0:00:02 > 0:00:06Here in 2005 a world record was set for eating oysters.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11The challenge was to eat as many as is humanly possible in the space of three minutes.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17So how many were eaten and where am I? You'll find out in a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:52'In today's show I'll be helping a couple of newlyweds to return to her country roots.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58'And judging from their reaction to our houses, I think they'll like what they see.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Come on in.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Oh, wow.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- Could be home.- Fantastic.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- 'Then we leave it to their imagination with our mystery house.' - Interesting.- Want to go inside?
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- Absolutely. Let's go.- OK.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Today I'm in County Down in Northern Ireland, and this is Hillsborough,
0:01:22 > 0:01:28where every year thousands of visitors descend to witness oyster lovers from around the globe
0:01:28 > 0:01:32battle it out for the coveted title of World Oyster Champion.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Tonight marks the opening of the competition and I may indulge,
0:01:36 > 0:01:42so join me later to see if I can beat the world record of 233 oysters in three minutes.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Better get practising.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50With the Irish Sea lapping at its shores, County Down is bordered
0:01:50 > 0:01:57by Antrim to the north and Armagh to the west and is one of the six counties making up Northern Ireland.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Downpatrick, the county town, is home to 10,000 residents
0:02:01 > 0:02:05and is synonymous with Ireland's patron saint, St Patrick,
0:02:05 > 0:02:10whose remains are thought to be buried in its cathedral grounds.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Rearing up from its sweeping coastline,
0:02:13 > 0:02:19the stunning granite mountains of Mourne were a source of stimulation for the author CS Lewis
0:02:19 > 0:02:25who believed that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31This backdrop also provided inspiration for the magical world of his Chronicles of Narnia.
0:02:31 > 0:02:38With epic mountains and expansive shores, it's no wonder two million visitors are drawn here each year.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49House prices in Northern Ireland vary quite dramatically,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53but the basic rule is the closer you are to Belfast, the more you'll pay.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59The average across the whole country for a detached property is currently just under £228,000,
0:02:59 > 0:03:05a figure that compares pretty favourably with prices across the water in England and Wales
0:03:05 > 0:03:09where for a similar property you'll pay about £27,000 more.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Bear that in mind when you now look at what's currently on the market.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17With a guide price of £395,000,
0:03:17 > 0:03:22this substantial property in Glenarm has four generous reception rooms,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25two with feature fireplaces.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30Its five bedrooms also have spacious proportions and it's all topped off
0:03:30 > 0:03:33with amazing views out over the coast.
0:03:33 > 0:03:41Or for £575,000, this immense five-bedroom new-build in Ballynahinch
0:03:41 > 0:03:47has an awe-inspiring double height interior. The floor to ceiling windows let in lots of light
0:03:47 > 0:03:53and the stone fireplace adds a warm focal point. It also has a high-spec kitchen/diner
0:03:53 > 0:03:57which leads out to attractively landscaped gardens.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03For top budgets, this handsome five-bedroom house dating back to the 1850s in Millisle
0:04:03 > 0:04:07is on for offers around £675,000. Along with a triple garage,
0:04:07 > 0:04:14outside it provides 2½ acres of grounds offering glorious views over the Irish Sea.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Some fantastic properties there.
0:04:18 > 0:04:25And over the course of the next few days, we'll show the house buyers three more. Let's meet them.
0:04:27 > 0:04:33Andy and Theresa have lived in their four-bedroom home in Watford for 15 years,
0:04:33 > 0:04:40but are in the throes of starting a new chapter of their lives, having recently got married.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46To mark this new beginning, they've decided to return to Theresa's roots in County Down, Northern Ireland.
0:04:46 > 0:04:52For me, moving back to Ireland has always been something that I wanted to do.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I came here in '87, probably planning a couple of weeks' holiday,
0:04:57 > 0:05:01and I'm here 25 years on, so I think if I don't make the move now
0:05:01 > 0:05:09then I might never. My son is totally independent now, he's over 21, so he's on his own, basically.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16Another factor in their move is Theresa's family ties in Northern Ireland. She's one of 12 siblings,
0:05:16 > 0:05:22some who live in the Newcastle area of County Down. Being nearer to them is very important.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27We've visited Theresa's family there so we're familiar with the area.
0:05:27 > 0:05:34And certainly on the coast, where one of Theresa's sisters lives, it reminds me very much of my home.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40Andy's childhood home was Moray on the Scottish coast. It's no surprise he's keen to be closer to the sea
0:05:40 > 0:05:45but there are still plenty of other requirements on their wish list.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51Inside the house, I'd like three bedrooms, maybe one with an en-suite,
0:05:51 > 0:05:56but it's not crucial. Downstairs, I'd like a downstairs cloakroom,
0:05:56 > 0:06:03a nice-sized kitchen, possibly a kitchen/diner because that's where we spend a lot of time
0:06:03 > 0:06:09and I would be happy with one reception room. I'd like it to be a nice size, though.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And then it would be an added bonus if I had a utility room.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18We'd prefer something with quite original features, maybe some rural features.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24I quite like a lot of natural wood, maybe slate, things like that.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Maybe a nice big stove.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32Andy and Theresa also have a clear vision of what they want outside.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- Parking is quite crucial for us. - Probably a driveway and a garage.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Cos I have a motorbike.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43I'd quite like to grow vegetables, maybe get some chickens.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49Despite knowing what they want, our buyers maintain a healthy approach to house hunting.
0:06:49 > 0:06:56Andy and I both are extremely flexible and when you do visit a property you get that feeling
0:06:56 > 0:06:59so we might surprise ourselves.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Flexible they may be, but there is one no-no.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Renovating might be a bit of a problem. Nothing too structural.
0:07:07 > 0:07:13We don't mind decorating at all and adding our own mark to it, but we don't want the hassle.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19Although they plan to sell their Watford property, they don't want a huge new mortgage
0:07:19 > 0:07:23so they've thought very carefully about what they can afford.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27If we found the right property, we're prepared to go to £250,000.
0:07:30 > 0:07:36It's not every day you go for a two-week holiday and end up staying for 25 years,
0:07:36 > 0:07:40so for Theresa this move is a long-awaited family reunion.
0:07:40 > 0:07:46For Andy it's the opportunity to embrace a new way of life with talk of chickens and growing vegetables.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52Ultimately, this move is a return to rural roots for our newlyweds.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59Andy and Theresa have asked that we base their house search around the small coastal town of Newcastle,
0:07:59 > 0:08:05where Theresa has family. We've selected three very different properties for them to see,
0:08:05 > 0:08:09but they won't find out the price of each until they have a guess first.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15The last is our mystery house, which will throw all of their great expectations out of the window.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Hey, Theresa.- Hi, Aled. - Andy, good to see you.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- Congratulations on becoming Mr and Mrs.- Thank you.- You want to focus around Newcastle.- Certainly.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33If I'm coming back to Ireland, I'd want it to be near family.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39I've actually got a sister who lives in Newcastle and one who lives about 10 miles away.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43I think to be in this location would be perfect.
0:08:43 > 0:08:50- And what about the budget?- We want to spend a little more time together and not have a high mortgage.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54We would go 250 if we find the right property.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00- OK. I'm hoping there will be a lot of craic. That's what they say, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05But no cracks in the walls otherwise I'll be in trouble.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Let's get going. Follow me.- OK.
0:09:10 > 0:09:17For a top budget of £250,000, Andy and Theresa are looking for a country home that gives them
0:09:17 > 0:09:23a generously-sized living room, a spacious kitchen/diner and three bedrooms.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Outside, Andy would like a good-sized garden to grow his own
0:09:27 > 0:09:30and a garage for his motorbike.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33If the house were close to the coast, all the better.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43You do realise that the three of us in the car sounds like a stereotypical joke?
0:09:43 > 0:09:49A Scotsman, a Welshman and an Irishwoman... All we need is an Englishman for the full set!
0:09:49 > 0:09:55- Even the little driving we've done, you can tell it's really beautiful. - Definitely, yeah.
0:09:55 > 0:10:03- Have you seen any houses here at all?- We looked about a year ago in a place called Dundrum,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07but there was just too much structural work that we didn't want.
0:10:07 > 0:10:14- Right.- We don't mind a little bit of refurbishment, but nothing too major.- OK.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Mindful that they're after a house that needs very little work,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22we're starting our property search close to the village of Killyleagh,
0:10:22 > 0:10:28which has a castle built in the French chateau style.
0:10:28 > 0:10:35The coastal position should appeal to Andy and the main streets have the shops and amenities they want.
0:10:35 > 0:10:42A short drive out of the village and set back from the road is our first property.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Is it what you'd expect? - I'm quite excited.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- I didn't really know what to expect, but this looks good.- It's a new-build, built ten years ago.
0:10:52 > 0:10:58- OK, great. Do you want to go in? - Yeah!- Come on. Follow me.- Excellent.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04'This property also gives Andy the separate garage block he wanted as a home for his motorbike,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08'but let's see what their first reactions are to the interior,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13'which has recently been renovated and extended.' Come on in.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Come on in. Close the door.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18So...
0:11:18 > 0:11:23This is your little hallway. There's a little TV snug room there,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27but this is the main living area. Come on through.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- What do you think?- Yeah, fine. Maybe a little bit small,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38but probably with these doors there's room for movement.
0:11:38 > 0:11:46- We were working with a blank canvas, really.- Yeah.- Did you know what you really want?- No, I'm flexible.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- The colour scheme may not be quite to our taste.- But that's easy. - Absolutely.
0:11:51 > 0:11:58- But in terms of... It's very spick and span. It's immaculate. - You've got American oak flooring.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Which is nice.- It's excellent, yeah.
0:12:01 > 0:12:07Can you imagine yourself in here? You said you'd know instantly, you get a feel for it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13- Uh-huh. I need a little more wander. - So you were lying, then! - Not quite that instant.- Right.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- So far, so good.- OK.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20'I'm pretty sure the kitchen will measure up to Theresa's expectations.'
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Come on in.
0:12:24 > 0:12:30- Oh, wow.- Yeah.- Excellent. - And also you've got the utility room behind you.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- With a separate door. - Super. I love the floor.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- It's underfloor heating as well. - Fantastic.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- Really airy, really bright. Not overlooked at all. Little French doors into your garden.- Super.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I love the airiness of the room.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- The glass windows just give it that really bright...- And you wouldn't have to do anything here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55It's immaculate.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58'It certainly is, so no DIY needed.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03'Leading off the main hallway, there's also a handy cloakroom.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08'With downstairs covered, we'll explore the first floor's three bedrooms,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12'including a double room and a single, currently an office.
0:13:12 > 0:13:18'There's also a modern family bathroom with separate shower. But where would they sleep?'
0:13:18 > 0:13:24This is currently the master bedroom. What do you think?
0:13:24 > 0:13:30Probably a little bit smaller than I was hoping for. That's just the first impression.
0:13:30 > 0:13:38The other thing to take into account is that these are all stud walls, so you could make a big master.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Lovely view. A few cows in the field.- That's what we're after.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It's really tranquil. Very quiet. Country living.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52'The master may be smaller than they ideally wanted, but overall this is a spacious property
0:13:52 > 0:14:00'and a low-maintenance option for them. What's more, it sits on a generous plot of over half an acre
0:14:00 > 0:14:06'with plenty of space for Andy to grow his vegetables and keep chickens.'
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- You're very private. Your neighbours aren't looking over you.- It's nice.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16- So, let's talk money. What do you reckon? - Maybe, approximately...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21215.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- Maybe 220, max.- OK, 220,000, max. What about you, Andy?
0:14:26 > 0:14:33I think given the way the market is it'll be slightly higher. I'd go more...230.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36£230,000. OK.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- I don't know how you feel then when I tell you it's top end.- Really?
0:14:41 > 0:14:46It's currently on the market for £249,950.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- OK, go and have a look around. I'll be at the front, waiting.- OK.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Sneaking in just under their maximum budget of £250,000,
0:14:58 > 0:15:04this property gives them everything they wanted and includes two reception rooms
0:15:04 > 0:15:08with extra seating in the enormous kitchen/diner, and three bedrooms.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Outside, the garden extends to over half an acre
0:15:12 > 0:15:15and comes with a huge garage.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Plus it's close to both village amenities and the coast.
0:15:19 > 0:15:26The bedrooms are a bit smaller than perhaps we'd have liked, but a few walls could be moved.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Although I like modern houses,
0:15:30 > 0:15:35maybe the downstairs living room was a little bit too modern,
0:15:35 > 0:15:40but nothing that we couldn't adapt to suit our requirements.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46Overall, the feel, especially the kitchen, was very impressive.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50That's where we would most likely spend most of the day.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Ah, here they are. Seen enough?
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Yeah.- Still smiling, just about? - Still smiling, yeah.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- Desperate to see that second property?- Yeah.- Come on, let's go.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17County Down is renowned for its spectacular scenery
0:16:17 > 0:16:24and one of its especially unspoilt havens lies in and around the tidal waters of Strangford Lough.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30Spanning over 60 square miles, it's one of only three marine nature reserves in the UK
0:16:30 > 0:16:34and has global recognition as a Ramsar site,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38awarded to wetlands of international importance.
0:16:38 > 0:16:44Earlier in the week, Andy and Theresa met Strangford Lough's National Trust warden, Craig McCoy,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48to spot some of its natural highlights.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56OK, guys. There are some seals out here on the rock, basking out of the water, trying to keep warm.
0:16:56 > 0:17:03So a good view here. It's a mixture of two species - the grey Atlantic seal and the common harbour seal.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08What role do the National Trust play in protecting these seals here?
0:17:08 > 0:17:14Part of our role is to monitor the numbers, so once a month we would go out in our boat
0:17:14 > 0:17:20and count the seals in the lough, just to get an idea of population levels from year to year
0:17:20 > 0:17:25and what the breeding numbers are like. We've done that for decades.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30But also as a conservation charity we've acquired a lot of the shoreline and islands
0:17:30 > 0:17:36to make sure there's somewhere safe for them to haul out like this and just rest away from disturbance.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42Every time they go into the water, they cool down, lose energy, and they can lose condition
0:17:42 > 0:17:47and could die during winter. So we encourage people to keep distance.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53The lough is also home to the world's first commercial marine current turbine
0:17:53 > 0:17:58which provides electricity to around 1,000 homes for 18-20 hours a day.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02If you imagine big wind turbines, it's like one of those underwater.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08It's this amazing amount of water coming through the entrance to the lough every day,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10turning that to produce electricity.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Part of a five-year study, its effects are closely monitored.
0:18:15 > 0:18:21- Does it have much impact on the environment? - That's one of our big concerns.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26What impact will this have on the wildlife that makes Strangford Lough so special?
0:18:26 > 0:18:31Things like the seals and porpoises and even a lot of diving birds,
0:18:31 > 0:18:36so there's a lot of research going on in tandem with this project.
0:18:36 > 0:18:43If the study shows that tidal power can be harnessed with no long-term threats to wildlife habitats,
0:18:43 > 0:18:49it could be a ground-breaking answer to how renewable energy can be produced in our coastal waters.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58Our search moves us away from the coast about 10 miles from Newcastle,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01close to the village of Rathfriland.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06Its hilltop position means there are great views of the surrounding countryside.
0:19:06 > 0:19:14Just outside the village is our second property, which is a very substantial rebuild.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20- There's been a house here since the 1800s. It was razed to the ground and rebuilt in 2004.- Excellent.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- I love the tree.- The tree's been here for a long time, I'd say!
0:19:25 > 0:19:31- It looks like a lot of house for your money.- Yeah, it looks quite big, I must say.
0:19:31 > 0:19:37- It reminds me of the shape of the farmhouse I was brought up in. - Oh, wow. That's good.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43- I'm glad you like it initially. Shall we get in there?- Yeah. - OK, come on.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47'The exterior gives the impression of a traditional country house,
0:19:47 > 0:19:52'but the inside has some very modern touches.'
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Come on in.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Oh, she has a really good spy when she walks in!
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- Lovely.- Yeah, lovely.- You've got a shower room/bathroom there and the kitchen, to see later.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- It's quite a weird layout. You've got two bedrooms here.- Yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- So the living room is upstairs.- Oh. - I don't know how you feel about that.- Unusual.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- I love these curved walls.- Gorgeous.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- And do you know what I really love? The high ceilings.- Very high.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- What do you reckon, Andy?- Yeah. An improvement on the last one.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35- Oh, really? In what way? - More open, more space, bigger hallway.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41- Yeah, it's a nicer entrance. It gives it that more spacious feel. - Oh, could be home!
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Yeah, it could be home. I think we should go straight upstairs.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'Hold that thought, Andy!
0:20:48 > 0:20:54'Although it's unusual for the living room to be upstairs, they'll see why as it makes the most
0:20:54 > 0:20:56'of its fantastic outlook.'
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Oh. Very nice.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- What do you think? You like it? - Absolutely lovely, yeah.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08I love the window. It's quite a bright room.
0:21:08 > 0:21:15- Yeah.- Quadruple aspect. You've also got this walnut floor, a working fireplace as well.- Super.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- And again the high ceiling as well. - Perfect size.- You've got horses to the left of me, horses to the right.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- No, lovely. - Definitely in the country.- Yeah.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31'This room certainly made a good impression and the lavish family bathroom with rolltop bath
0:21:31 > 0:21:38'also makes a strong statement. Off the landing, there's another bedroom - a nice, cosy double,
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- 'but we'll take a peek at what could be their room.' The master.- Yeah.
0:21:43 > 0:21:50- Compact.- It is. Through that door is an en-suite. - Excellent.- Massive shower.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- And the modern wash basin again. Is it too small for you? - No, I wouldn't have that furniture.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00If I had to use the other bedroom as a dressing room, then fine.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Well, I'm rubbish at maths, but you've got four really big bedrooms.
0:22:05 > 0:22:12- Yeah.- And you only wanted two. So there's a bonus of a dressing room or an office.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17I think we both get that feeling that it's very, very nice.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22'To continue our topsy-turvy tour, we'll retrace our steps downstairs
0:22:22 > 0:22:27'and see if Theresa is as positive about the kitchen.'
0:22:27 > 0:22:32You've got these ceramic tiles throughout. Come over here.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- Oh, fantastic.- Oil-fired range.- Beautiful.- It can actually heat the water as well.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45Or not. It's your choice. At the current moment, there's a lot of cooking on it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49And also you've got the gas as well. It's bottled gas.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54Loads of storage. The other side of this unit is all storage.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Just to my right is a utility room with a door leading outside.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02Again, if you get muddy from walking in the mountains, you leave it all there.
0:23:02 > 0:23:08- Excellent.- Yeah. It's really nice. The kitchen's fantastic. A wonderful size.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- Mm, a lot of character.- Yeah, which you wanted after the first property.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- Definitely.- And I love the amount of windows again.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21They're small windows, but this in itself is just fantastic.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24And it's the open-plan dining room.
0:23:24 > 0:23:31'There's no doubt that the high-spec features and generous living areas this house offers appeals to them.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'Outside also gives Andy a double garage for his motorbike
0:23:35 > 0:23:40'and the attractively landscaped gardens are framed by a stone wall.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45'Let's not forget those fabulous views, but at what cost?'
0:23:46 > 0:23:51- OK, well, let's talk money, shall we?- Oh.- Can you afford it?
0:23:51 > 0:23:53We'll find out.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57What do you reckon it's on the market for, Andy?
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Must be near the top end. I would say...245.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03245. £245,000.
0:24:03 > 0:24:10- I would say probably the top end. 250.- It's currently on the market for £260,000.- OK.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- The current owner is willing to take sensible offers.- OK. - You go and take it all in.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- I'll catch you later.- Thanks.- OK.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26'Priced at £260,000, our second property is over-budget,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30'but who knows where a sensible offer might get them?
0:24:30 > 0:24:34'After all, it gives them a huge house finished to a high standard
0:24:34 > 0:24:38'and includes a spacious living room with fireplace,
0:24:38 > 0:24:42'four bedrooms with a master en-suite
0:24:42 > 0:24:46'and pretty gardens with great countryside views.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51'What's more, Theresa gets her wish to be close to her family.'
0:24:51 > 0:24:57I wanted a property with a bit of character and this property reaches all the expectations.
0:24:57 > 0:25:04It's a modern house, but the character, especially in the kitchen with the stove and the tiling,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06it's just perfect.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Although having the living room upstairs was quite a shock at first,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15when you actually enter the living room and look out these windows,
0:25:15 > 0:25:20you can understand the whole concept of the living room being upstairs.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25The finish, the quality of all the furnishings, the size of the rooms,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30everything is much more than we could have expected.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31Ah!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36It even looks like you're walking out of your own home.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42That horse keeps looking at me nastily! I think I've offended.
0:25:42 > 0:25:48- That's it for today, guys. Two very different houses.- Definitely. - Feeling frazzled?- A little bit,
0:25:48 > 0:25:54- but positive.- Let's call it a night and we'll reconvene tomorrow for the mystery property.- Lovely.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Come on. Let's go into the car.
0:26:07 > 0:26:15As evening falls over the shores of County Down, the first day of our property search draws to a close.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24After 25 years away from Northern Irish soil,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29Theresa realises it's now or never if she wants to return home.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34So she and husband Andy have agreed to sell their house in Watford, Hertfordshire,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38and spend £250,000 on their forever home in County Down.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44The two properties we've shown them so far have been immaculate options with no work required,
0:26:44 > 0:26:49but coming up there's unfinished business to deal with.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- You want to go inside?- Absolutely.
0:26:52 > 0:26:58- Go!- 'And I have to swallow more than my pride in an oyster eating frenzy.'
0:27:03 > 0:27:07The sun is out and it's a brand-new day here in Northern Ireland.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12But have we already found Theresa and Andy their dream property?
0:27:12 > 0:27:18Do we really need to venture into the mystery house? Well, yes, they loved house number two
0:27:18 > 0:27:24and they were saying all the right things, but the mystery property - well, the price is right
0:27:24 > 0:27:28and it gives them the opportunity to go wild with their imaginations.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33Theresa may even shower it with praise. I'll just leave now.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40What would you like the mystery property to be?
0:27:40 > 0:27:47It would be nice to see something more traditional. Perhaps by the coast or with views of the coast.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48OK.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- What about you, Theresa?- I think you'll throw a spanner in the works.
0:27:53 > 0:27:59I think it's going to be very traditional, not a modern house at all.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01And probably older, quite old.
0:28:01 > 0:28:07And maybe more character. But we're quite keen.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13'Theresa will need a lot more than a spanner. They'd better prepare to get completely tooled up
0:28:13 > 0:28:15'as we head to our mystery property.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20'The good news is it's closer to the coast than any of the other houses -
0:28:20 > 0:28:27'just a short walk from the shores of Strangford Lough, a main base for catching the ferry to Portaferry.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32'Along with having local amenities and community on their doorstep,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36'this property falls into their ideal search area.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39'It's traditional, which they requested,
0:28:39 > 0:28:46'but the big challenge is whether they have the vision to finish off what is, bluntly, a building site.'
0:28:48 > 0:28:52It's basically one of four barn conversions.
0:28:52 > 0:29:00It dates back to the mid-1800s and it's been restored, repointed. As you can see, it's not finished.
0:29:00 > 0:29:06But what this gives you is the opportunity to totally put your stamp on a property.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10The builder, the owner, said he'll have it done for you in 3 months.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- So what do you think?- Yeah, interesting.- You want to go inside?
0:29:14 > 0:29:20- Absolutely. Let's go.- OK, but if we are going to go inside, you'll need that, Andy.- Thank you.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- And you'll need that.- Thank you.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27I've got you his and hers helmets. It's the least I could do.
0:29:27 > 0:29:34- I'm going for choirboy white.- OK. - You look great.- Thank you. Have to keep up with you!
0:29:35 > 0:29:42'Let's see if they can get their minds in synch and form a vision of what this interior could give them.'
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- You can have the front door whatever colour you want.- Good to know.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- You'll have to use your imagination greatly.- Yeah.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56- You've got a downstairs loo there. A good-size double bedroom, en-suite.- Yeah.
0:29:56 > 0:30:04Then the stairs will go in here. Above us you'll have two big bedrooms, both en-suites.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- Oh, excellent.- What do you reckon?
0:30:07 > 0:30:14- Yeah, sounds good. If he's prepared to do the work, that takes the pressure off.- Oh, he is.
0:30:14 > 0:30:21- You can literally say what sort of flooring you'd want. What would you have?- We'd go for the old slate.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27'The reception rooms lead off the hallway with a woodburner earmarked to go into the main sitting room.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33'Being open plan, it flows through into what would be a very spacious kitchen/diner.'
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- This is very light and airy. - Oh, yeah. This is nice. Yeah.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45So you could literally have all this as one almost open-plan space.
0:30:45 > 0:30:51You'd have the kitchen through there and then would you have this as a dining room?
0:30:51 > 0:30:57It's quite deceiving, the size of the back of the property. It's much bigger.
0:30:57 > 0:31:03It's nice and airy and with the double doors, windows, the skylights, it's excellent.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- Come and have a look at the kitchen. - Yeah.
0:31:07 > 0:31:14'Next door, the kitchen also has space for a utility room with high ceilings and skylights.
0:31:14 > 0:31:21'It gives them options outside as well. Although the house sits on a half-acre plot,
0:31:21 > 0:31:27'there's the chance to buy additional land behind, making the most of the great country views.
0:31:27 > 0:31:33'As there are plans to demolish the store shed at the side, Andy could build his garage.'
0:31:33 > 0:31:40This would be your garden, up to the store, which you could keep. The plan is to raze it.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- Of course, you could build a substantial shed there.- You could.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49But the current owner is also willing to sell you this land.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55Whether you'd need it or not, I don't know. You've got quite a bit of land out front and this.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59I think the idea of having this additional bit is quite good.
0:31:59 > 0:32:06It opens up loads of options and we could extend onto the back and not use up all the garden.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- Absolutely.- Yeah.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12OK, we've come to that time again. Let's talk money, shall we?
0:32:12 > 0:32:19We're talking about the finished product, not the shell. You're paying to have it finished.
0:32:19 > 0:32:27The builder says it will take three months. Including that being razed to the ground if you want.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- What do you reckon it's currently on the market for?- I would say 210.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Interesting. £210,000. OK, gosh, right.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40I'd probably go... slightly higher.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42I think two...twenty.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46£220,000. Interesting. It's bang in the middle, actually.
0:32:46 > 0:32:53- £215,000.- Well... I'm good for something. - Yep. Under your budget.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58- Yeah.- Go and have a look round. You haven't looked upstairs yet.
0:32:58 > 0:33:04- I'd maybe take your heels off. - Certainly will!- Or you'll fall through. I'll see you at the front.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- OK.- Thanks.- All the best to you.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Well, that went well, I think.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Keeping their cards close to their chests, but saying the right things.
0:33:16 > 0:33:22Is it too much of a job for them? I'm not quite sure. The chirping birds are very, very happy here,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26but would Theresa and Andy be? I'm none the wiser.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31Under budget at £215,000 for the finished article,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35our mystery house has the lowest price amongst our line-up
0:33:35 > 0:33:42and is the ultimate blank canvas, providing space for a large sitting room with wood burner,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45a light, airy kitchen/diner,
0:33:45 > 0:33:52three bedrooms and a half acre garden with scope to purchase the adjoining field.
0:33:52 > 0:33:59I definitely could see myself living here because I do like, actually, the styling of the cottage.
0:33:59 > 0:34:05And I think the distance between Newcastle and Belfast is very appealing to me.
0:34:05 > 0:34:11Having spoken to a neighbour, apparently the location is very, very good,
0:34:11 > 0:34:13so that's very reassuring.
0:34:13 > 0:34:19The price is very good. It will enable us to think about purchasing the field behind
0:34:19 > 0:34:24and perhaps even the little bit of plot to the left of the property.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29That way we could really have a nice, large courtyard.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33That would be fun, choosing your own fixtures, fittings, floor.
0:34:33 > 0:34:39And a few natural features, I think. A lot of stone, a lot of wood. It would be nice.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- I think I get a good feel.- Yeah.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48I think we can think outside the box. OK, we're coming and looking at brick walls,
0:34:48 > 0:34:54- but, you know, when it's finished I think it could be a lovely... - Yeah.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58You could put in all your own features that you want.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- I hope I haven't messed with your minds too much with this one.- No!
0:35:02 > 0:35:07- You all right?- Yeah, fine. - Still smiling. Shall we go and chat?
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- Yeah.- Come on, then.
0:35:20 > 0:35:26'The Georgian village of Hillsborough in County Down is, for the most part, a peaceful place,
0:35:26 > 0:35:32'but for four days of the year that serenity gives way to the World Oyster Eating Championships.
0:35:32 > 0:35:38'With some trepidation, I'm going to try my luck in this year's heats.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42'I've stopped by to find out more from festival organiser Sean Hall.'
0:35:42 > 0:35:47Hey, Sean, good to see you. Is this fun or is it taken very seriously?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Well, the oyster eating, there's two parts. The first bit IS fun.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55You just get 30 oysters and try to eat those as quickly as possible.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Whenever that's finished, we get onto the serious World Championship.
0:35:59 > 0:36:06- There are three entrants. One from Korea, one from Canada...- Wow. - ..and one from Northern Ireland.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- The reigning world champion. - How many oysters do they eat? Loads?
0:36:11 > 0:36:18They're provided with up to 300 and that, for the three-minute time they've got, is more than enough.
0:36:18 > 0:36:25So this event in the pub is not really the main competition where entrants come from far and wide?
0:36:25 > 0:36:32- Tonight we find the Northern Ireland champion.- OK.- Which can't include you because you're from Wales,
0:36:32 > 0:36:37but I look forward to seeing you compete. See you later in the pub!
0:36:37 > 0:36:44'The reigning world champion set the record back in 2005 by eating 233 oysters in three minutes.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'He's local man Colin Shirlow.'
0:36:48 > 0:36:54If you're going out for a romantic meal with the missus and there's oysters on the menu,
0:36:54 > 0:37:01- do you go, "No chance!"?- Every time I put an oyster in my mouth, I have a flashback to the competition.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- I have a flashback of going three minutes. It's a long time.- Yeah.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07It is a long time.
0:37:07 > 0:37:14'Colin has mastered a winning, but stomach-churning technique that complies with competition rules.'
0:37:14 > 0:37:20The oyster has to be in the shell and they have to be lifted one at a time
0:37:20 > 0:37:24and put into the mouth. You can use both hands and then swallow.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29- I would normally take about 10 or so and then one swallow would do 10. - Oh, God...
0:37:29 > 0:37:36- And keep it going that way. - You're joking. Ten oysters in your mouth and then you swallow them?
0:37:36 > 0:37:42- Just swallow them.- Good luck. We'll be rooting for you.- Will you? I appreciate it. Thank you.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47I can't believe you can put ten in and swallow them. It's not right.
0:37:47 > 0:37:54'Colin doesn't want to spoil his appetite, so for the heats he's standing in as compere.'
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Welcome to the Oyster Festival.
0:37:57 > 0:38:03'With my confidence waning, it's time to step up and come face-to-face with my 20 oysters.'
0:38:03 > 0:38:08- Hands above your head!- Oh! He's not listening, either!- Go!
0:38:08 > 0:38:10CROWD SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Shell!
0:38:23 > 0:38:25God...!
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Which one shall I do?
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Well done, well done!
0:38:33 > 0:38:38'I don't think I'll be making it into the oyster-eating record books this year,
0:38:38 > 0:38:44'but in the main competition Colin went on to eat a staggering 198 oysters in three minutes
0:38:44 > 0:38:48'and held onto his title for another year.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:56And my oyster-eating career is over before it began, but I really did enjoy the event.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02Time to find out whether Theresa and Andy think any of our houses have championship credentials.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12We've shown you three very different houses. You've smiled in most of them, I think.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Let's talk about the first one.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20We liked it. Or shall I say we thought we liked it?
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- It had a great kitchen.- That was the main feature that would be nice.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30The big kitchen, the big dining area, sitting room.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34That's where you'd spend most of your time.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40Some rooms upstairs needed... They were a bit small and needed a bit of structural work.
0:39:40 > 0:39:46- It really didn't get me VERY excited. Maybe it was too new, too modern.- Right.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- It didn't really make us tick.- OK.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Property two did. - Property two, yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59That was lovely. For the features you were getting and the finish was just lovely.
0:39:59 > 0:40:06- I don't think you'd need to do much. - No. It was literally immaculate. - It was really well looked after.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09The interior was excellent.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14When we were standing outside, you weren't keen at all.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- I was quite...- You were finding any excuse not to like it.
0:40:18 > 0:40:26I think what frightened me was the distance as we were being driven further out into the mountains.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30I was panicking. It was a little bit frightening.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34However, when we did look at the property,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I think we were both very shocked and surprised...
0:40:38 > 0:40:45Actually, it was a good location for you. 40 minutes from your sister and 10 or 11 miles from Newcastle.
0:40:45 > 0:40:52Yeah, when we were a bit more realistic, we could see that it wasn't at the end of the Earth.
0:40:52 > 0:41:00OK, what about the major curveball that was the mystery property? How did you feel about an empty shell?
0:41:00 > 0:41:04I think when you added in that it's an empty shell,
0:41:04 > 0:41:09but the owner is prepared to do everything to finish the project,
0:41:09 > 0:41:17and we'd have quite a say in what we would want, that sort of made it a bit easier for us to...
0:41:17 > 0:41:21You can put your own mark on the property
0:41:21 > 0:41:27and have totally your own style without conforming to someone else's ideas.
0:41:27 > 0:41:33The price was in a nice price range and it did give us that little bit if we wanted to get the field
0:41:33 > 0:41:38to increase the size of the garden or the area to the left.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42It certainly would be quite a major garden for us.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47- Andy could have his chickens... - He could have an army of chickens.
0:41:47 > 0:41:54- There were a couple of alterations I might make in the kitchen area. - Opening the whole thing up?- Yeah.
0:41:54 > 0:42:02- Move that wall, open up that doorway.- Does that mean you haven't disregarded that property, then?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Certainly not.
0:42:04 > 0:42:11I actually loved the styling of the property, particularly the back end of it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- It had a beautiful stone feature. - Natural stone. That's what we liked.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20OK, well, I've got to ask you. Are you going to see any of them again?
0:42:20 > 0:42:25Oh, yeah, I think we will. Probably the second one.
0:42:25 > 0:42:32- And this one.- And the third one. Before returning to England, we'll go next week.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36Listen, I hope you're happy wherever you decide to buy.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42- I hope you're walking up and down a beach and are very happy. It's been great meeting you.- Thank you.
0:42:48 > 0:42:54That's almost it from County Down. It's been great meeting Theresa and Andy. Lovely people,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58but not foolhardy people. They could be too much the other way
0:42:58 > 0:43:02and their indecision could hamper their escape to the country.
0:43:02 > 0:43:09Eventually, I hope they do find their pot of property gold at the end of their Irish rainbow. Goodbye.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22and need our help, please apply online at:
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