0:00:01 > 0:00:05Oh, yes. Where but the great British countryside is it acceptable
0:00:05 > 0:00:08for grown men to dress in ribbons and bells
0:00:08 > 0:00:10and shake hankies at each other?
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Find out exactly who these handsome fellows are in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today we're helping a young family swap the city streets of Dublin
0:00:33 > 0:00:36for some English country lanes.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Wow!- Wow! Very pretty, isn't it? Really.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Absolutely chocolate box.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43We'll be tempting them with some rural beauties.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46I love this room. Straightaway, I love it.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Me likee.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Or will our Mystery House level the playing field?
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- A little stile goes across into the cricket...- The kids can live there!
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- That's tennis, isn't it? - I think it is!- Croquet!
0:01:01 > 0:01:04We are in the heart of the East Midlands today
0:01:04 > 0:01:07and these fine fellows are the Leicester Morris Men.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10The origins of Morris dancing are lost in the mists of time
0:01:10 > 0:01:14but the myth is it wards off evil spirits and brings good fortune.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Which means that with these guys on our side,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20our house hunt today is going to be truly blessed.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Which is just as well, as there's lots of ground to cover
0:01:25 > 0:01:28with six counties making up the East Midlands.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32All are land-locked apart from Lincolnshire with its 50-mile coastline.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36By far the biggest of the six, 92% of the landscape is rural
0:01:36 > 0:01:39with a large swathe made up from the gentle rolling wolds,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42an area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Next is Nottinghamshire, forever linked with the legend of Robin Hood.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50It's also home to the UK's third largest river, the Trent,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52which meanders through a patchwork quilt of fields
0:01:52 > 0:01:55into neighbouring Derbyshire.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00Undoubtedly the most dramatic county with the windswept summits of the Peak District National Park
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and a whole host of pretty villages
0:02:03 > 0:02:06making it a big hit with homebuyers and tourists alike.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Head south to Northants, though,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and you can escape the hordes in a very relaxed fashion
0:02:12 > 0:02:14on the Grand Union Canal.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18With plenty of historic towns and honey-coloured houses
0:02:18 > 0:02:20but no significant tourist hotspot,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23you get country charm without the crowds.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Rutland is the smallest county, not just of the East Midlands but of all the UK.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31However, it's home to Europe's largest man-made lake,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35so it's easy to see why they came up with the motto "multum in parvo" -
0:02:35 > 0:02:37"so much in so little."
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Last, but not least, Leicestershire.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46In a recent poll of the 408 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Leicestershire, along with Surrey, came out number one county for raising a family.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54It's got great schools and hospitals, high employment,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56very good family housing and a low crime rate.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00So if you feel inspired to buy a property here in the East Midlands,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02take a look at what's on offer.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08For those with big ambitions, how about this Georgian farmhouse
0:03:08 > 0:03:10near Market Harborough.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13You get six Louis XIV-style bedrooms,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15four character reception rooms,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18a huge high-spec kitchen-diner, and somewhere to dip your toes!
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Set in an impressive 20 acres,
0:03:21 > 0:03:26it has an equally impressive price tag - £1.35 million!
0:03:27 > 0:03:29If you want to go the whole rustic hog,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33then this 19th-century barn conversion near Lutterworth
0:03:33 > 0:03:34is just the ticket.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37You can cosy up in two reception rooms,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39hold banquets in the dining room,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44rest your head in one of the four bedrooms or just relax in the low-maintenance garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It's on the market at £565,000.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Last, but not least, how about this unusual new build near Ashwell?
0:03:52 > 0:03:55At just a snip under £400,000,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58you get modern accommodation with two reception rooms,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02three bedrooms and a good-sized laid-to-lawn garden
0:04:02 > 0:04:04for some lazy Leicestershire weekends.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08There you have it - a handful of beautiful East Midlands properties
0:04:08 > 0:04:10with three more yet to come.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12All we need now is a couple to show them to.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Meet Julie and Simon and their two children, Rebecca and Jake.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22They live in Dublin and share their four-bedroomed house with Molly the cat.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25However, Simon recently started a new top job in the UK
0:04:25 > 0:04:27for a clothes retailer
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and is now commuting between Ireland and England on a weekly basis.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34'It's not great being a weekend dad.'
0:04:34 > 0:04:37We're a family unit and we really want to be together.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40If that's moving to the UK, fantastic.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41That's why we're moving.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45They've decided to up-sticks from the suburbs and move en-masse
0:04:45 > 0:04:48across the Irish Sea. But what's prompted these urbanites
0:04:48 > 0:04:51to plump for the English countryside?
0:04:51 > 0:04:55My family have a house in Wexford which is on farmland, beside the sea.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58When the kids are there, they run amok.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04Yes, we've a big back garden, but we can't open the door here and say, "Off you go",
0:05:04 > 0:05:06like I imagine you can in the country.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11Ah, the outdoor life. But have they decided on a location for their pastures new?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Currently I'm working in Market Harborough.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18We don't want to give myself a long commute in the morning
0:05:18 > 0:05:23so anywhere a 30- to 40-minute commute into Market Harborough.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28- I suppose...- I think from my point of view, probably the most important deciding factor
0:05:28 > 0:05:31would be where the kids go to school.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36I'd nearly say school first and then house or location second.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40So schooling will be key, but what about the property itself?
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Julie and Simon spent six months remodelling their Dublin home
0:05:44 > 0:05:48so is there anything they want to take with them to Blighty?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50I think I'd take our bedroom. I like it.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54We were quite selfish in terms of the space we allocated to our bedroom.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57The garden I love, but again, bigger.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02Certainly four bedrooms, because living away, we want people to stay with us.
0:06:02 > 0:06:09Another must-have, we were all so used to the open-plan kitchen/diner.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13That would be a must-have. I'm not gone on a separate dining area.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- I love having it all happen in the one room.- Totally. - That's a must-have.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21With Simon already in the UK Monday to Friday,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23he's had a few months to adapt.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But for Julie, who will be giving up her job as a Director of Studies,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29this will be a huge lifestyle change.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33I'm actually looking forward to the opportunity of simply being a mum.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- Alone.- "Simply"?- Simply being a mum for the first time since the kids were born.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41That's something I'm really looking forward to,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44just being a mum and a wife, obviously!
0:06:44 > 0:06:45Thank you!
0:06:45 > 0:06:49However, before they can embark on their new life across the water,
0:06:49 > 0:06:54they need to know what they can afford. So we've invited a local agent round
0:06:54 > 0:06:56to value their Dublin home.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58It's a fantastic four-bed family house.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Houses of this type are always sought after because of their size,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05the garden size and schools are in close proximity.
0:07:05 > 0:07:11Based on everything I've seen today, the value is around 600,000 euro.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15So what's the final spend in English pounds and pence?
0:07:15 > 0:07:21Our budget is about £550,000 sterling. Plus or minus.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28This is a big move for Julie and Simon, particularly Julie,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32because she's leaving behind her country, her parents and her job.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34But I'm hoping we can cushion their move
0:07:34 > 0:07:40because the average house price in the counties we're looking at is around £241,000 for a detached house
0:07:40 > 0:07:43which is six per cent below the national average.
0:07:43 > 0:07:51So hopefully their budget of £550,000 will get them the house that will make the move perfect.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Simon and Julie's main criteria is to be located in a village
0:07:56 > 0:08:00with a good school, within a 40-minute drive radius of Market Harborough,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02where Simon works.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05So we can cast the search net over three counties today -
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11We've lined up two lovely family homes for them to view
0:08:11 > 0:08:16but I won't reveal the price tags till they've had a good look around.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20And there's the Mystery House which won't be the country escape they're expecting.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29Ah, look at you. You're made for the East Midlands landscape. It's fantastic.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Now, East Midlands from Dublin.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So will it be difficult? I know you've been working here
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- but will it be difficult for you, Julie?- I think it's important we're together as a family.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The kids miss Simon, he misses them.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45So of course it'll be a wrench,
0:08:45 > 0:08:50but I think reuniting us as a family is very important.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- You've had your house valued.- Yes. - Can I ask what you got?
0:08:53 > 0:08:57They valued it at 600,000 euro, which was a bit disappointing.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Disappointing?- Yes.- Three years ago, it was twice that value.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05The housing market in Dublin is, at the moment, at quite a low.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Does that have an effect on what we have to spend?
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Well, our budget is 550.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Six at a push.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Ah, that's what I was waiting for!
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- I always ask is there any kind of room...- I was going to hold back, but no.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- But that's the pain threshold is it? - Yes.- Yes.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- What about the schools? Have you been looking at Ofsted reports? - Yes, from afar.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30But we need to look at that in more detail.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34It's a beautiful day. Houses look great in this weather. Let's go.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40For a maximum budget of £600,000,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Simon and Julie are looking for a four-bed detached home.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Must-haves include a large kitchen/diner
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and at least one en-suite bedroom.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Simon's big dream is to have a big garden
0:09:54 > 0:09:58and the whole package needs to be situated in a village with a good primary school,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02no further than a 40-minute drive from Market Harborough.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06They haven't given us much to go on in terms of the style of the house,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09so let's hope we aren't way off the mark.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18In terms of living in a village, are you prepared for the rural life?
0:10:18 > 0:10:22I think so, yes. I think I am.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27It'll be a big change. But I'm up for the challenge. Once the kids are in school,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29that's a great way for me to make friends
0:10:29 > 0:10:32and get involved in the community.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35I'll be fine. I'm quite a sociable person, anyway,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37so I think I'll make the adjustment alright.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45Hopefully the family won't have any problems fitting into our first village, Empingham.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Traffic permitting, it's a spot-on 40-minute drive from Market Harborough.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It's a pretty and busy community village
0:10:53 > 0:10:56with a good run of amenities including a shop, a pub,
0:10:56 > 0:11:00two churches and most importantly, a primary school
0:11:00 > 0:11:02with an Ofsted rating of "good".
0:11:02 > 0:11:05There's also no shortage of cracking character housing stock
0:11:05 > 0:11:09all of which makes it a popular destination with buyers.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- This is the first property I want to show you. What do you think?- Wow!
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Wow! Very pretty, isn't it? Absolutely chocolate box!
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- You wanted chocolate box.- We did. - This is chocolate box. Now,
0:11:21 > 0:11:25the exciting thing about this property is that it's twice as big as you think.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- It's not just this door, it's that door as well.- Wow!
0:11:29 > 0:11:32A double chocolate box. A double layer!
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- The bigger the box, the better. - A double layer!
0:11:34 > 0:11:38You can see it's thatched. Any aversion to thatch?
0:11:38 > 0:11:42I love the look of it. My question would be how long does a thatch last?
0:11:42 > 0:11:48Well, this has just been done, so you've got another 30 years in it. Thumbs up from outside?
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Thumbs up so far, absolutely.- Yep. - Let's go in.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Originally a farm worker's cottage dating from the 1500s,
0:11:56 > 0:12:00it was extended two years ago into a very substantial family home.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Let's hope it measures up to size.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06Come on in.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08This is lovely, isn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:11This is the modern part of the house.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15There are two front doors but we've come into the modern part
0:12:15 > 0:12:20because I think this is the hall. This is all two years old.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25But a lot of it is reclaimed. So these beams are the original roof plates from the old cottage.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- It's lovely.- Yeah, it's very nice.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- I love the way they've used the wood.- So do I.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34We're going to go into the older part of the cottage.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Come into the kitchen.- Wow!
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Ah, good "wow"!
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- This is lovely.- It's nice, isn't it? - Isn't it?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45It's not open plan - you're used to an open plan kitchen.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I can see myself in here now with the kids doing their homework there.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Me cooking. I can visualise that quite clearly.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57What's nice is you've got a big utility room and downstairs toilet
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- so you can throw unwashed stuff in there!- And close the door!
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Close the door!
0:13:01 > 0:13:04There's also a little snug off the kitchen
0:13:04 > 0:13:10which could be a cosy playroom, leaving the living room, across the hallway, just for the adults.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15This is the final room downstairs, Simon.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Ah, very good.- Nice and bright, isn't it?
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- I like this room.- So do I. It's not as deep as I thought it would be, actually.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Going this way.- Yeah.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- It's very long.- Yeah. - But it's not very deep.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It's typical of English farm cottages. They were just a room
0:13:32 > 0:13:34with a roof on top.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- That's quite typical. The nice thing about that is you get light from both sides.- Sure.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Yes, what it lacks in the amount of rooms,
0:13:41 > 0:13:46the quaintness and the way they've used all the details from the past is nice.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51Is that a price you're willing to pay - to have more rooms and be modern?
0:13:51 > 0:13:52I don't know, actually.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55I think I might prefer more room downstairs.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58But quite how I'm not sure.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- You know?- And less charm?
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- I like the charm, too! - See?- I kind of want it all!
0:14:06 > 0:14:10'Who doesn't want it all? However, getting it all is a different matter.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14'Although we're delivering on room requirements upstairs with four bedrooms.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18'First up is a double guest room with an en-suite shower room.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20Next, the family bathroom.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27There's a double bedroom ideal for Rebecca and a smaller room for Jake.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- Here is...- Oh, I love this room! Straightaway I love this room!
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I thought you'd say that. More space, it's airy.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's big, it's bright. Look at the windows. I love this!
0:14:39 > 0:14:42The en-suite. Have a look in, both of you.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- It's a goody! - Julie, you'd like this!
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Oh, this is amazing!
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Beautifully done, isn't it? - Lovely. And it's big.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56'Great reactions. I think this property is going down well.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58'Now, what about the garden?
0:14:58 > 0:15:02'Simon has massive expectations for outside space
0:15:02 > 0:15:04'and this could be one area of compromise.'
0:15:06 > 0:15:10The big question for me is is this garden going to be big enough for you?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's smaller than we're used to.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- It's a no from me.- No?
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- Too small?- Yeah.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I want to throw a rugby ball around with Jake, and um...
0:15:20 > 0:15:26automatically, unless there's somewhere else I can go and do it, it doesn't have the space.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30The nearest sports field is two minutes away, but it's not out in your garden.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- It might be interesting for you to know how much it costs, or to have a guess how much.- Yes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I'd say it's the top end of our budget so I'd go with about 595.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I'd pitch it a bit lower, actually.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44540.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Split the difference. It's on the market for 550.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50OK.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- There's a lot of interest in it.- OK.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Well, it's the first house.- Sure. - And you did give us a wide brief.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00So it's interesting for us to know where's important and where's not negotiable.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Have a wonder round. Look at all the nooks and crannies. See you out front.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07On the market for £550,000,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11this is a beautifully presented 16th-century thatched cottage.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15It's not open plan, but it has a good flow downstairs
0:16:15 > 0:16:19with two reception rooms, a country kitchen and a little snug.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Upstairs, it delivers on bedrooms with four in all, two en-suite.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28It's a great village location with all the amenities they've asked for
0:16:28 > 0:16:30and for anyone not wanting to play rugby,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32the garden is a good size.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I wonder if Simon's must-have outside space
0:16:34 > 0:16:38will find itself moving down the must-have list?
0:16:38 > 0:16:41When I saw the property, I thought, "Wow!" Thatched roof,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43amazing. I loved the size of the house.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47I was surprised it was two bits, not just the one. I love the kitchen.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52I have to say initially I was worried at the lack of open-planness - if that's a word!
0:16:52 > 0:16:55But now we've explored, it's growing on me.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00My one area of concern would be the garden. But maybe we have to compromise.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Something we said we'd always like to have is a big garden.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Where the compromise is, I don't know, cos the house itself is lovely.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Julie will have to work on me a bit to get this one to work!
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Could I see us living here as a family? Yes, definitely.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16It's a very family-oriented house.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22Plenty of living space, great size bedrooms for the kids. Definitely.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Sensational house-viewing weather.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Are you done?- We're done. - Pull the door behind you.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Done exploring.- Done exploring?- Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Let's go and discuss, then there's the rest of the East Midlands to look at!
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Now, when you imagine the quintessential English countryside,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Leicestershire probably isn't at the top of the list.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Yet this is a county with a strong farming pedigree.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Even today, a massive 84% of the landscape is classified as rural,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58which covers everything from farmland to villages and market towns.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03In fact, it boasts the third oldest market town in the UK, Melton Mowbray,
0:18:03 > 0:18:08recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as having the only market in all of Leicestershire.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11People have been haggling over goods on a Tuesday
0:18:11 > 0:18:16since it was awarded a Royal Charter for its weekly market back in 1324.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23Keen to explore their potential new pastures, Julie and Simon met up with local expert Joan Dawson.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Nice to meet you.- This is Simon.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Here we are in the marketplace.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Very busy, isn't it? - It's always very busy.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34But perhaps not as it was in 1837
0:18:34 > 0:18:39because the Marquis of Waterford came here with a lot of his friends.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43They'd been to the races and got a trifle tipsy
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and decided to paint the town red - literally!
0:18:46 > 0:18:51They painted the toll house and the toll house-keeper red!
0:18:51 > 0:18:55And that's where the expression of having a good time comes from, Melton Mowbray!
0:18:55 > 0:18:58I do like a good tale of drunken derring-do,
0:18:58 > 0:19:04but it's country life Simon and Julie are after, and you don't get more rural than the beast market!
0:19:04 > 0:19:08OK, it's just cows, sheep and pigs, but a fantastic name.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13And it's big business for Melton, with up to 3,000 people visiting each week.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Over 33,000 cows and 250,000 sheep are sold annually.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Pigs are a recent addition to the market, which is strange
0:19:24 > 0:19:27when you consider what else Melton Mowbray is famous for -
0:19:27 > 0:19:29the birthplace of the pork pie.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32So for Julie and Simon's final stop, they met Stephen Hallam,
0:19:32 > 0:19:39at the oldest and last shop that produces authentic Melton Mowbray pork pies in the town centre.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Where do pork pies come from, Stephen?
0:19:42 > 0:19:47Melton Mowbray pork pies owe their fame to Stilton cheese. That came first.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Going back 200 years, a by-product of the cheesemaking process is whey.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Cheesemakers found that's a good food supplement for pigs.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58So they kept pigs and there was loads of pork about.
0:19:58 > 0:20:04A grocer and a baker started making pies in Melton Mowbray using the pork. That's how it happened.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Then the fame of the pies spread thanks to hunting.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11The pork pie became the staple diet for the hunters' grooms.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Easy to carry and eat on the move.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19To be an authentic Melton Mowbray pork pie, it must be hand-made in the area
0:20:19 > 0:20:22from uncured meat and cooked without support.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26They look about done now, so we'll take those out.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- Oh, they smell fantastic! - Put them on there.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- They look good, don't they? - Are they ready to eat?
0:20:34 > 0:20:38No, we put jelly in them. They'll cool overnight and they're ready tomorrow.
0:20:38 > 0:20:434,500 pies are sold from these premises every week.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48That increases to a staggering 30,000 in the six weeks before Christmas.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53What will Julie and Simon think of this traditional Leicestershire fare?
0:20:53 > 0:20:55I think Simple Simon has met his pie man!
0:20:55 > 0:20:57In Melton Mowbray!
0:21:00 > 0:21:05For our second offering, we're heading over the border into Northamptonshire,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07to the village of Geddington.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09At just 15 miles from Market Harborough,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12it's a much shorter 20-minute commute for Simon.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Geddington has plenty to keep the family occupied
0:21:15 > 0:21:17with an impressive roll-call of clubs.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Everything from rugby and cricket to tennis and am-dram.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26There's also a youth club, and Simon and Julie get a choice of pubs.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The village is also home to the must-have primary school,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32again with a "good" Ofsted rating,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36and two cornerstones of rural life, the shop and the post office.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39However, we're heading one mile out into the country
0:21:39 > 0:21:41for our next property,
0:21:41 > 0:21:46to a small development of nine houses converted from farm buildings back in 1999.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- Come on in, guys.- Wow!
0:21:48 > 0:21:52So after the first one, which I thought is a beautiful cottage,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54perfectly formed,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- I thought it was perhaps a bit too "done" for you.- OK.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00So what we have here is an equally beautiful property
0:22:00 > 0:22:04but I think it probably has more scope for you to do stuff to it.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- A mini project?- Not really, you don't need to do anything to it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- But there's potential to do something.- OK.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16This is your main garden. There's a back garden as well, but this is the biggest spot of lawn.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Is this enough to throw a rugby ball around?- On the drive in,
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- there's fields galore. - You're surrounded by fields and woodland galore.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- So there's plenty of space there. - Pitch your rugby posts there!
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Although this barn is attached, it's really spacious.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37I think it could offer them the family accommodation they're after, if they put some work in.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42However, having remodelled their current home, I'm sure they could handle it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Step in.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Another hallway.- Yes, nice and big.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- Quite a theme on this show. - I like this one.- So do I.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52It's a much better use of space.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57What's nice about this one is it's bigger - everything is bigger in this property.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01There are separate rooms, but there's also scope to make it open plan.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Off this hallway is the first reception room.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09However, the majority of the living space is on the left-hand side of the barn.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13So we come down the corridor into the kitchen.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- This is a nice big room.- Nice size.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- Yeah.- I like this.- Lovely bespoke pine units all the way through.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Is this enough work surface, Simon? - Loads of space.- Yes. Fantastic.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26I know you're not mad keen on corridors.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Could you live with that?- I could.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Because you don't have to. TAPS WALL
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- OK.- These are all stud walls.- Right. So there's massive potential.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- There's potential to open this all up so you have all these walls.- Yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45- Put your own stamp on it. Or our own stamp on it.- Absolutely.- Not yours.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Not mine, no. I'll keep my stamps for myself, thank you!
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Sorry!
0:23:50 > 0:23:53'Well, that's given them something to think about.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55'And still a lot more to see.'
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Right.- Wow!- More and more space.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- This is the main sitting room. - Oh, I love this!- Me likee!
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- This is lovely. I like this. - The stonework.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- That would be the outside of the original barn.- It's lovely.- Also,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13you've got here...
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- ..lots more options.- Wow, a playroom for the kids. Look a this.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- With doors outside. A few trees for Jake to climb.- And me!- And you!
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- No, I like this room.- This is great.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29'Tick, tick, tick, down here, I think.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32'I'm glad to see they're buying into the potential.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35'Hopefully upstairs gets equally good marks.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'There are four bedrooms in all.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42'Two very ample double rooms, one of which is next to the family bathroom
0:24:42 > 0:24:45'so could be knocked through to create a guest en-suite.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48'And there's a good-sized single.'
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I hear you planning things as we walk around. Very good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- It's very red!- This is very red, the master bedroom. Quite red!
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- It's the colour of passion, so fitting!- Great. You think?
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- Well! A nice en-suite which you can explore a bit later on.- OK.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Although the other property was fantastic and really well finished,
0:25:09 > 0:25:14the proportions here and the ceiling height add a much different feeling of space.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19'Simon is far more effusive in this house, which I take to be a good sign.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23'But I know outside space can be a sticking point with him
0:25:23 > 0:25:25'so let's see what he makes of the garden here.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29'As well as the front garden, there's a patch at the back.'
0:25:29 > 0:25:34So, the garden at the back is not massive, but it's pretty spectacular.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- You've got the forest to look at. - Yes, that's nice.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Very secluded, isn't it?- Beautiful.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44'Phew, I thought that might be a problem. I have one more area to show out front
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'which could be a real bonus.'
0:25:49 > 0:25:52This, I think, is a really exciting space.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- This is a continuation of what was the sitting room.- Yep.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The sitting room.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01And they have - or, rather, they had - planning permission
0:26:01 > 0:26:04to convert this, put windows in and turn it into a living space.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08In the end, they didn't need to do it, so the permission has lapsed.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11But it would be easy to get it again.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15This, to me, is one of the most exciting bits about this property.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18It's totally untapped. I think - if I'm not wrong -
0:26:18 > 0:26:20it's the living room behind that wall.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- So there's a fireplace there. - Fireplace there.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- This, to me, would be a continuation of this.- Yes.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29In order to do that work, you need a bit of money.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- No!- So how much do you think all of this costs?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- 450.- 450.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I think probably...510.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41To tell you the truth, it's on with a guide price
0:26:41 > 0:26:44which is different from a fixed price.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48So you can put offers under. It's on with a guide price of 540.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53- OK.- OK.- I was way off the mark! - You were very optimistic!
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Have a look around. I think with this one there's more head scratching.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03- I agree with you.- Tweaking things. - Have a look round and I'll see you on the drive.- Great. Thanks.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07With a guide price of £540,000
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I can't say exactly how much money would be left in the pot
0:27:11 > 0:27:13to further convert this barn.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15But at least 50,000, I would imagine.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19It's already a big property with two formal reception rooms,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23a large kitchen, a study and four bedrooms.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27It could be even bigger if they decided to convert the barn outside
0:27:27 > 0:27:31and the rear garden backs onto prime Northamptonshire woodland.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I think we could have a contender.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35I love the size of the kitchen.
0:27:35 > 0:27:41But give me carte blanche, I'd build a nice breakfast bar out here,
0:27:41 > 0:27:43move the table down, knock out that wall
0:27:43 > 0:27:46and you have a lovely big living/breakfast/kitchen area.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50From the moment we walked in, Simon's creative juices were flowing
0:27:50 > 0:27:54and having done a project before, we're not averse to doing it again.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56I could see his mind working,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00mentally knocking down walls. I think he likes it, too.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02I could actually see us living here.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05I must say I like the light and the space.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09And it would give us a blank canvas. There's a lot of potential.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12There are so many bees in this wisteria - it's Bee Central!
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- See this beautiful wisteria? It could be yours!- Stunning, isn't it?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Are you excited about this one? - Yes. Very.- Yes, I like this one.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I feel a positive energy. Keep that going! Keep it going.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Well, we're two properties down
0:28:27 > 0:28:30as the sun sets over the East Midlands countryside.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34I think we've given Julie and Simon plenty to think about.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Coming up, we'll be taking Simon and Julie out of their comfort zone
0:28:46 > 0:28:52with the Mystery House. Could it be the not-quite-so-country-escape they want?
0:28:52 > 0:28:53This is amazing!
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- That's what we wanted to hear! - Isn't it lovely?
0:28:56 > 0:29:00And I'll be getting to grips with some traditional English folk.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Day Two of our Dublin to East Midlands house hunt.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Julie and Simon have been very enthusiastic about the beautiful countryside
0:29:13 > 0:29:16but slight problems with the layout of these country cottages.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19They could do stuff in the second property
0:29:19 > 0:29:23but for the Mystery House I'd like to give them the layout they're used to,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25but maybe add a little twist
0:29:25 > 0:29:28for these cosmopolitan city dwellers.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35All will be revealed soon. We're heading to Leicestershire
0:29:35 > 0:29:38and will be 30 minutes from Market Harborough,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42as the Mystery House is situated in Lutterworth.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47A busy market town, it's not the chocolate box village our Dubliners had in mind.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51But having a whole host of amenities on the doorstep
0:29:51 > 0:29:54might not be such a bad idea for a young family,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58including a choice of primary schools and the full gamut of shops and pubs.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Our property is situated near the centre of the town
0:30:02 > 0:30:05but it's right next door to the church and cricket pitch,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07so it almost feels like a village.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- Obviously, location has changed here.- It has.- Yes.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15What are your thoughts about Lutterworth?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- First impressions are that it's noisy behind me.- There is a road.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- Uh-huh.- Busy road.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26What about the house from the outside?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Looks great. Yes, I like it.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31A good, substantial looking house.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36It is from the '50s. Again, this part on the left is from 1953.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39It won an architectural award when it was built.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43This part on the right is from two years ago. There's a theme!
0:30:43 > 0:30:44There is a theme, yes!
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Add-on seamless extensions. So there's a lot of space.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- OK.- Really?- Sounds good. - Good?- Can we go inside?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- You like the outside? - Yes, very much.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56'Well, that went pretty well.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59'Unless I've read these two completely wrong,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02'I think they'll be bowled over by the interior.'
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- It's a big, bright hall.- Oh, wow!
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Into this space here. - This is amazing.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- Lovely room, isn't it? - Nice space.- Huge.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17Why we wanted to show you this is because it is very open plan.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19You're not wrong there!
0:31:19 > 0:31:24It flows through the back wall of the house into this new extension.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Look at those windows!
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Interestingly, the builder specialises in oak.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- These are oak frames. Green oak, but now they're set.- Stunning.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38They're pegged. There's no screws or metal involved.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- I really, really like those windows. - I love that.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Lots of love.- Lots of loving. - Love in this room!
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Great. You could have the kids doing their homework there,
0:31:47 > 0:31:51you watching the telly there, and Simon in the kitchen cooking.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Take a look at this.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Ooh, now that's a kitchen... That's a kitchen!
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Oh, wow!
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- Beautiful, isn't it?- Yep.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02A lovely island.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04This door goes straight into the double garage.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09You've got inside access to the garage, so you can bring shopping in here.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- I like this.- It's nice.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12Rooms flowing into rooms.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16'Downstairs is an unqualified success
0:32:16 > 0:32:18'and upstairs won't disappoint.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21'Five bedrooms in all, each a very good size.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26'There are four doubles, so plenty of room for Rebecca, Jake and grandparents.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29'And there's a large modern family bathroom.'
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Here's the master.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37This is amazing!
0:32:37 > 0:32:39That's what we wanted to hear!
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- Isn't it lovely?- But also,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- you wanted open plan... - It's open plan!
0:32:44 > 0:32:46That is an open plan en-suite!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48OK.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Does that work for you?- This could be our very own play room!
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Oh, right!- On so many levels!
0:32:54 > 0:32:58But it is lovely. It's an unusual thing to have.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02It's not quite a wet room, but it's water-tight. But then...
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- on top of that...- Amazing feature!
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- This is great.- Look at this!
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Come out here...- There's the church.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Church and the cricket ground to watch the cricket.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- I like this. It's great, isn't it? - You have to become a cricket fan!
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I mean, the noise is something you have to think about.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- MODERATE TRAFFIC NOISE - Yeah, that's... Yeah.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Let's go in the garden, see if you can still hear.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32'It's the biggest garden we're seeing so it should go down well with Simon.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- It's a beautiful garden.- Stunning. - Beautifully maintained.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- It's manageable.- Uh-huh.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- It's about quarter of an acre.- OK. - Not excessive. It wraps round.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- Great.- There's a little stile that goes across to the cricket.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- The kids can live over there! - Bit of... That's tennis, isn't it?
0:33:51 > 0:33:56Croquet! And a lovely veggie patch and another viewing platform.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00You can sit... Is it going to be a problem with road noise? That's the question.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04That's the big stumbling block for me. The house is perfect.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07It ticks every single box. And more.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- I don't know.- I can't deny, it is a factor here.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13It's something we'd have to think about.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- The other thing to think about is the price.- You go first. I hate this bit!
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I think it'll be the top end. Uh... 595.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I'm going to go for 605.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28Ah. Right. Throw the difference. It's just a shade under £600,000.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- OK.- You get £50 change.- Wow.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34To be honest, the house internally ticks nearly all the boxes.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39It's just the road is the bit that doesn't quite do it.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42But we have to compromise.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- Why don't you go inside and discuss the compromise.- OK.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- I'll see you out the front. - OK.- Great.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51That was a good Mystery House.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55So, a snip under our budget of £600,000,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58our mystery market town house seems to have hit the spot.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03It has a very contemporary huge open plan living area downstairs
0:35:03 > 0:35:05including a high-spec kitchen.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Upstairs are five big bedrooms including the master en-suite.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12And surprisingly for a town location,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15it has the biggest garden we've seen, at quarter of an acre.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20It is close to a road, but will it be a compromise worth making?
0:35:20 > 0:35:23I just love it. I'd say it ticks all of my boxes, actually.
0:35:23 > 0:35:29The only problem is the noise from the main road. It's a bigger compromise for me than for Simon.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32The Mystery House has set the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34A bit of a dilemma.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36But a nice dilemma to be stuck in!
0:35:36 > 0:35:39I'm going to have to tear you away. I know you like it.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- I don't want to leave.- Not only do you have to leave, you have to make some decisions.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- OK.- You look like you're going to say goodbye!
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- We'll go back in!- Come away!
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Come away!
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Apart from country pubs, sheep and hay bales,
0:36:03 > 0:36:08for me, nothing epitomises English rural life quite like a bunch of men
0:36:08 > 0:36:11dressed in white, shaking bells, sticks and hankies.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14However, we're lucky to see Morris dancing at all
0:36:14 > 0:36:16as by the end of the 19th century,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20with the Industrial Revolution taking over the countryside,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23this ancient folk tradition had virtually died out.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28Today, though, there are an estimated 14,000 Morris men and women in the UK.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32And 17 groups are based here in Leicestershire and Rutland.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37So to find out how it's survived, I'm joining Pete Johnson of the Leicester Morris Men.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Now, I'm a Morris dancing virgin. I don't know that much about it.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46We're here in Leicestershire. Is it from here?
0:36:46 > 0:36:50There would have been dances here, years ago, but nobody recorded them
0:36:50 > 0:36:53because they regarded them as everyday stuff.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55They were handed down, father to son.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58So did they get lost at some point?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01They got lost because the Morris virtually died out
0:37:01 > 0:37:04at the end of the 19th century.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08And they were only saved
0:37:08 > 0:37:13because a serious collector of folk songs ran into some Morris men
0:37:13 > 0:37:16on the outskirts of Oxford and took an interest
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and collected the dances a few years later.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22So it's been revived. What's the origin? It's a bit nebulous, isn't it?
0:37:22 > 0:37:28Well, to put it into context, it's mentioned in writing in Leicester
0:37:28 > 0:37:30in 1599.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34It's around that time? It's not pre-history, not pagan?
0:37:34 > 0:37:41It's not pre-history, it's not pagan. That's a theory that people put around for local colour!
0:37:41 > 0:37:46It does seem to have something to do with the cycle of the year and the seasons.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- So in a sense it's fertility. - Does it make you fertile?
0:37:49 > 0:37:53It is a fertility ritual, but not in a personal sense!
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Probably more of an agricultural metaphor!
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- You don't have hundreds of children? - Not that we're admitting to!
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I've always had a soft spot for Morris dancing.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Often on this show I do things I'm not so keen on,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- but I'm keen to have a go at this. - OK.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13- Only if I get to wear the hat and the bells!- You need all the kit if you're going to do it.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15That one can go on your head.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20- You'll need this around your neck. - Handkerchief.- A baldrick.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- And you've got some bells. - Come and kit me up.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27This Leicester side - that's what they're called, not a team -
0:38:27 > 0:38:31meet weekly throughout the year and perform every Wednesday night
0:38:31 > 0:38:33in and around Leicestershire in summer.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36So who better to show me a few moves?
0:38:36 > 0:38:41Your hats look... Mine looks like a dowager aunt! Yours look manly!
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- Right, we need to teach you a few steps, if you want to join the Morris.- Right.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49The first thing is to go, "One, two, three, hop!"
0:38:49 > 0:38:50Like this.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53One, two, three, hop. One, two, three, hop.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56BOTH: One, two, three, hop. One, two, three, hop.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59'I think I've mastered that. Let's move on to the sticks.'
0:38:59 > 0:39:02You hold it still and he'll strike you.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05MORRIS MUSIC PLAYS
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- Ah!- There you go. It's better with your eyes open, isn't it?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Now, let's see if I can combine the two!
0:39:19 > 0:39:22# Landlord, fill the flowing bowl
0:39:22 > 0:39:25# Until it doth run over
0:39:25 > 0:39:27# Landlord, fill the flowing bowl
0:39:27 > 0:39:30# Until it doth run over. #
0:39:45 > 0:39:46Ah!
0:39:46 > 0:39:51You're getting there! Still looking a little anxious at times!
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Come on!
0:39:58 > 0:40:02That has got to be the most charming, guileless reason
0:40:02 > 0:40:05to move to the countryside ever!
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Hopefully, we haven't made such a song and dance
0:40:22 > 0:40:24of the house hunt here in Leicestershire.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29I think all three properties have given Julie and Simon food for thought.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31They need time to weigh up the pros and cons.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35The Mystery House seemed to knock them for six,
0:40:35 > 0:40:40but will it be enough to make them forget the earlier, more rural contenders?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Let's find out.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Hello! Oh, you've poured me tea. How nice! Earl Grey?
0:40:49 > 0:40:51It is Earl Grey, yes.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55This is the moment when we have a little chat about all the houses.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58So, the very first house, the chocolate box house.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- What do you think now?- I still think it's a stunning house.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05From the outside, it's quintessentially English.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10I can't disagree. When we drove up to it, it certainly was a wow.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12It was straight off a postcard.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15But going into it, it felt a bit claustrophobic.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- And once we went into the back garden...- It was off, wasn't it?
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Off the radar.- Unfortunately, yes. - Just a bit too small.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26What about the house in the countryside, with the neighbours?
0:41:26 > 0:41:28The hamlet, the barn conversion.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33I loved the fact that it was a barn conversion. I liked the idea of the old stone
0:41:33 > 0:41:36and the whole developments of that area.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39The garden at the front was sizeable enough.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42But it also hadn't quite realised its true potential.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47There were parts of it, as we talked about, that hadn't been developed.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- What about the Mystery House? - My first thought was it's a town.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53But when I saw the house, it really had the wow factor.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57There was a really nice, comfortable feel about it. Of all three,
0:41:57 > 0:42:01it was the one where I went, "Wow, this is what I was looking for."
0:42:01 > 0:42:04When you look at all three properties overall,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06does one stand out as a clear winner?
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- In terms of the house, the Mystery House.- Without a doubt. Absolutely.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- That's the one you'd follow up on? - Yes.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Would you think about putting an offer in?
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Would we?
0:42:16 > 0:42:21I think we have to go and find out more about it. A considered, reflective view.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26But if we could pick it up and put it into Geddington, where the barn conversion was,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31- we'd put an offer in today.- Ching! If I had a pound for every time I heard that, I'd be rich!
0:42:31 > 0:42:35We could make the barn in Geddington look like the house in Lutterworth!
0:42:35 > 0:42:40I hope it works out. I'd love it to be one of our houses, but whichever way,
0:42:40 > 0:42:45- I hope it's soon and you're happy. - We'll send an invite to the house-warming!- I'd be honoured.
0:42:50 > 0:42:56It's quite a challenge to find a family home in an area as big as the East Midlands
0:42:56 > 0:42:59especially when you're house-hunting from Ireland.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04But I think we did Simon and Julie proud as they relocate to this beautiful bit of Britain.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07For more beautiful bits of Britain, tune in next time
0:43:07 > 0:43:09for Escape to the Country.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:17 > 0:43:23please apply online at:
0:43:44 > 0:43:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd