0:00:02 > 0:00:0586% of the county I'm visiting today is given over to agricultural use,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09which means it has a good claim to be the most rural county in England.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Find out where I am in just a moment in Escape To The Country.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29On today's show, we'll be getting ecological,
0:00:29 > 0:00:33as we help a couple to realise their green country dream.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Coming up, we've got some incredible properties that make the grade...
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- Another box ticked.- Yeah.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40..and others that make them giddy.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- You're lighting up in the eye. - I like that!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But will it all end in carnage?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Then you're going to make my life murder?- No.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Today, I'm in Shropshire
0:00:52 > 0:00:56and this county really has been formed by it's agriculture heritage.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00There are still 7,000 active farms here, and this one,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03home to these beautiful native breed, Aberdeen Angus cows,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05eating away.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08This one is a pioneer, because it was one of the first in the county
0:01:08 > 0:01:13to farm in an ecologically, environmentally and pleasing way.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15That means that chaps and chapesses like this
0:01:15 > 0:01:19are keeping the countryside fresh and beautiful for people like you.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Lying shoulder to shoulder with the Welsh border,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Shropshire may be one of England's quietest corners,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28because it's one of the most sparsely populated
0:01:28 > 0:01:30and rural counties in the country.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33The Shropshire Hills, to the south,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35are designated an area of outstanding natural beauty
0:01:35 > 0:01:40and cover 300 square miles of undulating ranges and river valleys.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43The county is dotted with attractive towns and villages.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48One shining example is Ludlow. Renowned for its culinary excellence
0:01:48 > 0:01:52and enchanting architecture, it has over 500 listed buildings
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and was described by the poet, John Betjeman,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57as "the perfect historic town".
0:02:00 > 0:02:04When it comes to property prices, Shropshire is definitely a county in two halves.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The south, which is more picturesque and rural, is more expensive.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10An average detached house there costs £304,000.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Because stock is limited and demand high,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17prices are already going back up to pre-credit crunch levels.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21The north was more badly affected by the economic slump
0:02:21 > 0:02:26and even though it's well connected to the big industrial centres in the Midlands, it has got
0:02:26 > 0:02:29lower house prices, about £50,000 less, than those in the south.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33So, although the south is more desirable, if you go north,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36you're going to get a lot more property for your money.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40For a premium price tag of £1.1m,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43this exquisite seven-bedroom country house
0:02:43 > 0:02:47sits far north into the county, near Oswestry.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49It is set in over seven acres of land
0:02:49 > 0:02:54and has generous accommodation inside, arranged over three floors.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58There are a whopping 16 acres surrounding this
0:02:58 > 0:03:00modern five-bedroom property in Shrewsbury.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03On the market for £695,000.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09The upside-down layout places the open plan kitchen and living areas on the first floor,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13to provide elevated far-reaching views across its own land and beyond.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Lastly, in the rural outskirts of Church Streatham, this attractive
0:03:18 > 0:03:22stone and timber house started life as a school
0:03:22 > 0:03:26and has been converted to create a unique four-bedroom home.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Costing £400,000, it features a stylish kitchen
0:03:30 > 0:03:35and a main reception that maximises its individual character features.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38You see, Shropshire has beautiful property and landscape,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41just the antidote for a high-stressed, fast-paced city life.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Which is exactly what we need this week.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Practice nurse Anna and husband, Richard, have lived in their
0:03:48 > 0:03:53comfortable four-bed family home in Berkhamsted for the past six years.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Perfectly placed to commute into London for Richard's banking job,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00but after re-evaluating their priorities, Richard quit the City
0:04:00 > 0:04:04last year and they've been busy hatching a plan which they hope
0:04:04 > 0:04:06will bring business to the front door.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11I think, ideally, I would like a house that is three to four bedroom,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13where you could have a couple of bed and breakfast rooms.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Then, I think, we need some outbuildings that have the potential for development
0:04:18 > 0:04:22into self-catering accommodation and then some land for further
0:04:22 > 0:04:28expansion beyond that, if we're going to be building sustainable eco lodges in a beautiful environment.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33An interesting project, but how much land do they need for their eco lodge business?
0:04:33 > 0:04:37I think the minimum amount of land we're looking for is
0:04:37 > 0:04:42at least five acres and, ideally, 20 or more,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- but I don't know how we'll get on with that in our budget.- No.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49I'm not sure how we'd manage that, either.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53They've decided to start up this new venture in Shropshire.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Why do they think it will provide the perfect location for this project?
0:04:57 > 0:05:01The county itself is a beautiful county, with lots of access
0:05:01 > 0:05:06to other counties around it. So for us, I think it is ideal.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I don't think any of our daughters wants us living at the end of the road.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15So, I think living in Shropshire is just about far enough from them.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20Now that their three daughters have flown the nest, they're hoping for more quality time together.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26So aside from guest accommodation, what kind of living quarters will provide their own sanctuary?
0:05:26 > 0:05:31I'd love a house that was detached, light and airy with character features -
0:05:31 > 0:05:37open fires, a range cooker, a big family area where all the children could come and congregate,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39because this is where we live the most.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Major renovations have allowed them to double the footprint of their
0:05:44 > 0:05:47their current home. Will they be up for that challenge again?
0:05:47 > 0:05:51I'm prepared to go from a wreck to something that is immaculate,
0:05:51 > 0:05:56so long as it's got the potential for all the other bits,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59but Anna's probably going to be a bit more picky than I am.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I am not very happy to completely rough it and live in a mobile home.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Well, the jury's out on the extent of renovations
0:06:07 > 0:06:10and they're undecided about whether to rent or sell their home.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Let's hope that a local estate agent will help them make up their mind.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19This is a beautiful four-bedroomed detached home in a very sought-after location in Berkhamsted.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It's been extended and finished to the highest standard.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27With that in mind, you're looking in the region of £1,050,000.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32So, how much will have have to spend on the new enterprise in Shropshire?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Our budget is £750,000.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46Richard and Anna's is a great story. Not only do they want a lifestyle change in a house in the country,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50but they've got a good business proposition. They've done their maths, as well,
0:06:50 > 0:06:55because £562m comes into Shropshire every year from the tourist trade.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Half of that comes from the 1.3m people who stay overnight.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01So the eco lodges could really work.
0:07:01 > 0:07:07The difficulty for me is that I have to find enough land to build the lodges and some outbuildings
0:07:07 > 0:07:10to convert and, of course, a house for them to live in, too.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15A strong client base is essential for Richard and Anna's ambition,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19but location will be a key factor. So, we'll be focusing
0:07:19 > 0:07:21our property search in the beautiful countryside
0:07:21 > 0:07:25towards the south of the county, between the big tourist draws
0:07:25 > 0:07:26of Shrewsbury and Ludlow.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29We have some great properties lined up, each offering a variety
0:07:29 > 0:07:33of opportunities, but I'll keep them guessing as to the cost.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Of course, there's the mystery house,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38though they may have to stretch their gaze further west
0:07:38 > 0:07:40to get the biggest business for their budget.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Welcome to Shropshire, got you out in the countryside.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Is this a dream you've been thinking about long?
0:07:46 > 0:07:52It feels like I've had a 25-year break from what I really wanted to be doing, working in the city.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54This is really a dream. It really is an opportunity to do
0:07:54 > 0:07:58something that we were hankering after and talked about for a long time.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Let's talk briefly about the budget, you are selling your house now.
0:08:02 > 0:08:09750 is still the budget, but does that include the cost of building all of the eco lodges, or what?
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- What does it include?- It's a phased kind of operation, really.
0:08:14 > 0:08:21Initially, I think we need some income to supplement Anna's nursing income, which is not huge.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25So if we have bed and breakfast, that will provide us the stability
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and the comfort that we've got some income coming in.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33If we then move to the next phase of having some outbuildings that we can convert to self-catering
0:08:33 > 0:08:38accommodation, that's the next stage. And if there's land for further expansion of the eco lodges,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42that gives us time to think about the designs, do more research
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- and go from there.- You are laying it on my shoulders today.- We are, yes.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Three stages to cater for! Let's look at some properties.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57For a top budget of £750,000,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Richard and Anna are looking for a project in South Shropshire
0:09:00 > 0:09:04that has the potential for three phases of their letting operation,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07including a three to four bedroom home to house themselves
0:09:07 > 0:09:09and a couple of letting rooms.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Outbuildings to develop into self catering lets and Richard has his
0:09:13 > 0:09:18heart on at least five acres of land on which to site some eco lodges.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Anna wants somewhere with period features
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and the location needs to have good road links,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26for paying guests and for when their three daughters visit.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34Armed with an extensive wish list for their enterprise, let's get started.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38The first stop takes us to Astley Abbots in South Shropshire,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40a small village, set in picturesque countryside,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44but only three miles from the market town of Bridgenorth.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47After seeing Bridgenorth from the top of the town,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51it's said that Charles I declared it "the finest view in all my kingdom".
0:09:51 > 0:09:55By braving a trip on the cliff railway, that Vista can still be enjoyed today.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59There's plenty going on here for potential clientele
0:09:59 > 0:10:05and the streets are lined with fine period houses, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th century.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08And when the many attractions have been exhausted,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12the luscious rural outskirts of Astley Abbots have a perfect retreat.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16That's where our first property can be found.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Comprising of a gorgeous black and white farmhouse and two brick-timber barns,
0:10:20 > 0:10:25I think this place definitely delivers the period features Anna is looking for.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Come along, you two.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32You gave us quite a tough brief. Without blowing our own trumpet,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- I think we've done pretty well with this first property. What do you think?- It's lovely.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39It has all of the outbuildings that we could make use of.
0:10:39 > 0:10:46I suppose if I had an image in my mind of what I was expecting from the outside, this is pretty close to it.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50It offers a lot of what you want, I think.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53But I'm quite keen, because we haven't really talked about
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- the "your house", part of it. So let's take a look at that.- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02'With a history that spans some 600 years, the buildings have been given grade two listing
0:11:02 > 0:11:06'and the antique charm that shines on the exterior continues to delight inside.'
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Come on in.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Look at this. - Do you like the period property?
0:11:14 > 0:11:18I like this, but I'm surprised quite how high the ceilings are. It has a nice feel to it.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Well, it continues through in here.
0:11:21 > 0:11:27You can see here the historical slopes and curves of the building.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- It's very light. - Yeah.- Surprisingly light.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34I thought when we went into that room everything was going to be pokey,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- but it's not.- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39I could sit here all day with a paper, it's lovely.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- It's very cosy, isn't it?- It is. - It has a nice warm feel to it which is essential in a house.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- Yeah.- And the two rooms have been joined to make a duo of sitting rooms.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53It's again very light, very airy.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Nice proportions.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59This one has French windows out into the garden and a real fire.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- That's a working fire, then, yeah? - Hmm.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06This is the living area, then we go into the kitchen quarters.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11Now, this is the slightly more unusual thing to show you.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It sort of works like an old country kitchen,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- where you had a scullery and then a kitchen.- Oh!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22So this is one bit of the kitchen and this is the other bit.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23It is slightly unusual.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27This is where you cook, that's where you prepare. That's the traditional way.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31For us, if it were just the two of us, this would work well,
0:12:31 > 0:12:37but I do envisage this much more as a house to let out,
0:12:37 > 0:12:41depending on what we would do with the barn conversions.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43That is quite revolutionary.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Usually when we show people property on Escape To The Country,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50they want a house to live in, but you're going to give up the best bits for the guests?
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- Yeah. And live in a shed? - Yes. But is it the best bits?
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- because it depends on what we'd do with the barn conversion.- True.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59But I think this house has bags of character.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05It has a lovely homely feel and ticks a lot of boxes for anybody coming on holiday.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07I'd love a place like this on holiday.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11So, immediately they're thinking with their heads, not their hearts.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16If they can bear to give up the chance of living here themselves, there's no doubt that this would
0:13:16 > 0:13:20make a luxurious rental proposition, but they don't have to make their minds up just yet
0:13:20 > 0:13:24as there's more to see up on the first floor, where there are three bedrooms.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- Well, is it quaint?- It's beautiful.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30I love the fireplace.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34It's the right response. All of the rooms are about this size.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- This is the master bedroom, because of the view over the garden. - It has. It's a beautiful view.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Must be be lovely to wake up and see that view.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45There's not very much storage in this room and if the other room
0:13:45 > 0:13:51is a similar size, that confirms to me that this might be a better holiday let than a house to live in.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57I'm liking this line of thinking, it's unorthodox, but you know, let's go with it.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01There are two further cosy twin bedrooms on this floor,
0:14:01 > 0:14:07which both feature the original exposed timber work and there's also a decent sized family bathroom.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12The whole farmhouse is ready for them to move straight in, if they wanted to,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16but they're not convinced so we need to find somewhere they can call home
0:14:16 > 0:14:19and I've earmarked one of the barns.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24So this is the west barn.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Interesting.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Now, all of the space has planning permission.
0:14:28 > 0:14:34They've already converted the other end into a little self-contained annexe.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- The cog wheels are whirring now. - Yeah.- I think you could live in here, let that one, do that one up.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Then you've got two to let and one to live in.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47I could really see this with the range and a nice, cosy armchair.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51The more you talk about it, the more convincing your argument sounds.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53But this would be perfect...
0:14:53 > 0:14:58This would make a really good family area that you'd use a lot.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02That's both guest and living quarters sorted.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06The buildings have definitely ticked the boxes for phase one and two,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09which just leaves phase three, the land.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14In total, there are three acres here, so I think it's high time we talked eco lodges.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17As it stands in south Shropshire,
0:15:17 > 0:15:24in order to build the eco lodge that you want, you'd have to apply for perhaps a change of use of the land.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30I was thinking you could do one long lodge, with three things...
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I'm sure you've already thought of a thousand different options.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36It's great.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38It's great.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40He's got a lot to say!
0:15:41 > 0:15:43What more can you say? I mean, you know.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- This is just the cherry on the cake. - Another box ticked.- Yeah.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48It's not 20 acres. That's all.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53It's not 20 acres. The thing that will make you think a lot is how much it costs.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- It is the price.- I would say, I think it's less than our budget.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02I would say 600 and something. 650.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I think it's more than that.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Do you?- I think it's more than that.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I think it's a nice house already.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11It's got the planning permission, it's got three acres.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14It's a nice location.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I'm going for 700.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Yeah, but how much would you have to spend doing the...? Anyway.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I'm not going to tell you. It's too exciting. A cliff hanger.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25The price is, split the difference...
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- 675.- 675, that's not bad!
0:16:27 > 0:16:33- If we do it in phases, the cashflow you generate from those will start funding this.- Absolutely.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- It would, yeah.- Have a little head scratch, although it sounds like you've decided already.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41I'll meet you out in the courtyard and we can press on.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- Great.- Thank you. I want to have a look at this barn.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Amazing. They've completely topsy turvied all my ideas about what they were going to do with the house.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Changed it all round, they're going to live here instead of the other place, but it works.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55I think they've got their heads screwed on completely the right way,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59because the way they see it would work just fine for them.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02What an incredible start.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07Richard and Anna gave us a tall order and I think our first property has come up trumps.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13For 675,000, this beautiful farmstead is brimming with character features.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Comprising of a stunning three bedroomed farmhouse and two brick and timber barns,
0:17:18 > 0:17:24both of which have full planning permission for conversion, and all that sits in three acres of land.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28That's not the acres upon acres that Richard initially specified,
0:17:28 > 0:17:35so will there be enough space for his eco-lodge aspirations, or will he have to scale back his plans?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37I think this could work really well.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40It's not quite as big as we imagined, but a great start.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45It may not have the land that Richard asked for in the beginning,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48but I don't think that's a bad thing.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52It's manageable here and it's just a great location.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm asking myself, what's the catch here?
0:17:54 > 0:17:59It is almost idyllic and too good to be true.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03The sweetest dog, unfortunately he doesn't come with the house, sadly.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- Had lots of thoughts?- Definitely.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Let's press on. Bye.
0:18:14 > 0:18:21Richard and Anna's dream of creating a sustainable sanctuary in rural Shropshire means they'll want to be
0:18:21 > 0:18:25within easy reach of some attractions to engage their guests.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30So they met up with Helen Cromarty to tour the town of Much Wenlock
0:18:30 > 0:18:37whose heritage is showcased through the medieval monastic ruins of the Wenlock Priory
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and the Regency and Georgian buildings in the town centre.
0:18:40 > 0:18:46But it's best known for its sporting prowess, having inspired the modern Olympic Games.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52The Wenlock Olympian Games were begun here in 1850 by William Penny Brookes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57He inspired Baron Pierre de Coubertin to begin the Olympic movement
0:18:57 > 0:19:01and the first Olympic Games, which were in 1896.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05As the local doctor, Brookes' vision was to exercise the minds and bodies
0:19:05 > 0:19:08of the poor townsfolk to keep them fit and well.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13More than 100 years later, the Wenlock Games are still an annual fixture
0:19:13 > 0:19:17that could provide a good source of income for our budding hoteliers.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22We get between 2,000 to 5,000 spectators and competitors,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24a good year is 5,000, you know,
0:19:24 > 0:19:31but that's the time when accommodation here, bed and breakfast, is at a prime.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33It's really a necessity.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- That's worth knowing, isn't it? - It is, yeah.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43A demand for lodgings is a priceless insider tip but before they cash in,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48Richard and Anna have come to the foot of the Shropshire hills near Ludlow
0:19:48 > 0:19:53to meet Kate Grubb at her eco holiday let to give them an idea of what's involved.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I built this six years ago, this is a simple timber frame.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01It's insulated with sheep's wool, lined with reeds
0:20:01 > 0:20:07and then lime plaster on the inside and clad with larch on the outside.
0:20:07 > 0:20:13Eco lets come in all shapes and sizes and can be constructed from a variety of materials
0:20:13 > 0:20:17which should be environmentally friendly and sourced locally where possible.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21The same goes for all the furnishings and utilities inside, but it's essential to understand
0:20:21 > 0:20:25the target market before committing to build.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31There's now enough scope and enough people interested in taking a holiday like this,
0:20:31 > 0:20:37that you can have a budget holiday, a luxury holiday, you can have all the way in-between.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42Brits spent an extra £7 million holidaying on home turf last year.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Tapping into the eco tourist trade in south Shropshire is a good choice of location
0:20:47 > 0:20:53as the county currently has a policy to support environmentally conscious developments like eco lets.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58But it's our challenge to find Richard and Anna the land to build them.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05We may have shown an extremely tempting proposition in the form of our first property,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07but there's plenty more to see.
0:21:07 > 0:21:14So we're heading west into the countryside that surrounds the small town of Bishop's Castle,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16just over a mile away from the Welsh border.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21With a few shops and places to eat and drink, the pretty agricultural scenery of Bishops's Castle
0:21:21 > 0:21:26may be just the ticket for visitors who value peace and quiet.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32A short drive out of the town into glorious unspoiled territory takes us to our second home.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36This place has definitely got the upper hand when it comes to terrain.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40It's approached by a very long private drive across its own land,
0:21:40 > 0:21:47which totals some nine acres of breathtaking landscape as far as the eye can see.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51So, you can see the house from the outside, it's a Welsh longhouse.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55It was built probably... Victorian, 1840s, I should think.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56I quite like the look of it.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Have you given us a bed and breakfast?
0:21:59 > 0:22:01It seems to have a lot of rooms.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Can Anna ever take her mind off work?
0:22:04 > 0:22:08This house actually doesn't operate as a B&B, the business side comes later.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11It started life as a farmer's cottage
0:22:11 > 0:22:14which has been modernised over time to create an attractive family home.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Come on in.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24We go straight into the kitchen.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Oh, this is nice.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31This is good. I like this.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35You have got a proper utility room and a very big pantry.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- A walk-in pantry?- A walk-in pantry. - Lovely.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- I like that.- Very good.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48What is also interesting is that there is planning permission, recently approved to extend...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50This isn't listed?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- It's not.- Great.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55An extension could be useful to add extra living areas,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59but as it stands, there's still plenty of reception space.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00Here's the sitting room.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Lovely, I like the French doors, looking out.- It's a nice room.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07I like the proportions.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It doesn't hit me...
0:23:09 > 0:23:12in the same way, I don't know about you?
0:23:12 > 0:23:18That first property we looked at, that was real external visual appeal.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21The way it was laid out around the courtyard.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26This is all in one dimension, it's one room deep.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31It's just a different layout.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34It continues through to the study.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Purpose-built book shelves. - I like this.- I like this.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43This is very good, actually. I like this space.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45I think there's going to be some competition for this space.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- That's the only problem. - You could take out this bookshelf
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and put a desk there so one person has a view down that side of the valley and the other...
0:23:53 > 0:23:54No, this is going to be my room.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Well, we could have a fight on our hands as to who gets the study!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01What's more, we've had no mention of guests yet.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06We'll continue to explore upstairs where there are four bedrooms.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10To one end lie two double rooms, a single and a family bathroom.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13At the other end is the largest bedroom,
0:24:13 > 0:24:18but will they be resting their heads here, or will it be for rental?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21We've got a very swanky master suite.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25A big en suite bathroom...
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- And the bedroom.- I like this.
0:24:27 > 0:24:34I like the way it's decorated. I like the way it was decorated downstairs and the way it's done up here.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I think we could give this to the guests.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Ah, you're already planning who you could give it away to.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43If this was a B&B, this would be your guest room because you've got the en suite.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46The guests have won again.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51It seems this beautiful house hasn't persuaded them to doff their business hats
0:24:51 > 0:24:58in favour of a more comfortable retirement, so we better get outside and size up those nine acres.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01There aren't any outbuildings here, but I want to talk about
0:25:01 > 0:25:04alternative opportunities the land could present.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10This is a different option from the first house which offered you phase one, two, three.
0:25:10 > 0:25:16- Here we have phase one - the house where you can live, with amazing views.- Absolutely.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- You could just stop there, if you like.- We could just stop there.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25- Tempting to pull up the drawbridge and forget phase two and phase three.- Not bother working at all!
0:25:25 > 0:25:29That's interesting you say that because that's phase one
0:25:29 > 0:25:34- and I'm suggesting you skip on to phase three - the eco lodges.- OK.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39- So you're missing out the bit that is hard work.- But what happened to the holiday annexe?
0:25:39 > 0:25:46- The reason you needed the holiday annexe was why?- To fund stage three. - To fund stage three.
0:25:46 > 0:25:52- Yes, that's true.- Bear that in mind and let's talk about the price of this.- Oh, that is interesting.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Amazing house, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- I'm guessing that this might be 675. - Same as the first house.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Yeah, because of its location. - What do you think?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I think the location is going to count for a lot.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09I think the land and the views will help.
0:26:09 > 0:26:15I would come in under and say around 650.
0:26:15 > 0:26:22Well, the reason why we've brought you to see this house is because this is on the market for £560,000.
0:26:22 > 0:26:28- Wow! That's very good. - Which means that you would walk away with 200,000 in your pocket...
0:26:28 > 0:26:35- To do the eco lodges.- To spring over the period between moving in, living here and having the eco lodges.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Yes, that's interesting.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41That's given our buyers serious food for thought.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46At £560,000, this property is so far under their budget,
0:26:46 > 0:26:52it would leave them with almost £200,000 to put towards developing their long-term enterprise.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57The house comes with four bedrooms - enough for a couple of B&B rooms,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01but there's also planning permission to extend, which could give them
0:27:01 > 0:27:05extra room alongside the large diner and study on the ground floor.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10Although there are no outbuildings, the property is set in nine acres of incredible countryside.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14That's plenty of room for eco lodges but will their ecological endeavour,
0:27:14 > 0:27:19in principle, match their natural instincts in practice?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22It's a fantastic site. It's absolutely stunning.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27I can't think of a better place if you want to be in the middle of the country than here.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32It's a beautiful location, but I think it would be a real shame to carve up the countryside
0:27:32 > 0:27:38and put something which we regard as being kind to the environment into its place.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I'm very up for it.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44I think you've got so much to gain in terms of this location.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I fear it may be a bridge too far for Anna.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51My angst is, if it's an eco lodge, it's not just the way it's built
0:27:51 > 0:27:55and how it's made, but where you site it.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58I don't want to do anything that would harm the landscape.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I hope I have given you lots to think about and not made you too disheartened?
0:28:01 > 0:28:03No, I'm not disheartened.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06I didn't think so. Let's go on.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16As the sun sets on what's been a very thought-provoking time in Shropshire,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20the first day of our house hunt draws to a close.
0:28:21 > 0:28:27With a budget of £750,000, Anna and Richard want to swap Berkhamsted's commuter belt,
0:28:27 > 0:28:31for a more sustainable lifestyle in Shropshire.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37Our tour so far has given them two fantastic properties with near clairvoyant precision.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43If I had an image in my mind of what I was expecting outside, this is pretty close to it.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48But coming up in the mystery house, who could have foreseen that Richard would be banished?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51You'll be living with the geese, dear.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Things are hotting up in this property search. We love that.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Anna's a bit more keen to move into something that's ready made,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05and ready to have some guests come and pay, and Richard,
0:29:05 > 0:29:09he's going after the dream to break into unspoiled beautiful landscape
0:29:09 > 0:29:11and build those eco lodges.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16So, for us, the question is, how do we get the beautiful, unspoiled landscape,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20but a bigger house for Anna for the same money?
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Well, ta-da - we cross the border.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32How do you feel about the location? We've been in south Shropshire,
0:29:32 > 0:29:34through all of this lovely countryside,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37are you wedded to that particular area or willing to look elsewhere?
0:29:37 > 0:29:42I wouldn't want to go too far west, for example, because of
0:29:42 > 0:29:46the accessibility for our daughters visiting, that kind of thing.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49When you say too far west, what do you mean?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Wales!
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Anna's fear is about to come true, as we are indeed, venturing
0:29:55 > 0:30:00even further west out of Shropshire, out of England and into Wales.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03The twist of our mystery house is the location,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06for it's in the rural wilds of Powys, four miles from Meifod.
0:30:06 > 0:30:13There are a few shops and amenities in the small village of Meifod, but the area is largely countrified,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17with rolling hills and sheep grazing. Although Anna might need some convincing,
0:30:17 > 0:30:22the location should satisfy Richard's craving for an escape to the great outdoors.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27Our mystery property actually meets a lot of their criteria,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30but it will certainly test their geographical boundaries
0:30:30 > 0:30:33and their commitment to a grand, ecological enterprise.
0:30:33 > 0:30:39So, bore da, as they say in these parts. We're in Wales!
0:30:41 > 0:30:42I think it's spectacular.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45It is beautiful, isn't it? Look at the sun again.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- It's just fabulous. - You're going to make Richard really happy and give him lots of land.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51We're hoping to make you both happy.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54That's what you're going to do! Then you'll make my life murder.
0:30:54 > 0:31:00No. No. This property, we believe, offers you a lot of what both of you want.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Clearly Anna's very apprehensive, but she should be pleased to know
0:31:03 > 0:31:07that we've really upped the space stakes with this house.
0:31:07 > 0:31:14Spread over an enormous 4,500 square feet, it's been developed around an original 200-year old stable block,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17sandwiched between two large modern extensions.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22Right, you get a vista of your empire,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24the eco empire. Look at that, though!
0:31:24 > 0:31:27That is what I call a garden pond.
0:31:27 > 0:31:34It certainly is. The island has a pair of nesting Canada geese. Anna, you're silent.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39I'm more drawn to the view of the hills behind than the pond itself.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44All of this land, none of it is protected, this is your woodland.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48This, I think, would be a perfect spot to build some of your eco lodges.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52You've got nine acres to play, you could put it anywhere, to be honest.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes please.- Let's do that.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Come in. We talked so much about the outside, let's look at the inside.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08I'll be honest, it's smaller than I expected. Is this the family room?
0:32:08 > 0:32:12This is the main family room the biggest room in the house.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Great for our guests when we're living in a caravan further down the site!
0:32:15 > 0:32:18You'll be living with the geese, dear!
0:32:18 > 0:32:21I'd say that was a somewhat lukewarm response.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25So, let's see if we can crank up the heat through the historic parts of the house.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29The former stable block now houses a bedroom that the owners use as their master.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Another large bright double bedroom.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36A family bathroom and a more intimate second sitting room.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Overall, an unconventional layout that could lend itself to a number of uses.
0:32:40 > 0:32:46I'm hoping that the extended wing at the other end will finally fuel their imagination.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49What do you think of this?
0:32:49 > 0:32:51I like this. This is the kitchen, then.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54It is the kitchen.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55It's a good size.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- It's a lovely size, actually. - I like it.
0:32:58 > 0:33:04It is very similar in having a family room to what we have at the moment.
0:33:04 > 0:33:10Unlike that wing, which is single storey, this wing goes down...
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Down?- ..into some more accommodation.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Oh!- Interesting.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19At last, was that a flicker of interest?
0:33:19 > 0:33:23It's clear they don't really care about the benefits of this place
0:33:23 > 0:33:25as a restful family home, so let's talk work.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32So, down here is an interesting business proposition.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35You've got three bedrooms
0:33:35 > 0:33:38and a bathroom. And they rent them out as B&Bs.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41One of the interesting things you could do is
0:33:41 > 0:33:45think about this complete end of the house as a letting unit
0:33:45 > 0:33:49and then the far end of the property becomes our end.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- So put in another kitchen at that end?- Yeah.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56It looks like it's business as usual.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58The guests have come first again.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01But I'm glad to see they're finally opening their minds as to how they
0:34:01 > 0:34:05could tailor this property to suit both of them and their business.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07So, time to get thinking about figures.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Down by the pond you can get a better view of the whole house.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13So, it's a big chunk of property,
0:34:13 > 0:34:19but also, I think a big chunk of potential land for your eco lodges.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- What do you think it's worth? - I would say this is just under £500,000.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27What do you think?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I think 450.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32450! Well, it is nine acres,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36it is about three times the size of the property yesterday.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39This is actually on at 625.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41625...!
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Wow, really?
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Well, have a wander around and I'll meet you up front.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- Great.- Thank you.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55Under budget again at £625,000.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59The mystery house is our biggest property and has a unique layout
0:34:59 > 0:35:02that houses five bedrooms, a huge drawing room
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and an impressive kitchen/family room.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09There are nine acres of land, including its own lake and woodland.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10In terms of their plan,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14this place could help them reach their ultimate goal sooner,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17but will they compromise on their preferred Shropshire location,
0:35:17 > 0:35:22to get the space for their eco lodges in the Welsh countryside?
0:35:22 > 0:35:26I think it lends itself more to the eco lodges here
0:35:26 > 0:35:29than where we were yesterday afternoon, don't you think?
0:35:29 > 0:35:35That view of the hillside, I can't get my eyes off it, it is absolutely beautiful.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40You've given us the opportunity to look at somewhere with much more of a blank canvass,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44where it's probably going to be easier to build the eco lodges and it's really good to see that.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49I can imagine the setting being really delightful when guests arrive,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52but the access to get here may be pretty poor.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55In a rental market, you would be looking much more
0:35:55 > 0:35:58at the fine weather rather than when the weather's bad.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03It wasn't the most enthusiastic response to a mystery house we've had on the show
0:36:03 > 0:36:07but it may have brought everything into focus, surely a good thing.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09OK, guys,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12time for some decision-making, but not here.
0:36:20 > 0:36:26During the week, I couldn't miss the opportunity to visit a farm on the Weald Moors near Newport,
0:36:26 > 0:36:31which is one of the first and one of the largest farms in Shropshire
0:36:31 > 0:36:35to take up the Government funded higher level stewardship-scheme.
0:36:35 > 0:36:42With biodiversity under threat, through the rise of modern and more intensive farming techniques,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44this scheme was originally designed in 1991
0:36:44 > 0:36:49and aims to support farmers financially, so they can operate
0:36:49 > 0:36:54in a more environmentally and sustainable way. I'm meeting up with the farm's owner, Georgina Dobson,
0:36:54 > 0:36:55to find out more.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58What's the benefit of the scheme?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It means that the environmental resources we've got on the farm
0:37:01 > 0:37:05aren't being depleted and hopefully they're getting enhanced.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Having things like hedgerows isn't really economically viable.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13It's a lot cheaper to go in and just put a post and rail fence in. If we're being driven
0:37:13 > 0:37:18solely by the economics of it, all of those things would have suffered and the wildlife would have suffered.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20While the scheme promotes biodiversity
0:37:20 > 0:37:25and aims to provide protection for native wildlife and their habitats, it hasn't meant that Georgina's farm
0:37:25 > 0:37:28has been turned into a nature reserve.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31This is a working farm set in over 400 acres of land
0:37:31 > 0:37:36which has been in her family for some 40 years and now specialises
0:37:36 > 0:37:38in hardy heritage breeds.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44So, these are the red poll cows and calves, these calves are probably a couple of months old.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46So they're a traditional breed.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49What's distinctive about them? They're reddish.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54Well, they're a dual purpose cattle, so you can either milk them or have them as beef.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58So, even though there is a market for these heritage breeds,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00that's not the reason why you introduced them, is it?
0:38:00 > 0:38:08Continental breeds of cattle would require a more nutritious forage than the grass that we're growing here,
0:38:08 > 0:38:14so these traditional breeds can actually thrive on the poorer quality grass that we're growing.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18So, in many ways, the land determines what you do with it rather than the other way around?
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Yes. Exactly! We've looked at the environmental assets
0:38:21 > 0:38:26that we've got and tried to build on that.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It's not just about working the assets, it's also about enjoying them.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Through the development of a network of footpaths and bridleways,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36there's public access to the varied natural environment.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39It includes wild flower meadows and wetlands.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41On a personal level I know that
0:38:41 > 0:38:48your mum and dad had the farm and they went into the stewardship programme.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Would you have taken on the farm before then?
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I think going into the scheme has definitely made me more interested in it.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00It's certainly an area I would like to see, develop and carry on with.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04I've got a young daughter, I want to make sure that she can enjoy it too.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10It is something we can pass on to future generations, hopefully in a better state than we got it in.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Well, it looks like this part of Shropshire is in safe hands,
0:39:13 > 0:39:17but what does the future hold for our other eco warriors?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Richard and Anna set us a real challenge with the eco lodge projects.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28It's been interesting to see how the eco lodges have faded in and out of focus
0:39:28 > 0:39:30with each house that we've shown them.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35Now it's time to find out which of those houses you liked the best.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44- Here you are, guys. So, a busy couple of days?- Yep.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49Talking about the first house, which was the lovely farmhouse.
0:39:49 > 0:39:57- Tell me about that?- That house which looks so good in that location, you know, scored a lot of points.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59We've been away and thought about it.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03There are lots of ways you could make that work both as a home and a business.
0:40:03 > 0:40:09Despite the amount of land that it had, it would have been even nicer if it had more land
0:40:09 > 0:40:15but sometimes that's the compromise you have to make when you're getting a lot of other things that you want.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Let's talk about the second house, what it offered in terms of the house and the land.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21What do you think about it now?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I don't think that all nine acres of that land were usable.
0:40:24 > 0:40:30You could put eco lodges on either side of the valley, but in many ways that's not what we wanted to do.
0:40:30 > 0:40:37We set out with the idea that people who come in to eco lodges don't want to be on top of each other.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I think the location was almost too beautiful in the sense that
0:40:40 > 0:40:46I felt really quite strongly you could have spoiled the landscape by having eco lodges there.
0:40:46 > 0:40:52Now, the mystery house did not set you afire, but I was wondering if it made you think about certain things,
0:40:52 > 0:40:58the issue of the eco lodges, the location, whether those things had crystalised in your mind.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03The house itself was big, it was rambling.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09You could have used it in different ways, but it didn't grab us enough to even want to try.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Overall, the eco lodges, how do you feel about them generally, in the long view?
0:41:13 > 0:41:18We learned that it's not as simple coming down to a site and shoving something on the ground.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21You have to work with the site that you are on.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I don't really need to ask, but which of the houses did you like
0:41:24 > 0:41:27the best and what's going to happen next?
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- Well, we received an offer on our house at home today.- Really?
0:41:31 > 0:41:38We haven't accepted it yet. It may be that this catalytic week is even more shattering than we expected.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40So, that's a possibility.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44I think it's safe to say... You explain what I'm going to do next.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48We're going to go for a second viewing, funnily enough at the farmhouse.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49- No way!- I know.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53If they accept the offer, or if YOU accept the offer,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- would you put in an offer on the farmhouse?- We'd like to see the conversion plans.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01We'd like to talk to the vendors about the history of the house.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Why they haven't done that sort of thing themselves, but I think if
0:42:05 > 0:42:10we didn't unearth real problems, I feel very tempted to put an offer in.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11- Yes.- Wow, that's fantastic.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Well, you've been great fun and very inventive -
0:42:14 > 0:42:20with the first house, you totally turned our ideas of what the use of that house was on its head,
0:42:20 > 0:42:24and came up with a whole new set of uses for different rooms and different houses.
0:42:24 > 0:42:29- So, good luck!- Thank you. - Good luck. I hope that they pay up and buy your house.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Well, that's a turn up for the books.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40Richard and Anna gave us the brief that they wanted lots and lots of land
0:42:40 > 0:42:45to build modern and innovative buildings and, in the end, they went for the property
0:42:45 > 0:42:48that had the smallest parcel of the land and was full of old antique barns.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53But that's part of the magic of Escape To The Country, so make sure you join us for more next time.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I'm delighted to report that, after a second viewing,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Richard and Anna made an offer on the farmhouse, which was accepted.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05So we wish them all the best with their new life in Shropshire.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08If you'd like to Escape To The Country in Scotland,
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Wales, Northern Ireland or England and would like our help,
0:43:11 > 0:43:13please apply online at:
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