0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm standing at the centre of Britain,
0:00:04 > 0:00:09in one of the few places in the countryside which still has a payphone.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11This one is particularly special,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15as it was unveiled by the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19But where am I? Find out, as we escape to the country.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52'Today, I'll be helping a couple cut a huge 250-mile weekly commute
0:00:52 > 0:00:57'to spend more time together in the country.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01'At first glance, our house-hunt exceeds all their expectations.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- It's absolutely gorgeous, I love it. - It's almost too perfect.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09But the mystery house offers an even more enticing alternative.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- I've always wanted a hallway like this.- Have you?
0:01:12 > 0:01:16With the stairs and everything. I absolutely love it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24I'm in the county of Lancashire, in the village of Dunsop Bridge,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27part of the Duchy of Lancaster estate in the Ribble Valley,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32in the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Dunsop Bridge itself can lay claim
0:01:34 > 0:01:38to being the closest village to the gravitational centre of Britain,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42a claim officially recognised in 1992 by the Ordnance Survey.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46But its geographical importance isn't the only thing
0:01:46 > 0:01:49that puts this entire region on the map.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Situated in the north-western counties of England,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Lancashire's beautiful countryside sits alongside
0:01:57 > 0:02:00reminders of its industrial past.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05The stone-built cottages were home to 100,000 of Lancashire's workers
0:02:05 > 0:02:08who were employed in the cotton mill industry,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and they still survive today.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15The Forest of Bowland stretches over 300 square miles
0:02:15 > 0:02:20into neighbouring North Yorkshire - its fells, moorlands and villages
0:02:20 > 0:02:23are a strong pull for outdoor enthusiasts,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26keen to enjoy the rugged natural beauty.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Now it's time to meet today's buyers,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38who are hoping to make the big escape.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Neil and Thelma currently live in their two-bedroom townhouse
0:02:42 > 0:02:46in Putney, south-west London. But their time together is hampered
0:02:46 > 0:02:49by Neil's 250-mile weekly commute to Lancaster,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52where he works as a finance director.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56That, combined with their forthcoming marriage,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59means they're looking for their first marital home
0:02:59 > 0:03:01within an hour's drive of Lancaster,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05which gives them the spoils of rural living.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08I grew up in the country, in a mining village in Yorkshire,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12not picturesque but really close to the countryside,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15so within five minutes on my bike, I was out in nature reserves.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21The first time I experienced England outside London,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24you get this whole new experience, of something you pictured
0:03:24 > 0:03:28in your storybooks and everything when you were growing up.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31That is England, and I've always wanted to live there.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35These days, Thelma is still an avid reader -
0:03:35 > 0:03:41her books range from Icelandic sagas to English historical romances.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46But it isn't just these that they will need to accommodate.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51We want big, open spaces, barn conversions, for example, with tall ceilings.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56I'm 6'2", so I don't want low-hanging beams in poky little cottages.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I think the must-haves in a new home
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- are at least four bedrooms, a large kitchen...- Yeah.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- A downstairs toilet, cloakroom. - Mm-hmm.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10Not a huge garden, a manageable garden, ideally with fantastic views,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14that other people feel - space that we don't have to look after!
0:04:14 > 0:04:18And I wouldn't be against having a hot tub!
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Their house will soon go on the market,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24but they already have a clear idea of how much they can afford.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27The budget for this move is a maximum of £700,000.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37With a maximum budget of £700,000, they are hoping to find a home
0:04:37 > 0:04:40that will save Neil one heck of a weekly commute,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and a house that they can both call home as a married couple.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45They're not shy of barn conversions
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and they're looking for lots of living space
0:04:47 > 0:04:49and bedrooms for visiting relatives.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54So far they haven't been very lucky finding their dream home by themselves
0:04:54 > 0:04:57so let's see if we can find it for them.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Neil and Thelma want to focus their house search
0:05:01 > 0:05:05within 1.5 hours from Lancaster, were Neil works.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09We have combed the county for three fantastic properties to show them,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12but I won't be revealing the price of each
0:05:12 > 0:05:14until they've had a guess first.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17The last of these is our mystery house which will give them
0:05:17 > 0:05:20an unexpected alternative to mull over.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Isn't it beautiful here? - It is. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29You have similar ideas about what you're looking for.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30Yes, pretty much.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33I'm going to probably let him lead a bit in this
0:05:33 > 0:05:35because he knows the location better.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Distance is important from work, how far are you willing to go?
0:05:39 > 0:05:44Probably 45 minutes to an hour maximum driving or train times.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46You'll be looking at the home comforts?
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- A place where you can invite family and build a family.- Yeah.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52In this part of the world, I think we can find you something.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- I'm pretty sure. - Shall we start looking?- Definitely.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Come on, let's go.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05With their £700,000 budget, they are looking for a country home
0:06:05 > 0:06:09which mixes old and new and gives them reception areas
0:06:09 > 0:06:13for entertaining, a large modern kitchen, four bedrooms,
0:06:13 > 0:06:14a manageable garden
0:06:14 > 0:06:19and a property located within easy reach of Neil's work.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30We're kicking off our property search on the fringes
0:06:30 > 0:06:33of the Forest of Bowland, close to the village of Calder Vale
0:06:33 > 0:06:36which gives Neil a half-hour drive to work in Lancaster.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Sitting on the banks of the River Calder,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42many of the workers' cottages here date back to the 1830s
0:06:42 > 0:06:47and are a reminder of the village's cotton milling past.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Garstang, just a few miles away,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52prides itself on being the world's first Fair Trade town
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and is a useful hub for amenities.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59For starters, we're serving up a fine example of a property style
0:06:59 > 0:07:01our couple has especially asked for.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Right, here we are, property number one.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08A nice substantial, chunky barn conversion for you.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Surrounded by open countryside. - It is amazing.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- This is certainly the countryside. - Exactly. love it.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- It's great.- It looks really, really good.- I love that stonework.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- That is the attitude. You love it. Let's have a look inside.- OK. Great.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27The stone fabric of the barn dates back around 100 years
0:07:27 > 0:07:29and has one neighbouring property.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Converted five years ago,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34it provides a fantastically modern interior.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Ha-ha!
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- A grand entrance.- Wow.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I think you can fit the six-foot Nordic relatives in here.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- Just about.- Definitely. - It's fantastic.- It is.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- It's so bright and stylish. - Stylish, you like it?- Yeah, I do.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It's very contemporary.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58Yes, I'd say so. Very contemporary. And this oak staircase. It's a great centrepiece.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- A big echo-y space.- It is.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Let's have a look this way.- OK.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08We have got a dining space here, it is open-plan.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13And it leads down here to an open-plan kitchen.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- That is amazing.- A big space.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- Great, it has got a good feel. - It does.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It's got everything you need, you have got so much work space,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27all the cupboards down below, but plenty, I think.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32You get the space, you get the light, then beyond this room
0:08:32 > 0:08:34you've got a big utility space for all those white goods.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Another room which is sort of being used as storage at the moment
0:08:38 > 0:08:43and beyond that something that I would call almost an annexe,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46a room big enough to be treated like the fifth bedroom
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- because there are four upstairs. - Wow. OK.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54'The clean, contemporary lines continue in the sitting room.'
0:08:55 > 0:08:58A little step up. Here we go.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- It's amazing.- Fantastic space. - I love it.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- Light and open and airy.- It is. - Big windows, yeah, it's great.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10You have then got the sun room which is a great suntrap, south-facing.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Beyond that, you've got another room.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18That's, I think, an awful lot of space for the two of you.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- How are you planning to fill it all? - I'm not quite sure.
0:09:21 > 0:09:28- A lot of guests. Very regularly. - It is a great space, I love it.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Whether it's party guests, relatives or future children,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38the four bedrooms upstairs should fit the bill as they all have en suites.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40First stop, the master.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48So, this could be your bedroom.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- This is fantastic.- A great space.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52How do you think it suits you?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Perfectly. The built-in wardrobes are exactly what we need.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Plus the en suite, have a look at that in there.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- That is fantastic.- Great, isn't it? - I love it. It's perfect. I love it.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05The space is great,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- we could personalise it and make it our own.- Exactly.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The other three bedrooms are all large enough to be doubles.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13The second, complete with fitted wardrobes
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and an en suite shower room,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17as are the third and the fourth.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19The shower rooms are of a similar size.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Our barn conversion gives them a lot of house
0:10:23 > 0:10:29and there's not a thing to do other than add their own personal touches.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Outside the immediate garden amounts to an acre,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34but that's not even the half of it.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Are you big gardeners?- I'm the green-fingered one.- I'm not so much.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40I'd like to close off the fence a little bit.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45You'd want to close off the fence? You might not want to.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Because you don't just get this acre,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52there's another ten acres that come with this property.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- What?- What?- What?- Yes.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58When we came in, there's a field there, there's a field there.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02And then behind us, this wall here.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Oh, my gosh.- Wow. OK.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06THEY ALL CHUCKLE
0:11:06 > 0:11:10It all could be yours if you buy this property and that depends on the price, I guess.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12I had made up my mind, but then you added all that land.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I'm quite confused now.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20- I would say 650, around that. - 650,000, OK.
0:11:21 > 0:11:27I really don't know. I am going to go slightly lower I think maybe 625.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31OK. Well, you do get a lot of house and 11 acres,
0:11:31 > 0:11:36and that comes at a price of 699,995.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- Really?- OK.- So right at the top of your budget, affordable,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41but there isn't much you'd have to do.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- You could move in straightaway. - Exactly.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46So you've got plenty of rooms to explore in there.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Why don't you go and have a look
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- and I will talk to you later on. - OK.- Thank you.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Sneaking in just under their £700,000 budget,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01our pristine barn conversion gives them an abundance of space
0:12:01 > 0:12:06made up of four reception rooms so plenty of options for party guests.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08A huge contemporary kitchen,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12four potential bedrooms, all with an en suite.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15And in total a jaw-dropping 11 acres of land.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19I really like this house
0:12:19 > 0:12:21and I think it's got great potential.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24It's a fantastic conversion and has been really well done.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27It's still a blank canvas.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30I love the feel of it. Kitchen area is a perfect size,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33All the bedrooms are great.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's got everything we could possibly want.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Our house search continues over to the eastern side of the Forest of Bowland
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and nudges us into North Yorkshire to the village of Hellifield
0:12:57 > 0:13:00around a 50 minute drive from Neil's work in Lancaster.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Many of the stone buildings that house the village's amenities
0:13:04 > 0:13:08date back to the 1900s when it became a major interchange
0:13:08 > 0:13:12on the historic Settle to Carlisle railway line.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Stone is a running theme throughout our second property.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- It's a good-looking property, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20And behind a gate.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23You have got a gated community here of seven houses.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27And for you, it's very close to the village.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32We are in Hellifield and two minutes down the road you can walk into the village and the pub.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Oh, really?- Yes. Let's have a look inside.- All right.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39The stone facade certainly adds a rustic charm to this new-build property.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42We'll enter via the back door and take a look at the kitchen
0:13:42 > 0:13:47which has a warm contemporary feel I hope they'll both be at home with.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- And a beautiful kitchen with this house.- It is lovely.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's fantastic. It's very modern and contemporary.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Quite similar to our kitchen at home except bigger.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- And a little bit nicer.- I love it. - Got everything you need.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Can you see this kitchen working for you as an entertaining space,
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I know it's really important for you.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I definitely can, it's big enough for quite a lot of people.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Behind us there's a spacious utility room,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16but we'll walk through the main hallway
0:14:16 > 0:14:18off which lead all reception rooms.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21One of these is a very generous sized snug.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27Next to the kitchen, the separate dining room is impeccably presented.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30But will they want to put their feet up in this sitting room?
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- So how about this for perfection? - That is amazing.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40It's almost too perfect, you don't want to tread on the floor.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- It is pretty white and pristine and quite palatial.- Very much so.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49You've got the beams, you've got that fireplace.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- You've got the views. - It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Now you were talking about the flow in the kitchen.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58You've had a little wander through this floor. What do you feel?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- I still feel the other house had a better flow.- Yeah.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03From a social point of view.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06This has lots of confined space, they're all very separate.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08That's true, yeah.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11'There's lots of space to accommodate their guests
0:15:11 > 0:15:14'as there are six bedrooms that lead off this generous landing.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18'But first, we'll take a look at where they could sleep.'
0:15:18 > 0:15:20This is currently the master.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21Wow.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- That is breathtaking. - That is so gorgeous.- It is.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29So, room-size-wise, you've got fitted wardrobes,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31an en suite, room for a huge bed,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- and stunning views.- Yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I think the en suite certainly adds a touch of luxury
0:15:37 > 0:15:40but let's see if the bedroom at the end of the landing
0:15:40 > 0:15:42measures up to Neil's expectations.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Right, Neil?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Is this grand enough for you?
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Wow.- I think this will probably do.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50LAUGHTER
0:15:50 > 0:15:51That is huge.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Would that do? That space?
0:15:54 > 0:15:57It's huge. This is like two bedrooms in one, isn't it?
0:15:57 > 0:15:58It really is.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02The remaining four bedrooms are perfect for guests,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05one being a double with fitted wardrobes
0:16:05 > 0:16:07and a stylish en suite shower room,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11and another currently used as a dressing room.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15The fifth bedroom provides them with a ready-made study
0:16:15 > 0:16:17and the sixth is another light spacious room.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Outside, adjoining the property is a huge double garage
0:16:21 > 0:16:25and the garden size is exactly what they requested.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27We don't give you all the fields this time.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30This is the extent of the garden
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- but it's what you asked for, it's manageable.- Yeah.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Good manageable space, private as well.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39And I think there is probably a good spot for a hot tub just over there.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Yeah, I was just thinking that. That would be perfect.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- You go for it this time.- I think it's cheaper than the other one.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- Maybe...640?- OK.
0:16:51 > 0:16:52At a guess.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- I would say around 600, 610. - 600 or 610, so much lower?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Well, it's somewhere in the middle. - OK.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02This is on the market at £625,000.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Well, go in there, explore,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- tell me your thoughts later on. - All right.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Comfortably under budget at £625,000,
0:17:16 > 0:17:18this Yorkshire stone built property
0:17:18 > 0:17:22has many of the elements that they wanted from their ideal home
0:17:22 > 0:17:25as it includes a large contemporary kitchen diner,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28three spacious reception rooms,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30six bedrooms, three of which have an en suite,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34and a manageable garden looking out onto open countryside.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37And it's a commutable distance
0:17:37 > 0:17:38to work for Neil.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41This house, it's fantastic.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43It's really well laid out,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46it's very smart, very modern, very contemporary.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50It just doesn't have that wow factor about it.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53I think this house is fantastic.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56It's actually, it's beautiful, and really well-kept.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Even though there are so many rooms here,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02we both agree on the fact that we would like open plan.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16As evening falls over the Lancashire skyline,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20the first day of our house search draws to a close.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27We got off to a fantastic start with Thelma and Neil yesterday,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29so good that the question is,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31can we do any better?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Well, for our mystery house,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35we are going to give them everything they've asked for
0:18:35 > 0:18:37and a little bit more.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44What are you expecting from the mystery property?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I'm intrigued. A little bit worried.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Why would you be worried, Neil? What could we possibly do?
0:18:50 > 0:18:54I'm not sure what you'll bring out of left field to challenge us.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Neil will be relieved that the mystery property
0:18:56 > 0:18:59is the nearest of our three houses to Lancaster,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02just over 11 miles away from the village of Wray,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05which along with a church and a local post office
0:19:05 > 0:19:07has its own little cafe.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Hidden away in a remote setting,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13our mystery property actually serves up two living areas,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15one for them, and one from which they could run a business
0:19:15 > 0:19:18or house Thelma's visiting family.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20What do you think of this?
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- I think it's lovely. - It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25So why on earth is it a mystery?
0:19:25 > 0:19:26I don't know!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Let's just say, it will give you more options
0:19:29 > 0:19:31than the other properties we've shown you.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- OK? Intrigued?- Yeah, very much so.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Let's have a look.- All right.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38'This mystery barn conversion is a complete departure
0:19:38 > 0:19:42'from the open-plan seamless flow of our first property
0:19:42 > 0:19:47'so it's a real gamble as to whether they'll warm to this amount of character.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Right!- Right.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Look at this!- Oh, my, wow.- Wow.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55That is amazing.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- I love that.- Looks like an archway into a castle, doesn't it?- It is!
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- I've always wanted a hallway like this.- Have you?
0:20:02 > 0:20:04With the stairs and everything, it's... I love it.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Good. We're on a roll, I think. Let's go through to the kitchen.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14What do you think?
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- I think it's great.- It's nice. - Absolutely.- Yeah.- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- It's very spacious.- It's got good light as well.- And character there.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Oh, yes, you've got the exposed stone wall.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27And quite a lot of space.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29And you don't just get this space,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32through there you have a big utility space and a toilet at the back.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- It's amazing. - So all the big white goods, your fridge freezer can go there.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40That's great. We can concentrate on socialising in here.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41You COULD just socialise in here
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- or you could take people through to the dining room.- OK.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Here we go.
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Oh, it's nice.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- That's amazing. - That's fantastic, isn't it?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- Another original feature. - That's great.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Oh, I really like this.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- It's got a good feel to it. - Would you like something like this?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Is this Christmas Day, everyone piled in a room like this?
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Definitely. A big Christmas tree up. - A huge Christmas tree up there.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13That would be absolutely fantastic.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15'We'll move out of the extended part
0:21:15 > 0:21:19'and through to explore the original framework of the barn
0:21:19 > 0:21:20'in the living room.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Now, Neil. First test. How do you fare with those?
0:21:24 > 0:21:27OK, just about get in here - sober!
0:21:27 > 0:21:28Very good.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31And a little bit more height once you get in here.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33But we're up into the original barn.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- It's a really nice room. - Very cosy, isn't it?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37I have to say, I was a little nervous
0:21:37 > 0:21:40about bringing you up into this part of the house
0:21:40 > 0:21:43because of the lower ceilings, I thought that wouldn't work for you,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45but I'm pleasantly surprised.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- It's a good transition.- I like it.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- It blends well, to go from down there up here really works.- It does.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52What about the tall relatives, will they cope?
0:21:52 > 0:21:55They'll have to cope.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59This property comes with four bedrooms. One of them is just over there
0:21:59 > 0:22:01so you've got a big bedroom over there with its en suite
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- so you could just let them stay down here.- OK.- Oh, that's great.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10'Despite the low beams, the character features of our mystery house
0:22:10 > 0:22:13'have really struck a chord with them.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16'Let's hope they're as positive about upstairs,
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'where there's a generous landing, off which lies the family bathroom
0:22:20 > 0:22:21'and the remaining three bedrooms.'
0:22:21 > 0:22:24'They include a single room lit by a skylight
0:22:24 > 0:22:29'and a double with lovely high roof timbers, which also feature in the master bedroom.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Right, tell me what you think of this.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Oh, it's really nice. - It's great.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- It's not a huge space, but it feels really cosy and nice and warm.- Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43It's got a relaxing feel, hasn't it? And it comes with an en suite.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- So you could see yourselves in this property?- Yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Well, there is some extra space with this one.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- You've got a whole holiday cottage next door.- What?!
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Really?- Yes.- Oh, my.- Wow.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- So that's something I'd like you to explore on your own.- OK.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09'They seem to have been won over by the part of the house
0:23:09 > 0:23:11'that would be their home, so, hopefully,
0:23:11 > 0:23:16'they'll be excited by the potential for the adjoining self-contained cottage.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- There it is.- Yeah. - SHE LAUGHS
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Wow.- It's a great little extra space, isn't it?- Look at this.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Yeah. I'm thinking we could potentially knock through there, as well.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30We could combine the two, maybe, into a bigger single property.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32There's a possibility. Check it out.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'Up a flight of stairs,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37'the living room is finished to a really high standard.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- And there's more.- 'Upstairs, this cottage provides two bedrooms,
0:23:41 > 0:23:46'one large one currently set up as a twin with a nicely fitted en suite,
0:23:46 > 0:23:51'and the other one slightly smaller, but with fabulous views and again benefiting from its own en suite.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:56'Our mystery proposition offers them two houses for the price of one
0:23:56 > 0:23:59'and if they want it, a healthy holiday let business
0:23:59 > 0:24:06'that currently pulls in on average £400 a week, with bookings taken for just over 20 weeks a year.'
0:24:06 > 0:24:10'But with all that on offer, something has to give.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:14So, a lot of property there. Not so much on the outside space.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16There's no back garden and there's no garden as such.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21You've got this area here. You could fit a hot tub in, potentially.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Well, you've seen it all.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- But the weather is turning on us. Shall we guess the price?- Quickly!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Let's do that. Go on then, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Um...
0:24:32 > 0:24:36I'm going to just take a shot, it might be way below, and say 575.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38OK.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Neil.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43I'm thinking because there isn't much land with it, it's going to be lower.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I'm going down to the fours, I think. Maybe 450.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- 450!- Go low.- Go very low.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52That's a very low guess, Neil and I have to say, Thelma, you win!
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- In fact, you're spot on. - Oh, my God!
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- It is on the market at £575,000.- OK.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Yeah. On you go and have another look around.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Think about what you'd do with the extra money if you bought it. Let me know,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- because you've got some decisions to make later.- OK. - Thank you.- Thanks.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14'Comfortably under budget at £575,000,
0:25:14 > 0:25:20'our mystery barn conversion not only gives Neil a quick 20-minute drive to work,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23'but provides them with a large convivial kitchen,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26'a huge living room with character features galore
0:25:26 > 0:25:28'and three bedrooms in the main house.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:32'But what with two further bedrooms in the self-contained cottage,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35'there's ample space for Thelma's relatives to stay.'
0:25:35 > 0:25:39I definitely love this house. It's got such a good feel to it. It's got character,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42but if we could possibly make it our own,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46that would be absolutely wonderful, so we'd definitely consider this house.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51You've given us a lot to think about with the mystery house but, having seen it, we love it.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55You threw a curve ball in in terms of the holiday accommodation next door,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57which is good and bad.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02I don't think we're too keen on the idea of strangers living next door, even for at a week at a time.
0:26:02 > 0:26:08But if there's an opportunity to knock it through, this could be the dream house.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I love the magic of the mystery house
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and this one seems to be a real strong contender,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20so let's find out what they've decided.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Our mission this week was to shorten your commute
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and to find you a marital home - the first home you will buy together.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Three interesting houses.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38We started with the very contemporary barn conversion.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- I think we both were blown away by it.- I really love that house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Everything about it, the surrounding area.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47What about all that extra land, 11 acres in total?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50That was pretty mind-blowing when you said that.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It's not necessarily something we wanted. It's kind of an added bonus, I guess.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59The second property we took you over the border, a bit cheeky, into North Yorkshire
0:26:59 > 0:27:00to a different sort of property.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Everything about it was absolutely lovely.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's just that, inside of it, there was no open area.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Every room just very separate.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14The mystery property. It's designed to throw you a curve ball and I think it did.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- The entrance was dramatic. Fantastic.- Oh, yeah, I absolutely love it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20It's just gorgeous.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23There's a good flow. It had a good feel. Certainly the lounge,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- that was cosy and comfy.- It was. - Just sitting and chilling out.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30The question is, have you found what you're looking for in any of the houses we showed you?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Well, there are a couple of houses,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36the first one and the third one, we really, really liked them.
0:27:36 > 0:27:44It depends on how things are going to progress in regards to the holiday let, for instance,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47in the third house, how that would go.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49I hope you're going to settle in the countryside
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and get the country living you've been looking for.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55You have the wedding coming up. Best of luck with that.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- Thank you.- It's been a pleasure spending time with you.- It's been great.- Thanks for your help.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05What a tremendous result. I'm so happy for Thelma and Neil.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10Not only have we managed to find them two homes they absolutely love,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13but I also think we've contributed
0:28:13 > 0:28:16to the start of their brand-new lives together and that feels great.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23'If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26'Northern Ireland or England
0:28:26 > 0:28:28'and would like our help,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32'please apply online at:'
0:28:53 > 0:29:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd