0:00:02 > 0:00:03This stunning stone relic behind me
0:00:03 > 0:00:05brought some 12th century French elegance
0:00:05 > 0:00:09to the wild and windswept landscape of medieval England.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11But where in the country am I?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13We'll find out in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Today's house-hunting couple are history lovers
0:00:33 > 0:00:36who want to put down roots for the future.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39And our properties have quite a story to tell...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- Oh, gosh. - It looks incredibly original.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45..giving them lots of ideas!
0:00:45 > 0:00:47That was like pressing a switch!
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Did you see her face?
0:00:49 > 0:00:51In which direction - up or down?!
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Today I'm in North Yorkshire
0:00:54 > 0:00:57and these are the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey
0:00:57 > 0:00:59in the stunning North York Moors.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Built by Cistercian monks,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05construction of the abbey started in the early 1100s
0:01:05 > 0:01:08and it went on to become one of the wealthiest monasteries
0:01:08 > 0:01:10in all of medieval England.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15This setting is timeless,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18for the moors have always been a highly desirable place
0:01:18 > 0:01:20to set down roots,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22as they were over 1,000 years ago.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28The largest county in England,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31North Yorkshire covers over 3,000 square miles
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and is one of the most rural in the country.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36The region boasts two national parks,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38the Yorkshire Dales in the west,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and the rugged, windswept North York Moors -
0:01:41 > 0:01:45both have inspired authors and artists throughout the ages.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47On the edge of the Moors National Park,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51the vista from Sutton Bank overlooking the Vale of Mowbray
0:01:51 > 0:01:54has been described by author and vet James Herriot
0:01:54 > 0:01:56as "England's finest view".
0:01:56 > 0:01:59North Yorkshire has its fair share of historic towns and villages.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04The market town of Helmsley received its charter in the 12th century
0:02:04 > 0:02:08and today the streets retain much of that medieval feel.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15This idyllic county is perhaps more affordable than you may think,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18as prices here reflect the national average
0:02:18 > 0:02:23and come in around £267,000 for a detached home.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26But if you want to get your hands on a slice of the dales
0:02:26 > 0:02:28or the North York Moors,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31then expect to pay a premium of up to 20%
0:02:31 > 0:02:35for a house within the boundaries of the national park.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Although with views like this, you could argue
0:02:37 > 0:02:39that they're worth every penny.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42And that's why today's buyers have set their sights
0:02:42 > 0:02:44on finding a home here.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49University lecturer Hugh and carer Ruth
0:02:49 > 0:02:52met through an internet dating site almost two years ago.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54At the moment they both live separately -
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Hugh in the town of Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59and Ruth in a semidetached property
0:02:59 > 0:03:01on the outskirts of the city of York.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06But tiring of the 75-mile journey that separates them,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09they're ready to take the plunge
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and buy their first shared house together.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13But it isn't just Hugh and Ruth to consider.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Between us... Well, I have six children
0:03:16 > 0:03:18and Hugh has three children.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20We're not sure how many of our children
0:03:20 > 0:03:22will actually be living with us,
0:03:22 > 0:03:27but it could be at least three or four.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Before they met, Hugh had been widowed for eight years,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32and Ruth was bringing up her children on her own.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36The two single parents quickly realised they had a lot in common,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38not least a love of the countryside.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43I really like being out in the open.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45I love, particularly, hills.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48And I love climbing and walking.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51You love keeping animals, don't you?
0:03:51 > 0:03:53And chickens.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56And so, open space, green space, trees...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59And their decision to move to North Yorkshire
0:03:59 > 0:04:01is the perfect compromise.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05To me, as a Yorkshire lass...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08there's no finer county than Yorkshire.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11We've decided we need to live within an hour of York,
0:04:11 > 0:04:16and so the only viable option is the North York Moors.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22As well as an affection for all things rural,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Hugh and Ruth share a love of the past
0:04:24 > 0:04:26and between them have amassed a sizeable collection
0:04:26 > 0:04:30of historical artefacts, and now they have ambitions
0:04:30 > 0:04:32to turn their passion into an income generator.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We want to have a business based
0:04:35 > 0:04:36on those artefacts,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38where people come in to the museum
0:04:38 > 0:04:43and they take part in activities which are related to history.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46But, just what form this heritage business might take
0:04:46 > 0:04:50will depend on the kind of property we're able to find them.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52It could be that we run history weekends.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56It could be that it suits more sort of, erm, tearoom...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01With plans to marry soon and a new home and business on the horizon,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04our quirky couple are excited about their next chapter.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07This is the beginning of a new life for us, isn't it?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- For both of us. - It's very exciting.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Hugh and Ruth would like to be in or close to
0:05:12 > 0:05:15the North York Moors National Park,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17but within an hour's drive of York for Ruth's work
0:05:17 > 0:05:20and for visiting her elderly mother.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23So we're concentrating our search with that travel time in mind.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I met up with our couple in God's own country
0:05:26 > 0:05:28to discuss the detail of their proposed move.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Hugh and Ruth, welcome to the North York Moors.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Tell me, why do you want to buy a house in this part of the county?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live, really.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42But it's not just the two of you, with this move.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44How many people are in this family?
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Nine children between us.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49So we're looking after... We've got to think of 11 people.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- Yeah.- Because you've got all these wonderful business ideas
0:05:51 > 0:05:54going round, I'm taking there's going to be a degree of flexibility.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57You're going to be looking at perhaps finished houses,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00but also houses with potential to adapt it for what you're after?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- The word potential is a very good word for us.- Mm.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08We'd like to excavate, uncover, develop,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- rebuild... - So, we don't want a new-build?
0:06:11 > 0:06:12No.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Probably wanting a house with lots of character and charm.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Yes!- Potential is the big word. The P-word.- Yeah.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- A castle? - That would do nicely!
0:06:21 > 0:06:25OK, then. Remind me again of your budget, please, you two...?!
0:06:25 > 0:06:26Erm...
0:06:26 > 0:06:29580,000, thereabouts.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- OK.- A bit of flexibility.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33We're a bit flexible either way.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Am I going to find you a castle within the national park
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- for that amount of money? - We can live in hope.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41You're meant to say "no"!
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Follow me, and we'll get started.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Hugh and Ruth have a maximum budget of £580,000
0:06:49 > 0:06:51but, ideally, they'd like to spend much less,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53leaving room to make improvements
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and to fund the business.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57They'd like at least three bedrooms,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00preferably with the potential to extend to give them space
0:07:00 > 0:07:03for their older children to stay during the holidays.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06For Ruth, outside space is important to accommodate chickens
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and her smallholding ambitions.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11And, finally, the two history fans
0:07:11 > 0:07:14would like an older property with character.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16We've selected three distinctive
0:07:16 > 0:07:18vintage properties for them to view
0:07:18 > 0:07:20which will indulge Hugh and Ruth's love of history.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Each offers plenty of options
0:07:22 > 0:07:24to develop the home and business.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26The final property,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28the Mystery House,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30could provide the ticket to a brighter future.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Our first house is in the village of Appleton Le Moors,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42just within the North York Moors National Park.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45The village has a thriving community and social scene,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47centred on a well-regarded pub and village hall.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53So we're starting off actually IN the national park -
0:07:53 > 0:07:55we've just crossed the boundary,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57this will be the first village as you go across -
0:07:57 > 0:08:00to bring you house number one.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Gosh, it's unusual.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03It's like a coaching building.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Well, I think you're very close.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Because the original building
0:08:07 > 0:08:10dates back to around 1750 and it was a stable block.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12That's why you have those wonderful
0:08:12 > 0:08:15sandstone and limestone arches there.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17This is the land.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18There aren't acres behind us,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21because you've actually got a farm behind and to the side of us.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24And I think on that note, we should start looking at the house.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25- I'd love to.- Yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29This stone-built, arch-windowed stable block
0:08:29 > 0:08:31has been extended to the left-hand side.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33The property has an unusual layout,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37but scope to provide accommodation for a themed holiday business.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It's quite an unusual start with our first property.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I've brought you through the kitchen-dining area,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45because this side of the property
0:08:45 > 0:08:48is holiday-let potential.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- Right, OK.- Yeah, yeah.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52There's also, next-door, a sitting room, if you wanted that.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Or you could make that another bedroom.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Yes. - So you've got potential.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00And the remainder of the house, where Hugh and Ruth would live,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02is back through the small kitchen
0:09:02 > 0:09:04and the sitting room looking out to the front.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07So I'm going to call this part "your house",
0:09:07 > 0:09:09because we know that could be the business.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12This is lovely, light and spacious.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13I like the fireplace.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- You've got to have a burner, haven't you?- Mm...- You have.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Still more to show you.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23A slightly larger kitchen than the other one.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- You can sit in here. - Not too bad.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29I'm not sure that we'd get our big table in here.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32If Ruth is worried about the lack of kitchen space,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35there is a generous utility room
0:09:35 > 0:09:36which could be knocked through to,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39along with a family bathroom on the ground floor.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41But we're heading upstairs to find,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45once again, an unusual layout of rooms.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47There's a mezzanine bedroom above the kitchen and, beyond that,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50a loft bedroom with restricted headroom.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54The master is accessed via the mezzanine bedroom.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58So, in a way, this is the modern part of the property.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Right.- Quite small.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It is. Now, they did have permission to take it
0:10:03 > 0:10:04to the boundary edge.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06I would extend out.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08I'd reapply for that permission.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11You could do quite a lot with that end of the house, I think.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15So, Hugh and Ruth could create a double-storey extension
0:10:15 > 0:10:18up to the fence, offering, subject to planning permission,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22a larger master and further bedroom accommodation below.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24The house sits in a quarter of an acre of land.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26There's a substantial garden
0:10:26 > 0:10:29at the front of the property, offering space to keep chickens,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32along with a large garage workshop.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35But Hugh and Ruth are keeping their cards close to their chest,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and I'm keen to see what they really think
0:10:38 > 0:10:40of this converted stable block.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Very interesting. There's a lot of features in there.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45There's a lot more work that could be done on it.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- I do like it.- Yeah, I like it.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51I'm not sure it's big enough.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Well, shall we see if you've any money left over in the pot
0:10:54 > 0:10:56to perhaps make it perfect for you?
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Shall we see? Who wants to go first?
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- I'm going to ask you. - I hate this part.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Got to put a price on this property.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I think around about...
0:11:07 > 0:11:08400,000.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11I think, because of where it is...
0:11:11 > 0:11:12In the national park.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15..in the national park and in a village...five.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17500.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20The asking price is...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22£360,000.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Wow.- Gosh.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26A lot less than what I thought.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Well, we could build a separate museum.- Yeah. There you go.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32I want you to start thinking about this, cos you haven't decided
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- exactly what the business is going to be.- No.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Our first property comes in under budget,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40giving Hugh and Ruth over £200,000
0:11:40 > 0:11:42left over to develop the house
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and historical holiday business.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's a former 18th century stable block,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49offering a separate holiday let,
0:11:49 > 0:11:50four potential bedrooms,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53but it lacks the land for Ruth's smallholding plans.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Oh, you've finished. You've seen enough.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Have we got close? That's my question.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Mm...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Interesting.- Yeah?
0:12:03 > 0:12:04- Yeah.- Good idea.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It's nice. I'm not sure about the lack of land.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10No. You're being polite now, aren't you?
0:12:10 > 0:12:11You're disappointed.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Well, let's see how I get on with the next house with you two.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15Right.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24The county's two national parks
0:12:24 > 0:12:26offer up some of our most treasured scenery,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30and every year over six million visitors
0:12:30 > 0:12:33are attracted to the North York Moors National Park.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37But the vital skills and rural crafts required
0:12:37 > 0:12:40to maintain these cherished landscapes are under threat,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43as there's a shortage of new blood ready to take up the reins.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48In 2002, the Moors Park Authority
0:12:48 > 0:12:50began a unique apprenticeship scheme
0:12:50 > 0:12:53to train the park rangers and farmers of the future.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56I've come to Sutton Bank to meet some of them.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58The supervisor is Steve Young.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Steve, good to meet you.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03You've brought me to the most spectacular part of the world.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04Beautiful, isn't it? Yeah.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07So what sort of apprentices do you have?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09We were running out of people with the traditional skills we needed.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12We need dry stone walls, we need fences,
0:13:12 > 0:13:13we need people who can look after habitats,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15and we were struggling to find them.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17So what we decided was, in 2002,
0:13:17 > 0:13:18let's train our own.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22The course is open to 16 to 24-year-olds
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and runs for 15 months.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28There are currently between 5 and 14 apprentices on the scheme
0:13:28 > 0:13:31who make up a seventh of the authority's total workforce.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36This group of apprentices is working on building a bike trail
0:13:36 > 0:13:38on the top of Sutton Bank,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40using a limestone aggregate
0:13:40 > 0:13:42in keeping with the natural environment.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Hi, guys.- Hi.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Here's some of our current apprentices - we've got Harry,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Calum, Annabel and Laura.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51So what are your dreams, your aspirations
0:13:51 > 0:13:53when you finish this course?
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Staying in this sort of work is something I want to do.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Erm... Whether it will be working for the parks or with someone else,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I'm not sure yet.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02And, Laura, what about you?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- I want to farm.- Do you?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07What's the best part of being an apprentice?
0:14:07 > 0:14:08The best part of the job?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Working as part of a team's quite good.- Is it?- Yeah.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13We get to have a laugh and stuff, whilst we're at work.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14Well, listen, thank you so much.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I know you haven't got long to qualify, so I hope it all goes well,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19and whatever you choose to do afterwards,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22that this has been a really good experience. Thanks very much.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- ALL:- Thank you.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39For our second offering, it's a short hop to the village of Cropton
0:14:39 > 0:14:42which lies on the border of the national park.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Cropton is a quiet settlement dotted with attractive stone cottages.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Although the national park boundary divides the village,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53our second property is just outside the park
0:14:53 > 0:14:58and therefore not subject to its stringent building regulations.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01House two is situated on the high street in the heart of the village
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and is another property with a rich heritage.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Ruth, you're looking puzzled.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11I'm trying to figure out which it is. Whether it's...
0:15:11 > 0:15:14the chapel or the house.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Which would you like it to be? - The first looked very interesting.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Yeah, I'm not sure whether I like the church or the house.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27- What if I told you they actually come together?- Wow.- Gosh, yeah.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- This is the old schoolhouse. - So, that is a school?- Ah!
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Not a chapel.- It does look like a church or a chapel.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Both of them built around the mid-19th century.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40That's why they're so close together.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Right, let's start with the school, then.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46Cropton's former village school dates back to 1874
0:15:46 > 0:15:50and retains many original features, including an arched mullion window.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's in need of restoration but this building could make
0:15:53 > 0:15:57an excellent venue for Hugh and Ruth's planned business.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So, I can see you're itching to get in here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04Wow.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07So, you've got a little ante-room in there.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11You've got this enormous space to work with.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14There's an additional room at the front. You access it to the left.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- Really?- Yeah.- Good gracious me. It looks incredibly original.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Look at those doors. - I know. Look at the fireplace.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Beautiful renovation project.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Furthermore, planning permission has already been granted to
0:16:29 > 0:16:32convert the former classrooms into a residential dwelling
0:16:32 > 0:16:33with three bedrooms.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36So, Hugh and Ruth could simply begin the renovation project
0:16:36 > 0:16:40or apply to change the use of the building to a business.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43The schoolhouse is a detached stone and pantile roof building
0:16:43 > 0:16:46which has been tastefully modernised in recent years.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52So, just off this hallway leads to a sitting room.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Now, you're going to gather straightaway
0:16:56 > 0:16:59that this house isn't enormous.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- But what you DO get is wonderful high ceilings. Do you like it?- I do.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- I do, actually.- It's small. - Cosy.- It's pretty perfect.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12I'll take "pretty perfect".
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The downstairs layout also features a dining room with another
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Victorian-style fireplace and a utility room.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, down this corridor...
0:17:23 > 0:17:24..you have your kitchen.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27A country kitchen, I think I'm going to call it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29This is...this is fantastic.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Smaller and darker than perhaps I'd like.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36What I haven't mentioned is that neither property
0:17:36 > 0:17:38is listed.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39Ah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Conservatory.- Oh, yes!
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Your face...- You could just... - ..lit up!
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- ..extend the kitchen. - Yes, you could push out.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Although planning permission would be needed, there is scope to
0:17:55 > 0:17:59extend the schoolhouse as there are no national park restrictions.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Upstairs, the schoolhouse offers up three bedrooms,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04two doubles and a good-sized single,
0:18:04 > 0:18:09as well as a large family bathroom with freestanding bath.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12We're heading to the master, which is at the front of the house.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- Oh, this is nice.- This is the master bedroom.- I like this.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- It looks like a very fine bedroom. - Now, the view is of your school...
0:18:23 > 0:18:26..or museum. I'm going to keep calling it the museum now,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- that business idea.- Yeah.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31I think the character of the school
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and schoolhouse has really captured the hearts of Hugh and Ruth.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Outside, there's a gorgeous walled garden which they could
0:18:40 > 0:18:44extend into, and a gated paddock, ideal for grazing livestock.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Come and take a look at your paddock.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53A nice, square paddock, with some beautiful old trees.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55How much for this second property?
0:18:56 > 0:18:59560-570, personally.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- 550?- OK.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Asking price...
0:19:08 > 0:19:11£498,000.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Really?- Really.- Wow.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16That's good. I like that.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Under budget, our second property is a unique find.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23A 19th-century former school and schoolhouse.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26The school itself requires renovation
0:19:26 > 0:19:29but, with over £80,000 left in their pocket,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32it could make an excellent space to develop their business,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34or serve as more bedroom accommodation
0:19:34 > 0:19:37for the older children when they visit.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The house has three bedrooms and the land includes a large paddock.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Quite exciting. Given us lots of food for thought.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Good, that's what we were hoping for. Happy, Hugh?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49I'm very happy, yes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52There is so much here for me to get excited about.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Well, that's brilliant. What a way to end our day. Guess what?
0:19:55 > 0:19:58We've got the Mystery House lined up for tomorrow.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04This morning, we're going to be showing them our mystery property.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07And our two, with their love of the unusual,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09are quite difficult to surprise.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12But, with this house, I really think we're on the right track.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20For our third property, we're heading back into the national park
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and to the village of Glaisdale,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25which is a journey time of an hour and a quarter back to York.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28The hillside village lies on the banks of the River Esk,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and is famous for Beggar's Bridge,
0:20:30 > 0:20:35a packhorse river crossing built by Thomas Ferris in 1619.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38The village also has a station,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42which is on the Middlesbrough to Whitby line with four trains a day.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45So, I've brought us to the village of Glaisdale.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Your Mystery House is around here.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- So, how would you both feel living near a train station?- Excited.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- I like trains.- What about you, Hugh?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57I had a student house next to the railway line,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- as close as that house behind us. - Really?
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- That is the property we've lined up for you to see.- Really?
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- That is the Mystery House. - Oh, my goodness.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12So, our Mystery House, built in 1867,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14was at one time the ticket office
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and, upstairs, the stationmaster's quarters.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21So, you've seen the Mystery House from one side of the platform.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Let me show it to you from the other.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25It is quite a handsome building.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26- Yes.- It looks robust, doesn't it?
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Well, I think we should start inside,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and then we'll talk about the land afterwards.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I thought our railway themed mystery property would appeal
0:21:35 > 0:21:39to our two history buffs, but this property doesn't just offer
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Hugh and Ruth an idyllic, if unusual, place to live,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46but also the opportunity to take on an up-and-running business.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49But, first, let's deal with the living space.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52So, let's bring you into the stationmaster's house.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This is where they would have sold the tickets.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57But it's been adapted into the family home.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02And here's your kitchen, but also a very large dining area.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04I like this.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05It's a very nice kitchen.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09I just want to mention - you can see the conservatory, the owners
0:22:09 > 0:22:14have a licence, and they've been serving afternoon tea, lunches.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19It's been extremely popular with the walkers, the hikers,
0:22:19 > 0:22:20- the tourists.- I can imagine, yes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22As well as the kitchen-diner,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25there are two further reception rooms on the ground floor.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- Pleasantly surprised. - Absolutely beautiful room.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Next door, you've got a large study/office.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Now, that originally was a bedroom
0:22:34 > 0:22:37but, for business reasons, they've changed it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40You could convert that back into a bedroom if you wanted to.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42I think we'd probably have to.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Upstairs has two bedrooms, both doubles,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and converting the downstairs study back to a bedroom
0:22:49 > 0:22:52gives Hugh and Ruth the three they requested.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Now, this is where I do have my work cut out for me.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59This is the master bedroom.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04It's a good size, double aspect, but there's only two bedrooms.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It's not the biggest room I've ever seen.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09No, I'm not sure... I might just fit my clothes in here.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I don't think there'd be room for yours.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14I'll tell you what you would get here -
0:23:14 > 0:23:17if you fancied a lie-in in the morning,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19you could see your train going past.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23As well as having excellent transport links,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27the property could be extended as, despite being in the national park,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30there are nearby dwellings with recent additions.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31At the rear of the house,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34the land extends to around a third of an acre,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36offering development potential,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and includes a large vegetable patch and lawn.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I've really picked up that you love this property.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44You love the Mystery House, but it's the size, isn't it?
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- It's getting the whole family here. - It is a problem.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- We can't... We can't get around it.- Or can you?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54How about getting permission
0:23:54 > 0:23:58and putting in a railway carriage somewhere in the garden?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01All those train enthusiasts,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03not only could they come for meals,
0:24:03 > 0:24:08but you could actually offer a B&B facility as well.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10And when the family came to stay,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12they could stay in the railway carriage.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15That was like pressing a switch. Did you see her face?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18In which direction? Up or down?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Oh, just, like, "Whoa! I like that idea!"
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I like that idea, a lot.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I want you to guess the price of the Mystery House, please.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29I think around about 500,000 mark.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- 450-475.- Asking price is...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37..£380,000.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44- Right.- Ruth, speak to me. I've got a grin, but speak to me. Come on.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46I'm thinking railway carriages.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48LAUGHTER
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Our final property comes in under budget,
0:24:51 > 0:24:56giving Hugh and Ruth £200,000 to extend and develop the business.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59The former ticket office and stationmaster's house is
0:24:59 > 0:25:02the character property with a sense of history they were after.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06It offers them the chance to take on an existing tearoom,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10three possible bedrooms and plenty of potential outside.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Well, that's it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- You've seen all our properties. - Three mystery properties, I think.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19They're all unusual, aren't they? But, then, I think
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- you're quite an unusual couple. - So we're told.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- You wouldn't be the first person to say that.- We love you for it.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So, we're going to go somewhere quiet, let's have a chat
0:25:28 > 0:25:32cos I can't wait to find out what your next move is going to be.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42One lovely couple, nine children between them,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44and we've shown them three properties.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47But have any of them come close? Let's find out.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55So, Hugh and Ruth, we started off with an idea that we were
0:25:55 > 0:25:58going to find you the perfect property.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Have we got close? - You've done something very good.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05You've come in below budget on every single one, which surprised me.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11And you've given us two properties which are very interesting to us.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I think I know which two houses you're referring to
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- but, go on, remind me, just in case. - Property two and property three.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20So, what is it about those properties
0:26:20 > 0:26:22that really appeal to you both?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25They've got business potential.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28They're both intensely historical.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32So, out of the two properties... which do you prefer, Ruth?
0:26:32 > 0:26:37Probably second, at the moment, despite my love of trains.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The school is pulling me in more.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I do feel that the family, you keep telling me, are the priority.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47So, for me, I would look at that second property
0:26:47 > 0:26:50because you can convert the school into additional rooms,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53but you're also in a wonderful position, perhaps,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56two or three years down the line when they're not coming home quite
0:26:56 > 0:27:00so frequently, that you could rent it out or have it to hold events.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02And I think that's what's going through our minds,
0:27:02 > 0:27:06is this balance of what's going to work out best overall.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Please let us know how you get on, if you put an offer in on either
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- of those properties, cos we'd love to hear from you.- We will.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- We will.- I've so enjoyed it, thank you both very much.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24For Hugh and Ruth, this move isn't just about a house.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It's not just about a business. It's a balance between the two.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31And I really think our school and schoolhouse
0:27:31 > 0:27:33will give them just that.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37I hope that next viewing goes really well, and the two families
0:27:37 > 0:27:41will finally be together under one roof here in North Yorkshire.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46We do wish them all the best for the future. I'll see you next time.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Hugh and Ruth eventually ruled out the Mystery House
0:27:50 > 0:27:52because of its distance from York,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55but they did go back to see house number two and are just waiting
0:27:55 > 0:27:59for a sale on Hugh's house before they can proceed with an offer.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01So, fingers crossed.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03If you would like to escape to the country
0:28:03 > 0:28:06in England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland,
0:28:06 > 0:28:12and need our help, please apply online at...