0:00:02 > 0:00:06I'm stood where people have been playing bowls for over 400 years,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and lays claim to be the oldest bowling green in England.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Find out which county it's in in just a moment.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Let's see how we go.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Come on...!
0:00:33 > 0:00:36On today's show we're helping two sisters
0:00:36 > 0:00:39who have high hopes of a joint house venture together,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43unless sibling rivalry gets the better of them!
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Are you happy to coexist together, are you?
0:00:47 > 0:00:49No! THEY LAUGH
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Sadly, I think you're out of touch with reality.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Today I'm in Gloucestershire,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59at the historic bowling green in Painswick,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01where people have been playing bowls since 1554.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05The sport was popular all the way back in Tudor times,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07when gentlemen would relax with a game of bowls
0:01:07 > 0:01:10after a hard day's hunting in the Cotswold countryside.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14This club's records date all the way back to 1905,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and the game remains a permanent and very pleasant fixture
0:01:18 > 0:01:19in village life today.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Sitting against the Welsh border,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Gloucestershire also shares boundaries with the English counties
0:01:28 > 0:01:32of Herefordshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34"Scratch Gloucestershire and find Rome" is an old adage
0:01:34 > 0:01:36often associated with the county,
0:01:36 > 0:01:40as its gently rolling arable land has been known since Roman times
0:01:40 > 0:01:43for its farming and forestry.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46And under Roman rule, the market town of Cirencester
0:01:46 > 0:01:47in the east of the county,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50was the second largest settlement after London.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Today the vibrant market place,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55exhibits excellent examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59which have cemented the town as the capital of the Cotswolds.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Countryside accounts for some 90% of Gloucestershire's landscape,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06into which sit perfectly preserved limestone villages.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10One picture postcard example must be Bibury,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12set on the banks of the Coln
0:02:12 > 0:02:14and heralded by radical Victorian designer William Morris
0:02:14 > 0:02:17as the most beautiful village in England.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Now, when it comes to researching the property market
0:02:21 > 0:02:23here in Gloucestershire,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25you have to unpick the stats a bit.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Yes, the average price for a detached house in the county
0:02:27 > 0:02:32is around £290,000 - some 40,000 above the national figure.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36But if you peel away the premium for living here in the Cotswolds,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39which can be up to 50% in some places,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43the picture does get much more affordable around the market towns
0:02:43 > 0:02:45such as Dursley and Witherington.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49So let's find out why today's buyers want to move here.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52We've been called on to help two sisters
0:02:52 > 0:02:53who have led a very different lives,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55have very different tastes,
0:02:55 > 0:02:59and who haven't lived with one another since they were teenagers.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- You were the bossy one...- No. - ..and I had to do as I was told.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07No, no, no, no, no. Not at all.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Lucky we grew out of all of that.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12But we fought right the way up, through our teens,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15pulling our hair out. Your hair out, my hair out.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20I have a happier memory - of an older sister who was my friend.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22I had nothing against you.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24I can't think why I was pulling your hair out.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- That was when we were younger. - You must've been very trying.- Mm.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29Now a few decades later,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Christina and Joanna both find themselves
0:03:32 > 0:03:36living alone and so have turned to one another for support.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39I've reached a sort of point where a lot of things have
0:03:39 > 0:03:41reached a nice ending -
0:03:41 > 0:03:44and unexpected endings -
0:03:44 > 0:03:47with the death of my husband and other things,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and it's therefore the right time for a new beginning.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53And I think a move will be a really good way
0:03:53 > 0:03:56of creating a new space.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I'm also a widow, my husband died about three years ago.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04Erm... I've got children, which, sadly, Christina doesn't have, so...
0:04:04 > 0:04:07But she's very fond of them, thank goodness.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09And they love her to bits.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13So we want to be reasonably near to them, but not on top of them.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15The older of the two, by three years,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Joanna, until recently worked as a management accountant.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Whereas Christina is a highly successful travel writer,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24who has spent most of her life exploring the globe.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26In fact, both sisters were born in Africa,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30where they spent their early childhood.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33With our mother, she always said to me,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36it's all right to be different.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Don't feel you have to be like other people.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40It's OK to be different.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43That was an extraordinarily freeing thing,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46and I realised that it wasn't.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48It wasn't important to be like everybody else,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51you can follow your ideas
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- and I think that had a huge impact on my life.- Mm.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57So with that philosophy in mind,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00they've decided to take an unconventional step,
0:05:00 > 0:05:05to partner up onto the property ladder, but with strings attached.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07We don't want to live together,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11we want to live, sort of, next d...
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Well, sort of in the same building and next door to each other.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Because we're both hugely independent people.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19I've got three grandchildren,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22so you've got three great nieces.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We want to be able to have them to stay as they grow up.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30But have the space so that they are not on top of me the whole time.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32So it probably means two kitchens -
0:05:32 > 0:05:34I'll feed the grandchildren and she'll visit.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38For now, Joanna lives in a rental property and Christina wants to keep
0:05:38 > 0:05:41her current home in London's Shepherd's Bush as a base
0:05:41 > 0:05:45from where she runs her charity to help the people of Madagascar.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49But, it's not big enough or rural enough for their joint future.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53In London you could be going somewhere, doing something.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56And you can never just be, quietly,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58or if you are being quietly,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01you feel the world is whizzing past and leaving you behind.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Here you've got no garden and I would be stifled.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08And I love growing things
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and a window box is not big enough!
0:06:12 > 0:06:15The sisters have recently come into some inheritance,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and have a rough idea of the figure they're willing to spend
0:06:18 > 0:06:20for this new sibling adventure.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25The budget for the move will be £550,000 to £650,000.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Gloucestershire is the chosen destination, as Joanna's
0:06:32 > 0:06:35daughter and grandchildren live in Wotton-under-Edge,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38so we'll be concentrating our house search
0:06:38 > 0:06:39to the western side of the county,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42which also has good road links back to London for Christina.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Time for us to meet up in a sunny Gloucestershire spot
0:06:45 > 0:06:47to get better acquainted
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and find out more about this sisterly move.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Ladies, good morning. - Good morning.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Look at this. You brought the weather with you.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57We did.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Now, you're buying a house together.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Is this not filling you with a bit of trepidation?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I think it might be fun, actually,
0:07:04 > 0:07:09because we've got the same set of things behind our skills,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11but we've made different stuff of it.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14So I think we will have a lot of laughs.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16And a lot of interest.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18OK, we'll you both seem to get on very, very well,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22now how is that going to marry with the house-buying process?
0:07:22 > 0:07:26You must have different opinions and differences in taste?
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Well, we haven't really been house-hunting, so...
0:07:29 > 0:07:30This is a first.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- We have yet to...- Develop any opinions!- Exactly!
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Right. How many bedrooms are we looking at?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- Five, six...?- Mm.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Are you planning on running a hotel, as well, are you?- No!
0:07:42 > 0:07:44That's the whole idea, that we...
0:07:44 > 0:07:47That any rooms for guests, we can share between us.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51So that, erm... But we do need two or three.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54It's going to be a fun house. Lots of guests staying all the time...
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- It's going to be a very active house.- Yes!- It is!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58That's the whole point of it.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Because left to myself, I'd turn into a complete recluse
0:08:00 > 0:08:02and never see anybody ever again.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- And I love socialising.- Do you? - And I love catering
0:08:06 > 0:08:07and I love people around...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11We're after a lot of property here, a lot of real estate.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13So, let's talk about the budget.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I understand that's moved a little?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19What have you finally settled on?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- I think we settled on 550 to 650? - No.- Or have we gone up from there?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- We went up from that. - Where did we go up to?- 750.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Did we? Very good. - I think so, yes.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31So, this is exciting.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34You've got two very different influences coming together
0:08:34 > 0:08:35to buy a house.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38You've got no idea what the property market's like here,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40but you also have nothing to sell.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43So if we find you something, you can move straightaway.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Yes.- Right, let's go. Come on.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52So, for a revised and rather healthy budget of £750,000,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54our sisters are pooling resources
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and looking for a spacious and characterful home
0:08:57 > 0:09:01that has the potential to suit both their tastes and needs.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03And the basics are:
0:09:12 > 0:09:14We've a fantastic range of properties,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17both traditional and unusual, which I hope will meet
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Christina and Joanna's very specific yet largely loose requirements.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23But before I reveal the prices,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25I'll be asking our buyers
0:09:25 > 0:09:27to have a guess first.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30And we'll be swinging by something really out of the ordinary
0:09:30 > 0:09:32with the mystery house.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Time to hit the road and head for our first property.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Have you discussed much about what you are looking for as a team?
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Ah, not really.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44I tend to have lived in the more, erm...
0:09:44 > 0:09:46conventional English houses.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52Christina has had the opportunity of having some new-builds,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55but, you know, and the sort of London flats.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59So, you know, it's completely different.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02I've actually only lived in rented.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Right. So is this your first house you'll ever buy?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Absolutely. - She's a first-time buyer!
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- I am a first-time buyer. - That's brilliant.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12You must be very excited about this.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16I am and I'm wondering what grants are available to first-time buyers!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19We're starting our property search
0:10:19 > 0:10:22around 45 miles north of Wotton-underEdge
0:10:22 > 0:10:23in a hamlet called The Leigh.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And a couple of miles from a shop and a pub,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28our first property is situated down a narrow lane
0:10:28 > 0:10:32surrounded by fields and enveloped by Gloucestershire countryside.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37In we come, ladies. Now, then...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Property number one is this little number.- It's a lovely house.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42It is, isn't it?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It was built around 1820.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Now, stylewise... Well, it's had a lot done to it.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52Inside you'll see more of that, but what do you think of
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- how it looks from out here? - It's got character.- Yeah?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57The garden looks absolutely lovely!
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I thought you might like that, but we'll discuss that later.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- Let's go inside and see what you make of that, shall we?- Love to.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06A very handsome, detached country home, this
0:11:06 > 0:11:11early 19th-century property offers a versatile and unusual layout,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13that I hope will suit both ladies,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15and we're starting in the main kitchen diner.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19There's two entrances to this property, I would have
0:11:19 > 0:11:21thought this was the better one, to take us straight in
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- to one of my favourite rooms. - It's lovely. A lovely kitchen.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27A lot of this was derelict.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33What you see is the fruits and labour of the current owners.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35You reckoned you wanted two kitchens, OK?
0:11:35 > 0:11:37This is the really nice, big one,
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- so, bear this one in mind when we see the next one.- OK!
0:11:43 > 0:11:45All right!
0:11:45 > 0:11:48On the face of it, this property appears to be one large
0:11:48 > 0:11:51family home, but what lies beyond the facade is a house that
0:11:51 > 0:11:54has already been split into two independent zones that
0:11:54 > 0:11:57separates the back of the property from the front.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02The large kitchen diner lies in the original part of the house to
0:12:02 > 0:12:04one side of the hallway, with the sitting room
0:12:04 > 0:12:06and conservatory to the other.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Then at the rear, the current owners have used bricks and slates from a
0:12:10 > 0:12:14derelict barn to build a completely self-contained two-storey wing.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17We're heading for the dining area, which can also be
0:12:17 > 0:12:19accessed from the original hallway.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Let me explain to you what we have here and then you can decide
0:12:27 > 0:12:29if you like it or not.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32You have a double bedroom, an en suite shower room,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36you also have that bookcase looking door, if you like.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Up there is another reception room or a double bedroom.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41You've also got this room, as we see,
0:12:41 > 0:12:45and through there, you've got a small kitchen and a downstairs loo.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49Now, living areas, you're happy to coexist together, are you?
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- No.- Let's have a... - THEY LAUGH
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Let's have a look at it.- Kind of.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- Let's have a look, is what I was going to say.- Right.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- That's what I think I got from that! Come on.- Which way?- Up here.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05With a hint of conflict brewing over boundary lines, we have thankfully
0:13:05 > 0:13:08got a bit of border control with a range of reception areas.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10One of which is upstairs.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13So, up here on the first floor,
0:13:13 > 0:13:18quite unusual to have a first-floor living room. So, what do you think?
0:13:18 > 0:13:22I've not seen an upstairs living room for a long time. It's cosy.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Yes.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Maybe one person gets this room and the other person gets a smaller
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- reception room on the ground floor, leading to a conservatory.- Exactly.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- I think I want the conservatory. I got in first on that one!- You did.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- That means you get this room. - Pretty jolly quick, so therefore, I will look
0:13:42 > 0:13:46and then choose... Before I say I want, I will look at everything.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48OK, fine, well, maybe it's one of these things.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52We need to get through this house as quick as possible so you can make your mind up.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55I could turn this into an office, I could spread my papers everywhere.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Could I see out the window if I was sitting down at my desk, for example?
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- Go on, go on.- If I'm sitting, supposing I'm here, da-da-da.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Oh, I CAN see out the windows.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08They're quite nice, because the ceilings are a bit low,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12but the windows are quite low set. So, you can see out.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16That's good, right? OK, let's look at a bedroom, shall we?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Bedrooms, yes.- OK, just through here.- Lead on.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28So, just across the hall from that big reception is,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30well, I think this is your master bedroom.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33It's got a lovely en suite next door as well.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And also, a fantastic family bathroom just the other
0:14:36 > 0:14:38side of that wall there with a separate shower
0:14:38 > 0:14:41and beautiful views from the bath over the surrounding fields.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44You've also got upstairs, two double bedrooms.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46And is there a bathroom upstairs as well?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- There's a bathroom servicing those two bedrooms, yes.- Brilliant.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I know you want to see the whole lot, but what
0:14:51 > 0:14:54sort of feeling are you getting so far from what you're seeing?
0:14:54 > 0:14:57One of your dreams was to lie in bed and look out the window,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- now you could certainly do that. - OK, I'll go for it.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Let's walk outside,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- because that's somewhere you're prepared to share, isn't it?- Yes.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- We won't fall out outside, will we? - Never.- No.- Good, follow me.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Despite what I see as a fairly straightforward
0:15:12 > 0:15:14division of rooms, I'm struggling to figure out
0:15:14 > 0:15:19whether or not Christina and Joanna can see this house working for them.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Outside, there's plenty of room to escape one another,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25with almost an acre to play with, including mature gardens,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28an orchard, and if sibling cohabitation gets too much,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31the property also features its very own little pub.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39OK, so we've had a whistle-stop tour around the house.
0:15:39 > 0:15:45- Time for you ladies to have a go at guessing the price.- 500,000.- OK.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49No, sadly, I think you're out of touch with reality.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- I think it's going to be more like 700.- Good grief.- Better guess.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59It's actually on the market for offers around £750,000.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Oh, I was a bit low, wasn't I?- Very much so.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05Well, this has been a learning curve for all of us, I think.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08You know, I'm starting to find out what's important to you and
0:16:08 > 0:16:10who to please. Well, I've not learned who to please yet,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- I've still got no idea.- Me!
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- Well!- She's the difficult one.- Yes!
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- I'm the easy one.- I think I've got both opinions there.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21THEY LAUGH
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Why don't you go back into the house, have a
0:16:24 > 0:16:26look at what you haven't yet seen, OK?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- And I'll meet you whenever you're done, OK?- OK. Goodbye.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Two things here. I'm finding out a lot more about what the ladies
0:16:34 > 0:16:36are after - they certainly want a lot more space.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The other thing is, I think we're going to have
0:16:39 > 0:16:42a lot of fun over the next couple of days, aren't we?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45It's in the top end of the budget,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47on the market for £750,000.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Our first property is a detached 19th-century home that has
0:16:51 > 0:16:54the flexibility to provide two completely separate,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56self-contained dwellings.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59All in all, the house boasts five reception rooms,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02four bedrooms, a large kitchen diner,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04alongside a smaller kitchen and just under
0:17:04 > 0:17:09an acre of land, surrounded by beautiful, Gloucestershire scenery.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13When we arrived, I thought the facade was fabulous.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18It's a warm, welcoming, genuine-looking place.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21But I'm a little disappointed in the house itself.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26Inside, to me, doesn't match the outside impression.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Head down!
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- There's another room over here. - I'm following.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38There's two staircases, two front doors, there ARE two kitchens.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43But in a way, it still isn't quite lending itself to two
0:17:43 > 0:17:48independent people who want to be able to share.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51You've actually managed to get an awful lot of what we wanted,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54and I'm surprised about that.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57But I don't think it is going to be the right one, sadly.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01This is almost a granny annexe, but we are the grannies.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- We haven't got a granny! I am not a granny!- You're a great aunt.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- Right, then, all done?- All done. - No fallings out?- Not yet.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- No.- Not yet, let's keep it that way, onto the next one.- OK!
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Both Christina and Joanna aren't that familiar with Gloucestershire,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and one of the driving forces behind their move
0:18:26 > 0:18:29is to get connected with the countryside here.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32And with at least 60 nature reserves throughout the county
0:18:32 > 0:18:35under its wing, there are no shortages of green places to
0:18:35 > 0:18:39explore, such as the Stuart Fawkes site near Nailsworth, which is
0:18:39 > 0:18:42under the care of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45We arranged for them to visit this nature reserve to learn about the ecology
0:18:45 > 0:18:50and conservation of these protected sides with volunteer Helen Winter.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Helen, what's special about this part of the reserve?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56It's unimproved limestone grassland,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00it supports a load of really rare species.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Any time permanent pasture is ploughed up, or fertilised
0:19:03 > 0:19:08with artificial fertiliser or reseeded, then it's lost for ever.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Is there anything in particular here?
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- Yes, there's a species called Meadow Clary.- Are they rare?
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Yes, they're extremely rare.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19This is the only site in Gloucestershire where you can
0:19:19 > 0:19:22see Meadow Clary. There's only 20 other sites in the country.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25The site covers three fields, and rare specimens that flourish
0:19:25 > 0:19:29here like the protected Meadow Clary plants have helped identify
0:19:29 > 0:19:32the reserve as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34And to ensure that the plant continues to
0:19:34 > 0:19:37thrive in the future, the trust have adopted an approach that uses
0:19:37 > 0:19:40grazing livestock to stimulate its growth.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Meadow Clary doesn't reproduce so well through making seed.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49It reproduces much better through making runners that
0:19:49 > 0:19:51run into the soil.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56So what the cattle now do is, they are allowed in during the summer,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59they eat the plant off and prevent it flowering
0:19:59 > 0:20:03so it puts much more energy into producing these runners.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06In the past, the antibacterial properties of this tall,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09vibrant and striking plant have been used as a medicine to
0:20:09 > 0:20:12alleviate sore throats or clean teeth.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14And even to flavour beers and wines.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17With a life span of about 30 years, the Meadow Clary at
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Stuart Fawkes is surveyed yearly to monitor its progress.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Right, so, now we need to get our noses in the grass.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28The first thing to do is identify roughly where we have got
0:20:28 > 0:20:29plants within the quadrat.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33So, we can see from the flower spikes that there's a plant here.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35You need to get down and look at the
0:20:35 > 0:20:42basal rosettes and see how many plants make up a basal rosette.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45So, how are they doing this summer?
