0:00:02 > 0:00:06This spot, and this charming thatched cottage, or at least an earlier version of it,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08were once the home of the oldest Englishman that ever lived.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10He was born in 1483
0:00:10 > 0:00:14and reached the ripe old age of 152, as the story goes,
0:00:14 > 0:00:19but the waters of which county were the secret elixir of his life?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Find out in just a minute.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37In today's show, we'll be helping a couple
0:00:37 > 0:00:39make their momentous move to the country.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42And it looks like it's going to be quite a challenge.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45No fireplace. I like fireplaces in a bedroom.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- Fussy. Is she always this fussy? - Always.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50But then we seem to hit the mark.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52My spirits were sinking,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56only, as we came in the front door, for them to rise again completely.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I'm in Shropshire, and this was the home of Thomas Parr,or 'Old Tom' as he was unsurprisingly known.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07And he had an eventful life -
0:01:07 > 0:01:09getting married for the very first time, aged 80,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and outliving ten British monarchs.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14In fact, it was a trip down to London to visit Charles I
0:01:14 > 0:01:16that finished Old Tom off.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18He succumbed to the filthy air of the capital,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21and lies there still buried in Westminster Abbey.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25But before he died, the king did get to ask him what the secret of his longevity was.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29And he said, "Moral temperance and diet, Your Majesty."
0:01:29 > 0:01:34Though I do think the sweet air of Shropshire had something to do with it too.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Spanning over 1,300 square miles and flanking the Welsh border,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Shropshire is the largest of Britain's landlocked counties.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Its breathtaking scenery includes high points such as the Wrekin,from which Tolkien drew inspirationfor his vision of Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings books.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Shropshire's agricultural heritage defines the landscape,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57including the Shropshire hills -
0:01:57 > 0:01:59an area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02In fact, four-fifths of the county is given over to farmland,
0:02:02 > 0:02:07which supplies the markets of local towns, such as Ludlow.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10While Georgian townhouses and Elizabethan timber-frame buildings
0:02:10 > 0:02:13are a running theme throughout its towns,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18the more rural areas serve up former farm properties and barn conversions,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20so househunters are really spoilt for choice.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25You eager property hounds out there will know or remember
0:02:25 > 0:02:28that the north of Shropshire is better value than the south,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and that's partly because the south is more rural and more beautiful
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and there aren't so many properties to go around.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36However, across the country as a whole in the UK,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Shropshire is still a good deal -
0:02:38 > 0:02:42a detached house here costs £9,000 less than the national average,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44which means if you're coming from an expensive county
0:02:46 > 0:02:48like Dorset or Hampshire,then you can get a lot for your money,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50even in the south where prices are high.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52So let's take a look at what you can buy.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Priced at £1.25 million
0:02:55 > 0:02:59and set in the midst of the glorious south Shropshire countryside
0:03:01 > 0:03:05is this seven-bedroom house in Caynham.Along with a raft of light, airy reception rooms,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08its kitchen still radiates that hearth of the home feel,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11with the spoils of 1.5 acres outside.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18This sprawling six-bedroom farmhouse in Undertoncould be yours for £750,000.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Ditching rustic style in favour
0:03:20 > 0:03:24of sleek modern living spaces and a contemporary kitchen.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And the outbuilding provides a perfect retreat
0:03:27 > 0:03:30from which to enjoy one acre of garden.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33On the market for £395,000,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38this two-bedroom 19th-century cottage in Bucknelloffers up character charm
0:03:38 > 0:03:41with a modern twist in the sitting room and kitchen.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45And it's generously set in over three-quarters of an acre of garden.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49You see, there's enough beautiful property in Shropshire to float anybody's boat,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51which is appropriate for this week's couple.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Bob and Jo have been soaking up a boating lifestyle
0:04:01 > 0:04:05in their two-bedroom marina development home in Portsmouth.But now they want to cast off from the shores of the Solentand head northwards, back towards Jo's roots.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08They want this change of tact to transform their lifestyle.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11One of the reasons we want to move to the country
0:04:11 > 0:04:14is really to get back to - when I say 'back to basics' -
0:04:14 > 0:04:16things like, you know,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19as a lot of people do who want to move to the country,
0:04:19 > 0:04:20raise some chickens,
0:04:20 > 0:04:25Bob's very interested in saving the planet by looking after bees.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27(LAUGHS)
0:04:27 > 0:04:30However, having said all that,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34it's really to get the peace and quiet and the community
0:04:34 > 0:04:36that we don't really have here.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39We have a great community for having fun
0:04:39 > 0:04:42and barbecues and boating,
0:04:42 > 0:04:47but we don't actually have the community of village life, if you like.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55And I'm keen, as well as trying to get into beekeeping,to grow some vegetables and some fruit.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00And I'm not particularly focused on being self-sufficient,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04but just doing the things that country people do.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12They're looking to put down roots some 10 to 15 miles from Ludlow,which could be a challenge, given Bob's desire for land.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Ideally for me, we'd have two or three acres.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17And what about the property?
0:05:17 > 0:05:21We're looking for a four-bedroom house, ideally,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26in a...edge of village or in-sight-of-village location,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28with three reception rooms.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32All the rooms to be of a reasonable size.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36But also because we would like a hobby room.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Either one each or between us.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42It would be ideal to find somewhere that did need a little bit of work,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45because then you're not inheriting everybody else's taste and style,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49we're able to put our own mark on it, if you like.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52And there are other factors to consider.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Well, we hope, in our new home, to have a large kitchen,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00because I've really recently got into Thai cookery,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02following a series of evening classes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06If the house we find doesn't have the right kitchen for me,
0:06:06 > 0:06:11then I'm quite happy to put a new kitchen in, rather like I did on this one.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16One of the favourite rooms in our present property is the lounge.
0:06:16 > 0:06:23Here I often read and I'm writing my memoirs at the moment for my children.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And in our new property,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28it will be lovely to have a large lounge with an open fire
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and perhaps some nice views
0:06:30 > 0:06:35to help with some inspiration and to just help me to relax.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39In an ideal world, we'd prefer a character property.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42If we saw a brand-new house
0:06:42 > 0:06:46that had all the requirements as the number of rooms and all the rest of it,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48in the right location,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50we'd compromise and say, "We'll accept new."
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Bearing in mind their home is already on the market for £400,000,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59how much do they have to spend on their country property?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Our budget for this new house will be £600,000.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Full steam ahead for Bob and Jo as they come from the south coast
0:07:09 > 0:07:11to the pastoral perfection that is Shropshire.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15And I'm not at all worried about the four-bedroom character property,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18because I know Shropshire and I know the lovely housing stock here.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20But what slightly makes me anxious
0:07:20 > 0:07:25is Bob's insistence on two to three acres just outside Ludlow,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27which could put some pressure on their £600,000 budget.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29But I live in property hope.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Bob and Jo are keen to settle in the Ludlow area
0:07:34 > 0:07:36so we're basing our house search
0:07:39 > 0:07:41between there and Church Stretton just to the north.I'll be showing them three fantastic properties
0:07:41 > 0:07:43which will hopefully hit the mark,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47but I won't be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And our mystery house will force them to go beyond their limit.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Welcome to Ludlow - market day. - Thank you very much.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- This is where you want to live, and I can understand why. - We do indeed.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03How's the whole process going? Cos your house is on the market.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05We have just sold, subject to contract.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Oh, congratulations. - So we're very excited.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10And in terms of your budget up here, that hasn't changed?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Still 600? - No, we're still up to £600,000. Yes.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16You know, it's a good, healthy budget for Shropshire. It's a lot of money.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18But obviously you're squeezing it a little bit
0:08:18 > 0:08:21by wanting to be close to Ludlow, as opposed to other parts.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- And also because you want land. - We do. Yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26It's a lovely day, it's a lovely county,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28there's lovely properties out there.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Shall we go and see some? - Wonderful. Thank you. - Yes, please.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Armed with a £600,000 budget,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Bob and Jo are looking for a detached character property,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41which ideally would give them three reception rooms,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43a kitchen/diner, four bedrooms,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45at least a couple of acres
0:08:45 > 0:08:47for Bob to get stuck into growing his own produce,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50and located close to a village community
0:08:50 > 0:08:53within easy reach of their beloved Ludlow.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Time to get to grips with the kind of land Bob's after.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Very often, people come into the country demanding two acres,
0:09:01 > 0:09:06and then when they see two acres, they're like, "I'll never be able to look after that."
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We hope most of the land that goes with the property
0:09:09 > 0:09:13will be perhaps paddock land or pasture land or even woodland.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Well, let's see if we can square that with the location they want.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20We're kicking off our property search
0:09:22 > 0:09:25in the village of Ashford Carbinel,with the spoils of Ludlow just four miles away.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29Lining its country lanes are those characteristic black-and-white timbered buildings,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31including the village hall.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34And there's a community bowling green.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Among the eye-catching properties is this one on the edge of the village.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41This is our first property.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- OK. Oh! - Oh.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Right. Yeah. - This looks nice. Very nice.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Looks to have some history to it, I think.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It's a barn conversion. Who knows how old the original barn was.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53But it was actually converted in the 1970s.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- OK. - Right.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58And that's this part here. These were stable blocks.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59- But they converted it. - They converted it.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Those more recently, actually, in the sort of 2006, 2007.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Oh, right. OK.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- So it's quite up to scratch. - Yeah.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Looks great now. - Excellent.- Well, first impressions are very positive.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14And they'll find plenty of that character when they see inside.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- In you come. - Thank you.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20This would've been where the tractors came through. Now it is the entrance hall.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- This is nice. - This is very nice, very welcoming.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29And I like the way that the staircase goes up and round both sides. That's very attractive.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- It's a very oldy worldy kind of feel.- Character property it may be,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36but the rooms measure up to modern living.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40All right.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Oh, this is nice. This is a beautiful country kitchen.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- And the range. - Beautiful.- And then this very nice kind of boot room, utility room outside
0:10:50 > 0:10:53with a freezer and lots more storage.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56The thing I was thinking is that it's actually all finished, though.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- You were kind of wanting a project... - Well...
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Yes. I mean, I do get easily bored.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05So having a project is fairly important.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07But there's always something.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12Quite right, Jo. And I've got an idea for keeping Bob busy later on.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Down a few steps here to this sunken floor.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- This is nice. - This is the sitting room.
0:11:19 > 0:11:26The only danger is it might be dark because of the small windows.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- And also only windows on one side because it's a stable conversion.That may change as the sun shines - or the direction of the sun.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36But I like the room. I do.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40I think, as Jo says, it's dark, but I like it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45I guess, this is, if you like, the oldest part of the barn complex.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Right. Yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50What we've got next is a suite of rooms that form the stables.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- OK. - Ah. OK. After you.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55The owners may have spared the horses,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58but not the quality of the finish in here.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Another room.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Right. So two lounges in the house. - This is a nice room too. Good size.And again, it looks like - the original beams in here,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10which is nice.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Lots of character. I like it, yeah. - Again, a little bit dark, I think.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21'Well, maybe Jo will see the light she's looking for in the next room.' This was a great addition to the property.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24They converted it from the stables only about three or four years ago.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- And you can tell it's much lighter, much brighter. - Yes, it is.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30I'm not sure what you'd use this bit for,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32but I'm sure we'd find something.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34This would be a good hobbies room.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Yes, it would, because of the light. That's true.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Next door would make a great reading room for Jo,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43where she can curl up in front of the wood burner.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Guests could be happily tucked away at the end of the stable wing in this double room,
0:12:47 > 0:12:52one of six in total, and served by its own self-contained shower room.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57The downstairs of our barn conversion certainly gives the character feel they're after
0:12:57 > 0:12:59and an array of adaptable living spaces.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Going up, one side of the staircase leads to a cute double
0:13:03 > 0:13:05with exposed beams.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12But next door is where Bob could put his project hat on.This is the master.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Gosh, this is big, isn't it? - Oh, wow. Yes.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Just the perfect size for a bedroom.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23No fireplace. I like fireplaces in a bedroom.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Fussy! Is she always this fussy? - Always.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- SHE CHUCKLES But it really is nice.- It's a barn!
0:13:27 > 0:13:30What would a fireplace in the top a barn do?
0:13:30 > 0:13:36- Catch it on fire. - This is very nice. Plenty of space. - Yes, it is.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37The only thing that was I thinking,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41because there's a little box room and then the shower room here,
0:13:41 > 0:13:46there might be a way...I mean, I would probably think of turning that box room into an ensuite.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- That would be good. - Cos actually the bathtub is at the other end of the house.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- There's only a shower here.- Yeah. - So you could break through here and go in.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Possibly. It's on the other side. - Yes. Yeah, you could.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- A project.- That's your project. - Yes. Sorted.- There you go. You see?
0:14:01 > 0:14:05The other staircase leads up to two very generous doubles,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09again, with those exposed beams and the family bathroom.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12There's no doubt that inside, this property delivers on space,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16with lots of scope for them to make their own mark.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21But I guess the real test lies on the amount of land outside for Bob.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26Got a wonderful walnut tree here. Little mini orchard, four apple trees and a plum tree.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31And some raised beds there as a sort of fenced-off little vegetable...
0:14:31 > 0:14:36They used to keep chickens here, but they cleared them out for the sale. That's the end of your property.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39OK. So that belongs to the farmer.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- That belongs to the farmer, and he's not interested in selling at the moment.- Right. OK.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- It is smaller than we were hoping for, isn't it?- Yes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52We'd rather have probably less bedrooms and bigger outdoor area,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54to be honest.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- But it ticks lots of boxes. - Ticks lots of boxes.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- So what do you think it's worth? - 595?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I would like to be a little more optimistic,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and I'm going to suggest 550.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11- Right. If you split the difference, it's on at 585, so you're much closer.- Oh, OK.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- So that's something to consider as you walk around.- Yes.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Think about the money, the land, the rooms
0:15:19 > 0:15:20and, you know, what can give.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Yep.- OK. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Under budget at £585,000,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30our character barn conversion gives them spacious reception rooms,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34a lovely large kitchen/diner, six potential bedrooms
0:15:34 > 0:15:36and nearly half an acre of garden
0:15:36 > 0:15:39with established fruit trees and vegetable beds.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Granted it may not have the couple of acres they were looking for,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45but it's in their perfect location -
0:15:45 > 0:15:47on the edge of a village,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- just four miles from Ludlow.- I like the location of the house very much.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54The house is very attractive.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Lots of character. And there's a lot to like about this house.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Well, this is a nice room. - It's just to die for, this kitchen.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06It's probably the best room in the house. It's wonderful.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08It's got everything you could ever want in a kitchen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- You could live in here. - You could. It's absolutely great.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- I don't think the garden's big enough for what we want.- No.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19I mean, they've got a nice little vegetable patch
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and we know they used to keep chickens - there's room for that -
0:16:22 > 0:16:26but there's limited opportunity that you can do with this land.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I'd rather have had less room inside and more room outside.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- You see, Bob, this is a project. - JO AND BOB LAUGH
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- Someone spent a really happy summer doing this. - Yes, yes. It's lovely, I must admit.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Well done, ah. OK. So hold your thoughts.- OK.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Cos the day continues, and we can kind of discuss everything at the end of the day.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Great. OK.- Let's move on. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Despite Thomas Telford's iron bridge being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution,Shropshire remains one of the most rural counties in the UK,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11with over 7,000 farms strewn through its countryside.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Historically, these rural communities
0:17:19 > 0:17:21have been served by the commercial hubs of market towns, such as Ludlow and Much Wenlock.But a strong local identity
0:17:21 > 0:17:24also exists in smaller, less well-known places,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29such as Wem, hidden away in the north of the county,where earlier in the week,
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Bob and Jo were taken on a tour by its mayor, Mandy Meakin.It may only have 5,000 residents, but civic pride is alive and well,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40despite having gone up in flames over the centuries.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50The Great Fire of Wem decimated the town in 1677when a local maid, named Jane Churm, just 14 years old,fell asleep, leaving her candle burning.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Then, in 1995, the Town Hall went up in smoke,leaving only its Victorian facade
0:17:57 > 0:18:00and a haunting reminder of its distant past.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04When the fire started on a Sunday afternoon, people of Wem came out to watch,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and a local photographer brought his camera along
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and he took a photograph
0:18:10 > 0:18:14of the whole of the front of the Town Hall burning.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16And on the photograph,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20you can plainly see a maid standing on the stairs,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22looking through the flames.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26And, of course, everybody said, "It's the ghost of Jane Churm."
0:18:26 > 0:18:30The photo's authenticity has since sparked much debate,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33but despite experiencing such devastation,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Wem has also sewn the seeds of creation.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43The sweet pea, originally an Italian climber,was rarely seen in British gardens until the late Victorian era,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50when Wem resident Henry Eckford developed and crossbred varietiesthat brought about a floral revolution.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58Today, the town's annual sweet pea showattracts thousands of visitors keen to check out the 80 exhibitors and their blossoms,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05including those of local resident Neil Cooper,who knows a thing or two about the town's sweet-pea-growing tradition.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09These are the original varieties -
0:19:13 > 0:19:18the old-fashioned, or floribunda, as they're called, as well.And they were the ones mainly developed by Henry Eckford
0:19:18 > 0:19:23who came to live in Wem in 1888
0:19:26 > 0:19:31and started up, first of all, as a seedmanand then started growing and developing the sweet peas.
0:19:31 > 0:19:38He also sold not only the seeds, but also he made perfume and talc.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47The new varieties are from the Spencers,which is the ones here, which are the much larger flowers
0:19:47 > 0:19:53that came originally from the old-fashioned varieties.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57It's heartening that seemingly humble market towns like Wem
0:19:57 > 0:19:59still hold on to their unique history,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03even in the face of their more famous and more glamorous neighbours.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Our second property takes us to the tiny village of Steventon,which has no amenities, but it's just a mile's walk from Ludlow,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19with its high streets strewn with independent shops.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Ludlow Castle overlooks the River Teme,which actually meanders past the garden of our second property
0:20:25 > 0:20:28which was built in the 1960s.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Now, this is a completely different proposition.- I can see.- Yeah.
0:20:32 > 0:20:39You were talking about compromising house for land and views and space.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Yes. - Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Now, what are your first thoughts?
0:20:43 > 0:20:46From here, without seeing it any further,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49it's looking a bit like a bungalow.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- 'Tis a bungalow. - Is it a bungalow? - Mm-hm.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57Mmm. Often, for bungalows, I read "old people".
0:20:57 > 0:20:59SHE CHUCKLES Maybe not. Maybe not.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02But it'll be interesting. Don't judge a book by the cover.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Have no fear, Jo.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05I think you'll light up
0:21:05 > 0:21:08when you see what this generous bungalow has to offer inside.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Come on in. - Thank you.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16We'll go straight into the heart of the house,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18which is this wonderful room.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Oh, gosh. This is amazing. - Wow.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- SHE GASPS It really is.- It is.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- It is completely not what I expected. I...- No. Or me.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30I just...can't believe it. It's so different.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32What is it that jumps out at you?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Well, I mean, it's so light and bright and airy and... I don't know.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40To be honest, the outside of the property is not that attractive,
0:21:40 > 0:21:44and so, you know, my spirits were sinking,
0:21:44 > 0:21:49only, as we came in the front door, for them to rise again completely.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54So it's wonderful. And...like, the whole of Shropshire out of the window.
0:21:54 > 0:22:00- Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. - Let's actually step out onto this rather fabulous balcony.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Take in this amazing view.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Goodness me.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08That is a fantastic view.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Beautiful. Gosh. - This is the River Teme.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- You own to the mid-stream. - It really is beautiful. - No sound as the sound of a river.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Yes, that is the only sound, isn't it? The water.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- And the kerchink... of a bottle of wine opening. - JO AND BOB LAUGH
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Don't. - I like it. I like it. - A gin and tonic.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- So shall we look around more of the house? - Mmm, please. Thank you.- Yes.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'We've taken their breath away with the awesome location and views,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35'so hopefully the kitchen will measure up.'
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- Here we are in the kitchen. - Oh, a good size.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Good size, yes. - Yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- And a dining kitchen as well. - And nicely fitted.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Yeah. Beautiful. - Yes, this is lovely.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- This is an incredible kitchen, with the views. They're amazing. - Yeah.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Washing the dishes and looking out at that.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59- I love this, cos this is west-facing so you get the sun going down. Watch the sunset.- Yes.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Of course, in a bungalow -
0:23:04 > 0:23:08or, as we like to call it these days, 'monoplanal living' -there is all the bedrooms on one level.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Are you cool with that?
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Yeah. I'm not that concerned about having to go upstairs to bed.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It's very modern. All the young kids are doing it.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- It's not an "old person" thing at all. Really. - THEY ALL LAUGH
0:23:20 > 0:23:24But, let's go and see your bedroom cos it's pretty spectacular.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28'They seem pretty smitten so far, so let's see if they agree with me.'
0:23:31 > 0:23:34This is...well, this is the master.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- This is nice. Again, a good size. - Good size room.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- I like the cupboards too.- Yeah. - Very nicely done.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44This has been done up by the previous...the owners of the moment,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46and they have spent quite a bit of money.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49They also did this for you...
0:23:52 > 0:23:53..which I think you'll agree...
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Oh, this is nice. - ..quite an asset.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59HE GASPS Excellent bathroom, yes, for an ensuite. That's superb.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Look at that shower. - Yeah.- A big walk-in shower.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- It's a full bathroom, isn't it? - Yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Oh, yes. You can't fault it. It's lovely.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11'Light and space is a running theme in the second double room,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13'with its own modern ensuite.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18'And further down the hallway, a third huge double room currently serving as a second sitting room,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21'but also benefiting from a tasteful ensuite.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25'The TARDIS-like qualities of this bungalow'continue on the lower ground floor,
0:24:25 > 0:24:30'with an enormous utility room and a conservatory used as a study.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37'This property gives Bob plenty of scope to dabble in a bit of DIY,'but will the land outside sell it to him?'
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Let's come down onto the bottom lawn.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Get a better idea of what you're possibly buying into.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- It's set in two acres of land. - OK.- Oh, really?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53It may not be the land you were envisaging,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55but it is two acres of land.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Runs along the Teme, as I mentioned.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00You've got land rights until the middle of the river.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- But sadly, no fishing rights. - Right.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08And then a great swathe of the woodland -
0:25:08 > 0:25:10right, pretty much, back up to the road - is yours.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- So a lot of it's quite steep. - Yes.- Yes. Yes.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16In terms of price, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Again, cos I always like to think that I might be lucky,
0:25:20 > 0:25:25I'm going to say 530.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29I would say 550.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- It's on at 575. - OK.- Oh, right.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34So why don't you have a wander around?
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Particularly around the woodland. - Yes.- Yes.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- We'll talk further when you've done that. - OK.- Wonderful.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Under budget at £575,000,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49this deceptively large bungalow with cracking views
0:25:49 > 0:25:52answers so many of the demands on their wish list
0:25:52 > 0:25:57including an enormous lounge flowing through to the large kitchen/diner,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00three double bedrooms, all with ensuites,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02and two acres of land,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04all wrapped up in a fabulous location
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- just a mile's riverside stroll from Ludlow.- I was absolutely amazed.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13It really was very special, and almost took my breath away.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Absolutely fabulous. It really was.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18When we came into the house -
0:26:18 > 0:26:23in the huge open spaces, beautiful kitchen, big bedrooms -
0:26:23 > 0:26:26it grew on me more and more, especially when the sun shines.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29And then you look out of the lounge window and the kitchen window
0:26:29 > 0:26:31and the views are to die for.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34It is fantastically quiet here.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- It's a very quiet spot. - BOTH: Very quiet.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Just the sound of the rippling water.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- I'm gonna take you away to discuss everything. - BOTH: OK.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55As the sun sets over the Shropshire countryside,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:01 > 0:27:02BIRD SQUAWKS
0:27:02 > 0:27:06With their £600,000 budget,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Bob and Jo are poised to swap marina living on the Solentfor the rural delights of Shropshire.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14So far it's been difficult to find property
0:27:14 > 0:27:17with the right kind of land close to Ludlow.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21But coming up, the mystery house lures them further afield...
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Oh, amazing! - Ha-ha. My gosh!
0:27:23 > 0:27:27..and Shropshire's dizzying heights send me into a spin.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28HE GIGGLES
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Oh, Mr Roger, I'm going to faint. Where are my salts?I was thinking this morning on our second day of househunting
0:27:36 > 0:27:40how strange it is that Bob and Jo are so fixated on Ludlow.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44I mean, it's not strange cos obviously Ludlow is a beautiful place,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47but there are lots of other beautiful spots in this area.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50And if they want that land, and it seems that they really do,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52then they'd get a lot more from their money
0:27:52 > 0:27:55if they crossed the border into Wales.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59So I'm taking you to the mystery house.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02What do you think we've got in store for you?
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Well, I'm hoping that, um...
0:28:04 > 0:28:08..you haven't picked up too much on my likeness for a project
0:28:08 > 0:28:11and that the property will actually have a roof on it.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14You think I'm gonna take you to a pile of bricks and say, "Build it!"
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I'm slightly concerned about that.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18We wouldn't do that, Bob.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19But for our mystery house,
0:28:22 > 0:28:23we are taking them out of their comfort zoneand over the Powys border,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25where your average detached property
0:28:25 > 0:28:28is around £50,000 less than in Shropshire.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The hamlet of Old Church Stoke is a 35-minute drive from Ludlow,and Montgomery is just 15 minutes away,with handsome Georgian buildings surrounding its town square.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Perched on high are the remains of its Norman castle -
0:28:46 > 0:28:49a perfect vantage point for taking in the panoramic views towards Offa's Dyke.Set in glorious open countryside,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53our mystery property started life as a 19th-century farmer's cottage,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56much extended and modernised within the last 20 years.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00So let's see if the Powys air agrees with them.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Gosh. What a fabulous setting.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07- Absolutely glorious. Glorious. - Beautiful place.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10So can you see why we might have brought you here?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Yes. Oh, yes. Definitely.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15In terms of what you were lacking in the last two properties.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- What were you lacking in the last two properties? - Land.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23Land. And this property, handsome as it is, has land.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24- Wonderful. - Excellent.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- How much land do you think it has? - A couple of acres, maybe?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31A couple of acres? It has a couple of acres.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33The house is sitting on two acres of land...
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Mm-hm.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38..and that field too.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Oh, gosh. - Those five acres are also yours.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Goodness. - Excellent.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Right up to the hedge at the back. - Excellent.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51- It's about 6.5 acres in total. - The first impressions outside are good. Very good.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Before we go inside, I just wanted to show you one more thing. - Thank you.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00This was the thing that really sold this property to me.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Oh, amazing. - Oh, my gosh.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- That's not yours, by the way, but... - What a fabulous view!
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- That's well hidden over there. - Isn't it!- Oh, gosh.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15This is called Todleth Hill. It's quite a famous hill around here.There's these very beautiful, quite steep hills.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17So you're really nestled in this valley,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20and I think that's what makes it quite magical.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Yes. Absolutely. - That's glorious.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24And the spoils outside don't end there.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27You know what, in for a penny, in for a pound,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I might as well show you everything outside because we're here.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32This is your back garden.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34JO LAUGHS
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Ash forest - goes down to a little brook right at the bottom here.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Enough distraction. Let's actually look at the house. In this way.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Here's the kitchen.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- Ooh. - Ooh.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- That's a big kitchen. - Ooh.- Gosh.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Oh, yes. - Oh.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- Never seen a kitchen as big. - Fantastic.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- It's a biggie, isn't it? - A range.- Yeah.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01This is a brand-new extension
0:31:01 > 0:31:04that they put on the side of quite an old cottage.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07So I want you to put your 'project' hat on...
0:31:07 > 0:31:08- Right. - Oh, dear.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10..when you look at the other cottage.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13The cottage is great, but the proportions are different.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15There is no other room as big as this.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- This is enormous. - There are smaller rooms and a few smaller rooms still.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Next to the kitchen is a handy utility room,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25but we'll start exploring the other living areas.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- Yep. This is the lounge/sitting room. - Sitting room. Yeah.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- Oh, and an open fire. - Lovely open fire.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34This was actually the mid-extension,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36so this was done sort of about 10 years ago.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- Right. - And it was...
0:31:39 > 0:31:41This was the outside wall of the original cottage.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Needs some, um... - Little bit of TLC.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Yeah. So this is what I mean about your project hat.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52This is where you need to put on your hard hat and think about what could be changed...
0:31:52 > 0:31:55But the basics are there, and there's good... It's bright.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Yeah, there's a lot of natural light coming in.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- And that's a good thing. - I like this room.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02Right.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05This is where you really have to put your project hat on,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08cos this used to be the kitchen of the two-up, two-down.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Here's the hallway, and that was the front room.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- So it was tiny. - Tiny, tiny cottage.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14And dark too.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Well, you've got the little front porch there,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20and the tiny little office - you think that's tiny -
0:32:20 > 0:32:22a tiny little office there.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Gosh.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27This is where you really have to scratch your head and think.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- Of what you could do. - This snug is actually quite light and bright, but it's just small.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- Yeah. This is very small, isn't it? - This was the original sitting room.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39You couldn't have this as your main lounge. It's too small.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Unless you... - Broke through into here.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44It's a question of whether you can open it up.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- You definitely could. - Yes.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Keeping those project cogs whirring,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53we'll head upstairs to check out the four bedrooms.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58The bedrooms upstairs are actually quite big
0:32:58 > 0:33:00after the small rooms downstairs.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Yeah. - This is an OK room.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05The other bedrooms include two potential doubles,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07so plenty of space to accommodate visitors,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and there's a bright family bathroom.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14But the next bedroom really shows off the potential of this property.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21- Ah. Like the kitchen - master. - Nice big bedroom.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Gosh. What a difference!
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- It's a house of contrasts, isn't it? - It is.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29The beauty of it is with them doing a new kitchen
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and part of the other house not being touched and being old,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35you can see what you can do with it.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I think that's the important thing with this house.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40This is a great room... and quite light.
0:33:40 > 0:33:46You've got a nice dressing room there and a great ensuite.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Have a little look. Nicely done.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Oh, yeah. This is nice. Good size for an ensuite.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55The bath is separate. Very nice.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- A real contrast to the rest of the house. - Yeah.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- Well, half of it. - Yes.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- Let's not be too harsh. - JO LAUGHS
0:34:02 > 0:34:04It is a balancing act, you know. That's the project.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- You wanted a project. - I did. I did.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11With half of the house already remodelled to an excellent standard,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15it gives Bob and Jo a taste of what our mystery property could deliver
0:34:15 > 0:34:17if they picked up the project baton.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20But, of course, that depends on the price.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23So let's take a stroll through the five-acre field
0:34:23 > 0:34:25and survey all that could be theirs.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Beautiful. - What fantastic views all around.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32You see also the wonderful hill behind you,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35so you're really hugged by the landscape.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Let's talk about how much you think.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42I'm optimistically going to say £500,000.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47And I would say £525,000.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51Well, in this instance, you're right.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54It's just a shade under £500,000.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- Oh, OK. - Mmm.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59You know, you might be able to put an offer in as well.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- It gives you £100,000 to play with. - Yes. Exactly.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Considering how much more you're getting...
0:35:05 > 0:35:08Yes, and you would have a house you wanted
0:35:08 > 0:35:11rather than a house that somebody had done and you had to like.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13I'm going to send you down this big hill
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and get you to have a good look around this one...
0:35:16 > 0:35:17Thank you.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20..and then I'll meet you at one of the many gates.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21- Great. - OK. Super.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Thank you.- Thank you. - You can roll down if you like.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25JO LAUGHS
0:35:25 > 0:35:26ALISTAIR CHUCKLES
0:35:26 > 0:35:28There you go. Mystery house does it again.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33Turns everything up on its head because this is nowhere near where they wanted to be
0:35:33 > 0:35:37but you get a lot more land... and a beautiful house.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Sneaking in at just shy of £500,000 -
0:35:42 > 0:35:45just under the cut-off for the 3% stamp duty -
0:35:45 > 0:35:48our mystery property delivers a fabulous kitchen/diner,
0:35:48 > 0:35:53a raft of reception areas with potential for projects aplenty,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55four bedrooms with a master ensuite
0:35:55 > 0:35:58and some 6.5 acres of land.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Seeing the location and the land that the other two houses didn't give us.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06And, I think, probably most of all, the word I would say about this
0:36:06 > 0:36:08is 'potential'.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10In the work that's already been done,
0:36:10 > 0:36:11you can see the potential.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Yeah, exactly.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16All right, and quite a bit of money has gotta be spent,
0:36:16 > 0:36:18but you could make this, not only quite a big house,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21but still quite an attractive house.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23We can do everything we want to do here.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26We can keep the chickens and the bees,
0:36:26 > 0:36:28we could convert the stables to a studio
0:36:28 > 0:36:31and buildings for Bob to keep tools and what have you.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33And the nice thing for me
0:36:33 > 0:36:37was the contrast between what's been done already
0:36:37 > 0:36:38and what needs to be done.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40And I'm quite excited about that
0:36:40 > 0:36:44because I feel that it's something we can put our stamp on.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46You look like you're walking down YOUR drive.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Not that I'm putting any ideas in your head.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Let's get away from here so we can regroup
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and then you can discuss which house you like the best.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54- OK. - Super.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06From medieval castles to festivals and farmers' markets,
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Shropshire has no shortage of visitor attractions.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12It's also home to the UK's very first theme park,
0:37:12 > 0:37:1418th-century style.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24The fantasy land that is Hawkstone Parkwas opened to the public in 1783 by Sir Richard Hill,whose family had owned the estate for generations.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Inspired by the fashionable romantic garden movement,
0:37:28 > 0:37:30he designed leisure walks
0:37:30 > 0:37:33through the woodland and towering sandstone crags,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35with a surprise lurking around every corner.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Today it's a Grade 1 listed siteand Roger Whitehouse, the park manager,has offered to take me on a tour of this magical world.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48I love all these little paths that come off the paths.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51That's part of the enchantment of the park.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55There's always somewhere else you can find to go and have a walk.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59And at the end of it, you never quite know what's there.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01By the early 1800s,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04the park was pulling in 5,000 visitors a year
0:38:04 > 0:38:08who came to experience the drama that Hill created
0:38:08 > 0:38:10in this awe-inspiring landscape,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- including a precarious crossing at the Swiss Bridge.- So just mind those steps as you come down onto the Swiss Bridge itself.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Wow, this is great!
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Whoo!
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Could be your original white-knuckle ride, this.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Yes, it is. I suppose this was like the 18th-century equivalent of a roller-coaster.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Yeah, you sort of stood up here and you thought,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34"Will I? Won't I? Should I?"
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's nice cos it's scary, but it's not SO scary.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Well, Richard matched the ladies that wanted that little bit...
0:38:40 > 0:38:44You can imagine the older ladies coming with their big crinolines going, "Oh, oh.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48"Mr Roger, I'm going to faint. Where are my salts?"
0:38:48 > 0:38:50"On the other side of the bridge, my dear."
0:38:51 > 0:38:54There were numerous delights awaiting the visitor,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57including an array of fantastical follies,
0:38:57 > 0:38:58which, in landscape terms,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01were the ultimate fashion statement of the day.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06This magical 100-acre site had suffered decades of neglect,
0:39:06 > 0:39:11but was reopened in 1993 after a £4 million restoration.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16So visitors can once again enjoy its underground and overground pleasures.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18So this whole thing is built on a network of caves.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Are they original or are they built...
0:39:20 > 0:39:25Originally, they were 5th-century copper mines, Romanic-Saxon copper mines.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29And they came in as a bottle mine through the top and then spread out.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31And in the 1700s
0:39:31 > 0:39:33they created it into the grotto
0:39:33 > 0:39:37and then into part of the leisure walk
0:39:37 > 0:39:39where they could meet people inside the caves.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41There is something very impressive.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44And do you get lots of people? Is it popular?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Yes, I mean, we get over 50,000 visitors a year
0:39:46 > 0:39:49that come just to get that experience of walking
0:39:49 > 0:39:50as we've done today.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- I had no idea this was here. - No, nobody does.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- We do now! - Best-kept secret in Shropshire, this.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Jo and Bob's househunt has been more of a journey than they bargained for,what with a hop across the Welsh border,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10and it leaves them with plenty to think about.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13I knew it, I knew that fixation on Ludlow wouldn't last
0:40:13 > 0:40:16if I showed them some of the beautiful property
0:40:16 > 0:40:17they could get elsewhere.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20But was it beautiful enough? Let's find out.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Oh, you poured me tea. Very nice.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29So you've been exploring Shropshire cos you were quite fixated on Ludlow.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31So we have seen other areas.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35Let's go through the houses one by one - we can talk about the pluses and minuses.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36Cast your mind back to the first property.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40The barn was very nice. A lot of rooms.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44I remember, distinctly, the kitchen was very special.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45The garden was the problem.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49There was just not enough land for what we planned to do.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50And were you surprised at the price?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54I thought it was, maybe, expensive because the lack of land.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58But you did get a lot of house for your money.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00And I think the price reflected
0:41:00 > 0:41:03that it was in one of Shropshire's best villages.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Mmm. Yes. - Yeah. Most definitely.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07And also cos it was quite close to Ludlow.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08- Exactly. - Yes, yes.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Though not as close as the second house,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12which was a completely different kettle of fish.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17The house itself inside was, uh...
0:41:17 > 0:41:20..an eye-opener, really, which is not - looking from the outside -
0:41:20 > 0:41:22we didn't expect what we would find inside.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25And the view from the house across the river
0:41:25 > 0:41:29with Ludlow in the distance
0:41:29 > 0:41:30was really very, very special.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Although it had two acres of land,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37because it was really...the house was built on almost a precipice,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41the land was really of no use for us at all.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43No, because we wanted land
0:41:43 > 0:41:46that we could do things with, ideally, or keep animals.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50We couldn't see anywhere where you could really keep chickens there
0:41:50 > 0:41:52or do anything with it.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56In the last property, we gave you lots of land, but in a different location.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59It really was quite an exceptional location.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And the price as well, because you're saving £100,000.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Yes. Mmm. We'd need that, though.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I think the price was right
0:42:07 > 0:42:09because it reflected the amount of work that needed to be done.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12In terms of things that you really loved,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16are any of these properties that you would act on, that you would pursue?
0:42:16 > 0:42:20We came away from the mystery house feeling very positive about it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22And I think the next stage for us now
0:42:22 > 0:42:24is to pursue that a little bit further.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28So what we'd like to do is to go back and look at the house again,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32get some idea of the cost of doing some work
0:42:32 > 0:42:34that we think would improve the house.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Well, you've got that money from your sale burning a hole in your pocket,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40so hope to see you here very soon.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44I'm excited that you're gonna come up and buy something. I wish you all the best.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- Another program - to come and see it finished. - Ah, that would be very nice.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51- And I welcome you to becoming true Salopians.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56I think somewhere in today's show
0:42:56 > 0:42:58there's a lesson about not being too narrow
0:42:58 > 0:43:01in your geographical search when you are househunting.
0:43:03 > 0:43:04I think Bob and Jo learnt thatand opened themselves to the totality
0:43:04 > 0:43:07that is Shropshire and the Shropshire borders.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09And I hope likewise that you too
0:43:09 > 0:43:12can enjoy everything that's beautiful about rural Britain
0:43:12 > 0:43:14on the next edition of Escape to the Country.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17And if you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:17 > 0:43:21in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:21 > 0:43:22please apply online at:
0:43:31 > 0:43:35Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:35 > 0:43:39E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk