0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Now, this impressive mound was hand-built
0:00:06 > 0:00:10by our Neolithic ancestors nearly 6,000 years ago.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13But in describing this unique range of monuments,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16archaeologists have, in part, named them
0:00:16 > 0:00:18after the region we're exploring today.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21So, where are we and what's this all about?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Today's house hunter is hoping to put down roots
0:00:43 > 0:00:47to be closer to her relatives, and it's a big family.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52How are we going to fit 14, though? I'm not sure!
0:00:52 > 0:00:56But I have a job giving her everything she wants.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I'm working very hard to try and make this house work for you.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- I think it's gorgeous. - Yes, it is.- Yes, it's lovely.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Well, today, we are in the Cotswolds
0:01:06 > 0:01:11and this is the impressive Belas Knap chambered long barrow.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15It's one of a series of very distinct Neolithic burial mounds
0:01:15 > 0:01:18known collectively as the Cotswold-Severn tombs.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Now, it's thought it was built about 3800BC
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and excavations here back in the 19th and 20th centuries
0:01:25 > 0:01:28revealed the remains of up to 40 individuals
0:01:28 > 0:01:32tucked away in these little chambers buried deep within the mound itself.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Now, of course, it was built to commemorate the dead,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but also to dominate this astonishing landscape
0:01:37 > 0:01:39and for me, it seems only fitting, then,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43that they should take their name in part from this fantastic region.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48The range of hills known as the Cotswolds
0:01:48 > 0:01:50is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:01:50 > 0:01:52that lies largely within the counties
0:01:52 > 0:01:54of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59There can be few other regions in the UK more defined by its geology.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03The key to the area's beauty lies a foot or so below the soil,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06a bedrock of Jurassic limestone.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The rock's durability makes it an excellent building material
0:02:09 > 0:02:14and it comes in a variety of colours depending on the iron content.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15The region's rich architecture
0:02:15 > 0:02:18is a legacy of the medieval wool trade
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and the picturesque image of rows of cloth workers' cottages
0:02:21 > 0:02:24has come to characterise the Cotswolds
0:02:24 > 0:02:26with their thick, stone-slated roofs,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31dormer windows, high gables and tall chimney stacks.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Architectural style has varied little over the centuries
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and even today, new properties have to follow a strict design code,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41which is why the Cotswolds is sometimes described
0:02:41 > 0:02:44as a place where time stands still.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Now, of course, the Cotswolds have been popular for decades
0:02:49 > 0:02:52for many people wishing to escape to the country.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55So popular, in fact, that your average detached property here
0:02:55 > 0:02:58could set you back as much as £500,000.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00To put that in context, that's double -
0:03:00 > 0:03:03yes, double - the national average.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04But, of course, as a region,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07it's made up of bits of six different counties
0:03:07 > 0:03:10so there is plenty of variation across the piece.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13So, whatever your budget, don't be put off by the numbers.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16There will be something here to suit you.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18So, what is it about this region
0:03:18 > 0:03:20that has captured the heart of today's buyer?
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Christine has already made a partial move to the country.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Three years ago, she rented out her St Albans home in Hertfordshire
0:03:27 > 0:03:29and bought a caravan.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31She is currently trying out different areas
0:03:31 > 0:03:34staying in various campsites in and around the Cotswolds.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Lending her advice on the house hunt is eldest daughter, Laura,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40who is also hoping to move to the area
0:03:40 > 0:03:41and it's the pull of the family
0:03:41 > 0:03:44that's driving Christine's desire for bricks and mortar
0:03:44 > 0:03:46in this part of the world.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50When I lived in St Albans, we had this wonderful plan
0:03:50 > 0:03:53that we were all going to move to the Cotswolds together one day.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Laura made the move first.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00So I bought myself a caravan, and came travelling.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04But that was nearly three years ago and I still haven't found a house!
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Widowed four years ago, retired voluntary worker Christine
0:04:09 > 0:04:11wants to spend as much time as possible
0:04:11 > 0:04:14with her three children and seven grandchildren.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Mum's really caring
0:04:15 > 0:04:19and the grandchildren are a huge part of her life.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20And three years of moving around
0:04:20 > 0:04:23has confirmed Christine's love of the Cotswolds.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28What I really love is the beautiful countryside, the way of life. It's beautiful.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30But as well as spending time with the family,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Christine has a business plan.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Mum's always run a B&B from when I can remember, really.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39I'd like to try and aim for a five-star bed-and-breakfast.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42So, after living a nomadic life for the last three years,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Christine is looking forward to settling down in a permanent home.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I like having a house full of people
0:04:48 > 0:04:51and especially love having my family together.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Our buyer would like us to concentrate
0:04:55 > 0:04:58our Cotswold property search to the east of Chipping Camden,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01which is where daughter Laura is hoping to move to.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04But Christine has already seen 20 properties
0:05:04 > 0:05:06so we're going to cast the net a little bit wider
0:05:06 > 0:05:09in an effort to find everything she wants.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I met up with her and Laura in the Cotswolds
0:05:11 > 0:05:14to go over the finer details of the move.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Well, Christine, welcome to your Escape To The Country.- Thank you.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- How are we feeling, Laura? - Good. Excited.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22So, you're here to guide your mother through the process.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24I am, yes. I'm going to try, anyway.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Now, I often advise people to get to know an area,
0:05:27 > 0:05:28get a real feel for it,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31but you have taken that to its extreme, Christine,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34because you've been travelling round in your caravan.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I have, for nearly three years.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Just give us an idea of the sort of property that you have in mind,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42having done all this exploration.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Well, ideally,
0:05:43 > 0:05:48I would like it to be a traditional or a Cotswold property.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- I need three bedrooms, at least. - Yeah.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54I'd like to open a nice bed-and-breakfast guesthouse.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57What do you think would really suit your mum?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I do think the location is really important, the facilities.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Some sort of garden.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Now, you've got £475,000,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09but you could stretch that to £500,000 if it's perfect.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Yes. I know that's quite a tall order in this part of the world.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- Well, it can be. I mean, this is hugely popular.- Yes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I mean, the prices in the Cotswolds can make your eyes water.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- We've got to get you out of that caravan.- Please!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Let's see what we can find you. Come on. Follow me.- Thank you.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30For a maximum budget of £500,000,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Christina is after an older, traditional property
0:06:32 > 0:06:34with bundles of character.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36She'd like at least three bedrooms
0:06:36 > 0:06:38in order to run a bed-and-breakfast business.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43Location is key and she wants to be close to amenities and a community.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47But we may have a job on our hands as despite viewing many properties,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51none of them have been quite right for our buyer.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54We've chosen three delightful homes to view here in the Cotswolds,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56which will hopefully tempt Christine
0:06:56 > 0:06:58and get the nod of approval from Laura.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02They'll only learn the price tag once we've toured the house.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Our mystery offering will challenge Christine on location,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08but could give her the space to fulfil her dreams.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Our first property is located in the sought-after village of Churchill
0:07:17 > 0:07:18on the edge of the Cotswolds
0:07:18 > 0:07:21around a 30-minute drive from Chipping Camden.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23The nearby lively town of Chipping Norton
0:07:23 > 0:07:27would provide more extensive facilities.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29'Chipping' comes from an old English word meaning market
0:07:29 > 0:07:33and there's been one here for over 800 years.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35The village of Churchill is a 10-minute drive away
0:07:35 > 0:07:40and our first house is situated a short walk from the parish church.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Well, ladies, here we are. Property number one.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Now, how do you feel about the idea of a semi?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I'm quite happy with a semi.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49But in a way, what you see here belies the truth
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- cos it's a bit more interesting and a bit more quirky...- OK.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55..around the back and it sort of explains a bit more of it
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- if we look at it from the other side before we go in.- OK.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- The village is lovely. - Let's have a look around.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07To give you more of the geography, got this little courtyard
0:08:07 > 0:08:09with your immediate neighbours,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12but if you turn around, this is the back of the property
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and the whole thing's arranged over three floors
0:08:14 > 0:08:17so you've got quite a bit of space, even though, as I say, it is a semi.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19But it also comes with that little studio.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Let's get on with the main event and the property...- All right.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25..and see if it's got all that character
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- and fun you're looking for. - OK, thank you.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31There's much more than meets the eye to this wonderfully distinctive,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Grade II listed cottage built of Cotswold stone,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36giving Christine potential
0:08:36 > 0:08:38to develop the bed-and-breakfast business.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Come in, ladies. Let's start with the kitchen.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Thank you.- Why not?- OK.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- What do you think, Laura? - Nice. A little small, maybe.- Yeah?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I love this house because I think it's got height to it,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- which is really nice for a cottage. - Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Lots of light cos of these great big picture windows everywhere.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- I like the aspect that the kitchen faces the front of the house.- Yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01I like the style of it, but, of course,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03it depends on where the guests would be eating.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Yes, let's see if we can resolve that one next door.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Let me squeeze through.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- So, this is the living room.- OK.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14It's certainly got all that character and charm, I think.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I love the window seat. Again, nice, big window,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20the inglenook and all this lovely Cotswolds stone
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- kind of coming through the fabric... - Yes, I like that.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24They've got quite a modest table here,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27but I don't know whether that would solve the guest-feeding issue.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It's obviously got to accommodate not just B&B guests,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33but when the family gets together, there are 14 of us.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38Space is clearly going to be the challenge with this property search
0:09:38 > 0:09:41with such a large family and a B&B to consider.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Upstairs are three double bedrooms arranged across two floors.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50To accommodate guests, the first floor offers two bedrooms,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53one with built-in cupboards and the other with a fireplace
0:09:53 > 0:09:57along with a lovely family bathroom and study area.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03Above that, on the second floor could be Christine's private suite.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Then the final flight up this amazing staircase -
0:10:05 > 0:10:07I just love it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- It's unusual, isn't it? - Lovely, yeah.- It's really clever.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Yes, it's a nice space.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Now, I'm sure guests would also love this kind of space.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19It may be that you say, "Well, we only let the top floor" maybe.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23But, of course, it's all going to depend a bit on the price, isn't it?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Let's go and talk about that.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Down this fabulous staircase again. I can't get enough of this.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Apart from a small courtyard at the back of the house,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33there's no further garden space,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36but Christine would get a studio across the gravel driveway,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39which could provide more guest accommodation
0:10:39 > 0:10:41or a play den for the grandchildren.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Let's think about the price, then.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- What do you think it's worth? - I would say £495,000.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Mm-hm. - I was thinking £485,000.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Well, you know, it's as well to hedge your bets.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56BOTH LAUGH
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- But it's on the market for £500,000. - OK.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03You weren't far off, as you shouldn't have been
0:11:03 > 0:11:05cos you've looked at so many properties around here.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07You know the market very well.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10At the top of her budget, our first property gives Christine
0:11:10 > 0:11:12the characterful Cotswolds home she asked for
0:11:12 > 0:11:16with the three bedrooms she needs to run the B&B business,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19as well as a separate annexe to develop the business further.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Well, I was rather pleased with that as a starter,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24but there are, of course, two more properties to come.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27In the meantime, the thing I love about the Cotswolds -
0:11:27 > 0:11:30it's never short on somewhere to get a decent bit of lunch.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31Excellent.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41On the edge of the Cotswolds,
0:11:41 > 0:11:45the Vale of Evesham has long been famous for its fertile soil.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46Known as the Garden of England,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49vegetables have been grown in abundance here
0:11:49 > 0:11:51since the early 19th century.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Today, it's the UK's main area for asparagus.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59The start of the eight-week asparagus-growing season
0:11:59 > 0:12:02is celebrated every year on St George's Day
0:12:02 > 0:12:07at Bretforton near Evesham in an unconventional fashion.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08But once the fun is over,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11it's down to the serious business of harvesting the crop.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15I'm meeting asparagus grower Darren Hedger.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Well, this is a part of the world that is passionate
0:12:18 > 0:12:20about its asparagus, Darren,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23but what is it about the region that makes this crop work so well here?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Well, we're lucky.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29We've got light, loamy soil and good drainage as well.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32You've got some there in your hand. Lovely fresh asparagus.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It's a strange-looking plant. What family does it come from?
0:12:35 > 0:12:37It originates from the lily family.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41An ideal sort of thing to eat raw if you are so inclined as well.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42- So I could just bite into that?- Yes.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- I've never done that, strangely. - Give it a go.- The whole lot?
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Hmm.- You should be getting a distinctive taste from that.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- Initial taste is very nutty. - It's a flavour of fresh peas.- Yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Tastes completely different when it's cooked.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Very, very healthy vegetable to eat
0:13:03 > 0:13:05apart from sort of the odd side-effect.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- The smell of your pee. - That's correct.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Yes, but you know what? I think it's worth it for the taste.- Good.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I'm glad you enjoyed it.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Aside from the after-smell, asparagus is low in calories
0:13:16 > 0:13:18and one of the richest sources of iron
0:13:18 > 0:13:20which helps boost the immune system.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23It's also packed full of fibre and potassium
0:13:23 > 0:13:25as well as vitamin A and folic acid,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28all believed to play a role in the fight against cancer
0:13:28 > 0:13:30and heart disease.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31Although it can be eaten raw,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35boiled or steamed asparagus is what we know best.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37But one local advocate, Sarah Stewart,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39is rethinking how we use the vegetable
0:13:39 > 0:13:42to champion its cause and put it firmly on the food map.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Now, we've got a fantastic selection of asparadishes in front of us.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You're putting it front and centre of your recipes, aren't you?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52We thought it would be a great idea to be able to offer
0:13:52 > 0:13:55an asparagus menu so you could have a starter,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57a main course and something sweet
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and then the idea of an asparacream tea came about
0:14:01 > 0:14:03so that's what we did.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Asparajam, asparascones and you might like to try a bit of this.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10My day is just getting better and better, I can tell you.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I'm going to just try it without any accompaniment just to see.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14Mm.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- Gosh, that's delicious. - Now try the jam.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Mm!- There's mint in there.- Oh.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26Mint, lime, gooseberry but obviously, the overall flavour is asparagus.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30And what new recipes are you planning for this year and next?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Apparently, asparagus is a great hangover cure.- Really?
0:14:33 > 0:14:37So we're thinking if we can bottle and sell asparagus shots
0:14:37 > 0:14:40as the perfect morning-after hair of the dog, we're onto a winner.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I think you could tempt everybody in the country with that,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- especially around Christmas time. - Yes, absolutely.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48In the meantime, I'll settle for some more cream tea.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- It's absolutely delicious. Thank you very much indeed.- My pleasure.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It's fascinating to see how a humble vegetable
0:14:55 > 0:14:57can be used in so many different ways,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00adding a new dimension to eating your greens.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03So, it's back to the property search
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and for our second house,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07we're heading 20 minutes south of Chipping Camden
0:15:07 > 0:15:11to Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds' most popular villages.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18it's a tourist honeypot and an excellent location
0:15:18 > 0:15:21to lure guests for our buyer's planned B&B business.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25House two is situated in the heart of the village
0:15:25 > 0:15:27a short walk from the main street.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Now, what have we got for you here?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Quite a handsome Grade II listed townhouse, really.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37The thinking on this one is that we know you want community
0:15:37 > 0:15:39and you want to be busy with people
0:15:39 > 0:15:42and activities and all the rest of it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Bourton has that in spades.- Yes.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46And it is all done.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- You could move in here tomorrow. - OK. All right.- Will you or not?
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- Let's have a look.- Come on, then.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54This attractive double-fronted property
0:15:54 > 0:15:55has been remodelled inside,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58but does retain many original features.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- OK, come on in, Christine. - Thank you.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Laura, can you do the honours with the door?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Now, what we've got for you are two reception rooms here,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09which we didn't have in property one.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Neither of them are massive,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13but this is the first one with the wood burner, as you can see.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16So, you could potentially, if you went down the B&B route,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- have one for you and one for your guests.- Yes, yes.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20Lovely fireplace.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- I think the kitchen is definitely a step up.- OK.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Come and have a look at this. - So far, so good.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29There's the other reception room there.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- A little bit bigger, all right?- OK.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- And then this is the kitchen and dining end.- Looks nice.- Yes?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- A bit more fitted.- Yes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Certainly more space. - Yeah, definitely.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43And maybe this, as a family area,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46may compensate for the size of the smaller living room.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50How are we going to fit 14, though? I'm not sure!
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I think I've got my work cut out.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Being able to entertain the family is a big reason for this move,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00but I want Christine to imagine how she'd live in this house
0:17:00 > 0:17:01when they're not all together.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Upstairs offers four double bedrooms arranged over two floors.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10The top level has two bedrooms built into the eaves
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and the first floor features a good-sized double
0:17:13 > 0:17:14and a very generous family bathroom,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17which I'd set aside for guest accommodation.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Plus, there's the master.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22And finally, your bit,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26which, like property one, actually, has a very nice en suite.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28So, up here, we've got you four bedrooms -
0:17:28 > 0:17:31one more than property one.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34I'm working very hard to try and make this house work for you!
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- I can see it's struggling...- Yes. - ..as far as you're concerned.- It is.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Laura, what do you think? - I love the house.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The location is great for the centre of the village.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Yeah, it's a lovely four-bedroom townhouse...- It is.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52..with also a very nice little courtyard garden,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55to which we should repair and talk about the price
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- because it's the last card I've got to play.- OK.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00The outside space includes
0:18:00 > 0:18:02the large lawn at the front of the property
0:18:02 > 0:18:05and at the rear, there's a garden store
0:18:05 > 0:18:08as well as a sunny courtyard, ideal for entertaining.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11OK, let's talk about the price, then.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- So where are we on this one, then? - I'd say probably about 480.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- Yes, I was going to say something similar. 485.- 485.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24I mean, Bourton is a huge draw, and you're right to think like this
0:18:24 > 0:18:28but here's another reason as to why we're here.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33It's on the market for £449,950
0:18:33 > 0:18:36so 50 quid short of 450.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Surprising, yes.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Is it good surprising? - Yes.- Yes, it's a lovely house
0:18:40 > 0:18:44and as you say, it's grade II-listed and it's got nice proportions.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Bourton is lovely.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47It's the first place I looked at
0:18:47 > 0:18:51but my granddaughter is going to school in Chipping Campden
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and I want to help with school runs.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Chipping Campden is quite a long way from here.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I didn't know about the school runs.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04£50,000 below Christine's maximum budget, on paper,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07our second property gives her everything she has asked for -
0:19:07 > 0:19:10a character house with one more bedroom than required,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13plenty of room to run a B&B business
0:19:13 > 0:19:16and all located in a busy Cotswolds village.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18It's a 20-minute drive from Chipping Campden
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and it seems that might be too far.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27A useful day but no clear winner yet.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Not yet.- No, not yet.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- So, we've got one more to go.- OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34And tomorrow, as they say, is another day. Come on.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Well, as we head into our final day of house-hunting
0:19:46 > 0:19:48here in the Cotswolds with Chris and Laura,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51I'm beginning to realise why it's proving so difficult
0:19:51 > 0:19:54for them to find the house that Chris is ideally looking for.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Despite her healthy half-a-million-pound budget,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00the truth is the property market here in the Cotswolds
0:20:00 > 0:20:01is really buoyant.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03The kinds of properties that would really suit her
0:20:03 > 0:20:04are being snapped up
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and coming off the market almost as soon as they go onto it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09We now, of course, also know
0:20:09 > 0:20:11that she's really wedded to being near Chipping Campden,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13but even with a half a million quid,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15trying to find a house there
0:20:15 > 0:20:18that can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people socially,
0:20:18 > 0:20:19well, that is going to be tricky,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22whatever your budget, to be perfectly honest,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25so we've got a lot to do with our final property, our mystery house.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29We are of course going to stick with the brief and stay in the Cotswolds.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30I think we've got a real cracker,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33something that offers her all that she is looking for.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36The big compromise, however, may be exactly where it is.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41For our final house, we're heading west, away from Chipping Campden
0:20:41 > 0:20:42and towards Cheltenham,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44to the hamlet of Oxenton in Gloucestershire,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46right on the edge of the Cotswolds.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49One of the closest centres
0:20:49 > 0:20:51is the ancient Saxon town of Winchcombe,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54another popular Cotswold hot spot and close to Broadway,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58which is one of the areas Christine originally said she loved.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Our mystery house is a 15-minute drive away
0:21:00 > 0:21:03in the quieter setting of Oxenton.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Although we're now 20 miles from Chipping Campden,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08this property would offer Christine
0:21:08 > 0:21:10more space to entertain her huge family.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16At last, the wait is over. Here we are, our mystery house.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Chris, what do you think?- Very nice. Very nice indeed.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- This is the first really big smile we've seen this week, isn't it?- Yes.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- What is it about this one that's really tickled you?- The character.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I can see that it's quite spacious inside.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35The way it's been kept.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Just the general style. - It's absolutely immaculate.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39You don't need to do anything here.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I think it's the biggest we've had a chance to show you.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Nice big garden out the back and as you say very perceptively,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48lots of space on offer with this one.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Come on. Let's get out of the rain.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Well, that's a much better reaction
0:21:53 > 0:21:56to this former farm worker's cottage which dates to the 1800s.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59It seems we've got it right on style and character
0:21:59 > 0:22:03but the question remains whether the inside delivers too.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- This is lovely. - I think it's gorgeous! Come on.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Yes, it's lovely.- It is. - It's really gorgeous.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- Utility room through that door, bags of storage, as you can see.- Yes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I like the flooring and the brickwork, the size,
0:22:18 > 0:22:24the fact that there's an extra area through there and it's light.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30Well, the extra area, to me, is the real seller.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Come and look at this.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37- This conservatory opens up to give you all of that.- Oh, wow.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38That's very nice.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Well, there are ten chairs around that table at the moment
0:22:41 > 0:22:44so I'm thinking your party-of-14 family
0:22:44 > 0:22:47could comfortable sit in there.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Easily go in here, yes. It's very nice.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51But I think this is such an interesting space
0:22:51 > 0:22:53and I can see also your B&B guests here.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- Yes, it would work definitely. Lovely.- Yeah?
0:22:58 > 0:22:59The ground floor also features
0:22:59 > 0:23:03a decent-sized office space as well as the living room.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Now, I think for me,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07this is the biggest living room we've been able to show you.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Yes, it is. It's very nice. - Very nice.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- Lovely. - The staircase is here, obviously.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15You could have this just for your guests if you wanted to
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- because you could make use of the conservatory.- Yes.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I can see we're fighting hard on this issue of location.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Come on, Laura. You're the voice of reason here.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Could it work here?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I think for bed and breakfast, definitely.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I think for mum living kind of in a community
0:23:32 > 0:23:36but also within easy access to everywhere, definitely.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40I think the location that she has chosen,
0:23:40 > 0:23:45not necessarily in Chipping Campden but within striking distance of it,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48I think is going to be a sticking point, unfortunately.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Three of those have fitted wardrobes and there's a family bathroom.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Loads of space for B&B guests and family.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Finally, there's the generously-sized master.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Nice bath/showerroom in there.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- Plenty of storage and then this is your bedroom.- That's very nice.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- That's lovely. - Yes, it's a nice size.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- I like the windows. - Yeah. Dual aspect.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- A nice kind of arch window there too.- Yes, a nice feature.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20It's rather nice. Well, there is one more bit to see and that is the garden.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Let's have a look at that.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26The garden is manageable, mainly laid to lawn
0:24:26 > 0:24:30but with a paved area for outside entertaining.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Well, I was going to take you into the garden
0:24:32 > 0:24:34but as it's still chucking it down with rain,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36we might as well do it from here because it makes sense to see
0:24:36 > 0:24:40why this room works so well in terms of allowing you to enjoy the garden
0:24:40 > 0:24:43even when the weather is bad, but also, what you see is what you get.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- It's the biggest garden we've been able to show you.- Yes.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49So would it be enough?
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Yes, it would, actually.- So, what's our mystery house on the market for?
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It's a lovely house, nothing to do, I would go for 530.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I would say about 499, 495.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04You're not far off, madam, actually, to be fair to you. It is £499,950.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- Good.- Well done.- So there's some good news here, Chris.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- It's not over budget.- No.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12It is very much at the top end of your budget
0:25:12 > 0:25:14but to be frank, nothing needs doing.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Where does it leave us now, then? I know what you're going to say.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I'm hoping you're not going to say it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- I won't say it, then. - All right, then.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Location. That's what she's thinking. Location.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Just under Christine's maximum budget,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29our mystery house is a period country cottage
0:25:29 > 0:25:31and offers a large, open-plan living area,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34easily enough space for 14 around the table
0:25:34 > 0:25:38and four bedrooms - more than enough for B&B guests.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Well, that's it. House tours are over.- Yes.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- Shall we go and mull it all over and have a chat?- Yes.- Come on.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58So we have added three properties to the many that you have seen
0:25:58 > 0:25:59over your recent travels.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Has it helped at all?
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Yes, I liked the exposed stone of the Cotswold properties.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I liked the lightness of the third property.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13It was airy and spacious, lovely flagstone kind of floors.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17I think light and view is quite important to me.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19I think with you, Laura, if we'd given you the keys
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- to any one of them, actually, you'd have been quite happy.- Yes, I would.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Particularly property two and the mystery house.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26I like both of those properties.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29But it's all about you, Chris, and of course,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31that's the task we've been trying to satisfy.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35The houses, they all had something to offer
0:26:35 > 0:26:38but I am pretty set on
0:26:38 > 0:26:43the kind of location where I want to be, really, in terms of family.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44It is a tall order.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46I'm not making excuses
0:26:46 > 0:26:49but I think we have joined you in your frustration
0:26:49 > 0:26:53at how difficult it is proving to find the right place
0:26:53 > 0:26:55But we wish you all the very best of luck.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57I hope we've been able to help you focus
0:26:57 > 0:26:59and refine your search a little more, if nothing else.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Thank you, yes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04And I dare say you'll now end up somewhere east of Chipping Campden.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06I hope so. We'll let you know.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- All in good time. Best of luck. - Thank you.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Well, there is no getting away from it -
0:27:19 > 0:27:22this week has, I think for all of us, been pretty frustrating
0:27:22 > 0:27:23but one thing we have learnt -
0:27:23 > 0:27:27for Chris, her new home really is all about location
0:27:27 > 0:27:30but for her to get it in such a specific part of the Cotswolds,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32well, it's going to be all about timing,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35being in the right place at the right time and in many ways,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I think the rather splendid surroundings of Dumbleton Hall
0:27:39 > 0:27:40illustrate that perfectly.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Since it was built back in the 1830s,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44it's been bought and sold many times
0:27:44 > 0:27:47but if Chris had found herself here in 1875,
0:27:47 > 0:27:52she could have bought the whole lot and the estate for £180,000.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Just think how far her half a million would have gone
0:27:55 > 0:27:57way back then.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58I'll see you next time.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02If you'd like to escape to the country
0:28:02 > 0:28:04in either England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
0:28:04 > 0:28:07or perhaps further afield to the continent
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and would like our help, then please apply online at: