0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to what promises to be a very sunny Escape to the Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Now, the story goes that, in 1767, King George III nearly came
0:00:09 > 0:00:13a cropper right here when his coach nearly foundered in the river
0:00:13 > 0:00:15when he was trying to cross it during a flood.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19So he decreed that whoever built a bridge here could charge a toll
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and it would be tax-free forever.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24But who did build this beautiful structure?
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Today, our property-hungry pair are swapping
0:00:47 > 0:00:50the slopes of Switzerland for the rolling hills of England
0:00:50 > 0:00:53in what they hope will be their final move.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Love it.- Books, books...- More books.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Gill's library, it's really nice. - Yeah.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02And their prospective homes might need a little lateral thinking.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03It's a nice space.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06And this is definitely more manageable.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Well, today we are in Oxfordshire. And this is Swinford Bridge,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14which crosses the River Thames.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Following George III's decree, in 1769,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20the bridge was built by the Earl of Abingdon.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24What's more, it's governed by an Act of Parliament making it illegal
0:01:24 > 0:01:28to build a bridge within three miles of here up or down stream.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Now, thankfully, the pedestrian toll was abolished in 1835, but they
0:01:32 > 0:01:37still charge five tax-free pennies for every car that crosses it.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Not a bad little earner, really.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44Situated in southern England,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47land-locked Oxfordshire is bordered by six counties
0:01:47 > 0:01:51including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The Chiltern Hills make a striking appearance to the south of the
0:01:54 > 0:01:58county and are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02covering 324 square miles, over four counties.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Here, lush fields give way to rolling hills,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08while cattle graze amidst the verdant countryside.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13One of the architectural gems of the Oxfordshire landscape
0:02:13 > 0:02:17is Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, in the centre of the county.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20It's a striking example of early-18th-century Baroque
0:02:20 > 0:02:24architecture and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27The region is also home to charming towns like Burford,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31with honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings lining the streets, and
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Wallingford, which has the tranquil River Thames running through it.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39But that's not its only draw - the popular television series
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Midsomer Murders is filmed in the area
0:02:41 > 0:02:45and crime writer Agatha Christie once lived here too.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48So for escapees from city life partial to a mix of stunning
0:02:48 > 0:02:52scenery, classic culture and eye-catching architecture,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Oxfordshire could make a fitting place to call home.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Now, in 2015, a new rail-line is set to open between Oxford
0:03:02 > 0:03:06and London, meaning that travellers here will have not one
0:03:06 > 0:03:09but two mainline options to get them into the capital city.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13And that combined with stunning countryside and some beautiful towns
0:03:13 > 0:03:17and villages means that, as a whole, Oxfordshire is pretty expensive.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19And to put that in context,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24the cost of your average detached home here is currently £425,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Compare that to the national figure of £275,000
0:03:28 > 0:03:31and you get the idea that if you fancy a bit of Oxfordshire,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34you are going to have to have some pretty deep pockets.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37So, let's meet today's buyers and find out just how deep theirs are.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Gill and Bob have recently returned to the UK
0:03:41 > 0:03:44after 13 years living and working in Switzerland.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47They've been in this rented apartment in North West London,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51which they're using as a base, whilst they search for a new home...
0:03:51 > 0:03:52for eight months.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56We love living in Hampstead because of the amenities here
0:03:56 > 0:03:58and the bookshops and the cafe culture.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Hampstead is really beautiful, so we're getting spoilt.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06We sort of love the city, but we don't want to live in the city.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11Environmental engineer Bob is moving into semi-retirement.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13He's spent much of his working life abroad and he
0:04:13 > 0:04:17and Gill met in Derbyshire, where they both grew up, just before he
0:04:17 > 0:04:19was due to set off to the other side of the world,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21over three decades ago.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25My first job was in South Africa. And I had a leaving party
0:04:25 > 0:04:29and my next-door neighbour brought Gill down to the party, so...
0:04:29 > 0:04:31that's where we met.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35And fortunately, my departure to South Africa was delayed,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- so we had six months together, didn't we?- Yeah.
0:04:37 > 0:04:4231 years ago, they tied the knot and they have two grown-up daughters.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Their family couldn't be happier that they're back on home soil
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and Gill and Bob don't want to be too far from either
0:04:48 > 0:04:51their daughters in London or other family members in Derbyshire.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55We're looking forward to buying a house and settling
0:04:55 > 0:05:00and putting down roots in the UK, specifically Oxfordshire.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06Oxfordshire, for me, is easy access to family in Derbyshire and London.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10It's countryside, it's beautiful in that area.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- And it has all the things... - It's a great...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15..all the things that we want - culture, sporting activities,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19golf and tennis... So even though we want to move to the country,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- we would want access to cultural and other things as well.- Yes.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26We love beautiful scenery and long walks, hikes,
0:05:26 > 0:05:32and it just gives us the scope and the space to do what we want to do.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37We just prefer to be in more of a rural location than in the city.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So that's what we are both looking forward to.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42After so long away from home,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45the couple are also looking forward to staying put.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47We've moved a lot of times.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Switzerland has been the most consistent,
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- stable part of our living together. - We've been married for 30 years
0:05:55 > 0:05:56and we've lived in 16 houses.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59We don't have to be specifically somewhere for a job,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02we don't have to be specific to anywhere for the girls' schools,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04so it's an open book now.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08It took Gill and Bob four years to find their house in Switzerland
0:06:08 > 0:06:11and a lot of hard work to turn it into their dream home.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13We totally renovated it.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- From top to bottom, yeah. - Transformed it.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19We're not frightened of a project, big projects.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23They're both excited about their new life back in the UK and they're
0:06:23 > 0:06:26also excited about finding a home for all their belongings.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30We've got lots of boxes we haven't unpacked from eight months ago.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35It's frustrating and it's tiring. It's as if it's like camping.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I don't want to camp any more.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I want to find a new home for all of my things
0:06:39 > 0:06:41as well as for us, you know.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Gill and Bob are happy to consider moving anywhere in Oxfordshire
0:06:47 > 0:06:50so we have the freedom to cast our net far and wide.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54But before we do, I'm meeting them in this green county to go
0:06:54 > 0:06:57over the finer details of their proposed move.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58So, why Oxfordshire, Bob?
0:06:58 > 0:07:02It's a beautiful county and we want to be within striking distance
0:07:02 > 0:07:05from London but also access to Derbyshire, where we have
0:07:05 > 0:07:08family as well, so we think this is the right place.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10So what is your perfect home going to look like?
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Well, we like traditional. We like old buildings.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14But we like to sort of renovate
0:07:14 > 0:07:16for it to have a modern feel on the inside.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21I want a fabulous kitchen - open plan. We want it to be the hub
0:07:21 > 0:07:25of the house, and patio doors onto a fabulous terrace and great views.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- That's what I would ideally like. - So, what would be a real no-no?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- Beams and low ceilings. - Really low ceilings.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35And obviously, you've come back to be closer to family.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37They're going to come and stay,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39so how many bedrooms do you think you need?
0:07:39 > 0:07:43I think four, maybe five. Depending on if there's a study.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46If there's a study, then we need fewer bedrooms.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49You know, I'm hoping that this is the last time we're going to be moving
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and so this is the final resting place.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54This is where we're going to make our family home from now on.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55And what about you, Bob?
0:07:55 > 0:07:59I've done woodwork at stages in my life - earlier on at school -
0:07:59 > 0:08:02and it's something I've really enjoyed, so if we could have a
0:08:02 > 0:08:05workshop or something to escape to in the garden,
0:08:05 > 0:08:06that would be fantastic.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09I like where you're coming from. That's my kind of house too.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Now, give us an idea of how much you're going to spend on this.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17We're aiming for 800,000, but we can go a little bit higher,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20so up to a million if it's absolutely perfect
0:08:20 > 0:08:22and we don't have much to spend or do on it after that.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26So the kind of petty cash drawer has got £200,000 in it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Wow, what an opportunity! - Yes, it is.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31All right, then. Generous budget.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34The property market here is fabulous, as you probably know,
0:08:34 > 0:08:38and we've got three properties to show you to get this move underway,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41to find what you hope will be your final home.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Shall we?- Yes. - Come on then.- Let's go.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Gill and Bob have a very generous budget,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52but they have chosen one of the most costly regions in the UK to live in,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55so I hope we can find them what they want.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57They're not keen on cottages or beams,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59but they're happy to take on a project, as they've
0:08:59 > 0:09:03done in the past, and they're hoping for four or five bedrooms.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Gill would love a large kitchen-diner with doors
0:09:05 > 0:09:08to the garden, which can become the hub of their home.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Bob is looking for a workshop to call his own.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14And they would both be happy to be close to a centre with shops,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16eateries and access to culture.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We've found three distinctive properties -
0:09:19 > 0:09:23one of which could be Gill and Bob's 17th - and last - home together.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27And once they've toured each one, we'll let them in on its price.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29The last stop will be the mystery house.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33And today, it will require a very good imagination. So if our couple
0:09:33 > 0:09:37remain open-minded, this could be the home they've been dreaming of.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44For our first offering,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47we're heading slightly west of the centre of Oxfordshire
0:09:47 > 0:09:51to the town of Witney, just under 12 miles west of Oxford.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Witney is a thriving market town providing locals with a great centre
0:09:55 > 0:09:59packed with a variety of shops in its busy and attractive high street
0:09:59 > 0:10:01of stone buildings.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Alongside food, book and interiors retailers is a great selection
0:10:05 > 0:10:09of pubs and eateries - a home away from home for ex-city dwellers.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of town
0:10:12 > 0:10:15is our first property - a grand, detached house
0:10:15 > 0:10:17located in a quiet cul-de-sac.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- That is pretty.- Isn't it? - Yes, it's very nice.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25And this one really, I think, is all about location
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and those transport links that you need to get into London
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- and, of course, up to Derbyshire. - It looks lovely.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33It's got a nice old feel to it - this classic, warm,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36honey-coloured stone that this part of the world is famous for.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Is it a new build?- It is, you see.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Yeah, but it's got character. It's looking good.- Shall we?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Yes.- Let's go.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This house was built from reconstituted stone
0:10:46 > 0:10:48around 34 years ago
0:10:48 > 0:10:52and extended in 2001 to create this bright, spacious home.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Through a large reception hall is a very large living room,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57which opens onto the garden.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Wow. This is nice.- Very nice.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01But it does have a beam.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03It does have a beam.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05This place is awash with oak
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and when they set about renovating this property
0:11:07 > 0:11:12and extending it back in 2001, they sourced it all from France.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Wow, it's lovely. Got a nice open feel. I like this.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Behind you,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19you've got what the current owners use as their sort of winter snug.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Yes. Nice. Snug.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23I mean, I get the feeling that this is the sort of style
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- that would appeal.- Yes, it is. - It is nice. It is very nice.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It is. Yeah. Even though the room perhaps isn't huge,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32but it has an airiness to it which I like.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Also on the ground floor, there's a room which would be
0:11:35 > 0:11:38perfect as a study. And at the back of the house is a large
0:11:38 > 0:11:41kitchen-diner, also with access to the garden.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- This is nice.- It is nice.- Yeah?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Yeah. I could... Yeah, I could hack this.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Come and have a look at this - it's huge.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51It goes on round this corner.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53You've got the central island, as it were.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56No, this is lovely. Really nice.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Bright.- Yeah, like it. Yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- It's just super.- No, but the bones of it, it's nicely done.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03And I really like the window - the feature there.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- That's beautiful. - It does look really good.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Yeah? There's a great smile here, Bob.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11It's a good looking space. It's a lovely living space.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Off the kitchen is a larder and next to that there's a utility room
0:12:14 > 0:12:16and also a cloakroom.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Moving upstairs, there are five bedrooms
0:12:19 > 0:12:22including two large doubles, both flooded with light,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and there're also two comfortable single bedrooms -
0:12:25 > 0:12:27one currently a bright study -
0:12:27 > 0:12:31plus there are two good-sized bathrooms.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33And then this is yours.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36- Yeah.- Nice.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Good feeling of space.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Yes. Yeah, like it.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41It also has that rather special little en-suite -
0:12:41 > 0:12:43go and have a little look at that.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Yep. Like it.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48There's sort of a European flair to this.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51And also, we have a giant bed, so that's important to us
0:12:51 > 0:12:54because our bed's been with us for 30 years, so it has to...
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- Time for a new one. - No, no, it's not.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Bed with history.- Bed with... THEY LAUGH
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Come on.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Well, Gill and Bob definitely seem taken with this property,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06I'm just not sure quite how much.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08I love the double aspect there.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10That's what this is all about.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13As we move outside to the pretty garden with its sun terrace,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17plus two small outbuildings - one of which could be transformed into
0:13:17 > 0:13:21a workshop for Bob - they can really take in the property from the back.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22That's the garden. Is it big enough?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- Yes.- Yeah, it's definitely big enough.- Yes, it is.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26It's nice and secluded, nice and private.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29And I think this aspect of the property is lovely.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31You can see where it's all been sort of added to
0:13:31 > 0:13:33and how it's grown over the years.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Everything's been done sympathetically
0:13:36 > 0:13:37and it's still interesting.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Even though it's quite a new house, it's still interesting.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42It's definitely a really liveable space.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47So, in terms of the price, you've got 800 to a million to spend -
0:13:47 > 0:13:49where does this one come on the scale of things?
0:13:49 > 0:13:55Well, for me, I would say 825,000.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56Hmmm, yeah. Bob?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00I would say a little bit more than that. I would say 849.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03849! That's very precise.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07OK. The thing about this one is that this is under 800,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- Wow.- It's on at 775.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Right.- It's pleasing.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Go and have a look around. Go and explore upstairs, why not?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Yeah.- And see how those bedrooms would work for you
0:14:17 > 0:14:19and just enjoy it, you know. Take your time.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- OK.- Off you go.- Right.- Thank you.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29This fantastic detached stone house is surprisingly £25,000
0:14:29 > 0:14:33under the bottom end of Gill and Bob's budget -
0:14:33 > 0:14:35so coupled with the fact that the house barely needs anything
0:14:35 > 0:14:38doing to it, it would leave them a great amount of cash to
0:14:38 > 0:14:43enjoy in Bob's spare time as he moves into semi-retirement.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46It's got the number of bedrooms they were hoping for plus a study
0:14:46 > 0:14:49and the inside space is bright and airy, with a kitchen-diner
0:14:49 > 0:14:52ideal to take on the role of heart of the home.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56There are also not one but two rooms opening onto the garden
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and there's even scope to give Bob his workshop.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03When I first saw the house, I was impressed.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07It has a traditional look to it, but it has a new feel.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Traditional, new. So it suits, it suits what we like.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15The house definitely lends itself to having family
0:15:15 > 0:15:20and friends, especially the kitchen. I love the triple aspect to it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Light and airy and a great space
0:15:23 > 0:15:27because everybody tends to gravitate to the kitchen whatever happens.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I think coming into the house, it comes into its own.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34It's a really bright space. It's very, very liveable.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39I think it's homely and I could live here.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46Good. Well, that's it. Our first house tour is done and dusted.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Have we spoilt you?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Yes, you have. Great start.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53But also comfortably under budget.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55A lot lower than expected. I thought it was going to be higher.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58I think we'll spend it all by the end of the week.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00THEY LAUGH
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Gill and Bob are keen sailors and love being on the water,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11and as Oxford is synonymous with punting, we've arranged for them
0:16:11 > 0:16:15to visit The Cherwell Boathouse - an Edwardian punt hire station -
0:16:15 > 0:16:17to see how these boats are created
0:16:17 > 0:16:19and have a go on the water themselves.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Carpenter Bob Dowling has been crafting these boats
0:16:22 > 0:16:24in the workshop here for 20 years.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Hello there. - Hello, nice to meet you.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Hello, Bob. Good to meet you. - And you.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32What wood do you use to build the punts?
0:16:32 > 0:16:37Um, the sides are African mahogany, bottom's marine ply
0:16:37 > 0:16:41and some lumps of iroko for the treads and ends.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44How much does the whole punt weigh?
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Hmmm, it's not that heavy at all. It's 200 kilos, maybe a bit less.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Are the punts predominantly built by hand or do you have...?
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Um, pretty much, yeah. Obviously, you know, I don't saw the planks
0:16:55 > 0:16:59out of the log myself, there's a big machine that does that for me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Some boats have a shaped bottom - or hull -
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and a pointed front - or bow -
0:17:04 > 0:17:08but these beauties have features that set them apart from others.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Why exactly does the boat have a flat bottom?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Does that... To make it more stable?
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Shallow rivers is the main thing, and it's evolved from a
0:17:17 > 0:17:22cargo-carrying thing and it's easy to put stuff on a flat bottom.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24How long does it take to build the boat?
0:17:24 > 0:17:27The woodwork takes about a month and then the painting
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and varnishing takes about another month.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32There are more than 80 beautifully constructed punts afloat
0:17:32 > 0:17:35here on the River Cherwell and, now they've seen where
0:17:35 > 0:17:39they stem from, Gill and Bob are going to experience a trip in one.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Roger Forster has run the boat hire side of the business
0:17:42 > 0:17:46here for 23 years and sees around 6,000 students,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49locals and tourists a year enjoy taking the punts out on the river.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52THEY LAUGH
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm not sure I was expecting that.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Whoa.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Today, Ray has the job of the chauffeur.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04This peaceful way of travelling the river is seen as a very
0:18:04 > 0:18:07English activity, but Oxford isn't the only university city
0:18:07 > 0:18:11famous for its punting trips - arch rival Cambridge is too.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Is punting specific to Oxford
0:18:14 > 0:18:16and Cambridge or do you find it elsewhere in the UK?
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- There's a few other places - Stratford, Bath.- Oh, OK.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23But I think it's most popular in Oxford and Cambridge because
0:18:23 > 0:18:27of the abundance of students and the tradition that they've made it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31How does the British punt compare to the Italian gondola?
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Well, they're very, very different.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I think the important difference is that you will always be
0:18:36 > 0:18:38chauffeured in a gondola.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42There will always be the gondolier doing the paddling for you.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45The big difference is that when you go punting in Oxford,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47you'll do it yourself.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- So what makes a good punter? - Practice.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Twice a week, we recommend. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:18:54 > 0:18:57In years gone by, punting was reserved for the wealthy,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00but today, it's an affordable, accessible pastime.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Gill and Bob have returned to dry land to pick up some
0:19:03 > 0:19:06obligatory refreshments before hopping back on board
0:19:06 > 0:19:08and taking to the helm themselves.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10A little more to the right, darling.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Oh, wait a minute, that way.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14Oh, yeah.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- I'll direct.- There we go.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I just knew that you would be a good punter.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21And you're going to have a try in a minute.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- SHE LAUGHS - Gill, do you want a go at this?
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Er, no, thank you. - No, I think you should.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I don't think this is a good idea.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32THEY LAUGH
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Oh, no.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37I really do not want to get wet.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Oh, this is so easy.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Cheers, Gill.- Cheers, Bob.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48And what better way to take in the stunning Oxfordshire scenery,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50soon to be their new home.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Do you need some help?
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Back on course.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00For our second property,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03we're journeying nine miles west, to the village of Fulbrook.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's just over 20 miles west of the centre of Oxford
0:20:06 > 0:20:10and just a mile north of the picturesque town of Burford.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The main street of Burford sits on a steep hill with
0:20:13 > 0:20:16beautiful views of the Oxfordshire countryside from the top.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Cotswold stone buildings line the streets with a delightful
0:20:19 > 0:20:23mix of artisan shops, restaurants and pubs.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26A six-minute drive, or 15-minute walk,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29takes us from bustling Burford to our second house.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31This period property is perfectly situated
0:20:31 > 0:20:33within minutes of open countryside.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36All right then, Gill and Bob.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Here we are, this is it, property number two.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41What do you think?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Yeah. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:20:44 > 0:20:46That's a very quiet laugh.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- It's old, it's definitely old. - It's interesting.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It really is old. A lot older than our first property.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55It is effectively a barn conversion, but to be perfectly honest,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57it's unlike almost any other I have seen
0:20:57 > 0:21:00because you've got the outside wings of the barn
0:21:00 > 0:21:04and then the central bit has been removed to create this courtyard.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Doesn't look like a barn conversion at all.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11This unusual barn, built from Cotswold stone,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14dates back to the 17th century - on the outside -
0:21:14 > 0:21:17but was converted to a family home in 1982.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20And off the entrance hall is a sitting room.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Oh.- Yes?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It's cottage-y.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I wouldn't have described it as cottage-y, more barn-y.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31THEY LAUGH
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- I'm struggling.- It's got beams.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Yeah, no, it's cottage-y.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- This is not your principle living room.- OK.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40So don't worry about space.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44This is but one of four reception rooms you've got to play with.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- The main event is through here. Have a look at this.- OK.- OK.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50On the other side of the hallway and down a few stairs
0:21:50 > 0:21:52is another huge reception room.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This one has a sloped ceiling and skylights
0:21:54 > 0:21:56as well as doors to the garden.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Now, to me, this doesn't feel that cottage-y.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01No, it doesn't.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- This definitely feels more barn-like.- Yeah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Yes, I like this. I love the wooden floor.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10It's a great space. It's a lovely living space.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13It's a mixture of garden room, living room, dining room.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16It's light and airy, but there's a certain elegance to it
0:22:16 > 0:22:17which I quite like.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Thankfully, this fabulous, bright room has got
0:22:20 > 0:22:21Gill and Bob back on side.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24And just next door to it is a farmhouse-style kitchen,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27but is it good enough to be the heart of Gill's home?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- No. It's not doing it for me. - No!- No.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I thought we'd turned a corner for a moment then...
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- No. No. - Bob? Where are we? What's happened?
0:22:36 > 0:22:37Well, I think...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- If we could knock that wall out... - Open, but erm...
0:22:40 > 0:22:45Because I like to be far more connected to the living space
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- when I'm cooking.- Yes. OK. What if you put the kitchen next door?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51That is a thought. Yeah.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54See, it's really interesting, I had really high hopes for this one.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56I thought of all of our properties,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58this is the one you were going to love.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01I must admit, I love that space and I like the olde-worlde aspect to it.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- You're pretty connected.- Hmmm...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- It's worth thinking about. - A little bit of time, it'll grow...
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- We've got to see, I think, the rest. - You see, he's being an optimist.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14I'm the realist.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17THEY LAUGH
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Also on the ground floor, there's a utility room, a cloakroom,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23a snug and a garage-cum-workshop.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Upstairs, the unique layout continues
0:23:25 > 0:23:27with a long landing linking the two
0:23:27 > 0:23:32ends of the barn, leading to another living area - this time a library.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- I love it.- Books, books.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36More books.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Gill's library. It's really nice.- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41It's unexpected - huge space, this.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44I mean, it could be a bedroom, it doesn't have to be, but I love it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46No, I like this.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Also on this floor, there's a family bathroom, a character double
0:23:51 > 0:23:54bedroom and a quirky single, both linked by a dressing area.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59And above on the second floor are two bedrooms in the eaves.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01But back on the first floor...
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Across this lovely gallery is the main bedroom.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Wow. Interesting.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- That's the story of this house. - Yes, it is.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10You know. It's all interesting.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14You've got an upstairs mezzanine which gives you a dressing area.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18This is the master because it's got the en-suite.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Is this still a grower, Bob?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Yeah, it's growing. I love the landing that connects everywhere.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27I'm glad you're keeping an open-mind because I think this is a really
0:24:27 > 0:24:30fun proposition for you because of the space that it offers.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And a place that you could grow into,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34bearing in mind you don't want to move again.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38This house has certainly got Gill and Bob thinking,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40so let's see what they'll make of the outside space -
0:24:40 > 0:24:45an attractive terrace and garden laden with fruit trees and flowers.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48And as would be fitting with such an unusual house,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51the garden is also fairly unusual in its layout,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53because nothing here is conventional -
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- long and thin but with a slightly exotic feel over here.- Yes.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00And a very Cotswolds feel over there.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03So the price?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06For me, about 850,000.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08850. Bob?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I would say a bit higher. 870.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13870. 850.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16You are right to be higher, but I'm afraid for this one, you're
0:25:16 > 0:25:18going to have to go a lot higher.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It's Burford, it's a big house and it's the Cotswolds.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24It's £950,000.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Whoa.- OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Go and have a wander around.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30There's a lot to take in with this one.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31- Go on, then - off you go.- Right.- OK.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34You ramble that way and I shall ramble this way.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40This 17th-century barn conversion may be on the costly side,
0:25:40 > 0:25:45but it is £50,000 below the top end of Gill and Bob's budget.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48The slightly hefty price-tag comes with its hugely desirable
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Cotswolds location.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52But it is a great space for entertaining,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54with its various reception rooms,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56and it's got the five bedrooms they're after.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It's also got a great garage,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00providing an ideal work space for Bob.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04And it's got the advantage of being close to stunning countryside,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07but it's also got great access to the transport links, shops,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10eateries and culture Gill and Bob are after.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I really like this space. The landing.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18I like the rambling-ness of the different stairways.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21I think it's like a Pandora's box.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24You see it from the outside, and it's very attractive.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It's got a lot of character. And you come inside,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30and then there's a lot to explore. And I think the main living area -
0:26:30 > 0:26:33this - and the kitchen and the garden as well are very special.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It's a big space.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I do feel as if I would need a lot of money to do this
0:26:38 > 0:26:43place justice really, I think. It's a fabulous house - I love it.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47I love the space and the quirkiness of it,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51but I do have reservations about whether it's for us or not.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Now, I wonder if these are in any way ready.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02To my surprise, they really are. Absolutely delicious.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03Tastes like grape juice.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06This is another reason why you should buy this house,
0:27:06 > 0:27:07shouldn't you, Gill?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Well I'd...it's a fabulous house.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I just wish my best friend lived here.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Really, that's an interesting way of putting it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Not sure it's for me.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Ooh, very cryptic, Bob.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21I liked it. It grew on me the whole time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I love the space and the interesting...different
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- parts of the house.- Well you've got tonight to work on Gill, to persuade
0:27:28 > 0:27:30her that maybe this could work, but, of course,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32we have got our mystery house tomorrow to show you.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Come on then. Let's have a drink.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It's the second day of our Oxfordshire trip, looking
0:27:46 > 0:27:50for a new home for Gill and Bob from Hampstead, northwest London,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54now they've returned to the UK after 13 years abroad.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57They've got a very healthy budget of between £800,000 and a million
0:27:57 > 0:28:00to spend and they're looking for somewhere
0:28:00 > 0:28:01they can put their own stamp on.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Coming up, our mystery house is going to require
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Gill and Bob to think big!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08I don't know if I could do anything with it, but I love it!
0:28:08 > 0:28:12And I'll be getting ahead with a very British accessory.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15There you have your initial shape and your hat.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Look at that! My hat really is taking shape.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Well, yesterday, I thought, went rather well, but I do get this
0:28:22 > 0:28:26sense there is a bit of a conundrum going on between Gill and Bob.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28She, I think, prefers property number one
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and he, I think, prefers property number two.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34So what can we come up with for our mystery house?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Well, on Escape To The Country, as you well know,
0:28:37 > 0:28:41we do like to thrill our buyers with our final property and, often as
0:28:41 > 0:28:43not, we use all kinds of superlatives
0:28:43 > 0:28:45to describe our mystery houses.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49But on this occasion, to be honest, I'm lost for words.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54For our third and final property, we're travelling 37 miles
0:28:54 > 0:28:57southeast to the hamlet of Nuffield.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It's just over 17.5 miles from Oxford
0:29:00 > 0:29:02and is the closest of our three houses to London.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06It sits in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Less than two miles away is the village of Nettlebed,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12which has all the essentials on offer in its pretty streets,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14including a deli and pub.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16In the middle of the village, there's a statuesque
0:29:16 > 0:29:20old pottery kiln built in the late 17th or early 18th century,
0:29:20 > 0:29:24remembering a time when the area was well-known for brick making.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Just a four-minute drive and we're on the edge of Nuffield
0:29:27 > 0:29:31at our last offering - and it won't take long for Gill and Bob to
0:29:31 > 0:29:36realise why it's earned itself the title of our mystery house.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Well, Bob and Gill...
0:29:38 > 0:29:41THEY LAUGH
0:29:41 > 0:29:42It's a lot of roof.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- It's a lot of barn.- A lot of barn.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46Why have we brought you here?
0:29:46 > 0:29:48You're probably wondering.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51With our mystery houses, we like to give ourselves a little
0:29:51 > 0:29:54bit of latitude in terms of what we offer you.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58But I know that you have done some major renovations in your time,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- and that's what this needs.- Yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03And to find a property like this on the market
0:30:03 > 0:30:06this close to London is a rarity.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11It is an opportunity to turn a beautiful, medieval barn...
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- Medieval...- Positively medieval. - THEY LAUGH
0:30:15 > 0:30:17..into a stunning home.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Let's see what you think of the inside.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24This striking period barn is Grade II listed and is
0:30:24 > 0:30:28built from brick and flint with a steeply pitched clay tile roof.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31It's attached, but it's so large that the majority of the property
0:30:31 > 0:30:33sits away from the party wall.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37The most recent resident here was a bespoke antiques business.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Whoa!
0:30:42 > 0:30:44I love it. BOB LAUGHS
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- I love it!- You see?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49I don't know if I could do anything with it, but I love it.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50- It's got a few beams.- Wow!
0:30:50 > 0:30:54Yeah, it has got lots of beams. THEY LAUGH
0:30:54 > 0:30:56I mean, it's er...it's a real gem, this.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Oh, I love that.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59- Yeah?- Mmm.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01It has planning permission - that's why we're here -
0:31:01 > 0:31:05because it's good to go in terms of being developed further.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08So one could imagine other floor levels in here,
0:31:08 > 0:31:13four to five bedrooms, living space. Well, wow, where do you start?
0:31:13 > 0:31:18In the early 20th century, the interior of this superb barn
0:31:18 > 0:31:21was remodelled following the Arts and Crafts Movement -
0:31:21 > 0:31:24a style which was a la mode, using traditional craftsmanship
0:31:24 > 0:31:27and led by textile designer William Morris.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I love the floor.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- Now, this is also Arts and Crafts. - Yeah, I love it.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33As are these lovely windows.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35So it's a mixture of periods, if you like.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37The fireplace was Arts and Crafts.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Obviously, it wouldn't have had a fireplace originally.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42That's a wow. I love that.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46It's not a space that's totally overwhelming. It's still doable.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48It's stunning as a conversion project.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- It's an open book, isn't it, really?- Yeah.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53And you can see why we thought this was worth you seeing,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56because it's so rare to find something like this in its raw
0:31:56 > 0:32:00state, but nonetheless, in a condition that's really ready to go.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04But this huge empty shell isn't all there is to see here.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07From its days as an antiques merchants, there's a small kitchen,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10cloakroom and upstairs, there's an office.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12But back on the ground floor,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14there's yet another room hidden from view.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18So walking through the living room or whatever,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22but do have in mind as we go through here that blocked up doorway there.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- Right.- That will make sense.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Right, Gill, this, I think, would make a fabulous kitchen.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36- Wow.- It's a nice space.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39And this is definitely even more manageable.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- Absolutely. That's the door that goes through to the main barn.- OK.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46I'm imagining a huge range down there,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50kitchen either side - dining-living space.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54We could look at making this a self-contained area
0:32:54 > 0:32:56for when the girls come to visit.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- Or a workshop.- Or a workshop!
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Ah, yes! I hadn't thought of that. Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Neither had I.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I love the way you've grasped this one - not everybody would.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10But you could probably tell, this is the sort of project I relish.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12And I think you probably would too if you want to do it.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14If it's for the right money.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18The cavernous interior isn't all that's on offer here either,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21there are beautiful gardens both front and back.
0:33:21 > 0:33:22A walled garden.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Now what's lovely about this is that you do get
0:33:25 > 0:33:29effectively two gardens, which is rather nice, actually.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31This lovely kind of enclosed veranda area
0:33:31 > 0:33:35and this walled garden. It's quite exciting, isn't it?
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- It is.- It's pretty. It's very pretty.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39And you get the evening sun onto the veranda.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41I think Bob's quite excited about this one.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43I am. I think it's a real...
0:33:43 > 0:33:45It's a real opportunity.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47It's got great potential.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Well, let's talk about its value then because, let's face it,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54we can't move this forward without knowing what it costs. So, madam?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56I think around 900,000.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- £900,000.- Yep. Bob?
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I'm going to be optimistic and say 800,000.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06You're laughing, aren't you?
0:34:06 > 0:34:08I don't think so.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09- He's right.- He's right!
0:34:09 > 0:34:11THEY LAUGH
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- Wow.- £800,000.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Go back inside, let your imaginations go wild
0:34:17 > 0:34:19and I will come and find you a little bit later on.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21All right. Thanks, Jules.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23I don't think you'll get lost somehow.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24THEY LAUGH
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Brilliant. Well, you know, every now and then on Escape To The Country,
0:34:28 > 0:34:30a real gem comes along, a gem among gems.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33And for me, this really is one of them.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35It is an exceptional property and when it's done
0:34:35 > 0:34:39and finished - wow, what a place it'll be.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Gill and Bob have said they'd be happy with a project,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46but they weren't expecting one quite as big as this -
0:34:46 > 0:34:49but that's what you get with the mystery house.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52This spectacular medieval listed barn which comes with
0:34:52 > 0:34:55planning permission is £200,000 under their top budget,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58meaning they would have a very healthy kitty to convert
0:34:58 > 0:35:02this 4,000-square-foot blank canvas into the home of their dreams.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05What's going through my mind at the moment is whether this is a
0:35:05 > 0:35:10real goer, whether it's a feasible project for us to be able to afford.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11- Love it.- It's huge.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Just a huge project and you've got to be really brave to
0:35:14 > 0:35:17take on something like this, but it could be fantastic.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22I think it's got so much potential and I think we can do it.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Maybe we're mad enough to take it on. Maybe.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- It's exciting.- It is.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30The main thing is getting more light. It needs light.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31How could we do that?
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Well, I thought glass here, coming in through there,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- just beaming light in.- It would match the glass on both sides?- Yeah.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41I like the way you're thinking. This is all good.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I knew you'd be creative with this one, and you haven't let me down.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It's a building that's crying out for somebody to take it on.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- To love it.- Absolutely, yeah.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51But will it be you?
0:35:51 > 0:35:55We've given you three to choose from - you've got a lot to consider.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56- Yeah.- OK.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Come on then. After you, Bob.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Let's go. What a place.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Back in Witney, in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12one business has been producing a very British head attire
0:36:12 > 0:36:15for over 240 years.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18One of the oldest hat manufacturers in the UK, the company has
0:36:18 > 0:36:23passed through eight generations of the Christy family before being sold
0:36:23 > 0:36:27on in the 1960s. It's now owned by a London-based department store.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30It makes head gear for not only your man and woman in the street
0:36:30 > 0:36:34but also the rich and famous - and even royalty.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37At its peak, there would have been up to 3,000 workers
0:36:37 > 0:36:40on the production floor. Today, there are just 20. And
0:36:40 > 0:36:44managing director Steve Clarke has worked here for just over two years.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Look at this, a hatter's paradise.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Absolutely, that old playground.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50The range of styles here is extraordinary -
0:36:50 > 0:36:55everything from classic country to very much man or woman about town.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58And I notice over here, even the police get a look in.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Indeed, yeah. We have the national contract for making police helmets.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- That's a lot of helmets. - That's a lot of helmets, yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Now, over the years, presumably the great
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- and the good have also worn Christy's hats?- Indeed.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- Any highlights?- Yeah, a few.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I mean, Prince Albert and Queen Victoria were both, you know,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15ardent wearers and Churchill with his Homburg,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Marlon Brando - The Godfather - with his Homburg.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22We also - Indiana Jones - so the classic hats, I guess, are ours.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Now it's hard for us to imagine these days,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28but there was a time when a man or a woman was considered
0:37:28 > 0:37:30not dressed correctly if they weren't wearing a hat.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Yes, the owner of the manor wore the top hat,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34the head gardener wore the bowler
0:37:34 > 0:37:37and all of the rest of the gardening team wore flat-caps, so the whole
0:37:37 > 0:37:40household in the 19th century were all wearing some form of headwear.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42So, in a way, you could distinguish where somebody
0:37:42 > 0:37:45was in the class pecking order by the hat they were wearing?
0:37:45 > 0:37:46Indeed, yeah. Absolutely.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Well, not to be left out, I've got a taste for my own bespoke hat.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Now what would a smart man about the country have adorning his head?
0:37:54 > 0:37:56An Epsom hat, apparently!
0:37:56 > 0:37:59So, Jules, this is the start point, this is the fur-felt hood.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02It's made from rabbit fur. It's felted in Portugal.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05It's a by-product so everything is used from the animal.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08And a chemical addition enables it to felt so it effectively locks,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12so the material then locks as it is steamed around a cone
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and that creates a beautiful, very strong and resilient finish.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17It has the natural properties obviously of the rabbit,
0:38:17 > 0:38:20for a fairly waterproof and beautiful feel.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- So that's how my Epsom is going to start?- That's how it starts.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25But by the end, it'll be a beautiful Epsom for your head.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27And Kevin's the guy who is going to take you through
0:38:27 > 0:38:29and show you how it's done.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Kevin has been working in the factory for 34 years
0:38:32 > 0:38:36and it's his job to hand-make felt hats from the original blocks.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40Over 50,000 are made here every year.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Well first job we do, Jules, is put it into this clamp.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Clamp the brim down. The next thing we do is,
0:38:47 > 0:38:51we give it some steam so we can stretch that brim.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54You're almost cooking it, aren't you? I love it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- It does get very hot in there. - I bet it does.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58This machine is over a century old
0:38:58 > 0:39:02and Kevin is making my hat just like they did all those years ago.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04The felt absorbs the moisture
0:39:04 > 0:39:07and, as it gets softer, the brim can be stretched.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Then a wooden sizing block is placed in the crown of the hat,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13which will make it the perfect size for me.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Push it down, bring this clamp out. You just pull that down, the lever.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- And that's going to force the block into the felt.- Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- So if it's not big enough, it's my fault.- Yeah, that's right.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Next, the hat is cooled and dried.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28It then goes into a press which sets the crown
0:39:28 > 0:39:31and gives it the Epsom's distinctive characteristics.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34There you have your initial shape of your hat.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Look at that. My hat really is taking shape.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42What an unbelievable labour of love to produce my tailor-made hat!
0:39:42 > 0:39:46It goes through 45 processes in total that include shaving,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50waxing, and curling before it has a quick turn on the rounder again,
0:39:50 > 0:39:54a buff and a brush and a blast of steam and I think we may be done!
0:39:54 > 0:39:57There we are, Jules, that's your finished hat.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Thank you very much indeed. But there is one final thing
0:39:59 > 0:40:02that seems to be missing, and that's the little band.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05You'll have to go upstairs and have the girls finish it off for you.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09A sweatband is stitched to the inside and the ribbon's
0:40:09 > 0:40:13attached to the outside and after it's lined, I'm good to go!
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Well, the famous box. Is it all done?
0:40:16 > 0:40:17There you are, Jules. Yep.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Thank you very much indeed.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24As the song says - wherever I lay my hat, that's my home.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28I just wonder if Gill and Bob have decided where to lay theirs!
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Well, it's been a fantastic week with some fabulous properties in it,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35but despite Bob and Gill's generous budget, they can of course
0:40:35 > 0:40:39afford to buy only one of them, so which one is it likely to be?
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Well, they're just over there, let's go and ask them.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Well, you two, are you still convinced that this is
0:40:48 > 0:40:49a county that's for you?
0:40:49 > 0:40:53It's reaffirmed for us that's it's a great place to make
0:40:53 > 0:40:54this as a base for our new home.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58But have we managed to find you a home here that you can look
0:40:58 > 0:41:00forward to the future in?
0:41:00 > 0:41:05Well, I think we want to explore the possibility of putting
0:41:05 > 0:41:07in an offer on the mystery house.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Do you?- Yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10Oh, OK.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13A bit of research needs to be done and just explore the area as well.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Our mystery house - full of beams -
0:41:16 > 0:41:18more than you could shake a stick at.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19And a project to boot.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Well, I think that's the key word, it's a project.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25We do fancy a project and that certainly would offer scope.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28If you can get it bright and airy on the inside,
0:41:28 > 0:41:30then I think it could be a fabulous place.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Well, you've both travelled the world, you've lived in some
0:41:33 > 0:41:38fabulous countries and destinations over the years.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40You're a lot of fun, you've got bags of energy
0:41:40 > 0:41:44and I think the mystery house is absolutely crying out for that
0:41:44 > 0:41:46injection of fun and energy and imagination.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49And I can't think of anyone better to take it on.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51So, is an offer on the cards then?
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I think perhaps a cheeky offer might be on the cards.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- To start with.- To start with.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- But it's a really exciting proposition, isn't it?- It is.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Well, I wish you all the very best of luck
0:42:02 > 0:42:04and let us know how you get on.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Absolutely, we will.- We will.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08What a place to revisit in a few years' time.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Thank you, Jules. It's been great and a lot of fun.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17Well, hopefully, Bob and Gill are now well on their way to
0:42:17 > 0:42:21finding their new home and I have got some very welcome new headgear.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24But I suppose, in some respects, looking for a house is a bit
0:42:24 > 0:42:28like looking for a hat - how do you know if you've got the right one?
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Well, in my experience, if it fits...wear it.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33I'll see you next time.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Gill and Bob didn't revisit the mystery house
0:42:36 > 0:42:38because, although they loved it,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40they concluded it was too big a project
0:42:40 > 0:42:42and too big for their needs.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44So, they're continuing their search in Oxfordshire
0:42:44 > 0:42:47and we wish them the very best of luck.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50If you would like to Escape To The Country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Scotland, Wales or England
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and would like our help, then please apply online at...