0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today I'm in a part of England that was once described
0:00:04 > 0:00:08by one of the country's best-loved authors, James Alfred Wight,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11as somewhere where he could find peace and tranquillity.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Of this county he wrote, "It is a land of pure air,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17"rocky streams and hidden waterfalls."
0:00:17 > 0:00:20More famously known by another name, who was this Alf Wight?
0:00:20 > 0:00:24And where is he writing so passionately about?
0:00:24 > 0:00:26I'll reveal all in just a few moments.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Today I'm helping a couple who are ready to give up their careers
0:00:48 > 0:00:50and start a new life in the country.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52And at the start of our house hunt
0:00:52 > 0:00:56they make all the right noises about the properties we show them.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Yeah. Yeah.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Yeah, oh, yeah.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Yeah.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Yeah? A lot of yeahs going on.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Then our mystery house almost leaves them speechless.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Look at those views, first of all.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10They're stunning.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16I'm in the Yorkshire Dales, and Alf Wight is better known
0:01:16 > 0:01:20as the region's most famous vet, James Herriot.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23As one of the most successful writers of his generation,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27his stories of life as a rural vet, which were later adapted
0:01:27 > 0:01:30for the TV series All Creatures Great And Small,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33have been sold worldwide - in fact, 10 million copies,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and it's been translated into 40 different languages.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41So far-reaching was this man's work that the whole region
0:01:41 > 0:01:44is now universally known as Herriot country.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46And I must say, personally,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49when you look around this place it's quite easy to see why
0:01:49 > 0:01:53millions and millions of tourists come to this place year after year.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Spanning the central Pennines, nearly all of the Yorkshire Dales
0:02:00 > 0:02:03National Park falls within the North Yorkshire county boundary.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07However, a small part does flow into neighbouring Cumbria.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Created in 1954,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14this was one of the first designated National Parks in the country.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Much of the landscape is formed from 300-million-year-old
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Great Scar Limestone, which has led to the creation
0:02:21 > 0:02:23of spectacular cliffs, like Malham Cove,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27and giant outcrops, like Kilnsey Crag.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Strict building restrictions in the National Park
0:02:29 > 0:02:31have led to limited redevelopment,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35with villages such as Buckden retaining a charming old world feel.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39It's no wonder that the area
0:02:39 > 0:02:42continues to attract house buyers and tourists to the region.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Time to meet today's buyers
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and find out why they're ready to escape to the country.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Financial consultant Michael and teaching assistant Alison
0:03:00 > 0:03:02want to leave their jobs
0:03:02 > 0:03:05and start up their own business in the countryside.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08They currently live in this three-bedroom house in a cul-de-sac
0:03:08 > 0:03:12in Bishop's Stortford, but they're dreaming of a more rural life.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16When we move, we want to buy a bed and breakfast
0:03:16 > 0:03:19so that we can live in the country,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22we can enjoy where we're living, we won't be living somewhere
0:03:22 > 0:03:24but spending so much time out at work,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and hopefully you'll be able to have some land.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Yeah, I'd like to have a bit of land.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32So, our buyers have plans for a business when they move.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35The county they've chosen is a perfect choice,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37offering a whole range of options.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41We'd really like to go to the Yorkshire Dales.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It's an area that we've spent quite a lot of time in.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We know it quite well, we like the hills...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49We also both like rambling and hiking.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52But Michael and Alison have thought long and hard
0:03:52 > 0:03:55about what type of property would be right for their new venture.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01It must have the letting rooms, minimum of three,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04a substantial kitchen, with the range cooker.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Yes, yes, a range cooker is someone's necessity.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10And also a view.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Possibly on the edge of a hamlet or a village
0:04:13 > 0:04:16for sort of shops and pubs.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- Pub.- Pub.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19Yeah, need a pub.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Well, it's not quite last orders,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25as there's the all-important question of their finances.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31We've got a maximum of £550,000 budget.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Any renovation costs would need to be included within that budget.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Today we'll be looking around Sedbergh,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50in the Cumbrian side of the National Park,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and Grassington in the south
0:04:52 > 0:04:56to give our buyers a great taste of properties across the region.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58We've lined up three fantastic properties
0:04:58 > 0:05:01to whet our buyers' appetites and, as usual,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it to them.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Our last property is, of course, the mystery house,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10and I've got a proposition that really raises the bar.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15So, Michael, Alison, lovely to meet you.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Welcome to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Stunning here, isn't it? - It's amazing.- Gorgeous.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- You've got an idea of running your own business.- That's right, yeah.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- We want to buy a bed and breakfast and work from home.- OK.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29So, let's talk about this property.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31What accommodation do you want?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- Something remote. - OK, so size of property?
0:05:34 > 0:05:36What are we looking at?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Bit of land, I'm not talking masses of acres,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41but a reasonable-sized garden.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43OK, how old does this property need to be?
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Is it a period building?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Yeah, your stone-built building,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49something along those lines would be great.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52What sort of budget are we looking at?
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- We've got up to 550,000.- 550,000.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Now, is that to buy an existing B&B?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Ideally, yes.- OK. - It would be better.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06OK, so would you be prepared to look at large houses
0:06:06 > 0:06:10with a view to converting to B&B?
0:06:10 > 0:06:14It's certainly something that's...got a consideration, yeah.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Well, look, I think what's best to do is get to the first house,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21see what your reactions are, not only to the house but to the area,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24then we'll talk about how we can make that work for you.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Sure, sounds good.- Just this way.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33So, Michael and Alison have a top budget of £550,000
0:06:33 > 0:06:36to buy an existing bed and breakfast business.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38If the property needs converting,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41they'd only be prepared to spend £500,000.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44They want a building with character that has four bedrooms
0:06:44 > 0:06:48and they'd like a large garden, so Michael can keep some animals.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59For our first property, I'm taking them to Gawthrop,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02which is to the south of Sedbergh.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05The nearest village for amenities is just down the road in Dent,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09which is one of the most sought-after villages in the National Park.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12There's a 12th century Norman church, a cafe,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14a local shop, and a post office.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18The house I'm showing our buyers is a pretty four-bedroomed cottage
0:07:18 > 0:07:21which has spectacular views over the Fells.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25So then, for the first property
0:07:25 > 0:07:29I've brought us to this wonderful hillside location.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31There you go, what about this?
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- That's big.- Yeah, it's big!
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Don't be daunted.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37I mean, you know, it's not particularly deep.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40A lot of these cottages are long and thin - this is such a cottage.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42What about the location?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- Lovely.- Beautiful.- Yeah.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- OK. Let's go inside.- Excellent.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50'This property isn't an existing bed and breakfast,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54'but the main Dales walking path is right on their doorstep.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57'I hope they can see the conversion potential of the interior.'
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Right then. In you come...
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- to the engine room of your business, really.- Yeah.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Yeah.- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12A lot of yeahs going on.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Modern and sort of look with a country feel.- Hmm.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Now, this room, this is big enough for a catering kitchen
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- for the amount of guests you're going to have here.- Hmm.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Have a look at this.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I thought this was a lovely place for you guys to take breakfast
0:08:25 > 0:08:27yourselves in the morning and your evening meal,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29or maybe have a sitting area for you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- It's a nice room, actually. - This is a nice room. Yeah.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Beyond that door, we start to enjoy it ourselves
0:08:35 > 0:08:37but also start thinking about your guests, OK?
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Follow me.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41'It's crucial that our buyers think about how
0:08:41 > 0:08:44'they will balance living in and running their home as a business,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46'so let's see what they make of the next room.'
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Now then, I was quite surprised when I saw this fairly large room.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- This is nice. - Yeah, I'd agree with that.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- It's fairly large, yeah. - A good size.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58The view is stunning from that window.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Now, you're going to be cooking for your guests,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04breakfast at the minimum, hopefully some evening meals.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06So when I first saw this, I thought, it's a shame
0:09:06 > 0:09:08to have to put tables in here,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11but you've another room, smaller than this, at the far end.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14That room is plenty big enough to have it as a dedicated
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- dining room or a breakfast room at the far end.- OK.- Excellent.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Which means you can keep this wonderful room as it is.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Yeah, so you'd have your lounge area, a relaxed area,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and then dining in the other. Yeah, that would be good.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Now, we need somewhere for you guys to sleep, and maybe your guests.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- Let's go and take a look at the accommodation upstairs.- OK.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39'Pretty good responses so far.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41'I'm hoping the bedrooms yield the same result.'
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Take a look at this as a master suite.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Now, look, you have an amazing bathroom there,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52but look at this bedroom here, it's quite something.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53It's a great size.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Look at that.- Wow, that is stunning. - That is...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- This would be ours!- Yeah!
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Forget the guests!- That's huge!
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- And you've got views both sides. - Lovely, isn't it?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Next door there's a double bedroom with room to put an en suite in,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- and as the bathroom is next door that's very doable.- OK.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17And at the far round of this property there's another
0:10:17 > 0:10:21double bedroom with a bathroom next door, which could be made
0:10:21 > 0:10:23a suite, a little bit like this, not quite as big.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28That could be an owner's suite, or it could be an en suite for a guest.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32But, in order to get a third bedroom, we need to look elsewhere,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35and there is a fantastic option the other side of that wall.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Follow me.- OK.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42'Michael and Alison need to maximise the earning potential of this house,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44'and there's a room above the garage
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'that I think could really help them do just that.'
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Now, we've got an en suite just through there, and look at this.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Ah!- Whoa!
0:10:55 > 0:10:57That's a bit of treasure.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00It's a hidden surprise, isn't it? In the garage.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Now, this is where you have the options.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Below, you've obviously got the double garage.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10You've also got beyond that an out-building
0:11:10 > 0:11:12that's at the moment partitioned into two.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16This could be a complete, self-contained annexe.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18You could even let it out to someone.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Options are there.- There you go.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Let's go back outside, we'll have a chat about price, OK?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- OK.- OK.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27'So, although this house only has three bedrooms,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29'there is the scope to add more,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32'or to even create a self-contained accommodation unit.'
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Now, Michael, you did say you wanted a bit of land.- Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39All in all, the agent reckons there's a good quarter of an acre.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41You've got this garden here.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45So, with that in mind, let's have a go at pricing it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Um, I think about 450.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49450. Michael?
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- I'd say a little bit more, I think about 480-485.- Right.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Well, it's more than that, still.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It's on the market for offers around £515,000.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03We've spoken to the agent. The agent reckons that
0:12:03 > 0:12:07there's a deal to be done maybe around the 490 mark.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12It's... It's got potential. It's a consideration.
0:12:13 > 0:12:19This characterful cottage is on the market for offers around £515,000.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22It's got three double bedrooms in the main house,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26and outside there's another double room above the garage,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29which could be converted into a self-contained flat.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30And, perhaps best of all,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33there's a large garden with some stunning views.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- There's a lot to see, isn't there? - Yes, big property.- Good.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Hopefully give you something to think about...- It has.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- ..on the way to the next place.- OK.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54'The Dales are a haven for great traditions,
0:12:54 > 0:12:58'so earlier in the week I visited the village of Kettlewell
0:12:58 > 0:13:02'to see why over 15,000 people flock here every year in August
0:13:02 > 0:13:04'for the annual Scarecrow Festival.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07'I've been asked to judge this year's event,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09'so the chairman of the festival, Colin Harvey,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'is taking me on a tour of the exhibits.'
0:13:13 > 0:13:15It's great, everyone gets involved, even the church.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17You've got whole scenes here, haven't you?
0:13:17 > 0:13:20It's also a good test of your knowledge of nursery rhymes
0:13:20 > 0:13:23and children's stories, what with Rapunzel up there.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25That's the children's favourite at the moment.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Certainly the tallest scarecrow, isn't it?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'There are over 150 scarecrows dotted around the village,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34'some of which portrayed this year's theme, which is inventions.'
0:13:34 > 0:13:36What's going on here then?
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Oh, wait, I've got this - that's Freddie Mercury.- Yes.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's one of the inventions, and it's the Hoover Dam.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Ah-ha! Right, OK.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Whoever lives here is ingenious themselves.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54'This is a very hard decision to make, but I think we have a winner.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Well, it's got to be this, hasn't it?- Yes, definitely.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Well done, whoever did this. Just deserved.- Absolutely.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03With such a love of the Dales, I'm sure our buyers would really
0:14:03 > 0:14:07enjoy having this quirky festival right on their doorstep.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09With that in mind, it's back to the house hunt
0:14:09 > 0:14:12to see if I can unearth their perfect property.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16For our second property,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19I'm taking our buyers to Litton in the middle of the National Park.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23It's just down the road from the popular Dales village
0:14:23 > 0:14:27of Grassington, which has got all the amenities our buyers could need.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30The house I'm showing them is a modern cottage.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Now, for the second property, we thought it would be good idea
0:14:36 > 0:14:37for you to have a look around
0:14:37 > 0:14:40an up-and-running bed and breakfast business.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Which is this.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43- Excellent!- Nice!
0:14:43 > 0:14:45You've got a pub just there.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Brilliant.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51All right, start on the property. It was built around 1978.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Do you like it?- Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54It's pretty, actually. I do like it, yeah.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Now, what can you see that you weren't expecting to see?
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Post Office.- Yes!
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Now, it is a great way of getting to know your neighbours,
0:15:03 > 0:15:04but also, it's...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07You know, it's a few mornings of your week out.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- OK.- Yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- Something to think about.- Right.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's very different inside, as much as anything else,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15because it's up-and-running, OK? Follow me.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19What I really like about this house
0:15:19 > 0:15:23is that it's a ready-to-go business in a popular Dales location.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Let's see if they feel the same.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27And in you come...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31to a rather open-plan kitchen-dining room.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Now, you're going to be cooking
0:15:32 > 0:15:35maybe with your diners already in the room,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38if you were doing breakfasts and what have you.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- But we are tucked around the corner. - You are, yes, definitely.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- We could board that off. - You could do.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Indeed, you could.- Yeah.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46Yeah, it feels...
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- It feels nice.- Does it?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Yeah.- Yeah!- Yeah, so far, so good.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52OK, well, look, let's look at one of the letting bedrooms,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and then we can concentrate on you after that.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Yeah? Sound good?- Yeah.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58This way.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01There are three letting bedrooms on the ground floor,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03but I want to show them the fourth, upstairs.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11So, this is the family room.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Because it has three beds. Quirky, isn't it?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Yeah. That's a great summing up - quirky!
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I like the skylight, actually.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- That's a nice feature.- Yeah.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Now, it's en suite.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27You've got three en suite letting bedrooms
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- in the business part of this house. - OK.- OK.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33There's also another bedroom which isn't en suite.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- All right, fair enough. - So, you've got options here.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40The opposite end of the property is your accommodation, OK?
0:16:40 > 0:16:41Let's see what you think of that.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49So, it's back through the kitchen towards the other end of the house,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51where the private living quarters are located.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Also on this floor, there's a study
0:16:53 > 0:16:56from where the current owners run the sub-post office.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Upstairs, there's a guest bedroom which has an en suite,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01but we're going to take a look at the master,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03which could be perfect for them.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Now, in the far end of your house...
0:17:08 > 0:17:12..there's two en suite bedrooms just for you.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Right!- It's pleasant.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Two en suites for us?- One each.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- JONNIE LAUGHS - Yeah! Well, you're going to be doing shift work.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22You never know, you might not get on!
0:17:22 > 0:17:24You're working together for the first time!
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- Lovely, isn't it?- It's a good size.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29All right, well, look, below this room is their very own,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- or potentially, YOUR very own living room.- Right.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- And it's a really good size. Let me show you.- OK.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38'These reactions are really positive.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40'I'm hoping I can keep up the momentum.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:41This is a good-sized room.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43This is a big-sized room!
0:17:43 > 0:17:46And it goes right round here for a room
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and half the size again, if you like.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Yeah? Nice fire.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54That'll heat the house, let alone the room!
0:17:54 > 0:17:56What do you think of the layout?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59I would potentially look at us being up in the upstairs bedroom,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- the quirky room, as ours. - Yes.- All right.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05And then have the other end let out to guests.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08OK, well, that's the whistle stop tour
0:18:08 > 0:18:10of the interior of this property.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Let's go and have a look at the garden,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14and again, start to think about price.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15- Brilliant.- OK, thank you.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19So we haven't quite nailed it, although the good thing
0:18:19 > 0:18:21is that they're actually thinking about
0:18:21 > 0:18:23which parts of the property might be best for them.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24So, here we are.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29This is the extent of your garden. It goes to that middle wall there.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Yeah.- OK, it's not bad.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- Not bad?- I like it.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38So, after what you've seen, let's have a go at pricing it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41How much, Michael, do you think this place is on the market for?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I'd go in the region of 525.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46OK. Alison?
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I think a bit more.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- I think I'll go 530.- Right.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Well...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57you'll be surprised to hear, then, that this place
0:18:57 > 0:19:00is on the market for offers in the region of £500,000.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01- Wow!- OK.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03I think, at that price,
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- there potentially is a deal to be considered here.- Mmm!
0:19:08 > 0:19:11This modern house is on the market
0:19:11 > 0:19:13for offers in the region of £500,000.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17It's got a kitchen-breakfast room and a separate dining room,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19which is ideal for guests.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21There are seven bedrooms and a lawned garden to the south
0:19:21 > 0:19:26and west of the property, all with spectacular views of the Dales.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Hopefully, something to have a think about.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Something to sleep on, now. - Very much so.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32- Happy?- I agree, yes.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34You look it! And determined.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- Mmm!- Let's go.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44As evening falls, it's the end of our first day
0:19:44 > 0:19:46searching for our buyers'
0:19:46 > 0:19:49perfect bed and breakfast property in the Dales.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Well, we covered quite a bit of ground here in the Dales yesterday,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57for the main reason that there aren't that many
0:19:57 > 0:20:00properties for sale here in Michael and Alison's budget,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03and even less so that are suitable for conversion to a B&B.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Today, when they woke up, well,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07they were greeted by a beautiful morning here in the Dales,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11and I'm sure they're rather excited to see the mystery property.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12Let's find out.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18For our mystery house, we've hopped out of the Dales National Park
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and travelled north to Hilton in Cumbria.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23It's just down the road from the town of Appleby,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27which is an ideal spot for tourists, offering easy access
0:20:27 > 0:20:31to the Pennines, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36Appleby is well serviced by an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40The property I'm showing them in Hilton is a four-bedroom farmhouse
0:20:40 > 0:20:43which has been renovated to an extremely high standard.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48Before the mystery property...
0:20:48 > 0:20:52well, we're actually looking at mystery PROPERTIES,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55because we've got a barn, and we've got a farmhouse.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56- Right!- OK.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59The Yorkshire border is about 20 minutes that way,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02but, on the flip side, 20 minutes that way is Ullswater,
0:21:02 > 0:21:03- the Lake District.- OK.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06So we've got two national parks within striking distance.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Interesting.- Mm-hm.- Yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12And the Pennines right on the doorstep.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16You can walk to the Pennine Way, which means tourist and customers.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Yes.- Very much.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21So, what do we think overall?
0:21:21 > 0:21:25It's not quite what I was expecting, actually, but it's got the character.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27That means the mystery property is doing its job.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Let's look inside.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32When Michael and Alison see the high-spec interior,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34I think they'll understand why I've brought them here.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39In we come.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Ooh!- Mmm!
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Nice! Very nice!
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- It's got your cooker! - Well, what can I say?
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It's the first thing I saw!
0:21:48 > 0:21:50It's a fantastic room, isn't it, really?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- It's huge.- It IS huge.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- It is a big kitchen. - It's an amazing room.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56There's all sorts of options that you have here.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59The owners told me that when they redeveloped this house,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02they left enough room to put a stud partition across there,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04so that would be a dining-kitchen for yourselves,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and then the dining area for your guests could be here.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- There is plenty of room to do that.- Goodness me, is there!
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I mean, the kitchen, I think, is absolutely fantastic.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Everything you see, every bit of woodwork in this house
0:22:15 > 0:22:17has been made bespoke.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Wow!
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It's the best kitchen we've seen so far.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Isn't it, just?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24You can see it is a quality finish.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27You'll see that in every room that we go into.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Let's look elsewhere.- OK.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33This property has so much to offer,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36and there's a whole range of possibilities.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- Now then, what do you think of this room?- It's very light.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- It is, isn't it? And again, it's sizeable.- Wonderful size.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Massive, isn't it? - Here's the question.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Is it for you or is it for the guests?
0:22:53 > 0:22:56If we kept that for us, this could be the dining room.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Could be. There's lots of options here.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Or I can show you an option where
0:23:01 > 0:23:05this could still maybe be your lounge. OK?
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Because next up, well, we're going to spice things up again.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10OK.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Right, then. As it stands, clearly this is a living room.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21And I think it's really sweet.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- That's cosy.- Yes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Look at those views first of all.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29They're stunning, straight into the Lakes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Imagine waking up to those views
0:23:31 > 0:23:36- because I'm suggesting this is your bedroom.- OK.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39You've got a downstairs loo just there,
0:23:39 > 0:23:43which could easily be converted to a downstairs loo and shower room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- OK?- So the entire end of this house on the ground floor is
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- the owner's suite. - Yes, it certainly could work.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55OK, but these are just one of many options here.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Upstairs, at the moment, I think that's where your guests will stay.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Let's take a look at one of the rooms.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05The attention to detail continues on the first floor,
0:24:05 > 0:24:06where there are four bedrooms
0:24:06 > 0:24:09which have all been beautifully finished.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12There's a small single room and two good-sized doubles,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14one of which has an en suite.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16There is also a family bathroom.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19But I'm going to show them what could be the biggest letting room.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Nice size.- Isn't it just?
0:24:21 > 0:24:26Again, as with the whole house, it's just such a standard, and the size.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- But look at it, look at those views. - Exactly. You've got the view again.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33That's the Lake District over there.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- That is amazing. - Let's go outside.- OK.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43There are more surprises in store with this spectacular property,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45as there is a barn that's ripe for development
0:24:45 > 0:24:47and a quarter of an acre of garden.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53Well, what else might make your life interesting is this building
0:24:53 > 0:24:55here, which is included in the sale.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I'm suggesting you speak to the local planners
0:24:58 > 0:25:02and try to get planning consent for conversion to accommodation.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04That would certainly be a future project.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Yes, let's consider all that we've got.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I think 540.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13540. Michael?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17I think a little bit less because it's not in the Dales National Park.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- I think 525.- OK.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Well, you are out, both of you.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25It's on the market for 475.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- 475?- 475.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Well, that's a different ball game altogether. That's...
0:25:33 > 0:25:35That's a bit of a shock, actually.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- Yeah, good shock, by the sounds of it.- Yeah.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's a lot of property for that amount.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43With a price tag of £475,000,
0:25:43 > 0:25:48this detached house is finished to an exceptionally high standard.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52It has a large, bespoke farmhouse kitchen and four bedrooms.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55And there is a barn with development potential as holiday lets.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58A lot to take in now. A lot to consider.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a think and a natter.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Excellent.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- Is a move up here to the rural north the right thing for you guys?- Yes.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- Definitely.- So, let's talk about property number one.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20How do you feel about it now?
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Perfect location, the property itself was good.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Yes, that was the best location.- OK.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29And that certainly had the most potential
0:26:29 > 0:26:31to convert into a B&B business.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Because the second property, we showed you an up-and-running B&B.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40We're still not entirely convinced on the location.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43The plus side being, it was up and running, we could move in.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44Well, then...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Finally we got to the mystery house.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51It's wonderful, you cannot fault it as a house.
0:26:51 > 0:26:58I think to turn it into the B&B aspect, I think, would take a lot.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03So, does one property have enough to be a favourite for you guys?
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Property one. - Property number one.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12Well, it sounds like we could potentially have found you
0:27:12 > 0:27:15a property that could be your dream business up here.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18So, best of luck with that. But please, whichever way you go,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- let us know what you finally decide, won't you?- We will do.- Will do.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Well, what a great couple of days.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It sounds like we had genuinely three properties
0:27:30 > 0:27:31that were in contention this time.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34But I must say, after catching up with Michael and Alison,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36I'm quite surprised at their choice.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I thought the mystery property would be the one for them.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42They reacted fantastically to the potential and to the finish there.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46It sat nicely between the first house that needs work done to it
0:27:46 > 0:27:49and the second property that was an up-and-running B&B.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53But I suppose, on reflection, it is outside that target area
0:27:53 > 0:27:54of the beautiful Dales.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57And at the end of the day, location so often wins through.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00So, for a couple from Bishops Stortford,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03if they do go ahead and buy this first property,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07this will truly be an escape to the country for them.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09See you next time.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11After discussing the properties further,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Michael and Alison decided none of them were quite right,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17but are still keen to make the Dales their new home.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Northern Ireland or England,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24or maybe even further afield to the continent,
0:28:24 > 0:28:29and need our help, please apply online at...