Monmouthshire Escape to the Country


Monmouthshire

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The grid of 285 jumbled letters that appear

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on this 19th-century tombstone make a playful reference

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to a very special kind of word puzzle invented by the ancient Greeks.

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Find out where I am and how to crack the code

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in just a few moments' time.

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On today's show I'm helping a pair of book lovers make a return

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to the country of their birth

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to find a property with enough space for a library.

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Along the way, one of the houses is just too tantalising.

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-I'm completely gobsmacked.

-That is temptation on a stick.

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Isn't it just?

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And the mystery house does the impossible before they step inside.

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-What marks would you give that view?

-Around ten.

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-No, no, no. 14 out of ten.

-14?

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Today, I am in Monmouthshire, at St Mary's Priory in Monmouth.

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This headstone features a puzzle known as an acrostic.

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To read the inscription you have to start at the centre,

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at the letter H.

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It can be read in various ways. "Here lies John Renie".

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A house painter by trade, Renie died at the young age of 33.

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His unusual tombstone hints at him being quite a character.

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Indeed, he was a founding member of the Oddfellows Friendly Society.

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In fact, Monmouthshire's history and geographic position

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gives it a certain individuality.

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Monmouthshire is bordered by the Welsh county of Powys to the north,

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and the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire to the east.

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It was finally recognised as part of Wales in 1974

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and is the fourth smallest of the Welsh counties.

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In the north of Monmouthshire

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and rising to a height of 2,000 feet are the Black Mountains

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which form part of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

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Straddling the border with England to the east is the meandering Wye Valley,

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an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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The two main centres are Chepstow, with its historic castle

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which dates to the 11th century, and the county town of Monmouth.

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Its grand civic architecture includes Agincourt Square,

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home to one of the finest Georgian shire halls in Wales.

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The Monnow Bridge with this 13th-century fortified gate tower

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is the last remaining one of its kind in the UK.

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The average cost of a detached property in Monmouthshire

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is just over £233,000.

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That's £21,000 below the national figure.

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However, there are some hotspots to watch out for.

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The historic town of Usk is one of the county's most desirable places

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to live in and could cost you double the national average.

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Move further south towards the coast around Caldicott

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and you will get much more for your money.

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Throughout this county there's a rich mix

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of architectural styles to take your fancy.

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Monmouthshire's rich history and geology

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is reflected in its architecture.

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Old red sandstone, the rock that forms the dramatic scarps

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of the Black Mountains, is the most widespread building stone

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and found mainly in the north-east and central parts of the county.

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The colour varies from a strong purple through to grey,

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the most prized being the pinkish grey stone quarried around Tintern

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which was used to build the historic abbey as well as village residences nearby.

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This three-bedroom cottage in Shirenewton

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is on the market for £295,000.

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Many properties in the region are built using blue pennant stone.

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This fine grained blue-grey sandstone

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was used extensively in the 19th and 20th centuries

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for churches, community buildings and farmhouses.

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This four-bedroom detached property near Abergavenny

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is priced at £650,000.

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There are some beautiful architectural styles here in Monmouthshire

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but will any of them meet our buyers' expectations?

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Let's find out.

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Married for 36 years, author and management consultant

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David and Eleri have been living close to the Berkshire town of Bracknell

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since moving from Wales over 25 years ago.

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Now that Eleri has retired from her job as an English teacher,

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they can make the longed-for return to the land of their birth.

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I'm from North Wales, but my family is from the south.

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I have a real affinity for South Wales.

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I grew up in Abergavenny, which is beautiful.

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When we drive back, when we go to see friends and relatives,

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you pass the sign, "Welcome to Wales, Croeso i Gymru"

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and you feel like you are arriving home.

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You relax and it feels warm.

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It's always been like we've been on a piece of bungee rope

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so we've always felt that tension pulling us home.

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The area they've chosen is Monmouthshire

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and once they move Eleri is thinking of using

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her teaching skills to get involved with the local community.

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I'm not sure how useful my Welsh will be

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but since it is my first language it would be quite nice

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'to go back and possibly teach people to speak Welsh.'

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David plans to continue his writing which he mainly does online.

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I've got a couple of thousand books in the subject area of the website.

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They're all over the house at the moment but I'm going to need somewhere to put them.

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So they'll be needing a study

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and maybe even a library in their new home in the country.

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Their main demand is for a spacious property.

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Our current house is a 1960s,

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'very characterful, cedar ceilings'

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with a beautiful sense of space and balance and flow.

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'That is one of the things we liked about it

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'and we would like in the next property as well.'

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-Sense of space is important, isn't it?

-Yes.

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It doesn't mean isolated, it just means a sense of space.

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They also hope the Welsh countryside will enable them

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to enjoy more time outdoors.

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I think I would like to do more walking with the dogs.

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'I've been fitting it in in an hour or so before work,

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'often in the dark.

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'To be able to go for long walks with the dogs would be really good.'

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'I wouldn't mind getting some more involvement in the local community.

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'I, for example, would join a local photography club.'

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As cash buyers they can move quickly

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and they have a healthy amount to spend.

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The budget for the move is £500,000.

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David and Eleri's preferred search area is in the triangle

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between Chepstow, Monmouth and David's hometown of Abergavenny.

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I caught up with them on a rather rainy day to find out

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more about what they want from their new home in the country.

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You love the home you are in at the moment.

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You'd like to bring it to Wales, but that's not going to happen.

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Ideally, what are you looking for here?

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We want a sense of space and flow that,

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so you can relax and be comfortable and not feel like you're constricted

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and there's no awkwardness about the place.

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-Bedrooms?

-Three, four would be good.

-Would you like a bit of land?

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-A bit of land for the dogs, yes.

-And the vegetables.

-And the vegetables.

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-So about half an acre or so?

-That would be lovely.

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Remind us what your budget is for this move.

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-Our budget is £500,000.

-And how quickly can you move?

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Pretty quickly.

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We are not constrained by things like jobs or mortgages

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so we can get up and go.

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It's more about the right place and then we will work on the time.

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That is a great position to be in.

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We've got three properties lined up for you

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and hopefully at least one of them will hit the mark.

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It is now absolutely pouring

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so shall we jump back into the car and see the first one? Come on.

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With £500,000 cash to spend, David and Eleri are looking for a home

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with plenty of space and character.

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They'd like a large kitchen preferably with a utility room,

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a study and space to store their books.

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A minimum of three bedrooms,

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a large garden for their two retrievers

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and maybe for growing some veg, and a garage for their cars.

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We've found three properties that we think will dazzle our house buyers

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and with each I will be asking them

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to guess the price before I reveal it.

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One, of course, will be our mystery house which comes

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with a lot of high-spec surprises.

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So let's get our house search under way.

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With the location top of the agenda we're heading

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to the historic village of Tintern

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on the western bank of the River Wye.

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Tintern is a popular destination for visitors

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due to its 12th-century abbey, and the surrounding countryside

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is great walking terrain, which will please our buyers,

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as will the village bookshop which is a draw for rare book enthusiasts.

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Nearby, the old mill has been converted into a restaurant and tea room.

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To the north of Tintern lies the hamlet of Botany Bay

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which is where we find our first property,

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a stone built cottage dating back to the 1880s.

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Luckily for us, that weather has vastly improved.

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Here is your first house. Or should I say cottage.

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-Very pretty.

-Isn't it beautiful?

-Yes, it is lovely.

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-It looks just like a photograph.

-It does.

-It's a beautiful setting.

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-It's lovely.

-Are you intrigued, ready to step inside?

-Yes, please.

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Happily, they appreciate the situation and character

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of our cottage, but can it deliver the space they are used to inside?

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It's time to find out.

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Come through. You've got a porch,

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and it leads straight into the dining room.

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-What a cosy room.

-It is lovely.

-What about the dimensions?

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It is a cottage. It is only the first room.

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Possibly a little cosy for our two large dogs.

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Yes. Two very large dogs.

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It is the beginning of it, so we need to see it in proportion

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with everything else.

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'So, I detect a bit of disappointment in this first room,

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'but the second is an entirely different proposition.'

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You've seen the dining room,

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-but through here you've got a double sitting room.

-Oh, lovely.

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-This is nice.

-With your wood.

-Brilliant.

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-That's brilliant.

-Good, I love that.

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Another room beyond and you see when the wall changes colour

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it mirrors the porch, if you like.

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-It does, doesn't it?

-That's an office.

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It's currently used as an office.

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Now Dave, you have got a few books, it would be fair to say.

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Business and psychology, a couple of thousand.

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-And then Eleri's got her English books.

-And you as well?

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-Are we talking about 3,000 books?

-About that.

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Well, perhaps the dining room could be a library.

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Or, just a thought, that second half of this double sitting area,

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you could have it as the study but also have it as a library.

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-Does that work for you?

-Yes, it does.

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Because that was extended, that part of the house,

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there is a downstairs shower room and toilet

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and there's a guest bedroom upstairs.

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There is a set of stairs just the other side of the burner.

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-We like it so far?

-Yes.

-Yes, we do.

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'This generous reception area has bought them back on board.

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'Let's see how we fare in the kitchen.'

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-Not a huge kitchen but beautifully fitted out.

-It is lovely.

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-It is done well.

-Really nicely done.

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-Big cooker.

-You've got everything you need.

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This is an absolutely beautiful setting to be able to sit here

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and look out on to such lovely greenery.

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What do you think, Eleri?

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It is very, very pretty and clearly functional.

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The size bothers me a bit because I think two dogs,

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two of us, could get a bit crowded.

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'So space is proving to be a bit of an issue with this pretty cottage.

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'The ground floor also has a bathroom just off the sitting room area.

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'Upstairs gives them three bedrooms. Along with one at the far end

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'of the house there are two others accessed by the main stairs.

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'The guest double is bright and dual aspect

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'and they will find their room is equally as charming.'

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This is the master, with the guest on the other side of the stairs.

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-It is a pretty room.

-It is pretty.

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-I like all the windows, the light coming from front and back.

-Yes.

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Looking out on that, that is lovely.

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-It does have an ensuite shower room as well.

-Oh, right. OK.

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As masters go, would this work for you?

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Downstairs, there was more of a sense of space, particularly in the lounge.

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But here, that sense of space has gone.

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It is very much a cottage up here.

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'Despite the character and views upstairs,

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'Eleri and David are still feeling pinched by the space inside.

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'Maybe they'll be swayed when they see outside where,

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'as well as a useful double garage, there's an orchard.'

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This property has an impressive front garden.

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Behind these huge bushes you've got probably around

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-one-and-a-half, two acres.

-Gosh.

-Really?

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-The location is absolutely beautiful.

-Yes, it is gorgeous.

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I suppose location-wise it is quite convenient for both Monmouth and Chepstow.

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It's really if cottage living is for the two of you?

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It is very different from where you are now

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but I'll let you have a ponder on that because we're going to push you now.

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We're going to talk money.

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How much do you think this house is on the market for?

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450.

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-OK.

-I would say 470.

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-Eleri is closest.

-Really?

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-£459,000.

-OK.

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Only just!

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Yes! Would you like to both have another look around this cottage?

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Also check out the land. Very suitable for the doggies.

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And I'll catch up with you when you're ready. Thank you.

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So, a good start.

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It is the most beautiful cottage in the most idyllic setting.

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I just don't think it is quite big enough for the two of them.

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On the market at £459,000,

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this beautiful cottage is well within their budget.

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It gives them a spacious living room with a study area.

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A dining room which could be turned into a library.

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Three bedrooms, all wrapped in a plot of over two acres

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in the heart of the countryside.

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It is a very, very pretty little cottage.

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The problem is, it is idyllic in many ways

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but we've got too much stuff, I think.

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We've got so much stuff, I don't think we could downsize enough.

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The garden is brilliant. It goes on for ever.

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There's a huge garden at the back.

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We're pleasantly surprised by a lot of the attributes of the house.

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-Happy that you have seen enough, you two?

-Yes.

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-Good first house? A good start?

-Yes, yes, very much so.

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It is a lovely house, a lovely place but the question is

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can we downsize enough to fit into it

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because it is smaller than our current house.

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OK. Let's keep on going. You can think about that. Come on, you.

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In the east of Monmouthshire lies the Wye Valley,

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and the river charts the natural border between England and Wales.

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Within this spectacular landscapes is Tintern Abbey

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with some of the finest monastic ruins in Wales.

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The countryside above Tintern is home to a creative couple who,

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over the past 25 years, have designed and landscaped

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a four-acre site to produce one of Britain's most original gardens

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here at Veddw House.

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They are photographer Charles Hawes and maverick garden writer Anne Wareham,

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who's not a fan of the hands-on side of gardening

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but loves the end result.

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A view which may well capture Eleri and David's imagination.

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We arranged for them to visit in order to gain

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some inspirational garden and photographic tips.

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It is a beautiful place here. What was it like when you came?

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It was actually two fields.

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It took while before it felt like a garden was emerging around us.

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We've had all these years to slowly put it together,

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depending on how it's looked as it's grown.

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The garden is for enjoying being in and looking at.

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I don't like gardening.

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It is outdoor housework.

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A professional photographer since 1999,

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Charles is going to pass on some of his expertise to David

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in a part of the garden that has inspired him most,

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the reflecting pool in the hedge garden.

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The local landscape of rolling hills

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is recreated in the shape of the hedges around the water.

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Working with a tripod for a professional photographer

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become second nature.

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But you get lazy because you like to stand up like this

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and actually what you need to do is start getting lower

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and sort of looking, really looking at what's possible

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to get that ideal image.

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The next thing, obviously, is are you going to take it

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as a portrait or as a landscape?

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That is the other thing I love at this point in the garden.

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This image can work in both ways.

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Then it is really about getting down and composing the picture.

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I love the way you have got flat surfaces and the curves

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and the straight lines.

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-It leads the eye beautifully.

-Yes, thanks.

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That's what we're still working on

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and we still sit here and discuss these curves and are still making slight changes.

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Another couple of years to go and we will be there.

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While Charles and David reflect on photography,

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Anne shows Eleri some of the garden's highlights

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and the thinking behind their creation.

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Anne has a great interest in the history of the local landscape

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and she based this formal garden,

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set in a pattern of box hedges, on the local tithe map of 1842.

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One of the things about gardening on a slope like this

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is that we have got the view, so from here

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it all had to be fairly flat which was part of the reason for doing the grasses part there.

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It was important to keep this area of planting low.

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If I planted trees and shrubs in this area here

0:20:050:20:09

we'd have cut out the whole of this view.

0:20:090:20:12

Is the garden complete or have you got anything else planned?

0:20:120:20:15

Well, keeping it going is going to be the big thing,

0:20:150:20:18

which is why I make it as easy as possible to maintain.

0:20:180:20:21

Both Eleri and David seem impressed with this photogenic garden.

0:20:220:20:27

David has certainly got some lovely photographs out of it.

0:20:270:20:31

But it's time we sharpened our focus

0:20:310:20:33

and got back to the search for their new rural home.

0:20:330:20:37

We've made the journey, close to the Welsh border

0:20:390:20:42

in the valley of the River Monnow, to the village of Grosmont,

0:20:420:20:45

which is a 20-minute drive from both Abergavenny and Monmouth.

0:20:450:20:49

The village has a real sense of civic pride

0:20:490:20:52

and is home to many historic buildings including a well-preserved

0:20:520:20:56

Norman church and castle ruins which date back to the same era.

0:20:560:20:59

There's also a tea room and a local pub which serves food and real ale.

0:20:590:21:05

Our second property comes in the form of a substantial stone barn

0:21:050:21:09

dating back around 200 years and converted in 2008.

0:21:090:21:14

We started off with our first property

0:21:150:21:18

showing a very pretty cottage, beautiful location

0:21:180:21:21

but a little bit small for your needs.

0:21:210:21:24

For our second home, well, it is something completely different.

0:21:240:21:27

-It is lovely.

-It is really nice.

-It really is pretty.

0:21:270:21:30

Beautiful setting as well.

0:21:300:21:32

-Is this what you had in mind when you wanted to move back to Wales?

-I did.

0:21:320:21:36

Look at the open space, it is wonderful.

0:21:360:21:39

-Shall we start the tour?

-Yes, please.

-That would be great.

0:21:390:21:42

'First impressions are very favourable

0:21:440:21:47

'for this lovely barn conversion.

0:21:470:21:49

'As they will see inside, space is something it offers in abundance.'

0:21:490:21:53

Come straight through.

0:21:550:21:58

The first thing you two are going to notice

0:22:000:22:03

is a serious lack of furniture.

0:22:030:22:05

We do have a blank canvas to look around.

0:22:060:22:09

The amount of light is wonderful. Look at the thickness of the walls, amazing.

0:22:090:22:13

-The thickness?

-Oh, yes.

0:22:130:22:15

The beams are nice because often you get dark beams

0:22:160:22:19

which make a room rather heavy.

0:22:190:22:21

Now, books. Let's be honest, you're not going to downsize that much.

0:22:210:22:25

You're not going to get rid of your extensive library.

0:22:250:22:28

-Every book is very, very hard to give away.

-It has a home.

-It has a home.

0:22:280:22:33

And next door could be the perfect home for your library.

0:22:330:22:36

The sitting room could house Eleri and David's extensive book collection.

0:22:380:22:41

Let's see if they agree.

0:22:410:22:44

Wow.

0:22:440:22:46

-It goes all the way up.

-It does.

-Look at that.

0:22:460:22:49

A vaulted ceiling.

0:22:500:22:51

You could either put a mezzanine floor in here...

0:22:510:22:54

I was just thinking that.

0:22:540:22:56

Or you could have some fantastic bookcases.

0:22:560:22:59

-It is nice, it has doors out into the garden as well.

-It's a great room, this.

0:22:590:23:03

'Now we have dealt with rooms for relaxing and reading,

0:23:050:23:07

'we'll turn our attention to the kitchen,

0:23:070:23:10

'which is back through the living room on the other side of the hallway.'

0:23:100:23:14

-A kitchen.

-Yes.

0:23:160:23:19

-This is wonderful.

-A spectacular kitchen?

0:23:190:23:21

-It is spectacular, yes.

-It is really, really nice.

0:23:210:23:25

OK, I am staying here. Off you go!

0:23:250:23:27

-You're done, are you?

-I'm done, this is it.

0:23:270:23:29

-You've seen enough of the house?

-Absolutely. This is it, the kitchen.

0:23:290:23:32

I'll have this end, you have that end.

0:23:320:23:35

It's wonderful, look at the space.

0:23:350:23:37

There is plenty of space, plenty of space.

0:23:370:23:40

Next door, you can probably see, you have got a very large utility room.

0:23:400:23:45

I am getting so many positive noises, this is really good news.

0:23:450:23:48

It has got flow, the whole thing works together.

0:23:500:23:53

Downstairs, we have not seen upstairs yet,

0:23:530:23:55

-but downstairs...

-Downstairs flows beautifully.

0:23:550:23:58

'Despite being unfurnished they're clearly able to imagine themselves

0:23:580:24:02

'living here already.

0:24:020:24:04

'That sense of flow continues upstairs where there are three bedrooms.

0:24:040:24:08

'Both guest rooms are a good size and share a bathroom,

0:24:080:24:11

'while over the other side of the landing is the largest room.'

0:24:110:24:15

-It is rather grand, isn't it?

-It is very grand.

-Beautiful.

0:24:150:24:19

-Those beams are amazing.

-Yes, it is huge.

-Beautiful.

0:24:190:24:24

-You have got an ensuite.

-Yes, that is nice.

-Lovely.

-It is glorious.

0:24:250:24:30

This is beautiful.

0:24:300:24:33

You both seem very taken with this property.

0:24:330:24:36

So let's go outside, look at the land and discuss

0:24:360:24:39

-how much this house is on the market for.

-OK.

0:24:390:24:42

'The space outside extends to two-and-a-half acres

0:24:420:24:46

'and there's a shed at the side of the property.

0:24:460:24:49

'Time to soak up their reactions to the setting.'

0:24:490:24:52

Listen to that.

0:24:520:24:54

-Wind, that is it.

-Quiet.

0:24:570:24:58

The odd cow and that's about it.

0:24:580:25:01

-I can live with cows.

-I have now got to ask you, money.

0:25:010:25:04

How much is it on the market for?

0:25:040:25:08

I reckon this is on for...

0:25:080:25:10

595? 600?

0:25:130:25:15

I'd say 560.

0:25:150:25:17

OK. All right.

0:25:170:25:19

You're both out by quite a bit.

0:25:200:25:24

£499,950.

0:25:250:25:30

-Wow.

-What?

0:25:300:25:31

Your ideal budget was 500, so I can give you £50 change.

0:25:310:25:35

-Wow.

-Really?

-Has that taken you by surprise?

0:25:370:25:42

-I am completely gobsmacked.

-That is temptation on a stick.

0:25:420:25:46

-Isn't it just?

-It's given you a lot to think about.

0:25:460:25:48

Have a wander around and have a look around the grounds as well

0:25:480:25:52

because it is so important with the dogs.

0:25:520:25:55

-Give me a shout when you have had enough.

-OK.

-Don't be too long.

0:25:550:25:59

Well, what can I say? I think it went very well indeed.

0:26:020:26:05

Coming in £50 under their preferred budget,

0:26:090:26:11

our spacious barn conversion is well within our cash buyers' grasp.

0:26:110:26:16

It provides a massive kitchen-diner.

0:26:160:26:19

A high-ceilinged room that could be perfect as a study-cum-library.

0:26:200:26:24

Three bedrooms, all set in two-and-a-half acres of land

0:26:240:26:28

for them and the dogs to enjoy.

0:26:280:26:30

This house is amazing. It is so beautiful.

0:26:300:26:35

It is stunning outside and it is beautiful in here.

0:26:350:26:40

It is perfect.

0:26:400:26:42

You walk in and everything is open,

0:26:420:26:45

it's light, it flows.

0:26:450:26:48

There's space for our stuff. We've got a lot of stuff.

0:26:480:26:52

This is a very surprising place.

0:26:520:26:54

It's got character, it's got flow.

0:26:540:26:57

We walk through and things fit, they work together.

0:26:570:27:00

It's really good. I love the way this works.

0:27:000:27:03

They have been ages. Ages.

0:27:030:27:07

-Have we seen enough?

-No.

0:27:080:27:11

-No?

-I am staying.

0:27:110:27:14

You can't stay, I've still got another house to show you both.

0:27:140:27:17

-It's got to be pretty good to beat this one.

-It is.

0:27:170:27:20

It's brilliant, this. This is so much better. This is just us.

0:27:200:27:24

-We have set the bar high.

-You have indeed.

-Absolutely.

0:27:240:27:27

-I'm going to have to now drag you away.

-OK.

0:27:270:27:30

So, as dusk falls over the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside,

0:27:430:27:47

day one of our property search ends on a real high note.

0:27:470:27:51

Welsh born author David and retired teacher Eleri

0:27:530:27:57

want to close the book on busy Bracknell, Berkshire

0:27:570:28:00

and start a new chapter in Monmouthshire.

0:28:000:28:03

Coming with them are their two dogs and 3,000 books.

0:28:030:28:07

So far they've seen a period cottage

0:28:070:28:09

that they felt might be a bit of a squeeze.

0:28:090:28:12

And a beautiful barn conversion with lots of positive flow.

0:28:120:28:16

But coming up, our mystery house challenges their current lifestyle.

0:28:160:28:22

It is spectacular, it is like a rock star home.

0:28:220:28:25

-Are you feeling like a rock star?

-I'm beginning to.

0:28:250:28:28

And I learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts at Chepstow Castle.

0:28:280:28:32

We've shown David and Eleri two properties so far.

0:28:350:28:39

The first one, the cottage, was a tad too small for their needs

0:28:390:28:43

but the second, our barn conversion, certainly hit the spot -

0:28:430:28:46

so much so that Eleri didn't want to leave.

0:28:460:28:50

Which brings us to our mystery house.

0:28:500:28:52

The first two had age on their side but with our third home,

0:28:520:28:57

it is completely different.

0:28:570:28:59

We've made the journey to the heart of the Wye Valley

0:29:010:29:03

and the pretty village of Llandogo.

0:29:030:29:06

We're around eight miles north of Chepstow

0:29:060:29:08

and a similar distance south of Monmouth.

0:29:080:29:10

Set on a steep hillside overlooking the River Wye

0:29:100:29:14

with views of the Forest of Dean, it is a stunning location.

0:29:140:29:18

Before heading for our mystery house we are popping into the village shop

0:29:180:29:22

to get a flavour of life as a resident here.

0:29:220:29:25

-Hello, Mr Brown, good to meet you.

-It's nice to meet you, Nicki.

0:29:300:29:35

David and Eleri are hoping to buy in the area.

0:29:350:29:38

-Will you tell us a bit more about the village?

-We've got a thriving community here.

0:29:380:29:42

The main asset we've got is our village school.

0:29:420:29:45

We've got an arts centre here, we've got a good village pub

0:29:450:29:49

and a lovely church.

0:29:490:29:52

It's really what makes the village so nice.

0:29:520:29:56

It works so well because people have been in the village for a long time

0:29:560:30:00

with their children and their grandchildren are still living in the village.

0:30:000:30:03

Hopefully, you never know, you might have two new locals on your hands.

0:30:030:30:07

-It'll be very nice.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much indeed.

0:30:070:30:09

'Now it's time to find out the mystery that comes

0:30:090:30:12

'with our final offering.

0:30:120:30:14

'Eleri and David are after character and space in their new home

0:30:140:30:18

'and we're going to deliver that but not in the way they're expecting,

0:30:180:30:22

'as our mystery property is a superb contemporary build completed in 2011

0:30:220:30:27

'and the views from its hillside location are breathtaking.'

0:30:270:30:31

So, once you've caught your breath, here is your mystery house.

0:30:320:30:37

-Wow.

-That is, that is big. It is different.

0:30:370:30:42

-Look at the height of that. It is just glass.

-Stunning, isn't it?

0:30:420:30:46

-What marks would you give that view?

-Around ten.

0:30:460:30:49

-Oh no, no, no. 14 out of ten.

-14!

0:30:490:30:52

-Look at that.

-Has it been worth the climb?

-Oh, yes.

0:30:520:30:57

The mystery continues with this property.

0:30:590:31:01

Inside there's another set of stairs to climb

0:31:010:31:03

to reach the living space, as the layout is upside down.

0:31:030:31:07

They may well have to sacrifice some of their belongings

0:31:070:31:10

to live in this minimalist-style home.

0:31:100:31:13

It's all a bit of a treat, isn't it?

0:31:140:31:16

Wow. Good heavens.

0:31:170:31:19

-This is something completely different.

-Isn't it?

0:31:210:31:25

-You would never think that a house like this was here.

-Yes.

0:31:250:31:30

I love the way across here you've got three windows

0:31:300:31:34

and it's like three pictures.

0:31:340:31:35

It's not just pictures, it's the world out there.

0:31:350:31:38

It is a stunning, stunning view.

0:31:380:31:40

Everything is brand new, absolutely everything.

0:31:400:31:44

It's the finishing touches. Even down to...

0:31:440:31:48

That's a television set.

0:31:480:31:50

-Really?

-Yes.

0:31:500:31:52

NICKI LAUGHS

0:31:540:31:56

That is absolutely brilliant. That's amazing.

0:31:560:31:59

I am kind of lost for words here.

0:31:590:32:02

-You wanted light and airy, spacious.

-Yes.

0:32:020:32:05

Follow me through.

0:32:050:32:07

I want to show you the kitchen.

0:32:100:32:13

Look at that fan. I think it is a fan, isn't it?

0:32:130:32:17

-It is, it is an extractor fan.

-This is where you're cooking,

0:32:170:32:20

-I'm sitting over here looking at that with a glass of wine.

-Yes.

0:32:200:32:24

You've got a wraparound balcony making the most,

0:32:240:32:27

because the sun sets over there in the west.

0:32:270:32:29

-You'd have sun all evening if you're out there with drinks.

-Lovely.

0:32:290:32:33

For a change, I normally say shall we had upstairs

0:32:350:32:38

but on this occasion I am going to say, shall we head downstairs?

0:32:380:32:41

-OK.

-OK.

0:32:410:32:42

On the ground floor of this immaculate property

0:32:440:32:47

are two very good-sized bedrooms,

0:32:470:32:49

both with two windows to make the absolute most of those views.

0:32:490:32:52

The bathroom they share is beautifully finished

0:32:520:32:55

and comes complete with a walk-in power shower.

0:32:550:32:58

There's also a very spacious utility room down here

0:32:580:33:02

but we're heading for the largest of the bedrooms.

0:33:020:33:06

This is the master.

0:33:060:33:08

It makes use of the views, all the bedrooms make use of that view.

0:33:080:33:12

-It's great.

-Yes.

-It's spectacular.

-It is like a rock star home.

0:33:130:33:18

-Are you feeling like a rock star? Come on, Dave.

-I'm beginning to.

0:33:180:33:23

Stop it, he might start singing.

0:33:230:33:25

Behind the pillar, incorporated, is a dressing area

0:33:250:33:28

and then you have got a fantastic ensuite.

0:33:280:33:32

-Shall we head outside?

-OK.

-Right.

-Would you like to lead the way, David?

0:33:320:33:38

'They have been dazzled by the high-spec interior

0:33:380:33:41

'of our ultra-modern mystery property.

0:33:410:33:43

'Outside there is a third of an acre of sloping land

0:33:430:33:46

'and the house has been designed to take in those views.'

0:33:460:33:50

Come out onto this spectacular balcony.

0:33:510:33:54

Is this the type of property you expected to find in Monmouth?

0:33:550:33:59

-No, not in the least.

-No, definitely not.

0:33:590:34:02

So, how much is this brand new house on the market for?

0:34:030:34:09

-550.

-I was going to say that. I have to say something different now.

0:34:100:34:14

You are allowed to agree if you want to.

0:34:140:34:17

-Are we? I am going to say 550 as well because we agree on this.

-OK.

0:34:170:34:21

-It's less than that.

-OK.

0:34:230:34:24

-£495,000.

-Really?

0:34:240:34:28

Wow.

0:34:280:34:30

-I didn't expect that.

-A lot less than you thought.

-Absolutely.

0:34:310:34:35

Why don't you have a wander around and I will catch up with you?

0:34:350:34:40

Have a serious think, is this going to be right for you?

0:34:400:34:42

-Well, let's go and walk and talk.

-OK, let's do that.

0:34:430:34:46

See you in a little bit.

0:34:460:34:49

Under budget at £495,000, our modern mystery house

0:34:510:34:56

is a complete departure from the rustic character

0:34:560:34:59

they might have been expecting.

0:34:590:35:01

However, it does give them a fabulous kitchen-diner,

0:35:010:35:05

three bedrooms, a private garden at the front and woodlands at the back,

0:35:050:35:09

and panoramic views across the Wye Valley.

0:35:090:35:12

It was an outstanding mystery house.

0:35:120:35:15

We'd never have thought to come to look at this one.

0:35:160:35:19

It was definitely worth coming.

0:35:190:35:21

This is a kind of Zen house.

0:35:210:35:23

You can sit here and probably not move for a long time.

0:35:240:35:29

It may be a bridge too far for us in terms of

0:35:290:35:33

our lifestyle and how we want to continue.

0:35:330:35:38

We would need a complete change of how we live.

0:35:380:35:43

-Have you enjoyed our mystery house?

-We certainly have.

0:35:450:35:49

-It is impressive, isn't it?

-It certainly is. It is amazing.

0:35:490:35:53

It is a distinct mystery. It is extraterrestrial inside.

0:35:530:35:57

Tell me you never would have found this house on your own.

0:35:570:36:00

-Absolutely not, it's a great choice. Fantastic.

-Good, excellent.

0:36:000:36:04

I think the two of you should have a talk and the three of us

0:36:040:36:07

-should sit down and have a serious discussion.

-Good plan.

0:36:070:36:11

Because of its geographical location as the gateway to Wales

0:36:240:36:27

Monmouthshire has historically been of great strategic importance.

0:36:270:36:31

During the reign of William the Conqueror

0:36:310:36:33

the Normans turned their attention to Wales and built over 50 castles

0:36:330:36:38

which acted as military strongholds to subdue local uprisings.

0:36:380:36:43

The imposing riverside castle at Chepstow was one of the first

0:36:430:36:46

to be built in stone following the Norman Conquest.

0:36:460:36:50

To find out more about this imposing fortress I met with Rick Turner,

0:36:500:36:55

inspector of ancient monuments with Welsh government body Cadw.

0:36:550:36:59

What a fantastic spot right by the River Wye. Astounding, this castle.

0:36:590:37:04

How old is it?

0:37:040:37:07

The oldest part of the castle goes right back to the Norman Conquest

0:37:070:37:10

so it's over 900 years old.

0:37:100:37:12

It is the oldest castle in Wales.

0:37:120:37:14

The oldest part is just behind us, the great tower on the hill.

0:37:140:37:17

The most prominent feature is the great doorway

0:37:170:37:20

with the circular arch above with this criss-cross carving.

0:37:200:37:23

It has been framed by a line of orange Roman tiles

0:37:230:37:28

reused from a site close by.

0:37:280:37:31

I can see there's conservation going on here,

0:37:310:37:33

there's scaffolding and workmen.

0:37:330:37:35

-It must be an ongoing project to keep on top of it.

-It never ends.

0:37:350:37:39

At Cadw we've got 127 sites to look after

0:37:390:37:42

and we are constantly trying to maintain them

0:37:420:37:44

and keep them in the best condition we can.

0:37:440:37:47

One of the castle's most powerful residents

0:37:470:37:50

was the fifth Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod,

0:37:500:37:53

who in the late 13th century built magnificent living quarters

0:37:530:37:56

including a guest chamber which has been the subject of a recent restoration programme.

0:37:560:38:01

Also being restored are two sets of 500-year-old doors,

0:38:010:38:06

a nine-month project using the skills of conservator Alan Martin.

0:38:060:38:11

'Even to my inexperienced eye'

0:38:110:38:12

I can see there's an awful lot of damage here.

0:38:120:38:16

-What has gone on?

-Fungal decay has set in.

0:38:160:38:20

It's some fungal decay and then the larvae of the death watch beetle

0:38:210:38:27

will tunnel away and eat the decayed timber.

0:38:270:38:30

It really has gone to town.

0:38:300:38:32

Have you found anything interesting while you've been working on the doors?

0:38:320:38:36

-Any stories?

-Yes, we found musket shot in some of the decayed timber.

0:38:360:38:40

Have you any idea when it dates back to?

0:38:400:38:43

Probably 1648 when the castle...

0:38:430:38:46

There were two sieges of Chepstow Castle in the English Civil War

0:38:460:38:51

and these doors were modified to allow pistols to fire through them,

0:38:510:38:56

and the shot Alan's recovered were people outside

0:38:560:38:59

shooting back into the castle, because they were on the outer face of the doors.

0:38:590:39:03

-They were on this face which would...

-Faced the enemy.

0:39:030:39:08

So the bullet would have passed through the door?

0:39:080:39:11

They were Cavaliers who were defending the castle

0:39:110:39:13

and the Parliamentarians out in the town attacking.

0:39:130:39:16

My goodness. It's certainly seen some action.

0:39:160:39:19

Work on this door will include adding new strips of timber

0:39:200:39:23

and treating it with a resin consolidant

0:39:230:39:26

to help seal any cracks and restore the wood.

0:39:260:39:29

Once you've finished this, there's going to be another project here in Chepstow.

0:39:290:39:33

Like death and taxes, conservation never finishes.

0:39:330:39:38

'Our architectural heritage is obviously in the hands

0:39:380:39:41

'of a very dedicated team here in Monmouthshire.'

0:39:410:39:45

I've really enjoyed my tour of Chepstow Castle

0:39:450:39:47

and seen some of the restoration work that's being carried out.

0:39:470:39:51

But it's time to find out if David and Eleri

0:39:510:39:55

have made a final choice on any of our houses.

0:39:550:39:58

David and Eleri, is a lovely to be home?

0:40:010:40:05

-Yes, it is.

-It is home and it always has been.

0:40:050:40:08

Let's start with the first property that we showed you.

0:40:080:40:11

A beautiful cottage, absolutely beautiful. Tell me what you thought.

0:40:110:40:16

The location was lovely and the garden was stunning.

0:40:160:40:20

It's a picture-postcard cottage.

0:40:200:40:22

What about the size? Although you were taken with it

0:40:220:40:25

as soon as we walked through the front door, there were a few issues.

0:40:250:40:29

You walked into the dining room which wasn't that big.

0:40:290:40:34

I thought it was a beautiful kitchen, beautifully appointed

0:40:340:40:37

but it was just too small for the both of us plus the two big dogs.

0:40:370:40:43

Then we showed you something completely different from the cottage,

0:40:430:40:46

the converted barn. Eleri, do you want to start with that one?

0:40:460:40:50

That was a real surprise because I loved it.

0:40:500:40:54

I was surprised how much I loved it.

0:40:550:40:57

The land, although it was overgrown, put it that way, it was wonderful.

0:40:570:41:03

It felt great as it went in.

0:41:030:41:05

The flow through from one room to the other.

0:41:050:41:08

With character, you know, it just worked very well as a house.

0:41:090:41:14

I certainly got some positive vibes from you both on our converted barn.

0:41:140:41:20

Let's talk about other final house, the mystery.

0:41:200:41:23

You couldn't get three such different properties.

0:41:230:41:28

The third one was just ultra-modern.

0:41:280:41:32

-Different world.

-Minimalist.

0:41:330:41:35

As you said, the views were stunning. From every window.

0:41:350:41:40

So you've seen our three properties in Monmouthshire and, well,

0:41:400:41:45

I certainly got the impression that you were very taken

0:41:450:41:48

with one of them, so what's your next move going to be?

0:41:480:41:51

-I think the barn is a possibility.

-The barn is a distinct possibility.

0:41:510:41:55

Do you think you might be putting an offer in?

0:41:550:41:59

Oh, you both took in a big, big...

0:41:590:42:01

The breath!

0:42:030:42:04

You're trying to be really cool, but look at those smiles,

0:42:040:42:07

it's giving it all away. Come on.

0:42:070:42:08

That was fantastic. Yes or no?

0:42:080:42:12

-It's a distinct possibility, isn't it, Dave?

-It is a distinct possibility.

0:42:120:42:16

-If you buy that house, please, please let us know.

-We will.

0:42:160:42:20

-Thank you very much.

-You're welcome. It has been a pleasure.

0:42:200:42:23

Well, I've had a great few days here in Monmouthshire

0:42:270:42:29

with David and Eleri.

0:42:290:42:31

And when I put them on the spot and asked them if they were going to

0:42:310:42:34

put in an offer on that beautiful barn conversion,

0:42:340:42:37

there was a sharp intake of breath and they both burst into smiles.

0:42:370:42:42

I think that says it all.

0:42:420:42:44

I really hope it works out for them

0:42:440:42:46

and they return home to this beautiful part of Wales

0:42:460:42:49

and live in the house we found them.

0:42:490:42:52

Until next time, bye-bye.

0:42:520:42:53

Sadly, house number two was sold

0:42:550:42:57

before David and Eleri could revisit it.

0:42:570:43:00

They've since made an offer on a barn conversion just outside Abergavenny.

0:43:000:43:04

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0:43:040:43:06

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0:43:060:43:09

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