0:00:02 > 0:00:05This grand memorial is to a humble girl whose act of extreme bravery
0:00:05 > 0:00:08made her the nautical heroine of the Victorian era.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Find out who she is and where she hails from in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Today, we're meeting a couple seeking a home in a historic
0:00:33 > 0:00:38English county for some rural respite in their retirement.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Fantastic, I really, really like it.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45But one bedroom makes them come over a little French.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- One of Mary's favourite words is bijou.- Yeah.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- It's a little bit bijou. - A little tres bijou.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today, we're in Northumberland, and this is Bambridge Churchyard,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58the final resting place of Grace Darling,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01the young daughter of a local lighthouse keeper who,
0:01:01 > 0:01:06on a stormy night in 1838, saw that a ship was running aground
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and, with her father, rode out and rescued five survivors,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11brought them back to the safety of the lighthouse
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and then rode out again to rescue another four.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19She became an instant celebrity and was inundated with offers
0:01:19 > 0:01:23of marriage, but she chose, however, not to leave her home county.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And when you look around Northumberland,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27you'll understand why.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Right at the head of England,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Northumberland is the country's crowning glory,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Surrounded by County Durham and Cumbria
0:01:36 > 0:01:39and also sharing its northern borders with Scotland.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Centuries of strife have ravaged this remote
0:01:42 > 0:01:45and fiercely contested border county, whose prime coast
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and beautiful countryside was a prize asset
0:01:48 > 0:01:50for both the Scots and English.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53History surrounds you everywhere,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57no more so than in the wealth of architecture from the distant past,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01some ruined and others still preserved in all their magnificence,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03like Alnwick Castle, which has been home
0:02:03 > 0:02:06to dukes and duchesses of Northumberland for generations.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10But literally at grass roots,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Northumberland is a kingdom of farmers and fishermen.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17And some 80 miles of coastline are punctuated by quiet villages
0:02:17 > 0:02:20with a great maritime tradition.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24One picturesque gem is the fishing port of Craster,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26famous for its kipper produce
0:02:26 > 0:02:28and a great base from which to explore
0:02:28 > 0:02:30the dramatic North Sea coast.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It's good news on the property price front here in Northumberland
0:02:36 > 0:02:42because the average price of a detached house here is £219,000,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45which is £32,000 less than the national figure.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48That said, as always, there's shading in the price map.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51So if you come to lovely coastal towns like this one,
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Bamburgh or Alnmouth,
0:02:52 > 0:02:57then you're going to be paying about 25% above that county figure.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59That said, if you go to the north to Berwick-upon-Tweed,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03which is also a lovely town, or west over to the Cumbrian border,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05then you get a lot more for your money.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09So which of this cornucopia of options is going to tickle
0:03:09 > 0:03:11the fancy of our buyers today? Let's find out.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17And our home-buying hopefuls are retired civil servants Chris
0:03:17 > 0:03:21and his wife, Mary, who met one another five years ago
0:03:21 > 0:03:24after a chance meeting in cyberspace.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Well, we met on the Internet.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- We met up at a local pub.- Yes.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33And we got on really well and...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- It went from there. - It went from there.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40They both live in Chris's customised bungalow in Bingley, West Yorkshire,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42but feel cramped in the house
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and hemmed in by their urban surroundings.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48The area is quite built up
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and the population is pretty much
0:03:52 > 0:03:56a commuter population working either in Bradford or Leeds.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I mean, I think we've both lived in the countryside
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and smaller villages.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I think we feel that we like that open space,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06we like nature.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11And I think we do just enjoy becoming involved
0:04:11 > 0:04:13in a small, you know, community.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Since retirement, the plan is to create a new life together,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19where they can enjoy the very best
0:04:19 > 0:04:22of the Northumberland coast and countryside.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24It's wild, it's rugged,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28it's got all of the things which I think we really enjoy.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31It's also really special for me
0:04:31 > 0:04:34because it's where a lot of my ancestors come from.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38The northeast, as well, is famous for its quilt making,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40and I just want to be able to bring that tradition
0:04:40 > 0:04:44and use that tradition in the home where I'm going to live.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Mary is a creative at heart
0:04:46 > 0:04:50and is in desperate need of a room for her favourite pastime.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I have quilting as a hobby,
0:04:53 > 0:04:54which I really enjoy,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58and I've been doing it now for about eight years, I suppose.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03So, I would like to be able to have somewhere that allows me
0:05:03 > 0:05:07to be able to keep all of my work out all of the time
0:05:07 > 0:05:10and where I haven't got to constantly pack it up and put it away
0:05:10 > 0:05:13when we have visitors.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Chris's passion for buying and selling antiques gets him
0:05:16 > 0:05:20out and about scouring shops and markets for valuable gems.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25But back at home, room to manoeuvre is the key element to this house move.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29For obvious reasons, stairs aren't particularly good for me.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And therefore, what we really need is to find something with
0:05:33 > 0:05:38a good amount of ground-floor space, but hopefully a building
0:05:38 > 0:05:42which has either been converted from an old barn or farm buildings
0:05:42 > 0:05:45or a bungalow with at least some form of character.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Mary and Chris are longing to make their first
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and last house purchase together, so all that is left is to find out
0:05:53 > 0:05:57how much money they have earmarked for their future forever home.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01The maximum budget for our move would be £320,000.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07For the finest country and seaside scenery, we'll be
0:06:07 > 0:06:10concentrating our property hunt in the beautiful coastal villages
0:06:10 > 0:06:13surrounding the market town of Alnwick.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Time for us all to meet up in Northumberland to learn
0:06:16 > 0:06:19more about Chris and Mary's prospective move.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Good morning, guys. - Good morning.- Good morning.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Well, welcome to Northumberland. It's very nice to be here.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29We don't come here very often. Which of you has the link here?
0:06:29 > 0:06:30I know Northumberland
0:06:30 > 0:06:35and I sort of brought Mary up quite a few times in the last few years.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38And I've been here on holiday before and just loved it,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I think there is a real magic about the county.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43It is a magical place, isn't it? It really has a special feel to it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Obviously, we need to think about specifications
0:06:46 > 0:06:47for you and your chair.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51What are the main things we need to look out for?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It's normally the size that it will raise
0:06:54 > 0:06:57for turning into a particular room.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03Clearly, steps aren't the most convenient of features.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Now, your budget is 320,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09but does that include any money you need to spend to make modifications?
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- We've got other money set aside to cover the adaptations.- Good.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15That's the base cost.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18You did mention that you did not necessarily want a bungalow.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20But would that be ideal?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- I think we actually like properties with some character.- Yes.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28And most bungalows tend to be more recently built with, you know,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32maybe lacking as much character.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34And in terms of the very basic spec,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37what are you looking for in terms of bedrooms and reception rooms?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Well, we'd like to have three bedrooms. Wouldn't we, Chris?- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45We are quite happy for the rest to be relatively open plan, flexible.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49What about the coast? Are you keen on being near the sea?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Going down to the sea has always been the thing which uplifts me
0:07:52 > 0:07:53more than anything else.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57I mean, the coast changes every day you see it,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00depending on the light and the time of year.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05And, you know, for moods and for sounds which really interest me,
0:08:05 > 0:08:06I think of the coast.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Well, we've got three lovely properties lined up.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Let's finish our tea and then we can ship on out.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- OK.- OK. Thank you.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18For a budget of £320,000,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Chris and Mary are after a spacious character property,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23be that a house or a bungalow.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25They need three bedrooms to cater for hobbies
0:08:25 > 0:08:27as well as visiting family.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30And that must include a ground-floor master bedroom
0:08:30 > 0:08:32with a large bathroom.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Ideally, they'd like an open-plan kitchen and living area,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39but are willing to reconfigure the property
0:08:39 > 0:08:41to best suit their specific needs.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44And we have got a wonderful mix of homes to show our buyers.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46But, of course, I won't be revealing the price
0:08:46 > 0:08:48until they have had a guess first.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Then, last on the property agenda is the mystery house,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55where we will see if they really do like to be beside the seaside.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Without further ado, we are heading straight for our first property,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04and Chris has kindly offered to take the wheel.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08So, are you both still working or are you two taking early retirement?
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Chris took early retirement
0:09:10 > 0:09:14and I then just left work
0:09:14 > 0:09:16so that we could spend more time together
0:09:16 > 0:09:19and actually enjoy the time that we have.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22So not only are you moving into a new house,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- it's a sort of new phase of your life.- Very much so, yes.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Our first destination is about nine miles north of Alnwick,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36in the village of Christon Bank, and just two miles
0:09:36 > 0:09:40from the beaches at Embleton, which should be comforting to Chris.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44But Christon Bank itself has a local shop as well as a pub,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47and the first property is situated in a quiet private road
0:09:47 > 0:09:52within striking distance of fields and open countryside.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- So, this is house number one. - All right.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58I think it looks very nice.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59- A little garden.- It's lovely.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03It's a nice little area just outside, isn't it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- The stone effect is very pleasant. - Yeah.- It looks quite modern.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Ideally, maybe we would like something which is a bit older.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14But I think actually, for internal accommodation,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17which I am going to be more concerned about...
0:10:17 > 0:10:18Right. In which case we should get in.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21You'll see there's a big step at the front door here,
0:10:21 > 0:10:22but there is a ramp at the back.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Chris's suspicions are correct, as this is indeed a modern property
0:10:25 > 0:10:28with an attached single garage.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31It was built in 2006, using natural stone,
0:10:31 > 0:10:35which gives this newish home some warmth and character.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42So, in you come, straight into the kitchen.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- That's very nice. It's a good size. - Yes, it's a lovely size.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47It's really beautiful.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52We probably would have to move the island or maybe even put
0:10:52 > 0:10:56it on some form of casters so you could actually move it around.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58As you'll have noticed, there are rooms upstairs,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01but there is a master bedroom on the ground floor.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- So, shall we go and have a look at that?- Nice.- Thank you.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Well, this is the room they've got set up as the bedroom.- Right.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18So, you know, our question was
0:11:18 > 0:11:20whether this was going to be sufficient for you,
0:11:20 > 0:11:25cos it has an en suite here with a shower, but it is quite snug.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30I think that is going to be a bit too small for us, isn't it?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It is on the small side.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35On the other side, you've got a downstairs loo and the utility room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Right.- So there is perhaps potential there to...
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Opportunity to knock through and make into one large bathroom, yep.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44It is certainly a very pleasant view.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- The current owners have got it very nice.- Yes, it's beautiful.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The final room down on the ground floor is the main reception,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54which again is a tastefully decorated and light space,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57which benefits from triple aspect windows.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- It is a very pleasant room.- It is. - Do you do a lot of entertaining?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Would it sort of...? - We do a fair amount of entertaining.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10I think moving here, we would end up having people coming to stay more
0:12:10 > 0:12:12rather than just coming for an evening or so.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16And this property has some ideal guest accommodation,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18but it is all upstairs.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22So, while Chris has a think about the potential on the ground floor,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Mary and I are heading up to the first floor,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27where a spacious hallway leads to a large,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29four-piece family bathroom
0:12:29 > 0:12:34and two double bedrooms, one of which could make a good craft room.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39It would give me lots of space so I could actually set out
0:12:39 > 0:12:43the quilting table and the sewing machine, that would be nice.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45How much space are you actually looking for?
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Well, I'd like to be able to do something called longarm quilting,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53which would need significantly more space than this.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56But the ordinary domestic quilting would work
0:12:56 > 0:12:58in here very nicely indeed.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01I feel a bit odd leaving Chris downstairs.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Yes. I feel a bit uncomfortable about doing that as well.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10But I think... We have both spoken about it
0:13:10 > 0:13:11and it's...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15If I'm using this as my area for almost...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17business area if you like,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20it's no different from me being at work.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Well, let's go and collect Chris and go out into the garden
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- and see what the price of the property is.- OK.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29The gardens outside are compact,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32but they have been well thought out and landscaped to provide
0:13:32 > 0:13:37a paved patio area, a veggie plot and even room for chickens.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41However, the present gravel pathway isn't wheelchair friendly,
0:13:41 > 0:13:45so we're going back into the front garden to guess the price.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48So, what are you looking for in your outside space?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51We'd like somewhere where we can sit out
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and have some friends round for barbecues if the weather is nice.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Yes, I think we both enjoy a bit of gardening,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00like to see a bit of colour.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So, how much do think this property is on the market for?
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I'd say it is on for around 310,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- Chris?- I think something similar. I would probably say 305.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Well, it is actually on for £295,000.- OK.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18So, maybe you'd like to go back in and discuss
0:14:18 > 0:14:21if it will work with having an upstairs...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- And when you are done, I'll come find you.- OK.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Under budget, on the market for £295,000, property number one
0:14:31 > 0:14:36is a modern but characterful, stone-built, detached house.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40It has flexible accommodation over two floors that currently
0:14:40 > 0:14:44lends itself to a roomy kitchen/diner, separate living room,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46ground-floor master en suite
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and two first-floor double rooms,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51offering scope for Mary's creative aspirations.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58I do quite a bit of the cooking, so having a kitchen which
0:14:58 > 0:15:03I could use is important and, yes, I think I would be able to use it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05I think the biggest problem
0:15:05 > 0:15:10is the downstairs bedroom and the en suite.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12They are both a little bit too small.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It's a shame because it is certainly a very pleasant property
0:15:15 > 0:15:21and it seems to be a nice, quiet, little road which it's on.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25My initial reaction when I saw the property was it was very pretty.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I really liked the dressed stone outside,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31very much in keeping with the surrounding countryside.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36The living room, especially with the wood floor
0:15:36 > 0:15:41and the log burner, was a real surprise and was lovely.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45There's possibly too much on the first floor
0:15:45 > 0:15:47and not enough on the ground floor.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Personally, I don't think it would work for us.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53So, that is house number one under our belts,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- let's head off to see house number two.- OK.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03Over the centuries,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07the drama of the Northumberland landscape has also been played out
0:16:07 > 0:16:09in its historic towns, and nowhere more so
0:16:09 > 0:16:14than Berwick-upon-Tweed, the most northerly town in England.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Berwick's prime location, just 2.5 miles from the Scottish border,
0:16:18 > 0:16:19has seen it change hands
0:16:19 > 0:16:23between England and Scotland at least 13 times.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27During the Middle Ages, as a Scottish town at the mouth of the River Tweed,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30it became one of the wealthiest ports in the country.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34But it was captured by the English throne in 1296, prompting
0:16:34 > 0:16:40a fierce tug-of-war between the two nations that lasted some 200 years.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Fortunately, conflict has now given away to creativity.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Today, many residents are involved in the town's long-established
0:16:46 > 0:16:47cultural art scene.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49And it is this mix of art and history
0:16:49 > 0:16:52that we thought would appeal to Mary and Chris.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Hello. - BOTH: Hello.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I'm Peter, welcome to Towerhouse Pottery.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Peter Thomas has been a ceramicist in the town
0:16:59 > 0:17:01for nearly 40 years and, by chance,
0:17:01 > 0:17:06his studio is on the same site as a 600-year-old pottery kiln.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10He uses traditional methods to create his ceramics,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12but the decoration is in a very modern style,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15inspired by the local Northumberland landscape.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Can you tell me, is there any particular pottery heritage
0:17:19 > 0:17:20in the town?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Yes, every community had a pottery, and there was a pottery
0:17:23 > 0:17:27in Berwick, producing pots for the local community, for farmers
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and for kitchens.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33That died out when the Industrial Revolution happened,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- and mass-produced parts were produced.- OK.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39And I, like many other potters,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43I have started making handmade pots as a revival.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Many of our pots reflect
0:17:45 > 0:17:50the tradition of pots that were produced in the past.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54And we now decorate them reflecting our local environment.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Chris and Mary have never tried pottery before, and they are
0:17:58 > 0:18:03going to attempt to make a milk jug using red clay from Stoke-on-Trent.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07And to start off, the clay is kneaded in a spiral motion
0:18:07 > 0:18:11to remove the air and create an even consistency.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Then, Peter demonstrates how to manage the wheel
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and, at the same time, mould the jug's shape.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Now, up it comes.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23A tool called the rib is used to refine the shape.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29And now they have seen exactly how it is done by the expert,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31it's Mary's go to unleash her creativity.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38After getting a feel for the material,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41the really challenging bit is pulling out the clay
0:18:41 > 0:18:43before gently raising up the sides.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- Aw...- It's more like jelly than clay.- Yes.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56That's quite a charming shape.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Let's see if Chris can do better when he gets hands-on.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- You should be really proud of that. - Yeah, well done.- Brilliant.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16And now we've fired up Mary and Chris's imagination, let's hope
0:19:16 > 0:19:20the creative vision continues as we get back to the property hunt.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24For our second property, we are travelling down,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27south of Alnwick, to the small village of Choppington,
0:19:27 > 0:19:28just a short drive from the coast
0:19:28 > 0:19:33and within easy reach of Morpeth, which stands on the River Wansbeck
0:19:33 > 0:19:36and is actually the county town of Northumberland.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39As such, Morpeth has a great range of businesses,
0:19:39 > 0:19:44shops and restaurants, all housed in its historic architecture.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48About three miles east of the town, our second property is
0:19:48 > 0:19:52another vintage building that started life as a humble cowshed.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59So, come in. Here is the front garden of this property.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- As you requested, this is a barn conversion.- Lovely.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- So, it dates probably back to 1870. - All right.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It was the dairy to the farmhouse here on the left.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I think it looks very, very attractive.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16The stonework, again, is very nice. The garden is very attractive.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- Shall we have a look inside? - That would be lovely.- Follow me.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Chris and Mary are looking for a property with character, and so far
0:20:23 > 0:20:27this attractive honey-coloured stone conversion doesn't fall short.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29What's more, all of the living
0:20:29 > 0:20:33and sleeping space inside is at ground-floor level.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Thank you.- Get yourself
0:20:35 > 0:20:39straight into the kitchen. What do you think?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41It's fantastic. I really, really like it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Very nice country kitchen, isn't it?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46And there's plenty of space around the island
0:20:46 > 0:20:49for you be able to move round when you're cooking.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- It's a bit like a roundabout. - Indeed.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56It flows through into the sitting room, have a look here.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59So, have a look at this room here.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02You can see the history of the building a little more
0:21:02 > 0:21:04with the truss.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- It's very nice. - I like the old-style radiators.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Very nice.- It's a lovely touch, isn't it? And I like...
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- I really like the way it goes up into the ceiling like that.- It's nice.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17So far, they are in harmony about the style of this barn,
0:21:17 > 0:21:21but the proportions here are on a smaller scale than our first property.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24And when it comes to the sleeping quarters,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27they may have to rethink the current arrangement.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32How are we doing for the turning into this room?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- It's the doorways off the corridor which are a bit more difficult.- Yes.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38The corridor itself is all right.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- But then turning into the doorways...- Yeah.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Well, as I said, this is a smaller property.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46This is one bedroom and there is another one on the other side.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48There is a small study at the front of the house.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52You get an en suite here. A little shower and toilet.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55And on the other side, a family bathroom.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59You will probably want to knock down all the walls and reconfigure it
0:21:59 > 0:22:03as I imagine this is not going to be big enough for you as it is.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07As you said, there are many options you can do.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Sit down with a piece of paper
0:22:09 > 0:22:12and you measure out the total space and then try to cut it up
0:22:12 > 0:22:15in different...different ways.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- One of Mary's favourite words is bijou.- Yeah.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- It is a little bit bijou. - It is a little tres bijou.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Fortunately, the plot does open up outside
0:22:24 > 0:22:28and should also provide our buyers with the ready-made community
0:22:28 > 0:22:30they're hoping to find when they move,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33as this attached barn makes up part of a small,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36exclusive development of five individual properties.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40It comes with a single garage. At the front, is the private,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44level lawned garden we saw earlier, completed by a sunny patio.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Then, out the back, there is
0:22:46 > 0:22:50a low maintenance courtyard with raised beds and potted plants.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53How do you feel about this sort of outside space?
0:22:53 > 0:22:58I mean, I think we'd have to do quite a lot to make it usable for us
0:22:58 > 0:23:03because the gravel really doesn't work for Chris and the wheelchair.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07And you are being overlooked both by the houses facing us,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10and it doesn't feel very private.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- No. - It doesn't feel private at all, no.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- So you'd have to get on with your neighbours.- You would.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Are you good at neighbours? - We try to be.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Well, I think we seem to be where we are at the moment.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23So, how much do think this property is on the market for?
0:23:23 > 0:23:27I would say around about 280,000.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- Chris?- I would say about 265.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33OK, interesting. This is actually a bit over what you said.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35This is actually on the market for 289,950.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36OK.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I mean, if you'd like to go back in and have a peek
0:23:39 > 0:23:42in the bits that we haven't viewed, and I'll see you at the front.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44OK. BOTH: Thank you.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Again, under budget with a guide price of £289,950,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55house number two is a converted barn
0:23:55 > 0:23:58with a history that spans some 140 years.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00A single-story property,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03the accommodation includes an open-plan kitchen and diner,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07a living room with vaulted ceiling, a master with an en suite,
0:24:07 > 0:24:13two further bedrooms and low-maintenance level gardens.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16It's a modern conversion of an old building.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21And it has been converted to a good standard, very nice standard,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25especially in the kitchen, where they have made a big effort.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30The style of the building really does suit me
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and ticks a lot of boxes for me.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36I'd just like to have more space.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39So, guys, that's all the houses for the day.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43So, time for rest and relaxation and... James, you can drive me home.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- Thank you.- It's nice to be driven. My own chauffeur.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59The second day of our house quest is under way
0:24:59 > 0:25:04and, on a budget of £320,000, retired civil servants Chris
0:25:04 > 0:25:07and Mary want to leave suburban West Yorkshire
0:25:07 > 0:25:11and head to the coastal wilds of Northumberland.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And still to come, the mystery house is a feast for the senses.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20I can smell the sea air. I'm feeling quite refreshed already.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23But I fear it is an attack on the senses as I attempt
0:25:23 > 0:25:26a centuries-old Northumbrian tradition.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32It was always going to be a difficult brief finding
0:25:32 > 0:25:35this property for Chris and Mary here, but I have to say, yesterday,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I felt a bit disappointed that we didn't really give them
0:25:38 > 0:25:42the space that they wanted or, indeed, the property near the sea.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44So, for the mystery house, we are getting close to Chris's
0:25:44 > 0:25:48beloved coast and we are also giving them a bigger footprint
0:25:48 > 0:25:50and some period detail.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53The thing is they're going to have to knock down some walls
0:25:53 > 0:25:55and maybe even build some.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Our final property stop is in High Hauxley,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02a village right on the coast.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07The nearest place to pick up essentials is the harbour town
0:26:07 > 0:26:09of Amble that lies at the mouth of the river Coquet.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14It has a small working fishing port on the Heritage Coast
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and lives in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23So, where better to stop off and set the scene for the mystery house?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- We managed to get you to the coast. - You have.- Yes.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27A dramatic part, as well.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30I'm going to bow to your superior knowledge, you know this part
0:26:30 > 0:26:33of the world far better than me, but do you know Amble?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I've been to Amble. It's a few years.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37And also, we were talking about Grace Darling.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Her lighthouse is farther down along the Farne Islands,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- but this was her brother's lighthouse.- Right.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48And she apparently caught tuberculosis rowing out to see him.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- Oh.- She died very young.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53She did, she died just four years after the famous rescue.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57But history aside,
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- do you know this bit of the coast? - Not as well as Chris does.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Well, this could be your beach. - Well, that sounds wonderful.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Because the house we found is only about five minutes away.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- Fantastic.- Shall we go and see it? - Would love to.- That would be nice.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18The final property in High Hauxley is just a stone's throw away
0:27:18 > 0:27:20from this captivating coastline.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25So, here she is. This is the mystery house.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- OK.- And this property
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- dates back to the 1600s. - Fantastic.- So, a bit of period,
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- a bit of coast.- Yes.- Attractive. - Yes.- It's all very level.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- It, yeah, seems very easy to get access from the front here.- Indeed.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45And the location?
0:27:45 > 0:27:49I can smell the sea air, I am feeling quite refreshed already.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- So, you see, it also has solar panels.- Yes.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- And they bring in around £400 profit every year.- Oh, right!
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- Good.- As well as paying for your electricity.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01The mystery factor about this property is that we are giving you
0:28:01 > 0:28:04the period, we're giving you the location,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06but I think you're going to want to do some building work here.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12- OK, that seems fine.- Luckily, there is planning permission to do that.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Even better.- Good, let's have a look inside.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The mystery house is a 17th-century, single-storey,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23semi-attached bungalow that offers the largest ground-floor
0:28:23 > 0:28:28footprint of all of our houses, and we are starting in the dining room.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29So, come into here.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32This has got a nice wooden floor, which I imagine is probably easier.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34This is a... Well, it's a dining room,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36but what I thought was quite nice with the property
0:28:36 > 0:28:38is that you have got a door,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40which obviously you'd want to adapt so it's easy to get in,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43and it goes straight through out into the conservatory.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48I think it's lovely the way you come into it and the space. I think
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- that's very nice indeed. - This is the sitting room.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I think this is a good-size room, actually.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Lovely original sort of inset fireplace.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- It's a fantastic fireplace, I really like that.- A bit of character.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- I really like the deep windowsills as well.- What's the vibe you get?
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- I think this is really very pleasant.- It is.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The living room lies at the front of the property with an aspect
0:29:13 > 0:29:15out to the front garden.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19Behind this room, a hallway leads to the kitchen
0:29:19 > 0:29:22that runs across the back of the property.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25But on this side of the house, access does get a bit more tricky.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29So, that is a very tight corner for you.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Yes.- And this is what we were flagging up, actually the back
0:29:32 > 0:29:37of the house from now on, I think, is going to need some remodelling.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- All right.- This brings us into the kitchen. And again,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42I imagine that you might want to move this
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- so you had a bit more sort of space...- Yeah.- ..to flow around.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47What do you think of the kitchen?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50It's different from the other ones we've shown you.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's very different, but I really like this.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58I think it has a nice, cosy, friendly feel to it.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02I think there's plenty of work space around, certainly.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- I like it a lot.- Country style.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07And then, also through here, you've got a big utility room,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11with your big American fridge, washing machine...
0:30:11 > 0:30:15But, I mean, it might be a possibility with these
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and the conservatory doors, just take them out.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21And that way you would have sort of quite a large L-shaped kitchen.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Well, that would make it possible
0:30:23 > 0:30:27to have a nice kitchen/diner type area, wouldn't it?
0:30:27 > 0:30:30More so, yeah, cos then you'd get some of the garden light.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31But this is not the main work.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34There is actually an even bigger project that I'm about to
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- introduce to you.- OK.- Which involves building an extension.- Right.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41Back off the hallway,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44all the bedrooms are to the far side of the property.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Two of these have outlooks to the front, one a well-appointed
0:30:48 > 0:30:51single room and the other the largest of the bedrooms.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55This is the master bedroom as it stands.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- What are your thoughts about this? - Well, I think,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01with different furniture in here, there would be enough space
0:31:01 > 0:31:04for you to be able to get in and out to the bed.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Yes, it has some large furniture.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09This is a huge fitted wardrobe which you probably want to keep
0:31:09 > 0:31:12because it's useful, but these sort of dresser units are, yes,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14they're pretty obstructive.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18The windowsill and seat is very pleasant.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20It's lovely, I really like that.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- This would probably end up being the guest room.- OK.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Because at the end of the hall, there's a bathroom
0:31:27 > 0:31:31and a smaller guest room, but permission to knock out
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- almost doubles the size of it to the back and build an extension.- OK.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39So you could build a great big master bedroom and wet room and
0:31:39 > 0:31:43have that and inserted your sleeping quarters and this as the guest room.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46That would be excellent. That would work well, wouldn't it?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49It certainly has got potential.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Potential is the buzzword here, but it would be easier to envisage
0:31:53 > 0:31:56the extension area in question from outside.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58At the back of the property, there is
0:31:58 > 0:32:01access to a driveway for off-street parking
0:32:01 > 0:32:06and a rear garden that features a decked terrace, a paved patio
0:32:06 > 0:32:07and raised borders.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09And this is the area I was talking about.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13You see behind the shed there, there is a sort of courtyard space
0:32:13 > 0:32:17from the old extension to the old building behind.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20That has all got planning permission for an extension out.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- OK.- That's why I think, even with your advanced DIY skills,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27that you would probably want to get some builders in.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- I think it is definitely builders. - He might help, but...
0:32:32 > 0:32:35I'm not very good at getting on roofs any longer.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Yeah, well, it's a flat roof.- It is.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42I think the front yard of the house works really, really well.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46I think all that we need to really consider is the ways and means
0:32:46 > 0:32:52and costs of making the second half of the house work for us.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Well, you did mention the cost word.- Yes.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Which is the final piece of the jigsaw.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59How much do you think it costs?
0:32:59 > 0:33:06Um, I'd like it to be on for about 290,000.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Chris?
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I think it will be on the market for about 285,000.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14If you split the difference... It's much closer to your guess.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It is on just £50 short of 290 -
0:33:18 > 0:33:20289,950.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Right, that gives us some really serious food for thought,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27because I think that does make things possible, workable.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28So why don't you go in and have a look
0:33:28 > 0:33:30and I will meet you round the front?
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- OK, thank you.- So, let's see if you can wiggle through.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Well, I think the mystery house was pretty much
0:33:38 > 0:33:41a good success there. The other houses really struggled.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45I think, to give them the space, this one has a lot of potential.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46We love potential.
0:33:48 > 0:33:54Another one below budget, for offers in the region of £289,950,
0:33:54 > 0:33:56the mystery option
0:33:56 > 0:33:59is a 17th-century, semi-detached bungalow.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03It currently offers two large reception rooms, a conservatory,
0:34:03 > 0:34:08three bedrooms, as well as planning permission to extend.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11I really like so many aspects of this house.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15You have given us something with lots of character
0:34:15 > 0:34:20in a very pleasant, quiet location. It looks like a nice little village.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25Entrance and dining room and living room could be made
0:34:25 > 0:34:30totally accessible at a minimal additional cost.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34I really like the look and feel of the mystery house.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39I think it is very, very nice having something with a bit of age
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and character to it.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45The master bedroom in the mystery property house as it is now
0:34:45 > 0:34:49is probably one of the best that we've seen.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Certainly looking at that, there is enough space
0:34:52 > 0:34:55for Chris to be able to move around.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59I love the deep window seat, windowsill,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02and the fact that it catches the early morning sun.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05So, I think that is really, really nice.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07So, that was a good mystery house.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10If you guys go and get the chariot ready,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I'll come and join you in a second.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Will do.- Thank you.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17So, of course, Chris and Mary have been looking at a particular
0:35:17 > 0:35:19price bracket here in Northumberland,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23but this county has lots of properties for every kind of pocket.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24Take a look.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29This detached three-bed stone cottage in Morpeth is currently
0:35:29 > 0:35:32on the market for £295,000.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34It comes with
0:35:34 > 0:35:35a large kitchen breakfast room
0:35:35 > 0:35:39that opens out onto nearly eight acres of grounds.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Morpeth is also the location of this impressive four-bedroom
0:35:43 > 0:35:45luxury barn conversion
0:35:45 > 0:35:49that has a guide price just shy of £440,000.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51It boasts a stylish kitchen/diner
0:35:51 > 0:35:56and a striking, contemporary master en suite.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Lastly, the asking price for this three-bedroom,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01handsome home in Eglingham
0:36:01 > 0:36:02is £600,000.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04And for that figure,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06you get a modern kitchen/breakfast room,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08an elegant reception ideal for dinner parties
0:36:08 > 0:36:12and a drawing room with countryside views down the valley.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19When most people hear bagpipes, it is
0:36:19 > 0:36:22the Scottish Highlands that immediately spring to mind,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25but there is a long tradition of pipe playing associated with
0:36:25 > 0:36:27the north-east of England.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31And this region even has its very own bellows-blown pipe called
0:36:31 > 0:36:33the small pipes.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34I have come to Alnwick,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37the native heartland of this lesser-known instrument,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39to face the music at a local pub
0:36:39 > 0:36:42with Northumbrian small pipes expert Susan Clark.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45So, Susan, you are going to initiate me
0:36:45 > 0:36:49into the mysteries of the Northumbrian small pipes.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- Yes, do they look mysterious? - They do. And small.- Yes, they are.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55It's probably heresy to mention this word here,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59but how are they different from the Scottish bagpipes?
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- They are an indoor instrument for start.- Ah!
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Yes, they're not meant to be played outside.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07If you were to play them outside, the sound just blows away.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- So they are a bit more petite.- Yes.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13One of the other differences is that they are bellows blown,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16so you don't actually have to blow.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So can you talk me through how it works?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21You have to operate the bellows.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Can you feel the air coming?
0:37:23 > 0:37:24One of the very big differences
0:37:24 > 0:37:30between these pipes and any other pipes anywhere in the world, really,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33is the fact that these are stopped off at the end.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35And I'm covering the holes with my fingers.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- So it's blowing up like a balloon. - It's completely sealed.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41The air can't escape from anywhere.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44So, how do you think that the sound comes out now?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- So, when you lift a finger. - You have to lift your fingers.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Ah, I see.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- As soon as you put your finger back down, the noise stops.- Yes.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Now I've seen how it's done, I'm going to have a try.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59First, the instrument is strapped around my waist.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Then, the blow pipe is plugged in.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05And to creates a sound, the real skill is to make sure
0:38:05 > 0:38:08my fingers completely cover all of the holes.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Very gently, you've got to lift your right arm
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and get the air into the bag.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- Can you feel your right...your left arm going?- Am I already?- Go. One.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Next one.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Was that Ba Ba Black Sheep?
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Have you any wool?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37SHE LAUGHS
0:38:37 > 0:38:39I'm awesome. I rock at this.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Documented records of the Northumbrian small pipes
0:38:43 > 0:38:46suggest it was played as early as the 17th century.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50And the most famous and notorious local player was probably
0:38:50 > 0:38:52the Gypsy piper Jimmy Allen.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55A petty criminal on the run for most of his life,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58he was also a master musician whose talent was
0:38:58 > 0:39:00recognised by the aristocracy
0:39:00 > 0:39:04when he was employed to the Countess of Northumberland in the mid-1700s.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Susan's main instrument is actually the fiddle.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12And she is a member of the 70-strong Alnwick Pipers' Society,
0:39:12 > 0:39:14whose roots go back to the 1940s.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18How many of you are piping? Hold up a pipe.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Oh, there's lots. What are you going to play for us?
0:39:21 > 0:39:24We're going to play Proudlock's Hornpipe.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Fantastic. So, well, take it away.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Unlike the distinctive constant note of a bagpipe,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41the effect of covering all the holes on the reed means that
0:39:41 > 0:39:45the melody produced by the small pipes can be stopped and started.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48And it is this staccato tone
0:39:48 > 0:39:52that gives traditional Northumbrian music its unique sound.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Pipe music was once the main source of entertainment
0:39:56 > 0:39:59for local Northumbrian people. And centuries later,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02this dedicated and talented group of musicians are keeping
0:40:02 > 0:40:07the glorious tradition of this region alive for our enjoyment today.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Time to find out which of these three houses
0:40:15 > 0:40:17might be contenders for Chris and Mary.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20My money is on the mystery house, but I am often wrong.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Let's find out.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Well, this has been quite a week here in Northumberland.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Very illuminating in all sorts of fronts.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I might be getting ahead of myself, but I get the impression
0:40:34 > 0:40:38that the first two houses are not really in the running any more.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Not really, are they?- No.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42I mean, I think for the first house,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44although it was a very nice house,
0:40:44 > 0:40:49decor really to a good standard and nice-sized rooms, but just
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- not quite the right configuration to what we would require.- No.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56What did you like about the mystery house? Is that still a possibility?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58I think it was a property with some age
0:40:58 > 0:41:01and some real character about it, which, you know, we liked.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I mean, we liked being close to the sea.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07And I think it had a lot of what we would look for in a property.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11But obviously, it involves quite a lot of work.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Are you not getting the heebie-jeebies about that?
0:41:15 > 0:41:21I don't think the amount of work involved particularly worries us.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24No, I think I've certainly been in houses
0:41:24 > 0:41:27where we've undertook as much, if not more, work.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31So, actually, employing a builder to do it,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33you know, wouldn't be a problem.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Do you think you might proceed on it or visit it again?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40I think we'd like to see the details, the floor plans
0:41:40 > 0:41:45just to see what you could reconfigure the rooms to look like.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48I think we'd probably want to look at some other properties.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Wouldn't want to rule it out, because I do think there is
0:41:51 > 0:41:55a lot of potential there, but I think it is also...
0:41:55 > 0:41:58See what else the area has to offer.
0:41:58 > 0:42:04We can combine a few days of house hunting and a few days of holiday.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Coming to Northumberland is never a problem for us.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Excellent. Well, good luck. - Thank you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Chris and Mary were terribly diplomatic and polite,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20but I can't help but feel a little disappointed that we weren't able
0:42:20 > 0:42:23to give them exactly what they wanted in their budget
0:42:23 > 0:42:26and with all the specifications that they needed.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Nonetheless, the market is what the market is,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31even here in a lovely property market like Northumberland.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And sometimes you win and sometimes you don't.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Still, I hope that won't put you off joining us
0:42:37 > 0:42:39next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Chris and Mary decided to re-evaluate their move
0:42:45 > 0:42:49and are now exploring their options in County Durham instead.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:51 > 0:42:54in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England
0:42:54 > 0:42:58or even further afield to the continent and need our help,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00please apply online at...