0:00:00 > 0:00:04I'm in a county which is home to a historic breed of sheep
0:00:04 > 0:00:08who owe their very existence to the patronage of a very famous author.
0:00:08 > 0:00:14Without her, neither they nor, arguably, this wonderful heather moorland would be here today.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17So who was she, and where am I?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Find out in just a moment.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Today, we're helping a retired couple
0:00:50 > 0:00:53turn their holiday lifestyle into an everyday reality.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56But at first, they're grappling to find the positives
0:00:56 > 0:00:58in one property.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00What do you think of the actual space itself?
0:01:00 > 0:01:03I suppose it's adequate.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06'But not letting the weather dampen their spirits,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09'they take to another house like ducks to water.'
0:01:09 > 0:01:11We've got webbed feet!
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Today, I'm in Cumbria, and this is the beautiful Lake District,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22home to 99% of the world's population of Herdwick sheep.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Children's author Beatrix Potter fell in love with the region
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and this iconic breed.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31So much so, that when she died in 1943,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35she left her entire Lake District estate to the National Trust.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40But these wonderful creatures aren't the only thing this county's famous for.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Lying shoulder to shoulder with Scotland,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Cumbria shares its western fringes with the Irish Sea
0:01:47 > 0:01:50and embraces the whole of the Lake District National Park.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54There are 16 lakes within the park's boundaries
0:01:54 > 0:01:56of which Windermere is the largest.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00And its less commercialised west bank offers up tranquil pockets
0:02:00 > 0:02:04where the stillness of the water almost transforms into a mirror,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07reflecting the magnificent mountains that surround it.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Indeed, where fells rise, spirits really do soar
0:02:11 > 0:02:14so it's small wonder that the epic and wild grandeur
0:02:14 > 0:02:20of Cumbria's landscape has inspired generations of artists, writers and poets,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24the most famous of whom is arguably William Wordsworth.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28His romantic poetry effortlessly captured the true essence
0:02:28 > 0:02:30of a Lakeland experience,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33a place of impossibly perfect panoramas
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and exceptional peace.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39The average price of a detached property in Cumbria
0:02:39 > 0:02:43is just shy of £234,000.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46That's 21,000 less than the national figure.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49But if you go into the Lake District National Park,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53you will expect to pay a premium of up to 60 per cent.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Here, the stunning scenery and highly sought-after listed homes -
0:02:57 > 0:03:00around 1,700 of them -
0:03:00 > 0:03:02keeps prices high.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05However, if you head east beyond the park boundaries
0:03:05 > 0:03:09towards still attractive areas like Kirkby Stephen and Appleby,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11you'll find your money will go further.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13But wherever you venture,
0:03:13 > 0:03:18there's no shortage of different architectural styles on offer here in Cumbria.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23From scattered farms nestled on the hillside of remote valleys,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26to grand country mansions on the shores of the lakes,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31there are many stunning properties that fit perfectly into Cumbria's natural scenery.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Slate stone is a common building material
0:03:34 > 0:03:37for both agriculture and architecture.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40This three-bed semi-detached home in Ravenstonedale
0:03:40 > 0:03:42is constructed of natural stone
0:03:42 > 0:03:44with many original features.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48It's on the market for £279,000.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Throughout the county there are also period farmhouses aplenty.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56This whitewashed semi-detached cottage near Windermere
0:03:56 > 0:03:58is a charming example.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03It comes with four bedrooms and an asking price of £420,000.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Well, the rich mix of different properties on offer here in Cumbria
0:04:08 > 0:04:11will certainly be of interest to today's buyers.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Let's meet them.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17For nearly 20 years, the hectic city of Lancaster
0:04:17 > 0:04:20has been home to now retired water consultant David
0:04:20 > 0:04:24and his wife Linda, who was born and bred in the area.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- Linda's a Lancashire girl.- Yeah.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- The War of the Roses!- When I met a Yorkshire man,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32there were lots of jokes about that!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- But you came over the border, didn't you?- They let me over. - He came over here.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40And now their son and daughter have left to have families of their own,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43they no longer need a large five-bedroomed town house.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Instead, they desire a location with a lot more tranquillity.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51We'd like somewhere quiet away from the main road, to start off.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55And somewhere where our grandchildren can come and visit
0:04:55 > 0:04:59and play out and be in a nice environment, really.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03A nice garden with fruit trees. Somewhere to put the caravan and the car.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08Romance blossomed for David and Linda when they met each other whilst camping in the Lake District
0:05:08 > 0:05:12which in turn started a love affair with the area.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17They take every opportunity to visit the Lakes at a moment's notice.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20We bought our caravan five years ago, when I retired.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23We thought it would be nice to be able to get out
0:05:23 > 0:05:28now that we have the time to do the things we've always wanted to do.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31The mobile home is their passport to travel
0:05:31 > 0:05:33and they use their journeys as a creative vehicle
0:05:33 > 0:05:35to keep in touch with their grandchildren.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37When we bought the caravan,
0:05:37 > 0:05:43I thought it would be nice to have a little caravan friend in there,
0:05:43 > 0:05:44so I knitted a penguin.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47We called him Percy.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49David took photographs of him
0:05:49 > 0:05:50and we made up a story.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53We tried to make the stories a little bit educational
0:05:53 > 0:05:59by putting in fairly simple "What Percy saw on the walk", or something like that.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04As well as writing travel journals to educate and entertain the family,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07they also enjoy more active pastimes.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I've got a few hobbies, mainly out of doors.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I fly fish quite extensively.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16I've also taken up photography again since I retired.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I've got a bit more time now.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22I really enjoy being out in all sorts of weathers.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24There's no such weather for me as bad weather.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Just different types of weather.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29We've got activities that we do apart.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Linda doesn't like fly fishing. - And you don't like knitting!
0:06:33 > 0:06:34I'm not very good at knitting.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38But we do make an effort to do things apart because I think that's important.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- It is important, yes. - It gives us a bit of space.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43We seem to work well together. We're a good team.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- I think we're a good team.- Yeah.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50All that's left is to find out the finances for this Cumbrian move.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55The budget for our next house is £400,000.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Good road access is essential for David and Linda
0:07:01 > 0:07:04to stay connected to their relatives back in Lancaster
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and for when their children and grandchildren come to stay.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11So they're after a location towards the eastern side of the Lakes,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13closer to the M6.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17'We're meeting up on a patch of beautiful Cumbrian countryside
0:07:17 > 0:07:21'to discuss the finer details of their impending move.'
0:07:21 > 0:07:26It is such a stunning part of the world to escape to.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29David and Linda, why do you want to move to Cumbria?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- We're outdoor people. - We love walking.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36We get up here once a week, walking the fells.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38We've got a big house in Lancaster. Five bedrooms.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We're rattling around in it quite a bit,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43so we're looking for something smaller.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Am I allowed to use the word "downsize" or not?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Yes. The children have left home. - Right.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51We don't need all the bedrooms.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54What are you looking for with this next property?
0:07:54 > 0:07:59Well, we'd like two to three bedrooms, ideally three.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02One which we'd probably use as a hobby room.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04We'd like space for our caravan.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- A nice big kitchen.- Yes, a large kitchen. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11We both like cooking.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14If it's combined with a dining area, that's fine.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17We don't want a separate dining room.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18A nice outlook, as well.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- To look at the garden.- Linda would like a bit of garden.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- Where we are at the moment, we don't have anywhere to sit out.- Yes.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31So remind us of your budget for this move.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Our budget for this move is £400,000.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40- £400,000. And looking for a characterful property, or..? - Maybe. We don't mind.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- We're open to anything. - We're open-minded about that.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45We've got three lined up for you. One, of course, is our mystery.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- So shall we get started?- Sure.- Yes!
0:08:50 > 0:08:53For a top budget of £400,000,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57David and Linda are after a home that ideally has three bedrooms
0:08:57 > 0:09:00to accommodate visiting family, and for their hobbies.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05They're open-minded about the property style.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And we have a superb variety of Cumbrian properties to serve up.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22But I'll be keeping the price a guessing game
0:09:22 > 0:09:24until we've had a good look around first.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Then, to finish with, we've got the mystery house,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30which could be a little closer to David's heart.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37We're starting our property search in Burneside,
0:09:37 > 0:09:42which lies around six miles from Lake Windermere, to the east of the national park.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45All the essential amenities can be picked up
0:09:45 > 0:09:47in the nearby market town of Kendal.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53But just ten minutes' drive away on the fringes of Burneside, our first property can be found.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It sits in a small development of three homes
0:09:56 > 0:10:00that were converted from farm buildings just seven years ago.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06This is our very first house here in Cumbria.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- It looks very inviting. - Yes, nice location.- Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- It's lovely.- Yes.- It's really quiet!
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Have you considered perhaps living in a barn?
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- We...- Um... We have considered it. - We have, yes.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Some of them are nice and open inside.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- Some of them are very enclosed.- Yes.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Let's start, shall we? Let's go inside.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32'I must say I do sense a bit of trepidation,
0:10:32 > 0:10:37'but I hope this stylish conversion which forms one wing of the L-shaped barn
0:10:37 > 0:10:39'will put their fears to rest.'
0:10:41 > 0:10:47- So through the hallway leads us to the kitchen.- Ah, right.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Perhaps the most important room in the house.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- It's nice and airy.- I like it.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Yes.- Very nice, yes.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- Was it what you expected from a barn?- No.- No.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- I thought it would be darker, actually.- Yeah.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03With it being a barn conversion.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Come through. I know you love that open-plan feel.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09It does flow beautifully round.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11You've got your dining area here
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- and then your sitting room there. - Right.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- That's nice.- It is, yes. Lovely.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- I could see us in here. - Oh, they've got a fireplace.- Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21This is nice, this door, isn't it?
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Yes, out onto the patio. It's good, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:25You could leave that open in the summer.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- OK, we'll continue, then.- Right.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32'Also on this floor lies a large fully-tiled shower room
0:11:32 > 0:11:37'and a compact study with stairs that lead to the cellar on the lower ground floor,
0:11:37 > 0:11:39'which is ideal for storage.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42'But we're heading up to the bedrooms on the first floor.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46'There are three in total that include a bright double
0:11:46 > 0:11:51'with a low-level window, next to another double, currently used as an art studio.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54'Both are served by the family bathroom.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'That just leaves the room we've saved for David and Linda.'
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Here's the master bedroom.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06The good news is, it's also got an en-suite.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Really?- Just behind me.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Nice and airy. I like the window there.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Yeah, you could look at the stars through that when you're in bed!
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Plenty of skylights with this property.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22And you've got a view there of all your garden,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- which is raised at the back.- Yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- The owners have got it very tastefully done.- They have.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29They've done a really good job on it.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33OK. Shall we head outside and look at the grounds, the garden.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Follow me.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39'Outside, the terraced gardens feature paved courtyard areas
0:12:39 > 0:12:42'as well as spacious level lawns with an established rockery.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45'There are also a couple of outbuildings
0:12:45 > 0:12:47'that included an elevated timber summerhouse
0:12:47 > 0:12:49'and a block of four garages,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'one of which belongs to the property.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:58So from this side, you can really see the countryside in the background. Look at that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- That's lovely.- Where would we put the caravan?- That's a good question.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06There is a car park at the end. However,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09when you buy a property like this, you have to be mindful of your neighbours.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Because although we're out in the middle of nowhere, you do have neighbours right next door.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16But behind us there is a farm.
0:13:16 > 0:13:23And my suggestion would be to speak to a farmer, if not that one, then around the way,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- and see if there's a deal that can be done to leave it there.- Right.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27- That's a good idea.- I see.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32That leads us on to guess the price, if I've answered all your questions.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Who wants to go first?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Should I go first? - Yeah, you go first.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Not being a detached property, I think about 350.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46I'll go a bit higher because I think the location is probably going to put the price up.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So I'll go 385.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52He's very good at this, isn't he?
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- David, you're bang on the money. £385,000.- Really?- Is it really?
0:13:56 > 0:13:57That was luck!
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- That's got you thinking, hasn't it? - Yes.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- It's food for thought.- Good.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Why don't you head back inside, have another look round on your own.- OK.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I'll meet you out the front when you're ready.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- OK, thank you very much. - See you in a minute.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15On the market for £385,000,
0:14:15 > 0:14:19our first home is a semi-detached modern barn conversion.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33It flowed really well
0:14:33 > 0:14:36and that's what we like, the open plan.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40The kitchen, the dining space and the seating area.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44I think it's ticking a few of the boxes, definitely.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48I think the only concern we would have would be storage of our caravan.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50It's quite important for us.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54But maybe we could sort something out with a local farmer with that.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57OK?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Have you seen enough? - Yes, thank you.- Good.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- We really enjoyed that.- Excellent. We'll keep going.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Aside from leisure and tourism,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Cumbria also has a strong heritage based on rural industries
0:15:21 > 0:15:25and for centuries, traditional oakwood baskets, called swills,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28have been made in the region of the southern Lake District.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33These hand-made baskets were an extension of a large coppicing industry
0:15:33 > 0:15:38that not only created employment, but also helped manage the landscape.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40But, as with many craft industries,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44the rise of mechanisation saw the decline in swill making.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49However, there is one man single-handedly keeping the craft alive.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Marrying up this Lakeland skill
0:15:52 > 0:15:54with our buyers' keen interest in creative arts,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57during the week we sent them to meet Owen Jones,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01who is the only Cumbrian swill maker left today.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Hello. Welcome to my workshop in Nibthwaite.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09I make these baskets. These are called swills, oak swill baskets.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14They're very traditional baskets from this part of the world, the south Cumbria area.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16What was it traditionally used for, Owen?
0:16:16 > 0:16:20There's a lot of agricultural uses, like picking potatoes, feeding animals.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22These look really strong.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Lovely workmanship in it.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26How long have you been making these?
0:16:26 > 0:16:30I've been making them for almost 25 years now.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Have you got someone to pass this on to?
0:16:32 > 0:16:34There are two or three people I'm teaching at the moment.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37They're not currently making them full time,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41but they are learning, so I do feel that the process is being passed on,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43which is very important.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Would you like to have a go at a couple of the parts of the process?
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- I'd love to.- That would be super. - Come on inside and I'll show you.
0:16:50 > 0:16:51To start with,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54long sections of wood are boiled to soften the oak,
0:16:54 > 0:16:59then split into finer strips, after which they're shaped and tidied.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01This one, I'm just cleaning up, really.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Getting it to bend into that sort of U shape.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- Do you want a go, David? - Yes, please.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Have a go with that.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17While David gets to grips with the shaping,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Linda is going to try her hand at the splitting.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26That's one of the main skills of the process, writhing the material.
0:17:26 > 0:17:33You want to get as much as you can out of the material with little wastage.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Keep going, David. There's another 20 down there for you to do for me!
0:17:37 > 0:17:40After the raw materials have been prepared,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43the next step is to have a try at weaving the basket.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46This weave pattern, we've gone over, under, over,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49so you go under the bool. So it's round the bool once...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53..and round the bool twice.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55With a quick demo from Owen,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58our buyers are let loose to have a go.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- It's like meditating, this, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The rim of the basket is called the bool
0:18:09 > 0:18:11which is made from a hoop of hazelwood.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14It takes about five hours to create a basket from scratch
0:18:14 > 0:18:19which includes harvesting, then preparing the oak and the weaving.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Then finally you pick it clean,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23to take all the edges off.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29It should be quite smooth so you can carry it like that without picking your woolly jumper.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31They're a very smooth basket.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Yes, it is strong.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38With new-found skills to add to David and Linda's catalogue of crafts and hobbies,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40it's time to get back to the house hunt.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48For our next stop, we're heading to the rural outskirts of Staveley,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52which again sits on the eastern boundary of the Lake District National Park.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56The village of Staveley is situated just off the main thoroughfare
0:18:56 > 0:18:57that leads to Lake Windermere.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02It's a sleepy place, much of which is protected as a conservation area.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Amongst its listed buildings are the remains of the 14th-century church.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12Villagers are served by a pub, convenience store and post office.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16The local landscape is characterised by farmland edged by dry stone walling
0:19:16 > 0:19:18against a backdrop of the fells.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22And just about a mile away,
0:19:22 > 0:19:23we come to our second property.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Very different from the first.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- It is, yes.- And here it is.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Yes, it's a good size property.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32A bungalow-style cottage.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33Yes.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- I'm going to point something out straightaway!- We had noticed!
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Yes.- That's ideal, isn't it?- It is.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- It is ideal.- And it's not going to affect anybody.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- The perfect place to put your caravan.- I know.- Yes.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46What are your reactions, looking at it?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48It's all on one floor,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- which is what I like.- Good.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55If you look next door, next door's property,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58that's where the boundary is for the National Park.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Really?- Yes. We are that close.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Shall we step inside?- Yes, please. - Come on.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08'This extended bungalow was originally built in the early 1900s.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11'Although it has a more conventional layout,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13there are open-plan elements
0:20:13 > 0:20:15that should appeal to Linda and David.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Come on in.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23We'll start off with the sitting room.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Nice slate fireplace feature.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- This is the main lounge, is it? - This is the sitting room, yes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- It's a good fair size.- Yes, it's OK.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Your eye is drawn to the garden. - They are, yes.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Let me show you the kitchen.- Right.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- So in a way, this side of the property is in two halves.- Right.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54So this side, you've got the kitchen here.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57And you can see where the original house finished.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Yes, the external wall.- That's all the extension.- Right.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- Right.- I see.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05What do you think of the actual space itself?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07I suppose it's adequate.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- Yes.- There's enough space.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Let's take a look at the dining area.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- And, like the previous property, it's an L-shape.- Yep.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20As you can see. They use this as their main living area.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- Dining table here, television, sofa. - Right.- Yes. It lends itself nicely to that.- It does.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29You've also got a utility room and a boot room
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- and a shower room.- Right.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'This bungalow is deceptively spacious.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40'Hidden away in the extended wing is a study-cum-fourth bedroom
0:21:40 > 0:21:44'which has been cleverly configured into the roof void above the sitting area.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48'The remaining three bedrooms all lie together
0:21:48 > 0:21:52'at the other side of the property along with the family bathroom.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'There's a double room presented with twin beds
0:21:55 > 0:21:57'as well as a single room,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00'and at the far end of the hallway is the largest bedroom.'
0:22:02 > 0:22:05So here is the master bedroom.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- It's nice and airy. - It's a good sized room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10It's quite unusual in a master to see two singles.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12I think that would give you more of an idea of the space
0:22:12 > 0:22:14because it's pretty wide, isn't it?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16You could get a good-sized double bed in there.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19And they've got two wardrobes in here as well.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Yes.- It is a good size, actually.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- It's whether it's right for you. - Yep.- Yes.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I think there's quite a few things that we would want to change.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34The first property we saw was nice and open. This one's a bit more enclosed.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Let's head outside, take a look at the garden.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Talk about the surrounding area and, of course, we're going to discuss money.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44David, would you like to lead the way?
0:22:44 > 0:22:45Yes, OK.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50'Although our buyers don't seem overly enthusiastic about this bungalow,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'it does give them direct access to the heart of their beloved lakes.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'So perhaps experiencing more of the setting will boost its appeal.'
0:22:58 > 0:23:02So you have to admit it is an impressive garden, isn't it?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- It certainly is.- It's beautiful. I love the stones.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07And the fruit trees.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Yes, you noticed the fruit trees. - I know, yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12That was on the wish list, wasn't it?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15The total acreage, they say it's a third of an acre,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- but I think it's a lot more than that.- It feels bigger.- It does.- Yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22David, we've even got you your own workshop.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Yes, there's a workshop and a summer house at the bottom.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It's a lovely area, the garden.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29TRAFFIC IN DISTANCE
0:23:29 > 0:23:33But, Nicki, I can hear traffic.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- Yes.- And that is one of the things that we need to get away from.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41You can see the clever planting to try and soften the sound,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44but we can't get away from it, can we?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47How much do you think, then, this house is worth?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I think 300,000.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Hmm. I think because of the size of the plot,
0:23:54 > 0:23:58and the fact that it's just outside the National Park,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02I'd put a price of about £340,000 on it.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06I think I'm going to shock you both.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12The asking price is £419,500.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15The owners are aware of your budget,
0:24:15 > 0:24:20so they'd be happy to have a conversation should you want to take it any further.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- Right.- From there.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Yep, you're both way out, I'm afraid.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- Yeah.- Why don't you take another look around,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31because I know you had reservations about location and certain parts of the property.
0:24:31 > 0:24:37But when you sometimes have a second look, you can take good things away with you and ideas.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Have a wander. I'll meet you at the front when you're ready.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- OK.- Thank you.- Thank you, Nicki.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49At just under £420,000, but open to negotiation,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53our second property is a characterful detached bungalow
0:24:53 > 0:24:55whose price reflects its desirable location
0:24:55 > 0:24:59on the boundary of the Lake District and proximity to Windermere.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10The well-tended grounds cover around a third of an acre.
0:25:15 > 0:25:21First thoughts on this property, large plot, nice location.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Inside, some nice rooms.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29But a little bit enclosed for us, I think.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31The extension is nice and airy,
0:25:31 > 0:25:36but the rest of the house is a little bit small and the ceilings are a bit low.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38The house looked very nice.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42And we spotted that they'd also got a caravan,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47which they'd got in a nice space next to the double garage.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49So there was some positives.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- OK, you two?- Yes, thank you.- Yes. - That's it for today.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Thank you, Nicki. That was two very different properties.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01They were. And I've got more to show you tomorrow.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- Brilliant. Thank you.- Can't wait!
0:26:14 > 0:26:16As the sun sets behind the Lakeland fells,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20the first day of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28With a budget of £400,000,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Lancaster-based couple David and Linda want to pack up their caravan
0:26:32 > 0:26:35and head for some permanent sanctuary out of the city
0:26:35 > 0:26:37and into Cumbria's rural wilds.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41So far, they've seen two contrasting properties
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and they were quite taken with the open plan living of the first one.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49But it was the second that gave them the closest proximity to the Lakes.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53But still to come, we're off to a good start with the mystery property.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's a nice welcome to the house, isn't it?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58And it's back to basics for me
0:26:58 > 0:27:01as I become at one with the Cumbrian countryside.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Now, with the mystery house, I think we're taking a bit of a gamble.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12It's fair to say it's off the beaten track and it's not open plan.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17But if it's stylish living in an amazing rural setting you're after,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20well, this house is certainly worth considering.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Today, the weather's a bit inclement,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28but even so, with the trees all turning cos of the time of year,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30it's just stunning.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35And what about Percy? Let's see Percy. He's with us today.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- He's got his preferences, as well. - Has he?- Yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40He'd like a pond, I think!
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- A pond with fish!- Yes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Well, we're driving eastwards, I think it's fair to say.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- We're quite excited about this. - We're keeping an eye on where you're going!
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Yeah?
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- Looking forward to it? - Yes, definitely.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- Not much of a clue.- Good!
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Our last property is set within the remote hamlet of Artlegarth
0:28:00 > 0:28:02on the east side of Cumbria.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And though we're taking our buyers out of their comfort zone
0:28:05 > 0:28:07by moving away from the Lakes,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10we're closer to the Yorkshire Dales,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12which is a slice of home turf for David.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16The nearest village is Ravenstonedale
0:28:16 > 0:28:20where the focal point for the small community here has to be its pub,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22that provides essential services beyond the bar
0:28:22 > 0:28:26with a restaurant, hotel and grocery store.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30So we're making a quick pit stop to meet local resident Judith Duran
0:28:30 > 0:28:33who has kindly taken time out of her day to chat to us.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Judith, how long has it been here? - Four years, it's been opened.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Is it a success? Do the villagers support it well?
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Yes, they do. Yes.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I noticed the plaque on the door outside
0:28:46 > 0:28:49and it said Prince Charles opened it. "The pub with a hub."
0:28:49 > 0:28:52What's the idea behind that?
0:28:52 > 0:28:55It's to help villagers where the post office is closed
0:28:55 > 0:28:57and other facilities.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01And they open them up in the pub, or they try to.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06These guys are toying with the idea of living in this area.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- We're hoping to convince them to buy a house just down the road.- Yes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:15You're walkers. You know better than anybody these shops are the life blood of some villages.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- Yes.- What's your best seller here?
0:29:18 > 0:29:23Appleby Creamery, the cheeses, and the jams which are locally made.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27We get as much as possible from local producers.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Judy, thank you very much indeed. Hopefully, you'll have some new neighbours!
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- Yes, that would be very good! - Thank you.- Nice.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35We'll go and see our house.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39'Just over a mile away in the rural surroundings of Artlegarth
0:29:39 > 0:29:41'is our final house.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45'Seeing as we had such a positive reaction to our barn conversion yesterday,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48'we're sticking to that tried and tested formula.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52'However, fearing that the rain clouds are rolling in,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56'we're heading to the garden first, which lies to the left side of the property
0:29:56 > 0:29:59'and features a gravel courtyard for al fresco dining
0:29:59 > 0:30:02'and a neat level lawn framed by attractive stone walling.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:06A rather blustery day here in Cumbria,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09to show you our mystery house.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10Right.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- Wow.- Oh, I love the stone.- Yeah.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- It looks really interesting. - Yeah?- It does.- It does. Yes.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Certainly a better reaction than our second property that we showed you!
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- Yes.- We like the natural look of buildings.- Yes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Shall we start?- Yes.- I think so. It's going to rain.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Come on, before it rains!
0:30:30 > 0:30:32'Believed to date back some 200 years
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'this semi-detached barn conversion
0:30:35 > 0:30:38'was converted into a luxury home in 2002.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41'It's set on a slight incline over four storeys,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44'and we're entering via the back door
0:30:44 > 0:30:46'to start our tour in the reception areas
0:30:46 > 0:30:48'on the first and second floors.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:51Come on inside.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Wow!
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Little bit of a treat for you there. Not what you expected?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Certainly not, no.- No.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- It's a nice welcome to the house, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- It's impressive as you walk through the door.- It is.- Yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10It's very different to what you'd normally expect.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15It's been converted using the best elements of the barn, I think.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17You'll see that as we go along.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- And the little window in the roof to give more light.- Yeah.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Nice warm entrance?- Yes.- Definitely.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- OK. Let's go through to the kitchen. - OK.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- Mm. Lovely big cooker.- Electric, the range.- Right.- That's OK.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- Big fridge freezer here.- Right. - Oh, that's handy.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- And there's a dishwasher here as well.- Right.- Right.- OK.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Is this workable, do you think, for the two of you?
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- I think so.- Yeah.- Good.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- Yes, very nice.- We'll continue, and I'll keep whispering, "Downsizing!"
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Now, what do you think of the room itself?
0:32:00 > 0:32:03It's an excellent use of the space.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08- I like the way that the natural features of the barn have been retained.- Yeah.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10And there's your view.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- What about the style?- Um...
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Well, the style is unique.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18A lot of thought gone into it.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22'I'm so pleased it's all going to plan so far.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24'And there's more to take in.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27'On the lower ground floor, there's a utility room
0:32:27 > 0:32:30'and the first of three bedrooms this house has to offer.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33'As there's also a shower room here,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'this floor could work as a self-contained suite for visiting family.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42'Or it might create a dedicated hideaway for Linda and David's hobbies.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46'The other two bedrooms lie up on the second floor,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49'accessed by a bespoke galleried staircase.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51'Up here, at the very top of the property,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54'alongside a four-piece family bathroom,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56'there's a compact single room
0:32:56 > 0:32:58'and lastly, the master bedroom.'
0:32:58 > 0:33:01So this would be your bedroom.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05I think you could get some good atmospheric shots in a place like this.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- We've given you something to think about, with this house.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I think we should be heading outside now.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- It might be a bit damp.- Yes.- It is.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18'I must say that it all seems to be going rather well.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'But the same can't be said for the weather,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24'which has suddenly taken a turn for the worse.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26'But we'll brave the elements anyway,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30'out at the front of the house, to discuss options for the caravan.'
0:33:31 > 0:33:33What a day! Gosh!
0:33:33 > 0:33:35It's absolutely torrential!
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Now, I haven't mentioned, have I, the caravan.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- No.- Or Percy. Where's Percy and the caravan going to live?
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Either you park it in the communal car park.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- Yes.- Perhaps you could ask if you could park your car here instead.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- If the car was put there.- Or there could be some outbuildings
0:33:52 > 0:33:58and it might be worth speaking to the farmer and saying can we park the caravan there instead,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- so it's out of the way. - That's a good option.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- Does this weather put you off? - Not really.- No.- We're near the Lake District!
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- We're used to this!- Pouring rain. - We've got webbed feet!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Percy has, hasn't he! - You've got webbed feet.- Yeah.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17I'm now going to ask you how much you think the mystery house is on the market for.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Right. I think it's going to put it at the top end of our budget.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23So I'll say £400,000.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Right. Linda?
0:34:25 > 0:34:32- Right. Well I will say 385. A bit lower.- A bit lower. OK.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34The asking price is...
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- £375,000.- Wow! Right.- Right.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41We are in a rural location.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43We are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45But it's not for everyone.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48No, it's not. No, it's quite remote.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- We're about a mile from the village? - Yes.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- That's not too bad.- Not too bad. - Yeah.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55It's absolutely pouring with rain.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59Let's go back inside the barn. You have another look around on your own
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- and give me a shout when you're ready. I'll follow you in. Off you go.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10Comfortably under budget at £375,000,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13the mystery property is an attached barn conversion
0:35:13 > 0:35:16whose features make the most of natural materials.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21Arranged over four floors, the high-spec interior comprises
0:35:21 > 0:35:24a dining room with an impressive vaulted ceiling,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28next to a country kitchen, a sitting room with exposed stone walls,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and three bedrooms.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Outside, there's a lovely manageable garden,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36with open views across the captivating surrounding scenery.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42Now, we can have this either as a study or another bedroom.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Yeah. It looks like the present owner's got a sofa bed in here.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Yeah. That would be good for the computers, wouldn't it?
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- Yes, fine.- Nice outlook. - Yep.- The garden.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Across to the fells.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00My first thoughts, I loved the stonework on the outside.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03It looked as if it was going to be a character property.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Certainly wasn't disappointed when we came in.
0:36:07 > 0:36:13It's quite remote, but I could imagine it would be a nice place to live.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17As soon as you came in, it felt warm, inviting,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21and aesthetically very pleasing.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25The mystery property, I really loved it.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33I'm sorry I couldn't provide sunshine, but what a cracking mystery house, eh?
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- Yep.- You've got some thinking to do.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- And then we'll have a chat.- OK.- Yes.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Among the elegant properties taking prime positions
0:36:47 > 0:36:49along the Lakeland shores,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53is the grand house that once belonged to the eminent Victorian writer,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57artist, conservationist and philanthropist John Ruskin.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03He came to live at Brantwood in 1872 when he was in his early 50s.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07This awe-inspiring environment was central to his later work.
0:37:07 > 0:37:13The country house is open to the public under the care of estate director Howard Hull.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Howard, here we are at Brantwood
0:37:17 > 0:37:20in the most spectacular setting over Coniston Water.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Yes, it's an amazing place, absolutely gorgeous.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Even on a wild day like today!- Yes.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27We think of Ruskin as the most amazing thinker,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29an intellectual during Victorian times.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Could you tell us a bit more about him?
0:37:31 > 0:37:35The heart of Ruskin was that he was concerned for other people in a really profound way.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39The whole of the welfare system that grew up in the 20th century,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42all these things owe their debt, really, to Ruskin's thinking.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44But he was also a lover of arts.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49He was. In fact, the Lake District was a special place for the meeting of nature and artists
0:37:49 > 0:37:51which the Romantic tradition had established.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53So Ruskin came to explore it.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57But then it became meaningful to him personally.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Luckily for us, his home still exists today.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01It is a museum to his works.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- Can we take a look around? - Surely. Let's go.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07'Originally an 18th-century cottage,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10'Ruskin set about extending and improving the property
0:38:10 > 0:38:14'to ensure that the vistas almost leapt into every room.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:17This was the place where he wrote a great number of books,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19in particular, books about the natural world.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24Ruskin felt they had to hold a line against preserving the environment and looking after it.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28So a lot of what we see today are influenced by things like the National Trust,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31which was founded, really, on Ruskin's principles.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And the National Park and so forth
0:38:34 > 0:38:36are a direct result of Ruskin's influence.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Ruskin was passionate about conservation
0:38:39 > 0:38:42and vehemently opposed to mechanisation,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45claiming that the highest reward for a person's toil
0:38:45 > 0:38:49is not what they get from it, but what they become by it.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Using Ruskin's ethos of working harmoniously with the land,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57estate manager Sally Beamish employs traditional rustic techniques
0:38:57 > 0:38:59to look after the grounds.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01What are we going to do today?
0:39:01 > 0:39:06Well, we thought we would introduce you to a very traditional rural skill,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08using the scythe.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10It's about getting you back in tune with the land
0:39:10 > 0:39:12and doing gentle physical exercise.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16The principle is just one very sharp blade that you keep sharp
0:39:16 > 0:39:20and then you're swinging through 180 degrees, really.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24One of the things talking to Howard earlier about Ruskin
0:39:24 > 0:39:30his idea of art, nature and society all working together as one.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- That's what we're doing here, isn't it?- Yes, very much so.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37"All lovely things are also necessary." Another one from Ruskin.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41'Ruskin died at Brantwood in 1900,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44'leaving behind 39 volumes of his written work
0:39:44 > 0:39:46'and a large collection of paintings.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50'And looking out across the atmospheric Cumbrian countryside,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52'it's clear that Ruskin was right,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56'for the loveliest art has its roots in the natural world.'
0:39:57 > 0:40:01What a truly inspirational man John Ruskin was.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04But it's time now to get back to our house buyers.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Have David and Linda been wooed by any of our three properties?
0:40:08 > 0:40:09Let's find out.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17We've had a fun few days, haven't we?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- Very enjoyable.- Very interesting. - We've had a great time.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Let's go through the houses one by one.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25We'll start not with a house, but with a barn.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30We loved the outlook and the stone of the barn.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- The area was nice, wasn't it? - It was nice.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36It was a property that maybe we wouldn't have normally chosen ourselves to look at.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- That's good.- So from that point of view, it was good.
0:40:40 > 0:40:46But we didn't get quite the same kerbside reaction with the second property we showed you.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- It was a big plot of land.- Yes. - There was lots of storage.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Can't believe you had room for the caravan,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54double garage, a workshop,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58right on the edge of the National Park. Couldn't have got much closer if you tried!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00We were surprised at how much it was, though.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03OK. Let's move on, now
0:41:03 > 0:41:05to our mystery house. We took you east of the county.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11And being a mystery, the rural location, but it didn't put you off.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- No, it didn't, not at all.- No.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19We loved the outside. The stone and the wooden windows.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21And the little garden was nice.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23It was a nice compact little hamlet.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- There were a few houses. It could be very nice in summer there.- Yes.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29So with that property,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31were we getting close?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- I think so.- Yes.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Look at that lovely smile. Look at that lovely smile!
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Would you have considered that house?
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Yes, I think we would. - Definitely.- Yeah.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44It was very special, I think, that house.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49We'd never been in a barn that had got such taste, if you like,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51and been sympathetically done.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54So, come on then. Do you think you might go for a second viewing?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- We might do.- We might do.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- We may go up for a walk and take it in on a walk.- That's a good idea.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Cos it is a little area that we don't know too well.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Have you learned anything over the last few days?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07It's been quite a contrast in the properties.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10It's broadened our horizons.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14I think we'll go away from this and have a look a bit further out.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17We're prepared to move out of our house into rented accommodation
0:42:17 > 0:42:19if we can't find what we want straightaway.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Absolutely. That's a great idea.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Thank you both very much. I've so enjoyed it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25Give my regards to Percy, won't you?
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Yes, Percy's had a good time.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29He's enjoying the weather today!
0:42:29 > 0:42:31It's made for penguins, all that rain!
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- All the very best. Thank you.- Thank you very much, Nicki.- Thank you.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Well, there's still a glimmer of hope there with our mystery house and David and Linda.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I so want them to go for that second viewing.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50But whatever happens, once they've sold their house,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53they're committed to moving up here, renting if necessary,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56until they find that perfect Cumbrian retreat.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59We wish them all the very best.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Until next time, bye-bye!
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