0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country. Now, today, I'm on a hunt.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Not for a house, or not just yet, but rather, for this, a gravestone.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11And as you can probably just make out,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15this is the final resting place of one Ebenezer Scrooge.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Now, as we all know, he was, of course,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20a fictitious character, invented by Charles Dickens.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23So, why is this here, and where is it?
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46On today's show, I'll be helping two adventurous house-hunters
0:00:46 > 0:00:50leave behind the confined spaces of their housing estate
0:00:50 > 0:00:54to set up base camp in the great outdoors of the open countryside.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57And they don't pull any punches.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59It's quite small, isn't it?
0:00:59 > 0:01:02But in one house, there's no hiding their delight.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- Look at the smiles on your face! - I know, I like it.- Ha-ha-ha!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Well, today, we're in Shropshire
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and this is the graveyard of St Chad's Church
0:01:11 > 0:01:13in the middle of Shrewsbury.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Now, of course, dear old Ebenezer's gravestone is a fake.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19In fact, it was a movie prop,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22left behind after the making of the 1984 film, A Christmas Carol.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Now, as you can appreciate,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28since then, it's become something of a local tourist attraction,
0:01:28 > 0:01:29but the good news is,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32well, there's a lot more to this county than just the fiction.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Situated in the West Midlands, the landlocked county of Shropshire
0:01:40 > 0:01:42is sandwiched between Wales to the west
0:01:42 > 0:01:44and Staffordshire to the east.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48The county is a rural idyll, rich in agricultural land
0:01:48 > 0:01:49and classic English countryside,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52dotted with picturesque postcard villages
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and towns like Much Wenlock and Ludlow.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Through its middle, runs the majestic River Severn,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01splitting the county in half, with rippling fields above it
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and rolling hills and deep valleys below,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08much of which have been selected as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13All of which belies the county's industrial past.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Shropshire is known
0:02:15 > 0:02:17as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19symbolised by the world's first iron structure
0:02:19 > 0:02:22spanning the River Severn at Ironbridge Gorge,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28No wonder, then, that this county remains an attraction
0:02:28 > 0:02:31to tourists and property hunters alike.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Now, I love coming to Shropshire.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40It offers the sort of rural living that most of us aspire to,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44the perfect place, you could say, to escape to the country,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47but the real icing on the cake is the property prices.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Now, an average detached here will set you back £237,000,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and, yes, it is a lot of money, but consider this -
0:02:54 > 0:02:57it's £19,000 less than the national figure,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59and £25,000 less than what you'd have to pay
0:02:59 > 0:03:03for the same sort of thing in neighbouring Worcestershire.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04So, the lesson is clear -
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Shropshire, with all its charm and tranquillity and affordability,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10is a really good bet,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13which is exactly why, of course, today's buyers want to be here.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19For the past four years, fireman Ross and climbing instructor Wendy
0:03:19 > 0:03:22have been living on a tight-knit estate in Gnosall, Staffordshire,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25but feel they've outgrown their three-bed semi
0:03:25 > 0:03:27and now is the time to make the move
0:03:27 > 0:03:30to a more private countryside location.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Where we live at the moment is on an estate.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36There are other houses that overlook the garden,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40so our ideal property would be out in the open with its own land,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43not overlooked or near a busy road.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We've, kind of, outlived this house. It's a little bit too small.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49And the destination for their relocation
0:03:49 > 0:03:51is dictated by their outdoor pursuits.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53We're looking to move into Shropshire,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55around the Much Wenlock area.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57There's plenty of walking and climbing in that area,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01so that would be... our ideal location.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02Weekends are brilliant.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06On a Friday, we can just get everything into the camper van
0:04:06 > 0:04:08and head off with Alfie the dog,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13go climbing or kayaking, take the bikes.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15We're travelling to Wales most weekends
0:04:15 > 0:04:17and then travelling to work during the week.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Shropshire would, basically, be halfway between the two.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24But all their hobbies come with a lot of kit.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26The must-haves for our new property
0:04:26 > 0:04:29would be space for our car and camper van.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31We've also got my kit car,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33so somewhere to keep that under dry storage.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35And, if possible, somewhere for my dinghy,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37which, during the winter, needs to be stored,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39so that would be great.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Also, space to store all the climbing kit -
0:04:42 > 0:04:46buoyancy aids and ropes and associated equipment -
0:04:46 > 0:04:47would be great.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Not all of their interests are so physical.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Last year, I was taught how to knit,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and I've always been interested in it
0:04:55 > 0:04:59and, actually, been able to combine that with the love of climbing.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04I've produced some knitted climbing equipment, as key rings,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06which have been popular amongst climbers.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10All that's left to discover are the financial details.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13The budget for this move would be around £210,000.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Ross and Wendy have asked us to concentrate our search
0:05:18 > 0:05:20around the town of Much wedlock,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23halfway between work commitments in Gnosall, Staffordshire,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25and outdoor adventures in Wales.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29But before we start our search, I caught up with them in Shropshire,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31to find out what they're looking for in a new home.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- Hi, Wendy! Hello, Ross! - Hi!- Hi!- Nice to see you two.- Yeah.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Now, then, this is all rather exciting, isn't it?- It is.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40You must be one of the youngest couples we've ever had
0:05:40 > 0:05:42on Escape To The Country!
0:05:42 > 0:05:43You are a tall guy,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46and your classic little country cottage might challenge you.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Yeah, there is a good chance there,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50that's why we're looking for something...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53a little bit different, a little bit quirky,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56off the beaten track, a little bit, something that we can make our own.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- So, uh...bedrooms-wise? - Two to three?- Yeah, two, three.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Two to three, lots of outdoor space, barns and so on.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- You have got quite a bit of... stuff, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- Mountain bikes.- Yeah. - A dinghy.- Yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Canoes.- Yeah. - This is going to be good fun.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Yeah.- I look forward to this. Shall we get going?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Three properties to show you, including the mystery house -
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- who knows what could happen? - Brilliant.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Let's go through the magic archway. After you, Wendy!
0:06:26 > 0:06:29For a budget of £210,000,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Ross and Wendy are looking for two to three bedrooms,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35a property with individual character,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38plenty of storage space for their outdoor equipment,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41a garage to house a dinghy, Ross's kit car,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44as well as parking space for the camper van.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46And all in a quiet village location,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49ideally, midway between Staffordshire and Wales.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54We have three different prospects for them today,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56with varying degrees of potential,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58and one is a mystery house
0:06:58 > 0:07:00that will really test their sense of adventure.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03So, time to get going and first on the list is house number one.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08How do your families feel about this move?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Cos you are going a little bit away from home,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12albeit, sort of, just over the border.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14I'm originally from Lancashire,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16so it's a bit of a... a little bit of a trek, anyway,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18to where we are at the moment, in Staffordshire.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20But, erm...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23I think they'd quite like it, really, to come and visit.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24It would be ideal,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27if there's a potential for people to stay and stop,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29but we can always find ways round that.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31You know, we've got our camper van,
0:07:31 > 0:07:32which is always a spare bed, if we need it to be.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- We don't mind sleeping outside, if the guests sleep inside.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- We're pretty adaptable. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:07:39 > 0:07:42For our first property, we're throwing caution to the wind
0:07:42 > 0:07:44and travelling to the north-west of the county,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46to the village of Morda
0:07:46 > 0:07:48near the town of Oswestry and the Welsh border,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51but further away from their work in Gnosall.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54Named after the River Morda,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58the village is on the outskirts of the market town of Oswestry.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The gateway to Wales, medieval Oswestry
0:08:01 > 0:08:04is known as a centre for trade from both sides of the border,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and reminders of this are still evident
0:08:06 > 0:08:09with its array of textile, craft and local-produce stores.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Just out of Morda village is our first house,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18a two-bedroom character cottage in an idyllic location,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21adjacent to a wooded area and stream.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Let's start here!
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Come on in, guys.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28This is a good spot to take it all in.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- There you go, property number one, Wendy.- It's fantastic.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I'm liking the size of it, yeah, it looks really good.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Now, it used to be two cottages, but now it's one,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41so you get a detached building.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Wow.- It looks really nice.- Yeah.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47I'm not sure quite where we're going to put all the outdoors stuff yet.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Yeah.- Well, there is a little shed over there.- Yeah.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- But you also get that garage there.- Oh, wow.- OK.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Now, that could be improved upon and made a bit bigger.- Yeah.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Was this the sort of thing that you had in mind, Wendy?
0:08:58 > 0:08:59Yeah, definitely.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03It's certainly a lot bigger than I thought we'd be able to afford.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Good! Let's see what you think of the inside. Come and have a look.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09A good start with the location,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12but already the question of outside space
0:09:12 > 0:09:14for their mountain of equipment has been raised,
0:09:14 > 0:09:15so it remains to be seen
0:09:15 > 0:09:18if the interior of this cottage can redress the balance.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Right, let's start with this one.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Come on in. Watch your head, Ross. - JULES LAUGHS
0:09:24 > 0:09:25What do you think?
0:09:25 > 0:09:29It's nice, I like the... I like it, it's compact.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I like the unusual shape of the room.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32There used to be a fireplace there.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- There would have been a chimney on this end of the roof.- Yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39But the flue is still in there, so if you wanted to, open that up,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41a really nice focal point with a wood burner in it.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44I can imagine it would be nice and snug with a proper fireplace.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It would feel a lot more authentic, more in keeping.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Yeah, definitely. It's quite small, isn't it?
0:09:49 > 0:09:52I was brought up in a cottage, so I'm used to low ceilings,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- so I'm not too bothered about the ceilings.- OK.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- It's just...- Size-wise? - Yeah, the shape of the room.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59But, yeah, it's interesting, I like it.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Good. Well, it does go on, there's a sort of dining room through here.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Mm-hm.- It could be a kind of a snug if you wanted it to be.- Sure.- Yeah.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09But it does also lead through to the kitchen,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11which is really lovely, which is in here.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- I think you'll like this.- Yeah.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Yeah? - It's quite a surprise, isn't it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's nice, nice and new, nice and fresh, granite tops.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20I imagine this is your sort of thing, quite...you know.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21It's got everything there, hasn't it?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23You know, it's got everything we need.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I think we'd probably like it a little bit more open, wouldn't we?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Yeah, if it was... maybe opened up a little more,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- a bit more social space for if we did have friends round.- Yeah.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32That would be good.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34It's a... It's a really interesting property,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I like the features that are in here.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39To get you closer to the environment you want to be in,
0:10:39 > 0:10:40it's certainly a good option.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Certainly, halfway house, yeah, definitely.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Halfway house, let's find the other half of it.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Come on, it's upstairs.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Not the worst reaction, but still, space is the key here.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Upstairs, the family bathroom with a modern four-piece suite
0:10:53 > 0:10:55serves the two double bedrooms -
0:10:55 > 0:10:58one bright and airy, with views to the front,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01and the other, slightly larger, possibly the master.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04This, I would suggest, would be your room.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- It is nice. - I like the quirky shape of it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's really light, as well, with the two windows.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Got the nice view out down the small little valley.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Oh, it's quiet and peaceful. I mean, it's a lovely room.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Mind you, so is the one next door. - Yeah.- So you could try them both.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Mm, you could. - Yeah, it's a really nice shape.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It's a similar size to what we've got at the moment,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26so the size wouldn't be an issue.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29I'm not so sure about the storage, we may need to look at that.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32There's a bit of built-in here, a little cupboard over there.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- Again, you know, for two people, you have a lot of stuff.- Yeah.- Yeah!
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- How you accommodate that, really, I think, is up to you.- Sure.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Different, which is what we're most definitely looking for.- Yeah.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45- Yeah.- The style, isn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- Shall we finish off outside? - Sure.- OK.- After you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52The surrounding gardens are made up of three separate lawns,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55along with secluded, decking, seating areas.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59To allay their fears over space, I might have something up my sleeve.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I know space inside, you felt, perhaps was a little limited,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05particularly in the living room.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07There has been planning granted.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09It's now lapsed, but the precedent is there,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12to extend it this way, which would extend the kitchen
0:12:12 > 0:12:19and give you an upstairs third bedroom as well, should you need it.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22So, has anybody got a figure in mind
0:12:22 > 0:12:25as to what our property number one is worth?
0:12:25 > 0:12:27I'm thinking
0:12:27 > 0:12:30around about 200,000.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31200,000.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33I was thinking, maybe, 210.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36210. Well, interesting.
0:12:36 > 0:12:43- It's on the market at £218,000.- OK.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48But, having spoken with the owner, I would imagine...
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- ..your budget would secure it. - Yeah.- If that makes sense.- OK.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Yeah, it's interesting.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- There's a lot to think about. - Yeah, definitely.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00There's plenty to go at
0:13:00 > 0:13:03and it's something we could move straight into.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Mm.- I'm just not sure about
0:13:05 > 0:13:08the space outside, for everything that we have at the moment.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Right, then. You've got plenty to consider.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Off you go and I'll catch up with you later.- Thank you.- OK, thanks.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15Enjoy.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25This charming character cottage, on the market for £218,000,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27is ideally located for weekend trips to Wales,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30giving them two decent-sized double bedrooms,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33a modern oak kitchen with a stylish range,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35separate dining room,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37the possibility to extend and it's all set
0:13:37 > 0:13:40in an idyllic, peaceful, village location.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42My first impression was the location.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47It was brilliant walking up the lane and seeing the house.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It was a lovely setting. So I really liked that.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I could see myself living in this house.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55It is the exact style that we like.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It's just if it's big enough, that's the only problem.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02It looks really nice from the outside.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Then, when we ventured further in,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07it was a little narrower than it appeared from the outside.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I like the location. Really nice valley.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14But I'm just not sure on the amount of outdoor storage space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- I think this was a good start.- Mm, yeah.- But there are two more to come.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Yeah.- Including the mystery. Shall we?- Yes.- Yes.- Come on.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Despite its industrial past, historically,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Shropshire has been exclusively agricultural, with sheep farming
0:14:33 > 0:14:37and the trade in wool the mainstay of the rural economy.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39The Shropshire breed, around since 1882,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42was developed for its excellent fleece, ideal for hand-knitting yarn
0:14:42 > 0:14:46because of the length, thickness and spring of the fibre.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Mindful of Wendy's cottage industry of knitted products,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53we arrange for them to meet local textile weaver, Fiona Nisbet,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55who has offered to show Ross and Wendy
0:14:55 > 0:14:59how a wealth of countryside bounty can be used in natural wool dye.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03This afternoon, what I thought we'd do is I'm going to show you
0:15:03 > 0:15:05how to do some natural dyeing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I'm going to use Shropshire fleece and I'm going to colour it
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- using plants that I've collected from the hedgerows.- OK.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12And some from the garden.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17Having washed it, I then boiled it for about two hours in a solution
0:15:17 > 0:15:20with aluminium sulphate, which is a fixative for the dye.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24And then, I've prepared some dye plants, to use for dyeing.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- This one here is cow parsley.- Yeah.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27So, I've soaked it overnight
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and then boiled it for about half an hour, to get this colour out.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- The one in here, they're dandelion heads.- Dandelions.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35So I just went, again, down the lane to collect dandelion heads.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Then, in here, this is stinging nettles,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40which I collected from the garden. But it's just like boiling cabbage.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Yeah.- You put water in with it and stew it up.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45The soaking time depends on the raw material.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Willow twigs or bark would need longer to extract the dye.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Once the dye has been removed, the liquid is strained into a bowl.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55The fleece is added to the dye bath,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59squeezing the wool, to make sure the dye is evenly distributed.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02And then we just cook that for about half an hour
0:16:02 > 0:16:05and then it should turn a richer, yellow colour than that.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- It's started to turn already. - Yeah, you can see.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10And is that quite a permanent dye now?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13It is, although it is permanent, in the sense that it is dyed
0:16:13 > 0:16:17permanently on here, it's wash-fast, but it is not very light-fast.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20There are three native dye plants which I use a lot -
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- madder root, weld and woad.- OK.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27The madder root actually looks like this.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- This is some that I've dug out of the garden.- Wow.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32And you just buy all that?
0:16:32 > 0:16:35If you keep the dye pot to a simmering temperature,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38you get lovely pinks. If you let it boil, then you'll get coral colours.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Wow.- More orangey, coral colours.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42There are lots of different plants that you grow in the garden
0:16:42 > 0:16:45that you can use to get colour from, but then there are some
0:16:45 > 0:16:48that you'd expect to get colour from, like beetroot and red cabbage,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51you know, when you boil it up, you get lots of colour coming out
0:16:51 > 0:16:53into the saucepan - and those colours just aren't...
0:16:53 > 0:16:55They aren't strong enough.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57They might colour the wool to start with,
0:16:57 > 0:16:59but they fade very, very quickly.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00The colours always go together.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02That's the lovely thing about natural dyeing.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04So, no matter what plant you use,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07whether you're getting greens or yellows or reds,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11they all go together nicely and they fade together, as well.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Fiona incorporates her naturally-dyed wool
0:17:14 > 0:17:17in a variety of products, from rugs to wall hangings,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21all made in her workshop using traditional weaving methods.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Inspiration, perhaps, for Wendy's own creative aspirations.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27With Shropshire's rural crafts catching
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Ross and Wendy's imagination, let's hope our houses do, too,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32as our property hunt continues.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38For house number two, were travelling east,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42to the village of Moreton Say, near to the town of Market Drayton
0:17:42 > 0:17:46at a more central location, around halfway between Gnosall and Wales.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Market Drayton itself has been a prosperous market town
0:17:51 > 0:17:53since the 13th century.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Evidence of its success are the many brick structures
0:17:56 > 0:17:59dating back to the Stuart, Georgian and Victorian periods,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03with the occasional half-timbered Tudor building.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Today, it continues to thrive as a centre for trade,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10with a diverse array of independent shops and characterful streets.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Just outside Moreton say, down a quiet country lane,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15lies house number two -
0:18:15 > 0:18:18a two-bedroom, Victorian, semi-detached cottage,
0:18:18 > 0:18:19surrounded by open countryside.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- That's what I want you to take in. What do you think?- I like it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- It looks really sturdy. I like the brickwork.- Yeah.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32I like the space at the front. That's the first thing I've noticed.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Well, that's the real bonus here
0:18:33 > 0:18:35that we didn't have with the first one.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39As you can see, you've got a double garage there, timber-framed garage.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Plenty of footprint there...- Yes. - ..Ross, to make that even bigger.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45A couple of little sheds over there.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47The garden, we'll have look at a bit later on.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49That's all very pretty, very flat.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51There's an extension on the side, here.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55And, actually, you know, that could be made more of.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57It is a semi-detached, as you probably realised,
0:18:57 > 0:18:58looking at that hedge line.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The neighbours have also added on at the back,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05so the omens are good, if you want to extend this.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07'We're off to a flying start with the exterior,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11'which satisfies their need for outside storage space and I'm hoping
0:19:11 > 0:19:15'the character features inside can keep the smiles on their faces.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17'Let's start with the kitchen.'
0:19:17 > 0:19:18- I like the range.- Yeah.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- There's plenty of space in here. - More space than the last one.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Plenty of head height. - Yes. And the doors.- Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27It's got a lot of features, already, that we're looking for.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I mean, it's probably about 1850 onwards, this building.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34And lots of those lovely Victorian features are still here.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37That's the little extension, which has become
0:19:37 > 0:19:40something of a breakfast room, which is, again, pretty useful.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44You could make that a little bit bigger, if you wanted to.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48So, it is, I suppose, a, sort of, kitchen-diner-esque arrangement.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Quirky was something that you said you wanted.- Yeah, definitely.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52I think this has got a bit of quirk.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- Yeah, it's certainly different. - Definitely. Full of character.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58It feels really good, this place, doesn't it?
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- Yeah, it's just our sort of thing. It's kind of nice and remote.- Yeah.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It's got all the features we're looking for and the space outside.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- Yeah, I'm interested to see a bit more.- Well, the features go on.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Just have a look at the living room.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Look at that. A nice built-in original cupboard. The wood burner.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Brilliant.- Fantastic.- Yeah?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- Yeah, the log burner would certainly keep you warm.- It would.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It's enormous. It's an absolute whopper, that one.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- It's a good-sized room, as well.- Yeah.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Yeah, it feels like there's plenty of space in here.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29This is more of an estate farm worker's cottage.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33It's got a robust, kind of, agricultural feel about it,
0:20:33 > 0:20:34which is what we do like.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- And Alfie, down there, in front of the log burner.- Perfect.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Yeah, I'm sure he'd like it. You'd struggle to move him, I think.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Right, let's go upstairs.- Fantastic.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'So far, so good, with more positive reactions,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'as the period features seem to be doing the trick.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54'The family bathroom that serves the two bedrooms has an original
0:20:54 > 0:20:59'Victorian cistern and there is more character to see in the master.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:00This is for you.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- Oh.- Wow.- Brilliant.- Yeah? - Yeah, I like it.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- I like the views out the window. - Yeah.- That's brilliant.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Well, I did tell you. You wanted a bit of Shropshire. There it is.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- That's nice, too.- Yeah. - Yeah, I like that. Definitely.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I like the two windows, as well. - The double aspect is nice.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Size-wise, does this improve on what you've really got?- Yeah, definitely.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Yeah, definitely.- A lot lighter. - Yeah, I really like it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27The high ceilings are really nice, as well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- It just gives it that open feel. - Yeah, it feels bigger, doesn't it?
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Now, obviously, next door, you know,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- there is the box room, that's your bedroom two.- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41We're struggling on bedroom size here, but we're gaining out there.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42- Yeah. - That's the story of this property.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44And that's what we're looking for.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- So, is that a compromise that you'd be prepared for?- Yeah.- I think so.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52I think so. We could maybe, if we needed to,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56steal a little from the bathroom, if that was a problem.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- The period features are gorgeous. - Definitely.- Good.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Look at the smiles on your face. This is all good, Wendy.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- I like it.- Yeah.- Right, then. - Fantastic.- Let's get back outside.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- OK.- After you, Ross.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11'The grounds of the property
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'are the big selling point for Ross and Wendy.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17'As well as the garage, they have a half share of an original
0:22:17 > 0:22:20'Victorian outhouse, currently used as a wood store, that could be
0:22:20 > 0:22:23'ideal storage space for their climbing equipment.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25'And there's more to see in the garden.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- How about all this?- It's great. - What do you reckon?- I like it, yeah.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Yeah? I mean, you've got quite a bit of ground here.- Yeah, I like it.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I like the space. I like the way you've got the hedgerows.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- Maybe bring those down slightly... - Yeah?- ..to improve the view.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45No, I like the, sort of, ruggedness of it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Yeah. You could have a lot of fun out here, I think,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50and make it as pretty, or as rugged, as you like.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54You know, most of the time, we are away in Wales
0:22:54 > 0:22:56or in the Lake District,
0:22:56 > 0:23:01so, you know, shrubs and hedges are better for us than a formal garden.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07- So, madam, how much is it worth? - Oh... I don't want to go first.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13I think it's going to be a little bit less. I don't know. 195, maybe.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- Maybe. Crossing a few fingers. Yeah, OK. Ross?- I have no idea.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I think going to have to go...
0:23:22 > 0:23:24for about 200 again.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- I think it's about 200,000.- Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- It's actually on the market for 206,000.- Oh.- OK.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- And I suspect that 6,000 is there to be negotiated.- Yeah.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40So, you know, I think it comfortably comes within your budget.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44And, although it won't leave you with huge amounts left over,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I think you'd certainly be left with enough change to make
0:23:47 > 0:23:49the garage bigger and if, in time,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51you decided to invest in the property
0:23:51 > 0:23:55and do something about the kitchen, copying the neighbours' extension,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57you know, you may think that's something worth doing
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- in the future.- Yeah, some added value.- Yeah, exactly.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- I think this is more you, if I'm honest.- Yes, it is.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06The smiles say it all. Good. Right, then.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Well, I suggest you get out of this wind. Go and enjoy yourselves.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Have a good look around. Check out some of those store rooms, as well.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Cheers.- OK. Cheers. - I'll find you later. Off you go.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23On the market for £206,000, this quirky Victorian cottage
0:24:23 > 0:24:27with period features comes in just under budget and gives them
0:24:27 > 0:24:30two bedrooms, a characterful living room,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33the possibility to extend the property further,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35a garage for the kit car and dinghy
0:24:35 > 0:24:36and out-buildings,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39for their mountain of outdoor pursuits equipment.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43And it's all set in a peaceful rural location, off the beaten track.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- We could fit the kit car in here and maybe adapt it for the boat.- Yeah.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50It is really good, isn't it?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53It's the workshop that I've, perhaps, always wanted.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54I really like this place.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59It's very different to what I probably would have looked at.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02I'm excited, because it's actually possible to make changes here,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06whereas the last property, you were very limited with that.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10I think you could make this into a home very easily.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Yeah, we could put our own touch to it.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17I'm really excited about the potential this property offers us.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21We've got loads of space outside, nice period features,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25so, yeah, there's definitely a lot here for us to look at.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27I could definitely see myself living here.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28I like this house a lot.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- After you, madam. After you, sir.- Thank you.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- Well, I think that was well worth a visit.- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- It was really good.- Look at the smiles. It's all good, isn't it?
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- It is.- Can we improve on this one?- Oh...- I'm not sure.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- Maybe.- Have we got a treat for you!
0:25:53 > 0:25:55'We are halfway through our property search
0:25:55 > 0:25:58'with Ross and Wendy from Gnosall, Staffordshire
0:25:58 > 0:26:03'who have £210,000 to spend on their rural relocation.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06'Coming up, the mystery house leaves them gobsmacked...'
0:26:06 > 0:26:09A bit stuck for words, really.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11'..and I release my inner blacksmith.'
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Right. I'm going to upset my iron.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Well, two down and one to go.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24It means, of course, that it is almost mystery house time.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Now, throughout my conversations with Ross and Wendy,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29they have alluded to the idea that they're quite prepared to
0:26:29 > 0:26:32take on a bit of a project, tackle some DIY
0:26:32 > 0:26:36and roll their sleeves up, possibly with the help of family and friends.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Well, our mystery house is going to be a real test of how
0:26:40 > 0:26:44big their family is and just how many friends they've really got.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51Well, we have one more property to come and that is our mystery house.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57- Any ideas what we might have lined up for you?- No idea.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- We're hoping for something a little different.- Yeah.- It's different.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05It's very different. If you do fancy it, this is the key...
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Wow.- Wow!
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- ..to the mystery house. How about that?- Yeah, that sounds good.- Yeah?
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Yeah, I'm liking the look of it already.- OK.- Definitely.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17For the mystery house,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20we're heading south to the village of Aston Munslow,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23around 20 minutes from their desired location of Much Wenlock,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26but an hour's drive to work in Gnosall.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Nearby, is the market town of Craven Arms,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33which takes its name from a 200-year-old listed coaching inn,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36built on the main road between Shrewsbury and Ludlow.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40This traditional town serves the local rural area,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44with general stores, pubs, a post office and even a museum dedicated
0:27:44 > 0:27:47to the British way of life, set in a Victorian market hall.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54There is our mystery house.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- Wow.- It's brilliant. - Our mystery chapel.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01- I promised you a big key. Or two keys, in fact.- Wow.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- These get you into that.- Fantastic.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Now, to say this is a project...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11is a huge understatement.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16This is going to require lots of imagination and lots of passion.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- Yeah.- But obviously that is reflected in its price.- Sure.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23But this could be everything you want it to be.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27It's certainly what we're looking for - a challenge.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- And something different. - And different, yeah.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32What it gives you is an enormous amount of space to play with
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and it's how you use that space, really, that is the trick to any
0:28:35 > 0:28:38successful conversion, whether it's a chapel like this or indeed a barn.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40How do we use the space and do you want to walk around
0:28:40 > 0:28:44with those in your pockets for the next however many years?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- I like those.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Well, they fit. They work. Come on, let's get inside.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53'A great reaction and Ross and Wendy
0:28:53 > 0:28:56'don't seem fazed at all by the prospect of a project.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58'Mind you, they haven't seen
0:28:58 > 0:29:01'the extent of the challenge that lies ahead.'
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Oh, wow.- Come on in.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Now, for goodness' sake, just be careful where you stand
0:29:11 > 0:29:16- and what you stand on, for very obvious reasons.- Wow.- Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- I can see a lot of potential here.- That's...
0:29:19 > 0:29:24- putting it lightly, really.- Yeah. - Big space.- It is a big space.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29It is, as it is, in a state of disrepair, but I can see,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32you know, it is only superficial, really.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33Well, you're absolutely right.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36I mean, the thing about it is that, structurally, it's all there.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39I mean, looking at the roof and the timbers, there's no obvious sign
0:29:39 > 0:29:43of, you know, water coming in or even damp, to be perfectly honest.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44I mean, look over there.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47There are some other, kind of, you know, internal foundations
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- and fabric of the building, those stone walls.- Definitely.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52I can see a builder coming in here and, within a week,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54having a new floor in.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56It's just a case of joists - all the bearers are there
0:29:56 > 0:30:01- in the wall. And from there, it's a blank canvas, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02You could have a massive
0:30:02 > 0:30:07open-plan, kind of, studio, kitchen, diner, living room here.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10You could have a mezzanine floor above you.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13You could have the whole thing, as one big floor above you.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18If you look at these bays between these two lovely cruck beams here,
0:30:18 > 0:30:19you've got three bays,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22so you could have a bedroom above us, you could have bedroom
0:30:22 > 0:30:25up there and, then, in the middle, a landing and a bathroom.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- You know, the sky's the limit. - It really is, yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31So many different possibilities, isn't there?
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- It's great.- Yeah, it's... A bit stuck for words, really.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37It's...
0:30:37 > 0:30:40probably the most challenging reconstruction
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I've ever shown on this series.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46It's quite hard to, kind of, envisage anything right now,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50but I reckon, yeah, a bit more of a look around and you could
0:30:50 > 0:30:54start to, kind of, see the layout and where you'd put things.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55I'm intrigued to see more.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58There is the undercroft down there, which we'll go to next.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00And then there's a bit of garden area below it.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03To get to that, we've got to go outside.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06But if you rebuilt it, my suggestion is that you'd have some kind
0:31:06 > 0:31:11of stairway going through there or maybe even a spiral staircase.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Straight down. - But what we do with that, who knows?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Let's go and have a closer look at it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20'Even faced with the realities of this mammoth task,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23'Ross and Wendy seem excited by the possibilities the chapel
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'will give them and the downstairs adds another dimension.'
0:31:28 > 0:31:33This is why there are two keys. For this little door, as well.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34There you go.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- It's a much bigger space...- Yeah, bigger than I thought it would be.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- ..than you probably would have thought.- I like it.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- I think it would make a really good kitchen space.- Yeah.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- That was my initial thought. - It's good.- It'd be really good.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48And you'd have, you know, quite an interesting sort of stairway
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- coming down through here...- Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53..into what would be a really good, big,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55quite cosy sort of kitchen/diner.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I mean, can you picture what this could look like?
0:32:00 > 0:32:02I think I can a little, yeah.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Yeah, I can see the work surfaces round here
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and, maybe, a table in the middle.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09The mezzanine floor, I like the idea of that.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Especially with the windows at either gable end.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I think that'll let the light in and it could make some really
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- nice features.- Yeah, definitely. I can see little bits already.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- This is exciting...- Yeah.- It is. - It's really exciting because
0:32:21 > 0:32:24your vision is now coming across to all of us. I like it.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- Any ideas on that price yet?- Oh, I have no idea. I don't even know.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Keep thinking. Keep figuring it out. Come on.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'With their minds whirring as to what they can do with the chapel,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40'time to give them some thing else to think about - outside space.'
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Right, just before we get to the garden, which is
0:32:45 > 0:32:48really at the lower end, behind the chapel, this area here,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- obviously, is potentially a parking space.- Yeah.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- But, again, could be, I don't know, a bit of storage space.- Mm-hm.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Looking at it, it is almost wide enough to fit two cars,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- maybe the boat and a car.- Yeah.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03I think it's bigger than we probably think it is.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05'The garden has a terraced area that could house a shed
0:33:05 > 0:33:08'as a further storage option.'
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Genuinely, what do you think, at the moment?
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I think, first impressions were, "It's going to be a big project."
0:33:15 > 0:33:18But when you look around, it doesn't seem that big of a challenge, really.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- It's very doable.- You do seem both very optimistic, which is good.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Yeah, I think it's an exciting opportunity.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- My main worry is the space outside.- Yeah.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31The work inside doesn't actually bother me.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36The price is really going to dictate whether this is a goer or not.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39So, you've got 210 grand to spend.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- Yeah.- Ross, your turn.- Good.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Make us an offer on the mystery house.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Looking along the lines of how much I think it would be to renovate...
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Yeah.- ..I'm thinking
0:33:53 > 0:33:56160.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Yeah.- Maybe a little bit less.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00140.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- "140," she said, plucking a figure out of there.- Yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07Well, you're both pretty much close to it.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11our mystery house, that needs an awful lot of TLC,
0:34:11 > 0:34:16is on the market for £150,000.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17- In the middle.- Mm.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22It would lead you with a reasonable chunk left over to really get
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- it up and running in pretty short order, actually.- It's... Yeah,
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- I'm really excited.- Yeah.- I need to have a closer look, I think.- Yeah.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Yeah.- It is good.- Well, let's spend a bit of time here.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Come on, let's get out of this weather.- Fantastic.- Let's go.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Well under budget, at £150,000,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43the mystery house offers them the chance for a major project,
0:34:43 > 0:34:47giving them full planning permission to create a three-bedroom home,
0:34:47 > 0:34:50character features, such as vaulted ceilings
0:34:50 > 0:34:54and stained-glass windows, a car parking area for two cars
0:34:54 > 0:34:58and it's set in an attractive and quiet village location, in an
0:34:58 > 0:35:02elevated position, with views over the glorious Shropshire countryside.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04The prospect of renovating this building
0:35:04 > 0:35:06doesn't frighten me in the slightest.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09I've got a lot of opportunities, with help from friends
0:35:09 > 0:35:13and parents, that I could turn this into some thing really spectacular.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15It just depends whether it's got the outside space for me, I think.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17That's the only consideration.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21Renovating this, I think, would be loads of fun.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25It doesn't scare me, at all. I could see ourselves living here.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28There is just loads of potential.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33And I think we could make it into a really special place.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Well, chaps, that's it. Time to go.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Take your thoughts and your hopes and aspirations with you.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Think about all the properties we've shown you
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- and we'll catch up with you a little later.- OK.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- This way.- Thank you. - Thank you.- There you go.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Now, if our property tours have inspired you to want to move
0:35:51 > 0:35:55to Shropshire, here's a little taste of what's on the market right now.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Modern four-bedroom houses, like this near the village of Whixall,
0:36:00 > 0:36:05could suit the average budget, open to offers in the region of £250,000.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09If you have a little more to play with, then this detached six-bedroom
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Edwardian house, in the market town of Wem, could fit the bill.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18Full of period features, it's on the market for £365,000.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22And if you're keen on the total countryside experience,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26how about this restored four-bedroom farmhouse, including character
0:36:26 > 0:36:30oak beams, with a guide price of £499,000?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Although Shropshire's factories
0:36:37 > 0:36:41and furnaces of the great industrial age have long since disappeared,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45the legacy of working with metal can still be found here,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47'with a handful of artist blacksmiths still forging
0:36:47 > 0:36:51'a living in the county, I've come to meet one of them, Roy Abbott.'
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- Roy.- Hi, good to see you. - Nice to see you, sir.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57This is lovely, isn't it? Tucked away in the Shropshire hills.
0:36:57 > 0:36:58Eh, what?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Now then, blacksmithing is something that's always fascinated me.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04One of the great ancient crafts, I suppose. But there is a lot to it.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- It's not just horseshoes, is it?- Not any more, no.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09What are we going to try and create?
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Well, I think the ideal thing for you would be to demonstrate
0:37:12 > 0:37:15how to make a poker and, then, you can get your hands dirty.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18That would be a very useful thing to take home. Yeah, brilliant.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- Right, then, let's get started. - Get your safety glasses on.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Are these for me? Lovely.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25'Before I get stuck in, Roy is going to show me
0:37:25 > 0:37:29'the process, by making a ram's head poker.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31'To work the iron, he needs to heat the metal
0:37:31 > 0:37:35'to a temperature of at least 1,200 degrees centigrade.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'From the block of red-hot steel, he first draws out the iron,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42'tapering it to roughly the right length for a poker.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45'He then cuts one end, to make two spikes for the horns
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'and plunges it into water, known as quenching, to harden the metal.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52'He then bends it over
0:37:52 > 0:37:57'and cleans the metal, using a steel brush, to remove any impurities,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01'before he welds the two surfaces together, to make the head.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04'He then punches the end,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08'to add the ram's features, like nostrils and eyes,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10'bending again and then opening out two prongs
0:38:10 > 0:38:13'that he'll twist, to form the ram's horns.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19'Another decorative twist on the neck
0:38:19 > 0:38:22'and next comes the upsetting - the term for fattening the end,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26'by bashing it on the anvil, before hammering it into a point.'
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- There you go.- Brilliant, Roy. There you are, look.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36That's what you call a red-hot poker. Now, it is my go.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40'I'll be using the same techniques as Roy,
0:38:40 > 0:38:42'but I'm going to tackle something a little simpler.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45'First, the drawing out, to get the shape.'
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Keep your hand up. Yeah, that's it. Lovely. That's right.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Now, when it starts to go that cherry red, black,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55it's time to take another heat.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- How long would you leave it in there for?- Till it's hot enough.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02'And here's the fancy bit. I'm making a shepherd's crook-style
0:39:02 > 0:39:06'poker, so I need to curl the end, for the handle decoration.'
0:39:06 > 0:39:09It's got a nice little round scroll.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11'Now, to bend the handle into shape.'
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- That's doing the pulling, this is guiding.- OK.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- I'm really, really chuffed with that.- Make a curtain pole!- Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21'And time to get upsetting.'
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- I love the idea that you can upset mild steel.- Absolutely.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- Without even shouting at it. - Just straight down.- Vertically bash.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Really get some weight into it.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Enough?- No! Keep going.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40'And more hammering, to finish the end.'
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Shall I quench it, Roy?
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Is that the end? Right, in it goes.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52Thanks, mate.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Roy, that is absolutely brilliant. There you are,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01my very own fireside poker.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03Congratulations.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06'It's great to know that centuries-old skills are alive
0:40:06 > 0:40:09'with craftsmen like Roy and long may that continue.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12'But, for now, it's time to return to our property hunt and find out
0:40:12 > 0:40:15'if our couple have come to a decision.'
0:40:16 > 0:40:20Well, Ross and Wendy clearly have high hopes for this move so, having
0:40:20 > 0:40:22given them plenty of time to consider all we have shown them,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25we've now arrived at that part of the show
0:40:25 > 0:40:27when we find out what happens next.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- Well, guys, it's been a very hectic run around Shropshire.- It has.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Ross, do you think we've got close to finding a solution for you
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- with this move?- Yeah, I believe you have, yeah. I think you've got...
0:40:47 > 0:40:51You've presented us with quite a few different options but, yeah.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Some of them quite extreme.- Yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57So, would you take on our mystery chapel?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59It would be a brilliant project,
0:40:59 > 0:41:04- but we feel that it would be lacking in the outside space.- Yeah.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09You could change the interior and make it into something amazing.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14Our first property was, I thought, something of a safe bet.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17My guess is that, of the three,
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- the favoured option is property number two.- Yeah.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Yeah, that would be the one that we feel we could do
0:41:24 > 0:41:26the most with. The outdoor space was perfect for us.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It had loads of potential, loads of space for us
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- to put all of our different things in there.- Yeah.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34And it also had some potential to develop it, as well,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- so we like that one.- It didn't feel like it was a semi-detached.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43It was really odd, cos they were big rooms and a lot of space.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44So, what happens next?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I think we'd like to go back out and have a look,
0:41:49 > 0:41:50spend a bit more time,
0:41:50 > 0:41:55talk to the neighbours about what they've done with their extension
0:41:55 > 0:41:58and see what sort of more potential there is there for us to do.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02I think it offers you better value for money, without a doubt.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- Well, here's to you, then. Best of luck...- Thank you.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06..with your possible move.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Go back, have another look at property number two,
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- and, if you manage to get it, let us know.- Yeah. Thank you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15It's been brilliant. Thank you.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21As I said at the very beginning of this show,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23I love coming to Shropshire.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Its stunning mix of landscapes, clear cultural identity
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and rich history have all combined to produce a property market
0:42:29 > 0:42:32that never disappoints, whatever your budget,
0:42:32 > 0:42:33as Ross and Wendy have proven.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36You don't need to be a millionaire to move to the countryside.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39You just need a motive. So the question is, what's yours?
0:42:39 > 0:42:45Who knows? Maybe next time it could be you escaping to the country.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Ross and Wendy returned to the second property and,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51while they loved the house and grounds, reluctantly concluded
0:42:51 > 0:42:55that the location isn't quite where they want to be, after all.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57However, if you would like to escape to the country
0:42:57 > 0:43:00in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:00 > 0:43:02or maybe even further afield, to the Continent,
0:43:02 > 0:43:03and would like our help,
0:43:03 > 0:43:09then, please apply online, at...