0:00:02 > 0:00:06These mountains are home to a factory that was among the most significant in England.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But I've turned up about 5,000 years too late to see it in production.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12What was made here and where am I? Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45On today's show, I'll be taking our buyers
0:00:45 > 0:00:47to a county that's almost a home from home,
0:00:47 > 0:00:49as they've been holidaying there all their lives.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53'Along the way, I'm hoping to unlock the potential in some very intriguing properties.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- That's the key to the front door. - BOTH: Wow!
0:00:55 > 0:00:58It gives you a clue what it's like in there.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00'And then the appeal of the mystery house
0:01:00 > 0:01:02'makes them go all territorial.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:05I'm not sure I'd invite the family, cos they'd never leave.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06SHE LAUGHS
0:01:10 > 0:01:13I'm in the Lake District, in Cumbria.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Behind me is the Langdale axe factory,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17which, in the Mesolithic period,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20was so successful that over a quarter of stone axes
0:01:20 > 0:01:23unearthed in England came from this site.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26As you can see, it's not the easiest factory in the world to get to,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28hence the sweat on my brow.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30But prehistoric man used to climb this slope
0:01:30 > 0:01:33to collect a rare vein of volcanic rock.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35This scree is entirely man-made.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38It's failed axes and factory shavings.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Later on in the programme, I'll try my hand at axe-making.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42If that doesn't take your fancy,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44there's plenty going on in this county
0:01:44 > 0:01:48that's sure to appeal.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Cumbria is the most north-westerly county in England,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54and is home to its largest national park, the Lake District.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Covering nearly 900 square miles,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59the Lake District's boundaries contain all ten
0:01:59 > 0:02:01of the highest peaks in England,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and over 20 major bodies of water,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06from Bassenthwaite Lake in the north
0:02:06 > 0:02:08to the queen of them all in the south, Windermere.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11At 10½ miles long and over a mile wide,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Windermere is England's largest natural stretch
0:02:14 > 0:02:15of its type.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17In fact, it's so big
0:02:17 > 0:02:19that it even has its own tides.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Like the rest of the country,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27house prices here in Cumbria reached a peak
0:02:27 > 0:02:28back in 2008,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32before crashing, and they're still on a fluctuating downward spiral.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34The price for an average detached house here now
0:02:34 > 0:02:37is £241,000.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39That's £10,000 below the national figure,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and also lower than they were at the height of the crash.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46But if you step inside the Lake District Park boundaries,
0:02:46 > 0:02:47then that saving is lost.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50You'll be paying a premium of around 15%,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52especially in touristy areas like Windermere,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56but for that price, not only will you get fantastic views,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59but also a choice of period styles.
0:02:59 > 0:03:05Like Beatrix Potter without rabbits, or Wordsworth without daffodils,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08the English Lakes wouldn't be the same without Lakeland cottages.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10These whitewashed homes with their slate roofs dot the fells
0:03:10 > 0:03:12and come in all shapes and sizes.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16For a two-to-three-bedroom property in the area around Windermere,
0:03:16 > 0:03:17you can expect to pay anything
0:03:17 > 0:03:19from £250,000,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21depending on how much renovation work
0:03:21 > 0:03:22has been done.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24But if you're taken with the slate tiles,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26why not go for an entirely slate property?
0:03:26 > 0:03:29With the wealth and variety of quarries in the county,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31you can find them in a myriad of colours.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Green slate of Keswick,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36to the blue-grey of Skiddaw.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37Commonly two-up, two-down,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40you can expect to pay upwards of £200,000 for one of these treasures.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45So lots of fantastic properties on offer,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47but who are our buyers? Let's meet them.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50'Management consultant, Tony, and his wife, Helen
0:03:50 > 0:03:54'have lived in their four-bedroomed house in a suburb of Manchester for almost seven years.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58'Since Helen took redundancy from her management job 18 months ago,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01'they've been seriously considering a move to the country,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04'especially as their ten-year-old daughter, Amelia,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06'is about to start secondary education.'
0:04:06 > 0:04:08We've been thinking about the possibility
0:04:08 > 0:04:10of a move
0:04:10 > 0:04:12from when I took redundancy,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15because there was nothing really keeping us here,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17apart from maybe Amelia's school.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Tony can work from pretty much anywhere.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23It was really whether Amelia wanted to go. As soon as she said, "Yes, absolutely"...
0:04:23 > 0:04:25And the added incentive, of course,
0:04:25 > 0:04:26is we're looking for a bit of land,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and she would like her own pony.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31She'd like a donkey - in fact, she's probably like a zoo.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33SHE LAUGHS
0:04:33 > 0:04:35That's one of the reasons that we're going.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37And the location they've chosen is a county
0:04:37 > 0:04:39they've fallen head-over-heels for.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42My grandmother and grandfather had caravans up in the Lake District,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45So I used to spend a lot of my childhood up there,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and fell in love with the place from being three or four years old.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Obviously, since we've been together,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53we've spent a lot of holidays up there.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55We're in the fortunate position where my father bought
0:04:55 > 0:04:59a holiday cottage, probably about seven or eight years ago,
0:04:59 > 0:05:00so that enabled us
0:05:00 > 0:05:02to go up every other weekend,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05cos we shared the holiday cottage with him.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07It's somewhere very close to our hearts.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10It's like a second home to us, really.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Helen hopes to find a teaching assistant post when they move,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16while Tony's consultancy job means
0:05:16 > 0:05:19he can increasingly work from home and enjoy more family time.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23It's also their passion for their animals that's central to their future home,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25with their two dogs
0:05:25 > 0:05:28and a potential new pony to cater for.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31To come up to Cumbria, the whole idea is we can spend more time
0:05:31 > 0:05:34as a family - getting outside, walking,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36cycling, walking the dogs.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Amelia riding horses, me watching.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40We want to get back to that lifestyle
0:05:40 > 0:05:42that we've seen every now and again
0:05:42 > 0:05:44on weekends and holidays, etcetera.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46So, outside space is key.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51But that doesn't mean the interior won't have a lot to live up to.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55My ideal house in Cumbria would be a traditional Cumbrian farmhouse-type building,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58which would have a large room, which is a family room,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00which has the dining room incorporated.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01Nice, large kitchen.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Big utility room,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and taking dogs out, dirty feet all the time,
0:06:06 > 0:06:07boot room, etcetera.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09One final point of note -
0:06:09 > 0:06:12that's the finances.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15The maximum budget for the move will be £600,000.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Tony and Helen would like to be in the South Lakes area,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26within a reasonable distance of Windermere.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29And close to new schools for their daughter, Amelia.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31They'll also need good commuting links
0:06:31 > 0:06:33to the M6 motorway, and trains for Tony's work.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37'I caught up with them in this area's beautiful countryside,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39'to find out more about their move.'
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Helen, Tony, welcome to the Lake District.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- Welcome.- It should be you showing me round. You know the area well, don't you?- Yes, indeed.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Let's talk about what sort of house you want in this idyllic location.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50What are you after?
0:06:50 > 0:06:53We're looking for something traditional,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55possible cottage-type environment.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Minimum of three bedrooms, with a bit of land around it.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02My daughter's into horses and things, so we're looking at
0:07:02 > 0:07:03getting something with a bit of land,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05with eventually to buying a horse.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07So you want quite a bit of land?
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Well, hopefully.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10You know that within the National Park,
0:07:10 > 0:07:11land comes at a premium?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Especially if it has a house attached to it.- Yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- Would you be willing to rent land?- Yes.- Yes.- Yes.- Yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- Thank God you've said that! - THEY LAUGH
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Shall we get going?- Yes.- Yes. - Follow me.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25'For their maximum budget of £600,000,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28'Tony and Helen would like their rural retreat to have
0:07:28 > 0:07:30'a large family room,
0:07:30 > 0:07:31'a kitchen/diner,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34'a utility room with garden access,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37'a study for Tony to work from home,
0:07:37 > 0:07:38'three bedrooms,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40'an enclosed, dog-friendly garden
0:07:40 > 0:07:44'and also some space to keep a pony or two.'
0:07:44 > 0:07:47We've selected three fabulous properties
0:07:47 > 0:07:48that we think they will adore.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50And at each one, I'll ask them to guess the price,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52before I reveal it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Last on the viewing list is, of course, the mystery house,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58which could throw a whole new business proposition into the mix.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I can imagine this is a fantastic place for a holiday,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09but do you think there's a danger sometimes
0:08:09 > 0:08:10in making a holiday destination home?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Yes, there definitely is,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16but we've seen this more as a destination
0:08:16 > 0:08:18we've always aspired to get to.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21We have looked at that aspect, but we have the school
0:08:21 > 0:08:23for Amelia, which is local to us.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And we have a support network and infrastructure up here,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28with Helen's father living up here.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30We've taken that into account, to be honest.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32'We've made the trip a few miles north of Kendal,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35'to the valley parish of Longsleddale,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39'and we're a 30-minute drive from Windermere, for Amelia's school.'
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Longsleddale has a church, community hall,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and around 30 houses scattered over four miles,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47on either side of the River Sprint.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49It's also the inspiration behind the fictional Greendale,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53home of children's TV show, Postman Pat.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57'Our first property is a 17th-century, traditional Lakeland cottage,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59'a former farmhouse, built of local stone
0:08:59 > 0:09:00'and slate.'
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- This is it.- Lovely.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- Very spectacular view. - That's what makes it.- You couldn't ask for more than that.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- What do you think?- Yeah. - First impressions, lovely.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13We'll go in, but have you got the key?
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- No.- No.- Do they have keys round here(?) Is that the key?
0:09:17 > 0:09:18- That's the key to the front door. - Wow!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- That gives you a little clue what it will be like in there.- Fabulous.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Let's go in.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'Another "key" to this lovely old farmhouse
0:09:26 > 0:09:29'is that it's just overflowing with character and traditional features.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31'I think it will be a real treat for our buyers
0:09:31 > 0:09:34'when they step through the front door.'
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Come on in.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Don't be shy.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39SHE LAUGHS
0:09:39 > 0:09:40- Wow.- Wow!
0:09:40 > 0:09:43First impressions?
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Very nice. Love the fireplace.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Yes.- Absolutely love that.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Love the beams, love the character.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52There's so much character in this room.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Original door, beams...
0:09:54 > 0:09:55And this thing here.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Do you know what this is?- No. - You'd bake your cakes
0:09:58 > 0:10:01and your bread, and you'd put them there so the mice don't get at them while they cool down.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- It's good, isn't it?- Great.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Fabulous. Yes, something you would keep.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08The little room through there used to be the original kitchen.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- At the moment, it's an office - which could be ideal for you as well.- Yes.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Again, the door tucked away.- Yep.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- And you have another little room which leads to the kitchen. Shall we look?- Yes!
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Lead on.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'Through the second room, or "snug", at the back of the house,
0:10:21 > 0:10:22'is the entrance to the kitchen,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26'which is in the part of the building that was once the hay loft.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28'The kitchen runs the full length of the property,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30'and opens onto the garden at the back.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- It's nice, isn't it?- I wouldn't change this, at all.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Really?!- No, I'd leave it. It's fine, I'm happy with it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Brilliant. Well, a happy you is a happy you.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42The kitchen is well-designed,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44and it works within the space that it's in.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It's versatile enough
0:10:46 > 0:10:50that we could move things around to suit our needs, really.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- The range is fantastic. - What about cooking on that range?
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Can you imagine washing up and looking at that view?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It's ridiculous, isn't it? - It's great.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03'With the downstairs of the property seemingly just the ticket,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05'it's time to show Tony and Helen what's on the first floor.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08'I'll start by showing them where they might be sleeping.'
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- This is the master bedroom, currently.- OK.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Little smaller than we'd hoped, but it's a cottage.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19I love the window.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Yeah, I mean,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22to just sit there and look out...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24That's your back garden.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27But don't you want that big bedroom with a nice dressing area,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29with a massive en suite?
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- She would, yes.- I'd love a bedroom with a dressing...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- You could maybe have it in this one. - OK.- All right?
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Let me show you something. - Go on, after you.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39'Hold that thought, you two.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42'Also upstairs is a family bathroom,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45'along with two further good-sized bedrooms, so there's plenty space for Amelia
0:11:45 > 0:11:48'and any friends and family who come to stay.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50'And if you go through the middle bedroom,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54'you'll find the rather large surprise I've been keeping tucked away.'
0:11:54 > 0:11:58So you walk through the smallest of the bedrooms, but into this new space.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- Wow!- Wow.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Whoa!- Now I'm confused.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04This was a separate annexe, so you have a separate door there -
0:12:04 > 0:12:06that's a bedroom,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08with its own bathroom and kitchen.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- And we're above the kitchen here...? - Yeah.- ..On this end of the building I see!
0:12:12 > 0:12:14This is a super room.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16This could work.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- It could, couldn't it? - Yes, this could work.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21You wouldn't leave the kitchen - you could take the kitchen away.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23You could put wardrobe space in there.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25This could work.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29'So we've really delivered on everything they asked for inside this property.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30'What about the outside?
0:12:30 > 0:12:35'Well, there's the utility room they wanted for white goods and storage.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39'There's also three-quarters of an acre of land, so a great space for the dogs.'
0:12:41 > 0:12:44We are seeing this view on probably the finest day, aren't we?
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Beautiful.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- But it's incredible.- It is, it is!
0:12:49 > 0:12:51What a valley.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54One thing you've seen is probably land for...
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Yes. Not sure that it's conducive for horses.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- No, but there are three families in the village with horses.- Oh!
0:13:00 > 0:13:02And they all use a livery which is six minutes away.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03- Right.- Fantastic.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Let's talk money, shall we?
0:13:05 > 0:13:07I'll go first. I would say,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09530,000?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11530,000? OK.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I would think it's probably higher.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19545,000?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21545,000? OK.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24It's on the market for £590,000.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26590,000?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28It's right at the top end, isn't it?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31There's lots you've probably missed in that first viewing,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34so go and have another look round and I'll be at the front,
0:13:34 > 0:13:35catching a few rays.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36See you in a bit.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44So, at £590,000,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48this traditional Lakeland cottage is £10,000 under their budget,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50and offers them almost everything they're looking for.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It has a sociable living space,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54a large kitchen and breakfast room,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56a study,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59a total of four bedrooms, including the one in the annexe,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01an outside utility room,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04three-quarters of an acre of gardens,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06ideal for the dogs.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10And it's in close proximity to a livery, for keeping that pony.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13It's a beautiful house, and the lounge and dining room
0:14:13 > 0:14:14seem to work - a lovely living space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Log burner, really nice.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19When I first saw the house,
0:14:19 > 0:14:20I thought it was stunning.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Picturesque, beautiful.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Ticks all the boxes of my requirements, really.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27The position of the house
0:14:27 > 0:14:29could be a bit remote,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31with Tony working away all week.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Myself and Amelia may feel a little isolated.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- This is the life, isn't it? - DOOR OPENS
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Oop!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Eh-heh?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- I was getting really bored with that view(!) Have you seen enough? - We have.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Let's jump in the car.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Away from the dramatic and well-trodden Lake District fells,
0:15:03 > 0:15:04and waters,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06the south of the county gives way to the Duddon
0:15:06 > 0:15:07and Levens estuaries,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09and also the Furness peninsula.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12At the foot of the Duddon Valley, lies the ancient village
0:15:12 > 0:15:13of Broughton-in-Furness,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17the location of the only traditional heavy horse-riding establishment
0:15:17 > 0:15:19in the country.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23As Tony and Helen are keen to keep horses for their daughter, Amelia,
0:15:23 > 0:15:24we arranged for them to meet Annie Rose,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26who owns Clydesdale heavy horses,
0:15:26 > 0:15:31to find out more about this rare equestrian breed.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Historically, this whole area's Clydesdale country.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38Agriculturally, this is where Clyesdales were commonly used,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40because we're so close to the Scottish Borders.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45So most of Cumbria was farmed using Clydesdales.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47These beautiful, big horses were used
0:15:47 > 0:15:48purely in agriculture,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51but also the farmer would have used them in the cart,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53to take the produce to the market,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55or maybe ridden to church on a Sunday.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Once World War II came and went, though,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00there was a real shift in these horses' fortunes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Thousands of them perished, and with World War II,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06came the advent of the tractor and mechanisation,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09and literally hundreds of these beautiful horses went to slaughter.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Farmers didn't have a use for them any more.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Going back even to the '60s,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15many, many farmers
0:16:15 > 0:16:17kept a couple of Clydies
0:16:17 > 0:16:19just because they'd always had them on the ground.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22It was those farmers that kept the breed going, really.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26I like to think we give people the opportunity to try
0:16:26 > 0:16:27a ridden Clydesdale,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30and many folk will go off and buy one to ride.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32So there's a lot of people in the UK
0:16:32 > 0:16:33riding with these big horses.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Really great. It's good news for the breed.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Would a total novice like myself be OK up there?
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Course you will!
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Most of the horses here at the stables
0:16:44 > 0:16:45are Scottish Clydesdales.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48This breed originated in the valley of the River Clyde,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52which, of course, gave them their name.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Tony and Helen will see just what it's like
0:16:54 > 0:16:56to ride one of these
0:16:56 > 0:16:57gentle giants.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Indeed, the tallest horse here is 18 hands high,
0:17:00 > 0:17:01which means on its back,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04you're sitting six foot off the ground.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- How are you feeling?- OK.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Helen, how are you feeling? - I'm great.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Between the post-war years of 1946 and 1949,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15the number of Clydesdale-breeding stallions
0:17:15 > 0:17:17in England
0:17:17 > 0:17:19dropped from more than 200 to just 80.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22By 1975, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
0:17:22 > 0:17:25considered them vulnerable to extinction,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29meaning that there were fewer than 900 breeding females in the UK.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31And today, they are still at risk,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35with just an estimated 5,000 Clydesdales worldwide,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38around 800 of which are in the UK.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40We've just ridden from Chappels Farm
0:17:40 > 0:17:45along here, and behind us, there's the boundary of the Lake District National Park.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49We're sitting here on the very edge, the southernmost tip
0:17:49 > 0:17:51of the Lake District National Park.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Over to our left here,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55this really large hill here,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57this is Black Combe.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It shadows the Whicham Valley,
0:18:00 > 0:18:01a beautiful fell.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03The top of that
0:18:03 > 0:18:05is just shy of 2,000 feet.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07That makes it
0:18:07 > 0:18:10the biggest hill in England.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12From the top of that, on a day like today,
0:18:12 > 0:18:13which is so beautiful,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15you can actually see
0:18:15 > 0:18:17England, Northern Ireland, Wales,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Scotland and the Isle of Man.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22It's a beautiful vantage point.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24As well as introducing tourists
0:18:24 > 0:18:27to the joys of the county's landscape from the back of one of her 22 horses,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Annie also employs ten local people,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33making the stables a real community affair.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35It looks as if the heavy horses
0:18:35 > 0:18:38have gained two more admirers in our buyers.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40It was an absolute pleasure to ride with you today.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Many thanks for all your help.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Thank you.- Take care.- See you again.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- Bye.- Bye-bye.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Time to "trot along" to see our next property.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01For our second house,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03we've travelled to the outskirts of Windermere,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06which is situated around half a mile away from the lake.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Windermere has all the usual amenities
0:19:09 > 0:19:11of a lively town,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14and attracts millions of tourists a year for boating and walking.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Here you'll find a post office,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18plenty of shops,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and a variety of places to eat.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22House number two was built in the 1960s,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25and inspired by the cottages typical to the region.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28'But will it be traditional enough for Tony and Helen?'
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Was that a nod of approval, or...?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- That's different!- Different, yes.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Not your usual country cottage.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38No, it's a modern take on it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- OK.- A modern take on a traditional Lakeland property.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43So what do you think?
0:19:43 > 0:19:44First impressions,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46yeah - it's a good-looking house.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Right, let's get you in there.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- Super.- Come on.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52'They're sounding a little reticent to me at the moment,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54'but I think once they get inside and see the size of it,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57'Tony and Helen might just warm up to this property.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00'We start off our tour by going through the bright hall space
0:20:00 > 0:20:02'and into the living room.'
0:20:05 > 0:20:07So...
0:20:07 > 0:20:10This is a nice, large room.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11This is a nice room, yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- Like it?- Lovely. - This is a very nice room, actually.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Lots of unusual shapes in this room, I like.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20What about the totally modern feel
0:20:20 > 0:20:22to the house?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- We could tweak it a bit. - We're in a modern house now,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27so our furnishings would go quite easily.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29They would.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Yeah. Quite surprising, actually, how large it is.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Oh, really?- Yes.- So you're happy?
0:20:33 > 0:20:36From outside, it didn't look quite as big as this.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39You have the dining room there that was put in as an extension
0:20:39 > 0:20:4120 years ago.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44It's what you see with a little added-on bit to the left.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- Let me show you.- OK.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Oh!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54This is nice, isn't it?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- A little sunroom.- A little reading/sunroom - whatever you want to call it.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Having your dinner here,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02looking out into your garden. Gorgeous.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03- Yeah.- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05'I'm glad they're actually
0:21:05 > 0:21:07'appreciating the space that's been created in here.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09'Time to head for the kitchen,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11'which has been recently extended.'
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Ah!- Wow!
0:21:16 > 0:21:18This is big.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19It is.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21It's quite an unusual shape, isn't it?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Yeah, I like this kitchen. Fantastic.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27You have a table there, at the end of the L shape.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Also, the French doors opening out to a little decking area.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32And so much storage space!
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Excellent.- So you're happy? This seems to have changed your outlook completely,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- cos you've been walking into rooms, thinking a lot.- I know.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42You went a bit quiet, but now you're back with us.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Come back down, yes. - This is a different living space altogether.- It is.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It changes the house a little bit.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49OK?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Hey, good.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- You like it?- BOTH: Yes. - Excellent.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- We shall go and see the master bedroom?- OK.- Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57It's roughly about
0:21:57 > 0:21:5912 paces away.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04'I'm not sure how Tony and Helen feel about having a downstairs bedroom,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07'but I'm about to find out. Fingers crossed.'
0:22:07 > 0:22:10OK, so it was probably about 13 steps to the master bedroom.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Wow! That's a big bed.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14It is a big bed.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- It dominates the room, I would say. - It does a little.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18Yes.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21How d'you feel about having a bedroom on the ground floor?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Erm...
0:22:23 > 0:22:24I don't see a problem with it.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I don't think I've ever thought about it, really.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Well, what difference would it make?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31It doesn't at all.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Easier to get to the kitchen for a cuppa.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36This could also be a great guest room.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37Yes, it could.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39You also have a good-size cloakroom,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and a really modern, lovely en suite,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44with a top-range shower, the lot.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Very nice.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Again, it's spacious, though.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50It is. There's a lot of room in it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53'Upstairs, in the original part of the house,
0:22:53 > 0:22:54'there are two double bedrooms,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'so, if they wanted to use the downstairs bedroom for guests,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'there are perfectly good options for them and their daughter, Amelia.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05'This floor also has a good-size family bathroom.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07'Back on the ground floor,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'there's a studio space which could prove useful for Tony to work from home.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13'And outside, the garden is a real beauty,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17'with an expansive lawn and plenty of mature trees and shrubs.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20'But the highlight must be the stream
0:23:20 > 0:23:21'which runs along the end of it.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23'This is a quaint bridge,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25'which leads to a footpath,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'which could take our buyers, and their dogs,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30'all the way to Lake Windermere.'
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Another great seating area.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33- Mm!- It is, isn't it?- Huge!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- That would be lovely for outside dining with friends.- And how!
0:23:37 > 0:23:38Yeah, beautiful.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42So, all this comes at a cost. What d'you think it's on the market for?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I'd say 585,000.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46OK, 585,000.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I would say slightly less -
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- 579,000.- 579,000?
0:23:51 > 0:23:52That's very precise.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54579,000.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58You were closer. It's currently on the market for 595,000.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- OK.- Wow.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- And that's because...? - It's in Windermere.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05And it's a big house with rather a large plot of land,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07with a stream at the bottom of it.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08Very close to the lake.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Yeah, you can understand why it's the price it is.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Do you want to go and have another look?
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- Yes, we'll have a look round. OK. I'll be at the front. OK.- Thank you.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22So, just under their top budget,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25at £595,000,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28this beautiful property really delivers highly
0:24:28 > 0:24:29on all their list of demands.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32It has a fantastic sociable living space,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34a huge kitchen/diner
0:24:34 > 0:24:35with garden access,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37a studio which could be used as a study,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39three bedrooms,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41and a long woodland garden with a stream,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and access to country walks.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47First impressions was, it's not something I'd have normally looked at.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50However, once we got inside, it did change my opinion somewhat.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53The living space is nice,
0:24:53 > 0:24:54the lounge is good,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56the dining room here is a nice space.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58And it's a nice living space to have.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01When I went inside,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I was surprised, actually.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07It was a lot bigger than I expected it to be.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10The kitchen was a fantastic kitchen,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12but I'm not sure
0:25:12 > 0:25:15if I'm moving to the country, I want to move back into a town.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- Seen enough?- We have. - Yes, thank you.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Don't know about you, but I'm slightly frazzled,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- so no more houses for today.- OK.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Both the houses you've seen have been completely different,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- so take it all in, and we'll start again tomorrow.- Excellent.- Super.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32Let's get back to base.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47As dusk falls over Cumbria's stunning Lakeland countryside,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50it marks the end of day one of our property search.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Tony and Helen, from Manchester, fell in love
0:25:58 > 0:26:01with the Lake District after spending many holidays there,
0:26:01 > 0:26:02and are keen to make it their new home.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04However, the ideal house
0:26:04 > 0:26:07needs to be close to good schools for their daughter,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09and have enough land for a new pony.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12So far, they've been taken with the character of one cottage,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14but it was a bit too remote.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Then they were surprised by the amount of space
0:26:16 > 0:26:20in our second property, although that had too many houses nearby.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23'Coming up, the mystery property looks like a winner, right from the off.'
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Love it.- Yeah?- Tick, tick, tick!
0:26:26 > 0:26:29'And I get in touch with my inner caveman, with the help
0:26:29 > 0:26:31'of a local bushcraft expert.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I'm prehistoric man!
0:26:33 > 0:26:34HE LAUGHS
0:26:38 > 0:26:40And so begins the second day in our quest to find Helen and Tony
0:26:40 > 0:26:43their horse-friendly house here in Cumbria.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Yesterday started very well.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Then Helen announced she found the first property to be a little too isolated.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52I thought we were onto a winner with the second house in Windermere,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54but it only goes to prove you can lead a horse to water,
0:26:54 > 0:26:55but you can't make it drink.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58They felt the had a few too many "neigh"-bours.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Apologies.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02All is not lost. We still have the mystery house,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and I'm determined to show them something with land,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06although probably it means
0:27:06 > 0:27:10we have to ride a little further than the National Park to find it.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16We've made the journey four miles southeast of Kendal,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18to the small village of Old Hutton.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21It's a beautiful rural location, surrounded by farmland,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23and has a stream, known as Peasey Beck,
0:27:23 > 0:27:24running through it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Our final offering is set
0:27:26 > 0:27:29in the hamlet of Eskrigg End, a community
0:27:29 > 0:27:31of eight houses, including a sheep farm.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33For the first time in our search,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35we're outside the National Park,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37and in an area that's not so familiar
0:27:37 > 0:27:39to Tony and Helen.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42The mystery house dates back about 100 years,
0:27:42 > 0:27:43and was once an old stables,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45before being converted.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48It comes with an annexe at the front of the property,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50which is set up as a holiday let.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53This is it, mystery property.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- Fabulous.- Wow! All of it?
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- All of it. - SHE LAUGHS
0:27:57 > 0:27:58So first impressions are good?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- Yeah.- Fabulous. Love it.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Tick, tick, tick!
0:28:02 > 0:28:03Fantastic. Let's go in.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07'It looks like we've struck gold with this house.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08'And if they're dazzled by the outside,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12'I've got an idea they'll really take a shine to the interior.'
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Wow!
0:28:16 > 0:28:18That's a kitchen!
0:28:18 > 0:28:20A kitchen-and-a-half, I would say.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21- Fantastic.- That's stunning.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Absolutely stunning.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- The Shaker style.- It's lovely.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29A lovely island. You also have the utility room through there.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- Utility, as well?- Yeah.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34You wouldn't change a thing.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I love it. Absolutely.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I love the ceiling, as well.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42That's the biggest smile I've seen on your face so far.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43I love this.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45'Big smiles for the kitchen,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48'but I can sense more on the way when they reach the next stop of our tour.'
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And this is the living room.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- Very nice.- Wow.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Again, big living space, isn't it?
0:28:55 > 0:28:56Wow!
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Another dining table.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- A lovely room, as well. - A big room, isn't it?
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- Our furniture would fit perfectly in here.- Oh, really?- Yes.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Here you seem to have more modern lines.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- You don't mind that?- No, not at all.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Because I still think it has that traditional feel about it,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13with it being like an old farm building.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15'So the love affair continues.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17'Also downstairs, off the living space,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20'are two bedrooms. They're both a very good size,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23'and one could easily be turned into a home study for Tony.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27'There's also a large family bathroom on this floor.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30'Whilst upstairs, to really make the most of the space,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'there's a further living area.'
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- It's beautiful.- Isn't it just?
0:29:35 > 0:29:37This is a huge space.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38Isn't it just?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Yes, indeed.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41How do you work with the two lounges?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43I don't know, because I'd be confused.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45"Which one shall I have today?"
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- Yeah, this is fantastic.- Oh, yeah.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50I would actually have this as the main lounge.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- Yeah, spoilt for choice.- You are, aren't you?- Windows...
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- I'll show you the master bedroom. - OK.- Thank you.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58'On the way to the master, across the large landing area,
0:29:58 > 0:29:59'we pass by the second bedroom,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02'which could possibly suit Amelia, or be used as a dressing room.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06'But here's where Tony and Helen could be sleeping.'
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Another large, fantastic room.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10It is, yeah.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- Again bright, double-aspect. - The walls...
0:30:12 > 0:30:17With, of course, you'd say, "En suite - of course!"
0:30:17 > 0:30:20We have "his & hers" sinks to go with your "his & hers" living room.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21HE LAUGHS
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- And a really good-sized shower, as well.- Right, fantastic.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Can you imagine yourself living here?- Yes.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Yeah, I think so.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- Seriously, it's a very, very nice house.- Wow!
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Amazing! We haven't even seen outside yet.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I'm getting quite emotional. TONY LAUGHS
0:30:35 > 0:30:36Eh? Aw, don't!
0:30:36 > 0:30:38It's lovely, isn't it?
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- Yeah.- It's great
0:30:40 > 0:30:41that you feel that way about it,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- because I think it has lovely feel. - It has.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Of course, we've made you happy -
0:30:47 > 0:30:48so happy, you're crying,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- and I think Amelia would be happy here.- I think so.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53'So the smiles have turned
0:30:53 > 0:30:55'into tears of joy,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57'and they haven't seen the grounds yet.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59'As well as a dog-friendly back garden,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02'there's a lovely, sprawling lawn at the front of the property.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04'We mustn't forget the additional bonus
0:31:04 > 0:31:07'of that huge outbuilding.'
0:31:07 > 0:31:11What you have here is an annexe with a lovely good-sized bedroom,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14living room, kitchen
0:31:14 > 0:31:15and bathroom.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17What you also have is one bedroom and an en suite
0:31:17 > 0:31:19at the end, but not connected.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- So that's two separate bedrooms?- Wow!
0:31:21 > 0:31:22In effect, it's like
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- six bedrooms?- Yeah.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Yeah.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I'm not sure I'd want to invite the family, cos they'd never leave.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- I don't think they would, either. - SHE LAUGHS
0:31:31 > 0:31:33'That just leaves the matter
0:31:33 > 0:31:35'of where to keep the horse for their daughter.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36'Would I let them down?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38'Of course not.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41'Just a minute's stroll down the lane, is the answer.'
0:31:43 > 0:31:45There's a spring in my step.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46TONY LAUGHS
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Just under two acres. Perfect for horses, really.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- It is.- It is.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52And it comes with the property.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- You're joking!- No.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57You've excelled yourself on this one!
0:31:57 > 0:31:58Should we talk money, then?
0:31:58 > 0:32:00I think it's over budget.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02By quite a lot.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05I would suggest
0:32:05 > 0:32:07at least 625,000.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- OK.- I was going to think that, as well.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10630,000?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- 630,000?- Yeah, I think.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15What would you do if it was within budget, though?
0:32:15 > 0:32:17Erm...
0:32:17 > 0:32:18Panic!
0:32:18 > 0:32:21THEY LAUGH
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- You'd better start panicking. - Is it in budget?- Yeah.
0:32:24 > 0:32:25Wow.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Go on.- I would have never thought that.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30£585,000.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32That house,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34this land could be yours.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35It's fabulous.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Okey-doke. Right.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Let's see the estate agents, then!
0:32:40 > 0:32:41Fantastic, off you go(!)
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Go an have a look at the annexe and the house again,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46cos you do like it,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- and it could be yours.- We need to have a good look round it.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Off you go. I'll find you at the front.- Thank you.- Cheers.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55I do love it when a plan comes together,
0:32:55 > 0:32:56and they seem to be very, very happy.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59As they say, it does tick every box, not just for them,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01but also for their daughter.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02And even the horse.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06If you ask me, they'll be "foalish" not to buy it.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10So, at £585,000, this property
0:33:10 > 0:33:11is well within their budget,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14and delivers handsomely on everything in their wish list.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It has not just one sociable living space, but two.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21A huge kitchen/diner with adjoining boot room,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25four bedrooms - one of which could be used as a study for Tony,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28an enclosed back garden for the dogs,
0:33:28 > 0:33:29an annexe,
0:33:29 > 0:33:31and two acres of paddock, for a pony.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37My first impression when I saw the mystery house
0:33:37 > 0:33:39was, "Wow!"
0:33:39 > 0:33:41I liked the look of it,
0:33:41 > 0:33:42the location.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45It's so quiet, so peaceful.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47A really nice garden to it, as well.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51Everything, I loved. Everything. Just the look to it. Everything.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54My favourite room is this room, without the shadow of a doubt.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56I can see that you would entertain here,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59that we would cook here, we would eat in this room.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03I always like the kitchens, because I think they're the focal point for the family.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I can see myself living here.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06DOOR OPENS
0:34:06 > 0:34:09See, it even suits you, coming out that house.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Still love it?
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- Yes.- Yes. Very nice.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13You'll never guess what I'm drinking.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- And it's cold. You took your time! - SHE LAUGHS
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- There's a lot to see. - There IS a lot to see.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- Let's find somewhere we can talk about all three houses.- Lovely.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Since the time when Victorian poets
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and painters romanticised the Lakelands' craggy fells
0:34:34 > 0:34:36and clustered villages,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38people have come to experience the cobbled streets
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and whitewashed cottages in person.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44It's easy to understand why Wordsworth and Ruskin
0:34:44 > 0:34:46wanted to settle here,
0:34:46 > 0:34:47but they weren't the first.
0:34:47 > 0:34:497,000 years earlier,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52this was a harsh, inhospitable wilderness.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55As nomadic Britons started creating more permanent settlements,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58it was here that some of the most industrious Neolithic people
0:34:58 > 0:35:00decided to put down roots.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02The Lake District National Park boundaries
0:35:02 > 0:35:05contain nearly 15,000 archaeological sites.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09And 275 of these are ancient monuments.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12To get in touch with my Stone Age ancestors,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16bushcraft expert, Ben McNutt, promised to put me through my prehistoric paces,
0:35:16 > 0:35:20starting with how to make an axe.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21- The process is called knapping. - Right.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Essentially, it's just beating the lard out of a rock
0:35:25 > 0:35:26with a harder rock,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29to the point that you have something workable.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31If I strike downwards, it will hopefully bust out a flake
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- on this side.- Ah, OK.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35And it's all about angles.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37So I want to brace it on my thigh.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40A-ha!
0:35:40 > 0:35:42And you start knocking off
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- quite big, clean faces. - It's really sharp!
0:35:44 > 0:35:48Oh, yeah. You could dismember a red deer with that quite quickly.
0:35:48 > 0:35:49It's an amazing sound, though.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Yeah. If you think about it,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54that's the sound that heralded the arrival of humanity.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55That first tool being made.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57- Do you want to have a go? - Yeah, why not? Brilliant.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Thank you. What's this, by the way?
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- That is just a bit of old fur coat. - Oh, lovely.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03HE LAUGHS
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- I like it. I should hit it about there?- Exactly.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- OK.- A smooth strike.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16- A-ha.- Nice.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- That it?- That's a perfect, workable blade.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22That's amazing!
0:36:22 > 0:36:24How does that become an axe head?
0:36:24 > 0:36:25You can make it stronger,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28using a technique called "pressure flaking".
0:36:28 > 0:36:30That was where you take an antler...
0:36:30 > 0:36:33You just push small flakes off.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35That refaces this stone
0:36:35 > 0:36:38and makes that a stronger cutting edge.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- They were clever, weren't they? - They were, yeah.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43From there, I've just halved it
0:36:43 > 0:36:46onto an elbow of wood.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48So I can use it like a little axe,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51and this can quite quickly hew down a small tree.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53That's brilliant.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56'Although axes like these have been found all over the country,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58'the vast majority of them
0:36:58 > 0:36:59'appear unused.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02'Many were discovered in significant locations,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04'leading most historians to believe
0:37:04 > 0:37:06'that they were just for ceremony.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08'But we're going to use one, right now,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10'on a birch sapling.'
0:37:10 > 0:37:12So,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14it's just a case of "beaver away".
0:37:17 > 0:37:19It's quite effective, though, isn't it?
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- It's slow, but it's effective. - A slow process.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- Do you want to have a go? - I'll come round to you.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- It's amazing how well it works, isn't it?- Yes.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34'And with a little more effort from both of us,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37'the tree is down.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39'But it's definitely not going to waste.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'Ben plans to use it for a little trip back in time he has planned for us,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'in an ancient form of watercraft -
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'a boat made of twigs - traditionally tied together with vines,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51'or in our case, twine.'
0:37:51 > 0:37:53This looks interesting.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- Yeah, it's a pterodactyl's nest. - It looks like it!
0:37:57 > 0:38:01Traditionally, the Native Americans would have skinned this vessel,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03using the skin of one bull buffalo,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05which is why it's called a "bull boat".
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Unfortunately, we don't have any bull buffaloes around,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11so we're going to cheat and use a tarpaulin.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15We're good to go.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19I have to say I'm not sure if I'm excited or ever-so-slightly nervous.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Hey, what do you know? It floats!
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- But does it float with us in it? - There's one way to find out.- OK.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Do you want to jump in first? - OK, then.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- Can I just go for it? - Yeah, just step on there.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Try not to stay in the middle.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43There we go!
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- It's seaworthy.- It's brilliant!
0:38:45 > 0:38:47THEY LAUGH
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I'm prehistoric man!
0:38:50 > 0:38:53'I hope I make it back to dry land safely.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57'Wouldn't want to leave Tony and Helen's house search "up the creek without a paddle".'
0:38:59 > 0:39:03I don't think I'd have made it as a Mesolithic man.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05But I wonder if Tony and Helen have "an axe to grind"
0:39:05 > 0:39:08as far as any of the properties we've shown them are concerned.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09Let's find out, shall we?
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Hi.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- Hi.- You chose a nice spot, didn't you?- It's lovely.- Fantastic.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19So, what an adventure it's been.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Yes.- You really seemed to like that first house.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Yeah, it was a beautiful property.
0:39:24 > 0:39:25The views around it were very nice.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29As you say, from the outside, it looked a typical cottage.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Even inside, some of the original features were there.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34Yeah, some of the features -
0:39:34 > 0:39:37it was really quirky,
0:39:37 > 0:39:38some of the things in there.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40And I love that, yes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41It was also very dog-friendly.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43You had three or four doors, didn't you?
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Yes - you could go out of.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48You were a bit disappointed in the master bedroom.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Yes, the first master bedroom,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52because it was a little on the small side.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54And then, almost like Narnia,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58you walked to that bedroom, and...
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Yes. "Where's this room come from?"
0:40:00 > 0:40:03That changed, sort of, my opinion of the property,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07because, from what we felt was a small master bedroom,
0:40:07 > 0:40:11it had this huge bedroom, in effect.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12And a good location?
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Hm, not as good.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- A little bit remote and isolated. - Yes, a little bit isolated.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21I think with the first property, we started really well,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23and then went downhill a little bit.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27With the second property, we were downhill to start with, and then we went uphill.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Yes. First impressions of that was,
0:40:29 > 0:40:31"Ooh, it's a 1960s build."
0:40:31 > 0:40:35And the location, as well. To me, that isn't country living.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38OK. But you had Windermere on your doorstep.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41We did, yes. And the schools are on the doorstep,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and I harp on about Helen having a support network
0:40:44 > 0:40:46and an infrastructure on the doorstep.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Definitely had it there.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Absolutely. It's just that we've always said
0:40:51 > 0:40:54that this would possibly be our last move.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Me personally, I couldn't see myself
0:40:56 > 0:40:59living there once I retired, etcetera, because it's not what I want to do.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I actually want to be out in something more rural.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06We took you out of the Lake District and you did a little jig of joy.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07Yes.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11The third property was just fantastic.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13When you walk up to it,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15it was a beautiful-looking building.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16You could tell it was old.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18You can tell it had character.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Obviously, it had the bonus of having the annexe, as well,
0:41:22 > 0:41:23which is great for visiting family,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27but also if it's got potential to let it out as well,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29as a holiday let, it could potentially be an income, as well.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Walking into that third property,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- that kitchen was amazing.- Fantastic.
0:41:34 > 0:41:35Yes.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Walking through that door and seeing that, I knew straightaway
0:41:38 > 0:41:40that Helen would fall in love with that property.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- Straightaway.- That's why the colour went out of your face.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44THEY LAUGH
0:41:44 > 0:41:46And that was before
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- we took that little walk down the lane.- Yes!
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And dropped that bombshell, as well.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54And we'd had tears from you before that, as well.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Well, once you pulled that 2½ acres out,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00that's it. It sold it.
0:42:00 > 0:42:01I suppose the million dollar question is,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04can you see yourselves living there, and if you can,
0:42:04 > 0:42:05are you going to?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I'd like to.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08We will be coming up again
0:42:08 > 0:42:10next weekend,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13and go for a second viewing and, obviously,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15bring Amelia with us.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Fantastic. Listen, I wish you all the luck.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- It's been really great fun spending time with you.- Thank you.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22I'm so pleased that you love that property now.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25I'm so pleased you cried for the right reason, as well.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Don't you love it when a plan comes together?
0:42:34 > 0:42:38I'm very often with people with definite ideas about what they don't want in a house.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41But it's totally the opposite with Tony and Helen.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44They know exactly what they want in a property.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46And I think we may have found it.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49And who'd have thought that their dream house
0:42:49 > 0:42:50in the Lake District National Park
0:42:50 > 0:42:53would actually be outside the National Park?
0:42:53 > 0:42:57It's time for this presenter to ride off into the sunset.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03'Tony and Helen did go back to see the mystery house.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06'There's no offer yet,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08'but our fingers remain crossed.'
0:43:08 > 0:43:10If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Northern Ireland or England, and need our help,
0:43:13 > 0:43:14please apply online...
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd