0:00:02 > 0:00:03This is Roaring Meg,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the mighty mortar responsible for bringing this medieval Norman castle
0:00:06 > 0:00:08to its knees back in 1646.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Find out which castle and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Our couple today have already crossed the continent
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and are now crossing counties in their quest
0:00:35 > 0:00:37for some countryside calm.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38And we deliver quantity...
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Does this all come with the house?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43..as well as quality.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Nice.- It looks cute, yes. - Well, it's better than "not bad"!
0:00:46 > 0:00:47LAUGHTER
0:00:47 > 0:00:50I'm in Herefordshire, and this is Goodrich Castle.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53This magnificent edifice was begun in the 11th century
0:00:53 > 0:00:55and guards the point where the River Wye
0:00:55 > 0:00:57enters the valley of Symonds Yat,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01giving a huge strategic importance for any military commander.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Today, these impressive ruins still stand
0:01:04 > 0:01:07as one of the best examples of castle-building in the country,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10and visitors get to enjoy some of the best views
0:01:10 > 0:01:12of this beautiful county.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Nestled up against Wales, Herefordshire shares its borders
0:01:17 > 0:01:20with the Welsh counties of Powys and Monmouthshire
0:01:20 > 0:01:23and the English counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire
0:01:23 > 0:01:24and Gloucestershire.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26One of the most rural areas in the country,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Herefordshire's patchwork landscape has been shaped by agriculture,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34with over 5,000 farms and 3,000 orchards.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Boasting one of the lowest population densities in England,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40the pleasant pastures here could provide a perfect place
0:01:40 > 0:01:43for those chasing a truly peaceful escape.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45But will our buyers agree?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Arthur Goosen, known to his friends and family as Goose,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and his wife Judy relocated from South Africa to England
0:01:53 > 0:01:56nearly 30 years ago. And for a long while,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00home has been this five-bed semi in the Buckinghamshire town of Marlow.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03But they long to get away from the rat race
0:02:03 > 0:02:05and break free from their suburban surroundings.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08We've been here 17 years,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11which is a long time to stay in one place anyway.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16And I think now that our children have grown up, it's now our time,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20'so we can do the things that we want to do.'
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Both Goose and Judy were raised abroad
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and the commuter climate is a far cry from the environment
0:02:25 > 0:02:27they experienced growing up.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30We both grew up in Africa.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And both grew up in a rural sort of...you know, lifestyle.
0:02:33 > 0:02:39And I think now is the time that we'd like to really recreate that.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Where I grew up, it was very tranquil and calm
0:02:41 > 0:02:44'and very little traffic.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47'In fact, if a car came by on'
0:02:47 > 0:02:50some days, it was a real eye-opener.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Um...if an aircraft flew over, it was a miracle!
0:02:53 > 0:02:55But there's a more profound motive
0:02:55 > 0:02:57that's prompted this proposed chapter.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00The reason we want to go to Herefordshire particularly
0:03:00 > 0:03:03is because our daughter is there. She's married to a farmer.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06We do travel there quite often for weekends,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10really enjoy it, and the farm life as well.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13We're pretty busy people. We work full-time.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15I'm a trainer in the pharmaceutical industry
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and Arthur is a key accounts manager,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21so our lives are busy during the week.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24But we're looking forward to, in a couple of years, retiring
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and really being able to make the most of it.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28So, with retirement on the horizon,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31a new lease of life in a new location
0:03:31 > 0:03:35should afford them more time for their passions.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I think my main hobbies are, um...cooking and painting,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42which I don't do very much of at the moment.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44'I just don't get the time.'
0:03:44 > 0:03:47'I've been playing golf for about 35 years now. I started playing'
0:03:47 > 0:03:49in South Africa.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52'And I play virtually on every weekend.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54'I play in the inter-club matches,
0:03:54 > 0:03:55'really enjoy it'
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and really enjoy the social life
0:03:58 > 0:04:00in the golf club as well.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Arthur does play a lot of golf,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04which means, particularly at weekends,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08I'm often on my own during the day, which is actually fine,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11because I love cooking, so I'll spend the day cooking
0:04:11 > 0:04:13or doing something that I enjoy.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It doesn't worry me. I quite actually enjoy being on my own.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20And if we have a garden as well that I can potter around in,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22that'll keep me busy.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26With so much time at home alone and after a long day teeing off,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29they want a more inspiring house to relax in.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32We would like a house with character,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35so something a bit different, something a bit quirky,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37something that's not just a square box.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40But before we can start looking for their new home,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43we need to find out how much money there is to play with.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Our maximum budget for this move is £400,000.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52The fundamental incentive for Goose and Judy's relocation
0:04:52 > 0:04:54is the desire to be within half an hour's drive
0:04:54 > 0:04:56of their daughter in Dinedor.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00Time for us all to meet up and finalise the details of their move.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- Now, Arthur, you're called Goose, right?- My nickname's Goose.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Everyone calls me Goose.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06- Can I call you Goose?- Yeah.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- Except Judy, when's she's annoyed with me, she calls me Arthur.- OK.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10We'll see how that goes.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13If I call you Arthur, it means you've walked into the wrong room!
0:05:13 > 0:05:15So, run me through your top three assets
0:05:15 > 0:05:17that the property must have for you.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Must have a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23because we will have quite a few friends to stay.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27It must have a decent-sized garden, but not too huge,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30but a good size that we can have some veggies
0:05:30 > 0:05:32and maybe have some chickens.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Are you going to keep chickens? Are you going to grow veggies?- Yeah!
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Who's going to do that? Goose, are you pretty handy?
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I can see myself looking after the chickens
0:05:41 > 0:05:43and eating them!
0:05:43 > 0:05:44No, we're not eating them!
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I take it, Judy, you want the eggs and you want the meat.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Coming from a South African background,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- you've got to be into barbecues, right?- Big time.- Oh, yes.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56So, this garden - for you, is it an extension of the house,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- an entertaining space? - Absolutely, yes.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So you don't want what you live in at the moment - a 1970s...
0:06:01 > 0:06:03box, if you like.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07I don't want a dark and gloomy interior.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Right, OK.- I'd love the house to be fairly airy and sunny.- Yes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13We've got some cracking houses lined up.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14- Great.- Can't wait.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19With a top budget of £400,000,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22our buyers are looking for a characterful and quirky property
0:06:22 > 0:06:24with light, spacious rooms.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27They need three bedrooms to accommodate visiting friends
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and a roomy kitchen in which to entertain them.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Outside, they want a decent-sized garden for barbecues,
0:06:33 > 0:06:37and, ideally, the location should be within a 30-minute drive
0:06:37 > 0:06:38from their daughter, as well
0:06:38 > 0:06:40as a good golf course.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42And we'll be taking Goose and Judy
0:06:42 > 0:06:45to view some of the finest homes on the market,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47but I won't be revealing their price tags
0:06:47 > 0:06:49until they've had a guess first.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52As ever, our final choice is the Mystery House,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53which should open their eyes
0:06:53 > 0:06:56to something we hope they might never have considered.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04We're starting off about 15 miles south
0:07:04 > 0:07:07of Judy and Goose's daughter in Dinedor,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10where our first destination is the village of Goodrich.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13A golf course is within a 15-minute drive of Goodrich,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16which is a small village that developed around
0:07:16 > 0:07:18the now ruinous 11th century red sandstone castle.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21And just a five-minute stroll away
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and up at the top of Coppet Hill,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26our first property is perfectly positioned
0:07:26 > 0:07:29to command an incredible 180-degree panorama
0:07:29 > 0:07:31of the Wye Valley and beyond.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Look at the snow at the top of the mountains.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Wonderful. Well, this house is all geared up to enjoy that view.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Look at the way it faces.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41And this is us.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- First impression?- Nice.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Er...not a square block.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47It's got a lot of character to it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- It was a barn.- Oh, was it?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52With a cider press inside it. I'll tell you a bit more inside.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Let's go and have a look.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57On the site of a mid-19th-century cider mill,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00this property was built into the hillside on a gradient,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03and as such, the internal layout is a little unconventional.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07But our buyers specifically requested quirky character,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09'so I hope this one does the trick.'
0:08:11 > 0:08:13So in you come. Mind that step there.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15I like the kitchen. Very nice.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19This was a barn, but the farmer, the guy that owned it,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22used to have this room as a cider press.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- I think it's quite nice, to be honest with you.- Yeah. I like it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Size-wise, it's not huge.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I mean, to be honest, I'd prefer the kitchen to be a bit bigger.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33If I'm completely honest.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35I like the kitchen, I like the style of kitchen.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38It's got a nice feel about it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Now, your room is the living room, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Let me show you that.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50Right then.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I'm trying to picture you, Goose,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56reading or maybe watching your sport in this room.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00It is a nice room. Beautiful view. Lovely windows.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- We're used to having a bigger room where we live now.- Right.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07But I do realise we are probably going to have to downsize our rooms
0:09:07 > 0:09:10and I honestly believe this is ample. This is fine for us.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- We don't need a room much bigger than that.- Good.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Now then...three bedrooms.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I think one of the guest bedrooms is on this floor,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20but the good thing about that is it's got a shower
0:09:20 > 0:09:22and a loo next door to it. So your guests...
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Even your day guests won't have to go traipsing through.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Downstairs, I think, is where you'll be sleeping.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- OK.- Wonderful.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Coming down the stairs,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39it feels like we're in the bowels of the building,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- but actually, you're almost on the ground floor.- OK.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Is this the master bedroom?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It's what you want it to be, but, yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51The three bedrooms you've got are of similar size.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54This has got all the power points, telephone points, what-have-you.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56And it's got the bathroom opposite.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- So it feels like this would be your master.- Yes.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- OK.- Yeah.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Cupboard space...?
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Where would you put your clothes?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's smaller on the downstairs. This is built into a hill.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Right, OK. It is a small room.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I would struggle to think of actually living here,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- because I don't know where I'd put my clothes.- OK.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It was all going really well,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19but it seems we've hit a stumbling block over space.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23But seeing as the house needs to accommodate just our buyers,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26they could use the second downstairs bedroom for extra storage.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29There's also a useful utility room down on this floor.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32But we're going to weave our way back up and out of this property
0:10:32 > 0:10:34to check out the garden
0:10:34 > 0:10:37and find out just how many quirks Judy and Goose can take.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41So...
0:10:41 > 0:10:45All in all, including where the house sits itself,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48you've got around three-quarters of an acre.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50So...
0:10:50 > 0:10:52what do you think of the garden?
0:10:52 > 0:10:54The garden's a big disappointment to me.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Yeah, it's a bit slope-y.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00You'd have to terrace it if you were going to do anything with it.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02It depends what you want to do with it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I mean, yeah, you'd need to terrace part of it
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- for growing some veggies, maybe in raised beds.- Yes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13So how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:11:13 > 0:11:15I reckon about...
0:11:15 > 0:11:17349.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18OK.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21I'm going to go higher.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23I would say it's about 365.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24Right, OK.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Well...not high enough.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28This place is on the market
0:11:28 > 0:11:31for offers around £399,995.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Right. OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Just £5 short of their maximum budget,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39property number one is a detached stone-built home
0:11:39 > 0:11:41with a topsy-turvy layout,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44that lends itself to a beautiful fitted kitchen/diner,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48an inviting sitting room and three bedrooms.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50And though the three-quarter-acre plot
0:11:50 > 0:11:53may not present the ideal garden for veggies or barbecues,
0:11:53 > 0:11:58it does boast terrific, far-fetching views.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- So, all done inside?- I think so.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02I think we're all done inside, seen enough.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Good. Let's go to the next one.- OK.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13If there's one thing synonymous with Herefordshire,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15it has to be agriculture.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And the largest agricultural sector in the country
0:12:18 > 0:12:21is dairy farming, worth over £3 billion a year,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25with an annual milk production around 13 billion litres.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29But the UK dairy industry is in crisis,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31as farmers struggle to break even.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34So much so that over the last five years,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37some 1,500 farms have stopped producing milk.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40However, on Lower Buckholt Farm here in Herefordshire,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43third-generation farmers Oli and Ed Partridge
0:12:43 > 0:12:46are successfully adopting innovative methods
0:12:46 > 0:12:49to ensure their family's 60-year-old farming pedigree
0:12:49 > 0:12:50continues to thrive.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Morning, chaps.- Morning.- Morning.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55How are you? You are Ed... Oli, how are you?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Who's this?- That's Merlin.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Welcome to the farm.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Come and meet the cows.- I'd love to.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02Come on, Merlin!
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Brothers Oli and Ed work across two sites
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and have a herd that currently stands at
0:13:09 > 0:13:12250 Holstein Friesian milking cows.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15So, Ed, why are dairy farmers finding it so tough at the moment?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17The feed price has been high
0:13:17 > 0:13:20and the milk price has been volatile.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21We grow a lot of maize,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25which provides starch for the high-yielding cows.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Basically, we had a third of a crop, so that's run out early.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32We're buying in extra silage, and it's very expensive.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35It still amazes me that you buy a pint of milk cheaper
0:13:35 > 0:13:36than you buy a pint of water.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I mean, the amount of work that goes into a pint of milk,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- and you give it away, essentially, don't you?- Yes.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44It's incredible. It's such a lot of attention to detail and effort,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46the skill that goes into dairy farming.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Our philosophy is, if we look after the cows,
0:13:48 > 0:13:49then they'll look after us.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Despite the national drop of dairy herds,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55recent figures show the average milk yield
0:13:55 > 0:13:58has increased to about 241 litres per cow.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02And the brothers have invested in a state-of-the-art milk parlour
0:14:02 > 0:14:04to cater for their high-yield cows.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Each animal is given a number, which correlates to a computer programme
0:14:08 > 0:14:11that individually calculates the feed and nutrients
0:14:11 > 0:14:12for each and every cow.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16First, the teat is prepared with an iodine disinfectant.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18OK, up you go. There you go, love.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Then the computerised system distributes the feed.
0:14:22 > 0:14:245...8...3...
0:14:24 > 0:14:25- Enter.- Enter.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Listen to the cake drop.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Once she's happily feeding,
0:14:30 > 0:14:31'the pumps are attached.'
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And the milking begins.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- It's coming out straight away - look at that!- There you go.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44The welfare of their animals is the top priority for Ollie and Ed
0:14:44 > 0:14:47and the sophisticated management and frequent milking they employ
0:14:47 > 0:14:50not only keeps the cows in great condition,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53but also provides more milk, and so optimises their profit.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Vets and nutritionists also visit regularly
0:14:56 > 0:14:59to ensure the cows they've nurtured from birth
0:14:59 > 0:15:02are as healthy and happy as possible.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04So what are these cows doing in here?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06These cows are about to be milked,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09but we thought we'd show you some nice, quiet cows -
0:15:09 > 0:15:11a few of the pets we've got on the farm.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- Do you name them?- Yes.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- THEY LAUGH - They've got names!
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- Yeah!- Go on, then.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19That's Jezza over there.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Wet-Nose is over there.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Tufty's there, that red one there.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25She's nice. You can see why.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27And Fringina, 177.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Bouffant's over there somewhere.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33But this shows just how close you are to your animals, doesn't it?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Which is great to see.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And you're certainly bucking the trend, so long may that continue.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Thanks very much for your time.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Thanks very much.- Good to meet you. - Cheers.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47The second property takes us closer to the water
0:15:47 > 0:15:50as we're headed for the village of Staunton-on-Wye,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52approximately half an hour's drive from Dinedor.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55And in the rural outskirts of the village,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57we find property number two.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02So, for the second house...
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Different position.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07A different proposition as well.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10OK, 1800s again, early 1800s,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12but very different look.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15May very well have been a farm worker's cottage,
0:16:15 > 0:16:17could even have been two.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- I honestly think it looks really nice.- It looks cute.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Good.- You like that, don't you? - I do, yeah!
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Well, it's better than "not bad"!
0:16:25 > 0:16:26LAUGHTER
0:16:26 > 0:16:28OK. This is all very positive.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- It IS positive so far. - Shall we go inside? Follow me.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I must confess my relief that Goose and Judy are attracted
0:16:37 > 0:16:39to the external period character
0:16:39 > 0:16:42of this timber-framed property, for the black
0:16:42 > 0:16:45'and white theme is a serious feature continued inside.'
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Here we are.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Judy?
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Um...I like the sort of openness.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It feels big.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59It IS big. It's a lot bigger than the living room of the first house.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02A lot bigger. It's still very nice and airy.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Very nice of the owner - they lit the fire for us!
0:17:05 > 0:17:09It's a big, long room, but it feels cosy.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11That obviously helps. It's a beautiful feature, isn't it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- I've always wanted one of those. - It's really nice.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16So, good first impressions.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- Let's go through to the kitchen.- OK.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Just off the sitting room, there's a downstairs WC and shower room,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26as well as the dining room that looks out over open fields.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Then, across the back of the building,
0:17:28 > 0:17:34a large dual-aspect study sits right next to the kitchen/breakfast room.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- I like this.- You do?- Lovely, yeah.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37I like that.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39The great thing about this house is -
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and a lot of people have them these days -
0:17:42 > 0:17:45they'll have a range, especially for the winter,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48but for the summer, they'll have an electric hob and oven.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- So best of both worlds, really. - Yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Onwards and upwards. Let me take you to the master bedroom.- OK.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58The staircase in the dining room leads to two first-floor bedrooms,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01both of which share the modern family bathroom.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03One of the bedrooms is a good-sized double,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06featuring exposed timbers and built-in cupboards.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09But we've earmarked the other bedroom for our buyers.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13So, the master bedroom.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17I think it's just that bit bigger, essentially, than the first house.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19That makes it work.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21It does seem to have quite a lot more room,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23especially around the beds,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and...a lot of storage space, with the drawers across there.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- It's big enough, I think.- Yes.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I can see myself waking up in the morning here.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Well, that sounds good.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- I mean, so far, you love the living room.- Yes.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38You like the kitchen, and what that could give you
0:18:38 > 0:18:41in the future as well, opening those doors out to the garden.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- Absolutely.- And upstairs, we've got two bedrooms upstairs
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and a small third bedroom downstairs on the ground floor.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49It seems to be going well.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Mmm.- I think it is going well.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52I do think it's going well, yes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I think that's full marks for the accommodation
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and this time, I'm confident that the outside space
0:18:58 > 0:19:00should deliver the goods too.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02With a paved cottage garden and an orchard,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06the grounds here require more than just a few green fingers.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08But there's a couple of extra features
0:19:08 > 0:19:10I want to show Judy and Goose.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Now, when you said you'd like a bit of land...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I like to take things to the next level.- Wow!
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- How about that?- Wow! Does this all come with the house?
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- The whole lot.- Wow!
0:19:23 > 0:19:26All the way over towards those silver birches.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28But the very best thing, the thing I love the most -
0:19:28 > 0:19:33that little chalet/lodge thing there has electricity,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36running water, and already a bedroom and kitchenette set up in there.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Wow!- I don't believe it! - That's amazing!
0:19:39 > 0:19:40That IS a surprise.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Oh, it's in my mind...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I had it in my mind and I changed my mind!
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- I'll go first.- OK.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53I reckon right at the very top end of our budget.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55399...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Maybe even slightly more.- OK.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Then I'll be really optimistic and say 380.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- I cannot believe 380.- No.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06You did say you'd be prepared to push your budget
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- for the right property. - We did say that.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Is this the right property?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12It could very, very well be.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15This place is on the market for offers around...
0:20:15 > 0:20:18..£395,000.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- That does surprise me.- Wow!
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- That's amazing. - That does surprise me.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I would have thought it would be more than that.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Five grand under budget,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29the second property is an historic black-and-white cottage,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31brimming with character.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33It comes with a living and family room,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35a kitchen/breakfast room
0:20:35 > 0:20:36and three bedrooms,
0:20:36 > 0:20:38one of which is in the separate guest annexe.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41And surrounded by unspoilt countryside,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43the whole plot claims over two acres
0:20:43 > 0:20:45of rural Herefordshire splendour.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Well, I did think the sun would be going down,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- but there was so much to see, wasn't there?- There was. Brilliant.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Did you met the hens?- We did.- Good. Still want to keep some?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Definitely.- Yes, definitely.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Let's discuss it in the car on the way back. That's all for today.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03- OK.- Wonderful.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The final stop on Goose and Judy's property tour
0:21:22 > 0:21:24is in Burghill,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26which is our closest location to their daughter in Dinedor,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29being just about 20 minutes' drive away.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32So...here we are.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It's really sweet.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Lovely.- You could see it on a box of chocolates.- Yes!
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Chocolate box.- It's a country house if ever I've seen one.- Yeah.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The second part is what it looks and feels like inside.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- So let's find out.- OK.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'I've chosen this listed part-thatched cottage
0:21:49 > 0:21:51'because it's definitely not
0:21:51 > 0:21:53'the light and roomy home our buyers asked for.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'And it's packed to the rather low rafters
0:21:55 > 0:21:57'with traditional features.'
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- Righty-ho. Another island for you, Judy.- Another island.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- Nice kitchen.- So...
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Very nice kitchen.- I like it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Isn't it really nice? - It is really nice.- Lovely.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15This kitchen was built back in 2001.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Is it your taste? Because it would be a shame to rip anything out.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- It is. I like the colour.- Good.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- OK.- I hope there might be another area.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Two reception rooms to have a look at.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Which one do you want to have as a dining room?
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Oh!
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Oh, lovely!
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- This is lovely. It's really nice. - I like this room.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Are these ceilings OK?
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Fine for me!
0:22:41 > 0:22:43They're not fine for me, to be honest!
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Just through that doorway, they've put a downstairs loo,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49so your guests don't go traipsing through the rest of your house.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Good.- All these guests of yours. - All these guests.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Now, a room just for you two. I think you'll love it. Follow me.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59So...
0:22:59 > 0:23:01I think this is for you.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- This is cosy. That's nice. - A real fire.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Yep.- Imagine sitting on a winter's evening...
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- Quick look at the master bedroom? - Yeah.- Follow me.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13'The stairs are in the corner of the sitting room
0:23:13 > 0:23:14'and go up to the first-floor landing,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17'where there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19'Two of the bedrooms are similar-sized doubles,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'one of which is presented with a single bed.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'And the final bedroom is, of course, the master suite.'
0:23:26 > 0:23:29So there are height restrictions up here, to an extent.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31This is nice. I like it.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Nice and bright.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- Bit of storage there. - Have a look at that storage.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Have a quick peek.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38Aha!
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Quite sneakily put in there. - En suite.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- It's not massive up here. - No, it's not, but...
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- it's not too poky.- It isn't? - And it's light and airy.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It obviously overlooks the garden,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56which I'm really keen on showing you, because again, very different,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58but I think there's upsides to it as well.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Garden-wise, there's a gravelled patio
0:24:00 > 0:24:02and a large lawn, as well as some raised beds.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06But there's also a little something just for Judy.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09You mentioned, when you do get the chance to retire,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11maybe taking up your art again.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Yeah.- Those two sheds are actually joined up.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- They'd make a lovely little artist's studio.- Excellent!
0:24:17 > 0:24:18- OK.- So...
0:24:18 > 0:24:21village location...
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Yet you've got the right-sized garden,
0:24:24 > 0:24:28your quirky but hopefully the right-sized house...
0:24:28 > 0:24:30It is the right-sized house.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31What do you think it's worth?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33395.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34OK.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37OK. I'm going to go lower.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Why have you got this funny expression on your face?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Because I think I know what this property costs.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- Have you seen it? - I've seen it on the internet.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- OK.- I actually wanted to come and see it.- Cheating!- Did you?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- I did.- That's good, then.- Yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53So if we hadn't have shown you this house,
0:24:53 > 0:24:54you might have looked at it anyway?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- I probably would have come and seen it anyway.- OK.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Go on, then - how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Or how much do you know it's on the market for?- £365,000.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05This is Smug Judy, isn't it?
0:25:05 > 0:25:06I've just met Smug Judy.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09You're absolutely quite right - it's £365,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10For you, you thought it was...
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- More.- A lot more.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Our lowest priced option, the Mystery House
0:25:16 > 0:25:19is a Grade II listed timber-framed and clad cottage.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22It has a stylish country kitchen/breakfast room,
0:25:22 > 0:25:23two separate reception rooms
0:25:23 > 0:25:27and three bedrooms, including a master en suite.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Outside, there's a large, well-tended garden
0:25:30 > 0:25:31and the property is located
0:25:31 > 0:25:33smack-bang in the centre of the village,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36right next door to a golf course.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I must say, whilst you were walking around inside, I thought,
0:25:42 > 0:25:43when the sun comes out,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46this would be the perfect place to have a glass of wine.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- Absolutely.- Nice cold beer.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Let's go somewhere for a chat and see where we're up to, shall we?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- Let's do that.- Off we go.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04How are we feeling?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- Yes.- Feeling quite excited.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Well, this is very positive.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10It's no surprise, actually.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Last night you were quite excited after the second property.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17You felt just as excited, if not more so, after the Mystery House.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18So, what's your decision?
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Well, I think...
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- I think I'd like to go back and see the Mystery House again.- OK.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Brilliant news!- The three days have been a great progression,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30because we started with the first house. As you know,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32it was nice, but not our house at all.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34And the second house, we liked.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36And we thought that was great,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39but today was a revelation for us.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Ideal location,
0:26:41 > 0:26:42in a lovely area
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- and we both really liked the house, didn't we?- Lovely house.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It sounds like a distinct possibility that you're moving to
0:26:48 > 0:26:49some of the best-looking countryside
0:26:49 > 0:26:51and real estate you're likely to find.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53I tell you what, if I am anywhere nearby,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I will be imposing myself to try out these famous barbecues.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57You're welcome.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00I wish you, honestly, genuinely, the very best of luck.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It was a pleasure spending the last few days with you.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04- Thank you very much.- Thanks.- Thanks.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Well, what a turnaround from Goose and Judy
0:27:09 > 0:27:10raving about that second property.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12But I think that's more because
0:27:12 > 0:27:15they had their head turned by that paddock.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17But, really, when you come to think about it,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19it wasn't exactly what they asked for.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21So when we showed them the mystery property,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23which seemed to be set in exactly the location
0:27:23 > 0:27:25they said they were after,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28well, I think the decision was made.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30So all that remains now is hopefully that second viewing
0:27:30 > 0:27:33goes according to plan and then, hopefully,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36their dream of escaping here to the Herefordshire countryside
0:27:36 > 0:27:38will soon become reality.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39See you next time.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42And I'm delighted to report
0:27:42 > 0:27:45that Judy and Goose did go back to see the Mystery House
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and they put in an offer that was accepted.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51So we wish them all the very best for the new chapter of their lives
0:27:51 > 0:27:53in Herefordshire.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59If you would like to escape to the country in England,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Northern Ireland, Wales, or Scotland
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and need our help, you can apply online at...