0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to a very special edition of Escape To the Country,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08where Alistair and I will be helping two couples find their dream homes in one county.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11And if you feel inspired to make the trip out into the countryside
0:00:11 > 0:00:13too, we've got some hints and tips to help you along the way.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Now today's destination was the inspiration for the Shire,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21the rural idyll in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings,
0:00:21 > 0:00:23but find out where in just a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45'On today's show, I'll be helping an Anglo-French couple
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'trying to find a creative space in the countryside.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51'We uncover some rather personal details...'
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Well, I thought you would fit in here comfortably.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55You won't be able to wear your high heels, though.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And I'll be helping to find a home for a couple and their horse,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02but one of our properties falls at the first hurdle.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- It looks a little small. - But then we find a real thoroughbred.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Oh, my Lord!- That is extraordinary.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Today we're in Worcestershire which, apart from anything else,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20is fantastic running country because it's got the Malvern Hills.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23So if you want to crack up Worcester Beacon, that's a real lung-popping
0:01:23 > 0:01:27run with beautiful views over both Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30But in a way it's a funny place cos lots of people pass through it
0:01:30 > 0:01:33but never really explore it, and I think that's a real shame cos
0:01:33 > 0:01:35I think Worcestershire offers huge amounts to anybody wanting to
0:01:35 > 0:01:36escape from suburbia.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Forming part of the Midlands,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Worcestershire is bordered by five counties,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46including Staffordshire to the north and Herefordshire to the west.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Despite its proximity to Birmingham, Worcestershire is primarily
0:01:51 > 0:01:54rural and the landscape is formed of undulating hills
0:01:54 > 0:01:58and farmland stretching on either side of the River Severn,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01which weaves its way through the centre of the county.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04One of the county's natural gems are the Malvern Hills
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and although they only cover 3,000 acres,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11they provide a hugely diverse landscape.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14At the foot of the hills lies the town of Great Malvern which
0:02:14 > 0:02:17developed as a spa resort in the 19th century,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20playing on the healing properties of the local spring water.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24From the connected industrial areas in the north,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26to the rural scenery in the south,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29the diverse character of Worcestershire makes it
0:02:29 > 0:02:31an appealing location to escape to.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Jules, what do you think it is that makes Worcestershire so appealing?
0:02:38 > 0:02:41I think if you're looking for property at a reasonable price,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Worcestershire is certainly worth a look
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and when you look at the average price of a detached property there
0:02:46 > 0:02:48it is pretty much on a par with the national figure.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51National figure. You're putting me on the spot now, is it £260,000?
0:02:51 > 0:02:53It is, indeed. Yep.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55£260,000, but for that what a range of architecture you
0:02:55 > 0:02:59have at your disposal, everything from lovely black and white
0:02:59 > 0:03:03timber frames, to those classic limestone cottages of the Cotswolds.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04Gorgeous market towns.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09You've got Pershore, Bewdley, and actually all the way across into the Cotswolds with Broadway,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12though you do pay a premium, it's about 30% over the odds.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16You are going to pay a premium. And it is worth thinking about the geography of Worcestershire.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It is effectively divided by the River Severn, so anything to the east of that,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22within striking distance of Cheltenham and Birmingham,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26that also is going to be quite expensive because of those commuters, so my advice would be
0:03:26 > 0:03:29to go that little bit further west over towards Shropshire and Herefordshire.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Well, that's a good tip, and I had a couple that were looking to
0:03:32 > 0:03:36escape to the country and find a home for their four-legged friend.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38But first of all, let's meet my buyers.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44John and Dominique have lived on the outskirts of Oxford
0:03:44 > 0:03:48for the past 11 years but feel that the time is right
0:03:48 > 0:03:52to head for the hills and start a new chapter in their lives.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55We met in Scotland over 40 years ago
0:03:55 > 0:03:57and we've now been married for...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- 39 years.- Well remembered.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04And both our sons now have a three on the front of their age
0:04:04 > 0:04:08so it is perhaps time for us to look at the next stage of our life
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and embrace a new project.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15And living on an estate close to a city is no longer an option.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19England, on a sunny day, if you're in the countryside,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22it's the most beautiful scenery that you can imagine.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25You don't need to travel anywhere, it's fantastic.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- So it would be lovely to live in the middle of that all.- Indeed.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34For John, it's an opportunity to move back to his home county.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36I was born in Worcestershire
0:04:36 > 0:04:41and Worcestershire has always attracted me as a county
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and my family - some of my family - still live there.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47So it's that combination really of almost going back
0:04:47 > 0:04:52to my roots as well as going back to much more of a rural environment.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56And they're hoping to find extra space for their hobbies.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59One of the things I'm looking forward to with the move
0:04:59 > 0:05:04would be to develop, perhaps, my artistic side a bit more.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07In terms of sculptural work, particularly with metal.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09An outbuilding would give me chance to perhaps
0:05:09 > 0:05:11look at soldering and welding.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13'I've always been interested in sewing,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17'particularly with curtains, blinds, cushions.'
0:05:17 > 0:05:21I've started doing a little bit of silver jewellery
0:05:21 > 0:05:25'and I can see myself doing a bit more from home
0:05:25 > 0:05:27'rather than having to go to classes.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:31If I could have a little studio to make some jewellery,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33that would be lovely.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36So how much do they have to finance this Worcestershire move?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39The budget for the move is £650,000.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45John and Dominique have asked us
0:05:45 > 0:05:47to focus our search in the south of the county.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51But before we get started, I'm meeting them on Worcestershire turf
0:05:51 > 0:05:54to find out what it is they're after from their new home.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Well, Dominique, John, welcome to Escape To The Country
0:06:00 > 0:06:01and to Worcestershire.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Now, there is one factor that does concern me slightly, John,
0:06:05 > 0:06:06and that is how tall you are.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Just tell us how high you come to.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10Six foot six on a good day.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Six foot six, with a good breakfast inside you.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16That is going to preclude many of the properties that are out there
0:06:16 > 0:06:20that we'd ordinarily show you. Low beams are out.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Perhaps the small black and white cottage is out on this occasion.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- I would think so. - Well, fortunately we're not that keen
0:06:26 > 0:06:27on that sort of property anyway.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Well, tell us what you are keen on. - Erm, I like airy properties.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38I need light and sort of a downstairs space, erm...
0:06:38 > 0:06:39and a nice garden.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43A nice sort of space outside, outbuildings would be wonderful.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Three bedrooms is a sort of minimum. - Yeah.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Erm, a big kitchen, I'd like a big kitchen.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53Now, just remind us of the budget, has it changed at all?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57We talked initially of 650,000, but, erm,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01we can stretch to 700 if everything is in there.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04If there's some project work needs to be done, it would need to
0:07:04 > 0:07:06be done within the 700,000 total figure.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Well, I think we've got three very interesting properties
0:07:09 > 0:07:12to show you, including our mystery house, which is a real classic.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I can't wait for you to see that one.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17So without further ado, let's finish our coffees and juice
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- and get going.- Lovely, can't wait. - Thank you.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47We've found three fantastic properties to show them
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and at each one I'll be testing their eye for valuation
0:07:50 > 0:07:52when they guess the price.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54And third on the list is our mystery house,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56which could really blow them away.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Bearing in mind their specific requirements for a home
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and John's height, we're casting our net far and wide.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Starting in the east of the county in the village of Kington.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15On the fringe of the village is house number one,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19a period barn conversion with views across the open countryside.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22So there we go. What do you think...
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- of that, Dominique?- Very nice.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29I love its... It looks very friendly and welcoming.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32You're responding very nicely to this one, but what does John think?
0:08:32 > 0:08:33I'm holding all my questions in.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Retreat, retreat, retreat.- Let's see what you think of the inside.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43'Converted in the early '90s, the property has been architecturally
0:08:43 > 0:08:47'redesigned, hopefully delivering the light and space they're after.'
0:08:47 > 0:08:49OK, Dominique, there we are.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Is this big enough and light enough?
0:08:52 > 0:08:56It's very nice, yes. Very fresh, like the colour.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58And you've got this nice sort of dining area here,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00a little bit of a sitting room around the corner there too.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Yes, it's got a good feel definitely.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Yes, I like it.- Good.- Very much so.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- Very much so. Worcestershire is outside the window.- Absolutely.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- As much of it as you want to look at.- Classical Worcestershire.- Yes!
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Well, let's continue. This way.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22So this is the dining room. Again, lovely views out there.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Nice little separate room.- And then this is your principal living room.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Oh, interesting.- Come on in.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Now, this is what I want to see. - Will I get under the beam?- Come in.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37My brother wouldn't be able to visit.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38Brilliant. Yeah, it all works.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Oh, look at these beams here.- Yeah.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43So you've got this nice kind of mixture
0:09:43 > 0:09:45of the very contemporary look in the kitchen
0:09:45 > 0:09:47and you drift through into the older bit.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49I like that, I like the mixture. Definitely.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- But all the wood is original from that barn, or...?- It is, yeah.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Well, I thought you would fit in here comfortably.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Plenty of head room.- You won't be able to wear your high heels, though.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Right, come on. Let's go this way.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08The building is essentially one long line of rooms
0:10:08 > 0:10:11all leading onto one another.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13There is a guest bedroom with en-suite at one end
0:10:13 > 0:10:17and three bedrooms at the other, comprising one double
0:10:17 > 0:10:21and a single and both served by the family bathroom.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22And then there's the master.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Straight onto the garden. Again, very light.- Yeah, lovely, isn't it?
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- Yes.- To our specs.- Could be slightly bigger for us cos we have a huge bed.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Well, you have a choice. You know, there is the one at the far end,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- maybe that's a bit bigger for you. - Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41That is en-suite, as indeed is this one. A nice shower room and so on.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Oh, yes, that's lovely. I like the colour scheme. Very, very nice, yes.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48There is one thing that we haven't discussed yet
0:10:48 > 0:10:49and that is the outside space.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53You wanted a nice big garden and some outbuildings,
0:10:53 > 0:10:54we've got plenty of both.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Very keen to see it. - Come and look at these.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00'There is extra living space in the study
0:11:00 > 0:11:03'and a utility room sits off the kitchen.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07'The grounds of the property total around three and a half acres,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11'with a formal lawned garden looking out over a paddock.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16'There's also a stable block that could work as a workshop.'
0:11:16 > 0:11:19So, let's get our thinking caps on and think about the...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22..the money. You go first.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- As long as you're not teasing us, I'll say 675.- 675, yeah.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Dominique?- I say a bit less, 650.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Well, I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- It's 645.- Ah!- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39There's a lot on offer with this one.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Yes, a lot to think about.- Yeah.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- How are we doing then?- Very well.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- You wanted a view, you wanted Worcestershire, there it is.- Yes.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- That is a view.- I think this is a really interesting one to start with.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- It certainly put a smile on your face.- Well, you've set a high standard.- Good.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Not quite sure what you're thinking. - Well, I'm always more cautious.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I like to think things a little bit, but...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Every man needs a cautious woman. - There you go.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Never a truer word spoken. Come on, let's go.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The Severn Valley Railway is one of the great heritage
0:12:37 > 0:12:38highlights of the area.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Following the meandering River Severn for 16 and a half miles
0:12:42 > 0:12:44between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Opened in 1862, it was never financially successful and by 1970,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54passenger and freight services had come to a grinding halt.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59However, a group of enthusiasts had already formed a preservation society
0:12:59 > 0:13:03and by 1967 had purchased a five-mile section of the line,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06an engine and four coaches.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08A charitable trust now handles fundraising
0:13:08 > 0:13:12and a current share scheme has so far raised £1.5 million.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Today, I'm meeting Nick Ralls,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17general manager at the southern terminus in Kidderminster
0:13:17 > 0:13:21to find out more about this wonderful railway.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Hello, Nick.- Good morning. - Very nice to see you, sir.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Welcome to the Severn Valley Railway.- Is this train ready to go?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30This train is going to be going very soon, so we'd better get on board and have a good look.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31Let's not be late.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36'Volunteers are the lifeblood of the railway,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'with currently 1,300 helping out driving trains, manning
0:13:39 > 0:13:44'signal boxes, maintaining track and overhauling the locomotives.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45'With a national skills shortage,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'the railway aims to boost the restoration expertise
0:13:48 > 0:13:52'of their workforce to continue the preservation of the line.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:57How do you ensure that you've got that skill set to keep
0:13:57 > 0:13:59something as historic as this going?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01We're piloting this year, actually - this September -
0:14:01 > 0:14:04a heritage skills training academy
0:14:04 > 0:14:08and we're going to take on five young people as trainees.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12They'll be undertaking experience and training on the railway
0:14:12 > 0:14:16to complement the engineering they're learning at college with
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- the heritage skills that we demand...- Fantastic. - ..to keep going as a railway.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Of course, you're then investing directly in those young men to keep the railway alive.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Yes, it's important that we invest in them
0:14:26 > 0:14:28year on year as well because we are going to have
0:14:28 > 0:14:31probably 50 apprentices on the railway at one time.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Wow, yeah. - TRAIN WHISTLES
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Thank you. 'I'm getting off at Bridgnorth station over
0:14:39 > 0:14:42'the border in Shropshire and home of the boiler shop,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44'where the restoration of the engines take place
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'and where new apprentices will be learning their craft.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50'Boiler manager Duncan Ballard, who started his career
0:14:50 > 0:14:54'as an apprentice 18 years ago has agreed to show me around.'
0:14:55 > 0:14:59How important do you think these apprenticeship schemes are?
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Massively. I mean...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03you can sit and show people books all day, at the end of the day,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06you're only going to learn by being exposed to the job, you know.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- To actually have a feel for it, have a go.- Yeah.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Learn the hard way when something goes wrong.- Yeah.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Use your own mind, you know, a bit of initiative.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15But what I love is, you're not just resurrecting these skills,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17you're resurrecting these locomotives.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I mean, for example, that one there. How old is it?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- That one's from Dunrobin, that's 1895.- 1895!
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- So well over 100 years old. - Yeah, it's a time capsule.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29You're bringing these skills together, keeping everything going.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33And we're also using the skills they were using in 1895 to preserve it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Well, it's an absolute credit to you and the apprenticeship scheme, I can only celebrate.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38I think it's just a fantastic idea.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It says a lot about the railway and its vision. Congratulations.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43OK, thank you.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47'We wish the academy great success in developing new talent with
0:15:47 > 0:15:50'old skills, to keep this wonderful railway chugging through
0:15:50 > 0:15:54'the heart of the Worcestershire countryside for years to come.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'But time now, though, to return to our property search
0:15:57 > 0:15:59'and catch up with our house hunters.'
0:16:03 > 0:16:05For our second house, we're heading
0:16:05 > 0:16:08to the very north of the county to the village of Wolverley,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11right on the Worcestershire/Staffordshire border.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12On the outskirts of the village,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16just over the border, is house number two.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18A very unusual, extended property
0:16:18 > 0:16:20offering a mixture of styles and character.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Now...
0:16:23 > 0:16:25oddly, with this one, we're going to start back to front.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29There is a front door but we're going to deal with it here to start with because
0:16:29 > 0:16:32I think this really gives you the story of this building.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35The whole thing started life back in the mid '90s
0:16:35 > 0:16:38as a bungalow.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- Difficult to imagine. - It's impossible to imagine it now.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44I'm slightly speechless at the moment.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I want to remain open-minded.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- I'm not sure.- John?
0:16:51 > 0:16:56Struggling to stay open minded. This is quirky plus, plus.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I think what we'll do is, we'll start with that half there
0:16:58 > 0:17:01that looks like a chapel.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03It's built from the remains of a chapel.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- You'll see what I mean when we get inside.- We'll pray for insight.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12'House two is certainly not one for traditionalists,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15'as despite having bags of space over three floors,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18'they may have to see past some of its more unique styling,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20'as we head to the lower ground floor.'
0:17:24 > 0:17:26You see what I mean? It's the most amazing
0:17:26 > 0:17:29hammer beam ceiling, this. Or roof truss.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- Is that what it's called? - Yeah, absolutely and they've imported this from a...
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- You know, a reclaimed chapel. - This wasn't here originally?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- No.- This was all added.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Look at this skirting board. Isn't that incredibly original?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- Never seen anything like this... - Original.- Roof slates.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- Original with quirky.- Yes. - The vocabulary's building, yeah?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48This is something of an annexe.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51There's a little kind of kitchen area through there,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53a bedroom and so on.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- Let's have a look at the rest of it, let's go upstairs.- OK.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02'I think the chapel annexe has caught their imagination,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05'so let's see what they make of the living space.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08'We're heading up to the kitchen on the ground floor.'
0:18:08 > 0:18:12So when you get up to the middle floor, it's the kitchen...
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- that greets you.- Good grief.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17That's quite a... quite an impressive kitchen.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- It's a great size. - Yeah, lovely size.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23The beam is good, the way it separates the room.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- I love the number of windows.- Yeah.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28I mean, I would have to change quite a few bits and pieces
0:18:28 > 0:18:30to feel more comfortable. It's not...
0:18:30 > 0:18:32I don't feel it feels like a nest.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34I like the idea of a nest.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Well, if you want a bit more cosy, have a look at the living room.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I think it gets cosier through here.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Come in, Dominique.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Is this cosier?
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Come in, John.- Very nice room. Nice brick, I like the exposed brick.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Gorgeous room.- It's... It is worth you seeing, this place.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59I mean, it offers a huge amount.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01So eclectic, it's wonderful.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Eclectic, I note, is good. Quirky, original, eclectic.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- I think we've cracked it. - I particularly like the split level,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10I think it's a very adventurous way of living and, um...
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Lets you imagine living in the room.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Well, let's have an explore. Come and have a look.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20I mean, it's bigger down here than it is up there, I think.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24You know, as garden rooms go, I mean...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- This is a party room. - It really is a party room.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Can you see that little gallery up there?- Yes.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33That comes off of the master bedroom.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36So that's probably our cue to go upstairs.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- Yes, please.- Yeah? Follow me.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43'A study - the fourth bedroom -
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'and shower room complete the ground floor.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48'Upstairs, the spacious family bathroom with corner bath
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'serves two double guest bedrooms and the master.'
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So we're thinking that this would be your room.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Very good size for a master bedroom.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I hoped you'd say that. Yes, it's... It almost...
0:20:02 > 0:20:04And that balcony over there, that's the one that
0:20:04 > 0:20:08looks down into kind of the garden end of the main living room.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Perfect for the chaise longue, isn't it?
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- So is it big enough, John?- Yes.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- It may be over-quirky, but it's... - You can always tone it down a bit.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- It has a je ne sais quoi.- Perfect!
0:20:20 > 0:20:23That's the word we were looking for, wasn't it? Yes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Well, I think we should go outside.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Talk about some land cos we've given you a huge home,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32we've also got you plenty of ground to play with.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33- Come with me.- Wow.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37'There is plenty of room in this property
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'but is the unique character too much for John and Dominique?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'The grounds total three and a half acres,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48'comprising lawn and paddock areas and come with a large timber barn.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50'A perfect location for a workshop.'
0:20:50 > 0:20:52All of it is so unusual.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Let's try and make sense of it with the numbers,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59you've got £700,000 to spend.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Go on, John. - I think there's a lot of value here,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05if only in the land, and I'm going to go 625.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06625. Dominique?
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Slightly higher, 630.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11630. You're very close to each other, aren't you?
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- But you're right to be because you, sir, are dead on.- Result.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Not that we're remotely competitive. - Of course not.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20But, yeah, £625,000.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24How do you feel about it, now you know the figures?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It's interesting, it's just...
0:21:26 > 0:21:29It's a grower. Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- It's got some exceptional rooms. - Lots to think about.- Indeed.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Changed my mind a lot since I first saw it.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I told you it's a grower. Maybe the money's done it?
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- After you, madam.- Thank you. - After you, sir.- Thank you, Jules.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Well, you did say it was worth coming.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- It was.- Look, at last.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07At last I'm almost the same height as you.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Almost.- Come on, let's go.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18What an eccentric building. I've never seen a chapel annexe before.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20It was extraordinary and a real find.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23And although clearly an awful lot of work had been done
0:22:23 > 0:22:26on the renovation, I don't think it was quite enough to tempt my buyers.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- But we've still got the mystery house to go.- Indeed.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31We'll have to see what happens there.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37Meanwhile, let's meet my couple who are grabbing the reins, saddling up and heading off Worcestershire way.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42For the past 12 years, IT consultant Nigel and American-born Maddie,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46who is an insurance broker, have lived in this four-bedroom new
0:22:46 > 0:22:48build on the outskirts of Southampton.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50But with their two children now finished at school,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54they feel it is time to begin a new chapter in their lives.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57It is, has been a great place to live
0:22:57 > 0:23:01and raise children with good schools and good, you know, facilities.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04But you feel a little bit boxed in because it is in an estate
0:23:04 > 0:23:08at the end of the day, it is a very nice estate, but it is an estate.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11But they're not the only ones we need to consider with this move.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Busby is a 17-hand French Percheron horse
0:23:16 > 0:23:19and he was definitely a mad purchase of mine.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22At the moment, Busby is about 25 minutes away
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and one of the reasons why we want to move and find
0:23:25 > 0:23:29a place in the country is so that Busby can come and live with us.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Whilst Maddie is busy with Busby, Nigel will be spending time
0:23:32 > 0:23:35with their other four-legged friends.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36We have two dogs.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39At the moment I take them out at the weekends, I have to drive them down
0:23:39 > 0:23:44to Hamble where there are lovely sort of walking areas and big parks.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47So an ideal world would be something very similar or you know
0:23:47 > 0:23:50a lovely walk in the countryside where we can take them out,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52but just close to the house.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55All that is left to find out is how much we have got to play
0:23:55 > 0:23:58with for this move to the Worcestershire countryside.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01The budget for the move will be £550,000.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Nigel needs to be close to motorway connections for his work
0:24:08 > 0:24:10and Maddie's head office is in Bristol.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13But they would also like to be close to the Malvern Hills,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16so we are concentrating our property search with that in mind.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Welcome to the Malverns.- Thank you. - Very nice to see you here.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- And you don't really know this area very well, do you?- No, not at all.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- This is the first time we have visited here to be honest.- So why this area?
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- It is strange that you just sort of...trust it this much.- Yeah.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36It's looking for a property for, like, at the right price and an area
0:24:36 > 0:24:40that is still close enough to where we work, we are need to commute to.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42I have got family around Bristol and Bath,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46which I would like to be able to commute to, so you have the M5 and the M4 corridor.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Obviously it's areas I can work in and Maddie can work in,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- so that is kind of the driver for this.- Now what is your budget?
0:24:53 > 0:24:59Right, well, it's £550,000 and there is a lot of ask for that really
0:24:59 > 0:25:03for what we want, cos obviously land is very important to us.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07In terms of house, we are a little bit more flexible on that.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Converted barn.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Well...- That's what I'd like. - Doesn't sound very flexible at all!
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- You definitely want a converted barn? - That's been my dream. I mean, it's not the be all and end all.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20But it's that kind of open plan space that I like the idea of.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- Now you've got a horse, Busby. - Yeah.- How much land?
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- It's an acre a horse, isn't it? - It is. Exactly.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30But they don't like to live by themselves!
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Ah! Nigel's face is like...that. "Oh, God, another one?"
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Yeah, an acre upwards would be ideal.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37Now you've got two boys.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Are they living at home or have they flown the nest?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42They are getting close to flying the nest.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44We've got a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old, both of them
0:25:44 > 0:25:46do currently live at home.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I suppose what I am getting at is how many bedrooms do you need?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51OK, a minimum of three bedrooms, just in case
0:25:51 > 0:25:54yeah, they do come along with us. So, yeah.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Well we've got some lovely houses lined up
0:25:56 > 0:25:58and I hope that you like them.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59- OK, great.- Follow me.- Thank you.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29We've lined up three properties currently on the market for Nigel and Maddie to view.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31And at each one I will be quizzing them on the cost.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Our last house, the mystery property, could please one of our buyers,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38but at the expense of the other.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Our first property is located in the small village of Birtsmorton,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51not far from the borders with Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Nice.- Cute.- Very nice.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02Now this is a house that is quite unassuming from the outside.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06I think you're going to love the inside, but what are your impressions of the exterior?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Nice.- It's cute. It looks a little small.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- You should hold your judgment till you go inside.- Looks nice from the outside.- Let's look.- OK.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16'Maddie doesn't need to worry.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20'I am confident the inside, which has been considerably extended
0:27:20 > 0:27:22'and renovated, will impress.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- Come on in! This is your sitting-room.- Oh, it's cosy.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Oh, crumbs! Yeah, it's nice. It's quite large, actually, isn't it?
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- You see what I mean? - And that's a wood-burning stove?
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Yeah, wood-burning stove.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40And you will see later on that you have your own source of fuel,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- so that won't be a problem.- I guess that can be from outside.- Yeah.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Yeah, I'm surprised. I am very surprised looking at the outside,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50doesn't really look like the inside.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- Let's look at the kitchen.- OK.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58- This, I think, is a really lovely space.- Wow!- Oh, crumbs, yeah.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- That's beautiful.- Yeah, love the kitchen. The kitchen is very nice.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Very nice, yeah, very spacious.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07So what do you think about the sunroom?
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's nice, it's nice how it flows out from the kitchen
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Um...- It's almost like a dining room, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18Very open plan. Open living, which is nice.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20You can have guests out there, be cooking.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- It's very nice, it's all windows. Yeah, it's very light.- Yeah.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26It brings a lot of light into the...the kitchen.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30And also underfloor heating throughout. For all these parts,
0:28:30 > 0:28:31underfloor heating.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- So these are the living quarters as it were. Let's go through to the sleeping quarters.- OK.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38'Whilst it may not be a barn conversion,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43'the light open plan nature of first property is drawing our buyers in.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48'As well as the kitchen and sunroom, there is also a utility room with space for the white goods
0:28:48 > 0:28:51'and a further living room at this end of the property.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55'All the accommodation is arranged across one level
0:28:55 > 0:28:57'and the three bedrooms are just down the hall.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02'They are all doubles and all of them have en-suite bathrooms.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06'There is also a spacious study which could be turned into a fourth bedroom
0:29:06 > 0:29:11'and a rather stylish family bathroom which just leaves the master.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:17You've got three big bedrooms, and this is the master bedroom.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- It has an en-suite. - This is the master? Yeah.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22It's a little bit...
0:29:22 > 0:29:26It is surprising because the proportions are
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- so big for the kitchen... - This is quite small.- ..and this is a little bit kind of boxy
0:29:30 > 0:29:35and not a huge amount of storage although they have some.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37I mean there are two or three other rooms...
0:29:37 > 0:29:40About the same size, really, but you could perhaps take your pick.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Yeah, yeah. - But they all have en-suites.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47So you have three bedrooms all with en-suite and a family bathroom
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- and toilet. And I know the interiors are your bag.- Absolutely.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- But the exteriors are very important for you.- Absolutely.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- I think you might like the outside. - Looking forward to that.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00'And I think Busby will feel at home here too,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02'because as well as a large wraparound garden
0:30:02 > 0:30:07'with decked and lawn areas, a wooden bridge leads you to a coppice and beyond that,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09'two enclosed paddocks.'
0:30:10 > 0:30:12'All in all, there's three acres of land here,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16'but it might involve a bit of work to turn it into a home for the horse.'
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- So you have your own woodland. - I know.- Very nice.- It's quite nice.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23What is particularly nice about it is that it supplies
0:30:23 > 0:30:25all your wood for the log burner.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- And then you have this very nice vegetable garden.- Yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31And some outbuildings, but we need to talk about the access,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33because this is not an equestrian property,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35and for you to make it an equestrian property,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37you are going to have to lose that greenhouse,
0:30:37 > 0:30:41probably lose the other side of this sort of tack room
0:30:41 > 0:30:44and build a driveway that comes down the side of the garage,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48all the way along this property, over the two brooks into the field.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- Right. It's worth considering.- Yep.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Well, we also have to think about the budget.- Yes.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56How much do you think this is going to cost you?
0:30:58 > 0:31:01I'm going to say it's up on the top of the budget, really.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- I was going to say 550. - I'm going to go a little lower.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06I'm going to say 525.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09OK, so this is on the market for 575.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11HE EXHALES SHARPLY
0:31:11 > 0:31:13But the owners are quite open to negotiations.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15So I definitely think you could get it in your budget.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- How's the weather? Well, it is not raining.- Typical English.- Aww!
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- Well, a sunny response to house number one?- Absolutely.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- Absolutely loved it. - That's what we like to hear.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'Worcestershire is home to one of the most historically important
0:32:10 > 0:32:13'country estates in the West Midlands.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16'Croome Court, the former home of the Earls of Coventry.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19'It was remodelled in the 18th century by the landscape artist
0:32:19 > 0:32:24'Capability Brown, with the palatial interiors designed by Robert Adam,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27'both trailblazers in the world of architecture at the time.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'But decades of neglect under private ownership saw the building
0:32:31 > 0:32:36'fall into disrepair and the worst hit was the Grade-I listed Red Wing.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39'Today it is part of a £5 million repair project involving
0:32:39 > 0:32:44'the entire house which is being managed by the National Trust.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48'I have come to meet the building's Project Manager, Sean Wilkes.'
0:32:48 > 0:32:49So tell me a bit about the Red Wing.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53It was a service wing to ensure the smooth running of the court.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- So this is for the servants or the undesirables.- Exactly.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01On the upper floors, you would have had the servants' accommodation,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04and on the lower floors you would have the kitchens.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07When the trust got involved, what sort of state of repair was it in?
0:33:07 > 0:33:09It was in a terrible state of repair.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12It was about to collapse. It had already suffered partial collapse,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15some of the internal floors had collapsed, and we had got here just in time.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19We're standing on a fairly significant scaffolding, which was the first thing to be erected,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21along with the temporary roof.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24And I think it's fair to say that the building would not have stood another winter.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26We have saved quite a lot of the original building.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- So here for example, you can see that's a new bit of oak.- Yes.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- And this is presumably an old bit? - Exactly.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35The bottom section was rotten
0:33:35 > 0:33:39but there was enough left of the original timber to warrant saving.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42'As well as repair work to the inside of the Red Wing, craftsmen
0:33:42 > 0:33:46'are making good the damage to the exterior brickwork of the building.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48'Again, by mixing the old with the new.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52'Each brick costs £80 and has been specially made
0:33:52 > 0:33:55'so they can be cut more easily.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57'I am meeting bricklayer Tony Cunningham to see
0:33:57 > 0:33:59'if I can lend a hand.'
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- This bit that you are doing here is obviously a bit specialised.- Yes.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07There is a lot of damage on them and we're replacing them with new bricks
0:34:07 > 0:34:12- So you need gloves because of the lime on them.- So it's lime...?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Yes, it's lime putty on the arch, yeah.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19'Lime mortar is more flexible than cement, allowing the building to
0:34:19 > 0:34:23breathe and to move, making it much better suited to an historic structure.'
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Put it firmly in place.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29Hey presto!
0:34:29 > 0:34:32'Once the work is finished on the red Wing,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34'the builders will move on to the rest of Croome Court,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37'and the make-over should be completed in the next few years
0:34:37 > 0:34:42'when the whole house will be open to the public for the first time in its history.
0:34:43 > 0:34:44'And talking of houses,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47'let's get back to our search with Maddie and Nigel.'
0:34:55 > 0:34:58'For our second offering, we're heading south-west,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02over the border into Gloucestershire and to the hamlet of Kilcot.'
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- House number two!- Oh, my word.- Wow.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- That is very pretty.- It is a pretty house.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- I notice they have solar power on the roof?- Yes, they do.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18These are actually hot water pipes, so these heat the water.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23- So on a hot day like today, you don't need to turn the immersion on.- OK.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24It's a handsome stone property.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28You can see that it has been extended at the end there, about 30 years ago.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30You can see the different stone.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33One thing about this house is that it is not an equestrian property.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34SHE GROANS
0:35:34 > 0:35:36No need for a long face.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Because it could so easily be one, much more easily than yesterday.
0:35:41 > 0:35:47- Because look at this... Two loose boxes.- OK.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48Actually all opened up inside.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Wow. OK, that's a good sign. - Right. And then, follow me.
0:35:57 > 0:36:03- OK. So this is all yours! - Really? Oh, my gosh!
0:36:03 > 0:36:06That is such a pretty paddock. How many acres?
0:36:06 > 0:36:09It's, again, the whole plot is about 3.2 acres. SHE GASPS
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Is it all fenced off?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- It's all fenced off.- Oh... It's unbelievable.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- It's a huge plot, we will explore a bit later on.- Yes, please!
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- OK, we have won over Maddie. We've just got to convince Nigel.- Yeah.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Let's wait and see. - Let's look inside.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27'Good reactions to a second property
0:36:27 > 0:36:31'but we've got a lot to do to beat the first house.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35'We're heading to the newer part of the house via a dining hall and study room.'
0:36:36 > 0:36:40So I will with you through those rooms into this big lovely room.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45- This is the extension.- OK.- So this was put on about 30 years ago.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- Yeah. - But it gives you the big volume.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51It's a good space, no question, and it's got good aspect windows and it's light
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and you can see out to the garden, so we have got some positives.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56It's just that you have spoiled me with the first house.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58I'm sorry, that's just the way I am.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- I'm just showering blessings on you both. And you have to choose.- Yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05But there are lots of lovely features. You've got to think about the space here
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- cos you have a lovely south facing, south-west facing sort of room.- Yes.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- Very nice, big log burner. - It is light and airy.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14It is a nice room.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15And you've got to think long-term,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- you are not going to have any costs to heat it.- Yes.- Yes.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21The other house had underfloor heating, which is quite expensive.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- Is it? Well, let's see the rest of the house.- All right.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27THEY LAUGH You're so bossy! OK.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31'As well as the living room, there is also a dining room and separate
0:37:31 > 0:37:36dining hall with wood-burning stove at the older end of the house.'
0:37:37 > 0:37:43Come through this smallish snug down some stairs into a smallish kitchen.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- OK. Oh, yes.- A very small kitchen.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49And through here you have got another small dining room,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53so my thought is that you might want to remodel this in some way.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- Because through here you have got a huge utility room.- OK.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02- So it feels to me there are a lot of small bits that add up to a bigger... - Bigger rooms.- A bigger room.
0:38:02 > 0:38:09- Yes, it is going to take some thinking on how we can make it to how we like it.- Absolutely.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11It depends what the price is, Alistair.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14But also you have got to remember, you know, this is a beautiful plot.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- It is stunning. Absolutely stunning.- Yes.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20And the location you can't change, the house you can change.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24It is not listed so you could build out, you could build a sunroom.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25That's true.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28'Upstairs, this property has four bedrooms.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31'Three of those are doubles and there is a smaller single bedroom
0:38:31 > 0:38:32'and family bathroom.'
0:38:33 > 0:38:37So unlike the last house, there are lots of steps up and down.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- There are indeed.- A nice big master. - But a much bigger master.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- This is huge. - Yes, it is a good size.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45It is lovely, it looks out there.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- The fields and the paddock and the garden.- This is a lovely room. - Yes.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- Through here you have got a very nice en-suite.- It is beautiful.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- Beautiful. The B word. - Beautiful but needs redecorating.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It is whether you are the sort of people who like to do that sort of thing.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Who like to get architects in, knocked down walls, I'm not sure.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- We are not DIY people, are we? - No, certainly not.- So...
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- These are not the sort of things you would do yourself.- No.- No.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- It is whether there is money in the budget.- Exactly.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- That's the key question. - Yes, that will be the key question.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Well, luckily it is the question I'm going to ask you very shortly.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25'Along with the paddock and outbuildings, the garden to the side
0:39:25 > 0:39:28'and rear of the property is made up of patio areas with steps
0:39:28 > 0:39:33'leading to a large lawn and great views of the surrounding countryside.'
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I get the impression the outside's a winner and the inside a few question marks?
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I want to like the inside, I really do,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43because the outside is just so gorgeous, but...
0:39:43 > 0:39:47There is a lot of work. A huge amount of decoration. As you say, probably a lot of remodelling.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49So how much do you think it is on the market for?
0:39:49 > 0:39:52I'd say it is on the top of the budget - 550?
0:39:52 > 0:39:55I'm going to go lower because I think they realise it is
0:39:55 > 0:40:01a lot of work to do on the house, so I am going to go for... 500.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- Well, if you split the difference, it's on the market for 530.- 530.- OK.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09So you would have £20,000 to remodel.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Which is a considerable budget for what needs to be done on the house
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- because it is not insurmountable. - No, no.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42- Are you all done inside?- Yes.- Yes. - Done with your head-scratching about the interiors?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- A lot of head-scratching, yes.- Yes. A lot of head-scratching.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- It's a challenging property. - It very much is, yes.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- But we do have the mystery house to come.- Yes, looking forward to that.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59So a pretty good start. And property number two looks quite promising.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Yes. Although I am finding, and you will excuse the equestrian metaphor,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06but I am having to plough quite a narrow furrow between horse
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- and house for them.- Interesting to see how that one turns out, really.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11What about your couple?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Well, John and Dominique, looking for their dream
0:41:13 > 0:41:16home in the Worcestershire countryside with £700,000.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19A very generous sum of money.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Now our first two properties were gorgeous,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24but clearly weren't quite hitting the mark,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27so for our final offering, our mystery house, we thought,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30well, to hell with land, let's go for house.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33We're travelling south into Herefordshire
0:41:33 > 0:41:36and our third county for the mystery house,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38close to the market town of Ledbury.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42On the outskirts of town in a rural location is our mystery house,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44a converted farming property.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48However, in order to give them a spacious home, there's a compromise.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55So here we are, just outside Ledbury and our mystery house.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Now, I have to tell you that you don't get all of it
0:41:59 > 0:42:03but you do get the central third of it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06There are three properties here, sharing this driveway.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09You also get two garages up there,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11which we're thinking workshop space, John.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- It's an old oast house. - We gathered that.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Built about 1910 and now much renovated.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20But the great thing about these vast,
0:42:20 > 0:42:25old, agrarian industrial buildings is space.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28We have spoiled you up to now with lots and lots of land.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31We have got you a very generous garden
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- but not acres and acres.- OK.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36What do you think of it?
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- Very impressive. I mean, the building looks fabulous.- Good.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44Well, I think now we've whetted your appetite, let's go and have a look.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45Come on then.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48'Great first impressions
0:42:48 > 0:42:53'and I think the six bedrooms and over 3,500 square feet of living
0:42:53 > 0:42:56'accommodation could be just enough space of for them.'
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Do you see what I mean about high ceilings?
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- This is fantastic. - And look at these doors.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05I don't think I've ever seen doors that high.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09- You don't get those off the shelf, do you?- You don't. Let's start in here.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12This...
0:43:14 > 0:43:16..is the snug.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18But this is probably the place to start because it's
0:43:18 > 0:43:20the smallest reception room here.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Well, not bad for the smallest.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26So is it living up to expectations from the outside?
0:43:26 > 0:43:29It's better inside than I thought it was from the outside
0:43:29 > 0:43:30and I love the outside, so, um...
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Wood and stone. Two of my passions.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- Yeah.- And space. - Yeah, indeed.- Lots of space.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39If you're enjoying this, I think you'll love
0:43:39 > 0:43:41what's through here, Dominique. Come with me.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44OK, Dominique.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- Whoa.- Yeah. - What a magnificent room.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54That's the first "magnificent" of the week, that's good. That's good.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57- Can I add another one then? - Go on, then.- Magnificent.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01I mean, as you can see, they've combined dining, living room
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- and kitchen.- I think that's lovely.
0:44:04 > 0:44:09I think it would suit us very well, wouldn't it? The way we spend...
0:44:09 > 0:44:13Yeah, the bay into the larger window adds that extra dimension to the room.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16I mean, this is a room that you're going to use 90% of the time,
0:44:16 > 0:44:17I would think.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21So is this one getting further onto any kind of list
0:44:21 > 0:44:23- that might be a contender? - Yes.- For me, yes.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26Yes, excellent. Thought it might.
0:44:26 > 0:44:27Come on, let's go up.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34'The mystery house seems to be wowing them
0:44:34 > 0:44:37'and we've still two floors to go.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40'On the first, there are two double bedrooms served by a family bathroom
0:44:40 > 0:44:43'with a double ended bath.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45'And of course, there's the master.'
0:44:46 > 0:44:49THIS is the master.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- That is incredible.- It gets better.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59- This is huge. This is, agh...- Yeah.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02There's a dressing room in there which is currently a study
0:45:02 > 0:45:05but I would suggest probably more useful as a dressing room to you.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09Lovely views out there and then you've got an en-suite in here.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- Kind of double shower and so on. - Excellent.- Yeah?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20- I love it.- The space, the light, the warmth of the wood, it's...
0:45:20 > 0:45:23very, very impressive.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25Well, it's not over yet, let's go upstairs. Come with me.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28- On the top floor.- What, there's only one more floor?
0:45:28 > 0:45:30Only one more, yeah.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34'They're clearly blown away by the sheer scale of this property
0:45:34 > 0:45:37'and there's more to see on the second floor, with bedrooms
0:45:37 > 0:45:41'four and five both doubles with en-suite, next to bedroom six.'
0:45:41 > 0:45:44So I guess it poses the question,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46what will you do with all these bedrooms?
0:45:46 > 0:45:49and we were thinking maybe this would be a nice kind of studio...
0:45:49 > 0:45:51- I think you're right. - ..for the craft.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- Cos you have the light sort of in the roof there.- Yeah.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Craft room or a man's room.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00- Ah.- Erm, crafts room. - Crafts room, then. Yeah.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Consider yourself told, John. You have got the double garages outside.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- Exactly.- Don't forget.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08But, yeah, I mean, you've got so many choices here.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- That's what's nice about it. - Definitely.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13OK, well, let's get outside into that sunshine...
0:46:13 > 0:46:17look at the garden and we'll start to think about the price.
0:46:17 > 0:46:18Have a poke in the garage?
0:46:18 > 0:46:21Might let you have a look in the garage. Bit later on.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27'I think they might just have fallen for this splendidly roomy home.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31'The question is, will the gardens be enough for them?'
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Last but not least, the garden and the views beyond.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37Now, we said at the outset we weren't
0:46:37 > 0:46:39going to give you acres and acres.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42With all this to play with, does it matter any more?
0:46:42 > 0:46:45We could cope with this size garden.
0:46:45 > 0:46:46It is a lovely garden.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- It's well laid out and with a field at the back.- Yeah.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52You get the view and that's for free.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55But you don't get that for free. So...
0:46:55 > 0:46:57Now, what's coming next, then?
0:46:57 > 0:46:59Dominique, it's your turn, I think.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- 670?- 670,000, yeah. John?
0:47:05 > 0:47:09- I was thinking higher but I want it to be lower.- All right.
0:47:09 > 0:47:14- So I shall say 685.- £685,000.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16You're quite good at this, you two, aren't you?
0:47:16 > 0:47:17This is on the market
0:47:17 > 0:47:21for 675.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24That's put a smile on your face.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27I thought you would push it right to the top of the budget.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30Well, it's comfortably underneath your £700,000 proposed
0:47:30 > 0:47:33maximum spend and what a house.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36You know, I get the feeling it just kind of fits you.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40- Yes, it certainly felt very good.- It was love at first sight, I'm afraid.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42Oh, don't be afraid.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44Well, that gives it away, doesn't it?
0:48:09 > 0:48:13Well, I think that was a very interesting final house tour.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- Very much so.- So are we that little bit closer - do you think -
0:48:15 > 0:48:18to finding your new home?
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- I definitely think so, yes. - A lot closer. Yes, definitely.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23- A lot to talk about. - I should think there is, yeah.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30Well, Dominique, John, here we are at the end of our house search.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34It has flown by and we started off with up to £700,000
0:48:34 > 0:48:36of your hard-earned money to spend
0:48:36 > 0:48:39and high hopes for a new home in the countryside.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42We've given you three very interesting properties,
0:48:42 > 0:48:45question is, have we found the perfect one?
0:48:45 > 0:48:46You may well have done.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49Can I take a flying guess as to which one it might be?
0:48:49 > 0:48:51Do that, let's see.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55- The mystery house? - You're clairvoyant. - I think you're right, yes.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59The house itself has got so much character.
0:48:59 > 0:49:04The architecture is so interesting, the space in the house is fantastic.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Yeah.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10The lounge in particular, well, this sort of open lounge, kitchen,
0:49:10 > 0:49:13diner, overlooking the garden.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15I can see myself living there.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18So the question I must now ask you...
0:49:18 > 0:49:20is what happens next?
0:49:20 > 0:49:24Try to sort of use our head over the heart.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26Because the heart was sort of, you know...
0:49:26 > 0:49:28totally...
0:49:28 > 0:49:30overcome and... yes.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33But is it too large for us?
0:49:34 > 0:49:38You know, a few questions like this, but...
0:49:38 > 0:49:40very tempting.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42So we started off looking in Worcestershire
0:49:42 > 0:49:46- and we've ended up in Herefordshire. Who'd have thought it?- Yes.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50- But as ever, let us know how it goes.- No, thank you very much.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53- It was a very good experience. - Our pleasure.- Thank you.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Let's return to my buyers, Nigel and Maddie from Southampton
0:50:01 > 0:50:04who've got a healthy budget of £550,000
0:50:04 > 0:50:06to spend on their dream home.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08We've got one last property to show them
0:50:08 > 0:50:11and as it's the mystery house, we are going the extra mile
0:50:11 > 0:50:13and are heading further away from the Malvern Hills
0:50:13 > 0:50:17into the Herefordshire hamlet of Weston.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20With the mystery house, we are giving Nigel what he wants
0:50:20 > 0:50:23but Maddie may have to compromise
0:50:23 > 0:50:26and I am keen to see how she will react.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28- Ha-ha.- It is the barn!
0:50:28 > 0:50:33Nigel... This is your big moment.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37- It's a converted barn. - The converted barn, it looks lovely.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39It looks really nice.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43- It is a huge house. It is not a lot of land.- Oh.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45That's the mystery!
0:50:47 > 0:50:49But there is so much land around here
0:50:49 > 0:50:53and the owners are sure that you could rent acres and acres...
0:50:53 > 0:50:58- Really?...- ..of equestrian land within walking distance.- OK.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01But I think your oohs and ahs might come
0:51:01 > 0:51:02- when we get inside.- Yes? OK. - OK.
0:51:02 > 0:51:07- I don't want to prejudge but let's have a look.- So far so good.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11So our third house is a converted L-shaped barn.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14One wing is double storey, but the other takes
0:51:14 > 0:51:18advantage of the ceiling space to create a fantastic reception room.
0:51:20 > 0:51:26- I'm going to take you straight into the kapow moment.- Oh, my word!
0:51:26 > 0:51:32- It's massive.- Wow. That is a converted barn - beautiful.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34- That's extraordinary. - That's formal dining.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36This is formal dining.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38- That is extraordinary.- Yes.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40High, high ceilings, skylights -
0:51:40 > 0:51:43- which is unusual in a barn conversion.- OK.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45- To get more light. - To get more light, yeah.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48And obviously this mezzanine area up there.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51It's almost worrying it's so big, but they have a lot of stuff
0:51:51 > 0:51:56- and it still feels spacious. - Yes.- I'm sure we could fill it.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58I'm sure we could fill it.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00What's nice, is there's a study at the end there with doors
0:52:00 > 0:52:04that you can shut, and also this potential you
0:52:04 > 0:52:07- have for a bedroom or another second study at the top.- Yes.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10- Spectacular.- Well, the beauty continues.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14Coming into the kitchen after that room, it feels a little pokey!
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- Just a little! - But for most of us it looks massive.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21Yes, that's a nice Shaker style kitchen.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23It's a pretty substantial size, there's no doubt about that.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26So this would be, I guess, your lunch and breakfast room.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30- Yes, everyday.- Everyday, as opposed to formal dining.- Yes.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Can you imagine living here and coming down in the morning
0:52:33 > 0:52:37- and making yourself a cup of tea? - Yes, I can.- Yes?- Definitely.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41I think we'd need more animals to fill the barn!
0:52:41 > 0:52:43It keeps on going.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46- OK.- Follow me.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48As well as the double height dining hall
0:52:48 > 0:52:51and the kitchen, the ground floor also features a large sitting
0:52:51 > 0:52:56room with wood-burning stove, and beyond that a large office,
0:52:56 > 0:53:01a generous utility room, and a ground floor shower room.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04Upstairs, there are three bedrooms in this property
0:53:04 > 0:53:08and they are all doubles built into the eaves and with exposed timbers.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11Two of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms,
0:53:11 > 0:53:15one of those has a his-and-her sink and rolltop bath
0:53:15 > 0:53:17and it's part of the impressive master suite.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24You have three bedrooms upstairs. This is yours.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Look at that closet!
0:53:27 > 0:53:32- Yes!- It is not really a closet, it is a dressing room.- It is.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36- Oh, my word!- It is pretty substantial again, isn't it?
0:53:36 > 0:53:37- Yeah.- Again.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39I like to have a sofa in my bedroom.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43- Somewhere where you can just think about getting into bed.- Yes.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Well, I'll let you explore because there's a lot more to see.
0:53:45 > 0:53:49I just want to pop outside so we can talk about Busby
0:53:49 > 0:53:54- and think about budget. - Yes. The B word.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57Although not large enough to accommodate the horse,
0:53:57 > 0:54:02the garden is made up of a spacious lawn with raised vegetable beds
0:54:02 > 0:54:06and there's also a sheltered patio area as well as a gravel driveway
0:54:06 > 0:54:07and single garage.
0:54:07 > 0:54:12- It is actually a lovely garden. It's not a paddock.- No.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14It's not a paddock.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- But it is beautiful.- What do you think it is on the market for?
0:54:17 > 0:54:18I am going to say...
0:54:18 > 0:54:20I get it wrong all the time but I'm going to say
0:54:20 > 0:54:22it's the top of the budget, 550,
0:54:22 > 0:54:26because it is a stunning, stunning barn.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32I'm going to go above that again - 575.
0:54:32 > 0:54:37- You say yes?- It is probably pushing the ceiling. I would say 575.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Well, you shouldn't because you were right the first time, it is
0:54:40 > 0:54:42- on the market for 550. - Really? On the mark.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46So, in your budget, your dream barn could be yours, Nigel.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50- It's big, it's huge.- It is. - It's almost too big.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52It is overwhelming!
0:54:52 > 0:54:54Don't say too big!
0:54:56 > 0:55:01Priced at £550,000, our mystery house is right at the top of Nigel
0:55:01 > 0:55:02and Maddie's budget.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06It is a spacious converted barn, which is what Nigel asked for,
0:55:06 > 0:55:08but there is no room at the inn for the horse.
0:55:08 > 0:55:12The accommodation includes a magnificent dining hall with
0:55:12 > 0:55:15high ceiling and an equally impressive master ceiling.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17There are three bedrooms in total
0:55:17 > 0:55:20and the possibility to create more if needed.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22The garden is largely laid to lawn
0:55:22 > 0:55:26and there are options nearby to rent land for a paddock.
0:55:26 > 0:55:31I'm going to have to drag you two away from a dream barn.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Yes, it's pretty special.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41I've done quite a number of these shows and I feel
0:55:41 > 0:55:44I have the gift of guessing which house people like the best.
0:55:44 > 0:55:49- I think you like the mystery house best. Am I right?- Absolutely.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53Yeah. The mystery house certainly has a lot to
0:55:53 > 0:55:58offer in terms of value for money. Incredible.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01- What happens next?- I think we are going to move fast on this one.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03I think if we don't grab the opportunity,
0:56:03 > 0:56:06- somebody else certainly will. - And make an offer.- Yes.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10The mystery house was wonderful because it was beautifully quiet.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13- I think we were there all day and not a car went past.- No.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17But the flip side of that it is quite a long way from the motorways.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20Nigel, is that daunting for you? The commute?
0:56:20 > 0:56:22It would mean probably staying away from home more often
0:56:22 > 0:56:26during the week but that is part and parcel of the work I do.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Finally, do you think that that house, the mystery house,
0:56:29 > 0:56:32could be a sort of... "this is where I am going to lay down
0:56:32 > 0:56:34"my bits and bobs?"
0:56:34 > 0:56:39I can see us definitely there for 10 or 15 years if not more.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42Yes! That is what I wanted to hear. Wonderful, that's a great conclusion.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I hope it all goes well, I hope you sell your house,
0:56:44 > 0:56:47I hope you put an offer in, and I hope it gets accepted.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49- Thank you very much. - Thank you, it's been great.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56- So, the mystery house won it by a nose.- By a furlong. It was amazing.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59At the beginning of the search, it was all about Busby the horse but
0:56:59 > 0:57:03as soon as Maddie saw that mystery house, Busby was out to pasture.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05I think we saw the same thing with John and Dominique.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08It wouldn't be the first time that buyers come on the show with
0:57:08 > 0:57:12a really detailed and extensive list of requirements that then
0:57:12 > 0:57:15gets rapidly redesigned as the house hunt continues.
0:57:15 > 0:57:16I think that would be my top tip.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Don't get too narrow, particularly when we are always looking online,
0:57:19 > 0:57:22Internet searching, for a certain house with all these criteria.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26Don't get those too narrow, throw in some wild categories.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28Look at a bungalow, look at something attached,
0:57:28 > 0:57:30- look at something in a different area.- Or look at us.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34We went out to Worcestershire looking for a property with land.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37We ended up in Herefordshire with a garden
0:57:37 > 0:57:39and a beautiful mystery house thrown in.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42It just goes to show, you never can tell until you see it.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45That's absolutely right. You can never predict 100 percent
0:57:45 > 0:57:47how buyers are going to react to properties
0:57:47 > 0:57:49but you can, of course, always join us here
0:57:49 > 0:57:51for another Escape To The Country. We'll see you next time.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53Indeed, see you next time.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56John and Dominique are still looking for their perfect home.
0:57:56 > 0:58:00And Maddie and Nigel have put their house move on hold.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04And if you'd like to escape to the country in
0:58:04 > 0:58:08Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England or maybe even further afield
0:58:08 > 0:58:11to the continent and would like our help, please apply online...