Pembrokeshire

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.

0:00:04 > 0:00:06Now, we often say that an Englishman's home is his castle,

0:00:06 > 0:00:09but can you imagine living in this one? But where are we,

0:00:09 > 0:00:12and what other dark and mysterious tales does it hold?

0:00:12 > 0:00:15Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.

0:00:44 > 0:00:48On today's show, I'll be helping a property-developing couple

0:00:48 > 0:00:52move to the country and finally find a house that they can live in.

0:00:52 > 0:00:54We get off to a great start.

0:00:54 > 0:00:57I'm really chuffed at the way this is going, I have to say.

0:00:57 > 0:00:59- This is going too well!- Well...

0:00:59 > 0:01:04Then, at the mystery house, our buyers say the word we always long to hear.

0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Sold. - THEY LAUGH

0:01:09 > 0:01:12Well, today, we're in Pembrokeshire in west Wales,

0:01:12 > 0:01:16and these are the glorious ruins of Carew Castle.

0:01:16 > 0:01:18Now, since it was begun by the Normans,

0:01:18 > 0:01:20it's been much extended and embellished,

0:01:20 > 0:01:23but it all came to a crashing end in the English Civil War.

0:01:23 > 0:01:26Unusually, this castle was held by the Royalists.

0:01:26 > 0:01:30Eventually, they were defeated, and the castle fell into a pretty ruinous state.

0:01:30 > 0:01:35All the inhabitants have gone, it is said, with one exception - the ghost of Lord Roland Rhees,

0:01:35 > 0:01:40who it's thought still walks the ramparts with his pet ape, Satan.

0:01:40 > 0:01:41Fact or fiction?

0:01:41 > 0:01:44Well, you never really know, but there's a lot more to this county

0:01:44 > 0:01:49than tall tales of ghosts, apes and old lords.

0:01:50 > 0:01:52Looking out over the Irish Sea,

0:01:52 > 0:01:57Pembrokeshire is bordered by neighbouring Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

0:01:57 > 0:02:01Over a third of the county falls within the Pembrokeshire National Park,

0:02:01 > 0:02:02and takes in much of its coastline,

0:02:02 > 0:02:05from the sweeping beaches around Tenby,

0:02:05 > 0:02:09to St David's, dominated by its 14th-century Bishop's Palace

0:02:09 > 0:02:11and its cathedral.

0:02:11 > 0:02:14St David's itself has always proved a major draw for the area,

0:02:14 > 0:02:19being a site of pilgrimage for the last 1,500 years.

0:02:19 > 0:02:24Indeed, in the 12th century, it was a rival even to the city of Rome.

0:02:24 > 0:02:28And these days, Pembrokeshire as a whole still proves popular,

0:02:28 > 0:02:30attracting 4.2 million visitors a year,

0:02:30 > 0:02:35keen to enjoy its stunning coast and countryside.

0:02:35 > 0:02:38Now, of the three counties that make up west Wales -

0:02:38 > 0:02:40Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion -

0:02:40 > 0:02:42Pembrokeshire is by far the most expensive.

0:02:42 > 0:02:47Your average detached will set you back around about £218,000.

0:02:47 > 0:02:49But the reasons, well, they're obvious.

0:02:49 > 0:02:52This stunning coastline and the lovely, rural way of life attract

0:02:52 > 0:02:56people here in their thousands, not just for holidays, but also to live.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59So, if you fancy a slice of Welsh tranquillity,

0:02:59 > 0:03:02Pembrokeshire is a good bet.

0:03:02 > 0:03:05For just under £290,000,

0:03:05 > 0:03:09what about this spacious cottage in the coastal village of Moylegrove?

0:03:09 > 0:03:14The exposed stone wall is a real focal point of the lounge/diner,

0:03:14 > 0:03:16and its three bedrooms upstairs are light and bright,

0:03:16 > 0:03:21with lovely views over the attractive garden and countryside beyond.

0:03:21 > 0:03:25Or for just short of £600,000, there's this three-bedroom

0:03:25 > 0:03:29stone barn conversion near Mathry, which comes with three holiday lets.

0:03:29 > 0:03:34They're all modernised inside, but maintain character features

0:03:34 > 0:03:37such as wooden floors and exposed stone walls.

0:03:37 > 0:03:42Outside, the gardens offer stunning sea views of the North Pembrokeshire coast.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44For those with deep pockets,

0:03:44 > 0:03:50this Grade II listed farmhouse near Strumble Head is priced at £840,000.

0:03:50 > 0:03:55Its airy rooms feature huge sash windows and impressive fireplaces.

0:03:55 > 0:04:00And there are fantastic views over the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

0:04:00 > 0:04:04Well, as you can see, the Pembrokeshire property market rarely disappoints,

0:04:04 > 0:04:07which of course is exactly why today's buyers want to be here.

0:04:07 > 0:04:11For them, life in this part of the world could be a dream come true.

0:04:11 > 0:04:16Builder David and sales director Alison

0:04:16 > 0:04:19live in Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

0:04:19 > 0:04:21In the last nine years, they ploughed their energies

0:04:21 > 0:04:24into renovated properties, the most recent being their current

0:04:24 > 0:04:28three-bedroom detached home, which they share with their rescue dogs.

0:04:28 > 0:04:30But even though they've loved the challenge,

0:04:30 > 0:04:33they're ready to leave it all behind them and build a new life and means of income

0:04:33 > 0:04:35close to the shores of Pembrokeshire.

0:04:35 > 0:04:38I think a move to the coast...

0:04:38 > 0:04:41- It would give us a better quality of life.- Yeah.

0:04:41 > 0:04:43And we're not getting any younger now, should we say.

0:04:43 > 0:04:48We need to start building a business that will take us through to our retirement, really -

0:04:48 > 0:04:53holiday accommodation crossed with somewhere beautiful to live.

0:04:53 > 0:04:58And their ties to Pembrokeshire have strengthened over many years.

0:04:58 > 0:05:01'We're down there at least four times a year.'

0:05:01 > 0:05:04I actually started going down there in the mid-1970s

0:05:04 > 0:05:07as a child with my family.

0:05:07 > 0:05:10We find it very dog-friendly down there. The people are fantastic,

0:05:10 > 0:05:15and it feels like it's more of a home-from-home every time we do visit,

0:05:15 > 0:05:19so that's made us want to settle in the area, really.

0:05:19 > 0:05:22David and Alison are happy to put in the hard work

0:05:22 > 0:05:24in order to get a perfect home and holiday-let business.

0:05:24 > 0:05:29But, they are fixed on finding a character farmhouse-style property

0:05:29 > 0:05:32with countryside views in a semi-rural location.

0:05:32 > 0:05:37What's more, they have a detailed wish list of what the house needs to deliver.

0:05:37 > 0:05:42An ideal property would have a big living kitchen

0:05:42 > 0:05:44with a range cooker, which would be ideal.

0:05:44 > 0:05:48Open fires or woodburning stoves in the living room.

0:05:48 > 0:05:51Yeah, an office downstairs.

0:05:51 > 0:05:54A minimum of three bedrooms.

0:05:54 > 0:05:58- And no more than an acre of land, really.- An annexe would be ideal.

0:05:58 > 0:06:02It would be even better if one of the outbuildings or the annexe

0:06:02 > 0:06:05was already up and running as a holiday let,

0:06:05 > 0:06:09but with other outbuildings for a future development.

0:06:09 > 0:06:14They want to be mortgage-free, although they're not averse

0:06:14 > 0:06:17to having a small mortgage if the business potential is right,

0:06:17 > 0:06:20so there is a bit of flexibility in the finances.

0:06:20 > 0:06:24Our ideal budget for this move would be £390,000,

0:06:24 > 0:06:27but an ideal property with outbuildings or an annexe

0:06:27 > 0:06:31up and running as a holiday let, we would stretch to £400,000.

0:06:35 > 0:06:39So having lived in and done up three houses over the last nine years,

0:06:39 > 0:06:43it seems that Dave and Alison are up for yet another project here in Pembrokeshire.

0:06:43 > 0:06:48As well as a home, of course, they also want something of a business, hence the need for the annexe.

0:06:48 > 0:06:50And of course they want a bit of peace and quiet.

0:06:50 > 0:06:53That's where the acre or more of land comes in.

0:06:53 > 0:06:56Now, their £400,000, I think, is pretty optimistic,

0:06:56 > 0:07:01but here in Pembrokeshire, there's such a wealth of property on offer, who knows?

0:07:01 > 0:07:03We might just be in luck.

0:07:03 > 0:07:07Although David and Alison would prefer a coastal location,

0:07:07 > 0:07:09we may stray inland in order to show them

0:07:09 > 0:07:12the best they can get for their budget.

0:07:12 > 0:07:17Our three Pembrokeshire properties all serve up very different home and business options to consider,

0:07:17 > 0:07:21but I'll only reveal the price of each when they've had a guess first.

0:07:21 > 0:07:26Lastly, our mystery house will take them into uncharted territory.

0:07:26 > 0:07:29Well, guys, very nice to see you.

0:07:29 > 0:07:33You are quite familiar with Pembrokeshire in many ways, and now,

0:07:33 > 0:07:37finally, you've decide to chuck it all in and make this your new home.

0:07:37 > 0:07:39Yes, yes, very exciting.

0:07:39 > 0:07:43We're trying to make a business as well as a home for ourselves, yeah.

0:07:43 > 0:07:47But having a holiday let down here is a well-worn path, in a way.

0:07:47 > 0:07:50Competition can be quite fierce. Are you ready for that?

0:07:50 > 0:07:55Yeah, because it's just not all about the holiday business, it's about the move as well.

0:07:55 > 0:07:58It's living in a beautiful place like this, and I'll still work,

0:07:58 > 0:08:01so David's got the hard work of building the business up!

0:08:01 > 0:08:03THEY LAUGH As usual!

0:08:03 > 0:08:05But just enjoy this way of life, really.

0:08:05 > 0:08:10Well, we've got three properties, including, of course, our mystery house, to show you.

0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Are they perfect? Do they need some work? Who knows!- I hope so!

0:08:13 > 0:08:16- I wonder. Come on, follow me. - Cheers.

0:08:20 > 0:08:25So, with a top budget of £400,000, David and Alison would like to find

0:08:25 > 0:08:27a country home that would provide them with...

0:08:42 > 0:08:46- Would you give it up after a while, Alison, your job?- Yeah, eventually.

0:08:46 > 0:08:49I plan on seeing myself working for the next ten years.

0:08:49 > 0:08:53You are laughing, mate, aren't you? You're going to be sitting at home with the dogs,

0:08:53 > 0:08:57being a househusband, Alison out on the road...

0:08:57 > 0:08:59I think I'm too young to retire yet.

0:08:59 > 0:09:05Now, what it is, Jules, when it's up and running nice, then she'll retire and take over.

0:09:05 > 0:09:06THEY LAUGH

0:09:08 > 0:09:11Balancing their business aspirations with their budget,

0:09:11 > 0:09:15we're kicking off our house search by heading away from the coast

0:09:15 > 0:09:19towards the village of Crymych, which, with around 2,500 residents,

0:09:19 > 0:09:22offers up an array of local shops and amenities.

0:09:22 > 0:09:28About a four-mile drive away in rural seclusion, is our first property,

0:09:28 > 0:09:31which is a larger proposition than first meets the eye.

0:09:33 > 0:09:38Well, I think this is a pretty good start to our house search.

0:09:38 > 0:09:43- That's nice. Yeah, that's nice. - And this whole little complex sits within six acres.

0:09:43 > 0:09:45Six acres?

0:09:45 > 0:09:47- THEY LAUGH - Yes?- Yeah, yeah.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50That hill in the distance, well, that's the Preselis.

0:09:50 > 0:09:54- I mean, Pembrokeshire National Park right on your doorstep.- Yeah, yeah.

0:09:54 > 0:09:57The house itself, the main event, is right ahead of us.

0:09:57 > 0:09:59- It's very sweet, it's all been done.- Yeah.

0:09:59 > 0:10:02You know, is it going to be right for you two, though?

0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Let's have a look.- Fantastic.

0:10:05 > 0:10:09Alongside our traditional Welsh cottage, which dates back

0:10:09 > 0:10:11to the 1760s and is Grade II listed,

0:10:11 > 0:10:14there's a separate outbuilding which we'll look at later

0:10:14 > 0:10:16as a possible holiday let.

0:10:16 > 0:10:19But first, we'll explore what would be their home.

0:10:21 > 0:10:23Right, in you come.

0:10:23 > 0:10:24Look at this!

0:10:25 > 0:10:26What do you think?

0:10:26 > 0:10:29Feast your eyes!

0:10:29 > 0:10:30Mezzanine.

0:10:30 > 0:10:33- Yeah.- That's been nicely done.

0:10:33 > 0:10:36The fireplace is beautiful.

0:10:36 > 0:10:39Yeah, this actually looks like a wood burner. It's actually gas.

0:10:39 > 0:10:41And there's also an open fire at that end,

0:10:41 > 0:10:44again the chimneys have been relined and so forth.

0:10:44 > 0:10:46They have done a very good job.

0:10:46 > 0:10:50They've been very meticulous with the detail.

0:10:50 > 0:10:53The upstairs mezzanine

0:10:53 > 0:10:55would make a great office for Alison

0:10:55 > 0:10:58or an occasional bedroom, as tucked away at the end,

0:10:58 > 0:10:59is a little en suite.

0:10:59 > 0:11:02'And I think they'll be impressed by the high-spec finish

0:11:02 > 0:11:03'in the next room.'

0:11:03 > 0:11:06Now, come on through to the kitchen.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09This is of a size I was not expecting when I first came in here.

0:11:09 > 0:11:13- This is lovely. - It just gets better.

0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It's better. Yeah, yeah. - THEY LAUGH

0:11:15 > 0:11:19- It's exactly how we'd do it, Jules. - I wouldn't change a thing.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22- It's beautiful.- You could just move in here tomorrow.

0:11:22 > 0:11:25And certainly if you were thinking of cooking for guests, you know,

0:11:25 > 0:11:28making things you could sell on and so forth, this is a great kitchen.

0:11:28 > 0:11:31And you can eat in it and that's what's so fantastic.

0:11:31 > 0:11:35It's nice to put the dogs. We have the dogs as well.

0:11:35 > 0:11:39I can imagine the dogs, stable door open, dogs running around, yes.

0:11:40 > 0:11:44At the other end of the hallway is the utility-cum-boot room

0:11:44 > 0:11:45that David and Alison asked for.

0:11:45 > 0:11:50Also leading off the main hallway is a spacious family bathroom.

0:11:50 > 0:11:54But let's take a look at the sleeping arrangements.

0:11:54 > 0:11:58This is one of the two double bedrooms on this ground floor.

0:11:58 > 0:12:00There's another one, same sort of size, just over there,

0:12:00 > 0:12:02across the hallway.

0:12:02 > 0:12:06- But they've both got these lovely altered ceilings.- Exposed beams.

0:12:06 > 0:12:08- That's nice. - I'm surprised how light it is.

0:12:08 > 0:12:12If we went for the option of making the mezzanine an office,

0:12:12 > 0:12:13one of these would be your master.

0:12:13 > 0:12:17- This would be a nice master bedroom, this would, yeah.- Good.

0:12:17 > 0:12:19I'm really chuffed at the way this is going, I have to say.

0:12:19 > 0:12:21This is going too well.

0:12:21 > 0:12:24Well, we're now going to get to the project,

0:12:24 > 0:12:28- which is the little byre or barn outside.- Oh yeah?

0:12:28 > 0:12:31This is where you're going to have to work your magic

0:12:31 > 0:12:35- and use a bit more imagination. - So it's not retirement just yet?

0:12:35 > 0:12:36Not just yet. Follow me.

0:12:38 > 0:12:41The high-quality finish and space that this cottage offers

0:12:41 > 0:12:44has both surprised and delighted our buyers,

0:12:44 > 0:12:46so now let's turn our attention

0:12:46 > 0:12:49to the holiday let possibilities of the adjacent building.

0:12:49 > 0:12:53- There we go.- Wow! - What would you do with this, then?

0:12:53 > 0:12:55This is a nice space.

0:12:55 > 0:12:57Yeah?

0:12:57 > 0:12:58The timbers have all been changed.

0:12:58 > 0:13:02Just looking at the roof, it's all been clad, tongue-and-grooved up there.

0:13:02 > 0:13:05The painstaking work has been done already on this.

0:13:05 > 0:13:07Not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

0:13:07 > 0:13:11Cosmetically, two months, you could turn this round.

0:13:11 > 0:13:13And it could be...

0:13:13 > 0:13:16Two months, two months.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18That's what he said.

0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Did I?- I think you did.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23I think we might have recorded it as well!

0:13:24 > 0:13:26David seems to have worked it all out.

0:13:26 > 0:13:30There's also a huge steel frame workshop which would no doubt

0:13:30 > 0:13:33be useful storage space while getting the holiday let

0:13:33 > 0:13:35up and running. And let's not forget

0:13:35 > 0:13:37the two enormous paddocks they get

0:13:37 > 0:13:39which amount to six acres.

0:13:39 > 0:13:42'The big question is - at what price?'

0:13:42 > 0:13:45Let's talk about the money, then, shall we?

0:13:45 > 0:13:48That's the hard part.

0:13:48 > 0:13:50Well, might not be that hard. You never know.

0:13:50 > 0:13:52It's an awkward one.

0:13:52 > 0:13:55The value of this has increased as I've gone round really.

0:13:55 > 0:13:57So it's er...

0:13:57 > 0:14:00- I'll let Alison go first. - Go on, then.

0:14:00 > 0:14:03I think the house with the land,

0:14:03 > 0:14:07I'm going to pitch for about 375.

0:14:07 > 0:14:11I'm going slightly higher because the quality that's been done...

0:14:11 > 0:14:14- 385.- 385.- Yeah, yeah.

0:14:14 > 0:14:17OK, so 385 would leave you

0:14:17 > 0:14:19£15,000 left over

0:14:19 > 0:14:23to do some work on that and what...

0:14:23 > 0:14:26- ten grand? - 10,000 would be achievable, yes.

0:14:26 > 0:14:31I think you'd go a lot further if you got this for £350,000.

0:14:31 > 0:14:34- That's amazing.- That's a good price.

0:14:34 > 0:14:36That's a very good price.

0:14:36 > 0:14:38You get an awful lot for your money.

0:14:38 > 0:14:41Let's face it, a picture of a Welsh cottage,

0:14:41 > 0:14:42you couldn't want better.

0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Fantastic.- Off you go. I'll catch up with you later.

0:14:45 > 0:14:49Very good! What a price, what a property. Absolutely fantastic.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52If you're looking for a picture of Welsh serenity

0:14:52 > 0:14:55here in the countryside, you're going to struggle to beat that.

0:14:58 > 0:15:01Under their budget at £350,000,

0:15:01 > 0:15:04David wouldn't have to lift a finger in the main house,

0:15:04 > 0:15:06which has been beautifully renovated

0:15:06 > 0:15:08and provides them with a sitting room, giving them not one,

0:15:08 > 0:15:10but two fireplaces,

0:15:10 > 0:15:12a large farmhouse kitchen/diner

0:15:12 > 0:15:15along with three possible bedrooms

0:15:15 > 0:15:17including the space for Alison's study.

0:15:17 > 0:15:20Outside there's the potential for a holiday let if they get

0:15:20 > 0:15:22the right planning permissions.

0:15:22 > 0:15:25And it's all wrapped up on a six-acre plot

0:15:25 > 0:15:27in a stunning rural location.

0:15:27 > 0:15:30When we drove up to the house I just thought, "Wow!

0:15:30 > 0:15:32"Picture-postcard perfect."

0:15:32 > 0:15:35I thought the kitchen was absolutely fantastic,

0:15:35 > 0:15:40but overall I've a tendency to think it's too perfect for David

0:15:40 > 0:15:44and he will get bored with not having enough work to do.

0:15:44 > 0:15:47The inside of the house is absolutely immaculate.

0:15:47 > 0:15:51You cannot fault the decor and the quality of workmanship.

0:15:51 > 0:15:53It's been done to a very high standard,

0:15:53 > 0:15:58even the outdoor potential to make as a holiday home.

0:15:58 > 0:16:01Overall, you could just really move into tomorrow

0:16:01 > 0:16:04and start living there.

0:16:06 > 0:16:08Now then,

0:16:08 > 0:16:11- have you worked it all out? - Easy.- Easy, easy!

0:16:11 > 0:16:13"Two months", you said!

0:16:13 > 0:16:16- But what two months?- Come on!

0:16:16 > 0:16:18That's an easy project.

0:16:28 > 0:16:32Being close to the natural spoils of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

0:16:32 > 0:16:36is a driving factor behind David and Alison's move to this county.

0:16:36 > 0:16:39Along the route sits the historic town of Tenby

0:16:39 > 0:16:40which has 14th-century walls

0:16:40 > 0:16:43and the remains of its fortified castle,

0:16:43 > 0:16:45dating back to Edward III's reign.

0:16:45 > 0:16:47Between the 14th and 16th century,

0:16:47 > 0:16:49Tenby prospered as a major port

0:16:49 > 0:16:51and earlier in the week,

0:16:51 > 0:16:54we arranged for our couple to meet Marion Davies,

0:16:54 > 0:16:57a Blue Badge Tourist Guide, to discover more about the town.

0:16:59 > 0:17:01This is the Tenby harbour

0:17:01 > 0:17:03and you can see,

0:17:03 > 0:17:07this is one of the most photographed harbours in Wales.

0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's the jewel in Pembrokeshire's crown. It's a great beauty.

0:17:10 > 0:17:12And of course this is where the wealth of Tenby

0:17:12 > 0:17:16was actually made, really, in the heyday of the trading era.

0:17:16 > 0:17:20We had all sorts of exotic luxury items coming in here

0:17:20 > 0:17:22from the Continent. The first citrus fruits ever to arrive

0:17:22 > 0:17:25in a port of Wales came into Tenby, when in 1566,

0:17:25 > 0:17:27oranges arrived from Aveiro in Portugal.

0:17:27 > 0:17:31This is still a very busy fishing port, in actual fact.

0:17:31 > 0:17:37So, it tends to be a more locally based kind of business nowadays.

0:17:37 > 0:17:39The colourful villas that line the harbour

0:17:39 > 0:17:43are a reminder of when Tenby became a popular seaside resort

0:17:43 > 0:17:47during the Victorian era. Today, Tenby attracts

0:17:47 > 0:17:50around two and a half million visitors, many who come

0:17:50 > 0:17:52for the breathtaking scenery.

0:17:52 > 0:17:55A short walk up to the top of Castle Hill

0:17:55 > 0:17:57provides spectacular panoramic views

0:17:57 > 0:17:59of the beaches and outlying islands.

0:17:59 > 0:18:01A couple of miles offshore

0:18:01 > 0:18:03is Caldey Island,

0:18:03 > 0:18:06which is home to a unique set of entrepreneurs.

0:18:06 > 0:18:08It's actually owned by monks.

0:18:08 > 0:18:11They're reformed Cistercians and they've been there

0:18:11 > 0:18:13since the 1920s, really.

0:18:13 > 0:18:14They run it as a business,

0:18:14 > 0:18:17not only do they live there but it is run as a business.

0:18:17 > 0:18:20They have a herd of beef cattle

0:18:20 > 0:18:22and they make chocolate and fudge

0:18:22 > 0:18:26and, inspired by the wildflowers of the island,

0:18:26 > 0:18:29they've also created a perfume

0:18:29 > 0:18:31and toiletry industry for themselves.

0:18:31 > 0:18:35I think it started, as far as I know, from selling bunches

0:18:35 > 0:18:36of lavender and from there

0:18:36 > 0:18:40progressed into quite a successful business.

0:18:40 > 0:18:43There is wildlife here too,

0:18:43 > 0:18:45with about 5,000 grey seals living in

0:18:45 > 0:18:48and around Pembrokeshire's coastal borders.

0:18:49 > 0:18:53This beautiful county has certainly been a favourite holiday spot

0:18:53 > 0:18:56for David and Alison, but let's hope we can find them

0:18:56 > 0:18:58a permanent home here as our house hunt continues.

0:19:04 > 0:19:07For our second property, we're moving closer to the coast,

0:19:07 > 0:19:11near the Llenai Estuary, to the rural hamlets of Martletwy.

0:19:11 > 0:19:14The nearest hub for amenities is seven miles away in Narberth,

0:19:14 > 0:19:18which has gained a reputation for its varied mix

0:19:18 > 0:19:20of quality independent shops.

0:19:20 > 0:19:22'Our second property gives them

0:19:22 > 0:19:25'a more substantial project on the holiday-let side.'

0:19:25 > 0:19:28Well, as you can probably tell, it's a converted barn,

0:19:28 > 0:19:30but it does offer a lot of accommodation.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33It's got a huge footprint, as you can tell.

0:19:33 > 0:19:37You've got this... currently a workshop/garage,

0:19:37 > 0:19:40with a bit of a gap between it and a wood store

0:19:40 > 0:19:44and I'm thinking if you could continue that roof right across...

0:19:44 > 0:19:48- Holiday accommodation.- Exactly.

0:19:48 > 0:19:51There's a lot for you to build round, I think, Dave.

0:19:51 > 0:19:53I love this.

0:19:53 > 0:19:56- It's all about keeping you busy, isn't it?- That's right!

0:19:56 > 0:19:58Now, we haven't got acres to play with

0:19:58 > 0:20:01and I'm not sure that's such a problem.

0:20:01 > 0:20:05- No, it isn't. I prefer more property and less land.- That's right, yeah.

0:20:05 > 0:20:07OK, well we've certainly got that for you. Yeah? Come and have a look.

0:20:09 > 0:20:12This barn conversion definitely gives them space

0:20:12 > 0:20:15and scope to add their own personal touch.

0:20:17 > 0:20:22OK, now the finish in here is perhaps not what you'd have expected...

0:20:22 > 0:20:25- No, not at all. - ..from the outside.

0:20:25 > 0:20:27No, it's a lot more sleeker.

0:20:27 > 0:20:31We've also got two of the four bedrooms that are on offer here.

0:20:31 > 0:20:37One small child's one in there and that one, which currently

0:20:37 > 0:20:41is a sort of guestroom but would make a fantastic office/study...

0:20:41 > 0:20:42- Right.- ..if needs be.- Yes.

0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Yeah?- Yeah.- OK.

0:20:47 > 0:20:51Well, let's see how they react to the main lounge.

0:20:51 > 0:20:55Now, this is really where this house starts to come together really.

0:20:55 > 0:20:58In terms of giving you that sense of cosy cottage

0:20:58 > 0:21:00but with a contemporary feel.

0:21:00 > 0:21:03This is a nice room. Nice and bright.

0:21:03 > 0:21:05Nice size as well.

0:21:05 > 0:21:09- The fireplace is nice.- And you've got a multi-fuel burner there.- Yeah.

0:21:09 > 0:21:12This is a good room, a nice size.

0:21:12 > 0:21:15You see, I'm worried that we spoilt you with the first one.

0:21:15 > 0:21:16Yeah, yeah, yeah.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19It's not quite grabbing me in the same way as the first one.

0:21:19 > 0:21:21But this is a bigger footprint

0:21:21 > 0:21:24so it's nice to see what we've got to work with.

0:21:24 > 0:21:27Off the hallway is a cloakroom with the added benefit

0:21:27 > 0:21:31of a sleek shower unit but will the size

0:21:31 > 0:21:33and style of the kitchen be to their liking?

0:21:33 > 0:21:37Now, this is a comparable size to property number one, I would say,

0:21:37 > 0:21:41- kitchen-wise.- Yeah, more contemporary.- Yes, a lot more.

0:21:41 > 0:21:45- Then again, they've got a sofa in here as well.- Loads of space.

0:21:45 > 0:21:47There's a little utility room in there.

0:21:47 > 0:21:52So it probably offers you more in terms of a kitchen than the other one.

0:21:52 > 0:21:53Yeah, yeah, definitely.

0:21:53 > 0:21:55I know it's not grabbing you as much as the first one

0:21:55 > 0:21:57but are we getting there?

0:21:57 > 0:22:02I think I've got to look through the contemporary design that's in here.

0:22:02 > 0:22:05Yeah, a bit more exposed wood. A bit of timber.

0:22:05 > 0:22:07I like a barn to look like a barn.

0:22:09 > 0:22:12Well, the two bedrooms upstairs might deliver some of that

0:22:12 > 0:22:14homely cottagey feel they're after.

0:22:14 > 0:22:18- This is quite nice too. Oak staircase.- This is beautiful.

0:22:18 > 0:22:21- This is a nice feature.- Nice features.- But this is a great size.

0:22:21 > 0:22:23This is the master.

0:22:23 > 0:22:27- This is lovely. - This is more...- This is lovely.

0:22:27 > 0:22:30- This is more country style.- Yeah.

0:22:30 > 0:22:34Through that door there's a walk-in wardrobe so all your clobber can go in there.

0:22:34 > 0:22:36But you've also got a very generous en suite.

0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Gosh, yeah.- That's good, that's good.- This is more like it.

0:22:41 > 0:22:44- This is a lot more...- This is where this house scores

0:22:44 > 0:22:46over the previous one.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Yes.- It's in the bedroom accommodation.- Yeah.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52The bedroom next door, equally has an en suite,

0:22:52 > 0:22:55not quite as generous as that one.

0:22:55 > 0:22:59- But you know...- That's fantastic. That's good. Two en suites.

0:22:59 > 0:23:02- It's very nice, very nice. - It's a grower.

0:23:04 > 0:23:08Happily, upstairs has scored us few points but let's see

0:23:08 > 0:23:11if the holiday-let project outside is enough to excite David.

0:23:13 > 0:23:18Well, as I said when we arrived, the garden is not acres.

0:23:18 > 0:23:20- That's pretty much it. - That's enough.

0:23:20 > 0:23:24- There's enough there to keep us busy. - And you got the side garden around the back.

0:23:24 > 0:23:26There's a patio there and so forth,

0:23:26 > 0:23:29with a bit of a vine growing over it or something.

0:23:29 > 0:23:33And then here, we've got another angle on this outbuilding.

0:23:33 > 0:23:37This outbuilding. Yeah, that could be made very nice into a holiday let.

0:23:37 > 0:23:39More work for you to do.

0:23:39 > 0:23:40THEY LAUGH

0:23:40 > 0:23:43Yes, indeed, but all of this is going to cost, isn't it?

0:23:43 > 0:23:46So, what do we think this is on the market for?

0:23:46 > 0:23:49We're a bit close to the coast here.

0:23:49 > 0:23:53- I'm going to go for about 315, Jules.- 315.- Yeah.- OK.

0:23:53 > 0:24:00- I would like to go a little bit lower, I think. I will say 305.- 305.

0:24:00 > 0:24:03- I'm being cheeky! - Very cheeky, very cheeky.

0:24:03 > 0:24:08Well, this one could be yours...

0:24:08 > 0:24:11for 325.

0:24:11 > 0:24:15Obviously, the nice thing about that is it leaves you with 75.

0:24:15 > 0:24:19- For another £100,000, you could have that one too.- Right.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22That's interesting. That's interesting.

0:24:23 > 0:24:27So, you know, we're talking about an overall figure of 425.

0:24:27 > 0:24:30- That's interesting.- I'm going to let you have a quick look at it now.

0:24:30 > 0:24:34- Fantastic.- And see what you make of it. You get to it that way.- Yeah.

0:24:34 > 0:24:35- Follow the road round.- Yeah.

0:24:35 > 0:24:39Make sure you find the front door. Off you go.

0:24:39 > 0:24:42Well, this is a property with a twist, isn't it?

0:24:42 > 0:24:45I can't wait to see what they make of that little building.

0:24:45 > 0:24:47It does need a little bit of work doing to it

0:24:47 > 0:24:50but certainly nothing that Dave and Alison can't do.

0:24:50 > 0:24:51If they got it right,

0:24:51 > 0:24:54they could have two or three houses for the price of one.

0:24:57 > 0:25:02Under budget at £325,000, our second property gives them

0:25:02 > 0:25:05a spacious four-bedroom period home with a large kitchen/diner.

0:25:05 > 0:25:07With the right planning permissions,

0:25:07 > 0:25:12the outbuilding is ripe for David to convert into a holiday let

0:25:12 > 0:25:16and if they really wanted to go for it, they could also negotiate on the up and running

0:25:16 > 0:25:22let next door which then pushes the total cost to £425,000.

0:25:22 > 0:25:25What's more, it's all in the coastal location they asked for.

0:25:25 > 0:25:28- This has got bags of potential. - Yeah, this has.

0:25:28 > 0:25:34This could make an ideal let, holiday let.

0:25:34 > 0:25:36Even a long-term let.

0:25:36 > 0:25:42Will we be biting off more than we can chew? I don't know at this stage.

0:25:42 > 0:25:46I think the problem I've got, property number one is still

0:25:46 > 0:25:51quite strongly in my mind and that's maybe blurring my vision on this one.

0:25:51 > 0:25:53When we drove up to the property, at first,

0:25:53 > 0:25:57I didn't think it had the kerb appeal as the first property.

0:25:57 > 0:26:00However, the outbuilding is a fantastic opportunity.

0:26:00 > 0:26:02It's what we're looking for.

0:26:02 > 0:26:09- A-ha! What did you make of the barn? - That is very interesting.

0:26:09 > 0:26:14- Yeah, that could work.- Yeah? It's going to take a bit of work...- Yeah.

0:26:14 > 0:26:16- ..and a bit of money. - Well, we don't mind the work.

0:26:16 > 0:26:22The budget may be expanding slightly, but it is easily possible, yeah,

0:26:22 > 0:26:27- to do something there.- OK, so two potential candidates on our list.

0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Yeah, definitely. - Excellent. Follow me.

0:26:40 > 0:26:43So, as evening falls over the Pembrokeshire coastline,

0:26:43 > 0:26:46the first day of our house search draws to a close.

0:26:57 > 0:27:00Armed with their budget of £400,000, David and Alison

0:27:00 > 0:27:03want to up sticks from Stourbridge in the West Midlands

0:27:03 > 0:27:08and settle down in a country home with a holiday let in Pembrokeshire.

0:27:08 > 0:27:11Although they really loved our first property,

0:27:11 > 0:27:14and would consider the second, our search so far

0:27:14 > 0:27:16has highlighted the tricky job of finding the perfect house

0:27:16 > 0:27:20with the right business potential in the right location.

0:27:20 > 0:27:23But could they make the mystery house work for them?

0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Save you knocking a wall down. - Yeah.- He can't wait - look!

0:27:26 > 0:27:27THEY LAUGH

0:27:27 > 0:27:31And I gain first-hand experience of one of the great Welsh folk traditions.

0:27:31 > 0:27:33Excellent, lovely.

0:27:36 > 0:27:39Well, for me house hunting in Wales is always great fun,

0:27:39 > 0:27:42but here in Pembrokeshire, it's just sensational

0:27:42 > 0:27:45and on a day like this, where else would you want to be?

0:27:45 > 0:27:49The coastline here is one of this region's absolute sweet spots.

0:27:49 > 0:27:52One more property to come of course. It's mystery house time.

0:27:52 > 0:27:56Will that sway our buyers? Well, as ever, we'll just have to show them.

0:28:00 > 0:28:03One thing that struck me over the two previous houses

0:28:03 > 0:28:05- is that you've approached them very positively.- Yeah.

0:28:05 > 0:28:10But they're not quite extensive enough to keep you busy.

0:28:10 > 0:28:13You know, it might be worth - given that essentially you've got

0:28:13 > 0:28:17the budget in cash - I know you're trying to be mortgage free,

0:28:17 > 0:28:19but if you just tipped over...

0:28:19 > 0:28:20I totally agree, Jules.

0:28:20 > 0:28:24To get our long-term goal, what we're looking for,

0:28:24 > 0:28:26I think we've got to broaden our horizons.

0:28:28 > 0:28:31Our mystery property stays in their budget comfort zone.

0:28:31 > 0:28:34But we're ditching rural isolation

0:28:34 > 0:28:36and heading to the outskirts of Pembroke.

0:28:36 > 0:28:39This is a coastal market town with a mediaeval castle that

0:28:39 > 0:28:42provides an impressive local landmark.

0:28:42 > 0:28:45It's also a popular draw for tourists, which all adds

0:28:45 > 0:28:48to the attraction of our mystery house.

0:28:48 > 0:28:50Although it's just a mile from the town centre,

0:28:50 > 0:28:52you'd never know it from its setting.

0:28:52 > 0:28:55'And it's a substantial package, consisting of a home for them

0:28:55 > 0:28:58'and the potential for two holiday lets.'

0:28:58 > 0:29:01Now then, very different to what we've seen so far.

0:29:01 > 0:29:06- Currently, the whole thing is a holiday let.- Yes, yeah.

0:29:06 > 0:29:10So it's not furnished as a family home might be, for example,

0:29:10 > 0:29:13but what we're thinking is that this would be your home...

0:29:13 > 0:29:18- Yeah.- ..and then you could develop the other bits. - That sounds fantastic.

0:29:18 > 0:29:23- First impressions, I like what I see. - Yeah, I do as well.- OK.

0:29:23 > 0:29:25Let's have a look then, follow me.

0:29:26 > 0:29:28'With Dave and Alison's personal stamp,

0:29:28 > 0:29:31'our mystery house would make a lovely family home.'

0:29:33 > 0:29:35Grab the door, Alison.

0:29:35 > 0:29:39- As you can tell, it hasn't got that lived-in feel.- No. - It's a bit echoey.- Yeah.

0:29:39 > 0:29:43But have a look in here. This is rather nice, I think.

0:29:43 > 0:29:48- The kitchen.- This is lovely. This is a lovely size.

0:29:48 > 0:29:53And the nice thing about it is it's a blank canvas really, to work with.

0:29:53 > 0:29:55The glass doors, that's a nice touch.

0:29:55 > 0:29:59The nice thing about this is that the neutral theme, in terms of decor

0:29:59 > 0:30:01and so on, flows throughout it.

0:30:01 > 0:30:05It's not incumbent with lots of different colours and thoughts.

0:30:05 > 0:30:07It all joins itself together quite nicely.

0:30:08 > 0:30:13'Across the hallway, the reception rooms give them lots of options.'

0:30:13 > 0:30:15So this is the dining room.

0:30:15 > 0:30:18Fairly, sort of, sparsely furnished, in a way

0:30:18 > 0:30:21but I think it sets the scene, obviously.

0:30:21 > 0:30:24- I love the fireplace.- That's a lovely feature.- It's a big room.

0:30:24 > 0:30:28It's such a big room. It's kind of at odds with the living room.

0:30:28 > 0:30:32- Right.- I wonder if you wouldn't sort of swap the two around, in a way.

0:30:32 > 0:30:35I might even be tempted to take this wall out.

0:30:35 > 0:30:37Because you've got this lovely feature here, this garden room.

0:30:37 > 0:30:40- That's lovely. - That's a lovely feature that.

0:30:40 > 0:30:43The only other thing is, Jules, as you've got the eat-in kitchen,

0:30:43 > 0:30:46I don't know... I would probably have that

0:30:46 > 0:30:51as a sitting room and this is an office-come-study space at the back.

0:30:51 > 0:30:54- That's something else we could look at.- Yeah.

0:30:54 > 0:30:56- Save you knocking a wall down.- Yeah. - He can't wait, look.

0:30:56 > 0:30:59THEY LAUGH

0:31:00 > 0:31:02'Well, David will have to hang fire for now.'

0:31:02 > 0:31:05'Tucked away under the staircase is an attractive'

0:31:05 > 0:31:07and spacious family bathroom.

0:31:07 > 0:31:10Upstairs gives them a generous four bedrooms in total -

0:31:10 > 0:31:13two doubles, one with an en suite, and a third single.

0:31:14 > 0:31:18And next door to the nicely fitted family bathroom is the fourth,

0:31:18 > 0:31:20which I think would be ideal for them.

0:31:20 > 0:31:23For arguments sake, we'll call this the master.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26It's kind of interchangeable with one that's a similar size

0:31:26 > 0:31:27at the other end of the corridor.

0:31:27 > 0:31:30I think this is as good a room as any to show you.

0:31:30 > 0:31:33It's lovely and light. The window is lovely. Yeah.

0:31:33 > 0:31:36Vaulted ceiling, that's nice.

0:31:36 > 0:31:42No, it's a smooth, plasterboard... Ready to go, isn't it?

0:31:42 > 0:31:44'As we head outside and look at the outbuildings,

0:31:44 > 0:31:47'it's worth bearing in mind that, as a holiday let,

0:31:47 > 0:31:52'our mystery house itself pulls in as much as £900 a week.

0:31:52 > 0:31:56'So it might be worth decamping during peak season, to maximise their income.'

0:31:56 > 0:31:58Set away from the house

0:31:58 > 0:31:59is an existing let,

0:31:59 > 0:32:02sleeping two people, with an open plan living room and kitchen,

0:32:02 > 0:32:05plus a bedroom and bathroom.

0:32:05 > 0:32:08And next door, there's a project in the making.

0:32:09 > 0:32:13- This is what I wanted to, kind of, put your builder's mind to.- Yes.

0:32:13 > 0:32:14As you can see,

0:32:14 > 0:32:20it's a pretty dilapidated shed-come- greenhouse-come-garden store.

0:32:20 > 0:32:22How daunting an idea is it?

0:32:22 > 0:32:25That's the project that really you were looking for.

0:32:25 > 0:32:28Yeah, that's a project to get your teeth into.

0:32:28 > 0:32:31Obviously, the planning would take time, but you know,

0:32:31 > 0:32:34- it doesn't have to happen overnight. - No, exactly.- Yeah.

0:32:36 > 0:32:39The grounds would also make a great backdrop for the guests,

0:32:39 > 0:32:43amounting to 1.1 acres, they wrap around the property and are

0:32:43 > 0:32:46predominantly made up of woodland, with the added feature of a pond.

0:32:48 > 0:32:52- So, what do you think?- I think it's lovely. I think it's really lovely.

0:32:52 > 0:32:54And it's something to get your teeth into.

0:32:54 > 0:32:56Yeah, it's a longer-term project.

0:32:56 > 0:32:59There are a few projects to be getting on with there.

0:32:59 > 0:33:02Just starting to panic a bit now!

0:33:02 > 0:33:05Don't panic! Never panic.

0:33:05 > 0:33:07Let's have a think about the price, though.

0:33:07 > 0:33:11- It's our final guess of the week. - Yeah, yeah.- Alison?

0:33:12 > 0:33:17Oh, gosh! I think it's probably over budget, Jules, if I'm honest.

0:33:17 > 0:33:21- I will go for about 425.- 425.

0:33:21 > 0:33:24Yeah, that's a similar figure to what I had in mind.

0:33:24 > 0:33:30- I will go 420, slightly less, just to be different.- 420. OK.

0:33:30 > 0:33:32So, if it was £364,950...

0:33:32 > 0:33:34THEY LAUGH

0:33:34 > 0:33:36- No!- Yeah.

0:33:36 > 0:33:40Now that puts a different perspective on it.

0:33:40 > 0:33:43- Does it?- I'm shocked, if anything.

0:33:43 > 0:33:49- £364,950 for the mystery house - and it could be yours.- Sold!

0:33:49 > 0:33:51ALL LAUGH

0:33:51 > 0:33:54Off you go. Enjoy the moment. Brilliant.

0:33:54 > 0:33:57There we are. They're absolutely right,

0:33:57 > 0:33:59this is fantastic value for money. It is in a fantastic spot

0:33:59 > 0:34:02and it does offer all the scope that they're after.

0:34:02 > 0:34:06Has the mystery house done it again, I wonder? Fingers crossed.

0:34:08 > 0:34:13At just shy of £365,000, our mystery house provides them

0:34:13 > 0:34:15with a comfortable home.

0:34:15 > 0:34:18There's a huge kitchen/diner, along with two other reception rooms,

0:34:18 > 0:34:21which gives Alison scope for her study.

0:34:21 > 0:34:25Upstairs offers them four bedrooms and outside,

0:34:25 > 0:34:28in just over one acre of grounds, there's an existing holiday let,

0:34:28 > 0:34:32with the possibility over time to develop a second.

0:34:32 > 0:34:36The two outbuildings are absolutely great for development for David.

0:34:36 > 0:34:38The house itself is lovely.

0:34:38 > 0:34:42We could move in straight away, put our own stamp on it and the added

0:34:42 > 0:34:46advantage of two reception rooms and a fourth bedroom is fantastic.

0:34:46 > 0:34:49To me, this is the best contender of the week.

0:34:49 > 0:34:51It's an unusual feel.

0:34:51 > 0:34:54It's quite a central location to the town,

0:34:54 > 0:34:56but it's totally got a rural feel,

0:34:56 > 0:35:00when you're in the property with an acre or so of land.

0:35:00 > 0:35:05It does open up possibilities with the lets.

0:35:05 > 0:35:09The house itself is ideal for us to live in.

0:35:09 > 0:35:14As an overall package, it ticks a lot of the boxes for what we've asked for.

0:35:15 > 0:35:19Ah, the chitter-chatter. Have you figured it all out yet?

0:35:19 > 0:35:21There's a lot to figure out, Jules,

0:35:21 > 0:35:25but it does tick a hell of a lot of the boxes that we've asked to be ticked.

0:35:25 > 0:35:29- It's a great property.- Yeah. - For what you're after, I think it's terrific.

0:35:29 > 0:35:32But they've all been good, they've all been interesting.

0:35:32 > 0:35:36They've all been different, but this one does stand out, I must admit.

0:35:36 > 0:35:38So what happens next?

0:35:38 > 0:35:43- We're going to have to sit down and talk about that.- I think you should.

0:35:52 > 0:35:55Having lived in Wales for well over 20 years,

0:35:55 > 0:35:57I've always been interested in its heritage.

0:35:57 > 0:36:00With a history dating back to the 17th century,

0:36:00 > 0:36:05the lovespoon is synonymous with Welsh folk tradition and I've come to meet Ceri Thomas,

0:36:05 > 0:36:09a local wood carver, to find out more about their significance.

0:36:12 > 0:36:14- Ceri.- Hello, there.- Nice to see you.

0:36:14 > 0:36:18No trip to Wales is complete without taking home a lovespoon, I suppose.

0:36:18 > 0:36:21- You've made it into a family business.- That's correct.

0:36:21 > 0:36:25We started in 1975 and we've been here ever since.

0:36:25 > 0:36:27What's the story behind them?

0:36:27 > 0:36:30There is a whole range of possibilities that

0:36:30 > 0:36:32go into any one spoon, aren't there?

0:36:32 > 0:36:35The main belief is that they were carved by the young men,

0:36:35 > 0:36:38as tokens of engagement or betrothal,

0:36:38 > 0:36:41and then offered to the young ladies that they were courting.

0:36:44 > 0:36:47Ceri has charted his own romance through the spoons' designs.

0:36:47 > 0:36:51That one, the first one, has got an empty heart.

0:36:51 > 0:36:55It's quite important, cos the next one I did, the following year...

0:36:55 > 0:36:57- ..is this one.- Ah!

0:36:57 > 0:37:00This time, you see,

0:37:00 > 0:37:03you see you've got the Cupid there, of course,

0:37:03 > 0:37:06the love birds and then promising my fiancee a cottage, you see.

0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Did she get the cottage, as well? - I'm afraid not, but there we are.

0:37:09 > 0:37:12No harm in promising.

0:37:12 > 0:37:15I love the fact that you can really create your own.

0:37:15 > 0:37:19I guess it's up to your imagination, as to how it finally ends up,

0:37:19 > 0:37:22but I can't wait to see how you do it.

0:37:22 > 0:37:27- Is there a simple design that I could get cracking with? - Yeah, we could start on one now.

0:37:30 > 0:37:34'In the family workshop, Ceri's son David is grafting away.

0:37:34 > 0:37:37'They've picked out a simple spoon template with a heart and daffodil,

0:37:37 > 0:37:40'which I first need to carefully trace around.'

0:37:41 > 0:37:45- Right. There we are. The moment of truth. There it is.- Great.

0:37:45 > 0:37:49- What do we start with first? - What we do first is to cut the bowl.

0:37:49 > 0:37:52- This is this end, here? - Yeah, you want to cut the bowl.

0:37:52 > 0:37:55So we put him in the vice, there.

0:37:55 > 0:37:59- I love working with wood. - It's a lovely material.

0:37:59 > 0:38:02I kind of envy you, actually - all day long, just creating.

0:38:02 > 0:38:06Historically, it's thought that sailors filled their many

0:38:06 > 0:38:11laborious hours aboard ship whittling away in dimly-lit cabins, making these love tokens.

0:38:12 > 0:38:16'Once the spoon has been shaped, it's time to carve the basic design

0:38:16 > 0:38:20'with a little help from the odd machine.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24'But the finer detail needs to be carefully worked by hand.'

0:38:24 > 0:38:28- So there's our heart taking shape. Next, the daffodil.- Yes, please.

0:38:28 > 0:38:31If you make a little start, there. If I just start it off for you.

0:38:31 > 0:38:35Hold that one, there. Nice and gently. Notice the angle of the chisel going back, now.

0:38:35 > 0:38:39There we are. Excellent. And again. That's fine.

0:38:39 > 0:38:42This looks like it could be a dangerous part of the process.

0:38:42 > 0:38:47- This is the make or break now, this is. Yes.- Ready?- Yes, please. Excellent, lovely.

0:38:49 > 0:38:52The range of designs on the spoons all have different meanings.

0:38:52 > 0:38:57For instance, a carved twist symbolises growing together,

0:38:57 > 0:38:59whilst a cross represents faith or a sign of memorial.

0:38:59 > 0:39:02Pembrokeshire spoons often feature a wide,

0:39:02 > 0:39:06flat panel, although as Ceri's commissions show,

0:39:06 > 0:39:10they all convey a personal message and can vary hugely.

0:39:10 > 0:39:14This fairly basic spoon design typically takes two hours to make.

0:39:14 > 0:39:19'The last stage being to varnish it to bring out the grain of the oak.'

0:39:19 > 0:39:22Well, guys, thank you very much, indeed.

0:39:22 > 0:39:24It's been a real treat, getting a window on your world

0:39:24 > 0:39:27and just seeing how these lovely things come into being.

0:39:27 > 0:39:31- Of course, this does mean I'm going to have to get married, now.- Yeah.

0:39:31 > 0:39:34And the other little tradition, of course, which is the nice bit,

0:39:34 > 0:39:37you can tell the young lady that she has to polish the spoon every day.

0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I like that idea. That's great. - HE LAUGHS

0:39:44 > 0:39:48It's decision time for Dave and for Alison and something tells me

0:39:48 > 0:39:52that their horizons might be expanding a bit.

0:39:58 > 0:40:01Well, guys, here we are again, overlooking Tenby in the sunshine.

0:40:01 > 0:40:03Have you had a good week?

0:40:03 > 0:40:06Yes, fantastic. Really good. Really good.

0:40:06 > 0:40:10Let's just remind ourselves of where we started, that lovely cottage

0:40:10 > 0:40:14which you said, I think, was a classic picture postcard image.

0:40:14 > 0:40:18Most definitely. You couldn't have wished for a better approach.

0:40:18 > 0:40:22- And the finish inside was absolutely impeccable.- The setting was great.

0:40:22 > 0:40:25The six acres was absolutely fantastic...however,

0:40:25 > 0:40:30I just felt that there was not enough work to carry us forward there.

0:40:30 > 0:40:35- The second property, much bigger footprint to that converted barn. - That's right, yeah.

0:40:35 > 0:40:40And we had the possibility of doing something with the garage/workshop.

0:40:40 > 0:40:43But then I threw in the added bonus of the little barn next door.

0:40:43 > 0:40:46Yeah. That was a surprise in itself, really.

0:40:46 > 0:40:48Alison, I think,

0:40:48 > 0:40:52was worried about the size of the actual plot it was all on.

0:40:52 > 0:40:57I thought once it was developed, the land itself wouldn't justify

0:40:57 > 0:40:59the plots that were there,

0:40:59 > 0:41:02so it was the reverse from property number one.

0:41:02 > 0:41:06Our mystery house - that, I think, has gone down rather well.

0:41:06 > 0:41:11The overall feel of that property was a nice feel. Flowed well.

0:41:11 > 0:41:16The ground it stood in was just in proportion to the house

0:41:16 > 0:41:20and the outbuildings were ideal for a long-term project, there.

0:41:20 > 0:41:24- And you loved the price.- Oh, gosh. - The price was a shock.

0:41:24 > 0:41:27A pleasant shock, yeah. THEY LAUGH

0:41:27 > 0:41:32But I definitely want to investigate that one further.

0:41:32 > 0:41:34- This brings me onto my next question...- Yeah.

0:41:34 > 0:41:38..of what happens next? Because in a way, we've played safe.

0:41:38 > 0:41:40- BOTH: Yes. - You're cash buyers.

0:41:40 > 0:41:44We've tried to bring our properties comfortably in under budget...

0:41:44 > 0:41:48- Yeah.- ..and leave you mortgage-free. - Yeah.

0:41:48 > 0:41:50But my sense is, you want a little bit more now.

0:41:50 > 0:41:53I think so, Jules, and I think also,

0:41:53 > 0:41:57when I first came to the search, land wasn't a priority, really.

0:41:57 > 0:41:59Now after seeing the six acres,

0:41:59 > 0:42:02I'm now thinking I would like something with a bit more land

0:42:02 > 0:42:08- and the development opportunity for a few more outbuildings, really.- Yeah.

0:42:08 > 0:42:13That then takes us to the level that we start to increase our budget,

0:42:13 > 0:42:17- which is also a possibility now. - Guys, it's been a great pleasure.

0:42:17 > 0:42:20I think any one of the three we've shown you, you could go to

0:42:20 > 0:42:22and play safe, bring it in under budget.

0:42:22 > 0:42:27But I suspect if you want that bigger project you can really sink your teeth into...

0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Go for it.- ..and get something you can really go for.- Yeah.

0:42:31 > 0:42:35- It's been a fantastic experience. - We've enjoyed every minute of it.

0:42:35 > 0:42:38- We've loved having you. Best of luck.- BOTH: Thank you.

0:42:41 > 0:42:45You know, it's funny how some of these house searches turn out.

0:42:45 > 0:42:48When we set off with Dave and Alison,

0:42:48 > 0:42:50they were very keen play it safe, as they said,

0:42:50 > 0:42:54to keep everything within budget and let's face it, who could blame them?

0:42:54 > 0:42:59But as it's turned out, they are keener than ever to bite off a much bigger chunk of Pembrokeshire.

0:42:59 > 0:43:01The idea of having a small holiday let,

0:43:01 > 0:43:03something of a cottage industry,

0:43:03 > 0:43:07that's all been transformed into a fully-fledged business idea.

0:43:07 > 0:43:09I think that is really exciting.

0:43:09 > 0:43:12Of course, they're going to have to borrow a little bit more money,

0:43:12 > 0:43:15but when you're blessed with scenery and beaches like this,

0:43:15 > 0:43:18is there a price you can put on it, I wonder?

0:43:18 > 0:43:19I'm not really sure you can.

0:43:22 > 0:43:25If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,

0:43:25 > 0:43:26Northern Ireland or England

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