0:00:01 > 0:00:0424 of these magnificent white horses
0:00:04 > 0:00:07lie scattered across Britain's hillsides.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10And the county I'm in today lays claim to 13 of them,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12the highest concentration in England.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So, where am I? We'll find out in just a moment.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52On today's show, I'll be helping a young married couple
0:00:52 > 0:00:53buy their very first home together.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56We get off to a good start.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I really like it.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Then things just get better.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Oh, wow! I like that very much.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06And from better, it goes to absolute best.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10This is absolutely what we would want.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Today I'm in Wiltshire, a county renowned for the iconic white horses
0:01:18 > 0:01:20etched into its chalky slopes.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24It's thought the very first of these hillside figures date back to Celtic times
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and are an ancient symbol of worship.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30But these Wiltshire white horses are thought to have been made
0:01:30 > 0:01:32up to around 300 years ago
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and they were mainly to commemorate events such as battles or coronations.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39And the tradition is still alive and kicking,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43with the Devizes white horse being created to mark the millennium.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45But these striking landmarks
0:01:45 > 0:01:49are not the only things this fantastic county has going for it.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Lying in the south of England,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54the large, land-locked county of Wiltshire
0:01:54 > 0:01:56is bordered by six other counties,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59including Hampshire and Somerset
0:01:59 > 0:02:02in a prime spot at the gateway to the West Country.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Wiltshire is a particularly attractive, mostly rural, portion of the country,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11nearly half of which has been designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The north-western pocket lies within the Cotswolds
0:02:14 > 0:02:18on the edge of which is the stately market town of Bradford on Avon
0:02:18 > 0:02:21which grew in the 18th and 19th centuries
0:02:21 > 0:02:24on the back of its prosperous wool trade.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Many fine examples of historic architecture line the town's streets,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30notably the Church of St Lawrence,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32dating back to the eighth century.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Moving further back in time,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Wiltshire's landscape reveals much about ancient civilisations
0:02:37 > 0:02:39who have left their long-lasting mark here.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Most famous, perhaps, are the Neolithic stone circles at Avebury
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and, of course, Stonehenge,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50which proudly stands on the undulating chalk downs of Salisbury Plain.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Flowing serenely through the county,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55the 87-mile-long Kennet and Avon canal
0:02:55 > 0:02:58was built at the turn of the 19th century.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02This inland waterway weaves its way past Wiltshire's most spectacular sights
0:03:02 > 0:03:06via the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks
0:03:06 > 0:03:10that raise the canal over 200 feet in just under two miles.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14The route is also popular with walkers and cyclists
0:03:14 > 0:03:18who come here to experience this county's wonderful tranquil scenery.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24You certainly pay a premium for all this beauty here in Wiltshire.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30The average price of a detached property currently stands at £289,000.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35That's 38,000 or 14% more than the national figure.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38What's more, around hotspots like Marlborough
0:03:38 > 0:03:41or the southern Cotswolds villages like here in Castle Combe,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45you can expect to pay a premium of 15 to 20%.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47However, your money will go a little further
0:03:47 > 0:03:51if you head towards the towns of Melksham or somewhere like Trowbridge
0:03:51 > 0:03:52in the south of the county.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55But wherever you're looking, you can rest assured
0:03:55 > 0:03:59that this historic county is home to a rich mix of period property styles.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04The dramatic variations in geology across Wiltshire
0:04:04 > 0:04:07account for the huge variety of building materials used here.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Distinctive honey-coloured limestone from the Cotswold belt
0:04:11 > 0:04:14has been used to construct many properties to the north-west of the county.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Castle Combe must be one of the loveliest villages in the region
0:04:18 > 0:04:23that showcases 15th and 16th-century limestone homes at their finest.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25This detached four-bedroomed thatched cottage
0:04:25 > 0:04:28is a prime example of the local vernacular
0:04:28 > 0:04:33and is currently on the market for a premium price tag of £850,000.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38The mellow Cotswold stone gives way to red brick towards the east of the county.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The main street in the market town of Marlborough
0:04:41 > 0:04:44retains many Tudor houses and Georgian colonnaded shops.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49Just outside the centre, this four bedroomed semi-detached Edwardian family home
0:04:49 > 0:04:51continues that period theme
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and comes with a price tag of £490,000.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01What a fantastic array of architectural styles there.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04But will we find anything to impress this week's couple?
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Let's meet them.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11Today's urban escapees are husband and wife duo Andrew and Rebecca,
0:05:11 > 0:05:17who have been married for two years and share this contemporary two-bed flat in south-west London.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I bought the flat about six or seven years ago.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24When I bought it, I was a young, single man living on his own in London.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Miserable!- I was very happy!
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And then Becky came along and I was even happier!
0:05:30 > 0:05:34For me, it's a bit masculine and soulless.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38It does have a soul. It's just a very ice cool soul!
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Not only has the temperature dipped in Andrew's flat,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45but they've also got cold feet about the city, too.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48We've outgrown the flat and we've outgrown London.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Neither are suitable for what we want moving forward.
0:05:52 > 0:05:58We want the space and the elbow room to have a family, to have dogs.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02So it's a new home, a new area and a new business.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07For the last seven years I've been what's called an associate dentist
0:06:07 > 0:06:08in a practice here in London.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14I feel that I've learned all I can there and I'm ready to apply everything I've learned
0:06:14 > 0:06:19in a practice of my own, to realise my own vision if I can.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22And whilst Andrew is perfecting the smiles of his neighbours,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Becky will be commuting back into London, where she works as a project manager.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Although she does also have a few entrepreneurial ideas up her sleeve.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36I like to make my own cards and little interior things round the house.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Crafty picture frames or the odd cushion cover.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41All a bit wonky and a bit quirky,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45but I don't mind that. I like that.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47It's no surprise, then, that when it comes to the house
0:06:47 > 0:06:50it's a battle of clinical versus creative.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53I really like minimalism.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57But I much prefer lots of rooms
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and character and features.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04But I'm quite easy. As long as there's a garden and a garage, I'm pretty easy.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07This is the first time they've bought a house together,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09so it could be an interesting journey.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Wiltshire provides the ideal middle ground between Andrew's old uni friends in Wales
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and Rebecca's family in Leicestershire.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18And they're excited about getting to know the region better.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21I'm looking forward to exploring the local area.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25The high streets, the points of interest, bits of history.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28And basically, lots of exploring in the countryside.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32I'm really looking forward to getting back out on my bike again
0:07:32 > 0:07:35and being closer to the coast so I can go surfing
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and exploring the local pubs and that kind of thing!
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Plus some good food.- Obviously.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43The London flat is on the market
0:07:43 > 0:07:48and they have a clear idea of what they're willing to spend on their new Wiltshire home.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51The budget for the move is £450,000.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Proximity to road and rail links
0:07:59 > 0:08:02is vital to Andrew and Becky for their work commutes.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05So our house search will concentrate
0:08:05 > 0:08:08on the villages around Marlborough towards the north of the county,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10all with easy access to the motorway.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Time for us all to step into Wiltshire
0:08:13 > 0:08:15to nail the specifics of what they're looking for.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- Hello, Becky and Andrew.- Hi.- Hi. - Thank you for bringing me to Wiltshire.
0:08:20 > 0:08:21A gorgeous county, isn't it?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Really beautiful.- Very different to London.- Very different, yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28We live in a flat in London. There's a lot of people around us.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33So we love the idea of having a house that's not attached to any other houses
0:08:33 > 0:08:36that has maybe some sort of a garden around it.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I love the idea of a garage or something like that,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42but Becky has a better idea of what she'd like.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Very relaxed, Andrew. "Yeah, maybe a garden. Oh, a bit of a garage"!
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- It'll be fine.- Becky, details!
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Yes, definitely a garden. Definitely a garage.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Time for a couple more bedrooms.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57A place where we can entertain and relax.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00I grew up in Ireland and we had about an acre of land around us.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05I remember as a kid running around the house and playing in the garden.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07So I love the idea of having a bit of space around us.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09That's the most important thing for me.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13I'm sure you can imagine this is a very popular beautiful part of the world.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17So it can be a bit challenging to get everything that you want.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18- Yes.- Are you prepared for that?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23You might have to work with her a bit on that!
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- I might cry.- You might.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Or you might smile. I hope you find the house you love.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30We have got three stunning properties to show you.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Are you ready?- Ready.- Yeah. - Come on. Let's go.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54As for the property style,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57the jury's out on whether it should be characterful and cosy
0:09:57 > 0:09:59or cool and contemporary.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02We've got a selection of stunning properties
0:10:02 > 0:10:05which we hope will appeal to our buyers' differing tastes.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08But, as ever, I won't be revealing the price of each
0:10:08 > 0:10:10until they've had a guess first.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Then the finale will be the mystery property.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16But could it be too close for comfort?
0:10:23 > 0:10:27We have some spectacular countryside to serve up with our first property,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29which is in the small hamlet of Honeystreet,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31but just a ten-minute drive from Pewsey
0:10:31 > 0:10:35that has a direct train into London which takes just over an hour.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Honeystreet is set in a quiet rural area
0:10:38 > 0:10:41but benefits from a 200-year-old local pub
0:10:41 > 0:10:43which sits on the banks of the Kennet and Avon canal.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47And our first property is a 300-year-old cottage
0:10:47 > 0:10:50framed by a box hedge and wooden gate
0:10:50 > 0:10:53that looks as sweet as the village name would suggest.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Right, my favourite part. Property number one.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Now, Becky, you love history.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Yes.- This house has bags of it.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- 1680.- You're kidding!
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Wow.- No, Grade II listed.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Ooh.- Wow!
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Oh, it says that on the chimney.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Oh, my goodness.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Proper old!
0:11:18 > 0:11:20It's beautiful.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22And it's detached.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Are you ready to start our Magical Mystery Tour?- Absolutely. - Let's head inside.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32'They seem awe-struck by the exterior of our 17th-century property.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36'And as they'll see, that historic charm continues inside.'
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Right. Come on in.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44Silence!
0:11:44 > 0:11:46What do you think?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49I really like it!
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Yeah? No, brilliant.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Very interesting. Very interesting.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59It's interesting and quirky. The first bit I want to show you is the kitchen, through here.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Becky, what do you think of this as a kitchen?
0:12:05 > 0:12:09It's not as big as I would have hoped.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14It's not really the family-gathering entertaining space.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16I quite like it. I do quite like it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Yeah, it is a little bit small,
0:12:18 > 0:12:23but small and perfectly proportioned, I would have thought.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24I really like it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28If it's woodwork that you like, you'll love looking at these other rooms.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Come this way.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36You've got this great space here
0:12:36 > 0:12:40which leads through to the main living room.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Oh, wow. Oh, wow!
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- Oh.- I like that very much.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50That is lovely.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- That's amazing.- Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:12:52 > 0:12:56That is the sort of fireplace I'd sort of hoped for.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58It's beautiful.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- It's very cosy.- I really like it.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Andrew, you're surprising me. - I'm surprising myself!
0:13:04 > 0:13:10I wasn't sure how you'd feel about this, given you love clean lines and open spaces. Not too many bits.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I do really like it.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Well, Andrew's reaction is a real revelation.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20Although this cottage is a complete contrast to the modern open-plan living he's used to,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22he seems to be warming to it.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25The layout here in this property
0:13:25 > 0:13:27is slightly unconventional,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30being that the family bathroom is down on the ground floor,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34just off the hallway, alongside a separate WC.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37There are also a further two reception areas
0:13:37 > 0:13:41at the back of the property, which could be used as a dining room and study,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43but are both currently set up as bedrooms.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46This could be handy when Becky and Andrew's family grows
0:13:46 > 0:13:48or for visiting friends and family.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Upstairs on the first floor
0:13:51 > 0:13:52are the two remaining bedrooms.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Right. Through here.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Pretty good sized master bedroom, I think, for a cottage.- Yeah.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I would... Wow, yeah. No, I would agree.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07That is a good size.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I've got to let you know, though, no en-suite, as you can see.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15It still feels quite spacious, even though it does feel cosy.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17It seems to be working quite well, so far.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Let's see if you like the garden just as much.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21And see if you like the price, too.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23After you, guys.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27'So far, so good for this delightful property.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30'And the garden continues in a similar vein
0:14:30 > 0:14:33'with hidden pockets that include a vegetable patch,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36'a patio area and a single garage for Andrew.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40'What's more, it's neighboured by cattle from the local dairy farm
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'and set against the backdrop of the Alton Barnes white horse.'
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Woo. OK.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Your garden. Manageable?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Very, yes. Yeah, very much.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54It's a good size. Not too obvious. Not too tailored.
0:14:54 > 0:15:00- Fantastic.- And surrounded by history. Gorgeous characterful house.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- Charming.- Charming. Interesting. Fun. Quirky.- Made Andrew smile.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Yeah.- Will the price make you smile? How much do you think you'd have to pay for this to be yours?
0:15:08 > 0:15:12I'd say it's probably on the market for about...410.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- OK.- I think this is more the top end of our budget.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I'd probably place it at £430,000.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26It comes in at £399,000.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- That definitely makes it worth considering.- It does, doesn't it?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Why don't you go think about it? - A nice little surprise. - Have another look around
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- with that new information with you. - OK.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- I'll come and see you later on. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42'A healthy £51,000 under budget,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46'our first property is a charming, detached, Grade II listed cottage.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49'The layout currently lends itself
0:15:49 > 0:15:52'to two reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room
0:15:52 > 0:15:54'and four bedrooms.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58'Outside, the pretty cottage garden has Andrew's all-important garage.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02'The location is in a quiet hamlet surrounded by pasture land.'
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I did think that the layout of the house
0:16:06 > 0:16:10was going to be small, boxy rooms.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14The downstairs I actually was pleasantly surprised with.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19The rooms were bigger. The nooks worked very well. Not too boxy.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23The overall feeling from the cottage is that I like it very much.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26But I like more what could be done with it.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Hey, there.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30It's tipping it down now.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32But you're still smiling, which is lovely.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Come on.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50Wiltshire's dramatic landscape is home to some of Britain's most ancient architecture.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53It includes the Neolithic sarsens of Stonehenge
0:16:53 > 0:16:55and even older still,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57the Megalithic stones at Avebury,
0:16:57 > 0:17:01the village that marks the starting point of the Neolithic marathon.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05This event was created to raise funds for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
0:17:05 > 0:17:09and it's now become one of the sporting highlights in the county's cultural calendar.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12We arranged for our fitness-loving couple
0:17:12 > 0:17:15to experience the first leg of this scenic and energetic trail
0:17:15 > 0:17:17with Trust volunteer, Derek Guard.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- Hello. Welcome to Avebury.- Hi.- Great to see you. You'll enjoy this.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27It's 26 miles from the historical centre of Avebury here
0:17:27 > 0:17:30with these lovely sarsen stones all around us
0:17:30 > 0:17:32going all the way to Stonehenge.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34How far will we be going today?
0:17:34 > 0:17:37About six miles. Just take in this mystical place
0:17:37 > 0:17:39cos there's energy here from all these stones.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Just touch the stone and feel it.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- I need all the help I can get! - Are you ready?
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- I'm energised.- Come on, then. - Let's go.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52'The unique cross country trail links the two World Heritage sites
0:17:52 > 0:17:57'at Stonehenge and Avebury through some of the region's most glorious countryside,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59'be it on foot or by bike.'
0:18:00 > 0:18:02This is a good place to stop.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04We can see in the distance Silbury Hill.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09Silbury Hill is the largest man-made monument in Europe.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It's the same size as one of the smaller pyramids in Egypt.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Nobody really knows why it was built.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- It's about 2,400 years old.- Wow.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- OK. Shall we carry on?- Yeah. - Let's go.- Feeling good.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25'Sponsorship money raised by competitors
0:18:25 > 0:18:29'plays a vital role in helping protect Wiltshire's native wildlife
0:18:29 > 0:18:33as well as improving and maintaining their natural habitat.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36So what kind of prizes are there for the event?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40We don't give any prizes away, but when you've finished the 26 miles,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42we give you a gold medal.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45When I say gold, it's gold-plated!
0:18:45 > 0:18:48And you get free entry to Stonehenge.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- And we give you some food, because after 26 miles, you deserve something to eat!- Brilliant.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58'The finish line for Andrew and Becky is the summit of Tan Hill,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00'one of the highest points in the county
0:19:00 > 0:19:05'and which offers a rewarding panoramic view across to the Cotswolds and Mendips.'
0:19:07 > 0:19:08Brilliant.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Fantastic. That is amazing.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Isn't that fantastic? - That is absolutely beautiful.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Our buyers have a year to get fit for the next marathon between these iconic sites.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25But we have just a couple of days to find them a winning property.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So with one house down, let's keep the momentum going.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Our next destination is situated further north of the county
0:19:40 > 0:19:42in the village of Bradenstoke,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45conveniently located for easy access to the M4
0:19:45 > 0:19:49and just over ten miles from a mainline railway station into central London.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Bradenstoke is another attractive location
0:19:53 > 0:19:56and offers a few more amenities than our first property,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59including a pub and a village store.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Right in the heart of the village lies our second proposition,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06which will hopefully offer them the upsize they're after.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Right. Property number two.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Very different, I would say.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Yeah, definitely. It looks a lot bigger.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- A lot bigger.- And I'd say a lot newer.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21You're right. It's a lot bigger looking.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Newer, yes,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- but still dates back to the 1800s. - Really?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28This used to be a farmhouse.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30So it does have some history still.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Brilliant.- Nice.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33It looks very impressive.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36It looks really big compared to the last one we saw.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38And yeah, fantastic.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41It still looks like it has character.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Shall I show you some character? Would you like to "wow"?- Yes.- Yes.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Let's go.- OK.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49'First impressions are drawing our buyers in,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52'so let's see if we can up-scale those reactions inside,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56'as in true farmhouse tradition, we enter using the back door.'
0:20:56 > 0:20:57Right.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- I think this is a bit bigger!- Whoa!
0:21:02 > 0:21:05That's much bigger. Wow. That's brilliant.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Oh, my goodness!- If you step forward a bit,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11you can really get a feel of how much space you have.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15You don't just have the kitchen, there's a seating area round there.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Oh, blimey!
0:21:18 > 0:21:20This is a lovely size.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It's a really sociable kitchen, isn't it?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25And, with all this space, you have yet more.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Through there is a good-sized utility room as well.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33I didn't think we'd be able to find anything this big for a kitchen.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36This house is big.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Lots more to see. Come on.- OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42'I think that's top marks for the kitchen.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44'So let's hope the next room makes the grade.'
0:21:46 > 0:21:49This is the second reception room.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53There's another one on the other side of the stairwell.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Yeah.- Wow.- Two reception rooms. That's nice.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- It got a wow!- Yeah.- That fireplace is fantastic.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01I feel...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04like I can see our things here.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08This is absolutely what I would want.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13So it's got two reception rooms. If it had a third, how would you feel about that?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- That would be absolutely no problem at all.- Amazing.- Good.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Cos it has. It's this way.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23It's a good size, as well.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Oh, blimey!
0:22:25 > 0:22:26Brilliant.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Definitely suggests man cave. This would obviously be my room!
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- I was about to ask, what would you do with this space?- Make it my room.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- Definitely.- You and the future dog can sit in here.- Fine! Absolutely fine.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41'Upstairs, the space is just as impressive
0:22:41 > 0:22:43'and provides five bedrooms in total,
0:22:43 > 0:22:47'four of which make use of a modern family bathroom.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49'They include two large double bedrooms,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51'one with attractive sash windows,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54'and lying between them is a cosier double.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'The smallest room is currently being used as a study
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'and that just leaves the room for Andrew and Becky.'
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Right, you've got a bathroom there,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09which really only serves this room, which is the master bedroom.
0:23:11 > 0:23:12Wow!
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Yes, this is big again. Really big.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17I'm just seeing this fireplace behind you.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Yes, and some hidden charm as well.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- This is a working fireplace, so cosy nights in for the two of you? - Absolutely brilliant.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- That is a nice touch.- Loving it? - Yeah.- I really am.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Let's go see the garden, then. That's the only bit left to see.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Let's go.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39'Moving outside, there's a garage that no doubt Andrew will find useful.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42'And the compact garden has been divided into a lawned area
0:23:42 > 0:23:44'with a large decked terrace.'
0:23:47 > 0:23:48Here we go.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52From over here, you get another view of the house.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Yes. You can see how big it is from out here, can't you?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58OK, you like it. It's big.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01But how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'd be surprised if it was on for 475.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I'd really be interested. But I'd say it's more like 500.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09OK.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14I think it would be more than our budget.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Maybe £465,000.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18OK.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Well, what if it were on for 450?
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Oh!
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- That's really...- That's a lot of house for the money.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- That is good news.- That's really good news, yes.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34That's... I... We really need to have a think about this.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37There are a lot of rooms in there.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- Yep.- Go and explore them a little
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- and have a think about it.- OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- I will find you somewhere in the big mansion.- OK.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Coming in exactly on budget
0:24:48 > 0:24:50at £450,000,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54the second property is an impressive detached former farmhouse
0:24:54 > 0:24:57with a price tag that's music to our buyers' ears.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14From the outside, the house looks really big.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17And when you come inside, if anything it feels even bigger.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20I couldn't believe how large the kitchen was
0:25:20 > 0:25:24and that there was initially we thought two reception rooms
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and then there was the third. It kept going on and on.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So yes, absolutely brilliant.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30When I first saw the front of the house,
0:25:30 > 0:25:35I thought it was obviously much bigger than the other one
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and I was really quite impressed with the height
0:25:38 > 0:25:40and stature of it.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I loved the red brick.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45All the rooms were really functional and practical
0:25:45 > 0:25:50as well as being picturesque and with lovely features.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53So I have lots to think about
0:25:53 > 0:25:56because I'm impressed and potentially excited.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Coming down here. Seen everything? - Yep.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Yeah.- Got a real feel for the place?- Yeah.- I think so.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- It's been a long day, hasn't it? - A long day.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08We've still got another house to look at, but that's tomorrow.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Come on.- OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22With the day drawing to a close,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Andrew and Becky have time to reflect
0:26:24 > 0:26:26on the two properties they've seen so far
0:26:26 > 0:26:30as the first stage of our house hunt comes to an end.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40On a budget of £450,000
0:26:40 > 0:26:44London-based couple Andrew and Becky are desperate to quit the city
0:26:44 > 0:26:48and move towards a new life together in the Wiltshire countryside
0:26:48 > 0:26:51where they hope to extend the family, starting with a dog.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54They've already viewed two outstanding properties,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57either of which could make their idyllic country home.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01But coming up, our mystery property leaves them flabbergasted.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I... This is stunning.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Absolutely beautiful.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Oh!
0:27:08 > 0:27:11I really like this.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And I catch up with one of our previous Wiltshire house-buyers
0:27:14 > 0:27:16who's very much at home here.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22I'm really pleased with how yesterday went.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27I think Andrew and Becky have really embraced this in a positive and enthusiastic way.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29And it looks like the weather is brightening up as well.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32But today it's the mystery house,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36and, as ever, we're going to take them to something that they would have dismissed on paper.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39But I have a feeling, if there's any house that's going to change their minds,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41it'll be this one.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46It's the mystery house today. Are you worried?
0:27:46 > 0:27:49BOTH: No!
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Courses not. And neighbours and community. How are you feeling about that?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55As long as there was a little bit of room around us,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58you know, I was quite happy.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- And...- Go on.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Your tolerance for the proximity of people has lessened.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06It's lessened with the impressiveness of the houses you've shown us!
0:28:09 > 0:28:10'Well, that's very good to hear,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14'as the mystery house will definitely test their neighbourly goodwill.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'And to get there, we're heading back to Bradenstoke,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19'where our second property was located.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23'Becky and Andrew can't wait to embrace village life
0:28:23 > 0:28:25'and Bradenstoke is home to a vibrant community.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30'So this time around, we're going to experience a little more of the area
0:28:30 > 0:28:32'and in particular, the village's dog-walking field,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35'where local resident Sue and her pet dog
0:28:35 > 0:28:37'are out to stretch their legs.'
0:28:37 > 0:28:38Is this your little one?
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Yes, this is Skye.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44She's a Jack Russell cross Maltese and she's almost two.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49She likes coming up here, playing with all her friends.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52We've got quite a few dogs in the village at the moment.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- Isn't it a wonderful facility?- It's a really communal area, isn't it?
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Do you get to know people through coming here?- You do.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01In this village, most people own a dog.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04If you don't own a dog, you own a horse.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Right. We'll get a dog, then!
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Well, if we're going to get any chance of you doing any dog walking round here,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- we have to find a property first. - Yes.- Yes.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17We'll have to leave you now, but thanks very much for your time.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- Thank you.- Nice to meet you.- Bye.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24'Leaving the dogs to enjoy a run-around,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26'let's unveil the mystery property.'
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Right. Time for the mystery house.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33The mystery property is attached.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- Right.- Ah.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- And it's not that one!- OK.- OK.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- It's this one.- OK.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41Ah.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43The good news is, it used to be a pub!
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Fantastic!
0:29:45 > 0:29:50It was divided up in the '90s and renovated completely.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52But it's Grade II listed, 17th century,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54so still lots of history.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I know it's a bit unfair, cos you can't see much of it.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- What are your first thoughts?- Small!
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Yes, but it's the end, isn't it?
0:30:03 > 0:30:05It's still lovely.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Let me show you more of the property. It's really not that small!
0:30:08 > 0:30:09OK.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13'First appearances are definitely deceiving with this mystery house.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16'Although we know they have strong feelings about being attached,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19'I think they should reserve judgement,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22'as there's so much more to this property inside than they would expect.'
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Oh, crikey!
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Ah, you're kidding us! This is stunning!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Absolutely beautiful!
0:30:34 > 0:30:36I really like this.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- There's a pantry!- There's a pantry
0:30:38 > 0:30:41and there's a utility room/ laundry room.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43A lovely central island. Nice and big.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47I love the sink in the central island and the wooden work surfaces.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- Really, really nice. - Good units. Lots of space.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Oh, I really like this!
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Then you'll love this bit, too. Let's go to the sitting room.- OK.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57- After you.- Thank you.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02So here you go.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Oh, this is nice.- Cosy living room.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06Beautiful again.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Wood-burning stove. Great fireplace.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Yes, fireplace.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13That is good.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15This is a lovely room. Very warm.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Feels very comfortable, homely.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20I can't wait to see upstairs now.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- This is feeling very good. - Yeah, it is.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Let's go and check out the bedrooms.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30'I think it's safe to say we're onto a winner with our mystery property.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34'It's certainly getting very positive reactions from all parties.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'Let's hope the sleeping arrangements hit the mark as well.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41'There's a shower room off the utility room downstairs
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'and upstairs, the bathing options are really rather special.'
0:31:45 > 0:31:47We're on the way to the master bedroom,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50but I thought you might want to see the bathroom.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Ooh!
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- Ooh!- Oh, it's brilliant.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58That is pretty "Let's not do anything to it" brilliant.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Do you remember the his and hers sinks that you said you'd really like some day?
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- Come and look at the master bedroom. - You go first.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Here we go.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12This could be for the two of you.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Oh, this is lovely again.
0:32:14 > 0:32:15It's big!
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- Good size.- So you like the size?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Yep. Storage. - And that's a big bed, isn't it?
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Yeah, it's huge.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27So it's a four-bedroomed property. This is definitely the biggest.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- OK?- Yeah, definitely.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- You've gone a bit quiet. - Yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I... Yeah, I've run out of superlatives!
0:32:35 > 0:32:40'The three remaining bedrooms include a double with exposed brickwork,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43'and then there are two slightly smaller bedrooms.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46'With the accommodation options covered,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50'all that remains is to see if they're as blown away by the space outside.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53'The house has been renovated to an exceptional standard
0:32:53 > 0:32:56'and the garden certainly wasn't an after-thought.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59'It features lovely lawned areas,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01'a well-stocked pond and a double garage.'
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- You've seen it all. - Yeah, I really... I like...
0:33:05 > 0:33:08I mean, I love the size of the garage
0:33:08 > 0:33:13and I like this more functional bit and the garden is gorgeous.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16I really like everything.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Ooh, so that makes the big question all the more important.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:33:23 > 0:33:26I'm gonna say maybe 475.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28OK.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Yeah. I think it's gonna be over our budget.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35So I would have said £460,000.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37This house is on the market
0:33:37 > 0:33:43at five pounds short of £450,000.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45BECKY GIGGLES
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Get your thinking caps on, because the next stage will be some decisions to be made.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Yeah.- Go on. I'll see you later on.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Go and look at that garden.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59I have a warm feeling inside. It's so nice!
0:33:59 > 0:34:01This is the first time they've house-hunted together.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05And what I love about this property is that they walked in and they just had that feeling.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Could this be the one?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Coming in just under their £450,000 budget,
0:34:12 > 0:34:18'our mystery property is a wonderful Grade II listed semi-detached cottage
0:34:18 > 0:34:20with a wealth of character throughout.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It has a fantastic, spacious country kitchen/ diner,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26and a sitting room complete with a wood-burning stove.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- This is great.- That's brilliant.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- It's huge! I like all the storage here that they've built in.- Yeah.
0:34:43 > 0:34:44Brilliant.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46As I came round the corner,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49and I started to see the face of the house,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53it was obviously much larger. It was really pretty.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57It's absolutely lovely. Exactly the sort of thing I would look for.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01The first house we saw had that whole magical, mystical feel about it,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03which appealed to Becky.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08The second house had the more modern practical feel to it, which appealed to me.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12This house combines both. It's bang on the money.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15We're both really impressed by it.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It's as close to perfect as could be found, I think.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I love these details!
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Hello?- Hello! You haven't moved in yet!
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- Nearly!- I've come to turf you out.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Thank you.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- Did you enjoy that?- Really did. - Yeah.- It's beautiful.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- It's been a great couple of days, hasn't it?- Really enjoyed it. - Really good fun.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- Time to find somewhere to sit down and mull it over.- Yes.- OK.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54On Escape to the Country, we're often asked
0:35:54 > 0:35:56what happens to our buyers once they've made the move
0:35:56 > 0:35:58and how their lives have changed.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Since we're in Wiltshire, we've come to this pretty village near Salisbury
0:36:02 > 0:36:06to meet a lady who should be able to answer some of those questions.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10A year ago, we came to the aid of Linda
0:36:10 > 0:36:12who was being helped by her friend, Liz,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15to make her first-ever move from her childhood home in London,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19as it was being demolished by developers within six weeks.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Fortunately, she was offered a very healthy sum of money for the plot,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26enabling Linda to retire from her work as a PA
0:36:26 > 0:36:28and follow her dream by moving to Wiltshire.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33Her property hunt with Jules Hudson got off to a very positive start.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35OK, ladies, here we are.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Oh, that looks lovely!
0:36:37 > 0:36:41It's very, very promising. Just the sort of style I was looking for.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44On her wish list was the desire for four bedrooms
0:36:44 > 0:36:45to accommodate visiting friends
0:36:45 > 0:36:47as well as a spacious kitchen.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50This is it.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51Oh, that's lovely. Yes.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56- An island unit. Plenty of cupboard space. Yes.- Granite tops.- Yes.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58'And the price was on the money, too.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02'Linda fell in love with this beautiful period house
0:37:02 > 0:37:04'and in the end, the other two properties we showed her
0:37:04 > 0:37:06'just couldn't compete.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'So she took the plunge, bought her first-ever house
0:37:09 > 0:37:11'and moved in some six months ago.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16'I've come to meet Linda to find out how she's enjoying her new life.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:23- Hello, Linda. Denise.- Hi, Denise. Lovely to meet you.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24- Do come in.- Thank you.
0:37:31 > 0:37:36- Linda, this kitchen is gorgeous! - It's lovely, isn't it? I'm very pleased with it.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Having the help of Escape to the Country was absolutely invaluable.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42This was the very first house Jules showed you.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It wasn't just the first house I saw on Escape to the Country,
0:37:45 > 0:37:46it was the first house I saw at all.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50I fell in love with it absolutely immediately.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I was a real townie. I've never lived in the country before.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54It's been a whole new experience.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59When I've been in the village store, people say, "Are you the lady that was on TV?"
0:37:59 > 0:38:00and we've got chatting.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05- So that's broken the ice a few times.- I'm glad we helped not only find you a home,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- but find you friends, as well! - Oh, you have!
0:38:07 > 0:38:10'The house has certainly lived up to expectations.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13'And the peaceful garden has been a revelation, too.'
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- It is stunning!- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Another unexpected bonus is the number of birds that I get here.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23You do look so relaxed and happy.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25I think relaxed is definitely the phrase I'd use.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28People said that when they used to see me before I moved,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I was all tense and my shoulders were hunched up.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And now it's noticeable how much more relaxed I am.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37And happy. I'm so happy, I can't believe it.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- It's incredible. - And it's not just this house, is it?
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- You've really embraced the community and they've embraced you, too. - Very much so.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I feel so welcome.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48'And where better to meet Linda's new-found friends
0:38:48 > 0:38:49'than at the local pub?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52'It's only a short walk away from Linda's home.'
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Denise, welcome to The Fountain.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59A-ha!
0:38:59 > 0:39:00This is home from home, is it?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It certainly is, yes. I spend many a happy hour here!
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Hello!
0:39:04 > 0:39:07ALL GREET EACH OTHER
0:39:09 > 0:39:13This is my friend, Annie, who's responsible for my downfall!
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Linda moved here in December, and I moved here in October.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Exactly the same as Linda, I've made so many friends.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- Real friends here. Just struck lucky.- No, it's been brilliant.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I'm sure it has a lot to do with all of you.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Not just luck, the way you've approached it all.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29The way you welcome everyone in.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32I'm feeling very cosy and welcome! I could happily sit here!
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Oh, well, do!
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I have to get back to work. There's another lovely couple hoping to make Wiltshire their home.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I recommend it. Tell them to go for it!
0:39:39 > 0:39:41I will. I hope they choose one of our properties.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- So I wish you luck!- Thank you!
0:39:44 > 0:39:47'There's no doubt that moving to the Wiltshire countryside
0:39:47 > 0:39:49'has transformed Linda's life for the better.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52'And now it's time to see if the county has worked its magic
0:39:52 > 0:39:54'on Becky and Andrew, too.'
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- We've had a fun couple of days, haven't we?- Really have.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01First time house-hunting together. Growing-up time!
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Yes!
0:40:03 > 0:40:04You liked all of our houses, I think.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Let's go through all of them.
0:40:06 > 0:40:12We started with something very old. What did you think of the first house?
0:40:12 > 0:40:18I was completely in love with the outside of it when I saw it.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It was magical.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24As we moved round, it was apparent that it didn't have the space we wanted.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26It was such a special little house.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29But our overriding opinion
0:40:29 > 0:40:32was what will we have to do to make this right for us?
0:40:32 > 0:40:35What you probably learnt from that first property
0:40:35 > 0:40:39is the compromises that come with something quite so old
0:40:39 > 0:40:43with all the higgledy-piggledy and nooks and crannies you're looking for.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46So it was really nice to then take you to something very different.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48The second property was huge in comparison.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54The first thing that hits you when you look at that property is the size.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Five bedrooms, three reception rooms, huge kitchen.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01We were already very excited about what we could do with it.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06But it would almost be having rooms for rooms' sake downstairs.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Especially while there is just the two of us at the moment.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11And then we had the mystery house.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16I love the mystery property because if there's one thing you said you definitely did not want,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19it was a house that wasn't detached.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21What were your first thoughts as we walked up?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24As we walked up, we were both a bit confused as to what we were looking at.
0:41:24 > 0:41:30Initially I was quite disappointed. I thought, "It's quite small and it's attached. This is not for me."
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I was really impressed when we came round the corner.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37The first thing that struck me is it's much bigger than I thought.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41The original part that was the old pub,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45the exposed woodwork, the two open fires,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48one in the living area, one in the kitchen,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50which I thought was really nice.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And then the kitchen itself, with the central island.
0:41:53 > 0:41:59It was quite a modern, functional kitchen but with the range and the farmhouse feel.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03So, I think it was a great journey. Three houses that you seemed to like each one more and more.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08But the big question is, of course, what's next? Will you go for any of them?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12I think we're going to have a really hard think about it.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- There's no doubt that the final house was...- Would fit the bill.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Was as close to perfect as I think we could find.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23We would seriously consider putting an offer in.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Oh, that's music to my ears! I love it!
0:42:25 > 0:42:29And what I want to know is, you put an offer in
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and you've moved in, I'll come back for a barbie!
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- Sounds good.- We'll let you know.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Best of luck. Let us know how you get on.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47Andrew and Becky have certainly chosen a beautiful part of the country to move to.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51I think that the energy and fun with which they've undertaken this property search
0:42:51 > 0:42:53has really served them well,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56especially when it came to our mystery house
0:42:56 > 0:42:58which I think could be the one for them.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00But it does just go to show
0:43:00 > 0:43:02that sometimes when you focus on the things you don't want
0:43:02 > 0:43:06you could miss out on something that's just for you.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08I'll see you next time on Escape to the Country.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12I'm absolutely delighted that Becky and Andrew
0:43:12 > 0:43:16did actually put in an offer on the mystery house that's been accepted.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21They have their hearts set on getting two spaniels as soon as they move.
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