0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to the show. Let's face it,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07finding an Escape to the Country presenter surrounded by trees is,
0:00:07 > 0:00:08in itself, not unusual,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11but if I told you that these were just some of an estimated
0:00:11 > 0:00:157.8 million that have been planted here over the last 15 years,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18well, you get the idea that this isn't just any old bit of woodland.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22So where are? Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55'On today's show, I'll be helping a couple
0:00:55 > 0:00:57'exchange their house in suburban Bristol
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'for a home in the countryside,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02'and this pair really just can't wait to make the move.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:04If I just gave you the keys,
0:01:04 > 0:01:07I think you'd be smiling even more than you are now!
0:01:07 > 0:01:11And our mystery house keeps those smiles coming.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Should be quite an interesting mystery house for you.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Really quite excited about this one. - Good.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Well, today, we're in the National Forest,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24an enormous area of woodland that takes in large chunks
0:01:24 > 0:01:27of South Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Now, since this project was conceived back in 1990,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34the idea has been to contain 200 square miles
0:01:34 > 0:01:37of both ancient woodland and, of course, new trees as well.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Since then, it's gained international recognition
0:01:40 > 0:01:43as one of the most ambitious regeneration projects of its kind,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45anywhere in Europe.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48And for my money, spanning as it does three glorious counties,
0:01:48 > 0:01:53it's the perfect place to start any exploration of central England.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire are located
0:01:59 > 0:02:03right in the heart of England, but each has its own character.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Derbyshire is known for its rugged terrain,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08reflected in the Peak District National Park,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11which covers about three quarters of the county.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The park is a Mecca for tourists, with more than 10 million
0:02:14 > 0:02:18visitors a year flocking to see the spectacular scenery.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Derbyshire also has added attractions,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24such as the old spa town of Matlock Bath.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28The natural scenic beauty of this region flows on into Staffordshire,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33with its glorious rolling moorlands made up of a rich clay soil.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It's this soil, especially in the north of the county,
0:02:36 > 0:02:41that led to the development of Staffordshire's pottery industry in the 17th century,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43that went on to become world famous.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Head east, and you'll find the county of Leicestershire,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50with towns such as Market Harborough,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53which was formerly a trading post for cattle and sheep.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Like Derbyshire and Staffordshire, Leicestershire boasts an abundance
0:02:57 > 0:02:58of attractive countryside.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Perfect for those seeking a rural retreat.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Now, when you consider that the average property price
0:03:04 > 0:03:08in this country is around about £257,000, buying in this part
0:03:08 > 0:03:11of the world could be a very shrewd move indeed, and here's why.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15In Leicestershire, the average detached will set you back about
0:03:15 > 0:03:18£25,000 under that national average.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Pop into Staffordshire, you could save yourself £42,000.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22And in Derbyshire,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25a whopping £55,000 could be knocked off your bill.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29And with three counties to choose from, there is plenty on offer.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33If a characterful cottage in Derbyshire is your dream,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36this three-bedroom home in Weston-on-Trent could be yours
0:03:36 > 0:03:39for just under £240,000.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42There's a well-proportioned sitting room with period features
0:03:42 > 0:03:47and a lovely country-style kitchen leads onto a delightful garden.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Or just shy of £600,000 is this classic three-bed thatched cottage
0:03:51 > 0:03:54in Newtown Linford in Leicestershire.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57The sitting room has a stunning central feature with a brick,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00open fireplace, and the traditional characteristics
0:04:00 > 0:04:04continue in the bedrooms, which all have exposed beams.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07For bigger budgets, there's this five-bedroom farmhouse
0:04:07 > 0:04:11in Stowe-by-Chartley, in Staffordshire, for £740,000.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14It features ample entertaining space,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18with three large reception rooms, and a quarry-tiled conservatory.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Well, some great properties, and all of them set in great countryside.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Look at this for a view of the summertime!
0:04:25 > 0:04:29So no surprise then, of course, that today's buyers want to move here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35Childhood sweethearts, Robert and Fiona, tied the knot 11 years ago.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39They're both trained engineers, and currently live in this four-bedroom detached house
0:04:39 > 0:04:42in Bristol, with their daughter, Lani, but are keen to rekindle
0:04:42 > 0:04:45the delights of their rural upbringing,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47with a move to Derbyshire.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Well, we both grew up in countryside, in villages, which we loved,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53and now we have a daughter,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57so we hope to give her that kind of lifestyle when she grows up.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I had a recent opportunity with my work,
0:04:59 > 0:05:04relocating to one of our other sites in Derbyshire, so it's kind of...
0:05:04 > 0:05:09The work is the reason, but we're taking the opportunity to really get the countryside at the same time.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13With Robert working over 100 miles away in Derby during the week,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16the distance has had a huge impact on family life,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and that's something they're desperate to change.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21We dreamed of having more time together.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26I think that's, kind of, the first benefit of the move, definitely.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29And going to the country, in particular, we want to have
0:05:29 > 0:05:32a little bit more outside space, perhaps get some more animals,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34or grow some more of our own vegetables and fruit
0:05:34 > 0:05:40and things like that. Just enjoy an outdoors family lifestyle altogether.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43While Robert's job might drive the direction of their move,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45there are family ties at play, too.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49We'd be looking at an area of South Derbyshire within, ideally,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51a 30 minute commute of my office.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Our family is also located in the Cotswolds.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Somewhere south of Derby gives access to our families at weekends, commutes up and down.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02So the search area is nailed down, but the wishlist doesn't end there.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05I think the top three must-haves for us
0:06:05 > 0:06:09are nice outdoor space that's also family-friendly,
0:06:09 > 0:06:14it must have three double-bedrooms and, also, a nice size kitchen.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Also, both being engineers, we'd like a study to put all our books
0:06:17 > 0:06:19and computer out the way.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23We'd like the house to be located near to a village that's got
0:06:23 > 0:06:26a few amenities, like a shop or a pub.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29But age of property, really, we don't mind old or modern-type
0:06:29 > 0:06:32build properties, it's more about the location and land.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36With our daughter, she's nearly three, so I'll be looking at
0:06:36 > 0:06:40playgroups and, also, schools for when she's a bit older, as well.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The opportunity to partake in community activities
0:06:43 > 0:06:46is an especially important ingredient for Fiona,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49as she's a keen bell-ringer. Robert, on the other hand,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51doesn't mind spending time in his own company,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55as it allows him to keep up some of his family traditions.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00One thing I'm keen on is having a property that's got access to outside space, an out-building,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02or a workshop or, you know, over-sized garages.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05My grandfather was a stone mason, so in our garage I've got sets
0:07:05 > 0:07:09of stone masonry, chisels and wood chisels, which have never been used.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Might be keen to try my hand at that and use those family heirlooms.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17So only one more thing to discover, and that's their finances.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20We would stretch up to 450 for the ideal property.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Now the good news this week is that the brief, I think, is pretty broad.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33I don't think Fiona and Robert are that fussed as to whether
0:07:33 > 0:07:36we show them properties that are very old or indeed, very new.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39But, of course, as with most of us, space is the issue.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42They all want a nice big kitchen, of course, but Robert seems
0:07:42 > 0:07:45particularly wedded to this need for a double-garage.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46What's more, the pressure is on.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50He's having to endure a very lengthy and tiresome commute and, of course,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54with £450,000 in their budget, they are keen to get that move underway.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57So let's see if we can, indeed, relieve them
0:07:57 > 0:07:58of their hard-earned cash.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Robert and Fiona have asked us to find them a house
0:08:05 > 0:08:07within a 30 minute commute of Derby
0:08:07 > 0:08:10which gives us a chance to search across Derbyshire,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Staffordshire and Leicestershire,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15which have beautiful rural properties within commutable distance.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19We've found three houses to whet our buyers' appetite
0:08:19 > 0:08:23but I won't be telling them what they are on the market for
0:08:23 > 0:08:26until they've tried to guess the price themselves.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31The last of these properties is our mystery house
0:08:31 > 0:08:33which might well get top marks.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Welcome to Escape to the Country. - Thank you.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- Surprised to be here?- Yes, but really looking forward to it.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44The pressure is on because I gather since we met you at home,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46you have your house under offer.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51That's right, yes. We are close to exchanging contracts. We're ready to go.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55This move is important. You've been commuting to Derby for the last year?
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Yes, I've been in Derby two or three days a week for the last year or so
0:08:59 > 0:09:03and now the job has become permanent. It's time to move to the area.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07The key ingredient is that we are within half an hour of Derby.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Normally, people come to a particular county but with you, we've got a choice.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15We've got Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Are you particularly wedded to any one of those?
0:09:18 > 0:09:23We are quite keen to see what suits us rather than an area-specific search.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Great. In terms of budget, 450 or so?- Yes. - Which I think will be all right.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- That's good news.- We've got to get on with it.- I'm feeling optimistic.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Let's see what we can find you.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Robert and Fiona have a budget of £450,000.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46They are keen on a property in a village location
0:09:46 > 0:09:50but they're open-minded on whether it's a new build or has character features.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54They'd like three double bedrooms and also a study.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Their final request is a large garden
0:09:56 > 0:09:59and a workshop for Robert to tinker in.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10Our first house is situated in Draycott in the Clay in East Staffordshire
0:10:10 > 0:10:13which is within a 30 minute drive of Derby as Robert requested.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It's down the road from the village of Marchington,
0:10:16 > 0:10:22a charming location with pretty red brick homes, a welcoming pub and a local church.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Back in Draycott in the Clay,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28our first property is this handsome three bedroom barn conversion.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- Come on in. Look at this little courtyard.- Oh wow!
0:10:33 > 0:10:36It's a redevelopment of a classic mid-Victorian farm courtyard.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40You've got shared access to the courtyard, but that's what we want you to look at
0:10:40 > 0:10:46- which is the biggest barn conversion that's here, right?- Good.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- How do you feel about a barn conversion?- Excited. Really good.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53This one is lovely. It was done about six years ago.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56The finishing in here is absolutely fantastic.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- You could walk in here tomorrow and just get on with it.- Super.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Happy?- Very.- Let's have a look.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06They seem keen enough to get inside
0:11:06 > 0:11:11and I think they'll be impressed by that high level of finish on offer.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- Right, let's start in here. - Ah, lovely.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Yeah?- Yes, it's pretty nice. - Nice?- Yeah.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21In terms of layout, I love the way they've done it.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23This is the biggest reception room.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- There are two which I know was on your list of requirements.- OK.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30There is so much space in here.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34You've got these nice double doors out to the patio which we'll explore later.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38The thing is it really does open up into this vaulted ceiling
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- which goes to the heart of any barn conversion.- Oh, great.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- It makes the most of the space, really light and airy.- Lovely beams.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Good, right then, let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53We're heading back through the hallway to the kitchen
0:11:53 > 0:11:57and what it lacks in size, it makes up for with style.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Now, kitchen.- Very nice.
0:12:01 > 0:12:08- Isn't it?- Yeah.- Everything's integrated, built-in.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Lovely dual fuel, gas electric range
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- which is pretty much brand new. It's the real deal.- Brilliant.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19They've thought about the design of this from the inside out.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23They've gone for this breakfast bar arrangement.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- This would work fine for us. - Definitely.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- I think it will be fine.- Next door is a second reception room.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34You'll see what I mean, have a look at this.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Now, this was conceived of as a dining room.- OK.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43Because you've got that lovely dining end in the living room, it seems a bit of a waste.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Although it could be if you wanted it to be.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51But I'm thinking playroom/snug.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Yes, it's got that feel about it.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58With a fireplace off the kitchen with a snug type area, that will be really good.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03I'm impressed with the property. I'd like to see upstairs to see what the rest of it offers.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Let's check it out. Through you go.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08The ground floor seems to have gone down well
0:13:08 > 0:13:11but it's time to see if the rooms on the first floor can match up.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Let's start with this one.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19- This, I would suggest is bedroom two as a guest room.- Yes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- As you can see, loads of built-in storage.- I like it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28This would be where the folks would come for Christmas and Easter.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Would they be happy there?
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- I think they'd be more than happy. - Good, let's find somewhere for your daughter.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Have a look at this.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Also down here, we've got the family bathroom.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47Bath and shower and so forth and this is the smallest of the three.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- I'm thinking this could be for your daughter. - Yeah, that's fine for her.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54It's a good size single room, space for her toys and bits and pieces.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59You could get a small double in there but for her at this age,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I'd say that was ideal.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05The good news is she's right next door to you.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Is that good news? I'm not sure!
0:14:09 > 0:14:11This is the master.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I like this.- Yeah?- Very nice.- I think they've done it really nicely.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18I love the beams.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20They've managed to tuck away the downlights
0:14:20 > 0:14:24into these panels and so forth.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26It's been thought through well.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30The storage, at the point of conversion, fit in really nicely.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33This is you. Would you be happy enough in here?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- For us, this would be fine. - Very much, it's great.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41The family bathroom is beautifully finished as is the en-suite.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47Have a look at this. I think this is really nice actually. There you go.
0:14:47 > 0:14:53- Finished to the same high standard that we've seen everywhere else. - That's a lovely finish, isn't it?
0:14:53 > 0:14:58But it's easy to see how you could walk in here and get on with this.
0:14:58 > 0:15:04- Definitely. Move in here and live in it as it is.- That's the property.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Marks out of ten from you two.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I'd probably give it 6 or a 7 overall.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- 6 or 7?- I'm a harsh critic. - That's all right.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The style of the property I like very much.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22Perhaps one more bedroom might be nice. I'll go for an 8.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Good. OK, let's see if we can improve on that.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Let's go outside to see if we can improve on an 8 or a 7.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32And we'll mark you up!
0:15:32 > 0:15:36I think this house deserves a high score.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40It's perfect for a young family as they can move in straight away.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Let's hope the outside will convince them.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- OK, out here, what have we got for you?- Nice view.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53We're not talking acres but that's not what you need right now.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Let's talk about garaging, because that's one thing we haven't got for you here.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03What we are thinking, that area over there is your parking
0:16:03 > 0:16:05surrounded by that brick wall.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10You could accommodate quite a nice oak framed two bay garage there
0:16:10 > 0:16:14if you wanted to put it up yourself.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18The cost of it is going to have some implications.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19Your £450,000,
0:16:19 > 0:16:24how far is it going to get you to get this one, I wonder?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Robert, go on.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31I would probably have to pitch it under that number
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- so I would go for £395,000. - Oh, cheeky! OK, yeah?
0:16:36 > 0:16:41Given the standard of the conversion, and the fixtures and fittings,
0:16:41 > 0:16:42I'd go for £410,000.
0:16:42 > 0:16:48- 410. It was on the market for £465,000.- Right.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53It is now on the market for £410,000.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Good guess! - Very good guess.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03Which, I have to say is a very reasonable price for what's on offer here.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Definitely for that money, it is within budget.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Yes, in that hindsight, it's quite nice.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11We would like it more if it had a fourth bedroom.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Go and see if you can cope without a fourth bedroom and have another look around.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- I'll catch up with you later.- OK. - Brilliant.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26This barn conversion is comfortably under their budget at £410,000.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It has a beautifully modern kitchen, breakfast room
0:17:29 > 0:17:31and two reception rooms.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34There are also two double bedrooms and a small single
0:17:34 > 0:17:39and outside is a garden which gives them plenty of family space.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- There's a brilliant range, no idea how we work it. It looks like it will be good for cooking on.- Yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46A bit of a monster to get to grips with. It looks fantastic.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Shall we have fun?
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Overall, the footprint perhaps is a little smaller than we would like
0:17:52 > 0:17:54but it's ideal. We can make it work for three of us.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58The kitchen size works, it's smaller than the kitchen we've got now
0:17:58 > 0:18:01but we wouldn't need to eat in it all the time
0:18:01 > 0:18:05and it's lovely to gain another door going outside.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Right, there we are, that's house number one, done and dusted. Happy?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Very happy. A good start. - I think a very, very good start.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Great value for money, to be honest.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- One that you can just move into. - Definitely, yes. I liked it.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Will you move into it, I wonder? Come on.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38Eight miles south of Derby is the attractive Georgian market town of Melbourne.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41As Robert and Fiona plan to move to the area,
0:18:41 > 0:18:45we wanted them to get a flavour of what a local town might offer.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Earlier in the week, we sent them to have a look around.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Our buyers are keen churchgoers and Melbourne boasts
0:18:51 > 0:18:55one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country,
0:18:55 > 0:18:56St Michael's with St Mary's.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00It's often referred to as a mini cathedral.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Modern tourism was founded here. It's the birthplace of Thomas Cook
0:19:04 > 0:19:07who made his fortune from the travel industry.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Some of which he used to build the quadrangle of cottages on the high Street.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Fiona is a keen bellringer or campanologist
0:19:15 > 0:19:18and it's an activity she'd like to continue when she moves.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20So, we sent our young couple to meet Bob Smith,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23who's the steeple keeper of Melbourne's parish church.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28This is probably the best spot to have a look at what we've got in the way of bells.
0:19:28 > 0:19:34We augmented them from eight to ten and then from ten to 12.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38In the mid-1990s, we put the two extra bells to make ten
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and then we added two more to make the 12
0:19:41 > 0:19:43and became the first ring of 12 in Derbyshire.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48There have been bells in the tower since 1542,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52but, through a fundraising drive, four new ones were added in the 1990s
0:19:52 > 0:19:54at a cost of £5,000 each.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56All the bells have inscriptions on them.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00The ones from the 19th century are fairly simple
0:20:00 > 0:20:06but when we added the other bells, we got subscribers to pay for them.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09So they have all got inscriptions.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13There is one that's rather nice, in memory of a child that died
0:20:13 > 0:20:17and it says, "I ring forever in memory of..."
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Fiona's taking part in change ringing when the bells are rung
0:20:21 > 0:20:26in a series of mathematical patterns called changes.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Change ringing developed in English church towers which contain
0:20:30 > 0:20:34a few large bells rigged to swing freely. This is known as a ring of bells.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41Well, our campanologists have certainly entertained Melbourne with their music
0:20:41 > 0:20:46but now it's time to ring the changes and get back to the business of house hunting.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Our second house is in Coleorton, which is in Leicestershire.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Set in rolling countryside,
0:20:58 > 0:21:02the village is just 30 minutes' drive from Derby and has a post office and a pub.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07I'm showing them a four-bedroom new build situated in a close.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- House number two, guys.- Wow! - Yes?- Very nice, yes.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15We're not uber rural, to be fair.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19We are trying to get you within the magic half an hour to Derby.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- Yes, save my commute.- We've come into Leicestershire.- Another county.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30Another county, another house but we are half an hour to Derby
0:21:30 > 0:21:35and we've got this lovely tall, handsome but quite modern building for you.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It looks nice from the outside. - It does, yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42It's also got the double garage, bags of parking, nice garden at the back.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- There is an awful lot to explore. Shall we?- Excellent.- Follow me.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50This is quite a different style of property from the first house
0:21:50 > 0:21:53but as they said they don't mind a new build,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57I think this might offer them everything they're after and more.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- Come on in. How about this, then? - Very nice.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It all opens up in front of us.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06We've got a study, to our right, which we will have a look at later,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08the living room over there and in front of us
0:22:08 > 0:22:13we've got this dining area, which is a real welcome as you walk in.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- That looks lovely. - First impressions are really good.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- The hallway is lovely.- Imagine walking in here after day at work.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Oh, definitely, yes. Coat down.- Yes.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- Lovely wood flooring.- It's nice. There's some lovely little touches
0:22:26 > 0:22:29but let's start with the kitchen. Have a look at this.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- Now, Fiona...- I like it, yes. I do. It's massive.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Could you foresee yourselves making this home?- Definitely, yes.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42First impressions, it's really nice, a proper kitchen/diner.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45There's a nice table island. This is really nice.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49And, which we didn't have in our last property, a utility room.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- In there.- Oh, great.- That's nice.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Plenty of room for brooms, ironing boards,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59you know, washing machine and all that sort of stuff.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- Yes.- We're already up on the spec. - Certainly, in terms of the space.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- Yes, definitely.- Definitely, yes, I like it.- We like it?- Yes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- Happy days.- Thanks very much.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Let's go back across the hallway, take a quick look at the study
0:23:12 > 0:23:14and then the living room. Follow me.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21In the hallway there's a downstairs toilet and shower room
0:23:21 > 0:23:25and also a study, which could double as a playroom for their daughter.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Now, get everyone in here for Christmas?
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I think we could just about manage.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Yes, this is a good-sized room, it's lovely.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Lani's fourth birthday party? - I can see that.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- Doors open, out into the garden.- Yes.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Similar to our last one, we've got this brick-built inglenook, shall we say.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Within it is a fully functioning wood burner, which is lovely.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Oh, brilliant.- I've always fancied a wood burner.- There you go.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57Not multifuel, it's only wood in there. The other thing to point out is you've got two double doors here.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- That's lovely.- Out to the garden.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I think this would work a treat, actually.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07I think this gives us more headroom as a family, for the next five or six, seven years at least.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11In terms of space, upstairs here, as you would expect,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13offers you an awful lot more.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Come and have a look. Up this great staircase.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17I think this is quite fun, actually.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20On the first floor there are four good-sized double bedrooms,
0:24:20 > 0:24:25one of which is being used as a gym and a further double guest room.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27The master bedroom is ensuite
0:24:27 > 0:24:30and there's also a good-sized family bathroom.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- This is the master. Loads of storage there.- Right, yes.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- A walk-through wardrobe.- Indeed.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Walk through into here, this is your master bedroom.- This is lovely.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Oh, I like this, yes.- I do like this a lot.- Oh, good.- Very nice.
0:24:43 > 0:24:49This is exciting. I get the feeling of a consensus emerging here.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Definitely, yes.- Excellent. Have a look in there, too. Very generous ensuite for you.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- Very nice.- And a bath, yes.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- Are we happy?- Very, yes.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- Very happy so far, yes. Excellent, this is looking great.- Good.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Right, follow me outside, let's have a look in the garden.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Robert and Fiona wanted a large garden,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15so let's see what they make of the outside space.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Right, well, this is the garden. - It's lovely.- It's not acres.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26- The only issue...- Yes.- Is that. - It's a little bit noisy.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29It's one thing for that would probably detracts us the house.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33There is the back of your lovely double garage.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- Keen to see.- Yes. Before I send you off, let's have a think about the price on this one.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Madam, you go first this time.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47- OK. I'm going to go for 435.- 435.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I'll probably undercut Fiona slightly at 425.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Presumably that's reflecting your concerns about the road.- Yes.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59To some degree. OK. That is the big concern as we have already identified
0:25:59 > 0:26:04but this is on the market, I'm afraid, for £450,000.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- OK.- The owner said £450,000-ish.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- Right!- The asking price is £450,000. - The asking price is 450,000.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18My guess is that your estimates of 435 and 425
0:26:18 > 0:26:24- are probably in the "ish" kind of bracket.- OK.- I think this is achievable.- Yes.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27By all means go and have a look at the double garage.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Coming in at their maximum budget of £450,000,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40this newly built house has a very spacious kitchen
0:26:40 > 0:26:42and a separate dining room.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45There's a stunning reception room, it's got four good-sized bedrooms
0:26:45 > 0:26:49and outside there's a lawned garden and double garage.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54- This is good.- It's a big double garage, there's room for two cars and a workbench.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57That's great. That's really good. We need this sort of space with all the stuff we've got.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The double garage here, that's really...
0:27:00 > 0:27:04We're looking for some outside space and workspace. I like the double garage.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07The only drawback with the property two is position,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11so if we could have property two in property one's position, it would be perfect.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Property two is slightly ahead, given the overall space and surroundings.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21Out you come. That's it. The end of our first full day of househunting.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Yes.- What fun it's been too!- Good, plenty of energy left for tomorrow?
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- Absolutely.- Excellent, right.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44It's the end of day one and our properties so far have certainly
0:27:44 > 0:27:46given our couple plenty to mull over.
0:27:58 > 0:28:04Engineers Robert and Fiona have £450,000 to buy a family home
0:28:04 > 0:28:08in the country that's within a 30-minute commute of Robert's new job in Derby.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11As they're flexible on what style of property might suit,
0:28:11 > 0:28:15we've taken the liberty of showing them something old and something new.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17First impressions are good, the hallway is lovely.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20But coming up is our mystery house
0:28:20 > 0:28:24and it's time to push the boundaries to see if we can get top marks.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- It looks lovely.- It does, yes.- Yes?
0:28:27 > 0:28:31I fulfil an ambition and meet up with the diggers that dance.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Look at that.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44While we were busy househunting yesterday, Lani, Robert and Fiona's three-year-old daughter
0:28:44 > 0:28:48and her grandparents went to the zoo. Nice work if you can get it.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Of course, today for us the hard work continues.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55It is our final day of househunting and, of course, we have yet to see our mystery house.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Given that our first two properties were very different from one another,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02as you might expect, the mystery house is no exception.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- We've got one more property to see. - Yes.- The mystery house time.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- Any ideas what we've got lined up for you?- Not at all, no.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17We're thinking barn conversion for the mystery but as we've seen one,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20it has to be something else, something with land?
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Maybe something with land, another sort of conversion, possibly.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- Possibly.- Maybe, it might be in Derbyshire.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- We wondered that. - But it's not.- Really?
0:29:31 > 0:29:35The closest you are going to get to it, Robert, is when you go to work, I'm afraid.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39That could be close enough, if it's the right house.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50For the mystery house, I'm taking them to the village of Hanbury,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53which is right on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire
0:29:53 > 0:29:56but still only a 30-minute commute to Robert's work.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59There's plenty of olde worlde charm in Hanbury.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05In St Werburgh's, there is an active bellringing society which should appeal to Fiona.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08The village is also well serviced with local shops, a pub
0:30:08 > 0:30:10and a post office.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15Robert and Fiona have said they weren't keen to take on a project but, with our mystery house,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19I think I've struck a balance as they could live in this property regardless
0:30:19 > 0:30:22of any renovations they might want to do.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- OK, here we are. This is it.- Oh!
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Our final property for you, our mystery house. An old school.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- It looks lovely.- It does, yes.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38What we've got here is a building that was built in 1848.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43Then about 15 years or so ago, it was converted into three properties.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48Obviously, it's a semi-detached, one would say. Quite an interesting building, this one.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- Have you ever thought about living in a converted school?- No, never.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- No.- It hasn't crossed my mind. It looks really nice.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- I wonder how Lani will feel? - Going to school every day.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- Exactly, exactly.- I'm really quite excited about this one.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Good, come and have a look.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Well, hopefully, it won't just be their daughter who's excited about going back to school.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12I really think this house has a lot to offer on the inside.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17- Come on in.- Oh, lovely.- Yes? - A big hallway, yes.- It's kind of not what you would expect in some ways.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21No, it's quite modern in terms of the interior for an old school.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24There's one or two other details. There's the stairs there.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Utility room is through that door there.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- You've got one and a downstairs loo. - Yes.- That door is into the garage.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- That's nice having internal access. - Exactly.- So far so good.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38So far so good. Right, come and have a look at the kitchen.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- Here we are.- Oh, nice, light room. - There is so much storage in here.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- Yes.- Whether you would need all this, I don't know.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51Yes, it's a little bit dated as a kitchen goes at the moment, but it's all here and usable.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- That's rather nice as well, the oil fired range.- That's nice, yes.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Oh, lovely.- It gives you that appropriate sort of feel. Happy?
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- Very.- Right, good, follow me back to the hallway.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Through the hallway there's a small dining room which could also work as a study
0:32:08 > 0:32:11and I think the living room will definitely get their attention.
0:32:11 > 0:32:17- Obviously, this is where the school element, for me, comes to life.- Yes.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Lovely school beams, aren't they? - I like the beams.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- And a lovely fireplace.- Yes. - That's a wood burner, isn't it?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- It's not a wood burner, it's multifuel.- OK.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Which from personal experience, I can tell you makes a big difference, actually.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Coal is a much better burner at night.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37It can still be nice and warm in the morning.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- It's quite compact, but what there is is interesting.- Yes.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42There's plenty of space for us.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47It's a good combination of property one and two, a conversion with more space.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Yes, OK.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Worth thinking about, as we go upstairs
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- and see what space is up there.- Yes.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Just off the hallway is a double garage which could be converted
0:32:58 > 0:33:02into a great family room, giving them two reception areas.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Upstairs there's a family bathroom and two double bedrooms.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12There's also a small box room which could be perfect for their daughter.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Just beyond that is the main bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22- There you go.- Ah! Nice with two windows.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It's smaller than I was expecting for a master bedroom.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Yes, it's because we're tucked up here in the eaves.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32I mean, behind this corner is the smallest of the bedrooms.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- Yes, the single bedroom.- I see.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Which, to be honest, you could get rid of.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- Or incorporate it in the room for a walk-in wardrobe.- Yes.- Yes.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- It's only stud work. That would be a fairly easy thing to do.- Yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Make it much more of a master suite, if you like.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53Through that door there, you've got an ensuite. It's not massive. It's just a shower room.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- But, potentially, could make that a bigger ensuite.- Mm.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02I think, there is some work to do here but we could make it work in terms of what would need to be done.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07- Yes.- I think so, yes. - Good. OK. Let's go outside and have a quick at the garden.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10I know you've sort of seen it, and then we'll round things up
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- and talk about how much it's going to cost you.- OK.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Outside, I think the garden gives them the ample space they're after.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26We pretty much saw this on the way in, really.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30In terms of back garden, there is a little bit of front garden as well.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- Having a look round, there are things need to do.- Yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- In certain areas. - Yes, food for thought.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Let's see if you can afford to do all this.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40THEY LAUGH
0:34:40 > 0:34:45It is our final price guess. You've got £450,000 to spend. Fiona...
0:34:45 > 0:34:49I've got no idea. It will be a guess.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Going back to school.- Yes, it is.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- I'll say 445.- 445, yes.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00I'm thinking less than 400 but probably 399.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- This could be yours for £365,000. - Crikey!
0:35:05 > 0:35:11I mean, with an asking price of 365, to be honest, even if you got it for 350,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14we've just knocked £100,000 off your spend.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- Yes.- The choice is yours, guys. Off you go. You know what to do.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- Have a look around. - Go and spend your saving.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- Thank you!- Brilliant.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Well, that was very interesting.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Our mystery house has, of course, I think,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32given them plenty to think about.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35This is a really good buy. There is an awful lot that can be done to it
0:35:35 > 0:35:40and, unlike our previous two properties, which were all there, this one offers them more scope.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Scope they didn't want at the beginning of this house search
0:35:43 > 0:35:45but scope that I think they would make the best of.
0:35:47 > 0:35:53Priced at £365,000, this charming schoolhouse is at the lower end of Robert and Fiona's budget.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56It has a separate kitchen and dining room,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59a spectacular living room with vaulted ceiling.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03There are four bedrooms and it's got the double garage that Robert was after.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- Potentially, you could push this more back, I think.- Yes.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Get rid of the single bedroom and turn it into a cupboard or wardrobe.
0:36:10 > 0:36:16Which would give more room in here. It's not a lot of work, internal work to make it right for us.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19From the outside, I'm really impressed with the property.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Very interesting, the structure and roofline, with it being a converted school
0:36:23 > 0:36:25and keen to look around.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29I was quite surprised with the price. I over-estimated quite a lot.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Yes, it was a pleasant surprise. I think it's quite good value
0:36:33 > 0:36:37but then there are some things that we would want to spend money on, if we bought it.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- Have you seen enough?- Yes.- I think so.- We've had a good look around.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46- Value for money, that's the lesson here.- Mm.- At the schoolhouse!
0:36:46 > 0:36:47- Boom, boom!- Come on!
0:36:58 > 0:37:03County shows are the highlight of the farming year, across the UK.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Earlier in the week I went to meet Ed Hickling,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10a local farmer who is also the vice-chairman of the Derby County show,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14to find out what this event, which started in 1860, means for Derbyshire.
0:37:14 > 0:37:20Let's just remind ourselves of just how important the county show circuit is to the UK
0:37:20 > 0:37:23and the farming industry and the real economy.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28Historically, it started as a showcase for farmers for the livestock and breeding stock
0:37:28 > 0:37:32and basically what produce he had got.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35It has branched out over the years. Agriculture's less important now
0:37:35 > 0:37:41because there's not so many people involved in it and here we've gone down the family route.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43It is a great day out for everybody.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Ed and his colleagues work hard to keep the event thriving.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Farmers can still showcase their animals but the show also celebrates local food,
0:37:51 > 0:37:56crafts and traditions like the ancient skill of hedge laying.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01How do you keep a show like this fresh and as popular as ever?
0:38:01 > 0:38:06It's really difficult finding main attractions. This year, we've had a farriers' competition.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10We've also got JC Balls Dancing Digger team. They work during the week, wash them at the weekend
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and they come and do this for a bit of sport for themselves.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18Well, I'm quite taken with diggers, so I caught up with David Whittle
0:38:18 > 0:38:22and Carly-Ann Newman who were going to talk me through this spectacle.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Now, then, the dancing diggers, what a fantastic name.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- How did it all start?- It started in the pub, really, like most things do.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- I can't wait to see it. Shall we give them the wave?- Are you ready?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Yes, absolutely, good for it.
0:38:40 > 0:38:46- Carly, how much are these each?- You are looking about 50,000.- 50,000.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- £50,000 a machine? You don't want anybody bumping into each other.- No.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53There's about £250,000 worth in the middle of the arena at the moment.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57The first stunt is the star routine where the diggers lift themselves
0:38:57 > 0:39:01clear off the ground using both their front and back arms.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07For the finale, the diggers form an arch which Carly-Ann drives through in a vintage vehicle.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Fantastic. Brilliant!
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- Andrew, Stewart, Jamie... - Brilliant, guys, well done.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Come on, let's go and see them. Wonderful show.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29And, of course, boys being boys, I just can't resist a test drive.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- Now, Stewart, I'd love to have a go. - Of course you can.- Brilliant, OK.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Look at this. I've been looking forward to this all day.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- Am I in gear?- No.- So down...
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- Push it forward.- Push it forward. - Just like that.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Oh, here we go.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52I could do this all day. This is fantastic.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- HE LAUGHS - Hang on!
0:39:56 > 0:39:58I might be here for some time, I think.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02But much as I'd love to play with this toy all day long,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05it's time to get back to the day job.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Well, there you have it, a gorgeous view over central England.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Of course, the heart of our own house search. But an odd one.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20We've been at that junction between three of the region's most impressive counties -
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25We set out promising to find Fiona and Robert
0:40:25 > 0:40:27their dream home out there somewhere.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29So, have we managed to do it, I wonder?
0:40:29 > 0:40:33As ever, there's only one way to find out, and that's to ask them.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40So, guys, here we are, the end of it all.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Have we managed to end your commute from Bristol, I wonder?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46We started with the barn conversion,
0:40:46 > 0:40:50which was very slick, very new, very crisp.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- Now what do you think of it, Fiona? - I think it was very well finished,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56certainly, and very nicely presented.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I think for me, perhaps it had a dimension missing.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01I can't quite put my finger on it.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05But it felt more like a holiday let than a family home somehow.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I thought the barn was lovely.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10I think it was more of a house with its high-end finish
0:41:10 > 0:41:14for perhaps a professional couple rather than a family home.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Then we saw property number two, a much newer building, 20 years old.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It looked great from the outside.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Being in the elevated position, it was a handsome-looking house.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26The problem with house number two was road noise.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Yeah. But we still tried to work some magic for you
0:41:30 > 0:41:32with our mystery house, the old schoolhouse.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Fantastic value for money, I think.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Having that sense of history, it was really nicely converted,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41but in a completely different style to the first property.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45The only thing about that house, it wanted a bit of work,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48but given the price, I think there's scope to do that in our budget.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51I think that one could definitely work for us,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53so I think it's definitely got some potential for us.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55What happens next, then?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58I'm not getting the sense that we've reached a decision yet
0:41:58 > 0:41:59on any one of our properties.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We'll have to discuss what we could do with the mystery house
0:42:02 > 0:42:04and what we'd want to do with it.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08The big thing you've shown us, with the other counties on top of Derbyshire,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- is there's plenty of scope within the commutable distance.- Yes.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14We haven't actually got you into Derbyshire.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17But that's the way the houses fall sometimes.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22It's been a real pleasure. I'm delighted we've got you a bit further to your dream home.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25It is clearly going to be within half an hour of Derby.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28The options are still open, I suspect. So best of luck.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- Thank you, Jules. - Thank you very much.- Pleasure.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41There are times when I think we let our budgets dictate house searches
0:42:41 > 0:42:43in a way which isn't always helpful.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47I've just said my final goodbyes to Fiona and Robert and he said that,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50"One thing you have done, you've helped us focus more
0:42:50 > 0:42:52"on what we need and less on what we want."
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I think that's a crucial point to make.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57We don't have to spend every penny that's available
0:42:57 > 0:42:59to get the house of our dreams.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Sometimes perhaps the old adage is right -
0:43:02 > 0:43:04less is more.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06More or less.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:10 > 0:43:12in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:12 > 0:43:16and would like our help, then please apply online at...
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