0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to a special Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Today Jules and I will be reflecting on our time spent showing two
0:00:06 > 0:00:10sets of buyers property highlights in one region.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12And as we immerse ourselves in our rural hotspot
0:00:12 > 0:00:15we will be giving you plenty of advice and tips along the way about
0:00:15 > 0:00:18buying property in this particular patch.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22Our chosen area's bisected by the UK's longest river.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25So where are we going to be? We will reveal all in a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Today we're revisiting two separate property searches.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49My house-hunters were in for a big surprise.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- It's the thatch.- Wow!
0:00:52 > 0:00:57And found expectations were turned on their heads.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58So...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- It's upside down.- It's upside down.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03While my buyers were getting ahead of themselves.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06My first impression is Christmas tree. I do love Christmas.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09You're moving in already!
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- And they got distracted by the local landscape.- This is just fabulous, isn't it?
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Isn't it?- I just can't believe the view. It's to die for.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Well, if you picked up on that clue,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Britain's longest river is of course, the Severn,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and it cuts rather neatly right through the heart
0:01:26 > 0:01:28of today's chosen county, which is Worcestershire.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Now I didn't know Worcestershire very well, Jules. But I have been won over.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33It is stunning.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36You've got wonderful villages and towns
0:01:36 > 0:01:38and the Malvern Hills as a backdrop.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40It is beautiful British countryside at its best.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Well, they certainly inspired Elgar.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45The other thing I love about the county is that it is
0:01:45 > 0:01:48so centrally located within the British Isles which means the rest of the UK
0:01:48 > 0:01:50is also readily accessible as well.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53It also offers a fantastic rural lifestyle,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55with plenty more going on at its heart.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Worcestershire is bordered by six counties including Warwickshire,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Shropshire, and the Metropolitan Borough of the West Midlands.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Worcester is both the city and the county town.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12And its imposing cathedral dates from the 11th century.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17On the western fringes of the county, sit the Malvern Hills.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20The hills are ever popular with walkers, and from the top, there
0:02:20 > 0:02:25are impressive views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Cotswolds.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28To the east of the county, the Cotswold Hills rise
0:02:28 > 0:02:32up from the Vale of Evesham and feature the village of Broadway,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35which is regarded as one of England's prettiest.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Bewdley, in the north of the county, has been described as
0:02:38 > 0:02:42the most perfect Georgian town in Worcestershire.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It features a Grade I listed bridge crossing the River Severn
0:02:45 > 0:02:48built by famous engineer Thomas Telford.
0:02:50 > 0:02:56Bewdley is surrounded by the Wyre Forest, the third largest area of ancient woodland in England.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59With Worcestershire offering such a rich variety of countryside
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and architectural heritage,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04it's not hard to see why this region is such a draw.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13I've had good experiences house-hunting in Worcestershire.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Of course, it does offer great value for money.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The average price of a house there is £273,000.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23So, that's, what, 6,000 below the national average?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25It isn't bad, is it? Particularly when you consider that if
0:03:25 > 0:03:29you hopped over the border into neighbouring Gloucestershire, there you could pay
0:03:29 > 0:03:32another 15% more for exactly the same kind of property.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37And, of course, Worcestershire gives you brilliant transport links into the city of Birmingham.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38And that location makes it
0:03:38 > 0:03:41so much easier to get to most of the UK from, doesn't it?
0:03:41 > 0:03:44And once you're there, the Malvern Hills, my goodness, what a spot.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47If you're into your hiking you couldn't go anywhere better.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49And let's not forget the Cotswolds.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51And that gorgeous village of Broadway.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Plus the area's rich industrial past.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I'm thinking of the Droitwich Canals, which after 70 years of decay have just been restored.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01And our passion for the county was shared by my buyers,
0:04:01 > 0:04:05who were desperate to leave London behind for a quieter life in the country.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Telecoms operation manager Alan and his wife, Dawn, have lived in
0:04:11 > 0:04:15Chislehurst, a suburb of south-east London, for the past 11 years.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Dawn used to be a hairdresser and ran a chain of salons,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22but she is currently enjoying a very successful career change.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27I'm in the process of getting out of being a salon owner -
0:04:27 > 0:04:29I've sold the last one.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34About a year or two ago now I wrote my first novel,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37in the adult romance genre.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39And it was published.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43It was incredibly successful.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Dawn and Alan had decided that they want to move to Worcestershire.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Having done a lot of research over the last two years,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56we've decided that Worcestershire offers us, for our budget,
0:04:56 > 0:05:01and for all the house requirements that we want,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04the ideal location.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07And there's another member of the family whose needs have to be
0:05:07 > 0:05:10considered - their beloved King Charles Spaniel Ted.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12He's got a local park that he loves
0:05:12 > 0:05:17but, unfortunately, to get there we have to take him in the car.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21The idea of moving to the countryside is to be able to
0:05:21 > 0:05:24open the door and take him out the front door.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Alan and Dawn are optimistic about their change of pace.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I get up very early in the morning and quite often I'll go outside
0:05:32 > 0:05:36and you hear the birds and it's so quiet, you know,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38at, sort of, five in the morning.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43It feels like you've got the whole world to yourself and I'm looking
0:05:43 > 0:05:47forward to having that not just at five o'clock in the morning.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Alan and Dawn don't have a specific
0:05:54 > 0:05:56area of Worcestershire that they prefer.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59So that means we're free to entice them with some of the most
0:05:59 > 0:06:01picturesque areas of the county.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Before we kick off the search for their ideal writing
0:06:04 > 0:06:06and relaxation retreat, I'm meeting them
0:06:06 > 0:06:10in Worcestershire to hear the detail of their planned move.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Dawn and Alan, great to meet you
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and I have to say, welcome to Worcestershire.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Why is the time right to make the move?- I think the time's right.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22First of all, if you look around you where we are standing here now,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- it's absolutely gorgeous...- It is.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29..scenic, quiet and we have worked in London for a long time.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Some would call it the rat race
0:06:32 > 0:06:35and maybe it's time to escape that a little bit.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- But, Dawn, you are a rural newbie, aren't you?- Yep.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- New career as a successful writer. - Yep.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44They're quite saucy, aren't they?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Very.- So what are you looking for with the actual house, itself?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51I think we've got a fairly open mind.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55We've said we would like three bedrooms, minimum,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and I would like a large kitchen.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59And for you, Alan?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I'd like a nice garden
0:07:01 > 0:07:05because I'm very keen to rediscover the gardening element.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10I'd quite like to be in a village environment or, certainly,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14close to that, again, for the practicalities in life.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Remind us of your budget that we're working with?- We're working
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- between 350-375,000.- OK.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Well, we do have three splendid properties lined up
0:07:24 > 0:07:28to show you and, possibly, we find you your future home.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Fabulous.- Yeah, Alan, are you ready as well?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- I'm ready.- Come on, let's go.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40Alan and Dawn have a healthy budget of up to £375,000.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42They hope this will allow them
0:07:42 > 0:07:45to buy a detached property with a spacious garden.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Dawn will be continuing to write, so a study space would be ideal
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and they both have plans to be an active part of the local
0:07:52 > 0:07:54community, so want to be
0:07:54 > 0:07:56in close proximity to a village.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00For Dawn and Alan, a detached house is a key consideration
0:08:00 > 0:08:03and we've chosen three very different houses that offer
0:08:03 > 0:08:05a variety of options.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09When they view each house, they'll have no idea of the price -
0:08:09 > 0:08:11that information will only be revealed
0:08:11 > 0:08:13once they've completed their tour.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15The final property will be the Mystery House,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19which will offer a quirky twist on their original demands,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22but will it be the one that they'll embrace?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Our first property is in the picturesque village of Wick,
0:08:28 > 0:08:3111 miles from Worcester.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Many of its 200 houses are classic Tudor properties
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and the village is dominated by Wick Manor,
0:08:36 > 0:08:40once owned by Henry VIII's last wife Catherine Parr.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Built in the 1500s,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45the Grade II listed property I'm about to show Alan
0:08:45 > 0:08:49and Dawn is believed to be one of the original houses in the village.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52So first house in Worcestershire and, actually,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54if you take a step back,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- this is it.- My God!- Ha!
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I did not expect that at all and it's beautiful.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02How often does a house have to be rethatched?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05It's normally between 30 and 45 years.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Oh, as long as that?- Yeah, so you've got as long as that,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11as long as you keep it in good condition. Alan?
0:09:11 > 0:09:16I have the normal, probably, manly concerns about maintenance.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19This one, it looks all in very good order
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- and so, as a building, it looks gorgeous.- Yeah?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- You're surprised, aren't you? - Very surprised.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I'm really shocked, actually.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- I guess you're keen to take a little look around.- Yep.- Absolutely.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Come on, then.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We're off to an excellent start with both Alan and Dawn
0:09:35 > 0:09:39appreciating the thatched charm of the cottage.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42From the entrance hall, the sitting room can be reached either directly
0:09:42 > 0:09:45through a door to the right, or via a conservatory
0:09:45 > 0:09:48with marble flagstone flooring.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52So I thought we'd start off with the sitting room.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Come on in, have a good look around.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59That slightly curved wall would have been the original
0:09:59 > 0:10:01outside of the property.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04That's part of the character of an old property,
0:10:04 > 0:10:05where it's slightly bowed.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08And you'll notice as we came through that hallway,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10it's actually been extended.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13So on the other side, you've got a dining room there,
0:10:13 > 0:10:14you've got storage.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17So what do you think?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- It's very pretty. - It is very pretty, very cosy.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23You've actually brought us to something we didn't think about
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- because of the thatch, the Grade II listing.- Yeah.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29However, being in it, it's actually quite spacious.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- It's very nice, it really is nice.- Yeah?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35The one part that I really do love is the flooring,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37which seems to go all the way through it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Yes, you've got marble flooring, very easy to keep clean.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44So let's keep exploring.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47To the left of the sitting room, a second living room provides
0:10:47 > 0:10:51ample space for entertaining and this leads into
0:10:51 > 0:10:53the clean and modern kitchen.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56So, in a way, you sort of do a circle with this property
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- and it leads us to our kitchen. - It looks pretty new.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It does, it's a very nice kitchen, actually, yeah.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Are you surprised at the size?
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Really pleasantly surprised with this one.- Good.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12It sounds like our buyers are already booking the movers
0:11:12 > 0:11:15but they've still to see upstairs.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17The upstairs sort of weaves the
0:11:17 > 0:11:20corridor until you get to the very end
0:11:20 > 0:11:22where this is the master bedroom
0:11:22 > 0:11:25with huge storage wardrobes behind us.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27There is, isn't there?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Really impressed with, throughout the whole house, the wood.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's certainly been done by someone who knows what they're doing.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Very nice.- You've surpassed yourself on this one.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Immediately adjacent to the bedroom, though not en suite,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43lies the only bathroom.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46There are three other bedrooms on this level,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48a double and two singles.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50All are bright and airy with unimpeded views
0:11:50 > 0:11:53over the attractive Worcestershire countryside.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Let's head outside
0:11:55 > 0:11:58because we've still got to talk about the all-important garden.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Alan, please lead the way.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04The rear garden has three distinct areas.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07A lawn with raised beds for flowers or vegetables,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09a patio area for dining
0:12:09 > 0:12:13and a more formal garden with a hedge, shrubs and trees.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Very nice.- Enough room.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18You wanted to reignite your passion for gardening.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Yes, I think what they've done here is,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23there's lots of beds to put different things.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26The landscaped bit up there is beautiful
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- and lovely plants up there.- Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Adjacent to the garden is an off-street parking area
0:12:32 > 0:12:34and a single-car garage.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37We've got to put a price on this,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39what do we think the asking price is?
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- I would say 375.- OK.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48I think that you're possibly just trying to stretch us a bit.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- I'm going to say 380.- OK.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55The asking price is £400,000.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- I'm not entirely surprised. - No, not at all.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01I think it's a lot for the money.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03£25,000 over budget, but, with
0:13:03 > 0:13:06the owners open to negotiation,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08our first property is a Grade II
0:13:08 > 0:13:09listed thatched cottage
0:13:09 > 0:13:11with four bedrooms.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12It's well maintained and comes with
0:13:12 > 0:13:14two reception rooms, as well as a
0:13:14 > 0:13:16dining room, conservatory
0:13:16 > 0:13:18and there are impressive rural views
0:13:18 > 0:13:19from the first floor.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I love house number one.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26If it was purely my decision, I'd probably put an offer in.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28I think that was a bit of a shock coming to the house
0:13:28 > 0:13:32and seeing the thatch and the Grade II listing.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I still need to do a little bit of investigation to make sure
0:13:34 > 0:13:36that it doesn't need the maintenance
0:13:36 > 0:13:40that I believe that it does at this stage.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Well, there you have it, our first property here in Worcestershire.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Yep.- Good start?- Very good start.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I think very positive.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- I think we surprised you with that one, didn't we?- Very much so.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Definitely.- Good.- Definitely very impressed with that.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- I've got more to show you now. - Excellent.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06One of the most peaceful ways to enjoy the rolling hills
0:14:06 > 0:14:08of Worcestershire is on horseback.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12So it's no surprise equestrian pursuits are popular here.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16What is unexpected is the rise in popularity of the side-saddle.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19This method of riding fell out of fashion in the 1920s
0:14:19 > 0:14:23but, with the trend for vintage clothing and the popularity
0:14:23 > 0:14:27of period dramas, the side-saddle is making a comeback,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31pioneered by the few craftsmen who have the skills to create
0:14:31 > 0:14:33these bespoke pieces of equipment.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- Hello, Rob.- Hi, Nicki.- Good to meet you.- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Master saddler Rob Jenkins, based at the foot of the Malvern Hills
0:14:40 > 0:14:44is reputed to be one of the best.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So you've got the conventional saddle that I know and love,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49but I'm really excited to talk to you, actually,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- about side-saddles.- OK.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53How long have you been making them?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Side-saddles, I suppose, have been
0:14:55 > 0:14:58part of my workload for, maybe, 15 years.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01So, Rob, this is, in a way, the bones, the spine of the saddle.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's called the tree,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07it has an extra piece of wood on the front here, which is designed for the
0:15:07 > 0:15:12lady's leg to come round so she can sit with both legs on one side.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Having never tried side-saddle, I'm very keen to have a go.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Do you think I'll be able to? - I think you can.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21I'm a confident and regular rider,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23but riding sideways sounds difficult
0:15:23 > 0:15:26and I expect to have much less control over the horse
0:15:26 > 0:15:29but, then again, I won't be in the very impressive
0:15:29 > 0:15:32full competition regalia.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Lovely, I mean, they make it look so easy.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37You should be able to ride the horse exactly as you would
0:15:37 > 0:15:41do astride and the horse should respond in exactly the same way.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45You need to carry a cane in your right hand, which basically
0:15:45 > 0:15:47replaces your right leg.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Well, I've seen how the experts do it and now it's my turn,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55but I have my doubts that I can replicate their elegance.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58One, two, three.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Not the most glamorous of starts.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Sorry, Sam!
0:16:03 > 0:16:05So what do we do next?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Very gently, when you're ready, bring your right leg across
0:16:07 > 0:16:11so that you're sat with the leg down this side.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Lovely and I'll take the crop, if that's all right? Thank you.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19So the first thing to do, really, is to have a little walk.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The one thing you should always be thinking is to keep your right
0:16:22 > 0:16:26shoulder back, so that you're always sat square.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I'm already feeling a little bit comfortable,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I'm amazed, I've only been on him for a couple of seconds.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33'OK, let's pick up the pace a bit.'
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Well done, good boy.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Good boy.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39That's it, shoulders back, look up.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44That's it, toe down.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Come on. OK, I'm going to canter.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49CLICKING
0:16:49 > 0:16:53I'm being left behind, but the saddle feels amazing.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Come on, come on!
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- How was that, Rob?- That was pretty good for a first go.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- That was fantastic. - Very impressive, actually.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Do you know what, it was all down to Sam.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Thank you very much, I think I'm a convert.- OK.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20For our next house, we're travelling to the spa town of Malvern,
0:17:20 > 0:17:2215 miles east of Wick.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Malvern was founded in the 11th-century,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29when monks established a priory at the foot of the hills.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Our property is on the very edge of Malvern,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34close to a rural nature reserve.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38So quite an unusual entrance down this gravel path and it leads us
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- to our second property. - It's certainly hidden.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Yes, you wouldn't know it was here from the road, would you?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Not at all.- It's definitely a sweet little hidden house.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Yes, it is. Now, I'm going to be honest,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53this property doesn't have a garage and it doesn't have a drive.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- That is the main way in and out of this cottage.- OK.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00So what do you think standing here, taking a look?
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- It looks quite quaint.- It's not as pretty as the thatched cottage,
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- but it's charming, isn't it? - Yes, it does have a charming feel.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Shall we take a look? - Looking forward to it.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18The house is 300 years old and was originally two separate cottages.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Immediately to the right of the entrance hall is a modern
0:18:22 > 0:18:25living room with a brick fire place and flagstone hearth.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29So you've got a well-worn hallway there, you can
0:18:29 > 0:18:32see by the tiles how old this house is.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I've walked you straight into the sitting room.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- It's a nice-sized room. - More cottage size.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- I quite like it so far, yes. - Do you? Good.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44And the windows, large windows, does give it a lot of light.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46But it is quirky as you walk around.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Being two cottages made back into a house,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- the geography is a little bit different.- OK.- OK.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- Not too low for you?- Not for me.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- I didn't look at you, then, did you notice?- Yeah, I noticed.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- You don't mind?- No.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02You don't mind. OK, let's keep going.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04The property has a kitchen/dining room which
0:19:04 > 0:19:08lies behind the living room and is reached via a small inner hallway.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11We've got a little anteroom here.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15A good bit of storage but then it leads to, well, quite
0:19:15 > 0:19:17a generous-sized kitchen.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19It's lovely, it's a really nice kitchen.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Well fitted-out and the big range there for the cooking.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27With window seat, dining table.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29The ground floor also features
0:19:29 > 0:19:34a utility room with a guest cloakroom.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40So, unusually, the master bedroom...
0:19:40 > 0:19:43But the current owners had it downstairs.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Would you use it or would you be inclined to go up?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Having not seen upstairs, but my natural inclination
0:19:49 > 0:19:51would be to go up.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Yeah, I think so, as well.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58The house has three further bedrooms on the top floor,
0:19:58 > 0:19:59currently unfurnished.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02However, occupants of all three bedrooms
0:20:02 > 0:20:05will need to come downstairs to use the spacious tiled
0:20:05 > 0:20:09family bathroom, next to the master bedroom.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14People often say, when they step inside, you just get that gut feel.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Is it a home that you could live in or not?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I wonder what's going through your minds.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23I think it's a beautiful house, I couldn't see myself living here.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28I think missing the driveway just tilted it over the edge a bit.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Yeah. Well, let's head back outside and take a look at the garden
0:20:30 > 0:20:33which is at the front of the property
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- and there's one more gem that I want to show you.- BOTH: OK.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Though there's a distinct lack of excitement around this property,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43I'm hoping that the south-facing
0:20:43 > 0:20:46garden will rekindle their enthusiasm.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50It features mature shrub and flower beds, as well as two storage sheds.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53This part of the garden is on a slight gradient going down.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Right in the corner, that I had earmarked for you,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59was your writing workshop.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03When it comes to the garden, Alan, is there enough for you here?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Not really, I think it's just a little bit enclosed
0:21:06 > 0:21:10and there's too many buildings rather than space.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Well, let's see what we think of the price.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14I think it's a lovely property,
0:21:14 > 0:21:19but I do think that the access issue may well affect the price.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22So I'm going to say round about 360.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26I'd actually go a little bit lower, and say 350.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32The asking price is £349,950.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34For someone that, perhaps, didn't
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- have a car, it would be fabulous. - Yeah.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Our second house is at the bottom
0:21:41 > 0:21:43of Alan and Dawn's target price range.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The 300-year-old period cottage has been
0:21:46 > 0:21:49created out of two separate properties.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52It features four bedrooms and beautifully landscaped gardens,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55but the lack of driveway may prove an insurmountable
0:21:55 > 0:21:57problem for our buyers.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02I think house number two is a very nice house, well done out inside.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Unfortunately, for us, the deal-breaker may well be
0:22:05 > 0:22:09the access and the no driveway.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13I don't think I've quite won you over, have I, with this property.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Change of minds?- Not quite.- No.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18But it has its merits, doesn't it?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- It's certainly a good house. - Absolutely.- That's it for today.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- We've had a positive day. - We have, yes.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- You can relax now, more to show you tomorrow.- BOTH: Excellent.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So property one went down better, Nicki.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37It did, but Alan really struggled with the fact it was thatch.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40So many people do and I'm often quite disappointed
0:22:40 > 0:22:42because it shouldn't worry people.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44The big issue for many is, of course, insurance,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46but there are specialist insurers
0:22:46 > 0:22:49who will do it for you and will make the premiums a little bit easier.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Absolutely, and, as I said, in good condition, a thatch
0:22:52 > 0:22:55should last you between 30 and 40 years. I mean, that's a long time.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57You've just got to keep on top of it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Let's face it, Nicki, any property worth its salt is going
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- to require some annual investments... - Very true.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04..so it shouldn't really be a massive problem.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05But what about my buyers?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Was thatch going to be a thorn in the side for them?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Well, there's only one way to find out,
0:23:09 > 0:23:13let's remind ourselves of who they were and what they were after.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16In stark contrast to Worcestershire's rural
0:23:16 > 0:23:20landscape is the commuter town of Hornchurch, in Essex, which is
0:23:20 > 0:23:23where retired couple Jean and Michael have lived in a
0:23:23 > 0:23:27two-bedroom first-floor maisonette for the last 20 years.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Jean is a former police officer
0:23:28 > 0:23:32and Michael was a civilian driver for Metropolitan police.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35They've been married for 23 years.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Now retired, they're free to make the break from Hornchurch,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42an area Jean has lived in for 30 years.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Hornchurch has changed a lot since I first moved here.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49It was very much almost village-y. There was lots of little shops
0:23:49 > 0:23:54and, unfortunately, in recent years there's more bars, clubs opening up.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58It's not just the town that no longer serves their needs,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00their current home also has its drawbacks.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I love the flat, but the stairs are getting us down now.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07The garden is far too big for us to look after.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10It's not impossible now because we're still reasonably fit,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14but we do know that in a few years' time that's not going to be so easy.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17So that's really why we want to move.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20They've chosen Worcestershire as Jean remembers it
0:24:20 > 0:24:23fondly from her childhood.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I can remember going camping there when I was a little girl
0:24:26 > 0:24:28with the Girl Guides.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30It's a beautiful county, it really is.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33But after spending most of their lives in an urban setting,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36they're under no illusions as to what's at stake.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39The move is going to be quite challenging, really.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I'm excited, but I'm also very, very nervous.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44As I say, I've been here 30 years.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I do think it's got to be better for us, I really do.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Jean and Michael are open-minded about where
0:24:52 > 0:24:54they want their new house to be.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55So to make their budget go that bit further,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58we'll widen our search into neighbouring Herefordshire.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00But I'm meeting up with them
0:25:00 > 0:25:03in Worcestershire to go over their property wish list.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Well, Jean, Michael, welcome to Worcestershire. Why now, Michael?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Well, we're not getting any younger
0:25:08 > 0:25:14and where we're living in a first-floor flat, it's the stairs.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17So we want somewhere that isn't reliant on stairs.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19But, obviously, lots of properties have a second floor,
0:25:19 > 0:25:20would that, in itself, be OK?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23No, as long as there was a downstairs cloakroom,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27so we weren't constantly up and down the stairs, then that would be fine.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30In terms of space, what does your new home need to have in it, Jean?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33We certainly don't want anything less than what we're already got.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37At the moment we've got two double bedrooms, both with built-in
0:25:37 > 0:25:40wardrobes, so there's a good amount of storage.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42We've got a lounge and a separate dining room,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44but we'd be prepared to give up the dining room
0:25:44 > 0:25:48if the kitchen was large enough to have a table and chairs in there.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Now, I'm very touched, as well, by
0:25:50 > 0:25:53the fact that poor old Michael here, who loves a bath,
0:25:53 > 0:25:54doesn't have a bath anymore.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58The bathroom is so small, it's about six foot square
0:25:58 > 0:26:02and we thought, well, if we take the bath out and put a shower in...
0:26:02 > 0:26:04But you don't realise how much you miss a bath
0:26:04 > 0:26:06until you haven't got one.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- All those aches and pains to soak away.- That's right.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11LAUGHTER What are we after in terms of style?
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I don't think we've got a specific idea of what we do want,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16it's more what we don't want.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19We don't want a project and we don't want the chocolate-box thatch,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22we don't want the beams and small rooms.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24How much are we planning to spend, then, Michael?
0:26:24 > 0:26:27We've got 350,000.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Well, I'm pretty optimistic about your £350,000
0:26:30 > 0:26:33for your two-bed, maybe three, rural dream.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- So let's get going.- OK. - Shall we? Follow me.- Right.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44Jean and Michael have £350,000 to spend on their new country home.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47They would like a house with a kitchen/diner, not too many stairs,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51a minimum of two double bedrooms and a bathroom, so Michael can,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53at last, enjoy a bath.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56They need a downstairs cloakroom and, as they enjoy the fresh air,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58would like a small garden with
0:26:58 > 0:27:00a patio for entertaining friends.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09We're starting our property search in the hamlet of Acton Green,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13which is just over the border into Herefordshire.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Bishops Frome is one of the closest villages for amenities.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20The hamlet of Acton Green is a ten-minute drive away.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Surrounded by small coppices and farmland is our first offering.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28So this is it, property number one.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- There you go. Michael? - Yes, it's very nice.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36It's quite pretty, really, isn't it?
0:27:36 > 0:27:37It's very pretty.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41It's got this lovely mixture of stone, classic oak timber-framing,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45as you can see, what houses in this part of the world are known for.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48It dates from around 1600, this one.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Oh, that is old!
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Come and have a look, then.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Although it dates back 400 years, the inside of what was
0:27:54 > 0:27:58once an old schoolhouse has been renovated recently, so should
0:27:58 > 0:28:02give our buyers that "modern with character" feel they're after.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Come in, Jean. Wipe your feet and grab the door.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07What do you think, Michael?
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's very small, at first thought.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Jean?
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Yes, it's very small compared to what we've got
0:28:15 > 0:28:18but it depends what else there is.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- I mean, this is really you being cosy, the pair of you.- Yeah.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24At the moment the property is not really lived in,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27it's part furnished, so you have to imagine it with a bit more dressing
0:28:27 > 0:28:31and a bit more homeliness, I suppose.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Happy? BOTH: Yes. Yes, I can see there's a slight...
0:28:34 > 0:28:37With reservations, I've still got to see what else there is
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- before you can say.- Come on, then.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43This is the kitchen/diner, which, hopefully,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46will allay any worries you have.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- It's still quite compact, isn't it? - It's a bit small.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52I mean, it's got a lot of stuff in it, to be fair.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54That dresser is soaking up space and light.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- If you had a more oblong table... - Yeah, that would work better
0:28:57 > 0:28:59..running that way, it would give
0:28:59 > 0:29:01you that sense of separation and a
0:29:01 > 0:29:03bit more working space over there, perhaps.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- Oh, dear, so space...- Oh, yes.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- ..is the thing?- Yes.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11The size of this charming cottage might be a concern
0:29:11 > 0:29:13but it does benefit from a more modern
0:29:13 > 0:29:15extension beyond the kitchen,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18which features a generous utility area and a downstairs guest
0:29:18 > 0:29:22suite, adding more space to the original fabric of the building.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- So shower room in there. - Right, OK.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31- That's a nice little sink. - This is the extension.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- You'd get a double bed in, wouldn't you?- I think so.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- I think for visiting guests. - Yeah, it's a nice little room.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40If you did want it as a, you know, separate study area,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43if you weren't that fussed about having it as a bedroom,
0:29:43 > 0:29:45again, it takes the pressure off
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- what you use the other rooms for... - Yeah.- Yeah.- ..the kitchen and the living room.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- Yeah, lots of options. Upstairs are two bedrooms.- OK.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- Shall we have a look at those? - Yes, please.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01Those upstairs bedrooms are also both good-sized spaces,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03with the added bonus of exposed beams.
0:30:03 > 0:30:09Plus, there's a three-piece half-tiled family bathroom.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13And then, finally, this is yours.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Oh, it's a little bigger, isn't it?
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Yeah, biggest of the lot.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21You've got this lovely vaulted ceiling, dual aspect.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22No, it's...
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- It's not what I'm looking for. - It's too small.- Too small?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Yeah, I think so.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Perhaps the next thing is to talk about the price, then,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33because that may have a bearing on it.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- It will certainly give you an idea of what's on offer here.- OK.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38And I think that's what could be exciting.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41So let's go down to the garden, get some fresh air... BOTH: OK.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45..and talk about numbers.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49In the garden, there's a pretty patio and seating area, to the front
0:30:49 > 0:30:53of the property which is enclosed by mature shrubs and hedging.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Directly opposite the house, over the driveway, there's more
0:30:56 > 0:30:59outside space with a vegetable patch.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- Oh, look, sunnier now! This is all good.- Much nicer.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06LAUGHTER
0:31:06 > 0:31:10I'm hoping that the sunshine is going to help
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- the feeling about what we have about this place.- Do you think?
0:31:13 > 0:31:16You never know. Well, the price might.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21£350,000 is your maximum spend including everything.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26So, Michael, what's property one on the market for?
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- I think it's about 280,000.- 280.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Jean?
0:31:32 > 0:31:35I think it's a little bit more, 300.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39It's on the market at £289,950.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- It's absolutely stunning, but I'm not sure...- You're not sure.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45..it's for us.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Under budget by £60,000,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51our first property is a characterful
0:31:51 > 0:31:53country cottage which has been
0:31:53 > 0:31:55sensitively renovated and extended.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57It gives Michael and Jean one more bedroom
0:31:57 > 0:31:59than they asked for
0:31:59 > 0:32:00and a downstairs bathroom.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02What's more, the garden
0:32:02 > 0:32:03is low maintenance
0:32:03 > 0:32:05and offers a patio for entertaining.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19Between the Malvern and the Cotswold Hills lies the Vale of Evesham,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23a vast area of sheltered fertile flatland, known as the fruit
0:32:23 > 0:32:27basket of England because of the wide variety of fruit it grows.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Since Victorian times, the town of Pershore has produced
0:32:30 > 0:32:33plums by the tonne and today it celebrates the plum harvest
0:32:33 > 0:32:37with a festival throughout the month of August.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I've come to meet local horticulture expert John Edgeley,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43to find out about the heritage of the humble plum.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Now, John, the Vale of Evesham is famous for many things, but
0:32:48 > 0:32:51I had no idea that the plum had its home here,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53in particular in Pershore.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- How did that come about?- It all came about with the discovery of the
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Pershore Yellow Egg in a local wood, Tiddesley Wood, in 1827.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05It was very suited for jam making, bottling,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07canning, which, of course, there was no refrigeration then.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Now, you've managed to galvanise the history of the plum,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and its now increasing popularity,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15into the Pershore Plum Festival.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16When did that start?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18It started in 1996, four of us
0:33:18 > 0:33:22locally, started it, going on August bank holiday Monday.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25In 2006 we expanded for the whole of August
0:33:25 > 0:33:29and so, basically, August, the whole of Pershore goes purple.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Around the town are many orchards which still produce a large
0:33:32 > 0:33:34variety of native plums.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37With the harvest in full swing, I've timed my visit well,
0:33:37 > 0:33:42as the Pershore Yellow Egg plum has a rather narrow window for ripening.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46It's probably the only time of year when you can actually eat it.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Mmmm.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Gosh, that's very nice and it really is just today?
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Before today it would've been too hard and not very flavoursome.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Tomorrow it's probably very mealy and is only good for making into jam.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Well, it tastes absolutely fabulous today.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I noticed, throughout this beautiful orchard,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06there are, of course, boughs full of Purple Pershore -
0:34:06 > 0:34:08are they also edible today?
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Yes, we can try those, we can go across and have a look.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Well, I would go for one of these here, perhaps.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- How's that one?- That should be OK.- A fine example.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Which are the most popular, then, between the Yellow Egg
0:34:19 > 0:34:21and the Purple?
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Probably, for eating, now, it's got to be the Purple Pershore.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26It's got a fantastic flavour.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29During the festival month, many of these historic plum
0:34:29 > 0:34:32varieties are being used by local food producers in all
0:34:32 > 0:34:36types of local delicacies to show how diverse the plum can be.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38John wants me to sample some of their wares
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and is taking me to a local cafe.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Hello.- This is Natalie.- Hello, Natalie.- Nice to meet you.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- What a fabulous spread!- Thank you.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50This is what everybody's tucking into in Pershore these days.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52They are, they certainly are.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54We've used all the local produce
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and they're Vale plums and we've incorporated
0:34:56 > 0:34:59something a bit different with our own favourite classics
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and created this lovely selection.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05You have made a version of everything I really enjoy.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10It's got to be done, hasn't it? I can't look at this any longer.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Mmmm.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Wow, absolutely gorgeous.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Let me try a bit of the sausage.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Oh, absolutely brilliant, Natalie.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27I could be here for a very long time, I suspect.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Thank you very much indeed, both of you...- Thank you.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34..for my introduction to plums in Pershore. What a way to finish.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- You're more than welcome.- Enjoy.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44For our second property, we're heading to
0:35:44 > 0:35:45the village of Ribbesford.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Bewdley is the closest town for shops and services, two miles away.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Nestling on the banks of the River Severn, it is one
0:35:52 > 0:35:56of Worcestershire's most historic and scenic places.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Our second house is a few minutes' drive away.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Surrounded by beautiful and unspoiled countryside,
0:36:01 > 0:36:06it's part of a small development of former farm buildings.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- That is property number two.- OK.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- What do you think?- A lot better.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- A lot better, why a lot better? - More excited. I don't know.- Michael?
0:36:15 > 0:36:18It looks bigger, it looks a lot nicer.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21It is a little bit bigger. It's one of half a dozen
0:36:21 > 0:36:24properties in this renovated farm complex.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26You've got six properties here, so you've got neighbours,
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- you've got a community, which is great.- Yeah.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- You've got some amazing views...- I just sneaked a peak.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33..that you can just glimpse through there.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36There's a real treat in the garden which makes best use of those.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39But, yeah, this is interesting.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42My very first impression is, it's very nice.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44And I'll let you into another little secret, Michael,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46it's got a bath.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- A real bath you can have all to yourself.- Thanks very much.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- Good, come on, let's have a look.- OK.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55People will think he hasn't had a bath for years.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57LAUGHTER
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Well, that's a better reaction to our second property,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02our semi-detached barn conversion.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I'm confident Jean and Michael will be equally impressed
0:37:05 > 0:37:07with the interior.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Let's start in here, this is the living room.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- Oh, this is lovely.- Isn't it? - Very nice.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Oak flooring, you've got the beams, but, of course,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17they're nice and high.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21The fireplace over there with wood burner and so
0:37:21 > 0:37:23nice and cosy in the winter, again.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26My first impression is Christmas tree.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- I do love Christmas. - You're moving in already.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Right, then, kitchen.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Come on, follow me.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37The living room also takes advantage of the impressive views,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40with French doors leading out to a garden patio.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46Across the hallway, up these two steps, you've got the kitchen -
0:37:46 > 0:37:49well, kitchen/diner, really.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- That's a lot bigger as well, isn't it?- Yeah, it's very nice.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55You've got a nice little bit of storage space over there, with that
0:37:55 > 0:37:58freestanding unit and, again, double doors out to the terrace beyond.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- Very nice, very nice. - Very nice, indeed.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03It's virtually a brand-new house,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05let's face it, but with some lovely touches -
0:38:05 > 0:38:08the stone coming through there, these stone coins,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11as they're called, round the door reveal - the oak doors -
0:38:11 > 0:38:13the old beams and so forth.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16It's a lovely mixture and the slate floor, of course, is just brilliant.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- It's been really well done, hasn't it?- It has, yeah.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Now, it's not massive down here - I mean,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23this is it for the ground floor
0:38:23 > 0:38:26but would this space be enough to keep you occupied day-to-day?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- I think so.- Yeah.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31That wraps up our tour of the ground floor,
0:38:31 > 0:38:35although let's not forget the all-important downstairs cloakroom.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Upstairs there are three bedrooms -
0:38:37 > 0:38:40two have their own dressing or study areas, one room is
0:38:40 > 0:38:42being used as a nursery and the
0:38:42 > 0:38:44other could make a good guest option.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48There's also a family bathroom, complete with roll-top bath -
0:38:48 > 0:38:52something Michael should be happy soaking in.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- And this is your bit. - Oh, it's quite a nice size, as well.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- I mean, there's no built-in, as such...- No.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00..but, I think, plenty of room for a bit of freestanding,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03which is, obviously, what they've got there.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- And, of course, with those other, slightly quirkier bedrooms...- Yeah.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08..you might allow yourself a bit of the dressing room.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I think we probably would do, yeah.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So property number two is scoring a little more highly than
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- property number one?- Yes, definitely.- Oh, yeah.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Could you see yourself in this place, Michael?- I could, yeah.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- Good.- I could, I like it very much.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24So the interior of the house gets the thumbs up,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27but I think I've saved the best bit till last -
0:39:27 > 0:39:32the landscaped garden that extends to the rear of the property.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35From this elevated position, the views are simply breathtaking
0:39:35 > 0:39:38and the owners have built a superb decking area to make
0:39:38 > 0:39:42the most of the surrounding countryside.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Now, this is a remarkable structure.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46This is just fabulous, isn't it?
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- Isn't it?- I just can't believe the view, it's to die for.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- This really makes the best of it. - It does, yeah.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56But look back at the house, that's the thing that we're really buying,
0:39:56 > 0:40:01- the view is a bonus.- It certainly is. It's almost picture perfect.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Perfect says your wife, sir.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I think it's perfect, as well.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08So, then, what's the damage, missus?
0:40:08 > 0:40:10What is property two on the market for?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I think it's going to be near the top of our budget,
0:40:13 > 0:40:18but I'm hoping... I'm going to be optimistic and say 340,000.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21340,000, yep.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25I think it's going to be 350, it's going to be on the budget.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- If it were 350, you could do it if you chopped in everything.- Yes.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33But if we could save you a bit of money, that would be all right, wouldn't it?
0:40:33 > 0:40:35It would be great.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Particularly if property two was on the market for £329,000.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Wow, that's fabulous.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Below budget by £21,000,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47this beautifully finished barn
0:40:47 > 0:40:49conversion has charmed our buyers.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50It provides Jean with the
0:40:50 > 0:40:52kitchen/diner she wanted,
0:40:52 > 0:40:53Michael gets his bathtub
0:40:53 > 0:40:54and it comes with three
0:40:54 > 0:40:56bedrooms - one more than
0:40:56 > 0:40:57they have at the moment.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59The garden is manageable
0:40:59 > 0:41:00with magnificent views of the
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Worcestershire countryside.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Your second property certainly made a mark, didn't it?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13That decked area, wow, was gorgeous, what a selling point.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Absolutely, but when you've got views such as those to play with, you've
0:41:16 > 0:41:18got to make the best of them.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22It's worth remembering, ambitious decking like that does require
0:41:22 > 0:41:23- planning permission.- Does it?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Yeah, you only don't need it provided your decking is less
0:41:25 > 0:41:29than 30 centimetres high or covers less than half your garden.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Let's be honest, though, you don't need to a huge amount of space or
0:41:32 > 0:41:35a large budget to make a feature out of a view.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38I know one couple that were sold on a window seat.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Well, if you are selling any property,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- if you have got a view, you've really got to milk it.- Certainly have.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Well, my Mystery House certainly gave Alan and Dawn
0:41:46 > 0:41:47something to think about.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51It turned their search on its head, in more ways than one.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Our final property, the Mystery House, is in Longley Green,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00ten miles from Worcester and to the north of the Malvern Hills.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Longley Green combines a variety of house styles
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and the village is well-served with local amenities.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Will this modern stylish four-bedroom family home win over
0:42:09 > 0:42:15Dawn and Alan? I'm hoping a new day brings a fresh enthusiasm.
0:42:15 > 0:42:21Our third and final property, it is, of course, the Mystery House.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- Quite nice.- I really like it.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29That was a great delay.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- I do quite like modern houses. - Good, it's certainly modern.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Brick and weatherboarded and it was built in 2005.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- You like what you see, do you? - Yes, we do.- Very much.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Let's see what you make of the inside because there's another
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- little twist there.- OK.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50The house has generous off-road parking capacity
0:42:50 > 0:42:55and the forecourt can accommodate three cars comfortably.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Age aside, there's a distinctive feature to the Mystery House
0:42:59 > 0:43:02that I'm hoping Alan and Dawn will appreciate.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- So...- It's upside down. - It's upside down.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11- The reason they've done that is to make the most of the light.- OK.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14It's a little bit overpowering with the colours,
0:43:14 > 0:43:17but that's just decoration, so I'm not concerned about that at all.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20It's not our taste and in decor, but that's immaterial.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24- It's a good size. Yeah, it's a good size, good shape.- Excellent.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28OK, well, that's one room done, let's see what's next door.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32Next to the sitting room lies the airy family dining area with
0:43:32 > 0:43:34double doors conveniently connecting it to the kitchen.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37- Wow! - LAUGHTER
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- This is a really, really good kitchen.- It's big, isn't it?
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- Very big and really nicely fitted. - Yeah.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- I wouldn't change anything in this kitchen.- Would you not?- No.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49And you like the dining room next door.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51Love the dining room next door.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55The fact that it's so close, it feels open-plan, so if you had
0:43:55 > 0:43:59guests you could still cook and be part of the conversation.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03The garden is accessed from this level through patio doors
0:44:03 > 0:44:04in the dining room.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08There's also a utility room with granite surfaces, a separate toilet
0:44:08 > 0:44:13and a compact study, which could be a good spot for Dawn's writing.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15We're going to head, funnily enough,
0:44:15 > 0:44:20- downstairs now to take a look at the bedrooms.- OK.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24In addition to the master, there are three other distinctively
0:44:24 > 0:44:28designed bedrooms on the ground floor, all big enough to be doubles.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31There's also a shared bathroom, complete with whirlpool bath.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37So now we're downstairs, this is the master
0:44:37 > 0:44:40and you've also got an en suite.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46- I think that's the first one I've offered you, isn't it?- It is.- Yes.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48It is a little bit darker down here
0:44:48 > 0:44:50and you can see now why the house has been designed in such a way.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Yes, it does make sense.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- Nicely done.- Yes.- They've made good use of the space.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01So when it comes to the actual house, is it hitting the spot?
0:45:01 > 0:45:04It is for me, yes. Yeah.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08The upside down thing doesn't worry me, I think it is just
0:45:08 > 0:45:12such a nice spacious, nicely laid-out house.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15- And I think the same. - Do you?- I do think the same.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20So we're going to go outside, were going to go back upstairs.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22Please, lead the way, thank you.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26As well as the garden, the outside space features a decked
0:45:26 > 0:45:29eating area and a garage, currently used as a gym.
0:45:30 > 0:45:36- So we have quite a different garden here, don't we?- Hmmm.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40It's not your usual country cottage garden.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42- No, but it's beautifully done... - Yeah.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44..and it's fully enclosed which,
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- having a dog, that's, really, the prerequisite.- Yes.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53Is this a compromise, this part of the garden?
0:45:53 > 0:45:56It is a compromise in that it's unusual
0:45:56 > 0:45:58because it's not laid to lawn and all those things
0:45:58 > 0:46:00that you're usually accustomed to.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05We've got to talk money, then, so what do we think it's on for?
0:46:05 > 0:46:10- I think, possibly, a little bit over our budget, about 390.- Right.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Alan?
0:46:12 > 0:46:15I'm going to say 380.
0:46:15 > 0:46:21- Well, the asking price is £349,950. - Really?!
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Really? Wow!
0:46:26 > 0:46:28Our Mystery House is an unexpected bargain
0:46:28 > 0:46:33and sneaks in just below the bottom end of Alan and Dawn's price range.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36The upside down property was built in 2005
0:46:36 > 0:46:40and has four individually designed bedrooms, living areas with a view
0:46:40 > 0:46:43and the landscaped, yet enclosed, gardens
0:46:43 > 0:46:46would be perfect for their dog Ted.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- There we go, have you seen enough? - We have, yes.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51Our final property here in Worcestershire.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53You wouldn't give anything away earlier on,
0:46:53 > 0:46:56I bet you're not going to give too much away now, are you?
0:46:56 > 0:46:57No.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- Let's go and have a proper chat. - BOTH: OK.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08Well, Alan and Dawn, I wonder
0:47:08 > 0:47:12if we've got close with any of our properties here in Worcestershire.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- I think you have.- Have we?!
0:47:14 > 0:47:19I think with the first house, I absolutely adored it.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22The location was absolutely perfect.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24And the other properties that we showed you,
0:47:24 > 0:47:27did we get close with the other two or not?
0:47:27 > 0:47:29The problem with the second house for us was,
0:47:29 > 0:47:31pure and simply, the access.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33And our Mystery House?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36I loved it. It kind of hit the spot a bit for me.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38- Did it?- Mm-hm.
0:47:38 > 0:47:43What we'd have to do is do a little bit more research for the area
0:47:43 > 0:47:46because, obviously, that was a little bit more rural.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49But I'm not going to let number one house lie yet, I'm going
0:47:49 > 0:47:50to push you on it.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52Is it worth a second viewing?
0:47:52 > 0:47:55It's definitely worth a second viewing.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58I think a second viewing of the house with the rest of that
0:47:58 > 0:48:01village and the surrounding area, I think you're going
0:48:01 > 0:48:05to lose your heart, but we'll have to wait and see, won't we?
0:48:05 > 0:48:07If you do put in an offer or even if you move to that area,
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- you'll let us know, won't you? - Of course we will.
0:48:10 > 0:48:11You'll be the first to know.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15- Lovely, thank you both very much indeed.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Well, my upside down house went down really well, didn't it?
0:48:20 > 0:48:24It was designed like that to make the most of the light.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26That's so important when you're viewing,
0:48:26 > 0:48:28try and work out where north and south is.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30I would suggest taking a compass with you.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32It's a really good idea and, let's be honest,
0:48:32 > 0:48:34- these days, most of us have them on our phones...- We have.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37..would you believe? I'm really looking forward to seeing how that
0:48:37 > 0:48:40search pans out later on in the programme. In the meantime,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43let's get back to my search in Worcestershire with Jean and Michael.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47They were moving from Essex with £350,000, but the burning
0:48:47 > 0:48:52question was, could our Mystery House possibly trump property number two?
0:48:57 > 0:49:00Our Mystery House is in the village of Whitbourne on the county
0:49:00 > 0:49:04border, about five miles from the town of Bromyard.
0:49:04 > 0:49:09Bromyard is an attractive town with a number of half-timbered buildings.
0:49:09 > 0:49:14It also boasts a number of shops - many of them historic.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18Just down the road is Whitbourne, where we find our final property.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23Come into our Mystery House.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26- Oh!- Up you come, Jean.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- That's certainly a mystery. - Different.- Yes.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32This is very, very different.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35It is a 16th-century cider barn, evidence of which is inside -
0:49:35 > 0:49:38that's all I'm saying for now.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42It's as quirky as you like. Come on.
0:49:42 > 0:49:47Our Mystery House is a Grade II listed 17th-century cider barn.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50As well as incorporating modern elements, it makes ingenious
0:49:50 > 0:49:54use of the building's historic agricultural heritage.
0:49:54 > 0:49:55- There.- Oh!
0:49:55 > 0:49:57LAUGHTER
0:49:57 > 0:50:00- What do you reckon?- King Arthur comes to mind.- Doesn't it?!
0:50:00 > 0:50:03There's something of the Round Table and Camelot about it, definitely.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06- Actually, that's the cider-press. - Oh!
0:50:06 > 0:50:08That is amazing, isn't it?
0:50:08 > 0:50:11- As tables go...- Do you know, I don't think I've got that many friends.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13LAUGHTER
0:50:13 > 0:50:16I think it's amazing. You've got a huge wood burner over there,
0:50:16 > 0:50:17lovely stone floor, as you can see,
0:50:17 > 0:50:20very, very quirky.
0:50:20 > 0:50:23They've really exposed the bones of the building,
0:50:23 > 0:50:24the oak beams have been
0:50:24 > 0:50:30- revealed and opened up to create all these amazing spaces.- Yeah.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33Dominated by that amazing cider-press table,
0:50:33 > 0:50:36I don't think Jean and Michael really know what to make of it all.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39But the kitchen is a little more conventional.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41I mean, it is something of a sort of kitchenette
0:50:41 > 0:50:44because you've got that huge space through there
0:50:44 > 0:50:46but they've removed the fill of these panels -
0:50:46 > 0:50:48these would have been wattle and daub panels originally -
0:50:48 > 0:50:51so they've opened it up, which is rather nice.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55- It's big enough, really. - It's big enough to cook in, yeah.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58I bet you never expected to see something like this
0:50:58 > 0:51:01- on your travels this week. - Certainly not in my dining room.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07- Can you imagine living here, more to the point?- Possibly.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09It's sort of taken us aback.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12Well, you have got three bedrooms here, believe it or not.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- Oh, right, that's good.- One of them's on the ground floor,
0:51:14 > 0:51:16it's through here.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19You've got this, kind of, central hallway, there's a loo there.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23Quite an interesting, sort of, wet room in there.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25- Oh, that's mine.- Yeah?
0:51:25 > 0:51:27Ideal, isn't it? You're the shower, aren't you...?
0:51:27 > 0:51:29- Yeah, I'm the shower. - ..he's the bath.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- There is a bath here, don't worry. - Is there?- Yeah, upstairs.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35Next door, they've got it currently set up as a twin,
0:51:35 > 0:51:38but it could easily be a double.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40You've got two staircases - this spiral,
0:51:40 > 0:51:42which gets you up to the master
0:51:42 > 0:51:46and the other staircase which gets you up to another lavish guestroom.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51The master suite is located at the top of the spiral
0:51:51 > 0:51:56staircase on the gallery level which overlooks the ground floor.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59Now, as master bedrooms go, what you reckon to this, then, Jean?
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Erm...
0:52:01 > 0:52:03it's a bit open for my liking.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- A bit open?- Yeah.- In what sense?
0:52:06 > 0:52:09- You're straight up the stairs and into the bedroom...- Yeah.
0:52:09 > 0:52:10..there's no, sort of, privacy.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14- In there, Michael, your bath.- Ah!
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- Open the door, there you are. - Oh, superb.- Yeah?
0:52:18 > 0:52:20Really the bedrooms are interchangeable.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23We've given you this as the master because it's got the bath.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26Yeah, thank you.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28The other one has a shower.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32- But what's it worth, our Mystery House, do you think?- Oh!
0:52:32 > 0:52:36Where do we begin with this one? Come on, let's go down.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Outside, as well as the paved courtyard at the front
0:52:39 > 0:52:42of the property, there's also a pretty medieval style
0:52:42 > 0:52:46walled garden with box hedges and a variety of herbs.
0:52:46 > 0:52:47So, the price.
0:52:47 > 0:52:49SHE SIGHS
0:52:49 > 0:52:52The final price guess of the week, folks.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55Who's going to go first? Come on, Jean.
0:52:55 > 0:53:00- I think 335.- £335,000, yep.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02- Michael?- 345, I think.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07£345,000, he's trumped you by ten, look, you see?
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Well, here's the truth of it.
0:53:09 > 0:53:15The exciting thing, I think, is that this is on the market for £295,000.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19- Wow!- Good grief!
0:53:19 > 0:53:21Under budget by a generous £55,000,
0:53:21 > 0:53:25our Mystery House is a former 17th-century cider mill
0:53:25 > 0:53:29which has been transformed into a stunning three-bedroom property.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31It comes with a wealth of original features,
0:53:31 > 0:53:34but its focal point is that wonderful cider-press dining table.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38There's also a downstairs cloakroom and the garden is largely paved,
0:53:38 > 0:53:40so low maintenance.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Blown away, I mean, the mill, the table, the press...
0:53:44 > 0:53:46I love it, I really love it.
0:53:46 > 0:53:51The rest of the downstairs, I'm not sure that it really works for us.
0:53:51 > 0:53:57It's a fabulous property for someone, but I don't think it's quite for us.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02Well, our quirky Mystery House has
0:54:02 > 0:54:05- certainly given you lots to consider.- It certainly has.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09And, of course, our other two properties, as well.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12- A lot of thinking to do. - Right, then, let's go.- OK.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15Oh, better shut the door.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Well, Jean and Michael, this has
0:54:25 > 0:54:27- been quite an interesting week, I think.- It has.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31But have we managed to find you your new home?
0:54:31 > 0:54:33- Maybe, yes.- Maybe.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35There's a clear winner, which is, of course,
0:54:35 > 0:54:38- property number two. - It certainly was.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41So, let's hear it, your thoughts on that one.
0:54:41 > 0:54:46It was just amazing, the views from the garden were stunning,
0:54:46 > 0:54:51to die for. I just loved it, my heart went, everything was perfect.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55So what, if anything, is going to happen next? You said it's perfect,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58you said it's ideal, but is it good enough to want to move to?
0:54:58 > 0:55:03We've arranged to stay on in the area for another three days.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06So what we're going to do is maybe contact the agents
0:55:06 > 0:55:09and ask for a second viewing, so that we can have a real good
0:55:09 > 0:55:13look and talk to the owner and get a feeling for the area.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16We want to travel around the area and see where the doctors are,
0:55:16 > 0:55:20the shops, you know, just get a feel for the area.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23If all that stacks up then, hopefully, that's the one to go for.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26- I think so.- I think it will be because those...
0:55:26 > 0:55:28Those views were just stunning.
0:55:28 > 0:55:32And you could comfortably afford it at, what, 329.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34- We could, yeah.- Brilliant.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36Guys, well, it's been an absolute pleasure,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39I have very much enjoyed this week with the pair of you.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42- We've had a good laugh, I think, along the way.- We certainly have.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45- So let us know how you get on. - We will do.- We will do, yeah.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49The best of luck. BOTH: Thank you very much.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56So the second property was, obviously, the favourite.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Did they go back for a second viewing?
0:55:58 > 0:56:02- Well, I thought they would go and buy it, if I'm absolutely honest.- Yeah.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04But they went back, had another look
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- and decided that, actually, it was a bit too rural for them.- Oh!
0:56:07 > 0:56:11Splendid property, but location just didn't work.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15Well, to be fair, you do have to consider the longer-term needs.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18It may work for you now, but is it going to work in five, ten,
0:56:18 > 0:56:1920 years' time?
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Particularly if you're in retirement age, which they were.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24So I can understand it, but, yeah, their search goes on.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Yeah, what a shame - if it's their forever home,
0:56:27 > 0:56:29the location's got to be right.
0:56:29 > 0:56:33For me, Alan was really put off by the thatch of that superb first
0:56:33 > 0:56:35property that I showed them.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37Since then, they've decided to move their search area
0:56:37 > 0:56:40- and they're looking in East Sussex. - East Sussex?!
0:56:40 > 0:56:43Yep, East Sussex. Sold their home, looking to move as soon as possible,
0:56:43 > 0:56:44hopefully next month.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48Well, completely different county, completely different lifestyle.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50- I know, there you go.- It just goes to show, you never know, do you?
0:56:50 > 0:56:54Well, we've enjoyed our trip through Worcestershire, I hope you have too.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57So do join us again for more rural escapes, we'll see you next time.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00Bye.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03If you would like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:57:03 > 0:57:05Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:57:05 > 0:57:09please apply online at...