0:00:02 > 0:00:04This dyke was built back in the eighth century
0:00:04 > 0:00:07to show the boundary of the ancient kingdom of Mercia.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13Now, every year, 3,000 foot-sturdy walkers complete the entire length,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15which is 177 miles.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Find out where we are in just a moment.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53In today's show, I'll be helping a couple find a country home
0:00:53 > 0:00:55that can fulfil all their artistic aspirations.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57It's a fantastic playground.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Playground?
0:00:59 > 0:01:01I don't want to grow old.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05But, like all playgrounds, sometimes there are tears.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07She is welling up, she's welling up.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09I said I wouldn't do this.
0:01:09 > 0:01:15So, we resort to divine inspiration with our mystery house.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Today, we're in the beautiful Welsh Marches,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25which is the area where the English counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29and Shropshire meet the Welsh counties of Powys and Monmouthshire.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33And this slightly weather-beaten earthwork is Offa's Dyke,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37which was built by the Mercian king Offa to fend off the Welsh warlords.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Now, to walk the entire length of the dyke,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43which pretty much forms the boundary between England and Wales,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48takes 12 days, 12 days I don't have because we are property shopping
0:01:48 > 0:01:50in this most beautiful corner of the country.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55While there's no official definition of the Welsh Marches,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59it generally describes the area encompassed by those counties
0:01:59 > 0:02:01that lie on the English-Welsh border.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The area contains Britain's greatest concentration of motte and bailey castles,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09such as those at Shrewsbury and Oswestry.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Built as a defence line by William the Conqueror
0:02:12 > 0:02:15when Wales was independent from Norman rule.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Other architectural hallmarks of the region
0:02:18 > 0:02:21are the half timbered Tudor buildings,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25which define the historic centres of Shrewsbury and the market town of Ledbury.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28With stunning architecture and glorious countryside,
0:02:28 > 0:02:35it's no surprise that this region remains such an attractive choice for aspiring escapees.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Of the main counties that make up the Welsh Marches,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Herefordshire is the most expensive.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46An average detached house there costs £259,000,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50which is just a smidgen above the national average.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52However, if you cross the border here into Powys,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56the same property would set you back £201,000.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59But, no matter how much money you spend,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02you are still getting all of this incredible scenery.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Fancy it? Take a look what's on the market.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09In the border county of Shropshire,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13you could buy this grade two listed four-bedroom thatched cottage
0:03:13 > 0:03:17in Bucknall for £325,000.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Inside, the character exposed beams and inglenook give it a cosy feel.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And a large kitchen and separate dining room offer up
0:03:25 > 0:03:27plenty of comfortable living spaces.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32What's more, it comes with a quarter of an acre of landscaped gardens.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Sitting on the Powys-Herefordshire border near Knighton,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40this 1860s property has been impressively refurbished
0:03:40 > 0:03:43to provide large, light reception rooms,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and a modern farmhouse kitchen.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49The highlight of its four bedrooms is the master,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52which takes in views of the nine and a half acres, and the hills beyond.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56All of which could be yours for £550,000.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Or, for a budget-topping home in Powys,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03you might like this five-bedroom property in Marton,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06which is priced at £775,000.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Along with a huge kitchen-diner built with modern living in mind,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13the mahogany wall panelling in the entrance hall,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and decor of the sitting-room add a real sense of grandeur.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23I love the properties here in the Welsh Marches.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25But let's meet the couple who are buying here today,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27they're lovely too.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Shirley, an art and design teacher, and Gary, a ceramic artist,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33have lived together in her dormer bungalow
0:04:33 > 0:04:36in Redditch, Worcestershire, for the past five years.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39But they have not been alone.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Also residing here are their four dogs, couple of chickens, two ducks,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46and Shirley's parents,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48who currently live in an attached annexe.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50All of them will be on the move
0:04:50 > 0:04:53just as soon as they can find a new home in the country,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56but it must have the perfect space for Gary
0:04:56 > 0:04:59to continue his flourishing ceramics business.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Our current home is not ideal
0:05:03 > 0:05:07now mainly because of your work, isn't it?
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Yeah, yeah.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14It's just become too small, because we work here in the house.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We also work in the studio in the village,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and just want to try and group it all together in one go.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21While workspace and finding an annexe
0:05:21 > 0:05:24for Shirley's parents are important factors,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28this will also be the very first home they've ever bought together.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31So, they are pooling their list of priorities.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36Ideally, for my next property, we'd like two bedrooms,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39possibly three, because Gary would like a library.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42A nice kitchen, a bigger kitchen maybe.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44We'd also like some outbuildings for the business.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47If we haven't got any outbuildings,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51we'd like some land so that we can build something of our own desire.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I think views will be a big one.
0:05:53 > 0:06:00A lot of my work is based around the fields and rural aspects,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03so, it'll be inspiration on the doorstep, I hope.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08And it seems they're desperate for our expertise and input.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12We need your help because we've trawled the net for about last 16 months.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16It's actually become our bedtime reading with a laptop.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20It's also quite difficult not being in that area,
0:06:20 > 0:06:22because we're both very busy people,
0:06:22 > 0:06:27and sometimes we're up till two or three o'clock in the morning looking, aren't we?
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Yeah.- How sad is that?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Our buyers are prepared to get creative
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and put their own stamp on a property,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38which, with so many competing demands, is good news.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41But what could really enhance their options is their budget.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Our maximum budget on the new property,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48if it includes the business, will be £480,000.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Gary and Shirley have such a great creative vision
0:06:53 > 0:06:57of what they want in their property in the countryside,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59although effectively, it is two houses,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01for a slightly circumscribed budget.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05But up till now they've only been looking on the internet,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07hundreds and hundreds of hours looking on the internet,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09which is a depressing experience.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13So, let's get them out into the Welsh Marches
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and show them the real thing.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Gary and Shirley are very keen on the artistic hub around Hay-on-Wye,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23but we'll need to widen our search area
0:07:23 > 0:07:26in order to give them everything on their wish list.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29I'll be showing them three very different properties
0:07:29 > 0:07:30which balance their creative urges
0:07:30 > 0:07:33with the practical needs of Shirley's parents.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37But I won't reveal the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40The last of these is our mystery house,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43which, if they can see through the facade,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46will offer them a new window of opportunity.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Welcome to the Welsh Marches, sounds very grand.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51It does.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54We're looking forward to showing you around,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57because you've actually been looking for a long time.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Yes, we have, about 12 months. - Yeah, 12 to 16 months.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02And that's mainly been on the internet?
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Yes.- Yeah, bedtime story reading.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11What's been the biggest downside in the properties you've seen so far?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Trying to find a place with an annexe
0:08:13 > 0:08:16but it usually comes with a very large property.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18We only want small house ourselves,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20it's the studio space that we need large.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22And your artistic ventures, Gary,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24are going incredibly well, very exciting.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28What do you want in an ideal world, what are you looking for in terms of space?
0:08:28 > 0:08:34In an ideal world, it's more storage rather than actual workshop,
0:08:34 > 0:08:40because I collect lots of junk, which gets involved.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Artistic material.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Artistic material, yes.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46So, I have to warn you that your budget is being stretched,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48because you're asking for quite a lot,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50but also remember that it's a buyer's market,
0:08:50 > 0:08:51you can put in offers.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The asking price is not necessarily what you're going to be paying.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56I'm looking forward to showing you,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59we've got some beautiful houses lined up feeling the Welsh Marches,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- so, let's march on.- Thank you.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04With their £480,000 budget,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Gary and Shirley would like a two-bedroom home for them,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10ideally, with a large kitchen-diner,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14and an annexe that Shirley's parents would be happy with.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Gary is also after a studio and storage space
0:09:16 > 0:09:18to grow his ceramics business.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Oh, and if you could throw in a library, so much the better.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36In terms of your career, the dream scenario in the countryside?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Just generally slow things down a little bit.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- It would be nice to work together, really, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Because we bounce ideas off each other.- Yeah.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- So, ultimately, that's where we're going, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I'm seeing an artistic commune,
0:09:48 > 0:09:53I'm seeing creative mornings throwing paint around.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Pottery.- Oh, yes.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Mindful that we have so many elements at play in our house hunt,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07we're going to stray into the Welsh county of Powys,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10and head towards Llandrindod Wells,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13a renowned spa town in its Victorian heyday,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16and still a vibrant place with lots of amenities.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Six miles away, and set in peaceful seclusion, is our first property,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23which comes in the form of an impressive barn conversion.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28So, house number one.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Wow. - First looks, very nice.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34It really does look nice.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Yeah?
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Yeah. We do like stone buildings, we love stone buildings.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Yeah, yeah,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I like the remoteness of it and I like the first aspect as you come in.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Very nice.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It is quite remote, but,
0:10:46 > 0:10:52the payoff is all of this amazing Welsh countryside all around you.
0:10:52 > 0:10:58As we're just over the Wye, the other side the Wye Valley.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01And this field.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03It's yours.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04All of it?
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- All four-ish acres of it.- Oh!
0:11:08 > 0:11:09Wow.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Including a duck pond.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12We like the duck pond.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14We've got running ducks and chickens,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- so they would be very at home. - Yes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Shall we have a look inside the house where you're going to live?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Yes, yes please.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Let's take all that positive energy inside
0:11:25 > 0:11:27and explore what this barn conversion,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29thought to date back to the 1700s, would give them.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Leading off the stunning central hallway, is the main dining room.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37But before that, I want to get their view on the kitchen.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38Come through.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Gorgeous. Really, really nice.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44It is very nicely done.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46It's quite a showpiece,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49it's somewhere you'd want friends to come and have a look at.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I don't think it would stay looking like this.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55This is the area that we envisaged you two living in,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58I don't expect you to share it with your mum and dad,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02but if you see through here, there's a really lovely big utility room,
0:12:02 > 0:12:03there's a shower room.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05This is all a new addition,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08there's been lots of bits added to the property.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12So, it's kind of a growing project.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15We'll look at the options for this to be developed and extended
0:12:15 > 0:12:16for Shirley's parents later.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19But, back to their living space.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Across the hallway is the sitting room,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25which features exposed stonework, and a multi-fuel burner.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Time to head upstairs, which provides them with three bedrooms,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31one more than they requested.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35The one currently used as the master has sloping ceilings
0:12:35 > 0:12:36and built-in wardrobes,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40and along the hallway, there's a single room
0:12:40 > 0:12:43with a beautifully furnished family bathroom opposite.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46But, we're going to see what they make of the other double bedroom.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49What are your thoughts about sleeping arrangements?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- I like it. - I do like it, yes.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57This is the master bedroom?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Well, actually, they use the other one as the master bedroom,
0:12:59 > 0:13:01but this one is the brightest.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- Brightest. - I like this bedroom very much.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09It's not unlike ours at home, in a way, because we're up in the eaves.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11It's not unlike ours.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13I'm glad it resonates with them so strongly,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17but now, I think it's time to turn our attention to Shirley's parents,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21and I don't think they'll be disappointed with the adjoining wing.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23And then, here's a surprise.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Oh, no, oh, this is!
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Wow. Uh, yeah.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32I'm speechless.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34You weren't expecting that, were you?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36No, this is lovely. Oh, god!
0:13:36 > 0:13:39She's welling up, she's welling up.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41I said I wouldn't do this.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46We were already planning the other room, but this is just... Oh, wow.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Well, this is where you have to make the ultimate sacrifice,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- because we were thinking this would be the perfect space for your... - Parents.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54For your mum and dad.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58But, saying that, we've got to really sell it to Mum and Dad,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and this is just the sort of thing.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Beautiful space.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05At the back there you've got another good-sized bedroom.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08And you've got another room that's not quite finished yet,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11but has all the plumbing for a bathroom.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14So, what you don't have in this wing is a kitchen,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- but there's the possibility of that utility room.- Utility area, yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20That's a solution you're going to have to find.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22We could share.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24She's gone all pale.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Um, let's put that on to one side and go and find your play pen.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Right, OK.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Gary can take his pick from the raft of outbuildings on offer.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Besides a large, purpose-built stable block,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42there's a separate workshop and two additional storage rooms.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47So, lots of space for Shirley to fulfil her artistic ambitions too.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49So, it's quite a property.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51It's a fantastic playground.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- Playground? - I don't want to grow old.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57It is a beautiful playground, it does give you everything you want.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- It does, that's what we're worried about.- Yeah.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Are you going to ask us how much we think it is now?
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I'm going to ask you to guess how much you think it is.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Oh, crikey. Uh, £480,000.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10I think it's more than that.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I think it's nearer the 500, myself.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19Well, it's somewhere in between, it is on the market for £495,000,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21so, it is considerably over your 480 budget.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22It is.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27But, you know, it's a marketplace, and you can make an offer.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- It is.- I'm give you some time to explore,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32because there's lots you haven't seen, have a look the stables,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34have a look upstairs a bit more,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36explore where you might put the kitchenette,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40and I shall see you at the front, and we will go on from there.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Thank you very much, marvellous.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Priced at £495,000, a reasonable offer to the vendor
0:15:51 > 0:15:55could well bring this beautiful barn conversion in on budget.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58It meets their criteria on so many levels,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01giving them a home with that show stopping kitchen-diner,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03and three bedrooms.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The adjoining annexe would also be great for Shirley's parents,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08if they added that kitchen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Outside, the outbuildings are, in Gary's words,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14an artistic playground for them to develop.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17And it's all wrapped up in around four acres of land,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19in a glorious rural setting.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I can't believe you found this property.
0:16:23 > 0:16:29The only slight dilemma would be the kitchen for Shirley's parents.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31But I daresay we could sort that out.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37But as a house, it's going to be an ongoing project for us,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40there's still enough there for us to do and put our own mark on it.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44I think the annexe, was just stunning.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48And for Mum and Dad it is just perfect,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and obviously, Mum and Dad would have to see this,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I can't make any decisions without them,
0:16:52 > 0:16:58but I can't see an awful lot of worries about that.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Hello.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03Are you still enchanted?
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Yes.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Oh, good. Well, I'm going to have to tear you away
0:17:07 > 0:17:09because we've got another house for you.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10OK.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27The landscape that straddles the English Welsh border
0:17:27 > 0:17:29not only offers up stunning scenery,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32but it's also the setting for many historic towns
0:17:32 > 0:17:36which still hold onto their rich architectural heritage.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39A fine example is the market town of Ledbury,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43home to over 170 listed properties,
0:17:43 > 0:17:48with cobbled streets which are lined with numerous timber-framed buildings,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51including the market house, which dates back to the 17th century.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56A couple of miles away, and wrapped up in a 5,000 acre estate,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Eastnor Castle is an iconic,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but surprisingly recent addition to the local landscape.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07Built in the Gothic Revival style just 200 years ago,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09by the first Earl, John Somers.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12To find out more about how this stately home was created,
0:18:12 > 0:18:18earlier in the week, we arranged for Gary and Shirley to meet head castle guide, Patricia Wilkin.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24The stone for the castle came from the Forest of Dean,
0:18:24 > 0:18:2712,000 tonnes of it, 6,000 tons of wood,
0:18:27 > 0:18:32which came off the local estate, so, that helped a great deal with cost.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36And Robert Smirke was the architect, and he supervised the work.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40250 men worked on the castle for the first six years, night and day.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43To get the walls up and the roof on.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46It's basically built for grandeur, I take it?
0:18:46 > 0:18:47It is built to impress.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Even though building started in 1810,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Eastnor Castle harks back to the style of a mediaeval fortress
0:18:54 > 0:18:56guarding the Welsh borders.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59And the impressive interior builds on that theme.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03So, here we are in the centrepiece of the castle,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05this great, baronial hall.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07I take it, back in those days,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10it wouldn't have had all this furniture?
0:19:10 > 0:19:12No, in John Somers' day, when he first built,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15it would have been completely empty, no colour, no decoration,
0:19:15 > 0:19:16no pictures.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Cream walls and a stone floor.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22The two windows at the top there, above this main door,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24that's the minstrel gallery,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27so, your minstrels would be up there playing the music,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29and down here in this vast, empty space
0:19:29 > 0:19:31you could have feasting and dancing.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33The dimensions and opulent furnishings
0:19:33 > 0:19:36in all the public reception areas of the castle
0:19:36 > 0:19:39aimed to inspire awe in its guests.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42And the First Earl's grandson
0:19:42 > 0:19:46applied the same level of lavishness to his private quarters.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50This room was created for the Third Earl in his later years.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54And he's used his Italian collection in here.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56The bed belonged to a cardinal.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01And the wardrobe and chest of drawers are also Italian.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03What about the wallpaper?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05And that was obviously created for Lord Somers,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08it's got the S for the Somers' name in it.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10It is actually quite cosy, though,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12because it's got such high ceilings,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14but it's actually quite cosy. Isn't it?
0:20:14 > 0:20:15Yes, it is.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19I can't promise anything quite on this scale, but, hopefully,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21the next stage of our house hunt might unearth a property
0:20:21 > 0:20:25that Gary and Shirley will be proud to call their forever home.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Our property search continues just three miles from Hay-on-Wye,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40a place our artistic couple are particularly drawn to.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Along with a whole host of independent shops,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Hay has a calendar chock full of cultural highlights,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48such as its book festival,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51which should be right up our buyers' street.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Just outside the nearby village of Clyro,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57our second property sits on the side of a hill,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00with the sort of views to inspire any artist.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03House number two.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07First impressions, fairytale castle.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10Lovely!
0:21:10 > 0:21:12We've brought you here partly because of that.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Ah!
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Fabulous views over in to Wales, the start of the Black Mountains.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But it's got great bones, this house, and great views.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Yeah, yeah.- It's certainly got great views.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25Stunning views.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26Let's look inside.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31This farmhouse is in their ideal location,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33but there's a potential compromise,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37as they may need to summon up some vision for inside.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43Here we are, let's go straight in to the big living space for you guys.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47- Ah.- Ah.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50A speaking silence I think they call that.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52What are your thoughts?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I actually like the shape of the room.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59I like the shape of the room, I'm not sure I get the right sort of feel.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01I haven't got the wow feel...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04..to be honest.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07I don't mind not having the, sort of, the wow feel.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11I don't know whether it's a bit, um, over done.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Um, why don't you withhold judgement and we'll have a look at the rest,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- because it is a multi-parcel property.- Yes.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20There are lots of bits to it.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24They've descended in to deep thought, but, behind us,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26the separate dining area
0:22:26 > 0:22:29adds another dimension to this main reception room.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33And, the L-shaped kitchen looks out over the garden.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Bearing in mind that we've earmarked the main house as being just for them,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41upstairs they potentially have four bedrooms.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47This is being used as the master bedroom.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48Oh, nice.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52I like this. Yes, I like this.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53- It's nice, isn't it? - It is, yes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Right. What do you think about your accommodation so far?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05It's a little more cramped than the previous property.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Depending on the price, you could open up rooms.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Another reason that we brought you here is,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16this property has a fully functional...
0:23:18 > 0:23:20..not going to tell you.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21(LAUGHS)
0:23:25 > 0:23:28This house does give them lots of other accommodation.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31As there's another slightly smaller double on this floor,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34both being served by not just a family bathroom,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but also a separate shower room.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41What's more, the attic space has been converted
0:23:41 > 0:23:44to offer a third bedroom, and also a good-sized study,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48which we were thinking would make a nice sky-lit studio for Shirley,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50as it benefits from those lovely views.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55However, our tour is far from over,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59we also brought them here because Shirley's parents would be very well catered for
0:23:59 > 0:24:01in their own accommodation.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Ah.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07So, hidden outside, separate.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08Separate.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Completely self-contained, it's not as wowey as the last one,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- which had obviously just been finished.- Yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18A sitting room, kitchenette, big bedroom and a bathroom.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Ah, that's really good.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- It is.- That's not bad at all.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Yeah.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Now to tackle the third important element, out buildings.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33And this property has them in abundance.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37There are two being used as big storage rooms by the current owners,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40which could be converted into a holiday let
0:24:40 > 0:24:42with the right planning permission.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46But the highlight has to be the massive up and running studio
0:24:46 > 0:24:48that Gary can move straight in to.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52And they wouldn't have to scrimp on outside space either.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58So, your land stretches down to the big trees at the bottom,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01it includes all of this orchard, two-and-a-half acres,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04the big house, the annexe, the workshop,
0:25:04 > 0:25:09the potential holiday let, the garden behind,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11how much do you think all that's worth?
0:25:11 > 0:25:15I'm going to say £460,000.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I know it's got a lot of buildings,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19but I think it's less than that,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I'm going to go for £430,000.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24This might make it easier for you,
0:25:24 > 0:25:30it's on the market for £495,000, the same as the last one.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31Ah.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Why don't you take all your thoughts and wander around the house,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37because we haven't really seen everything, so.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Right.- OK, thank you.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40Go think.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It is a great, thought-provoking house,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49because, in many ways it gives them so many lovely things
0:25:49 > 0:25:52that they're looking for, not least that incredible view.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54But it is quite pricey.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58And, uh, it's really plunged them into deep thought.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Priced at £495,000,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08our second property delivers all the components they asked for,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10but at a hefty price.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13It does include a four-bedroom home for them,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16a separate annexe for Shirley's parents,
0:26:16 > 0:26:21a raft of outbuildings, giving Gary a ready-made artists workspace.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25And two acres of grounds with glorious views
0:26:25 > 0:26:28in their perfect location near Hay-on-Wye.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30I never thought a kitchen was that important.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31No, no.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It isn't, but...
0:26:37 > 0:26:39The other room was good for entertaining,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43and cooking and chatting whilst you work.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46From the front, it looks quite picturesque,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48but, unfortunately, when we came in
0:26:48 > 0:26:50I found it a little bit too cramped.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54The annexe, nicely laid out.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Um, a little bit smaller than what Mum's got at the moment,
0:26:58 > 0:27:04the outside, yes, but, unfortunately, the inside, not quite right.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10The outbuildings and the grounds, absolutely gorgeous,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12they do need work doing to them, um,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15there's a beautiful potential to do a holiday let
0:27:15 > 0:27:19with the L-shaped barns,
0:27:19 > 0:27:21but the house doesn't do it for me.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Tell you what, guys, I don't know what you think about the house,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29but this view, it's worth half a million pounds.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- It is.- Definitely.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- To somebody.- Yeah.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35OK, come with me and let's rest and recuperate.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48As evening falls, our house hunters have a chance to reflect
0:27:48 > 0:27:49on what they've seen,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52as the first day of our house hunt draws to a close.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03With their £480,000 budget,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Gary and Shirley are poised to move from Redditch, Worcestershire,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and buy their very first home together
0:28:10 > 0:28:12around the English-Welsh borders.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Our two houses so far have done a pretty good job
0:28:14 > 0:28:17in providing an annexe for Shirley's parents,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20and studio space for Gary's art business.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Coming up, our mystery house not only goes off limits with location,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27but takes out one key ingredient.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Because as it stands there is no workshop.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35And I revisit some past escapees,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38who are now living their country dream.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It became clear to me yesterday that Gary and Shirley
0:28:44 > 0:28:47really don't have as much time as they thought they did.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50They don't have time to completely gut
0:28:50 > 0:28:54and cosmetically remodel a house, like house two yesterday.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Instead, they are actually quite romantic, and they see something,
0:28:57 > 0:29:01even though it's quite remote, like the first house, they love it
0:29:01 > 0:29:04because they can move straight in and start their business.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Because we're finding it quite difficult
0:29:06 > 0:29:08to give them exactly what they want for their budget,
0:29:08 > 0:29:09for the mystery house,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12we're going to take them to something that's totally beautiful,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14totally remote,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18and, luckily, the Welsh Marches is full of that.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29For our mystery house,
0:29:29 > 0:29:33we're straying away from the Wye Valley and heading to Taf Fechan
0:29:33 > 0:29:36in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Here, you can take a ride on the Taff Vale Railway,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42which has been running here since the mid 1830s.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Our mystery property is also rooted in the Park's heritage.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50And although it comes in a form I think they'll love,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53it is, however, missing one vital element from their wish list.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Ta-da!
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Oh.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Can you guess what it is?- Yes.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03An old chapel?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06It is indeed an old chapel, this is a great one, it's got a great story.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09You will be familiar, you know this area quite well,
0:30:09 > 0:30:10- you've been running here?- Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12So, there's a huge reservoir down there,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14and in the 1920s when it was turned in to a reservoir,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18the church at the bottom of the valley would have been flooded.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22So, the locals carried the church, stone by stone,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26up to the side of the valley and rebuilt it here.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- Oh.- Wow.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Let's see if they're wowed by the interior of our mystery chapel.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37So, we come here, we can get the full force of the conversion.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42What do you think?
0:30:42 > 0:30:43It's very nice.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45It is very nice.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48In here, I know what I'd do.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49What would you do?
0:30:49 > 0:30:53I think I'd be inclined to open it up a bit more.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54Open it up more?
0:30:54 > 0:30:55Mmm.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59'Well, I wonder what they'll think after seeing the next room.'
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Ah, this is a place for your books, Gary.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Ah, just what I wanted, a library.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08It's always a nuisance having to work in the studio,
0:31:08 > 0:31:10and you've got your clay and everything,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but it's always nice to have a place to come and do reference work.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14And research.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16And research.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17Yeah.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Gary rather likes the library,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22but let's see what they both think of the kitchen.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Through the arched door.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Oh.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30It's a lovely kitchen.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Does this meet your requirements?
0:31:32 > 0:31:33- Yes.- Yes, it does. - It's a lovely kitchen.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Yeah, it's a nice place.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- It's a good-sized kitchen, it's light.- It's much bigger than ours,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I like the patio with the doors straight out.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Yes.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46And of course, these amazing views over the Brecon Beacons.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47Yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Dare I say it, but they seem to be falling in love with our mystery house.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53On the first floor,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56the galleried landing features an impressive vaulted ceiling
0:31:56 > 0:31:58that leads to all three bedrooms.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Well, this is a lovely feature, isn't it?
0:32:00 > 0:32:02That's a lovely view.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06A window that grows out of the floor.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09And...
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Oh!- Ah!
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Yeah.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17I think we'd have to have a bigger window there.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21The whole, all these could be windows.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23This bedroom would make a good master,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26as it has an en suite flooded with light.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30And the other two bedrooms include a double
0:32:30 > 0:32:32with those lovely, gothic style windows.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34And another with a sloping ceiling.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Both can make use of the bright family bathroom.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Outside, and set back from the chapel,
0:32:41 > 0:32:45is a potential self-contained home for Shirley's parents,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48that's if Gary can give up his all-important studio.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52This is lovely.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55What we have here is the conundrum.
0:32:55 > 0:32:56Right.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Because the present owner has put in this very beautifully built
0:33:00 > 0:33:01stone clad annexe.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Downstairs is a garage, and, actually, his gym,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08but it's all ready to be converted downstairs into a kitchen,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10there's a washroom,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and the garage could be tanked out and turned into a sitting room.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18As it stands, there is no workshop.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19Workshop.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Depends, it all depends on the budget.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24The budget, yeah.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25I could build a studio.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28That's the kind of creative solution I like.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31And it's entirely possible,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33as small businesses are actively supported
0:33:33 > 0:33:35by the National Parks Authority.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Outside, beautifully landscaped gardens surround our mystery house,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43and the two acre paddock gives Gary space to site a studio,
0:33:43 > 0:33:45if he can get planning permission.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48We'll head down to the banks of the reservoir
0:33:48 > 0:33:52and wrestle through the conundrum posed by our mystery proposition.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55I have to point out that this doesn't belong to you, sadly.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58But the house is just beyond those trees,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00so, in the winter you can see it from your house.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03There's a steam railway that goes down this valley,
0:34:03 > 0:34:04there's a tea room,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08and I hear there's a very talented ceramicist about to move in.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Or not, as the case may be.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12How much do you think it costs?
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Uh, in the middle of the National Park,
0:34:15 > 0:34:20I'm going to guess about £510,000.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24I think it's possibly more than that,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27510,000, maybe 520,000.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32OK, well, the price is less than that.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It's on the market for just under £500,000.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Ah.- Why don't you walk back to the house, have a look around,
0:34:38 > 0:34:42think about whether that's going to work with your budgetary constraints,
0:34:42 > 0:34:43and I'll see you at the front.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45- OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52Not only is our mystery chapel conversion a slice of local history,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55but its location has real business potential,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58although Gary needs to work out a solution for his studio.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Priced at just under £500,000, the vendor is open to offers.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07And it would provide them with a unique, three-bedroom home.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Along with an annexe for Shirley's parents.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13What's more, its location is breathtaking,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17as it falls within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19The chapel was quite a surprise.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22There's things we'd like to do in there,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24but that can be done at a later stage.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28No studio space, I could utilise the garage to start with,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32probably build a studio over in amongst the trees.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Um, it would have spectacular views.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38We could imagine ourselves living here, certainly,
0:35:38 > 0:35:43there's just so much inspiration around the area, so, I think, yeah.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Definitely, just would depend on the parents.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51That is what you call a very good Escape To The Country result.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Because, top-priced property,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57doesn't give them everything they want and they loved it.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- Hello.- Hello.
0:35:59 > 0:36:00I was just talking about you.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Oh, good.- Good things.- Good.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06OK, so, I'm going to have to tear you away from the mystery house,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and take you somewhere to discuss all three.
0:36:09 > 0:36:10Come with me.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24When we've helped people find their country home,
0:36:24 > 0:36:29one of the questions our viewers often ask is, what happens after?
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Do our house-hunters actually end up buying the property?
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Well, I'm delighted to be able to show you what happens next,
0:36:36 > 0:36:38because, here in Herefordshire,
0:36:38 > 0:36:39we are revisiting a home
0:36:39 > 0:36:43that the lovely Nicky Chapman found two years ago for Danny and Suzanne.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44Here it is.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Our buyers wanted to swap their home in Sutton Coldfield
0:36:49 > 0:36:52for a slice of country life in Herefordshire.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56They had a healthy budget of £650,000,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59and wanted a home with scope for a holiday let business.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04When Nicky showed them a converted pumping house in Eastnor...
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Gorgeous, you can just leave me here now.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08..with a B&B attached,
0:37:08 > 0:37:11it was clear right away that she had found them something very special.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14Oh, wonderful.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19Current asking price is £499,950.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24- No! No!- Oh, my God.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Can you just get your cheque book out?- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29No, oh!
0:37:29 > 0:37:31The couple had their offer accepted,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35and moved in to their new home in February 2010.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Hello.- Hello!
0:37:44 > 0:37:45- Lovely to meet you.- Welcome.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Sorry, I'm not quite as beautiful as Nicky, but I'm doing my best.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49- Lovely to see you.- Come in.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Let's have a look round.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01It's so lovely to actually catch up with our home buyers.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04And see what they've done with their lovely homes.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06So, tell me, what have been the, kind of,
0:38:06 > 0:38:07highlights of being in the country?
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Have you made friends, has it been easy to integrate?
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Yeah, we've met a few people.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13We have now, yes.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15We've got a little circle of friends.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17I've met quite a few people through the tourist board,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and they've also got B&Bs.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Being a stone's throw from Eastnor Castle,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25it's a strategic spot for their B&B business,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29which takes up the first floor of this outbuilding.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Over the past 18 months, they've refurbished it
0:38:32 > 0:38:36with a mind to giving their guests complete independence.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37So, how has the business been,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39because you'd never done that before, had you?
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- No, we've done very well, this second year particularly. - Yes, it's picked up.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45We do very well for Eastnor Castle,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47weddings, any functions that they have there.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50That's great. And have you got plans to expand the empire?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Yes, we have actually, Alistair. Would you like to come and have a look?
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- Yes, definitely, outside?- Yes.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02Danny and Suzanne are in the early stages of realising their vision,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05despite the challenge of getting planning consent
0:39:05 > 0:39:09in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12So, what's going to go here, you've been clearing the ground?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Yes, we've just got planning permission to have two eco-lodges,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18that was part of the dream when we moved here,
0:39:18 > 0:39:19that would be our business.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22And, as well as looking after holiday guests,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25they're also tending to a sizeable flock of birds.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27They're duckies!
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Oh, crikey, they're a bit aggressive.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32They haven't got any teeth, you're all right.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Aww. So, who are these chaps?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Some of these are our babies born this year,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41and they were born in a hanging basket.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Really? So, do you have any advice,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45because you're in a perfect place to give some advice to people
0:39:45 > 0:39:47who may be watching and thinking,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49oh, I'd really love to live in the countryside.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Just follow your dreams. - Yeah, follow your dreams and do what we've done,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- because, it's lovely, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:39:55 > 0:39:56And it's all thanks to you.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Well, it's our greatest reward to see you here,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- with your ducks, looking so happy. - Yes, thank you very much.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02Thank you.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05It is indeed great that Danny and Suzanne have found a way
0:40:05 > 0:40:09to support themselves which complements the lifestyle
0:40:09 > 0:40:12they aspired to here in the countryside.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19So nice to catch up with some successful escapees,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21but it's time now to find out
0:40:21 > 0:40:23whether they're going to get some new neighbours
0:40:23 > 0:40:24here in the Welsh Marches,
0:40:24 > 0:40:28because Gary and Shirley have been mulling over the properties they've seen.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Let's find out what they've been thinking.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Sometimes it's easier to go through the properties one by one,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42so, let's spin back the clock and look at the first house.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44What are your thoughts about that now?
0:40:44 > 0:40:45It's virtually completed,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47we haven't got to do much to that at all.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52The work studio needs to be messed around with,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55but it's nothing out of our scope.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58It didn't have so much to do on the house,
0:40:58 > 0:41:03which releases time for us to sort out the workshop.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Then the second house, although, in many ways,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09this was a much better location, offered you everything you want,
0:41:09 > 0:41:10didn't like it so much.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11It didn't feel right.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- No, no.- For me, it didn't feel right at all.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17It was too, um, it was too claustrophobic.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19From the outside it looked great, but when we went inside
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I just felt very enclosed, very boxed.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24The mystery house,
0:41:24 > 0:41:28strangely, didn't really offer you as much as the other two houses,
0:41:28 > 0:41:30but something happened.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- I think it's the location. - The location happened.
0:41:34 > 0:41:41Um, I never envisaged doing the studio as a tourist attraction,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I just thought of producing my work
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and sending it out to galleries from there,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48but with this we've got the double aspect
0:41:48 > 0:41:54of possibly doing holiday lets with art studios involved as well.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58So, what happens next, will you revisit any of them,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00will you put an offer in on any of them?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03I think we'd like to revisit the first property,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and probably the mystery house as well.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09We'd have to with my parents,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11because, obviously, we can't make a decision
0:42:11 > 0:42:15without passing it by them first.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Well, I really hope that the calling draws you to the Welsh Marches,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22it's been really fun showing you round, best of luck.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31This is a magical corner of the UK
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and it seems like its magic worked on Gary and Shirley.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36It was really interesting that getting them away
0:42:36 > 0:42:38from all that internet searching
0:42:38 > 0:42:41and actually out into the landscape changed everything.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44So, it just goes to show that the country is a powerful place.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47And if you've enjoyed our adventures here in the British countryside,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50then do tune in next time for more Escape.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54Shirley and Gary went back to see property one again,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56this time with her parents.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59They loved it, but, unfortunately,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01it proved to be too far for Shirley to travel to work.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04So, their house hunt continues.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:08 > 0:43:09Northern Ireland or England
0:43:09 > 0:43:13and need our help, please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd