0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to today's show. To give you a couple of clues as to where I am,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08if I tell you that peak behind me is one of the highest in the British Isles,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and that beneath my feet is a cavern big enough to hold St Paul's Cathedral,
0:00:12 > 0:00:15you might just figure out where we are.
0:00:15 > 0:00:16So join me for what promises to be
0:00:16 > 0:00:19a very mountainous Escape To The Country.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42On today's show, I am helping two nature lovers
0:00:42 > 0:00:45find a home in the big outdoors.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48There's a muted response to one of our properties.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- It's not grabbing me. - It's not grabbing you.- No.- Oh, dear.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54But jubilation at another.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Are you happy now?- I am.- Yay!
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Today we are in North Wales in the mountains of Snowdonia.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Deep beneath my feet is the largest man-made cavern in Europe
0:01:07 > 0:01:10and it contains the Dinorwig hydroelectric plant
0:01:10 > 0:01:13and that reservoir behind me, well, that is what it's all about.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17That contains over 7 million cubic metres of water.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Once a day, they drain it through the mountain, creating enough
0:01:20 > 0:01:25energy to supply all of Wales with electricity for six hours.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Later on in the programme, I'll be back here finding out a little more
0:01:28 > 0:01:32about its inner workings and how this feat of engineering came about.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34But in the meantime, here's a taster
0:01:34 > 0:01:37of what the rest of this glorious region has to offer.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43The Snowdonia National Park
0:01:43 > 0:01:45is situated on the north-west coast of Wales
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and within the county borders of Gwynedd and Conway.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54As well as the famous sweeping mountain ranges,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58three quarters of the land is used for agriculture.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02And there are 80 miles of largely unspoiled coastline to enjoy.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05But the crowning glory is Mount Snowdon,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08the highest peak in England and Wales.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12An area steeped in history, defined by its geology
0:02:12 > 0:02:15and with a wealth of pretty villages on its doorstep, it's easy to see
0:02:15 > 0:02:20why Snowdonia is such an attractive choice for potential escapees,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24which is exactly why today's buyers want to be here.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Retired teacher Ann and systems analyst Graham
0:02:37 > 0:02:40live in a bungalow in the seaside town of Broadstairs, Kent,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42and they are itching for a change.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46We have been here now for 12 years,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49which is the longest we've ever stayed in a house.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51So we are ready for somewhere new now.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55As passionate walkers, they feel the mountains of Snowdonia
0:02:55 > 0:02:58are the ideal spot for their new home.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Every year, we go on a walking holiday somewhere.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04This year, we were planning a walking holiday in Wales
0:03:04 > 0:03:05in the Snowdonia area.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09We have also been talking about moving house
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and suddenly the idea came to put the two together
0:03:12 > 0:03:14and actually go and live in the Snowdonia area.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19As well as walking, Graham and Ann have other hobbies which keep them busy.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24In my spare time, I like to potter around with my hands.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I've been doing more woodwork.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29I've also started making some patio furniture.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I've got the table I'm working on and some chairs I plan to do later.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36After I retired, I decided painting.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40"I'm going to start painting." And I did.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44I went to the local college and started doing oil painting.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Oil painting and acrylics.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48I'm hoping that when we get to Snowdonia,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52that I'll be able to look at the landscapes there.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55There should be a tremendous selection of greens.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Although they both enjoy gardening,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Graham and Ann are looking to downsize when they move.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Because the garden is getting a bit too big for us
0:04:04 > 0:04:06as we are getting older,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09you find you don't have the same amount of energy.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- A garden to enjoy rather than a lot of work.- Yes.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13A garden to enjoy. That's the way to put it.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18And while they'll need enough bedrooms for visiting family,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20it's the downstairs space that is crucial for Ann.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22We don't want anything dark.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23We'd like large rooms,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26as large as possible for the rest of the house as well.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31But it's more important that the living area is large and light.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35But more than anything, it's all about location.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39We are surrounded by houses. You are overlooking other people.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43It would be nice to be able to look out and see green fields and hills behind.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47So how much money do they have to play with?
0:04:47 > 0:04:50The budget for the new house will be £300,000.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Since Graham and Ann are firmly set on Snowdonia,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56we're concentrating our property search
0:04:56 > 0:04:58within the boundaries of the National Park.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And that is where I've come to meet them.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Good morning, Graham. Nice to see you.- Good morning.- Good morning.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Perfect house-hunting weather.- Yeah.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- The good news, of course, is that you have sold your house so you are ready to go.- Yes.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13We got lucky. We knew somebody who wanted to buy it
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- so it was all very simple. - In an afternoon.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17And what are we looking for?
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- We want three bedrooms. - At least.- At least three.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22We'd like a private garden.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26And I'm sure it goes without saying, some views. Because let's face it...
0:05:26 > 0:05:34- The views, the sea, or the mountains. - Or both!- Both would be fantastic.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36But we'd like outbuildings
0:05:36 > 0:05:38and I would like somewhere to do my artwork.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42So I'd like an art studio where I can leave things out
0:05:42 > 0:05:45instead of having them in the corner of the bedroom.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48The budget you've got to spend, just remind us of that.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52The budget is £300,000.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Possibly up to £325,000 if it's perfect.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59We've got three to show you, including, of course, our mystery house.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- Let's go.- We're looking forward to that.- Come on then.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09For a maximum budget of £325,000,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Graham and Ann want a distinctive detached property.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15The accommodation needs to include three bedrooms
0:06:15 > 0:06:17for when the family come and stay.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19A light and spacious living area.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20A private garden.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And an outbuilding for an art studio or workshop.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25But most importantly,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29our nature lovers want good views of the surrounding countryside.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32We've found three wonderful Welsh properties to wow them with
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and at each one I will be asking them
0:06:34 > 0:06:36to guess the price at the end of the house tour.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Our final offering, the mystery house,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43will set out to test them and it's unconventional to say the least.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55For our first property, we are heading to the small coastal village
0:06:55 > 0:06:57of Friog in the county of Gwynedd.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00The closest amenities can be found in the seaside
0:07:00 > 0:07:04resort of Fairbourne, located at the mouth of the River Mawddach.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08As well as shops and a church, the village has an award-winning
0:07:08 > 0:07:11sandy beach, which stretches for two miles.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14It's also home to a miniature steam railway, which has been
0:07:14 > 0:07:18serving tourists and locals for nearly 100 years.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Our first house is just a mile inland from the village.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- OK.- Oh, right.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- There we are.- Oh, yes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- That's a surprise.- Isn't it?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- Yes.- Is it bigger than you thought it might be?- Yes.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Yes, it's different to what I thought it would be.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- I was expecting a stone thing and it's not.- The core of it is.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43It's obviously been rendered with that pebbledash.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47This is the bulk of a lawned garden which you can see now.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Again, very secluded.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- You've also got a quite interesting terraced garden up there.- Oh, right.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- Shall we?- Shall we go in? - Let's have a look inside.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02Let's start with this. Come on in. It's a big room, isn't it?
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- It's not what I expected at all.- Were you expecting quite pokey?- I was.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- But they have obviously taken it through.- They have.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14They have extended that way. We'll have a look at that in a moment.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17But I love the features in here, not least that huge stove.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19That stove is fantastic.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Look at this. This is the hole that was made in the old external wall.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It's the original wall.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Plenty of stone in there.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30But this has made a really good addition to it,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32these lovely skylights.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Very simply done. There is your main cooker.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37An induction hob and all the rest of it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39So you've got the best of both worlds.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41It's lovely and light and airy, isn't it?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Good. Come on. Let's continue. It's all going well.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49As well as this enormous reception room
0:08:49 > 0:08:51which runs the length of the house,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53across the hallway there is a sitting room
0:08:53 > 0:08:56with panelled sash windows overlooking the front of the property,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58a generous utility room and a small study area.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Upstairs, where they have made clever use of the landing space,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08there are four bedrooms which share a decent sized modern family bathroom.
0:09:08 > 0:09:14Three of the bedrooms are doubles and there is a single, and all are light and bright.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Come into this one.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23Now, in many respects, it's hard to ascribe a master bedroom as such because they're all very similar.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24There are four to choose from.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28But I think this is as good an example as any. Again, lovely light.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Lovely light and view.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33We also have an attic
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- and I'm thinking maybe an art room.- Possibly.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- If it's got good windows. - It's got some great windows.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Come and have a look at this.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- Going up into heaven!- Well, is it heaven? There we are.- Oh, right.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Yes. I like the beams and I don't often say I like the beams.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56They are great, aren't they? These are original, which is nice.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Very typical with the essential pins through the apex.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02It's just kind of rough really.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07It's out of the house area so you can leave it with your activity
0:10:07 > 0:10:09without having to pack it away every time you do it.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13So how are we doing on our property one?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15I like certain aspects of it
0:10:15 > 0:10:18but I think the lounge is a little bit small.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I think the outside space is a little bit lacking.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Outside, there are a couple of sheds for Graham to potter in
0:10:26 > 0:10:29and a smaller lawn just like they asked for.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32There is also a quirky terraced area to the side of the house,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36bordered by trees which would give them the privacy they crave.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41OK. So there is house number one.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45But I suppose ultimately it's going to come down to the price, isn't it?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Any thoughts what that might be?
0:10:47 > 0:10:51It's difficult. I'll go 280.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- I was going to go lower than that. - Were you?- Yes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I was going to go for 275.
0:10:55 > 0:11:03Well, OK. Well, this is on the market at £299,950.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Just shy of £300,000,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11this detached period house is within Ann and Graham's budget.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14It many ways, it seems to fit the bill.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16The kitchen diner is big and bright.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20There are four good-sized bedrooms for the family to stay.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And a handy attic which could make a great artist studio for Ann.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26The garden is smaller and more secluded than their current one
0:11:26 > 0:11:28and although there are no outbuildings,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Graham could use one of the sheds as a workshop.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- How are we doing then? - All right. Good. Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- It's gaining more positivity all the way through.- I'm not sure at all.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- But it's been good.- Well, let's tempt you with a bit more.- OK.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02An area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:12:02 > 0:12:07the scenic Snowdonia mountains may at first seem an unusual location for a power station.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12But clever civil engineering has made use of the natural landscape
0:12:12 > 0:12:16to build and hide one of the largest hydroelectric schemes in Europe.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Commissioned in 1984, the Dinorwig plant harnesses
0:12:21 > 0:12:25water power by using two lakes high up in the mountains.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28And that is where I have come to meet operations manager, Geraint Jones.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- So in simple layman's terms, how does it work?- We've got two lakes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40The upper lake is called Llyn Marchlyn and it stores about 7.5 million cubic metres of water.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43And we've got the lake just by our feet here, Llyn Peris,
0:12:43 > 0:12:47and we move the water from the top lake through a set of tunnels,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50through our turbines, which generate the electricity, and into this bottom lake.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Then at night, once that water has done all the work during the day,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55when there is a demand for electricity,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58it's all pumped up to the top lake ready for the morning again.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02So you pump it up overnight and then literally pull the plug out,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- let it race through your turbines and that is where you get your energy.- That's right.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09We've got six machines so effectively six great big taps
0:13:09 > 0:13:11that we can open and close to regulate the flow of water
0:13:11 > 0:13:14and regulate the output of the electricity.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It's probably a stupid question but why here?
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Is it because of the mountains that this site works for this particular kind of power station?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23That's right. There aren't many choices really in the UK.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26You had to find two reservoirs that were quite close together
0:13:26 > 0:13:29horizontally, a good vertical distance between them
0:13:29 > 0:13:33and there were only three such locations in the UK, all in this part of North Wales.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35This was the one that was finally chosen.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Can we go and take a closer look? - Yes, let's go and have a look.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45The actual power station is buried deep inside the mountain.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- So what's this room?- This is the main inlet valve gallery. - The inlet valve gallery?- Yes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53This is the nearest we can get to the upper lake within the station complex.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- So is this where the water comes into the power station? - That's right.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Through this pipe in front of us here
0:13:59 > 0:14:02and down through the valve and on its way to the turbines.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04When this valve is open,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07we're talking about 92,000 gallons a second passing that point.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- A second?- Yes. - So that's 92,000 gallons?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13It's equivalent to 1.5 million cups of tea.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16So where does the water go after here?
0:14:16 > 0:14:20It then finds its way to the turbine which we will go and see next.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Which way? That way?- Yes.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Dinorwig is a fast response plant, gearing into action
0:14:25 > 0:14:29when there are sudden surges in power demand across the UK.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34Its turbines are capable of reaching their maximum speed in less than 16 seconds.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- It is a lot noisier in here. - Just a bit.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40This is the doing part of the station, if you like.
0:14:40 > 0:14:46This is the top of the turbine and we can see the shaft spinning away at 500 revolutions per minute.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49That is what you can do with 92,000 gallons of water a second.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- That's right.- That's incredible.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58The electricity made at the plant is transferred to the national grid by underground cables.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03At full capacity it can supply the whole of Wales with power for six hours.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It's an extraordinary feat of engineering,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09adopting the same principles of hydro energy
0:15:09 > 0:15:11that have been used for centuries.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22For our second property we are heading inland
0:15:22 > 0:15:24to the hamlets of Abertrinant.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Nestled in a river valley,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31the nearby village of Abergynolwyn developed in the 19th century
0:15:31 > 0:15:34to house workers from a nearby slate quarry.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36A few miles north of the village,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39set within the foothills of the Snowdonia National Park,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42our second property offers Graham and Ann more isolation.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44But it's quite a trek to get there.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50Remember with the last one, you said, "I was expecting something kind of stone-built."
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- This is stone.- This is stone-built. - This is a proper stone house.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I like it. It looks nice.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- It probably feels a little bit isolated.- It does a bit, yes.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02But it's a very pretty spot, this. What do you think, Graham?
0:16:02 > 0:16:06I get the sense that you are perhaps a little more excited about this one than Ann is?
0:16:06 > 0:16:10I think we would both like this house a lot.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Ann is upset a bit because we've come a long way
0:16:12 > 0:16:15on a single track road, which she doesn't like.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19But the house itself when we get here is amazing.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- The house itself is nice. - Stick with it, Ann. It'll be right.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- It's a really lovely house, this. - Let's have a look at the house.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It's not as remote as you think. - Let's go and have a look at the house.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34Not the best of starts, but I hope Ann's concerns over location will be forgotten
0:16:34 > 0:16:38once she finds out what's on offer inside this detached farmhouse,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41parts of which date back to the early 19th century.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Come through. Graham, if you can grab the door.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47We have got two living rooms here. That's the smaller of them.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50More of a kind of library or reading room. This is the bigger one.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53They are sort of similar, certainly in terms of roof height
0:16:53 > 0:16:57and the fireplaces and the wood burners which they provide you with.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00They are exactly the same next door and in here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02They have both got these sets of double doors.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09You could, in theory, open the whole thing up and have a huge living room
0:17:09 > 0:17:12with two sets of double doors letting all that lovely light in.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13Yes.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Ann has gone quiet again.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- It's not grabbing me. - It's not grabbing you.- No.- Oh, dear.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- What is it then? Just the size of the rooms?- Yes.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- Shall we try the kitchen?- OK. - Let's see what you think of that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- There you go.- Oh!
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Is that better? - That's lovely.- OK.- Yes.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47- What's better?- It's just got space. It's airy. It's light.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- The shape is good?- Yes. It opens out.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- The fittings are more to your taste. - The beams are nice?- Yes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56I thought we had lost Ann completely but the light
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and spacious kitchen has re-energised the house tour.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05In addition to the kitchen, there's also an adjacent utility room to house all the white goods.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Upstairs, off a central landing, you'll find a family bathroom.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12There are three bedrooms up here, one of which is a single.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16And there's also a double which overlooks the front of the property.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19And next to that is the master.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24It's very similar to what's next door, size-wise.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So they are interchangeable, really, as masters.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Again, we haven't got an en suite on offer but you've got the family bathroom across the landing.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- It is a good, big room. - It is a good, big room.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37There are a couple of big wardrobes so it's bigger than you think, actually.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Exactly. It would have had a fireplace there originally.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43There is a radiator there now.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- More height than you would perhaps consider from the outside.- Yes.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49I did wonder, looking at the outside of the house,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53I was thinking maybe the upstairs was a bit lacking on height, but it's not.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56In fact, it is quite a bit more than a modern house probably.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Our second property has both light and height
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and even Ann seems to be warming to it.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Outside, there are lawned gardens to the front and back
0:19:08 > 0:19:10and also within the grounds,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14a purpose-built garden studio which could be excellent for artist Ann.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19We will finish up here. This is the bigger bit of garden.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22A little vegetable patch down there. Some apple trees and so on.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Let's talk about the price.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- I am going to say 280.- 280. - I will go down and say 270.- 270.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32So, similar to what you said before, really.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I get the feeling that's probably what you really want to spend.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38I'm afraid you'll have to spend a little more than that.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41This is on the market for £295,000.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Our second property, a 200-year-old detached farmhouse,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50is just under Graham and Ann's minimum budget.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53The accommodation includes a spacious kitchen diner and the
0:19:53 > 0:19:57option to create a large living room out of the existing reception rooms.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Upstairs, there are three bedrooms.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02It is surrounded by unspoiled open countryside,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04has the views they wished for,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08a low-maintenance garden and the bonus of a separate studio.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- How are we doing?- Improving. - Improving. Wow!
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It was an uphill battle,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21although, I can't see why because it's just gorgeous!
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- But you know, the house has to grab you.- It does.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I think it's been a good and interesting day.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- It's been a hot day. A cold beer? - Sounds good.- Sounds good to me.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Come on. It's this way.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51For our mystery house, we are heading back to the coast
0:20:51 > 0:20:55to the seaside village of Llwyngwril on the edge of Cardigan Bay.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01The village is steeped in history and has strong links with the early Quaker movement.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05This area includes includes a shop, pub and church.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08And it's just down the road from our mystery house.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Yesterday, we played it safe and showed Graham
0:21:11 > 0:21:14and Ann two conventional Welsh stone cottages.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17But today we are offering our buyers an unconventional property
0:21:17 > 0:21:19with a topsy-turvy layout.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23It is a gamble as our mystery house has a former industrial life,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25the remnants of which survive.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- So how about it then? It's not just a house.- It's good.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It's an old converted watermill. - That is fantastic.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35OK. I'm looking forward to this.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Our mystery house is a former watermill.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Well-built to house heavy machinery,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44the rooms inside are spacious with high ceilings.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But they are not necessarily in the right places.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49First off, the kitchen.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Right, Ann, come on in.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Tell me what you think of this kitchen diner.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Yes.- It will do.- Hooray!- It will do.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Look at this. Smiles all round. Nodding. This is all good.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Yes. It's a nice room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09It's not just a kitchen diner. It's got a little lounge as well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- With a wood burner. - With a wood burner. Fantastic.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14And that is rather nice.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18There is a stable door there that leads you out onto the decking.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19Another little sun trap for you.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22We are off to a flying start. Let's continue.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28The layout of the accommodation is far from normal.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Across the hallway from the kitchen are two of the three bedrooms,
0:22:32 > 0:22:37one double and a single, and both serviced by a downstairs cloakroom.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39But we're heading upstairs,
0:22:39 > 0:22:44which is where you'll find the main family bathroom, a master bedroom and the living room.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Our upside down living room.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- I know we have struggled with the last properties in terms of living room space.- Yes.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- I'm crossing everything on this one. - This one is a good size.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- It's a lovely room.- It is well proportioned as well.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I was concerned about the light.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The windows look quite small from the outside
0:23:07 > 0:23:09but there is plenty of light when you get in here.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- So, it is a thumbs up? - Definitely a thumbs up.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- You've definitely saved the best until last.- Good. Excellent.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21The master bedroom is just across the hallway. Let's have a look at this.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26There we go.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- Yes?- It's a nice room and it's even nicer when you look behind.- Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Look at that. You've got your own en suite, which is nice.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- And again, lots of light from these windows pouring in.- That's nice.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40All the rooms are lighter than I thought they'd be.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- Your face is a picture. It's great.- I think it's lovely.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- Wow, how a house can change the mood.- Yes.- Brilliant.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Our mystery house has done rather well so far.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Our former watermill has definitely got the juices flowing
0:23:55 > 0:23:59but there's even more to this property than simply the main house.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02As well as a landscaped garden and access to the stream
0:24:02 > 0:24:05that once powered the mill, the grounds feature two outbuildings.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09One is currently being used as a utility room
0:24:09 > 0:24:12but could make an excellent workshop for Graham.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17But the other has two floors and is already set up as an artist studio.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23Ann and Graham are clearly impressed with the package here, set in these glorious grounds.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26All that remains now is to talk about the money.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30How much do we think our mystery house is worth?
0:24:31 > 0:24:35I think you've blown our budget and a bit more on this one.
0:24:37 > 0:24:43- So I'm going to go 340.- 340. Ann? - I was going to go with 345.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48You could have this for £325,000.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53We may well do that.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59This converted watermill
0:24:59 > 0:25:03is bang on Graham and Ann's maximum budget.
0:25:03 > 0:25:04It has the big kitchen diner
0:25:04 > 0:25:08and the spacious lounge they had set their hearts on.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Three bedrooms for the family to come and stay, in and an outbuilding for each of them.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15With wonderful lawned gardens and their own stream,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18it's unmistakably rural but with all the local amenities
0:25:18 > 0:25:22of the village just a short walk away.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28How did I know that you would be out here enjoying the weather?
0:25:28 > 0:25:30It's where the sun is.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- I think it's a winner.- I think it could well be.- Right then.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- Off you go. We will all give it a little more thought.- Thank you.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57It's been quite a remarkable week, this.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- It certainly has.- It's been eventful. - It certainly has.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Not just because of the weather, but what a journey we've had through our houses.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- You've thought about it, I guess.- Yes.- We have.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I suspect there wasn't a huge amount of thought needed, if we are honest.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13But come on, Ann, try and put it into one sentence.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16What is it about the mystery house you fell in love with?
0:26:16 > 0:26:21- It was just wonderful. It's just...home.- It felt like home.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- It felt like home. - And how does Graham feel about it?
0:26:23 > 0:26:27I'm very excited about it. It's great.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Moving to a new place, we're nervous and excited. Everything.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36But that house, the old mill, is just unique. It's a one-off.
0:26:36 > 0:26:42So how close are we to making it your new home? What happens next?
0:26:42 > 0:26:45We need to talk to the estate agents, the owners,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49and I guess we need to put an offer in and see if it gets accepted.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Really?- Yes.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55I suspect, having spoken to the owners,
0:26:55 > 0:27:00that if your offer starts with a three, it will be yours.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Wow!- Yes.- How about that?
0:27:02 > 0:27:04That would be fantastic.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06If I'm really honest with you,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08I wasn't sure if we would get there this week.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It was a bit of an uphill battle.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- We pulled it out of the bag at the last minute.- You did indeed.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18With spectacular results. Go and put your offer in.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- And let us know how you get on. - We will do.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I wish I was a fly on the wall for that one! Come on.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Well, what a week this has been.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Trying to keep a hold of all the highs and lows in this property search,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39well, that has been like trying to hang on to a roller coaster.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41But the good news is, we got there.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Just a few minutes ago, Ann and Graham had their offer
0:27:44 > 0:27:48accepted on our mystery house and we are all, of course, delighted.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50And why not?
0:27:50 > 0:27:53We've had great weather, great landscape and great properties.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55I'll see you next time.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00If you would like to escape to the country
0:28:00 > 0:28:03in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05or even further afield to the Continent
0:28:05 > 0:28:09and would like our help, then please apply online at: