0:00:02 > 0:00:04For today's show, we're not going to start in the countryside,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07but rather in the heart of a town park.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Back in 1754, this place became famous
0:00:10 > 0:00:14because a German doctor, having suffered a long list of ailments,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18declared himself completely cured having drunk from the mineral rich waters here.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22So where have we come to for such a healthy Escape to the Country?
0:00:37 > 0:00:42'In today's show, I'll be helping a couple break free from the business ties in town
0:00:42 > 0:00:45'and seek out a relaxed lifestyle in the country.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'It looks like we're rising to the challenge.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:49- Wow!- Wow!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Oh, wow!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Step in that doorway. And that fits too!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02Today, I'm in Wales in Powys and this is Rock Park, or part of it,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05in the heart of Llandrindod Wells.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09The rocks here, it's thought, were formed 435 million years ago,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12but they've given rise to many natural springs here
0:01:12 > 0:01:16rich in magnesium, sulphur, saline and chalybeate.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22Now, it's thought that the eminent scientist, Dr D.W. Linden, an expert on spas at the time,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26came here and was so enthused by the healing properties of the waters
0:01:26 > 0:01:30that he said there were none to surpass those found here in Llandrindod.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32It's also said that one bank holiday Monday,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37over 1,000 glasses of water were sold before 9:00am in the morning.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Nice work, if you can get it!
0:01:42 > 0:01:44'As the largest county in Wales,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46'Powys covers a quarter of its landmass
0:01:46 > 0:01:53'and is a walker's paradise with a rights of way network totalling over 5,700 miles.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'Its awe-inspiring landscape is home to some fabulous natural wonders,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01'from cascading waterfalls to the Brecon Beacons National Park,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06'attracting over 3.8 million people each year.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10'The Victorian era saw people flooding into its spa towns,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14'including Llandrindod Wells, to take advantage of the area's natural springs.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17'And if all that's not enough for you,
0:02:17 > 0:02:22'a recent survey found Powys to be the happiest place in the UK.'
0:02:23 > 0:02:29Let's hope we can find today's buyers their own slice of rural perfection in Powys.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32'Charlie and Shelly, along with their daughter and two dogs
0:02:32 > 0:02:35'have lived in their four bedroom detached property in Stafford
0:02:35 > 0:02:37'for the past three and a half years.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42'But with Charlie running the family cleaning business, life has been all work and no play.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'So this move to the country is all about change.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:48I'm looking for a real big challenge ahead.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I'm looking for a new home to work on. I'm looking for outbuildings.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52I'm looking for the countryside.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56I'm just looking to step up a few gears and enjoy the rest of my life.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58'Although he's handed over the reins to his son,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02'he and Shelly are planning to hatch a holiday let business.'
0:03:02 > 0:03:07The holiday lets will consist of three or four little lodges.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Maybe a barn conversion into holiday lets that Charles will do himself.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16'And location is a key factor for business and home.'
0:03:16 > 0:03:21I would like semi-remote. You'd prefer more remote, wouldn't you?
0:03:21 > 0:03:23I love the rural side of it,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27but we've also got to bear in mind that we want to do holiday lets
0:03:27 > 0:03:31and we don't want to come away too far off the beaten track.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33So it's important to get a balance.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37'But what are their top priorities for their perfect property?'
0:03:37 > 0:03:41I must have four bedrooms. If possible, one with an en suite,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44or the ability to create an en suite in one room.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47A large kitchen because I love my kitchen.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51And a separate lounge/dining room.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56For me, big games room, big workshop minimum of five acres of land.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58The space is the most important thing.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02If we can get the space, we can think about it,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05knock a wall down or two and create our home.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08'So is there anything they wouldn't consider?'
0:04:08 > 0:04:12The worst thing for me would be a modern house or low ceilings.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Six foot one, six foot five.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18'With their current house on the market,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20'how much have they got to spend on their dream home?'
0:04:20 > 0:04:22If the property does tick all the boxes,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26our maximum budget is £750,000.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32With £750,000 to spend,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36I'm fairly confident we've got plenty on offer to show them.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Whether our properties meet their expectations though
0:04:39 > 0:04:41is going to be another thing.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46'Charlie and Shelly have asked us to focus the search in the south of the county,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49'as they can tap into the trade from the Brecon Beacons National Park
0:04:49 > 0:04:52'and maximise their holiday let potential.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55'I'll be showing them three different properties,
0:04:55 > 0:04:59'but I won't be revealing the prices until they've had a guess first.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01'The last of these of course is our mystery house,
0:05:01 > 0:05:06'which gives generously on the one hand, while taking away with the other.'
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Hi, Shelly. Nice to see you. How are you?
0:05:11 > 0:05:12Hi, Charlie. Good to see you.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So you are getting away from it all, aren't you?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- We are, yes.- It's a huge change.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20We run a business and we've got 200 guys working for us.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It's a 24/7 operation and we've been doing this now for 10 years.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27We just want to step out of it and let the son get on with it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Just remind us of how much of your hard-earned cash we've got to spend.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The budget is £750,00. So we're looking for something very special.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38If you say it quickly, it doesn't sound like a lot
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- but actually, it's three quarters of a million quid!- It is.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45I think we've got a good chance of getting you what you're after.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Come on, let's see what we can find you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51'With their budget of £750,000,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55'Charlie and Shelly are looking for a spacious property with high ceilings
0:05:55 > 0:05:59'that gives them a large kitchen for her and a games room for him.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02'Four bedrooms and at least five acres of land
0:06:02 > 0:06:05'and an outbuilding along with the potential for holiday lets.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09'And the whole thing to be set in a rural but accessible location
0:06:09 > 0:06:11'that will attract prospective guests.'
0:06:18 > 0:06:22'We're kicking off our property search in the village of Norton
0:06:22 > 0:06:26'a couple of miles from Presteigne, the former county town of Radnorshire.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31'Close to the English-Welsh border, the town has a full range of amenities
0:06:31 > 0:06:35'and is on the cultural map for its thriving arts scene and festivals.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37'Among the historic properties in Norton,
0:06:37 > 0:06:42'this Grade II listed building built in 1876 certainly makes a statement.'
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Wow!- Wow!
0:06:45 > 0:06:46The sort of thing you had in mind?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48It looks lovely.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Could you see yourselves in such an imposing grand building?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Yes. Definitely. Why not? - Lady of the manor!- Why not? - Yeah. Lord and lady.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Let's see what you think of the inside.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07So, Shelly, what do you think about your small village house then?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Very impressive.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12We've got three reception rooms for you.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16The one on the left here would make a great pool room, I think.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20In this room we've got another reception room for you.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25- Slightly low.- Anywhere's going to struggle with you, Charlie!
0:07:25 > 0:07:26I know!
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Look at the fireplace. Great fireplace.- Very nice.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33'If they like this one, they're going to love the main living area,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36'which the current owners call the hunting room.'
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Now then.- Oh, wow!
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Very cosy. Very nice.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42This is the sort of thing, isn't it?
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Very bold, but it sets off that Jacobean fireplace nicely.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50It's a wonderful fireplace.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- It's gorgeous, isn't it? - It is actually.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54This has surprised me.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57We'd definitely live in this room. This is a perfect room for us.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'So we're OK on living rooms, but what about the kitchen?'
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Right.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06What do you think of the kitchen?
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Not enough storage.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Not enough storage? How much stuff have you got?
0:08:11 > 0:08:12You'd be surprised!
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Do you use it all?- Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18In terms of what the property offers you, in terms of its size...
0:08:18 > 0:08:23It's a big room. Yes. There is potential.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28Down the hallway, Shelly would have extra storage in the utility room.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30'There's also a useful cloakroom next door.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32'Upstairs on the first and second levels,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36'there's certainly more than they bargained for.'
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Let's start in here. One of the seven bedrooms that are on offer.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Seven!- Wow!- I only wanted four! - It's a hotel!
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- This is a nice example of... - It's a good size.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It's a very nice guest room.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51It's a lovely guest room. Lovely feature fire.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- I like this room.- Good. Let's look at a few more.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- There's plenty of them!- OK.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01'The other four bedrooms on this level are equally as spacious,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04'with one currently serving as a study.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07'A couple of them are good size doubles.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10'What's more, there's not one but two family bathrooms
0:09:10 > 0:09:12'at opposite ends of the L-shaped landing.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16'But my guess is that they're going to love what's in here.'
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Now then, this is the master.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- Wonderful size. Very airy and bright.- It is. Very nice.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30This one has the added bonus of this feature, Shelly, which I love.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- Oh, wow!- Look at that.- I like that. - That is so cool.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- That is beautiful.- Sitting in bed with a cup of tea in the morning.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42No, she'd be sitting up here seeing what I was up to!
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- In the morning.- Yes, I can keep my eye on you, can't I?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Next door, we've got a very nice en suite for you as well.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53And through that door, another staircase down to the hunting room.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Right.- OK.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59'Up on the second floor, there's a whole suite of rooms
0:09:59 > 0:10:03'with yet another spacious bedroom and a hide away used as an office,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05'with a store room next door.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09'With our grand tour of this enormous property covered,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12'we'll take the secret stairs down from the master
0:10:12 > 0:10:14'that will lead us outside to Charlie's domain.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19'For starters, there's the large outbuilding housing the Victorian stable block,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22'which, if they sought the appropriate planning permission,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25'could make a great detached holiday let.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29'But let's get a handle on the amount of land on offer.'
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Now, land. Well, you don't get the pony, I'm afraid.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Or the donkeys. But you do get five and half acres.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- Wow!- Can you see that fence down there next to the granary?- Yes.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- It runs along there, behind those trees and up there.- To the gate?
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Yes. Through the open gate, up there.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53That is the bulk of the land holding itself.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54It looks nice, doesn't it?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58'Along with the five and a half acres, there's a lower garden
0:10:58 > 0:11:02'with a dedicated vegetable patch and space to keep chickens.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04What do you think it's worth, Shelly?
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I would say £710,000.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- I think £695,000.- £695,000.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Erm... It does begin with a seven, I'm afraid.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19£750,000.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- On the nose.- On the nose. - Bang on budget.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Smack on, yes. - Interesting.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'Bang on budget at £750,000,
0:11:31 > 0:11:35'this expansive property has a wealth of rooms and land,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37'including three generous reception rooms,
0:11:37 > 0:11:39'a large kitchen/diner,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42'a staggering seven bedrooms with a master en suite.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47'And, along with outbuildings, there are 5.5 acres of land for Charlie.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51'But does it fit the vision they have for their perfect property?'
0:12:01 > 0:12:04'Powys is the least populated county in Wales.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06'But its rural areas are knitted together
0:12:06 > 0:12:09'by a strong sense of community and civic pride,
0:12:09 > 0:12:14'of which the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells is a fine example.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18The town not only benefited from its healing waters,
0:12:18 > 0:12:23but also from the generosity of local entrepreneur and cycling enthusiast, Tom Norton.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27He was more than happy to share the profits of his success with the town.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32It's a lovely story of local boy done good.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Tom Norton's passion for transport 'made him a wealthy entrepreneur.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40'In 1899, he set up a bicycle shop in the market hall
0:12:40 > 0:12:43'and was one of the first dealers selling Raleighs.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45'Later, he moved on to motor sales,
0:12:45 > 0:12:49'opening this garage showroom in the aptly named Automobile Palace,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54'now a Grade II listed building and home to the National Cycle Museum.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56'I'm meeting its curator, David Higman,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59'to find out more about this local hero.'
0:12:59 > 0:13:02David, it's a fantastic collection,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04So this is one that Tom would have ridden?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Yes, indeed, he would have done at some time or another.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- They look lethal to try and ride. - Well, they can be, yes!
0:13:11 > 0:13:15'But strangely, hidden away amongst the 250 bikes on display here,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19'is this Austin 7 motor car, owned by Tom's son.'
0:13:19 > 0:13:22This is an extraordinary survivor, isn't it, really?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25This was all pioneering work.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Tom and Herbert Austin were very friendly together.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Also with Henry Ford. These were personalities of the day.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Not to mention J.B. Dunlop.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- I suppose you want a ride on a bicycle now?- Absolutely.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Check this out!
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Riding out of the shop.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Race you!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50BELL RINGS
0:13:50 > 0:13:53'The fascinating story of this local man's vision
0:13:53 > 0:13:55'is bound up in the town's heritage
0:13:55 > 0:13:58'and his legacy lives on to this day.'
0:14:03 > 0:14:07'We're continuing our property search in the hamlet of Llanafanfawr.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09'It's 10 miles away from Builth Wells,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13'which would be their local hub for amenities.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'With a population of just 500, and glorious countryside all around,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'we're putting land at the top of the agenda.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25'After the first property, I'm wondering how they'll react when they see our second house.'
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Have a look at that!- Brilliant! - Wow!- That's more like it!
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- That is much more like it.- OK.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36This is in the middle of nowhere.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- This is fantastic. - First impression, excellent.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Brilliant. That's all I can say at the minute! It's brilliant!
0:14:42 > 0:14:46'Their first impressions of our Victorian farmhouse are positive,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49'and, although there's more to discover outside,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52'we've got to nail the interior for Shelly.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55'Just beyond the entrance porch is our first test.'
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Come on in, Shelly.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- This one is all about size, kitchen-wise.- Right.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- It's a similar size to what we had before.- Yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- I could do more with this, though. - Yeah? What would you do?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I could have work surface and cupboards all around here.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- Down here, down there, up... - Down there, across there!
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- I would!- If there was a competition to see how many fitted units anybody could get in a kitchen!
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- I would win! - She would.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29The other thing you've got next door is a very generous utility room.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Excellent.- Right.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33You can put some of your stuff in there.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37'It looks like we've passed the kitchen test with flying colours.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40'Let's hope we can build on that in the living areas.'
0:15:40 > 0:15:43There are a couple of reception rooms to play with, here.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45This being the first.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Yes.- Good size.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Very good size.- Yeah? - I like it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- Yes. I like this.- OK.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56It's not as grand, it's more homely. It's more what we want.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59With the height of the doors, it's fantastic.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03If you like the height in here, you're going to love it through there.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Oh, wow! - LAUGHTER
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Yeah?- Wonderful.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13What you could do with this is amazing.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17What's happened is, you've had the old farmhouse. This, being a long barn,
0:16:17 > 0:16:22has been converted 20 years ago to provide the extra accommodation.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25That's why all these lovely windows are in this wall.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31'At the top of the stairs is the main family bathroom,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34'with all four bedrooms leading off the landing.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38'Along with the double, there's another spacious room, currently set up as a twin,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42'with a nicely decorated single as the third. But we're saving the best until last.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47And this is the master.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Nice size. Very nice size. - And you didn't duck!
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- No!- You saw the family bathroom, down the corridor,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57you have your own en suite through here, which is quite nice.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Have a look at this.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Here you go. - That's a good size.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Very good size. Very nice. Very bright.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- It fits. - Yeah.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- It certainly fits. - Good.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Just step in that doorway.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14And that fits, too! LAUGHTER
0:17:14 > 0:17:16'With a resounding thumbs up for the house,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20'it's time to explore what the outside holds for Charlie.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24'First stop is the adjoining barn, where there's a surprise venture in store.'
0:17:24 > 0:17:26In you come.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Now then, what I haven't told you is that this lot
0:17:32 > 0:17:36has got planning on it already to be turned into two holiday lets.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- That's just what we want. - Nice project.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44Exactly, and the hard work is done because the planning has been done
0:17:44 > 0:17:47and as you know, that can be an absolute nightmare.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Great potential, good earner. - A lot of work to do.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Yeah, but that's great.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Can you imagine this done?- Yes.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- Can you hear the rain? - It's lovely. Therapeutic. - Let's go and get wet.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05These huge, purpose built agricultural sheds
0:18:05 > 0:18:10'are a great shelter from which to get to grips with just how much land comes with the property.'
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- You know you wanted five acres?- Yeah.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- How about 20? - 20 acres?- 28 acres.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22I haven't got a problem with 28 acres.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- LAUGHTER - 28 acres. Six times the amount you wanted.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Right. OK.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31We'll have to think about what we'll do with 28 acres.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Let's have a think about what we think it's worth.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37You've got three quarters of a million pounds to spend.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- I'm going to put that on it. - 750?- 750.- 785.
0:18:42 > 0:18:49The house, the barn, the planning, all these outbuildings and the 28 acres
0:18:49 > 0:18:55- could be yours for £665,000. - No!
0:18:55 > 0:18:57LAUGHTER
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Right!- My God! - OK?- OK!
0:19:04 > 0:19:08'Under-budget at £665,000, our Victorian farmhouse
0:19:08 > 0:19:14'is an amazing proposition which gives them a kitchen with the potential Shelly's looking for,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16'two reception rooms which they loved,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20'four bedrooms, a barn with planning consent for Charlie's holiday lets,
0:19:20 > 0:19:25'and along with those huge sheds, there's a jaw-dropping 28 acres.'
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- I think you are quite surprised. - Very surprised. I didn't think you'd do this one.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- They don't come often.- They don't!
0:19:41 > 0:19:49As the sun sets over the Welsh hills, it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Yesterday, I think we did fairly well on our property search,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59but Shelly, I think, was overwhelmed by the size of our first property
0:19:59 > 0:20:03and the amount of land that came with the second one, despite what Charlie wanted.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06So I think today is all about scale in the mystery house.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09We want a modest property and a modest amount of land
0:20:09 > 0:20:15so that both Charlie and Shelly can take their foot off the accelerator and enjoy their retirement.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20'For our mystery house, we're heading to Llangorse,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23'set within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'Along with a range of amenities,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'it's also home to one of the largest natural lakes in Wales.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31'A perfect spot for them to enjoy more free time outdoors.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35'And if Charlie really wants to take his foot off the gas,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'our mystery property is a great low-maintenance option,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41'with less land and a ready-made business in tow.'
0:20:41 > 0:20:43There's the mystery house.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46"Why is it mysterious?" You're thinking.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Yes, I am.- We have talked about this holiday let idea.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53This one has two already up and running.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Fantastic. - Right.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Which, between them, are bringing in about £700 a week.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- Right.- And they are pretty much fully booked.- Brilliant.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08'Let's see if this much-extended period farmhouse could work its magic on Shelly.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Er...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Charlie's lost for words! - You reckon?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Oh, Shelly!- Hmm.- Come on. - It's a dining room.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21It's a dining room/hall. Very open plan, as you can see.
0:21:21 > 0:21:27Obviously, the way it's arranged is something that is open to change.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- It is big, isn't it?- It is, actually.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31I think neutral would suit the room.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Through that door we've got something of a playroom.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- I think that would make an interesting games room. - That would be good.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42'With a neutral palate in mind, I imagine they'll be toning down
0:21:42 > 0:21:44'the fireplace in our next room.'
0:21:44 > 0:21:49Take it all in. It's not made of gold, the fireplace, but it is painted gold.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- I'd imagine you'd want a more traditional feel.- Definitely.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Huge inglenook.- I love the fire. - It's brilliant.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- In terms of the space it offers you? - Not quite there.- Not quite there? - It's not big enough.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- Supposing you took this one out. It's only a stud wall.- Yeah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Because then you'd have a huge room
0:22:06 > 0:22:11with some lovely features in it, and a whopping inglenook to heat it.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- Great idea.- It's only... It's a morning's work for you, Charlie.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19It is actually, yes. It is. That is!
0:22:19 > 0:22:22'What's Shelly's verdict on the kitchen?'
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I know what you're thinking.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- There's not a lot of storage. - "Not a lot of storage! I don't like the kitchen!"
0:22:28 > 0:22:30I mean, it's a big room.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- I like the space. - Yeah. Space is good.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'But I hope some of Charlie's vision rubs off on her as we head upstairs.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44'Off the hallway landing, there's a huge bathroom with cast iron roll top bath
0:22:44 > 0:22:46'from which to soak up the views.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50'The character features continue in the five potential bedrooms,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'with one used as a study and a light, bright double with a cute inset window.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57'We'll head up to the next landing.'
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- There we go. - Again, good size room.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02You don't have an en suite here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- We can see that.- That's the obvious thing to point out.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11But, again, it's a property that I think has all the components.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- Definitely.- It's a question of whether you can weld those into what you want it to be.- Yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'Up on the second floor are two further potential double rooms
0:23:19 > 0:23:22set into the eves.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'They may not be giving the aesthetics of our mystery house top marks,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'but Charlie seems happy to put his mark on the decor.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'But now we're heading outside to find out if they can compromise
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'on aspects of the property for a thriving holiday let business.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40'The smaller house has a fresh, modern interior throughout its living areas,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42'with a double room and an en suite upstairs.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47'Now let's see whether the larger, detached cottage measures up.'
0:23:47 > 0:23:50OK. There we are.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- I like this. - It is pretty, isn't it?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56You've got, obviously, your own garden area out here
0:23:56 > 0:23:59for the lets, and, of course, the view behind.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02In terms of what's on offer, it's very simple.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07Some nice features you'd expect and desire if you were having a weekend away in the countryside.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Nice wood burner, nice and cosy.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Upstairs is a generous bedroom area with an en suite, as well.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- No, it's lovely. We'd stay here, wouldn't we?- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18We would stay here. It's lovely.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22'It seems like we're on the right lines with the lets,
0:24:22 > 0:24:27'but back outside, our mystery house offers the least amount of land of any of the houses we've seen,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'with a mere 1.5 acres of lawns with a paddock beyond.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33'So notwithstanding the fantastic views,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36'how much do they think our mystery package is on the market for?'
0:24:36 > 0:24:41So... It's our final guess of the week.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42The money.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48All things considered, I think it's way under budget at under half a million.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Under half a million? OK. Yeah, Shelly?
0:24:51 > 0:24:55I say even less than that, actually. I say about 460.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00460! Crikey, I mean, that is pretty optimistic, I have to say.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04The fact that the holiday lets are existing, making money,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08means this is on the market at £595,000.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Right.- That is a surprise.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18'Comfortably under budget at £595,000,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21'our mystery farm house delivers on many fronts,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24'giving them a generous period property within the national park.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27'It offers them a large kitchen/diner,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31'two spacious reception areas, five potential bedrooms,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35'and crucially, they would be inheriting a holiday let business
0:25:35 > 0:25:37'which could bring in £700 a week.
0:25:37 > 0:25:43'But will the one and a half acres be a stumbling block for Charlie?
0:25:43 > 0:25:46How are we feeling? More focused on what we're after?
0:25:46 > 0:25:47- More confused than ever.- OK.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- A few things to sort out and mull through, I think.- I bet you have.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Come on.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01We've certainly given Charlie and Shelly plenty to think about.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03We've offered them some fantastic properties.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Tragically, this wasn't one of them.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08But have we managed to find them their dream home,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11if they know what that really is going to look like?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I wonder.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Let's just remind ourselves of the journey we took
0:26:17 > 0:26:20and try and unravel what's really going through your minds.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25That first property. Lovely gabled facade to it.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Beautiful property. No disputing that. It ticked every box really.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Didn't quite get that homely wow factor,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34anywhere apart from that hunting room.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37But land was a big issue with this search.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- It was, yes.- What about the land there?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41The land there was fine, I thought.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45It would have been nice if the building was a bit more set back within the land,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47so the land surrounded the building.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- It was a bit off to one side, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52We then took you to property number two,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54you got your own mountain, basically!
0:26:54 > 0:26:56When we first got there, it absolutely blew me away.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00I thought I'd never ever have something like that in my life.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03You walked around the house. It was ideal. The spaces were ideal.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Spot on.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06It was a very long lane going down there.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11I know that in the winter, you could quite easily get shut off
0:27:11 > 0:27:13and shut off for a long period of time.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15And that concerns me.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18With that in mind, we took you to our final property,
0:27:18 > 0:27:19the mystery house,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22which was much closer to Brecon,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25with running holiday lets attached to it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29The mystery house, I'm sure it would suit many people.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31But those many people don't include us.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35It was on one and a half acres and I would like more than that.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40One of the holiday lets was actually attached to the house, which wasn't to my liking.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- But where does this leave us now? - There must be something out there.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47What it actually is, I don't think we really know.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49So if nothing else, we've redefined your focus.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Whatever happens, I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- Thank you. We'll need it! - THEY ALL LAUGH
0:27:58 > 0:28:01We came out here with high hopes, looking for a glorious country house,
0:28:01 > 0:28:07with holiday lets in a beautiful rural location, and with £750,000.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The truth is, I think we found them more than they really need.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11And here's the rub.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14You don't need to spend as much money as you think you do
0:28:14 > 0:28:16to find the house of your dreams.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Sometimes, less is often more.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22'If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26'Scotland, Wales, England, or even further afield to the Continent
0:28:26 > 0:28:29'and would like our help, then please apply online.'
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd