0:00:03 > 0:00:08This house played a significant part in one of the most notorious episodes in British history,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12an event so infamous that we still remember it today.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Any ideas where I am? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Today I'm helping a dog-loving couple to take more walkies
0:00:48 > 0:00:50out in the countryside.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54At our first property, they find it hard to agree on the basics.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- You don't want a huge house, do you?- No.- Well, maybe.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59No, we don't need a big house.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- There's a nice one next door.- Oh, Peter.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06But then our mystery house proves almost too good to be true.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10We've been saying we need to do this, we need that,
0:01:10 > 0:01:15it doesn't matter when you see something like that, does it?
0:01:15 > 0:01:20I'm in the county of Warwickshire, and this is Coughton Court
0:01:20 > 0:01:26which has been the ancestral home of the Throckmorton family for the past 600 years.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30It became notorious for the part it played in The Gunpowder Plot,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34an attempt by conspirators, the most famous being Guy Fawkes,
0:01:34 > 0:01:40to blow up the Houses Of Parliament and assassinate the king, James I.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And it was here this dastardly deed was plotted
0:01:43 > 0:01:49over a full two years before that fateful day on November 5, 1605.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Now, out of all of the plotters,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56it was only Thomas Throckmorton who was found innocent.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59The rest were either imprisoned or met a grisly end.
0:02:00 > 0:02:07Fascinating to think such an important event was played out in this beautiful setting.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Landlocked in the heart of England and divided into two by the River Avon,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Warwickshire is a county of contrasts.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17Just 55 miles in length,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21the majority of the county's half a million residents live in the north,
0:02:21 > 0:02:27an area which prospered from its proximity to the cities of Coventry and Birmingham.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29It's an intensively farmed county
0:02:29 > 0:02:31which is reflected in the appearance of the countryside.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Many of the quiet villages here,
0:02:33 > 0:02:38such as Stoneleigh, feature 17th-century timber box-framed cottages,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40but towards the south of the county
0:02:40 > 0:02:46the houses are markedly different, constructed of locally quarried lias stone.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54The average cost of a detached house in the county is
0:02:54 > 0:02:56just under £265,000,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01that's around £10,000 above the national average.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But this figure pales into insignificance
0:03:04 > 0:03:07when you look at prices in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10With gorgeous housing stock and great commuter links,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14a detached home in the birthplace of William Shakespeare, well,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19it's going to set you back around the £400,000 mark.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Let's take a look at some of the properties available across the county.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29For £285,000 you could be the owner of this two-bedroom thatched cottage
0:03:29 > 0:03:32in Sutton-under-Brailes.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Immaculately refurbished, it has a good size sitting room,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39a modern kitchen and a lawned garden to the rear.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44£550,000 will buy you this three-bedroom barn conversion
0:03:44 > 0:03:47in Weethley.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49It boasts exposed beams in the sitting room,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51terracotta tiles in the kitchen
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00And for a wallet-stretching £799,000,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04you could be owner of this stunning five-bedroom house in Long Marston.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09Packed with period detail, this property dates back to the 14th century
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and is believed to be the oldest house in the village.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16A lovely selection there.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Now, it's time to meet today's buyers
0:04:18 > 0:04:22and find out why they are ready to Escape To The Country.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27Lecturer Peter and former teacher Alison are planning to move to Warwickshire
0:04:27 > 0:04:33to continue their passion for volunteer work with guide dogs and puppies.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Since 1999 we've puppy walked for Guide Dogs.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Their headquarters is in Leamington
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and we would like to get more involved.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45We love the aspects of the work that they do
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and we're too far away at the moment.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- It's something we're both keen on and spend a lot of time on.- Yes.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- And in the past we've had 13 puppies to walk.- One at a time.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58We've now got a breeding dog
0:04:58 > 0:05:03and the breeding dog needs, ideally, to be nearer the breeding centre.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07But there's also another reason for the couple's move to the country.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12A few years ago, Alison discovered that she had a life changing illness
0:05:12 > 0:05:16which has meant they've had to completely rethink their current way of life.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22and we know it's a progressive illness.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I'm managing it very well now but I'm not going to be able to do it.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28So we thought now is the time to bite the bullet,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31find somewhere that we want with a flat garden
0:05:31 > 0:05:35and get involved in something new together a lot more.
0:05:35 > 0:05:41Despite Alison's illness, our couple have no plans to take it easy just yet.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- We like walking.- Walking.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Riding our bikes, when I don't fall off.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48We'll get a tandem for you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I'd like to do more riding again.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- Everybody says it, but what do I want to have?- Chickens.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Yet more animals of some kind.- Yes.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03While Alison is spending time with her menagerie,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Peter also wants to indulge in his other hobbies.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I've got a model railway, which has been sitting in boxes for years,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and there isn't room here for it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13I play the piano and play the guitar
0:06:13 > 0:06:15but I need to do a lot more practice.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16So I'll have time for that.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19They've lived in their five-bedroom house,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22a few miles from Stafford, for the last 16 years
0:06:22 > 0:06:25but, with a move to Warwickshire on the cards,
0:06:25 > 0:06:30they've got clear ideas on what they'd ideally like to find in their new house.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- We need a large utility for the dogs.- Yes, we do.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Nine puppies is rather a lot to handle in our current house.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42Three bedrooms. I suppose Pete will want somewhere for his piano.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47And a large kitchen-diner. Those are the must haves.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49And with no need to sell before they can move,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53that just leaves the all-important subject of money.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Our maximum budget, if there is no renovations to be done,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00would be £450,000.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09We are concentrating our search on the area
0:07:09 > 0:07:11within an hour of Royal Leamington Spa,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15where the Guide Dog Centre is located.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We've got three eye-catching properties to tempt them with but,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22as usual, I won't reveal the price until they've had a guess first.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25And with today's mystery house,
0:07:25 > 0:07:30I've got high hopes that it could turn their world upside down.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35So, Peter and Alison, welcome to Warwickshire.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Alison, you've enlisted our help because apparently we need to rein Peter in a little bit,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42he's a bit of a dreamer, I believe?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Yes. Just a bit.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47He's got grand ideas, grandiose ideas actually
0:07:47 > 0:07:51and he just needs to be calmed down a little bit at times.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53What is it about you then, Peter?
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Do you see these huge mansions and think, "I could live there?"
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Yes, and I think, "Oh, I could do them up."
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- And I'll spend years doing them up.- And not finishing.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02And not finishing. Nearly finishing.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Really?- Gives me plenty to do.- Needs reining in.- That's our job.- 0K.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10So if we do find your perfect property, your dream house,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13who makes the final decision?
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Well, Pete will say yes or no, straightaway.- Instant decision.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22And I will then have to, sort of manage to get him round to seeing the pluses if I like it
0:08:22 > 0:08:25or I'll go along with it if I don't like it, that's fine.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28But you'll know from Pete, in an instant, yes or no.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Literally, Peter, on the doorstep? - Yes.- You'll make a decision?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Yes, my face will show it, instant like or dislike.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- We might have to push him inside. - Really?- Yes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- I've got my work cut out with you, I think.- Yes, Nicki, welcome.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Two women to persuade me.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46Shall we drink up and get going?
0:08:48 > 0:08:54With a maximum budget of £450,000, which includes any renovation, Peter and Alison want.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16We've travelled ten miles south of Royal Leamington Spa
0:09:16 > 0:09:18close to the village of Kineton.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23Its church, St Peter's, dates back to the 14th century.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27It's believed that John Newton wrote the hymn Amazing Grace here in 1772
0:09:27 > 0:09:30after converting to Christianity.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Our first property is a newly-built redbrick house
0:09:34 > 0:09:36sitting centrally within its own plot.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Here is your very first property.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42What do you think?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46It's lovely, it's very spacious in the front.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- It looks a bit big for me. - It looks a bit big?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51No, you need all that space.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53No, it looks good.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's a promising start?
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- Yes, yes.- Yes.- Come on then, let's go inside.- Yes.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Although it looks big from the outside,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07I think Alison might be surprised at just how cosy the interior of this property is.
0:10:07 > 0:10:14Step inside, going to take you straight through into the sitting room.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- Nice wooden floors.- Yes.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Is that a working fire?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21There is an open flue but you would need to put in your own fire.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- The present owners have left it. - First project.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Yes, project number one. Would you like a wood burner in there?
0:10:26 > 0:10:32Yes, I would, to give a focal point, I think. It's nice.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Nice view out at the back. Plenty of size.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I don't know where the piano is going to go.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- No, I did think that.- 0K, yes.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39Could go in the corner.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40Might have to go.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43You might have other options.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- You didn't hear that, did you? - Yes, I'll have to build outside.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Ahh, Pete.- Did I hear you say it might have to go?- Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Well, we could put a conservatory on.- It's already started.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Right, I'm going to take you through, see what else we've got.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59There may be a solution to the piano problem elsewhere in this house,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03but before that, let's see what they think of the kitchen.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Now, a big kitchen.- That is a big kitchen.- It was a must.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Yeah, absolutely, good flooring.- Yes, perfect for the dogs.- Nice and wide.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Now, with these all-important puppies.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Yes, this will be fantastic.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- Yes?- It really would.- It would. - Because you could have them there and fence it off.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Oh, I'm already on my way now. - Stair gate there.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- We are changing this already, aren't we?- Yes.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Now through that door there is a utility room.- Right.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- With all the white goods and access to the garden.- And a sink?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Yes, there's a sink in there. - Brilliant.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- Which is a major consideration when you have puppies.- Yes.- Yes, unfortunately.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Also to the right, through that door, you've got a very large study.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Great.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45That could be perfect for the baby grand,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48perhaps have it as a reading room, train sets, guitar.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Lock on the outside.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Or, if you wanted to keep the utility room as it is,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56that could be a puppy room.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58What's good is, when we first looked at the house
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I thought it was really big but, actually,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04it's big enough but it isn't as big as it appeared from the outside.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- You don't want a huge house, do you? - No, we don't.- Well, maybe.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08No, we don't need a huge house.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- There's a nice one next door.- Peter.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14So it's still a battle of wills when it comes to agreeing
0:12:14 > 0:12:19on how much space they need and how to use it.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Let's see if they can agree on how to use the upstairs of this property.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27To give you the geography of the upstairs,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30you've got the family bathroom just behind us.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- You've got two good sized bedrooms, a very large hallway.- Yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36And here's the master,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39which I think is a little bit special.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Still doing well, Nicki.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Yes, it's a good size. Windows front and back, morning and evening light.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Yes, it's nice.- And that is a very generous ensuite.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Good, that sounds good as well.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53So the majority of the time there will be just the two of you.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Yes, keep reminding him, Nicki. - And the dogs.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- We don't need five bedrooms, we don't need all this space.- No.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- We've got three bedrooms? - You look disappointed.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Well, there's plenty of room in the garden to build.- Oh, Peter.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08- He's looking at projects.- Yes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:14Outside there's plenty of room for Peter's project, whatever it might be,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18as there's a sheltered patio and an expanse of lawn.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20You've probably noticed, standing here,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24that you've got about the same amount of garden at the back as you have at the front?
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Yes, this is my reality check, isn't it?
0:13:28 > 0:13:29It's flat, it's smaller,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32like I said, but in theory I like a bigger garden,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35in practice this is probably more than adequate.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37And there's lots you could do to it, isn't there?
0:13:37 > 0:13:40There's plenty of room to make more flowerbeds round the edge for you,
0:13:40 > 0:13:41less lawn to mow for me.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And it looks like light soil.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I'm going to put you on the spot now.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49How much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I'm going to go 425.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55I'll go for 430,000.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01The actual asking price is £450,000.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Well, there you go, that's what we said was our maximum,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06so now we know what our...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09We have hit your maximum budget,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11however it has given you something to think about.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- It has, yes, that's right. As a first one, it's great.- It's only the first house.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- And nothing to do, I mean, you could move straight in.- Yes.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21I'm sure you'd find something to do, Pete.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Go and take him round for another look
0:14:23 > 0:14:25and see if you can convince him nothing needs doing.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- I will. All right. Thanks. - Catch up with you in a minute.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36At their maximum budget, this property needs no renovations
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and delivers well on their demands.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51It's a modern house but it's got character,
0:14:51 > 0:14:52which I think is very important.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59I think this is a good-sized room, don't you?
0:14:59 > 0:15:00It is, we'd get the piano in here.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- You could have the piano up that corner.- Yes.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I could shut you in here with your trains and your music, that would be good.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- I think that could work well, don't you?- Yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10I thought this house was interesting,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12it wasn't particularly what I was expecting.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14I wasn't expecting such a modern house.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Having said that, I like it.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I would've liked a bit bigger garden but that's perhaps my reality check.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- All right, you two?- Yes, thank you.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- First house done, happy?- Yes, for a first house.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It's very good but I bet you've got even better things up your sleeve.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Ah, I can feel the pressure.- That's a very good start.- Come on.- Thank you.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49During the 1800s, Royal Leamington Spa was a popular destination of the great and the good,
0:15:49 > 0:15:56due to the supposed healing properties of its spring water.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Queen Victoria granted the town its Royal prefix in 1838.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Her statue, which stands by the Town Hall,
0:16:03 > 0:16:08was erected in 1902 at a cost of £1,500.
0:16:08 > 0:16:14Royal Leamington Spa is also home to the newly-opened Guide Dogs For The Blind Breeding Centre.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19So with Peter and Alison looking to get even more involved with volunteering for the charity,
0:16:19 > 0:16:24we've arranged for them to have a tour with its manager Matthew Bottomley.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Hi, I'm Matthew, I'm the breeding centre manager here.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Pleased to meet you, I'm Alison.- I'm Peter.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Hello, Peter, pleased to meet you.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Guide Dogs For The Blind was founded in 1931
0:16:35 > 0:16:39and has since been entirely dependent on voluntary donations.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44Come on through, this is an upstairs sort of walkway,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46indoor gallery if you like.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50This is our first block for you to look into.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52where all our baby pups are.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Of course, as you know, our breeding mums normally live and whelp,
0:16:56 > 0:17:03that's give birth to, puppies in family homes, just like you do yourself.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05But there are some that, for whatever reason,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09can't give birth at home and have to come into the centre to give birth.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12But, of course, what we're looking for is, well, lots of help, really,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15in terms of all sorts of different volunteering areas.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- For example, puppy socialising.- Oh, yes.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20That's people who will actually sit in with the puppies,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24play with puppies, get them used to being handled and touched. Just generally playing with them.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- I'd be up for that.- That's something you'd be up for?- That would be fantastic.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Great, if that's something you'd be willing to help us with.- Yes, that would be fantastic.
0:17:31 > 0:17:37Up to 1,500 puppies a year can now be bred for work with blind and partially-sighted people.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40The new puppy block is where Pete and Alison's puppies will come
0:17:40 > 0:17:44when they are six or seven weeks old.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Here they'll be vaccinated, micro-chipped and vet checked
0:17:47 > 0:17:49before they're sent to their puppy walking families,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52another set of volunteers.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54So what sort of qualities are you
0:17:54 > 0:17:57particularly looking for in the puppies that we're sending to you?
0:17:57 > 0:18:01First and foremost the dogs need to be willing, they need to want to do the job
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and all these types of dogs, as you can see,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05these puppies are happy, affable and friendly types
0:18:05 > 0:18:09and would be willing to work with a blind and a partially-sighted person.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12But they'll also have to adapt to different handlers.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14So they've been with you for a while, your puppies,
0:18:14 > 0:18:18then they move on to a puppy walker, then move on to a professional trainer
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and, ultimately, to a blind or partially-sighted person.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22So they've got to be adaptable,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24they've got to be able to cope with change.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Do all the dogs go on to be guide dogs?
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Not all, but we're actually very proud of our success rate.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Of all the dogs that we breed, between 70 and 75%
0:18:32 > 0:18:34will go on and become guide dogs.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40The charity trains roughly 780 guide dogs every year
0:18:40 > 0:18:44before the crucial stage of matching them up with an owner.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47A guide dog's working life is usually six to seven years
0:18:47 > 0:18:54and latest figures show that there are about 4,500 guide dog users in the UK.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01So, after strengthening their ties with the charity, I'm hoping that Peter and Alison
0:19:01 > 0:19:06have got an added incentive to find that property nearby.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18For our second house, we've border-hopped to the edge of Leicestershire,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23still within that hour from Royal Leamington Spa, we're heading towards Market Bosworth.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28The town was the site of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31the final battle in the War Of The Roses
0:19:31 > 0:19:33between the House Of Lancaster and the House Of York.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Our second property is a grade two listed character conversion
0:19:37 > 0:19:41dating back to around 1750.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44So, for something completely different from the first house that we took you to see,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47here is your second property.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- What do you think?- Lovely looking house.- Looks good.- Yes?
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Not so sure about where we are.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Leicestershire or the distance?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- He's off.- The distance maybe, the distance from Guide Dogs.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04It's half an hour, yes, but it's not an attractive half an hour.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07I'm going to ask the question again when we've finished the tour of the house
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and you've seen everything that comes with it is.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12See if I've managed to change your mind. Shall we step inside?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15We'll see.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Well, Peter did say he makes instant judgements.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24So let's see if the interior can persuade him to consider this property more carefully.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29The front door leads straight into the kitchen/dining room.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- As you can see it is brand new.- Yes. - Nice floors.- Is that the back door?
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- Yes, access to the back door. - Stone at the door, nice, good for dogs.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43You've got a utility room, just to the right, and that leads to a downstairs cloakroom.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49- Right.- I think the way this barn has been converted, it flows beautifully.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53It also benefits from windows on both sides of the property,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56which you don't often get.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59As it is grade two listed, it's been done extremely well.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04How about those beams? Do you like a bit of character?
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Yes, it's got character.- But it is not over fussy or over pokey.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11No, it's got a contemporary feel, hasn't it?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13It has.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16The upstairs is divided into two
0:21:16 > 0:21:19with a separate staircase for each area.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22From the kitchen, there's access to two good-sized guest bedrooms
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and a shared bathroom.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28At the other end of the house, this staircase from the playroom,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31which could become Peter's music room, leads up to another guest bedroom,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33a generously sized bathroom
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and the largest bedroom of the lot.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41And here is the master bedroom.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- That's nice.- That's lovely.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And because the four bedrooms are divided, two on one side with a bathroom
0:21:47 > 0:21:52and the other two this side, in a way that's going to be like an ensuite
0:21:52 > 0:21:55because no-one else will be on this side of the property.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58That would give us the space, as and when we needed it
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and when we didn't we could virtually shut it off. I wouldn't have to clean it then.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- And I could have a piano in the downstairs.- Oh, no.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Railway room upstairs.- See, practical.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11What do you think about the property itself?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I think the property is lovely but I want to see the garden.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Oh, can I convince you both with the garden?
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Oh, but the garden will be too big.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26While there's a great deal to the garden, including a pond,
0:22:26 > 0:22:31a long lawn, room for Alison to keep those chickens and a large paved patio area,
0:22:31 > 0:22:36I'm pretty certain they could easily manage looking after it.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Well, this is lovely. It is too big.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43No, the all-important garden.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- As you can see it goes all the way back to the trees.- And it's flat.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- And it is flat.- And a pond.- And a pond.- Gosh.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Then you look back at your beautiful barn.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54- That's lovely.- It is actually.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Now you think it's big, you asked for a third of an acre, didn't you? - Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I did.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It's under half an acre
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and that includes the long driveway
0:23:04 > 0:23:07and a double garage.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- That's lovely.- Ooh.- What do you think?
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- I'm getting itchy fingers.- Are you?
0:23:13 > 0:23:15So, as the rain starts to fall,
0:23:15 > 0:23:20will it put a dampener on how much they'd pay for this house?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Well, at least it's dry under this gazebo.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Serious business now.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28How much do you think this converted barn is currently on the market for?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Your turn.- So it's me first.- Go on, Peter.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34I find it's a difficult one because I don't know this area at all,
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- it's further away than I thought. - And you don't like the area.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- No, that's not going to affect what I think it is worth.- 0K.- 440,000.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50Alison, how much do you think? I'm going to be optimistic and say 460.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55OK. The current asking price for the barn
0:23:55 > 0:23:57is £475,000.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03However, we have spoken to the owners
0:24:03 > 0:24:08and they are willing to look at offers in the region of your budget,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13which is £450,000, because they know that you are willing to move quickly
0:24:13 > 0:24:16and you can move quickly.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20That's why they would look at serious offers around that amount of money.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22There's good conversations to go on there, aren't there?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- There are, yes.- Do you want to go and take another look around?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27That would be great, thank you.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34So at £475,000, but with offers willing to be considered
0:24:34 > 0:24:38around their maximum budget of £450,000,
0:24:38 > 0:24:42this property has everything they've asked for and more.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00The house is lovely. It possibly is too big for us.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03What I wasn't so happy about was the approach to the house.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06It's also further away from Leamington,
0:25:06 > 0:25:11so if we were to spend time with the Guide Dogs it would be a further trip.
0:25:11 > 0:25:18I'm surprised I don't feel as happy about the house as I thought I would.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21On paper, I think, this house is everything that
0:25:21 > 0:25:23I would've said I'd wanted if you would have asked me
0:25:23 > 0:25:28and yet, there's just something that doesn't make me go whoopee.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Well, that's it for today. You've seen both houses. Have you enjoyed it?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Yes, it's been a good day.- Good. - Thank you.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- And we've got one more tomorrow. - Yes.- It's the mystery house.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50As evening falls over the Warwickshire countryside,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53it marks the end of day one of our property search.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Lecturer Peter and his wife Alison
0:26:00 > 0:26:06are hoping to pursue their passion for volunteering with Guide Dogs in the county of Warwickshire.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Alison has Parkinson's disease
0:26:08 > 0:26:12so their new property must have a flat, manageable garden.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16The two properties so far have both had their good points
0:26:16 > 0:26:21but, still to come, our mystery house could turn their property dream on its head.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25It's folly, it's a folly. It can't be right.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29And I join a 750-year-old ceremony in Alcester.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Gentlemen, are we ready?
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- ALL: Lead on.- Thank you.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40So we have just crossed the border into Gloucestershire,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45so we're on the edge of your 20-mile boundary search, but we are in the Cotswolds.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48So what do think we are taking you to see?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51It could be part of the house,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54it could be a cowshed to convert, rather than a barn.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55- Oh, no.- I don't know.
0:26:55 > 0:27:01There is nothing I would turn my nose up at, I don't think.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04As long as it's not in Leicestershire?
0:27:04 > 0:27:05Oh, that's cruel.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09We've travelled 20 miles south of Royal Leamington Spa,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13crossing into Gloucestershire to the village of Blockley.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Its civil parish includes the pretty north Cotswold hamlet of Aston Magna,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20which is where our mystery house is located.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25The property offers a contemporary twist on a period Cotswold stone cottage.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29While it may not be as practical as they have asked for,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32I think they'll find it irresistible.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34So I've brought you to the village of Aston Magna.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- This is so unfair.- This is unfair.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Why is this unfair, tell me? I can see by your faces.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41We know this area. We know it. Lovely area. Way out of our...
0:27:41 > 0:27:44This is probably my dream area but too expensive,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47it must be a tent in a field. It must be, Nicki.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It's a kennel for you and the doggies.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Why am I not surprised?
0:27:50 > 0:27:55But it is the mystery house, you see, and we thought North Cotswolds, beautiful,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59just outside of the search area by a few miles.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01A few miles doesn't matter when it's nice, no buses.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05All this logic has just gone, just gone.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- You don't want see the mystery house?- No. Not at all.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- No, we are going home.- We're off, bye.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- Just get one reaction from you and then we'll go.- OK.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Turn round because this is it.- Ohh.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19It's a folly, it's a folly. It can't be right.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Ooh.- Are you convinced?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24- Is it worth stepping through the door?- No, not at all.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Can we go now, please?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29And why is that, because you don't want your heart broken?
0:28:29 > 0:28:30Yes, probably.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34We've been so in head, we need to do this, we need that
0:28:34 > 0:28:36but it doesn't matter when you see something like that, does it?
0:28:36 > 0:28:41Well, it doesn't get better than that, love at first sight.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44I'm sure they will be equally besotted with the inside.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Welcome to your mystery house.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49You're itching to get in, aren't you?
0:28:49 > 0:28:50Yes, we are.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54It is very, very different. It's an upside-down house.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Upside-down house, right.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- You've got your bedrooms on this level.- Yes.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01And your living accommodation up there.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- Let's go.- Are you ready? You are, aren't you?
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Love is still in the air for our mystery house
0:29:10 > 0:29:12so I'm heading up to the living area.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Let's start off with the sitting room.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- In a way, I think it's a double sitting room. - ALISON SIGHS
0:29:21 > 0:29:24That was a lovely sigh.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26A nice high ceiling.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- I like the end gable being open, as well.- Yes, let's more light in.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- Lovely wooden floors.- Did you expect it to be this large?- No.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37No, I thought it could be quite pokey and dark,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39which I wouldn't have liked.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42But in here is far more the sort of contemporary living.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Best of both worlds, isn't it? And there's yet more to see.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- There's more to see.- But where's the piano going?- Oh.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51OK, before we leave this room let's figure this one out because of the baby grand.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It can stop at home.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Is it allowed to go or not?
0:29:55 > 0:29:56If it has to.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Hey, on camera.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00So let's go through into the kitchen.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- I think it actually flows really well.- It does, beautiful.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10A bit smaller perhaps than I would have hoped for. Nice island unit.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11Quite big enough
0:30:11 > 0:30:13and the view out there.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Oh, yes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Yes, that's lovely actually.- She's forgotten the units already.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- Yes, she has.- Yes, I have. I could wash up even with that view, I think.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25You've got sturdy tiles, good for the dogs.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27So it's a really good space here
0:30:27 > 0:30:33and it actually flows even more because at the end you've got sort of a child's play area,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and there's access, by that huge window, back into the main sitting room.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Oh, yes.- It actually is a circle.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- So far with the mystery house what do you think?- I do love it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Pete, you warned me
0:30:44 > 0:30:46that you were going to be very honest with these house searches
0:30:46 > 0:30:50and so far all I've heard is positive comments.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52I like it very much.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55I fear it may be dark downstairs.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Time to find out. Follow me.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01So they are both more than a bit smitten
0:31:01 > 0:31:07and I have the feeling that the downstairs bedrooms won't change matters one bit.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Here is your master bedroom, on the ground floor.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Oh, it's a black hole.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- No, it's not, it's very light.- I didn't expect it to be this light down here.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I mean, luckily, it's got a huge window.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Yes, out onto the road but that doesn't matter
0:31:21 > 0:31:25because you've across the road's beautiful garden to look at, haven't you?
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- It is surprising this, isn't it?- It is.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Have you been convinced on this bedroom, then?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- This bedroom is fine, it's very light but maybe the other ones... - Oh, gosh.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- ..will be a little dark. - Well, there are three.- Three?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Three bedrooms in total and a family bathroom.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Shall we take a look at one of them to put your mind at rest?
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Yes, convince him.- After you, Alison, you lead the way.- Thank you.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49The family bathroom is off a spacious hallway,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53as is the smallest bedroom, perfect for the grandchildren.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57This double room has a little less light than the master
0:31:57 > 0:31:59but will that worry Peter?
0:32:00 > 0:32:04So here we have one of the two other bedrooms.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09It is a little dark, in the sense that it is a little window
0:32:09 > 0:32:11but, I don't know, maybe something could be done about that.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14It's dark when you sleep, so it doesn't matter if it is dark.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18In fact you will sleep in longer.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Let's go outside now, have a look at the garden.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Outside there's a paved patio area and a lawn.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30The only drawback is the lawn is slightly sloping
0:32:30 > 0:32:33but will that be enough to spoil this love story?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38All of this is your garden up to the tree.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- There's a nice dry stone wall at the end there, that I saw.- Yes.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43It's not flat.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48It's not flat, it's not as steep as the one that you have at the moment.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- No.- But it would need to be, I think, landscaped to suit your needs.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53Yes, it would.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57But at the beginning of your search we did talk about your Parkinson's disease
0:32:57 > 0:32:59and we need to be mindful of that condition.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03If you look at the sitting room you've got those huge windows, those three panels there.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06If you made one of those a door, perhaps two of them, patio doors
0:33:06 > 0:33:11and had, not a drawbridge, but a bridge across
0:33:11 > 0:33:15into the garden, the access point, it might be little easier for you.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17I think that's a really good idea.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21So this Cotswold cottage, how much is it currently on the market for?
0:33:21 > 0:33:25It's going to be 450,000, at least.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28I think it has got to be at least 470.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33Current price is £475,000.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36We are in the Cotswolds.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37Yes, we are.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- We expected that.- This village is up there, isn't it?- Yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44However, the owners do know you are serious about moving,
0:33:44 > 0:33:46that you could move pretty quickly
0:33:46 > 0:33:51and they would look at offers in the region of £450,000.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- We double-checked it.- Right.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- It's very tempting.- Very tempting.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Do you want to go and have another look?- Yes, please.- Be my guest.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Thank you.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07With a price tag of £475,000,
0:34:07 > 0:34:11but with offers at their maximum budget being considered,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14this house more than delivers on their wish list.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28It's nice and light down here, isn't it?
0:34:28 > 0:34:30There's potential, isn't there?
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Could do something there.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36The room there and this one here we could have as a playroom.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37I think I've got my name on this.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40But the railway would fit in here beautifully.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43No, it's a nice room, I like this one, you can have next door.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45It's absolutely beautiful.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50The price I knew would be high, because it's the Cotswolds,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54but the premium sometimes is worth paying for getting what you want.
0:34:54 > 0:35:00This house shows you the difference between writing a list on a piece of paper
0:35:00 > 0:35:01and the reality of what you see.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05It's the whole package, that goes together, because if I pick it apart there are lots of things.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08But then I just screw that piece of paper up and put it in the bin
0:35:08 > 0:35:10because it just works for you.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13If it fills your soul, it fills your soul.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And it does.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21That is it, guys, search over.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- You've seen all three properties. It's given you something to think about, hasn't it?- It has.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Do you want to go somewhere quiet, you can gather your thoughts together,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30see what the next move's going to be?
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- Yes, please.- Yes, please.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Warwickshire is home to a number of historic and ancient towns,
0:35:45 > 0:35:50some dating back to Roman times, so it is no surprise to discover
0:35:50 > 0:35:53that some old traditional ceremonies are still alive and kicking,
0:35:53 > 0:35:58like this one in the market town of Alcester.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01I am with the bizarrely named Alcester Court Leet,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04one of only 30 such groups in the country.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10Their mission is to keep alive a tradition that dates back 750 years.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Now, of all the Court Leets in the country,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Warwickshire has the highest concentration
0:36:15 > 0:36:19but this is unique as they have an ancestral lord of the manor.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21So what or who is a Court Leet?
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- Now, Nick, you are the grandly named High Bailiff.- I am.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- Are you in charge of all these boys? - I like to think I am.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35So what exactly is your role?
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Right, Nicki, we used to do the jobs that the environment agencies does,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42the weights and measures does, the police do.
0:36:42 > 0:36:43We used to run this town.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Wow, that's a lot of power and authority.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48It used to be, we lost it in the '70s
0:36:48 > 0:36:51when the Act took our power off us
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and we are now purely ceremonial.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57What exactly did you do within the community?
0:36:57 > 0:37:01We used to make sure that the rivers were kept clear,
0:37:01 > 0:37:06that the roads were maintained, that the bread was of the right weight and quality,
0:37:06 > 0:37:08that the ale was fit to drink,
0:37:08 > 0:37:14that the people of the town behave themselves well
0:37:14 > 0:37:18and we had a lot of authority to take action if they didn't.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21There's a few perks to the job as well, aren't there?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23And ale tasting is the best.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Oh, I was hoping you were going to mention that.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Am I able to join you for the ale tasting?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31I'm glad you asked me that, Nicki.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34We have arranged for you to take part in today's ale tasting.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Excellent.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- Ale tasters of Warwick, the robes. - Certainly.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41I'm getting kitted out.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45First of all, I will present you with the official gong.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Thank you, a gong, look I get my own medal. Very smart. Right.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54And now, you have the official ale-tasting robes.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Look at this.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01And that allows you to partake of the ceremony.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02Thank you very much. Right.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Now then, you need the words.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07First you must rap on the door three times
0:38:07 > 0:38:10and you must speak very loudly.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Well, I hope I can do it justice.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20Make way for the High Bailiff of Alcester, his ale tasters
0:38:20 > 0:38:23and other officers of the Alcester Court Leet.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25(That's me.)
0:38:25 > 0:38:30Who are here today to conduct the ancient ceremony of ale tasting.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Gentlemen, are we ready?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33ALL: Lead on.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Thank you.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- Are you the landlady of this inn? - Aye, Master Bailiff.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46I command you to produce two tankards of your finest ale,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49that my ale tasters may judge of its quality.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51As you command, Master Bailiff.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01Ale tasters, do your duty and report to me your findings.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02After you.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Nicki, the first thing we have to do
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- is test the temperature.- OK.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19And I find this the correct temperature for this particular ale.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21We will now taste it.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29Well, Nicki, I now find this ale fit for the consumption
0:39:29 > 0:39:32of the people of Alcester.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- I agree. - ALL CHEER
0:39:35 > 0:39:41Traditionally, after a successful tasting, a sprig of evergreen was placed over the pub door
0:39:41 > 0:39:45as a sign that the ale was fit for public consumption.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49And, with this ale passing the test,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52it's time for Peter and Alison to call last orders on their house search
0:39:52 > 0:39:54as they mull over the three properties.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Well, Peter and Alison, what a fun few days we've had.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Absolutely, it's been great. - Certainly.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07The question is, have we found you the ultimate Escape To The Country?
0:40:07 > 0:40:09You could have. You could have.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Well, let's start shall we with the first property that we saw?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It was a new build.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15I thought it was very nice, even first impressions,
0:40:15 > 0:40:19and inside I thought it had the sort of accommodation we really needed.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21It did, exactly, have everything that we'd asked you for.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23It was a very sensible house.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27And when I've got my sensible head on, yes, that was good.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30The second property, I'm going to look at you now, Peter,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33we kept within the 20-mile radius.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38The approach to the house hadn't got that attractive countryside feel around it
0:40:38 > 0:40:41and the journey from there to Leamington would be motorway
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and that's not what I'm looking for.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46What about the property itself?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48It was a beautiful property and I liked the garden.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51I could see the potential for the garden to make something really special.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I know I could.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58Which brings us nicely to our third property, the mystery house.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59The mystery house.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03We selected this house especially for the two of you,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06perhaps a house you might not considered before?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I definitely don't think we would have considered it because,
0:41:09 > 0:41:15if I'd been looking at the piece of paper or the Internet I would've had my sensible head on
0:41:15 > 0:41:19and would've said to Pete, "Don't be silly, it is an upside-down house, it's got steps,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21"it's not the sort of thing we can cope with."
0:41:21 > 0:41:23And I wouldn't have gone any further.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I don't think you would have done?
0:41:25 > 0:41:27I don't think I would have done.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Totally impractical for keeping a dog and especially keeping puppies.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Nowhere for a piano, really.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36That's why it's a mystery.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38So where do we go next?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I think first of all I want to go back to the first property.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43So we haven't ruled that one out?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45That's still my sensible head.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50And then, I would come up with all the arguments why the third property is going to be fine.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52I think we have to reflect
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and decide whether we can now allow
0:41:56 > 0:41:58heart to overrule head
0:41:58 > 0:42:02by saying that in fact it doesn't really matter,
0:42:02 > 0:42:07what really is important is being happy where you're living.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Isn't it better to have something you really love for a short period of time and enjoy it,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14and have something good to look back on when I'm in the sensible house,
0:42:14 > 0:42:15that's perhaps the answer, Pete.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- Yes, and a positive attitude is good for your condition.- Yes.- It is, yes.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23And if ever there's someone I've met with a positive attitude,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25young lady, it's you.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Thank you.- With Pete by your side. - Yes, absolutely, always.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Well, thank you both so much. We do wish you well and stay in touch.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- Let us know what happens.- We will, we will, definitely.- Thank you.
0:42:37 > 0:42:43What a fantastic couple and I think Alison summed it up rather well.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Do they go with the sensible option, or throw caution to the wind
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and go with their heart's desire?
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I think it's going to be the latter, but whichever they choose,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55we wish them all the best.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56See you next time.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Peter and Alison have been back to view all three properties
0:43:01 > 0:43:03but in the end they weren't for them.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06They've now decided to put their house on the market
0:43:06 > 0:43:08so they can get more for their money.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
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