0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05Today we've come to a county right in the heart of England
0:00:05 > 0:00:08and this is its highest parish church.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But where are we and why is this building so significant?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46On today's show, we'll be helping a couple swap the coast
0:00:46 > 0:00:50for the countryside as they attempt to move closer to their grown-up children.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54It's safe to say they're mentally unpacking from the kick-off.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- It's nice and light. - We could live here.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Then a slice of history gets them excited.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04It's absolutely fantastic. The space is just superb.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06And we round it all off with a celebration.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09First thing, have a party!
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Now, if you know your parish churches,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18you may well have recognised the exterior of this one
0:01:18 > 0:01:23as that of St Mary and St Hardulph at Breedon On The Hill, in Leicestershire.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Not only is it the highest parish church in the county,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29it's also the oldest and it contains this rare collection
0:01:29 > 0:01:31of early Anglo-Saxon carvings.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35These date from a time when Christianity in this country
0:01:35 > 0:01:40really was in its infancy, back in the 7th and 8th centuries AD.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43At the time, Viking marauders were raging across the country,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46ransacking many early Christian settlements.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51But somehow, these have survived. A miracle, if you like.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53And it's worth considering that when these were made,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56the idea of England, or indeed Britain, as a nation
0:01:56 > 0:01:58had yet to be thought of.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Situated in central England, Leicestershire is sandwiched
0:02:04 > 0:02:07by seven other counties, including Northamptonshire to the south,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Nottinghamshire to the north, and the tiny county of Rutland
0:02:11 > 0:02:12to the east.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Leicestershire is predominantly rural,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18with more than 80% of the land devoted to agriculture.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21In fact, it's hard to believe that mellow scenes like these
0:02:21 > 0:02:23were once the site of much bloodshed.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28It was here in 1485 that the Battle Of Bosworth was fought,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31which saw the death of Richard III ending the reign of the Plantagenets
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and ushering in the mighty Tudors.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38The battle was believed to have taken place on Ambien Hill
0:02:38 > 0:02:41but a £1 million archaeological survey of the area
0:02:41 > 0:02:45has now pinpointed the true location in a field just over a mile away.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49And it was William Shakespeare who immortalised the last moments
0:02:49 > 0:02:53of the doomed medieval king as he struggled on the Leicestershire battlefield
0:02:53 > 0:02:58with the desperate plea, "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Now when it comes to property prices,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05overall Leicestershire would appear to offer
0:03:05 > 0:03:06pretty good value for money.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11At £225,000, the cost of your average family home here
0:03:11 > 0:03:14is a very handy 30,000 under the national figure.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18But as with anywhere, there are, of course, hot spots.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Head north of Leicester toward the villages of Rothley and Swithland
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and you could comfortably add £100,000 to that figure.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Maybe the smart move is to head south toward Theddingworth,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30where you will get a little bit more for your money.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32And as you would expect in a county as historic as this,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36there are some wonderful properties on the market.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Leicestershire has a healthy array of lime- or sandstone properties
0:03:39 > 0:03:42which have a significant iron content,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44known as ironstone.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46And this lovely Grade II listed two-bedroom cottage
0:03:46 > 0:03:48in Caldecott on the Rutland border
0:03:48 > 0:03:53is currently on the market for just under £130,000.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55But the majority of Leicestershire's housing stock
0:03:55 > 0:04:01is made up of redbrick properties, such as this grand five-bedroom example in North Kilworth.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Dating back to the mid-1700s,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07it comes with a guide price of £550,000.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Well, with architecture like that on your doorstep,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16it's no surprise that today's buyers want to make this county their home,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20so time now to meet them, find out what they're after, and why.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25For the last 26 years, this modern three-bedroom house
0:04:25 > 0:04:27in the town of Deal on the Kentish coast
0:04:27 > 0:04:30has been the family home to husband and wife Neil and Jane.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32But it was as teenagers in Glasgow
0:04:32 > 0:04:34that they first caught a loving glimpse of each other.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Neil and I met 42 years ago.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41I used to sit on the train in the station, waiting for it to go.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46And I used to see this chap standing in a sailor's suit
0:04:46 > 0:04:49because Neil went to Corps and he was in the Navy.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55I used to look forward to Monday evening, to see this boy on the platform.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Neil works as a health and safety consultant
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and Jane has recently taken voluntary retirement from her job
0:05:02 > 0:05:04as a practice manager at a doctor's surgery.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06With the extra freedom they now have,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09their aim is to spend more time with their family.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13We'd like to move nearer our eldest daughter.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16We have one grandson at the moment,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and she's expecting another baby.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24I'm determined I'm going to upset my grandchildren by being present more often
0:05:24 > 0:05:28and enjoying the things I missed when my children grew up.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31And that desire to be closer to their grandchildren
0:05:31 > 0:05:34has seen them plump for the county of Leicestershire,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36around the town of Market Harborough.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Our grandson has said that he would like us to live
0:05:39 > 0:05:44ten minutes away from his house so we can't let him down!
0:05:44 > 0:05:47With this complete change of location,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51they're also taking the opportunity to try a totally different style of house.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54We've lived in a modern house for 26 years,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57and I think we want a change now. Ideally,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00we would like a house with a large kitchen.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I'd like a kitchen that I could cook in
0:06:03 > 0:06:06but also people could sit as well.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11And it seems Neil has some of his own expert ideas for the outside space too.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13I studied horticulture at university
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and did garden design and maintenance.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19And now I'd like to put in some understanding
0:06:19 > 0:06:21of the medicinal roles and the herbal roles
0:06:21 > 0:06:25of plants in designing a physic garden.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28As well as planning the planting, they're also relishing the chance
0:06:28 > 0:06:31to explore their new rural surroundings together.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33We've just recently taken up cycling.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36We used to do a lot of walking.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39But we've decided we can get places faster...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Faster if we use a bike! - Faster if we used a bike.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44And they're certainly ready to get on their bikes
0:06:44 > 0:06:46as their house is already on the market
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and they have a clear idea of what they're able to spend.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54The budget for the move is £375,000.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03With the second grandchild on the way,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Neil and Jane want to be based within a short commute
0:07:06 > 0:07:08so they can be more hands-on grandparents.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Therefore, we'll be concentrating the house-hunt
0:07:11 > 0:07:13on the picturesque villages in the south of the county,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17all within easy access of the grandkids in Market Harborough.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19So, time for us all to meet up in Leicestershire
0:07:19 > 0:07:22to finalise the details of their move.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Jane, Neil, welcome to Escape To The Country.- Thank you.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Now you're finally here, just outside Market Harborough,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- how does it feel to be getting on with it?- Great, fantastic.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34We need a new challenge.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37In terms of the sort of property that you have in mind,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39where you are at the moment is very modern,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- classic kind of estate living cul-de-sac.- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Give us a picture of what you hope we're going to get for you this week.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48I think we've decided that we want a complete change now, don't we?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51We really are looking forward to village life.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53And in terms of bedrooms?
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I suppose, three bedrooms.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00I think we're more interested in space downstairs than upstairs.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04I can see you're going to do a lot of entertaining with the family, when you finally land here.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07And I presume a nice big garden
0:08:07 > 0:08:09so the grandkids have got somewhere to run around in.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- That's correct.- And me.- And you.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14But it does hint at the possibility that you will take on something
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- that does need a bit of imagination and turn it around.- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20And that's all part of this whole new chapter, I presume?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Absolutely. We're ready for a challenge
0:08:23 > 0:08:24and we're really looking forward to it.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Right, we've got three to show you, including our mystery house.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Let's get on with it. Follow me.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So with an increasing family at the forefront of their minds,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Neil and Jane have a £375,000 budget
0:08:39 > 0:08:41to find a detached character property,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44with at least three bedrooms and a spacious kitchen-diner.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Outside, they'd like a decent-sized garden
0:08:46 > 0:08:50with the potential to fulfil Neil's horticultural aspirations.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53They'd also like it to be secure enough for the grandchildren
0:08:53 > 0:08:55to run about in to their hearts' content.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58With that very achievable wish list, I'm confident
0:08:58 > 0:09:00that our selection of enticing period properties
0:09:00 > 0:09:02will more than meet the mark.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04But, as ever, I won't be revealing the price
0:09:04 > 0:09:06until the end of each tour.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08To top it off, there's the mystery house,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11where thinking outside the box will, quite literally,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13test the boundaries.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21We're kicking off our house search in the small village of Lubenham,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24just a couple of miles away from Neil and Jane's grandson
0:09:24 > 0:09:25in Market Harborough.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29As well as a 12th-century church and an inviting public house,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32this peaceful setting also has an off-road cycle route,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35perfect for our bike enthusiasts.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Our first property started life as a farmhouse
0:09:38 > 0:09:42and has an impressive approach, tucked away through an attractive arch.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Here we are, let's get started with property number one.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- You wouldn't know it was here. - You wouldn't, would you?
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Not at all.- In terms of ground, you get all this.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- What do you think? - Let's have a look.- Yeah?
0:09:59 > 0:10:02I think it's really interesting, the way it's hidden away.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05It could be quite illuminating, this tour, couldn't it?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Come on, let's have a look around. - OK.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11'This house presents a slice of village life
0:10:11 > 0:10:13'in an old building, finished in a contemporary style,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'so let's see how the character unfolds inside.'
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Right, let's start in here.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25It's a mixture of kind of living room and garden room.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Space, light and quiet.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Yeah.- Take a quick peek round the corner here.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34You've got these lovely doors here, which open up into that corner.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38That's much larger than it looks from the other side of the wall.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Yes, absolutely. So, lots of space,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- I think that's the key thing.- Mm. - This is lovely.- Good, OK.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Let's have a look at the kitchen, that's through here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51Back across the hallway...into here.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Now, it is lovely, obviously.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59But my guess is it's not the big kitchen-diner you were dreaming of.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03No, it's not quite what I want.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06But there is an option because through here,
0:11:06 > 0:11:07through this little archway,
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- is this dining end, as it were. - Right, this is lovely.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- This is very nice.- It does complement the kitchen as it is
0:11:15 > 0:11:16at the moment very well.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Also behind us is a very generous utility area as well,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23which also gives you access currently into the garage.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Perfect.- Absolutely.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28'I do sense our buyers are warming to this place,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32'albeit slowly. So it's back through the hallway and upstairs
0:11:32 > 0:11:33'to the first floor.'
0:11:33 > 0:11:37Just in case you'd forgotten we were in an old barn,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41they've got this lovely beam here which kind of tells the story.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46'Alongside the smart family bathroom,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49'there are three bedrooms, including two similar sized
0:11:49 > 0:11:51'and well-proportioned double rooms...
0:11:52 > 0:11:54'..and the master suite.'
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- This is for you.- Fantastic.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00That's a lovely room. Plenty of storage and the window.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Isn't that nice? Not the biggest of master bedrooms,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07but again, your focus is downstairs with the reception areas,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11so if you would be happy in here then hopefully this would work.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I don't think there's room for Neil's clothes!
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Ah, now, maybe there is!
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Look! As if on cue.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Oh, fantastic!
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- How about that?- Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Actually, that rail is just at the right height for me.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- So maybe this could be mine. - Plenty of space for your handbags and shoes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32There you are. You've got a nice bit of storage in there.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Also, if you can, open that door just there. Shut the main door.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40In here, you've got kind of a cloakroom
0:12:40 > 0:12:43as opposed to a.... Well, it is an en-suite but there's no shower.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- That's fine.- It's nice and light.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We could live here.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'It's always such an encouraging sign
0:12:51 > 0:12:54'when people start imagining themselves living in a property
0:12:54 > 0:12:56'so let's hope the price fits the bill too.'
0:12:58 > 0:13:03There, your own little alfresco scene here.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04And as a garden designer yourself,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I think you'd recognise something quite interesting about this.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09They've done a nice job here.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Yeah.- So the thought is that you could put a doorway
0:13:12 > 0:13:16through that wall and have access to the rest of the green garden proper
0:13:16 > 0:13:19through there. I think we like what we've seen so far.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Right.- And you've got £375,000 to spend.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Yes.- So, madam, make me an offer on property number one.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I would say...
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- 345.- £345,000. Yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38I've got it at 357.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Well, you're not far off, to be fair.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46This could be yours for offers in excess of £350,000.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- OK.- So why not go back inside, have a look at that,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52get your design hats on, see what you can come up with.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56And don't forget, do have a look at the garden space, Neil.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I think you could particularly do something quite exciting with that.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- We shall.- And I'll catch up with you later. Off you go.- Thank you.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Comfortably under budget for offers in excess of £350,000,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15our first house is an individually styled barn conversion
0:14:15 > 0:14:18that gets us off to a great start.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19It has a large main living area,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22a kitchen leading through to a dining room,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24and three bedrooms.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27It sits on a large plot, with a landscaped courtyard garden,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30as well as having a level lawned area to the front.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33And it's all set within a pretty, rural village.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35This house is definitely a contender.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40It's hidden away, it's tucked away, it's quiet.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Inside the house, it's been finished to a very high standard,
0:14:43 > 0:14:48quality is lovely, the garden room's fantastic,
0:14:48 > 0:14:53the courtyard has been very well designed with potential access to the garden space.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57I was quite surprised that there was a house like this, tucked away.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Upstairs, bedrooms are fine.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Love the bathroom. Obviously need to give it some thought
0:15:03 > 0:15:06about the kitchen but it's a good start.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Good, well that's it, then.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16House tour number one is done.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Is this, however, the key to your new home?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21I wonder.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35With Neil and Jane's newfound interest in cycling,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37they should be well placed in Leicestershire.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Its county city of Leicester held international importance
0:15:41 > 0:15:44during the Victorian period as a centre of bicycle manufacturing.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Over 100 years on, this tradition is being kept alive
0:15:48 > 0:15:52at Cyclemagic, a not-for-profit community cycling group
0:15:52 > 0:15:55with an eye for restoring some of Britain's very weird and wonderful
0:15:55 > 0:15:58biking history, such as tandems and penny-farthings.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02During the week, we sent our buyers to meet historian Roger Lovell
0:16:02 > 0:16:07to find out more about their collection of rather intriguing modes of transport.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- I hear you're both keen cyclists. - We are.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11As long as there's no hills!
0:16:11 > 0:16:14There are a few hills around but you've come to quite a unique organisation.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Cyclemagic is a not-for-profit organisation
0:16:17 > 0:16:20and we do all sorts of different types of cycling.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22We don't sell bikes that you'd find in an ordinary bike shop.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25We specialise in the alternatives in cycling,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28so cycling for people with disabilities,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31we do bike recycling, we sell tandems, tricycles,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33circus bikes, all kinds of things.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38There are many reasonable quality vintage bikes still in existence
0:16:38 > 0:16:39and still rideable.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Expert Simon Thomas demonstrated some of their oldest models.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47This is a replica of a Victorian tricycle,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49which would have been called a cripper.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53It's fairly stable so pretty much anyone can get on it
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- and have a go.- And no brakes? - There's no brakes, no,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59it's fixed so if you want to slow down,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03you just have to kind of resist the pedalling action with the pedals.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06And solid tyres so you feel every bump.
0:17:06 > 0:17:12So how easy or difficult are these bikes to ride?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14The different types that you've got.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16They're all different, compared to a modern machine,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19it's a completely different experience.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Quintessentially English bikes, such as the Victorian penny-farthing,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26are now making a revival, and it's possible to purchase
0:17:26 > 0:17:28brand-new versions of these elegant machines.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33And with a wealth of cycle routes around Leicester and the surrounding countryside,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35there are plenty of opportunities for Neil and Jane
0:17:35 > 0:17:36to get out and about.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40But for now, it's time to jump back onto four wheels,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42as we make our way to our next property.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55For our second house, we're making a 15-minute drive west
0:17:55 > 0:17:57from their family in Market Harborough
0:17:57 > 0:17:58to the village of North Kilworth.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02This sought-after location lies within a conservation area,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06and it's home to a nature reserve, ideal for ambling country walks.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09North Kilworth also has a 13th-century church
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and still retains its Post Office.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14And at the heart of this lovely village is our next home.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Now, property number two.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24You're looking that way but I'm looking that way.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Oh, really?
0:18:26 > 0:18:27HE LAUGHS
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- How about it?- Getting us confused.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Wow...- Now, to many people,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35that is what escaping to the country is all about.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- We've just escaped!- Have you?- Yeah!
0:18:37 > 0:18:42A beautiful thatch. Probably about 400 years old or so.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- What are your thoughts?- Wow. - Absolutely.- Fantastic.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- Newly thatched as well.- Yes, thatched only last year,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52so that's good for another 25 years or so.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- Looks lovely.- Total surprise, totally.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Wait till you see what's on offer inside.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00It is stunning.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03This delightful Grade II listed detached property
0:19:03 > 0:19:06was originally two cottages and a barn.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Now, it's one great big family home
0:19:09 > 0:19:13so let's find out if what lies beyond the charming facade
0:19:13 > 0:19:14will excite them.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16OK, Jane.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Wow.- This does it for me!
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- I thought it might!- Absolutely. - Does it do it for your husband?
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Well, it does, as long as the food's good!
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- It's the colour I wanted.- Yes?- Yes.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Er, it's just got a lovely, calm feel about it.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37I think it's exactly what we would have chosen ourselves
0:19:37 > 0:19:41if we were starting from scratch in this kitchen.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42Come and have a look through here.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50Now, surely you could relax comfortably in here?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- I could in front of that, yes. - Couldn't you just!
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- It's a nice light room.- Isn't it?
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Fantastic, it's a lovely room. - It is.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02The spaces are just perfect.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Well, in terms of social spaces, drifting through from the kitchen
0:20:05 > 0:20:10into here, is very simple. But there is a dining room option
0:20:10 > 0:20:15in here. Have a look at this, it's a really charming little room.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- This is lovely.- It is.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It's really... And the window, it's just beautiful.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- And that's a working fire? - It is indeed,
0:20:23 > 0:20:24but it would be very cosy again.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Yes.- It would.- Floors are lovely. It just fits.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Would this be big enough as a dining room though?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34I think so. We'd have a bigger table.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Yes, we would have a bigger table. - And it would fit in, I think.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41Well, we have a bigger dining room with a bigger table in it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- So where have you hidden that? - It's through here.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Come and have a look at this.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- Oh, my goodness.- There's the utility room and the downstairs cloakroom.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00But this, I think, is the thing that helps to make this property work.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Oh, gosh.- Come on up, Jane.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04What do you reckon, Neil?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Unbelievable! It's a dining hall. - It is.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- It is.- With a gallery.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Yeah. That takes you upstairs, obviously.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Back in the day, this was a barn.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But it has produced this rather manorial, medieval dining hall,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21I think you're absolutely right, Neil, it's the best way to describe it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- It's fantastic.- Look at the timbers up there, wonderful.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26You can see now why it is Grade II listed.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It's absolutely fantastic, the space is just superb.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- I think you're a bit lost for words! - I am, actually.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Well, I was lost for words when you stopped us outside
0:21:36 > 0:21:38because I didn't think I was coming here.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It's amazing, it really, really is.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'Well, I'm thrilled they both like this house so far.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'And there's more to come upstairs,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50'where there are three bedrooms, so plenty of space to accommodate visiting family.'
0:21:50 > 0:21:55That's the family bathroom, roll-top bath and shower in there.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Bedroom one, more of a box room, single room in there.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- Still a nice size.- This is lovely,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04nice big double.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Could be a guest room, although to be fair,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09it's interchangeable with this one.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14Bedroom three, which we're calling the master for argument's sake today,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17but if you didn't like this one, you could go next door.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- This is lovely.- It's really nice.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21And of course, here, you're at the end of the corridor
0:22:21 > 0:22:24so if you have got guests staying and so on and so forth,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26you're perhaps tucked away a bit if you want to be.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Yeah, if they're all still down in the dining room!
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- If they're still partying! - The dining hall!- The dining hall.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Well, let's finish off out in the garden
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and we'll talk about the money.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Get your thinking caps on.- Right.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44'I've a strong feeling we've hit the jackpot with this immaculately presented property.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48'And hopefully they'll be wowed by the garden too.'
0:22:49 > 0:22:54I suppose, broadly speaking, the garden is divided into two halves,
0:22:54 > 0:22:57you've got this bit of lawn here, quite simply done with some borders,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01then you go through this lovely rose-covered arch,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05to this secluded little terrace here,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07which I just think is nice and private and out of the way.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- It's lovely.- It's a sun trap.- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12So it meets with the garden designer's approval?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14It will be when I've finished with it!
0:23:14 > 0:23:18OK. That will, of course, depend on the price.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- So, Neil...- I think you're pushing our budget.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I think it's 375.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25OK, 375 says your husband.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29I'll say...372.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- 372?- Hmm.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34You're both wrong, I'm afraid.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35Really?
0:23:35 > 0:23:40The bad news is that it is on the market for £400,000,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44which perhaps is not a surprise, given what we've just seen.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49The good news, however, is that the vendors are aware of your budget.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55And I suspect there is a constructive conversation to be had
0:23:55 > 0:23:59in terms of you getting in and them getting out.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I think you should go back inside and explore this wonderful property
0:24:02 > 0:24:04and just see what your money might get you
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- if you play your cards right. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Off you go. Brilliant.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20On the market at £400,000 but open to negotiation,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23our second property is a wonderful Grade II listed thatched cottage
0:24:23 > 0:24:26with rather impressive accommodation.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29It features a fantastic country kitchen,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31three reception rooms, including a vaulted dining hall,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34with exposed timbers, and three bedrooms.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38The garden is enclosed by mature trees and borders,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and it's set in a desirable village location.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45This has been an amazing find. As soon as I saw it,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49I thought, "Wow!" I came inside,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51the kitchen is beautiful, nice and bright.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55I think it's exactly what we're looking for.
0:24:55 > 0:25:01The hall, fantastic. It is a room that defines the house.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Lovely, you wouldn't get that any place else, fantastic.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The garden, we can do things with that,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09nice sun trap at the bottom.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Wow, what could you say? We could move in tomorrow.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I've been looking everywhere for you.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Even upstairs, but no, you're in the garden.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- Yep, sunbathing!- I don't blame you, especially on a day like today.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27I'm afraid I am going to whisk you away from here!
0:25:27 > 0:25:31If we were only going to show you two, we might have done it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But there is one more to come, tomorrow.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48As the evening draws in across the Leicestershire countryside,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51the first day of our house-hunt comes to a close.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00After 26 years living in a modern house
0:26:00 > 0:26:05close to the Kent coast, Neil and Jane have a £375,000 budget
0:26:05 > 0:26:07to find a home near their grandchildren and daughters
0:26:07 > 0:26:09in the Leicestershire countryside.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12So far they've seen two properties but it was the second,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16a perfect thatch, that really got their hearts racing.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18However, still to come, our mystery house
0:26:18 > 0:26:21pits perfection against potential,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24which might just provide an alternative fairy-tale ending.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- Am I in this picture?- No, you're not in this picture.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31And I'll be learning about the iconic Leicestershire features
0:26:31 > 0:26:33that bring some of Britain's historic landmarks to life.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Well, as you can see, the sun is shining
0:26:41 > 0:26:44on our final day of property hunting with Jane and with Neil.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48So far, I think this property search is going particularly well.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51They've both been very focused in terms of what we've shown them,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53very realistic about what their budget can achieve,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57and as for the property market here, that is clearly thrilling them.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00There's one more to come. Let's get on with the rest of the show.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's mystery house time.
0:27:05 > 0:27:11- Any idea where we're heading?- I've got a funny feeling we're heading
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- towards Rutland.- Rutland.- That would mean we would cross a border
0:27:14 > 0:27:17into England's smallest county.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19How would that go down?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Small can be good!
0:27:22 > 0:27:26That's just as well, because across the county border into Rutland
0:27:26 > 0:27:28is exactly where we're headed.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Our mystery house is situated in Lyddington
0:27:32 > 0:27:35and is our furthest destination from Neil and Jane's family
0:27:35 > 0:27:38in Market Harborough, but still only around 15 miles away.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42With attractive golden-brown ironstone houses and cottages
0:27:42 > 0:27:43framing a small village green,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46the residents of Lyddington are lucky enough
0:27:46 > 0:27:49to have two pubs to choose from.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50We're stopping off in one of them
0:27:50 > 0:27:52to meet landlord Holly East.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57It's often said that if you really want to find out what's going on in a village,
0:27:57 > 0:27:59talk to the landlord of the local pub.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Holly, you've been in this particular pub for 15 years or so?
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Yes, that's right. It's a beautiful village
0:28:04 > 0:28:06and lovely community here.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Can you just talk us through, Holly, the calendar of events
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- in Lyddington?- Yes, we have a village fete in May,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17the whole village gets involved in the putting-up and raising money.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19And also we've the Open Garden scheme,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22we do that every other year as well.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- That's what we're looking for, an opportunity...- Get involved in community life.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Well, I think it's fairly clear that if you do like
0:28:29 > 0:28:31our mystery house, which is just down the road,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35you'll be assured of a very warm welcome here in Lyddington.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36Most certainly.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Holly, thank you for your time this morning.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40We'd better finish our coffee fairly quickly,
0:28:40 > 0:28:44and get on to our final property tour of the week. Drink up.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- Thanks.- Thanks, Holly.- Cheers.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50So, tearing ourselves away from the welcoming watering hole,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52it's time to unveil the mystery property,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55which was once another familiar local landmark.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- Wow.- Yes, wow.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02You've got me tucked away again, haven't you?
0:29:02 > 0:29:03THEY LAUGH
0:29:03 > 0:29:06This building here was the old school.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- But that is what's on offer.- OK.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I look forward to seeing inside that then.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I have to tell you that it is currently empty,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16currently unfurnished,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18so this is going to be an interesting test of your imagination
0:29:18 > 0:29:22as to how you might see yourselves slotting into this.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26The only thing I should point out to you is there isn't any off-road parking
0:29:26 > 0:29:28so you'd have to park out there, on the street.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30But you do get this lovely entrance courtyard.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- Surprise us, come on! - Let's see if we can.
0:29:33 > 0:29:39'Built in the 1890s, the mystery house is a portion of a former Victorian school.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42'It's been successfully converted into a unique
0:29:42 > 0:29:44'and characterful family home.'
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Let's start in here.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- The kitchen.- It's not bad at all.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It's certainly bigger than the kitchen we have.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56It has distinct possibilities, doesn't it?
0:29:56 > 0:29:58There's also a little utility room through there
0:29:58 > 0:30:01which would allow you to put in another dryer and that sort of stuff.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Plenty of space here. - If it's space you're after,
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- there's tonnes through here.- I can't wait to get down those stairs.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13This, to me, is where this house starts to come together.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16This is the room that really makes it for me.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20Very substantial...some would call it a conservatory,
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- I'm going to call it a garden room...- It's fabulous.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28..which is very solidly built. I don't know, what would you do in here?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30How would you divide this up, or would you?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32You know, paint me a picture.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34First thing, have a party.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Before you do anything to it!
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Do you know what we could do? We could have a ceilidh.- Yes, indeed.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41Nice Scottish ceilidh, why not!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44So you've got this as one big living space.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47But it does get cosier as we go through to the older bit.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Have a look at this.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56Now this, I think, Neil, would be the kind of snug,
0:30:56 > 0:31:01- maybe TV room.- Oh! Just look at that!
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Strange, it's quite echoey in here without anything to deaden the sound.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08But yeah, big rug, some sofas, you've got the wood burner there.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- The surround is really nice, actually.- Just fantastic.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Fabulous.- What a lovely, social room this would be.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17There's a similarly sized room next door
0:31:17 > 0:31:21which could double up as a study if need be.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25So you've got lots of options outside of that enormous space
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- off the kitchen.- Yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Again, this is a lovely room. The fireplace makes it.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- I can see you in here with...- A pint and a cigar, or a beer...
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- There you go.- Am I in this picture? - No, you're not in this picture.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45'Well, the picture downstairs certainly paints a promising one,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48'with plenty of space for entertaining all the family.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51'Then upstairs, there are more options.'
0:31:51 > 0:31:54A generous bathroom serves four bedrooms.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58They include a single, as well as two similar sized doubles
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and, of course, the one we've earmarked as the master.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09Now, of the four bedrooms this one is probably the one you'd pick
0:32:09 > 0:32:10for yourselves, I'd suggest.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15- None of them are en-suite but it's clearly...- It's double aspect.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- ..the lightest, yeah. - I particularly like the lightness.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- And you get to look out on your garden, Neil.- Mm.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I think you get the idea that up here,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- there is less to worry about than downstairs.- Yes. This is lovely.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Mm.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Yeah.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34So...have we swung you away from property number two
0:32:34 > 0:32:36with our mystery house, I wonder?
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Well, that depends!
0:32:40 > 0:32:43'Neil and Jane don't appear to be at all daunted
0:32:43 > 0:32:46'by the prospect of redecorating and perhaps reconfiguring
0:32:46 > 0:32:49'this mystery house which is a great sign.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52'And outside, there could be even more for Neil to get stuck into.'
0:32:52 > 0:32:55If you like decking, this is the garden for you, Neil.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- There's plenty of it, as you can see.- Bit near to this tree.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03There is that. I think the garden, as it stands, hopefully will give you
0:33:03 > 0:33:07enough scope to exercise your horticultural imagination, Neil.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Yes, I'm quite happy outside.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- You're inside.- Fair division, I would say!
0:33:13 > 0:33:18But the question is, how much is this going to cost you?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20How much is the mystery house on the market for?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Jane.- Oh...
0:33:23 > 0:33:28I think I'm going to go for 345.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- 345, yeah?- Hmm.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34I think you're stretching our budget.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- I think this is 380. - 380.- Do you?
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Well, the good news is that it's on for 370.
0:33:41 > 0:33:47- Really?- Yeah.- I think I'll need more money for inside than Neil will need for outside.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Well, obviously it's offers in the region of.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53But it's a very sought-after village, this one...
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- It is beautiful.- ..for all the reasons you've identified.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59If you think you'd be happy in this particular property,
0:33:59 > 0:34:00in this particular village,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03then maybe this is the one for you.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Off you go. Go and have a look around and I'll catch up with you later.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Thanks!- Look at them.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Absolutely dumbfounded, lost for words
0:34:12 > 0:34:15but mystery house often does that to people.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17But to be fair, this one is quite interesting
0:34:17 > 0:34:19and there is no doubt about it, this is a village
0:34:19 > 0:34:22that will sell almost any property that is on the market here.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25At the end of the day, it's about life and community.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29When it comes to country living, that is what we all want.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33With an asking price of £370,000,
0:34:33 > 0:34:37the mystery property is a handsome converted Victorian schoolhouse
0:34:37 > 0:34:39dating back to the 19th century.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44In need of a little TLC, it has three reception areas
0:34:44 > 0:34:46that include an enormous garden room.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50There are also four bedrooms and a decent amount of outside space.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54It offers huge amounts of scope
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and it's situated in a vibrant village
0:34:56 > 0:34:58with a proud and close-knit community.
0:34:58 > 0:35:04Yesterday, we had our hearts set on moving into house number two.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08But now, house number three has come along, mystery house,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11and it's fabulous, it really is.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I could see us living in this house
0:35:14 > 0:35:17and it being a happy family home.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Plenty of space.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21I don't have to think about moving in.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25It's what we do when we do move in that's the issue.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30And there's plenty of opportunity for us to put fresh input into this
0:35:30 > 0:35:33so for me, this is the house.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Good. Well, I think that was a pretty successful house tour,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- as they go.- It was.- Yes.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45Well, they've all been successful!
0:35:45 > 0:35:48I suspect there's a bit of confusion going on now
0:35:48 > 0:35:50as to what the future may hold.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52I don't think there'll be much debate.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Well, a debate is to be had.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Let's get you somewhere where you can have it
0:35:56 > 0:36:00and I will sit you down in a little while and grill you
0:36:00 > 0:36:02as to what the future may hold. Come on.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Since the early 19th century,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19one feature of Leicestershire's industrial heritage
0:36:19 > 0:36:21has continued to resonate the world over.
0:36:21 > 0:36:27In 1839, John Taylor relocated his family business to Loughborough
0:36:27 > 0:36:30when he recast the bells of the town's All Saints church.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Over 170 years later,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38the company is now renowned as the world's largest working bell foundry.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I've come to meet director Simon Adams,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43to find out more about the scale of work involved here
0:36:43 > 0:36:47and the skillsets needed for such a unique craft.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- Simon!- Hello, Jules. - Hello, nice to see you.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55This is extraordinary, isn't it?
0:36:55 > 0:37:00There's clearly no doubt about what you do, as soon as you walk through the door. Bells everywhere!
0:37:00 > 0:37:01There's hundreds of bells lying around,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04waiting for all sorts of work to be done to them.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07By the looks of it, you're in the original premises.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Yes, these buildings have been here since 1859.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Can we have a bit of an explore?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14All shapes and sizes, clearly.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15Are these all new bells?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17No, these are bells waiting for restoration.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21There are some from the Wirral, some from the City of London.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24What's the biggest bell you have actually made?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27The greatest bell we ever cast was the bell for St Paul's Cathedral,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Great Paul, that weighed more than 16 tonnes.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32In terms of these bells here that have come in for restoration,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34what kind of ages are we talking about?
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- These are dated from 1350.- 1350! - And they're inscribed in Latin.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Beautiful.- Quite elderly but they'll be restored for future use.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- So the process hasn't really changed?- It hasn't changed at all.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47It's still the same process from 600 years ago.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51More importantly, you've been able to keep those skills in being,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54and keep training new generations of people to take them on.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Indeed, and we've got now more apprentices than we've ever had.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00What is it that makes the perfect bell?
0:38:00 > 0:38:04In a new bell, it's the shape and profile
0:38:04 > 0:38:08and the quality of the tuning that makes a perfect bell.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12The art of bell-making incorporates very specialised tuning
0:38:12 > 0:38:14and this company use their own five-tone principle
0:38:14 > 0:38:17that has remained unchanged for more than a century.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20So this is the tuning room!
0:38:20 > 0:38:23This is indeed the tuning room and has been since 1896.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Presumably the acoustics in here are what make it work?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29They're perfectly designed to simulate a church bell tower.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Now, are these old bells that you're retuning?
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Yes, they're in for restoration, they're 18th-century bells.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38LOUD CHIME
0:38:39 > 0:38:43There's a very strange, sort of, almost like a synthesiser sound
0:38:43 > 0:38:44at the end of it.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Does that mean it's out of tune?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48There are some partials in there that aren't quite correct.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51That's literally as the bell would have been sent out
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- by its bellfounder originally. - How do you retune it then?
0:38:54 > 0:38:57We place the bell on a large vertical lathe and remove metal
0:38:57 > 0:39:01from the inside of the bell at particular positions to actually improve the sound of it.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03These bells look brand new. Is that right?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06These are brand-new bells going to Moseley in Birmingham.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I can sound six of them if you like, so you can hear the difference.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Go on then, give us a rendition.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15BELLS CHIME IN DESCENDING ORDER
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Wonderful. And when they are mounted in a tower,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27the sound that's going to echo across Moseley,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29it's going to sound amazing, isn't it?
0:39:29 > 0:39:32It's going to be an absolutely wonderful peal of bells for Moseley.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Give us an idea of what a set of bells like this would cost.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39The full peal of ten is in the region of about £140,000.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Is it? But, as you say, such a contribution
0:39:43 > 0:39:47to any community and they will last potentially forever.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- I can't resist it, can I have one more...- Yes.
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Here we go.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52LOUD CHIME
0:39:56 > 0:40:00'A large number of the team here are also bell-ringers
0:40:00 > 0:40:04'and when they're not hard at work, creating and restoring these magnificent bells,
0:40:04 > 0:40:06'a well-earned break from the factory floor
0:40:06 > 0:40:08'takes them up to the foundry tower.'
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Ah, up in the gods. Go on, then, show us how it's done.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Let's have a listen to the experts.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Treble's going.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21BELLS PEAL
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Well that, surely, is the sound of celebration that most of us
0:40:29 > 0:40:34would recognise. Let's hope it's in the air for Neil and for Jane.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Well, Jane, Neil, have we had an exciting week?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- Yes, it's been wonderful.- Fantastic.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- I never knew house-hunting could be fun!- We do try and make it fun.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58More importantly, have we made it productive?
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Let's revisit the properties that we had a chance to take you to.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Property number one, what are your thoughts on that now, Jane?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Beautifully decorated throughout.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The living room and the garden room were just lovely.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- Onto the enclosed courtyard, it was really lovely.- Perfect.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Property number two, very different proposition.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23- Chocolate-box thatch. - That was just amazing.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It had character, it had charm, it was beautifully finished.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31- And the hall, if that's the right term...- Oh, the dining room, hall!
0:41:31 > 0:41:33The galleried hall was just fantastic.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- It was perfect.- It was.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Rare that one can say that about any property.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41I have to confess, I thought we'd probably done it
0:41:41 > 0:41:43and I was beginning to wonder whether we needed to show you
0:41:43 > 0:41:46our final offering, our mystery house.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Very different kind of property, empty so you could see all the space on offer.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54We fell in love with the village as soon as we drove into it.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Yes, there's a bit to do, but it's not terribly challenging,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00it's not structural work or anything.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04I think that's the best option, actually.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06And in terms of the price, £370,000,
0:42:06 > 0:42:10just under your maximum spend of 375.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13But you've got to spend some money on it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Yes, which gives us options we wouldn't have
0:42:16 > 0:42:19with the other two properties cos they're already there.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23So it's a chance to make it your own and really define this move
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- and define this new chapter that you're beginning.- Yes.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Yes.- Absolutely.- Very interesting. Are we on the edge of an offer,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- do we think?- We're on the edge of a survey,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37and discussions about an offer, I think.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40I'm delighted, I really am delighted.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48It will come as no surprise to anybody to learn
0:42:48 > 0:42:50that one of the great treats about working on Escape To The Country
0:42:50 > 0:42:54is having the chance to look at many beautiful and remarkable properties
0:42:54 > 0:42:56all over the UK.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59But I think this house search does raise an interesting question.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Can a property be too perfect?
0:43:02 > 0:43:05We had the chance to show Jane and Neil two which I thought
0:43:05 > 0:43:07were perfectly finished but in the end,
0:43:07 > 0:43:11they've gone for our mystery house, which, in many respects, isn't.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Of course, we all like to make where we live our own
0:43:14 > 0:43:17so maybe it does lend some truth to the old phrase,
0:43:17 > 0:43:21home really is what you make it. I'll see you next time.
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0:43:24 > 0:43:26in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:26 > 0:43:30and would like our help, then please apply online, at...
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