0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country. Now, that rather shaky-looking
0:00:05 > 0:00:07chain bridge behind me was built 200 years ago
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and is a lasting testament to the commercial ingenuity of one man.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But who built it, and why?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Well, join us in a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today, our property pursuers are giving up their day jobs
0:00:36 > 0:00:39in return for a rural retreat.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42You're spoiling me with these properties.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But things aren't always harmonious...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48I could be quite happy with this bit and there's enough room for
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Alan to just, you know, be pushed right into that far corner.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Well, today we are in North Wales and this is the famous
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Chain Bridge which crosses the river Dee at Llangollen.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04It was built back in 1814 by the fabulously named
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Exuperius Pickering.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08He was a mine owner, and in order to get his coal from this
0:01:08 > 0:01:11side of the river to the railway on the other
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and avoid toll charges that he'd have to pay on the existing bridges,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18well, he decided to build his own.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Now, over the last 200 years,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23time and numerous floods have taken their toll
0:01:23 > 0:01:24on this fabulous structure.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But now, thanks to the award of a grant,
0:01:27 > 0:01:29it's going to be restored and repaired.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32So, hopefully, once again, visitors and locals alike can use it
0:01:32 > 0:01:35to cross this stunning river.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The area of North Wales shares its border with England
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and the counties of Cheshire and Shropshire to the east of it.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The region is home to layer upon layer of hills, rising
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and falling into beautiful river valleys, with pretty communities
0:01:50 > 0:01:54like the market town of Llangollen, sitting on the River Dee.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Its narrow streets are lined with whitewashed buildings
0:01:56 > 0:01:59featuring striking dark timbers.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02The borderlands between North Wales and England,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05known as the Welsh Marches, were fiercely contested
0:02:05 > 0:02:08for hundreds of years and contain the highest concentration of
0:02:08 > 0:02:11motte-and-bailey castles in the country.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Chirk Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress
0:02:14 > 0:02:19completed in 1310, is a particularly fine example.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22The jewel in the area's crown is Snowdonia National Park,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26with four dramatic mountain ranges, expansive lakes
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and fast flowing rivers.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Equally as breathtaking is the North Welsh coast,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36where arresting sea cliffs overlook pristine sandy beaches,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39such as Barmouth in Cardigan Bay, with its attractive harbour
0:02:39 > 0:02:41lying in the shadow of the
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Snowdonian Mountains in the distance.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46So, with its mix of stunning scenery and historic architecture,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49this region is an escapees' paradise,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52a place where you really can get away from it all.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Well, this is one of my favourite parts of Wales
0:02:58 > 0:03:00and it's long been popular with property hunters too,
0:03:00 > 0:03:05not just because it's beautiful but also because of the prices.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Now, the average cost of a detached property here is
0:03:07 > 0:03:09currently £170,000,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14100 grand less than the national figure.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16And even when you compare it to neighbouring Shropshire,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18which is also pretty good value for money,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22there the same thing could cost you £70,000 more.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24So the message is clear,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28in North Wales you can get more property for your pounds.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31So let's meet today's buyers and find out what's attracted them
0:03:31 > 0:03:34to this glorious part of the world.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38For the three decades they've been together,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Sally and Alan from Helsby in Cheshire have never had
0:03:41 > 0:03:45a house to call their own but that is all about to change.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50So for 30 years we've carried on living in, sort of, small spaces and
0:03:50 > 0:03:51I feel like we haven't grown up yet
0:03:51 > 0:03:53because we haven't actually got a house
0:03:53 > 0:03:55and that's going to be great.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It's exciting because we've never done it.- No.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59We've never, never done it,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02we've always lived in one-bedroom apartments.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06They may not have ever had the keys to their own house but their jobs as
0:04:06 > 0:04:09property managers means they've lived in plenty of other people's.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13We've been managing properties for about 15 years.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18We sort of do everything as if it's our own property, really,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22look after the grounds and the inside and all the plants
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and everything and keep it running smoothly.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27We've worked in old properties
0:04:27 > 0:04:32in the centre of London, in the countryside,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36all kinds, really, from a listed building to a modern...
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Hi-tech to this place, which is hi-tech and state-of-the-art.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44The home they've shared for the past four-and-a-half years is
0:04:44 > 0:04:49a self-contained one-bedroom apartment in the £4.75 million house
0:04:49 > 0:04:53they manage, sitting on the slopes of Helsby Hill
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and it's got Sally's stamp all over it.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00Well, it's an interesting mix of very modern and very old.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I do like '60s and '70s collectables, so I spend a bit of time
0:05:04 > 0:05:08looking for it and then I like to put them all around the house.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I just love the design, the colours.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11I probably haven't grown up, really.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I was up brought up in the '70s
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and I continue to live in the '70s, really.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19It is a bit like a toy shop, isn't it?
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And it's great, we live in it, it's fantastic.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25They do love the home they've created but when their employers
0:05:25 > 0:05:27decided to put their house on the market three months ago,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30it forced Sally and Alan to act on something they've been
0:05:30 > 0:05:32thinking about for quite a while,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36to use their life savings to buy a country retreat of their very own.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40And they've decided the area around the North Wales/English border
0:05:40 > 0:05:42is where they want to settle.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45What I love about the Welsh Borders is that it just makes me
0:05:45 > 0:05:46feel like I'm at home.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51It just is so relaxing, it's the archetypal countryside,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54you know, it has rolling hills like you would draw as a child,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56it's beautiful.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00I, as a little girl, lived in a rural area and, I suppose,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02those memories are, sort of, pretty potent
0:06:02 > 0:06:06and I would like to go back to that way of life, really.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09When they leave their jobs they'll have to start afresh and they're
0:06:09 > 0:06:13hoping to have more leisure time to pursue the hobbies they love.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18Well, in our spare time we like to do a little bit of vegetable gardening,
0:06:18 > 0:06:24we do bell-ringing, I like to collect clothes and, sort of, little objects.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I like to be creative, a bit arty, it makes me happy.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30I really do like old cars, I like the simplicity of them,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32the look of them.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I can maintain them most of the time and, again, they are great fun.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40With the knowledge their employer's house could be sold any day
0:06:40 > 0:06:43and with cash in the bank, Sally and Alan are ready for an exciting
0:06:43 > 0:06:47life change, something very different from what they're used to
0:06:47 > 0:06:50after 15 years of living in other people's houses.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53We've been so immersed in it for so long, we don't quite know
0:06:53 > 0:06:58what the other side of being in our own place will be like, to be honest.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- I can't wait for it, though, to happen.- Yep.- It'll be great.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- New phase.- It's time to do something different.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- It's time to do what we want to do. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Our buyers have asked us to concentrate our search to the east
0:07:16 > 0:07:20of North Wales around Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23But before we begin our hunt for their first house,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25I'm meeting them in North Wales to find out exactly what this
0:07:25 > 0:07:28property savvy pair are looking for.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Sally and Alan, welcome to Wales. - Thank you.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Life at the moment for you is in Cheshire
0:07:33 > 0:07:35but you have lived all over the place.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Why have you decided on North Wales?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40I think we might get a little bit more for our money here,
0:07:40 > 0:07:44hopefully, in terms of the space and it's beautiful.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47What exactly are you looking for in this new property, Alan?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Nice space, nice piece of ground around, not too big
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and a workshop for me, especially,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and a studio for Sally.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59How many bedrooms are you looking for?
0:07:59 > 0:08:03We only need two but if it's got more
0:08:03 > 0:08:07we might be able to utilise those as, like, a studio or an office.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Are you after something that's full of traditional character
0:08:10 > 0:08:12or something that's a bit more quirky, Alan?
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Quirky would work for us but traditional we could turn to quirky.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Now, how much are you hoping to spend on this?
0:08:20 > 0:08:25Well, we've got a budget of 300,000 and that is absolute tops, really.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Well, hopefully, you've come to the right place.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30We've got three, I think, very interesting properties
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- to show you and this gorgeous landscape to explore.- Yeah.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Shall we get going?- Yes, let's go. - Come on then.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Sally and Alan's budget is perfectly healthy for what
0:08:42 > 0:08:44they're looking for in this part of the world
0:08:44 > 0:08:48and I'm hoping it won't be long before they realise their dream.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51They'd be happy with an open-plan home with at least two bedrooms,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54plus a studio for Sally to use for her painting.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Outside, they'd love a manageable garden,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59ideally that wraps around the house,
0:08:59 > 0:09:00and a garage-cum-workshop
0:09:00 > 0:09:04for Alan to tinker with their two beloved classic cars.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Having lived in a diverse selection of houses, Sally and Alan
0:09:07 > 0:09:11are happy to live somewhere a little out of the ordinary.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13We'll be showing them around three contrasting properties
0:09:13 > 0:09:18and only after they've taken each one in, will its price be revealed.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20The final trip will be to our Mystery House
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and today it'll give Sally and Alan a garden bigger than they
0:09:23 > 0:09:27could ever imagine but there will be a compromise to take into account.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34I'm fascinated by your life as property managers, though, Alan.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37But for many people, I think, it might offer an opportunity to
0:09:37 > 0:09:40escape to the country in a very different way without having
0:09:40 > 0:09:42to go and buy something.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44It can, yes, you can live in places
0:09:44 > 0:09:47that you could possibly never imagine.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50But now is the chance for you to have your own domain.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Yeah.- Yeah, something we can call ours, that we can do
0:09:54 > 0:09:56exactly what we want.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59I don't want to share any more, I just want it all to be mine...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- ours.- Ours.- Yeah, so it's quite exciting for us.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08To kick off our journey, we're travelling to the
0:10:08 > 0:10:10village of Cynwyd in the county of Denbighshire.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13It's situated in the Dee Valley in North Wales
0:10:13 > 0:10:16and is just under 20 miles from the English border
0:10:16 > 0:10:20and just under three miles from the Welsh market town of Corwen.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Corwen sits on the banks of the River Dee beneath
0:10:22 > 0:10:24the Berwyn Mountains.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27The colourful and attractive town is equipped with all amenities
0:10:27 > 0:10:30locals might need and it's also home to a life-sized bronze statue
0:10:30 > 0:10:35of Owain Glyndwr, who, in 1400, was the last native Welsh person
0:10:35 > 0:10:38to hold the title, "Prince of Wales."
0:10:38 > 0:10:41An eight minute drive takes us to Cynwyd and our first property,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43this detached cottage topped with
0:10:43 > 0:10:46a Welsh slate roof, in a secluded rural location.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- Look behind you.- Amazing.- Oh, yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- Brilliant.- Well, have a look at the house because, obviously,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- that's the main event and, Alan, look at that.- What?- Oh!
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- HE LAUGHS - That's... That's...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- I mean, for the classic cars, mate, that's...- Perfect.- ..ideal.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05And behind it, you can't see it from here,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- is a workshop that runs the full width of it...- Right.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- ..as well.- That's very good.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- You're doing well so far.- Shall we? - Yeah, absolutely, yeah.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16'This country cottage, with its spectacular outlook,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20'is over 200 years old but its decor, although it retains some
0:11:20 > 0:11:24'period features, is firmly in the 21st-century.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26'The current owners use it as a holiday home
0:11:26 > 0:11:28'and, since purchasing it, have refurbished the whole
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'house, as well as adding an oak-framed extension
0:11:31 > 0:11:33'to the side of it.'
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- So look at this, it's lovely.- Yeah.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Nice new oak porch.- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39It's kind of a boot room, really.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42There's nothing in it at the moment but the light's gorgeous.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45And then this is the kitchen, what do you reckon?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- It's great.- Very nice.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Oh, wow, fantastic! I love it, yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- I love the simplicity of it. - Really nice, yeah.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Ten out of ten for the kitchen.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59It's also got quite a useful shower room and loo, etc, through there.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Yeah, because we've got lots of variations of coats and boots
0:12:02 > 0:12:05and you just want to leave it all out there, come in,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08get warm without actually having to affect the rest of the house.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10You know, you can go through and, you know,
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- clean and refined and scrubbed up. - Refined!
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Now, I know you're used to spending much of your days fixing
0:12:17 > 0:12:20other people's properties but with this one, to be honest,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22I don't think there's anything to do.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25But if you want cosy, come and have a look at this.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28'Just off the kitchen/diner is the living room.'
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Oh, that's cosy.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Oh, very nice.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- You're doing well, Jules. - It's great, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Wood burner roaring away in the background.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Yeah, I could be sitting on the hearth right next to the fire,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45burning the bottoms of my socks on the edge of the wood burner,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48melting them, I've done that before.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52It feels cosy, which is what we all want, but it doesn't feel enclosed
0:12:52 > 0:12:55and it doesn't feel cottagey, even though it's got all those elements.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58It's really quite interesting, I do like it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01I think you could probably truly escape here, actually,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03from what I've seen so far.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05How's Alan?
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Yeah, I like it. - He's almost speechless.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Almost speechless...- Not quite.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10More so than normal.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Well, you have got this living room but we've also got another one
0:13:13 > 0:13:16through here with an additional wood burner.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19So, I suppose, they're similarly sized,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21this is probably more of a snuggy feel, I guess.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Yeah, I'm very impressed.- Good.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26'This is such an important move for Sally and Alan
0:13:26 > 0:13:30'and I couldn't be happier that our first house tour is going so well.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33'I just hope the positive vibes continue as we move upstairs,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37'where there are three bedrooms, all with vaulted ceilings and beams.'
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Now, you've got a double here with bed...- Yeah.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- ..a double there without a bed but with storage.- Yeah.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47And then we've picked this one as the master.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50I like it because you can get all the way around
0:13:50 > 0:13:53and there's still a huge space in front of the bed,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56because a lot of bedrooms, all you have is the little space around
0:13:56 > 0:14:00and you put a wardrobe in and that's it, it's full, isn't it?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Now, the only downside to up here is that it doesn't have a bathroom,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- that is downstairs.- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09However, they have got agreed planning permission to extend
0:14:09 > 0:14:13the property that way, over that flat roof to give you,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- what would be, quite an elaborate en suite, if you wanted it.- Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19I'm sort of stuck for words, really,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I think it's got everything, so far.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Save a few more words because we need to talk about the price.- Oh.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Shish kebab!- Come outside.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32The landscaped gardens are dotted around the property,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34which is just what Sally and Alan were hoping for.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38There's a kitchen/garden, a slate patio and a sweeping lawn.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Oh, that lovely view again. - Oh, it's great.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44All part of the package.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46And it's set in some really nice mature gardens.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Right then, Alan, I'm going to put you on the spot, mate.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- LAUGHTER - What?!
0:14:51 > 0:14:56You've got £300,000, what is property one on the market for?
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Erm, I would think about... 270.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- 270, hmm.- I think it's probably a little bit more,
0:15:03 > 0:15:09erm, it might be 285, 289.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You're both wrong!
0:15:11 > 0:15:15This WAS on the market at £325,000,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18it is now on the market at £295,000.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Right, it's got all the plus points,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I can't think of any negative, really.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27We just need to understand the area a bit more
0:15:27 > 0:15:29because, obviously, we don't know it that well.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- We don't have to do anything, do we? - Nope.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34And we could have the easy life, feet up on,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37you know, on the fireplace.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Well, look, why don't you go and try it out,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- go and put your feet up in front of that fire.- Yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- Have a look around and I will find you later.- Yeah.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Thanks a lot, we'll see you in a bit. - Off you go.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53This characterful Welsh cottage
0:15:53 > 0:15:54comes in just £5,000 under
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Sally and Alan's budget, not leaving
0:15:56 > 0:15:58them much in the way of change but
0:15:58 > 0:16:00the house doesn't need a thing doing
0:16:00 > 0:16:02to it and is ready to call home.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04It's got one more bedroom than
0:16:04 > 0:16:06they asked for, which could become Sally's studio,
0:16:06 > 0:16:07and offers them the space
0:16:07 > 0:16:09they've never had in a home,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11with a lovely garden and fabulous views.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Plus outside, there's a carport
0:16:13 > 0:16:15for their beloved classic cars
0:16:15 > 0:16:17and a workshop.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24We could use this for bikes and gardening stuff, Al.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Yeah, and all the tools. - And you could have a bench.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- It's just perfect.- Yep.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33It is stunning and it is beautiful,
0:16:33 > 0:16:37you couldn't wish for anything better, really, to be honest.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40The view is spectacular, the garage is wonderful,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44it would be all that I would need
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and the workshop is a real bonus
0:16:47 > 0:16:50and that would be just perfect for what I want to do.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Well, I'd have to give it ten out of ten, really,
0:16:53 > 0:16:58because I can't find anything I don't like about it, really.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01So it's happy days, really.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Oh, this is an animated conversation.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- This is ideal, isn't it? - Brilliant, yes.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I think this has sold it to you on its own, Alan.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- I could buy this on its own. - And live in it.- Yes.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Well, we have got two other properties to show you
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and, as it's started raining, let's squeeze in some lunch.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Come on.- Yeah, let's go.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Classic car fans Sally and Alan are looking forward to
0:17:28 > 0:17:32bringing their two classic motors with them when they make their move.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And although the peaks and troughs of the Welsh landscape
0:17:34 > 0:17:37may not appear to be driving territory,
0:17:37 > 0:17:38the roads that wind through them
0:17:38 > 0:17:41are the setting for an annual classic car rally.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44It's organised by fellow classic car enthusiasts
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Ian Crammond and his wife Wendy.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49They founded the rally to bring tourism back to the area
0:17:49 > 0:17:52after the foot and mouth disease outbreak 13 years ago
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and we've arranged for Sally and Alan to meet them near
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Chirk Castle to find out more.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01So why did you start the rally?
0:18:01 > 0:18:06Because Ian has been keen on cars and rallying all his life,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10he had the idea of starting a rally to draw on the roots of
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Welsh classic rallying which wasn't happening at the time.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16That's right, there's just an enormous heritage for
0:18:16 > 0:18:19rallying in Wales, going right back to the '30s.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23We wanted to take people back to that rather nice golden age.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26The event is called the Three Castles Welsh Classic Trail
0:18:26 > 0:18:28and changes its route every year,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31taking in not only the spectacular North Welsh scenery,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35but also its fabulous historic castles along the way.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38The route is kept under wraps until rally day and Ian and Wendy
0:18:38 > 0:18:43are going to show Sally and Alan some highlights of previous events.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Ian and Alan are setting off in Ian's 1966 S-Class Mercedes,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49while the girls are hitting the road
0:18:49 > 0:18:52in Alan and Sally's 1968 Austin A40.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56What better way to take in the wonderful Welsh landscape.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58So, Wendy, where did your love of Wales come from?
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- This is my home.- Right.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I was born in Bangor and I've loved
0:19:05 > 0:19:07the area all my life.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Life is... Life is good in this area
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- and it's a very beautiful place to be.- It is.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16We wanted, in fact, to create something...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20to try to create something for North Wales that was
0:19:20 > 0:19:23a rally of an equivalent status
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- to many of the big European events. - Yeah.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29During a rally, the road would have up to 100 classic cars
0:19:29 > 0:19:32driving along it at minute intervals.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Are the rally routes any better now than they were or are they tougher?
0:19:36 > 0:19:39I think you would find that the roads are the thing that
0:19:39 > 0:19:44hasn't changed, the cars using them change but the great high roads
0:19:44 > 0:19:47of Wales, for example, have been here for a long time
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and we're driving today over roads...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52This road is an example which would have been here
0:19:52 > 0:19:56and used by rally cars for 50/60 years now.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59It's certainly well worth the journey to North Wales
0:19:59 > 0:20:00to take part in the rally,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04with the route passing beauty spots, such as the medieval castle
0:20:04 > 0:20:08at Dinas Bran, peering down on the town of Llangollen, plus the
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the largest aqueduct in Britain.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21Do you have prizes for, like, the fastest, the slowest, the prettiest?
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Yeah, it's not a race as such, so it's not the fastest.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30So you have categories for a particular age of car,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33that has a particular engine size.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Right, yeah, so everybody's an equal footing.- Yeah.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41So then you have 1930s cars of a certain engine size,
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- then you have 1940s cars, small engine, large engine.- Yeah.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49And so it goes on and so you're trying to put
0:20:49 > 0:20:53people into groups where they have a fair chance
0:20:53 > 0:20:55of winning a prize.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58After taking in such spectacular scenery, the group has
0:20:58 > 0:21:03arrived at beautiful Lake Vyrnwy, as the sun is beginning to go down.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- It's gorgeous, isn't it? Especially at this time of the evening.- Yep.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09But it's a fantastic example of the, sort of, reason why
0:21:09 > 0:21:12we have the rally in North Wales and what we're able to show people.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's a show stopper for the end of the evening.- It's fantastic.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- All that hard work.- Yep.- So will you come and join us next year?
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- It'd be nice to have your company. - I think we'd love to, it would be fantastic.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Let's see if we can make that happen.- Yeah.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36For our second offering, we're travelling just under 20 miles east
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and popping over the border into England, to the hamlet
0:21:39 > 0:21:43of Craigllwyn, on the outskirts of Oswestry in Shropshire.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44It's under a mile from the Welsh border
0:21:44 > 0:21:48and just under two miles from the Shropshire village of Trefonen.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Trefonen, which is Welsh for "Village of the Ash Trees,"
0:21:51 > 0:21:55is home to a variety of smart houses, plus a welcoming dining
0:21:55 > 0:21:57pub serving ales from its neighbouring brewery,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59named after Offa's Dyke,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03the nearby trail that follows the border dividing England and Wales.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06A five-minute drive takes us to our second property,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09this converted stone chapel, topped with a slate roof
0:22:09 > 0:22:11and dating back to the 19th century.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Well, no house-hunting in Wales or the Borders is complete, really,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19without a chapel, so here's yours.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20I do like them.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22It was built, as the stone says above the doorway,
0:22:22 > 0:22:27in 1868 but it was converted in 2007/2008.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31They've done it really nicely, they haven't skimped on materials
0:22:31 > 0:22:33and fittings at all.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- It's all powered and heated by a ground-source heat pump.- Excellent.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- You'll like that, won't you?- Yeah.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41It's got some very good eco-credentials.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- So what you think, Alan?- I'm interested.- Let's have a look.- OK.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48'This handsome chapel was actually a Welsh place of worship,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50'even though it sits in England.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53'The current owner bought it as a shell and converted it
0:22:53 > 0:22:55'into a rather unique home.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'The double oak front door takes us into the hallway, where the
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'full scale of the conversion can be appreciated.'
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Wow.- That's a surprise.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Really? - Yeah, I don't know what I thought.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I mean, I know it's a chapel
0:23:08 > 0:23:11but there's no altar there, so that's OK.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- No, its purpose has changed somewhat.- Yes!
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's quite clever this, really... - Yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- You know, they're all of a sort, these chapels.- Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22You've got the main living space here, dining area there,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24through that door you've got a downstairs shower room
0:23:24 > 0:23:27and two of the three bedrooms, which go off of it,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29so two of them are downstairs.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31And then, of course, you've got this
0:23:31 > 0:23:34wraparound mezzanine, which gives you useful study space/studio
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- and then through up to the master bedroom.- Yeah.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Again, it's quite a simple interior which is nice, it's refreshing.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46You're spoiling me with these properties.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49It was last used as a chapel in the 1960s
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and back then the floor downstairs sloped to allow the congregation
0:23:53 > 0:23:55to all get a good view of the minister's sermon.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59And one level up is the kitchen, once the vestry of the chapel
0:23:59 > 0:24:02and it's perpendicular to the rest of the property
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and built into the slope of the hillside with access to the garden.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08And, like the rest of the home, it benefits from underfloor heating,
0:24:08 > 0:24:12so no cumbersome radiators and cost-effective.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15It's different, isn't it?
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- I need to see the rest of it... - Yeah.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18..to be able to work out the space.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21It's not a conventional layout. I suppose that's the thing
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- to really get your heads around. - That doesn't matter to us.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25No, it doesn't.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Let's go and have a look at the rest of it.- Come on.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Come this way.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33'Up a few more stairs is an impressive
0:24:33 > 0:24:35'gallery/landing-cum-sitting area
0:24:35 > 0:24:39'with a vaulted ceiling leading to the master bedroom.'
0:24:39 > 0:24:41A very nice room, yes.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44This one also has the addition of a walk-in wardrobe through there,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- which is terrific, but it also has a really nice en suite.- Ah.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- Have a look, it's behind that door. - OK.- Go and have a look.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Wow!- There we go.- That's a big space. - Wow.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- I wasn't expecting that.- It's nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02What was an empty shell has been transformed,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04making the most of the available space
0:25:04 > 0:25:08and this old chapel seems to have captured Sally and Alan's interest.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11The garden is just as important to them as the inside,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13so I hope they're pleased with what's on offer here,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16a multilevel plot with outstanding views.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Now, the one thing this doesn't have, that property one most
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- definitely did have, is that great big garage.- Yeah.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29In terms of space to put one, well, you've got three or four
0:25:29 > 0:25:31parking spaces down there off the road,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34but because of the nature of this terraced garden,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- the only other option, really, is to put it here.- Yep.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Well, that's the package.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So you've got £300,000 to spend,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43what is our chapel worth, Sally?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45272, very specific, I know.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49272?! Where did 2 come from? Come on, Alan.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I'd say a little bit lower, maybe 265.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55265, I can see where you're coming from because you would want
0:25:55 > 0:25:58to add those extra facilities that it doesn't have.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- We need a bit of money.- However, it is a bit more than that, I'm afraid.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Yeah, I can feel that in the property, yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10It's currently on at £299,950.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- So it's all in.- What can we do for the 50 quid, do you think?
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Very nice and we'll have a ponder.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- Go on, off you go, you go and ponder away.- Yeah.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23At just £50 below budget,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25this converted 19th-century chapel
0:26:25 > 0:26:27may only give Sally and Alan a
0:26:27 > 0:26:28few pounds for their kitty
0:26:28 > 0:26:30but it's been refurbished to such
0:26:30 > 0:26:32a high standard that it's ready
0:26:32 > 0:26:33to move straight into.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It's bright and spacious
0:26:35 > 0:26:36with an extra bedroom, which could
0:26:36 > 0:26:38become a study for Sally and,
0:26:38 > 0:26:39although there's currently
0:26:39 > 0:26:42no garage or workshop here, there's
0:26:42 > 0:26:45plenty of room to add one or both in time.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46The outside space is pretty and
0:26:46 > 0:26:48manageable and the views from
0:26:48 > 0:26:50the property are simply stunning.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55From the outside it looked like a typical Welsh chapel in very
0:26:55 > 0:26:59good condition, really interesting living area, brilliant bedroom and
0:26:59 > 0:27:03storage, very clever use of the space and really well done.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Everything about it just says quality.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It's a different feel altogether,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10it's got lots of possibilities.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12We just need to give it more thought.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14The other one was easy to work out,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16it was just ready to go.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19So it's in the running, definitely, it's a great space.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Well, it's not been a bad day, I don't think.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24What do you think?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- To what? - A good first day of house-hunting?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Yeah, brilliant, between the showers.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Yeah, well, look, it's getting dark, who's for supper by the river?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Me.- Me.- Come on then, to Llangollen.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's the second leg of our property jaunt, popping over
0:27:47 > 0:27:48the North Wales and English border,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52looking for a house for Sally and Alan from Helsby in Cheshire
0:27:52 > 0:27:53to finally call home.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57They've got a healthy budget of £300,000 to spend on a house
0:27:57 > 0:28:00with a twist and a good outside space.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Coming up...
0:28:02 > 0:28:04our Mystery House will be unwrapped in all its glory.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07We'll take it, come on, let's go.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11And I'll be getting wet all in the name of research.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13LAUGHTER
0:28:13 > 0:28:17No, no, leave me alone.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19LAUGHTER
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Well, over the years as property managers, Sally and Alan
0:28:24 > 0:28:27have worked for some of the wealthiest people in the country
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and lived in some of Britain's most beautiful buildings,
0:28:30 > 0:28:34so what could we possibly come up with for our Mystery House?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Well, we thought we'd give them a taste of the old days,
0:28:37 > 0:28:40a building that's as impressive and as imposing as any they may have
0:28:40 > 0:28:43worked in in the past but, of course, it does
0:28:43 > 0:28:45come with a twist.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48On this occasion, if they like it, well, it could become their home.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55For our third and final property we're journeying just under
0:28:55 > 0:28:5714 miles north, back into Wales
0:28:57 > 0:29:01and the village of Ruabon. It's just under seven miles from the
0:29:01 > 0:29:05town centre of Wrexham and is around six miles from the English border.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Ruabon is small village with all the shops
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and eateries locals and visitors might need.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12There's also the attractive St Mary's Church,
0:29:12 > 0:29:17with its statuesque clock tower, dating back to the 14th century.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19A four minute drive from the centre of the village takes us
0:29:19 > 0:29:23to our Mystery House, part of the Wynnstay Hall Estate.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It was once a private home and then a school before being
0:29:26 > 0:29:28converted into separate dwellings.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34Now, how about that then, for a Mystery House?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37You can have the whole lot for £300,000.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39We'll take it, come on, let's go.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41If only, if only.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45What we've done here is we've found you a chunk of the former
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Wynnstay Hall.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Since the '90s, really, the whole thing has been
0:29:49 > 0:29:53turned into a series of properties, there are 69 here currently.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57In living here you get access to communal grounds and parkland.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- There is a small fee every year... - Obviously.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02..maintenance fee but that means you get the windows painted,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04the lawns are cut.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Now, we're not going to try and sell you the whole thing, obviously,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09what we've got in mind for you is a very pretty
0:30:09 > 0:30:12corner of what was the old stable block.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Very good.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- You should feel quite at home in this kind of setting, I should think.- We do, yes.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- To get to it, well, it's a little bit of a walk. Come on.- OK.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24'The old stable block is located behind the main house
0:30:24 > 0:30:28'and has been converted into over 30 homes.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31'This grade II listed mews house is built from sandstone
0:30:31 > 0:30:33'and is set out over three levels.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36'Sally and Alan might have wanted their own space and land,
0:30:36 > 0:30:40'which they don't exactly get here, but this is our Mystery House
0:30:40 > 0:30:42'and it is meant to challenge them.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44'I hope they'll agree that what is on offer inside
0:30:44 > 0:30:47'more than makes up for having to share what's on offer outside.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'We kick off our tour in the sitting room.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Very nice.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Very straightforward, very simple living space.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56It's a mixture, isn't it?
0:30:56 > 0:30:59It's old and contemporary and it's quite good,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I do like mixing it up, especially as we've got lots of furniture
0:31:03 > 0:31:05from different eras, it's great.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Yeah, I do like it. - It's a huge stable block.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10You've got three bedrooms above this floor
0:31:10 > 0:31:14and they still manage to incorporate this very high ceiling
0:31:14 > 0:31:16but it allows the mezzanine to happen as well.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19That's clever use of the space, I like that.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23'Down one step in this open-plan living room is the kitchen/diner.'
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- There, all tucked away. - Oh, that's a surprise.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31But actually, as a working space, it's quite a lot of kitchen area.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Gosh, it's plenty big enough for two of us
0:31:33 > 0:31:37and, you know, the few times we entertain, absolutely adequate.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It's all here, they've done quite a clever job in slotting it all in.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42It all sort of flows.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45'A stairway leads us to the mezzanine level,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48'with its glass balcony, giving a bird's-eye view
0:31:48 > 0:31:49over the ground floor.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51Rather cosy, actually.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54There's something of a, sort of, library feel to it.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56- A studio.- A studio?- Yeah. - A painting studio?
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Yeah, absolutely, no doubt about it.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Here, I mean, I could be quite happy with this bit
0:32:02 > 0:32:05and there's enough room for Alan to
0:32:05 > 0:32:07just, you know, be pushed right into that far corner.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09I can see what's going on here, Alan, you don't
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- get all the space, do you?- No.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Another stairway leads to the top floor.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20You really are, sort of, up in the gods with this one up here.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25You've got three bedrooms in all, one double there, one double here,
0:32:25 > 0:32:31a nice big family bathroom with the bath in it and this is the master.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Perfect.- I mean, as a package, is it all, sort of, coming together?- Yeah.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It's simple... They all are,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- but it's easy to look after, that's what we're looking for, really.- Yeah?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- And, of course, with this one you've got- an en-suite. Oh, have we?
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Through there, an en-suite shower room.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- There we are.- Great, yeah.- Yeah.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52'Well, I'm hearing all the right noises inside
0:32:52 > 0:32:56'and, as we move to the garden, I hope they continue.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58'Sally and Alan will definitely not be short of outside space
0:32:58 > 0:33:00'if they move here.'
0:33:00 > 0:33:05You have got acres and acres to enjoy here.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06'70 to be precise,
0:33:06 > 0:33:11'including beautiful gardens, lakes and tennis courts.'
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Now, you've both already guessed the price once,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- so who's going to go first this time?- You are.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20OK, a bit over budget, I think, possibly 320.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22320 says Alan.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- Me, under budget...- OK.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26..by quite a way, I reckon.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28I'm going to keep it at 250.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- 250?- Yeah.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I'm afraid it's on the market
0:33:33 > 0:33:36for £210,000.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Yeah, I knew, I could see that coming.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I didn't dare go lower because I thought I might embarrass myself.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I could live with that kind of embarrassment.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- Well, it gives you a lot of money left over on which to live.- Yep.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Off you go, go and have a wander and figure out what you might do.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Thanks.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Brilliant! Well, it wouldn't be the first time that a buyer's list
0:33:57 > 0:33:59of requirements have suddenly changed
0:33:59 > 0:34:02when faced with a Mystery House but, as well they might with this one,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06it would suit them, I think, beautifully.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09This fabulous listed mews house is
0:34:09 > 0:34:11a substantial £90,000 under
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Sally and Alan's budget.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14It may not offer them shelter
0:34:14 > 0:34:16for their classic cars,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18but the property does come with two
0:34:18 > 0:34:19parking spaces and it will
0:34:19 > 0:34:21keep them in the manner to which they
0:34:21 > 0:34:22have become accustomed.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Here they get a bonus bedroom
0:34:24 > 0:34:25plus the living space is open plan
0:34:25 > 0:34:28and versatile, which is just what they wanted.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30And they'll never tire of enjoying the gardens
0:34:30 > 0:34:32which are huge and beautifully kept.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Oh, bulrushes.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Oh, it's all the archetypal plants you might expect to see.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Oh, it's beautiful.- Yep.- Look at the monkey puzzle tree.- Oh, yep.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45I do really like it,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48I like the space, which is similar to what we've got now,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50so we know we can work in it,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54plus we've got extra space which is brilliant.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55I'm pleasantly surprised
0:34:55 > 0:34:58and it's a place I would never have thought of looking at.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02There's a lot of space, even though it's quite compact and small.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05It's something we needed to see, a setup like this.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I think this one's quite inspiring,
0:35:07 > 0:35:12beautiful house in a beautiful place, beautiful grounds,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15connected well to everywhere, it could be ideal for us.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- Well done.- Well, we're giving you plenty to think about.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Shall we go and settle down somewhere and mull it over?
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- Yes, please.- In the pub? - Well, maybe, come on.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Is that food for thought, is it? - Oh, very good, yes, very good.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Because of its dramatic terrain, Wales has been known
0:35:36 > 0:35:41as the spiritual home of extreme sports in the UK for some time.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I've come to try my hand at white-water rafting on the River Dee
0:35:44 > 0:35:47in the Dee Valley, which was formed when a glacier melted
0:35:47 > 0:35:50at the end of the last ice age.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53I'm meeting rafting experts Josh and Ant at Horseshoe Falls,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56they're going to show me how it's all done.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Rafting on the river is something that's really taken off
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- only in the last few years.- Yeah. The main section we're going to be rafting today has
0:36:04 > 0:36:07kind of started gotten rafting about 18 months ago.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09So it's still fairly new to the valley itself.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Now today, I'm going to be in the raft with you, Josh,
0:36:12 > 0:36:17- and then you're going to be in the safety kayak.- Yep.- Keeping an eye on us, in case any of us go in.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20If anybody falls out, I'll be there right next to you, giving you a hand.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24What are the chances of me actually going in the water and you having to rescue me?
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- It's a 50-50. We'll have to see. - THEY LAUGH
0:36:27 > 0:36:31'We're starting our trip at Horseshoe Falls itself.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33'Josh will be sitting at the back of the raft as guide
0:36:33 > 0:36:37'and my camera crew have come along for the ride and to make up numbers.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41'Ideally, you'd have three or four crew members to manoeuvre the craft.'
0:36:41 > 0:36:46OK, right then. 'First, a quick safety briefing and paddling lesson.'
0:36:46 > 0:36:49If for some reason one of us leaves the boat involuntarily,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53do we remember what to do if you're swimming on your own?
0:36:53 > 0:36:57We are going to be in the water, heading downriver with our feet
0:36:57 > 0:37:01downriver, protecting ourselves from the rocks with our feet.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Oh, and hopefully, holding on to my paddle, if I haven't lost it!
0:37:05 > 0:37:08That's perfect!
0:37:08 > 0:37:12OK, right then. 'Now, we're ready to face the rapids.'
0:37:12 > 0:37:14And paddle backwards, paddle backwards.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19'The rafts are made from very strong rubber or PVC, which makes them pretty sturdy.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- Beautiful.- Excellent.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24So, we're going to start with our forward strokes.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'The only time the river is out of bounds is after flooding,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30'when the water level can rise by as much as eight metres.'
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Perfect. Keep it going. All together.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37'And I'm glad it's pretty calm today. Well, so far.'
0:37:37 > 0:37:42There's a lot more to rafting than you might think. It's not just being along for the ride.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Everybody has to do their bit.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So, we're going to look at dropping over this first kind of weir
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- drop here.- OK.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Ant's going to go first and he'll give us a signal
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- and we'll drop straight over as well.- Brilliant.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56So, if we can assume the positions...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Keep it going. Keep it going, and get down, hold on, down you go!
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Make sure you're holding on!- Whoa!
0:38:03 > 0:38:08And back to your seats! Backwards paddle, backwards paddle!
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Stop, stop, stop!
0:38:10 > 0:38:14'In white-water rafting terms, this is no gentle stretch of water.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18'The River Dee here rates as a three, with one being a gentle
0:38:18 > 0:38:21'paddle and six, a danger zone and no-go territory.'
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Keep it going, team. All together.- Wahey!
0:38:24 > 0:38:26How about that?
0:38:26 > 0:38:30What a way to see this river! I'm loving it!
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'The river and banks here are not only a designated
0:38:35 > 0:38:37'area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40'but also a site of special scientific interest.'
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
0:38:44 > 0:38:47And here we are now, emerged in this valley of the Dee.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I mean, you see this all day long, but I just love it.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55It's a beautiful section and I guess this kind of highlights the nature of our trip here as well.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59We're going to have small rapids, followed by kind of like calm pools.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03It's interspersed by kind of calm sections, which gives us
0:39:03 > 0:39:06time to kind of relax and take in the scenery really.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08'Ahead of us is the bridge where
0:39:08 > 0:39:11'I started my journey around North Wales.'
0:39:11 > 0:39:13We're just going to hang in this little eddy?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15That's the one. Keep it going.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And stop there.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21A different perspective of the Chain Bridge, I guess.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22It really is, isn't it?
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Lovely reminder of the area's industrial past.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29The bridge built 200 years ago this year by that wonderfully
0:39:29 > 0:39:32named Exuperius Pickering.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- Let's leave the bridge and head downriver, shall we?- Cool.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37'The next rapid we're going through
0:39:37 > 0:39:39'is the ominously-named Tombstones Rapid,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41'our final adrenaline adventure
0:39:41 > 0:39:43'before we end our white-knuckle ride.'
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Give it some beans! Give it some beans! Give it some beans!
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Harder, harder, harder!
0:39:49 > 0:39:52And get down, hold on!
0:39:53 > 0:39:56LAUGHTER
0:39:59 > 0:40:01We're surfing!
0:40:04 > 0:40:07LAUGHTER
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Oh, yes! That's quite cold, actually!
0:40:15 > 0:40:16There we go.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21Just absolutely brilliant. Thank you very, very much indeed.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24What a way to experience this valley than from the surface
0:40:24 > 0:40:27of the Dee itself.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- Thank you so much.- No problem. You didn't even go for a swim.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33I didn't go for a swim. Just about got away with it.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36No! Leave me alone!
0:40:36 > 0:40:38There we go, he's in.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Well, we have given Alan
0:40:45 > 0:40:48and Sally three fantastic options this week,
0:40:48 > 0:40:52each of which they have enjoyed and in fairness, taken
0:40:52 > 0:40:56at their respective merits, but of course, they can choose only one.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59So, what does the future hold for this couple who are finally
0:40:59 > 0:41:02looking to settle down in a home of their own?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Well, let's go and ask them.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13You came here looking for a new home that you could finally
0:41:13 > 0:41:15call your own, after having looked after
0:41:15 > 0:41:19so many others for so many different people. What happens next?
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- For me, it's the mystery property. - Really?
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I really liked property one, as I think you probably guessed,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29cos that was sort of a home almost instantly.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34And the final property, the mystery house, that gives us lots of options.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I can't say between the first and the third,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40but both of those will need to be closely inspected to see
0:41:40 > 0:41:43if there's any real potential in either of them.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47I can see it might be more the mystery house than the first property.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52The thing is what we've got to do is take a view about what's best in the
0:41:52 > 0:41:54future cos we just want to buy one property
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and that will be it, so it's got to take us a long way really.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I would have had my money on property one.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- It is my favourite, but it's a joint decision, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- You can't have your own way all your life. - Well...- I've tried.- You've tried!
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- Tried and failed! Will you go back and have another look?- Yes.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Definitely, yeah.- That's the things.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Just let us know, keep us informed as to what you do next.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19I have enjoyed showing you round. I think they're some really interesting properties.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Thanks to you.- Thank you. - Thanks, Jules.- Thank you.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Finding a new home for a couple who have had the chance to live
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and work in some of the finest that Britain has to offer was
0:42:33 > 0:42:36always going to be a little bit of a challenge, but thankfully,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40the property market here in North Wales has not disappointed us,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44and if anything, I think it's left Alan and Sally spoiled for choice.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47I suspect they have much still to discuss.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50So, where better to finish up than where we started -
0:42:50 > 0:42:53on the banks of the beautiful River Dee.
0:42:53 > 0:42:54I'll see you next time.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:57 > 0:43:01in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or England,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05and would like our help, then please apply online: