0:00:02 > 0:00:08This amazing set of mediaeval buildings have, since Elizabethan times, been known as the Hospital,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12even though there has never been a medical establishment here.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Find out which county hosts such an architectural conundrum in a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:35'On today's show, we'll be helping two newlyweds escape London's suburbs
0:00:35 > 0:00:38'for a tranquil married life in the country.
0:00:38 > 0:00:44'We've got some stunning properties, though size could be an issue.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I've run out of small words.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51'It looks like the dimension of others will get top marks.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- Tick, tick, tick, tick. - That many ticks? Blimey!
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Today, I'm in historic Warwickshire. This is Lord Leycester's Hospital.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07It started as a medieval guildhall then, in 1571,
0:01:07 > 0:01:13the first Earl of Leycester turned it into an almshouse for retired servicemen.
0:01:13 > 0:01:19In Elizabethan days, "hospital" had a much wider sense of being any charitable organisation,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21and the name and function has stuck.
0:01:21 > 0:01:28Today, eight servicemen and their wives live in historic splendour.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31'Landlocked in the heart of the country,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34'Warwickshire boasts historic and idyllic locations
0:01:34 > 0:01:38'which have become the international trademark of merrie England.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43'During the 18th and 19th centuries, the national canal system
0:01:43 > 0:01:46'put the area at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50'The county is rich in historic architecture,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54'including the mediaeval castle at Warwick, built by the Normans,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58'and the Elizabethan houses in Stratford-Upon-Avon
0:01:58 > 0:02:00'where William Shakespeare was born.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04'The enticing range of diverse and distinctive properties
0:02:04 > 0:02:08'makes Warwickshire highly desirable.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13'Pick from terraced Regency splendour to thatched cottages,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18'all encapsulating English culture and traditional charm.'
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Property prices are about 6% above the national average,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30although there are regional differences.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Up in the north, which is closer to Birmingham and Coventry,
0:02:33 > 0:02:38great for commuters but slightly cheaper than the south
0:02:38 > 0:02:40towards the golden Cotswolds.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Those are the prices that push up the average across the county.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48A spectrum of prices and a spectrum of properties.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52'For a premium budget of £995,000,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55'this five-bedroom barn conversion
0:02:55 > 0:02:58'sits in the countryside around Coventry.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02'It has a fine blend of character with contemporary touches
0:03:02 > 0:03:04'and a detached leisure complex.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'Or, priced at just under £650,000,
0:03:08 > 0:03:14'this four-bed home in Over Whitacre has well-proportioned rooms.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19'The land totals five-acres and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25'This three-bed barn conversion near Lea Marston is just shy of £400,000.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28'It has a grand master suite
0:03:28 > 0:03:33'and the three reception rooms including a bright conservatory.'
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Will Warwickshire property whet the appetite of our buyers today?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Let's find out what their tastes are like.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46'Newlyweds James and Lynn live in this five-bed house in Croydon, south London.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49'James runs his own recruitment consultancy.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52'Lynn is a manager in the NHS.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55'A new job offer for Lynn in the Midlands,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59'provided the perfect catalyst to trade in their urban lives
0:03:59 > 0:04:02'for a new life in the country.'
0:04:02 > 0:04:04We got married in December.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07We're thinking about the potential for a family,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12so we would like to move closer to our family and James's family.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17I grew up in the country, so being able to go back to that,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21spending the weekends doing things that we enjoy.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25'They chose Warwickshire to be closer to James's family
0:04:25 > 0:04:29'and to get within a 45-minute commute to Lynn's job in Solihull.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32'What setting are they hoping for?'
0:04:32 > 0:04:36In terms of location, we are extremely open.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39We can have rural, semi-rural, edge of a village.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45As long as it's the right property, the location will take care of itself.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48'So they're flexible as to location.
0:04:48 > 0:04:54'Do they have their hearts set on a specific type of house?'
0:04:54 > 0:04:56A detached house.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01Minimum three bedrooms would give us potential if we did have family.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05We've got open-plan living at the moment. That suits us well.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09That would be quite nice as well.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13A bit more land that we could entertain in
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and develop over time into a nice garden.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21A bit of character, that you would be happy to invite family to stay.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I've got an office here. I'd like an area for that as well.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31Or an outbuilding where I could put the office and separate work and home.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34'And how will they be spending their spare time?'
0:05:34 > 0:05:40The area we're thinking of moving to has a really good canal network.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44So being able to try some different things, narrowboating.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I've always fancied trying that, so that would be nice.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52'Their house is on the market for £575,000.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56'There's a strong chance of an imminent sale.'
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'How much will they have to spend on their relocation?'
0:06:00 > 0:06:04The budget for the next move is £550,000.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12Refreshingly for this show, James and Lynn are quite flexible.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15They're excited about moving to the country.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19They're not fussed whether it's in a village or in the countryside.
0:06:19 > 0:06:25All they want is space for a new family, perhaps, and some countryside to enjoy.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30The only thing is that it needs to be 45 minutes from Solihull,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33but that sounds do-able to me.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38'We may not be restricted by a lengthy wish list
0:06:38 > 0:06:41'but we have to consider Lynn's commute
0:06:41 > 0:06:45'and James's need for business trips to London.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48'Our quest will take us to villages
0:06:48 > 0:06:51'around Stratford-Upon-Avon and Rugby,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54'within a stone's throw of the M1 and the M40.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58'We've got some stunning properties but, as ever,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02'I won't reveal the price until the end of each house tour.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05'The finale is the mystery house,
0:07:05 > 0:07:10'which will definitely test their neighbourly goodwill.'
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- Hello.- Hello. - Welcome to Warwickshire.- Thank you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Didn't you grow up here? - I certainly did.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Do you have any memories? - A few. Not many.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26But I'm told many stories, so...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- He's going to have flashbacks.- Yeah. Maybe get the accent back as well.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Unfortunately, got to learn the roads again.- Yeah.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- So you've got your job up here? - Yeah. Start in three weeks' time.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Very exciting.- That's exciting.
0:07:41 > 0:07:48- So you're looking for somewhere in the interim?- Yeah. We're going to rent until we find something.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Unless we find you the dream house! - Hopefully, today.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- It might take a little while to move in.- Yeah!
0:07:54 > 0:07:58There are some beautiful properties and lovely countryside.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Shall we go and look? - Yeah. Fantastic.- Wagons roll.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07'James and Lynn have now accepted an offer on their house
0:08:07 > 0:08:10'so the race is on to find a new home.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14'And for a top budget of £550,000 they're after...
0:08:20 > 0:08:24'..outside, they'd like an area for entertaining...
0:08:27 > 0:08:30'..They ideally want a bit of character,
0:08:30 > 0:08:35'although they haven't specified exactly what that means.'
0:08:35 > 0:08:41It strikes me as a little odd that you don't have more fixed ideas. Why do you think that is?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45We've lived in a few different properties
0:08:45 > 0:08:47throughout our time together.
0:08:47 > 0:08:53We've gone from a sort of modern house. We had a Victorian house.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57I think we've been used to those different types of properties.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03- So that's why we're quite open and don't really have a set plan.- Yeah.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- Good. That means we can surprise you.- Yeah!- Yes.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11'With open minds all round, let's get this house search started.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16'We're heading to the south of the county to the village of Ilmington,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20'inside their 45-minute catchment to Solihull
0:09:20 > 0:09:24'and eight miles from a train station
0:09:24 > 0:09:26'with a fast service to London.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31'Ilmington is a peaceful village in the northern Cotswolds.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33'It's the highest village in Warwickshire,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37'surrounded by countryside and benefits from a couple of pubs
0:09:37 > 0:09:39'and a local shop.'
0:09:39 > 0:09:43We are right at the end of this road.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45There is no through-traffic.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Just a path up the hill. This is the house I want to show you.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- Wow.- Wow. Lovely.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- It IS lovely. Looks quite small. - Looks small from the outside?
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Yeah. - It's a little Cotswold cottage.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03The weather helps. It feels like I'm on holiday.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06You can't get better than that.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- It'll feel like you're on holiday all the time.- Yes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14'This charming detached cottage is made of Cotswold stone
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'quarried from surrounding fields.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20'The original house dates to the 18th century
0:10:20 > 0:10:25'but it's been extended three times over the last 50 years.'
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Close the door behind you.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33Into the oldest part of the house. Brace yourself for the beams.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- OK.- Wow. Low. And I'm not the tallest chap.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Just about shaved my head.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44So they are undeniably low.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Lovely fireplace, though.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51And it is actually a proper inglenook.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Very snug.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58Strangely enough, it is growing on me but I think it's because...
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I've got anticipation for the rest of the house.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06I'm hoping that the ceilings do rise or the floor lowers.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- They do in the modern part. - Maybe we could lower the floor.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Come on into the kitchen.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Nice.- Nice. A touch smaller than I was hoping for.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- I thought you would say that. - The finish is lovely.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- Yeah. I really like the... Is it oak?- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31This is Tewkesbury oak.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It's locally sourced.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Marble tops, lovely Belfast sink.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37Lovely sink.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42You've got the utility, storage and white goods through there
0:11:42 > 0:11:45and a downstairs loo.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- A lot to take in when you walk in. - Yeah, of course.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54If it had another foot either side it would be nigh on perfect.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57And the ceilings have come up a bit.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'Next to the kitchen is the dining room,
0:12:00 > 0:12:05'with a staircase to the smallest of the three bedrooms.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10'It's currently set up as a music room but it could be an office.'
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- What do you think to this? Again, quite petite.- Bijou.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18I've run out of small words.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Yes. As an office it's...functional.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26I just feel like I need something a little bit more...not inspiring.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31Just a little bit more...airy, where you can spend 12 hours a day.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'In the entrance hall, there's an alternative office
0:12:35 > 0:12:40'next to another staircase to the remaining two bedrooms.'
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Upstairs, it's much higher ceilings.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- It is, yeah. This is a nice size room, actually.- I like it.
0:12:51 > 0:12:57'The other bedroom is another bright double with built-in wardrobes.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03'Next door is a family bathroom with a cast iron roll top bath.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08'That's the house tour complete, so it's time to see the garden.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13'Immediately to the rear is a paved area ideally suited to entertaining.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'The pretty garden is laid out on terraces.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21'Lots of flower beds, a rockery and an ornamental pond.'
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- It's very private. - Yeah. It's very nice.- Beautiful.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30I think it's probably different from what I imagined.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It's a big garden. It's got lots of space.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- But there's not...- There's not a massive area in one section.- Yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42This is very pretty, but looks a lot of hard work.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Let's talk hard money.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49What do you think this charming Cotswolds cottage,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51even if it's a bit small for you, costs?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I'm going to go 425.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- 425?- Really?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- I think it's more 525.- OK.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- So you say 425. You say 525.- Yeah.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06425, that's what you think it's worth?
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- It's what I would pay for it. - That's something different!- Exactly.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15It's on the market for 535.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18It's been on a couple of weeks
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- and it's had in excess of 40 viewings.- Wow.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25It's a very popular proposition in a very popular village.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Why don't you have a walk around?
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- At least use it to think about what you definitely don't want.- Yeah.
0:14:33 > 0:14:40- You came with a very open brief and it's good to narrow it down. - Definitely learned a lot.- After you.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46Fascinating. What you think you'd pay for something
0:14:46 > 0:14:50and what you think you'd have to pay are quite different things.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55What do they want to live in an old Cotswold village for?
0:14:55 > 0:15:01They want to live a bit further north, perhaps? A bigger house, a bit more lively.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's all grist to the mill.
0:15:06 > 0:15:13'Under budget, our first property is a beautiful detached cottage
0:15:13 > 0:15:16'full of character features...
0:15:19 > 0:15:21'..and a country kitchen.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25'There's a well-maintained cottage garden...
0:15:31 > 0:15:35'..To many, this would make an ideal family home.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40'Will this chocolate box cottage be too sweet for James and Lynn?'
0:15:40 > 0:15:42The setting is amazing.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48The outside space is...lovely but that's where it stops for me.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I do really like this kitchen.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56I just don't think it does enough, in terms of what we want to do.
0:15:56 > 0:16:02It's a really lovely house. It's just a little bit too small.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's incredibly quiet here.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Certainly quieter than Croydon!
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- All done?- All done. - Pull the door behind you.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Let's explore more of Warwickshire.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27'As well as world-renowned treasures
0:16:27 > 0:16:31'such as the magnificent Norman castle at Warwick,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34'it's worth wandering off the beaten track to discover
0:16:34 > 0:16:38'other historic gems this region has to offer.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'In the late 1100s, the Manor at Temple Balsall
0:16:41 > 0:16:44'was given to the order of the Knights Templar
0:16:44 > 0:16:48'as a reward for their bravery in the Crusades.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52'For two centuries, the order ran a very productive estate.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56'One of the most significant surviving buildings is the Old Hall,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00'Warwickshire's senior court for the Knights Templar.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05'We sent Lynn and James to meet with Chris Mundell for a guided tour.'
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Here we are in the Old Hall,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12the former headquarters of the Knights Templar in Warwickshire.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- It's a mediaeval building. - That's interesting.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- It doesn't look very mediaeval. - The original building is still here.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26It was encased in brick in the 18th century to help preserve it.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Even though the Templars were a monastic order,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32they amassed great wealth.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38They were the wealthiest organisation in mediaeval Britain. Even Kings borrowed from them.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42They are accredited with starting the banking system.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- In fact, they invented cheques.- Wow.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50'With very few records, the order is shrouded in mystery.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52'It's believed the church here
0:17:52 > 0:17:56'was one of the last buildings they constructed in England.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59'Their wealth made them vulnerable, attracting enemies,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03'and the Pope abolished the order in 1312.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05'When they left the Balsall estate,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08'an inventory cast light on the Templars' diet.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10'The list included 80 doves,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14'suggesting a dovecote existed on the estate.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16'There's no dovecote here now,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20'but Warwickshire has a rare mediaeval example at Kinwarton
0:18:20 > 0:18:24'with metre-thick circular walls, hundreds of nesting holes
0:18:24 > 0:18:26'and a rotating ladder.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28'Expert Stephen Spinks explains.'
0:18:28 > 0:18:32It's a 14th-century dovecote.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35A 14th-century version of our bling.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38This is what you would have in your garden.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Pigeons were really important. Used for meat, for feathers.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48It's the babies they're interested in, like a quail on the table.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Why is the door so small? - Small pigeons and small people.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58It's called an ogee archway, which is really, really rare.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The door is so pigeons can't get out
0:19:01 > 0:19:03but if you go in,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07your whole body takes up the door, so the pigeons don't fly out.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09How many birds does it hold?
0:19:09 > 0:19:12You're looking at 580 or more.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Which is quite a lot of pigeons.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19All of those are having babies. There's a lot of pigeons.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22'Hoping to have inspired James and Lynn
0:19:22 > 0:19:28'to build their nest in these parts, we continue our house-hunting.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'We had mixed reactions to our first property.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36'Fortunately, there's plenty more to see so we're heading north.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39'Our destination is Barby.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42'Even though it has a Warwickshire postcode,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45'it's just across the border in Northamptonshire.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49'The village has a shop, a post office and a pub.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53'Set back just off the road, our second house takes pride of place.'
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Feast your eyes on this property!
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Wow! It's very nice. - Very impressed.- Looks promising.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04This is about 1800. There was a very old farmhouse.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08There are remnants but this is a late Georgian addition.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Very big sash windows and a lovely little portico.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14And symmetrical.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- Really nice front garden. Really pretty.- Fully mature.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- Do you want to go in as well? - Dying to go in.- Demanding so much(!)
0:20:24 > 0:20:27'First impressions are drawing our buyers in.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32'This is a handsome Grade II listed house set over three floors.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37'Despite its Georgian and even earlier origins,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'the property has been refurbished with a Victorian style.'
0:20:41 > 0:20:46I want to show you all the rooms but this is your classic Georgian,
0:20:46 > 0:20:51two rooms at the front - one for receiving one for reclining.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- Good proportions.- Yeah. - That's what hit me straight away.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- This is definitely more my comfort zone.- Yeah.- Box ticked.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05'The second reception is another well-proportioned room
0:21:05 > 0:21:09'and vividly decorated in Victoriana style.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13'Next door is a large utility room and beyond that,
0:21:13 > 0:21:18'going into the original farmhouse, sits the kitchen-diner.'
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23This is a lovely kitchen space.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28These units are from a Victorian shop counter.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32It goes through into the dining space.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- The present owners basically live here.- I could see that.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- What do you think? - Tick tick.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Tick, tick, tick, tick. - That many ticks? Blimey!
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Two ticks from you. What would you change?
0:21:45 > 0:21:49I'm a bit cautious because I think it needs a bit of work.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52That's going to cost quite a lot of money.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55But it's a move for the future, isn't it?
0:21:55 > 0:22:00It doesn't have to be done tomorrow. Probably won't be done next week.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Yeah. - But could be OUR labour of love.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09'Behind a door in the kitchen is a staircase which we'll come to later.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13'For now, we're heading up the main flight of stairs,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16'where we'll find three of the five bedrooms.'
0:22:16 > 0:22:21These rooms on the first floor, I think are lovely. Lots of light.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Two good sized formal rooms at the front.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- I really like it.- Really nice size and, as you say, really bright.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Lovely fireplace. - All the original features.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- A lovely look out to the garden. - Great views.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43'This bedroom has Jack and Jill access to the huge family bathroom
0:22:43 > 0:22:48'with his 'n' her sinks, a large shower and a roll top bath.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53'Across the hallway is a bright, opulently decorated double bedroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59'On the second floor are another two bedrooms, both double rooms.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02'But we're staying on the first floor
0:23:02 > 0:23:09'and heading to the unusual guest suite, where I've got a proposition that James might like.'
0:23:09 > 0:23:12This is the most idiosyncratic bit,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15the guest wing above the kitchen.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- Right.- So we have a free-standing bath and another shower.- Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26- Then a little bedroom, four-poster bed...- Which is very pretty.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30But what I was thinking, this would be a perfect office.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- I could see that.- Get rid of all this. Open this all up.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Paint the ceilings.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Come up from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, work all day.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46- That's a good idea.- Sounds really good. Got windows on both sides.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Light all day. Big ceilings. Enough space to walk all round.
0:23:50 > 0:23:56As a bedroom, it doesn't tick the boxes, but as an office it does.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00'It's safe to say that James and Lynn are feeling the potential,
0:24:00 > 0:24:05'although its current style may not be an exact match for their taste.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10'To the rear of the house is a large enclosed cobbled courtyard
0:24:10 > 0:24:13'but the main garden lies at the front,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17'laid to lawn with a range of mature trees and shrubs.'
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Journey complete.- Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- Bit of a journey.- Yeah.
0:24:22 > 0:24:28The key factor is ker-ching. All your tick boxes have turned into cash boxes.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32How much do you think the house costs?
0:24:32 > 0:24:37It needs a lot of money spent on it. It could be done over many years.
0:24:37 > 0:24:43- I would say 515, with my fingers crossed.- 515? What about you, Lynn?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45I would probably say...
0:24:45 > 0:24:50either on our budget or just over, so I'd go 560.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55It's on the market a shade under your budget at 549,950.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00It's been on for six months so the owners are open to offers.
0:25:00 > 0:25:07- It could be that gives you £50,000 to do some decorating.- Yes.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Walk around. See how the spirit moves you.- Sounds good.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19'For a fiver short of their top budget...
0:25:22 > 0:25:27'..and has been renovated with traditional Victorian features...
0:25:35 > 0:25:40'..Do they see the potential beyond its individual decorative style?'
0:25:40 > 0:25:44In terms of a project, it might be a touch too far.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49By the time we put our stamp on it, it could be very expensive.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55I suppose my major concerns about the property
0:25:55 > 0:26:00are how we would get this to be our home.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03I can't quite picture how much work that will be.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Hello.- Hello.- That took a while. - Yeah. Lots to see.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Lots to discuss?
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- Lots to discuss.- Any Chinese burns? - None yet.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18Very good. Let's have a little break from property and relax.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29'With the sun setting,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33'the first phase of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40'On a budget of £550,000,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45'James and Lynn dream of leaving London to get closer to their family
0:26:45 > 0:26:49'and the countryside of Warwickshire.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51'They've seen two beautiful properties,
0:26:51 > 0:26:56'but have struggled to find the blend of character and proportion.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59'Will we get the right mix in the mystery property?'
0:26:59 > 0:27:01You're practically gushing.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05'Then I'll be putting my feet up, but it won't be relaxing.'
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I see light at the end of the tunnel.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18I was thinking about your disappointment and wondered whether
0:27:18 > 0:27:23it was in any way tied with your lack of clarity about what you want.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28- Well, I think that's probably right. - I think you're spot-on.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I think we were too broad
0:27:31 > 0:27:35and too naive about what we liked and didn't like.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39We thought we were quite open, whereas we're maybe not.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44'So, with a brief that's still unclear, it's mystery house time.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49'We're staying in countryside around Rugby, travelling to Dunchurch.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51'The village was a popular coaching post.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54'Many famous people have stayed here,
0:27:54 > 0:28:00'including the conspirators of the Gunpowder Plot whilst awaiting news
0:28:00 > 0:28:04'of Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09'The village has amenities including pubs, restaurants and stores,
0:28:09 > 0:28:14'and the stocks should dissuade any explosive behaviour.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20'So far, our buyers haven't warmed to a cosy traditional cottage,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24'and have been reluctant to take on any refurbishment.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29'We're going to give them character and space in pristine condition.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32'But that has to come with a twist.'
0:28:32 > 0:28:37This is what used to be the stable blocks of the Duke of Buccleuch's
0:28:37 > 0:28:39hunting lodge.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44So, it's converted, obviously, into four houses.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Right.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- It is an attached house.- OK.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55So you share all of this courtyard with four families.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57A quarter each.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- Right.- OK. I'm interested.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- It's got a lot of character.- Yeah.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06The inside of the house is period but modern.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11- We thought it might fit the bill. - OK.- Shall we go in?- Yes, please.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15'The mystery house is a mews conversion of a coaching inn
0:29:15 > 0:29:19'which dates back to the mid 18th century.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23'If they're prepared to live in an attached property,
0:29:23 > 0:29:28'this could be just what James and Lynn are looking for.'
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Here we are, inside.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32Yes.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I said straight lines and straight walls.
0:29:35 > 0:29:41- All modern. All done. All finished. - All modern. All done. All finished.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Stunning.- Log burner here.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48- Nice.- Newly rebuilt fireplace. They've been here 16 years.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51They've finished everything to a high standard.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It was a stable when they moved in.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- New electricity, new heating... - Lovely!
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- I'm relaxing. I feel there's a catch.- Well, hopefully not.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06This is the central space. The house radiates off it.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11There's a lot of history cos this was a horsey building.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14So the kitchen was the tack room.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19Not much trace of this tack room. It's all been turned into kitchen.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Splendid.- It's really nice.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27I'll go back to my ticks. The table would fit in lovely.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- I know.- Your table?- Yeah.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- You realise that is a sign of moving in.- I know that.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38That's why I was hesitant saying it. I don't like to think too positive.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41A nice little detail here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45You've got all your white goods, a mini laundry.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48The finish is really, really strong.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52The finish grows on you, you notice new things all the time...
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- James, you're practically gushing. - I know.- It's a new you.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00I feel like I'm gushing.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- So this gets a thumbs up? - Definitely.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08- Let's look at the other reception rooms.- Yeah.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10This room has a great story.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- And very high ceilings. - VERY high ceilings. Lovely.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19This was the carriage room. There was just a massive archway door.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24The carriages would come in here, which is why it's so high.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27The present owners completely remodelled it.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32They built this wall, put in these high quality French windows.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36And put in these Georgian sash windows.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39And they built this chimney breast.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42That's a gas effect fire and a Portland stone surround.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45That's a lovely fireplace.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- If we put one in. - That's what...- we would have chosen.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- That's what we like to hear. - As I said, tick, tick, tick.- Yeah.
0:31:53 > 0:32:00'I think we finally hit the jackpot, with very positive reactions.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'The ground floor has a second, more cosy reception room,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'off which is an elegant study.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13'Time to see if the sleeping quarters hit the mark as well.'
0:32:13 > 0:32:18Upstairs, it's compact. It's snug up here, I won't lie.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20This is the master bedroom.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Yeah. I still like it.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25You say "compact"
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- but it's still got character.- Yeah.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30I always think you just sleep in the bedroom.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36It has four bedrooms, but one of them, poke your head round,
0:32:36 > 0:32:41- is a guest room which would make a nice en suite.- Really good idea.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46'There are two more bedrooms. One is presented as a twin room.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51'The other is another double. There's also a sunny bathroom.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56'Let's get outside where I've got one last thing in store for James.'
0:32:56 > 0:33:02So this is your little garden. This is the feature I want to show you.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- It's not massive, but they did build this office.- Perfect.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- And a pretty garden as well. - Yeah. This is all wired.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20It's got thick cables that come in from broadband, the telephone.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Good. Lovely. Yeah, I'm...happy.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Great.- Lovely. Thank you. - Not at all.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30This is easy. This is easy.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34You get a view of the garden. It's not a massive garden.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37But it's very well-kept and simple to maintain.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- Yeah. - I think it's more than capable.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- What is nice is you have this lovely sunny patio.- Yeah.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- Lost for words.- That's the first time.- Really pretty. Lovely.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52What do you think it's worth?
0:33:52 > 0:33:57I'd say it's slightly over budget. And I'd say 575.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I'd probably still go a little bit lower.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04I'd probably say...540.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- It's on the market just under your budget.- Ooh.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Just a shade under 550.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16- Lovely.- So, you wouldn't have to spend a penny on it to move in.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20It's whether you're happy with the attachedness of it.
0:34:20 > 0:34:27- It's something we need to talk about but I think, in reality, it ticks all the boxes.- Yeah.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- Why don't you go in and talk? - Sounds good to me.- We will.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Result! Mystery house always does it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39Pulls everything together, brings it into focus. Ching!
0:34:41 > 0:34:44'At just below budget...
0:34:47 > 0:34:52'..full of period charm but renovated to a high spec...
0:34:59 > 0:35:02'..Outside, there's a communal courtyard
0:35:02 > 0:35:05'as well as a private garden....
0:35:09 > 0:35:14'..In terms of accommodation, it more than meets all their criteria,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17'if they can compromise on their detached house.'
0:35:17 > 0:35:20I really like this house.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24It's got some fantastic spaces.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I LOVE the main sitting room. The garden's lovely as well.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33I could see myself living in that downstairs space.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37I think the property's really good. The overall set-up of it
0:35:37 > 0:35:42is probably ideal for us at this precise moment.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48I'm thinking you're going to have to interview your neighbours.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- They're very sociable, but you want to know them.- Yeah.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- It might be a nice ready-made community for you.- Meet new people.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Let's press on.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07'The creation of a canal network in the Midlands
0:36:07 > 0:36:12'meant that the area played a vital role in the 18th and 19th century
0:36:12 > 0:36:16'Industrial Revolution, transporting vast quantities of goods
0:36:16 > 0:36:18'throughout the country.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22'North of Warwickshire lies the Dudley Canal, which features
0:36:22 > 0:36:26'an impressive network of tunnels over 2,000 metres long.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29'Created in the late 1700s by the Earl of Dudley
0:36:29 > 0:36:32'to access his limestone quarries,
0:36:32 > 0:36:37'this stretch revolutionised transportation to the south.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41'I met up with canal historian Graham Fisher at the tunnel.'
0:36:41 > 0:36:44This is the tunnel we're going into?
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Yes, the first section of Lord Ward's tunnel built in 1778.
0:36:48 > 0:36:54- Tell me all about that.- Lord Ward was John, the second Viscount of Dudley and Ward, the Earl of Dudley.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57He took the title in 1774.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00He was little short of a genius, with his plans
0:37:00 > 0:37:03to build canals that came through here.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06He'd take a chunk off the journey to London.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- How much time did you save? - Maybe a couple of days.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13At one point, this section of tunnel
0:37:13 > 0:37:17was carrying in excess of 41,000 boats a year.
0:37:17 > 0:37:23Before the days of the canals, you were restricted to pack horses.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28A canal that could carry 30 ton at a time was a revolution.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32Here we've got towpaths, so the horses pulled the boats here.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37- What happens in the tunnel? - The only option for the boater
0:37:37 > 0:37:41was to push the boat through by walking along the walls - legging.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Hard back-breaking dangerous work.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- You've got that in store for me.- You can try that, under safe conditions!
0:37:49 > 0:37:54'There's still evidence of the limestone quarries that existed.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00'Large underground caverns were built, some opened to the surface.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03'It's hard to imagine that these lush green grottos
0:38:03 > 0:38:05'were working mines.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09'Modern narrowboats have a clear advantage over the originals.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14'They are engine powered but, in the old days, boaters had to rely
0:38:14 > 0:38:16'solely on their own legwork.'
0:38:16 > 0:38:21We can safely remove our hats for this part of the exercise.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25We have to work head-to-head, shoulder-to-shoulder.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30Put your feet over the side, leaning over as far as possible.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35Keep them above the side of the boat so they don't get crushed.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- Then head-to-head.- And away we go. Walk along that wall!
0:38:39 > 0:38:44'In a powered vessel, it takes 45 minutes to travel through.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49'But when boaters were using leg muscle, it took over four hours
0:38:49 > 0:38:53'to walk the boats through, largely in pitch black conditions.'
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Yes! Yes! And it's gold!
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Wa-hoo!
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Well done, Alistair.
0:39:06 > 0:39:12You can now officially claim your "I have legged through Dudley Canal tunnel" certificate!
0:39:12 > 0:39:14I am a legger!
0:39:14 > 0:39:18'My very short taste of legging was exhausting,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20'despite pushing an empty boat.
0:39:20 > 0:39:26'I can only imagine what it must have been with a load of 30 tons.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29'I'm not entirely sure my legs could have managed it.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36'Now that the house quest has come to an end,
0:39:36 > 0:39:40'it's time to find out what decisions our buyers have made
0:39:40 > 0:39:43'and what lessons they've learned.'
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- You're being Mum.- Have some tea.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Not yet! Further down the line. I didn't mean to rush you, James.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- You're obsessed!- Now, how's it been?
0:39:54 > 0:39:59- It's been quite interesting for us because things have changed.- Yeah.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Yeah. I think the phrase is a roller coaster.- Really?- Yeah.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- That's good.- A bit of a journey. - If you like roller coasters.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- You came off feeling sick or exhilarated?- Um...
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Exhilarated, I think.- Yeah.
0:40:14 > 0:40:20The first house was the Cotswold cottage. What did that teach you?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22It taught us that we have to think
0:40:22 > 0:40:26more about the house than the location.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29The location was absolutely stunning.
0:40:29 > 0:40:36If your living space isn't right then, for us, that was no good.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39It's a lovely house. It just wasn't big enough.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44I'd love to stay for maybe a week but not the rest of my life.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46The second house,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49the proportions seemed to be what you're looking for.
0:40:49 > 0:40:55When we started off in that house, I think we were quite positive.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00The two reception rooms were quite large. The kitchen was lovely.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04I don't think we had enough vision to know
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- how to make that house our own, we just couldn't get it.- Yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- And for the price.- Yeah. - It then shut our vision.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Yet the mystery house,
0:41:14 > 0:41:19although it didn't tick boxes that you originally put in stone,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21seemed to wow you.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Yeah. It's a lovely property.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30Maybe it's because when we went into that third house
0:41:30 > 0:41:33we were having to think about compromises.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37So, although it didn't tick all the boxes, we understand
0:41:37 > 0:41:42we've got to make some compromises to get the living space we want.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48The garden was beautiful, with the office. I would love to work there.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52I know you're very keen to move into a place straightaway.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Will you be revisiting that place? Would you put an offer in?
0:41:56 > 0:42:01I think we would probably consider going back and having a look.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07And putting some thought to the upstairs of it.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Whether it could work for us.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Could we see ourselves staying there long-term?
0:42:13 > 0:42:18It's been great showing you round. It's been a learning curve.
0:42:18 > 0:42:24- I hope that Warwickshire opens its gates to you and triumphs when you arrive.- Thank you.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27It's been a real journey and an eye-opener.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- You're a very patient man. - You're very patient, too.
0:42:31 > 0:42:37I showed you the wrong properties and tested your patience! I'm glad it all came together.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Sometimes, it's not about giving the buyers what they want,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48but finding out WHAT the buyers want.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51That's what we've done with James and Lynn.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55We focused their minds on what they do and don't want in their home.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00Whether they buy the mystery house is a mystery, but we love mystery.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04Join us next time for more on Escape To The Country.
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