0:00:02 > 0:00:03For today's Escape To The Country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06we've come to a county that, for many, epitomises the beauty
0:00:06 > 0:00:09of the English landscape. But back in the 18th century,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12this picturesque little town behind me
0:00:12 > 0:00:16was once at the smoky centre of the industrial revolution.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Where are we? Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52On today's show, I'll be helping a couple who want to get back
0:00:52 > 0:00:55to their roots in the British countryside.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58And early on, they fall head over heels at one of our properties.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02That was really a surprise. I didn't expect to see that in here.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06But then the mystery house really gives them something to think about.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08There's something different in each room.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Something quirky, something unique to each room.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Today, we're in Shropshire.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19This, of course, is its world famous Ironbridge.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23When this 400 tonne structure was completed back in 1781,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27it kick-started a revolution that not only changed British history
0:01:27 > 0:01:29but world history as well.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32No surprise, therefore, that this entire area has now been designated
0:01:32 > 0:01:34a World Heritage Site.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38There's also a much softer side to the region's industrial past.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Later on in the show, I'll be taking a closer look
0:01:41 > 0:01:45at Britain's last remaining factory that produces these, teddies.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Ah! Don't you just love them?
0:01:48 > 0:01:51The county of Shropshire shares its border
0:01:51 > 0:01:54with Wales to the west, Cheshire to the north
0:01:54 > 0:01:56and Herefordshire to the south.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Despite its industrial past, the region's low population density
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and high proportion of countryside properties makes it
0:02:03 > 0:02:07one of the UK's most secluded counties to escape to.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10However, peace has not always reigned here.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14The large number of castles and forts in this county,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16an impressive 32 in total,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20include many imposing medieval ruins, like that of Ludlow Castle.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Each one stands testament to the area's war-torn history.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28But it's not just history that this county has in abundance.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30There's fantastic scenery, too,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33in the shape of the stunning hilltops of the Stiperstones
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and the heathland of the Long Mynd.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Just two of the county's beautiful and mysterious landscapes worth exploring.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49If you do fancy owning a little slice of Shropshire's real estate,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53it's worth considering that at just shy of £238,000,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56the average detached property here
0:02:56 > 0:02:58is a cool 15 grand under the national average.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02On the surface, it does represent pretty good value for money,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05but beware, across the county, prices can vary hugely.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09There are some real hot spots. Take the lovely Ludlow, for example.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12There, you could add a further 30% to that figure.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15In pretty little villages, like Much Wenlock and Clun,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17you could add a more modest 10%.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21For all that, there are some fantastic properties on the market.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25One of the most prominent Shropshire homes
0:03:25 > 0:03:27is the traditional timber-framed house.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29The streets of Ludlow and Much Wenlock
0:03:29 > 0:03:33are lined with fine examples of these jettied oak buildings.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37A typical four-bedroom family home in this style
0:03:37 > 0:03:40could set you back around £450,000.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43If Georgian architecture is more to your taste,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46head to the villages in and around Shrewsbury.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Here, textbook examples of elegant houses can command price tags
0:03:49 > 0:03:53in excess of £700,000.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56If you're looking for something a little less grandiose
0:03:56 > 0:03:59and more secluded, the Victorian yellowstone cottages
0:03:59 > 0:04:02near the village of Stokesay are a good choice.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Prices start from around £250,000 for a four-bedroom property.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14As you can see, with such a fantastic array of properties
0:04:14 > 0:04:17on offer in this county, there's plenty to capture the imagination.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Will it be enough for today's buyers?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Let's go and meet them and find out what they're after.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Ex-engineer Dave and former GP practice manager Rosie
0:04:29 > 0:04:34have been happily married for 36 years and are a perfect combination.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36I think we complement each other.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39I think it's two halves, the yin and the yang.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41They've spent most of their lives
0:04:41 > 0:04:43living together in Wokingham, Berkshire,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47but feel the lifestyle they once had is slowly disappearing.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51When we first moved here 29 years ago, it was still open.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Open fields that we could walk on, take the dogs on,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57take the children out and play on.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01A lot of those fields now have been concreted over and built on.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04With the urban sprawl ever increasing,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06and a desire to slow down their pace of life,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10our buyers have decided it's time to reconnect with their past.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14The move to Shropshire, for me, is about returning home.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I was born and brought up there,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21had an absolutely idyllic childhood and left home
0:05:21 > 0:05:23when I went to teacher training college when I was 18.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Most of Rosie's family originate from Shropshire
0:05:26 > 0:05:29and she's particularly keen to use one of her passions
0:05:29 > 0:05:32to establish herself back in the community.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35One of my main interests is genealogy.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It started when I was 50 and I needed to find out who I was,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40where I came from and why I'm me.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's really exciting for me to be able to go back to Shropshire
0:05:43 > 0:05:48and to discover, really, that things haven't changed that much.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Dave, however, is looking forward to another kind of research.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56When we move to Shropshire,
0:05:56 > 0:06:01I know well that there will be a few micro-breweries
0:06:01 > 0:06:04that I may be able to sample and compare,
0:06:04 > 0:06:09just purely for the sake of research, of course.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13They may be making the move to be closer to one part of the family,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16but it does mean they'll have to leave their grown-up children
0:06:16 > 0:06:18and grandchildren behind.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I hope our children are telling us the truth
0:06:21 > 0:06:25when they say that they're really excited about us moving away.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29They have said that we've always been there for them to support them
0:06:29 > 0:06:32but they feel it's time they started doing things for us.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34The family are right behind them.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Just one final thing to nail down and that's the money.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43The budget for our relocation to the country is £270,000 tops.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Dave and Rosie want us to concentrate our search
0:06:52 > 0:06:54in the centre of the county,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57as they don't want to be too far from Shrewsbury or Oswestry.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I caught up with them on a snowy Shropshire day
0:06:59 > 0:07:03to find out a little more about their move to the countryside.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Hello, Rosie. Hello, Dave.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Nice to see you. - Nice to meet you, too.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11As I understand it, you've retired, you've sold the house,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14the money's in the bank. You're just keen
0:07:14 > 0:07:17to get on with this next phase of your lives, this project?
0:07:17 > 0:07:22We've got to a point where we'd like to get our teeth into something new.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Just describe to us then, Rosie, the ideal property.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30The ideal property would be three-bedroom,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33two of which to be doubles, so that when the family come up
0:07:33 > 0:07:35with their offspring, there's plenty of room.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38The focus, for me, is definitely on the gardens.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Space to grow my vegetables and to keep my chickens.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45I'd also like to add in a workshop and a garage.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Please, sir, can I have a bit?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50LAUGHTER
0:07:50 > 0:07:53The only thing that I would say is that I've got this thing
0:07:53 > 0:07:56about I don't want a downstairs bathroom.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Sometimes, there are downstairs bathrooms
0:07:58 > 0:08:00in otherwise perfect houses.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04The snow has just about stopped, so coats, hats, gloves, ready to go?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Definitely. Looking forward to it. - Let's go.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Dave and Rosie have £270,000 to buy their new property,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18and they have a clear idea of what they will require.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20They'd like a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23an older building with a lot of history and character,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26at least a quarter of an acre of garden, a workshop
0:08:26 > 0:08:31and it needs to be no more than a 40 minute drive from Shrewsbury.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34We've got three fantastic properties to show them and at each one,
0:08:34 > 0:08:38I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40As ever, the last property is the mystery house,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43which could leave our buyers with that sinking feeling.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Our first house is in Much Wenlock in central Shropshire,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55about 13 miles south of Shrewsbury.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Much Wenlock is a beautiful medieval town.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01It was originally known as Wenlock, with the Much added
0:09:01 > 0:09:04to distinguish it from the nearby Little Wenlock,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06as it signifies that it's the larger of the two.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10This town is also the birthplace of Dr William Penny Brookes,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13the inspiration for the modern Olympic movement.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16We're hoping to set the bar high with our first property,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18which is a charming barn conversion.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23In you both come.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Now then, as you can see,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29we've got a redeveloped early Victorian farm courtyard for you.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33A mixture of barns that have all been converted,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35as you can tell, very recently.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Nice and old, bit of character to it.- I like the brickwork.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39Like the windows.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- Is this the sort of thing you've considered before?- Never.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- No, this is right outside. - Really? Why?
0:09:47 > 0:09:52We never really thought about a barn conversion positively.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I'm really interested to see what's inside.- So am I.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Really interested. - Let's have a look, follow me.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Well, thankfully, Dave and Rosie are keeping an open mind on this one,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05so let's see if I can tempt them with the characterful interior.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Come on in.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- Oh.- That is...- Wow. - Come over, Dave.- ..A surprise.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19- Yeah.- That is really a surprise. I didn't expect to see that in here.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23I'm not quite sure what I did expect but, no, this is really good.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- It's what I would call an honest conversion.- Absolutely.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30It's modern, it's comfortable but it is an old building.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32There's loads of wood, wood floors, wood beams.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36So, actually, given that you wouldn't have thought about this
0:10:36 > 0:10:38if you'd seen it on the internet, shall we say,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42already it's been worth having a look?
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Definitely.- Mind you, there are, I'm sure, a few more rooms here?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- One or two, yeah.- OK. - Come this way.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55It has to be said that the kitchen is the smaller room in here.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Something of a sort of a galley, I would say.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Beautifully finished, everything's integrated and built-in.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I'm not too concerned about eating in the kitchen,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- but it does lack storage space. - Yes, you're right.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12Storage is a slight issue, but this is made up for
0:11:12 > 0:11:14by the dining room, which is next door.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Oh, there's a dining room?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19So if you're OK with this, you're going to love the dining room.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Have a look at this. There we are, Rosie.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- OK.- It's a bit of a surprise, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- It is a surprise.- I wasn't expecting another reception room.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Ah, right, OK. - Wheels are turning.- Yes!
0:11:34 > 0:11:36If the budget allowed for it,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40this would make a fantastic kitchen-diner.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41That would be my thought.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's actually quite a good space as well,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46because it's a usable square space.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49There's no nooks and crannies taken out of it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52You could put in a kitchen here in a weekend.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54We would have seen this on the internet...
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- And we would have discounted it. - Dismissed it immediately.
0:11:57 > 0:12:03- That's why you're here.- That's what we were hoping for, wasn't it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06They're really falling for the great potential of this barn conversion.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09On the floor plan, the current dining room
0:12:09 > 0:12:12our buyers have much admired is actually marked as a bedroom,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15although I think the possibilities for a kitchen-diner
0:12:15 > 0:12:16are an excellent fit.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Just down the corridor, there's a shower room and two bedrooms,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22one of which would be their master.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26This would be your room.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28OK, it's a nice sized room.
0:12:28 > 0:12:34Oh, yes! As a bedroom, master bedroom, that's fine.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Bed would fit in here nicely.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38This room is mirrored by the one next door,
0:12:38 > 0:12:43but there are just the two bedrooms.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48That is the obvious compromise with this one.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50All right, let's finish it off with the garden,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52because I know that's important.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54We do want space for some vegetables, perhaps.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- And the chickens. - And maybe some chickens. Follow me.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Their enthusiasm does seem a little dampened
0:13:02 > 0:13:05but I'm sure once we step outside, they'll be very impressed
0:13:05 > 0:13:08with the outdoor space and the single garage
0:13:08 > 0:13:12which could give Dave his workshop.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15My goodness, me! Feel that icy wind!
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- It won't always be snowing. - You'd have to hope so.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Let's get up here by the decking,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and take a proper look at what you get from the outside.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27So, you see the L-shape of it.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Obviously, those are the doors of the dining room.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Living room over there.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35The garden, size-wise, well, you tell me?
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- A pleasant surprise.- Yeah.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42Although it's not flat, it's got the features that we would want in it.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43It's got enough room for the beds.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Got some lovely beds here,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- some nice little apple trees growing there.- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Let's have a think about the price, then.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54You've got £270,000 to spend.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Rose, you go first, because you know the area so well.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01What do you think house number one is worth?
0:14:01 > 0:14:07- I'd say, probably 265. - 265, yeah? Dave?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I think it's probably over-budget, at about 275.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12275.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15You're going to really hate this.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Because your wife's right! - SHE LAUGHS
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- 265?- £265,000. - That is a real surprise.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Everything about this property's been a surprise.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- The space, the finish, the garden, the price.- Yeah.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Let the surprises continue, go and explore.- OK.- OK.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35And I'll catch up with you later. Off you go. Brilliant.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39And I am going to find a cup of tea. It's freezing out here.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46This Victorian barn conversion is under budget at £265,000.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48And it's been a real eye-opener for our buyers,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52who've always ruled out a barn conversion.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It has a spacious lounge,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57three bedrooms, one of which is currently used as a dining room,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59a workshop for Dave,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01and a good-sized back garden.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Right, the bathroom.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Well, yeah, no bath.- No.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- I like the idea of a wet room.- Yes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Just walking straight in, that's good.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- We could even shower the dogs in there.- We could!
0:15:16 > 0:15:21The outside location is just beautiful,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23with the church up on the hill, and the trees.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26And the peace and the quiet, just what I wanted.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29It's got everything that we need,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33with the exception of the third bedroom.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Which is a shame, because I think, with everything else,
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Rosie and I discussing it, we could actually live here quite happily.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- After you, Rosie.- Thank you.- Dave. - Thank you.- Good.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47I think that was rather interesting.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- It seems to have overcome your preconceptions about barn conversions?- Definitely.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- Absolutely. And I can't wait to see the next one.- Follow me.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Sitting at the northern edge of the Severn Valley
0:16:09 > 0:16:12in the heart of Shropshire is the town of Bridgnorth.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Its port was once one of the busiest in Europe.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Today, the River Severn provides a more serene backdrop to the town,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23in an area popular with anglers and ramblers.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27The river has not only been a vital transport link over the years,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31but has helped many a Shropshireman and woman earn a living.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33One such enterprising group were the millers,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36who used hydropower for their waterwheels,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38in order to grind up wheat, to make flour.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Bridgnorth is, in fact, home to the largest working waterwheel
0:16:42 > 0:16:44still powering a corn mill in England.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47With Dave and Rosie's keen interest in local heritage,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50earlier in the week, we sent them to Daniel's Mill
0:16:50 > 0:16:54to meet Alan George, who's been running it for the last 60 years.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Daniel's Mill has been in our family for about 300 years.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02There's been a mill on the site since Domesday.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04And it's always kept working.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Mills were worked by men called millers.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11They didn't own the mill, they simply came and milled.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15It was the states that built the mills. And they rented it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Eventually, as more corn came in, and the mill got more prosperous,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22then the millers came and lived in the mill.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27It was a dusty job, believe you me, and dusty millers are well-known!
0:17:27 > 0:17:32The process of milling here has remained unchanged for many centuries.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35A pair of millstones is used to grind the wheat into flour.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38The bottom, or bed stone, remains static
0:17:38 > 0:17:41whilst the top, or runner stone, turns, using water power.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45When the waterwheel is connected, wheat is then released in a trickle
0:17:45 > 0:17:48into the centre, or eye, of the top millstone.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Hundreds of years ago, grain would be fed into the stone by hand.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Often, this was the job of the miller's daughter.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58That stone turning at 100 revolutions a minute,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01will turn 100 weight of wheat to flour in about 20 minutes.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Cor, that's quick.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08I notice you've got flour already in there, coarse flour.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12If you're making bread, then it needs to be very, very fine,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15so when you mix it into a dough, it will knit together.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17If it's coarse, like that,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20fruitcake, scone, or other things, it's fine for that.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23But for bread, it must be very, very fine,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26so the stones have to be very, very close.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30The present mill operated until 1957,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33grinding all kinds of grain for animal feed.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36But after a short spell of restoration and renovation,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39it now produces flour for baking.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41There it is.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43The sack is now full.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Close the stone off, so that none comes down.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49And remove your sack.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Right, so, off to the baker's with this.- Off to the baker.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- I want to see a nice loaf of bread! - See you later.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Now that Rosie has finally caught up with Dave,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08it's time to continue our house search,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10as we head to the small village of Marton.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13This picturesque location is surrounded by
0:19:13 > 0:19:16the glorious, unspoiled countryside of Shropshire.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19At its heart, there's a selection of local amenities, including
0:19:19 > 0:19:22a pub, which should keep Dave happy,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24and if it's rural life our buyers crave,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26then this area will suit them perfectly.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Shropshire is known for its changeable weather.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34And today is no exception, as we're now in the middle of a snowstorm!
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Let's hope Dave and Rosie have brought their thermals,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40as we pitch up at house number two, a detached cottage.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Now, then, Rosie.- Yep?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Tell me what should be visible, but for the blizzard?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49SHE LAUGHS That's the Long Mountain.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51You know this area pretty well, don't you?
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I know it very, very well, indeed. And it's beautiful.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- So, we are in the right spot? - Oh, you couldn't get much better.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59That's a stunning house.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01It's really interesting. Can you see?
0:20:01 > 0:20:02It's in two halves, essentially.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- That's the original bit. - OK.- The four windows, and the door.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10But it's since had this addition put on, this little L-shape,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12which really does make a huge difference
0:20:12 > 0:20:15to the amount of space that you've got in here, and the floor plan.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16And that's all brand-new.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- They've done it very well, haven't they?- Really well.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20- They matched it really well. - That's brilliant.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It all matches really, really well.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26The thing to point out is that, inside, it's completely empty.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28It's all just been redecorated and done.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33So it's almost a brand-new building, on the inside, at least.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Well, how about we go inside?! - Shall we?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Let's not mess around. Follow me!
0:20:39 > 0:20:41'Well said, Dave.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'We've already had rave reviews about the location.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'So let's hope they rave some more on the inside.'
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Oh! It is so cold out!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Come in, Dave, shut the door, quick. - It's lovely to be in the warm.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- So, this is what it gives you. - Ooh, isn't that... Ahhh!
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Rosie? - SHE LAUGHS
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Wow.- Yeah, do you like?
0:21:05 > 0:21:11- That is a definite wow.- Oh, not just the kitchen, but the views.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Even with the snow, it's still a brilliant view.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I think it kind of makes it, actually. It's cosy, isn't it?
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Come on, follow me. Let's have a look at this reception room.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26So, this is...the living room.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- I suppose the kind of cosier end of the equation.- Yep.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Ooh, look, an open fire! - Open fire, yep.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- Logs or coal in there, whatever you want.- Lovely.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Oh. This is so good.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42And they've got the original...
0:21:42 > 0:21:43The original pitch pine.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- You can see the holes where the lathes would have been from when it was originally plastered.- Oh, yes.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51This is quite nice. In here, I guess it would have been the scullery.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Now, a little study - phone points, TV points...- Excellent.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- I think this is working, isn't it? - It is, definitely. - This is really nice.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01As long as it's got everything, like three bedrooms?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I did promise you three bedrooms, yes, come and have a look.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07They're up here. Follow me.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12This floor also has a handy utility room and cloakroom.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15But we'll continue the tour upstairs.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- Now, in here, the upstairs family bathroom.- Lovely.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- All new.- Bath and shower, lovely.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28But this is the master. Come on in, let Dave in.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Oh!- This is so nice.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32Look at that view.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37Just imagine waking up in the morning. Oh! And there's that view.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38That is brilliant.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42And through there, shower room en suite, very generous size.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- And built-in wardrobes either side. - Beautiful.- Really, really nice.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48This has been really nicely done.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Somebody's thought about this really well.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- You weren't bothered about en suites.- I wasn't.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Now look. You've got one. - I know. But it's nice!
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Just "nice"! Brilliant.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Dave and Rosie are grinning like Shropshire cats,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and they clearly adore this house.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Up here, there are another two bedrooms
0:23:07 > 0:23:09with trademark exposed beams.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11But let's hope our buyers don't get cold feet
0:23:11 > 0:23:13as we had outside to see the garden.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Right.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18DAVE LAUGHS
0:23:18 > 0:23:20How about it?
0:23:20 > 0:23:21ROSIE SIGHS
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Well, the blizzard has not abated.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- Long Mountain is still out there somewhere.- It is still out there.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30There is no garage and there is no workshop.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Given that, the rest of the property is so impressive,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- and fits you like a glove, I would suggest.- Absolutely.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37Really brilliantly.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41So, Rosie, you went first last time.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Dave, you've got £270,000 to spend. How much is house number two worth?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I'll go first 269,950.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51269,950. Rosie?
0:23:51 > 0:23:57I think it's over our budget. And I'll go 272.
0:23:57 > 0:24:03272. Well, it is still over-budget, I'm afraid, but only just.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08This could be yours for £279,950.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12OK. That's certainly got lots of food for thought.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Hasn't it just?- It has.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18At this point, traditionally, I'd invite you
0:24:18 > 0:24:21to go back into the property, on your own, and have a look around.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24But for reasons which I think are blatantly obvious,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- I'm going to come with you! - Good idea.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32Open that door, for goodness sake! I'm absolutely freezing!
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Priced at just under £280,000,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40property number two has real appeal,
0:24:40 > 0:24:44even if it is slightly over their maximum budget.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46It offers a host of character features -
0:24:46 > 0:24:49a fantastic open-plan kitchen-diner,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52three bedrooms, one which has an en suite,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55and stunning views throughout the entire house.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- So, this is a really good-sized double room, isn't it?- It is.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- It would be fine as a guest room. - And...
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- You'd have to watch your head on here, though.- Yes.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Have you seen the shape of the door here?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- It has to be that shape to fit with this beam!- I know.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15It's beautiful, it's quirky, it's makes this house special.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It's really nice, isn't it?
0:25:17 > 0:25:22The kitchen was just absolutely stunning.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23The view, and the possibilities.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26I think I'd probably spend all my time in there,
0:25:26 > 0:25:31because... I haven't got the words for it. I really haven't.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34One of the downsides of having a fabulous view like this is that,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37during the winter time, we may get cut off.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41But that may be a price worth paying.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Right, shut the door behind us, Dave.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46OK.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Despite it all, I think this house has been a real winner, hasn't it?
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Definitely, definitely.- Brilliant. An absolute stunner.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- But please, can we go and get warm now?- We can. Go on, let's go.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03- Hang on, what about a snowball fight, guys?- No!- No, no!- Come on!
0:26:11 > 0:26:13As the day comes to a close over Shropshire,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17our buyers have the chance to reflect on all that they've seen so far.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Dave and Rosie from Wokingham, Berkshire,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28are heading for the Shropshire hills to enjoy their future together.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31So far, they've been keen on our barn conversion
0:26:31 > 0:26:35and wowed by the views from our upland cottage.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Still to come, it's the mystery house.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40But will it sink or swim into our buyers' hearts?
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- We really need to think hard and long about this now.- I don't.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48And I get all cute and cuddly with some of Shropshire's finest.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49Isn't it amazing? A pair of eyes,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52but already there's some personality.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Well, so far, on this particular trip,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00we've had a little bit of everything.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03And that's just to describe the weather, never mind the properties.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07The good news is that they, too, have given our buyers plenty to think about.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10By their own admission, Dave and Rosie have stepped
0:27:10 > 0:27:12somewhat outside their preferred comfort zone,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14but they've risen to the challenge.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17And by the end of play yesterday, I thought they were on the point of
0:27:17 > 0:27:19putting in an offer on property number two.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22But, as ever on Escape To The Country, of course,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24it's never over until it's over.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27That means there's one more house to come. It is mystery house time.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Will that, too, give them plenty of food for thought, I wonder?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I kind of think it will.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35For our mystery property,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38we're travelling 19 miles south west of Shrewsbury,
0:27:38 > 0:27:43over the border, into Wales, to the medieval village of Church Stoke.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46This is right at the edge of Dave and Rosie's search area.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49But it provides a fantastic proposition.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Church Stoke itself is a beautiful location
0:27:52 > 0:27:54that has retained much of its original character.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56But before we do the house,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59we're stopping off to see what they think of the area.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Now, then, for our final property,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05you are probably wondering why it's the mystery house.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Since you've taken us out of the location,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11and across the border into Wales, maybe that's it?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14You got it. Exactly. We're in Wales.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16That's why the mystery house is the mystery house.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18How do we feel about border hopping, Rosie?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20I don't have any problem with that at all.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23In fact, Church Stoke is an area we've been attracted to anyway.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Ah, OK. And Dave, how do you feel?
0:28:25 > 0:28:27I don't have a problem either.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30There's a nice little antiques barn not too far away from here.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32And there's a Sunday market.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35And I'm fairly sure there's a few pubs around here as well.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Let's hope the mystery house is a surprise for you. Follow me.- OK.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42For today's mystery property,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I'm taking Dave and Rosie to a lovely detached cottage,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48which is set on the banks of a river.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50So, there we are.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53That is our mystery house.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- All of it?- All of it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- And the bit behind it. And the garden.- OK.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Mystery house, I think you've done it again, haven't you?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04It's a nice one this, actually. It used to be
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- four little one-up, one-down cottages.- Ah, OK.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Then over the years, it's been knocked together
0:29:10 > 0:29:13to produce the whole that you see now.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14Absolutely.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- I think it offers you a lot of house.- Yeah.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- But in the summer, you could have a dip in the brook.- Yeah.- Great.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- Come on, let's have a look inside. - OK.- Love to.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29This picture postcard cottage
0:29:29 > 0:29:31may have been heaven sent for our buyers.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And the fact that it's right on the edge of their search area
0:29:34 > 0:29:36doesn't seem to have put them off.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- Oh, it's nice and warm in here. - It is, yes.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Come on in, Dave, grab the door.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- What a welcome. Look at that!- Yes, very snug.- Fantastic wood burner.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- Yes. Wood burner, bread oven in the corner.- Yeah.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- And lots of exposed beams.- Yes. - Nice wood.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53That just clears our heads, so that's good.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- Yes. You might have to duck elsewhere.- OK.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00You'll see what I mean on the way through. Come have a look at this.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05Right, come in to this end of your second reception room.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06We've got you the snug, of course.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Then this is your main family room.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- So much character in this house. - Yeah.- Excellent.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18We were a little worried outside, as we were coming in,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20about the noise of the traffic.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- But you can't hear it in here.- No.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25These are all double glazed, which is brilliant.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30We've also got you this lovely, I suppose, garden room/dining room.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Well, you tell me, what would you do with it?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Oh, that's really surprising. - Isn't it?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37This could be a summer sitting room, that's the winter sitting room.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- We've got the doors out to the patio.- Beautiful!
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- Come and look at the kitchen, Rosie. - Lovely.- Follow me through here.- OK.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50Now, I'm thinking you will probably quite like this, Rosie.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55- Oh, yes.- Yeah? - Lots of storage space.- Yep.- Yep.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57This is a super kitchen, isn't it?
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- And there's a range. - There is a range.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05You have alighted upon the feature that really sets this kitchen apart.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07It's the first range we've been able to give you, actually.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11There's something different in each room, something quirky.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Something unique to each room.- Good.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- I'm liking this. - I'm liking this, too.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I sort of sense there's even more to it?
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- I think it's about time we had a look, um, at a bathroom.- Ooh!
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- Your favourite moment! Come on. - Right, OK.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Off the kitchen is a huge utility room.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33And it's clear this property is really working for them.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But we know that Dave doesn't really like downstairs bathrooms.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39So, what's he going to make of this one?
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- There we are, Dave.- Oooh!
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Come on in.- Ooh! It's not just a bathroom, is it?
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- It's a wet room. - Nice, isn't it?- Wow!
0:31:48 > 0:31:52You see, suddenly, the downstairs bathroom isn't a problem, is it?
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- And it's really well done as well. - This is beautiful.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00So, it's top marks for the bathroom.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Time to head up one of the two staircases to the bedrooms,
0:32:03 > 0:32:07which include this single and two double guest rooms.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10There's also a good-sized family bathroom.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13But we're stopping off at the main room that could be theirs.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Staircase number two. We end up here, in what is, effectively,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19a kind of master suite.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Because you are completely separate to the other two bedrooms at the other end.- Right.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- And they have their own staircase. - Yes.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28This is really, really nice, isn't it?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31We've seen this kind of thing before on our travels, the vaulted roof.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32- You'd like that.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35But behind us, we've got this arched doorway
0:32:35 > 0:32:38and that leads into a really generous dressing room
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- with loads of built-in storage. - Right.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44But if the bathroom issue needs to be resolved,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- that's where it would go. - It would be in there.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Let's go outside and finish off with the garden. You will love this.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53And it's as we move outside
0:32:53 > 0:32:57that we get a real sense of the fabulous setting of this house.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Look at this, look. A bit of blue sky, the sun's coming out.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03You couldn't write the weather this week.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Ad the snow, thankfully, is beginning to melt.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- You can see the garden at long last.- Lovely.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- All in all, it's about 0.4 of an acre.- Is it?
0:33:11 > 0:33:12It's really surprising, actually.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Our final guess of the week, Rosie.
0:33:15 > 0:33:22Do you think your £270,000 is going to get you our mystery house?
0:33:22 > 0:33:24I think this is going to be well over budget.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- I think this is going to be around about 300,000.- 300,000, yes?
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Let's say 295,000.- 295?
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Your optimism is well founded, sir!
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- Because it does begin with a two, not a three.- OK.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37And it runs like this.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40249,950.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42What?
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- HE LAUGHS - Your face is a picture!
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Really?- Yes, absolutely. You could have this comfortably under budget,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50and it gives you money left over, if you wanted to,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53to put the en suite in upstairs.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- We really need to think hard and long about this now.- I don't.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57I don't.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Don't rush it, don't rush it. Take your time. Off you go.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03You know the drill. Go and have another look around.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- HE LAUGHS - I love it.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Once again, the mystery house has delivered.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10And what's more, the sun has come out,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12and spring, thankfully, has returned.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15It's like the end of Narnia, really!
0:34:15 > 0:34:18It seems that Dave and Rosie are in a state of shock
0:34:18 > 0:34:23at the price of this home, on the market for just under £250,000,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26and leaves them enough money to add an en suite.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It offers them a large sitting room with exposed beams,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33a dining room with French doors leading out to the back garden,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35four bedrooms,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37and a beautiful riverside setting.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I never thought we'd ever be able to afford something like this.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44You know I've always said it would be nice to have a stream running through the garden.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- We've got a river! - We've got a river instead.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50When the price was revealed, I was absolutely stunned.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I just couldn't think what to say.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55I was almost moved to tears.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59I can really imagine the grandchildren coming here
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and thoroughly enjoying this place.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03It's brilliant.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Well, I think it's all turned out rather nicely.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09A-ha. Here we are. Come on, then, out you come.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11That's it, folks. House tours are over.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13That's the end of the mystery house.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Do we have to leave?- You do.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- You know why? I want a coffee. - OK.- OK.- Come on.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Shropshire has a fantastic legacy of industry and manufacturing,
0:35:31 > 0:35:34dating back to the 18th century.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37But whilst the county's heavy industry has since fallen away,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40there's a much softer trade that's still thriving.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Merrythought was established in 1930.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Now, over 80 years later,
0:35:45 > 0:35:50not only is it the UK's only remaining teddy bear manufacturer,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53it's also run by the same family who founded it.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Earlier in the week, I went along to their factory in Telford,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59to meet sisters Sarah and Hannah Holmes, two of the owners.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02So, how many generations, to be clear,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04do you represent of the family business?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06We're actually the fourth generation now.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Our great-grandfather founded the company, back in 1930.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12We are surrounded by some wonderful examples here of very old bears.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Which is the oldest one in your collection?
0:36:14 > 0:36:18It's actually the Magnet Bear, which is from 1931.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21He was designed when the company was first founded.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23He was actually in our very first catalogue.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Why's he called the Magnet Bear?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Legend has it, it's because he's got a magnetic personality
0:36:28 > 0:36:29THEY LAUGH
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Can I try that out? I'd say that's fairly magnetic.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36You can just get a sense of how much he's been loved
0:36:36 > 0:36:38and sort of worn over the years,
0:36:38 > 0:36:42presumably by your ancestors in the family?
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Yeah, he has, he's been passed down with the company.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46- You still make them by hand. - Absolutely.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Who's going to show me around the factory?
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- I'll give you the grand tour. - Off you go, Sarah.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Right, Hannah. We'll catch up with you later.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56The company produces around 20,000 teddies a year.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58And the bears' unique fur is mohair,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01made from the world of Angora goats.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04So, Sarah, this is what it's all about, isn't it?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Your classic teddy bear.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Absolutely, this is the original Merrythought teddy bear.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12What we like to think is the quintessential English teddy.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Have you always made them from that kind of material?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Traditionally, teddy bears were always made from mohair,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19so we've carried that tradition through,
0:37:19 > 0:37:23and everything we make is pretty much made from mohair.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27A small bear takes a skilled seamstress one hour to make by hand.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31And it's time to help bring one more to life.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35So, I take my eye. There we are.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Is this a technique which hasn't really changed much?
0:37:37 > 0:37:41It hasn't changed much in the last few decades.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44But traditionally, teddy bears would have had glass eyes,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46which were hand-sewn in.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48But they did have a habit of falling out.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- This shouldn't fall out? - These are plastic safety eyes.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- Hurrah! There we are.- Perfect.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- What do you do with it? On there? - Just put that on there, like that.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Go on, Pauline, turn him inside out.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Fantastic.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- HE LAUGHS - How about that?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10- There's your teddy bear head. - Isn't it amazing?
0:38:10 > 0:38:13A pair of eyes, but already there's some personality.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Once the rest of the teddy has been sewn together and stuffed,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21the final stage is to add a touch of character.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- This is Penny. - Hello, Penny, nice to see you.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- Are you about put a nose on?- I am.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32What goes through your mind when you're finally giving them life?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Whether he looks happy. He's got to be happy.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- So, if you're having a good day, do the bears have a good day?- Yes!
0:38:38 > 0:38:40THEY LAUGH
0:38:40 > 0:38:41So, is he...
0:38:41 > 0:38:46I say "he", it's a bit presumptuous. Or "she". Only you know.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- It's definitely a "he". - If you say so, Penny. Great.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51You've nearly finished. There we are. Brilliant. Look at that.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Isn't it amazing?
0:38:53 > 0:38:54A little bit of thread and cotton,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58but suddenly, our bear has a personality.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- And here's Hannah. Hello, Hannah. - How's that the bear making going?
0:39:00 > 0:39:01Well, very well, as you can see.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Who's this?- This is Ted, he's our company mascot.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06He's fabulous. You can see where the idea's come from, can't you?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- Absolutely. - Big Ted and Little Ted!
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It really is a family business, through and through.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- It is, very much so.- Absolutely. - Guys, thanks you very much indeed.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Best of luck with the bear making. Long may it continue.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you, Penny.- Thank you.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Well, it's now decision time.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31And the amount of thinking that's gone on in Dave and Rosie's minds,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I suspect, has to be seen to really be believed.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Let's go and find out how they're getting on.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Ah, here you are. Enjoying some much better weather.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- And a nice cup of coffee.- I promised you some coffee.- Thank you.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48There you go.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52So, have we managed to find you a lovely new home,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- in a county in which you were born, Rosie?- Mm-hm.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Let's remind ourselves how it all started.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02We had a converted farmyard with a barn conversion,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- which you said you wouldn't have looked at ordinarily.- No.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Absolutely.
0:40:07 > 0:40:13To be honest, we looked at, and dismissed, barn conversions totally.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18So, the first house already blew away our preconceptions
0:40:18 > 0:40:20out of the water.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24And, to be honest, it was brilliantly presented.
0:40:24 > 0:40:30The dining room was fabulous, opening out onto the garden.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35I could imagine coming down, on a sunny morning,
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- and opening those doors. - Absolutely.- The light flooding in.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Sitting down to have breakfast.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- It was such a shame that there were only two bedrooms.- Yes.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45I appreciate that that was a problem.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48But it did give us a sense of what you were after.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51But then we took you into some pretty serious weather,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54for property number two, into a blizzard,
0:40:54 > 0:40:59and a property that really did take us up a gear, I think, Rosie?
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It did. It did.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04The view, I knew, but you could see, even in the blizzard,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08that the view was stunning from that kitchen-dining room.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- The living room was lovely and cosy. - Yep.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13And the family bathroom was really well done as well.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- And right next door, it was effectively another en suite. - It was.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20But then we took you to our final property.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Once upon a time, four one-up, one-downs.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Now, a really interesting, quite rambling building.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31What were your thoughts as you started to explore it, Rosie?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33I just couldn't believe that you were showing us something
0:41:33 > 0:41:38that would be in our price range, because there was so much there.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39So much character.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Going from room to room, it just got better and better and better.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44And each room had a different quirk.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Actually, it's managed to deliver something that I thought you never could,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52and that is something that would give us all that we wanted,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55plus a bit of the magic of a stream running through the garden.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58That's brilliant.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02So, what happens next? Which house are you going to go for?
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- I think it's got to be the mystery house.- Yeah.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09I would definitely like to go back and have another look at that,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11and talk to the owner.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- Because owners can give you... They can fill out the story a lot more.- Yeah.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Um...and I think that would be a very serious contender.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- So, let us know how you get on. - We will.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Have another look at the mystery house.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Otherwise, you've always got number two, with the view.- Definitely.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.- Best of luck.- Thank you.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38It has to be said, not everyone who comes on Escape To the Country,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40trying to get away from it all,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42knows as much about their chosen county
0:42:42 > 0:42:45as did Dave and, in particular, Rosie.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46But their story just goes to prove that,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48no matter how well you think you know a place,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51you should always be prepared for surprises.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54And with any luck, they're heading for a happy one.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56I'll see you next time.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Well, Dave and Rosie did return to see the mystery house,
0:42:59 > 0:43:03but, sadly, decided it wasn't quite right for them after all.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05If you'd like to Escape To The Country
0:43:05 > 0:43:08in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
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