0:00:02 > 0:00:05These atmospheric ruins have particular significance for democracy in our country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Find out where I am and why these old stones mean
0:00:09 > 0:00:11so much for Britain in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today, our house-hunting pair are in search of a new rural home
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and a new venture to keep them busy in retirement.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37- OK!- Wow.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- Very different offering. - Mind-blowing.- It is a totally different offering.- Yeah.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And our property hunt gets rather magical.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47You've gone off with the fairies, Martin.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Are you dreaming about waking up here or are you worried about woodworm?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- No, no.- Woodworm!
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Today, we're in Shropshire, and this is Acton Burnell.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00And these two red sandstone gables are all that
0:01:00 > 0:01:03remain of the Parliament Barn,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06so called because it was here in the late 13th century that
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Edward I called a very special parliament.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12It was the first time that the commoners
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and the nobility came together to discuss and make decisions.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18So, in many ways, although it is a ruin,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22the meeting that happened here 700 years ago was a turning point
0:01:22 > 0:01:26in British parliamentary history and the birth of the House of Commons.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30But the birth of democracy is not the only good thing about Shropshire.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The county of Shropshire sits in the West Midlands and is bordered by
0:01:36 > 0:01:41five counties, including Cheshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44One of England's most rural and sparsely populated regions,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47it has Britain's longest river, the River Severn,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50running through its crop-filled landscape.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54The striking Shropshire Hills to the south of the county have been
0:01:54 > 0:01:58designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with their
0:01:58 > 0:02:02rocky hills forming gentle peaks and troughs of beige and green.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Nine miles from the Welsh border, the busy county town of Shrewsbury,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08in the centre of the region, features an appealing
0:02:08 > 0:02:13display of red brick and stone buildings lining medieval streets.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Its Grade II listed arched viaduct, the English Bridge,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20is a splendid feature across the River Severn.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23First completed in 1774, the current bridge was
0:02:23 > 0:02:29rebuilt in 1926 at a cost of £86,000, using the original masonry.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31It was opened the following year by Queen Mary.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36With its convenient central location, beautiful scenery
0:02:36 > 0:02:38and historic towns and villages,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Shropshire is a region that really does have it all on a plate.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45As well as all those wonderful things,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Shropshire also has reasonable house prices.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53The average price for a detached property here is £242,000,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56which is £30,000 less than the national figure.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59And where in other counties prices are creeping up,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04here they still stay well below their 2007 peak price.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07So what is it that has drawn today's buyers to this lovely county?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Retired planning manager Martin and his curtain-maker wife
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Jacqueline live in this four-bedroom detached house
0:03:16 > 0:03:21in Rufford, west Lancashire, and have been married for 26 years.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24When they met 30 years ago, it brightened up their working day.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29It was a work relationship, and Jacqueline is going to tell me
0:03:29 > 0:03:32she courted her boss, because I was her boss at the time.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37But last year, 57-year-old Martin swapped the daily
0:03:37 > 0:03:39grind for a more relaxed pace of life.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43It's coming up to 16, 16 months now I've been retired.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46I must admit, I have found it difficult adjusting to not working.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Throughout my life, I've been a very corporate man.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I've always worked for companies,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and it is quite a challenge doing something for yourself.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59I want to fill my time a bit more and I think a project would
0:03:59 > 0:04:02really give me something to really get my teeth stuck into.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05We're looking at a new adventure together, really.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Possibly looking at running a bed and breakfast.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10We're just looking for some extra income as well, plus, you know,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13to give us the flexibility of the lifestyle.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16And they've got their eye on central England for their country escape.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21We're looking to move to Shropshire because we visited it several times,
0:04:21 > 0:04:27we love the location. It's very quiet compared to where we live now.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30It's not just the peace that's attracting them to the countryside.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Where we live now, it's very, very flat.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37I'm a keen cyclist and I'm looking more to the undulating countryside.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Whenever we go to somewhere new, we always...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42The first thing I do is send away or pick up cycling leaflets to
0:04:42 > 0:04:44look for new routes.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Yeah, we do a lot of cycling holidays as well together
0:04:47 > 0:04:51and then we do lots of short breaks within the UK with our bikes as well.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53And now their son has left home,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55they're free to follow their dreams.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Calvin is 21 this year.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01He has decided to stay in Leeds as he graduates this year.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Erm, so, really,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06that has been the trigger for us to do something for ourselves.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10We just feel like we're ready for the next step in our lives.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13And with their house on the market, the time has come to find
0:05:13 > 0:05:17a new home that can double up as an exciting new business.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Jacqueline's hoping to offer sewing lessons to the guests and Martin
0:05:21 > 0:05:25is sure he has also got the skills to make the B&B a roaring success.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I've always been told I can do a very good poached egg.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Jacqueline and Martin don't want to be too far away from their son
0:05:38 > 0:05:42in Leeds, friends in Lancashire and family in South Wales,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46so have decided to move somewhere around the Shrewsbury area,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50but will consider moving further afield if the house is right.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53'And before we kick off our search for a dual-purpose property,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55'I am meeting them in the county to make sure
0:05:55 > 0:05:58'I know exactly what it is they're looking for.'
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Welcome to Shropshire, you two. Thanks for bringing me here. It's a lovely county.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Thank you. - A glorious day as well.- I know.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06And tell me exactly your dream home.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Well, we're looking for a detached house
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and we're looking for a property with potential for a bed and breakfast.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Ahh!- So, about four to five rooms.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Have you done anything like that before?
0:06:17 > 0:06:21No, it's a completely new thing. We thought it would suit our lifestyle.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Something that the two of us can be involved in.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26And we're also looking for a room for me
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- to carry on my sewing business.- Yeah.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31What about you, Martin? In terms of the outside, are you a gardener?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33I'm becoming more of a gardener now I have more time on my hands,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Alistair. Nothing too large. I don't want it too daunting.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Maybe up to three quarters of an acre.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Do you need to be in a community or do you want to be in the sticks?
0:06:41 > 0:06:45We'd like to be near amenities. You know, not too remote.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Not too far away from anywhere.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50In terms of the bed and breakfast, are you looking for sort of a...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53one of these ones where it is all separate or are you wanting them
0:06:53 > 0:06:55to kind of eat with you and live with you?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57We are really open on that.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Ideally, it would be nice if it's separate, but if it is
0:07:01 > 0:07:04integrated in some way, we're quite happy to work around that, yeah.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Remind me of your budget. How much have we got to play with?
0:07:07 > 0:07:13- Our budget is £500,000 and we don't mind doing some work, as well, within that budget.- Great.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- That's a good, healthy budget, here in Shropshire.- Yes, it is.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Hopefully. - Hopefully, we won't disappoint.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Let's go and look, cos the houses are ready and waiting. Follow me. - Thank you.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Jacqueline and Martin's budget may be pretty generous for this
0:07:25 > 0:07:27part of England, but they are looking for a two-in-one,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30which presents a bit more of a challenge.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33They want a detached property with four to five bedrooms
0:07:33 > 0:07:37so two or three can be part of a new bed and breakfast business.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Jacqueline would also like a room to hold sewing classes
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and Martin would love to get stuck into a good-sized garden.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47And they'd like to be within arm's reach of local facilities.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50To get Jacqueline and Martin one step closer to realising
0:07:50 > 0:07:54their dream, we will be taking them to see three contrasting properties.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58And once they've toured each one, we'll let them know its cost.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Their final tour will be around the Mystery House,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04a property whose exterior hides what lies within and,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06after more than 25 years of marriage,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09could see our duo taking another trip down the aisle.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Our first property is located near the village of Maesbrook,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22just outside the larger village of Knockin.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24It's 12 miles north-west of Shrewsbury
0:08:24 > 0:08:27and five miles from the Welsh border.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Knockin is a pretty village, much of which was once
0:08:30 > 0:08:34owned by the Earl of Bradford, whose family name is still evident.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36There are many handsome and historic buildings,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39plus the essential amenities to hand,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42situated in a striking rural setting.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45The beautiful location already attracts visitors wanting to
0:08:45 > 0:08:47stay the night and explore the area.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Just under two miles away, back on the outskirts of Maesbrook,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52is our first property.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55This imposing period house was once a timber-framed hall where
0:08:55 > 0:08:58locals lived at one end and their animals at the other.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Come to the lawn and you can see the full splendour of house number one.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Wow!- Ta-da!
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Fabulous. Looks lovely. - Certainly characterful.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- Isn't it just?- Yes.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13And this is a classic. You know, of course, these black-and-white houses all through Shropshire.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- But this is a very historic one. It goes back to 1485.- Oh, my God!
0:09:17 > 0:09:18That's history.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20A lot of extensions in the 17th century
0:09:20 > 0:09:24and in the 20th century again, and then in 2008, completely modernised.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- What do you think?- Beautiful.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Really nice.- Yes, it's got a hell of a history, hasn't it?
0:09:31 > 0:09:36This 15th-century house has seen many changes over the past 500 years
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and is a real mix of old meets new.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42We're heading to the back door, which would be the guest entrance
0:09:42 > 0:09:44if this property became a B&B.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49We're starting off in the large open-plan kitchen/diner.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- Come on inside. Now you get an idea of the inside space.- Wow, beautiful.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55Very light and airy.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57So you can see the periodness.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01These are all original beams, probably from the 15th century.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Beautiful.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06You've got the kitchen, open-plan kitchen. Light on both sides.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10And you've got a little breakfast niche here, and then round there, you've got the dining room.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14It is a great area for a bed and breakfast, I think, as well.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17What do you think of the facilities? Is this what you were thinking of?
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Yes.- Yes, it is. I just love the open-plan,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22the fact that you've got the dining area in the same place.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27And also the sitting area, with the wood-burner. It feels homely.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29'Moving through a dining room in the middle of the house,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32'we find ourselves in a large sitting room.'
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- More beams.- A really good size as well.- It is, isn't it?
0:10:37 > 0:10:41And this would be also perhaps quite nice as a sort of guest room,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- if you wanted to have a separate room for your...- Yes.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- ..for your B&B guests. - That's right, yes.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49I like the way they've kept everything so light, you know,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52the walls and the colourings, it's just... Even though
0:10:52 > 0:10:56you've got the wood panelling in the ceilings, it's light.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Through here, there's a little study room
0:10:58 > 0:11:01which has another door out into the garden.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04We thought that could be a sewing room. You can explore that later on.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08But I want to show you upstairs, because that's where you'd be putting your guests and yourself.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms...
0:11:14 > 0:11:16'..a single...
0:11:16 > 0:11:17'a family bathroom...
0:11:17 > 0:11:19'a shower room...
0:11:19 > 0:11:22'and at the front of the house, above the kitchen,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24'is the largest of the five bedrooms.'
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- This is the master bedroom. - Beautiful. Mm.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- And it has got an en-suite. - It's got an en-suite.- Which is good.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Martin, what are your thoughts? You've gone all quiet.- No, I just...
0:11:34 > 0:11:38I'm amazed at how light and airy it is again upstairs. Love the ceiling.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Mm. And it's nice having the double windows either side.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Plenty of light coming in.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- What's interesting here is you can see this is the cruck construction. You see this big curved beam.- Yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51This is what makes the house historically interesting, because it is actually a fork cruck.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53So, crucks are when you have the bent oak
0:11:53 > 0:11:56and sort of beams that meet in the middle.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- So, quite unusual.- Very good.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01You've gone off with the fairies, Martin.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Are you dreaming about waking up here or are you worried about woodworm?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- No, no!- Woodworm!
0:12:08 > 0:12:12It's just so peaceful. I think that's what I'm finding. It's just so quiet.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14You wanted something nice, light and airy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17You can't beat anything more than this, can you?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20'This centuries-old house seems to have taken Jacqueline
0:12:20 > 0:12:24'and Martin's breath away and it has real B&B potential.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28'Martin is determined to keep busy during his early retirement,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31'and if running a guesthouse isn't enough, I think the extensive
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'gardens, with mature shrubs and two orchards, would do just that.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Beautiful views all over the Shropshire Hills.- Fabulous.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44So the garden is a good size. They say three quarters of an acre.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- Right.- Got a big veggie patch over there, lovely kind of...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Oh, look forward to seeing that.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Double garages here, which could be your sewing studio.- OK.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54And then the other side here,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- you've got a separate garden which you could have for your guests.- Mm.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00And you can really see the wonderful character of the house.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I think it shows up more from the back than the front,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04doesn't it, the character?
0:13:04 > 0:13:08What do you think this is on the market for? That's the key issue.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- I'd say 495.- Mm-hm. Martin?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- I'd possibly go 475.- 475.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16In this instance, Martin, you should listen to your wife.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- Because she is EXACTLY on the money. - Is she?- Really?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- It's on the market for 495. - Oh, really? There you go.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25So perhaps if you go back inside, and when you've had a good old
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- nosy round, we'll meet at the front and go on to the next house.- OK.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30- Thank you.- Head on back in.- OK.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34This detached house is full of character
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and is on the market just under Jacqueline and Martin's budget.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It would give them £5,000 change.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44It's got exactly the number of bedrooms they're after
0:13:44 > 0:13:48for themselves and guests, plus a study and a garage with a workshop,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52either of which would be perfect for a sewing room for Jacqueline.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54The beautiful gardens would be a pleasure to look after
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and the property's location is rural but still close to amenities.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I love the house. It is picture-postcard perfect.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07The negative points, really, for us would be the upstairs,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10from the bed and breakfast point of view.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12The rooms are quite small, apart from the main bedroom,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14which is very large.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17But the four bedrooms, the other four, are quite small,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21and I don't see an awful lot of scope to make them bigger or to put en-suites in,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24which is what people want these days when they go to a bed and breakfast.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28They've created the downstairs into a large open-plan
0:14:28 > 0:14:33kitchen-cum-dining area, and it really is spacious.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35It was very, very impressive.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And then I was very surprised to be led through
0:14:39 > 0:14:43into an equally impressive lounge, which was quite large as well.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48So the downstairs area was absolutely...really spot-on.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- OK, guys. Are you all done?- Yes.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Well, even if you're not all done, you'll have to leave, because that's our time over here.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- And we've got another house to visit.- OK.- Great.- Follow me.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Jacqueline and Martin love cycling,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15and what better way to appreciate the scenic Shropshire countryside,
0:15:15 > 0:15:20with its plentiful river valleys and hills, than on two wheels?
0:15:20 > 0:15:25The National Cycle Network has 14,700 miles of cycle routes
0:15:25 > 0:15:27which run the length and breadth of Britain,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31with one pretty spectacular path winding through this lush county.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Jacqueline and Martin have come to Hampton Loade railway station
0:15:36 > 0:15:40near Bridgnorth, which has the bike path running alongside it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43They're meeting local cycle guide Chris Dartnell, who has been
0:15:43 > 0:15:46cycling in the area for the past 25 years.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- This is one of the first stops on the Mercian Cycle Way.- OK.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54It's route 45, and it goes from here all the way up to Chester.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58And it's 200 miles. We're not going to cycle all 200 miles today.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59- OK.- Five miles for you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01And the terrain, is it good?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Well, around here there's a really nice family track.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- It runs down to the country park. - Right.- And just past that,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- there's a forest.- OK.- So it suits lots of different people.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Then after this it's more undulating.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Sounds good.- So it suits everybody. - Excellent.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16OK, undulating and not too hilly.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- No, not too hilly! But...- Right.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- But there are hills in it so we better crack on, do you think?- OK.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- OK.- That's fine.- Let's go.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27The Mercian Way gets its name
0:16:27 > 0:16:30as it meanders through the ancient kingdom of Mercia,
0:16:30 > 0:16:35which was once ruled by King Offa, the first king of England, in 757.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40The trio are travelling two miles south before their first stop,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42the Severn Valley Country Park.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46This area used to be prime coal mining territory
0:16:46 > 0:16:49until 1969, when mining ceased,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and the park was opened in 1992.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- What do you think of the cycling so far?- Excellent.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Really, really scenic.- Beautiful.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59I found that quite tough.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Cos it's so flat where we live and the hills are quite difficult.- Yes.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06It's only a very short hill coming up to here, though.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07After stopping to appreciate
0:17:07 > 0:17:10the breathtaking views across the valley of the River Severn,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13it's back in the saddle to cycle a further three miles south
0:17:13 > 0:17:15to the Arley Arboretum,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19which is part of the 1,600-acre Arley Estate.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21The 19th-century walled garden
0:17:21 > 0:17:24is considered one of the world's finest tree collections
0:17:24 > 0:17:27and includes rare and exotic tropical plants,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30some dating back to the mid-1800s.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33A more recent addition to this 200-year-old attraction
0:17:33 > 0:17:36is Arleyensis, which is Latin for "of Arley".
0:17:36 > 0:17:40It's a miniature historical replica of the Arley Estate in the 1820s.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44The project began four years ago and is ongoing.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47It's always looking for volunteers so could well be something
0:17:47 > 0:17:50that green-fingered Martin could get involved in
0:17:50 > 0:17:53to keep himself busy during his retirement.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55He and Jacqueline are meeting the project's curator,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Peter Howells.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58This is our first building.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It was built by my son.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03It's going to look like this for evermore, believe it or not.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08There's going to be little figures hammering the floorboards down
0:18:08 > 0:18:11and actually involved in the building, the construction, here.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- So what inspired you to build this? - A man called Roland Callingham.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18He is the founder of Bekonscot,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20the oldest model village in the country.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22How many models do you plan to...?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Right, well, this whole area,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27it is actually a volunteers' project
0:18:27 > 0:18:30where we're hoping to get grandmas and grandads interested enough
0:18:30 > 0:18:32to come and build us these models.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35We've got a castle going up on the top, there.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36We've got a windmill,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38a replica of the church that we have on the grounds, here...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43When it's complete, this eco-friendly tiny village
0:18:43 > 0:18:46will feature over 500 miniature trees and plants
0:18:46 > 0:18:47from all over the world.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48Peter is hoping his vision
0:18:48 > 0:18:52will preserve the estate's history for generations to come.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Travelling just over 35 miles south takes us to our second property,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05in the village of Clunton.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08It's almost 28 miles south-west of Shrewsbury
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and about a mile east of the town of Clun.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14Clun is a small town which takes its name
0:19:14 > 0:19:16from the river that runs through it
0:19:16 > 0:19:20and it's said to be one of the most tranquil spots in England.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Situated in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25it boasts stunning vistas,
0:19:25 > 0:19:29especially from the ruins of the Norman Clun Castle.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And it has a pretty town centre with an attractive mix of houses
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and there's a traditional pub.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37A three-minute drive and we're in Clunton,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39at our second property,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41which stands in the Arvon Centre -
0:19:41 > 0:19:4526 acres of woodland once home to the late playwright John Osborne
0:19:45 > 0:19:48and now a retreat for writers.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Down a long, windy road, or rather up a long, windy road
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- into the hills and the forest to this.- Wow, OK!
0:19:58 > 0:19:59- Very different offering. - Mind-blowing!
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- It is totally different.- It is.
0:20:01 > 0:20:02It was an old coach house.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04You can see the arches where they would drive the coaches in
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- and also the stable.- Yeah.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08So it's been converted by the present owners.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12And unlike the one this morning, this is being run as a B&B.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Is it?- Oh, right. That's interesting.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18So what are your impressions of the actual building?
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Fantastic.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- Very beautiful. - So this is a big forest.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24It's about a 100-acre forest and you have right to roam round it
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- as a resident.- Right, OK.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27So from the aspect,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- do you think it's somewhere you could imagine living?- Yeah,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I can imagine it would make a great bed and breakfast.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'But before we roam around the outside,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'I want to show Jacqueline and Martin the inside
0:20:38 > 0:20:41'of what could be their new home and new venture.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46'And we're starting off our tour in the rather large sitting room,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'with its fantastic views across the valley.'
0:20:49 > 0:20:52What is your vibe as you walk in?
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Great size.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Just the sort of thing we're looking for in a lounge.- It's cosy.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58And unlike the other property,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00this has a separate sitting room for your guests.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- Right.- So this would be your family space.- OK, OK.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08'Just behind the sitting room, in the main body of the house,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10'is the kitchen.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:12So, a smaller offering than the last.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Yes, it is a bit. - It's very dark and small.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Small.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- It feels a bit more oppressive in here, doesn't it?- It does.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22That's the only feeling.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24It's more, sort of, segregated
0:21:24 > 0:21:26in the sense that this would be your kitchen, where you cook,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- and your guests would be at the other end of the house.- OK,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- that's a positive thing. - Yeah, yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34But part of the reason we want to bring you here is to show you
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- the B&B set-up upstairs...- Yes. OK.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- ..which I think is more what you're looking for.- All right.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'On one side of the kitchen there's a utility room
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'and on the other, the guest dining room.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49'I can see Jacqueline and Martin taking it all in.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50'There's a lot to consider
0:21:50 > 0:21:52'when you're searching not only for a family home
0:21:52 > 0:21:55'but also somewhere suitable to put up your guests.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59'Maybe upstairs will help them see things more clearly.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01'There's a family bathroom,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'a double bedroom which is used by the owner as the master,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07'two smaller rooms,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10'and the next room along is a guest sitting room,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12'with a rather attractive arched window.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Fabulous, yeah. I like that! - All right.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- This is a lovely, sunny aspect. - Yes, I love it. Very nice.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21This is currently what they use for the guests
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and then through here is one of the guest rooms.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30So there's a child's bedroom there
0:22:30 > 0:22:36- and then this is the en-suite...- OK. - ..top-dollar guest room.- OK.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Lovely view.- Yeah, it is.- Yeah, terrific views again.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40You've got two windows.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It shows great self-sacrifice on the present owners' part
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- to give this to the guests!- Yes!
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Well, let's go and have a look at the outside space...- OK.- Yeah.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49..find out the price
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- and then you can balance it all up.- All right.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54'Well, there's no doubting the fact
0:22:54 > 0:22:57'that this property is set up perfectly as a B&B.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'Let's see how the outside space fares.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03'The double garage is currently being used as a games room
0:23:03 > 0:23:06'but there's scope to develop it into more guest rooms
0:23:06 > 0:23:08'or a sewing room.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12'We're going to the patio garden at the rear of the house.'
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Oh, it's such a lovely spot! - Yes.- Very tranquil.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It's not a huge garden.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18It's actually just up to this wall
0:23:18 > 0:23:20so it's really a small terraced garden,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and the land out the front, there,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- slopes down to the view over the valley.- Yeah.- OK.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- So very manageable. - Very easy to maintain.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It's like a wooded valley, isn't it?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33It's like you're surrounded by...
0:23:33 > 0:23:34forest, really.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Looking at the outside, I think it would be a possibility
0:23:37 > 0:23:39that you could put an extension on
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- which would totally transform it. - Absolutely.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44In that case, we need to talk about budget.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Would you have the money to do that?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50I would say 460.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53I'd say...435.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Well, in this instance you're both wrong.- OK!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57It is actually on at 470.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- Oh, OK. Oh, right.- Really?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- So a little bit over what you thought.- Yes.- Mm.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- You need to make sure it's something you could do something with.- Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07So have a wander around, and you know the drill,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- I'll see you at the front. - OK.- OK, thank you.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14This Grade II listed coach house
0:24:14 > 0:24:18is on the market at £30,000 under Jacqueline and Martin's budget
0:24:18 > 0:24:21and it's all set up and ready to go as a B&B.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24There are three guest bedrooms, and the layout downstairs
0:24:24 > 0:24:27means privacy for the owners when welcoming guests.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29And although the garden isn't as big as they'd like,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33the house is set in a stunning estate with fabulous views.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- This is the owners' bedroom. - Right, this is the master, is it?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- OK.- Very small.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- Small and it's not very light.- No.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Well, obviously the guest room might take priority.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- You had the two windows in the guest room, didn't you?- Mm.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52'My initial reaction when we approached it...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54'It's a wooded valley
0:24:54 > 0:24:58'so it's a lot more secluded and darker than the other place.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00'But the view is absolutely stunning.'
0:25:00 > 0:25:02First impression coming up the drive...
0:25:02 > 0:25:05As soon as we saw the property, I thought it looked lovely.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08It looked nice and spacious. Fantastic view across the valley.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I think also the small lounge upstairs, beautiful room.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Probably the best room in the house.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16But looking around all of the rooms, I just thought it was very dark.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I think we...
0:25:18 > 0:25:19If we took a property like this,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21we'd want to adjust quite a few things on it.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24I think it would work very well as a bed and breakfast
0:25:24 > 0:25:28but I don't think that it's a good home for us.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Just taking in the tranquillity of the place.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- It's gorgeous.- Beautiful. - Very peaceful.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Have you seen everything you need to see?- Think we have, yeah.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- Yes.- It's been a long day. Let's find a place to relax
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- and mull over what you've seen. - OK.- Why not?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52It's the second day of our jaunt around Shropshire,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54looking for a country home
0:25:54 > 0:25:57for Jacqueline and Martin from Rufford, west Lancashire.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Armed with a generous budget of half a million pounds,
0:25:59 > 0:26:03they are looking for a country abode that doubles up as a B&B.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Coming up, our Mystery House will be revealed
0:26:07 > 0:26:09and I just PRAY it goes down well.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13I can see it on the front of your flyers for your B&B.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Well, it's certainly an unusual... - It would certainly attract people.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19And I will be having a day on the tiles.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- That's not bad. - Don't sound so surprised, Jennifer!
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It would take me weeks to do this!
0:26:27 > 0:26:29One thing became clear to me yesterday
0:26:29 > 0:26:33and that's how important this B&B business is, for Martin, particularly.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I think Jacqueline would be happy doing her curtains
0:26:36 > 0:26:39in the first house, for example, but I think Martin is struggling
0:26:39 > 0:26:43a little bit with knowing what to do with himself in his retirement,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46so having a good project to get his teeth into could be crucial,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49so the Mystery House offers them a lot of character,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53but also lots of B&B potential. Let's hope they like it.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- How are you feeling today? - Very excited.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- Excited about the Mystery House? - Yes, very excited.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10- What do you think we might be showing you?- I really don't know.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14But I just hope it's not going to be a property that has got small
0:27:14 > 0:27:16rooms and very dark rooms.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20The Mystery House usually tends to be an unusual building,
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- a conversion, like, maybe a church. - You're expecting a conversion?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Of something unusual.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Our final visit takes us 44 miles north-east to the town of Newport,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33a 40-minute drive from Shrewsbury
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and close to the Staffordshire border.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39'Newport is a Britain In Bloom finalist
0:27:39 > 0:27:43'and its centre offers locals a good selection of shops and eateries.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46'A striking blend of architecture lines the streets, with some
0:27:46 > 0:27:49'Norman buildings still evident.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52'Only the Guildhall and Smallwood Lodge remain after a fire
0:27:52 > 0:27:56'swept through the high street in 1665.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59'Just on the outskirts of town and down a tree-lined drive
0:27:59 > 0:28:01'is our third and final house.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04'The mystery is revealed at first sight.'
0:28:04 > 0:28:09Well, I have to say, Martin, you were very accurate.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15It's like you have second sight. The Mystery House is a church.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- It is. - This, next door, is the old church,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- which was knocked down to build this one.- Oh, right, looks very pretty.
0:28:21 > 0:28:22Character, isn't it?
0:28:22 > 0:28:26That's what screams at you when you first see it. I like the stone.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Yes, this beautiful red sandstone that you see all around Shropshire.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- Yeah.- And I can see it on the front of your flyers for your B&B.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- It's certainly an unusual... - It will certainly attract people.
0:28:36 > 0:28:37- Let's look inside.- OK.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44'This striking Grade II listed church dates back to 1800
0:28:44 > 0:28:46'and was converted from a derelict shell,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50'making use of many reclaimed materials.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53'The ground floor is laid out in a rectangle, with an octagonal
0:28:53 > 0:28:56'room at the back and a tower at the front, which is where we are
0:28:56 > 0:28:59'entering the building and heading straight for the kitchen-diner.'
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- It looks a labour of love, doesn't it?- I like it.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07It is very nice, very unusual.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11There's some scope to make more use of the space, I think.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15And there is a utility room and larder and pantry through there.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- So more storage, all your white goods.- That's very handy.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Remember, of course, obviously the original church didn't have
0:29:22 > 0:29:26any interior walls, so you could of course move things around.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27- Let's head towards the altar.- OK.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32'Moving on from the kitchen of this beautiful church, there is
0:29:32 > 0:29:35'a small bedroom-cum-study and a shower room on the opposite
0:29:35 > 0:29:38'side of the house and we are entering the open-plan living area,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41'which takes up the rest of the ground floor.'
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- I love this room.- Oh, wow.- Oh!
0:29:44 > 0:29:47This is the centrepiece of the house, you can guess.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52- It is absolutely stunning. - So this would have been the altar.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54When you sit in a church, the windows are high,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58so you can't see out of them, so the problem with that, of course,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02if you're living here, you don't get any views. So they stepped it up.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06You can look out of these beautiful vaulted windows.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Making the most of the view. Wow, it's just really impressive.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- Absolutely stunning.- So what is the vibe you get?- It's really positive.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20- Yes, very much so. - It's just so different.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22But homely as well.
0:30:22 > 0:30:28- So the decision you have to make is how to make it work as a B&B.- Yes.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30'This beautiful conversion gives Jacqueline
0:30:30 > 0:30:35'and Martin the freedom to decide how they want to divide it as a B&B.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39'The first floor is smaller than the ground, as it's square.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42'There is a family bathroom with a feature window
0:30:42 > 0:30:45'and a further three bedrooms - one single,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47'and an en-suite double.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'And at the front of the house is the master bedroom.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- It's lovely. Beautiful. - Big and spacious.- It is, yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Window, fabulous.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- South-facing window and it has an en-suite which is in the tower.- Oh.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Lovely feel. - It's wonderfully done.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09So is this a bit more what you are looking for in terms of a B&B room?
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Yes, very much so. - Yes, in terms of the standard.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17'I think it would be hard not to be wowed by this property
0:31:17 > 0:31:20'and I'm sure it would hold great appeal for guests.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23'Outside, the landscaped gardens are a striking contrast to the
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'imposing red sandstone of the church.'
0:31:26 > 0:31:27What do you think?
0:31:27 > 0:31:32- Very nice layout, it's very tasteful.- It's beautifully kept.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- Beautifully kept. - Very, very private.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- You do have wonderful countryside all around.- And it's very quiet.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- No traffic.- No.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44There's also this very big garage space here, which is huge
0:31:44 > 0:31:49and it could easily be turned into a workroom for you, or even converted.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- OK.- So, a good vibe?- It's lovely. - A very good vibe.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56I'm just a bit lost for words.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Can I drag a few more words about the price out of you?
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- I'm going to go for 495, Alistair. - A little bit below at 485.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Well, it is actually right at the top of your budget,
0:32:07 > 0:32:09RIGHT at the top of your budget, it is
0:32:09 > 0:32:14five pounds short of half a million, it's at 499,995.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- OK.- So there's obviously space for a bit of negotiation.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19I think that sounds reasonable.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- For a B&B, there's plenty to market, isn't there?- It's so unique.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Definitely. Why don't you have a look around, have a look upstairs
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- and check out those bedrooms, see if it's going to work?- OK.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Churches are always so risky, but I think this is a beautiful conversion
0:32:39 > 0:32:44and it seems to have cast a spell, if churches are allowed to do that.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50This listed converted church is only five pounds under Jacqueline
0:32:50 > 0:32:53and Martin's budget, but there's always room for negotiation and it
0:32:53 > 0:32:57would make a great marketing tool to attract guests if it became a B&B.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01It has just enough bedrooms for them and guests
0:33:01 > 0:33:03and a garage that would be the perfect space
0:33:03 > 0:33:05for Jacqueline's sewing room.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06And the gardens may not be extensive,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09but they are striking and easy to look after.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- Oh, wow.- That's an interesting space.- It's very, very big.- It is.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- Could convert it into a sewing room. - I know that's what you're after.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25It's a really good size.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26When I first saw the house,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I was quite taken aback at how beautiful it is.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31The garden is immaculate.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Certainly, when we walked into the driveway,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39I was quite lost for words, really. It is just unique.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44It has been very, very tastefully renovated, and the exterior,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48even though the gardens are not very large, it is lovely, very nice.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It is very different to everything we've seen so far.
0:33:51 > 0:33:58I think it would make a great bed and breakfast, very unusual inside.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00It's been converted really, really well
0:34:00 > 0:34:03and I think it will attract a lot of people.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08I just think it's such a unique opportunity to move outside
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- the box, it's just unbelievable.- OK, so that's the Mystery House done.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13- All three properties seen.- OK.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16So let's go and find a place to have a cup of tea
0:34:16 > 0:34:19and then we can pick your brains about how it's been for you.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- Sounds great. - Plenty of food for thought.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30'Jacqueline and Martin are attracted to Shropshire's gorgeous
0:34:30 > 0:34:33'countryside, but the county is also proud of its industrial
0:34:33 > 0:34:35'and cultural background.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37'There are historical sites all over the region
0:34:37 > 0:34:41'and over a century ago, it was known for its production of ceramics,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43'due to its proximity to clay deposits.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48'In 1872, the Craven Dunnill Jackfield works
0:34:48 > 0:34:52'were founded in the Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site
0:34:52 > 0:34:56'and home to the world's first arched iron bridge.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59'The factory produced ceramic wall and floor tiles,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01'which are still made here today.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04'The site is the oldest surviving purpose-built tile factory
0:35:04 > 0:35:07'in the world and it is now also a museum.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09'I've come to meet curator Matt Thompson to find out a bit
0:35:09 > 0:35:12'more about its colourful history.'
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I don't think I've ever been to a tile museum before.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17There's not many of them around, to be fair.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20But what you've got here is a preserved example
0:35:20 > 0:35:21of a real model factory.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24The classic phrase they used was "from dust to dispatch".
0:35:24 > 0:35:27They made a lot of the tiles out of dust, they pressed them
0:35:27 > 0:35:30under hydraulic pressure, brought them in at one end of the factory,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32went through all the different processes
0:35:32 > 0:35:35and finally get to the saleroom just here at this side.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36Ceramics were always really important.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Way back into the 1600s,
0:35:38 > 0:35:39they were making clay tobacco pipes
0:35:39 > 0:35:41and ceramics really started to pick up
0:35:41 > 0:35:43towards the back end of the 19th century.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- Would you like to have a look inside? - Of course.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49'The factory was built alongside the Severn Valley Railway,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52'which was an ideal spot to transport raw materials in
0:35:52 > 0:35:55'and ship the finished goods out.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57'In its heyday at the turn of the 20th century,
0:35:57 > 0:36:02'the factory was producing around 20 million tiles a year.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05'The finely crafted ceramics would end up everywhere
0:36:05 > 0:36:08'from humble terraced houses to the Houses of Parliament
0:36:08 > 0:36:10'or a maharajah's palace.'
0:36:10 > 0:36:12What we've got here is an example of just
0:36:12 > 0:36:15some of the tiles that they produced at the factory here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17We like to think that there were...
0:36:17 > 0:36:19some of the best-quality material was produced from this area.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23I'm struck by the incredible kind of beauty of the patterns.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26What we've got here are encaustic floor tiles.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30It's a very old method of production where the pattern isn't just
0:36:30 > 0:36:34on the surface, the pattern is actually within the body of the tile
0:36:34 > 0:36:37itself, so it's very hard-wearing, it's perfect for floors.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39So floor tiles, but then there was also
0:36:39 > 0:36:41that great explosion of wall tiles.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Yeah, certainly. Over there, the ones with the sort of
0:36:45 > 0:36:47more highly finished, glazed surfaces,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50they can't take the kind of punishment that you'd have for
0:36:50 > 0:36:53floor tiles, but it does mean that they can be slightly more decorative
0:36:53 > 0:36:56than perhaps these bold, simple designs that we've got here.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58You're still producing tiles here?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01We're really pleased that within the building that we've restored,
0:37:01 > 0:37:05er, we've got the tile company that originally built this factory.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08They've come back and continued to produce tiles
0:37:08 > 0:37:10actually within the site itself.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13'Currently there are 25 members of staff here
0:37:13 > 0:37:14'working in tile production,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17'and they produce around 1,000 tiles a day.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21'Each one is handmade to order, and they're also sold worldwide.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25'Jennifer Keller has been with the factory for 13 years,
0:37:25 > 0:37:28'and is going to show me how it's done.'
0:37:28 > 0:37:29This is the dust bit, is it?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Absolutely, this has been dust pressed
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- on the original Victorian machines. - Amazing.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35And you can see here the pattern that's been put on,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37which shows the back stamp where the tile was made.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40So the smooth side, erm, when they've been fired,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42is brought into this area and we're going to decorate it.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46And these are the things that you actually sell from the factory?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Yeah, this is the kind of thing that we do within the Art Nouveau range.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51How long would it take you to do this design?
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- Me?- You.- Couple of minutes. - Couple of minutes?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56My gosh, that's really...
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- We can do about 100 a day.- Wow.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00I'd probably be lucky if I could do one a day.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05'After the tile is made, an image is transferred onto it using charcoal.'
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- It's like dot to dot.- It is like a little dot to dot design,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09and then the idea is that
0:38:09 > 0:38:12we're going to follow those lines with the clay slip.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15'The slip is liquid clay, which provides an outer wall
0:38:15 > 0:38:18'for the design to stop colours running together.'
0:38:18 > 0:38:23The idea is that you don't touch the tile, keep it lifted up in the air,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26guide with one hand, squeeze with the other hand.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29'It's not the easiest thing I've ever witnessed,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32'but I'm a willing apprentice and I'm going to give it a go.'
0:38:32 > 0:38:33I've got to join up?
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Absolutely, try not to leave any gaps, and squeeze much harder.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Harder, my gosh.- That's it, no, you're fine, you're fine.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42- That's not bad. That's great. - You sound so surprised, Jennifer.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Normally you'd practise for about six months before you did them
0:38:45 > 0:38:48commercially, so you'd have a bit of time to get...
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- As opposed to six seconds! - ..to get on top of it.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51No, that's pretty good.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54How long...? It would take me weeks to do this.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- I'm going to let you finish it off. - OK, that's fine.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- You did really well. - Thank you very much.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02The speed is incredible at which you do this.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06'Once the outline of the design has dried, the colours are applied.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09'They look very different to the finished product.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12'The liquid glaze is made from powdered glass mixed with
0:39:12 > 0:39:16'metal oxides which give the colour, which are suspended in water.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18'Copper oxide will turn green,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21'and red iron oxide, or yellow ochre oxide, yellow.'
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- So the colours are put into the different areas.- It's so drab.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27It is very different before and after it's fired in the kiln.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30So, er, there's just these small sections here left to do.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32So this is, presumably, it glazes,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34it turns into those beautiful kind of translucent...
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Absolutely, these sections here are all yellow,
0:39:37 > 0:39:38and these are actually a lovely green.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- Basically it's dot to dot and colouring in.- Yep.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46'When the design is complete, the tile is fired in the kiln
0:39:46 > 0:39:49'for two days at a temperature of 1,040 degrees.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53'This melts the powdered glass and creates a chemical reaction with
0:39:53 > 0:39:54'the metals in the dyes,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58'and the dull hues transform into vibrant shades.'
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Oh, look how much prettier they look!
0:40:00 > 0:40:02These are some of the Art Nouveau designs,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and as you can see this one here is very similar...
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- It's like magic.- Absolutely, all the colours are exactly the same.
0:40:09 > 0:40:16And this one here, as you can see, is going to become that one there.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18It is like alchemy, isn't it?
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Something that looks a little like a school child's drawing
0:40:21 > 0:40:23comes out looking very professional.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Absolutely, the kiln does marvellous things.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Mm-hm, I'm not sure mine will look quite so beautiful.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Well, I'm sure you'll be pleased with it when you get it.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Thank you so much! It's amazing, it's a real pleasure,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34and I'm sure I'll be spotting tiles everywhere I look
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- for the next few days. - Oh, I hope so.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Because converted churches are always a bit of a dark horse,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46my money was actually on the first house.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49But I think I may have been proved wrong. Let's go and find out.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Let's cut to the chase.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I want to know which of the houses is a contender.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Well, every house was such a contrast.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06I think the last one is the most impressionable. For me, anyway.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Yes, it was the Mystery House. Definitely.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Ah. What was it that finally swayed you on that?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15I was overwhelmed by, obviously, such the uniqueness of it,
0:41:15 > 0:41:20and I just feel what a unique opportunity to live in such a...
0:41:20 > 0:41:22you know, stunning environment, really.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27I think from our project of a B&B, which is obviously what started this
0:41:27 > 0:41:30whole process, I think it has a USP,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32the unique selling point, of a church.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36I think it would be a very attractive marketing thing, that would.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39I think it'll be great for a bed and breakfast.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40That's music to our ears.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Have you found the whole experience has sort of geed you up?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- Definitely.- Very much so.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48I mean, I'm fired up now to start planning
0:41:48 > 0:41:53what I would do, potentially, if we did put a bid in for that property,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57what rooms we could do and what we could utilise the space for.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01So it's given me a feeling like I'm excited that way to start a project.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Well, I really hope that Shropshire provides pastures fresh for you.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06I hope so as well.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09And great if it was the Mystery House, but do keep us in the loop.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13We will. We really enjoyed it. It's been a really good experience.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Likewise.- Yes.- Good luck. - OK, thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23If they go and explore the countryside around
0:42:23 > 0:42:25the Mystery House, Martin and Jacqueline will discover that it's
0:42:25 > 0:42:29not a million miles away from the stunning Ironbridge Gorge, which is
0:42:29 > 0:42:33a complete magnet for B&B guests, and even if they don't
0:42:33 > 0:42:37go for our property, I think we've given them the Shropshire bug.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39So join us next time on Escape To The Country for more
0:42:39 > 0:42:41beautiful British countryside.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Jacqueline and Martin have indeed decided that this area of
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Shropshire is where they want to make their move,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51but they've put their house hunt on hold
0:42:51 > 0:42:54until they've sold their Lancashire home.
0:42:54 > 0:42:55If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:55 > 0:42:58in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England
0:42:58 > 0:43:01and you need our help, why not apply online at...