0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to a special edition of Escape To The Country,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08where Nicki and I will be showcasing the exploits of two house-hunting couples
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and highlighting the splendours of one particular county.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Along the way we will offer up our own personal opinions, tips,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17hints and reflections.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20First of all, we are heading to a corner of England's green
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and pleasant land, which has been the muse of many a poet
0:00:23 > 0:00:25and writer along the way.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28It is officially my favourite county in England.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48On today's show, we're helping a couple find a rural home where
0:00:48 > 0:00:51they can expand their business and surround themselves
0:00:51 > 0:00:53and their family in nature.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55There's plenty that appeals.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Wow, wow, wow. - Yes, big smile on the face.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01And I'm helping a couple abandon
0:01:01 > 0:01:04busy city life for a restful, rural retreat.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07But there are issues finding the perfect fit.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10It is a little bit small for me.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Small?!- I'm sorry.- No!
0:01:14 > 0:01:17We've got a treat in store, haven't we?
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Because today, we are heading to Cumbria,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- home to the Lake District National Park.- Fabulous place.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24And you might find this quite strange,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27but I've only relatively recently visited, Cumbria.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30I'm disappointed, Nicki, disgusted almost!
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Well, I'll make up for it because I can see what all the fuss is about.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38One area that I particularly fell in love with was Buttermere
0:01:38 > 0:01:39and the surrounding countryside.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43It might not be the biggest of the lakes, but for me, it's the most beautiful.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- It's funny, because for me, it's not actually about the lakes.- No?
0:01:46 > 0:01:48I love nothing more than getting high up on the fells, hiking,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51or mountain biking down the bridleways.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53At the end of a hard day's toil outside,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56what better than to find one of their local pubs, perhaps
0:01:56 > 0:02:00relax by the fire and have a nip of whisky or a locally-brewed bitter.
0:02:00 > 0:02:01Ooh, sounds good.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Here's a taster of what else this stunning county has to offer.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Cumbria is England's most northwestern county,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and like neighbouring Northumberland,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15is bounded to the north by Scotland.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18The county is perhaps most famous for the singular
0:02:18 > 0:02:20beauty of its Lake District National Park,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23which encompasses some of the country's most awe-inspiring
0:02:23 > 0:02:26landscapes, including 16 pristine lakes
0:02:26 > 0:02:30formed by glacial meltwater millennia ago.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The park's northern hub is the medieval market town of Keswick,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37a popular base for walkers and gateway to the
0:02:37 > 0:02:42kind of beautiful landscape this county is so famous for.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Just outside the eastern fringes of the National Park is Penrith.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48William Wordsworth spent some of his school years in the town and
0:02:48 > 0:02:50lived most of his life in Cumbria,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54describing the area as "the loveliest spot that man hath found".
0:02:54 > 0:02:58A sentiment shared by the many visitors who continue to be
0:02:58 > 0:03:02inspired by the elemental beauty of this extraordinary county.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06For me, Cumbria is almost cliched,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10it is the quintessential county to relocate to.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12People seem to like what I like -
0:03:12 > 0:03:16beautiful fells, woodland, lakes, it is just a picture postcard,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- everywhere you look. - And it's not bad value, is it?
0:03:19 > 0:03:23On average, a detached house would be £30,000 under the national figure.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26It is surprising, isn't it? But there are two markets there
0:03:26 > 0:03:30because when you go into the National Park, prices go up by 20%
0:03:30 > 0:03:33and I think that reflects the restrictions on building.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35It's the supply and demand thing.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38If you were going to move there and up sticks, where would you go?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Well, I always find myself going back to the Langdales.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42It's just got unspoiled scenery.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44There's not many people there,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46but the prices are pretty high as well.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49So I recommend getting outside the borders, maybe east of the M6,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53you pay less for your property there, but also a better transport network.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Well, you might have a few more neighbours because Cumbria is
0:03:55 > 0:03:57becoming more and more popular.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59We spoke to one estate agent who said
0:03:59 > 0:04:02that 75% of his new clients are coming in from other counties.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- Flipping heck, that's a lot.- It is.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Which means that prices may well keep going up.- Yeah.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09But that brings us nicely to this episode
0:04:09 > 0:04:13because my couple were a growing family with big ideas.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15What about my couple? Let's start with them first.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18They want to swap London's Crystal Palace for the
0:04:18 > 0:04:20crystal waters of the Lakes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26A world away from the open wilds of Cumbria, civil partners Philip and
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Alan's current home is Crystal Palace,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30in the heart of South London.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33They have lived here in their five-bedroom Victorian semi
0:04:33 > 0:04:35for the last 22 years.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39With Alan already retired and Philip phasing out his work as a consultant
0:04:39 > 0:04:43in the financial sector, they are eager to embrace a new way of life.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46In Crystal Palace, there's some nice shops,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48there are a few nice restaurants.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50And it's an area and a house that we've been happy to live in,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52but it really is time for a change.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55The age we both are and what we want from the future,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58we can't do that and live in Crystal Palace.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And a big part of what they want from the future
0:05:01 > 0:05:05is to pursue a shared passion for food.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I started cooking at home when I was around about 12 or 13,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12so, yes, I've always had a big interest in it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15But it is not just the two of them
0:05:15 > 0:05:17they have to consider with this move.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20To spend more time with Philip's mother, who currently lives
0:05:20 > 0:05:23150 miles from them in Lincoln, they are planning to take her with them.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27So what have they got to spend on a country home in Cumbria?
0:05:27 > 0:05:32We'd like to bring the purchase in within a budget of £500,000.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Philip and Alan are particularly fond of Keswick,
0:05:37 > 0:05:42so we are keeping our search within easy driving distance of the town.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I'm meeting up with them
0:05:44 > 0:05:47to talk through the finer details of their move.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Well, Philip and Alan, welcome to glorious Cumbria.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51BOTH: Thank you.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Hopefully, your future home.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Why have you decided you wanted to move to this part of the world?
0:05:56 > 0:05:58It's an area we've been to a few times.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01We have had holidays here, we have explored the area a lot.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Beautiful scenery. And we just love it here.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- It is not just the two of you that are moving, is it?- No.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- You are bringing Mum along as well, Celia.- Yes, my mother.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11She lives in Lincoln at the moment. She is going to be moving with us,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14either into the same property or certainly into the area.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16We are looking for something to accommodate the three of us,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but give us all our independence and privacy.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- Just remind me of your budget. - It's 500,000.- OK.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I have got to ask you, if we find this property,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28it might need a little bit of work doing to it.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Are you happy to take on a bit of a project to make it that perfect
0:06:31 > 0:06:32home for all three of you?
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- Oh, yes, absolutely.- Yes. - Not work shy?- No.- Alan is not.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I like the delegation, Philip, that was very good.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44I don't mind sharing with you that you have set us a challenge,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46but I'm quietly optimistic. Are you looking forward to it?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Very much.- Good.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52We have got three properties already lined up to show you,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- so shall we get cracking?- Please.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02With their £500,000 budget, Philip and Alan need rather a lot.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05They are hoping for a generous kitchen-diner, four bedrooms
0:07:05 > 0:07:07and two reception rooms.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09And that's just for them.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12They also want self-contained accommodation for Celia,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15so either a large property that could be divided or one
0:07:15 > 0:07:18with an annexe or convertible outbuilding.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20And they are happy to consider a project.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24They'd like all this to be within striking distance of Keswick.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27We found Philip and Alan three wonderful properties,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31and I will be asking him to guess the price at the end of the tour.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35One will be our mystery house, whose hidden depths could offer
0:07:35 > 0:07:37the living arrangements they are looking for.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41But first on the agenda is house number one.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52We are starting our search in the Lake District National Park,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55in Embleton, which is ten miles north of Keswick.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Just a short drive from here is our first house,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02a brick-built Edwardian property with a Buttermere slate roof.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06So, as we are in Cumbria, we thought we would
0:08:06 > 0:08:10start off with our first property in the National Park.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- BOTH: OK. - And here she is.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Looks really nice.- Yeah, it does, it looks lovely.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17It's nice and isolated.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20You can probably hear the beck in the distance, can't you?
0:08:20 > 0:08:22That actually runs through your land.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25So, what is your first impression when you look at the property?
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- I think it is very solid.- Yes. - You know, very robust, sound home.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- Yeah?- Yes.- Does it excite you, though?- Um...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Is it calling your name? Is it asking you to go in?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- It's boxy.- Yes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42So I don't think you get the full impression of what it is like
0:08:42 > 0:08:44until you actually see what is inside.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- So, shall we start the tour? - Yes.- That will be great.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54The property was built in 1904 for a retired sea captain.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56I am hoping the interior will convince Philip
0:08:56 > 0:09:00and Alan that this is the place to drop anchor and call home.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03We're going to start off in the drawing room through here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10A fair size and double aspect.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Indeed, yeah.- It is quite light.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16And you've got the same size room on the other side of the hallway,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20sort of mirrored, and then you have got a conservatory as well.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Because obviously we have got to think of Celia, your mum, too,
0:09:23 > 0:09:24with this property.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27So you could potentially have one reception room for you
0:09:27 > 0:09:28- and one perhaps for her.- Yes.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Just a thought, possibly.- Yep. - I'd like to see more, definitely.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- Getting a good flavour?- Yeah. - All right, follow me.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Now, safe to say, Alan,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46this really is the most important room in the house for you, isn't it?
0:09:46 > 0:09:47Absolutely, yeah.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50So, what do you think about our kitchen, with that in mind?
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- I think it's...- Good-sized?
0:09:55 > 0:09:59It is not quite the size of kitchen I was hoping for,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01so a little disappointed.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Philip, what do you think?- Um...
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Alan does all the cooking
0:10:06 > 0:10:09and it just needs to be something on the social end, so it'd be nice if
0:10:09 > 0:10:13we could find a kitchen where there was room for an old rustic table.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18So, good size kitchen, but not quite big enough for your needs.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- I would say that.- OK. There are some other options.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Through the door is a utility room, plus a downstairs cloakroom
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and storage, I think a coal shed as well.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32So you do have a footprint already there.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Obviously, you'd need planning permission.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37But there is the possibility perhaps of using that area.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- Right, would you like to see a bit more?- Yeah, love to.- Please.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45That extra space could also be reconfigured to create
0:10:45 > 0:10:50a self-contained annexe for Celia, leaving the rest for the boys.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And there would still be enough space on their side of the house to
0:10:53 > 0:10:56put in the kind of kitchen that Alan would be happy with.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Upstairs are four bedrooms - three doubles and one single -
0:11:02 > 0:11:05and they share a large family bathroom.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08We're going to take a look at the master bedroom.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11How do you feel about this room?
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It has got a thing of openness about it that I think...
0:11:13 > 0:11:16I mean, it's not huge, but, my goodness, it is
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- certainly comfortably big enough. - Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22We could make this into a lovely home for the two of us. The three of us...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Yeah, it needs a bit more thought.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Let's head outside, take a look at the grounds, the garden,
0:11:28 > 0:11:29the surrounding fields.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- OK.- Were also going to talk money. - OK.- OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38It seems clear that inside the house doesn't quite deliver what the
0:11:38 > 0:11:42chaps are looking for, but at least the outside can't fail to impress.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46The three-quarter acre grounds are made up of garden and woodland,
0:11:46 > 0:11:50which I am told are regularly visited by dear and red squirrels.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52I must admit, I love being in the garden
0:11:52 > 0:11:55because you just look around you and it's just stunning.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04I would guess at £450,000.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- OK.- Strange, that was exactly the figure I was going to say, yes.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Well, you are...
0:12:11 > 0:12:13£70,000 under.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16The asking price is £520,000.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Wow.- OK. Well, it's in the National Park as well,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- which I am assuming puts the numbers up.- It does.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Because you can't build in the National Park, it is
0:12:25 > 0:12:28very difficult to have new buildings put in,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31existing properties do have a premium attached to them.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Reflecting National Park prices,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38this house comes in above budget at £520,000.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42It offers a kitchen with adjoining utility rooms that could be
0:12:42 > 0:12:45converted to create an annexe for Philip's mum.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48There are also four bedrooms, two reception rooms
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and a garden room, all set in three quarters of an acre grounds,
0:12:51 > 0:12:56complete with its own woodland stream.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01OK, well, that is our first house done here in the National Park.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Have you seen enough? - Yeah, I think so.- Yeah.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06It has given us a good idea what we can get for our money
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- in this area.- Good.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- There's plenty more to show you. - Looking forward to it.- Thank you.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24A name that is strongly associated with the Lake District
0:13:24 > 0:13:25is Beatrix Potter,
0:13:25 > 0:13:30who fell in love with the area after holidaying here as a child.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Its landscape had a huge impact on her,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36but she, in turn, had a significant influence on it.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Committed to preserving the unique beauty of this area,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41she bought thousands of acres of land here.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And when she died in 1943,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47she left it in the safekeeping of the National Trust.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Tarn Hows is one of the places she helped to protect and I'm here to
0:13:51 > 0:13:56meet John Moffat, general manager for the South Lakes National Trust.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58What was her legacy?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Well, practically, it was 4,000 acres of land,
0:14:01 > 0:14:0414 farms, lots of other buildings that she left to the National Trust.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Because of the way we are set up, we can't sell it,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10we can't pass it on to anybody else so all the land is still farmed.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Beyond that, there's what she did to protect the area as well.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16If she hadn't been involved, a lot of this landscape might look very different.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17What a legacy.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Generations have read her books and will continue to do so,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23but she probably didn't realise how many more generations would be
0:14:23 > 0:14:27appreciating views like this, which she helped maintain.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31As well as being a writer and conservationist,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Potter was a hands-on farmer, and during her Lakeland years,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37she became an expert sheep breeder.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40The breed closest to her heart was the Herdwick,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43and I'm going to learn more about them from John Watson,
0:14:43 > 0:14:48who runs Yew Tree Cottage, one of the farms she donated to the Trust.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51So what was it about the Herdwicks
0:14:51 > 0:14:55that Beatrix Potter championed so much? Why this breed?
0:14:55 > 0:14:59They are very hardy, they are very adaptable
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and just fit so naturally in that fell land.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The only sheep really that can survive up there,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07that can graze there.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11They don't just eat grass, they will eat anything, even bark in winter.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Will they? Can we get them a bit closer so I can see them?- Yes, sure.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18HE WHISTLES
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Distinguished by their white legs and faces,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26the origin of this hardy breed is unclear,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30but they are thought to have been introduced by early Norse settlers.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Certainly distinctive.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34You see them dotted around all the landscape
0:15:34 > 0:15:36and I now know which breed they are.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38John, it has been great being on the farm,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- just getting a taste of what you do. - You are very welcome.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46Now, let's get back to Philip and Alan's house hunt.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Our next property lies just a mile outside the National Park
0:15:52 > 0:15:54in the village of Bothel.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55Our second offering -
0:15:55 > 0:15:58a Georgian-style, Grade II listed property -
0:15:58 > 0:16:00is in the heart of the village.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- And here it is, here is the second house.- Lovely.- Yeah?
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Do like the look of the house?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09From what I can see now, yes.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think it is a handsome house, isn't it?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Rather than a beautiful one, but, yeah, interesting.- Striking.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Yeah, definitely.- It has an awful lot to offer.- OK.- All right?- Yep.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Sounds intriguing.- Let's start.- OK.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- So, I think an impressive Georgian-style hallway.- Yep.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33And you can see the set-up,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35you have got two reception rooms on either side.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Yep. - Let's start off with this one first.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42So, both these drawing-sitting rooms are about the same size.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Very high ceilings again.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47This is nice, it's a good space.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Well, the tour is just beginning, so let's keep going.- Lovely.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58So, we have already established just how important the kitchen is.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- So how does this one fair? - First impression is I like it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I think it has got a nice feel to it. It feels cosy.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Nice size with the table there as well.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- So, yeah, first impression is very positive.- Good. Alan?
0:17:09 > 0:17:10Um...
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Again, like the last house, it's a little bit small for me.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Small?!- I'm sorry.- No!
0:17:17 > 0:17:23I was really hoping to get something that was more open
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and had more work surfaces, for example.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- This is not a small kitchen.- I know.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I look at lots of homes and this is not a small kitchen.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- But it is actually the surface space.- Yeah.- OK.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Well, that is fair enough.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I'm going to hold back my disappointment
0:17:38 > 0:17:41because I thought I had done so well with this kitchen.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45But plenty more to show you upstairs and then we will head outside.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53Also on the ground floor, there is a utility room and a garden room.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57The kitchen clearly didn't measure up, but I'm hoping the rest
0:17:57 > 0:18:01of the property has more to tempt them, starting with the upstairs.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Now, this property does have plenty of character, doesn't it?
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Big, open spaces, including the hallway.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12So, at the moment, this would be the master.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- It is a good size.- It is, yeah. - It is.- Nice, high ceiling.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Good dimensions, obviously light. Yeah, it's got a nice feel to it.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24Across the hallway is the biggest family bathroom ever,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27nearly the size of this, and it does have the four bedrooms.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29One is a single. It is a generous single.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33So, for your friends when they come to stay, plenty of space.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Great, lovely. - Any thoughts you want to share?
0:18:37 > 0:18:42I think it is a house that Philip and I could live in.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46I'm not sure it is a house that would lend itself to Celia
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- being part of that.- Yeah.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Well, I still have more to show you,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53so I'm just going to dangle that carrot.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- OK.- And ask you to follow me.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Outside, to the rear of the half-acre plot, there is
0:19:01 > 0:19:03a wooded garden with beautiful, mature trees,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07but that is not the only feature I am excited to show these chaps.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12So, you might have got the impression that this property
0:19:12 > 0:19:14used to be a farmhouse.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Because here are all the barns.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18A couple of outbuildings,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22one being quite large that they use at the moment for storage.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- But THIS is what I wanted to show you.- OK.- OK.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- A huge barn ripe for conversion. - Mm-hm.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- If that's what you chose to do.- OK.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Perhaps that could be Celia's home.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Or the other way round.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Or the other way round.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45That perhaps could be Celia's house and you two could take
0:19:45 > 0:19:49that on as a project and make it the most fantastic accommodation.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- I would like to look at... - Why don't you?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Come back and then we will talk money.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Off you go.- Thanks.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01I am quietly hopeful we might have found some space that could,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04with a bit of imagination, work for Philip, Alan and Celia.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- Good grief.- Wow, this is a huge space.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- It's just enormous.- Yeah. You could easily get four bedrooms up here.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Just four?- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22I just can't imagine how all this is going to fit the budget.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27Oh, I can't gauge your faces. Did I scare you or excite you?
0:20:27 > 0:20:29A little of both. For me.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31It's huge, it has got huge potential.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35It just depends on what money we might have left having bought
0:20:35 > 0:20:37the place, so...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Do you want to take on a project like that?- Yes. We've got
0:20:39 > 0:20:41the fall back of being able to live in the main house
0:20:41 > 0:20:44and we would be on-site. We could be completely hands-on,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46use local things, local materials.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48What a way to get involved in the community
0:20:48 > 0:20:50by actually putting some money into it.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52So...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56what price are you going to put on the Grade II listed house with
0:20:56 > 0:21:00all these outbuildings and one remarkable barn?
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- Probably...495?- OK.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06I think it is over our budget.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09The figure I have got in mind is 550,000.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- You both are quite a bit out, I'm afraid.- Right.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15Mm.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17But in a good way.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- BOTH: Right. - The asking price is £385,000.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Oh, really?- Yes.- Seriously?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29So I don't need to remind you that that leaves you £115,000
0:21:29 > 0:21:32to potentially do up this barn.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35That will go a long way, actually.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Just outside the National Park and well under budget
0:21:39 > 0:21:45at £385,000, our second home features four bedrooms,
0:21:45 > 0:21:50a kitchen-diner, two generous reception rooms and a garden room.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54It is to the rear of the property where this place really starts
0:21:54 > 0:21:56to make sense for our buyers.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00The huge stone barn offers masses of potential to create an extra
0:22:00 > 0:22:02self-contained living space
0:22:02 > 0:22:05that would enable the three of them to live close to each other
0:22:05 > 0:22:07but not too close.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14You know what, bearing in mind a fairly extensive wish list, you
0:22:14 > 0:22:17are doing pretty well, especially when you add into the mix their mum.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Yeah, it is always difficult when you have got a hidden third party
0:22:20 > 0:22:22because you want to keep everybody happy.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24We decided to show them as many different
0:22:24 > 0:22:27types of property as possible so they could see what was on offer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Good plan. And similar to one that we used.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33My couple, again looking in Cumbria, and with a similar budget.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37But they had very different requirements from the house.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Russian-born Natalie and Guy, who's Israeli, have had homes in the
0:22:41 > 0:22:46United States and in Israel, which is where they met 21 years ago.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49But Guy's job as a technical manager in the medical industry
0:22:49 > 0:22:52brought them to the UK and they've lived here for the past six
0:22:52 > 0:22:56years in this four bedroom new-build in Warrington.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00The movers confirm that they're keen to make this country home.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03But since they arrived, their family has expanded
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and they're craving a less complicated life, closer to nature.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09When we moved here, we had just one kid.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11You know, we were very, very mobile.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Now we have three kids, now we want to leave the house, it all takes longer and that's why
0:23:16 > 0:23:21we want to be, you know, closer to the things that we want to do,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23meaning the outdoors.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27So instead of getting everyone in the car and driving somewhere, we want
0:23:27 > 0:23:31to be able to just leave the house and do that freely with the kids.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Natalie, who is a graphic designer,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36runs a business creating products for children's bedroom interiors
0:23:36 > 0:23:41and she's hoping the move will offer her the scope to scale it up.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45It started small with a few products and a few orders a week.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47And at this time,
0:23:47 > 0:23:53to cope we really need to expand and have more space.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56With his work in the medical industry,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Guy's on the road a lot travelling throughout the country,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03which means they could be flexible about where they choose to move.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07In spite of this, they've singled out Cumbria as their county of choice.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11I love Cumbria. I just think that it's, you know, it's a beautiful place.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15The last thing to establish is the figure they have in mind for a Cumbrian countryside home.
0:24:15 > 0:24:21Our budget for the move is between 400 and £500,000.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26We're focusing our search to the north of the county
0:24:26 > 0:24:28and because of the travel Guy does with his work,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32we're staying within a half-hour drive of the M6.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37I'm catching up with them to learn a little bit more about their move.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So welcome, both of you, to... Well, beautiful Cumbria.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Now, what's prompted this move?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45The outside space is the big thing for you, isn't it?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Yeah, it's really, really important for us.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52Erm, for us personally and for Natalie's business.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55So what sort of space do you require for your work?
0:24:55 > 0:24:59I would think that it should be roughly around 30 to 50 square metres.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01I mean, it should be a good-sized room or rooms.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05All right, so that's a pretty big room or studio, isn't it?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Now what about the house itself? You've got, what three children? How many bedrooms you after?
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Four bedrooms and up.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16So what about outside, the surroundings of the house?
0:25:16 > 0:25:22- We'd like to have about an acre. Around an acre.- An acre?- Yeah.- OK.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Because you're looking for a house with some land,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30it could be a converted barn or a farmhouse. Yes or no?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It is quite a bit different from what we have in our mind,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36but I suppose you can be smitten by a space on the spot.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39All right, just finally, what about budget?
0:25:39 > 0:25:44Our budget is 400,000 stretching all the way to £500,000.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45OK, well, look...
0:25:45 > 0:25:48We've got three very different properties lined up for you.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Let's get started, shall we?
0:25:50 > 0:25:51BOTH: Yeah.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57With a maximum budget of...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16We've found three attractive
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and distinctly different Cumbrian homes for them to view.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21And after we've had a look around,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23I'll be getting them to have a guess at the price.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26One of them will be our mystery house,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28which could offer them an unexpected side income.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39We begin our search nine miles east of the M6 junction at Penrith
0:26:39 > 0:26:44in the hamlet of Newbiggin, which sits in the Eden valley.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Our first house, a four-bedroom Victorian home set well back
0:26:47 > 0:26:49from the road, is a five-minute drive away.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53So the first property we're going to have a look around is an old
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- hunting lodge. - Looks very impressive outside.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Well, Victorians did build impressive buildings, didn't they?
0:27:00 > 0:27:04You can expect to see high ceilings inside, lots of original features.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09- So, want to look inside?- Definitely, yes.- Let's go in.- Let's go.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13This former hunting lodge dates back to the 1800s and was originally
0:27:13 > 0:27:16one of the buildings belonging to nearby Newbiggin Hall.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- So come on in. Straight into the kitchen.- Uh-huh.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- What do you think?- Erm... - Quite cosy.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Cosy's not always a good thing.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36Yeah, erm, cosy meaning that it's not on the big size
0:27:36 > 0:27:39but it is quite well proportioned.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Yeah, it's... The layout could be changed if we wanted.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It is possible to make this a bigger kitchen.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I understand where you're coming form.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50You might want to reconfigure this kitchen
0:27:50 > 0:27:52but I think, as you'll see throughout this house,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55with a few further reception rooms,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57you could adapt this very well to be a family home.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01So let's have a look at one of the reception rooms.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07So this is one of the two reception rooms this side of the house.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Yeah, that's a beautiful fireplace.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12All the fireplaces you'll see around this house,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and there are a number of them, are all original and working,
0:28:15 > 0:28:17which is what you want from a country house, isn't it?
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- Yeah.- Quite big windows, which is very good.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21What about the room proportions?
0:28:21 > 0:28:26- It's, again, on the cosy side. - There's lots of rooms here, OK?
0:28:26 > 0:28:30So you've got this as a formal living room or drawing room, if you like.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33You've got a formal dining room the other side of the hallway, you've
0:28:33 > 0:28:34got the kitchen you just walked through
0:28:34 > 0:28:37and then you've got another, what they call a snug that side.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42So... If you want an older property, you're going to have formal rooms.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Let's got to he master bedroom.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48It's pretty clear that what we've seen
0:28:48 > 0:28:51so far isn't quite measuring up for Guy and Natalie.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Let's see if the rest of the house offers the dimensions they're after.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59Upstairs, there's a family bathroom and three double bedrooms and,
0:28:59 > 0:29:03up another set of stairs, there's a cosy twin bedroom in the attic.
0:29:03 > 0:29:10- So the master of four bedrooms in total.- Nicely done again.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The other bedroom, the other side of this built-in wardrobe, that has a
0:29:13 > 0:29:15small en-suite shower and loo,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18but the owners use this as their master just because...
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Well, they prefer the view and the light that comes in here.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22What do you think, Natalie?
0:29:22 > 0:29:26I think it's a little bit smaller than what we have in mind.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29OK, you want big rooms, don't you? By the sounds of it.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Yes, yes.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35For our buyers, space is clearly an issue with this house
0:29:35 > 0:29:38but outside, there is a roomy garage that could be converted into
0:29:38 > 0:29:41a workable space for Natalie's business.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44And there's also a large, attractive garden.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47All in all, you get an acre.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Yeah, it's a really, really nice plot and it's again, well maintained
0:29:51 > 0:29:53and quite an impressive size.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55So after this brief tour around the property,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Based on the plot size and the house,
0:30:02 > 0:30:06I would guess that it's around £350,000.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- Natalie?- I would think, erm, not taking in account the location -
0:30:11 > 0:30:15which we're not familiar with - I would think 390.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18You mention you're not familiar with the location - it kind of shows.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23This house is on the market for offers around £495,000.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- Location.- We were quite a bit off.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Just below our couple's maximum budget at £495,000,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37this attractive Victorian property has three reception rooms,
0:30:37 > 0:30:41four bedrooms and plenty of original period features.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Outside there is a one-acre garden
0:30:43 > 0:30:47and a garage that Natalie could use as a workshop for her business.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- Look at this, the sun's come out. It's beautiful, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- So have you seen enough inside the house?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- Good. On to the next one, then. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09In the heart of the Lake District National Park is the Honister Pass,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12one of the highest and steepest mountain passes in Cumbria.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This desolate but hauntingly beautiful place was once
0:31:16 > 0:31:18busy with teams of men,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21extracting sought-after Honister green slate from deep within
0:31:21 > 0:31:27Fleetwith Pike, the imposing 2,000ft fell that towers over the pass.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Removing the slate from this precipitous location was
0:31:30 > 0:31:35a costly exercise, and the arrival of cheaper alternatives from abroad
0:31:35 > 0:31:38eventually brought activity here to a standstill, and, for years,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40the site remained derelict.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45But in 1997, a local entrepreneur bought the mine and opened it to the
0:31:45 > 0:31:49public to help keep the history of this important local industry alive.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Barry Surtees is the mine's marketing manager.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- So, Barry, we're surrounded by mines, then, are we?- Absolutely.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Up there, there's ten miles of tunnels in that mountain.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Goodness me, what, inside that face, if you like?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Yeah, ten miles of tunnels.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07I can see bits of timber along this track here.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- Does that mean there was a railway here?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13In Victorian times, they got so fed up of dragging slate up
0:32:13 > 0:32:15and down this mountain that
0:32:15 > 0:32:18they actually built railways in the most extraordinary places.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- This was one railway, which went up to the end here.- Yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23And then at the other side, you can't believe,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26but they built three railways right to the top of the mountain.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It's quite extraordinary.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30What did they do before the railways?
0:32:30 > 0:32:34Cos mining obviously predates the railways.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37What they used to do was actually bring the slate down on sleds,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40which was quite a dangerous occupation to do
0:32:40 > 0:32:42because it's a hell of a weight.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43Heck of a weight.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- These men were fearless. - They really were.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48Totally fearless.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52To help give visitors an idea of the extreme conditions these men
0:32:52 > 0:32:55endured, a cable walkway known as a via ferrata, has been
0:32:55 > 0:32:58set into the mountain following the vertiginous route the miners
0:32:58 > 0:33:01took each day, rain, hail or shine.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06Joe Weir, one of the mine owners, is going to show me the ropes.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08So what's the technique here? I'm tied in...
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Really, there only is one thing that you have to remember.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14When you come to the junction, just take one of them off
0:33:14 > 0:33:18and then with the same hand, you come back to that.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Oh, right, so there's always... - There's always one clipped on.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- You can't be standing there with two carabiners.- Got you.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- So, can we go up there?- Yeah, we can have a go if you're up for it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Not frightened of heights?- Not frightened of anything, my friend.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34"Via ferrata" is Italian for "iron road"
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and it's a system that was used in the First World War to move
0:33:37 > 0:33:40troops and equipment safely over mountainous terrain.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45I tell you what, I wouldn't fancy carrying
0:33:45 > 0:33:47a load of slate on my back coming up here, would you?
0:33:47 > 0:33:48I would not, no.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53Well, Joe, it's an amazing insight into just how hard
0:33:53 > 0:33:57the life of a Victorian miner was up here but I must say,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00it's also a lot of fun to get involved in. Thanks very much.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03It's a pleasure. No problem. Thanks for coming.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I'll come again, don't worry about that.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Back to our property search and we're heading 30 miles north to the
0:34:12 > 0:34:14rural hamlet of Parton Wigton,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17which is a 25-minute drive from the M6.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Our second offering is just down the road and it's Georgian,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23one of our couple's preferred architectural styles.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27So with property number two,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30we've gone bigger and hopefully better. What do you think?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- Wow, wow, wow. - Yes, big smile on the face.
0:34:33 > 0:34:39- And wows.- Three wows.- Good. Why? Cos it's big?- It's Georgian.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42The Georgians were massive show-offs.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45"Look at me and my big house," and you would, wouldn't you?
0:34:45 > 0:34:50- Yes, we, I suppose as well. - Well, this could be you.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53So these are great impressions first off.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- It'll get better inside. Let me show you.- Oh, right.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59The property, which is thought to date back to the 1820s,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03has been renovated over the last 15 years by the current owners,
0:35:03 > 0:35:07who have managed to retain many of the original factures.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Now then...
0:35:13 > 0:35:14Wow.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- That is big.- That's nice.- That is big and that is very, very nice.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I wanted to say it's absolutely spot on, but it's...
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- It's probably above that. - So it's exceeding your expectations?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- That's great.- Oh, yeah. - You like history, don't you?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- You like old properties.- Yes.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33If you look at this detail in this cornicing - which is original -
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- it's just something else, isn't it? - It's beautiful.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- Well, if you like this room...- Yes. - you'll probably like the next one.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41All right.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51- So, rather elegant living room. - Yes.- Nice.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Magnificent features, so much detail.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59This is way, way beyond my expectation, erm...
0:35:59 > 0:36:04To be honest, so I'm a bit, erm... Erm... You know...
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Lost for words, by the sound of it.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08It's really, really nice.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Adjoining the living room is an attractive formal dining room
0:36:13 > 0:36:17and below, there's a large cellar, handy for extra storage.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Upstairs, beyond the light-filled landing, the four double bedrooms
0:36:21 > 0:36:25have large windows offering great views across the countryside.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30Three are served by a family bathroom and the master has an en-suite.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34So...
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Here we are. What do we think? - It's lovely.- Again, beautiful.
0:36:40 > 0:36:46Big, erm, good proportion. Plenty of room around the bed, erm...
0:36:46 > 0:36:51Big sized room, which is excellent. Lovely, lovely fireplace.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56- Just beautiful and the views here are amazing.- Yeah.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- It's a great house, isn't it? - It's, you know...
0:36:58 > 0:37:01From the moment we saw this house from the outside,
0:37:01 > 0:37:05it got to a very, very high level and it's just staying there.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- It's absolutely superb.- We wanted a grand house and that's what it is.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Yeah, just that.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Now, you did say you wanted a studio, somewhere to work from home.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17We've got something in mind for that. Follow me.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21'So far, this house really seems to deliver
0:37:21 > 0:37:24'what our couple are looking for and I have a feeling
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'they won't be disappointed by what's on offer outside.'
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Apart from roughly three quarters of an acre of land,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34there's also a 1,400-square foot workshop that has Natalie's
0:37:34 > 0:37:35name written all over it.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39So...you're after somewhere big enough where you could work,
0:37:39 > 0:37:40maybe as a studio.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Right, this is... - Proper, proper size.- Yeah.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- You can do anything you want in here, really.- Yeah.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53This is just for the studio sort of stuff and storage.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57On top of this, you've got a self-contained home office.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- Your empire could go and go and go here.- Yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02It's amazing.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Let's go outside and start thinking
0:38:04 > 0:38:07about how much this is all going to cost.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13So the house takes on a completely different look from this side,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- doesn't it?- Yes, very different.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Which isn't unusual for Georgian property, actually.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- It's different in a good way. - It's nice.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- It's as if you're having, you know, two different houses.- In one.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27I know what you mean. You almost have got a few different houses
0:38:27 > 0:38:30and you've got that huge double garage there.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Above that, there's a converted playroom.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36And then next door, what's thought to be maybe servants' quarters,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39you've got self-contained two-bed accommodation here.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- Well, I would say 500.- £500,000.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- Hope.- Oh, you're hoping?- Yes.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Right, OK.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- What do you think, Guy? - I would think that it's, erm...
0:38:57 > 0:39:02Based on the size and the way it looks, it's got to be over budget.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05I would go for £520,000.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09OK. Well, it's on the market for offers of around £525,000,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11so you're not far off.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16This elegant Georgian home is above budget at £525,000,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18but the owners are open to offers.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21It has a large kitchen, two reception rooms
0:39:21 > 0:39:23and four double bedrooms.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26There is also an adjoining self-contained cottage which
0:39:26 > 0:39:28offers two more bedrooms,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30perfect for visiting family.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Outside there is around three-quarters of an acre of land,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35an office and a large workshop.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I didn't know which door to stand outside because this property's
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- so big. But you've managed to see everything, have you?- Yes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- Took a while.- It's a massive place. - It is massive, yeah.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- Two happy customers?- It's wonderful. - Yeah, very happy. Beyond happy.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Beyond happy? That sounds good to me. Let's go back.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04It might be over budget in terms of what they are after,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07but for me that second property was right on the money.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Gorgeous, wasn't it? Who doesn't love a Georgian property?
0:40:10 > 0:40:14But of course, that means we have to up the ante for the mystery house.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Let's go back to my London lads, Alan and Philip,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- they did have a very long wish list. - What was their budget again?
0:40:19 > 0:40:23It was £500,000. They wanted quite a lot for that.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26And after showing them two properties, we realised that
0:40:26 > 0:40:29what they really need is separate accommodation for mum Celia.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- Don't forgot the mum. - Never forget the mum.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33So, time to show them the mystery house.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36And this one, it just keeps on giving and giving.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41Our mystery house takes us just out of our search area to the
0:40:41 > 0:40:45hamlet of Great Musgrave, 25 miles east of the National Park.
0:40:45 > 0:40:51And the final property, just down the road, gives them two for the price of one.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57So, we've brought you to your third and final property,
0:40:57 > 0:40:58our mystery house.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- And here it is.- OK.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Do you like the look of it, your initial reaction?
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- It looks interesting. - I think it is nicely presented,
0:41:05 > 0:41:06the way they have decorated it.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08You know, I think it looks fresh.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- Much more farmhouse-y, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- So, shall we start our final tour? - Yep, love to.- OK.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19The property was renovated nine years ago to incorporate
0:41:19 > 0:41:21a converted barn.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23But will that convert into the kind of space Philip
0:41:23 > 0:41:25and Alan are looking for?
0:41:27 > 0:41:32So, with this property, you walk straight into the kitchen.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- Lovely.- Alan, talk to me. What do we think?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38It's a good size. It's a nice size.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40So, this is a workable space for you?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Good entertaining space if you put your mark on it?
0:41:43 > 0:41:44I think so.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47I mean, if you are entertaining people, then they can be
0:41:47 > 0:41:51sitting at that table whilst you are sort of finishing off things.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55So, shall we continue through into the sitting room?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01So, I think in this room,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- you really can see the age of the property, can't you?- Very much.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Yeah.- Love the beams.- Including over the window.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11And the wood panelling looks original as well.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- Yes, now that is all from man-of-war ships.- Is it?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17When they were decommissioned on the west coast of Cumbria,
0:42:17 > 0:42:19very much in keeping. It divides the room up.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23At the moment, they have got that as a second reception room.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25You could have it as a study, a music room, you know,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27whatever you liked.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Is this going to be ample space for you both?
0:42:32 > 0:42:33I think it would.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I think, yeah, because you have got two reception rooms
0:42:37 > 0:42:39and you have got that farmhouse-style kitchen.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41So, yeah, I think at this point, yeah,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43I'm feeling very positively that it would.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- Upstairs, you have got three large double bedrooms.- Right.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50And a very generous family bathroom.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Now, you might be wondering why I am not taking upstairs.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- Yes.- Well, sort of.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Sort of. I will let you explore up there on your own
0:43:00 > 0:43:02because this is the mystery house.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- Is the mystery...?- And you're right.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08You saw the doorway, didn't you?
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Shall we go through and see the second part of this property?
0:43:11 > 0:43:12Yeah, love to.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- All right, you ready for this? - BOTH: Yes.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25This property is a house of two halves - the central kitchen
0:43:25 > 0:43:29was recently built to create a link between two once separate dwellings.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33So, on one side, there is the converted barn and on the other,
0:43:33 > 0:43:35is the farmhouse we just viewed.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38Both sides have their own staircases,
0:43:38 > 0:43:42which would give Celia and the boys the privacy they are hoping for.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45So now, we'll take a look at the barn side of the house,
0:43:45 > 0:43:48starting with the upstairs.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Let's see if the mystery house
0:43:50 > 0:43:54can weave its magic on this side.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57Cos there is a lot of people to find a property for.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59We don't want to forget Mum.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04Or perhaps, this section might work better for the two of you.
0:44:04 > 0:44:05Maybe.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10- It would need some thought.- It definitely would need some thought.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13It's an interesting space, yeah, absolutely.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17You've got a sort of storeroom-utility room behind me,
0:44:17 > 0:44:18- just there.- Right.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21But it does have hot and cold running water,
0:44:21 > 0:44:22so you could easily open it up
0:44:22 > 0:44:26- and make it a fantastic kitchen-cum-living space.- Mm-hm.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31- Let's go downstairs because it is sort of equal dimensions.- Oh, OK.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34If they were to have this barn side of the house to themselves,
0:44:34 > 0:44:38then the room we're about to see downstairs would be their bedroom.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43So again, you really get the feeling of the barn down here as well,
0:44:43 > 0:44:45- don't you?- Very much.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47You've got a bathroom, a family bathroom, well,
0:44:47 > 0:44:50it's not really a family bathroom, it's your own bathroom here.
0:44:50 > 0:44:51I'm going to call it the ensuite.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56But you've also got another shower room and toilet next door.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59And quite a large utility room as well which you could change
0:44:59 > 0:45:01and make the dressing room very easily.
0:45:01 > 0:45:06- It's a huge room.- It is. - Is this something that is workable?
0:45:06 > 0:45:07Could she live in this side
0:45:07 > 0:45:11or would you have it the other way round or is it not working so far?
0:45:13 > 0:45:17- Difficult.- I think that's something for us to weigh up and decide.
0:45:17 > 0:45:23My initial thought is probably this side is more us than her.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26But, you know, nothing is cast in stone, is it?
0:45:26 > 0:45:28All right, let's head outside.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30We've got more to talk about
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- and of course we will be talking prices for this mystery.- OK.- OK.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38I think seeing the interior has got their minds whirring,
0:45:38 > 0:45:41about the ways they could make this place work for the three of them.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Outside, the three-quarter acre plot has some small outbuildings
0:45:45 > 0:45:48and gorgeous views across to the North Pennines.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- Tell me this - this is what you are after?- It's stunning, isn't it?
0:45:53 > 0:45:55It's a great view. It is a great view.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59- Takes your breath away. - You're not going to get bored with that, are you?
0:45:59 > 0:46:04- You're really not.- So, how much is the mystery house on the market for?
0:46:05 > 0:46:07Possibly being slightly optimistic here,
0:46:07 > 0:46:10but I'm going to say it's within budget
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and allowing for some sort of work to be done,
0:46:13 > 0:46:15so I'm going to say £415,000.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- OK.- I think it would be less than that.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22I would say 380.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24OK. Sort of in between the two of you actually.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29The asking price is £399,000.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34So that would leave you with £100,000 to make any adjustments
0:46:34 > 0:46:36if you felt you needed to.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43At £399,000, the mystery house is well under budget.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48Its layout offers two separate areas of accommodation under one roof.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52Between the two areas, there are four bedrooms, three bathrooms,
0:46:52 > 0:46:53three reception rooms,
0:46:53 > 0:46:57and a large farmhouse kitchen that even Alan approves of.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59But there is also scope to create
0:46:59 > 0:47:03a second kitchen by converting an upstairs storage room.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06This would give them two fully self-contained living spaces,
0:47:06 > 0:47:11one for Celia and one for the boys.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13I'm loving these little fellas.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16If you buy this house, you've got to keep chickens.
0:47:16 > 0:47:21- They are so entertaining.- OK.- Have you seen enough?- Yes, thank you.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- Got you thinking now, haven't we?- Very much.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26I am going to be very interested to hear your views, actually.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28I think on all three properties,
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- so I'll take you back and we'll hit the road.- OK.- Lovely.
0:47:38 > 0:47:43So, Alan and Philip, you set us a bit of a task, didn't you,
0:47:43 > 0:47:47to find this remarkable property for the two of you and also your mother.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51We have really struggled with your budget to find this, well,
0:47:51 > 0:47:54these two houses.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56How close did we actually get?
0:47:56 > 0:47:59The whole process has taught us a lot.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01We really have, I think, picked up
0:48:01 > 0:48:04a lot of information that we will be able to use taking forward.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07I certainly think the second property has enough potential
0:48:07 > 0:48:11to warrant a second view, to get Mum to have a look around as well.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14I think, given that were we able to convert the barn,
0:48:14 > 0:48:16that will probably be our space.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19At least there's something Mum can look around and think,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21would this work, will I be happy here?
0:48:21 > 0:48:23I would certainly be open to doing that.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24I think she would like it.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27All of our properties I think had their merits, but I'm delighted
0:48:27 > 0:48:30you are considering going back and seeing the second one.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32Let's hope Celia gives it the thumbs up
0:48:32 > 0:48:35because it would be, especially if you got planning permission,
0:48:35 > 0:48:38a remarkable home for the three of you.
0:48:38 > 0:48:42- So let us know how you get on, won't you? All the best.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47So, that Georgian beauty won through in the end.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50It did, it was an absolute stunner, a beautiful home.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53The mystery house - too big a renovation project for them.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- Too much work.- Yeah, unfortunately.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57So, back to my couple, Guy and Natalie.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01Like your couple, they had a budget of £500,000,
0:49:01 > 0:49:05and they were hoping their move from Warrington to Cumbria would help them expand their business.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09But also give them and their family more quality of life, really.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12- Perfect for the children. - Yeah, quite.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14Now, again similarities continue.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18The second house I showed them was a Georgian property and it was going to be tough to beat.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22So for the mystery property, we decided to take them further afield
0:49:22 > 0:49:25and this house was going to give them an unexpected added income.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30Our final property takes us to Alston, in the east of the county,
0:49:30 > 0:49:32close to the Northumberland border.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35Set at the end of a long, private driveway
0:49:35 > 0:49:40and surrounded by miles of gorgeous countryside is our last house.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44So we are now very rural.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48What do we think of looking around a farmhouse?
0:49:48 > 0:49:50It is very pretty.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52And I love the setting.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55What do you think about being so close to another property?
0:49:57 > 0:50:00It has some, you know, pluses and some...
0:50:00 > 0:50:03What would you think if I was to tell you that you would own
0:50:03 > 0:50:05that property as well? That's included.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09- Oh, so it has lots of plusses. - Right. OK.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13- Good?- Yeah.- Yeah.- You look freezing. Shall we get you inside? Come on.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Let's go.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18Both properties date back to 1896,
0:50:18 > 0:50:20one is the farmhouse where we're heading now.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24The other was its barn, which we'll take a closer look at later.
0:50:24 > 0:50:29- So, first reception room.- Right, it is lovely.- It's lovely. Yeah.
0:50:29 > 0:50:34- Nice and warm and cosy.- It is warm, yes, compared to outside.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36Now what do you think about the ceiling height?
0:50:36 > 0:50:39Because I think one of the reasons why you didn't want an old farmhouse
0:50:39 > 0:50:42is because you thought it might be low ceilings and dark inside.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46Yeah, these are high ceilings so, erm, good size. Good size, yeah.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- Beautiful fireplace. - Beautiful fireplace, yeah.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Now that's a working fireplace, that wood-burning stove.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Next door in the other reception room - currently laid
0:50:54 > 0:50:57out as a dining room - we've got another working fireplace as well.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59So you've got two reception rooms at the front of the house plus
0:50:59 > 0:51:02you've got an ex-dairy room next door,
0:51:02 > 0:51:05which could be anything you want it do be.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07- Let's keep looking around. - All right.- Let's go.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12So the back of the house, the kitchen has, well,
0:51:12 > 0:51:14some amazing views.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18- Oh, right, yeah. It's very nice. - Wow, wow, wow.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22- Well, heard the wow word again, that's good.- Yeah, three times.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25Now, I'll, you know, make no bones about it,
0:51:25 > 0:51:30this is no way near as big as the kitchen in property number two.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33- Yeah.- But again, has that nice farmhouse feel.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36It feels very warm and inviting.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38We've got, including this kitchen, four, good sized rooms on the
0:51:38 > 0:51:43ground floor and upstairs is the same, so let's go and take a look.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46They do seem to genuinely like this place, but I'm just not
0:51:46 > 0:51:50entirely sure that it's managed to compete with house number two.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54Upstairs, the four bedrooms are all doubles, one of which is being used
0:51:54 > 0:51:58as a guest room-cum-office and they all share a family bathroom.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07- So this is what the owners use as a master.- Yeah. Size is good.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09- Good, big.- Lovely window.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12Yeah, again, these views are just to die for.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15Now, I'm not entirely sure you'd use this as your master bedroom.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18The owners chose this as it's the only bedroom up here that
0:52:18 > 0:52:22doesn't have a fireplace and they wanted storage along one wall,
0:52:22 > 0:52:25but each of the four bedrooms are of equal size.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27- But the rest of them have lovely feature fireplaces in.- Right.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30So I think you may want to use the other next door,
0:52:30 > 0:52:33- that benefits from the same view. - We may.- All right.
0:52:33 > 0:52:34This is one of the buildings.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Shall we go and have a quick look at the other one?
0:52:36 > 0:52:38Yeah, excellent.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43Even though it's a farmhouse, they don't seem to be
0:52:43 > 0:52:46put off by the style of this place, which I'm really pleased with.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49And I'm looking forward to seeing what they make of the barn
0:52:49 > 0:52:53next door as it gives them a few interesting options to think about.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59- So, you also get this.- Oh, wow. - That's a very big, nice space.
0:52:59 > 0:53:03This is used as holiday let, self catering.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07This side of the property, three-bedroom letting accommodation.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09And then, see that door there?
0:53:09 > 0:53:12You can link it up to the cottage next door,
0:53:12 > 0:53:15which also has its own entrance,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18and that is a two-bedroom self-contained cottage.
0:53:18 > 0:53:23I mean, you can get around £500 a week for this in peak season.
0:53:23 > 0:53:29Now, as you're working from home, you may want to use a three-bedder
0:53:29 > 0:53:33and rent that out and you keep the two-bedder
0:53:33 > 0:53:36to run your business from, or vice versa.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40It is a possibility, I mean, it is a good size to do as we wish.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42OK, well, look, that's something to think about
0:53:42 > 0:53:44and obviously something to explore later on.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48- Let's go outside and have a look at the land.- Yeah, sounds good.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52Our couple said they really wanted to immerse themselves in nature.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55Well, this place certainly delivers on the that front.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59They'd be completely surrounded by it here with plenty of fantastic
0:53:59 > 0:54:02walks right on their doorstep.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05So, let's talk land.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09- You wanted one acre, yeah?- Yeah, if possible.- You've got five.- Oh.
0:54:09 > 0:54:14- So, what are you going to do with all that?- Lots of chickens.
0:54:15 > 0:54:17Chickens, bees.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18Lots of chickens, lots of bees.
0:54:18 > 0:54:22This is the outdoor person's paradise, isn't it?
0:54:22 > 0:54:23Yeah, it's lovely.
0:54:23 > 0:54:27Let's start thinking about how much this place is on the market for.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29I would think that it's right at the top of our budget,
0:54:29 > 0:54:31I would go with £500,000.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35- OK, Natalie? - I would think 550.- Yeah.
0:54:35 > 0:54:41Because of all the business, it can be complete lifestyle. Yeah.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45- Well, it's on the market for offers around £499,000.- Oh.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50- Well done, then. - Well done, yeah. Very good.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30Now then, Natalie, have we found a base for your business?
0:55:30 > 0:55:33- There is a lot of room for everything.- There is, isn't there?
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- There's a lot to think about. - And new ideas as well.- Good.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38So let's find you somewhere to have
0:55:38 > 0:55:40a bit of a natter amongst yourselves.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52So, what's the plan?
0:55:52 > 0:55:56We really do want to go back and see another time second house.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00- So the Georgians beat the Victorians.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:56:00 > 0:56:06It just offers, you know, everything that we wanted and more.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08So the big gamble with the mystery house,
0:56:08 > 0:56:10you didn't mind it being a farmhouse, did you?
0:56:10 > 0:56:15- No, not as much the style. I think it is still the scale, really.- Yeah.
0:56:15 > 0:56:21- And the cottages, wonderful but thinking more about it...- Yeah.
0:56:21 > 0:56:26We're already doing things. Guy has a job and I have my business,
0:56:26 > 0:56:30and that would be - as nice as it is - a distraction.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34And I'm not sure if we have enough time and energy to do it well.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36Sounds really sensible, actually.
0:56:36 > 0:56:41Tell me, what is it about house number two that tipped the balance?
0:56:41 > 0:56:45I think it's a combination of the house itself, which is
0:56:45 > 0:56:50absolutely magnificent and the size of the rooms, the layout.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Erm, what it offers outside with the attached cottage
0:56:53 > 0:56:59and the big workshop. It simply gives us, you know, everything we needed.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02- So, erm, it's great. - It's a good package, isn't it?
0:57:02 > 0:57:05So when are you coming back to have a look at it?
0:57:05 > 0:57:10- Erm, I'm thinking, erm, next week.- Oh, OK.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13Yeah, we're not going to hang around. We're just going to go for it.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Well, good luck with that and please, whatever happens,
0:57:17 > 0:57:19- do let us know, won't you?- We will.
0:57:19 > 0:57:21- Yeah, will do, and thank you very much.- Excellent.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Look at that, two different couples with two different wish lists
0:57:28 > 0:57:31yet they've both fallen in love with Georgian properties.
0:57:31 > 0:57:32- How can you not though?- True.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35They're so elegant, Georgian properties - the size of the rooms,
0:57:35 > 0:57:39very symmetrical, then you've got the surrounding countryside.
0:57:39 > 0:57:41- It's a perfect match. - It just goes to show,
0:57:41 > 0:57:45despite the lure of the Cumbrian countryside, if you know where to look,
0:57:45 > 0:57:49actually, in Cumbria, £500,000 can get you quite a sizeable home.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52It certainly pays to look outside the National Park.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55- Your money goes that little bit further.- It does, doesn't it?
0:57:55 > 0:57:58Well, that brings this episode to a close.
0:57:58 > 0:58:02- So please join us next time as we escape to the country.- Bye.
0:58:03 > 0:58:07Guy and Natalie recently found a home 30 miles west of Carlisle
0:58:07 > 0:58:10and hope to secure the property soon.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13However, Alan and Philip moved their focus to Lincolnshire
0:58:13 > 0:58:15and are in negotiations on a house there.
0:58:15 > 0:58:19If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:58:19 > 0:58:22England, Northern Ireland or even further afield
0:58:22 > 0:58:24to the Continent, and would like our help,
0:58:24 > 0:58:26please apply online at...