0:00:01 > 0:00:05I am 3,560 feet above sea level.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10On a clear day, I could see all four countries of the UK from up here!
0:00:10 > 0:00:11On a clear day!
0:00:11 > 0:00:16But not today. Find out where I am in just a moment on Escape to the Country.
0:00:28 > 0:00:34Today, I'll be helping a couple gallop over the Welsh border and find a homestead in the country.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36But what they're after could be a tall order!
0:00:38 > 0:00:40There he is! He's in.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42A cork in a bottle.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But then we give them more than they ever expected.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47I'll get my cheque book!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52I was hoping it wouldn't be shrouded in cloud,
0:00:52 > 0:00:57but that is the mighty peak of Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, as it's known in English.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01It's right here in the middle of the Snowdonia National Park
0:01:01 > 0:01:05which, rain or shine, is one of the most beautiful bits of the UK.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11It's certainly a highlight in North Wales, which is a good job, as that's where we're looking today.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Spanning six counties, including the island of Anglesey,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17North Wales offers up stunning scenery.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20From the coastline of historic Conwy,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23fortified by King Edward I in the 13th century,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27to over 820 square miles of mountains, forests and lakes
0:01:27 > 0:01:30that make up the Snowdonia National Park.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36Throughout the centuries, man has made his mark on this epic and timeless landscape.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42Since opening in 1896, the Snowdon mountain railway now carries up to 1,000 passengers a day
0:01:42 > 0:01:44to the top of the mountain.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48And local pride is strong amongst the 26,000 people
0:01:48 > 0:01:50who live within the Park's borders,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54with over 65% of people using the Welsh language.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58North Wales buildings speak of the area's mining past,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02with the local slate and limestone being a defining feature of its properties.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09A detached house in North Wales costs about £185,000.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13That's £75,000 less than the national average.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16But lower house prices are not the only reason to come here
0:02:16 > 0:02:21because the Welsh National Assembly is making a concerted effort to invest in the north
0:02:21 > 0:02:25including a brand-new government building in Llandudno
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and £27 million invested in the transport network.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31That's not a bad thing.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34And there are some fabulous properties to invest in, too.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39For £535,000, this converted four-bed water mill near Bethesda
0:02:39 > 0:02:43uses traditional materials outside and in,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46combining Welsh slate flooring with a light, modern interior.
0:02:48 > 0:02:54Or there's this 200-year-old chapel conversion, priced at £349,000.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59With its original arched windows, the superb open-plan interior
0:02:59 > 0:03:02has a light, bright, welcoming feel.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Along with three bedrooms, there are outstanding views over Snowdonia.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10On the market for £250,000
0:03:10 > 0:03:13this three-bed cottage near Ithyn
0:03:13 > 0:03:16has character beams throughout its spacious reception rooms.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Outside, the pretty, cottage-style garden
0:03:19 > 0:03:22offers up great views over the Vale of Clwyd.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28As you can see, North Wales has some of the most spectacular countryside in the UK
0:03:28 > 0:03:32and with properties to match, it's the perfect place to start the good life.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Will it be good enough for our couple today?
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Mark and Dawn, along with their three young daughters,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44have lived in their four-bedroomed detached property in the suburbs of Manchester for four years.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But despite all the home improvements,
0:03:47 > 0:03:52they're now after the ideal location that will give their family space to grow.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I grew up in the country.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01Just being able to run free and have horses and play tennis,
0:04:01 > 0:04:03the roads were really quiet and safe.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05I was so lucky to grow up like that
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and it would be fantastic if they could do that as well.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Dawn can continue managing the accounts for her family's business from home,
0:04:13 > 0:04:19but Mark's work as an engineer takes him to London during the week, so he has big plans for family weekends.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24Hopefully, when we move to the country, we can expand on the sports and hobbies we already have.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29I like walking, so to have Snowdonia ten minutes' away would be fantastic.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Pick my bag up and go. Katie is desperate for a quad bike
0:04:33 > 0:04:38so we'll end up with two quad bikes and two ponies, cos you love horses.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Our youngest, Lucy, is obsessed with horses.
0:04:42 > 0:04:50So I'll teach her to ride and then I'll get myself one again and get back into it.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I haven't rode for about ten years and I'm really missing it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56So that's my main ambition.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It may seem a romantic notion,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01but there are practical reasons for the location and timing.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07It's now or never because our oldest is coming up to changing to secondary school,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12and she's going to have to start working hard, no disruptions.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- The youngest is just starting reception.- In September.- Now's the time to move and get settled
0:05:18 > 0:05:20before they move schools.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25We decided on North Wales because it's not too far from family and friends here.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28North Wales we've got the coast and the train line.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31For my commute to work, the train is very important.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I can be on the train and in the centre of London in a couple of hours.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39The location fits the bill, but what are they looking for in their ideal country home?
0:05:39 > 0:05:42A detached house, three, maybe four bedrooms.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- Two reception rooms. That works for us.- One for the kids, one for us!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- And a nice big kitchen. - Yeah, we love the kitchen.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- We love to socialise in the kitchen. - I'd like high ceilings as well.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57The size of me we need high ceilings. And two bathrooms, with four girls in the house!
0:05:57 > 0:06:04- A log-burning fire.- Yeah, open fires.- That epitomises the countryside, a log-burning fire.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- A winter's night with the fire roaring.- Yeah.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09But it's not the house that's going to swing it.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- A must for me is the land and the outbuildings.- That's what the move's about.- Definitely.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19Enough land for the ponies and the kids to play, the quad bikes.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- We'd be happy with a three-bed house if there's room to extend.- Yeah.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28With their house already on the market for £415,000,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31how much do they have to spend on the move?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The maximum budget for our move is £450,000.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Mark and Dawn are swapping their Mancunian roots for a slice of countryside
0:06:42 > 0:06:45so their daughters can have a childhood to relish.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49They want to transport their four-bed house in Manchester
0:06:49 > 0:06:52out into two acres of lovely land and outbuildings
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and that's not impossible in North Wales.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57They have a budget of £450,000, which is a healthy one,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59so fingers crossed.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04So that Mark's weekly commute to London is as painless as possible,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08we'll be basing our house search within easy access of main train stations,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11such as Conwy and Wrexham.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14I'll be showing three prime properties in the area
0:07:14 > 0:07:19which we hope will fit the bill, but I won't reveal the price until they've had a guess.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23And we'll try to unbridle them from their preconceptions with our mystery house.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Welcome to Wales, guys.- Hi. - It's a bid damp for summer.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32But you can't have everything. The forecast is good for our house-hunting.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Why North Wales?- I spent my holidays as a kid in Wales
0:07:36 > 0:07:39so I was drawn to it and talked Dawn into it.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43How big a component of the move is the land?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47It's a major part. The main reason. The only reason, really, for me.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Really?- Get some animals, get outside for the children.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Let's talk money. What's the absolute pain limit of your budget?
0:07:54 > 0:08:01- We've said 450,000 for everything that would need to be done.- Right.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- We need some money left over for the extras.- Extras?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Chickens, ponies, quad bikes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Ponies? Wow! That halves your budget instantly!
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- So 450, but if you needed to do work, it would have to be less than that.- Yes.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19OK. It's a good budget. But have your compromise hat on, just in case! Let's go.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27Mark and Dawn's £450,000 budget needs to include any work they'd have to do.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30But the essentials for their ideal property are...
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- In terms of planning this, have you been dreaming about it for a long time?- Yeah.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- I'd say this has been about eight years.- Yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02We didn't think the children would be up for it, really, did we?
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- No.- We thought if we suggested it they'd be heartbroken and upset.
0:09:07 > 0:09:14When we come back from our friends' in South Wales, we say, "Wouldn't it be lovely to move to Wales?"
0:09:14 > 0:09:19This time, they went, "Yeah, brilliant." So I went, "Right, that's it. We're moving!"
0:09:21 > 0:09:24We're kicking off our property search in Denbighshire,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29just outside the village of Cyffylliog, a 40-minute drive from Wrexham train station
0:09:29 > 0:09:31for Mark's commute to London.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Set in a pretty, rural location,
0:09:34 > 0:09:38there's a primary school for the girls, and five miles away, the market town of Ruthin
0:09:38 > 0:09:42serves up a secondary school and a charming array of independent shops.
0:09:43 > 0:09:50'So let's see what they make of our first property which started life as a dairy farm in the 1700s.'
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Wow, it's beautiful. - Yeah, it looks lovely.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- It's a stunner, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59This is a really lovely Welsh cottage, incredibly well situated.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Amazing views down the valley. Lots of land which we'll explore.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07The front part is actually the newer part, from the 19th century.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The back is from the 18th century. So it's a listed building.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Right.- OK.- But you'll see inside they've done a lot of work to it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'They seem impressed by the historic charm of the outside.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'Let's hope we can build on that when we see inside.'
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Come on in.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30This is the 19th-century part of the house. The front of the house has higher ceilings
0:10:30 > 0:10:34and yes, no headroom issues with you, Mark. That's good.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Lovely big windows in two directions. Dual aspect.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43You can see this is the blue stone here, it's been limed, around the fireplace.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- And a log burner.- Hooray! - I like that. This is my room.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- Well, you've got log burners everywhere, so no need to fight!- OK.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56I know you wanted two spaces. One for the kids and one for you. It does have two sitting rooms.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Let's look at all the rest.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- I'd be tempted to have this room as your room!- Wow! It's massive!
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I like that.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- You wanted a log burner. That's a proper one!- That's a real fireplace.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- I like that.- It's an amazing beam.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- I really like that.- He's touching the beam. That's a good sign!
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Stroking things.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25So we're going into the older part.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28In the olden days, Mark, people were short!
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- They were little.- Right, OK.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So it's through into the kitchen. A bit lower.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Right. I'll keep out of the kitchen! - Exactly. Send the girls to get your food!
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Mind your head! - This is nice and big.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Oh, no!
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Step forward.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51You can actually stand up. You don't have to crick your neck. Stay between the gaps.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53What a lovely big room!
0:11:53 > 0:11:58They've done a beautiful job of combining... These are the outhouses.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00There's the old bread oven where the range is.
0:12:00 > 0:12:07- Ah, yes.- They've absorbed all these outbuildings and made it into one big space.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12There's a beautiful walk-in larder there with a double Belfast sink.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- This has all been done in the last couple of years.- Nice block.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21Wooden work surfaces. Another deep sink there.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- In terms of your head...- That's the only stumbling block. The size of it
0:12:25 > 0:12:30is great. The little room with the table, I really like that.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33But I'm really struggling with the head height.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- It's even lower at the other end. - No high heels for you!
0:12:36 > 0:12:43I mean, the one option, it's an expensive one, I won't hide the fact, is to lower the floor.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47You dig out the floor and maybe put in underfloor heating,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51so you step down into this area. But it would be a huge job.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Yeah.- And expensive.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Let's look at the dining room.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58This used to be the cow barn.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04That window was the food chute where they threw in their food.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06We could feed the kids like that!
0:13:06 > 0:13:10There's lots of space downstairs. Is it enough for you and the girls?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13As long as it's got land outside, it'll be fine.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- It's got land outside.- Hooray.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20Could be worse. The ceiling height is something I'd have to get used to.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- You'd have to be careful. - But I could live with that.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- What about upstairs?- We shall see.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33'Well, they won't have to lower their expectations of upstairs
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'as there are the four bedrooms they wanted.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38'Although Mark might have to duck!'
0:13:38 > 0:13:41This is going to be very funny when Mark comes in.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44There he is, he's in.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46A cork in a bottle.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51This is the master bedroom. There are two rooms in the front which are quite grand.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- This is the master because it's got an en-suite shower room. - It's very pretty.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- It's big enough. Love the ceiling height.- High ceilings.
0:13:59 > 0:14:05It's unusual in a period cottage to have high ceilings upstairs. Both have got cast-iron fireplaces.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- They're decorative. - Nice feature. I like that.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Nice, deep windows.- Yeah.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Next door to the master bedroom is a lovely light double room
0:14:15 > 0:14:19and leading off the landing, the smallest bedroom currently serves as a study
0:14:19 > 0:14:22with a bright, modern family bathroom next door.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25And Mark should think highly of the following bedroom.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28This room is a nice surprise to the back. This was the hayloft.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33Very high ceilings and this lovely hayloft door with steps down into the garden.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38So four bedrooms. All in really good nick. You could move in tomorrow
0:14:38 > 0:14:40and not have to do anything. How does this feel?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43There's a lot more space than I thought there'd be. More roomy.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45It's a lot bigger than I imagined.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49The historic charm and space this house offers seems to have hit the spot.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54But as we know from Dawn, it's all about the land outside.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58The adjacent stone outbuilding doesn't come with the property.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03But it's used for lambing by the neighbouring farmer so it'll no doubt keep the girls amused!
0:15:03 > 0:15:05But can we deliver on the land?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Tell me again what you want to do in your land?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12With the girls, what are you going to be doing?
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- For me, ponies, horses, quad bikes. - Quad bikes...
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Some chickens.- Chickens. - A goat was mentioned.- Goat.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25Basically, you've got the formal gardens and you've got this L-shaped paddock
0:15:25 > 0:15:30that wraps all the way round, all the way down to the road.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- OK.- OK.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34So in total, the plot is two acres.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- What do you think?- I think we'd have to put stables possibly down there.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42There are hard footings with water and electricity.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48- There's potential...- There's a base there. It's whether the land is enough for a horse and a pony.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- It's incredible. Look at the views. - It's beautiful.- The views.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56The hills, and unspoilt countryside all around you.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Probably 430.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08- 430,000.- I'll go 440, then. Just to be different.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- 440?- 440.- Split the difference and you'd be spot on.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13It's on at 435.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Oh!
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- So it's under your budget.- Yeah. - There's 15 grand to play with. - Build the stables.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23So I think this is an absolutely corking place.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Yeah.- It does work.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Have a wander round.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- OK.- Have a look inside, go round the grounds,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32see of it'll work with you and the girls.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- I'll meet you at the porch and we'll push on.- OK. Thank you.- Excellent.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Under budget at £435,000,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45this spacious character cottage would require no work
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and answers many of the demands on their wish list.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- I really like this kitchen. - It's beautiful.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- I'm just struggling with the head height.- Yeah. It's a shame.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22Every time I come I'll bang my head, when I go out I'll bang my head, and walking across, I'll bang my head!
0:17:22 > 0:17:29I was really surprised at how modern it was. It's a lot bigger than it appears from the outside.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34I think Dawn loves the house. I can see her being happy while I'm away.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36The kids being happy.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I think Dawn's only concern is the outside space.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42This will be a hard act to follow.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- Are you ready?- Yes.- Yes.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- I won't ask your thoughts on this. I'll drag you onwards.- Let's go.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02The Snowdonia National Park offers up swathes of glorious mountainous terrain
0:18:02 > 0:18:05which has shaped its villages and towns.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10Acting as gateway to this area, Betws-y-Coed shed its image as a lead-mining town,
0:18:10 > 0:18:15flourishing from the early 1900s as a fashionable Victorian resort,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19inspiring the likes of landscape painters such as J.M.W.Turner.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24Although it's now a busy tourist destination for climbers and day trippers,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26its traditional architecture remains intact
0:18:26 > 0:18:31although the boom years did impact heavily on its oldest building,
0:18:31 > 0:18:32St Michael's church.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Earlier in the week, Mark and Dawn met the chairman of the St Michael's Trust, Jim Bowton,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40to find out more about this humble gem.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45Welcome to Betws-y-Coed and St Michael's church in particular.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Betws-y-Coed means "the bead-house in the wood".
0:18:49 > 0:18:52That's the literal translation, a prayer house,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55and St Michael's is, in effect, that chapel.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58This building is 14th century.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It's built on the site of a much earlier chapel.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04The interior is very plain and simple.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08But there is the stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch,
0:19:08 > 0:19:12who is related to the last native Prince of Wales, Llewellyn.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15It has a special place very much in our hearts.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17After 140 years of neglect,
0:19:17 > 0:19:23the Friends Committee has raised £130,000 to restore it to its former glory.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Following in the footsteps of the Victorians, many of today's visitors, including Mark and Dawn,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31come with a lust for outdoor adventure.
0:19:31 > 0:19:37So, with that in mind, we've arranged for them to indulge in a spot of canoeing near Bala
0:19:37 > 0:19:40under the watchful eye of instructor Andy Butler,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43who's going to teach them the basics.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45We often call these divorce boats.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48When married couples get in, they're always blaming each other
0:19:48 > 0:19:50and end up getting divorced!
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Let's see if teamwork reigns, or if someone's rocking the boat!
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- You're not even paddling! - Steering's far more important!
0:20:06 > 0:20:11Over 30,000 people take to these waters every year to enjoy the rapids,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15which fortunately are graded, ranging from a class one ripple
0:20:15 > 0:20:18to a class six, known as danger to life and limb!
0:20:18 > 0:20:21But it's not as easy as it looks to navigate.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27That wasn't meant to happen!
0:20:27 > 0:20:30With over five miles of river to explore here,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33it's a huge outdoor playground
0:20:33 > 0:20:35that's sure to keep the family busy.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42We continue our property search with land at the top of the agenda,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45crossing over the Conwy border to the village of Groes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Although there are no amenities, a ten-minute drive would bring them to Llansannan,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54home to this striking statue by a student of Rodin, William Goscombe John,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56and the church of St Sannan.
0:20:56 > 0:21:03Set in rural seclusion outside of Llansannan, our second property certainly makes a statement.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05I'm excited about how you'll react to this one.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- Wow!- Hah!- It is a whole chunk of property.- Yes!
0:21:10 > 0:21:13We can't afford this!
0:21:13 > 0:21:16We're thinking, "OK, pull out all the stops. Let's go big."
0:21:16 > 0:21:18It's definitely big!
0:21:18 > 0:21:23What's lovely about this property is this property has land.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Brilliant.- Excellent.- I want to show you the land first.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Let's go.- 'And they'd better brace themselves for a big surprise!'
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Climbing boots on.- Yeah!
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- All-righty!- I'm thinking we need a lawnmower, a sit-on.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40You'll need more than a sit-on lawnmower! You'd need a tractor!
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I'm getting my cheque book.
0:21:42 > 0:21:49Because your land is this field, that field, and the field beyond.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Nine and a half acres! - You're kidding!
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Ker-ching!
0:21:55 > 0:21:59It's brilliant for the bikes, though. Quad bikes on here!
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Look at the view!- Yeah. - View's fantastic.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05The girls could just run and run and run and ride and ride and ride!
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- Brilliant.- It's not listed, but it's a historic property.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I'll warn you now, you'll probably want to do some work in there.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It's not as pretty as the first house.- OK.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Just preparing you! Let's have a look.- OK.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24'Now that we've sweetened them up with a huge amount of land on offer,
0:22:24 > 0:22:29'let's see if they can get creative with the living spaces inside these fabulous stone walls.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:32This is the second sitting room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38Not the only sitting room. Thing is, a lady's lived here for 11 years
0:22:38 > 0:22:43and it's beautifully maintained. We need to think about the size of the rooms
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- and whether they'd work for you and the girls.- OK.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49I think you'd have to remodel it a bit to make it work for you.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I'll show you.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59- Your girls like pink, cos they'll love this kitchen!- Wow.- That's pink!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It's pink, isn't it? Pink draining board.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Pink everything!- Pink salt and pepper mill.- Pink fish!
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Pink fish! You knew!
0:23:09 > 0:23:14But this is where the remodelling comes in. This was great for the two of them,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16but not for you and the girls.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18But...
0:23:18 > 0:23:21you've got this room which is inadequate to your needs,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23and then next door...
0:23:25 > 0:23:28..you've got this room, which is a formal dining room.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32So I was thinking you have to work within the walls of this property.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- There are some very, very thick walls.- OK.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40You take out all that space up to the very thick outside wall, where that arch is.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42And make it one big kitchen/diner.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- It would be a nice big kitchen. - That would work for us.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48What do you think? That's quite a bit of remodelling.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Structural changes. It's not listed. - It would depend on the price.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Right. There's the biggest room at the end here.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00You see, this is a big room.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Wow.- High beams.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Fire's gorgeous. Lovely. - A giant fire.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07It's a beautiful room.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10This would be your main sitting room. What do you think?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It's really nice. Sound.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- A sound property.- Yeah.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Let's have a peek upstairs.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23'It's great that they're so positive about seeing past the decor and layout of downstairs.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27'Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.'
0:24:27 > 0:24:30The bedrooms are pretty big.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34This is the master. Mind the beam. This beam would catch anybody.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39This is the master because it's got an en-suite.
0:24:39 > 0:24:45- Nice one.- But I was thinking, you said two of the girls wanted to share a room.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- They'd quite like to. - With their own bathroom.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- What do you think?- I really like this room.- It's a good space. - Unusual.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56That doesn't bother me at all. That's a feature, part of the house.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59And I thought this room would be OK for you guys.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02It doesn't have an en-suite.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04It's big enough, though.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08If the kids have got an en-suite down that end, it doesn't bother me.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- As long as there's two bathrooms. - Dawn, you're not convinced!
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I'm thinking of wardrobe space.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Right.- You'll have to leave your clothes in London!
0:25:16 > 0:25:20There is a little bit of an issue about storage.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22You have these two big rooms
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and two quite small rooms.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Yeah.- And the family bathroom.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31The third bedroom is a light single, perfect for their other daughter,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34with the fourth currently set up as a study.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37There's also a spacious family bathroom.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41With the interior of the house covered,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44let's survey the fantastic setting of this farmhouse
0:25:44 > 0:25:45and contemplate the price.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51From here, you get a better view of the house. We saw a bit from the other side.
0:25:51 > 0:25:58But you couldn't see the house in the dip. It's really wrapped around on all sides.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04- It's good, that.- How much is it on the market for?- I think top end of our budget. I think 450.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08I think it's more, to be honest.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Definitely more than 450. I'd like to say under, but...
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Around 450?- Yeah. Why not?
0:26:14 > 0:26:18It's actually on the market for... Get this - £400,000.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Ooh!
0:26:20 > 0:26:24You would have 50 grand to play with if you moved here,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- as well as nine whole acres of lovely land!- Gobsmacked.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Oh, my word! Brilliant!
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Have a wander round. Inside is where you need to scratch your head most.
0:26:34 > 0:26:40Explore, but it'll take ages to explore nine acres! So I might be ruthless and get you back.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- I'll whistle!- OK!
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Under budget at £400,000,
0:26:46 > 0:26:51there's a generous £50,000 pot left over for work on the house,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53which has real potential.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Schools are in nearby Denbigh for the girls,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and Rhyl's mainline station for Mark's commute to London.
0:27:11 > 0:27:19When we first came into the house, there's a fair bit of work needed to bring it to the way we'd like it.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21But that doesn't put me off.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I think this house and land would really work for Mark.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30He says he doesn't need much, but his face lit up when he saw all the acres!
0:27:30 > 0:27:32He actually does want quite a lot of land.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34He wants to be the farmer!
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Might have to get some sheep.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39To keep the grass down!
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Like Animal Farm.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Quite an impressive drive you have here.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- Yes.- On your North Wales estate!
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- Yes.- With your four paddocks!
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Are you happy?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Very.- Very, yeah.- Glad we came? - Yeah, definitely.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- Excellent.- Beautiful. - It's been a big day,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- so let's have a little quiet time. - OK.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06As the sun sets over the Welsh countryside,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08it marks the end of our property search.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Armed with a £450,000 budget,
0:28:19 > 0:28:24Mark and Dawn want to swap this for a huge slice of this!
0:28:24 > 0:28:27So far, we've shown them two properties,
0:28:27 > 0:28:31one of which they really warmed to with the space they wanted for their daughters
0:28:31 > 0:28:33and their horses.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Let's hope they don't bolt when they see our mystery house!
0:28:37 > 0:28:38Amazing views!
0:28:38 > 0:28:41And I seek out tea and sympathy with these pioneering ladies!
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- It's so easy!- Hooray!
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Yesterday went really well. Mark was so enamoured of the house with all the land.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54He talked about "his" nine acres, which is a good sign.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56So I could rest on my laurels.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01But look at all this. When you've got this much North Welsh beauty to explore,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04you can't rest on your laurels. You've got to push further.
0:29:04 > 0:29:10So, for the mystery house, we're going to add extra value - equestrian opportunities.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Our mystery property takes us to Moelfre,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19a hillside retreat with a scattering of rural properties.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Four miles away, the coastal town of Abergele has that useful primary school
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and serves up all the amenities including a train station,
0:29:27 > 0:29:31with the fairytale Gwrych Castle overlooking the town.
0:29:31 > 0:29:37Our mystery house is all about housing the horses and complete rural seclusion,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39with glorious views down the Elwy Valley,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42which I hope will take their breath away.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Now this is what I call North Wales!
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Wow!- Wo-hoh!
0:29:47 > 0:29:50We've come a bit further north and a bit further west.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52We're a bit further away from Sale.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56But that's a good thing. This is why this is the mystery house
0:29:56 > 0:30:01because you're still quite tied to your job, to your job in London.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05I'm wanting you to get bewitched by the view, by the house,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07and by the...
0:30:08 > 0:30:12..horses. The secret ingredient of the mystery house is horses.
0:30:12 > 0:30:18- We'll look at those later. What about the house?- Amazing views. Amazing house.- Breathtaking.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22What's nice is this house really takes advantage of the views.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23- Yes.- Let's look inside.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26'You can't ask for a better first reaction than that.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28'I hope the high spirits continue inside.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:33Ta-da! Straight into a nice big entrance porch.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34Slate floors.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38And then into the sitting room.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- What do you think?- It's really big. Brill.- Nice high ceilings!
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Nice high ceilings. No banging your head at all.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49In many ways, it's similar looking to the last property we saw.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55It's got a big fireplace with a beam above and a log burner.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- And the beams above. But everything is lighter and bigger.- Yeah.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02The thing about this house, the layout is very simple.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07Three big rooms on this floor and this magnificent conservatory.
0:31:08 > 0:31:14I think this is a magic space because you're indoors, but you've got views all around you.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Yeah.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17Fantastic space, this.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It's beautiful. Gosh!
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- Can you imagine the girls in here, doing their homework?- Oh, yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28'And the living areas just keep on going.'
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Next to that big sitting room, a smaller room. Quite flexible what you do with them.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37This would be nice for the girls, wouldn't it?
0:31:37 > 0:31:41So I feel a bit of a dip of enthusiasm. Is that the case?
0:31:41 > 0:31:46I don't know. As soon as we came out of there into this room, I just sort of dipped.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51It's like haunted. It's an enthusiasm dump!
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- Sucking all the energy out of you. Quick, let's go to the kitchen.- Run!
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Wonder what you'll think in here?
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- It's a big size.- It's nice and big.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- Ceilings are good.- It is a continuation of the 1980s extension,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10so how's your enthusiasm? Air levels?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- Coming back up?- Yes, they are a little bit, yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- I'm inspired again now.- Little dip? - Yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- Back up.- The thing about this property is it has good bones
0:32:20 > 0:32:23simply by virtue of where it's located.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Let's look upstairs.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27'We had a wobbly moment there,
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'but the downstairs of our mystery property is a light, blank canvas
0:32:31 > 0:32:35'with big living spaces that easily flow into one another.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39'Upstairs, the four bedrooms are a generous size, too.'
0:32:39 > 0:32:43Nice and bright. This is the girls' room. Two girls in here.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- It's bigger than I expected.- Yeah. - It's really big.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48It's a big, bright upstairs room.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'Next up, we'll check out where they would sleep.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- This is the master bedroom. - It's a good-sized room.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- Yes. Nice to have an en-suite. - An en-suite, yes.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- It's a bit '80s.- But look at the views!- It's still '80s now.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- Look at the views!- Can't fault the views. By far the best views.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10But on a rainy day in December, when I'm sat inside, I'd be struggling.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Let's go outside and cheer you up!
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Their third daughter can take her pick from the other two bedrooms,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22one a bright single or another large enough to be a double.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28No doubt the girls will be delighted by the family bathroom, fit for a pink princess!
0:33:28 > 0:33:33Mark and Dawn are finding it hard to see past the decor and style of the inside,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36although the room sizes and ceiling heights really measure up.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40But they were euphoric about the location.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44Outside, they should be delighted by the six acres with its very own manege.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Plus four stables and a tack room.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51So lots of space for humans and horses alike.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53But at what cost?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55A big equestrian property
0:33:55 > 0:33:57with space for lots of horses.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Amazing views. What do you think the market price is?
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I think about 465,000.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09- Dawn?- Do you? Probably because of the work to be done inside,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I think less. 450, maybe?
0:34:12 > 0:34:13- 450.- Maybe.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I'm afraid in this instance, Mark was right.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20It's considerably over your budget. It's on at 475.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- I think if the house was more... - Characterful.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Yes, more character towards our tastes, or we could make it the way we liked,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29I would definitely put a cheeky offer in.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Yeah.- See how it went. - The view is fantastic.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Do have a wander around. There's more to look at.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Wander round, peek your head in the house again.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- I'll see you at the front. - OK. Thanks.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49Our mystery property is £25,000 over budget at £475,000.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53But it's a stark reminder that finding a spacious family home
0:34:53 > 0:34:57with enough land and outbuildings for horses is a challenge.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Something might have to give.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21We've had a reality check in the last couple of days.
0:35:21 > 0:35:28Yeah. I really thought that it would be the land and outside that would be more important than the house.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30But coming round here,
0:35:30 > 0:35:36I've realised I actually do want the nice house as well as the land.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Yeah. We need to find a good balance between the two.- Yeah.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42It's opened my eyes to the way we're looking at things.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45When I walked down the drive, I was blown away.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48The mystery house, absolutely stunning.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51So pretty and the views are amazing.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54I had a look over the fence and saw the menage and stables
0:35:54 > 0:35:57and thought, "Yes, this is the one!"
0:35:57 > 0:36:02The lounge I loved. I liked the beams and the fireplace was gorgeous.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07But then everything else from that point on unfortunately lacked character.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- All done?- Yep.- All looked?- Yes.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- Right, let's go and discuss these properties.- OK.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26North Wales doesn't do things by halves.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31It lays claim not only to this country's largest national park, Snowdonia,
0:36:31 > 0:36:36but it was here that the largest voluntary organisation for women was born.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40History was made when in 1915 in Llanfairpwll,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42the first UK women's institute was founded.
0:36:42 > 0:36:48Formed to encourage women to get involved in food production during World War I,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51today it has over 200,000 members.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55I'm meeting Audrey Jones, chair of the Anglesey Federation,
0:36:55 > 0:37:00to find out about its history and how it's still relevant today.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- Hello, ladies. - ALL: Hello!
0:37:02 > 0:37:04I see you've made some tea!
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Yes, we've got to have tea and scones.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09I thought this was the image you wanted to get away from!
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- It is, but we've got to eat! - Shouldn't you be drinking cocktails?
0:37:13 > 0:37:16We've got some Buck's Fizz for the evening.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21Buck's Fizz! You've got celebrations coming up. In 2015, you'll be 100 years old.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26Everybody must remember that it is this branch's birthday - Llanfairpwll.
0:37:26 > 0:37:33- That's what's important.- I hope you'll be celebrating with cake and scones.- We've got to have scones.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38But the tea and cake are a foil for the huge amount of national campaigning
0:37:38 > 0:37:40the WI does.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43The 500 Welsh foundations also get involved on a local level,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46teaching cooking skills to young parents,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48helping schools' gardening projects,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50and teaching crafts,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53one of the staple skills of which being knitting.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I'm performing under pressure cos you're all watching!
0:37:56 > 0:38:00It's much easier with big needles. You're not holding the needle.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Put the needle into that stitch, the same way.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Perfect!- It's so easy!- Hooray!
0:38:06 > 0:38:09I'm being applauded by the founding women's institute!
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Historically, the zeal for being part of the original federation
0:38:14 > 0:38:17has filtered down through generations,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21as this photo of Gweno Williams' grandmother, taken in the 1920s, shows.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Which one's your grandmother?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26She's that one with the slight moustache!
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Showing her ankles as well.- She is. - Racy!
0:38:30 > 0:38:33She had four daughters, so she was quite up to date!
0:38:33 > 0:38:36So it's had a big influence in lobbying for women's rights.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41Are you hopeful about the way it's going? Are you pleased with how the WI is shaping up?
0:38:41 > 0:38:47I think so. Not perhaps our WI because we're most of us retired now.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50But we have an evening WI, which is flourishing.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55Presumably by the time it's 100 years old, they'll have taken over from us.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- You're five years shy of your centenary.- Yes.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- What would you hope to be able see in...- I'd just hope to be able to see!
0:39:04 > 0:39:07It's heartening to meet these passionate women
0:39:07 > 0:39:10who have helped champion this national institution.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14And with an average of 500 new members joining nationwide every month,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18it looks like the WI is set to grow and grow.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24I'm pretty certain I know which one of those houses
0:39:24 > 0:39:26they don't like.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30But I'm a bit hazy about which one Mark and Dawn like of the first two.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Let's find out.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37I thought we'd take ourselves to the beach cos we haven't seen the sea.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- No.- Half the joy of being in North Wales is you're close to the sea.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Is it clearing your head?- Yes.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47The first property we looked at was the Blue Stone cottage.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49What about that in retrospect?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- I still like it a lot. - I really like it.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56But it's just not practical for Mark with the ceiling height in the kitchen.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Which is a shame. I couldn't fault it. It was beautiful.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04It would have been nice to get more acreage, but if you can rent it, that's fine.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09It would be interesting to find out how much it would cost to drop the floor.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14If it was 15 grand, you'd still be in budget. You wouldn't have to spend anything else.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- No, it's beautiful. - Nothing you'd need to do.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19The land question was quite a big one.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23You say two acres wasn't enough. How important has it become
0:40:23 > 0:40:26that you actually own all the land you want?
0:40:26 > 0:40:31- I don't know.- I think if you... - You've got to own some land, I'd have thought.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36The Blue Stone House, you had land at the side, and if you struck up a rapport with the farmer,
0:40:36 > 0:40:40he would maybe sell you a couple of acres joining your land.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43It's something else to look into.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46The second property, the Long House, had lots and lots of land!
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- The land was fantastic.- What are your thoughts about that one?
0:40:50 > 0:40:52I really like that one.
0:40:52 > 0:40:58Although it needed work done to the kitchen to make it how we'd want it,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01and you would do quite a lot of work cosmetically inside,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03the outside worked perfectly for me.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07It was nice that the land was all the way round the house.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09It was nice and safe for the girls to play.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Dawn, what do you think about the inside?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I can see through all the decor and the carpets.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20So it's whether... I think you'd need to come out a bit at the back
0:41:20 > 0:41:23and make the upstairs two bedrooms a bit bigger.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Although they're small and they'd be OK now,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29when the girls are older, they'd probably want more room.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- Certainly not putting me off. - The mystery house?
0:41:32 > 0:41:37Outside was great, absolutely. The land, the horses, the stables.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42It was fantastic. But the house was really too modern.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Without being up-to-date modern.
0:41:44 > 0:41:50It was like '80s, '90s. It's a shame cos the view was absolutely amazing.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- Yeah.- Out of all those properties, is there any that stand out?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56That you'd go back and visit?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- I think the first two. - Yeah, definitely.
0:41:58 > 0:42:04- We could enquire on prices for the floor and the extension on number two.- Yeah.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07And see about all the bits you'd want to do.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- They both would need stables. - Two. That's a good score.
0:42:11 > 0:42:16I suppose the big question then is, which of those two would the girls like best?
0:42:16 > 0:42:18The first one, I think. Pretty.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Very pretty.- I would have said the second one.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27Well, I can't wait to hear back from you which one the girls test.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I think we should take them to both.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Let them decide!
0:42:34 > 0:42:36I know it's a massive move for you,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40and it's a real quantum leap from Manchester out to the country with the girls.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Fingers crossed that one of those two work out.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- If not, some other one.- Yep.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- Thanks for being such good sports. - Thanks very much. It was fun.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Send us pictures from your first gymkhana!
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I think the whole house-hunting business would have gone much quicker
0:43:00 > 0:43:03if Alice, Lucy and Katie had been helping!
0:43:03 > 0:43:07It would have been, "Yes, no, no." And we could have gone home for tea!
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