0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to a special Escape To The Country. Today, we'll be looking back
0:00:05 > 0:00:07at our time showing two couples around one region.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10And, throughout the programme, we'll be throwing in our own thoughts
0:00:10 > 0:00:13and hints about moving to this part of the UK.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Today's destination is home to the longest village name
0:00:16 > 0:00:19in Great Britain. Find out where in just a moment.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Today, we're looking back on two separate house-hunts
0:00:39 > 0:00:41I was helping a couple who decided
0:00:41 > 0:00:43to ditch their busy lives beside the seaside,
0:00:43 > 0:00:47and embark on a search for a quieter life in the countryside.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And, in one house, it looked like we might have found it
0:00:50 > 0:00:52before we even got through the front door.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Ian, she's got tears already!
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Oh, it's beautiful!- It is. Isn't it?
0:00:58 > 0:01:01While I was helping a couple escape urban encroachment
0:01:01 > 0:01:03for countryside freedom.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05But our buyers were quite particular
0:01:05 > 0:01:07about what they liked and didn't like.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11My only criticism, if I'm allowed, I'm really worried about
0:01:11 > 0:01:14granite tops because I know that you have to polish than constantly.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Buy this place, I'll buy you some dusters.- OK.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22On today's show, we're focusing on Wales,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25where you'll find Britain's longest named village.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- Do you want to have a go? - I have been practising. Here goes.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Llan-fair-pwll...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32gwyngyl-gogery...
0:01:32 > 0:01:34chwyrndrobwll...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37llantysiliogogogoch.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Brilliant! Now my property search took me
0:01:39 > 0:01:41to Denbighshire in North Wales,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and this county offers a rich variety of landscapes,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47from the stunning beaches in the North, like Prestatyn,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50attractive market towns such as Ruthin,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54to the unspoiled heather moorlands and thick forest of Hiraethog.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Now my search took me to the south-west of Wales,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59to the equally beautiful Carmarthenshire.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Now, Wales has often been a popular escape destination for those
0:02:03 > 0:02:05seeking a really authentic slice of rural life.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Here's why.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12My property search was based in Denbighshire, which is bordered
0:02:12 > 0:02:15by five counties, including Conwy to the West
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and Flintshire and Wrexham to the east.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21The hilly moorland that makes up most of the county is dotted
0:02:21 > 0:02:25with medieval ruins, including 13th century Vale Crucis Abbey.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30On a site specially chosen for its isolation by the solitude-loving
0:02:30 > 0:02:33order of Cistercian monks.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Denbighshire's proximity to the border means the county
0:02:36 > 0:02:38is home to a large English population,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41but it's still managed to retain its status as a bastion
0:02:41 > 0:02:45of the Welsh language, with over a quarter of the population
0:02:45 > 0:02:47able to speak the native tongue.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Whilst my property search was based in Carmarthenshire
0:02:51 > 0:02:53in South West Wales.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Bordered by Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in the North,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Carmarthenshire's landscape is as varied as it is epic.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04To the east, a rugged black mountain range rises majestically,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08forming the westernmost edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12From breathtaking mountains to wide sandy beaches,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Carmarthenshire boasts some of the best views in South West Wales.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20I discovered real variety in the Denbighshire countryside.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Hills, moorlands. You've got outstanding panoramic views.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Yeah, the average price of a detached house there is only £149,000.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32That's a whopping 130 grand below the national figure.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33You are going to get hot spots, though.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36You're going to pay a premium for those desired areas,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39like those picturesque villages in the Vale of Clwyd
0:03:39 > 0:03:42in the centre of the county. How does your area compare, Jonnie?
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Well, not quite as good as Denbighshire,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47but Carmarthenshire does still offer good value for money.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Buyers can expect to pay around £162,000 for a detached house,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54which, admittedly, is 13 grand more than your county,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57but still a massive saving of 40% off the national average.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59That's brilliant when you consider what a beautiful part
0:03:59 > 0:04:01of the country we're talking about.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- Shall we kick off with our Denbighshire house search?- Yeah.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Let's remind ourselves of my buyers.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Childhood sweethearts Ian and Jill live in their five-bed home
0:04:09 > 0:04:12in Sandwich, Kent, where they run a B&B.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14They've been married for 37 years,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17but were on each other's radar long before that.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19We were at primary school together,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and then we went to secondary school.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- Do you reckon when we met was at that bus stop?- Yeah.- OK.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Both going to the same place,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- at the same time, and I took... - No, he didn't...
0:04:29 > 0:04:31..the opportunity of walking...
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- ..to my bus stop, so that he could meet me...- Yes.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38..and we've never been apart since I was 16.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41And he asked me to marry him and the year after.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Ian's job as a chemical engineer meant they spent most
0:04:44 > 0:04:47of their marriage on the move, before settling in Sandwich,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51where beauty therapist and entrepreneur Jill set up the B&B.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53But with Ian away from home,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57she soon decided two businesses weren't enough to keep her busy.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01I suddenly woke up one morning and decided I'd like to sell shoes.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03I could never buy the sort of shoes that I liked around here,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so I decided to do it myself,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and sourced them from all over the place -
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Italy, Austria, France -
0:05:10 > 0:05:13when I found a niche market.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Despite a successful business empire in the medieval town,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19they've decided to up sticks
0:05:19 > 0:05:21in search of a very different life in Wales.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24We've been very happy in Sandwich for eight years,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28and it is time for us to move on. We live on quite a busy road.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I think the time is to move on to somewhere more peaceful and quiet.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35And we've done a lot of walking in Wales,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and we just love the peace and the tranquillity
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and the beautiful open scenery.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44As well as hoping the move will mean more time with each other,
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Jill wants to see more of daughter Claire, who lives in Chester.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51We've always lived a long way from each other.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I would love to live near enough
0:05:53 > 0:05:56just to pick the phone up and just say,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59"Come over for dinner tonight", or "Shall we go shopping together?",
0:05:59 > 0:06:04and just do mum-and-daughter things together would be so nice.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Moving nearly 300 miles away with a lifetime of possessions
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and a dog in tow will certainly be a challenge,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13but when it comes to finding the perfect property,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Jill's hoping that will be the easy part.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17I get quite emotional about houses.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20When you walk into a property, and you know it's right,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23you get that really lovely feeling, that, "Oh, this could be home."
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I think I will know when we find it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I think it will sort of say, "Here I am.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30"Come and buy me!" Hopefully!
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Ian and Jill love walking in the Welsh countryside,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38so have set their sights on Denbighshire
0:06:38 > 0:06:39and the surrounding areas,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43for its stunning scenery and proximity to family.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Before we start the search, I'm meeting them to find out
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- the finer details. Good morning, Jill and Ian.- Good morning.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Well, as we're in Wales, I should say "Bore da".
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Remind me how much you've got to spend on this dream home.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Well, our top, top budget is £550,000.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03That's a really good healthy-sized budget for this area,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07so what do you both want in your property?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10An old house with a large lounge,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12because I play the piano,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16so I'd love to put a grand piano, a baby grand piano, in the lounge.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I'm sort of envisaging this big family kitchen with everybody
0:07:18 > 0:07:21sitting round and just having some family time, really.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24And how many bedrooms would you like?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Four. Four or five.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Mainly for family.- What else?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31I would quite like some outbuildings.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I have got a shop in Kent, at the moment,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36and I'd quite like to start that business up here as well
0:07:36 > 0:07:38with my daughter.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- So space for an office on site? - Space - yes,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43space for an office and a showroom.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47For me, I want to be reasonably close for commuting purposes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49So rural but not too rural?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Yes. That's right, yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- So, I think we've got three fantastic properties that we can show you.- OK.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- I'm so excited!- I love this excitement.- Yay!- Let's go.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01For their budget of £550,000,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Jill and Ian would like a period property with four or five bedrooms.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Jill is looking for the large family kitchen of her dreams,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11as well as space to set up a new business.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Ian travels for work so would prefer not to be too rural.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19We've got three wonderful Welsh properties lined up.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21As always, they won't know the price tag of each house
0:08:21 > 0:08:23until after they've viewed it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27And our third and final stop will be at our mystery house,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31offering them something a little bit special but with a compromise.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38We're starting our search just outside Denbighshire in Bradley,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41a small village four miles north of Wrexham,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43the largest town in North Wales.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Alongside the order of England's Cheshire, it's also
0:08:46 > 0:08:48just 11 miles to Chester,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51where Ian and Jill's daughter, Claire, lives.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54The village itself has a village hall, a number of shops
0:08:54 > 0:08:56and sports clubs for locals.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01Plus, it sits on the doorstep of Alyn Waters Country Park.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Our first property sits in a wooded valley along the River Alyn.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Oh, my goodness. Oh, wow.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I love that reaction to house number one!
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Oh, it's beautiful. - It used to be an old farmhouse.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17And I know that the bits on the end, the rendered parts,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20look like the newer parts but actually those are the older parts,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22dating back to the 16th century.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26And they think the middle section is the newer part.
0:09:26 > 0:09:2718th century.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It's lovely. I said "old". I didn't expect 18th-century.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34And the other good news is, you're about 15 minutes from Chester.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Really? Only 15 minutes?- Yeah. - You wouldn't know that, would you?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39It's so beautiful. It's just so peaceful.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- First impressions look really good. - Yes.- Can't wait to get inside.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Let's go, then.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Quite an entrance hall.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Oh, wow, and I can see a grand piano.- Your very own piano room.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- And I want to take you to the drawing room.- Oh, wow.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- You wanted large living spaces.- Oh, it's beautiful.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- This is a nice large room. - It's really, really beautiful.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09A study just over there.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- A lot of character in this room, isn't there?- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16So far, this house seems to have the character
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and living space Jill and Ian are after.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22With that sort of reaction, I'm confident the open-plan kitchen
0:10:22 > 0:10:25and breakfast room won't disappoint either.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Wow.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Is this big enough for you?- Yes. Yes, it's lovely.- OK, nice size.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Yes, I can see a table in there for the family get-togethers. Yes.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Oh, there's so many bits to it. It's just, oh, it's gorgeous.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- And just through there...- Yes.- ..is a utility room,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45and then on the other side of that is a boot room.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Put the muddy dog.- Do all the doggy stuff.- It's perfect.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- And just through there...- Yes.- ..is a little business annexe area,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- that I'm dying to show you.- I'm going to be busy!- Yes!
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Conveniently accessed from the kitchen but separate
0:10:59 > 0:11:02from the rest of the house is an area currently used as a games room.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Oh, my goodness. Look at this.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Well, this whole area has a separate entrance, so I did do think it would
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- work great as a showroom...- Yes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..office, business area, storage areas.- Wow, yeah.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16So you've got the mezzanine floor, I think, for all your storage.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I'm already planning your business, by the way!
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- So it really is like a separate... - That is food for thought,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- that really is.- A separate store, like a shop.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28This used to be a dairy, just back here, so that's why it's got
0:11:28 > 0:11:29- the sloping floor...- Look at this!
0:11:29 > 0:11:32..so that all the slurry could be washed out.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35It's a remarkable room...pair of rooms, isn't it?
0:11:35 > 0:11:36It's amazing, isn't it?
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- There's more downstairs than you would imagine from the outside.- Yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42The house has two staircases.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45The principal staircase leads to the first floor corridor,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48serving the family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Two currently used as singles,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54useful for any future grandchildren, and two large doubles.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58We're heading up the second staircase from the breakfast room
0:11:58 > 0:12:00to the main bedroom at the front of house.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03So, this staircase is almost a private staircase
0:12:03 > 0:12:06for a whole master suite area.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10So over there is what the family currently use as a lounge.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13This isn't quite an en-suite, but it's a nice sized bathroom
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- that would be a totally private bathroom, I think.- Yes.- Mm-hm.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- And then you have the master bedroom.- Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- It's lovely.- Yes, it's nice.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29You've got the dual-aspect windows so it's very light and airy in here.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- And the outlook is exactly what we wanted, isn't it?- Very peaceful.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Let's go and see your outside space...- Yes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38..while you start to think about how much all of this...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- land is worth.- Yes.- OK.- OK.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Do you want to lead the way?
0:12:43 > 0:12:46On the second floor, there are two additional attic rooms,
0:12:46 > 0:12:51meaning the house could offer up to eight bedrooms if needed.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Heading downstairs via the main staircase brings us
0:12:54 > 0:12:56to the large light conservatory.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59French doors to either side lead straight
0:12:59 > 0:13:01onto the landscaped gardens.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- This property comes with a lovely cottage garden...- Yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- ..including a pond and a beautiful blue bridge.- Oh!
0:13:10 > 0:13:11- Just back there.- Yes.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Your own vegetable garden over there.- Ah!
0:13:14 > 0:13:18And just down there, there's a car port for three cars.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Three cellars which have an outside entrance,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- so lots and lots more storage space. - Oh, OK!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It's time to tell us what you think this property is on the market for.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Who'd like to go first?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31I would say...
0:13:31 > 0:13:33549.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I think it will be slightly less.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38520,000.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42This is currently on the market for £550,000.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- OK.- So we have used up all your budget.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47It's worth it. It's a beautiful house.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51This period property may be at the top end
0:13:51 > 0:13:53of Jill and Ian's maximum budget,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55but I think it gives them everything
0:13:55 > 0:13:57they're after in a great location.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00It offers more than enough bedrooms for guests,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and Jill would get at the large kitchen she wanted,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06as well as the potential to start up a business on site.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07It's also just 15 minutes
0:14:07 > 0:14:09to their daughter, Claire, in Chester.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18From the broad beaches of the North Coast to the dramatic
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Vale of Clwyd, Denbighshire has a diverse
0:14:21 > 0:14:24and largely unspoilt landscape.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But one species of plant is threatening to destroy
0:14:27 > 0:14:30large parts of the native habitat.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Impatiens glandulifera, or Himalayan Balsam,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35as it's more commonly known,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38was first introduced to the UK in 1839
0:14:38 > 0:14:41as an ornamental plant at Kew Gardens.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45But, by 1855, it had escaped into the wild.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49With a significant and detrimental effect on native species,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52countryside groups and agencies have got together to try
0:14:52 > 0:14:54and eradicate it from the landscape.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I've come to the Dee Valley to meet countryside warden, Rhian Jones,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01to find out more about the effort.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- So this is it?- Yes.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06This is Himalayan Balsam.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- It's a gorgeous plant. - It is very pretty.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Am I allowed to say that? Because I know you think it's a problem.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14The problem is that each plant can have about 800 seeds,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and, in no time at all,
0:15:17 > 0:15:19it can take over entire stretches
0:15:19 > 0:15:21of areas like where we are today.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22And why is that a problem?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Eventually, it gets so dense that no native wild flowers
0:15:26 > 0:15:28have the opportunity to grow underneath it,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31not even grasses, and when it does die off,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35you're just left with totally bare, exposed banks - river banks.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Then, during winter, the river floods
0:15:37 > 0:15:39and there's nothing to bind the soil together,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43and we're seeing a real increased rate in erosion of land, as well.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45So what can you do to control the balsam?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It's an incredibly shallow-rooted plant,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50and so it uplifts really easy.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- So, you just pull it out?- We do.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56For the second year running, Rhian and the volunteers from
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Clwydian Range And Dee Valley
0:15:58 > 0:16:02have come to clear the whole area of the plant.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- You've got a good group here. - Yeah, fantastic.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07We're running a barbecue today, you know,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11so apart from the social side, you can see the real difference
0:16:11 > 0:16:14and what an improvement it's making
0:16:14 > 0:16:16to the habitat of the area.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Today, around 25 volunteers, young and old, from the local community,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23have turned up to help tackle the problem here on the river banks.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Between them, they're pulling up more than 2,000 plants a day.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30What happens to all these piles afterwards?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Well, they will just compost down.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Will they?- Yeah.- And that barbecue?
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- It's really coming up nicely. I can smell it.- It smells good.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- I think we've earned it. Shall we go and indulge?- Yeah.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52For our next house, we're heading west into the heart
0:16:52 > 0:16:55of the Denbighshire countryside, to the village of Derwen,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59six miles from the historic market town of Ruthin.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Situated in the Vale of Clwyd,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04renowned for its beautiful scenery,
0:17:04 > 0:17:09Derwen is a rural village with a local pub and a community shop.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Our second property occupies a commanding position
0:17:12 > 0:17:14on a south-east facing hillside,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16surrounded by fields and farmland.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- So house number two...- Yes. - ..is in the Vale of Clwyd.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26And the house itself is a Grade II listed 19th-century farmhouse.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Mm-hmm. A nice traditional house.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I hadn't thought of an old farmhouse like this.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Well, this is actually the side of the house.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- The front door is just round there. - Right.- The owners use this entrance.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Yes.- Let's do as the owners do. - We will.- OK.- Thank you.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Sitting on a plot of around half an acre,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48this red brick farmhouse may look modest from the side,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53but has a striking facade and offers three floors of accommodation.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55So the side entrance
0:17:55 > 0:17:59leads us straight into the kitchen diner.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- OK.- A muted reaction...- Yeah. - ..which I'm not used to!
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- A bit small.- OK.- Yeah.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09There is a utility room which we passed on our way in.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12So there is space for storage elsewhere.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15No, it hasn't grabbed me yet. No.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Ian, are you as underwhelmed by the kitchen?
0:18:18 > 0:18:22I don't think that much underwhelmed. It has potential.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Let's see what the rest of the house has to offer.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26Living room it is!
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Sadly, the all-important kitchen has failed to wow Jill,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35but I'm not giving up just yet.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Wow.- That's what I was looking for.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41I was hoping the sitting room would impress you a little bit more.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Oh, yes. It's beautiful in here.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Lots of light from the windows. - So beautiful.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Could you put up with a smaller kitchen
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- with this kind of living room? - Possibly. Possibly.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55It's a lovely living room.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58The downstairs rooms are linked by a central hallway.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00There are also a formal dining room and cloakroom.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03We're heading through the second sitting room.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- So another fireplace here in this snug.- Nice room.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It is. And through here...
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- ..is this lovely conservatory. - Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Oh, yes.- Oh!- And what views again. - Yeah, what a fabulous view.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- I think that's one of the main... - That's the attraction of this house.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23..attractions of the house. Exactly.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24If you want views,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- this is it, really. - This is it, yeah.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Is that kitchen still bugging you? - Yes.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- OK, well, let's show you the bedrooms.- OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- And then we'll revisit what's going on up there.- OK. Yeah.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38OK, let's go upstairs.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40The bedrooms are arranged over two floors.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46This house has got five bedrooms and two of them are here.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48They're really good sized.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50And both of them have en suites,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53and neither of them is the master bedroom.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- OK.- Right.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- So three en suites in this house. - That looks lovely.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- This is beautiful.- It's quite a master bedroom.- It is, isn't it?
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- Yes.- And lots of space for a huge bed and a really lovely en suite.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Yes.- Just through here. Do you want to have a quick look?- Yes.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Also got some wardrobe space as well as being a bathroom.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18That's nice.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- What do you think so far?- I think the upstairs is beautiful.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Well, let's see the outside. - OK.- Your garden.- Yes.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- And then you will have to guess the price.- OK!
0:20:28 > 0:20:31The two final bedrooms are on the top floor.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Outside, a number of different entertaining areas
0:20:34 > 0:20:37make the most of the property's stunning views.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40There's also an outbuilding with a double car port, garage,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43a greenhouse and a large workshop,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45which could work as a ready-made showroom
0:20:45 > 0:20:47for Jill's accessories business.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49So, the garden goes more or less
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- all the way around the property. - Yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- This is your sun patio area. - This is a very nice patio.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57This is lovely, here.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00So, how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Because of the size of the house,
0:21:03 > 0:21:04I would estimate
0:21:04 > 0:21:07about £425,000.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09I would think it would be around
0:21:09 > 0:21:11about 460,000.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- You're a fair bit under what they're asking for.- Oh!
0:21:14 > 0:21:16It's on the market for 550,000,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- so we've gone up to the top of your budget.- Oh, really?- Yes.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23It's a very sought-after location.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28For Ian and Jill's maximum budget, this house has the five bedrooms
0:21:28 > 0:21:32they wanted, and despite a smaller kitchen than our first offering,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34there's plenty of living space inside and out.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Plus there's a separate outbuilding with workshop,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40where Jill could start up her business.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Because it's a Grade II listed building,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46I had a perception of it being
0:21:46 > 0:21:49an older style of internal decoration.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53The internal decoration is really modern, and it just, for me,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55it just didn't quite feel to fit.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59The view is certainly magnificent.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Can't fault the view. That's just what I wanted, really.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06The upstairs is amazing. I just absolutely love the upstairs.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I've just mixed feelings about the kitchen,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11but I know that can be changed.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I don't suppose it's growing on you, by any chance?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- It might be just a little bit. - It is?- Yeah.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- And would a glass of wine help? - Oh, certainly.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- That's what I'm going to go and get you, then.- OK.- Come on.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Well, as a betting man, my money is on property number one,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- at the moment.- Yes, that smaller kitchen in the second house
0:22:30 > 0:22:33just wasn't working for Jill, and changing it wouldn't be easy
0:22:33 > 0:22:35because the property was Grade II listed.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Yeah, and any changes like that to a listed property
0:22:37 > 0:22:39require listed building consent,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and, of course, they need to get that from the local authority.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43My advice would be, go and find out
0:22:43 > 0:22:46who the local authority conservation officer is,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and have an honest conversation with them about what you want to achieve,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52and they can give you an indication about how to adapt your plans
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- to make sure they're successful. - They've seen so many of these
0:22:55 > 0:22:58properties before, haven't they? They can really help you.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00So, let's reacquaint ourselves with my buyers,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03who were after a slice of rural Carmarthenshire life.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Today's buyers share the same first name,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10as well as a love of the countryside.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Les and Lesley currently live in a three-bedroom bungalow
0:23:13 > 0:23:17in the town of Eastbourne, East Sussex.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20The only time our names become confusing is if you go to, say,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23your doctor or your dentist and you realise you've got
0:23:23 > 0:23:27your husband's notes because he's got more fillings than I have.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29They've lived in Eastbourne for 20 years,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31and have two grown-up sons with families of their own.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34But Lesley, who rides horses, has seen the town expand
0:23:34 > 0:23:37in recent years with a new housing estate in the pipeline.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The planning permission that's been granted around us
0:23:40 > 0:23:43does allow 638 new homes,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46but that's the latest tranche.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I like the countryside. I walk, I ride,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52so to go to Wales, where it's so much quieter,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54that's quite attractive to me.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Until recently, animal-lover Lesley used to run her own cattery business
0:23:57 > 0:23:59from the back of their house.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Both Lesleys are now ready for a slower pace of life.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I want to continue to run my own business,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09because I think I'd be bored if I had nothing to do.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11But the cattery business was very, very demanding,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and I feel that the holiday let business
0:24:14 > 0:24:16would be slightly less hands-on.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20In terms of property age and style,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23modern is definitely out.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25It's got to be old. I don't like modern.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28I don't like glass and chrome. I like quirky.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I like old staircases. I like wooden beams.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34And they're ready to embark on their next journey.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I think we'll have a better quality of life,
0:24:37 > 0:24:41we'll have more quality time doing the things that we want to do.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44We won't always be catching up with things that we have to do.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47We'll get more time to spend together.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Our buyers would like us to focus our Carmarthenshire property search
0:24:55 > 0:24:58around the western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I'm meeting up with them in their chosen county
0:25:01 > 0:25:04to go over the details of their proposed move.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06So, here we are in Wales. Now, you want to do something...
0:25:06 > 0:25:08You're not just looking for a house, are you?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11You want something with a business element to it. Talk me through that.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15We need to keep busy, even though we'd like to take life a bit
0:25:15 > 0:25:18more easily, we don't want a business that's 24/7.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20We want one that may be seasonal, so we can have some time off
0:25:20 > 0:25:24and enjoy the later years without having to work every single day.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- So, this is holiday lets, then, isn't it?- Yes.- Yes, indeed.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- So, let's talk through what this home looks it.- OK.- OK.- How many bedrooms?
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Minimum of two.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37I would ideally like a large farmhouse-style kitchen that we
0:25:37 > 0:25:41can eat in and entertain in. And we would love an en-suite, just once.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- We would, we would. - We know you like old character properties...- Yeah.- ..to live in.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Holiday letting accommodation - have you got a picture in your mind's eye what that looks like?
0:25:50 > 0:25:54From my point of view, I'd like it to be higher end of the market.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58I want it to be appealing to people who are prepared to pay
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- a little bit more for luxury. - What about creating a business?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05That's not out of the question, but it has to be within the budget.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07And the effort budget, you know.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I don't want to have to spend five years building it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Now, outside space. I suppose you want loads of that, do you?- I do.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Because I have got a riding horse and two ponies
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and I need at least three acres for them.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20- Better talk about budget, then.- Yes.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Let's just confirm what we're looking at?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26We're looking at a max of £600,000.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Well, that's a good budget here in West Wales. It's a very good budget.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34- Have you looked around much? - Yes, we have.- We've seen several.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Some have been pretty much what we want,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40but either not available or too high budget...
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Well, look, you tried before. It hasn't quite worked out your way.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- No.- Let's try my way.- OK. - Right.- Lead on.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52For a healthy budget of £600,000,
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Les and Lesley would like an older property with character.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57They want at least two bedrooms
0:26:57 > 0:27:00and their master should have an en-suite bathroom.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Lesley would like a large farmhouse kitchen
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and the separate holiday let should be high-end.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Although, they are willing to consider building one.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Finally, they'd like three acres of land for Lesley's horse and ponies.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Our first house is in the hamlet of Trapp,
0:27:17 > 0:27:21just within the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24The closest town for amenities is nearby Llandeilo.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Situated on a hill overlooking the Towy Valley
0:27:27 > 0:27:30and famous for its pastel-painted Georgian houses,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33which rise up from the stone bridge river crossing.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Property number one is overlooked by the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle
0:27:36 > 0:27:40and situated in a peaceful, rural location not far from the town.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44So, let's just pause here for a moment,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47because I think this is the best place to get your first impression.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- What a first impression! - It's fantastic. What a view!
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- A castle on the hill.- Yes!
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Valley there. Fantastic.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- Holiday let there.- Yes. - Which, is beautiful.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- But let's focus on the house.- OK.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02400 years ago it would have been a Welsh longhouse,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- but it's been extended over the past few decades.- Mm.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10- Good first impressions, then, aren't they?- Very good, yes.- Let's go inside.- Yep.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Righty ho. Come on in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Let me know what you think.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20It certainly looks like a farmhouse kitchen.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Yeah, it is a farmhouse kitchen. It's got beams.- And a Belfast sink.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26My only criticism, if I'm allowed,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28is to say that I really worry about granite tops,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31because I know that you have to polish them constantly.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Buy this place, I'll buy you some dusters.- All right, then.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- We'll keep you to that.- Right.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Just around the corner, you see where that Belfast sink is?- Yes.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41That's sort of like the utility area.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It all feels part of one big kitchen, dining area, doesn't it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- Yes, it does. this is ideal. - Yeah, you can eat here.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- The family can eat here.- So, you know what's here.- Yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- This is the hub of the home. - Yes.- Yes.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Let's go through to a newer part of the home just through here. Follow me.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- Now, I think this is a cracking living space.- Yes.- Oh, wow.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05It is more modern, but it's done in exactly the same style.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09So, it doesn't look like you're going into "the modern bit".
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- This was built on in the 1960s.- Yeah.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13And one thing they did in the '60s,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15they looked after the fenestration of the building.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- So, you've got loads of windows. Take in these fantastic views.- Yes.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- You've got a sundeck out there and you've got a conservatory. - Yeah, yeah.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26The garden is coming right up to the house, which is lovely.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29And even on a grey day, you've still got your garden around you.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Well, before we go outside, I'm keen to show you your master bedroom. - Aha!
0:29:34 > 0:29:38The ground floor also features the main family bathroom in the house.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Back through the kitchen and up a couple of steps is the master.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48So, I'm hoping whilst size is important in the bedroom,
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- it's adequate. - It's huge. It's enormous!
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- We could get ours in this twice. - Yeah.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57And at long last, you get an en-suite.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Ah, now that really is a bonus.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Yeah, what a luxury!
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Upstairs, there's another bedroom.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07A decent sized double guest room with exposed A-frame timbers.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11But we're venturing outside to take a closer look at the holiday let.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14It was converted from a barn nearly ten years ago into luxurious
0:30:14 > 0:30:17five-star guest accommodation for couples.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Now, put yourself in holiday mode.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- Would you be happy spending your week here?- Absolutely.- Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29What's not to like? It's fabulous.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33It really is five-star holiday place. It's wonderful.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35This place is already up and running.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40Peak season, you'll get £650 a week for this.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- One bed.- Yeah.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46The holiday let bedroom is on the first floor with a vaulted ceiling
0:30:46 > 0:30:50and spills out onto a wonderful Swiss-style sheltered balcony.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55As far as land goes, this property comes with nine acres in total.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58As well as the formal lawn gardens surrounding the house,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01there's a sloping paddock, which runs down to meadows and the River Cennen.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Plenty of room for a horse or two.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- I'll stick my finger in the water first and say 575.- OK.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20- I think possibly a bit lower. 540.- 540.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25This place, with it's up-and-running letting accommodation,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27is on the market for...
0:31:27 > 0:31:30£485,000.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- Wow!- Really? Wow!- That's amazing.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Under budget by £115,000,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40our first house is an extended Welsh longhouse.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43It gives Les and Lesley the large farmhouse kitchen they wanted,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47the two bedrooms, as well as a five-star up-and-running holiday let.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49It comes with nine acres of land
0:31:49 > 0:31:54and the property enjoys far-reaching views across open countryside.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05As a nation, Wales has a strong connection with music.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08The national instrument is considered to be the harp.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12In the 1960s, traditional handcrafted harp making had almost died out,
0:32:12 > 0:32:17because the skills were not passed down generation to generation.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Helping keep the craftsmanship alive today is a community-run business
0:32:20 > 0:32:24in the town of Llandysul. Just over the border in Ceredigion.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28I've come to meet harp maker, Allan Shiers.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- So, Allan, how long have you been making harps here?- About 40 years.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35How do you make a harp? And what do you start with, really?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It starts off with the wood. This is the soundbox, here.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41And then the sound board, which is here.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43This is actually made of a specialist timber
0:32:43 > 0:32:45that the grain goes across.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47If you don't get this right, the harp won't sing.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50This is the heart of the matter.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53The rest of the harp consists of a wooden column and a neck known as
0:32:53 > 0:32:56the harmonic curve, from which the strings run down to the soundbox,
0:32:56 > 0:33:00forming, essentially, a triangular-shaped instrument.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Allan's workshop produces two kinds of harp.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06The concert harp as well as the folk harp, such as this model.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11How long would it take to make this?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We try and make about eight in a month.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- A year to make a concert harp.- Wow! - That's how long it should take.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Although Allen has spent 40 years making harps, he doesn't play.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25So, I'm meeting Eleri Turner to find out what the instrument
0:33:25 > 0:33:28sounds like in the right hands.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31SHE PLAYS HARP MUSIC
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Wow! Eleri, that's fantastic. Is that traditional?
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Well, I started off traditionally.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Just playing the sweet way and then I thought I'd just wake people up by
0:33:46 > 0:33:49playing a more percussive, more South American style to it, really.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51So, as we're in Wales, I think we should, if possible,
0:33:51 > 0:33:53hear something traditionally Welsh.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- Could you do that for us? - Of course.- Take it away.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59SHE PLAYS TRADITIONAL WELSH FOLK SONG
0:34:14 > 0:34:18The piece Eleri's playing is one of the most well-loved Welsh folk songs
0:34:18 > 0:34:21called, Ar Hyd y Nos. Which means, All Through The Night.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37But back to our house search and for our second property,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40we're heading 20 miles north to the village of Ffarmers.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43It's six miles from the university town of Lampeter.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46House two is located on a quiet country lane just outside
0:34:46 > 0:34:51the village of Ffarmers, with views over the Cambrian Mountain range.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54So, you've seen we're pretty rural,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57but look at these views.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Wow!- Isn't it something else? - Stunning. Absolutely wonderful.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- I'm almost showing you two houses. Here we go.- Wow, yes.- Oh, right.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Yes. Oh, yes.- Oh, yes. Beautifully done. Absolutely magnificent.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Very nice indeed. - Lots of character.- Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- Bags of character, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- Let's see if you want to make it your permanent home. Come with me.- OK.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Dating back around 100 years, our second property has been completely
0:35:19 > 0:35:23remodelled and was once two separate cottages.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26The smaller stone cottage is a self-contained holiday let.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31Whereas, the whitewash cottage could be occupied as the main residence, which is where we're starting.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- So, let's start in the living room, which is a pretty big room.- It is.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40- A very nice room.- Yes, it's nice. I like it.- Yes. Log burner.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- What's with the strange shapes on the ceiling?- Modern beams.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- RSJs or I-beams.- Oh, I see.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Now, the current owner put them in because the upstairs,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51they were getting springy floorboards. So, they put these in.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53It seems slightly strange, but OK.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56You don't have to necessarily have to use this room as your room.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58There are options with this place.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- OK.- And I want you to tell me what you'd use it as.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- So, let me walk you through the house.- OK.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11So, you've got a galley-style kitchen just at the back of this dining area
0:36:11 > 0:36:13- as you come into the house.- OK.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17And then, you've got another kitchen or a living room or what have you.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- Which is amazing, isn't it? - Oh, right.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21This is in the second part of the house.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- Look at the views from the conservatory!- Oh, yeah.- Oh, yeah!
0:36:24 > 0:36:26So, this is this completely self-contained unit?
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Well, what is it? You tell me. You've got two entrances...- Yeah.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33You've got that far living room, that kitchen area there...
0:36:33 > 0:36:35That serves that part of the house.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40And then, you can have this as the holiday let with the conservatory, or this as your own.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- You could indeed. You could do either.- Or, the whole lot, yours.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Mm.- Mm.- I-I don't know.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- I don't like the idea of living in one room. It's like a bedsit.- Yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- And on the other hand, I think that kitchen is far too small.- OK.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00So, I can't see how this would fit what I had in mind.
0:37:00 > 0:37:05The views...yeah. But the rest of it? I don't know.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08What would help you make your mind up, is having a look at the bedrooms.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- So let's go up there.- OK.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14In the self-contained stone annexe, there are two decent sized
0:37:14 > 0:37:17double bedrooms along with a three-piece guest bathroom.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20In the whitewashed end of the house, there are four more bedrooms,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22including two doubles and then a single,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25currently being used as a study.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27There's also another family bathroom,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30as well as the potential master.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34So, right at the far end of the house, over that big living room
0:37:34 > 0:37:37that we saw earlier, is - well, potentially, the master bedroom.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42- It's en suite...- Right. This is a bit smaller than I would've liked.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44There's not masses of space. It's big enough.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- In my mind, this bedroom would be big enough.- OK.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Provided there was another room for a dressing room -
0:37:50 > 0:37:52storage of clothes et cetera.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- That there is.- Which there is.- Yes.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- There's also something else you haven't yet seen.- OK.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Which might put a completely different complexion on things.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Our second property gives Les and Lesley so many different options.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09But my feeling is, they're not really buying into it.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13What I hope will persuade them, though, tucked away to the side of the house
0:38:13 > 0:38:17is a newly converted two-bedroom barn, which could make another holiday let.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21The only proviso is that it's half finished.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Just mind your step there.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Great views.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- We arrive at this.- Wow.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- This is a surprise!- Yeah.- You didn't tell us about this.- No.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35I kept it back on purpose.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- You could do anything with this, couldn't you?- Absolutely phenomenal, yeah.- It's interesting.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Obviously, this is the kitchen area.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Living area, far end - bedroom, bathroom.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49This end - more luxury bathroom and a master bedroom.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51You can play around with it.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53You could halve it in two for holiday lets.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- Well, that's what's going through my mind.- One bed and one bed.- Yeah.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- You could have as your own house. - Yeah.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- I was just thinking that. - It wouldn't be a bad idea.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- You've got then, two holiday lets...- This is true.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08..in fantastic accommodation. Different kinds of holiday lets.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12You're talking about, maybe families there, but two holiday lets there.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16And then the views that you'd struggle to find anywhere.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18This is true.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Both barn and house are surrounded by well-maintained gardens.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26And the grounds include a range of outbuildings and a garage.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28There's also a further ten acres of farmland,
0:39:28 > 0:39:33much of it pasture for sheep, but easily room for a few horses.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36So, how much do you think this is on the market for?
0:39:36 > 0:39:40I think you're looking at the top end. 585.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41All right. Lesley?
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- I think 650.- 650.- Mm.
0:39:45 > 0:39:51This house is on the market for, offers around £595,000.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- OK.- OK.- So, not far off there, Les.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Just under budget, our second house, a 100-year-old cottage, could be
0:39:58 > 0:40:01separated into a four-bedroom home for Les and Lesley
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and a two-bed holiday let.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07But the property also comes with another letting option.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09A converted barn in need of a few finishing touches,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13plus there's plenty of land to keep horses.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It's not impossible that we can make it as we want.
0:40:16 > 0:40:22But the immediate reaction is, it's not quite what I'm after.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27It has to have quite a bit of money spent on it to make it how we would like it.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32Although, it's all very nice as it is, I don't feel like I could just move in here.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34So, plenty to see - I thought we'd be here until it was dark.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38- But, well done, you got around the place.- Yeah.- Take in that view.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- Beautiful.- Wonderful.- Remember it. Let's take you back.- OK.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- Well, that went down rather well, didn't it, Sonali?- It did.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Now, I do love a longhouse and I understand it goes back to a time
0:40:52 > 0:40:55when the people would live under one long roof along with their animals.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- That's right.- Probably save on heating bills, wouldn't it?- It would!
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Now, you see lots of longhouses scattered around the UK,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but they seem to have lasted longer in Wales, don't they?
0:41:04 > 0:41:06And they're different architecturally.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08So, in Welsh longhouses, the entrances tend to be larger
0:41:08 > 0:41:11because of that shared access with cattle.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Whereas, in English examples, by the 17th century,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17you're starting to see smaller, separate doorways.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Now, I might not have shown my couple a longhouse,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22but that's not to say I didn't hit the jackpot.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Let's return to my house search with Ian and Jill,
0:41:24 > 0:41:29who are looking for a Welsh rural home with a budget of £550,000.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32For our mystery house, we're taking a risk
0:41:32 > 0:41:34and delving deeper into the Welsh countryside.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Our final property lies equidistant from our first two offerings
0:41:38 > 0:41:41in the historic village of Llandegla.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Situated on the banks of the River Alyn,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46with the Clwydian range to the north-west
0:41:46 > 0:41:50and Llandegla Forest to the south-east, it's a peaceful spot
0:41:50 > 0:41:53favoured by walkers and mountain bikers.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Just over a mile from the village in a rural location,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58is our mystery property.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Ian, she's got tears already!
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Oh, it's beautiful.- It is, isn't it?
0:42:09 > 0:42:13We've actually brought you somewhere more rural
0:42:13 > 0:42:14than the other two houses.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Just look at all that, it's just what I wanted.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Look at it, it's just gorgeous. Just look at the view from here.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24It's a barn conversion.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28About 12 years ago, actually, this whole building was full of animals.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33So, it's only recently been converted into a lovely, lovely family home.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37And I am dying to show you it. So, let's get inside.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- Oh, yes, please. - We're dying to look.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44I was worried this property would be too rural for Ian and Jill,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47but I'm delighted at their positive reaction.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Constructed of stone under a slate roof,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53this building was originally attached to the neighbouring farm.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Parts of this property are thought to date back to the 17th century.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59And through a sympathetic conversion,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02it's retained much of its original character.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Come in, come in.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Straight into this gorgeous reception room -
0:43:08 > 0:43:10the centre of the house.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13I'm speechless. It's...
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- It's really cosy.- It's a really good atmosphere, isn't it?
0:43:16 > 0:43:18- It's got a lovely feel. - The timbers...
0:43:18 > 0:43:23I've called this the centre of the house and the reason I didn't call this the heart of the house
0:43:23 > 0:43:26because I know your one big request has been
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- a big kitchen-diner.- Yeah.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- Let's go to the heart of the house. - Oh, no. Not more tears!
0:43:32 > 0:43:36The ground floor of the property centres on the main lounge.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39To one side, there's a hallway leading to a utility room,
0:43:39 > 0:43:42a snug area and the most important room of all.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46How's this for a big family kitchen?
0:43:46 > 0:43:49It's perfect. It's perfect.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52And you've got the dining room area just here.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56So, lots of space for everyone to gather round.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59You're already... Have you already moved in in your head?
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- I've placed the furniture! - Have you?- Yeah.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05I think you were right with your description about the heart.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07It feels like that, doesn't it?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- There's the other side to Jill, of course, though.- My business side.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- And we haven't forgotten about that.- Right.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15And one side of this house actually has space for that.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- So, let's go and see. - OK.- Thank you.- Lead the way.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23To the other side of the main lounge, there are two further reception rooms,
0:44:23 > 0:44:27which with a bit of reconfiguration, could work for Jill's business.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30The current owners use this as their formal dining room.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- Some office space for you both. - Oh, right. Yes.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Fantastic. Oh, what a lovely room. My goodness, there's so much to this house.
0:44:41 > 0:44:46- This office has also got a separate entrance here.- That would be perfect, yes.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48And there are two stables just out there, as well.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Which could either be storage or a little showroom.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55Yes, this would be the hub of the business.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00The upstairs of the house is accessed by a large galleried landing above the lounge.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04This is actually one of my favourite parts of this house.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Oh, it's gorgeous.
0:45:06 > 0:45:11They've made such a great feature out of the A-frames that were
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- part of the original barn. - Oh, it's amazing!
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- Now, there are five bedrooms.- Five?
0:45:18 > 0:45:20So, lots of space for the family.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24- But the master suite, and I say suite, is what you want to see.- Oh!
0:45:25 > 0:45:29Directly off the mezzanine landing are two double bedrooms
0:45:29 > 0:45:32as well as a smaller single bedroom.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Down the corridor, there's a further double
0:45:34 > 0:45:38with a modern family bathroom, leading to the master suite.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- I think this would make a lovely area for you and Ian.- Oh, my word!
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- So, you've already spotted the dressing room.- I have.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53A lovely en suite and then your master bedroom.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57- What more can you want?- It's a superb room! This is marvellous.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01I'm thrilled to bits. It's a lovely, lovely family home.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- It can be our future.- It could be.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06- Well, shall we go and see the outside?- Yes.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09And then you can start to think about...
0:46:09 > 0:46:13how much you might have to pay for your dream home.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17I couldn't have hoped for a better reaction to the inside of this house.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Outside, as well as a well-kept garden, there's an area
0:46:20 > 0:46:22that wasn't on the wish list.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Two separate enclosures of land, suitable for grazing.
0:46:25 > 0:46:31So, this property comes with two and a half acres of garden and land.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33- Two and a half acres?- That's right.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36All of that up to the fence, right up there.
0:46:36 > 0:46:41- I know that's not what you asked for...- I didn't expect that!- ..and I know you didn't want too much land,
0:46:41 > 0:46:46perhaps the farmer next door could...help you look after it?
0:46:46 > 0:46:48I'm just blown away by this property.
0:46:48 > 0:46:53What do you think it's worth? What is this property on the market for?
0:46:53 > 0:46:55I think it's going to be too perfect.
0:46:55 > 0:47:01- And it's going to be above our budget. 575.- What do you think?
0:47:01 > 0:47:06Well, I've been in danger of underpricing in the past.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10And I have a sneaky idea I could be in danger of underpricing this one.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- I'm going to take a punt at 520,000. - OK.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16- Ian's gut was right. - SHE GASPS
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- We have gone under. - Oh, you're joking!
0:47:19 > 0:47:22We have gone under your budget, but, but...
0:47:23 > 0:47:28..we've gone more under your budget than you thought.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30This is currently on the market
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- for £495,000.- Is it?
0:47:37 > 0:47:41Coming in at £55,000 under their maximum budget,
0:47:41 > 0:47:44this property delivers everything on Ian and Jill's list.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48Including five bedrooms, a kitchen to Jill's taste,
0:47:48 > 0:47:50plus office space to house the business.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53The location may be more rural than they wanted,
0:47:53 > 0:47:55but if they can make it work,
0:47:55 > 0:47:57it's still only just over half an hour
0:47:57 > 0:48:00from daughter Claire in Chester.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- I bet you don't want to leave. - No, I feel like celebrating.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09I was going to suggest a cup of tea, but may be champagne, then?
0:48:09 > 0:48:12- Who knows?- Let's get out of this rain.- Yes.- OK.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20Well...
0:48:20 > 0:48:24that mystery house shook everything up, didn't it?
0:48:24 > 0:48:27It blew me away. Totally.
0:48:27 > 0:48:32- The absolute perfect dream house, that one.- So, what happens now?
0:48:32 > 0:48:34We'll certainly be putting in an offer on the mystery house.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36We have ours to sell,
0:48:36 > 0:48:40- but hopefully we can get things moving quickly.- Yes.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43And with the mystery house,
0:48:43 > 0:48:47did we bring you something that you may not have gone to see yourselves?
0:48:47 > 0:48:50- Yes, certainly.- Probably a little bit more remote than perhaps
0:48:50 > 0:48:53we might have had in our search.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56Well, good luck selling your property,
0:48:56 > 0:48:59because that's the next big step, and let us know how you get on.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02- We certainly will, thank you. - And I hope you move in here soon.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- I hope so.- Yes, we do, too. - Yes. Thank you so much.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14So, you saved the best till last, then?
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Yes, Jill did get quite emotional there.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19But she suspected that would be the case if she found the right house.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23I'm afraid, you're going to have to wait till the end of the show to find out what happened next.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25- Teasing me again? - I just love a cliffhanger!
0:49:25 > 0:49:27Well, in that case, let's get back to my house-hunt.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31Les and Lesley had a handsome budget of £600,000
0:49:31 > 0:49:34and were dreaming of not only a house, but holiday lets, too.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40For our final offering, we're heading south back towards the Brecon Beacons National Park
0:49:40 > 0:49:44to the hamlet of Taliaris in the heart of the Towy Valley.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47Our third house is more remote than our previous properties,
0:49:47 > 0:49:50a 10-minute drive from the nearest village shop,
0:49:50 > 0:49:52it's located at the end of a quiet country track.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55With far-reaching views across the Towy Valley
0:49:55 > 0:49:57and the Black Mountain range.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59The sun's out, and I'm glad it's out,
0:49:59 > 0:50:04- because you get to take in the splendour of that vista.- Wow!
0:50:04 > 0:50:09- Stunning, I love it.- The view is... is bigger, isn't it?
0:50:09 > 0:50:12- Oh, much bigger. - I think you've excelled yourself, this time, Jonnie!
0:50:12 > 0:50:16- Wow!- Yes.- Fantastic. What a spot. - Nothing in the way of it.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Well, we're looking around a barn conversion.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21Now, it was converted in 2004.
0:50:21 > 0:50:24Very much a contemporary style.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28Inside is where you're either going to love it or want to leave.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31I think you'll love it, but I've been wrong before. Let's find out.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Les and Lesley wanted an older, traditional property -
0:50:36 > 0:50:39definitely no glass and chrome.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42And although our mystery option has been created
0:50:42 > 0:50:44from a 19th-century stone and slate barn,
0:50:44 > 0:50:48the inside is definitely a more modern, shiny affair.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52Now, open plan is very much the order of the day here.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56- Let's start with the kitchen area. - It is a very modern kitchen.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59- Magnificent, I have to say.- Yeah. - I like it.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03- It's a sort of marriage between the two.- What a magnificent and yeah?
0:51:03 > 0:51:07No, no, no. A marriage between contemporary and sort of old.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10- Yeah, I like it. I really do like it.- Yeah.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- You think it's magnificent, Les. - I do, actually. I like it.
0:51:13 > 0:51:17Lesley is saying, "Mm...yes. Right."
0:51:17 > 0:51:21- Which suggests alarm bells are going off.- No, not alarm bells, no.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23I'm a bit reserved about it at the moment.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27I think it's lovely, but the question is, do I want to live in it?
0:51:27 > 0:51:31Well, let's see what you think of the rest of the property, because it is all open plan,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34so you get a bit of flavour once you've taken it in a lot more.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37- Now, it really opens up here, doesn't it?- Yes, it does.
0:51:37 > 0:51:42- It is very modern, but it's stunning.- It's totally unusual. - Yeah.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46My question mark, really, I think is having the kitchen in the living all in one room.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50That's what's...bothering me slightly.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53- You do have a mezzanine area above, that's like an office area at the moment.- OK.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56- So, that could be another living room.- OK.- Sure.
0:51:56 > 0:52:02It's the sort of property where you could think, I'll change my view to accommodate the property,
0:52:02 > 0:52:07- rather than the other way around. - Let me take you to the master bedroom. We'll go up the stairs.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12Our buyers wanted two bedrooms and the barn conversion gives them that.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16The guest room is on the ground floor and has its own en suite.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19Upstairs, just along from the mezzanine gallery,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21is a shower room, followed by the master.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25Which, at the moment, is the smallest we've seen so far.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- It's a lot bigger than our present bedroom.- It's...
0:52:28 > 0:52:30an improvement on what we've got. It's not bad.
0:52:30 > 0:52:34- Yeah, I think it's all right. - Good then.- Yeah.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38- I was thinking, you've just walked past an upstairs bathroom.- OK.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40But this behind me is an en-suite.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- Now, downstairs you've got a double bedroom...- Right.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46..with its own en suite. And a separate downstairs loo.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49- You've got an extra bathroom, in other words.- I see.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51So, this goes out - take the bathroom out -
0:52:51 > 0:52:55you've got a dressing area and you've got the loo next door.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58- With the bathroom.- Excellent. Yeah, good solution.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01- Makes it bigger. - I mean, that makes perfect sense.
0:53:01 > 0:53:07And they'll need to keep their project hat on as we continue our tour of the property.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Les and Lesley wanted to run a holiday-let business,
0:53:09 > 0:53:12but at the moment, there is no guest accommodation to speak of.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16However, I do have a plan and it's just beyond the utility room.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21So, you open up into this.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23An enormous barn!
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- It's got planning consent.- It has?
0:53:26 > 0:53:30For a three-bedroom holiday let apartment or cottage.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32- One three-bedroom.- Yeah.- OK.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34Well, it looks big enough.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36You've got loads of space here.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38What's going through my mind is whether you could change
0:53:38 > 0:53:41the planning consent to two one-bedrooms.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44- A one and a two.- That would be a conversation you'd need to have
0:53:44 > 0:53:46with the planning authorities.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49- Of course.- Yeah. But that would make more business sense.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53Both our buyers seem to be warming to our mystery property
0:53:53 > 0:53:55and the options it gives them.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58Outside, there's a formal landscaped garden at the front of the property
0:53:58 > 0:54:01and a Dutch barn useful for storage.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04And for Lesley's horses, there's an enclosed paddock.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07Six acres of land in total.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10How much is this place on the market for?
0:54:12 > 0:54:16- I'm going to go for £500,000.- Right.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20- Lesley?- I think 485.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23This place is on the market for offers around
0:54:23 > 0:54:26£495,000. Well done.
0:54:26 > 0:54:27Oh, there we go.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31- Not a bad team, are we?- Very good.
0:54:31 > 0:54:36Under budget by £105,000, our mystery barn conversion has a more
0:54:36 > 0:54:40contemporary, open-plan feel than our previous properties.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43It gives Lesley the large kitchen space she was after, the two bedrooms
0:54:43 > 0:54:47they both asked for, enough land for horses and an additional barn
0:54:47 > 0:54:51with planning permission to build a three-bedroom holiday let.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56- So, all done inside?- Yes. - Excellent.- Yes.
0:54:56 > 0:55:00- Did you enjoy it?- Yes. Very much. - It was an experience. Very much so.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03- It grew and grew and grew. - It did, actually. Yes, it did.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06Hopefully, it's given you something to compare to the other two properties.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10- Let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a chinwag and then we'll catch up later on.- OK.- OK.- Sounds good.
0:55:18 > 0:55:23- So, do you have a favourite property? - It's the one that I wanted to hate.
0:55:23 > 0:55:24SHE CHUCKLES
0:55:24 > 0:55:27- That must be the mystery house, is it?- Exactly.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30So, the mystery property is your favourite?
0:55:30 > 0:55:34What about that business element to it, then? Because at the start of this you said,
0:55:34 > 0:55:36"Well we don't want to do too much work."
0:55:36 > 0:55:39- But now I've shown you something that needs all the work. - Yeah.- This is true.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43- The business element needs to be developed and that will take quite a lot of effort.- Yes.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46- And quite a lot of money. - You're a couple of years away from operating now.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Probably a year, 18 months away, yeah.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52But the house is so desirable and the area is so desirable,
0:55:52 > 0:55:55that might outweigh the problems, to be honest.
0:55:55 > 0:55:56What's the next step, then?
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Definitely a second viewing and then hopefully an offer.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Well, look, I wish you both the very best of luck.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05Get yourself back up here. Hopefully the weather will be just as good.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08- It's fantastic.- We bring it up from the south.- Yeah, we import it.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10- Does that mean it's raining in Sussex?- It is, actually.
0:56:10 > 0:56:11THEY LAUGH
0:56:11 > 0:56:15- We've checked.- Let us know what you decide and good luck. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23Did they go back to the mystery house for a second viewing?
0:56:23 > 0:56:27Well, they did and they loved it just as much, but that all-important view
0:56:27 > 0:56:30was over land owned by a farmhouse, which had just been put up for sale.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33- So, they decided not to put an offer in.- And that's an important point,
0:56:33 > 0:56:36if your view is dependent on someone else's land,
0:56:36 > 0:56:38check for planning applications.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40Because anyone can apply for planning permission,
0:56:40 > 0:56:41they don't need to own the land.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45- So, it's a really good way to see if developers have been interested. - Yeah, quite.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49- What's the latest with Les and Lesley?- Well, I'm pleased to say, they're just waiting to exchange
0:56:49 > 0:56:52contracts on a farmhouse they found in mid Wales in Ceredigion.
0:56:52 > 0:56:53- And your guys?- Great news.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57Ian and Jill also went back to the mystery house for a second viewing.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59They still loved it. Now, it's a waiting game
0:56:59 > 0:57:02because they really need to sell their property.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06- Fingers crossed it doesn't get snapped up in the meantime, then, eh? - Mm.- Well, that's it from us.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09I hope you enjoyed our trip back to the Welsh countryside.
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