Gloucestershire Escape to the Country


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Home to over 500 different variations,

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these stunning red and golden trees

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make up the largest collection of maples in the UK.

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Now, find out where this exotic autumnal location is

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in just a few moments.

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On today's programme,

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our house hunters find the search a little overwhelming...

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Wow.

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There's an awful lot to take in, isn't there?

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..but our beautiful properties leave them searching for superlatives.

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-That is another wow, isn't it?

-It may be even a stunning.

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-Do you think?

-Yes.

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I'm in the Cotswolds at Westonbirt's National Arboretum.

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Now, this beautiful 600-acre site was originally created by

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wealthy landowner Robert Holford back in the 1850s and he,

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like many of the Victorian elite, collected plant and tree specimens

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from all around the world and then brought them

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back here to display in his garden.

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Originally, this collection would have been

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established for pleasure, but it is actually now a Grade I listed

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landscape, and it is just one of the many historic sites worth

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preserving in this region.

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The Cotswolds are a range of hills in the west of England

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spanning an area 90 miles long and 25 miles across.

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They are mostly located in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire,

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although parts do spill into neighbouring counties.

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Tucked in the western foothills of the Cotswolds are

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charming villages like Stanton.

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Looking much the same as it did 300 years ago,

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the village takes its name from the stone, stan, from which it is built.

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The town of Cirencester is often referred to

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as the capital of the Cotswolds.

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Built by the Romans, it quickly became England's second city,

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gaining its wealth through the wool industry.

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The Roman influence of Cirencester is evident to this day,

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yet the streets are now filled with tourists and shoppers enjoying the

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many bars, restaurants, independent shops and twice-weekly market.

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But it's the backdrop to these towns and villages which is the real draw.

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The rolling hills and pastoral landscape of the Cotswolds

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makes it an appealing place to find a slice of country life.

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Now, setting up home in the Cotswolds doesn't come cheap,

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especially when you discover that

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the average price of a detached property here

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is £200,000 more than the national figure.

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But, if you're willing to cast your net just a little bit

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further beyond the borders, you will start to see that premium level off.

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So, for instance, down in Wiltshire, you've got Malmesbury or Minety,

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and it's still within range of the Cotswolds,

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but it is more affordable.

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However, our buyer today already has her heart set

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on being in the Cotswold country.

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Our house hunter is Nicki, who currently lives in central Oxford,

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a city she got to know after a period studying here.

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I guess my move to Oxford was originally inspired by

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when I completed a degree course in psychology 15 years ago.

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I completed that at Oxford Brookes, and fell in love with

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the city and subsequently, five years ago, moved to Oxford.

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For many, Oxford is a dream destination in itself,

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but for Nicki, the time for city living is over.

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I love being in the city, it's beautiful,

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but I really have a strong desire now to move to the country.

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It'll give me more greenery,

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hopefully more of a community environment,

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and also, hopefully, a bigger property as well to entertain

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my family and friends, which is ultimately what I enjoy doing.

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Nicki has two grown-up children, and developments with one of them

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-have prompted the move.

-Ten months ago, I became a grandmother.

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It's really important for me now to have a garden.

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And to have more space, to have the children

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and grandchildren visit me.

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Being able to spend time with her new grandson is key.

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What is important is not to move too far away from my daughter, who

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lives in Reading.

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I love spending time with her and my grandson.

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So, it's important that it's... Two hours is probably

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the maximum distance I would like to be away from Reading.

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The decision to move to the Cotswolds is not, however,

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-a new idea.

-I've always loved the Cotswolds, it's so beautiful.

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It seems to provide, within the little towns,

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a real community feel about it and, having visited there many times,

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it always seems to be a very friendly place to live, and living

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on my own, it's very important to have that community feel around me.

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For such a big decision,

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she's bringing along an extra pair of eyes.

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Janice and I have been friends for... It must be over 25 years now.

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She's been an incredible support over the years,

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and we're just on the same wavelength.

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She knows me well, she knows how I tick,

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and I know I can get some honest answers from her.

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I think Nicki needs, in this next move for her,

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somewhere where she feels really comfortable in,

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and the feeling in the house is going to

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be as important as the rooms and the layout.

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And Janice already has an idea of what to watch out for.

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'The pitfalls that would be sounding alarm bells for me, for Nick,'

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would be remoteness, being too remote, taking on too much,

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perhaps a really large garden or a sort of quirky house

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that might need maintenance.

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But support for her friend's decision is certain.

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Nicki's move has come along just at the right time, I think,

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city life is great and it's all fun, but she's done that sort of bit

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and it's just time to sort of ease back a bit,

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drop your shoulders and just enjoy life a little bit more.

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It is a big move, obviously, from the city out to the countryside, so

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I'm looking to Janice to support me through it and give me some advice.

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As Nicki wants to be in classic Cotswold country, we are

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concentrating our search in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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between Cheltenham and Cirencester.

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Before we begin our search, I'm off to find out more details.

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Nicki, Janice, welcome. Welcome to the lovely Cotswolds.

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Now, can you just tell me

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why it is that you're drawn to this particular area?

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I've always had a real soft spot for the Cotswolds. It's beautiful.

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I particularly like the honey-coloured bricks,

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but it's just such a beautiful area to live in.

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Now, the property search is very real for you at the moment,

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-isn't it? Because you've just sold your current property.

-I have.

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-Congratulations.

-Thank you very much.

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Now, Nicki, you're obviously our buyer.

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Janice, can you tell us what your role is going to be today?

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I'm just here really to support Nicki.

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I'm just going to be a bit of a leveller

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and just keep Nicki's feet on the ground.

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Now, you're very familiar, obviously, with escaping to the

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country, because you've actually done it before, haven't you?

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Yes, 13 years ago, we moved from Reading,

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where Nicki and I met, back up to Scotland, and we live in a very

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rural community, a little village called Roberton, which is lovely.

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-It's beautiful.

-How did you guys meet?

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We met through partners that we had at the time,

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through their work, really.

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And we just...25 years ago, we've been firm friends

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-ever since, really.

-Wow.

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What's the kind of style that you're looking for in your house?

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I don't mind whether it's old or new, I'd like it to have character,

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perhaps a bit quirky.

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It's really important for me to be near a high street,

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walking distance, ideally.

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I don't want to be too rural, as I'm on my own. That's really important.

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I'm looking for at least three bedrooms.

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I currently have... Albeit that it's quite small,

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it's an open kitchen/diner and I like socialising and having people

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come and stay, so a bigger kitchen/diner is definitely a must.

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And you've also got your daughter

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-and grandson that you want to make space for to come and stay.

-Yeah.

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Yes, I've got two children, both grown-up and left home,

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and, yes, I obviously want to accommodate both of them

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coming and staying, and now grandson as well.

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Lovely.

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Now, Nicki, the all-important question...what is your budget,

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and is there any room to manoeuvre on that?

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-Um, £750,000 is my budget.

-A sizeable budget, then.

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Perhaps a little bit of room to manoeuvre, a little bit more.

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Well, hopefully that'll be enough to find you your dream house.

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-Fantastic.

-I think it's time for us to go and find them all.

-Great.

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-Shall we head off?

-Absolutely.

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-The Cotswolds await us.

-Brilliant.

-Follow me.

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So, for a healthy budget of £750,000,

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Nicki is hoping to get a minimum of three bedrooms,

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generous, sociable living space, a garden for her visiting grandson

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to play in, and be located near a lively village or town.

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And we've got some incredible properties which are sure to

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impress, but I won't be revealing their price tags

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until our house hunters have had a guess.

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And we'll be showing them the mystery house,

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which takes the hunt further than expected.

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So, Janice, you're here to help on the search,

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-and you've done a bit of escaping to the country yourself.

-Yes.

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Any good advice that you can give Nicki before we start?

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Yeah, just consider carefully transport links,

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and just think of daily practicalities like shopping

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and weather and if you want to be in your car a lot or

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if you want to be on foot.

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Just think carefully about the location of the house.

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-Janice has never been to the Cotswolds until now.

-Really?

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-No, never.

-Well, welcome to the Cotswolds.

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It is a beautiful part of the country.

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Is it living up to your expectations?

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Almost as nice as Scotland.

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I'll leave you two to have that

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discussion between yourselves.

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To start our search, we're going to the village of Chedworth,

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seven miles away from Cirencester

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and in stunning Cotswold countryside.

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As well as offering an attractive stone church and essential pub,

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what this village has going for it is a thriving village hall

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with horticultural, agricultural and drama societies.

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There's a vibrant community for Nicki to tap into and,

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right in the centre of the village, is our first property.

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Well, feast your eyes on property number one.

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-Isn't it beautiful?

-It's absolutely beautiful.

-Wow!

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It's an 18th century converted barn, originally built in 1785,

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and then converted in 2000.

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And it's just got a lot of charm about it.

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It's stunning, it's beautiful.

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-I could see you here quite comfortably.

-So can I.

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It really is absolutely beautiful.

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-Is it the kind of style that you were hoping for?

-Oh, absolutely.

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I'm dying to see the inside.

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Well, I'm not going to keep you both waiting any longer cos

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-I know how excited you are, you just want to get inside.

-Yes, yes, yes!

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-So, let's go!

-Brilliant!

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The main conversion was carried out in 2000, but much of the interior

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has been updated in the last five years including the kitchen.

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-Well, Nicki, Janice, come on in.

-Wow! That is amazing.

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-This is your kitchen/diner.

-Wow.

-I've got goose bumps!

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-That's what we love.

-It's beautiful, it really is, isn't it? Wow.

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So, can you see yourself at home here...?

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-Uh, huh. Mm-hm.

-..which is the important thing.

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-I might need to get a chef.

-Oh, well, that's fine.

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I jest, really.

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I could see you very comfortably using this space to

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suit your needs and...beautiful.

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Wow.

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-Brilliant.

-There's an awful lot to take in, isn't there?

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With exposed beams and contemporary heritage colours,

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the kitchen is clearly impressing,

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and off the back is an unusually charming utility room.

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The modern country interior continues into the living room.

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-That's gorgeous. Ooh, that's lovely.

-That's very lovely, isn't it?

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And you've got the lovely French windows here, which makes it

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so light and airy.

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-It's beautiful. And a wood burner.

-Yes.

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And it's been decorated, you know, really quite recently,

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-what do you think of the decoration?

-Very tasteful.

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Is there anything that you'd want to change about it?

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-No, it feels so comfortable, doesn't it?

-It's warm...

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It's really got a lovely feel about it. Very relaxing.

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Peaceful.

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-That's the important thing.

-Yeah.

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This interior seems to be offering instant appeal for Nicki.

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On the ground floor, there is also a dining room

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for more formal entertaining and a cloakroom.

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Up on the first floor, there are three bedrooms in total.

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Two of which have en suite shower rooms.

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And here is, potentially, the master bedroom.

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Now, the current owners actually use this as the master bedroom,

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but it doesn't have an en suite,

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-but there is a lovely big family bathroom as well.

-It's lovely.

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It really is. I love that window aspect.

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-The window is stunning, isn't it?

-It really is beautiful.

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-And the lovely stone wall as well.

-Yeah, yeah, lovely.

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-Absolutely beautiful.

-Lovely.

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Well, there is actually another floor to this property,

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so, I think it's time.

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-Let's go take a look.

-Fantastic.

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Connected by a galleried walkway with a view right down

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the house, there are two further rooms up in the eaves.

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This is beautiful.

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And this is either your second living room or a snug,

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-whatever you fancy.

-Wow. Office...

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-Work, well, actually, there is another room over there...

-Oh, OK.

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-..that is the office.

-Oh.

-Again, it's got that kind of cosy feeling.

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It has a quirky window. Wow.

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And there you've got a nice skylight there,

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so you've still got a lot of light coming in.

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Another beautiful room.

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-Absolutely.

-Yes.

-I guess I'm still in that stunned phase.

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It's just such a fantastic space, isn't it?

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Well, I think that's everything for this property,

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so, I think it's time.

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Start thinking about what value you'd put on it

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and we're going to go outside to the garden and have a bit of a chat.

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-Hmm.

-OK.

-Come on.

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Surrounding the house are beautifully tended gardens

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with vegetable patches and landscaped areas which have

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won awards from the local horticultural society.

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-Isn't it lovely?

-It is, it's beautiful.

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And what do you think about the size?

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Is this about the right thing that you were looking for?

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-Yeah, I think so.

-I think it is deceptive.

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You think it's a small garden, but it's actually not.

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There's a lot to it and very well thought out.

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-So, you can imagine your grandson running around here.

-Mm.

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-Trying to keep him off the, um...

-Trying to keep him under control.

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..plants, could be a bit of a challenge, yes.

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-I was probably looking for more grass...

-Right.

-..for that reason.

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-OK.

-But...

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-Well, we...

-..you know, that could be workable.

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We've got the size here

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-and then we can kind of change it however you want to.

-Yes.

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-Which then draws us to the important part.

-Hm.

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What do you think this property is valued at, at the moment?

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I am thinking...top end of the budget,

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-so I'm going to go straight with £750,000.

-Ooh, interesting.

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-Janice, what do you think?

-Thinking of the location, I think 735.

-735.

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Yes.

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Well, I can tell you, Nicki, congratulations,

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-you are right on the money! Bang on. It's on at 750.

-Wow, OK.

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So, it is at the top end of your budget.

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So, how does that make you feel?

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Well, it is just an absolutely stunning house.

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-And nothing to do, nothing to do.

-Absolutely.

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The fact that I could just move in...

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um...

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-it means that I don't have to spend any money on it.

-Exactly.

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Yes, it-it's beautiful.

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Why don't you go back in, take another look round,

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and we'll catch up with you later.

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Fantastic. Thanks, Nicki.

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At the top end of Nicki's £750,000 budget,

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this classic Cotswold stone property has five bedrooms, a contemporary

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country interior throughout, and award-winning gardens.

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Oh, wow! JANICE LAUGHS

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NICKI GASPS

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-Yikes!

-Just when you thought it couldn't get better...

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-it does.

-I could see this working for you, Nick.

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Yeah, a glass of wine, plenty of bubbles, just perfect. How lovely.

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Beautiful. My initial thoughts about the property, um,

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the first site of it was just absolutely stunning. Beautiful.

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As soon as I walked into the kitchen, it really was a wow factor.

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I actually felt quite stunned. Beautifully designed. A lot of taste.

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The garden feels adequate.

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My only concern is, what I was really looking for was grass,

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perfect for current grandchildren and any more to follow.

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That could be modified.

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So, not a great concern,

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but I'm aware that I'd have to do something about it, definitely.

0:17:120:17:16

I'm slightly concerned about the village location.

0:17:160:17:20

I think that the village might be a little quieter

0:17:200:17:22

than Nicki was expecting.

0:17:220:17:24

Perhaps something with a bit more going on, might be better

0:17:240:17:27

and might suit more. But The house, as it stands, is beautiful.

0:17:270:17:32

It is amazing. It is gorgeous. What's really not to like?

0:17:320:17:36

And I would like to live here. Yeah, yeah!

0:17:370:17:40

Well, I think that was a pretty positive reaction from both

0:17:400:17:44

-Nicki and Janice there. Ah! And here they are. All good?

-Yes.

-Right.

0:17:440:17:49

-Really good.

-Great. I think we're ready for property two now.

0:17:490:17:52

-Fantastic.

-Off we go.

0:17:520:17:53

On the edge of the Cotswolds lies the market town of Winchcombe.

0:17:560:18:00

Its impressive historic buildings stand testament to its wealth

0:18:000:18:04

made during the peak of the wool trade.

0:18:040:18:06

In the early 20th century,

0:18:060:18:07

the Cotswolds became a centre for the arts and crafts movement,

0:18:070:18:11

a tradition which continues today with many artisans in the region.

0:18:110:18:16

The Winchcombe Pottery is one such example.

0:18:160:18:19

On the site of an earlier 1800s pottery, the current business

0:18:190:18:23

was found in 1926 and, since 1939, has been run by the Finch family.

0:18:230:18:29

Nicki and Janice are meeting the founder's son, Michael Finch.

0:18:290:18:32

Mike, what's special about Winchcombe pots?

0:18:320:18:34

Uh. Winchcombe pots are probably special

0:18:340:18:37

because we make practical pots for everyday use.

0:18:370:18:39

It something that's a work of art, it's a beautiful thing,

0:18:390:18:42

if you use something every day it enriches your life as well as,

0:18:420:18:45

you know, anything else, you know.

0:18:450:18:46

What made you decide to carry on the decision?

0:18:460:18:48

Well, I really do feel that making pots by hand is

0:18:480:18:51

a kind of vocation cos you know you're doing something useful.

0:18:510:18:55

Um, it's definitely not a job just to earn money cos the wages are low.

0:18:550:18:59

You do it because the things you are making you are proud of,

0:18:590:19:03

and, in themselves they're items of beauty.

0:19:030:19:05

What's the easiest thing to make as a beginner?

0:19:050:19:08

Probably a bowl, a bowl is a simple shape to make.

0:19:080:19:10

Would you like to have a go, because we can have a go in the workshop?

0:19:100:19:14

-I'd love to.

-OK, follow me, let's go down.

-Fantastic.

0:19:140:19:17

Winchcombe Pottery uses iron and ash glazing

0:19:170:19:20

and is distinguished by combed, sponge and fingered decoration.

0:19:200:19:24

Each pot is thrown by hand by the potters at the studio and,

0:19:240:19:28

with 50 years' experience, Michael will give Nicki a masterclass.

0:19:280:19:33

Here we are. Put it in the middle.

0:19:330:19:35

Now, what I'm doing now, I'm squeezing the clay

0:19:350:19:37

and holding my hands still.

0:19:370:19:39

What you've got to notice is my elbows are secure

0:19:390:19:41

like a triangular shape. When I relax, I relax slowly.

0:19:410:19:45

If I don't, it's got a bump in it, see? So, you relax slowly.

0:19:450:19:50

Now, I make a hole in it.

0:19:500:19:51

With one hand on the inside and the other outside, pressure needs

0:19:520:19:55

to be applied gently and moved up the pot at a steady pace.

0:19:550:19:58

It's essential to keep the clay wet at all times.

0:19:580:20:01

And, it's easy for me to say, but that's all there is to it.

0:20:030:20:06

-You cut the pot off the wheel and that's how you do it.

-Wow.

0:20:060:20:10

The pots would then be fired and, staying true to tradition,

0:20:120:20:15

they still use a wood firing kiln.

0:20:150:20:17

The unpredictability of the wood firing process means all

0:20:170:20:21

glazed finishes vary slightly, making each pot unique,

0:20:210:20:24

but, before it can be fired, Nicki needs to produce a pot of her own.

0:20:240:20:28

-I'll put that in the middle for you, so you can have a go.

-OK.

0:20:280:20:31

I'll get this bit out the way.

0:20:310:20:33

There we are. Now, it's all yours.

0:20:350:20:37

Remember, keep your hands wet at all times.

0:20:390:20:42

-Do I look like I know what I'm doing?

-No.

-No.

0:20:420:20:44

If it was easy, I'd be out of a job,

0:20:440:20:46

cos everybody would make their own pots. Well...stop!

0:20:460:20:49

Oh, stop before it collapses!

0:20:490:20:51

That's probably your creation, which is pretty good for a first try.

0:20:510:20:55

-Is it really?

-Yeah!

-Well, thank you!

0:20:550:20:58

Nicki may not have a great pottery career ahead, but, it's a

0:20:580:21:01

tradition that, hopefully, will continue for many years to come.

0:21:010:21:05

-Oh, it's come off perfectly.

-Brilliant!

-Look at that.

0:21:050:21:07

Back to the house hunt and, for our second property, we're travelling

0:21:100:21:14

half an hour north to the village of Prestbury just outside Cheltenham.

0:21:140:21:18

Prestbury is a busy medium-sized village

0:21:180:21:20

which has a well-used high street.

0:21:200:21:22

Amongst other things, there's a general store, post office,

0:21:220:21:25

butcher, hairdresser, and four pubs, so there are plenty of

0:21:250:21:29

local amenities on the doorstep and community to be part of.

0:21:290:21:33

And just a half a mile walk up the round is our next property.

0:21:330:21:37

It is property number two.

0:21:370:21:39

OK, I need to think of other words than wow, don't I?

0:21:390:21:42

-That is another wow, isn't it?

-It may even a stunning.

-Do you think?

0:21:420:21:46

-Yes, it's beautiful.

-It is really.

-It's a converted barn...

-Wow.

0:21:460:21:50

..built in the 18th century

0:21:500:21:52

and then turned into a residential property in 1989.

0:21:520:21:57

You might have noticed we're standing on a lawn, which is

0:21:570:22:00

obviously, I know, something that you're keen to have.

0:22:000:22:02

Yeah, definitely.

0:22:020:22:04

Now, the other really great thing about this property is its location,

0:22:040:22:07

because, obviously, although we're in a very rural area,

0:22:070:22:10

we're actually only half a mile from the local village, Prestbury,

0:22:100:22:13

and a five-minute drive from Cheltenham.

0:22:130:22:16

So, what are your first thoughts of the property,

0:22:160:22:18

-what do you think so far?

-The wow factor again, definitely.

0:22:180:22:21

It's really tidy and clean and looks well-maintained from the outside,

0:22:210:22:26

and it is a stunning property.

0:22:260:22:28

And do you think this location is better suited for Nicki?

0:22:280:22:31

It certainly seems to be a bit closer proximity to a more

0:22:310:22:34

lively village, so, yeah, I think it could well be.

0:22:340:22:36

Well, I think that's about all we've seen from the outside.

0:22:360:22:40

-Shall we go and take a peek inside?

-Yes, please.

0:22:400:22:43

All right, then, off we go.

0:22:430:22:44

This single-storey building was originally a milking parlour

0:22:440:22:47

and barn, and is build with 20-inch thick Cotswold stone walls

0:22:470:22:51

and stone and concrete roof tiles.

0:22:510:22:54

-And here we go.

-Gosh, that's lovely.

-What do you think?

0:22:560:22:59

It feels very homely, doesn't it?

0:22:590:23:01

Yes, it's warm and welcoming.

0:23:010:23:03

You've also got these window panes,

0:23:030:23:04

which are actually...they were originally from a school.

0:23:040:23:08

They were used to kind of separate classrooms from the hallway

0:23:080:23:11

and they were taken from the school and put into the barn here

0:23:110:23:14

-when they did the conversion.

-Fantastic. Nice feature.

0:23:140:23:17

-Yeah, it's lovely.

-Isn't it?

0:23:170:23:18

It's lovely and cosy and warm and lovely and light.

0:23:180:23:22

A really nice feel about it.

0:23:220:23:24

-And still got the Cotswold stone on the wall, exposed.

-Yeah, exactly.

0:23:240:23:27

It's lovely and, as you say, warm and cosy and homely,

0:23:270:23:31

but it needs a bit of Nickiness in it.

0:23:310:23:33

Well, hopefully, that was a good start so far, lots more to see.

0:23:330:23:36

-Let's move on to the living room.

-Thank you.

0:23:360:23:39

The flagstone flooring and double height ceilings,

0:23:390:23:42

which give the room a feeling of space

0:23:420:23:44

-and light continue into the living room next door.

-Wow.

0:23:440:23:49

That's huge, also made bigger

0:23:490:23:50

because you've got the formal dining room at the end.

0:23:500:23:53

-Yeah.

-It's very different, isn't it?

0:23:530:23:55

-Yeah.

-It's got a lot of potential.

0:23:560:23:58

I don't think that the style's quite you.

0:23:580:24:01

It's lovely, but it's a bit heavy for you.

0:24:010:24:03

You would want something a bit more contemporary.

0:24:030:24:05

Once you take out all the furniture, you know, it's a lovely room...

0:24:050:24:09

-It is.

-..with white walls

0:24:090:24:10

and you can do exactly what you want with it.

0:24:100:24:12

-Really nice proportions, yeah.

-It's about putting my stamp on it.

0:24:120:24:15

-Exactly.

-Exactly.

-And then, of course,

0:24:150:24:18

you've got the lovely doors that open out into the patio here

0:24:180:24:21

and this is great space because it gets the light in the morning.

0:24:210:24:24

Yes, this is lovely, lovely and light.

0:24:240:24:27

-A really nice feel about it.

-Excellent!

0:24:270:24:29

-Well, I think it's time for us to go and have a look at the bedrooms.

-OK.

0:24:290:24:32

Yeah? Fine then, follow me.

0:24:320:24:33

Off a long corridor are three good-sized bedrooms

0:24:360:24:39

for Nicki's guests. One has an en suite bathroom

0:24:390:24:42

and there's a separate shower room and WC.

0:24:420:24:45

Then there's a surprise in the master suite.

0:24:450:24:48

-Woo! Gosh, that opened out really...

-It does.

-..nicely.

0:24:480:24:52

-Very nice.

-Yeah, it's nice and spacious.

-Yeah.

-Nice and spacious.

0:24:520:24:55

-It is an en suite as well.

-Yeah.

0:24:550:24:57

Um, and you've got the lovely window there which looks out onto

0:24:570:25:00

-the rolling Cotswold country.

-It's got a nice feel to the room.

0:25:000:25:04

The beams just add an extra dimension to it as well.

0:25:040:25:07

Now that we've had a look around, it is just one storey.

0:25:070:25:11

How do you feel about that?

0:25:110:25:13

-I've got no problem.

-No?

-No, absolutely not.

0:25:130:25:15

-So, you wouldn't miss going upstairs to bed?

-No, not at all.

0:25:150:25:18

Great. Excellent. All right, then. Well, I think it's time

0:25:180:25:22

-to go and see the garden.

-Great.

-Shall we?

-Fantastic.

0:25:220:25:24

The final room inside the house is a small study.

0:25:260:25:30

Outside, the garden extends to a third of an acre with lawns to the

0:25:300:25:33

front, perfect for Nicki's grandson, and offers fruit trees,

0:25:330:25:38

a pond and various terraces to sit out on.

0:25:380:25:41

-We've got your lovely cottage which is just stunning.

-Very pretty.

0:25:410:25:46

-Lots of different parts to it and a vegetable patch there.

-Yes!

0:25:460:25:50

-Really nice.

-And now, all this comes at a price, of course.

-Yes, yes.

0:25:500:25:54

Well, I'm going to ask Janice first

0:25:540:25:56

-to let you think about it a little bit longer.

-OK.

0:25:560:25:58

What do you think this property is valued at on the market?

0:25:580:26:01

Well, it has more bedrooms, although I do think you might need to

0:26:010:26:05

do a bit more to this property to make it suit your needs.

0:26:050:26:09

-Yeah.

-I would say...710.

0:26:090:26:11

Over to you, Nicki. What do you think you're going to go for?

0:26:110:26:14

Difficult.

0:26:140:26:15

I'm going to go 690.

0:26:150:26:18

Well, you are both wrong.

0:26:180:26:20

-It's a little bit higher than you were expecting.

-Oh.

0:26:200:26:23

It's actually also on the market for 750.

0:26:230:26:26

-Oh, wow!

-So, it's priced at the same as property number one.

-Wow.

0:26:260:26:29

-So, that's obviously a bit of a shock to you both.

-That is, yes.

0:26:290:26:33

-I am very surprised.

-So, I think there's still quite a

0:26:330:26:35

bit more for you to see inside, so, why don't you go and take a look and

0:26:350:26:38

-I'll meet you out front in a minute.

-Fantastic.

0:26:380:26:40

-Great, see you guys later.

-Thanks, Nicki.

0:26:400:26:42

At a price of £750,000,

0:26:430:26:46

this converted single-storey barn

0:26:460:26:49

gives two large-double height living spaces,

0:26:490:26:52

four bedrooms, a lawned garden,

0:26:520:26:54

and is in close proximity to a lively village.

0:26:540:26:57

-Oh, interesting.

-It is, it is.

0:26:590:27:00

Again, another really spacious room, isn't it?

0:27:000:27:03

-And very different to the rest of the house.

-Yeah, yeah.

0:27:030:27:06

But that's decor. You can easily change the decor.

0:27:060:27:09

I've really liked the overall look of the house...

0:27:090:27:12

Cotswold stone, really soft paintwork, really beautiful.

0:27:120:27:17

I think the long corridor with the bedrooms coming off,

0:27:170:27:20

that's very different, not what I expected, which is nice.

0:27:200:27:25

The location suits me a lot better.

0:27:250:27:28

I feel the closeness to the village and also close to Cheltenham,

0:27:280:27:33

a very big and lovely town.

0:27:330:27:35

I think the garden space, certainly the grassed area is better

0:27:350:27:38

and it's exactly what Nicki would look for in a house.

0:27:380:27:41

I think the interior would need

0:27:410:27:43

quite a bit of adaptation to suit Nicki,

0:27:430:27:45

so I think she would need to use a bit of imagination and just

0:27:450:27:48

have a look at it as a blank canvas rather than as it is at the moment.

0:27:480:27:52

To make it the way I want it, I think I'd have to spend quite

0:27:520:27:56

a lot of money on it, so I was surprised by the price of it.

0:27:560:28:02

So, that's where I think I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

0:28:020:28:05

-Hi.

-Hello, so the first day is over. Lots to think about.

0:28:060:28:11

-A lot to think about.

-Yeah, lots.

-I think it's time for a glass of wine.

0:28:110:28:14

Fantastic. Good idea, Nicki.

0:28:140:28:17

It's day two of our property search for Nicki, who's swapping

0:28:260:28:29

city life in Oxford for a slice of Cotswold rural living.

0:28:290:28:33

Still to come, will our mystery property

0:28:330:28:36

stray too far into the country?

0:28:360:28:38

Yes, I can see myself here, but this, for me, feels quite isolated.

0:28:380:28:43

And we take a break from houses to visit some

0:28:430:28:45

of the Cotswolds more unusual residents.

0:28:450:28:48

Well, feeding time in the lemur cage!

0:28:480:28:50

Well, it was great seeing how excited Nicki

0:28:530:28:55

and Janice were yesterday at our first two properties,

0:28:550:28:58

but I do think it's given Nicki a lot to think about

0:28:580:29:02

and today's mystery house is going to challenge her again

0:29:020:29:05

in terms of style and location, so it could raise even more questions.

0:29:050:29:10

For our mystery house, I'm taking Nicki and Janice

0:29:100:29:13

11 miles south to another classic Cotswold village,

0:29:130:29:17

Rendcomb.

0:29:170:29:18

It's full of beautiful stone buildings

0:29:180:29:20

and also home to Rendcomb College, a public school.

0:29:200:29:24

There are some amenities with a post office, shop and doctor's surgery.

0:29:240:29:28

Down three miles of country lanes, we find our mystery house.

0:29:280:29:33

Well, Nicki, Janice, here is your mystery house.

0:29:330:29:37

Wow, that looks lovely.

0:29:370:29:39

It's a 1950s farmhouse which had a lot of work done on it in the 1990s.

0:29:390:29:43

-Right.

-So, a slightly newer building.

-OK.

0:29:430:29:45

And you've got the traditional Cotswold stone on the outside

0:29:450:29:48

-and, you have a lawn.

-Lots of lawn.

0:29:480:29:52

I was drawn to that as soon as we walked in

0:29:520:29:54

because there's a lot down the side as well. It's lovely.

0:29:540:29:57

-So, lots of space for the grandkids to run around in.

-It's lovely.

0:29:570:30:00

First impression, really nice.

0:30:000:30:03

Brilliant and you can't miss the stunning views.

0:30:030:30:06

-Unbeatable, aren't they?

-Yes, beautiful.

0:30:060:30:08

So, Janice, what are your first thoughts? Can you see Nicki in here?

0:30:080:30:12

My first thoughts are it's a semi, a semi-detached, which is...

0:30:120:30:15

-Does that put you off at all?

-If anything, it's quite reassuring.

0:30:150:30:19

Obviously, on the drive on the way here,

0:30:190:30:22

I was very aware of it being very rural.

0:30:220:30:25

Um, so, that's reassuring knowing that, yes.

0:30:250:30:27

We are a little bit further out than the other two properties

0:30:270:30:30

that we saw yesterday, but you are only a 25-minute walk

0:30:300:30:33

-from Rendcomb, and it really is a couple of minutes drive.

-Yes.

0:30:330:30:36

So, you're not too far away. Shall we take a look inside?

0:30:360:30:39

-Yes, let's.

-Come on, then.

0:30:390:30:40

The house may be semi-detached, but it is large and an extension to the

0:30:400:30:44

back has created a four-bedroom, three-bathroom property.

0:30:440:30:48

-Here is your living room.

-Oh, it's lovely.

-It is lovely, isn't it?

0:30:500:30:54

That's very tasteful. It's beautiful. The fireplace is lovely.

0:30:540:30:57

They've done a great job in here. It's lovely.

0:30:570:31:00

-Yeah, you could have a really cosy winter here.

-Yes.

0:31:000:31:03

And then in the summer, of course, you've got your double doors

0:31:030:31:07

-that open out onto your patio straight into the garden.

-Lovely.

0:31:070:31:10

-So, good start so far?

-Yeah. It's looking very promising, isn't it?

0:31:100:31:14

Oh, excellent! That's what we like to hear.

0:31:140:31:16

This sitting room extends to almost 27ft,

0:31:160:31:19

so is more than big enough for visiting friends and family.

0:31:190:31:22

The generous dimensions

0:31:220:31:24

and stylish decor are continued in the kitchen/diner.

0:31:240:31:27

-So, this is the kitchen!

-Oh, wow!

-Wow.

-It's stunning, isn't it?

-Yeah.

0:31:280:31:32

-Beautiful.

-And it's got that lovely kind of contemporary feeling

0:31:320:31:36

-that we know you like.

-Gosh, yes.

0:31:360:31:38

But I think it's still kept in with that sort of farmhouse style.

0:31:380:31:41

-It captures it perfectly, actually, doesn't it?

-Really nice.

0:31:410:31:45

Again, you've found the perfect socialising space, haven't you?

0:31:450:31:51

It's got the sort of mixture of the traditional

0:31:510:31:53

and the old and the sort of freshness and newness of a refurb.

0:31:530:31:57

I think it's lovely.

0:31:570:31:58

You can't actually see them at the moment, but the washing machine,

0:31:580:32:02

tumble dryer, dishwasher is all hidden away behind these cupboards.

0:32:020:32:05

Is it our next challenge to find them?

0:32:050:32:07

Well, I'll let you begin!

0:32:090:32:10

Well, actually, I think the next challenge is going to be,

0:32:100:32:13

see what you think of the upstairs.

0:32:130:32:15

-Great.

-So, shall we go and have a look?

0:32:150:32:18

With doors out to the back garden,

0:32:180:32:19

the kitchen/diner is a good entertaining space,

0:32:190:32:22

but there is also another ground floor room currently

0:32:220:32:25

used as a dining room and snug.

0:32:250:32:27

-So, here is one of the bedrooms.

-That's lovely.

0:32:300:32:32

It's an en suite and, of course, you can wake up to that every morning.

0:32:320:32:36

Beautiful. Lovely. Lovely and light, and...en suite, absolutely stunning.

0:32:360:32:42

So, Janice, obviously, you are living in a very rural area.

0:32:420:32:45

How does this compare?

0:32:450:32:47

Um, this is less rural than where I am,

0:32:470:32:50

but it would present similar problems in that

0:32:500:32:54

a 25-minute walk for a pint of milk is not always practical, you know?

0:32:540:32:58

And I do think that you would use the car a lot.

0:32:580:33:00

As I'm walking round, that is

0:33:000:33:02

something that is on my mind all the time.

0:33:020:33:05

It's a beautiful home and, yes, I can see myself here,

0:33:050:33:09

but, all the time, I'm thinking...I need to think.

0:33:090:33:13

I know this, for me, feels quite isolated,

0:33:130:33:15

so I've just got to keep reminding myself not to be too overwhelmed by

0:33:150:33:21

how beautiful the home is and be realistic.

0:33:210:33:23

-About the practical side of things.

-Definitely, yes.

0:33:230:33:26

It's good you've got a good friend here to give you the advice

0:33:260:33:28

-that's done it all before.

-Exactly.

0:33:280:33:30

There is another en suite double room to the rear of the house,

0:33:300:33:33

which looks out over the garden and is currently used as the master.

0:33:330:33:37

In addition, there are two further doubles, which share a bathroom.

0:33:370:33:41

Outside, this house really delivers on Nicki's desire

0:33:410:33:44

for a grandchild friendly play space with a fully fenced lawned garden.

0:33:440:33:49

As you can see, it kind of curls round the house.

0:33:490:33:52

-It's on all three sides.

-Oh, it's beautiful, it really is.

0:33:520:33:55

The views are stunning. Really spacious and very safe, actually.

0:33:550:34:00

-This is...ideal, isn't it?

-This is a really nice, flat area.

0:34:000:34:05

Really useful, versatile.

0:34:050:34:07

So, Nicki, we have challenged you here, slightly.

0:34:070:34:10

We've brought you into a slightly more rural area.

0:34:100:34:13

Now that you've seen the property, what are your thoughts.

0:34:130:34:16

It's a beautiful home.

0:34:160:34:18

I feel it doesn't need a lot doing to it. I could just move in.

0:34:180:34:21

It still feels very...

0:34:210:34:24

-isolated.

-We've given you a lot to think about, haven't we?

-You have.

0:34:240:34:27

-Yes.

-It's a lot to process.

0:34:270:34:28

It's a lot, seeing three very different houses.

0:34:280:34:31

-it is a lot to process.

-Hmm.

0:34:310:34:34

-That's why you're here.

-Yep.

-Exactly.

0:34:340:34:36

Well, that brings us onto the all-important question,

0:34:360:34:39

what price do you think this house is on the market at?

0:34:390:34:42

I think about...

0:34:420:34:44

720,000.

0:34:440:34:47

-720 from Nicki.

-Yeah.

-Janice?

0:34:470:34:50

I'm going to go a bit lower.

0:34:500:34:52

I'm going to go 710, given that it is a semi.

0:34:520:34:54

Well, I can tell you, it's actually on the market for 650,000.

0:34:540:34:58

-Wow, that is a surprise.

-Well, that gives you scope, doesn't it?

0:34:590:35:03

It does, it does.

0:35:030:35:04

-And food for thought.

-Yeah.

0:35:040:35:06

Well, um, why don't you guys go and have another look round,

0:35:060:35:09

-you've got a lot to think about, and we'll have a catch up later.

-Great.

0:35:090:35:12

-Yeah, good.

-Great, see you later.

-OK.

0:35:120:35:15

So, for 100,000 under budget, at £650,000,

0:35:170:35:22

this semi-detached rural property offers four bedrooms,

0:35:220:35:25

large sociable living spaces,

0:35:250:35:27

and a large lawned garden with fantastic Cotswold views.

0:35:270:35:32

I was quite surprised to see that it was a semi-detached property, erm,

0:35:320:35:36

but thought that it might be good for Nicki

0:35:360:35:39

and if it is a rural location, she wouldn't be isolated.

0:35:390:35:42

I think upstairs is really nice.

0:35:420:35:44

The room to the front is beautiful, and the views,

0:35:440:35:46

and who wouldn't want to wake up to that in the morning?

0:35:460:35:49

This house, I feel, is a beautiful family home.

0:35:490:35:55

Nicki has had lovely family homes in the past

0:35:550:35:57

when she's brought her children up, um,

0:35:570:36:00

and I think that Nicki would be looking for a slightly more

0:36:000:36:04

quirky feel, rather than the traditional family home.

0:36:040:36:08

The mystery house has been a really different prospect.

0:36:080:36:12

A lot for me to think about.

0:36:120:36:13

The challenge for me around it being rural is...

0:36:130:36:16

I still have real reservations about how isolated I will feel.

0:36:180:36:22

-Hi.

-Hello, there. How are you both?

-Very good, thank you.

0:36:260:36:30

Excellent, but, sadly, it is the end of our property search.

0:36:300:36:34

-Have I given you enough to think about?

-Oh, lots.

-Just a bit.

-Yes.

0:36:340:36:39

Excellent, excellent. Well, I think it's probably important for you both

0:36:390:36:42

to spend some time thinking through everything.

0:36:420:36:44

-So, um, I think that's it. Shall we go?

-Yes, thank you.

0:36:440:36:49

The Cotswolds may be a byword for traditional pastoral

0:36:530:36:56

Englishness, but just outside the village of Burford can be

0:36:560:36:59

found something rather more exotic.

0:36:590:37:02

Built on the Bradwell Grove Estate, the Cotswold Wildlife Park

0:37:020:37:05

and Gardens is home to over 300 different species of animals.

0:37:050:37:10

From prairie dogs to penguins and monkeys to meerkats.

0:37:100:37:14

Today, I've come along to meet curator Jamie Craig to learn

0:37:140:37:17

a little more about their conservation work.

0:37:170:37:19

Jamie, thanks for having me down today and see all

0:37:190:37:22

the conservation successes here, but how did it all begin?

0:37:220:37:25

Well, the housing estate around the house have been in the family

0:37:250:37:28

that own it now for a long, long time.

0:37:280:37:30

In 1970, John Heyworth, who lived in the manor at one point,

0:37:300:37:33

had a real interest in natural history and the environment,

0:37:330:37:36

decided to turn it into a wildlife park and it's been growing ever

0:37:360:37:40

since, and it's now run by his son, Reggie Heyworth, so it's a real

0:37:400:37:43

family business and they've been in the area for a long, long time.

0:37:430:37:47

It's a popular local attraction,

0:37:470:37:49

but it's not just about showcasing animals to visitors.

0:37:490:37:52

The park also plays an important role in world animal

0:37:520:37:55

conservation, particularly with the lemurs.

0:37:550:37:58

Well, feeding time in the lemur cage.

0:37:580:38:02

They look pretty excited.

0:38:020:38:03

Uh, yeah, they do...they're always keen on their feed.

0:38:030:38:06

And we've got a couple of different species here.

0:38:060:38:08

What are the names of the species?

0:38:080:38:10

These ones are the collared lemurs.

0:38:100:38:11

You can see sort of by the red and orangey collar under the neck. These

0:38:110:38:14

are the more typical that everyone would know from the film Madagascar.

0:38:140:38:17

These are the ring-tailed lemurs, and behind you, these ones,

0:38:170:38:20

the males have got the sort of white teardrop marks and the females are

0:38:200:38:23

the dark brown, these are red-bellied lemurs, and in here somewhere,

0:38:230:38:26

he may come over, is the crowned sifaka.

0:38:260:38:29

The crowned sifaka is one of the most endangered primate species

0:38:290:38:33

in the world, with estimates of less than 1,000 left

0:38:330:38:36

remaining in the wild.

0:38:360:38:38

So, what role does the park actually play in relation to lemurs

0:38:380:38:40

and the conservation projects?

0:38:400:38:42

Well, all lemurs are endangered.

0:38:420:38:44

They only occur in Madagascar, which is obviously just one island

0:38:440:38:47

and there are a lot of problems there with deforestation

0:38:470:38:50

and instability in the country,

0:38:500:38:51

so what we do in captivity is we ensure we have, first of all,

0:38:510:38:55

a successful breeding programme, but also we make sure that it all

0:38:550:38:59

links into conservation for the lemur species in the wild.

0:38:590:39:02

Out in Madagascar, the park funds and supports projects

0:39:020:39:06

which protects the lemurs' natural wild habitat from

0:39:060:39:09

slash and burn agriculture and logging, and, back in the UK,

0:39:090:39:13

it's sustaining the captive population that's key,

0:39:130:39:16

and the park has seen more than 100 lemur births over the years.

0:39:160:39:20

And I know you've had another massive success

0:39:200:39:22

-and a and new arrival.

-Yes, we have, yes.

-Can we go and see it?

0:39:220:39:26

-Of course you can.

-Thank you.

0:39:260:39:28

Rhinos were first brought to the park in the 1970s,

0:39:280:39:31

but they've never had breeding success until now.

0:39:310:39:34

Their first ever white rhino baby has recently been born.

0:39:340:39:38

So, this is Astrid. She's gorgeous!

0:39:380:39:40

You must have been so proud when she was born.

0:39:400:39:43

-Yeah, we've been very proud.

-So, tell us all about the birth.

0:39:430:39:46

-How old is she?

-Uh, it's just over three months.

0:39:460:39:48

-She was born on the 1st of July.

-How exciting!

0:39:480:39:50

And, I mean, is it quite difficult

0:39:500:39:52

to breed these animals within the park?

0:39:520:39:54

Uh, it can be in sort of a wildlife park setting,

0:39:540:39:56

because there's not really much competition with the males,

0:39:560:39:59

which they really do need to breed.

0:39:590:40:01

So, we had a few little tricks up our sleeve.

0:40:010:40:03

We've brought some dung in from another zoo of another male,

0:40:030:40:06

so, obviously, Monty, our male, detected the smell of another

0:40:060:40:10

male and everything happened as we'd hoped.

0:40:100:40:12

Oh, we've got someone coming up to say hello here.

0:40:120:40:14

She is just absolutely gorgeous.

0:40:140:40:17

Well, it's been such a pleasure meeting Astrid today and we do

0:40:170:40:20

really wish you all the best for the future of the conservation projects.

0:40:200:40:24

-Thank you very much.

-They're brilliant.

-Thank you.

0:40:240:40:27

Well, Nicki and Janice responded really positively to the

0:40:290:40:32

three properties we've shown them,

0:40:320:40:34

but I'm just not sure if Nicki has a clear favourite.

0:40:340:40:38

Time to find out.

0:40:380:40:39

Well, I think we've seen three fantastic properties over

0:40:430:40:46

the past couple of days and we've given you a lot to think about.

0:40:460:40:49

But, you're kind of keeping me guessing a little bit here,

0:40:490:40:52

-which is your favourite? Do you have a favourite, even?

-Definitely.

0:40:520:40:56

Number one. It was absolutely stunning.

0:40:560:41:00

It was a beautiful home.

0:41:000:41:02

I really did feel like I could just move into it,

0:41:020:41:05

not have to do anything, um, very much my style and it was quirky.

0:41:050:41:11

Yeah, which has always been very important to you, hasn't it?

0:41:110:41:14

So, Janice, can you see Nicki being happy in house number one?

0:41:140:41:17

Yeah, I think it has a really lovely feel and that's sometimes you can't

0:41:170:41:22

describe and you can't quantify, you really have to just feel it

0:41:220:41:26

and sort of to see Nicki's face and,

0:41:260:41:28

and...see her mind working overtime and planning and...yeah,

0:41:280:41:33

-I could really see Nicki there and the family...

-Mm.

0:41:330:41:36

-..being there and sharing it all with you.

-Yes, yeah.

0:41:360:41:38

What about in terms of the kind of location?

0:41:380:41:41

That's probably the one concern for me.

0:41:410:41:43

I'd really like Janice to support me

0:41:430:41:46

a little bit further in the real need to go back, visit the village,

0:41:460:41:51

drive around it, get a little bit more of an idea of exactly where

0:41:510:41:55

it is in relation to the main road and what are the actual facilities.

0:41:550:41:59

-You're going to have to compromise somewhere.

-Yeah.

0:41:590:42:03

It's about sort of prioritising what is really important to you.

0:42:030:42:06

Is the location the most important or is the accommodation

0:42:060:42:09

the most important? And, if it's the accommodation,

0:42:090:42:11

-I don't think you could really go past the first house, really.

-No.

0:42:110:42:16

It was stunning. Well, it really has been a lot of fun the past two days.

0:42:160:42:20

-I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

-Absolutely.

0:42:200:42:23

And maybe property one could be that for ever home and you could

0:42:230:42:27

enjoy it with all your children and grandchildren in years to come.

0:42:270:42:30

-Thank you.

-Good luck. Thank you, guys.

0:42:300:42:32

I think we've really helped Nicki on her journey to find

0:42:340:42:36

the perfect property in the Cotswolds.

0:42:360:42:38

We wish Nicki and Janice all the best for the future.

0:42:380:42:42

Join me next time on Escape to the Country.

0:42:420:42:44

In the end, the first property's location proved to be

0:42:450:42:48

a little too quiet for Nicki.

0:42:480:42:50

She's now renting in the Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marshtown

0:42:500:42:53

until she finds her perfect home in the perfect location.

0:42:530:42:58

If you would like to escape to the

0:42:580:42:59

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0:42:590:43:03

or perhaps further afield, to the continent,

0:43:030:43:05

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