Worcestershire Escape to the Country


Worcestershire

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Today I'm in a county that lured the Georgians and Victorians in their thousands,

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all seeking the medicinal qualities of its spring water. But these days they boast there's nothing in it.

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So where am I? Find out in just a moment.

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Today we're helping two prospective grandparents swap the bustle of urban life for the countryside

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and they're not easily pleased.

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-It's not blowing you away, is it?

-Not yet, no, sorry.

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Although we do surprise them.

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Welcome to your master bedroom.

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Wow.

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I'm in Worcestershire and this is just one of over 100 springs to be found in the Malvern hills area.

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These waters became popular with Georgians and Victorians alike.

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These days, it's famed for having nothing in it.

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The granite from these hills leaves almost no mineral traces at all.

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The spring water here in Malvern is said to be the first water ever bottled in this country,

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back in 1622. After a hard hike through these hills,

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I don't think you could get a better drop to drink.

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Landlocked Worcestershire is bordered by five counties

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including Herefordshire to the west, Shropshire to the north and Warwickshire to the east.

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In the west of the county lie the imposing Malvern hills, ever popular with walkers

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and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The middle of the county holds the Vale of Evesham

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with its vast areas of orchards producing apples, pears and, most famously, plums.

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Further south are the glorious Cotswolds, a favourite for tourists

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due to the incredible countryside and picturesque villages, such as Broadway, with its honey stone.

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Head to Broadway Tower for some of the best views.

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It's claimed that 16 counties can be seen from this vantage.

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With its vast array of countryside and excellent links to Bristol and Birmingham,

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the average detached house here in Worcestershire carries a price tag of £260,000.

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That's just £2,000 above the national figure,

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making this area well worth a look.

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One of the most sought after regions is the Cotswolds in the south.

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In villages such as Broadway, you can expect to pay 40% more for your property,

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but don't be put off by that Cotswolds premium. If you travel west towards the Hereford border,

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in areas such as Teme Valley and Bromyard, you'll find you get more.

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But whatever you're looking for - Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

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picturesque villages, excellent walks - Worcestershire has it all.

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But what is it about this county that's luring in today's buyers?

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Let's meet them to find out.

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For the past 23 years, Brian and Anne-Marie have lived in Solihull, West Midlands,

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but since Brian's recent retirement, it's time to move out to the country to be closer to their daughters,

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Hayley and Amanda.

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The girls have just bought a property in Malvern Link.

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We don't need to live right next door to them, but we'd like to be within 30 minutes of them, maybe further.

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I firmly believe that home is where the heart is and our girls are really precious to us,

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so we want to be close.

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A special event on the horizon adds an extra incentive for Brian and Anne-Marie to pack their bags.

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Amanda, our youngest, is having a baby in May this year.

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Our eldest now lives down there as well. That's where we need to be.

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Family ties are very important, as life hasn't always been plain sailing.

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Hayley, our eldest daughter, is 28. She was born with Apert Syndrome,

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and so we've been through a fair bit. Well, as has she.

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She moved down to Worcester to be with Amanda,

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our other daughter, and they are now buying a house together.

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So the house they're buying has an annex attached that Hayley's going to be moving into.

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-If we can be in that locality, they can come round to us, us to them.

-And spoil our grandchild!

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Also high on their wish list is a good-sized kitchen for ex-chef Brian

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and a dining area large enough to accommodate their love of entertaining.

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I really do love cooking. That is my passion. I go to bed thinking about it and dream recipes up.

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I think, "That would be nice..." I know it's a bit sad,

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but I really do love it. We do a lot of entertaining. Lots of friends come round and we do the cooking.

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He absolutely loves all the detail that goes with it. He will be all day in the kitchen.

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However, their entertaining isn't limited to home. Their other passion is their narrowboat,

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perfect for cruising Worcestershire's scenic canals.

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I had it built because we were looking for an apartment or something to go for holidays.

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We'd like to use it as a bolthole at weekends.

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-Just sit on the boat and...

-Have a glass of wine.

-Or two!

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One of the longer-term plans we've got with that, when the girls settle and our grandchild has some routine,

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we want to explore the UK by boat.

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Relocating to the country also gives them the opportunity to jump on Brian's motorbike to explore.

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And there is one final ingredient key to their move to the country.

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-We want to hear birdsong, not traffic.

-I think we'll know when we walk in.

-We will.

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-To say, "This is it."

-As long as we can both see the potential.

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Fortunately, we've both got very similar tastes, so we rarely disagree on decor or something like that.

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-Not yet!

-All that's left to discover are the finances for their rural escape.

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If we found the right views, the right location, right property,

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then our budget will be £300,000.

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Brian and Anne-Marie would like us to concentrate in the west of Worcestershire

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within reasonable distance of their daughters in Great Malvern.

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'I met up with them on local soil to find out what they're looking for.'

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Welcome to Worcestershire.

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I can't imagine why you want to move here(!) Sun's shining, blue sky...

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Now your two girls moved to Malvern and you're keen to be quite close,

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but is it just the Malvern area or are you prepared to spread the net?

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As long as it's not too far away. Within half an hour, 40 minutes, we can manage that.

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So what ideally are we looking for? How many bedrooms?

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-At least three.

-Yes.

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It needs a garage or the ability to build one for Brian's motorbike.

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And we would love to have a big kitchen/diner, but if that's not there, the ability to do that.

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So with this all-important search we've got to talk money. How much have we got to play with?

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-You've got a maximum of £310,000.

-We've found you three properties. One is our mystery house.

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-Shall we get going?

-Yep.

-Great. Come on.

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For a budget of £310,000, Brian and Anne-Marie are looking for at least three bedrooms,

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a large kitchen, a good-sized dining room to indulge their love of entertaining,

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a garage for Brian's motorbike, rural peace and quiet,

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but most important is the proximity to their daughters,

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so no more than a 45-minute drive from Great Malvern.

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We have a variety of properties and at each one I'll ask them to guess the price before I reveal it.

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The last will be a mystery house that may not offer what they want, but could leave them speechless.

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But first we're heading to house number one.

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So what adventures are you going to come up with here?

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Just like we did when we used to go travelling on the back of the bike.

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We'll see where the road takes us and enjoy whatever it gives us.

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-We used to take off for 2-3 weeks.

-All unscripted. Never knew where we'd end up.

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We're at a crossroads in our lives now. Work doesn't have to take priority.

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-A positive change of priorities.

-Absolutely. Getting the balance right. And this feels perfect.

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We're starting our property search in the village of Callow End,

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five miles south of Worcester and 15 minutes' drive from Great Malvern.

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Set in the rural countryside in the shadow of the Malvern hills, it has a Post Office and general store.

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Before we visit the first house, We meet local stonemason and Callow End resident Steve Callard

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for the local's eye view.

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Hi, Steve. Good to meet you. This is the village where you first house is.

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-Steve's been a resident here for how many years?

-48 years.

-That's put you on the spot!

-It has.

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For someone thinking of moving to the area, what could you tell us about the village?

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It's just a really nice community spirit.

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We've got two local pubs.

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-Always a good start! Next door, is that a social club?

-Yeah. With live music.

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-And you've got the old hills on the doorstep for the walks.

-How far are you from Malvern Link?

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-About three miles.

-Wow. Well, Steve, thanks. You might be looking at your future neighbours.

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-Thank you.

-Best of luck with your search.

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Our first offering is a unique detached cottage which provides the quiet country location

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with bags of distinctive character.

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So your first property. Here we are in Callow End.

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-And we're showing you a cottage to start off with.

-OK.

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The cottage dates back to about 1780, although 70 years ago an extension was put on the back.

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-OK.

-Very different?

-It is different, actually.

-It's very nice.

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-So with that in mind, shall we start?

-Yes, please.

-Let's go.

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'With a somewhat muted first impression, we head inside to the lower ground floor.

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'I'm unsure how they're going to react to the split-level interior,

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'which is quite a departure from what they are used to.'

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So you enter this cottage through a boot room, a downstairs cloakroom.

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And then on this level you've got a conservatory - perfect in the summer months.

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And the kitchen/dining area, well, it's semi-open plan.

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-You've got that huge mirror.

-Lovely.

-It makes great use of the light.

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Let's go into the kitchen. You can tell me what you think.

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I know you were quite keen about having a kitchen/diner.

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How did you feel about having that dining room semi-open plan?

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-It's OK.

-I think our table would fit in there, but only just. It's slightly bigger than that one.

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-This is not a huge-size kitchen, but it's perfectly formed.

-Yeah.

-It's nice.

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-Anne-Marie more cautious. It's not blowing you away, is it?

-No, sorry.

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-It does feel very different having a kitchen, dining table, but no reception/sitting room.

-Yes.

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-It's changing that mindset. Let's see if we can convince you as we go up the stairs.

-OK.

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'Anne-Marie and Brian love to entertain, so their response here isn't the best of starts,

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-'but as we head upstairs to the ground floor, I've got a surprise for them.'

-Ah!

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-Here it is.

-That's different.

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OK.

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-I'm just not getting the open feel, but it is lovely and quiet.

-Yeah.

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Well, let's continue anyway. I'll show you the master bedroom up this staircase.

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So on this floor, because there are different levels and floors to this cottage,

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-nothing is as it seems. You've got the master bedroom and the guest bedroom next door.

-OK.

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-It doesn't have an en suite.

-Nope.

-And there isn't a bathroom on this level.

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-How does it work for you in terms of size?

-It's more than we've currently got, quite considerably.

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It is a cottage, it is quirky. it's got so much character. It's like a magical mystery tour.

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'Off the sitting room is a second staircase leading to a third bedroom

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'and a tastefully decorated family bathroom, including a stylish roll-top bath.

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'All that's left to see is the outside space, with the majority of the garden lying to the front

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'and to the rear a decked area complete with babbling brook.'

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-I can see you two both sitting out here with a glass of wine in the evenings.

-Nice little area,

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-especially with the railing and the little brook.

-Yeah.

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-OK, well...

-I like the outside area.

-We've heard the comments inside and size is a big part of that,

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but, even so, I'm going to ask you how much do you think this property is on the market for?

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Em...I think it's going to be around about 270.

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Yeah, I'm going to go higher. I'll say 285.

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You're both under the asking price. They're asking for offers in the region of £300,000.

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-OK.

-I think that's finally decided it then!

-It's a great cottage.

-It is lovely.

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It just isn't right for you two, is it, unfortunately? Just not big enough! Right, off you go.

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Within budget at £300,000, this 18th-century split-level cottage

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is only a 15-minute drive from their daughters

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and includes three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, dining room and a garage.

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It looks great. I just think the size just wasn't going to suit when we walked in.

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My first thought was that I could see it was quite small. And it's a bit like a Tardis inside.

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It goes off in different directions, but overall it is too small.

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Unfortunately, I don't think it is the one for us.

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Well, how did we get on, guys? I don't think I've secured a sale for this property,

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-but worth a second look?

-Definitely. It's beautiful.

-Really nice inside.

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-I just don't think it's right for us. It's just too small.

-Well, let's keep those energy levels up.

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-I've got another house to show you.

-Good.

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Flowing through the heart of Worcestershire are the Droitwich canals,

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an important part of the county's industrial heritage. With their desire to explore the waterways

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we took them to meet Lucy Bowles, the national volunteer co-ordinator for the Canals and Rivers Trust,

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to learn about the continued importance of these water courses.

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-Hi. I'm Lucy.

-I'm Brian.

-I'm Anne-Marie.

-Hi! Good to meet you.

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With the advent of the railways, the canals went into sharp decline

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and the last boat came through in the mid-1920s, but after years of hard work,

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the waterways have been restored to their former glory.

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-What were these canals used for originally?

-Predominantly, the salt industry.

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The canal flows through one of the main areas, Vines Park, where a lot of the brine pits were.

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The salt was in the water and in the ground. It was mainly about getting it out to ports

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like Bristol and then this canal linked up with Birmingham and all the industry of Birmingham

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-and all the products that brought.

-When did the restoration start?

-It started with some real momentum

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in the '70s and just built up.

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The Canal Trust, the local Droitwich trust, was formed in '76.

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-It took just over 30 years to do it.

-Wow.

-That included building new locks

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and also restoring and repairing and a lot of dredging. Volunteers here have carried on,

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post the restoration.

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-The work's changed a little bit. We're mot doing as much building.

-It's maintenance.

-Yeah.

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-It's about looking after and making the most of what we've got now.

-OK.

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Without the continued efforts of volunteers, the canals would once again slide into disrepair.

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-What are we going to do today?

-We've got some of our regular volunteer group here today.

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They're undertaking what we do on a regular basis - grease and oil the locks, make sure it's tightened.

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-It's quite a nice place to see the progression of different activities you can get involved in.

-Brilliant.

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Part of the regular maintenance is to grease the paddles well

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and make sure that everything's operating properly. If you need a bit of a hand there...

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-Drop it down again.

-And we have some hedge laying or tree planting.

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-So all of these have got to be done?

-Yeah.

-All the way round.

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We start at one end and work our way through to the barge canal as well.

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-Thanks for all your time.

-My pleasure. Thanks for your help!

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-Thank you very much, Lucy. It's been wonderful.

-Best of luck! Bye-bye!

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The canals have given Brian and Anne-Marie an alternative view of the Worcestershire countryside,

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as well as a few tips for their next voyage. But for now we're leaving the canals behind

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to continue our property search.

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For our second offering, we've taken a gamble and hopped over the border into Shropshire

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and the village of Stottesdon. It's 13 miles west of Kidderminster,

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but close to an hour's drive from Great Malvern.

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The village has a number of services and central to this rural retreat is the public house,

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a historic inn that serves as a hub for the local community. Its adjoining store offers provisions

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and fresh local produce. Our second house is a modern detached property,

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surrounded by idyllic countryside views, and is a short walk from the pub.

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So you might have guessed, we have crossed the border and this is our second property.

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OK. Interesting.

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-Hmm.

-Hmm? Am I going to get any more out of you?

-Not yet, no!

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-It's the contrast to the first property, isn't it?

-It sure is.

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Just over 20 years old, but this really is in a rural location.

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The good news is I can see a garage and that does make you happy, doesn't it?

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-I just want to go in now.

-On your word, we will! Come on.

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'With promising first impressions, I'm hoping this more conventional property will offer the space

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'for entertaining that Brian and Anne-Marie are searching for.'

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-So let's start the tour with the sitting room.

-Mmmm.

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-I like the fire.

-Right.

-And the fireplace.

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-The fire's a multi-fuel burner.

-OK.

-I like that.

-So coal and wood.

-OK.

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-It's nice.

-How many likes have I just heard? I'm getting a very different reaction.

-Yeah.

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-There's a feeling of space in here.

-Yes.

-And on that high note, we will continue.

-OK.

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So here's your dining room for all your entertaining.

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Which leads you through...

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I've lost you in the dining room!

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-Yes, which is big enough for our dining table.

-I'm liking this.

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-Is that another like?

-It is. It's quite light, airy.

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-Nice space.

-Yeah, it is.

-Feeds nicely into here.

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-We're thinking how social you are as a couple.

-It's a massive conservatory.

-It is big, yeah.

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-This is nice. It's in the garden without being in the cold, as we were.

-Yes.

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-Would you like to see the kitchen next?

-Yes, please.

-Would be nice.

-See if you're going to be happy.

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'So far, so good, but can the kitchen deliver?'

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So...

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-Our all-important kitchen.

-Mm.

-OK.

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-And the view...!

-Well, I'm not going to say anything.

-That's a wow.

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I love that view.

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-It's a good-sized kitchen.

-Yeah.

-It is.

-So it seems the downstairs of the property

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-is really hitting the spot for you both.

-Yep.

-Shall we see what you think about upstairs?

-Yes.

-OK.

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'The views provide us with our first "wow" of the day,

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'so let's see if the four bedrooms upstairs can keep the feelgood factor going.'

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So we have four double bedrooms with this property.

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One's being used as a study, but this is the master.

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-And wow.

-The views.

-Look at the view.

-Good views.

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-Mm, that's lovely.

-And...

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-Very nice.

-An en suite.

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-Yes. I like that.

-Very nice.

-A nice big shower.

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-It's good.

-Yes, I like it.

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-It's not as big as our bedroom.

-No, but everything would fit.

-And you can't have everything.

-No.

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I'll let you explore the other double bedrooms on your own. I want to take you outside.

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It's going to get a bit messy. We'll talk about money and you can tell me what you think it's worth.

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-OK.

-OK. After you.

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'Two of the three remaining bedrooms also benefit from the stunning view of the Clee hills.

0:22:480:22:53

'The third is currently used as a study and they all share a good-sized contemporary bathroom.'

0:22:530:22:59

How do you fancy living in Shropshire, just over the border?

0:23:010:23:06

-It's...it's beautiful.

-Yeah, it is.

0:23:060:23:09

-We asked you for a view and you've provided that.

-Location's good.

0:23:090:23:14

I think it's worth that journey slightly further away from Malvern

0:23:140:23:18

-just to get, hopefully, a little bit more for your money.

-Yeah.

0:23:180:23:23

-But let's see. Do you?

-I think it's going to be... just over our budget. 320.

0:23:230:23:30

I'm going to say it's...315.

0:23:310:23:34

You're going to be annoyed because she's right! It is £315,000.

0:23:340:23:40

-OK.

-OK.

0:23:400:23:42

It's definitely a strong contender.

0:23:420:23:44

-It is.

-Well, hopefully, we might be able to help you a little bit more.

-OK.

0:23:440:23:51

Because your top budget is £310,000.

0:23:510:23:55

-Yeah.

-We've already spoken to the vendor before you saw the property and explained that was your budget

0:23:550:24:01

and they've agreed to accept it if you put an offer in. So for you the asking price is £310,000.

0:24:010:24:08

I think we need to sleep on that one and have a little think.

0:24:080:24:13

-Do you want another look?

-I'd love to!

-How did I know that?

0:24:130:24:17

Have another look around and then I'll drag you home.

0:24:170:24:21

-Off you go.

-Thank you.

-Enjoy!

0:24:210:24:23

Well, I think I'm as excited as they are about this property.

0:24:260:24:30

It really does seem to fit everything they want with this move.

0:24:300:24:34

And with that view behind me - look at all that sunshine - it's got to be perfect, hasn't it?

0:24:340:24:40

On the market for £315,000, this modern property has almost everything they asked for.

0:24:410:24:48

A large reception and dining room, a good-size kitchen,

0:24:480:24:52

stunning countryside views and a garage for Brian's pride and joy.

0:24:520:24:58

-This would be a guest room.

-Yeah.

-We couldn't be the only with that view. We'd have to share it.

0:24:580:25:04

-If you insist.

-Yeah.

0:25:040:25:06

I loved it. The lounge was a great size. The kitchen works. Yeah, OK.

0:25:060:25:12

I loved it. Really, really nice.

0:25:120:25:15

The house has got a feel about it and it's a very nice feel, comfortable.

0:25:150:25:20

I think I'd be happy here.

0:25:200:25:22

When I couldn't find you two in the house, I should have guessed you'd be here. Take that home.

0:25:240:25:31

-We've finished today on a real high, haven't we?

-Yeah.

0:25:310:25:35

-You've got lots to think about.

-We have.

-Right. Time to hit the road.

0:25:350:25:39

-OK.

-OK.

0:25:390:25:41

It's the second day of our property search in Worcestershire with Brian and Anne-Marie,

0:25:480:25:55

who have £310,000 to spend on their perfect home.

0:25:550:25:59

Coming up, our mystery house springs more than one surprise.

0:25:590:26:03

-You didn't tell me about that!

-All will be revealed.

0:26:040:26:09

And I discover a property for sale that's hosted royalty.

0:26:090:26:14

Yesterday we showed Brian and Anne-Marie two properties

0:26:160:26:20

and discovered what they like and what they really don't like.

0:26:200:26:24

The first home, that old, quirky cottage with bags of character,

0:26:240:26:29

neither of them liked it.

0:26:290:26:31

But the second house, more in keeping with their current home,

0:26:310:26:36

a modern property, hit the spot.

0:26:360:26:39

Today it's time for our mystery house. A little bit of old, a little bit of new. Let's see how we get on.

0:26:390:26:46

We're taking a risk with our mystery house by offering a two-bedroom property that'll give them

0:26:470:26:54

nine neighbours on their doorstep, but with the extra space and quiet that they desire.

0:26:540:27:01

On our way to the mystery house. Any thoughts on what you might see?

0:27:010:27:04

-It's either going to be a barn conversion...

-Right.

-Semi-detached.

0:27:040:27:10

-Or a project.

-Wouldn't it be great if it was all three rolled into one?

0:27:100:27:15

Our mystery house lies near the market town of Tenbury Wells, in the picturesque Teme Valley,

0:27:210:27:27

45 minutes from Great Malvern. In the very north-west of the county,

0:27:270:27:32

this small and ancient market town sits on the River Teme and provides a variety of independent stores,

0:27:320:27:40

restaurants, pubs and even its own organic bakery.

0:27:400:27:44

Primarily unspoiled farming country, it's a good area for them to explore on two wheels.

0:27:440:27:50

Around six miles to the east is our mystery house, a two-bedroom conversion

0:27:500:27:56

in the heart of the glorious Teme Valley countryside with views to die for.

0:27:560:28:01

-So we're surrounded 360 by views.

-Uh-huh.

-If I can drag you away from the view,

0:28:030:28:10

here is your mystery house. Or should I say oast house?

0:28:100:28:15

-Yeah.

-OK.

-Absolutely beautiful.

0:28:150:28:18

-Built in 1880, it's believed to be the biggest oast house in Europe.

-Really?

0:28:180:28:23

-Wow.

-Divided up into ten properties in total. Is this a good start?

-I want to see inside.

0:28:230:28:30

-I like the outside very much.

-The lady has spoken. In we go.

-OK.

0:28:300:28:35

'If first impressions are anything to go by, then we could be on to a winner already,

0:28:350:28:41

'especially if this property, situated in the left corner, delivers the space they need

0:28:410:28:46

'over its three floors. The decent-sized reception hall leads us to their major essential.'

0:28:460:28:53

-So I think we'll start off... with the kitchen.

-Wow.

-OK.

0:28:550:29:00

-That's a kitchen. A big kitchen.

-I think I could manage!

0:29:000:29:05

-And...for the entertaining, when you have all your friends come to stay.

-That would be fine.

0:29:060:29:13

And you've got a utility room next door.

0:29:130:29:17

-Right, shall we continue then?

-Yes, please.

-We're going to go upstairs.

-OK.

0:29:170:29:22

'With a "wow" under our belts, it's upstairs we go.

0:29:220:29:27

'The configuration doesn't follow convention.'

0:29:270:29:31

-So on the first floor you've got a toilet and shower room.

-Mm-hm.

0:29:310:29:35

Guest bedroom.

0:29:350:29:38

-And how's this for a sitting room?

-Wow.

-It's big.

0:29:380:29:42

-It's humungous.

-And exceptionally warm.

-Look at the fire in the wall.

0:29:420:29:48

-It's a nice big room.

-It is. Big enough for a piano, big enough for parties.

0:29:480:29:54

-So far, so good!

-"Don't count your chickens," that's what you're saying to me, isn't it?

0:29:540:30:00

-There will be a sting in the tail somewhere.

-No, no sting. Right, follow me, please.

0:30:000:30:06

-'A small "wow" from Brian and there's still more mystery to reveal upstairs.'

-Oh, wow!

0:30:060:30:13

-You like this bit, don't you?

-I absolutely love that.

0:30:140:30:18

-OK.

-Storage.

-Oh...

-Every lady's dream.

0:30:180:30:23

And then...

0:30:230:30:25

welcome to your master bedroom.

0:30:250:30:28

Wow!

0:30:280:30:30

It's huge!

0:30:310:30:33

-It's massive.

-I wanted a balcony.

0:30:330:30:37

You have your Juliet balcony.

0:30:370:30:40

You didn't tell me about that!

0:30:410:30:44

All will be revealed.

0:30:440:30:47

-I am going to ask you to walk over and take a look through that window.

-OK, no problem at all.

0:30:470:30:53

-Oh, fabulous. Look at the view!

-What do you think?

0:30:530:30:57

-Love it.

-Good views.

-And then...

0:30:570:31:01

-I'm forgetting I'm in a bedroom. This is too big.

-Massive.

-Huge.

0:31:010:31:06

-Has anybody ever had a bedroom cum dining room?

-Oh, my goodness! Look at this, Brian. Wow.

0:31:060:31:12

-Do we like it?

-We like it very, very much.

-Nothing to do here.

-We love it!

0:31:120:31:17

-There's nothing to do here.

-Absolutely not.

0:31:170:31:21

-And there's just that little bit more to show you.

-Is there?

-Another flight of stairs.

0:31:210:31:27

Where on earth can that go?

0:31:270:31:29

So you wanted a study area away from everything, somewhere you can collect your thoughts,

0:31:400:31:47

put all your stuff. And, in a few years' time, grandchildren.

0:31:470:31:52

-Yes!

-When they come and stay with Grandma and Granddad.

-Absolutely.

0:31:520:31:57

-So how is the mystery house doing so far?

-I'd say, currently, it's exceeding expectations.

-Yes.

0:31:570:32:04

'The property also comes complete with the desired garage, plus three parking spaces,

0:32:040:32:11

'so after a succession of wows the house tour is over, but I still have one more surprise up my sleeve.'

0:32:110:32:19

So I've brought you back to this spot to look at the oast house

0:32:200:32:24

-and see how it's nestled in this amazing valley.

-Yeah.

0:32:240:32:29

All in all, as a package in the country, how does it feel? Everything you want?

0:32:290:32:34

-Yes.

-I've got my fingers crossed.

-It is everything.

0:32:340:32:37

-It covers the bases.

-Where we are standing now comes with the house.

0:32:370:32:43

OK.

0:32:440:32:46

The stable block just down the hill and these two acres, divided into two paddocks...

0:32:460:32:52

-You're having a laugh!

-..comes with the house. Now that I've added that little nugget to the mix...

0:32:520:32:59

-OK.

-We've got to talk money.

0:32:590:33:02

I'd say 350.

0:33:050:33:07

I think...325.

0:33:100:33:12

Interesting. Well,

0:33:120:33:14

you are both...over the asking price.

0:33:140:33:19

-You're joking.

-£295,000.

-Flippin' heck!

0:33:190:33:23

-OK.

-That is amazing.

0:33:240:33:28

I am genuinely flabbergasted and extremely excited.

0:33:280:33:32

-That's good.

-Thank you.

-I'm so pleased! I'm absolutely delighted.

0:33:320:33:38

-Yes.

-Why don't you go back down the hill, have a quick look at the stable block and look around.

0:33:380:33:44

-And I'll try to drag you away probably in a few hours!

-Yes!

-After you.

-Thank you very much.

0:33:440:33:50

I'm so pleased!

0:33:500:33:53

Under budget at £295,000,

0:33:530:33:55

our mystery oast house gives them a mix of the old and the new,

0:33:550:34:00

including a large kitchen/diner, a massive master bedroom,

0:34:000:34:04

garage, stable block and land and the gorgeous, panoramic views of the Teme Valley.

0:34:040:34:10

What do you think?

0:34:100:34:12

I think...I wasn't expecting that.

0:34:120:34:14

No.

0:34:140:34:15

'I've often looked at oast houses'

0:34:150:34:18

from a distance and thought, "How beautiful are they!"

0:34:180:34:22

I was actually really excited. It is the biggest kitchen I have seen for a long time.

0:34:220:34:30

And Brian would be in his element here. It's lovely. I can't say enough. It's a big wow. A wow house.

0:34:300:34:37

I think surprise is probably a bit of an understatement, actually.

0:34:370:34:41

We weren't expecting it, you know. You think about the mystery house.

0:34:410:34:46

And you think, yeah, it's going to really test us, and perhaps it'll not be this or we'll not like that,

0:34:460:34:52

but it's been brilliant. It's saved the best until last, really. Fantastic.

0:34:520:34:57

I knew I'd find you two up here. Have you seen enough now?

0:34:590:35:04

-No, we want to see it again.

-I think we should go somewhere quiet, have a chat,

0:35:040:35:10

and you can tell us if you thought we got close to finding you your perfect home. Fingers crossed!

0:35:100:35:16

So we've shown Brian and Anne-Marie three stunning properties,

0:35:260:35:31

but there are plenty more for you to choose from if Worcestershire's countryside seems ideal for you.

0:35:310:35:38

For a lower budget, hillside cottages in the Malverns are worth a look

0:35:380:35:43

with three-bedroom conversions starting at around £250,000.

0:35:430:35:48

With a little more to spend, four-bedroom refurbished village cottages, combining old and new,

0:35:480:35:53

with feature timbers and exposed ceilings, can command in the region of £495,000.

0:35:530:36:00

And if you hanker after equestrian pursuits, many village homes in the Malverns have paddocks and stables

0:36:000:36:08

and with five bedrooms they carry a starting price of around £695,000.

0:36:080:36:14

Scenic Worcestershire may offer a swathe of gorgeous countryside,

0:36:190:36:23

but it also offers more than its fair share of historic buildings with fascinating tales to tell.

0:36:230:36:31

I've come to Hartlebury Castle, once a Royalist garrison and bishop's residence, to meet Robert Greenwood,

0:36:310:36:37

a trustee of the preservation society that's trying to buy this historic site and its treasures.

0:36:370:36:44

Well, Robert, lovely to meet you. We're standing by this very impressive building.

0:36:440:36:49

-Tell me more about Hartlebury Castle.

-It belonged to the Bishops of Worcester since 860.

0:36:490:36:57

We had our first royal visitor in 1283

0:36:570:37:00

when Edward I stayed here. The church commissioners decided they didn't want to retain this castle

0:37:000:37:08

as a bishop's residence so they put it on the market.

0:37:080:37:12

It's hard to believe such an impressive building is for sale.

0:37:120:37:17

-Is it possible to have a little tour?

-Of course. Please do come in.

-Great.

0:37:170:37:22

'The preservation society is hoping to raise the £4.5 million necessary

0:37:230:37:28

'for the purchase, repair and conservation work required to open this historic treasure

0:37:280:37:33

'for all to enjoy.'

0:37:330:37:36

My goodness!

0:37:360:37:38

-Do you like this?

-It's so impressive. It reminds me of a banqueting hall.

0:37:400:37:46

-We're now in the oldest part of the current castle. This dates from about 1440.

-Wow.

0:37:460:37:52

Originally, this room would have stood by itself, the great hall.

0:37:520:37:56

-So everything happened in this one room?

-The bishop, his staff, his followers would all eat,

0:37:560:38:01

-sleep and live here.

-My goodness.

0:38:010:38:04

What was the first thing you thought of? Why club together to form this preservation trust?

0:38:040:38:10

We wanted to save and to share the castle with everybody.

0:38:100:38:14

We wanted to create opportunities for learning, opportunities for study,

0:38:140:38:19

-we wanted to save and retain the Hurd library here.

-That was the first thing?

-Most important to us.

0:38:190:38:25

-Is it possible to have a look?

-Of course it is.

-Great.

0:38:250:38:30

'The Hurd library was built in 1782 by Richard Hurd, Bishop of Worcester,

0:38:300:38:36

'for his collection of books, and is thought one of the most beautiful library rooms in the country.'

0:38:360:38:42

-It certainly is an impressive collection of books. These all belonged to Bishop Hurd?

-Yes.

0:38:420:38:48

-There's about 5,000 books here.

-So how old is this library?

-230 years.

0:38:480:38:53

-And it hasn't changed?

-It hasn't.

-So did he invite all his noble friends and dignitaries to come

0:38:530:38:59

-and look at his library?

-One set of visitors was King George III and Queen Charlotte.

0:38:590:39:05

They came here for breakfast.

0:39:050:39:07

-Did they?

-They took breakfast in this bay window.

-Right here?

-Right here.

0:39:070:39:13

-Here's a contemporary record of that breakfast.

-The royal visit?

-This is the royal visit

0:39:130:39:19

where "a breakfast of tea, coffee, chocolate, fruit and jellies was readily prepared,

0:39:190:39:25

-"which the royal visitors partook of and were waited on by the Bishop."

-My goodness.

-Isn't that lovely?

0:39:250:39:32

-And what about this little book?

-This was given to Alexander Pope by Jonathan Swift.

0:39:320:39:38

-As in Gulliver's Travels?

-That's right. That book is absolutely unique.

-Is that 1714?

0:39:380:39:45

-1714.

-My goodness. I would think Bishop Hurd would be delighted that it's still being appreciated

0:39:450:39:51

-so many years later.

-I'm sure he would love it.

-We wish you all the best with the trust

0:39:510:39:58

with acquiring the castle and this magnificent collection. Thank you very much.

0:39:580:40:03

I do hope Robert and the trust are successful in their bid to capture this glorious castle,

0:40:030:40:10

to preserve its heritage for future generations.

0:40:100:40:14

So we've shown Brian and Anne-Marie our three Worcestershire properties. Well, one was just in Shropshire.

0:40:140:40:21

But how did we get on? I know we got a definite no,

0:40:210:40:25

I think we got a maybe, but we're after a resounding yes.

0:40:250:40:30

Let's hear what they have to say.

0:40:300:40:33

You gave us quite a broad remit, really. You didn't mind old, you didn't mind new.

0:40:350:40:41

So our mystery house - we're sometimes a little bit wary about what we'll show them.

0:40:410:40:47

But with this house, it was something completely different.

0:40:470:40:52

I am a sceptical person and from the day we embarked on this, though we did ask for your help,

0:40:520:41:00

I never, ever thought you'd be able to come up trumps like you have.

0:41:000:41:04

The first property we needed to see inside it to know it was too small.

0:41:040:41:10

The second one was right in so many aspects, but not front and back, if that makes any sense at all.

0:41:100:41:17

I think the oast house, that was spot on.

0:41:170:41:21

But if you'd said, "We're going to put you in a property in a big building

0:41:210:41:26

-"with nine neighbours very close," we would have said...

-No.

-"Why are you doing that?"

0:41:260:41:32

I don't think we would have found that house because we would never have looked for anything

0:41:320:41:38

-in such close proximity with nine other people.

-So, I can't wait to ask, where does that leave us?

0:41:380:41:45

-That's an interesting question.

-We know where it leaves us. We're going back for another viewing

0:41:450:41:51

and we'll take the girls and do it quite quickly

0:41:510:41:55

-because, thank you, I think you've found us our dream home.

-I can't tell you how happy I am.

0:41:550:42:02

-We'll be looking to put an offer in after the second view.

-So pleased.

-So are we. Thank you.

0:42:020:42:08

-I hope your girls really like it.

-I think they might.

-Can I give you a hug?

0:42:080:42:14

You can give me a hug! Ohhh! It's been such fun. We really are pleased.

0:42:140:42:20

-We try to make it perfect. Let us know how you get on.

-Absolutely. Thank you very much.

-Brilliant.

0:42:200:42:27

Brian and Anne-Marie certainly had a very set wish list,

0:42:320:42:36

so we decided to rip up that list and guess what - we showed them everything that they didn't want

0:42:360:42:42

and it turned out it was everything that they did. Until next time, bye-bye.

0:42:420:42:49

Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan.

0:42:500:42:53

Brian and Anne-Marie did put in an offer on the mystery house,

0:42:530:42:56

which was accepted and they moved in six months later.

0:42:560:43:00

Sadly, after just ten weeks of living there,

0:43:000:43:03

a devastating fire broke out.

0:43:030:43:06

We'll be catching up with them in a few months, to find out how they're getting on.

0:43:060:43:11

If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England

0:43:110:43:16

and need our help, please apply online:

0:43:160:43:18

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