0:00:02 > 0:00:06This distinctive landmark is the pride and glory of the county.
0:00:06 > 0:00:12Legend has it it was built by a giant, who set out to destroy the local town
0:00:12 > 0:00:18with a spadeful of soil, but en route was duped by a local and dumped the lot here,
0:00:18 > 0:00:25thus saving the town from destruction. So where is this mighty hill of heroic proportions?
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Well, stick around to find out.
0:00:40 > 0:00:46'In today's show, I'll be helping a couple who want to head to pastures new,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'but there's no wriggling out of work to be done.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- You said you didn't mind doing a bathroom.- You're ganging up on me!
0:00:54 > 0:00:59'But could the mystery house throw that out?' I like the new you.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08I'm in rural Shropshire and this is the legendary Wrekin,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12said to be the inspiration for Tolkien's Middle Earth.
0:01:12 > 0:01:18As a young local lad, he'd regularly hike the 407 metres to the summit.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24If you were to do it today, you'd be rewarded, not with wizards and hobbits,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29but with views of a staggering 17 counties in England and Wales.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37Lying on the English-Welsh border, Shropshire is our largest land-locked county and one of
0:01:37 > 0:01:41the most sparsely populated. With its breathtaking landscape,
0:01:41 > 0:01:48this county holds on to a rich architectural heritage from the Norman remains of Ludlow Castle
0:01:48 > 0:01:54to Ironbridge Gorge, given World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986
0:01:54 > 0:01:59in recognition of Thomas Telford's 18th-century feat of engineering.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05At its heart is the county town of Shrewsbury, packed with medieval timber-framed buildings.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The south is peppered with pretty villages and historic Ludlow,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13a real cultural hub and foodies' heaven.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21Now although Shropshire's house prices on average are almost 4% below the national level,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24that doesn't tell the full story.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Those looking to buy in the picturesque south will pay 10-15% more
0:02:29 > 0:02:32than the commuter belt in the north
0:02:32 > 0:02:35where recent unemployment has kept prices down.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39But country-wise, there are some fabulous properties to be had.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Let's look at what's on the market.
0:02:43 > 0:02:49For a sprawling country pile, look no further than this six-bedroom, Grade 2-listed vicarage
0:02:49 > 0:02:53in Coalbrookdale, priced at £850,000.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58The three opulent reception rooms are complemented by its elegant kitchen.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Outside, 3/4 of an acre look out over the Dale Valley.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07£600,000 will get you a slice of traditional Shropshire
0:03:07 > 0:03:12in the form of this four-bedroom timber farmhouse in Sheriffhales.
0:03:12 > 0:03:18Grade 2-listed and lovingly maintained, it has stacks of original features
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and contemporary decor.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Outside, 2 acres of garden and paddock look out over open fields.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30This three-bedroom listed cottage could be yours for £350,000.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36Its 16th-century beams give it that warm character feel
0:03:36 > 0:03:40and a pretty garden has outbuildings with great conversion potential.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45There's certainly a good range of properties on offer in Shropshire,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49but it's time now to find out what this week's buyers are after.
0:03:50 > 0:03:57Since marrying 11 years ago, Alan and Gillian have lived in their five-bedroom house
0:03:57 > 0:04:02in Cambridgeshire, but now that Alan is retired and Gillian is hoping to work part time,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05they're ready for a gear change.
0:04:05 > 0:04:12- We're looking for a relaxed, lazy lifestyle, to be honest.- Slowing down, spending half days at home.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- It's time for us to spend more time together now. - He makes an excellent househusband,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21but I would like to come back and supervise!
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- Location is key to their quieter lifestyle. - I think we're looking very much
0:04:26 > 0:04:32for a very rural setting, edge of village location, or maybe 2-3 miles outside.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- Somewhere that's really peaceful. - Sheep as neighbours. - Definitely, please.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41But that's not the only reason they've settled on Shropshire.
0:04:41 > 0:04:47With family being in the northwest, we just want to be that Sunday lunch drive away from everybody
0:04:47 > 0:04:53or within that distance. We're looking for a property we'd like to set up together.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58I moved into this house and it would be nice to do a property of our own.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02And it seems they definitely want to upsize in every way.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07What we're looking for is a detached property, 4 to 5 bedrooms,
0:05:07 > 0:05:13very large garden. We're probably looking to maybe half an acre of garden.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Large kitchen.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Possibly separate dining room.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Same number of reception rooms, that's three.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Utility, en suite...
0:05:26 > 0:05:30The things we don't have currently. Secluded area.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40I've been playing the guitar now for... Since I was 9! Let's not give the age away.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44I have a classical and two acoustic guitars.
0:05:44 > 0:05:51The other thing which takes place in this room is that I'm keen on reading, so I have a mini library
0:05:51 > 0:05:58which would be nice to expand. Apart from having a bigger music room, maybe a library as well.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02This is our current garden - not a lot bigger than a postage stamp.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06One thing we'd really look forward to is a lot bigger garden
0:06:06 > 0:06:11where it takes me longer than 12 and a half minutes to mow it
0:06:11 > 0:06:16and we could put more plants in than we currently have. And possibly a vegetable plot.
0:06:16 > 0:06:24I'm not really looking for a project as such, but I am quite prepared to put in a new kitchen,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26put in maybe a new bathroom.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31But I really don't want to start doing structural work.
0:06:31 > 0:06:38With their current property on the market for £300,000, how much do they have to spend?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Our budget for the new property is £430,000.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49Alan and Gillian have a very reasonable budget for Shropshire, which is just as well
0:06:49 > 0:06:56because they're definitely thinking big. They want a super-size kitchen, large receptions,
0:06:56 > 0:07:044-5 bedrooms, lashing of outside space and the only neighbours they're after will be four-legged.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10As they want splendid isolation, our house search will focus on rural pockets
0:07:10 > 0:07:13between Shrewsbury and Ludlow.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17I'll show them some of the best properties in the area,
0:07:17 > 0:07:22but I won't be revealing the price until they've had a guess first.
0:07:22 > 0:07:28Lastly, there's our mystery house which is in a place they'd never think of looking.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- Alan and Gillian, welcome to Shropshire.- Thank you.
0:07:35 > 0:07:42- Looking forward to the search? - We are.- Very much so.- How well do you both know Shropshire?
0:07:42 > 0:07:48Em, only a little. We've driven through it once or twice, but that's all so far.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- We hope to see a lot more today. - A blank canvas!- Very much so.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- It's going to be a big move, but also a lifestyle change.- Yes.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03I'm hoping to, after the move, go part-time. I'm full-time now.
0:08:03 > 0:08:09- It would be nice to catch up with Alan's retirement.- There's no point if Gilly's still working.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- What a lovely thing to say. - I know. He's lovely! - You've been together a long time,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- but it's the first property you'll buy together.- It is.- How exciting!
0:08:19 > 0:08:25- I'll put my mark on it! - Are you keen?- Yes!- We'll know if we see something we both love.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- We will know.- Yes.- Fingers crossed Shropshire will provide it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- The budget - £430,000? - £430,000.- Right.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Are you both ready?- Absolutely. - Come on, then.- Great.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46For their £430,000 budget, Alan and Gillian want the first home they buy together
0:08:46 > 0:08:50to give them three reception rooms, including a separate dining room,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52a large kitchen and utility room,
0:08:52 > 0:08:58somewhere for Gillian to play her guitars, at least 4 bedrooms with the master en suite,
0:08:58 > 0:09:04with a half-acre garden set in a quiet rural location.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14We kick off our property search in the village of Church Preen.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20It's a quiet little place just a six-mile drive from beautiful Much Wenlock,
0:09:20 > 0:09:25with its array of independent shops and dramatic remains of its 12th-century priory.
0:09:25 > 0:09:31Back in Church Preen, they would have four-legged neighbours and the local primary school next door
0:09:31 > 0:09:35if they go for this Grade 2-listed former schoolhouse.
0:09:35 > 0:09:41It was built in 1872 by the great British architect of the time Richard Norman Shaw.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45So here is our very first property.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- It's certainly got features to it and character.- It's got character,
0:09:50 > 0:09:56- it looks lovely.- You've got the timber-framed gable at the front. - Yes.- Very attractive, local stone.
0:09:56 > 0:10:02- And the chimney. Can you imagine how far that must have been seen?- Yes.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- It must have been the tallest in the area.- Looks like it. - Looks wonderful.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13- It has lots of features. - I look forward to that. Can't wait to see inside.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18'Judging from their reaction to the exterior, we've made a strong start.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'So let's hope the period features inside work their charm.'
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Guys, come on in. Through the hallway to the first reception room.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35I know you wanted a music room cum library. Is this big enough to be a library as well?
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- Certainly is. There's space for the bookcases we have, either side of the fireplace.- It's ideal.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- My room.- Your room - tick! - Yes, I've lost it.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- This could also be the fourth bedroom for this property.- OK.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54It currently has three, but you could have a sofa bed here.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58There is a cloakroom just across the hallway.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- For extra guests, should you want to do that.- OK.- Right.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- I'd keep it as it is. I think it works perfectly. - It will stay as a music room.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- You've won the first round! - Round one - ding!- Let's keep going.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17So...
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- ..the all-important kitchen. - With a range.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- A range!- An electric range. - And a sitting area, which is great.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- I like that.- You wanted a good dining area, didn't you?- Yes.- Yes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32This is good.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- Big enough?- Yes, it suits my requirements.- I think it could have been a bit bigger!
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- I'll take your answer on that one! Utility rooms...- Mm?
0:11:42 > 0:11:48- They're high up on the list.- Yes. - Through that door you have a huge utility room.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51So you've got your separate sink,
0:11:51 > 0:11:56you've then got another bedroom. That was extended in the early '70s.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- So a guest bedroom with its own en suite.- I like the sound of that.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- So this is all working?- So far. - Good. Let's keep going.
0:12:10 > 0:12:17So that part of the house was where the master lived and this part was where children had their lessons.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- I'm sneaking a peak.- You're already looking.- That looks nice there.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26The current owners call this the snug. It works really well,
0:12:26 > 0:12:32but they did at one point have a dining table. You were emphatic about a good dining area.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- We want a nice dining space. - Dining space, large kitchen,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- and plenty of reception rooms. - Yes.- Yes.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44You can't wait! You're already moving next door!
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- We're already in the next room! - Let's put you out of your misery.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- 'I can see why they're so distracted by next door.'- Oh, wow.
0:12:53 > 0:13:00- This is wonderful.- I love the light. - This is really nice.- Especially from the window.- It's a gorgeous room.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- You've still got all those original features, the windows...- Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:10- There's even a wood burner. - Oh, great.- That was one of the other things we said we'd like.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- On the list.- On the list. - And you love big reception rooms.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- Yes.- You want plenty of space. - We do like lots of space in the house that we can walk around
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- and enjoy.- And if you both turn round and look up there...
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- Can you see? - I'm small.- On tippy toes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- The mezzanine floor. That could be your library. - Another one? I get two?
0:13:34 > 0:13:42- I think you should keep the music room and make that your library. - Yeah.- Right.- A computer room.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48'The downstairs of this old schoolhouse has been thoughtfully converted into a home
0:13:48 > 0:13:53'with every inch put to good use and enhancing its historic features.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56'Let's explore what's upstairs.'
0:13:56 > 0:14:04You've got two bedrooms from the landing. There's a large double behind us with loads of storage.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- A generous family bathroom. - I like that.- Very well decorated. - Lovely. They've done that well.
0:14:09 > 0:14:17- And this is your bedroom. - Bigger than we've got now.- Good. - So that's nice.- Nice and airy.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- And there's nice views as well. - It's not an en suite, but you don't have far to go.- No.
0:14:23 > 0:14:29- An en suite was one thing we did ask for, but as you say...- Compromise? - It's not far to go.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- So this works for you? - So far.- Yes, I think so far.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- It's a house you want to keep going round to look at bits. Yes, I think we like it.- I think we do.
0:14:40 > 0:14:46'I think this beautiful property is persuading Gillian and Alan to compromise
0:14:46 > 0:14:53'on that en suite and extra bedroom. Outside, despite first impressions, it delivers what they asked for.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:58You asked for half an acre. The total plot for this property is half an acre.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03It's in three different parts - the raised vegetable plot,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- a shed, have you seen the greenhouse?- I spotted that!
0:15:06 > 0:15:13- A greenhouse, which we did ask for. - At the side, hugging the property, you've got a formal garden.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18There's seating all around this garden. And then the majority of it is at the front.
0:15:18 > 0:15:25- Although it's looking onto the road, it's quite secluded. There's no traffic.- It's quite a sun trap.
0:15:25 > 0:15:32- So enough of a plot for you? - I think it is, yes.- So wrapping it all up, the house, the garden,
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- how much is the house worth? - I'll guess...
0:15:36 > 0:15:39415? 420?
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- OK. Which one do you want to go for? - 415.- 415.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I'm going to go slightly lower...
0:15:47 > 0:15:49..at 395.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Are you competitive, you two? - BOTH: Yes!
0:15:54 > 0:16:00- That told me!- Very! - Alan, you're the closest. The current asking price - £400,000.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- 400.- So 30,000 under budget. - Under budget.
0:16:04 > 0:16:11- That gives us some money to play with.- Have another walk round and I'll catch you later.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- We'll do that.- Thanks.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21Priced at £400,000, this former schoolhouse is impeccably presented
0:16:21 > 0:16:28and £30,000 under budget, leaving them a sizable sum for the retirement pot.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34Ready to move into, it gives them two adaptable reception areas with Gillian's wood burner,
0:16:34 > 0:16:40her music room and space for a library, a large kitchen/diner with that range and utility room
0:16:40 > 0:16:45and a half-acre garden in a rural setting with countryside all around.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Has this unique conversion won their hearts?
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I like the house. It's got an element of quirkiness,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54lots of character.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- And that chimney is to die for. - Loved the kitchen. Did like that.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03This is a good utility.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09My one concern is the school. It's not something I was banking on when I wanted remote.
0:17:09 > 0:17:16It's such a fabulous location and we have the perfect day to view this house.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Have you both seen enough? - Yes, thank you.- I think we have.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Close that door and let's hit the road.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Shropshire's peaceful countryside belies its turbulent past
0:17:38 > 0:17:42with the Normans strongly fortifying the county along its Welsh border.
0:17:42 > 0:17:49Over time, a number of castles were refashioned into homes to show off their owners' wealth and position.
0:17:50 > 0:17:57A fine example is Shrewsbury Castle, redesigned in the 1780s for local MP Lord Pulteney.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Earlier in the week, Gillian and Alan met town crier Martin Wood
0:18:02 > 0:18:07to find out more about its historic renovation.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13The castle that we've got now was built by Thomas Telford on the orders of the local MP,
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Sir William Pulteney. He wanted a des res, I suppose,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20so Telford built this for him.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24This was actually his townhouse, but Pulteney had a daughter, Laura,
0:18:24 > 0:18:29and she was fairly religious and needed somewhere to read her Bible
0:18:29 > 0:18:35so Sir William actually got Telford to build her her own summer house and this is what he built.
0:18:35 > 0:18:43- This is still known as Laura's Tower today. It's built on top of the old original Norman castle.- OK.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47So where we're standing now is where the Norman castle was.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53Shrewsbury's historic streets are home to some 660 listed buildings
0:18:53 > 0:19:00with street names that give clues to the activities that went on there, including a street of ill-repute.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05But the focal point of trade was the market hall, built in the late-16th century
0:19:05 > 0:19:08by wealthy draper merchants.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13Around the square, there's plenty of proof of the town's stature in Tudor times.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17One of the lovely buildings we've got used to be the Plough Inn.
0:19:17 > 0:19:24It's fantastic. It was a pub for about 600 years. The timbers themselves denote wealth.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29The first floor has clover leaf patterns, barley cane twists.
0:19:29 > 0:19:36- That's all a signature of wealth. - A lovely building.- Superb. - We've got so many of these in town.
0:19:36 > 0:19:43- This is by far one of the best. - Shrewsbury is packed to the rafters with historic gems,
0:19:43 > 0:19:51reflecting its important historic and geographical position. And location is top priority for us.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Our second property is in the quiet village of Church Moor,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08set in an area of outstanding beauty which I'm sure will rate highly.
0:20:08 > 0:20:15Less than a 10-minute drive down the road, Little Stretton has its own local pub and church
0:20:15 > 0:20:18with distinctive timber frame.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Will they think this Victorian farmhouse makes a statement?
0:20:22 > 0:20:28- First impressions?- Em... - Looks very picture postcard. Looks lovely.
0:20:28 > 0:20:35- Not quite what I expected. - What were you expecting?- I don't know, but it's not hitting me
0:20:35 > 0:20:41and saying, "Buy me!", to be honest. I'm reserving judgment at the moment. I'm not sure.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- If I said it had five bedrooms... - I might change my mind. I'd step through the door.
0:20:46 > 0:20:53'The formal symmetry of this period farmhouse is clearly not quite doing it for Gillian,
0:20:53 > 0:20:58'but hopefully she'll be convinced by the space it offers.'
0:20:58 > 0:21:02A small hallway with two reception rooms either side.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07I like the high ceiling. I like the height of the room.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- It's a nice square room.- Nice feature fireplace.- Good start.- Yes.
0:21:11 > 0:21:17- Yes.- Well, let's take you next door. There's another reception room I'd like you to see.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24This one is quite a bit bigger. Again, you've got high ceilings.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- Yes, it is bigger. - A nice, big room.- I like the fireplace.- That's outstanding.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- Obviously working.- A working fireplace. A fantastic feature.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Imagine on a winter's evening?- I can feel the warmth already.- Like toast!
0:21:38 > 0:21:44If you want to lead the way through to the kitchen, that might answer your dining issues.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50There are very few kitchens can command a dining table of that size.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- That's some table.- This is a good, good size kitchen.- It is.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I could certainly imagine a new kitchen in here
0:21:58 > 0:22:05- and making it a superb kitchen area. - Probably put the dining table... - The table would have to go
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- somewhere else.- Well, that's his first job, right?
0:22:09 > 0:22:17- I can do that.- There's plenty of room and just over my shoulder is a beautiful utility room.
0:22:17 > 0:22:24- It's the smartest one I've ever seen.- That is very impressive.- Same size, practically, as this kitchen.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- It's got a downstairs cloakroom and entrance to the cellar. - Oh, right. Cellar.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- So lots of space downstairs. Let's head upstairs and see the bedrooms.- OK.
0:22:35 > 0:22:41'And I haven't forgotten about Gillian's music room. That's a surprise for later.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46'First, I'll show them upstairs, which has a traditional layout
0:22:46 > 0:22:49'and square, clean lines in all five bedrooms.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54'There are two single rooms, a light, spacious double,
0:22:54 > 0:23:00'a room being used as a study and, finally, a room for them.' So here's the master bedroom.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- That's a nice size, isn't it? - Yeah, this is a good size.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10- Again, super views.- That's why you want to move to the country.- It is. - There's nice views from here.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- And it's bigger than at home.- It is.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Very generous space here. It doesn't have the en suite.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23However, there's a single bedroom next door. Quite easy to knock through and make that your en suite.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- That could work.- That's another project.- Project number two.- Yeah.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34- You said you didn't mind doing a bathroom. Or a kitchen. - Girls ganging up on me now!
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Let me show you the family bathroom.
0:23:37 > 0:23:43It will give you an idea of what you could achieve. Do you want to follow me?
0:23:43 > 0:23:47'I'm sure their ideas for the en suite will be fired up by this.'
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- Now this is nice.- Wow. - Love the way they've done this.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It's bright, it's airy, love the bathroom.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00'Well, they seem positive about the house now they've seen the space
0:24:00 > 0:24:05'and there's more in store outside with projects galore for Alan.'
0:24:05 > 0:24:10- You have some additional buildings. The garage behind you.- Good.- Good.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- You've got a barn. It has a covenant on it so it can't be turned into a dwelling.- OK.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19If that's not enough, you have a massive workshop.
0:24:19 > 0:24:26- Oh, lovely.- I might say workshop/music room.- I could see that coming!- Could be.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- It sounds like a jolly good idea. - There's certainly a lot of scope.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34'Along with the potential for these outbuildings,
0:24:34 > 0:24:40'the house comes with more land than they asked for, as well as their idea of perfect neighbours.'
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Obviously, this is the mature garden which has been beautifully done,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48but beyond the trees there is that additional nearly an acre.
0:24:48 > 0:24:54- The current owners' friends bring their sheep there to graze. - We would have sheep as neighbours!
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- Yes.- Do you fancy purchasing some sheep?- We have talked about it!
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- Have you?- It would be a possibility. Saves me mowing the lawn.
0:25:03 > 0:25:09That's true. I know you wanted a rural setting. You can't get much more rural than this.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14- This is rural.- It is.- Panoramic views, trees, birds.- Everything.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20So, all that in mind, you've got to decide what this house is currently on the market for.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- It's that time again.- It is. - It's a difficult one,
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- but I'm going to go for... £410,000.- OK. Gillian?
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I'll go slightly higher.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36About 420,000?
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- I know you're both quite competitive. Alan is closest.- Again.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- The asking price is £400,000. - Two-nil.
0:25:46 > 0:25:53- But your top budget was £430,000. - So it does give us £30,000 to play with
0:25:53 > 0:25:59- and possibly do something with the barn.- Possibly, but there's things inside to do first.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I'd make an en suite as well.
0:26:01 > 0:26:07So, on that note, why don't you have another look with that £30,000 in your back pocket
0:26:07 > 0:26:11to see if this could be your dream home?
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- Go and have a wander. - We'll have a look. OK, thanks.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Under budget at £400,000,
0:26:19 > 0:26:24this farmhouse has all the space and potential with £30,000 left over.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28And it delivers everything they asked for.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34Two reception rooms with open fireplaces, a large kitchen/diner and enormous utility room,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38five bedrooms, useful outbuildings to house Gillian's music room
0:26:38 > 0:26:43and nearly an acre of grounds which sheep could graze on,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46all wrapped up in a stunning location.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51My first impressions weren't terribly good to start with,
0:26:51 > 0:26:58but it seemed to improve when I realised how much land it sat in. I was very impressed with that.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- You can see sheep there, can't you? - Yes.- Put an orchard in.
0:27:02 > 0:27:08- There's so many options with this area, in particular. - You'd need a sit-on mower.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10I'd have to get a sit-on mower.
0:27:10 > 0:27:18- This is where the dining room should be.- I agree.- Dining room table, big open fire in front of you,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- kitchen to the left.- Then you've just got the one front room, though.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25The utility room is to die for.
0:27:25 > 0:27:32We've never seen a utility room that big. That gives you plenty of space for Gillian to do all the laundry!
0:27:32 > 0:27:38So the tour didn't start off that well, but I think we ended on a high.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42But has it been enough? We'll just have to wait and see.
0:27:56 > 0:28:03As the sun sets over the Shropshire hills, it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:28:08 > 0:28:15Armed with a £430,000 budget, Alan and Gillian are adamant that they only want four-legged neighbours
0:28:15 > 0:28:21when they move to Shropshire. We've tried to serve that up with two properties so far.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23We would have sheep as neighbours!
0:28:23 > 0:28:27But will they run a mile from our mystery house?
0:28:27 > 0:28:32- Wait until you step inside the door. - We can't! Let's go.- Let's go.
0:28:39 > 0:28:46Is there anything in particular you'd like me to be taking you to see or anything you don't want?
0:28:46 > 0:28:53I'm still looking for my sheep as neighbours. And I'm still looking for something that's secluded.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57I certainly would prefer not to have any major projects.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05Our mystery property takes us to a location they specifically didn't ask for,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08right into the heart of a village.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13But Clunbury is one of the prettiest villages in the area with a Norman church
0:29:13 > 0:29:19and the ruins of its medieval castle. I wonder what they'll make of our mystery house
0:29:19 > 0:29:21which is overlooked with no garden.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27- This is your mystery house. - Fantastic!- You wanted character. - We've got that!
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- You wanted features.- Got those.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33This has it. It's Grade 2-listed.
0:29:33 > 0:29:39It was a blacksmith's with a barn and two small cottages, which have all been incorporated together.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Built in 1650. But wait until you step inside the door.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- We can't! Let's go.- Let's go.
0:29:46 > 0:29:53'My goodness! What a first reaction! They didn't look back. Let's hope they like what they see inside.'
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Come on through.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59Wow.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- Stunning.- This is lovely.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- You like large reception rooms. - We've got it!- This is it.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- It's stunning. It's so well done. - It is.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17It is beautifully done with the gabled end. You get all that light.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20And this actually is an extension.
0:30:20 > 0:30:26- You can tell we're sort of lost for words!- You are! I quite like the silence. It's positive.
0:30:26 > 0:30:32I'm very rarely short of a few words, but it's lovely. Absolutely lovely.
0:30:32 > 0:30:38- Can we see some more, please? - You can. You lead the way, Alan. Down the hallway and turn right.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41A very good start.
0:30:44 > 0:30:50So here is your second reception room. Completely different from the first one.
0:30:50 > 0:30:56And just as lovely. This has got the charm and the character that we're looking for.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- You can guess we're in the original part of the building.- Yes.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- You do feel you're in 1650. - You do, yeah.- Back in time, yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10You can sense what may have happened here in the dim and distant past.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Is that a gravestone? We haven't got bodies, have we?
0:31:14 > 0:31:19Flagstones here. And that is a gravestone. When they renovated,
0:31:19 > 0:31:25they found quite a few gravestones. It's where they practised. They were scattered and left.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30But the owner liked it so much he used it as a feature.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Moving from the old into the new, the kitchen is very important.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Let me know what you think about this room, then.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- is this the type of kitchen that you had in mind? - It's got oodles of character.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- It's certainly got the space I'm looking for.- Alan, do you cook?
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- No. Next question.- Do you do lots of eating?- I do lots of eating.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00There's a perfect place for you there, while Gillian's hard at work.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07And when you want your big dinner party, you're going to lead them through this way...
0:32:07 > 0:32:09..into here.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15- Oh, I like this. Yes. - This'll work!
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- Love the feature.- A separate dining area was so important for you.- Yes.
0:32:19 > 0:32:26- Its close proximity to the kitchen must be nearly perfect.- It's ideal. - This is working very, very well.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- I think we're loving it.- We are.
0:32:29 > 0:32:36'Looks like we have top marks so far with the space, layout and character of our mystery house.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42'And it's got the all-important four bedrooms upstairs. At the rear is a double guest room
0:32:42 > 0:32:47'with vaulted beam ceilings and a high spec bathroom
0:32:47 > 0:32:50'and another double with en suite.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53'The third double is flooded with light thanks to skylights
0:32:53 > 0:33:00'and has access to the downstairs family bathroom. But now we'll head up to where they would sleep.'
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Try that for an old staircase!
0:33:04 > 0:33:06The original stairs.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Terrific.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13- Oh, that's terrific. - And this would be your master.
0:33:13 > 0:33:19- This is some room.- Now this bedroom has the wonderful views. - It does, doesn't it?
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- It doesn't have the en suite.- Right. - Can you live without an en suite?
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- Yes?- Oh, yes.- There you are. - If there's only two of us, yes.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32'Wow. They seem smitten by our mystery house
0:33:32 > 0:33:37'and are showing very positive signs they would compromise.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41'We're really pushing our luck outside.'
0:33:41 > 0:33:44So I know you've both been impressed with the house,
0:33:44 > 0:33:49but you've probably gathered by now that it doesn't have a garden.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53It does have this wonderfully secluded courtyard.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- This is where the compromises come in.- It is.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02- I can see us possibly deciding to make that compromise.- I think so.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- But it comes to the crunch now, doesn't it?- It does.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It's only just gone on the market. How much is it worth?
0:34:10 > 0:34:16It's going to be slightly over budget at £435,000.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18I'll go £440,000.
0:34:18 > 0:34:24- Three out of three, Alan, but... - This is a resounding victory! - ..this is the important bit.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27The current asking price...
0:34:28 > 0:34:32...is £50 shy of £400,000.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- £399,950. - Really? No way!
0:34:38 > 0:34:43- We can compromise! - Lots of compromises there!
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- There's £30,000 left in your budget. ..You're quiet!- I know!
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- I'm sorry.- I quite like you silent. I like the new you.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57- The mystery property has done it. - For both of us. - This move is about both of you.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Now why don't you go back inside, all round that wonderful house.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Investigate those nooks and crannies. We know there's loads.
0:35:06 > 0:35:12- I'll be waiting out here in the sunshine, so take as long as you like.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:35:13 > 0:35:19'That's amazing. Our stunning mystery smithy conversion seems to have swept them off their feet.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23'It didn't have everything they wanted on paper,
0:35:23 > 0:35:28'but with a dash of compromise, can I smell an offer in the air?
0:35:28 > 0:35:33'Well under budget at just shy of £400,000, it offers them three reception areas
0:35:33 > 0:35:39'all with a distinctive character feel, a large kitchen with that separate dining room,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42'four bedrooms with two en suite.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48'Granted, it's only got a courtyard garden and is in the village, but they love it!'
0:35:48 > 0:35:53The mystery property has just got that wow factor. It stunned me.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55I just love it. The whole thing.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59The mystery property has absolutely blown us away.
0:35:59 > 0:36:07It's got almost everything that we wanted. The things it hasn't got we aren't worried about now.
0:36:07 > 0:36:14- I can see you in this kitchen. I can see US in this kitchen. - I see us in this house.- So can I.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19This property has the character that we're truly looking for
0:36:19 > 0:36:25in a truly lovely location. We probably couldn't ask for any more in that respect.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29I can feel myself getting emotional about the property.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Look at those beaming faces!
0:36:34 > 0:36:38You guys have got some serious thinking to do, so let's get going.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39OK.
0:36:48 > 0:36:54Among Shropshire's towns, Ludlow has played a leading role in the performing arts
0:36:54 > 0:37:00since John Milton's play Comus was first staged at Ludlow Castle back in the 16th century.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06The tradition is still going strong today in the form of the Ludlow Festival,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10with theatre, comedy and music events for two weeks every summer.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15Unusually, it's run by a team of over 200 volunteers.
0:37:15 > 0:37:21On the eve of their 51st season, I met up with Festival Chairman Jenny Vaughan to find out more
0:37:21 > 0:37:24about the work behind the scenes.
0:37:24 > 0:37:30- How are last-minute preparations going?- They're going fine. We're preparing for our dress rehearsal,
0:37:30 > 0:37:35which is going to be performed to an invited audience.
0:37:35 > 0:37:42Most of them are volunteers who offer something to the festival and are not able to go to it
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- because they are on duty.- That's a nice start. A little thank you.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51And what do you get out of it, apart from a lot of stress?
0:37:51 > 0:37:55You certainly get the stress and the tiredness,
0:37:55 > 0:38:00but very rewarding. Very nice to bring the arts to this region,
0:38:00 > 0:38:07to have it in a market town such as Ludlow, where it brings in trade for all the shops, the restaurants,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10and the hotels.
0:38:10 > 0:38:16There must be some last-minute preparations still going on, but can I have a sneak preview of the set?
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Yes, you can. Follow me.- Thank you.
0:38:20 > 0:38:26'Ludlow's rugged castle ruins date back to Norman times and provide a dramatic backdrop
0:38:26 > 0:38:28'for their Shakespeare production.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34'Although volunteers organise the events, they bring in the professionals to stage them.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38'I'm meeting the set designer for Othello, Philip Whitcombe.'
0:38:38 > 0:38:44- How long does it actually take to design this?- From start to finish, it's three or four months.
0:38:44 > 0:38:50We come here mid-winter and try to picture what the world is that we will create.
0:38:50 > 0:38:56- Can you give us your idea behind the designs for it? - It's set in the Crimean War.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59What about that impressive frame?
0:38:59 > 0:39:04The central frame is about framing Othello, really,
0:39:04 > 0:39:08in the different stages of his mental deterioration.
0:39:08 > 0:39:15Philip's also in charge of costume design and has given me backstage permission to meet Judy McFarlane,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18who manages the wardrobe.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22So I can see Jane modelling a very tight corset, I'm sure!
0:39:22 > 0:39:30- Boned as well. Is this a final fitting?- Yes, we're just checking this will fit around her waist.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32I'm sure it will.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37Are you constantly making adjustments behind the scenes?
0:39:37 > 0:39:42We often have actors popping in at the last minute just before going onstage.
0:39:42 > 0:39:48"I've got a hole in my trousers!" I'll ask how long have they got and they'll say 2 or 3 minutes.
0:39:48 > 0:39:55Ladies, I should let you crack on. You've got a big dress rehearsal. Best of luck with the festival.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:39:57 > 0:40:03It's inspiring to see how the passion of so many volunteers pays off year on year
0:40:03 > 0:40:10and enables the festival to be a recurring highlight in Shropshire's cultural calendar.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18Alan and Gillian's property search has given them lots of different options to consider,
0:40:18 > 0:40:23but I've a feeling they've got a firm favourite. Let's see.
0:40:25 > 0:40:32- Guys...what a super few days we've had.- It's been superb. The scenery has been stunning.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38- The first house was an old schoolhouse.- The first impression was, "Wow! This has got character."
0:40:38 > 0:40:45The inside was very nice. The main lounge area with the gallery was something to behold.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47That was a lovely lounge area.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- It was very light and airy. - But you did have a few concerns.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54My main concern was the school next door.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59It's possibly the noise from children, the comings and goings.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03Or if the school ever disappeared, what would be there?
0:41:03 > 0:41:09The second property we saw was, I thought, a very attractive farmhouse.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13However, I was quite surprised when you both thought differently.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18The first impression looking at it, yes, my face dropped a little bit,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22but having walked through it, you could see a lot of projects
0:41:22 > 0:41:24to go ahead and make it ours.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29There was a lot of potential. Not sure what we'd do with the barn.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- You could have just left it! - We probably would!
0:41:32 > 0:41:38It is a nice property, but we could not see ourselves calling it home at all.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Which brings us on to the mystery property.
0:41:42 > 0:41:49- When we drove into the village, I was pleasantly surprised. - Not as much as we were!
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- I think we had the biggest surprise! - We did.
0:41:52 > 0:41:58- The mystery house is wonderful. - The first room, that vast lounge, was fantastic.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03I loved the openness and from there the way the property moved
0:42:03 > 0:42:09from new to old to new, I loved the way that flowed. I was very impressed with that.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12It flowed and it blended in beautifully.
0:42:12 > 0:42:18There were some compromises to be made there, but sacrifices have to be made.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- I think we were prepared to do that. - We're prepared to make sacrifices.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Losing the garden, for example. The hills are there.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Having seen the three properties, what is the next step?
0:42:31 > 0:42:36I think our next move is to seriously discuss putting an offer in
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- on property number...three. - Fantastic!- The mystery house.
0:42:41 > 0:42:47- So the mystery house did its job. - Certainly did. It's been an emotional rollercoaster.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- It has weaved its magic. - I'm delighted. Absolutely delighted.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Well, what a surprise.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02When we started this search with Alan and Gillian,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05they had a pretty clear idea of what they were after,
0:43:05 > 0:43:11but since viewing the mystery house, they've fallen in love with the property and a village location
0:43:11 > 0:43:16they wouldn't have chosen. Let's hope that offer gets accepted.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Join us again next time.
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0:43:40 > 0:43:43Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2011
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk