0:00:02 > 0:00:04This village was once on the world map for its scythe-making,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06that is, until it lost its edge to mechanisation.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Where am I? Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44On today's show, I'm hitting the road with a pair of keen cyclists,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46to help them make a big move. And it's safe to say
0:00:46 > 0:00:49our couple aren't completely in tandem about what they want
0:00:49 > 0:00:51from a property.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54You should have seen his face when you said, "Oh, I really like it!"
0:00:54 > 0:00:55He was like...
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Yes, I was amazed!
0:00:57 > 0:01:00But then the mystery house rides to the rescue once again.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- We're singing from the same hymn sheet! This is good.- Unusual.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Really? What hymn are you singing? Glory, Glory, Hallelujah is what I'm singing!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today I'm in Worcestershire and this is the village of Belbroughton,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17which from the 1500s produced scythes and cutting tools
0:01:17 > 0:01:19for around four centuries.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Well, the iron forges and the knife-sharpening mills
0:01:22 > 0:01:24produced tools that were shipped all over the world.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27In fact, they were used to clear the Everglades in the USA.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Mechanisation came along and the industry dwindled.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Back in 1968, Belbroughton here saw its final mill close forever.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Well, the industry may be gone but as far as the countryside's concerned,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Worcestershire is still a cut above the rest.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47The county of Worcestershire is bordered by Herefordshire
0:01:47 > 0:01:48to the west, Gloucestershire to the south,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and Warwickshire to the east.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56While the north of the county is home to conurbations such as Kidderminster and Bromsgrove,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59head south and you'll discover its rural heart
0:01:59 > 0:02:01around the towns of Malvern and Evesham
0:02:01 > 0:02:04which are famed for their mineral water and asparagus production.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07But it is Worcester, holding court in the middle,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10that ties the two halves of the county together -
0:02:10 > 0:02:15the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar and home of Royal Worcester porcelain.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18It's also the city that Churchill's government planned
0:02:18 > 0:02:21to decamp to in the event of a Nazi invasion.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25It would appear that we're not the first to think that Worcestershire
0:02:25 > 0:02:27is the perfect place to escape to the country.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33The cost of an average detached property here in Worcestershire
0:02:33 > 0:02:39is around £260,000. That's roughly £6,000 above national average.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40For this price, you could be looking
0:02:40 > 0:02:43at locations like the pretty market town of Malvern or Pershore,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45lovely, they are.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47If you want something a little bit more spectacular,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50then head south in the county towards the Cotswolds.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53But here, let me warn you that detached properties
0:02:53 > 0:02:56are highly sought-after and bargains hard to come by.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59But Worcestershire is most definitely a county
0:02:59 > 0:03:01with charm and character.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Head to the north of the county to villages like Bewdley,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07and you'll find fantastic timbered properties,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09some dating back to the 17th century.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11A house of this style with four bedrooms
0:03:11 > 0:03:16typically costs from around £300,000-£425,000.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20If that's too much space for you then the honey stone cottages
0:03:20 > 0:03:23of the Cotswolds may be a better option.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Here, from around £275,000 to £375,000,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31you'll get just two bedrooms but with buckets of charm.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35If land is your top priority, then the fields of Worcester
0:03:35 > 0:03:37offer an array of traditional farmhouses.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Expect to pay upwards of £800,000 for one of these,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44especially if you want plenty of acres to play with.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49So, what are we looking for? Let's meet the buyers.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Peter and Susan have lived in their four-bedroomed house
0:03:52 > 0:03:56in the busy town of Ulverston in Cumbria for the past 33 years,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58having originally made the move from the Isle Of Man.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02But now Peter has retired from his banking job,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and Sue has given up her career as a health worker,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08they're planning on a new challenge in the shape of a countryside business,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10in the county of Worcestershire.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Something that I've wanted to do for quite a while and thought about
0:04:14 > 0:04:17is running a self-catering business,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20so that we would like to have a house either with an annexe
0:04:20 > 0:04:25or some cottages in the garden or some outbuildings we could convert
0:04:25 > 0:04:27and do self-catering holidays.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Well, they're certainly not after the quiet life.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32And along with a new commercial venture,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35family unity is also a key consideration.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Part of the reason we want to move to the Worcester area
0:04:38 > 0:04:40is I'll be nearer my sister.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43She has a son, Ashley, who's got Down's syndrome,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46and it would be really nice to give her a break
0:04:46 > 0:04:49so that she can have a bit more freedom to go off on holiday
0:04:49 > 0:04:54without having to find carers and that Ashley would be happy to come to us and we'd be happy to have him.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56So, a welcoming home for all the family
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and space for paying guests is high on the agenda.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03But that's not quite the end of the property wish list.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05We don't really want a huge garden,
0:05:05 > 0:05:10maybe half an acre, something where we could have a vegetable patch
0:05:10 > 0:05:11and grow a few flowers.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14And I would like to have a garage there.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I've got half a dozen bikes
0:05:16 > 0:05:18and we've got a nice car outside
0:05:18 > 0:05:21which we want to have covered up for a change.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Keeping the car pristine is one thing,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26however, it's Peter and Susan's joint passion for pedal power
0:05:26 > 0:05:28that really gets their hearts racing.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I got into cycling when I lived in the Isle Of Man.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Some years later, I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Commonwealth Games
0:05:36 > 0:05:40or the Empire Games as it was known in those days.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44And I went to Australia in December 1962.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I got into cycling because of Peter.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50He encouraged me to do it and it's really enjoyable,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52it's something we can do together.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56And you can see so much more from a bicycle than you can from a car!
0:05:56 > 0:06:00And they both think diving feet-first into community life
0:06:00 > 0:06:02will be a vital step in their success.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06We had some good advice, didn't we, when we moved from the Isle Of Man,
0:06:06 > 0:06:07that..."join everything!"
0:06:07 > 0:06:12It's important to get stuck in with whatever's on offer, really.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Don't want to just be "those people from up North who never speak to anybody"!
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I don't think there's much chance of that.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21So let's talk money.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Our budget for this move is £600,000.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Peter and Susan are particularly keen on living
0:06:31 > 0:06:35within a 20-mile radius of Susan's sister in the village of Welland,
0:06:35 > 0:06:40which lies 16 miles west of Evesham and 11 miles south of Worcester.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44I caught up with them on Worcestershire soil to discover more about their rural move.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Well, both, welcome to Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- Quite nice, isn't it?- It's lovely. - Beautiful, isn't it?
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Why this area in particular? - Well, we're both retired now
0:06:53 > 0:06:57and we've sort of had where we've lived imposed on us in the past
0:06:57 > 0:07:00so this is somewhere where we would choose to live.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03And also, I've got family down here.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Er, I want to start a business up as well
0:07:06 > 0:07:10so we want to have a self-catering annexe
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- or self-catering something in the garden.- Right.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16So that's the new career, as it were.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20This is for you, so we've got to find something you really want.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25Yes, yes. So we're hoping for a house with at least three bedrooms,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29the annexe is very important, or the self-catering.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- Nice big kitchen...- How did I know you were going to say that?!
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- It's the heart of the home, isn't it? - Is he the cook?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Sort of. He does a good soup!- I start and then she takes over and kicks me out!
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- He does a good soup!- So then I go, "Don't do it like that..."
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- What about budget?- Er...- Up to 600,000, if...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- If it's the right place. - If it's the right place.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55As usual, we've got three properties to show you,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59one of them being the mystery property which will fill you with delight
0:07:59 > 0:08:03or incite you to hate a certain Welshman not a million miles away!
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Let's hope it's not that. Shall we get going?- Yes.- Yes. Great.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- It's easier walking down.- Yes!
0:08:11 > 0:08:12For their budget of £600,000,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Peter and Susan are looking for a detached property
0:08:15 > 0:08:20with three to four bedrooms, a big kitchen for keen cook Susan,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23a garage for a car and bikes,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25a manageable garden for Peter's veg growing
0:08:25 > 0:08:29and an annexe or outbuildings with rental potential.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31We found three fabulous properties
0:08:31 > 0:08:34we think they'll find hard to resist.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37But I won't be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40The last of these is, of course, the mystery house,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43which they may want to go above and beyond to live in.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47But first, we're heading to house number one.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52We're travelling 12 miles east of Worcester,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54near to the village of Inkberrow.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's one of Worcestershire's largest villages and is home
0:08:57 > 0:08:59to two traditional British pubs,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02a well-stocked local shop, and a church that dates back
0:09:02 > 0:09:03to the 13th century.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Just south of Inkberrow is the beautiful village of Abbots Morton,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10one of the county's oldest settlements
0:09:10 > 0:09:15which is chock full of half-timbered 17th and 18th-century buildings.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- So, this is the village of Abbots Morton.- Very nice.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23It's so quiet. Where we were before, we could always hear the road.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Yes.- This is just perfect. - Yes, lots of traffic.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28BIRDS TWEET
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Nothing, just birdsong! Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- That's what we want.- Excellent.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36You're saying the right things. Let's hope you are when we see the property. Shall we have a look?
0:09:36 > 0:09:37- Yes, please.- Let's go.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41'It seems this peaceful location is just what Peter and Susan are looking for.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43'Time to see property number one -
0:09:43 > 0:09:46'a Grade II listed 17th-century cottage,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48'which was once the blacksmith's house.'
0:09:48 > 0:09:51The plot's about a third of an acre.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Oh, that's just right...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55A double garage, they've also got a vegetable plot as well.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Double garage with it?- Yes. - Well, that's you happy!
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- So initial impressions, you like it? - Very much.- Yes, we do.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- I do. Can't speak for you but I do. - I do.- You like it?- Yes, I do.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Let's get in, have a look. Come on. - OK, super.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11'We're off to a flying start with this one.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13'Peter's happy with his double garage
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'but let's see if they both like the space inside.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Come on through. Let me show you one of the living spaces first of all.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- OK.- I think this room's lovely. - This is lovely, yeah.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- Isn't it gorgeous? - I love all the wood.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26It's high enough up to not bang your head.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29That was my major worry, to be honest with you.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Let's see if you're saying that when you walk under this beam.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Does he fit?- He does!
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- You can walk with confidence! - And I've stopped growing, so...
0:10:37 > 0:10:38Stopped growing.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42As you see, you've got this really impressive inglenook fireplace.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Yeah.- That's just amazing.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46With a bread oven. Is that a bread oven?
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- It was originally a bread oven but now what you see there is just the facade.- Yeah.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Behind the oven, you've got another little living space,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57which the current owners use as a TV room.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Right.- Good size.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- But let me take you through to the kitchen, shall I?- OK.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Oh, I'm getting excited!- Good, I like it when you're excited!
0:11:07 > 0:11:09So, come on through to your kitchen.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Oh, right.- "Oh, right".
0:11:12 > 0:11:14What does that "Oh, right" mean?
0:11:14 > 0:11:15I think I know what it means!
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Bit small.- Is it?
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Very nice, nice units and everything. - Very bright.- And very bright.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26But I'm used to a big kitchen with a range cooker.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29You could, I suppose, take that dining table out
0:11:29 > 0:11:31if you've got that one through there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Yes, cos you've got that there. - The other hope to cling on to
0:11:35 > 0:11:39is that there was planning permission to extend this kitchen
0:11:39 > 0:11:40right to the boundary.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Oh, right.- Which would, in effect... - So you could open it up.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46..double or triple the size of your kitchen.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49'While the kitchen's not ideal for Susan,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52'there's definitely potential to expand here.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54'But now we're heading to see what the upstairs has to offer.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'Up here, there's a very good-sized double room,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01'one option for the master, plus an adjoining bright family bathroom,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03'with wooden floor.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06'The next bedroom on this level is a very characterful affair,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08'which currently houses twin beds.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11'Up a further flight of stairs is the third bedroom,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13'which provides Peter and Susan with another option
0:12:13 > 0:12:14'for a master bedroom.'
0:12:14 > 0:12:19That would make a good family room, with the twin beds there
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- and yeah...- And you've got some fitted cupboards here.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26There's not enough room for all my stuff.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Now we're getting into it!- Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33I could get mine into that little box over there!
0:12:33 > 0:12:34ALED LAUGHS
0:12:34 > 0:12:36You've got two other rooms to explore as well,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39I'll let you do that in your own time.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Let's go and have a look at the annexe, shall we?- Yes. - You lead the way. Watch your head.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47'So far, so good. This house has the potential to give them
0:12:47 > 0:12:49'everything they're after. Now for the annexe,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'which was originally the old forge.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54'This is the vital last part of the puzzle.'
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- What do you think?- Very nice. - It's very nice as a holiday let.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Just about the right size, this.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04This is the living space, you've got a good-sized bedroom through there.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- En suite.- Oh, yeah.- Then upstairs, you've got two other bedrooms as well.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Ah, brilliant.- But it's very much, I would say, a family let.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- I would be happy...- Yeah. - ..for a holiday let,
0:13:16 > 0:13:17from what I've seen so far.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20'Outside, as well as housing that double garage,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22'the land is mostly laid to lawn,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'and looks out onto the surrounding countryside.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Looks pretty impressive from here, doesn't it?- It does.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31All of this comes at a price, so who's going to go first?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33And I can find out who the real boss is.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39- I would say £575,000.- 575. 575, OK.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Hmm, I'm going for 550...
0:13:42 > 0:13:44with my hopeful hat on!
0:13:44 > 0:13:45OK...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Well, it's right in the middle.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51It's currently on the market for £560,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52- Right.- Right.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- So it gives you a bit of money to play around with.- Yes.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- For the kitchen extension!- Yeah.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- You've gone a bit quiet!- Yeah. - Your body literally went
0:14:01 > 0:14:05from here...to... Yeah, it did!
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I don't know, it's just... It is a beautiful house
0:14:09 > 0:14:13but it's just not quite what I had in mind.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Well, it seems to me... I'm a bit confused
0:14:16 > 0:14:19cos I went round and thought you were really positive
0:14:19 > 0:14:21about all of it, apart from one room in particular.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- So maybe go back in and... - Go in and have a look, yeah.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Yeah.- All right.- And I'll meet you by the front door.- Thanks.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Good luck on convincing her!
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Well within their budget at £560,000,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37this gorgeous historic property has everything they asked for,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39on paper at least.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It has a light living space, a good-sized kitchen
0:14:42 > 0:14:44with potential to extend,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47three bedrooms, an annexe set up as a holiday let,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51a double garage for bike and car storage,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53and a manageable garden.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I thought the house was absolutely beautiful.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01The annexe was absolutely perfect for our purposes, holiday letting.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06It suits me, perfectly. The kitchen, possibly a bit too small for Susan,
0:15:06 > 0:15:10although we could extend that, that could be extended.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I really liked the house. When we first arrived and looked at it,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I thought, "This looks really nice."
0:15:15 > 0:15:19The bedrooms are a little bit smaller than I would have liked.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's a shame cos I really do like the house, it feels nice.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25But not quite big enough, I don't think.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26Hey hey.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Happy?- Yeah.- Good start?- Yes, very good start.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It looks like he's convinced her.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Your tandem awaits!- Right... - Don't look so excited, let's jump in the car, come on.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Lying between the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53the Vale of Evesham is often referred to as the fruit basket of England.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56In the heart of the vale, on the banks of the river Avon,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00is the historic town of Evesham, a trading hub for local growers
0:16:00 > 0:16:04since being granted its market charter in 1603.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08In the 1800s, the area was noted for its pears and apples,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11but by 1910, plums were the main crop.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15In the spring, the vale's flowering apple and plum trees
0:16:15 > 0:16:17come into their own, and the orchards can be explored,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20thanks to a designated Blossom Trail,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24a 45-mile route that takes in the towns of Evesham and Pershore,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27as well as the Cotswold village of Broadway.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30We sent keen cyclists Peter and Susan to meet
0:16:30 > 0:16:35horticultural crops consultant John Edgeley to take a tour on two wheels
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and discover more about the vale's plum-growing heritage.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41So is it a particularly good area for growing plums?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44It's a very sheltered area, sheltered by the Cotswolds
0:16:44 > 0:16:46and the Malvern Hills.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48We've got deep, fertile clay soils as well,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50very moisture-retentive.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52And, of course, we're close to conurbations
0:16:52 > 0:16:56like Birmingham and the West Midlands as well to buy the fruit.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Worcestershire's orchards, including those along the trail,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02have declined by over 75% in the last 50 years.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06This is mainly due to redevelopment of land for housing
0:17:06 > 0:17:08and the increase in imported fruit from abroad.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12However, schemes such as the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14manned by local volunteers, have been set up
0:17:14 > 0:17:16to rescue the old orchards.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21This is Hipton Hill and we've got about 70 acres
0:17:21 > 0:17:22of plum trees here.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25We bought this about four years ago.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28It was in a complete state of disrepair.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Er, so using volunteers like you see behind us,
0:17:32 > 0:17:36we come in one day a week and we've gradually tidied it up
0:17:36 > 0:17:40and then we bring sheep in as well, to keep the grass down.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Because we are funded through the Higher Level schemes,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45we are basically a conservation trust,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48so we're after looking after the wildlife,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- as well as everything else. - Ah, to attract wildlife too.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57The deadwood in orchards is very handy for a threatened endangered species called the noble chafer.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- Is that a bird?- It's a beetle. - Oh, a beetle!
0:18:02 > 0:18:04A very small green beetle. Very difficult to see.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08But when you look inside deadwood, you can find the little pellets
0:18:08 > 0:18:11where they've been feeding.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15The Pershore plums grown here come in three varieties -
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Evesham Red, Purple Pershore and Yellow Egg.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20The Yellow Egg plum has one major advantage
0:18:20 > 0:18:24in that it's self-fertile, so doesn't need another nearby plum
0:18:24 > 0:18:25to create fruit.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28After the picking season in August, the fruit is sold locally
0:18:28 > 0:18:33at farm shops, markets, and the annual plum festival in Pershore.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Mainly used in cooking, they're especially suitable for pie fillings,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and for making jam.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Right, I'm eating this!
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Mmm.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- That's lovely.- A lovely plum flavour in there, isn't there?- Beautiful.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52I've never had a yellow plum jam before.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Well, we've certainly given Peter and Susan a taste
0:18:56 > 0:18:57of this beautiful countryside.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00And here's hoping we can find them a "plum" property
0:19:00 > 0:19:02as our house-hunt continues.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07We've travelled three miles south of Evesham
0:19:07 > 0:19:09to the village of Sedgeberrow.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13It's set in beautiful countryside with access to the Wychavon Way,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17a 40-mile walking trail between Droitwich Spa and Pershore.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20The community's amenities include a 14th-century church,
0:19:20 > 0:19:25a local store and a pub, which offers quiz nights, live music
0:19:25 > 0:19:26and real ale.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Our second house is the village's former mill,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34a property set over three floors with plenty of room inside.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- That looks big!- It is, isn't it?
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- It's vast.- An old mill, is it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- It's an old mill. Shall we go and have a look?- Let's.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Let's get out of this horrible rain.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45'This property is overflowing with potential.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48'And there's a lot of flexible space in here.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:50So, come on in.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Substantial boot room!- Yeah.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57The first thing that struck me was that old mill wheel.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Oh...
0:20:00 > 0:20:0414-foot diameter, that is. Largest mill wheel in the county.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Really?- No...- It's true!
0:20:06 > 0:20:09You show off to your sister. What do you think?
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I'm liking the space, yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Nice floor, nice stone floor.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Yeah.- It's a very country house.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Come on, let's go upstairs.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22'With Peter and Susan already impressed,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25'let's see what they think of the living space, which,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'in this house, you'll find mainly on the first floor.'
0:20:30 > 0:20:33I was going to say, how are you with stairs, cos there are quite a few of them.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Ah... I'm all right at the moment.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Yes.- Yeah.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- It's the same kitchen as we've got at home!- Is it?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41The same kitchen you've got at home!
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Er, you're going to say it's too small for you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50It is small but it's kind of a nice lay... There's something about it
0:20:50 > 0:20:51which I quite like.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- What is that, do you think? - I don't know.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57I think cos there's this seating area here.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59It's lovely, isn't it? Are you one of these cooks,
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- when you're in the kitchen, you like to be part of the conversation as well?- Definitely.- Absolutely.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07I don't like to be in the kitchen and everybody else is somewhere else.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It seems very small to me, to be honest!
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Well, this is one thing about the property.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15There are probably about two or three rooms where you could put a kitchen...
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Start again with a brand-new one.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20..which would be incredible. There's so much space in this house.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22But it's quite interesting.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25You should have seen his face when you said, "Oh, I really like it."
0:21:25 > 0:21:26He was like...
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Yes, I was amazed!
0:21:29 > 0:21:31'So, opinion is split over the kitchen.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33'But let's see what they think of the rest of the house,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35'starting with the dining room.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38'It's safe to say this home is just brimming with character
0:21:38 > 0:21:41'and features left over from the past.'
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- I really like this room.- I like.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45I think this would work better as a kitchen-diner.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Yes, it would.- Maybe have that as a little office, sitting area.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Absolutely. What did I tell you?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- Potential!- Potential.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54You could knock this down, this down.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Make it one big, huge living space if that's what you wanted.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- It is quite a big room anyway. - Massive, isn't it?- Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- Totally blank canvas.- I'm liking the size of the rooms.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07This would be a lovely living room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08Come on, let's go.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'Back through the dining area, and up a flight of stairs,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16'we get to the family bathroom,
0:22:16 > 0:22:21'which adjoins the very spacious room where Peter and Susan could be sleeping.'
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- This is a nice size, isn't it? - Tiny, isn't it?
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- A good size, this, isn't it? - It's fabulous.- Lovely.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32The current owners have three sons, so there are two bedrooms upstairs,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36two double bedrooms upstairs that are serviced by one staircase.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41But there's also another bedroom, serviced by the staircase behind that wall,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- which the current owners have put in.- Yeah.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45So you could either keep it as three bedrooms
0:22:45 > 0:22:47or you could take down the staircase,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49make more storage space, whatever you want.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- There's plenty of room to put your own stamp on it, isn't there?- Yes.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's much bigger than our present bedroom, that.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58'And if they thought the bedroom was huge,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'wait till they see the room I've saved until last.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04'It's back down on the ground floor and surrounds the old mill wheel.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08'But I don't think they'll have ever seen anything like this.'
0:23:08 > 0:23:09Whoah!
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Wow-wow-wee-wah!- Oh, yes...
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Lovely, isn't it, this?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's massive, isn't it?- It is. - At the moment,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19they've got it as a sort of den for the boys.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20Oh, right, yes.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22It's astonishing.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- I wasn't expecting this at all. - So you like this space?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28This would make a fabulous kitchen, it's marvellous.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Good.- It's good.- We like that!
0:23:30 > 0:23:31Yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'Well, that room certainly made an impact on them
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'and they haven't seen the annexe yet.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39'This adjoins the double garage that was high on Peter's wish list.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44'It's converted from the old stableboy's cottage.'
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Ooh.- Very nice, isn't it?
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Yeah. Good-sized kitchen...area.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- It's cosy, isn't it?- It is, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- Got the downstairs bathroom there. - Yes.- Yes.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Got the TV...whatever you want to call it, living area there.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- And a good-sized bedroom upstairs as well...- Great.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04..which I'll let you have a look at after.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07But this is... You could bring someone in here straight away.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Absolutely, yeah, you could just... Up and running really, isn't it?
0:24:11 > 0:24:15'With the annexe going down well, there are just the grounds to see.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19'These include a triangular-shaped garden with the original millpond,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22'and a small lawn with decking and seating areas.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'Across the lane, there's also a 60-foot long paddock.'
0:24:26 > 0:24:28As you'd expect with this property,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31your outside space isn't one level.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33No, it's not very big either.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Not big enough?- No.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Actually, this isn't the entire outside space.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41If you noticed, as we walked down that little pathway
0:24:41 > 0:24:44towards the front door, there was a little paddock area.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Yes, in front. Across the lane. - That's it.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- You were taking it all in, weren't you?- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53And I was thinking to myself, "I don't like gardens across a road."
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- There we go, right. Well, I'm just letting you know it's there. - That there is land, yes.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59What do you reckon it's on the market for?
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Well, I'm hoping it'll be on for about 475,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06considering how much I would like to spend on it
0:25:06 > 0:25:07to get it as I want it.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Well, I would say 400,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11You're way off the mark.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13It's actually the top end of your budget.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16At the moment, £595,000.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17Gosh.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- There are a couple of rooms you haven't seen.- Oh, right.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22I don't think they'll sway you but why don't you make your way back into the house
0:25:22 > 0:25:25and through the annexe, I'll come and find you.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26Thank you.
0:25:26 > 0:25:32At £595,000, this is still £5,000 under their maximum budget
0:25:32 > 0:25:35and offers them a massive amount of space and potential.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39It has a huge and flexible living area,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42a character kitchen with plenty of scope for a larger one,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45four bedrooms in all, a double garage for the bikes,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and a ready-to-rent annexe.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53With this second house, my first impressions were, "It's very big."
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Very big. Lovely sized rooms.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Bit of a strange layout.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Having the kitchen, a very small kitchen area upstairs,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05where you could perhaps have made one of the bigger rooms
0:26:05 > 0:26:10into a really stunning kitchen, which would be my idea.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12I really do think it's very attractive.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Nice larger rooms.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17An annexe, which is what we want.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21We would want to probably remove the present kitchen
0:26:21 > 0:26:23and put it in one of the bigger rooms.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27For it to work for us, we would have to make substantial changes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I'm topping up my tan but I could have been in that public house, having a drink.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34- You could, couldn't you?- It's been tough.- You've been very good.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- You've seen enough?- Yes.- Yes.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Two very different properties, don't even comment about either of them
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- just yet.- OK.- Let's regroup and we'll do it again tomorrow.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- OK.- Yes.- Come on then, I'll drive back.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Good.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00As dusk falls over the stunning Worcestershire countryside,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Retirees Peter and Susan are heading from Ulverston in Cumbria
0:27:15 > 0:27:18to the Worcestershire countryside for a big life change.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21They want to be closer to family but also in a good spot
0:27:21 > 0:27:23for setting up a holiday-let business too.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26So far, it's been a story of two kitchens.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29One they felt was a bit small in a blacksmith's cottage,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and a potentially massive one in a converted mill.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Coming up, the mystery house is bordering on perfect for them.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Is this kitchen big enough? - It is, Aled!
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Thank God! Yes!- Well done. - Well done.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46And I experience life as a troglodyte, in one of Britain's most ancient dwellings.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Here we go, it's day two of our search to find Peter and Susan
0:27:51 > 0:27:54their dream house here in the lovely county of Worcestershire.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58Now, positives were definitely taken from the two properties yesterday
0:27:58 > 0:28:00but one thing is evident. When it comes to one room,
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Susan won't budge. Yes, kitchen is king.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07So bring on the mystery house!
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Why's it a mystery? It's not even in Worcestershire. Uh-oh.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13It's part of a terrace. Double uh-oh.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17But it's got a lovely kitchen. Hopefully it'll cook up a storm.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Do you think that the whole annexe idea, er,
0:28:27 > 0:28:31is getting in the way of you finding your dream property?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- It could be.- Yeah, maybe we should sort of scrap the annexe idea
0:28:35 > 0:28:39and buy a nice house and a separate property to rent out!
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- Really?- Maybe.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46To reach our mystery property, we've made the journey
0:28:46 > 0:28:49across the Worcestershire border into Herefordshire,
0:28:49 > 0:28:5021 miles from Worcester
0:28:50 > 0:28:52and a short drive from the market town of Ledbury.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56But we're also a mere five miles from Susan's sister, in Welland.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Ledbury is home to a large number of timber-framed buildings,
0:29:00 > 0:29:05the most outstanding being the Market House, which dates back to 1617.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08As far as amenities go, there's plenty to do here,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12including eating out in a brasserie, live music at the pub,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15or a taste of local history at the folk museum.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19The mystery house itself is set in a quiet, rural location,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22within a complex of barn conversions surrounding a courtyard
0:29:22 > 0:29:24and dates back to 1866.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27So why do you reckon it's the mystery property?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Er...it doesn't have an annexe.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34That's not why it was the mystery property but it could well be!
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It's actually the mystery property because it's in Herefordshire.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Oh yes, course, we've come across the border!- We have.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44But as you can see, the property is also not detached.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- No, that doesn't worry us.- No, no.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- Yes! Shall we go in?- Yes.- Come on.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54'So we're off to a good start.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56'They're not put off by the semi-detached element.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00'I've got a feeling they'll be impressed by the space inside.'
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- Come on in, gang.- Oh, wow.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06DOOR CLOSES
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- Nice.- What do you think?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- I'm liking it.- Are you?- Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Oak floors throughout. At the moment, that's a bedroom
0:30:13 > 0:30:15but they used to have a dining room there as well
0:30:15 > 0:30:17so that could be whatever room you want.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Again, great space.- Lovely entrance hall.- Liking it.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Good.- Fab.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26I'm not going to bother with any other room until we get one room over and done with, OK?
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- OK.- Can you guess what that room is? - The kitchen!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31The kitchen, come on.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'And it's that crucial make-or-break time for this property
0:30:35 > 0:30:38'but I think this kitchen will be up to the challenge.'
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Come on in to your room.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Ah! Wow-wow-wee-wah!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45What does that mean? Is that a good thing?
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- You've also got a utility room through there.- Yes.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- This is just heaven.- All your washing appliances and stuff.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Dare I ask this question, I wonder?
0:30:53 > 0:30:55Is this kitchen big enough?
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- It is, Aled.- Thank God, yes!
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Well done.- Well done. - You have excelled.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I like the colour of the units, I like the granite worktops.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It's got the range cooker, got a lovely sink.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08What's happened to Sue? Has anyone seen Sue?
0:31:09 > 0:31:12It's just got character, all the brickwork...
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- You've come round now.- It's also got those clean lines you're after.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- Yes.- Yes, it's contemporary.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Let me bring you through here.- OK.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Very nice.- Just get down the estate agent, put an offer in.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26Oh, yay!
0:31:26 > 0:31:31I think it's just me. I don't know if it's just you?
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Oh, it is, yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Be very happy here.- We're singing from the same hymn sheet!
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- That's unusual.- Really? What hymn are you singing?
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Glory, Glory, Hallelujah is what I'm singing!
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Let's go upstairs, shall we?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47'Well, we're really on song now.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50'They both seem to be enthused about this house.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53'But the upstairs is equally characterful and spacious.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'There are three good-sized bedrooms - one double,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'ideal for guests, and another, currently being used as a nursery.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02'But I'm showing Peter and Susan the master bedroom,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04'which comes complete with en suite.'
0:32:06 > 0:32:08You've come up trumps this time!
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Lovely view from the master as well. It's not the largest room
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- in the world but...- No, but...
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- An en suite!- Are you happy with this? - Yes.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- Very much so, it's lovely. - I really love it,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22all this blend of old and new, the beams and the brickwork.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26'With the upstairs keeping up the positive momentum,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30'I'm taking them outside and I'm really excited to be showing them the annexe.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33'It's an absolute stunner, which is currently rented out
0:32:33 > 0:32:34'around 80% of the year.'
0:32:38 > 0:32:42Oh... Whoah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Very nice.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47SHE SIGHS HAPPILY
0:32:47 > 0:32:48I don't need to see any more.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- Really?- I'm having it!- Are you?- Yes. - Yeah.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- It's lovely, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Beautiful kitchen, so cosy with that fire.
0:32:55 > 0:32:56You've got a good-sized master bedroom
0:32:56 > 0:32:58and a lovely family bathroom with it as well.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Super.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- I'm glad you like it.- It's so modern and nice inside!
0:33:03 > 0:33:06'Well, the annexe appears to have sealed the deal
0:33:06 > 0:33:08'but there's one last demand that this house has to meet.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11'We're heading outside to see what we can offer Peter
0:33:11 > 0:33:13'as an outbuilding for his road bikes and car.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16'I think this might just do the job.'
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- You could get about 40 bikes in there.- 40 bikes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23There's also your oil tank and ample space
0:33:23 > 0:33:26for lawnmowers, whatever you wanted to put there, really.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- It's really good.- What do you think? Do you like it?- Absolutely love it.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30- Very much so.- I'm moving in.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Would it change anything if I told you it also comes with 4.2 acres?
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- We wouldn't want the land, no. - Land's expensive.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- You've seen everything.- Yes.- Yes.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43What do you reckon it's on the market for?
0:33:43 > 0:33:47With four acres of land and a beautiful annexe?
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- I think it's way out of our price range!- OK.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Er, what do you think?- I'd say it's the worst decision I've had to make.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55I wouldn't have a clue
0:33:55 > 0:33:58but I'd guess at a figure of £700,000.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- I'll say an optimistic 650.- Right.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04Bang on.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Really?- Yes. For the 4.2 acres, the house, and the annexe,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09£650,000.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Oh!- But you've just said something quite interesting to me.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17Don't want the land. So, let's take the land out of the equation.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- The owner is willing to do a deal. - Is he?- Yes, he is.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- I love him.- He's willing to give you this whole thing
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- for £585,000.- No!- It's very good, isn't it?- Let's go!
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- Really?- Yes.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Really. I love it.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Excellent, yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34How exciting!
0:34:34 > 0:34:36How lovely!
0:34:36 > 0:34:41How lovely! Listen, don't go to the estate agent just yet,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43go and have another look around. I'll meet you out front
0:34:43 > 0:34:46and then we'll go and find a pub or somewhere like that,
0:34:46 > 0:34:48nice garden and we'll have a chat about the houses. How's that?
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Yeah.- Excellent.- I'll see you by the front door.- Thank you very much.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Well, I love it when a plan comes together!
0:34:55 > 0:34:57She's skipping down the drive! Absolutely love it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00I knew Sue liked it from the first moment she walked into it.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Now it seems that Peter's on board as well.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04It's brilliant news they didn't want the land.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08As my friends behind me would say, "Maaaarvellous!"
0:35:08 > 0:35:11So for a special owner's deal, without the extra land,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14this fabulous barn conversion could be Peter and Susan's
0:35:14 > 0:35:19for £15,000 under their budget at £585,000.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23For that, they'd get that spacious country kitchen
0:35:23 > 0:35:26that was top of Susan's list, three bedrooms,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29a beautiful ready-to-let annexe,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31a manageable lawn
0:35:31 > 0:35:34and a garage big enough to store both bikes and car.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36The mystery house, I'm very pleased with it indeed.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39It's got everything that we want, to be honest.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43The annexe and the kitchen Susan's after,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I've got my workshop for my bikes.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48There's a shelter for the car,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50so I can't fault it really!
0:35:50 > 0:35:54My initial impression when I first saw the house was like...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57this, I think, is going to be the one!
0:35:57 > 0:36:00When I first walked into the kitchen, I thought, "At last!"
0:36:00 > 0:36:04Decent-sized kitchen, and that's, I suppose, what I've been looking for all along,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07if I'm honest, the really nice kitchen.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- Hello.- Hello.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12That lovely smile's still there, good.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15You don't have to tell me if you like this property, I can tell.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Before we go to the estate agent, I think we should find somewhere
0:36:18 > 0:36:20where we can chat about all three properties. Let's go.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30On the Worcestershire border stands the sandstone ridge
0:36:30 > 0:36:35of Kinver Edge, a site that's seen human habitation since the Iron Age.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38A popular tourist destination in Edwardian times,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40it's been suggested that this was the inspiration
0:36:40 > 0:36:42for Tolkien's Middle Earth.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45And as he was a Midlander, it could well be true.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49What I've come to see lies within the sandstone itself.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Kinver Edge is home to the last troglodyte dwellings
0:36:52 > 0:36:54occupied in Britain.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58A set of complete cave houses, excavated into the soft stone.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02When their last residents moved out around 60 years ago,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05they fell into disrepair. Since the 1990s, the National Trust
0:37:05 > 0:37:08have taken charge of their upkeep.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Custodian Mike Parker was on hand, to tell me more about the renovation
0:37:12 > 0:37:14of these fascinating properties.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So the way it's set up now, this is from the 1900s?
0:37:19 > 0:37:221903 was when the Fletcher family lived here,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Joseph and Sarah Fletcher and their children,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- in these two rooms. - How many children?- Four children.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29So six people altogether, living in the two rooms.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- This would have been their day room and they would have slept through there?- That's right.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37It's likely the Fletcher family slept here in two double beds,
0:37:37 > 0:37:42which would have helped them keep warm once the fire died down at night.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43I quite like my creature comforts,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I don't mean just a blanket to keep warm.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48You know, I can't see a loo anywhere.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49There wasn't one of those, I'm afraid.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52There's an en suite if you like, under the bed there!
0:37:52 > 0:37:53The potty!
0:37:53 > 0:37:57All the families on the lower level shared an outside privy,
0:37:57 > 0:37:58just along the pathway outside the door.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03I think at that point in time, early 1903,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06these were probably quite comfortable places to live.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08There was never any electricity here so all the lighting was from
0:38:08 > 0:38:10candles and oil-lamps.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13'As the industrial revolution started booming,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16'so did the population of these rock houses,
0:38:16 > 0:38:20'seeing 80 people from 12 different families calling this cliff-face home.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23'But stepping forward in time, Mike's taking me to a second house,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26'that's currently being restored in the style of the 1930s.'
0:38:27 > 0:38:30And all this furniture, has it just been delivered?
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Yes, these are some contributions we've just had to furnish the bedroom
0:38:34 > 0:38:35just through there.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39I'll give you a hand. There's quite a few pieces to go in, aren't there?
0:38:39 > 0:38:40Yes, there's one or two.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Do we know anything about the people that lived here?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Yes, a family called the Reeves lived in here in the 1930s.
0:38:46 > 0:38:531932 to 1939. They had their family as well in these two rooms.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Kitchen or parlour and bedroom here.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00But still no running water. Can't see a toilet anywhere either.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02No, no toilet, no running water.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05But they did have a gas supply, gas supply was piped up here in the 1920s.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Came in from just behind the doorway there.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- So what did they do for water? - There were two wells on the site.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13One on the lower tier and one on the upper tier
0:39:13 > 0:39:14where the custodian's house is.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17What do you hope people take away from visiting these caves?
0:39:17 > 0:39:22The history of the working-class people of the period.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26It's quite nice to see the grand castles and stately homes,
0:39:26 > 0:39:30but it's also nice to see how the other 99% of the population lived.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Have you got anything else you want me to bring in?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I'll give you a hand and then I've got to get on my way.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Absolutely, make some use of you! - Thanks, that's the wrong answer!
0:39:38 > 0:39:42In the 1960s, the local authorities deemed that it was no longer safe
0:39:42 > 0:39:44or sanitary for people to live here,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47so the final residents were moved into council housing.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Originally there were 11 of these ancient dwellings
0:39:51 > 0:39:53but many are now too dilapidated to renovate.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56However, it's hoped there may be funding to restore
0:39:56 > 0:39:58several further homes in the future.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03Well, I really loved those caves.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07But I can't imagine for one minute that Sue would make do with that tiny kitchen!
0:40:07 > 0:40:10No way. But I wonder if she and Peter have been taken
0:40:10 > 0:40:13with any of the properties that we've shown them.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14It's time to find out.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Here we are, back in Worcestershire,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22our brief love affair with Herefordshire over for now.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Maybe not for the future, don't let me know yet.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Let's talk about all the properties that we've seen.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30We'll start with the first one. It was rather nice, wasn't it?
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Very nice indeed. Lovely cottage. A quiet area.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Suited us down to the ground in a way, didn't it?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Too good to be true, it was lovely.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- Yes.- Yes.- Beautiful annexe, which would have been useful for letting.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Good double garage. Nice, manageable garden.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- Lovely living room, wasn't it? - It was a beautiful living room.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- That marvellous fireplace.- We knew you wanted a nice kitchen,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58but it was the first time we found out you wanted a really big kitchen.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Yeah. I walked in and thought, "Oh no, it's a smallish kitchen."
0:41:02 > 0:41:05We could have extended out but the thought of having to do that,
0:41:05 > 0:41:10er... It was doable but it didn't feel quite right.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Let's talk about the second property.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- It was massive.- It was huge.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Yes.- I think we'd have lost each other in there, wouldn't we?- Yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Yes.- Peter was thinking heating bills!
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Again, a disappointing kitchen.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28It was a great family home though, wasn't it?
0:41:28 > 0:41:31There was masses of potential as well.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Let's talk about the property where Sue went from...
0:41:34 > 0:41:35to...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39You loved the mystery property, didn't you?
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Yeah. I got so despondent and thought, "We're never going to find anywhere!"
0:41:43 > 0:41:44Then you showed us the mystery property
0:41:44 > 0:41:46and I'm like, yay!
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I was thinking, there's going to be a drawback here,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- it's just too good to be true! - But there wasn't a drawback.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- There wasn't a drawback. - Improving all the time,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57especially when you showed us the annexe
0:41:57 > 0:41:59and absolutely beautiful inside.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02It's interesting cos we had a conversation in the car
0:42:02 > 0:42:05where you said that maybe wanting the annexe was going to be the biggest problem
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and that maybe you shouldn't have gone for an annexe.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11That's right but we were beginning to despair that we were going
0:42:11 > 0:42:13to find a property with an annexe, but, er...
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It was either the annexe was right or the property was right
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and were we ever going to find both right.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21And you think you have?
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- Absolutely.- It sounds to me like you've made a decision.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- I think we have.- Yes, we have.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- Are you going to go and see the agent?- I think we will!
0:42:29 > 0:42:30That will be our next mission, yes.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33It's been a delight meeting you. Good luck with it all,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I'm really pleased that we seem to have come full circle
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- and you've found your dream home. - Thank you so much,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- it's been brilliant.- I hope you'll be happy there.- Thanks very much.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I must admit, I had my worries on occasions during this house-search.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54Who'd have thought it? It wasn't the annexe, it was the kitchen that was the deal-maker or breaker.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Thankfully, the mystery property delivered on this
0:42:57 > 0:42:59and a whole lot more.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01They've already moved into the property in their minds
0:43:01 > 0:43:05and I really do wish them well with the nitty-gritty of their purchase.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08And I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Peter and Susan did make an offer on the mystery house,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15which was rejected. They plan to go back to see it again
0:43:15 > 0:43:17and compare with other similar properties in the area
0:43:17 > 0:43:20and might yet decide to up their bid.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:22 > 0:43:24in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:24 > 0:43:27and need our help, please apply online, at...
0:43:39 > 0:43:43Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd