0:00:02 > 0:00:06Most monuments that you find lying around the British countryside do have a legend or two attached
0:00:06 > 0:00:09to them and this one is no exception. The story goes
0:00:09 > 0:00:11that it marks the spot where King Arthur no less
0:00:11 > 0:00:16slew a giant. But where is this tall tale set and is it true?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40On today's show, we've found a fantastic collection of properties
0:00:40 > 0:00:42to tempt our buyers.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But there's one word we need to avoid...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47I'm not going to say nice.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- This is one of the nicest rooms in the house, actually.- Oh, nice!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54I wasn't going to say the nice word, was I?
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Well, today we are in Herefordshire
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and although most counties like to lay some sort of claim
0:01:01 > 0:01:02to the Arthurian legend,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05this thing has absolutely nothing to do with him.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08It is, in fact, a Neolithic burial mound.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Some 5,000 years ago,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13our ancestors interred their dead in these things.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17When it was first built, it would have been covered with a huge mound of earth.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Many were deliberately sited on hilltops
0:01:19 > 0:01:21to dominate the landscapes below.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Now, this is probably one of the oldest man-made structures
0:01:25 > 0:01:28in the county, but strangely, it's never been excavated,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32so who knows what lies beneath it. But of course, it's what's
0:01:32 > 0:01:35above ground that's of real interest to us
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and, what's more, Herefordshire is also my new home.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42So take it from me, it's a county that has plenty to recommend it.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Landlocked Herefordshire is one of England's most remote
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and sparsely-populated counties
0:01:54 > 0:01:59and borders Worcestershire to the east and Shropshire to the north.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01The landscape is mainly rural
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and agriculture plays a key role in the local economy.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The rich, fertile soil is excellent for fruit growing,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11and apple orchards are a common feature across the county.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15The capital, the city of Hereford, was originally a border
0:02:15 > 0:02:18garrison town and literally means "army ford".
0:02:18 > 0:02:21At its centre is the towering cathedral.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24East of Hereford in the town of Ledbury,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27you'll find excellent examples of the distinctive
0:02:27 > 0:02:31black-and-white style architecture the county is famous for,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34including the 17th-century Market House.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37It balances on top of 16 wooden posts,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40supposedly taken from a wreck from the Spanish Armada.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45With the River Wye meandering its way through scenic,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48unspoilt countryside, Herefordshire is arguably
0:02:48 > 0:02:51one of the most peaceful counties in Britain.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Now, when it comes to property prices here in Herefordshire,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59they pretty much reflect the national picture
0:02:59 > 0:03:04with your average detached coming in at about £254,000.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07But if you're not that fussed about being close to any one
0:03:07 > 0:03:10of the county's five market towns, such as Ledbury or indeed
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Ross-on-Wye, you could push your search a little bit
0:03:13 > 0:03:16further westward towards the border with Wales.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19There your property pound will certainly go that bit further
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and you'll have plenty of space in which to spend it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26And it's that sense of space that today's buyers so desperately crave.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Steve and Yvonne currently own this four-bedroom house
0:03:30 > 0:03:34in Wheatley on the outskirts of the city of Oxford.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Their desire to live in a more rural setting has been on the cards for a while.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Just under ten years ago, I retired
0:03:40 > 0:03:44and the master plan was to spend two years round the country
0:03:44 > 0:03:46on a narrow boat that I'd just bought,
0:03:46 > 0:03:48but that never came to fruition.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The move was put on hold as Yvonne gave up her teaching job
0:03:51 > 0:03:55to become a full-time carer for her elderly father.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Sadly, he died this year.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Leaving their home will be emotional,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01but they feel it's time for a change of scene.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06I came to teaching in '71, 1971. I've been in Oxfordshire since,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08so I have a lot of friends and I will miss those.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12What I won't miss, I suppose, is the closeness of everything
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and the noise and the traffic. I hanker for wider spaces.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19They've been married for 33 years
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and during that time, they've bought seven houses together,
0:04:22 > 0:04:27but this move to rural Herefordshire they hope will be their last.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30This is the opportunity to find exactly what we want,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32what Steve will be happy with,
0:04:32 > 0:04:37plenty of space around us and just relax in our golden days.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39And having that space around them
0:04:39 > 0:04:44is probably a good thing as Steve has some particularly noisy hobbies.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I've always tinkered about playing guitar
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and one of the things I always said I'd like to do when I retired
0:04:50 > 0:04:53was to learn to play the drums.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Now, I have this set of drums
0:04:54 > 0:04:57and up until very recently, they've been stored away
0:04:57 > 0:05:01in my friend's garage because of all the house renovations.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I've just got them out and I'm just looking forward to going somewhere
0:05:05 > 0:05:08where I can start to learn and bash away.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11And when he's not hammering the drums, he's keen to work
0:05:11 > 0:05:14on the new house, having completely renovated their current home.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I have a go at most things.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19You know, brickwork, plastering, plumbing.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21I've done a lot of woodwork
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and also built some bespoke sheds for myself and Yvonne.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Fortunately, Yvonne prefers quieter pursuits.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33I spend a lot of my spare time in the craft studio
0:05:33 > 0:05:34that Steve built for me.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Although I call it a shed, but it's posher than a shed.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I do crochet, I do needlework, I do artwork.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45I've got a project in there waiting to be finished.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I also love my gardening. I grow veggies as well.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51When I'm not doing that, I go swimming.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53So, I'm a busy girl, really.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57All that's left is to find out how much money they've set aside
0:05:57 > 0:05:59for this move to rural Herefordshire.
0:05:59 > 0:06:05The budget for the move... Well, between £600,000 and £700,000.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Although if we find the right property,
0:06:08 > 0:06:12we could push ourselves to 750,000.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Steve and Yvonne aren't fussy about a specific location
0:06:18 > 0:06:21in Herefordshire, but want lots of space around them.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25So, for a change, we have a free rein with our property search.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I'm meeting them to go over the details of what they want
0:06:28 > 0:06:29from their country relocation.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- Welcome to Herefordshire.- Thank you.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35So, just paint us a picture, Yvonne, of what this new life is going to comprise.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Peace. Quiet.
0:06:37 > 0:06:44The ability to do what I want without any interference from anybody else.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Just time to spend to do the things I want to do.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50I mean, I know you're an engineer, Steve, and I know that you've done
0:06:50 > 0:06:52quite a bit of work on previous properties that you've owned.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56How involved are you intending to get with this new building,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58whatever it's going to be?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00If you've got the right place in the right location,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04if it's done and finished and shiny, that's fine.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Obviously, that will reflect the budget variation.- Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10If it was a rural barn that wanted fitting out,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12but was the right place
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and the right location, then I'd take that on as well.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18So, the specification of this property, Yvonne.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Like everybody, I'd like a spacious kitchen. I love open plan.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25I'd like more accommodation downstairs than upstairs.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Outbuildings. I love outbuildings. - Yeah, don't we all!
0:07:28 > 0:07:30So that I can do painting and flap about in it
0:07:30 > 0:07:33and make mess without having to tidy it up. Just leave it.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Now, you said more space downstairs than upstairs.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- How many bedrooms do we need? - Three's OK, but four would be fine.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Just remind us of the budget for this move.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Well, we said sort of 600,000 to 700,000,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50but obviously, if the right place came along, we'd push to 750.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55We've got three properties to show you, including our mystery house.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Hmm, what's that going to be?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- We only want one. - Well, there you are.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Three should, I hope, leave you spoilt for choice here.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07The property market in this part of the world is absolutely superb
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- and you've got a budget to match it. - Excellent.- That's good.- Follow me.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17For a maximum budget of £750,000,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Steve and Yvonne want a house with space around them
0:08:21 > 0:08:22and far-reaching views.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25In terms of layout, they prefer open-plan accommodation
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and favour the downstairs space over the bedrooms,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31although they would like at least three of those.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Yvonne would like a large kitchen
0:08:33 > 0:08:35and an outbuilding for her artwork.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39We've arranged three stunning properties for Steve and Yvonne
0:08:39 > 0:08:41to view here in Herefordshire
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and at each one, I'll be putting their pricing skills to the test.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46Our last, the mystery house,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49may leave our buyers brewing with excitement.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01For our first property, we're heading to the village
0:09:01 > 0:09:03of Kerne Bridge in the south of the county.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06It's within a stone's throw of one of Herefordshire's key
0:09:06 > 0:09:09attractions, and that's where we're making a short stop.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12Right then.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- "So, why are we not at property number one?" you're thinking.- Yep.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Why are we here looking at this stretch of river?
0:09:17 > 0:09:19As a bit of a scene setter, I thought
0:09:19 > 0:09:22we'd pause here at Symonds Yat,
0:09:22 > 0:09:23this wonderful gorge, which is
0:09:23 > 0:09:26one of the great kind of tourist hot spots of this part of the world.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- That is the River Wye.- Yep.- And this lovely little collection of pubs
0:09:30 > 0:09:34and restaurants is ever so popular.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38And all of this would be on your doorstep because property number one
0:09:38 > 0:09:39is just over that hill.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Wow.- But it does mean we've got to cross the river.- OK.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Do we swim?- No, we're going to drive, come on.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48THEY LAUGH
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Our first property is a five-minute drive away in Kerne Bridge, nestled
0:09:53 > 0:09:57into the hillside, on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03So, there is property number one.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04- Mm-hm.- All right.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07But you did say location was everything,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- and that view...- Yeah, stunning.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- ..I think really kind of makes this property.- Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- That certainly is a view, Jules. - So, what do you think, Yvonne?
0:10:15 > 0:10:19I think the views are stunning, absolutely stunning, yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- But what about our property? - Um... Well, I'll wait to see.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26The outside looks promising. I'm eager to see the inside.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- But in terms of setting. - Oh, yeah, sure.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I mean, obviously, it speaks for itself, the setting.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Let's have a look.- Yeah.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's a thumbs up for the location, but let's hope
0:10:37 > 0:10:39that this 19th-century building,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41which has been extended over the years,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44continues to deliver once we get inside.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46We're accessing it via the conservatory.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53Right, we're going to start with the principal living room,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55which is this one.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Yes...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- It's, uh... I'm not going to say nice.- You can do.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Nice is the gist of it.- It's...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Yeah, it's oldy looking, isn't it?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's in keeping. It has mega views.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Well, that's what it's all about. - Mega views.- Yeah.- Mega views.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Through that door over there, is a little study area.- Right.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17And the boiler room.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Um, and of course, you've got the great big fireplace as well.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Which you could put a log burner in.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Let's see what you think about the dining room.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Follow me up the steps and through the hallway.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32And then this is the dining end,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35which also goes out into the conservatory, which we saw already.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- Yeah.- Right, yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I don't know, something is worrying me about your reactions to this one.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Uh... I'm not moved at the moment. - You're not moved?
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- I can't fault that view, but...- No.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46I mean, the views are excellent, absolutely.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48But it has got to be more than a view.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Let's keep going, let's see if we can find a bit more for you.- OK.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Come and look at the kitchen.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56Oh, yeah.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- I wanted something a bit bigger than this.- Yes.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Probably a bit more open plan as well.- Yeah.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- I'm finding it a little bit boxy.- Mm.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08One of the issues we sort of faced with your very generous budget -
0:12:08 > 0:12:10in this part of the world,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- we could find you something absolutely enormous.- Yeah.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- And arguably too big.- Yeah. - So we've tried to strike a balance
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- with our first property.- Yeah, nice to have that.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Just to complete the picture,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21you've got a little utility room through there,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23which is very handy, and another door out to the front.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- But that's pretty much the principal areas downstairs.- Yep.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- Let's go up.- OK.- I'm crossing everything, maybe we can find a way.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32All right.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Not the best of starts with the downstairs tour of our first house.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41I fear it is just not grabbing Steve and Yvonne.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Perhaps we can do better upstairs, where there are four bedrooms,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47all of which are good-sized doubles.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51One of those offers a large en suite and could make a good master.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55But I've another bedroom in mind for our buyers.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- So this, we're thinking, would make a very nice master.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05This is a good size. Plus it's got a nice feel, this room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- It's cosy.- Yeah.- It may not be the biggest room up here and, of course,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- it doesn't have the en suite that exists down the corridor.- No.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- But with the little box room next door...- You could knock through.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- That's what we're thinking.- Yeah.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18This is one of the nicest rooms in the house, actually.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Yes, lovely feel.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- So, we didn't get a wow, but we did get a nice.- Yeah.- Oh, nice!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26I wasn't going to say the nice word, was I?
0:13:26 > 0:13:27You think it deserves it?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Cos lying in bed, looking at those views, must be fabulous.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33But the downstairs doesn't do justice to it at all.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38Well, one other factor on your wish list are, of course, outbuildings.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39Yep.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Let's go and have a look at those and we'll talk about the price.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Cos that will be interesting to gauge where we're at with this one.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Follow me.- Yep.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51The gardens include a planted rockery, shrubs
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and lawned areas with stunning views over the Wye Valley.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58There's a large double garage with a generous office space
0:13:58 > 0:14:01at the back, as well as two further outbuildings -
0:14:01 > 0:14:04one could make an excellent workshop or craft room
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and there's an additional one for storage.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11There's also a swimming pool, which should keep Yvonne happy.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Now, some buyers, of course, insist on the pool.- Yeah.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15You've got one as a bonus.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Now we're going to talk about the price on this one.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22I'm certainly going to go on the low side. That is going to be about 575.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- 575?- It's even under the lower part of the budget we set.- Yeah.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- I would say 585, just fractionally more.- 585.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33But I'm just saying that to play devil's advocate, really.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Well, you know, it is all in the eye of the beholder,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37and that is you two on this occasion.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40This is on the market for offers in excess
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- of 635.- Is it?- Oh, not too far over.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Well, I don't want you to leave this place without having a good
0:14:46 > 0:14:49look around those outbuildings, because clearly they are important.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Yes.- Go and check them out,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54see what 635 really means in this part of the world.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- OK.- And I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Fine.- Why don't you head over that way?- OK.- OK.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Priced at offers over £635,000,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08our first property is well within budget,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11with money to spare to make adjustments.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13It is a 19th-century home, situated on a hillside
0:15:13 > 0:15:16overlooking the River Wye.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18The downstairs accommodation includes a large living room
0:15:18 > 0:15:20and kitchen and breakfast room.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23All the four bedrooms are of a good size.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26The outside space includes two outbuildings.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28And from the garden, there are stunning views
0:15:28 > 0:15:30of the surrounding countryside.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32It's quite a nice cottage as it is.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35There isn't a lot of scope for doing
0:15:35 > 0:15:37modifications to the inside,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40not without doing major building work to it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Well, for this house to work for me, primarily, it would
0:15:43 > 0:15:44have to be more secluded.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49The views are absolutely stunning. I mean, you know, you can't fault that.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51The views are stunning.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53But you've got to have a bit more than a view, you've got to
0:15:53 > 0:15:57want to like the house or see the potential of the house.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Right, out you come. Grab the door, Steve.- Uh-huh.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Something tells me you are not going to be opening that again.- No.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- I don't think so.- No.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Well... Tough sell, I suppose.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11In some respects, if it has got this issue with levels
0:16:11 > 0:16:15and the space, but I am confident property number two is going
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- to be more what you are looking for. - Good.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- I'm crossing everything. - Let's be positive.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Once described as a forest of trees, Herefordshire is known
0:16:34 > 0:16:38for its apples, and today it's home to more than 3,000 orchards.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Whereas traditional orchards are in decline across the rest
0:16:41 > 0:16:43of the country,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45one group of farmers are bucking the trend.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Thanks to a pioneering business modelling,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52here at Dragon Orchard, they are planting new trees
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and bottling apple juice and cider on site.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Since Steve and Yvonne are keen to experience Herefordshire
0:16:59 > 0:17:02traditions, we sent them to meet owner Norman Stanier,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06whose family have farmed these orchards for 100 years, to find
0:17:06 > 0:17:09out why this county has become the UK's very own Big Apple.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15We are very lucky because we have got fantastic natural conditions.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17We have got fantastic soil here.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21It is really, really rich and it holds moisture well, which is
0:17:21 > 0:17:22what you need for fruit growing.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25And the climate is just right.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28The far west of the county are the Black Mountains,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30which take a lot of rain.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Just west of here, we have got a ridge called the Marcle Ridge.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35So we are in a little microclimate.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38How long have you actually been growing apples here?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41My wife and I took over from my parents 20 years ago,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and took over at a declining time, really.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47People were eating less English apples
0:17:47 > 0:17:50and supermarkets were beginning to become much more popular.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53So the little local shops were taking less apples.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57So we came up with a community supported agriculture scheme,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59we call Dragon Orchard Crop Sharers.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03People can come and sponsor a tree or they can come
0:18:03 > 0:18:08and be part of our crop sharers scheme and actually pay an annual
0:18:08 > 0:18:11subscription to join in with what we do in our orchard
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and in our community.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18The scheme encourages people to get involved in fruit picking
0:18:18 > 0:18:22and production in return for a take-home share of the crop.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Today, Steve and Yvonne are lending a hand.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Once the apples are picked, it is on to the grading stage,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32where they are sorted depending on size for different uses.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Large ones head straight for the shop,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36the smaller ones are made into juice.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42The rest are turned into cider, and Steve and Yvonne are meeting
0:18:42 > 0:18:45the man responsible for the production process, Simon Day.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49This particular batch has been produced using the champagne
0:18:49 > 0:18:53method - a secondary stage of fermentation, whereby yeast
0:18:53 > 0:18:57and sugar is added to the bottles to create the famous bubbly.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01When you have sparkling cider, champagne-method cider,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04you end up with yeast in the bottle.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06And if you turn that,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09you might be able to see the yeast all along the side.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11And it has been two years with that yeast on the side,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13developing flavours.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17And what we need to do is to get that yeast out.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20And so the riddling frame, or pepitre in French,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22is how you do that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25And basically, it's a process of quick movements like this over
0:19:25 > 0:19:28a period of about 35 days, so over a month,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32that gently sweeps the yeast around the bottle.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35And what you end up with is beautifully clear product
0:19:35 > 0:19:38with just the yeast right down in the neck of the bottle,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41sitting on top of the crown cap.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45The end of the bottle is then frozen at -27 degrees.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47The pressure build-up forces the yeast out
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and you are left with a clear solution
0:19:49 > 0:19:50that is begging to be tasted.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Not too sure whether I like that, Simon, perhaps I'll try a bit more.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- THEY LAUGH - For sure.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01The champagne cider seems to have gone down well.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Let's hope later on we will all be raising a glass to today's
0:20:04 > 0:20:07buyers and toasting their move to the country.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16For our second offering, we are
0:20:16 > 0:20:18crossing the border into Worcestershire
0:20:18 > 0:20:20to the village of Callow End.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24In 1651, King Charles II stayed here before he was
0:20:24 > 0:20:28defeated at the Battle of Worcester, during the English Civil War.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34Today, the village consists of two pubs, a shop and a chapel.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Although we have left Herefordshire, we are much closer to Oxford
0:20:37 > 0:20:39and Steve and Yvonne's friends.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Right. Well, here we are,
0:20:46 > 0:20:47our second property.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Not a bad spot and, actually, not a bad looking property.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- No, it does look nice. - It looks OK from here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Looks good.- Steve, the wheels are turning, what is happening?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- So far, so good.- So far, so good.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02I mean, give us a sense of what you make of its look and character.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- Because it certainly has a bit more about it than number one.- Yeah.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06No... I mean, there's no comparison.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It's got a lot more character. You got the black and white outside.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12You know, you can see the old brick-style cottage.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16You can see, you know, the new side, all done very sympathetically.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Happy?- Yeah.- Relieved?- We'll see.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Come on.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It is a slightly better reaction to our second house.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28It's a substantial part-timbered property,
0:21:28 > 0:21:32which traded as a public house until the early 20th century.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I'm hoping Steve and Yvonne will be sipping their cider champagne
0:21:35 > 0:21:39once we are inside, as the interior has been completely remodelled
0:21:39 > 0:21:41and is more open plan.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Let's start with the big kitchen-diner you are after.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Yeah, it's nice.- Yes?- Yeah.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- That's very nice. - This is more like it.- Yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- More like it. - I thought this might be.- Yeah.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's all new, it's all been done in the last three or four years.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58There is a very generous utility room through there
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and a really nice downstairs shower room as well.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Yep.- Should you need it.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Yeah, excellent so far. - No, it's nice. Ah!
0:22:05 > 0:22:07I'm not using that word nice.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- It's OK. - It's very pleasing to the eye.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Let's go with nice.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Let's enjoy the word nice and soak up all that it means.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Because it is nice, it's gorgeous!- It is, it is.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20You don't very often get a wow out of Yvonne,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22but very nice is probably...
0:22:22 > 0:22:23We might be building towards it, Steve.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Yeah, could be, you never know. - Let's see if we can get one.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Come this way.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32As well as the open plan kitchen-breakfast room, there is
0:22:32 > 0:22:36a large entrance hallway and, off that, a spacious study.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41And then this is your main living area. Come right into this room.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Because it's quite a lot to take in, actually.- Yeah, it's ni...ce.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48There's that word again. But I love the beams.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- Yep. Good size, actually. Dual aspect, nice views.- Exactly.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- The dual aspect is unusual in a house this wide.- Yeah.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Nice feel. Relaxing. - It does have a nice feel.- Relaxing?
0:22:59 > 0:23:01You said earlier that, obviously,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- it was the downstairs that mattered more.- Yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- I don't think the upstairs is going to disappoint you.- OK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- OK.- I'm crossing everything.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12You never know, we might get a wow at some point.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16There are four good-sized bedrooms on the first floor,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20including a large double and two smaller rooms.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23They are all serviced by a large family bathroom,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25which just leaves the master suite.
0:23:25 > 0:23:31And then finally, his and hers basins in your own en suite.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Nice freestanding bath in there.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36And then, this is obviously the master bedroom itself.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Very nice.- Very nice.- Yeah?
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- The way the en suite through there... It flows lovely.- Yeah.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44You know, it's not... It doesn't look like it's stuck on the end
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- or anything, it's lovely.- Curiously,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49it also has this little sort of mezzanine dressing area
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- up there in the roof space itself. - Interesting.- That is really sweet.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57You could have it as a kind of master snug if you wanted to.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00A little sofa in there, a TV. So how are we doing?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02You are doing pretty well.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06In addition to the main house, our second property comes with
0:24:06 > 0:24:09a range of outbuildings in the grounds.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12These include a laundry room and garden stores,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14but there is also this red-brick building,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17which houses a garage and workshop and, on the upper floor,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21a vast loft space offering plenty of options for Yvonne's artwork
0:24:21 > 0:24:23and Steve to tinker around with.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27The gardens are extensive.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Most of it is laid to lawn,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32but there is also a terrace with an ornamental pond.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35The property even comes with its own apple orchard.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Now, grounds wise,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- it is just under, just under an acre.- Yeah.- Oh.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- All right? But I love that view. - Yeah, it's gorgeous.- It's nice.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55Now, the Severn, the River Severn is just a few yards that way.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57So, you know, it is kind of on your doorstep.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- So, it is an interesting property in terms of its location.- Yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03It's imposing, but it hasn't lost its cottage sort of feel.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06No, and it is not over the top.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09So, let's think about the price, then.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11It has got to be top end of our budget.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13740, 750.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16740, 750, yup.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Yeah, well, I'm going to come down a little bit from that.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I'm going to come down to, say, about 720.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- I myself would expect this to start with a seven.- Yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27The exciting news is that it starts with a six.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Does it?- £685,000.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Oh, that's good.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- It's gone the other way this time, you see?- Yeah,
0:25:35 > 0:25:36we have gone over the top.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I love that kitchen and I love those outbuildings.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Right, go and explore those outbuildings.- OK.- Off you go.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44I'll catch up with you later.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50On the market at offers around £685,000,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54our vast second property is still within budget.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56It is a part-timbered former pub,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59parts of which date to the 17th century.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01The interior has been redesigned in recent years
0:26:01 > 0:26:05and includes a large, open-plan kitchen-diner.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07There are four bedrooms as well as the additional
0:26:07 > 0:26:09room off the master suite.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11The property comes with a range of outbuildings
0:26:11 > 0:26:15and it is all set in a acre of land on the banks of the River Severn.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17What I love about the house is the openness.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Looking at the house, it is just so very, very pretty.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23And of course, the icing on the cake is that there is all those
0:26:23 > 0:26:27tremendous outbuildings. So as far as I'm concerned, I've...
0:26:27 > 0:26:29It would be a really good contender.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34It is very pretty from the outside. It's laid out fantastically well.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37This lounge in itself, very peaceful, relaxing room.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38Nice fireplace.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43The last rays of sunshine after a busy day.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44This is just lovely.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Hello.- Hello.- Talking of lovely...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- How is our lovely house, then? - It's lovely.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52It's lovely.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- But is it the one? Who knows? - Who knows?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Maybe for one of us, maybe not the other one, I don't know.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Let's go and sleep on it and prepare ourselves for the mystery house.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It is day two of our property search,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and on a generous budget of £750,000,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21we are helping Steve and Yvonne from Oxford
0:27:21 > 0:27:23find peace and harmony in Herefordshire.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Coming up, will the mystery house pass the test?
0:27:27 > 0:27:28Come on, give this score out of ten.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Well, I used to teach, and I never gave ten out of tens,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- so I will give it a nine. - I'll take that as a ten, then.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36HE LAUGHS
0:27:36 > 0:27:38And I'll be finding out what it means to own
0:27:38 > 0:27:39a piece of English history.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Well, as we head into our final day of househunting, we are
0:27:45 > 0:27:49approaching what is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated
0:27:49 > 0:27:51parts of the process - the moment
0:27:51 > 0:27:54when we can reveal our mystery house to our buyers.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Now, in the past, we have had wonderful windmills,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00beautiful barns, inventive industrial conversions,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02folly chapels... You name it,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05we've pretty much done it. And this week is no exception.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08We have got a building lined up that I think really does reflect
0:28:08 > 0:28:11this area's rich agricultural past.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15As mystery houses go, take it from me, this one is a real classic.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Given the reaction of Yvonne and Steve to our properties yesterday,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I think it probably has to be.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30So, was there a lot to talk about last night?
0:28:30 > 0:28:32No, it was quite simple, really.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- Property number one was just definitely a no go.- Yeah.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41Property number two was a go with me, but not a go with Steve.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- So, we need a yes from our mystery house.- We certainly do need a yes.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48What would it take to make it a yes? What are you hoping for?
0:28:48 > 0:28:53I'm hoping for a property by itself, secluded,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55with its own land all around it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58If it's the right house like that in the right location,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02I don't really mind whether it wants a certain amount of work doing,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04because obviously, that's doable.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07It's not doable to pick up a house that is nice
0:29:07 > 0:29:09and move it somewhere to another location.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15For our final property, we are heading back over the border
0:29:15 > 0:29:19into the Herefordshire, into the hamlet of Canon Frome.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22The closest amenities are to be found 3½ miles away
0:29:22 > 0:29:26in the village of Bishop's Frome, which has a parish church,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29a pub serving real ale and a village shop.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32The area has a long, hop-growing tradition,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35and in its former life, our mystery house played an important role
0:29:35 > 0:29:38in the brewing industry here in Herefordshire.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40It's packed with character and history,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43but it isn't the isolated property Steve and Yvonne were after,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46so I'm crossing my fingers with this one.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51So this, I think, is the best place to really take in our mystery house.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Yes.- It certainly is. It is - an old oast house. It is enormous.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58It is about 4,000 square feet.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01The only compromise, Steve, is the fact that there is a farm next door.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Yeah.- OK? But that way... - Yeah.- ..there's nothing.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- I think... I'm not too uneasy with that.- Good.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Let's get in our mystery house and sell it to you.- OK.- Come on.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16I'm relieved that Steve isn't put off by the neighbouring farm
0:30:16 > 0:30:19because our spacious mystery house really is worth seeing.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Built around 1895, the former hop barn was completely
0:30:23 > 0:30:26renovated by the current owners three years ago.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Now, what a greeting!- Wow!- Wow.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31A wow! Two wows.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Wow. Yeah.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- Isn't it gorgeous? It is. - Yes, it is.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39We don't normally sort of linger in hallways on our house tours,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42but this is one that is worth spending some time in,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45because it really is the hub of this building.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- Yeah.- What they have done is totally renewed the floor.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51This is local stone from the Black Mountains. Underfloor heating.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Big kitchen-diner?
0:30:53 > 0:30:54This way, madam.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57So, Yvonne...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01..come on up, let's explore.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- Gosh!- Yes?- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07You have got the boiler room through there and utility room as well.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- And you have got this view, yeah. - They are all bifolds.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- They will open up, exactly. So on a nice, hot summer's day...- Love it.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Come on, give us a score out of ten.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Well, I used to teach, and I never gave ten out of tens,
0:31:17 > 0:31:18so I'll give it a nine.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21I'll take that as a ten, then.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25As well as the kitchen, there are three other rooms off
0:31:25 > 0:31:27the spacious entrance hallway,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30including a generous study and a cosy snug,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34but I want to show our space-loving couple the largest reception room.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37- Yeah.- Like that.- Yeah?
0:31:37 > 0:31:42Yeah, I like the open stonework on the wall there. Nice feel, too.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Just a nice relaxing feel again here.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46You've got some lovely bits of detailing
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- like this old door and so on. - That's stunning, isn't it?
0:31:49 > 0:31:50And look at the width of it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I mean, that is the joy of converting an agricultural,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56industrial building like this, is that you get these
0:31:56 > 0:31:58proportions you don't get in a modern building.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59It is a lovely door, that one.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Let's go and take a look at the upstairs
0:32:01 > 0:32:04and find you a sumptuous master bedroom.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11There are four large bedrooms off the first floor landing
0:32:11 > 0:32:15as well as a family bath and shower room with exposed brickwork.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18There is one large double and two of the bedrooms have separate
0:32:18 > 0:32:23stairs access to two further rooms on the second floor of the property,
0:32:23 > 0:32:28ideal for storage or as extra office space, which just leaves the master.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Quite an unusual layout in many respects.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Beautiful, isn't it?- Yeah. It is.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Now, when we first met,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37you said very clearly that what really mattered
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- was the downstairs space.- Yeah.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44- But this place clearly delivers over and above upstairs.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- Definitely.- Definitely.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47Nine double plus.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50A nine double plus? Excellent! I like that, good.
0:32:50 > 0:32:56Now, this is the master because it has this very unusual en suite.
0:32:56 > 0:32:57You liked open plan, you said,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00how about a bit of open-plan bathing?
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- That is, isn't it? - Well, that's different, isn't it?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05It's very different. It's the sort of thing you might find
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- if you go to a boutique hotel these days.- Yes.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11My guess is that you might give yourself a little
0:33:11 > 0:33:13bit of our project here, Steve,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15by continuing these walls,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- maybe even rearranging the access with a door.- Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20But I think in some cases, you have to live in a place
0:33:20 > 0:33:23first before you decide what you are going to change.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24- Yeah.- Get to know it, around it.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Well, I get the feeling that this really has struck a chord
0:33:27 > 0:33:29with both of you.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35The house has certainly passed with flying colours, but I am
0:33:35 > 0:33:38keen to see if we we'll get top marks with the garden and grounds.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Although there are fewer outbuildings here
0:33:41 > 0:33:44than at our last property, just this timber carport
0:33:44 > 0:33:48and adjoining shed, there is a generous 2.3 acres of land,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51including three paddocks as well as a large lawn.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55So this is one of the paddocks. Friendly sheep looking on.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58And there, of course, is our mystery house.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- And you like what you see. - I do, I really do.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- So do I.- Nine triple plus.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Nine triple plus! We'll never get a ten out of you, will we?- No.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- But will it score highly on the price?- 750.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Straight in at the top end of the budget. OK, no messing.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16It has got to be around that area, isn't it?
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- I think it is 750, really. - Shall we agree on 750?
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Let's go for 750.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23I would if I were you, cos that is what is on the market for.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Right.- Spot-on.- We got one right.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- Spot-on.- Excellent.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- You are not fazed at all, are you, by that?- No.- No.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I'm just thinking about I'd rather it be spent on that than leave
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- it in the bank, quite frankly.- Well, you get more fun out of it here.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- Yeah.- That's for sure.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Go on, go and take some time, explore it at your leisure.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Yep.- Get out of this rain. Go on, off you go.- I may be some time.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46I'm sure you will.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52I'd take a lot of time, because this is a fabulous building.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54It has taken the current owner something of a lifetime to
0:34:54 > 0:34:57turn it into this fabulous mystery house,
0:34:57 > 0:35:00where, once again, it might have done the trick.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03This could be exactly what Steve and Yvonne are looking for.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10On the market at £750,000, our mystery house is as far as Steve
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and Yvonne are willing to go on price.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17It is a former oast house, which has been renovated in the last
0:35:17 > 0:35:19few years, but retains much of its character.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22The accommodation includes a large sitting room
0:35:22 > 0:35:26and kitchen as well as four good-sized bedrooms.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30It sits on 2.3 acres of land, which includes paddocks for stabling
0:35:30 > 0:35:32and the property has views of
0:35:32 > 0:35:35the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37This is just...
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It has got all the aspirations of the interior of the sort
0:35:40 > 0:35:43of property that we want, but then it has also got all the outside
0:35:43 > 0:35:47features and the character of the building that it is.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51I'm just... I just like openness of it and space of it.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55What I would have ideally liked is a property that was
0:35:55 > 0:35:58surrounded by its own ground, so you had no neighbours.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01And yes, there is a property next door, but, you know,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04you never find a property with absolutely everything that you want,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07so there is always a compromise.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- Well, I think we might have arrived at our destination...- Yep.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12..as far as your future is concerned. Who knows?
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- I think you have done really well with this one, certainly.- Good.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Right then, I'm going to whisk you away out into the rain. Come on.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32On Escape To The Country, we get to show buyers around
0:36:32 > 0:36:36all manner of different houses, some of which are historically
0:36:36 > 0:36:40and architecturally important enough to have listed building status.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42But what does that mean when it comes to buying
0:36:42 > 0:36:46and renovating one of the hundreds of thousands of listed buildings?
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Herefordshire has around 6,000 examples,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51and I have come to one of them -
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Wellbrook Manor - to meet Laura Norris of the Vivat Trust,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58a charity which specialises in restoring listed properties
0:36:58 > 0:37:02and turning them into exclusive holiday lets to pay for the work.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- And this is Wellbrook Manor. - This is Wellbrook Manor.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Isn't she beautiful? - Absolutely stunning.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Now, what grade of listing is Wellbrook?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- Wellbrook is a Grade 1. - Is it?- Grade 1 listed.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- So that is as high as it gets. - Exactly.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19The same as Buckingham Palace.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22But what is it about this building that makes it so special?
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Number one, it is from 1340.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26So that is kind of a bit of a marker.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29It is a medieval hall house that sits on the border of England
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and Wales. It is a very unusual.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33And you don't really see that outside.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35What you see is a lovely building.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Inside, it tells a different story.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- Come on, then, give me the tour of it.- All right, then.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Wellbrook Manor was altered in the late 16th century
0:37:43 > 0:37:45and restored in the 1920s.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Laura's charity is in the process of correcting the previous
0:37:50 > 0:37:52restoration work that, at the time,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55was considered good building practice.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The first stage was to remove a cement pebble dash render
0:37:58 > 0:38:01applied a century ago to keep the moisture out
0:38:01 > 0:38:04that has revealed the original medieval timbers
0:38:04 > 0:38:06and now allows the building to breathe again.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09The work will now move to the inside of the house,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11where the manor is slowly revealing its secrets.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Tell us how this building has evolved
0:38:13 > 0:38:14and what you have learned about it.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Well, Jules, see that ceiling?- Yes.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19In 1340, that's not there.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24A vandal in the 1700s came and put that ceiling in.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26So this should be a double-height space
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- and it should have another wing running down the side...- Should it?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32..where the lawn is. That would have been the service wing.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33Going back to the fact that it is listed
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- and that it is at the top of the listing scale...- Yeah.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37..are there any compromises that you had to
0:38:37 > 0:38:41make in terms of the repair and conservation of this building?
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Actually, no, because what we have done is we have listened to
0:38:45 > 0:38:49the building and dealt with it appropriately for its listing.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53That said, not many people are as fortunate as we are.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56We are not going to use it as a permanent residence,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59it will be holiday lets, so you don't need as much storage,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01you don't need as much clutter space.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05You need something that is beautiful.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06It is quite a holiday let.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09THEY LAUGH
0:39:09 > 0:39:13The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Grade 1 buildings are of exceptional interest,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18often considered to be internationally important.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23But the vast majority, around 92%, are Grade 2.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Whatever the grade, listing doesn't mean you can't change anything,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29it simply means that consent is required to make any
0:39:29 > 0:39:33alterations to the building which might affect its special interest.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Anyone can suggest a building for listing for English Heritage,
0:39:36 > 0:39:40although the decision on whether to list rests with the Government.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43One of the reasons this building is listed
0:39:43 > 0:39:46is its impressive medieval timber-framed roof.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50I mean, going back to the date of this, 1340,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53again, how much of this is original?
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Quite a bit of it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58And, yes, it has been supported and it has been mucked around by various
0:39:58 > 0:40:02generations, but the majority of this, particularly the roof...
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Yeah.- ..is 1340.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- I mean, this is why we celebrate listed buildings.- Exactly.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Because of the history and the character that they have.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But I meet a lot of people on Escape To The Country who would run
0:40:14 > 0:40:15a mile from a listed building.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17They are not to be feared.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19No, they are not, they are to be embraced.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Although the listing is there to protect buildings
0:40:22 > 0:40:23such as Wellbrook Manor,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26they need to be lived in in order to survive.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29And it's exciting to think that it won't be long before this
0:40:29 > 0:40:33historic treasure will be opening its doors to the general public.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, all that now remains is to find out
0:40:39 > 0:40:42if we have managed to match Steve and Yvonne's ambitions
0:40:42 > 0:40:45with our properties for their new life in the country.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I do think there is really only one contender.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49The big question, of course, is has it impressed them
0:40:49 > 0:40:51enough to want to buy it?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Well, there's only one way to find out, and that is to ask them.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03Wow.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- What a week it has been with you two, hasn't it?- Yep.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Three very different properties.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Now, I'm guessing there is only one real contender here.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Yeah, number three, the mystery house.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- Why?- Oh, cos it just had everything.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It had space, open plan...
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- It just blew me.- There's no competition with the rest.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27I mean, the space is all there, the architecture is lovely
0:41:27 > 0:41:30cos it's a bit of a quirky building, which is nice.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33But is it your new home?
0:41:34 > 0:41:39Well, potentially we are going to, on the way back, go and have
0:41:39 > 0:41:42another look around it, and then we'll take it from there, I think.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45I think it would be a great base for you from which to launch,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- well, this new chapter in your lives.- Yep.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- I've got one concern.- Go on.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Well, if we ever invite our friends across there,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55then we're going to have a job getting rid of them, aren't we?
0:41:55 > 0:41:56I think you will! I think you will.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- But you're going to have plenty to keep you busy in the garden.- Yeah.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- Because you really can start again with that.- Yeah.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03- It is a blank canvas.- Yes, it is.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I am already ticking off all sorts of things I could do.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08I'm delighted that we have got you that bit closer to
0:42:08 > 0:42:12realising your new dream and what could be, I hope,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14your new home, our mystery house. Well done.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22You know, when we started out on this search, Steve said to me
0:42:22 > 0:42:24that regardless of the number of properties
0:42:24 > 0:42:28we were going to show them, it would take only one to satisfy them.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31And whilst that may sound overly philosophical, of course,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33he is absolutely right.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35But it doesn't escape the fact that sometimes
0:42:35 > 0:42:37when you're trying to match the right house to the right buyers,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41well, it can feel like you are looking for a needle in a haystack.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44But thankfully, finding beautiful homes in Herefordshire
0:42:44 > 0:42:46is an awful lot easier.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47I'll see you next time.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Although Steve and Yvonne thought our mystery house was stunning,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57they concluded that the neighbouring farm was just too close.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Their search continues.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Northern Ireland, England, Wales
0:43:04 > 0:43:06or even further afield to the continent
0:43:06 > 0:43:09and would like our help, please apply online at...