0:00:02 > 0:00:04200 years ago, this lakeside location was home
0:00:04 > 0:00:06to a local beauty who found herself
0:00:06 > 0:00:09involved with a scandal that enthralled the nation.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Find out who she was
0:00:11 > 0:00:15and which county she hailed from in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35On today's show, I'm helping a couple abandon
0:00:35 > 0:00:39busy city life for a restful, rural retreat.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42But there are issues finding the perfect fit.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44It's boxy.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It is a little bit small for me.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Small?!- I'm sorry.- No!
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Today, I am in Cumbria, in Buttermere,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58where Lakeland lovely Mary Robinson lived with her father,
0:00:58 > 0:01:00who was the landlord of the village inn.
0:01:00 > 0:01:06In 1802, a suitor claiming to be the well-heeled MP Augustus Hope
0:01:06 > 0:01:10asked for her hand in marriage, which she happily accepted.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14However, when the romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge
0:01:14 > 0:01:16reported it in the London newspaper,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21his true identity was revealed as a bigamist and a fraudster.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26His name was John Hatfield and he was later hanged for his sins.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Luckily, Mary's tale ended happily.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31She married a local farmer
0:01:31 > 0:01:35and saw out the rest of her years in this awe-inspiring location.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Cumbria is England's most northwestern county,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and like neighbouring Northumberland,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46is bounded to the north by Scotland.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50One of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54the stark beauty of its brooding, glaciated landscape has
0:01:54 > 0:01:56attracted countless artists and writers,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58including William Wordsworth,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02who spent 60 years of his life here and helped popularise the area
0:02:02 > 0:02:06when his Guide To The Lakes was published in 1810.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08At the heart of the county
0:02:08 > 0:02:10is the stunning Lake District National Park,
0:02:10 > 0:02:16home to 16 lakes and England's five tallest mountains.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20The park's northern hub is the medieval market town of Keswick,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23a popular base for walkers and gateway to the
0:02:23 > 0:02:27kind of beautiful landscape this county is so famous for.
0:02:36 > 0:02:42The average price of a detached house in Cumbria is £233,000.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45That's £23,000 under the national figure,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48making this county certainly worth a look.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50However, there is
0:02:50 > 0:02:53a real price hike in properties within the National Park,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56where building is, understandably, restricted,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00and makes existing homes extremely desirable.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Head west outside of the park's borders
0:03:03 > 0:03:05to rural villages like Brigham
0:03:05 > 0:03:08and you'll find that premium falls away.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12So let's find out which part of this huge county
0:03:12 > 0:03:14so appeals to today's buyers.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21A world away from the open wilds of Cumbria, civil partners Philip and
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Alan's current home is Crystal Palace,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25in the heart of South London.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28They have lived here in their five-bedroom Victorian semi
0:03:28 > 0:03:30for the last 22 years.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34With Alan already retired and Philip phasing out his work as a consultant
0:03:34 > 0:03:39in the financial sector, they are eager to embrace a new way of life.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41In Crystal Palace, there's some nice shops,
0:03:41 > 0:03:42there are a few nice restaurants.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45And it's an area and a house that we've been happy to live in,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47but it really is time for a change.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50The age we both are and what we want from the future,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53we can't do that and live in Crystal Palace.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56And a big part of what they want from the future
0:03:56 > 0:03:59is to pursue a shared passion for food.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I started cooking at home when I was around about 12 or 13,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06so, yes, I've always had a big interest in it.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Inspired by Alan's cooking,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Philip got in on the foodie act and two years ago,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15they set up a blog together, writing about food and wine,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18posting recipes and restaurant reviews.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I think I'll get more involved in the website once we've moved.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It's something I enjoy doing, but it doesn't come naturally.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27With practice, it's something I might start to really develop my voice.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Yes, Philip has a much punchier style than I do.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Do you think?- Yes.- OK.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Having enjoyed plenty of holidays in Cumbria,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39certain spots have become favourites.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41We particularly like Keswick.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43We were there one day on market day and it was very much your thing -
0:04:43 > 0:04:47going around and sniffing the cheeses and...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49actually buying some as well.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52But it is not just the two of them
0:04:52 > 0:04:54they have to consider with this move.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57To spend more time with Philip's mother, who currently lives
0:04:57 > 0:05:01150 miles from them in Lincoln, they are planning to take her with them.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02Ever since I have moved home,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I've never been able to pop around and see Mum for a cup of coffee.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We've never been able to say, "Let's go out for a bite to eat."
0:05:08 > 0:05:09Never had that.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11She's missed that, I've missed that,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13and that is something we will be able to do.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17So the ideal property would be either a very big house that we can
0:05:17 > 0:05:19divide, so that she has her own living space,
0:05:19 > 0:05:24or that we have separate accommodation
0:05:24 > 0:05:28in a complex where she is close by.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Philip and Alan met 27 years ago
0:05:30 > 0:05:33when they were volunteering for the Samaritans, and they have
0:05:33 > 0:05:37both given their time to a variety of charities ever since.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I think once we move to Cumbria, I'd like to be part of the community.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42And I think the way I'd like to, one of the ways,
0:05:42 > 0:05:43is to do some volunteer work.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Wherever we go, there will be a need for volunteers.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I'd hope in Cumbria there'd be things we can do
0:05:48 > 0:05:50to put something into the community.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53So what have they got to spend on a country home in Cumbria?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57We'd like to bring the purchase in within a budget of £500,000.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Philip and Alan are particularly fond of Keswick,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08so we are keeping our search within easy driving distance of the town.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I am meeting up with them
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to talk through the finer details of their move.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Well, Philip and Alan, welcome to glorious Cumbria.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17BOTH: OK.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Hopefully, your future home.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Why have you decided you wanted to move to this part of the world?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It's an area we've been to a few times.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27We have had holidays here, we have explored the area a lot.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Beautiful scenery. And we just love it here.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- It is not just the two of you that are moving, is it?- No.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- You are bringing Mum along as well, Celia.- Yes, my mother.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37She lives in Lincoln at the moment. She is going to be moving with us,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40either into the same property or certainly into the area.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42We are looking for something to accommodate the three of us,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44but give us all our independence and privacy.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- That is quite a lot of property. - Absolutely.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49And we have come into this with an open mind, cos we are not sure
0:06:49 > 0:06:52if our expectations... We don't know if our wish list is realistic.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- Yeah.- What you are going to show us will give us a much better idea
0:06:56 > 0:06:59of whether we can make our escape to the country.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- Just remind me of your budget. - It's 500,000.- OK.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05I have got to ask you, if we find this property,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08it might need a little bit of work doing to it.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Are you happy to take on a bit of a project to make it that perfect
0:07:11 > 0:07:12home for all three of you?
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Oh, yes, absolutely.- Yes. - Not work shy?- No.- Alan is not.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20I like the delegation, Philip, that was very good.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I don't mind sharing with you that you have set us a challenge,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27but I'm quietly optimistic. Are you looking forward to it?
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- Very much.- Good.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32We have got three properties already lined up to show you,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- so shall we get cracking?- Please.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42With their £500,000 budget, Philip and Alan need rather a lot.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45They are hoping for a generous kitchen-diner, four bedrooms
0:07:45 > 0:07:47and two reception rooms.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49And that's just for them.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52They also want self-contained accommodation for Celia,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56so either a large property that could be divided or one
0:07:56 > 0:07:58with an annexe or convertible outbuilding.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00And they are happy to consider a project.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04They'd like all this to be within striking distance of Keswick.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07We found Philip and Alan three wonderful properties,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and I will be asking him to guess the price at the end of the tour.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15One will be our mystery house, whose hidden depths could offer
0:08:15 > 0:08:17the living arrangements they are looking for.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20But first on the agenda is house number one.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- So, you both are real foodies. - Yes.- Yes.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31So, will you be hunting out the farmers markets
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- and the local bistro? - Oh, absolutely.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Hoping that we will be near
0:08:37 > 0:08:40a market town where we can
0:08:40 > 0:08:41buy local produce.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Just to explore the local specialities,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45so local cheeses, local meats.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48You know, if they smoke things or do things slightly differently.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I'm feeling hungry just talking about it now. Thank you for that.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53My tummy is going to be rumbling, isn't it,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55while we go round the first house.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02We are starting our search in the Lake District National Park,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06in Embleton, which is ten miles north of Keswick.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09The nearest town, just four miles away, is Cockermouth.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14This appealing Georgian town is nestled at the confluence
0:09:14 > 0:09:16of the River Derwent and the River Cocker,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and is the birthplace of William Wordsworth,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21whose childhood home is now a museum.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24It has a town hall and plenty of shops and amenities.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Just a short drive from here is our first house,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33a brick-built Edwardian property with a Buttermere slate roof.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36So, as we are in Cumbria, we thought we would
0:09:36 > 0:09:40start off with our first property in the National Park.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- BOTH: OK. - And here she is.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Looks really nice.- Yeah, it does, it looks lovely.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It's nice and isolated.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50You can probably hear the beck in the distance, can't you?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52That actually runs through your land.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So, what is your first impression when you look at the property?
0:09:55 > 0:10:01- I think it is very solid.- Yes. - You know, very robust, sound home.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- Yeah?- Yes.- Does it excite you, though?- Um...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Is it calling your name? Is it asking you to go in?
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- It's boxy.- Yes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13So I don't think you get the full impression of what it is like
0:10:13 > 0:10:15until you actually see what is inside.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- So, shall we start the tour? - Yes.- That will be great.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24The property was built in 1904 for a retired sea captain.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26I am hoping the interior will convince Philip
0:10:26 > 0:10:31and Alan that this is the place to drop anchor and call home.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34We're going to start off in the drawing room through here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40A fair size and double aspect.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Indeed, yeah.- It is quite light.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47And you've got the same size room on the other side of the hallway,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51sort of mirrored, and then you have got a conservatory as well.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Because obviously we have got to think of Celia, your mum, too,
0:10:54 > 0:10:55with this property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58So you could potentially have one reception room for you
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- and one perhaps for her.- Yes.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Just a thought, possibly.- Yep. - I'd like to see more, definitely.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- Getting a good flavour?- Yeah. - All right, follow me.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Now, safe to say, Alan,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17this really is the most important room in the house for you, isn't it?
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Absolutely, yeah.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22So, what do you think about our kitchen, with that in mind?
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- I think it's...- Good-sized?
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It is not quite the size of kitchen I was hoping for,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32so a little disappointed.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Philip, what do you think?- Um...
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Alan does all the cooking
0:11:37 > 0:11:40and it just needs to be something on the social end, so it'd be nice if
0:11:40 > 0:11:44we could find a kitchen where there was room for an old rustic table.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49So, good size kitchen, but not quite big enough for your needs.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- I would say that.- OK. There are some other options.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58Through the door is a utility room, plus a downstairs cloakroom
0:11:58 > 0:12:00and storage, I think a coal shed as well.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03So you do have a footprint already there.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Obviously, you'd need planning permission.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08But there is the possibility perhaps of using that area.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- Right, would you like to see a bit more?- Yeah, love to.- Please.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17That extra space could also be reconfigured to create
0:12:17 > 0:12:21a self-contained annexe for Celia, leaving the rest for the boys.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24And there would still be enough space on their side of the house to
0:12:24 > 0:12:27put in the kind of kitchen that Alan would be happy with.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34Upstairs are four bedrooms - three doubles and one single -
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and they share a large family bathroom.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We're going to take a look at the master bedroom.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42How do you feel about this room?
0:12:42 > 0:12:44It has got a thing of openness about it that I think...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47I mean, it's not huge, but, my goodness, it is
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- certainly comfortably big enough. - Yes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54We could make this into a lovely home for the two of us. The three of us...
0:12:54 > 0:12:55Yeah, it needs a bit more thought.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Let's head outside, take a look at the grounds, the garden,
0:12:59 > 0:13:00the surrounding fields.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- OK.- Were also going to talk money. - OK.- OK.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09It seems clear that inside the house doesn't quite deliver what the
0:13:09 > 0:13:13chaps are looking for, but at least the outside can't fail to impress.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The three-quarter acre grounds are made up of garden and woodland,
0:13:16 > 0:13:21which I am told are regularly visited by dear and red squirrels.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23I must admit, I love being in the garden
0:13:23 > 0:13:26because you just look around you and it's just stunning.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I would guess at £450,000.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- OK.- Strange, that was exactly the figure I was going to say, yes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Well, you are...
0:13:42 > 0:13:44£70,000 under.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47The asking price is £520,000.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Wow.- OK. Well, it's in the National Park as well,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- which I am assuming puts the numbers up.- It does.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Because you can't build in the National Park, it is
0:13:56 > 0:13:59very difficult to have new buildings put in,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02existing properties do have a premium attached to them.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07I think it is a good example of what you can buy in the National Park.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- A good starting point. - Yes.- Absolutely.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11It does give you something to think about.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14So why don't you take another look around?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Have a look, I'll catch up with you when you're ready.- OK, thank you.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Reflecting National Park prices,
0:14:19 > 0:14:24this house comes in above budget at £520,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28It offers a kitchen with adjoining utility rooms that could be
0:14:28 > 0:14:31converted to create an annexe for Philip's mum.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34There are also four bedrooms, two reception rooms
0:14:34 > 0:14:37and a garden room, all set in three quarters of an acre grounds,
0:14:37 > 0:14:41complete with its own woodland stream.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I like the place. I think it is going to make a lovely home.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But I think for us, we would have to reconfigure some of the space,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- maybe take out one of the downstairs rooms.- Mm.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I'm not sure that's going to work for us.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I don't think we could shortlist this house
0:14:53 > 0:14:56because it really just doesn't quite fit our requirements.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I think it is a beautiful home for somebody,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I just don't think it is the beautiful home for us.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05I doubt that this would work as a property for Philip
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and I to share with his mum.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10We would be living on top of one another.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I don't think that she would want that.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16So, for that reason, it really is a nonstarter.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24OK, well, that is our first house done here in the National Park.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Have you seen enough? - Yeah, I think so.- Yeah.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It has given us a good idea what we can get for our money
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- in this area.- Good.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- There's plenty more to show you. - Looking forward to it.- Thank you.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42On the western edge of the Lake District stands the majestic
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Muncaster Castle,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in the UK.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49There is no guarantee you'll encounter a ghost here,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51but in its wooded gardens,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55you'll find a very impressive collection of owls.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59The World Owl Centre is home to more than 50 different owl species,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01ranging from some of the world's biggest,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05like the pharaoh's eagle owl, to the diminutive pygmy owl.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11The charity attracts over 80,000 visitors a year,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and it welcomes volunteers.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16This is great news for Philip and Alan, who, with their background
0:16:16 > 0:16:21of volunteer work, are keen to find a way to help out in the community.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23They are here to meet Steve Richardson,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25the centre's chief executive.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30The trust was initially started 41 years ago as a breeding
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and release scheme for British owls.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It became a charity in the early 1990s
0:16:35 > 0:16:38when it transformed itself into the World Owl Trust.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40How did it come to be on the castle grounds?
0:16:40 > 0:16:45Our honorary president was working locally with his own owls
0:16:45 > 0:16:47and with his own conservation programme.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50His father actually worked at the castle.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Tony was invited to bring his owls up here,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and so the World Owl Centre was born.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Through breeding programmes, education and habitat restoration,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02the centre protects populations of endangered owls
0:17:02 > 0:17:04from Britain and abroad.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Head keeper Wulf Ingham is doing the introductions with Fidget,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10one of the centre's residents.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16This is the British white-breasted barn owl.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18What's the sort of heart shape around the face?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20We call it facial disk.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23It has the same function as our outer ear.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28And this particular bird, it hunts just by hearing alone.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It will actually listen for the noises that the smaller
0:17:31 > 0:17:33animals make in the long grass.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36They tend to fly when they are hunting usually
0:17:36 > 0:17:39between about a metre and two metres off the ground. They fly slow.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42They don't fly fast because they don't have to.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45They fly silently. It means their prey can actually hear them
0:17:45 > 0:17:47and they can hear better what is going on around them.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50So that is a very efficient way of locating small mammals
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- in long grass. Philip, would you like to have a go?- Mm-hm.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Surprisingly light.- Yes, they are.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I know it is not a big bird, but I just thought...
0:17:58 > 0:18:00They're nothing more than a feather duster with wings.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02You wouldn't know it was there, really.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Time to bid farewell to Fidget
0:18:05 > 0:18:09and return to our task of finding Philip and Alan a home.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Our next property lies just a mile outside the National Park
0:18:18 > 0:18:20in the village of Bothel.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23A short drive away is Keswick, where our foodie couple will be
0:18:23 > 0:18:28able to pick up the local produce from the weekly Saturday market.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32The town has a host of characterful shops, pubs and cafes.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34There is even a pencil museum,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38which tracks the history of the pencil making industry that
0:18:38 > 0:18:41sprung up here after graphite was discovered in the area
0:18:41 > 0:18:44350 years ago.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Our second offering -
0:18:45 > 0:18:47a Georgian-style, Grade II listed property -
0:18:47 > 0:18:50is 12 miles north of the town.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- And here it is, here is the second house.- Lovely.- Yeah?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Do like the look of the house?
0:18:58 > 0:19:00From what I can see now, yes.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I think it is a handsome house, isn't it?
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Rather than a beautiful one, but, yeah, interesting.- Striking.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- Yeah, definitely.- It has an awful lot to offer.- OK.- All right?- Yep.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Sounds intriguing.- Let's start.- OK.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- So, I think an impressive Georgian-style hallway.- Yep.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24And you can see the set-up,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26you have got two reception rooms on either side.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Yep. - Let's start off with this one first.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33So, both these drawing-sitting rooms are about the same size.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Very high ceilings again.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38This is nice, it's a good space.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- Well, the tour is just beginning, so let's keep going.- Lovely.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48So, we have already established just how important the kitchen is.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- So how does this one fair? - First impression is I like it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I think it has got a nice feel to it. It feels cosy.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Nice size with the table there as well.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- So, yeah, first impression is very positive.- Good. Alan?
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Um...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Again, like the last house, it's a little bit small for me.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- Small?!- I'm sorry.- No!
0:20:08 > 0:20:13I was really hoping to get something that was more open
0:20:13 > 0:20:17and had more work surfaces, for example.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- This is not a small kitchen.- I know.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21I look at lots of homes and this is not a small kitchen.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- But it is actually the surface space.- Yeah.- OK.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- Well, that is fair enough. This is a stud wall.- Mm-hm.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Which leads on to that second sort of sitting room.- OK.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33You could open it up.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Right.- Have your dining table in there.- Right.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38So that for when you are entertaining,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40you have got all that wonderful space
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and actually make more use of this.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46You have also got a cellar just through that door.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48Cellars are good.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Cellars are great. And it is a huge cellar.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54So again, more space for you, should you need it for storage,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56for prepping, etc, etc.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00I'm going to hold back my disappointment
0:21:00 > 0:21:02because I thought I had done so well with this kitchen.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06But plenty more to show you upstairs and then we will head outside.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14Also on the ground floor, there is a utility room and a garden room.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18The kitchen clearly didn't measure up, but I'm hoping the rest
0:21:18 > 0:21:22of the property has more to tempt them, starting with the upstairs.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Now, this property does have plenty of character, doesn't it?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Big, open spaces, including the hallway.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34So, at the moment, this would be the master.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It is a good size.- It is, yeah. - It is.- Nice, high ceiling.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Good dimensions, obviously light. Yeah, it's got a nice feel to it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Across the hallway is the biggest family bathroom ever,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48nearly the size of this, and it does have the four bedrooms.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51One is a single. It is a generous single.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54So, for your friends when they come to stay, plenty of space.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Great, lovely.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Any thoughts you want to share?
0:21:59 > 0:22:04I think it is a house that Philip and I could live in.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07I'm not sure it is a house that would lend itself to Celia
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- being part of that.- Yeah.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Well, I still have more to show you,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15so I'm just going to dangle that carrot.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- OK.- And ask you to follow me.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Outside, to the rear of the half-acre plot, there is
0:22:22 > 0:22:25a wooded garden with beautiful, mature trees,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28but that is not the only feature I am excited to show these chaps.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So, you might have got the impression that this property
0:22:33 > 0:22:35used to be a farmhouse.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Because here are all the barns.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40A couple of outbuildings,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43one being quite large that they use at the moment for storage.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- But this is what I wanted to show you.- OK.- OK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- A huge barn ripe for conversion. - Mm-hm.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- If that's what you chose to do.- OK.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Perhaps that could be Celia's home.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Or the other way round.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Or the other way round.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06That perhaps could be Celia's house and you two could take
0:23:06 > 0:23:10that on as a project and make it the most fantastic accommodation.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- I would like to look at... - Why don't you?
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Come back and then we will talk money.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Off you go.- Thanks.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22I am quietly hopeful we might have found some space that could,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26with a bit of imagination, work for Philip, Alan and Celia.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Wow.- Wow. OK.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32This would make a really good kitchen.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35With a lot of work, obviously.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Yeah, it's quite a project.- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Just amazing.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46There are two storeys for the chaps to explore.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The second is accessed from the rear of the building.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- Good grief.- Wow, this is a huge space.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- It's just enormous.- Yeah. You could easily get four bedrooms up here.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Just four?- Yeah.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07I just can't imagine how all this is going to fit the budget.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Oh, I can't gauge your faces. Did I scare you or excite you?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13A little of both. For me.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16It's huge, it has got huge potential.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20It just depends on what money we might have left having bought
0:24:20 > 0:24:21the place, so...
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Do you want to take on a project like that?- Yes. We've got
0:24:24 > 0:24:26the fall back of being able to live in the main house
0:24:26 > 0:24:29and we would be on-site. We could be completely hands-on,
0:24:29 > 0:24:30use local things, local materials.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32What a way to get involved in the community
0:24:32 > 0:24:35by actually putting some money into it.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37So...
0:24:37 > 0:24:41what price are you going to put on the Grade II listed house with
0:24:41 > 0:24:45all these outbuildings and one remarkable barn?
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Probably...495?- OK.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I think it is over our budget.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54The figure I have got in mind is 550,000.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- You both are quite a bit out, I'm afraid.- Right.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00Mm.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01But in a good way.
0:25:01 > 0:25:07- BOTH: Right. - The asking price is £385,000.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Oh, really?- Yes.- Seriously?
0:25:09 > 0:25:14So I don't need to remind you that that leaves you £115,000
0:25:14 > 0:25:16to potentially do up this barn.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- That will go a long way, actually. - Yeah.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24I imagine it would see most of it done.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I think it just demonstrates the difference from being
0:25:26 > 0:25:30in the National Park, which actually we weren't particularly set on.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34You know, 520,000 for the last property compared...
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It just beggars belief.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Why don't you have another tour of the house on your own?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42That's a lot of money in your back pocket,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- even enough to redo the kitchen. - Absolutely.- Enjoy.- OK.- Thank you.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48We'll talk in a little while. Thank you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53I mean, it is a fantastic property.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56The house itself has everything that they want in it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59But when you add into the equation the barn, the outbuildings,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01the beautiful garden, location...
0:26:03 > 0:26:05All for £385,000.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08They really like it.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Just outside the National Park and well under budget
0:26:12 > 0:26:18at £385,000, our second home features four bedrooms,
0:26:18 > 0:26:23a kitchen-diner, two generous reception rooms and a garden room.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27It is to the rear of the property where this place really starts
0:26:27 > 0:26:29to make sense for our buyers.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33The huge stone barn offers masses of potential to create an extra
0:26:33 > 0:26:35self-contained living space
0:26:35 > 0:26:38that would enable the three of them to live close to each other
0:26:38 > 0:26:40but not too close.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44This house was a real surprise. It...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I thought initially it was going to be maybe a little bit disappointing.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49The surprise was when we went into the garden
0:26:49 > 0:26:51and we saw all the outbuildings
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and that huge barn, which has an enormous amount of potential.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57So, yeah, I think it is a real contender.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01It's a lovely place, it's a beautiful home
0:27:01 > 0:27:03and I think we certainly could make it our home.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04Yeah, definitely.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09So, that is it for today, but we have got more to show you tomorrow.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11We're looking forward to it.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35It is the final day of our property search
0:27:35 > 0:27:40and with a budget of £500,000, we are helping Philip and Alan leave
0:27:40 > 0:27:44London and find a home in Cumbria fit for them and for Philip's mum.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49Coming up, the mystery house offers them a whole new outlook.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- That's stunning, isn't it?- That's a great view. It is a great view.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57- Here they come.- And I meet a hardy breed of Cumbrian locals.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59This is a wonderful sight.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01HE WHISTLES
0:28:03 > 0:28:06It has become clear on our Cumbrian adventure with Alan
0:28:06 > 0:28:09and Philip that their house search isn't going to work
0:28:09 > 0:28:13unless we can find separate accommodation for Mum, Celia,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17which is why we ended on a high yesterday when we took them
0:28:17 > 0:28:20away from the rather expensive National Park to a great
0:28:20 > 0:28:23property with the potential of turning those outbuildings
0:28:23 > 0:28:28in the garden into superb accommodation for Philip's mum.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33Now, of course, that would involve a lot of time, effort and money.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36So today, we're going to show them our mystery house.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Now, it is a little bit further away,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42but it is a property that just keeps giving and giving.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Our mystery house takes us just out of our search area to the
0:28:47 > 0:28:52hamlet of Great Musgrave, 25 miles east of the National Park.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55The nearest place to pick up provisions is a mile away
0:28:55 > 0:29:00in Brough. With this village, you get two for the price of one.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03When it was originally established, it was divided in half,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07with market Brough to the north and church Brough to the south.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10And our mystery house just down the road harbours a double
0:29:10 > 0:29:12identity of its own.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18So, we've brought you to your third and final property,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20our mystery house.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21- And here it is.- OK.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Do you like the look of it, your initial reaction?
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- It looks interesting. - I think it is nicely presented,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28the way they have decorated it.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29You know, I think it looks fresh.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Much more farmhouse-y, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- So, shall we start our final tour? - Yep, love to.- OK.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40The property was renovated nine years ago to incorporate
0:29:40 > 0:29:42a converted barn.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45But will that convert into the kind of space Philip
0:29:45 > 0:29:46and Alan are looking for?
0:29:48 > 0:29:53So, with this property, you walk straight into the kitchen.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- Lovely.- Alan, talk to me. What do we think?
0:29:57 > 0:29:59It's a good size. It's a nice size.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02So, this is a workable space for you?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Good entertaining space if you put your mark on it?
0:30:04 > 0:30:05I think so.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I mean, if you are entertaining people, then they can be
0:30:08 > 0:30:13sitting at that table whilst you are sort of finishing off things.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16So, shall we continue through into the sitting room?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22So, I think in this room,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- you really can see the age of the property, can't you?- Very much.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Yeah.- Love the beams.- Including over the window.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32And the wood panelling looks original as well.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Yes, now that is all from man-of-war ships.- Is it?
0:30:35 > 0:30:38When they were decommissioned on the west coast of Cumbria,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41very much in keeping. It divides the room up.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44At the moment, they have got that as a second reception room.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47You could have it as a study, a music room, you know,
0:30:47 > 0:30:48whatever you liked.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Is this going to be ample space for you both?
0:30:53 > 0:30:55I think it would.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58I think, yeah, because you have got two reception rooms
0:30:58 > 0:31:01and you have got that farmhouse-style kitchen.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02So, yeah, I think at this point, yeah,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04I'm feeling very positively that it would.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Upstairs, you have got three large double bedrooms.- Right.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11And a very generous family bathroom.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Now, you might be wondering why I am not taking upstairs.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- Yes.- Well, sort of.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Sort of. I will let you explore up there on your own
0:31:21 > 0:31:23because this is the mystery house.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- Is the mystery...?- And you're right.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29You saw the doorway, didn't you?
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Shall we go through and see the second part of this property?
0:31:32 > 0:31:33Yeah, love to.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- All right, you ready for this? - BOTH: Yes.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46This property is a house of two halves - the central kitchen
0:31:46 > 0:31:50was recently built to create a link between two once separate dwellings.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54So, on one side, there is the converted barn and on the other,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57is the farmhouse we just viewed.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Both sides have their own staircases,
0:31:59 > 0:32:03which would give Celia and the boys the privacy they are hoping for.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06So now, we'll take a look at the barn side of the house,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09starting with the upstairs.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Let's see if the mystery house
0:32:12 > 0:32:16can weave its magic on this side.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Cos there is a lot of people to find a property for.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20We don't want to forget Mum.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25Or perhaps, this section might work better for the two of you.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Maybe.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- It would need some thought.- It definitely would need some thought.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35It's an interesting space, yeah, absolutely.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38You've got a sort of storeroom-utility room behind me,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- just there.- Right.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42But it does have hot and cold running water,
0:32:42 > 0:32:43so you could easily open it up
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- and make it a fantastic kitchen-cum-living space.- Mm-hm.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50So, Mum is not going to be that far from you,
0:32:50 > 0:32:52but can be if she wants to be.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- Yeah, absolutely.- Interesting. - Definitely.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Is that "interesting" in, I'm not quite sure what to say,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02or is that interesting as in interesting?!
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- I think interesting... - I'm probing you.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08I think processing because it's a very different space.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10I think in terms of immediate mental shortlist,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I would have this place on it.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Let's go downstairs because it is sort of equal dimensions.- Oh, OK.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19'So it seems they've already earmarked this barn side
0:33:19 > 0:33:21'of the house for themselves, in which case
0:33:21 > 0:33:24'the room we're about to see downstairs would be their bedroom.'
0:33:24 > 0:33:29So again, you really get the feeling of the barn down here as well,
0:33:29 > 0:33:30- don't you?- Very much.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32You've got a bathroom, a family bathroom, well,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35it's not really a family bathroom, it's your own bathroom here.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37I'm going to call it the ensuite.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42But you've also got another shower room and toilet next door.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46And quite a large utility room as well which you could change
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and make the dressing room very easily.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- It's a huge room.- It is. - Is this something that is workable?
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Could she live in this side
0:33:54 > 0:33:57or would you have it the other way round or is it not working so far?
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Difficult.- I think that's something for us to weigh up and decide.
0:34:03 > 0:34:10My initial thought is probably this side is more us than her.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13But, you know, nothing is cast in stone, is it?
0:34:13 > 0:34:15All right, let's head outside.
0:34:15 > 0:34:16We've got more to talk about
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- and of course we will be talking prices for this mystery.- OK.- OK.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24I think seeing the interior has got their minds whirring,
0:34:24 > 0:34:28about the ways they could make this place work for the three of them.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Outside, the three-quarter acre plot has some small outbuildings
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and gorgeous views across to the North Pennines.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- Tell me this - this is what you are after?- It's stunning, isn't it?
0:34:39 > 0:34:41It's a great view. It is a great view.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Takes your breath away. - You're not going to get bored with that, are you?
0:34:45 > 0:34:50- You're really not.- So, how much is the mystery house on the market for?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Possibly being slightly optimistic here,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56but I'm going to say it's within budget
0:34:56 > 0:34:59and allowing for some sort of work to be done,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02so I'm going to say £415,000.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- OK.- I think it would be less than that.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08I would say 380.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11OK. Sort of in between the two of you actually.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15The asking price is £399,000.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20So that would leave you with £100,000 to make any adjustments
0:35:20 > 0:35:22if you felt you needed to.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24But now you know the asking price,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26do you fancy having another look around?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- Yes.- Let me know how you get on. - Thanks.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35At £399,000, the mystery house is well under budget.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40Its layout offers two separate areas of accommodation under one roof.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Between the two areas, there are four bedrooms, three bathrooms,
0:35:44 > 0:35:46three reception rooms,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50and a large farmhouse kitchen that even Alan approves of.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52But there is also scope to create
0:35:52 > 0:35:55a second kitchen by converting an upstairs storage room.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59This would give them two fully self-contained living spaces,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01one for Celia and one for the boys.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04The mystery house is an interesting prospect.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07It is rustic, rather than pretty or beautiful.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11It needs a lot of attention. It needs a total renovation, I think.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13There is a lot you can do.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16I quite like the interconnecting door because it means you don't
0:36:16 > 0:36:19have to go out to go to one side or the other.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21It's got a good feel about it.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24In terms of whether it is the right property for us, that is
0:36:24 > 0:36:26something we need to go away and think about.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30It is definitely a contender. It is probably not my first choice.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34I think I would definitely have another shortlist to consider further
0:36:34 > 0:36:36and maybe bring Mum to have a look at it as well.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I'm loving these little fellas.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43If you buy this house, you've got to keep chickens.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48- They are so entertaining.- OK.- Have you seen enough?- Yes, thank you.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- Got you thinking now, haven't we?- Very much.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54I will be very interested to hear your views, actually,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58on all three properties, so we are going to hit the road.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- OK.- Lovely.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12A name that is strongly associated with the Lake District
0:37:12 > 0:37:13is Beatrix Potter,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17who fell in love with the area after holidaying here as a child.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Its landscape had a huge impact on her,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23but she, in turn, had a significant influence on it.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Committed to preserving the unique beauty of this area,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29she bought thousands of acres of land here.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31And when she died in 1943,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34she left it in the safekeeping of the National Trust.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Tarn Hows is one of the places she helped to protect and I'm here to
0:37:41 > 0:37:46meet John Moffat, general manager for the South Lakes National Trust.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49What was her legacy?
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Well, practically, it was 4,000 acres of land,
0:37:51 > 0:37:5514 farms, lots of other buildings that she left to the National Trust.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Because of the way we are set up, we can't sell it,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01we can't pass it on to anybody else so all the land is still farmed.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04We still have the buildings she owned and have people living in them.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Beyond that, there's what she did to protect the area as well.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10If she hadn't been involved, a lot of this landscape might look very different.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14It might have be forested with conifers which were very fashionable
0:38:14 > 0:38:16at the time in the 1930s, '40s and around the War.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18There is also the benefit of the landscape
0:38:18 > 0:38:21and the wider impact of her helping look after what we have now.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23What a legacy.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Generations have read her books and will continue to do so,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28but she probably didn't realise how many more generations would be
0:38:28 > 0:38:32appreciating views like this, which she helped maintain.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Absolutely, and the books for many people are their way into Beatrix,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37but hopefully that will also inspire them
0:38:37 > 0:38:38to think more about the landscape
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and the love she had for it and come and visit and be inspired themselves.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46As well as being a writer and conservationist,
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Potter was a hands-on farmer, and during her Lakeland years,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52she became an expert sheep breeder.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55The breed closest to her heart was the Herdwick,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and I'm going to learn more about them from John Watson,
0:38:58 > 0:39:03who runs Yew Tree Cottage, one of the farms she donated to the Trust.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06So what was it about the Herdwicks
0:39:06 > 0:39:10that Beatrix Potter championed so much? Why this breed?
0:39:10 > 0:39:14They are very hardy, they are very adaptable
0:39:14 > 0:39:18and just fit so naturally in that fell land.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21The only sheep really that can survive up there,
0:39:21 > 0:39:22that can graze there.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26They don't just eat grass, they will eat anything, even bark in winter.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31- Will they? Can we get them a bit closer so I can see them?- Yes, sure.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32HE WHISTLES
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Distinguished by their white legs and faces,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41the origin of this hardy breed is unclear,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44but they are thought to have been introduced by early Norse settlers.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- Right, here they come. - This is a wonderful sight.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51HE WHISTLES Walk up, girl, walk up.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Certainly distinctive.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56You see them dotted around all the landscape
0:39:56 > 0:39:59and I now know which breed they are.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01John, it has been great being on the farm,
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- just getting a taste of what you do. - You are very welcome.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It hasn't put us off with this weather, has it?
0:40:07 > 0:40:10You have seen typical Cumbrian sheep in typical Cumbrian weather.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11SHE LAUGHS
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Well, we've shown Philip and Alan
0:40:16 > 0:40:20our three properties here in glorious Cumbria.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24They set us quite a task, so have we risen to the challenge?
0:40:24 > 0:40:25Let's find out.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34So, Alan and Philip, you set us a bit of a task, didn't you,
0:40:34 > 0:40:39to find this remarkable property for the two of you and also your mother.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43We have really struggled with your budget to find this, well,
0:40:43 > 0:40:45these two houses.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48How close did we actually get?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50The whole process has taught us a lot.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53We really have, I think, picked up
0:40:53 > 0:40:56a lot of information that we will be able to use taking forward.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I certainly think the second property has enough potential
0:40:59 > 0:41:03to warrant a second view, to get Mum to have a look around as well.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06I think, given that were we able to convert the barn,
0:41:06 > 0:41:07that will probably be our space.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11At least there's something Mum can look around and think,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13would this work, will I be happy here?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15I would certainly be open to doing that.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16I think she would like it.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18If we were to make an offer on that, we would have to
0:41:18 > 0:41:22take into account the possibility we may not get planning permission,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25and therefore that Philip and I may just end up living there
0:41:25 > 0:41:29on our own and looking for another property nearby for Celia.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31If I was going to push you...
0:41:31 > 0:41:34does this mean you are going to have a second viewing
0:41:34 > 0:41:36and bring Celia with you?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40I think, yes, there's a good probability.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43We need to describe the house to her
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and see whether she thinks it's something that she might like.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50I think there is enough about it to warrant us doing that, yes.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53All of our properties I think had their merits, but I'm delighted
0:41:53 > 0:41:55you are considering going back and seeing the second one.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Let's hope Celia gives it the thumbs up
0:41:57 > 0:42:00because it would be, especially if you got planning permission,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03a remarkable home for the three of you.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- So let us know how you get on, won't you? All the best.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Well, wasn't that interesting?
0:42:14 > 0:42:18It seems our second property won over Alan and Philip,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20so much so, that they are going for a second viewing
0:42:20 > 0:42:24and going to take mum, Celia, along with them too,
0:42:24 > 0:42:26just to find out what she thinks.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Now it all boils down to whether they CAN get planning permission
0:42:29 > 0:42:33for that wonderful barn, to convert it into accommodation.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Will they all agree? Only time will tell.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Whatever happens, we wish them all the very best.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42See you next time, bye-bye.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Philip and Alan returned to house number two for another viewing,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50this time bringing Philip's mum, Celia, with them.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Unfortunately, she wasn't quite as taken
0:42:53 > 0:42:57with the property as they were, so they are continuing their search.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:59 > 0:43:02in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05or maybe even further afield to the continent,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and you need our help, please apply online: