not everything went straight from the field to the table.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29It was processed via the service courtyard
0:39:29 > 0:39:32which housed a dairy, smoke house, cheese room, pickling room
0:39:32 > 0:39:34and even a brewery!
0:39:34 > 0:39:37All of which retain their original equipment.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- This is terrific!- They'd have brewed the beer and tapped off the light mixture as a small beer.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Cos the water from the river wasn't safe.- So everybody was drinking beer anyway!
0:39:46 > 0:39:49There is so much to take in here, an eye-opener.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53For anybody who wants to understand how an estate like this would operate,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57this is a great place to come. Thank you. Cheers, mate.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- Let's try and find a real pint! - Come on!
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Well, it's been an interesting house search here in Ceredigion.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13Colin and Brenda have lots to discuss as we've given them plenty of options.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24At long last, it's decision time. They've had plenty of time to think it all over.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Have we ended the confusion, I wonder.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Now, then, you two.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37Let's just talk through the properties first. Then get to the meat of where you're at
0:40:37 > 0:40:38with the future.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42The first one, five acres. Your thoughts on that one.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46It wasn't quite as big as we'd hoped, downstairs in particular.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- It was nicely done, though. - The kitchen wasn't bad.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53The kitchen was a good size, actually. But I liked the land.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I thought the land was nice there.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59It was arguably some of the best land we were able to show you.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- The prettiest, I think.- Yeah.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- So not a bad start, then. - Very good start.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05Property two.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Eleven and a half acres.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- Which, I suspect, you were a bit daunted by.- I was daunted by that.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14It was a complete empty canvas, really.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17There was nothing there at all, apart from the land.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Yes, I see number two very much as a canvas.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25With things you could certainly do a lot with.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- The Mystery House time. - It was such a pretty house.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33It's a shame it didn't come with any more land, really.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37We started weighing up if the land was that important,
0:41:37 > 0:41:42and we both came to the conclusion that was a step too far,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45taking that land away around us.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49But the house itself was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. It really was.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54The next big question is, have we done it and where do you two go from here?
0:41:54 > 0:42:00I think we'll possibly go back and look at one and...
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- One and two.- One and two, I think. - For different reasons.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04Right. Go on.
0:42:04 > 0:42:10- I think number one ticks all the land boxes.- Yep.- Definitely.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13We need more time to look around the house, cos it was very small.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17And how we could extend or annexe it.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18And the second one?
0:42:18 > 0:42:22The land is the questionable thing. We need to study the land more.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26Obviously we are looking at this for animals like sheep
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and damp ground is no good for sheep.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31But we're going to go back and have a proper look
0:42:31 > 0:42:33and get into some detail.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38I'm delighted we've given you a couple of options which have been of interest.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- But it has been great fun and we wish you the very best of luck. - Thank you.- It's been great.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51People often ask me what is the secret to successful house hunting.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Some of it is pretty obvious.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Clarity, of course, but also flexibility.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58The idea that you can accept the unexpected,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02provided it still accommodates the new lifestyle you're after.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06But I think there's something else, much more fundamental.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08I happen to love this part of the world.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10So, too, do Brenda and Colin.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14I think you need to fall in love with your own chosen bit of landscape.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Because after all, knowing what you want is one thing.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21But knowing where you want it, well, that is the secret.
0:43:21 > 0:43:22See you next time!
0:43:22 > 0:43:26If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Northern Ireland or England, and would like our help,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31please apply online:
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