Yorkshire Dales

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0:00:00 > 0:00:05Today, I'm in a part of England that was once described by one of the country's best loved authors,

0:00:05 > 0:00:11James Alfred White, as somewhere where you could find peace and tranquillity.

0:00:11 > 0:00:12Of this county, he wrote,

0:00:12 > 0:00:17"It is a land of pure air, rocky streams and hidden waterfalls."

0:00:17 > 0:00:20While famously known by another name, who was this Alf White

0:00:20 > 0:00:24and where is he writing so passionately about?

0:00:24 > 0:00:27I'll reveal all in just a few moments.

0:00:57 > 0:00:59Today, I am helping a couple who are ready

0:00:59 > 0:01:02to give up their careers and start a new life in the country.

0:01:02 > 0:01:05And at the start of our house hunt,

0:01:05 > 0:01:08they make all the right noises about the properties we show them.

0:01:08 > 0:01:11Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

0:01:11 > 0:01:15- Yeah.- Yeah? A lot of "yeahs" going on!

0:01:15 > 0:01:19Then, our mystery house almost leaves them speechless.

0:01:19 > 0:01:21Look at those views, first of all.

0:01:21 > 0:01:23They're stunning.

0:01:25 > 0:01:29I'm in the Yorkshire Dales, and Alf White is better known

0:01:29 > 0:01:32as the region's most famous vet, James Herriot.

0:01:32 > 0:01:35As one of the most successful writers of his generation,

0:01:35 > 0:01:38his stories of life as a rural vet,

0:01:38 > 0:01:40which were later adapted for the TV series

0:01:40 > 0:01:44All Creatures Great And Small, have been sold worldwide,

0:01:44 > 0:01:46in fact, ten million copies,

0:01:46 > 0:01:50and it's been translated into 40 different languages.

0:01:50 > 0:01:54So far reaching was this man's work that the whole region

0:01:54 > 0:01:57is now universally known as Herriot Country.

0:01:57 > 0:02:00I must say, personally, when you look around this place,

0:02:00 > 0:02:03it's quite easy to see why millions and millions of tourists

0:02:03 > 0:02:07come to this place year after year.

0:02:08 > 0:02:10Spanning the central Pennines,

0:02:10 > 0:02:12nearly all of the Yorkshire Dales

0:02:12 > 0:02:13National Park falls within

0:02:13 > 0:02:15the North Yorkshire County boundary.

0:02:15 > 0:02:18However, a small part does flow

0:02:18 > 0:02:20into neighbouring Cumbria.

0:02:20 > 0:02:22Created in 1954,

0:02:22 > 0:02:27this was one of the first designated National Parks in the country.

0:02:27 > 0:02:32Much of the landscape is formed from 300 million-year-old Great Scar Limestone,

0:02:32 > 0:02:34which has led to the creation of spectacular cliffs

0:02:34 > 0:02:38like Malham Cove and giant outcrops like Kilnsey Crag.

0:02:38 > 0:02:41Strict building restrictions in the National Park

0:02:41 > 0:02:43have led to limited redevelopment,

0:02:43 > 0:02:47with villages such as Buckton returning a charming Old World feel.

0:02:49 > 0:02:52With the Dales being such an unspoiled part of the UK,

0:02:52 > 0:02:55it's no wonder that the area continues to attract house buyers

0:02:55 > 0:02:58and tourists to the region.

0:03:05 > 0:03:07Over the past decade,

0:03:07 > 0:03:10property values here in North Yorkshire have doubled,

0:03:10 > 0:03:14with a typical detached property now fetching around £268,000.

0:03:14 > 0:03:17That's £14,000 above the national figure,

0:03:17 > 0:03:20which just goes to show, despite the recent downturn,

0:03:20 > 0:03:24people will still pay a premium for traditional character properties

0:03:24 > 0:03:25and stunning views -

0:03:25 > 0:03:29two things the Yorkshire Dales clearly has in abundance.

0:03:29 > 0:03:31So with that in mind, take a look at a selection of properties

0:03:31 > 0:03:34that we've found currently on the market here.

0:03:36 > 0:03:39This 17th century barn conversion in Starbotton

0:03:39 > 0:03:44with three bedrooms is on the market for just under £380,000.

0:03:44 > 0:03:46It has been sympathetically converted to provide

0:03:46 > 0:03:49a contemporary interior, and there are spectacular views

0:03:49 > 0:03:52of the Dales from the half an acre of garden.

0:03:54 > 0:04:00Or for £595,000, there is this four-bedroom house in Dent.

0:04:00 > 0:04:03It has a range cooker in a farmhouse-style kitchen

0:04:03 > 0:04:06and there's a choice of reception rooms - one of which

0:04:06 > 0:04:09has a vast library with feature fireplace to keep you warm.

0:04:10 > 0:04:14And if your budget can stretch to £795,000,

0:04:14 > 0:04:18this three-bedroom farmhouse in Hartlington could be yours.

0:04:18 > 0:04:21The master bedroom is the showstopper here,

0:04:21 > 0:04:25featuring a rather unique pine-clad ceiling and exposed beams.

0:04:25 > 0:04:29Outside, there is a sizable lawned garden.

0:04:29 > 0:04:30Time to meet today's buyers

0:04:30 > 0:04:34and find out why they are ready to escape to the country.

0:04:36 > 0:04:40Financial consultant Michael and teaching assistant Allison

0:04:40 > 0:04:43want to leave their jobs and start up their own business

0:04:43 > 0:04:44in the countryside.

0:04:44 > 0:04:48They currently live in this three-bedroom house in a cul-de-sac

0:04:48 > 0:04:52in Bishop Stortford, but they're dreaming of a more rural life.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55When we move, we want to buy a bed and breakfast

0:04:55 > 0:05:00so we can live in the country, we can enjoy where we're living.

0:05:00 > 0:05:04We won't be living somewhere, but spending so much time at work.

0:05:04 > 0:05:07And hopefully, you'll be able to have some land.

0:05:07 > 0:05:10Yeah, I'd like to have a bit of land to potentially have some pigs.

0:05:10 > 0:05:13- That would be the ideal.- Chickens? - Chickens, as well. Yeah.

0:05:13 > 0:05:16So, our buyers have plans for a myriad of animals

0:05:16 > 0:05:19and a business when they move.

0:05:19 > 0:05:21The county they have chosen is a perfect choice,

0:05:21 > 0:05:23offering a whole range of options.

0:05:23 > 0:05:27We'd really like to go to the Yorkshire Dales.

0:05:27 > 0:05:31It is an area we've spent quite a lot of time in, we know quite well.

0:05:31 > 0:05:33We like the hills.

0:05:33 > 0:05:36Hopefully, we'll find a local Scout group that we could get involved in.

0:05:36 > 0:05:40I am an assistant Scout leader, you're the group treasurer.

0:05:40 > 0:05:42We also both like rambling and hiking.

0:05:42 > 0:05:45Starting a bed and breakfast business can be quite

0:05:45 > 0:05:48an undertaking, but Michael and Allison, who is a keen cook,

0:05:48 > 0:05:51have thought long and hard about what type of property

0:05:51 > 0:05:53would be right for their new venture.

0:05:53 > 0:05:57It must have letting rooms, minimum of three,

0:05:57 > 0:06:02- a substantial kitchen with the range cooker.- Yes, yes.

0:06:02 > 0:06:06A range cooker is somewhat of a necessity. And also a view.

0:06:06 > 0:06:13Possibly on the edge of a hamlet or a village for sort of shops and pubs.

0:06:13 > 0:06:16- Pub.- Pub.- Need a pub.

0:06:16 > 0:06:19Well, it's not quite last orders,

0:06:19 > 0:06:22as there's the all-important question of their finances.

0:06:22 > 0:06:28We've got a maximum of 550,000 budget.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31Any renovation cost would need to be included within that budget.

0:06:36 > 0:06:41So this is no ordinary house move, it's a complete lifestyle overhaul.

0:06:41 > 0:06:45Michael and Allison want to ditch their day jobs and run a B&B here

0:06:45 > 0:06:47in the Yorkshire Dales.

0:06:47 > 0:06:50That's one huge move to one beautiful,

0:06:50 > 0:06:52if not rather remote, part of the world.

0:06:52 > 0:06:55But they're both adamant that this rural lifestyle is one

0:06:55 > 0:06:57that suits them best.

0:06:57 > 0:07:00So, let's see if we can make it happen for them.

0:07:04 > 0:07:07Today, we'll be looking around Sedbergh in the Cumbrian side

0:07:07 > 0:07:10of the National Park, and Grassington in the south,

0:07:10 > 0:07:14to give our buyers a great taste of properties across the region.

0:07:14 > 0:07:16We have lined up three fantastic properties

0:07:16 > 0:07:20to wet our buyers' appetite. And as usual, I will be asking them

0:07:20 > 0:07:23to guess the price before I reveal it to them.

0:07:23 > 0:07:26Our last property is, of course, the mystery house.

0:07:26 > 0:07:29And I've got a proposition that really raises the bar.

0:07:31 > 0:07:34So, Michael and Allison, lovely to meet you.

0:07:34 > 0:07:37Welcome to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Stunning, isn't it?

0:07:37 > 0:07:39- It's amazing.- Gorgeous.

0:07:39 > 0:07:42You've got an idea of running your own business.

0:07:42 > 0:07:45That's right, yeah. We want to buy a bed and breakfast.

0:07:45 > 0:07:47- And work from home.- OK.

0:07:47 > 0:07:49So let's talk about this property.

0:07:49 > 0:07:53- What accommodation do you want? - Something remote.- Something remote?

0:07:53 > 0:07:54- Remote, yeah.- OK.

0:07:54 > 0:07:57So, size of property, what are we looking at?

0:07:57 > 0:08:02- Three letting rooms.- OK. - Um... A nice kitchen.

0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Hopefully with a range cooker in there.- All right.

0:08:05 > 0:08:07We're putting a picture now, that's good.

0:08:07 > 0:08:08Yeah, a bit of land.

0:08:08 > 0:08:13I'm not talking masses of acres, but a reasonable sized garden.

0:08:13 > 0:08:17So, a small bit of land or a large garden. OK.

0:08:17 > 0:08:20How old does your property need to be? Is it a period building?

0:08:20 > 0:08:22Yeah, a stone-built building.

0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Something along those lines would be great.- OK. Let's talk money.

0:08:27 > 0:08:30What sort of budget are we looking at?

0:08:30 > 0:08:34We've got up to 550,000.

0:08:34 > 0:08:37550,000. Now, is that to buy an existing B&B?

0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Ideally, yes.- OK. - It would be better.

0:08:40 > 0:08:44OK, so, would you be prepared to look at large houses

0:08:44 > 0:08:47with a view to converting to B&B?

0:08:47 > 0:08:52It's certainly something that's got consideration, yeah.

0:08:52 > 0:08:56Look, I think what's best to do is get to the first house,

0:08:56 > 0:08:58see what your reactions are, not only to the house,

0:08:58 > 0:09:01but to the area, and we'll talk about how we can

0:09:01 > 0:09:04- make that work for you.- Sure. - Yeah?- Sounds good.- Just this way.

0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, Michael and Allison have a top budget

0:09:10 > 0:09:11of £550,000 to buy

0:09:11 > 0:09:14an existing bed and breakfast business.

0:09:14 > 0:09:16If the property needs converting,

0:09:16 > 0:09:19they'd only be prepared to spend £500,000.

0:09:19 > 0:09:21They want a building with character

0:09:21 > 0:09:22that has four bedrooms.

0:09:22 > 0:09:24And they'd like a large garden

0:09:24 > 0:09:26so Michael can keep some animals.

0:09:34 > 0:09:36For our first property,

0:09:36 > 0:09:37I'm taking them to Gawthrop,

0:09:37 > 0:09:40which is to the south of Sedbergh.

0:09:40 > 0:09:42The nearest village for amenities is down the road

0:09:42 > 0:09:44in Dent, which is one of the most

0:09:44 > 0:09:47sought after villages in the National Park.

0:09:47 > 0:09:51There's a 12th century Norman church, a cafe, a local shop

0:09:51 > 0:09:52and a post office.

0:09:52 > 0:09:55The house I'm showing our buyers is a pretty,

0:09:55 > 0:09:59four-bedroom cottage, which has spectacular views over the fells.

0:10:01 > 0:10:04So, then, for the first property,

0:10:04 > 0:10:07I brought us to this wonderful hillside location.

0:10:07 > 0:10:12- There you go.- Wow.- What about this? - That's big.- Yeah.- It's big!

0:10:12 > 0:10:15Don't be daunted. You know, it's not particularly deep.

0:10:15 > 0:10:18These cottages are long and thin. This is such a cottage.

0:10:18 > 0:10:21- What about the location? - Lovely.- Beautiful.

0:10:21 > 0:10:24Could you live in this environment yourselves?

0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Yes.- Yeah?- Yes.- OK. Let's go inside.- Excellent.

0:10:28 > 0:10:32'This property isn't an existing bed and breakfast,

0:10:32 > 0:10:36'but the main Dales walking path is right on their doorstep,

0:10:36 > 0:10:40'so Michael and Allison wouldn't have to scout to hard for trade.

0:10:40 > 0:10:43'I hope they can see the conversion potential of the interior.'

0:10:43 > 0:10:45Right then, in you come...

0:10:47 > 0:10:49..to the engine room of your business, really.

0:10:49 > 0:10:54- Yeah.- Oh.- Yeah.- Yeah?

0:10:54 > 0:10:56- It's nice.- Lot of "yeahs" going on.

0:10:56 > 0:10:59It's got your modern touch, with a country feel.

0:10:59 > 0:11:00Now this room,

0:11:00 > 0:11:03this is big enough for a catering kitchen for the amount of guests

0:11:03 > 0:11:05that you're going to have here.

0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Do like this room?- Yes.- Yeah.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11Have a look at this.

0:11:11 > 0:11:14I thought this was a lovely place for you to take breakfast,

0:11:14 > 0:11:15have your evening meal,

0:11:15 > 0:11:18- maybe have a sitting area in here. - It's a nice room, actually.

0:11:18 > 0:11:19Yeah, it is a nice room.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22Running a rural business like this,

0:11:22 > 0:11:25- there will be a lot of sharing of some the other rooms.- Yes.

0:11:25 > 0:11:29Which is part of the course. But you do want a bit of separation.

0:11:29 > 0:11:32And to have this nice small area

0:11:32 > 0:11:35is a bit of a luxury in a rural business like this.

0:11:35 > 0:11:39That's true. It's tidy, cutaway.

0:11:39 > 0:11:43- So, are you happy with this space? - Yeah.- Yes.

0:11:43 > 0:11:47Good. Beyond that door, we start to enjoy it ourselves,

0:11:47 > 0:11:51but also start thinking about your guests, OK? Follow me.

0:11:51 > 0:11:54'It's crucial that our buyers think about how they will balance

0:11:54 > 0:11:56'living in and running their home as a business.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59'So, let's see what they make of the next room.'

0:11:59 > 0:12:04- I was quite surprised when I saw this fairly large room.- That's nice.

0:12:04 > 0:12:07Yeah. I'd agree with that. It is fairly large, yeah.

0:12:07 > 0:12:09- It's a good size.- Isn't it just?

0:12:09 > 0:12:12- It's a wonderful room and it needs to be used, doesn't it?- Definitely.

0:12:12 > 0:12:16Oh, yeah, without a doubt. The view is stunning from that window.

0:12:16 > 0:12:19Now, you are going to be cooking for your guests

0:12:19 > 0:12:22breakfast at the minimum, hopefully some evening meals.

0:12:22 > 0:12:24When I first saw this, I thought,

0:12:24 > 0:12:26"It's a shame to have to put tables in here."

0:12:26 > 0:12:29But you've got another room, smaller than this, at the far end.

0:12:29 > 0:12:33That room is plenty big enough to have it as a dedicated dining room

0:12:33 > 0:12:36- or a breakfast room at the far end.- OK.- Excellent.

0:12:36 > 0:12:39Which means you can keep this wonderful room as it is.

0:12:39 > 0:12:43Yeah. So you'd have your lounge area, relax area,

0:12:43 > 0:12:46and then dining the other end. Yeah, that would be good.

0:12:46 > 0:12:49Now, we need somewhere for you guys to sleep and maybe your guests.

0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Let's go and take a look at the accommodation upstairs.- OK.

0:12:55 > 0:12:56'Pretty good responses so far.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59'I am hoping the bedrooms yield the same result.'

0:13:01 > 0:13:05Take a look at this as a master suite.

0:13:05 > 0:13:08You've got an amazing bathroom there,

0:13:08 > 0:13:11but look at this bedroom here. It's quite something. It's a great size.

0:13:13 > 0:13:18- Look at that.- Wow, that is stunning. - That is.- This will be ours.- Yeah.

0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Forget the guests.- That's huge! - And you've got views from both sides.

0:13:23 > 0:13:27Imagine waking up in the morning to those views.

0:13:27 > 0:13:29That's lovely, isn't it?

0:13:29 > 0:13:30You've got views, literally,

0:13:30 > 0:13:32- everywhere you look from this property.- Yeah.

0:13:32 > 0:13:36North, East, South, West, the whole area is just one view.

0:13:36 > 0:13:41If you had a sofa bed, you could make it into a family room,

0:13:41 > 0:13:42generating more income.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45Or at least be able to get families up here,

0:13:45 > 0:13:47because it's a family area.

0:13:47 > 0:13:50So, as we stand on this floor, we've got this amazing suite.

0:13:50 > 0:13:55Next door, there's a double bedroom with room to put in en suite in.

0:13:55 > 0:13:57- As the bathroom is next door, that's very doable.- OK.

0:13:57 > 0:14:00On the far end of this property, there is another double bedroom

0:14:00 > 0:14:04with a bathroom next door, which could be made a suite.

0:14:04 > 0:14:06A little bit like this, not quite as big.

0:14:06 > 0:14:10That could be an owners' suite or it could be an en suite for a guest.

0:14:10 > 0:14:15But in order to get a third bedroom, we need to look elsewhere.

0:14:15 > 0:14:19And there is a fantastic option on the other side of that wall.

0:14:19 > 0:14:20- Follow me.- OK.

0:14:20 > 0:14:24'Michael and Allison need to maximise the earning potential

0:14:24 > 0:14:27'of this house, and there's a room above the garage

0:14:27 > 0:14:31'that I think could really help them do just that.'

0:14:31 > 0:14:36Now, we've got an en suite just through there. And look at this.

0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Ah!- Wow!- Oh, that is a bit of a treasure.

0:14:41 > 0:14:43It's a hidden surprise, isn't it? In the garage!

0:14:43 > 0:14:46Now, this is where you have the options.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49Look at these lovely old timbers. It's fantastic, isn't it?

0:14:49 > 0:14:52Below, you've got the double garage.

0:14:52 > 0:14:57Maybe something for the future. You've also got beyond that,

0:14:57 > 0:14:59an out building that is partitioned into two.

0:14:59 > 0:15:03- This could be a complete, self-contained annexe.- Yeah.

0:15:03 > 0:15:06- You could even let it out to someone.- Options are there.

0:15:06 > 0:15:07There you go.

0:15:07 > 0:15:09Once we've toured around most of the property,

0:15:09 > 0:15:14- let's go back outside and have a chat about price. OK?- OK.

0:15:14 > 0:15:16'So, although this house only has

0:15:16 > 0:15:20'three bedrooms, there is the scope to add more or to even create

0:15:20 > 0:15:23'a self-contained accommodation unit.'

0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Michael, you did say you wanted a bit of land.- Yes.

0:15:25 > 0:15:29Now, all in all, the agent reckons just over a quarter of an acre.

0:15:29 > 0:15:31I think there's a good quarter of an acre.

0:15:31 > 0:15:35You've got this garden here, but beyond,

0:15:35 > 0:15:38- stunning views.- Very. Very much.

0:15:38 > 0:15:42So, with that in mind, let's have a go at pricing it.

0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Um, think about 450.- 450.

0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Michael?- I'd say a little bit more. I think about 480, 485.

0:15:50 > 0:15:53Right. Well, it's more than that still.

0:15:53 > 0:15:58It's on the market for £515,000.

0:15:58 > 0:16:02We have spoken to the agent. The agent reckons that there's

0:16:02 > 0:16:05a deal to be done maybe around the 490 mark,

0:16:05 > 0:16:11which...you said to me that if it wasn't an up and running business,

0:16:11 > 0:16:16you would consider something around the 500 mark. It's in budget.

0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Yes, it is in budget. - It's got potential.

0:16:19 > 0:16:21It's a consideration.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24Why don't you go back in the house? There's so much you haven't seen,

0:16:24 > 0:16:25of course,

0:16:25 > 0:16:29- and then I will catch you in a short while, OK?- OK.

0:16:29 > 0:16:31See you later.

0:16:31 > 0:16:34This character-full cottage is on the market

0:16:34 > 0:16:38for offers around £515,000.

0:16:38 > 0:16:41It's got three double bedrooms in the main house,

0:16:41 > 0:16:43and outside, there's another double room

0:16:43 > 0:16:45above the garage, which could be converted into

0:16:45 > 0:16:47a self-contained flat.

0:16:47 > 0:16:49And, perhaps best of all,

0:16:49 > 0:16:52there's a large garden with some stunning views.

0:16:52 > 0:16:56The rooms downstairs were sizable and manageable

0:16:56 > 0:16:58and they could work very well for guests.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01The two rooms downstairs, certainly the lounge, is very good.

0:17:01 > 0:17:05The other room, easily converted into a dining area.

0:17:05 > 0:17:08- All done inside?- Yes, indeed. - There's a lot to see, isn't there?

0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Yes. A big property.- Good. Hopefully give you something to think about.

0:17:12 > 0:17:15- It has.- On the way to the next place. - OK.- Let's do it.

0:17:28 > 0:17:31When Michael and Allison make their move to the Yorkshire Dales,

0:17:31 > 0:17:34the market town of Hawes could be a useful centre for them.

0:17:34 > 0:17:37So, earlier in the week, we sent them off to explore it.

0:17:37 > 0:17:41Hawes is the highest town in Yorkshire,

0:17:41 > 0:17:43at 260 metres above sea level.

0:17:43 > 0:17:46And it is the home of one of Britain's most famous cheeses,

0:17:46 > 0:17:50Wensleydale, which is produced at the local creamery.

0:17:50 > 0:17:53The town is set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park,

0:17:53 > 0:17:58which is crisscrossed by 5,500 miles of dry stone walls.

0:17:58 > 0:18:00Most of them date back to the Enclosures Act,

0:18:00 > 0:18:04when land was transferred from common to private ownership.

0:18:04 > 0:18:06When the walls need repairing, the park authority can

0:18:06 > 0:18:11call in around 250 volunteers to help rebuilding work.

0:18:12 > 0:18:15As our buyers are keen to get involved in their new community,

0:18:15 > 0:18:18we organise for them to meet up with volunteer Stuart Bliss,

0:18:18 > 0:18:22who is going to reveal some of the tricks of the trade.

0:18:22 > 0:18:23- Hi.- Hello.- How are you doing?

0:18:23 > 0:18:27- Well, how are you?- I'm pretty well. So, you had a look around the area?

0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Yes.- And you've seen dry stone walls.- Lots of walls, yes.

0:18:30 > 0:18:32Why are they favoured around here so much?

0:18:32 > 0:18:34Because the material is plentiful.

0:18:34 > 0:18:36The stone's in the ground,

0:18:36 > 0:18:38so that's why they used it in the first place.

0:18:38 > 0:18:41Throughout the Dales, as you're going around,

0:18:41 > 0:18:44you'll see them falling down all over the place.

0:18:44 > 0:18:48The only thing that we can do is we can build the ones that have

0:18:48 > 0:18:52fallen down around the stakes and we can do ones around the gates.

0:18:52 > 0:18:56- So, do you want to have a go? - Why not?- Yes, please.

0:18:56 > 0:18:59Building a dry stone wall is all about getting the angles right.

0:18:59 > 0:19:03The outside stones must prevent rain water getting into

0:19:03 > 0:19:05the core of the wall because if it freezes,

0:19:05 > 0:19:07it can force the stones apart.

0:19:07 > 0:19:11OK, so, when we're looking at putting a stone in the wall...

0:19:11 > 0:19:14We put a stone in here.

0:19:14 > 0:19:18That's OK. It's got a face to it. So, we get the next one in.

0:19:20 > 0:19:24You check the two stones on the side. It does cover the gap.

0:19:24 > 0:19:27So, do want to look at one now to come down here?

0:19:27 > 0:19:30You might have to find something to go over the top of here.

0:19:30 > 0:19:31How about this one?

0:19:31 > 0:19:35Yep, see if it goes. Perfect. Perfect, well done.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37Once a section is filled in,

0:19:37 > 0:19:39the wall is finished off with topper stones,

0:19:39 > 0:19:41which weigh the structure down.

0:19:41 > 0:19:44You've done a good job. Well done. Maybe you could join us one day.

0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Thank you, it's been really interesting.- OK, no worries.

0:19:47 > 0:19:49- Thanks very much. Thank you.- OK.

0:19:49 > 0:19:53So, when Michael and Allison move here, they could become one

0:19:53 > 0:19:57of the many volunteers who help preserve this iconic feature

0:19:57 > 0:19:58of rural Yorkshire.

0:19:58 > 0:20:02But now it's time to find them four walls of their own.

0:20:06 > 0:20:08For our second property,

0:20:08 > 0:20:10I am taking our buyers to Litton,

0:20:10 > 0:20:13in the middle of the National Park.

0:20:13 > 0:20:15It's just down the road from the popular Dales village

0:20:15 > 0:20:18of Grassington, which has got all the amenities our buyers could need,

0:20:18 > 0:20:22with a number of cafes and restaurants, a food store

0:20:22 > 0:20:24and a post office.

0:20:24 > 0:20:28The house I'm showing them is a modern cottage.

0:20:28 > 0:20:29Now, for the second property,

0:20:29 > 0:20:32we thought it'd be a good idea for you to have a look around

0:20:32 > 0:20:34in an up and running bed and breakfast business.

0:20:34 > 0:20:36Which is this.

0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Excellent.- Nice.- Now, a different location because, what?

0:20:41 > 0:20:45You've got a few chimney pots around you, you've got a pub just there.

0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Brilliant.- And you've got a few neighbours are dotted here and there

0:20:48 > 0:20:50and everywhere. All right,

0:20:50 > 0:20:54start on the property. It's built around 1978. Do you like it?

0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Yeah.- It's pretty, actually, I do like it. Yeah.

0:20:57 > 0:21:00Now, what can you see that you weren't expecting to see?

0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Post office.- Yes.

0:21:02 > 0:21:07Now, it is a very, very, very small part of what is here.

0:21:07 > 0:21:10It is a great way of getting to know your neighbours,

0:21:10 > 0:21:15but also it's, you know, a few mornings of your week out.

0:21:15 > 0:21:17- OK.- It's something to think about. - Right.- OK.

0:21:17 > 0:21:21So, B&B, in the village.

0:21:21 > 0:21:23- So far so good.- OK.

0:21:23 > 0:21:26It's very different inside, as much as anything else,

0:21:26 > 0:21:28because it's up and running, OK?

0:21:28 > 0:21:31This is more of a turnkey. Follow me.

0:21:31 > 0:21:35'What I really like about this house is that it is a ready-to-go business

0:21:35 > 0:21:39'in a popular Dales location. Let's see if they feel the same.'

0:21:39 > 0:21:41So, you've got a small lobby area which is used by you

0:21:41 > 0:21:44- and maybe your paying guests.- OK.

0:21:44 > 0:21:46And then you come...

0:21:47 > 0:21:50..to a rather open plan kitchen-dining room.

0:21:50 > 0:21:53Now, you're going to be cooking, maybe,

0:21:53 > 0:21:54with your diners already in the room.

0:21:54 > 0:21:57If you were doing breakfast and what have you.

0:21:57 > 0:22:01- We are tucked around the corner. - You are, definitely.- Block that off.

0:22:01 > 0:22:04- You could do.- Yeah. It feels...

0:22:04 > 0:22:06- It feels nice.- Does it?- Yeah.

0:22:06 > 0:22:10How does it feel in comparison to the first property you went in?

0:22:10 > 0:22:16It's far more updated, but it's still got character.

0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Yeah.- So far so good.- OK.

0:22:19 > 0:22:21Well, look, let's keep with the business bit for now,

0:22:21 > 0:22:23let's look at one of the letting bedrooms,

0:22:23 > 0:22:25and then we can concentrate on you after that.

0:22:25 > 0:22:29- Yeah? Sound good?- Yep.- This way.

0:22:29 > 0:22:32There are three letting bedrooms on the ground floor,

0:22:32 > 0:22:35but I want to show them the fourth upstairs.

0:22:38 > 0:22:42So, this is the family room.

0:22:42 > 0:22:44Because it has three beds.

0:22:44 > 0:22:46- Quirky, isn't it?- Yeah.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49Actually a great summing up - quirky.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52I like the skylight, actually.

0:22:52 > 0:22:56- It's a nice fixture.- Yeah. - Now, it's en suite.

0:22:56 > 0:22:58You've got three en suite letting bedrooms

0:22:58 > 0:23:01- in the business part of the house.- OK.- OK.

0:23:01 > 0:23:04There's also another bedroom, which is not en suite,

0:23:04 > 0:23:06and sometimes they just let people use that bed

0:23:06 > 0:23:07and get 20 quid a head out of it.

0:23:07 > 0:23:10- All right, fair enough. - So, you've got options here.- Yes.

0:23:10 > 0:23:14So, the opposite end of the property is your accommodation. OK?

0:23:14 > 0:23:16Let's see what you think of that.

0:23:20 > 0:23:23So, it is back through the kitchen towards the other end

0:23:23 > 0:23:26of the house where the private living quarters are located.

0:23:26 > 0:23:29Also on this floor, there's a study from where the current owners

0:23:29 > 0:23:30run the post office.

0:23:30 > 0:23:33Upstairs, there's a guest bedroom which has an en suite.

0:23:33 > 0:23:35We're going to take a look at the master,

0:23:35 > 0:23:37which could be perfect for them.

0:23:37 > 0:23:41Now, in the far end of your house,

0:23:41 > 0:23:45there are two en suite bedrooms,

0:23:45 > 0:23:46just for you.

0:23:46 > 0:23:50Right! Two en suites for us.

0:23:50 > 0:23:52- One each.- Yeah!

0:23:52 > 0:23:55Well, you never know. You might not get on.

0:23:55 > 0:23:57You know, you're working together for the first time.

0:23:57 > 0:24:00- It is very light.- Yeah, this is bright.- Lovely, isn't it?

0:24:00 > 0:24:02It is a good size.

0:24:02 > 0:24:06All right, well, look, below this room is their very own,

0:24:06 > 0:24:08YOUR very own living room.

0:24:08 > 0:24:12- Right.- OK.- And it is a really good size, let me show you.- OK.

0:24:12 > 0:24:14'These reactions are really positive.

0:24:14 > 0:24:16'I'm hoping I can keep up the momentum.'

0:24:16 > 0:24:19So, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised

0:24:19 > 0:24:21when you see your living accommodation here now.

0:24:21 > 0:24:25- This is a good size room. - This is a big size room!

0:24:25 > 0:24:28And it goes right round here for a room and half the size again,

0:24:28 > 0:24:34- if you like.- Yeah. Nice fire. That will heat the house.

0:24:34 > 0:24:39- So, now you have seen a lot of the property.- Yeah.

0:24:39 > 0:24:42- What do you think of the layout? - It is certainly unusual.

0:24:42 > 0:24:44- It certainly needs changing. - You think so?

0:24:44 > 0:24:47I would rotate the house, so to speak.

0:24:47 > 0:24:49I think so.

0:24:49 > 0:24:52I would potentially look at us being up in the upstairs bedroom.

0:24:52 > 0:24:54- The quirky room.- Yes.- All right.

0:24:54 > 0:24:58And then have the other end let out to guests.

0:24:58 > 0:25:01OK, well, that's the whistle stop tour of the interior

0:25:01 > 0:25:03of this property. Let's go and have a look at the garden.

0:25:03 > 0:25:07- And, again, start to think about price.- Brilliant.- OK, thank you.

0:25:08 > 0:25:10'So, we haven't quite nailed it,

0:25:10 > 0:25:12'although the good thing is they're thinking

0:25:12 > 0:25:15'about which parts of the property might be best for them.

0:25:15 > 0:25:18'Maybe they'll have a clearer view once they're in the garden.'

0:25:18 > 0:25:20So, here we are.

0:25:20 > 0:25:24This is the extent of your garden, it goes to that metal wall there.

0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Lots of dry stone walls for you to rebuild.- Yeah.

0:25:27 > 0:25:31I've done a little play, I could fix those.

0:25:31 > 0:25:33So, after a tour on this property,

0:25:33 > 0:25:36what are your overall thoughts on what you have seen?

0:25:36 > 0:25:37It's quirky.

0:25:37 > 0:25:41It's got nooks and crannies that you don't expect,

0:25:41 > 0:25:43but it is a big property.

0:25:43 > 0:25:47- I like it, actually. - Yeah, it's got potential.

0:25:47 > 0:25:50So, after what you've seen, let's have a go at pricing it.

0:25:50 > 0:25:54How much do you think, Michael, this place is on the market for?

0:25:54 > 0:25:57I'd go in the region of 525.

0:25:57 > 0:26:00- OK. Allison?- I think a bit more.

0:26:00 > 0:26:02I think I'll go 530.

0:26:02 > 0:26:04Right.

0:26:04 > 0:26:09Well, you'll be surprised to hear, then, that this place

0:26:09 > 0:26:12is on the market for offers in the region of £500,000.

0:26:12 > 0:26:17- Wow!- OK. I think, at that price, that potentially is a deal

0:26:17 > 0:26:22- to be considered here.- Mm. - Definitely food for thought.

0:26:22 > 0:26:25- I think we need to have another look. - Well, by all means, do so.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29- It's the last thing for today, so take your time.- Thank you.

0:26:30 > 0:26:33This modern house is on the market

0:26:33 > 0:26:36for offers in the region of £500,000.

0:26:36 > 0:26:37It has a kitchen breakfast room

0:26:37 > 0:26:39and a separate dining room,

0:26:39 > 0:26:41which is ideal for guests.

0:26:41 > 0:26:42There are seven bedrooms

0:26:42 > 0:26:44and a lawned garden to the south and west

0:26:44 > 0:26:46of the property,

0:26:46 > 0:26:48all with spectacular views of the Dales.

0:26:48 > 0:26:51I've got my thoughts about the kitchen area.

0:26:51 > 0:26:53I would want that closed off.

0:26:53 > 0:26:56- While we are working?- Yes.- Yeah.

0:26:56 > 0:27:01The price for the size of the property is, I think,

0:27:01 > 0:27:04very good, but it would be changed.

0:27:04 > 0:27:06And I think it has got potential to be changed.

0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's a very interesting property,

0:27:09 > 0:27:13something I think we could potentially do something with.

0:27:13 > 0:27:17- Here they are. All done? - Yes, indeed.

0:27:17 > 0:27:21- Hopefully, you have something to sleep on now.- Very much so.

0:27:21 > 0:27:25- Happy?- I agree. Yes.- You look it. And determined. Let's go.

0:27:37 > 0:27:40As evening falls, it's the end of our first day searching

0:27:40 > 0:27:45for our buyers' perfect bed and breakfast property in the Dales.

0:27:58 > 0:28:00Financial consultant Michael

0:28:00 > 0:28:03and teaching assistant Allison are ready to give up their jobs

0:28:03 > 0:28:06and move to the Yorkshire Dales to run a bed and breakfast.

0:28:06 > 0:28:09So far, both of our properties are still in the running.

0:28:09 > 0:28:13And they've completely fallen in love with the landscape.

0:28:13 > 0:28:16North, East, South, West, the whole area is just one view.

0:28:16 > 0:28:17Yeah, that is stunning.

0:28:17 > 0:28:19But we've got a mystery house

0:28:19 > 0:28:22that stretches their horizons even further.

0:28:22 > 0:28:23- Big, isn't it?- Yes.

0:28:23 > 0:28:26It's not quite what I expected, actually, but it's got character.

0:28:26 > 0:28:30And I visit a unique take on Yorkshire craftsmanship.

0:28:30 > 0:28:35This is just wonderful, isn't it? I could almost just watch this.

0:28:35 > 0:28:37This is great.

0:28:42 > 0:28:44Well, we covered quite a bit of ground here in the Dales

0:28:44 > 0:28:47yesterday for the main reason that there aren't that many properties

0:28:47 > 0:28:49for sale here in Michael and Allison's budget.

0:28:49 > 0:28:53And even less so that suits a conversion to a B&B.

0:28:53 > 0:28:56But, some reflection. The two properties we showed them,

0:28:56 > 0:28:57I think they're both contenders.

0:28:57 > 0:28:59Maybe even a situation of heart versus head,

0:28:59 > 0:29:03but definitely something for both Michael and Allison to sleep on.

0:29:03 > 0:29:06Today, when they woke up, well, they were greeted by a beautiful

0:29:06 > 0:29:09morning here in the Dales and I'm sure they're rather excited

0:29:09 > 0:29:11to see the mystery property.

0:29:11 > 0:29:14Now as ever, it's here to challenge the expectations of our buyers,

0:29:14 > 0:29:18be it the location or the property itself or maybe even both.

0:29:18 > 0:29:21I'm hopeful that of all the excitement we generated yesterday,

0:29:21 > 0:29:23we're able to continue on that theme.

0:29:23 > 0:29:25Let's find out.

0:29:31 > 0:29:33So, the mystery property.

0:29:33 > 0:29:36What do you think the mystery property might be?

0:29:36 > 0:29:40Um... I... I think it's a redevelopment.

0:29:40 > 0:29:44OK. Interesting point. What you think, Allison?

0:29:44 > 0:29:45It could be anything.

0:29:45 > 0:29:51It could be an empty barn, it could be a pile of stones, who knows?

0:29:51 > 0:29:52You know, as with the mystery property,

0:29:52 > 0:29:55all I can say is expect the unexpected.

0:29:56 > 0:29:57I think we are.

0:30:05 > 0:30:09For our mystery house, we've hopped out of the Dales National Park

0:30:09 > 0:30:12and travelled north to Hilton in Cumbria.

0:30:12 > 0:30:14It's just down the road the town of Appleby,

0:30:14 > 0:30:18which is an ideal spot for tourists, offering easy access

0:30:18 > 0:30:22to the Pennines, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

0:30:22 > 0:30:28Appleby is well serviced by an array of shops, cafes and restaurants.

0:30:28 > 0:30:30The property I'm showing them in Hilton is a four-bedroom

0:30:30 > 0:30:34farmhouse which has been renovated to an extremely high standard.

0:30:38 > 0:30:40Now then, for the mystery property...

0:30:40 > 0:30:42We're looking at mystery properties,

0:30:42 > 0:30:45because we've got a barn and we've got a farmhouse.

0:30:45 > 0:30:47- All right.- OK.

0:30:47 > 0:30:48Yorkshire Dales.

0:30:48 > 0:30:51Well, the Yorkshire border is about 20 minutes that way,

0:30:51 > 0:30:53but on the flipside, 20 minutes that way, is Ullswater,

0:30:53 > 0:30:55the Lake District.

0:30:55 > 0:30:59- OK.- So, we've got two National Parks within striking distance.

0:30:59 > 0:31:01- Interesting.- Uh-huh.- Yeah.

0:31:01 > 0:31:04And the Pennines, right on the doorstep.

0:31:04 > 0:31:09- You can walk to the Pennine Way, which is a tourist route.- Yes.

0:31:09 > 0:31:12- Which means tourists and customers. - Yes.- Very much.

0:31:12 > 0:31:15So, what do we think? Overall?

0:31:15 > 0:31:18It is not quite what I was expecting, actually,

0:31:18 > 0:31:19but it's got the character.

0:31:19 > 0:31:23That means the mystery property is doing its job. Let's look inside.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26Not only is this property in a very strategic location for tourists,

0:31:26 > 0:31:29but when Michael and Allison see the high spec interior,

0:31:29 > 0:31:32I think they'll understand why I have brought them here.

0:31:35 > 0:31:36In we come.

0:31:38 > 0:31:41Mm, nice. Very nice.

0:31:41 > 0:31:46- It's got your cooker.- Well, what can I say? It is the first thing I saw.

0:31:46 > 0:31:49- It's a fantastic room, isn't it? - It's huge.- It is huge.

0:31:49 > 0:31:53- It is a big kitchen.- It's an amazing room, there's all sorts

0:31:53 > 0:31:54of options you have here.

0:31:54 > 0:31:57The owners told me that when they redeveloped this house,

0:31:57 > 0:32:00they left enough room to put a partition across there,

0:32:00 > 0:32:04so that would be dining kitchen for yourselves and then the dining area for guests here.

0:32:04 > 0:32:06- That could work.- There's plenty of room to do that.

0:32:06 > 0:32:09Goodness me, is there(!) I mean, the kitchen, I think,

0:32:09 > 0:32:11is absolutely fantastic.

0:32:11 > 0:32:13The granite alone costs more than the kitchen.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16Everything you see here, every bit of woodwork in this house,

0:32:16 > 0:32:18Has been made bespoke.

0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Wow.- It's the best kitchen we have seen so far.

0:32:21 > 0:32:24- Isn't it just? - They spent a bit on this, eh?- Yes.

0:32:24 > 0:32:25They spent a lot on this.

0:32:25 > 0:32:28You can see it is a quality finish.

0:32:28 > 0:32:31You'll see that in every room that we go into.

0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Let's have a look elsewhere.- OK.

0:32:34 > 0:32:37'This property has so much to offer

0:32:37 > 0:32:40'and there is a whole range of possibilities.'

0:32:43 > 0:32:46Now then, what do you think of this room?

0:32:46 > 0:32:48- It is very light.- Isn't it?

0:32:48 > 0:32:51- And again, it's sizable. - It's a wonderful size.

0:32:51 > 0:32:53It's massive, isn't it? Look at the size of the fireplace there.

0:32:53 > 0:32:59Now, here's the question, is it for you or is it for the guests?

0:32:59 > 0:33:03If we kept that for us, this could be the dining room.

0:33:03 > 0:33:07Could be. Or they could still have a dining room there

0:33:07 > 0:33:11and then this could be, maybe, a residence lounge.

0:33:11 > 0:33:13There is lots of options here.

0:33:13 > 0:33:16Or I'm going to show you another option where this could still

0:33:16 > 0:33:19- maybe be your lounge.- OK.

0:33:19 > 0:33:23Because next up, well, we're going to spice things up again, I think.

0:33:30 > 0:33:33Right then. As it stands, clearly, this is a living room.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35And I think it is really sweet.

0:33:36 > 0:33:41- That's cosy.- Yeah.- I mean, look at those views, first of all.

0:33:41 > 0:33:44That is stunning, straight into the lakes.

0:33:44 > 0:33:46Imagine waking up to those views,

0:33:46 > 0:33:49because I am suggesting this is your bedroom.

0:33:49 > 0:33:53- OK.- You've got a downstairs loo just there,

0:33:53 > 0:33:57which could easily be converted to a downstairs loo and shower room.

0:33:57 > 0:33:58OK.

0:33:58 > 0:34:02So the entire end of this house on the ground floor

0:34:02 > 0:34:03is the owners' suite.

0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Yeah, it certainly could work.- OK.

0:34:06 > 0:34:09But these are just one of many options here. OK?

0:34:09 > 0:34:13Upstairs, at the moment, I think that's where your guests will stay.

0:34:13 > 0:34:15Let's take a look at one of the rooms.

0:34:15 > 0:34:19'The attention to detail continues on the first floor,

0:34:19 > 0:34:23'where there are four bedrooms which have all been beautifully finished.'

0:34:23 > 0:34:26There is a small single room and two good size doubles,

0:34:26 > 0:34:28one of which has an en suite.

0:34:28 > 0:34:30There is also a family bathroom.

0:34:30 > 0:34:33'But I'm going to show them what could be the biggest letting room.'

0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Nice size.- Isn't it just?

0:34:36 > 0:34:37Again, just like with the whole house,

0:34:37 > 0:34:40it's to such a standard and the size!

0:34:40 > 0:34:42But look at it, look at those views.

0:34:42 > 0:34:45Yeah, exactly, you've got the view again.

0:34:45 > 0:34:47- That's the Lake District over there. - Yes.

0:34:47 > 0:34:49That is amazing.

0:34:49 > 0:34:52- You don't get much better than this, do you?- No.

0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Let's go outside.- OK.

0:34:57 > 0:35:00'There are more surprises in store with this spectacular property

0:35:00 > 0:35:03'as there is a barn that is right for development

0:35:03 > 0:35:06'and a quarter of an acre of garden.'

0:35:06 > 0:35:10Well, what else might make your life interesting is this building here,

0:35:10 > 0:35:12which is included in the sale.

0:35:12 > 0:35:15I am suggesting you speak to the local planners

0:35:15 > 0:35:20and get planner consent for conversion to accommodation.

0:35:20 > 0:35:22That'd certainly be a future project.

0:35:22 > 0:35:27Yes. Some distance in the future. Let's consider all that we've got.

0:35:27 > 0:35:30- How much do you think it is on the market for?- I think...540.

0:35:30 > 0:35:32540. Michael?

0:35:32 > 0:35:36I think a little bit less because it's not in the Dales National Park.

0:35:36 > 0:35:38- I think 525.- OK.

0:35:38 > 0:35:41Well, you are out, both of you.

0:35:41 > 0:35:44It is on the market for 475.

0:35:47 > 0:35:51- 475?- 475.- That is a different ballgame altogether. That's...

0:35:51 > 0:35:54That's a bit of a shock, actually.

0:35:54 > 0:35:57- Yeah. A good shock, by the sounds of it.- Yeah.

0:35:57 > 0:35:59There is a lot of property for that amount.

0:35:59 > 0:36:03So, if you like this property, I would suggest that... A -

0:36:03 > 0:36:06you need to be fairly close to the asking price and B -

0:36:06 > 0:36:09- you won't want to hang around.- No.

0:36:09 > 0:36:12But you can hang around for the next short while, because I think

0:36:12 > 0:36:17you should go into this property, but also go into the barn, OK?

0:36:17 > 0:36:19- OK.- Excellent.- Catch you later.

0:36:21 > 0:36:22Well, good surprise.

0:36:22 > 0:36:26And, actually, I think this mystery property sits quite happily

0:36:26 > 0:36:28in between the first house and the second house.

0:36:28 > 0:36:32There are rooms that are already done up, you could let straightaway.

0:36:32 > 0:36:36But, on the other hand, it's not quite an up-and-running B&B.

0:36:36 > 0:36:38Very interesting.

0:36:39 > 0:36:42With a price tag of £475,000,

0:36:42 > 0:36:44this detached house is finished

0:36:44 > 0:36:46to an exceptionally high standard.

0:36:46 > 0:36:49It has a large bespoke farmhouse kitchen

0:36:49 > 0:36:50and four bedrooms.

0:36:50 > 0:36:53And there is a barn with development potential

0:36:53 > 0:36:54as holiday lets.

0:36:54 > 0:36:59It needs a bit of work, but, yeah, it could be an additional let.

0:36:59 > 0:37:03The layout of the house has certainly got potential to be

0:37:03 > 0:37:06moved around for a bed and breakfast.

0:37:06 > 0:37:09What stands out, more so, is the quality of the whole place.

0:37:09 > 0:37:12It is done to such a high standard.

0:37:12 > 0:37:16Looking round, I thought that it would be out of budget.

0:37:16 > 0:37:19I thought this was just a nice dream that wouldn't happen,

0:37:19 > 0:37:21we wouldn't be able to afford it.

0:37:21 > 0:37:26Once we found out the price, that put a different dimension onto it

0:37:26 > 0:37:28and it certainly is something to consider.

0:37:31 > 0:37:33- All done inside?- Yes.

0:37:33 > 0:37:37- And are you happy with all that you have seen in this property?- Yes.

0:37:37 > 0:37:40You're frowning, does that mean you're thinking about things?

0:37:40 > 0:37:43Thinking, yeah. A lot to take in now. A lot to consider.

0:37:43 > 0:37:46- Let's find you somewhere to think. - Good.- Excellent.

0:38:01 > 0:38:03The Dales are a haven for great traditions,

0:38:03 > 0:38:05so earlier in the week,

0:38:05 > 0:38:09I visited the village of Kettlewell to see why over 15,000 people

0:38:09 > 0:38:13flock here every year in August for the annual Scarecrow Festival.

0:38:13 > 0:38:17It was started in 1994 by mum Jenny Howarth

0:38:17 > 0:38:19as a fundraiser for the local school.

0:38:19 > 0:38:23'I have come to discover how in just 17 years this has become

0:38:23 > 0:38:26'a major Dales event.'

0:38:26 > 0:38:29Jenny, obvious question, what on earth is going on here?

0:38:29 > 0:38:34- My mum saw a scarecrow festival over in Lancaster, where I'm from.- Yeah.

0:38:34 > 0:38:35And rang me up and said,

0:38:35 > 0:38:37"I've seen a good way to make money."

0:38:38 > 0:38:43So I made a little scarecrow of a little boy on a tractor, because my children were small...

0:38:43 > 0:38:47- Yeah.- ..and said, "Should we combine the scarecrows with the fun day?"

0:38:47 > 0:38:50The money raised from the festival is split between the local school,

0:38:50 > 0:38:53the church and the village hall.

0:38:53 > 0:38:55I've been asked to judge this year's event,

0:38:55 > 0:38:57so the chairman of the festival, Colin Harvey,

0:38:57 > 0:39:00is taking me on a tour of the exhibit.

0:39:00 > 0:39:03It's great, everyone gets involved, even the church.

0:39:03 > 0:39:05You've got whole scenes here, haven't you?

0:39:05 > 0:39:08It's also a good test of your knowledge of nursery rhymes

0:39:08 > 0:39:11and children's stories, isn't it? What, with Rapunzel up there.

0:39:11 > 0:39:12That's the children's favourite.

0:39:12 > 0:39:15That's certainly the tallest scarecrow, isn't it?

0:39:15 > 0:39:19'There are over 150 scarecrows dotted around the village,'

0:39:19 > 0:39:22some of which portray this year's theme, which is interventions.

0:39:22 > 0:39:25Visitors are encouraged to walk a particular route

0:39:25 > 0:39:28to try and guess what each scarecrow represents.

0:39:29 > 0:39:32What is going on here? Oh, wait, now I've got this.

0:39:32 > 0:39:34- That's Freddie Mercury.- Yes.

0:39:35 > 0:39:37It's one of the inventions, it's the Hoover Dam.

0:39:38 > 0:39:42Right, OK. Whoever lives here is ingenious themselves.

0:39:44 > 0:39:46This is just wonderful, isn't it?

0:39:46 > 0:39:49I know it is just a display, but I could almost watch this

0:39:49 > 0:39:53- for a while. It is going to get a rosette, isn't it?- Yeah, I think so.

0:39:53 > 0:39:56Which one, though? Let's go and find some more.

0:39:58 > 0:40:01This is a very hard decision to make, but I think we have a winner.

0:40:01 > 0:40:04- It's got to be this, isn't it? - Oh, yes, definitely.

0:40:04 > 0:40:08- Well done, whoever did this. Just deserved.- Absolutely.

0:40:08 > 0:40:12'With such a love of the Dales, I'm sure our buyers would really enjoy'

0:40:12 > 0:40:15having this quirky festival right on their doorstep.

0:40:19 > 0:40:20Well, with any hope,

0:40:20 > 0:40:24I've picked a suitable winner there of all those wonderful scarecrows,

0:40:24 > 0:40:27and that's given Michael and Allison enough time to pick

0:40:27 > 0:40:30their winner of the three fantastic properties that we've shown them.

0:40:30 > 0:40:32Let's just remind ourselves,

0:40:32 > 0:40:34It's not just a house we're hoping to find for them,

0:40:34 > 0:40:37it's a completely new way of life.

0:40:40 > 0:40:44Is a move up here to the rural north

0:40:44 > 0:40:46- the right thing for you guys? - Yep.- Definitely.

0:40:46 > 0:40:47Let's talk about property number one.

0:40:47 > 0:40:51- How do you feel about it now? - Perfect location.

0:40:51 > 0:40:53The property itself was good.

0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Yeah, that was the best location.- OK.

0:40:55 > 0:40:59That certainly had the most potential to convert

0:40:59 > 0:41:02- into a B&B business. - Your dream B&B business?- Yes.

0:41:02 > 0:41:07Because in the second property, we showed you an up and running B&B.

0:41:07 > 0:41:11We are still not entirely convinced on the location.

0:41:11 > 0:41:13The plus side being that it was up and running,

0:41:13 > 0:41:15we could go in, move in.

0:41:15 > 0:41:18There were certain things that we would change.

0:41:18 > 0:41:23Well then, finally we got to the mystery house.

0:41:23 > 0:41:24It's wonderful.

0:41:24 > 0:41:27You cannot fault it as a house.

0:41:27 > 0:41:33I think to turn it into the B&B aspect, I think would take a lot.

0:41:33 > 0:41:35Why?

0:41:35 > 0:41:37Regenerating of the downstairs, for us,

0:41:37 > 0:41:41regenerating of one of the rooms upstairs.

0:41:41 > 0:41:45I think, to the standard and quality that that was built to,

0:41:45 > 0:41:49to do that probably would be a bit too much.

0:41:49 > 0:41:53So, does one property have enough to be a favourite for you guys?

0:41:55 > 0:41:58- Property one.- Property number one?

0:41:58 > 0:42:01Well, sounds like we could potentially

0:42:01 > 0:42:04have found you a property that could be your dream business up here.

0:42:04 > 0:42:06So, I wish you the best of luck with that.

0:42:06 > 0:42:08But, please, whichever way you go,

0:42:08 > 0:42:11- let us know what you finally decide.- Will do.

0:42:11 > 0:42:12- Good luck.- Thank you.

0:42:17 > 0:42:20Well, what a great couple of days.

0:42:20 > 0:42:23It sounds like we had genuinely three properties that were

0:42:23 > 0:42:25in contention this time.

0:42:25 > 0:42:27I must say, after catching up with Michael and Allison,

0:42:27 > 0:42:29I'm quite surprised at their choice.

0:42:29 > 0:42:32I thought the mystery property would be the one for them.

0:42:32 > 0:42:35They reacted fantastically to the potential and to the finish there.

0:42:35 > 0:42:38It sat quite nicely between the first house that needs work

0:42:38 > 0:42:42done to it and the second property that was an up and running B&B.

0:42:42 > 0:42:44But I suppose on reflection,

0:42:44 > 0:42:47it is outside that target area of the beautiful Dales.

0:42:47 > 0:42:51At the end of the day, location so often wins through.

0:42:51 > 0:42:54So, for a couple from Bishop Stortford,

0:42:54 > 0:42:57if they do go ahead and buy this first property,

0:42:57 > 0:42:59this will truly be an escape to the country for them.

0:42:59 > 0:43:00See you next time.

0:43:02 > 0:43:04After discussing the properties further,

0:43:04 > 0:43:07Michael and Allison decided that none of them were quite right,

0:43:07 > 0:43:11but are still keen to make the Dales their new home.

0:43:11 > 0:43:12If you would like to escape to

0:43:12 > 0:43:14the country in Scotland, Wales,

0:43:14 > 0:43:15Northern Ireland or England

0:43:15 > 0:43:17and need our help,

0:43:17 > 0:43:19please apply online at...

0:43:23 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd