0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Carbon dated no less to 1325, this enormous barn behind me
0:00:08 > 0:00:11represents one of the finest examples of medieval timber
0:00:11 > 0:00:14construction anywhere in the UK.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17But where have we come to to find this 14th century gem?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41On today's show, our buyers are getting ahead of themselves.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44My first impression is Christmas tree. I do love Christmas.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46You're moving in already!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'And they get distracted by the local landscape.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:52I don't believe it. Are you two still here?
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Yes.- Did you actually go and have another look?- No.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- No! - HE LAUGHS
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Well, today we are in Worcestershire and this is Lyde Court Barn,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06one of the finest examples of cruck construction
0:01:06 > 0:01:07anywhere in the country.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Well, how about this? What an amazing space.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19It's 140ft long and this enormous roof is supported by no less
0:01:19 > 0:01:23than nine of these fabulous cruck frames.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Each one of these outer timbers was fashioned from the trunk
0:01:27 > 0:01:29of a single oak tree.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Buildings like this were designed to house the harvest,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35but they also had another purpose as well.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37When it was built originally,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41the walls would have been in-filled with wattle panels,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44much like those, and with these two carriageways incorporating
0:01:44 > 0:01:47four sets of double doors, the idea was simple - the breeze
0:01:47 > 0:01:50and the air flowing through would separate
0:01:50 > 0:01:55the wheat from the chaff, a process known then and now as winnowing.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58As somebody who does love a medieval building, take it from me,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03this one is an absolute treat. It's arguably the best I have ever seen.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05But, as you might imagine,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08there's more to Worcestershire than just the architecture.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Landlocked Worcestershire is
0:02:12 > 0:02:15bordered by Herefordshire to the west, the West Midlands to the
0:02:15 > 0:02:19north, and Gloucestershire to the south and east.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22On the western fringes of the county sit the Malvern Hills,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25which are believed to be the inspiration for the Shire
0:02:25 > 0:02:29region of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31described in The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35The hills are ever popular with walkers and from the top, there
0:02:35 > 0:02:40are impressive views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Cotswolds.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41To the east of the county,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44the Cotswold hills rise up from the Vale of Evesham
0:02:44 > 0:02:46and feature the village of Broadway, which is
0:02:46 > 0:02:49regarded as one of England's prettiest.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Over the years, the timeless beauty of the stone houses,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55perfectly positioned within the surrounding countryside,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57has been a real attraction.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00In the hills above Broadway stands Broadway Tower,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03a Romanesque style folly.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Built in the late 1790s, it stands on the western
0:03:06 > 0:03:10edge of the Cotswolds and offers a magnificent vista across the county.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14With Worcestershire offering such a rich variety of countryside
0:03:14 > 0:03:16and architectural heritage,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20it's not hard to see why this region is such a draw.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Now, if you fancy a slice of rural living,
0:03:28 > 0:03:30but don't want to be too isolated,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34then Worcestershire really does deserve some careful consideration
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and the reason is simple - glorious countryside
0:03:37 > 0:03:40and some really enticing prices to match.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44The cost of your average detached property here is
0:03:44 > 0:03:46currently around about £275,000.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50That's just £5,000 above the national figure,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53which isn't bad when you consider that just over the border
0:03:53 > 0:03:57into Gloucestershire, you could pay 10% for exactly the same thing.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59So, time now to meet today's buyers
0:03:59 > 0:04:04and find out where in this gorgeous county they want to be.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06In stark contrast to Worcestershire's rural
0:04:06 > 0:04:10landscape is the commuter town of Hornchurch in Essex, which is
0:04:10 > 0:04:13where retired couple Jean and Michael have lived in a
0:04:13 > 0:04:17two bedroom first floor maisonette for the last 20 years.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Jean is a former police officer
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and Michael was a civilian driver for the Metropolitan Police.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25They've been married for 23 years.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I first met Michael when we were working together
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and I quite fancied him.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- And so I pursued him relentlessly until he finally caught me! - MICHAEL CHUCKLES
0:04:37 > 0:04:41I was very flattered, I must say. Never been chased before!
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Now retired, they're free to make the break from Hornchurch,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48an area Jean has lived in for 30 years.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Hornchurch has changed a lot since I first moved here.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54It was almost villagey.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Lots of little shops and unfortunately,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00in recent years, there's more bars, clubs opening up.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We used to walk down to the town on a Saturday night
0:05:03 > 0:05:06and go for a meal and then come out and walk back feeling quite safe.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I'm not saying that it isn't safe,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11but as you get older, you don't feel so secure.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14So we tend not to go out in the evenings any more.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17It's not just the town that no longer serves their needs.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Their current home also has its drawbacks.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I love the flat, but the stairs are getting us down now.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26The garden's far too big for us to look after.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30It's not impossible now cos we're still reasonably fit, but we do
0:05:30 > 0:05:34know that in a few years' time, that's not going to be so easy.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38So, that's really why we want to move.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40They've chosen Worcestershire
0:05:40 > 0:05:42as Jean remembers it fondly from her childhood.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46I can remember going camping there when I was a little girl,
0:05:46 > 0:05:47with the Girl Guides.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50And it's a beautiful county, it really is.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53But after spending most of their lives in an urban setting,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56they're under no illusions as to what's at stake.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59The move is going to be quite challenging really.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I'm excited, but I'm also very, very nervous. I've been here 30 years.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I do think it's got to be better for us, I really do.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Jean and Michael are open-minded about where
0:06:11 > 0:06:14they want their new house to be, so to make their budget go that
0:06:14 > 0:06:18bit further, we'll widen our search into neighbouring Herefordshire.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20But I'm meeting up with them in Worcestershire
0:06:20 > 0:06:22to go over their property wish list.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Well, Jean, Michael, welcome to Worcestershire.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26This is a big move for you.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- It is indeed.- All the way from Essex. I'm an Essex boy.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- I didn't realise. - So I can appreciate the distances
0:06:32 > 0:06:37and the change that's going to be involved. Why now, Michael?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Well, we're not getting any younger
0:06:40 > 0:06:45and where we're living in a first floor flat, it's the stairs.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48So, we want somewhere that isn't reliant on stairs,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50but obviously lots of properties have a second floor.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Would that in itself be OK?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54No, as long as there was a downstairs cloakroom,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58so we wasn't constantly down the stairs, then that would be fine.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59Now, in terms of space,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02what does your new home need to have in it, Jean?
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We certainly don't want anything less than what we've already got.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07At the moment, we've got two double bedrooms,
0:07:07 > 0:07:11both with built-in wardrobes, so there's a good amount of storage.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16We've got a lounge and a separate dining room, but we'd be prepared to give up the dining room,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20if the kitchen was large enough to have a table and chairs in there.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23And with regards to outside space, we'd love to be able to open
0:07:23 > 0:07:27the kitchen door or dining room doors out onto a patio.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28We are prepared...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31We would like a smaller garden really, cos what we've got
0:07:31 > 0:07:34at the moment is getting too much for us to handle.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I'm very touched as well by the fact that poor old Michael here,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41who loves a bath, doesn't have a bath any more.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45The bathroom is so small, it's about 6ft square, and we thought,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48if we take the bath out and put a shower in...
0:07:48 > 0:07:50But you don't realise how much you miss a bath
0:07:50 > 0:07:52until you haven't got one.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- All those aches and pains to soak away.- Yeah, that's right.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57But what are we after in terms of style?
0:07:57 > 0:08:02I don't think we've got a specific idea of what we do want - it's more what we don't want.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We don't want a project and we don't want the chocolate box thatch,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- we don't want the beams and small rooms.- Michael?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Something a little newer, I think.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14And how much are we planning to spend, Michael?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Well, we've got £350,000.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21I'm pretty optimistic about your 350,000 for your two bed,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- maybe three, rural dream. - Good.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28It certainly is more than the average figure here, which is
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- currently £275,000, so we have got a bit of wiggle room.- Good.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36We've got three to show you this week, including the mystery house, so let's get going.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- OK.- Shall we? Follow me.- Right.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Jean and Michael have £350,000 to spend on their new country home.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48They would like a house with a kitchen/diner,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51not too many stairs, a minimum of two double bedrooms
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and a bathroom, so Michael can at last enjoy a bath.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58They need a downstairs cloakroom, and as they enjoy the fresh air,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02would like a small garden with a patio for entertaining friends.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05We've lined up three interesting properties to show them.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08They won't know the price tag of each until after each house tour.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11But I'm hoping our last offering, our mystery house,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14will really challenge their thinking.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Time to hit the road.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Would you say your retirement's busy, Michael?
0:09:20 > 0:09:24I try not to be busy, but she keeps me on the go most of the time! JULES CHUCKLES
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- I knew he'd say that! - There's always something to do.- Yeah.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- You're the chauffeur.- Yeah. - Well, I know what that feels like!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35THEY LAUGH
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We're starting our property search in the hamlet of Acton Green,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41which is just over the border into Herefordshire.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Bishops Frome is one of the closest villages for amenities.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49With a strong sense of community, the village is served by two well
0:09:49 > 0:09:53regarded pubs, a local butchers and its own out-of-town shopping
0:09:53 > 0:09:56centre, hosting a number of independent stores.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59The hamlet of Acton Green is a ten minute drive away.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04Surrounded by small coppices and farmland is our first offering.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07So, this is it. Property number one.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- There you go. Michael? - Yes, it's very nice.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- It's quite...pretty, really, isn't it?- It's very pretty!
0:10:16 > 0:10:19It's got this lovely mixture of stone
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and classic oak timber framing, as you can see.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Very much what houses in this part of the world are known for.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- It dates from about 1600, this one.- That IS old!
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- So, it's had some history and it's had some lives lived in it.- Yeah.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35We just need to add another chapter to its story, really.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- Let's see.- Maybe it's you two! Come and have a look then.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41'Although it dates back 400 years,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'the inside of what was once an old schoolhouse has been
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'renovated recently, so it should give our buyers that modern
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'with character feel they're after.'
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Come in, Jean.- Thank you.- Mike, if you can grab the door.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- Now, what do you think, Michael? - It's very small, at first thought.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04- Jean?- Yes, it is very small, compared to what we've got.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06But it depends what else there is.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I mean, this is really you being cosy, the pair of you.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12At the moment, the property's not really lived in.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It's part-furnished, so you have to imagine it with a bit more
0:11:15 > 0:11:19dressing and a bit more homeliness, I suppose.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Happy?- Yes.- Yes. - Yes. I can see there's a slight... - We have reservations.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26I've still got to see what else there is before you can say.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Come on, then. This is the kitchen/diner,
0:11:29 > 0:11:34which hopefully will allay any worries you have.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- It's still quite compact, isn't it?- It's a bit small.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39I mean, it's got a lot of stuff in it, to be fair.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42That dresser is soaking up space and light.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- If you had a more oblong table... - That might work better.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48..running that way, it would give you that sense of separation
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and a bit more working space over there perhaps.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Oh, dear. So, space... - Yes.- ..is a thing.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59'The size of this charming cottage might be a concern,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03'but it does benefit from a more modern extension beyond the kitchen,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06'which features a generous utility area and a downstairs guest
0:12:06 > 0:12:11'suite, adding more space to the original fabric of the building.'
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- So, shower room in there. - All right, OK.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- That's a nice little sink.- And then, this is the extension.- Ah.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- You'd get a double bed in, wouldn't you?- I think so.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- I think for visiting guests... - Yeah. It's a nice little room.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28And if you did want it as a separate kind of study area,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31if you weren't that fussed about having it as a bedroom, again
0:12:31 > 0:12:35it sort of takes the pressure off what you use the other rooms for.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Yeah.- The kitchen and the living room. So, yeah, lots of options.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- And then upstairs, two bedrooms.- OK.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Shall we have a look at those?- Yes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49'And those upstairs bedrooms are also both good sized spaces,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52'with the added bonus of exposed beams.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56'Plus, there's a three piece, half-tiled, family bathroom.'
0:12:56 > 0:13:00And then, finally, this is yours.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Oh, it's a little bigger, isn't it? - Yeah, biggest of the lot.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- You've got this lovely vaulted ceiling.- Mm.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- Dual aspect.- No, it's...not what I'm looking for.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- It's too small.- Yeah.- Too small? - Yeah. I think so.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Perhaps the next thing is to really talk about the price then
0:13:19 > 0:13:21because that may have a bearing on it.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- It would certainly give you an idea of what's on offer here.- OK.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27And I think that's what could be exciting.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29So, let's go down to the garden, get some fresh air,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- and talk about the numbers. - OK.- OK.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38In the garden, there's a pretty patio and seated area to the front
0:13:38 > 0:13:42of the property, which is enclosed by mature shrubs and hedging.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45But directly opposite the house, over the driveway,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48is more outside space, with a vegetable patch.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- Oh, look! Sunnier now!- Yes. - This is all good.- Much nicer!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54LAUGHTER
0:13:54 > 0:13:58You see, I'm hoping that the sunshine is going to help
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- the feeling about what we have about this place.- Do you think?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04You never know. The price might.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- £350,000 is your maximum spend, including everything.- Yeah.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13So, Michael? What's property one on the market for?
0:14:13 > 0:14:19- I think it's about £280,000. - 280. Jean?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23I think it's a little bit more. 300?
0:14:23 > 0:14:24300, yeah.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31Well, given that you don't want to spend everything,
0:14:31 > 0:14:39the fact that this is on the market for £289,950...means I think
0:14:39 > 0:14:41it's worth looking at, certainly.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47Mm-hm. It is a beautiful property. It's absolutely stunning.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- But I'm not sure... - You're not sure.- ..it's for us.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Michael?- Not the inside.- I think it's too small.- Too small.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56We haven't spent all of your money yet.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00We've still got a bit left, up to 350, for our final two properties,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03but I think this is a really interesting start, gives you
0:15:03 > 0:15:06an idea of what you can achieve if you want to go in at a lower sum.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Yeah.- Well, there is one bit you haven't seen and that is the garden across there.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- Go and have a look at that and I will catch up with you a little bit later.- OK.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:15:17 > 0:15:23Under budget by £60,000, our first property is a characterful
0:15:23 > 0:15:24country cottage, which has been
0:15:24 > 0:15:26sensitively renovated and extended.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It gives Michael and Jean
0:15:28 > 0:15:30one more bedroom than they asked for
0:15:30 > 0:15:32and a downstairs bathroom.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33And what's more,
0:15:33 > 0:15:34the garden I slow maintenance
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and offers a patio for entertaining.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- I think the location is very nice. Nice and quiet.- Beautiful, isn't it?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- So peaceful. - It's lovely, in the country.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45And this little bit, even though it's separated,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- it's ideal for the barbecue. - And no stairs.- No, no stairs.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- But I think the house itself is just too small for us.- Yeah.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Although we live in a flat at the moment, a maisonette,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02it's quite a lot bigger than the whole cottage.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06But the bathroom was bigger and it had a bath, so that was good.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11If we could pay a little more for slightly larger in size,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14it would be a lot better, I think.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Looking at the property from the outside,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20it really is beautiful, but even from the initial approach,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I was concerned about what the size might be inside.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26I mean, it's beautifully done and I guess it's right for somebody,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29but I don't think it's right for us.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- Hello, Jean.- Hello.- How are we doing, Michael?- Yeah, we're fine.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37You see, we tried to get you a bit of change with this one,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41but I suspect we may need to change what we're looking for.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- I think so.- Come on. Let's go.- OK.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51When our buyers finally move to the West Midlands countryside,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Jean is keen to reignite her passion for nature, first sparked
0:16:55 > 0:16:58when she was a child in the Girl Guides.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Worcestershire is home to one of the country's oldest
0:17:01 > 0:17:03and largest centres for birds of prey.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07The Falconry Centre in Hagley is home to around 80 birds,
0:17:07 > 0:17:12both native species and some from overseas. The centre has an active breeding programme
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and helps rehabilitate British birds of prey injured in the wild.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19We sent our couple to meet volunteer Abbie Watson to meet
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- some of the current residents.- This is Mr Jangles, our spectacle owl.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Hello, Mr Jangles!
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Isn't he nice?- He's beautiful.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Apart from Mr Jangles, what other sorts of birds do you have here?
0:17:30 > 0:17:32We have a large variety of birds here,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35from the UK and across the world.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38We have hawks, owls, vultures, falcons, kites, eagles.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40We have a large variety of different birds.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45I noticed that Mr Jangles is doing a lot of head bobbing.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Yes, this is him trying to focus. - Right.- He's only young.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51That's him focusing on all the different things that are going on.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- How old is he?- He's about 12 weeks old now.- Oh, really? That is young. - Yeah.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Birds of prey, or raptors, rapidly declined in numbers during the
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Victorian period due to excessive hunting
0:18:02 > 0:18:06and then pesticide poisoning in the mid-20th century.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09But laws introduced to protect birds of prey, along with a greater public
0:18:09 > 0:18:13understanding of their plight, have helped halt the decline.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16So, these are our public display birds.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20So, we do have lots of conservation here, from breeding to rehabilitation.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25So, Noodles, that Harris hawk there, he's one of the birds that we bred here last year.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27So, you say that you do a lot of rehabilitation.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30What sort of typical injuries do you find?
0:18:30 > 0:18:33The injuries we tend to get the most are when they've been hit by cars.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35And do you get the majority back out into the wild?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37The majority, yeah, we do manage to get back.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42I understand that you do a lot of public displays. How does that fit in with the centre?
0:18:42 > 0:18:46We try and use conservation through education, so if we can educate the public about the problems that
0:18:46 > 0:18:49some of the birds are facing, they'll learn a bit more.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- So, would you like to come and fly one of our birds now?- I'd love to.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Nothing would make me happier.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57The centre has two Bateleur Eagles that they fly
0:18:57 > 0:19:01regularly for displays. The Bateleur is a medium-size colourful
0:19:01 > 0:19:07eagle found all over Africa, south of the Sahara and even into Arabia.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11In 2009, they were placed on the endangered list, due to the loss of habitat,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15and so any conservation efforts to help them are really worthwhile.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19The centre plan to breed with their two birds in the next few years.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22The eagles spend eight to nine hours a day looking for food.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26In the wild, they eat live and dead animals, such as mice, lizards
0:19:26 > 0:19:30and birds, but here, the centre bring in dead chicks to feed them.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33If the bird knows the handler has food, they'll always fly to them.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Nugget!
0:19:41 > 0:19:42Good girl!
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- SHE CHUCKLES - She's beautiful!
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Well, that flight was absolutely amazing.- Brilliant.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- I'm glad you've enjoyed it. - We've had a really good day.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- Good luck with the move.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.- Bye-bye.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08For our second property,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10we're heading to the village of Ribbesford.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Bewdley is the closest town for shops and services, two miles away.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Nestling on the banks of the River Severn, it is
0:20:17 > 0:20:20one of Worcestershire's most historic and scenic places.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24Bewdley has long been an important river crossing and by the 18th
0:20:24 > 0:20:27century, it had become a thriving inland port,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30with goods arriving from all over the world.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Today, it offers a range of independent shops
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and is famed for its fine Georgian architecture.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Our second house is a few minutes' drive away.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Surrounded by beautiful and unspoilt countryside,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45it's part of a small development of former farm buildings.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- That is property number two.- OK. - What do you think?- A lot better.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- A lot better! Why a lot better? - I don't know.- Michael?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- It looks bigger. It looks a lot nicer.- It is a little bit bigger.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04I wouldn't say it was twice the size at all. It is beautifully finished.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08It's one of half a dozen properties in this renovated farm complex,
0:21:08 > 0:21:09so you've got six properties here.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13So, you've got neighbours, you've got a community, which is great.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Yeah.- And you've got some amazing views...- I just sneaked a peek.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18You can just glimpse through there and there's a real
0:21:18 > 0:21:21treat in the garden, which makes best use of those.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24But, yeah, this is interesting.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27My very first impression is very nice.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- And I'll let you into another little secret, Michael...- Yeah. - It's got a bath.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- A real bath you can have all to yourself.- Thanks very much.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- LAUGHTER - Good. Come on. Let's have a look.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41OK. People will think he hasn't had a bath for years!
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'Well, that's a better reaction to our second property,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48'our semidetached barn conversion. I'm confident Jean
0:21:48 > 0:21:52'and Michael will be equally impressed with the interior.'
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Come on, let's start in here. This is the living room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Oh, this is lovely!- Isn't it? - Very nice.- Yeah.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Oak flooring, you've got the beams, but of course
0:22:00 > 0:22:02they're nice and high.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The fireplace over there, with wood-burner,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08so nice and cosy in the winter again.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Do you know? My first impression is Christmas tree.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- I do love Christmas. - You're moving in already!
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Right then, kitchen. Come on. Follow me.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'The living room also takes advantage of the impressive
0:22:21 > 0:22:24'views, with French doors leading out to a garden patio.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:31So, across the hallway, up these two steps, you've got the kitchen...
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Well, kitchen/diner really.- That's a lot bigger as well, isn't it?
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- Yeah, it's very nice. - Got a nice little bit of storage space over there, with that
0:22:40 > 0:22:43freestanding unit and again, double doors out to the terrace beyond.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Very nice.- Very nice indeed.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49I mean, it's virtually a brand-new house, let's face it.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53But with some lovely touches. The stone coming through there, these stone coins,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57as they're called, round the door reveal, the oak doors,
0:22:57 > 0:22:58the old beams and so forth...
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's a lovely mixture. And the slate floor is just brilliant.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It's been really well done. - It has, yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It's not massive down here. This is it for the ground floor,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11but would this space be enough to keep you occupied day-to-day?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- I think so.- Yeah.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16'That wraps up our tour of the ground floor,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'although let's not forget the all-important downstairs cloakroom.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22'Upstairs, there are three bedrooms.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'Two have their own dressing or study areas, one room is being
0:23:25 > 0:23:29'used as a nursery, and the other could make a good guest option.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33'There's also a family bathroom, complete with roll top bath,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36'something Michael should be happy soaking in.'
0:23:36 > 0:23:39And this is your bit.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40That's quite a nice size as well.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44I mean, there's no built-in, as such, but I think plenty of room
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- for a bit of freestanding, which is obviously what they've got there. - Yeah.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50And of course, with those other slightly quirkier bedrooms,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53you might allow yourself a bit of a dressing room...
0:23:53 > 0:23:54I think we probably would do, yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58So, property number two is scoring a little more highly than
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- property number one. - Yes. Definitely.- Oh, yeah.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Could you see yourselves living in this place?- I could, yeah.- Good.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06I like it very much.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09So the interior of the house gets the thumbs up,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12but I think I've saved the best bit till last -
0:24:12 > 0:24:16the landscaped garden that extends to the rear of the property.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20From this elevated position, the views are simply breathtaking.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23And the owners have built a superb decking area to make
0:24:23 > 0:24:26the most of the surrounding countryside.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- Now, this is a remarkable structure. - This is just fabulous, isn't it?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36And ahead of you is Ribbesford Wood, it's a
0:24:36 > 0:24:39nice swathe of ancient woodland.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I just can't believe the view. It's to die for.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- This thing really makes the best of it.- It does.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48But look back at the house. That's the thing that we're really buying.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- The view is a bonus. - It certainly is!
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- It's almost picture perfect. - Perfect, says your wife, sir.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57I think it's perfect as well.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02So, then. What's the damage? What is property two on the market for?
0:25:02 > 0:25:07I think it's going to be near the top of our budget. But I'm hoping...
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I'm going to be optimistic and say £340,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13340,000, yeah.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17I think it's going to be 350. It's going to be on the budget.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- If it were 350, you could do it, if you chopped in everything.- Yes.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24But if we could save you a bit of money too,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- that would be all right, wouldn't it?- It would be quite...
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Particularly if property two was on the market for £329,000.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Wow!- Even better.- That's fabulous.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Look, I am going to give you as much time as you like to explore this
0:25:37 > 0:25:41and make sure it is everything you hope it will be.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Mm-hm. - Off you go.- I'm going to stay here and watch the view.- Are you now?
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- All right, then!- We'll catch up with you later.- I'm sure you will!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- Come on then, enjoy those views! - Thank you.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Well, there you are. That's told me.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Below budget by £21,000,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58this beautifully finished barn
0:25:58 > 0:26:00conversion has charmed our buyers.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01It provides Jean with
0:26:01 > 0:26:03the kitchen/diner she wanted,
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Michael gets his bathtub
0:26:04 > 0:26:06and it comes with three bedrooms,
0:26:06 > 0:26:07one more than they have
0:26:07 > 0:26:08at the moment.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10The garden is manageable,
0:26:10 > 0:26:11with magnificent views
0:26:11 > 0:26:14of the Worcestershire countryside.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I thought it was stunning.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I like the idea of it, it is actually a little complex,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22cos I think one of the things we do worry about is
0:26:22 > 0:26:25if something happens to one of us, I don't want to be in bed for days
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and no-one notices that I haven't got up!
0:26:28 > 0:26:30I love it. I really love it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35I think it's a very good prospect for us, very good prospect indeed.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Especially with a little bit of cash in our pockets at the end of it.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41It's a fabulous house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46The upstairs, the main bedroom is all the room we could want, really.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48The bathroom's very nice. Got a shower and a bath.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52And the little room, I think it's ideal for guests and the little
0:26:52 > 0:26:56tiny room would make a reasonable study and craft room for Jean.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59So, I think the whole house is ideal.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- It is amazing.- I don't believe it! Are you two still here?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Yes.- Did you actually go and have another look?- No.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- No! - HE LAUGHS
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Although we loved the house, I think
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- it's the views that have sold it to us.- Well, what a day, Michael!- Yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Maybe we should go and celebrate. - I think we should.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- Shall I cancel the mystery house? - No.- Oh, no!- No.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- HE CHUCKLES - Come on, then.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35'It's the second day of our property search with Jean
0:27:35 > 0:27:37'and Michael from Essex.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40'They're keen to move from their maisonette in Hornchurch to
0:27:40 > 0:27:45'a rural home in Worcestershire and they have a budget of £350,000.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48'Still to come, our final house intrigues.'
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Wow!
0:27:50 > 0:27:52It's certainly a mystery!
0:27:52 > 0:27:54'And I go foraging in the Cotswolds.'
0:27:54 > 0:27:57This is the Pershore Yellow Egg...
0:27:57 > 0:28:02- Beautiful! - It's probably the only time of year when you can actually eat it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Well, yesterday certainly finished on a high,
0:28:04 > 0:28:09but today has started, as you can probably tell, in the rain, but that doesn't matter
0:28:09 > 0:28:12because today it's all about the mystery house and what
0:28:12 > 0:28:16we have in mind for Michael and Jean will, I think, knock them sideways.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Well, how are we feeling on this wet day?
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- Very optimistic.- I mean, yesterday was good.- It was good, yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- We've got a lot to beat, Michael, with property two, I think.- We have.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37The only thing that was a downside is the garden, the sloping lawn.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43It's OK at the moment, but how will it be when I'm 70 and pushing 80?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- Hire a gardener.- Hire a man in.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- About 21. - THEY LAUGH
0:28:49 > 0:28:51I knew that was coming, Jean!
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- That would be nice.- A nice young man to help out in the garden, Jean.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- You can sit there and watch him all day long.- Yes!
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Sorry, Michael.- That's all right. THEY LAUGH
0:29:01 > 0:29:03That's all right.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Our mystery house is in the village of Whitbourne,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10on the county border about five miles from the town of Bromyard.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15Bromyard is an attractive town with a number of half timbered buildings.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16Founded in the 12th century,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19for many years it was a market town and today, it's still
0:29:19 > 0:29:24a centre for growing hops, cider apples, pears and soft fruit.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28It also boasts a number of shops, many of them historic.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31And just down the road is Whitbourne, where we
0:29:31 > 0:29:33find our final property.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Come in to our mystery house.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Up you come, Jean.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- It's certainly a mystery! - It's different.- Yes.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47This is very, very different.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It is a 16th century cider barn, evidence of which is inside.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54That's all I'm saying for now.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58But a remarkable property and the only way to understand this
0:29:58 > 0:30:04- one is to approach it not expecting anything that's conventional.- OK.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08It's as quirky as you like. Come on.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13'Our mystery house is a Grade-II listed 17th-century cider barn.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16'As well as incorporating modern elements, it makes ingenious
0:30:16 > 0:30:20'use of the building's historic agricultural heritage.'
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- There.- Oh. - HE LAUGHS
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- What do you reckon?- King Arthur comes to mind.- Doesn't it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:29There is something of the Round Table and Camelot about it,
0:30:29 > 0:30:31definitely. Actually, that's the cider press.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35That is amazing isn't it? As tables go, it's...
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- Do you know, I don't think I've got that many friends. - THEY LAUGH
0:30:39 > 0:30:43I think it's amazing, you've got a huge wood burner over there,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46lovely stone floor, as you can see. Very, very quirky.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50And they've really exposed the bones of the building. The oak beams have
0:30:50 > 0:30:55been kind of revealed and opened up to create all these amazing spaces.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56Yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00'Dominated by that amazing cider-press table,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03'I don't think Jean and Michael really know what to make of it all.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05'But the kitchen is a little more conventional.'
0:31:05 > 0:31:07I mean, it is something of a sort of kitchenette
0:31:07 > 0:31:10because you've got that huge space through there
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but they've removed the fill of these panels.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16These would have been wattle and daub panels originally so...
0:31:16 > 0:31:18But they've opened it up, which is rather nice.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20It's big enough really, yes.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- It's big enough to cook in, yeah. - Big enough to cook in.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25I bet you never expected to see this on your travels this week.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- Certainly not in my dining room! - JULES LAUGHS
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- But are you liking it? - Yes, I think it's lovely.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33It's very nice.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Can you imagine living here, more to the point?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- Possibly. - It's sort of taken us aback.- Yeah.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Well, you have got three bedrooms here.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Oh, right, that's good.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45One of them's on the ground floor, it's through here.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48You've got this kind of central hallway, as it were.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49There's a loo there.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Quite an interesting sort of wet room in there.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Oh, that's mine.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Yeah? Ideal, isn't it? You're the shower, aren't you?
0:31:57 > 0:31:58- Yeah.- And he's the bath.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- But there is a bath here, don't worry.- Is there?- Yeah, upstairs.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- And next door, they've got it currently set up as a twin.- OK.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07But it could easily be a double.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09And you've got two staircases.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- This spiral, which gets you up to the master.- Mm-hm.- And the other
0:32:13 > 0:32:16staircase there, which gets you up to another lavish guest room.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I'm going to let you explore the other bedroom
0:32:18 > 0:32:22when we finish the tour, but let's have a look at the master bedroom.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23OK.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28'The master suite is located at the top of the spiral staircase
0:32:28 > 0:32:31'on a galleried level which overlooks the ground floor.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Now, as master bedrooms go, what do you reckon to this then, Jean?
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Erm...
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- Bit open for my liking.- A bit open? - Yeah.- In what sense?
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- That you're straight up the stairs and into the bedroom.- Yeah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46There's no sort of privacy.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49As a room, as a space, again very different.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Yes, very different.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54And in there, Michael, your bath.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Ah.- Open the door. There you are.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- Oh, superb.- Yeah? Really, the bedrooms are interchangeable.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03We've given you this as the master because it's got a bath.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Yeah, thank you. - THEY LAUGH
0:33:06 > 0:33:08The other one has a shower.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11But what's it worth, our mystery house, do you think?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- Oh... - Where do we begin with this one?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Come on, let's go down.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20'I think the open-plan nature of the suggested master has cast
0:33:20 > 0:33:23'doubt in Jean's mind, but they could certainly use the other
0:33:23 > 0:33:25'upstairs bedroom as their space
0:33:25 > 0:33:28'which is more private, but lacks a bath.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31'Outside, as well as the paved courtyard at the front
0:33:31 > 0:33:34'of the property, there's also a pretty medieval-style walled garden
0:33:34 > 0:33:37'with box hedges and a variety of herbs.'
0:33:38 > 0:33:44So, the price. Final price guess of the week, folks.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Who's going to go first? Go on, Jean.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50I think 335.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53£335,000, yeah. Michael?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55345, I think.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59£345,000. He's trumped you by 10, look, you see?
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Well, here's the truth of it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04The exciting thing, I think, is that this is on the market
0:34:04 > 0:34:08for £295,000.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09- Wow.- Good grief.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12That does shed a different light on things, doesn't it?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14I thought it might, yeah. Well, there is
0:34:14 > 0:34:17a lot to consider with this one, so go and have a look around.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- In particular, have a look at that second bedroom upstairs.- OK.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- And I will catch up with you later. - OK.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23Brilliant.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Well, there we go, we do love our mystery houses
0:34:25 > 0:34:28on Escape To The Country, and with good reason.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29When you find ones like this,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32it is an absolute treat showing our buyers around.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35And when it comes to value for money, character, charm
0:34:35 > 0:34:39and quirkiness, frankly this one really does take some beating.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Under budget by a generous £55,000,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46our mystery house is a former 17th-century cider mill
0:34:46 > 0:34:51which has been transformed into a stunning three-bedroom property.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It comes with a wealth of original features,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56but its focal point is that wonderful cider-press dining table
0:34:56 > 0:34:58There's also a downstairs cloakroom,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01and the garden is largely paved, so low-maintenance.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Oh.
0:35:05 > 0:35:06This is better.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08I think I'd rather have this as the master.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Yeah, I think I would.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13It'd make a better master, I think, for us.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18Blown away. I mean, the mill, the table, the press. I love it.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19I really love it.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23The rest of the downstairs, I'm not sure that it really works for us.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27One of the reasons we want to move is that we're getting older
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and stairs are becoming more and more difficult.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34And those spiral staircases frighten the life out of me.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37When we stepped inside, it sort of took my breath away, really.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42The press done as a round table, it's just not me.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47It's a fabulous property for someone,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49but I don't think it's quite for us.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52HE LAUGHS
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Well, our quirky mystery house has certainly given you
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- lots to consider.- It certainly has.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- And, of course, our other two properties...- Yeah.- ..as well, so...
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- A lot of thinking to do. - Right then, let's go.- OK.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06Oh, better shut the door.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Between the Malvern and the Cotswold Hills lies the Vale of Evesham.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24A vast area of sheltered, fertile flatland known as
0:36:24 > 0:36:25the fruit basket of England
0:36:25 > 0:36:28because of the wide variety of fruit it grows.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Since Victorian times, the town of Pershore has produced
0:36:31 > 0:36:34plums by the tonne and today it celebrates the plum harvest
0:36:34 > 0:36:38with a festival throughout the month of August.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I've come to meet local horticultural expert
0:36:40 > 0:36:44John Edgeley to find out more about the heritage of the humble plum.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Now, John - the Vale of Evesham is famous for many things,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53I had no idea that the plum had its home here,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56in particular in Pershore. How did that come about?
0:36:56 > 0:36:59It all came about with the discovery of the Pershore Yellow Egg
0:36:59 > 0:37:02in a local wood, Tiddesley Wood, in 1827.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06It was very suited for jam making, bottling, canning,
0:37:06 > 0:37:08which, of course, there was no refrigeration then.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11But how did the plum establish itself here in Pershore?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13What gave rise to its popularity?
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Well, you've got a very good climate
0:37:15 > 0:37:17cos you've got the Cotswolds, you've got the Malvern Hills,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19and you've got this lovely climate in between.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Particularly south Worcestershire is quite warm
0:37:22 > 0:37:23compared to other areas round about.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Now, you've managed to galvanise the history of the plum, and its
0:37:26 > 0:37:31now increasing popularity, into the Pershore Plum Festival.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- When did that start? - It started in 1996.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Four of us locally started it going on August bank holiday Monday,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and then in 2006 we expanded it to the whole of August.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45And so, basically, August, the whole of Pershore goes purple.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Around the town are many orchards which still produce a large
0:37:48 > 0:37:50variety of native plums.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54With the harvest in full swing, I've timed my visit well
0:37:54 > 0:37:56as the Pershore Yellow Egg plum
0:37:56 > 0:37:58has a rather narrow window for ripening.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01It's probably the only time of year when you can actually eat it.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02Are you making that up?
0:38:02 > 0:38:04I'm not making it up, as you'll find out.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08You can try that and see what it's like.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Mm, gosh, that's very nice. And it really is just today?
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Before today it would have been too hard and not very flavoursome,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19tomorrow it's probably very mealy
0:38:19 > 0:38:21and is only good for making into jam.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Well, it tastes absolutely fabulous today.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26But I noticed throughout this beautiful orchard,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29there are, of course, boughs full of Purple Pershore.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Are they also edible today?
0:38:31 > 0:38:35Yes, we can try those. So we can go across and have a look.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Well, I would go for one of these here, perhaps.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- How's that one?- That should be OK. - A fine example.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Which are the most popular, then,
0:38:42 > 0:38:43between the Yellow Egg and the Purple?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Probably, for eating, now, it's got to be the Purple Pershore.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49It's got a fantastic flavour, and, certainly when we're
0:38:49 > 0:38:51selling them in Pershore, this is the one that sells the most.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55During the festival month, many of these historic plum
0:38:55 > 0:38:59varieties are being used by local food producers in all
0:38:59 > 0:39:03types of local delicacies to show how diverse the plum can be.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06John wants me to sample some of their wares and is taking me
0:39:06 > 0:39:07to a local cafe.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Hello.- This is Natalie.- Hello, Natalie, very nice to see you.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- Hello, nice to meet you.- What a fabulous spread.- Thank you.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17This is what everybody's tucking into in Pershore, these days?
0:39:17 > 0:39:19They are. They certainly are.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22We've used all the local produce and the Vale plums,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24and incorporated something a bit different with our own
0:39:24 > 0:39:27favourite classics, and created this lovely selection.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31You have made a version of everything I really enjoy.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34It's got to be done hasn't it?
0:39:34 > 0:39:36I can't look at this any longer.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Mm. Mmm!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Wow, absolutely gorgeous.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47And are you using the purple plums?
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Mainly, yes, with the purple plums.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51It gives it that nice colour to our products.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55What's really surprised me is how the fruit adds a real richness
0:39:55 > 0:39:57and a depth of flavour.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59So what did you start with?
0:39:59 > 0:40:00The plum sausage.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03That was where it kind of all began for us.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- Is this it here?- Yes, yes.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Let me try a bit of the sausage.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Mm. Oh, absolutely brilliant, Natalie.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13I could be here for a very long time, I suspect.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16But thank you very much indeed, both of you...
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Thank you.- ..for my introduction to plums from Pershore.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- What a way to finish. - You're more than welcome.- Enjoy.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Well, I don't know about you, but I do feel we have been able to
0:40:26 > 0:40:30spoil Michael and Jean this week with our properties.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32So I thought we'd continue the theme and have our final
0:40:32 > 0:40:37chat in the surroundings of this glorious neoclassical mansion.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40They have a big decision to make, let's see if they've made it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Well, Jean and Michael,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- this has been quite an interesting week, I think.- It has.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53We have explored huge tracts of Worcestershire's countryside
0:40:53 > 0:40:55and seen some fabulous properties to boot,
0:40:55 > 0:40:59but have we managed to find you your new home?
0:40:59 > 0:41:00- Maybe, yes, maybe.- Maybe?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03With a clear winner, which is, of course, property number two?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05It certainly was.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08So, let's hear it. Your thoughts on that one?
0:41:08 > 0:41:10It was just amazing.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15The views from the garden were stunning, to die for.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17I just loved it. My heart went.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18Everything was perfect.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21You see, Michael, I was a bit worried about property two
0:41:21 > 0:41:23because you were worried that property one was so small.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I wasn't convinced that our lovely barn conversion would be
0:41:26 > 0:41:28that much bigger.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Well, it is slightly smaller,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33because we've got a dining room at home and there isn't a dining
0:41:33 > 0:41:37room there, but the house is so perfect, the garden's perfect,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41the views are perfect, it's just ideal for what we're looking for.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So I think we're going to have to give way on
0:41:44 > 0:41:47some part of our present life, really.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49So what, if anything, is going to happen next?
0:41:49 > 0:41:51You said it's perfect, you said it's ideal,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53but is it good enough to want to move to?
0:41:53 > 0:41:58We've arranged to stay on in the area for another three days,
0:41:58 > 0:42:02so what we're going to do is maybe contact the agents
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and ask for a second viewing so that we can have a real good look
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and talk to the owner, get a feeling for the area.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12We want to travel around the area and see where the doctors are
0:42:12 > 0:42:15and the shops, you know, just get a feel for the area.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19And if all that stacks up, then hopefully that's the one to go for?
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- I think so.- I think it will be, cos those views were just stunning.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28And you could comfortably afford it at, what? 329?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- We could, yeah. - Brilliant. Guys, well,
0:42:30 > 0:42:31it's been an absolute pleasure,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I have very much enjoyed this week with the pair of you.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36We've had a good laugh, I think, along the way.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- We certainly have! - So let us know how you get on.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- We will do.- We will do, yeah.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- But best of luck. - Thank you very much.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Jean and Michael did go back to house number two for another
0:42:47 > 0:42:50viewing, but decided it was just too remote.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52They're now widening their search area.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:54 > 0:42:58in England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland, and need our help,
0:42:58 > 0:43:04you can apply online at...