Yorkshire Dales Escape to the Country

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

James Alfred White, as somewhere where you could find peace and tranquillity.

Of this county, he wrote,

"It is a land of pure air, rocky streams and hidden waterfalls."

While famously known by another name, who was this Alf White

and where is he writing so passionately about?

I'll reveal all in just a few moments.

Today, I am helping a couple who are ready

to give up their careers and start a new life in the country.

And at the start of our house hunt,

they make all the right noises about the properties we show them.

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

-Yeah.

-Yeah? A lot of "yeahs" going on!

Then, our mystery house almost leaves them speechless.

Look at those views, first of all.

They're stunning.

I'm in the Yorkshire Dales, and Alf White is better known

as the region's most famous vet, James Herriot.

As one of the most successful writers of his generation,

his stories of life as a rural vet,

which were later adapted for the TV series

All Creatures Great And Small, have been sold worldwide,

in fact, ten million copies,

and it's been translated into 40 different languages.

So far reaching was this man's work that the whole region

is now universally known as Herriot Country.

I must say, personally, when you look around this place,

it's quite easy to see why millions and millions of tourists

come to this place year after year.

Spanning the central Pennines,

nearly all of the Yorkshire Dales

National Park falls within

the North Yorkshire County boundary.

However, a small part does flow

into neighbouring Cumbria.

Created in 1954,

this was one of the first designated National Parks in the country.

Much of the landscape is formed from 300 million-year-old Great Scar Limestone,

which has led to the creation of spectacular cliffs

like Malham Cove and giant outcrops like Kilnsey Crag.

Strict building restrictions in the National Park

have led to limited redevelopment,

with villages such as Buckton returning a charming Old World feel.

With the Dales being such an unspoiled part of the UK,

it's no wonder that the area continues to attract house buyers

and tourists to the region.

Over the past decade,

property values here in North Yorkshire have doubled,

with a typical detached property now fetching around £268,000.

That's £14,000 above the national figure,

which just goes to show, despite the recent downturn,

people will still pay a premium for traditional character properties

and stunning views -

two things the Yorkshire Dales clearly has in abundance.

So with that in mind, take a look at a selection of properties

that we've found currently on the market here.

This 17th century barn conversion in Starbotton

with three bedrooms is on the market for just under £380,000.

It has been sympathetically converted to provide

a contemporary interior, and there are spectacular views

of the Dales from the half an acre of garden.

Or for £595,000, there is this four-bedroom house in Dent.

It has a range cooker in a farmhouse-style kitchen

and there's a choice of reception rooms - one of which

has a vast library with feature fireplace to keep you warm.

And if your budget can stretch to £795,000,

this three-bedroom farmhouse in Hartlington could be yours.

The master bedroom is the showstopper here,

featuring a rather unique pine-clad ceiling and exposed beams.

Outside, there is a sizable lawned garden.

Time to meet today's buyers

and find out why they are ready to escape to the country.

Financial consultant Michael and teaching assistant Allison

want to leave their jobs and start up their own business

in the countryside.

They currently live in this three-bedroom house in a cul-de-sac

in Bishop Stortford, but they're dreaming of a more rural life.

When we move, we want to buy a bed and breakfast

so we can live in the country, we can enjoy where we're living.

We won't be living somewhere, but spending so much time at work.

And hopefully, you'll be able to have some land.

Yeah, I'd like to have a bit of land to potentially have some pigs.

-That would be the ideal.

-Chickens?

-Chickens, as well. Yeah.

So, our buyers have plans for a myriad of animals

and a business when they move.

The county they have chosen is a perfect choice,

offering a whole range of options.

We'd really like to go to the Yorkshire Dales.

It is an area we've spent quite a lot of time in, we know quite well.

We like the hills.

Hopefully, we'll find a local Scout group that we could get involved in.

I am an assistant Scout leader, you're the group treasurer.

We also both like rambling and hiking.

Starting a bed and breakfast business can be quite

an undertaking, but Michael and Allison, who is a keen cook,

have thought long and hard about what type of property

would be right for their new venture.

It must have letting rooms, minimum of three,

-a substantial kitchen with the range cooker.

-Yes, yes.

A range cooker is somewhat of a necessity. And also a view.

Possibly on the edge of a hamlet or a village for sort of shops and pubs.

-Pub.

-Pub.

-Need a pub.

Well, it's not quite last orders,

as there's the all-important question of their finances.

We've got a maximum of 550,000 budget.

Any renovation cost would need to be included within that budget.

So this is no ordinary house move, it's a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Michael and Allison want to ditch their day jobs and run a B&B here

in the Yorkshire Dales.

That's one huge move to one beautiful,

if not rather remote, part of the world.

But they're both adamant that this rural lifestyle is one

that suits them best.

So, let's see if we can make it happen for them.

Today, we'll be looking around Sedbergh in the Cumbrian side

of the National Park, and Grassington in the south,

to give our buyers a great taste of properties across the region.

We have lined up three fantastic properties

to wet our buyers' appetite. And as usual, I will be asking them

to guess the price before I reveal it to them.

Our last property is, of course, the mystery house.

And I've got a proposition that really raises the bar.

So, Michael and Allison, lovely to meet you.

Welcome to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Stunning, isn't it?

-It's amazing.

-Gorgeous.

You've got an idea of running your own business.

That's right, yeah. We want to buy a bed and breakfast.

-And work from home.

-OK.

So let's talk about this property.

-What accommodation do you want?

-Something remote.

-Something remote?

-Remote, yeah.

-OK.

So, size of property, what are we looking at?

-Three letting rooms.

-OK.

-Um... A nice kitchen.

-Hopefully with a range cooker in there.

-All right.

We're putting a picture now, that's good.

Yeah, a bit of land.

I'm not talking masses of acres, but a reasonable sized garden.

So, a small bit of land or a large garden. OK.

How old does your property need to be? Is it a period building?

Yeah, a stone-built building.

-Something along those lines would be great.

-OK. Let's talk money.

What sort of budget are we looking at?

We've got up to 550,000.

550,000. Now, is that to buy an existing B&B?

-Ideally, yes.

-OK.

-It would be better.

OK, so, would you be prepared to look at large houses

with a view to converting to B&B?

It's certainly something that's got consideration, yeah.

Look, I think what's best to do is get to the first house,

see what your reactions are, not only to the house,

but to the area, and we'll talk about how we can

-make that work for you.

-Sure.

-Yeah?

-Sounds good.

-Just this way.

So, Michael and Allison have a top budget

of £550,000 to buy

an existing bed and breakfast business.

If the property needs converting,

they'd only be prepared to spend £500,000.

They want a building with character

that has four bedrooms.

And they'd like a large garden

so Michael can keep some animals.

For our first property,

I'm taking them to Gawthrop,

which is to the south of Sedbergh.

The nearest village for amenities is down the road

in Dent, which is one of the most

sought after villages in the National Park.

There's a 12th century Norman church, a cafe, a local shop

and a post office.

The house I'm showing our buyers is a pretty,

four-bedroom cottage, which has spectacular views over the fells.

So, then, for the first property,

I brought us to this wonderful hillside location.

-There you go.

-Wow.

-What about this?

-That's big.

-Yeah.

-It's big!

Don't be daunted. You know, it's not particularly deep.

These cottages are long and thin. This is such a cottage.

-What about the location?

-Lovely.

-Beautiful.

Could you live in this environment yourselves?

-Yes.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

-OK. Let's go inside.

-Excellent.

'This property isn't an existing bed and breakfast,

'but the main Dales walking path is right on their doorstep,

'so Michael and Allison wouldn't have to scout to hard for trade.

'I hope they can see the conversion potential of the interior.'

Right then, in you come...

..to the engine room of your business, really.

-Yeah.

-Oh.

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-It's nice.

-Lot of "yeahs" going on.

It's got your modern touch, with a country feel.

Now this room,

this is big enough for a catering kitchen for the amount of guests

that you're going to have here.

-Do like this room?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

Have a look at this.

I thought this was a lovely place for you to take breakfast,

have your evening meal,

-maybe have a sitting area in here.

-It's a nice room, actually.

Yeah, it is a nice room.

Running a rural business like this,

-there will be a lot of sharing of some the other rooms.

-Yes.

Which is part of the course. But you do want a bit of separation.

And to have this nice small area

is a bit of a luxury in a rural business like this.

That's true. It's tidy, cutaway.

-So, are you happy with this space?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

Good. Beyond that door, we start to enjoy it ourselves,

but also start thinking about your guests, OK? Follow me.

'It's crucial that our buyers think about how they will balance

'living in and running their home as a business.

'So, let's see what they make of the next room.'

-I was quite surprised when I saw this fairly large room.

-That's nice.

Yeah. I'd agree with that. It is fairly large, yeah.

-It's a good size.

-Isn't it just?

-It's a wonderful room and it needs to be used, doesn't it?

-Definitely.

Oh, yeah, without a doubt. The view is stunning from that window.

Now, you are going to be cooking for your guests

breakfast at the minimum, hopefully some evening meals.

When I first saw this, I thought,

"It's a shame to have to put tables in here."

But you've got another room, smaller than this, at the far end.

That room is plenty big enough to have it as a dedicated dining room

-or a breakfast room at the far end.

-OK.

-Excellent.

Which means you can keep this wonderful room as it is.

Yeah. So you'd have your lounge area, relax area,

and then dining the other end. Yeah, that would be good.

Now, we need somewhere for you guys to sleep and maybe your guests.

-Let's go and take a look at the accommodation upstairs.

-OK.

'Pretty good responses so far.

'I am hoping the bedrooms yield the same result.'

Take a look at this as a master suite.

You've got an amazing bathroom there,

but look at this bedroom here. It's quite something. It's a great size.

-Look at that.

-Wow, that is stunning.

-That is.

-This will be ours.

-Yeah.

-Forget the guests.

-That's huge!

-And you've got views from both sides.

Imagine waking up in the morning to those views.

That's lovely, isn't it?

You've got views, literally,

-everywhere you look from this property.

-Yeah.

North, East, South, West, the whole area is just one view.

If you had a sofa bed, you could make it into a family room,

generating more income.

Or at least be able to get families up here,

because it's a family area.

So, as we stand on this floor, we've got this amazing suite.

Next door, there's a double bedroom with room to put in en suite in.

-As the bathroom is next door, that's very doable.

-OK.

On the far end of this property, there is another double bedroom

with a bathroom next door, which could be made a suite.

A little bit like this, not quite as big.

That could be an owners' suite or it could be an en suite for a guest.

But in order to get a third bedroom, we need to look elsewhere.

And there is a fantastic option on the other side of that wall.

-Follow me.

-OK.

'Michael and Allison need to maximise the earning potential

'of this house, and there's a room above the garage

'that I think could really help them do just that.'

Now, we've got an en suite just through there. And look at this.

-Ah!

-Wow!

-Oh, that is a bit of a treasure.

It's a hidden surprise, isn't it? In the garage!

Now, this is where you have the options.

Look at these lovely old timbers. It's fantastic, isn't it?

Below, you've got the double garage.

Maybe something for the future. You've also got beyond that,

an out building that is partitioned into two.

-This could be a complete, self-contained annexe.

-Yeah.

-You could even let it out to someone.

-Options are there.

There you go.

Once we've toured around most of the property,

-let's go back outside and have a chat about price. OK?

-OK.

'So, although this house only has

'three bedrooms, there is the scope to add more or to even create

'a self-contained accommodation unit.'

-Michael, you did say you wanted a bit of land.

-Yes.

Now, all in all, the agent reckons just over a quarter of an acre.

I think there's a good quarter of an acre.

You've got this garden here, but beyond,

-stunning views.

-Very. Very much.

So, with that in mind, let's have a go at pricing it.

-Um, think about 450.

-450.

-Michael?

-I'd say a little bit more. I think about 480, 485.

Right. Well, it's more than that still.

It's on the market for £515,000.

We have spoken to the agent. The agent reckons that there's

a deal to be done maybe around the 490 mark,

which...you said to me that if it wasn't an up and running business,

you would consider something around the 500 mark. It's in budget.

-Yes, it is in budget.

-It's got potential.

It's a consideration.

Why don't you go back in the house? There's so much you haven't seen,

of course,

-and then I will catch you in a short while, OK?

-OK.

See you later.

This character-full cottage is on the market

for offers around £515,000.

It's got three double bedrooms in the main house,

and outside, there's another double room

above the garage, which could be converted into

a self-contained flat.

And, perhaps best of all,

there's a large garden with some stunning views.

The rooms downstairs were sizable and manageable

and they could work very well for guests.

The two rooms downstairs, certainly the lounge, is very good.

The other room, easily converted into a dining area.

-All done inside?

-Yes, indeed.

-There's a lot to see, isn't there?

-Yes. A big property.

-Good. Hopefully give you something to think about.

-It has.

-On the way to the next place.

-OK.

-Let's do it.

When Michael and Allison make their move to the Yorkshire Dales,

the market town of Hawes could be a useful centre for them.

So, earlier in the week, we sent them off to explore it.

Hawes is the highest town in Yorkshire,

at 260 metres above sea level.

And it is the home of one of Britain's most famous cheeses,

Wensleydale, which is produced at the local creamery.

The town is set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park,

which is crisscrossed by 5,500 miles of dry stone walls.

Most of them date back to the Enclosures Act,

when land was transferred from common to private ownership.

When the walls need repairing, the park authority can

call in around 250 volunteers to help rebuilding work.

As our buyers are keen to get involved in their new community,

we organise for them to meet up with volunteer Stuart Bliss,

who is going to reveal some of the tricks of the trade.

-Hi.

-Hello.

-How are you doing?

-Well, how are you?

-I'm pretty well. So, you had a look around the area?

-Yes.

-And you've seen dry stone walls.

-Lots of walls, yes.

Why are they favoured around here so much?

Because the material is plentiful.

The stone's in the ground,

so that's why they used it in the first place.

Throughout the Dales, as you're going around,

you'll see them falling down all over the place.

The only thing that we can do is we can build the ones that have

fallen down around the stakes and we can do ones around the gates.

-So, do you want to have a go?

-Why not?

-Yes, please.

Building a dry stone wall is all about getting the angles right.

The outside stones must prevent rain water getting into

the core of the wall because if it freezes,

it can force the stones apart.

OK, so, when we're looking at putting a stone in the wall...

We put a stone in here.

That's OK. It's got a face to it. So, we get the next one in.

You check the two stones on the side. It does cover the gap.

So, do want to look at one now to come down here?

You might have to find something to go over the top of here.

How about this one?

Yep, see if it goes. Perfect. Perfect, well done.

Once a section is filled in,

the wall is finished off with topper stones,

which weigh the structure down.

You've done a good job. Well done. Maybe you could join us one day.

-Thank you, it's been really interesting.

-OK, no worries.

-Thanks very much. Thank you.

-OK.

So, when Michael and Allison move here, they could become one

of the many volunteers who help preserve this iconic feature

of rural Yorkshire.

But now it's time to find them four walls of their own.

For our second property,

I am taking our buyers to Litton,

in the middle of the National Park.

It's just down the road from the popular Dales village

of Grassington, which has got all the amenities our buyers could need,

with a number of cafes and restaurants, a food store

and a post office.

The house I'm showing them is a modern cottage.

Now, for the second property,

we thought it'd be a good idea for you to have a look around

in an up and running bed and breakfast business.

Which is this.

-Excellent.

-Nice.

-Now, a different location because, what?

You've got a few chimney pots around you, you've got a pub just there.

-Brilliant.

-And you've got a few neighbours are dotted here and there

and everywhere. All right,

start on the property. It's built around 1978. Do you like it?

-Yeah.

-It's pretty, actually, I do like it. Yeah.

Now, what can you see that you weren't expecting to see?

-Post office.

-Yes.

Now, it is a very, very, very small part of what is here.

It is a great way of getting to know your neighbours,

but also it's, you know, a few mornings of your week out.

-OK.

-It's something to think about.

-Right.

-OK.

So, B&B, in the village.

-So far so good.

-OK.

It's very different inside, as much as anything else,

because it's up and running, OK?

This is more of a turnkey. Follow me.

'What I really like about this house is that it is a ready-to-go business

'in a popular Dales location. Let's see if they feel the same.'

So, you've got a small lobby area which is used by you

-and maybe your paying guests.

-OK.

And then you come...

..to a rather open plan kitchen-dining room.

Now, you're going to be cooking, maybe,

with your diners already in the room.

If you were doing breakfast and what have you.

-We are tucked around the corner.

-You are, definitely.

-Block that off.

-You could do.

-Yeah. It feels...

-It feels nice.

-Does it?

-Yeah.

How does it feel in comparison to the first property you went in?

It's far more updated, but it's still got character.

-Yeah.

-So far so good.

-OK.

Well, look, let's keep with the business bit for now,

let's look at one of the letting bedrooms,

and then we can concentrate on you after that.

-Yeah? Sound good?

-Yep.

-This way.

There are three letting bedrooms on the ground floor,

but I want to show them the fourth upstairs.

So, this is the family room.

Because it has three beds.

-Quirky, isn't it?

-Yeah.

Actually a great summing up - quirky.

I like the skylight, actually.

-It's a nice fixture.

-Yeah.

-Now, it's en suite.

You've got three en suite letting bedrooms

-in the business part of the house.

-OK.

-OK.

There's also another bedroom, which is not en suite,

and sometimes they just let people use that bed

and get 20 quid a head out of it.

-All right, fair enough.

-So, you've got options here.

-Yes.

So, the opposite end of the property is your accommodation. OK?

Let's see what you think of that.

So, it is back through the kitchen towards the other end

of the house where the private living quarters are located.

Also on this floor, there's a study from where the current owners

run the post office.

Upstairs, there's a guest bedroom which has an en suite.

We're going to take a look at the master,

which could be perfect for them.

Now, in the far end of your house,

there are two en suite bedrooms,

just for you.

Right! Two en suites for us.

-One each.

-Yeah!

Well, you never know. You might not get on.

You know, you're working together for the first time.

-It is very light.

-Yeah, this is bright.

-Lovely, isn't it?

It is a good size.

All right, well, look, below this room is their very own,

YOUR very own living room.

-Right.

-OK.

-And it is a really good size, let me show you.

-OK.

'These reactions are really positive.

'I'm hoping I can keep up the momentum.'

So, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised

when you see your living accommodation here now.

-This is a good size room.

-This is a big size room!

And it goes right round here for a room and half the size again,

-if you like.

-Yeah. Nice fire. That will heat the house.

-So, now you have seen a lot of the property.

-Yeah.

-What do you think of the layout?

-It is certainly unusual.

-It certainly needs changing.

-You think so?

I would rotate the house, so to speak.

I think so.

I would potentially look at us being up in the upstairs bedroom.

-The quirky room.

-Yes.

-All right.

And then have the other end let out to guests.

OK, well, that's the whistle stop tour of the interior

of this property. Let's go and have a look at the garden.

-And, again, start to think about price.

-Brilliant.

-OK, thank you.

'So, we haven't quite nailed it,

'although the good thing is they're thinking

'about which parts of the property might be best for them.

'Maybe they'll have a clearer view once they're in the garden.'

So, here we are.

This is the extent of your garden, it goes to that metal wall there.

-Lots of dry stone walls for you to rebuild.

-Yeah.

I've done a little play, I could fix those.

So, after a tour on this property,

what are your overall thoughts on what you have seen?

It's quirky.

It's got nooks and crannies that you don't expect,

but it is a big property.

-I like it, actually.

-Yeah, it's got potential.

So, after what you've seen, let's have a go at pricing it.

How much do you think, Michael, this place is on the market for?

I'd go in the region of 525.

-OK. Allison?

-I think a bit more.

I think I'll go 530.

Right.

Well, you'll be surprised to hear, then, that this place

is on the market for offers in the region of £500,000.

-Wow!

-OK. I think, at that price, that potentially is a deal

-to be considered here.

-Mm.

-Definitely food for thought.

-I think we need to have another look.

-Well, by all means, do so.

-It's the last thing for today, so take your time.

-Thank you.

This modern house is on the market

for offers in the region of £500,000.

It has a kitchen breakfast room

and a separate dining room,

which is ideal for guests.

There are seven bedrooms

and a lawned garden to the south and west

of the property,

all with spectacular views of the Dales.

I've got my thoughts about the kitchen area.

I would want that closed off.

-While we are working?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

The price for the size of the property is, I think,

very good, but it would be changed.

And I think it has got potential to be changed.

It's a very interesting property,

something I think we could potentially do something with.

-Here they are. All done?

-Yes, indeed.

-Hopefully, you have something to sleep on now.

-Very much so.

-Happy?

-I agree. Yes.

-You look it. And determined. Let's go.

As evening falls, it's the end of our first day searching

for our buyers' perfect bed and breakfast property in the Dales.

Financial consultant Michael

and teaching assistant Allison are ready to give up their jobs

and move to the Yorkshire Dales to run a bed and breakfast.

So far, both of our properties are still in the running.

And they've completely fallen in love with the landscape.

North, East, South, West, the whole area is just one view.

Yeah, that is stunning.

But we've got a mystery house

that stretches their horizons even further.

-Big, isn't it?

-Yes.

It's not quite what I expected, actually, but it's got character.

And I visit a unique take on Yorkshire craftsmanship.

This is just wonderful, isn't it? I could almost just watch this.

This is great.

Well, we covered quite a bit of ground here in the Dales

yesterday for the main reason that there aren't that many properties

for sale here in Michael and Allison's budget.

And even less so that suits a conversion to a B&B.

But, some reflection. The two properties we showed them,

I think they're both contenders.

Maybe even a situation of heart versus head,

but definitely something for both Michael and Allison to sleep on.

Today, when they woke up, well, they were greeted by a beautiful

morning here in the Dales and I'm sure they're rather excited

to see the mystery property.

Now as ever, it's here to challenge the expectations of our buyers,

be it the location or the property itself or maybe even both.

I'm hopeful that of all the excitement we generated yesterday,

we're able to continue on that theme.

Let's find out.

So, the mystery property.

What do you think the mystery property might be?

Um... I... I think it's a redevelopment.

OK. Interesting point. What you think, Allison?

It could be anything.

It could be an empty barn, it could be a pile of stones, who knows?

You know, as with the mystery property,

all I can say is expect the unexpected.

I think we are.

For our mystery house, we've hopped out of the Dales National Park

and travelled north to Hilton in Cumbria.

It's just down the road the town of Appleby,

which is an ideal spot for tourists, offering easy access

to the Pennines, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

Appleby is well serviced by an array of shops, cafes and restaurants.

The property I'm showing them in Hilton is a four-bedroom

farmhouse which has been renovated to an extremely high standard.

Now then, for the mystery property...

We're looking at mystery properties,

because we've got a barn and we've got a farmhouse.

-All right.

-OK.

Yorkshire Dales.

Well, the Yorkshire border is about 20 minutes that way,

but on the flipside, 20 minutes that way, is Ullswater,

the Lake District.

-OK.

-So, we've got two National Parks within striking distance.

-Interesting.

-Uh-huh.

-Yeah.

And the Pennines, right on the doorstep.

-You can walk to the Pennine Way, which is a tourist route.

-Yes.

-Which means tourists and customers.

-Yes.

-Very much.

So, what do we think? Overall?

It is not quite what I was expecting, actually,

but it's got the character.

That means the mystery property is doing its job. Let's look inside.

Not only is this property in a very strategic location for tourists,

but when Michael and Allison see the high spec interior,

I think they'll understand why I have brought them here.

In we come.

Mm, nice. Very nice.

-It's got your cooker.

-Well, what can I say? It is the first thing I saw.

-It's a fantastic room, isn't it?

-It's huge.

-It is huge.

-It is a big kitchen.

-It's an amazing room, there's all sorts

of options you have here.

The owners told me that when they redeveloped this house,

they left enough room to put a partition across there,

so that would be dining kitchen for yourselves and then the dining area for guests here.

-That could work.

-There's plenty of room to do that.

Goodness me, is there(!) I mean, the kitchen, I think,

is absolutely fantastic.

The granite alone costs more than the kitchen.

Everything you see here, every bit of woodwork in this house,

Has been made bespoke.

-Wow.

-It's the best kitchen we have seen so far.

-Isn't it just?

-They spent a bit on this, eh?

-Yes.

They spent a lot on this.

You can see it is a quality finish.

You'll see that in every room that we go into.

-Let's have a look elsewhere.

-OK.

'This property has so much to offer

'and there is a whole range of possibilities.'

Now then, what do you think of this room?

-It is very light.

-Isn't it?

-And again, it's sizable.

-It's a wonderful size.

It's massive, isn't it? Look at the size of the fireplace there.

Now, here's the question, is it for you or is it for the guests?

If we kept that for us, this could be the dining room.

Could be. Or they could still have a dining room there

and then this could be, maybe, a residence lounge.

There is lots of options here.

Or I'm going to show you another option where this could still

-maybe be your lounge.

-OK.

Because next up, well, we're going to spice things up again, I think.

Right then. As it stands, clearly, this is a living room.

And I think it is really sweet.

-That's cosy.

-Yeah.

-I mean, look at those views, first of all.

That is stunning, straight into the lakes.

Imagine waking up to those views,

because I am suggesting this is your bedroom.

-OK.

-You've got a downstairs loo just there,

which could easily be converted to a downstairs loo and shower room.

OK.

So the entire end of this house on the ground floor

is the owners' suite.

-Yeah, it certainly could work.

-OK.

But these are just one of many options here. OK?

Upstairs, at the moment, I think that's where your guests will stay.

Let's take a look at one of the rooms.

'The attention to detail continues on the first floor,

'where there are four bedrooms which have all been beautifully finished.'

There is a small single room and two good size doubles,

one of which has an en suite.

There is also a family bathroom.

'But I'm going to show them what could be the biggest letting room.'

-Nice size.

-Isn't it just?

Again, just like with the whole house,

it's to such a standard and the size!

But look at it, look at those views.

Yeah, exactly, you've got the view again.

-That's the Lake District over there.

-Yes.

That is amazing.

-You don't get much better than this, do you?

-No.

-Let's go outside.

-OK.

'There are more surprises in store with this spectacular property

'as there is a barn that is right for development

'and a quarter of an acre of garden.'

Well, what else might make your life interesting is this building here,

which is included in the sale.

I am suggesting you speak to the local planners

and get planner consent for conversion to accommodation.

That'd certainly be a future project.

Yes. Some distance in the future. Let's consider all that we've got.

-How much do you think it is on the market for?

-I think...540.

540. Michael?

I think a little bit less because it's not in the Dales National Park.

-I think 525.

-OK.

Well, you are out, both of you.

It is on the market for 475.

-475?

-475.

-That is a different ballgame altogether. That's...

That's a bit of a shock, actually.

-Yeah. A good shock, by the sounds of it.

-Yeah.

There is a lot of property for that amount.

So, if you like this property, I would suggest that... A -

you need to be fairly close to the asking price and B -

-you won't want to hang around.

-No.

But you can hang around for the next short while, because I think

you should go into this property, but also go into the barn, OK?

-OK.

-Excellent.

-Catch you later.

Well, good surprise.

And, actually, I think this mystery property sits quite happily

in between the first house and the second house.

There are rooms that are already done up, you could let straightaway.

But, on the other hand, it's not quite an up-and-running B&B.

Very interesting.

With a price tag of £475,000,

this detached house is finished

to an exceptionally high standard.

It has a large bespoke farmhouse kitchen

and four bedrooms.

And there is a barn with development potential

as holiday lets.

It needs a bit of work, but, yeah, it could be an additional let.

The layout of the house has certainly got potential to be

moved around for a bed and breakfast.

What stands out, more so, is the quality of the whole place.

It is done to such a high standard.

Looking round, I thought that it would be out of budget.

I thought this was just a nice dream that wouldn't happen,

we wouldn't be able to afford it.

Once we found out the price, that put a different dimension onto it

and it certainly is something to consider.

-All done inside?

-Yes.

-And are you happy with all that you have seen in this property?

-Yes.

You're frowning, does that mean you're thinking about things?

Thinking, yeah. A lot to take in now. A lot to consider.

-Let's find you somewhere to think.

-Good.

-Excellent.

The Dales are a haven for great traditions,

so earlier in the week,

I visited the village of Kettlewell to see why over 15,000 people

flock here every year in August for the annual Scarecrow Festival.

It was started in 1994 by mum Jenny Howarth

as a fundraiser for the local school.

'I have come to discover how in just 17 years this has become

'a major Dales event.'

Jenny, obvious question, what on earth is going on here?

-My mum saw a scarecrow festival over in Lancaster, where I'm from.

-Yeah.

And rang me up and said,

"I've seen a good way to make money."

So I made a little scarecrow of a little boy on a tractor, because my children were small...

-Yeah.

-..and said, "Should we combine the scarecrows with the fun day?"

The money raised from the festival is split between the local school,

the church and the village hall.

I've been asked to judge this year's event,

so the chairman of the festival, Colin Harvey,

is taking me on a tour of the exhibit.

It's great, everyone gets involved, even the church.

You've got whole scenes here, haven't you?

It's also a good test of your knowledge of nursery rhymes

and children's stories, isn't it? What, with Rapunzel up there.

That's the children's favourite.

That's certainly the tallest scarecrow, isn't it?

'There are over 150 scarecrows dotted around the village,'

some of which portray this year's theme, which is interventions.

Visitors are encouraged to walk a particular route

to try and guess what each scarecrow represents.

What is going on here? Oh, wait, now I've got this.

-That's Freddie Mercury.

-Yes.

It's one of the inventions, it's the Hoover Dam.

Right, OK. Whoever lives here is ingenious themselves.

This is just wonderful, isn't it?

I know it is just a display, but I could almost watch this

-for a while. It is going to get a rosette, isn't it?

-Yeah, I think so.

Which one, though? Let's go and find some more.

This is a very hard decision to make, but I think we have a winner.

-It's got to be this, isn't it?

-Oh, yes, definitely.

-Well done, whoever did this. Just deserved.

-Absolutely.

'With such a love of the Dales, I'm sure our buyers would really enjoy'

having this quirky festival right on their doorstep.

Well, with any hope,

I've picked a suitable winner there of all those wonderful scarecrows,

and that's given Michael and Allison enough time to pick

their winner of the three fantastic properties that we've shown them.

Let's just remind ourselves,

It's not just a house we're hoping to find for them,

it's a completely new way of life.

Is a move up here to the rural north

-the right thing for you guys?

-Yep.

-Definitely.

Let's talk about property number one.

-How do you feel about it now?

-Perfect location.

The property itself was good.

-Yeah, that was the best location.

-OK.

That certainly had the most potential to convert

-into a B&B business.

-Your dream B&B business?

-Yes.

Because in the second property, we showed you an up and running B&B.

We are still not entirely convinced on the location.

The plus side being that it was up and running,

we could go in, move in.

There were certain things that we would change.

Well then, finally we got to the mystery house.

It's wonderful.

You cannot fault it as a house.

I think to turn it into the B&B aspect, I think would take a lot.

Why?

Regenerating of the downstairs, for us,

regenerating of one of the rooms upstairs.

I think, to the standard and quality that that was built to,

to do that probably would be a bit too much.

So, does one property have enough to be a favourite for you guys?

-Property one.

-Property number one?

Well, sounds like we could potentially

have found you a property that could be your dream business up here.

So, I wish you the best of luck with that.

But, please, whichever way you go,

-let us know what you finally decide.

-Will do.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

Well, what a great couple of days.

It sounds like we had genuinely three properties that were

in contention this time.

I must say, after catching up with Michael and Allison,

I'm quite surprised at their choice.

I thought the mystery property would be the one for them.

They reacted fantastically to the potential and to the finish there.

It sat quite nicely between the first house that needs work

done to it and the second property that was an up and running B&B.

But I suppose on reflection,

it is outside that target area of the beautiful Dales.

At the end of the day, location so often wins through.

So, for a couple from Bishop Stortford,

if they do go ahead and buy this first property,

this will truly be an escape to the country for them.

See you next time.

After discussing the properties further,

Michael and Allison decided that none of them were quite right,

but are still keen to make the Dales their new home.

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