0:00:02 > 0:00:06I'm in a county that played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Its manufacturing heritage stretches over the centuries.
0:00:10 > 0:00:16I hope to match that hard graft in finding a house for a couple who seem to be all work and no play.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Where am I? Find out in a moment.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54'Today, I'm helping a couple find a property which will cut down their commute and enable them
0:00:54 > 0:00:59'to spend more quality time together. He would like a renovation project.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:05- You're not having this as your workshop.- 'And for her, there's a mystery house full of surprises.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Wow, this is not what I expected, Jonnie.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15I'm in Yorkshire, a county renowned for its industrial heritage.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19However, having an area of around 6,000 square miles,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23it still means there's plenty of unspoilt countryside like this
0:01:23 > 0:01:27and access to this countryside is at the heart of today's search.
0:01:27 > 0:01:34Nicknamed God's Own County, Yorkshire is so big that it's split into four separate counties -
0:01:34 > 0:01:40North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the East Ridings of Yorkshire.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44But historically, it was once a separate kingdom altogether.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49The Danish Vikings made York their capital in the 9th century and ruled the Danelaw,
0:01:49 > 0:01:54encompassing most of what we now recognise as northern and eastern England.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The county proves its Nordic roots in some place names still in use.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03The famous dales come from the Viking word "dalr" meaning "valleys"
0:02:03 > 0:02:07and East Riding comes from old Danish "thriding" or "third".
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Yorkshire now covers a large part of northern England and a vast range of extraordinary landscapes
0:02:12 > 0:02:17from the bleak moors to the undulating hills that roll down to the coast.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20There's climbing, hiking and biking aplenty.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25Yorkshire folk have a reputation for being strong-minded straight-talkers.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30They're passionate about their county and some would say with good reason.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34As the biggest county in England, it's certainly got plenty to offer.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41Being such a vast county, property values can vary greatly, depending on where you are.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Up in the north with its rolling dales and wild countryside,
0:02:45 > 0:02:50property prices can be anything up to 57% above those here in the west.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55Over the past 12 months, here, the market has actually gone down by 17%,
0:02:55 > 0:03:01although homes in villages can still command prices comfortably in excess of the national average.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Here's a selection of fantastic properties that we found currently on the market.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Just under £300,000 will get you this deceptively spacious,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16four-bedroomed, stone-built barn conversion in Upper Hoyland.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20It dates back to the 1800s and it has a galleried living room
0:03:20 > 0:03:26and French doors to the rear opening out on to a raised terrace with spectacular views.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Set within the grounds of Middlewood Hall in Darfield,
0:03:29 > 0:03:36this four-bedroomed, 17th century conversion has been restored, retaining many original features
0:03:36 > 0:03:38and it's oozing with character.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42At a handsome £450,000, it includes a large farmhouse kitchen,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46a light living area with a feature fireplace
0:03:46 > 0:03:48and expansive rural views.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50If your pockets can stretch to it,
0:03:50 > 0:03:56the lordly sum of £650,000 will get you this heaven-sent, five-bedroomed converted church
0:03:56 > 0:03:58in Thurgoland in Sheffield.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03It has a substantial open-plan living space, including three reception rooms,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07original features and a sizeable lawn garden with a raised deck area.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10A great selection of properties there.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15Time to meet today's buyers who are ready to make their very own escape to the country.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20Paul, a retired financial adviser, and Linda, a senior management consultant,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23have been married for five years.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28They live in a large home in Stockport. Both have adult children from previous relationships
0:04:28 > 0:04:33who have flown the nest, so they want to buy their first home together.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38We've decided now is a good time to move because I started a new job two years ago,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42so I'm settled there, but it's a two-hour commute away.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47The travel time from Stockport to Wakefield has become a problem, not just for Linda,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51but for Paul too as it impacts on the time they spend together.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57I think it's always been at the back of my mind that the travelling that she's been making
0:04:57 > 0:05:01would become too excessive over time, but in the last 12 months,
0:05:01 > 0:05:06we've really started to think seriously that we ought to make the move.
0:05:06 > 0:05:14They're keen to downsize their property, but still want a home that gives them the feeling of space.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18What we want in the next house are three bedrooms minimum,
0:05:18 > 0:05:22so we can have an office and a guest room,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26a slightly larger kitchen for Linda's benefit.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30It's particularly important that Paul has somewhere to practise DIY,
0:05:30 > 0:05:34so he's keen to find a property which needs some renovation.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39Not a huge project. I'm not a big fa of a huge project. Paul would be.
0:05:39 > 0:05:45I wouldn't want anything like gutting out a house and starting from scratch. I'm too old for that.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51But definitely having jobs where I can alter them to make them our own, the way we want it.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55And there are some particular features they have in mind.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00We love the period older properties with the period features inside.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02We particularly like the Yorkshire stone.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07We would even look at a new build if it was made of Yorkshire stone.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Keen on wildlife, location is very important,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13plus they'd like to find somewhere in West Yorkshire
0:06:13 > 0:06:17on the outskirts of a village within easy access of open country.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21We're big nature lovers and love being close to nature.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Being in the middle of a city makes that quite difficult.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30As with everything, money talks and how much they've got to spend will dictate what they can achieve.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Our maximum budget for the move would be around £300,000.
0:06:34 > 0:06:40That would have to include any renovation work that was needed on any property we found.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49All work and no play isn't much fun for Linda, so it's crucial that we cut her commute time,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53whilst Paul seems desperate for a dedicated workshop.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57With a budget of £300,000, finding a York stone-built property
0:06:57 > 0:07:01and one within a village seems to be at the top of their shopping list.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06Whether or not this property can be a renovation project is definitely up for discussion.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12One thing is for certain. They've chosen a fantastic part of the world to look for a new home.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18West Yorkshire has a plethora of country paths and footpaths to satisfy anybody in outdoor pursuits.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22But will our properties satisfy them? Time to find out.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25As Paul and Linda want to move closer to Linda's work,
0:07:25 > 0:07:31we'll be focusing our property search on the villages within striking distance of Wakefield.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36I'll show them great properties, but won't reveal the prices until they've guessed first.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41We'll see if the mystery house challenges what they think they want from their perfect home.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Paul and Linda, welcome to a beautiful West Yorkshire morning.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Linda, your commute is the main driver behind this whole move.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53How far do you travel each day?
0:07:53 > 0:07:57It takes me anywhere between an hour and 45 minutes and two hours each way.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- Each way?- Each way. It's a four-hour commute every day.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05What would your ideal commute be then?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09If I had a job that I was 15, 20 minutes away from, no more,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13that would be absolute perfection for me. I've never had that.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19I'll push you a bit further. How about just popping out the door and walking to work?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21That may be a little too close.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Oh, really? - That might be a little too close.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Paul, you have a bit more time on your hands.- Yes.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- I understand you're fairly keen at DIY.- Fairly keen, yes.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34How keen?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Linda refers to me as the DIY freak.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Charming! That's nice, isn't it?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43We have a cellar at home and he has his workshop in the cellar.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47And what he hasn't got in there isn't worth having.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- Would you like to get stuck into a property or part of a property? - Part of a property, yes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58This is a lovely part of the world, but three bedrooms in a stone-built property in a village,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01they don't come cheap, so what's our budget?
0:09:01 > 0:09:05I think we said the maximum was 300,000, wasn't it?
0:09:05 > 0:09:09I'm here to show you a selection of properties.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15There seems to be a bit of discussion to be had between how much of a project I can show you,
0:09:15 > 0:09:21so I may show you elements of a project and elements of the finished product itself.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Let's gauge your reaction to the first house and we'll go from there.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Sounds great.- Thanks a lot.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33So for a maximum of £300,000, Linda and Paul want to downsize to a country house
0:09:33 > 0:09:38that will give them three bedrooms, including one that can be an office,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41a place for Paul to do his DIY, a large eat-in kitchen,
0:09:41 > 0:09:46a property which isn't overlooked, preferably on the outskirts of a village,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49and within easy access to open countryside.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54We kick off our property search in the hamlet of Hundhill, East Hardwick,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58around three miles from the historic town of Pontefract.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03East Hardwick is a pretty, rural community, surrounded by fields for horse and cattle grazing.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It's got plenty of public footpaths for walkers,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10a typical English cricket club and, although it looks older,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13St Stephen's Church is just over 100 years old.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17It was consecrated by the Archbishop of York in 1874
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and there's a bell-ringing group who meet regularly.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26The hamlet of Hundhill comprises seven buildings, all of which were part of the manor house.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29The property we're looking at is the stables.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- What do you think? - Oh, wow! I love the stone.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Now, any ideas where you are?
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- No.- Cos I saw you looking around like meerkats.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44We're trying to get our bearings as to sort of...
0:10:44 > 0:10:48I know the A1(M) is over there, but that's about all.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- You know Pontefract, don't you? - Yes.- That's a mile and a half away. - Oh, wow!
0:10:52 > 0:10:55But yet listen...
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Birds and the odd dog.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- It's gorgeous. - It's not a huge property.- Right.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03But when you get inside...
0:11:03 > 0:11:07I was pleasantly surprised with the room dimensions, but it's up to you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Let's have a look.- You're both smiling.- Yes.- Let's look inside.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16'So they like what they see outside, but what will they think of the interior?'
0:11:16 > 0:11:19OK, a small entrance hall.
0:11:19 > 0:11:25Let's start with a lot of people's most important room. What do you think of the kitchen?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27I like it. I like the feel of it.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I like the wideness.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Good.- That's what we don't have. It's quite small, our kitchen at home.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39This is a good start. I thought this might be different to what you're used to
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- because it's not your period property.- No.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- But the dimensions seem to be going down quite well. - It's done out very nicely.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53Good. Those dimensions, hopefully you'll agree, continue next door in the living room. Follow me.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- There's a real flow to this part of the house, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- And this living room is, I would say, sizeable.- Yes, it is. Lovely.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06I like the separate dining area.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- You can divide the room, but you're still together.- Yes.- That feels nice
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Something I want to pick up on here.
0:12:13 > 0:12:19Looking around, apart from maybe if you wanted to put your own style on here, like redecorating,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23there's not a lot of Paul DIY to be done in here so far.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- I'll find something.- Really? Is that right?- Oh, he will.- Good.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31'Well, there won't be much work for him to do in the bedrooms either.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'The guest bedroom is well finished with plenty of storage,
0:12:35 > 0:12:40'plus a further bedroom has been turned into a study, then there's the main bedroom.'
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- So the master bedroom...- This is a good size.- Definitely a good size.
0:12:44 > 0:12:50We have a very big bedroom at home at the moment which we love and this is probably about the same size
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- And obviously with its secret weapon which you asked for.- Oh, wow!
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- En-suite!- Secret weapon, wow!- That's really nice. I like that.- It is.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02You've also got the other bathroom at the other end of the property.
0:13:02 > 0:13:09- So you've got a guest bathroom and your own. I like that.- Good. - That's great.- What do you think now?
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Two bedrooms with the office?- We'd have to make some adjustments.- OK.
0:13:13 > 0:13:20But obviously, moving from a bigger house, so we have to get rid of a few things.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- What's here is obviously quality furnishings.- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27That stands out, but it all feels very new.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Is there enough DIY for you here?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- I don't think there would be.- No.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39'Not enough of a project for Paul, but hopefully the garden will provide a useful alternative.'
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Now, a south-facing garden, I paced it out myself.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- It's over 100 foot, believe it or not.- Wow!
0:13:50 > 0:13:55Size-wise, this is as big a garden as we've seen within your budget.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- You're not going to be looking at land.- No.- If this is big enough, I'm relieved.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- This is more than big enough. - Big enough, yes.- Yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:10For you, I know there's no DIY to be done inside the house. There is workshop space for you.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14You've got a garage next door. You also have a summer house there.
0:14:14 > 0:14:21I'm not sure what you'd do with it. It has four double power sockets, so it could be a great workshop.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27- It would almost be a shame to spoil it as a summer house. - It is very pretty, isn't it?
0:14:27 > 0:14:34The fact that there is nothing to do to the house may well have an influence
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- on how much this house is on the market for. I'm going to ask you how much you think it is.- OK.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- I think it's at the top end of our budget.- Put a figure on it?- 299?
0:14:44 > 0:14:45299...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49I'm thinking a little bit less, actually.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Um...
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Yeah, I think probably about 280, 285.
0:14:55 > 0:15:02Well, it's just been reduced. It was put on the market a year ago at just under £400,000.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- They then slashed it to 325.- OK.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09And a month ago, they've reduced it again to 300.
0:15:09 > 0:15:16I've spoken to the owner and the lady is wanting to settle in and around the asking price of £300,000.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- Right.- OK.- Why don't you go back inside the house, then maybe have a look at the summer house?
0:15:21 > 0:15:27- I'll catch you out the front in 15, 20 minutes?- Sounds great. - Fantastic.- Thanks a lot.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31A muted response from Paul there.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35I do really think he wants something to get his hands dirty with.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39He's got some DIY skills and he wants to put them to use.
0:15:39 > 0:15:45As far as Linda's concerned, she seems pretty happy. Let's see how this afternoon goes as well.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50So for £300,000, this house is a great opportunity for Paul and Linda
0:15:50 > 0:15:54to figure out what they can achieve with their budget.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02But the compromise is there are no period features or DIY opportunities for Paul.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08I think the area is absolutely beautiful. I was really impressed when we drove up.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11I think the property lacks real character.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16We're used to major features that were there when the house was built.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Oh, wow! This is like another room.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- You could have a sauna in here. - You could.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26You're not having this as your workshop. You'll have the garage.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32The fixtures and fittings being new wouldn't bother me, but I think it would bother Paul.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35He's only recently retired, so he's at home all the time
0:16:35 > 0:16:39and I would be a bit concerned about him having nothing to do.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- All done?- Yeah.- Yes, thank you.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Time for the next one, I suppose. Follow me.- Jolly good.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Paul and Linda are looking for a home that will enable them
0:16:56 > 0:17:00to spend more time together enjoying their shared interests
0:17:00 > 0:17:06and the location they've chosen has a wealth of fantastic countryside for them to explore.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11The county boasts a variety of landscapes characterised by high peaks, wild hills,
0:17:11 > 0:17:17moorland and peaceful valleys, together with patchwork fields of farmland as far as the eye can see.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22The countryside is scattered with ancient villages built from the local stone,
0:17:22 > 0:17:27many of which can trace their history back to the Domesday Book of 1086.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33Although it's largely a working landscape, 17% of the region is designated green belt.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39South of Wakefield, Newmillerdam Country Park is a stunning mixture of water and woodland
0:17:39 > 0:17:45and a great place to do some wildlife spotting after the pressures of a long week at work.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51Having a local nature reserve close by is a big plus in Paul and Linda's hunt for their new home.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56So earlier in the week, we sent them to meet a park ranger to find out more.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- So what's the history behind the reservoir? - The park was originally part
0:18:01 > 0:18:04of the Chevet Estate owned by the Pilkington family.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08They used to come down to the lake for hunting and shooting parties.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14- How big is the park overall? It's quite sizeable. - Yeah, it's quite a big park.
0:18:14 > 0:18:20Some people just tend to stick to the lakeside path, but there's a woodland up at the top end
0:18:20 > 0:18:26that is quite quiet. You can disappear up into the woods and be in the middle of nowhere.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30The park is home to a variety of bird life too.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34We get a lot of different ducks - mallards, coots, tufted ducks.
0:18:34 > 0:18:40In the summer, you can see terns flying over and in the winter, you can see goosanders.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43As well as finding peace and seclusion,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Paul and Linda are keen to indulge a passion for local conservation,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51so we arranged for them to meet one of the area's conservation teams.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57Volunteer groups help with special projects and ensure the park stays in good shape.
0:18:57 > 0:19:03Tasks include clearing dead wood from the forest and water, carrying out maintenance
0:19:03 > 0:19:06and creating new paths and access routes.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10What kind of skills would we need to join your group?
0:19:10 > 0:19:16No technical skills whatsoever. Just a lot of enthusiasm and a strong sense of humour.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- I think we can meet that criteria. - Just about. - What are the guys doing today?
0:19:21 > 0:19:28They're clearing the scrub because beneath here are wild orchids that are relatively uncommon.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- So can we help?- You certainly can.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38Volunteers meet every Tuesday all year round with some additional evenings in the summer.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42With groups of between 10 and 15 people, it's a very social occasion
0:19:42 > 0:19:47and a great way of meeting local, like-minded people.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Are you quite enjoying it?- Yes, it's quite therapeutic.- Carry on then.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56There's an abundance of wildlife and conservation in the region to interest Linda and Paul,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00so the location they've chosen will definitely suit them.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04But am I going to get lucky helping them find the right house?
0:20:06 > 0:20:11For our second property, we're visiting the village of West Bretton.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15This area is one of the locations high on Paul and Linda's wish list
0:20:15 > 0:20:17in their search for the perfect home.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21"Bretton" means "farmstead of the Britons" and its name derives
0:20:21 > 0:20:27from the Old English "Brettas" and the Saxon word "ton" meaning "enclosure" or "town".
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Bretton Park includes the Yorkshire Sculpture Park,
0:20:30 > 0:20:36an outdoor gallery where statues and abstract works sit amongst 500 acres of rolling rural landscape
0:20:36 > 0:20:42which could provide a great environment for Linda and Paul to enjoy quality time together.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The house I'm showing is a stone-built cottage,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49full of character and overlooking the local cricket field.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Your new home... I'm hoping might be this one here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- That's beautiful stone.- It is. - I love the stone.
0:20:57 > 0:21:04Now, also, I'm hoping that this is almost replicating the house you have now,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- but on a smaller scale.- Right.- OK.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- You're looking to downsize.- Yeah. - You're used to semi-detached living.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Semi-detached/end terrace, but it's got the stone
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- and some of the character that you like.- OK.- That's great.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25Normally, we go through the front door, but I can't get the front door open, so we'll go round the back.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- OK.- Follow me.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32'I'm hoping the fact that this property has more features than the first one we saw,
0:21:32 > 0:21:37'including the Yorkshire stone Linda has her heart set on, will get a positive response,
0:21:37 > 0:21:43'but it has something that will push Paul's buttons too. It needs some work. First, the dining room.'
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- This house isn't lived in.- Right. - I like it.- Taking it all in...
0:21:47 > 0:21:53- What do you like about it? Very different dimensions. - Very different to the first house,
0:21:53 > 0:22:00but it's got a real warmth about it as soon as you walk in, even though it's not lived in.
0:22:00 > 0:22:06We'd change, obviously, the units cos they're more modern, but the rest of it is...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Here's my idea for changing things - that wall!
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Yes.- Well, yes!
0:22:12 > 0:22:17I've been upstairs. There's nothing above, so it shouldn't be a problem.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Then your kitchen area is that way. All the drainage is that way.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23But it's not big.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26You're still smiling, Linda.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Why?- It just feels really nice.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35'Well, that's the kind of positive reaction I was after. They clearly see the potential
0:22:35 > 0:22:40'and there's plenty here for Paul to get stuck into. With only a kitchen, diner and lounge on the ground,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44'this house is much smaller than Paul and Linda are used to,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48'but I'm hoping the space could work for them.'
0:22:48 > 0:22:54- Now the living room is very different to the first house I showed you this morning.- Yeah.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00This is when reality bites. Now you didn't ask me for big. You asked for character,
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- stone-built, village location. - It is really quite small.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Yes.- I'm not even sure we would get our furniture in here.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- No.- No.
0:23:11 > 0:23:17'Well, the ground floor seems a stretch for them, but maybe I'll have better luck upstairs.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23'One thing this house does have is the requisite three bedrooms.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29'They do need some cosmetic work, but they all have good natural light and views.'
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- On the first floor, the bathroom, we need a new one.- Yes.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- The tiles are in surprisingly good shape, though.- Yeah.- This room...
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- Obviously, you'll want to keep it the same colour.- Oh!
0:23:42 > 0:23:47- Purple!- My goodness.- I do like purple, but not on my bedroom wall.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- Apart from the colour, is this space sufficient?- Yeah, I think it is.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Yes.- Good.- It's not a problem.
0:23:54 > 0:24:00'Linda's remaining open-minded. There's one more room for me to show them.'
0:24:00 > 0:24:02The master bedroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07- Again, it's really quite small. - Yes.- It's very small.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- It wouldn't fit our bed in here.- No.
0:24:10 > 0:24:17'Well, that's a disappointing response, so the outside space is my last throw of the dice.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20'There's a really good-size outhouse which could be a workshop
0:24:20 > 0:24:25'and a fair-sized garden with mature trees and shrubs. But is the price right?'
0:24:25 > 0:24:31- You've seen it's a character cottage and you've also seen there's some work to be done.- Yes.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- How much do you think it's on the market for, Linda?- Oh, that's hard.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- This is much harder than the last one.- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45With all the work that needs to be done, I would like to think
0:24:45 > 0:24:49it was somewhere around the 270, maybe.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I think that it'll be more 290, 295. Something like that.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Well, it's split the camp.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01It's on the market for offers of around £285,000.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07That wouldn't give us a huge amount to do the renovations we'd need.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13When you go back in to the property, I'm sure you're going to be knocking on walls
0:25:13 > 0:25:19and pricing up what you can do. Have a good walk round, but really get a feel for the dimensions.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25- That's going to help you make your mind up as to whether this place is for you or not.- Yeah.- OK.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- I'll catch you later on. Good luck. - Thank you.
0:25:30 > 0:25:38For £285,000, Paul and Linda could have a property in one of West Yorkshire's most popular locations.
0:25:38 > 0:25:44It's made of Yorkshire stone, has three bedrooms and a shed for Paul to do his DIY.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47But what about the renovation?
0:25:47 > 0:25:53There's an awful lot of work to do, but if you knock that through, you could make this really big.
0:25:53 > 0:25:59- It would have to be a kitchen diner. - I don't think there's any plans on us winning the Lottery!
0:25:59 > 0:26:01So that won't happen straight away.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05It's something Linda and I have to seriously sit down and discuss
0:26:05 > 0:26:13as to, within the finances available, not only to purchase, but also to alter to our liking,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16put our rubber stamp on it,
0:26:16 > 0:26:22as to whether or not buying a country cottage is going to do it for us.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26I love the house. It's beautiful, it's the Yorkshire stone we wanted,
0:26:26 > 0:26:32it has all the character features that we wanted, but I think it's just too small.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43'As the day draws to a close across the fields,
0:26:43 > 0:26:47'our buyers have certainly got a lot to think about.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52'Let's hope sleeping on it will provide the inspiration they need.
0:26:53 > 0:26:59'With a maximum of £300,000 to spend, Paul and Linda want to downsize from their family home
0:26:59 > 0:27:06'and ditch Linda's long commute to West Yorkshire so they can have more time in the open countryside.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11'So far they've had mixed reactions to the houses we've shown them.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:17- I do like purple, but not on my bedroom wall.'- But will our mystery house work for them?'
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Look at this!- Oh, wow!- Goodness!
0:27:20 > 0:27:27'And I'm going to get an insight into one of the industries which put this county on the map.'
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Don't get too close.- No. - Or it'll have you!
0:27:33 > 0:27:39All in all, a pretty good day yesterday. Certainly a good start at the first property,
0:27:39 > 0:27:45but it wasn't until the afternoon that they both really came alive because they got two main things -
0:27:45 > 0:27:52the village location, but also the stone-built property with all that character inside.
0:27:52 > 0:27:59Today, hopefully after a good night's sleep, they'll be looking forward to the mystery property.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03I think Linda for one will certainly have something to think about.
0:28:05 > 0:28:12Our mystery house takes us to Heath, a conservation area built largely between the 15th and 19th centuries.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18It's got some great open countryside, a common jammed with wildlife and plenty of walking
0:28:18 > 0:28:22for a couple keen to get out and about.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25The mystery house is always out to challenge what they want.
0:28:25 > 0:28:32This is 500 yards from where Linda works. She said her perfect location would be 15-20 minutes away.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35So will she consider a rethink?
0:28:35 > 0:28:40- This is a beautiful village.- It is. - Yes.- Absolutely stunning.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Let's just pull over here.
0:28:42 > 0:28:48- Now then, surrounded by greens here. - I'm a very lucky person to work in a place like this.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54- You'd be a lucky person to live in a place like this. Have you seen properties for sale here?- Yes.
0:28:54 > 0:29:00- Have you looked at any in person? - No.- And you were put off from these properties for why?
0:29:00 > 0:29:07- Because they're walking distance to work.- Well, I found you a property that is walking distance to work
0:29:07 > 0:29:13that I think, once you get inside, you both could quite possibly fall in love with it.
0:29:13 > 0:29:20- I've seen how you react to character property.- Right.- And this place... it's amazing.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- OK.- OK.- Let's have a look. - Open mind.- Thank you, Paul!
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Open mind. I'm holding you to that.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31'So I've taken a risk. Fingers crossed.'
0:29:31 > 0:29:35This is the mystery property. It's always a risk, a gamble.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- But I have to show you this because it looks amazing.- OK.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Do you want to look inside? - Let's go.- You're still smiling.
0:29:43 > 0:29:49'This house is very close to where Linda works, but the interior has many of the features
0:29:49 > 0:29:55'they're looking for. I hope the good-sized kitchen will tip the balance
0:29:55 > 0:29:59'as a bigger kitchen was a key thing on Linda's wish list.'
0:29:59 > 0:30:04OK. I promised not to mention work. We'll forget about work now.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Let's just enjoy this house and see what you think of it.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Straight into the kitchen through the back door. Quite common.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17- What are we thinking? - It's a gorgeous country kitchen. - It is.- Really pretty.
0:30:17 > 0:30:25- The house itself dates back to 1670. - Wow.- And you do see that in some of the places, some of the windows.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31- Yes.- Size-wise, I think you just have this as it is, with a breakfast bar.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- You have a separate dining room. - Good.- Just off there.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40This is big enough for us, bigger than what we already have.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Looks good.- All right. Well, it's all been done.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47You've got this quite posh marble-type floor.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- You've got the double sink. - I love the kitchen.- Good.
0:30:51 > 0:30:58'That's just what I was looking for. I'm hoping the spacious living room will match up.'
0:31:00 > 0:31:07With such an old building, I thought...the dimensions in this room were fairly surprising.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09This is beautiful. It is.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14- This is just what we sort of expected from a country cottage. - Right.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18'The ground floor also has the benefit of a bright bathroom.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22'Upstairs, another family bathroom services the three bedrooms,
0:31:22 > 0:31:28'the smallest of which has great period features with a wall of exposed stone.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33'There's a good-size second bedroom, but will the master impress them?'
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- This room really surprised me. It's one of three bedrooms.- Wow.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41This is much bigger than I expected.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47- These are almost Georgian proportions.- Yeah! And lovely high ceilings, even upstairs.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- It's a real house of surprises, isn't it?- It is.
0:31:51 > 0:31:57- Lovely window seat.- Yeah. And views over that lovely green or heath.
0:31:57 > 0:32:03'There's one final surprise in store for Paul and Linda.' This requires a certain knack.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09If I'm getting this right, pull this down...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- It should lock.- Stand back.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18It's a little bit like the till out of Open All Hours!
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Yeah. In that case, watch your fingers.- Yeah, quite!
0:32:25 > 0:32:26OK.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- Ready?- Yes!- OK.- Follow me.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34'I think this adds something really special to the mystery house.'
0:32:34 > 0:32:40- Now then...- Wow! This is not what I expected, Jonnie.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- This is definitely not what I expected!- A house full of surprises.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49This is a big room! It gets even bigger through here. Mind your head.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- Look at this.- Oh, wow! - My goodness!
0:32:53 > 0:32:59- This is amazing. - Like a rabbit's warren!- Yeah.- What would we use this for?- Paul's den!
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Well... As it is, it's a fantastic space.
0:33:03 > 0:33:09But you've got to mangle around with that ladder. It has previously had planning consent
0:33:09 > 0:33:15- to put a staircase in the third bedroom. You'd still get room for a bed.- Yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:21The staircase would come up and then you'd have this as a formal second floor.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- This could be a master suite.- Yeah.
0:33:26 > 0:33:33Now here's the idea. Whilst you may not be enjoying the idea of living so close to work,
0:33:33 > 0:33:41the market here is very flat. We know that. But you could add value to this house over time
0:33:41 > 0:33:47and do as much of the work yourself as you can, so you're not committing to a bigger budget.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52And then at the end of it you've got potentially a four-bedroom house.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- Overlooking the heath.- Yes.
0:33:54 > 0:34:00'So this could provide a really interesting project for Paul, if the garden fits the bill, too.'
0:34:00 > 0:34:03So...pretty garden.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- What do we think?- My goodness.
0:34:06 > 0:34:12- It's not the biggest of gardens. - It's not massive, but you've got the heath and masses of countryside.
0:34:12 > 0:34:19- That's the difference here. You can see the countryside outside, do your garden doesn't end.- No.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25You probably know this quite well, this village certainly.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I'll ask you to guess how much it is and then Linda.
0:34:28 > 0:34:34- So, Paul?- I'd say it's definitely at the top end of our budget.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38I'd say probably about 310, 315, something like that.
0:34:38 > 0:34:44- Do you know how much it is? - I think I was told it was on the market for 320.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Well, near enough. It's on the market for 325.
0:34:48 > 0:34:54- Right.- It's been on the market for a long time. It initially came on the market for 415.- Goodness.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- That doesn't surprise me. - In a buoyant market, yes.
0:34:59 > 0:35:05Coming in at £325,000, this surprising mystery cottage offers an eat-in kitchen,
0:35:05 > 0:35:11two reception rooms, three fair-sized bedrooms and views over the heath.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13It is £25,000 over budget,
0:35:13 > 0:35:20but would give them more space than expected and a project for Paul to get stuck into.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24I love the fireplace. It has so many lovely original features.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29- And that view to wake up to.- Yes. - The heath is gorgeous.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35As we arrived into the heath and drove immediately past where I work,
0:35:35 > 0:35:39my first thoughts were, "This is just too close."
0:35:39 > 0:35:42And when we came in the kitchen,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47the first impression you get is it's such an amazing place.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49It has everything we asked for.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55If this place was five miles down the road or 10 miles down the road,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57it would be like a dream.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Mind your step.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Now hopefully this mystery house has given you something to think about.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- It certainly has.- Indeed. - Don't sound so downbeat!
0:36:10 > 0:36:15I think you need somewhere to go and have a chat and discuss things.
0:36:15 > 0:36:21- I'm hoping this has put the cat among the pigeons. Has it? - It's certainly done that.- Indeed.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Good. Well done, mystery house.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39'Yorkshire is synonymous with the Industrial Revolution
0:36:39 > 0:36:43'and there are remnants all over. It began over 200 years ago
0:36:43 > 0:36:49'and was a period of unprecedented technological, economic and social change that transformed Britain
0:36:49 > 0:36:54'into the world's first modern industrial society. I'm at Wortley Forge,
0:36:54 > 0:36:59'one of the oldest examples of a water-powered iron forge.
0:36:59 > 0:37:05'Ken Hawley is the honorary custodian and has worked on restoring it for 40 years.'
0:37:05 > 0:37:10How would this place have played its part in the Industrial Revolution?
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- It pre-dates the Industrial Revolution.- OK.- By centuries, even.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- Really?- The earliest documentation we have is 1621.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26It was certainly here then by many years and we don't really know how many before then.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Places like this created the Industrial Revolution.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35'Within two miles, there were up to seven other mills and forges,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'all harnessing the power of the River Don. Water was crucial.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44'The fast-flowing river filled the dams which powered the wheels.'
0:37:44 > 0:37:50So by the mid-18th century, this area would have been littered with mills and forges.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55Using the same water, over and over. Renewable energy, don't tell me about it!
0:37:55 > 0:38:00'The river had a weir which diverted water to fill up the mill dam
0:38:00 > 0:38:08'and was drawn from a quarter of a mile upriver. This revolutionised the way things were made.
0:38:08 > 0:38:14'Being a heavy iron forge, the most powerful wheel had a force of about 10 horse power.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:21It's an immense piece of machinery to be so close to. It takes your breath away.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27- Don't get too close.- No. - Otherwise, it'll have you! - I'll bear that in mind!
0:38:27 > 0:38:33- What could this possibly power? - That's on the other end of this drive shaft here, which is the cam.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- OK, yeah.- And we've got the cam wheel, a big heavy cast thing,
0:38:38 > 0:38:45- which would lift up the helve, set to go at 25-30rpm. - That fast?- yeah.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52- This huge helve... - Like a hammer shaft.- Yeah. You start to get a sense of the noise
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- that would have been created.- Yes.
0:38:54 > 0:39:01'Forges like this specialised in making wrought iron from pig iron, a much more brittle material.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06'The iron would go into a furnace where the carbon would be burnt out,
0:39:06 > 0:39:12'before being put under the hammer and drawn out to shape. The result was wrought iron,
0:39:12 > 0:39:18'which could be used to make the materials which characterised industrial Britain.'
0:39:18 > 0:39:24And don't forget that no railway can run without axles, so it's very important
0:39:24 > 0:39:29- to have places like this. - Without this place...- No railways.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34- This is at the heart of everything we now know today, isn't it? - Exactly.
0:39:39 > 0:39:45I think it's fair to say that Paul and Linda have enjoyed their fair share of ups and downs
0:39:45 > 0:39:49in their quest to find their very own escape to the country.
0:39:49 > 0:39:55Each of the three properties were so different, but also gave them an element of compromise,
0:39:55 > 0:40:01so it's hard to tell whether any of them will be their favourite. Time to find out.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- Now then, how are you both? - We're fine.- Fantastic, thank you.
0:40:06 > 0:40:13Let's start at the beginning. Day One, the first property. Converted stables. Thoughts?
0:40:13 > 0:40:16I actually was really impressed.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20A really nice feel, it had the stone outside that we really wanted.
0:40:20 > 0:40:26The dimensions inside lent themselves to not even downsizing a great deal.
0:40:26 > 0:40:32- You were talking about moving all of your existing furniture into the house.- Yes.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- Really quite easily.- And downsides?
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- There was nothing for me to do!- No.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39True.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43You could think of a few things, but nothing major.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- Upkeep, not renovation. - There was nothing to do.- OK.
0:40:48 > 0:40:55- The second property, in my opinion, you became a lot more animated there.- It was beautiful.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59I was really quite excited about what we would see.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04- You could tell you were!- It wasn't the size I had anticipated,
0:41:04 > 0:41:10- but, you know, a project.- Yeah. - That was a project. That was the whole thing.
0:41:10 > 0:41:17- I know you want a project.- Yes. - You want to be able to use your DIY skills.
0:41:17 > 0:41:23The price was such that it wouldn't have left us with a huge amount of capital to do those things.
0:41:23 > 0:41:30- We'd have had to do them over a long period of time. - OK, the mystery property.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Now... It all went very quiet there!
0:41:33 > 0:41:38One of the tasks you charged me with, if you like,
0:41:38 > 0:41:45was that you wanted to cut your commute time, and the closer we got to work, I realised
0:41:45 > 0:41:50- I've maybe cut it too much! - Just a little!- Yeah. To me,
0:41:50 > 0:41:57that was almost the only compromise. It had everything else, once you could get through the door.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02- In bucketfuls.- Yes. - Absolutely in bucketfuls. - It was an outstanding property.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Do you have a favourite out of the three?
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- We do.- We do, yes.- We do.
0:42:08 > 0:42:14- Property number three.- The mystery property! After all of that? - After all of that.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Well, what do you want to do? What's the next step for you guys?
0:42:18 > 0:42:23I've had a word with the owner and we're having a second viewing.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25We'll see how it goes from there.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29- Good luck with the second viewing. - Thank you very much.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32And keep in touch.
0:42:34 > 0:42:40It's funny, isn't it? If you'd asked me which property I thought they would go for,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44I don't think I'd have given you the answer of the mystery house.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50But in being open-minded they fell in love with a potential new home
0:42:50 > 0:42:56that gave them absolutely everything on their wish list - character, size, village location.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00And if they're able to cope with living so close to Linda's work,
0:43:00 > 0:43:08they're also able to cut the commute time to get two, three, four hours a day extra together
0:43:08 > 0:43:12to enjoy this wonderful county. See you next time.
0:43:12 > 0:43:18If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:18 > 0:43:23and need our help, please apply online at:
0:43:33 > 0:43:37Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2011
0:43:39 > 0:43:41Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk