0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, we are in a county where, in the 12th and 13th century,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08a huge number of these massive castles, 50 at the last count,
0:00:08 > 0:00:09were built by English lords
0:00:09 > 0:00:13trying to shore up their defences against local chieftains.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Find out where we are, in just a moment, on Escape To The Country.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Today, I'm searching for a rural home for a couple,
0:00:49 > 0:00:53who want to swap their urban living for a taste of the good life in the countryside,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56and we serve up some elegant properties.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00This is modern enough, with the period detail in it as well.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02This is really, really nice. This is the sort of kitchen we want.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Then there's our mystery house,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08a property that offers much more than they bargained for.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- Is that good for you?- Excellent, I like that. This is stunning, this is stunning.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Today, we are in Monmouthshire, a Welsh county that borders England,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21which probably explains all those castles,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and this one behind me, Abergavenny Castle,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27was the site of a very bloody massacre in 1175,
0:01:27 > 0:01:29when the English Lord, William de Braose,
0:01:29 > 0:01:34invited his Welsh enemies in for a reconciliatory Christmas dinner.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37When they entered the castle and put down all their weapons
0:01:37 > 0:01:38they were hacked to death,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42earning William the title The Ogre Of Abergavenny.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Now, Monmouthshire has passed, like a hot potato, from England to Wales,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50England to Wales, finally landing on the Welsh side in 1974.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It's not hard to understand why you would fight over this spectacular county,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58which is bordered by Herefordshire
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and Gloucestershire on the English side,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02and Powys on the Welsh side.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The Wye Valley, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10stretches for 16 miles through the south of the county
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and it's home to one of the great monastic ruins of Wales,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Tintern Abbey.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19The county town of Monmouth is steeped in history
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and features some great architectural examples,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24such as the celebrated Monnow Bridge,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27which is the only mediaeval fortified river bridge in Britain,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31with the gate tower standing on top of it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32And Agincourt Square,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36which has one of the finest Georgian shire halls in Wales.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40It's the wonderful mix of unspoilt countryside
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and splendid towns that make Monmouthshire an attractive proposition for tourists
0:02:44 > 0:02:46and homebuyers alike.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Let's talk brass tacks.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54The average price tag on a detached house in Monmouthshire is £242,000,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59that's £15,000 less than the national average,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02but value for money is not the only thing that brings people here.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05It's an incredibly beautiful county and very rural,
0:03:05 > 0:03:10there are no cities in Monmouthshire and yet, Bristol and Cardiff
0:03:10 > 0:03:13are both easily commutable, which makes it a very attractive buy.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17So let's take a look at what sort of properties are on the market.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20For just under £380,000 there's
0:03:20 > 0:03:23this three-bedroom stone farmhouse
0:03:23 > 0:03:24outside Abergavenny.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28The sitting room has a lovely woodburner, to keep you warm,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32and the bedrooms benefit from period features like the exposed beams.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Outside there are stunning views of Blorenge Mountain.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Or this four-bedroom converted barn in Llangeview might be worth a look.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45Priced at just under £600,000, there is a range cooker in the kitchen
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and an elegant stone fireplace in the sitting room.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Finally, the beautiful lawned garden
0:03:51 > 0:03:54is enclosed with hedges and mature borders.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And, if you have a bigger budget,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00this five-bedroom converted barn near Usk could be just right.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Priced at a little under £800,000,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06the stylish kitchen has beautiful granite finishes
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12The dining room is fit for a banquet
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and there are stunning views over majestic countryside.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19So many beautiful properties in amongst these beautiful hills.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Let's meet the lucky couple who are planning to move here.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Self-employed business analyst Keith
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and trainee driving instructor Kevin are set to become civil partners in a few months' time.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35They are keen to move away from suburban Milton Keynes
0:04:35 > 0:04:38so they can enjoy a more peaceful, rural existence.
0:04:38 > 0:04:44We'd like to move to the country to, obviously, start again together
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and we'd like to be able to be self-sufficient,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50grow our own stuff and settle down that way.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56I think my dream lifestyle would be very much along the lines of waking up,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58throwing open the curtains in the morning and
0:04:58 > 0:05:03actually seeing the countryside, seeing nature and living with nature.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06One of the key things we want to do, when we move to the country,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08is grow lots of organic vegetables and become self-sufficient.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12So the chance to grow their own is a major factor for the move
0:05:12 > 0:05:18and they've already pinpointed the perfect location to achieve this rural dream.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21The area I'd like to move to is Monmouthshire.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Absolutely, there are some very nice places over there
0:05:24 > 0:05:26but the main thing about the area is you get good quality housing,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30good value housing and you get some decent land.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33We've been looking to move, I guess, for about the last six to eight months.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Keith is also a DJ
0:05:36 > 0:05:38but the noise of his music has proved difficult to manage
0:05:38 > 0:05:42in the close confines of their Milton Keynes estate.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45He's hoping the move to a more remote setting will allow him
0:05:45 > 0:05:47to enjoy his passion much more.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I like to create lots of noise, I like to create my own mixes
0:05:50 > 0:05:52so I need lots of space
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and lots of room to create as much noise as I like.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59As well as space and room there's plenty of other requirements on their wish list.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03What we want from a property, at least three bedrooms,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05two reception rooms downstairs, must have a study,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09ensuite bathroom would be nice,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13big kitchen so we can actually have a table in the middle.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It has to be detached, I wouldn't consider a semi-detached
0:06:16 > 0:06:19or a terraced house at all.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22The outside, we want about half an acre to an acre of land.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Buying their first home together is a big change and it seems
0:06:28 > 0:06:31they may not always sing from the same hymn sheet.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I think that the property that I will fall in love with
0:06:34 > 0:06:39is probably slightly different to the property Kevin will fall in love with.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43And I think I'm the decision-maker in the relationship, however
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Kevin normally gets his own way.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Keith and Kevin are ready for the next chapter of their lives to begin
0:06:50 > 0:06:53and they've nailed down the finances for their move.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59The budget for the new property is £350,000.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04If we found the most spectacular property in the world, we would push that.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11With an upcoming wedding on the horizon
0:07:11 > 0:07:14it's going to be a big move for Keith and Kevin.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18They are going to try and start anew with the good life in the Welsh countryside,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21and there's plenty of countryside to offer them,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23but I'm a little worried that their requirements for a whole acre
0:07:23 > 0:07:26is going to stretch their budget somewhat.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Still, I am very interested to see their reactions
0:07:29 > 0:07:31to this beautiful part of the world, even though
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Kevin's never actually been here.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Let's go and meet them.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Our buyers have asked us to search the countryside
0:07:42 > 0:07:46around the central and southern areas of Monmouthshire.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49We've got three fantastic Welsh homes for them to peruse
0:07:49 > 0:07:54but I won't be revealing how much they cost until they've had a guess first.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57As ever, our last property is the mystery house
0:07:57 > 0:08:01and we've got a home that really has to be seen to be believed.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Kevin and Keith, welcome to Monmouthshire.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- First impressions?- Nice. Yeah. - That's good.- So far so good.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14It would be terrible if you came here and you hated it.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17In terms of, I know that you want some land for your garden.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Now, you want an acre. What's your budget?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23350,000.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28The Wye Valley, particularly, is a desirable place, although you can get great value for money,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32but you want an acre and that might be a bit of a stretch.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- OK.- Are you prepared to compromise on certain things,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- because you need space for your deejaying as well?- I do, yes.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It depends on what we have to compromise
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- but compromise and buying a property, the two things go together really.- Sure.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45You never get exactly what you want.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Because I know you quite like modern,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50and you're more period, or you kind of like traditional as well?
0:08:50 > 0:08:54I like traditional buildings but I do like them to be modern inside.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- 0K.- I'm not the greatest DIY person in the world.- Right.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Do you have a problem with a bit of a period feel?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- No, but I do prefer modern.- Right. - Over older types.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- So you would go for a new build? - Yes.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09It's a great place to be property shopping.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- I'm looking forward to what we are going to show you.- Lovely.- Let's go.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Keith and Kevin have £350,000 to spend on finding a new home,
0:09:18 > 0:09:25although they may be prepared to push their budget a little further for something spectacular.
0:09:25 > 0:09:26They want:
0:09:47 > 0:09:48We begin our house hunt
0:09:48 > 0:09:50in the pretty village of Redbrook
0:09:50 > 0:09:52which is split right down the middle
0:09:52 > 0:09:55by the border between Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Redbrook is in the Wye Valley and has an old railway bridge
0:09:58 > 0:10:02which connects Wales on one side and England on the other.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05The village has a small community of pretty terraced houses
0:10:05 > 0:10:10and is serviced by two pubs, a post office and a local store.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12My first property is a detached cottage,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14dating back to the 19th century.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So slightly unusual approach to the first house,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22coming up the side steps,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24but here we get a really good view of it.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Your first property to view.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Wow.- What do you think?- I like this.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33It's a nice view.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36It's from the 1800s originally, it was a wheelwright's workshop
0:10:36 > 0:10:38but it also includes this coach house.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Oh, that could be useful.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Yes, I'm hearing DJ music coming from there.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47What do think of the style, Kevin, because it's not new build?
0:10:47 > 0:10:51It's not new but I do like this bit up here, actually.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55There's lots of little bits and pieces. It's a jigsaw of a property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Let's have a look inside.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Come in.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10So, as you see, we come in through this door into the kitchen.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12It's a slightly upside down house
0:11:12 > 0:11:14with all the living space up top.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- OK.- Thoughts?
0:11:16 > 0:11:17I think, personally,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21I'd like my kitchen to look more like a kitchen, it's very country.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26I like modern clean but I also like some of the traditional features.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- I like Belfast sinks, for example. - Sure.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Who does the cooking, do you both cook?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33That's mainly my job.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38And what's your taste in kitchens, the same?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Yeah, kind of clean lines.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- So you'd probably just make it a bit more smart and modern?- Yeah.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's a very light property.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52Good, so this is the kitchen, let's go straight through into the sitting-room.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Oh, wow, this is quite nice.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Nice high ceiling.- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01This was, as I say,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04it was originally a wheelwright's workshop downstairs,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08and then he made a bit of money and built this stone and brick clad
0:12:08 > 0:12:13sort of building on top with these rather ornate Georgian arched windows.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14I like them windows.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18This is actually a mezzanine space, there's a lovely sort of hidey-hole there.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22You could have guests sleep in or you can turn it into reading room, or something.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- You can explore that later on.- OK.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27This is the main kind of living space,
0:12:27 > 0:12:28is it big enough for you, guys?
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- Yeah, I think so.- Yeah.- Yeah, it's a nice space.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Kevin, what do you think about this space,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36you've got a sort of twinkle in your eyes?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38I quite like it, actually.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42I think the staircase thing in the middle is little bit different
0:12:42 > 0:12:45but, yeah, I quite like it.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48I quite like the head height and I like the windows
0:12:48 > 0:12:53but there's just something that's not getting me at the moment
0:12:53 > 0:12:54and I'm not sure what it is.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57OK, well, maybe we can put our finger on it as we go around.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00As I say, it is upside down, so your bedroom, at the moment, is up here.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Because the house is upside down,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06on the lower floor there are two double bedrooms and a tiled wet room.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09But I'm taking them to the main bedroom.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Of course, it's your choice, but they are using this as their master bedroom at the moment.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- OK.- It's an extension, as well, a new part of the house.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- OK. Is there a bathroom up here? - There is indeed. It's through here.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24OK.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Not any old bathroom, quite a lovely bathroom.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Oh, wow, this is a big size, isn't it?- This is nice.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- I like the roof above, as well. - Yeah.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39It is very unusual to have a bathroom that's so drenched in daylight.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45So, in terms of the two of you, is that sort of layout at the top all right?
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Most of the time there is only the two of us going to be here
0:13:48 > 0:13:52so having this up here would actually work quite well.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55There's lots of space because those two rooms downstairs are a good size.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59But you've also got this coach house I want to show you outside.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Keith wanted a room where he could work and make a lot of noise
0:14:03 > 0:14:05and I think I've got the perfect spot for him in the coach house,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08just across the courtyard.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14This, I think, is a real opportunity for you guys
0:14:14 > 0:14:16because it's the old coach house.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Got a log burner to keep you warm in the winter.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21This can be your space.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Yes, I could set up my office and my DJ equipment up here.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Yes, quite.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29The garden is the most important part for you guys,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31so let's take a look at that.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Let's see if there's enough space
0:14:34 > 0:14:38for Kevin to indulge his passion for self-sufficiency?
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Quite a few steps but here we are,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43overlooking your whole domain which is not huge.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45No.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52This is the end of your property as it stands at the moment.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54So you've got this terraced area and then this terraced garden
0:14:54 > 0:14:59and there's a little vegetable plot at the front of the house.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01I think, for what we are looking for,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04this is probably just a little bit too small.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Kevin, what are your thoughts about the land?- The same as Keith, really.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I was probably hoping for a little bit more, bigger garden,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13not 100% sure it's what we are after.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14- No.- Right.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18It is an unusual property, in the sense that it is quite sort of higgledy-piggledy,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20but a beautiful location.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23What do you think it is on the market for?
0:15:23 > 0:15:26I'd say around 335.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I'd probably say a bit higher 340, 345?
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- Well, you're spot on, it's actually on the market at 340.- Excellent.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It's been on for about three months
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- and the owners don't have a chain so they are keen to move.- 0K.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Have an explore, go and have a look at the rooms downstairs,
0:15:42 > 0:15:47see if you can work your way around the layout and I'll see you at the front.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- OK.- Lovely.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- Oh, this is a nice room.- This is nice, isn't it?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18This is probably better than the master bedroom.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22The overall place, I think we'd move the master bedroom downstairs
0:16:22 > 0:16:29and the outhouse is obviously a good place for Keith to have his office and DJ room.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33It's an interesting property from the outside.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36You can't see the house itself until you actually go up, very quirky.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38I think it's something to consider
0:16:38 > 0:16:40but let's wait and see what the other two houses are.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44This is a real sun trap here, with a beautiful view over England.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- Don't get to say that very often. Hi, guys.- Hi.- All done? - Yes, thank you.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Just pull the door to and we'll head off to the next house.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05When Keith and Kevin make the move to Monmouthshire,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Chepstow, set on the River Wye,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09will be an important place for them to know.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14So, earlier in the week, we sent them to explore the town.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17It sits on the border between Wales and England
0:17:17 > 0:17:23and Chepstow's Norman castle is a testament to its strategic importance.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26The mediaeval town gate, and much of the walls, still remain intact.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30A few miles outside the town is Dewstow Gardens
0:17:30 > 0:17:33which should really appeal to green-fingered Kevin.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36The garden was commissioned by the owner of Dewstow House, Henry Oakley,
0:17:36 > 0:17:42whose hobby was cultivating tropical flowers, ferns and plants.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Alongside this horticulture sits a magical array of ponds,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48underground grottoes and tunnels.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53It hasn't always been like this.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54After the Second World War,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58the garden was partly filled in and turned over to agriculture.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01And in the 1960s, rubble from the M4 motorway construction
0:18:01 > 0:18:04was also dumped here.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06But, happily, the story doesn't end there
0:18:06 > 0:18:10and today the gardens have been restored to their original state.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Head gardener Peter Lane is showing our househunters around.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Well, the pond can see behind me here
0:18:17 > 0:18:19is one of the several ponds at Dewstow Gardens
0:18:19 > 0:18:22that lay hidden for over 50 years.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25How did you find the gardens again?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29There was a step found up in the rock garden, obviously it led somewhere
0:18:29 > 0:18:34and they just really started digging from that point, found a pond,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38and just really, basically, carried on digging and finding more and more ponds
0:18:38 > 0:18:44until, there's about 33 ponds on the site of all various sizes and shapes.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49The labyrinth of grottoes, tunnels and sunken ferneries dotted around Dewstow
0:18:49 > 0:18:53were created by the renowned Victorian landscapers James Pulham and Son,
0:18:53 > 0:18:57who are also famous for their work on the gardens at Buckingham Palace.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01This is one of the main grottoes at Dewstow.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06This was discovered with the roof actually collapsed in.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Obviously it was excavated out
0:19:09 > 0:19:11and it was in a real dire state of repair.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The grottoes here look incredibly natural
0:19:14 > 0:19:19even though they are actually made from an artificial rock work, known as Pulhamite.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24This is the lion grotto, so unusual, different to any other grotto.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29You can imagination the amazement when we found this in 2000, 2001.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31How did it feel coming across this?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Well, disbelief really because of the state of repair it was in,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38all covered with brambles, filled in, the glass roof smashed in.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39A real big project.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Well, now it's time to see if I can unearth a hidden gem for Keith and Kevin
0:19:46 > 0:19:48as we get back to their house hunt.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Our second property is in the village of Grosmont,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01which is nine miles north of Abergavenny.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03It's been described, by one travel writer,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06as the prettiest village in Wales.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07An important medieval township,
0:20:07 > 0:20:13the ruins of the 12th-century Grosmont Castle still stand in the village.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16The house I am showing them is another 19th century cottage
0:20:16 > 0:20:21but this one has been extended to provide very spacious accommodation.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25It wouldn't be Monmouthshire without some slope and steps.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- But these are a bit more dog friendly, I should imagine.- Yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30This is the house, you get all of it.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- It's both houses?- Both houses.- OK.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Again, extended quite substantially
0:20:36 > 0:20:38but this a much more modern feeling property.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Good.- This is quite a big portion of garden as well.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44They haven't done much with it, they've just made it terrace,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46but you could actually lawn it and make it really lovely.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Then, we could have the top half for chickens and vegetables,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53anything could go at the top half.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It's a question whether you can see yourself living inside? Let's go.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- OK.- OK.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05So I've done well with the exterior and I don't think the interior will disappoint either.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Straight into the living room.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Do you see what I mean, it's a much more square...?- Yeah.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16..simpler layout.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20I like the fireplace, that's quite nice, quite nice focal.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23And wooden floors throughout. Engineered oak.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Yes, it's a nice room, this.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27It's probably about the right size for our stuff as well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Yeah, it is. And it's actually not too dark, as well.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Being cottagey, some cottages are quite dark but there's quite a lot of light in here.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35A good vibe? Kevin, can you imagine kicking back in here?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42Yeah, I like this. I think the fireplace sets it off nicely.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45I can see us in here with the fire on, roaring away.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Excellent, and unlike the other property this has a separate dining room.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I got the impression, from the last house,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55that you'd like the idea of a separate dining area.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Yeah.- Yes.- It's got a low beam but once you're inside it's OK.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- That's quite a big dining room, as well.- That's a nice room, that.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It's a sort of snuggly one, isn't it?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Yeah, you can see yourself sitting down at Christmas dinner
0:22:05 > 0:22:08with the tree in the corner.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13It's amazing how many people decide on a house on the process of
0:22:13 > 0:22:15how they're going to have their Christmas there.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Again, lots of light in this lean-to
0:22:17 > 0:22:19and it leads you down into the kitchen.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- It's a brand new kitchen.- Wow.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25This is an extension
0:22:25 > 0:22:28that has been put onto the original cottage.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Wow, I like this.- Is this more your style?
0:22:31 > 0:22:36Yes, this is modern enough with the period detail in it, as well.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40This is really, really nice. This is the sort of kitchen we like. I like the kitchen seat, as well.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Yeah, it's very charming because you can see who's coming up the road.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48And I can sit there and read my paper while he cooks dinner.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49I like that.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- You've got a nice double gas range. - Yeah.- Very nice.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58The house has got two staircases, as often happened in cottages,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00the one that we saw in the first room.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Let's have a look upstairs.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06The kitchen has really put a smile on their faces, which is great news.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Let's see we can keep up the momentum on the first floor?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Here there are three bedrooms, one a potential guest room
0:23:12 > 0:23:14and the other good sized single.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17There's also a family bathroom.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Then, up a small flight of stairs, we come to the master bedroom.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Again, some very clever architectural work here
0:23:23 > 0:23:26because this staircase takes you up to what, I guess,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28would have been the hayloft or something.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32It's been sort of reconditioned to the original floorboards
0:23:32 > 0:23:36but it gives you an access point up to what's now your bedroom
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and there's a nice little ensuite through there.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42You could, of course, there are another two bedrooms at the other end, up that staircase.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46So you could have this as an office maybe, or whatever,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49but it makes sense that you have one end of the house which is yours
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- and if you have guests they are at their end.- Yeah.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54I think we would put the guests down this end.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Well, I can let you sort out your sleeping arrangements later.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00If you have a look at the other guest wing,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02or maybe the master suite.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- But first, let's go outside and talk about the price.- OK.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Let's take a look
0:24:08 > 0:24:12and see if the space is big enough for their self-sufficiency ambitions?
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I'm getting a good vibe from this house,
0:24:16 > 0:24:17well, from you about this house.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- It's got potential.- Yeah, it's nice.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22The land's not too disappointing?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Not for me, no.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I think we can do everything that we want to do as far as growing goes, up there.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30And it's got this bit down here which isn't grass,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33so we can always do something with that if we wanted to.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35The property seemed to really get ticks?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- It's got a lot of plus points, yes.- Excellent.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Now, is the price going to be a plus point?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:42 > 0:24:46I actually think this is less than the other one, I think it's about it 325, 330.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I will say about 347.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Up towards the top money?
0:24:53 > 0:24:58Well, this property is actually on the market for 375.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Wow.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It has, however, been on the market for quite some time without a price reduction and,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07of course, as you know, it's a sort of buyer's market at the moment.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10But that is the price it's on for.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Well, as I say,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15getting everything you wanted is probably a stretch, with the budget,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18but why don't you have a look around because there is this outhouse,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21which you could maybe think about converting.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23There's a couple of rooms that we haven't looked at.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Have a look around the rest of the property.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27I will see you at the front, we can proceed from there.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- OK.- OK.- Thank you.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Much more positive response, we like that.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37In a way, this seems to offer them a lot more of the things
0:25:37 > 0:25:38they are actually looking for.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42And it's very, very beautiful, the spot.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Hopefully, if they can swallow the price
0:25:44 > 0:25:47and think realistically about that, we'll be on to a winner.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10This is nice.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Yes, this is a good size. Built-in cupboards, as well.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14Make a good guest room.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16It's got the modern look to it,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20well, a bit more modern than the other property.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Yeah, overall, looks outside, as well as inside, is pretty good. Yeah.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The decoration and how it has been refitted out is really, really nice.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Very much to my taste,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33this is how I would actually do a place out myself.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36It's a stunning house, in a stunning location.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41Come on, I have to drag you out of this one, that's a good sign.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43So two houses down.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Let's rest and collect our thoughts.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00As the evening draws in over Monmouthshire,
0:27:00 > 0:27:04it marks the end of our first day's property search.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Business analyst Keith and trainee driving instructor Kevin
0:27:18 > 0:27:22want to leave suburban Milton Keynes to find a rural home in Monmouthshire.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27They've got a budget of £350,000 to buy a house that has an office
0:27:27 > 0:27:29and a bit of land.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30We've shown them two properties so far,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33one of which certainly had them inspired.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I can see us in here with the fire on, roaring away.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Wow, I like this.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39But, coming up,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43we've got a mystery house which they definitely won't be expecting.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- Wow.- Very nice, yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- Wow.- Wow.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52And I get hijacked by a group of Morris dancers,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54with attitude.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58He's staying with us, we're not letting him go home, he's one of us now.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Swelteringly hot second day here in Monmouthshire
0:28:03 > 0:28:06and I'm a little worried still about the land issue
0:28:06 > 0:28:11because I'm not sure we can get an acre of land for their budget.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Although, interestingly, Kevin and Keith were happy
0:28:14 > 0:28:16with the rather modest garden in the second property.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19For the mystery house, we're going to take land out of the equation,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21because it doesn't really have much,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24and we're going to give them a lot of another thing that they like,
0:28:24 > 0:28:26contemporary interiors.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Day two of our property search,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36what do you think the mystery house is going to involve?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I don't know, we were talking about this yesterday,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42and I think half of me thinks it might be a derelict barn
0:28:42 > 0:28:45and the other half thinks it might be a converted church.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47So I'm not entirely sure.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Those are pretty classic options,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53can't you think more left-field than that, Kevin?
0:28:53 > 0:28:55No, I don't really know what to expect, to be perfectly honest.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Well, it's certainly quirky.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09For our mystery property we are heading south, over the border,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13to the village of Christchurch, just outside Newport.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17The village has many of the amenities Keith and Kevin are looking for,
0:29:17 > 0:29:18including a pub.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22Our mystery proposition is a very unusual house
0:29:22 > 0:29:26that offers them a real slice of uber-modern living.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I'm going to love what you think about this.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Oh, wow.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- That's nice.- Wow.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- It's zowie, uh?- Mm.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40And this is a very modern property.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- It doesn't give you everything you want.- OK.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Largely, it doesn't give you much land, but it does give you
0:29:48 > 0:29:52a lot of something you seem to like, which is contemporary interiors.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- OK.- It's a very striking property.
0:29:54 > 0:30:00Believe it or not, this was a two-bedroom cottage from the 1900s.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Very nice.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- Like?- Mm. Very much.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08You're either struck dumb or like horrified.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Let's look inside.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Well, if they are dumbstruck by the outside,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18I can't wait till they get a glimpse of the interior.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24This house makes me chuckle because it's so extreme.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29Here we are, in this wonderful modernist space.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Lots of amazing features.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34This very stylish diagonal maple wood parquet throughout
0:30:34 > 0:30:37and there's the alcoves around the fire.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42And then all this sort of hidden storage, this suede effect wall,
0:30:42 > 0:30:43that's all cupboards.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- Thoughts, come on, unpack your thoughts.- This is very nice.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49This is stunning. This is stunning.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- You could imagine hanging out here? - Yeah.
0:30:52 > 0:30:58It's a very unusual property, very unusual, but super stylish.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Lovely light as well because this is essentially a walk-through,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04it's like a conservatory.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- There's a disco ball.- Yes.- Here's your disco.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Put a spotlight on that and it will be perfect.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12The attention to detail in this property is astonishing.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Take a look in here.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- Wow.- Wow.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Now, you wanted a uniform fitted kitchen,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22this is a uniform fitted kitchen.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Not sure what to say about that, that's nice.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27The mirror just gives it so much more depth, as well,
0:31:27 > 0:31:28it's a very, very good design.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31It's great, isn't it? When I came in I thought it's a huge kitchen.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33It's not, it's actually quite small kitchen, isn't it?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It's just mirrored.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38The quality of the finish is very good, slate floor and this Maplewood floor throughout
0:31:38 > 0:31:44and then you've got this very striking architectural feature of the breakfast bar
0:31:44 > 0:31:49in the sort of hexagonal alcove.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- I could sit there and eat breakfast in the morning.- Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- Are there thoughts about this?- Wow.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Wow. We like wow.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It's a stunning kitchen.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Well, it goes on. Come through here.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06It's quite a complicated space because it's sort of perforated
0:32:06 > 0:32:07in lots of directions.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10I mean there's light and windows and staircases
0:32:10 > 0:32:13and ups and downs, every which way.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15This is the sort of nerve centre of the house.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18You've got a basement room downstairs, which you can explore later,
0:32:18 > 0:32:19maybe for your music.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Here's a dining area
0:32:21 > 0:32:25and round here is the rather fabulous workspace.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27That's work sorted. Excellent.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Is that good for you?- That's excellent, I like that.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33And lovely views because you've got windows, again, that look out over the gardens.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36The windows in here and the light coming in is fantastic.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40It is a bit quirky, the layout, it's not to everyone's taste.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41- I can live with that.- Yeah.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46I want to show you one quirky feature of the bathroom here, wonderful.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50I can guarantee this bathroom is a real showstopper.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56I love this bathroom. It's very unusual.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Then, you've got a shower here.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- It's really nice.- It is, isn't it?
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Very contemporary.- Lots of clever things in this house.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Let's look upstairs.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10On the first floor, the beautiful contemporary features continue
0:33:10 > 0:33:12and this is the master.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17It's a nice size.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Again with a rather splendid architectural feature there.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24- Nice view.- It's a spectacular view, isn't it?
0:33:24 > 0:33:31And you've got a kind of quirky, sort of, ensuite wet room-cum-toilet.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- Oh, wow, a little quirky. - Very different, isn't it?
0:33:34 > 0:33:37So lots to look at, quite a lot to take in.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40You can have a chance to look around.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Let's go outside and talk about price.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49On this floor there is another attractively decorated double bedroom
0:33:49 > 0:33:54and a single room, perfect for those guests that might be coming to stay.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56In keeping with the rest of the property,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00it's quite a quirky garden because you've got a little stone circle here
0:34:00 > 0:34:02and then through there, there's another patch of lawn
0:34:02 > 0:34:06and that, unbelievably, is on top of the double garage.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Oh, wow.- OK.- So it's soundproofed on top.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13You could definitely spin some discs down there if you wanted to.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16OK, so it's quirky.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Certainly very different. - Very, yeah.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- But it might be your kind of quirky? - It's a very nice house.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25What do you think the price is?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28It's got to be nearer 400,000.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Over budget, 405.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- 405?- Yeah.- 0K.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39So this is on the market for 375.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42It's over budget but not as over budget as you thought.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45It's been on the market for quite a while, it's a unique property
0:34:45 > 0:34:48so not everybody is going to want it but you seem to like it.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53I'm sure you could talk to the vendor about getting it to your budget
0:34:53 > 0:34:56or, if you thought it was worth it, putting in the asking price.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57We always like that too.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00It's a big complicated property and we haven't seen the room downstairs.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Go in and have a look, particularly down there, and see what you might do with that
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- and I will see you at the front. - Excellent.- Thank you.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12Now, with lots of other people this mystery house would be a huge gamble
0:35:12 > 0:35:17but I think with these two it was a huge success.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40- This is a nice room. I think we've made this the master bedroom.- Yeah.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It's got built-in wardrobes as well.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44The whole thing just flows perfectly.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I don't really like open plan but this house just works.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52I quite like the up and down and different like hiding places and stuff.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55It was nice, it's different, different layout
0:35:55 > 0:35:57and quite modern and contemporary which is what we like.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Good thing about this house is, it's got so many windows
0:36:00 > 0:36:03I can see the walking through with big smiles on their faces.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Hello.- Hello.- Nice and beaming, that's good.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Positive reviews?
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- Let's go and regroup and then we can share our thoughts.- Excellent.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Along this border territory, between Wales and England,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26there's a unique dancing tradition
0:36:26 > 0:36:31that is rooted in the life of the area's agricultural workers.
0:36:31 > 0:36:37Border Morris is typified by a rowdy style of dancing that was first recorded in 1609
0:36:37 > 0:36:39when a group, or side as they're known,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42performed at the Hereford races.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Earlier in the week I met up with The Widders, from Chepstow,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52who are keeping this traditional dance alive.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Border Morris is boisterous
0:36:55 > 0:36:58and often involves the beating of sticks in the routine.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Early records show that the dancers often appeared in court
0:37:02 > 0:37:06for non-payment of bills, or for being drunk and disorderly.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14ALL CHEER
0:37:14 > 0:37:16It's so anarchic.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23It's like the dark side of Cotswolds' Morris.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Traditionally, the dance is performed in the winter both for fun
0:37:31 > 0:37:33but also as a way of earning money.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Taking a break from the festivities is Mick Lewis, to tell us more.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Mick, it's awesome.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48I was lucky enough to dance with a Morris side from the Cotswolds,
0:37:48 > 0:37:54which is like hankies and light and love and you're sort of like, grrr.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Punk rockers of the Morris world. - Punk rockers, yeah.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59Why the black face, for a start?
0:37:59 > 0:38:04The originators of this type of dancing, they were poor people that lived off the land,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07and this is a begging tradition, really.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12Because they lived in small communities, they felt embarrassed about begging money
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and so they used to black their faces up.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- It's a disguise?- It's a disguise, yes.- Right.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22So the Mari Lwyd is very special, she's beautiful, isn't she?
0:38:22 > 0:38:23A bit skinny.>
0:38:23 > 0:38:25# Railwayman he works hard
0:38:25 > 0:38:28# Shunting on a Bristol yard
0:38:28 > 0:38:32# Cos the Severn Tunnel never, never fails
0:38:32 > 0:38:34# Keeps the engine on the rails. #
0:38:36 > 0:38:40The Mari Lwyd is a Welsh custom of first footing,
0:38:40 > 0:38:42where a group, carrying a horse skull,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45go from house to house to bring people good luck for the new year.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49The dancers wear tattered clothes, a symbol of times past
0:38:49 > 0:38:52when they wouldn't have been able to afford new outfits.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57The Widders name itself comes from a rather unusual source.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Why Widders, is that to do with the spiders?
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- It's to do with the spiders, yes. - Black widows.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03It's the black widows, yeah.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07We like to be colourful, you know, we sort of evolved this style of our own
0:39:07 > 0:39:10which is the Chepstow style, or the Wye Valley style.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12I am, of course, itching to have a go.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15In about a week, you'll be all right.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17I've got to work tomorrow.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21The dances are always about the area's events, or people,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24and I'm performing a dance known as the Severn Tunnel Junction,
0:39:24 > 0:39:29a place where many locals were employed on the Great Western Railway.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31It's done in bars of eight.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35The hazel sticks represent the shunting poles the railway workers used
0:39:35 > 0:39:37to link the wagons together.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Humpah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43One, two, three, hurray.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Hey, he's staying with us.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53I really enjoyed that but now it's time to wipe off the make up
0:39:53 > 0:39:55and get back to the job in hand.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02With all the madness of the Border Morris, I'd almost forgotten the matter at hand,
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Kevin and Keith's move to the countryside and, if you remember,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08we were on tenterhooks because the mystery house seemed
0:40:08 > 0:40:13to have blown the whole project of land and gardens out of the water.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16So let's go and find out what they've decided.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24How was your first time in Monmouthshire?
0:40:24 > 0:40:27It's been good, yeah, it's a nice place and Keith was right,
0:40:27 > 0:40:29it's a nice part of the world.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33It's a good neighbourhood, isn't it? It's a really beautiful landscape.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I hope that we showed you some houses that at least provoked some thoughts.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37- Yes.- Yeah.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42The first house, what are your thoughts about it, in retrospect?
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Nice house, a couple of things I did like about it.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48I liked the living room's vaulted ceiling
0:40:48 > 0:40:49and I liked the coach house.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53It was a nice property and the garden is a nice garden
0:40:53 > 0:40:58but I just don't think it's kind of practical for what we want, really.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01The second house, that seemed to really chime with you, Kevin?
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Yeah, the kitchen was an amazing kitchen
0:41:05 > 0:41:09and that was, overall, the better one out of the two.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13- Yeah, for me anyway.- I liked house number two. It was very picturesque.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I think the only thing that really let it down for me
0:41:16 > 0:41:18was the upstairs space.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I don't think there was enough room for us.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Tell me what your thinking is about the mystery house?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I thought it was an amazing property,
0:41:28 > 0:41:32I liked the up and down of the stairs and the different levels.
0:41:32 > 0:41:38All right, it didn't have the land that we were looking for, but the property was spectacular.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Lots of plus points. The living room was brilliant, I loved the fireplace.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Kitchen was nice. The office space worked well.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48I think changing the master bedroom downstairs would work.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51But, no, overall, lovely place.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55What happens next? Are you thinking of revisiting any of the properties or...?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58We need to go back and look at all of the options that we have.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00We also want to look around the area as well.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- You're talking about the mystery house?- Yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Does that mean you are going to take further steps
0:42:05 > 0:42:07and look seriously at the mystery house?
0:42:07 > 0:42:10I think what we're going to do is we're going to go back,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13have a think about all of the things, maybe come back and visit it again.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17And I think what we need to do is get the wedding out of the way
0:42:17 > 0:42:21and then seriously come back and, if it's still available, it might be a serious contender.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24It's been on the market for a while, it might well be.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Well, best of luck, good luck with the wedding.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Hope that all goes well and I hope you get to spend your honeymoon in Monmouthshire.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39It's been great showing Kevin and Keith around Monmouthshire
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and I think, particularly because the mystery house
0:42:42 > 0:42:45gave them the confidence to go for what they really want,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47rather than what they thought they should have,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50because I don't think they were all that keen on being gentlemen farmers, ploughing the soil.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I think they wanted a nice comfortable, contemporary home,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57with a rural twist, and I think we might have given it to them.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59So if you've enjoyed our adventures in rural Britain
0:42:59 > 0:43:03then do tune in next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07If you would like to Escape To The Country in Wales, Scotland,
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