0:00:02 > 0:00:05In 1823, a headmaster in a school in the county we're visiting today
0:00:05 > 0:00:08developed the rules of this iconic British sport.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Find out where we are in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On today's show I'll help a couple
0:00:33 > 0:00:36leave behind the stresses of life in the capital
0:00:36 > 0:00:39and seek out a spiritual retreat in the country.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43And at first it doesn't look like we have a meeting of minds.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46I think this house might cause us some disagreements, actually.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Just come and have a chat with me outside!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52But finally we hit on house harmony.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Wow. This has the wow factor.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57It does have a wow factor.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Today I'm in Warwickshire, and it was on the playing fields
0:01:05 > 0:01:08of this county's most famous public school
0:01:08 > 0:01:13that William Webb Ellis bent down, picked up the ball and ran with it.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Now, the myth is that that was a huge transgression of the rules,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18but the truth is that there weren't many rules back then.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Hundreds of players could be on the field at the same time and it was a complete ruck.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23So the important thing
0:01:23 > 0:01:26wasn't so much the picking up and running but the rules.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33Set within the West Midlands, landlocked Warwickshire shares borders with nine other counties.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39The majority of its 535,000 inhabitants are spread across
0:01:39 > 0:01:41the more industrial north,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45while the south retains a more rural and farmed landscape.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Stratford upon Avon receives over 3.5 million visitors per year,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53drawn to the famed birthplace of William Shakespeare.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56And the cottage where his wife, Anne Hathaway,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00spent her early years is just a mile from the historic town centre.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Another of the county's architectural landmarks is Warwick Castle.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08Largely restored in the 19th century, it has a rich history
0:02:08 > 0:02:10stretching back 1,000 years.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Throughout its towns and villages, half-timbered properties dating back
0:02:14 > 0:02:19to the 15th and 16th century are a common theme,
0:02:19 > 0:02:24making it a compelling option for aspiring escapees.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Before we look at the houses, let's centre ourselves, relax
0:02:27 > 0:02:28and meet today's buyers.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Over the past five years, Simon and Karen have completely renovated
0:02:34 > 0:02:36their four-bedroom property in north west London
0:02:36 > 0:02:41to accommodate their natural health therapy business.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43But they're running out of space,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46so they have their sights set on developing a retreat in the country.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Bringing people into peace and stillness is a very important part of our work, as we work
0:02:51 > 0:02:54with that sort of spiritual understanding as well,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and we do it to a certain extent here.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00But in order to magnify that on a greater scale,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04offer it out to more people and provide an even deeper experience,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08that's why we're looking to buy out in the country.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12As well as giving their young son JD a rural upbringing,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15they're hoping to free up more time for their hobbies.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Just in this little area alone, JD and I have managed to establish
0:03:19 > 0:03:23some really nice herbs, which we use on a daily basis.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27I'd like to restart some old hobbies,
0:03:27 > 0:03:32which included painting, writing poetry, photography.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Life is busy.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Along with more space, the layout of their next property is important.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42In the new property they'll need a treatment room,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44and as part and parcel of the retreat experience,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48overnight accommodation for guests would be a plus.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49And there are other requests.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55In a nutshell, we're looking for something that has a lot of light,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59a nice farmhouse kitchen with a communal eating area.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I think we have to try and look at four bedrooms plus,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04especially if we're having people to stay.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08It could be something architecturally very striking,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13very contemporary, very different, or it could be an older building
0:04:13 > 0:04:15which just has that something special.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17With their current house under offer,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19how much do they have to spend?
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Our budget for this move is £750,000.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Karen and Simon have given us a real challenge, because on top of the practical considerations
0:04:31 > 0:04:33of good transport links into London,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36good schooling, and a client base for their business, they also want
0:04:36 > 0:04:40the more nebulous qualities of spiritual energy and flow,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43things that don't typically get listed on a property's particulars.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Still, we love a challenge.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52As they'll still need to occasionally commute to London for work,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Simon and Karen don't want to stray too far north.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58So we're focusing our search around Stratford upon Avon,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00with good transport links and schooling for JD.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I'll be showing them three properties that I hope
0:05:03 > 0:05:06will fit the bill, but I won't
0:05:06 > 0:05:09be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12The last one is our mystery house, which is designed
0:05:12 > 0:05:14to challenge their preconceptions.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Morning, guys.- Hello, hi. - Welcome to Warwickshire.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Thank you. Good to see you.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21You've got quite a long wishlist.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24What are the sort of top few items?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Schooling I think has to be the first one, has to be a priority.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32And also the ambience of the place is the most important thing for us,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35the light, the tranquillity, the potential.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39But also you're intending to have some strangers, clients, coming to stay with you.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43How comfortable will you be about having strangers living in your house?
0:05:43 > 0:05:48I think the trick is having some places which are out of bounds,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51there are certain parts which are completely private so you can retreat there.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54What about listed properties?
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I know that you're not keen. Why is that?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Might slow things down in terms of what we might want to do with the property.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Well, I'm sure you're going to be wowed by some of the properties.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05It's a beautiful bit of country.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- Just to check with your budget, what's your budget?- £700-750.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13There's lots of beautiful properties out there and I'm going to show you three.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14Great, thank you.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18With a top budget of £750,000,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Simon and Karen are looking for a property with positive energy
0:06:22 > 0:06:24that gives them enough reception rooms
0:06:24 > 0:06:27to accommodate family and clients,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31a large communal kitchen diner, four bedrooms,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33an annexe or space for treatment rooms,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36all wrapped up in a semi-rural location,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38but close to excellent schools
0:06:38 > 0:06:42and with good transport links to attract prospective clients.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52We're kicking off our property search in the village of Arden's Grafton,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54which, although only six miles from Stratford upon Avon,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57is set in a prime rural spot in the Forest of Arden,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59an area steeped in history.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Shakespeare's parents were reputedly married in the church
0:07:02 > 0:07:06at neighbouring Temple Arden, and there are some notable timbered
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and thatched properties dotted about.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12In the heart of the village is this somewhat newer proposition,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15which offers more than they might expect at first glance.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19This is the house I want to show you.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22It was built in the '80s.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24What are your first impressions?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Interesting. It's a lovely spot.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Lovely village. - Very, very pretty village.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- But it's, I think, a really interesting property for you guys inside.- OK, good.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Shall we go inside?- Yeah.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Lovely.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42Behind its deceptive facade, this modern house really comes into its own towards the rear,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44offering peace and tranquillity,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48and as we will see later, business potential.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Straight into the kitchen.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It's quite a roomy kitchen.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57They've done a lot of work to this, the present owners.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59They've only been here five years
0:07:59 > 0:08:03but they've completely refitted it and put in these French doors.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05It just comes across as very new.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Well, actually the kitchen is brand new.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12No, it's good. But it's got a fabulous view and that means a lot.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14On the opposite side of the hallway,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18the current dining room is at the heart of the property,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20which they might think about using as a treatment, or a chill-out room.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Adjoining it is a handy utility room
0:08:23 > 0:08:26that flows through nicely into the main sitting room.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31So this is south-facing, so you get all the daylight sun through here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:37- And this rather gargantuan fireplace.- Yes, isn't it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39But again, quite contemporary,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41apart from the old beam.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43And very, very sunny.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Very sunny. This is the nicest room of the downstairs.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I like it, I like this room.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Well, they've given quite a measured response to downstairs so I wonder
0:08:53 > 0:08:55what they'll think of the four bedrooms upstairs.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59There's a spacious double, with the room next door currently being used
0:08:59 > 0:09:03as a study, and a family bathroom also on this side of the house.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Let's see if the layout works for them as we inspect the third bedroom.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Here we've got two doubles and a single, effectively.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12And presumably one of the doubles would go to JD.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15But you're all sharing a bathroom.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17So is that not going to work?
0:09:17 > 0:09:22Ideally, with guests that are working with us, they would need to have their own side.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26So this is a little bit sort of mixed in with the family space, I think.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Perhaps they'll be swayed by where they might sleep.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38So it's quite an extensive suite.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Oh, gosh, yes. - Because this is your dressing room.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42I see.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- The walk-in wardrobe.- Very nice.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Pretty big. And then your own bathroom suite in here.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50And then you go through this arch.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Mind your head on here.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57This is in the eaves. And this has this incredible view
0:09:57 > 0:10:00down over the garden, down over the Cotswolds.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04You see, this is the side of the house you would actually give to your guest.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- You would give this to the guest? - I would, yeah.- Goodness me.- I would.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09We usually agree on most things.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14But I think this house might cause us some disagreements, actually, in that case.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Well, before we make any rash decisions about giving up one's
0:10:17 > 0:10:22walk-in wardrobe for the guests, I want to take us outside,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24particularly to look at the garage.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27And I'm hoping the potential of what lies outside in the garage
0:10:27 > 0:10:31might build on that positive response.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Oh, my goodness, that's huge, isn't it?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Could be your retreat therapy palace.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37It could indeed be a palace.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39But it's absolutely massive.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44And it could easily be extended up.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48You could put a floor in here, take the ceiling right up,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52put in skylights, and a spectacular window at that end.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55With a lovely view of the Cotswolds.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Which looks all over the Cotswolds.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00If we go out into the garden, we can see what you can see.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04The gardens would provide a real haven for their guests,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and there's room for Karen to grow her own organic produce.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09What do you think of the garden?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11It's not massive, a third of an acre.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12- Yes.- It's beautiful.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14It's nice. I love the garden.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16It's beautiful. They've put a lot of work into it.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20So how much do you think this little plot of beauty and peace costs?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Well, without any local knowledge at all,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25and a pure guess, I'd say 500,000.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31No, I would say more like 630, something like that, 620-630.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- That would be my guess.- Yes, you're being quite optimistic, Simon.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37It's actually on the market for 650.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- 650.- So you'd have £100,000 to do this
0:11:42 > 0:11:45and make that what you wanted.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50On the market at £650,000, this property gives them
0:11:50 > 0:11:53a spacious family home which requires no work
0:11:53 > 0:11:57and features an enormous kitchen-diner, two generous
0:11:57 > 0:12:02reception rooms, and four bedrooms, including a master suite.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06It leaves them £100,000 to convert the garage for their business,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08which would make the most
0:12:08 > 0:12:10of the beautiful one third of an acre garden.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13And it's wrapped up in a spectacular rural setting,
0:12:13 > 0:12:17close enough to civilisation to attract their clients.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Enough time to soak it all in? - Yes, thank you, Alastair.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Good, well, get ready for the rest of Warwickshire.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24Good, thank you.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Fortunately, many of this country's architectural treasures
0:12:36 > 0:12:40are on the conservation map, but there are a number
0:12:40 > 0:12:43that sadly slip through the preservation net
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and are in danger of being lost forever.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46However, help is at hand.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Over 1,200 of the most threatened have been placed on a Buildings at Risk Register
0:12:51 > 0:12:55which has been run by English Heritage since 1998.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00Astley Castle in North Warwickshire is one of its deserving cases.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Hi, Hayley.- Hi, Alistair.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07I met up with Hayley McCafferty David from English Heritage to find out how buildings
0:13:07 > 0:13:11get elected onto the register and what lies in store for them.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13The register itself is a comprehensive list
0:13:13 > 0:13:17of all Grade I and II starred buildings that are at risk in England.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19It doesn't have to be a ruin.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21There are some fully standing structures.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24And it can be anything from a castle to a public house.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Starting life as a 13th century fortified manor house, Astley Castle
0:13:29 > 0:13:33was largely rebuilt in the 1500s by the Gray family,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37of Lady Jane fame who was Queen for nine days.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Oh, wow, it really is a ruin.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Certainly is.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43So, how did it get into this state?
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Basically, in the 1960s, the building was used as a hotel,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50and in 1978, tragically, there was a fire
0:13:50 > 0:13:53and has gone into a state of disrepair ever since.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- It looks like a pretty lost cause, doesn't it?- Absolutely.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59But with funding now in place from the Heritage Lottery Fund,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01a state-of-the-art glass building
0:14:01 > 0:14:04is going to be inserted within the existing walls.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09The scheme won't disturb the original parts of this Grade II listed ruin,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13but will generate an income which will secure its future.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15The work at Astley Castle is a prime example
0:14:15 > 0:14:18of an enlightened approach to conservation where
0:14:18 > 0:14:20the best modern architectural designs
0:14:20 > 0:14:23are woven into the existing fabric, giving a building
0:14:23 > 0:14:27a new lease of life while holding on to its historic integrity.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31But for now it's time to return to our house hunt.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And Stratford upon Avon is just six miles away from our second property
0:14:36 > 0:14:39in the village of Wootten Wawen.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43With a population of around 2,000, its active community benefits
0:14:43 > 0:14:46from a delightful Post Office and a local pub.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48The village church, St Peter's,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52dates back to Saxon times and it's said to be the oldest in the county.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Our second property has quite a historical pedigree of its own.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00This is the property I want to show you.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Wow! This has the wow factor.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05That does have a wow factor.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07It's a 17th century mill house.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10It is a listed building.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Mmm-hmm. It would be.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Well, perhaps we wouldn't need to do too much to it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Good. Let's look inside.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22With its blue lias stone base and timber frame,
0:15:22 > 0:15:23the authentic character
0:15:23 > 0:15:27of this beautifully restored water mill continues inside.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29It blends the old and new nicely.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Yeah, it's nice. - You don't mind these beams?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- No, not at all.- They're not low.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36You're not skimming the head on them, are you?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- No.- That's good.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40You know, it's not as big as some,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42but, actually, it's really nicely planned in.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I like the way it's blended in.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47There's more living space in the adjoining garden room.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50So, this is actually an extension that they've put on
0:15:50 > 0:15:52not so very long ago
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and this went through without any problems with the Planning Office.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Did it really?
0:15:57 > 0:15:58That's surprising.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03But it is in-keeping, you've got these green oak beams throughout.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Along with the utility room and handy cloakroom
0:16:07 > 0:16:10tucked away off the kitchen, there's also a lovely snug
0:16:10 > 0:16:14warmed by its own multi fuel wood burner, and the stairs
0:16:14 > 0:16:18in the entrance hall lead up to yet another impressive living area.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Amazing.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Lovely.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- That's lovely.- It's an exquisite room.- Fabulous room.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- Absolutely gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30You've got this wonderful kind of lattice brickwork fireplace,
0:16:30 > 0:16:31which is very unusual.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- I haven't seen anything like that. - Yeah.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I was thinking, if you had clients and you wanted
0:16:36 > 0:16:39a part of your house to be open, then the downstairs could be open,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43including the garden, and this could be your kind of sitting room.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47But, you see, I'd share it, again.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50You would? She's sharing crazy, you!
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Just come and have a chat with me outside!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58I think that's part of what you're giving to people,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00but it's very beautiful, yeah.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Also on the first floor is one of the four bedrooms,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06with bespoke oak shelving and wardrobes,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08which might make a nice study.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10The high quality wooden timbers are a running theme
0:17:10 > 0:17:12in the three bedrooms upstairs,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15one being a small double and another making a potential dressing room.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20There's a snug family bathroom opposite.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23This would be your bedroom.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28It's not the biggest, but you're not banging your head against beams,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31which is always my pet hate,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33being tall, and it's just really characterful.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36You're far too accommodating, you two!
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I was hoping you were going to throw a strop and say, it's not enough space!
0:17:39 > 0:17:41And then I could have gone, "Ah, but there's more!"
0:17:41 > 0:17:45How could you throw a strop in a property like this?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The remarkable charm of this house seems to be wooing them
0:17:48 > 0:17:50in spite of the bedroom sizes,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53but the annex building outside could solve that problem.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57The ground floor houses a double garage and a workshop,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00but upstairs is a real self-contained retreat.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04You've got a bedroom here with its own little en suite.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07The shower room, a porthole window.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11And then this is already now a beautiful sitting room cum office.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- Wow!- But it would be very easy to turn this into a second bedroom.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Wouldn't it? You've got a lot of potential.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Enormous potential.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21That sounds a good big tick.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Yeah, I think everything so far is ticked.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Well, wait until you see the rest of the garden, then.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33The beautiful grounds have been sympathetically landscaped
0:18:33 > 0:18:34with the ornamental pond
0:18:34 > 0:18:39and mill pond providing the perfect setting for relaxing and meditation.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So, it's a big plot of land, more than two acres.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45So, how much do you think at all costs, this dream plot?
0:18:47 > 0:18:52Yes, I think you've probably eked us over our budget, but I would say 780?
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I'm taking 780 from you. What do you say?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- 760.- 760. Split the difference.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03It's on the market for 775, so it is slightly above your budget,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06but, you know, the important thing
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- is that you love it, you seem to love it.- We do.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16Granted, at £775,000 our listed mill house is £25,000 over budget,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20but we couldn't resist showing them a property
0:19:20 > 0:19:22which offers so many of the elements they were after.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27Along with character in spades, it gives them a charming kitchen,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30two large and adaptable reception areas with a snug,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34four potential bedrooms and a ready-made annex
0:19:34 > 0:19:38from which clients can enjoy the two acres of wonderful grounds.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42It's also conveniently located, with Stratford upon Avon,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Warwick and Birmingham all within easy reach.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57As the sun sets over the Warwickshire countryside
0:19:57 > 0:20:01it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08When I started this house search I had this inkling that Simon
0:20:08 > 0:20:10wasn't so enamoured of the move to the countryside
0:20:10 > 0:20:14because they'd be leaving their very successful London practice behind.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18But when I saw their faces after the property yesterday afternoon
0:20:18 > 0:20:20I knew that the country dream could be a reality.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22This makes the mystery house slightly problematic
0:20:22 > 0:20:25because in many ways this is a nod back to their dream
0:20:25 > 0:20:27of an urban retreat,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30because it's in a very popular village, so while it offers
0:20:30 > 0:20:31lots and lots of space inside,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35it's a little bit further away from the isolated ideal of yesterday.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44For our mystery house we're heading into the heart of a village,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47a location they specifically didn't ask for.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52Five miles from Stratford upon Avon lies the popular village of Hampton Lucy.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55It offers a primary school for JD, who might also enjoy the
0:20:55 > 0:20:59resident wildlife in neighbouring Charlecote Park,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02home to the Lucy family since the 15th century.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Among the thatched and red brick properties is our mystery house,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08which while sitting in a village,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11still has a rural feel and offers more of a conventional home
0:21:11 > 0:21:13with an adjoining practice.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16This property dates back to about 1830.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18It was an estate worker's cottage.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21What do you think of the location and the exterior?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23It's great, yeah.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27It would be nice for JD to be in the heart of a little community.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Well, of course, the key is the property, so let's look inside.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Inside, its early 19th century core has been tastefully extended
0:21:36 > 0:21:38at the far end of the hallway
0:21:38 > 0:21:42to offer up this spectacular kitchen dining room.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- Come in, come in.- Wow.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This big, big extension was put in in the '80s
0:21:48 > 0:21:50which I think is really successful.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- They've done it nicely. - Blends in with the old house.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I know you go very much on energy.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58How are you feeling the energy of this place?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Yes, I like it. It flows nicely.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Leading off the kitchen is a great utility room
0:22:05 > 0:22:08and a generous study with a real chill-out feel.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10But we're heading to the front part of the house
0:22:10 > 0:22:14where one reception room offers up a versatile living area.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18And does the main sitting room opposite give them good vibes?
0:22:18 > 0:22:19Oh, OK.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23You really pick up that this is the older part, don't you?
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Yes.- Nice fireplace.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27What do you think, Simon?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30It doesn't have the wow factor the other one had.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- I think it'd work very well, though. - It's nice.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- It's a lovely family home. - Is it YOUR family home?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- We haven't finished looking at it yet.- Ah! Canny, OK.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Let's see if they're in agreement as we head upstairs via the kitchen.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46These are the new stairs that take you to the upstairs of the extension.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51Which is interesting for your guests because you've got
0:22:51 > 0:22:53one double room here with an en suite, very nice,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and another similarly beautifully done one here.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57With an en suite.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Both with really high quality fittings and en suites.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06They might need to change the colour scheme for JD in our next room.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Maybe you could make this your wing, as it were.- Yes.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15So JD gets this room. There's a lovely family bathroom over there.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- OK. Sweet, very characterful room.- Yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24I'm wondering what you might think of YOUR floor - I've named it your floor.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I have allotted you this room,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32in my magnanimous way.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So this is a second bedroom, effectively, but you could
0:23:35 > 0:23:39make it into a little sort of private grown up sitting room.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Or meditation room.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Or meditation room, close to the heavens.- Very quiet. Good.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Next door is where they would sleep.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53So you just topple out of bed in the morning into your meditation room,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55but you do have your own en suite.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Very good.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- It's cosy up here. - It's very cosy.- It is, isn't it?
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I like the blend of the old and new as well.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07There's a lot more internal space, more accommodation, in one spot,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09by far the greatest amount.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12But less outside space, a smaller garden.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Outside unlocks yet more potential space for their clients.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23I'm almost embarrassed showing you another annexe, but this is a particularly beautiful one.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- Very nice!- It is.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29You can see it's got some reclaimed beams.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33A beautiful en suite and bedroom.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37It's been built very nicely and mirrors the shape of the house, doesn't it?
0:24:37 > 0:24:40You could maybe make this your treatment room even.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- We could.- It'd work very well as a treatment room.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Let's go back outside and let's talk about the whole plot.- OK.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Although the garden is well maintained with a nice terrace,
0:24:50 > 0:24:55it's small and wouldn't deliver the outside sanctuary they were after.
0:24:55 > 0:25:01But with the ready-made potential of the annexe as a therapy space, our mystery house is the only
0:25:01 > 0:25:06property of the three we've seen where they can keep work and family life truly separate.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12It's a different offering from what you originally sketched down in your wish-list.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13How much do you think it costs?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15760.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Uh-huh. What do you think?
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I think about 695, actually.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20Right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24You're much closer, it's actually on the market for 700,000.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It's been on a few months.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31And you're right, the price is high because of the location, it's a very desirable village.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34But is it what you want?
0:25:34 > 0:25:39Priced at £700,000, our mystery house is £50,000 under budget.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Tastefully furnished throughout, it gives them:
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Along with great kerb appeal,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57it's set in a very desirable village.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Now, guys, all done?- Yes, all done. - Let's re-group and re-consider.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Okey-dokey.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14This has been a fascinating house hunt because we've been dragged in all directions -
0:26:14 > 0:26:17spiritual, financial, family, public.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21It'll be really interesting to see what they've decided.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28If we look at the houses individually, what do you think
0:26:28 > 0:26:29about the first house?
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Yeah, lovely elevated position, beautiful views, lovely garden.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- But the house itself... - It just didn't work for us.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40I got the impression that you, Simon, sort of hung back a bit
0:26:40 > 0:26:44from the project until you saw the Mill House where things seemed to click in.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Is that a fair assessment?
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I mean, that house changed the energy for me
0:26:49 > 0:26:52because I felt very at home there, and I saw the potential there.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56It's undoubtedly a beautiful property, and I loved the grounds,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59but when you look at the house, it is quite small.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03And I'd want to be confident that, you know, we could really make
0:27:03 > 0:27:06it work for us commercially, because we have to.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10And the mystery house, on one level, this did offer that practical side.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15I think it probably was more practical and I think they'd laid it out very well,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17all the bedrooms had en suite,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and that was a very usable and workable annex.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23I didn't feel at home there, really.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25The heart wasn't singing there.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29OK, well, whatever happens, I know it's quite a complex change for you.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32I hope you do move to the country, maybe not to one of our houses,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34but something that makes you both very happy.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- Yes, thank you very much. - Real pleasure.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Although it's not stuffed with ley lines, you do have to admit
0:27:44 > 0:27:48that Warwickshire does have tranquil beauty and it's been interesting trying to find
0:27:48 > 0:27:54the dream home for Simon and Karen here because, in many ways, they want four different things.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57They want a going business concern, but also a spiritual retreat,
0:27:57 > 0:27:59a place for their family, and a place for their clients.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Although I think we came close to squaring the circle
0:28:02 > 0:28:04with the Mill House, I think they've got
0:28:04 > 0:28:08a bit further in their voyage of discovery here in Warwickshire.
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