0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to a very special edition of Escape To The Country,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07where Jules and I will be combining the property adventures
0:00:07 > 0:00:09of two couples and showcasing the best of one county.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12We'll be sharing our experience, and offering our advice,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14hints and tips as we go.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Our destination today is famed for its standing stones
0:00:18 > 0:00:19and stately homes.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Find out where we are in just a moment.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42On the show today, I'll be helping two city dwellers
0:00:42 > 0:00:45break out from the limitations of their urban surroundings
0:00:45 > 0:00:48to find the perfect countryside home.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52We find an unexpected hazard to country life.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56I would worry a little bit about all the leaves falling in the autumn.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And I'm helping an expat couple return to the UK to find
0:00:59 > 0:01:01a country home close to their family.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03What do you think, though? Is it you?
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's...interesting.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08'A recurring theme begins to emerge.'
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- Interesting. - Is this a good "interesting?"
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- I'm not sure we've had a good "interesting" yet.- It is.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Well, today we are hunting for houses
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and peeking at property in the county of Wiltshire.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Famous for its stately homes, like Longleat and Stourhead,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and, of course, for its standing Stones at Avebury
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and Stonehenge, I'd say that Wiltshire
0:01:28 > 0:01:31is one of the most enchanting and mystical of the English counties.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33I can only agree, and, for me, as an archaeologist,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36it's Wiltshire's history that really makes it come to life.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40It is, without doubt, Britain's primary prehistoric county.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Set in the south of England, Wiltshire is bordered by six
0:01:46 > 0:01:49counties, including Gloucestershire to the north
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and Dorset to the south.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Its sweeping chalk downs are imprinted with
0:01:53 > 0:01:56an extraordinary archaeological record of its earliest
0:01:56 > 0:02:00occupants, including the iconic Stonehenge.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04To the south is Salisbury, described as a city in the countryside.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Its cathedral lays claim to having the tallest spire in England
0:02:08 > 0:02:10and along with its surrounding meadows,
0:02:10 > 0:02:15was famously captured by Constable in his painting of 1825.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17With almost half of the county designated
0:02:17 > 0:02:21an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no surprise that
0:02:21 > 0:02:26house-hunters are so drawn to this beautiful part of the country.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29I always think Wiltshire is slightly overshadowed by Devon
0:02:29 > 0:02:31and Dorset because, of course, they have beaches,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35but it's a lovely rural countryside, all that Neolithic history
0:02:35 > 0:02:37and just fantastic architecture.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39I've always seen it as something of a prehistoric county
0:02:39 > 0:02:43and, as you say, beautiful, but, of course, all that comes at a price.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47298,000 is what it will cost you for your average four-bedroomed
0:02:47 > 0:02:51detached property there. That's 40 grand above the national figure.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Yes, but you and I know that those average figures are a little
0:02:54 > 0:02:57bit skewed, because Marlborough, obviously, very expensive
0:02:57 > 0:03:00because of the college, and the Vale of Pewsey, around there,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03but if you go down to Devizes, you get much more for your money.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04But it's interesting,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07large chunks of the county are effectively becoming commuter belt.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08We tend to associate that with London,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11if you think about the draw of Bristol over towards
0:03:11 > 0:03:14the West and, of course, Swindon within the county itself,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16these are big economic centres that do have a draw.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19We've found ourselves often going south to places like Chippenham
0:03:19 > 0:03:21to find a real bargain.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Well, my buyers were looking for a bargain.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25They were moving back from Spain for their retirement here
0:03:25 > 0:03:29in the UK with a pretty generous budget and hopes for the future.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33And I had a couple of city slickers who were looking to explore
0:03:33 > 0:03:35the quieter side of the countryside.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37For the past eight years,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Ian and Janet have lived in a flat in Brentford, West London -
0:03:41 > 0:03:44not too far from the airport, as Ian worked abroad.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But now Ian has joined Janet in retirement,
0:03:47 > 0:03:52they've decided it's time to fly from their metropolitan lifestyle.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56I've been a weekend husband for almost the last 25, 30 years,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00where I've had jobs around the world, mainly the Netherlands.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Today, I'm always planning where do I have to be next -
0:04:03 > 0:04:05can I catch the plane, can I catch the train?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Do I have to leave now or five minutes later?
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I want to move out into the country, plus the retirement,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15it's going to be a far more leisurely approach to life.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18The need to be closer to family has dictated
0:04:18 > 0:04:20the destination for their relocation.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23We're looking to move out to Wiltshire
0:04:23 > 0:04:26because currently my son and his family are out there -
0:04:26 > 0:04:28my only grandchild,
0:04:28 > 0:04:29and, you know,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31it's nice for us to be able to see them
0:04:31 > 0:04:35on a more regular basis than we do at the moment.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36I'm really looking forward to that,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39as you can imagine any grandmother would be.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Once out in the country, Janet wants to rediscover her passion for music.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Living in a flat, it's just hopeless.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I play a flute as well as a piano.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Of course, the flat, there's no room for the piano.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53No, there's no room for the piano, so that will be a big thing,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55to be able to get the piano back again.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59All that remains to discover is the financial details.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03The budget for the move is £550,000.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Janet and Ian are looking to concentrate the search within
0:05:10 > 0:05:13reasonable distance from their son in Swindon.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Before we begin our property tour,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I caught up with them on Wiltshire soil to find out a little
0:05:18 > 0:05:20more about what they're looking for in a new house.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Welcome to Wiltshire, guys. Very nice to have you here.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I'd be quite interested to know a bit more about the house that
0:05:29 > 0:05:31you've been dreaming about.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I'd like a house that's got a large kitchen.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I particularly would like a room/study to get
0:05:38 > 0:05:43away from Ian's football and golf and all sorts of different sports.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45So you can do some of your music, as well.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Then he won't have to listen to me, either!
0:05:49 > 0:05:51I'd love a garden.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53The main thing is to have a garden - it doesn't have to be too big,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57something of a manageable size that I can potter in
0:05:57 > 0:06:00and just keep tidy and enjoy.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03You're both retired, so what are you going to be doing to fill your days?
0:06:03 > 0:06:08I play golf very badly! I'd love to get on with that.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09And we go out quite a bit.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13We like to go out and do some dining, bit of theatre, cinema.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15I'm hoping to get him out
0:06:15 > 0:06:19into the countryside a bit more to do a bit of bird spotting.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23So where in Wiltshire do you want to be, cos I know you need to be quite close to your grandson?
0:06:23 > 0:06:24Yes, that's correct.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28We need to be in striking distance of Swindon, really.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Presumably not too close, cos then you'll be on constant call!
0:06:31 > 0:06:32That's correct, yes! Not too close.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Don't forget our daughter, though - needs to be reasonably easy to get her as well.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41We've got a daughter still in London, so if we could get on a train
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and easily get into London, that would be great, too.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47OK, we've got three lovely properties lined up for you, interesting ones.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- I hope they're going to be to your taste.- Looking forward to it.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Good, well, let's not hang around, let's go and look at them. Follow me.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Janet and Ian don't need to sell their London flat to finance
0:06:58 > 0:07:00the move and after some thought,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02they've also revised their budget
0:07:02 > 0:07:05to a maximum of £575,000.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09They're looking for three to four bedrooms,
0:07:09 > 0:07:10a large kitchen,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13a study to house Janet's piano,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15a manageable garden and all within
0:07:15 > 0:07:17reasonable distance from Swindon
0:07:17 > 0:07:19and transport links to London.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with
0:07:23 > 0:07:28and I'll test their market knowledge by asking them to guess the prices.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30The third property is our mystery house, which gives them
0:07:30 > 0:07:32an altogether different option.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43For our first house, we're travelling to Durrington,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47a village to the east of the county, an hour from their son in Swindon
0:07:47 > 0:07:49and around ten miles from Salisbury,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51with its direct train links to London.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54In the old part of the village, we find house number one -
0:07:54 > 0:07:59a detached, refurbished property sat in around a third of an acre.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05- So this is the property I want to show you.- Oh... Very pleasant.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- Very pleasant.- Lovely.- Nice and clean.- Very quiet, private. Lovely.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- Nice.- Very nice.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17So it's a 1950s house, we're seeing it from the edge, as it were,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20because there's quite a substantial 1970s extension
0:08:20 > 0:08:22that's been put on the back.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23Let's do it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28A positive, if somewhat reserved, reaction from Ian and Janet.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Let's hope the inside delivers what they're
0:08:30 > 0:08:33looking for in terms of space.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35There are two reception rooms on the ground floor
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and we're heading for the larger of the two.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42As you can see, the present owners have really stripped
0:08:42 > 0:08:47everything back down to a very contemporary feel.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Yeah, nice.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Nice plain colours, it looks good, yeah.- That's a wood-burning stove.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Contemporary log burner, yes.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58It's a little bit smaller than I would have liked, to be honest.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01But there's a second room next door, so there's something here to be done.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Let's start exploring the back of the house.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05This is the kitchen...
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- This is the much more spacious kitchen/diner.- Nice.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Really nice, yes.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Very, very nice.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And lots of this lovely work surface - a big, big island.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23The downstairs continues quite considerably into the '70s extension
0:09:23 > 0:09:24that way, and there's a question mark
0:09:24 > 0:09:27over what you might do with that room. Let's go and explore.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33The extension houses a conservatory, a utility room
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and an en-suite shower room, which leads on to the fourth bedroom.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's a rather unusual layout
0:09:40 > 0:09:42because you've got at the end of this long extension
0:09:42 > 0:09:47this garden room, which they're currently using as a bedroom.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Through there, you've got a little office or walk-in wardrobe.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55It makes sense to either have this as a guest wing or to make
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- it into more living space. - Probably more living space.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- A little office type area, I think. - Is it whetting your appetite?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's whetting my appetite, yes. We do differ a little.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10I like something a little cosier than Ian does.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Let's explore upstairs, then you'll know the whole house.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'Mixed reactions to the downstairs, but having seen the possibilities
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'of the extension, I get the feeling they're warming to the house.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26'Accessed via a landing, bedrooms two and three are both doubles.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30'There's also a family bathroom with contemporary suite, including
0:10:30 > 0:10:34'a double-ended bath, as well as another separate shower room.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'First, though, is the master.'
0:10:37 > 0:10:39This one's got all the fitted cupboards
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- and they're using it as the master bedroom.- Very nice.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Yes, lots of storage, isn't there? - The storage is excellent.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49In terms of the upstairs living, some people like huge bedrooms -
0:10:49 > 0:10:50is that a big deal for you?
0:10:50 > 0:10:54No, we need a reasonable amount of storage space
0:10:54 > 0:10:56because we've got clothes everywhere!
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- We need lots of storage space and this is ideal for that.- It is.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- Giant bedrooms is not our thing. - It's an ideal room this, yes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06The enclosed, tree-lined gardens are mainly lawn,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10which hopefully should be enough for Janet's gardening aspirations,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14and include a patio area just outside the conservatory.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16So, you've got the garden that goes down there.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20It's a sort of steep bank here into what was an orchard.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Well, it still is an orchard.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Oh, they're fruit trees, are they? - Mm-hm.- Yes, very nice, yes.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27I would worry a little bit about all the leaves falling in the autumn,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30the number of trees that there are in the garden.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33That's quite a peculiar anxiety!
0:11:33 > 0:11:36How much do you think the property's on the market for?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Um, my guess would be 565.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I think it's a bit lower than that.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46I think it's about maybe £545,000, £550,000.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49OK, well, in this instance, your wife is the authority
0:11:49 > 0:11:50cos you are spot-on.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54That is exactly what it is on the market for - £565,000.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It's only been on the market a couple of weeks
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and I think it's a very saleable property.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00It's a lovely house. A very nice house.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07Our first house comes in under their maximum budget at £565,000
0:12:07 > 0:12:09and gives them four bedrooms
0:12:09 > 0:12:13with the option to utilise one as extra living space.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16There's a large, modern kitchen, two reception rooms,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19a manageable garden and it's all within a reasonable distance
0:12:19 > 0:12:22from their son in Swindon and daughter in London.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Come on out. If you pull the door behind you, Ian.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33We're all done. That's our first house. Wrapped.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37And now we're going to get in the car and drive across the county to our second house.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38- OK.- Follow me.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50The Industrial Revolution saw a golden age of canal
0:12:50 > 0:12:53construction between the 18th and 19th century.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58One such canal, the Wiltshire and Berkshire, opened in 1810,
0:12:58 > 0:13:04however, the onset of the railways led to its decline and by 1914, it was declared abandoned.
0:13:04 > 0:13:0835 years ago, a group now known as the Canal Trust
0:13:08 > 0:13:11formed to tackle the dilapidated canals.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13With the help of volunteers and the local community,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17the trust is fully committed to returning this historic waterway
0:13:17 > 0:13:19back into a navigable state.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I've come to meet the trust's company secretary, Chris Coyle,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26to find out more about the Wiltshire side
0:13:26 > 0:13:28of this epic restoration project.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34This canal was built to connect the Thames and Severn up at Cricklade
0:13:34 > 0:13:36and the River Thames at Abingdon
0:13:36 > 0:13:41with the Kennet and Avon Canal down at Semington.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43We've got about 10% of it in water so far.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45So, the total length is about 70 miles
0:13:45 > 0:13:47so we've got about seven miles in water.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- But still another 63 to do. - Yeah, and we're working hard on it.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52We need lots of support and lots of members.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54What's going on in this particular stretch?
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Well, this is a very important site. What we've got here is three locks.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00We've got a dry-dock, we've got a salt pit
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and we've got a maintenance yard
0:14:02 > 0:14:04and we've applied for planning permission
0:14:04 > 0:14:07to restore all of these as an education and resource centre.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12A restored canal would be extremely valuable to the county.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16The Kennet and Avon Canal is worth £25 million to the Wiltshire economy
0:14:16 > 0:14:19through tourism and employment
0:14:19 > 0:14:23so the trust's work is vitally important to the community.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25So, now we're moving on to this new section
0:14:25 > 0:14:28where we've got the three locks to restore -
0:14:28 > 0:14:33this lovely original dry-dock, which we're standing in, to work on.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35So, this is where they'd bring in the boats to...?
0:14:35 > 0:14:36To repair them.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I'm assuming that with 100 years of use,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41there must be quite detailed maps of the canals.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Sadly not. We've lost all records from the original canal company.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47What we do have is the Ordnance Survey maps
0:14:47 > 0:14:50that they started producing in the 19th century
0:14:50 > 0:14:53and we've got our own drawings and engineering drawings now
0:14:53 > 0:14:56so our engineers have got to do some detective work
0:14:56 > 0:14:58to work out what things look like,
0:14:58 > 0:15:02how they worked and what the engineering was behind it
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and then we try to reproduce that.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09From day one, a vital part of this project has been the volunteers,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11without whom the restoration work wouldn't happen.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13A scheme like this doesn't come cheap
0:15:13 > 0:15:16so the need to involve the community in fundraising
0:15:16 > 0:15:19as well as seeking business partners is key.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22So, who and what is going on here?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Well, this is Kath Hatton who is our fundraising director.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Lovely to meet you.- Hello.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- You don't get any fundraising from the government, do you?- No, we don't.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33No, we have to raise everything ourselves through our membership
0:15:33 > 0:15:37and through donations and through applying for small grants
0:15:37 > 0:15:40and local landfill tax credits,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42which has given us quite a bit of money.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I feel like I need to make some symbolic...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Yeah, we're not going to let you go without you actually doing something
0:15:47 > 0:15:48to contribute to the canal.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51What we're doing is just repairing the wharf wall that we built.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Well, that looks pretty good.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04It's been a while since I've laid bricks(!)
0:16:04 > 0:16:06It's an amazing job they're doing here,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09preserving the country's industrial heritage
0:16:09 > 0:16:12for generations to come.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Now to return to the property hunt and catch up with our buyers.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Onto property number two
0:16:22 > 0:16:25and we're heading north-west to the village of Nympsfield
0:16:25 > 0:16:29over the border into Gloucestershire and just under an hour from Swindon.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32On the outskirts of the village is house number two,
0:16:32 > 0:16:37a Grade II listed barn conversion set on the edge of a courtyard.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42So, as you can see, quite a different offering from house number one.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Yes, it is, isn't it? - Completely different.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47So, this is the dairy, the part that I'm showing you,
0:16:47 > 0:16:52which is this half of these C-shaped buildings.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Well, wow, I think, really.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Well, it's very different to the last place.- Very special.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Can't wait to get inside and have a look at it. Please, let's go!
0:17:06 > 0:17:08'With living space high on their agenda,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11'I'm banking on the sitting room delivering the wow factor.'
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Into the star attraction, which is this room.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Yes.- Oh, goodness.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- That would suit you, wouldn't it? - It would indeed suit me.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Yes, I think so. Lovely, big room.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Log burner, underfloor heating throughout.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28There's plenty of room and it's a nice, nice room to sit in.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31What about you, Janet? What are your first gut impressions?
0:17:31 > 0:17:35It's a lovely big room and it's actually sort of cosy as well
0:17:35 > 0:17:37if you keep the furniture in one end.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40OK, well, this is the main room of the property
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and off here on the right is the kitchen.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Come on through, then.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48This is, again, a very different space.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53It's designed to cook in as opposed to eat in
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and I think, to me, that's a big plus.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59There's plenty of cupboard space. It looks good.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01And there's still room for a chair or a couple of chairs
0:18:01 > 0:18:03or a small corner unit.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- No, I like the kitchen. - Yes, I like the kitchen very much.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Good. So, there's thumbs up for the kitchen.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Yes, big thumbs up for the kitchen.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13So, one of the unusual things about this house is the master bedroom
0:18:13 > 0:18:17currently is on the ground floor so let's go and have a look at that.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18OK.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The ground floor also benefits from a large hall,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24big enough to accommodate a dining area.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26So, more positives than negatives so far,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29but it remains to be seen if they will compromise
0:18:29 > 0:18:32on having a downstairs master.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34So, this is the resplendent...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- This is lovely, isn't it? - It's a big bedroom.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Yes, it is.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Makes the bed look small. - It does, yes, yes.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47And then you've got a sort of a bathroom in there - en suite.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48Oh, very good.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52I suppose my question when I was looking round it for you guys is
0:18:52 > 0:18:54there are only two bedrooms upstairs - two guest rooms.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57They use them as guest rooms upstairs.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02And my question is would you want to keep this as your master bedroom
0:19:02 > 0:19:05or would you want to turn this into more downstairs space
0:19:05 > 0:19:06and use one of the rooms upstairs?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I could use this as my escape room as well
0:19:08 > 0:19:11because there is the seating in here as well.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14You could have a piano in your bedroom!
0:19:14 > 0:19:16She could serenade you every morning.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I haven't actually looked round to see where else it might fit,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22but I'm not sure about you on the ladder, Ian, decorating.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24I think this is definitely a specialist job
0:19:24 > 0:19:26for the decorating, isn't it?
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Larger than I would attempt. - You might get someone in.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Well, I'll let you explore upstairs on your own in just a moment,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35but let's have a look in the garden.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I can see the cogs whirring as they figure out
0:19:38 > 0:19:40what to do with the huge master.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Outside, the gardens come with an outbuilding
0:19:44 > 0:19:47and are enclosed behind a stone wall for privacy
0:19:47 > 0:19:49with views over the neighbouring church -
0:19:49 > 0:19:52hopefully enough for Janet's green fingers.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- A more modest-sized garden. - Yes, it is and perfectly adequate.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59This is the sort of size you're looking for?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- This is perfectly adequate, yes. - Now I know!
0:20:02 > 0:20:06I could see some nice shrubs or pots round the outside.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- You've got a tree for your birds thingy to go on.- Yes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12A walnut tree. Yes, you'll have walnuts all year round.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14What do you think the price of the property is?
0:20:16 > 0:20:17Now, I was very good last time,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20but I think you've got me quite stumped this time.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Would you like to go first, Ian? - No, I've got no clue at all.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I would put it at about £495,000.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29I think that's far too low.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Um, you know, it's still got to be up at the top somewhere.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It's got to be up at...
0:20:38 > 0:20:39..£535,000.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41£535,000.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Well, I think your wife has got her eye in
0:20:44 > 0:20:46because this is actually just a little bit under that.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's on at £525,000.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50So, if you go inside and have a look round upstairs,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52then we can meet out the front and take it from there.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53OK, yes, lovely.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03This Grade II listed barn conversion comes in under budget at £525,000,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06giving them a huge master bedroom,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08a very spacious and characterful sitting room,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12a large, modern kitchen, a manageable garden,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14within reasonable distance to Swindon
0:21:14 > 0:21:16all set in the glorious
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Cotswolds countryside.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Are you all done inside? - We are, yes, thank you.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Very good. I'll just pull the door.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Right, well, we're... all the houses done for this day,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31but tomorrow is another one so we better get some rest and relaxation.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32- OK.- Off we go.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45So, having waxed lyrical about the merits of Wiltshire,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47you border-hopped into Gloucestershire!
0:21:47 > 0:21:50And I'm afraid that I think that my evil master plan of taking
0:21:50 > 0:21:53them out of Wiltshire may have backfired, and not only that,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57but it's almost like the whole sheen of moving to the countryside is
0:21:57 > 0:21:59waning for Ian and Janet.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00One to watch there,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03but, hopefully, we'll have a little more luck with our second couple.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09After a successful career as a food company director, Colin and wife
0:22:09 > 0:22:14Helene moved to her native Spain to enjoy their retirement in the sun.
0:22:14 > 0:22:1612 years on, they've sold their house in Malaga
0:22:16 > 0:22:19and are checking into a Wiltshire hotel to start their search
0:22:19 > 0:22:24for a new home closer to loved ones back on British soil.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28When we moved to Malaga, we had no grandchildren.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32At the time we couldn't see any on the horizon, but it all happened
0:22:32 > 0:22:37and now we have seven, four of those are in Wiltshire.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40We do miss them all, very much so.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42One way that Helene plans to embrace their new rural
0:22:42 > 0:22:46lifestyle is through her passion for fitness.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50When we move here, I'm hoping we will get bikes
0:22:50 > 0:22:55and we can ride in the countryside. It would do him good.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Through visits to their family in Wiltshire, Colin
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and Helene have got to know and appreciate the county's charms.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06Some of the villages are still unspoiled and quite quaint.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09It's a real throwback in many ways to England as was,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and I'm quite happy about that.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15So what have they got to spend on a new home in Wiltshire?
0:23:15 > 0:23:19The budget for this move is around £480,000.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26'Colin and Helene's family live to the south of the county in
0:23:26 > 0:23:29'Fox Holes, so to keep them within easy reach of their grandchildren,
0:23:29 > 0:23:33'we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the village.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38'I'm meeting up with them to pick up some more details about their move.'
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Many people looking at your story will be thinking,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43"Hang on a minute, surely they're going in the wrong direction."
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Don't we all want to live in the sun in Spain?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49We've had 12 years of sunshine, basking in Spain
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and now is the lure of the English countryside once again.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55And, of course, close to our family.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Just give us an idea of the sort of property you've got your minds
0:23:59 > 0:24:03set on in terms of maybe style and what it needs to contain.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Ideally, we would like large rooms, light and airy,
0:24:07 > 0:24:13with a large kitchen and utility room, big bedroom, en suite bathroom.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17And at least three bedrooms, and a double garage, hopefully,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- and a garden that I can... - Not too big a garden.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Basically, what you're after is everything you've
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- got in Spain, you just want it here. - Except for the pool.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Except for the pool. - If there is a pool, that's fine.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And not directly on a road.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- We'd like to be a little bit back off the road.- And not too isolated.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I guess also you would probably go for something fairly modern,
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- because that's what you've been used to in Spain.- Inside, certainly.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46We like all mod cons. A nice kitchen with all the mod cons.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Just remind us of how much money we've got to play
0:24:49 > 0:24:51with to find this new dream home of yours.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54We've sold our house in Spain and so we've set
0:24:54 > 0:24:59a budget of £480,000, which could plus or minus a bit either way.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Who's going to make all the decisions, though?
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- He's got the chequebook.- The sun is shining. Let's go spend some money.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14With £480,000, Colin
0:25:14 > 0:25:17and Helene are looking for a home with spacious, airy rooms,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20including a large kitchen, utility room,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23a minimum of three bedrooms and an en suite.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Outside, they'd like a medium-sized garden
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and space to park two cars,
0:25:28 > 0:25:29with, ideally, a garage.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31They'd also like to be within
0:25:31 > 0:25:33easy reach of some local amenities.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36We've found a wonderful mix of homes to show our buyers,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40but I won't be revealing the price until they've had a guess first.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43The final property is the mystery house,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46where the interior design could tip them one way or the other.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55We are starting our search eight miles south of Fox Holes
0:25:55 > 0:25:59in the hamlet of Norton Ferris, close to the Somerset border.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Our first property, just nearby, is a 17th-century cottage with
0:26:03 > 0:26:04a gorgeous rural setting,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08perfect for those bike rides Helene has got planned for them.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- This is property number one. - That's pretty.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- That's pretty, yes.- Is there a garage?- There isn't a garage.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18You have a little bit of off-road parking for at least two,
0:26:18 > 0:26:19maybe three, cars there.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21As you can see through the gap there, the ground rises
0:26:21 > 0:26:26up behind it, but it's been rearranged in a way that
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- makes it a little bit upside down. - Quirky.- Absolutely, quirky.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Because your main kitchen/diner is upstairs
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- and it leads out into the garden behind.- Aha.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39The garden is very manageable, very lovely, full of sun.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Can we see inside?- Come on then.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47'Originally, this property was a modest one-up/one-down cottage,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50'but extra rooms were added to the ground floor around 20 years ago.'
0:26:53 > 0:26:55OK. Come on in.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59So, we've got two bedrooms down here.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03There's a double there. Double there.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Nice big family bathroom that serves this floor with the roll-top bath,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and then through here this is the living room. Follow me.
0:27:11 > 0:27:17- So, what do we think of this?- Oh, lovely.- Different.- Very quaint.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20I wondered if it had a slightly Spanishy feel to it with these
0:27:20 > 0:27:24whitewashed beams. What do you think, though? Is it you?
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It's...interesting. It's certainly worth considering.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- I'd like to see more. - But that word, "interesting" -
0:27:30 > 0:27:34I'm not sure that's telling me the whole story as to what's going on in your mind.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Well, it is interesting. It's not what I expected.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39I want to take it in first.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42I think the ceilings might be too low.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45He's good at knocking his head on everything.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Yeah. I'm a bit challenged on that one.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52In terms of ceiling height, we've got no problems upstairs.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Come and have a look at this.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57'So the ground floor of this slightly topsy-turvy house offers
0:27:57 > 0:28:02'the two bedrooms, bathroom and cosy sitting room we've just seen.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06'But the main living space can be found upstairs where there is
0:28:06 > 0:28:09'a kitchen and dining area as well as a master bedroom suite.'
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Now, this for me is where our... kind of upside-down house
0:28:17 > 0:28:23- really does come to light. What do you think?- Lovely, lovely.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27The kitchen units I love. They are made of reclaimed elm.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Very individual.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34How's our..."interesting" barometer faring at this stage?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- It gives you a lot of food for thought.- Yeah?
0:28:37 > 0:28:39A lot of food for thought. A lot of consideration.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43We have to adjust our ambitions on what we're looking for.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46I don't think you have to adjust your ambitions at all.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52This is a very desirable property. The question is, is it for you?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56It does have this fantastic sunroom which is just gorgeous.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Have a look at that.- This is pretty.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03This structure is what, I think, defines the layout of this place
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- because they're clearly making maximum use of the garden.- Quite.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09And this really is your living floor, I would say,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- albeit that the living room itself is down below us.- Very nice.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16So, as we saw on the way in, there are two double bedrooms
0:29:16 > 0:29:21downstairs with that lovely bathroom, but the master is up here.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28So this is your own kind of suite, really.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Storage there, really nice kind of wet room.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And then this is...your bit.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42- You like?- Yes.- Yes.- I'm trying to advance the "interesting".
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Yeah. It is interesting again, yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- We've got a huge bed...- Yeah. - and a big dressing...
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I'm just trying to visualise.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52I'm just not feeling the kind of excitement
0:29:52 > 0:29:56I would have expected this house to have generated.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- We're surprised, I think.- Yeah.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02It's a lot older and quainter and quirkier than we expected...
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- Than we've ever had. - ..than we have ever had.- Is it?- Yes.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10You're walking into a time warp, really, and it's different.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14This is, as I say, a toe in the water for us, to get an idea of what
0:30:14 > 0:30:18you like and for you to get a sense of what the market here can offer you.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21The key thing, I suppose, is the price.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Let's talk about that in the garden.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Come on, and it will give you a good idea of where we're going.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30'It seems our buyers aren't convinced this house offers them
0:30:30 > 0:30:32'the space they're after,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'but maybe the garden will offer a glimmer of hope.'
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- Oh.- Nice, isn't it?- Gorgeous. Look at the trees.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44You've got lots to play with here, but not, you know, masses of work.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- COLIN LAUGHS - There's the kind of rear-view,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- that lovely garden room that dominates it.- Lovely.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54The garden is what you see. Is that manageable enough for you?
0:30:54 > 0:30:57I think it's big enough without being too big.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00You've got this nice little terrace here and behind us
0:31:00 > 0:31:02some very well-kept vegetable beds.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05There's nothing in them at the moment but at least they're weed-free.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Let's have a think about the price then, shall we?
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- I'd pitch it at just under 400,000.- Would you now?
0:31:12 > 0:31:14That's quite optimistic.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17We're not familiar with the market, of course.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Perhaps we have something to learn on that front.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- HE LAUGHS - OK. Helene?
0:31:21 > 0:31:25Well, to me, only 375.
0:31:25 > 0:31:31This is currently on the market at £465,000.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- Yeah. But this has been a very interesting first impression, I think.- Wonderful.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I think it's food for thought. We'll have to think about it.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45Just under budget at £465,000,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49this period cottage with its peaceful rural setting offers
0:31:49 > 0:31:50a large kitchen,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53a dining room/conservatory, three bedrooms
0:31:53 > 0:31:55and a characterful downstairs sitting room.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57There's no garage,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59but there is parking for two cars.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Good. I think that has been, in many ways,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- more revealing than many first property tours.- Yes.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- So, we've got quite a few things to consider.- A lot to think about.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17- Space, ages of property and prices. - Of course, absolutely.- Come on, then.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28'Four years ago we met Chris and Helen who were living in Newbury.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32'They'd taken early retirement and, like Colin and Helene,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34'they planned to spend it in the sun.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37'But when their circumstances changed,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40'plans for a dream home in Madeira got shelved
0:32:40 > 0:32:43'and they chose to put down roots here in Wiltshire, instead.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45'We offered them three great properties
0:32:45 > 0:32:48'but our mystery house in Great Cheverell was a bit of a punt,
0:32:48 > 0:32:52'knowing they weren't wildly keen on bungalows.'
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I've always considered bungalows to be a total waste of space.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58It's quite nice sometimes to have a separation between living
0:32:58 > 0:33:00and bedrooms.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03'But by the end of their tour with Aled Jones,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06'the four-bedroom 19th-century bungalow had worked its charms.'
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- Have we won you over? - Yes.- I'm impressed.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17So, four years on, I'm here in Great Cheverell to catch up with them.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- Well, hello. Nice to see you. - Hello, Jules.- Chris. Helen.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23- Nice to meet you. - Welcome to the mystery house.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Thank you very much indeed. It's rather nice, this.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27A little treat for me to be shown around a property.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- We are very proud of it. - So you should be.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It looks absolutely gorgeous. The garden is a picture.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33It's changed a bit.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36There wasn't much here when we got here, apart from weeds, obviously.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40But there is one very obvious change to four years ago, Chris.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42It's that Zimmer frame. What happened to you?
0:33:42 > 0:33:46About two months ago, I was descending a steep cliff path
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and I didn't make it all the way down in the usual manner.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51And I broke my ankle quite badly.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55This country life is a dangerous business, isn't it?
0:33:55 > 0:33:59When they moved, one goal was to immerse themselves in the local community,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02so I'm wondering if that's something they've managed to achieve.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I'm on the committee of the garden club.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08We help out in the local shop and newsagent whenever they need us.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11I helped with the hog roast at the pub last week.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- I've been elected as a parish councillor.- Have you?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17That really is embracing the community.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- But is this a vision of a couple living the dream?- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Obviously it's not Madeira. We didn't make it there
0:34:23 > 0:34:26but there's a lot here we wouldn't have had over there.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30'The couple have made a few changes to the place since they bought it.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33'So, while Chris rests that ankle, Helen will show me around.'
0:34:33 > 0:34:36This is what we call the atrium.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- It was very low, very sloping, very asbestos.- I love it.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- I absolutely love it. - Thank you very much.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46'One of the rooms on their wish list was a book-lined den.'
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I can imagine sitting here, a couple of nice armchairs.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55Loads of books around. Roaring log fire.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- THEY LAUGH - Paradise on Earth.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59- Can you see it?- I can see it.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Oh, this is cosy.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- Isn't it lovely to have such a snug den?- Yes.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12You've got to have your little cosy hole, I think. It's very important.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15And this room, I suppose, hasn't really changed that much.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19No, except for the bookcases. We've had a wood-burning stove put in.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21When they first viewed this place,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25the spacious kitchen was functional but in need of a freshen up.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- Oh, yes. - HE LAUGHS
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- You really have transformed it beautifully.- Thank you.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Absolutely beautifully.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38It's a lesson to anybody who's interested in taking on a project.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- It's worthwhile. It's all worth it.- Yes.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44'It's pretty clear that moving to Wiltshire has been a really
0:35:44 > 0:35:46'positive experience for this pair and hopefully
0:35:46 > 0:35:50'we'll have the same effect on Colin and Helene.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57'Our second property takes us half an hour's drive
0:35:57 > 0:36:00'north of Fox Holes to the village of Neston.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04'And the house we're showing our buyers was built for a local
0:36:04 > 0:36:07'quarryman and his family back in the 1870s.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Lovely.- That's different. That's lovely.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Very different proposition in terms of location.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Obviously, we've got neighbours and so on.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- I know you don't want to be isolated.- Quite.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24So it's kind of the other end of that scale, one would say.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- But easy access to the countryside. - Feels quiet.
0:36:27 > 0:36:33- It's a nice little spot.- It's a good solid-looking house.- It is.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36But there are obvious compromises.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39I guess the main one being there isn't a dedicated garage for you.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43- That is, yeah...or parking spaces. - Yes.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- But, who knows? Is it the one? - We shall see.- Come on, then.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52'This four-bedroom Bath stone house has been completely
0:36:52 > 0:36:55'renovated over the last few years by the current owners,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57'and I'm hoping it is to Colin and Helene's taste.'
0:37:00 > 0:37:05Well, let's start with this living room. This being the principal one.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- Right.- This is cosy.- Nice.- Good size.- Is this a bit more like it?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Yes.- Indeed.- A bit more conventional. I love the detailing.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17They've revealed these stone reveals around the windows.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- It's got a nice country feel as well. - Well, it has.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22And it's made the best of the material, the stone it's built from.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Bath stone.- Bath stone, exactly.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30- The little details...- Nice touches.- ..really make it.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34So this sets the scene. Let's continue through here.
0:37:37 > 0:37:43So, dining room here with another multi-fuel burner there.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- Now, I promised you a fitted kitchen. Here it is.- Very nice. - Yeah?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- This was a local guy who built it. - Very nice.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54An in-frame kitchen, as we like to say.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57You've got the island, the marble and so on.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59So there's a lot of money in this, actually.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Will it be big enough? Because I know size is the thing with you.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04Well, we are both big.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07I didn't mean it in that respect. I meant in terms of the space you're
0:38:07 > 0:38:13- used to and are aspiring to. - It would need adjusting. - In what respect?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Getting used to smaller space.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- OK, but you wouldn't be adjusting the kitchen?- No. It's liveable.
0:38:19 > 0:38:25All right. Let's go upstairs because we have got you four bedrooms there.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Oh, good.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31'Also on the ground floor there's a utility room with a toilet,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34'and of the bedrooms upstairs, there's a single and two doubles,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38'one of which is currently being used as a study.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42'But we've earmarked the fourth and largest bedroom for our couple.'
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- So, finally this would be yours. - Master.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- Very nice.- Nice and bright.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53And, again, the detailing just coming out there with the stone
0:38:53 > 0:38:55and plaster mix. Fireplace and so on.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59A lot of thought has gone into it. Any wardrobes?
0:38:59 > 0:39:01There are no built-in wardrobes in here.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Storage would be a mixture of other bedrooms where there are wardrobes
0:39:05 > 0:39:10- and so on.- Is there just the one bathroom?- There is. On this floor.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So it's not en suite. However, you have four bedrooms
0:39:13 > 0:39:18and the one next door, which isn't massive, you could go through there
0:39:18 > 0:39:21and put an en suite onto here and you'd end up with a very,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25very generous en suite. Plenty of room for a bath and shower.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- And dressing room.- And a dressing room. You could do that.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Let's have a look at the back garden and talk about the price, Colin.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32- How about that?- OK.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38'It's pretty clear that the house doesn't provide the space
0:39:38 > 0:39:42'our buyers were hoping for, but outside there's plenty to offer,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44'including an immaculate vegetable garden,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48'fruit trees, ponds and even a shed where they could stash some of those
0:39:48 > 0:39:51'bits and bobs they're bringing over from Spain.'
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Right, let's take advantage of this lovely bit of seating
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- and sunshine, shall we?- Yes.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02As you can see, you've got this quite heavily landscaped rear garden.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03- It's beautiful. - Lots of water features.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- This little rill runs under our feet, can you see it?- Yes.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- Follows the curve of this extraordinary seating area. - Very clever.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Let's have a think about the price, because I think
0:40:13 > 0:40:17we're all learning a lot about prices and properties here.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Helene, go on.- I think 425.- 425.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I'd have to go along with 425, purely
0:40:25 > 0:40:30because of the lack of garage and adequate parking space.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33This is on at £475,000.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Below budget at £475,000,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43this meticulously renovated stone property has a bespoke kitchen,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47a generous reception room and a separate dining room.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50There's no en suite
0:40:50 > 0:40:54but there is scope to create one by knocking through to the single room.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Outside, there's a beautifully landscaped garden, complete
0:40:57 > 0:41:00with water features and a veggie plot.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03This is nice. Look at the fruit trees.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Full of fruit.- How are we doing?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- There's more to it than meets the eye.- Love the garden.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- It is immaculate and I love that view of the house.- Yes.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16Well, we've got one more to come. It's mystery house time next.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Very exciting.- Have we saved the best for last?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21- Hope so.- We hope so.- Come on, then.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27So quite a challenging search.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28It was, and it was a real shame,
0:41:28 > 0:41:32because neither property at that stage was doing it, but I was
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- still hoping that the mystery house would come to the rescue.- Me too.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40Cos Janet and Ian had £575,000 buy, do you know, I think
0:41:40 > 0:41:42they were just really attached to London.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Do you think country life was really for them?
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Well, we needed to persuade them and the mystery house...
0:41:47 > 0:41:49It was a risky option.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54But for it to work, they had to take to it like ducks to water.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We're staying in the Cotswolds with our mystery house,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03travelling east to Howells Mere, half an hour from Swindon
0:42:03 > 0:42:05and its transport links to London.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Now, this is a very mysterious mystery house,
0:42:07 > 0:42:11so I needed to bring you here to set it up.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14This is called the Lower Mill Estate
0:42:14 > 0:42:18and it's a huge development around the Cotswold Water Park.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23Basically, it's 550 acres of nature reserve.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25One of the reasons we brought you here,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28we got the impression, actually, there's lots of things
0:42:28 > 0:42:32about living in London that you quite like and in an ideal world, you might
0:42:32 > 0:42:37like to keep the place in London, but have a country of residence as well.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39These are second homes.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42For a month a year, you have to vacate this property.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46But it does have this huge community, so behind us is the village,
0:42:46 > 0:42:51there's a shop and a spa and a swimming pool and a sauna...
0:42:51 > 0:42:54I like the sound of the spa and the swimming pool.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57So let's take our brollies and find it!
0:42:59 > 0:43:02'The mystery house is a detached lakeside property
0:43:02 > 0:43:05'of contemporary design over three floors.'
0:43:05 > 0:43:09So, this is the house I wanted to show you.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- Very nice.- It is very nice, yes.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Lots of open space, isn't there? Nice view.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Unfortunately, we're seeing it on a slightly overcast day,
0:43:19 > 0:43:22but, I mean, the whole point of this property
0:43:22 > 0:43:24is that it's got all this lovely outside space.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28You see all the balconies on the three levels.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Can't wait to have a look inside.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34'The property seems to have caught their eye on the outside,
0:43:34 > 0:43:36'but it remains to be seen if it's the house
0:43:36 > 0:43:41'or the thought of spending more time in their London flat that appeals the most.'
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Nice to be in from the chilly summer air.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Step into this lovely new space.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Yes, very nice. Very light, isn't it?
0:43:49 > 0:43:50And you get a bigger dimension of space
0:43:50 > 0:43:53cos of the window going out that way as well
0:43:53 > 0:43:56so it creates an illusion of more space than there actually is,
0:43:56 > 0:43:58even though it is quite spacious.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59You've got the big kitchen,
0:43:59 > 0:44:01lots of work surface, granite worktops,
0:44:01 > 0:44:06all the mod cons, lots of light coming in from all directions.
0:44:06 > 0:44:07Can you see yourself...?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Cos we were worried that it might not be cosy enough for you.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12Oh, yes, I could do.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14Yes, with the doors shut, the stairs are separate.
0:44:14 > 0:44:15I suppose what we're interested in
0:44:15 > 0:44:19is whether this whole idea of keeping the place in London,
0:44:19 > 0:44:22having this place as a sort of second home
0:44:22 > 0:44:24really appeals to you or would work for you.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27It does appeal, I think, yes. And it would work.
0:44:27 > 0:44:32We thought about it walking down and it does appeal to us.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36- I mean, a lot of questions to ask. - Shall we have a mosey upstairs?
0:44:39 > 0:44:42'The first floor has three double bedrooms.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45'Bedroom one comes with en-suite bathroom,
0:44:45 > 0:44:48'bedroom two has an en-suite shower room
0:44:48 > 0:44:50'and both have access to a lakeside balcony.
0:44:50 > 0:44:55'A stylish family bathroom serves the remaining bedroom on this floor
0:44:55 > 0:44:56'so they've got options here,
0:44:56 > 0:44:59'bearing in mind they're after extra living space.'
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- Very nice.- That's a cupboard to the right, I'd imagine.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09And each one has its own cupboard as well - wardrobe - built-in.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- There's the landing to go with it. - Yeah, the lovely balconies.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18- So, there's plenty of sleeping space. - Mm-hm.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22You'd probably want to change one of these into a music room or a study.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26This isn't awfully big because there aren't any bedside cabinets in at the moment.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29We'd need to buy some small ones, wouldn't we?
0:45:29 > 0:45:34- Or you could use it as a study.- Yes. - Sort of a nice room to work.
0:45:34 > 0:45:35Because I think you might...
0:45:35 > 0:45:38Well, let's have a look. The room upstairs is very impressive.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42'Up on the second floor is the master bedroom
0:45:42 > 0:45:44'with an en-suite walk-in shower room
0:45:44 > 0:45:47'and access to the wonderful roof terrace
0:45:47 > 0:45:51'where I'm going to see how accurate their valuations are.'
0:45:51 > 0:45:53Can you imagine having a barbecue out here?
0:45:53 > 0:45:54Yes, it would be lovely, wouldn't it?
0:45:54 > 0:45:57How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:45:59 > 0:46:00This is going to be difficult.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I've never seen anything like this before,
0:46:03 > 0:46:08but I think I would say £475,000.
0:46:08 > 0:46:09- OK.- I think it's lower than that.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12- I think it's near the £460,000 mark. - £460,000?
0:46:12 > 0:46:14Well, you're both quite out.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17This is actually on the market for £540,000.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19- Wow.- £540,000. Whoa!
0:46:19 > 0:46:24So, that is the price for a Cotswold Water Park second home.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28'The stylish mystery lakeside property
0:46:28 > 0:46:31'comes in under budget at £540,000
0:46:31 > 0:46:33'and gives them four bedrooms,
0:46:33 > 0:46:36'one possibly to use as Janet's piano room,
0:46:36 > 0:46:39'a spacious, open plan living area,
0:46:39 > 0:46:42'a decent-sized kitchen, a wonderful roof terrace
0:46:42 > 0:46:44'all within reasonable distance
0:46:44 > 0:46:45'to Swindon and London.'
0:46:48 > 0:46:51So, with that rather unusual offering, you guys are done.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54If you head to the car, I'll catch up with you in a second.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04So, it seems to me that the first two houses didn't quite fit the bill,
0:47:04 > 0:47:06but the mystery seemed to throw up some ideas.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08Yes, you're quite right.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11We found the mystery house a far more interesting possibility.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14What do you feel about this idea of hanging onto the London place
0:47:14 > 0:47:18and having a sort of second home, as it were, in the countryside?
0:47:18 > 0:47:20I like the idea a lot, actually, yes.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22It does suit us down to the ground, really,
0:47:22 > 0:47:26to be able to get back and enjoy theatre and restaurants
0:47:26 > 0:47:30and, of course, visit relatives as well there.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33It appeals a lot, that idea, yes.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36We really have had enough of living full-time under a flight path
0:47:36 > 0:47:37on the way to Heathrow.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40We've had enough of being in a cramped London flat all the time.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44- And traffic jams, parking runs. - And we really do want to get out.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46What do you feel happens next?
0:47:46 > 0:47:48We will be looking for something else,
0:47:48 > 0:47:50possibly, as you say, on the two lines -
0:47:50 > 0:47:54be able to keep the London flat and to move to the country as well.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57Well, I hope that we've provoked some thoughts
0:47:57 > 0:47:59in our perambulations this week
0:47:59 > 0:48:01and it's been very nice showing you around.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03Thank you very much. We've enjoyed it a lot.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Yeah, thank you very much. It's been great fun.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13I can't believe that didn't float their boat.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15It's awful when you get that sinking feeling!
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Indeed it is, but all is not lost with Colin and Helene.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Although our first two properties hadn't impressed them,
0:48:21 > 0:48:23don't forget they were retiring back to the UK,
0:48:23 > 0:48:26with a reasonable budget of £480,000,
0:48:26 > 0:48:29so I was hoping that our mystery house with a little added extra
0:48:29 > 0:48:33might finally accelerate their move.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37'For our final property we're heading 16 miles south to
0:48:37 > 0:48:39'Market Lavington.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41'Our buyers shouldn't feel isolated here
0:48:41 > 0:48:44'because our mystery house is right in the heart of the village.'
0:48:45 > 0:48:49So, what have we got for you with our mystery property?
0:48:49 > 0:48:53This used to be an old builder's yard in the heart of Market Lavington.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57- And which is it?- It's that one. It's that corner.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59It belies its real size, actually,
0:48:59 > 0:49:03because, effectively, you get all of that red bit, and you've got no
0:49:03 > 0:49:08- garage but you have got two dedicated parking spaces behind there.- OK.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11And a bit of surprise, which I'm going to keep till the end.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15- OK. Another mystery. - So, shall we?- Yes, please.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18And it really is a cracker.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20I'll reveal all at the end of the tour,
0:49:20 > 0:49:25but, first, let's look inside this semi-detached courtyard development.
0:49:25 > 0:49:27It's very different from what we've shown them
0:49:27 > 0:49:30so far, but I'm hoping that might be a good thing.
0:49:30 > 0:49:31Follow me. Here we go.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- There.- Wow.- Beautiful. - That is a "wow".
0:49:38 > 0:49:40JULES LAUGHS
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- It's the first "wow" of the week. - HELENE LAUGHS
0:49:43 > 0:49:46- Well, it is a "wow". - It is different.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49That's a beautiful kitchen.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51- This is more you, isn't it?- Yes.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53It also has a dining corner which is probably
0:49:53 > 0:49:55best viewed from over here.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58- You can configure this space how you like.- Yes, indeed.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01- Interesting, very interesting. - Very modern.
0:50:01 > 0:50:02Is this a good "interesting",
0:50:02 > 0:50:05- because I'm not sure we've had a good "interesting" yet.- Yes.
0:50:05 > 0:50:06THEY LAUGH
0:50:06 > 0:50:09- Has it got a utility room?- It does. It's off of the downstairs loo.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13- It's not massive but it does contain the washer and dryer.- Good.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Hopefully, this is painting
0:50:15 > 0:50:18- the right kind of picture. - It is, indeed.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23Right, let's continue through the hallway. Lots more to show you. Excellent.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Now, we haven't talked much about studies,
0:50:31 > 0:50:34- but this has a dedicated one. - Wow. Another "wow".
0:50:34 > 0:50:36We're stacking them up, aren't we?
0:50:36 > 0:50:40It's sort of compact as a ground plan, but because it's open plan...
0:50:41 > 0:50:45- It feels more spacious.- It does. - This works, this is good.
0:50:45 > 0:50:50- Upstairs, what have we got for you? - Let's see.- I think it gets better.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52- Good.- I'm going to stick my neck out.
0:50:52 > 0:50:53'Well, I'm delighted that Colin
0:50:53 > 0:50:57'and Helene seem taken with this contemporary open plan style.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01'Let's see if the upstairs continues to impress.'
0:51:01 > 0:51:04- Now, we have four bedrooms for you. - Good.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09There's a great big double in there with loads and loads of storage.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- That's your family bathroom. - Very nice.- Shower and bath.
0:51:15 > 0:51:19- This is one of the bedrooms that's become a dressing room.- Great.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21I thought you'd like that.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23And this is another guest room,
0:51:23 > 0:51:27- and then lastly you can see why we've been very excited...- Oh, wow.
0:51:28 > 0:51:33- ..to show you this bit.- It's gorgeous.- This is good.- Yeah? - Oh, very good.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37- Now, the en suite was an issue in our last property.- Very much so.
0:51:37 > 0:51:38Look at this one.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43Tell me what you think. It's not bad as they go.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46Gosh. Wow. That really is a "wow".
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- Must be another "wow". Fantastic. - Yeah?
0:51:49 > 0:51:52- So, we like this one, don't we? - We do indeed.
0:51:52 > 0:51:54There is a little garden to look at
0:51:54 > 0:51:57and there's that surprise I promised you.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- It gets better and better, this one. - Come on, tempter.
0:52:00 > 0:52:01JULES LAUGHS
0:52:02 > 0:52:05'It's looking like we might just have found a house with
0:52:05 > 0:52:09'the kind of style and space that really appeals to our buyers.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12'The outside is a lot more compact than the other two properties
0:52:12 > 0:52:16'they've seen, but fingers crossed it won't take the shine off it.'
0:52:16 > 0:52:20Modest garden. Well, courtyard garden, I suppose.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23But a bit of a suntrap, which is nice.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26And that's your car parking area over there.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28- Right across?- Right across.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32I did promise you a little bit of a surprise.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37- Currently, as I understand it, you are carless in the UK.- Oh, yes.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40Well, if you bought this house, you get that car as well.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42HELENE LAUGHS Wow.
0:52:42 > 0:52:47- That's a double "wow".- I don't believe you.- That's all thrown in. - Gorgeous.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51I don't think I've ever had an Escape To The Country where a car,
0:52:51 > 0:52:54let alone one like that, has been thrown in as a sweetener.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58What's it going to be for our mystery house and our sports car?
0:52:58 > 0:53:02- Colin?- I would have said it's spot on budget, 480.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- Helene?- I'd say just under five.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09Just under five? So you've upped your game a bit, haven't you?
0:53:09 > 0:53:12Well, here's the thing. He's right.
0:53:12 > 0:53:17- £480,000 for our mystery house and the motor.- That's superb.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21- Amazing.- Really is. Wonderful.
0:53:21 > 0:53:26'Bang on a budget at £480,000, our mystery house offers a contemporary
0:53:26 > 0:53:28'open plan living space that includes
0:53:28 > 0:53:31'a sleek state-of-the-art kitchen.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35'There's also a utility room, a study and four double bedrooms.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38'And let's not forget that exceedingly spacious en suite.
0:53:38 > 0:53:42'Outside there's a courtyard garden and two private parking spaces,
0:53:42 > 0:53:45'complete with a bonus sports car.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48'And its heart of the village location means Helene will be close
0:53:48 > 0:53:51'to those fitness classes she loves.'
0:53:51 > 0:53:53It's amazing, isn't it, how quickly
0:53:53 > 0:53:56- these house tours fly by really? - Yes.- Yes.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59But that's it. All three are done. That's the end of the mystery house.
0:53:59 > 0:54:03- So, I think we might have a contender.- I think we might well.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06We might, if I were a betting man, which occasionally I am.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Let's go away and have a good think about it
0:54:09 > 0:54:11- and we'll see what happens next. - Thank you very much, Jules.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19- It's been quite an eventful few days.- It certainly has.
0:54:19 > 0:54:20Certainly has.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24Despite odds that I was beginning to worry were really stacked
0:54:24 > 0:54:28against us, in terms of getting you something that was going to work.
0:54:28 > 0:54:33Well, we started off with houses that were interesting, very nice,
0:54:33 > 0:54:36very nice for certain people with certain lifestyles,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40but it just lacked one or two features that we really need.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43A traditional sense of country life clearly wasn't
0:54:43 > 0:54:46working for you in the way I perhaps had expected,
0:54:46 > 0:54:48so for our final property, our mystery house,
0:54:48 > 0:54:52- we went for something completely... - Modern country life.- ..off the board.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54Completely modern country life
0:54:54 > 0:54:57and that gained an extraordinary response.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00It was beautiful, wasn't it? Just beautiful.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04It was absolutely perfect in many, many ways.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07I liked the environment, I liked the location, I liked the security
0:55:07 > 0:55:10of the place. It was superb.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12And, of course, it came with that extraordinary
0:55:12 > 0:55:16- bonus of the sports car. - Incredible bonus.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20I don't know whether I'm ready to go back to being a boy racer
0:55:20 > 0:55:23again at my time of life, but I would have to think about it.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27- It's very, very exciting and very attractive.- Very tempting.
0:55:27 > 0:55:28Very tempting indeed.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31Clearly our mystery house is the contender,
0:55:31 > 0:55:34so my final question, really, is what happens next?
0:55:34 > 0:55:36Can you take it forward?
0:55:36 > 0:55:40Have you fallen in love with it enough to make it your new home?
0:55:40 > 0:55:44- We're going to discuss it. - We've got to talk a lot, obviously.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48- In terms of this move, it is a massive relocation.- Indeed.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53At our time of life, it's got to be our last, has it not?
0:55:53 > 0:55:54We've got to get it right.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57But I suppose it's been quite revealing in terms
0:55:57 > 0:56:01- of the kind of property market here and the price that things go for. - Yes.
0:56:01 > 0:56:06We've obviously been out of touch with prices in the UK
0:56:06 > 0:56:08and certainly in the area.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11We've got a fair idea now what the property market is here.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15Well, it does put everything into context.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18But I am delighted that the mystery house is of interest to you.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20I'm crossing everything that these discussions
0:56:20 > 0:56:23and deliberations that will go on for the next few days
0:56:23 > 0:56:26are going to deliver the kind of answer you're hoping for.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30- Who knows?- Well, let us know how you get on.- We will indeed.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32And we look forward to hearing from you.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34Let's face it, you wanted to be in Wiltshire.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36When you look across that landscape on a day like this,
0:56:36 > 0:56:40- why wouldn't you want to call this place home?- True.- Been a pleasure.
0:56:40 > 0:56:41- Best of luck.- Thank you very much.
0:56:43 > 0:56:47A house that comes with a sports car - now I have seen it all.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49It was a first for me, I have to tell you.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52But what about Ian and Janet, how did they get on?
0:56:52 > 0:56:55It was interesting because I think they so were looking forward
0:56:55 > 0:56:59to this rural dream, but they were very tied to the London life as well.
0:56:59 > 0:57:03It's very interesting - when you're thinking of moving into the countryside from a big city,
0:57:03 > 0:57:05it's all very romantic,
0:57:05 > 0:57:08but, actually, getting out there in the field makes a big difference.
0:57:08 > 0:57:13I think that is great advice for anybody thinking of a rural life, actually.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15If you're not used to it, go and rent a cottage for a week,
0:57:15 > 0:57:18two weeks, three weeks, a month - as long as you can.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Immerse yourself in the area and get used to it -
0:57:20 > 0:57:23check out the local amenities, the doctors, the shops.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26Beware of the holiday romance.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30We all want to move to places we've been to for a week, but, actually, what's it like in reality?
0:57:30 > 0:57:33It sounds harsh, but you have to acid-test your dreams.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37In a busy city, you really might think you want to live at the bottom of a lane
0:57:37 > 0:57:40with no-one for miles, but the reality might be quite unsettling.
0:57:40 > 0:57:44I think that sense of isolation can catch people unawares.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47Well, that's it from us and Wiltshire,
0:57:47 > 0:57:50so join us next time on Escape To The Country.
0:57:50 > 0:57:51See you then.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56Janet and Ian did finally find a property in the village
0:57:56 > 0:57:59of South Marsden and have already moved in.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02Whereas Colin and Helene moved their focus to Suffolk
0:58:02 > 0:58:05where their budget stretched further.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:58:09 > 0:58:12Northern Ireland or England, or even perhaps further afield,
0:58:12 > 0:58:16to the Continent, and need our help, please apply online at...