0:00:02 > 0:00:04Take a walk through these mournful mountains
0:00:04 > 0:00:07and you may just catch a glimpse of a mythical fawn,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09a talking lion, or even a white witch.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12In was this wonderful landscape that inspired a local writer to
0:00:12 > 0:00:16pen one of this generation's most loved children's books. Where am I?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Well, find out in just the moment,
0:00:18 > 0:00:22as we embark on yet another fantastical Escape To The Country.
0:00:34 > 0:00:40Today, we're helping two retirees swap city suburbs for scenic vistas.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Winter or summer, that is a fabulous view.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45But it won't be a walk in the park.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I'm getting the feeling that you're not getting the feeling.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50If you know what I mean.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54So, will we ever deliver the perfect retirement package?
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- You're joking. - Really? Where do I sign?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Have you got your cheque book with you?
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Today, I've leapt over the Irish Sea
0:01:06 > 0:01:08to explore all that Narnia has to offer.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Well, actually, I'm in the Mourne Mountains
0:01:10 > 0:01:12in County Down, Northern Ireland.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15You might excuse the confusion because it was this wonderful
0:01:15 > 0:01:20landscape that Belfast-born CS Lewis based his magical world.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23First published in 1950, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
0:01:23 > 0:01:27was one of a series of books from the Chronicles Of Narnia,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30which has been published in 41 different languages
0:01:30 > 0:01:32and has sold 120 million copies.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35But it's quite easy to see why such flights of fancy
0:01:35 > 0:01:38were inspired by these wonderful mountains
0:01:38 > 0:01:41that so famously and poetically sweep down to the sea.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44With the Irish Sea making up its eastern border
0:01:44 > 0:01:47and the counties Armagh and Antrim to the north and west,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50I think County Down has plenty to write home about.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The 12 peaks of the Mourne Mountains are Northern Ireland's
0:01:53 > 0:01:55highest points and plans are afoot
0:01:55 > 0:01:58to make in the region's very first national park.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04These granite monoliths give way to a very rural county
0:02:04 > 0:02:08where both arable and dairy farming play a vital role in the economy
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and provide a near endless picture of rolling green pastures
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and large tranquil Loughs.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15An excellent river network,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18especially the rivers Bann and Lagan, helped shape the agricultural
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and industrial landscape in the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Giving rise to a textile industry that saw many villages and towns flourish.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Such as Downpatrick, the county town,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31believed to be the last resting-place
0:02:31 > 0:02:33of patron saint St Patrick.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39However, if you come to the region looking for traditional Irish stone properties
0:02:39 > 0:02:40with slate roofs or thatches,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42then you may be in for a rough ride.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Houses here are typically constructed from block
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and rough cast rendering.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Farm houses and bungalows are not in short supply.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54As for the views, well, they could have been painted by the old masters.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01If you're thinking that a move over to Northern Ireland
0:03:01 > 0:03:04would be the cheap option, then think again.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Prices here are pretty much the same as average prices
0:03:07 > 0:03:10in England and Wales, running at around £166,000.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13And if you think County Down might be your preferred location,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15then you've got quite expensive tastes.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Prices can go up to about £200,000 for your average house,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22which is pretty much the same as Hampshire in the south of England.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26So, for all of that money, just what do you get? Let's find out.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28If you've got deep pockets,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31how about three properties for the price of one?
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Your main residence is a four-bedroom 18th century cottage,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38rebuilt and beautifully refurbished by the current owners.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Guests can really make themselves at home
0:03:40 > 0:03:43in not one but two self-contained outbuildings.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47And it's all set in a whopping six acres.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51As you can imagine, it comes with a whopper of a price-tag.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55£1.5 million. Don't worry if your money won't stretch that far.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59This 19th century four-bedroom house near Crawfordsburn
0:04:00 > 0:04:02could be yours for just under £700,000.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04You get the best of both worlds,
0:04:04 > 0:04:09with plenty of period features and some very contemporary twists.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14It also comes with half an acre, so lots of room to sit back and relax.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16If you want to go the whole modern hog,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19then this executive residence could be just the thing.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23There's no shortage of space, with three reception rooms,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27a contemporary kitchen with all the mod cons and four bedrooms.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31It's on the market for just under half a million pounds.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Well, there's something for everyone's tastes there,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37which should suit this week's buyers who are ready to kick back
0:04:37 > 0:04:39and make this Emerald Isle their home.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Born-and-bred Irish Cailin Marguerite and her husband Roger
0:04:45 > 0:04:48have lived in and around Nottingham for 45 years.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53But now they've both retired, Marguerite is longing to return to her roots.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55I came from a little town called Rathfriland,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57which is in County Down in Northern Ireland.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03I came over to England when I was 17 and stayed with my aunt.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06So I really would like to go back to my family.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I've got six sisters based around Northern Ireland.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Nephews and nieces. And we would really like to be part of that family again.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16So with family ties pulling them to County Down
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and with their grown-up son now living in Australia,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23they've decided to swap their suburban four-bedroom home
0:05:23 > 0:05:27of the last 22 years for a country pad across the Irish Sea.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30But what exactly do they have in mind?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33The dream property would be a three-bedroom bungalow,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37set in a nice little piece of land, overlooking the mountains of Mourne
0:05:37 > 0:05:40or just overlooking some nice scenery.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43And there is loads of nice scenery in County Down.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45They'd like this to be their last move,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48so we'd better get the particulars spot-on.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53In my next house, I obviously wouldn't need four bedrooms, but three would be very nice.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58Marguerite is quite happy with her current kitchen in terms of style and size.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00But she does have some big ideas elsewhere.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I would like a nice lounge and a separate dining room.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I'd like to keep their cats out of that.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Be able to close the door.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10A nice garden. Not too big of a garden.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13No, not too big, because I've got to look after it!
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Doesn't sound like Roger is particularly green-fingered,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but that doesn't mean he wouldn't like outside space.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21This is my current garage here.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23It's a double.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Not really big enough for what I am hoping to do in the future.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30I'd like to buy a little sports car or something similar
0:06:30 > 0:06:33to mess about with and tinker about with in the warmer weather.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37And this garage just isn't big enough for that sort of thing.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Now, as frequent visitors to County Down to see family,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'm assuming Marguerite and Roger have a location in mind.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47The area we'd like to move to is a little town called Banbridge.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50A lot of my sisters are based around that area,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53so we would really like to be within maybe a 10-mile radius of Banbridge.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Looking for somewhere fairly rural, villagey,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01on the outskirts of a town or a village,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04with neighbours not too close.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Just somewhere in a nice rural position.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12One very important point is it must not be on a main road because we have the cats.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14So that's one property no-no,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16but are there any others we need to heed?
0:07:16 > 0:07:21We're not really keen on beams, that sort of thing.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25So the property needs to be fairly newish.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30We're not into pine ceilings and those very heavy sort of things.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31Basically light and airy.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Well, before we can find them their country home,
0:07:34 > 0:07:39Roger and Marguerite need to know how much their current house is worth.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43So we've invited a local agent round to give them a valuation.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48This is a well-presented four-bedroomed detached family house, set in a good location.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50The area has good schools and good amenities.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56I value this property between £320,000 and £330,000.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00With that in mind, what's the final figure for the big move?
0:08:00 > 0:08:05My budget for the new property is up to £270,000.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Max.- Maximum.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15So, Roger and Marguerite do not want one of these.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16They're after living on one floor.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20And the good news for them is the average price for a bungalow
0:08:20 > 0:08:23here in Northern Ireland is around £213,000.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28Let's face it, it doesn't sound like they're after the average bungalow.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31At least three reception rooms, three bedrooms
0:08:31 > 0:08:33and outside, room for a double garage.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36It sounds like they could be pushing their budget
0:08:36 > 0:08:39here a little bit. I think there might be a compromise ahead.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45With family in and around Banbridge, Marguerite has asked us
0:08:45 > 0:08:47to stay within a 10-mile radius of the town,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49which is quite a limited search area.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51We've managed to track down
0:08:51 > 0:08:54a fabulous line-up of single-storey dwellings to view.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56As always, I won't be revealing
0:08:56 > 0:08:59their asking prices until the end of the tours.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03And finally, there's a mystery property which will be a challenge,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05but will it be a step too far?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Good morning, guys. Welcome to County Down.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Now, old ground for you, isn't it? - It is indeed.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- You come here quite a lot, don't you?- We do.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18How soon are we looking to move over here?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- As soon as we can.- Really? - Yes, absolutely.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25So, with a house up for sale, you've got your budget in mind of what?
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- 270?- 270, yes. We can be a little flexible.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Good. That's a relief. Because you do want quite a lot for your money.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37But there's a good variation of property
0:09:37 > 0:09:40that we've got to show you today. Of course, we've also
0:09:40 > 0:09:43got the mystery house to show you, which could be absolutely anything.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- Quite excited about that one. Shall we get on the road? - Yes. Let's go.- Good.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52So, for a top budget of £270,000, Roger and Marguerite
0:09:52 > 0:09:55want a modern, three-bedroom detached bungalow
0:09:55 > 0:09:57in a semi-rural location.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Their must-haves include a good-sized kitchen,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03a separate dining room, a living room and a sun room
0:10:03 > 0:10:07or family room, which adds up to an awful lot of reception rooms.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Roger has his heart set on a double garage so he can buy a sports car.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14And they'd both like far-reaching views.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18They want all of this within a 10-mile radius of Banbridge,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20so the pressure is really on.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27We're kicking off our County Down property search
0:10:27 > 0:10:30in the countryside just outside Hillsborough.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Which, at 13 miles from Banbridge and Marguerite's family,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36is stretching the commute just a tad.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39But Hillsborough is something of a showpiece.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43With its colourful high street brimming with gorgeous Georgian buildings
0:10:43 > 0:10:48and independent shops and eateries. It's also home to a stunning 18th century parish church.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51However, the bungalow we're viewing
0:10:51 > 0:10:54is two miles away in prime County Down countryside.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00So, our first property for you is this rather sweet bungalow.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Very nice. Very nice indeed.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06I like the look of it. I like the windows and the front door.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- First impressions good. - I can see the scenery over there is going to be gorgeous.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Lovely scenery out the back by the look of things.- Want to look inside?
0:11:14 > 0:11:15- Please, yes.- Excellent.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20Built eight years ago, this bungalow is beautifully presented inside.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24It doesn't quite have all the space they've asked for, but there are options.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27So hopefully they'll see the potential.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31OK. The living room, or living area if you like.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Yeah.- Very nice. Nice fireplace. - Nice room, yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37They put the white oak floorboards in themselves.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Which, I think, helps with the theme of this room
0:11:41 > 0:11:44because it does go round next door. Let me show you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49Oh, lovely. Look at that. Separate dining room, which is what I wanted.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53I think the real advantage of this room and this house at the moment
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- is you see that sundeck out there?- Yes.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Underneath that decking are foundations for a sun room.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00- That's good.- Ideal.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Because the foundations are done, the work has been started,
0:12:04 > 0:12:09that planning consent will stay with this property in perpetuity.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11So you can build on to that a sun room
0:12:11 > 0:12:15at any time in the future. Is that something you'd want to do?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Definitely. It would be nice to have a flow out through the doors
0:12:18 > 0:12:22there into a nice conservatory and what a fabulous view it is out there.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Gorgeous.- Fantastic, yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27A lot of this house I think benefits from fantastic views.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30This isn't the only room that uses them.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Let me take you to the kitchen.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Pretty modern kitchen.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Very nice. Good size. Eating kitchen.- Ideal.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45It's a lovely kitchen. I like the flooring.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48So you wouldn't change it? Kitchens are very personal, aren't they?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Ideal looking out over that lovely view.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53You would be getting a lot of that view in, Roger,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55because that's where the washing up's done.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- That's my job, definitely. - No dishwasher?
0:12:58 > 0:13:03I was keeping that quiet! There is an integrated dishwasher as well, if you wanted to give him a day off.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I like the cooker range. I do a lot of the cooking.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08That's a lovely big cooker.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Next door you've got a good size utility room.- Yes.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12Fabulous. That's great.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15You've got a door there going straight out to the garden as well.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- That's where my cats will go. - Happy so far?- Absolutely.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Let's keep looking round, shall we?- Yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26'So, with a big thumbs-up for the kitchen, it's so far so good.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30'Plus this property comes with the must-have three bedrooms too.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34'Off the hallway is a good-sized double guestroom-cum-study and there's a single bedroom.'
0:13:34 > 0:13:38OK. Just quick peek into this bathroom. What do we think?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Very nice. Very clean.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Separate shower. That's good. - Like the tiles.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Now, I'm not going to wow you with en-suites.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51I'm sorry. This is your only bathroom. Will it suffice?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- This is big enough. - I would prefer another one.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57It's big enough for just the two of us anyway.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01OK, yeah. Let's see what you think of the master bedroom. Right.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04OK, so the master bedroom.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Very nice.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Lovely size.- Ideal size.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Now, what about when you wake up every morning?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Winter or summer, that is a fabulous view.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20It's very special. Very special.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25'I'd say that's a thumbs up all round, and I can't see the outside space disappointing.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31'The property sits on a half acre plot in all, but for once I'm hoping that won't be too big.'
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Well, isn't this lovely out here.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Beautiful. - This is absolutely fabulous.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- This is ideal.- Lovely size.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44Not too big. I'm not that much into gardening, but I do like a nice lawn.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Well, I know what you are into, Roger, and that's your motor car.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I am.- Now that is not a shed, that, believe it or not, is a garage.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- OK, yes.- My own thoughts were that you would probably put
0:14:53 > 0:14:57a garden shed to the back of it, get all the garden stuff out of there,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and that becomes Roger's domain, where Marguerite never shall step.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- My little kingdom.- So, how much does a house like this cost, I wonder?
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Very, very difficult to value.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12I would go for 259.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14I think I'd go slightly less.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19I think I'd go 249,950.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24Well, it's just been reduced to 225.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Really?- Very good. Very good. - That's very good. That's good value.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31And you get these fantastic views.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Yes.- Yes. Can't be bad.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36The views are worth a bob or two, aren't they.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Well, now it's your time to have a scoot around here on your own.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Look into all the rooms and think, you know, if your furniture will fit,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- and obviously you'll want to have a scoot in that garage.- I will, yes.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48I'll catch you in a bit.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53What a great start. Under budget at £225,000,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Roger and Marguerite would have £45,000 in spare change
0:15:57 > 0:16:00to tackle any work, like adding that sun room.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03After that, there would be little to do, as it's superbly finished
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and comes with a must-have three bedrooms.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08A good size kitchen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11A separate dining room leading off the living room
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and the views are unbeatable.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16This move is a downsize for them, but will this bungalow be
0:16:16 > 0:16:20big enough to fit all of Marguerite's visiting family?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Oh, it's a little on the small side really.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I couldn't get three cars in here. You'd struggle to get one.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33You're not going to have three cars!
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I love the location, I think it's absolutely fabulous.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40You couldn't have chose a much better location.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42The views are stunning. Stunning.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47It's a lovely room, Rog, but I don't think our furniture would fit in here, do you?
0:16:47 > 0:16:51No. Looking round, the size of our three-piece suite would drown the rooms.
0:16:51 > 0:16:57It would. The other thing is when all the family come down, there's no way, there really isn't enough room.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- How did you get on? - Very good, thank you.- Very good.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Yes.- Had a good look around?
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Very good look around. - We have, yes.- Good.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Let's hit the road, shall we? OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Farming has been big business in County Down for centuries.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25However, back in the 17th century one specific crop changed
0:17:25 > 0:17:29both the physical and economic landscape of this region for good.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33The crop was flax, the raw material in linen.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38When an English bill was passed in 1699 banning the export of wool,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42punishable by death, the Lord Deputy of Ireland encouraged farmers to swap sheep
0:17:42 > 0:17:50and arable crops for flax, creating an entire new textile industry which boomed for well over 200 years.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58Marguerite and Roger know the area very well, but they know nothing of the origins of the linen trade.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00So to find out more, they headed to a mill museum at Dromore,
0:18:00 > 0:18:05and met Eugene McColville whose family have milled flax for over three generations.
0:18:09 > 0:18:15Counties Down and Antrim and Tyrone, there was mills everywhere, but this mill of ours here
0:18:15 > 0:18:19was a typical mill of what would have been in those days.
0:18:19 > 0:18:25- How many people did you employ? - Oh, my late father employed actually over 50 workers.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Really?- At all the various stages of flax.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- At this mill?- At this mill and the other mill across the road.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Although the industry had all but declined by the mid-1900s, thanks
0:18:36 > 0:18:41to the advent of artificial fibres, in the 18th and 19th centuries it accounted for over
0:18:41 > 0:18:48half of Ireland's total experts, and over 100,000 individuals were employed in linen production.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51To turn flax into cloth was quite some process though.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55First the seeds needed to be removed by rippling.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59That is what we're after now, that linen there. That linen there.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01See that there.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04It then had to be scutched. Brushed with a wooden
0:19:04 > 0:19:09pallet knife to remove the hard outer sheath and separate the linen fibres from the flax stalk.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- Have I got a job, Eugene?- You've got a job, yes. I'll keep you in mind.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Good, thank you.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Luckily, advancements in technology
0:19:19 > 0:19:22meant the whole process could be done by machine.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25It's amazing the process it goes through
0:19:25 > 0:19:28to eventually being a nice piece of Irish linen.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Well, that wasn't even half the job.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34To become linen, it needed to be woven.
0:19:34 > 0:19:40In many rural areas entire families were involved in the whole process from farming to the loom.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44When the industry went belly up in the early 20th century, to make sure this
0:19:44 > 0:19:48combination of agricultural and industrial heritage wasn't lost,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51in 1958 the Ulster Transport and Folk Museum was built.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56A working replica of a 19th century milling town and weaving village.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59And it's well worth a visit or a glimpse into a bygone era.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11For our second bungalow of the day,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14we're heading much closer to Banbridge.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16In fact, it's situated just a few miles away
0:20:16 > 0:20:19in the countryside on the outskirts of Donaghcloney.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22A linen village back in the 19th century, today it's a quiet,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26pretty place with a population of around 1,000 people.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Amenities here include a parish church and a couple of decent local shops.
0:20:30 > 0:20:37For our viewing we need to head a couple of miles south of this village into the open countryside.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42So here you go. Our second offering to you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- What do we think?- Very nice. Yes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50It looks very nice. I would like to maybe brighten it up a little bit. Perhaps a lick of paint.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52OK. Now look, we're almost at the top of this hill,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55but look at the landscapes we've got behind us.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Fantastic. Fabulous view. It is.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01This is the sort of area, sort of location we're looking for, yes.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Spot on. - So apart from a lick of paint.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- Yes.- We're in here, are we? - That's right.- We're looking good.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Good. Let's look inside.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14'Size was an issue with our first bungalow, so we are increasing the floor print with this property.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19'It still doesn't have all the reception rooms Marguerite is after, but room dimensions
0:21:19 > 0:21:23'are much bigger, so plenty of space for all the family.'
0:21:25 > 0:21:28OK. I think we've got a very different kind of home.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30What do we think?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Well, good size and gorgeous views again.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Look at that. Beautiful.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Now, this is bigger.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- It is.- But in the first house, whilst it was smaller,
0:21:41 > 0:21:46you seemed a lot more vocal, you almost gave it a warmer reception.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50I'm just not feeling the same as I did in the first house.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Even though it's bigger, it's just something about it.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57It's not quite got that certain something.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Try and keep an open mind, but I am aware that it has to have the right feel.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Yes.- Sure.- Let's have a look in the kitchen.- OK.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08You get a good size reception hall, don't you.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11It is a lovely sized hallway, yes, it is nice.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13The kitchen is a very different affair.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Different affair? It certainly is.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19My goodness gracious me.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- I know you didn't want a farmhouse kitchen.- No, I didn't.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26But it doesn't scare me showing you this, because it's all cosmetic.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28You don't have to have wood effect everywhere.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32I want you to look at this through eyes of maybe doing this kitchen up
0:22:32 > 0:22:35or maybe taking the farmhouse feel out and putting a modern one in.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39It's a fabulous size of kitchen, you could do an awful lot with it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43And you don't have to build a conservatory on, you have a bit of a sun room here.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Yes.- Follow me.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52So this at the moment, well, it's trying to do two jobs
0:22:52 > 0:22:54and I think it only needs to do one.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56You've got a massive kitchen,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58so maybe take the washing machines out
0:22:58 > 0:23:03and put them into the big kitchen, and then this could be then
0:23:03 > 0:23:06a dining room, and you could lead out on to that sun deck.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07- Yes.- Lovely.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- You could actually make this into a nice dining room.- Yes, you could.
0:23:11 > 0:23:18'Cosmetics aside, the space here seems to be hitting the mark and decor is so easily changed.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21'This bungalow also comes with three bedrooms,
0:23:21 > 0:23:26'including a double guest bedroom, a good sized single bedroom,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28'and a modern shared bathroom.'
0:23:29 > 0:23:32OK then, master bedroom.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Not a bad size.- It's a good size.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Good sized room, yes. Very nice.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41I'm getting the feeling that you're not getting the feeling, if you know what I mean.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Just something and it's just not quite doing it for me.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46I don't know what it is, I can't put my finger on it.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I'd just like something more modern.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50So that's it. OK, modern.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- More modern.- That is probably the word, yes, more modern.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- There's probably too much woodwork. - You got it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04'That's the problem, almost too much character, but it's not an insurmountable obstacle.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08'They could easily modernise here by painting the wood if they liked,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11'so there are options, and this gives them the space.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14'Even better, outside is something that might just sway Roger.'
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Now then Roger, what do we see here before us?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Oh yes. Nice big shed/garage, yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- That looks a good space.- Good.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Now we do have a substantial, well, a substantial plot here certainly.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I would say it's fairly low maintenance.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37There's not lots of beds here, but it might give you an excuse to buy a ride-on mower, you never know.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Now there's half an acre all in all of plot size.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- Let's go and have a look at the top bit.- OK.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49So with all this land, Roger could put a super-size garage if needs be.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Up here, you can see we've got some fantastic views, haven't we.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Absolutely.- Lovely. - Beautiful. Really lovely.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58What do you think of how much it might be on the market for?
0:25:00 > 0:25:07I think this is on the market for £249,000.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08OK. All right.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10I think I'd go a little bit higher.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12260,000?
0:25:12 > 0:25:16OK. Substantially more than the first property we had the look at.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- Well, it's bigger.- It's bigger, yeah.- It's a lot bigger.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Well, it's actually on the market, before I get blown off this hill,
0:25:22 > 0:25:27it's on the market for around £235,000.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29That's reasonable. Very good value.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31For the amount of land you get.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33And the size of it.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Considering the size of it, it is worth that.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Look, my suggestion to you is, go back in there
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and see if you could modernise it to your own tastes.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47See what you would be prepared to do and whether or not you could make this your ideal home. OK?
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Thank you.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55At offers around £235,000, this rustic bungalow
0:25:55 > 0:25:58is really spacious with a large living room,
0:25:58 > 0:26:03a big kitchen diner, a separate dining room and three bedrooms.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06The location and views are obviously a hit and with
0:26:06 > 0:26:10half an acre, there's plenty of space to build a double garage.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Cosmetically it could be changed to suit their taste, but at £35,000
0:26:15 > 0:26:19under budget, they'd have plenty of spare change to do it.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Setting-wise, it's absolutely perfect.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25It's a lovely location, great scenery. Lovely views.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29The hills, the mountains in of Mourne in the background there.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It really is a fabulous location.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Cupboards are nice. I like the cupboards.- Cupboards are nice.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- And this is a Belfast sink. - You like the sink, don't you?
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Yes, I do. That's lovely.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42Yes, and the worktops.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Nice and easy to look after.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48It's just these beams that are bugging me. It's wonderful.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53It is a lovely, big home for a family. But I really want something
0:26:53 > 0:26:56modern and no work to be done.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Well, whether it's good or bad, they seem to be taking their time.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Are you all done?- Yes.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Well, that's it for the house tours for today. Let's hit the road.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20So, that's it for day one.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24We're two properties down as the sun sets over County Down.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Coming up next in our search for the perfect bungalow,
0:27:32 > 0:27:33we have the mystery house.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35That's a strange kitchen, Jonnie.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40Yeah, it's a strange kitchen and at the moment you might
0:27:40 > 0:27:43be boiling a kettle and eating noodles out of a pot!
0:27:43 > 0:27:45But will it rise to the occasion?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I like it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54So, to sum up, yesterday's properties started off pretty well.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Lovely interiors, but maybe not big enough.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59The second property, certainly big enough,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02didn't get the right feel for the interiors.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04That leaves us with the final property,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06which is the mystery house.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10As you might expect, there are some quite sizable compromises with the mystery house.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13But there are some major plusses.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14Can't wait to see their reactions.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21What do you think the mystery house might be?
0:28:21 > 0:28:24I can't imagine. I think it may be a house,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27cos we asked for a bungalow. It may be a house.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29It could be an apartment.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Would it be a disaster if it was a house?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Not really, as long as it was in the right location.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Well, that's a good job,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40as Marguerite is very close to the mark.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43We're heading just a few miles south of Banbridge
0:28:43 > 0:28:45to the rural outskirts of Loughbrickland.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49No prizes for guessing the village is the name after nearby lake,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Loughbrickland, which is famed for its speckled trout.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55The village itself is stocked with a Post Office and a church,
0:28:55 > 0:29:00and thirsts can be quenched either in a pub or in the local tea rooms.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05Right, then. You asked for new. We've got new.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- What about this?- That is wonderful.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10There's a lot of property here, guys.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Yes. Liking the garage.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14It's brand spanking new.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18So new, in fact, that it's not quite finished.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- Right.- OK.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23The guy that built the so far is a builder.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28He will finish it off for you, but there'll be some extras to pay.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32So these are big compromises I'm talking about, I appreciate.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Knowing what we know, are you still prepared to have a look around?
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Absolutely, yeah. Fine.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42'Well, Marguerite said she wanted modern, and you don't get much more modern than this chalet bungalow.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44'I'm going to let you into a secret.
0:29:44 > 0:29:50'This is over budget, but it's so spacious and delivers everything they wanted and more.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52'We just had to show it to them.'
0:29:52 > 0:29:58Now then. You've got something that's quite rare to find in a bungalow,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01a set of stairs! Quite grand, aren't they?
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- It is.- Huge, lovely staircase.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- Really impressive.- I don't often say wow, but this is wow.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Very, very nice.- I think the whole house is impressive.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14- Do you want to have a look? - Sure. Yeah, please.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20So, what would you use this room for?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- A lounge. Yes. Very nice.- Super.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- There is nothing to do apart from stick a fire surround in there. - That's right.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Nothing. Nothing at all.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- So you reckon this would be your living room? Yeah?- I think so.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Now, you've not seen the rest of the house yet,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37so you might well change your mind.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39You've got options here.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Wonderful.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Wow.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Goodness.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Speechless! It's huge.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Good heavens. What a space.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Wonderful space. - There's a few spaces, aren't they?
0:30:54 > 0:30:55There are, yes.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57If you think about sun rooms,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00you couldn't get a better one, could you?
0:31:00 > 0:31:02No, glass all the way around.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Fabulous.- So now, you've got a sun room, you've got a living room, dining room.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08What's that going to be?
0:31:08 > 0:31:10A study. A little study.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Now, so far,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15there's wood flooring throughout.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Wood skirting. You've not mentioned that.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- No.- I like this wood flooring, actually.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24I like it. It's not overpowering.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- No.- Everywhere's white. It's nice.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32Nice and light. You could really, really put your own stamp on this.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- I think so.- Absolutely. - Do you want to keep looking?- Please.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Kitchen's next.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41That's a strange kitchen, Jonnie.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Yes, it's a strange kitchen, in as much that
0:31:44 > 0:31:46at the moment you might be boiling a kettle
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- and eating noodles out of a pot!- It looks that way.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54But the hard work, believe it or not, has been done again.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Everything in this house is plumbed in.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00All it is now is buying the kitchen units, the worktops.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03You can choose whatever kind of kitchen you want.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Yes.- It's a lot to take on, I know.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07'There's a lot to take in, too.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11'The rest of the ground floor consists of two bedrooms, a single bedroom
0:32:11 > 0:32:17'and a guest bedroom with a shower room which is yet to be plumbed in.'
0:32:17 > 0:32:20So, going up the stairs for the first time.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- Yes.- How does it feel?- Wonderful.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Very grand.- They are, aren't they.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30And up the stairs we go.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32We've got two bedrooms on this floor.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36This is clearly your master room.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39That's fantastic.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Look at the size of it. Beautiful.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Nice shape.- Yes, it is nice shape.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48And, look at those views. Every morning. It's almost like it's framed, isn't it?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Yeah.- It is, it's almost like a picture hanging on the wall.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Yes, which will change throughout the year.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55That's right.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Yes, change with the seasons.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Well, there are more far reaching views
0:33:00 > 0:33:03from the fourth bedroom, which is also a double.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Both rooms share what will be a sizable bathroom.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08However, it's that very sizable garage
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I know Roger just can't wait to check out.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14It's almost like a separate house, this.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Well then.- Wow.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- What about this?- Ooooh, yes.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24What a nice space. I like it!
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- You could live out here.- I could.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- Is that a request?- Might be!
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Granted!
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Just through there you've got plumbing for a loo as well.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Oh, well, self contained.- You happy? - Yeah, very happy.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43'I think I hear boxes being ticked right, left and centre.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47'Now, there's one last element to get right, the garden.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51'With a large veranda and a small lawn, it's entirely manageable and,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55'once again, there are views to ooh and aah over.'
0:33:55 > 0:33:59I thought yesterday's scenery was nice. This is even better.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03And you look at the back of the house from here, I think it looks better from here.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- It's impressive, isn't it? Stands beautifully.- So?
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Oh dear. Oh dear.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- So?- Now comes the crunch.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:34:16 > 0:34:24I think its way, way over budget, and I would say it's £395,000.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Oh, goodness. I would go, £325,000.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- I want a bargain!- Well, you're after a bargain, aren't you?
0:34:31 > 0:34:35I'm afraid it's bad news for both of you. You are both out.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Because it's under that.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40It's on the market for £298,000.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- You're joking!- Really?
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- Where do I sign?- Have you got your cheque book with you?
0:34:46 > 0:34:49I'm here to keep your feet on the floor as well.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52I want you to find the right place for you guys.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57But it's over budget and there's still money to be spent on it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00So start thinking about what piggy banks have got what.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05Go in there and have a chat, and I'll probably catch you in a while.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07- You might not find us! - See you in a bit.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09OK.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Well, I'm chuffed because...
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I knew they'd like it, it's a fantastic building,
0:35:17 > 0:35:22but what I'm chuffed at is that they weren't hugely put off by the price.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23This is a fantastic opportunity.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Yes, it's going to stretch them financially,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28but they'd never want to leave, would they?
0:35:31 > 0:35:36On the market for £298,000, this ultra-modern chalet bungalow
0:35:36 > 0:35:38is a stretch over budget,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41but delivers everything they've asked for and then some.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Or, it will do once it's finished.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It has four reception rooms, with an open plan flow, four bedrooms,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51one of which will be en suite, a large kitchen to be completed,
0:35:51 > 0:35:55and it has an absolutely massive double garage.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59As a bonus, it also comes with a nine years builders warranty.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02They obviously love it, but when reality bites,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05will they think it's worth the extra outlay?
0:36:05 > 0:36:10It's fantastic. It's wonderful, it really is something special.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12More than I ever dreamt of, really.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Your cooker would ... The cooker would probably be on this wall.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20That's all ready for electricity.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Plenty of sockets, aren't there?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It would take some furnishing, a kitchen this size.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29The mystery property has certainly been a mystery property.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32It is absolutely amazing.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35So, I feel very, very good about it, actually.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Wouldn't it be marvellous if we could afford this, Roger?
0:36:38 > 0:36:41It really is a dream property.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I knew I'd find you either looking at the house or at these views.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46The views are fantastic.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Whichever way you look, it's fantastic.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52I think I need to take you away from this wonderful setting.
0:36:52 > 0:36:53You need to have a bit of a chat
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- and maybe we'll have a discussion later on as well.- OK.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Let's hit the road.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Now, big gardens and veggie plots are usually a top priority
0:37:12 > 0:37:15for most of our buyers, but not today.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18I'm missing out on my usual fill of botanical delights,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21so during the week I couldn't resist the chance
0:37:21 > 0:37:25to visit the 90 acre garden at Mount Stuart on the edge of Strangford Lough.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Preserved by the National Trust since the late 1950s,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32today there are open to the public to be enjoyed by all.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37Head gardener Phil Rollinson kindly offered to show me around.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40So, Phil, what brought about this inspiration, if you like,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42for these magnificent gardens?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45These are the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49who came to live here just after the end of the First World War.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52She realised that we got quite a unique micro-climate here,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54because we're very close to sea water,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57we're right on the shores of Strangford Lough.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59And not far away from the Irish Sea.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02So she discovered that she could actually grow things here that you'd
0:38:02 > 0:38:05only really find growing in the south-west of England.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08It's got this exotic feel to it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Well-educated and well-travelled, Lady Londonderry took inspiration
0:38:12 > 0:38:16from all over the world to design many gardens within one garden.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19As well as the dodo terrace and Italian garden,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21she created the Spanish gardens,
0:38:21 > 0:38:25so called for its green roofed summer house and cypress tree arches.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28A nod to the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Whilst the sunken garden, with its flame-coloured azaleas and blue delphiniums,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36was her most colourful and most stylised effort,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40she really let her playful side loose in the Shamrock Garden.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45This area here is all about symbolism, so you've got this shape
0:38:45 > 0:38:49of a shamrock and the hedges accentuate that as well.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53And then you've got this amazing red hand.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57The red hand relates to the legend of the two giants that were racing
0:38:57 > 0:39:02across the Irish Sea from Scotland to lay claim to the land of Ulster,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05and they had a bet that the first one
0:39:05 > 0:39:07that would lay his hand on the land would get it.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11And the one that was losing the race could see
0:39:11 > 0:39:14that he was going to lose so he chopped off his
0:39:14 > 0:39:17left hand and flung it to the shore where it landed,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and that's where this legend of the red hand comes from.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24And we try and emulate that with plants.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26So we've just missed it at its best.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Just missed it, the tulips have just gone over.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- That will give me an excuse to come back.- Absolutely.- Lovely.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33'And I definitely will revisit.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35'But now, it's crunch time.
0:39:35 > 0:39:41'Will Marguerite and Roger be planting their feet at any of the properties we have shown them?'
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Well, I've got a pretty good idea, as I'm sure you have, of which of
0:39:50 > 0:39:53the three properties will be the favourite for Roger and Marguerite.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56But let's face it, it comes with some huge compromises
0:39:56 > 0:39:59that may yet affect their decision.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01It's time to find out.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11You had a lot to think about, haven't you?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13A lot, Jonnie, yes. We certainly have.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15So, let's talk about the properties.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Cast your minds back to yesterday morning.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22We drove up to the top of that road and we saw that lovely bungalow with those views.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25The bungalow itself was beautiful. It was in a lovely area.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30The inside of the property was beautifully presented,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32but the rooms were a little bit on the small side
0:40:32 > 0:40:34for what we actually were looking for.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It had potential for the sun room, but you'd need something on top.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- You would you really, yes. - OK, moving on from there. We then went to
0:40:42 > 0:40:46a much larger property with quite a lot of wood in it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- You could say that.- Very woody.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- But it was big, wasn't it? - It was big.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53But it didn't seem to have the right feel for you, certainly, Marguerite?
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It didn't, no. As soon as I went in I just didn't feel right about it.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00You get certain vibes, don't you, when you walk into a place
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and that just wasn't doing it for me either.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Today brought new challenges,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and new emotions came to the fore, didn't they?
0:41:08 > 0:41:10What do you think of the mystery house
0:41:10 > 0:41:12now you've come away from there?
0:41:12 > 0:41:13BOTH: Wow!
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Yeah.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Absolutely wow.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21A house like that you'd be extremely proud to have anybody come and see you.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25But, in the back of my mind, I always knew it was over budget.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Money just didn't seem to matter when I saw that property!
0:41:29 > 0:41:30It did blow me away.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34It seems a silly question. That's your favourite property, isn't it?
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- Oh, yes.- So, what's the next move for you guys?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41We've just got to get our feet back on the ground and just think,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43how much more needs spending on it?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46i.e. the kitchen, the rest of your furnishings,
0:41:46 > 0:41:51and just generally weigh that expense up, really.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Well, look, very exciting. There's lots of homework to do.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Homework you probably didn't envisage.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00But you could have the most amazing of homes, couldn't you?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- We could.- We certainly could.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Please keep in touch, and let us know how you get on.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06We will. Thank you for all your help.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08My pleasure.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It's funny, isn't it? In the second property,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Roger and Marguerite said they didn't want to do any work.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23Cosmetic, or whatever it was, there had to be the finished product.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Take them to the mystery house, and they completely changed their minds.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29But that's because they get the right feel.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33The house had the right location, it gave them all the space and more.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Now, they've got the choice of taking on a house that,
0:42:36 > 0:42:38whilst it's over budget, they might able to
0:42:38 > 0:42:41negotiate it down towards their price, but they have a house
0:42:41 > 0:42:44that they can finish to their very own specification,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47and that's a really exciting project for them.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49I wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52But from me, and from County Down, that's about it.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53We'll see you next time.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00'Marguerite and Roger revisited the mystery house, but sadly decided
0:43:00 > 0:43:04'it would push their budget too far to get the high-spec finish
0:43:04 > 0:43:05'they felt the house warranted.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09'However, it certainly gave them ideas, as they have now found a house -
0:43:09 > 0:43:13yes, a house, not a bungalow - near the Mourne mountains.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15We wish them the very best of luck.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:43:20 > 0:43:21Wales, Scotland or England,
0:43:21 > 0:43:25and need our help, please apply online.
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