0:00:02 > 0:00:03I'm standing on the oldest crossing point
0:00:03 > 0:00:06over one of the most iconic rivers in Britain.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30'On today's show I'm helping a couple of expats return home
0:00:30 > 0:00:34'and we've got a great selection of properties to entice them back,'
0:00:34 > 0:00:36as long as we avoid a keyword.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Something a bit more cosy in here. - Peter doesn't like the word "cosy".
0:00:39 > 0:00:40It means "little" to me.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43But at another property there's a U-turn.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- It's nice and cosy in here. - Yeah, in a good way.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52I'm in the Cotswolds and this is Radcot Bridge
0:00:52 > 0:00:56which dates back to the 12th century and crosses the Thames.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59It's here that Henry Bolingbroke took his first major step
0:00:59 > 0:01:02towards becoming Henry IV, King of England.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05At the time he was being hunted down by his cousin, Richard II
0:01:05 > 0:01:09and, in order to stop the attacking army, Henry smashed through
0:01:09 > 0:01:12the middle section of that bridge and defeated them.
0:01:12 > 0:01:1512 years later, Henry went on to overthrow cousin Richard
0:01:15 > 0:01:17and was eventually crowned king.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20As you'll see, this beautiful limestone forms a theme
0:01:20 > 0:01:24throughout the wonderful looking towns and villages of the Cotswolds.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty
0:01:34 > 0:01:36that lies mainly within the counties of Gloucestershire
0:01:36 > 0:01:40and Oxfordshire but stretches into four other counties.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43As one of the most unspoiled regions of England,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46the area is world-famous for its golden coloured limestone villages,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49gentle, undulating hills
0:01:49 > 0:01:53and scenic river valleys, making it a very desirable place to live.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56The best vantage point is from Cleeve Hill,
0:01:56 > 0:02:01the highest peak in the Cotswolds, some 330 metres above sea level
0:02:01 > 0:02:06and, on a good day, you can see as far as the Black Mountains in Wales.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08It was the wool trade during the Middle Ages
0:02:08 > 0:02:10that made the Cotswolds prosperous.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13That wealth has left its mark in the form of towns
0:02:13 > 0:02:16such as Burford with its pretty high street leading downhill to
0:02:16 > 0:02:19a crossing point across the River Windrush.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Today the Cotswolds is still favoured by the rich and famous,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26all drawn to the harmonious mix of stunning countryside
0:02:26 > 0:02:28and beautiful properties.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Now it's no secret that house prices within the Cotswolds
0:02:37 > 0:02:40are a country mile away from house values outside of the area.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43The average price for a detached home here comes in
0:02:43 > 0:02:46at around £441,000.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50That's £184,000 above the national figure.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53In order to reduce this huge premium for living here,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56you're better off travelling further out and two great examples
0:02:56 > 0:02:59are Tetbury and Nailsworth heading west into Gloucestershire.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Both are on the periphery of this area but they still retain
0:03:03 > 0:03:06that Cotswold feel and heading south, you're better going the other
0:03:06 > 0:03:08side of the M4 into Wiltshire,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11where you will also be rewarded with better access.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15However, today's buyers do want to be in the heart of the Cotswolds,
0:03:15 > 0:03:16so let's meet them.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21Eight years ago Peter and Alfie moved from Swindon to Eichelberg
0:03:21 > 0:03:26in Germany for Peter's work in electrical engineering industry.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Now that he's retired they feel the time is right to return to British
0:03:29 > 0:03:33soil and are checking into a hotel in the Cotswolds to begin their hunt
0:03:33 > 0:03:37for a home closer to their grown-up children and five grandchildren.'
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We've been away from home and family a long time now
0:03:41 > 0:03:44and we think it's time to go back and see more of the family.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47We've missed a lot of years there. We've had a great time abroad,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51but we just know it's the right time to come back to the UK.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Their current home is a four-bedroom property
0:03:54 > 0:03:55in the south of Germany
0:03:55 > 0:03:59but despite its hillside location, there are drawbacks.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02It's a beautiful place, it really is beautiful, but we have to
0:04:02 > 0:04:06get into the car to go anywhere because we're up a mountain.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I want to go to a place where I can just open the door
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and walk to a shop, buy a paper
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and have a cup of coffee and walk back.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Peter, on the other hand, wants more peace in his retirement.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22The reason we want to leave Eichelberg is when we first
0:04:22 > 0:04:27went it was nice and quiet, but more and more houses have been built up
0:04:27 > 0:04:30and, to be frank, there is no seclusion in my garden.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31I like to sit in the garden
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and do things without people being able to overlook me.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39I would like a bit of privacy and a bit more quietness.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Moving to the Cotswolds has been on Alfie's mind for a while.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47It's very picturesque, it's a beautiful part of the world
0:04:47 > 0:04:49and it's sunnier than it is up North.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I used to go to university in Coventry, as a mature student,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55and I used to travel from Swindon to Coventry
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and I had to go through the Cotswolds and I used to think,
0:04:58 > 0:05:02as I was driving along, I'd like to live here.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It's just very nice.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Peter and Alfie have enjoyed their German experience
0:05:08 > 0:05:11but after a decade there are some things they've really missed.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I never eat fish and chips.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Very rarely.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20There are times when I would just love a bag of fish and chips.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23And when they finally return to the UK
0:05:23 > 0:05:25they will be keeping themselves busy.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28For me, what I'd like to do
0:05:28 > 0:05:31is first thing join a good golf course, a nice, big golf course.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35There's a lot of social activities in the golf course for me.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39I love photography. I'm not very good at it but I love photography.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I need more lessons.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46I would like to sort of develop sort of artistic skills
0:05:46 > 0:05:48like the photography and I would also like to do patchwork.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I have to say the other thing I would like to do
0:05:51 > 0:05:54is start cycling again. It's flatter.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57I know there are hills here, where we live it's very hilly.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01All that's left is to find out how much money they've got to play
0:06:01 > 0:06:04with for their great British homecoming.'
0:06:04 > 0:06:07The budget for the move is £750,000.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Peter and Alfie would like to be within
0:06:12 > 0:06:14an hour from their grandchildren in Swindon.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18We're concentrating our Cotswolds property search with that in mind.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23'I've come to their hotel on a misty morning to discuss their wish list.'
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- So, after living in Germany, you're moving back to the UK.- Yeah.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Not your hometown of Newcastle, then?
0:06:29 > 0:06:34No, before we went to Germany we lived in Wiltshire for 21 years
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and three of the grandchildren live in Wiltshire.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- OK, so the house itself.- Mmm.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43I take it you want some Cotswold stone?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Yes, Cotswold stone would be nice but it's not necessary.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49We like contemporary insides, that's the main thing.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Bright and light, we don't like lots of dark rooms and small windows.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55We need space, as well.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58You need space, light and bright,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01you could be after, maybe, a modern property then.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Yes.- Modern's OK, yes.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08I would like a big kitchen as the centre, the hub of the house,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- that's what I would like.- OK.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12It has to have more than one bathroom.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15More than one bathroom for the guests?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18No, one for him and one for me and then perhaps one for the guests.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20How many bedrooms, one each?
0:07:20 > 0:07:21THEY CHUCKLE
0:07:21 > 0:07:23No, we're still into one bedroom.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- How many bedrooms, minimum? - Three minimum.- At least three, yeah.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Finally, outside space? - Outside space, I like gardening.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35In fact, I spend a lot of time in the garden if I'm not golfing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38When Alfie's in the kitchen, I prefer to be in the garden.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40A nice sized garden.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Half an acre, even an acre is not a problem for me.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Right, let's talk budget.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50We've thought about £750,000 as the budget figure
0:07:50 > 0:07:52that we'd like to go and spend.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55For the best possible house in the world could you squeeze it?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Yes, we could squeeze it a little bit.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00We could squeeze if there's the best house in the world,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03we would be prepared to spend a bit more.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Make no mistake, that's a really healthy budget.- Mmm.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- But, it's...- It's here.- It's an expensive part of the world.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11I stress there may well be compromises here.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Let's get started. - OK, thanks.- OK.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19For a maximum budget of £750,000
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Peter and Alfie want a property with a light and spacious
0:08:22 > 0:08:25contemporary interior and they're not too concerned
0:08:25 > 0:08:27about the age and style.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Alfie would like a large kitchen for entertaining the family
0:08:30 > 0:08:32and they'd both like a bathroom each.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35The house should have at least three bedrooms,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37a reasonably sized garden for Peter
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and Alfie would like to be close to a village, or a town.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44We've lined up three impressive properties for our buyers to view
0:08:44 > 0:08:49and at each one I'll be asking them to guess the price at the end.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Our mystery house is a revelation in more ways than one.'
0:08:59 > 0:09:01For our first property we're travelling 15 miles
0:09:01 > 0:09:04north of Swindon to the hamlet of Driffield in Gloucestershire.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07The closest amenities can be found in South Cerney,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09around two miles away.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Located in the heart of the Cotswolds,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15this busy village has a post office and newsagents, three pubs
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and a church and there's an 18-hole golf course nearby.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Just a short drive away, our first house, very much
0:09:22 > 0:09:25'a traditional Cotswold property, awaits us.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Right then, here we go with our first property.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Let me tell you what you get.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35You get from that building, all the way across
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- to all that you see, really.- Yes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39And it's detached.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42It's OK. It's not something I would go for.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Oh, right, OK.- I have to say that.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- It just looks... It's very olde worlde.- Yeah.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50The first thing Alfie is probably thinking of, and I know I am, is
0:09:50 > 0:09:54how light is it inside because, you know, the windows aren't massive.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59I'm just wondering whether it will be a bit darker inside for what we like.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Let's go inside and see what you think of what's in there.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04OK, I'm looking forward to this.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07'Not the best start I've had to a house tour
0:10:07 > 0:10:11'but this pretty converted barn built from Cotswold stone
0:10:11 > 0:10:13'is typical of the area.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'I'm keen that Peter and Alfie get a real sense of what's on offer
0:10:16 > 0:10:20'in their price range in this expensive part of the world.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22We're heading to the kitchen first,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25which is located at the far end of the property.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31So, tell me what do you think of this kitchen?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34I think it's too small for what we're looking for.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Too small and too low. The ceiling is far too low for me.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43We have family that are well over six foot five.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47How much more size do you need from your kitchen?
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- How much more?- Double? - I think double.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I would like, not that I am going to get what I would like...
0:10:53 > 0:10:57this is not the hub of the house. It's pushed to the side.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Let's go to the living room now and tell me what you think about that.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Yeah, that'll be great.- Thanks.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Although the kitchen might be too small for Peter and Alfie's needs
0:11:08 > 0:11:11there's an adjoining utility room for all the white goods
0:11:11 > 0:11:13and a workshop beyond that.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- You have a good-sized dining room here.- Yeah.- Keep walking through.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19OK.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Then something a bit more cosy in here.- Oh, yeah.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It's that word "cosy".
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- That famous word, "cosy". - Peter doesn't like the word, "cosy".
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It means little to me.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35It's not that little, is it?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38It's an OK size just for a sitting room, yes.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41And the fire is quite nice.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- I like the fireplace, actually. - It's got higher ceilings as well.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- The ceilings are a bit better, definitely.- Mm-hm.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It's OK.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54But you're not going to buy a house that you think's OK.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57What's making it OK and not lovely?
0:11:57 > 0:12:03- I think, for me, it's a nook and cranny house.- Right.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Which is nice, or can be nice,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08but I'm just figuring out how you could change it around.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Let's go upstairs and we'll go from there.- OK.- OK, right.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15In total this house has four bedrooms.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17They're all of a decent sides with exposed timbers
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and plenty of cupboard space.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21There are also two family bathrooms,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24something Peter and Alfie were keen on.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Furthermore, the owners have made use of a space on the landing
0:12:27 > 0:12:29to create an open study area,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32which just leaves the master bedroom.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Righty-oh, so come on in.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39So what do we have here?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Yeah, it's low ceilings again.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43It's the slopes, isn't it?
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Claustrophobic comes to mind. - Really?- Yes.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52I think it's the shape of the room and it's not enough light for me
0:12:52 > 0:12:57and it's just makes it feel like an old cottage.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It is.- I suppose it's a converted barn,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02essentially that's what it is.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04You don't like that, then?
0:13:04 > 0:13:08At the moment I'm thinking I could change it all,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10but that's what I've got to do to live here.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- To change it all? - To change it all.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Let's go outside, I'll show you a bit more of the gardens
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- and we'll talk about price.- OK.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Get your thinking caps on.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24'At least Peter and Alfie are being clear about their feelings
0:13:24 > 0:13:27'towards our first property.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29'There's still the garden to see
0:13:29 > 0:13:31'and maybe we can claw something back.'
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It's south facing, bordered by Cotswold stone walls.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36with views across neighbouring fields.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40There is also a large gravel driveway and a stone and timber
0:13:40 > 0:13:42outbuilding, which could be converted
0:13:42 > 0:13:44'subject to planning permission.'
0:13:44 > 0:13:50- So Peter, the garden is your domain. - Yes.- Tell me, what do you think?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53The actual overall size is not too bad.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57How much do you think this house is on the market for, Alfie?
0:13:57 > 0:14:00It's a bit difficult. I'm not very good at this.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I think on the market, probably 700,000.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06All right, Peter?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I think I'll go a bit higher than Alfie, about 720,000.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11That'll be right.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- Right, it's on the market for offers around £745,000.- OK.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18That's after a price reduction.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- Really?- It's worth bearing in mind, you know, for me to remind you
0:14:23 > 0:14:27as much as anything else, this is not a cheap part of the world.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Why don't you go back into the house, have a good look around
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and I'll meet you when you're done.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- That's lovely, thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Well a bit of reality check there.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Our first house is priced at £745,000,
0:14:40 > 0:14:45just 5,000 below Peter and Alfie's maximum budget.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49It's a former barn built out of traditional Cotswold stone.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Converted in the 1980s, the accommodation includes a kitchen
0:14:52 > 0:14:56and breakfast room and a twin aspect sitting room.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01The garden is south facing
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and the property is two miles away from a busy village.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10It's a very nice house, very nice property. It stands on a nice plot.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12It's not the type of house for Peter or I.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16It's not got what we're looking for, I don't think.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19From my point of view, the size of the plot itself was OK.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21It's a country house in a country place,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24but it's not for me or Alfie, I think.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- So, all done inside, both of you? - Yes, thank you.- Yes.- OK.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Onward and upward.- Brilliant.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42In the early 20th century the Cotswolds became an important
0:15:42 > 0:15:45centre for the Arts & Crafts movement.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49In 1902, a group of craftsmen led by designer CR Ashbee
0:15:49 > 0:15:52arrived here in Chipping Campden, from London.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55At the time the Cotswold town was rather run down
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and Ashbee and his followers were happy to make it their home
0:15:58 > 0:16:00and pay cheaper rent.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03One of those designers was George Hart who set up
0:16:03 > 0:16:05this workshop to make silverware.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Fast forward 100 years and this artistic tradition
0:16:08 > 0:16:12is being carried out by his great grandson, Julian Hart.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Since Pete and Alfie are keen to master new creative skills,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19we sent them to try their hand at silversmithing.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23This is one of the things we do.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25A cheese knife.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27That's lovely.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30The handle itself is a hollow section.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33We take a piece of silver like that,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35bend it round the tool.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37If you want to have a go you can feel how tough it is to bend
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- it around.- I'll have a try. Thank you.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48As well as advocating better working conditions for craftsmen,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51the Arts & Crafts movement placed emphasis on the value of materials
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and the revival of traditional skills and tools
0:16:54 > 0:16:57at the expense of heavy machinery.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- Is that ready to hammer now?- Yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08You tap it in with a mallet just to tighten it all up around the top.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10I'll have a bash.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17It's not going very well, Julian.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Don't be afraid to hit it, it won't hurt...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24The mallet is made of leather so it won't mark the silver.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I'm not really worried about the silver, it's my hands!
0:17:27 > 0:17:28JULIAN CHUCKLES
0:17:29 > 0:17:33It was workshops like this that transformed this market town.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Jewellers, blacksmiths, cabinet-makers and printers
0:17:36 > 0:17:38all set up shop here.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41But the experiment was short lived and by 1908,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44many of the craftspeople left to go back to the towns.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47But not George Hart and this workshop
0:17:47 > 0:17:50is the only one still in operation from that time.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- OK?- Yeah.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54The next stage will be go to the forge
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and we've got to solder it all together and join the ends up.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I've noticed all the way around,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06all of these tools, really heavy tools, did they come up from London?
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Probably added a few but the majority were what were collected up
0:18:09 > 0:18:12in London back in the 1880s.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16What about lighting, it's quite dark?
0:18:16 > 0:18:20That's essentially why all the benches are laid out under
0:18:20 > 0:18:24the windows because you tend to prefer natural light to work.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27If you've got bright overhead lights it just reflects off the silver
0:18:27 > 0:18:28and back into your eyes.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Is that the original filing system? - That's the accounts department.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- That's your accounts department? - Yeah.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36You're supposed to keep your receipts for seven years,
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- but last time we had a clear out was 70 years ago.- 70!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Now that Peter and Alfie have discovered this historic gem
0:18:50 > 0:18:52on their potential doorstep,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54we need to forge ahead with our house search.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02For our second property we're heading a mere seven miles south
0:19:02 > 0:19:06to Cricklade, which is just over the border into Wiltshire.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Cricklade is a ninth century Saxon town with a wide High Street
0:19:09 > 0:19:14along which you'll find a range of shops, pubs and restaurants.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17In 2011, the town was winner of the prestigious
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Britain in Bloom competition.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22It's also home to a nine-hole golf course
0:19:22 > 0:19:25and we're making a detour there first.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30Now I've heard a lot about you two being keen golfers.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Time to find out how good you are. - OK.- OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34So, nearest the pin...
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- Oh!- No way. No way!
0:19:40 > 0:19:43THEY LAUGH
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Where do I go from here?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49This is ridiculous!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- No, it's not going to go in.- Oh!
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Surprise, surprise, I'm the loser here,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01but this is where I could pull it all back, I think.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07Because property number two is right on top of this golf course.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08It's there.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- There?- Up that road?
0:20:10 > 0:20:11Down that drive. That is your drive.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13It's close enough to a golf course!
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Do you think so, yeah! - Let's have a look.- Come on.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21'It's a thumbs up for location from Peter
0:20:21 > 0:20:24'but will we score a hole in one with the house itself?'
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Now, then, grand entrance?- Yes.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- It is very.- A beautiful entrance. - Excellent.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I like the house, it's very nice.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Yeah.- It's picturesque, isn't it?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39It was built around 1920,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42but then in 1980 odd, it was extended out this way.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- OK. - This house is bigger and squarer
0:20:46 > 0:20:50so I'm hoping that configuration will be more to your liking.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53OK. Let's hope the kitchen is big, as well, for Alfie.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Is the kitchen big, that's the important thing?
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Let's start there, then.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59'A more positive response to our second house.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03'Perhaps Peter is still thinking about the distance to the first tee.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05'Let's hope the kitchen is up to par.'
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- So the all-important kitchen, Alfie. - Yeah.- It's nice, it's a nice size.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Good.- Yeah, it really is.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17I just thought this is a nice, big, square room
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- of which you can put your central island in.- It is nice.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22- It's not my decor.- No, OK.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27I think that what it is, it's not my decor but it is lovely.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Very nice.- I like it. Do you think you might cook in here?
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- No, no.- No?- I'll show you the living room now.- OK, that'll be lovely.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Here's your living room, or snug.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41It's nice, isn't it?
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- It's nice and bright. - It is a bright room.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49This is maybe a little bit smaller than the living room
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- you saw at the first house. - Yes, you're right.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54It's not the size, it's the brightness that makes the difference.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- I think the decor, as well.- Yeah.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58If you like this room, which is good news for me,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02you'll love the room next door, which is currently a dining room.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05You've also got, what they have is a cinema room,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- the other side of the house, as well. Much smaller.- Mm-hm.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- A cinema room sounds great.- Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- So downstairs sounds like it could work for you.- Yeah.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It's looking like it is. We can work around it.- It's looking good.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Let's have a look upstairs. Thank you very much.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22As well as the ready-made cinema room,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25there's also a study off the entrance hall.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Upstairs there are five bedrooms, three of those are doubles,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31one comes with ensuite bathroom, ideal for guests
0:22:31 > 0:22:33and another has built-in cupboards.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36There are also two smaller bedrooms, as well as a large,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40family bathroom, which just leaves the master suite.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Now then...
0:22:43 > 0:22:44Master bedroom...
0:22:47 > 0:22:48- It's small.- Yes.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51That's the first thing I thought.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- You've got built-in wardrobes here. - Yeah.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Maybe take this storage back, giving yourself
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- a much bigger master bedroom.- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01With these be very deep, would that give you much room?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I'll show you. Look.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05They go back there, look.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- That would give quite a bit. - That makes it much bigger.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It would make all the difference.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15Now this is the master because it has, well,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18one heck of an ensuite, let me show you.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Ah, now that's...- Now we're talking.- Now we're talking!
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Now then...- Oh...
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Hey, we could have a party in here!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- This is what I call an ensuite, definitely.- It is lovely.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Let's show you outside and, hopefully,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- that could be the cherry on top of the cake.- OK.- Wonderful.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41'I thought we'd lost them with the size of the master bedroom
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'but the ensuite has got us back on track.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47'And they shouldn't be disappointed with the grounds.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'As well as the sweeping driveway and double garage
0:23:50 > 0:23:52'and workshop at the front of the house, there is
0:23:52 > 0:23:56'a total of one acre of gardens here, including a large lawn,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59'a decked area, ideal for outside entertaining
0:23:59 > 0:24:02'and there's even a built-in chess set.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:05So, Peter, what are you going to do with all this garden?
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- What am I going to do with it? I'm going to enjoy it, I think.- Yeah.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13It's just really nice and different.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15It's not a bad package, is it?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- It's not.- It's a very good package.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Great reactions but how much do you think
0:24:20 > 0:24:22this house is on the market for?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25I think I would go for £730,000.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- I was going to say it's the top of our limit, I would say 750.- 750.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Yeah, because it's beautiful. - Well...- Maybe more.
0:24:33 > 0:24:39- It's on the market for offers around £760,000.- OK.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43We'll have to think about it because it's the top end of our budget
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and we'd have to do a lot of changes, like the kitchen
0:24:46 > 0:24:48and various things that we'd have to move.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Go back into the house and have a look at all the other rooms.- OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- Walk the grounds, there's an acre of them.- Mm-hm.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56It's the last thing we're seeing today so I'll meet you
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- whenever you're finished.- OK, that's lovely.- Enjoy it.- Thank you.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Priced at £760,000,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09our second property is only slightly over budget.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Dating back to the 1920s,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14the extended house retains many original features.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17The accommodation includes a large kitchen and breakfast room
0:25:17 > 0:25:19and two light living areas.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22There are five bedrooms upstairs as well as one of the biggest
0:25:22 > 0:25:24ensuite bathrooms I've ever seen.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27The extensive gardens have fantastic views
0:25:27 > 0:25:30and the property is located on the edge of a golf course,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32close to a popular town.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Crikey, this is nice. That's a surprise, isn't it?
0:25:34 > 0:25:38It's another ensuite. That's very good.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- Yeah, that's good.- It's lovely.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41The layout's very nice.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44The kitchen, you don't feel as though you're tucked away,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46it is a big part of the house, which is good.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47The dining room,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50the fireplace in the dining room is absolutely superb.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I think it's the original.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54The bedrooms are lovely.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58However, the master bedroom, I think, is a little bit small
0:25:58 > 0:26:00in comparison to the ensuite, which is huge
0:26:00 > 0:26:03and we could have a lovely party in there.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04The outside space is fabulous.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07I like the fact that you have a big barbecue area
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and a nice area where there's a chess set setup which would be
0:26:10 > 0:26:14great for the grandkids or myself, even, to play with Alfie.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- Ah.- Hiya.- All done inside?- Yes.- Yes.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Well, I can say it is a lovely place to spend an evening.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24I wish I could stay here even longer!
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- You just need a gin and tonic or something.- Oh, that would be nice.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Let's go back and get one, shall we?- We will. Lovely.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47It's the second day of our property search here in the Cotswolds.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51And on a budget of £750,000, we are helping expats Peter
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and Alfie return home after eight years in Germany.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Coming up, the mystery house has a garden with a difference.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00At least I haven't got to cut the grass!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05'And the mind boggles at one of Britain's miniature villages.'
0:27:05 > 0:27:07And we have the model of the model of the model
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and we've got the model of the model of the model.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11Have you really?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Well, wonderful reactions from both Peter and Alfie
0:27:16 > 0:27:18in yesterday's second property.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22So much so that we are taking a bit of a gamble with the mystery house.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Now, whilst they will both enjoy, I hope,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27looking round a beautifully appointed house with a minimum
0:27:27 > 0:27:30of three bedrooms, there are gambles.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Firstly, it's in a very rural location.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Whilst Peter might get plenty of outside space with this
0:27:36 > 0:27:39property, he will also get plenty of trees.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47On the way to the mystery house, you know it is going to be
0:27:47 > 0:27:50a bit different, it is going to challenge you in some way.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54If we're going to show you something quirky or a bit different, Peter,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56what would be a good start?
0:27:56 > 0:28:01Quirky or different to me would be, I don't know, some sort of...
0:28:01 > 0:28:05conversion of some large building where it had really high roofs
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and lots of space and things. That would be quirky.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10It's all about space for you, isn't it?
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Space is most important for me.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15And outside, again, bigger is better?
0:28:15 > 0:28:21Erm, I've got no problem with size actually. If it's bigger, then fine.
0:28:21 > 0:28:22It doesn't worry me at all.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Alfie worries that if I die, who is going to cut the grass
0:28:26 > 0:28:28but I've told her to buy a gardener.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Let's try and stay positive this morning, shall we?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38For our mystery house, we are heading back over
0:28:38 > 0:28:42the border into Gloucestershire and to the small village of Sapperton.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45The closest amenities are in Oakridge around three miles away,
0:28:45 > 0:28:46which has a church,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49a pub and a post office.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Style wise, I think our third house delivers
0:28:52 > 0:28:55but as far as location is concerned, it's very rural.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59And Alfie in particular wanted to be able to walk into a town
0:28:59 > 0:29:02or large village. I'm just hoping our mystery property,
0:29:02 > 0:29:07with its spiritual pedigree, will enlighten our buyers.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11The mystery property is a religious affair.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- OK.- Or used to be.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17This was accommodation for farm workers locally
0:29:17 > 0:29:22and then the local squire decided in, let me get the dates right,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26in the 19th century to build this chapel next door.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28A Wesleyan Chapel, so Methodists.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31And then it all became one much later on
0:29:31 > 0:29:34and there's a 1970s extension just the other side
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- so it's actually quite a lot of accommodation.- Really?
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- It does look interesting.- Good. - It really does.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45One thing you did say, you said I like the idea of taller ceilings.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Obviously one of them is very tall. Let's start in that room.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- So my prayers were answered.- Yes.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53'As well as its religious past,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55'the property has been an inspirational home
0:29:55 > 0:29:58'to various artists and sculptors,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01'which should appeal to Alfie's creative side.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03'First stop, the old chapel.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:08- Not a bad entrance hall. - It's beautiful. It's lovely.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12You wanted to become more crafty, in the nicest sense of the word.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It's braced towards that, isn't it?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Yes. Nice high ceilings as well. - It is.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22- What an entrance hall, eh?- Shall we make our way?- Yes.- Follow me.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26'The property is arranged on various levels and we are heading down
0:30:26 > 0:30:29'a flight of stairs for the remainder of the reception rooms.'
0:30:29 > 0:30:34So, lots of different areas here.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- Uh-huh.- It's lovely.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39It's not a big, sprawling kitchen.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- No, but it's very central, it's very sort of workable.- Yes.- Yes.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47And you've got the space down there for eating and things like that.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50It's a very nook and cranny kitchen, isn't it?
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Which some people might not like.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54I thought Peter might protest about this.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Peter doesn't work in the kitchen. - I could see Alfie working in here.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Just need to find you somewhere to sit and relax
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- and wait for your food, don't we?- Exactly.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I'll sit in the corner at the bottom.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Well, you have obviously seen that lovely chapel space upstairs,
0:31:09 > 0:31:10which could be a reception room.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- You've got a couple of places down here as well, let me show you.- OK.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Now then, what do we think?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Oh, yes.- It's lovely. - Nice and cosy in here.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- It is cosy in here - he's using the word cosy.- In a good way!
0:31:30 > 0:31:32In a positive way, I hope.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34It is, it is very nice.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37It's really done out well, I think,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40whoever has renovated this has done a good job.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- So this is the 1970s extension.- Yes.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46But in putting this on here, they have still managed to connect it.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50See the door going through there, into the dining part of the kitchen.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54- Ah, so it's open... It's sort of semi-open plan.- Correct.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57And then you've got another reception room through there.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00That's a nice one, isn't it? Small one.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Obviously I've still got my problem with the height of the roofs.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06And things like that and the beams, but the way it is done is
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- so tasteful, it's really incredible. - So you would bow your head?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- You'd have to, it's a church! - Quite, yes.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17The heavenly charms of the mystery house appear to be working
0:32:17 > 0:32:19their magic on our buyers.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22'A second flight of stairs leads us to another level,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25'where there are three decent sized bedrooms.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- This is the master.- OK.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35- It's nice. Nice and light, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- Actually it's quite a big room here, in the way it's done out.- Yes.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45We are in the roof. A bit like in the first house.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- But there's more room.- Yes, it's sort of squared off a bit better.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- No en suite, though?- Next door you've got a family bathroom. OK?
0:32:54 > 0:32:58But that family bathroom also needs to service the spare
0:32:58 > 0:33:00bedroom as well, which is just through there.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04But then, you've also got another double bedroom which is en suite.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- Ah, OK, so you have got two bathrooms.- Mm. So, outside space.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It's...
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It comes in quite a different shaped package, if you like.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21- But there is loads of it. Let me show you.- Really?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26And that package includes a secluded terrace and paved
0:33:26 > 0:33:29and gravel areas surrounded by numerous shrubs.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31'But that is not all that is on offer here.'
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I know you wanted to get involved in something a bit more,
0:33:34 > 0:33:40- so as it's the mystery property we have got you a lot more.- A lot more.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- You've got six acres of woodland. - Of woodland?- Ooh.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Six acres?- Woodland? - Yep.- Whoop-whoop!
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- It's got to be different. - Woodland.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57At least I haven't got to cut the grass!
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Before I let you loose into the woodland
0:34:00 > 0:34:03and back into the house of course, you need to guess the price.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- Oh, my God.- Oh, yeah.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08It has been quite a quirky mystery house, hasn't it?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It has. The house is absolutely lovely.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14So I think I would probably go for 760.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17760. OK. Peter?
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Yeah, if it hadn't been for six acres, I think
0:34:22 > 0:34:24that threw me a bit.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28I think I would go for £785,000.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Well, Peter, you are on the money.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It's on the market for offers around £785,000.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36- He's not!- Mm.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39It's the last thing we're seeing of all the three houses,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42so take your time, have a good look around inside and out.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- I'll catch you later on. - OK, thank you.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Well, this house, it's, you know, it had the big rooms
0:34:50 > 0:34:52and quirky feel, which I thought they might like.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56But, of course, whilst it might have lots and lots of land,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58the big gamble here was the position.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07On the market for £785,000, our mystery house is over budget,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11but the owner is open to offers, and the property requires no work.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Originally a farm workers' cottage,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17the Methodist chapel was added in the 19th century.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19The accommodation includes a spacious kitchen
0:35:19 > 0:35:22and breakfast room and three double bedrooms.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24As well as a rear garden,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27the property comes with six acres of woodland.
0:35:28 > 0:35:34It's weird because it is like a sort of nook and cranny house,
0:35:34 > 0:35:37but it's an open plan type of nook and cranny.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39I've never seen anything like it.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42The atmosphere inside is lovely, very calming.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48The entrance hall was fabulous, just superbly decorated and the paintings
0:35:48 > 0:35:53on the walls and the furniture, tiling, was out of this world.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It was really excellent. I was pleasantly surprised.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00The location itself would be the big problem for us.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03It's just, it feels quite isolated
0:36:03 > 0:36:09and I think it's fine on a reasonable day, but on a cold, wet,
0:36:09 > 0:36:14rainy day, we would probably feel a bit trapped inside the property.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Well, I was wondering whether I would see you again after
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- going in that dark wood there with all that nature.- I know.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26A lot of nature! A lot of trees as well.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- It's a long way round, six acres. - Yes.- But, great house.
0:36:30 > 0:36:31Beautiful house.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34So let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a "conflab", shall we?
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Let's go.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Each year, around 38 million people visit the Cotswolds
0:36:42 > 0:36:45and tourism is the primary industry in the area.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49But a century ago, pretty villages like Bourton-on-the-Water
0:36:49 > 0:36:51were quiet and isolated.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53In the 1930s, a local entrepreneur,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57keen to cash in on the boom in car ownership, decided to create
0:36:57 > 0:37:00a local tourist attraction to put Bourton on the map.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03An exact model replica of the village itself.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Commissioned by the Morris family, who owned the local pub,
0:37:07 > 0:37:09the model village was only the second in the country
0:37:09 > 0:37:12when it opened in 1937.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16I've come to find out more about this unique miniature world.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19I am meeting the owner, Julian Atherton.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Is this built to scale?
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Yes, this is a one-ninth replica of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28There is various discussions of why it is one-ninth.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32People called it the architect's scale at the time because obviously
0:37:32 > 0:37:36it'd be in imperial, not metric, so 9 is a portion of 12.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39The other rumour is that it was scaled at that to fit in
0:37:39 > 0:37:40the available space
0:37:40 > 0:37:44that they had, which is what we see the space has been used now.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49I would be deeply suspicious if it was the latter. It looks...
0:37:49 > 0:37:51very well done. It looks built.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55It is a replica rather than a model and it was built
0:37:55 > 0:37:59by eight stonemason who were the men that would have built
0:37:59 > 0:38:01the real houses in the village
0:38:01 > 0:38:04and done repairs to them, because they're all made of Cotswold stone.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- But it's weathered well.- Yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Cotswold stone does suffer, we have to do a lot of repairs,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14especially the winter is the main problem because it gets wet
0:38:14 > 0:38:20and then you get some frost and the stone sort of explodes,
0:38:20 > 0:38:24and so that causes a lot of wear that has to be replaced.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Because of its historical and architectural significance,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31the miniature village was given Grade II listed status
0:38:31 > 0:38:33earlier this year -
0:38:33 > 0:38:36the only one in the country to receive such an accolade.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39To ensure its upkeep, Julian has a team of people on hand
0:38:39 > 0:38:42who are responsible for maintenance and repair.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46From stonemasons who work with scale down Cotswold Slate,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49to gardeners who prune the trees.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I notice here, this is something I was hoping you would have here.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56You have got, you know, as this is the model village, then you have
0:38:56 > 0:39:01- to have this model village in the model village.- Absolutely.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03How far down that road can you go?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Have you got a model of a model of a model?- We have.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09You're in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12We're in the model village in Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15We have the model in the model village in Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Then we have the model of the model of the model.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- And we've got the model of the model of the model.- Have you really?
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Have you ever entertained the idea of going one step further?
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- My eyesight is going a bit for that! - I bet.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29'Although around 30 model villages are believed to have been built
0:39:29 > 0:39:32'around the country during the last century,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34'the majority are fictional toy towns.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37'This is the only one that recreates a real village in miniature
0:39:37 > 0:39:39'at a particular point in time,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43'built by local builders using authentic materials.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47'Now I've had my tour, it's time to get back to the real world.'
0:39:51 > 0:39:55I've got a fair idea which of the properties is coming out on top
0:39:55 > 0:39:58and after a bit of thinking time, let's find out what Peter
0:39:58 > 0:40:00and Alfie's next move is.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04So, after a bit of time to think,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08what is your favourite property out of the three?
0:40:08 > 0:40:11For me, the favourite one has to be the last one. The mystery house.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Really?- Yes. Has that shocked you? - Yes!
0:40:14 > 0:40:17What was it about the mystery house that made it your favourite?
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I think it was just the quirkiness.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22The actual house, not the locality of it.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- The location wasn't very good. - It was very rural, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I don't think I would feel safe there on my own.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Is your favourite house the mystery property as well?
0:40:31 > 0:40:35The actual quality of the mystery house I really liked.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39I just loved the atmosphere, the way things were laid out.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44The different shapes, the whole quirkiness of the lay out,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47even though I don't like low ceilings and things.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51It was one of those things I would have compromised on, actually.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54But it was just too far out in the country.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Sort of miles away from anywhere
0:40:58 > 0:41:01and the forest was great,
0:41:01 > 0:41:06but Alfie would never, ever move to a place so far away from civilisation.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I was banking on you choosing property number two
0:41:09 > 0:41:10as the favourite.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14I think property number two would be, if there was any chance
0:41:14 > 0:41:17of buying any of them, it would be number two, definitely.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21I could actually see us living in property number two.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Ideally, if I could take property number three,
0:41:24 > 0:41:29the mystery house, and place it in property number two's sort of
0:41:29 > 0:41:34- environment or location, then we have everything that we want.- Sure.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- It would probably be well over budget as well.- Way over budget.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42It sounds like if property number two isn't for you, it is
0:41:42 > 0:41:45a good eight out of ten, gauging your reactions.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47If you come back and view some more houses,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- you've just got to beat that, haven't you?- Yes.- That's right.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52As far as I'm concerned, it is
0:41:52 > 0:41:55a good benchmark for the next house we look for that we like better.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57That's good. So off back to Germany now.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00The next time you come back here to the Cotswolds,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- you'll be looking at houses again? - Yes.- Definitely.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03So, good luck with that.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- And please let us know whatever you decide on, won't you?- We will.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- So it's auf wiedersehen now. - Yes, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Whilst we didn't find Alfie
0:42:19 > 0:42:23and Peter the ideal home here in the Cotswolds, we did come pretty close.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26And surprisingly so with the mystery house.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29I think even Peter was taken aback on how much
0:42:29 > 0:42:31he enjoyed looking around that property,
0:42:31 > 0:42:36especially when you bear in mind he was after big, bright living spaces.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39I think one of the reasons why he enjoyed it so much was
0:42:39 > 0:42:41it was impeccably presented.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45So I think, whatever property they end up settling on here
0:42:45 > 0:42:48in the Cotswolds, it'll be very much the finished article.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52So, I guess, let's watch this space. See you next time.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Northern Ireland, England or even further afield
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