0:00:02 > 0:00:08On a tour of the British Isles, Daniel Defoe described today's county as having the finest wool,
0:00:08 > 0:00:15the richest cider, and - that staple of British ale - the best hops in all of Britain.
0:00:15 > 0:00:21And today, that tradition continues and this is the main hop-growing region in the whole of England.
0:00:21 > 0:00:28So stick with us as we serve up another bumper crop of properties on today's Escape to the Country.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50Today, our couple are swapping life in suburbia for a character property in the country.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55It's exactly what you were kind of picturing. Yes, it is. Yes, spot on.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57I like the corner window! Yeah, it's lovely!
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Can we just buy it now?!
0:00:59 > 0:01:00THEY LAUGH
0:01:00 > 0:01:06And they're both keen on a period property, so what will they think of our new-build mystery house?
0:01:06 > 0:01:08This is stunning.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17I'm in rural Herefordshire. Hops have been grown here since the 1500s,
0:01:17 > 0:01:23and this is the key ingredient that separates a pint of British bitter
0:01:23 > 0:01:27from our smooth Continental neighbours' lager.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32Now traditional hop varieties like Goldings and Fuggles are prized
0:01:32 > 0:01:37for the fruity aromas and bitterness they impart on the nation's favourite drink.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Situated in the southwest corner of the West Midlands bordering Wales,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Herefordshire has over 5,000 farms,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49making it an agricultural stronghold which is not such a surprise
0:01:49 > 0:01:53when you consider it's one of the least populated counties in England.
0:01:53 > 0:01:59Herefordshire boasts 3,000 orchards, more than any other county in the UK.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Apples have been cultivated here since pre-Roman times
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and the cider industry has blossomed since the 16th century.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Hereford cattle are a characteristic feature of this county,
0:02:10 > 0:02:17as are the 65 square miles of outstanding natural beauty that make up the Malvern Hills.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19In the city of Hereford,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23the cathedral sits proudly alongside the 12th-century Bishop's Palace
0:02:23 > 0:02:28and this 17th century black and white house which is simply known as the Old House,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33just a taste of the character properties mirrored in this county's villages.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37But what are today's buyers actually after? It's time to find out.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45Lee, an IT manager, and his wife Heidi live in a modern four-bedroom home near Reading.
0:02:45 > 0:02:51With their three children all at university, Heidi is longing to fulfil a lifelong ambition.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Well, I've always wanted to move to the countryside ever since the children were tiny.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Always fancied some views,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01just fancied the country-style living really.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06And Herefordshire is the practical choice for their country dream.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Herefordshire really brings me a little bit closer to my customers
0:03:09 > 0:03:13who are in the Midlands. And also they have some beautiful character houses there.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19No prizes for guessing the style of house that they're looking for, then.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Yes, would be a black and white little cottage with land all the way around.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28A cottage with kerb appeal it is, so let's get into the details.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32What we want from the next property would be three/four bedrooms,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35a large kitchen, preferably one we can put a table in.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40One of the must haves would be a large garden - half an acre would be great.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45I do tend to be the only gardener so it would only be me tending it, so I don't want anything unmanageable.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47I do a bit. Yes, you do a bit.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Anything else on the list then?
0:03:50 > 0:03:53We need somewhere for both of us to work,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57for me working at home and you for your business and your embroidery.
0:03:59 > 0:04:06OK, so an office for two as well, but how far into the countryside will this cottage be?
0:04:06 > 0:04:11For me, you can't get too rural because I still need reasonable speed broadband, 1.5 meg,
0:04:11 > 0:04:16to make sure I can still work. And mobile phone connection. Signal.
0:04:16 > 0:04:24With their house on the market and receiving interest, they need to find a property soon. What's the budget?
0:04:24 > 0:04:29If the house ticks all the boxes, we could pay ?350,000.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Now their children are flying the nest,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41Lee and Heidi can concentrate purely on themselves for this move,
0:04:41 > 0:04:46but the one thing they're very clear on is they want plenty of character.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51But black and whites aren't known for their ample interiors,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55especially those in the ?350,000 price bracket.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01So that much-longed-for period cottage, well, it may be more of a dream than a reality.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Lee and Heidi are particularly keen on an area near the Malvern Hills
0:05:06 > 0:05:09so we'll be focusing our search in the east of the county.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We have a variety of properties to show them, and at each one,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15I'll ask them to guess the price before I reveal it..
0:05:15 > 0:05:23And then there's the mystery house - a property chosen to challenge their idea of a dream home in the country.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Lee and Heidi, welcome to Herefordshire. Thank you.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31This is an important move for you both because your children have flown the nest.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I know some come back occasionally. Yes, part-time children just now.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39It's a place for us really that we are now looking for, aren't we?
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Now budget wise, top end of your budget still ?350,000?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Yes, find us the perfect house - ?350,000. Yes, that would be great.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Do you think you're realistic about what that's going to buy you?
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Maybe some compromises need to be made. Some flexibility.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55What might go?
0:05:55 > 0:05:58We did specify three/four bedrooms - if we find somewhere with three
0:05:58 > 0:06:02with a space somewhere we could make into an occasional bedroom,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06when our son comes home from university, that would be fine.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Because ?350,000 is a good budget
0:06:09 > 0:06:13but we have quite a few demands to go with it, including the two offices,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15but let's see what we can come up with.
0:06:15 > 0:06:23We've got some great properties lined up for you today, one of which of course is our mystery house.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27So are you both ready to hit the road? Absolutely. Come on then.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33For a top budget of ?350,000, Lee and Heidi are looking for
0:06:33 > 0:06:37a three to four bedroom character property in a rural location.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42They'd like a large kitchen and about half an acre for a vegetable patch.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Crucial to the move is a work space for both of them.
0:06:50 > 0:06:5611 miles from Hereford, our first property is in the village of Pencombe.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01The Norman-style church sits high amongst the village cottages
0:07:01 > 0:07:04and provides a great vantage point across the surrounding countryside.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10There is a local pub, so Lee and Heidi can meet some of the 350 locals.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13And our first offering is, as requested, a black and white.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17How is this for your first cottage?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20It looks very nice, it looks lovely.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25Yes, really pretty. It's exactly what you were picturing, I think.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Yes, it is. Yes, spot on. Ready to go in? Definitely. Come on then!
0:07:29 > 0:07:32It's hard not to be impressed with the character.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37It's grade two listed but technology has found its way into the house
0:07:37 > 0:07:40in the form of that all-important broadband.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44So come on through. I'm going to bring you straight into...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46It's currently being used as an office.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I know how important offices are for you two.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52I like the corner window. Yes, the corner window's lovely.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55That is extremely rare. That is a cantilever window
0:07:55 > 0:08:00and it looks from the outside like the window is taking the whole weight of the side of the house.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04It gives you all that natural light, and you've got a real fire there.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Wow, yes. Could this be the perfect office for you, Lee?
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Oh, absolutely. Very nice. A very good start.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14I'm going to lead us through into the family room.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18So as you can see, much larger proportions.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Lovely sized room, isn't it?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Originally this house was a tavern, called the Huntsman's Tavern.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Oh, really? So this is where the bar would have been.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32I can have another bar in. You could if you wanted to, yes.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Stepping back in time. Look at those beams. Lovely.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Well, let's go through into the kitchen.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47So down steps to this very long galley kitchen.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51So how is this, not the conventional kitchen?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55No. But still plenty of work space. Loads of worktop space actually.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I love this area here. Yes, more than you've got.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01More than I have currently actually.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03But it is important you have somewhere to dine,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07so if we just go through the kitchen, this might be the solution.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10This would have been the original cellar of the tavern,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14but the owners have transformed it into a dining room.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18It's a little dining area. Quite compact, but isn't it lovely?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21It is. Very cosy little area. Yes, all good so far.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22Let's head upstairs.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33There's also a bathroom on this level and upstairs there are three bedrooms to choose from.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38Straight into the master bedroom, This is big.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42It is so much bigger than I was expecting.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I love these beams, gorgeous room.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49This is stunning. This would be right. This is right.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52And we still haven't shown you everything.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Come on.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Next door to the master is another inviting guest bedroom and there's also a cosy single on this level.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07But outside in the garden, I have a surprise for Lee and Heidi.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11The question is, who will make the most out of the space?
0:10:14 > 0:10:21So in addition to the house, you've got your own summerhouse, which we think would make the perfect office.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Yes, I like this. Yes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I thought you might. His or hers?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31You could do your embroidery in here. I could.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Or it could even be used as an extra put up bedroom, all sorts of things.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Heidi seems to be enthralled by the property,
0:10:39 > 0:10:44but it doesn't stop here, we've still got to explore the garden.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It's about a third of an acre.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51It's a good size garden, lovely space isn't it? Lovely garden.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53It is, yes. I am thinking, can we just buy it now?
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And we haven't even discussed the price.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I know! A brilliant start.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04How much is this beautiful cottage on the market for? You can go first.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Erm...
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I would say 345?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11OK. Lee?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15I was thinking less than that when we first came in,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18quite a lot less I thought when we first saw the first room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Maybe 340?
0:11:20 > 0:11:24The top of your budget is ?350,000.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25It is. Right, OK.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29You wouldn't get any change, the asking price is 350.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31You were closest then. OK, yes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33I win.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Well, quite a result.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Topping their budget at ?350,000, this property has three bedrooms
0:11:40 > 0:11:43and a living room with a feature fireplace.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46There's a study for Lee, and annexe for Heidi,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48and a large garden.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51This one is going to be tough to beat.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55The stakes are high after seeing this. Yes, indeed.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08Herefordshire may be known for orchards and cider but hops, a key ingredient in the production of beer
0:12:08 > 0:12:15that grows in the form of a flower, has also been an agricultural mainstay throughout the centuries.
0:12:15 > 0:12:21In the 1800s, the county had more acreage devoted to hop growing than any other shire in England.
0:12:21 > 0:12:29The recent resurgence in the popularity of real ale helped to buoy up this 500-year-old business.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Martin Powell-Tuck's family have been growing hops for generations,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35so I've headed a few miles north of Ledbury,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39one of the classic hop growing regions, to help him harvest this year's crop.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Martin, Explain to me what they're doing.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47Tractors and trailers are cutting and pulling the vines ready to go to the hop-picking machine.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52The forward momentum of the tractor is what causes the vines to come off the top.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58With a window of only one month to harvest the hops, the work needs to be done quickly and efficiently,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02and that means a little help from some heavy machinery.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05It looks like a vegetarian butcher's to me, what exactly are they doing?
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Those are going through pluckers,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12which basically strips the hops and leaves off the vines.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19The rest of the machine is just concentrated with separating the hops from the leaves and stalks.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25Inside the ultramodern kiln where the hops dry out, it's easy to see how successful the end result is.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28So how can you tell if this is a good Herefordshire hop?
0:13:28 > 0:13:33The important thing about these hops is their aroma for the brewing,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37and what he would do is rub those hops like that.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Be careful you don't sneeze because it is a bit powdery.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Wow, I can smell it from here.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46And that's considered ripe for brewing.
0:13:46 > 0:13:53At one time, more than 70,000 acres were given over to hop growing in England,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56now just 5,000 acres are utilised nationally.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Herefordshire looks set to continue hop farming for years to come.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Our next property is two miles from
0:14:06 > 0:14:10the rural village of Burley Gate near the Malvern Hills.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Horses graze in the paddocks that surround the black and white cottages.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17There's a local post office here but just 15 minutes away,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Lee and Heidi can pick up supplies from the market town of Bromyard.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25With festivals held here throughout the year, this may be a good location
0:14:25 > 0:14:29for Heidi to sell her embroidery.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34And once again, we found a property with bags of character.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Well, you both fell in love with the first property,
0:14:37 > 0:14:41hopefully our second one is equally going to hit the spot.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45So here is your grade two listed farmhouse.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Yes. Right. It looks delightful, doesn't it?
0:14:47 > 0:14:51It does, and it looks like it goes all the way round with the garden.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54And it has a gravel driveway. I've always fancied a gravel driveway.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58But going back to the actual property, standing here,
0:14:58 > 0:14:59it is so quiet, Heidi,
0:14:59 > 0:15:04is this your dream of living in the country? Absolutely. So peaceful,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07absolutely no traffic at all, no road noise.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12Fantastic, something we just dream about really.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17Let's hope you dream about the inside of the house as well. Come on. OK.
0:15:17 > 0:15:23Clearly the grounds are appealing to Heidi, let's hope the features inside meet the same reaction.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Let the second tour commence, come on in. Thank you.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31It's quite an unusual layout, you've obviously got the hallway,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35but they've utilised the space and made it into a dining area as well.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36A quite clever use, I think.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Yes, it's a nice little area. Let's keep going.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44So here would be your sitting room.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48OK. It's very cosy, isn't it? It is, isn't it?
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Very cosy, nice fireplace.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57You always wanted an open fireplace. They've actually restored it
0:15:57 > 0:16:01and they've opened it up, put it back to its former glory.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05You've got Welsh stone surround and the original flagstones at the bottom. Very nice.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09Office space is important, and there's an extra room just off here.
0:16:12 > 0:16:19At the moment, it's a children's playroom but could make a very good size office.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23A very good size office. It's about the size you've got now.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Probably slightly bigger actually, slightly wider.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29For you or for me? For you. For me? Yes, your space.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34I noticed that - for you. How good was I?! Very kind, thank you.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40I'm not hearing the same excited tones that I heard in the first house from Heidi.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Maybe the modern kitchen will turn things around.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45So down the hallway leads into...
0:16:45 > 0:16:50a brand-new Shaker-style kitchen. Gosh.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Very nice, very nice units, aren't they? They are.
0:16:54 > 0:17:00There's some space for a small table there. Yes, thinking breakfast?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02And you have access to the garden.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05But first, I want to take you upstairs.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14The family bathroom is also on the ground floor and, once again, we have three bedrooms on the next level.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17This is the master.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Very twee, isn't it? It is, isn't it?
0:17:21 > 0:17:25You've lost a little bit of the room but you have gained an en suite.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I think that's a good compromise.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Definitely a useful addition. It is, yes.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34From outside, I thought this property looked quite big.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37But inside, it's a little bit more compact. It is. Yes.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42But it does have the added bonus of more land.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Right. Time to head outside.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The other two rooms up here include a good-sized double and a small single,
0:17:52 > 0:17:57but it's on the outside that this property comes into its own.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02So you've got about three-quarters of an acre of plot
0:18:02 > 0:18:05surrounded by sheep in the fields,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09so a substantial garden. Yes. It is. Looking around,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13you've got the greenhouse, sheds, lots of little buildings.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17With permission, you could have a summer chalet out here
0:18:17 > 0:18:21if this was the right house for you. But beautiful gardens.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27It is wonderful, couldn't ask for more in the garden aspect.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32Well, it does come to the time where you've got to guess the price.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Slightly smaller house, bit more land - tough one.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40This face isn't giving anything away. Oh, please! I don't know, 330?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44OK. Heidi?
0:18:44 > 0:18:50I would say a fraction under that, maybe 325?
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Both of you are actually quite a bit out. Are we?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Really? ?350,000. Oh, really?
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Gosh. OK.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Yes, that's a surprise.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07A lot of work has been done on the property inside and also you're paying for this location.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I'd say their expectations versus the realities
0:19:13 > 0:19:17of what their budget can achieve are starting to hit home for our buyers.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23For ?350,000, this is a stunning property. Inside it offers
0:19:23 > 0:19:26three bedrooms, a modern, fitted kitchen and two living rooms.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Outside, there's three quarters of an acre,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32more than they'd asked for.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34But the dimensions inside might be the problem.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39It's been a pretty good day, hasn't it? It has. Very enjoyable.
0:19:39 > 0:19:46You two have got a lot to think about now, haven't you? You can relax until tomorrow! OK.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01As the sun slips from view after their first day of house hunting,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Lee and Heidi are weighing up all they've seen so far.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10It's the second day of our property search,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14and we're heading to the rural village of Longtown.
0:20:14 > 0:20:2114 miles from Hereford, this is the furthest west we've been so far.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Given the name of Longtown because the original settlement was strung out on the road connecting two towns,
0:20:25 > 0:20:29this village has a splendid example of a Norman motte and bailey castle
0:20:29 > 0:20:33boasting glorious views across the countryside.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Once again, our offering has plenty of character but being a new build,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41I'm interested to hear what Heidi makes of it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47So we've travelled west of the county and I know you both love lots of character, quirky houses.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Well, our mystery house certainly has that.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55I really like the stone front. It does look lovely, doesn't it?
0:20:55 > 0:21:01I would say it looks a new build but built in a traditional way.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Heidi, you're practically there.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09This is why it's a mystery house because the stone is all reclaimed, all over 100 years old.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15But you have all the mod cons, all the comforts of a modern house.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18So it's a good balance there. It is!
0:21:18 > 0:21:24So are you ready to step inside? Absolutely.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Inside, we are met by the first of two reception rooms.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33So, step inside.
0:21:33 > 0:21:39Gosh, wow. Not what you were expecting? Not at all.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41This is stunning.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Isn't this amazing? Amazing, yes. Got a wood burner as well.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Now that's a multi-fuel wood burner.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I don't know if you can see, it's actually dual aspect. Yes, amazing.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Now, Lee, I like you to be happy as well.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59Unlike the other house, you have your own office here so we don't have to cram you in any other room.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04It's quite snug but fully functional and I think that could be perfect.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08It does look very good. Exactly. Let's continue the tour.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14So we have a large modern country kitchen.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18It's lovely, absolutely super. And the table. And the table.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23Gosh, it's more than I can imagine really. It's fantastic.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27In addition to this, there's a very large utility room behind this door,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31again handy if you want to the white goods out there.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32Yes, definitely.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38Well, I think we're getting good vibes, aren't we? Yes, definitely, very good vibes. Yes? Yes.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45So, as well as the front reception room, you have this.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Very cosy, isn't it? It is.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Like you say, the dual aspect fire. Yeah. Come through here.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57So you've got three reception rooms in total with this house.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00This is lovely, it's very light. It is, isn't it?
0:23:00 > 0:23:06Now, Lee, you're considering this as your office, aren't you, because you currently use your conservatory? Yes.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Could you work in here? I could work in here quite easily.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Unless you've got somewhere hidden for her.
0:23:13 > 0:23:19The layout, it does give you choices. It certainly does, very flexible.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Gosh. I like that, gosh and wow, I've heard quite a few of those.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Let's head upstairs. OK.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32All the reception rooms are a good size and there's a downstairs cloakroom.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Upstairs there are four bedrooms, one more than both the other properties -
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I like to start off with the master bedroom.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42It's very nice. Oh.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46And! The en suite. We've never had an en suite. Have you not?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48No. No, what a bonus.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54On the rest of the floor, the other three double bedrooms are all large and tastefully decorated,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57and there's also a family bathroom up here.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00But there is a compromise, the garden.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05So here is your garden.
0:24:05 > 0:24:12Now it's not the biggest garden but it does have the most tremendous views. Yes, it does.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Stunning views. Lovely, lovely views. Yes.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It's still larger than the one we have. Yes, that's true.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23And the broadband connection here is very good, which you can't often say in the country.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28I know that was a major... Yes, that was a big test. It's fantastic really.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Time to guess the price. The scary bit.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33OK, you first then.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37OK, well, I think it's got to be the top end, 350?
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I would say 340?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41You're actually the closest. Yes?
0:24:41 > 0:24:45It is on the market for ?335,000.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50Gosh. Wow. That's 15,000 under your top budget.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Well, it's very good news. Absolutely. I'm so pleased.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00I thought the first house was a fantastic find.
0:25:02 > 0:25:08A great result for the mystery house, and well under budget at ?335,000.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11There are four bedrooms, three reception rooms
0:25:11 > 0:25:15a study for Lee and a large kitchen.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Outside, the garden may not be huge, but the views
0:25:18 > 0:25:19are breathtaking.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31Well, it's been a successful house hunt here in Herefordshire
0:25:31 > 0:25:35with two out of the three properties hitting the mark for Lee and Heidi,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40but what is their next step going to be? Let's find out.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48We started off with a black and white Herefordshire period property,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Tell me what you thought about it.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55We really, really liked that house, didn't we? Oodles of character,
0:25:55 > 0:26:00really quite quirky. Yes, the living room was nice and big with the fire.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Yes, fantastic kitchen. Loved the garden, loved its terraces.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10Well, it was a very positive start. It was. Gave us loads of energy.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Now the second one, very different, it was a farmhouse
0:26:15 > 0:26:18set in an ample amount of land and in quite a rural location.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21You were quite taken with that as we walked up the drive?
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Yes, a beautiful location.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29We were quite excited the fact that it had a nice driveway.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34Yes, and obviously lots of land. It was a bit too compact, especially
0:26:34 > 0:26:37when we have people round. Yes, I think we'd struggle on space really.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41And then our third property, well, the mystery house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43What a surprise that was.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47That house seemed to have the best of both worlds.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51I think it did actually, the stone gave it a lot of character,
0:26:51 > 0:26:57yet inside, it was really quite contemporary, which is what you tend to... Lean towards.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01But it was quite stunning as you step in and you had that fire...
0:27:01 > 0:27:05for the living room and the dining room, that was quite a feature.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09It really made it look very impressive. It was.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13New kitchen. And large, it has a table in it.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18So after hearing all of that, what is your next step going to be?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I think we'd like to start making some enquiries about
0:27:21 > 0:27:23probably number three property.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28I think we'd like to have a look at that one again.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32It was... Yes. Definitely try and take that forward if we can.
0:27:32 > 0:27:38Delighted we've been able to play a part in that. Thank you very much to you and your team. It's been great.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Yes, really good. Well, we've enjoyed it just as much. All the best, thank you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Well, the mystery property has done it again.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55Lee and Heidi went into this search looking for plenty of character
0:27:55 > 0:28:01and they found it where they least expected it, in a very modern mystery house.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06So as soon as they've managed to sell their property in Reading,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10they'll be hurrying to Herefordshire and escaping to the country.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Join us again next time.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19If you would like to escape to the country in England,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or even further afield to the continent,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24and need our help, please apply online at...
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