0:00:03 > 0:00:06According to local legend, this stone monument
0:00:06 > 0:00:09is the final resting place of an iconic beast called Gelert.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But who was he and in which county is he buried?
0:00:29 > 0:00:34In today's show, I'll be helping a couple find a country home
0:00:34 > 0:00:37with enough land to house a host of animals
0:00:37 > 0:00:40and we serve up some eye-catching properties.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44It's cute. It's really cute. Beautiful.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Then there's the challenge of our mystery house
0:00:48 > 0:00:51which shouldn't be judged at face value.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55You're probably thinking, "Why have they brought us to see this house?"
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Today I'm in Gwynedd in North Wales and this is Beddgelert.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07The stone here marks the grave of a wolfhound called Gelert,
0:01:07 > 0:01:12who was once the faithful servant of Prince Llywelyn the Great.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Legend has it that Gelert was mistakenly slaughtered by his master
0:01:15 > 0:01:20after being suspected of trying to kill his son and heir,
0:01:20 > 0:01:25where, in fact, the dog had saved his son's life from a vicious wolf.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29So, filled with remorse, the Prince decided to erect
0:01:29 > 0:01:32a memorial in honour of his dog by the river.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35And the name of the village was born...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Beddgelert - grave of Gelert.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Sounds too good to be true?
0:01:40 > 0:01:45Well, in actual fact, it was a 19th-century PR exercise
0:01:45 > 0:01:49to attract tourists to this area, and they're still coming today.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Spanning the island of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula,
0:01:55 > 0:01:56the county of Gwynedd
0:01:56 > 0:02:01also encompasses two-thirds of the Snowdonia National Park
0:02:01 > 0:02:05which boasts a mountainous landscape full of stunning glacial valleys.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Moving coastwards, the sea near Llyn Peninsula
0:02:09 > 0:02:13features sandy beaches and towering headlands crowned with castle ruins,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18such as that at Criccieth, and quiet fishing villages.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Although the county covers around 1,000 square miles,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25it's home to just 117,000 people,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29making it one of the most sparsely populated counties in Great Britain.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33And this perceived remoteness makes it attractive
0:02:33 > 0:02:36to both tourists and home buyers.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44But there is an ingredient missing - today's buyers. Let's meet them.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Early retirees James and Ingrid have lived together
0:02:48 > 0:02:53in this three-bedroom town house in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56for the last six years, yet this buzzing market town,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01where James has lived all his life, no longer holds the same appeal
0:03:01 > 0:03:05and for the past five years the remoteness and seclusion
0:03:05 > 0:03:09of North Wales has been pulling at their heart strings.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13We're looking to move to the Llyn Peninsula,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16because I've been going up here since I was a child
0:03:16 > 0:03:19on various golfing holidays and Scout camps.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22And I've always loved the area.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23When we got married
0:03:23 > 0:03:27and we got Billy, we decided we wouldn't holiday abroad,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29we would take the dogs up there.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Ingrid had never been up there before
0:03:31 > 0:03:32and absolutely fell in love with it.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37We'd love to have lots of space, with a view to some sort of business
0:03:37 > 0:03:40to do with animals, perhaps a kennel or something like that.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44And just peace and quiet. Some lovely views would be wonderful.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50And Ingrid, in particular, wants to rekindle one of her passions.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52I would love another horse.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I had my own horse for 18 years and it was a big part of my life
0:03:55 > 0:03:59and I'd like to have another horse to play with when I get up there!
0:03:59 > 0:04:05Erm, if possible, I'd like to have some goats and maybe a pig!
0:04:06 > 0:04:08James used to work as a surveyor,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12an experience that has helped them create a clear vision of what
0:04:12 > 0:04:15they do and don't want.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20What we're looking for, as a minimum, is at least two bedrooms,
0:04:20 > 0:04:25two reception rooms, a large kitchen and, most importantly,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29a minimum of three acres of land in a rural location.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Ideally, we are looking for a traditional-build cottage.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38We would be willing to extend or renovate.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42The sort of property that we really would not consider
0:04:42 > 0:04:44is something modern.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47And we don't really want any neighbours.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Having recently sold their current property for ?295,000,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54they find themselves as cash buyers
0:04:54 > 0:04:58and mortgage free and the budget is set for their next move.
0:04:58 > 0:05:05If the property ticks all our boxes, then we would pay up to ?325,000.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11James and Ingrid's preferred location
0:05:11 > 0:05:15is the Llyn Peninsula, with access to Caernarfon and Porthmadog.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19However, we may have to edge further down the peninsula
0:05:19 > 0:05:21to get them the land they want for their budget.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26I'll be showing them three wonderful Welsh properties,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29but won't be giving away the price until they've had a guess first.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34The last property is, of course, our mystery house, which hides
0:05:34 > 0:05:37an intriguing proposition behind its facade.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41James and Ingrid, great to meet you both.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42Are you looking forward to this search?
0:05:42 > 0:05:45We certainly are. Very excited.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48You've both been coming here for quite a while on holiday,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50but it's one thing to go on holiday,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53it's another thing actually to change your whole life
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and move here, isn't it? Totally different.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59So, from a business side, what plans do you have
0:05:59 > 0:06:02when you make this huge move?
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Well, we're looking to try a few new ventures.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10One idea we've got is to do dog boarding for people on holidays
0:06:10 > 0:06:13that want to visit the local tourist attractions.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18And you've asked for a traditional Welsh cottage. Ideally, yes.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Are you both realistic?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I'd like to think we are, yes.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Shall we start exploring? Absolutely. Come on. OK, lovely.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36With their ?325,000 budget, James and Ingrid would like a Welsh
0:06:36 > 0:06:40cottage-style property that provides them with two reception rooms,
0:06:40 > 0:06:45a large kitchen/diner and at least two bedrooms.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Crucially, they are looking for three acres of land
0:06:47 > 0:06:52to keep animals and the opportunity to start up a small kennel business.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02With land and location at the top of the agenda,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04we're beginning our house hunt within the borders
0:07:04 > 0:07:08of the Snowdonia National Park, a few miles outside Tremadog.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13It was founded in the early 1900s by landowner William Maddox,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16whose town planning made the most of the sheer cliffs,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19as a backdrop for his civic buildings.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Around ten minutes' drive away,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25and surrounded by open countryside, is our first offering -
0:07:25 > 0:07:28a traditional, yet extended, detached cottage.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31And its oldest parts date back over 200 years.
0:07:32 > 0:07:39So, here is your very first property. Oh! What do you think?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41It's cute.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46It's really cute. Beautiful. Really pretty. James, first impressions?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50It is a lot more attractive than I thought it was going to be.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52This is actually the back of the cottage.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55You said you didn't mind whether you had sea views
0:07:55 > 0:07:58or mountain views. Well, this cottage has both.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01So keen to get inside? I'm very keen.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Come on. OK, thank you.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08'We'll head to the front of the cottage and explore inside, which,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12'as they'll see, has been renovated to a really high standard.'
0:08:15 > 0:08:18So, step inside your cottage. Thank you.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Nice.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Yes, it's...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26it's larger than it looks from the outside.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Yes, good. Shall we start with the kitchen? Yes, please.
0:08:31 > 0:08:38I think this is a proper farmhouse kitchen. Yeah. Full of character.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42I love the floor. It's fab. These are the original slate tiles.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Very impressive. Hmm.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47So, you've got a view out into the garden
0:08:47 > 0:08:48and there's your back door.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Right, OK. Perfect.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Now heating for the property comes from the heater down there.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58That provides all the hot water for the cottage.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Let's go through to the oldest part of the cottage, through this door.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07So, your sitting room, your very old sitting room. Yeah.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Yes, this one's got a lot of character.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14It's what you would expect from an old traditional Welsh cottage.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Yeah, so this was THE cottage.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20They also discovered this amazing fireplace.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22It was hidden?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24It was plastered over, so they've exposed it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28That is really, really nice.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Right, time for the bedrooms. OK.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35'On this floor, there is also a spacious family bathroom,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37'along with two bedrooms -
0:09:37 > 0:09:40'one a single and the other is where they would sleep.'
0:09:40 > 0:09:44So, here's the master bedroom. A large double.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Well, large in my book, anyway. Yeah, it is big. It's a good size.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53And you've got the double aspect windows, as well, which is good.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Overlooking your formal garden... Yeah, yeah.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59This is a good size, yes. Yeah. Yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01If we had two rooms like this, it would be perfect. Yeah.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05'Well, James, the loft has been converted, to offer a third
0:10:05 > 0:10:10'potential sleeping option, but if he's feeling the pinch, in terms
0:10:10 > 0:10:14'of bedroom sizes, maybe what's on offer outside will compensate.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'The large outbuilding, currently used as a workshop, could,
0:10:17 > 0:10:22'with the right planning permission, house their small kennel business.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25'Including the lovely gardens immediately around the cottage,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29'the land comes in at four acres, comprising a two-acre parcel
0:10:29 > 0:10:33'on the other side of this wall, which has a protected status
0:10:33 > 0:10:38'as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39So, crunch time, now.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45How much do you think this cottage is on the market for?
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Ladies first. ?300,000? OK. James?
0:10:50 > 0:10:55Because you can't use two acres, you're limited as to what
0:10:55 > 0:10:59you can do here, so I'd probably say 295.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03James, you're disappointingly good at this, because the price
0:11:03 > 0:11:07has recently come down to ?295,000.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09You're on the money.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Comfortably under budget, at ?295,000,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19our traditional Welsh cottage is worth serious thought,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22as it gives them a large sitting room,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24with that impressive original fireplace,
0:11:24 > 0:11:29a farmhouse-style kitchen and three potential bedrooms.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32The land outside amounts to four acres
0:11:32 > 0:11:36and the property is situated within their ideal search area.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40One house down. More to see. Yes, food for thought.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53'Exploring Gwynedd's dramatic landscape
0:11:53 > 0:11:57'is a rewarding pastime for any visitor here.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'And what better way to do it than on horseback?
0:12:00 > 0:12:04'I've come to a stud and riding centre on the Llyn Peninsular
0:12:04 > 0:12:09'to meet owner, Janine Pendlebury, and one of her trusty steeds.'
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Hi, Janine. Hi. Great to meet you and who do we have here?
0:12:12 > 0:12:16This is Rescatado, a Lusitano stallion from Portugal.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21They are such beautiful creatures aren't they, Lusitanos?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24The way they hold their head. What's the history with the breed?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27They're bullfighting horses, originally,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and fantastic bullfighting horses, very, very agile,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33very quick to respond to the rider.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Then they were used for battle.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37They are the oldest saddle horses in the world.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Janine, I am a little bit rusty, it's been a few years.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43You've kindly offered to take me down to the sands
0:12:43 > 0:12:45for a gallop along the beach. Yes.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48But I wouldn't mind just a little go in here first of all...
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Absolutely. We'll have a little go.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Res, I'm your capable hands.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55'While I get comfortable in the saddle,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58'Janine assesses my riding ability.'
0:12:58 > 0:13:01How does he feel? He feels great, I feel rusty.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06'And it gives this beautiful horse a chance to strut his stuff.'
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Get a nice rhythm.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Good boy.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14A little bit higher. Good boy.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Very good.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Do they enjoy it? Yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Did you hear him give a little neigh.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22They look like they really enjoy it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25They love it. They really like to perform, as well.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27'Now we're both warmed up,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30'it's time to head down to the beach
0:13:30 > 0:13:32'which has a five-mile stretch of sands
0:13:32 > 0:13:36'that boast beautiful views over Cardigan Bay.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Janine, this is quite amazing on the beach.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42You get a different perspective up here. You do, you can see a lot.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47'If you do want to pick up the pace, with over 120 miles of coastline,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51'there's usually a deserted beach on which to do so.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55'But for now, it's back to the house hunt.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57'In a bid to get them everything they have asked for,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01'our house search edges out of their ideal area,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04'taking us to the south coast of the Llyn Peninsula,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07close to the quiet village of Aberdaron.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11'Aberdaron has a stunning beach which could provide the perfect
0:14:11 > 0:14:13'stretch for walking their dogs.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15'And, besides a handful of useful amenities,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17'the lime-washed fishermen's cottages
0:14:17 > 0:14:20'are a distinctive feature of the village.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'A short drive away is our second property, which offers up
0:14:23 > 0:14:29'lots of scope for them to keep animals and run a kennel business.'
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So, time to reveal our second property to you.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Take a look.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Good first impression, I think.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Yes, it's better whitewashed than the grey render. Yes.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I totally agree. Shall we take a step inside?
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Yes, please. Thank you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51'We've got quiet but positive first reactions to our cottage.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53'But I think it will grow on them
0:14:53 > 0:14:56'as they get a full grasp of its potential.'
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Come straight in to the sitting room.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03There's quite a lot of furniture in here, isn't there?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06They've even managed to get a piano in this room.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Yep. That's a pretty mean feat for this room. Yep.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11The fireplace is just lovely. Very pretty, very simple.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Yes, you got your wood burner.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Yeah, yeah, I like it. Nice and snug. Yeah.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Hm. Yeah. Does it work for you, James?
0:15:19 > 0:15:24Yes, for a sitting room, it's, er, it's adequate. Hm.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27It depends how much else there is in the house.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I like the open-mindedness! Let's discover. OK.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Squeeze past you, thank you.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37So here's your kitchen.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40It's a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be,
0:15:40 > 0:15:41I have to be honest.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Very modern as well, isn't it? Yep. I like the units.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Really pleased to see a nice big table in here.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Sitting in here is just like a second reception room, if you like. Yes.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54'The kitchen also has a back porch,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'useful for the dogs and general storage.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'But now it's time to explore the bedrooms upstairs
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'where access to the master is through the family bathroom.'
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Here is the master bedroom. Right.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09So the way the house works at the moment
0:16:09 > 0:16:11is the master bedroom has an en suite.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15But it is also the family bathroom when you've got guests. Ah.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17So there's a door the other side of this wall.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20So you can actually lock that door off,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23so that your guests can use that bathroom,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25and then you exit that door. Good. Good thinking.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Because you got a single across the hallway, and a double bedroom.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32So you have three in total, two of them being doubles. OK.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37Right, again, nice light room. I like the three windows. Yes. Yeah.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Needs a little bit of updating.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41It's ready for its next owners. Yeah, definitely.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Let's head outside, because there is plenty to show you there.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53'Well, they've said they're happy to do some refurbishment,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55'and outside gives them a stone barn
0:16:55 > 0:16:59'which could be a great spot for their business idea.'
0:17:02 > 0:17:05So, with this cottage, you do get some outbuildings.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Excellent, This is good.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10And here's the barn. Mm.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13This is a kennels. Thank you! Yes.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I was hoping you were going to say that.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18'Ingrid also gets a home for a horse
0:17:18 > 0:17:22'with this timber block made up of two stables.'
0:17:22 > 0:17:25'Land-wise, the four paddocks that surround the cottage add up
0:17:25 > 0:17:28'to around four and a half acres,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30'But at what price?'
0:17:30 > 0:17:34How much do you think all of this is currently on the market for?
0:17:34 > 0:17:41I think it's probably on the market for about ?325,000-?330,000?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I would say...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47?330,000, ?335,000?
0:17:47 > 0:17:48HE LAUGHS
0:17:48 > 0:17:51The asking price is...
0:17:51 > 0:17:53?349,000.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Right.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59'Granted, this Welsh cottage is over their budget.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02'But it serves as a reality check if they are holding out
0:18:02 > 0:18:04'to get everything on their wish list.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08'However, they could make a sensible offer, given they are cash buyers
0:18:08 > 0:18:11'and are in a strong position to move fast.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14'On the market at ?349,000,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17'it provides them with a large kitchen/diner.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22'Three bedrooms. An outbuilding with potential for the kennels.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24'Along with 4.5 acres of land
0:18:24 > 0:18:28'and stables for Ingrid to keep her menagerie of animals.'
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Well, I can see you two have made friends.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33We have, look at this beauty.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38We're meant to be looking at houses today, not horses.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Say goodbye to your mate. Bye-bye!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55'As evening falls over the Welsh skyline,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57'it marks the end of the first day of our house hunt.'
0:19:05 > 0:19:10James and Ingrid asked for a traditional Welsh cottage.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14And that's exactly what we showed them with the first two properties.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17With hindsight, I think they're beginning to realise
0:19:17 > 0:19:20that a cottage won't necessarily provide them
0:19:20 > 0:19:21with the right accommodation
0:19:21 > 0:19:26for the two of them, their dogs, and visiting friends and family.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Time now, though, for our mystery house.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Will it provide them with more living space? Who knows?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Well, I do, actually.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37You'll just have to wait and see, and so will James and Ingrid.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Our mystery house is located close to the village of Llandwrog.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49With a population of around 2,500 residents,
0:19:49 > 0:19:51it lies right on the edge of Caernarfon Bay.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Sitting high on the hill with spectacular panoramic views,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00this property challenges them to ditch their mortgage-free dream
0:20:00 > 0:20:02for a long-term business investment.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06But it's important they don't make a judgment on first impressions.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12So, time for our final house, the mystery property,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14and there she is. Oh!
0:20:14 > 0:20:17You're probably standing here thinking,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20"Why have they brought us to see this house?"
0:20:20 > 0:20:23The location is fantastic. It is the mystery house
0:20:23 > 0:20:26because you asked for a traditional, Welsh cottage.
0:20:26 > 0:20:33Mmm. This is a house but behind it is a traditional Welsh cottage. Right.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Ready to take a step inside the house? Yes, absolutely.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40'There is much more to our mystery house than meets the eye
0:20:40 > 0:20:44'including the land, which we will explore later.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48'Hopefully, the original cottage, tucked away behind the main house,
0:20:48 > 0:20:49'will whet their appetite.'
0:20:49 > 0:20:54Here it is, this is your traditional, Welsh cottage. Pretty.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Very pretty. Very pretty. Couldn't quite live in it at the moment.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I'm going to take you to the main house. OK.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04We will come back to how it could be developed later.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Let's see what they make of where they would live.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I want to start off with the kitchen.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20It doesn't have that traditional Welsh feel. No, OK.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23But it is a fair size, isn't it? Yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28Tucked away is a utility room, handy for the dogs and white goods.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33Flowing straight on from the kitchen is a good-sized dining room.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36But let's take a look at the main sitting room.
0:21:36 > 0:21:42Here is the second reception room. This is a nice room. Nice room.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43It's big.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Well proportioned. Yeah.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49It's actually got quite a bit of character in here, I think.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I think the beams help, as well. They do.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Those doors open up to a conservatory
0:21:55 > 0:21:58that have THE most spectacular views.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01'Besides giving them the extra reception space they wanted,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'upstairs delivers on the number of bedrooms
0:22:04 > 0:22:07'and includes one large enough to be a double
0:22:07 > 0:22:11'and a single room, both served by the family bathroom.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13'But we'll get their view on the main bedroom.'
0:22:13 > 0:22:17So, in total, three bedrooms.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20You've got this as the master. A big room.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Yes. Lovely views.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25I can't get any character from this room.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28That's a shame because the sizing and everything...
0:22:28 > 0:22:33It's great. It's a brilliant size but it's soulless.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37I will now try and tempt you with the land. Good. OK.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41And perhaps the possibility of a traditional Welsh cottage
0:22:41 > 0:22:44right next door which you could own.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45We could move in there!
0:22:45 > 0:22:47SHE LAUGHS
0:22:47 > 0:22:50'What our mystery house currently lacks in character,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52'it certainly makes up for in space.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57'Upstairs again, there's the added extra of a converted attic room.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01'The property could be transformed with some decorative vision,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03'which they might be tempted to consider
0:23:03 > 0:23:05'when they see what's on offer outside.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09'The original cottage has bags of potential,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12'either as their kennel or, with the right planning permission,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'they could develop it into a holiday let, which would be a useful stream of income
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'to supplement their early retirement.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'Now it's time to survey the generous amount
0:23:22 > 0:23:24'of land they would get.'
0:23:24 > 0:23:27In total there are five acres with this property,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29currently let to the local farmer.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33But you've got a paddock here, you've got two behind me
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and then you've got the one behind the cottages.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37They bought that recently. OK.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41So, we're thinking horses, chickens, the pig...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Plenty of space for those. Plenty of space. Good land.
0:23:45 > 0:23:51And spectacular views... Yes. ..of mountains and sea.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Who wants to go first on guess the price?
0:23:53 > 0:23:58Well, I think it's going to be above budget.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02I think it's probably 360-370. OK.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07I'm going to say 349,950.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09The current asking price
0:24:09 > 0:24:12is ?325,000.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17OK. Off you go, have a look, it's a good price. OK.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25'On budget at ?325,000, our mystery proposition
0:24:25 > 0:24:29'throws down the gauntlet in terms of a development opportunity.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33'Giving them a spacious detached home with three reception rooms
0:24:33 > 0:24:35'and three bedrooms.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'The traditional stone outbuilding is perfect to house
0:24:37 > 0:24:40'one of their business ventures,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43'along with five acres of land for their animals.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48'And its hillside location has fabulous views.'
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Have you both seen enough? I think so, thank you. Thank you very much.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56All three properties now done.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I think I need to take you somewhere quiet so you can have a think.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01I think we need to think.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14So that's it for our house search here in Gwynedd.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Have we found James and Ingrid the perfect property?
0:25:17 > 0:25:21I seriously have my doubts. Let's hear what they've got to say.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30James and Ingrid, we've had fun, haven't we,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33searching for this property in Gwynedd?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Have we got close, that's the question?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Let's start off with the first property that we showed you.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The location of the property was fantastic.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46The land it had with it wasn't quite right -
0:25:46 > 0:25:50half of it was unusable as far as we were concerned.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It was so charming. It had so much going for it,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55But the second bedroom was so small.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57We just couldn't live with that.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00The second property that we showed you, the Welsh cottage,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02did have quite a lot of land
0:26:02 > 0:26:04and it had a sea view. I liked that property.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07The land was excellent.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08But it just didn't have
0:26:08 > 0:26:13quite enough room downstairs and the bedrooms were quite small.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16We thought we'd show you something a little bit different.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19But it didn't quite hit the mark, did it, from the word go?
0:26:19 > 0:26:23No. When we got there, it was disappointing
0:26:23 > 0:26:26because it wasn't our Welsh cottage.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Accommodation wise, we could have moved in tomorrow.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33It offered the accommodation that we're looking for.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Location, questionable
0:26:35 > 0:26:38and style of property, questionable.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40The view was spectacular.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44But it just didn't really push all the buttons for us.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49Your house is about to go through. What's your next move?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52It's looking more and more likely
0:26:52 > 0:26:56that we're going to be moving into rented accommodation
0:26:56 > 0:27:01until we can find more of what we're looking for.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Have we helped you? Have we helped narrow it down a little bit?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Absolutely. It's been invaluable and it's helped us enormously
0:27:07 > 0:27:10because it really does focus your mind
0:27:10 > 0:27:12on what it is you do and don't want
0:27:12 > 0:27:13and where you want and need to be.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Normally at this point I say, "We wish you well with your move
0:27:18 > 0:27:21"whenever that is," but we know with you it's going to be pretty soon.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We hope the business works out as well
0:27:24 > 0:27:26when you finally find your perfect house.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Thank you so much. Thanks very much.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I must admit I am disappointed.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40James and Ingrid are desperate to move
0:27:40 > 0:27:45and, for that matter, they're in a perfect position to do so.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Even though we didn't manage to find them the ideal Welsh retreat,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51let's look on the bright side.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55They now know the area they need to live in for their proposed business
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and they've decided, quite rightly I think,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01to rent in that area until their dream home
0:28:01 > 0:28:03comes along here in Gwynedd.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05We wish them all the very best.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Until next time, bye-bye.
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