0:00:02 > 0:00:07Today I'm in a county that lured the Georgians and Victorians in their thousands,
0:00:07 > 0:00:13all seeking the medicinal qualities of its spring water. But these days they boast there's nothing in it.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17So where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:34 > 0:00:41Today we're helping two prospective grandparents swap the bustle of urban life for the countryside
0:00:41 > 0:00:44and they're not easily pleased.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- It's not blowing you away, is it? - Not yet, no, sorry.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Although we do surprise them.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Welcome to your master bedroom.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Wow.
0:00:58 > 0:01:05I'm in Worcestershire and this is just one of over 100 springs to be found in the Malvern hills area.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09These waters became popular with Georgians and Victorians alike.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13These days, it's famed for having nothing in it.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18The granite from these hills leaves almost no mineral traces at all.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24The spring water here in Malvern is said to be the first water ever bottled in this country,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28back in 1622. After a hard hike through these hills,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32I don't think you could get a better drop to drink.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Landlocked Worcestershire is bordered by five counties
0:01:37 > 0:01:43including Herefordshire to the west, Shropshire to the north and Warwickshire to the east.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48In the west of the county lie the imposing Malvern hills, ever popular with walkers
0:01:48 > 0:01:54and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The middle of the county holds the Vale of Evesham
0:01:54 > 0:02:01with its vast areas of orchards producing apples, pears and, most famously, plums.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Further south are the glorious Cotswolds, a favourite for tourists
0:02:05 > 0:02:12due to the incredible countryside and picturesque villages, such as Broadway, with its honey stone.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Head to Broadway Tower for some of the best views.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's claimed that 16 counties can be seen from this vantage.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27With its vast array of countryside and excellent links to Bristol and Birmingham,
0:02:27 > 0:02:33the average detached house here in Worcestershire carries a price tag of £260,000.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37That's just £2,000 above the national figure,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40making this area well worth a look.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44One of the most sought after regions is the Cotswolds in the south.
0:02:44 > 0:02:50In villages such as Broadway, you can expect to pay 40% more for your property,
0:02:50 > 0:02:57but don't be put off by that Cotswolds premium. If you travel west towards the Hereford border,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01in areas such as Teme Valley and Bromyard, you'll find you get more.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06But whatever you're looking for - Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10picturesque villages, excellent walks - Worcestershire has it all.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15But what is it about this county that's luring in today's buyers?
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Let's meet them to find out.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22For the past 23 years, Brian and Anne-Marie have lived in Solihull, West Midlands,
0:03:22 > 0:03:30but since Brian's recent retirement, it's time to move out to the country to be closer to their daughters,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Hayley and Amanda.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36The girls have just bought a property in Malvern Link.
0:03:36 > 0:03:44We don't need to live right next door to them, but we'd like to be within 30 minutes of them, maybe further.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50I firmly believe that home is where the heart is and our girls are really precious to us,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53so we want to be close.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58A special event on the horizon adds an extra incentive for Brian and Anne-Marie to pack their bags.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Amanda, our youngest, is having a baby in May this year.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07Our eldest now lives down there as well. That's where we need to be.
0:04:07 > 0:04:13Family ties are very important, as life hasn't always been plain sailing.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Hayley, our eldest daughter, is 28. She was born with Apert Syndrome,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22and so we've been through a fair bit. Well, as has she.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26She moved down to Worcester to be with Amanda,
0:04:26 > 0:04:31our other daughter, and they are now buying a house together.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37So the house they're buying has an annex attached that Hayley's going to be moving into.
0:04:37 > 0:04:45- If we can be in that locality, they can come round to us, us to them.- And spoil our grandchild!
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Also high on their wish list is a good-sized kitchen for ex-chef Brian
0:04:50 > 0:04:56and a dining area large enough to accommodate their love of entertaining.
0:04:56 > 0:05:03I really do love cooking. That is my passion. I go to bed thinking about it and dream recipes up.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08I think, "That would be nice..." I know it's a bit sad,
0:05:08 > 0:05:15but I really do love it. We do a lot of entertaining. Lots of friends come round and we do the cooking.
0:05:15 > 0:05:21He absolutely loves all the detail that goes with it. He will be all day in the kitchen.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27However, their entertaining isn't limited to home. Their other passion is their narrowboat,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31perfect for cruising Worcestershire's scenic canals.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37I had it built because we were looking for an apartment or something to go for holidays.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40We'd like to use it as a bolthole at weekends.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- Just sit on the boat and... - Have a glass of wine.- Or two!
0:05:45 > 0:05:53One of the longer-term plans we've got with that, when the girls settle and our grandchild has some routine,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57we want to explore the UK by boat.
0:05:57 > 0:06:04Relocating to the country also gives them the opportunity to jump on Brian's motorbike to explore.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09And there is one final ingredient key to their move to the country.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- We want to hear birdsong, not traffic.- I think we'll know when we walk in.- We will.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- To say, "This is it."- As long as we can both see the potential.
0:06:19 > 0:06:26Fortunately, we've both got very similar tastes, so we rarely disagree on decor or something like that.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- Not yet! - All that's left to discover are the finances for their rural escape.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36If we found the right views, the right location, right property,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40then our budget will be £300,000.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48Brian and Anne-Marie would like us to concentrate in the west of Worcestershire
0:06:48 > 0:06:52within reasonable distance of their daughters in Great Malvern.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57'I met up with them on local soil to find out what they're looking for.'
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Welcome to Worcestershire.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04I can't imagine why you want to move here(!) Sun's shining, blue sky...
0:07:04 > 0:07:09Now your two girls moved to Malvern and you're keen to be quite close,
0:07:09 > 0:07:14but is it just the Malvern area or are you prepared to spread the net?
0:07:14 > 0:07:20As long as it's not too far away. Within half an hour, 40 minutes, we can manage that.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24So what ideally are we looking for? How many bedrooms?
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- At least three.- Yes.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31It needs a garage or the ability to build one for Brian's motorbike.
0:07:31 > 0:07:38And we would love to have a big kitchen/diner, but if that's not there, the ability to do that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:45So with this all-important search we've got to talk money. How much have we got to play with?
0:07:45 > 0:07:53- You've got a maximum of £310,000. - We've found you three properties. One is our mystery house.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Shall we get going?- Yep. - Great. Come on.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02For a budget of £310,000, Brian and Anne-Marie are looking for at least three bedrooms,
0:08:02 > 0:08:08a large kitchen, a good-sized dining room to indulge their love of entertaining,
0:08:08 > 0:08:13a garage for Brian's motorbike, rural peace and quiet,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16but most important is the proximity to their daughters,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20so no more than a 45-minute drive from Great Malvern.
0:08:20 > 0:08:27We have a variety of properties and at each one I'll ask them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33The last will be a mystery house that may not offer what they want, but could leave them speechless.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37But first we're heading to house number one.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41So what adventures are you going to come up with here?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Just like we did when we used to go travelling on the back of the bike.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49We'll see where the road takes us and enjoy whatever it gives us.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- We used to take off for 2-3 weeks. - All unscripted. Never knew where we'd end up.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00We're at a crossroads in our lives now. Work doesn't have to take priority.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06- A positive change of priorities. - Absolutely. Getting the balance right. And this feels perfect.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14We're starting our property search in the village of Callow End,
0:09:14 > 0:09:20five miles south of Worcester and 15 minutes' drive from Great Malvern.
0:09:20 > 0:09:27Set in the rural countryside in the shadow of the Malvern hills, it has a Post Office and general store.
0:09:27 > 0:09:34Before we visit the first house, We meet local stonemason and Callow End resident Steve Callard
0:09:34 > 0:09:37for the local's eye view.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43Hi, Steve. Good to meet you. This is the village where you first house is.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49- Steve's been a resident here for how many years?- 48 years. - That's put you on the spot!- It has.
0:09:49 > 0:09:57For someone thinking of moving to the area, what could you tell us about the village?
0:09:57 > 0:10:01It's just a really nice community spirit.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03We've got two local pubs.
0:10:03 > 0:10:10- Always a good start! Next door, is that a social club?- Yeah. With live music.
0:10:10 > 0:10:16- And you've got the old hills on the doorstep for the walks. - How far are you from Malvern Link?
0:10:16 > 0:10:22- About three miles.- Wow. Well, Steve, thanks. You might be looking at your future neighbours.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Thank you. - Best of luck with your search.
0:10:26 > 0:10:33Our first offering is a unique detached cottage which provides the quiet country location
0:10:33 > 0:10:35with bags of distinctive character.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42So your first property. Here we are in Callow End.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- And we're showing you a cottage to start off with.- OK.
0:10:46 > 0:10:53The cottage dates back to about 1780, although 70 years ago an extension was put on the back.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- OK.- Very different?- It is different, actually.- It's very nice.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- So with that in mind, shall we start?- Yes, please.- Let's go.
0:11:03 > 0:11:10'With a somewhat muted first impression, we head inside to the lower ground floor.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14'I'm unsure how they're going to react to the split-level interior,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18'which is quite a departure from what they are used to.'
0:11:18 > 0:11:22So you enter this cottage through a boot room, a downstairs cloakroom.
0:11:22 > 0:11:28And then on this level you've got a conservatory - perfect in the summer months.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33And the kitchen/dining area, well, it's semi-open plan.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- You've got that huge mirror.- Lovely. - It makes great use of the light.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Let's go into the kitchen. You can tell me what you think.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46I know you were quite keen about having a kitchen/diner.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50How did you feel about having that dining room semi-open plan?
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- It's OK.- I think our table would fit in there, but only just. It's slightly bigger than that one.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- This is not a huge-size kitchen, but it's perfectly formed.- Yeah. - It's nice.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Anne-Marie more cautious. It's not blowing you away, is it?- No, sorry.
0:12:05 > 0:12:12- It does feel very different having a kitchen, dining table, but no reception/sitting room.- Yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18- It's changing that mindset. Let's see if we can convince you as we go up the stairs.- OK.
0:12:18 > 0:12:26'Anne-Marie and Brian love to entertain, so their response here isn't the best of starts,
0:12:26 > 0:12:32- 'but as we head upstairs to the ground floor, I've got a surprise for them.'- Ah!
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Here it is.- That's different.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42- I'm just not getting the open feel, but it is lovely and quiet. - Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:48Well, let's continue anyway. I'll show you the master bedroom up this staircase.
0:12:50 > 0:12:57So on this floor, because there are different levels and floors to this cottage,
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- nothing is as it seems. You've got the master bedroom and the guest bedroom next door.- OK.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08- It doesn't have an en suite.- Nope. - And there isn't a bathroom on this level.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15- How does it work for you in terms of size?- It's more than we've currently got, quite considerably.
0:13:15 > 0:13:22It is a cottage, it is quirky. it's got so much character. It's like a magical mystery tour.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28'Off the sitting room is a second staircase leading to a third bedroom
0:13:28 > 0:13:33'and a tastefully decorated family bathroom, including a stylish roll-top bath.
0:13:33 > 0:13:40'All that's left to see is the outside space, with the majority of the garden lying to the front
0:13:40 > 0:13:44'and to the rear a decked area complete with babbling brook.'
0:13:45 > 0:13:51- I can see you two both sitting out here with a glass of wine in the evenings.- Nice little area,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- especially with the railing and the little brook.- Yeah.
0:13:55 > 0:14:02- OK, well...- I like the outside area. - We've heard the comments inside and size is a big part of that,
0:14:02 > 0:14:08but, even so, I'm going to ask you how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:14:09 > 0:14:15Em...I think it's going to be around about 270.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Yeah, I'm going to go higher. I'll say 285.
0:14:19 > 0:14:26You're both under the asking price. They're asking for offers in the region of £300,000.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- OK.- I think that's finally decided it then!- It's a great cottage. - It is lovely.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38It just isn't right for you two, is it, unfortunately? Just not big enough! Right, off you go.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45Within budget at £300,000, this 18th-century split-level cottage
0:14:45 > 0:14:49is only a 15-minute drive from their daughters
0:14:49 > 0:14:55and includes three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, dining room and a garage.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00It looks great. I just think the size just wasn't going to suit when we walked in.
0:15:00 > 0:15:07My first thought was that I could see it was quite small. And it's a bit like a Tardis inside.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10It goes off in different directions, but overall it is too small.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Unfortunately, I don't think it is the one for us.
0:15:13 > 0:15:19Well, how did we get on, guys? I don't think I've secured a sale for this property,
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- but worth a second look?- Definitely. It's beautiful.- Really nice inside.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- I just don't think it's right for us. It's just too small.- Well, let's keep those energy levels up.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- I've got another house to show you. - Good.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Flowing through the heart of Worcestershire are the Droitwich canals,
0:15:41 > 0:15:48an important part of the county's industrial heritage. With their desire to explore the waterways
0:15:48 > 0:15:54we took them to meet Lucy Bowles, the national volunteer co-ordinator for the Canals and Rivers Trust,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58to learn about the continued importance of these water courses.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- Hi. I'm Lucy.- I'm Brian. - I'm Anne-Marie.- Hi! Good to meet you.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07With the advent of the railways, the canals went into sharp decline
0:16:07 > 0:16:12and the last boat came through in the mid-1920s, but after years of hard work,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16the waterways have been restored to their former glory.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- What were these canals used for originally?- Predominantly, the salt industry.
0:16:22 > 0:16:28The canal flows through one of the main areas, Vines Park, where a lot of the brine pits were.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34The salt was in the water and in the ground. It was mainly about getting it out to ports
0:16:34 > 0:16:41like Bristol and then this canal linked up with Birmingham and all the industry of Birmingham
0:16:41 > 0:16:47- and all the products that brought. - When did the restoration start? - It started with some real momentum
0:16:47 > 0:16:51in the '70s and just built up.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55The Canal Trust, the local Droitwich trust, was formed in '76.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- It took just over 30 years to do it. - Wow.- That included building new locks
0:16:59 > 0:17:05and also restoring and repairing and a lot of dredging. Volunteers here have carried on,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08post the restoration.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- The work's changed a little bit. We're mot doing as much building. - It's maintenance.- Yeah.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- It's about looking after and making the most of what we've got now.- OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:24Without the continued efforts of volunteers, the canals would once again slide into disrepair.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30- What are we going to do today? - We've got some of our regular volunteer group here today.
0:17:30 > 0:17:38They're undertaking what we do on a regular basis - grease and oil the locks, make sure it's tightened.
0:17:38 > 0:17:45- It's quite a nice place to see the progression of different activities you can get involved in.- Brilliant.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Part of the regular maintenance is to grease the paddles well
0:17:50 > 0:17:56and make sure that everything's operating properly. If you need a bit of a hand there...
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Drop it down again.- And we have some hedge laying or tree planting.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- So all of these have got to be done? - Yeah.- All the way round.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10We start at one end and work our way through to the barge canal as well.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Thanks for all your time. - My pleasure. Thanks for your help!
0:18:14 > 0:18:20- Thank you very much, Lucy. It's been wonderful.- Best of luck! Bye-bye!
0:18:21 > 0:18:27The canals have given Brian and Anne-Marie an alternative view of the Worcestershire countryside,
0:18:27 > 0:18:33as well as a few tips for their next voyage. But for now we're leaving the canals behind
0:18:33 > 0:18:35to continue our property search.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47For our second offering, we've taken a gamble and hopped over the border into Shropshire
0:18:47 > 0:18:51and the village of Stottesdon. It's 13 miles west of Kidderminster,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55but close to an hour's drive from Great Malvern.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01The village has a number of services and central to this rural retreat is the public house,
0:19:01 > 0:19:07a historic inn that serves as a hub for the local community. Its adjoining store offers provisions
0:19:07 > 0:19:12and fresh local produce. Our second house is a modern detached property,
0:19:12 > 0:19:17surrounded by idyllic countryside views, and is a short walk from the pub.
0:19:17 > 0:19:24So you might have guessed, we have crossed the border and this is our second property.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26OK. Interesting.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- Hmm.- Hmm? Am I going to get any more out of you?- Not yet, no!
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- It's the contrast to the first property, isn't it?- It sure is.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Just over 20 years old, but this really is in a rural location.
0:19:40 > 0:19:48The good news is I can see a garage and that does make you happy, doesn't it?
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- I just want to go in now. - On your word, we will! Come on.
0:19:52 > 0:19:59'With promising first impressions, I'm hoping this more conventional property will offer the space
0:19:59 > 0:20:03'for entertaining that Brian and Anne-Marie are searching for.'
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- So let's start the tour with the sitting room.- Mmmm.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- I like the fire.- Right. - And the fireplace.
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- The fire's a multi-fuel burner.- OK. - I like that.- So coal and wood.- OK.
0:20:17 > 0:20:24- It's nice.- How many likes have I just heard? I'm getting a very different reaction.- Yeah.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- There's a feeling of space in here. - Yes.- And on that high note, we will continue.- OK.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37So here's your dining room for all your entertaining.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Which leads you through...
0:20:42 > 0:20:45I've lost you in the dining room!
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Yes, which is big enough for our dining table.- I'm liking this.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- Is that another like? - It is. It's quite light, airy.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- Nice space.- Yeah, it is. - Feeds nicely into here.
0:20:57 > 0:21:05- We're thinking how social you are as a couple.- It's a massive conservatory.- It is big, yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- This is nice. It's in the garden without being in the cold, as we were.- Yes.
0:21:10 > 0:21:17- Would you like to see the kitchen next?- Yes, please.- Would be nice. - See if you're going to be happy.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22'So far, so good, but can the kitchen deliver?'
0:21:23 > 0:21:24So...
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- Our all-important kitchen. - Mm.- OK.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- And the view...!- Well, I'm not going to say anything.- That's a wow.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I love that view.
0:21:37 > 0:21:44- It's a good-sized kitchen.- Yeah. - It is.- So it seems the downstairs of the property
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- is really hitting the spot for you both.- Yep.- Shall we see what you think about upstairs?- Yes.- OK.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55'The views provide us with our first "wow" of the day,
0:21:55 > 0:22:00'so let's see if the four bedrooms upstairs can keep the feelgood factor going.'
0:22:00 > 0:22:05So we have four double bedrooms with this property.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09One's being used as a study, but this is the master.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- And wow.- The views. - Look at the view.- Good views.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Mm, that's lovely.- And...
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Very nice.- An en suite.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- Yes. I like that.- Very nice. - A nice big shower.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- It's good.- Yes, I like it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:34- It's not as big as our bedroom. - No, but everything would fit. - And you can't have everything.- No.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39I'll let you explore the other double bedrooms on your own. I want to take you outside.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45It's going to get a bit messy. We'll talk about money and you can tell me what you think it's worth.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- OK.- OK. After you.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53'Two of the three remaining bedrooms also benefit from the stunning view of the Clee hills.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59'The third is currently used as a study and they all share a good-sized contemporary bathroom.'
0:23:01 > 0:23:06How do you fancy living in Shropshire, just over the border?
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- It's...it's beautiful.- Yeah, it is.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- We asked you for a view and you've provided that.- Location's good.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18I think it's worth that journey slightly further away from Malvern
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- just to get, hopefully, a little bit more for your money.- Yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:30- But let's see. Do you? - I think it's going to be... just over our budget. 320.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34I'm going to say it's...315.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40You're going to be annoyed because she's right! It is £315,000.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- OK.- OK.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44It's definitely a strong contender.
0:23:44 > 0:23:51- It is.- Well, hopefully, we might be able to help you a little bit more.- OK.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Because your top budget is £310,000.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01- Yeah.- We've already spoken to the vendor before you saw the property and explained that was your budget
0:24:01 > 0:24:08and they've agreed to accept it if you put an offer in. So for you the asking price is £310,000.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13I think we need to sleep on that one and have a little think.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- Do you want another look? - I'd love to!- How did I know that?
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Have another look around and then I'll drag you home.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Off you go.- Thank you.- Enjoy!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Well, I think I'm as excited as they are about this property.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34It really does seem to fit everything they want with this move.
0:24:34 > 0:24:40And with that view behind me - look at all that sunshine - it's got to be perfect, hasn't it?
0:24:41 > 0:24:48On the market for £315,000, this modern property has almost everything they asked for.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52A large reception and dining room, a good-size kitchen,
0:24:52 > 0:24:58stunning countryside views and a garage for Brian's pride and joy.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04- This would be a guest room.- Yeah. - We couldn't be the only with that view. We'd have to share it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- If you insist.- Yeah.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12I loved it. The lounge was a great size. The kitchen works. Yeah, OK.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I loved it. Really, really nice.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20The house has got a feel about it and it's a very nice feel, comfortable.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22I think I'd be happy here.
0:25:24 > 0:25:31When I couldn't find you two in the house, I should have guessed you'd be here. Take that home.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- We've finished today on a real high, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- You've got lots to think about. - We have.- Right. Time to hit the road.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- OK.- OK.
0:25:48 > 0:25:55It's the second day of our property search in Worcestershire with Brian and Anne-Marie,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59who have £310,000 to spend on their perfect home.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Coming up, our mystery house springs more than one surprise.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- You didn't tell me about that! - All will be revealed.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14And I discover a property for sale that's hosted royalty.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Yesterday we showed Brian and Anne-Marie two properties
0:26:20 > 0:26:24and discovered what they like and what they really don't like.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29The first home, that old, quirky cottage with bags of character,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31neither of them liked it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36But the second house, more in keeping with their current home,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39a modern property, hit the spot.
0:26:39 > 0:26:46Today it's time for our mystery house. A little bit of old, a little bit of new. Let's see how we get on.
0:26:47 > 0:26:54We're taking a risk with our mystery house by offering a two-bedroom property that'll give them
0:26:54 > 0:27:01nine neighbours on their doorstep, but with the extra space and quiet that they desire.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04On our way to the mystery house. Any thoughts on what you might see?
0:27:04 > 0:27:10- It's either going to be a barn conversion...- Right.- Semi-detached.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15- Or a project.- Wouldn't it be great if it was all three rolled into one?
0:27:21 > 0:27:27Our mystery house lies near the market town of Tenbury Wells, in the picturesque Teme Valley,
0:27:27 > 0:27:3245 minutes from Great Malvern. In the very north-west of the county,
0:27:32 > 0:27:40this small and ancient market town sits on the River Teme and provides a variety of independent stores,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44restaurants, pubs and even its own organic bakery.
0:27:44 > 0:27:50Primarily unspoiled farming country, it's a good area for them to explore on two wheels.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56Around six miles to the east is our mystery house, a two-bedroom conversion
0:27:56 > 0:28:01in the heart of the glorious Teme Valley countryside with views to die for.
0:28:03 > 0:28:10- So we're surrounded 360 by views. - Uh-huh.- If I can drag you away from the view,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15here is your mystery house. Or should I say oast house?
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- Yeah.- OK.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23- Built in 1880, it's believed to be the biggest oast house in Europe.- Really?
0:28:23 > 0:28:30- Wow.- Divided up into ten properties in total. Is this a good start? - I want to see inside.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- I like the outside very much. - The lady has spoken. In we go.- OK.
0:28:35 > 0:28:41'If first impressions are anything to go by, then we could be on to a winner already,
0:28:41 > 0:28:46'especially if this property, situated in the left corner, delivers the space they need
0:28:46 > 0:28:53'over its three floors. The decent-sized reception hall leads us to their major essential.'
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- So I think we'll start off... with the kitchen.- Wow.- OK.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- That's a kitchen. A big kitchen. - I think I could manage!
0:29:06 > 0:29:13- And...for the entertaining, when you have all your friends come to stay.- That would be fine.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17And you've got a utility room next door.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- Right, shall we continue then? - Yes, please. - We're going to go upstairs.- OK.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27'With a "wow" under our belts, it's upstairs we go.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31'The configuration doesn't follow convention.'
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- So on the first floor you've got a toilet and shower room.- Mm-hm.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Guest bedroom.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- And how's this for a sitting room? - Wow.- It's big.
0:29:42 > 0:29:48- It's humungous. - And exceptionally warm. - Look at the fire in the wall.
0:29:48 > 0:29:54- It's a nice big room.- It is. Big enough for a piano, big enough for parties.
0:29:54 > 0:30:00- So far, so good! - "Don't count your chickens," that's what you're saying to me, isn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:06- There will be a sting in the tail somewhere.- No, no sting. Right, follow me, please.
0:30:06 > 0:30:13- 'A small "wow" from Brian and there's still more mystery to reveal upstairs.'- Oh, wow!
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- You like this bit, don't you? - I absolutely love that.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- OK.- Storage.- Oh... - Every lady's dream.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25And then...
0:30:25 > 0:30:28welcome to your master bedroom.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Wow!
0:30:31 > 0:30:33It's huge!
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- It's massive. - I wanted a balcony.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40You have your Juliet balcony.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44You didn't tell me about that!
0:30:44 > 0:30:47All will be revealed.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53- I am going to ask you to walk over and take a look through that window. - OK, no problem at all.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- Oh, fabulous. Look at the view! - What do you think?
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Love it.- Good views. - And then...
0:31:01 > 0:31:06- I'm forgetting I'm in a bedroom. This is too big.- Massive.- Huge.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12- Has anybody ever had a bedroom cum dining room?- Oh, my goodness! Look at this, Brian. Wow.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17- Do we like it? - We like it very, very much. - Nothing to do here.- We love it!
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- There's nothing to do here. - Absolutely not.
0:31:21 > 0:31:27- And there's just that little bit more to show you.- Is there? - Another flight of stairs.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Where on earth can that go?
0:31:40 > 0:31:47So you wanted a study area away from everything, somewhere you can collect your thoughts,
0:31:47 > 0:31:52put all your stuff. And, in a few years' time, grandchildren.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- Yes!- When they come and stay with Grandma and Granddad.- Absolutely.
0:31:57 > 0:32:04- So how is the mystery house doing so far?- I'd say, currently, it's exceeding expectations.- Yes.
0:32:04 > 0:32:11'The property also comes complete with the desired garage, plus three parking spaces,
0:32:11 > 0:32:19'so after a succession of wows the house tour is over, but I still have one more surprise up my sleeve.'
0:32:20 > 0:32:24So I've brought you back to this spot to look at the oast house
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- and see how it's nestled in this amazing valley.- Yeah.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34All in all, as a package in the country, how does it feel? Everything you want?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- Yes.- I've got my fingers crossed. - It is everything.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43- It covers the bases. - Where we are standing now comes with the house.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46OK.
0:32:46 > 0:32:52The stable block just down the hill and these two acres, divided into two paddocks...
0:32:52 > 0:32:59- You're having a laugh!- ..comes with the house. Now that I've added that little nugget to the mix...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- OK.- We've got to talk money.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07I'd say 350.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I think...325.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Interesting. Well,
0:33:14 > 0:33:19you are both...over the asking price.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- You're joking. - £295,000.- Flippin' heck!
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- OK.- That is amazing.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32I am genuinely flabbergasted and extremely excited.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38- That's good.- Thank you. - I'm so pleased! I'm absolutely delighted.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44- Yes.- Why don't you go back down the hill, have a quick look at the stable block and look around.
0:33:44 > 0:33:50- And I'll try to drag you away probably in a few hours!- Yes! - After you.- Thank you very much.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53I'm so pleased!
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Under budget at £295,000,
0:33:55 > 0:34:00our mystery oast house gives them a mix of the old and the new,
0:34:00 > 0:34:04including a large kitchen/diner, a massive master bedroom,
0:34:04 > 0:34:10garage, stable block and land and the gorgeous, panoramic views of the Teme Valley.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12What do you think?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14I think...I wasn't expecting that.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15No.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18'I've often looked at oast houses'
0:34:18 > 0:34:22from a distance and thought, "How beautiful are they!"
0:34:22 > 0:34:30I was actually really excited. It is the biggest kitchen I have seen for a long time.
0:34:30 > 0:34:37And Brian would be in his element here. It's lovely. I can't say enough. It's a big wow. A wow house.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41I think surprise is probably a bit of an understatement, actually.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46We weren't expecting it, you know. You think about the mystery house.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52And you think, yeah, it's going to really test us, and perhaps it'll not be this or we'll not like that,
0:34:52 > 0:34:57but it's been brilliant. It's saved the best until last, really. Fantastic.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04I knew I'd find you two up here. Have you seen enough now?
0:35:04 > 0:35:10- No, we want to see it again. - I think we should go somewhere quiet, have a chat,
0:35:10 > 0:35:16and you can tell us if you thought we got close to finding you your perfect home. Fingers crossed!
0:35:26 > 0:35:31So we've shown Brian and Anne-Marie three stunning properties,
0:35:31 > 0:35:38but there are plenty more for you to choose from if Worcestershire's countryside seems ideal for you.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43For a lower budget, hillside cottages in the Malverns are worth a look
0:35:43 > 0:35:48with three-bedroom conversions starting at around £250,000.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53With a little more to spend, four-bedroom refurbished village cottages, combining old and new,
0:35:53 > 0:36:00with feature timbers and exposed ceilings, can command in the region of £495,000.
0:36:00 > 0:36:08And if you hanker after equestrian pursuits, many village homes in the Malverns have paddocks and stables
0:36:08 > 0:36:14and with five bedrooms they carry a starting price of around £695,000.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Scenic Worcestershire may offer a swathe of gorgeous countryside,
0:36:23 > 0:36:31but it also offers more than its fair share of historic buildings with fascinating tales to tell.
0:36:31 > 0:36:37I've come to Hartlebury Castle, once a Royalist garrison and bishop's residence, to meet Robert Greenwood,
0:36:37 > 0:36:44a trustee of the preservation society that's trying to buy this historic site and its treasures.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49Well, Robert, lovely to meet you. We're standing by this very impressive building.
0:36:49 > 0:36:57- Tell me more about Hartlebury Castle.- It belonged to the Bishops of Worcester since 860.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00We had our first royal visitor in 1283
0:37:00 > 0:37:08when Edward I stayed here. The church commissioners decided they didn't want to retain this castle
0:37:08 > 0:37:12as a bishop's residence so they put it on the market.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17It's hard to believe such an impressive building is for sale.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22- Is it possible to have a little tour?- Of course. Please do come in. - Great.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28'The preservation society is hoping to raise the £4.5 million necessary
0:37:28 > 0:37:33'for the purchase, repair and conservation work required to open this historic treasure
0:37:33 > 0:37:36'for all to enjoy.'
0:37:36 > 0:37:38My goodness!
0:37:40 > 0:37:46- Do you like this? - It's so impressive. It reminds me of a banqueting hall.
0:37:46 > 0:37:52- We're now in the oldest part of the current castle. This dates from about 1440.- Wow.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56Originally, this room would have stood by itself, the great hall.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- So everything happened in this one room?- The bishop, his staff, his followers would all eat,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- sleep and live here.- My goodness.
0:38:04 > 0:38:10What was the first thing you thought of? Why club together to form this preservation trust?
0:38:10 > 0:38:14We wanted to save and to share the castle with everybody.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19We wanted to create opportunities for learning, opportunities for study,
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- we wanted to save and retain the Hurd library here.- That was the first thing?- Most important to us.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30- Is it possible to have a look? - Of course it is.- Great.
0:38:30 > 0:38:36'The Hurd library was built in 1782 by Richard Hurd, Bishop of Worcester,
0:38:36 > 0:38:42'for his collection of books, and is thought one of the most beautiful library rooms in the country.'
0:38:42 > 0:38:48- It certainly is an impressive collection of books. These all belonged to Bishop Hurd?- Yes.
0:38:48 > 0:38:53- There's about 5,000 books here. - So how old is this library? - 230 years.
0:38:53 > 0:38:59- And it hasn't changed?- It hasn't. - So did he invite all his noble friends and dignitaries to come
0:38:59 > 0:39:05- and look at his library?- One set of visitors was King George III and Queen Charlotte.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07They came here for breakfast.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13- Did they?- They took breakfast in this bay window. - Right here?- Right here.
0:39:13 > 0:39:19- Here's a contemporary record of that breakfast.- The royal visit? - This is the royal visit
0:39:19 > 0:39:25where "a breakfast of tea, coffee, chocolate, fruit and jellies was readily prepared,
0:39:25 > 0:39:32- "which the royal visitors partook of and were waited on by the Bishop." - My goodness.- Isn't that lovely?
0:39:32 > 0:39:38- And what about this little book? - This was given to Alexander Pope by Jonathan Swift.
0:39:38 > 0:39:45- As in Gulliver's Travels? - That's right. That book is absolutely unique.- Is that 1714?
0:39:45 > 0:39:51- 1714.- My goodness. I would think Bishop Hurd would be delighted that it's still being appreciated
0:39:51 > 0:39:58- so many years later.- I'm sure he would love it.- We wish you all the best with the trust
0:39:58 > 0:40:03with acquiring the castle and this magnificent collection. Thank you very much.
0:40:03 > 0:40:10I do hope Robert and the trust are successful in their bid to capture this glorious castle,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14to preserve its heritage for future generations.
0:40:14 > 0:40:21So we've shown Brian and Anne-Marie our three Worcestershire properties. Well, one was just in Shropshire.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25But how did we get on? I know we got a definite no,
0:40:25 > 0:40:30I think we got a maybe, but we're after a resounding yes.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Let's hear what they have to say.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41You gave us quite a broad remit, really. You didn't mind old, you didn't mind new.
0:40:41 > 0:40:47So our mystery house - we're sometimes a little bit wary about what we'll show them.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52But with this house, it was something completely different.
0:40:52 > 0:41:00I am a sceptical person and from the day we embarked on this, though we did ask for your help,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04I never, ever thought you'd be able to come up trumps like you have.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10The first property we needed to see inside it to know it was too small.
0:41:10 > 0:41:17The second one was right in so many aspects, but not front and back, if that makes any sense at all.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21I think the oast house, that was spot on.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26But if you'd said, "We're going to put you in a property in a big building
0:41:26 > 0:41:32- "with nine neighbours very close," we would have said...- No. - "Why are you doing that?"
0:41:32 > 0:41:38I don't think we would have found that house because we would never have looked for anything
0:41:38 > 0:41:45- in such close proximity with nine other people.- So, I can't wait to ask, where does that leave us?
0:41:45 > 0:41:51- That's an interesting question. - We know where it leaves us. We're going back for another viewing
0:41:51 > 0:41:55and we'll take the girls and do it quite quickly
0:41:55 > 0:42:02- because, thank you, I think you've found us our dream home. - I can't tell you how happy I am.
0:42:02 > 0:42:08- We'll be looking to put an offer in after the second view.- So pleased. - So are we. Thank you.
0:42:08 > 0:42:14- I hope your girls really like it. - I think they might. - Can I give you a hug?
0:42:14 > 0:42:20You can give me a hug! Ohhh! It's been such fun. We really are pleased.
0:42:20 > 0:42:27- We try to make it perfect. Let us know how you get on.- Absolutely. Thank you very much.- Brilliant.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36Brian and Anne-Marie certainly had a very set wish list,
0:42:36 > 0:42:42so we decided to rip up that list and guess what - we showed them everything that they didn't want
0:42:42 > 0:42:49and it turned out it was everything that they did. Until next time, bye-bye.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Brian and Anne-Marie did put in an offer on the mystery house,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00which was accepted and they moved in six months later.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Sadly, after just ten weeks of living there,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06a devastating fire broke out.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11We'll be catching up with them in a few months, to find out how they're getting on.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:16 > 0:43:18and need our help, please apply online: