0:00:02 > 0:00:06These are the remains of one of the last great aristocratic homes of the 17th century.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But where are we? Well, stick around, and I'll tell you.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25In today's show, I'll be helping a Welsh boy return to his homeland.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28And it's a roller-coaster of emotions.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30I hate to use the word "perfect", but...
0:00:30 > 0:00:33It's getting close, it's getting close!
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Use perfect! Please use perfect!
0:00:35 > 0:00:38And I'm desperate for our properties to hit the mark.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Does it...worry you?
0:00:40 > 0:00:42No, not at all. I love it.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- You see! - HE LAUGHS
0:00:44 > 0:00:46But then, we blow them away.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Just overcome.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Today we're in South Wales.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59These are the glorious remains of Raglan Castle,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02here in Monmouthshire. During the time of the English Civil War,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06it was held by the Earl of Worcester, a royalist through and through,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10who forbade the garrison here to either swear or drink -
0:01:10 > 0:01:15possibly one of the reasons why Raglan was one of the last places to fall during the conflict.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Monmouthshire's landscape still bears the scars of its war-torn past,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23claiming more castles per square mile than any other county,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27due to its strategic position on the Welsh-English border.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31It was only some 35 years ago when Monmouthshire's status
0:01:31 > 0:01:34as a Welsh county was confirmed once and for all,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37ending over four centuries of controversy.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39And what a county it is!
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Boasting, of course, the magnificent Wye Valley to the east,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and to the West, the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Monmouthshire's 31 conservation areas encompass many of its historic
0:01:50 > 0:01:53towns such as Abergavenny, a foodie's heaven,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and Tintern, with its awe-inspiring abbey.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59So it's no wonder this border county
0:01:59 > 0:02:02holds such appeal for aspiring escapees.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08In Monmouthshire, the average house will set you back
0:02:08 > 0:02:12somewhere in the region of £176,000,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15just 6% above the national average.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Hop over the border into Herefordshire, or indeed South Gloucestershire, and to be honest,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23prices are pretty much the same. It really is a question of scenery.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27So for my money, if you want something that feels that bit more rural,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31then Monmouthshire is definitely the place to be.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33For top-notch splendour, this five-bedroom
0:02:33 > 0:02:39Georgian country house in Whitchurch comes in at just under £1.3 million.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It has a reception room for every occasion, whether it be an
0:02:42 > 0:02:46evening's music recital or a game of billiards, or even a spot of tennis.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51From the 9.5 acres of grounds, there are stunning views across the Wye Valley.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54On the market at just short of £600,000,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58this five-bedroom former cider mill in Llangovan
0:02:58 > 0:03:03retains its character, with an inglenook fireplace to cosy up in front of and exposed beams.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Outside, there's plenty of scope for sitting and surveying your two acres of grounds.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12And for £365,000,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15this attractive modern four-bedroom stonefronted lodge in Bishopswood
0:03:15 > 0:03:18has a welcoming kitchen, and a lounge
0:03:18 > 0:03:22that leads out to a decked veranda with stunning views.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29As you can see, this county does have some fantastic properties on offer.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31I love house-hunting here in Monmouthshire.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35All we need now are a couple of people who want to buy one.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41After 17 years together, David, a financial manager and Wendy, an administrator, have decided
0:03:41 > 0:03:46to realise their dream of a lifetime and up sticks from their four-bedroom house near Reading.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50With retirement on the horizon, they feel there's no time like
0:03:50 > 0:03:54the present to seek out a rural retreat in South Monmouthshire.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57I was brought up outside a small village in South Wales,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01and I look forward to being able to return to the rivers
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and the valleys of South Wales.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07I think a move to the country is going to be
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- a change of lifestyle. - We want to live in a village where
0:04:10 > 0:04:13there's a decent community setup,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and enjoy our life in general.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21And when they do finally retire, it sounds like they'll have no problem keeping busy.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25One of the things I'm really looking forward to in the countryside is the wildlife.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I love birds, I love birds of prey.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30The opportunity we'll have in the countryside to pursue
0:04:30 > 0:04:34that side of our interest even more is really good.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41With eight moves in 17 years under their belt, they certainly know what they want this time around.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44The next house for me needs to be detached.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48I'd need two, three reception rooms, three, four bedrooms.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Ideally, a large garden, and also, somewhere that had a view.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55We really need a big kitchen, a big family room.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58We'd like an open fire in the living room.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Ideally, an en-suite bathroom to the main bedroom, and a utility room.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06We're not very good at DIY, David and myself, but I think
0:05:06 > 0:05:11if there was a small amount of work to do, then we'd look at that.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13And they both want their own space to play in.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16This is my study and as you can see it's rather small.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20In my next house I'd like to have a much larger room,
0:05:20 > 0:05:21to have my computer,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25perhaps a nice easy chair where I can come and read.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Just a place for me to come and chill out when I feel like it.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32In moving to the country it's really important for me to have some outside space.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Ideally, I'd like up to five acres. I'd like to be a hobby farmer
0:05:36 > 0:05:39with some alpacas and maybe some pigs.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42So are there any property styles they don't want?
0:05:42 > 0:05:47I think for me, I don't want to buy a house
0:05:47 > 0:05:48that's dark inside.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53No beams particularly. I'm not sure I'd like a barn conversion,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55because they all seem to be open plan.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58To me, it's quite important to have the individual rooms.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03David and Wendy are in the enviable position of having sold their current property.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07So, with £415,000 in the bank, how much do they have to spend?
0:06:08 > 0:06:12The budget for our next house is £500,000.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18It is indeed great news that Wendy and David have now sold their house
0:06:18 > 0:06:22in Reading, which gives them the magical title of being cash buyers.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25They've got half a million pounds weighing down their pockets,
0:06:25 > 0:06:30that they're determined to spend on a house in glorious Monmouthshire.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37Our house hunt is focused around the historic market towns of Abergavenny and Monmouth.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40We've lined up some super country properties for them to take
0:06:40 > 0:06:44a look at and, as always, I'll be asking them to guess the price.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Finally, I'll be trying to convert them with our mystery house,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51where you can never predict what will happen.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Good morning. Very nice to see you.- Good morning. - Welcome to Monmouthshire.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- You're very much coming back home, aren't you?- Something like that. I was born and bred in South Wales,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- so it's a bit like that for me. - A trip back home.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11As I understand it, you're in a very enviable position in terms of moving?
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Yes, we are. We've sold our property and we're ready to go.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Ready to go! How much money have we got in the bank?- About £500,000.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21A cool half a million pounds!
0:07:21 > 0:07:25So this move now, is this another short-term hop or is this the real deal?
0:07:25 > 0:07:30I hope it'll be a long-term thing. We want to move to a nice area
0:07:30 > 0:07:34where it's quiet so we can have a sort of more rural way of life.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I'd like to have some livestock, a few sheep and chickens,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- and possibly a couple of alpacas. - OK, good.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Let's see what we can find you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50So for their £500,000, David and Wendy want a house with at least
0:07:50 > 0:07:55two bright reception rooms, a cosy fireplace, and a large kitchen/diner.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58An island would be a plus, but beams are a no-no.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Along with three to four bedrooms, Wendy wants her own study.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04In addition, David's hobby farming dream
0:08:04 > 0:08:07means he's looking for up to five acres of land.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11I fear a dose of realism may have to figure somewhere.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16We kick off our property search in the village of Caerwent,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19around 25 miles from both Monmouth and Abergavenny.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23These days it's a quiet village with a local pub
0:08:23 > 0:08:27and a handy Post Office, so all the peace and charm they could ask for.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31But uniquely, Caerwent's Roman past is everywhere.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36These are the ruins of fourth-century shops, and they practically reach
0:08:36 > 0:08:38the front door of our first property -
0:08:38 > 0:08:42this lovely detached cottage, renovated and extended in 2004.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Let's start with this one.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47What do you think?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Looks very nice from the outside.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Looks excellent. - What is it that appeals?
0:08:52 > 0:08:56I think the style of the building is quite attractive.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58It's got a lovely conservatory.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It's got hills all around.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03At its core, the house is about 1850.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07We've also that that for you, David, the garage. That's a new addition.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- We can explore that later. - That'll keep me busy.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- Absolutely - there's a lot to keep you busy round here! Let's go and have a look.- OK.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18The style of this cottage has made a good first impression.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Let's explore what's on offer inside.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24In you come.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Have a look in there, David. After you, Wendy.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30There we are. What do you think? Cosy?
0:09:30 > 0:09:32It's cosy, yeah. A lovely fire.
0:09:32 > 0:09:38- Nice and warm. Yes.- I know light is a big thing for you, isn't it?- Definitely for me, yes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- It's really important, but it's a cosy area at night. You can see the fire roaring away.- It's lovely.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- I like the fact they've brought the stone through as well.- Very nice. - Makes a bit of a difference.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53It does have a certain open-plan feel, but hopefully not so open-plan that it feels impersonal?
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- No, it does feel cosy.- Good. Well, it does get a bit bigger.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Come and have a look through here.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03There we are. The kitchen. You did say you wanted an island.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05I did, yes. That's very nice.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- Isn't it?- Really nice. - It's very sweet. I think it's great.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14Through that door, to the right, quite a useful little utility area and a downstairs loo as well.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- OK, and this one has got a nice view out the window as well. - Good. So the kitchen is working?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Yes, it is.- Definitely.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Let's explore that conservatory, because that is enormous.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Step up there...
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- It's lovely, isn't it? - Isn't it great?- Really nice.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Double-glazed, and you'll notice, no radiators anywhere.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Underfloor heating?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Underfloor heating. What would you expect in a Roman town?!
0:10:42 > 0:10:45There's nothing new, you know.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- It's lovely.- And the views, of course, are terrific.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- It's lovely out there.- And the great thing about being in the middle
0:10:51 > 0:10:53of a scheduled monument like this is that none of that is going to change.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55No.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57You'll have those views forever.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00The only thing that's going to change are the seasons.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03In terms of reception areas, this is obviously the biggest and,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07I suppose, one would say the family room, if you like, because of the way it works.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13But the way they've heated it and insulated it and so forth, this is good all year round.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15It's lovely.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Let's go upstairs. After you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I love the fact that this cottage has kept its warm feel,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26but the renovations have made it spacious and light, great for Wendy.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I think they're quietly positive.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Perhaps a surprise upstairs will get them excited.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34But first stop, a potential guest room.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Let's start in this one.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Probably the lightest room in this part of the house,
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- and certainly anybody staying in here will find that view quite memorable.- Yes, it's lovely.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50Nice top shot there of part of the ruins of the old city of Caerwent.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- And of course, the view as well. - Fantastic, isn't it?
0:11:53 > 0:11:55You can see for miles.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Also on this floor are two other bedrooms -
0:11:57 > 0:11:59one which could be a small double and a light single room.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05The bright, modern family bathroom has a bath and a corner shower cubicle.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10But here's a surprise - the master is upstairs again, in the roof space.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Up here...
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Is your very own little eyrie.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- If you have got guests, you're well out of the way of them. - That's a great space, isn't it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:27It really does make a big addition to this place, because it's effectively quite a compact,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29albeit well-appointed cottage.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Coming up into the roof space gives you a very generous master,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35I think, in some respects, with some storage all round.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37And it's bright and airy as well.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43Really bright and airy, and again blessed with the views and the dual aspect through these skylights.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49Yes, in terms of lightness, waking up, sound of the birds, in the middle of a Roman city.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51What more could you want?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54You could have an en-suite, which you've got through that door!
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- Which is rather nice. Big shower room, etc. Do you like it so far? - Very nice. Thank you.
0:12:58 > 0:13:05- Yes, nice.- Good. Well, let's continue back outside and see what else we've got amongst the ruins. After you.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13Internally, this cottage answers a lot of the demands on Wendy and David's wish-list.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16It is light and there would be no work for them to do.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Let's see if the garden and its historic surroundings can clinch it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Let's settle where we started.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Now you've had a chance to look around the inside, are your feelings still as encouraged?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Yes, it had a nice feel inside.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35I'm not sure the garden is quite big enough, but...
0:13:35 > 0:13:38That is the kind of rub with this one, that's the compromise.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44It's not acres, it's probably a fraction of an acre, probably a third to a half.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Enough for some domestic chickens, as the current owners have.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Probably not enough for the alpacas, in fairness.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53But rather successfully, they have of course created that
0:13:53 > 0:13:57garage arrangement, and the study that comes with it,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01which I'm going to the you explore your own a little bit later.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06There is a lot on offer. Whether it's enough is down to you two and what you really think about it.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09And of course, the price.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Yes, the price.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16How much do you think you're going to have to part with to get this little number?
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- I'm going to say about 440.- 440?
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I think slightly less than that, I think probably about 425.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Interesting. Well, it's currently on the market for £485,000.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34I suspect you probably want to be starting around the 440, 450 mark
0:14:34 > 0:14:37to make a sensible and respectful offer.
0:14:37 > 0:14:43- As a Welshman, I liked 425! - Of course you did. There's a lot more for you to see.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- Go and explore the garage and the office and I'll catch up that you a little bit later.- Thank you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54So, under budget at £485,000, this cottage may not have space
0:14:54 > 0:14:57for David's alpacas, but it's ready to move straight into.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Its clever layout offers a large kitchen diner,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04a conservatory for all seasons, with underfloor heating.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Four bedrooms with a master en-suite.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09And a third-of-an-acre garden.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Along with being a stone's throw from a complete Roman town and with
0:15:12 > 0:15:16beautiful countryside views, you couldn't ask for a better location.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19This is the office. Do you think this would be enough for you?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22In a word, no.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Well, we could see what we could do with it. It's just a stud wall.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Make it bigger and it could work then.- We could try.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34My first impression of the house was it was very pleasing from outside.
0:15:34 > 0:15:41I wasn't quite sure about the size of the garden, but the area is very nice, lovely country views.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I like the house from outside but it looked small.
0:15:43 > 0:15:49Then when you started to look around the house, you realised how much bigger it was than you imagined.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55Outside is a reasonable size, and it would allow me to have some chickens as they have it now.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But it wouldn't be enough space for me to become a hobby farmer really, to be honest.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01It's marvellous, isn't it, the Roman ruins.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Think how long they've been here. - It's good. It's in keeping with the house, and the wall of the house.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It looks excellent, doesn't it?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- You're soaking it all up, aren't you?- We are.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Yes.- It's pretty unique.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14How often do you get to live next to 2,000 years of history?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Not every day. It's quite a rare one, I have to say.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I could spend all day here, but we've plenty more to show you.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32With over 50 castles in this county, I can really indulge my passion for archaeology.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37But Raglan is one of my favourites, so I couldn't resist delving further into its fascinating past.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Historian John Kenyon has kindly agreed to join me to explore these dramatic ruins.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46John, this is the most romantic of ruins, it really dominates
0:16:46 > 0:16:49the skyline in this part of Monmouthshire. But how did it all begin?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51It's one of the great late medieval buildings of Britain.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56It was begun by a fairly minor member of the Welsh gentry who made two very good marriages,
0:16:56 > 0:17:01and William ap Thomas, he started building Raglan with his great hexagonal tower with its own moat.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04And his son continued building it, the domestic apartments
0:17:04 > 0:17:10and the great gate house, and the closet tower round to the right the 1450s and 1460s.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It really showed that this Welsh family had arrived on the scene.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18It's a remarkable building - a fortress palace is probably the best way to describe it.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- A fortress palace. I think we should go through the gateway and find out more.- Indeed, yes.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28Built as a sign of military might but also as a show of status and power, Raglan's 15th century
0:17:28 > 0:17:31remains still show off its French influences, from the moated tower
0:17:31 > 0:17:38to the double courtyard mansion protected by its imposing gatehouse and towered walls.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41By the late 16th century, Elizabethan extravagance had kicked in,
0:17:41 > 0:17:46including a banqueting hall, lavishly furnished with wooden panelling and tapestries.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50This is quite something, isn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- It's terrific, yes. - Absolutely amazing.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55It's Raglan transformed. You've got a great kitchen range.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Brew houses down here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02The whole here totally rebuilt by the third Earl of Worcester as the
0:18:02 > 0:18:05household grew - household staff, people coming to stay.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09You've raised the building up an extra storey here and there.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13How many people do you think would have comprised that household when this was operating at full strength?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16When the family were here, you must have had at least 100 or so.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18What a legacy to leave behind!
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Terrific.- Brilliant.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Although perhaps it's sad to see Raglan stripped back
0:18:25 > 0:18:28to its bare bones today, it definitely retains its grandeur.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32There's something undeniably fairy-tale about it,
0:18:32 > 0:18:37but the site where Raglan first rose was also where it finally fell.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Here we are, John, at the base of the original tower here at Raglan.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43What happened to get it in this state?
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- The English Civil War in the 1640s, unfortunately.- That'll do it, yep.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52The castle held by the Somerset family, Earls of Worcester, great supporters of King Charles.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Besieged here for 11 weeks by the New Model Army and the parliamentarians.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01Held out, eventually surrendered, and then the parliamentarians collapsed two sides of this
0:19:01 > 0:19:05tower so it couldn't be used again. Raglan remained a ruin ever since.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10So 200 years of castle building and aggrandisement is
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- finished in a matter of weeks during the Civil War.- Never the same again.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- And thus it has remained.- Indeed.
0:19:16 > 0:19:17A very beautiful ruin at that.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19One of the finest in Wales.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29As the sun sets over the Monmouthshire hills,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32it marks the end of our first day's property search.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46David and Wendy want to swap this for a slice of this, and who can blame them?
0:19:46 > 0:19:52Armed with a budget of £500,000, they're desperate to relocate to Monmouthshire before they retire.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56But having moved every couple of years for the past two decades,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59we're going to have to find some majestic properties.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03It's a big Lord of the Rings, isn't it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:04And they might mean business.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09I think it's a very, very generously priced property.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I think David should be getting his chequebook out!
0:20:15 > 0:20:20For our first property today, we're hopping over the border into Gloucestershire,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23to the village of Alvington, just a 20-minute drive from Monmouth.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27From here, the spoils of the Wye Valley are right on your doorstep,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and it's just a mile's walk from the local pub in neighbouring Aylburton,
0:20:30 > 0:20:37with red sandstone properties a trademark of the area, and a pretty Victorian church.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40What's more, the stone is an appealing feature of our next property.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44OK, let's start our final day's house-hunting with this one.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Looks very nice.- Not bad, is it?
0:20:46 > 0:20:48Very pretty.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Much converted over the last 10 years by the current owners.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54But there is one key thing to bear in mind as we go through on the tour.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58You see this long sloping roof here. There are plans that have been drawn up and passed
0:20:58 > 0:21:04to extend the whole thing out above that, to give you an extra three or four bedrooms above.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09With en-suites and so forth. But who knows, maybe you don't need it? Let's have a look.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12So with all the main work done, but the chance to expand if they
0:21:12 > 0:21:19want to, let's check out the inside, and see if they get that warm glow from this character cottage.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20How about that for a front door?
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It's some size, isn't it?
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Well done, David. Right.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Let's start in here.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33One of the reception areas that this house can offer you. What do you think?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I think it's lovely, really nice.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I know light is a thing for you, Wendy.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43It's beautifully decorated, but a change of colour would let more light in, certainly.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45It would, but I actually like the colour.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- It's got a nice feel about it.- Yeah? Good. Feeling is all-important.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52It's got to feel right. So that's a good start. Let's continue.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Follow me through here.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Now, coming back to this idea of this extension that would go above us now.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02that would give quite a few extra bedrooms.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06The idea being that you would replace these two bedrooms down here,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09so you'd release them to be studies or whatever you want them to be.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11You could have a good old explore of these a bit later.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13But just to put that in your mind.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19There we are, Wendy.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- The island. - Yeah, you've got your island!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Really good kitchen diner, this.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- It's a good size.- It's terrific, and very comfortable, too.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Huge sofa over there.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35And these two double doors going out to the patio and the decking beyond.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37It's nice and light in here, as well.
0:22:37 > 0:22:43Yeah. The dining table there, again, I would suspect that would be your everyday kind of thing.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46But we do have a separate dining room for you across the hallway.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Come and have a look at this. This is quite special.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52There.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Wow, those chairs!
0:22:55 > 0:22:57They are amazing, aren't they?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Very grand, all this, really.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It's a bit Lord of the Rings, isn't it?
0:23:03 > 0:23:09Whether you keep this as a dining room, or you use it as a separate study, it would work
0:23:09 > 0:23:15- either way. I get the sense this would be your little domain. - It could be, yeah!
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Right, let's go out there.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22Tucked away off the entrance hall, there's also a nice cloakroom with a WC.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26They certainly seem impressed by the generous rooms downstairs,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31so let's head upstairs and see if they do actually need to build those extra bedrooms.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34This is the master bedroom as it is currently configured.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Again, like the rest of the house, suitably opulent in the way it's furnished.
0:23:38 > 0:23:45- Very rich, very lavish, very warm, I think. But you don't have an en-suite, of course.- Right.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48But the family bathroom is literally right next door.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Up here, it's just this bedroom and a tiny box room across the corridor.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57So again, making sense of these plans to extend, if you did want
0:23:57 > 0:24:00an extra four bedrooms, with two en-suites, that's what's on offer.
0:24:00 > 0:24:06In terms of size of what you've seen so far, the house without the extension,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- would it work for you? - Yes, I think it would.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11And we've got the box room for clothes and storage.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14That's what the current owner is using it for, really, a walk-in wardrobe.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17So really, it's just you up here.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- Very good.- Yes.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23OK. Let's go outside and explore some land for you.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28I'm delighted they feel the house is large enough for them, as it is, and I'm very excited,
0:24:28 > 0:24:35because outside there's the land, which I think will suit David down to the ground.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Come through here, David.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Master of all you survey - look at this!
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- Can you see these three paddocks here?- Yes.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47There's a menage at the end.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49All of that's yours. All in all, about three acres.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- Gosh, that's a lot!- It's a lot.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- Is it too much?- No, it's not.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- There's no such thing as too much! - Exactly, you can't have too much.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01And of course, you've got that lovely little brook.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Fantastic. - It's a lovely setting, it really is.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- I hate to use the word "perfect", but it's getting close. - Use it! Use perfect, please!
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Lovely, very nice, yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Let's have a think about the price, shall we? What do you think, Wendy?
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- I think we're over budget this time. - How much?
0:25:19 > 0:25:24I think perhaps 550, even in excess of that.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- I'd probably even go above Wendy. Maybe 575.- 575.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32That's very interesting, actually.
0:25:32 > 0:25:39- It was on the market for 575 - it's now on the market for 475. - You're joking!- Good heavens!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- That's amazing.- I think David should be getting his chequebook out!
0:25:42 > 0:25:48Well, don't do it just yet, go and have an explore, see what you get, and enjoy!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I'll catch up with you later! Off you go.
0:25:52 > 0:25:58Well under budget at £475,000, this property looks like it's in the running, giving Wendy and David
0:25:58 > 0:26:02two reception rooms with those lovely stone fireplaces.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05An enormous kitchen diner, which Wendy loved.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10Three bedrooms with planning permission for more, should they wish to build upwards.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12And more than 2.5 acres of land
0:26:12 > 0:26:16for David's alpacas and the rest of their menagerie.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17Along with their own brook!
0:26:20 > 0:26:22So what do you think about the land?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I think it's excellent. It's just what we want - plenty of space,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28it's got the brook, which will bring the wildlife in.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30In the summer it'll be fantastic.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33And with three acres, and the paddocks, it's going to have
0:26:33 > 0:26:37plenty of room for some alpacas and some donkeys and some sheep.
0:26:37 > 0:26:45I think the house is lovely. I think you've brought us to somewhere that we could easily make a home.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It just feels very relaxed in here, and comfortable.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50What do you think of this room?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53It's not a bad size for a single bedroom.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56We've got the option to go upstairs if we want to.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58The house is great. It offers us what we want.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00There's plenty of room as it is at the moment.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04When Jules told us the price, I was absolutely flabbergasted.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I couldn't believe that it was under budget, and
0:27:07 > 0:27:11it just makes it a serious contender, I think, for both of us.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16It's definitely a 9.5 out of 10, from our perspective, it's probably a 10.5, so...
0:27:16 > 0:27:20I think this has all gone rather well, you know.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Ah, there you are. Out you come, Wendy, grab the door, David.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- Happy?- Very.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30I should think you are. Great price, great house.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Certainly is, yeah.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Keep thinking about it!
0:27:40 > 0:27:46Wales is proud of its well-preserved past, with over 120 protected historic sites across the country.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50And more recently, it has also championed its food heritage.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55Monmouthshire has more than 100 local food producers across the county,
0:27:55 > 0:28:00and is home to one of Britain's finest food festivals, held in Abergavenny every September.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04And the town's weekly market is a real draw for people from the surrounding valleys.
0:28:04 > 0:28:10David and Wendy are meeting town guide Sandi Gosden to get a taste of what's on offer.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13So you've come to see our wonderful market?
0:28:13 > 0:28:17We had a campaign in 2001 to keep out
0:28:17 > 0:28:21the big fast food people, and we've succeeded, they're still not here,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25so local people buy local food, and it's all in the market here.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Would you like to come and have a look?- Thank you, yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32This thriving market dates back to Norman times, and among the locally
0:28:32 > 0:28:38made jams and regional cheeses, there are some meat faggots to get their taste buds going.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- Mm! That's lovely!- That's lovely.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45As well as celebrating its local food producers,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Abergavenny has also conserved its architectural treasures.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The remains of its Norman motte and bailey castle still stand,
0:28:52 > 0:28:56as does the restored 12th-century tithe barn.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01St Mary's Priory Church is another of the town's well-preserved gems.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06Inside, among the tombs of medieval dignitaries is this mysterious figure.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10This is Jesse. This is made of one solid piece of oak.
0:29:10 > 0:29:17And it shows Jesse, who was the father of King David, and it would originally have shown the lineage of
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Christ, would have had a tall piece in the middle,
0:29:20 > 0:29:26and would've had the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus on the top.
0:29:26 > 0:29:33It's said to be one of the finest pieces of medieval sculpture.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- It is excellent, isn't it?- It's beautiful, isn't it? It really is.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39And very precious to Abergavenny!
0:29:39 > 0:29:41With all this potentially on their doorstep,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Abergavenny would be a superb local haunt for Wendy and David.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Our final property is just a few miles away, the mystery house.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Any ideas, Wendy, as to what we might have lined up for you?
0:29:56 > 0:30:00I think you're going to probably give us a project of some sort.
0:30:00 > 0:30:06- OK. David? - I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of a Welsh chapel or something!
0:30:06 > 0:30:08You did say you didn't want that.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12I know, and it would scare Wendy to death.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14That would be very unkind, to give you a chapel.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18I know the mystery property is always challenging.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Well, this one is no exception.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23But I think you might like it.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Well, I'll be able to enlighten you soon enough, David.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Our mystery house is a ten-minute drive from Abergavenny
0:30:33 > 0:30:36in the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40Its location is idyllic, set right on the edge of the Black Mountains,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44and with Skirrid mountain rising up impressively nearby.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It's got all they could want from a quiet Welsh village,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51reputedly the oldest pub in Wales and a mix of eye-catching properties.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55So, time to see if they like what we've lined up for them.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Right, the mystery house.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- In the rain.- Lovely!
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- You said you didn't want a chapel. We haven't got you a chapel.- No.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- We have got you a barn conversion. - OK.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Just remind us all of your thoughts on barn conversions.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15They all tend to be open plan, so...
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Have you seen many?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- No, I've never seen one.- Oh!
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Now then! How the wise have spoken!
0:31:22 > 0:31:27So, here's your chance. If you've never seen one, this is a great place to start.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- Maybe this is the barn to convert you.- Indeed.
0:31:31 > 0:31:32Will it change your mind, I wonder?
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- Let's see. - Let's have a look, come on.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Even though this is new territory for Wendy, I'm pretty sure that when
0:31:38 > 0:31:44she sees inside our mystery barn, those preconceptions will fly right out of the window.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45Fingers crossed.
0:31:47 > 0:31:48Right, Wendy.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53Come on. This is an induction into barn conversions.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- It is, it looks lovely. - What do you think?- Lovely. - Come and have a look at this.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00There. Yeah?
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Yeah, it's lovely and cosy.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03It really is nice.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Nice little wood burner there. Underfloor heating.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07Nice big window over there and one in the corner.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Let's follow the floor and the heating through to here,
0:32:10 > 0:32:15because, Wendy, you wanted a big kitchen with an island.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17There you go.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Wow.- This is more like an island with a kitchen!
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Well, indeed. It's pretty good.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- You've excelled yourself.- Yeah!
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Well, you can't not love it, can you?
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- And I think you get the idea that it really has been done to a fantastic standard.- Yeah, it's beautiful.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36Let's continue through here, because, again, as dining rooms go,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39kitchen diners go, this is quite exciting and it makes the best of those views. Look at that.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Fantastic view out there.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45As a space, I think this is all rather good.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49And again, although you've got this sort of free-flowing feel to it, Wendy,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52does it worry you?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54No, not at all, I love it.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56You see!
0:32:56 > 0:32:58I knew. Have a look at this.
0:32:58 > 0:33:04Just round the corner there's another room which could be a perfect little retreat for Wendy.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06And there's yet another surprise.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Look, it goes on. How about this for your guests?
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- This is for the guests? - This is for the guests, yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- Anywhere else, this would be a great master.- It would.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23You've got a little en-suite, plenty of room for the bed, loads of light and storage.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28- Again, pretty generous dressing area over there. - This is for me when I've misbehaved.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Well, you could have it as a bit of a den.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34If you just took the bed out, then it's another study if you wanted it.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I think I could move here tomorrow.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38You could, it's up for sale!
0:33:40 > 0:33:42It's great. So, this is guests.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Let's find somewhere for you. Come and have a look at this.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50If any barn will make Wendy change her mind, it'll be this one.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54It's a fantastic conversion, completed some seven years ago and
0:33:54 > 0:33:58with no expense spared, from its oak timbers to slate flooring.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Let's go upstairs and look at the other three of the four bedrooms.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07One is just large enough to be a double, and the other a bright single with exposed beams.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11But time to take a peek at the master.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14There. This is for you two, the master.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16It's a good size.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- It's a lovely room, it's nice and bright.- It's lovely and light.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Really bright. Now, I know you had a thing about beams, Wendy.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- Yes.- Do these beams work for you?
0:34:24 > 0:34:30They do, yes, they're not too dark and I think the wood's beautiful.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32You're gradually converting me.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33Good! Have a look in here, this is great.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Very well-appointed en-suite for you.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Oh, right.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- Excellent.- Yeah? So, you're happy with the house?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Happy with the house and the location, actually.- Excellent.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46And if Wendy's happy with the house, you're happy with the house?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- Definitely.- So, we need to get you happy with the land.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Certainly. - Right, let's go and have a look. Brave the weather.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Wendy might be holding back a bit with her emotions, but I'm pleased
0:34:56 > 0:34:59she's delighted with what she's seen.
0:34:59 > 0:35:05Outside, the paddock comes in at around an acre, so David can hobby farm on a manageable scale
0:35:05 > 0:35:09to his heart's content, while enjoying the wonderful views.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14There we are, look, Monmouthshire, in the mist!
0:35:14 > 0:35:16Not bad, though, is it?
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- No.- Imagine that on a nice sunny day, or a crisp winter's morning.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25Even on a day like today, though, it's still a beautiful view. You just can't beat it, can you?
0:35:25 > 0:35:28And of course the key thing, though, is that, which I love.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's just really nicely done.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32It is, it's perfect, actually.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Yes, I'm converted.- You're converted to the barn conversion, hurrah!
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Well, if nothing else, we've achieved that, which is great. David, you're happy with it?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Oh yeah, very happy with it, yes.- OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- There's enough land, and if Wendy loves the house, that's the key to it, really.- All right.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Well, the final bit of the jigsaw, then, is going to be the price.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50I think it's over budget again.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- Probably 550.- 550?
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I think maybe a bit lower, I think 525.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00525 would be pretty amazing, I would say.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05If it was 525, could you stretch to that? Would you think about stretching to that?
0:36:05 > 0:36:06Yeah, we'd definitely think about stretching to that, yes.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10OK. So, you'd definitely think about it if it was £450,000?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13You're joking?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Gosh.- Look at your face!
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Yep, it really is £450,000.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- Wow.- Give it to the lady in the black coat!- Sold!
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Sold to the lady in the black coat, brilliant!
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Look, I'm not going to delay this any longer.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31Go away, go and have a good look around, soak it up, move in.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Thank you.- Off you go. Brilliant.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39That's the thing I love about Escape To The Country - when it all works you really can put a broad smile
0:36:39 > 0:36:42on your buyers' faces, as we have just done.
0:36:42 > 0:36:48£450,000 for this is an absolute snip, and it fits them like a glove.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51So, our mystery barn has hit the jackpot.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57Not only is it a whopping £50,000 under budget, but it's done to an impeccably high spec,
0:36:57 > 0:37:04featuring three reception rooms, a large modern country kitchen, four bedrooms with master en-suite,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08and an acre of land for David's small herd of animals,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10surrounded by fabulous scenery.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13What do you think about the house now?
0:37:13 > 0:37:18I think it's beautiful. I don't think you can fault it, really.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22It's just in a perfect location, and
0:37:22 > 0:37:28it's just been designed, and there's been so much thought put into it.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Hey, don't be silly.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37I think it's lovely as well, so there's no point in getting upset.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Come on.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41Sorry.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Here.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Just...overcome.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I feel emotional because hopefully this is going to be
0:37:58 > 0:38:05our last move, and to be in such a beautiful location
0:38:05 > 0:38:08is just beyond...
0:38:09 > 0:38:12my wildest dreams.
0:38:12 > 0:38:18It's a wonderful house, there's nothing I can say to criticise it, it's perfect in every way.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23And, yeah, I think Wendy, because it's our final move, hopefully our
0:38:23 > 0:38:27final move, Wendy's really fallen in love with it straight away.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I'd just love to live here.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Well, that's it, chaps, I'm afraid.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38House tour of the mystery house is over.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40In fact, all of our house tours are now over.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Do you feel like it's been a bit of an ordeal?
0:38:42 > 0:38:44It's been a bit of a journey.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48A bit of a journey?! I think you rather liked this one, didn't you?
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Yeah, it's blown me away, actually.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51Caught you a bit by surprise?
0:38:51 > 0:38:56Ah, bless you. Let's go and get you somewhere where you can have a good old think about it,
0:38:56 > 0:39:01warm up a bit, and we'll have a chat about everything we've shown you, see what you think. Yeah? Come on.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Excellent.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Wendy and David's incredible property search is at an end,
0:39:12 > 0:39:18and it's time for them to catch their breath and have a serious think about where to go from here.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Well, Wendy and David are having a good old think about all that we've shown them.
0:39:23 > 0:39:29She said it had been quite a journey. More, I think, an emotional roller-coaster.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30They have had a lot to think about,
0:39:30 > 0:39:34We've shown them some fantastic properties, but, as ever, the choice is up to them.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Which one will it be, I wonder?
0:39:39 > 0:39:44Well, chaps, here we are. Our final conversation of the week, to bring our house tours to a close.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49It all started with, I thought, a very charming little cottage in amongst the Roman ruins.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- What did you make of that one? - The house was in...
0:39:52 > 0:39:59a good spot, but I think, for me, it was too open, and, although it
0:39:59 > 0:40:02was in a village, I didn't feel it was a village community.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03Hmm, interesting. David?
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I really liked the cottage.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It didn't offer us quite what we wanted.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12A nice kitchen but a bit too small, and it didn't have the land that I was really looking for.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17OK. Well, we brought you back from the end of our first day's house hunt, fed you, watered you,
0:40:17 > 0:40:22put you to bed, and woke you up for our final day, which began, I think, with a quite interesting property.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25What did you think of that one, Wendy, when we got there?
0:40:25 > 0:40:29It worked, in a way, for me. It had quite a lot of space inside, lovely
0:40:29 > 0:40:37kitchen, and the acreage outside and the position were very pleasing.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41I was quite taken by that property because it offered us everything we wanted.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- I think you said it was perfect? - It was 10.5 out of 10!
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- Yes, indeed! Now then, you said, "Get your chequebook out." - Yes, I did.
0:40:49 > 0:40:56- Well, certainly a great property, and I think you had almost made your minds up.- We certainly had, yes.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59But of course there was one more to come, the mystery house.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04Well, I don't like barn conversions, but you're talking to the converted now.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09It was fantastic, that house. Erm...
0:41:09 > 0:41:11I'm sorry.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16Are you all right? It's clearly a little bit overwhelming, isn't it,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18in some respects? David, what did you think?
0:41:18 > 0:41:23I thought that the mystery house was there to challenge us, and that's what it certainly did.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It completely turned our feelings upside down,
0:41:26 > 0:41:33which was great for me because I did love it, it was a lovely house, and, most importantly for me,
0:41:33 > 0:41:38Wendy fell in love with the property even before she'd walked through the front door, really.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Let's cut to the chase, shall we, because it's tradition at this point to say, what happens next?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45But I think we all know what's going to happen next.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Yes, we want to see the property again tomorrow, but we
0:41:48 > 0:41:51have no questions about the property or the land.
0:41:51 > 0:41:58I think the thing with coming these last few days is you really have no idea what your money will buy, and
0:41:58 > 0:42:03you hope it will buy your dream, and in reality it's actually bought our dream and more.
0:42:03 > 0:42:09Well, I have to say I'm absolutely delighted that we've been able to find you, I think genuinely,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11your dream property, in a great spot,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15for the right price and you're able to move in tomorrow, potentially.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19So I wish you the very best of luck with your second viewing.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22I hope your offer, if you make one, is accepted. I'm sure it will be.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25And I wish you all the very best of luck. Cheers, guys.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Thank you for all your help this week. It's been great.- Cheers.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Well, how about that, then?
0:42:33 > 0:42:37The mystery house has delivered once again, and in the process has provided
0:42:37 > 0:42:41one of the most emotional responses to any house tour I think I've ever seen
0:42:41 > 0:42:43on Escape To The Country.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47But I have to confess, when we set out on our house search with David and Wendy,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49the idea of trying to satisfy a couple
0:42:49 > 0:42:54who've moved every couple of years in their 17-year relationship, well, it did seem pretty daunting.
0:42:54 > 0:43:00But, as it is, it looks like Wendy may have ended up with the house of her dreams in a property, a barn,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03that she could never, ever have dreamt of living in.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07It just goes to prove the old adage that good property always sells.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09I'll see you next time.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12And the good news is that Wendy and David have had their offer accepted
0:43:12 > 0:43:16on our mystery barn, so they should be moving in some time soon.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
0:43:20 > 0:43:23or England, and would like our help, then please apply online:
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:41 > 0:43:43E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk