0:00:04 > 0:00:08This dramatic, red sandstone cliff in the middle of a forest
0:00:08 > 0:00:13used to be the home of a Tudor outlaw turned folk hero.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Who was this alternative Robin Hood, and where are we?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Find out in just a moment.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50In today's show, I'll be helping a couple
0:00:50 > 0:00:52buy their very first home together.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56And early on, we run into a few sticky issues.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58How do you get at the cobwebs up there?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00A very, very long duster.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03But then, with the mystery house, we find property perfection.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I should have brought my thesaurus with me
0:01:05 > 0:01:08because I've run out of superlatives for this house.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Today, we're in Shropshire,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16and this is Kynaston's Cave in the Nesscliffe Country Park.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Humphrey Kynaston was a Tudor nobleman
0:01:19 > 0:01:22who turned to crime after he was accused of murder,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and he lived in these case for 20 years.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Him in one and his horse in the other.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31You might wonder how a horse would get up all those steps
0:01:31 > 0:01:34but Beelzebub was no normal steed.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37He could clear a 12 foot wall, and, on one famous occasion,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40jumped the River Severn in one leap.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Humphrey Kynaston's career as a criminal,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46robbing from the rich to give to the poor, did not last for ever.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51He was pardoned by Henry VIII and died a peaceful death in 1534.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54So, apart from cutthroats and folk heroes,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57what else is Shropshire famous for?
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Well, it's the largest landlocked county in England
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and has one of the lowest populations the country.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Set within its spectacular, rural landscape,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Thomas Telford's cast iron bridge, now a World Heritage site,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14stands testament to the area's industrial achievements
0:02:14 > 0:02:17during the 18th century.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Shropshire's architectural heritage also runs deep.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Nowhere more so than in Ludlow,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27which has imposing castle ruins that date back to Norman times.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Its historic centre is also home
0:02:29 > 0:02:33to the distinctive black and white timber-framed buildings,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37a style found widely throughout the county's towns and villages.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42As you're probably aware,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45house prices are pretty stagnant across the country at the moment
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and, according to the Land Registry figures this month,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50the West Midlands are not an exception.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Prices have been going down.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55But Shropshire bucks the trend,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58not by very much, I have to admit, 0.4 percent rise,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00but nonetheless, a rise.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03And with a buoyant market comes good value -
0:03:03 > 0:03:07the average detached house here costs is £250,000,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11which is £4,000 below national average.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Here's a selection of what's currently on the market.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20For £365,000 this three bedroomed barn conversion in Stokesay
0:03:20 > 0:03:25is all on one level, but its vaulted ceilings create a sense of space.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28The kitchen comes complete with a range,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31and the sitting room has a brick fireplace.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37Outside, the well-tended gardens have views of open countryside.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40This three-bedroom country house near Linley Brook
0:03:40 > 0:03:43comes with nearly 8 acres of pasture and gardens.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47And inside, the two main reception rooms feature exposed beams
0:03:47 > 0:03:49and a huge inglenook.
0:03:49 > 0:03:56With three bedrooms, all told, it's on the market for £585,000.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59And if your budget stretches to £745,000,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02this substantial barn conversion in Evelith
0:04:02 > 0:04:05combines contemporary decor with character features,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08such as the exposed ceiling timbers
0:04:08 > 0:04:12that are a recurrent theme in some of its five bedrooms.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Outside, the secluded gardens extend to just over half an acre.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Some lovely properties on the market here in Shropshire.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Let's meet the discerning couple who are planning to move here.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30Hayward, a company director, and Felicity, an educational consultant,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33have been an item for 10 years,
0:04:33 > 0:04:38but still divide their time between their two respective Cheshire homes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40His near Northwich, and hers in Sandbach.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45As the six children they have between them have flown the nest,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and with retirement on the horizon,
0:04:47 > 0:04:52they now feel it's the right time to move into their first home together.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I was born in the country, really.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59I lived a country existence as a child, on the Wirral,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02we had hens and vegetable garden.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I suppose I'm trying to recreate my childhood, if you like.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I think we'd like to move to an area that I know a little bit about,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12because I work in Shropshire at the moment,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15so we're looking to move to North Shropshire.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Although they're buying together for the first time,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22both are agreed on an edge-of-village location.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27But the wish list for the ideal property has many elements to it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31What we're looking for in our new house is at least 3 to 4 bedrooms,
0:05:31 > 0:05:36with a study, a couple of extra reception rooms as well.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40A really nice feature would be a dining kitchen,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43with some nice ranges in, or whatever.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Because Felicity lives cooking, we probably do a lot more entertaining.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51I think with the outside space and the land that's available,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54there are various options I'd like to look at.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55We do like wildlife,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58so we'd like to develop an extensive wildlife garden,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00and attract wildlife in.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04We'd like a water feature of some sort, a river, a canal, lake, pond,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08anything like that nearby or at the bottom of the garden
0:06:08 > 0:06:10would be absolutely perfect.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14I think if there was any outbuildings or sufficient space,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17there are some sort of hobby businesses we'd like to do.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Felicity would love to start up a specialist cattery, wouldn't you?
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Because we both love cats. - That would be nice.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27And we'd definitely like to keep a few chickens.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Yes, maybe a goat.- Yep. - Or two.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33In order to finance the move,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Felicity plans to rent out her property.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Whereas Hayward is going to put his on the market.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41But they're open-minded about how much they want to spend.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I think our budget for this move is £550,000, but we could be flexible
0:06:45 > 0:06:49if there were business opportunities attached to it.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56This is going to be a really interesting show
0:06:56 > 0:06:59because Hayward and Felicity have been a couple for 10 years,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01but they've always lived apart.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04This house in Shropshire will be the first time they come together
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and open up their moving boxes and go, "Oh, I want this here,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09"and that should go there."
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Or maybe not, they might move in very harmoniously.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14We're also going to try and throw in a business option,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18a sideline that will keep them occupied when they choose to retire.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22And the thing is, we have to find the house that contains all of that.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Hayward and Felicity are keen to focus their search
0:07:25 > 0:07:27in the North Shropshire area
0:07:27 > 0:07:31so it's an easy drive from Cheshire for visiting friends.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33I'll be showing them three country homes,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36all with very different attributes,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38but they won't find out the price of each
0:07:38 > 0:07:40until they've had a guess first.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42The last of these is our mystery house,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46which will force them to re-evaluate what they think they really want.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- Welcome to Shropshire! - Thank you very much.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54You're moving in together having brought up families in separate homes.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Are you a bit anxious about that?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I don't think so, actually, the strange thing is,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02we've been together for about, nearly 10 years now.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- It is 10 years at Christmas. - And we don't argue.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07This could be a new opportunity today.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09There's always a first time.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12But generally, we have similar tastes, don't we?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Now, the interesting thing about your house hunt
0:08:15 > 0:08:17is that you want a home for yourself, obviously,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21but there is a possibility that you want a little business holiday let.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Yes, that's right.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24That affects your budget.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Could you just run through what you're going to spend?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29The budget is £550,000.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31And that's for the house?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35If there is a business opportunity alongside that we can develop,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37then the budget would increase,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40depending on the size of the business opportunity,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43but it won't be restricted to 550,000.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Excellent, it's a beautiful part of the countryside as you can see,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and we've picked out some nice houses for you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Are you ready to go and see them? - Very ready.- Very much.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Then follow me.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Hayward and Felicity have set themselves a budget of £550,000,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00although they would be happy to increase that
0:09:00 > 0:09:03if the right business opportunity came along.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Their criteria includes a large kitchen diner,
0:09:05 > 0:09:06preferably with a range.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29In terms of the property,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33is there a particular style you're looking for, a period?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36It's a really tricky one to answer, that,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40because I think you just have a feel about a place when you go in.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44We're looking for something cosy perhaps, but also airy,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48that doesn't really make any sense, I know,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50but we'd like it to be quite light,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52but also welcoming and have a warm feel to it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57I'm sure you've found us just the perfect place, I'm not concerned.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Oh, dear, I'm not keen on all this pressure.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04It's good for you, pressure, Alistair, it makes you perform.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Hopefully, we'll rise to the challenge
0:10:07 > 0:10:10as we get our property search underway.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13A short drive from the historic market town of Wem
0:10:13 > 0:10:17which provides them with a whole host of independent shops.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20A few miles out of town, set back from the road, is our first house.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24A substantial barn conversion.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26So, here we go, house number one.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28What are your first thoughts?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Well, it's certainly a stunning building, yeah.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35It's a barn conversion, it was done about 2006
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and really has just been completed, it's a bit of a work of art inside.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Yes, it looks like it might be from what we can see, even from here.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Let's have a peek.- OK.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49There's a surprise element to this house, which I'll reveal later.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54We'll explore the beautifully renovated interior of this barn conversion,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56which is set out in a U-shape.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00I'm hoping the first room will be Felicity's idea of culinary heaven.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05In we come, and straight into your realm, I think, Felicity.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Definitely my realm, this is amazing.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It's got plenty of space over there, nice family meals.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14It's got the range, is that gas?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Yes, double topped gas.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20I really like having somewhere to sit as well, like that, in the kitchen,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23as well as having a big dining table.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24It's nice to have someone to relax.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28There's plenty of space in here, too, isn't there?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31The one thing about this property is there is space a go-go.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35I think this is a lovely space, and it keeps on giving, this house.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38This is amazing.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Oh, that's nice, isn't it? I love the arch.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's so light, isn't it, with the big windows?
0:11:44 > 0:11:48How do you get at the cobwebs up there?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- A very, very long duster.- It just makes it look even bigger, again,
0:11:51 > 0:11:57because of the sudden height, the change in height, which is superb.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00And then down here, more...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04..when you look down this wing.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Oh, goodness, look at this. - I didn't expect that.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10You've got a mezzanine seating area with a TV up there,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and then a more formal area downstairs,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15with this lovely minster stone fire surround.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17That's gorgeous, that is, fantastic.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20A spiral staircase is something I've always liked.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I've always wanted to put in a house but never managed to get one in yet.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26So, that another big tick.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This range of sprawling reception rooms
0:12:29 > 0:12:32gives Hayward and Felicity's visiting family
0:12:32 > 0:12:34acres of space to spread out in.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Retracing our steps into the central hallway,
0:12:36 > 0:12:41the staircase leads up to three generous double rooms.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43First up, the master.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45So, this would be your bedroom.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Oh, lovely. Perfect.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I like the oak beams, it just adds a lot to it, I think.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54And the original round windows.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59The amazing green oak beams hold up the whole barn conversion.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It's been very well done, I think.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It's very nicely finished, everywhere is immaculate.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08You've got an ensuite round the corner, with a nice, slipper bath.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09And there's more.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Secrets, again.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14The upstairs corridor leads through to a second guest room,
0:13:14 > 0:13:19another enormous double, with a light, spacious ensuite shower room.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24And even the final double comes complete with its own bathroom.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Sandwiched between these rooms is a landing with a spiral staircase,
0:13:28 > 0:13:33that leads down to my surprise element. A whole other annexe.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Aha! The second house.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42Good Lord, so, how many sitting rooms is that?
0:13:42 > 0:13:45You lose track, don't you?
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Essentially, this is a separate holiday let.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52I just had no idea that would be here.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55No, no, it's so much bigger than I thought it would be,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57it just seems to go on and on.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00This one-bedroom annexe with its own ensuite wetroom
0:14:00 > 0:14:04is a perfect and low maintenance answer to their request
0:14:04 > 0:14:06for a business opportunity.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Outside, the immediate gardens up to the wooden fence
0:14:12 > 0:14:16and further paddock area, amount to nearly 1.2 acres.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20It's a generous package, but there's one catch.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Just wondering, Alistair, about the rest of the...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26You're being very subtle, there's a huge white elephant in the room -
0:14:26 > 0:14:31this massive building that is attached to yours, in fact.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- This is being developed by the people who developed this.- Right.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38So you will have built in, plumbed in, neighbours.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Right.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42So, it's obviously something to bear in mind.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46So, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I would say about 520.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Yes, I'd say little bit higher than that,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55not really counting in the extra annexe, but about 530-ish.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59OK, so, this is on the market for 575.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Right, OK.- But it's the first property you seen in this area,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06so it's difficult to pull figures out of the ether.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Have a look around and I'll see you out the front.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21Although over budget at £575,000, this spectacular barn conversion
0:15:21 > 0:15:24does give them an annexe with rental opportunity.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27It also provides a super-sized dining kitchen,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29with the range that Felicity wanted,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32and three huge reception rooms with a fireplace.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Initially, I was slightly disappointed
0:15:43 > 0:15:47because I'm not essentially into barn conversions, I don't know why,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51they tend to be a bit too modern for me.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54But when we came into the house and I saw the kitchen,
0:15:54 > 0:15:55I was blown away by it,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58it's a beautiful space, it's very open, very airy.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00The range looks fantastic
0:16:00 > 0:16:04and I can see us entertaining family and friends in here,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06and that was a big wow feature.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10I think, like all houses, there are upsides and downsides,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14and the upside to this for me is the house itself, which is superb.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I think the downside is the proximity to a main road,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19and the noise,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and the fact that there's really no views at the back,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24you're next to another development.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29Which I think isn't ideally what we're looking for.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34So, the house a definite contender, not sure about the location.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Ah, there you are.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39Had a good look round.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42You had a good look? You ready for the second one?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Certainly are.- Yes, please. - On we go.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00North Shropshire is an area that Hayward and Felicity know well,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03but they're less familiar with the south of the county.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Earlier in the week, we sent them into the heart of South Shropshire,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10to the market town of Church Stretton.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Of its four churches, St Laurence is of particular interest,
0:17:14 > 0:17:19as it features a medieval carving of a woman known as a Sheela Na Gig,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23a figure said to ward off evil or to represent fertility.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Fertility symbols were also used by farming communities
0:17:26 > 0:17:28to ensure a good harvest.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Which is how the tradition of corn dollies came into being.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34To find out more,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38we sent our buyers to the nearby Acton Scott Working Farm,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40where they're meeting Margaret Newsom,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43who's going to reveal all about this unique, rural craft.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48So, the tradition of corn dolly making went back to ancient times,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52pre-Christian, because people were very superstitious.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Of course, they didn't want the crops to fail,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58I mean, it was literally fatal if they didn't have any crops.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02So they used to believe that the spirit of growth and fertility
0:18:02 > 0:18:03actually lived in the field.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The reaping team cut the field of wheat,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09we leave a stand of wheat in the corner of the field,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13and the spirit of growth and fertility goes into that.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17And then the oldest member of the reaping team, would cut it down,
0:18:17 > 0:18:23and he formed it into a very rough human idol, a rough human form.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26And then you've captured the spirit of growth and fertility,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and it goes home on the last wagon.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Religious custom has been bound up
0:18:32 > 0:18:34in ensuring a bountiful harvest for centuries.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38The Romans worshipped their own goddess of grain, Ceres,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41from which our word cereal is derived.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43During the Victorian era,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46different regions would compete against each other
0:18:46 > 0:18:49with their own design of corn dolly.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Which is why there's such a variety, including some very intricate ones.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57This corn dolly is the crown.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59That's gorgeous, that.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02This was made by the farmworkers in the field,
0:19:02 > 0:19:09it was plaited, and it was given to the lord of the manor.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Having discovered the history,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Felicity attempts to master the basics
0:19:14 > 0:19:17by weaving what is known as a fill the gap plait.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20That's lovely, well done.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21That's it, you've got it.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24You could do with another pair of hands, really.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27That's it, just use your thumb for control.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29That's lovely, well done.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Time for Hayward to add his contribution
0:19:31 > 0:19:34to what is known as a countryman's favour.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38The two braids are tied together with the traditional red ribbon,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and, hey presto, they have the finished article.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Let's hope it all bodes well for our property search,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and that our crop of houses gives them rich pickings.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Our house search continues five miles from Oswestry,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59in the village of St Martins.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Although the centre has its fair share of road traffic,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06our second property sits by the banks of the Llangollen Canal,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10where the only passing traffic are the barges meandering past.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Ah, now, house number two.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17This is lovely.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19That is quite fantastic, isn't it?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21What a fantastic looking house that is.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25And there's our water feature!
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Well spotted.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Now, there's endless features to this property.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33You have a Shropshire canal running through the property,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35you have a 50-foot mooring,
0:20:35 > 0:20:40and along here, well, the total land that you get with this
0:20:40 > 0:20:44is just over six acres, so a lot of looking after nature.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46This extraordinary building,
0:20:46 > 0:20:51which was converted over the last 10 years or so,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53probably in parts is about 200 years old,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56but it's a completely up-to-date eco-house.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00It's very carbon neutral, it's got a very good carbon score,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04it's very ecological, and it has this separate, it's not attached,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06a separate outbuilding,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09which is up and ready to be converted into a holiday let.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Fantastic, let's have a look.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19Set apart from the house is another large outbuilding
0:21:19 > 0:21:21which gives them a garage and workshop.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26I'm hoping the homely feel of the interior of the house will be just what they wanted.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Come on in, I'm going to whisk you straight through to the kitchen,
0:21:29 > 0:21:34because I think this gives a good example of house.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Now, that's lovely, isn't it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:41I don't know what the right word to describe this, really.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- It's not cute.- It's more, sort of cottage-y, isn't it?- Yeah, it is.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Yes, and the featured brick and the wood
0:21:49 > 0:21:51is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it?
0:21:51 > 0:21:55I'm spotting, what is that metal thing, is it an oven of some sort?
0:21:55 > 0:22:00Yes, this is a little feature that actually came from the next cottage
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and through into the utility room.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09Everything here is reclaimed, recycled, the stone and wood.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10You do have your nice big range.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14And you have this rather nice doorway straight out into the canal.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17One of the things we were thinking is that you could run a tea shop
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- for passing canal boats.- That would be ideal for us, wouldn't it?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25You were talking about making gourmet meals
0:22:25 > 0:22:28to give to the people on their longboats.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It would be really nice in the season, during the boating season.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I can't wait to see the rest of it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The kitchen also has the added bonus of a huge pantry.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41But let's get their view on the high spec features of the main reception.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42So, notice these.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Oh, yes.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Here's the sitting room, it's much more modest than the last house.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- It's cosy.- It's very light,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54you've got light from three sides, which is excellent.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59These doors go onto a lovely terrace that sits overlooking the canal.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01And obviously views of the canal from this one.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04And this magnificent log burner
0:23:04 > 0:23:08which could probably heat the whole of Shropshire.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11You also have solar panels that gives you hot water,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13you have this which keeps the house very warm
0:23:13 > 0:23:15because it has a series of vents,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18there's vents that go out into the hall and upstairs,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20so the hot air circulates around the house.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22And it's extremely well insulated.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Overall, the property has an energy efficiency rating D,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28which will help reduce those heating bills.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Back across the hallway is a second reception room,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34which would make a great snug,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and a useful cloakroom which is tucked away next door.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42With downstairs covered, we head up the impressive oak staircase
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and explore the four bedrooms on the first floor.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50Now, this is a lovely room, I think this is the master bedroom.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51A huge size.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Oh, yes, it's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56It just makes such a difference...
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I love the shape of the door, it adds another feature, doesn't it?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01All the different aspects.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04They're very high ceilings, very spacious,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- a beautiful picture view over the canal.- It's lovely.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's a lovely room, just a nice room.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13I even like the raspberry coloured walls.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Yes, I do.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18You've got cast iron radiators here, running off the biofuel.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Under your feet, this is one of the vents coming up from the log burner.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24So no heat is wasted.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- It goes all through the house? - All through the house.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Including into your rather fabulous ensuite.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Oh, look at this, this is fabulous.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36This is rather nice, too, isn't it?
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Down the other end of the landing is the family bathroom,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43which serves the other three bedrooms.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45A spacious double and single,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49both featuring exposed stone and timber beams.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52And a further sky lit double.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56And there's no need for Hayward to use any of these for his study,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00as outside in a separate building, there's a great office.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Above this, there's potential for a one-bedroom holiday let,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05which already has planning consent.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Overall, this property gives them a gorgeous energy-efficient home
0:25:09 > 0:25:11that needs no work,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14with over six acres of land offering them plenty of scope.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Time to take a view on the price.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20How much do you think it costs? I know there's lots of different bits,
0:25:20 > 0:25:25so it's quite a lot of land. It's a, sort of, very modern, funky house.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27And the outbuilding.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I'm thinking it's probably our limit.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34I wouldn't be surprised, 570-575?
0:25:34 > 0:25:38OK, this time, you've all gone a bit up because, actually,
0:25:38 > 0:25:39it's on the market for 525.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Oh, right!- Oh, that's interesting.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- Have a look around and then I'll see you at the front.- OK.- OK.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46Thank you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Under budget at £525,000, this stunning country home
0:25:55 > 0:25:58has so many components to it.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Besides having two reception rooms with a wood-burner,
0:26:01 > 0:26:06Felicity was fired up by the country kitchen that gave her a range.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Upstairs provides four bedrooms with an amazing master ensuite,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and the outbuildings include the potential for a holiday let
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and a study for Hayward.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20It's all topped off with their own mooring on the neighbouring canal.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I was instantly attracted to the house when we arrived here.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27There was something about the different fabrics it was made of.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31The main road is quite close to the property
0:26:31 > 0:26:33but, having said that,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36when you are at the side of the house here,
0:26:36 > 0:26:40in the lounge and in the bedroom, the noise is certainly lessened,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44and I wonder whether we could, perhaps quite quickly, get used to that.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I used to live near a canal before.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49I just love the idea of the narrow boats passing by.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52So, really picturesque, beautiful.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Three aspects of the house have got tremendous views
0:26:56 > 0:27:01over the countryside, and the extra land is a real bonus.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04It's such a beautiful view, here.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Cos one mile that way is Wales.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08I was just saying, these are the Welsh hills.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- On a clear day you can see way into Wales.- I know, it's beautiful.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Beautiful. Especially when it rises up, as well. Beautiful.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Well, that's our last house today. Time to rest and digest.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Excellent, OK.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35As evening falls over the fields of Shropshire,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38the first day of our house hunt draws to a close.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Having been together for ten years, Hayward and Felicity
0:27:50 > 0:27:53are now poised to buy their very first home together,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56and cross the border from Cheshire to Shropshire.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Their budget of £550,000 is a moveable feast
0:28:00 > 0:28:03as they're looking for a property
0:28:03 > 0:28:06that comes with business potential to boost funds
0:28:06 > 0:28:08and keep them busy during their retirement.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12The two properties we've shown them so far have addressed the idea
0:28:12 > 0:28:15of holiday lets, but coming up, we change tack completely.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- You're not just buying a house, you're buying a castle.- Wow!- Wow!
0:28:19 > 0:28:26And I visit a unique farm with over 8,000 owners and a big vision.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30I think the canal, yesterday,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33so nearly convinced Hayward and Felicity
0:28:33 > 0:28:38that that beautiful house by the canal side was the one for them,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41but not quite, because there was still the road,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44and I don't think they were really convinced by the business options.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48So for the mystery house today, we're leaving all that behind.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51What we're giving them is a beautiful house.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54No road noise whatsoever,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and a surprise at the bottom of the garden.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Our mystery house takes us to the village of Cheswardine
0:29:00 > 0:29:02which, along with a community shop,
0:29:02 > 0:29:06would give them two local pubs to choose from.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Its distinctive sandstone church can actually be seen
0:29:09 > 0:29:12from our mystery offering, which is going to challenge our buyers
0:29:12 > 0:29:16to throw all their holiday let aspirations out the window
0:29:16 > 0:29:21and focus instead on a special country home just for them.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- Here we are.- Oh, goodness! - Good grief!
0:29:23 > 0:29:28- This is a corking mystery house. - Charming, isn't it? Absolutely charming!
0:29:28 > 0:29:31And the church tower as well. Absolutely superb!
0:29:31 > 0:29:37- Oh, it's great!- Beautiful house! That looks fabulous.- And listen...
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- No traffic!- No traffic, just birds. - Little trickle of water.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- Trickle of water.- Yeah, it couldn't be more perfect, could it?
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- No, it's fabulous.- Absolutely superb. - It's about 200 years old.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52It is the cottages and stable block that belongs to the big manor house
0:29:52 > 0:29:53which is at the other side.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- But you're not just buying a house. - Mm-hmm?- You're buying a castle.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Wow!- And the castle is in your four acres of woodland.- Excellent!
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- Good lord!- Wow!
0:30:03 > 0:30:08'These are not great romantic ruins but, instead, the 1,000-year-old
0:30:08 > 0:30:10'earthworks of Cheswardine Castle.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13'And the beautiful woodland provides a dramatic backdrop
0:30:13 > 0:30:15'to the castle mound and its moat.'
0:30:15 > 0:30:19So, imagine 9th century.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21This is your castle mound!
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- It's just superb, isn't it? - A wooden fortress.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Moat goes all the way round.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29And this is an English Heritage ancient monument.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31And I wanted a wildlife garden!
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Well, this is, like, much more than a wildlife garden.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Impressed?- Impressed.- So do I need to show you the house?- Yes, please!
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Suppose we best have a look at it, hadn't we?- Come on, then.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Cross the drawbridge.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46'Well, they certainly won't be disappointed, as inside is bursting
0:30:46 > 0:30:48'with character features.'
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Mind the step.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Into the sitting room.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59This is fantastic, isn't it?
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Isn't that lovely? And so warm and welcoming.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Proper little cottage-y lounge. - That is lovely, isn't it?
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- That is really nice.- What you've got is three cottages in a row,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12and they've all been, obviously, made into one.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16But you can see you've got the old beams from the original building.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Super flooring! Look at the flooring.- These lovely quarry tiles.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24The bay window helps a lot, too. It makes the room so much larger.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- First impressions - yes, please! Yes!- It is very good.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- You can imagine your things in here? - Yes.- Excellent.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Well, it flows on into the kitchen.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- I love this kitchen.- Oh, gosh!
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- Isn't that gorgeous?- Fantastic! - It is.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47And a beautiful sink as well. Just beautifully hand-built, isn't it?
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- It's hand-built and it's chestnut. - Now, I love these beams.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55And you'll notice above the door there's the coat of arms
0:31:55 > 0:31:58of the le Strange family, who were the people in the, sort of,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01manor house and everything, originally.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Flowing on from the kitchen is a separate dining room,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07great for family entertaining.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And beyond that, the three former stables,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14still with their original doors, offer up a great additional space,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18and are currently being used as a utility area and a garden store.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23Back through the house and the other side of the hallway
0:32:23 > 0:32:27is a ground-floor bedroom which is served by a bathroom next door.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Upstairs, off the main staircase,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33there are two double guest rooms either side of a small bathroom.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37But we're going to head up the back staircase
0:32:37 > 0:32:42to where there's a fourth skylit single room, with its own ensuite.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Plus, a huge vaulted landing, which Hayward could use as a study
0:32:46 > 0:32:51or he could take next door, which is even bigger.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Oh, look at that!
0:32:53 > 0:32:57I'll tell you, Alistair, I should have brought my Roget's Thesaurus
0:32:57 > 0:33:00with me cos I've run out of superlatives for this house.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- I just don't know what else to say, really!- It's really good.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Shocked awe, will do? I don't know!
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- It is, it's amazing.- Shock and awe. - Yeah, this is a wonderful room.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09Absolutely beautiful, isn't it?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Our mystery house may be a home just for them,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15but there's no doubt that the space for visiting family
0:33:15 > 0:33:18and superb original features have proved impressive.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21But have we done enough?
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Can you afford it? How much is it?
0:33:24 > 0:33:28To me, it's probably worth 575, I'd say.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33- I'd say, probably, at least that. Maybe 600?- OK.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- Well, it's on the market for 595. - Right.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40But it's been on the market for a while,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42and the owners are quite keen to move,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46so there's a little room for negotiation if you really love it.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49If it's a stretch, it's a stretch, but we need to look at it.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- I think it's a lovely house.- That's the fighting talk I like to hear!
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Have a look around inside, cos there's lots you haven't seen yet.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- And I'll meet you afterwards. - OK, thank you, cheers.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00OK, see you later.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Wonderful! I mean, it is, in many ways, perfect for them,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08but it doesn't offer them any businesses, but that's all right.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11They're going to retire here and be very, very happy.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20Over their budget at £595,000, our historic mystery house
0:34:20 > 0:34:25is a unique proposition, and has certainly put temptation their way.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29It provides them with two reception rooms with character,
0:34:29 > 0:34:34a wonderful country kitchen, four bedrooms, and a wildlife paradise,
0:34:34 > 0:34:36including four acres of woodland
0:34:36 > 0:34:39boasting their own moat and castle ruins.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42The house inside is just stunning. It really is.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47Traditional, lots of character, and when we first walked in the door,
0:34:47 > 0:34:50and as we walked round, it just felt like home.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54It's almost a house that I know I could fall in love with
0:34:54 > 0:34:55and I think Felicity could as well.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59We've got our own moat, our own ancient castle,
0:34:59 > 0:35:04beautiful orchards, plenty of places for our chickens and everything else.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08The potential is enormous and if I was being honest,
0:35:08 > 0:35:12there is nothing that I would change about this house. I love it!
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- Well, that went well.- Very well! - Absolutely perfect!
0:35:19 > 0:35:23OK, so time to regroup, put all our thoughts on one page.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Let's go and find somewhere to do that.- OK.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38COCKEREL CROWS
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Shropshire is renowned for its farming heritage,
0:35:41 > 0:35:43and five miles from the town of Market Drayton,
0:35:43 > 0:35:48is one of the oldest organic smallholdings in the country.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Fordhall Farm has been the residence of the Hollins family
0:35:51 > 0:35:55since the 1700s, and I'm here to meet Charlotte Hollins,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58whose father, Arthur, was at the forefront of the organic movement
0:35:58 > 0:36:00for around 70 years.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Tell me about this amazing farm,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06because your father was a real pioneer when it came to organic farming,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08way, way back in, when was it, in the '30s?
0:36:08 > 0:36:13Just after the Second World War. Dad was one of the few farmers that believed that organic farming
0:36:13 > 0:36:15was a more sustainable way of farming,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17and was much more secure going into the future,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20and he kept Fordhall organic, and it has been so ever since.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25- So you've got 70-odd years of good, organic soil under your feet? - Absolutely, yeah.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Charlotte and her brother have maintained their family's commitment
0:36:29 > 0:36:31to organic farming.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Five years ago, when she was just 21, the farm faced the threat
0:36:35 > 0:36:38of being sold off to developers, and their subsequent campaign
0:36:38 > 0:36:42led to this becoming the country's first community-owned farm.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44The really interesting bit about your story
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- is how you raised the money. - That's right.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50We had to find some way of securing the farm long-term, and by talking
0:36:50 > 0:36:53to the local community, by involving them in the farm's progress
0:36:53 > 0:36:57and future development, we created a community ownership scheme.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59We're an industrial and provident society,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02and by creating that structure we were able to sell shares
0:37:02 > 0:37:05at £50 each, and it was through that share scheme we were able to raise
0:37:05 > 0:37:09£800,000 to purchase Fordhall Farm, and it's now in the ownership
0:37:09 > 0:37:12of all those members right across the country.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- Wow, so how many shareholders do you have?- We have 8,000 or thereabouts.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19We were amazed by the response that we had from the general public.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22The fact that the farm has the buy-in of stakeholders
0:37:22 > 0:37:26AND the local community means that in the face of competition
0:37:26 > 0:37:31from large-scale producers, a small farm like this can still
0:37:31 > 0:37:36bring home the bacon, in the form of these Gloucester Old Spots.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- It's lunch-time, piggies! - Come on!- Woo-hoo!
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- They're very lively, aren't they? - They are, yeah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- Are we just throwing into their trough?- Ready for breakfast. Just put it in on the top.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Here we go, some over here, come on now!- That's it!
0:37:52 > 0:37:56So all the pork from these animals gets sold in your shop?
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- It does, yes.- Cos, presumably, it's not commercially viable for you
0:38:01 > 0:38:03to sell to supermarkets, cos it's too small?
0:38:03 > 0:38:06No, we just wouldn't produce the volume that the supermarkets want.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10The only way we can survive is by selling everything direct ourselves,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13through the farm shop or farmer's markets, or the online shop.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- Any way we can get it direct to the customer.- Aww.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21I'm going to have to leave cos they're eating my boot!
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Organic produce, ranging from nasturtiums to courgettes,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27thrive in the farm's community garden,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31and the environmental ethos even extends to its architecture.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34This is an amazing build.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Now, this was also fundraised in your inimitable fashion.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Yes, last year we raised £100,000 towards this building
0:38:40 > 0:38:42from all of our amazing shareholders.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47- That's a great network of support you have.- Fantastic. I mean, they are just so generous,
0:38:47 > 0:38:49and the nice thing about having so many supporters is
0:38:49 > 0:38:53everybody gives a little bit and something miraculous happens.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54And this is a wonderful building.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- I mean, it's all this lovely green oak and...- It's beautiful.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00It looks very organic.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It is, and the very nature of the materials we've used are organic.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07We've got sheep's wool, recycled newspaper, hemp.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09We've got a green roof over this lovely oak canopy here.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11We've tried to keep the building
0:39:11 > 0:39:13in with the ethos of the farm as much as possible.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17In summary, I mean, what's really changed for you and your brother
0:39:17 > 0:39:18in ten years? I mean, lots?
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Yeah, lots has changed as you can see behind us,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24but one of the biggest things is that we've changed one landlord who
0:39:24 > 0:39:27doesn't want us to be here, to 8,000 landlords who do want us to be here.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- That has got to be a good change! - It is, yes.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35The area of farmed land being managed organically nationwide
0:39:35 > 0:39:39increased by 9% last year, but what's really special here
0:39:39 > 0:39:43is that such a passionate and committed family came up with
0:39:43 > 0:39:49a brilliant blueprint that has inspired the modern farming world.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Hayward and Felicity have seen all three houses now,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55and usually at this point in the show, there'd be a little bit
0:39:55 > 0:39:57of uncertainty about which one was their favourite.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59In this case, not so much.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I think it's the mystery house, but I have been known to be wrong.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04So let's find out.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Felicity and Hayward, let's talk houses.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13- Yes, let's.- And the first house,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17we all thought you were going to love but, actually, you, Felicity,
0:40:17 > 0:40:18seemed to be a bit muted.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20I wasn't very good with the first house, was I? No.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24The fixtures and fittings were amazing.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27It didn't do anything for me, at all.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Hayward?
0:40:28 > 0:40:32I felt a little bit different and I liked the inside of the house.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37I liked the space, but outside the house, the location with the nearby road, the fact that the garden
0:40:37 > 0:40:40was overlooked at the back and it was semi-detached and unfinished,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I think that really put me off.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46You were worried about the second house, because there was a road
0:40:46 > 0:40:48and we weren't sure what you'd make of it,
0:40:48 > 0:40:50but it seemed to go down quite well.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- Yes, we did like the house, didn't we?- Very much.- A lot, instantly.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- Erm, it was very different. - It was just so full of character.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01It was incredible, both from the outside and then when you went in,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and alongside the canal as well.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06What a picturesque situation that was.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11In hindsight, probably a bit too small. There wasn't a really good dining area for entertaining.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16At the mystery house, there wasn't a business attached but it was certainly a home.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19The mystery house was absolutely perfect for us, I think.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It was really difficult to find a fault on it
0:41:22 > 0:41:23as far as we were concerned.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27The land next to the house, the woods,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29the odd castle mound.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33The odd moat, you know, sort of enhanced it a little a bit.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Bit of an orchard there.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Bit of an orchard, so the outside was absolutely perfect and quiet.
0:41:38 > 0:41:44And then the inside of the house, beautifully kept and restored.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Even the decoration was to our taste, wasn't it, generally?
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Yeah, which is very unusual, isn't it?
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It's just a house you could fall in love with.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56I'm not sure we haven't already, but it is a house you could fall in love with and care for.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00So do I get from that, that will be the house that you'd proceed on?
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- What will happen next?- I think I'm going to rapidly go back home,
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I'm going to talk to my mortgage advisor,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11and if I can, I'd like to put an offer in on that house.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Great! That's wonderful. And you're behind him on that?
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- 100%.- Wow, wonderful! Well, that's such good news.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Good luck with all your negotiations.- Thank you.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Let us know.- Thank you for all you've done for us.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- We've had a great time. - We have. Really enjoyed it.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Sometimes on this show, we get a little overexcited at the prospect
0:42:35 > 0:42:39of a country business like a tearoom or a holiday let,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41and we lose sight of the bigger picture.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Hayward and Felicity reminded us that the most important thing
0:42:44 > 0:42:46is a beautiful home.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49So if you've enjoyed us learning a lesson,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52tune in next time for more Escape to the Country.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56Hayward and Felicity remain keen to make an offer on the mystery house,
0:42:56 > 0:43:01but are hoping to secure the right price on Hayward's property first
0:43:01 > 0:43:03before taking things further.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:06 > 0:43:12Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online at...
0:43:29 > 0:43:35Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:35 > 0:43:40E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk