0:00:02 > 0:00:05For today's Escape To The Country I'm going to tell you a little story.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Some 530 years ago, one generous woman quite literally paved
0:00:09 > 0:00:14the way in building this historic and now locally much-loved footpath.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17But who was she and where is it?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39On today's show we are helping an expat couple return to the
0:00:39 > 0:00:43UK to find a country home close to their family. What do you think?
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Is it you?- It's... interesting.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49A recurring theme begins to emerge.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Interesting. - Is this a good "interesting?"
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- I'm not sure we've had a good "interesting" yet.- It is.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Today we are in Wiltshire
0:00:58 > 0:01:03and this wonderful arched footbridge is known as Maud Heath's Causeway.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Maud was a market trader back in the Middle Ages.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07She lived in a village down there.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11She would have to cross these fields, which at the time were
0:01:11 > 0:01:15often boggy and flooded, on her way to market over there in Chippenham.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18But Maud, she was a fairly generous sort.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23When she died back in 1474, she left instructions not only
0:01:23 > 0:01:25that this should be built and maintained,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27but also the money with which to do it.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32It was a fantastic act of, at the time, unprecedented local charity,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34but it's still very much appreciated today,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37especially when it's been raining.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Located in south-west England,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45landlocked Wiltshire is surrounded by six counties, including
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Gloucestershire to the north and Dorset to the south.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53Its sweeping chalk downs are imprinted with an extraordinary archaeological
0:01:53 > 0:01:57record of its earliest occupants, including the iconic Stonehenge.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02The county's rich history is also expressed
0:02:02 > 0:02:05in its many elegant towns, including Marlborough,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09once an important staging post on the London to Bath road.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13In 1653, a huge fire devastated the town
0:02:13 > 0:02:17and much of it was rebuilt including the main street which today
0:02:17 > 0:02:20is one of the widest high streets in the UK.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Just south of Marlborough is Savernake Forest,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29almost 5,000 acres of ancient beech and oak woodland.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33It's been passed down through an unbroken line of 31 generations,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36making it the only privately owned forest in Britain.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It is, however, open to the public to enjoy.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42With almost half of the county designated
0:02:42 > 0:02:46an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no surprise that
0:02:46 > 0:02:50house-hunters are so drawn to this beautiful part of the country.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Just over £290,000 is the figure that will get
0:02:55 > 0:02:57you your average detached property here.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01That's a cool £35,000 above that infamous national figure
0:03:01 > 0:03:04we talk about. But why the premium?
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Well, houses in the Vale of Pewsey, and in pretty little villages like Urchfont, have
0:03:08 > 0:03:13helped to boil the pot, thanks to their close proximity to Salisbury.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15But rest assured, there's still lots out there.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Extend your search to Chippenham
0:03:17 > 0:03:19and you will still find plenty that is pretty
0:03:19 > 0:03:22at a far more affordable price.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23So, time to meet today's buyers
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and find out why they think Wiltshire is for them.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32After a successful career as a food company director, Colin and wife
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Helene moved to her native Spain to enjoy their retirement in the sun.
0:03:37 > 0:03:3912 years on, they've sold their house in Malaga
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and are checking into a Wiltshire hotel to start their search
0:03:42 > 0:03:46for a new home closer to loved ones back on British soil.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51When we moved to Malaga we had no grandchildren.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55At the time we couldn't see any on the horizon, but it all happened
0:03:55 > 0:03:59and now we have seven, four of those are in Wiltshire.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02We do miss them all, very much so.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06It will be just wonderful to be near our grandchildren.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Going to their school functions, concerts and having them
0:04:09 > 0:04:12to stay over. It would be just heaven.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Helene and Colin have embraced their Spanish lifestyle to the full,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21but after 12 years abroad there are some things they've missed.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24We used to visit stately homes which we enjoyed visiting.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25We like horse racing.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31We go to as many horse race meetings, which we would like to return to,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34which we haven't been doing in Spain.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35And, of course,
0:04:35 > 0:04:39enjoying the fellowship you get in English country pubs.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We can prop up a bar from time to time and enjoy the locals.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47One way that Helene plans to embrace their new rural
0:04:47 > 0:04:50lifestyle is through her passion for fitness.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55When we move here, I'm hoping we will get bikes
0:04:55 > 0:04:59and we can ride in the countryside. It would do him good.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05I love exercise and he's a bit against exercise, but he needs it.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I'll join aerobics or maybe yoga,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12whichever there is in the village, because I love it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Through visits to their family in Wiltshire, Colin
0:05:15 > 0:05:18and Helene have got to know and appreciate the county's charms.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Some of the villages are still unspoiled and quite quaint.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26It's a real throwback in many ways to England as was,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28and I'm quite happy about that.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32So what have they got to spend on a new home in Wiltshire?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36The budget for this move is around £480,000.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Colin and Helene's family lived to the south of the county in
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Fox Holes, so to keep them within easy reach of their grandchildren,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the village.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55I'm meeting up with them to pick up some more details about their move.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Many people looking at your story will be thinking,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00"Hang on a minute, surely they're going in the wrong direction."
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Don't we all want to live in the sun in Spain?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06We've had 12 years of sunshine, basking in Spain
0:06:06 > 0:06:10and now is the lure of the English countryside once again.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12And, of course, close to our family.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Just give us an idea of the sort of property you've got your minds
0:06:16 > 0:06:20set on in terms of maybe style and what it needs to contain.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Ideally, we would like large rooms, light and airy,
0:06:24 > 0:06:30with a large kitchen and utility room, big bedroom, ensuite bathroom.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34And at least three bedrooms, and a double garage, hopefully,
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- and a garden that I can... - Not too big a garden.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Basically what you are after is everything you've
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- got in Spain, you just want it here. - Except for the pool.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Except for the pool. - If there is a pool, that is fine.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49And not directly on a road.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- We'd like to be a little bit back off the road.- And not too isolated.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I guess also you would probably go for something fairly modern,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- because that's what you've been used to in Spain.- Inside, certainly.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03We like all mod cons. A nice kitchen with all the mod cons.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Just remind us of how much money we've got to play
0:07:06 > 0:07:08with to find this new dream home of yours.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11We've sold our house in Spain and so we've set
0:07:11 > 0:07:16a budget of £480,000, which could plus or minus a bit either way.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I think that sort of budget does put us within striking
0:07:19 > 0:07:21distance of getting you something really nice.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23It's a gorgeous part of the country.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27It's got some fantastic housing stock here. A real slice
0:07:27 > 0:07:28of quintessential England.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Who's going to make all the decisions, though?
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- He's got the chequebook.- The sun is shining. Let's go spend some money.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43With £480,000, Colin
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and Helene are looking for a home with spacious airy rooms,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49including a large kitchen, utility room,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52a minimum of three bedrooms and an en-suite.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Outside they'd like a medium-sized garden
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and space to park two cars, with ideally a garage.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03They'd also like to be within easy reach of some local amenities.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05We've found a wonderful mix of homes to show our buyers,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10but I won't be revealing the price until they've had a guess first.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12The final property is the mystery house,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15where the interior design could tip them one way or the other.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24And what do you think will be the biggest change for you
0:08:24 > 0:08:26as you make this huge transition?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Driving on the other side of the road.- Leaving friends behind.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35When we moved to Spain, all our friends visited us,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and they said, "We'll come down and see you when you move to Wiltshire,"
0:08:39 > 0:08:42so I should imagine we will have a very, very busy time.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Our house has been pretty much like a hotel for 12 years.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50So that's what we're looking for now. A hotel in Wiltshire.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Just so we know.- Yeah.- OK.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59We are starting our search eight miles south of Fox Holes
0:08:59 > 0:09:03in the hamlet of Norton Ferris, close to the Somerset border.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07The nearest village, two and a half miles away, is Maiden Bradley.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Located within the West Wiltshire Downs
0:09:10 > 0:09:12in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16the village takes its name from a leper hospital for maidens
0:09:16 > 0:09:18that was founded here in the 12th century.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23It has a community-run shop and a recently refurbished pub.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Our first property, just nearby, is a 17th-century cottage with
0:09:26 > 0:09:28a gorgeous rural setting,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32perfect for those bike rides Helene has got planned for them.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- This is property number one. - That's pretty.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- That's pretty, yes.- Is there a garage?- There isn't a garage.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42You have a little bit of off-road parking for at least two,
0:09:42 > 0:09:43maybe three cars there.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45As you can see through the gap there, the ground rises
0:09:45 > 0:09:49up behind it, but it's been rearranged in a way that
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- makes it a little bit upside down. - Quirky.- Absolutely, quirky.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Because your main kitchen-diner is upstairs
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- and it leads out into the garden behind.- Aha.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03The garden is very manageable, very lovely, full of sun.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- Can we see inside?- Come on then.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Originally, this property was a modest one-up, one-down cottage,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14but extra rooms were added to the ground floor around 20 years ago.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19OK. Come on in.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23So, we've got two bedrooms down here.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27There's a double there. Double there.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Nice big family bathroom that serves this floor with the roll-top bath,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and then through here this is the living room. Follow me.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- So, what do we think of this?- Oh, lovely.- Different.- Very quaint.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I wondered if it had a slightly Spanishy feel to it with these
0:10:44 > 0:10:48whitewashed beams. What do you think, though? Is it you?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It's...interesting. It's certainly worth considering.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- I'd like to see more. - But that word, "interesting" -
0:10:54 > 0:10:58I'm not sure that's telling me the whole story as to what's going on in your mind.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Well, it is interesting. It's not what I expected.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03I want to take it in first.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I think the ceilings might be too low.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08He's good at knocking his head on everything.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Yeah. I'm a bit challenged on that one.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15In terms of ceiling height, we've got no problems upstairs.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Come and have a look at this.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21So the ground floor of this slightly topsy-turvy house offers
0:11:21 > 0:11:26the two bedrooms, bathroom and cosy sitting room we've just seen.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But the main living space can be found upstairs where there is
0:11:29 > 0:11:33a kitchen and dining area as well as a master bedroom suite.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41Now, this for me is where our... kind of upside-down house
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- really does come to light. What do you think?- Lovely, lovely.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51The kitchen units I love. They are made of reclaimed elm.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Very individual.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58How's our..."interesting" barometer faring at this stage?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- It gives you a lot of food for thought.- Yeah?
0:12:01 > 0:12:03A lot of food for thought. A lot of consideration.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07We have to adjust our ambitions on what we're looking for.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I don't think you have to adjust your ambitions at all.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16This is a very desirable property. The question is, is it for you?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19It does have this fantastic sunroom which is just gorgeous.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Have a look at that.- This is pretty.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27This structure is what, I think, defines the layout of this place
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- because they're clearly making maximum use of the garden.- Quite.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33And this really is your living floor, I would say,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- albeit that the living room itself is down below us.- Very nice.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40So, as we saw in the way in, there are two double bedrooms
0:12:40 > 0:12:45downstairs with that lovely bathroom, but the master is up here.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52So this is your own kind of suite, really.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Storage there, really nice kind of wet room.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58And then this is... your bit.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- You like?- Yes.- Yes.- I'm trying to advance the "interesting".
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Yeah. It is interesting again, yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11We've got a huge bit and a bigger dressing...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14I'm just trying to visualise.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I'm just not feeling the kind of excitement
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I would have expected this house to have generated.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- We're surprised, I think.- Yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27It's a lot older and quainter and quirkier than we expected.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Than we have ever had.- Is it?- Yes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34You're walking into a time warp, really, and it's different.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- We've got a lot of things which we have inherited.- Stuff.- Stuff, yes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40THEY LAUGH
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- We can't just throw it out. - Nor should you.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45We've got to find a home for it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47But you could chuck out all the sombreros
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- and stuffed donkeys you collected. - We haven't got a single one.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56This is, as I say, a toe in the water for us, to get an idea of what
0:13:56 > 0:14:00you like and for you to get a sense of what the market here can offer you.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The key thing, I suppose, is the price.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Let's talk about that in the garden.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Come on, and it will give you a good idea of where we are going.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12It seems our buyers aren't convinced this house offers them
0:14:12 > 0:14:17the space they're after, but maybe the garden will offer a glimmer of hope.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Oh.- Nice, isn't it?- Gorgeous. Look at the trees.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26You've got lots to play with here. But not, you know, masses of work.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- COLIN LAUGHS - There's the kind of rear-view,
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- that lovely garden room that dominates it.- Lovely.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36The garden is what you see. Is that manageable enough for you?
0:14:36 > 0:14:39I think it's big enough without being too big.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42You've got this nice little terrace here and behind us
0:14:42 > 0:14:44some very well-kept vegetable beds.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47There's nothing in them at the moment but at least they're weed-free.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Let's have a think about the price then, shall we?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- I'd pitch it at just under 400,000.- Would you now?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56That's quite optimistic.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59We're not familiar with the market, of course.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Perhaps we have something to learn on that front.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- HE LAUGHS - OK. Helene?
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Well, to me, only 375.
0:15:07 > 0:15:13This is currently on the market at £465,000.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- Yeah. But this has been a very interesting first impression, I think.- Wonderful.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I think it's food for thought. We'll have to think about it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24We've still got a bit of time.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25Why not go and explore it at your leisure,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Thank you.- Off you go. After you, sir and madam.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Well, it's a long way from Spain
0:15:34 > 0:15:38and this property may well be a long way from what Helene
0:15:38 > 0:15:41and Colin were expecting, but it is an absolute classic.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I think it's gorgeous, but is it for them? Who knows?
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Just under budget at £465,000,
0:15:50 > 0:15:54this period cottage with its peaceful rural setting offers a
0:15:54 > 0:15:58large kitchen, a dining room cum conservatory, three bedrooms
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and a characterful downstairs sitting room.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05There's no garage but there is parking for two cars.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10Inside, I was a little surprised at the size of the rooms and certainly
0:16:10 > 0:16:15the low ceiling, which I just managed to scrape under at full height.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21Upstairs, again that was different. It was a nice big garden room.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24That's a good size, a very bright, airy room.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27But the lack of a garage
0:16:27 > 0:16:33and perhaps a bit more parking space was a little concern.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39I don't think we could consider this because it's too small for us.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Not enough storage space
0:16:40 > 0:16:44and our furniture is too big for it. It's lovely.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47It's lovely, but not for us.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Good. I think that has been, in many ways,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- more revealing than many first property tours.- Yes.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- So, we've got quite a few things to consider.- A lot to think about.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- Space, ages of property and prices. - Of course, absolutely.- Come on, then.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Wiltshire has a rich farming tradition that goes back
0:17:11 > 0:17:13thousands of years.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15However, as in many rural communities,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18the convenience of supermarket shopping has meant people
0:17:18 > 0:17:22have become disconnected from the food that is grown in their area.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26But, there's an increasing number of ethically aware customers,
0:17:26 > 0:17:28who are looking beyond supermarket shelves
0:17:28 > 0:17:32and seeking out local produce from independent farm shops.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And it's a movement that doesn't look to be slowing down.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39There are now more than 4,000 farm shops across the UK.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44One of those, here in Wiltshire, is Plank's, which opened six years ago.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47With Colin's career in the food manufacturing industry,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51he and Helene have an interest in start-up food businesses,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55so they're meeting Liz Nelson, one of the shop's owners.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58It's estimated that a third of UK households now make
0:17:58 > 0:18:02purchases from farm shops. Part of the appeal is knowing the money
0:18:02 > 0:18:06they spend stays in the community and helps support local farmers.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The majority of our customers are local customers and they come
0:18:09 > 0:18:14in two or three times a week and they really do use us like the local shop.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I don't think a lot of people realise what fabulous produce is
0:18:17 > 0:18:19available on their doorstep.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22What makes farm shop so different from supermarkets?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Hopefully, it's a really nice place to come shop
0:18:24 > 0:18:27and nice atmosphere, but mainly the local produce.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Everything we get here that you can't get in the supermarket,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32locally sourced, less food miles
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and that's what customers are really looking for nowadays.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40The farmers are getting a decent amount of money for the produce they are growing,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and things like the local meat. They know where it's come from.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45It hasn't travelled halfway round the world.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Literally, it has come from the field to the abattoir and then delivered to us.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- And it's a nice shopping experience. - Yes, I hope so.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57To diversify and offer greater variety to their customers,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00a growing number of farm shop owners, including Liz, are beginning
0:19:00 > 0:19:04to make their own product ranges in on-site kitchens.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08And today's chef Mel has found a couple of new recruits to
0:19:08 > 0:19:10help her make one of the shop's specialities.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I'll be making some scotch eggs with you today.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Adhering to the farm shop philosophy,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18ingredients for their products are sourced from as nearby as possible.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22These eggs come from a free-range farm just down the road.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Colin, if you you'd like to just roll it into some flour for me.- OK.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Next, we're going to wrap it into the sausage meat.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Do you want to place that egg in there, Colin?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Nice coating on that.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Putting this into the egg wash, which is half milk, half egg,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47just to help these breadcrumbs stick.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52With more people developing a passion for locally produced
0:19:52 > 0:19:55food, it looks like the farm shop will be a positive
0:19:55 > 0:19:58presence in our rural communities for years to come.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Mmm.- Delicious.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09With day one drawing to an end, there's plenty of time for Colin
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and Helene to reflect
0:20:11 > 0:20:12on our house hunt so far.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19It's the second day of our property search,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23and on a budget of £480,000, we're helping Colin and Helene
0:20:23 > 0:20:27leave their retirement in Malaga for a rural home in Wiltshire.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29We still have two properties to view,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34including the mystery house which has an unexpected bonus.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- If you bought this house, you get that as well.- Wow.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41That's a double wow.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44And I visit a couple we helped find a Wiltshire home a few years
0:20:44 > 0:20:47back, to see how they've made it on their own.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Our second property takes us half an hour's drive
0:20:54 > 0:20:58north of Fox Holes to the village of Neston. The nearest place to
0:20:58 > 0:21:01pick up provisions is three miles away in Corsham.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05In medieval times, the town prospered,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08thanks to the booming Wiltshire wool trade, and later
0:21:08 > 0:21:11the quarrying of local Bath stone further boosted its fortunes.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14The honey-coloured hues of which can be seen in many of the town's
0:21:14 > 0:21:16buildings.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Our second property, just down the road, was actually
0:21:19 > 0:21:24built for a local quarryman and his family back in the 1870s.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Lovely.- That's different. That's lovely.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Very different proposition in terms of location.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Obviously, we've got neighbours and so on.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- I know you don't want to be isolated.- Quite.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39So it's kind of the other end of that scale, one would say.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- But easy access to the countryside. - Feels quiet.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- It's a nice little spot.- It's a good solid-looking house.- It is.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52But there are obvious compromises.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56I guess the main one being there isn't a dedicated garage for you.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- That is...or parking spaces.- Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- But, who knows? Is it the one? - We shall see.- Come on, then.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07This four-bedroom Bath stone house has been completely
0:22:07 > 0:22:10renovated over the last few years by the current owners,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and I'm hoping it is to Colin and Helene's taste.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20Well, let's start with this living room. This being the principal one.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- Right.- This is cosy.- Nice.- Good size.- Is this a bit more like it?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Yes.- Indeed.- A bit more conventional. I love the detailing.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32They've revealed these stone reveals around the windows.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- It's got a nice country feel as well. - Well, it has.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38And it's made the best of the material, the stone it's built from.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Bath stone.- Bath stone, exactly.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- The little details...- Nice touches.- ..really make it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49So this sets the scene. Let's continue through here.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58So, dining room here with another multi-fuel burner there.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- Now, I promised you a fitted kitchen. Here it is.- Very nice. - Yeah?
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- This was a local guy who built it. - Very nice.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09An in-frame kitchen, as we like to say.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12You've got the island, the marble and so on.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14So there's a lot of money in this, actually.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Will it be big enough? Because I know size is the thing with you.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Well, we are both big.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I didn't mean it in that respect. I meant in terms of the space you're
0:23:23 > 0:23:29- used to and are aspiring to.- It would need adjusting.- In what respect?
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Getting used to smaller space.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- OK, but you wouldn't be adjusting the kitchen?- No. It's liveable.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40All right. Let's go upstairs because we have got you four bedrooms there.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Oh, good.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Also on the ground floor there's a utility room with a toilet,
0:23:46 > 0:23:50and of the bedrooms upstairs, there's a single and two doubles,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53one of which is currently being used as a study.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58But we've earmarked the fourth and largest bedroom for our couple.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- So, finally this would be yours. - Master.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- Very nice.- Nice and bright.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08And again the detailing just coming out there with the stone
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and plaster mix. Fireplace and so on.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14A lot of thought has gone into it. Any wardrobes?
0:24:14 > 0:24:17There are no built-in wardrobes in here.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Storage would be a mixture of other bedrooms where there are wardrobes
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- and so on.- Is there just the one bathroom?- There is. On this floor.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29So it's not en suite. However, you have four bedrooms
0:24:29 > 0:24:34and the one next door, which isn't massive, you could go through there
0:24:34 > 0:24:36and put an en-suite onto here and you'd end up with a very,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40very generous en suite. Plenty of room for a bath and shower.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- And dressing room.- And a dressing room. You could do that.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Let's have a look at the back garden and talk about the price, Colin.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- How about that?- OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53It's pretty clear that the house doesn't provide the space
0:24:53 > 0:24:57our buyers were hoping for, but outside there's plenty to offer,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00including an immaculate vegetable garden,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04fruit trees, ponds and even a shed where they could stash some of those
0:25:04 > 0:25:06bits and bobs they're bringing over from Spain.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Right, let's take advantage of this lovely bit of seating
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- and sunshine, shall we?- Yes.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17As you can see, you've got this quite heavily landscaped rear garden.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- It's beautiful. - Lots of water features.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- This little rill runs under our feet, can you see it?- Yes.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- Follows the curve of this extraordinary seating area. - Very clever.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Let's have a think about the price, because I think
0:25:28 > 0:25:32we're all learning a lot about prices and properties here.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- Helene, go on.- I think 425.- 425.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40I'd have to go along with 425, purely
0:25:40 > 0:25:45because of the lack of garage and adequate parking space.
0:25:45 > 0:25:52This is on at £475,000. OK. We aren't done just yet.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54We've got a little bit of time for you to wander around
0:25:54 > 0:25:58and make sure you've seen it all and taken it all in, at its merits.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59Off you go.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Below budget at £475,000,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13this meticulously renovated stone property has a bespoke kitchen,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17a generous reception room and a separate dining room.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Upstairs there are four bedrooms.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20There's no en suite
0:26:20 > 0:26:24but there is scope to create one by knocking through to the single room.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Outside there's a beautifully landscaped garden, complete
0:26:27 > 0:26:30with water features and a veggie plot.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32That's nice. A wet room.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Ah, yes. That's nice.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Good. When I first saw the house I was very impressed.
0:26:39 > 0:26:45Very sound, solid, well built house. Extremely well maintained.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51It is just the lack of the en-suite in the master bedroom which is
0:26:51 > 0:26:54really something which is very important to us.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58It is beautiful, perfect for someone else,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01but I think not for our requirements.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04We've got a lot of people to accommodate from time to time.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07If it was just for Colin and I and no-one else to consider,
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- it would be perfect.- This is nice. Look at the fruit trees.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- Full of fruit.- How we doing?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- There's more to it than meets the eye.- Love the garden.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- It is immaculate and I love that view of the house.- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Well, we've got one more to come. It's mystery house time next.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Very exciting.- Have we saved the best for last?
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- Hope so.- We hope so.- Come on, then.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37For our final property we're heading 16 miles south to
0:27:37 > 0:27:38Market Lavington,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42an attractive village at the foot of Salisbury Plain's northern slopes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45It's thought there's been continuous occupation here from as far
0:27:45 > 0:27:47back as the Iron Age.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Today, it's a thriving hub with a post office,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54pubs and plenty of independent shops.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Our buyers shouldn't feel isolated here
0:27:57 > 0:28:00because our mystery house is right in the heart of the village.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05So, what have we got for you with our mystery property?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08This used to be an old builder's yard in the heart of Market Lavington.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- And which is it?- It's that one. It's that corner.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15It belies its real size, actually,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19because, effectively, you get all of that red bit, and you've got no
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- garage but you have got two dedicated parking spaces behind there.- OK.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27And a bit of surprise, which I'm going to keep till the end.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- OK. Another mystery. - So, shall we?- Yes, please.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34And it really is a cracker.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I'll reveal all at the end of the tour,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40but first let's look inside this semidetached courtyard development.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42It's very different from what we've shown them
0:28:42 > 0:28:45so far, but I'm hoping that might be a good thing.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Follow me. Here we go.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- There.- Wow.- Beautiful. - That is a "wow".
0:28:54 > 0:28:56JULES LAUGHS
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- It's the first "wow" of the week. - HELENE LAUGHS
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Well, it is a "wow". - It is different.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05That's a beautiful kitchen.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- This is more you, isn't it?- Yes.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12It's got it all and everything built in, very latest coffee makers,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- steamers, ovens, you name it. - Which are all part of the fittings.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17All part of it.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19It also has a dining corner which is probably
0:29:19 > 0:29:24best viewed from over here. By the wood burner. There we are.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29There's the burner and that's the kind of dining corner, I suppose.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- You can configure this space how you like.- Yes, indeed.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- Interesting, very interesting. - Very modern.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Is this a good "interesting",
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- because I'm not sure we've had a good "interesting" yet.- Yes.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40THEY LAUGH
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Has it got a utility room?- It does. It's off of the downstairs loo.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- It's not massive but it does contain the washer and dryer.- Good.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52- Hopefully this is painting the right kind of picture.- It is, indeed.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Right, let's continue through the hallway. Lots more to show you. Excellent.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Now, we haven't talked much about studies,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- but this has a dedicated one. - Wow. Another "wow".
0:30:08 > 0:30:10We're stacking them up, aren't we?
0:30:10 > 0:30:14It's sort of compact as a ground plan, but because it's open plan...
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- It feels more spacious.- It does. - This works, this is good.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Upstairs, what have we got for you? - Let's see.- I think it gets better.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Good.- I'm going to stick my neck out.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Well, I'm delighted that Colin
0:30:27 > 0:30:31and Helene seem taken with this contemporary open plan style.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Let's see if the upstairs continues to impress.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Now, we have four bedrooms for you. - Good.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43There's a great big double in there with loads and loads of storage.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- That's your family bathroom. - Very nice.- Shower and bath.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- This is one of the bedrooms that's become a dressing room.- Great.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55I thought you'd like that.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57And this is another guest room,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- and then lastly you can see why we've been very excited...- Oh, wow.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- ..to show you this bit.- It's gorgeous.- This is good.- Yeah?- Oh, very good.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11And there's lots of built-in storage in the other bedrooms as well,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13given that most of the time it is only you staying here.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16So hopefully that'll accommodate all your stuff.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Now, the en-suite was an issue in our last property.- Very much so.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Look at this one.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Tell me what you think. It's not bad as they go.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Gosh. Wow. That really is a "wow".
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Must be another "wow". Fantastic. - Yeah?
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- So, we like this one, don't we? - We do indeed.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37There is a little garden to look at
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and there's that surprise I promised you.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- It gets better and better this one. - Come on, tempter.
0:31:43 > 0:31:44JULES LAUGH
0:31:45 > 0:31:48It's looking like we might just have found a house with
0:31:48 > 0:31:52the kind of style and space that really appeals to our buyers.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56The outside is a lot more compact than the other two properties
0:31:56 > 0:32:00they've seen, but fingers crossed it won't take the shine off it.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Modest garden. Well, courtyard garden, I suppose.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06But a bit of a suntrap, which is nice.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10And that's your car parking area over there.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Right across?- Right across.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15I did promise you a little bit of a surprise.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- Currently, as I understand it, you are carless in the UK.- Oh, yes.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Well, if you bought this house, you get that car as well.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26HELENE LAUGHS Wow.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- That's a double "wow".- I don't believe you.- That's all thrown in. - Gorgeous.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I don't think I've ever had an Escape To The Country where a car,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38let alone one like that, has been thrown in as a sweetener.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42What's it going to be for our mystery house and our sports car?
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- Colin?- I would have said it's spot on budget, 480.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- Helene?- I'd say just under five.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Just under five? So you've upped your game a bit, haven't you?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Well, here's the thing. He's right.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- £480,000 for our mystery house and the motor.- That's superb.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Really is wonderful. - Good. Well, I am delighted.
0:33:03 > 0:33:10This is quite a way to finish our house tours, isn't it? Right, off you go.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Have another look around and also check out the car.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- Don't start it up.- Maybe it's your new car.- Is it automatic?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19I don't know, go and find out.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I sell houses, not cars. How would I know?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- HE LAUGHS - Well, there we are. Our mystery house has done it once again.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30This is a fantastic package with a real toy thrown in.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Bang on a budget at £480,000, our mystery house offers a contemporary
0:33:39 > 0:33:44open plan living space that includes a sleek state-of-the-art kitchen.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48There's also a utility room, a study and four double bedrooms.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51And let's not forget that exceedingly spacious en suite.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Outside there's a courtyard garden and two private parking spaces,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58complete with a bonus sports car.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01And its heart of the village location means Helene will be close
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- to those fitness classes she loves. - I think it's so unique.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It's so solid, sound. A lovely, lovely house.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13And the bedrooms, particularly the master bedroom,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17with the en-suite, was just out of this world. As good as it gets.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22The kitchen is very important to me. And it looks superb.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25So, I would enjoy working in here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Overall, I think this is just an absolute dream of a house.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33It's amazing, isn't it, how quickly these house tours fly by?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38But that's it. All three are done. That's the end of the mystery house.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- So, I think we might have a contender.- I think we might well.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45We might, if I were a betting man. Which occasionally I am.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Let's go away and have a good think about it
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- and we'll see what happens next. - Thank you very much, Jules.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Four years ago we met Chris and Helen who were living in Newbury.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01They'd taken early retirement and, like Colin and Helene,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03they planned to spend it in the sun.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05But when their circumstances changed,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08plans for a dream home in Madeira got shelved
0:35:08 > 0:35:12and they chose to put down roots here in Wiltshire, instead.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14We offered them three great properties
0:35:14 > 0:35:17but our mystery house in Great Cheverell was a bit of a punt,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20knowing they weren't wildly keen on bungalows.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23I've always considered bungalows to be a total waste of space.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27It's quite nice sometimes to have a separation between living
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and bedrooms.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31But by the end of their tour with Aled Jones,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35the four-bedroom 19th-century bungalow had worked its charms.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- Have we won you over? - Yes.- I'm impressed.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46So, four years on, I'm here in Great Cheverell to catch up with them.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Well, hello. Nice to see you. - Hello, Jules.- Chris. Helen.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Nice to meet you. - Welcome to the mystery house.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Thank you very much indeed. It's rather nice, this.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56A little treat for me to be shown around a property.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- We are very proud of it. - So you should be.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01It looks absolutely gorgeous. The garden is a picture.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02It's changed a bit.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05There wasn't much here when we got here, apart from weeds, obviously.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But there is one very obvious change to four years ago, Chris.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11It's that Zimmer frame. What happened to you?
0:36:11 > 0:36:14About two months ago I was descending a steep cliff path
0:36:14 > 0:36:18and I didn't make it all the way down in the usual manner.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20And I broke my ankle quite badly.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23This country life is a dangerous business, isn't it?
0:36:23 > 0:36:28When they moved, one goal was to immerse themselves in the local community, so
0:36:28 > 0:36:31I'm wondering if that's something they've managed to achieve.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33I'm on the committee of the garden club.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37We help out in the local shop and newsagent whenever they need us.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I helped with the hog roast at the pub last week.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I've been elected as a parish councillor.- Have you?
0:36:43 > 0:36:45That really is embracing the community.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- But is this a vision of a couple living the dream?- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Obviously it's not Madeira. We didn't make it there
0:36:51 > 0:36:55but there's a lot here we wouldn't have had over there.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59The couple have made a few changes to the place since they bought it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02So, while Chris rests that ankle, Helen will show me around.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05This is what we call the atrium.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- It was very low, very sloping, very asbestos.- I love it.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- I absolutely love it. - Thank you very much.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15One of the rooms on their wish list was a book-lined den.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I can imagine sitting here, a couple of nice armchairs.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Loads of books around. Roaring log fire.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- THEY LAUGH - Paradise on earth.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- Can you see it?- I can see it.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Oh, this is cosy.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- Isn't it lovely to have such a snug den?- Yes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41You've got to have your little cosy hole, I think. It's very important.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43And this room, I suppose, hasn't really changed that much.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48No, except for the bookcases. We've had a wood-burning stove put in.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50When they first viewed this place,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54the spacious kitchen was functional but in need of a freshen up.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- Oh, yes. - HE LAUGHS
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- You really have transformed it beautifully.- Thank you.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Absolutely beautifully.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06It's a lesson to anybody who's interested in taking on a project.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- It's worthwhile. It's all worth it.- Yes.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13When they called on our help four years ago, Chris was
0:38:13 > 0:38:17determined to find a rather specific space for a rather unusual pastime.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Well, it turns out he found it by building it himself right
0:38:21 > 0:38:23here in the garden.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- After you.- Thank you very much.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31- Well, here you go. Chris' sanctuary. - Look at him. In his element.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- Welcome to the holy of holies. - He's playing again.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39I don't think I've ever seen a war gaming room.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42This is absolutely wonderful and you've created this from scratch.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Effectively, yes.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48World War II is my area of expertise but this is going back a few more years.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50This is the English Civil War, mid-17th century.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Look at them.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- King Charles, Prince Rupert, things like that.- Lovely.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58The idea that you've been able to create all this space to
0:38:58 > 0:39:02enjoy your hobbies in... You're retired. You're in the community.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05You've got the house of your dreams.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- You've got as much time as you want to indulge your interests.- Oh, yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- We are very lucky.- You have to be born lucky and clearly we were.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14It's pretty clear that moving to Wiltshire has been a really
0:39:14 > 0:39:17positive experience for this pair and hopefully
0:39:17 > 0:39:21we'll have the same effect on today's couple, Colin and Helene.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Well, over the centuries, the White Horse behind me
0:39:26 > 0:39:29that overlooks the town of Westbury has doubtless heard many
0:39:29 > 0:39:33a conversation, but now we can add one more to the list.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36It is, of course, decision time for Helene and Colin.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41So, have they managed to find their dream home? Something
0:39:41 > 0:39:42tells me they have.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- It's been quite an eventful few days.- It certainly has.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Certainly has.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Despite odds that I was beginning to worry were really stacked
0:39:53 > 0:39:57against us, in terms of getting you something that was going to work.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02Well, we started off with houses that were interesting, very nice.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Very nice for certain people with certain lifestyles,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09but it just lacked one or two features that we really need.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12A traditional sense of country life clearly wasn't
0:40:12 > 0:40:15working for you in the way I perhaps had expected,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17so for our final property, our mystery house,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- we went for something completely... - Modern country life.- ..off the board.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Completely modern country life
0:40:23 > 0:40:26and that gained an extraordinary response.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29It was beautiful, wasn't it? Just beautiful.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33It was absolutely perfect in many, many ways.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I liked the environment, I liked the location, I liked the security.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39of the place. It was superb.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41And, of course, it came with that extraordinary
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- bonus of the sports car. - Incredible bonus.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49I don't know whether I'm ready to go back to being a boy racer
0:40:49 > 0:40:52again at my time of life. But I would have to think about it.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- It's very, very exciting and very attractive.- Very tempting.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57Very tempting indeed.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Clearly our mystery house is the contender,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03so my final question, really, is what happens next?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Can you take it forward?
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Have you fallen in love with it enough to make it your new home?
0:41:09 > 0:41:13- We're going to discuss it. - We've got to talk a lot, obviously.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- In terms of this move, it is a massive relocation.- Indeed.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22At our time of life it's got to be our last, has it not?
0:41:22 > 0:41:23We've got to get it right.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26But, I suppose it's been quite revealing in terms
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- of the kind of property market here and the price that things go for. - Yes.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35We've obviously been out of touch with prices in the UK
0:41:35 > 0:41:37and certainly in the area.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40We've got a fair idea now what the property market is here.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Well, it does put everything into context.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47But I am delighted that the mystery house is of interest to you.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49I'm crossing everything that these discussions
0:41:49 > 0:41:52and deliberations that will go on for the next few days
0:41:52 > 0:41:55are going to deliver the kind of answer you're hoping for.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- Who knows?- Well, let us know how you get on.- We will indeed.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01And we look forward to hearing from you.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Let's face it, you wanted to be in Wiltshire.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05When you look across that landscape on a day like this,
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- why wouldn't you want to call this place home?- True.- Been a pleasure.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10- Best of luck.- Thank you very much.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Well, there's no getting away from the fact that this house
0:42:15 > 0:42:21search has been a real test in almost every way that I can imagine.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24We started off showing beautiful country properties,
0:42:24 > 0:42:28as we always do here, but they weren't what our buyers wanted.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29So what was going to do it?
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Well, as it turned out, it was our mystery house.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36Something completely modern, brand-new, light, airy,
0:42:36 > 0:42:41crisp and clean. Not your normal country property at all.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45In many ways, I suppose, it's very similar to a Spanish villa.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Funny that. I'll see you next time.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Colin and Helene loved the mystery house
0:42:50 > 0:42:54but in the end they switched their focus to Suffolk, an area
0:42:54 > 0:42:57they know and where they found they could get more for their money.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59They've just had an offer accepted
0:42:59 > 0:43:01on a house they're delighted with.