0:00:02 > 0:00:07This 8-metre-high wall is one of the largest examples of Roman masonry still standing in Britain,
0:00:07 > 0:00:102,000 years after it was built.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Find out where this ancient architecture is
0:00:13 > 0:00:15in just a few moments time.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45On today's show, I'm with a jet-setting couple
0:00:45 > 0:00:48who've spent their entire married life travelling,
0:00:48 > 0:00:51but now want to put down some roots in the English countryside.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56As outdoor lovers, they get very excited by one garden.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Let's rock and roll!
0:00:58 > 0:01:01And there's twice what they bargained for at the mystery house.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06So, how do you feel about potentially owning two houses,
0:01:06 > 0:01:07- not one?- Excellent.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09A bit scared, actually!
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Today, I'm in Shropshire in Wroxeter,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19which, in the 2nd century, was the fourth-largest city in Britain.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Viroconium, as it was known by the Romans,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25grew into a thriving metropolis
0:01:25 > 0:01:28with a population of over 5,000 people.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Known as the "Old Work",
0:01:30 > 0:01:35this magnificent wall divided the municipal baths by the exercise hall
0:01:35 > 0:01:37in the heart of the city,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and when this site was excavated back in 1859,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43it enthralled visitors, including Charles Dickens.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Indeed, there are many things in this historic county
0:01:47 > 0:01:49worth writing home about.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53One of England's largest and least populated counties,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Shropshire spans from its winding border with Wales in the west,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00over to the extreme fringes of the Black Country in the east,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03with Herefordshire to the south.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07The River Severn flows through the county town of Shrewsbury,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11whose historic centre features a large number of half-timbered buildings.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Ludlow, further to the south,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17has the edge when it comes to stunning Tudor and Jacobean architecture
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and is home to over 500 listed buildings.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25The medieval Ludlow Castle provides a dramatic centrepiece to the town,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29which is home to the renowned arts festival, held every summer.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Its past wealth from the wool trade
0:02:31 > 0:02:35is reflected in the grade I listed Church of St Laurence,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38which dates back to the 15th century.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The undulating south of the county includes the Long Mynd,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43meaning "long mountain",
0:02:43 > 0:02:49a heathland plateau set in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56Shropshire's beautiful countryside comes with an affordable price tag.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01An average detached property here is £241,000.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05That's some £13,000 below the national figure.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07However, in the south-east of the county,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12popular towns like Ludlow and Bridgnorth tend to be rather expensive,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16whilst properties in the northwest can offer better value for money.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18But whatever your budget,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Shropshire is packed with a great range of different architectural styles.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Perhaps the most popular property style in Shropshire
0:03:26 > 0:03:29is the traditional timber-framed house.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31The streets of Ludlow and Much Wenlock
0:03:31 > 0:03:34are lined with fine examples of these oak-framed properties.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38This three-bedroom grade II listed cottage in Old Ludlow
0:03:38 > 0:03:43is on the market for just shy of £280,000.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45A common building material is Wenlock Limestone
0:03:45 > 0:03:48from the South Shropshire Hills.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53This pale grey stone stamps its character most firmly on the town of Much Wenlock,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55where it's used in civil buildings, churches
0:03:55 > 0:03:59and, of course, the local housing stock.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02This two-bedroom 18th-century cottage
0:04:02 > 0:04:05is priced at just under £155,000.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11There are some beautiful architectural styles in Shropshire,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15but will any of them meet our buyers' expectations?
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Let's find out.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Retired accountant Reg and his wife Jules, who works in IT,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26met in Australia and have been married for 23 years.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31After a jet-set lifestyle, travelling between Sydney and their London flat,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35they're ready for the slower pace of the countryside.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38My lifestyle has been very much
0:04:38 > 0:04:40international travel on a weekly basis
0:04:40 > 0:04:45and very much avoiding the English winter,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50but as Reg says, "You'll have to get used to it because you'll be moving to the country."
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I've come back to help him look for a property for us,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56for both of us.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Over the past two years, while Jules has been working,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Reg has been searching for the right property.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06After looking at around 100 houses in various counties,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10they've decided that the area around Ludlow in Shropshire would be the best fit.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- We are looking for a community feel. - Yes.
0:05:13 > 0:05:19- Some of the places that we have seen around that area has offered us that. - Very much.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23You know, knitting circles, art and walking.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Walking's pretty big in our lifestyle.- Yes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29We'll drive out of town and do an all-day walk,
0:05:29 > 0:05:34ideally with a pub lunch in the middle, which helps a little bit!
0:05:34 > 0:05:38And then a few more miles after that to walk off the odd pint or two!
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And as well as putting on their hiking boots,
0:05:41 > 0:05:46they have lots of creative pastimes lined up for their new life in the country.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50The last few years I've been getting into painting.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And then, of course, in downtime, I always like to be busy doing something,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57so I got very much into the knitting, knitting being a bit of a craze.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03I've taken up landscape designing and I'm wanting to elaborate on that.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05But I need space, and so I think what we're looking for -
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and because Reg won't let me paint inside -
0:06:08 > 0:06:10we're looking for outbuildings
0:06:10 > 0:06:14that I actually be outside with my crafts.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I'm also looking for a workshop, as well,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19where I can make odd little bits and pieces of furniture.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Just as a hobby, not as a commercial enterprise.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28They can move quickly, as the necessary finances are in place for the move.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31The budget for our move is £370,000.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Jules and Reg have focused their search on the southern part of Shropshire
0:06:40 > 0:06:44and have a special interest in the area around the market town of Ludlow.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49We met in the county so they could tell me what they hoped to find in their dream home.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Reg and Jules, great to meet you.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Welcome to, I'm going to say it, a very soggy Shropshire
0:06:55 > 0:06:59but a beautiful county. Why have you decided to live here?
0:06:59 > 0:07:03I think Shropshire is very attractive to us
0:07:03 > 0:07:08from the point of view that we think we can get what we want here for our budget,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10so we believe it's good value for money.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Are you done with city life now? - I've never enjoyed living in the city.- Have you not?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17I'm a country boy at heart.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21And I'm a city girl, so this is a new experience for me!
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- But looking forward to it? - I am, actually! I think it's going to give that real contrast,
0:07:25 > 0:07:30so Reg is going to take me off to the countryside and we're going to go for it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Now you've decided to settle here,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35what type of house are you ideally looking for?
0:07:35 > 0:07:40Three bedrooms, a large garden, a garage workshop,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43maybe somewhere we can have a studio for Jules,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47and a kitchen which you can spread yourself around a little bit.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51I know it's a cliche - the heart of the home - but it is, isn't it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Remind me of your budget.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56We're looking at 370.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00For 370, we can maybe personalise the place somewhat.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05For the right property, which is a move-into,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07we could go a little higher, maybe another £20,000,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- maybe as high as 400,000.- OK. - But that would be the absolute max.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13So there is some flexibility there
0:08:13 > 0:08:16but, ideally, you'd like to stick to the 370.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20We do have three fantastic properties lined up for you to see.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23One, of course, is our mystery house.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27I hate to say it, but it looks like it might've stopped raining.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Shall we get started?- Let's go. - Good.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36For their top budget of £400,000,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39our buyers are looking for a period-style property
0:08:39 > 0:08:43with a large, sociable kitchen, three bedrooms,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45a craft room for Jules's knitting,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49along with outbuildings for her painting and Reg's furniture-making
0:08:49 > 0:08:53and up to an acre of land, if possible.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56We've lined up three properties which we hope will fit the bill.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01At each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06The last, of course, is our mystery house, which could split them right down the middle.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But now, it's time to get our search under way.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17For our first property, we're just eight miles northwest of Ludlow,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19close to the village of Craven Arms.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Known as the Gateway to the Marches,
0:09:21 > 0:09:26it was once an important frontier trading post between England and Wales.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29It offers all the amenities they could ask for,
0:09:29 > 0:09:35including a local pub, a post office and a variety of useful independent shops.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Our first property sits in a quiet location, a mile outside the village,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41and was originally a gamekeeper's cottage,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45built in the 1890s to serve a local estate.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50So we've brought you to South Shropshire,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Craven Arms is just up the road,
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- and this is your first property.- Mm.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- A good start?- Yes. Looking good.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03I like the area. The woodland's fantastic because, I mean,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- the wildlife that we can take advantage of, or walking...- Yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- You're surrounded by walks around here.- Exactly.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Shall we start the tour? - Yes, please!
0:10:14 > 0:10:18The exterior has the period kerb appeal they wanted
0:10:18 > 0:10:23and, as they'll see, that Victorian feel is still very evident inside.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25So come on through.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Right! - You've got a small porch there.- Yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31The family never use the front door,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34but I wanted you to come straight through and see the dining room.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Good proportions, isn't it?
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- I like the ceilings. - Nice height, isn't it?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- But it's got a really cottagey sort of feel to it.- Yes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46You get loads of light. You've got an amazing view over the field.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49You've got the Victorian fireplace. That's an original.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Through the door, to the right, there's another room in there,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57a slightly smaller drawing room which they currently use as their TV room.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- But we'll continue this way into the kitchen.- Brilliant.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03A promising start with the reception rooms,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06but I'm hoping they'll also warm to the kitchen.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Now, you wanted a kitchen that was big enough for the two of you. - Yes, definitely.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Something we can put a table in.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Well, there's one here now with benches.- Great.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19I think this is nice for daytime eating and for just the two of us,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22but we do like the idea of more formal dining.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26I'd envisaged something a little larger for the kitchen,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- but I could live with it.- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32And what about the range? Have you cooked on a range before?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35No, I actually haven't. But, of course, in Oz
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- we're used to having the wood-burning ones.- Yes.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Brilliant baking. What's nice is, it's got that country feel in the kitchen
0:11:43 > 0:11:46so it sticks with the period of the home.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51The character charm downstairs seems to be holding their interest.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Let's see if upstairs can impress.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57There are four bedrooms in total.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00The guest double has a lovely feature fireplace,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02and there are also two singles
0:12:02 > 0:12:06so one could be put to use as a craft room for Jules.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08All the rooms share a modern family bathroom.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12But we're heading for where they could sleep.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- I would call this the master bedroom.- Mm-hm.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21Not the largest, I think next door is larger than this,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23but I think they've picked it because of the aspect.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Having two windows is a good idea. - Gives plenty of light.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31What about the feel for this property? You like this room, you like the aspect.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35You're being very polite about the house. I haven't had any negatives.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38As far as proportions-wise, it's good.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- We might like a bit larger, but we'll have another look.- OK.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Let's head back downstairs. Reg, lead the way
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- and we're going to go outside. - OK. Thank you.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49It seems the jury's still out on this lovely cottage.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54Maybe the outside space and setting will convince them.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56The total plot size is a third of an acre
0:12:56 > 0:13:00and includes a large lawned area, a thriving vegetable patch
0:13:00 > 0:13:05as well as a decent-sized work shed which they could use for their hobbies.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Is this enough land for you, do you think?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Er... Possibly.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16I would certainly want to reconfigure quite a bit of it, I think.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19So, how much is this house worth? What's it on the market for?
0:13:19 > 0:13:23I think it could be in the range of...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25..about 345.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27OK. Reg?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I think probably nearer 360.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35I think your wife's got a new job as an estate agent because you're absolutely right!
0:13:35 > 0:13:37£345,000.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- OK.- You sound surprised now I've said that!
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Yes. No. Interesting.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Have another wander around, check out all those bedrooms,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49then check out the land, the vegetable patch,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51the all-important shed,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- and I'll catch up with you in a little while.- Good. Thank you. - Off you go.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01So a good start. Polite, but not overly enthusiastic.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04But it is only house number one.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Comfortably under budget at £345,000,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11there's a substantial pot of money left over
0:14:11 > 0:14:15for them to add their own personal mark to this period property.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19On paper, it meets the brief, giving them a spacious kitchen,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21a separate formal dining room,
0:14:21 > 0:14:25four bedrooms - so space for Jules's craft room -
0:14:25 > 0:14:29and an outbuilding for Reg, all sitting on a third of an acre.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31The first impressions are good.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I probably would've liked maybe some outbuildings
0:14:34 > 0:14:37and maybe a bit more land perhaps,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39but the essentials are here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42My first impression was "good solid house"
0:14:42 > 0:14:46and coming into it, it didn't disappoint.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Maybe one of the things against this property
0:14:49 > 0:14:52would be its actual location.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55This may be a little too isolated
0:14:55 > 0:15:00to allow you to easily integrate into the local community.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Happy? Have you seen enough? - Yes, seen it.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- Checked out the vegetable patch? - Have done, yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Checked out the shed?- Yes. - The all-important shed.- Yes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Good. OK. Let's go.- OK.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Due to its position on the border with Wales,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Shropshire's history is one of turbulent territorial clashes,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34which can be charted by the huge number of fortified castles
0:15:34 > 0:15:36still in existence today.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40A prime example is the medieval town of Bishop's Castle,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43where the remains of its walls still survive.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45This historic market town is also home to a tradition
0:15:45 > 0:15:49that's been here since the mid-17th century -
0:15:49 > 0:15:51brewing real ale and beer.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55As Jules and Reg enjoy a long walk, topped off with a local pint,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59we arranged for them to meet head brewer Steve Wilmer,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02whose brewery has a unique claim to fame.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Good morning!- Hello.- I'm Steve.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08This is the oldest brewery in the United Kingdom.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It was licensed in 1642 by Charles I.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17There was a new tower built, a Victorian tower, in 1880,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- but the black-and-white part is medieval.- Wow!
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Built before the advent of electric pumps,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28this grade II listed building is a tower brewery
0:16:28 > 0:16:30which is gravity-fed.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33This means that ingredients such as malt and water
0:16:33 > 0:16:35are fed in at the top of the tower
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and are processed downwards by gravity.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40We're at the top of the tower. This is where the malt is.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43The malt is what we use for making beer.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Different beers have different malts in them,
0:16:46 > 0:16:51so something like a stout would be a really roasted malt.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- If you smell it, it's almost like chocolate.- It is, actually! It even looks like chocolate.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58And then the lighter beers
0:16:58 > 0:17:02will be made with one that's only very lightly roasted.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05What happens next is, they go down this chute,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09gravity takes them to the next process, which is the mash tun,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11in which we mix them with water.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14It's like a big porridge. They sit in there for a couple of hours
0:17:14 > 0:17:18and all of the flavour of the different barleys comes out.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23The next stage is adding the hops, which are used to give the beers its bitterness.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27The mixture is then boiled for a couple of hours before the fermentation process,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29when the yeast is added.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34What you end up with is a barley-flavoured water,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37with yeast that's turned to alcohol, which is, in effect, beer.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- And then from that process, you put it straight into the barrels?- Yes.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45It only stays in the barrels a little while before we send it out.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48It does carry on fermenting in the barrels a little bit
0:17:48 > 0:17:53and then it goes out to the various pubs or outlets
0:17:53 > 0:17:54where they serve it.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57So now Reg and Jules have seen how it's made,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00they get to sample the finished product.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- If you want to have a try... - I'm going to try this one.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07The stout. It's quite nice, the stout.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Mm. It is quite nice, actually.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- That one, I do like. - That's a bit more malty.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Do you have different types of hops?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23We use six or seven different types of hops.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27But most of the hops we use, apart from maybe one or two brews,
0:18:27 > 0:18:32the majority are English hops from just down the road.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- I appreciate that.- You're welcome. - It's been a pleasure.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37ALL: Cheers.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40After a taste of Shropshire's hop heritage,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42it's time to see what's brewing
0:18:42 > 0:18:46in our search for Jules and Reg's new country home.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51We've made the journey close to the village of Bedstone,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54by the borders with Wales and Herefordshire
0:18:54 > 0:18:56and 13 miles west of Ludlow.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01Set within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03it's perfect walking country
0:19:03 > 0:19:07and around five miles from the pretty village of Leintwardine,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10whose amenities include a pub and a post office.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Our second house lies at the bottom of a valley with its own stream,
0:19:14 > 0:19:19and, like our first property, was once a gamekeeper's residence.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27So this is our second property,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30a beautiful 1860s cottage.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- It looks really sweet, actually. - Doesn't it?
0:19:33 > 0:19:35It looks really, really nice.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- It gives a real feeling of time, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- This is what you're after, isn't it? - Actually, yes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- Intrigued? Want to go in? - Very much.- Yes, please!
0:19:45 > 0:19:46I think so.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49The outside of this beautiful cottage
0:19:49 > 0:19:52encapsulates the countryside dream.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56And they should be equally impressed when they see the interior.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00At least it's lovely and dry and warm in here.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Come on through.- OK.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06So you're straight into the kitchen.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Yes, nice.- Nice feel. Nice layout.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Very cottagey, isn't it?- Mm.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14The kitchen, like a lot of the house,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16has been done very, very recently.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20You've got new units, everything, double sink...
0:20:20 > 0:20:21You have your range.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Oh, yes, yes.- That's right.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Lovely style.- Yes?- Nice style.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31They've blended the modern in with the old quite well, I think.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33So you can just see a doorway through there.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37There's a huge utility room down the side of the property,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- as well as a downstairs shower room and toilet.- That's a good idea.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45As well as character, this cottage also delivers on space,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48as they'll see in the living room.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Mm. Lovely.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- I like this. - It has a contemporary feel.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Very nice. - It's got a warm feel to it.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58I noticed the fireplace there.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- A very contemporary woodburner. - That looks good, actually.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04It apparently gives out plenty of heat in the winter.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07And if you look to the right, you can see the old bread oven.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Oh, right! Does it still work? - Probably not.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- I've just got into bread-making. - Have you?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- It's a lovely feature. OK. Let's head upstairs.- Thank you.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24That sympathetic mix of character and contemporary continues upstairs.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27While there are just two bedrooms here,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29they're both a very good size
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and they share a stylish panelled family bathroom.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I'm going to show them the master.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38I really love it up here.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42When I think "cottage", this is what I have in mind.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Yes, I can understand that.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- It is quite sweet, isn't it?- Mm. Yes.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- It's got a little bit more of the old world about it, but it works. - Charm to it...
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Look at the lattice windows. They've taken out the side panels and put in glass.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- That makes all the difference.- Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- Do you like what you've seen so far? - Yes.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Downstairs is really good. I like the utility area.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09It's really extended the kitchen area and been nicely done,
0:22:09 > 0:22:13so this just sort of complements it.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Although upstairs doesn't give Jules scope for her craft room,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19outside has lots of potential
0:22:19 > 0:22:23as there's a separate studio, currently being used as an office,
0:22:23 > 0:22:25which comes with plenty of storage space
0:22:25 > 0:22:28that would suit Reg's furniture-making ambitions.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31All told, the land comes in at 0.8 of an acre,
0:22:31 > 0:22:35complete with greenhouses and a vegetable patch.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Ooh! NICKI LAUGHS
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Let's rock and roll!
0:22:45 > 0:22:50It's what lies at the top of the garden that's really going to sell this property to them.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53It's well worth the climb.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Inside this cabin, there's enough space
0:22:55 > 0:22:58for all the arts and crafts Jules could want.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01And this outbuilding has a mezzanine bedroom, too.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Step inside...- Oh, my goodness!
0:23:05 > 0:23:09..this amazing little lodge.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Oh, it is, isn't it?- Oh!
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- I could live here. - THEY LAUGH
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Do you like? - What's not to like? It's brilliant.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- This would make a great studio. - That's what we had in mind for you.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26I wasn't expecting that. Like, you would have the cottage,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29but then to have this little outhouse, as such,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- it's so unusual to find that.- It is.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35But from a studio perspective - brilliant.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39So we pretty much delivered the elements they were after
0:23:39 > 0:23:43and it seems to fit the vision of their country home.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Before I ask you the price, I've got to ask Jules,
0:23:46 > 0:23:50you wanted a slice of country living,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54is this the magazine ideal as you open the pages?
0:23:54 > 0:23:58It is for us. It's sort of very, erm,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02very Beatrix Potter sort of feel to it!
0:24:02 > 0:24:04It is quite exciting in a way.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Fairy tale-ish?- Very much!
0:24:07 > 0:24:12I'm just looking for the toadstools and the little fairy mushrooms and things!
0:24:12 > 0:24:13That all sounds very good.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16OK, decision times... Money!
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Who wants to guess the price first?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Seeing as I lucked out badly last time,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- I'm going to stick with my 360.- OK.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Erm, I say round about that. I'd probably say 365.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Right. It has recently come down, actually.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It was on the market for 399,000.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39It's been reduced to 385.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Wow. - Why don't you go back down the hill and I'll see you when you're ready.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Thank you.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Priced within budget at £385,000
0:24:51 > 0:24:54this immaculate country cottage needs no work
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and meets their criteria in so many ways.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02It has a bright, spacious kitchen, a living room with woodburner,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05two bedrooms, with a third in the log cabin,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10and the two outbuildings give them both space for their creative pursuits.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13My first impression of this house was just absolutely wonderful.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It's just so cute and cosy.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Coming into the kitchen, it's just lovely.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21And outside was just fantastic.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25The little studio, I can hardly wait, you know,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29to make that something that we can utilise.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32My first impression on approaching the house was,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35"It might be a little on the small side."
0:25:35 > 0:25:38But coming into the house,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42I was surprised how roomy it was for a cottage.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45The location, I would've thought,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48might be a drawback to the value of the property.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Right, you two. Happy? Seen enough? - Yes. No, good, good.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- There's quite a lot of land there, isn't there? - It was a surprise, actually.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01The house is just lovely. Real kerb appeal on the house.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- And options with the those outbuildings.- Definitely.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- I could certainly do something with those storage sheds.- Good.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12Well, let's grab those umbrellas, because we haven't seen the last of the rain,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- and we'll head back up the hill. - Right.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28As the sun sets over the spectacular countryside here in Shropshire,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32day one of our property search comes to a close.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40After 23 years of married life, travelling between Australia and London,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45Jules and Reg have decided to put down some roots in the Shropshire countryside.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48So far, they've seen two attractive period properties,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52which delivered different land and outbuilding options
0:26:52 > 0:26:56and both priced under their £400,000 budget.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00But coming up, it's double trouble at the mystery house.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- Wow!- I don't know what to say!
0:27:04 > 0:27:08And I find out if the rural dream came true
0:27:08 > 0:27:11for some past Escapees.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Reg and Jules have already viewed over 100 houses
0:27:15 > 0:27:18in various counties throughout the UK.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Although they were very polite about the first two properties we showed them,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25I don't think we've quite cracked it yet.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30Will our mystery house give them the slice of English country living that they so crave?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Our mystery house lies just five miles south of Ludlow
0:27:36 > 0:27:38in the village of Brimfield,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41which straddles the Shropshire-Herefordshire border.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43It's got that strong community feel they wanted,
0:27:43 > 0:27:49with a pub and village hall providing great venues for social gatherings.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53There's also an impressive grade II listed church with a timber tower
0:27:53 > 0:27:56that dates back to the 13th century.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Set in a quiet lane towards the edge of the village,
0:27:59 > 0:28:03the twist with our mystery property is that it's made up of two dwellings.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06The older black-and-white residence is grade II listed
0:28:06 > 0:28:11and was originally built for the workers at the local rectory.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14You have seen so many properties already,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17I don't think one house is enough for the two of you!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21The reason that it's our mystery is that it's two houses.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Mm!- Wow! Wow! - HE LAUGHS
0:28:25 > 0:28:28I don't know what to say!
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- I'm speechless!- The good news is, they are attached.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35I can see! So a bit of old and a bit of new.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- A bit of old and a bit of new. - A bit of Reg, a bit of Jules!
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Vintage!- She's so cruel!
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- How do you feel about potentially owning two houses, not one? - Excellent.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- A bit scared, actually. - THEY LAUGH
0:28:51 > 0:28:56Happily, our mystery property isn't quite a his-and-hers setup,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59as the two houses are linked on the ground floor,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02which makes the most of the two contrasting styles.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I wonder which they'll prefer.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Here we have two houses, one home.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- So, to start the tour, old or new? - Old.- New.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- She got in there first! You win! - Story of my life.- Follow me.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21So as Jules won,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- we'll start off with the oldest part of the house.- Wow!
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- What do you think about this? - It looks lovely doesn't it?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30It's just got so much character!
0:29:30 > 0:29:35It reminds me so much of when I first came to England and I thought these were all museums!
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- I didn't realise people actually lived in them.- Yes.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41But there's so much light for a cottage of this age,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45when they traditionally had small windows, but so many of them.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- That was the original exterior wall. - I see.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- There was your front door.- Oh, yes! - There would've been a partition here.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55They've knocked it out so it flows more,
0:29:55 > 0:30:00but they use that as their office and this as a second sitting room.
0:30:00 > 0:30:01Mm, lovely.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04There are two sets of stairs in this property,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06one on each side.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09The staircase in the old part leads to the two guest bedrooms,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12both of which have a huge amount of character
0:30:12 > 0:30:15with those gorgeous exposed beams.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19We're returning through the hall, past the back kitchen and shower room,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22to explore the modern part.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24The new part of our mystery home...
0:30:24 > 0:30:27You have probably noticed straight away we have two kitchens.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33The current owners use the old kitchen in the old part of the property
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- because they love this room as a family room.- I can see that.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40That's a good idea, actually. Looking good!
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Do you like what you see so far? - Yes!- I do, very much.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Our mystery home-of-two-halves
0:30:46 > 0:30:49seems to have struck a chord with both of them.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53We'll go up the new staircase to see the master suite.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57So I like to think this could be where you two sleep.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Ooh! It's cosy!
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- You have...- Ah, look at the view. - ..that amazing view.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04- Amazing, isn't it?- Like it.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Good. Next door, you have your bathroom.- Oh, yes.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- And then, just poke your head in that end room...- Oh!
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- Look at that. - It could be a bedroom. I love it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- It's been made as a dressing room. Do you like?- Very nice, Nicki.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Our mystery proposition so far is scoring highly,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27but we've still got the all-important land to consider.
0:31:27 > 0:31:33Outside, there's around two-thirds of an acre of landscaped grounds, including a pretty pond,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37and to top it all, there's a range of outbuildings to house all their hobbies.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42You've got the open building there, which is a great workshop.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45At the back, there's sort of a greenhouse-potting shed,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49but then you've got this impressive building next door, which is an even bigger shed!
0:31:49 > 0:31:52I would probably call that a barn.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55If that wasn't enough, there's an office at the back
0:31:55 > 0:31:57with a mezzanine floor.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00I think it's fantastic. For all the things that we want to do,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04like with the artwork and Reg with his hobbies,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- I think it's great!- Good. - Room to breathe.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08So it's come to that time...
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Who wants to go first?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13My guess is it's going to be over our budget,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so I'm going to go for 415,000.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21- And you're talking your top budget of 400,000, aren't you?- Yes.- OK.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I'll go in at 400.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27If I gave you...
0:32:27 > 0:32:30..£50 change,
0:32:30 > 0:32:32would you be happy?
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- I think so!- That's wonderful.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39The asking price is £399,950.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Oh, I'm excited now!- That's amazing.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Good news?- Very good news.- Yes.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- You've done a really good job.- Yes.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49This is our image that... what we wanted.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53There's the garden, the outbuildings, the character on the house.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55I mean, what more could we want?
0:32:55 > 0:33:00Have a wander. Please do! We love our mystery properties for that reason
0:33:00 > 0:33:02because they're always something a bit different.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- Take your time and I'll catch up with you when you're ready. - Thank you.- Thanks.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12What can I say? It is the most amazing house.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17With the outbuildings, the garden, fantastic location,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20so much going on right on their doorstep,
0:33:20 > 0:33:22I think it'll be perfect for them.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Nipping in under their £400,000 budget,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31our mystery property gives them the lifestyle and location they dreamt of,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34if they can get their head round the quirky layout.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39It features a new kitchen-diner, a cosy living room,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42three bedrooms, extensive outbuildings,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46all wrapped up in two-thirds of an acre of land.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- Oh, my goodness!- My goodness! - Look at this!
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- This is so exciting! I can just see everything!- That's amazing.
0:33:56 > 0:34:02Look at this. There's another room here and an upstairs, as well!
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- Wow! This could be the studio.- OK.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10I like it! I like it a lot!
0:34:10 > 0:34:12It's got virtually everything we're looking for.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16The fact that you've actually got two distinct houses
0:34:16 > 0:34:19but they actually make one home,
0:34:19 > 0:34:22er, I feel really positive about this.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25The most exciting part of this particular property
0:34:25 > 0:34:28is the outbuildings and the garden.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29I'm just so excited about that!
0:34:29 > 0:34:31It's what we've been looking for
0:34:31 > 0:34:34so that I can do all my crafts
0:34:34 > 0:34:39and Reg can do his bits and pieces and we can really get involved,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42so I think it's a good place for us
0:34:42 > 0:34:45and I'm sure Reg and I will have a lot to talk about.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Have you seen enough of our mystery house?
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- I'll say!- Yes?- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56I'm just amazed. I don't know what to say. I'm speechless.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Speechless, hopefully, in a good way!
0:34:58 > 0:35:04- Let's go somewhere quiet and we can discuss it in a little bit more detail.- Excellent.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Here on Escape to the Country, we often get asked
0:35:11 > 0:35:16if any of our house-buyers end up buying one of the properties we showed them
0:35:16 > 0:35:19and, if so, does it change their lives?
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Today, I've come to meet a couple
0:35:21 > 0:35:24that not only ended up buying one of those houses,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27but have established a very successful holiday business
0:35:27 > 0:35:31here in the country, as well.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Just over two years ago,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Richard and Anna Thomas moved from the busy Herefordshire town of Berkhamsted
0:35:37 > 0:35:40to a beautiful Shropshire farmhouse that we found them.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Along with a 15th-century home for them
0:35:43 > 0:35:48came two barns, which they planned to convert into holiday accommodation.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50As it stands in South Shropshire,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53in order to build the eco-lodge that you want,
0:35:53 > 0:35:57you would have to apply perhaps for change-of-use of the land.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- What do you think?- It's great.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Let's see how they've been getting on.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08- Hi!- Hi!- Lovely to meet you. - Hi, Nicki. Nice to meet you, too.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- How wonderful to see your home. - I know. It's good to have you back
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- and see what we've done. - Welcome to Colemore Farm.- Fantastic.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20The original plan was for them to build eco-dwellings on their land
0:36:20 > 0:36:24but now they've invested in livestock instead,
0:36:24 > 0:36:29their first animals being sheep that they bought with the help of the Shropshire Smallholders Group.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31SHEEP BLEAT
0:36:31 > 0:36:34You've obviously drastically changed the way you live your lives,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37just looking at the sheep next to us!
0:36:37 > 0:36:39But I know that you were really passionate
0:36:39 > 0:36:42about trying to be as eco-friendly as possible,
0:36:42 > 0:36:47and also sustainability was high on your priorities, wasn't it?
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Yes, we've been quite fortunate. We've grown our own vegetables -
0:36:51 > 0:36:54potatoes, onions, cabbages,
0:36:54 > 0:36:56garlic, peas,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- broad beans, Jerusalem artichokes, allsorts.- Goodness!
0:36:59 > 0:37:02We have all of that and then we have the eggs from the chickens.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06And then we've got two pigs - Berkshires.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Again, that was through the Smallholders Group.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12They're just perfect, the pigs, aren't they?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15We've been self-sufficient in pork for the last year.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- And we could possibly have our own lamb!- No!
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Is this a side of the business that you want to grow?
0:37:23 > 0:37:26It's not really a business.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- It's more of a hobby that's slightly getting out of hand, I think! - That's right!
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Because it is just for us.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37I don't think we could make a living out of this.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41For us, the holiday let is the living still
0:37:41 > 0:37:43and this is just a sideline.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46So, how about those holiday lets?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49So far, they've renovated one of the barns,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53adding huge floor-to-ceiling windows where the black thresher doors used to be.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56They've built a fireplace from reclaimed brick
0:37:56 > 0:38:02and installed a magnificent kitchen, resulting in a radical transformation.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07I know it was always your dream to be able to have holiday lets, have guests here.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- Has it lived up to your expectations?- Definitely, and more.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12This is our first year.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17We've been 50 percent full over the summer, our first summer, which has been good.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19That'll go through until October.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23We took our first booking for 2013 this morning,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- which is good. - Which is excellent, yes.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30A great start for Richard and Anna in their move to the country.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34We wish them well with the renovation of the second barn.
0:38:34 > 0:38:40It's great to see in here. It's been such a success for you, but I'm sure it was such hard work.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Would you do it all over again?- Yes.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- Definitely.- Yes.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I think it has been hard work. We've learnt a lot
0:38:47 > 0:38:52and we've been well supported by friends since we've moved in.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55But there's nothing that's insurmountable
0:38:55 > 0:38:59and it just takes a bit of learning and application to get on with it.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- No regrets escaping to the country? - None.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Thank you both.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12I'm really pleased for Anna and Richard and it's worked out so well.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15After spending the best part of 23 years
0:39:15 > 0:39:17living on opposite sides of the world,
0:39:17 > 0:39:22Reg and Jules have decided now is the right time to live in the English countryside.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25But have we found them their dream property?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Let's find out.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- Reg and Jules, what a great few days we've had.- Absolutely.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Let's start with the first property, the gamekeeper's house,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40about 110 years old.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44What were your first impressions?
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- Bags of outside character, good solid house.- Yes.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50I thought if we had a bit more land...
0:39:50 > 0:39:55When you pointed out it was a third-of-an-acre, I actually didn't feel that
0:39:55 > 0:39:58so it made us really think,
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- "Do we want more land? Do we need more budget?"- Yes.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Our second house was a gamekeeper's cottage.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10I think this is going to be the Gamekeeper's Cottage Tour of Shropshire!
0:40:10 > 0:40:13But a very, very different property.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16I thought the cottage was actually magnificent.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20It was picture-postcard on the outside.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Inside it had been modernised but sympathetically,
0:40:24 > 0:40:29so you had a really good mix of the old and the new.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- It wasn't a large place, was it?- No.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35But the contemporary feel of it and the bits and pieces was great.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38The location probably bothered us somewhat.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40It's beautiful in the valley,
0:40:40 > 0:40:45but access during winter months would be something of a concern, I felt.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49So, of course, we then took you to see our mystery houses,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52which were attached to make one property.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56But did it give you the slice of country living that you are so after?
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I love them both, I really did.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I tend to be more of a modernist
0:41:02 > 0:41:06so the newer extension, I felt, was wonderful.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11Good feel to it. Lots of timber, which gives you that sense of permanence.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14But the older cottage had that, too.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19I think the two houses together make a really good home.
0:41:19 > 0:41:20I thought they were fab.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25That family area, we could just see ourselves with that -
0:41:25 > 0:41:30bread baking, me cooking, making jam, Reg reading the paper,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32the radio on, we've got it all set there.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37And then the older part was really nice and cosy, with the fire and that.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41And we thought of even the other bit being the dining area.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44- So lots of potential in that house. - Definitely.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48- And talk to me about outbuildings! - Whoo!
0:41:48 > 0:41:52The outbuildings were everything that we needed and more.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57I'm getting a pretty good vibe as to which one was your favourite property,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59but where do we go from here?
0:41:59 > 0:42:02As you say, you're getting a good vibe.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05We've got strong leanings towards the mystery house.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10The next move for us would be to take a second look at the property,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13go away, do some sums, because it is top of our budget.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- Reg is the accountant so he's got to look at that up. - That's his profession!- Yes!
0:42:17 > 0:42:21I feel quite strongly about it.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- I think it might make me raid the pension pot.- Really?
0:42:25 > 0:42:29I feel good enough to say that at this moment in time!
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I really, really hope it works out.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- Thank you.- Thank you. It's been a pleasure. Thank you.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42What a brilliant couple.
0:42:42 > 0:42:48Having searched for over two years and viewed over 100 properties,
0:42:48 > 0:42:53I think we may've found Jules and Reg their perfect escape-to-the-country home.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58I sincerely hope so. Until next time, bye-bye.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Reg and Jules did go back to see the mystery house,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04but they're still considering their options
0:43:04 > 0:43:06so there's no offer as yet.
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