0:00:02 > 0:00:05I've escaped to the country to this mysterious upland woodland.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08But in the middle of it is this.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11It's known locally as the Druid's Temple.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But as to who built it, why and where,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16well, you're just going to have to stay tuned to find out.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'On today's show, a pair of freelance financiers
0:00:49 > 0:00:51'are aiming to invest in a new home in the country.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55'And we fulfil a kitchen dream with our first property.'
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- It's got an island, which... - We always wanted an island.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Everybody wants an island.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05'But it's the power of our mystery house that has them lost for words.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- Speechless.- Speechless? - That doesn't often happen.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- THEY LAUGH - I've noticed that.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Today, I'm in North Yorkshire, just outside the small hamlet of Ilton.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And this is the interior of the so-called Druid's Temple.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25You might be forgiven for thinking this bizarre collection of stones
0:01:25 > 0:01:29is part of Britain's prehistoric legacy, but you'd be wrong.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34It's a folly built in the 1820s by local squire William Danby.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37And he had a bizarre purpose in mind for it.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39The deal was he would feed and pay any man
0:01:39 > 0:01:41who could live up here for seven years,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45provided they didn't cut their hair or shave off their beard.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Apparently, one guy managed it for four-and-a-half years.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52You have to wonder. Funny old place to call home, really.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'Covering more than 3,300 square miles,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58'North Yorkshire is England's largest county
0:01:58 > 0:02:00'and one of its most rural.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05'Its two national parks, the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors
0:02:05 > 0:02:07'account for 40% of the county.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11'The moors include some of the UK's largest expanses of heather moorland,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15'while the dales, with their crags and extensive cave systems
0:02:15 > 0:02:19'display some of Britain's best examples of limestone scenery.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22'The Gateway to the Dales is the nickname given to
0:02:22 > 0:02:24'the attractive market town of Skipton.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27'Its actual name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for sheep.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31'Sheep farmers have been living here since the 7th century.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34'Skipton is also famous for its Norman castle.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37'Around 900 years old, it's one of the most complete
0:02:37 > 0:02:40'and best preserved mediaeval castles in the county
0:02:40 > 0:02:43'and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The average price of a detached property in North Yorkshire
0:02:48 > 0:02:52will set you back around £269,000.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55But beware, there is something of a golden triangle
0:02:55 > 0:02:57between Leeds, York and Harrogate.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03Step inside that and the same property could set you back £350,000.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06You've got two national parks on your doorstep and of course,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10the close proximity of towns like Leeds, York and Harrogate
0:03:10 > 0:03:12comes with a premium attached.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13But don't be put off.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17There are plenty of properties on the market to whet your appetite.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22'Priced at £350,000 is this striking two-bedroom conversion
0:03:22 > 0:03:25'of a stone-built farm building in Elburn.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29'The centrepiece of the house is a galleried living room with a full-height vaulted ceiling.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'It has quirky and charactable bedrooms
0:03:31 > 0:03:35'and a superb farmhouse-style breakfast kitchen with double butler sink.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40'For £575,000, you could be living in
0:03:40 > 0:03:44'this four-bedroomed, red brick character property.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47'It features a bespoke modern kitchen with range cooker
0:03:47 > 0:03:51'and a bright sitting room with French doors leading on to a patio,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54'while the master bedroom has wooden flooring
0:03:54 > 0:03:57'and a large balcony overlooking the garden.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01'And if you can stretch to just under £800,000,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04'you could go for this six-bedroomed farmhouse in Long Marston,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07'parts of which date back to the 17th century.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11'Sympathetically modernised, it has generous reception rooms,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15'a huge sociable kitchen diner and a stunning, mature garden.'
0:04:15 > 0:04:20The rural property market here in North Yorkshire rarely disappoints.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23There are some wonderful houses on the market,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26which is exactly why today's buyers are hoping
0:04:26 > 0:04:29that soon they may call this part of the world home.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'Stewart and Tracy met while working at the Stock Exchange
0:04:33 > 0:04:36'and have been married for 11 years.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39'They currently live in this house in Twickenham, Greater London.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43'Moving to the country has been on their minds for a long time.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45'Changes to their working lives in the financial sector
0:04:45 > 0:04:48'have brought their dream of country living within reach.'
0:04:48 > 0:04:53We both recently changed our employment situation.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57We were both working in the City, doing long hours there
0:04:57 > 0:05:01and we both moved into occupations where we can work freelance.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I'm a freelance project manager
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and Tracy is a freelance financial trainer.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10That gives us the opportunity to do
0:05:10 > 0:05:14what we have always wanted to do, which is to move back up north.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19'Up north, specifically Yorkshire, is where Tracy's family live.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23'While she and Stewart will be making a regular commute to London for a while,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27'they are hoping to find a new home much closer to her parents.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:31What really appeals to us are the villages around York.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33We don't want to be in York.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Neither of us would be comfortable in the middle of nowhere.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41I guess the ideal would be in a village, backing on to fields.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Every village has its outskirts.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45We'd like to move to an area
0:05:45 > 0:05:49that is within about 10 miles of my parents in Acomb.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54So that we can either drive there in under half an hour
0:05:54 > 0:05:57or possibly cycle when the weather is nice.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01'Physical pursuits are just some of the many activities
0:06:01 > 0:06:04'they'd like to do more of in the country.'
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Tracy cycles an awful lot for recreational purposes.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I cycle to work, which I prefer.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12We have our rowing machine and treadmill,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15which we use from time to time.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18We're very keen skiers.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I've always enjoyed sewing since I was young.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24One of the problems with this house is
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I have to use the dining table as a sewing area.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It gets very cluttered.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31It's a chore getting the equipment out,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34putting it away when someone's coming round.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38I'm really looking forward to having a dedicated area for sewing projects.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43'Space to set out gym equipment and a room for Tracy's sewing aside,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46'they have plenty of priorities for their next move.'
0:06:46 > 0:06:51I think in the new house, we would definitely want a kitchen area
0:06:51 > 0:06:55where we've got the light coming in
0:06:55 > 0:06:59either on to the back garden or on to a conservatory.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- So it's light and airy. - A similar feel to this one.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Large master with en suite.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09And preferably a dressing room.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And I would definitely like it in a decent plot
0:07:12 > 0:07:14with a driveway out the front
0:07:14 > 0:07:17and almost to be able to walk around it,
0:07:17 > 0:07:21like an Englishman's home is his castle.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23'We'll have to see about a castle,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25'but it all really depends on the finances.'
0:07:25 > 0:07:30If we found our dream property, and it met all our requirements,
0:07:30 > 0:07:35then I think we would be prepared to go to £700,000.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47'Stewart and Tracy are after good access to York,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49'from where they can commute to London.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53'They also want to be within cycling distance of Tracy's parents
0:07:53 > 0:07:56'in York's western suburb of Acomb, if at all possible.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58'We've got three stunning properties to look at
0:07:58 > 0:08:01'that should truly impress our buyers.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05'And I'll ask them to have a guess at the price before I reveal it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07'The last offering is our mystery house,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11'which will put our buyers right in the heart of the village action.'
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Tracy and Stewart, lovely to see you.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Welcome back to Yorkshire. - Thank you.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- This is your patch.- It's home. - How does it feel to be back?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Great. I love coming back.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Now we've got the chance to find you a permanent home here.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27What do the family think about it?
0:08:27 > 0:08:28- Um...- Go on.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31They don't know. THEY LAUGH
0:08:31 > 0:08:34We haven't told them. It's a big surprise for them.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38You're hoping you'll be able to drive them to your new front door.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Absolutely.- As if you were just here for a weekend.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Yes. Just for a drive. Then explain we've bought the house.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46There is more exciting news.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49You have finally, as we speak, sold your house.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- That's right.- Just yesterday.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Fantastic.- That's great news.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55So we've got £700,000 to spend.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Let's get out of this drizzle
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- and see if we can find you a new home. Follow me.- Thanks.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09'Stewart and Tracy have £700,000 to spend on their new country home.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13'And for that, they'd like a property which sits in its own plot.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16'3-4 bedrooms so they can have their friends to stay,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19'a master bedroom with a dressing room if possible,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'space for a gym, a sewing room for Tracy
0:09:22 > 0:09:26'and a bright kitchen leading on to a garden or conservatory.'
0:09:28 > 0:09:33'We're just 10 miles from York and five miles northwest of Harrogate
0:09:33 > 0:09:37'as we head to the designated conservation area of Hampsthwaite.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41'Surrounded by fields, it has an imposing Norman church
0:09:41 > 0:09:45'and usefully, a post office, a local pub and a convenience store.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'Our first house is located in an unspoiled position
0:09:48 > 0:09:51'on the fringes of the village, which our buyers prefer,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54'and is a stunning stone barn conversion.'
0:09:54 > 0:09:58OK, here we are, Property Number One.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Very pretty.- Isn't it?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Much prettier than it looks from the road.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Well.- It's really lovely. - I love stone buildings.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08This is about 200, 250 years old.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11The conversion was only done 10 years ago.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- OK. It looks immaculate. - Let's have a look.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18'So a great start for this house with a great finish.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'And it's also superbly designed and decorated inside,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24'as they'll see when they step through the door.'
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- What do you think of this? - It's beautiful!- Oh, hello!
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Hello, yes. Come on in.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Lovely hallway, as you can see.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35I like a nice entrance hallway.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37And it opens up. Check this out.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41And I think the finish in here really is the sort of thing
0:10:41 > 0:10:44that you two would probably try and recreate.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Yes. It's beautiful. Very nice.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- That is superb! - I love the fireplace.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I love this arrangement.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54A large coffee table in the middle, two large sofas.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57You can have a large group of people enjoying themselves.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- This is exactly the sort of arrangement I've always wanted.- OK.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04In a terraced house in London, you can't really get.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05It's a bit tricky, isn't it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:09'This sociable space is working wonders for Stewart and Tracy.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'I know that high on their wish list was a bright and stylish kitchen,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14'which this house really delivers.'
0:11:14 > 0:11:17No expense has been spared.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, isn't it?
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's not huge, but it's so well done.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- And it's got an island, which... - THEY LAUGH
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- I've always wanted an island. - Everybody wants an island.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's beautiful. I love having that dining area there.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35I think you would use that a lot.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- It's not taking up the kitchen space.- No.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- But it works very well with it. - So entertaining, dining, cooking,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45you could accommodate a dining table
0:11:45 > 0:11:48in the main living room, if you wanted to,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51but there is one through here. Come and look at this.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Oh, this is nice and light.- Oh, yes. - It's lovely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- This used to contain a tractor. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:02 > 0:12:05It's moved on a bit since then, as you can see.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07I can imagine spending a lot of time in here.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Although the lounge is beautiful,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11I was hoping for a little bit more living space
0:12:11 > 0:12:14rather than just the lounge and kitchen.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16To have this as well is a real bonus.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21'Well, I don't think the downstairs could have got much higher praise.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'I know that the first floor of this property is really going to impress.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29'There is one lovely bedroom with a skylight that could work as a sewing room for Tracy.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33'And a good-sized double with beautiful exposed beams.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36'Across the landing is a room they could both use as an office
0:12:36 > 0:12:39'and there's another double bedroom with a stunning vaulted ceiling
0:12:39 > 0:12:43'and its own luxurious en suite shower room.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48'Also up here is the charming family bathroom with freestanding bath.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'But we're heading to the room which could be theirs.'
0:12:52 > 0:12:54This is currently the master.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- This one also has an en suite, which is through there.- That's good.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- But what this one also has is this nice walk-in wardrobe.- Ah!
0:13:04 > 0:13:07There's a big grin here. Is any of your stuff going to get in it?
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- I shouldn't think so. - OK. You can have the room at the other end of the house.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14How does it compare size-wise to what you've got at the minute?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It probably is slightly bigger.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- Having the en suite and the dressing room makes a big difference.- Yeah.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24'With this very charactable house firing on all cylinders,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27'we just need to see if the outside has everything they want.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'There's a large timber garage that could be divided up and converted
0:13:31 > 0:13:35'for use as a gym, but does the garden have the feel that Stewart wants?'
0:13:35 > 0:13:40It is separated by the shared driveway, and it's not acres.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- No.- How do you feel about that?
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It's not ideal. I've got this vision of a lawn around the house.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- In its own plot.- But that said, it's all about compromises.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52And it is a beautiful property.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54But all of this is neither here nor there
0:13:54 > 0:13:58without revealing the price to you. Tracy.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I really don't know much about values in this area,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05although I know Harrogate is expensive. Um...
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- I would say £625,000.- £625,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I am very conscious of Harrogate, so I'm going to go higher rather than lower.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I'd say £640,000.- £640,000.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21Supposing I told you it was on the market for £695,000?
0:14:21 > 0:14:24And you've just hit the nail on the head. It's Harrogate.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- Yeah. Which is understandable.- Yeah.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30And it's a beautiful house, make no mistake.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32You could walk in tomorrow and not have to lift a finger.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Go and have a look around inside.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'Coming in just under their top budget at £695,000,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'this property has a great deal going for it.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51'It provides them with a beautiful bespoke kitchen.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55'A fantastic entertaining place in the reception areas,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58'five bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe for Tracy
0:14:58 > 0:15:01'and space for their gym equipment in the garage.'
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's a very attractive house. There is lots to like.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I love the kitchen with the dining area.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I think that is really usable space. A little sunroom on the end.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I think the location could be a concern
0:15:14 > 0:15:16in terms of us both getting down to London.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18We'd have to look at that journey.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21But it's got a nice feel to it, where it's situated.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Slightly disappointed that the garden is separate from the house
0:15:25 > 0:15:27because I do have this thing
0:15:27 > 0:15:30about having a house surrounded by lawn
0:15:30 > 0:15:32and being able to walk around it.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35On coming into the house, the ground floor is superb.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38There's nothing I would change about it, I don't think.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Ah. There we are. All done?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Yes, thank you.- Good start?
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Very good start. It's a lovely house. - I think so.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49There's a lot to take away from this one.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51There's the price to think about.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- We've got two more to see. Shall we? - Great.- I hope it doesn't rain.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08'The Howardian Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11'Covering 79 square miles of fields, woods and rivers,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14'they're the perfect location for Stewart and Tracy
0:16:14 > 0:16:17'to seek out new walks and cycle routes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20'The area is home to one of Britain's grandest private residences.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24'John Vanbrugh's baroque masterpiece, Castle Howard.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27'It was built for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30'whose family gave the area its name.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33'On the edge of the hills, on a tiny island in the River Derwent
0:16:33 > 0:16:36'is a rather special restoration project.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41'Howsham Mill is a Grade II listed 18th century Gothic watermill
0:16:41 > 0:16:44'that has been derelict since its closure in 1947
0:16:44 > 0:16:48'and is currently on the English Heritage At Risk register.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51'A group of locals, headed by Mo MacLeod of the Renewable Heritage Trust
0:16:51 > 0:16:55'have come together to turn this mill into a renewable-energy project
0:16:55 > 0:16:58'that now provides nearby homes with electricity.'
0:16:58 > 0:17:02'It's quite hard to believe that this beautiful old building,
0:17:02 > 0:17:03even before it's got a roof on it,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07is already generating £30,000 worth of its own income
0:17:07 > 0:17:08for the charity that's restoring it
0:17:08 > 0:17:12just by virtue of the waterwheel and the turbine and the sluice
0:17:12 > 0:17:15producing electricity for the National Grid.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20We went to view a property not far from here by the river
0:17:20 > 0:17:23and it used a heat-exchanger which extracts
0:17:23 > 0:17:27some of the heat from the river in order to heat the house.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- It was very clever. - Very environmentally friendly.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33The river is a fantastic thing. It never dries out.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37It's just brilliant. And it's using the natural resources that we have.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Why not? If it's there, you might as well use it.- Absolutely.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43'This square mill was built in 1755
0:17:43 > 0:17:46'by famed architect John Carr
0:17:46 > 0:17:49'for the Cholmley family of Howsham Hall.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52'It was used to grind grain and also as a decorative folly.'
0:17:52 > 0:17:55There are only two buildings in the whole of the UK
0:17:55 > 0:17:58that were designed as both functioning mills
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and as garden structures.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02One is this one and the other's at Chatsworth.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- So we're in very good company. - You are.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08And how is this space going to look after the renovation?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Basically, the whole of this ground floor
0:18:11 > 0:18:14is going to be left as one open space.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17We'll have a staircase that comes up this way,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19there'll be a walkway across the waterwheel
0:18:19 > 0:18:22so you'll be actually able to see the waterwheel under your feet,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24see it actually generating.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So we're trying to marry the modern-day use
0:18:27 > 0:18:29with a bit of the history of the building
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and not, sort of, you know...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35It sounds like the Stock Exchange with the live prices flashing up.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- You have the live usage of... - Exactly.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41And how much we're generating.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44'While the gearbox and generator attached to the wheel
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'are very much 21st century versions,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50'the waterwheel itself is based on a traditional design.'
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Standing here, we're perfectly positioned between our two turbines.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57We've got the reinstated waterwheel.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00But that actually was floated down the river on a pontoon in pieces,
0:19:00 > 0:19:05like a big Meccano set, and then bolted to the original axle.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10And that produces usually around about 10-11 kilowatts.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14And then we've got the Archimedean screw turbine, which is much more state of the art.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19It's old technology, but it's a state-of-the-art turbine that allows fish to swim through it,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23and that produces around about 25 kilowatts.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27But today, we have produced about 215,000 kilowatt hours.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31And to put that in some sort of context,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34it means we're producing enough for about 40 houses,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37which is the whole of Howsham, pretty much.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40And it makes Howsham a carbon-neutral village,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42which is really rather fantastic.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46'So an innovative heritage project that's brought a wonderful building
0:19:46 > 0:19:49'back to life, while developing a working legacy for the future.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52'If all goes to plan with the restoration,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55'the mill could be open by the autumn of 2012.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57'And here's hoping Stewart and Tracy
0:19:57 > 0:20:01'will be well established in their Yorkshire home by then, too.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13'We're heading five miles southwest of York, close to the village of Bishopthorpe,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16'which has amenities such as a local butcher's shop,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19'a post office and a 19th century church.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22'Two miles down the road in the parish of Acaster Malbis
0:20:22 > 0:20:26'is our second property, which was built in the late 19th century
0:20:26 > 0:20:30'originally as a farmhouse, but was later extended in the 1970s.'
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Property Number Two.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Now, a little bird has told me
0:20:36 > 0:20:39that you have spotted this online.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42We've looked at it a couple of times on the Internet.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- It's clearly of interest to you, but you haven't been inside it yet.- No.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48What was it about this that attracted you
0:20:48 > 0:20:50from the pictures you've seen?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Initially, the location
0:20:53 > 0:20:57and then I think the fact that it's got a nice driveway,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00it's set in its own plot, which is something you really like.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01- Yeah.- Old-style brick.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Yes, we do like stone-built, but this is old-style brick,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07which is also really attractive to us.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Could this be the one? Come on, let's have a look.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14'With their main priorities of the plot and the driveway met already,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16'we're off to a flying start with this one.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20'But I'm intrigued to see what happens next.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- Let's see how this matches up to your expectations of it.- Yes.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Come on in, Stewart. - Yeah. Nice and light.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- This is what I would call a Christmas tree hallway.- Yes.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Where you can put your big Christmas tree.- Yeah.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38This, in terms of space, is light-years away from Property Number One.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Come and have a look in the kitchen.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'Time to see if real life matches up to the online photos they've seen.'
0:21:44 > 0:21:46So, what do we think of this?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Very nice.- That's nice, yes.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51In fact, I would say this is nicer
0:21:51 > 0:21:53than what I expected from the Internet.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Sometimes, the wide-angle lens photography
0:21:56 > 0:21:59distorts the dimensions a little bit.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01So it's difficult to really understand
0:22:01 > 0:22:03how the room looks in reality.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07And my one question was, is it wide enough to put an island in?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10I knew that was coming! I was waiting on an island.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13You wonder about whether you want to ruin the flow through,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17but I don't think we should discount the idea of an island.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19I think we may be trying it.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20THEY LAUGH
0:22:20 > 0:22:25'You may indeed, Stewart. Let's see what they make of the next room.'
0:22:25 > 0:22:28One of the things I was quite keen on
0:22:28 > 0:22:31was the kitchen opening out either on to the garden,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34or probably even better, on to a conservatory.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Well, it does both, actually.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Because you've got double doors here
0:22:38 > 0:22:40which lead out into the wrap-around garden.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- And it's an all-year-round room, this.- Yep. Love it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48'This is going extremely well. But can we keep up the momentum in the formal dining room,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51'which I think is perfect for entertaining.'
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Now, I think this is a really nice room
0:22:55 > 0:22:58in terms of its size and proportions.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00It's quite a nice square room.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02And often, dining rooms are narrow.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04It's a very elegant room, I think.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06When you've finished dining, you can all, you know,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09come in here and relax and enjoy it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- The whole thing just flows beautifully, I think.- It does.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- This is a lovely size. - It's wonderful.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- It would be tremendous for parties. - Parties, Christmas.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Hosting Christmas for the family here would be...
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- We've got about 20 years of catching up to do on that.- Yeah.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29'Seems like their first social occasion in this house is planned already.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Also on the ground floor, there's a further reception room,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'which could be used as a home office
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'and maybe gym equipment. It's large enough for both.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40'There's also a very spacious cloakroom off the hallway.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44'Upstairs, there's plenty of space for family and friends to stay over
0:23:44 > 0:23:49'with three bright, well-proportioned double bedrooms with loads of storage space.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52'Plus a single, which could be put to use as a sewing room.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57'They all share the huge family bathroom which has both a spa bath and a wet room area.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00'But we're heading for the main bedroom.'
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Well, no surprise, we have saved the biggest until last.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Your master suite.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09That is lovely.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Really nice size. Nice and light.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14And of course, en suite, with a shower, too.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18It's great to have that.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22So, how has this matched your expectations so far?
0:24:22 > 0:24:26There's a broad grin here. Don't fight it. Go on.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Matched, if not exceeded my expectations.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And Stewart?
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- It's really nice house. I do like it.- OK. Good.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Let's head down to the garden. Your family are waiting for you down there(!)
0:24:39 > 0:24:41THEY LAUGH
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I kid you. Yes. Come on, follow me.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50'Inside, this house has really lived up to its billing.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52'But what about the grounds?
0:24:52 > 0:24:55'It has just under half an acre of beautiful garden,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57'but will it be enough?'
0:24:57 > 0:25:03Now, then, Stewart, come and tell me if this wraps around...enough.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- I think it does. - It's pretty wraparound, yeah.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- No, this is ideal. - It's beautiful.- Absolutely ideal.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Is this the sort of garden you would be prepared to take on?
0:25:11 > 0:25:13How green-fingered are you?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Tracy only needs to spend a couple of hours a day and this will be fine(!)
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Great. Love it. Got his own back, didn't he? I love it!
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Now, then, um,...the price. You have seen it online.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Do you remember what it was on the market for?- Remind us.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30£695,000.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Which I think offers a very direct and interesting comparison
0:25:34 > 0:25:36with Property Number One.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- It does.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Does that worry you - £695,000?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Not for this.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46You see, I should've added on another £100,000.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- You wouldn't have cared, would you? - She doesn't play poker.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51THEY LAUGH
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Go and have another look around. - Great.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you very much.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Ah! Lovely! They're very happy.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06'At £695,000, this property comes in under budget
0:26:06 > 0:26:09'and would appear to be tailor-made for Stewart and Tracy.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13'It has a great kitchen that leads to a bright conservatory.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15'Open-plan reception rooms for entertaining.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18'Five bedrooms with lots of storage.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21'Space for that study, gym and a sewing room,
0:26:21 > 0:26:25'plus it's set in its own plot on almost half an acre of land.'
0:26:25 > 0:26:27It is immaculately done out, so...
0:26:27 > 0:26:30So, would you put a new kitchen in?
0:26:30 > 0:26:34I think it's something I would probably like to do in time,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36but I think I could live with this quite happily
0:26:36 > 0:26:38for a good few years, so don't worry.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Um,...but it's a lovely space.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45I'm thrilled that I love this property even more
0:26:45 > 0:26:48having seen it in real life,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51compared to what I'd checked out on the Internet.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54The space is great. I can imagine living here,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57entertaining friends here, having my family here.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01I love its location. Certainly within cycling distance of my family.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Everything about it adds up, really. I absolutely love it.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08It's got so many of the things that we're looking for.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12The lovely big kitchen, a nice dining room, a fantastic big lounge
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and of course, a garden that wraps all around
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and makes it feel like a proper house.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Right, out you go.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26I wasn't sure if I was going to get the pair of you out of this one.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- It's been a real joy. - It's a beautiful house.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It's been so nice showing you around this particular property.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- And there's so much of it.- Yeah.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36And it's clearly pressing a few buttons, isn't it?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Just a few.- Yeah. Well, you've got lots to think about.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It's the end of the day. The lights are on, it's getting dark.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Let's go and have a drink, shall we? Come on.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'So, as dusk falls on the Yorkshire countryside,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02'it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09'Freelance financiers Stewart and Tracy from Greater London
0:28:09 > 0:28:12'are looking to move to Yorkshire to be closer to her family.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14'But ssh! Tracy hasn't told them yet.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18'So far, they've almost lost their hearts to one of our properties,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21'but our Mystery House throws a spanner in the works.'
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- Ooo! I can see confusion going on. - Definitely.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28I thought we'd sold house number two. Maybe that's going to change.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33'And I go hunting for some grouse, of the clay variety.'
0:28:37 > 0:28:39The beginning of any final day of house hunting
0:28:39 > 0:28:43is always a great point to begin to draw things together.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46With Property One and Two, we had some fantastic elements in each,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49which both Stewart and Tracy really enjoyed.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52I think the trick with our final property, our Mystery House,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54is to try and draw those together.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56And this one does it beautifully.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05'We've travelled 13 miles from York, our furthest distance so far.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08'Close to the lively village of Helperby,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11'which provides a butcher's, a church and a local tearoom.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16'Three miles down the road is Tholthorpe,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19a close-knit community set around a pond and green.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22'It's the location for our Mystery House in the middle of the village.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25'We won't be offering Stewart and Tracy
0:29:25 > 0:29:27'any views of fields here, just neighbours.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32'So, will this very social style of village living prove to be a winner?
0:29:32 > 0:29:33'We're about to find out.'
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Here's the Mystery House. Ta-dah!
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- Ooo!- Oh!- This is a real treat.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Come and have a look.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Come on to the lawn because although that is rather nice,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46it does slightly obscure the view of the property.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- That's what we want to show you. - Beautiful!
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- Very attractive. - It's picture postcard. Really pretty.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56- It looks special.- The windows look amazingly high quality. Beautiful.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Wait till you see the inside. Come on.- Thank you.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02'So this house seems to have cast a spell already.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07'Maybe the location is secondary when the property is this good.'
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Right, in you come. Squeeze around the door, Stewart.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15This is our starting point, one of two reception areas, shall we say.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17But this is more of a snug, I would suggest.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- Yeah. It's lovely.- Very cosy.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Very cosy, very pretty.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26I love the fact that the exposed beams are quite light in colour.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29It's lovely. I really like it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- Yeah. Ooo! I can see confusion going on.- Definitely.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I thought we'd sold house number two, but maybe that will change.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- I'm glad I remained open.- Yeah.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- This is a great house. Lead on, Stewart.- OK.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46This is the dining room, as you can probably tell.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- What you think?- That's lovely.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51I love the flagstone floor.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Underfloor heating throughout, on every floor.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- Major bonus.- But whichever way you come into this building,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00you've got something to welcome you. Either the living room or this.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Oh, look at the hen at the window!
0:31:04 > 0:31:08There you are, living the dream, look. Country life, fantastic.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Well it's a great reaction so far,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but the next bit is just out of this world.
0:31:14 > 0:31:20- Oh my goodness!- Yeah? - Oh, that is incredible.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21Now, you've got three in one here.
0:31:21 > 0:31:27You've got living room, diner, and of course, you know, the kitchen.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Superb. I don't suppose you like it?!
0:31:31 > 0:31:32SHE LAUGHS
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Behind is your utility room, all mod cons,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38downstairs loo as well just through the corridor there.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41So, you know, again, it's a house that really flows.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Come and have a look at the rest of the kitchen.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- I mean, again, finish is second to none.- That's amazing.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- It is beautiful.- Now, this is an interesting question.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56I've just reminded myself that, of course, your family don't know you're here.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- True!- What would they think if they walked into this one?
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- They would be blown away.- Yes, they would.- Absolutely blown away.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05They would be stunned.
0:32:05 > 0:32:10- They probably wouldn't believe it was ours, would they?- No.- Speechless.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15- Speechless?- That doesn't often happen.- I've noticed that!
0:32:15 > 0:32:20So Tracy is lost for words and she hasn't even seen the home office,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22which overlooks the village green.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Upstairs should also continue to impress.
0:32:26 > 0:32:27There's a total of five bedrooms.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Three of them are on the first floor, all spacious and bright,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34and one even features a beautiful ceiling beam.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37There's another one of those chunky beams in the bathroom,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40which has a freestanding rolltop bath,
0:32:40 > 0:32:42but we're heading for the largest bedroom.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45So, the master bedroom.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50It is lovely, isn't it? It's beautiful.
0:32:50 > 0:32:56- Now, it also benefits from a huge, and I mean huge, walk-in wardrobe. - Yes!
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I was wondering, where are the wardrobes?!
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Oh yes! No, no, they really thought it through.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05So we've got a walk-in wardrobe for you, plus,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07I think the best en suite I've seen for a long time.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Check this out, you're going to love this.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12Wow!
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- My goodness!- Now, that is where the magic happens.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- In the double bath for two. - It's like a swimming pool!
0:33:22 > 0:33:26That's just out of this world. Beautifully done.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Oh!
0:33:29 > 0:33:33What's going on, Tracy? What's happening? What's going through your mind?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I'm thinking there's no way we can afford this.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Well, it won't be long before she finds out.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Up on the second floor you'll find the remaining two bedrooms,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46both with beautiful vaulted ceilings and exposed timbers.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51One has an en suite bathroom, and the other is currently being used as a games room
0:33:51 > 0:33:54so it should be perfect to house their gym equipment.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58While, outside, there's a terrace for entertaining and well-maintained lawns,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02along with a well from the property's days as a farmhouse.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- So, you know, there we are. - That's our mystery house.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07It's no mystery to me!
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Ah! OK! Right!
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Well, the price is!- Yes! - ..At the moment, isn't it?
0:34:14 > 0:34:19I'm thinking, erm, you're not going to get this for less than 750.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- 750, yep.- I'm thinking maybe even a bit more. Maybe 760.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26I think you can afford this...
0:34:26 > 0:34:31..because, once again, it's £695,000.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- You've just taken it out of my hands.- Maybe I have!
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- I think you should talk about it between yourselves.- We will.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44- Go and have a wander around and I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you.- Off you go.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50So just within budget at £695,000, this stunning property
0:34:50 > 0:34:53gives every impression of being the house of their dreams.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56It has fabulous open plan entertaining rooms,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00a ready-made home office downstairs, five bedrooms,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02a dressing room for Tracy,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05and an easy-to-maintain garden.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I'm pretty blown away by this house.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10I could tell from outside, the windows were beautiful,
0:35:10 > 0:35:16I knew it was going to be a great finish inside, but it's absolutely amazing inside.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21I didn't think Escape To The Country could provide any competition
0:35:21 > 0:35:25for yesterday's property, and now I'm very confused.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Erm... I'm trying to imagine myself living here,
0:35:29 > 0:35:34and what my family would think, so lots to think about.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Well, I mean the mystery house, it's an incredibly attractive property.
0:35:38 > 0:35:44The love and attention that's been put into putting this place together is incredible,
0:35:44 > 0:35:46and it's impossible to fault.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49An absolutely beautiful house.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50Right, out you go.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Well, once again, I think we've rather spoilt you, haven't we?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- You have.- I'd say so, yes.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- And we've given you, I think, three very viable properties.- Yes.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04I know this one's captured your heart,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- but there's an awful lot to consider with all three of them.- Absolutely.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Right then, come on, let's go and have a think.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25The Yorkshire Wolds are a series of gently undulating chalk hills and valleys.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30In the heart of the Wolds, in a 4,500 acre estate,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33sits the grade II listed Raisthorpe Manor.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37This was the first place in the country to offer simulated game shooting.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40It follows the principles of a normal game bird shoot,
0:36:40 > 0:36:45but replaces live birds with clay pigeons, fired from various traps,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49which are designed to emulate a natural bird's flight.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I've come to find out more from the estate owner, David Medforth.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- Hi, David, nice to see you. - Nice to see you too, yes.
0:36:56 > 0:36:57What a fantastic spot.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01I mean, this is something that many clay shooters will be looking at green with envy,
0:37:01 > 0:37:05the idea that you can simulate a proper game drive.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08But, importantly, you're able to earn money all year round
0:37:08 > 0:37:11and you're not limited to that short shooting season.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13That's the main plus of it all.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16It's very exciting to see all these butts lined up
0:37:16 > 0:37:20and the opportunity to see so many guns working at once, and nothing will get killed
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- but we'll have a good day's shooting.- That's right, so why don't we have a go?
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Let's have a look, come on, can't wait.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I'm really looking forward to giving the grouse trap a try.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34David's putting me in the experienced hands of shooting instructor John Robinson.
0:37:34 > 0:37:39Now, safety first of course, we're dealing with live ammunition and guns.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- What do we start with?- First of all, head, ears, and eyes, so...
0:37:43 > 0:37:50- Let's get ready to go.- Glasses. - My safety glasses.- One hat.- OK.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52And earphones, so you can hear me speak
0:37:52 > 0:37:56but also it'll take out the noise of the gun.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- So, the gun.- The gun.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02First of all, we're always going on about safety,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- just check the barrels, be happy they're empty.- It's clear.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Great. Don't think. It isn't a thinking man's game.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11LAUGHTER
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Most importantly is read that target, read what it does,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18line, speed, direction, just as we do in any ball sport that we play.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Got it.- So, into your shoulder.- OK.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Head down on the comb, finger above the trigger at the moment.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26You're live to shoot with a dummy cartridge.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31- Finger on the trigger.- Yep. - And here we go. Clay is coming.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Watch it first, move to it, pull the trigger, nicely done.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- So, now, the real thing.- OK, right.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Three in a row, so no pressure at all. OK?
0:38:39 > 0:38:43So we've now got two cartridges, a single trigger gun, pull and release.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46So, once you fired the first one, release the trigger,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48the second one is then live to shoot.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52We're now going to get simulated clays coming over us
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- which will relate to what you get on a real game.- All right.- OK?
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- Happy with that?- I'm happy, sir, yes.- Game on. OK.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01HORN BLARES
0:39:02 > 0:39:07The main difference between clay pigeon and simulated game shooting
0:39:07 > 0:39:09is the trajectory of the clays.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12These are released from the traps at random heights and speeds,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15as unpredictable as real-life birds can be.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20Grouse tend to fly low and fast, while pheasants fly a lot higher.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25Over a day's simulated shoot, you could get to fire at around 200 clays,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29and anyone can have a go, from novices to old hands like me.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I'm loving this.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37- Nice shooting.- Great.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- And here's your best two cartridges because these are your last.- OK.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- Right, no pressure.- Right. - Watching hard, watch the clay.
0:39:45 > 0:39:46Great. Beautiful.
0:39:46 > 0:39:53- Got the last two with two remaining cartridges!- OK?- John, fantastic.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Absolutely fantastic, sir.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58So, I'm right on target with the simulated game,
0:39:58 > 0:40:03now let's see if we managed to hit the spot with any of our three properties for Stewart and Tracy.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05We've got three scones here...
0:40:05 > 0:40:07LAUGHTER
0:40:07 > 0:40:09..which is symbolic of our three properties!
0:40:09 > 0:40:11And I'm not going to let you eat them
0:40:11 > 0:40:14until we've got a decision from you as to what's going to happen next.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So, let's just remind ourselves of our first property.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19A lovely old converted coach house.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Yes, it was beautiful, and you could see from the outside
0:40:22 > 0:40:26that it would have a good finish to it inside.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30I thought the downstairs in particular was just impeccable.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33The whole flow of the room, that lounge was marvellous.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37And of course it was £695,000, as indeed were they all,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39so we've given you a fantastic comparison across the board.
0:40:39 > 0:40:45- Yes.- Our second one, which you had spied online before.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46Yes, I'd seen it online.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50I was very excited to see it in real life, to see inside.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54How did it match up to your expectations now you've had time to really digest it?
0:40:54 > 0:40:59It exceeded my expectations. Location was fantastic,
0:40:59 > 0:41:00the gardens were stunning,
0:41:00 > 0:41:06and then, inside, more spacious than I dared hope for, having looked at it online.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10For me, of the three, the approach to the house,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13the old car going up the gravel driveway,
0:41:13 > 0:41:18was exactly the sort of thing I'd been trying to describe beforehand.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- Actually amazing.- OK, well I rather thought we'd done it at that point.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24So did I!
0:41:24 > 0:41:27If it had been our final property, that might've been it, but of course it wasn't.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29We had the mystery house still to come,
0:41:29 > 0:41:33which I think rather threw a spanner in the works, didn't it?
0:41:33 > 0:41:34Very much so.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- Property number three was superb and I could easily see us living there. - Yes.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42I think, if I hadn't seen the driveway from yesterday,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46from property number two, it would be an easy decision,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49but I've got a feeling, and I'm trying to read Tracy
0:41:49 > 0:41:54because she's being coy about it, that number three will come out on top.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I'm also fascinated to know what's going to happen
0:41:57 > 0:41:59when you finally reveal to your family
0:41:59 > 0:42:03that you've been on Escape To The Country, that you haven't told them,
0:42:03 > 0:42:08and that maybe you turn up outside the mystery house with the keys in your pocket.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- Yes.- It could be interesting.- That's all part of the excitement, I think.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- I'm looking forward to that bit. - You devious pair, you!
0:42:15 > 0:42:18It's been a pleasure, guys. I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22If you go for the mystery house, or property number two, I think you've made a fantastic choice.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- I suspect I know which one it's going to be.- We'll let you know.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32Do let us know, and, just to top it off, I'll allow you to have a scone.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- Help yourself!- Thank you very much.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Pick scone number three, why not?!
0:42:36 > 0:42:38LAUGHTER
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Well, I've just left Stewart and Tracy celebrating,
0:42:46 > 0:42:50polishing off the rest of the scones, as well they might.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Let's face it, they've sold their house and they're on the cusp of buying another one.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58And, for a couple who've spent all their working lives in the City,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02this could be the most important financial decision that they've ever made.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06So, all in all, I think it's SCONE rather well!
0:43:06 > 0:43:08That's a terrible joke, isn't it?
0:43:09 > 0:43:13Stewart and Tracy went back to see both house two and our mystery property.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17They've made an offer on the second house, which has been accepted,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22so they're hoping to surprise the family with a Yorkshire Christmas in their new home.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or England,
0:43:27 > 0:43:34and would like our help, then please apply online at:
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