0:00:02 > 0:00:06After those long nights and grey days of winter, there's no better sight to show that spring has finally sprung
0:00:06 > 0:00:08than a host of golden daffodils.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And visitors come from far and wide to view this beautiful display.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15So where is it? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Today's house-hunters are longing to move away from cluttered
0:00:35 > 0:00:39coastal living to wide open spaces in the countryside.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Our properties offer the country style they've always craved...
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- Could you imagine yourselves in here? - Yes.- Yes. Don't look so surprised.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49THEY LAUGH
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..along with bedrooms which blow them away.- Perfect.- He's happy.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55If he's happy, I'm happy.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59Today I'm in Staffordshire,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03and the daffodils are in full bloom here at Shugborough Hall.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06There are thought to be around 50 species of daffodils growing
0:01:06 > 0:01:09wild in Britain, but that's just a drop in the ocean compared
0:01:09 > 0:01:15to the 24,000 cultivated varieties that can be found in our gardens.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18It's a staggering number that reflects the enduring
0:01:18 > 0:01:23popularity of this vibrant symbol of British spring time.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25The landlocked county of Staffordshire is
0:01:25 > 0:01:28situated in the West Midlands region of England,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32covering an area of over 1,000 square miles.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35The north of the county features the heather-covered Staffordshire moorlands,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37a great vantage point to take in
0:01:37 > 0:01:42panoramic views across this undulating, natural and working landscape.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45In the south lies the market town of Tamworth,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50with its historic Norman castle overlooking the River Tame.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52The castle's motte, or mound,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56is the second largest in the country after Windsor.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Open, sweeping landscapes include Cannock Chase,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06And set by the River Trent, Great Haywood is home to the picturesque
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Haywood Junction, where two of the country's finest canals meet.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14With 6,000 acres of national parks and a multitude of historic
0:02:14 > 0:02:19gems, Staffordshire is a savvy choice for aspiring escapees.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24If you're after a slice of rural life in a county that offers
0:02:24 > 0:02:28some truly remote countryside, but is in a central, accessible
0:02:28 > 0:02:32location, then Staffordshire is worth some serious consideration.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34House prices are hard to beat too.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38The average cost of a detached property here is £220,000.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41That's £60,000 below the national figure.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45So what is it about Staffordshire that excites our potential buyers?
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Angie and Steve met 18 months ago through a chance encounter,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55when she was invited to join Steve and his friends aboard his boat.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58They were sailing to the Isle of Wight from Christchurch,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- in Dorset, where they both live. - Love at first sight.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- Yes, it was love at first sight. - Steve is a fascinating man.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09He's intelligent. Very sociable.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Good sense of humour.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Angie is a very caring and kind person.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17She has a lot of friends.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20She's liked by everybody.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Corporate events manager Angie
0:03:21 > 0:03:24moved in with electronics MD Steve
0:03:24 > 0:03:26just two weeks after they met.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29However, having lived in the area for over three decades,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Angie has noticed a lot of recent local development.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37There's been a lot of development and interest in the coast,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41and big apartment blocks have been popping up.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44There's a load more cars, there's more people,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46it's just very, very busy now.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Living life in the fast lane, both Angie and Steve currently
0:03:51 > 0:03:56travel extensively, conducting business across the UK and Europe.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00They feel a move to Staffordshire, relocating away from the coast,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03would be more beneficial to their lifestyle.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Moving towards the middle of the UK, in towards the country, allows us to
0:04:07 > 0:04:11have a much better location because it'll be less time travelling.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13So it should give me
0:04:13 > 0:04:17the ability to have more of a better work/life balance.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I would like to spend even more time at home.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It's time to just slow down now.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Angie and Steve both have grown-up children from previous relationships,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30and having spent time with Angie's daughter in Staffordshire,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33they've realised that in addition to the area's convenient location,
0:04:33 > 0:04:38it's also the ideal place for them to buy their first home together.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41It is such a beautiful area. I love the countryside.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Not only because of the views that it lets you enjoy,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48but you can get some solitude and tranquillity.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Everything changes as the seasons go.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52There is a lot to enjoy, and the quietness,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56which you don't get in a built-up area.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59By reducing the pace of their busy lives,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02our buyers hope this move to the countryside will allow them
0:05:02 > 0:05:05to dedicate more time to their leisure pursuits.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I started riding when I was five.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I'm really looking forward to getting back in the saddle
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and spending a lot more time doing that.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16I've acquired myself a vintage car to enjoy
0:05:16 > 0:05:18cruising around the countryside.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Also, Steve loves to keep chickens, and it is something I've not done.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We are looking for more land, ideally to change some hobbies
0:05:26 > 0:05:29and interests, bring along some animals.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Their faithful four-legged sidekick, Truffles, will be moving with them.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36And they're hopeful that a new location won't just bring them
0:05:36 > 0:05:37a new lease of life,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41but also a renewed focus on each other into their future.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45I'm looking forward to the move so that we have more us time.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I'm going to naturally miss the coast.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51But I'm even more excited about moving to the country.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Angie and Steve are fairly flexible about where
0:05:57 > 0:06:00they live within the county, as long as it has good access to
0:06:00 > 0:06:04motorways and airports for their work commitments.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05I'm catching up with them
0:06:05 > 0:06:09to pinpoint what they want from their new country pad.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12Well, welcome to Staffordshire.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15So what is it that draws you to this part of the countryside?
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Well, my daughter lives up here, so we've spent some time with her
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and loved it. Every time we've come up, we've enjoyed our time here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26What's on the wish list for this lovely property, here in the country?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28The wish list is long. Um...
0:06:28 > 0:06:31We like long, we don't mind long.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33As long as it is doable.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Primarily, we want some land
0:06:35 > 0:06:39because we are looking at having some animals. Space.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44We are quite social people, we like spacious houses.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46We don't want doors that are going to stay shut
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and rooms that are going to be unused.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53So even though there is only two of us, with the occasional visitor, we are looking for space,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and of course we need to work...
0:06:55 > 0:06:56Home office space.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59So it sounds like you're looking for a lot of space,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02but space that you can use to live in, for offices, for living space,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- rather than lots of bedrooms that you might not use.- Exactly.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- And when you say land, how much land?- Two to five acres.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Oh, OK, so that's a challenge. Now what about community?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Is a local community important to you?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I think it would be nice to have the obvious local
0:07:18 > 0:07:22community, in terms of a nice local pub, good food.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25And not too far for the emergency milk that you need to purchase.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30OK. And neighbours. How do you fancy having a few neighbours around you?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I think we are both looking for a bit more seclusion.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Having a neighbour there is OK,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- as long as they're not in full view all day.- OK.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Now remind me of the budget.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42In an ideal world, we'd be looking to spend
0:07:42 > 0:07:45around £650,000.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49If something really blew us away, we could probably stretch to seven,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52but it would have to be "move-inable".
0:07:52 > 0:07:55That's a good, healthy sum of money for this part of the country.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58And you'll be pleased to hear we've got some fantastic properties to show you.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Do you want to take a look? - Love to.- Let's do it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Angie and Steve have a healthy budget of £700,000
0:08:08 > 0:08:12and a very precise list of requirements.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They're after four bedrooms with enough living space to allow
0:08:15 > 0:08:19for regular entertaining and home office options for them both.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Ideally, they'd also like enough land to house some animals,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25all wrapped up in an edge of village location.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30We've lined up an enticing mix of properties that aim to
0:08:30 > 0:08:33meet our couple's brief. And after each of the tours,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37they'll have to guess the price before I reveal it to them.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Our final house is the mystery option, thrown in for good measure
0:08:40 > 0:08:44to challenge these ideals and make them reconsider their priorities.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52We're starting our property search in the village of Standon,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56just four miles from Eccleshall, where Angie's daughter lives.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Lying in a conservation area,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Eccleshall is a thriving market town, featuring many attractive
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Georgian-fronted buildings neatly lining its high street.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08The town offers a range of local stores,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11a sweet shop and a variety of pubs and restaurants.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Back in Standon, the River Sow meanders around the edge
0:09:14 > 0:09:17of the village, just a few minutes' drive from our house.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22A sprawling property, which is best appreciated from the rear.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Now, this is the property that I've brought you both to see.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- What are your initial thoughts on it? - It is modern.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30More modern than I was expecting.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Part of the reason we are here is because of the location.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- It is ten minutes from Eccleshall... - OK.- ..which...- Perfect area.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39..I know you know well.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- The right location.- Because your daughter is in Eccleshall, isn't she?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Indeed.- You've said it's a house.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Are you interested to see if it feels like a home inside?- Indeed, yes.- Yes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50OK, come on, let's go look.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Formally two cottages built in the 1930s,
0:09:52 > 0:09:57this modern property was made into a single dwelling in 1997.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00The exterior may not have impressed our buyers,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04but I'm hoping the open-plan layout inside will be more to their taste.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08So I'll bring you in through the folding doors...
0:10:08 > 0:10:12into a lovely big, spacious family room, kitchen-diner.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It is a great size space.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19And just come in here, because I want you to get a better idea of how the space works.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- And there is a lot of it. - And it flows.- It does flow.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25It is a good, open space.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Could you imagine yourselves in here? - Yes.- Yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Don't looked so surprised. - THEY LAUGH
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Slightly am, actually.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37That isn't the response I was necessarily expecting...
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- after we talked outside. - No, it is nice.- Open minds.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44When there's just two of us for the majority of the time, it's
0:10:44 > 0:10:47nice to be able to have somewhere to sit, to eat, to relax,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49without moving too much.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52And on the subject of places to sit, that's something that this house
0:10:52 > 0:10:54isn't short of, so let me show you another one of them.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56OK.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58'Flowing on through from the kitchen,
0:10:58 > 0:11:02'the dining area should be spacious enough for their dinner guests.'
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- This is your sitting room.- OK.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07What I liked about it was the cosy feel that it has in here, that
0:11:07 > 0:11:11when it is a cold winter's night, you come and lock yourself away in here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Yeah.- Yes, it's lovely. I agree totally.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Yes. And it does flow. It does flow.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It definitely flows. This is the more formal...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24evening, cosy.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Yes, warm.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Guess we should look upstairs. - I think we should.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Yes, that's a good cue. Come on. Follow on.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36'Also on the ground floor, there's a large study with an adjoining
0:11:36 > 0:11:38'conservatory overlooking the garden.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42'Back through the entrance hall, we're heading upstairs.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45'All five bedrooms are good-sized doubles.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47'One is currently used as a twin,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50'whilst another is used as a dressing area.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52'A further roomy double benefits from its own en suite,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54'and there's also a family bathroom.'
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Now, I'm going to show you what is the master bedroom.- It is a good size.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Yeah, good size.- How do you feel about the fact that this house
0:12:03 > 0:12:06has got five bedrooms?
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- See what we... Maybe we can make them into three.- Or make it into four.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12You're talking about knocking walls down?!
0:12:12 > 0:12:14THEY LAUGH
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Five bedrooms would be wasted, so we'd have to look at what
0:12:18 > 0:12:22we could do in terms of just making some bigger rooms, but fewer.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24There's a lot of improvements that can be made.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28I'm going to take you downstairs, out into the garden. I have an idea I'd like to talk to you about.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32I know you seem quite receptive to ideas and knocking things down and building things.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33OK.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35After a shaky start, Angie
0:12:35 > 0:12:39and Steve seem to be appreciating the full potential of this property.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43With a garden of half an acre, there isn't enough room to keep sheep,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46but there is a duck pond and enough space for chickens
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and goats to roam amongst the established garden and woodland.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54As well as a large lawned area and a patio for dining outdoors.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59I was quite pleasantly surprised inside with the reaction from
0:12:59 > 0:13:03the two of you, but I sense it was the outside that didn't grab you straightaway.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Yes, the kerbside appeal doesn't get it for me, but inside works.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Just coming back to the kerb appeal of the house, how familiar are you
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- with the New England-style property, those wooden-clad properties?- OK.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- The beach house type.- Yeah. I like that.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Because I think the shape of the house, and particularly with
0:13:20 > 0:13:24all those gables, lends itself to perhaps being clad in wood.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27You could cedar-clad it, you could paint it
0:13:27 > 0:13:31and give it that kind of very, you know, New England feel.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Yeah, sounds good.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34I like your thinking.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Could potentially change how you view it from the outside quite dramatically.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Yeah.- Yes.- But, of course,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43that would all depend on how much money you have left in your budget.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Ah.- Always.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So, shall we move on to that one?
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Oh! It's a whole lot of house.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57So I'm going to tip my hat at 675.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01I'm going to go lower than that. I'm going to say 640.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04OK, you're both under, actually.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09It was on the market for £725,000.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13It was reduced a year ago to £695,000.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I'm sort of surprised.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- But not wholly.- Because it is a lot.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It's a lot of bedrooms, a lot of house.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Why don't you two go back inside, have a chat about knocking
0:14:25 > 0:14:29walls down, putting cedar cladding on, have a think?
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- OK.- That's lovely.- I'll see you soon.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39£5,000 under our couple's maximum budget, this modern detached
0:14:39 > 0:14:44property has five bedrooms, open-plan kitchen and living spaces.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48And home office options that seem to suit their desired lifestyle.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Although well-presented throughout,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54it appears to offer the potential for our buyers to make it their own.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58A-ha.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- OK, the office.- Potential office.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Interesting why it runs into the conservatory.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Not quite sure how that works.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10'My initial thoughts, when I saw the property,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14'were, it's a modern, purpose-built house.'
0:15:14 > 0:15:17So I was a little bit disappointed when we first saw it.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22However, when we came inside, the space downstairs was beautiful.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27It is pretty much perfect in terms of its flow and its space.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The ground floor of the house has been given some love and care,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33but upstairs, I think it needs quite a bit of attention.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37I think the property needs some work to turn it into the perfect
0:15:37 > 0:15:38home for us.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41In part because of the excess number of bedrooms,
0:15:41 > 0:15:45and outside doesn't have the... doesn't have the separate
0:15:45 > 0:15:50office space, and of course there's no adjoining land for the animals.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Oh, no, you're going to make me get up from this lovely sunny spot,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- aren't you?- Up you come. - So have you seen enough
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- to get some thoughts about it? - Yes, I think we have.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03We've spent some good time walking around the house.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06You're quite cagey, you two, you're not giving much away at this point.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I think it is probably time for a glass of wine
0:16:09 > 0:16:10and some mulling over.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Sounds good to me.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23The Staffordshire countryside has been shaped by its working landscape.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Arable and pastoral farms are both common throughout the county.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31And Angie and Steve are keen to find out more about what the land could offer them.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34So we've arranged for them to meet Louise Fletcher-Chard,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38who runs a small educational farm in the heart of the county,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41helping people with learning disabilities.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44She started with just two horses, but now her land is home
0:16:44 > 0:16:49to five other types of livestock, including sheep, pigs and poultry.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- So tell me about Sherratts Wood. - Well, we are not a traditional working farm.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58We are helping some of the most vulnerable
0:16:58 > 0:17:01people in our community, with learning disabilities, mental health
0:17:01 > 0:17:04problems, brain injury, to develop the skills to live an ordinary life.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So they learn about teamwork, they learn about communication,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09and they do that through the animals.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11What sort of activities do you do on a daily basis
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- with your participants?- They get involved in everything we do.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Mucking out pigs, feeding all the animals.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22So these are some of our Portland sheep.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Would you say sheep make good companions, or best left alone?
0:17:26 > 0:17:29You can see in here we've got a pygmy goat in with them,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31and I think as long as the companion animal that comes in
0:17:31 > 0:17:33isn't aggressive or too assertive,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37the sheep tend to be quite accepting of them, really.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Would these be suited for us? - Oh, yes, they're really good.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Smallholders breed the Portlands. They are really easy to look after.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46You really don't need to be up early to look after sheep.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48They just get fed once.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Generally, for us, it is midday, that sort of time.- Right.- Very civilised.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Yes indeed.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56To keep any farm animal on your land, you need a holding number
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and must follow regulations
0:17:58 > 0:18:02and guidelines set out by animal health authorities such as Defra.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Lambing season is underway at Sherratts Wood,
0:18:04 > 0:18:08and although Angie and Steve aren't thinking about breeding sheep,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11let's hope they don't become too attached to these little beauties.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Do you want to hold?- Yeah.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- And how old is he?- This is Zara,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21and she was born on Friday - she is only four days old.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24And this is Zed, who's three weeks old. You can see the difference already.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- So they get used to being handled really quickly?- Oh, yeah.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28Come on then, Zed.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30So if you want to come with me,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- I'll take you to see some other animals that I think might suit you. - Thank you.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37In the mid-1800s, Shetland ponies were brought to Staffordshire
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and other counties to work in the coal mines
0:18:39 > 0:18:43instead of children and women, who by then were prohibited by law.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Their strength and size made them perfect for passing through
0:18:47 > 0:18:50low underground tunnels, hauling truckloads of coal.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Today, they're simply loved as family pets or used to entertain
0:18:54 > 0:18:56children with rides at country fairs.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58So how much land do these guys need?
0:18:58 > 0:19:01They don't need an awful lot of grazing, half an acre,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03you'd be absolutely great.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05So would they make good companions for a horse?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Oh, brilliant, yeah. Although they do tend to think that they're bigger than they
0:19:08 > 0:19:12actually are, so they do tend to be quite cheeky.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16The docile nature of Shetlands means that they're low-maintenance for owners.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Once a month, they need to be brushed from head to tail to remove mud
0:19:20 > 0:19:22and check that they're healthy.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24So, if you want to get your brushes,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and just give her a little bit of a brush?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And you can use that one, Angie, to do her mane, actually.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33It works well.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39This is the type of time where we would just check
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- whether they're feeling a bit fat. - OK.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44I would also have a look at their feet, as well.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47So we'd run our hands down, pick their feet up,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51just make sure that they looked OK, making sure that the nose is clear,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55looking really healthy, nice bright eyes.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56She's looking happy.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- Thank you so much for sharing your animals with us.- Thank you very much.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01You're welcome.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04With a better understanding of what it takes to keep livestock,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07all that is left is to find our couple a suitable
0:20:07 > 0:20:11plot of land, as well as the right property.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Angie and Steve, from the town of Christchurch in Dorset,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22have a budget of up to £700,000 and they are itching to buy their
0:20:22 > 0:20:25first home together in rural Staffordshire.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30Coming up, our mystery property throws uncertainty into the mix.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- You've gone very quiet on me. - I know.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35I can hear your brain whirring, almost.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38And I get to grips with the county's most iconic of
0:20:38 > 0:20:41agricultural monster machines.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- It's like driving a really big automatic car.- Exactly!
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Now, Angie and Steve have got a really healthy budget
0:20:47 > 0:20:49for this part of the country.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51But they also have a very healthy wish list,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54which they're not prepared to compromise on.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56But I've got high hopes for today's two properties,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59particularly the mystery house, which I think will offer them
0:20:59 > 0:21:02that elusive flow that they are after.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04As long as they can live with the neighbours.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08But before we get to the mystery house, for our next property stop,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12we are travelling north and hopping over the border into Cheshire.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16Our destination is the village of Bridgemere, which has great
0:21:16 > 0:21:20road and rail connections for Angie and Steve's work.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Nearby is the village of Audlem,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26with a run of 15 locks on the Shropshire Union Canal.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30There are canalside pubs, and it attracts thousands of visitors annually.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34The high street has a delicatessen, local stores and post office.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37And five miles away is the house I want to show them.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- It certainly has Steve's kerb-side appeal.- Yes.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It looks really lovely.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49It's a 1960s house, but it's got a lot of character going on,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- which I know would appeal to you two. - Yes.- Yes, indeed.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- Well, shall we see if you're still smiling when we get inside?- Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Yes, absolutely.- Come on.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Over the ten years that the current owners have lived here,
0:22:00 > 0:22:04they have scoured reclamation yards for timeless pieces to add a sense
0:22:04 > 0:22:09of tradition and rustic charm to the exterior and interior of the house.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12You come into a really good-sized entrance hall.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15I'm going to show you, first of all, the main family room.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- It doesn't look like a 1960s property.- No.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- An exciting property. Like it. - How do you feel?
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- You actually imagine yourselves cosying down here?- Yes.- Definitely.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27This actually isn't the largest living and entertaining space.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30That's just round here, so follow me.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- You've got this substantial-sized dining room.- Beautiful.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40And then this brings us through to this really lovely summer room,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42a snug.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47Again, lots of great features found in those reclamation yards...
0:22:47 > 0:22:48And still lots of light.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Because even though there's a lot of wood and quite dark wood, it's...
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- There's lots of light coming in. - Yeah.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55It's got this quite modern feel, I think,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- which is in contrast.- Mmm. It's beautiful.- It's good.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00It's got great personality.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03The doors are lovely, they open out on both sides,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06one into the garden, the other onto the patio area that gets
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- the sun all day and it's a fantastic barbecue spot.- OK.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Well, you've got smiles on your faces and your eyes are lighting up... - Yeah.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It's really homely. Quirky.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19OK, well, I know kitchen is important, particularly to you, Angie,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- so I bet you're keen to take look at that?- I'm very keen now.- Yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Back through the dining hall, there's also a large utility room,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30and I'm hoping the positive vibes I'm getting from Angie and Steve
0:23:30 > 0:23:32are going to keep coming.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Wow.- Is this your style, Angie?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Yeah, yeah, I think the set-out's OK.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39It'd be nice if it was a little bit bigger, but doable.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42And what about the elusive flow that we've been talking a lot of?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Are you getting a feel that the house has a flow?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I think it has the warm feel, it's welcoming
0:23:47 > 0:23:51and because it's open space, going through the dining hall
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- towards the sunroom, it's... - It still works.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- OK. You keen to see upstairs? - Yes.- Yes.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Let's go and look at the bedrooms.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05We're heading upstairs to where there are four bedrooms in total.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08The three double bedrooms, although full of character,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10don't lack in space and light.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16There's also an airy single and a wood-panelled bathroom.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19So, I want to show you the master suite,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22which I know is something that you were both quite keen on.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24As you can see, this has got lots of space.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27It's got a good-sized en suite just round the corner, there.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Is this the kind of thing you had in mind?- Perfect.- He's happy.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31HE LAUGHS
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- If he's happy, I'm happy. - What do you like about it?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Space, character...- As I say, the mix of space is right.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40This is the perfect-sized bedroom.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42One of the things yesterday that I know was
0:24:42 > 0:24:45a bit of an issue for both of you, was office space.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Because in an ideal world, you'd rather not have the bedroom next door...- No.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51..becoming the office.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54I'm happy to say that that's not a problem that you'll face in this house.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- OK.- So, come on, let me show you the office.- OK.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Got to go back downstairs.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04The office is built above the double garage, which is attached to the house.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Stylish in its finish, it's spacious enough
0:25:06 > 0:25:10for a double bed and a smart en suite.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- So, is this the kind of thing you had in mind?- Yeah.- Perfect.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Yeah, absolutely.- Lots of daylight. - Yeah, it's nice.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- Doesn't need anything doing to it. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Yeah, that's good.- Nice views. - Yeah.- Brilliant.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27There's actually attached to the house, a separate one-bedroom annexe.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30It's a really good size and gives you another alternative
0:25:30 > 0:25:33for an office space, or you could have one each.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35So we've got go back out into the garden and we'll wander through
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- and take a look at it. - Right.- Perfect.- OK.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Back outside, and with its very own entrance,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44the annexe here isn't shy of space, either.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47There's a good-size studio-style living area with a
0:25:47 > 0:25:52fully fitted kitchen, compact shower room and a double bedroom.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53BELL RINGS
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Come on in to the one-bedroomed annexe.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01So is this a welcome addition, or actually something
0:26:01 > 0:26:03that you think you wouldn't use?
0:26:03 > 0:26:08I think it's a welcome addition, if we were to make this the office space,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10because there's a lot of room in here to
0:26:10 > 0:26:13actually have office and meeting space.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Which is what you wanted. - Absolutely. Choices now.- Yeah.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- But you haven't seen the garden yet. - OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23While the house here gives them super-size proportions,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25the compromise is on the land.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The secluded and tranquil garden makes up
0:26:28 > 0:26:30three quarters of an acre, and is mostly lawned,
0:26:30 > 0:26:35surrounded by established trees and also features a charming brook.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39There's not enough space for a horse, but there could be, next door.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41The neighbour keeps horses, she has stables
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- and she's got a number of paddocks at the back of the house.- Right.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Who knows, you could have a conversation with her...
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- You're smiling still! That's good. - Still smiling, yeah.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51THEY LAUGH
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- Yeah.- No, I think that might have to be the compromise.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's got a good space.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58And now, I think we need to talk about the price, don't we?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Yes.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02It is a lot of property,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and I think it's going to be over our budget at 725.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08It is a beautiful house, a lot of house and lovely grounds,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10so I'm going to...push up to 750.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Are you?- Mmm.- OK.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Well, you'll be both very pleased to hear, that this property is actually
0:27:18 > 0:27:20under your budget.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23It's on at £650,000.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- That's good news.- Yeah, that's very good news.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Why don't you go and have a look around?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30There's so much to see.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37Under budget by £50,000, this modern, quirky, character property
0:27:37 > 0:27:40with four bedrooms has more space inside
0:27:40 > 0:27:43than Angie and Steve could have wished for.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47With a fabulous master bedroom suite, two potential home offices and set
0:27:47 > 0:27:50within a beautiful, secluded location,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53this house is a strong contender.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Stunning. Absolutely perfect.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- Yes, the babbling brook.- Yeah.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Psychologically, I was ticking the boxes as I walked through.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03The gates, the gravel driveway, the kerb-side appeal,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06recognising the space that it's got.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10The annexe is an additional part of the property that we haven't expected,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14but would make it extremely good working space.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17And then the space above the garage could become a cinema room
0:28:17 > 0:28:20or some kind of games room or additional accommodation for guests.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Overall, I would say we are nine-and-a-half out of ten.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Great property.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29There are really modern features in the house and some really great
0:28:29 > 0:28:34traditional ones, so I can have my balance of quirkiness and modern.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37I love the outside space, it is not manicured,
0:28:37 > 0:28:38but it is beautifully kept.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41You got the space for the chooks and the ducks,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44it's got the space... It's got the ability for us to
0:28:44 > 0:28:48put even more personality into it and it has a lot of character.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50It's warm, it's different and we love it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- Have you seen enough?- Yes, thank you. - I really like those positive smiles.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Very good property.- And we've still one more to show you.- Wow.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12For our mystery house, we are staying within Cheshire,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15but heading north to the hamlet of Hunsterson.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Nearby is the market town of Nantwich,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21whose centre is made up of over 130 listed buildings,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26including many preserved black-and-white timber-frame structures.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28A popular local town,
0:29:28 > 0:29:32the busy high street is home to everything our couple would need.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Seven miles away and overlooking wide-open views
0:29:35 > 0:29:38is our final proposition.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42So, here we have the mystery house.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45It's a beautiful detached, period barn conversation.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It was renovated six years ago and it's done to an incredibly high standard.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53What are your first thoughts?
0:29:53 > 0:29:57It pushes all my buttons for modern and sleek and...
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Which is possibly what I was trying to get away from,
0:29:59 > 0:30:01so it's going to cause me a problem.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Yes. What about you, Stephen? Because you...
0:30:03 > 0:30:05No, I like it. I like the look of it.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Yeah, we considered barn conversations
0:30:07 > 0:30:10and this certainly... Yeah, it looks impressive.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13One of the really strong points about this property, I think,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16is that you've got this stunning rural location.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- I mean, could you wake up and look at those views every day?- Very nice.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Lovely. And it's so quiet and secluded.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Very attractive.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Well laid out.- Yeah. The development looks nice.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32Even though they've got the neighbours, it looks immaculate.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34I think you're going to like the inside.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- Are you keen to have a look? - Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38I think you're going to be smiling.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Set within a small development of four barn conversions,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45the mystery element is the close proximity of neighbours.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49However, with such a smart and open-plan interior to consider,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53maybe Angie and Steve will be seduced by its impressive interior design.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- So you see, you come straight into this amazing entrance space.- Wow.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Whoever lives here has beautiful taste.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- Mmm, it's got my name on it. - STEVE LAUGHS
0:31:05 > 0:31:08So, follow me... The dining hall.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12We come into a brilliant-sized family room.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17Nicely done. It is the perfect barn conversion, yeah.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Yeah, it doesn't feel like a barn at all.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22That's maybe because you expect wood, beams, A-frames.
0:31:22 > 0:31:28Well, it flows through nicely from your entertaining space, through...
0:31:28 > 0:31:31You've got an open-plan feel into the kitchen.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33And look, there we go.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Lovely ceiling height.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39The kitchen, again, is done to a fantastic specification,
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- good quality wooden units, nice marble worktops.- So bright and clean.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Yeah.- Lots of light.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Yeah, that's what we're looking for, in terms of...- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50..openness and...
0:31:50 > 0:31:53There's another really nice sitting room that I'm going to show you,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57so let's just wander back through the central entrance hall.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- It's beautifully done, isn't it? - Yeah. It's good.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- The living space is good.- It is, it's beautiful. And spacious.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07The flow is superb.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10The back, there, it's used as an office,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- so it is all kitted out as an office. It's a home office.- OK.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I know the two of you are quite keen to have a separate feel to that,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18rather than it be part of the house,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20and one thing I thought you could do is, you would lose some light,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23but you could take the double sets of doors out,
0:32:23 > 0:32:27and you could put an internal wall across there, and you could access
0:32:27 > 0:32:30the office by a separate door there at the back.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It would give you that separation you need.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35You needn't know it was there, but if you really felt strongly
0:32:35 > 0:32:37about that, you could separate it from the rest of the house.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- You've gone very quiet on me. - I know.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41STEVE LAUGHS
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I can hear your brain whirring, almost.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46I think it's playing to Angie's weakness in the...
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Take it immaculate...
0:32:49 > 0:32:54It's the pristine property and it does what it is.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55In my head, I'm thinking,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I want to pick this up and put it somewhere more secluded.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00We want the mystery property to challenge you,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- to challenge the way you're thinking. - It's doing that.- I did feel that. - Good.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Well, I know what a sucker you both are for a big master suite!
0:33:07 > 0:33:10We've got one waiting upstairs for you.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13The mystery house has divided opinion,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17so I wonder if upstairs is going to receive harmonious reactions?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20There are four double bedrooms, featuring the original beams
0:33:20 > 0:33:23of the property, which give character and height to the rooms.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27There's also a stylish family bathroom, with neutral decor,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but we are heading straight for the main bedroom.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- Here we go. How about that for an original feature?- Oh, wow.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Beautiful, old... It's the old A-frame.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- It's lovely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Good character.- And it's a good-sized bedroom, extra large.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- You've got an en suite.- Nice. - Amazing. It's still well proportioned.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51And also, a walk-in wardrobe, just behind us there.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- So much light coming in.- There is a lot of light. And a lot of character.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It is a good space, nice.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Let's go downstairs, let's explore a little bit more,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- and just talk about what the options could be outside.- OK.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Extending to a third of an acre, the garden's proximity to open
0:34:08 > 0:34:12fields and uninterrupted views might just prove to be of more
0:34:12 > 0:34:16interest to Angie and Steve than first meets the eye.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17So, back in the garden.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Interestingly, I think of all the properties we have seen,
0:34:20 > 0:34:24this one gives you the best options for having some land,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27because the local farmer owns all the fields around me,
0:34:27 > 0:34:33- and you could potentially buy an acre here, right opposite you.- OK.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35We've got so much to think about now.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37And there's a bit more we need to think about now,
0:34:37 > 0:34:41because I need to know how much you think this property is on the market for.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Ooh! Is it my turn to go first? Um...
0:34:43 > 0:34:47I'm going to be very precise and say, 649,950.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51I'm going to go lower than that. I'm going to say 629,950.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Well, this evening's glass of wine goes to...Angie.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58It's on the market for £650,000. And then, of course,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02whatever negotiations happen with the land would be an addition to that.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- Absolutely.- How does that feel, now you know that?
0:35:06 > 0:35:11Well, clearly, it needs nothing doing to it. You'd just up and move in.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12- Yeah.- And...
0:35:14 > 0:35:15I don't know how I feel about that.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18I haven't actually seen you both this quiet over the last two days!
0:35:18 > 0:35:20THEY LAUGH I think you need to go and digest...
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- I feel like I've given you a lot to think about.- You have.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25And that's what the mystery house is supposed to do.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27So why don't you go in, have a look around,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- explore the garden, go take a look over the fields?- OK.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36£50,000 below budget, our mystery barn conversion
0:35:36 > 0:35:39is beautifully presented throughout
0:35:39 > 0:35:43and has a spacious, open-plan layout with four bedrooms.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It has rural views, as well as the opportunity to purchase land.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49It's given them a lot to think about.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53This property has challenged every requirement, I think,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55we had in a house.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58It has really given us something to think about.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Internally, you can't help
0:36:00 > 0:36:03but be totally impressed by how immaculate it is.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07It works, it flows, the spaces are big, there's loads of light.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11I think it's probably just a bit too perfect for me.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16It doesn't have the charm that we saw in the previous property,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20because it seems very clinical, very clean, very immaculate, and I would like
0:36:20 > 0:36:24to put a bit of Steve and Angie into the property to make it feel like ours.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- You seen everything you want to see? - I think so.- Good.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Final property done. All that's left is for us to find
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- a nice quiet spot and have a chat. - OK.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Staffordshire is home to one of the greatest British manufacturing
0:36:45 > 0:36:48success stories of the last seven decades.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50From humble beginnings as a small, rural business
0:36:50 > 0:36:54selling farm trailers, the company has grown to become one of the
0:36:54 > 0:36:58biggest names in construction and agricultural machinery.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02And highlights how British innovation has changed the face of farming
0:37:02 > 0:37:04and building across the globe.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06I've come to meet Lord Anthony Bamford,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09son of the founder, at the world headquarters,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12to discover how the county's home-grown machines
0:37:12 > 0:37:15have become an iconic part of the rural landscape.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17How lovely to meet you.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I would love you to tell me about your father
0:37:19 > 0:37:22and about the company that he founded, how it all came about?
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Of course.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27It goes back to 1820 in Uttoxeter,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30and our family started as blacksmiths.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33They were shoeing horses
0:37:33 > 0:37:39and they gradually went into making things for farms.
0:37:39 > 0:37:45In 1945, after the war, he wanted to do all sorts of modern things,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48like welding, rather than riveting.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52And his father got fed up with him and sacked him,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54so he started on his own.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58He wasn't allowed to use the name Bamford by the other members of the family,
0:37:58 > 0:38:03so he called it JCB, and he invented this thing called a backhoe loader.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And that was in the early 1950s.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10And that is when we really got into construction machinery.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Worldwide in their distribution, with 12 factories in Britain,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17the Bamford family have committed to keeping 11 of those
0:38:17 > 0:38:21factories in Staffordshire, where the company was born.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25Why has it been important for your company to stay in this county?
0:38:25 > 0:38:28I am from here, my father's from here and my grandfather.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I think, obviously, that is where our roots are.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36And we've grown up with many generations of people,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39many of our engineers, their fathers were here,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42and maybe their grandfathers were.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44So a lot of it is the sort of family thing.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Over the course of its history, the company's initial
0:38:47 > 0:38:52production of 2-3 products has now flourished into a range of 350,
0:38:52 > 0:38:56producing over 75,000 machines annually.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59I think it's time for me to test drive one of the machines,
0:38:59 > 0:39:03so I am being given a quick lesson by agricultural marketing manager,
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Richard Foxley.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09- Hey, Richard!- Hello.- How are you doing?- Good, are you?- I'm fine.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10Now, this is an absolute beast!
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Yeah, it's the biggest tractor that we produce.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- Are you up for giving me a lesson? - Yes, yeah, let's come and have a go.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18OK. I think the first challenge will be getting in it.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20And the second challenge, I discover,
0:39:20 > 0:39:25is that Richard would actually like me to plough the fields.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Great.
0:39:27 > 0:39:33- So, clutch... Engine on.- OK, so, to go forward, hold the joystick,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35press the trigger and then push the lever forward.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36- OK.- OK.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41This is an absolute monster.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44It's like driving a really big automatic car.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Exactly.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48I mean, an enormous automatic car,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- but it's actually really simple to drive.- It is.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- OK, now drop the implement to the ground. There you go.- There we go. - OK.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Great, so it's in.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- So now you turn that on, that engages the cultivator to start going round.- OK.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02So now you want to increase the revs of the tractor.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- Oh, you can really feel it revving! - Now, if you touch the throttle...
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- Is slow and steady the best way to keep it straight?- Yeah.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15On a sunny day, in the English countryside,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17you could while away an hour doing this.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21So, how long would it take to plough an acre?
0:40:21 > 0:40:25You could easily cover 60-70 acres a day with this tractor.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26Am I keeping straight?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Yeah, you are covering it all anyway, so you are doing a good job.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34You're a natural to it. OK, so, now drop your revs off. Perfect.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- That was a lot of fun, thank you.- It's easy.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Although world leaders in their industry, it is
0:40:40 > 0:40:43heartening to see that a home-grown company has remained on UK soil,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46staying true to their Staffordshire roots.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48I will be back in the summer. I'll be back for the harvest!
0:40:48 > 0:40:50THEY LAUGH
0:40:52 > 0:40:55It's been nice to see such strong and positive reactions
0:40:55 > 0:40:58from Angie and Steve to both today's properties.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59I wasn't that surprised, really.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I thought the mystery house would appeal to Angie, in particular.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05But you know, now, thinking back over the day,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I have a feeling I might be wrong.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14There's a lot of contemplating going on there.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17You know, I sensed a lot more enthusiasm from both of you
0:41:17 > 0:41:19today for the two properties that we saw.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22So where are we at? How're you feeling?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Today's been...an enlightening day.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29The first property we saw today, we really felt at home,
0:41:29 > 0:41:33and felt it delivered so much of what we are looking for.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35What about the mystery house, Angie?
0:41:35 > 0:41:38On paper, it would be everything I would be looking for.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43It was a barn, it was immaculate, tidy, clean, straight lines.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47So I felt a bit of conflict between how I felt
0:41:47 > 0:41:50about the second property and the mystery house.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53But it didn't take too long to overcome that.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Totally discounted the mystery house.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57I find that quite surprising.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58I think a lot of people will.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02So, that quirky house that we saw...
0:42:02 > 0:42:03What next?
0:42:03 > 0:42:04What are your plans?
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Certainly want to have a second viewing, have another look around.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Because, as Angie said, it's the top of the list.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13When we go back and have another viewing,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16if we're still that enthusiastic, it will hopefully lead to an offer.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19But the two of you can imagine starting this next chapter
0:42:19 > 0:42:22of your life together, in your first home together, in that house?
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27That's absolutely fantastic news, I'm so thrilled to hear that.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28Keep us informed.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30We are coming back up in a few weeks,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33so we will make arrangements to go and have another look.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I just wish you so much luck with your move, and lots of happiness.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - It's been great fun.- It has.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41And yeah, we've learnt an awful lot.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47I've just left two people, who I sense are very excited at the
0:42:47 > 0:42:52prospect they could have found the property that will become their first home together.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55A great end to our visit to Staffordshire.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01And if you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:01 > 0:43:03in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06and would like our help, you can apply online.