0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To the Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, 70 years ago this beautiful country house once housed a
0:00:06 > 0:00:10top secret broadcasting station that became one of the biggest in Europe.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12But why was it build and where?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35'On today's show, I'll be helping an Anglo-French couple
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'trying to find a creative space in the countryside.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41'We uncover some rather personal details...'
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Well, I thought you would fit in here comfortably.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46You won't be able to wear your high-heels, though.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'..and discover the perfect hideaway.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:51We will buy the barn.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53It'd make you a perfect house.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Well, today we are in Worcestershire in the grounds of Wood Norton hall
0:00:58 > 0:01:03and this now dilapidated hut is one of the few surviving clues
0:01:03 > 0:01:04as to its wartime past.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Back in 1939 at the outbreak of the second world war,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11the BBC - fearing the threat of German bombing - decided to move
0:01:11 > 0:01:15much of its broadcasting apparatus and staff out here to safety.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19By 1940, some 1,300 programmes a week were being
0:01:19 > 0:01:22broadcast from here all over the world.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26What's more, it also went on to house the BBC's monitoring service.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Trained linguists would listen to the output
0:01:28 > 0:01:31from occupied Europe, scouring it for any
0:01:31 > 0:01:34scrap of intelligence that might help the war effort.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Well, these days all that secrecy has long gone
0:01:37 > 0:01:38but as you can well imagine,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42there are still plenty of other hidden gems in this glorious county.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Forming part of the Midlands,
0:01:46 > 0:01:47Worcestershire is bordered by five counties,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51including Staffordshire to the north and Herefordshire to the west.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56One of the county's natural gems are the Malvern Hills
0:01:56 > 0:01:59and although they only cover 3,000 acres,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01they provide a hugely diverse landscape
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and include the wild expanse of North Hill,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07which descends to the secluded valley of the River Teme.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11In recent years, the county's canal network has received a tidal wave
0:02:11 > 0:02:13of investment, and at Droitwich Spa,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17a £12 million restoration project has reopened
0:02:17 > 0:02:19the 21-mile canal ring.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24Back in its Victorian heyday, the brine springs of Droitwich Spa
0:02:24 > 0:02:26made it a centre for salt manufacture
0:02:26 > 0:02:30and in 1875, local salt king John Corbett commissioned
0:02:30 > 0:02:34the lavish Chateau Impney for his French wife.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37From the connected industrial areas in the north,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39to the rural scenery in the south,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42the diverse character of Worcestershire makes it
0:02:42 > 0:02:44an appealing location to escape to.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Now, when it comes to the property market here,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53house prices at around about £260,000
0:02:53 > 0:02:56are on a par with the national figure
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and they have remained fairly consistent.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00But as ever, there are places
0:03:00 > 0:03:03which will relieve you of that bit more if you want to.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Pretty little market towns like Pershore or the stunning
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Cotswold village of Broadway could set you back another 20%.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13But if value for money is your thing - and let's face it,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16it's important to most of us - head towards the Herefordshire border.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19The Teme valley will certainly get you a little bit more
0:03:19 > 0:03:20than you might have bargained for.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23It's all good news, particularly for today's buyers,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27who are determined to make this part of the world their new home.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32John and Dominique have lived on the outskirts of Oxford
0:03:32 > 0:03:36for the past 11 years but feel that the time is right
0:03:36 > 0:03:40to head for the hills and start a new chapter in their lives.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42We met in Scotland over 40 years ago
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and we've now been married for...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- 39 years.- Well remembered.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52'Dominique has recently retired from teaching. I retired...'
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- 'Seven years ago?' - Eight years ago, I think.- Oh.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59And both our sons now have a three on the front of their age
0:03:59 > 0:04:03so it is perhaps time for us to look at the next stage of our life
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and embrace a new project.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11And living on an estate close to a city is no longer an option.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I want to move from...
0:04:14 > 0:04:19the noise, the traffic, the bustle, the sort of...
0:04:19 > 0:04:22the looking at your watch all the time, that sort of thing.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26England, on a sunny day, if you're in the countryside,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29it's the most beautiful scenery that you can imagine.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You don't need to travel anywhere, it's fantastic.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- So it would be lovely to live in the middle of that all.- Indeed.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41For John, it's an opportunity to move back to his home county.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43I was born in Worcestershire
0:04:43 > 0:04:47and Worcestershire has always attracted me as a county
0:04:47 > 0:04:51and my family - some of my family - still live there.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54So it's that combination really of almost going back
0:04:54 > 0:04:59to my roots as well as going back to much more of a rural environment.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02John always behaves like a little boy in the country.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- It's a release, it's a freedom. - Yes.- It's a freedom, the country.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Compared to the city. - Yes, you are a different person.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12You're sort of, so relaxed, so at peace.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15And they're hoping to find extra space for their hobbies.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18One of the things I'm looking forward to with the move
0:05:18 > 0:05:23would be to develop, perhaps, my artistic side a bit more.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27In terms of sculptural work, particularly with metal.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29I've been quite a fan of rogue bits of metal
0:05:29 > 0:05:33which are scattered around the garden at the moment.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36An out-building would give me chance to perhaps
0:05:36 > 0:05:38look at soldering and welding.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42'Most of the things I enjoy doing involve making a noise'
0:05:42 > 0:05:44or a mess.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46'I've always been interested in sewing,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50'particularly with curtains, blinds, cushions.'
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I've started doing a little bit of silver jewellery
0:05:53 > 0:05:57'and I can see myself doing a bit more from home
0:05:57 > 0:06:00'rather than having to go to classes.'
0:06:00 > 0:06:03If I could have a little studio to make some jewellery,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05that would be lovely.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09So how much do they have to finance this Worcestershire move?
0:06:09 > 0:06:12The budget for the move is £650,000.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17John and Dominique have asked us
0:06:17 > 0:06:20to focus our search in the south of the county.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24But before we get started, I'm meeting them on Worcestershire turf
0:06:24 > 0:06:27to find out what it is they're after from their new home.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Well, Dominique, John, welcome to Escape To The Country
0:06:33 > 0:06:34and to Worcestershire.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Now, there is one factor that does concern me slightly, John,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39and that is how tall you are.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Just tell us how high you come to.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43Six foot six on a good day.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Six foot six, with a good breakfast inside you.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49That is going to preclude many of the properties that are out there
0:06:49 > 0:06:52that we'd ordinarily show you. Low beams are out.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Perhaps the small black and white cottage is out on this occasion.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- I would think so. - Well, fortunately we're not that keen
0:06:58 > 0:07:00on that sort of property anyway.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- Well, tell us what you are keen on. - Erm, I like airy properties.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10I need light and sort of a downstairs space, erm...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12and a nice garden.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16A nice sort of space outside, outbuildings would be wonderful.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- Three bedrooms is a sort of minimum. - Yeah.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Erm, a big kitchen, I'd like a big kitchen.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25To get you what you're after, because of the kind of size
0:07:25 > 0:07:28of property physically that we need to actually fit you in,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31we're going to have to travel fairly far and wide.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We might even do a bit of border hopping outside of Worcestershire.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- How do we feel about that? - Absolutely fine, yes.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40I'm all for discovering new areas as well.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Now, just remind us of the budget, has it changed at all?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47We talked initially of 650,000, but, erm,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51we can stretch to 700 if everything is in there.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54If there's some project work needs to be done, it would need to
0:07:54 > 0:07:56be done within the 700,000 total figure.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Well, I think we've got three very interesting properties
0:07:59 > 0:08:03to show you, including our mystery house, which is a real classic.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I can't wait for you to see that one.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08So without further ado, let's finish our coffees and juice
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- and get going.- Lovely, can't wait. - Thank you.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37We've found three fantastic properties to show them
0:08:37 > 0:08:40and at each one I'll be testing their eye for valuation
0:08:40 > 0:08:42when they guess the price.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44And third on the list is our mystery house,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47which could really blow them away.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Now, Dominique, it's interesting really, because obviously John knows this part of the world well
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and clearly you're no stranger to Britain,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- but you grew up in Paris, is that right?- Yes, that's correct, yes.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05And do you think there are big differences between
0:09:05 > 0:09:07rural life in Britain and rural life in France?
0:09:09 > 0:09:10I hope so.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Why do you hope so?
0:09:13 > 0:09:18Because I think true, rural life in France is...
0:09:18 > 0:09:20very rural.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Too simple.- Too simple, yes.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25It's called the deep France, really, you know.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27The deep France? That's interesting, OK.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30La France profonde.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I'm not even going to attempt to repeat that.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Bearing in mind their specific requirements for a home
0:09:41 > 0:09:44and John's height, we're casting our net far and wide.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Starting in the east of the county in the village of Kington.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51A few minutes down the road is Inkberrow village,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54thought to be the inspiration for the Radio 4 series, the Archers.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Beside the green sits the church, dating back to the 13th century
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and one of its two traditional country pubs.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04Along with a post office
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and local store for the basic everyday supplies.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11On the fringe of Kington village is house number one,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15a period barn conversion with views across the open countryside.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So there we go. What do you think...
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- of that, Dominique?- Very nice.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26I love its... It looks very friendly and welcoming.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29You're responding very nicely to this one, but what does John think?
0:10:29 > 0:10:31I'm holding all my questions in.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- Retreat, retreat, retreat.- Let's see what you think of the inside.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'Converted in the early '90s, the property has been architecturally
0:10:40 > 0:10:45'redesigned, hopefully delivering the light and space they're after.'
0:10:45 > 0:10:47OK, Dominique, there we are.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Is this big enough and light enough?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It's very nice, yes. Very fresh, like the colour.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And you've got this nice sort of dining area here,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58a little bit of a sitting room around the corner there too.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Yes, it's got a good feel definitely.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Yes, I like it.- Good.- Very much so.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Very much so. Worcestershire is outside the window.- Absolutely.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- As much of it as you want to look at.- Classical Worcestershire.- Yes!
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Well, let's continue. This way.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19So this is the dining room. Again, lovely views out there.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Nice little separate room.- And then this is your principal living room.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Oh, interesting.- Come on in.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Now, this is what I want to see. - Will I get under the beam?- Come in.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34My brother wouldn't be able to visit.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Brilliant. Yeah, it all works.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Oh, look at these beams here.- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40So you've got this nice kind of mixture
0:11:40 > 0:11:42of the very contemporary look in the kitchen
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and you drift through into the older bit.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I like that, I like the mixture. Definitely.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- But all the wood is original from that barn, or...?- It is, yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Well, I thought you would fit in here comfortably.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Plenty of head room.- You won't be able to wear your high heels, though.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Right, come on. Let's go this way.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05The building is essentially one long line of rooms
0:12:05 > 0:12:08all leading onto one another.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11There is a guest bedroom with en suite at one end
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and three bedrooms at the other, comprising one double
0:12:14 > 0:12:18and a single and both served by the family bathroom.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20And then there's the master.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Straight onto the garden. Again, very light.- Yeah, lovely, isn't it?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Yes.- To our specs.- Could be slightly bigger for us cos we have a huge bed.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Well, you have a choice. You know, there is the one at the far end,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- maybe that's a bit bigger for you. - Yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39That is en suite, as indeed is this one. A nice shower room and so on.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Oh, yes, that's lovely. I like the colour scheme. Very, very nice, yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45There is one thing that we haven't discussed yet
0:12:45 > 0:12:47and that is the outside space.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50You wanted a nice big garden and some outbuildings,
0:12:50 > 0:12:51we've got plenty of both.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Very keen to see it. - Come and look at these.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57'There is extra living space in the study
0:12:57 > 0:13:00'and a utility room sits off the kitchen.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04'The grounds of the property total around three and a half acres,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08'with a formal lawned garden looking out over a paddock.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13'There's also a stable block that could work as a workshop.'
0:13:13 > 0:13:16So, let's get our thinking caps on and think about the...
0:13:17 > 0:13:20..the money. You go first.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- As long as you're not teasing us, I'll say 675.- 675, yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Dominique?- I say a bit less, 650.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Well, I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- It's 645.- Ah!- Yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36There's a lot on offer with this one.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Yes, a lot to think about.- Yeah. Right then, off you go.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43And I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44Thank you.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08The kitchen's very good, it's probably my favourite room.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Because I think, as you come in, it really feels spacious.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I think, in a way, I like that sort of feeling
0:14:15 > 0:14:17when I go into other rooms.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21The idea of having to go through the dining room to go to the lounge,
0:14:21 > 0:14:25to go to the bedroom, is a slight issue for me, I think.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26The house itself,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29disappointed slightly to see it was a single story.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32No problem with the height of the rooms,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35a good half inch clearance on the main beams in the...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37the lounge area.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41If I was to perhaps score it...
0:14:41 > 0:14:45the land and the outside space is a nine, nine and a half.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48The house, probably...
0:14:48 > 0:14:49six to seven.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- How are we doing then?- Very well.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- You wanted a view, you wanted Worcestershire, there it is.- Yes.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- That is a view.- I think this is a really interesting one to start with.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- It certainly put a smile on your face.- Well, you've set a high standard.- Good.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Not quite sure what you're thinking. - Well, I'm always more cautious.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I like to think things a little bit, but...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Every man needs a cautious woman. - There you go.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Never a truer word spoken. Come on, let's go.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Alongside Worcestershire's northern,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26more industrialised centres
0:15:26 > 0:15:28are rural belts of mostly farmed landscape,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32where traditional rural hand crafts are still practised today.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35At the heart of this is a thriving creative hub
0:15:35 > 0:15:39known as the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in the village of Hanbury.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43For over 30 years, farm buildings from the former Hanbury Hall estate
0:15:43 > 0:15:47have been home for crafts people to create and sell their work.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Given that John and Dominique are passionate crafts people themselves,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52we arranged for them to meet current owner
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Amanda Sunter to find out more.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59What range of crafts do you have here?
0:15:59 > 0:16:04We've got a hardcore of key, old-fashioned type of crafts.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06We've got glass blowing and stained glass here.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09We've also got some woodworking, rag working
0:16:09 > 0:16:13and also the soap maker is doing very well.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Do you have any jewellery?
0:16:14 > 0:16:19Yes, we do and the jeweller makes some absolutely fabulous tiaras,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21you must see them while you're here.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Can the public come and learn the skills?- Absolutely.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28A lot of the craft units will run one-to-one type workshops,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31but today, we're going to introduce you to Phillip.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32He's our woodworker
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and you're going to come and have a look at what he does.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38One of the skilled craftsman working from the centre is
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Phillip Baldwin, who is carrying on the family tradition of
0:16:41 > 0:16:43hand crafted woodwork started by his father,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46in the very same workshop.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49So, Phillip, where do you get the wood from?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I get it from all over the world.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Locally, if possible, but South America, Africa.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Anywhere that's got a nice coloured wood with grain
0:16:58 > 0:17:00and nice characteristics to work with.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Do you have a type of wood you prefer to work with?
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I like to work with yew and walnut.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08They have a good variation in colour and relatively easy to work with.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's time for John and Dominique to show off their craft skills.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16The trees have been cut from Phillip's design using a fret saw
0:17:16 > 0:17:20and they're going to work on stage two, adding definition
0:17:20 > 0:17:23to the trees using an electric carver to chamfer the edges.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31How long would you be spending doing this on that sort of piece of wood?
0:17:31 > 0:17:36I'd normally do it all day. So I'd do, probably, 10 trees maybe.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- I think it's your turn now, Dominique.- OK.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43There are four main processes -
0:17:43 > 0:17:45cutting, carving, sanding and finishing.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The cutting alone takes around an hour per tree,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50so Phillip works in batches of 10.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I knew you'd be better than me.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Once carved and sanded, it's the finishing process.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Dipping the trees in Danish oil for a matte finish.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06John and Dominique seem quite happy to carve themselves a future here
0:18:06 > 0:18:09but time now to get back to our property hunt and find them
0:18:09 > 0:18:11a creative space of their own.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17For our second house, we're heading
0:18:17 > 0:18:20to the very north of the county to the village of Wolverley,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23right on the Worcestershire, Staffordshire border.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Wolverley is set beside two major waterways, the River Stour
0:18:27 > 0:18:30and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Sandstone is a feature of the village,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36with roads cut through the rock and cottages into the cliffs behind.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37On the outskirts of the village,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41just over the border into Staffordshire, is house number two.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43A very unusual, extended property
0:18:43 > 0:18:45offering a mixture of styles and character.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Now...
0:18:48 > 0:18:50oddly, with this one, we're going to start back to front.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54There is a front door but we're going to deal with it here to start with because
0:18:54 > 0:18:57I think this really gives you the story of this building.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00The whole thing started life back in the mid '90s
0:19:00 > 0:19:02as a bungalow.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Difficult to imagine. - It's impossible to imagine it now.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09I'm slightly speechless at the moment.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I want to remain open-minded.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- I'm not sure.- John?
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Struggling to stay open minded. This is quirky plus, plus.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I think what we'll do is, we'll start with that half there
0:19:23 > 0:19:26that looks like a chapel.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28It's built from the remains of a chapel.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- You'll see what I mean when we get inside.- We'll pray for insight.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37'House two is certainly not one for traditionalists,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40'as despite having bags of space over three floors,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43'they may have to see past some of its more unique styling,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'as we head to the lower ground floor.'
0:19:49 > 0:19:51You see what I mean? It's the most amazing
0:19:51 > 0:19:54hammer beam ceiling, this. Or roof truss.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- Is that what it's called? - Yeah, absolutely and they've imported this from a...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- You know, a reclaimed chapel. - This wasn't here originally?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- No.- This was all added.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- I've never seen anything like it before.- It's...
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- So that's part of the church, then? - This... Yeah, absolutely.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Look at this skirting board. Isn't that incredibly original?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Never seen anything like this... - Original.- Roof slates.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Original with quirky.- Yes. - The vocabulary's building, yeah?
0:20:18 > 0:20:19This is something of an annexe.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22There's a little kind of kitchen area through there,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24a bedroom and so on.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Let's have a look at the rest of it, let's go upstairs.- OK.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'I think the chapel annex has caught their imagination,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36'so let's see what they make of the living space.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'We're heading up to the kitchen on the ground floor.'
0:20:39 > 0:20:44So when you get up to the middle floor, it's the kitchen...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- that greets you.- Good grief.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48That's quite a... quite an impressive kitchen.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- It's a great size. - Yeah, lovely size.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Very bold in the way that it's put together.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Yes, but it can take it because the room is big
0:20:57 > 0:20:59and the red does give a bit of warmth.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02The beam is good, the way it separates the room.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- I love the number of windows.- Yeah.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07I mean, I would have to change quite a few bits and pieces
0:21:07 > 0:21:09to feel more comfortable. It's not...
0:21:09 > 0:21:11I don't feel it feels like a nest.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13I like the idea of a nest.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Well, if you want a bit more cosy, have a look at the living room.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18I think it gets cosier through here.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Come in, Dominique.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Is this cosier?
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Come in, John.- Very nice room. Nice brick, I like the exposed brick.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Gorgeous room.- It's... It is worth you seeing, this place.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38I mean, it offers a huge amount.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40So eclectic, it's wonderful.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Eclectic, I note, is good. Quirky, original, eclectic.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- I think we've cracked it. - I particularly like the split level,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I think it's a very adventurous way of living and, um...
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Let's you imagine living in the room.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Well, let's have an explore. Come and have a look.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59I mean, it's bigger down here than it is up there, I think.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03You know, as garden rooms go, I mean...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- This is a party room. - It really is a party room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Can you see that little gallery up there?- Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12That comes off of the master bedroom.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15So that's probably our cue to go upstairs.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16- Yes, please.- Yeah? Follow me.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22'A study - the fourth bedroom -
0:22:22 > 0:22:24'and shower room complete the ground floor.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27'Upstairs, the spacious family bathroom with corner bath
0:22:27 > 0:22:30'serves two double guest bedrooms and the master.'
0:22:32 > 0:22:35So we're thinking that this would be your room.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Very good size for a master bedroom.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41I hoped you'd say that. Yes, it's... It almost...
0:22:41 > 0:22:43And that balcony over there, that's the one that
0:22:43 > 0:22:47looks down into kind of the garden end of the main living room.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Perfect for the chaise longue, isn't it?
0:22:49 > 0:22:50- So is it big enough, John?- Yes.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- It may be over-quirky, but it's... - You can always tone it down a bit.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- It has a je ne sais quoi.- Perfect!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02That's the word we were looking for, wasn't it? Yes.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Well, I think we should go outside.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Talk about some land cos we've given you a huge home,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11we've also got you plenty of ground to play with.
0:23:11 > 0:23:12- Come with me.- Wow.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16'There is plenty of room in this property
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'but is the unique character too much for John and Dominique?
0:23:20 > 0:23:23'The grounds total three and a half acres,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27'comprising lawn and paddock areas and come with a large timber barn.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29'A perfect location for a workshop.'
0:23:29 > 0:23:31All of it is so unusual.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Let's try and make sense of it with the numbers,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38you've got £700,000 to spend.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- Go on, John. - I think there's a lot of value here,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44if only in the land, and I'm going to go 625.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45625. Dominique?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Slightly higher, 630.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50630. You're very close to each other, aren't you?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- But you're right to be because you, sir, are dead on.- Result.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Not that we're remotely competitive. - Of course not.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59But, yeah, £625,000.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03How do you feel about it, now you know the figures?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05It's interesting, it's just...
0:24:05 > 0:24:08It's a grower. Yeah.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- It's got some exceptional rooms. - Lots to think about.- Indeed.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Changed my mind a lot since I first saw it.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I told you it's a grower. Maybe the money's done it?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Right, then, off you go. I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:24:19 > 0:24:20- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Go and explore.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24This is one that certainly needs exploring.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Wow.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- What a fantastic space here. - Absolutely stupendous.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- I like this very much. - Superb. We'll buy the barn.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00It'd make your perfect house.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03It's a very unusual property
0:25:03 > 0:25:07and I think you need to keep the sort of..
0:25:07 > 0:25:12the eclectic side of the property to give it justice.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15And I'm not sure we're the right people for this
0:25:15 > 0:25:17cos we're very traditional people.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22Split-level lounge, very nice. Wonderful room, good party room.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24The best room in the house without a doubt.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26The barn itself is absolutely tremendous,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28you could not have a better barn.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- After you, madam.- Thank you. - After you, sir.- Thank you, Jules.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Well, you did say it was worth coming.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- It was.- Look, at last.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41At last I'm almost the same height as you.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- Almost.- Come on, let's go.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55'It's the second day of our property search in Worcestershire
0:25:55 > 0:25:57'with John and Dominique,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01'who have a maximum of £700,000 to spend on their country residence.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05'Coming up, the mystery house delivers more than one superlative...'
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Whoa.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Yeah.- What a magnificent room.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Can I add another one, then? - Go on.- Magnificent.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17'..and I visit the scene of many a childhood ambition.'
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Now, my understanding of what happened yesterday
0:26:23 > 0:26:27is more or less along the lines of, they loved the land
0:26:27 > 0:26:30but they weren't overly wowed by either of our properties.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34So for our mystery house we really have got to pull out all the stops.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36We're going to forget about land,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39we're going to put all our money into property and run for home.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43This is a mystery house I really do think they're going to love.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47We're travelling south into Herefordshire
0:26:47 > 0:26:49and our third county for the mystery house,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51close to the market town of Ledbury.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Granted a market charter in the 12th century,
0:26:55 > 0:27:00Ledbury is home to a wide variety of independent shops and eateries
0:27:00 > 0:27:02along its attractive cobbled lanes.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's noted for its many black and white timber-frame buildings,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09in particular the 17th-century market house.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13On the outskirts of town in a rural location is our mystery house,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15a converted farming property.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19However, in order to give them a spacious home, there's a compromise.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26So here we are, just outside Ledbury and our mystery house.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Now, I have to tell you that you don't get all of it
0:27:30 > 0:27:34but you do get the central third of it.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37There are three properties here, sharing this driveway.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40You also get two garages up there,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43which we're thinking workshop space, John.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- It's an old oast house. - We gathered that.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Built about 1910 and now much renovated.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51But the great thing about these vast,
0:27:51 > 0:27:56old, agrarian industrial buildings is space.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59We have spoiled you up to now with lots and lots of land.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02We have got you a very generous garden
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- but not acres and acres.- OK.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07What do you think of it?
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- Very impressive. I mean, the building looks fabulous.- Good.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Well, I think now we've whetted your appetite, let's go and have a look.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16Come on then.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19'Great first impressions
0:28:19 > 0:28:24'and I think the six bedrooms and over 3,500 square feet of living
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'accommodation could be just enough space of for them.'
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Do you see what I mean about high ceilings?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- This is fantastic. - And look at these doors.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I don't think I've ever seen doors that high.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- You don't get those off the shelf, do you?- You don't. Let's start in here.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43This...
0:28:45 > 0:28:47..is the snug.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49But this is probably the place to start because it's
0:28:49 > 0:28:51the smallest reception room here.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Well, not bad for the smallest.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57So is it living up to expectations from the outside?
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It's better inside than I thought it was from the outside
0:29:00 > 0:29:01and I love the outside, so, um...
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Wood and stone. Two of my passions.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- Yeah.- And space. - Yeah, indeed.- Lots of space.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10If you're enjoying this, I think you'll love
0:29:10 > 0:29:12what's through here, Dominique. Come with me.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15OK, Dominique.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Whoa.- Yeah. - What a magnificent room.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25That's the first "magnificent" of the week, that's good. That's good.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- Can I add another one then? - Go on, then.- Magnificent.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32I mean, as you can see, they've combined dining, living room
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- and kitchen.- I think that's lovely.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40I think it would suit us very well, wouldn't it? The way we spend...
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Yeah, the bay into the larger window adds that extra dimension to the room.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47I mean, this is a room that you're going to use 90% of the time,
0:29:47 > 0:29:48I would think.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52So is this one getting further onto any kind of list
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- that might be a contender? - Yes.- For me, yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Yes, excellent. Thought it might.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Come on, let's go up.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06'The mystery house seems to be wowing them
0:30:06 > 0:30:08'and we've still two floors to go.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12'On the first, there are two double bedrooms served by a family bathroom
0:30:12 > 0:30:14'with a double ended bath.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16'And of course, there's the master.'
0:30:18 > 0:30:20THIS is the master.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- That is incredible.- It gets better.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- This is huge. This is, agh...- Yeah.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33There's a dressing room in there which is currently a study
0:30:33 > 0:30:36but I would suggest probably more useful as a dressing room to you.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40Lovely views out there and then you've got an en suite in here.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47- Kind of double shower and so on. - Excellent.- Yeah?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- I love it.- The space, the light, the warmth of the wood, it's...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54very, very impressive.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Well, it's not over yet, let's go upstairs. Come with me.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- On the top floor.- What, there's only one more floor?
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Only one more, yeah.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06'They're clearly blown away by the sheer scale of this property
0:31:06 > 0:31:08'and there's more to see on the second floor, with bedrooms
0:31:08 > 0:31:12'four and five both doubles with en suite, next to bedroom six.'
0:31:12 > 0:31:15So I guess it poses the question,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17what will you do with all these bedrooms?
0:31:17 > 0:31:20and we were thinking maybe this would be a nice kind of studio...
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- I think you're right. - ..for the craft.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Cos you have the light sort of in the roof there.- Yeah.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Craft room or a man's room.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- Ah.- Erm, crafts room. - Crafts room, then. Yeah.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Consider yourself told, John. You have got the double garages outside.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Exactly.- Don't forget.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39But, yeah, I mean, you've got so many choices here.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- That's what's nice about it. - Definitely.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44OK, well, let's get outside into that sunshine...
0:31:44 > 0:31:48look at the garden and we'll start to think about the price.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49Have a poke in the garage?
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Might let you have a look in the garage. Bit later on.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58'I think they might just have fallen for this splendidly roomy home.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02'The question is, will the gardens be enough for them?'
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Last but not least, the garden and the views beyond.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Now, we said at the outset we weren't
0:32:08 > 0:32:10going to give you acres and acres.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13With all this to play with, does it matter any more?
0:32:13 > 0:32:16We could cope with this size garden.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17It is a lovely garden.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- It's well laid out and with a field at the back.- Yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23You get the view and that's for free.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26But you don't get that for free. So...
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Now, what's coming next, then?
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Dominique, it's your turn, I think.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- 670?- 670,000, yeah. John?
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- I was thinking higher but I want it to be lower.- All right.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- So I shall say 685.- £685,000.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47You're quite good at this, you two, aren't you?
0:32:47 > 0:32:49This is on the market
0:32:49 > 0:32:52for 675.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55That's put a smile on your face.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I thought you would push it right to the top of the budget.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Well, it's comfortably underneath your £700,000 proposed
0:33:01 > 0:33:04maximum spend and what a house.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07You know, I get the feeling it just kind of fits you.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- Yes, it certainly felt very good.- It was love at first sight, I'm afraid.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Oh, don't be afraid.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Well, that gives it away, doesn't it?
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Well, let this love affair continue.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Off you go, go and have a look around and I'll and find you later.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22BOTH: Thank you.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Brilliant. Well, there we are.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Our mystery house, our lovely converted oast house,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29possibly has done it again.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33It's a very unique property, this one, and they have spotted it.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03The height of the rooms in particular.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Nobody would need the height but what it does achieve,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09it gives the rooms that really airy feeling.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10The size is more than adequate.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13You could almost forget you've got a third storey,
0:34:13 > 0:34:18which would almost just become a guest suite.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Although there is the option of course with the room
0:34:20 > 0:34:26in the centre to be a crafts room or a man's room as I suggested earlier.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31Inside the house, it's just so spacious
0:34:31 > 0:34:33and all this pine.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35The doors were really fantastic.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39And I could see, I mean, we have a lot of old pine furniture
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and it would be perfect.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Erm, so from a heart point of view, I think it's a fantastic place.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51I think now, the head's got to start, you know, agreeing with the heart.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Is it too big for just two of us?
0:34:55 > 0:34:59Well, I think that was a very interesting final house tour.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- Very much so.- So are we that little bit closer - do you think -
0:35:01 > 0:35:04to finding your new home?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- I definitely think so, yes. - A lot closer. Yes, definitely.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- A lot to talk about. - I should think there is, yeah.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Right then, off you go. Have a good chat and I'll find you later on.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- Thank you.- Oh, to be a fly on the wall in that conversation.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Well, if John and Dominique's story has inspired you to want to
0:35:20 > 0:35:23move to this part of the world, here's a selection of
0:35:23 > 0:35:26some other rural gems currently on the market.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29If it's character you're looking for, then this timber-framed,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33three-bedroom, grade II listed cottage in Rous Lench fits the bill.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Packed with exposed beams and buckets of charm, it would
0:35:37 > 0:35:41suit the average budget, on the market for £249,950.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46For individual style with a modern feel,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48then barn conversions might be worth a look.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53Like this three-bedroom example in Honeybourne, on the edge of the Cotswolds.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Making the most of its wood and stone features,
0:35:55 > 0:36:00it's on sale for £384,950.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04And should you hanker after a grand country residence, then maybe this
0:36:04 > 0:36:08converted four-bedroom farmhouse in Bickmarsh hits the spot.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Brimming with reclaimed brick and timber features,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13it has a price tag of £575,000.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21The Severn Valley Railway is one of the great heritage
0:36:21 > 0:36:23highlights of the area.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Following the meandering River Severn for 16 and a half miles
0:36:26 > 0:36:29between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35Opened in 1862, it was never financially successful and by 1970,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39passenger and freight services had come to a grinding halt.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44However, a group of enthusiasts had already formed a preservation society
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and by 1967 had purchased a five-mile section of the line,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50an engine and four coaches.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53A charitable trust now handles fundraising
0:36:53 > 0:36:57and a current share scheme has so far raised £1.5 million.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Today, I'm meeting Nick Ralls,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02general manager at the southern terminus in Kidderminster
0:37:02 > 0:37:06to find out more about this wonderful railway.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- Hello, Nick.- Good morning. - Very nice to see you, sir.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Welcome to the Severn Valley Railway.- Is this train ready to go?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14This train is going to be going very soon, so we'd better get on board and have a good look.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Let's not be late.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20'Volunteers are the lifeblood of the railway,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23'with currently 1,300 helping out driving trains, manning
0:37:23 > 0:37:28'signal boxes, maintaining track and overhauling the locomotives.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30'With a national skills shortage,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33'the railway aims to boost the restoration expertise
0:37:33 > 0:37:37'of their workforce to continue the preservation of the line.'
0:37:39 > 0:37:42How do you ensure that you've got that skill set to keep
0:37:42 > 0:37:44something as historic as this going?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46We're piloting this year, actually - this September -
0:37:46 > 0:37:48a heritage skills training academy
0:37:48 > 0:37:52and we're going to take on five young people as trainees.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56They'll be undertaking experience and training on the railway
0:37:56 > 0:38:00to complement the engineering they're learning at college with
0:38:00 > 0:38:04- the heritage skills that we demand...- Fantastic. - ..to keep going as a railway.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08Of course, you're then investing directly in those young men to keep the railway alive.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Yes, it's important that we invest in them
0:38:10 > 0:38:12year on year as well because we are going to have
0:38:12 > 0:38:15probably 50 apprentices on the railway at one time.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Wow, yeah. - TRAIN WHISTLES
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Thank you. 'I'm getting off at Bridgnorth station over
0:38:24 > 0:38:26'the border in Shropshire and home of the boiler shop,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29'where the restoration of the engines take place
0:38:29 > 0:38:32'and where new apprentices will be learning their craft.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'Boiler manager Duncan Ballard, who started his career
0:38:35 > 0:38:38'as an apprentice 18 years ago has agreed to show me around.'
0:38:40 > 0:38:43How important do you think these apprenticeship schemes are?
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Massively. I mean...
0:38:45 > 0:38:48you can sit and show people books all day, at the end of the day,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51you're only going to learn by being exposed to the job, you know.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- To actually have a feel for it, have a go.- Yeah.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- Learn the hard way when something goes wrong.- Yeah.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Use your own mind, you know, a bit of initiative.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00But what I love is, you're not just resurrecting these skills,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02you're resurrecting these locomotives.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05I mean, for example, that one there. How old is it?
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- That one's from Dunrobin, that's 1895.- 1895!
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- So well over 100 years old. - Yeah, it's a time capsule.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14You're bringing these skills together, keeping everything going.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17And we're also using the skills they were using in 1895 to preserve it.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Well, it's an absolute credit to you and the apprenticeship scheme, I can only celebrate.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23I think it's just a fantastic idea.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26It says a lot about the railway and its vision. Congratulations.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28OK, thank you.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32'We wish the academy great success in developing new talent with
0:39:32 > 0:39:35'old skills, to keep this wonderful railway chugging through
0:39:35 > 0:39:38'the heart of the Worcestershire countryside for years to come.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41'But time now, though, to return to our property search
0:39:41 > 0:39:44'and catch up with our house hunters.'
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Well, John and Dominique have been thinking long and hard
0:39:50 > 0:39:53about all the properties we have shown them
0:39:53 > 0:39:56and I'm hoping they're getting towards some sort of a decision.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58But in this case, I'm beginning to wonder
0:39:58 > 0:40:00if decision is the right word.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Maybe it's more of a confirmation.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04Let's go and ask them.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Well, Dominique, John, here we are at the end of our house search.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15It has flown by and we started off with up to £700,000
0:40:15 > 0:40:18of your hard-earned money to spend
0:40:18 > 0:40:21and high hopes for a new home in the countryside.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23We've given you three very interesting properties,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26question is, have we found the perfect one?
0:40:26 > 0:40:28You may well have done.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Can I take a flying guess as to which one it might be?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Do that, let's see.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- The mystery house? - You're clairvoyant. - I think you're right, yes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40OK, I mean, properties one and two were both very different,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43shall we say? The second one, I think you described as eclectic?
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- I did. - We had quirky in there as well.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Our first one, much more traditional I suppose in some respects
0:40:50 > 0:40:52but it's the mystery house what did it.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55The house itself has got so much character.
0:40:55 > 0:41:01The architecture is so interesting, the space in the house is fantastic.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02Yeah.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07The lounge in particular, well, this sort of open lounge, kitchen,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10diner, overlooking the garden.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12I can see myself living there.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15The master bedroom, it was just incredible.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21Just being on the landing and sort of this opening onto the bedroom,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23it was very special.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26So the question I must now ask you...
0:41:26 > 0:41:27is what happens next?
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Try to sort of use our head over the heart.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Because the heart was sort of, you know...
0:41:34 > 0:41:36totally...
0:41:36 > 0:41:38overcome and... yes.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41But is it too large for us?
0:41:42 > 0:41:46You know, a few questions like this, but...
0:41:46 > 0:41:48very tempting.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50So we started off looking in Worcestershire
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- and we've ended up in Herefordshire. Who'd have thought it?- Yes.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- But as ever, let us know how it goes.- No, thank you very much.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- It was a very good experience. - Our pleasure.- Thank you.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Well, how do we make sense of this one?
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Not for the first time,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12buyers have arrived on Escape To The Country
0:42:12 > 0:42:14with a wish list that by the end of the process,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16they've radically re-designed.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20That, of course, is exactly what's happened with John and Dominique.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21We started out in Worcestershire
0:42:21 > 0:42:24looking for a property with lots of land.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27We found ourselves in Herefordshire with a beautiful garden
0:42:27 > 0:42:30but a fantastic mystery house thrown in.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34And I'm crossing everything that very soon they will call it home.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Which is exactly where I'm now going.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39And it's that way.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Although our buyers fell in love with the mystery house,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46after much deliberation they concluded the house had
0:42:46 > 0:42:48too much space inside and not enough outside.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51They're continuing their search in the area.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55But if you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Northern Ireland, England or maybe even further afield to
0:42:58 > 0:43:01the continent and would like our help, then please apply online.