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Well, they're doing pretty well at the moment.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50It's a slow process, because they are a very long-lived plant
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and they only reproduce slowly and we think that the
0:20:53 > 0:20:56change in management from the research is working.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Now that our sisters have witnessed some of Gloucestershire's wild,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03natural and rare beauty, we need to get back to the house hunt
0:21:03 > 0:21:06so they too can set down their roots in this county.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15For our second property, we're travelling further south closer to
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Joanna's daughter and heading for the Cotswold village
0:21:19 > 0:21:21of Selsley West.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23A pub and convenience store can be found just over a mile away
0:21:23 > 0:21:27in King's Stanley, but back in Selsley West, lies property
0:21:27 > 0:21:30number two, which is in an elevated position
0:21:30 > 0:21:33and boasts absolutely glorious far-reaching views.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Now, then, as you can see, there is
0:21:39 > 0:21:41more to this house than this initial facade,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43which suggests it's a bungalow.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46It's a modern house, it was built around 30 years ago,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50but it's got this Cotswold stone facing brick, if you like.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51Could it be the tip of the iceberg?
0:21:51 > 0:21:54You took the words right out of my mouth, that's exactly what it is.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57This is the very top of the house,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01and it then just grows down into the hillside and it is
0:22:01 > 0:22:03enveloped by a massive 280-degree vista.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- It's fantastic views everywhere you go.- Really?
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- Yes, you're going to love the views. - Good.- So? Any thoughts?- Let's go.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Intriguing.- Good. Let's start, come on.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Built in 1980, this one-off property was designed to take
0:22:19 > 0:22:22full advantage of the setting with the majority of the living
0:22:22 > 0:22:26accommodation wrapped around a large hallway up on the first floor,
0:22:26 > 0:22:28which is where we commence our tour.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- So, let's start off with kitchen number one.- Oh, goodness!
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- Who likes it?- Fine. - Compact, keeps clean. Perfect.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43OK, well, this is a real whistle-stop tour,
0:22:43 > 0:22:44because what I've learned is that,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I've tried to second-guess what you would use the rooms for
0:22:47 > 0:22:50and I keep getting it wrong, so here is one, follow me to the next one.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- This is a kitchen!- Yes!
0:22:54 > 0:22:58So, kitchen number two.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Wow.- Oh, wow.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05You can't have all the kitchens!
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- You can only have one each, I'm afraid.- OK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11She's just going to dither and say that she wants them all.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15And, it opens up into a really nice dining room leading to
0:23:15 > 0:23:19a conservatory with yet more fabulous views.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- Goodness, it's very light and airy. And I like the ceilings.- Rustic.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Keep it that way? - I like rustic. Yes.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41So, linking that reception with this is this beautiful conservatory
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- with the views.- Goodness.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47It's interesting the way they have used the same sort of ceiling
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- technique, lovely with the rise in it.- And there's a balcony!
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Now, let me try and get this configuration for you ladies.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58You've obviously seen the kitchen going into the conservatory,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- and if you look through that door, that's where we came in.- Yes.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Next door to this room, that could be another reception room,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09could be a bedroom, next door to that, is a bedroom as well.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Is this all starting to make sense?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- It's quirky enough to be intriguing. - Good.- We want to see more.- Right.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Downstairs now, OK?- OK.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Back in the central hallway, the staircase takes us down to the
0:24:25 > 0:24:28ground floor and through another large hall kitted out with
0:24:28 > 0:24:30a small sofa and then into the largest bedroom.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35So, here we are on what I would call the lower ground floor.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Now, double bedroom, obviously.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Now what you've got here on this floor is a double bedroom
0:24:42 > 0:24:46with en suite at the far end. You've got a small single next door.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49AND, then you've got a family bathroom as well.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Now, you have also got an unconverted garage
0:24:53 > 0:24:58and I can't believe I'm saying this out loud, a utility that
0:24:58 > 0:25:01if you really wanted, could be a third kitchen.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03THEY LAUGH
0:25:03 > 0:25:06I say that in jest, but one thing is,
0:25:06 > 0:25:11you could actually have one complete living area on this floor,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13one complete living area on the top floor.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15You could really have independent lives
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- on top of each other here.- Yes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21And you would still both get views. You know what, let's go out.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23That goes out on to a terrace, does it?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Do you want to go through those doors or where we just came?- Them.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- These doors.- Come on then! - We agreed!
0:25:31 > 0:25:36- So, come right through. - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Now, the house, knock on the front door,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40you wouldn't expect to see this, would you?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42No, no, that is quite a surprise.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43It looks enormous from here.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Let me explain what we've got here.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50We're in just over three quarters of an acre plot size.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Lots of gardens, lots of views.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:25:55 > 0:26:00Well, I was so glaringly out last time with my house valuation,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04I'm just going to say the same as what you came in last time
0:26:04 > 0:26:10- and see if I am scoring any better. 750.- I love your reasoning!
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- At least I've got a reason!- Yes! Joanna!- Pluck a number from the air.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18I am going down, this time, I am going to 650.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22So I could be completely wrong, but it is about time I was wrong.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Well, enjoy being wrong, then,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- this is on the market for around £800,000.- Goodness.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Well, it's the last thing we're looking at today, so you
0:26:31 > 0:26:34have enough time, hopefully, to rip it all to bits in your minds.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Away you go.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42With a guide price of £800,000,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44a sensible offer could bring
0:26:44 > 0:26:46this second option closer to the ladies' budget
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and would provide them with a more recent two-storey upside-down
0:26:50 > 0:26:53build, giving the sisters one floor apiece.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56But as a whole, the property lends itself to three reception rooms,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59five bedrooms and even two kitchens.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Then outside, the garden features a pool
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and backs onto open countryside.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05But let's not forget the aspect,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08for it has the most impressive panoramic view.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14I found house number two intriguing, fascinating and it's quirky,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17amusing, it's thought-provoking
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and completely different to house number one.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- It's not that cold. - It's not that hot either, though.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30In a curious way, this house has a lot of the things that
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I felt were missing from the last house.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37The view that goes beyond, you know, look at that. It does go beyond.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39That's gorgeous.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43It's a bit of a confusing house, really, I am sort of trying to,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47you know, can I count bedrooms on one hand, kitchens on another?
0:27:47 > 0:27:49You count bathrooms.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Right, then, all done inside and out?- Finished.- Good.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- Did you enjoy today?- Very much, thank you.- Good, I did as well.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59Time to go back, let's go.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13It's the second day of our property search
0:28:13 > 0:28:15and we are in Gloucestershire on a tricky expedition,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19helping London-based Christina and her big sister Joanna to find
0:28:19 > 0:28:23somewhere to live independently, but under the same roof.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Still to come,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28we're tapping into our inner child at the mystery house.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Whoever built this place has a huge sense of humour!
0:28:32 > 0:28:34And it's full steam ahead for a once derelict
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- passage of Gloucestershire heritage. - TRAIN TOOTS
0:28:40 > 0:28:42After all the ups and downs of yesterday,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46I'm starting to wonder whether we shouldn't just be showing
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Christina and Joanna two separate homes fairly close to each other?
0:28:49 > 0:28:52And today's mystery house, well, it kind of buys into that ethos.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56And we've lined up the most eccentric one we could find,
0:28:56 > 0:29:00which I trust should better suit the personalities of our two
0:29:00 > 0:29:01wonderful ladies.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05And to get to our third and final property stop,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08we're taking our buyers to the small village of Siston,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10our most southerly destination.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13A couple of miles from shops and facilities at Pucklechurch,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15the mystery house in Siston
0:29:15 > 0:29:17is within a cluster of old farm buildings,
0:29:17 > 0:29:22with a pedigree that dates back some 400 years.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24We're looking at a barn conversion,
0:29:24 > 0:29:29but probably, like no other you've seen before. What do you think?
0:29:29 > 0:29:30That's different.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33For a barn conversion, it's got really nice, big windows.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35That's surprising, yes, yes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Now, the owners have been here 17 years.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43And they converted it themselves. And it's quirky.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Ah, now you're talking. - Let's go and have a look.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52In terms of internal square footage, the sprawling mystery house is
0:29:52 > 0:29:58the biggest of our three properties, covering early 3,200 square feet.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01And we're heading for the newer half from the 1800s.
0:30:03 > 0:30:08- This is a fantastic part of the house.- Goodness.- Brilliant.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10This is a wagon entrance, and obviously,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13the listings stated that you had to retain something that looks
0:30:13 > 0:30:15similar to how it would have looked before,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19so, hence these nice glass openings, if you like.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22But what it gives you now, this is where I want you to start thinking
0:30:22 > 0:30:27about how it works for you, ladies, is a living room, another living
0:30:27 > 0:30:31room, a winter living room with a lovely, solid fuel burner there.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- So you've got two living room options.- Living areas.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38But also, start thinking about now we're at one end of the house,
0:30:38 > 0:30:43so this could potentially be just one of your parts of the home. OK?
0:30:43 > 0:30:49That end, we've got a bedroom, a smaller bedroom, OK?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51A little attic space for storage.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- But let's go down to the master, just up the stairs.- Goodness.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08So, this is the master bedroom,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- you have an en suite bathroom next door.- Lovely.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Looking straight out the window, Christina.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- That's a good way to be looking. - Feng shui good.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22It's quite extraordinary to have your window at ground floor, floor level.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- But you're lying in bed.- Yes, yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29You've got one person's living area just this end, if you so desire.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Good?- Very good. What's through there?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Can I shout orders, ask for coffee?
0:31:35 > 0:31:37You're closer to the truth than you think.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42It connects you, if you like, to the other end of the building.
0:31:42 > 0:31:43And to get to the other end,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46we've got to go back down onto the ground floor.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50The two-storey area we've just seen all lies to the
0:31:50 > 0:31:53right-hand side of the property and joined to the left hand portion
0:31:53 > 0:31:57by a large and lofty single-storey kitchen breakfast room.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Then beyond the kitchen is another two-storey part,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04housing a snug, alongside a ground-floor bedroom.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07But I'm keen to show Christina in particular,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10even more in what could be her very own studio.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14So, we're making our way across the property from right to left,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17through the fantastic rustic kitchen with vaulted ceiling
0:32:17 > 0:32:20and into the far side of the barn.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Now then. A little shower room and loo.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Now, let me just explain the configuration here,
0:32:30 > 0:32:31because it's quite confusing.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34We've just walked back through the kitchen, obviously.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Through that living room, there was also another room being
0:32:37 > 0:32:39used as a double bedroom on the ground floor there.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Then above, where we've just walked through,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47you've got bedroom, bedroom, and a bathroom.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Then, here. You're into this. Now, this could be a living room,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53it could be a bedroom, it could be anything.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55I'm now not going to tell you what this could be used for,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58because you have your own ideas, haven't you?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- This is hugely multifunctional.- Yes.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02I like enormously the kitchen.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06No, it could be used in all kinds of different ways.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08And if I could make a suggestion?
0:33:08 > 0:33:11For someone that is still considering travelling away
0:33:11 > 0:33:13a lot and doesn't do a lot of cooking,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16is this not your perfect kitchenette and living area?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18You could be right, yes, yes.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23I certainly, I don't intend to do a huge amount of cooking and you do.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26No, that is fine for a kitchen for me.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I have just sussed it. It means I get the big kitchen!
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- Hallelujah. - Yes.- Thank you.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39What I think we should do now is, let's get into the garden to
0:33:39 > 0:33:41give you an idea of where all the buildings are.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43There's also a project area, which I think you'll like
0:33:43 > 0:33:47and something else that this building has up its sleeve.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52And we'll talk price. Which isn't going to be easy, ladies.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Right, follow me.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07So, well, what have we got here?
0:34:07 > 0:34:12We've got unconverted continuation of that barn.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15You've got a workshop here, Christina, full power.
0:34:15 > 0:34:21- I thought that would be an amazing external office.- Yes, yes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24Now, to the other side of that building,
0:34:24 > 0:34:28you've got a kitchen garden, raised beds, the lots,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32and you have a small area there, bit of a garden area.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33Manageable.
0:34:33 > 0:34:39- Yes.- It's an unbelievable house. - It's an extraordinary house.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- You've really excelled the quirky and character. - It's a mystery house, isn't it?
0:34:43 > 0:34:45- Everywhere you turn, there's more character.- Yes.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Now's the time to try and put a price on it.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50How much do you think this house
0:34:50 > 0:34:53in all of its glory is on the market for?
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- I think it's got to be at least 900.- OK.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Now, my theory was that whatever you said last time should be the price
0:35:02 > 0:35:06this time, because it's sort of gone up, now last time you were at 800.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07Yeah.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- I guess I have to go for 850.- OK.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Well, this house is on the market for offers
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- in the region of £795,000. - Gosh.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- Goodness.- It's ridiculous.- Enjoy it, because it's there to be loved.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Thank you.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Right, we're off. - Go on, off you pop!
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Over budget, but surprisingly closer than the ladies thought,
0:35:31 > 0:35:36with a guide price of £795,000, the mystery property presents
0:35:36 > 0:35:40an outstanding detached centuries-old barn.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Features include up to six bedrooms, the possibility of five
0:35:44 > 0:35:47receptions, a huge kitchen breakfast room as well as a range
0:35:47 > 0:35:52of outbuildings, some modernised and some right for remodelling.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57The mystery house delivered the mystery. Bags of character.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Thoroughly unexpected. Beautifully done,
0:36:00 > 0:36:04all sorts of exciting kind of twists around each corner.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Whoever built this place has a huge sense of humour.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I'm sure we can find any number of beams for us
0:36:10 > 0:36:13to hang our swinging seat on for you.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16I did say I wanted a trapeze in any house we moved to!
0:36:16 > 0:36:20It was the kind of house that our parents would have adored
0:36:20 > 0:36:22and would have bought and we lived,
0:36:22 > 0:36:27we were brought up in a similar, quirky, quaint conversion.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31So, we feel very at home in this kind of place.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34It's certainly not to be dismissed.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37It definitely needs thought.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Well, then, much discussions to be had?- Plenty.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Good. Well, it is quite a thought-provoking space, isn't it?
0:36:47 > 0:36:48Yes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Let's go somewhere where you can have that think
0:36:50 > 0:36:54and a discussion about what you're going to do later on.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Let's go.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Christine and Joanna are turning to Gloucestershire to give them
0:37:02 > 0:37:05a breath of fresh air away from the city.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08And 100 years ago, vacationing Edwardians were doing
0:37:08 > 0:37:12the very same thing, travelling out to the county from Birmingham
0:37:12 > 0:37:15along the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17And part of this line is still running today,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20thanks to a small group of enthusiasts who 30 years ago
0:37:20 > 0:37:24clubbed together to buy around 50 miles of derelict track bed
0:37:24 > 0:37:27and set about restoring the line back to its former glory.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29BELL RINGS
0:37:29 > 0:37:32I've come to Toddington platform to meet commercial director
0:37:32 > 0:37:36Colin Fewell to find out more about this remarkable restoration,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40which has been completed entirely by unpaid volunteers.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44What a spectacle. This is stepping back in time, isn't it?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- It's a lovely sight.- Isn't it?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Why was this line built in the first place?
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Well, it was built by Great Western Railway in the very early 1900s.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57It was one of the last main lines ever built in this country.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01It was built because Great Western Railway saw an opportunity to
0:38:01 > 0:38:05make money out of the newly industrialised Midlands.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07There were more and more people earning more money
0:38:07 > 0:38:09and this was an opportunity for them
0:38:09 > 0:38:12to get down to perhaps the West Country for holidays.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14So how long was this line in use then, Colin?
0:38:14 > 0:38:20From about 1906 through till 1960, it carried passenger transport
0:38:20 > 0:38:23plus fruit and vegetable and other freight.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Then in 1960, they stopped running passenger trains on a regular
0:38:27 > 0:38:31basis, which was really the start of its downfall, I suppose.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35Over 700 volunteers are involved in day-to-day operations,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39responsible for the restored track as well as buildings, platforms,
0:38:39 > 0:38:43steam and diesel locomotives and the all-important signal box.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Now called the Gloucestershire Warwickshire steam railway,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51a passenger service runs between Laverton
0:38:51 > 0:38:53and Cheltenham racecourse.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I'm hitching a ride on board an engine that's 180 years old
0:38:57 > 0:39:00with Jon Crackson and John Pedley at the helm.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02So, I'm the driver, he's the fireman,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- but I'm technically the man that's in charge.- OK.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- But, it is teamwork.- Right.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08TRAIN TOOTS
0:39:12 > 0:39:14So, what is John doing here now?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17The signal man is going to give him the staff or the token.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19So what is the token for?
0:39:19 > 0:39:20That's our permission to go down the line
0:39:20 > 0:39:24and nobody else can go down it, because we've got the staff.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- So it's a physical safety measure? - Yes.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31Goodness me! I can feel the heat coming out of there!
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- He earns his lunch, doesn't he? - He does earn his lunch!
0:39:35 > 0:39:38What an amazing way to see the Cotswold countryside.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41This line gives us the most beautiful views
0:39:41 > 0:39:46- on a day like today. - I've got to ask, any chance?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Yes, I should think so.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50- Can I?- Yes.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- I'm driving the train now!- Yes.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I've got to say,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00you made a nearly 40-year-old man feel like he's 10 again!
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Thank you so much! - That's all right! You're welcome!
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Today I've realised a boyhood dream,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13and I know that sounds cliche, but driving a train in this beautiful
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Cotswold countryside, it doesn't really get much better than this.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Thank you both very much. - You're very welcome.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22With some ten miles of track already up and running,
0:40:22 > 0:40:26the ultimate aim is to reach all the way to London, but for now,
0:40:26 > 0:40:30we have two ladies who are after a one-way ticket out of the city.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31TRAIN TOOTS
0:40:31 > 0:40:33So let's find out how their journey will end.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, I'm pretty sure the mystery house is a favourite with
0:40:39 > 0:40:42the ladies, as it satisfied so much on their, let's face it,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44fairly unique shopping list.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48But, has it done enough to warrant a second viewing?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Let's catch up with them and find out.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56So, what do you think of Gloucestershire?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58You don't know the area very well, do you?
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- What do you think of the place? - Intriguing.
0:41:01 > 0:41:07And I'm kind of curious to learn, to see more of it, because it is pretty.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Nice, rolling hills. I like it.- Great.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- So, what is your favourite property? - Of the three?- Yes.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17The third one.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Yes, I thought the mystery house would be the favourite.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24- Would you consider coming back to the mystery house?- Probably not.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Right, OK.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30We came up with the idea that it wouldn't be fair for one of us
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- to have all of the bigger rooms. - That's true.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37As we've talked about, I'm a first-time buyer,
0:41:37 > 0:41:42so these are the first houses I've EVER looked at to buy.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46And I have found the last couple of days hugely helpful.
0:41:46 > 0:41:52And I think that what we've been doing with you will help us
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- enormously in our search. - How about you, Christina?
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- You've bought property before.- Yes, but I bought the first thing I saw.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- I wish you'd done that this time! - THEY LAUGH
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Do you want us to let you know we find something?
0:42:04 > 0:42:05I would love you to let me know.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09It's been a riot and I feel like I've aged, but I have enjoyed it.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- Good luck.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Well, I always knew it was going to be an uphill struggle,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21bearing in mind the fairly unique set of criteria
0:42:21 > 0:42:23I was given by Christina and Joanna.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26But I must say, after looking around three properties with them,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28I'm not sure we're any closer, are we?
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Well, they're on their own now, and I do hope that they
0:42:31 > 0:42:36heed my advice on focusing on a few key points - must and mustn't haves.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39And then maybe, hopefully not in the not too distant future,
0:42:39 > 0:42:43they could be making their move here together to Gloucestershire.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44See you next time.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49If you would like to escape to the
0:42:49 > 0:42:52country in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or maybe
0:42:52 > 0:42:56further afield to the continent and need our help, please apply online.