0:00:02 > 0:00:03Well, for today's Escape To The Country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06we've come to a lake that so inspired one set of parents,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10they named their Nobel prize-winning son after it. But who was he?
0:00:10 > 0:00:15And where are we? Well, as ever, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On today's show, we're helping a couple of recent retirees
0:00:34 > 0:00:38find a rural retreat. But it WILL mean downsizing.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40And that could be hard getting used to.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44The room itself, to me, just feels a little bit small.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47But at another of our properties, the emotions are running high.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49How about that?! I don't think I've ever had
0:00:49 > 0:00:52a reaction like that as quickly as we've come into the house!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Well, today, we're in Staffordshire,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00and this is Rudyard's Lake. Back in 1863,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02one John Lockwood Kipling and his wife Alice were
0:01:02 > 0:01:07so inspired following a visit here, that they named their son after it.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Now, the lake itself is about two and a half miles long.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12It was built to supply the growing network of canals
0:01:12 > 0:01:16here in the Midlands, but in 1846, the North Staffordshire Railway
0:01:16 > 0:01:21bought it and the land around it and constructed this railway line.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24But the good news is that the railway still works, doesn't it, Mike?
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- It does.- Right, then. All aboard.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34The landlocked county of Staffordshire is
0:01:34 > 0:01:38situated in the West Midlands and is neighbour to six other
0:01:38 > 0:01:41counties including Shropshire and Worcestershire.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45The north of the county takes in part of the Peak District
0:01:45 > 0:01:48National Park, home to the craggy gritstone rocks
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and heather-covered Staffordshire moorlands.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53These red tinged formations run for two miles
0:01:53 > 0:01:57along the crest of an escarpment, and from here,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01views over the rest of the county stretch as far as the eye can see.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04In the south lies the market town of Tamworth,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08with its historic Norman castle overlooking the River Tame.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10The castle's motte or mound is the second
0:02:10 > 0:02:13largest in the country after Windsor.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Another architectural landmark graces the city of Lichfield,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19birthplace of Samuel Johnson.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Its 800-year-old Gothic cathedral is one of the finest medieval
0:02:23 > 0:02:25examples in England.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Whether it's national parks or national treasures,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Staffordshire's rich heritage certainly speaks for itself.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Now, whenever we do come house-hunting
0:02:37 > 0:02:40here in Staffordshire, I've often left wondering why it is that
0:02:40 > 0:02:43not more people choose to escape to this part of the world.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Because not only is it beautiful, as you can see,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49but it also offers some fantastic value for money.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52When you consider that the average detached property
0:02:52 > 0:02:56here at £207,000, is a cool £48,000 below
0:02:56 > 0:02:58the national figure,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01now as always, you can spend more if you want to,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03particularly in the villages of Leek and Longmore,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06up in Staffordshire's Peak District,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08all good and useful information for today's buyers,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12who are determined to make this part of the world their new home.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15For the past 20 years, Peter
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and Christine have lived in the town of Cramlington in Northumberland.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20But having both recently retired,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24they're keen to start a new chapter in their lives.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29This area, at the moment, we've lived here for nearly all our lives.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Born, christened, married here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37But southeast Northumberland, it is becoming quite urbanised,
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- I would say.- Industrialised. - And industrialised.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Christine was a headteacher and Peter a self-employed gardener.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Their two grown-up children live down south
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and that is the main reason for their choice of location.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56We'd like to move, mainly to the Midlands,
0:03:56 > 0:04:01preferably on the Shropshire, Staffordshire border.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05We have family in the area, but the countryside is lovely around there.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07But a recent addition to the family has given them
0:04:07 > 0:04:10the impetus to move now, before they miss out.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14We've always wanted grandchildren. Everybody does, don't they?
0:04:14 > 0:04:19And he arrived last October. And he's absolutely a dream.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But he's growing and changing so much,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25I just want to see each individual change in him, really.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28And there's also someone else who will benefit from the move.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Barney the dog.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33The reason we have Barney living with us now
0:04:33 > 0:04:37is the fact that my daughter moved accommodation
0:04:37 > 0:04:41and in her new accommodation, pets were not allowed.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45So Barney had to stay with us.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49It was not planned, but we do appreciate him.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53The sort of space we would like to have is the fact we could just
0:04:53 > 0:04:57walk out into the countryside and walk along country lanes.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Peter and Christine will be downsizing from the six
0:04:59 > 0:05:01bedroom property they currently live in.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04But the new house will need enough space for entertaining.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09I think all of our married life, we have enjoyed a social life.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11We like entertaining in the house,
0:05:11 > 0:05:17we've had quite a lot of impromptu barbecues, where friends come.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Although we're downsizing,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I don't really want to downsize too much, that we haven't got
0:05:22 > 0:05:27the downstairs space to be able to say, welcome, here's a drink.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28Although they've both retired,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31they're not the sort of people to put their feet up.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Christine is a keen golfer and Peter a rugby man.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's been part of my life as long as I can remember.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I first started playing when I was 11 years old at school.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Progressed through to university and then on to club level
0:05:45 > 0:05:48and became a qualified coach at level two.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I wouldn't be averse to taking on another coaching job,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55if there was a rugby club in the area close to where we're moving.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57But first, there's the money issue.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02The maximum budget for the move would be £400,000.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Peter and Christine's son lives in Stowe-by-Chartley in Staffordshire
0:06:08 > 0:06:11and their daughter is in Shrewsbury, so we're concentrating
0:06:11 > 0:06:14our property search within easy reach of both of them.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19I've come to meet them on Staffordshire soil to find out more about their dream house.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Now, your move, Peter, interests me, because this is only
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- the second time in your entire life that you've bought a house.- It is.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32I was born in a farmhouse in East Hartford in Cramlington in 1945.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- And I moved in 1991.- So, you were there how long? 40?- 47 years.
