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