0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to a very special Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Today we're returning to two diverse property searches in one county.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Throughout the programme we'll be immersing
0:00:10 > 0:00:13ourselves in our chosen location, and giving you
0:00:13 > 0:00:16plenty of advice along the way about buying property in the area.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Today's county is home to a city which was once
0:00:19 > 0:00:22the capital of England during the English Civil War.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Find out where in just a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Today we're looking back on two house-hunts.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45My property-hungry pair
0:00:45 > 0:00:48were swapping the slopes of Switzerland for the rolling hills
0:00:48 > 0:00:51of England, in what they hoped would be their final move.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55And their prospective homes needed a little lateral thinking.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- It's a nice space.- And this is definitely more manageable.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01While my couple were moving on
0:01:01 > 0:01:05and up, as they searched for their first family home.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09But emotions ran high as the journey to a place of their own
0:01:09 > 0:01:11didn't always run smoothly.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I'm almost disappointed by how much I like this house
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and the fact that it is attached to a neighbour.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Today we're focusing on the county of Oxfordshire.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Now, during the English Civil War, Oxford housed
0:01:25 > 0:01:31the court of King Charles I in 1642 when he was expelled from London.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33And as a county, it's always been popular with
0:01:33 > 0:01:36buyers on Escape To The Country. Not just because it's beautiful,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39but also because of its fantastic transport links into the capital.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42In fact, the new Oxford Parkway station is due to open soon,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45which will get you into London in less than an hour.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47It also has great road links too, with the M40
0:01:47 > 0:01:51connecting Oxfordshire with London and Birmingham.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54But when I think of the county, I also think of the Cotswolds,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56and in particular a town called Chipping Norton.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Very lively, beautiful architecture and steeped in history.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04So, if you want amazing property in a wonderful setting, this really
0:02:04 > 0:02:06is a county you should look at.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Situated in southern England,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13landlocked Oxfordshire is bordered by six counties, including
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19The Chiltern Hills make a striking appearance
0:02:19 > 0:02:21to the south of the county, and are a
0:02:21 > 0:02:24designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28covering 324 square miles over four counties.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Oxfordshire's home not only to archetypal English meadows and
0:02:33 > 0:02:38fields, but also to the world-famous and prestigious Oxford University.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42The region is also home to charming towns like Burford,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45with honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings lining the streets,
0:02:45 > 0:02:50and Wallingford, which has the tranquil River Thames running through it.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54So whether it's country walks, a dose of culture or day trips,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57the region offers diverse country living
0:02:57 > 0:02:59away from the hubbub of busy city life.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Oxfordshire does seem to have it all, doesn't it, Jules?
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Rolling landscapes, classic English villages and,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10of course, right at its heart,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14that extraordinary city which brims with culture and history.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17And its proximity to London has always helped fuel the property market.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Yeah, definitely. But there's a premium that you have to pay for that.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25The average price of a detached home in Oxfordshire is around £443,000.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Ouch.- That's a lot, isn't it?- It is.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30That's about 50% above the national average,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33making it one of the most expensive counties in the country.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Well, in the last year alone, there's been a phenomenal rise -
0:03:36 > 0:03:39some 11% on property prices in the heart of Oxford itself,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and that's also radiated out to the surrounding countryside.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44There, prices have gone up by some 6%.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- So it does cast its shadow right across the region.- Definitely.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51But I suppose if getting to London isn't an issue,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I would suggest stretching your search area,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57perhaps towards the west, towards Gloucestershire or
0:03:57 > 0:04:00North Warwickshire, because then you'll get all the benefits of living
0:04:00 > 0:04:04in the country, but you'll make your money go just that little bit further.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Indeed you will. But both of our couples were determined that Oxfordshire
0:04:07 > 0:04:09would be the county for them.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12So let's remind ourselves of my couple.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Jill and Bob have recently returned to the UK
0:04:15 > 0:04:18after 13 years living and working in Switzerland.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22They've been in this rented apartment in north-west London, which they're
0:04:22 > 0:04:26using as a base whilst they search for a new home, for eight months.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29We love living in Hampstead because of the amenities here
0:04:29 > 0:04:32and the bookshops and the cafe culture.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Hampstead is really beautiful, so we're getting spoiled.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40We sort of love the city, but we don't want to live in the city.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Environmental engineer Bob is moving into semi-retirement.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48He's spent much of his working life abroad, and he and Jill
0:04:48 > 0:04:50met in Derbyshire, where they both grew up, just before he
0:04:50 > 0:04:55was due to set off to the other side of the world, over three decades ago.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59My first job was in South Africa, and I had a leaving party and my
0:04:59 > 0:05:05next-door neighbour brought Jill down to the party, so that's where we met.
0:05:05 > 0:05:1031 years ago they tied the knot, and they have two grown-up daughters.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Their family couldn't be happier that they're back on home soil,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and Jill and Bob don't want to be too far from either their daughters
0:05:16 > 0:05:19in London or other family members in Derbyshire.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23We're looking forward to buying a house and settling
0:05:23 > 0:05:28and putting down roots in the UK, specifically Oxfordshire.
0:05:28 > 0:05:34Oxfordshire, for me, is easy access to family in Derbyshire and London.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37It's countryside, it's beautiful in that area.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40And it has all the things we want.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44And after so long away from home,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47the couple are also looking forward to staying put.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49We've moved a lot of times.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Switzerland has been the most consistent, stable
0:05:53 > 0:05:55part of our living together.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59We've been married for 30 years and we've lived in 16 houses.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03It took Jill and Bob four years to find their house in Switzerland,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and a lot of hard work to turn it into their dream home.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- We totally renovated it. - From top to bottom.- Transformed it.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13We're not frightened of a project. Big projects.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21'Jill and Bob are happy to consider moving anywhere in Oxfordshire,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24'so we have the freedom to cast our net far and wide.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28'But before we do, I'm meeting them in this green county to go
0:06:28 > 0:06:30'over the finer details of their proposed move.'
0:06:30 > 0:06:32So what is your perfect home going to look like?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Well, we like traditional, we like old buildings, but we like
0:06:35 > 0:06:39to renovate or for it to have a modern feel on the inside.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41I want a fabulous kitchen, open-plan,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and we want it to be the hub of the house.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Patio doors onto a fabulous terrace, and great views.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49That's what I would ideally like.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52So what would be a real no-no?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Really low ceilings.- Beams. Beams and low ceilings.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58And obviously you've come back to be closer to family, they're
0:06:58 > 0:07:02going to come and stay, so how many bedrooms do you think you would need?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06I think four, maybe five, depending on if there's a study.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08If there's a study, then we need fewer bedrooms.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10And what about you, Bob?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I've done woodwork at stages in my life, earlier on at school,
0:07:13 > 0:07:14and it's something I've really enjoyed,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18so if we could have a workshop or something to escape to
0:07:18 > 0:07:20in the garden, that would be fantastic.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23I like where you're coming from. That's my kind of house too.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Give us an idea of how much you are going to spend on this?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31We're aiming for £800,000, but we can go a little bit higher,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34so up to a million if it's absolutely perfect
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- and we don't have much to spend or do on it after that.- All right then.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Generous budget.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42The property market here is fabulous, as you probably know,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46and we've got three properties to show you to get this move
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- underway to find what you hope will be your final home. Shall we?- Yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Come on, let's go.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Jill and Bob have a very generous budget
0:07:56 > 0:08:00but they have chosen one of the most costly regions in the UK to
0:08:00 > 0:08:03live in, so I hope we can find them what they want.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05They're not keen on cottages or beams,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08but they're happy to take on a project, as they've
0:08:08 > 0:08:11done in the past, and they're hoping for four or five bedrooms.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Jill would love a large kitchen-diner with doors to the garden,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16which can become the hub of their home.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Bob is looking for a workshop to call his own, and they would both be happy
0:08:20 > 0:08:25to be close to a centre with shops, eateries and access to culture.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27We've found three distinctive properties,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31one of which could be Jill and Bob's 17th and last home together.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35And once they've toured each one, we'll let them in on its price.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37The last stop will be the Mystery House,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and today it will require a very good imagination, so, if our couple
0:08:41 > 0:08:45remain open-minded, this could be the home they've been dreaming of.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52For our first offering,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56we're heading slightly west of the centre of Oxfordshire to the
0:08:56 > 0:08:58town of Witney, just under 12 miles west of Oxford.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Witney is a thriving market town,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06providing locals with a great centre, packed with a variety of shops
0:09:06 > 0:09:09in its busy and attractive high street of stone buildings.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of town is our first property,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17a grand, detached house located in a quiet cul-de-sac.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- So this is it.- Wow. It's pretty.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Isn't it?- Yes, it's very nice.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29And this one, really, I think is all about location and those transport
0:09:29 > 0:09:32links you need to get into London and, of course, up to Derbyshire.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- It looks lovely.- It's got a nice old feel to it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37It's looking good.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- Shall we?- Yes.- Let's go.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42'This house was built from reconstituted stone
0:09:42 > 0:09:45'around 34 years ago and extended in 2001
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'to create this bright, spacious home.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51'Through a large reception hall is a very large living room
0:09:51 > 0:09:53'which opens onto the garden.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- Wow. This is nice. - Very nice.- But it does have a beam.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- It does have a beam.- It's lovely.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01It's got a nice open feel. I like this.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Behind you, you've got what the current owners
0:10:03 > 0:10:06use as their winter snug.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10I get the feeling that this is the sort of style that would appeal.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Yes, it is.- It is nice. It is very nice.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Even though the room perhaps isn't huge,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19but it has an airiness to it, which I like.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22'Also on the ground floor there's a room which would be
0:10:22 > 0:10:24perfect as a study, and at the back of the house is a large
0:10:24 > 0:10:27kitchen-diner, also with access to the garden.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- This is nice.- It is nice.- Yeah?
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- Yeah, I could hack this.- Come and have a look at it. It's huge.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36It goes on round this corner.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39You've got the central island, as it were.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- This is lovely, really nice. I like it.- Bright as well.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- It's just super. - The bones of it, it's nicely done.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50I really like the window feature there, that's beautiful.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It does look really good.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56'Off the kitchen is a larder and next to that
0:10:56 > 0:10:58'there's a utility room and also a cloakroom.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00'Moving upstairs, there are five bedrooms,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04'including two large doubles, both flooded with light, and there
0:11:04 > 0:11:07'are also two comfortable single bedrooms,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09'one currently a bright study.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'Plus there are two good-sized bathrooms.'
0:11:12 > 0:11:14And then this is yours.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- Yeah.- Nice.- Good feeling of space. - Yes, I like it.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25It also has that rather special en suite. Go and have a look at that.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Yeah, like it.- Yeah?- Yeah. There's a sort of very European flair to this.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Also, we have a giant bed, so that's important to us
0:11:33 > 0:11:36because our bed has been with us for 30 years, so it has to...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Time for a new one.- No, no, it's not.- A bed with history.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Come on.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46'Well, Jill and Bob definitely seem taken with this property,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48'I'm just not quite sure how much.'
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I love the double aspect.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Well, that's what this is all about.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55'As we move outside to the pretty garden with its sun terrace
0:11:55 > 0:11:59'plus two small outbuildings, one of which could be transformed into
0:11:59 > 0:12:02'a workshop for Bob, they can really take in the property from the back.'
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- That's the garden, is it big enough? - Yes.- It's definitely big enough.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Yes, it is.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11So, in terms of the price, you've got 800 to a million to spend.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Where does this one come on the scale of things?
0:12:15 > 0:12:20For me, I would say £825,000.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Yeah. Bob?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I would say a little bit more than that. I would say 849.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28849? That's very precise.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- The thing about this one is that this is under £800,000.- Wow.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It's on at £775,000.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38This fantastic detached stone house
0:12:38 > 0:12:41is, surprisingly £25,000 under the
0:12:41 > 0:12:44bottom end of Jill and Bob's budget.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45So, coupled with the fact that the
0:12:45 > 0:12:47house barely needs anything
0:12:47 > 0:12:49doing to it, it would leave them
0:12:49 > 0:12:50a great amount of cash to enjoy
0:12:50 > 0:12:51in Bob's spare time,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53as he moves into semi-retirement.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's got the number of bedrooms
0:12:55 > 0:12:56they were hoping for,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58plus a study, and the inside space
0:12:58 > 0:13:00is bright and airy,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04with a kitchen-diner, ideal to take on the role of the heart of the home.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05There are also not one,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07but two rooms opening onto the garden
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and there's even scope to give
0:13:09 > 0:13:10Bob his workshop.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13When I first saw the house I was impressed.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It has a traditional look to it, but it has a new feel.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Traditional, new. So it suits what we like.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I think coming into the house, it comes into its own.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28It's a really bright space, very liveable.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33I think it's homely and I could live here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Good. Well, that's it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Our first house tour is done and dusted.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Have we spoilt you? - Yes, you have. Great start.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47But, also comfortably under budget.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It's lower than expected. I thought it was going to be higher.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- I think we'll spend it all by the end of the week.- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54THEY LAUGH
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Back in Witney, in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06one business has been producing a very British head attire
0:14:06 > 0:14:09for over 240 years.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12One of the oldest hat manufacturers in the UK,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15the company has passed through eight generations of the
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Christy family before being sold on the 1960s.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22It's now owned by a London-based department store.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24It's makes headgear for not only for your man
0:14:24 > 0:14:28and woman in the street, but also the rich and famous, and even royalty.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30At its peak,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33there would have been up to 3,000 workers on the production floor.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Today there are just 20, and managing director Steve Clarke has
0:14:36 > 0:14:39worked here for just over two years.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Look at this! A hatter's paradise.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Absolutely, an adult playground.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45The range of styles here is extraordinary.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50Everything from classic country to very much man or woman about town.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53And I notice over here, even the police get a look in.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Indeed. We have the national contract for making police helmets.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- That's a lot of helmets.- That's a lot of helmets. - JULES LAUGHS
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Now, it's hard for us to imagine these days,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04but there was a time when a man or a woman was considered not
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- dressed correctly if they weren't wearing a hat.- Yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10The owner of the manor wore the top hat, the head gardener wore the bowler,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13and all of the rest of the gardening team wore flat caps. So the whole
0:15:13 > 0:15:16household in the 19th century were all wearing some form of headwear.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Well, not to be left out, I've got a taste for my own bespoke hat.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Now, what would a smart man about the country have adorning his head?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26An Epsom hat, apparently.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30So, Jules, this is the start point. This is a fur felt hood.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32It's made from rabbit fur. It's felted in Portugal.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36It's a by-product, so everything is used from the animal, and a
0:15:36 > 0:15:39chemical addition enables it to felt. And it has the natural properties
0:15:39 > 0:15:42of the rabbit fur, so fairly waterproof and a beautiful feel.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44So that's how my Epsom is going to start.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46That's how it starts,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48but by the end it will be a beautiful Epsom for your head.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Kevin is the guy who is going to
0:15:49 > 0:15:52take you through and show you how it's done.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55'Kevin has been working in the factory for 34 years,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59'and it's his job to hand make felt hats from the original blocks.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02'Over 50,000 are made here every year.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Well, the first job we do, Jules,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08is put it into this clamp and clamp the brim down.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11The next thing we do is we give it some steam
0:16:11 > 0:16:14so we can stretch that brim.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16You're almost cooking it, aren't you?
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- I love it.- It gets very hot in there. - I'll bet it does.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'This machine is over a century old,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25'and Kevin is making my hat just like they did all those years ago.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26'The felt absorbs the moisture
0:16:26 > 0:16:30'and as it gets softer, the brim can be stretched.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33'Then, a wooden sizing block is placed in the crown of the hat,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35'which will make it the perfect size for me.'
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Push it right down, bring this clamp up.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40You just pull that down, the lever.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42That's going to force the block into the felt,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44so if it's not big enough, it's my fault.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45Yeah, that's right.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48'Next, the hat is cooled and dried.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50'It then goes into a press which sets the crown
0:16:50 > 0:16:53'and gives it the Epsom's distinctive characteristics.'
0:16:53 > 0:16:55There you are.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Your initial shape and your hat. - Look at that!
0:16:57 > 0:17:00My hat really is taking shape.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04'What an unbelievable labour of love to produce my tailor-made hat.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08'It goes through 45 processes in total, that include shaving,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12'waxing and curling before it has a quick turn on the rounder again,
0:17:12 > 0:17:17'a buff with a brush and a blast of steam. I think we may be done.'
0:17:17 > 0:17:19There you are, Jules. That's your finished hat.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20Thank you very much indeed.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23But there is one final thing that seems to be missing.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24And that's a little band.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28We'll have to go upstairs to see the girls and they'll finish it off for you.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32'A sweatband is stitched to the inside and the ribbons attached to
0:17:32 > 0:17:35'the outside and, after it's lined, I'm good to go.'
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Wow, the famous box.
0:17:37 > 0:17:38Is it all done?
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- There you are, Jules. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46As the song says, wherever I lay my hat, that's my home.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53For our second property, we're journeying nine miles west,
0:17:53 > 0:17:54to the village of Fulbrook.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57It's just over 20 miles west of the centre of Oxford
0:17:57 > 0:18:02and just a mile north of the picturesque town of Burford.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04The main street of Burford sits on a steep hill
0:18:04 > 0:18:07with beautiful views of the Oxfordshire countryside from the top.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Cotswold stone buildings line the streets with a delightful mix
0:18:10 > 0:18:14of artisan shops, restaurants and pubs.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17A six-minute drive or 15-minute walk takes us
0:18:17 > 0:18:20from bustling Burford to our second house.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25This period property is perfectly situated within minutes of open countryside.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28All right then, Jill and Bob, here we are. This is it.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Property number two. What do you think?
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Yeah. - JILL LAUGHS
0:18:34 > 0:18:37That's a very quiet laugh.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39It's old. It's definitely old.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42It really is old. A lot older than our first property.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45It is effectively a barn conversion, but to be perfectly honest,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48it's unlike almost any other I have seen
0:18:48 > 0:18:51because you've got the outside wings of the barn
0:18:51 > 0:18:55and then the central bit has been removed to create this courtyard.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58It doesn't look like a barn conversion at all.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02'This unusual barn, built from Cotswold stone, dates back to the
0:19:02 > 0:19:08'17th century on the outside, but was converted to a family home in 1982.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12'And off the entrance hall is a sitting-room.'
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Oh.- Yes?- It's cottagey.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20I wouldn't have described it as cottagey, more barny.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24I'm struggling.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Yes, no, it's cottagey.- This is not your principal living room.- OK.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Don't worry about space.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34This is but one of four reception rooms you've got to play with.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37The main event is though here. Come and look at this.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39'On the other side of the hallway
0:19:39 > 0:19:42'and down a few stairs is another huge reception room.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44'This one has a sloped ceiling
0:19:44 > 0:19:47'and skylights, as well as doors to the garden.'
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Now, to me, this doesn't feel that cottagey.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- No, it doesn't. - JILL LAUGHS
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- This definitely feels more barnlike. - Yes, I like this.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- I love the wooden floor. - It's a great space.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00It's a lovely living space.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03It's a mixture of garden room, living room, dining room.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's light and airy, but there's a certain elegance to it,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08which I quite like.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10'Thankfully, this fabulous bright room has got
0:20:10 > 0:20:14'Jill and Bob back onside, and just next door to it is a
0:20:14 > 0:20:18'farmhouse-style kitchen. But is it good enough to be the heart of Jill's home?'
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- No, it's not doing it for me. - No?- No.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- I thought we'd turned a corner for a moment.- No.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Bob, help me. What's happened? - Well, I think...
0:20:27 > 0:20:29If we could knock that wall out.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31..Jill likes it open.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36Because I like to be far more connected to the living space
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- when I'm cooking.- Yes. OK. What if you put the kitchen next door?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41That is a thought.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43See, it's really interesting.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45I had really high hopes for this.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I thought, of all our properties, this is the one you're going to love.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51I must admit, I love that space and I like the olde-worlde aspect to it.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- You're pretty connected.- Hmm.
0:20:55 > 0:21:01- It's worth thinking about.- In a bit of time it will grow. We've got to see.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- You see, he's being an optimist. - I'm the realist.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06THEY ALL LAUGH
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'Also on the ground floor, there's a utility room, cloakroom,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14'a snug and a garage-cum-workshop.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18'Upstairs, the unique layout continues with a long landing linking the two ends
0:21:18 > 0:21:22'of the barn, leading to another living area. This time, a library.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- I love it.- Books, books.- More books.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Jill's library. It's really nice. - Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's unexpected. Huge space, this.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I mean, it could be a bedroom, it doesn't have to be. But I love it.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37No, I like this.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40'Also on this floor there's a family bathroom,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43'a character double bedroom and a quirky single,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45'both linked by a dressing area.
0:21:45 > 0:21:50'And above on the second floor are two bedrooms in the eaves.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52'But back on the first floor...'
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Across this lovely gallery is the main bedroom.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Wow. Interesting.- That's the story of this house.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Yes, it is.- It's all interesting.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- You've got an upstairs mezzanine, which gives you a dressing area. - Yeah.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09This is the master because it's got the en suite.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Is this still a grower, Bob?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Yes, it's growing. I love the landing that connects everywhere.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17'This house has certainly got Jill and Bob thinking,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19'so let's see what they'll make of the outside space.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24'An attractive terrace and garden laden with fruit trees and flowers.'
0:22:24 > 0:22:28As would be fitting with such an unusual house, the garden is
0:22:28 > 0:22:32also fairly unusual in its layout because nothing here is conventional.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Long and thin, but with a slightly exotic feel over here,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39and a very Cotswold feel over there.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Yeah.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43So, the price.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45For me, about £850,000.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47850. Bob?
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I would say a bit higher - 870.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52870, 850.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53You are right to be higher,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57but I'm afraid for this one you're going to have to go a lot higher.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01It's Burford, it's a big house and it's the Cotswolds.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03It's £950,000.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Whoa.- OK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10This 17th century barn conversion may be on the costly side,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13but it is £50,000 below the
0:23:13 > 0:23:15top end of Jill and Bob's budget.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17The slightly hefty price tag comes
0:23:17 > 0:23:18with its hugely desirable
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Cotswolds location.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21But it is a great space
0:23:21 > 0:23:23for entertaining, with its various
0:23:23 > 0:23:25reception rooms and it's got
0:23:25 > 0:23:27the five bedrooms they're after.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28It's also got a great garage,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31providing an ideal work space for Bob.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32And it's got the advantage of being
0:23:32 > 0:23:34close to stunning countryside,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but it's also got great access
0:23:36 > 0:23:37to the transport links, shops,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39eateries and culture
0:23:39 > 0:23:40Jill and Bob are after.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47So your couple liked the first property,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- but weren't too sure about the second, were they?- They weren't.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54I think with the second property they'd really underestimated
0:23:54 > 0:23:56the draw of the Cotswolds.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58I mean, you do always pay a little bit more to be there
0:23:58 > 0:24:01cos it's so popular and so gorgeous.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04But when you consider over the last five years prices have gone up
0:24:04 > 0:24:06there on average by 10% or so,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09the numbers do go up and up.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10Yeah, it's quite a hike, isn't it?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- It's just as well they had a generous budget.- Absolutely.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Well, my couple were also hungry for a slice of country life.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Let's meet them again.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Air pilot Nick and his cabin crew wife Catherine have been married for four years
0:24:24 > 0:24:27and have an 18-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30They were six miles up when they first laid eyes on each other.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33We met on a flight to Houston, I think it was.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- It was Houston, yes.- Yeah.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I thought, "Hmm, pilot."
0:24:37 > 0:24:40But he turned out to be OK.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43They've spent the last five years renting this detached house
0:24:43 > 0:24:46in Horley, Surrey, close to Gatwick,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and the estate is home to many other airport workers too.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Here, you're always getting the sound of aircraft flying
0:24:52 > 0:24:56overhead day and night, you've also got neighbours who are working
0:24:56 > 0:25:00shifts, so they're up and down all hours of the night as well.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It doesn't make for a very peaceful homecoming after a long work trip away,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08and they're planning a move to the country for a quieter life.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Home is very much a haven.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13When you've been up all night after a long-haul flight,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15to actually come home and put your bag down
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- and have a very comfortable life is nice.- Yes.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Space, and peace and quiet, I think would be
0:25:22 > 0:25:25the two things that we'd need in a future house.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29And it's toddler Charlotte who is the main consideration in their move.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Having Charlotte now makes it all the more important to move on
0:25:32 > 0:25:35and get her settled in an area, rather than getting her
0:25:35 > 0:25:37comfortable here and moving on years down the line.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39That's right, set down roots.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Nick and Catherine want their new home to be no more than a
0:25:42 > 0:25:45two-hour commute from work, and have decided
0:25:45 > 0:25:47they want to call Oxfordshire home.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I've got family in Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds
0:25:50 > 0:25:53and we've got friends Oxford way.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It's just a lovely part of the world.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Our buyers are both excited about the move
0:25:57 > 0:26:00and are looking forward to having a place of their own.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02It will be the first house we've bought together as well.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It will be nice as well, because we've only live in rented
0:26:05 > 0:26:08accommodation, to actually have a house we can actually put our own stamp on.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13'So they're dreaming of a tranquil life
0:26:13 > 0:26:17'that's not a million miles from work, and moving to the Oxfordshire
0:26:17 > 0:26:21'countryside along the M40 corridor works well for them.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24'Prices in this area are high, but they're hoping that
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'in Oxfordshire they'll find the right family home.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29'But first I'm going to meet them to hear more
0:26:29 > 0:26:31'about their proposed country move.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:33So here we are in Oxfordshire. Welcome.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36What are you looking for with this move, Catherine?
0:26:36 > 0:26:38I would like to find a nice village, be part of the community,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41because Nick goes away quite a lot, so for me
0:26:41 > 0:26:43it's finding somewhere for Charlotte and I to fit in.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47So in an ideal world, we're going to find you that dream
0:26:47 > 0:26:51perfect house, but quite close to work. So where is base for work?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Heathrow for myself and Gatwick for Catherine.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57This is the first time you two will have bought a property together.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Do you think you are going to be united?
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- I think our dream property we would be completely in agreement on. - Yeah, very much so.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06But compromises are something that are going to be an interesting feature, shall we say.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- How many bedrooms?- Four, preferably.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Yeah, ideally.- A nice garden. - A nice, big garden, yeah.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I'm going to ask you, livestock?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I would quite like to have animals at some stage,
0:27:16 > 0:27:17if we have enough land.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- I've always fancied having a cow, for some reason.- A cow?- A cow.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24You really are sold on that country dream, aren't you?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- We are.- Wonderful. Let's hope we can deliver for you.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- What's your top budget?- £500,000.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32We do have three splendid properties lined up for you.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35One of course is going to be our Mystery House.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36So are you keen to get started?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Most definitely.- Certainly.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Nick and Catherine have a generous £500,000 to play with, but they
0:27:43 > 0:27:47may be hard pushed to get everything they want for their budget.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50They'd love a detached house with four bedrooms to accommodate
0:27:50 > 0:27:53a growing family and visitors.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Nick has visions of owning land and livestock,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and Catherine is imagining being part of a community.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07We're kicking off today in the hamlet of Kiddington, 13 miles
0:28:07 > 0:28:12north-west of Oxford and about seven miles south-east of Chipping Norton.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14The hamlet sits on the pretty River Glyme,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18and is home to a handful of attractive stone houses.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Three miles away, the village of Wootton offers
0:28:20 > 0:28:23a convenience store as well as a primary school,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25an attractive church and a welcoming pub.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30'A five-minute drive takes us back to our first property,
0:28:30 > 0:28:34'a delightful 19th-century stone cottage, extended
0:28:34 > 0:28:37'and modernised to a very high standard.'
0:28:37 > 0:28:39What do you think?
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- It looks very attractive. Great surroundings.- Yes, it looks lovely.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47That does concern me slightly, being attached to the neighbours.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51That said, it is quite a long property,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53so we've got the distance there.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56I like the look of the property. It's very Oxfordshire, isn't it?
0:28:56 > 0:29:01I like the sandy colour of the stone, the blue windows and doors.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02Very nice looking.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- Yeah, it's an attractive property. - It's a good start.- Interested to see inside.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Come on, let's go.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11'I'm quietly optimistic because although I know Nick
0:29:11 > 0:29:14'and Catherine are disappointed this house isn't detached, I think
0:29:14 > 0:29:17'they'll be pleasantly surprised once we step inside.'
0:29:17 > 0:29:19So come on through.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22So, this is our first reception room.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- It gives you a flavour of being in a cottage.- Yeah, cracking fireplace.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27It's lovely, isn't it?
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Now originally, this probably would have been the
0:29:29 > 0:29:31main cottage, but, one thing I will tell you -
0:29:31 > 0:29:33you've probably spied it -
0:29:33 > 0:29:35there is a little bit more to this than just this room.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- This is quite a small room. - It's quite cosy, isn't it?
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Shall we see the rest?- Yes, lead on.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46'A roomy hallway laid with stone flooring leads to the
0:29:46 > 0:29:48'heart of the home.'
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Now, how's this for an open-plan, wonderful room?
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Wow, that's fantastic, isn't it? Isn't that lovely?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- Bit of a surprise from next door.- It is a huge surprise from next door.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Yes, really nice. This is really good. That is a good-sized kitchen.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Now, as you can imagine, this doesn't date back to 1844.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09This was done in 2010.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13This would be the main room of the house, without a shadow of a doubt.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16And it's nice because we like the kitchen and we like the living room,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18so to have them combined would just be brilliant.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- Keen to see upstairs now? - Most definitely.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24'Stairs from the front reception room lead to the first floor,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27'and we're heading past the bathroom to the back of the house.'
0:30:27 > 0:30:31So I want to show you the master bedroom.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32Oh, yeah. Fantastic views.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- It probably would have been two bedrooms originally.- Lovely.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- And it's dual aspect as well.- That is just stunning.- Yeah, really nice.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40And it's actually not a bad size
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- because this wardrobe takes up quite a bit of space.- Yeah.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Now, remind me, how many bedrooms were you after?
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Four, ideally.- Four.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52They've set it out, the owners at the moment, having three bedrooms,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55so you've got two good-sized doubles,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58a really healthy single for a child.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00If you were in a major city that would be called a double.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02But you've also got next door to you a study,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- which could be another single bedroom.- Oh, fantastic.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06That's perfect.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09So, enough space upstairs, but just standing here,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- do you have a concern about having a neighbour?- I do.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Well, not having the neighbour, but being attached to them.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I'm almost disappointed by how much I like this house
0:31:18 > 0:31:20and the fact that it is attached to a neighbour.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22That is obviously going to be a compromise.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24When they did the extension to this property
0:31:24 > 0:31:27they put soundproofing in, not just because they didn't want to
0:31:27 > 0:31:30hear their neighbours, but also they were very aware of bringing up
0:31:30 > 0:31:32family and they didn't want to annoy their neighbours.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35I'd be interested to see how it is in the back garden,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37whether you feel looked on.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Well, let's go outside and have a look at it.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40And while we're out there,
0:31:40 > 0:31:44I'm also going to get you to start thinking about the price.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- That's the serious bit. - THEY LAUGH
0:31:46 > 0:31:50'Catherine is visibly torn between her love of this charming house
0:31:50 > 0:31:52'and the fact it's not detached.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56'But things could change again when we venture outside.'
0:31:56 > 0:31:58So here we have our garden. It's been laid to lawn.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01You've noticed the sheep behind us.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02You've got a paddock next door.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05I mean, we are surrounded by pockets of land.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08If you really wanted a cow, or perhaps a pony for Charlotte,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11it would be possible to look into renting.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15And just lastly, I want to give you an idea of where we are.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17We're in the north of Oxfordshire.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21So Oxford is going to be about 20, 25 minutes' drive away.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25But crucially for you two, Heathrow and Gatwick, Heathrow about one hour
0:32:25 > 0:32:28and 10 minutes, Gatwick about an hour and 40 minutes on a good day.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30That's brilliant.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32There's a price to be put on that view.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- That's what worries me. - Come on then, on the spot.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35How much do you think?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I think it's definitely got to be the top of our budget,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40so I would optimistically say 490.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Optimistically.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Whereas I think because it's end of terrace it will be a bit
0:32:46 > 0:32:50cheaper, so I hope perhaps 480,000.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Interesting.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57Asking price is £499,950.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59We're reflecting where we are, we are so close to Oxford.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01That's it, isn't it?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Just £50 under budget,
0:33:05 > 0:33:09this extended 19th-century cottage offers our buyers the space and
0:33:09 > 0:33:14rural setting that are so important to them in their new family home.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17And although it's not detached, thanks to great soundproofing,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21there's no sign of the neighbours once you've crossed the threshold.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Oxfordshire is home to a wealth of history and historic buildings.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35And one of the most majestic is Blenheim Palace -
0:33:35 > 0:33:39a stunning example of early 18th-century baroque architecture.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43200 years into the palace's story,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46in 1914 the First World War struck,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50and Blenheim quickly transformed from a stately home to
0:33:50 > 0:33:55a vehicle of war, and no-one in this grand house was unaffected.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57To tell the story of that period,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00an exhibition has been curated which offers an insight into
0:34:00 > 0:34:04the lives of those at Blenheim who served during the First World War.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09I'm meeting Karen Wiseman, who researched and set up this tribute.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10As I explored,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13I realised you could tell the story of the First World War
0:34:13 > 0:34:16through this family and the people who lived and worked on the estate.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And who would those people have been?
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Well, right from the very top we have the 9th Duke, who
0:34:20 > 0:34:25was at the front, all the way down to the boot boy in the palace.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28'Karen's exhibition tells the amazing stories
0:34:28 > 0:34:31'of the people connected to Blenheim and paints
0:34:31 > 0:34:36'a picture of what life would have been like in wartime Oxfordshire.'
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So, Karen, who's this fine gentleman?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43This is George Woodford, who went to war in 1914 with
0:34:43 > 0:34:46the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars as a captain.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49He was responsible for bringing supplies up to the front.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53Bringing up supplies to the men was incredibly dangerous,
0:34:53 > 0:34:57and he was exceptionally good at his job and he was given the
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Military Cross by the King at the end of the war.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01And what do we know about him as a person?
0:35:01 > 0:35:04One of the lovely things we know is that he married
0:35:04 > 0:35:07the head dairy maid here at Blenheim.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13- A remarkable man and very courageous.- Very. Exceptionally so.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16'And just as remarkable were the deep, muddy trenches
0:35:16 > 0:35:18'soldiers lived in on the front line,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22'hiding from the enemy whilst waiting to come above ground to fight.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27'Conditions were tough - wet, cold and often rat-infested.'
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- Would they have eaten, slept, everything here?- Everything, yes.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35And indeed, as the war progressed they brought in beds and tables so that
0:35:35 > 0:35:40they could actually try and live, odd as it seems, a very normal life.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44'The trenches were a long way from the safety of Oxfordshire's splendid
0:35:44 > 0:35:48'palace, which became a refuge to the wounded heroes of the conflict.'
0:35:48 > 0:35:52In the Long Library at the palace they set up a hospital.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54It was a convalescent hospital.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56So Blenheim as an estate was
0:35:56 > 0:35:59so involved during the First World War, wasn't it?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Yes, every aspect of the war.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Somebody was either in the air, in the trenches or at sea,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09and the women were busy either nursing or setting up hospitals.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12You've just shown us a small snippet of this exhibition.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Thank you so much.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15It did have a profound effect, not just on Blenheim,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18but everywhere, the whole of Oxfordshire as well, didn't it?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20- Thank you very much.- You're welcome.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31'Moving to the northern tip of Oxfordshire,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34'our second property is in the hamlet of Williamscot,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37'ten minutes' drive from the market town of Banbury.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40'Although Williamscot is pretty remote itself,
0:36:40 > 0:36:44'the neighbouring village of Cropredy offers local amenities.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'A ten-minute stroll brings us to our second house.'
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Here we have a house number two.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- It's really pretty. - I like this lots.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Isn't that a lovely-looking house?
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- The house itself...- Relatively modern, by the looks of it.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Absolutely right. 20 years old.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Oh, wow.- That's no bad thing.- We like that, yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Anything else you notice about this property?
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- Detached.- It's detached.- Oh, yeah.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12We are further north, but the great thing is it's very close to the M40,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14so easy for commuting to work.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Excellent.- That's important.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So let's talk about the house then. What's going through your minds?
0:37:19 > 0:37:23It looks very impressive. Very big, very spacious, by the looks of it.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25It looks lovely and private from here as well.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27It does look good from the outside.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- Shall we take a look inside and see what you think?- Yeah.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32'This house has already got off on the right foot,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34'and we haven't even stepped inside.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38'The very fact that it's detached has won it points, and I can't wait
0:37:38 > 0:37:42'until Nick and Catherine see what else is on offer.'
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- Pretty large hallway.- It is a fantastic hallway.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Look at all those bookshelves. I like it immediately.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Let's start off with the kitchen.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- Fantastic.- Lovely sized kitchen, isn't it?- Loads of storage space.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58I don't think there's anything I'd change.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00On that note we're going to keep going.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07So just off the hallway you've got a big utility room and cloakroom.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10But here... Good-sized dining area.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13In a way, it's like a walkthrough, but you can close it off.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15You've got these doors here.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17After these doors, you've got a huge sitting room.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- It is a huge sitting room. - Fantastic, isn't it?
0:38:19 > 0:38:23This is superb. This is lovely, yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24- Great size.- Yeah, this is nice.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Excellent. Open. Huge fireplace. They've kept the character.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30They've given it a little bit of charm
0:38:30 > 0:38:31even though it's a modern house.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Plus patio doors leading to your garden there,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- but you've also got another set there.- Brilliant.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Can you imagine yourselves living here?
0:38:39 > 0:38:40- Certainly.- Yes, very much so.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43I'd like to go and see upstairs and see what there is there.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Go on, then. Let's have a look.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48The first floor of this house has four bedrooms,
0:38:48 > 0:38:49including three good-sized rooms
0:38:49 > 0:38:52for a growing family and a bright bathroom.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56The master bedroom.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Wow. It's lovely, isn't it? What a size.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- This is good.- With an en suite.- Yes.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05And also, just take a step over there, your own dressing room.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Ah, a dressing room. That's good. That's good.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Lots of space here, isn't there? This is fantastic.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Couldn't ask for more. It's lovely.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Well, let's go downstairs.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18So far, so good - the house hasn't put a foot wrong.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21I just hope it keeps up the good work when we move outside.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25The garden is what will really make or break it for Nick and Catherine.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Here, you've got about a third of an acre.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30Now, it does slant down,
0:39:30 > 0:39:34so if you were looking at perhaps growing vegetables,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37you might actually want to do something down the bottom.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41So it's not got the fantastic views, but it is a really lovely garden.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Journey times, going to be an hour and 10 to Heathrow,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- and about an hour 40 for Gatwick. - That's right.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48That's well within the realms.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50That's right. That's not an issue whatsoever.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:39:52 > 0:39:55I reckon 515,000.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I would have gone for more. 525?
0:39:58 > 0:40:02The asking price for our second property is...
0:40:02 > 0:40:03£500,000.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Wow.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- That is good.- That's a good price.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13This large stone house may be fairly new, but it has bags of character.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15It might not leave Nick and Catherine with any change
0:40:15 > 0:40:16from their budget,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19but it offers them everything they were hoping for.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22It has the rural but not too remote location
0:40:22 > 0:40:24at the top of their wish list
0:40:24 > 0:40:27and a garden big enough for daughter Charlotte to run around.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Well, I think there's quite a bit to do with the garden,
0:40:29 > 0:40:32but it's certainly manageable, isn't it?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34This house is at the top of the list so far.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37It gives us everything we've wanted - it gives us space,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39the ruralness of it, lovely location.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42It's exactly what we're looking for.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43How are you feeling, you two?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Great. We've just been child-proofing the garden.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- Have you really? - Planning what we're doing there.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49That's right, yes. Making room for Charlotte.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51- You've practically moved in. - We have.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- It's a good way to end our day, isn't it?- Isn't it just?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Well, that was a nice start, Nicki. They seemed to like both of those.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Very encouraging for two first-time buyers.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It certainly is, but we know it's so difficult
0:41:07 > 0:41:09to get on that first rung of the property ladder,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12like Nick and Catherine, because there's now four different
0:41:12 > 0:41:15ownership schemes available to first-time buyers in England.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18If you want to find out more information where your nearest
0:41:18 > 0:41:21help-to-buy agent is, you can check out the government website.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22And, of course,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25there are similar schemes now running throughout the UK.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28My favourite is the new starter homes initiative, which aims to
0:41:28 > 0:41:33get 100,000 first-time buyers into new homes with a 20% discount.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34It'd be a good thing, wouldn't it?
0:41:34 > 0:41:38So lots of help is out there, but let's get back to my property search,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41where we had a very healthy £1 million budget.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43- That's a lot of money. - It's a lot of money.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47But was my Mystery House going to be a renovation project too far?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53For our third and final property,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57we're travelling 37 miles southeast to the hamlet of Nuffield.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59It's just over 17.5 miles from Oxford
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and is the closest of our three houses to London.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06It sits in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Less than two miles away is the village of Nettlebed,
0:42:09 > 0:42:13which has all the essentials on offer in its pretty streets,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15including a deli and pub.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Just a four-minute drive
0:42:16 > 0:42:18and we're on the edge of Nuffield at our last offering.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22It won't take long for Jill and Bob to realise why it's earned itself
0:42:22 > 0:42:24the title of our Mystery House.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Well, Bob and Jill.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30THEY LAUGH
0:42:30 > 0:42:31That's a lot of roof.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- It's a lot of barn.- A lot of barn.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Why have we brought you here?
0:42:37 > 0:42:39You're probably wondering.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41With our Mystery Houses, we like to give ourselves
0:42:41 > 0:42:44a little bit of latitude in terms of what we offer you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47I know that you have done some major renovations in your time.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50That's what this needs.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54To find a property like this on the market this close to London
0:42:54 > 0:42:56is a rarity.
0:42:56 > 0:43:02- It is an opportunity to turn a beautiful medieval barn...- Medieval?
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Positively medieval.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07..into a stunning home.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Let's see what you think of the inside.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13This striking period barn is Grade II listed
0:43:13 > 0:43:15and is built from brick and flint
0:43:15 > 0:43:17with a steeply pitched clay tile roof.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21It's attached, but it's so large that the majority of the property
0:43:21 > 0:43:23sits away from the party wall.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27The most recent resident here was a bespoke antiques business.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35- Whoa!- Wow!- I love it! I love it!
0:43:35 > 0:43:36You see?
0:43:36 > 0:43:39I don't know if I could do anything with it, but I love it.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- It's got a few beams. - Wow. It has got lots of beams.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44THEY LAUGH
0:43:44 > 0:43:48- I mean, it's a real gem, this. - Oh, I love that.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- Yeah?- Mm. - It has planning permission.- Yeah.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52That's why we're here,
0:43:52 > 0:43:55cos it's good to go in terms of being developed further,
0:43:55 > 0:43:58so one could imagine other floor levels in here,
0:43:58 > 0:44:00four to five bedrooms.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Living space, well, wow - where do you start?
0:44:03 > 0:44:07In the early 20th century, the interior of this superb barn
0:44:07 > 0:44:10was remodelled following the Arts and Crafts movement.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- I love the floor.- Now this is also Arts and Crafts.- Yeah, I love it.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19As are these lovely windows. So it's a mixture of periods, if you like.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21The fireplace was Arts and Crafts.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23Obviously it wouldn't have had a fireplace originally.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28That's a wow. I love that. It's not a space that's totally overwhelming.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32It's still doable. It's stunning as a conversion project.
0:44:32 > 0:44:33It's an open book, isn't it, really?
0:44:33 > 0:44:37But this huge empty shell isn't all there is to see here.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39From its days as an antiques merchant's,
0:44:39 > 0:44:43there's a small kitchen, cloakroom, and upstairs there's an office.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46But back on the ground floor, there's yet another room hidden from view.
0:44:46 > 0:44:51So walking through the living room, or whatever.
0:44:51 > 0:44:57But do have in mind as we go here that blocked-up doorway there.
0:44:57 > 0:44:58That will make sense.
0:45:01 > 0:45:06Right, Jill, this, I think, would make a fabulous kitchen.
0:45:07 > 0:45:08Wow.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10That's a nice space.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13- And this is definitely more manageable.- Absolutely.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- That's door that goes through to the main barn.- OK.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20We could look at making this a self-contained area
0:45:20 > 0:45:22for the girls coming to visit.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24- Or a workshop.- Or a workshop.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26Oh, yes.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- I hadn't thought of that. Yeah. - Neither had I.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- Yeah.- I love the way you've grasped this one.
0:45:32 > 0:45:33Not everybody would,
0:45:33 > 0:45:36but you can probably tell this is the sort of project I relish.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38I think you probably would too if you want to do it,
0:45:38 > 0:45:40if it's for the right money.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44The cavernous interior isn't all that's on offer here either.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48There are beautiful gardens both front and back.
0:45:48 > 0:45:49A walled garden.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54What's lovely about this is that you do get, effectively, two gardens,
0:45:54 > 0:45:55which is rather nice, actually.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00This lovely enclosed veranda area and this walled garden.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02- It's quite exciting, isn't it? - It is.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04Well, let's talk about its value. Because, let's face it,
0:46:04 > 0:46:09we can't move this forward without knowing what it costs. So, madam?
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- I think around 900,000. £900,000.- Bob?
0:46:15 > 0:46:18I'm going to be optimistic and say 800,000.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22- You're laughing, aren't you? - I don't think so.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23He's right.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25He's right?!
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- Wow.- £800,000.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Jill and Bob said they'd be happy with a project,
0:46:33 > 0:46:36but they weren't expecting one quite as big as this.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39But that's what you get with the Mystery House.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41This spectacular medieval listed barn,
0:46:41 > 0:46:43which comes with planning permission,
0:46:43 > 0:46:46is £200,000 under their top budget,
0:46:46 > 0:46:48meaning they would have a very healthy kitty to convert
0:46:48 > 0:46:53this 4,000 square foot blank canvas into the home of their dreams.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56What's going through my mind at the moment is whether this is
0:46:56 > 0:47:00a real goer, whether it's a feasible project for us to be able to afford.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- Love it.- It's just a huge project, and you've got to be really brave
0:47:04 > 0:47:07to take on something like this, but it could be fantastic.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12I think it's got so much potential, and I think we can do it.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Maybe we're mad enough to take it on. Maybe.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- It's exciting.- It is. I think the main thing is,
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- just getting more light. It needs light.- And how could we do that?
0:47:22 > 0:47:26Well, I thought glass here, coming in, and just beaming light in.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28Match the glass at both sides?
0:47:28 > 0:47:30I like the way you're thinking!
0:47:30 > 0:47:33This is all good. I knew you'd be creative with this one,
0:47:33 > 0:47:34and you haven't let me down.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38It's a building that's crying out for somebody...to take it on.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- To love it.- Absolutely, yeah.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43But will it be you? We've given you three to choose from.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45You've got a lot to consider.
0:47:45 > 0:47:46- Yeah.- OK.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Come on, then. After you.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Let's go. What a place.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Well, you two. Are you still convinced
0:48:00 > 0:48:02that this is a county that's for you?
0:48:02 > 0:48:05It's reaffirmed for us that it's a great place
0:48:05 > 0:48:08to make this as a base for our new home.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11But have we managed to find you a home here
0:48:11 > 0:48:13that you can look forward to the future in?
0:48:13 > 0:48:17Well, I think we want to explore the possibility
0:48:17 > 0:48:21of putting in an offer on the Mystery House.
0:48:21 > 0:48:22- Do you?!- Yes.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- Oh, OK!- A bit of research needs to be done,
0:48:25 > 0:48:29- and just explore the area as well. - Our Mystery House, full of beams,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31more than you could shake a stick at -
0:48:31 > 0:48:32and a project to boot!
0:48:32 > 0:48:35I think that's the key word, it's the "project".
0:48:35 > 0:48:38We do fancy a project, and that certainly would offer scope!
0:48:38 > 0:48:41If you can get it bright and airy on the inside
0:48:41 > 0:48:43then I think it could be a fabulous place.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46So is an offer on the cards?
0:48:46 > 0:48:49I think perhaps a cheeky offer might be on the cards.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51- To start with.- To start with.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54- But it's a really exciting proposition, isn't it?- It is.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Well, I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59And let us know how you get on.
0:48:59 > 0:49:00Absolutely, we will.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03- We will.- What a place to revisit in a few years' time.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Thank you, Jules. It's been great, and a lot of fun.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13My goodness, Jules, what a property!
0:49:13 > 0:49:14It was cavernous.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18I particularly like those Arts and Crafts features throughout.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20It was a fascinating movement. Turn of the 20th century,
0:49:20 > 0:49:23but it really harked back to those great days of artisanship
0:49:23 > 0:49:26that you see reflected in the woodwork, stained glass,
0:49:26 > 0:49:29even in the furniture. It gives any property, I think,
0:49:29 > 0:49:33- a really distinctive feel.- It's those beautiful touches, isn't it?
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Well, let's see if Nick and Catherine liked my mystery house.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39We're going back to their property search in Oxfordshire
0:49:39 > 0:49:42with a budget of £500,000.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46We're heading to the west of the county, to Swerford,
0:49:46 > 0:49:49a classic Oxfordshire village close to the Cotswolds.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52The village's two oldest attractions are the footprint of
0:49:52 > 0:49:55the 12th-century motte and bailey castle,
0:49:55 > 0:49:58and the magnificent 13th-century St Mary's Church,
0:49:58 > 0:50:02which is a stone's throw away from our Mystery House.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05It may be smaller than our buyers were hoping for,
0:50:05 > 0:50:08but I'm confident they'll be won over by its character.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11This is your Mystery House.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15I'm wondering what the catch is! It looks lovely.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19The reason it's the mystery - there is a small compromise,
0:50:19 > 0:50:21and that's the space.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25But it's whether the beauty and its old quirkiness
0:50:25 > 0:50:26can overcome that.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28- So shall we step inside? - Yeah, why not?
0:50:30 > 0:50:33This detached cottage sits in a conservation area
0:50:33 > 0:50:37and dates back to 1741, with a recent extension.
0:50:37 > 0:50:38It offers three bedrooms
0:50:38 > 0:50:41and overlooks the delightful village green and church.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45So as you walk through, you've got a small reception area there,
0:50:45 > 0:50:49stroke study, and then it leads to the heart of the property
0:50:49 > 0:50:52- right in the centre.- This is completely different, isn't it?
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- Yes!- It could also be very hazardous to my health!
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Well, that's the thing. If you live in an old property with beams,
0:50:58 > 0:51:00you get used to it and you know when to bend
0:51:00 > 0:51:02without even thinking about it.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05It's good, cos we wouldn't normally have looked at a house like this.
0:51:05 > 0:51:06An opportunity to have a look around.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09- This would be such a cosy living room.- Yeah.
0:51:09 > 0:51:10With the wood-burner.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Could you imagine yourself living here?
0:51:13 > 0:51:15I'm not sure I've seen enough yet to make a decision on that.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18- I love the room...- But. Yeah, it's very nice.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22And it is cosy, and using this as a living room would be fantastic.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24But then, thinking practically,
0:51:24 > 0:51:26where does everything else go?
0:51:26 > 0:51:29- Space.- That's it.- I'm not sure I fit down into there yet.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33Let's see if you fit. Do mind your head!
0:51:38 > 0:51:40So through here is your kitchen.
0:51:42 > 0:51:43Um, now this has been extended.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46- It's quite a nice little kitchen, actually.- Yeah.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- I love the butler sink. - It's not a bad size.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51As kitchens go, this is actually quite usable.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54Kind of trying to find the space to squeeze it in
0:51:54 > 0:51:56because it's just so beautiful.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00I know you've got your reservations about the space downstairs.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Let's see if I can change your mind
0:52:02 > 0:52:04with what I'm going to show you upstairs.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09Nick and Catherine seem taken with this 18th-century cottage,
0:52:09 > 0:52:11but they're definitely worried
0:52:11 > 0:52:13about its ability to serve as a family home.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15On the next two floors are three bedrooms -
0:52:15 > 0:52:18one in the eaves - and a family bathroom.
0:52:18 > 0:52:22Now is my chance to try and convince them that the house's beauty
0:52:22 > 0:52:23outweighs its size.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26This is the master. Overlooking, Catherine...
0:52:26 > 0:52:28It is a lovely view.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30It's very light and airy, I have to say.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32- And there's no planes, there's no noise.- It's lovely.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36If you follow me, this might be the master,
0:52:36 > 0:52:39but look at this!
0:52:39 > 0:52:43- At the moment, it's a beautiful modern dressing room.- Lovely, yeah.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Could be a nursery, if you needed it to,
0:52:45 > 0:52:47you could have a little one in here.
0:52:47 > 0:52:52- And you've got an en suite with all mod cons.- Oh, wow. I love it.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54- I've still got that garden to show you.- OK.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58Outside is full of surprises,
0:52:58 > 0:53:02and just across from the pretty terrace is a large walled patio.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06Now, at the moment, it's been done in quite a basic style.
0:53:06 > 0:53:07It's practical, and in summer,
0:53:07 > 0:53:10you can imagine it's full of blooms and blossom.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12- Absolutely fantastic, isn't it? - You've got your greenhouse...
0:53:12 > 0:53:16You've got this one other little gem that I'm going to show you.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19'Round to the side of the house is my last opportunity to persuade
0:53:19 > 0:53:23'Nick and Catherine that this could be their country retreat.'
0:53:23 > 0:53:26This is the final part of the garden, and just look at that!
0:53:26 > 0:53:29- The view is fantastic, isn't it? - Isn't it gorgeous?
0:53:29 > 0:53:32So how much do you think this wonderful property
0:53:32 > 0:53:34is on the market for?
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Well, I think it's going to be over budget, Nicki, at £510,000.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42- OK.- And I think I might be doing it a disservice by putting it at 480.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45Asking price is...
0:53:45 > 0:53:49£525,000.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53- Apologies!- Well, reflected, we're right on the Cotswolds border.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57Now, in case you've got carried away with the Mystery House,
0:53:57 > 0:54:01we did speak to the people and say what your top budget was,
0:54:01 > 0:54:03and they would be happy to have a conversation with you
0:54:03 > 0:54:04if the house was right.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10Our Mystery House is on the market for £25,000 over budget,
0:54:10 > 0:54:14but if Nick and Catherine thought it a serious contender,
0:54:14 > 0:54:15there is room for manoeuvre.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18The attractive cottage may be lacking the fourth bedroom
0:54:18 > 0:54:22and space they'd like, but it's overflowing with period appeal
0:54:22 > 0:54:24and the quirky gardens would be ideal
0:54:24 > 0:54:26for little Charlotte to explore.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29The big thing that stuck out for me - literally - were the beams.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32Erm, being six foot one, having to duck down everywhere
0:54:32 > 0:54:34walking around the house would be an absolute nightmare.
0:54:34 > 0:54:38When we walked into the main living room, I was wowed by it.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42I was also disappointed, because you just know this beautiful room
0:54:42 > 0:54:45and house is not big enough.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47It's not going to be practical.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52- Have we seen enough?- We have. My head's had enough, I think.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56- Have you been knocking it on those beams?- I have, a couple of times.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58They were quite low, but...
0:54:58 > 0:55:02- changed you minds? Hmmm? - I don't think so.- No.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04- It is beautiful, but... - Not the house for us.
0:55:04 > 0:55:05Well, let's so somewhere.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- Let's have a chat and find out what your next move is going to be.- OK.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20- So, Nick and Catherine, how did we get on?- Yeah, very well.- Did we?
0:55:20 > 0:55:21I'm very hopeful.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24- Very hopeful? - With the second property especially.
0:55:24 > 0:55:25Got very close, I reckon.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28For me, I think it virtually did hit the mark.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30I think, with Nick, it's going to be
0:55:30 > 0:55:34the slope in the garden that is the deal-breaker, if there is one.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38Yeah, it's the garden that's limiting he property for myself.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40- Is it worth a second viewing? - I'd like to, yes.- I think so.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42Little bit of work on Nick.
0:55:42 > 0:55:44Take a gardener with you. That'll sort that problem out.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46I do, because I think the top of that garden
0:55:46 > 0:55:49can be levelled out nicely and I think it'll be perfectly sufficient.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51Well, we've got an amazing spread here, haven't we,
0:55:51 > 0:55:53to celebrate the last few days?
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- It has been our pleasure. - Thank you very much.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03So, property two was the clear favourite.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Did they go back with a gardener to see what
0:56:05 > 0:56:08they could do with that slope? Maybe terrace it or something?
0:56:08 > 0:56:10No, they weren't into the landscaping at all.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12Sadly, Nick vetoed that whole idea.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15However, they've compromised their commute,
0:56:15 > 0:56:16they've moved even further afield,
0:56:16 > 0:56:19- so they have escaped to the country. - Where to?
0:56:19 > 0:56:21They've gone to Herefordshire.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23- I would recommend it! - Of course you would.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- Of course you would, and very happy they are too.- Yeah.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28What about your couple, Jill and Bob?
0:56:28 > 0:56:30Did they go for a second look at that barn?
0:56:30 > 0:56:33Well, it was an incredible building.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35I would have relished the chance of taking it on,
0:56:35 > 0:56:38- and they did think about it, to give it its due...- It's impressive.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40It was really impressive, but, of course,
0:56:40 > 0:56:43they had already undertaken a massive renovation in Switzerland
0:56:43 > 0:56:46and I think they just felt it was probably a project too far,
0:56:46 > 0:56:50so their search continues and they are still looking in Oxfordshire.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54Well, we wish both our couples all the best for the future,
0:56:54 > 0:56:57and we hope you've enjoyed our journey through Oxfordshire.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- Join us again for more country escapes.- See you then.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04If you would like to escape to the country
0:57:04 > 0:57:08in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:57:08 > 0:57:10then please apply online at...