0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country. Today I'm in a region that's home to these furry fellows.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07To you or I, they're just sheep.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10But here, they're known as lions.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12But where am I and what's their story?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:15 > 0:00:16Come on then!
0:00:44 > 0:00:47On today's show, it's all about fantastic homes
0:00:47 > 0:00:50with fantastic outbuildings, as I take a couple
0:00:50 > 0:00:55in search of a rural retreat with an all-important artist's studio.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59But at one property, the art space seems more appealing than the house.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Oh, shall we start there?
0:01:02 > 0:01:03And then at the mystery house,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07the wait to see the art studio almost tips our buyers over the edge.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- Shall we cut to the chase and go outside?- Yeah, where's my studio?
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Well, today, we're in the Cotswolds.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19What I'm trying to show you is a good example of the famous Cotswold Lion,
0:01:19 > 0:01:24and there is one, complete with fleece still on its back.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27This rare breed of sheep, it's thought, were introduced to Britain
0:01:27 > 0:01:29by the Romans a couple of thousand years ago.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34By the 13th and 14th centuries, this entire region made a fortune on their backs.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Their wool was so sought-after,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39it formed the backbone of the mediaeval woollen economy.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42But since then, and changing economic circumstances,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44their numbers have dwindled.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47By the '60s, the breed nearly died out here altogether.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50It's only thanks to a handful of local farmers and volunteers
0:01:50 > 0:01:53that their numbers are now on the way back up again.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55That is just as well, because let's face it,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59the Cotswolds really wouldn't be the same without its lions.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The Cotswold Hills lie in the south-west of England.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07At around 25 miles wide and 90 miles long,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09they are mainly located within Gloucestershire
0:02:09 > 0:02:12but spill over into five neighbouring counties
0:02:12 > 0:02:14including Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19As the UK's largest designated area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23it's easy to see why it attracts around 38 million day-trippers
0:02:23 > 0:02:26a year to see the gently rolling hills or wolds.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29This area is full to the brim with historic villages and towns,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33built from the distinctive local honey-coloured limestone,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35such as Chipping Campden and Northleach,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39which date back to mediaeval times, when the wool trade was big business here.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41These locations still retain
0:02:41 > 0:02:43an abundance of fine characterful architecture,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45built by the wealthy merchants of the time.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49And if you're a lover of typically English idyllic settings,
0:02:49 > 0:02:54then the Cotswolds with its hand-built stone walls is hard to resist.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Indeed, it's estimated there are over 4,000 miles
0:02:57 > 0:02:59of dry-stone walling here,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02longer in total than the Great Wall Of China.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06The Cotswolds are, of course, famously expensive.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Your average four-bedroomed family home here will set you back
0:03:10 > 0:03:15about £500,000, that's double the national average.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18In pretty villages on the Coln and Windrush valleys, such as here in Lower Slaughter,
0:03:18 > 0:03:24you could expect to spend £750,000. The reason why? Well, it's simple.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29This entire region is packed with some stunning architecture.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the wool trade brought
0:03:33 > 0:03:35enormous wealth to the Cotswolds
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and this is reflected in the architecture throughout the region.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Many of the local limestone buildings have fine historic features,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45such as stone-mullioned windows and steep sloping roofs.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49If you'd like to live in a two-bedroomed cottage in the Burford area,
0:03:49 > 0:03:50which was once home to the wool weavers,
0:03:50 > 0:03:55you can expect a starting price of around £225,000.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58However, if you're after something a little more grand,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00then an impressive village merchant's house
0:04:00 > 0:04:05could cost upwards of £745,000.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Well, as you can see, with properties like that on offer,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12it's no wonder that this area is ever popular with budding escapees,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15people very much like today's buyers.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20Jim and Caroline met while working at same computer software company,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and they've been living in their five-bedroomed Victorian townhouse
0:04:23 > 0:04:25in Bristol for 16 years.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28But Caroline has always yearned for a different part of the country.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32The area we'd like to move to is the Cotswolds
0:04:32 > 0:04:36and the reason for the Cotswolds is because I grew up there,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41and every time I return, it just makes my heart sing.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And the emotional ties for Caroline especially
0:04:44 > 0:04:48have seen them try to escape to the Cotswolds once before but to no avail.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53On a more specific level, we have attempted to find a place
0:04:53 > 0:04:57that suited us in the Stroud area but we haven't actually found that.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01It sometimes feels that we've seen everything, every house,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04everything that's available.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08They're hoping that this time they have much more going for them.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Caroline has retired from her computer software job
0:05:10 > 0:05:15and Jim is now freelance. And their current house has already been sold,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17so along with their Miniature Schnauzer, Teasel,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21they're all set to enjoy everything the Cotswolds has to offer.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Since we got a dog three years ago,
0:05:23 > 0:05:30we've become very dog-oriented, as you have to take it out every day, twice.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36We need to be able to have good dog walks straight from the house.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I'm expecting that this move will enable us
0:05:40 > 0:05:46to spend a lot more time together doing certain outdoor things.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48For instance, we'd both like to get back to archery,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52which is something we have tried while we're in Bristol,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55but you have to drive all the way out of Bristol to go to the archery club.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58That's the kind of thing we want to do together.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01This creative couple will also be hoping to devote
0:06:01 > 0:06:04more time to their passions of art and music.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Jim plays bass guitar in a curiously named band.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12The Macaroni Penguins started as a band in 1995,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15when all the band members were living in Bristol
0:06:15 > 0:06:20and we played in various pubs and at each other's weddings.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24While Caroline often spends hours locked away in her artist studio.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27My mother had been a trained artist
0:06:27 > 0:06:33and I grew up painting, drawing and generally making artist's messes.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Very recently, I've discovered encaustics.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40They are the most fabulous, fabulous medium I've ever worked with.
0:06:40 > 0:06:48Encaustics involves painting with a pigment that's bound with beeswax and damar resin.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Damar's a resin that's actually used as an incense.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58You then have to work with them with heat so it's quite an alchemical process.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00So space for an art studio in their new home
0:07:00 > 0:07:02will be an all-important factor for Caroline.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06But, of course, finding the right one will all depend on the amount of money they have to spend.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10The budget for our move is up to £650,000.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14Jim and Caroline have previously been frustrated
0:07:14 > 0:07:18in their house search in their favourite part of the Cotswolds, near Stroud.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So whilst we'll be focusing around that area in particular,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24there are also plenty of desirable options in other parts
0:07:24 > 0:07:26of the Cotswolds too.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I met up with them in this beautiful part of the world
0:07:28 > 0:07:32so they could reveal a little more about their property expectations.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Good morning!
0:07:33 > 0:07:34- Hello.- How are you?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38So, Caroline, Jim, welcome to the Cotswolds.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40So, house-wise, what do we need, Jim?
0:07:40 > 0:07:47We need a good light living space downstairs,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49preferably kitchen-diner.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55Upstairs, we're looking for at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms
0:07:55 > 0:07:59and Caroline is very keen on having a separate art studio.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Yes, now I was going to come onto this because I think
0:08:02 > 0:08:05that this whole move is largely motivated by your artistic passions.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06- Am I right?- It is, yes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09And the studio is quite complex,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- it's not just somewhere for a few watercolours, is it?- No, it's not.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17It's got to be a place that's big enough for large, messy, smelly art.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19So we don't want this in a spare room, do we?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21No, we don't.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Would you be prepared, therefore, to potentially construct something
0:08:24 > 0:08:29bespoke around the property if it wasn't already there?
0:08:29 > 0:08:30I would love to.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Okay, well, we've got three, I think, quite interesting properties
0:08:33 > 0:08:36to show you, including our mystery house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38You've got quite a lot of money to spend.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Let's go spend it.- Let's go. - Follow me.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46For their maximum budget of £650,000,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Jim and Caroline are looking for a new country home with a spacious kitchen-diner,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53a music room for Jim, three bedrooms,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and outbuilding for Caroline to use as an art studio,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and a large garden for them and Teasel the dog.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02We found three fantastic properties
0:09:02 > 0:09:05which we think could have quite an impact on our buyers.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09At each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12and one, of course, will be our mystery house which could really
0:09:12 > 0:09:14propel our property search skywards.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21We're starting our search in the north-east of the Cotswolds,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24near the historic mediaeval town of Burford,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26also known as the gateway to the Cotswolds.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Its busy high street, lined with historic houses and shop fronts
0:09:29 > 0:09:33appears to have changed little for hundreds of years.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38And naturally, it has all the necessary amenities for visitors and residents alike.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Just a mile down the road is the pretty village of Fulbrook,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44where we find our first property,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48built in the 1980s from traditional Cotswold stone.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49There we go, that's it!
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Property number one.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- It looks very promising. - Isn't it just?
0:09:54 > 0:09:58It's been extended and so on and so forth but the finish is fabulous.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00So this is one that you literally can just walk into.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Sounds good.- Brilliant, can't wait to see inside.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Come and have a look.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08'This house is a fantastic mixture of old and new on the outside
0:10:08 > 0:10:10'and inside is much the same story.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'I think Jim and Caroline will love it.'
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Let's start in here.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17You wanted a nice kitchen-diner.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19How does that work?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- It's lovely.- Yeah?- Yeah. - Yeah, this is a good space.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25It's a good space, come on, Jim, it's gorgeous!
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Isn't it? - That is what he means.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Oh, OK. Is that a good thing? All right.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36It's got lovely finishes. Let's have an explore, look.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40It goes on. This lovely big island arrangement or bar,
0:10:40 > 0:10:41I suppose one would say.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44So, that's the kitchen and kitchen-diner.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Next door we've got you a very nice downstairs cloakroom
0:10:47 > 0:10:50and something of a utility space and so on and so forth.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53But you do want your own study, don't you, Jim?
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Yeah, that's right, for all my computer stuff and music stuff.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Follow me.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- There you go, Jim.- Oh, this is good. - Yeah?
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Do you like?- I could get my computer stuff in and my music stuff in.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Because everything's all with the computer nowadays,
0:11:12 > 0:11:18it tends to be handy if I can have my music stuff next to the computer.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20OK, so living room next.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Follow me. This is really nice, actually,
0:11:22 > 0:11:23you're going to enjoy this one.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Well, Jim seems happy enough with his music room,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30although we haven't heard much yet from Caroline,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32but I think she'll definitely be spurred into action
0:11:32 > 0:11:34by this huge living space.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36For what is, on the face of it, a tiny cottage,
0:11:36 > 0:11:41I think this is really its crowning glory.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- Isn't it gorgeous?- Isn't it?
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- It's a lovely room.- The current owners have extended it
0:11:45 > 0:11:48so this beam here represents the old external wall.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- A proper statement of a fireplace. - It's staggering, isn't it?- Yes.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Oh, it's absolutely gorgeous.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58'So while our couple aren't exactly saying a great deal,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01'I think I can sense an interested vibe
0:12:01 > 0:12:04'which should continue when they see the upstairs of this property,
0:12:04 > 0:12:06'as it gives them the three bedrooms they've asked for.'
0:12:06 > 0:12:08One is a charming, cottage-style twin room
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and there is also a small single.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15These both share a modern family bathroom off a bright landing area.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18But we're heading for the master suite.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- And this is your bit, hey? - It's good.- Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- Yeah, I like this.- "I like this", says the rocker, "Yeah, this is all right, isn't it?"
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Great. I mean, this is again, part of the new extension,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36which has made so much of the living room
0:12:36 > 0:12:40so we're right above that and we've also got you a family bathroom
0:12:40 > 0:12:42out there, your own en-suite in there. Have a look at that.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- You're going to like this.- Oh, wow. - Oh, my goodness!- Yeah, you see?
0:12:45 > 0:12:46- Wow!- How about that?
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- That is an excellent en-suite. - It's enormous.- Yeah.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54So, I'm going to put you to the test now,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57just to gauge, you quiet pair, where we are.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Out of ten, Jim.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Where does our property number one come?
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Er, I'd say it's quite high.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I would think, er,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- eight or nine.- Eight or nine, little bit of room for improvement.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- A very good first start. - And I like it.- You like it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- So, eight, nine?- Yeah, eight, nine.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Well, let's see if we can push those numbers up a little bit outside.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Yes, there is one crucial... - The studio.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'Although they've had no luck in their past search for a property,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'it seems this one is actually scoring quite highly.'
0:13:28 > 0:13:33Outside, there's around a third of an acre of pretty garden
0:13:33 > 0:13:35with a patio area for alfresco dining,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38an expanse of lawn and a vegetable plot
0:13:38 > 0:13:41so plenty of room for their dog.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43But what about that all-important artist's studio?
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Studio.- Yes, where's that going to go?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- I'm not suggesting it's the Wendy house!- Good.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53That does look a tiny bit small.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56What I am looking at is that prefab garage down there,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59which is currently sitting on a concrete slab.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Mm-mm.- Now, the Wendy house will go
0:14:01 > 0:14:05when the owners move, so what I was thinking was
0:14:05 > 0:14:09could you, using that footprint, extend the whole thing out
0:14:09 > 0:14:13and put up a bespoke timber-framed structure
0:14:13 > 0:14:15that would give you enough space?
0:14:15 > 0:14:16That would be lovely.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18So, it brings me on to my final question
0:14:18 > 0:14:23which is how much do you think property number one is on the market for?
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I'm going to say 600, 620.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28You're heading for 600 to 620. Jim?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Well, I'm not very good at guessing prices
0:14:32 > 0:14:35but I would guess maybe 595?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37You wish!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I'm always hopeful.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Yes, hopeful you might be but we are just down the road from Burford,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and that is one of the great magnets of the Cotwolds,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50and I'm afraid 595 won't buy you property number one!
0:14:50 > 0:14:56However, £635,000 would get it for you.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- So we have allowed a little bit... - Yes, you've allowed a little bit.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01..to effect your studio.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04So, go and have a look around, explore a bit further.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- I'll catch up with you a little bit later.- OK.- OK.- Off you go.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this fabulous weather.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Jim and Caroline can afford this characterful-looking home
0:15:18 > 0:15:23as it's priced at £635,000, leaving enough in their budget
0:15:23 > 0:15:25to build a studio.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27All in all, it has a large kitchen-diner,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29a study-cum-music room for Jim,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32three bedrooms and a lovely garden
0:15:32 > 0:15:35which is manageable and safe for their dog to run around in.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40It's a beautiful Cotswoldy house.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44I love the way it fits in with its surroundings. Very nice kitchen-dining room
0:15:44 > 0:15:47and a beautiful sitting room, I really like that.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53It's got the Cotswold look outside but actually it's a modern building
0:15:53 > 0:15:55so that's nice.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56There's that little office for me.
0:15:56 > 0:16:02Obviously, we'd have to look into constructing a purpose-built studio
0:16:02 > 0:16:06for Caroline but that won't take up the whole garden
0:16:06 > 0:16:09so yeah, I think that will work quite well.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Look at this!- Are you doing a bit of archaeology?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Well, you would think it's a bit of prehistory, a nice standing stone
0:16:16 > 0:16:20but the clue is here, look, these gate pins.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24It's just a gatepost but quite a nice bit of art to have in the garden, how about that?
0:16:24 > 0:16:27It's a real feature, isn't it?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29We have to go for several reasons. Not only do we have
0:16:29 > 0:16:33plenty of property to have a look at but there is another viewing here in an hour.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- All right.- So if this is of interest,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- you may have to move fairly quickly. Come on, let's go.- OK.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52A defining feature of the Cotswold landscape are the limestone villages
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and market towns set amongst its hills and valleys,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59such as Northleach, which stands at a crossroads on the Roman Fosse Way,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01in a protected area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05The town centre is compact and completely unspoiled,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08having changed little since 1500.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11And its historic walled church, built from the proceeds
0:17:11 > 0:17:17of the wool industry, is an impressive example of the renowned Cotswold perpendicular style.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Another typically beautiful town, and one that is familiar
0:17:20 > 0:17:22to Jim and Caroline, is Minchinhampton,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24just a short drive from Stroud.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Around three miles from here, in the village of Woodchester,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31is a thriving local target archery club - the Bowmen Of Minchinhampton,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35whose members have been firing arrows for close on 40 years.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Earlier in the week, we sent our two budding archers along
0:17:39 > 0:17:41to meet club bowman Peter Munday.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- How often do you meet?- We meet here Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and Sunday mornings.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Sunday mornings are a bit variable if the tournament archers are away,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53cos you've got to have a senior on site.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Once you've been in the club six months,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59once you've demonstrated you are duly safe to the rest of humanity,
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- then you can get a key to the field and come down any time you like. - Oh, good.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08This club has around 60 members but before they join them
0:18:08 > 0:18:10to start firing arrows, it's time for Jim and Caroline
0:18:10 > 0:18:12to get a refresher on the basics.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Helping them are club members Corrine and Kieran Slater.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20He's hoping for a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24We've got an arrow here, which has three fletches,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27one different colour which we call the cock fletch,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29which, when we attach it to the bow,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31it's always pointing away from the bow.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So...as indicated...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37I'm just going to nock the arrow between the nocking points,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41and going to leave it on the arrow rest, which has got a hook on it so it's not going to fall off.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43And I'm going to use my fingers,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47two below the arrow nock and one above.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51Move it around. And I'm going to lift to horizontal,
0:18:51 > 0:18:56then draw back towards my face, and I'm going to line up the string
0:18:56 > 0:18:58and the sight with the gold...and shoot.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Target archery is the most popular form of modern competitive archery
0:19:03 > 0:19:07in the world, and has been an Olympic sport since 1900.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The archers shoot at stationary circular targets from set distances
0:19:10 > 0:19:13and of course, the highest score is achieved by hitting the centre
0:19:13 > 0:19:15of the target, known as the "gold".
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Tuck in, look at the gold, and then release those fingers.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Very good.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24British archery has a rich and colourful history,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27with the earliest bow, discovered in Somerset, dating back
0:19:27 > 0:19:32to over 2,500 BC, when bows would have been made of wood.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36However, modern target archery uses bows made of carbon or fibreglass.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Now Jim and Caroline have added these extra strings to their bow,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44let's see if our next property can hit the target as well.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51We're travelling north, around 21 miles from Stroud,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55close to the ancient Saxon town of Winchcombe in Gloucestershire.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Situated in a beautiful Cotswold valley,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00the town's name literally means "valley with a bend".
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And indeed, some of the streets do curve rather gracefully.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08A popular tourist destination, it has all the tearooms, shops and pubs
0:20:08 > 0:20:13you'd expect, as well as the very stately Grade I listed Sudeley Castle,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15once home to Henry VIII's sixth and surviving wife,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Katherine Parr, who is buried within the church,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20in the beautiful gardens.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- And what a view...from up here! - Oh, wow!
0:20:26 > 0:20:28It is a wonderful, wonderful building.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31The ruined bit, that's 15th century.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Cromwell decided to take it apart during the Civil War
0:20:35 > 0:20:38but in the 19th century, the rest of it was rebuilt
0:20:38 > 0:20:41and it's now this glorious family estate.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44So this would be on your doorstep
0:20:44 > 0:20:47if you buy house number two.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Oh-ho.- Yes.- It's an amazing place.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Well, it doesn't quite overlook Sudeley Castle but it's near enough!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56So this could be your playground. How about it?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I don't think anything overlooks it, does it?
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Around two miles away, towards the edge of Winchcombe,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08is our second house, built from local Cotswold stone in the 1960s,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11and set in secluded gardens off a country lane.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16So, there is property number two.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- I like the little...- Circular drive? - Circle to drive round,
0:21:20 > 0:21:21that's good.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23The other key feature which we ought to take note of
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- is that building over there. - Oh, shall we start there?
0:21:27 > 0:21:28JULES LAUGHS
0:21:28 > 0:21:29We'll get to that later on!
0:21:29 > 0:21:33But I think that would make a very interesting studio for you.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Right, yes, it's already got more interesting!- Yeah!
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Well, thanks to the outbuilding, which has definitely caught Caroline's attention,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43we're off to a flying start with this one.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I'm sure that inside will give them more than they bargained for too.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- There.- Oh!- Yes. Surprised?
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Totally not what I was expecting.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I thought it was just going to be in this little piece but it's all that.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Originally, I think this area was something of a garage,
0:22:02 > 0:22:07that they have obviously bricked up, stone-faced,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10and created this L-shape classic sort of kitchen-diner...
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- arrangement.- Yeah, it's a good shape as well. Very good shape.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'So with Caroline still seemingly quite keen on this one,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20'we just have to convince Jim.'
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Luckily across the hall, there's a bright music room
0:22:23 > 0:22:26that has enough space for a desk and his guitar equipment.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Next door to that is a dining room, currently being used as a sitting room.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33This extends into a good-sized conservatory,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35with an eating area overlooking the garden.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Time now to check out the other reception room.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41This is your main, sort of, family living room, I would say.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Mmm, it's actually a decent size as well.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Yeah.- Yes, it's good. Nice view on to the garden.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48- Yes.- Lots of light coming in.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50And the little window seat's quite a nice touch.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Yes, that's nice.- And the space is a perfectly good size.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Yeah, this is fine.- Good, OK.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Two of the guest rooms are bright and large enough
0:23:03 > 0:23:07to fit a double bed in while the third is a slightly smaller single.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09But we're heading past the bathroom
0:23:09 > 0:23:12towards the very spacious master bedroom.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Yeah?- It's big.- Isn't it?
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Isn't it big?- It's surprising.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19A suite of rooms.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Well, have a look in there.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25You've also got another another en-suite for you.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Gosh. Look...
0:23:27 > 0:23:33There we are. That's the en-suite and that is your master suite.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35It's very, er...yeah.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Caroline's laughing.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Why are you laughing?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Because he did change when he came in here.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44He did change, didn't he?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Yeah.- I know, the mood lifted from Jim.- Yes!
0:23:47 > 0:23:53So, while we're on a high, let's get outside and check out your workshop.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54- Yes, please.- Come on then.
0:23:54 > 0:24:00Well, this is the moment that Caroline's been desperately waiting for since our tour began
0:24:00 > 0:24:04and where she could hopefully be creating her artwork.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07At last.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09At long last.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10- At long last.- There we are!
0:24:10 > 0:24:15Now, it has water, there's this little kitchenette area out there.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18There's a downstairs loo in here.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21And it's in two halves really, you'll see what I mean.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23And then you've got this lot.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Yeah, concrete floor.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Yes, that would be perfect.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29Is it big enough?
0:24:30 > 0:24:33To begin with, but I might want to knock it through.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34Well, you could.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- The whole thing though.- Yes, the whole thing would be big enough.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Yes, and the benefit of the water and heat and power.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42Fantastic, yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45OK, let's finish off in the garden.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50To the rear of the house, there's a lovely private lawn, with mature borders and trees.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53So, now they've seen all the property has to offer,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56it's time to find out what they think it's all worth.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58So, Jim?
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I'm thinking 640.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02640, yeah.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Maybe 660, 670, something like that.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08You're right!
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Oh! That's a turn-up for the books.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- That's a relief!- Yes!
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- It does offer you the studio you want.- Yes, it does.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20The choice is yours really.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Go on, off you go.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- I'll catch up with you later. - Right, thank you.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30So, on the market just under their budget at £640,000,
0:25:30 > 0:25:35this modern build in traditional stone delivers everything Jim and Caroline asked for.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39It has a large L-shaped kitchen-diner, a music room for Jim,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41four bedrooms, an outbuilding that's perfect
0:25:41 > 0:25:45for Caroline's artistic endeavours,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47and a manageable and pretty garden.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I thought it had good access with this parking area
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and the house itself looked interesting.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I'm not too familiar with the area
0:25:55 > 0:25:57but it would be nice to explore a bit further afield,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00investigate the dog-walking opportunities in the area.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06What grabbed my eye wasn't the house, it was the potential art studio.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Overall, this house feels to me as though it's got everything
0:26:10 > 0:26:16we asked for, in an area that I don't know but it is Cotswoldy
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and so well worth pursuing.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Well, Caroline, out you come.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Yep, that's it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24I've just done my masterpiece.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Have you now?!
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Have you done a masterpiece on the sums though, Jim?
0:26:28 > 0:26:31A lot to think about with this one, I would imagine.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34Yeah?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Yeah, I need to know more about this area actually.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Well, there's a lot more to find out.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Come with me.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56As dusk falls over the spectacular landscape here in the Cotswolds,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Artist Caroline and her music-loving partner, Jim, are seeking a move
0:27:09 > 0:27:12from busy Bristol to a rural retreat in the Cotswolds.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16So far, they've been impressed by the finish of a modern stone house,
0:27:16 > 0:27:21while Caroline fell in love with the studio space at our second property.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25But coming up, could the mystery house split their opinions right down the middle?
0:27:25 > 0:27:28So, you and I need to lead Caroline through this building, don't we?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Yeah, we might have to persuade her a bit
0:27:30 > 0:27:32And I discover how the region's flax
0:27:32 > 0:27:35is being used to make these fantastic boats.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Well, what a difference 24 hours makes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46The sunshine is gone and our final day of house-hunting is,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49as you can see, now shrouded in mist and gloom.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52But the good news is that we are still in the Cotswolds.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55One more property to come. It is, of course, mystery house time.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58And it's out there...somewhere.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Today we're heading just south of Stroud,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07close to the historic town of Minchinhampton,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11a place which we know Jim and Caroline are particularly keen on.
0:28:11 > 0:28:17This classic slice of the Cotswolds is home to an array of thriving local businesses,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20including pubs, cafes, and a Post Office.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26Just a few miles outside the town is the area known as Aston Down.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Our mystery house is a single-storey conversion
0:28:29 > 0:28:31of a 1920s airmen's convalescent home.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36It might not be a traditional Cotswolds stone build
0:28:36 > 0:28:38but I'm hoping our buyers will give it a chance
0:28:38 > 0:28:42as it offers everything else they wanted.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44OK, there it is.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- There's our mystery house.- Ah-ha.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Now, to be fair, from this angle, it doesn't look a million dollars.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It hasn't got that Cotswold cachet, has it?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57It hasn't got that Cotswold feel to it, but this is a property
0:28:57 > 0:28:58that really works from the inside out.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00You'll see why once we get in it.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03OK, I'm intrigued to see inside then!
0:29:03 > 0:29:08'A muted reaction so far, but this conversion really comes into its own
0:29:08 > 0:29:11'once you step through the front door, as we're about to find out.'
0:29:14 > 0:29:16This is what I mean about this property.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18It works from the inside out.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Oh, gosh, this is, er... - There's a lot of space.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- Brilliant, yeah!- Brilliant, that's the word I was looking for!
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Well done, Jim! Loads of light, these lovely double doors.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Loads of light. It's just the atmosphere hasn't got me.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- When you say "atmosphere"... - What I feel here.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39But Jim seems to be quite moved.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Well, a lot of the properties we look at in the Cotswolds
0:29:42 > 0:29:47tend to go a bit far on the old-world cottagey style for me.
0:29:47 > 0:29:53- Yeah, this is more you.- I find myself leaning more towards the contemporary design, so, er...
0:29:53 > 0:29:58So, you and I need to lead Caroline through this building, don't we?
0:29:58 > 0:29:59Yeah, we might have to persuade her a bit.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Well, at least I have Jim onboard so far,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05as he seems very taken with this property.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08But surely Caroline will be able to see the appeal
0:30:08 > 0:30:10of the huge kitchen-dining space?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Ah, this is very nice. Very nice room.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- It's like a whole other living room. - Isn't it just?
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- Lovely double doors here, original doors.- Nice and light.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25It would be a good daytime living space.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30But yeah, this is arguably the biggest property we've been able to show you.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Mmm. Oh yeah, I can see it's the biggest.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35It's just not quite...
0:30:35 > 0:30:39OK... Right, I'm not going to worry about you for now.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Have a look at this music room. Have a look at this music room.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Come and follow me.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47So Caroline needs even more convincing
0:30:47 > 0:30:49but she'll have to wait to see her potential art studio
0:30:49 > 0:30:53as I have a room that should put an even bigger smile on Jim's face.
0:30:54 > 0:31:00There, Jim. They have got this as a snug / music room.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03You can see there's even an amp and a couple of guitars over there,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06setting the scene for you.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11- And all the access is flat, so getting stuff back out would be no problem.- You see!
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Oh... Caroline's halfway out the door!
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Come here, Caroline, come here.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Now, OK, it's not old Cotswold stone.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22No, it's not.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- But try and go with that arty vibe. - Yes.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31This beautifully finished conversion has plenty of space.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34There's a very large boot room which adjoins a stylish shower room,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36with very contemporary glass tiles.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Meanwhile, on the other side of the house
0:31:39 > 0:31:41is the sleeping wing, which gives them four bedrooms.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45One is currently being used as an office while the other two guest rooms
0:31:45 > 0:31:48are good-sized doubles, providing a very welcoming space
0:31:48 > 0:31:51for friends and family.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52These all share the family bathroom,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55but we're going to take a peek at the master suite
0:31:55 > 0:31:58and hopefully I can get Caroline back on track with this one.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00There we are.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- It's a lovely room. - Silence again from Caroline!
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I do feel like I'm pushing a big rock up a hill here.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13Yeah, I feel like I'm a bit of a rock round here!
0:32:14 > 0:32:15Ah, don't feel like a rock!
0:32:15 > 0:32:21- But I'm just very surprised. I thought this would be an absolute winner for you.- Hmm.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- We're not giving up yet.- Right.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26There's a lovely en-suite through there.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Huge walk-in wardrobe behind this wall here.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- Good.- For all your stuff, you see? - Yes, that's good.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35But, er...
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Yes, all right. Shall we cut to the chase and go outside?
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Yeah, where's my studio?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Studio! Talk about the tail wagging the dog! Come on.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Set in a plot of almost an acre,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50the surrounding gardens are flat and mostly laid to lawn.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Features to the rear include a pond, complete with tadpoles,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56and a patio area for dining outside.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01But time to see if we can finally make Caroline happy.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- So this is outside the boot room. - Hmm-mm.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Then back to this end which, of course, is the kitchen.
0:33:10 > 0:33:16- The garden is enormous.- It is. - Deceptive with these hedges in the way, but there's that.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- Summerhouse.- Summerhouse, which is not as big as it might need to be,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23but it might serve to get you going.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- That would do while I was getting one built.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32There's so much space to do it round here cos everything's flat, that's the joy of a house on an airfield!
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- That's true.- Let's consider how much this might be on the market for.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- Well, I'd go for 650.- £650,000. Yep, OK.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- Yeah.- Er, I don't know. 620?
0:33:44 > 0:33:46620, OK. So...
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Here's the good news. The mystery house is on the market
0:33:49 > 0:33:52for £575,000.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- That's good, that's good. - That's really good.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- That is £75,000 under budget.- That is ever so good, yes. It is.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- And it's close to Minchinhampton, which you love.- Excellent.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Go and have a look around, give it its due.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- And I'll catch up with you later. - OK.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Figure out what this studio's going to look like,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- for the grand total of £75,000! Go on, off you go!- OK!
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Am I going to be allowed to actually spend that?
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Yes, go on, go on.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20I do hope she's able to spend it
0:34:20 > 0:34:22because this house would really work for them,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25it's got the space, the aspect, the location
0:34:25 > 0:34:27and it's got a price to match.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Priced at £575,000,
0:34:32 > 0:34:37this beautifully converted house is a huge £75,000
0:34:37 > 0:34:39under Jim and Caroline's budget
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and gives them the potential for everything they want.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45There's a large kitchen-diner, a music room for Jim,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48four bedrooms, and a huge garden
0:34:48 > 0:34:51with bags of studio potential.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Inside, it's a very impressive contemporary house,
0:34:54 > 0:34:58which appeals, I think, more to me than Caroline.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00But I like it very much, yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03I know that Jim really likes it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07And...I'm perfectly prepared to compromise on style,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10if Jim really likes this kind of style,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and there are plenty of options for studios
0:35:13 > 0:35:15so that's probably not an issue.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I think the next stage is to get you somewhere you can relax
0:35:19 > 0:35:23and really consider everything we've shown you thus far.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26And then we'll see what happens next in your world.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29What does the future hold, I wonder?
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Wool may once have been a Cotswold staple for cloth-making,
0:35:44 > 0:35:49but back in the Middle Ages, a different product was the most widely used textile in Europe.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Flax was originally introduced to Britain by the Romans.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It was added to wool and hemp to produce a fine workable cloth.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00However, due to the import of cheap cotton,
0:36:00 > 0:36:05the need for flax diminished, with commercial growing dying out in the 1950s.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But here, on a small farm in the Cotswold village of Cherington,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Simon Cooper is staging his own flax revival.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Not for textiles, but spinning yarn to make boats.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I've come to meet him to find out more about his use
0:36:17 > 0:36:19of this highly versatile plant.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- And so this is it, this is the raw material.- Yes.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26We've grown this on the farm, only about half an acre,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30as you can see, there's roots on the bottom
0:36:30 > 0:36:33so we have to pull it all by hand, no machines involved.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37How do you transform that into linen, effectively?
0:36:37 > 0:36:43Into linen. Well, within the stems, if we get a bunch...
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- If we give it a good razzle around...- Look at that!
0:36:51 > 0:36:56- The fibres!- If you give it a quick twist and then give it a pull,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- it's incredibly strong. - So, a bit of that...
0:36:59 > 0:37:06Mm. Gosh, you'd have enough to hold the QE2 on a mooring there!
0:37:06 > 0:37:08I can't break that at all, that's incredible.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- That's amazing.- It's so versatile.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13That can go down to the finest, finest sort of linen
0:37:13 > 0:37:16right up to the strongest ropes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So it's a really, really versatile crop.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Is that a piece that you've completely dealt with?
0:37:22 > 0:37:23This piece, yes, this is in a...
0:37:23 > 0:37:25You can see, it's a lovely long length.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28What you're after is the full length of the fibre.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I mean, it is a wonderful material.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34And then you transform it into linen.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37This is some of our own fabric, own-grown Cotswold...
0:37:37 > 0:37:42Well, we're calling it linen but I guess really, you'd call it a flax fabric.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- It's almost like a hessian.- It is, it's really sort of open weave.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50We specifically want it that way so we can use it as a boat covering.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Flax played an important role in maritime history,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56as it was the fabric of choice for use on ships
0:37:56 > 0:38:00for rigging and sailcloth, until it was superseded by cotton
0:38:00 > 0:38:02around 150 years ago.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Simon is continuing the old tradition
0:38:04 > 0:38:07with his own handmade flax-covered boats,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10traditional coracles and curraghs.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13His latest project is the construction of a one-man canoe,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16a light ash frame, covered in the flax fabric
0:38:16 > 0:38:18and sealed with resin from the flax seed.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22I'm going to help him test it out on a local lake.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26So, it's been in development, you have tested this.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Yes.- I'm just now the guinea pig, aren't I?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31That's right, yes.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Just another one to put on the list.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Traditionally, these craft were covered with animal skins
0:38:36 > 0:38:40and more recently with manmade petrochemical-based materials.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44But I'm hoping that this flax fabric won't leave me up the creek
0:38:44 > 0:38:45without a paddle.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- It's not leaking yet.- No, no.- So the flax is doing its job, isn't it?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Yes, yes, yes. No worries on that count.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57All credit to you, it is absolutely beautiful, a real work of art.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02- Thank you.- Can I go for a paddle? - Yes, yes, it's a good long lake
0:39:02 > 0:39:04so we'll see you later!
0:39:07 > 0:39:10'I'm delighted to see this ancient and sustainable crop
0:39:10 > 0:39:13'being put to such creative use once again.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16'But now, it's time for me to set a course back to today's buyers,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18'Jim and Caroline.'
0:39:28 > 0:39:32Well, this has been...quite an interesting experience this week!
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Property number one, Jim, now you've had a chance to think about it.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Er, yes, it was an interesting property.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42It certainly had an emotional pull from the outside
0:39:42 > 0:39:45as a Cotswold stone cottage.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50And I liked the fact that inside, it was a more contemporary layout.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- And in terms of the studio...- Yes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57We thought about you building something in the garden.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01What are your final thoughts on that idea?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I wouldn't mind it there. It's one of those things where
0:40:03 > 0:40:08it didn't feel entirely right and I don't know why.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Because... It might just have been... I really liked the house.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18But having the studio yet to build didn't appeal to me at that point.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20I did actually like that garden a lot.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25I like the fact it had chickens, it had the vegetable patch, I...
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I suspect the studio could grow on me there.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31So, we then took you to property number two,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33near the lovely Sudeley Castle.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Let's face it, having that on your doorstep is quite nice!
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Er, what are your abiding thoughts on that one now, Jim?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42It appealed more to the head than the heart
0:40:42 > 0:40:45in that it had more space for us,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48although the initial view of it, it didn't jump out and grab you
0:40:48 > 0:40:52as a nice chocolate-box cottage.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54But I think with a little bit of work,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58it could, you know, it would be improved and look nice.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02And it would have an extra bedroom there for us
0:41:02 > 0:41:08which is good, and of course, it has the studio ready for Caroline
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- to get going on.- Yes.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Caroline, your thoughts on property number two.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Well, I definitely preferred it and not necessarily just because of the studio.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I actually liked the fact we could put our stamp on it
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and I like the thought of that.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Well, then we went to our mystery house.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Jim, help me out on property number three!
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Well, yeah, I could see myself in there very comfortably.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I thought you could too! I could see you in there!
0:41:34 > 0:41:36But would you be on your own, I wonder!
0:41:36 > 0:41:41- Well...- Caroline, come on. Have you been able to distil down the merits
0:41:41 > 0:41:42of our mystery house?
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Well...
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Something that you don't know that I said to Jim
0:41:47 > 0:41:51was that as long as I had the right studio, then he could choose the house.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Oh, right. So where does that leave us with our three properties then?
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Of the first two,
0:41:56 > 0:42:02the second one is definitely more interesting to us.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05And as for the mystery house...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I mean, obviously I'm interested in it.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I hadn't imagined myself living on the edge of an old aerodrome.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12HE LAUGHS
0:42:12 > 0:42:15We'll look out on the map where...about the area
0:42:15 > 0:42:17and where we might walk the dog
0:42:17 > 0:42:21and maybe bring the dog and have another viewing.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24So you're going to go back and have another look at the mystery house.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28You can explore it a bit further. Take Teasel, the dog, with you.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- Yes.- Best of luck, go and have another look at it.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Our mystery house may yet have saved the day, Jim!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36It might give you the music room and house you've been dreaming of!
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Thanks very much.- Pleasure. - Thank you.- Well done.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47You know, there were times in this house search I was really worried
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Caroline's determination to find herself an art studio
0:42:49 > 0:42:52was going to derail the real point of this exercise.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55That, of course, was finding them a home to live in.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58But in the end, it seems, good sense has prevailed.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02It just goes to show that no matter how we may dream of our ideal home,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04no matter what elements we think it should have,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08there is one thing that any house search can never do without -
0:43:08 > 0:43:11that's a sense of balance and compromise.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Northern Ireland or England, and would like our help,
0:43:18 > 0:43:23then please apply online at....
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd