0:00:02 > 0:00:07Today, I'm at a castle that's been home to 26 successive generations of the same family.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Mind you, when you have a place like this, who can blame them?
0:00:23 > 0:00:29'In today's show, I'll be helping a couple run away to retire to the country
0:00:29 > 0:00:33'and we've got a big budget, big houses and big "wows".'
0:00:33 > 0:00:37A huge wow...! Oh, my goodness!
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I don't believe it!
0:00:40 > 0:00:45- 'And our mystery house is a real revelation.'- Oh, crikey!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53I'm in the Cotswolds and this is Berkeley Castle,
0:00:53 > 0:00:59home to the Berkeley family that have lived in this magnificent place for 900 years.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04Now, it may seem tranquil today, but if these ancient walls could speak,
0:01:04 > 0:01:10they would whisper tales of a brooding past at odds with the peaceful surrounding countryside.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And it's truly magnificent.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Covering 790 square miles and spanning six counties,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22the Cotswolds is the largest of the 40 Areas of Outstanding Beauty
0:01:22 > 0:01:24across England and Wales.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Its historical towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden,
0:01:29 > 0:01:35made from the local honey-coloured limestone, read like a Where's Where of the UK's most desirable places.
0:01:35 > 0:01:41Jewel in the crown is Burford which, in 2009, a leading US magazine voted
0:01:41 > 0:01:45as one of the most idyllic places to live in Europe.
0:01:45 > 0:01:51And as one of the least populated areas of England, yet teeming with rich wildlife,
0:01:51 > 0:01:57it's no wonder that so many people dream of finding their own haven in this part of the country.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01There's no way round it. Property in the Cotswolds comes at a price.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07The average detached property here would set you back - hang on to those tweed trousers -
0:02:07 > 0:02:12a massive £181,000 above the national average.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17This is a stunning part of the country with properties to match.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Just take a look at what's currently on the market.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24If budget is not an issue,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28how about this five-bedroomed, new-build Cotswolds house in Ascott
0:02:28 > 0:02:30on the market for £1.3 million?
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Besides a large family kitchen, there's plenty of space to relax
0:02:34 > 0:02:38in the two comfortable sitting rooms and conservatory,
0:02:38 > 0:02:44or even the summer house, a perfect spot to survey the three-quarters of an acre garden.
0:02:44 > 0:02:50Or there's this deceptively large, four-bedroomed, weatherboard home overlooking Howells Mere Lake.
0:02:50 > 0:02:57Soak up those waterside views from the huge, open-plan living area with its barn-style vaulted ceiling,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00yours for £730,000.
0:03:01 > 0:03:08And £380,000 will get you this three-bedroomed, Cotswolds stone barn conversion in Blockley.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13The exposed stone walls and beams really give off that warm, cottagey feel
0:03:13 > 0:03:19and you've got water on your doorstep with a stream running through the communal gardens.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25I love the timeless appeal and subtle sophistication of the Cotswolds.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28With a varied array of properties on offer,
0:03:28 > 0:03:35I'm delighted to be house-hunting in this area this week. So who's going to be joining me? Let's find out.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Steve and Meera have been married for 12 years
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and both work for the publishing company Steve founded 20 years ago.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48With the four children they have between them now in their 20s and with retirement on the horizon,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52they are excited about starting out anew in the Cotswolds.
0:03:52 > 0:03:58I'm a bit of a romantic and I can remember being a young kid going on holidays into the country,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01down into Devon and different places,
0:04:01 > 0:04:07and I'm really looking forward to going places like that where you swing the doors open,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10go out into the fresh air, go for fantastic walks.
0:04:10 > 0:04:16I can't wait to get into that kind of environment. That's what I'm looking forward to.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19I can't wait. If I found the place, I'd go tomorrow.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23They're biding their time in their three-bedroomed flat
0:04:23 > 0:04:30and have spent two years scouring the countryside for their dream home, so what are they looking for?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33My dream property has to have lots of character.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39It has to hit you when you look at it and you just go, "Wow, this is something really special!"
0:04:39 > 0:04:41I want it to have a stream,
0:04:41 > 0:04:47I want it to have a pond, although I can build a pond, and beautiful views.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Four bedrooms, two with en-suites and then a separate family bathroom,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56then it might be quite nice to have an extra little room, a study.
0:04:56 > 0:05:03Steve loves his music and he plays it extremely loudly, so a nice music room to shut him away would be good.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08And there are some rather large companions to squeeze in too.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11This is Denis. He's a beautiful piece of pottery.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15We've got all our stuff that we've collected on our travels in storage,
0:05:15 > 0:05:20so we are desperate to find a lovely new property to get them all out and enjoy them again.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25This is a communal garden. We're looking for a bigger garden, one to three acres,
0:05:25 > 0:05:32so we can have our pond, we can have some animals, chickens, ducks, lambs and maybe even ostriches.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35I have actually agreed to have a dog,
0:05:35 > 0:05:41but he is also talking about sheep and ostriches and pigs,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45so that's a little bit scary, really.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51We love cooking, we love entertaining, but this kitchen really isn't big enough.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55We're looking for a big, open-plan kitchen-breakfast room, comfy sofa,
0:05:55 > 0:06:02walk-in larder, French doors opening on to the garden, people can sit round, drink a glass of wine. Lovely.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Meera is also keen to get involved in village life.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11I think it would be lovely to move into a village that's still got some of the local shops
0:06:11 > 0:06:15like a butcher, like a post office, like a nice pub.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20So many of the villages we've looked at don't have those amenities any more.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- I think a village loses some of its...- Identity.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31Identity. So for us, we would love to live close to a village environment,
0:06:31 > 0:06:35so that we can get involved and become part of that community.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Steve and Meera are cash buyers,
0:06:38 > 0:06:44but bearing in mind the land for ostriches and a perfect village location, how much can they spend?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48We're fortunate. Our budget for the next move is up to a million pounds.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Steve and Meera are really fired up for this move and it's great to hear
0:06:54 > 0:06:59they're serious about getting involved with the local community they will one day call home.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04But when it comes to the house, I do have some concerns.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08They both want a home with real character and a warm family heart,
0:07:08 > 0:07:14but whether it's out in the sticks or near a village is still up for discussion.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Will they be able to agree? Let's find out.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Our buyers may differ on the exact location of their dream property,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25but hopefully, we can offer up something to appeal to them both,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29so we're focusing our search between Chipping Campden in the north
0:07:29 > 0:07:32down to Cirencester in the south.
0:07:32 > 0:07:38We've got three fantastic houses to show them, but before I reveal the price of each,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40I'll ask them to have a guess first.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45Finally, there's our mystery house which is guaranteed to be a real curve ball.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Well, Steve and Meera, welcome to the Cotswolds.- Thank you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55- I'm really looking forward to the next few days. I hope you are too. - Absolutely.- We're very excited.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59And we've got a very healthy budget, a million pounds to spend.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Yes, aren't we lucky? - And cash buyers?- We are.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Which does make it a lot easier, we hope.- Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11But we are in the Cotswolds, the beautiful Cotswolds, which is expensive,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15so on paper, a million pounds should be able to buy us a castle,
0:08:15 > 0:08:21- but here, you get rather less for your money. Are you aware of that? - I think we realise that.- Yeah.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25You've been looking around. How far have you cast this net?
0:08:25 > 0:08:31We're pretty flexible because obviously work isn't an issue now, children aren't an issue now,
0:08:31 > 0:08:38- so we can go more or less where we want to.- That's made it a lot harder because we could go anywhere.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44But I really don't want to move too far from where we are now which is Amersham,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47mainly because we've got a lot of good friends there.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- And Steve, how far and remote do you want to go? - I'd go really quite rural.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58I would go... No, I would. I'd go kind of three miles from your nearest neighbour - great.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04There's a bit of a difference here, isn't there? There is a bit of a difference.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- I wonder who's going to make the ultimate decision? - I think we probably both will.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12But possibly...
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Yeah, we'll see. It'll be a compromise at the end of the day.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22We've got some amazing properties for you to see and the mystery property.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Are you ready to get started? - Absolutely.- Come on.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32'So Steve and Meera have a very healthy budget of one million pounds.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42'Steve wants a beautiful plot for his ostriches to roam in
0:09:42 > 0:09:48'and with Meera asking for a village location not too far away from Buckinghamshire,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52'fingers crossed, we can find something to keep them both happy.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56'Our house search takes us to a very rural spot near King's Stanley,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59'17 miles from Cirencester and a two-hour drive
0:09:59 > 0:10:03'from Meera's loved ones back in Buckinghamshire.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07'Nailsworth would be their nearest market town five miles away.
0:10:07 > 0:10:14'It has independent shops and plush eateries. Many of its properties are built into the lush hillside,
0:10:14 > 0:10:20'as we find with our next property in the open countryside. I think Steve will love this location.'
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Here is your property, made of Cotswold stone.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- It was finished in 2007, so it's still very, very new.- Right.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- You've got a slate roof and the most amazing views.- Yes.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- All the way around.- Absolutely... - Absolutely stunning.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39It's actually five acres in total.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Steve, you said you wanted a bit of a project.- Yeah.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48- You wanted to keep some animals. - There's enough space for ostriches and llamas in there.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52You could have a whole zoo with all that land! Let's see if the house...
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Over my dead body! - ..is up to your taste.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02'Although Meera seems a bit scared by Steve's plans for his Noah's Ark,
0:11:02 > 0:11:07'I think the interior of this property will really make an impact on her.'
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Come on in.- Oh, my goodness!
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Big wow!
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Huge wow!
0:11:16 > 0:11:18This is just incredible.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21You don't see living space like this very often, do you?
0:11:21 > 0:11:26Now, you two wanted flexibility, you wanted lots of options.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- I think I'm going to cry.- Aw!
0:11:29 > 0:11:36- You said you didn't mind contemporary.- I know and I don't. Oh, I've gone all googly!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Blimey!
0:11:38 > 0:11:41It's ticking lots of boxes at this stage.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47I don't want to get too excited. Let's walk through and you can really see the views.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52Now, you've probably guessed this is a topsy-turvy, upside-down house.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00But it works so well and it's been designed like that, so you get the most out of that view.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- You can see right across the valley. - Fantastic.- Yeah, it's exceptional.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Even washing up would be a joy!
0:12:07 > 0:12:10A nice, big kitchen, you know, granite worktops.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Obviously, entertaining is so important
0:12:14 > 0:12:16and somebody wanted a sofa,
0:12:16 > 0:12:22so the sofa is in close proximity to the kitchen, so I believe that's going to get a big tick.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28Yes, that's my space while Steve is preparing the dinner on a Saturday night. Perfect.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32'Brilliant. This superb contemporary interior has bowled them over.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35'Let's see if we can keep them smiling.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:42I think this house really benefits from having this little private room to the side.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47Yeah, absolutely. That is such a fabulous space out there.
0:12:47 > 0:12:53But I think if that was all you had, I would have been a bit worried, so I'm really pleased we're in here.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56This is lovely, really beautiful.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01'Just next door, there's a study which would make a great den for Steve to play his music.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07'They seemed utterly wowed by the views and flexible modern layout of this property.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11'Meera's sculptures would certainly look great in here.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17'Let's head downstairs and hope they'll be thrilled by the five bedrooms that lead off the hallway.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22'Two would fit a double bed in nicely, this one with doors leading out to the patio.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27'And the third double is a nice, generous size with a lovely, modern en-suite,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'but we'll take in those views from this generous fourth bedroom.'
0:13:31 > 0:13:38- I'd be tempted to put my guests in here because look at that view! - Stunning views, stunning views.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44I wish I had a pound for every time we said "amazing, stunning views", but you can't help but be impressed.
0:13:44 > 0:13:50It just hits you every time. Every time you come into another room and you see the view, it just hits you.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55'Across the hallway is a great wet room-style family bathroom with a corner bath.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58'Next door is an elegant master.'
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- So again, good size for you? - Lovely. Lovely size.- Lovely size.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07The utility room with the washing machine and all that gubbins is down here?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10It is. Very cleverly, it's out of eyeshot.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Let's have a look at your wet room and I'll explain a little bit more.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- So here's your wet room.- Yeah.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23And the utility is just through that door.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27It's a Jack and Jill utility from the family bathroom and yours.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Laundry can go straight in there and no-one sees it.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35That's perfect. Your clothes are in your bedroom. The bedrooms are all here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:41- All I do is open the door and throw them in.- Yeah, and they come back clean by magic...- Ironed.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46..into your underwear drawer. I don't iron his underwear!
0:14:46 > 0:14:53'There may not be much magic in the laundry room, but I'm sure outside will cast a spell on Steve.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56'The five acres of land fall within a conservation area,
0:14:56 > 0:15:02'so no chance of development getting between them and those views over the Malvern and Welsh Hills.'
0:15:02 > 0:15:09The current owners have horses. But these paddocks... Meera, you might not want me to say this.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12But they could be ideal for ostriches. No?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14They could be. They could be.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19You both seem so impressed with the property, but it's time to talk money.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25How much do you think it's on the market for? Who's going to go first? Meera?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I'm going to say...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30999,000.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33OK. Steve?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35975.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39It's only just gone on the market. It's been about four weeks.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- So very early days.- Yes.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44The current asking price is...
0:15:46 > 0:15:49..£895,000.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52No! Crikey!
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- I'm staggered. - I wish I DID bring my chequebook!
0:15:57 > 0:16:02So do I if it's that positive! I'm trying to hold back my enthusiasm.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04And with a house like this,
0:16:04 > 0:16:09I think your friends would be happy to make the two-hour journey here to see you,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12rather than you go back to Buckinghamshire.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- Have another look around the house. I'll catch up with you in a while. - Lovely.- Enjoy!
0:16:19 > 0:16:21They certainly loved the price tag.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Way under budget at £895,000,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29this exceptional, modern Cotswold property seems to have them reeling.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45And it's all framed by jaw-dropping views.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I think the setting is exceptional.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53I can imagine us standing out here on a summer's evening watching the world go by.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58I could see myself living here. The views blew you away. It was exceptional.
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- Family and friends would love coming here.- The sculptures would look fantastic here, paintings...
0:17:04 > 0:17:09Absolutely stunning. Took my breath away, really. Made me go all googly.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14And for us, a space like this is what we like to live in,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17so from that point of view, just couldn't be better.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Have you two seen enough? - I think we have.- Yes, I think so.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27- You've still got that grin on your face.- I have indeed.- I'm going to have to drag you away now.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38'With its idyllic countryside, honey-coloured stone and rich housing stock,
0:17:38 > 0:17:43'the Cotswolds is a place people want to move to and never leave.
0:17:43 > 0:17:50'Nowhere is there a more compelling example than Berkeley Castle, home to the Berkeley family since 1154.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54'Built under orders from Henry II, it has a unique claim to fame
0:17:54 > 0:17:59'as the oldest continuously occupied castle by the same family in Britain.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04'The castle has borne witness to some startling events over the past centuries
0:18:04 > 0:18:09'and I'm meeting Charles Berkeley to learn more about the place he calls home.'
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Were you brought up here as a child?- We were.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19My brother and I, only 11 months between us, we spent our winter months here at the castle.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21It was a magical place.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25We lived in the keep which was the oldest part.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29That was exciting - really old wooden floors and stone walls.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32It was a paradise to grow up in.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36There are so many stories of visitors seeing two boys up on the roof.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41We respected the castle, but it was our playground. We were extremely lucky.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47- I'm used to showing people houses, but I'd love you to give me a tour of your house.- Let's go, yeah.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55'Although noblemen walked through these hallways en route to sign the Magna Carta,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'Elizabeth I slept in its chambers
0:18:58 > 0:19:03'and Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream was first performed here,
0:19:03 > 0:19:09'it is a surprisingly homely place, although Berkeley does lay claim to one particularly dark tale.'
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Charles, tell me a bit more about this story, the legend of the King.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19Well, Nicki, Edward II was King of England in the 14th century.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25And he was brought here as a prisoner in 1326.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29On the orders of his wife, he was kept here for six months
0:19:29 > 0:19:33and imprisoned in this cell here and they murdered him.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- This is where he was murdered?- This is the site where he was... Yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43'After murder and mystery, a trip on to the roof is a breath of fresh air
0:19:43 > 0:19:47'and a chance to take in the wonderful panoramic views,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51'but with a £5.5 million appeal for repairs, including the roof,
0:19:51 > 0:19:58'maintaining Berkeley involves considerable upkeep, so does Charles feel at home in these castle walls?'
0:19:58 > 0:20:02It is very much a castle with its turrets and its towers
0:20:02 > 0:20:04and its imposing look,
0:20:04 > 0:20:10but it is still a wonderful family home and long may that continue.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15'Exploring Berkeley has given me a fascinating insight into 900 years of British history
0:20:15 > 0:20:20'and it's extraordinary how this home is still an ongoing concern
0:20:20 > 0:20:23'for the same family some 25 generations on.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29'As the day draws to a close over the Cotswolds,
0:20:29 > 0:20:33'it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:20:35 > 0:20:42'Meera and Steve are desperate to find their dream country home to retire to in the Cotswolds.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46'With their big £1 million budget, Steve wants land for ostriches.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51'They've seen one property, but coming up, it looks like Meera is wearing the trousers.'
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- Steve cooking, me sitting, glass of wine.- Yeah.- Works well.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59In my handbag is the chequebook.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04'But can our mystery house bring them back down to Earth?'
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Yesterday went rather well.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12With stunning scenery and rural seclusion, the ball was firmly in Steve's court.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18But of course, this move is about Meera too, so today, we're going to address the balance.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23We're heading for the village of Pebworth just six miles from Chipping Campden
0:21:23 > 0:21:28and an hour and three-quarters away for visitors to drive from Buckinghamshire.
0:21:28 > 0:21:34I think they'll make the trip because although Pebworth lies just outside the Cotswolds border,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37it still benefits from that beautiful scenery.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43I think Meera will love this quiet village which has a number of period properties dotted about.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- 'But could she live here?' - Oh, my goodness!- Wow.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- That whole thing?- That whole thing. - I've gone all goosepimply!- Have you?
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- What do you think, Steve? - It's very big, that's for sure.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Absolutely huge.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02The house is made up of three parts.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- The original house is Jacobean. - Really?- At the back of the property.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Wow.
0:22:08 > 0:22:15- This side of the house is Georgian. - Yeah.- And just because they decided it needed to be a little bigger,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- that's the Victorian extension. - Wow.- Amazing.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- I think it's time to go in. - Let's go.
0:22:22 > 0:22:29'This huge country house in the middle of the village certainly seems to have blown Meera away,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'as it did Sir Ben Kingsley who restored it from flats.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37'Leading off the entrance hall is the first of two sitting rooms.'
0:22:38 > 0:22:43This is absolutely stunning. And I've gone goosepimply again!
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- This is the Victorian side.- Yes. - This house is Grade 2 listed.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54You have to bear that in mind for anything you want to do to it.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59The current owners decided they wanted to knock through to the kitchen.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I think it works really well.
0:23:06 > 0:23:12- Gorgeous!- Does that make you happy? - A gorgeous range. Steve cooking, me sitting, glass of wine.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Yeah.- Works well.
0:23:14 > 0:23:21- There's no sofa in here. You do have a good-sized table. - You've got to have somewhere to sit.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- It has a good vibe about it. - Thumbs up?- Definitely.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- I'd like to see more.- There is so much more to show you. Follow me.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35'The different architectural styles seamlessly flow into one another.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41'And our next room is certainly fit for a Jacobean banquet.' If one was going to have a dinner party,
0:23:41 > 0:23:48- how would this work as a dining room?- I'm almost...lost for words, which doesn't often happen.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54- The size of that fireplace!- Yeah. - I mean, it's just incredible.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59You've got original leaded windows. The surrounds have been repaired.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Absolutely beautiful.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Can you feel the history? - It just oozes with it.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09It comes out of every bit of it.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- This is just...- You're very animated!- I know!- In a village!
0:24:14 > 0:24:18I'm trying to kick myself, hold myself back.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- Where's the driveway?- Where will the ostriches go?- Exactly.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29'Right, on we go. As we step out of the 1600s and move through to the Georgian part,
0:24:29 > 0:24:36'we pass a wine cellar, a must for those dinner parties. And what better room to retire to than here?'
0:24:36 > 0:24:44- A beautiful Georgian room, presumably.- It is.- Lovely. - You've got sash windows, shutters.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47And a great view of the church.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49A working fire as well. Wonderful.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- And dual aspect. You can go through the patio doors.- They're open?- Yep.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Plenty of light.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01'And there's light streaming in to the study off the sitting room.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05'Also tucked away on this floor is a cloakroom, WC and utility room.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'Meera has fallen in love with what she's seen so far
0:25:09 > 0:25:14'and Steve has been lapping up the historic wow factor.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18'I don't think upstairs will disappoint.'
0:25:18 > 0:25:22So this house has five bedrooms and this is the master.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- This is lovely.- That is gorgeous! - It's so bright as well.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31- Look at the view, Steve!- Everything in this house is pretty large.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- And I know...- Oh, my goodness! - ..you wanted an ensuite,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40- so... Just go and have a little look.- OK.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Is it going to be mega?
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Oh, my goodness!- Wow!
0:25:46 > 0:25:49This is just about big enough(!)
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- It is enormous.- Beautiful. - Absolutely enormous.
0:25:52 > 0:25:59'All the rooms lead off this sprawling landing. At the end of the hallway is the family bathroom.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03'You've guessed it - huge! With a luxurious roll-top bath.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07'The second bedroom is currently used as a dressing room
0:26:07 > 0:26:10'and is certainly big enough for Meera's sofa.
0:26:10 > 0:26:16'Opposite are two bedrooms. Perfect for guests. Back down the hall is another potential bedroom,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20'which could make a great den for Steve's loud music.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24'Upstairs again is a real treat for their overnighting guests.
0:26:24 > 0:26:32'It's a self-contained flat complete with sitting room and architectural history on show.'
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- Gosh. Look at this.- Incredible. - The original wattle and daub.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40All the walls were done like them. When they restored the house,
0:26:40 > 0:26:46about 25 years ago, it looked so amazing they made it a feature.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51'There's also a kitchenette and their guests won't believe their luck
0:26:51 > 0:26:58'in the minimal splendour of this bathroom. The space just keeps on going outside.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02'Across the driveway is a double garage with two stables.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06'Behind that is a small pond for Steve and a superb annexe,
0:27:06 > 0:27:14'currently fitted out with a large gym and games room. A fantastic space to have fun in.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20'So there's acres of house and the landscape garden is a surprisingly quiet retreat,
0:27:20 > 0:27:26'given it's right in the middle of the village. But the ostriches might have to be chickens.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31'Is it a compromise worth making for such a sumptuous property?
0:27:31 > 0:27:35'Time to catch our breath and consider the price.'
0:27:35 > 0:27:41So I think I've shown you everything. How much do you think the current asking price is?
0:27:42 > 0:27:46I've got to say... over our budget,
0:27:46 > 0:27:48but I'd go for 1.1.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- And Meera?- I'm going to go slightly under Steve and say
0:27:53 > 0:27:56£50,000 under what Steve said.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- So just over a million? - Just over a million.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05This house is currently on the market...
0:28:06 > 0:28:07Aaaargh!
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- ..for £875,000.- No!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Holy...sugar!
0:28:18 > 0:28:21In my handbag is the chequebook.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- That is amazing. - That is amazing!
0:28:26 > 0:28:33- Now if this house was probably three or four miles in that direction...- Yes.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37..you would be looking at substantially more
0:28:37 > 0:28:41and we're not talking £50,000 or £100,000 more.
0:28:41 > 0:28:47But we are just outside the boundaries of the Cotswolds, but it is all around you.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51You can see the Cotswolds from your bedroom window.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- Go and enjoy, take your time. - Thank you.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Again under budget at £875,000,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02this property has clearly worked its magic on Meera.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Although Steve will have to have a serious rethink on the land,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10they've been seduced by its three reception rooms and their character,
0:29:10 > 0:29:17its historical features spanning some 500 years and the five bedrooms with that enormous ensuite.
0:29:17 > 0:29:24The village location should please Meera and it's still an easy drive back to Buckinghamshire.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27I knew as soon as I looked at the outside that I could live here.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I fell in love with it on the spot.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34When I came inside, it was breathtaking.
0:29:34 > 0:29:41The thing about it is it's got such a...warm, homely feel to it.
0:29:42 > 0:29:49I think what happens coming into a house like this, you start off at zero degrees
0:29:49 > 0:29:53and in the hall you're at 15 degrees, by the kitchen it's 50.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57By the time I got to the dining room I was boiling. It's very special.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00There cannot be many like this.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Are you both ready?
0:30:04 > 0:30:09I'm as excited as you both are! Come on, we've got to press on.
0:30:14 > 0:30:20Meera and Steve are certainly not the only ones to have succumbed to the idyllic charm of the Cotswolds.
0:30:20 > 0:30:26Around 280,000 visitors a year flock to its beautiful honey-coloured villages,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29including Long Compton with its rich history.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34We arranged for them to meet local historian Jan Treadaway
0:30:34 > 0:30:40to find out more about the village's mysterious tales from the past. First stop, the lych gate.
0:30:40 > 0:30:47- What exactly is a lych gate? - Lych is an Old English word. It means body or corpse.- Oh, right.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53And in the Middle Ages, the wool merchants were very powerful around here.
0:30:53 > 0:30:59There was a law passed that stated that every corpse had to be buried in a woollen shroud,
0:30:59 > 0:31:04- which was quite expensive. - Nice extra income!- Absolutely.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08And they had the right to stop a coffin at the church gate
0:31:08 > 0:31:14- and open it and inspect to see if the body was dressed... - Really?- ..in a woollen shroud.
0:31:14 > 0:31:20The church that stands here today is late Norman, but there was one as far back as the 5th century.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26It's said that when St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, was sent here in the 6th century,
0:31:26 > 0:31:31while preaching in the church yard he raised a man from the dead.
0:31:31 > 0:31:38There are also numerous burial grounds and ancient sites steeped in legend around here,
0:31:38 > 0:31:45including the rollright stones, thought to be older than Stonehenge and linked to witchcraft.
0:31:45 > 0:31:51The story goes that an invading king was tricked by a witch who told him, "If Long Compton you shall see,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53"King of England you shall be."
0:31:53 > 0:31:58When his view was obscured by a hill, she turned him to stone.
0:31:58 > 0:32:04These are supposed to be the king's men. Over there is the king's stone, which was the king turned to stone.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09Well, these pretty villages shouldn't be taken at face value.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14Their rich folklore is a defining feature of the ancient Cotswold landscape.
0:32:17 > 0:32:24Every now and then we find a property that just screams out to be the mystery house.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26And this is one of those.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31Steve and Meera have been wonderfully open-minded
0:32:31 > 0:32:34but this house is going to certainly test them.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37All will be revealed soon enough.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43We're heading to the village of Fulbrook, half an hour's drive from Chipping Campden
0:32:43 > 0:32:47and just an hour and a quarter from Buckinghamshire.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52The nearest amenities are in the pretty town of Barford, a mile away.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Its lively streets are lined with magnificent stone frontages
0:32:56 > 0:33:01and there's a raft of pubs and local shops to pick from,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06but I think our mystery house will require me to do some hand-holding.
0:33:06 > 0:33:13I'm bringing you to the mystery house. I don't think you'll be too disappointed with the surprise.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17On three. One, two, three.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Oh, crikey!
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- It's built into the hillside. - It's an earth-sheltered home.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32- Were you expecting this, you two? - Not in a million years!- No.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36I know you both love your first impressions.
0:33:36 > 0:33:41- How does this rate? - Funky, awesome,
0:33:41 > 0:33:43amazing. Indescribable, really?
0:33:43 > 0:33:49- It is. It's just completely different.- A proper earth-sheltered home, made of Cotswold stone.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53So it's in keeping. A double garage there.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59You've got a cedar lip there. It's like an umbrella above the property,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03like a huge, huge umbrella to insulate it and keep out water.
0:34:03 > 0:34:09- So first time for any of us in an earth-sheltered home. Ready for the grand tour?- Definitely.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11I think we'll enjoy it.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15'Our mystery earth shelter may be an unexpected Cotswolds find,
0:34:15 > 0:34:22'but they've been around for thousands of years. It's a fantastic way to combine great architecture
0:34:22 > 0:34:27'with making homes more energy efficient. So let's explore.'
0:34:27 > 0:34:30It's very deceiving from outside.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36- It really is.- Yeah. - How clever, the way they've got all these different levels in.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42- I can't believe the space is so... light.- Being south-facing, you get the warmth and the light.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48Covered in soil, it's insulated. The windows and doors are air-locked to keep that heat in.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52'In the spacious utility room is some interesting eco-kit.
0:34:52 > 0:34:59'This ground source heat pump absorbs heat from deep underground and warms the house throughout.
0:34:59 > 0:35:05'The open-plan area is cleverly split into different zones, like the large sitting room.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08'We'll explore the central hub.'
0:35:08 > 0:35:12This house does benefit from being open-plan. Here's your dining area.
0:35:12 > 0:35:20- And that leads beautifully on to the kitchen. It's really well-fitted.- Yeah.- Got everything.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24You mentioned this property being on different levels.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28Before I take you upstairs, I'll show you what's down here.
0:35:31 > 0:35:37So here's the second reception room. There is potential to convert this to another bedroom
0:35:37 > 0:35:42if you wanted a four-bedroom house and not a three.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47- Across the hallway, you've got a bathroom and a bedroom. - It is completely different.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52For a surprise house, it couldn't be any more of a surprise.
0:35:52 > 0:35:59'I'm not sure they're completely falling in love with this property, but they're impressed by the design,
0:35:59 > 0:36:04'flexible layout and great energy-saving features.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10'Upstairs includes the third of four potential bedrooms, opposite which is a family bathroom
0:36:10 > 0:36:14'with a shower cubicle. Time now to check out the main bedroom.'
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- This is the master. - Good natural light.
0:36:18 > 0:36:25- And a good-sized room. - Yes. It is surprising, given where we are in the house,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29how much light comes through. It is surprising.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33- It benefits from an ensuite, a large, generous ensuite.- Right.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- Which was on the hit list. - Yes, definitely.
0:36:36 > 0:36:42This house does have its benefits. It's low maintenance, low heating bills.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44- And there are just the two of you. - Mm.
0:36:44 > 0:36:52'Mm, indeed. Well, there's one big surprise to come that might make them consider taking the plunge.'
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Now...
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- ..take a look at this. - I don't believe it!
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- Crikey! That would keep us fit. - It would do that.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07That was designed for the owner, so they could keep fit.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- Yeah.- Yeah. - It's what you'd call a bath!
0:37:11 > 0:37:17I wouldn't want to clean it! It's got a contra flow system like a water treadmill.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20When you turn it on, you literally swim against the current.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26'With the house covered, and armed with those brollies, we're going back above ground
0:37:26 > 0:37:30'to stand on the roof and admire the surprisingly large garden.'
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- It's impressive, isn't it? - It is. It's very different.
0:37:35 > 0:37:42- Without wanting to keep you out here any longer...- This is difficult! - It is, but it's the bit I like.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- It's the bit I dread!- How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:37:47 > 0:37:50I'm going to say...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52£980,000.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56I'll go... slightly less than that.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58I'll go...935.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03The current asking price - £850,000.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- 850?- Yeah.
0:38:05 > 0:38:11You're not going to get a house like this in a location like this. It's a one-off.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15For the right couple or the right person, it's a tremendous buy.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19The big question is... is that you two?
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- You're not going to let me know, are you?!- No, we're not.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Your lips are sealed. Why don't you go back inside where it's toasty,
0:38:28 > 0:38:33have another look around, have a think about it? I'll see you later.
0:38:33 > 0:38:40'Our cutting-edge Cotswolds stone earth shelter is under budget at £850,000
0:38:40 > 0:38:45'and it's a real one-off, featuring large flexible living areas,
0:38:45 > 0:38:49'an impressive insulating roof which doubles up as the garden,
0:38:49 > 0:38:53'four potential bedrooms with an impressive master ensuite
0:38:53 > 0:38:57'and, critically for Meera, it's just an hour to Buckinghamshire,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01'so catching up with family and friends couldn't be easier.'
0:39:01 > 0:39:05The big open-plan area down there would be fantastic for a party.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09And you wouldn't even know you're almost underground.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13When Nicki brought us round that corner and we opened our eyes,
0:39:13 > 0:39:18I would never have imagined that this was what I'd see. Phenomenal.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Obviously it's low maintenance, the heating bill is very low.
0:39:22 > 0:39:28It's very secure. As you get older, you could see yourself moving here.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33But it's a bit too early for us. At the moment, I want big grounds.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Sorry to bring you back out!
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- That house certainly makes a statement.- It certainly does.
0:39:40 > 0:39:47- So unique, but you guys have got some thinking to do. - We certainly have!
0:39:54 > 0:40:01'Steve and Meera have approached this house search with gusto, but now it's time for a quiet think.'
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It's decision time for Steve and Meera.
0:40:05 > 0:40:11At the beginning of the week, this couple couldn't decide where they both wanted to live.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Let's hope they've found common ground.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22- Well, you've had some thinking to do, haven't you?- Just a little. - Certainly have.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- Shall we start with the first property?- The vista was superb.
0:40:27 > 0:40:33And it really reminded you of how wonderful the English countryside is.
0:40:33 > 0:40:39As we approached the house, it was new, then when you opened the door and saw the internal layout,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43it had to be one of the big wow factors of the week.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48It was phenomenal. It took my breath away really,
0:40:48 > 0:40:54but the longer I spent there, I wasn't sure that we could live within that space,
0:40:54 > 0:40:59even with the additional rooms on that upper level.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03The main bulk of the house was that one open-plan area.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08I just felt we needed a little bit more space or additional rooms.
0:41:08 > 0:41:14Both of you want to immerse yourself in country life. Meera, it's important you're near a village.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19So we found a property right in the middle of a village.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23As soon as I looked at the outside, I loved it.
0:41:23 > 0:41:30And then when we opened the door, it just blew me away. The more we walked round, I could see us there.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34The grounds were lovely, the annexe is another dimension.
0:41:34 > 0:41:41And there was a further piece of land that I'd love to turn into a natural part of the garden
0:41:41 > 0:41:46and have a small pond there et cetera. It had a lot going for it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:54Our mystery house, is always different. The earth shelter. I haven't seen anything like it.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- I don't think you two had either. - No.- And at no point inside
0:41:58 > 0:42:03did you ever feel you were underground. So much natural light.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08All those different levels. I thought it was fabulous.
0:42:08 > 0:42:14It was great to go and see. We'd seen others like that, but never been inside one.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19- Nice to see.- Wonderful to see. I'm really pleased you showed it. - Great.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Well, you've seen these properties.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Where do we go from here? I'm so eager to find out!
0:42:25 > 0:42:31Well, I think tomorrow we are going to go back to Pebworth,
0:42:31 > 0:42:36- have a good look round the village and who knows?- See where we go.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Well, that is great news. It's been a wonderful few days.
0:42:40 > 0:42:46- All the best. And if you do have any good news, let us know. - We certainly will.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52I've really enjoyed this week.
0:42:52 > 0:42:59It was always going to be a challenge finding the right property and location for Steve and Meera,
0:42:59 > 0:43:05but they remained open-minded and saw the merits in each of the properties we showed them.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10I so hope they're a step closer to making this all-important move
0:43:10 > 0:43:14and immersing themselves in country life.
0:43:14 > 0:43:20If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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