0:00:02 > 0:00:03This is Roaring Meg,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07the mighty mortar responsible for bringing this medieval Norman castle
0:00:07 > 0:00:08to its knees back in 1646.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Find out which castle and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Our couple today have already crossed a continent
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and are now crossing counties in their quest
0:00:35 > 0:00:37for some countryside calm.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38And we deliver quantity...
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Does this all come with the house?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43..as well as quality.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Nice.- It looks cute, yes. - Well, it's better than "not bad"!
0:00:46 > 0:00:47LAUGHTER
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I'm in Herefordshire, and this is Goodrich Castle.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54This magnificent edifice was begun in the 11th century
0:00:54 > 0:00:56and guards the point where the River Wye
0:00:56 > 0:00:58enters the valley of Symonds Yat,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02giving a huge strategic importance for any military commander.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Now, it wasn't until immense bombardment from Roaring Meg
0:01:05 > 0:01:07during the Civil War in the 17th century
0:01:07 > 0:01:11that the castle fell into disrepair and was abandoned.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13But today, these impressive ruins still stand
0:01:13 > 0:01:16as one of the best examples of castle-building in the country,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and visitors get to enjoy some of the best views
0:01:20 > 0:01:22of this beautiful county.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Nestled up against Wales, Herefordshire shares its borders
0:01:27 > 0:01:29with the Welsh counties of Powys and Monmouthshire
0:01:29 > 0:01:32and the English counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire
0:01:32 > 0:01:33and Gloucestershire.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36One of the most rural areas in the country,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Herefordshire's patchwork landscape has been shaped by agriculture,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43with over 5,000 farms and 3,000 orchards.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Peppered throughout the region are captivating market towns
0:01:46 > 0:01:48such as Ledbury, whose 16th and 17th century
0:01:48 > 0:01:52half-timbered medieval streets lie in the shadow of the Malvern Hills
0:01:52 > 0:01:54that rise majestically in the east.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Boasting one of the lowest population densities in England,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03the pleasant pastures here could provide a perfect place
0:02:03 > 0:02:06for those chasing a truly peaceful escape.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09It's Herefordshire's rural feel that is reflected
0:02:09 > 0:02:11in the attractiveness of its property values.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13The average price of a detached house here
0:02:13 > 0:02:16is just shy of £256,000.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19That's nearly £2,000 below the national figure.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21But, like most places,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23it's got its hotspots.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26The pretty market towns of Leominster, Bromyard and Ledbury
0:02:26 > 0:02:27are always popular,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30the latter just edging it because of its good rail and road connections.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32But wherever you look in this county,
0:02:32 > 0:02:33I think it's the ideal place
0:02:33 > 0:02:36for anyone looking for the more rural, quieter pace of life,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42And it's got some really attractive housing stock here too.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44But will our buyers agree?
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Arthur Goosen, known to his friends and family as Goose,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and his wife Judy relocated from South Africa to England
0:02:54 > 0:02:56nearly 30 years ago.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57And for a long while,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01home has been this five-bed semi in the Buckinghamshire town of Marlow.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But they long to get away from the rat race
0:03:04 > 0:03:06and break free from their suburban surroundings.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11We've been here 17 years, which is a long time to stay in one place anyway.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15And I think now that our children have grown up,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19it's now our time, so we can do the things that we want to do.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Both Goose and Judy were raised abroad
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and the commuter climate is a far cry from the environment
0:03:26 > 0:03:28they experienced growing up.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30We both grew up in Africa.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34And both grew up in a rural sort of...you know, lifestyle.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38And I think now is the time that we'd like to really recreate that.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Where I grew up, it was very tranquil and calm, and very little traffic.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47In fact, if a car came by on Sundays,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49it was a real eye-opener.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Um...if an aircraft flew over, it was a miracle!
0:03:53 > 0:03:55But there's a more profound motive
0:03:55 > 0:03:57that's prompted this proposed chapter.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01The reason we want to go to Herefordshire particularly
0:04:01 > 0:04:04is because our daughter is there. She's married to a farmer.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07We do travel there quite often for weekends,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09really enjoy it,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13and the farm life as well, which is really one of the main reasons
0:04:13 > 0:04:17that's got us into the idea of moving to the countryside.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20We're pretty busy people. We work full-time.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22I'm a trainer in the pharmaceutical industry
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and Arthur is a key accounts manager,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28so our lives are busy during the week.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But we're looking forward to, in a couple of years, retiring
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and really being able to make the most of it.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36So, with retirement on the horizon,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38a new lease of life in a new location
0:04:38 > 0:04:41should afford them more time for their passions.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46I think my main hobbies are, um...cooking and painting,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49which I don't do very much of at the moment.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I just don't get the time.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I've been playing golf for about 35 years now.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56I started playing in South Africa.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59And I play virtually on every weekend.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I play in inter-club matches,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05really enjoy it, and really enjoy the social life
0:05:05 > 0:05:07in the golf club as well.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Arthur does play a lot of golf,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11which means, particularly at weekends,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15I'm often on my own during the day, which is actually fine,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18because I love cooking, so I'll spend the day cooking
0:05:18 > 0:05:20or doing something that I enjoy.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It doesn't worry me. I quite actually enjoy being on my own.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27And if we have a garden as well that I can potter around in,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29that'll keep me busy.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33With so much time at home alone and after a long day teeing off,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36they want a more inspiring house to relax in.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38We would like a house with character.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Character doesn't necessarily have to be really old.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Character could be new character,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48so something a bit different, something a bit quirky,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51something that's not just a square box.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I think we've always lived in '70s-style square boxes,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and we'd like something a bit more exciting.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01But before we can start looking for their new home,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04we need to find out how much money there is to play with.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Our maximum budget for this move is £400,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14The fundamental incentive for Goose and Judy's location
0:06:14 > 0:06:16is the desire to be within half an hour's drive
0:06:16 > 0:06:18of their daughter in Dinedor.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Time for us all to meet up and finalise the details of their move.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Now, Arthur, you're called Goose, right?- My nickname's Goose.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Everyone calls me Goose.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Can I call you Goose?- Yeah. Except Judy, when's she's annoyed with me, she calls me Arthur!- OK.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35We'll see how that goes. If I call you Arthur, it means you've walked into the wrong room!
0:06:35 > 0:06:39So, run me through your top three assets that the property must have for you.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Must have a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45because we will have quite a few friends to stay.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49It must have a decent-sized garden, but not TOO huge,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52but a good size that we can have some veggies
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and maybe have some chickens.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- Are you going to keep chickens? Are you going to grow veggies?- Yeah!
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Who's going to do that? Goose, are you pretty handy?
0:07:01 > 0:07:04I can see myself looking after the chickens
0:07:04 > 0:07:06and eating them!
0:07:06 > 0:07:08No, we're not eating them!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I take it, Judy, you want the eggs and you want the meat.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Coming from a South African background,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16you've got to be into barbecues, right?
0:07:16 > 0:07:17- Big time.- Oh, yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20So, this garden - for you, is it an extension of the house,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- an entertaining space? - Absolutely, yes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26So you don't want what you live in at the moment - a 1970s... box, if you like.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I don't want a dark and gloomy interior.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Right, OK.- I'd love the house to be fairly airy and sunny.- Yes.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37We've got some cracking houses lined up.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38- Great.- Can't wait.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43With a top budget of £400,000,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46our buyers are looking for a characterful and quirky property
0:07:46 > 0:07:48with light, spacious rooms.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51They need three bedrooms to accommodate visiting friends
0:07:51 > 0:07:54and a roomy kitchen in which to entertain them.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Outside, they want a decent-sized garden for barbecues,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01and ideally, the location should be within a 30-minute drive
0:08:01 > 0:08:04from their daughter, as well as a good golf course.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06And we'll be taking Goose and Judy
0:08:06 > 0:08:09to view some of the finest homes on the market,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11but I won't be revealing their price tags
0:08:11 > 0:08:12until they've had a guess first.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16As ever, our final choice is the mystery house,
0:08:16 > 0:08:17which should open their eyes
0:08:17 > 0:08:20to something we hope they might never have considered.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25So, the last time you bought a house, it was buying for your family, yeah?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Yep.- Yes.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Now you're just buying it for you two.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Do you have slightly different desires for the house, different tastes?
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Judy's really into her cooking
0:08:33 > 0:08:37and she loves having a really good kitchen,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- so that'll be her domain.- Yes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40Um...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I wouldn't mind a conservatory, to be honest with you,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45or a really sunny room.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I'm appealing to you in the living areas, then, Goose,
0:08:48 > 0:08:49and then Judy in the kitchen areas.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Yeah.- That's your domain.- Yeah.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54It's quite traditional, this house, isn't it?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56ALL LAUGH
0:08:56 > 0:08:58We're starting off about 15 miles south
0:08:58 > 0:09:01of Judy and Goose's daughter in Dinedor,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03where our first destination is the village of Goodrich.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07A golf course is within a 15-minute drive of Goodrich,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09which is a small village that developed around
0:09:09 > 0:09:13the now ruinous 11th-century red sandstone castle.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Village amenities include a shop and a post office,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20a pub and a late 19th-century Jacobethan-style village hall.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22And just a five-minute stroll away
0:09:22 > 0:09:24and up at the top of Coppet Hill,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27our first property is perfectly positioned
0:09:27 > 0:09:30to command an incredible 180-degree panorama
0:09:30 > 0:09:32of the Wye Valley and beyond.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Look at the snow at the top of the mountains.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Wonderful. Well, this house is all geared up to enjoy that view.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Look at the way it faces.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43And this is us.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44- First impression?- Nice.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Er...not a square block.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49It's got a lot of character to it.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Yeah.- Without being sort of very old, run-down...
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- It looks well-maintained. - In good nick.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- It was a barn.- Oh, was it?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01With a cider press inside it. I'll tell you a bit more inside.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Let's go and have a look.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06On the site of a mid-19th-century cider mill,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09this property was built into the hillside on a gradient,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12and as such, the internal layout is a little unconventional.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16But our buyers specifically requested quirky character,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18so I hope this one does the trick.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22So in you come. Mind that step there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I like the kitchen. Very nice.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28This was a barn, but the farmer, the guy that owned it,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31used to have this room as a cider press.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- OK.- And he used to sell his cider, you know, in payment for things.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37Yeah.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- I think it's quite nice, to be honest with you.- Yeah. I like it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Size-wise, it's not huge.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I mean, to be honest, I'd prefer the kitchen to be a bit bigger.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48If I'm completely honest.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50I like the kitchen, I like the style of kitchen.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It's got a nice feel about it.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Now, your room is the living room, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Let me show you that.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Right then.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07I'm trying to picture you, Goose,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11reading or maybe watching your sport in this room.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14It is a nice room. Beautiful view. Lovely windows.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18I like this quirky bit over there.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21That's the staircase. This is an upside-down house.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24That's the staircase going down.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Many places would have put a spiral there or a box,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30to mask off the stairs, but again, this was converted
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and done up in 1999.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- It's worn very well. It's done so well, I think.- It's lovely.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- We're used to having a bigger room where we live now.- Right.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43But I do realise we are probably going to have to downsize our rooms
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and I honestly believe this is ample. This is fine for us.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- We don't need a room much bigger than that.- Good.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Now then...three bedrooms.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53I think one of the guest bedrooms is on this floor,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56but the good thing about that is it's got a shower and a loo next door to it.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59So your guests... Even your day guests won't have to go traipsing through.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Downstairs, I think, is where you'll be sleeping.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03- OK.- Wonderful.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12Coming down the stairs,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15it feels like we're in the bowels of the building,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- but actually, you're almost on the ground floor.- OK.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Is this the master bedroom?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It's what you want it to be, but yeah.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26The three bedrooms you've got are of similar size.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This has got all the power points, telephone points, what-have-you.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31And it's got the bathroom opposite.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- So it feels like this would be your master.- Yes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:35- OK.- Yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Cupboard space...?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Where would you put your clothes?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's smaller on the downstairs. This is built into a hill.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47It's smaller on the downstairs - it feels that way - than the upstairs.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Right, OK. It is a small room.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I would struggle to think of actually living here,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- because I don't know where I'd put my clothes.- OK.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56It was all going really well,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59but it seems we've hit a stumbling block over space.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02But seeing as the house needs to accommodate just our buyers,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05they could use the second downstairs bedroom for extra storage.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09There's also a useful utility room down on this floor.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11But we're going to weave our way back up and out of this property
0:13:11 > 0:13:13to check out the garden
0:13:13 > 0:13:17and find out just how many quirks Judy and Goose can take.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20So...
0:13:20 > 0:13:25All in all, including where the house sits itself,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27you've got around three-quarters of an acre.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29So...
0:13:29 > 0:13:30what do you think of the garden?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33The garden's a big disappointment to me.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Yeah, it's a bit slopey.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39You'd have to terrace it if you were going to do anything with it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42It depends what you want to do with it.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I mean, yeah, you'd need to terrace part of it
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- for growing some veggies, maybe in raised beds.- Yes.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Get some four-wheel drive hens(!)
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Um...
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Hens would be fine on here. - Hens would be fine, yeah.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58When I brought you here, I knew this would probably be the main compromise,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01because of its position on the hill.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04So how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:04 > 0:14:05Do you want to go first, Judy?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Ever the gent, Goose. - Ever the gentleman.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10I reckon about...
0:14:12 > 0:14:13349.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14OK.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17I'm going to go higher.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19I would say it's about 365.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Right, OK.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Well...not high enough.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24This place is on the market
0:14:24 > 0:14:28for offers around £399,995.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Right. OK.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31Why don't you go back inside the house,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34have a look at those other bedrooms, get a feel for the place?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- I'll meet you afterwards whenever you're ready.- OK.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- All right? Seen you when you're done.- See you shortly.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Just £5 short of their maximum budget,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47property number one is a detached stone-built home
0:14:47 > 0:14:48with a topsy-turvy layout,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51that lends itself to a beautiful fitted kitchen/diner,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55an inviting sitting room and three bedrooms.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57And though the three-quarter-acre plot
0:14:57 > 0:15:00may not present the ideal garden for veggies or barbecues,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04it does boast terrific, far-fetching views.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08When I first saw the house, I thought, "It looks really pretty."
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Which is what we want.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12You know, we've said we want a pretty house.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The view is absolutely amazing,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17so that was really good.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I must admit, seeing the garden somewhat put me off a bit,
0:15:20 > 0:15:22because the garden's very sloping
0:15:22 > 0:15:24and we don't want a sloping garden.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27The living room has a lovely large bay window,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29which is absolutely brilliant.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31The one issue I had was, with the bedrooms,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34there was a very limited storage area.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35They were also quite small.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Just admiring the view here. Beautiful, isn't it?- Lovely.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- So, all done inside?- I think so.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I think we're all done inside, seen enough.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44- Good. Let's go to the next one.- OK.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Hoping that the Herefordshire countryside
0:15:52 > 0:15:54will fuel her artistic creativity,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57earlier in the week, Judy and Goose headed to the Wye riverbank
0:15:57 > 0:15:59to meet guide David Leslie
0:15:59 > 0:16:01for a tour of the stunning scenery here,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04following in the centuries-old footsteps
0:16:04 > 0:16:07of scores of painters, poets and tourists.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Hi, David.- Morning.- Nice to meet you.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Nice to meet you.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14What stretch of the river will we be walking today?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16We're setting off from here at Kerne Bridge,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18cross over the river,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22then we're going to carry on under Caldwell Rocks, Symonds Yat
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- and we're going to finish somewhere near there. Shall we go?- Excellent.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- OK.- OK.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32This beautiful part of the river runs through the Wye Valley
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty
0:16:35 > 0:16:38that not surprisingly gave rise to the word "picturesque"
0:16:38 > 0:16:43by the 18th-century artist and author Reverend William Gilpin.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44In 1782, Gilpin published
0:16:44 > 0:16:48what was arguably Britain's first illustrated tour guide
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and he described this particular landscape as,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55"expressive of that peculiar beauty which is agreeable in a picture."
0:16:56 > 0:16:59So the good old Reverend must have inspired a lot of people
0:16:59 > 0:17:00to come to this area.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03People would come and try and find the spots
0:17:03 > 0:17:06that Gilpin had identified in his book
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and paint the scenes that he'd painted
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and see those areas. It was really the birth of tourism in this area
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and the concept of tourism in the country, really.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19The last port of call is Symonds Yat rock,
0:17:19 > 0:17:20named after Robert Symonds,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23the 17th-century Sheriff of Herefordshire.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27This wooded limestone outcrop rises some 500 feet above sea level
0:17:27 > 0:17:31and has one of the best viewpoints of the area.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Oh, wow, look at that view!
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Yeah.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Which direction is Hereford in from here?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42You can't see Hereford on a clear day, but you can see
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- way out beyond Herefordshire into Shropshire.- OK.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48So you've got some really good views.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Today, you've got some spectacular views.- Yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Beautiful day today.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54We've given Judy and Goose
0:17:54 > 0:17:57a taste of the natural Herefordshire landscape
0:17:57 > 0:17:59that could be on their doorstep when they move.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02But first, our challenge is to find them the perfect house
0:18:02 > 0:18:06so they can be immersed in such scenery every single day.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13And the second property takes us closer to the water
0:18:13 > 0:18:15as we're headed for the village of Staunton-on-Wye,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18approximately half an hour's drive from Dinedor.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21With the county's signature timber-framed properties
0:18:21 > 0:18:24lining the streets and a 16th-century public house,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Staunton-on-Wye is a quiet location,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29surrounded by countryside and farmland.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31And in the rural outskirts of the village,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33we find property number two.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38So, for the second house...
0:18:40 > 0:18:41Different position.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44A different proposition as well.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47OK, 1800s again, early 1800s,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49but very different look.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51May very well have been a farm worker's cottage,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53could even have been two.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- I honestly think it looks really nice.- It looks cute.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Good.- You like that, don't you? - I do, yeah!
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Well, it's better than "not bad"!
0:19:01 > 0:19:03LAUGHTER
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Yeah, we're going up!
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Now, what about the position? You can see you've still got views.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Beautiful view.- Fantastic views.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11OK. This is all very positive.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- It IS positive so far. - Shall we go inside? Follow me.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I must confess my relief that Goose and Judy are attracted
0:19:20 > 0:19:24to the external period character of this timber-framed property,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27for the black and white theme is a serious feature continued inside.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Here we are.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34Judy?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Um...I like the sort of open-ness.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39It feels big.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42It IS big. It's a lot bigger than the living room of the first house.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45A lot bigger. It's still very nice and airy.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- Really well-maintained. - Isn't it just?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Yes.- Very nice of the owner - they lit the fire for us!
0:19:52 > 0:19:56It's a big, long room, but it feels cosy.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59That obviously helps. It's a beautiful feature, isn't it?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- I've always wanted one of those. - It's really nice.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03So, good first impressions.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Let's go through to the kitchen.- OK.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Just off the sitting room, there's a downstairs WC and shower room,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13as well as the dining room that looks out over open fields.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Then, across the back of the building,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20a large dual-aspect study sits right next to the kitchen/breakfast room.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- I like this.- You do?- Lovely, yeah.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24I like that.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26The great thing about this house is -
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and a lot of people have them these days -
0:20:29 > 0:20:32they'll have a range, especially for the winter,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35but for the summer, they'll have an electric hob and oven.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- So best of both worlds, really. - Yeah.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Onwards and upwards. Let me take you to the master bedroom.- OK.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The staircase in the dining room leads to two first-floor bedrooms,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48both of which share the modern family bathroom.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50One of the bedrooms is a good-sized double,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53featuring exposed timbers and built-in cupboards.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56But we've earmarked the other bedroom for our buyers.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00So, the master bedroom.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04I think it's just that bit bigger, essentially, than the first house.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06That makes it work.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08It does seem to have quite a lot more room,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10especially around the beds,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and...a lot of storage space, with the drawers across there.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- It's big enough, I think.- Yes.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I can see myself waking up in the morning here.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Well, that sounds good.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22I mean, so far, it seems to be going well.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Mmm.- I think it is going well.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25I do think it's going well, yes.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29I think that's full marks for the accommodation
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and this time, I'm confident that the outside space
0:21:32 > 0:21:33should deliver the goods too.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36With a paved cottage garden and an orchard,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40the grounds here require more than just a few green fingers.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42But there's a couple of extra features
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I want to show Judy and Goose.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Now, when you said you'd like a bit of land...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- I like to take things to the next level.- Wow!
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- How about that?- Wow! Does this all come with the house?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- The whole lot.- Wow!
0:21:58 > 0:22:00All the way over towards those silver birches.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03But the very best thing, the thing I love the most -
0:22:03 > 0:22:07that little chalet/lodge thing there has electricity,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10running water, and already a bedroom and kitchenette set up in there.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- Wow!- I don't believe it! - That's amazing!
0:22:13 > 0:22:15That IS a surprise.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16- You've seen the house.- We have.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- You like the house.- Yeah.- We like the house.- You like the gardens.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Yeah.- We love the gardens. - Flabbergasted by this?
0:22:22 > 0:22:23Amazed, yeah.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Oh, it's in my mind...
0:22:28 > 0:22:30I had it in my mind and I changed my mind!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- I'll go first.- OK.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35I reckon right at the very top end of our budget.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37399...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Maybe even slightly more.- OK.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Then I'll be really optimistic and say 380.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- I cannot believe 380.- No.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- You did say you'd be prepared to push your budget for the right property.- We did say that.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Is this the right property?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55It could very, very well be.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57This place is on the market for offers around...
0:22:59 > 0:23:00..£395,000.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- That does surprise me.- Wow!
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- That's amazing. - That does surprise me.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I would have thought it would be more than that.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- This place has been on the market for seven days.- Right.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11It's had three viewings.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Someone's come back to view it twice.- Right.- Right.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's not hanging around.- It won't. - No, it won't.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Seeing that there's guest accommodation there,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21it may make you feel differently
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- about the accommodation inside the main house.- Right.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- Right.- OK.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27It's the last thing we're doing today.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I might go and enjoy the sunset,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31but whenever you're finished,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- just holler up and I'll come and find you.- Wonderful.- OK.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Thank you very much.- See you later. Chickens, house, chickens, house?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- We shall go to this...- Go on, then!
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Two rather excited customers here.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45There's a lot to take in.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48My only worry is if they DO like it,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50will they be able to move quick enough?
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Five grand under budget, with a guide price of £395,000,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59the second property is an historic black-and-white cottage,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01brimming with character.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03It comes with a living and family room,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05a kitchen/breakfast room
0:24:05 > 0:24:06and three bedrooms,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08one of which is in the separate guest annexe.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11And surrounded by unspoilt countryside,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13the whole plot claims over two acres
0:24:13 > 0:24:16of rural Herefordshire splendour.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Oh, wow! Look at this.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23This is the third bedroom.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- That's brilliant.- It would be good for guests, wouldn't it?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Absolutely perfect. - That could really be good.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32I think, when I walked through the door, it was quite surprising,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35because the only thing about it being a black-and-white cottage was
0:24:35 > 0:24:38is it going to be dark and poky inside?
0:24:38 > 0:24:40But actually, no, not at all.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Really lovely. I thought it had a lovely feel to it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45When I first saw this house,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I really liked it from the outside.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I've noticed that very large, flat garden
0:24:50 > 0:24:53on each side of the house, which was great.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Certainly a much more positive feeling towards this property.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01It definitely felt like I was coming home.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It definitely felt like I could live in this house.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Well, I did think the sun would be going down,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- but there was so much to see, wasn't there?- There was. Brilliant.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- Did you met the hens?- We did.- Good. Still want to keep some?
0:25:15 > 0:25:16- Definitely.- Yes, definitely.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Let's discuss it in the car on the way back. That's all for today.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- OK.- Wonderful.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35It's day two of our property search
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and on a top budget of £400,000,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40we're helping Goose and Judy
0:25:40 > 0:25:42to leave behind town life in Buckinghamshire
0:25:42 > 0:25:46for some rural tranquillity closer to their daughter in Herefordshire.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Two houses down, and the final course is the mystery house,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54where we'll be serving up something for the sweet-toothed.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Lovely. Quintessential...
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- cottage.- Yes! You could see it on a box of chocolates.- Yes!
0:25:59 > 0:26:00And for last orders,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04I'll be helping myself to Herefordshire's purest pint.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11On reflection, I think there was only one clear winner yesterday -
0:26:11 > 0:26:13property two.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It had Goose and Judy singing.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17On the journey home to the hotel, all they could talk about
0:26:17 > 0:26:20was what they would love to do with that paddock.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22So I definitely think we've got one property in the bag.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Today, we're off to see the mystery house.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28As you know, it's here to challenge the expectations of our buyers.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Sometimes it may even have a couple of issues attached to it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34But one thing it does have in its favour is location.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37This should be right up their street.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46So everything we're going to see today will be compared to the second house.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47- Yes.- Yes, it will be.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49But it's the mystery property.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Yeah!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53So, Judy, you know the drill.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56What do you think we're going to show you now?
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Probably what we've said all along - dark and poky!
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Yeah, I mean, that's you especially as well, Goose.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04You wanted big, light, airy rooms.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I love light, airy rooms, yes.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Right. OK. We're a few minutes away from finding out.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Excellent.- So a quick game of I Spy.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14LAUGHTER
0:27:18 > 0:27:20The final stop on Goose and Judy's property tour
0:27:20 > 0:27:22is in Burghill,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24which is our closest location to their daughter in Dinedor,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26being just about 20 minutes' drive away.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Settled into the valley,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Burghill is a highly desirable village
0:27:31 > 0:27:33that has a good-looking stock of homes.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36And with anticipation about the mystery house brewing,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38we're going to relieve at least one half of the party
0:27:38 > 0:27:40by stopping off at the local golf course
0:27:40 > 0:27:42right on the edge of the village.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48You may be wondering why I've borrowed a set of these funny-shaped sticks.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51But after listening to just how passionate you are, Goose,
0:27:51 > 0:27:56I thought I'd give you your fix and maybe get the chance to blow some cobwebs out and hit a few balls.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Sounds like a good idea, and maybe we could then go to the 19th hole afterwards!
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Well, I would say, maybe, that the loser buys the beers,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06but by the sounds of it, that's going to be me!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Let's just hit the ball.- OK.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Your wife's watching.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12- Your wife, who loves you!- OK.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13She's watching.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Fore!
0:28:18 > 0:28:19I'm only joking.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22I'll be lucky if mine goes anywhere over the ladies' tee.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25You know, the safest place to be is probably over there.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26Yeah!
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Right, I'll have a quick practice.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- Looks all right. - You wait till I miss it!
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Well, I am impressed!- Good one!
0:28:40 > 0:28:42I think that was beginner's luck.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Now, the main reason I wanted to start off today here
0:28:45 > 0:28:47is because the mystery house
0:28:47 > 0:28:51is...well, a decent golf drive away from here.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- Right, OK.- The local village is just over that hill
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and this is actually one of two golf courses to choose from.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58Excellent news!
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- OK, let's put these funny sticks away and go house-hunting.- Yeah.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03Brilliant. Thank you.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07So with some peace of mind about the essential local facilities at hand,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10it's time to unveil the mystery house,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12which is just a five-minute walk away.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13So...
0:29:13 > 0:29:15here we are.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16It's really sweet.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Lovely. Quintessential...
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- cottage.- Yes! You could see it on a box of chocolates.- Yes!
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- Chocolate box.- It's a country house if ever I've seen one.- Yeah.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29The second part is what it looks and feels like inside.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- So let's find out.- OK.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I've chosen this listed part-thatched cottage
0:29:35 > 0:29:36because it's definitely not
0:29:36 > 0:29:39the light and roomy home our buyers asked for.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41And it's packed to the - rather low - rafters
0:29:41 > 0:29:43with traditional features.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- Righty-ho. Another island for you, Judy.- Another island.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Nice kitchen.- So...
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Very nice kitchen.- I like it.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- Isn't it really nice? - It is really nice.- Lovely.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01This kitchen was built back in 2001.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Is it your taste? Because it would be a shame to rip anything out.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- It is. I like the colour.- Good.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- OK.- I hope there might be another area.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Two reception rooms to have a look at.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Which one do you want to have as a dining room?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Oh!
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Oh, lovely!
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- This is lovely. It's really nice. - I like this room.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Dining in here?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Absolutely superb. - Are these ceilings OK?
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Fine for me!
0:30:28 > 0:30:31They're not fine for me, to be honest!
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Just through that doorway, they've put a downstairs loo,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37so your guests don't go traipsing through the rest of your house.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Good.- All these guests of yours. - All these guests.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Now, a room just for you two. I think you'll love it. Follow me.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47So...
0:30:47 > 0:30:48I think this is for you.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- This is cosy. That's nice. - A real fire.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Yep.- Imagine sitting on a winter's evening...
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- Made for it, isn't it?- Perfect.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Quick look at the master bedroom? - Yeah.- Follow me.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02The stairs are in the corner of the sitting room
0:31:02 > 0:31:03and go up to the first-floor landing,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06where there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Two of the bedrooms are similar-sized doubles,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11one of which is presented with a single bed.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15And the final bedroom is, of course, the master suite.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19So there are height restrictions up here, to an extent.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21This is nice. I like it.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Nice and bright.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Bit of storage there. - Have a look at that storage.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26Have a quick peek.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27Aha!
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Quite sneakily put in there.- Sweet.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- It's not massive up here. - No, it's not, but...
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- ..it's not too poky.- It isn't. - And it's light and airy.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44You do have a few views from this bedroom.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45It obviously overlooks the garden,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48which I'm really keen on showing you, because again, very different,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- but I think there's upsides to it too.- OK.- Let's take a peek.- OK.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55So far, the vintage mystery property
0:31:55 > 0:31:57seems to be successfully dispelling
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Goose and Judy's fear of dark and dingy cottages.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Garden-wise, there's a gravelled patio
0:32:02 > 0:32:04and a large lawn, as well as some raised beds.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07There's also a little something just for Judy.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11You mentioned, when you do get the chance to retire,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13maybe taking up your art again.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- Yeah.- Those two sheds are actually joined up.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- They'd make a lovely little artist's studio.- Excellent!
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- OK.- So...
0:32:21 > 0:32:23village location...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Yet you've got the right-sized garden,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30your quirky but hopefully right-sized house...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It is the right-sized house.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34What do you think it's worth?
0:32:34 > 0:32:35395.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37OK.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39OK. I'm going to go lower.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Why have you got this funny expression on your face?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Because I think I know what this property costs.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- Have you seen it?- I've seen it on the internet.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- OK.- I actually wanted to come and see it.- Cheating!- Did you?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- I did.- That's good, then.- Yeah.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55So if we hadn't have shown you this house,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- you might have looked at it anyway? - I probably would have come and seen it anyway.- OK.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Go on, then - how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Or how much do you know it's on the market for?- £365,000.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07This is Smug Judy, isn't it?
0:33:07 > 0:33:11I've just met Smug Judy. You're absolutely quite right - it's £365,000.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13For you, you thought it was...
0:33:13 > 0:33:14- More.- A lot more.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Because of the location. It's an unusual house.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Um...very unusual house. It's listed.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23And, er...
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- Yeah, I just thought it was more. - Yeah.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27It's a really nice property.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30You've got to have a look at this house without me in your ear.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Have a look at all the rooms you haven't yet seen. Spend some time in the garden.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37And then we'll find out what you want to do afterwards.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38- OK.- Wonderful idea.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Have a look at the other bedrooms. - Thank you.- See you in a while.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48I get the impression Goose is quite impulsive, but...
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Judy's playing her cards fairly close to her chest.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Maybe it's because she's seen it on the internet before. I'm not sure.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56But look at their shopping list.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It's pretty close, isn't it?
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Our lowest priced option, with a guide price of £365,000,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08the mystery house is a Grade II listed timber-framed and clad cottage.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It has a stylish country kitchen/breakfast room,
0:34:11 > 0:34:13two separate reception rooms
0:34:13 > 0:34:16and three bedrooms, including a master en-suite.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Outside, there's a large, well-tended garden
0:34:19 > 0:34:21and the property is located
0:34:21 > 0:34:23smack-bang in the centre of the village,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25right next door to a golf course.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Ooh, this is a lovely bright room.
0:34:30 > 0:34:31It is.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- Fit a double bed in here.- Yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- There's room for creating some storage as well.- Yep.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38As they've done there.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Maybe along this wall as well. - More along this wall too.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I really loved the house. I thought that it's really pretty,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47it's a real chocolate-box house.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50And right in the middle of a village, which is perfect.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53And, obviously, not far from the golf club,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56so the whole thing was really... I was thrilled.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I think this one suits us by far the most.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04And I now place this as my favourite house.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I must say, even on a slightly chilly day today,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09you get the sense of what it must be like
0:35:09 > 0:35:10here in the summer on this patio.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12So I think we need a bit of thinking time,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- then we'll catch up for a chat, yeah?- Yeah.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22That wraps up the end
0:35:22 > 0:35:24of Goose and Judy's property tour in Herefordshire.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27But there's still an abundance of beautiful houses
0:35:27 > 0:35:30to suit all budgets that are waiting to be snapped up,
0:35:30 > 0:35:34such as this stone-built three-bedroom Victorian semi
0:35:34 > 0:35:37in Ross-on-Wye, currently on the market for £259,000.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Just over £100,000 extra
0:35:39 > 0:35:43could bag you this detached three-bed stone cottage
0:35:43 > 0:35:44in Newton.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Situated down a private road
0:35:46 > 0:35:48against an impressive rural backdrop,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51it comes with a bright, modern kitchen/breakfast room
0:35:51 > 0:35:55and a guide price of £365,000.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58And how about this spot overlooking the River Wye
0:35:58 > 0:36:00for the most idyllic setting?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02With an asking price of £500,000,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04this stunning valley vista
0:36:04 > 0:36:06is just one of the benefits attached
0:36:06 > 0:36:08to this red stone cottage in Ballingham.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Set over four floors,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12it also has a cosy lounge
0:36:12 > 0:36:14and a triple-aspect master
0:36:14 > 0:36:17that encapsulates the text-book room with a view.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24If there's one thing synonymous with Herefordshire,
0:36:24 > 0:36:25it has to be agriculture.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28And the largest agricultural sector in the country
0:36:28 > 0:36:31is dairy farming, worth over £3 billion a year,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35with an annual milk production around 13 billion litres.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39But the UK dairy industry is in crisis,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41as farmers struggle to break even.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44So much so that over the last five years,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47some 1,500 farms have stopped producing milk.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50However, on Lower Buckholt Farm here in Herefordshire,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53third-generation farmers Oli and Ed Partridge
0:36:53 > 0:36:56are successfully adopting innovative methods
0:36:56 > 0:37:01to ensure their family's 60-year-old farming pedigree continues to thrive.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Morning, chaps.- Morning.- Morning.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06How are you? You are Ed... Oli, how are you?
0:37:06 > 0:37:07- Who's this?- That's Merlin.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Welcome to the farm.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Come and meet the cows.- I'd love to.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Come on, Merlin!
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Brothers Oli and Ed work across two sites
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and have a herd that currently stands at
0:37:20 > 0:37:22250 Holstein Friesian milking cows.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25So, Ed, why are dairy farmers finding it so tough at the moment?
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- The weather's been appalling. The rain hasn't stopped.- Yeah.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31The feed price has been high
0:37:31 > 0:37:34and the milk price has been volatile.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35We grow a lot of maize,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38which provides starch for the high-yielding cows.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43Basically, we had a third of a crop, so that's run out early.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46We're buying in extra silage, and it's very expensive.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50It still amazes me that you buy a pint of milk cheaper than you buy a pint of water.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52I mean, the amount of work that goes into a pint of milk,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- and you give it away, essentially, don't you?- Yes.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00It's incredible. It's such a lot of attention to detail and effort, the skill that goes into dairy farming.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Our philosophy is, if we look after the cows, then they'll look after us.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Despite the national drop of dairy herds,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09recent figures show the average milk yield
0:38:09 > 0:38:12has increased to about 241 litres per cow.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15And the brothers have invested in a state-of-the-art milk parlour
0:38:15 > 0:38:17to cater for their high-yield cows.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Each animal is given a number, which correlates to a computer programme
0:38:21 > 0:38:24that individually calculates the feed and nutrients
0:38:24 > 0:38:26for each and every cow.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29First, the teat is prepared with an iodine disinfectant.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32OK, up you go. There you go, love.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Then the computerised system distributes the feed.
0:38:35 > 0:38:385...8...3...
0:38:38 > 0:38:39- Enter.- Enter.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Listen to the cake drop.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Once she's happily feeding, the pumps are attached.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50And the milking begins.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- It's coming out straight away - look at that!- There you go.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57The welfare of their animals is the top priority for Ollie and Ed
0:38:57 > 0:39:01and the sophisticated management and frequent milking they employ
0:39:01 > 0:39:03not only keeps the cows in great condition,
0:39:03 > 0:39:07but also provides more milk, and so optimises their profit.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Vets and nutritionists also visit regularly
0:39:10 > 0:39:13to ensure the cows they've nurtured from birth
0:39:13 > 0:39:15are as healthy and happy as possible.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18So what are these cows doing in here?
0:39:18 > 0:39:20These cows are about to be milked,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22but we thought we'd show you some nice, quiet cows -
0:39:22 > 0:39:25a few of the pets we've got on the farm.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Do you name them?- Yes.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- THEY LAUGH - They've got names!
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- Yeah!- Go on, then.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33That's Jezza over there.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Wet-Nose is over there.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Tufty's there, that red one there.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38She's nice. You can see why.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40And Fringina, 177.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Bouffant's over there somewhere.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47But this shows just how close you are to your animals, doesn't it?
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Which is great to see.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52And you're certainly bucking the trend, so long may that continue.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- Thanks very much for your time. - Thanks very much. - Good to meet you.- Cheers.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Sadly, our time in Herefordshire is drawing to a close.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02But have we managed to find the house that will convince our buyers
0:40:02 > 0:40:04to up sticks and move here?
0:40:04 > 0:40:05Let's find out.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10How are we feeling?
0:40:10 > 0:40:11- Yes.- Feeling quite excited.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Well, this is very positive.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16It's no surprise, actually.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Last night you were quite excited after the second property.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22You felt just as excited, if not more so, after the mystery house.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23So, what's your decision?
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Well, I think...
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- I think I'd like to go back and see the mystery house again.- OK.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Brilliant news!- The three days have been a great progression,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36because we started with the first house. As you know,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38it was nice, but not our house at all.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40And the second house, we liked.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42And we thought that was great,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44but today was a revelation for us.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Ideal location,
0:40:46 > 0:40:48a lovely area
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- and we both really liked the house, didn't we?- Lovely house.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53What was your favourite thing about the mystery house?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Well, I loved the kitchen, because I just think it's great
0:40:56 > 0:40:59being able to look out, then those doors opening straight out
0:40:59 > 0:41:01into the garden, which is actually what we asked for -
0:41:01 > 0:41:05to be able to live with the garden as part of the house, almost.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07So what was your favourite bit of the mystery house?
0:41:07 > 0:41:10It's difficult, because I actually...
0:41:10 > 0:41:12I know this sounds quite sad, in a way,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14but I liked all of it.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16I liked the garden,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19I liked the areas where we discussed we could have barbecues -
0:41:19 > 0:41:21there's at least two of those.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I liked the living room with the wood-burner,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26so...yes.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28It sounds like a distinct possibility that you're moving to
0:41:28 > 0:41:31the best-looking countryside and real estate you're likely to find.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- Close to a nice, friendly golf club, as you saw.- I saw that, yeah.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- Yeah.- He's out of your hair, and you've got a little studio to start your painting.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Absolutely. Fantastic!
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I tell you what, if I am anywhere nearby,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I will be imposing myself to try out these famous barbecues.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47You're welcome!
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I wish you, honestly, genuinely, the very best of luck.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- It was a pleasure spending the last few days with you. Thank you very much.- Thanks.- Thanks.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Well, what a turnaround from Goose and Judy raving about that second property.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05But I think that's more because they had their head turned by that paddock.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07But really, when you come to think about it,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09it wasn't exactly what they asked for.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11So when we showed them the mystery property,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15which seemed to be set in exactly the location they said they were after,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17well, I think the decision was made.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21So all that remains now is hopefully that second viewing goes according to plan
0:42:21 > 0:42:25and then, hopefully, their dream of escaping here to the Herefordshire countryside
0:42:25 > 0:42:28will soon become reality.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29See you next time.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32And I'm delighted to report
0:42:32 > 0:42:35that Judy and Goose did go back to see the mystery house
0:42:35 > 0:42:37and they put in an offer that was accepted.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40So we wish them all the very best for the new chapter of their lives
0:42:40 > 0:42:42in Herefordshire.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47If you would like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51Northern Ireland, Wales, or even further afield to the continent
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and need our help, please apply online at...
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