0:00:02 > 0:00:07If community spirit was measured in pints then this Cumbrian village would have it by the barrelful,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and the pub down the road certainly stands testament to that.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Find out more in a moment.
0:00:25 > 0:00:32Today we're helping one couple and their menagerie of furry friends upgrade to a big country house.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34We're going to need a lot of land.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- I can see the emu wandering about the garden with the beak up.- Emu?
0:00:38 > 0:00:40First time I've heard about emu!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44And we're going to need a lot of house.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I'm speechless for once.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49That makes a change.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53But can we find all that in just one property?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- It ticks every single box that we would want.- It does, yes.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05I'm in the beautiful village of Hesket Newmarket,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08and this is the first co-operatively owned pub in Britain.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13When the villagers feared their local may be taken over by a large brewery
0:01:13 > 0:01:19or indeed turned into housing, they decided to take action, clubbing together and buying the pub,
0:01:19 > 0:01:25ensuring they, along with thousands of tourists, could continue to enjoy the local brew.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29I'm going to be joining for a drink some of the many owners,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33but first, let's take a look at what else Cumbria has to offer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38Made up from the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and parts of north Lancashire,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Cumbria is now England's second largest county,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and lays claim to some of the UK's most breathtaking scenery.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50Open fells, craggy mountains, dales, and lakes - yes, those lakes.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55It is of course home to England's largest National Park, the Lake District.
0:01:55 > 0:02:0015 million visitors turn up here every year, and in the high season
0:02:00 > 0:02:03it can sometimes feel like they've arrived all at once.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Escaping the hordes is possible though.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12Head east to the fertile plains, and you're more likely to get stuck behind a tractor than a caravan,
0:02:12 > 0:02:18as farming, particularly livestock, on both the dales and fells has been big business for centuries.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21However, it can be a harsh environment.
0:02:21 > 0:02:29In November 2009, a record-breaking 314 mm of rain fell in 24 hours,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31causing a tragic loss of life,
0:02:31 > 0:02:37and mass damage to homes, bridleways, roads and bridges in Cockermouth and Workington.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44But there is a silver lining,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49as recently announced funding of over £250,000 has been pledged
0:02:49 > 0:02:53to help repair these much-loved tourist trails,
0:02:53 > 0:02:58along with £330,000 for home owners to prevent future flooding.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04Clearly, Cumbria is fighting back, to make sure the people that live here already and those thinking
0:03:04 > 0:03:11of relocating can continue to enjoy this stunning scenery, with some beautiful properties to match.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14If money is no object,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18£1.25 million will snap up this four-bedroom house,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21on the southern fringes of the Lakes National Park.
0:03:21 > 0:03:27There's a wealth of character in its three reception rooms and bespoke country kitchen/diner.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Or you can catch some rays in the conservatory.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35If you like the quiet life, check out this charming
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Grade II listed 17th century cottage in the hamlet of Highbridge.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Extensively renovated, the interior offers both cosy character charm
0:03:43 > 0:03:47and spacious living areas, with three reception rooms and three bedrooms.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52Green-fingered types will love the kitchen garden,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56but it'll cost you £585,000 to put down roots here.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00If you're after a thatch, then how about this 15th century
0:04:00 > 0:04:03three-bedroom cottage in rural Baldwinholme?
0:04:03 > 0:04:09Exposed stone walls, beams and flagstone floors are impressive period features.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14This cottage could be yours for £375,000.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19What a selection, but I didn't spot a zoo among them,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and for today's buyers that might be what we're looking for.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Meet Mary and Graham.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29They've been married for 11 years and are simply mad about animals.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35We have the llamas and baby llamas. We have reindeer, we have monkeys, we have owls.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38European eagle owls, tawny owls.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Pheasants, marmoset monkeys, giant rabbits.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Don't worry, they're not completely animal crackers.
0:04:45 > 0:04:51Mary runs a charity specialising in animal-aided therapy for the disabled.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Both their home, a modern bungalow, and business are situated
0:04:55 > 0:04:59on a one-acre site in Penrith, on the very busy A66.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07We want to move from this particular spot, because... It's a combination of things, really.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10We wanted to be more private.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14We've lived the last 18 years in a goldfish bowl, basically,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18operating the charity seven days a week and being on call all that time.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23We need our own little escape to the country, really, for our own sanity.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27As the charity is staying put, Mary would like their new home
0:05:27 > 0:05:32to be within a commutable distance of Penrith, no more than 30 miles.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34But as she plans to do llama trekking from the new place,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38the llamas will relocate too, so I'm guessing location will be key.
0:05:38 > 0:05:44The sort of location we'd be looking for, we're fairly open-minded about, really.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48One of the main criterias is that we don't have any immediate neighbours.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53We want to have our own personal space and our own private drive.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Having the dogs and animals around,
0:05:56 > 0:06:01it's much better if you can let them out into your own garden without having to worry about roads.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06We really need at least two acres or more to have our llamas around us.
0:06:06 > 0:06:13We've got four horses and 20 llamas, so we really need space for these guys.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Well, that's the animals sorted.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17Now, what about their own needs?
0:06:17 > 0:06:25I guess my dream for a property in the country would be very large, rose-covered cottage.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Graham's always said that my cottage in the country would have to be a castle.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31SHE CHUCKLES
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Ambitious aspirations, but what about Graham?
0:06:34 > 0:06:38I would be looking at things like outbuildings to be able to put the motorbike in
0:06:38 > 0:06:41and a garage and things to put the car in and my tools in.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46And I'd be looking for light, airy rooms,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50things like en suite bedrooms, you know, so really like a modern property.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56I guess if you can have a cross between a 17th century farmhouse and a modern house.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Ah, that old chestnut.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01The ultra-modern period home.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05I like the idea of an open-plan farmhouse kitchen. I'm a bit nosey,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08so when we have a dinner party I like to be in on the act,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11so it's better if people are there when you're cooking.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15I find the kitchen here just too small, really.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Although it's modern, it's just too small.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24It's a sizeable wish list, but do they have the money to match?
0:07:24 > 0:07:27The maximum budget would be £800,000.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36On the surface Graham and Mary have a great budget for what they're looking for,
0:07:36 > 0:07:42but having spoken to some of the local estate agents, there's very little currently on the market.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44In fact, over the past two weeks,
0:07:44 > 0:07:50only five suitable properties have been marketed in the whole of Cumbria,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53of which two of them have already had offers put on.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59With so few options available we'll certainly be clocking up some mileage, as to find the right house,
0:07:59 > 0:08:04we'll need to cast the search net slightly further than the 30-mile radius from Penrith.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08We'll be viewing some stunning rural homes, ,but as ever,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12I won't be revealing the price tags until the end of the tours.
0:08:12 > 0:08:19And finally there's a mystery house, but will it romp home or fall at the first hurdle?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- Hi, guys.- Hi, Nicky.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- I was going to say welcome to windy Cumbria, but this is your neck of the woods, isn't it?- It is.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28So why do you need our help?
0:08:28 > 0:08:33Having only just moved to Cumbria the last two years, we're just really stumped to find
0:08:33 > 0:08:37there's so many beautiful areas that we just don't know where to start.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Well, it is, isn't it, a massive county?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Apparently at the moment there aren't a lot of properties on the market.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47In a premium area, when they do come on they're getting snapped up straight away.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51So we might have to slightly push the boundaries, but we'll be mindful.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53We'll make sure there's always good road connections,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56so if you are a bit further away, it's a speedy road.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58He's just bought a sports car, so that'll be fine.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02So why are you complaining?! A good excuse to hit the road!
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Absolutely.- We're in such a beautiful place here.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08I can't wait to get out in it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Not in this weather. - Explore some of the area.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14So have you both looked at many properties in the area?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18We've looked at two or three in the last month or so
0:09:18 > 0:09:21and we've done a little bit of research on the internet,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24but haven't found anything that grabs us just yet.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Mary, you're reducing our chances.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28There wasn't that many properties to start with!
0:09:28 > 0:09:32But we do have some very special properties lined up for you to see,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35and, of course, we've got the mystery property.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Shall we get going?- Yes. - Come on, then.
0:09:41 > 0:09:49So for £800,000 Mary and Graham would like a detached property with a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53A large farmhouse kitchen complete with traditional range is a must for Mary,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56while Graham would like a period home with a modern interior
0:09:56 > 0:09:59that also has a decent garage for blokey stuff.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03For the llamas and horses they want two acres minimum, plus stabling.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07And last but not least, they don't want neighbours,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10which is where this could get very tricky,
0:10:10 > 0:10:11because land here is at a premium.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17If I was going to be cruel and ask you this, I don't know if you can answer it,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20more important to get the house right for you two,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24or the land and the surrounding outbuildings for the extended family?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- I think it's a bit of both. - It's a balance.
0:10:27 > 0:10:34Yeah. It is going to be a tough call really, because land isn't that readily available in Cumbria.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37'Well, we'll do our very best.'
0:10:37 > 0:10:40To kick things off we're heading to the very rural outskirts
0:10:40 > 0:10:41of Kirkby Lonsdale,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45a slight stretch in the commute at 36 miles.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Sandwiched between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales,
0:10:48 > 0:10:53this ancient market town is a vital and busy commercial centre for the surrounding rural communities.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And it runs the full gamut of amenities.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59That's far too hectic for our buyers.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Instead we're heading out into the Cumbrian countryside.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07'Our property is situated up a very quiet country lane,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11'and although there is a neighbour close by, it's a working farm.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13'You don't get more rural than that,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17'and maybe the llamas would appreciate some four-legged friends.'
0:11:17 > 0:11:19This is the house.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It is Grade II listed.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- Right.- The original part of the house dates back to 1640,
0:11:27 > 0:11:35and this part of the house is Georgian, built in 1736. What you can see is roughcast rendering.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Erm...don't like it. - Give it a chance. Have an open mind,
0:11:39 > 0:11:45- because I do think you're going to be impressed when you step through that door.- Yeah?
0:11:45 > 0:11:49'The words don't, judge, book and cover come to mind,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53'because the interior of this house really is quite something.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:57So, you step straight into one of the reception rooms.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Right. It's definitely different.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- You're going to give this house a try?- I am.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Yeah.- Good.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09My tastes, the decor and things.
0:12:09 > 0:12:16- Yeah?- Yeah.- An architect actually owns this ,house and you can really see the imprint as we go around.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Tick.- Tick, tick. Next door you've got another reception room with the original oak panelling.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23That's actually been painted white.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Again, windows with a little window seat.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30So you've got two areas here for entertaining, cos I know you like lots of reception rooms, don't you?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- You want lots of space. - Yeah.- Like it?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Come on, Graham. Tell me what you're thinking.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Lead on. I want to see more. - You want to see more?- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43'It looks like the interior is working its magic.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47'Off the hallway with its original full-length window
0:12:47 > 0:12:51'is the third reception room, currently a study.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56'But a good country kitchen is high on Mary's wish list, so let's see what she makes of this one.'
0:12:56 > 0:13:02Oh, yeah. Definitely different than it looks from outside. Absolutely.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07I like the island in the middle. I love the range. What do you think?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Yeah. I quite like the finishing touches.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12The slate floors are really nice.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17It looks like all the fitted units and cupboards and things should be enough storage for you.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Hmm...- You don't know!
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- You know the way I clutter things. - It does have a large utility room. - Oh, right.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- So, good kitchen?- Yeah, definitely.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29I want to continue this tour, because there's two more floors to have a look at.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Really?
0:13:34 > 0:13:41'On the first floor are three good-sized double bedrooms which share a family bathroom.'
0:13:42 > 0:13:44And the master bedroom.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Well, another surprise.- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Very modern, very contemporary.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Absolutely nothing like the outside.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- No. I know.- I really like it.
0:13:57 > 0:14:03It's a bit like a Tardis. Looks like a police box on the outside, but inside there's an amazing world.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05That's a really good analogy!
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'Well, this Tardis has another floor.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11'I don't think I've ever seen the Doctor go upstairs in his.'
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- So here's the continuation of the window.- Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:24But up here, this really is, I think, the most spectacular part of the property.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Oh, wow!- Oh, yeah.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- That's wonderful, isn't it? Absolutely brilliant.- Fantastic.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Super, isn't it?- Oh, this is lovely. This is stunning.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39The interior, you've got it right on the money.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42'What a result, and there's more to see yet.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45'On the left-hand side of the house is a two-storey annexe
0:14:45 > 0:14:52'with its own entrance which could make an ideal home office or guest suite. But that's it for the house.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55'Now let's get to the all-important land.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59'As well as a formal lawn, there's around two acres of steep paddock.'
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- Now, there's a sight you don't often see.- Ah, they're gorgeous.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Now, they're the kind of trespassers you really don't mind on your land.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- That is a newborn.- Newborn twins.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16'The paddocks are separated from the house and are accessed by a track,
0:15:16 > 0:15:21'so it might not be ideal, but can they make it work, given this amazing house?'
0:15:21 > 0:15:24So it's a nice elevated position up here, so you can see all your land.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28You've got all around here, up to the tree line,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32and then past that is fells, which goes for thousands and thousands of acres.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- How do you feel about it? - It's not near enough to the house.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41I really wanted to be able to look out of the windows and see the llamas literally within yards.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46And I think I'd struggle. I'd have to get a pair of binoculars, I think!
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Even with that view?- The views aren't really a major issue.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55The major issues are the amount of land, the proximity to the house,
0:15:55 > 0:16:00and the privacy. That is a really big, big thing for us.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02It's time now to guess the price.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I think it's a fantastic property.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08It's got to be at least 700,000.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I would say about...650.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15I think I'm going to shock you both.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- The top of your budget was £800,000. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:25The current asking price is £795,000.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- Right.- Yeah.- Right.- Yeah.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Well, why don't you take a wander?
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Have a look at the fields, have a look at all the land that surrounds it,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- and I'll catch up with you a bit later on.- Right, OK.- Off you go.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39'Well, that's a reality check.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:42At £795,000, this stunningly decorated
0:16:42 > 0:16:47Grade II listed Georgian manor has so much going for it.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Four reception rooms, a big kitchen/diner,
0:16:50 > 0:16:55five bedrooms and a separate annexe, all of which seem spot-on.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It comes with a minimum two acres, albeit separated from the house,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01and even though it's a working farm next door,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05I get the feeling the neighbours are way too close for comfort.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08All I can say is that those llamas are incredibly lucky if their owners
0:17:08 > 0:17:12are willing to give up a house like this just to keep them happy.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Inside is just...stunning,
0:17:16 > 0:17:22but I couldn't live with the outside space and the immediacy of the neighbours around it,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25and the land is just far too small for what we want,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28and there's no space for outbuildings or stables, so...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Certainly, to split the fields up to keep the animals separate,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35we wouldn't be able to do here at all, so...it's not for us.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39I think I would probably compromise with the interior of a house,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42because that's something that can always be changed.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47But the exterior of this property and the immediate surrounding areas just can't be changed,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50so that's something that we couldn't do.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54OK, guys,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I think it's time to hit the road.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10From the Red Lion to the Coach and Horses,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13there's nothing more uniquely British than the country pub.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19For many people escaping to the country a pint within walking distance is top priority,
0:18:19 > 0:18:26but these cornerstones of rural life are closing at unprecedented speed, around 40 a week in 2009,
0:18:26 > 0:18:32leaving half of England's villages dry for the first time since the Norman conquest.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36That's not the story, however, in Hesket Newmarket.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Eight years ago the villagers here pooled their finances
0:18:40 > 0:18:43to become the very first community co-operative pub in the UK.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49Shareholder Julian Ross has become a champion for like-minded schemes across the country.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- Julian, great to meet you. - And you, too.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58You're the man behind this idea to co-operatively own, with a lot of other people, this pub.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- I am.- How difficult was it to get people involved?
0:19:02 > 0:19:08It was surprisingly easy to get people motivated. In fact, motivation has never, ever been a problem.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11The people that own this pub have driven the project right from the start.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15You say owners, the shareholders of the pub, how many are there exactly?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Today we have 148 shareholders in total.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- When we started, we had 125. - And how much did those people have to put in?
0:19:22 > 0:19:24What was their initial stake?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Each one of them put in £1,500.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It really did redefine my idea of what a community is,
0:19:28 > 0:19:35because I always thought a community was a geographical thing, but 40% of the owners don't live in the village.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Some of them come here for holidays, some of them maybe have second homes.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Some shareholders have never been. We've got shareholders in Spain,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46we've got shareholders in America, Canada, north of Scotland, south of England.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49They thought it was such a nice thing to do that they wanted to be part of it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And for me, they're all part of this community.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54So do you think this is the way forward, Julian,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58that other villages and communities will try and own their village pub?
0:19:58 > 0:20:02I think it can certainly be a way forward depending on the circumstances,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06but a community buying a pub has the great advantage that they're not in it for money.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10None of us who bought this pub care whether we ever make any money or not.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13We just want to preserve this pub and keep it as the hub of the community.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- It really is the heart, isn't it, of this village?- Absolutely.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18And with that, can we go inside?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Yes!- Can't wait!- I can buy you a drink.- I'll follow you.
0:20:21 > 0:20:28'The pub brews its own ales in a microbrewery at the back, which are served up by tenant landlady Edna.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33'As well as pulling pints, she pushes some traditional old pub games, like egg dumping.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37'Think conkers. but with dyed hard-boiled eggs.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42'Who better to show me how it's done than the reigning champ, Keith?'
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- So what do I do?- The skill is to try and protect as much of your egg
0:20:47 > 0:20:51whilst allowing your opponent a fair shot at it.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The dumper...has to have a little tap.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56One of them would crack.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- OK.- And the one that cracks is out.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Do you want to be the receiver or the dumper?
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- I'm going to be the receiver. - OK. It won't hurt.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06How much am I allowed to let you see?
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Depends how many fingers you want broken. LAUGHTER
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Everyone laughed then. I think they're serious.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Are you ready?- OK.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19HE TAPS EGG Oh, no!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- I'm sorry. - Oh, I'm really disappointed.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Can we have one more go?- You can.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26OK, right, let's get two more eggs.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Are you ready for this, Keith? - Oh, yes.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32I'm taking this very, very seriously, right?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- OK, one, two...three! - SHE TAPS EGG
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Oh!
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Two out of two I've failed.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- To the champion!- Cheers.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:21:47 > 0:21:53The future looks bright for this pub, and it may well be the only way forward for other villages.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58Perhaps we all need to take heed from French poet Hilaire Belloc, who made England his home.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04He warned, "Change your hearts or you will lose your inns, and you will deserve to have lost them.
0:22:04 > 0:22:11"But when you have lost your inns, drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England."
0:22:13 > 0:22:20As the sun sets over the Cumbrian countryside, our first day of property hunting is at an end.
0:22:22 > 0:22:29Coming up on day two of our search for the contemporary country house with lots of land, we up the ante.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- It's absolutely huge!- It is.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33And there's the mystery house.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Could Mary and Graham cope with the NEIGH-bours for the right price?
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Really?- Yeah.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Maybe we could put some big walls up around it!
0:22:49 > 0:22:54For our next property, we're heading northwest to the rural outskirts of Wigton.
0:22:54 > 0:23:01It's only 23 miles from Penrith but along a country road, which makes it a 45-minute drive.
0:23:01 > 0:23:08Wigton has been a busy market town since 1262, when it received its very first market charter.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Livestock auctions are still held regularly today.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16But we're venturing three miles north into the West Cumbrian countryside.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20And here is your property.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22It's huge!
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's impressive, isn't it?
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Very big, yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30This section here to the right, that was built in the 17th century.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35The vast majority of the house was extended in Victorian times.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It's got so much character and charm.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40What are your first impressions?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42It's absolutely huge!
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- It's a lot bigger than we expected for the two of us.- Yeah.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Well, they liked the ample room proportions of our first house, so this should knock their socks off.
0:23:50 > 0:23:56And there's plenty of scope for them to put their own contemporary twist on things.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58You're not going to get a much bigger hallway than this!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Massive!
0:24:01 > 0:24:04This is the Victorian part of the house. Just look at those Chinese-style tiles.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Yeah.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I'm amazed by the high ceilings, the height and grandeur of the building.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15- I'm not used to this type of property.- Let's take you through into the drawing room.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Another good-size room.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Yeah. There's such a lot you could do with this room.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23It doesn't feel homely to me.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25I don't know, it's maybe just not me.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Well, it's only the first room.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Maybe the kitchen will have the right feel.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- You wanted a large kitchen! - I did, yeah!
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- How's this for size? - Yeah, nice size.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It's got the range in it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Beautiful range. That heats all the hot water for the property.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49I like the little touch of all the servant's bells.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51If Graham's had enough when he's relaxing
0:24:51 > 0:24:55in his drawing room and he just fancies his G&T, ding, ding!
0:24:55 > 0:25:00And then probably be ignored cos she's looking after the animals!
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Or maybe Graham will get a lucky break in the snooker room, also on this floor.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Along with this huge Victorian orangery and a self-contained annexe
0:25:09 > 0:25:13complete with a bathroom, a bedroom, a sitting room and a kitchen.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17But it's time to head upstairs, which is equally spacious.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Do you think you could squeeze into here?
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Yeah!- You could have a ballroom dance in here, I think!
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Nice, big size.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- Triple aspect.- Yeah.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Look at that view.- It's beautiful.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34It's...
0:25:34 > 0:25:36I'm speechless for once!
0:25:36 > 0:25:40That makes a change!
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- You like space.- Mmm.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Is it too grand? Is that what it is?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Yeah, possibly.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52I don't know about too grand, I think it's just too much, too big.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Too much for what you're looking for?
0:25:54 > 0:25:55For two people.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I'd never be able to find him, he'd be hiding everywhere!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00I'd never find him!
0:26:00 > 0:26:03It looks like we're over-egging the property omelette with this house,
0:26:03 > 0:26:11as there's another five bedrooms coming in a variety of shapes and sizes. And two bathrooms up here.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15But Mary and Graham want acreage, which tends to come with large houses.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17So it's a tricky combination.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20So you've got a huge courtyard here.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24You've got a double garage.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26You've got a triple stable block.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30I want to show you this building.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Right.
0:26:32 > 0:26:33- What do you think that is?- Offices?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It's actually a holiday let.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Really?!- Yeah.
0:26:37 > 0:26:44In peak season, it's £800 a week, and off-season, it's £400 a week.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Gosh, that's a lot, isn't it?
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Converted barn. Beautifully done out, as well.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Let's take a step and have a look.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55And it's not small.
0:26:55 > 0:27:02It has three sizeable double bedrooms, a shower room and an open-plan kitchen/living room.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04This is gorgeous.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Wow.- Can we not just buy this bit?!
0:27:07 > 0:27:11It's actually classed as a holiday let, so if you do want to make this
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- your home, you'd have to get planning permission.- Right.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18This is definitely to our taste.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- This is lovely, yeah.- Lovely.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Well, we've definitely delivered over and above with the property,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26but can we do the same with the land?
0:27:26 > 0:27:30The entire plot is around three acres, including all
0:27:30 > 0:27:35the buildings and formal lawn, which leaves around 1.6 acres of paddock.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39It is flat and divided up, but will that be enough?
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- So it's this field here?- Yeah.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- And that field there?- Yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Mmm... It's separate paddocks.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Yeah, you could separate the paddocks off, yeah.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56- I can see the emu wandering about the garden here with the peacocks!- Emu?!
0:27:56 > 0:27:59We've got an emu, and some peacocks as well!
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Oh, my goodness!
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- As well as all the other animals? - Mmm.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06There's a lot to look after. I'd hate to be the one who had to feed them all!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Graham, you've got your work cut out!
0:28:08 > 0:28:10It's not me - that's Mary!
0:28:10 > 0:28:12We've looked round the house.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14What's the current asking price?
0:28:14 > 0:28:20I would guess, given the size of the property, we'd probably be at the top end of the budget, I would think.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Round about the £800,000 mark.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24OK. Graham?
0:28:24 > 0:28:26750.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Current asking price, £695,000.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Really?
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- That does surprise me.- Including the holiday let.- Beautiful family house.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Why don't you go and take another look around the whole property? And do check out the stable block.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- We will.- See you a bit later.
0:28:45 > 0:28:52At £695,000, this is a huge amount of property to the pound, with very versatile accommodation.
0:28:52 > 0:28:59The main house has six bedrooms, three reception rooms, a country kitchen and a one-bedroom annexe.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Outside is a three-bedroom holiday cottage, and there's stabling,
0:29:03 > 0:29:09a garage, a stone outhouse and nearly two acres of dividable paddock.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12The barn conversion, I think, was fantastically done.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15That was really beautiful.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I just think the first massive drawback
0:29:18 > 0:29:22is the location, because it's just too far out from where we need to be.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24This is nice. Hello!
0:29:24 > 0:29:28They're lovely sandstone-built stables, aren't they?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Lovely, yeah. A lot of potential. Nowhere near enough for what we would need, though.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35The size of the stables individually are quite big, and they would fit
0:29:35 > 0:29:38the horses, but we really need another big building for the llamas!
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Yeah. - DOG BARKS
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I wonder what you'd make of the llamas!
0:29:57 > 0:30:02It's not just the elements that have shaped Cumbria's beautiful landscape, but sheep too.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Cumbrians have been livestock farming for over a millennium,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10and through the centuries, have bred some super-tough breeds to cope with the harsh terrain.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15Grazing on everything from grass to shrubs, these sheep not only physically shape the land,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19but as the wool trade boomed in the Middle Ages from the proceeds
0:30:19 > 0:30:23of their fleeces, the villages and towns so popular with the tourists today began to flourish.
0:30:23 > 0:30:29It was the country estates that really prospered.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Earlier in the week, Graham and Mary headed to Ullswater
0:30:33 > 0:30:38to explore one of Cumbria's finest examples, Dalemain House.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42They met up with lady of the house Jane Hasell-McCosh.
0:30:42 > 0:30:49It's built from a very interesting beginning, because it was a peel tower originally.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52You could imagine when they chose this spot it was a perfect position,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55with boggy land round about, and this wonderful fortification.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58They added on a medieval hall, they put on another tower,
0:30:58 > 0:31:05they made it grander in Tudor times, with lovely rooms with panelling, and eventually they built this.
0:31:05 > 0:31:12Remodelled by Jane's ancestor Thomas Hasell in the 1700s, he created this exemplary
0:31:12 > 0:31:19Georgian house, which today is Grade I listed, and still has many original fixtures and fittings.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23So we've come into this room, which is the main
0:31:23 > 0:31:27dining room of the house, and it is one of my favourite rooms.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30You can see from the surroundings the absolute symmetry of this room.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34You have the fireplace behind you there, in the middle of this wall,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37with the two doors balancing the fireplace.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40The walls also are absolutely beautiful because, of course,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43they're this wonderful, glowing oak panelling,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- which comes from the estate. - Beautiful.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49It's very much a country estate.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55It still is today, we're a working farm, and we have a large number
0:31:55 > 0:32:00of acres with sheep and cows and whatever on it.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03And so it is still very much on that basis.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07But the house is clearly the most important part of it.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13So, that's a taste of Georgian architecture, but as Thomas Hasell left the medieval hall
0:32:13 > 0:32:20and Tudor rooms intact, Dalemain's also a perfect snapshot of Elizabethan interior design.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Be prepared for a much darker room, and a much smaller room,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27as we come into the much older part of the house.
0:32:29 > 0:32:30Wow.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34I love this room, because I think it has a particular atmosphere to it.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39It's very much embellished by marvellous Tudor features,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42including this very splendid portrait over here,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47and it's the sort of portrait where you think, probably, his eyes are going to follow you around the room.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- Yeah.- He's the Earl of Cumberland, very, very wealthy man, owned a considerable
0:32:52 > 0:32:57amount of land and property, and also owned his own ship, which
0:32:57 > 0:33:02he went into battle when the Spanish Armada came and attacked England.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06He realised very soon into the battle that we were winning,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and the battle was going our way, so he left and rushed
0:33:10 > 0:33:13back to London to tell the Queen, "Madam, we have won the battle."
0:33:13 > 0:33:19And as a result, as you will see in his hat, he's wearing a glove
0:33:19 > 0:33:25which would have been her glove, and she would have awarded it to him as a Queen's champion.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31It's mystery-house time.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34This week, I've really got to know Graham and Mary,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and I think the next property has everything they're after.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Impressive house, lots of land and a stable block for those animals.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46The big question is, can they get on with the neighbours?
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Well, the mystery will soon be solved.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52We're heading just four miles south of Carlisle to Dalston.
0:33:52 > 0:33:59It's a pretty village with plenty of listed buildings, including the 18th-century church of St Mary's.
0:33:59 > 0:34:05But we're off to the rural outskirts to the small private development of nine houses. Yes, nine.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07That means lots of neighbours.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10However, the house is just five years old,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13and should fit perfectly with their modern-character requirements.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16This is your property.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19So although you do have neighbours, the advantage of this building is
0:34:19 > 0:34:24it actually looks out on to the paddock and to the surrounding countryside.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25So how do you feel?
0:34:25 > 0:34:29The property looks like it's been done very much in keeping with the surrounding properties.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32It's the same local stone.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Still not too sure about neighbours!
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Oh, she's a tough customer!
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Let's see if we can change her mind inside.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43- So, come on in.- Right!
0:34:46 > 0:34:47It's nice.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50It's a nice feel to it, yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- It feels more homely.- Yeah? Good. You've got a snug to your right.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58It could be a bedroom, could be a study. I want to take you straight through into the living area.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Lovely-sized room. I like the aspect of having the big windows.
0:35:04 > 0:35:10That brings a lot of light into the room. A narrow slit!
0:35:10 > 0:35:14And there's another one there. And again, in keeping, probably, with the barns next door.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15Yeah.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- Have you noticed the use of beams throughout?- Yeah.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Reclaimed, wherever possible, they've done it, to give it that old feel.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Yeah. I love the wooden floors as well.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26They're very practical, aren't they?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- Yeah.- When you've got animals!
0:35:28 > 0:35:31That's not a bad start, but I think we can do better.
0:35:31 > 0:35:38Next door is a dining room/study, but I'm hoping the kitchen will get bigger reactions.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Again, really well done.- Yeah.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Oh, it's brilliant. Yeah, it's lovely.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I love the beams, I love the stone.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Yeah, it's got the range as well.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48Have a look at this, look.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Walk-in larder.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Oh, brilliant! I love larders.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- Absolutely brilliant.- It's a nice touch for a new property.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00I think a lot of thought has gone into the design of this house.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Yeah. There's lots of storage here as well, yeah.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Loads of storage.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08There's also a spacious utility room.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11So I think that's a thumbs up down here.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Let's see if we can notch up some more marks upstairs.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16This side is the master bedroom.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Oh, yes, nice-sized room, isn't it?
0:36:21 > 0:36:25I don't know, you have a thing about sloping ceilings in bedrooms, don't you?!
0:36:25 > 0:36:28The sloping roof line.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30I'm interested to see what's through those doors.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Poke your head in the cupboard.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37I thought as much!
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Yeah, lovely.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43An en suite in it, great.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47I like the surprise element with the ordinary doors on, so it looks like a wardrobe.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49The skylights
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- don't really work for you - the rest of the room does?- Yeah, it's got everything that you need in.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57It's got the size and the space.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- It's just the head height! - It's just the head height.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03I might have a solution. Come and see.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Perhaps you could use this instead as the master bedroom.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Yeah.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15This is more like it, yeah.
0:37:15 > 0:37:22Love the views as well. You can actually see out on to land and things from here.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26Off the landing are two further good-sized bedrooms which share the family bathroom.
0:37:26 > 0:37:32But we know the land is the deal breaker, so let's see if we've finally got it spot on.
0:37:32 > 0:37:38As well as a formal south-facing lawn and patio, there's new stabling and a couple of paddocks.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45So, here is the stable. This is what I really wanted to show you.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Here you've got the manege, with all the bark down for their training.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Actually behind the stable block, you've got another holding area,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56a small training area, plus access so that you can park your trailer,
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- your cars, everything, cos I'm sure you've got plenty of vehicles! - Yes, we have!
0:38:01 > 0:38:06The paddocks are yours - both of them, front and back.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But behind us is another paddock.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12That paddock is owned by the manor house, and she
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- lets the current owners of our house graze their animals in it.- Right.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17- Free.- Right, great.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21In your eyes, is this impressive?
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It ticks every single box that we would want.
0:38:24 > 0:38:30Maybe we would have needed a bit more stabling, but the fact that you've got the outdoor area at the back,
0:38:30 > 0:38:35potentially if you could put a field shelter in there, that would do the trick for the llamas.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37So, how much do you think this house,
0:38:37 > 0:38:42with the stable block and the land, is currently on the market for?
0:38:42 > 0:38:47I think probably in the region of 750?
0:38:47 > 0:38:51I would say maybe 795.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54How much are neighbours a problem to you both?
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Erm, huge problem for me!
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- Huge problem?- Yeah.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06- Because the current asking price for this property is £620,000.- Really?!
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Maybe we could put some big walls up around it!
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Hold that thought. Go on, have another look. I'll catch up with you later.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Well, that shocked them.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27At £620,000, the mystery house has nearly everything they've asked for.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31But it also has something they don't want - neighbours.
0:39:31 > 0:39:37The house is spot on with two reception rooms, a big kitchen/diner and four bedrooms.
0:39:37 > 0:39:44And we've finally delivered outside, with two plus acres of land, ample stabling and even a manege.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Could it be a winner?
0:39:45 > 0:39:51The property's everything that we were looking for, in size, in facilities.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Love the stables, love the manege and the area around here.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Yeah, I think these are perfect, aren't they?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Nice stables, a good size.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05I like the idea that there's separate turnout paddocks at the front and at the back as well.
0:40:05 > 0:40:12Means your horses can more or less live out all winter on the paddocks.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14This is exactly what we're looking for.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18I guess the only downside would be the proximity of the neighbouring houses.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- Have you both seen enough? - Yes, I think so.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28OK, we're going to go somewhere nice and quiet now, cos you two have got a lot to think about and discuss.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42It's decision time.
0:40:42 > 0:40:49It's been a difficult week here in Cumbria, and I don't think we've cracked this property search.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54But what I am intrigued to find out is exactly what Mary and Graham think.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Well, you two, we've certainly had a fun couple of days, haven't we?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Certainly have, we've been busy!
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Shall we start off with the very first property that we saw?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15A fabulous Georgian manor house.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18It was absolutely amazing when you went inside.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I liked a lot of the aspects of it and the way it had just been decorated and things.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- It was very down to my taste. - It did have land.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28It wasn't right at all, because there was nowhere near enough.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33It wasn't near enough to the property, and there was absolutely nowhere to put any stabling.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37We travelled north of the region and saw a Victorian country house.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Very impressive front, I seem to remember!
0:41:40 > 0:41:45Yeah, it was lovely to look at, it was just huge inside.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Too big for just the two of us.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49There wasn't quite enough land either.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54There was a lot of grounds, cos there was big gardens,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57but actual grazing land, there wouldn't really have been enough.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Our last property of our search - and it has been a search, cos we know
0:42:01 > 0:42:06there haven't been many properties to choose from - was the mystery house.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Yep. The property itself was lovely. I've got to say it was lovely.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It was definitely to our taste.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13I could see myself living there.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17It ticked most of the boxes, probably nearly every box,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20apart from that one, just the privacy, yeah.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25And if you'd been able to pick that property up and put it on its own, detached, just with
0:42:25 > 0:42:29fields surrounding it, we'd have been signing on the dotted line tomorrow!
0:42:29 > 0:42:31We got so close!
0:42:31 > 0:42:35It has been great, and you will find your dream property, I have no doubt.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38I just don't think it's going to be in the next few weeks.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- But you will definitely, definitely get there. Let us know how you get on, won't you?- We will.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:42:47 > 0:42:53With the weather here in Cumbria setting in, the good news is Mary and Graham aren't out in the cold.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56With the luxury of time on their hands
0:42:56 > 0:43:02and all this on their doorstep, it's certainly worth them waiting to find their perfect Escape To The Country.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04See you next time.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08If you'd like to Escape To The Country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:08 > 0:43:12Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online -
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