0:00:02 > 0:00:05The playwright J.B. Priestley, writing about these stone walls,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08said that even on a cloudy day they seemed to stay warm and luminous.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10It was as if, he said, they had learnt the trick
0:00:10 > 0:00:14of keeping the lost sunlight of centuries glimmering about them.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Find out where and what exactly he was talking about in just a moment.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Today I'm accompanying a pair of retired folk singing teachers
0:00:51 > 0:00:54On a very harmonious house-hunting odyssey.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58They give the acoustics a try out at our first property.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00# Adieu sweet lovely Nancy
0:01:00 > 0:01:03# Ten thousand times adieu... #
0:01:03 > 0:01:08And our mystery house has them planning a musical finale.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11We've always wanted a house where we can put a piano.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Yes, and certainly you could put a piano here.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18Today we're in the Cotswolds,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22and Mr Priestley was talking about this, Great Oolite Limestone,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24better known to you and I as Cotswold stone,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27the ubiquitous building material in this part of the world.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29And I'm in Bourton-on-the-Water,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31which is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33because of these bridges,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37which criss-cross the River Windrush, which flows through the centre.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Every August the villagers, intrepid as they are,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42play football in the water.
0:01:42 > 0:01:43I shan't be doing that,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47but it is testament to the character of this part of the country.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50The area known as the Cotswolds
0:01:50 > 0:01:53stretches from Warwickshire in the North
0:01:53 > 0:01:57to Wiltshire in the South and covers well over 2,000 square kilometres.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Of the 40 areas of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04the Cotswolds is the largest,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06but it's also one of the less densely populated,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11with over half of its parishes home to fewer than 300 residents.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Although much of the economy of the Cotswolds
0:02:14 > 0:02:17was originally built on the wool trade,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20the main industry today is tourism.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Every year this region welcomes over 23 million visitors
0:02:24 > 0:02:28attracted by its recreational opportunities, cultural heritage,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33and natural attractions, such as the 3,500-year-old Rollright Stones,
0:02:33 > 0:02:39located just a few miles outside the Oxfordshire town of Chipping Norton.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43These ancient stones include the King's Men Circle,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47which consists of 77 local Oolitic limestones.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51And theories abound as to their purpose.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Some argue they were built as a victory memorial
0:02:55 > 0:02:56whilst others suggest a temple.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01Either way, their mystery is all part of their unique appeal.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04The Cotswolds stretch over six counties,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07so, as you can imagine, there's big price variation.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10For example, if you look at the average prices across the area,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13then there's about £120,000 difference
0:03:13 > 0:03:17between the least expensive Cotswold county, which is Herefordshire,
0:03:17 > 0:03:19and the priciest, Oxfordshire.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22And then, if you want to live in one of these beautiful villages,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24the local agents assure us
0:03:24 > 0:03:27that you're going to have to pay five to 15 percent on top.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30But when you see what's on the market,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32you'll understand why they're so pricey.
0:03:33 > 0:03:34For £300,000,
0:03:34 > 0:03:39you could buy this three-bedroom stone cottage in Middle Barton.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41With traditional features,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44such as an inglenook fireplace in the sitting room,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and flagstone flooring and a range cooker in the kitchen,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51this property also offers a pretty secluded garden,
0:03:51 > 0:03:52with a lawn and patio.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Priced at a touch over £540,000,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57there is this three-bedroom, 17th-century cottage
0:03:57 > 0:04:00in the village of France Lynch.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Constructed from Cotswold stone,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07it boasts exposed beams in the huge and sociable kitchen.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09The addition of the modern conservatory
0:04:09 > 0:04:13really makes the most of those stunning countryside views.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15And if you have a bigger budget,
0:04:15 > 0:04:20you might be interested in this five-bedroom barn conversion in Condicut,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24on the market for £775,000.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Built in the late 17th century,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29the drawing room has a Cotswold stone fireplace
0:04:29 > 0:04:33and the spacious kitchen diner has been recently refurbished.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Gosh, there are really beautiful properties here in the Cotswolds.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Let's meet the clever couple who've decided to make the move here.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Retired teachers, Chris and Lesley,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46are no strangers to moving to the country.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Although it was the French countryside
0:04:48 > 0:04:51they chose to escape to five years ago.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56We decided to move now, because we've been five years living in France,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00we decided to review everything after five years anyway,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04we had one new grandchild and there was another one on the way.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Our mums are getting older,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09and we were missing the music,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and the, sort of, cultural side of England a lot.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Although they're glad to be back,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18matching their idyllic French property is not going to be easy.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Our house in France was a stone cottage
0:05:21 > 0:05:25with an attached, very large, very beautiful barn.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28It was three-bedroomed, two receptions,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31it was in beautiful grounds with a landscaped garden,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33which is quite unusual in France,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and it was right in the middle of farmland.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So, it was sort of ideal, really, it was a lovely setting.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41But after a lot of research,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44there is one region in Britain they feel offers equal appeal.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I think we decided, in the end, we'd like to focus our attention
0:05:48 > 0:05:52on the Cotswolds because it's a very, very beautiful area.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57We are aware of the fact that it's an expensive area to buy a house in.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02But, we think on balance, it's got a lot to offer.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05And it's fairly central for us to visit our family,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09because we have family scattered in various directions,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13and it's pretty much central to most of them.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15As well as seeing more of the family,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18they also want to rekindle their musical aspirations.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19When we were in France,
0:06:19 > 0:06:24we were lucky enough to be able to play at the night markets they have in the summer,
0:06:24 > 0:06:25in the summer evenings.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27And that was really good fun,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and we would love to be able to continue to do something like that.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Yeah, I think it's really important for us to find the folk scene in the Cotswold area,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and get really involved in gigging again.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38So, music remains a key passion.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40They would also like some outdoor space
0:06:40 > 0:06:44and a room for indulging in their artistic hobbies.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48But these aren't the only requirements on their wish list.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52In our next property, we're looking for a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53possibly four.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56We would like an additional reception room,
0:06:56 > 0:07:02to give us the opportunity to have a music room/creative arts type room.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04In terms of the garden,
0:07:04 > 0:07:09we're looking for enough garden for Chris to grow some vegetables,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12and for there to be some lawn and flowerbeds.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16And if there could be one or two fruit trees, that would be wonderful.
0:07:16 > 0:07:22In the kitchen, we are hoping that we will find something large enough for Chris,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24because he loves cooking,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27and if possible, that there is a range cooker.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Because that would be absolutely fantastic.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33That would be absolutely fantastic to have a range cooker.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35And as cash buyers who can move quickly,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37they're in a great position.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40So, all that's left to confirm is the money.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Our budget for this house will be a maximum of £450,000.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Chris and Lesley have told us
0:07:56 > 0:07:59that they would prefer to live within a 15-mile radius
0:07:59 > 0:08:02of the Gloucestershire market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We'll be having a look at three superb properties
0:08:05 > 0:08:07that we hope they'll be singing the praises of.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10As usual, they'll be having a guess at the price of each
0:08:10 > 0:08:11before I reveal it.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14The final offering is, of course, on mystery house,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17which I think with a bit of imagination
0:08:17 > 0:08:19could give them a very harmonious home.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Welcome back to England, guys, the lovely Cotswolds.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24Nice to have you here.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Now, you've been away from the English market for five years,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31in which time property prices have really gone a little crazy.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Yes.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34And you do have quite a big wish list.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Yeah, we do, and we're well aware of that,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and I know we want the moon on a stick,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41but this is such a beautiful area,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and at the end of the day, we know we've got to compromise probably,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47because we're very realistic about what we think...
0:08:47 > 0:08:52Because location is really one of our prime priorities,
0:08:52 > 0:08:59and we think we found the nearest thing that we had in France,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03in terms of peace and quiet and tranquillity, in the Cotswolds.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Plus the folk music. - Plus the folk music, yes.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08There are some beautiful houses here,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10and even the most modest house looks beautiful
0:09:10 > 0:09:12because of the Cotswold stone.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15So, I'm excited to show you the ones we've got, let's go.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18So, for their forever home back on British soil,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Chris and Lesley have £450,000 to spend.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24They'd like a house in a tranquil location,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29with two reception rooms so they can devote one of them to music.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32A large farmhouse style kitchen with a range cooker.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34At least three bedrooms,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36and a secluded garden.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Now, I'm afraid you know what I'm going to do,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47because we're in a car and we've got a journey,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- I'm going to ask you to sing. - OK.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54# Come fill up your glasses and let us be merry
0:09:54 > 0:09:59# For to rob bags of plunder it is our intent
0:09:59 > 0:10:08# As we roam through the valleys where the lilies and the roses
0:10:08 > 0:10:12# And the beauty of Kashmir lay drooping his head. #
0:10:12 > 0:10:15We're heading to the Gloucestershire village of Mickleton,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17on the edge of the Cotswolds,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and just a 20-minute drive from Stow-on-the-Wold.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Architecturally, black and white buildings with thatched roofs
0:10:24 > 0:10:28stand alongside those built of Cotswold limestone.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31A Norman church dominates the centre of the village.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33It's a location with amenities,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35such as a local shop and post office,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38as well a hotel with brasserie and restaurant.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Our first property is a thatched cottage,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44parts of which date back 400 years.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46So, this is property number one.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48What do you think?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50It looks very interesting.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54It is interesting. It's got a lot of character.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Obviously this thatched part is the older part,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59and this is the Victorian extension.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Are you not scared of the thatch? - It's funny you should say that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I've always been a bit concerned about thatch.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09I heard that every 15 years you have to get it renewed, which is a big outlay.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13The ridge, the bit that goes most quickly, was done seven years ago,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and the main body of the thatch nine years ago,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18but a good thatch will last about 50 or 60 years.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Oh, that's good news. That wouldn't be a concern.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23With their minds put at rest,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27were heading inside through the back door, as with many country houses.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I think our first room will particularly appeal to Chris.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Into the kitchen.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35So, this is your domain, Chris.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37It is.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38How does it measure up?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41It's charming, nice log-burning stove.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Love the floors, flagstone.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48It's not as big as we had in France, but it's a nice size.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Yes, and I think that's really... absolutely,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53it's lovely to have that.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Because we're used to sitting around the kitchen table.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58But you're not completely separated.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02if someone's working in the kitchen you can still chat to them, can't you?
0:12:02 > 0:12:06If Chris and Lesley want a more intimate or formal seating arrangement,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09there's an additional dining room,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12which separates the kitchen from the sitting room.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16So, this is the sitting room in the oldest part house.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19This would have been the original thatched cottage.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Yes, very quaint.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26Nice fireplace, wood-burning stove again, which is good.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28So, it's a very snug property, cosy and warm.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32I always feel at home in properties with this sort of age, actually.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34They feel very homely.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36You feel as though you could move your stuff in
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and within a very short time you would feel at home.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41But that's the nature of this sort of property,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43I think, that's its advantage.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46It's a positive sign that they're feeling at home here.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Off the kitchen and dining area,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52is a very convenient cloakroom-cum-utility room.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55While upstairs, there's a very spacious family bathroom,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58with a shower and lots of storage.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01This is shared by the three bedrooms they've asked for.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05The first, a quirkily shaped but good sized double room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09The second, a characterful single with exposed beams.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12And the third is a room they could be calling their own.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16So, this is the master bedroom.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17I like it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Are these floorboards original?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22These are original, do you see the difference?
0:13:22 > 0:13:23- Yeah. - Great.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25They're wide.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27The only issue might be the accessibility of bedrooms
0:13:27 > 0:13:29for our two mothers.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30They're quite elderly now,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33we'd have to think about that quite seriously.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Yes.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Are three bedrooms enough?
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Yes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Um, a fourth would be good, if we could find a house with a fourth,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46but three would be adequate.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Well, maybe we have found you one with a fourth.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Follow me.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Yes, this property comes with an unexpected treat
0:13:57 > 0:13:58at the bottom of the garden.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02A double-storey annexe, where you could easily fit a fourth bedroom.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07Across the garden, you've got this.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08This is something else.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Yes. This could be useful.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Following on what you are saying about your parents not being able to get upstairs,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18you could turn this into a very nice downstairs bedroom suite.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19You could, yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24There's also an upstairs which might be good for the grandchildren.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Or, we were thinking you could use it as a music room.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29I think my first thought would be music.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Do you want to try out the acoustics?
0:14:31 > 0:14:38# Adieu sweet lovely Nancy, ten thousand times adieu #
0:14:38 > 0:14:41# I am going around the ocean...#
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Sounds promising to me.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Meanwhile, outside the garden awaits,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48with its lawn and fruit trees.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54But will it be large enough for these two songbirds?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56This is the garden.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59We haven't really talked much about your garden expectations,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01What does this make you feel?
0:15:01 > 0:15:05It's very pretty, and it has got enough grass, definitely,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and it's private, it's quite secluded.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Which are all things we wanted.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- But it doesn't have the space. - Space for a vegetable garden.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Which is the thing I was particularly keen on having.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20The only thing is that sometimes, if you're lucky in a village,
0:15:20 > 0:15:21you can find an allotment.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22It's like you read my mind.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26There are plentiful and cheap allotments in this village.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27Are there? That's good.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30All of which would be totally theoretical
0:15:30 > 0:15:31if you can't afford to buy it.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33So, what do think it's on the market for?
0:15:33 > 0:15:38I'm going to have to guess at £425,000.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43I'm thinking, because it's got an annexe, a little bit more.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I think it's probably £449,950.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Oh, so right at the top of the budget.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Yes.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Well, you've been away from the market for quite some time,
0:15:53 > 0:15:54so your figures are slightly out.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57But, luckily, their act in the wrong direction.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Because this is on the market for £400,000.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Oh, right, OK.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- That's very good news. - Yes, it is.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Very good. So, why did you have a look round inside and explore?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10There's lots of rooms you haven't seen.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14I'll meet you at the front and we can take it from there.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Well within their budget at £400,000,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22this property looks a real contender.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25It has a large kitchen/diner, three bedrooms,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29an annexe which could house an extra bedroom and a music or arts room,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33and a pretty garden, with allotments nearby for growing vegetables.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I think when we arrived, my first thought was,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39"I think this is going to be a little bit small for us."
0:16:39 > 0:16:43And then the more we walked around, the more we thought, hold on,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46there's more to this house than meets the eye.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48But as a whole, I think it really works.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52We probably wouldn't have looked at a cottage this age
0:16:52 > 0:16:56because, in general, older properties like this tend to be quite small.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01But because there's a Victorian extension we've got the best of both worlds, in actual fact.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Because we love the character of this cottage,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06but we've actually got the light and space we wanted
0:17:06 > 0:17:07in the Victorian part as well.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09So it meets all our requirements, really.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12I wonder if they sing all round the house?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15# Price of the house is very, very fine
0:17:15 > 0:17:17# 400K not 449... #
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Come on, guys, hurry up.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24I was imagining you make all the comments around the house in close harmonies.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Not the case, is it? - No, not at all.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Quite disappointed, you might have to practise.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32OK, that's house number one done. House number two is on the horizon.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33OK, thank you.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50In the Middle Ages, wool production made the Cotswolds
0:17:50 > 0:17:52one of the wealthiest parts of England.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55And in the Oxfordshire market town of Chipping Norton,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57dubbed the gateway to the Cotswolds,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00you can find a fine example of what's known as a wool church,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03which means it was built from the proceeds of the wool trade.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Indeed, this, the parish church of St Mary,
0:18:06 > 0:18:12was rebuilt in Gothic style by an affluent local wool merchant in 1485.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17Today Chipping Norton has a reputation as a centre for music,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21with a festival that celebrated its centenary in 2004.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27And Chris and Lesley will be pleased to hear there's a day devoted to folk music every autumn.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30A resident who's been making his living from music here
0:18:30 > 0:18:32for over 30 years is luthier Paul Fisher,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35who constructs all types of instruments.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39He is also a leading figure in the local folk music scene.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43We sent our singing buyers to meet him.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Here we have the workshop,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46musical instrument making,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and you can see before you here quite a range of instruments.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52We have here classical guitars.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56At the back you have a mould for a guitar of the 17th century.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Stradivari guitar, in fact. - I noticed the name.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02One of the only complete examples actually is in Oxford,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05which is very convenient for me to go and do the research.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Paul, am I right in thinking you haven't always been a classical guitar maker?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13I began with a harpsichord and made harpsichords, spinets, clavichords, and octavinas.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17When you learn to know, learn how the instrument's constructed,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21you realise what a wonderful piece of engineering it is.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24'Paul is working on putting together a classical guitar.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28'The most important piece of the instrument is the soundboard,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'which is made from 350-year-old European spruce,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35'an extremely stiff and strong wood.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39'The back, which acts as a receptor for the sound,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43'is carved from hard Brazilian rosewood, now a banned wood,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'which requires a licence from DEFRA before use.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50'The sides are also rosewood, planed down by hand, steam-bent
0:19:50 > 0:19:54'and placed onto a mould for 24 hours to hold its shape.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'And the neck is made of mahogany, which needs to be strong
0:19:58 > 0:20:02'and stable to withstand the pull of the guitar strings.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07'Paul's giving Chris and Lesley a rare chance to try carving the heel
0:20:07 > 0:20:09'of this part of the instrument.'
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This is freehand work you do with a very, very sharp chisel.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Here we have a neck that's partly made and this is how you begin.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19You're holding your chisel upside-down and simply carve away.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24'When playing the guitar, the hand and thumb reach up to the heel
0:20:24 > 0:20:27'of the neck, so this part must have a distinct curve and be smooth.'
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Who would like first go?
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Can I check, this is the reject, is it, we're working on?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It's not a reject. This is the real thing.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37So there's no pressure on us, then?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Go on, Lesley.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46That's it. Good, good.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'Another method of carving is to turn the neck around
0:20:48 > 0:20:53'and rest it on your shoulder so you can use both hands on the chisel.'
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Now you can see why I didn't do any woodwork.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I hope you're going to make your own guitar now.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I feel inspired to, I must admit.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04FOLK MELODY
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'With musical inspiration overflowing for Chris and Lesley here in the Cotswolds,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14'let's hope we keep up the tempo as we return to our property search.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27'We've travelled around 15 miles east of Stow-on-the-Wold
0:21:27 > 0:21:30'to Middle Barton in Oxfordshire,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33'part of a lively community on the river Dorn.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35'It has a splendid Gothic church
0:21:35 > 0:21:37'and a pub which hosts regular music nights,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40'where Chris and Lesley could do their folk thing.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44'Our second property is an end-of-terrace stone cottage
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'which was, once upon a time, the village bakery
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'and is believed to date back to the 1750s.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:51House number two.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54And it's really this end of terrace,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56so right down to the end of the building.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Right.- OK.- What are your first impressions?- It's very pretty.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- Very pretty.- I suspect it's going to have some character.- Yes.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06We're close to Chipping Norton, which has a great arts scene,
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- and two miles away there's a pub that has folk almost every night. - Sounds promising, doesn't it?
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Yes, it does. It does. And it seems relatively quiet here, as well.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Couldn't get you quite as remote as we'd hoped. But let's look inside.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22'They seem quite taken with the location and I'm sure the interior
0:22:22 > 0:22:25'of this stunning property won't disappoint.'
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Here we are in the sort of oldest room and the biggest room, really.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It's got this fantastic fireplace.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Lovely fireplace.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40And this incredible beam across the top. You can see the maker's mark.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45You see the little triangular shape pattern to keep evil spirits away.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48It's quite a homely feel to the house.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51They've retained the character features like the doors.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- I love this area here with the old oak.- Yes.- Partition.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59I love those features in houses like this.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03'So that homely feeling is descending on Chris and Lesley -
0:23:03 > 0:23:05'good news for us.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07'Also in this lovely home is a bright study,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'which could be a useful space for their arts and crafts and their music.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15'But we're heading for the kitchen and breakfast area.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19'Originally two rooms, now converted into one.'
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Come through to this raised part, underneath the beam.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- Yes.- That's interesting. And the floor's lovely.- Yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Original, again. - And a nice, big space for the cooker.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- And a double range, which I know is your...- It is.- Yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39It's an unusual shape.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- But it's workable, isn't it? - As long as there's enough workspace.- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Obviously, it's been separate.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49It was two rooms originally.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51What they've done is join it up
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and if you have all these doors open, it's sort of like a circle.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57You go through here, you've got a very nice, spacious dining room.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01A good size. This side of the house, which is a separate age,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04is actually really beautifully maintained.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- So I wanted to show you the bedroom and bathroom up here.- OK.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13'And the bedrooms certainly live up to the rest of this wonderfully characterful property.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16'There's a single room with exposed beams
0:24:16 > 0:24:20'and more of those narrow black timbers feature in the spare double.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23'There's even beams in the family bathroom which,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25'otherwise, is very modern.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28'Up in the eaves, they've made great use of the distinctive space
0:24:28 > 0:24:33'by adding an attic bedroom, a fun place for the grandchildren.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36'But we're taking a look at where they would sleep.'
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I love this bedroom.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Lovely and light.- Yeah. - It is lovely, isn't it?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45This is essentially a separate wing.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48You've got three bedrooms at that end of the house,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51up the elm staircase, which will be great for the kids
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and people staying cos it's got their own bathroom,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and then you've got this bedroom which is a really lovely,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00very light, nice shape.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04So you could actually hide away from your guests if you wanted to.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- Yes.- Sounds a good idea.- Peace and quiet. It does, doesn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10'And they could even do a spot of singing,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12'if they wanted, in the next room.'
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- Quite a bathroom.- Wow!
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- That's very sumptuous, isn't it? - Lovely.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Double shower, big roll-top bath. - Gosh. Beautiful.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Love the double shower.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- Very luxurious. No, I think it's very interesting.- Promising.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29I think the more we've seen...
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- It's definitely grown on us. - The more we like it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Talking of growing, you've yet to see the garden.- Ah!
0:25:36 > 0:25:39'This time I'm sure Chris isn't going to be disappointed
0:25:39 > 0:25:41'as at the bottom of this garden,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44'which is mostly laid to lawn with mature shrubs,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48'there's a plot to grow his veg and a greenhouse, too.'
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Not massive but it has one very big plus,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53the veg patch.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57A slight downer in the sense you're a bit overlooked.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Right, OK.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- So, thumbs up for the garden?- Yes. - Yes, I think so.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Definitely. It's very pretty.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It's a pretty garden and it's got some practical uses as well.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11How much do you think it costs because we are in
0:26:11 > 0:26:15the most expensive of the Cotswold counties, Oxfordshire.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Erm, I think £475,000.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Over budget, I think. I think it's £465,000.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24So, once again,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29your French sojourn has made you very pessimistic
0:26:29 > 0:26:35- because actually this is priced at £435,000.- Ah.- Right, OK.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- So.- That's very interesting.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Armed with that fact, why don't you go back in?
0:26:40 > 0:26:42There's quite a bit we haven't seen.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- Maybe you can find a room you could sing in.- OK.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52'So, pleasingly under budget at £435,000,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55'this property has everything they've asked for
0:26:55 > 0:26:59'with four bedrooms, a large and characterful kitchen with a range cooker,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03'a study space which could be used for music and crafts
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'and a good-sized garden with vegetable patch.'
0:27:06 > 0:27:10I like the kitchen because it's quirky. I love the range.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14It's got a great flagstone floor and plenty of good working spaces.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20As we went round the house, we realised how much more space there was and yes,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23the more we walked round it, the more we've grown to like it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29They're singing! They sing everywhere! It's fantastic!
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Guys, sorry.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- Sorry, sorry to...- It's all right. - We have to leave.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Come on out, I'm afraid your time is done in that house.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41You're obviously sounding the rafters
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- but two houses in a day is quite enough. Let's have a rest.- Yes.- OK.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01'As evening falls on a most harmonious
0:28:01 > 0:28:05'passage of house hunting here in the Cotswolds,
0:28:05 > 0:28:09'it marks the end of day one of our property search.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14'Ex-teachers Chris and Lesley have sold their rural home in France
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'to move back to the UK to be close to family
0:28:17 > 0:28:19'and find a musical community.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24'So far they've been in perfect sync with our first two houses
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'but coming up, our mystery property reaches a crescendo.'
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- It look spacious.- It looks very grand. Spacious, yes, it does.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33'And I find out about an intriguing pie
0:28:33 > 0:28:37with origins dating back to a local feud.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42'Can we stay in tune with our folk-singing house hunters on day two
0:28:42 > 0:28:44'of this property odyssey?'
0:28:44 > 0:28:46THEY ALL SING FRERE JACQUES
0:28:50 > 0:28:53'For our mystery property, we've decided to gamble on travelling
0:28:53 > 0:28:56'double the distance from Stow-on-the-Wold
0:28:56 > 0:29:00'as we head for the ancient market town of Minchinhampton.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04'Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the Cotswolds, the town has a parish church
0:29:04 > 0:29:10'with a distinctive coronet tower that was erected in 1863.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'It also has a lively high street with a butcher's,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16'a tea room and a pub which hosts a weekly folk club.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22'Nestled below the common, our mystery property dates back to 1914,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25'and is built of stone from the local quarry.'
0:29:25 > 0:29:27# Tiddly-tiddly-tum. #
0:29:27 > 0:29:33- Here's the mystery house. - Wow!- OK.- My goodness!
0:29:33 > 0:29:36So the mystery is not so much about the house but the location.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40It's a sort of negative mystery in that we've basically not given you
0:29:40 > 0:29:44what you wanted, because this is about 30 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and you wanted to be 15 miles, so it's double the distance.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51But we brought you here really to show you what you get
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- if you let go of that circumference around Stow.- Yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- What are your thoughts about the area and the house?- Stunning views.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- The house, it looks... - It looks very grand.- Spacious.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Yes, it does look extremely spacious.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08See what you mean about more house for your money in this sort of area.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Shall we look inside?- Yes.- OK.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14'So, spacious looking on the outside this house may be,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17'but inside is where it counts, especially for Chris,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19'in the kitchen.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21'He's keen to have one as large as he's been used to
0:30:21 > 0:30:25'in their French farmhouse. Let's see if this one fits the bill.'
0:30:26 > 0:30:29This is a different layout from what we've shown you in other cottages.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- It is.- Come over here, you get a view of the kitchen.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- It's lovely. Very spacious, isn't it?- Nice and wide open.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- More light and airy.- Originally there would have been a hallway.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43They've taken out this wall, as you can see. Opened it all up.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47I like the idea you could be working in the kitchen, talking to people that are waiting for their food.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49A really useful space.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52It's not too open plan. It's not too modern inside.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55They haven't destroyed the character of the house by modernising.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59They've kept some of the feel of the period.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02'There are more character features in the sitting room,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05'which could well provide an answer to their musical prayers.'
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- This is a lovely size room as well. - Yes.- Yes, it is.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Again, two rooms knocked together. You've got a nice log burner.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15A log burner, which is always good for us.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I can see this as a music room. A concert room with a piano.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- Yes, we could.- We've always wanted a house where we could put a piano.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Yes, and certainly you could put a piano here.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28'And while the singing goes on in the sitting room,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31'I've earmarked the light, modern conservatory
0:31:31 > 0:31:34'for their arts and crafts activities.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'We're heading upstairs where there's a smart family bathroom
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'with a separate cloakroom next door.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43'These are both shared by two reasonably sized bedrooms
0:31:43 > 0:31:48'with more of those lovely views, which could be perfect for Chris and Lesley's in-laws.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52'And, of course, there's also a room to suit them.'
0:31:52 > 0:31:55This room, they use it as the master room.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57It's not actually the biggest bedroom
0:31:57 > 0:32:01but it does have these great views up the valley towards Minchin.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04You've also got an en suite next door, so that's handy,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08and some big fitted wardrobes.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- It's quite panoramic, isn't it, that window?- It is. It's beautiful.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- It's a stunning view. - It is. It's a lovely bedroom.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17I can see why they chose it as a master bedroom.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20To have that view when you wake up in the morning.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23'The grandchildren might appreciate
0:32:23 > 0:32:27'sleeping up in the quaint and charming area on the next floor,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29'where there's also a study and a fifth bedroom
0:32:29 > 0:32:31'which could be used as a playroom
0:32:31 > 0:32:33'or an alternative music room, if they prefer.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36'Which just leaves the matter of a garden
0:32:36 > 0:32:38'for Chris to grow his veg.'
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- Ah, what a glorious day to be looking at gardens!- It is.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46And although this isn't a huge garden, it does have amazing views.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Yes, they are spectacular.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- In both directions.- You could get a veggie patch here.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- Yeah.- Yes, I think a small plot, there.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- That would really work well, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01OK, so how much do you think it costs?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I think I'll say top of our budget.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- £450,000.- OK.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Because it's Stroud and it's not Stow-on-the-Wold,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I think it's about £436,000.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Well, in your tradition of guessing above the prices,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21your staying consistent because actually,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23it's on the market at £430,000.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26£430,000. Right.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Clearly, house prices have not gone up
0:33:28 > 0:33:31as much as you thought while you were in France.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Go and explore the rooms upstairs, particularly the rooms we thought you could use for music making.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- That will be good. - We'll see you afterwards.- OK.- OK.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44'Once again, we're well under budget with our mystery house,
0:33:44 > 0:33:46'priced at £430,000,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50'and it delivers handsomely on all their needs
0:33:50 > 0:33:52'with a large and sociable kitchen/diner,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55'space for a music and craft room,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58'five bedrooms and enough garden for a vegetable patch.'
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Oh.- Musical instruments.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03This looks interesting.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- It's a music room.- It is. - This could be our music room. - Made for our instruments.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- We haven't had a music room before, have we?- No.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13It is further than what we expected.
0:34:13 > 0:34:19We would have liked to have been within 15 miles of Stow-on-the-Wold.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21But at the same time,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25this house offers a tremendous amount that perhaps
0:34:25 > 0:34:28houses in that area didn't.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31For me, the view is just phenomenal
0:34:31 > 0:34:33and we've never had a house with a view.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34I do like dramatic scenery.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Lesley's not so keen and that'll be interesting
0:34:37 > 0:34:42to chat with her about that later, because for me, it's very dramatic.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Chris and I don't feel the same about the house because although we agree on things
0:34:46 > 0:34:50like the fact there are lovely views and there's a lot of space,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54I think for Chris that would sell the house to him.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58But for me, that itself isn't enough.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01And I didn't get that warm, homely feeling
0:35:01 > 0:35:05when I stepped in the door that I hoped I would.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08They're not singing. Is that a bad sign?
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Has there been discord? Guys.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Hello.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- Yeah.- Are you ready?- Yeah. - Come on out.- OK.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Are you OK?- Yeah.- Good.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- No disharmony?- No.- A little bit. - A little bit.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Not a lot.- A little bit makes for an interesting piece.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40'The Cotswolds are dotted with beautiful limestone villages,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44'steeped in history, folklore and ancient ceremonies.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46'From the famous cheese rolling at Cooper's Hill
0:35:46 > 0:35:51'to the bi-annual feast called Pig Face Day at Avening.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55'But I've come to Painswick, known as the Queen of the Cotswolds,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59'to meet Carol Maxwell, chair of the local history society,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03'who's going to tell me more about the unusual traditions and folklore
0:36:03 > 0:36:06'that abound in this village, like the dark story
0:36:06 > 0:36:11'that surrounds the 99 yew trees that grow in the grounds of the parish church.'
0:36:11 > 0:36:13So what's the story with the yew trees?
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- I've never seen anything like it. - There are various myths attached.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20They were all planted in about 1792.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24There has always been an attempt to grow 100
0:36:24 > 0:36:28but apparently, only 99 will survive.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32And any attempt to grow another one will result in one of the existing ones dying.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39It is said that the devil himself will not allow the 100th to grow.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44- So the devil blights the 100th yew tree.- It would seem to be that way.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Has anyone tried it?- Yes. Lots of times.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49The latest one during the millennium.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51A new tree was planted and within weeks,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54one of the existing ones fell down.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59I have been struck in the Cotswolds how each place seems to have these unique and amazing myths.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03Yes, yes. Certainly Painswick has its fair share.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06'For another mythical tale,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10'Carol has recommended I visit a local pub to track down the story
0:37:10 > 0:37:16'of Painswick's intriguing local delicacy, known as puppy dog pie.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18'Landlord Keith Ayres revived the dish
0:37:18 > 0:37:21'when he moved here two years ago.'
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- Keith?- Yes. Welcome.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27I've been reliably informed you can tell me about puppy dog pie.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- I can do better than that, I can show you.- Excellent.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Come this way.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37As you can see, there's a lot of vegetables that go in to it.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Celery, onions, carrots, mushrooms, leeks.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45You're not telling me what this is. I'm hoping it's not actually puppy.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50It's not. Puppy dog pie goes back maybe a couple of hundred years
0:37:50 > 0:37:54and it came about from a feud between the youths
0:37:54 > 0:37:57of Painswick and Stroud.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01The parents got them together and tried to get a truce going
0:38:01 > 0:38:03and made them some nice pies.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05As they were leaving, they said,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09"By the way, the pie you just had, we don't have any meat
0:38:09 > 0:38:12"because we're very, very poor so consequently,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15"we used our local dogs."
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- Ah.- So it was more to wind them up.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22- To upset them.- A wind-up. Do people get put off by the idea?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25There's always somebody who does get a bit upset but in essence,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28once they're explained about it, it is more humour now,
0:38:28 > 0:38:32rather than serious.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34People actually join in with the laugh.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38I do ask them, "If you hear squeals when you're eating it,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41"let me know because it's obviously undercooked."
0:38:41 > 0:38:44'For the peasant folk in olden times, there wasn't much meat,
0:38:44 > 0:38:48'so this pie traditionally contains a great deal of vegetables
0:38:48 > 0:38:50'and, of course, no puppy dog at all.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54'Today the pie is made using chopped steak,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58'and Keith also adds local bitter and stout for flavour.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01'After 20 minutes in the oven, the pie is ready.'
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Yowzer! Look at those!
0:39:05 > 0:39:08They're amazing! Like puppy volcanoes!
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- Very tasty and they're crying out... - To be eaten!- Yes.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Whining to be eaten, in fact.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20And leaving her tales behind, we're being joined by Carol for the tasting of this great local dish.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Nobody leaves here hungry, that's our philosophy.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Smells delicious.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Mm. That's actually great.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- Here's to Painswick puppies. - Yes, good health.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Quite enough puppy dog pie, delicious as it may be.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Time to find out what's happening with our harmonious
0:39:48 > 0:39:51and sometimes not-so-harmonious duo.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Are they in agreement about which house
0:39:53 > 0:39:56they like best out of the three we've shown them?
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Let's find out.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- Hello, guys.- Hello. - Found a nice spot, here.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10- How have the Cotswolds lived up to your expectations?- It's lovely.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15We're sold on the area. We've decided this is the area we'd like to spend a lot of our time in.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19We showed you three houses. Let's go through them one by one.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- The first house did offer quite a lot of what you were looking for. - Yes, it did.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28The site of the house was really quiet. We liked the kitchen.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The kitchen was a lovely space
0:40:31 > 0:40:34and it had many other really appealing period features.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Yes, and there was the wood-burning stove as well.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39But I think the overall impression we got
0:40:39 > 0:40:44was that perhaps it was just a little small for us.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46The second house was much more spacious on the inside.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49I really like that house.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54Once I'd moved from the lounge through into the kitchen
0:40:54 > 0:40:57and the dining room and then upstairs,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I grew to like it more and more.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It had a good feel about it. A homely feel.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- And the third house, the mystery house.- My first reaction was, "Wow!"
0:41:06 > 0:41:08This is the sort of thing I'd really been looking for
0:41:08 > 0:41:11was something with a tremendous view.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15We've never lived in a house with a superb view.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19To look down over Stroud and have that vista along the valley was amazing.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21So that wowed me straight away.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It really did, for me, capture what I was looking for.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27And that's where Lesley and I parted a little,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29because she wasn't so seduced by that.
0:41:29 > 0:41:35For me, I didn't feel at home in the house as I had in the second house.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39As I say, once we'd walked round that house,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41I felt immediately at home.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44That didn't happen in the third house.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Overall, what would you say you've learnt and what happens next?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Regarding house two, we liked that very much
0:41:52 > 0:41:55and I think we'd like to go back and look at that again
0:41:55 > 0:41:57and explore the village.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01And I think the mystery house, that was very interesting for us
0:42:01 > 0:42:04because it did open up more possibilities
0:42:04 > 0:42:07and I think one thing it's done is it's reminded us
0:42:07 > 0:42:13that we may have to consider moving a little bit further
0:42:13 > 0:42:16from that magic radius that we'd started with
0:42:16 > 0:42:19in order to get the sort of space and environment
0:42:19 > 0:42:22we probably want to end up with.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24I do hope you find what you need.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28I feel the Cotswolds is missing your tuneful souls.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- You need to bring harmony into this corner of the world.- That would be very nice.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41It gives me a warm feeling inside to think Lesley and Chris were away
0:42:41 > 0:42:43for five years and then came back from France
0:42:43 > 0:42:45but we didn't have to crush their hopes
0:42:45 > 0:42:48of finding a reasonably priced Cotswolds home.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51In fact, it seems their dream is eminently doable,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55one could say, in tune, with this part of the world.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57And if you've enjoyed our harmonious house finding,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01make sure you come along next time for Escape to the Country.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Chris and Lesley went back to see the second property
0:43:05 > 0:43:07but decided it wasn't for them.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11They've now made an offer on a stone farmhouse in Oxfordshire,
0:43:11 > 0:43:13just over 15 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold,
0:43:13 > 0:43:17so they should be moving into their new home very soon.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20If you'd like to Escape to the Country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:20 > 0:43:25Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online:
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