0:00:02 > 0:00:07This Grade I listed pumping station is Georgian civil engineering at its very best.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Thanks to this clever innovation, by the late 1830s,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15up to the equivalent of 40 lorry loads of goods,
0:00:15 > 0:00:20from coal to timber to tea, were shipped through here daily.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22So if that's whetted your appetite,
0:00:22 > 0:00:27join us in a moment for a very refreshing Escape To The Country.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44Our couple today are hunting for a home to house their horses
0:00:44 > 0:00:47and to satisfy their penchant for a period property.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- Beautiful.- Always dreamt about roses round the door.- Yeah. - Very impressive.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55I think you're selling this house to ME!
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Land is key to their grand plan.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00No, I don't think we're going to get much better than this.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05But will their ponies take a back seat when they see the property of their dreams?
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Ponies!- That's all right. Pop them down the lawn, down there.- Ponies.
0:01:12 > 0:01:18Today, I'm in Wiltshire and this is the Crofton Pumping Station.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24Installed alongside the Kennet and Avon canal in 1812, it houses this...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27the oldest working beam engine in the world.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30And it was the mighty power of this machine
0:01:30 > 0:01:34that pumped 600 tonnes of water an hour over the brow of the hill
0:01:34 > 0:01:40that stood in the way of connecting the busy port of Bristol with the City of London.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46Now this new commercial route brought great prosperity to the county in the 19th century,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51the legacy of which is still visible today in the many beautiful towns and villages.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Situated in the south-west of England, Wiltshire is made up of wide, flat chalklands,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03charming, medieval riverside towns and untouched farmland.
0:02:03 > 0:02:065,000-year-old obelisks and burial sites
0:02:06 > 0:02:11such as Avebury and Silbury Hill sit in-between huge tracts of agricultural land.
0:02:11 > 0:02:18Surrounded by corn fields, the Salisbury Plain takes up 300 square miles of the county
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and although much of Wiltshire is considered an area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:02:22 > 0:02:2992,000 acres have been given over to the Ministry of Defence as a training range.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34In-between the agricultural land and the famous white horses that look over the plains,
0:02:34 > 0:02:40prosperous towns like Salisbury grew up through the Middle Ages thanks to the wool industry.
0:02:40 > 0:02:46Given its charter in 1226, to this day the cathedral, with its magnificent spire,
0:02:46 > 0:02:51is home to the grandfather of charters, one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Nearly half of Wiltshire's landscape is protected
0:02:55 > 0:03:01under the area of outstanding natural beauty umbrella, but what exactly does that mean?
0:03:01 > 0:03:09Well, to put it simply, the purpose of the AONB is to conserve and to protect the countryside
0:03:09 > 0:03:13and one of the ways of doing that is with restricted planning,
0:03:13 > 0:03:18so many of Wiltshire's market towns, villages and pastures will remain pristine.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21But conservation does come at a price.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25For a four-bedroom detached property in one of these protected areas,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30you'd pay on average £644,000.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35That's £200,000 more than a similar property elsewhere in Wiltshire.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39So you really have to weigh up the location pros and cons.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43But let's take a look at what's currently on the market countywide.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48In keeping with the equine theme, this six-bedroom 18th-century barn
0:03:48 > 0:03:51in Corsham has been immaculately restored.
0:03:51 > 0:03:58On the market for £1.25 million, the property is surrounded by magnificent gardens.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Inside is equally impressive.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03The reception rooms make the most of the garden views,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05the kitchen is inviting
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and the bedrooms have plenty of period features.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11A few rungs down the property ladder,
0:04:11 > 0:04:16this Grade II listed thatch is on the market for £425,000.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20Located near Stapleford, this 17th-century property has a stunning garden.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24The three bedrooms and the kitchen are bathed in natural light
0:04:24 > 0:04:27and the inglenook fireplace sets off the dining space.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31And finally, for £325,000,
0:04:31 > 0:04:36this three-bedroomed thatched cottage in Pewsey is picture-postcard perfect.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39The garden is laid to lawn, the living room has a feature fireplace
0:04:39 > 0:04:44and the kitchen is sympathetic to the style of the property.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49So there's an excellent range of properties on offer here in Wiltshire.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52But what are today's buyers after?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Well, it's time to find out.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Meet Peter and Carol.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04They met via a dating website four years ago and have been living in Carol's three-bed semi in Hampshire.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09But now they're seeking a country escape they can both call their own.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- It's always been my house as opposed to our house.- Yeah.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18And I think we're stuck with each other now, aren't we?
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Oh, I think so.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25So they're saddling up and moving to Wiltshire to pursue their favourite hobby.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We have now got two Exmoor ponies.
0:05:28 > 0:05:34I grew up with ponies and, unfortunately, at the moment, we rent a field.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40What we'd like to have is a place of our own and, hopefully, expand and get a herd.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46Peter and Carol want land so they can have a pint with their four-legged friends more often.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48But what should the house offer those on two legs?
0:05:48 > 0:05:51It's got to have three bedrooms, a bathroom upstairs...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- That would be a novelty, wouldn't it?- Yes, definitely.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56A decent lounge...
0:05:56 > 0:05:58With a fireplace, with a real fire.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03With a real fire, yes. A garden, which has got to be south or west facing.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09Luckily, Peter doesn't mind a project, just in case we can't quite find everything they're looking for.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I've done building work before,
0:06:12 > 0:06:17so what I can't do, I'll get an expert in to do it.
0:06:17 > 0:06:23With Peter and Carol pooling their resources, how much do they have to spend?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26So budget-wise, we are working on...
0:06:26 > 0:06:28£500,000.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29Yeah.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- For the house and garden.- Yes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40Well, the house part of this hunt sounds totally manageable.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44A character property with a country kitchen, feature fireplaces
0:06:44 > 0:06:49and a good-size garden, but there has to be a catch, doesn't there?
0:06:49 > 0:06:53And with this search, it's land for their ponies.
0:06:53 > 0:07:00I get the feeling it won't be perfection they'll stretch their budget for, but paddocks.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Peter and Carol love hacking through the hills
0:07:03 > 0:07:05in and around the Vale of Pewsey,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08so we'll be casting our property net to the north of Wiltshire
0:07:08 > 0:07:11between Chippenham, Swindon and Pewsey.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16We'll be showing our house hunters three fabulous properties, but I won't be telling them
0:07:16 > 0:07:19how much to make the cheque out for until after the tours.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Last on the list is the mystery house,
0:07:21 > 0:07:27a property specifically chosen to challenge their idea of a country escape.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Carol and Peter, welcome to Wiltshire.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Thank you.- Thank you. - So you're first-time buyers really, together?- Yes, together, yes.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39This move, though, isn't just about the two of you, is it?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42We've also got to remember your beloved Exmoor ponies.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46We've got to take them into consideration. What are their names?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Poppy and Honey.- And how much land are you looking for for these ponies?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Hopefully, a minimum of two acres.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54It's usually an acre per pony.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Well, let's talk budget for this property and the land you're after.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00So minimum of sort of two acres.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Remind me of the budget again.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- 500,000.- So are you aware we might have to slightly compromise with this budget,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10if we are looking for land and a decent property as well?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Yes, yes, we are aware on that.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- We're happy to compromise on the house as such.- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Excellent. We've got some fantastic properties lined up, so are you ready to get started?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- Yes, please.- Oh, yes, please.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30With a top budget of £500,000,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Peter and Carol want a character property
0:08:33 > 0:08:35with a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38They'd like a large country kitchen
0:08:38 > 0:08:41and a spacious living area with a real fire.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46A garden is essential and so is land for their Exmoor ponies.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55North-west of Chippenham, our first property is in Sutton Benger.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56For a small, rural village,
0:08:56 > 0:09:01it's surprisingly well catered for in the amenities department,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05with a local post office, a restaurant for those special nights out
0:09:05 > 0:09:10and a couple of village pubs, although taking the horses for a drink may not be allowed!
0:09:10 > 0:09:14The village centres around a Grade II listed 13th-century church.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19Once owned by the church, we're exploring the house right next door.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22This is your first property.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Ooh!- What are your impressions?
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Not bad.- It's different, isn't it? - It is different, yes. - It is very different.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30That's character, yeah.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Do you like what you see to start off with?- Yes...
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Yes, I think so, yes.- Intrigued?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37I'd like to see inside, yes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Now looking at the building, you've probably guessed.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44It's sort of full of character but it wasn't originally a house.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46It was an old stagecoach and stables.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Oh, right. Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Let's go and have a look.
0:09:49 > 0:09:56'Well, they wanted a property with character and, built in the 1800s, this has character on the outside,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59'but all the benefits of modernisation inside.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:02So come on through.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04How's this for an entrance?
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Very impressive. Very impressive.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Very high-vaulted ceiling for you as you walk through.- Yes.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15It's nice. Then that gives it a bit of space and everything to the building.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19So upstairs is the mezzanine, so that would be good for a hobby area, a little office.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- It's actually got a day bed. - I'll have that as my office. - Ah, we'll fight about that!
0:10:24 > 0:10:25It's already decided!
0:10:25 > 0:10:31But downstairs here on this floor you've actually got a bedroom and it's sort of divided into...
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- It could actually be two, but there's a big-sized bedroom down here.- Right.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39It does have four in total. OK. Let's continue through.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Now I know the kitchen is important, especially for you, Carol.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- First impressions, very nice. - Very nice, yes.- Very nice indeed.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55There's plenty of storage. Again, it's got character.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- It's not something that's just out of one of the showrooms.- No. - It's different.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04You've also got a utility room right behind you, which has got your white goods.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08It's got your boiler in there and you can store foods, so plenty of space.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Let's go next door.- OK.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17So here's your sitting room with that magnificent window.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20That is lovely, absolutely lovely.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25You've got your wood burner and stone fireplace, which I know was on the wish list.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26- Oh, definitely.- Yes, yes.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31And how about the dimensions of this room? It seems pretty generous to me.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It's a nice-sized room, very nice-sized room.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Peter, I'm going to follow you.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- We're going to go back through the hallway and I'm going to take us upstairs.- OK.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Not a bad result so far.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47The rest of the downstairs is made up of a bathroom for cleaning up after hacking through the countryside
0:11:47 > 0:11:50and accessed from an exterior door, there's a workshop and office
0:11:50 > 0:11:53that could easily be converted into a tack room.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57So, we've got three bedrooms upstairs.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- You probably remember we've got the fourth bedroom downstairs.- Yes.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05You've got two through this door that are interconnecting.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Right.- Right, to... - Which is unusual.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12But they have maximised the space, so you do get a fourth bedroom in.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17And importantly, or most importantly, is your bedroom through here,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19again, which has been sort of divided into two.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23This is the dressing room and again, it's very unusual.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- It's just a dressing room. - This is just a dressing room.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- I thought it was a small bedroom. - They've used it as another office as well.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- OK.- Let's show you the actual bedroom itself.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38The whole space is enormous, but obviously you've got the dividing wall there.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41The actual bedroom isn't that big.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Yes. They're smaller windows, aren't they?
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Particularly the one on the front.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Well, there's still more to see with this property,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53so let's head back down the stairs and go out to the garden. Peter, after you.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54All right.
0:12:54 > 0:13:01'The layout upstairs is certainly not orthodox, but it is spacious and benefits from another bathroom.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'And outside, the 120ft garden is impressive.'
0:13:04 > 0:13:09So you've got a magnificent garden here.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12All the way back to the drystone wall.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Very nice.- But I want to take you through this gate first.- Yeah.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23So through the garden leads us to this area.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Come on over here, you two.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- Now this property has a substantial back garden, about a quarter of an acre.- Right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35It doesn't have any additional land.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- Right, OK.- However, what it does have is this paddock,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42which could be possible to lease from the church,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46which is run as a charity, and they've intimated they're very keen
0:13:46 > 0:13:50for it to be continued to be leased out for grazing.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Absolutely ideal, yes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:59So it's given you plenty to think about, because it is now time to consider how much this is all worth.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05So back through the garden gate.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Who wants to go first?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- You can.- Oh, thank you(!)
0:14:10 > 0:14:14I reckon about 450,000.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17OK. Peter?
0:14:17 > 0:14:23I think it's a little bit more. I think it's very much up near our budget price of 500,000.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24So I'll go 500,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Out of the two of you, one of you is very close.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It's Peter.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36It's currently on the market for £499,950,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40so £50 change out of your budget.
0:14:40 > 0:14:47I thought it might be a little bit more, given the character of the place, the size of the garden.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Do you fancy taking another look around the property?- Please.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Go on. And then check out this beautiful garden. Off you go. I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02At just £500,000, this property delivers four bedrooms,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05a large living area and a spacious country kitchen.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11There's space for a workshop and tack room, an impressive 120ft garden.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16But will renting the land be enough for our horse-loving couple?
0:15:16 > 0:15:20I do like the idea of coming through this gate and seeing the ponies.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21Yes, I do as well.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I could actually see myself living here.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30Yes, it would work, but there would be compromises.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33OK, guys? Have you seen enough?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Yes, we have.- Yes.- Good start.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Good start.- Good. Excellent. OK, we've got more to show you.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49From Stonehenge to Avebury, Wiltshire is an ancient county,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53so it's no surprise it's home to England's oldest borough, Malmesbury.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58In the seventh century, a monk by the name of Aldhelm built a monastery here.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Replaced by an abbey in the 12th century,
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Malmesbury became one of the most important religious centres in the country.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09So Peter and Carol made a pilgrimage here earlier in the week
0:16:09 > 0:16:14to meet local chancellor Charles Vernon at the famous abbey to find out more.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19It was a huge building originally with a spire where we're standing,
0:16:19 > 0:16:2545ft taller than Salisbury Cathedral's spire.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27It's huge, yeah.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31As you might imagine, it was slightly unstable,
0:16:31 > 0:16:36so it fell round about 1475 and it demolished two-thirds of the building.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43In the 1920s, restoration work took place on the interior, including fitting stained-glass windows.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49One curious depiction is of Eilmer, possibly the world's first flying monk.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50In 1010,
0:16:50 > 0:16:57he leaped from the west tower of the abbey church at that time,
0:16:57 > 0:17:03which was a wooden structure, and he flew for 200 yards before he crashed.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08He broke his legs in that crash, but he did recover.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13But unfortunately, the abbot told him he couldn't try again, which he wanted to do.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18An important strip of land for the monks of the abbey was Conygre Mead.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Carp was kept in the ponds,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24rabbits thrived here and the abbey used both as a food source.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28After the abbey was dissolved, Conygre Mead wasn't maintained
0:17:28 > 0:17:33and by the mid-20th century, the area had become a dumping ground.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39In 1992, the River Valleys Trust bought Conygre Mead with an aim to reclaim and reinvigorate the land,
0:17:39 > 0:17:44to remind tourists and locals of the importance of local flora and fauna.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50Hedgerows have been planted, ponds have been built and biodiversity is returning.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Trustee Lesley Bennett was on hand to show Peter and Carol around.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59This type of habitat doesn't actually exist sometimes unless it's managed.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Exactly, exactly. - Otherwise it would all be forest.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Some people have said, "Why don't you cut the grass? Why don't you manage it?"
0:18:06 > 0:18:09They don't realise that we do manage it, you do have to manage it.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13It would be forest. Things would just grow and grow. There'd be trees.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17The thistle would... We must do something about the thistles. The thistle would take over!
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Don't worry, we know a horse who'll deal with that.- Oh, right.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Now that's a seriously good idea.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25And they'd do it properly and delicately and they'd leave...
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- That's great.- They'll only eat what they want.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31They'll leave the rest of it and they'll leave you with a good sward.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33That's excellent.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I really hope you move here and I really hope you bring your ponies here.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- Now you go off and be charmed by the rest of Conygre Mead.- Thank you.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47Well, they found somewhere to put the ponies on a temporary basis, but we still have a property to find.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49So the search must go on.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Right in the heart of north Wiltshire,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59we find our second property in Little Somerford.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04Although it is centrally located for shopping in nearby Chippenham, Swindon and Malmesbury,
0:19:04 > 0:19:10Little Somerford does have a choice of pubs, a convenience store and a post office.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14And here is your next property.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Very, very different from the one we saw earlier.- It certainly is.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21It is very, very different, yes.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- In total, it has four bedrooms, if you use it as one house.- Right.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30At the moment, it's been separated into two. And what this property does have is land.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Ah.- Land actually comes included.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Let's go in.- Right.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41'Originally a cow barn, the building was converted eight years ago
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'and inside there are plenty of options for Peter to practise his DIY skills.'
0:19:45 > 0:19:51So as you come into the house and through the hallway, turn left into this part and right into the kitchen.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55But I wanted to start off in the dining room.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- OK, yeah. - It's a nice-size dining room.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Very nice size, isn't it?
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- It is. Like the curved wall.- Yes.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Yes, unusual, isn't it?- Very unusual.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07This leads through into the reception room...
0:20:10 > 0:20:13..which again is a good size.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14It is a good size.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Nice, yes.- Very nice.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- I like the fireplace.- So what about the dimensions to this room?
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Big enough for you? Sort of the size that you had in mind?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Oh, I think so, yes.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29The other thing that might be worth considering is that huge driveway.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Obviously, that's all your land.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36This room looks out onto it and it's actually a lovely view, should you make that into a garden.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- You wanted a project! I've got a few in mind.- Yeah, I was going to say...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Follow me.- Start the list!
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Again.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'The all-important fireplace went down well.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'Next up is the heart of every house...'
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The kitchen with the range.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57You have got a conventional oven over there with a hob.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Of course, yeah.- So do you like it?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Is this big enough for you?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- It's...- Yes, I do like it.- Yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Wouldn't want it any smaller.- No.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07From my point of view.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11And it's west facing, so you get the sun all afternoon, into the evening.
0:21:11 > 0:21:17- Yes. If that's converted into a garden, the outlook would be... - Lovely. Absolutely lovely.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Excellent. OK. Well, walk with me through here.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24So how about this for size?
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- Not a bad size. - Yeah, it's got a double bed in it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31That fits in quite nicely. You're not stuck for space
0:21:31 > 0:21:32round the sides of it or so.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35There's storage behind the room.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- There's storage, yes.- It's a very reasonable-size room, yes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:45This half of the barn conversion has a further bedroom opening out into the courtyard and a shower room,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49but we're going to explore the space to the rear of the property.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57So into the second half of the property.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02When it was built, or "converted", I should say, this was the master bedroom.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Oh, this is the master bedroom.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Yes.- And you can see why.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- It's bigger.- Yes. A lot bigger. - If you did want to convert it back to how it was done
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- originally...- Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14This would be your master.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Behind me is currently a kitchen.- Mm.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Used to be the en-suite. Down the corridor, you've got the family bathroom
0:22:22 > 0:22:27and you've got the other bedroom, so there are four in total, if you make this a bedroom as well.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Sounds good.- Looks really good, yes.
0:22:29 > 0:22:36And I haven't shown you, perhaps some might say, the best bit. Follow me.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42Although Peter and Carol originally said they don't mind renting land, based on the last house,
0:22:42 > 0:22:48owning the land has become a priority, which is where this property really delivers.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- Now is this the part of the property that I was really excited about showing you both.- Ah.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Aah!- Yes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I can start to see why!
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Very much so.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02The double garage, was that what's exciting you?
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Erm, might be that. Yes, yes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Triple stable block there.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Excellent, yeah.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- And you've got well over two acres. - Now that is more like it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16So if you're thinking of horse boxes, you don't need that gravel drive at the front.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21You've got access to your property through the gate and straight up here.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Now, you are both potty about your ponies.- Yes.- Yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- Is this the sort of set-up that you had in mind?- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- Yes.- Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33We might have to train them to go into the stables.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- Oh, do they not like stables? - No...- They're not used to it.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Cross it off the list!
0:23:39 > 0:23:43You don't know how hard we hunted for those stables.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46So I'm going to ask you that question. How much is this worth?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Oh...- That's a big sigh.
0:23:49 > 0:23:55It is, yeah. I suppose it's my turn to go first this time, cos I made you go first last time.
0:23:55 > 0:24:02I'm going to go for 485, at a guess.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Well, I was going to go for the 500.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Were you?- 500,000. Mm. - We've swapped round again.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11One of you is on the nose.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Right.- And it's Carol.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Exactly on your budget. 500,000.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21- One-all!- One-all, yes. - So, pleased? Or how do you feel?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- I'm pleased.- It's lovely. It is.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25I'm waiting for the catch, Carol.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Erm... I'd like to have a look round.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Go on then. Go and investigate.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Take as long as you like and I'll catch up with you later.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Thank you very much.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40I think I've shocked them into silence, but in a good way.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44For £500,000, this property has a large living area
0:24:44 > 0:24:47with a great fireplace and there are four bedrooms.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51But it's outside that this property comes into its own, with
0:24:51 > 0:24:56two acres and three stables, this really is a horse-lovers' paradise.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59A menage, stables and paddocks.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02It's beautifully fenced, everything.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04I don't think we're going to get much better than this.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08The house...yes, we'd be making some compromises on it.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10No two ways about that.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14But it's got potential and they're compromises that we're happy to make.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18I love it. I really do like it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23Well, the sun's shining and I'm feeling quietly confident.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Happy?- Yes. - Yes?- Oh, I think so.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30The question is, would Poppy and Honey, your ponies, be happy?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Oh, you're not going to give anything away, are you?- No.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34- No.- Come on.
0:25:38 > 0:25:45As night falls after our first day, horse-loving house hunters Peter and Carol have plenty to consider.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54Today, our buyers are looking for their first house together in Wiltshire
0:25:54 > 0:25:56and we are not horsing around,
0:25:56 > 0:26:01because they're after a period property and a place for their ponies.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02What this property does have is land.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- Ah!- Ooh! - It actually comes included.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08We've shown them some prime property in great locations.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I love it. I really do like it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15But will it be the mystery house that gets them galloping to the country?
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Cheque book in your pocket at the moment?!
0:26:20 > 0:26:24We all know the Brits are a nation of animal lovers
0:26:24 > 0:26:28and Carol and Peter have taken this to the nth degree.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33So our search yesterday was dictated by land for their beloved ponies.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36But what if we found them their perfect dream home?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Bring on the mystery house.
0:26:42 > 0:26:48So, driving through this beautiful countryside, we're on our way now to the mystery house.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Carol, what are you hoping in your heart we're taking you to see?
0:26:51 > 0:26:58Ooh, I think a beautiful thatched cottage with a huge field.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00A real character place.
0:27:00 > 0:27:06Well, if it's a period thatched cottage Carol's after, then she's in for a treat,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09because today's mystery house is in the charming village of Urchfont
0:27:09 > 0:27:11in the Vale of Pewsey.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15In the heart of the village is an impressive church dating back to the 13th century.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Along with a local pub and convenience store,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22there's a community hall, built by the locals in the 1930s
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and a peaceful pond, surrounded by period properties.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31Carol should be pleased because thatching seems to be the roof of choice.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34A wonderful location for our mystery house...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37a property perfectly suited to the area.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Now, this move
0:27:41 > 0:27:46isn't just about the ponies. Come over here. This move is about the two of you,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50and, as this is the mystery house, we've found you this little gem.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- And it's got thatch.- And it's got a thatch. It's beautiful.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Roses round the door as well.- Yes.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01- I mean, it's beautiful.- Always dreamt about roses round the door.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- Have you?- Yes.- Built in the early 1700s, it was actually two cottages. - Oh, wow!- Oh, right, and it's been...
0:28:06 > 0:28:08And over the years it's been amalgamated into one.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- Well, shall we take a step inside? - Yeah, lovely.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18Thatched in 2008, with proper care it should last at least 25 years.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22And inside, the charm offensive continues.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26So the front door leads straight into the sitting room.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29That is lovely, absolutely gorgeous.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- Look at that fireplace. - We've got a fireplace.- Yeah,
0:28:33 > 0:28:38but this is a large fireplace with the inglenook-type thing to it as well.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- And you've got the fabulous beams. - Yes.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Well, let's continue through the cottage.- OK.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49So in a way, the kitchen is in two halves.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- And it's bigger than what you'd expect.- Much bigger.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55- Yes.- I like it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- Are you liking it?- I like it, yes.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- So shall we look at the main body of the kitchen?- OK.- Lovely.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Oh, wow!- Oh, brilliant.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13This is beautiful, absolutely...
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Yeah.- I like a "wow"...
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- A proper country kitchen.- Isn't it?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- It is, yes.- Superb.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- So you've got granite and maple worktops.- Ooh.- Oh, nice.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Is this the sort of thing that you had in mind?
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- Yes.- This will do very nicely. Very, very nicely.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33How does this flow for you?
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Cos you go straight into the conservatory, so plenty of space.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Obviously, at the moment, being used as a dining room.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40I'm not sure I'm going to be in the kitchen.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- I'll be in the conservatory! - Do you like it?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- I think it's absolutely fabulous. - Yes, with a cold glass of wine.- Yes.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47While I do the cooking.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I think you're selling this house to ME!
0:29:50 > 0:29:54THEY LAUGH I'm loving your... Well, it is very quirky.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56It is very different.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Obviously, being the two original cottages merged into one.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01I think that's reflected upstairs.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Oh, I think it might be.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04Let's check out the bedrooms.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12It may be quirky but it's certainly appealing to Peter and Carol.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14And upstairs, the period features continue.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19Coming up here, I feel like we really are stepping back in time.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- It's very spacious, isn't it? - Cor, it is, isn't it?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- Beautiful.- Wouldn't have thought it would be so big.- No.
0:30:26 > 0:30:32So it's a good sort of hobby room or an office, a reading room, or a huge landing.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Yeah. I think this could be an office.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Through there you've got a double bedroom with a small en-suite to the right.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- It's got an en-suite in there?- Yeah. - Well, I never.- Let's go through
0:30:42 > 0:30:45because I want to show you the family bathroom just here.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Right. Oh, wow! - This is lovely, absolutely gorgeous.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Brilliant.- Fantastic.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Beautiful bath, that roll-top. - Isn't it stunning?
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- Absolutely fabulous. - With the claw feet.- Yeah.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03And the panelling as well.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07That was all done by the current owner and he did it because
0:31:07 > 0:31:10he wanted it to be in keeping with the rest of the property.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12So the detail that's gone into this place...
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Yeah. Everything that I've looked at.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18You know, even the window sills, everything, is well fitted, well made.
0:31:18 > 0:31:24It's a labour of love, isn't it? They obviously adore this property.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Peter, you lead the way. We're going to go up the stairs. After you, Carol.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Although there is another bedroom on the first floor,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35the next level up is where I think Carol and Peter will end up parking their slippers.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39So, right up into the eaves.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Got a double bedroom through there.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46That's nice.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- Look at that.- I've lost you two on this tour, haven't I?
0:31:49 > 0:31:51That's a good sign.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55And this is the master.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Fantastic.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- We could live like this, couldn't we?- Very easily!
0:31:59 > 0:32:01We could live like this.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- It's fabulous, isn't it? - It's wonderful.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- You've got plenty of cupboard space, loads of storage.- Yeah. I like that.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10- I like the way that's been done. - Yes, very much so.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12And what really tickles me
0:32:12 > 0:32:16is the huge A-frame just behind you as you walk up the stairs.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20I love this. Whenever I've watched any programmes on housing, having
0:32:20 > 0:32:24this type of woodwork in them has always been what I've been after.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29You feel you really are in the rafters. So you've seen the cottage.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32I think you should step outside and look at the garden.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34There's more, is there?
0:32:34 > 0:32:36This is superb.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Although there is no space for the horses, the house
0:32:39 > 0:32:44is set on more than half an acre and the gardens have plenty to offer.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Oh, brilliant.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49He's spied it already.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Fish pond.- Absolutely amazing.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54That garage, as you saw so quickly, has been converted
0:32:54 > 0:32:56into a tool room.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- So you've got a workshop, perfect for all your bits and pieces.- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02- I know you both love gardens. - Definitely.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06So let's go and explore what's down here.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Gently rolling down to a stream, the garden is simply idyllic.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17And look at that for a view. That...
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- Aw!- That's your garden.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- What, that?- That, all the way down.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- That windy path.- Yes. - Yes, I'd clocked that already.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- Excuse me while I just pop my jaw back.- It is absolutely...
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's just beautiful. Beyond my wildest...
0:33:32 > 0:33:37Absolutely beyond my wildest... Yeah, genuinely. I mean, I...
0:33:37 > 0:33:40That's absolutely what I want in a garden.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44But there's one thing we haven't mentioned once today.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Ponies.- Ponies?- Ponies.- Pop them on the lawn, down there!- Ponies.- Yes.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50We've spoken to the local farmer.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54About a five to ten-minute walk in that direction is a paddock that you can rent.
0:33:54 > 0:34:00It's about two acres. It works out at £40 a week for the two ponies.
0:34:00 > 0:34:06- Aaah!- Ooh!- I love you, Nicki. I love you, Nicki!
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- Talking of money...- Oh, no! - Back to reality, guys.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Yeah, that's going to be the downside, isn't it?
0:34:13 > 0:34:20- It is. Cos you've got to decide how much all this is worth. - Well over budget.- Yes, I know.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- Easily.- And I don't even know where to start.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- No, I don't either. - I'm going to have to rush you now. - Right...- Pressure's on.- Er, 650.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- OK.- 600. That's being optimistic. - Yeah.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33It is a marvellous property.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35I mean, the garden speaks for itself.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38The current asking price...
0:34:38 > 0:34:45- is £479,950.- You are joking? - We're buying it. We're buying it. End of story.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- I can't believe that.- Cheque book.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Have you got your cheque book in your pocket at the moment?
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- Really?- Have that now. Really? Oh, well done!- Yes.- Yes!- Perfect.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57It's perfect. Absolutely perfect.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- Absolutely perfect. Yep. - You're really emotional, aren't you?
0:35:00 > 0:35:01I am, actually.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03This is such a beautiful house.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- It is the mystery property because we wanted to find something for the two of you.- Yeah.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- And it sounds like we've cracked it. - You've done more than that.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13- It is brilliant.- Absolutely brill...
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Fantastic. - I'm delighted. Well, go and explore.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Have some fun, cos all this really could be yours.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Take as long as you like. Go on, off you go.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- Thank you very much. - I'll catch up with you later.
0:35:24 > 0:35:31Peter may be emotional, but they've both fallen in love with our mystery house.
0:35:31 > 0:35:39For a shade under £480,000, this is a classic period property full of character,
0:35:39 > 0:35:44boasting four bedrooms, a spacious lounge with a feature fireplace,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47stunning kitchen and an impressive garden.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51I cannot believe this property.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It's everything I've ever, ever dreamed about.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57This is absolutely amazing, isn't it?
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- Fantastic. I can't believe it.- Oh!
0:36:02 > 0:36:06I think very shortly the cheque book will be coming out for this property.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10I don't think I've ever had a reaction like that.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14All right? Happy? Look at those smiling faces.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19Let's take you somewhere quiet where you can gather your thoughts and decide your next step.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20- Yeah.- Super.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28Peter and Carol have chosen Wiltshire for the abundance of riding trails,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32but the county is also famous for the quality of its pork.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34The town of Swindon actually means "pig hill"
0:36:34 > 0:36:36after the herds of pigs that used to graze there,
0:36:36 > 0:36:41and one important by-product of pork is lard,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44the key ingredient in Wiltshire's most famous dish,
0:36:44 > 0:36:49the aptly named lardy cake. Served up in many of the county's bakeries,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52this sweet cake has been a favourite for nearly three centuries.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58So I've come to discover the traditional recipe from food expert Karen Cooper.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02You're a big champion, aren't you, of great English food?
0:37:02 > 0:37:06I love all things that are locally produced
0:37:06 > 0:37:10and fresh, and particularly the old recipes, because they're dying out.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I mean, people just aren't making them any more, which is so sad,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16because they are absolutely incredible.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Thought to have been the brainchild of a local baker in the 17th century,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24the cake was traditionally eaten at harvest festivals.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29It takes about three hours to prepare, so no time to waste.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31So, Karen, first things first.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32What ingredients do we use?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Well, it's really important to use the right ingredients
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and the best ingredients if you can, and local ingredients.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42So, wherever possible the ingredients are from Wiltshire.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47First up, the bread mixture is prepared.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50You simply add the olive oil into the flour...
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- ..and then start pouring in... Using your hands...- Yep.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Make a little well in the middle and start pouring in
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- the mixture of yeast. Do you want to have a go, Nicki?- Yep.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03I haven't done this since school.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07You make it look easy and already it's a bit...
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Just move it a bit more quickly.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Once the mixture is kneaded on the bench top,
0:38:12 > 0:38:17Karen puts it back into the bowl and leaves it for about an hour, so the yeast has time to activate.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Here we are, after one hour. Look.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23My goodness!
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- Amazing.- That really has risen.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- So it's doubled in size, virtually. - Yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32And that's just because it likes to be warm,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35the perfect sort of ambiance to let the yeast develop.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36- I can smell it.- Yeah.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41Once it's turned out, it's time to add the guilty pleasures.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- Basically, we're going to roll this out.- Yep.
0:38:44 > 0:38:50And smear lard and butter and fruit and spices on it, roll it up and then roll it out again.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Spices were only introduced for cooking from the 17th century onwards
0:38:54 > 0:38:58and they really help give this cake its distinctive flavour.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- You fold that over once.- Yep. - And then you pick it all up and fold it over again.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06You turn it round once and then you roll.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08So it literally is layers that you're creating.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11It's layers of fat and lard and fruit and spice.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15After repeating the folding and the rolling and adding the ingredients
0:39:15 > 0:39:21and leaving for one more hour to prove, the cake is baked for 45 minutes.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29So it's absorbed most of the lard that would have been running out of it when it was hot.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Look how easily that comes out!
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Hardly anything in there at all. And that's it.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36It's ready to eat, really.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38We just slice it and serve it.
0:39:38 > 0:39:44Although lardy cake is made in other areas of the country, Karen assures me this recipe
0:39:44 > 0:39:50is particular to Wiltshire and we are using Wiltshire pork lard, which leaves me with just one thing to do.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53The proof, as they say, is in the eating.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02That has definitely been worth the wait. Karen, thank you very much indeed.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03That's a pleasure.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Now that they've had time to discuss the pros and cons, it's time to
0:40:12 > 0:40:17find out what Peter and Carol thought of our Wiltshire offerings. Hi, guys.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Hello.- Well, I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed our last few days in Wiltshire.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25- I hope you feel the same. - Very much so, yes. - Definitely. Really enjoyed it.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30So, we kicked off, the very first property was the former coach house that had been converted.
0:40:30 > 0:40:37- What did you think of that? - I think my initial reaction was, "It's beautiful".
0:40:37 > 0:40:41I loved the entrance. I loved the kitchen.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42And then to me it went downhill.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47When you say "downhill", sort of referring to the upstairs of the property, aren't you?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- It just didn't have the right feel for you.- No.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54The second property we saw was the former cowshed, actually.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Quite a large property, but not only that.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01It had over two acres of land, the three stables, the menage and the double garage.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Oh, absolutely perfect. I mean...
0:41:05 > 0:41:06- You couldn't fault it.- No.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Couldn't fault the land.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- But what about the property itself? - Er, yes...
0:41:11 > 0:41:19We would have been compromising on the house itself to gain the benefit for the horses.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23So, let's talk about the mystery house, that beautiful cottage.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27As we walked through it, it got better and better and better.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30You stand outside a property like that
0:41:30 > 0:41:33and you look at it and you think, "Mm, right. It's thatched."
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- It means usually it's going to be small on the inside.- And dark.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39And character places are small and dark. But it wasn't.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44Two extra floors upstairs and the kitchen. Absolutely superb.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46And I have to mention the garden.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- That just went on... - And on and on...
0:41:49 > 0:41:51And then got bigger.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56So we got a reaction that we don't often get after guess the price, which was rather lovely.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00We'd already discussed the ponies and we'd got that all sorted.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05So lots of options there and lots of answers, hopefully, for their sort of stabling in the paddocks.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- Yes, there are, yeah. - But what is the next step?
0:42:11 > 0:42:12I think it's got to be an offer.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15I think it's definitely, yes, on the mystery property.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- In fact, now I think it will be an offer.- It will be.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21That is fantastic news.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23So we wish you all the best of luck.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25- Thank you very much. - Thank you so much.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29- Put that offer in very quickly and let us know how you get on, won't you?- Of course we will, yes.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- All the best together.- Thank you very much.- Thank you so much.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42Well, what a fantastic way to end our few days in Wiltshire.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46The mystery house certainly worked its magic on Carol and Peter and,
0:42:46 > 0:42:53if their offer's accepted, they're going to be moving to this county very soon. We wish them all the best.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58Join us again on Escape To The Country.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Although Peter and Carol did put in an offer on the mystery house,
0:43:02 > 0:43:07sadly, they were outbid, so their search in north Wiltshire continues.
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0:43:10 > 0:43:12Wales, Scotland or England,
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