0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I'm in a county where a gift from an Indian prince
0:00:04 > 0:00:06saved an English village from drought.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Today's house-buying couple are moving on and up
0:00:28 > 0:00:31as they search for their first family home.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- This is superb.- A good size. - This is lovely.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- Great size.- Yeah, this is nice.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38But emotions run high as the journey to a place of their own
0:00:38 > 0:00:40doesn't always run smoothly.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43I'm almost disappointed by how much I like this house
0:00:43 > 0:00:46and the fact that it is attached to a neighbour.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49I'm in the English county of Oxfordshire
0:00:49 > 0:00:52and this is the Maharajah's Well.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55The well was a gift from the Maharajah of Benares
0:00:55 > 0:00:57to the villagers of Stoke Row.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Now, he wanted to thank their local squire,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Edward Reade, who helped provide a water supply to his village
0:01:03 > 0:01:06back in 1831 in North India.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11It cost nearly £400 to build and took nearly a year to construct.
0:01:11 > 0:01:17It was dug by hand to a depth of nearly 368 feet.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20That's around twice the height of Nelson's Column.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22When it was opened in 1864,
0:01:22 > 0:01:27it could produce around 700 gallons of water every single day
0:01:27 > 0:01:32and continue to do so until it was closed in 1939.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37And this well is just one of the many jewels in Oxfordshire's crown.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Sitting pretty in the southern part of England,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44landlocked Oxfordshire is bordered by six counties,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Nestled between the rolling Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54the lush green region covers 1,000 square miles.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Picturesque villages lined with honey coloured stone houses
0:01:59 > 0:02:01give way to winding waterways,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05which offer great opportunities for family days out to explore the area.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10Oxfordshire's home not only to archetypal English meadows and fields,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14but also to the world-famous and prestigious Oxford University,
0:02:14 > 0:02:19which attracts over 22,000 students from more than 140 countries.
0:02:20 > 0:02:2430 graduates have gone on to become international leaders
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and 26 British prime ministers.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28To the south of the county
0:02:28 > 0:02:31lies the prehistoric Uffington White Horse,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35which, at over 100 metres long, dates back to the Iron Age
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and is a bold landmark in the Oxfordshire landscape.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42So, whether it's country walks, a dose of culture or day trips,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45the region offers diverse country living
0:02:45 > 0:02:48away from the hubbub of busy city life.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52But this country life certainly comes at a premium.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56The average price for a detached home here in Oxfordshire
0:02:56 > 0:03:00is just under £406,000.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Now, that's a massive 41% above the national average
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and with house prices in this county on the up,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10now would be the time to buy.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12But what is it that draws today's buyers
0:03:12 > 0:03:14to the Oxfordshire countryside?
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Air pilot Nick and his cabin crew wife, Catherine,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23have been married for four years
0:03:23 > 0:03:25and have an 18-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29They were six miles up when they first laid eyes on each other.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Met on a flight to Houston I think it was, wasn't it?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- It was Houston, yes.- Yeah.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35I thought, "Hmm, pilot..."
0:03:36 > 0:03:39But he turned out to be OK.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42They've spent the last five years renting this detached house
0:03:42 > 0:03:44in Horley, Surrey, close to Gatwick
0:03:44 > 0:03:48and the estate is home to many other airport workers too.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Here, you're always getting the sound of aircraft flying overhead
0:03:50 > 0:03:52at all hours of the day and night.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55You've also got neighbours who are working shifts
0:03:55 > 0:03:58so they're up and down all hours of the night as well.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01It doesn't make for a very peaceful homecoming
0:04:01 > 0:04:03after a long work trip away
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and they're planning a move to the country for a quieter life.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Home's very much a haven
0:04:08 > 0:04:10and when you've been up all night after a long-haul flight,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13to actually come home and put your bag down
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and just have a really comfortable lifestyle is nice.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Yes.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Space and peace and quiet, I think,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23would be the two things that we'd need in a future house.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And it's toddler Charlotte who's the main consideration in their move.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Having Charlotte now makes it all the more important
0:04:30 > 0:04:32to move on and get her settled in an area
0:04:32 > 0:04:35rather than getting her comfortable here and then moving on...
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- That's right.- ..years down the line. - Set down roots.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Charlotte will gain a lot from this move.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I think she'll gain much more of an understanding of the countryside,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44of being away from the noise.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I think there's a greater freedom for children in the country as well.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Nick and Catherine want their new home
0:04:49 > 0:04:51to be no more than a two-hour commute from work
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and have decided they want to call Oxfordshire home.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I've got family in Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds
0:04:58 > 0:05:00and we've got friends Oxford way
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and having driven through there quite a lot
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and stopped at many villages en route,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07it's just a lovely part of the world.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10It's not completely detached from London
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and everything that's going on in this country,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15but it feels spacious enough.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Yeah, and quite rural, isn't it? - Feels like you've escaped the south-east corner.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I like the idea of living in a rural area
0:05:23 > 0:05:27and I will be quite happy to live somewhere that is fairly remote,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29but I do realise that for Catherine,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32when I'm away on a trip maybe for nine days,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36that may not be particularly fair.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So, I'm obviously willing to compromise on that
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and perhaps move somewhere a little bit closer to civilisation.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Our buyers are both excited about the move
0:05:45 > 0:05:48and are looking forward to having a place of their own.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50It will be the first house we've bought together as well.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It'd be nice as well cos we've only lived in rented accommodation
0:05:53 > 0:05:56to actually have a house that we can put our own stamp on.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01So, they're dreaming of a tranquil life
0:06:01 > 0:06:03that's not a million miles from work
0:06:03 > 0:06:05and moving to the Oxfordshire countryside
0:06:05 > 0:06:09along the M40 corridor works well for them.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10Prices in this area are high,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12but they're hoping that in Oxfordshire,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15they'll find the right family home.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16But first, I'm going to meet them
0:06:16 > 0:06:19to hear more about their proposed country move.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21So, here we are in Oxfordshire. Welcome.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Why the desire now to move?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I think now is the time to move her into the countryside
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and to a nice location and have a family house.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31So, what are you looking for with this move, Catherine?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I would like to find a nice village and be part of a community
0:06:34 > 0:06:36cos Nick goes away quite a lot,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39so, for me, it's finding somewhere for Charlotte and I to fit in.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So, in an ideal world, we're going to find you
0:06:41 > 0:06:45that dream, perfect house, but quite close to work.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47So, where's base for work?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Heathrow for myself and Gatwick for Catherine.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- So, it's got to be a sort of radius around there, has it?- Yeah.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54We can go a reasonable distance
0:06:54 > 0:06:57cos we're not doing the commute on a daily basis so...
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- A little bit of flexibility. - Yes.- That's right.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Now, this is the first time that you two will have bought a property together.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Do you think you'll be united? - Our dream property,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- we would be completely in agreement on.- Yeah, very much so.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11But compromise is something...going to be an interesting feature, shall we say?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16If there is a compromise to be made, what's it going to be?
0:07:16 > 0:07:17Space and size of the property.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Actually, yeah, size of the property would be my compromise as well.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- How many bedrooms? - Four, preferably.- Yeah, ideally.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- And obviously a nice garden. - Nice, big garden, yeah.- Yeah?
0:07:27 > 0:07:29I'm going to ask you - livestock?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I would quite like to have animals at some stage if we have enough land.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- I've always fancied having a cow, for some reason.- A cow?- A cow.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Can we afford land with this property? That's the question.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- That's right. Exactly. - Quite an expensive county.- I know.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- We do, yes. - Have you thought about that?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Yes, and I think, well, look, if it's not here,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49then we know we've got to go further afield.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52When we find you this home, what is it going to mean to you?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55I think the biggest thing it's going to mean
0:07:55 > 0:07:58is a solid family base for the future.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59We've got one daughter now.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It would be nice to have another at some stage.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04You really are sold on that country dream, aren't you?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- We are very much so.- Wonderful. Let's hope we can deliver for you.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- What is your top budget?- £500,000.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12We do have three splendid properties lined up to show you.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15One, of course, is going to be our mystery house.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- So, keen to get started? - Yeah, certainly.- Most definitely.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Nick and Catherine have a generous £500,000 to play with,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27but they may be hard pushed to get everything they want for their budget.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30They'd love a detached house with four bedrooms
0:08:30 > 0:08:33to accommodate a growing family and visitors.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Nick has visions of owning land and livestock
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and Catherine is imagining being part of a community.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42For this young family, space is a priority
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and it comes at a premium in Oxfordshire.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48But we've chosen some striking and varied properties
0:08:48 > 0:08:51which will give them a selection of attributes from their wish list
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and they'll only learn the price of each after they've viewed the house.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58The mystery property will ask them to think outside the box,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00but will present some unexpected features
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I hope will surprise and delight them.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, you two have the most amazing,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12or it seems to be, an amazing, jet-set life.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Does it feel like that?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- You spend a long time being tired sometimes.- You do.- Yeah.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21I think it probably sounds more glamorous than it really is.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25But that said, it's given us some lovely trips away.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- Certainly together, before we had Charlotte, didn't we? - That's right, yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32And it affords you the opportunity to do things you wouldn't otherwise.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Where's the best place you've both been to?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Maldives?- Yeah, Maldives has got to rank up there.- We then went...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40We did a couple of Maldives trips together and...
0:09:40 > 0:09:44So, how is Oxfordshire going to compare to the Maldives?
0:09:44 > 0:09:45Very well, actually.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46THEY LAUGH
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Bit cooler. - It's where we want to settle.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Maldives is great to visit, but... - That's right, yeah.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53..Oxfordshire is...I'd far rather live here.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58We're kicking off today in the hamlet of Kiddington
0:09:58 > 0:10:0013 miles north-west of Oxford
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and about seven miles south-east of Chipping Norton.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05The hamlet sits on the pretty River Glyme
0:10:05 > 0:10:09and is home to a handful of attractive stone houses.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12There's a local kindergarten in the heart of the community,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15where 18-month-old Charlotte could feel at home.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Three miles away, the village of Wootton
0:10:17 > 0:10:20offers a convenience store as well as a primary school,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23an attractive church and a welcoming pub.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28A five-minute drive takes us back to our first property,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30a delightful 19th-century stone cottage,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34extended and modernised to a very high standard.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35What do you think?
0:10:36 > 0:10:37It looks very attractive.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Great surroundings. - Yeah, it looks lovely.- Yeah.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44That does concern me slightly, being attached to the neighbours,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48but that said, it is quite a long property
0:10:48 > 0:10:50so we've got the distance there.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54I like the look of the property. It's very Oxfordshire, isn't it?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58I like the sandy colour of the stone and the blue windows and doors.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Very nice-looking. - Yeah, it's an attractive property.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02It's a good start.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Interested to see inside. - Come on. Let's go.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I'm quietly optimistic because although I know Nick and Catherine
0:11:08 > 0:11:11are disappointed this house isn't detached,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I think they'll be pleasantly surprised once we step inside.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15So, come on through.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19So, this is our first sort of reception room.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21It gives you a flavour of being a cottage.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Yeah, cracking fireplace. - It's lovely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Now, originally, this probably would have been the main cottage,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30but one thing I will tell you, and you've probably spied it,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33there's a little bit more to this than just this room.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35This is quite a small room as a main living room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36It's cosy, isn't it? Yeah.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38So, shall we see the rest?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Yes, lead on.- Yes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43A roomy hallway laid with stone flooring
0:11:43 > 0:11:45leads to the heart of the home.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Now, how's this for an open-plan, wonderful room?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Wow.- It's lovely.- It's fantastic, isn't it? Isn't that lovely?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Bit of a surprise from next door.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It is a huge surprise from next door.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Yeah, it's really nice. Yeah, this is really good.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00That is a good-sized kitchen, isn't it?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Now, as you can imagine, this doesn't date back to 1844.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07No, this was done in 2010.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09So, everything is brand-new
0:12:09 > 0:12:13and what they've done is they've made the maximum of that view.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15When they put the extension in, you know,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18they've added a beam to give it a little bit more character.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20You've got the skylights making the most of the light.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22This would be the main room of the house,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24without a shadow of a doubt.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And it's nice because we like the kitchen
0:12:26 > 0:12:28and we like the living room, so, actually,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30to have them combined would just be brilliant.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Keen to see upstairs now? - Most definitely.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Stairs from the front reception room lead to the first floor
0:12:36 > 0:12:38and we're heading past the bathroom to the back of the house.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42So, I want to show you the master bedroom.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Oh! Fantastic views.- Probably would have been two bedrooms originally.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- And it's dual aspect as well. - That is just stunning.- Really nice.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51And it's actually not a bad size
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- cos this wardrobe takes up quite a bit of space.- Yeah.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Now, remind me, how many bedrooms were you after?
0:12:59 > 0:13:00- Four, ideally.- Four.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02They've set it out - the owners at the moment -
0:13:02 > 0:13:06having three bedrooms so you've got two good-sized doubles,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09a really healthy single for a child.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12If you were in a major city, that would be called a double.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14But you've also got, next door to you, a study,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- which could be another single bedroom.- Oh, fantastic.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- That's perfect. - So, enough space upstairs?- Yeah.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- It's quite deceiving, this cottage. - It is, yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25The frontal aspect doesn't give you any idea of how big this is.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Yeah, it's really good, isn't it?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31But just standing here, do you have a concern about having a neighbour?
0:13:31 > 0:13:35I do. Well, not having a neighbour, but being attached to them.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37I'm almost disappointed by how much I like this house
0:13:37 > 0:13:40and the fact that it is attached to a neighbour.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42That is obviously going to be a compromise.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44When they did the extension to this property,
0:13:44 > 0:13:45they put soundproofing in
0:13:45 > 0:13:48not just cos they didn't want to hear their neighbours,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50but also they were very aware of being a young family,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52they didn't want to annoy their neighbours.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54And as you've walked round this property,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57have you ever felt that you've got a neighbour next door?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- No.- No. No, no. - No, it's true, you haven't.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00And it's only out the front.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03I'd be interested to see how it is in the back garden,
0:14:03 > 0:14:04whether you feel looked on.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Well, let's go outside and have a look at it
0:14:07 > 0:14:08and while we're out there,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11I'm also going to get you to start thinking about the price.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12BOTH LAUGH
0:14:12 > 0:14:13That's the serious bit!
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Catherine is visibly torn between her love of this charming house
0:14:17 > 0:14:19and the fact it's not detached.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22But things could change again when we venture outside.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27So, perhaps, in a way, this is the most important bit
0:14:27 > 0:14:30because you have admitted that the countryside, the land,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- the space is the priority when you make this move.- Yeah.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36So, here we have our garden. It's been laid to lawn.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40You've noticed the sheep behind us, got a paddock next door.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I mean, we are surrounded by pockets of land.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46If you really wanted a cow or perhaps a pony for Charlotte,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- it would be possible to look into renting.- Yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52And just lastly, I just want to give you an idea of where we are.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54We're in the north of Oxfordshire
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- so Oxford is going to be about 20, 25 minutes drive away.- Yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02But crucially for you two, Heathrow and Gatwick -
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Heathrow about an hour and 10,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Gatwick about an hour 40 on a good day.- That's brilliant, yeah.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Yeah. There's a price to be put on that view.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- That's what worries me. - Come on, then.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13On the spot, how much do you think?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16I think it's definitely got to be at the top of our budget
0:15:16 > 0:15:19so I would optimistically say £490,000.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Optimistically.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Whereas I think, because it's the end of terrace,
0:15:23 > 0:15:27it'll be a bit cheaper so I hope, perhaps, £480,000.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Interesting.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Asking price is £499,950.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38We're reflecting where we are. We are so close to Oxford.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39That's it, isn't it? Yeah.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Well, it gives us an idea of what it is we can achieve with that.- Yes.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Well, now you know the price, why don't you go back
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and just take it all in and look around you?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Because this is what you'd be buying into.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52This, hopefully, could be your future.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Take your time and give me a shout when you're ready.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- Will do.- See you in a minute.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00Just £50 under budget, this extended 19th-century cottage
0:16:00 > 0:16:03offers our buyers the space and rural setting
0:16:03 > 0:16:07that are so important to them in their new family home.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10And although it's not detached, thanks to great soundproofing,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14there's no sign of the neighbours once you've crossed the threshold.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- This is good, isn't it?- Charlotte's room.- Charlotte would like this.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- It's lovely. - No, really nice. It's good.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22When I originally saw the house,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25my gut feeling was one of disappointment
0:16:25 > 0:16:28because you could see it was attached,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31but as soon as you started walking from one room to the next,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34you were like, "Ooh, actually, this is quite nice."
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- That's a nice-sized bathroom. - Yeah, it's perfect, isn't it?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Oh, look at the view! - Yeah, it's great, isn't it?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I think it's a great start to looking at houses
0:16:42 > 0:16:44and it just goes to show that what it looks like on the outside
0:16:44 > 0:16:46could be very different when you get inside.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49For me, this property, it's a real contender as it is.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I think I'll go away from it
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and keep thinking about it in a positive light.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57How are we getting on? Have you seen enough?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Really good start.- Yeah?- Yeah. - And this is only our first property.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- I've got more to show you.- Good. - Good. Come on.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Nick and Catherine's dreams of a home with land and animals
0:17:11 > 0:17:14is getting closer to becoming a reality
0:17:14 > 0:17:18and to show them how they could make the most of their new rural life,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22we've sent them to meet Oxfordshire local Mark Cooper on his farm.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24He had the same idea five years ago
0:17:24 > 0:17:28when his young family welcomed five rare breed pigs into the fold.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32These pigs are Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35These pigs are well known as a very good starter pig.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38You'll properly get them when they're about eight weeks old.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39They'll all be injected.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43There shouldn't be much to do, except, twice a day,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46you've got to feed them with pignuts
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and make sure they've got fresh drinking water.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53At eight weeks old, the piglets cost £50
0:17:53 > 0:17:54and can prove to be a good investment.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59To keep pigs, you need to apply for a holding number from the government
0:17:59 > 0:18:02so that the animals can always be traced.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04So, how much space do you need to keep pigs?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07We can have quite a few pigs in a relatively small area.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10You'll need some ground, which is going to get sort of damaged,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12but it may do a job of work for you.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13They main root over the ground
0:18:13 > 0:18:16and get it ready for the vegetables to be planted.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19You'll need some reasonably good fencing, you'll need some shelter,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23somewhere, hopefully, they can get a little bit of shade in the summer.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26When it gets especially hot, they like a little mud bath.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28This is perfect. You can move out with the pigs!
0:18:28 > 0:18:32What started as a hobby is now a thriving business
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and Mark has around 150 pigs on his land.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38So, how big would these chaps get in relation to Mum?
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- She's about fully grown. - How old is Mum?- Four years old.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44These are about three weeks old.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48So, another three or four weeks, we'll wean them away from Mum.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52So, how do pigs fit in with the family and the children?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54I've got two daughters.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I try to involve them as much as I can
0:18:56 > 0:18:58and bring them with me and they'll come out feeding.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01I think it's good for the youngsters to come out...
0:19:01 > 0:19:03And learn some responsibility.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05..put their overalls on, learn some responsibilities.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08We've got quite a few other pigs over in the woodland.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11We'll go and see them and you'll see the pigs in a natural environment.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Pigs are a great choice for someone like Nick
0:19:14 > 0:19:17who has aspirations of keeping a few animals on a small plot of land.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20They need less than half the space that cows would require
0:19:20 > 0:19:22and this breed of pig's good temperament
0:19:22 > 0:19:24makes them particularly child-friendly.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Welcome to the woods.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28This is where we keep the majority of our pigs.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Right, well, they're hungry.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35When they're five or six months old,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39around 80% of Mark's herd are sold as meat at farmers' markets.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43Mark gets approximately £350 per animal,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45so not a bad return.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Henry's come in to feed now. This is one of our four boars.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- And how old is he?- He's about three-and-a-bit years old now.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55He's in here to make sure these are in pig.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Once we're satisfied that these have been in here long enough
0:19:58 > 0:20:01and are in pig, these will come out
0:20:01 > 0:20:03and then we bring the next batch of sows in.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06It's Henry's job to woo the ladies in the woods
0:20:06 > 0:20:08two at a time and get them pregnant.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12When the job's done, the next pair arrives.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Well, I hope what I've done is inspired you
0:20:14 > 0:20:16into possibly keeping a couple.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I don't think Nick would take much inspiration
0:20:18 > 0:20:19to want a couple of pigs.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22I'd love a couple of pigs, but I'm not sure my wife would let me.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I would take a little bit more.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Do they sit and snuggle up in front of the television?
0:20:27 > 0:20:29If you'll allow them to, yes!
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Moving to the northern tip of Oxfordshire,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41our second property is in the hamlet of Williamscot,
0:20:41 > 0:20:4410 minutes drive from the market town of Banbury.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Although Williamscot is pretty remote itself,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51the neighbouring village of Cropredy offers local amenities,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53including a primary school,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55an impressive and well utilised canal,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57as well as a taste of local history
0:20:57 > 0:21:00where the 1644 Battle of Cropredy Bridge
0:21:00 > 0:21:02is still remembered.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04A 10-minute stroll brings us to our second house.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- It's really pretty. - I like this lots.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Yeah, isn't that a lovely-looking house?- The house itself...
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Relatively modern, by the looks, isn't it?
0:21:12 > 0:21:13Absolutely right. 20 years old.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Oh, wow.- That's no bad thing. - Excellent. We like that, yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Anything else you notice about this property?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Detached.- It's detached. - Detached. Oh, yeah.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Do you know this area at all?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- I have been to the village down the road as a child.- Cropredy?- Yeah.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Have you?- We went on a narrow boat holiday with the family.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- So, yeah, I've been through it. It's lovely.- We are further north,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36but the great thing is, very close to the M40,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- so, easy for commuting to work. - Excellent.- Brilliant.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40So, let's talk about the house, then.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- What's going through your minds? - It looks very impressive.- Yeah.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46It's very big, very spacious, by the looks of it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- It looks lovely and private from here as well.- Yeah.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50It does look good from the outside.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Shall we take a look inside, see what you think?- Yeah.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55This house has already got off on the right foot
0:21:55 > 0:21:58and we haven't even stepped inside.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01The very fact that it's detached has won it points and I can't wait
0:22:01 > 0:22:05until Nick and Catherine see what else is on offer.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Pretty large hallway. - It is a fantastic hallway!
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Look at all these bookshelves. I like it immediately.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Let's start off...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14..with the kitchen.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- Fantastic.- Lovely sized kitchen, isn't it?- Loads of storage space.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Yeah. We like that.- His and her sinks.- Very nice, isn't it?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- SHE LAUGHS. - Well spotted. Yes!
0:22:25 > 0:22:27I don't think there's anything I'd change.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Well, on that note, we're going to keep going.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34So just off the hallway you've got a big utility room and cloakroom
0:22:34 > 0:22:37but here, good-sized dining area.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39It's good, isn't it? Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41In a way it's like a walk-through but you can close it off.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43You've got these doors here
0:22:43 > 0:22:47and then after these doors you've got this huge sitting room.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- It is a huge sitting room. - Fantastic isn't it? This is superb.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Good size.- This is lovely. - Great size.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Yeah, this is nice.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57Excellent. Open, huge fireplace and they've kept the character.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58They've given it a little bit of charm
0:22:58 > 0:23:00even though it's a modern house.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Plus, patio doors leading to your garden there
0:23:03 > 0:23:05but you've also got another set there.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Can you imagine yourselves living here?- Certainly.- Yes, very much so.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I'd like to go and see upstairs and see what there is there.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Come on, then. Let's have a look.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16The first floor of this house has four bedrooms
0:23:16 > 0:23:19including three good-sized rooms for a growing family
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and a bright bathroom.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- The master bedroom.- Wow, it's lovely, isn't it? What a size.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- This is good.- With an ensuite.- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32And also, just take a step over there.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Your own dressing-room.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Ah, dressing-room. That's good. - Wonderful.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39There is lots of space here, isn't there? This is fantastic.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42The house is very modern. How do you feel about that?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Absolutely fine, doesn't worry me in the least.- Not a problem.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46- Good.- Less work.- Yeah, that's right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Especially spending a lot of time away,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50I don't get that much time to do stuff like DIY
0:23:50 > 0:23:53and it'd be lovely to move into a place that needs nothing doing.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- Couldn't ask for more.- Yeah. - It's lovely.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Well, let's go downstairs.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02So far so good. The house hasn't put a foot wrong.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I just hope it keeps up the good work when we move outside.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09The garden is what will really make or break it for Nick and Catherine.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Here you've got about a third of an acre.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Now, it does slant down
0:24:15 > 0:24:17so if you were looking at perhaps growing vegetables,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21you might actually want to do something down the bottom.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25So it's not got the fantastic views but it is really lovely garden.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Journey time is going to be an hour and 10 to Heathrow
0:24:28 > 0:24:30and be about an hour 40 to Gatwick.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32That's well within the realms of possibilities.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34That's right, yes. That's not an issue whatsoever.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39I reckon £515,000.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I would have gone for more, £525,000.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Is that a price that you'd be happy to pay for this house?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Um...
0:24:46 > 0:24:47I think so.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Certainly under consideration, we could think about it.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54The asking price for our second property is...
0:24:55 > 0:24:57..£500,000.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- Oh!- Wow, yeah, that is a good price.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Bang on budget.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Bang on budget.- That is good news.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- That is good.- That is excellent.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Are you surprised? - Yeah, I am extremely surprised.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I honestly thought we'd get to the end of this
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and think we are going to have to move further afield.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- This is great news.- Very good.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- And there is room to expand in this house, isn't there?- Yes.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20So, off you go. Have another look around.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Catch up with you in a minute. - Thank you.- Will do, thanks.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28This large stone house may be fairly new but it has bags of character.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30It might not leave Nick and Catherine
0:25:30 > 0:25:31with any change from their budget
0:25:31 > 0:25:34but it offers them everything they were hoping for.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It has the rural but not too remote location
0:25:37 > 0:25:39at the top of their wish list
0:25:39 > 0:25:42and a garden big enough for daughter Charlotte to run around.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Well, I think it's got a bit to do with the garden
0:25:45 > 0:25:47but certainly manageable, isn't it?
0:25:47 > 0:25:49This house is at the top of the list so far.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52It gives us everything we've wanted, it gives us space,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54the ruralness of it, lovely location.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56It's exactly what we're looking for
0:25:56 > 0:25:58and there's a nice space for Charlotte to go and play.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00This is a nice sized room, isn't it?
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Yeah, this is great actually for a single room.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I think Charlotte would like this.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I can see her living here without any problems.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10The house is a great size, it's an absolutely perfect family home.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12The kitchen, wonderful
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and the living room is just something else.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Well, that went really well.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I thought this house might be a little too far north of the county
0:26:20 > 0:26:24for them, it's also very modern but that doesn't seem to be the case.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25How are you feeling, you two?
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- Great, we've just been childproofing the garden.- Have you really?
0:26:29 > 0:26:31That's right. Making room for Charlotte.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- You've practically moved in. - We have.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- It's a good way to end our day, isn't it?- Isn't it just?- Come on.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44It is the second day of our Oxfordshire house hunt
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and with a budget of £500,000,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49we are hoping to find Nick and Catherine
0:26:49 > 0:26:52from the town of Horley, Surrey,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55a spacious family home in a peaceful rural setting
0:26:55 > 0:26:58that is still part of a local community.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02And we've still got the mystery house to reveal.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- This is completely different, isn't it?- Yes!
0:27:05 > 0:27:07It could also be very hazardous to my health.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11And I'll be stepping back in time in a fabulous country pile.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14A remarkable man and very courageous.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Catherine and Nick came to Oxfordshire
0:27:17 > 0:27:21with their fingers crossed but their eyes wide open
0:27:21 > 0:27:26hoping to find that perfect property in what is a rather pricey region.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Now, yesterday, I think we got rather close,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32especially with our second home, in realising their aspirations.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Today, we are going to show them
0:27:34 > 0:27:38a mystery property that hopefully will give them that country idyll
0:27:38 > 0:27:42but there may be a few compromises along the way.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46So, did you two go to bed last night
0:27:46 > 0:27:48dreaming of property here in Oxfordshire?
0:27:48 > 0:27:51I woke up thinking about that second property.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- Did you?- Yeah.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- In a good or a bad way? - No, in a good way.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Wondering what we could do with the house
0:27:58 > 0:28:02and what the implications of moving there would be.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04You see, my trouble was I was trying to work out
0:28:04 > 0:28:08how I'd mow the lawn with that big drop on it.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10With that big, yes, slope.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13So, with the memories of yesterday still fresh in their minds,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16it's onto our third and final property.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19We are heading to the west of the county, to Swerford,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22a classic Oxfordshire village close to the Cotswolds.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Winding lanes are flanked by elegant houses
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and there is a real sense of community here
0:28:28 > 0:28:31with a village hall and an award-winning gastropub
0:28:31 > 0:28:33to bring locals together.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35The village's two oldest attractions
0:28:35 > 0:28:38are the footprint of the 12th century motte and bailey castle
0:28:38 > 0:28:41and the magnificent 13th century St Mary's Church
0:28:41 > 0:28:44which is a stone's throw away from our mystery house.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49It may be smaller than our buyers were hoping for
0:28:49 > 0:28:52but I am confident they will be won over by its character.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55This is your mystery house.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59I am wondering what the catch is because it looks lovely.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- It's beautiful, isn't it? - Isn't it just?
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Any ideas why it's the mystery?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05We've got to share it with the existing owner?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11No, no. The good news is it would be all yours if you chose to buy it.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13The reason it's the mystery,
0:29:13 > 0:29:14there is a small compromise
0:29:14 > 0:29:17and that's the space.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20But it's whether the beauty and its old quirkiness
0:29:20 > 0:29:22can overcome that.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- So shall we step inside? - Yeah, why not.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28This detached cottage sits in a conservation area
0:29:28 > 0:29:32and dates back to 1741 with a recent extension.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33It offers three bedrooms
0:29:33 > 0:29:36and overlooks the delightful village green and church.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41So, as you walk through, you've got a small reception area there/study,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44and then it leads to the heart of the property
0:29:44 > 0:29:45right in the centre.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- This is completely different, isn't it?- Yes.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49It could also be very hazardous to my health!
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Well, that is the thing, if you live in an old property with beams,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55you get used to it and you know when to bend
0:29:55 > 0:29:57without even thinking about it.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00But we like with our mystery house to stretch you.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02I want to show you different styles of property,
0:30:02 > 0:30:03different periods of property.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06It's good because we wouldn't normally look at a house like this.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09It's a fantastic opportunity to go and have a look around.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- It'd be such a cosy living room. - Yeah.- With the wood burner.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Could you imagine yourself living here?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I'm not sure I've seen enough yet to make a decision on that.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18- I love the room.- But...
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- It is very nice.- And it is cosy.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24And sitting here, using this as a living room would be fantastic
0:30:24 > 0:30:27but then thinking practically, where does everything else go?
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- Space.- That's it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- I'm not sure I fit down into there yet.- Let's see if you fit.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Let's see. Do you mind your head.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43So, through here is your kitchen.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45This has been extended.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- It's quite a nice little kitchen, actually.- Yeah.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- I love the butler sink. - It's not a bad size.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53As kittens go this is actually quite usable.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56I am kind of trying to find the space to squeeze it in
0:30:56 > 0:30:57because it is just so beautiful.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Are you trying to make it work for you, Catherine?
0:30:59 > 0:31:02I'm trying to make it work because it is that lovely.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06You've got a terrace outside and the sun rises, actually,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08in that direction which is wonderful.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Now, I know you've got your reservations
0:31:10 > 0:31:13about the space downstairs,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15let's see if I can change your mind
0:31:15 > 0:31:18with what we're going to show you upstairs.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Nick and Catherine seem taken with this 18th-century cottage
0:31:21 > 0:31:23but they are definitely worried
0:31:23 > 0:31:26about its ability to serve as a family home.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28On the next two floors are three bedrooms,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31one in the eaves and a family bathroom.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Now is my chance to try and convince them
0:31:33 > 0:31:36that the house's beauty outweighs its size.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39This is the master overlooking...
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- Look at the view.- It's very light and airy, isn't it, I have to say.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- There's no planes, there's no noise.- It's lovely.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49If you follow me, this might be the master
0:31:49 > 0:31:51but look at this.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54At the moment it is a beautiful modern dressing-room.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55It's lovely.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57It could be a nursery if you needed it to.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59If you had a little one in here
0:31:59 > 0:32:03and you've got an ensuite with all mod cons.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- I love it.- I've still got that garden to show you.- OK.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Outside is full of surprises
0:32:11 > 0:32:15and just across from the pretty terrace is a large walled patio.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19Now, at the moment it has been done in quite a basic style.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21It's practical and in summer you can imagine
0:32:21 > 0:32:22it's full of blooms and blossom.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Absolutely fantastic, isn't it?
0:32:24 > 0:32:26So it's an added bonus. You weren't expecting this, were you?
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- No.- No, definitely not.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29You've got your greenhouse
0:32:29 > 0:32:33but there is one other little gem I'm going to show you.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Round to the side of the house is my last opportunity to persuade
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Nick and Catherine that this could be their country retreat.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43This is the final part of the garden and just look at that.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- The view is fantastic, isn't it? - Isn't it gorgeous?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Because that is what you could be waking up to every morning.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51So how much do you think this wonderful property
0:32:51 > 0:32:53is on the market for?
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Well, I think it's going to be over budget, looking at £510,000.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- OK.- I think I might be doing it a disservice
0:32:59 > 0:33:01by putting it at £480,000.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Asking price is...
0:33:04 > 0:33:07..£525,000.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Apologies.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Well, reflected, we are right on the Cotswolds border.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Now, in case you got carried away with the mystery house,
0:33:16 > 0:33:20we did speak to the people and say what your top budget was
0:33:20 > 0:33:22and they would be happy to have a conversation with you
0:33:22 > 0:33:24if the house was right.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27So, with that in mind, why don't you go and have another look.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Off you go. Through the gate. I'll catch you later.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Our mystery house is on the market for £25,000 over budget.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38But if Nick and Catherine thought it a serious contender,
0:33:38 > 0:33:39there is room for manoeuvre.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42The attractive cottage may be lacking the fourth bedroom
0:33:42 > 0:33:46and space they'd like but it is overflowing with period appeal
0:33:46 > 0:33:48and the quirky gardens would be ideal
0:33:48 > 0:33:50for little Charlotte to explore.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- It is quite small, isn't it?- Lovely.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57When I first walked up I just thought
0:33:57 > 0:33:59this is just picture perfect,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03the location is absolutely beautiful.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Mind your head.- Oh, there's not that much room up here, is there?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09The big thing that stuck out for me, literally, were the beams.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Being 6'1", having to duck down everywhere
0:34:12 > 0:34:14walking around the house would be an absolute nightmare.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18When we walked into the main living room I was wowed by it
0:34:18 > 0:34:20but I was also disappointed
0:34:20 > 0:34:25because you just know this beautiful room and house is not big enough,
0:34:25 > 0:34:27it's not going to be practical.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31So you are searching immediately, all right, how can I make this work?
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Where can my things go? But you just know it's not going to happen.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39This is a truly beautiful mystery house.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43I don't think it's right for them. Have we seen enough?
0:34:43 > 0:34:45We have, my head's had enough, I think.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Have you been knocking it on those beams?- I have, a couple of times.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52They were quite low but changed your minds?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I don't think so.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- It is beautiful but... - It's not the house for us.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Well, let's go somewhere, let's have a chat
0:34:58 > 0:35:00and find out what your next move is going to be.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01OK.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Oxfordshire is home to a wealth of history and historic buildings
0:35:09 > 0:35:12and one of the most majestic is Blenheim Palace,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16a stunning example of early 18th century baroque architecture.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Built with funds gifted from Queen Anne
0:35:18 > 0:35:20to the first Duke of Marlborough,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23it is situated in the Georgian town of Woodstock.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27200 years into the palace's story,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29in 1914, the First World War struck
0:35:29 > 0:35:33and Blenheim quickly transformed from a stately home
0:35:33 > 0:35:34to a vehicle of war
0:35:34 > 0:35:37and no one in this grand house was unaffected.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40To tell the story of that period,
0:35:40 > 0:35:41an exhibition has been curated
0:35:41 > 0:35:44which offers an insight into the life of those at Blenheim
0:35:44 > 0:35:47who served during the First World War.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51I am meeting Karen Wisemen who researched and set up this tribute.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55As I explored I realised you could tell the story of the First World War
0:35:55 > 0:35:58through this family and the people who lived and worked on the estate.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00And who would those people have been?
0:36:00 > 0:36:04Well, right from the very top we have the ninth Duke who was at the front
0:36:04 > 0:36:07all the way down to the boot boy in the palace.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09So the ninth Duke of Marlborough, what part did he pay?
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- Did he see active service?- He did but he was actually a messenger boy.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16He carried messages from the War Office to the front
0:36:16 > 0:36:18and then dispatches back to the War Office.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23But it wasn't just the family and staff who got involved.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26The estate itself was put to producing as much food
0:36:26 > 0:36:28as was humanly possible for the war effort.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31So, for example, around the palace, the flower borders were dug up
0:36:31 > 0:36:33and they grew carrots instead.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36And then the palace became a hospital.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Karen's exhibition tells the amazing stories
0:36:38 > 0:36:40of the people connected to Blenheim
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and paints a picture of what life would have been like
0:36:43 > 0:36:45in wartime Oxfordshire.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Who's the Flying Cousin?
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Well, the Flying Cousin is Oscar Guest
0:36:49 > 0:36:51and he's the first cousin of the ninth Duke.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52What happened to him?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54He was up with another pilot
0:36:54 > 0:36:57and a Fokker aeroplane attacked them.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01He was shot four times and he began to lose consciousness
0:37:01 > 0:37:04so he cut the engine and the plane landed itself
0:37:04 > 0:37:07fortunately in a ploughed field so they survived.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- He survived being shot four times? - Very, very fortunate.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17So for all the tales of woe, the war did have some happy endings.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Another uplifting story is that of one of the palace's tenant farmers.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24So, Karen, who's this fine gentleman?
0:37:24 > 0:37:28This is George Woodford who went to war in 1914
0:37:28 > 0:37:31with the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars as a captain.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34He was responsible for bringing supplies up to the front
0:37:34 > 0:37:37and your first thought might be that that was a safe occupation
0:37:37 > 0:37:40but it actually they shelled the communication trenches
0:37:40 > 0:37:42just as much as the front-line trenches
0:37:42 > 0:37:46so bringing up supplies to the men was incredibly dangerous
0:37:46 > 0:37:49and he was exceptionally good at his job
0:37:49 > 0:37:53and he was given the Military Cross by the King at the end of the war.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- For his service?- For his outstanding valour under extreme fire.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- And he came back safely? - He did. Very safely.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02And what do we know about him as a person?
0:38:02 > 0:38:03One of the lovely things we know
0:38:03 > 0:38:06is that he married the head dairy maid here at Blenheim
0:38:06 > 0:38:09and we have his wedding photograph here.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14And this is George on his wedding day to Christina McDuff
0:38:14 > 0:38:16with a fantastic bouquet of flowers.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21George, I think, was one of the lucky ones.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26He had a large family, he had a lovely wife waiting for him
0:38:26 > 0:38:29when he came home and he was determined to live life to the full.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32A remarkable man and very courageous.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Very, very. Exceptionally so.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37And just as remarkable were the deep muddy trenches
0:38:37 > 0:38:39soldiers lived in on the front line.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Hiding from the enemy whilst waiting to come aboveground to fight.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48Conditions were tough, wet, cold and often rat infested.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Is this the proportions of a trench? Is this how it would have been?
0:38:52 > 0:38:56This one is a very straight trench because it is very short
0:38:56 > 0:38:58but of course the trenches zigzagged deliberately
0:38:58 > 0:39:01so that if the enemy got into the trench,
0:39:01 > 0:39:03they didn't have a clear shot all the way down
0:39:03 > 0:39:06so if it zigzagged they could only shoot a very short distance.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Would they have eaten, slept, everything, here?
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Everything, yes, indeed.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14And as the war progressed, they brought in beds and tables
0:39:14 > 0:39:17so that they could actually try and live, odd as it seems,
0:39:17 > 0:39:19a very normal life.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20The trenches were a long way
0:39:20 > 0:39:23from the safety of Oxfordshire's splendid palace
0:39:23 > 0:39:27which became a refuge to the wounded heroes of the conflict.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31In the Long Library at the palace they set up a hospital.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33It was a convalescent hospital.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35What sort of casualties would we have seen here?
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Oh, all sorts.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39There were men who had lost limbs,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42there were men who were suffering from gunshot wounds,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44there were men who were suffering from shell-shock.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46What could they provide?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Was it medicine, equipment or was it mainly love?
0:39:49 > 0:39:52The nurses there, they were led by the wonderful Sister Munn.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55She believed if you were going to get their bodies healed
0:39:55 > 0:39:58you had to heal their mind as well and what was going on in their heads
0:39:58 > 0:40:01so she insisted on practical things like lots of fresh air.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03She chucked them outside for long walks
0:40:03 > 0:40:07or long pushes in the wheelchair. She was a good woman.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08So, Blenheim, as an estate,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12was so involved during the First World War, wasn't it?
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Yes, every aspect of the war somebody was either in the air,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17in the trenches or at sea
0:40:17 > 0:40:21and the women were busy either nursing or setting up hospitals.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24You've shown us just small snippet of this exhibition.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Thank you so much.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28It did have a profound effect, not just on Blenheim
0:40:28 > 0:40:30but everyone, the whole of Oxfordshire as well, didn't it?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- Thank you very much.- You're welcome.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Well, we've had a great few days with Nick and Catherine
0:40:42 > 0:40:44and we've shown them some super properties
0:40:44 > 0:40:46but have we found them their future home?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Let's find out.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56So, Nick and Catherine, we started this search with...
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Well, you were a little bit uncertain
0:40:58 > 0:41:01whether your budget would stretch to Oxfordshire
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but you had your wish list, you remained hopeful.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- How did we get on?- Yeah, very well.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Did we?- I am very hopeful.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10That second property, especially.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12You got very close, I reckon.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15For me, I think it virtually did hit the mark.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18I think for Nick it's going to be the slope in the garden
0:41:18 > 0:41:21that is the deal-breaker if there is one.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Yeah, it's the garden that's limiting the property for myself.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27If we have found you that house in that country location
0:41:27 > 0:41:30within a decent time to work for the commute,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33surely a sloping garden is the compromise to be made.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35It's a compromise I need to work out myself,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37if that is a compromise too far.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Everything else about the house seemed really good.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- Is it worth a second viewing? - Oh, definitely.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44What have you learnt though over the last few days?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46I think I've learnt not to be too narrow-minded
0:41:46 > 0:41:48on what a property looks like on the internet or brochure.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51I wouldn't have looked at any of those properties
0:41:51 > 0:41:53yet that second one, oh, just wonderful.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56You were so together with this search. Are you surprised?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Because it is the first time you'll have bought together.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00At the end of the day we want the same thing,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03we want a house for the future for our family to grow up in.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05And for us to probably get old and go grey in.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08So, to sum up, you're going to look at that property again.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- I'd like to, yes. - A little bit of work on Nick.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Take a gardener with you, that'll sort that.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15I think that the top of that garden can be levelled out nicely
0:42:15 > 0:42:17and I think it'll be perfectly sufficient.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Well, we've got an amazing spread here to celebrate the last few days.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- It has been our pleasure. - And thank you very much.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31So, although we didn't quite achieve a house sale
0:42:31 > 0:42:33with Nick and Catherine,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36they are definitely game for another viewing of our second property
0:42:36 > 0:42:39and I think what the last few days has shown them
0:42:39 > 0:42:42is with a bit of research and an open mind,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46they can find that wonderful family home here in the countryside
0:42:46 > 0:42:49most importantly on their budget.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51I just hope they get their skates on
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and they don't let this wonderful opportunity fly away.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I'll see you again. Bye-bye.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01If you are planning to escape to the country
0:43:01 > 0:43:04in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:43:04 > 0:43:10and would like our help, you can apply online at: