0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today, I'm in a county that gives its name to this iconic breed of cattle,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09but where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41On today's show I'm helping two naval officers plan their future
0:00:41 > 0:00:42on dry land
0:00:42 > 0:00:46and we conjure up their rural fantasy in one property.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47- Yeah.- That's it.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49That's the dream, that's the dream.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53And there's so much more than straight lines in our mystery house.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Everything is sort of... curvaceous.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Today I'm in Herefordshire,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04admiring the characteristic white faces
0:01:04 > 0:01:07of these beautiful Herefordshire cattle.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Now one of Britain's oldest native breeds,
0:01:09 > 0:01:13the Herefordshire is also one of the most popular in the world
0:01:13 > 0:01:18due to their ability to produce a distinctly-flavoured, marbled beef
0:01:18 > 0:01:22as well as, luckily for me, a very easy temperament.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24In fact, they're so popular that,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28since first being exported to America in 1817,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32their numbers have grown to an amazing five million cows
0:01:32 > 0:01:35in some 50 countries.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39But, arguably, the best place to see these magnificent creatures
0:01:39 > 0:01:42is right here in their home county of Herefordshire.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47Landlocked Herefordshire is one of England's most rural counties,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50with Hereford the only city found within its boundary.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52In the west of the county,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55the River Dore runs through the picturesque Golden Valley,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59home to an abundance of apple and pear orchards,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01predominately for cider and perry production.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The pretty market town of Ross-On-Wye,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07which sits on a sandstone cliff above the river,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09is known for its attractive streets
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and the impressive 17th-century sandstone market hall
0:02:12 > 0:02:17that's still used today for the town's two weekly markets.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Just down the road on the border with Gloucestershire
0:02:20 > 0:02:24is Symonds Yat Rock, a 500-foot-high limestone outcrop,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26rising from the banks of the River Wye.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30From here there are stunning views which stretch north,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33right across the rest of this glorious county.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40If it's a truly unspoilt rural idyll you're after,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Herefordshire certainly deserves consideration.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's still a largely agricultural region,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49home to over 5,000 farms,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and is one of the least densely populated counties in England,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56with less than 200 people per square mile.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Better still are the house prices here.
0:03:00 > 0:03:06An average detached property would set you back around £258,000,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10that's just £4,000 above the national average.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14So, let's take a look at what's currently on the market.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19This two-bedroomed former threshing barn in West Hope could be yours
0:03:19 > 0:03:23for £290,000. Dating back to the 16th century,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26its period features, such as exposed woodwork
0:03:26 > 0:03:31and tiled floors, are combined with modern open-plan living.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34It also offers a charming cottage garden.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39This four-bedroomed stone barn conversion in Llangaren
0:03:39 > 0:03:41is priced at just under £500,000.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It boasts a wealth of exposed timbers,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47arrow-slit windows in the sitting room
0:03:47 > 0:03:51and slate flooring and granite work surfaces in the kitchen.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53And if your pockets are deep enough,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58you could go for this eight-bedroomed Victorian farmhouse in Bridge Sollers.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02At just under £700,000, it has well-proportioned rooms,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04with original wooden floors
0:04:04 > 0:04:09and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Some lovely properties there.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Right, time to meet today's buyers
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and find out why they want to escape to Herefordshire.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Adam and Karen have been married for three years,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23after meeting at their hockey club.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26As they're both officers in the Navy,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29they've been living in military accommodation for some time.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31This one's in Portsmouth.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34But now, with the end of Karen's service in sight,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36they're keen to plan the next stage of their lives,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39with a move to the Herefordshire countryside.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43It's a definite lifestyle change for us,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45we've both always loved animals,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48we've got a dog and we've got four chickens,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51and we want to develop that and get a smallholding
0:04:51 > 0:04:53so that we can have a few more animals,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55maybe some sheep, some pigs.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57So, we've made a start with our chickens
0:04:57 > 0:04:59and we've got a small vegetable patch,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01with carrots, spinach and some rhubarb.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04We'd like to do this one a much bigger scale, though, obviously
0:05:04 > 0:05:08to try to be as self-sufficient as we can be in the future.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11As well as having a go at growing their own,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15they've also got ideas about a business they could run together.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Our aspiration is to have a small kennels,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20maybe for 15 dogs or so,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23so that we can give lots of personal attention
0:05:23 > 0:05:26and not have lots of dogs around.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29We just want to make it quite, erm, specific.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33With the constraints of married quarters in Portsmouth
0:05:33 > 0:05:34about to be consigned to the past,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38they've been making a list of what they want from their new home.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41We'd like a minimum of two bedrooms, but ideally, three
0:05:41 > 0:05:45and we'd be able to have, sort of, more family can come and visit.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49We need a family bathroom, a large kitchen-diner would be lovely.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52The house has to be detached,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55ideally we'd like land of at least two acres
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and the next most important thing, really,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01is the location for the business itself.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04But it won't be all work and no play,
0:06:04 > 0:06:09because Adam and Karen also plan to pursue their sporting hobbies
0:06:09 > 0:06:10once in the country.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Well, Karen and I met playing hockey,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and I'm keen to carry on playing hockey,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17maybe umpiring and coaching in the future,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20but we also like doing a lot of outdoor activities.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24They own a non-military property which they've been renting out,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26but it's now up for sale.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Once it's sold they can make the move,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32but can they agree on how much money they're willing to spend?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Well, we have a budget of about £450,000,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38but if we saw our absolute dream home,
0:06:38 > 0:06:43we could probably stretch to a maximum of 500,000.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- Stretch.- Possibly.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Stretch.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Adam and Karen are extremely flexible
0:06:53 > 0:06:57about which part of Herefordshire they'd like to live,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01and have even given us permission to look just over the border,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03so we should have plenty of options.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07We've got a fantastic mix of homes for them to see,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09but, as usual, I won't be letting on
0:07:09 > 0:07:12how much they're on the market for
0:07:12 > 0:07:14until they've had a guess at the price.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17The final property is, of course, our mystery house,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20which could see them going green with envy
0:07:20 > 0:07:22for a whole new way of life.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Hi, you two, well, welcome to beautiful Herefordshire,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32but why do you two want to move to this particular place?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Our family are diversified right across the UK,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38so we've got London, the Wirral, Plymouth, Wales,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40and so this is quite a good, central place for us
0:07:40 > 0:07:41so they can come and visit.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- A two-hour drive in any direction? - Yeah, it works.- Perfect.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48So, before we start this search, just remind us,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50what's your maximum budget?
0:07:50 > 0:07:53I think if we found everything we possibly dreamed of
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- it would be 500,000.- 450.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Ha ha! I like that.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00Dreamer, realism,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03perhaps something in between then you'll both be happy?
0:08:03 > 0:08:06We have got three cracking properties to show you,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- so, shall we get started? - Yeah, sounds good.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15So, Adam and Karen are after a country retreat,
0:08:15 > 0:08:21priced between their two budgets of £450,000 and £500,000.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23For that, they'd like a detached property
0:08:23 > 0:08:27with at least two acres of land for a smallholding,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31a large kitchen-diner for entertaining family and friends,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35three bedrooms, and it must be in a good location for a business.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47We've travelled around 14 miles southwest of Hereford,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51close to the village of Ewyas Harold in Herefordshire's Golden Valley.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It lies on the Dulas Brook,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and amenities include a church and a pub.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00House number one is located nearby in the village of Longtown,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04and is a Grade II-listed traditional country cottage.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08So, here we are in west Herefordshire,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12nearly, very, very close to the border of Monmouthshire,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14and your very first property.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17What do you think?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20It's a lovely, black-and-white, classic, old cottage.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Very, very pretty. - Very traditional, very quaint.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25It's certainly the character we're after.
0:09:25 > 0:09:26So, ready to step inside?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Yes.- Definitely.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32An irresistibly rustic property on the outside,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34and I'm sure they'll both be delighted
0:09:34 > 0:09:37when they get a glimpse of the traditional features
0:09:37 > 0:09:39that it's brimming with inside.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Even the hallway had exposed beams and a thumb-latch door.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47So, here's your first reception room.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Oh, it's a lovely size.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Wood-burner.- Wood-burning stove. - Lovely, big fireplace, as well.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57Yeah. An original fireplace, you can see the old bresma beam.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00And the timbers, these old ship's timbers.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- It's going to appeal to you, isn't it?- That nautical link.- Yeah.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It's full of character.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09It's got a really nice feel about it, straightaway. This room feels cosy.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It's big enough, you could still fit your furniture in.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16You know, sometimes they are quite tiny.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21The nautical beams and cosy ambience are going down a treat.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26There is plenty more original and unusual features in the next room.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I think, this has to be a pretty impressive dining room.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33What an incredible fireplace. That is amazing.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35It's beautiful, isn't it? It's got a bread oven.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39If you look to the side, that is where they kept the salt.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- To keep it dry.- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44You've got the exposed beams again.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46How about that for a wall?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- That is so traditional, it must be for this sort of area.- Yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Two reception rooms, a good size for you?
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Can you see yourself eating in here?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58I can certainly see us and the family visiting, all sitting around the table.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- You could get big table in here and get everybody around.- Good.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04'It's always good news
0:11:04 > 0:11:06'when our buyers can picture themselves in the property
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'and it seems that these two have already invited the family around.'
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Through here is...
0:11:15 > 0:11:17your country kitchen.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19That's it, that's the dream.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24The range cooker and somewhere to eat in the kitchen. That's lovely.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26It's always nice to have a sociable kitchen.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30If people come around for a cup of tea, this is the place where you sit and natter.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's also at the heart of the home. It's lovely.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36I think I'd have to watch my head. The ceiling is a bit low.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38I think you'll have to watch your head
0:11:38 > 0:11:40throughout this property, aren't you?
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- I have to do it on a ship, anyway, so it's not new.- Home from home!
0:11:45 > 0:11:49'Also on this floor is a very distinctive utility room
0:11:49 > 0:11:50'which was once the older dairy.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'Next door, is the pantry.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57'But, we're heading up the rather beautiful stone staircase
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'to see what this property offers on the floor above.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03'It has three bedrooms, which are generously sized
0:12:03 > 0:12:06'and unusually light for a cottage.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08'Also up here is the family bathroom.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12'We're having a look at where they could be sleeping.'
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- This is the master. - Huge beams again.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- You don't expect a cottage of this age and tradition to be so light.- Yes.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Totally unexpected. - And such a good-sized room as well.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I think we'll definitely be able to get our bed in here.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- It feels comfortable, cosy, it just works.- Does it feel like home?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32It feels like it could be home.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35'That's encouraging.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39'Outside is where it really counts for their new business.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42'They'll need space and outbuildings for some kennels
0:12:42 > 0:12:44'and this property has both in spades.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49'There's a converted telephone exchange which could be used as an office for the business
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'and two acres of land.'
0:12:51 > 0:12:54So, you've got a large double carport with additional storage,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57that's where the cows used to live.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01The brick building behind us, that's where the gentleman used to keep his sheep,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03with access into your field.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05To the other side, you've got a more formal garden
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and there is a little bit of extra space at the side, more land,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11which could be perfect for vegetables.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- I know you're keen on growing your own.- Yes, definitely.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18How much do you think this cottage, with all its outbuildings,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22two acres of land and the disused telephone exchange
0:13:22 > 0:13:24is on the market for?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It's going to be towards the top of our budget.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- I'm going for £495,000.- OK.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32I think it's over my budget.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Let's go 470.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37470. I like the way you have two budgets.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40This is going to be so confusing as we go along.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44I do know the top of your budget is 500,000.
0:13:44 > 0:13:52- This cottage is currently on the market for £450,000.- Is it?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Food for thought. - Definitely food for thought.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56You need time to think, don't you?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's going to be difficult to beat, I think.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01This is only property number one.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05I think you should start off having walk around the grounds. Check out those outbuildings.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10Come back, look at the cottage and let's meet out the front when you're ready. Off you go.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Thank you very much.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18So, bang on Karen's budget and well under Adam's at £450,000,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22this property really delivers on their list of demands.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26It has a large sociable country kitchen, three bedrooms,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30a range of outbuildings that could be converted into kennels
0:14:30 > 0:14:33for the new business and two acres of land,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36with plenty of room to grow their own vegetables.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Overall, my thoughts are really positive about this property.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44I think we would need to do a little more research into the viability
0:14:44 > 0:14:48of running a business from here and whether any of the outbuildings
0:14:48 > 0:14:54will be suitable to convert into a kennels of the type we want to run.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56This has definitely got potential.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I was quite surprised when we walked in.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Having seen a traditional cottage, I expected it to be small inside.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Actually, there was two good-sized reception rooms,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09a lovely farmhouse kitchen which appealed greatly.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Outside, with the two acres of land with outbuildings,
0:15:12 > 0:15:17it was certainly was something that gave us the options to do what we'd like to do with the kennels.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23That's certainly happy faces.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27I don't think Herefordshire has let us down with our first property, has it?
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Definitely not. - No, fantastic start.- Good.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34I'm delighted you are pleased, let's keep going.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50In the north of Herefordshire is the market town of Leominster
0:15:50 > 0:15:52which dates back to the 7th century
0:15:52 > 0:15:56and prospered because of its thriving wool trade.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58It's the historical home of the Ryeland sheep,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59farmed by monks
0:15:59 > 0:16:03to produce the most prized wool in Europe in the Middle Ages.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04A few miles away,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08near the village of Eardisland, sits Burton Court.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Home to the Simpson family since 1960,
0:16:11 > 0:16:15its Grade II-listed 14th-century manor house
0:16:15 > 0:16:19is a great example of a living and working family residence,
0:16:19 > 0:16:23with guided tours given by the family themselves.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Earlier in the week,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28we arranged for Adam and Karen to meet Edward Simpson,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30to find out more about its colourful past.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Welcome to Burton Court, my family home.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39There must be a real history to this house, can you explain what the background is?
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Yes, steeped in history.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43"Burton" literally means "fortified dwelling place"
0:16:43 > 0:16:47in old Saxon language. So it was used as a medieval stronghold.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49As a medieval stronghold,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53it developed into the Regency times into a much more elegant building.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56The youngest part of the property is literally the front door here,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58which is not even 100 years old yet.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03In England, 24% of Grade I and Grade II-listed historic homes
0:17:03 > 0:17:07are in jeopardy, according to the latest Heritage At Risk register.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08With upkeep prices high,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11the solution chosen by the Simpson family
0:17:11 > 0:17:14was to open the house to the public,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17allowing its fascinating and historic features
0:17:17 > 0:17:19to be used as a backdrop for special events.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22This is the medieval great hall.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25The wonderful feature of this room
0:17:25 > 0:17:27is this beautiful ceiling we have here.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31This is awesome. When does this date back to?
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Three historians date this room back to 1330.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38It's the oldest and finest great hall in the West Midlands.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41You say this is the oldest part of the house?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Yes, it's the oldest part that we record
0:17:44 > 0:17:48but also the archaeological dig which we are doing today, actually,
0:17:48 > 0:17:49you've come on a good day.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51we found a lot of medieval pottery
0:17:51 > 0:17:54which dates back even earlier than 1330.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58In the grounds, a local history group have been digging for buried treasures
0:17:58 > 0:18:00for the past ten years
0:18:00 > 0:18:04and it was here that Herefordshire's largest hoard
0:18:04 > 0:18:06of medieval pottery was discovered,
0:18:06 > 0:18:11as Graham Simpson of the Eardisland History And Heritage Society explains.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16We've turned up layers of charcoal and glass.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20There's still a piece of bone sticking in here.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24We've taken out 2,500 pieces of 10th, 11th and 12th century pottery.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Sadly, we haven't found anything that's datable accurately.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32This is the sort of thing we've been finding. It's quite a large piece.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Each piece is identifiable
0:18:34 > 0:18:37so we know exactly what level it came from.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41The biggest find, in terms of history,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43is what looks pretty unimportant.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47That's a bit of bone, probably a shoulder blade of something,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49and as you can see, it has a pattern on it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53This is a 12th-century Norman gaming counter.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57There are very few of these in the country. Seven in Britain.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59This is the first one from Herefordshire.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03With such a rare find, are you getting funding to extend this site?
0:19:03 > 0:19:07No, it's just a little voluntary group of us who are interested
0:19:07 > 0:19:11enough to want to scrape away with little trowels and work at this.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15So, if you haven't done anything of this kind before, now's your chance.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18A little gentle brushing on this wouldn't do any harm.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24In Herefordshire alone, there are around 15 local history societies,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28researching projects and archiving stories from the past.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Time now to see if we can uncover a treasure of a home
0:19:31 > 0:19:35for Adam and Karen, as we continue our property search.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41We are travelling towards the lively market town of Bromyard,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44not far from the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49The town has a number of traditional half-timbered pubs
0:19:49 > 0:19:51and its own annual folk music festival.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Just a short hop over the county border into Worcestershire
0:19:55 > 0:19:56is our second property,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00a stone cottage which dates back to 1850.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I've brought you to Bringsty Common,
0:20:03 > 0:20:08and this is one of the common cottages, property number two.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- It's lovely.- Excellent.- And what a fantastic approach to it, as well.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Straight up onto your own piece of land. Lovely.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16COCK CROWS
0:20:16 > 0:20:18With cockerel, there you go!
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- Thank you.- I paid him for that!
0:20:20 > 0:20:27Very well-behaved. This is all your land, actually, 2.4 acres of land.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- OK.- Is that a good start? - Getting better and better.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Is that a good start. - That's impressive.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Shall we get started?- Yes.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39'A high score on the all-important grounds.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42'We'll explore them in more detail later.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48'I want to start by heading for the room that I think they'll be spending most time in,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'the very sociable kitchen-diner.'
0:20:51 > 0:20:57- Welcoming? - Yes, I thought the last one was nice but this is even better.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00It adds that... If you have people around the dinner,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04it just creates that sociability because you can cook and do stuff
0:21:04 > 0:21:07but also sit down and chat. It's nice.
0:21:07 > 0:21:14Nice to look over the garden, as well, which is always nice sitting out, looking at your own land.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18From here, you've got an additional extension.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21You've got a utility room, a downstairs bathroom,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24and then you've got a very large office.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26If you wanted to work from home,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29you've got all that space on that side of the property.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- It doesn't detract from the reception rooms.- OK.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Always worth thinking about when you are planning new businesses.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39The kitchen has got the thumbs-up.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I don't think there's anything we need to change at all.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44We could almost move in straightaway!
0:21:44 > 0:21:48'That's what I like to hear.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50'I think they're going to like the traditional features
0:21:50 > 0:21:53'in the first of the two reception rooms.'
0:21:53 > 0:21:57The same fireplace again. Another enormous fireplace.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01It's cosy because it's a nice, square size.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06We could get our two settees and so that adds to the cosiness.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Like a snug, more than a conventional lounge.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- No, it's a nice size.- Lovely.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16'Also, on this floor is another cosy and characterful living room
0:22:16 > 0:22:19'with windows on two sides.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23'Now we're going to see if the upstairs can offer them all they need.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26'With four generously-sized double bedrooms
0:22:26 > 0:22:29'and those wonderful views, I think it might.'
0:22:30 > 0:22:34This step leads up to the master bedroom.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38This is gorgeous. Lots of light.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43Very light, the beams again, the natural beams.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48Upstairs, you don't have the family, conventional bathroom.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51You've got a separate toilet and then a shower room
0:22:51 > 0:22:53across the hallway.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- The family bathroom is downstairs with the bath.- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02It's unusual, but when you extend cottages, you rejig,
0:23:02 > 0:23:06and sometimes things are downstairs that are normally upstairs.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- And there's only two of you. - Only two of us.- Yeah.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Plenty of space for guests. No problem.- Definitely.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16How do you feel about the property before I take you back downstairs?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20It's quite surprising how big, it keeps extending on forever.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- It does stretch. - It's very big inside.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28'So the inside has impressed Adam and Karen
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'with its mix of cosiness and space.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'It's outside that we need to investigate further.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'With an eye to their potential dog kennel business,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39'keeping livestock and growing vegetables.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43'With 2.4 acres, there should be more than enough room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47'It includes three paddocks for grazing animals
0:23:47 > 0:23:49'and a good choice of outbuildings that,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52'subject to planning consent, look promising for conversion.'
0:23:53 > 0:23:56If that wasn't enough,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58we are surrounded by common here, aren't we?
0:23:58 > 0:24:03Beautiful common. You can graze your animals on the common
0:24:03 > 0:24:07if you get permission from the committee, which looks after it.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10You can also make hay on the common, as well.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I like that expression, "You can make hay."
0:24:13 > 0:24:17If you did want to keep sheep, you can make hay on the common
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- and it will be enough to keep them. - Interesting option.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- You want pigs, chickens, a goat or two?- Maybe.- Maybe.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- Dogs?- Yeah.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28- Sheep?- Sheep.
0:24:28 > 0:24:34- What do you think? - This is an ideal situation for it.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39'The perfect location? Yes, but will the asking price be ideal?'
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Who wants to go first?
0:24:43 > 0:24:50- OK, I'll go first. It's going to be over-budget. 495.- OK.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I think in true tradition, I've got to go higher
0:24:52 > 0:24:56because of my higher budget, I think it's over my budget.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I think it's more around 535.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02The asking price is...
0:25:02 > 0:25:06£499,950.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Winner.- OK.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11So, at the moment, £50 change.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Enough to make a kennels at least at the back, surely?
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- I think the dream could be a step closer, I think.- Oh-ho!
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Do you fancy having another look around, by any chance?
0:25:23 > 0:25:24- I think we'd better.- A good idea.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I'm going to give you a time limit
0:25:26 > 0:25:29because you might get lost with all this land to explore.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Go on, enjoy yourselves. I'll catch up with you later.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38At a shade under £500,000,
0:25:38 > 0:25:43this property is just within Adam's budget, although it's over Karen's.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Still, it's got plenty to offer.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49With a wonderful, sociable kitchen-diner,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52four bedrooms, so plenty of guest space,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54over two acres of land
0:25:54 > 0:25:57and real potential in those outbuildings.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Look at the view.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03What a stunning view.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Having all this extra space, we can maybe look at having more sheep
0:26:06 > 0:26:09than just having a few that we've looked at.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Having a working flock. That would be really good.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17The thought of making your own hay. Oh, wow!
0:26:17 > 0:26:19We're going to get a little combine harvester.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21And a ride-on tractor!
0:26:21 > 0:26:26It's been modernised fabulously, extended. It's a fabulous house.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35Outside, well, just masses of space and having access to the extra space.
0:26:35 > 0:26:41It is an advantage and you never find that in most cottages.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44We said at the start of this process,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47if we found something that ticked all the boxes for us,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49I'd be willing to look up to our top budget,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53or stretch to our top budget of £500,000.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I think, if we looked at the ten boxes we need to tick,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59we're ticking 9.5 of them here.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02I think I might get a hard time from Karen later to find out
0:27:02 > 0:27:06exactly how we go to the finances to look at something on these lines.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Well, I think, they're very taken with the second property.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11All right, you two?
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- Did you manage to walk the land? - Not all of it.- Not all of it, no!
0:27:15 > 0:27:19But you're keen to keep exploring, I can tell.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- That is it for today. We're going to head home.- OK.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35As the sun sets over the Herefordshire countryside,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Naval officers Adam and Karen have their hearts set
0:27:53 > 0:27:57on a country home with a smallholding and business.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01So far, we've really captured their imagination with our two properties.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03But, coming up, the mystery house
0:28:03 > 0:28:07leads them in a completely different direction...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10That's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works!
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Another concept to think about, really.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14..and I join in the harvesting
0:28:14 > 0:28:17on a very colourful Herefordshire herb farm.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25We are en route to our mystery house.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Looking forward to this? - Very.- Yeah.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30After the two houses yesterday,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32we're really excited to see what's next.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33With our mystery house,
0:28:33 > 0:28:37what do you think we may have up our sleeve for you?
0:28:37 > 0:28:41We've been trying to guess for the last few days
0:28:41 > 0:28:44and we really have absolutely no idea.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49We're tried to think of some very random ideas, maybe a field with a wreck in that we can convert
0:28:49 > 0:28:53or something that is completely away from what we've asked for
0:28:53 > 0:28:55as a completely different thought.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58We don't have much idea at all.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02We've travelled over the Herefordshire border
0:29:02 > 0:29:03into the Welsh county of Powys
0:29:03 > 0:29:07and close to Hay-on-Wye, known as the town of books.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08It has over 30 bookshops
0:29:08 > 0:29:12selling many specialist and second-hand copies
0:29:12 > 0:29:15and hosts its own annual literary festival.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19Our mystery house is in the small Welsh village of Velindre.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21and we've picked it specially
0:29:21 > 0:29:24to challenge what THEY think they might want from their new home,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28as it's a new-build with surprisingly green credentials.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34You can look up, because this is your mystery house.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Oh, wow!
0:29:36 > 0:29:40That's completely unexpected. How different.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Very different.- It is.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Have you ever considered eco-living?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47We have considered eco-living, definitely, yes.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I'm noticing a few things here and there with the panels
0:29:50 > 0:29:52and the light tubes.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I'll be intrigued to get inside and have a look at this.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58'Well, they both seem pleasantly surprised
0:29:58 > 0:30:00'and fascinated by this property.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03'It's great news that they've considered eco-living before.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06'Let's check out what's on offer.'
0:30:07 > 0:30:12Welcome to your mystery house. Come on in.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Oh, my goodness!
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Wow!
0:30:16 > 0:30:20It's a bit of a "wow". These wooden features are just lovely.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23It just adds a bit of warmth to a contemporary decor.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- What do you think of the kitchen itself?- Lovely, huge, open area.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Fantastic entertaining room.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34With the central island,
0:30:34 > 0:30:35sleek worktops,
0:30:35 > 0:30:39it looks like a good working kitchen as well.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41It doesn't look just decorative.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45'And continuing the decorative-but-functional theme,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47'we are moving through to the dining room,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'which is just made for entertaining.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:53So, you've got your dining area here but again it's open.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Quite a bold colour choice in the room
0:30:56 > 0:30:59but actually, it feels nice and cosy.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03It's bigger than the dining areas we've seen attached to the kitchen.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08- Yes.- It makes it seem so huge.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12That open-plan feeling gives a feeling of everybody being involved.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15All the family can be in the same room at once.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19'With the family obviously close to their hearts, our next room
0:31:19 > 0:31:23'is another one that I think will work wonderfully
0:31:23 > 0:31:24'for those get-togethers.'
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Here is your sitting room.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- It's another good-sized room.- Yeah.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Another one we can probably fit all the family at one go.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- Unusual in its shape. - It curls around, doesn't it?
0:31:38 > 0:31:44Yeah, the circle and the curve with the stairs. Everything is curvaceous.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Yeah, but you've still got the strong lines of the beams.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Yeah, and I can see a wood-burning stove in the corner again.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54An Italian wood-burning stove.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58That is a work of art in itself with the concrete base and top.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00It's a lovely feature.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03'This house is just packed with them.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06'Take this open-tread turning staircase for one.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12'Then, on the first floor, there is a quite spectacular contemporary bathroom with a stone pod bath.'
0:32:12 > 0:32:17What do you think of this as a family bathroom?
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Another "wow" factor. It's like, "Whoa!"
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- It's some bath.- Some bath.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Beautiful freestanding bath, isn't it?
0:32:26 > 0:32:31And he's used a very, very strong palette in the property.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Again, I like the colour scheme.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- It works.- It doesn't overpower.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38It just feels in keeping with the rooms.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43'Also upstairs are three bright and generously-sized double bedrooms
0:32:43 > 0:32:48'with vaulted ceilings and more of those exposed beams.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'I'm showing them the biggest and most appealing of all
0:32:51 > 0:32:54'with its curved wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.'
0:32:54 > 0:32:58And here is...the master bedroom.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02It curves around and brings you through to this bit.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- You can see the inside of the fantastic A-frame.- Yeah.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09It looks like it's very traditional in the way it's been put together.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12It's nice. An incredible bit of engineering.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16It's lovely being in the curve, being above the lounge
0:33:16 > 0:33:18and the windows go right to the floor.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- It brings in so much extra light. - Yes.- It is, it's lovely.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28'So this amazing place is working wonders for them as a home inside.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30'However, outside will involve a rethink
0:33:30 > 0:33:32'to their kennel-owning plans,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35'as there's just a small garden with a patio.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38'But I've got an idea why this property
0:33:38 > 0:33:41'would be a very good proposition for them.'
0:33:41 > 0:33:45I know you're keen to buy a house as soon as possible
0:33:45 > 0:33:48but, moving forward, new businesses and stuff,
0:33:48 > 0:33:52you are three or four years away from dog kennels.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55What this would give you is a slice of country living
0:33:55 > 0:33:57but the reality is
0:33:57 > 0:34:00you've got to commute back to Portsmouth and Bristol.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01You could lock this up.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05You wouldn't have to worry too much about any animals or gardens
0:34:05 > 0:34:06or things to take care of
0:34:06 > 0:34:09but you can still enjoy it at the weekends when you got back.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14That's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works, with another concept
0:34:14 > 0:34:15to think about, really.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Neither of us have thought about doing that,
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- almost like a halfway house.- Yeah.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- It certainly has got the old brain cells working overtime again. - Once more.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Yes. It is a remarkable property.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I think it's probably close to Karen's budget,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37so I am going to go for £445,000.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- I'm good to go for £420,000.- OK.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49It's over your budget but it is under your top budget.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The asking price is 485,000.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53BOTH: OK.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Why don't you go and have another look around
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.- OK.- Thank you.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07At £485,000, this fascinating eco-property
0:35:07 > 0:35:12is well over Karen's budget but towards the top end of Adam's.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14It's thrown them a bit of a curve ball
0:35:14 > 0:35:18as it offers a completely different lifestyle.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21There's a very social open-plan living space,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24a huge kitchen-diner to fit the whole family,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27three good-sized bedrooms,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30a family bathroom with a real "wow" factor
0:35:30 > 0:35:32and easy-to-maintain grounds.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37The mystery house was very striking to begin with.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41As we came inside, the features and the workmanship,
0:35:41 > 0:35:46and all the ideas in the design was very impressive.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49What it has done is put the question in our minds
0:35:49 > 0:35:55to think about the idea of perhaps not going straight into having a lot of land
0:35:55 > 0:36:00and to do a halfway house almost, where we can build up,
0:36:00 > 0:36:05get used to the area, get used to the community and maybe grow from there.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09As soon as we saw the mystery house, I noticed the solar panels in the roof
0:36:09 > 0:36:11and as we went through the rest of the property,
0:36:11 > 0:36:15the plethora of eco-facilities that were in here
0:36:15 > 0:36:20were brilliant features that I think we can look at using in our home.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23- OK?- Yes, thank you.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26That's it, at the end of our tour of the mystery house.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30I think we should go somewhere where you can gather your thoughts
0:36:30 > 0:36:33and we'll have a chat about the three houses we've shown you.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Yes, OK.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Herefordshire is predominantly an agricultural county.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50As well as fruit, potato and cider production,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54many other wild and cultivated plants thrive here.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55For almost 30 years,
0:36:55 > 0:37:00botanist Dr Paul Richards has been growing herbs organically here.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02After four years of research
0:37:02 > 0:37:04in plant physiology in Aberdeen and Moscow,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07he began growing plants for animal feed
0:37:07 > 0:37:11and now has a successful business in organic skincare.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Products from the Herbpharmacy
0:37:13 > 0:37:16are handmade in small batches on his farm in Eardisley
0:37:16 > 0:37:17and I've come to find out more.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- Hi, Paul.- Hi, Nicki. - Great to meet you. Look at this.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26I feel like I'm standing in a sea of colour.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Looking around, it's a beautiful day today
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and I can see we are surrounded by flowers.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- What variety is this? - This is Calendula, or marigold.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- And these wonderful blue flowers? - Those are cornflowers.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Beautiful colours. It's a warm, sunny day today.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45All the flowers seem to be out. When's the best time to pick them?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47When they're ready like this.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50We pick them every week. We have to keep on picking them
0:37:50 > 0:37:52to keep the flowers coming.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54'All the plants on the farm are picked by hand.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56'There is no machinery
0:37:56 > 0:37:58'so I'm going to give it a go.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:03We'll pick the individual flowers, just simply by pulling them off.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- They are sticky!- They are. There are lots of resins in these.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09It's part of the properties.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13What am I looking for? What are the properties in the flower head?
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Calendula has an anti-inflammatory property.
0:38:15 > 0:38:21It's beautiful for sensitive skin. Calendula is also a healing herb.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- It is a very versatile herb. - What about the cornflower?
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Cornflower is anti-inflammatory, a bit like Calendula but much milder.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33It's useful to use in very sensitive areas, like around the eyes.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35We use that in an eye cream.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38'Once picked, the flower heads are chopped finely
0:38:38 > 0:38:42'and put on meshes to dry where they remain for two to three days.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45'Then they are infused in sunflower oil for about three weeks
0:38:45 > 0:38:47'at a warm temperature
0:38:47 > 0:38:50'and, once strained, you have oil extract of calendula.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53'This is one of the main ingredients
0:38:53 > 0:38:55'in a skin balm that Paul is making today,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59'along with others such as marshmallow, comfrey and chickweed
0:38:59 > 0:39:02'that have all been mixed together with beeswax
0:39:02 > 0:39:04'which makes it solid when cool.'
0:39:04 > 0:39:06You've heated it for how long?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We've heated to get it to about 70 or 80 degrees
0:39:09 > 0:39:13and the jar's warm, you pour it in there and it will slowly cool.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- Shall I have a go? - Yes, just go for it.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Shall we see how steady my hand is. - We'll see.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22This is so pure, isn't it?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Everything in here is organic, there's nothing else?
0:39:25 > 0:39:26100% organic.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30When you make a fresh batch of this,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33do have to do anything else to it?
0:39:33 > 0:39:38We pour a lab sample every time which we send to the lab to check
0:39:38 > 0:39:41there are no microbial growth in it. That's for safety.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44You have to do that under the regulations for every batch.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47What about the final ingredients that go in?
0:39:47 > 0:39:50As a trained botanist, was it a lot of trial and error?
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Does it take years to develop?
0:39:52 > 0:39:56We have been working with balms for about ten years now.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59We've played around with different herbs and how they combine.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02This really is a culmination
0:40:02 > 0:40:04of the four herbs that are so good for skin problems.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07'You shouldn't try making balms like Paul's
0:40:07 > 0:40:11'without a lab testing facility and plenty of experience.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16'Ten years down the line, his products are now across the UK.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19'It's a real rural success story,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22'literally plucked from the fields of Herefordshire.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25'Time now to get back to our property search
0:40:25 > 0:40:27'to see if we can have equal success
0:40:27 > 0:40:29'finding a new home for Adam and Karen.'
0:40:29 > 0:40:34So, you two, I think this has been quite an interesting search.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37The first property we went to see was on the Welsh border.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Can you remember your first impressions were
0:40:39 > 0:40:41when you saw the property?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44It just had that archetypal quaintness,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47"traditional cottage" look about it.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Is surprising how good a size the rooms were,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53which was really unexpected for such a period cottage.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54And, for our first property,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57one of your priorities were outbuildings with land.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00That house seemed to have it all, didn't it?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Certainly, there was really neat paddock there
0:41:03 > 0:41:06and a couple of outbuildings that had the potential
0:41:06 > 0:41:08that could be converted into something.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- One of your dreams is to run kennels.- Mm.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15We then travelled east, didn't we, to Bringsty Common,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18250 acres right on Worcestershire border.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23That had quite an impact for both of you as you walked up the drive, didn't it?
0:41:23 > 0:41:28Yes, it did. It was immediately obvious that the land was there.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31It looked like a fairly small cottage when we first arrived
0:41:31 > 0:41:35and as we worked our way around and into the property,
0:41:35 > 0:41:36through the huge extensions,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39we realised it was a really large property
0:41:39 > 0:41:41and with lots of scope for us to use all of the rooms
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- and have all our family come and visit.- It was really good.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Probably a 9.5 out of ten,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49because had it been within Karen's budget
0:41:49 > 0:41:51I think we would have been very, very close.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Oh, this is getting exciting!
0:41:53 > 0:41:56We're going to move on to our mystery house.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00As the mystery alludes to a complete surprise for us.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It's not something we would have necessarily looked at,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05but something that really opened our minds.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- It was a fascinating house, wasn't it?- It was, incredible.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12And striking, the design, it was beautiful.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15It was like a classic show home.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16It was fabulous to walk around
0:42:16 > 0:42:20but I don't think we could see ourselves living there.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23The mystery house hasn't quite hit the mark,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25although it did impress you.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Just to recap, you've given our second property,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30the one on the common, 9.5 out of ten.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34In my book, that's pretty good going.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Come on, will you be putting in an offer?- Yeah, I think...
0:42:37 > 0:42:40if we can sell our house in the not too distant future,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44I'm sure we'll be coming back to open discussions with them about making an offer.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- I'm going to be keeping my fingers crossed.- We are too.- And us.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50Thank you both very much indeed.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Although we didn't secure a sale for our naval couple,
0:42:57 > 0:42:58I feel Adam and Karen
0:42:58 > 0:43:03were completely seduced by our commoners' cottage.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08It's not often a property scores 9.5 out of ten.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If Adam can convince the more cautious Karen
0:43:11 > 0:43:14to go with his budget rather than hers,
0:43:14 > 0:43:18I think they may be moving into that smallholding very soon.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Until next time, bye-bye.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26If you would like to Escape To The Country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31please apply online at...
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