0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Let me introduce you to Monty and Prince,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08a pair of magnificent Shires
0:00:08 > 0:00:11who for five days a week, 50 weeks of the year,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13make deliveries here in the local area.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18Join me in just a few moments to find out what they're delivering and where.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53On today's show, I'm helping a house hunter with an extremely generous budget
0:00:53 > 0:00:55buy her first ever home.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58She's certainly dazzled by the interior of one property.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- Oh, this is a surprise. - Is this a wow?- This is a wow.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06And our mystery house really delivers where it counts.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- That's a kitchen.- Isn't it? - This is fantastic.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Today we are in Wiltshire, Devizes to be precise
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and it's where Monty and Prince make their daily deliveries of beer,
0:01:18 > 0:01:23just as their ancestors have done in this town since 1875.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28A little later on in the show, I'll be back here accompanying them on their next round.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Landlocked Wiltshire lies in the south-west of England surrounded
0:01:34 > 0:01:39by six counties including Dorset, Somerset and Gloucestershire.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42In the south-east of the county, sits it only city, Salisbury,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46which boasts a medieval cathedral with a 404 foot high spire,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51that is the tallest of its kind anywhere in United Kingdom.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Wiltshire has proud farming tradition, going back for thousands of years
0:01:55 > 0:01:59with around 72% of the region currently given over to agriculture.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03There are rich, historical monuments, too,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07such as the stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09which draw visitors from all over the world.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12They are the focal point of a rich, prehistoric landscape,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14full of burial mounds and hill forts,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17constructed by our ancient ancestors.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19The county is also home to the White Horse Trail,
0:02:19 > 0:02:25a 90-mile walk taking in eight white horses cut into the chalk hillsides.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29The largest of these is the Westbury Horse in the Vale Of Pewsey,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32which can be seen from 20 miles away.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Of course, all that rural charm does come at a price.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43Longleat House, behind me, isn't for sale but you do get the general idea.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Things are quite nice down here.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47After Dorset, when it comes to the south-west,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Wiltshire is the most expensive county you could pick.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55Your average detached will set you back around £293,000,
0:02:55 > 0:02:5814% above the national average.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03But, needless to say, in a county as popular and as beautiful as this one,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06there are some fantastic properties on the market.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09This charming two bedroomed thatched cottage in Stockton
0:03:09 > 0:03:13is priced at £345,000.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16It has a delightful beamed sitting room with a large
0:03:16 > 0:03:18inglenook fireplace and wood burner.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21There's also a country kitchen which features a colourful range
0:03:21 > 0:03:23and a quaint breakfast room.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Upstairs the bedrooms all boast exposed beams.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30How about this lovely four-bedroom 18th-century house in Hindon,
0:03:30 > 0:03:35which is on the market for a whisker under £500,000.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39It offers a spacious oak framed kitchen/diner which has a lovely contemporary feel,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41an elegant sitting room
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and half an acre of beautifully planted gardens.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Or, if your budget can stretch to £695,000,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51you could go for this very attractive three-bed, 17th-century
0:03:51 > 0:03:56stone house in Chilmark, which comes with five acres of land.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00The drawing room has an impressive vaulted ceiling, with gallery
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and outside there's a glorious sun terrace.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08If you are tempted by some of those wonderful Wiltshire properties,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10like today's buyer, you're in very good company
0:04:10 > 0:04:14and she's brought along her best friend, Liz, for some moral support.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20PA, Linda has recently inherited the four-bed detached family home in Wimbledon
0:04:20 > 0:04:24that she lived in with her parents for more than 40 years.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26A developer has just bought the house
0:04:26 > 0:04:28so she's now looking to buy her first home on her own
0:04:28 > 0:04:30and will be accompanied on her property search
0:04:30 > 0:04:33by friend of 25 years, Liz.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35This is actually the first time I've moved on my own.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I inherited this house from my parents
0:04:38 > 0:04:42so I've never actually gone and sought a house myself.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Also, the timescale is very short.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48My house is being demolished, probably in a couple of months time.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I haven't got long in which to find something.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Indeed she hasn't, however this isn't a spur of the moment move.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00Linda's has been planning to leave London for more rural way of life for some time.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06I'm coming up to 60 next month and have been looking to retire, probably within the next year or so.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11The developers offered me a good price, about six weeks ago.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13It's all happening very quickly.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16I had been thinking, over the past six months
0:05:16 > 0:05:19that I would like to move out of London to the country,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22so this has given me an ideal opportunity in which to do that.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27This is the only move Linda is planning on making in her entire life
0:05:27 > 0:05:31and she has had a long time to dream up a perfect home.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34In an ideal world, I would like four bedrooms, possibly five.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I would like an en suite bathroom.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I would like a nice sized kitchen and a utility room,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42that's fairly important, as well. I'd like a study.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47I would like quite a large garden, possibly half an acre,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51maybe a wee bit more, up to an acre, if it's reasonably manageable,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53depending on the nature of the garden.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57It's not just the wish list that's been nailed down, the location has too.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I would like to move to the Salisbury area,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03or just to the west of Salisbury or the south-west.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- You don't want to be too remote, though, do you?- No.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Because being on your own, you can get a bit isolated.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- You want a little shop, or little village, or something? - Yes, if possible, yes.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I don't want anything that's too lonesome,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19like at the end of a long track, or too far from anybody.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21I think I'd feel a bit isolated.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23It's my first experience of living in the country.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26The deal with the developer is a lucrative one
0:06:26 > 0:06:31and it's given Linda a very generous amount of money with which to buy her very first home.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36My budget for the next property would be probably between
0:06:36 > 0:06:39800,000, perhaps up to a million if the right thing came along.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Of course, there's always a certain amount of luck involved
0:06:48 > 0:06:50when it comes to buying and selling houses.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Being in the right place at the right time and that sort of thing, has a key role to play
0:06:54 > 0:06:57but Linda, she scooped up bucket loads of luck.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Just when she was thinking of retiring and moving to the country,
0:07:00 > 0:07:05a developer steps in, offers to buy her house for an enormous amount of money
0:07:05 > 0:07:09and sets her up in the enviable position of being a cash buyer.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Let's just hope that some of that luck rubs off this week
0:07:12 > 0:07:14as we try and find her a home of the future.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Linda wants to be within striking distance of Salisbury,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23so we'll be taking her and friend, Liz,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26on a gentle ramble around the surrounding countryside.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29We've got three delightful properties to enchant them
0:07:29 > 0:07:33and I'll be challenging Linda and Liz to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36The last property is, of course, our mystery house.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40I think it has all the ingredients to teach them a thing or two about country life.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Let's not kid around here, you have to do this in a hurry
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- because the developers are coming in to knock your house down. - Yes, they certainly are.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56I've got five weeks, six weeks at the maximum before the bulldozers move in and I'm homeless.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Now, you say "homeless," it sounds very desperate
0:07:59 > 0:08:01but you are armed with a fantastic budget of how much?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I'm in an extremely fortunate position.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09I'm looking for a property between £800,000 and probably up to a million-ish.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Brilliant.- Yes, so, yes, I'm incredibly lucky.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Now, Liz, has come along to help you find your ideal dream home
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- with our assistance, of course.- Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Liz, what do you think? How's this move going to go?
0:08:21 > 0:08:26She knows what she wants. You've got your work cut out, I think.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- This is interesting, because you've never bought a house before. - I haven't, no.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34I've lived in the family home since it was built way back in the '60s.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38The requirements, you say you've got 800 to 1,000,000 to spend,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- That's a lot of house for one person.- I know.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I like entertaining and I have people to stay with me quite frequently
0:08:44 > 0:08:46and usually more than one bedroom's worth of people.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I often have two or three rooms taken up with visitors.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51I do need a fair bit of space for that.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Liz, all set?- Yes, ready to go.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56You're going to keep her on the straight and narrow for me?
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- I'm really quite excited about this, actually.- Good, let's get going.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- Follow me.- Thank you.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Well, these two can't wait and I'm not surprised,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09with a very healthy budget between 800,000 and £1 million.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13On the wish list is a detached house with a spacious kitchen
0:09:13 > 0:09:15for keen cook, Linda.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20Four bedrooms, so ample space for the party guests she's anticipating.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24A large garden and it all needs to be set within a village location.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37We're kick-starting our property search, eight miles from Salisbury
0:09:37 > 0:09:39in the village of White Parish.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43It's an attractive location, with a thriving shop/post office,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45a doctors' surgery and two pubs.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50They're all situated within walking distance of our first property,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53which sits in the charming position, overlooking the local church.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- OK, ladies. There we are. - Oh, that looks lovely.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- It looks very, very promising. Just the style but I was looking for. - House number one.- Perfect.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- You can just see the churchyard behind us.- I can indeed, yes.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12This perhaps, not surprisingly, is an old vicarage.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Wow, so it should have some history to it?
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- It certainly has got some history. It's been extended a little bit over the years.- Yes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21And we think it's about 1700, probably mid-1700s.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27- It's had an Victorian addition. - No ghost, I hope.- Who knows? Let's see what we can find.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- What do you think, Liz? - Well, I think it's got character.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Roses around the door and one of Linda's criteria
0:10:33 > 0:10:35was not a glass front door and it's got a solid front door.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- It's got a nice solid front door. - That's nice, yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I'm really looking forward to having a look round.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- And, we've got a lovely garden for you.- Even better. - Come and have a look.- Great.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49We're off to a roaring start. This former vicarage has almost everything Linda is after,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52so let's hope the inside continues to impress.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- OK, Linda...- Oh, that's nice. - Could this be the one?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I didn't say I wanted a nice, big square hall,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04but actually I did think I would have liked one and this looks lovely.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06That's what you've got.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- You've got light from the window, which is really lovely.- Yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12This little alcove, this used to be the only phone box in the village.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Oh, goodness.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Leading off of here, we've also got you one of the two reception rooms.- Right.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- A very nice little snug/TV room. In terms of entertainment, you do want a dining room?- Oh, definitely.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Come and look at this.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31Knowing Linda is a keen entertainer, this next room is always going to be particularly important to her.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- How would entertaining work in here? - Not bad at all. It's lovely.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I'll have to learn to play the piano. It's lovely.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Just a nice size, very cosy and I like the beams.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46They're not too conspicuous but they're there, which is lovely.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Of course, we are opposite the church, so I'm thinking,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52when it's snowing, and you've been over to church,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55everybody's coming back for drinks, you're the first stop.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Sounds good, yes.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- A Christmas tree and all the mulled wine.- Exactly!
0:11:59 > 0:12:02It's definitely got the atmosphere for that.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Entertaining, all well and good but we need a kitchen for that.- We do.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08We've got you a brand-new one. Have a look at this.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10This is it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- That's a lovely, yes. And, an island unit.- Yeah.- Plenty of cupboard space.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Granite tops. You've a gas-fired, massive cast-iron range.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Oh, that's good.- It's mains, which is lovely.- Yes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Kitchens are one of your things, aren't they? - Kitchens are my speciality.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- How's this one? - This looks very nice.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- It's a high quality kitchen. It's been very well fitted. - I would say so.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- It's also complemented with an enormous utility room, behind. - Which is also good.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40What you see is what you need for the kitchen, the rest is out there.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Right, follow me this way. - Where is the wine cellar?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Here we go, come on.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Well, I'm afraid there's no wine cellar here, Linda,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51but in the newer extension next door there is this superb drawing room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- I think this would suit you down to the ground.- Oh, very nice, yes.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00Not too cavernous but, you know, cosy again. A bit like the snug.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Yes.- Again, a lovely place for a bit of formal entertaining.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05And, nice to have it wide enough to get chairs in a square,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- rather than having to sit in a line, as well.- Yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Yes, very nice. And, windows on three sides.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- They've got a desk overlooking the garden, which is a nice touch. - Very tastefully, done
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- And above it, is the master suite. - Suite, sounds promising.- Yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Shall we have a look upstairs? - Oh, yes. please.- Follow me.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28This is a house that just keeps on giving and there's an added bonus on the landing.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Oh, I do like this.- Yeah. - And, a study area.- There you go.
0:13:34 > 0:13:40I was just going to say I was going to convert the snug into a study area, but no need.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- In a way, what else would you use that space for?- Nothing, it's dead space otherwise.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- And, of course, you can see who's coming and going.- Of course, yes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- You wanted five bedrooms.- I did. - We've got five.- That's good.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Follow me.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58Yes, there's plenty of space for guests with this double room, currently made up as a twin
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and a further three bedrooms, all of a good size.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05There's also a family bathroom but it's in the new extension,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08above the drawing room, where Linda would sleep.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Now here, Linda, is your master wing.- How sweet.
0:14:11 > 0:14:17Lots of storage there, lovely en suite and more storage and the bedroom itself.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21This is nice, with the windows on three sides, as well.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Waking up in here for the first time, would you feel comfortable?
0:14:24 > 0:14:28This house gives me a nice feel. I would feel comfortable.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31It's nice, it's not too far from neighbours, too.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It's great that Linda can see herself living here.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Time to head outside and although the garden isn't the half an acre she's asked for,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42it's certainly a large enough space for her to potter very happily.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- There, isn't this nice? - This is lovely.- Yeah?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Especially on a sunny day, we're so lucky.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- It's in zones, you've a formal lawn here.- Yes.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- There's another area there. - And a gate, going somewhere.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- That's to the garage.- Not to the secret garden.- Secret garage!
0:14:57 > 0:15:00There's another area here, at the bottom, which is nice.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- This is the secret garden. - That's the secret garden.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Have you had a chance to think about how much this might be worth?
0:15:07 > 0:15:11I imagine it'd be towards the top end of the budget,
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- so, I would go for 925,000. - 925,000, yeah.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- It might be a little bit optimistic. - Oh, dear.- Go on, Liz.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25- I'd aim for a little higher than that. I think it's 1.175.- 1.175.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- I really think it is, yes.- OK. - It's a good quality, solid building and it's nicely situated.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Well, it could be yours for 985.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39Oh, right. It's a definite possibility. Yes.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43You've identified one or two things you might want to tweak. You've got your designer on hand.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Off you go.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53At £985,000, this former vicarage is within the budget
0:15:53 > 0:15:55and packed with period charm.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59It provides her with a spacious high spec kitchen/diner,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01as well as two reception rooms.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Upstairs there are five double bedrooms
0:16:03 > 0:16:08and outside the garden is big enough to keep Linda busy.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12When I came into the house, it had a nice, warm, cosy feel about it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I felt I would be comfortable here.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18I was even more pleased with it than I expected I was going to be.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22When I came into the house, there were a number of things I first noticed.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25One was, the square hallway with pieces of furniture in
0:16:25 > 0:16:30and the decor was everything Linda would choose herself.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Right, ladies, out you go.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Now, I sort of get the impression we might have surprised you.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- You have, very nicely.- Good, well we like nice surprises, don't we?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- And, there are plenty more to come. - Excellent.- Follow me.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00The village of Laycock in north-west Wiltshire is owned entirely by the National Trust,
0:17:00 > 0:17:05who are keen to maintain it as a valuable example of British heritage.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08As an admirer of Trust properties, we knew Linda would appreciate
0:17:08 > 0:17:11the magnificent architecture that's showcased here.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15So, earlier in the week, we arranged for her and Liz to visit the area.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19The entire village was given to the National Trust in 1944
0:17:19 > 0:17:24by the descendants of William Henry Fox Talbot, who originally lived here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Fox Talbot was an early pioneer of photography
0:17:27 > 0:17:30and Laycock Abbey, which sits in the middle of the village,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34houses a museum celebrating his achievements.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37It's just one of more than 200 listed buildings in the area
0:17:37 > 0:17:41which capture almost every style of architecture from the 13th century onwards.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46The National Trust aim to preserve Laycock's traditions in many forms,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49one of which is its Artisan soap making shop
0:17:49 > 0:17:52where techniques are used that have not changed for centuries.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Linda and Liz are meeting owner, Jacqui Sheard to discover more about this unique craft.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Hello.- Hi, Jackie, I'm Linda. - Hello, Linda.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04I must say, coming in the colours and the smell is fabulous.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05- Thank you.- It's really nice.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09It's fitting that in the village where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13that our house hunters are getting the chance to perform some alchemy of their own,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16making soap in a way that has changed little since Roman times.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20The first step is to mix up some caustic soda.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23There is a little magic formula with putting the soda into the water.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26They always say, put the soda into the water,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28not the water into the soda.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31You want it to be a bit like it's snowing, really.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35If it splashes, you don't want it splashing on your face
0:18:35 > 0:18:36or on your arms.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40In the very early stages of human history, soap was made
0:18:40 > 0:18:44from animal fats and potash and was mainly used to clean fleece and fabrics.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49The Roman recipe introduced the use of the caustic ingredient, lime.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53For Jacqui's soap, olive, coconut and palm oils are mixed together
0:18:53 > 0:18:57before the caustic soda is added. The ladies will need strong arms,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00as the mixture is stirred for an hour until it thickens.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Am I a good stirrer? - Yeah, you're doing quite well.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Sometimes people stir like... It needs to be a little bit faster.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Yeah, that's it.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23The final process is the addition of essential oils to scent the soap
0:19:23 > 0:19:26before leaving it to set overnight.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Once solid they can be decorated.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33It wasn't until the 15th century that finer soaps were produced.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38These used vegetable oils like those made from olives, rather than animal fats.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42It was only with the advent of the Industrial Revolution that small-scale soap production
0:19:42 > 0:19:44went into decline.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- It's great, thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Well, it certainly looks as though Linda and Liz are awash with new crafty ideas.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Will any of our houses scrub up?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Time to get back to the house search and find out.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04For our second property, I'm taking our ladies to Eastcott,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07some 21 miles north of Salisbury.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11It's just down the road from Urchfont, a vision of rural charm
0:20:11 > 0:20:15with a pleasing mix of Georgian houses and traditional thatched homes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18All the essentials are here, including a pub, church
0:20:18 > 0:20:22and a community-run shop and post-office.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Well, Linda and Liz, this is our second property.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- That's a surprise, it's very different.- Isn't it just?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Very different to the last house we've just seen, I must say.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38It's not as conventional as the last one.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- No, I can see that.- The first property was much more cottagey.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- This one has an altogether different feel.- Right.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Liz is being quite quiet at the moment, what are you thinking?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50It's not doing it for me yet, I'm waiting to see the inside.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I'm not comfortable with it yet.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Linda, what are your thoughts, you've got to live here?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I'm not quite as excited as I was on the last house.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Let's see if we can get you more excited and impress you. Come on, follow me.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08Well, Linda might need to heed the words, "don't judge a book by its cover,"
0:21:08 > 0:21:10as this house really scales up on the inside.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18- This is a surprise.- It this a "wow"? - This is a "wow".- Come on in.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22I was a bit disappointed when we arrived, but now I'm not.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26No, this is brilliant. It's lovely. It's a total and utter surprise.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- There's a little smile creeping into Liz's mouth, there?- Yes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33I'm starting to warm but I'm still not comfortable.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36The room is divided into two main zones, a dining end here,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- naturally next to the kitchen.- Yes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42That end is very cosy. Come and have a look at this.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I think this enormous fireplace, you can see there with these lovely corbels supporting the beam
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- over the wood burner.- Lovely.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52There's also a conservatory. I think this rather sets the scene.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- I think it's a terrific space and we talked about your love of entertaining.- Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Come on.- It's the way to do it, isn't it?- This would be a nice place.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Being in the kitchen and everybody around the dining room table.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Come and look at the kitchen. This is lovely, it's beautifully made.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08It's hand built, as you might expect.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12You know, complete with range, as indeed with our first property.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13It's a superb kitchen, isn't it?
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Lots and lots of storage space and lots of work space as well.- Mm-hm.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I can imagine myself cooking up many a meal here for people.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25Of course, you've got access out to here. The whole thing is an extension of this room.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29And a lovely view out onto the garden as well, which is a bonus.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32OK, that's the kitchen. We've talked about this main living room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Let's go upstairs to the master bedroom.- Right.- Follow me.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Linda could have her very own master suite,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42located just off this charming gallery.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47This is what is outside your bedroom door, a nice little viewing point.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- That's not a bad view, is it?- Yeah. - Very nice.- The bedroom is in here.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Come on in, let's explore this room. It's quite big.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58There's storage hidden away behind these lovely panelled walls.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- It's very different, very attractive.- Yeah?
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- I love the pillar. I think this is lovely.- It's a nice feature.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- A medieval hint about it. - One on either side, yes.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I would feel comfortable in this bedroom, yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- Liz?- I have a design issue.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16These ultramodern windows in a property like this.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19The thing is about windows like this, it is a design issue
0:23:19 > 0:23:22but it's also easy maintenance, no painting.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- You've got to look at it.- Yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28As you would expect, a room like this in a property like this does come with an ensuite,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- it's behind that panel there. - That's what I was just going to ask about.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35You're completely self-contained here. That's the joy of it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- Is the only room upstairs, isn't it?- It is.- Yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- How many bedrooms are there? - Four. Four, in total.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46And, of course, the rest are downstairs.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Let's have a look at them.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53I'm glad Linda is looking favourably on the windows
0:23:53 > 0:23:58as I don't feel they detract from the overall rustic charm of this place.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01The remaining three good-sized bedrooms are on the ground floor,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03at the other end of the sitting room
0:24:03 > 0:24:08and we're about to take a look at the one that's currently being used as a study.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- Now this is technically bedroom four.- Right.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- We've seen the master.- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- They've got it, very well furnished as a study.- Very nice.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25You've got these double doors out to the sunken garden out there.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- It would, of course, mean you would have only three bedrooms if this remains as a study.- Yes.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34I have a vast number of books, so I'd need somewhere to store them.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- That's purpose-built.- Yes. - And very nice it is, too. Liz?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42The sunken garden's a lovely feature. That is a nice feature.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- It's just one bit of the gardens.- Right.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Which we should now explore, I think.- I would very much like to see it.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Come and have a look.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Gardening enthusiast, Linda, is after around half an acre and this garden should measure up,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59after all, it's big enough to accommodate its own swimming pool.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05I think this is a nice place to settle and take in what the garden has to offer.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08It's quite a big garden, but easy maintenance, by the looks of things.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- This wouldn't daunt you in terms of size?- No.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16- Also, lots of lovely fruit trees. Something of a little orchard area there.- Very nice.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18No, it's a really good garden.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23So, Linda, let's have a think about the price of this one?
0:25:23 > 0:25:25It's a difficult one to price.
0:25:25 > 0:25:32- I think, not as high as the last one, probably 895.- 895, yeah. Liz?
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- I'd say it was 930.- £930,000.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39You said £895,000.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43This could be yours for £775,000.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46No! My goodness, I was way out.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- Has that upped the ante a little bit?- Just a bit.- Yeah.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53I'm still hovering.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Go and hover in there and I'll catch up with you later.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- I might go for a little paddle.- OK.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Priced at £775,000,
0:26:06 > 0:26:11this converted stable block leaves Linda plenty of money to spare from her budget.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14It gives her a bespoke, solid oak kitchen,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17a vast and sociable reception space,
0:26:17 > 0:26:18four bedrooms
0:26:18 > 0:26:20and just over half an acre of garden.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25I don't think, overall, I could see myself living in this house.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27It's very nice but it's just not my style
0:26:27 > 0:26:33and looking around I began to see the practicalities of it and realised, nice as it is,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37in fact it's delightful, I don't think it would work for me living on my own.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40My first impression of the house, as we drove up to it,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45didn't really give me that wow factor. The first house, I really liked.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50If only every house tour ended like this.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- It's gorgeous having a pool. Hello.- Hi, there!
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Have you had a hover? Have you had a mooch?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58All the way in, Jules.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59Sorry to interrupt you, here.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Well, I'm enjoying myself. I hope you've had a good time.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- We've had a wonderful time. - That's cooled you down?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- It certainly has.- You need a glass, as well, don't you?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Well, we might just go and find one of those.- OK.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Follow me. Come on.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27As the sun sets over the serene Wiltshire countryside,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31the first day of our property search draws to a close.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43First-time buyer, Linda, from London is in the enviable position
0:27:43 > 0:27:48of having a very generous budget to spend on a country home in Wiltshire.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Our first house really took Linda's fancy.- It looks very, promising.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Just the sort of style that I was looking for.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59But, coming up, our mystery house could also be just the ticket.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04I think I won't need the other rooms, I'll be cooking here and then just relaxing down there.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08And I try my hand at the forgotten art of coopering, which, as I discover,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- is alive and well in Wiltshire. - Just give it a whack.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Ah, does that matter?
0:28:19 > 0:28:21It does.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Well, I've just had breakfast with Liz and Linda
0:28:28 > 0:28:30and I can tell you there is a great deal of excitement
0:28:30 > 0:28:34as to what our final property, our mystery house, may be.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Whatever it is we got lined up for them,
0:28:36 > 0:28:38it's certainly got a lot to compete with.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41They fell in love with property number one yesterday.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44But, hey, a bit of competition never hurt anyone.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- What do you think we've got lined up for you?- It's difficult to know.
0:28:51 > 0:28:58Maybe a thatched house or a new build, even. Maybe even a newly built thatched house if such houses exist.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- Well they do exist! I mean, what about a windmill? - A windmill would be fine.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- How about a school house? - That would be nice.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- Really?- Yes, I think that could be interesting.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19We're crossing the Wiltshire border into Dorset,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24close to the village of Woodlands where we found a stunning mystery property
0:29:24 > 0:29:27with a scholarly association for bookish, Linda.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31It's just down the road from Cranborne, a pretty village
0:29:31 > 0:29:32full of unspoiled charm.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35The Church of St Mary and Bartholomew has 12th century origins
0:29:35 > 0:29:38and should the ladies wish to dine out, there's a pub,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41a restaurant and two village stores.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44The house I'm showing them has certainly got the wow factor
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and I'm just hoping they like it as much as I do.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Here we are, ladies. Here is our mystery house.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56- Bathed in lovely sunshine, an old school.- It looks very, very pretty.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Isn't it just?- It's beautiful. Very, very promising.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Now a little bird did tell me that you quite like old schools.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07I do like old schools. A bit of character, very interesting. Yes.
0:30:07 > 0:30:08This is an absolute treat.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- The reason it's our mystery house is we know you like old schools.- I do.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- And we're not in Wiltshire any more, we're in Dorset.- Oh, right.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- I think we might get a wow. - Sounds good.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21I'm sticking my neck out there. Come and look inside.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27With the exterior of this property making a good impression on Linda and Liz,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31I'm taking them straight through into the rather elegant, open plan reception area.
0:30:31 > 0:30:37Well, Linda, we're back to school, but probably not as you would remember it. Not like this, anyway.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Certainly not, no. This is lovely. - Isn't it?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Very nice. As you say, it's cosy.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45It doesn't have the cavernous feeling of the place we saw yesterday.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- But we've got this huge, vaulted ceiling.- Yes.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51The original ceiling, obviously, which is in here.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- That's a later addition, the mezzanine floor.- Right.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Which now provides something of a summer bedroom.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59I was wondering what was there, yes.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01It could be another reception room, we'll look at that later on.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05Lovely big windows, too. Very, very nice.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10Liz, you weren't sure about our second property yesterday, which had similar properties.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- Similar.- Is this working for you. - Yes, it is working for me.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- It's certainly working for me. - Yes.- Good.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20One thing we haven't got for you is a separate dining room.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21That's not a problem.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- We could, potentially, incorporate the dining end. - Lots of opportunities...
0:31:25 > 0:31:29There's loads of areas I can put a dining room table.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31That's not a problem at all.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Next stop, the kitchen. - Lovely.- Lovely.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Come and have a look at this.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- Right, come on in.- That's a kitchen. - Isn't it?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- This is fantastic. - That has the wow factor.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54It's got the size, it's got room for a big table, lovely windows looking out onto the garden.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59Oil fired range there, with electric to back it up, as well, in the summer.
0:31:59 > 0:32:05Actually, I probably won't need the other rooms, I shall just be cooking here and just relaxing down there.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- So you've moved in. - I have moved in.- Yes.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13Also on the ground floor, off the drawing room, is a cosy sitting room cum study,
0:32:13 > 0:32:17as well as a bright utility room and a modern bathroom.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20We're heading for the main bedroom.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- Now, this is what is currently set up as the master.- Right.- OK.- Yes.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- It's on the ground floor.- It is.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- How do we feel about that? - Not hugely keen on ground floor bedrooms, I must say.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35I really wouldn't let it worry you too much.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- This is one that they use in the winter.- Yes.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Because they like to use the mezzanine.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- Oh, right.- In the summer.- In the main room.- An interesting idea, yes.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49The question is, is it simply big enough for you as a master?
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- I think it would be, yes.- Then we've got plenty of storage here.- Yes.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- Loads of that.- It's quite nice and light.- How about bathroom?
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- The bathroom is just down the corridor.- Right. - It's not ensuite as such.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03But you are self-contained at this end, anyway.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06You are, if you shut the door in the corridor, you're in your own wing.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- This, as I say, is currently the winter master.- Yes.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Let's go upstairs and have a look at that other one. Come on.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Let's see if the summer mezzanine sleeping area will appeal.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- Just to remind you, this floor is new. It wasn't part of the original school fabric.- Yes.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- But it gets us nearer to this amazing ceiling, of course.- Yes.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33They've made very good use of the space, haven't they?
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- This is the summer bedroom? - This is what they're calling the summer bedroom, one of the four.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- Through that door we've got two further bedrooms. A bit smaller.- Yes.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47This one, and the one we've just seen, are the bigger of the four.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- Yes.- Would you use this as a summer bedroom?- I think I would, yes.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Depending on if I had somebody staying with me.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57I daresay if I had visitors who are going to bed through there,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- I may well revert to the winter bedroom.- Ah...
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- No, they don't have to do that at all.- Do they not?
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- There's a separate staircase.- That's good.- Which comes off the hallway.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09They've got access to that completely on their own.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12There's another bathroom through there and so forth. Actually, this is just yours.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18That was a slight concern them having to come through your bedroom. That's really good, actually.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- All right, I know the garden, we've said before is very important. - Yes.- Come and look at this.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Immediately outside the back door is a very private terrace,
0:34:30 > 0:34:34beyond which stretches a wildflower garden, complete with a pond and woodland.
0:34:35 > 0:34:42Here we are, then, in the middle of what could be your 1.25 acres of lawn,
0:34:42 > 0:34:47woodland, pond and old schoolhouse.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- How much do we like this one? - We like it a lot... Well, I do.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Now then, I'm going to ask you to go first, Liz.- OK.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56What do you think the old school house is on the market for?
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- I think it's probably about 875. - 875.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Yeah?- I would go 835.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07£835,000.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- If it was £835,000, would it be of interest?- It would be of interest.
0:35:10 > 0:35:17It's interesting at 835. It's a no-brainer at £750,000.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22- No, you're joking! - Think what I could do with this.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- Yeah?- That has confused me. - Think how we can spend.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27There's a list forming, isn't there?
0:35:27 > 0:35:29There is a shopping list forming.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Right, off you go and start writing, I'll catch up with you later.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Thank you. Where are the shops?
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Well, when ladies want to shop, I know I've hit the mark.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42At £750,000, this old school house
0:35:42 > 0:35:45has a charming kitchen and breakfast room,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48a stunning galleried drawing-room,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50four double bedrooms
0:35:50 > 0:35:52and 1.25 acres of garden.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55The longer I've spent here, the more comfortable I've felt.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Now I'm completely torn because yesterday's house, that I liked,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02the old vicarage was right in the middle of a village.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06This is a completely different location and different type of house.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08It's really difficult to choose between the two.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12You know, it's amazing what we find in some of the properties we have on this show.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Have you seen girls, this little plaque?
0:36:15 > 0:36:20It says, "These trees were planted to commemorate the coronation of George VI in 1937."
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I guess it must have been a school then.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- It just goes to show that everywhere has a story to tell.- It has indeed.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- And he left his bike behind too. - He probably did.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30THEY LAUGH
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Let's see how your story is going to end.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Come on, let's go and have a chat.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49In the Wiltshire town of Devizes, brewing has been a commercial activity
0:36:49 > 0:36:52since at least the mid-16th century.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It was due to its growth here that around 200 years later,
0:36:55 > 0:37:00coopering, or barrel making in the county, eventually took off.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04By the first half of the 20th century, there were about 600 coopers at work in Britain,
0:37:04 > 0:37:10skilfully bending and hammering out sturdier barrels for countless millions of pints.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Timber shortages and the arrival of mass produced metal barrels,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17have all but consigned the craft to the scrapheap.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22Earlier in the week, I visited a Victorian brewery in Devizes to meet Alistair Simms,
0:37:22 > 0:37:28the UK's only master cooper, to find out more about this ancient craft.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30It's the original wheel.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Invented by the Egyptians, you can roll it along
0:37:33 > 0:37:36and if you want to turn it, you just press on one side
0:37:36 > 0:37:38and the cask springs around.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Because it's got this belly on it.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44You press on one side and it'll go around that way,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46press on this side, it'll come around that way.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Because of the shape of the belly, you can rock it about,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51two men can actually stand it up on end.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I never thought of it as the wheel, but you are right.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58The casks are made of oak stays, held together with metal hoops.
0:37:58 > 0:38:04Norfolk reeds are then slotted into the grooves at the ends to expand and seal the barrel.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Once Alistair has put the lid of the barrel in place,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10it just leaves the adding of the final metal hoop.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15He starts the job by hammering it firmly and precisely, around the edges.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Then, it's my turn to help finish it off,
0:38:18 > 0:38:23using an iron bar that weighs a hefty 32.5lbs.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Just give it a whack.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- I can't break it, can I?- You can, but it doesn't matter.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35THEY LAUGH
0:38:35 > 0:38:39This might take some time, then. Ah...
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- Does that matter?- It does.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43THEY LAUGH
0:38:43 > 0:38:46If you can't see this, I just bent the top of the...
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- It is fixable.- Is it? OK. Are you sure you want me to carry on?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53You're all right.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Well, I won't be giving up the day job any time soon.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Now, I'm going to meet another pair of heavyweights,
0:39:00 > 0:39:05two of the breweries Shire horses, who are being looked after by head horseman, Barry Petherick.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Together, they help deliver casks of beer to the pubs of Devizes.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15I mean, it's a wonderful sight. We would have seen this in every town and city
0:39:15 > 0:39:18up and down the country, many years ago.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- You really are a dying breed, aren't you?- That's right.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24I think we're one of the last few delivering every day of the week.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28In Britain there used to be well over a million working Shire horses
0:39:28 > 0:39:33but with increasing mechanisation, by the 1960s, their numbers had fallen dramatically
0:39:33 > 0:39:36and now they're classified as a rare breed.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42For Devizes itself, it must be a source of local pride
0:39:42 > 0:39:45to see that the brewery's still doing it the old-fashioned way.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50It is, they reintroduced the horses back in 1974. We've got two drays out every day delivering.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53What a great way to go to the pub.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03So, with the day's refreshment delivered, we're turning our attention back to our house hunt
0:40:03 > 0:40:08to find out what's brewing for Linda as she thinks over her three properties.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15When we set out on this house search, Linda said that she'd never bought a house of her own before.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Have we managed to reverse that trend and relieve her of nearly £1 million?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Let's go and ask her.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Here you are, contemplating the future?- Indeed.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- You have a lot to think about, Linda?- I certainly have.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38We couldn't have done this without Liz's help. Well done for coming along and giving your moral support.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Let's just remind ourselves of where we went. Property number one,
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- I think you both fell in love with that one, almost immediately. - Yes.- Yes, definitely.
0:40:46 > 0:40:53It was central in the village so it had lots of Linda's requirements which I was very pleased with.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57You've known her for 20 odd years, so you will know what's going to work for Linda.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Let's hear it from the horse's mouth. What did you think of it?
0:41:00 > 0:41:05I loved it. It had plenty of space, just the right layout of rooms.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09The only one doubt I had was that I was wanting to be near the country
0:41:09 > 0:41:11you can't actually back onto fields there.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16- There is always a little bit of a compromise.- Yes.- The garden was gorgeous.- It was fantastic.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- We definitely scored with our first property.- For sure.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Our second property, for me, was a little bit frustrating.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28- I loved it but you just didn't feel the love from the minute we turned up?- I liked a lot about it.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I thought it was a wonderful property just not for me to live in.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35We took you to our final property, our mystery house, the old school.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39It didn't have a feeling of remoteness at all. There were near neighbours.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42It just had that feeling which you felt,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44you didn't feel isolated, at all.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- I loved it.- The price was a good attraction, as well.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51They gave you spare money to do anything you want.
0:41:51 > 0:41:57Now then, £750,000 and let's face it you'd set out thinking you would spend at least 800,000?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- Yes.- So we were comfortably under your budget.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Way under, that was wonderful.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- What happens next?- Property number one is a definite contender.- Yeah.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10I loved it, I'm going to make arrangements to go back and see it as soon as possible.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- Are you now?- I certainly am!- OK.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14As you know, I'm looking for a house for life.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I think, thinking of the future, that's the one for me.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- It's been a treat having you.- It's been lovely.- Liz, lovely to see you
0:42:20 > 0:42:22and thank you for all your help.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- OK, thank you very much. - Thanks a lot.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33You know, I don't think I've ever met a first-time buyer with
0:42:33 > 0:42:37£1 million to spend but, of course, that effectively is what Linda is.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40She's in a very enviable position.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43But she's had this tussle going on, something which most of us,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46familiar with buying and selling property, know all too well.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Do you follow your head, or follow your heart?
0:42:49 > 0:42:53My sense is she's going to follow her heart and that,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56take it from me, really will be a £1 million love affair.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00Well, Linda did indeed make an offer which was accepted
0:43:00 > 0:43:03so she hopes to be moving to Wiltshire very soon.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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