0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape to the Country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:05and what a place to start today's show.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Founded in the 13th century, this stunning building behind me
0:00:09 > 0:00:11started out life with a religious purpose in mind,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13but, today, it's probably better known
0:00:13 > 0:00:15as the birthplace of photography.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18So, where are we and what's the story?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Well, join me in a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41'It's both work and pleasure
0:00:41 > 0:00:45'that's prompting today's buyers to move to a more rural setting.'
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Oh, look at that! Fantastic!
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Now that's countryside, isn't it? - Yes.- Isn't it?
0:00:50 > 0:00:54'And our enticing properties seem to deliver.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:55- Ooh, this is...- Oh, yeah.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57..very attractive, very inviting.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Well, today, we are in Wiltshire and this is Lacock Abbey.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Now, originally founded in the 1200s as a nunnery,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08in the 16th century, it was sold off
0:01:08 > 0:01:12and then transformed into a fabulous Tudor mansion,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14following Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17But fast-forward to the 19th century
0:01:17 > 0:01:21and the house was in the hands of one William Fox Talbot.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24He was the local MP for Chippenham, something of a scientist,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27but also an early pioneer of photography.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31And it's thought that the photo he took of that latticed window,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34above the door, is now the earliest paper negative in existence.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Now today, the house is open to the public,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40whilst the beautifully preserved Lacock village, just down the road,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44serves as a wonderful reminder of Wiltshire's rich architectural past.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50'Lying in the south of England, the large landlocked county of Wiltshire
0:01:50 > 0:01:54'is bordered by six other counties, including Hampshire and Somerset.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56'Wiltshire's rural, chalky terrain
0:01:56 > 0:01:59'is especially known for its ancient sites
0:01:59 > 0:02:02'and the county boasts the highest concentration
0:02:02 > 0:02:05'of pre-historic monuments on the planet.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09'From sacred stones, like the circle at Avebury, to man-made mounds
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'such as the 4,500-year-old Silbury Hill,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14'quite why Wiltshire is home to so many
0:02:14 > 0:02:17'Neolithic and Bronze Age structures
0:02:17 > 0:02:19'presents as much mystery as their purpose.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21'The county's magical landscape is dotted
0:02:21 > 0:02:24'with attractive market towns and villages.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27'The stately market town of Bradford-on-Avon,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29'which prospered on the back of the wool industry,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31'is affectionately known as "mini Bath",
0:02:31 > 0:02:34'on account of its fine architecture.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36'This blend of stunning, haunting countryside
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'and a rich and unrivalled heritage
0:02:39 > 0:02:44'make Wiltshire a particularly special place to retreat to.'
0:02:44 > 0:02:47So, time now to meet today's buyers and find out why they think
0:02:47 > 0:02:50this glorious part of the world is for them.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54'For the last 22 years, married couple Paul and Helen
0:02:54 > 0:02:57'have been living in a four-bedroom Victorian property
0:02:57 > 0:03:00'in the commuter town of Maidenhead, in Berkshire.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02'During that time, the location was perfect
0:03:02 > 0:03:04'for bringing up their two children.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06'But with them now both finishing at university,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09'and Helen's job as a government contracts manager relocating,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12'it feels time for a change.'
0:03:12 > 0:03:16We moved here from Abingdon in 1991,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18so we've been here quite a long time
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and it's been a really happy place to live.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22It's just we've reached the stage in our lives
0:03:22 > 0:03:23when we want something different.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26'Paul is a construction project manager
0:03:26 > 0:03:28'and originally hails from South Shields
0:03:28 > 0:03:30'on England's north-east coast,
0:03:30 > 0:03:31'whilst Helen is from Bath,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34'but they've always longed to live in a more rural setting.'
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Living where we do, in Maidenhead, there's a lot of cars.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41I'd just rather be somewhere a bit quieter.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44'But it's Helen's new job, based out of Andover,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47'that's given the couple the impetus to fulfil their dream now.'
0:03:47 > 0:03:51'I need to move somewhere that I can get to work from.'
0:03:51 > 0:03:55And I've tried commuting, but it's a good 60, 65 miles
0:03:55 > 0:03:57and it's just too far.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00So, looking at the map, and drawing circles and radius
0:04:00 > 0:04:05and various things like that, Wiltshire's a really nice area,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08because you've got some really nice small towns,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11you've got some lovely countryside
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and it's still convenient to get to the motorway.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16'Paul's job often takes him away from home
0:04:16 > 0:04:18'and, for the times he's not working,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21'there's just one requirement on his wish list.'
0:04:21 > 0:04:23A pub, I would love a pub!
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Not that I'll be there every night, but I do like the feeling
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I can go to the pub and drink more than two pints and come home.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'Although the move is prompted by a new job,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36'Paul and Helen hope it will benefit their work/life balance,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39'but change is not without its challenges.'
0:04:39 > 0:04:42It's quite intimidating, when you haven't moved for 20 years,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45to suddenly think, "Yes, I'm going to move to a new area",
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and you don't really know it that well.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50And wanting to find a house and not make a mistake.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Wanting to find a really nice house you're going to be happy in.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I think that's, that's...
0:04:57 > 0:04:58I am sort of excited...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- But it's a big step. - But, yeah.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07'Helen would like to be within reasonable distance
0:05:07 > 0:05:09'of her job in Andover, Hampshire,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'and they both like the Wiltshire countryside around Marlborough,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15'so we're concentrating our property search there.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17'I'm meeting up with them both in Wiltshire
0:05:17 > 0:05:19'to find out what they want from their new house.'
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Well, Helen and Paul, welcome to Wiltshire.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Now, this is a bit of a homecoming for you, isn't it, Helen?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Well, almost, cos I am from Bath,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31so it's certainly in the right direction, yes.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32Now, as well as you in this move,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35we've got to think about your two children, Beatrice and Tristan,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37who although are, technically, moving home
0:05:37 > 0:05:39haven't quite, yet, Helen.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42No, that's true. You know, they've got this accumulation of stuff.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44JULES LAUGHS
0:05:44 > 0:05:46And they don't seem to want to get rid of all of it,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48so they think that it's a good idea for us to move,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50but they want to have a room each.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- And I gather also your mother might...- Yes.- ..be dropping by?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Yeah, my mum lives in Bath, at the moment, but she's elderly
0:05:56 > 0:05:58and it would be nice for her to be able to come and stay
0:05:58 > 0:06:00for a bit longer than she has for a while.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Give us an idea of where, specifically,
0:06:02 > 0:06:03you're thinking of living.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I'd like it to be in the countryside.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Preferably a village.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12But I'm quite open about what sort of house it is, you know.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14It's that feel when we first see it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16After a bit of exploration of the house,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19you usually find out that, yes, it suits the bill.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20And what about outside space?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I'd like to have a really nice garden, if possible.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Or certainly somewhere that I can have friends visit.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Now just remind us of the budget, Paul.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Well, our maximum, we should stay at 600.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34And that would have to be for a house that's, more or less,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37complete and ready to move into.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40If we had some DIY, spend some time on it,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43I would expect something, like, about 450.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47OK, well, I'm fairly optimistic. I think your budget is good.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49It's an expensive county,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51but there are some really interesting options out there.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54We've got three to show you, including our Mystery House,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57so the sun is shining, and it's supposed to keep shining,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59so I am told, so let's go. Come on.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'For a maximum budget of £600,000,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07'our buyers are seeking a substantial property,
0:07:07 > 0:07:08'with a minimum of four bedrooms
0:07:08 > 0:07:11'with which to accommodate their grown-up children, and belongings,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14'plus Helen's mother.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16'They're open on the age and style of the house,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'but would like it to be close to a village and a pub.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'Helen would like a garden for outside entertaining.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24'Over the next two days,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26'we'll be viewing three pleasing Wiltshire properties
0:07:26 > 0:07:29'that we hope could be just the ticket.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31'But I'll keep Paul and Helen guessing on the price
0:07:31 > 0:07:33'until the end of each tour.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35'The final offering, a Mystery House,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39'could challenge our buyers to rethink their retirement plans.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:46'Our first property is located in the village of Manningford Bruce
0:07:46 > 0:07:48'in the Vale of Pewsey.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50'The peaceful village is characterised
0:07:50 > 0:07:52'by pretty, thatched cottages
0:07:52 > 0:07:55'and surrounded by open countryside, much of it farmland.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58'Although the nearest pub is around a 20-minute walk away,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02'in Bottlesford, the local village hall provides a handy alternative.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05'House number one is located on a quiet lane
0:08:05 > 0:08:06'in the heart of the village.'
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Well, here we are then.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Property number one.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Oh, that's lovely.- I'm impressed with what you've chosen, really.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16This is just, really, what Helen does like.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Well, is it what you like, sir? - Yes, it is, actually.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Even down to the bird on the roof!
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- Good. Well, let's get inside and see what you think.- OK.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26'Although the exact date of this charming period detached cottage
0:08:26 > 0:08:29'is unknown, it is clearly several hundred years old.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32'It was extensively modernised by the previous owners,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35'who retained many original details.'
0:08:35 > 0:08:36There we are, Helen.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38We'll start with the kitchen.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Oh...lovely.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I've never cooked on a range, but, ooh, yes.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44That's real country stuff, isn't it?
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- No, it's nice.- It's good that the beams are reasonably high.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Good. And it has the addition of amazing garden room.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- Come and look at this.- Yeah.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- This is beautiful.- Yeah? - Yes.- Yeah.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58That's really spacious and the blinds...
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- The blinds are essential. - Yes.- Yes.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04And it means that the family, now, use this all year round.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- This really is their family room, as it were.- Mm.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And you've got all these lovely views out to the garden
0:09:09 > 0:09:10and the patio and so on.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Paul, can you see the family all in here?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Yeah, yeah. I probably think it's...
0:09:14 > 0:09:16I haven't seen the other rooms yet,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19but I would say that we're going to spend a lot of time in here.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23'The whole house has been finished to a very high standard,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25'with bespoke oak doors,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28'and limestone and slate flooring in the kitchen and garden room.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33'The downstairs wet room, just off the hallway, is a fantastic feature
0:09:33 > 0:09:35'and next to that, there's a generous study too,
0:09:35 > 0:09:36'which could be turned into a bedroom
0:09:36 > 0:09:38'for Helen's visiting mother.'
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- This is what I really wanted to show you - the living room.- Very cosy.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Lovely finish in here, too.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45It's all so beautifully presented and dressed.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- It certainly is.- I like this one. There's not a lot to do...
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- No.- ..to make it ours, really.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54'Upstairs, off a long landing, there's a stylish family bathroom,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57'with roll-top bath, along with four bedrooms.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59'Two of those would make excellent options
0:09:59 > 0:10:01'for when their son and daughter come to stay
0:10:01 > 0:10:04'and there's a large guest room.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06'And, finally, there's the master.'
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Now, to get into your bit, you'd have to duck. Or I did, you...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Well, I didn't have to duck very much!- You didn't!
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Paul has!- I'm all right. - Shut the door, Paul.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Yeah, this is an extension to the original property.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Below us is that area that's the music room/study...- Mm-hm.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26..that could be Mum's bedroom, and that fabulous shower room.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28But it's a great size.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31The only thing to say is that none of them are en suite.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Oh, that doesn't bother me, at all.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- You have got the sink. - Lovely sink there.- Yeah.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Happy?- Yeah, very good. - Very happy.- Nice, nice room.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Now, there is one more bit to see. And that's the garden.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- And then we'll talk about the price. - OK.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46THEY LAUGH
0:10:46 > 0:10:47Follow me.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51'The back garden is manageable, largely laid to lawn
0:10:51 > 0:10:53'and surrounded by mature trees.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55'There's also a sizeable patio terrace.'
0:10:57 > 0:11:00So, I know outside entertaining is so important to you
0:11:00 > 0:11:04and I think you could do it handsomely out here.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- This is lovely.- Yes.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07It's really sheltered.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10You'd be using this for a long time, all through the year, I think.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13So let's consider, then, the value of our property number one.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I'm going to say 595,000.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I'm hoping it's going to be 585.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22You could try.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24THEY LAUGH
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- I'm afraid you're both wrong. - Oh.- OK.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28But it is, technically, under budget.
0:11:28 > 0:11:36- It's on the market at £599,950.- Ah! - I was closer.- She was very close.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40But you're both in the right area. They were very respectful guesses,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43'Fractionally under the top budget, our first property,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45'a sympathetically restored thatched cottage,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48'offers Paul and Helen space to accommodate the family
0:11:48 > 0:11:50'when they come to stay, with four bedrooms
0:11:50 > 0:11:54'and the option for a further downstairs bedroom in the study.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56'It also comes with a large garden room
0:11:56 > 0:11:58'and an outside patio for entertaining.'
0:11:59 > 0:12:02There we are! I was just thinking how well it's going.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Do we need to show you any others, I wonder?
0:12:04 > 0:12:09Well, I'm just starting to enjoy myself, so I think you should do.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10So am I, come on then, let's go.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20A key feature of the Wiltshire landscape is the white horse -
0:12:20 > 0:12:24huge hill figures, carved into the steep chalky slopes
0:12:24 > 0:12:26during the last 250 years.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30But head west out of Salisbury along the Nadder Valley
0:12:30 > 0:12:32and the grass-covered hillside reveals chalky symbols
0:12:32 > 0:12:34of a very different kind.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The Fovant Badges, named after the nearby village,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40are huge replicas of regimental cap badges
0:12:40 > 0:12:44and were carved into the terrain by First World War troops
0:12:44 > 0:12:46stationed in a major military camp in the valley.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49'I've come to find out more about their history
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'from the Fovant Badges Society's conservation officer, Steve Harris.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Well, Steve, I have driven through this valley for many a year
0:12:57 > 0:13:00and often marvelled at these wonderful designs here,
0:13:00 > 0:13:01on the hill behind us.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Tell us the story.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Well, it was way back in the First World War,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10when this valley was covered in Nissen huts, barracks,
0:13:10 > 0:13:11cinema, hospital.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13There were about 20,000 soldiers billeted here,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16preparing themselves to go over to France
0:13:16 > 0:13:18to go and fight on the Somme.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Somebody, early one morning, shot up the hillside
0:13:21 > 0:13:23and decided to start digging.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25It was great fun for them, I think,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27because it was something a bit different.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28Which was the first one to be created?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31They started on the London Rifle Brigade up there.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- LRB. That one?- LRB.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Now, by comparison to the others,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38it is noticeably more modest than the rest.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40They obviously get bigger over time.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Well, yes, I think there was a competition. - THEY LAUGH
0:13:43 > 0:13:46This sense of inter-regimental rivalry
0:13:46 > 0:13:49led to the creation of 20 badges across the hillside,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51although only eight remain today.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54The largest, the Australian regimental badge,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57is almost the size of a football pitch.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00They were originally constructed by cutting the outlines in the grass
0:14:00 > 0:14:02down to the underlying soil
0:14:02 > 0:14:05and then filling the shapes with chalk from a local pit.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Because troops were training for war,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10they would have only had a few hours each day,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12usually at first light, to work on them.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15It's hard to imagine this as a military camp,
0:14:15 > 0:14:16with 20,000 men in it.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The hustle and bustle that must have been going on here
0:14:19 > 0:14:22would have been extraordinary, but I love the idea that these men
0:14:22 > 0:14:25were somehow escaping from all of that.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Well, they were, but then they were thinking to the Somme,
0:14:27 > 0:14:32and...I think that they were putting, er, the badges up there
0:14:32 > 0:14:36so that, should they not return, they would be remembered.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Today, the volunteer-run Badges Society
0:14:38 > 0:14:41has a well-established maintenance programme
0:14:41 > 0:14:43to keep them looking their best, relying on donations
0:14:43 > 0:14:47from the surviving regiments and the general public.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Each badge is weeded, re-chalked and sprayed in herbicide
0:14:51 > 0:14:53on a rotational basis.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54Steve and his team are busy working
0:14:54 > 0:14:57on the 6th Battalion, City of London regimental badge.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01That is really surprising. I thought you simply lifted the turf
0:15:01 > 0:15:03and revealed the chalk, but you're actually piling it up.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Ah, well, you've got to be able to see the shape of the chalk
0:15:06 > 0:15:08from right the way over there.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Look at that. It's nice, white, crisp chalk.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15Lovely stuff which has been imported from a quarry near Basingstoke.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18So, how often do you have to re-chalk them?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Each badge is re-chalked roughly every third year,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24so that we do it on a rolling cycle.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28So you're heading for quite an important anniversary as well, aren't you?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Yes, the LRB badge will be 100 years old in 2016.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34And we will be making sure
0:15:34 > 0:15:37that each and every one of the other badges as well
0:15:37 > 0:15:40is in absolute tip-top condition.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43So all covered with a nice layer of fresh chalk.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Oh, yes.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46Sympathetically restored,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49these historic landmarks are a fitting memorial,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51not only to those who've served,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54but to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02'Our second property is in the village of Broad Hinton
0:16:02 > 0:16:05'on the north western edge of the Marlborough Downs.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08'A thriving Wiltshire village with an active community,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10'amenities include two popular pubs,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13'as well as a post office and local store.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16'Our second offering is located in the heart of the village
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'with far-reaching views over the Marlborough Downs.'
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Well, there we are...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Number two. What do you reckon to that one?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- Oh, this is pretty, too.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Yes, this looks really interesting, as well.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It looks as if it's had some additions.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35The original bit, about 1780, is the four windows around the porch.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Right.- It's then had a later Victorian extension, which is there.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Then it's been extended in more recent times at either end.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45It also has its own off-street parking and garage.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- That's really good.- All right. - That's good.- Come and have a look.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52'Built from local chalkstone, this characterful period house
0:16:52 > 0:16:56'offers Paul and Helen plenty of living space for visiting family.'
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- We'll start with the dining room. - Oh...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Come on in, mate. What do you reckon?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Oh, look at the lovely old chimney. - Yeah, very nice.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07Yeah, lovely inglenook fireplace.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Bread oven - or, the hole for it - is still there.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- JULES LAUGHS - And the kitchen is through here.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17There we go.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Oh, this is lovely.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Yeah?- Yes.- Very nice.- Very pretty.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24This is the Victorian extension, it's really nice.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26It's all solid wood, it's in frame.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- It's very much got that country styling to it.- Very much.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- Like it so far?- Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33This later extension is quite interesting.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34Have a look at this.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38What they have created here is arguably the deepest room
0:17:38 > 0:17:41of the house with this later extension.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43There's a door out there to the garden.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- Very nice.- Very nice, yeah.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47I was just wondering what we would use it for - TV room, or...?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50You could even have it as a downstairs bedroom, as well.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- So you could have Mum potentially here, if you needed to...- Oh.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- ..on the ground floor. - Yes.- On occasion.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00This is a lot of flexibility here.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02I wouldn't describe this as an annexe...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- No.- ..but it could become one. - Yes.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09'So with Mum taken care of at this end of the house,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11'the two further reception rooms at the other end
0:18:11 > 0:18:14'include a cosy snug and the main living room.'
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Oh, wow! This is a good-sized room.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19I really like the stonework.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- I can actually see where the furniture's going to go.- Ah...
0:18:22 > 0:18:24So that's good. Obviously, that's great.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27I like being able to open it up and have the garden in here.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Yeah, I'm impressed.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I think I want to see upstairs.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Let's go and explore that, yeah. Come and have a look.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37'Upstairs there are four decent-sized bedrooms.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40'Two of those are accessed by the staircase in the later extension,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43'offering perhaps somewhere for the children to stay
0:18:43 > 0:18:45'when they visit, as it comes with a shower room.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48'There's another bedroom in the original part of the house,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50'along with a family bathroom.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53'And, finally, there's the master.'
0:18:53 > 0:18:56This is lovely, light and airy. That's what I like.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I think this house gives you more options
0:18:58 > 0:19:00in terms of how you use the space.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Yes.- You can actually change it to suit the situation.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- Yeah.- There's a lot of flexibility in this house.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10A lot of ideas coming here.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12'Well, it seems the inside of this property
0:19:12 > 0:19:14'has sparked some imagination.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16'But will the outside seal the deal?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18'The back garden is mostly lawn,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21'but the real bonus is the unspoilt view
0:19:21 > 0:19:22'across to the Marlborough Downs.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25'Furthermore, this house, and the neighbouring properties,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27'co-own the adjoining paddock,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30'preventing it being easily sold to a developer.'
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Now the garden isn't hugely deep. - No.- It is very wide
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- but it does give you those gorgeous views.- Wow.- Fantastic.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- Now that's countryside, isn't it?- Isn't it?
0:19:40 > 0:19:44So what do we think property number two is on the market for?
0:19:44 > 0:19:45I think 585.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47585, yeah. Helen?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49I'm hoping it's a bit less.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51550.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- This could be yours for £595,000. - Oh, right.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59I know there are a few tweaks that you would want to make
0:19:59 > 0:20:02and you need to think about how you will afford those.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It is, of course, at the top of your budget.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- But...great location. - Great location.- Yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Two pubs on the doorstep. - I love the location.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Don't tug at my heartstrings.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13I'm pulling all of them!
0:20:13 > 0:20:16I think this is a really, really good option.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Everybody wants to be in a village but it's really hard to find.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- This is a serious contender.- Mmm.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26'Priced at £5,000 below their top budget,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30'our second house, an extended period chalkstone cottage,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32'gives our buyers plenty of options
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'for when the family, or guests, come to stay.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36'It comes with four bedrooms,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40'two of which could be separated off from the rest of the house.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42'The garden provides an excellent entertaining space
0:20:42 > 0:20:46'and there are far-reaching views across the Wiltshire countryside.'
0:20:48 > 0:20:49I've had a good day, how about you?
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Yes, it's been fun. - It's been really good, yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Well, there are two pubs in this village, Paul.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56I think we should try at least one of them, don't you?
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- Let's try both of them.- Come on.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10So far we have shown Paul and Helen two fabulous houses
0:21:10 > 0:21:12into which they can certainly accommodate
0:21:12 > 0:21:15all of their family needs and, on occasion of course,
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Helen's mum can come and stay.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21I've also got a growing sense that, really, this move is all about them.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Up to this point, we've really pushed their budget
0:21:24 > 0:21:26but for our final offering, our Mystery House,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29we are going to try a slightly different tack.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31We're going to apply that old adage to property
0:21:31 > 0:21:34that, on occasion, less can be more.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37'For our final offering,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39'we're heading back close to where we started
0:21:39 > 0:21:42'to the village of Chirton, right in the heart
0:21:42 > 0:21:44'of the Vale of Pewsey.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'A small and pretty Wiltshire village
0:21:46 > 0:21:48'with a population of around 400,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50'Chirton has a parish church and a school
0:21:50 > 0:21:53'and the closest pub is a short stroll away.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56'Our mystery property has the smallest footprint of all the houses
0:21:56 > 0:22:00'we've shown Helen and Paul but its plus side is the location.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04'We're closer to Helen's mother in Bath and her work in Andover
0:22:04 > 0:22:07'and it's right in the heart of the village.'
0:22:07 > 0:22:10This is our Mystery House.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14Oh, this is very attractive, very inviting.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Oh...I do like this.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Yeah? Come on, let's have a look inside.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23'Despite being modernised, the former post office retains
0:22:23 > 0:22:28'a wealth of original features and has been recently re-thatched.'
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- We will begin in here, the kitchen/diner.- This is lovely.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Yeah?- Yes, this is a lovely kitchen. - It's wonderful.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- Look at the smile on your face, Paul!- Yeah.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Oh, yes.- This is a cottage.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41When we set out on this search,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43you talked about a place having the right feeling,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46that it would somehow would jump up and grab you. Are we getting that?
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Yes, yeah, yeah.- Yes.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Brilliant. Right, let's continue this way,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54through into the living room,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56and a lovely wood burner to greet you.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Excellent. Oh, I really wanted a log fire or a wood burner.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I can see us both sitting there in the winter, keeping warm.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Now, in terms of reception-area space,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07property two was probably bigger.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09But this is also rather nice, this garden room,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12which really adds to the footprint of the whole thing.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Doors out there to the patio,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and up there to the rest of the garden.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17I like this.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22I can imagine having possibly a desk, certainly a settee,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26you know, an extra space for...maybe a working area.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I could see myself working here at a desk. This would be lovely.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32'Unlike our previous two houses,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35'there's no ground floor bedroom option for Helen's elderly mother
0:23:35 > 0:23:37'when she visits.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'However, there are four bedrooms upstairs.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42'Three of them are decent-sized doubles
0:23:42 > 0:23:44'and there's a single with fireplace,
0:23:44 > 0:23:45'along with a family bathroom.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48'So, enough rooms for the children.'
0:23:49 > 0:23:53And finally, the biggest one for you.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54It's not a bad size.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- It's got loads of storage... - Yes.- ..as you can see.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01In terms of the accommodation that it offers you up here, though,
0:24:01 > 0:24:02what are we thinking? Is it enough?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- I think it's more spacious than I expected.- Yes.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07OK - well, there's one more bit to come, of course,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- for your green fingers...- Ooh. - ..and that's the garden.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Come on, let's go and top up the tan and see what you think of that.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17'As well as a small lawn to the front of the cottage,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20'there's a much larger, well-established garden to the rear,
0:24:20 > 0:24:25'along with a sunken seating area, ideal for al fresco dining.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Once again, loads of outside entertaining space for you, Helen.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Mmm, great.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- And then the garden.- Oh, very nice.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Well, we have reached that moment, I'm afraid.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36It is our final price guess.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37I'd say...
0:24:37 > 0:24:40455-460.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42495?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Well, here's the thing. Our first property,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47which perhaps was most like this one,
0:24:47 > 0:24:51was on the market at £599,950.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53This one is on the market
0:24:53 > 0:24:57at £499,950,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01so it's £100,000 less,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04but a very similar property in a gorgeous village.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06That sounds good.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Happy with that?- Very. - Yeah, very happy.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12£100,000 below their top budget,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15our thatched mystery property frees up some cash
0:25:15 > 0:25:18so Paul and Helen can reassess their work-life balance
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and their retirement plans.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Furthermore, it offers them the four bedrooms they asked for
0:25:23 > 0:25:25in a superb village location
0:25:25 > 0:25:28and the large garden and outside entertaining space they wanted.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Do you remember when we left our first property,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- I asked you if you needed to see any more?- Well, I'm glad we did.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- Yeah.- Really am. You know, it's... - I'm glad we did, too.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Well worth a look, isn't it?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42So, I think we need to get you somewhere to have a think,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- and, who knows, maybe you'll be spending some money.- Mm-hm.- Come on.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Well, how are you two? The happy couple!
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Hi there.- Hi, Jules.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59I gather that you've been keeping back a little bit of a secret.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Today's quite special, isn't it?
0:26:01 > 0:26:02Well, yes, it is.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04It's our anniversary, wedding anniversary.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06So how many years, Paul?
0:26:06 > 0:26:0732 years.
0:26:07 > 0:26:0832 years, eh?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Wonderful years!
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Well, absolutely!
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Can we find you somewhere to live for the next,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17hopefully 32 wonderful years, I wonder?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19How have we done?
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Well, we both liked the Mystery House.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Yes, you've united us.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Well, it is a beautiful house in a fabulous location,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29but what was it about the Mystery House
0:26:29 > 0:26:32that's really captured your imagination, do you think?
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Well, I liked it as soon as I walked in.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I just thought it was really welcoming.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40It's got a really happy feeling about it.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Loved the kitchen.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Living room is great.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48The conservatory built on the back has added some really useful space.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49I think it's quite a surprising house.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51When you come to the front of the house
0:26:51 > 0:26:53and you're wondering what you're coming to,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56then you go round the corner and you find this chocolate box house
0:26:56 > 0:26:57with everything that we've wished for.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59But what happens next, Paul?
0:26:59 > 0:27:01We just need to make sure that the village
0:27:01 > 0:27:03is what we believe it is.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04We want to have a look around.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I really hope you're able to buy that property.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12So, all I now have to do is wish you the very best of luck.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Thanks very, very much.- Thank you.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Oh, and happy anniversary! - Thank you.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19THEY LAUGH
0:27:21 > 0:27:23You know, when buying a property,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26it's very easy to be distracted by the budget.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29We often assume that you've got to spend all of it
0:27:29 > 0:27:32to get exactly what you want, but as Paul and Helen have found,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35if you look hard enough, you don't need to break the bank
0:27:35 > 0:27:38to find yourself with the prospect of a beautiful family home.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41And if eventually they do buy our Mystery House,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44hopefully when they recall the first time they saw it,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46they'll also have something else to remember
0:27:46 > 0:27:48on their wedding anniversary.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50I'll see you next time.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51Well, I'm pleased to say
0:27:51 > 0:27:54that Paul and Helen made an offer on the Mystery House,
0:27:54 > 0:27:55which was accepted.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57So we wish them well on their move
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and eventual retirement in Wiltshire.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02If you'd like to escape to the country
0:28:02 > 0:28:04in Wales, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland,
0:28:04 > 0:28:10and need our help, you can apply online at...