0:00:02 > 0:00:04This impressive structure is the oldest
0:00:04 > 0:00:08single span railway bridge in the world.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12It's also a symbol of this area's very impressive industrial heritage.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32This week, I'm helping a father and daughter-in-law duo
0:00:32 > 0:00:37looking for a sizeable rural home to suit three generations.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- I think there's enough space here. - Should be.- Only just!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But after a shaky start,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47it looks like I might have found a plot to please them.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51That something special makes it a very nice property.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Today I'm in County Durham.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58This is Causey Arch, which was built in 1725
0:00:58 > 0:01:00by a consortium of mine owners
0:01:00 > 0:01:03who wanted to transport the coal over the burn here.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07At the time, it was the largest single span bridge in Britain
0:01:07 > 0:01:12and at its peak, it was seeing more than 900 horse-drawn carts
0:01:12 > 0:01:15crossing back and forth every single day.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Then, after about ten years,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19the bridge and the collieries nearby went into decline
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and it was 200 years later in the 1980s
0:01:22 > 0:01:25that it was restored, as a symbol of this area's
0:01:25 > 0:01:27rich industrial heritage.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32County Durham in the north-east of England borders north Yorkshire,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Cumbria and Northumberland to the North.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38The region boasts some of the most breathtaking countryside
0:01:38 > 0:01:40and dramatic coastlines in Britain,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44including the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and the famous Durham Dales,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49encompassing the valleys of Teesdale and Weardale.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52The rolling farmland
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and rugged moorland is broken up by meandering rivers
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and is scattered with picturesque villages and market towns.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03The county takes its name from the city of Durham,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07which offers an appealing mix of history and contemporary culture.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The old English university city's winding cobbled streets
0:02:10 > 0:02:13are crowned with the dramatic cathedral
0:02:13 > 0:02:16and Castle World Heritage Site,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19which makes for a stunning city setting.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Venture further inland to the forest of Teesdale
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and you will find the famous High Force Waterfall,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28which drops 70 feet into a plunge pool below.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31It's one of the most spectacular falls in England.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37If I were standing in a beautiful village like this one
0:02:37 > 0:02:39in the south-east or south-west of England,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43I'd be telling you now to brace yourself for some staggering prices.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Here, in County Durham, it's a different picture.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48It's refreshingly affordable.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52The average price for a detached house here is £146,000,
0:02:52 > 0:02:58which is a delicious £124,000 less than the national figure.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Even in the North East as a whole,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02it's still a great place to be buying
0:03:02 > 0:03:06because it's 35% cheaper than neighbouring Northumberland.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07But is it the place for our buyers today?
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Today's house-hunters hail from the city of Sunderland
0:03:13 > 0:03:17and are a father and daughter-in-law team, Doug and Anne.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Anne is married to Doug's son, Jeremy,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and has three children, Alex, Christina, and Jonathan.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26They first met 15 years ago.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29We enjoy each other's company because we like the same things.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I love the way he doesn't let the grass grow under his feet.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35He's just my type of person because we do lunch together a lot
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and go for coffees.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Then we'll suddenly think of an idea and then, the next thing,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43we're doing it. And that's what great about him.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46He's dynamic and just good company.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I'll give her the 20 quid later!
0:03:51 > 0:03:54It was one day 18 months ago that the pair came up with
0:03:54 > 0:03:56the brainwave of selling their separate homes in order to buy
0:03:56 > 0:03:59one big property to fit the whole family.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Doug will be joining Anne, Jeremy and the children,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05as well as Anne's mother, Eileen.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10My idea is to have everybody around, not living in each other's pockets,
0:04:10 > 0:04:15but just a stone's throw away so we can be there if we're needed.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Anne and her husband have lived in their five-bedroom home in Seaburn,
0:04:18 > 0:04:23just outside the city centre, since getting married 14 years ago.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24With their children fast growing up,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Anne feels it's time for a change of scenery and pace.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I do have a natural pull to the country.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33When I visit the country, I have often thought how much
0:04:33 > 0:04:37I would love to be part of that life on a permanent basis.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40With Christina loving horses, she rides and helps out
0:04:40 > 0:04:45at the local stables, and it would be nice if she could have her own,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47if we had the space.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Currently just a five-minute drive away,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Doug is keen to remain close to his only son and grandchildren
0:04:53 > 0:04:57and despite being 76, he's up for a new adventure.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I'm at a stage in my life where
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I'm prepared to look at anything and everything.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I'm also at an age where one's contemporaries
0:05:06 > 0:05:08are popping their clogs!
0:05:09 > 0:05:15So, with that in mind, you think, well, go for it, do it now.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Armed with a long wish list and seven people to consider,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22the pair have a lot of responsibility
0:05:22 > 0:05:27resting on their shoulders to find the perfect extended family home.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29I know my mum would definitely be happy
0:05:29 > 0:05:32with whatever I would like because the bottom line is,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36I've reassured the family that I have everybody's interests at heart
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and of course, Doug's coming along with me anyway,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41so it's going to be a joint enterprise.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45But I think I'll have the last say!
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Well, yes, that's right.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Anne thinks she's going to have the last say!
0:05:57 > 0:06:00The family want to be within an hour of Sunderland
0:06:00 > 0:06:03for Anne and Jeremy's work and Doug's social commitments.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04They're otherwise open-minded
0:06:04 > 0:06:07so we're looking all over County Durham.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I'm catching up with Anne and Doug
0:06:09 > 0:06:12to talk through the details of their proposed move.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Welcome to County Durham.- Thank you.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16It's not such a journey from Sunderland?
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- No, no.- Beautiful countryside. - That's what we like about it.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Let's go through what you're looking for.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24Let's start with you, Doug.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26What would you like to get out of the move?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28I would like separate accommodation,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31either a cottage or something where perhaps,
0:06:31 > 0:06:37we may have to do some work on, to create that separate accommodation.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Anne, your mum is coming too, is she going to want a separate house too?
0:06:41 > 0:06:43I'm afraid so, yes. If possible.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47I think Anne's mother is as adamant as I am
0:06:47 > 0:06:49about the accommodation being separate.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Would Eileen be prepared to be in the house if push came to shove?
0:06:54 > 0:06:58I think it would be preferable if she had her own wing, as it were,
0:06:58 > 0:07:03or I think she would prefer a self-contained annexe if possible.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05How much land are you looking for?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Just a couple of acres, really just maybe a nice garden.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10You also want some horses, for your middle daughter, isn't it?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13My middle daughter who likes to ride, yes,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and she yearns for her own horse.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18How realistic do you think your search is?
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Oh, well, we know we're asking a lot, but I'm sure you can do it.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Oh, trust, blind faith. I like that!
0:07:26 > 0:07:27What about your house,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30how many rooms do you want in the house for you and your family?
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Probably a minimum of five. Or six.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38At least a couple of bathrooms if possible. We just need space.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- That's what it's all about.- Sure.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43What about location, are you keen to be way out in the countryside
0:07:43 > 0:07:45or more in a community?
0:07:45 > 0:07:48It would be superb to be within a community,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52within a village or a hamlet as long as it was within commuting distance.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Remind me again of your budget, Doug?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57How much are you going to spend on this mammoth project?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00The budget would be about £700,000.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Of course, there is a little bit of flexibility in that.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- How easy is it going to be to please both of you?- Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Are you good at compromising?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- We are, we like the same things, actually, don't we?- Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Yes, I think it will all fit into place.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20I think I've reached an age where I tend to compromise
0:08:20 > 0:08:23more than I ever did in the past.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26That's a very good mind-set for when you are house-hunting.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28So we've got three beautiful properties lined up.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31They are going to require a little bit of head scratching and,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34"how is this going to work for us?" So, put on your compromise hats.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Let's go and look at them.- Right.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41For a joint maximum budget of £700,000,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Anne and Doug are hoping to find their family a main property
0:08:44 > 0:08:46with five or more bedrooms,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48a separate cottage or annexe for Doug,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52and either a second annexe or an extra bedroom in the main house
0:08:52 > 0:08:54for Anne's mother, Eileen.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Outside, they're after two acres of land and a paddock for a horse.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01We've found them three unique properties,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03all of which could suit the family set-up.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07After each tour, I'll be asking them to guess the property price.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09The final offering will be our mystery house,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12designed to really test their appetite for a challenge.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20We're starting our search five miles south of Durham city
0:09:20 > 0:09:23in the sought-after Tudhoe Village.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27This conservation village centres on an attractive village green,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30surrounded by character properties of various ages and styles,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34including a local pub dating back 280 years.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Our first house lies on a quiet corner of the village green,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39adjacent to open countryside.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Here we go. House number one.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- All for sale.- The whole lot?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50As you see, it's a single-level dwelling.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53We've got a lovely annexe which is actually the oldest part,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56it dates back to the 1700s. The whole thing is a conversion.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58The present owner took it back to the foundations
0:09:58 > 0:09:59and built it up again.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02And then we would have to convert this.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04That's the job that you'd have at hand,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06to give Eileen a separate building.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Yes, the footprint's there. I think it's very smart.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Doug, what are your first impressions?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13I think the annexe looks good.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16The house, probably...
0:10:16 > 0:10:20We are flexible, but it does seem to me quite modern.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Yes.- Let's have a look inside.- Lovely.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26A mixed reaction to the outside,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29but I am hoping they'll like what's to come.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Come into the main heart of the house.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35This is the sitting room.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40- Lovely room.- Nice size. I like the French doors leading onto the patio.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Mm-hmm.- Both sides. - Both sides, yes. So, very nice.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Very spacious, nice-sized room.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51So, through those, there's a snug, and over here's the kitchen.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Recently converted, this property has a modern feel.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56The work has been done to a high standard,
0:10:56 > 0:11:01so the family could move straight in without any further effort.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Nice double doors into the kitchen-dining room.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Yes.- Lots of wood here.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07All these bespoke wooden units.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- I think this kitchen is lovely. - Yes?- Yes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12What about the dining area, because it's not a massive table
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- and there's a lot of you? - It's big enough.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Will you all be eating at the same time?- Not necessarily, no.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Through there, you've got a nice utility room
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- and there's a study which would have to be another bedroom.- Right.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- So this is where we have to start thinking with our...- Right.- Right.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32If you wanted all your family in this bit,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- that would have to become another bedroom.- Right.- Ah-ha.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- OK?- Good, yes.- I can see all this sort of going on in your head.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I want to know what it is.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- But tell me in your own good time.- OK.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Back through the lounge on the other side of the property
0:11:45 > 0:11:47are two good-sized double bedrooms,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49the family bathroom and a separate toilet,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52as well as the master bedroom with an en-suite.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Well, Anne, this would be yours and Jeremy's room.- Yes.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- The dressing room's nice.- Yes and en suite.- Nice big room.- Yes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Smaller than our existing room. - Right.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07However, we have our wardrobes in the existing room.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09So, that's a nice touch, that you don't have now.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11I'm conscious that we haven't shown you
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- where you're going to live.- Yes. - And that's obviously very important.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17And there is actually very spacious, so you're all right.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- So let's go and look. - I am all right, Jack.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20ANNE LAUGHS
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Jokes aside, I'm sensing Anne wasn't overly impressed
0:12:25 > 0:12:26with the size of the master bedroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30One area I'm confident will deliver on their desire for space
0:12:30 > 0:12:32is the detached annexe.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37So this is the annexe for you, Doug.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Oh!- It's LOVELY.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Oh, it looks as though it's been very well done.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Very nice. - And you have two rooms, really.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48This could... It's being used as a bedroom,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- but it could be a, sort of, sitting room or study.- Yes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53And through there you've got a big bedroom with an en-suite
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- and quite a lot of storage. - Oh, very good.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59It looks ideal. First impressions are very good.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Well, that's good, one happy customer.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02I appreciate you'd like to look around,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04but you can come back and have a look in here.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- I want to show you the garden, the outside space.- Lovely.- Good, good.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Outside, the annexe has its own small garden area
0:13:12 > 0:13:14off the central courtyard.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17To give Eileen her own space, they'd need to convert the garage,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19currently used as a workshop.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Beyond the main house, there's a larger garden
0:13:22 > 0:13:24backing onto open fields.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Oh, so green.- Oh, it's lovely.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- So, this purple hedge is the end of your property.- Right.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- I'm afraid there isn't a paddock or a stable block.- Right.- Yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Um, but...it does have a lot going for it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40It is a large garden.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Yes, it's a beautiful garden.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It's whether it's large enough for you guys.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I thought this was going to be the garden
0:13:46 > 0:13:48and I thought, perfect size for the garden.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- And you also thought there was going to be a paddock?- I did, yes.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- I'm sure there are paddocks nearby...- Yes.- ..and stables nearby.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- Yes, yes, OK.- But it wouldn't be in your plot.- Of course.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00OK, well we need to find out how much it's on the market for.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So what do you think the price of this property is?
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I would think it's probably on the market for about 670.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I think slightly less.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11I think 600,000.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13OK, so THIS property...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- is on the market for £695,000.- Oh!
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- It's right at the top of your budget.- Right.- Right.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22And that's a lot to do about where it is, I think.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25It does... To me, it seems expensive.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Why don't you have an explore? There is lots of rooms you haven't seen
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and I'll come and find you when you're done.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- OK, thank you.- Good, thank you.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37For £5,000 short of their maximum budget,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40these converted farm buildings offer the family a main house
0:14:40 > 0:14:44with three bedrooms and a study to be converted as a fourth.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48There's a separate two-bedroom annexe that could suit Doug
0:14:48 > 0:14:50and a large garage that could be converted
0:14:50 > 0:14:52to give Eileen her own space, too.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Unfortunately, there's no paddock here,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57but the gardens are a good size and the property is within easy
0:14:57 > 0:15:00commuting distance of Sunderland.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- This is a nice room.- It's lovely.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08It's a shame because this is a lovely study,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11but it would have to be converted into a bedroom
0:15:11 > 0:15:12to make a fourth bedroom.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- You could easily make this a double bedroom.- Yes, yes.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- So it's doable, definitely doable. - Uh-huh. Yes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I think the layout of the house is perfect.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27And it would be perfect for a slightly smaller family.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31As far as I'm concerned, the annexe is perfect.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36And were I to be buying it tomorrow for myself, I wouldn't hesitate.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Space outside is fine, space in the annexe is fine.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Space in the house, big question mark.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46The only reservation that I have
0:15:46 > 0:15:49is the lack of the paddock and the stables.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I'm a little gutted that they don't exist.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Here you go, guys. Have you had another good look around?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58BOTH: Yes, we have, thank you.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Got all your information? - We have, yes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- Well, we've got another house to do it all again.- Good, well.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Good stuff.- Let's see.- Thank you.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Anne was born in County Durham before moving to Sunderland
0:16:16 > 0:16:17at the age of four.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21She's keen to discover more about the heritage of her home soil,
0:16:21 > 0:16:22so we've arranged for her and Doug
0:16:22 > 0:16:25to visit the world-famous Beamish Museum.
0:16:25 > 0:16:31Open since 1971, the recreated Edwardian town and pit village
0:16:31 > 0:16:34give visitors the chance to step back in time.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Anne and Doug are meeting Jonathan Kindleysides,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41the keeper of industry, who's showing them around the pit village.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Most things that you see in Beamish have been dismantled brick by brick
0:16:44 > 0:16:46or stone by stone and brought here.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49These came from a nearby village called Hetton-le-Hole.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53So these are the houses where the miners would have lived.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57And it was a tied house, so they would have had a job
0:16:57 > 0:17:00and a house with the job. Also, the gardens that we are in today.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03And these houses would be built when?
0:17:03 > 0:17:05These date from the 1850s.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I have a particular interest because my grandfather
0:17:08 > 0:17:10and great-grandfather were miners.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14So, on a day-to-day basis, how would they have lived?
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Well, actually, miners were often seen as being quite poor,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19living in poor conditions.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21But, as you can see from these houses and the gardens,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24it's all quite neat and tidy.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Earning around 30 to 35 shillings a week,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30a miner's wage was twice that of a farm labourer.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Along with the supply of a rent-free house and a coal allowance,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36miners were considered well off.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40So once the coal was mined, how did it get moved?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42The vast majority was taken away by train.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Most of it was industrial for steam locomotives,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48for generating electricity, for factories.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52In the early days, coal was mined with the help of horsepower,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55but the ponies were slow and their feed became expensive.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57So in the early 1800s,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00collieries looked for new ways to transport the coal.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02It was a local engineer, George Stephenson,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06who would be amongst the pioneers of steam engine design.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10His locomotives were some of the first to take to Britain's tracks.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Today, Beamish has three replica locomotives on site,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16including Stephenson's Locomotion No.1.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Engine driver, Mark Bunker, is giving Anne and Doug a closer look.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Now the early engines
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- are capable of pulling up to about 40 tonnes at a time.- Wow.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30So, of course, it replaces a lot of men and horses in one go.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32What sort of speed would this be travelling?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Well, on the Stockton and Darlington line, they had a 10mph speed limit.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But it's not because the engine can't go faster,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41it's because of the track technology that they use as well.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43But in a lot of early days,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46the engines only move between 5 and 10mph.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Is there any chance we are going to have a ride?
0:18:49 > 0:18:50Yes. You can have a ride on the train,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52if you just make your way around to the other side.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Thank you, very much.- Great. - It was a pleasure meeting you.- Bye.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58After a journey into the county's past,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00it's time to get back to the house search and find out
0:19:00 > 0:19:04what County Durham could offer Anne, Doug and their family
0:19:04 > 0:19:05in the future.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14For our next property,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16we're heading towards the market town of Bishop Auckland,
0:19:16 > 0:19:1912 miles from Darlington.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21The town grew rapidly in the 19th century,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24but was of historical significance much earlier.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Home to the magnificent Auckland Castle,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29it's been the principal residence of the Bishops of Durham
0:19:29 > 0:19:31since the 12th century.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Today, it's a shopper's delight with over 200 outlets to choose from
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and a variety of cosy cafes.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Six miles south-west in the small village of Evenwood Gate,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45we find our second property in a rural setting
0:19:45 > 0:19:47half a mile from the main road.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51What are your first thoughts?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53I'm getting this lovely feeling of lots of space.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Yes.- I can breathe.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57This is an old Durham longhouse,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59dating back to 1630.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Oh, lovely.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03And you can see the period, the lovely mullioned windows
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- that were boxed up between the window taxes.- Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08It is a much more historic offering
0:20:08 > 0:20:10and I think it gives you a lot more of what you're looking for.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14It looks more right than the other one, to me.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- But I warn you there will be compromises.- Yes.- Yes, well.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Nothing in life's perfect, is it?
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- Except me!- Ha-ha!
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Let's go.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Doug may not be expecting to be blown away,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30but I have got a good feeling about this farmhouse.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33The downstairs is laid out
0:20:33 > 0:20:34in an L shape
0:20:34 > 0:20:35with a separate annexe to the
0:20:35 > 0:20:36rear of the property
0:20:36 > 0:20:38and a number of reception rooms
0:20:38 > 0:20:39along the front.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45So this house has one...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48TWO sitting rooms.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Big size.- It is, lovely.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Perfect.- Oh, ha-ha!
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Yes, it's exactly what I hoped for.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Love the inglenook fireplace.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59I love the sash windows, as well,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01kept it within the character.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Not only does this house have two sitting rooms,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06it actually has two dining rooms, which is a first on the show.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Yes, well.- Lovely.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- We could easily make use of that. - Yes, I'm sure we can.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- This is dining room number one.- Yes.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21And then through the kitchen, dining room number two.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22Wow.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- I think there's enough space here. - There should be! Good Lord!
0:21:26 > 0:21:27Only just!
0:21:27 > 0:21:30But this dining room is wonderful.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Lovely. Lovely kitchen.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Lovely kitchen as well. I mean, it's super.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38The real issue, of course, is bedrooms,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41and here you are going to have to think creatively.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- I'm just warning you. - I'm happy to.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Despite the abundance of space downstairs,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52the upstairs might be a bit of a squeeze.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55There are three double bedrooms for the children,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58a single bedroom, currently used as a study,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00as well as a family bathroom.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03At the far end, there is a light and spacious master bedroom.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Here we have the master suite.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10This is a lovely room, isn't it?
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Absolutely delightful.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16You've got an en-suite and a sort of walk-in wardrobe affair here.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Similar to the last property but much bigger.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- This is a huge bedroom. - The windows are lovely.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24You and the family are sorted.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- We might have somewhere for you lined up.- Right, OK.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31We need to think creatively and find a solution,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33which is always possible,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- to find somewhere lovely for Eileen to stay.- That would be nice.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- That's our project.- Good.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Get your thinking caps on. We shall explore the annexe.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Wonderful.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48We might not have found a solution for Eileen yet
0:22:48 > 0:22:52but first things first, I need to show Doug the annexe.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Currently used as a holiday let, it has its own entrance
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and should give him the independent living he's after.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Doug, come and look at your home to be.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Wow.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09This is a sort of sitting room area, you've got your bedroom in there,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and a sort of galley kitchen here.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13And a bathroom here.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- More compact. - It is nice. Ideal.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Is it? - Absolutely spot on.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23One of the other things you need to see is the land.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- Yes. - Let's do that.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32The property sits on an impressive plot of over three and a half acres
0:23:32 > 0:23:35and includes an outbuilding providing useful storage,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38a patio area and a huge lawned garden.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It's also got the paddocks they were looking for
0:23:41 > 0:23:43and comes complete with its own stream.
0:23:45 > 0:23:51- You have your three acres, including two paddocks.- Yes.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54And then you also have your own stretch of river.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Including a little bar.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02That's something special, makes it a very nice property.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06How much do you think this property is going to set you back?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I would say about 700.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- What about you? - 675.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- 675. - Yes.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19This three-acre plot with the house and the annexe
0:24:19 > 0:24:23and the river is on the market for...
0:24:23 > 0:24:26£575,000.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Wow!
0:24:28 > 0:24:32I nearly said 600 but I didn't want to be wrong again!
0:24:32 > 0:24:34You would have been right.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Which gives you like £100,000 to think seriously about...
0:24:38 > 0:24:40you'd have to build something for Eileen.
0:24:40 > 0:24:47At that price, you would be able to afford, no bother.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50And this is not a listed building, it's not a conservation area,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54so planning, particularly if it's a relative coming to live with you,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56they're quite keen to support that.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01The third property that we're going to see will have to be something
0:25:01 > 0:25:03to beat this, without a doubt.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05You've thrown down a gauntlet.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06Yes.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- If you could make your way back into the house.- Thank you very much.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12We'll have a look, shall we?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- I'm going to sit and watch the fish. - Lovely. Thank you.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22For a significant £125,000 under their maximum budget,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25this property works hard to give the family
0:25:25 > 0:25:27practically everything they're after.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31With five bedrooms, four reception rooms and an annexe,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34all it's missing is a separate space for Eileen.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38But with a sizeable plot and coming in well under budget,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40they could easily build her what she wants.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- It's a pleasant bedroom, isn't it? - It's a nice bedroom.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47It's lovely how it's not too high up.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- It's got the beautiful view. - Lovely views.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56I think the inside of the property is exactly what I was looking for.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It has interesting features.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02The double dining room and it just gives you so much space.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Bearing in mind the price of the property, we will have scope
0:26:06 > 0:26:10to be able to carry out the renovations that is required.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The annexe more than meets the bill.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18It's not as good accommodation as I live in now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22It's a property I feel I could happily live on.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- Are you guys done?- Yes, lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Not found any downsides while I wasn't looking?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32No, couldn't think of any.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Good. Let's draw a line under today and get ready for tomorrow.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37That's excellent.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Father and daughter-in-law duo Doug and Anne are looking to move
0:26:49 > 0:26:51their extended family of seven from their coastal homes
0:26:51 > 0:26:56in Seaburn, Sunderland, to the wilds of rural County Durham.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59With a generous budget of £700,000,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03they're hoping to find a dream home to suit three generations.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Coming up, will our buyers be bowled over by the original features
0:27:07 > 0:27:09at our mystery house?
0:27:09 > 0:27:11And that's the only listed part of the property.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13That's a Grade II listed toilet.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17And I get a taste of the local tipple.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21I mean, it's quite strong but it does have lots of taste to it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I may have been a little hasty in saying the sun always shines
0:27:27 > 0:27:30in County Durham, but this morning we've brought Doug and Anne
0:27:30 > 0:27:32into the interior of the county,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35where the landscape is very striking and very beautiful
0:27:35 > 0:27:36and very sparsely populated.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39We're playing the remote card with the mystery house
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and also throwing down the gauntlet about building
0:27:42 > 0:27:44because they are going to need to build those annexes,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47but that's what the mystery house is about -
0:27:47 > 0:27:48a challenge.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Heading inland to the heart of the Durham Dales,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55our mystery property is in Upper Weardale,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58in the traditional Dales village of St John's Chapel.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02A popular tourist spot for walkers and cyclists,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05visitors come to the area to explore its famous scenic routes
0:28:05 > 0:28:08including the highest road in the UK.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12The village itself has a strong community feel with two pubs
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and a number of shops and cafes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18A mile from the village, our mystery property occupies
0:28:18 > 0:28:22a secluded position with fantastic views of the Dales.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- The mystery house. - Looks very nice.- It's lovely.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29One of the reasons we really wanted to bring you here is this
0:28:29 > 0:28:33is a house with a huge plot of land. It comes with 13 acres.
0:28:33 > 0:28:34Wow.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It's a big offering that gives you potential to do things
0:28:37 > 0:28:39that the other properties perhaps couldn't.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44The house is very big, so it could accommodate everybody in the house.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49It means you would have to build or convert to even give you
0:28:49 > 0:28:52an annexe, so it's a bit more work,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55so in that sense it's a bit more of a challenge.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- That's good. - We don't mind challenges.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59Good. We like to hear that.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01What do you think of the actual house?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Because it was completely rebuilt from a shell
0:29:04 > 0:29:06in the last three or four years.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10I like the old and the new mixed. I like that look and I always have.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Obviously, we would like to see inside.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15Because it's you, I'll let you.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Right. Go ahead, then.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Originally built in the late 1800s,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24this farmhouse is an impressive modern conversion.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Across three floors, it offers a generous seven bedrooms
0:29:28 > 0:29:30and substantial living space.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- This is the main sitting room. - Very nice.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42I think it's lovely, lovely and comfortable.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- Can you imagine your family fitting in?- I think so.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- I think they'd fit in quite easily. - Let's look at the kitchen.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Accessed from both the main sitting room and another lounge,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56the family kitchen is spacious and bright
0:29:56 > 0:29:58and runs the length of both rooms.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- This is a lovely room, I think. - Wonderful.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06I was talking to the owner,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10originally the windows were a bit lower
0:30:10 > 0:30:14so she had the sills dropped down so you could have more of a view.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15What a good idea.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20I think it's really nice and I could see myself in here.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21I wanted to show you upstairs
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- because you have seven bedrooms in this house.- Lovely.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Also on the ground floor,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31there is a stunning beamed room used as a study.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Heading up to the first floor are five of the seven bedrooms,
0:30:35 > 0:30:36all good-sized doubles.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39None are ensuite but there is a family bathroom
0:30:39 > 0:30:41and a separate shower room.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46To be honest, I could have shown you any of the bedrooms -
0:30:46 > 0:30:48they're all really nice sizes.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50This is being used as the master
0:30:50 > 0:30:52because it has a walk-in wardrobe over the staircase.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- Lovely.- We haven't had a house that had seven bedrooms for quite
0:30:55 > 0:31:00some time, so when push came to shove, when you were building,
0:31:00 > 0:31:01you could have everybody in the house.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03While we were building, yes.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Actually, upstairs, the sort of attic space
0:31:06 > 0:31:08has been turned into a suite of three rooms,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11one of which is the laundry/boiler room,
0:31:11 > 0:31:16so you could turn that upstairs into a living area for you.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I'll let you explore all the bedrooms at your leisure
0:31:19 > 0:31:22but let's go outside and look at the footprint of those houses.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Outside is where this property's real potential lies -
0:31:29 > 0:31:31with a garage, a number of outbuildings
0:31:31 > 0:31:36and a vast plot of land, the family could build separate accommodation
0:31:36 > 0:31:37for Doug and Eileen.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43It really is a stunning view and this is your field.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45This and the field beyond it is your field,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47so it's ten acres of hayfields
0:31:47 > 0:31:51and this little stone building here is the old privy,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54and that's the only listed part of the property.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56It's a Grade II listed toilet.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57Right!
0:31:57 > 0:31:59You've got that outbuilding up there,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02so in terms of development potential,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04that's an obvious starting place
0:32:04 > 0:32:06because it's quite a big stone structure.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10But you can see they've already put the footings down
0:32:10 > 0:32:13for a giant... This was going to be a barn for the hay,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so they got that passed no problems, and they were suggesting
0:32:16 > 0:32:21if you went with the same architect with some plans for a dwelling,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- you can probably get that through as well.- Right.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28But that's all subject to planning so we can't promise that.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- And that is a huge footprint. - It is.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34As you say, loads and loads of potential.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36It's an exciting prospect, isn't it?
0:32:36 > 0:32:39How much do you think this is all on the market for?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41600,000.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- My guess is 500,000. - 500,000?- Yes.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50OK, so, that's a bit of a wild card because this is on the market...
0:32:50 > 0:32:52for actually 650,000.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Oh, right.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57So a little wide of the mark, there.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Because of our budget, and having to build,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06if you like, a residence for two people, separate residences,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09it's not going to leave us a lot of money to play with.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13The owners might be open to negotiations.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14Of course, that's true.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Have a wander around, particularly upstairs
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- because there's lots of bedrooms you haven't seen.- Yes.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Oh, it was always going to be quite a hard sell because of all
0:33:24 > 0:33:29the building necessary and the price, but this is an amazing spot.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34At £50,000 under their top budget,
0:33:34 > 0:33:36this property and its lovely location
0:33:36 > 0:33:40could give Anne and Doug the rural family lifestyle
0:33:40 > 0:33:42they've been discussing for so long.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45This substantial three-floor conversion with seven bedrooms
0:33:45 > 0:33:48should have more than enough space for the family.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51The 13 acres of land would keep the kids busy,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54and there are paddocks for a horse and a number of outbuildings,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57meaning, subject to planning permission, they could give
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Doug and Eileen purpose-built separate annexes,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03but whether it's too rural, only they can decide.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- Yes, this is a nice bedroom. - Nice and spacious.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- It all seems to be double bedrooms. - Nice and bright as well.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Very good, nice.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Again, lovely views.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22What I like about this house is the space,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24the little nooks and crannies,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and the fact that it is so versatile as well.
0:34:27 > 0:34:33I think the look of the property is really attractive.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Coming down that drive and seeing the house,
0:34:35 > 0:34:38it makes a very attractive setting.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42It's an ideal setting for me, personally,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45but I'm not the only one in the equation.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49I could see myself settling in a place like this,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51as rural as this is.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53The only reservation that I have would be,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56would the children adapt as well?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Would they about as easily as I could?
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- So have you had a good look around? - Yes. Very good.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Hold your thoughts because we are going to find
0:35:05 > 0:35:07a nice County Durham pub,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09and that's where we'll have our final discussion.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19County Durham is known as one of the earliest and largest
0:35:19 > 0:35:21mining areas in the country.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Its mineral-rich shallow seams with close proximity
0:35:24 > 0:35:26to the coast meant coal could be dug
0:35:26 > 0:35:29and quickly shipped around the country.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Since the mine closures in the 1980s,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35the county, and in particular the ex-colliery villages, have welcomed
0:35:35 > 0:35:38the addition of new industry and entrepreneurship.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42A new business on the outskirts of Durham City hoping to help
0:35:42 > 0:35:44with the revival is Durham Distillery.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I've come to meet owner John Chadwick to find out more
0:35:47 > 0:35:48about this craft industry.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53So this is a juniper wood. I've never been in a juniper wood before.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Yeah, so we're in the biggest juniper wood in England.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Obviously, essential for gin, and I'm quite intrigued
0:36:01 > 0:36:04because I don't associate gin with County Durham.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08No. We are the first legal distillery in Durham
0:36:08 > 0:36:09since Henry VIII.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11So how did the idea come around?
0:36:11 > 0:36:16I was in America and I came across a whole load of really beautiful
0:36:16 > 0:36:20little micro distilleries mainly on the East Coast.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23And then the moment we said Durham gin,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26it was such a lovely concept, we kind of thought we had to do it.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31In 2012, it was reported that a fungus infection was found
0:36:31 > 0:36:34to be present on juniper bushes in Northern Britain.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Already a declining supply, it became a protected species.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Due to the volumes needed at the distillery,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43John imports his juniper from Europe.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Look, here's a little tiny juniper tree.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50But with a small supply of the local strain, his plan is to regrow it
0:36:50 > 0:36:54with the aim of becoming self-sufficient within five years.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56So what's the basic of a gin?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58By law, it must be juniper.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01I think you would want to have a balance
0:37:01 > 0:37:03of some nice very English flavours,
0:37:03 > 0:37:08so we use things like elderflower, celery and Angelica.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12And you'd want to balance that with some slightly, sort of,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14more exotic flavours,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17so we use pink pepper and a bit of coriander and cardamom.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19When you set out to make a craft distillery,
0:37:19 > 0:37:21what sort of proportions are you thinking?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23How many bottles are you aiming to make?
0:37:23 > 0:37:28If we can sell 10,000 bottles this year, that would be fantastic.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Compared to a commercial distillery that produces
0:37:31 > 0:37:34thousands of bottles a day, this is a small operation.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Each batch of just a few hundred bottles at a time
0:37:38 > 0:37:39takes several days.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41At the forefront of what they do here
0:37:41 > 0:37:46are the craft techniques and skill of the distiller, Jessica Tomlinson.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50At 25, Jessica is the youngest female distiller in the country.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- This is your baby. - It is, yes.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55A 400-litre copper pot still.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59It was handmade for us in Portugal and Spain so it's bespoke to us.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03So just talk me through it, cos the basic science eludes me.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07So into our main still here we put grain neutral spirit,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09which is just ethanol,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12mineral water, which is from Durham itself,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14and a selection of botanicals.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16We've got the hand-crushed junipers in there.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- The juniper goes in there. - It does, yeah.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21And we cold macerate that overnight,
0:38:21 > 0:38:26so that means all of those oils are infused into the ethanol overnight,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29and then in the morning we add another selection of botanicals
0:38:29 > 0:38:31into there and close that up,
0:38:31 > 0:38:33and once we turn the boiler on, it all heats up.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37During the distillation process, the ethanol separates from the water
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and infuses with the botanical oils.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Over several hours, the liquid starts to evaporate.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46The vapour then passes through a copper tube, called a Lyne arm,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48and into what is known as the gin basket,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51containing a third and final set of botanicals.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55The hot vapours just pass over those.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00Yes. And then we pass down here and in to our worm tub.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- Worm tub? - Worm tub, yeah.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07As the hot vapour hits the cold metal, it condenses and passes
0:39:07 > 0:39:09all the way down through here
0:39:09 > 0:39:11and then comes up through the parrot spout.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Some great words! So this is where the finished product comes out.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It does, yes, and we collect that from there.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20And presumably that's super strong.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23It is. It's roughly, kind of, 75 to 80%.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25And then you dilute it before you sell it?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27We dilute it down with water, yeah, to the legal 40%.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Have you got any of the good stuff?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31We do, yeah.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35Yeah.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39It definitely has... I wouldn't typically drink neat gin.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Especially given how early in the morning it is.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43We always say try it like that
0:39:43 > 0:39:47and you can see what your gin's actually like.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's quite strong but it does have lots of taste to it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Brilliant. Well, all the best and congratulations.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- I hope it's going to be a long career in distilling ahead of you. - Thank you.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Well, that went down well, and I'm hoping my property offerings
0:40:01 > 0:40:03will have done the same with our buyers.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I have to confess, it's been quite a struggle this week fulfilling
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Doug and Anne's rather exacting wish list, but I think we did
0:40:12 > 0:40:16rather well, although I'm still kind of in the dark as to which
0:40:16 > 0:40:19of the last two houses - the house we saw yesterday afternoon
0:40:19 > 0:40:21or the mystery house - they like the best.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23So let's go and find out.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Thank you so much for bringing us to this lovely part of the world.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I don't think we've ever been here before,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33but I was wondering, how did we do? Was it a good trip for you?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Certainly, it's given me a great deal of food for thought.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Is that you being diplomatic that
0:40:39 > 0:40:41we haven't found you the house you want?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44I don't think we're naive enough, or certainly I'm not,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48to believe that there is a perfect property out there.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54There will be a part-perfect property, which we think we've seen,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57and we'll have to put a lot of work effort
0:40:57 > 0:41:00to make that property perfect.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Which one are we talking about? Which is the part-perfect property?
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Well, perhaps Anne and I are a bit at odds here.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- What's your part-perfect? - Mine was the last one.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13And yours?
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I'm thinking property two is slightly less remote,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20but I can see Doug's point regarding property three.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22I think it does have huge potential.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26I very much value my husband's opinion too and I have
0:41:26 > 0:41:30every intention of arranging to go back to both properties.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31That's good.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34As far as the mystery property was concerned, I think
0:41:34 > 0:41:38that perhaps we should go back to the architect, as you suggested,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41and perhaps talk about a couple of options.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44You mentioned bringing your husband, Jeremy, to see the house,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46but will you bring Eileen as well?
0:41:46 > 0:41:50I think at this stage I would do the research myself with Jeremy
0:41:50 > 0:41:53and Doug, and perhaps the next stage
0:41:53 > 0:41:55would be bringing the children and my mum.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Another thing that seemed to happen as we were going through the week
0:41:58 > 0:42:01was you became aware of the issue of location,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04whether being right out in the countryside was going to be good
0:42:04 > 0:42:06particularly for your kids?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Yes, it suddenly did hit me
0:42:09 > 0:42:12that it was going to be an incredible lifestyle change,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15and so I do have to give that a little bit more thought.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17So you did give us a very tall order.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Did we measure up in any shape?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Yes, it's been excellent
0:42:22 > 0:42:27and I'm a lot more knowledgeable about the marketplace
0:42:27 > 0:42:30and, as Anne said, we will follow it up.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- Very good. - Thank you.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35It's been a great pleasure and thanks again for bringing us
0:42:35 > 0:42:37to this lovely county.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38- Good. - Pleasure.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45I think we did a pretty good job here in County Durham
0:42:45 > 0:42:48because Doug and Anne are keen to revisit not one but two
0:42:48 > 0:42:49of our properties.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53So claps for us and claps for you for watching and do join us
0:42:53 > 0:42:56next time for another challenge on Escape To The Country.
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0:43:00 > 0:43:03in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:43:03 > 0:43:04and you need our help,
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