0:06:37 > 0:06:4147 years! So, is this going to be an easy one to agree on,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- when you're looking for your new house?- I think it is.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45We've discussed it for quite a while,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49and after we've discussed things, Christine usually tells me
0:06:49 > 0:06:52that it'll be OK, so, I'm sure it will be fine.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Well, Christine, you can
0:06:53 > 0:06:58tell us a bit more about the kind of property that you are looking for.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03We'd like something detached, something with a bit of character.
0:07:03 > 0:07:10Don't mind if it's old or new. Not overlooked. Kitchen, diner.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- Log burner.- Yeah.- Three bedrooms en suite. Four would be nice.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- Three bedrooms en suite?! Even he's raised his eyebrows! - THEY LAUGH
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- Three bedrooms. One en suite.- OK.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- And if it didn't have one, you'd put one in?- Yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Happy to do a bit of upgrading if need be?- Yes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33If the price was right, if it was the lower end of our budget, yes.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37If it's the upper end of the budget, we want everything to be OK.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40So, three bedrooms, one en suite, kitchen diner, what about outside?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Peter, that's your domain?
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Yes, I would like a garden, roughly half an acre garden to keep me
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- occupied during my retirement. - Well, it's a lovely day.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52- Let's go house-hunting.- OK.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57For a maximum budget of £400,000, Peter
0:07:57 > 0:08:01and Christine want a detached property with character.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It has to include a large kitchen diner, three double bedrooms
0:08:04 > 0:08:08for when the family come to stay and one of those should be an en suite.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13Peter would also like a large garden, up to half an acre in total.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17We've found three fantastic properties to show Peter and Christine,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20but I won't be revealing the prices until the end of the house tours.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Our third offering is our mystery house,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27which could really challenge Peter's gardening aspirations.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31For our first property, we're heading to the
0:08:31 > 0:08:35village of Milwich in the heart of Staffordshire's farming community.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39The closest settlement for amenities is in the market town of Stone,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41some four miles away.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43It's known as the food and drink capital of Staffordshire,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46due to its extensive range of restaurants
0:08:46 > 0:08:49and cafes that line the town's main street.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51And the Trent and Mersey Canal runs through the centre,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55making it a popular stopping point for boating tourists.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Our first house is just a ten minute drive away.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Well, we thought this was an appropriate one to start with.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07An old farmer worker's cottage.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Yes, it looks very interesting from the outside.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I mean, it IS obscured by this huge hedge.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15There was originally, I'm told, a gate there.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I'm thinking ahead to what you might do when you retire.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20You could drop the hedge, put the gate back
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and reveal the front of the house as it probably would have been.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25I like the porch at the front.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29I like the brickwork and I think opened up, it's a nice size
0:09:29 > 0:09:32and I love the chimney stacks.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35They reveal the presence of some fireplaces, which is nice.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39You also get this strip of land behind me, which is
0:09:39 > 0:09:42quite overgrown at the moment. Plenty to keep you busy,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45so, I'm hoping this might feel a little bit like home,
0:09:45 > 0:09:49even though we're coming quite a long way from the North East.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- Yes, it might well do. Yes. - Let's have a look. Come on.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57The entrance to this former farmhouse is further up
0:09:57 > 0:09:59the lane and down a long driveway,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02offering a glimpse of the views that lie beyond.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Originally, a two-up two-down, the front of the property
0:10:06 > 0:10:11dates to the 1850s, before a back extension was added 50 years later.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17Come in, grab the door, Peter. A little sort of music hallway there.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19And then, this is the living room.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- And there was silence.- I like the floor. I like the fireplace.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- Yes, that works. - The wood doors as well.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Yes, they are original to the house, actually,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35they just had them stripped. So, a nice bit of character there.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- The room itself, to me, just feels a little bit small.- OK.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43So, we're on the road to downsizing. Peter's not so sure.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48I think it's because you come in from a dining room lounge, a long...
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It would take a bit of getting used to.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- Well, you did want a nice, big kitchen diner.- I do.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Have a look at this one.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00There you go, Christine.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Very much the kind of country feel.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13And I'm hoping that this might make up for the perceived lack of space next door,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16because I think you would probably spend quite a lot of time in here.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20They've knocked out the wall here, creating this huge space, and I just love the texture of it.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- I love the pine, I love the painted brickwork.- It feels homely.- Yeah.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28And, you know, I'm hoping to get the son and daughter-in-law
0:11:28 > 0:11:31and the little ones and my daughter and her family,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34I like family Christmases and meals.
0:11:34 > 0:11:40Now, you did talk about possibly putting on an extension to the property. Maybe even this one.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42We've got a conservatory, but I would love a garden room.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47Well, funny you should say that, because, look at this one.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51This has been relatively recently done. And that's what it gives you.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Oh, yes. That's nice.- Yes?- Yes, I like the wood.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Granted, none of these rooms are particularly massive,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00but there are plenty of them.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03But you see, this gives us the extra room.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06It gives us the light so we can sit in, we can look out,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08the family can come.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Two things about this room that appealed to me are the wooden
0:12:11 > 0:12:13finish that they've done with that, it's absolutely brilliant.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16And the view out of the window.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Well, you wanted to see Staffordshire, there it is!
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- Good, so it's growing on us.- Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- It's growing, definitely, it's made a big difference.- Good, all right.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- How many bedrooms did we say?- Three. Minimum.- Three, minimum.- OK.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Let's go upstairs. Follow me.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35The garden room has lifted the spirits and Peter
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and Christine may be further enlivened by the utility room
0:12:38 > 0:12:41off the kitchen, giving them some extra space.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Upstairs, there's three bedrooms, all of them doubles.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Two of them overlook the front of the house
0:12:47 > 0:12:49and are serviced by a family bathroom.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52And then, there's the master.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57So, this would be yours. Come on in.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Yes. Yes. Nice size.- Very nice.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03The other key ingredient was the en suite.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08That's in there, and it's enormous. This house is very deceptive.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15- Bath and shower.- Walk-in.- Yeah. Walk-in wardrobe as well.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Loads of room.- Yes, very nice.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- So, is our property one growing? - It's growing all the time.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It's certainly grown since the first room. THEY LAUGH
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Perhaps I'm getting used to downsizing now.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Well, you did say when we came in, it is
0:13:31 > 0:13:33the big challenge that you've got to face.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Yes, that's right.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Although Peter and Christine will have to get used to downsizing inside,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41the garden gives them a lot more than they have at the moment.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43In addition to the strip of overgrown land
0:13:43 > 0:13:46at the front of the property, and the lawn either side
0:13:46 > 0:13:49of the driveway entrance, there's even more land at the back.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52One-and-a-half acres in total.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54There's the garden room.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Which I think has been done really, really nicely, actually.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00And the door out from the kitchen.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02And then the bulk of the garden,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05that I suppose you'd probably have most fun in.
0:14:05 > 0:14:12So, let's consider how much this is on the market for. Peter?
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I think 360.- 360, yeah?
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Maybe a bit optimistic? Go on, then, Christine?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22420.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- £420,000, it's not.- Five.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32425,000 is the asking price on this one, I'm afraid to say.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36But, you know, I suspect, you know, sensible offers as ever,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40do get sensible answers. It's been on the market three weeks.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42So, it's got a way to go.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Go on, have an explore, try out the rest of the garden, see what you might do with it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- You're the one with the green fingers.- OK.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- And I'll catch up with you later. - OK, thank you.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58Priced at £425,000, although our first property is over Peter
0:14:58 > 0:15:01and Christine's budget, it does give them
0:15:01 > 0:15:04everything they've asked for and requires very little work.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It's a Victorian farmhouse which has been renovated
0:15:06 > 0:15:10by the current owners, retaining many of its original features.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13The living area includes a spacious kitchen diner
0:15:13 > 0:15:17and an oak-framed garden room. There are three double bedrooms
0:15:17 > 0:15:20and a variety of garden spaces to keep Peter happy with
0:15:20 > 0:15:23fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27When I first came into the lounge, I thought it was small.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31But then, you have to think, forget the house you're in,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35you're downsizing, you want a cottage feel.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37I love the fireplace in the living room.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40And then, the garden room, I thought that was lovely.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43The house IS over budget,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47but I would have to decorate, I'd have to take that into account.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50And it depends if it was the house we wanted,
0:15:50 > 0:15:51whether there was any leeway.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55I'm a little concerned about the little bit of garden that's
0:15:55 > 0:15:58our responsibility on the other side of the road.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00It looks as though it might be a bit of problem.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04But the main garden here, it could be good.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Ah! Look at my new friend!- Yes!
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Hello. So, all done?- Yes. - Yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Happy?- Yes.- Yes.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- You'd be happy if it were cheaper! - THEY LAUGH
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Come on, let's go find another one.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Peter couldn't have chosen a better county than
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Staffordshire to find his dream garden, as it plays host to
0:16:27 > 0:16:30some of the finest formal examples in the country.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Designed in the early 19th century by the architect
0:16:33 > 0:16:35behind the Houses of Parliament, Charles Barry,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39the historic Trentham Gardens have been recently restored.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41With Peter's passion for gardening in mind,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45we sent the couple to meet Estate Manager Mike Walker.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48But it's the ruined hall that's caught the eye of Christine.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Well, Peter and Christine, welcome to the Trentham Estate.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55It's a pleasure to see you both here.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58What did the house look like in its heyday?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00At its zenith in Victorian times,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04the architecture was influenced by the grand tour of the time.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06And effectively,
0:17:06 > 0:17:11it was a Georgian house remodelled with a Victorian, Italianate facade.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14And it's very grand. It's very large.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Whilst there are plans to restore the Victorian hall
0:17:17 > 0:17:20to its former glory, the Italianate gardens have already been
0:17:20 > 0:17:22rescued by Michael and his team.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Why was it so important to reinstate the Italian gardens?
0:17:26 > 0:17:29This was a very forlorn, very neglected area,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32so, we started our process of restoration then.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37What we were trying to do was restore the footprint of the original garden,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40to give it an entirely new lease of life, and what was
0:17:40 > 0:17:44perhaps most significant about the Italian garden in Victorian
0:17:44 > 0:17:47times, was that at its time, it was a garden which was renowned
0:17:47 > 0:17:51for innovation and plantsmanship. Charles Barry was no gardener,
0:17:51 > 0:17:56he was an architect and he depended entirely on the great skills
0:17:56 > 0:17:59of a very celebrated head gardener at the time who was George Fleming.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03George Fleming was renowned for creating new trends of gardening,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07seasonal bedding displays, carpet bedding,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11and today, our restoration of the gardens has tried to replenish
0:18:11 > 0:18:14the gardens in a very contemporary way, which has moved them forward.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18As well as opening up pathways and making it more accessible,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21the new design included the planting of thousands of perennials,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24so the garden is never bare.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26There are currently nine full-time members of staff,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30and an army of volunteers which is handy, as both Peter
0:18:30 > 0:18:33and Christine are keen to offer their services when they move here.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36But first, we need to find a new home,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39and with that in mind, it's back to the house hunt.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44For our second property, we are
0:18:44 > 0:18:48venturing 15 miles northeast to the village of Alton, which is
0:18:48 > 0:18:51still within an hour from both Peter and Christine's children.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Although famous for the nearby theme park,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Alton itself is a vibrant local village with many historic
0:18:58 > 0:19:02buildings, including a handful of handsome pubs.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06The village also has a local legend, and I'm taking Peter and Christine
0:19:06 > 0:19:10to the woods just outside Alton to tell them all about it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12Now, what do you know about Alton?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- As in Alton Towers, we've been once before.- The theme park is here.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18It was also home to the Earl of Shrewsbury,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22and this track was the track that led to his ancestral pile.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25And the story goes that back in 1821,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28he was coming up here late one night, and he met this beggar on the
0:19:28 > 0:19:31side of the road who asked him for some money, some coin, and he refused.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35And the beggar was furious, so he placed a curse on the Earl
0:19:35 > 0:19:38and his family. He said, that oak up there,
0:19:38 > 0:19:43whenever a branch falls off it, a member of your family will die.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47And just a few days later, a branch fell off and sure enough,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50one of the Earl's family members died.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53So, to put paid to this curse, the Earl had it chained up.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56It's now known as the chained oak,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- can you see these chains that are hanging there?- Yes.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00So, spooky stories apart,
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- will our property number two entice you to make Alton your home?- Yes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Well, we'd be chained!- We just have to wait and see! THEY LAUGH
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Come on then.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Leaving legends behind,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19our second property is just a short drive from the woods.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- That's what I want you to look at. - Yes.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- What do you think of our property number two?- I like it. Solid.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Character.- Quite handsome, isn't it?- Stone built.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Looks good from the outside.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40But there is one confession I have to kind of get off my chest now.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45And that is that I'm afraid, it is a semidetached. Technically.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- You can't see it from here.- No. - And that's why we've taken a gamble on this one,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51because the whole focus of this property is that way,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54over towards the grounds and the woods beyond.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58So, I think this is well worth you thinking about and having Alton
0:20:58 > 0:21:01on your doorstep, let's face it, it's such a lovely, lovely place.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- It is.- Come on.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06I'm glad Christine isn't put off by our second property's
0:21:06 > 0:21:08semidetached status.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12Built from locally quarried stone, the two-gabled house dates back to
0:21:12 > 0:21:16the 18th century and was once part of the Earl of Shrewsbury's estate.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20Come in, Christine.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Right, we'll start with the dining room,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25this is the thing that greets you when you first come in.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- What do you think?- Nice. Yeah, I like it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- It's just, when you walk in, it's different, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34You've just got to sort of absorb it.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36This is very much in the centre of the property,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38so everything else kind of runs off of it.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43But you've also got that glazed kind of porch arrangement there.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47And it also leads off into a utility room, great for the dog
0:21:47 > 0:21:49and all that sort of stuff. The kitchen is this way.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58- There you go. All mod cons. Come on in, Peter.- It's very nice.- Yes?
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- Yes. Compact.- Granite worktops. - It's nicely finished.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06It's really nicely finished.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10You've got the granite tops, I'm a bit worried about Peter,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12you're very quiet, mate.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Yes, there again, it's like the first property,
0:22:16 > 0:22:21it's getting used to the downsize part. But it's quite adequate.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- It's OK, yeah.- Let's see what you think, Peter, of the living room.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I'm hoping it might give you a little bit more space.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- Come on then, Peter. - Oh, I like this. Isn't this nice?
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Yes, nice and cosy.- Oh, I like this. - Open fire.- Yes, open fire.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Look at all the windows. Plenty of windows.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45I love the beams, it's like being at home again.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47I know we're talking about downsizing,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- I actually think this is a pretty good room.- This is a nice size.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53This isn't downsizing, it's a nice size.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54Well, I'm really delighted.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I think this property is beginning to work its magic, isn't it?
0:22:57 > 0:23:01I think it is. And I need Pete to speak.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Yes, I think we're getting there. We're getting there.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05OK, come on, let's get upstairs.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09There are currently four bedrooms in this property,
0:23:09 > 0:23:13one more than they asked for. Three of those are doubles,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17one of which is currently being used as a study and there is one single.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20They're all serviced by a large family bathroom.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- And then this is your bit, we think.- Yes.
0:23:27 > 0:23:33- Yes?- Yes, a nice sized room.- There's only one thing that it doesn't have.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- En suite.- En suite.- En suite. - Look at the look.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42That's the headmistress look! Do you get that a lot?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- I get it a lot.- OK. I feel like I'm properly told of now.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- I'm used to it.- Sorry, Miss.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Well, you could always take the end room, the double,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52and make the other boxroom an en suite next to it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- What a good idea!- What about that? - Yeah, it's a thought.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- You know, it's easily done. - Things to think about now.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- I'm saving the best until last though, for you, Peter.- Oh, right.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Come and have a look at the garden. - Oh, yes.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09The property sits in around one acre of terraced woodland gardens,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13with plenty of trees and shrubs to keep Peter happy.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15So, as you can see, Peter, it's a
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- very different proposition to our first garden.- Yes.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22This sort of terraced arrangement, the stone walls,
0:24:22 > 0:24:27- the woods beyond.- Yes, it's not going to ever be a manicured garden.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- But it's very pleasant.- It's got that nice, woodland feel to it.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33It's mature trees that are really nice.
0:24:33 > 0:24:39So, how much do we think? How much do we think this property is worth?
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Christine?- It's going to be topped towards 400.
0:24:43 > 0:24:50- 400, says Christine. - I would really push to 385.- 385.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53You see, the optimism always with Peter, I love it.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Well, you're not far off, the pair of you.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- This is on the market for £390,000. - Yes.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05- So, you were, you know.- Not far. - Not far off at all.- All right.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- All right.- Getting better.- Well, that's brought a smile to your face!
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- THEY LAUGH - Excellent. Well, I think you should spend a bit of time.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14We have plenty of it.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Go and explore it and I will catch up with you later.- OK.- OK.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Off you go.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24On the market at £390,000, our second property
0:25:24 > 0:25:29comes in £10,000 under Peter and Christine's maximum budget.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33It's a semidetached stone cottage built in the 18th century.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36The accommodation includes a contemporary kitchen
0:25:36 > 0:25:37and large living area.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41There are four bedrooms and there's scope to turn one into an en suite.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45And the house comes with an acre of secluded woodland garden.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48This one is supposed to be the second bedroom.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52But if we made this the master, you could not knock it down,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56but you could actually put a door through.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58When you came inside, I loved the lounge.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02It's light, it's got the beams, it's got the open fire,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05we can put a log burner in. And then when we went upstairs,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09to have four bedrooms instead of three, was a real plus.
0:26:09 > 0:26:15Even though it was a semidetached. It doesn't feel like a semidetached.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I like the garden.
0:26:17 > 0:26:23It's a large area, plenty of work to do in it, to keep it tidy.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27So, from that aspect, quite happy with it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Here we are.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- Enjoying the view?- Enjoying the view of the house AND the valley.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39- Is it all working then? Peter? - It seems to be. Seems to be. Yes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- You HAVE had your arm twisted! - Just slightly.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45I think this was a nice one to end the day on.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- It is.- It's been good fun, hasn't it?- It has, it's a nice house.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Right, come on then, let's go and get a cold beer. After you.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- Sounds good.- I'll treat you. How about that?- Oh, yes!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's the second day of our property search and with
0:27:05 > 0:27:09a budget of £400,000, we're helping Peter and Christine leave the noise
0:27:09 > 0:27:13of their town life in the North East for the serenity of Staffordshire.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Coming up, our mystery house leaves Christine speechless.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Go on, Peter, put some words into Christine's mouth.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23And I help shed some light on the Dark Ages.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25And they're doing this 1,300 years ago?
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Now, when it comes to selecting our much awaited final property of
0:27:31 > 0:27:35the week, our mystery house, in truth, it's never really an exact science.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Sometimes, we set out to challenge our buyers,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40sometimes we end up just confusing them.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43But on this occasion, I think we need to reward them.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45One theme has emerged that is perfectly clear,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48and that is that the business of downsizing for Christine
0:27:48 > 0:27:50and Peter is proving a little bit tricky.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53So clearly, we need something that offers them
0:27:53 > 0:27:56much more space both inside and out, but on this occasion,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00we're going to have to travel that little bit further to get it.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- So, how are we all feeling then? Peter and Christine?- Excited.- Good.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12That's good! Christine's not saying a word, how excited are you?!
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Excited, a bit apprehensive at the same time.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Well, I wouldn't be apprehensive.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24I mean, the mystery house is always there to hopefully push
0:28:24 > 0:28:26the boundaries a little bit.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I think, maybe, for the mystery house, it could well be a thatched,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33barn conversion with a project. HE LAUGHS
0:28:39 > 0:28:42For our mystery house, we're crossing the border into Shropshire
0:28:42 > 0:28:45and heading to the market town of Ironbridge.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Sitting on the banks of the River Severn at the bottom
0:28:47 > 0:28:50of a wooded valley, Ironbridge's claim to fame is being
0:28:50 > 0:28:53the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57But the factories have long since gone and nature has taken over.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00The town itself is packed full of history, many of the
0:29:00 > 0:29:04homes of the iron workers and their masters have been beautifully restored.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Our mystery house is located on a quiet,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10narrow lane overlooking the town.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13As well as being in a different county to the one Peter
0:29:13 > 0:29:14and Christine wanted to live in,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18this property does have its challenges, like the garden.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Built into the side of the gorge and on many different levels,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24will it be a step too far for Peter?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28Well. Come on. Have a look.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32It's not thatched, is it? That's what you thought.
0:29:32 > 0:29:38But it's a cottage, and it's got chimney pots. And it's got a view.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41The view over Ironbridge Gorge down there is just stunning.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Now, yesterday, of course, we were in Staffordshire and we were
0:29:45 > 0:29:48about half an hour from your son and about an hour from your daughter.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53We've flipped it over this time, because we've come over the border into Shropshire, obviously.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57So, we're about half an hour from your daughter and about an hour from your son.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- Yes. - So we have balanced it out.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02And in terms of the garden, Peter, just take a look up there.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Yes, the garden looks quite a challenge.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07I think it's more of a pruning operation rather than
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- a mowing operation. - Yes, but the thing about pruning is, a little bit can be done at
0:30:11 > 0:30:16- a time, whereas the grass has all got to be cut to keep it tidy.- Exactly.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18I'm really excited about showing you this one,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21because I just think, in terms of location and what it offers you,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25very rare to get a property like this in Ironbridge up for sale.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Well, I told you, there's lots to see, there's a lot of space,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30we better get a move on. Come on.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Well, the terraced garden with its variety of shrubs
0:30:33 > 0:30:35and bushes hasn't put Peter off.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37But for Christine, it's all about the house,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and I'm dying to see how she will react to our Victorian cottage.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47- Right, on the way through, we find this, how about it?- Log burner.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- Yeah.- Open fire.- Look at the study in there, Peter.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- Yeah?- Very nice. - I like the double doors.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57And then this is the living room.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Which I'm hoping will be just that little bit bigger than what
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- we've had before.- I love the fireplace.- And another open fire.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Oh! This is a good sign, Christine. - Such a nice room, isn't it?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11How about that?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14I don't think I've ever had a reaction like that as quickly
0:31:14 > 0:31:17as we've come into the house. It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:20You can see why we're so excited to show this to you.
0:31:22 > 0:31:28- Maybe this is the one, Peter.- Maybe. - Oh, bless you! Go on, Peter.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- Put some words into Christine's mouth.- It's a very nice room.
0:31:31 > 0:31:32- It's nicely lit.- It's a nice atmosphere.
0:31:32 > 0:31:38- The open fire sets it off. Wooden floor.- I could see you in here.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41French windows out into the garden.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44And it's such a lovely approach that, isn't it?
0:31:44 > 0:31:48It does overwhelm you a bit. I love it. Right. Gather yourself together.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- I'm going to show you the kitchen. - Oh, dear.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52What will you make of this?! Come on.
0:31:56 > 0:32:02- Come on, Christine.- Oh, wow.- Oh, yes.- Oh, God!- You're going again!
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- You're going again! Take it all in, it's gorgeous.- It's lovely.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12- I LOVE it. My cupboards. - Look up there.- Oh!
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I mean, when you look, it is just gorgeous.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17When you look up there, really clever.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Oh, right, right, right up to the skylight.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Oh, wow.- Just be careful what skirt you're wearing, Christine...
0:32:22 > 0:32:26I thought you were talking about Pete there! THEY LAUGH
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Yes. So, it's lovely.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Well, our mystery house seems to have worked its magic again.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36In addition to the kitchen, there's also a pantry
0:32:36 > 0:32:38and a spacious utility room.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41But let's see if we get the same reaction upstairs, where there are
0:32:41 > 0:32:45four bedrooms in total, all of them doubles along with three bathrooms.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Now, plenty up here to show you. That's a really nice guest room there.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- Oh, well, that's nice.- Pretty, isn't it?- A nice view out there as well.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- This is the famous light panel. - Oh, yes.- With the toughened glass.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Just as well, for my weight! - It is safe to walk over?
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Just to prove it! There you are! OK?
0:33:07 > 0:33:10And in here, you've got another beautiful guest room.
0:33:10 > 0:33:16- Oh, that's nice and light.- And then follow me this way. Your room.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- En suite shower room.- Oh, yes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- And all of this is your master. - Oh, lovely. What a lovely size.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27As we saw on the way in, you had a nice glimpse of the garden,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and there's plenty of that to explore, yeah?
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Come on. A lovely feel though.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Outside, a series of paths leads you from terrace to terrace,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40with lawned, paved and gravelled areas.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43There's also an impressive vegetable patch towards the top.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47The garden includes several seating spots,
0:33:47 > 0:33:49ideal for entertaining in the summer.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53The house, Christine, I think has had quite an effect on you,
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- hasn't it, really?- Don't get me started.- Don't get you going again!
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Well, let's see the price, shall we?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02I'm going to get you to explore the garden after this,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06but let's talk about the price. It's our last price guess of the week.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10I'm going to keep you firmly here. Stop you falling over.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12So, you can start, Peter.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- I will start, because I'm the optimistic one.- Exactly.
0:34:14 > 0:34:21- You're the optimist.- Yes. I'm going to say 430.- 430. Yes? Christine?- 450.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26450. It would absolutely break your heart if it was 450, wouldn't it?
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Yes. - That's why it is 395.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32THEY LAUGH
0:34:32 > 0:34:38- How about that?- Lovely.- You can do it.- I know.- YEAH! Go on.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Go and take your time. Explore that garden.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Well, our mystery house has done it once again.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47How often do we say that?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50I'm often asked by people on Escape To The Country how
0:34:50 > 0:34:53many of our properties would I like to buy?
0:34:53 > 0:34:58Well, let me let you into a little secret, this is one of them.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02On the market at £395,000,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06our mystery house is just under their maximum budget.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10It's a Victorian cottage, nestling on the side of Ironbridge Gorge.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13The property has been extended over the years and features large
0:35:13 > 0:35:17reception areas including a spacious living room for entertaining.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20There are four double bedrooms upstairs for when the family come
0:35:20 > 0:35:24to stay and outside, the garden is large and terraced,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27with views across the historic gorge.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29I like the log burner.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Yes, it is a nice, big log burner for the size of the room as well.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34The blue sofa in there, or the white one.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- And then put the computer up.- Yes.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42Well, it was emotional, I think, and I really could feel the tears
0:35:42 > 0:35:45coming and I was really trying to fight it.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50The house didn't have the same effect emotionally on me as it did Christine.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53But very nicely laid out inside.
0:35:53 > 0:36:00The top end of the budget price of the house would concern me slightly.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Worth coming to our mystery house then?- Yes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Right. Well, it is now time for you to go away and try
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and make sense of it all.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- Boy, have you got some thinking to do.- Yes.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Come on.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Peter and Christine have a specific price
0:36:16 > 0:36:18range in mind for their move to Staffordshire.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20But for those on a different budget,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22here is a selection on offer.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28On the market at just under £240,000, how about this
0:36:28 > 0:36:32two-bedroom property in a converted sawmill in the village of Ingestre?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35The interior includes this light kitchen diner
0:36:35 > 0:36:38and a master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Delving a bit deeper into your pocket could get you this
0:36:42 > 0:36:44three-bedroom house in Great Bridgeford,
0:36:44 > 0:36:49on the market for offers in excess of £320,000.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53It features a cosy living room and large master bedroom.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The price also includes a detached outbuilding in the grounds.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Finally, this four-bedroom grade two listed barn
0:37:01 > 0:37:06conversion in the village of Barn Hey is on the market for £575,000.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Set in half an acre of gardens, the property has
0:37:10 > 0:37:13a number of character features including exposed timbers.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16The master bedroom with its high ceiling is the most
0:37:16 > 0:37:20impressive room and there's also a large kitchen diner and a snug.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26With my background in archaeology,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I'm particularly excited about being in Staffordshire,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32since the farmland around Lichfield is where one of the most
0:37:32 > 0:37:35significant finds in recent years was made.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Unearthed by metal detector enthusiast Terry Herbert in 2009,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41the Staffordshire Hoard is the largest
0:37:41 > 0:37:45collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The discovery is beginning to shed light on the seventh
0:37:48 > 0:37:49and eighth centuries,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53when present-day Staffordshire was part of the Kingdom of Mercia.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I've come to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
0:37:56 > 0:38:00in Stoke-on-Trent to find out what researchers have revealed so far.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02I am meeting fellow archaeologist,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04collections officer Deb Klemperer.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Now, for anybody not familiar with the idea of a hoard, or
0:38:07 > 0:38:12indeed the Staffordshire Hoard, just tell us a bit more about what it is.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16It's a group of material which has turned out to be nearly 4,000 items.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Some, far tinier than my little fingernail,
0:38:19 > 0:38:23and they're nearly all gold or silver. So, all precious metal.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27And we still don't know why this was put into the ground at the time it
0:38:27 > 0:38:33was, which is about 650 AD or why that spot was picked, but it is a
0:38:33 > 0:38:37fascinating group of material, and we are researching it even as we speak.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40So, the reason for it being buried still remains a mystery?
0:38:40 > 0:38:43There's a lot of work going on. There's some ideas already.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46One of the ideas is that it is in fact battle booty.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48This has been discussed quite a bit.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Nearly all of it is male warrior bling, so, fittings from swords.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Bling, so that's a technical archaeological term, isn't it?
0:38:56 > 0:38:59It's quite a good way to describe it. It's very glittery and beautiful.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01And most of it is sword fittings.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Although the hoard is comprised mainly of military pieces, many of
0:39:05 > 0:39:10the items feature beautiful inlays and elaborately designed animals.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13There's still much debate surrounding its meaning,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15but experts have discovered an extraordinary
0:39:15 > 0:39:19level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in the pieces.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Down in the museum's basement,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24conservator Peta Greaves is cleaning some of them.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28They're staggeringly beautiful.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32But I guess, you also get into the mind of the people that made them.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33Yeah, the big thing about conservation is,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36yes, we're revealing what things looked like.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38But also, the intricate detail of how they made it,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40the effort they put into it.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43The level of workmanship is absolutely extraordinary.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Can we have a look at that piece there?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49That's absolutely astonishing.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53So, in close-up, you can see it's a snake figure, you can
0:39:53 > 0:39:57see his little head at the top and his body that scrolls down.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01But I suppose the most eye-catching pieces are these beautifully
0:40:01 > 0:40:04coloured ones, with this lovely inlay.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- This is obviously a bit of a work in progress.- It is.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- Can we have a closer look at that one?- OK.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11This is one that I've started cleaning today. Yes, it's
0:40:11 > 0:40:13made from these big garnets.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15And they're set into these gold cells.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19What we can see is in the bottom cell, there's some gold foil
0:40:19 > 0:40:24and what that's doing is, when the garnet is set in through,
0:40:24 > 0:40:28it reflects the light back through giving this beautiful shine.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- And they're doing this 1,300 years ago.- Absolutely.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33That's absolutely astonishing.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Researchers will continue to work on decoding the hoard over
0:40:36 > 0:40:38the next few years.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41In the meantime, perhaps it's beginning to show us that the
0:40:41 > 0:40:44period known as the Dark Ages wasn't so dark after all.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Well, as we have learned, this is an enormous move for this couple,
0:40:50 > 0:40:51in particular, for Peter,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55a man not given over to moving house at all, really, during his life.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57But I am confident we have given them
0:40:57 > 0:41:01plenty of tempting options, so the question is, what happens next?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Well, they're enjoying a cup of tea. Let's go and ask them.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Well, I think there is probably one main contender on the list
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- and that is our mystery house, am I right?- Definitely.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Absolutely fabulous.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20So, just tell me why it's touched a nerve with you?
0:41:20 > 0:41:25It was the emotional and actually seeing the house itself.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27It was a lovely setting.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It was just a gut feeling and that's what you do, isn't it?
0:41:30 > 0:41:33A house is a home from the heart.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35It is indeed. A home from the heart. Well said.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41Now then, Peter, having found you your ideal home, what happens next?
0:41:41 > 0:41:46I think what happens next is, we go and look hard at our finances
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- and discuss it with the children. - You're not going to say no, are you,
0:41:51 > 0:41:56- to Christine?- It would be a first. HE LAUGHS
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Well, both of you, it's been a real pleasure this week.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We've had a lot of fun and I am delighted that we have
0:42:02 > 0:42:04whetted your appetite for this part of the world
0:42:04 > 0:42:07AND, I think, found you some wonderful properties,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10one of which, let's hope, will be your new home. Best of luck.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Well, we started off in Staffordshire
0:42:18 > 0:42:20and we've ended up in Shropshire.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Sometimes, that is just the way it goes.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25But thankfully now, all of the hard work is done.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Our searches are over, and with any luck, Peter
0:42:28 > 0:42:33and Christine now have a fabulous new home to look forward to.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36But let's not underestimate the scale of the move they are making.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38They're coming a long way from everything they have known
0:42:38 > 0:42:40and loved thus far.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44But as Christine said of our mystery house, it felt like home.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Just as I hoped it would. I'll see you next time.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Peter and Christine returned to the mystery house with their daughter
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and although they loved the property, on reflection,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Peter felt the terraced garden would be too much
0:42:57 > 0:43:00of a challenge for him in the years to come.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03So, their search continues. If you'd like to escape to the
0:43:03 > 0:43:07country in Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland or even
0:43:07 > 0:43:10further afield to the continent, and would like our help,
0:43:10 > 0:43:12then visit...