0:00:02 > 0:00:05The grid of 285 jumbled letters that appear
0:00:05 > 0:00:08on this 19th-century tombstone make a playful reference
0:00:08 > 0:00:12to a very special kind of word puzzle invented by the ancient Greeks.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Find out where I am and how to crack the code
0:00:16 > 0:00:18in just a few moments' time.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50On today's show I'm helping a pair of book lovers make a return
0:00:50 > 0:00:53to the country of their birth
0:00:53 > 0:00:56to find a property with enough space for a library.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Along the way, one of the houses is just too tantalising.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- I'm completely gobsmacked. - That is temptation on a stick.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04Isn't it just?
0:01:04 > 0:01:10And the mystery house does the impossible before they step inside.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- What marks would you give that view? - Around ten.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- No, no, no. 14 out of ten.- 14?
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Today, I am in Monmouthshire, at St Mary's Priory in Monmouth.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27This headstone features a puzzle known as an acrostic.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30To read the inscription you have to start at the centre,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32at the letter H.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38It can be read in various ways. "Here lies John Renie".
0:01:38 > 0:01:43A house painter by trade, Renie died at the young age of 33.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48His unusual tombstone hints at him being quite a character.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Indeed, he was a founding member of the Oddfellows Friendly Society.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56In fact, Monmouthshire's history and geographic position
0:01:56 > 0:01:58gives it a certain individuality.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Monmouthshire is bordered by the Welsh county of Powys to the north,
0:02:03 > 0:02:08and the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire to the east.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11It was finally recognised as part of Wales in 1974
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and is the fourth smallest of the Welsh counties.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17In the north of Monmouthshire
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and rising to a height of 2,000 feet are the Black Mountains
0:02:21 > 0:02:24which form part of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Straddling the border with England to the east is the meandering Wye Valley,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35The two main centres are Chepstow, with its historic castle
0:02:35 > 0:02:39which dates to the 11th century, and the county town of Monmouth.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Its grand civic architecture includes Agincourt Square,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48home to one of the finest Georgian shire halls in Wales.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53The Monnow Bridge with this 13th-century fortified gate tower
0:02:53 > 0:02:56is the last remaining one of its kind in the UK.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02The average cost of a detached property in Monmouthshire
0:03:02 > 0:03:05is just over £233,000.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09That's £21,000 below the national figure.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12However, there are some hotspots to watch out for.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16The historic town of Usk is one of the county's most desirable places
0:03:16 > 0:03:20to live in and could cost you double the national average.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Move further south towards the coast around Caldicott
0:03:23 > 0:03:25and you will get much more for your money.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Throughout this county there's a rich mix
0:03:28 > 0:03:31of architectural styles to take your fancy.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Monmouthshire's rich history and geology
0:03:34 > 0:03:37is reflected in its architecture.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Old red sandstone, the rock that forms the dramatic scarps
0:03:40 > 0:03:44of the Black Mountains, is the most widespread building stone
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and found mainly in the north-east and central parts of the county.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52The colour varies from a strong purple through to grey,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55the most prized being the pinkish grey stone quarried around Tintern
0:03:55 > 0:04:01which was used to build the historic abbey as well as village residences nearby.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04This three-bedroom cottage in Shirenewton
0:04:04 > 0:04:07is on the market for £295,000.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Many properties in the region are built using blue pennant stone.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14This fine grained blue-grey sandstone
0:04:14 > 0:04:17was used extensively in the 19th and 20th centuries
0:04:17 > 0:04:21for churches, community buildings and farmhouses.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25This four-bedroom detached property near Abergavenny
0:04:25 > 0:04:29is priced at £650,000.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35There are some beautiful architectural styles here in Monmouthshire
0:04:35 > 0:04:37but will any of them meet our buyers' expectations?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Let's find out.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Married for 36 years, author and management consultant
0:04:45 > 0:04:49David and Eleri have been living close to the Berkshire town of Bracknell
0:04:49 > 0:04:52since moving from Wales over 25 years ago.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Now that Eleri has retired from her job as an English teacher,
0:04:55 > 0:04:59they can make the longed-for return to the land of their birth.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I'm from North Wales, but my family is from the south.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I have a real affinity for South Wales.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12I grew up in Abergavenny, which is beautiful.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15When we drive back, when we go to see friends and relatives,
0:05:15 > 0:05:22you pass the sign, "Welcome to Wales, Croeso i Gymru"
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and you feel like you are arriving home.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27You relax and it feels warm.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31It's always been like we've been on a piece of bungee rope
0:05:31 > 0:05:34so we've always felt that tension pulling us home.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37The area they've chosen is Monmouthshire
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and once they move Eleri is thinking of using
0:05:40 > 0:05:44her teaching skills to get involved with the local community.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I'm not sure how useful my Welsh will be
0:05:46 > 0:05:49but since it is my first language it would be quite nice
0:05:49 > 0:05:54'to go back and possibly teach people to speak Welsh.'
0:05:55 > 0:05:59David plans to continue his writing which he mainly does online.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I've got a couple of thousand books in the subject area of the website.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10They're all over the house at the moment but I'm going to need somewhere to put them.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12So they'll be needing a study
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and maybe even a library in their new home in the country.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Their main demand is for a spacious property.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Our current house is a 1960s,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24'very characterful, cedar ceilings'
0:06:24 > 0:06:27with a beautiful sense of space and balance and flow.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29'That is one of the things we liked about it
0:06:29 > 0:06:32'and we would like in the next property as well.'
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Sense of space is important, isn't it?- Yes.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37It doesn't mean isolated, it just means a sense of space.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42They also hope the Welsh countryside will enable them
0:06:42 > 0:06:44to enjoy more time outdoors.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48I think I would like to do more walking with the dogs.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52'I've been fitting it in in an hour or so before work,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53'often in the dark.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58'To be able to go for long walks with the dogs would be really good.'
0:06:59 > 0:07:03'I wouldn't mind getting some more involvement in the local community.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06'I, for example, would join a local photography club.'
0:07:06 > 0:07:08As cash buyers they can move quickly
0:07:08 > 0:07:11and they have a healthy amount to spend.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13The budget for the move is £500,000.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22David and Eleri's preferred search area is in the triangle
0:07:22 > 0:07:26between Chepstow, Monmouth and David's hometown of Abergavenny.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I caught up with them on a rather rainy day to find out
0:07:30 > 0:07:34more about what they want from their new home in the country.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36You love the home you are in at the moment.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39You'd like to bring it to Wales, but that's not going to happen.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Ideally, what are you looking for here?
0:07:42 > 0:07:47We want a sense of space and flow that,
0:07:47 > 0:07:52so you can relax and be comfortable and not feel like you're constricted
0:07:52 > 0:07:56and there's no awkwardness about the place.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Bedrooms?- Three, four would be good. - Would you like a bit of land?
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- A bit of land for the dogs, yes.- And the vegetables.- And the vegetables.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- So about half an acre or so? - That would be lovely.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Remind us what your budget is for this move.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- Our budget is £500,000. - And how quickly can you move?
0:08:17 > 0:08:18Pretty quickly.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22We are not constrained by things like jobs or mortgages
0:08:22 > 0:08:24so we can get up and go.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28It's more about the right place and then we will work on the time.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30That is a great position to be in.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32We've got three properties lined up for you
0:08:32 > 0:08:35and hopefully at least one of them will hit the mark.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38It is now absolutely pouring
0:08:38 > 0:08:41so shall we jump back into the car and see the first one? Come on.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48With £500,000 cash to spend, David and Eleri are looking for a home
0:08:48 > 0:08:51with plenty of space and character.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54They'd like a large kitchen preferably with a utility room,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57a study and space to store their books.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59A minimum of three bedrooms,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01a large garden for their two retrievers
0:09:01 > 0:09:06and maybe for growing some veg, and a garage for their cars.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We've found three properties that we think will dazzle our house buyers
0:09:09 > 0:09:12and with each I will be asking them
0:09:12 > 0:09:14to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17One, of course, will be our mystery house which comes
0:09:17 > 0:09:19with a lot of high-spec surprises.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22So let's get our house search under way.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28With the location top of the agenda we're heading
0:09:28 > 0:09:30to the historic village of Tintern
0:09:30 > 0:09:33on the western bank of the River Wye.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Tintern is a popular destination for visitors
0:09:35 > 0:09:39due to its 12th-century abbey, and the surrounding countryside
0:09:39 > 0:09:42is great walking terrain, which will please our buyers,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47as will the village bookshop which is a draw for rare book enthusiasts.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Nearby, the old mill has been converted into a restaurant and tea room.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54To the north of Tintern lies the hamlet of Botany Bay
0:09:54 > 0:09:56which is where we find our first property,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59a stone built cottage dating back to the 1880s.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Luckily for us, that weather has vastly improved.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Here is your first house. Or should I say cottage.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Very pretty.- Isn't it beautiful? - Yes, it is lovely.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- It looks just like a photograph. - It does.- It's a beautiful setting.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- It's lovely.- Are you intrigued, ready to step inside?- Yes, please.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Happily, they appreciate the situation and character
0:10:28 > 0:10:32of our cottage, but can it deliver the space they are used to inside?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34It's time to find out.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Come through. You've got a porch,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41and it leads straight into the dining room.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- What a cosy room.- It is lovely. - What about the dimensions?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49It is a cottage. It is only the first room.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55Possibly a little cosy for our two large dogs.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Yes. Two very large dogs.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00It is the beginning of it, so we need to see it in proportion
0:11:00 > 0:11:02with everything else.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07'So, I detect a bit of disappointment in this first room,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10'but the second is an entirely different proposition.'
0:11:11 > 0:11:13You've seen the dining room,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- but through here you've got a double sitting room.- Oh, lovely.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- This is nice. - With your wood.- Brilliant.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- That's brilliant.- Good, I love that.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Another room beyond and you see when the wall changes colour
0:11:29 > 0:11:31it mirrors the porch, if you like.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- It does, doesn't it? - That's an office.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36It's currently used as an office.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Now Dave, you have got a few books, it would be fair to say.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Business and psychology, a couple of thousand.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- And then Eleri's got her English books.- And you as well?
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Are we talking about 3,000 books? - About that.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Well, perhaps the dining room could be a library.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Or, just a thought, that second half of this double sitting area,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00you could have it as the study but also have it as a library.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Does that work for you? - Yes, it does.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Because that was extended, that part of the house,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08there is a downstairs shower room and toilet
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and there's a guest bedroom upstairs.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14There is a set of stairs just the other side of the burner.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- We like it so far?- Yes.- Yes, we do.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20'This generous reception area has bought them back on board.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'Let's see how we fare in the kitchen.'
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- Not a huge kitchen but beautifully fitted out.- It is lovely.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- It is done well.- Really nicely done.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Big cooker. - You've got everything you need.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41This is an absolutely beautiful setting to be able to sit here
0:12:41 > 0:12:45and look out on to such lovely greenery.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46What do you think, Eleri?
0:12:46 > 0:12:50It is very, very pretty and clearly functional.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55The size bothers me a bit because I think two dogs,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58two of us, could get a bit crowded.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03'So space is proving to be a bit of an issue with this pretty cottage.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08'The ground floor also has a bathroom just off the sitting room area.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12'Upstairs gives them three bedrooms. Along with one at the far end
0:13:12 > 0:13:15'of the house there are two others accessed by the main stairs.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18'The guest double is bright and dual aspect
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'and they will find their room is equally as charming.'
0:13:21 > 0:13:25This is the master, with the guest on the other side of the stairs.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- It is a pretty room.- It is pretty.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- I like all the windows, the light coming from front and back.- Yes.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Looking out on that, that is lovely.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- It does have an ensuite shower room as well.- Oh, right. OK.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47As masters go, would this work for you?
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Downstairs, there was more of a sense of space, particularly in the lounge.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55But here, that sense of space has gone.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It is very much a cottage up here.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02'Despite the character and views upstairs,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'Eleri and David are still feeling pinched by the space inside.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10'Maybe they'll be swayed when they see outside where,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14'as well as a useful double garage, there's an orchard.'
0:14:16 > 0:14:20This property has an impressive front garden.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Behind these huge bushes you've got probably around
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- one-and-a-half, two acres. - Gosh.- Really?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- The location is absolutely beautiful. - Yes, it is gorgeous.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35I suppose location-wise it is quite convenient for both Monmouth and Chepstow.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39It's really if cottage living is for the two of you?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It is very different from where you are now
0:14:42 > 0:14:46but I'll let you have a ponder on that because we're going to push you now.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47We're going to talk money.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:53 > 0:14:54450.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- OK.- I would say 470.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Eleri is closest.- Really?
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- £459,000.- OK.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Only just!
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Yes! Would you like to both have another look around this cottage?
0:15:14 > 0:15:19Also check out the land. Very suitable for the doggies.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22And I'll catch up with you when you're ready. Thank you.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26So, a good start.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31It is the most beautiful cottage in the most idyllic setting.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35I just don't think it is quite big enough for the two of them.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39On the market at £459,000,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43this beautiful cottage is well within their budget.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47It gives them a spacious living room with a study area.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50A dining room which could be turned into a library.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Three bedrooms, all wrapped in a plot of over two acres
0:15:54 > 0:15:56in the heart of the countryside.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It is a very, very pretty little cottage.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03The problem is, it is idyllic in many ways
0:16:03 > 0:16:05but we've got too much stuff, I think.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08We've got so much stuff, I don't think we could downsize enough.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12The garden is brilliant. It goes on for ever.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14There's a huge garden at the back.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18We're pleasantly surprised by a lot of the attributes of the house.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- Happy that you have seen enough, you two?- Yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Good first house? A good start? - Yes, yes, very much so.
0:16:30 > 0:16:36It is a lovely house, a lovely place but the question is
0:16:36 > 0:16:38can we downsize enough to fit into it
0:16:38 > 0:16:42because it is smaller than our current house.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45OK. Let's keep on going. You can think about that. Come on, you.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02In the east of Monmouthshire lies the Wye Valley,
0:17:02 > 0:17:07and the river charts the natural border between England and Wales.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Within this spectacular landscapes is Tintern Abbey
0:17:10 > 0:17:14with some of the finest monastic ruins in Wales.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17The countryside above Tintern is home to a creative couple who,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21over the past 25 years, have designed and landscaped
0:17:21 > 0:17:25a four-acre site to produce one of Britain's most original gardens
0:17:25 > 0:17:27here at Veddw House.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32They are photographer Charles Hawes and maverick garden writer Anne Wareham,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34who's not a fan of the hands-on side of gardening
0:17:34 > 0:17:36but loves the end result.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40A view which may well capture Eleri and David's imagination.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42We arranged for them to visit in order to gain
0:17:42 > 0:17:46some inspirational garden and photographic tips.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It is a beautiful place here. What was it like when you came?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It was actually two fields.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56It took while before it felt like a garden was emerging around us.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01We've had all these years to slowly put it together,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03depending on how it's looked as it's grown.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07The garden is for enjoying being in and looking at.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09I don't like gardening.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10It is outdoor housework.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14A professional photographer since 1999,
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Charles is going to pass on some of his expertise to David
0:18:18 > 0:18:21in a part of the garden that has inspired him most,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24the reflecting pool in the hedge garden.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27The local landscape of rolling hills
0:18:27 > 0:18:30is recreated in the shape of the hedges around the water.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Working with a tripod for a professional photographer
0:18:34 > 0:18:35become second nature.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39But you get lazy because you like to stand up like this
0:18:39 > 0:18:43and actually what you need to do is start getting lower
0:18:43 > 0:18:47and sort of looking, really looking at what's possible
0:18:47 > 0:18:50to get that ideal image.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53The next thing, obviously, is are you going to take it
0:18:53 > 0:18:56as a portrait or as a landscape?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00That is the other thing I love at this point in the garden.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02This image can work in both ways.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07Then it is really about getting down and composing the picture.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11I love the way you have got flat surfaces and the curves
0:19:11 > 0:19:13and the straight lines.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- It leads the eye beautifully. - Yes, thanks.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18That's what we're still working on
0:19:18 > 0:19:22and we still sit here and discuss these curves and are still making slight changes.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Another couple of years to go and we will be there.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29While Charles and David reflect on photography,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Anne shows Eleri some of the garden's highlights
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and the thinking behind their creation.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Anne has a great interest in the history of the local landscape
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and she based this formal garden,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44set in a pattern of box hedges, on the local tithe map of 1842.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51One of the things about gardening on a slope like this
0:19:51 > 0:19:57is that we have got the view, so from here
0:19:57 > 0:20:02it all had to be fairly flat which was part of the reason for doing the grasses part there.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It was important to keep this area of planting low.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09If I planted trees and shrubs in this area here
0:20:09 > 0:20:12we'd have cut out the whole of this view.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Is the garden complete or have you got anything else planned?
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Well, keeping it going is going to be the big thing,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21which is why I make it as easy as possible to maintain.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27Both Eleri and David seem impressed with this photogenic garden.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31David has certainly got some lovely photographs out of it.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33But it's time we sharpened our focus
0:20:33 > 0:20:37and got back to the search for their new rural home.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42We've made the journey, close to the Welsh border
0:20:42 > 0:20:45in the valley of the River Monnow, to the village of Grosmont,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49which is a 20-minute drive from both Abergavenny and Monmouth.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52The village has a real sense of civic pride
0:20:52 > 0:20:56and is home to many historic buildings including a well-preserved
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Norman church and castle ruins which date back to the same era.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05There's also a tea room and a local pub which serves food and real ale.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Our second property comes in the form of a substantial stone barn
0:21:09 > 0:21:14dating back around 200 years and converted in 2008.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18We started off with our first property
0:21:18 > 0:21:21showing a very pretty cottage, beautiful location
0:21:21 > 0:21:24but a little bit small for your needs.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27For our second home, well, it is something completely different.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- It is lovely.- It is really nice. - It really is pretty.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Beautiful setting as well.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Is this what you had in mind when you wanted to move back to Wales?- I did.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Look at the open space, it is wonderful.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Shall we start the tour? - Yes, please.- That would be great.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'First impressions are very favourable
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'for this lovely barn conversion.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53'As they will see inside, space is something it offers in abundance.'
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Come straight through.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03The first thing you two are going to notice
0:22:03 > 0:22:05is a serious lack of furniture.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09We do have a blank canvas to look around.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13The amount of light is wonderful. Look at the thickness of the walls, amazing.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- The thickness?- Oh, yes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19The beams are nice because often you get dark beams
0:22:19 > 0:22:21which make a room rather heavy.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Now, books. Let's be honest, you're not going to downsize that much.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28You're not going to get rid of your extensive library.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- Every book is very, very hard to give away.- It has a home.- It has a home.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36And next door could be the perfect home for your library.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41The sitting room could house Eleri and David's extensive book collection.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Let's see if they agree.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Wow.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- It goes all the way up.- It does. - Look at that.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51A vaulted ceiling.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54You could either put a mezzanine floor in here...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56I was just thinking that.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Or you could have some fantastic bookcases.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- It is nice, it has doors out into the garden as well. - It's a great room, this.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07'Now we have dealt with rooms for relaxing and reading,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10'we'll turn our attention to the kitchen,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14'which is back through the living room on the other side of the hallway.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- A kitchen.- Yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- This is wonderful. - A spectacular kitchen?
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- It is spectacular, yes. - It is really, really nice.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27OK, I am staying here. Off you go!
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- You're done, are you? - I'm done, this is it.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- You've seen enough of the house? - Absolutely. This is it, the kitchen.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I'll have this end, you have that end.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It's wonderful, look at the space.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40There is plenty of space, plenty of space.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45Next door, you can probably see, you have got a very large utility room.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48I am getting so many positive noises, this is really good news.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53It has got flow, the whole thing works together.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Downstairs, we have not seen upstairs yet,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- but downstairs... - Downstairs flows beautifully.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02'Despite being unfurnished they're clearly able to imagine themselves
0:24:02 > 0:24:04'living here already.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08'That sense of flow continues upstairs where there are three bedrooms.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11'Both guest rooms are a good size and share a bathroom,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15'while over the other side of the landing is the largest room.'
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- It is rather grand, isn't it? - It is very grand.- Beautiful.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24- Those beams are amazing. - Yes, it is huge.- Beautiful.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- You have got an ensuite.- Yes, that is nice.- Lovely.- It is glorious.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33This is beautiful.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36You both seem very taken with this property.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39So let's go outside, look at the land and discuss
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- how much this house is on the market for.- OK.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46'The space outside extends to two-and-a-half acres
0:24:46 > 0:24:49'and there's a shed at the side of the property.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52'Time to soak up their reactions to the setting.'
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Listen to that.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58- Wind, that is it.- Quiet.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01The odd cow and that's about it.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- I can live with cows. - I have now got to ask you, money.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08How much is it on the market for?
0:25:08 > 0:25:10I reckon this is on for...
0:25:13 > 0:25:15595? 600?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I'd say 560.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19OK. All right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24You're both out by quite a bit.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30£499,950.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31- Wow.- What?
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Your ideal budget was 500, so I can give you £50 change.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- Wow.- Really? - Has that taken you by surprise?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- I am completely gobsmacked. - That is temptation on a stick.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- Isn't it just?- It's given you a lot to think about.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Have a wander around and have a look around the grounds as well
0:25:52 > 0:25:55because it is so important with the dogs.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Give me a shout when you have had enough.- OK.- Don't be too long.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Well, what can I say? I think it went very well indeed.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Coming in £50 under their preferred budget,
0:26:11 > 0:26:16our spacious barn conversion is well within our cash buyers' grasp.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19It provides a massive kitchen-diner.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24A high-ceilinged room that could be perfect as a study-cum-library.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Three bedrooms, all set in two-and-a-half acres of land
0:26:28 > 0:26:30for them and the dogs to enjoy.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35This house is amazing. It is so beautiful.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40It is stunning outside and it is beautiful in here.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42It is perfect.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45You walk in and everything is open,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48it's light, it flows.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52There's space for our stuff. We've got a lot of stuff.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54This is a very surprising place.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57It's got character, it's got flow.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00We walk through and things fit, they work together.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's really good. I love the way this works.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07They have been ages. Ages.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Have we seen enough?- No.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- No?- I am staying.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17You can't stay, I've still got another house to show you both.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- It's got to be pretty good to beat this one.- It is.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24It's brilliant, this. This is so much better. This is just us.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- We have set the bar high. - You have indeed.- Absolutely.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- I'm going to have to now drag you away.- OK.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47So, as dusk falls over the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51day one of our property search ends on a real high note.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57Welsh born author David and retired teacher Eleri
0:27:57 > 0:28:00want to close the book on busy Bracknell, Berkshire
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and start a new chapter in Monmouthshire.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Coming with them are their two dogs and 3,000 books.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09So far they've seen a period cottage
0:28:09 > 0:28:12that they felt might be a bit of a squeeze.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16And a beautiful barn conversion with lots of positive flow.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22But coming up, our mystery house challenges their current lifestyle.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25It is spectacular, it is like a rock star home.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Are you feeling like a rock star? - I'm beginning to.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32And I learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts at Chepstow Castle.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39We've shown David and Eleri two properties so far.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43The first one, the cottage, was a tad too small for their needs
0:28:43 > 0:28:46but the second, our barn conversion, certainly hit the spot -
0:28:46 > 0:28:50so much so that Eleri didn't want to leave.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Which brings us to our mystery house.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57The first two had age on their side but with our third home,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59it is completely different.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03We've made the journey to the heart of the Wye Valley
0:29:03 > 0:29:06and the pretty village of Llandogo.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08We're around eight miles north of Chepstow
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and a similar distance south of Monmouth.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Set on a steep hillside overlooking the River Wye
0:29:14 > 0:29:18with views of the Forest of Dean, it is a stunning location.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22Before heading for our mystery house we are popping into the village shop
0:29:22 > 0:29:25to get a flavour of life as a resident here.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- Hello, Mr Brown, good to meet you. - It's nice to meet you, Nicki.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38David and Eleri are hoping to buy in the area.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- Will you tell us a bit more about the village?- We've got a thriving community here.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45The main asset we've got is our village school.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49We've got an arts centre here, we've got a good village pub
0:29:49 > 0:29:52and a lovely church.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56It's really what makes the village so nice.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00It works so well because people have been in the village for a long time
0:30:00 > 0:30:03with their children and their grandchildren are still living in the village.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Hopefully, you never know, you might have two new locals on your hands.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- It'll be very nice.- Thank you. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12'Now it's time to find out the mystery that comes
0:30:12 > 0:30:14'with our final offering.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18'Eleri and David are after character and space in their new home
0:30:18 > 0:30:22'and we're going to deliver that but not in the way they're expecting,
0:30:22 > 0:30:27'as our mystery property is a superb contemporary build completed in 2011
0:30:27 > 0:30:31'and the views from its hillside location are breathtaking.'
0:30:32 > 0:30:37So, once you've caught your breath, here is your mystery house.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- Wow.- That is, that is big. It is different.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- Look at the height of that. It is just glass.- Stunning, isn't it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- What marks would you give that view? - Around ten.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Oh no, no, no. 14 out of ten.- 14!
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- Look at that.- Has it been worth the climb?- Oh, yes.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01The mystery continues with this property.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Inside there's another set of stairs to climb
0:31:03 > 0:31:07to reach the living space, as the layout is upside down.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10They may well have to sacrifice some of their belongings
0:31:10 > 0:31:13to live in this minimalist-style home.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16It's all a bit of a treat, isn't it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Wow. Good heavens.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- This is something completely different.- Isn't it?
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- You would never think that a house like this was here.- Yes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34I love the way across here you've got three windows
0:31:34 > 0:31:35and it's like three pictures.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38It's not just pictures, it's the world out there.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40It is a stunning, stunning view.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Everything is brand new, absolutely everything.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48It's the finishing touches. Even down to...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50That's a television set.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- Really?- Yes.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56NICKI LAUGHS
0:31:56 > 0:31:59That is absolutely brilliant. That's amazing.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02I am kind of lost for words here.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- You wanted light and airy, spacious. - Yes.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Follow me through.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I want to show you the kitchen.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Look at that fan. I think it is a fan, isn't it?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- It is, it is an extractor fan. - This is where you're cooking,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- I'm sitting over here looking at that with a glass of wine.- Yes.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27You've got a wraparound balcony making the most,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29because the sun sets over there in the west.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- You'd have sun all evening if you're out there with drinks.- Lovely.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38For a change, I normally say shall we had upstairs
0:32:38 > 0:32:41but on this occasion I am going to say, shall we head downstairs?
0:32:41 > 0:32:42- OK.- OK.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47On the ground floor of this immaculate property
0:32:47 > 0:32:49are two very good-sized bedrooms,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52both with two windows to make the absolute most of those views.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55The bathroom they share is beautifully finished
0:32:55 > 0:32:58and comes complete with a walk-in power shower.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02There's also a very spacious utility room down here
0:33:02 > 0:33:06but we're heading for the largest of the bedrooms.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08This is the master.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12It makes use of the views, all the bedrooms make use of that view.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- It's great.- Yes.- It's spectacular. - It is like a rock star home.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- Are you feeling like a rock star? Come on, Dave.- I'm beginning to.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Stop it, he might start singing.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Behind the pillar, incorporated, is a dressing area
0:33:28 > 0:33:32and then you have got a fantastic ensuite.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38- Shall we head outside?- OK.- Right. - Would you like to lead the way, David?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41'They have been dazzled by the high-spec interior
0:33:41 > 0:33:43'of our ultra-modern mystery property.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46'Outside there is a third of an acre of sloping land
0:33:46 > 0:33:50'and the house has been designed to take in those views.'
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Come out onto this spectacular balcony.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59Is this the type of property you expected to find in Monmouth?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- No, not in the least. - No, definitely not.
0:34:03 > 0:34:09So, how much is this brand new house on the market for?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- 550.- I was going to say that. I have to say something different now.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17You are allowed to agree if you want to.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- Are we? I am going to say 550 as well because we agree on this.- OK.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24- It's less than that.- OK.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- £495,000.- Really?
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Wow.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- I didn't expect that.- A lot less than you thought.- Absolutely.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40Why don't you have a wander around and I will catch up with you?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Have a serious think, is this going to be right for you?
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Well, let's go and walk and talk. - OK, let's do that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49See you in a little bit.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56Under budget at £495,000, our modern mystery house
0:34:56 > 0:34:59is a complete departure from the rustic character
0:34:59 > 0:35:01they might have been expecting.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05However, it does give them a fabulous kitchen-diner,
0:35:05 > 0:35:09three bedrooms, a private garden at the front and woodlands at the back,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12and panoramic views across the Wye Valley.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15It was an outstanding mystery house.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19We'd never have thought to come to look at this one.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21It was definitely worth coming.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23This is a kind of Zen house.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29You can sit here and probably not move for a long time.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It may be a bridge too far for us in terms of
0:35:33 > 0:35:38our lifestyle and how we want to continue.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43We would need a complete change of how we live.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- Have you enjoyed our mystery house? - We certainly have.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- It is impressive, isn't it? - It certainly is. It is amazing.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It is a distinct mystery. It is extraterrestrial inside.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Tell me you never would have found this house on your own.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- Absolutely not, it's a great choice. Fantastic.- Good, excellent.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07I think the two of you should have a talk and the three of us
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- should sit down and have a serious discussion.- Good plan.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Because of its geographical location as the gateway to Wales
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Monmouthshire has historically been of great strategic importance.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33During the reign of William the Conqueror
0:36:33 > 0:36:38the Normans turned their attention to Wales and built over 50 castles
0:36:38 > 0:36:43which acted as military strongholds to subdue local uprisings.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46The imposing riverside castle at Chepstow was one of the first
0:36:46 > 0:36:50to be built in stone following the Norman Conquest.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55To find out more about this imposing fortress I met with Rick Turner,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59inspector of ancient monuments with Welsh government body Cadw.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04What a fantastic spot right by the River Wye. Astounding, this castle.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07How old is it?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10The oldest part of the castle goes right back to the Norman Conquest
0:37:10 > 0:37:12so it's over 900 years old.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14It is the oldest castle in Wales.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17The oldest part is just behind us, the great tower on the hill.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20The most prominent feature is the great doorway
0:37:20 > 0:37:23with the circular arch above with this criss-cross carving.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28It has been framed by a line of orange Roman tiles
0:37:28 > 0:37:31reused from a site close by.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33I can see there's conservation going on here,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35there's scaffolding and workmen.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- It must be an ongoing project to keep on top of it.- It never ends.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42At Cadw we've got 127 sites to look after
0:37:42 > 0:37:44and we are constantly trying to maintain them
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and keep them in the best condition we can.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50One of the castle's most powerful residents
0:37:50 > 0:37:53was the fifth Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56who in the late 13th century built magnificent living quarters
0:37:56 > 0:38:01including a guest chamber which has been the subject of a recent restoration programme.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06Also being restored are two sets of 500-year-old doors,
0:38:06 > 0:38:11a nine-month project using the skills of conservator Alan Martin.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12'Even to my inexperienced eye'
0:38:12 > 0:38:16I can see there's an awful lot of damage here.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- What has gone on? - Fungal decay has set in.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27It's some fungal decay and then the larvae of the death watch beetle
0:38:27 > 0:38:30will tunnel away and eat the decayed timber.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32It really has gone to town.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Have you found anything interesting while you've been working on the doors?
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- Any stories?- Yes, we found musket shot in some of the decayed timber.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Have you any idea when it dates back to?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Probably 1648 when the castle...
0:38:46 > 0:38:51There were two sieges of Chepstow Castle in the English Civil War
0:38:51 > 0:38:56and these doors were modified to allow pistols to fire through them,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59and the shot Alan's recovered were people outside
0:38:59 > 0:39:03shooting back into the castle, because they were on the outer face of the doors.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08- They were on this face which would... - Faced the enemy.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11So the bullet would have passed through the door?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13They were Cavaliers who were defending the castle
0:39:13 > 0:39:16and the Parliamentarians out in the town attacking.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19My goodness. It's certainly seen some action.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Work on this door will include adding new strips of timber
0:39:23 > 0:39:26and treating it with a resin consolidant
0:39:26 > 0:39:29to help seal any cracks and restore the wood.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Once you've finished this, there's going to be another project here in Chepstow.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38Like death and taxes, conservation never finishes.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41'Our architectural heritage is obviously in the hands
0:39:41 > 0:39:45'of a very dedicated team here in Monmouthshire.'
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I've really enjoyed my tour of Chepstow Castle
0:39:47 > 0:39:51and seen some of the restoration work that's being carried out.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55But it's time to find out if David and Eleri
0:39:55 > 0:39:58have made a final choice on any of our houses.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05David and Eleri, is a lovely to be home?
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- Yes, it is. - It is home and it always has been.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Let's start with the first property that we showed you.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16A beautiful cottage, absolutely beautiful. Tell me what you thought.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20The location was lovely and the garden was stunning.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22It's a picture-postcard cottage.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25What about the size? Although you were taken with it
0:40:25 > 0:40:29as soon as we walked through the front door, there were a few issues.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34You walked into the dining room which wasn't that big.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I thought it was a beautiful kitchen, beautifully appointed
0:40:37 > 0:40:43but it was just too small for the both of us plus the two big dogs.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Then we showed you something completely different from the cottage,
0:40:46 > 0:40:50the converted barn. Eleri, do you want to start with that one?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54That was a real surprise because I loved it.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I was surprised how much I loved it.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03The land, although it was overgrown, put it that way, it was wonderful.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05It felt great as it went in.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08The flow through from one room to the other.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14With character, you know, it just worked very well as a house.
0:41:14 > 0:41:20I certainly got some positive vibes from you both on our converted barn.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Let's talk about other final house, the mystery.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28You couldn't get three such different properties.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32The third one was just ultra-modern.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- Different world.- Minimalist.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40As you said, the views were stunning. From every window.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45So you've seen our three properties in Monmouthshire and, well,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48I certainly got the impression that you were very taken
0:41:48 > 0:41:51with one of them, so what's your next move going to be?
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- I think the barn is a possibility. - The barn is a distinct possibility.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Do you think you might be putting an offer in?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Oh, you both took in a big, big...
0:42:03 > 0:42:04The breath!
0:42:04 > 0:42:07You're trying to be really cool, but look at those smiles,
0:42:07 > 0:42:08it's giving it all away. Come on.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12That was fantastic. Yes or no?
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- It's a distinct possibility, isn't it, Dave? - It is a distinct possibility.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20- If you buy that house, please, please let us know.- We will.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- Thank you very much.- You're welcome. It has been a pleasure.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Well, I've had a great few days here in Monmouthshire
0:42:29 > 0:42:31with David and Eleri.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And when I put them on the spot and asked them if they were going to
0:42:34 > 0:42:37put in an offer on that beautiful barn conversion,
0:42:37 > 0:42:42there was a sharp intake of breath and they both burst into smiles.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44I think that says it all.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46I really hope it works out for them
0:42:46 > 0:42:49and they return home to this beautiful part of Wales
0:42:49 > 0:42:52and live in the house we found them.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53Until next time, bye-bye.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Sadly, house number two was sold
0:42:57 > 0:43:00before David and Eleri could revisit it.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04They've since made an offer on a barn conversion just outside Abergavenny.
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