0:00:02 > 0:00:05In the late 19th century, this magnificent manor house
0:00:05 > 0:00:08was home to one of Britain's most famous designers.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10He called this place heaven on Earth.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15Find out where I am, and who was so inspired by this lovely setting,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17in a few moments.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38On today's show, we're helping a British expat to find a home
0:00:38 > 0:00:41back in the motherland, after more than 30 years away.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43It's a big step.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45I think it could work for me,
0:00:45 > 0:00:47but I'd need a bit more time to think about it.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- But she seems ready to make the leap.- Ooh!- That...- Jump up and down!
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Today, I'm in Oxfordshire and this is Kelmscott Manor,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00where William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement,
0:01:00 > 0:01:07spent his summers from 1871 until his death in 1896.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Later on in the show, I'll be back to take a tour of the house,
0:01:10 > 0:01:11but in the meantime,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14here's what else this wonderful county has to offer.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Oxfordshire, in the south of England, shares its borders
0:01:21 > 0:01:25with counties including Wiltshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
0:01:25 > 0:01:29It's a peaceful landscape of wooded hills and green fields,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31with the River Thames a dominant presence
0:01:31 > 0:01:33in the southern half of the county.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Here you'll find the riverside market town of Henley-on-Thames,
0:01:37 > 0:01:42with its string of pretty Georgian buildings lining the High Street.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44The town has a strong boating and rowing tradition,
0:01:44 > 0:01:49and the Royal Regatta is held here every July.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53The county's capital is Oxford - the city of dreaming spires.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56A phrase coined by the 19th-century poet, Matthew Arnold,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59to describe the architecture of the university buildings,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02many of which are around 700 years old.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Equally impressive is the county's most famous stately home,
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Blenheim Palace, seat of the Duke of Marlborough
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18With its diverse mix of rural beauty and peaceful market towns,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Oxfordshire is a county that offers something for everyone.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Property shopping in Oxfordshire can be very expensive.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35The average price of a detached house tips over £390,000.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39That's 30% more than the national average. And here's why -
0:02:39 > 0:02:43not only are there great road and rail links into London,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47but the area also takes in the desirable Cotswolds region,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50making it commuters' rural paradise.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54For more affordable property, I think heading out west is best.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58For instance, a house in Farringdon could cost 20% less
0:02:58 > 0:03:02than something similar in Henley, in the east of the county.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Worth bearing in mind as we meet today's buyer.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Leslie is returning to Britain
0:03:08 > 0:03:11after spending the last three decades living all over the world,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14most recently in Dubai.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18'Joining her on the house hunt is her friend and fellow expat, Jenny.'
0:03:18 > 0:03:24I left here in 1981 and I went to work, just for two years in Dubai,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28and I met my husband and he was already on his journey going
0:03:28 > 0:03:32round the world. So, really, I never came home. I intended to but I never came home.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37So we married and had three children and we lived in the States.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42We've lived in Hong Kong twice, Dubai twice, Holland.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48And then we ended up, in '95, in Dubai and that's where we decided to stay.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Sadly, Leslie's husband died eight years ago.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56She carried on living in Dubai because her three children were settled at school.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58But now they are grown up and have flown the nest,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00it's time for a change.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I'm a widow now. Getting...
0:04:04 > 0:04:07knocking on the door of retirement, let's put it that way!
0:04:07 > 0:04:11And um... I've done Dubai now,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I need to move on and I want to come home.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Leslie met Jenny in the early 1990s
0:04:18 > 0:04:20when they were both living in Hong Kong.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Jenny has already moved back to the UK, and so has experience
0:04:24 > 0:04:26of making the transition.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30I have the feeling for what it is like to be back.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34She knows how much I like properties and I've moved so many times.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Maybe I can really help her with that.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40And I think that, um, you know,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43together we could really be a good team...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45And as we're friends,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48she will know very well what suits me, as well.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53Leslie has her heart set on finding a home in South Oxfordshire.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55I need to be within striking distance of London...
0:04:55 > 0:05:00fairly easy access, but also to my elderly parents in Surrey,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Heathrow, but also I have friends in the city of Oxford as well.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07So if I position myself there, I think I'm getting
0:05:07 > 0:05:12what I want in an area because it is rural, semi-rural
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and partly urban as well. So...
0:05:15 > 0:05:16it covers all the bases.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20But as well as location, it's that unique country lifestyle
0:05:20 > 0:05:23that Leslie really wants to find again.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27It's funny because I came home two years ago to a spring
0:05:27 > 0:05:31and I had forgotten what crocuses and daffodils and all of those things
0:05:31 > 0:05:33were like at springtime.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36And it was just so magical, so I do miss the seasons.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It will be lovely to have that again.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41Also, I've always had this hankering for living
0:05:41 > 0:05:46in a village community where you've got a country pub and you've got the Post Office.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49You know, chocolate box, that kind of thing.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51It might not be the reality that I end up with,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53but that's the image that I have in my head.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55And I've missed it.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58And she wants a place that's big enough for the family,
0:05:58 > 0:05:59as well as a possible business.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I have this vision of everybody coming to me for Christmas
0:06:03 > 0:06:04and I want to have the room for it.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07But also, the other thing that I'd like to think about is
0:06:07 > 0:06:10having possibly a B&B business.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13All that's left is to find out how much is in the pot
0:06:13 > 0:06:16for Leslie's great British homecoming.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19The budget that I'm looking at for the house that I want is
0:06:19 > 0:06:22between £600,000 and £700,000.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Leslie has mentioned Henley-on-Thames as the town
0:06:30 > 0:06:31she would like to be close to.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36So we're concentrating our property search in the south of the county.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I'm meeting up with her and Jenny to go over the details
0:06:39 > 0:06:40of her dream move.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Leslie, Jenny, hello.- Hello. - Lovely to meet you both.- You too.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- This is quite a change from Dubai. - It is, it's a big change.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Although the sun is out for us today. So that's nice.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- A little reminder of where you've come from.- Yes, just a little one.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Life in the British countryside is quite different from a life in Dubai...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- It is.- ..or Hong Kong. How are you feeling about that change?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Well, I've always lived in quite a major city, really.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10And I think I will actually quite like a bit of peace and quiet,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14but as long as I have a car and I can get to places fairly easily,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Henley or wherever. So I think it'll be fine.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Leslie, you both met, of course, in Hong Kong.- Mm-hmm.- Yes.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24But you made this move yourself a few years ago.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Yes, about 18 years ago. Yeah. - How did you find it?
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Well, I was so delighted to come back home after 24 years abroad.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37I came back with my children and husband who'd never lived here,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41so I had a lot of convincing to make them love it as much as me.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43But they eventually did.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Leslie, paint us a picture of the actual house.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Well, I do want character. I'm sorry, I know it sounds like a cliche,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54but I don't want to live in a square box. I want a house that has
0:07:54 > 0:07:56a flow to it, has an atmosphere to it
0:07:56 > 0:08:01and I really want, really, really want a fireplace. Really.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04And a great kitchen and I want to be able to come in the front door
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and say, "This is mine, this is home."
0:08:06 > 0:08:12- Well, remind us of your budget. - It's £600,000-£700,000.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- And you want at least three bedrooms.- Yes, I do. Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Well, we've got three houses that we want to show you.- Great.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Lots to get on with.- Great. - So let's get started.- Thank you.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26For a budget of £600,000-£700,000,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Leslie is after a house with character and atmosphere.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32She'd like at least one original fireplace
0:08:32 > 0:08:33and a spacious kitchen.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36It should have three bedrooms for when her children visit.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Leslie has also mentioned the possibility of developing
0:08:39 > 0:08:42a bed and breakfast business at some point in the future
0:08:42 > 0:08:45so the arrangement of the house should take account of this.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Finally, she'd prefer not to be too isolated
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and wants to be close to a large village or market town.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57We've found three delightful homes for Leslie and Jenny to view.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01I'll be asking her to guess the price at the end of each house tour.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Our mystery property could give Leslie much more than just
0:09:04 > 0:09:07somewhere to live when she returns to the UK.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17What things are you most looking forward to about living in Britain?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Well, I'm looking forward to having my own house because where
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I've lived abroad, it's always been rented accommodation.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Will you get a dog?- I might.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I might, yes, I've been thinking about that.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31But first things first, I've got to decorate a house first.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33And that'll take a while.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40For our first property,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42we're heading to the small settlement of Winterbrook,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46around 20 minutes' drive from Henley-on-Thames.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It's just outside Wallingford,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50which also sits on the banks of the Thames.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54This historic market town has a variety of shops and cafes arranged
0:09:54 > 0:09:59around a large open square and along numerous paved alleyways.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03House number one is set in a peaceful rural location on
0:10:03 > 0:10:07a popular lane just a mile outside of the town.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11So, ladies, may I present to you your very first house.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Very nice, yes. It looks lovely. - Very nice.- Isn't it cute?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- I like the lane as well.- So pretty.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19It's a very, very desirable road.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22It's only the second house that's gone on the market
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- on this road in the last decade. - That says it all, doesn't it?
0:10:25 > 0:10:27So this is a real opportunity.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- The house itself - late 19th century...- Mm-hmm.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..but of course, as you can see, semi-detached.- Yes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- How do you feel about that?- OK, I think. It depends what's inside.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I think I could live with that.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44I think you're going to like a lot of the features we're going to show you inside.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- I hope so.- Let go.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49A nice positive start to our first house tour.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52And I'm hopeful Leslie and Jenny will also like the interior,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55which has had extensive work done to it.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57We're heading to the kitchen and dining area first.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- So through the formal hallway... - Wow, look at this!
0:11:02 > 0:11:04..is what I think will be the heart of the household.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Yes, I think so too. This is lovely.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Charming. That's a word I could say, charming.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- I think this is a great entertaining space.- Yes, I think so too.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Do you do a lot of entertaining? - I will do. Well, I used to.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I haven't for a while, but I intend to.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- Yes, this would be perfect, wouldn't it?- It's lovely. Really.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Let's go see the garden room. - OK.- Can't wait.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31I think you're going to like it.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Oh, wow, look at this. - That's lovely.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36I don't think you would ever leave this room, would you?
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Right through to the cold weather, you'd have those doors open.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42I think the thing is if you have lived in a hot climate,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- you are used to in-out living.- Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47This is what we've done, we've put on a conservatory
0:11:47 > 0:11:50and tried to live outside as much as we can.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53There is another sitting room, the old sitting room.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- I want to show you that.- OK. - It has a very special feature.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- Oh, look how cute this is.- Oh, this is lovely.- I love the fireplace.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I've got a thing about fireplaces, haven't I?- I love that window.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- It's a beautiful little bay window, isn't it?- It's charming.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- I wouldn't change anything with this. It's just too cute.- It is, really.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Well, at the moment, they use it as a study.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I think it could also be your winter sitting room,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25just as the conservatory is the summer sitting room.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26What would you use it as?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30A place where I would curl up with a book.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33So that's the downstairs done. Let's go upstairs.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38The downstairs also features a handy shower and cloakroom
0:12:38 > 0:12:39off the entrance hall.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And to the side of the property, a garage which could be converted
0:12:42 > 0:12:46to a further reception room, subject to planning permission.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Upstairs, there are three good-sized double bedrooms,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51two of which overlook the back garden,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54as well as a spacious half-tiled family bathroom.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58But I want to show Leslie and Jenny the largest of the three bedrooms.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Wow.- So Leslie this would be your master bedroom.- Very nice.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06A nice size, isn't it? It's an L-shape, I like that.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And there's an en-suite bathroom which you can explore later.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- OK.- Just through there.- OK.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Very, very nice.- And it's a very nice aspect too. Look at that.- Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17So would you be happy with something this size?
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Well, yes, because again there's quite big furniture.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23I probably wouldn't have another wardrobe as big as that.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24I think it could work for me...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27but I'd need a bit more time to think about it. But, yes,
0:13:27 > 0:13:28initial impression is good.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32And, of course, you have two other good-sized bedrooms, so you could
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- put clothes and shoes and handbags and...- Oh, I'm already there!
0:13:37 > 0:13:38I'm already there, it's OK.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41What do you think about the size of the house?
0:13:41 > 0:13:45No, it's very compact. They've made really good use of the space.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48It's got all the things that I've asked for.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- So that's the inside of the house done.- Mm-hmm.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Thumbs up so far?- Yes. - Yes.- Definitely.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Let's go into the garden, and I want you ladies to start thinking about
0:13:56 > 0:13:58how much you think the house is on offer for,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- because that's what I'm about to ask you. Follow me.- OK.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04The garden is secluded and largely laid to lawn,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08but there's also a good-sized terrace for entertaining.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10At the end of the garden, there's an old walnut tree
0:14:10 > 0:14:14and, beyond that, great views of the surrounding countryside.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19A fairly low-maintenance English country garden, I would say.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Yes, it is. Yes.- Is this what you had in mind, Leslie?- I did, yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Yes, it's perfect.- Lots of positive vibes from you.- Mm-hmm. Yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Are you going to love the price? - I don't know.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Jenny, what do you think this property is on the market for?
0:14:35 > 0:14:40I think it's on the market for £695,000.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- So you think it's at the top... - I do...- ..of Leslie's budget.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46..because you've given her everything she asked for.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Leslie?- Lucky me?- Yes.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55Well, this is really difficult but I'm going to go with £665,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56OK.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Well, I'm very sorry to tell you that...
0:15:00 > 0:15:02you're going to have a lot of spare change.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06The house is on the market for offers in excess of £600,000.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- No.- Ooh!- That...- Jump up and down! - Well!
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Are you kidding?- Go on, more jumping. I want more jumping.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17If you don't buy it, I will. That truly is amazing.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- Well, while you take in the price and reflect in that joy...- Yes.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26..of the price, I'll let you explore
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- the two other bedrooms upstairs. - Yes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Jenny, I'm sure you want to go and pick out your bedroom
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- for when you come and stay. - Absolutely.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- And I'll see you in a little bit. - Yes, OK then, thank you.- Thank you.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42Well, what a reaction. Not bad for a first house.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43What a fantastic start.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49On the market for offers over £600,000,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52our first property is at the lower end of Leslie's budget.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56It's a 19th-century, semi-detached family home
0:15:56 > 0:15:59located on a pretty lane close to a popular market town.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02The interior has been remodelled and extended
0:16:02 > 0:16:06and includes a spacious kitchen/diner and garden room.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08There are three double bedrooms upstairs,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11including one with an en-suite bathroom.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14The garden is low maintenance and extensive,
0:16:14 > 0:16:15offering excellent views
0:16:15 > 0:16:17of the surrounding countryside.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I really think that this house does have Leslie's name
0:16:21 > 0:16:24written all over it, and I think that she would be very, very happy here.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I think location-wise, the size of the house
0:16:28 > 0:16:31and I think she could manage this very well.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35This house is very warm, welcoming, light.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38It just has a good feel for it. And, yes, I can see myself being in it
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and being happy. And that's the most important thing.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45The only possible caveat, I would say, is that I did think about
0:16:45 > 0:16:48possibly doing a B&B later on.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51I don't think I'd do that here. I think it's just enough for me
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and the family. I don't think I'd do that. That's not a deal-breaker,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57but it's just something I hadn't thought of and I need to think
0:16:57 > 0:16:59about that. But it is a contender, yes.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- OK, that's house one done.- Mm-hmm.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Does house number two have a lot to live up to?- It does, yes.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- That did have a lot of the good things...- Me too!
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- ..that I wanted, yes.- It was lovely.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Let's hope it matches your expectations then. Let's explore.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Thank you.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Although Leslie is keen to adopt a rural way of life,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29she wants to be close to a town or large village,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and Oxfordshire's green and pleasant land is dotted with some
0:17:32 > 0:17:35stunning examples of the classic English market town.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40One of those is Wallingford, close to the location of our first house.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42The town grew up around an important crossing point along
0:17:42 > 0:17:48the River Thames, and has a recorded history going back over 1,000 years.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49Since Leslie is returning to the UK
0:17:49 > 0:17:52after nearly three decades living abroad,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55we sent both her and Jenny to find out more
0:17:55 > 0:17:59about Wallingford's past from tourist guide, Jennifer.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- Welcome to Wallingford.- Thank you.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- And you can see what a beautiful, idyllic place it is.- Yes.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08It dates way back to the Saxon times. In fact, we do know
0:18:08 > 0:18:11there were settlements long before that in the Bronze and Iron ages.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16But in the Saxon era, it was as important as Winchester.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18It was a fortified town.
0:18:18 > 0:18:24And it maintained that importance through the Middle Ages.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28It got its own charter in the 1100s from Henry II.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32So in the middle of the 1100s, it had a charter, which made it very important.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38So important, in fact, that in 1215 it was one of only four towns
0:18:38 > 0:18:40mentioned in the Magna Carta.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Wallingford prospered during the Middle Ages, thanks largely
0:18:45 > 0:18:47to the Thames, which was an important transport route,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and the town became a vital trading centre
0:18:50 > 0:18:53in the 17th and 18th centuries.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Many of the buildings which line the pretty market square
0:18:55 > 0:18:57date back to that time.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02So what type of industry was Wallingford involved in at the time?
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Well, remember, Wallingford is in an agricultural setting.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10So it was important to have agricultural tools, machinery.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13So there was a large iron foundry here.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Other industries, breweries, of course. Maltings.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21The market, which took place here,
0:19:21 > 0:19:26was incredibly busy with butchers, bakers, brewers.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30People would come here because it was a market town, and they would
0:19:30 > 0:19:32sell their goods here on Fridays.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37As well as being an industrial centre, over the years
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Wallingford has been home to some notable people.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43But perhaps its most famous resident is buried,
0:19:43 > 0:19:44along with her husband,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46in this churchyard in the village of Cholsey,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49just outside the town.
0:19:49 > 0:19:55Here we are standing in front of the gravestone of the queen of crime,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Agatha Christie.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Wallingford is actually mentioned, certainly in a couple of her novels.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06House Of Cards and Dumb Witness both feature the town.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11Can you tell us why she wrote under Agatha Christie, her maiden name,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15and not under her married name of Mallowan?
0:20:15 > 0:20:20She had started writing before her marriage to Max and had achieved
0:20:20 > 0:20:22a certain fame, so the name was well known.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26But also, I think, because she was a very private person.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29With a tour of Wallingford's historic highlights, hopefully
0:20:29 > 0:20:33we've given Leslie a hint of what a life in Oxfordshire could offer her.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Now it's time to turn house detective again
0:20:36 > 0:20:38as we return to the property hunt.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43For our second offering, we're hopping over the border
0:20:43 > 0:20:46into Berkshire and to the village of Brightwalton.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Although we've crossed into a different county,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52we're still around 30 miles from Henley-on-Thames.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55The closest village for amenities is Great Shefford.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Located on the River Lambourn, there's a parish church,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01local shop and a range of historic buildings.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06The second property is a ten-minute drive away,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08on the edge of the smaller village of Brightwalton.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Now, as you can see, house number two is a very different proposition.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22That is something. It's so unusual.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- I mean, it's quaint, it's chocolate box.- And quite different.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Which is what you asked for.- I think I used that term, didn't I?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31They're both very different, aren't they? And normally I like things
0:21:31 > 0:21:34to be more symmetrical. Is that the term I want to use?
0:21:34 > 0:21:38So you've got a 17th-century, classic English countryside,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- thatched-roof cottage...- It is cute, isn't it?- ..on this side.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- It's very cute.- Yes.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48And the extension that you can see over there was built nine years ago.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- Shall we see what inside has to offer?- Yes!- I would like to, yes.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I would like to very much, thank you.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57We're going to start with the older, thatched part of the house.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01This is where you'll find two reception rooms, one of which
0:22:01 > 0:22:04is this cosy sitting room with a multi-fuel burner.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- So this is the dining room. - That's the dining room.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- And is that a range? - It is, good spot.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16This used to be the kitchen before the extension.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19So the range isn't working, at the moment, but it wouldn't take
0:22:19 > 0:22:21much to get something like that up and running, I'm sure.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- OK, all right.- And obviously here you have the...- Oh, look at that.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30- ..brickwork.- Gorgeous.- I like it. Really great natural features.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- So, very different from the first house.- Yes, it is.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35How are you feeling about it, Leslie?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I don't know. I don't know.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Ask me in ten minutes. I've got to think about this.- OK.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- You need to see more of the property.- I think I do. Yes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45OK, shall we go over to the modern part?
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- The kitchen is in the modern part. Let's do that.- Mm-hmm.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Oh, Jenny, look at this. Look at this!
0:22:52 > 0:22:55That is something.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- I love the oohs and ahhs. Keep going!- It's really beautiful.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It's almost like a church with all the...
0:23:02 > 0:23:04This is like a whole other house.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It's another area where you're going to spend your daytime.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10This is where I think, Leslie, you would spend most of your time.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Which is why the other side now makes sense
0:23:13 > 0:23:16because that's sort of the cosy, evening, winter...and this is...
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- This is the action in the daytime, probably.- It's lovely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- It's really lovely. - So you've got your kitchen,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- a little breakfast area, a little lounge area.- Sitting area. Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32- Could you entertain here? - Well, yes, you could, yes. You definitely could.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34But you've got informal there and you have formal in there,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- so you have a choice here.- Mm-hmm.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- Let's go and see what could be your master bedroom.- OK.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Better reactions to the extended wing of the house,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48although I'm still not sure it's grabbing Leslie.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52The downstairs of the thatched part includes a generous bathroom.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57Upstairs is also divided with two separate staircases.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00In the newer section, you'll find two of the four bedrooms,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03both with built-in cupboards and exposed beams
0:24:03 > 0:24:06and they share another bathroom.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10The older wing is home to another double bedroom and the master.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Welcome to the master bedroom suite, I think we can call it.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19That is a very big bed, isn't it?
0:24:19 > 0:24:24- And just to your left there...- Oh! - ..is an open plan en-suite.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- Very nice.- Mm-hmm.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28What I think you should do is take out all the clothes rails
0:24:28 > 0:24:31and the shoes from here, and actually turn the second bedroom
0:24:31 > 0:24:34up here into your dressing room. So this whole part of the house...
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Now we're talking.- Now we're talking, yes!- See, I know what you want!
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I know what a woman wants when it comes to dressing rooms!
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- It's a brilliant idea. - Yes, I like that idea.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Shall we go out into the back garden?- Yes, I'd like to see that.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Outside, the house is surrounded by a secluded garden which is
0:24:50 > 0:24:53laid to lawn and enclosed by mature hedging.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56There's also a timber shed - handy for storage.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Jenny, you went first last time. So, Leslie?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10This is a real flyer, but I actually think it would go for
0:25:10 > 0:25:12something like £575,000.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13OK.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Interesting.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Jenny? Um...
0:25:18 > 0:25:24- Maybe I would say £640,000. - £640,000?- Yes.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Well, this time Jenny is much closer to the mark.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32They want offers in excess of £650,000.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- No! I did say that I wanted chocolate box...- You did.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39..but I think this is a little bit too much for me.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Whist I can see the advantage of having the house divided like that,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45I'm finding it a bit too bitty.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Does that make sense? It doesn't flow right for me.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Do you want to have another look? - I can go and have a look, sure.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Go and do that and I'll see you in a bit.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57At offers in excess of £650,000,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01our second house is priced at £50,000 more than our first.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04It's a thatched, English country cottage
0:26:04 > 0:26:06which has been extended and modernised.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The accommodation includes a cosy sitting room
0:26:09 > 0:26:11and a large open plan kitchen and breakfast room.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15It comes with four bedrooms, two in each wing of the property
0:26:15 > 0:26:19and a private lawned garden.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23The plot size is great. It looks like a really nice community.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Lovely garden.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29But I think really as you go from room to room, you just get a feeling
0:26:29 > 0:26:31and it just wasn't really there for me.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37I'm actually quite surprised about how definite an answer we got today.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I thought the house tour was going really rather well,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42but that's how things go.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45That's the end of day one, ladies.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46- Let's go.- OK.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's the second day of our property search in Oxfordshire,
0:27:05 > 0:27:12and on a maximum budget of £700,000, we're helping expat Leslie find a country pad back in Britain.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Still to come, size is everything at the mystery house.
0:27:16 > 0:27:22- Oh, my goodness. This is space, I love it.- Huge.- It's a proper kitchen.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24And I visit the house that inspired
0:27:24 > 0:27:26one of Britain's greatest designers.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I was expecting it to be...fussier.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Now, Leslie has mentioned a couple of times the possibility
0:27:36 > 0:27:40of running a B&B, and the mystery house could provide that option.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43It has plenty of other possibilities too,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50First, she has to fall in love with it as a home.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53For our final property, we're heading back into Oxfordshire
0:27:53 > 0:27:55and to the village of Northmoor.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Although we're now half an hour away from Henley-on-Thames,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02the west of the county offers a bit more value for money.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Northmoor is a peaceful village, but one with an active community,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and there's plenty to enjoy here, including a village pub,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13a farm shop selling local produce and a church with a dedicated choir.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Our mystery house is situated in the heart of the village,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20and is well placed for a bed-and-breakfast business.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24But I'm keen to see if Leslie is up for that challenge.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Come on through to your mystery house. Mind your heads here though.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Oh, good Lord. Look at this!
0:28:32 > 0:28:38- Oh, my goodness.- This is your 18th-century country cottage.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- OK.- It's listed and this is the new part of the building -
0:28:42 > 0:28:44it was built 25 years ago.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48The reason this is a mystery house is, you've mentioned a few times
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- about the possibility of setting up a B&B.- A B&B, yes.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- That's right.- This house really does give you that possibility...
0:28:56 > 0:29:00- Great.- ..and there are lots of other options as well.- OK.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Real opportunities to put your own stamp on this property.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- I'm actually bursting with ideas... - Good.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- ..so I want to get you in there.- Fantastic.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13In many ways, our mystery house has a similar set-up to
0:29:13 > 0:29:15yesterday's second property.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19An old cottage with a modern extension attached. So I'm still
0:29:19 > 0:29:23a little nervous that it might be a bit too traditional for Leslie.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26We're heading to the older part of the house first.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31- Oh, my fireplace.- That is a beauty.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33This is actually one of two reception rooms
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- like this in this part of the house.- OK.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40The old part of the house.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44And the B&B idea, the guesthouse idea is that you could
0:29:44 > 0:29:47completely shut off that part of the house.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50The entrance that we came through could be a completely
0:29:50 > 0:29:55separate entrance for guests, for your B&B,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58because there is also a separate staircase there.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02So what you would have is a living room and there are two bedrooms
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- and a family bathroom upstairs. - All right, that sounds good.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- You could keep this and then there's lots more...- Right, OK.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14..in the new part of the house. So how are you feeling about that idea?
0:30:14 > 0:30:15I like the idea, yes.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Very much, yes, if it can be closed off, I think
0:30:18 > 0:30:20that would be a lot better.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24I'm so glad that Leslie's open to the idea of giving over
0:30:24 > 0:30:27the other downstairs reception rooms to guests,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31along with two of the upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35But that's not the only option with this property.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Welcome to the kitchen. I think you're going to like its size.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- Oh, my goodness. Yes, this is space. - Huge.- I love it, yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- That's a kitchen. - It's a proper kitchen.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50And it's very rare to get a kitchen of this size
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- in a property like this. Of this style.- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56And the thing is, if you have a B&B, you need a bigger kitchen
0:30:56 > 0:31:00in which to work as well. So it's lovely. I like it.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03And look - the French door onto the garden. Oh, golly.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Well, this is the other surprise.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08This is the other part of the mystery.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10So you would have a sizeable kitchen, obviously.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13But there is already planning permission, which lasts for
0:31:13 > 0:31:16another year, for a garden room that would go up to that step over there.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- OK.- So you would have your cosy fireplace in your sort of
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- winter room and then you could build...- Yes.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Somehow that works better than what we've seen before.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30You know what I mean? The last house had the same elements
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- but because the flow is somehow different, it works better.- Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38And this has the option of the extra garden room.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41In addition to the two bedrooms earmarked for the B&B guests
0:31:41 > 0:31:44in the older part of the house, there are two further bedrooms
0:31:44 > 0:31:46upstairs in the modern extension.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49One is a single and the other would be Leslie's bedroom.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53This is the master bedroom.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- Right, OK.- I liked your reaction in the second house when we mentioned
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- walk-in wardrobes.- Yes.- A girl after my own heart.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03And this is quite small, isn't it?
0:32:03 > 0:32:06And this is not a grand master, but what you could do is either
0:32:06 > 0:32:10knock through a little doorway into the single bedroom,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- or just use that as a walk-in wardrobe...- Yes.- ..and just go out
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- through as normal.- That's possible. - So it becomes a whole end as...
0:32:17 > 0:32:20It would be a very substantial walk-in wardrobe.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- So you could just move the clothes out here...- That's what I need!
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Absolutely. There's an en-suite shower room here,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29so you really wouldn't need anything else apart from this,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- your walk-in wardrobe, your en-suite shower room.- Very nice.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35I really like the idea of creating my own space.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38There's plenty of room to do it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41And also making your mark. When you see something like this,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43it's beautiful, but there's lots of options.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46It gives you that opportunity to put your own stamp on it.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49And I would, I would do that.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52The mystery house gets the seal of approval from Jenny too,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55but there's still the outside space to see.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57As well as the strip of front garden,
0:32:57 > 0:32:58round the back of the property,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01there's an enclosed substantial patch of lawn
0:33:01 > 0:33:05surrounded by shrubs and apple trees, as well as a big garage
0:33:05 > 0:33:07offering plenty of storage options.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- So the question you're anticipating...- Yes.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- Now's the time to ask it.- Oooh.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18How much is this property on the market for?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20I'll start with you, Jenny.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- I would say £685,000.- OK.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26I think £690,000.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- You both are a little off, actually.- Uh-oh.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31But you'll be pleased about it.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34It's on the market for £625,000.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39Leaving you £75,000 to build that garden room,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42make it your own, make any changes you want to make.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- So it does leave you with lots of change.- Very interesting.- Yes.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48There's a lot to think about there. A lot.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51I know, and that's why I think you should go back into the house,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55have a look at all those bedrooms, figure out what you might
0:33:55 > 0:33:59want to do with them, because I know I've given you lots of ideas.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- Yes, you have.- And there are endless possibilities, I think.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Take as long as you want and I'll meet you back out here
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- in the garden.- OK, thanks. - All right, thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Priced at £625,000,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17our mystery house is well within budget.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's a Grade II listed, 18th-century cottage
0:34:20 > 0:34:22with a modern extension.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25The accommodation includes two cosy reception rooms,
0:34:25 > 0:34:27and a large country kitchen.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30There are four bedrooms in total, with the option of using two
0:34:30 > 0:34:32as part of a separate space for bed-and-breakfast guests.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35There's planning permission in place to build a garden room
0:34:35 > 0:34:38and the garden itself
0:34:38 > 0:34:41is large and secluded.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43I could actually see my family coming to stay here
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and I think they would love it,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47especially if there are grandchildren in the offing.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49They would love that garden.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54And if you had the extension, as well, it would be a real family room, I think.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58I think, personally, that this house would suit Leslie very well.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02And I do think it would give her that project that would
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- pull her into England...- The community.- ..in a very positive way.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Yeah.- And not miss that exciting life she had in Dubai.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Because I do think that the change is going to be great for you.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17It will be, yes, and maybe I need to be busy.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- I think it's an amazing garden. - I know and I love that, I really do.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27- You could use a lot of things for that.- Well, it could take the bikes
0:35:27 > 0:35:30and it could become a sort of an afternoon...when it's a bit rainy
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- or misty...- A cup of tea. - ..a covered spot.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- I'm so sorry to interrupt...- Oh! - ..but I am going to have to...
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- We have to redesign the garden! - ..drag you away from the garden
0:35:39 > 0:35:42that you so obviously love. We can't move in just yet.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- No.- All right.- Let's go and find somewhere to sit down
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- and digest everything that we've seen over the last two days.- Yes. There's a lot to digest.- OK.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- There is a lot. Let's go.- OK. - All right.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58In the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01close to the River Thames is Kelmscott Manor.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04In the late 19th century, the manor had a major influence on one of
0:36:04 > 0:36:09Britain's leading designers, William Morris, who came here with his family.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Morris was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15which sought to revive the notion of craftsmanship in an age
0:36:15 > 0:36:18of increasing mechanisation.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Today, the manor stands as testament to those principles.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25I've come to Kelmscott to find out more about its enduring legacy.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27I'm meeting the curator, Sarah Parker.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34Sarah, tell me, what attracted William Morris to Kelmscott?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Well, he was looking for his summer retreat away from the smog
0:36:37 > 0:36:40and pressures of London, and he wanted a really beautiful place
0:36:40 > 0:36:44in the countryside and, believe it or not, he actually saw this place in a dream.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47So that when he actually came to visit it, he just couldn't
0:36:47 > 0:36:50believe it. This was his heaven on Earth. Morris loved the house.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53It was on the river, it's in the Cotswolds and, of course,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56he felt it was growing organically, literally out of the ground.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59It was made by local craftsmen, using local materials.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02So, really, really important principles for him.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06And that local craftsmanship, that's a founding principle of
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- the Arts and Crafts movement. - Definitely.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Kelmscott Manor and its garden inspired Morris' later work,
0:37:12 > 0:37:16including some of his most famous wallpaper and textile designs.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Some of those influences can be seen inside.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24So this is the oldest part of the house. This was the family dining room.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28I was expecting it to be fussier.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31It's funny you should say that because many of our visitors
0:37:31 > 0:37:34expect a typical Victorian interior, really cluttered.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38But Morris liked plain, simple lines. He liked, for instance, the original
0:37:38 > 0:37:43Tudor furniture that you've got here, very simple, very honest furniture.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48There might not be any wallpaper but these wall-hangings are very recognisable.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Yes, they are much-loved by many of our visitors.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53They're called Strawberry Thief.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56In fact, they were hung in 1883. Very reminiscent
0:37:56 > 0:38:01of Morris, quite cheeky. The thrush stealing the strawberry, inspired by
0:38:01 > 0:38:05the garden, the kitchen gardens here. We've actually got his very first embroidery
0:38:05 > 0:38:08that he did himself in the house. So, shall I show you?
0:38:08 > 0:38:09I want to see that.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15So here we are, Sonali. This was the very first attempt by Morris
0:38:15 > 0:38:21at textile design. You can see, here is his motto, "If I Can," which is
0:38:21 > 0:38:26reminiscent of a famous Flemish 14th-century artist called van Eyck.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29He took that from there to mean, well, I've tried my best.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31If I can, anyone can.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35I actually really like it because it isn't fussy. You feel like this
0:38:35 > 0:38:37could be hung in a school, it's a school motto, isn't it?
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- If I Can.- That's very true.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44William's wife Jane and daughter May Morris were skilled textile designers
0:38:44 > 0:38:47in their own right. The manor house contains many
0:38:47 > 0:38:48of their original works,
0:38:48 > 0:38:52including this decorative bedspread in the master bedroom.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58This room really follows the simplicity of the whole house.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Everything is simple yet elegant.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04That's very true and that's very in line with William Morris' quote,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07when he said, "Have nothing in your houses which you do not
0:39:07 > 0:39:10"know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
0:39:12 > 0:39:14The Morris designs are still much-loved around the world,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18and have inspired many of today's designers and architects.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Kelmscott has changed little since Morris' day, and is a fitting
0:39:22 > 0:39:25tribute to one of Britain's most influential craftsmen.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Well, we've now shown Leslie and Jenny all three houses on offer,
0:39:34 > 0:39:39and I'm so, so pleased that we got positive reactions for two of them.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43But what is Leslie going to do next? She's waiting inside.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49We know how you feel about house number two, so you are only
0:39:49 > 0:39:54- considering number one and the mystery house.- Not number two, that's right. Yes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58The two houses are so different that I have to consider... It's really
0:39:58 > 0:40:02a choice with lifestyle. Do I want more of a lock and leave, much more
0:40:02 > 0:40:06compact house, which was very exciting when I first saw it.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Especially when you revealed the price!
0:40:08 > 0:40:11And then the third one, I really loved in a totally different way.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14I mean, I really could run a B&B from that.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19The garden is fantastic, the kitchen is to die for, and if I could build
0:40:19 > 0:40:22an extension, I really can see me living in that area
0:40:22 > 0:40:24and I'd be very happy.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28So there is a dilemma there that I'd have to think about.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32In a way then, it's not really between house one and the mystery house.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- It's between a simpler life... - Lifestyle.- ..and a B&B life.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- Yes, that's right.- And that's really what you need to decide before you decide on the house.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Yes. I think I have to decide what I'm ready for, because when I looked
0:40:43 > 0:40:46at house three, I thought, "Am I ready for this yet?" That was quite
0:40:46 > 0:40:49revealing, actually, that I had to go through this journey
0:40:49 > 0:40:53to find that out. But it's also very tempting to do now,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56to sort of jump in with both feet and just do it.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Personally, I really think that Leslie would be happy
0:41:00 > 0:41:05- in that first house, because I think it was a beautiful house...- It was.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08I think it was a fantastic location and, as Leslie said,
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- it is a perfect lock-up house. But...- I want both.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16After saying that, the mystery house has got the potential
0:41:16 > 0:41:18for a lifestyle that I think Leslie could handle.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- Double the budget and you can have both!- Thank you!
0:41:22 > 0:41:24So what happens next, Leslie? How do you make this decision?
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- A big decision, we know. - Yes, well that's a good question.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Jenny and I were talking about this and we think, first of all,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33that we really do need to go back and look at house one
0:41:33 > 0:41:36and the mystery house again. We really would like to do that.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39You know I'm going to be mean. I know you are not ready to make
0:41:39 > 0:41:45a quick decision. But if you had to put in an offer today, which one?
0:41:45 > 0:41:46House one or the mystery house?
0:41:46 > 0:41:50If you're going to put me on the spot, I'll say mystery house.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Really? Why's that?- I don't know.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57That shows that you are gutsy, that shows that you do have the energy for that adventure.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02I did say that it's a choice between your head and your heart.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06That's from my heart - my head says the other house.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10But I could enjoy that house as well, the number one. I could enjoy that too.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- Will you let us know how you get on? - Absolutely, of course I will, yes.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- Thank you so much.- Thank you.- Thank you.- It's been an absolute pleasure.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- You too. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25It's not surprising that Leslie wants more time to consider
0:42:25 > 0:42:28her options and the houses that we've shown her.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31After all, she's spent more than three decades living
0:42:31 > 0:42:36abroad in bustling places like Dubai and Hong Kong.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39She now has to decide how she wants to live her new life,
0:42:39 > 0:42:43not only back in Britain, but in the countryside too.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I am pretty confident that the past two days
0:42:46 > 0:42:51have focused her thoughts, and with a bit more help from Jenny, her other friends
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and family, it won't be too long before Leslie has made up her mind.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57I'll see you next time.