0:00:02 > 0:00:04I am stood next to what could easily be mistaken as the remains
0:00:04 > 0:00:08of an ancient church, but all is not what it seems.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Find out what this is and where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31On today's show, I'm using the powers of positive
0:00:31 > 0:00:34thinking to find one couple's country dream.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39- You seem to be warming up a little bit now.- Yeah, a little bit.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43But it's not all an uphill battle as we brave the elements.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46I think we've just been blown away with the view, to be honest.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- I've got blown away with the wind. - And the wind!
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Today, I'm in North Yorkshire and this is Yorke's Folly.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Whilst it's a listed monument, it was only built 200 years ago as a
0:01:00 > 0:01:05decorative romantic ruin, reflecting the landscaping trend at the time.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Commissioned by the Yorke family, the local estate owners, it was
0:01:08 > 0:01:12also built to keep local workers busy during a time of recession.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17Today, from this spot, the reward - a fantastic views of Pateley Bridge
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and the Nidderdale Valley, which we'll be visiting
0:01:20 > 0:01:22later on in the show.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26North Yorkshire is the largest rural county in the country
0:01:26 > 0:01:30and offers up over 1,000 square miles of national parks
0:01:30 > 0:01:33from the rugged North York Moors to the stunning
0:01:33 > 0:01:35undulations of the Yorkshire Dales.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38This beautiful, varied terrain attracts walkers
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and cyclists the whole year round.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Picturesque cobbled towns such as Grassington in Wharfedale offer
0:01:44 > 0:01:48a perfect base to explore incredible sites such as the limestone
0:01:48 > 0:01:50cliff at Kilnsey Crag.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52North Yorkshire's history
0:01:52 > 0:01:55is inextricably linked with agriculture.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The 12th-century Bolton Priory may have inspired the great
0:01:58 > 0:02:02artist Turner, but it was also home to a self-sufficient
0:02:02 > 0:02:06community where the monks farmed the land and even created a tannery,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10rinsing their animal hides into the fast-flowing River Wharfe.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13The genteel spa town of Harrogate actually
0:02:13 > 0:02:17made its fortune from the water, and visitors flooded there in the
0:02:17 > 0:02:2119th century to sample its iron and sulphur rich springs.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Today, the town continues to thrive, offering up Yorkshire
0:02:24 > 0:02:27traditions that are simply hard to resist.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32The property market in North Yorkshire remains firmly robust.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34The average price of a detached house here
0:02:34 > 0:02:38is around £260,000, which is just above the national figure.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Prices do vary greatly throughout the county.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45For example, in Harrogate, you can pay up to 70% more for a house.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48You'll also pay a sharp premium for living around the Dales,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50but if coastal living is more your thing,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54then head to Scarborough as a more affordable option to Whitby.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57A detached house there could cost around £50,000 less than
0:02:57 > 0:03:01the county average. So, whereabouts do today's buyers want to head?
0:03:01 > 0:03:02Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Rich, Claire and their three-year-old son Tom currently
0:03:08 > 0:03:12live in a three-bed 1950s house in Kensworth, Bedfordshire.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15They've decided they no longer want to live on the edge of a town
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and feel it's time for a fresh start.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20It's getting busier in the south-east
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and it is quite overpopulated
0:03:22 > 0:03:26and we just want to escape to a bit more of a rural lifestyle, really.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30There's one overwhelming priority for their son Tom
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- when they make the move. - When we were kids, I just
0:03:32 > 0:03:36remember playing out and that is super important for both of us...
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Yeah.- ..for Tom to have that environment to grow.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45And they feel Claire's birthplace is the county that has it all.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48The area that we are wanting to move to is North Yorkshire.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's just a very beautiful part of the world.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54We've got the coastline, the Yorkshire Dales.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It's got it all up there.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59You have forests, big kind of open moorland
0:03:59 > 0:04:02and you also have the amenities as well.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06The Yorkshire move would also get them closer to Claire's family
0:04:06 > 0:04:09in Wakefield. It had always been a long-term dream,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12but serious health issues have led them to rethink their plans.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17I was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer last year and have been
0:04:17 > 0:04:21up and down really with treatments and surgeries and things going on.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24'It's put everything into perspective about what's important in life.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27'We just want to enjoy everything we can really, to the maximum.'
0:04:27 > 0:04:29And Claire's from a very close family
0:04:29 > 0:04:34so it would be very nice just to have them nearer by.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36They'll need to be able to access London
0:04:36 > 0:04:38for Claire's continuing treatment.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42And IT manager Rich will need good road links for his job
0:04:42 > 0:04:44as well as for his favourite hobby.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47My main passion is bikes, specifically mountain bikes
0:04:47 > 0:04:53and everything to do with biking. I like to renovate them, restore them.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Tom is quite often helping me in the garage, passing me spanners
0:04:56 > 0:05:01and Allen keys and things like that. He seems to enjoy helping his daddy.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Ex-textile designer Claire will be up for a bit of DIY,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08but not a project. She's recently got a taste for the good life.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11This year was our first year of attempting vegetables
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and we've had quite a good success, haven't we?
0:05:14 > 0:05:17So the next house has to have a little bit of a veggie plot.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So all that's left is to find out what funds
0:05:20 > 0:05:23they'll have for their dream Yorkshire move.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Our budget for our next move is £350,000.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Rich and Claire are keen on the countryside around the small
0:05:30 > 0:05:32market town of Pateley Bridge,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35so we'll be basing our search to the east of the beautiful
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Yorkshire Dales.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Before we set off, I'm meeting them in their chosen county to find
0:05:40 > 0:05:43out a bit more about their proposed relocation.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- Good morning.- BOTH: Good morning. - Welcome to North Yorkshire.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- How long is it since you've been up here?- About a week.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Do you come back a lot?- Quite a lot.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Moving up here to Yorkshire... why now?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06We've just kind of had a whole year of ups and downs
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- and lots of challenges, really. - Yeah.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11We thought we'd like to do something major
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- and have a big life change, really. - It was always our dream to do it.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17We're just kind of doing it quicker than we potentially would
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- have done.- We've got a little boy, Tom.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And what we want to do is move before he turns four,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25five, for school, really.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27What particular style of house do you like?
0:06:27 > 0:06:30We're looking for something that has a...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33a kind of a country feel.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38Again, around Tom, we are looking for something maybe three, four bedrooms.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42We're not too keen on modern houses as such.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44All our previous houses have been relatively older.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49What would you say is the most important room for you in the house?
0:06:49 > 0:06:53Kitchen for me. What about you? Garage.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57I was going to say a garage or like a shed, almost.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59What's the most important thing?
0:06:59 > 0:07:03House in a fantastic location or the looks of a house?
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Definitely location. I think it has to be close to local amenities.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- School, maybe a local shop.- Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- A pub!- Pub. - Always have to have a pub!
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- Now, you've sold your house, haven't you?- Yes, that's right.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- Sold it within two days. - Two days?- Yeah.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23What's your final budget?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26The final budget is 350,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29That's the maximum we are looking to go up to.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Let's not waste any more time. We'll finish these coffees
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- and get on with the search. - Excellent. Brilliant!
0:07:36 > 0:07:39With a top budget of £350,000,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Rich and Claire are looking for a property with some character.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46They'd like three to four bedrooms, a spacious kitchen,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49a workshop or garage to house Rich's bike collection,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53a low-maintenance garden and, above all, a close community with
0:07:53 > 0:07:57local amenities, including a primary school for son Tom.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59We've got three very different properties lined up for
0:07:59 > 0:08:02today's buyers and I'll be putting their valuation skills to the
0:08:02 > 0:08:05test before I reveal the price of each one,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08the last of which will be the Mystery House.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Its surprise location could be a bit of an uphill battle,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15but might just take their search to new heights.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- So Rich, you're pretty big on cycling?- Yes.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I love the freedom of it, really.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29You know, it just opens up lots of nice places to you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32So you go out on your bike for how long at a time?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Ideally, it's three or four hours at a time.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Whenever I can get rid of him, really!
0:08:42 > 0:08:44For our first property, we are heading to the unspoilt
0:08:44 > 0:08:47rural village of Sutton Howgrave.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50It's just a 20-minute drive from Thirsk, with its fast rail links
0:08:50 > 0:08:54to London and only a mile away from the thriving
0:08:54 > 0:08:57community of Wath, with its beautiful 13th-century church,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01a village hall, and a gastro-pub for some cosy ambience
0:09:01 > 0:09:04after those long winter bike rides.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Just back down the lane in a lovely open
0:09:06 > 0:09:10position on the edge of Sutton Howgrave is our first property.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Well, this is the house we are going to look at.- Wow!
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- So you've been here before, this location?- No, we haven't.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19It's all new to us, this area.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- From what we can see straightaway it's totally...- Positive.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- This is a real community. There's about 25 households.- OK.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31All of differing ages, and they've got a real community spirit.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- They get together and have little fetes and parties and stuff.- Wow.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38This was an old reading room.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42The current owners... You'll see inside, it's basically a new-build.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- OK.- It looks old and they've built it with local stone,
0:09:46 > 0:09:47lovely Yorkshire stone there.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- I love the setting. - Yeah. It's idyllic, really.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56We'll talk about that extra bit of garden later on. Let's go inside.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58OK. Excellent.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00So Rich and Claire seemed to like the location.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03The primary school for Tom is around five miles away,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05so not right on their doorstep
0:10:05 > 0:10:09but I'm hoping this truly unique property can win them over.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- So, Claire, you said the kitchen was the most important room.- Yeah, wow.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14It's pretty impressive.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Yeah, very impressive, actually.- Love it. It's a very light room as well, isn't it,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20with the big window there as well.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23I think the view you've got really sells it for me.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Is it what you like?- If it makes you happy, it makes me happy.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Correct answer. Well trained.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32In this house, things are shaken up a little bit here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36You've got two double bedrooms on this level, and a family shower and loo.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39OK? The other master bedroom is upstairs. I'll show you that later on.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42But you're all right with this one, the configuration, so far?
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Yeah, absolutely.- Fine, yeah.- Just delightful. Really lovely.- Good news.
0:10:49 > 0:10:56- Now, then.- Wow.- Wow!- Amazing. Yeah, this is what we like. - Good.- Yeah, very nice.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Pretty special, isn't it?- Yeah. - It is. I'm quite pleased to see a dining table here as well,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02cos I was concerned in that kitchen that,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- you know, there wasn't anywhere to potentially put a table.- And you've got the height as well.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Which is great.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Sounds like you like this. - We like it a lot.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Yeah, I love the fact that it's got a wood-burning stove as well,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- so you can imagine it in the winter. - Not much to do, which is good.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- There's nothing to do, is there?- No.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Just personalise it a bit.- Yeah. - And that's what it does need, doesn't it? It feels...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Well, it kind of feels dressed at the moment, doesn't it?
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Let's take a quick peek at this mezzanine and see what you might do. - OK.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Some positive reactions, and the current owners have certainly
0:11:33 > 0:11:36maximised this impressive vaulted space.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's just whether Rich and Claire can find a use for it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40What do we do with this?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Oh, wow, amazing. Office, Rich?
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I think I'll have no problems at all working up here.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- It's a brilliant space for that. - Absolutely beautiful, yes.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Mezzanine roofs, they can be quite dark
0:11:51 > 0:11:54but you have got a lot of light in here which really sells it as well.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Good, so a nice place to work. - Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Fabulous place to work. I'll be working from home more often, I think.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Well, yeah.- Or not, in that case.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Let's take a quick look at this master bedroom.- Thank you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- So, amazing view.- Wow.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Even got a few sheep.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- I put them there on purpose. - Yeah, yeah.- Again, nice space here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24When people redevelop, they tend to, like you say, they put smaller space...
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Yeah, try and get as much out of it as possible.- And it's... It's nice they've kept it quite open.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31So, the big conundrum here for you guys,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- I suppose is, this is a three-bedroom house.- Yes.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Now, Tom is three years old
0:12:35 > 0:12:38so I imagine you might want to be closer to him.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40We were just saying, actually.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42That might be the only slight problem.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46I mean, potentially, this becomes the guest room, especially as it's en suite as well.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Potentially, you could do with that for family and friends to stay, and things. That would work well.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54OK, well, let's nip outside to the garden
0:12:54 > 0:12:58and just show you what you're getting and we'll talk about price.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Let me squeeze past.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Well, some creative thinking from Rich
0:13:02 > 0:13:06but I'm not sure that Claire's buying into that layout.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Outside, there's a sheltered courtyard, perfect for outside dining
0:13:09 > 0:13:12and just enough lawn to take Tom's trampoline.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15But there's also an area of garden beyond the far fence which is
0:13:15 > 0:13:17being rented by the current owners
0:13:17 > 0:13:20and any new buyers should get the same agreement.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I think this house really works as long as you've got
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- the use of that garden. - Yes, definitely.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Yeah, I think you kind of need that, and we're into growing our own
0:13:28 > 0:13:33vegetables and things, so we'd need somewhere to continue that, really.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36And it's... Yeah, you've got the views as well which is something that...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- It's very pretty as well, isn't it? - Something that we want, yeah.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43I'm not quite sure where Rich would put all his...seven bikes!
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- I'm in the market for a new bike. - Yeah?- Yeah, yeah.- Do you a deal!
0:13:48 > 0:13:52So how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I'm going to go with the top end of our budget and I'm going to go up 350.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Not knowing the area around here
0:13:58 > 0:14:02but I would imagine it's probably around the 340 mark.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Pretty good guess, Rich.
0:14:04 > 0:14:10- This place is on the market for offers around £339,950.- Wow!
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- £50 out, so unlucky. - Well, you know...
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So it's comfortably under budget.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20It's been done to a very high standard and I absolutely love it.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Go back into the house, have a good look around and I'll meet you whenever you're ready.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33Our first property is £10,000 under Rich and Claire's maximum budget.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37It's a stunning detached former reading room dating back to 1840.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It offers up three double bedrooms,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42two of which are on the ground floor,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45a spacious kitchen to satisfy Claire's culinary ambitions,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47an impressive vaulted living room
0:14:47 > 0:14:50with feature fireplace, and a sheltered garden
0:14:50 > 0:14:54enjoying a peaceful setting with unspoilt countryside views.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- And the bedroom.- OK.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00So this could potentially be Tom's room or a guest room.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- I think this would be our room. Decent-sized.- Yeah.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06When we first arrived, it was just... Blew me away completely.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09There are some compromises I think we would have to make
0:15:09 > 0:15:12in terms of storage for Rich's bike collection
0:15:12 > 0:15:15and then the only other thing which kind of niggles me a little bit
0:15:15 > 0:15:19is the bedrooms, because you've got the master bedroom upstairs.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22And we would ideally like to be near to Tom, as he is only three.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27I love the main living space, so the kind of front room,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31as it were, with the combined dining area and the mezzanine,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33obviously working from home as well,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36that's another aspect that the house fits well.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42I'm glad to see you're both still beaming. You especially, Claire.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Yeah.- That's all done for property number one. On to the next one.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Excellent.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Rich loves his bikes and although Claire may not be a cycling fanatic,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58who could resist the beautiful Yorkshire Dales?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01The National Park covers 680 square miles
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and attracts tens of thousands of cyclists every year.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10To top this, the Dales will be hosting the first stage of the 2014 Tour de France.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Starting in Leeds on fairly flat terrain, the riders will then
0:16:13 > 0:16:16pass through Skipton to face the more demanding dales.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20The semi-circular route will sweep the cyclists across its rugged
0:16:20 > 0:16:23terrain before they can breathe a sigh of relief on their way
0:16:23 > 0:16:25to Harrogate and then the finish.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Rich and Claire are meeting local mountain bike guide
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Stuart Price in Wensleydale to see
0:16:30 > 0:16:34what this most spectacular of cycling routes has to offer.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37So, Stuart, why is the tour coming to the Yorkshire Dales?
0:16:37 > 0:16:41The Yorkshire Dales has hosted many cycling events
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and it's part of the challenge, is the terrain that the
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Yorkshire Dales has and the big climbs
0:16:47 > 0:16:50and the technical descents, you know, for what I love doing.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52My passion is cycling and mountain biking.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56There's no better place to be in the country, I feel. So it's great.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- Excellent.- OK, right, guys. Let's hit the road.- Excellent.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- Let's do some riding. - Let's do it.- Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Rich and Claire are actually following some of the route that
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome will take - just a little slower!
0:17:08 > 0:17:10The pro riders will follow the valley that holds
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Wensleydale's principal river, the Ure.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Rich and Claire take their first diversion to view it
0:17:15 > 0:17:17at its most dramatic point.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24This is Ayesgarth Falls. This is the middle falls.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Ayesgarth Falls has got three drops.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30The National Park is essentially a limestone landscape.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34It's glacial, so there's waterfalls dotted around all over.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- It's great you can see these on a cycle ride as well.- Yeah, yeah.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41The tour will race through the beautiful market town of Hawes,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44home to the famous Wensleydale cheese.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46But there's no time for snacking as Rich
0:17:46 > 0:17:49and Claire climb up nearly 600 metres on one of the country's
0:17:49 > 0:17:53most famous sections of road, the Buttertubs Pass.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56It's an area renowned for dramatic limestone potholes
0:17:56 > 0:17:59formed by erosion over the years.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Some say the cool waters actually proved useful to local
0:18:02 > 0:18:04farmers in the 18th century.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07The thoughts are that as they're heading to market,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09they stopped off here,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12and on a hot day like this, if you're bringing butter over
0:18:12 > 0:18:15and you're heading to Hawes market, the butter is going to melt.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19They'd drop the butter down here and they'd store it here for a while
0:18:19 > 0:18:22while they rest and then drag it back out and off they go.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- Hence the Buttertubs Pass. - Hence the Buttertubs Pass.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27History lesson over,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30it's time to turn their attention back to today's tour.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34So, yeah, July 5 2014, the pro-riders will be coming down here,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38down Buttertubs Pass, straight past us here, heading that way.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Exciting.- Shall we go and do it? - Yeah.- Come on.- Why not?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46I hope Rich and Claire's legs aren't getting too weary,
0:18:46 > 0:18:48as the travel ten miles north
0:18:48 > 0:18:50into the steep-sided valleys of Swaledale,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52famed for its beautiful meadows
0:18:52 > 0:18:55and crisscrossed by a network of dry-stone walls.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01I've seen these quite a lot on our trip round.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03What are these buildings, then?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05These are field barns.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Swaledale is quite well known for it.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09These barns are the jewel in the crown
0:19:09 > 0:19:11of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13During the summer, they cut the grass,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16make hay out of it and drag it across to the barn,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18and fork it into the upstairs.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22They keep the stock in the barn downstairs over the winter,
0:19:22 > 0:19:27every day feed the stock from the hay, water them, muck them out.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30During the spring, he'd spread that over the land,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33grass would grow, cut the grass,
0:19:33 > 0:19:35make hay, and the cycle carries on.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Time to leave the beautiful pastures of Swaledale behind,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41as Stuart leads them to the bustling community of Reeth.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44The village will be the exit point from the Dales
0:19:44 > 0:19:47for the Tour de France as they surge on to Harrogate and the finish.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51But for Rich and Claire, it's the end of the road
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and time to continue their North Yorkshire property hunt.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59For our second house, we're heading ten miles west
0:19:59 > 0:20:02from Sutton Howgrave to the village of Grewelthorpe,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05which is seven miles from the beautiful cathedral city of Ripon
0:20:05 > 0:20:09and only a 15-minute drive from Rich and Claire's beloved Pateley Bridge.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11This village is steeped in history,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15warranting a mention in the Doomsday Book.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18It also lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:20:18 > 0:20:20and has its very own duck pond.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Before we move on to the house,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25we're looking at what this community has to offer.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So, welcome, both of you, to Grewelthorpe. Heard of it?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- We have, yes.- You have?! - Yes, we've drove through,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33though not actually stopped here.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- What do you know about it, then? - Not much, really.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38Pretty little village.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41We know it's got a primary school here, which is very good.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44It's got a school, but also, it has something
0:20:44 > 0:20:47that'll be of benefit to you in a couple of months' time.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50You can barely see it behind us,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54but there's an old church having a lot of building work done
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and that it is going to be converted into a shop and cafe.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01So that is bringing together this whole community.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04This is a much bigger setting than we had for the first house,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08but with that bigger setting comes a bigger community and more facilities, as well.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I think I kind of like this better, in a way.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13You don't feel as isolated.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14Yeah, good first impressions, I think.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16OK, well, let's go to the house.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Well, Rich and Claire have said from the word go that location
0:21:21 > 0:21:25is all important, and Grewelthorpe definitely seems to have
0:21:25 > 0:21:27the right feel and facilities.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Just a short stroll away lies house number two.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Come on in.- Wow.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- This is exciting.- Pretty little place.- Mm. Very pretty.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39You're slap-bang in the heart of the village.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Yes, it's beautiful. Really lovely.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Almost got your own...- Yes, Tom'd have his own playground!
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Because of the primary school, there's young families here.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Right, let's look inside.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Well, they can certainly picture Tom here, which is a good start.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00The stone cottage dates back to 1642,
0:22:00 > 0:22:01but has been recently renovated
0:22:01 > 0:22:05so would offer the hassle-free move Rich and Claire are after.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Right, I just want us to pause in this room first of all.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11One of two reception rooms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Very nice.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Yeah?- Love it. Love the fire.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Open fireplace.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I've got a fair idea what I think you may well use this for,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23but let me show you this room next door first.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27See what you make of it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Yeah, very nice.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Mixed feelings at the moment.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Compared to house number one, the open space...
0:22:34 > 0:22:37It's kind of almost the opposite at the moment.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Well, now you've seen this, the main living room,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43I was thinking the smaller living room could be where Tom plays.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Or a dining area.- Yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49We do have room for a dining table in the kitchen. Let me show you.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- A breakfast kitchen you'd call it, I suppose, wouldn't you?- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Very nice.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Not a bad size.- A nice size, though.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I'm quite pleasantly surprised, actually.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Behind you, you've got a utility, as well.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11So that gives you that extra bit of space in the kitchen.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14I'm quite pleased, having seen the two rooms we've seen,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- that this is almost like the whole length of the house.- Yes.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- It kind of flows.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Good! This is going well. You seem to be warming up a little bit.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- Yes, a little bit. A little bit. - Good.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Let's look upstairs.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Despite my best efforts, Rich still looks slightly underwhelmed.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I think it's an issue of light.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38The first floor offers up nearly 500 square feet of space,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42including a stylish bathroom with newly tiled, enclosed shower
0:23:42 > 0:23:44and freestanding roll-top bath.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The master bedroom is big enough for a super-king-size bed.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51As you can see!
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- Crikey.- Nice. Nice size.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- It's a decent size, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57This house has three bedrooms.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00The other two bedrooms aren't massive,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02but they're all on one level.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Which is a massive advantage over the first house.- Yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06We haven't seen a lot of storage space,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10but you do get that in bucket loads outside.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- Oh!- If you want to use it for storage.- Yeah.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15There might be a battle of wills.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20We'll see if Rich's bikes are going to find a home,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22but the more conventional first-floor bedrooms
0:24:22 > 0:24:26seem to have gone done better than our first property's split layout.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33OK, so you're probably expecting a fairly compact rear garden.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- But there is something I want to show you first.- OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Maybe for you, Rich.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43So...
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Well, you can see you can make it into a gym, if you want.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52It's the biggest private gym I've ever seen, actually.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It's...amazing.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56An amazing space.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- Could be even a little annexe or... - Yeah. This is the old forge.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02You can see where the fire would be burning.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06But you also - if you look through that window there -
0:25:06 > 0:25:08you can see it goes all the way back there.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11OK. So that could almost be a separate office space.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- Definitely could be an office.- You could use it straightaway.- Yeah.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16You could certainly fit a few bikes in
0:25:16 > 0:25:21- and do my repairs and everything I like to do here.- Yeah.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Rich is one happy boy.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Outside, the rear garden is certainly compact.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29It has a small decked patio, but is predominantly a gravel area
0:25:29 > 0:25:31leading to the side of the house.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34The neighbours do have access across its land,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36which could be a bit of a stumbling block.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40So, you've got this smaller area at the back of the property.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Your garden really is at the front. - Yes. It is.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I quite like the fact it's easy maintenance.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50What do you think about having some right of way at the back of your house?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- Not an issue, is it?- No.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54And this area is relatively small,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57it doesn't matter because there's a park right next door.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Good. So how much do you think this house's on the market for?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- I would guess at...320.- OK?
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- Claire?- I'm guessing...
0:26:08 > 0:26:14I'm going to go a little bit lower than the other one and say 329,950.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15Not bad guesses.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20This place is on the market for offers in excess of 309,950.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24OK. That's pretty good value, in terms of the location, as well.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Very good. Yeah.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28That's really surprising, actually.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I thought it would be a lot more than that.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Well, look, go back into the house,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35see if you can warm Rich up any more over it.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Because you weren't jumping up and down in there.- No, no.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41So why don't you go back in and once you've finished come back out
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- and fight over who's going to get the use of the outbuilding?- OK.- OK.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- See you whenever you're finished. - Thank you.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53At £40,000 under Rich and Claire's maximum budget,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57our second property is an end of terrace, stone, period cottage.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It features three first-floor bedrooms, two reception rooms -
0:26:59 > 0:27:03one of which could be ideal for Tom's playroom -
0:27:03 > 0:27:05a spacious kitchen/diner
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and a characterful detached former forge,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11offering lots of scope for Rich's bike workshop.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14The property is also in an excellent central village location,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16right next to the park.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19I'm not entirely convinced it's the property for us,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22but, potentially, with the outside space -
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and there isn't much to do inside to make it homely -
0:27:25 > 0:27:28that it could work.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31The location is selling it for me here, more than anything else.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Having access to amenities is very important.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37I think, come winter months, if we are snowed in,
0:27:37 > 0:27:39it's going to be important to have facilities.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42In terms of the outbuilding or most of this property,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44I'm pretty much blown away by that.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Just in terms of its potential. Not necessarily just for bikes,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51but also potentially as an office or maybe a play space for Tom.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- Now, then. Have you warmed him up? - I think so. Although...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I'm warming, I'm warming. Just a little cold, but I'm warming.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02You got some work to do tonight, then. That's it for today.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- So let's go back.- Excellent.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's the second day of our house-hunt in North Yorkshire
0:28:10 > 0:28:13with Rich and Claire from Kensworth in Bedfordshire.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17They have £350,000 to spend on what would be a homecoming
0:28:17 > 0:28:19for Yorkshire-born Claire.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Coming up, Rich certainly seems impressed with our mystery space.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Wow.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26This is amazing, Claire.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Whilst I check out a legend in the world of handcrafted furniture.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34A man who made a huge impact with something very small.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38So with two good house tours under our belt from yesterday,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41we are going to mix things up a bit with our Mystery House.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Now, we're going to a location
0:28:43 > 0:28:46that we know that Rich and Claire both really like,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50but in order to get that, there could be a few compromises.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54First off, well, it's not as aesthetically pleasing as the houses
0:28:54 > 0:28:59we saw yesterday, but I'm hoping the open aspect could counter that,
0:28:59 > 0:29:04although that rural location could be a bit TOO rural for them.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09For today's Mystery House we're heading 12 miles south-west
0:29:09 > 0:29:12to Rich and Claire's beloved Pateley Bridge.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Its centre offers a variety of shops selling everything from crafts
0:29:15 > 0:29:17to locally sourced produce,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21including a sweet shop dating back to 1827.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Pateley Bridge is also a focal point for the surrounding community,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28and even hosts an annual agricultural show.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I've got no concerns about the town,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33but our Mystery House is a bit of a gamble in terms of style,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36although it does potentially deliver more space,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and while the setting may be beautiful, it hasn't exactly got
0:29:39 > 0:29:41that community feel that Claire's dreaming of.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46So, right atop the hill, we have the Mystery House.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Well, I think we've just got out of the car and being blown away
0:29:49 > 0:29:51with the view, to be honest.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- I got blown away by the wind! - And the wind!
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Stunning location, though, isn't it?
0:29:55 > 0:29:57It's just magical, isn't it?
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- Now, you've got Pateley Bridge at the bottom of this hill.- Mm-hm.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03Close enough?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Just need a sledge for the winter. - Yeah!
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- It's an easy commute INTO the town! - Yeah!
0:30:09 > 0:30:11Let's talk about the house itself.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Yes, it's not what we'd have gone for, really.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- It's a bungalow, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18We've chosen this house because it's near Pateley Bridge
0:30:18 > 0:30:20in this amazing location,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22so that's why we're here.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- Let's see what you think of it inside.- Excellent.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Well, they seem to love the views,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29but that all-important community feel of Pateley Bridge
0:30:29 > 0:30:31is just under a mile away.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34We'll have to see if this detached bungalow
0:30:34 > 0:30:36can convince them about a more rural life.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- Let's start off with a living room. So...- Cosy!
0:30:40 > 0:30:42THEY LAUGH
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- I think there's enough room. The window goes out.- Yes.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- It's got the bay, hasn't it? - Yeah.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51At the start of this, you said
0:30:51 > 0:30:53the house we want is one we can lock up and leave
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- and make the most of the environment we are in.- A base, yes.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00So I was thinking, this house plays to that
0:31:00 > 0:31:02more than the others we've seen so far.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Let's keep walking through.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08This house is set up with living this side
0:31:08 > 0:31:10and sleeping that side.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13That used to be the master but is now one of the children's bedrooms.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Another bedroom there - used as an office and music room.
0:31:16 > 0:31:22- And straight back into the kitchen, here.- Oh, interesting.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23Now, this is new.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25The kitchen used to be all the way through to here.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29But they've made it into a dining room.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- Wow.- Have a good look.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Aesthetically pleasing.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Really?! Why, because of that, you mean?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Because of the view, I think, yes.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- It works as a space, I think. - Yeah.- Kitchen and dining room.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Although they are slightly separate, it works as one.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47The kitchen - all right, is it?
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Yeah, I think it's a nice size.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53The spacious kitchen could be winning them over.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Next to it is a newly tiled shower room, complete with generous enclosure.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59This in turn leads to a well-thought-out utility
0:31:59 > 0:32:01for all the white goods.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Back towards the front of the house, the third bedroom
0:32:03 > 0:32:06is a light-filled space with wooden flooring,
0:32:06 > 0:32:07perfect for son Tom.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11And to complete the layout, there's one more bedroom on offer.
0:32:11 > 0:32:17- So, the master bedroom and a modern extension of the house.- Nice.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- Nice, high ceilings.- What do you think, Rich?- Yeah, I like it.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Yeah. Although they're not massive rooms,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24there are a lot of them, aren't there?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27It would need quite a lot of DIY, in terms of plastering.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Which is doable.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Not knocking walls and things down.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Which is what we don't want.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35But I'm still not sold on the bungalow. Yet.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Takes a bit of getting used to, doesn't it?- It does.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40So Claire's yet to be convinced.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Outside, the garden is fairly compact,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46but has an open aspect and plenty of space for a family vegetable plot.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48It's bordered by attractive stone walling
0:32:48 > 0:32:50and features a timber veranda
0:32:50 > 0:32:53which offers fantastic views of surrounding countryside.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57The wind's got up a little bit, but the view's still there, thankfully!
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- Glorious, isn't it?- Stunning. - Amazing.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01And the fact that you can see
0:33:01 > 0:33:04actually down to the school and the leisure centre, as well.
0:33:04 > 0:33:05Quite. Yeah.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10Now, outside, space-wise, you've got off-street parking for your 4x4
0:33:10 > 0:33:12which you're probably going to buy,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14and a small garden.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- Kind of what you wanted it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Yes, easy to maintain.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Not too much work.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Which I didn't want.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28- And, most importantly, you've got a ginormous garage.- Whoa...!
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Rich is very excited about that, aren't you?
0:33:30 > 0:33:34I thought I'd let you loose in there later on, go and explore it yourselves.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37So, how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:33:37 > 0:33:41I'm going to go with...
0:33:41 > 0:33:44327.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Right, OK. Strange number.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47Go on, then, Rich.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50OK, I'm going to go less than that.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51I think around 310.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Well, it's on the market for offers of around £320,000.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- You're not a million miles out. - No.- No.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- So, Rich, you like this, don't you? - I do.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I do, out of the three properties we've seen, this one fits MY brief.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10The only thing that'd niggle me a little bit is...isolation for Tom.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13There doesn't seem to be any other houses around here.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Tom, growing up, might need more of a community of children.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20So that would slightly put me off this property.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Going as that garage is only going to be another tick for you -
0:34:23 > 0:34:26I know that - but do have a conversation when you walk around.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- I'll meet you whenever you're finished.- Fantastic.- OK.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32See you when you're done.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Well, just like any good Mystery House selection,
0:34:34 > 0:34:38it's raised a few issues - a few questions that need to be answered.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42But in doing so, it also calls into question the other houses we've seen.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44And it's a real nice spectrum of properties
0:34:44 > 0:34:47they've now got to consider.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Well under Rich and Claire's maximum budget of £350,000,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53our mystery property is a detached bungalow.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56It offers four bedrooms as well as a modern kitchen
0:34:56 > 0:34:58and spacious dining room.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01The outside features an excellent double garage,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03and the crowning glory of this property
0:35:03 > 0:35:07has to be the outstanding views over the local hills.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08Wow!
0:35:08 > 0:35:10This is amazing, Claire.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Big space, isn't it?- It's massive. For a garage.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15It's big enough that I can use a bit of it, and you can too.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- We can utilise it for what we need. - Yes, it's nice.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22The mystery property has really surprised me, actually.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25I really like it. I'd quite happily live in the house, or bungalow,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27I don't have a preference.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31I do like a bungalow. I'd probably like it as a holiday house.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34But it doesn't really excite me, if you like.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38I think it would have to be pretty spectacular inside
0:35:38 > 0:35:40to kind of win me over.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43It's only three-quarters of a mile into Pateley Bridge,
0:35:43 > 0:35:45but it is quite a steep hill.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49It is walkable but for a small child, it would be a challenge.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- Now, then, all done?- Yes.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54- Yes, we are.- Lovely.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- Well, hopefully, this Mystery House is giving you something to think about.- Definitely.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00It's definitely a good Mystery House,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03in terms of the overall look and feel of it.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06We definitely wouldn't have looked at a bungalow.
0:36:06 > 0:36:07That's what it's there for.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Let's find you somewhere to have a sit down and chat.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Kilburn sits below the hill carving of the white horse
0:36:18 > 0:36:21in the North York Moors National Park.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24But the village was also home to another famous figure,
0:36:24 > 0:36:28one of the country's greatest ever furniture-makers, Robert Thompson.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31His work has continued through the generations
0:36:31 > 0:36:34and I'm meeting his great-grandson, Ian Cartwright Thompson,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37to find out more about this legendary master craftsman.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I'm keen to hear about this historic business.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45It's very much the heart of Kilburn today.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48When was it all started by your great-grandfather?
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Well, Great-grandfather took over from his father John Thompson
0:36:52 > 0:36:54and that happened around 1900,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58when Robert took over the running of the business.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00He was the village joiner.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03He was repairing gates, making windows, doors.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Don't forget, a lot of property here in this village
0:37:06 > 0:37:08was owned by the Church Commissioners.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11This early religious influence continued through Robert's
0:37:11 > 0:37:13true passion for furniture.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17He was inspired by the beautiful woodwork of local cathedrals
0:37:17 > 0:37:21and soon became renowned for his intricate carving of oak church furniture.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Much of his work can still be seen throughout Yorkshire,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27and even in the majestic York Minster.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Despite this grandeur, his work is best known for one tiny detail
0:37:31 > 0:37:35and, for many, he is simply known as the Mouseman.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Where does this Mouseman name come from?
0:37:41 > 0:37:45When Great-grandfather was working with one of his fellow craftsmen,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47they were working on a piece for a local church,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50and the craftsmen he was working with happened to mention
0:37:50 > 0:37:53he thought they were both as poor as church mice.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56The mouse is working quietly, gnawing away with its chisel-like teeth,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and here he was on the edge of the Hambleton Hills,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02working away in his little workshop here in Kilburn,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04not making a song and dance about it,
0:38:04 > 0:38:05so he thought, what a nice idea,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07we'll carve a mouse on this particular piece.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10And that unique mark became his signature.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13By the 1920s, his notoriety had spread
0:38:13 > 0:38:15and he branched out into the domestic market.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18His inspirational furniture designs
0:38:18 > 0:38:20are still produced in the family workshop today,
0:38:20 > 0:38:24using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28I was expecting, when we came up here to the workshop,
0:38:28 > 0:38:32to see lathes everywhere, but it's all hand tools.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Yes, a tremendous amount of handwork goes into what we do here at Kilburn,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38and that's what we pride ourselves in.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40No substitute for a pair of those.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Oak is still the material of choice,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46some of which is still sourced from the local forests around Kilburn.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50It's then seasoned in vast wood stores for up to four years
0:38:50 > 0:38:52before making it onto the craftsman's bench.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57The workshop now produces over 150 types of furniture for any use.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Some of the craftsmen have been carving for over 50 years
0:39:01 > 0:39:03but they're always looking to the next generation.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06We've got five apprentices currently,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09and they will serve a minimum of four years of training
0:39:09 > 0:39:12on a one-to-one basis with a master craftsman.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15It's a good learning curve for them
0:39:15 > 0:39:17and they will learn an awful lot of skills.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19But don't forget, it's a lifetime of learning.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Of course. Four years is a drop in the ocean, I suppose, isn't it?
0:39:22 > 0:39:24We're meeting up with Andy Watkins,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26who's one year into his apprenticeship.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29He's even letting me loose on his own carving.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32What made you want to come and do an apprenticeship at Kilburn?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Just from school, really.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36I enjoyed woodwork there
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and this place had a lot of hands-on with the tools,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42and we use all different types of planes, and stuff.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- How am I getting on, Andy? This all right?- Yes, it's good.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- Getting there. - When Andy's fully trained,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49each person here will be responsible
0:39:49 > 0:39:52for their entire piece of furniture themselves?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54That's right, Jonnie. And when they have finished it,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56they'll be carving a mouse, as well.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Right, OK. And this is what we do here.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01This is a mouse trademark.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- This is your handiwork, is that? - Yes.- Fantastic.- I did it last night.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- So this is all one piece. - It is, yes.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09We leave the piece in the middle for carving the mouse
0:40:09 > 0:40:11and that's all done by hand.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- So this is your signature? - Yes, that's mine.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So, I'll let you go back to work. Good luck for your three years.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19You are the future of the business!
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- Today's apprentices are tomorrow's craftsmen.- Perfect.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Well, listen, I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Thanks for having me. - Cheers, Jonnie.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31It is fantastic to see one man's vision being carried on.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I'm sure Kilburn will be home to oak furniture-making
0:40:34 > 0:40:36for many generations to come.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38But for now, it's back to our property hunt.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42So, my first question is, are you in agreement on a favourite property?
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Because you have had slight differences of opinion.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48I think, for both of us, the third property - the Mystery House -
0:40:48 > 0:40:51was a favourite in terms of location,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54although the property wasn't quite right for me, unfortunately.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Location-wise, definitely property three.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Property-wise, there is some work to do on it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03But out of the three, that would be my preference.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- So what's your favourite property, Claire?- I don't know.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- I'd quite like to go back to property number one.- OK.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11It was lovely house, location...
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Maybe a second visit would kind of summarise what was in the area.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Property two, beautiful village -
0:41:18 > 0:41:21not sure it was quite the right house for us.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23You seemed to get on quite well with the Mystery House, Rich?
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- Yes.- Is it worth going back there as well? Or has the boss spoken?
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I think they're not too far apart,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32so if we see one, you need to see the other.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33Who's going to win out here?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37I love the location - it's everything that we wanted,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39but I'm still not sold on a bungalow.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42You've seen your favourite bits of each property,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44and in order to move forward,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47you almost maybe need to think of, "Which bits can we do without?"
0:41:47 > 0:41:49We like our own different things,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53but we will hopefully come to the right end point.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58I think it's important that we're both happy with the final choice.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Absolutely.- So, I wish you both the very best of luck
0:42:01 > 0:42:02with both of your second viewings.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- And please let us know what you decide.- We will.- Will do.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- And most importantly, good luck. - Thank you.- Thank you for your time.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16So, after great reactions in all three properties, really,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I'm chuffed that Claire and Rich think it's worth the effort to come
0:42:19 > 0:42:22all the way back up here to North Yorkshire
0:42:22 > 0:42:24and look at least two of the three we selected.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Now, it's pretty firm in my mind
0:42:26 > 0:42:28that Claire's favourite is property number one.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31She loved it as soon as she set eyes on it.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33But if they do go to the Mystery House as well,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't pop in to Pateley Bridge
0:42:36 > 0:42:39and visit an estate agent or two just to double-check
0:42:39 > 0:42:42there hasn't been anything new come onto the market. Watch this space!
0:42:45 > 0:42:47And my instincts were right.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Despite loving different elements of two of our properties,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Rich and Claire managed to find a house that they both love
0:42:53 > 0:42:55near Pateley Bridge.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58We wish them all the very best with their North Yorkshire move.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Wales,
0:43:02 > 0:43:03Northern Ireland, Scotland
0:43:03 > 0:43:06or even further afield to the continent and need our help
0:43:06 > 0:43:09please apply online...