0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to what promises to be a very salubrious edition of
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Escape To The Country.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Now, remarkably, this beautiful castle behind me has been
0:00:08 > 0:00:12home to the same family for the best part of 1,000 years, but
0:00:12 > 0:00:16where is it and who is lucky enough to call this lavish mansion home?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40There's a continental feel to today's show, as our multilingual
0:00:40 > 0:00:43couple seek a translation to a more rural setting.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Top of their list, some cosy English charm.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51It is too big for a snug but it is snug enough to sit in.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Yeah, I take your point, yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55And our delightful selection of properties seems to work in
0:00:55 > 0:00:57any language.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58Oh, gosh!
0:00:58 > 0:01:00THEY GASP
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Well, today we are in Herefordshire on the Welsh borders,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09and this is Croft Castle, home to the Croft family.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Now, the castle began life here in 1055
0:01:12 > 0:01:15but over the centuries that followed it evolved into now
0:01:15 > 0:01:19a largely 17th-century and rather splendid family home you see today.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24But it was in the 18th century that the castle
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and the family's fortunes took a turn for the worse
0:01:27 > 0:01:31and they were forced to sell it but in 1923, Sir James Croft,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34the then 11th Baronet, managed to buy it back
0:01:34 > 0:01:37and the Crofts were returned to their family seat.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Now, it is a place that is still very much evolving,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43embracing new environmental technology that it's hoped
0:01:43 > 0:01:46will assure its future long into the 21st century,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50something I'll be taking a much closer look at later on in the show.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Land-locked Herefordshire is bordered by five counties,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59including Shropshire and Worcestershire.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03As one of England's most remote counties, Herefordshire's
0:02:03 > 0:02:07patchwork landscape has been shaped by centuries of agriculture.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11At its heart sits Hereford, with its majestic cathedral rising up
0:02:11 > 0:02:14above the River Wye, dominating the city skyline.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19East of Hereford lies the historic market town of Ledbury, with
0:02:19 > 0:02:22its crooked black and white timbered architecture, a style that's
0:02:22 > 0:02:24widespread across the whole county.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Venture away from the towns and you'll find peaceful hamlets
0:02:28 > 0:02:33and villages like Eardisley with its famous 800-year-old oak tree.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36With the River Wye meandering through a county with one of
0:02:36 > 0:02:40the lowest population densities in the country, Herefordshire is
0:02:40 > 0:02:41as rural as it gets.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Well, not only does Herefordshire have some absolutely beautiful
0:02:48 > 0:02:52countryside, it also has some fairly attractive property prices too.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The cost of your average detached here will set you
0:02:54 > 0:03:01back about £258,000, that's some £7,000 below the national average.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02But, of course, there are hotspots.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Anywhere in the southeast of the county, thanks to its fantastic
0:03:05 > 0:03:08transport links to the rest of the country,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10will mean you have to pay a little bit more.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13So, if you feel like being a little bit more remote
0:03:13 > 0:03:15and you want your money to go that little bit further,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18take my advice and head west and north.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Speaking of somebody who is now lucky enough to call this
0:03:20 > 0:03:24county home, take it from me, there is plenty on offer.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26So, time now to meet today's buyers
0:03:26 > 0:03:28and find out exactly what they're looking for.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Today's buyers are French tutor Victoria and her Dutch husband,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Lucas, a retired computer software engineer.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39They currently live in the town of Thatcham in Berkshire and met
0:03:39 > 0:03:4132 years ago at work.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43We worked for the same company
0:03:43 > 0:03:49and we started on the same day in Holland on 1 October, 1982.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54And then took a Christmas party outing in Amsterdam
0:03:54 > 0:03:58to get us really together.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01We came to the UK just after we got married.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04It was at the very end of 1985.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09And home in the UK is now on a classic suburban housing estate.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12We've been living here for 14 years.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15It seems to be getting busier and busier.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18We've gone past the stage of living on an estate now.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I'd really, really like to have rural views.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24The more of them the better as far as I'm concerned!
0:04:24 > 0:04:29But the draw of rural life, however, is not a desire for rural isolation.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32It would be nice to join in more in the local community
0:04:32 > 0:04:34and do things on a voluntary basis,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38and it's a good way of meeting new people that way as well.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The decision to move to Herefordshire is also driven
0:04:41 > 0:04:43by a wish to be near Victoria's ageing parents in the
0:04:43 > 0:04:45neighbouring county of Gloucestershire
0:04:45 > 0:04:48but they also have to think about a 23-year-old son,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Robert, who is studying for a master's degree, and
0:04:51 > 0:04:5421-year-old daughter, Laura, who's away at university.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Initially, it will be our son who is definitely moving with us.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Our daughter will be doing one more year at university
0:05:00 > 0:05:04but then, who knows? She might come back to live at home with us,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06but for the time being it will just be our son.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10In the move, a good kitchen is a priority as Lucas comes from
0:05:10 > 0:05:12a family of bakers.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16My grandfather was a professional patissiere in Holland.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20My father and his brother were also in the bakery.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26I worked in the bakery as a small person. I was, sort of, seven,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28eight, nine and it is in the genes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33And Victoria has a passion for the piano, which must also be
0:05:33 > 0:05:35accommodated in their new home.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38I've played the piano since I was seven years old.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39I don't practice as much as I should,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42usually an hour a week, but sometimes more.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45At the moment my piano is in a fairly small room,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49so, if possible, I would like a bigger room for it. Maybe one day,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51if I've got some spare cash, I might think about getting
0:05:51 > 0:05:54a Baby Grand, that would be absolutely amazing.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58But garage space will also be important as Lucas has a
0:05:58 > 0:05:59small collection of cars.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Cars have always been a major point in my life.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08The first words that I could say was 'auto', which is car.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11It was not 'mamma' and 'papa', it was 'auto'.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14But just getting away from the commuter rat run of their
0:06:14 > 0:06:17current area is the most important part of the move.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Herefordshire offers us a more rural place to live, less people,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24so I think it will be a more relaxing way of life for us.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31We're keeping our house hunt in the southern part of the county
0:06:31 > 0:06:35to stay near to Victoria's parents in English Bicknor, Gloucestershire.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I'm meeting up with Lucas and Victoria in Herefordshire to
0:06:38 > 0:06:39go over the details.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Well, Lucas, Victoria, welcome to Herefordshire
0:06:44 > 0:06:46on a glorious day, it has to be said.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48But what's brought you here?
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Well, we want to be closer to my family.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52They're getting older now,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54so we want to be able to be there for them,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57to help them out if need be, and we've been to Herefordshire
0:06:57 > 0:07:01many times, so we know it a bit and it's absolutely beautiful.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Well, hopefully, if we get it right, I might have some new neighbours.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- Who knows?- Hopefully.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06And a pub close by?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09There are plenty of good pubs in Herefordshire.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10I've looked at most of them, don't you worry.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Your interests are quite varied
0:07:12 > 0:07:14and certainly would seem to fit the bill for country life.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Yes, I love folk dancing.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20I belong to a very friendly group in Thatcham and I'm going to miss them,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23but I would like to find a folk dancing group nearby
0:07:23 > 0:07:25so I can take it up again.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Now give us an idea of the specifics of what you're
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- looking for, Victoria, in your new home.- OK.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32We'd like four bedrooms if possible, en suite,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34and ideally three reception rooms.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I'd like a separate room for my piano and
0:07:37 > 0:07:39it would be lovely to have a big kitchen
0:07:39 > 0:07:43where you can eat in and maybe have a sitting area at one end.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- We need a garage, definitely. - Garage for me, yes,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50because there are a few cars to accommodate.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51When you say a few, how many?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54There are three cars and actually a motorbike.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55An outside space?
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Yeah, a garden but not too big. I'm not a green-fingered person.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04And I would love open views, I really want my country views.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07We should just mention your children, Rob and Laura.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10They're setting out on their own paths, aren't they now, really,
0:08:10 > 0:08:11but still orbiting the family home,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14so you do need to accommodate them when they come back.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Yes, definitely. They're coming and going.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Robert will be living with us for the next couple of years probably.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26And he has a whole wish list of maybe an annexe, pool table, gym.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27We really need this house!
0:08:27 > 0:08:28THEY LAUGH
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Yes, sadly this isn't for sale. But if only it were.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37And can you picture a style of property that would fit the bill?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39I think we just want something with character.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41It doesn't really matter if it's modern,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and I think we're going to know it when we see it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45So, you know what you're looking for,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49but where do you want it specifically?
0:08:49 > 0:08:52OK, probably in an area around Hereford,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56an hour maximum radius around my parents, I think.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Now, since we first met you back in Thatcham, things have changed a bit?
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Yes, we got an offer on the house and accepted it,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06so we are all ready to go.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Let's just remind ourselves of how much you
0:09:08 > 0:09:10want to spend on this enterprise, Lucas.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14A maximum of £500,000. Really maximum.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Well, traditionally, this is an area that's had quite
0:09:16 > 0:09:18a lot of money spent on it over the centuries,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20and that's reflected in the housing stock.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23So your half a million quid will get us something, I think,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25quite exciting.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28We've got three to show you, including our mystery house.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31What's that going to be, I wonder? Ready to go?
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Yes.- Let's go and spend some money. - Thank you.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38With £500,000 to spend, Victoria and Lucas are looking for a character
0:09:38 > 0:09:40property with a minimum of four bedrooms,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42as well as another room for a piano.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45They'd like some semi-independent accommodation for their two
0:09:45 > 0:09:49children, as well as a garage for Lucas' small vehicle collection.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51They're also after countryside
0:09:51 > 0:09:52views, and a location in a
0:09:52 > 0:09:54community is also extremely
0:09:54 > 0:09:55important.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59We have three fantastic properties which we're hoping will tempt
0:09:59 > 0:10:01our buyers with all they have to offer.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04But I won't reveal their price tags until they've had a guess
0:10:04 > 0:10:06themselves.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09The final property will be our mystery house, which delivers
0:10:09 > 0:10:13some of what they want in spades but will challenge them on location.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Now, I know that you've expressed an interest in groups
0:10:19 > 0:10:20like the WI, Victoria.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Yeah, if it's a friendly group with people you get on well with,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26then I'd be willing to give it a go.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28They're great fun, they're very spirited,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31they have a great sense of community.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Yes, I think it's that sort of aspect we're looking for.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36We'd really like to be part of a community.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39So, let's see what you think of property number one
0:10:39 > 0:10:41and its village location.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43It's not very far from here.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Pretty close to all the things I think that you're looking for.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50We're starting our house hunt in the village of Hoarwithy which is
0:10:50 > 0:10:52located in the heart of the Wye Valley.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with stunning views
0:10:56 > 0:10:57at every turn.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02From here, you can drop down on to the Wye Valley Walk, a 136-mile trek
0:11:02 > 0:11:05along the river crossing in-between Wales and England
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and taking around 12 days to complete.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Hoarwithy itself has a pub with a community shop attached to
0:11:11 > 0:11:15it and it's all overlooked by the splendid church of St Catherine's.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Originally constructed in the 1840s,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22it began as a plain building but in the 1870s the wealthy vicar
0:11:22 > 0:11:26of Hentland decided to beautify the chapel, encasing it in Italian
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Romanesque architecture with a distinctive campanile tower.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32And our first house is just below it.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35So, there's the pub.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38And this is property number one.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Couldn't be closer to the pub, could it?- No, no.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42It's a really interesting proposition, this one.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's quite a sprawling complex but I thought we'd start here
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- because this really is the sort of pretty face of it.- Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51But it all will make sense as we go around the back.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- Come and have a look at this.- OK.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57This substantial red sandstone property is currently used
0:11:57 > 0:12:01as a B&B and offers six bedrooms in the main house, as well as some
0:12:01 > 0:12:03other interesting accommodation options.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Good for housing family and all their hobbies.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Now, this I think is where this complex begins to make some
0:12:08 > 0:12:10sort of sense.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Lots of parking, as you can see, but no garaging at the moment,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16and it also comes with this building here, which I'm thinking
0:12:16 > 0:12:19might be of interest to one or other of the children.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20Definitely.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22When they come to stay.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25But that's what I want you to think about, there's a lot to explore.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Yes, definitely. - Let's see what you think.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31The separate cottage is a large studio and would suit a
0:12:31 > 0:12:33family member or visiting guests,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36but it's just one of many options this house has to offer.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Well, let's start with the kitchen which,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42well, for most people, really, is the heart of it.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44I gather you're a bit of a baker, too?
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Yes, I can do some baking.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50There's an oven there, hob.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Reasonable work space. - Very farm housey, I think.- Yeah.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57Yes, lots of storage. I like it, good start.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59There's a lot more down here to explore as well.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02We've already tempted you with the annexe that's out in the yard
0:13:02 > 0:13:05there but there is another two-bedroom annexe through there,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07so, potentially, your children could have one each.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Really?- Yeah. See what they make of this.- OK.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13This self-contained annexe
0:13:13 > 0:13:15is extremely spacious, comprising
0:13:15 > 0:13:17of a kitchen, two bedrooms,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20a bathroom and a living room.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23So, you've got kitchen area here
0:13:23 > 0:13:26and then this is the living room to the annexe.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Wow!- Oh, quite big.- It's huge. - Yeah.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30What do you think the kids would make of it
0:13:30 > 0:13:32if they were following us around now?
0:13:32 > 0:13:33I think they'd be amazed.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37All that space, that is what they would really, really appreciate.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Well, we've only just scratched the surface,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41there's plenty more space to explore.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Just off the main kitchen in the other direction
0:13:44 > 0:13:46is a dining room currently used for the B&B guests,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and there are two further living rooms.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52This is what the owners currently use as their space
0:13:52 > 0:13:54away from the B&B.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Arguably, it's perhaps the smallest reception room.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Nice snug.- Yes, lovely wood burner. - Yeah.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Next door there's an enormous reception room
0:14:02 > 0:14:03currently used as bedrooms,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05and maybe that's one for the piano.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Yes, indeed.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08I think this has rather surprised you, Victoria.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10It has, yes, the size of it.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Yeah, the size. - Yeah, it's just amazing.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Well, there's plenty more to see upstairs.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Come and have a look at this. After you.- Thank you.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21On the first floor of this property are four rooms, of which three
0:14:21 > 0:14:24are en-suite bedrooms, and another room currently used as the
0:14:24 > 0:14:28guest sitting room with a balcony overlooking the Wye Valley.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31But there's even more accommodation on the second floor.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35So we've saved this one until last because it's right on the very top.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- The owners at the moment use this as their floor.- OK.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40So this is their master, if you like.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It has an en-suite shower room through there.- Yes.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46And across the landing there is another room similarly sized
0:14:46 > 0:14:48which they're using as an office/study,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50but it does have lovely views.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Yes. There's so much scope in this house.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- It goes on and on and on, doesn't it?- It does.- It does, yes.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Now, you've got so many en suites to choose from, I don't know which
0:14:58 > 0:15:01one you would prefer as your master bedroom. You'll have to decide.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03The one that has the best shower!
0:15:03 > 0:15:04THEY LAUGH
0:15:06 > 0:15:08But what do we think of the price, I wonder?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10We'll have to have a think about that one.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I think you will. Let's go and get some fresh air.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- OK.- You might need it.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Outside, there's a modest amount of land, around one third of an
0:15:18 > 0:15:21acre, but it's been imaginatively landscaped.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- This is lovely.- Yeah?- Oh!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25The garden's got some lovely little features,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27a little sun room back up there, and, of course,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30you've got the annexe down there in the courtyard.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Very unusual.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34So, have you been able to consider how much property one might
0:15:34 > 0:15:35be on the market for?
0:15:35 > 0:15:38OK, I think it's fairly close to the top of the budget,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I'm going to go for £475,000.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43£475,000, yeah. Lucas?
0:15:43 > 0:15:46That is what I would hope for but I think it is a bit higher,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48£485,000 is my guess.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Your hunch is right,
0:15:50 > 0:15:51but it is under budget but only just.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54It's on at £499,500.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55OK.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59So 500 quid left over.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03But I think you'll agree an awful lot of property for your money.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Definitely.- It's a lot, yeah. Yeah.- It's huge.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Right, well, there's one more bit you haven't seen and that
0:16:08 > 0:16:09is the annexe in the courtyard.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Go and have a look at that
0:16:10 > 0:16:12and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18With £500 change from their top budget, this substantial
0:16:18 > 0:16:22three-storey house offers six bedrooms plus a two-bedroom annexe
0:16:22 > 0:16:24and a separate studio cottage,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28so there is more than enough space for adult children, pianos and more.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31There are views across the Wye Valley landscape and space
0:16:31 > 0:16:33to build a garage.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36What's more, its central village location is extremely handy
0:16:36 > 0:16:37for local amenities.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Oh! This is a good room.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- I like the character of the beam. - The beam, yeah.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43I think I can see Robert in here, can't you?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- I think so, yeah.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- Oh, kitchen.- Tiny kitchen.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Adequate for somebody who cannot cook.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Oh, there's an en-suite shower in here.- Shower room.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55'It just goes on and on and on.'
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I couldn't believe the size of the house.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00The kitchen is ideal, very homely.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Nice to have the pub there.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I can walk to the pub and come back in one piece.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Well, the children would be delighted. Whether or not that might
0:17:08 > 0:17:12be too much space when they do finally fly the nest, I'm not sure.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Ah-ha! So what did you make of that, then?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Very interesting, yes. - Is it Rob or Laura?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Robert.- Probably Robert. - Probably Robert, OK.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Yes, yes, I think so.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Well, I think we've had a brilliant start with this one.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28So, it's lunchtime. Let's go and check out the pub.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Excellent, excellent.- Come on, then. - Excellent.- Thank you.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41With an abundance of appealing landscapes, it's easy to see
0:17:41 > 0:17:44why Victoria and Lucas want to move to Herefordshire for a more
0:17:44 > 0:17:46leisurely pace of life.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49But as well as finding a home with picture postcard views
0:17:49 > 0:17:52they're also looking to be part of an active community.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56With Victoria keen to pursue her passion for folk dancing,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59we've sent her and Lucas to Leominster Priory to meet Carol and
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Linda, two members of an all-female Morris dancing troops, whose
0:18:03 > 0:18:07origins are linked to an amazing artefact displayed in the church.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Welcome to Leominster and the beautiful Priory Church.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14We're in Jenny Pipe's Morris and this is a ducking stool.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18It was used to humiliate people who'd been bad in some way,
0:18:18 > 0:18:19a bit like the stocks.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Why is your group named after Jenny?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24We're called after Jenny Pipes because she was the last
0:18:24 > 0:18:28woman in England to be ducked on the ducking stool in 1809.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30What had Jenny done to be ducked?
0:18:30 > 0:18:34The reason that she was ducked was purely for being a nagging
0:18:34 > 0:18:37wife or a scold. So she had a sort of quarrelsome, boisterous
0:18:37 > 0:18:41tongue and was considered to be a public nuisance.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Although that was 200 years ago,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46we wanted to remember her feisty spirit,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49because Jenny Pipes was sort of marched around Leominster in
0:18:49 > 0:18:53the stool and ducked several times in the Kenwater but she still
0:18:53 > 0:18:57came up each time sort of hurling torrents of abuse at the magistrate.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59We like her spirit.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03The Morris tradition has its roots in the 14th and 15th
0:19:03 > 0:19:06centuries, and is most often associated with men.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10However, in more recent times it's expanded and evolved, and now
0:19:10 > 0:19:13all-female as well as mixed groups are helping to keep this
0:19:13 > 0:19:15native dance tradition alive.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17In order to learn the basic steps
0:19:17 > 0:19:20they're meeting up with group leader Heather.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21Hello, Heather. Nice to meet you.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23How many are there in your group?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26We've got about 10 or 12 members at the moment
0:19:26 > 0:19:28and some musicians as well.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29And what sort of age range are they?
0:19:29 > 0:19:33The youngest member is about 21 and I wouldn't like to tell you how
0:19:33 > 0:19:37old our oldest member is. I think that would be giving away secrets!
0:19:37 > 0:19:39And why do you come together to dance?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41People come for different reasons.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Some people come because it's really good exercise,
0:19:43 > 0:19:44you get a really good workout,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and the other thing is we like the idea of
0:19:46 > 0:19:51continuing a tradition of dance that goes back probably over 500 years.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52I see.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55OK, so would you like to learn a dance now?
0:19:55 > 0:19:56- Yes.- Yes.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57You'll need a stick.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58Thank you.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- And a handkerchief.- Thank you.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02OK, so I'm going to teach you a dance
0:20:02 > 0:20:05from the Cotswolds, from the village of Stanton Harcourt
0:20:05 > 0:20:08and this dance is called Bean Planting.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10So what we're going to do is we have our sticks in our right
0:20:10 > 0:20:13hand, we have our handkerchiefs in our left hand.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16We're going to stamp on the ground with our left foot
0:20:16 > 0:20:18and we're going to dib a hole for that bean with our stick.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22To step forward with the right and clash our partner's stick,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25then we're going to step back with the right foot
0:20:25 > 0:20:29and shoot any crows that might be going to steal our beans.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31OK? So let's have a practice at that.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34So we're going to step with the left, clash with the right
0:20:34 > 0:20:36and shoot those crows. Lucas.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39There are regional differences in the dances, and in
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Herefordshire groups either perform the Cotswold Morris or the
0:20:42 > 0:20:44border style, which is more vigorous.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47The dance they're going to learn today is a Cotswold dance.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Now across to your opposite partner.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Step, forward and back.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Having practised, it's time to get suited and booted for the
0:20:56 > 0:20:59performance, and whilst Lucas can't perform with the female
0:20:59 > 0:21:01troop, he does get to join the musicians.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Dance in position.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09BANDS PLAYS MORRIS DANCING TUNE
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Dancing in position.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24I can certainly see Victoria fitting in well with the local dance
0:21:24 > 0:21:28scene, so the pressure is definitely on to find her and Lucas
0:21:28 > 0:21:30their new Herefordshire home.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36For our next property we're border hopping into Gloucestershire
0:21:36 > 0:21:40to the village of Longhope, close to Victoria's parents.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43The village is small but has plenty of amenities including a
0:21:43 > 0:21:48post office and shop, allotments, a school and several pubs.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51There's also a village hall which holds regular community events.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55It's thought the village was founded in Saxon times, so there's a
0:21:55 > 0:21:57rich history and some rather old properties.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00And in the heart of it is our second offering.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Right, just settle down here
0:22:01 > 0:22:04because that is what I want you to feast your eyes on.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Ooh! Gosh. That's amazing.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11You wanted character, well, this has it in spades.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It's a little bit older than our first property,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16this one's about 1670.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Is it the sort of thing you would have considered, Lucas?
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Certainly on the sort of age and how it looks
0:22:22 > 0:22:24and it is definitely special.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- I love it.- Yeah, yeah. - Let's see what you think, come on.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32This is a Grade II listed five-bedroom property and, without
0:22:32 > 0:22:36a doubt, delivers on their desire for a house with character.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37There we go.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Oh...- Oh.- ...an island.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Very nice.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42Loads of character.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47Now, this is the biggest smile I've seen from Lucas all day.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48This is all good, isn't it?
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Yeah, definitely. It's not huge but it just feels nice.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Yeah. Through there you've got a huge utility room with pantry.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Wow. Just up my street, my little pantry.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- Exactly.- Your pantry, yeah?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Well, you need somewhere for all your baking stuff, don't you?
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Yeah. - All your different types of flour.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Some flour for this, flour for that, flour for...
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Yes.- Different kinds of flours.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Let's go through here to the living room.- OK.- Uh-uh.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I love these little latches.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Come on in.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21What do you think?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Wow. Beams.- I'm not saying anything.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25THEY LAUGH
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- Nice stone fireplace.- Hmm!
0:23:27 > 0:23:30It's light, you know, it's got plenty of light coming in.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31I like it.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35It is too big for a snug, but it is snug enough to...sit in.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Yeah, I take your point, yeah. OK, snug enough.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40There's a lot to like about this one. I adore it, you can
0:23:40 > 0:23:43probably tell. I'm a bit biased but there you go.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50There, a little bit of fine dining for you.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- Oh.- Oh!- Wow.- Yeah.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54What a room. Gosh!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Oh, there is your piano space.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Oh, my piano could go there. Down at that end.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01You might want to exchange it for a one like that.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Get a Grand Piano instead. Is that another fireplace?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Yes, you've got a lovely burner in here and some lovely details.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I mean, look at these hinges, hand-wrought hinges.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Is it working its historic charm?
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Oh, yes.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16On the one-to-ten scale, where are we?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Nine.- Nine?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- I was going to say nine as well. - I'll take nine.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Let's see if we can find that extra point...
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- OK.- ..upstairs.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31There are two upstairs floors accessed via a stone and oak
0:24:31 > 0:24:32staircase.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35On the first floor is a small landing-cum-study room,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39the property's only bathroom, as well as three of the five bedrooms.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Two are good-sized doubles, not including the master.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46And we're thinking this would be your bit.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47LUCAS LAUGHS
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Look at that bed!
0:24:48 > 0:24:52It's a beautiful room. Really beautiful.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Views both sides.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- Yeah, over the garden here.- Yes. - Yeah.- Yes.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58That is amazing.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59- Yes.- I love it.- Yeah.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00- I think you do love it.- Yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I can see that you might have a few reservations somewhere, though.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- I don't know if we've got to ten yet.- The staircase...
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- Well, the staircase will be the main issue for me.- Yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Now it is OK but in ten years...
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- It's a good consideration.- Mmm. Mmm.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15You know, it has work long term, doesn't it?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Upstairs there are two further bedrooms, so you've got five
0:25:18 > 0:25:23- bedrooms in all, but I think now we should repair to the garden.- OK.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25And talk about the money. Come on, then.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31The top floor has not only two good-sized bedrooms but also an
0:25:31 > 0:25:34adjoining lounge/study area.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It could make an almost independent suite for their son, Robert.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Outside, the gardens are spectacular
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and in the past have been open to the public.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I mean, what a time of year to see this garden.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47It's just beautiful.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53A really mature garden this is. All these different rooms.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54- Have a seat.- Thank you.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Let's relax a while.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58OK.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01At the end of our house... That's better isn't it?
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- Look at the view.- Yes.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Now the garden really is divided into two halves.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08There's this bit with all these beautiful plants in it,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12and then the other side of that wall is a really nicely appointed
0:26:12 > 0:26:14vegetable patch, fruit cages and so on,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and the whole thing goes up a little bit further to give you views
0:26:17 > 0:26:20out across the church and the house, and the valley beyond.
0:26:20 > 0:26:21It looks beautiful.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24It is a splendid property,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27but what do we think it's on the market for?
0:26:27 > 0:26:28I'd go higher this time.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30£499,950.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33So, 50 quid short of your budget, yeah? Victoria?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I think it's got to be above budget.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I would say £525,000.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I would have thought so myself, I have to say, if I'd have
0:26:41 > 0:26:43walked in here without knowing how much it is.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45But here's the thing.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48This could be yours for £475,000.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52That is a surprise!
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- That's right.- Oh, now look! - Big surprise.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57The Dutchman's smiling again! This is all good.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Yeah.- Yeah.- That's incredible.- Yeah.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Well, look, you haven't seen the top floor yet.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- Why don't you go and explore that... - Thank you.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04..and take your time, why not?
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Yes, definitely. It warrants it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13Priced at a surprising £25,000 under budget, this Grade II listed
0:27:13 > 0:27:1717th-century home is unquestionably an historic gem.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20There are five bedrooms laid out in a way that son Robert can
0:27:20 > 0:27:21have his own space.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25There's a fantastic reception room perfect for Victoria's piano.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29There's a detached garage, some wonderful pastoral views, and
0:27:29 > 0:27:31it's all in the heart of a small village community.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Watch your head.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37This is amazing. A very, very quirky room, isn't it?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Yeah. Nice views.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- This could be Robert's area couldn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- Yeah, it could be.- He'd love this part of the house.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Oh, I've just seen a little door through there.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- Oh, what's behind it? - Let's go and have a look.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55Oh, what a surprise! There's another bedroom. Look at this.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- And a good size again.- Wow.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- Interesting.- Very interesting.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03I think this house is absolutely incredible
0:28:03 > 0:28:06and it really blew me away, and it's packed with character.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11The floorboards, the door latches, the beams.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14The dining room had the best wow factor of them all.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18I love the garden, as well, divided into the small rooms
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and, of course, the views on both sides are absolutely amazing.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23I love this house.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26You know, for me, gardening is all about having fun
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and this is a brilliant example of it.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Look at it, a sheep crafted out of box hedging
0:28:31 > 0:28:32and a lovely piece of oak.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- Isn't that great?- Yeah.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- I've never seen anything like that before.- No.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I suppose if you were really true to it,
0:28:39 > 0:28:40you'd grow it out of yew.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Oh, Jules, that's terrible!
0:28:42 > 0:28:46A terrible joke to end what I think has been a good day.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47It's been fantastic.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48- Very good day.- Excellent.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Right then, I'm going to treat you both to a pint at the local.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- Come on.- Lovely. Thank you. - Oh, thank you.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05It's the second day of our house hunt and with a budget of
0:29:05 > 0:29:09£500,000 we're helping retirees Lucas and Victoria from
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Thatcham in Berkshire find a slice of rural bliss in Herefordshire.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Coming up, our mystery house gets son Robert's seal of approval.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21He would be over the moon with this place.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25And I root out the eco-friendly energy project that's hotting
0:29:25 > 0:29:27up in the county's woodland.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Wow! Well done, mate. That was quite a thud, wasn't it?
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Well, as we head out on our final day of house hunting
0:29:35 > 0:29:39here in Hereford, I suppose, really, it's a case of so far, so good.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Both Victoria and Lucas have enjoyed our first two properties
0:29:43 > 0:29:46and they have met the bill in terms of finding them something
0:29:46 > 0:29:49in a village with all the community support that that can offer.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52But Victoria, in particular, has been very clear,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54she does want her new home to have a view.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58So, for our mystery house, we're going to head a little more rural
0:29:58 > 0:30:01and believe you me, with this one, there is plenty to look at.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I know you know Herefordshire reasonably well
0:30:06 > 0:30:09but travelling around it these last few days, house hunting,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12has it reaffirmed your wish to be here?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Normally, I am driving and then, yeah, you see the road
0:30:15 > 0:30:19and not much else, and now I'm sitting in these cars,
0:30:19 > 0:30:23I could actually appreciate more of the rolling hills.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26So what you're saying is you want a chauffeur for your future life?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- Yes.- I'm not available!
0:30:28 > 0:30:29THEY LAUGH
0:30:31 > 0:30:34For our final property we're heading to the western side of Herefordshire
0:30:34 > 0:30:38on the Welsh border, where the nearest village is Ewyas Harold.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41It's an area of gently rolling countryside and the village has
0:30:41 > 0:30:46some foodie appeal with two pubs, a chippy, butchers and tea rooms.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49There's a post office, and for communal village activities,
0:30:49 > 0:30:51a memorial hall.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54The mystery house is a much more rural option than the previous
0:30:54 > 0:30:57two, being not in the village but a ten-minute drive up the
0:30:57 > 0:30:59valley to a glorious elevated position.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Climb up and enjoy the view.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Look at that!
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Oh!- Oh, that view!
0:31:08 > 0:31:09And you get this.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13We're a bit more rural here, we're not on the edge of a village,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16you've got three or four local shops
0:31:16 > 0:31:18and post offices within about a three or four mile radius of here.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- So let's see what you think of it. Come and have a look inside.- OK.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25It's not right in the heart of a community, which is what
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Lucas and Victoria wanted, but this house gives spectacular
0:31:28 > 0:31:30uninterrupted views.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33It's a three-bedroom 19th-century stone cottage which comes
0:31:33 > 0:31:36with is own separate one-bedroom unit.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Inside, the main house has a very traditional layout.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Let's start with this one.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Oh, this is sweet.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Mmm, cosy, cosy. Snug, snug.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- Yeah?- Nice snug, yes.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48I get the feeling you quite like it being cosy.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- You like your cosiness, don't you? - I like my cosiness.- Yes.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- Like to be nice and warm.- Yeah. - As well as a big room, yeah.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56- Yeah.- This is massive as well, so ours...
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Yes, quite big furniture in here.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Yeah, and our furniture is smaller.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02It's definitely smaller than this furniture.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Well, next door used to be a dining room
0:32:04 > 0:32:06but they've gone for the reception room option.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09But having said that, they have done quite a lot of work
0:32:09 > 0:32:13remodelling the kitchen at the back of the house to give you quite a big
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- open plan kitchen/diner, so... - Right.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- ..maybe that's all you need.- OK. - Let's have a look.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22And then this is the kitchen and diner.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- Oh, I like this!- Oh, oh! Yes.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Fantastic.- Mmm.
0:32:27 > 0:32:28- Yes.- Island.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Yes, our island.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- New range.- Oh, range cooker.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Yeah.- Oh, and the doors out to the garden there.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- I love it!- Yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- I really love it.- It's wonderful this.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- Well, we've got three bedrooms upstairs for you.- OK.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44Come and have a look at this.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49So the kitchen is definitely a winner in this house
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and off the kitchen there is also a utility room and a WC.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Upstairs, there is a shared family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There are two good doubles, either of which could be used by
0:33:00 > 0:33:01their daughter.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04And then, finally, this one.
0:33:04 > 0:33:05Oh, this is pretty.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- Pretty, pretty room, yeah. - Very pretty.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09I love the wallpaper.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Normally I wouldn't go for something like this but I do like it.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- I like the beams up here.- Yeah.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- They give a bit of character to the room.- Yeah.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- And you've got the views, of course, from here.- Yeah.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Well, I think the pair of you would be very happy over here,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25so let's take a walk across the garden now
0:33:25 > 0:33:27and have a look at the annexe/cottage
0:33:27 > 0:33:30and think about the children, because I think they'd like it.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- OK. Let's go.- After you.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Across the back of the courtyard garden is a separate storehouse
0:33:37 > 0:33:40and then the two-storey self-contained cottage
0:33:40 > 0:33:42which I think will be ideal for this family set up.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Now, what would the kids make of this?
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Oh, he would love this, Robert would.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Oh, an L-shape. L-shaped living room. Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Oh, do you know, he's been talking about having
0:33:55 > 0:33:58an L-shaped sofa for ages now.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59It used to be a garage,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02so it was just a great big empty box, really, but they've managed to
0:34:02 > 0:34:05incorporate the kitchen area there and then upstairs is this really
0:34:05 > 0:34:08nice bathroom and a huge bedroom that overlooks the views again.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11He would be over the moon with this place.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13This is absolutely super.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- I think this could really work, don't you, Luc?- Yeah, yeah.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20As the cottage used to be the garage, there is now no
0:34:20 > 0:34:24garage for Lucas' cars, but there is no shortage of land upon
0:34:24 > 0:34:25which to build one.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Well, here we are then, the final bit of our mystery house tour.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31And part of the reason it's our mystery house
0:34:31 > 0:34:34is because it comes with five acres.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35- Five?!- Up there.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36THEY LAUGH
0:34:36 > 0:34:37Five acres?!
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Along with that stable block over there.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- Now, the current owners don't use the land, they just rent it out.- OK.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47So, what do we think our mystery house is on the market for?
0:34:47 > 0:34:49I think its got to be top of the budget.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51I would say £500,000.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52£500,000. Lucas?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Hoping for £450,000.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56£450,000?!
0:34:56 > 0:35:01Well... So you were hoping for £50,000 change?
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- Yes.- That's a bit optimistic.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- Well...- I'm always optimistic.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08This is how much change you would get from your half a million.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- £5?- £5.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15It's on at £499,995.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- All right, OK.- Right, OK.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19There you are. Treat yourself.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22Well, go and have a look around
0:35:22 > 0:35:24and see what you might do with that fiver.
0:35:24 > 0:35:25I'll catch up with you later.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29So, for just under their top budget, this stone cottage offers
0:35:29 > 0:35:32three good-sized bedrooms in the main house as well as a
0:35:32 > 0:35:35great separate one-bedroom unit for son Robert.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36There are two living rooms
0:35:36 > 0:35:39so there's at least a corner for the piano.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42There is currently no garage and it's not in the centre of a village
0:35:42 > 0:35:45but what it lacks in neighbours it gains in incredible rural views.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49I loved the house from the moment we walked up to the front door
0:35:49 > 0:35:52with that beautiful view around us.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55The least favourite part of the property is actually the land,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59although, yeah, it can be rented out, so that is less of a worry.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02I think you do get a feeling as you walk into a house
0:36:02 > 0:36:05that you know it could be for you,
0:36:05 > 0:36:09and I do actually feel, you know, that it could be the one.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- After you, madam.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Well, I think that was all rather useful, actually.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- What a great house tour. - Yeah.- Definitely.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23And we managed to get you some change of a fiver.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27But I think all in all we have given you plenty to consider
0:36:27 > 0:36:29this week, haven't we?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Oh, definitely. Most definitely.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Right then, let's go and find that coffee. Come on.- OK, thank you.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Croft Castle near Leominster, home to the Croft family for
0:36:44 > 0:36:48nearly 1,000 years, is now a lavish country mansion.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50But it started life as a Norman stronghold
0:36:50 > 0:36:52to guard the border with Wales.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Today, its National Trust custodians
0:36:54 > 0:36:57are fighting a different sort of battle.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59How to find an environmentally-friendly way
0:36:59 > 0:37:02of heating the vast property.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05But can a building with hundreds of years of history
0:37:05 > 0:37:06have an eco-friendly future?
0:37:06 > 0:37:10I've come to meet operations manager Ian Grafton to find out more.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Wow, this is the life isn't it?
0:37:12 > 0:37:13It is, welcome to the saloon, Jules.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- This is gorgeous.- It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I am astonished that any building, frankly, can
0:37:18 > 0:37:22remain in the hands of the same family for nearly 1,000 years.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- How have they managed it here? - It is astonishing.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27I think they've just been very good with their money,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29they've also been a very honourable family.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31They've fallen out of favour so many times
0:37:31 > 0:37:32being on the wrong side of different wars.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35They did lose the house, though, in 1746 in the South Sea Bubble
0:37:35 > 0:37:37when they had to sell. Sir Archie Croft sold the house.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Remarkably, they bought it back in 1923, but eventually,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42as happened to many of the big country houses,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44they just couldn't afford to run it,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47so they gave it to the National Trust in 1957.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51The future of the castle is very much in your hands now. You've had
0:37:51 > 0:37:54to do an awful lot of restoration and renovation here, haven't you?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Yes. Re-roofed it. We've put new services in.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59We're about to put in new heating systems.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01We've probably spent about two and a half,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03three million pounds in the last ten years.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Now, you talk about heating systems. I live in a lovely old house,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07not as big as this, I hasten to add,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10but my heating bill is horrendous. Yours must be astronomic.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13We spent last year about £19,000 on heating oil which,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17as you can tell, is a massive amount and not sustainable
0:38:17 > 0:38:19going forward cos heating oil prices are due to rise, as we know.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21So what do you do about it looking ahead?
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Well, we're surrounded by woodland here, 1,500 acres of woodland,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and, of course, if you go back 300 years, the house would have
0:38:27 > 0:38:28been heated by burning wood.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32So we're going to put in a biomass boiler that burns woodchip
0:38:32 > 0:38:35and we're going to harvest our own timber, season it, chip it,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38put it into the boilers and go back, if you like, 300 years
0:38:38 > 0:38:40but with 21st-century technology.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43As well as being more cost-effective than other heating systems,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46wood-fuelled heating is a low-carbon option.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49After allowing the wood to dry for 12 months,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52it's chipped and will be stored in purpose-built huts
0:38:52 > 0:38:55before it's ready to be used in the biomass boiler,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59and the process is sustainable as long as new trees are planted.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02I'm meeting the project manager, Jo Dimitri.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03Now, let's be clear, you're not going to fell
0:39:03 > 0:39:05all of Croft's woodland.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- This is a...- Absolutely not. - ..a managed process?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09It is a very carefully managed process.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13As you can see, on this side we have the conifer plantations.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16They're non-native species and as you can see it's very dark.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- Yeah.- When you move over to the other side
0:39:18 > 0:39:20you've got a much more open, managed woodland,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and you can see it really opens up the space,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26improves the habitat for birds, bats, butterflies.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29But how long can you keep the new boilers going for
0:39:29 > 0:39:31with what's available here at Croft?
0:39:31 > 0:39:35By thinning out the woodland and widening the rides, we think we've
0:39:35 > 0:39:38got about 19, 20 years worth of wood that we can fuel the biomass.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Now, you've been hard at work already,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42even before the boilers have been installed.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43That started over a year ago,
0:39:43 > 0:39:48where we've cut down enough wood for a year's supply of fuel for the
0:39:48 > 0:39:51biomass, and that has been seasoning in the woodland so that when
0:39:51 > 0:39:54it actually goes into the boiler, the boiler works efficiently.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Well, I think I can hear a chainsaw over there.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Shall we go and see what's going on? - Let's see, yeah.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05This is one of five sustainable energy pilots being undertaken
0:40:05 > 0:40:08by the National Trust at properties across the UK.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Each scheme is being monitored with a view to being rolled out
0:40:11 > 0:40:15across the Trust, cutting its total annual heating bill
0:40:15 > 0:40:16of six million pounds in half.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Wow! Well done, mate. That was quite a thud, wasn't it?
0:40:22 > 0:40:23So now all you've got to do is chip it?
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- And then we've got our fuel. - Brilliant.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29So, with the new biomass boiler set to be installed in the coming weeks,
0:40:29 > 0:40:34this project will soon go live and aims to provide 75% of the
0:40:34 > 0:40:39heating at Croft Castle, saving 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Not only helping the environment but freeing up money to be
0:40:42 > 0:40:44spent on vital conservation work.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Well, I am pretty confident that we have given Victoria
0:40:52 > 0:40:54and Lucas three fabulous houses to choose from this week
0:40:54 > 0:40:57but, of course, they can afford to buy only one,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59but, let's be honest, you don't need to
0:40:59 > 0:41:03be Sherlock Holmes to figure out which one it's most likely to be.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12So, we came out here looking for a home. Have we found you one?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14- Probably.- Probably?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17The mystery house is top.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Two nice rooms, snug but when you take out the big furniture
0:41:20 > 0:41:23then that will work, and a fabulous kitchen.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Yes, the kitchen was absolutely amazing. I loved it. And, of
0:41:27 > 0:41:31course, the annexe for Robert would be really, really pleased with that.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32And it came with some fabulous views.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Yes, the views were just outstanding.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37So, I suppose the only thing is we've given you a bit more land
0:41:37 > 0:41:39with the mystery house than you wanted.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Yes, but thinking of it, it is a bit equestrian land there,
0:41:43 > 0:41:47and daughter Laura sometimes talks about a horse.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Really? We weren't looking for anywhere for a horse
0:41:49 > 0:41:51but now you might end up with one!
0:41:51 > 0:41:53No. No. We might well.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55So what happens next, Victoria?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Well, I think we go home, discuss things with our son,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and I think we also need to look into how far the house
0:42:01 > 0:42:05is from amenities, exactly where it is, where the nearest
0:42:05 > 0:42:08community would be, and take it from there.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12Well, it is a really gorgeous bit of Herefordshire,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15and I hope the children also share your view that it's
0:42:15 > 0:42:17the property for you because it really is terrific.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20So, just let us know. I can't wait to hear.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Yes, and thank you so much for your help.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24It's been a fabulous experience.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25Yes. Thank you very much.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Well, as we have seen, Herefordshire is not short on views
0:42:33 > 0:42:37and we certainly rewarded Victoria and Lucas with plenty of those this
0:42:37 > 0:42:40week, but so too has the property market left us spoilt for choice.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Three, I think, remarkable properties,
0:42:43 > 0:42:45any one of which would have suited our buyers
0:42:45 > 0:42:47but they've plumped for our mystery house.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50And any time soon it looks like, with any luck,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I might have two new neighbours.
0:42:53 > 0:42:54I'll see you next time.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Wales or Scotland and need our help, you can apply online at: