0:00:02 > 0:00:04Home to over 500 different variations,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07these stunning red and golden trees
0:00:07 > 0:00:10make up the largest collection of maples in the UK.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Now, find out where this exotic autumnal location is
0:00:13 > 0:00:15in just a few moments.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On today's programme,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36our house hunters find the search a little overwhelming...
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Wow.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40There's an awful lot to take in, isn't there?
0:00:40 > 0:00:44..but our beautiful properties leave them searching for superlatives.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- That is another wow, isn't it? - It may be even a stunning.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48- Do you think?- Yes.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53I'm in the Cotswolds at Westonbirt's National Arboretum.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Now, this beautiful 600-acre site was originally created by
0:00:57 > 0:01:01wealthy landowner Robert Holford back in the 1850s and he,
0:01:01 > 0:01:06like many of the Victorian elite, collected plant and tree specimens
0:01:06 > 0:01:08from all around the world and then brought them
0:01:08 > 0:01:10back here to display in his garden.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Originally, this collection would have been
0:01:12 > 0:01:16established for pleasure, but it is actually now a Grade I listed
0:01:16 > 0:01:20landscape, and it is just one of the many historic sites worth
0:01:20 > 0:01:22preserving in this region.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27The Cotswolds are a range of hills in the west of England
0:01:27 > 0:01:30spanning an area 90 miles long and 25 miles across.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33They are mostly located in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37although parts do spill into neighbouring counties.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Tucked in the western foothills of the Cotswolds are
0:01:40 > 0:01:42charming villages like Stanton.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Looking much the same as it did 300 years ago,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49the village takes its name from the stone, stan, from which it is built.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53The town of Cirencester is often referred to
0:01:53 > 0:01:55as the capital of the Cotswolds.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Built by the Romans, it quickly became England's second city,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02gaining its wealth through the wool industry.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The Roman influence of Cirencester is evident to this day,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09yet the streets are now filled with tourists and shoppers enjoying the
0:02:09 > 0:02:13many bars, restaurants, independent shops and twice-weekly market.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18But it's the backdrop to these towns and villages which is the real draw.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21The rolling hills and pastoral landscape of the Cotswolds
0:02:21 > 0:02:25makes it an appealing place to find a slice of country life.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Now, setting up home in the Cotswolds doesn't come cheap,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35especially when you discover that
0:02:35 > 0:02:38the average price of a detached property here
0:02:38 > 0:02:41is £200,000 more than the national figure.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44But, if you're willing to cast your net just a little bit
0:02:44 > 0:02:49further beyond the borders, you will start to see that premium level off.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52So, for instance, down in Wiltshire, you've got Malmesbury or Minety,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and it's still within range of the Cotswolds,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57but it is more affordable.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01However, our buyer today already has her heart set
0:03:01 > 0:03:04on being in the Cotswold country.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Our house hunter is Nicki, who currently lives in central Oxford,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12a city she got to know after a period studying here.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17I guess my move to Oxford was originally inspired by
0:03:17 > 0:03:22when I completed a degree course in psychology 15 years ago.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27I completed that at Oxford Brookes, and fell in love with
0:03:27 > 0:03:32the city and subsequently, five years ago, moved to Oxford.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35For many, Oxford is a dream destination in itself,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39but for Nicki, the time for city living is over.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41I love being in the city, it's beautiful,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45but I really have a strong desire now to move to the country.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It'll give me more greenery,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50hopefully more of a community environment,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54and also, hopefully, a bigger property as well to entertain
0:03:54 > 0:03:58my family and friends, which is ultimately what I enjoy doing.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Nicki has two grown-up children, and developments with one of them
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- have prompted the move.- Ten months ago, I became a grandmother.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It's really important for me now to have a garden.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12And to have more space, to have the children
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and grandchildren visit me.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Being able to spend time with her new grandson is key.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22What is important is not to move too far away from my daughter, who
0:04:22 > 0:04:24lives in Reading.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I love spending time with her and my grandson.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31So, it's important that it's... Two hours is probably
0:04:31 > 0:04:34the maximum distance I would like to be away from Reading.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37The decision to move to the Cotswolds is not, however,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- a new idea.- I've always loved the Cotswolds, it's so beautiful.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45It seems to provide, within the little towns,
0:04:45 > 0:04:52a real community feel about it and, having visited there many times,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56it always seems to be a very friendly place to live, and living
0:04:56 > 0:05:01on my own, it's very important to have that community feel around me.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02For such a big decision,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05she's bringing along an extra pair of eyes.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Janice and I have been friends for... It must be over 25 years now.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14She's been an incredible support over the years,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17and we're just on the same wavelength.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20She knows me well, she knows how I tick,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23and I know I can get some honest answers from her.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I think Nicki needs, in this next move for her,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28somewhere where she feels really comfortable in,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30and the feeling in the house is going to
0:05:30 > 0:05:34be as important as the rooms and the layout.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37And Janice already has an idea of what to watch out for.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42'The pitfalls that would be sounding alarm bells for me, for Nick,'
0:05:42 > 0:05:45would be remoteness, being too remote, taking on too much,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49perhaps a really large garden or a sort of quirky house
0:05:49 > 0:05:52that might need maintenance.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55But support for her friend's decision is certain.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Nicki's move has come along just at the right time, I think,
0:05:58 > 0:06:03city life is great and it's all fun, but she's done that sort of bit
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and it's just time to sort of ease back a bit,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09drop your shoulders and just enjoy life a little bit more.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14It is a big move, obviously, from the city out to the countryside, so
0:06:14 > 0:06:18I'm looking to Janice to support me through it and give me some advice.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24As Nicki wants to be in classic Cotswold country, we are
0:06:24 > 0:06:28concentrating our search in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:06:28 > 0:06:30between Cheltenham and Cirencester.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Before we begin our search, I'm off to find out more details.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Nicki, Janice, welcome. Welcome to the lovely Cotswolds.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Now, can you just tell me
0:06:39 > 0:06:42why it is that you're drawn to this particular area?
0:06:42 > 0:06:46I've always had a real soft spot for the Cotswolds. It's beautiful.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I particularly like the honey-coloured bricks,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53but it's just such a beautiful area to live in.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Now, the property search is very real for you at the moment,
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- isn't it? Because you've just sold your current property.- I have.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Now, Nicki, you're obviously our buyer.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Janice, can you tell us what your role is going to be today?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09I'm just here really to support Nicki.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11I'm just going to be a bit of a leveller
0:07:11 > 0:07:13and just keep Nicki's feet on the ground.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Now, you're very familiar, obviously, with escaping to the
0:07:16 > 0:07:18country, because you've actually done it before, haven't you?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Yes, 13 years ago, we moved from Reading,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24where Nicki and I met, back up to Scotland, and we live in a very
0:07:24 > 0:07:29rural community, a little village called Roberton, which is lovely.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- It's beautiful. - How did you guys meet?
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We met through partners that we had at the time,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36through their work, really.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40And we just...25 years ago, we've been firm friends
0:07:40 > 0:07:41- ever since, really.- Wow.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45What's the kind of style that you're looking for in your house?
0:07:45 > 0:07:50I don't mind whether it's old or new, I'd like it to have character,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52perhaps a bit quirky.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It's really important for me to be near a high street,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57walking distance, ideally.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01I don't want to be too rural, as I'm on my own. That's really important.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I'm looking for at least three bedrooms.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I currently have... Albeit that it's quite small,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11it's an open kitchen/diner and I like socialising and having people
0:08:11 > 0:08:16come and stay, so a bigger kitchen/diner is definitely a must.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18And you've also got your daughter
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- and grandson that you want to make space for to come and stay.- Yeah.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Yes, I've got two children, both grown-up and left home,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and, yes, I obviously want to accommodate both of them
0:08:30 > 0:08:33coming and staying, and now grandson as well.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34Lovely.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Now, Nicki, the all-important question...what is your budget,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and is there any room to manoeuvre on that?
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Um, £750,000 is my budget. - A sizeable budget, then.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Perhaps a little bit of room to manoeuvre, a little bit more.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Well, hopefully that'll be enough to find you your dream house.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- Fantastic.- I think it's time for us to go and find them all. - Great.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Shall we head off?- Absolutely.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- The Cotswolds await us. - Brilliant.- Follow me.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08So, for a healthy budget of £750,000,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Nicki is hoping to get a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15generous, sociable living space, a garden for her visiting grandson
0:09:15 > 0:09:19to play in, and be located near a lively village or town.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22And we've got some incredible properties which are sure to
0:09:22 > 0:09:26impress, but I won't be revealing their price tags
0:09:26 > 0:09:28until our house hunters have had a guess.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31And we'll be showing them the mystery house,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33which takes the hunt further than expected.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39So, Janice, you're here to help on the search,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- and you've done a bit of escaping to the country yourself.- Yes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Any good advice that you can give Nicki before we start?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Yeah, just consider carefully transport links,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54and just think of daily practicalities like shopping
0:09:54 > 0:09:58and weather and if you want to be in your car a lot or
0:09:58 > 0:09:59if you want to be on foot.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Just think carefully about the location of the house.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- Janice has never been to the Cotswolds until now.- Really?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- No, never.- Well, welcome to the Cotswolds.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13It is a beautiful part of the country.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Is it living up to your expectations?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Almost as nice as Scotland.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20I'll leave you two to have that
0:10:20 > 0:10:22discussion between yourselves.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28To start our search, we're going to the village of Chedworth,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31seven miles away from Cirencester
0:10:31 > 0:10:33and in stunning Cotswold countryside.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37As well as offering an attractive stone church and essential pub,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40what this village has going for it is a thriving village hall
0:10:40 > 0:10:43with horticultural, agricultural and drama societies.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47There's a vibrant community for Nicki to tap into and,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51right in the centre of the village, is our first property.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Well, feast your eyes on property number one.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Isn't it beautiful? - It's absolutely beautiful.- Wow!
0:10:59 > 0:11:04It's an 18th century converted barn, originally built in 1785,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and then converted in 2000.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09And it's just got a lot of charm about it.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11It's stunning, it's beautiful.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- I could see you here quite comfortably.- So can I.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16It really is absolutely beautiful.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Is it the kind of style that you were hoping for?- Oh, absolutely.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21I'm dying to see the inside.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Well, I'm not going to keep you both waiting any longer cos
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- I know how excited you are, you just want to get inside. - Yes, yes, yes!
0:11:26 > 0:11:27- So, let's go!- Brilliant!
0:11:29 > 0:11:33The main conversion was carried out in 2000, but much of the interior
0:11:33 > 0:11:36has been updated in the last five years including the kitchen.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- Well, Nicki, Janice, come on in.- Wow! That is amazing.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- This is your kitchen/diner. - Wow.- I've got goose bumps!
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- That's what we love.- It's beautiful, it really is, isn't it? Wow.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50So, can you see yourself at home here...?
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- Uh, huh. Mm-hm. - ..which is the important thing.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- I might need to get a chef. - Oh, well, that's fine.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57I jest, really.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00I could see you very comfortably using this space to
0:12:00 > 0:12:02suit your needs and...beautiful.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Wow.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Brilliant.- There's an awful lot to take in, isn't there?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10With exposed beams and contemporary heritage colours,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12the kitchen is clearly impressing,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16and off the back is an unusually charming utility room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20The modern country interior continues into the living room.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- That's gorgeous. Ooh, that's lovely.- That's very lovely, isn't it?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27And you've got the lovely French windows here, which makes it
0:12:27 > 0:12:30so light and airy.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- It's beautiful. And a wood burner.- Yes.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35And it's been decorated, you know, really quite recently,
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- what do you think of the decoration?- Very tasteful.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Is there anything that you'd want to change about it?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- No, it feels so comfortable, doesn't it?- It's warm...
0:12:43 > 0:12:47It's really got a lovely feel about it. Very relaxing.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Peaceful.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- That's the important thing. - Yeah.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55This interior seems to be offering instant appeal for Nicki.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57On the ground floor, there is also a dining room
0:12:57 > 0:13:00for more formal entertaining and a cloakroom.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Up on the first floor, there are three bedrooms in total.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Two of which have en suite shower rooms.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12And here is, potentially, the master bedroom.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Now, the current owners actually use this as the master bedroom,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17but it doesn't have an en suite,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- but there is a lovely big family bathroom as well.- It's lovely.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23It really is. I love that window aspect.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- The window is stunning, isn't it?- It really is beautiful.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- And the lovely stone wall as well.- Yeah, yeah, lovely.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29- Absolutely beautiful.- Lovely.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Well, there is actually another floor to this property,
0:13:33 > 0:13:34so, I think it's time.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Let's go take a look. - Fantastic.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Connected by a galleried walkway with a view right down
0:13:41 > 0:13:44the house, there are two further rooms up in the eaves.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47This is beautiful.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49And this is either your second living room or a snug,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- whatever you fancy.- Wow. Office...
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Work, well, actually, there is another room over there...- Oh, OK.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- ..that is the office.- Oh. - Again, it's got that kind of cosy feeling.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01It has a quirky window. Wow.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04And there you've got a nice skylight there,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06so you've still got a lot of light coming in.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07Another beautiful room.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Absolutely.- Yes.- I guess I'm still in that stunned phase.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14It's just such a fantastic space, isn't it?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Well, I think that's everything for this property,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19so, I think it's time.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Start thinking about what value you'd put on it
0:14:22 > 0:14:25and we're going to go outside to the garden and have a bit of a chat.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Hmm.- OK.- Come on.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Surrounding the house are beautifully tended gardens
0:14:33 > 0:14:35with vegetable patches and landscaped areas which have
0:14:35 > 0:14:38won awards from the local horticultural society.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Isn't it lovely? - It is, it's beautiful.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41And what do you think about the size?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Is this about the right thing that you were looking for?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Yeah, I think so.- I think it is deceptive.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50You think it's a small garden, but it's actually not.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52There's a lot to it and very well thought out.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- So, you can imagine your grandson running around here.- Mm.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Trying to keep him off the, um...- Trying to keep him under control.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01..plants, could be a bit of a challenge, yes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- I was probably looking for more grass...- Right.- ..for that reason.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- OK.- But...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- Well, we... - ..you know, that could be workable.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10We've got the size here
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- and then we can kind of change it however you want to. - Yes.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Which then draws us to the important part.- Hm.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20What do you think this property is valued at, at the moment?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24I am thinking...top end of the budget,
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- so I'm going to go straight with £750,000.- Ooh, interesting.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- Janice, what do you think? - Thinking of the location, I think 735.- 735.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Yes.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Well, I can tell you, Nicki, congratulations,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- you are right on the money! Bang on. It's on at 750.- Wow, OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46So, it is at the top end of your budget.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48So, how does that make you feel?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Well, it is just an absolutely stunning house.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- And nothing to do, nothing to do.- Absolutely.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56The fact that I could just move in...
0:15:56 > 0:15:58um...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- it means that I don't have to spend any money on it. - Exactly.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Yes, it-it's beautiful.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05Why don't you go back in, take another look round,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07and we'll catch up with you later.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08Fantastic. Thanks, Nicki.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14At the top end of Nicki's £750,000 budget,
0:16:14 > 0:16:19this classic Cotswold stone property has five bedrooms, a contemporary
0:16:19 > 0:16:22country interior throughout, and award-winning gardens.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Oh, wow! JANICE LAUGHS
0:16:26 > 0:16:28NICKI GASPS
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Yikes!- Just when you thought it couldn't get better...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- it does.- I could see this working for you, Nick.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39Yeah, a glass of wine, plenty of bubbles, just perfect. How lovely.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Beautiful. My initial thoughts about the property, um,
0:16:43 > 0:16:48the first site of it was just absolutely stunning. Beautiful.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52As soon as I walked into the kitchen, it really was a wow factor.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58I actually felt quite stunned. Beautifully designed. A lot of taste.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00The garden feels adequate.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04My only concern is, what I was really looking for was grass,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08perfect for current grandchildren and any more to follow.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11That could be modified.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12So, not a great concern,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16but I'm aware that I'd have to do something about it, definitely.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20I'm slightly concerned about the village location.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22I think that the village might be a little quieter
0:17:22 > 0:17:24than Nicki was expecting.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Perhaps something with a bit more going on, might be better
0:17:27 > 0:17:32and might suit more. But The house, as it stands, is beautiful.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36It is amazing. It is gorgeous. What's really not to like?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40And I would like to live here. Yeah, yeah!
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Well, I think that was a pretty positive reaction from both
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- Nicki and Janice there. Ah! And here they are. All good? - Yes.- Right.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Really good.- Great. I think we're ready for property two now.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53- Fantastic.- Off we go.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00On the edge of the Cotswolds lies the market town of Winchcombe.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Its impressive historic buildings stand testament to its wealth
0:18:04 > 0:18:06made during the peak of the wool trade.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07In the early 20th century,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11the Cotswolds became a centre for the arts and crafts movement,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16a tradition which continues today with many artisans in the region.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19The Winchcombe Pottery is one such example.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23On the site of an earlier 1800s pottery, the current business
0:18:23 > 0:18:29was found in 1926 and, since 1939, has been run by the Finch family.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Nicki and Janice are meeting the founder's son, Michael Finch.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Mike, what's special about Winchcombe pots?
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Uh. Winchcombe pots are probably special
0:18:37 > 0:18:39because we make practical pots for everyday use.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42It something that's a work of art, it's a beautiful thing,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45if you use something every day it enriches your life as well as,
0:18:45 > 0:18:46you know, anything else, you know.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48What made you decide to carry on the decision?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Well, I really do feel that making pots by hand is
0:18:51 > 0:18:55a kind of vocation cos you know you're doing something useful.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Um, it's definitely not a job just to earn money cos the wages are low.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03You do it because the things you are making you are proud of,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05and, in themselves they're items of beauty.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08What's the easiest thing to make as a beginner?
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Probably a bowl, a bowl is a simple shape to make.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Would you like to have a go, because we can have a go in the workshop?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- I'd love to.- OK, follow me, let's go down.- Fantastic.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Winchcombe Pottery uses iron and ash glazing
0:19:20 > 0:19:24and is distinguished by combed, sponge and fingered decoration.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Each pot is thrown by hand by the potters at the studio and,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33with 50 years' experience, Michael will give Nicki a masterclass.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Here we are. Put it in the middle.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Now, what I'm doing now, I'm squeezing the clay
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and holding my hands still.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41What you've got to notice is my elbows are secure
0:19:41 > 0:19:45like a triangular shape. When I relax, I relax slowly.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50If I don't, it's got a bump in it, see? So, you relax slowly.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Now, I make a hole in it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55With one hand on the inside and the other outside, pressure needs
0:19:55 > 0:19:58to be applied gently and moved up the pot at a steady pace.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01It's essential to keep the clay wet at all times.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06And, it's easy for me to say, but that's all there is to it.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- You cut the pot off the wheel and that's how you do it.- Wow.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The pots would then be fired and, staying true to tradition,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17they still use a wood firing kiln.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21The unpredictability of the wood firing process means all
0:20:21 > 0:20:24glazed finishes vary slightly, making each pot unique,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28but, before it can be fired, Nicki needs to produce a pot of her own.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- I'll put that in the middle for you, so you can have a go. - OK.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I'll get this bit out the way.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37There we are. Now, it's all yours.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Remember, keep your hands wet at all times.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Do I look like I know what I'm doing?- No.- No.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46If it was easy, I'd be out of a job,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49cos everybody would make their own pots. Well...stop!
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Oh, stop before it collapses!
0:20:51 > 0:20:55That's probably your creation, which is pretty good for a first try.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Is it really?- Yeah!- Well, thank you!
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Nicki may not have a great pottery career ahead, but, it's a
0:21:01 > 0:21:05tradition that, hopefully, will continue for many years to come.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Oh, it's come off perfectly. - Brilliant!- Look at that.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Back to the house hunt and, for our second property, we're travelling
0:21:14 > 0:21:18half an hour north to the village of Prestbury just outside Cheltenham.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Prestbury is a busy medium-sized village
0:21:20 > 0:21:22which has a well-used high street.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Amongst other things, there's a general store, post office,
0:21:25 > 0:21:29butcher, hairdresser, and four pubs, so there are plenty of
0:21:29 > 0:21:33local amenities on the doorstep and community to be part of.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37And just a half a mile walk up the round is our next property.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39It is property number two.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42OK, I need to think of other words than wow, don't I?
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- That is another wow, isn't it? - It may even a stunning.- Do you think?
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Yes, it's beautiful.- It is really.- It's a converted barn... - Wow.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52..built in the 18th century
0:21:52 > 0:21:57and then turned into a residential property in 1989.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00You might have noticed we're standing on a lawn, which is
0:22:00 > 0:22:02obviously, I know, something that you're keen to have.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Yeah, definitely.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Now, the other really great thing about this property is its location,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10because, obviously, although we're in a very rural area,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13we're actually only half a mile from the local village, Prestbury,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16and a five-minute drive from Cheltenham.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18So, what are your first thoughts of the property,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- what do you think so far? - The wow factor again, definitely.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26It's really tidy and clean and looks well-maintained from the outside,
0:22:26 > 0:22:28and it is a stunning property.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31And do you think this location is better suited for Nicki?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34It certainly seems to be a bit closer proximity to a more
0:22:34 > 0:22:36lively village, so, yeah, I think it could well be.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Well, I think that's about all we've seen from the outside.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- Shall we go and take a peek inside?- Yes, please.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44All right, then, off we go.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47This single-storey building was originally a milking parlour
0:22:47 > 0:22:51and barn, and is build with 20-inch thick Cotswold stone walls
0:22:51 > 0:22:54and stone and concrete roof tiles.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- And here we go.- Gosh, that's lovely.- What do you think?
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It feels very homely, doesn't it?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Yes, it's warm and welcoming.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04You've also got these window panes,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08which are actually...they were originally from a school.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11They were used to kind of separate classrooms from the hallway
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and they were taken from the school and put into the barn here
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- when they did the conversion. - Fantastic. Nice feature.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- Yeah, it's lovely.- Isn't it?
0:23:18 > 0:23:22It's lovely and cosy and warm and lovely and light.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24A really nice feel about it.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- And still got the Cotswold stone on the wall, exposed. - Yeah, exactly.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31It's lovely and, as you say, warm and cosy and homely,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33but it needs a bit of Nickiness in it.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Well, hopefully, that was a good start so far, lots more to see.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Let's move on to the living room.- Thank you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42The flagstone flooring and double height ceilings,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44which give the room a feeling of space
0:23:44 > 0:23:49- and light continue into the living room next door.- Wow.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50That's huge, also made bigger
0:23:50 > 0:23:53because you've got the formal dining room at the end.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Yeah.- It's very different, isn't it?
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- Yeah.- It's got a lot of potential.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01I don't think that the style's quite you.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03It's lovely, but it's a bit heavy for you.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05You would want something a bit more contemporary.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Once you take out all the furniture, you know, it's a lovely room...
0:24:09 > 0:24:10- It is.- ..with white walls
0:24:10 > 0:24:12and you can do exactly what you want with it.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Really nice proportions, yeah. - It's about putting my stamp on it.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Exactly.- Exactly.- And then, of course,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21you've got the lovely doors that open out into the patio here
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and this is great space because it gets the light in the morning.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Yes, this is lovely, lovely and light.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- A really nice feel about it. - Excellent!
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Well, I think it's time for us to go and have a look at the bedrooms.- OK.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33Yeah? Fine then, follow me.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Off a long corridor are three good-sized bedrooms
0:24:39 > 0:24:42for Nicki's guests. One has an en suite bathroom
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and there's a separate shower room and WC.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Then there's a surprise in the master suite.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- Woo! Gosh, that opened out really...- It does.- ..nicely.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Very nice.- Yeah, it's nice and spacious.- Yeah.- Nice and spacious.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- It is an en suite as well. - Yeah.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Um, and you've got the lovely window there which looks out onto
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- the rolling Cotswold country. - It's got a nice feel to the room.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The beams just add an extra dimension to it as well.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Now that we've had a look around, it is just one storey.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13How do you feel about that?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- I've got no problem.- No? - No, absolutely not.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- So, you wouldn't miss going upstairs to bed?- No, not at all.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Great. Excellent. All right, then. Well, I think it's time
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- to go and see the garden. - Great.- Shall we?- Fantastic.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30The final room inside the house is a small study.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Outside, the garden extends to a third of an acre with lawns to the
0:25:33 > 0:25:38front, perfect for Nicki's grandson, and offers fruit trees,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41a pond and various terraces to sit out on.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- We've got your lovely cottage which is just stunning.- Very pretty.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- Lots of different parts to it and a vegetable patch there. - Yes!
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Really nice.- And now, all this comes at a price, of course. - Yes, yes.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Well, I'm going to ask Janice first
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- to let you think about it a little bit longer.- OK.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01What do you think this property is valued at on the market?
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Well, it has more bedrooms, although I do think you might need to
0:26:05 > 0:26:09do a bit more to this property to make it suit your needs.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Yeah.- I would say...710.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Over to you, Nicki. What do you think you're going to go for?
0:26:14 > 0:26:15Difficult.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I'm going to go 690.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Well, you are both wrong.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- It's a little bit higher than you were expecting.- Oh.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26It's actually also on the market for 750.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- Oh, wow!- So, it's priced at the same as property number one. - Wow.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- So, that's obviously a bit of a shock to you both.- That is, yes.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- I am very surprised. - So, I think there's still quite a
0:26:35 > 0:26:38bit more for you to see inside, so, why don't you go and take a look and
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- I'll meet you out front in a minute.- Fantastic.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- Great, see you guys later. - Thanks, Nicki.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46At a price of £750,000,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49this converted single-storey barn
0:26:49 > 0:26:52gives two large-double height living spaces,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54four bedrooms, a lawned garden,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57and is in close proximity to a lively village.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- Oh, interesting.- It is, it is.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Again, another really spacious room, isn't it?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- And very different to the rest of the house.- Yeah, yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09But that's decor. You can easily change the decor.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I've really liked the overall look of the house...
0:27:12 > 0:27:17Cotswold stone, really soft paintwork, really beautiful.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20I think the long corridor with the bedrooms coming off,
0:27:20 > 0:27:25that's very different, not what I expected, which is nice.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The location suits me a lot better.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I feel the closeness to the village and also close to Cheltenham,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35a very big and lovely town.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I think the garden space, certainly the grassed area is better
0:27:38 > 0:27:41and it's exactly what Nicki would look for in a house.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43I think the interior would need
0:27:43 > 0:27:45quite a bit of adaptation to suit Nicki,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48so I think she would need to use a bit of imagination and just
0:27:48 > 0:27:52have a look at it as a blank canvas rather than as it is at the moment.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56To make it the way I want it, I think I'd have to spend quite
0:27:56 > 0:28:02a lot of money on it, so I was surprised by the price of it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05So, that's where I think I'm in a bit of a dilemma.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- Hi.- Hello, so the first day is over. Lots to think about.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- A lot to think about.- Yeah, lots.- I think it's time for a glass of wine.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Fantastic. Good idea, Nicki.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29It's day two of our property search for Nicki, who's swapping
0:28:29 > 0:28:33city life in Oxford for a slice of Cotswold rural living.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Still to come, will our mystery property
0:28:36 > 0:28:38stray too far into the country?
0:28:38 > 0:28:43Yes, I can see myself here, but this, for me, feels quite isolated.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45And we take a break from houses to visit some
0:28:45 > 0:28:48of the Cotswolds more unusual residents.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Well, feeding time in the lemur cage!
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Well, it was great seeing how excited Nicki
0:28:55 > 0:28:58and Janice were yesterday at our first two properties,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02but I do think it's given Nicki a lot to think about
0:29:02 > 0:29:05and today's mystery house is going to challenge her again
0:29:05 > 0:29:10in terms of style and location, so it could raise even more questions.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13For our mystery house, I'm taking Nicki and Janice
0:29:13 > 0:29:1711 miles south to another classic Cotswold village,
0:29:17 > 0:29:18Rendcomb.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20It's full of beautiful stone buildings
0:29:20 > 0:29:24and also home to Rendcomb College, a public school.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28There are some amenities with a post office, shop and doctor's surgery.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33Down three miles of country lanes, we find our mystery house.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37Well, Nicki, Janice, here is your mystery house.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Wow, that looks lovely.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43It's a 1950s farmhouse which had a lot of work done on it in the 1990s.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- Right. - So, a slightly newer building. - OK.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48And you've got the traditional Cotswold stone on the outside
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- and, you have a lawn.- Lots of lawn.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I was drawn to that as soon as we walked in
0:29:54 > 0:29:57because there's a lot down the side as well. It's lovely.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- So, lots of space for the grandkids to run around in. - It's lovely.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03First impression, really nice.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Brilliant and you can't miss the stunning views.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- Unbeatable, aren't they?- Yes, beautiful.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12So, Janice, what are your first thoughts? Can you see Nicki in here?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15My first thoughts are it's a semi, a semi-detached, which is...
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- Does that put you off at all? - If anything, it's quite reassuring.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Obviously, on the drive on the way here,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I was very aware of it being very rural.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Um, so, that's reassuring knowing that, yes.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30We are a little bit further out than the other two properties
0:30:30 > 0:30:33that we saw yesterday, but you are only a 25-minute walk
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- from Rendcomb, and it really is a couple of minutes drive. - Yes.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39So, you're not too far away. Shall we take a look inside?
0:30:39 > 0:30:40- Yes, let's.- Come on, then.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44The house may be semi-detached, but it is large and an extension to the
0:30:44 > 0:30:48back has created a four-bedroom, three-bathroom property.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- Here is your living room.- Oh, it's lovely.- It is lovely, isn't it?
0:30:54 > 0:30:57That's very tasteful. It's beautiful. The fireplace is lovely.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00They've done a great job in here. It's lovely.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Yeah, you could have a really cosy winter here.- Yes.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07And then in the summer, of course, you've got your double doors
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- that open out onto your patio straight into the garden. - Lovely.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- So, good start so far?- Yeah. It's looking very promising, isn't it?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Oh, excellent! That's what we like to hear.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19This sitting room extends to almost 27ft,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22so is more than big enough for visiting friends and family.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24The generous dimensions
0:31:24 > 0:31:27and stylish decor are continued in the kitchen/diner.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- So, this is the kitchen!- Oh, wow!- Wow.- It's stunning, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- Beautiful.- And it's got that lovely kind of contemporary feeling
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- that we know you like.- Gosh, yes.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41But I think it's still kept in with that sort of farmhouse style.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- It captures it perfectly, actually, doesn't it?- Really nice.
0:31:45 > 0:31:51Again, you've found the perfect socialising space, haven't you?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53It's got the sort of mixture of the traditional
0:31:53 > 0:31:57and the old and the sort of freshness and newness of a refurb.
0:31:57 > 0:31:58I think it's lovely.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02You can't actually see them at the moment, but the washing machine,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05tumble dryer, dishwasher is all hidden away behind these cupboards.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Is it our next challenge to find them?
0:32:09 > 0:32:10Well, I'll let you begin!
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Well, actually, I think the next challenge is going to be,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15see what you think of the upstairs.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- Great.- So, shall we go and have a look?
0:32:18 > 0:32:19With doors out to the back garden,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22the kitchen/diner is a good entertaining space,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25but there is also another ground floor room currently
0:32:25 > 0:32:27used as a dining room and snug.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- So, here is one of the bedrooms.- That's lovely.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36It's an en suite and, of course, you can wake up to that every morning.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42Beautiful. Lovely. Lovely and light, and...en suite, absolutely stunning.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45So, Janice, obviously, you are living in a very rural area.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47How does this compare?
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Um, this is less rural than where I am,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54but it would present similar problems in that
0:32:54 > 0:32:58a 25-minute walk for a pint of milk is not always practical, you know?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00And I do think that you would use the car a lot.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02As I'm walking round, that is
0:33:02 > 0:33:05something that is on my mind all the time.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09It's a beautiful home and, yes, I can see myself here,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13but, all the time, I'm thinking...I need to think.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15I know this, for me, feels quite isolated,
0:33:15 > 0:33:21so I've just got to keep reminding myself not to be too overwhelmed by
0:33:21 > 0:33:23how beautiful the home is and be realistic.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- About the practical side of things.- Definitely, yes.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28It's good you've got a good friend here to give you the advice
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- that's done it all before. - Exactly.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33There is another en suite double room to the rear of the house,
0:33:33 > 0:33:37which looks out over the garden and is currently used as the master.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41In addition, there are two further doubles, which share a bathroom.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Outside, this house really delivers on Nicki's desire
0:33:44 > 0:33:49for a grandchild friendly play space with a fully fenced lawned garden.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52As you can see, it kind of curls round the house.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- It's on all three sides. - Oh, it's beautiful, it really is.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00The views are stunning. Really spacious and very safe, actually.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- This is...ideal, isn't it? - This is a really nice, flat area.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Really useful, versatile.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10So, Nicki, we have challenged you here, slightly.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13We've brought you into a slightly more rural area.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Now that you've seen the property, what are your thoughts.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18It's a beautiful home.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I feel it doesn't need a lot doing to it. I could just move in.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24It still feels very...
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- isolated.- We've given you a lot to think about, haven't we? - You have.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28- Yes.- It's a lot to process.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31It's a lot, seeing three very different houses.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- it is a lot to process.- Hmm.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- That's why you're here.- Yep. - Exactly.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Well, that brings us onto the all-important question,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42what price do you think this house is on the market at?
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I think about...
0:34:44 > 0:34:47720,000.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- 720 from Nicki.- Yeah.- Janice?
0:34:50 > 0:34:52I'm going to go a bit lower.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I'm going to go 710, given that it is a semi.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Well, I can tell you, it's actually on the market for 650,000.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- Wow, that is a surprise.- Well, that gives you scope, doesn't it?
0:35:03 > 0:35:04It does, it does.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- And food for thought.- Yeah.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Well, um, why don't you guys go and have another look round,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- you've got a lot to think about, and we'll have a catch up later.- Great.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Yeah, good.- Great, see you later.- OK.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22So, for 100,000 under budget, at £650,000,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25this semi-detached rural property offers four bedrooms,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27large sociable living spaces,
0:35:27 > 0:35:32and a large lawned garden with fantastic Cotswold views.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36I was quite surprised to see that it was a semi-detached property, erm,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39but thought that it might be good for Nicki
0:35:39 > 0:35:42and if it is a rural location, she wouldn't be isolated.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44I think upstairs is really nice.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46The room to the front is beautiful, and the views,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and who wouldn't want to wake up to that in the morning?
0:35:49 > 0:35:55This house, I feel, is a beautiful family home.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Nicki has had lovely family homes in the past
0:35:57 > 0:36:00when she's brought her children up, um,
0:36:00 > 0:36:04and I think that Nicki would be looking for a slightly more
0:36:04 > 0:36:08quirky feel, rather than the traditional family home.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12The mystery house has been a really different prospect.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13A lot for me to think about.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16The challenge for me around it being rural is...
0:36:18 > 0:36:22I still have real reservations about how isolated I will feel.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Hi.- Hello, there. How are you both?- Very good, thank you.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Excellent, but, sadly, it is the end of our property search.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39- Have I given you enough to think about?- Oh, lots.- Just a bit.- Yes.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Excellent, excellent. Well, I think it's probably important for you both
0:36:42 > 0:36:44to spend some time thinking through everything.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49- So, um, I think that's it. Shall we go?- Yes, thank you.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The Cotswolds may be a byword for traditional pastoral
0:36:56 > 0:36:59Englishness, but just outside the village of Burford can be
0:36:59 > 0:37:02found something rather more exotic.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Built on the Bradwell Grove Estate, the Cotswold Wildlife Park
0:37:05 > 0:37:10and Gardens is home to over 300 different species of animals.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14From prairie dogs to penguins and monkeys to meerkats.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Today, I've come along to meet curator Jamie Craig to learn
0:37:17 > 0:37:19a little more about their conservation work.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Jamie, thanks for having me down today and see all
0:37:22 > 0:37:25the conservation successes here, but how did it all begin?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Well, the housing estate around the house have been in the family
0:37:28 > 0:37:30that own it now for a long, long time.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33In 1970, John Heyworth, who lived in the manor at one point,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36had a real interest in natural history and the environment,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40decided to turn it into a wildlife park and it's been growing ever
0:37:40 > 0:37:43since, and it's now run by his son, Reggie Heyworth, so it's a real
0:37:43 > 0:37:47family business and they've been in the area for a long, long time.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49It's a popular local attraction,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52but it's not just about showcasing animals to visitors.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55The park also plays an important role in world animal
0:37:55 > 0:37:58conservation, particularly with the lemurs.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Well, feeding time in the lemur cage.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03They look pretty excited.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Uh, yeah, they do...they're always keen on their feed.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08And we've got a couple of different species here.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10What are the names of the species?
0:38:10 > 0:38:11These ones are the collared lemurs.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14You can see sort of by the red and orangey collar under the neck. These
0:38:14 > 0:38:17are the more typical that everyone would know from the film Madagascar.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20These are the ring-tailed lemurs, and behind you, these ones,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23the males have got the sort of white teardrop marks and the females are
0:38:23 > 0:38:26the dark brown, these are red-bellied lemurs, and in here somewhere,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29he may come over, is the crowned sifaka.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33The crowned sifaka is one of the most endangered primate species
0:38:33 > 0:38:36in the world, with estimates of less than 1,000 left
0:38:36 > 0:38:38remaining in the wild.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40So, what role does the park actually play in relation to lemurs
0:38:40 > 0:38:42and the conservation projects?
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Well, all lemurs are endangered.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47They only occur in Madagascar, which is obviously just one island
0:38:47 > 0:38:50and there are a lot of problems there with deforestation
0:38:50 > 0:38:51and instability in the country,
0:38:51 > 0:38:55so what we do in captivity is we ensure we have, first of all,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59a successful breeding programme, but also we make sure that it all
0:38:59 > 0:39:02links into conservation for the lemur species in the wild.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Out in Madagascar, the park funds and supports projects
0:39:06 > 0:39:09which protects the lemurs' natural wild habitat from
0:39:09 > 0:39:13slash and burn agriculture and logging, and, back in the UK,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16it's sustaining the captive population that's key,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20and the park has seen more than 100 lemur births over the years.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22And I know you've had another massive success
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- and a and new arrival.- Yes, we have, yes.- Can we go and see it?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- Of course you can.- Thank you.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Rhinos were first brought to the park in the 1970s,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34but they've never had breeding success until now.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Their first ever white rhino baby has recently been born.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40So, this is Astrid. She's gorgeous!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43You must have been so proud when she was born.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- Yeah, we've been very proud. - So, tell us all about the birth.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- How old is she?- Uh, it's just over three months.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- She was born on the 1st of July.- How exciting!
0:39:50 > 0:39:52And, I mean, is it quite difficult
0:39:52 > 0:39:54to breed these animals within the park?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Uh, it can be in sort of a wildlife park setting,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59because there's not really much competition with the males,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01which they really do need to breed.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03So, we had a few little tricks up our sleeve.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06We've brought some dung in from another zoo of another male,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10so, obviously, Monty, our male, detected the smell of another
0:40:10 > 0:40:12male and everything happened as we'd hoped.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Oh, we've got someone coming up to say hello here.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17She is just absolutely gorgeous.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Well, it's been such a pleasure meeting Astrid today and we do
0:40:20 > 0:40:24really wish you all the best for the future of the conservation projects.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- Thank you very much.- They're brilliant.- Thank you.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Well, Nicki and Janice responded really positively to the
0:40:32 > 0:40:34three properties we've shown them,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38but I'm just not sure if Nicki has a clear favourite.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Time to find out.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Well, I think we've seen three fantastic properties over
0:40:46 > 0:40:49the past couple of days and we've given you a lot to think about.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52But, you're kind of keeping me guessing a little bit here,
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- which is your favourite? Do you have a favourite, even? - Definitely.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Number one. It was absolutely stunning.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It was a beautiful home.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05I really did feel like I could just move into it,
0:41:05 > 0:41:11not have to do anything, um, very much my style and it was quirky.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Yeah, which has always been very important to you, hasn't it?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17So, Janice, can you see Nicki being happy in house number one?
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Yeah, I think it has a really lovely feel and that's sometimes you can't
0:41:22 > 0:41:26describe and you can't quantify, you really have to just feel it
0:41:26 > 0:41:28and sort of to see Nicki's face and,
0:41:28 > 0:41:33and...see her mind working overtime and planning and...yeah,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- I could really see Nicki there and the family...- Mm.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- ..being there and sharing it all with you.- Yes, yeah.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41What about in terms of the kind of location?
0:41:41 > 0:41:43That's probably the one concern for me.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I'd really like Janice to support me
0:41:46 > 0:41:51a little bit further in the real need to go back, visit the village,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55drive around it, get a little bit more of an idea of exactly where
0:41:55 > 0:41:59it is in relation to the main road and what are the actual facilities.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- You're going to have to compromise somewhere. - Yeah.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06It's about sort of prioritising what is really important to you.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Is the location the most important or is the accommodation
0:42:09 > 0:42:11the most important? And, if it's the accommodation,
0:42:11 > 0:42:16- I don't think you could really go past the first house, really.- No.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20It was stunning. Well, it really has been a lot of fun the past two days.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. - Absolutely.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27And maybe property one could be that for ever home and you could
0:42:27 > 0:42:30enjoy it with all your children and grandchildren in years to come.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- Thank you.- Good luck. Thank you, guys.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36I think we've really helped Nicki on her journey to find
0:42:36 > 0:42:38the perfect property in the Cotswolds.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42We wish Nicki and Janice all the best for the future.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48In the end, the first property's location proved to be
0:42:48 > 0:42:50a little too quiet for Nicki.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53She's now renting in the Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marshtown
0:42:53 > 0:42:58until she finds her perfect home in the perfect location.
0:42:58 > 0:42:59If you would like to escape to the
0:42:59 > 0:43:03country in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05or perhaps further afield, to the continent,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and would like our help, please apply online at...