0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05This rugged, vivid and scarred landscape
0:00:05 > 0:00:10is, astonishingly, man-made, but by whom, where and why?
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Today's house-buying couple's move is driven by their desire
0:00:33 > 0:00:36to get a new lifestyle off the ground.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38I think this would make a great terminal building.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41THEY ALL LAUGH
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And happily, our properties seem to hit the mark.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- It certainly is a proper living kitchen, this one.- You've done it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Well, today I'm on the island of Anglesey,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55just off the coast of North Wales,
0:00:55 > 0:01:00and this striking landscape is otherwise known as Parys Mountain.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It's the result of some pretty serious copper mining.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Now, copper has been known about here since the days of the Bronze Age,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09but it was during the late 18th century
0:01:09 > 0:01:12that production really reached its peak,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15turning out some 3,000 tonnes of ore every year.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19It was so successful they even produced their own coins,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22some ten million pennies and half pennies.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26By 1780, it was the biggest copper mine in Europe.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31It is genuinely a very surreal, somewhat extraterrestrial landscape -
0:01:31 > 0:01:34almost Martian - but it's all the more remarkable
0:01:34 > 0:01:38when you consider that pretty much all of it was excavated by hand.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45The Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Mon in Welsh,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48sits in the Irish Sea off the northwest coast of Wales,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and joined to the mainland by two bridges.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57The island, which has views of Snowdonia at every turn,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01is rich with fertile land, stunning coastlines
0:02:01 > 0:02:06and rugged rock formations covered by swathes of wild gorse.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Whitewashed houses are surrounded by rural pasture,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and the Victorian facades of coastal villages
0:02:12 > 0:02:13overlook beautiful beaches.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Anglesey's landscape is also home to numerous ancient monuments,
0:02:19 > 0:02:24like the Lligwy Burial Chamber, dating back around 5,000 years.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26In the historic town of Beaumaris
0:02:26 > 0:02:30is the splendid and unfinished 13th-century Beaumaris Castle,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33built by Edward I and now a World Heritage Site.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The islanders have a good sense of humour too,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40with the village with the longest place name in Britain -
0:02:40 > 0:02:43manufactured in the 19th century to attract tourists.
0:02:44 > 0:02:4921st-century royalty has also been attracted to this fair isle.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
0:02:50 > 0:02:52called Anglesey home for three years -
0:02:52 > 0:02:54a royal seal of approval
0:02:54 > 0:02:58that this is surely a splendid rural retreat.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Now, if you do fancy a slice of island life,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06then Anglesey is well worth a look.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09This is one of my favourite views, looking across the Menai Strait
0:03:09 > 0:03:11to the mainland and of course that famous bridge.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13And when it comes to house prices,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16well, they too are worth more than a passing glance.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19When you consider that the price of your average property in England
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and Wales is currently £282,000,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26well, here you could comfortably knock 100 grand off of that.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Now, of course, any property overlooking the water
0:03:29 > 0:03:31is going to come with a premium attached,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33but there's no getting away from the fact that your budget here
0:03:33 > 0:03:36will go an awful long way, as indeed do the views.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what's attracted them
0:03:40 > 0:03:42to one of my favourite parts of the UK.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Retired eye specialist Colleen
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and her IT project manager husband Martin from Merseyside
0:03:49 > 0:03:51had a little help from Cupid when they met
0:03:51 > 0:03:54in the form of a dating agency.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Computer dating before the invention of computers to do it.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59It was all a paper exercise.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Whenever we have any little tiff or anything like that,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Colleen will always remind me, "I didn't tick that box!"
0:04:06 > 0:04:08THEY LAUGH
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- We went out a few times.- We did.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And then we started going out on a steady basis.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15And that was 21 years ago.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19And then we've been happy ever since...since then.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Both have grown-up children.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Colleen had two sons from a previous relationship,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25and Martin a son and a daughter.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28They moved to their current home 17 years ago.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32We bought this house,
0:04:32 > 0:04:38a huge old seven, eight-bedroom Victorian red brick house,
0:04:38 > 0:04:39because it fitted us.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Four children, au pair and granny.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- We're entering a new stage of our lives now.- Mm.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46The children have grown up.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49We want to move somewhere quieter.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Somewhere where there's not
0:04:51 > 0:04:53so much traffic outside would be nice.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56We both know as well that what we want
0:04:56 > 0:04:58is a bit of an adventure as well.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00And the sad loss of close family members
0:05:00 > 0:05:04has added to their desire to move on with life.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06We had an awful year.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Last year was the worst year ever.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Last January my youngest son George died
0:05:13 > 0:05:17and a few months after that my mother died in June.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19It's taken me a long while
0:05:19 > 0:05:22to feel that there's anything to look forward to,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and this move is just what we need.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We need a new start, we need a fresh start.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Something to look forward to and get excited about.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36After holidaying on Anglesey,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38they've decided that the Welsh island
0:05:38 > 0:05:40is the right place for them to retire to.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42The things that we're going to be excited about
0:05:42 > 0:05:46when we go over to Anglesey are the ability to go for walks
0:05:46 > 0:05:48around the coast, being able to go fishing,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51which is one of the things we both like.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I'm longing for a breath of fresh air
0:05:53 > 0:05:56and some green fields and countryside.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Colleen and Martin have a whole host of hobbies
0:05:59 > 0:06:02that their country property will need to accommodate.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05I used to do a lot of sewing and I would like some space
0:06:05 > 0:06:09where I can have my sewing machine out permanently.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And we both play the piano - not very well.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Badly. - THEY LAUGH
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- So we want to try and continue that, don't we?- We do.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20When I retire, one of the things I am looking forward to
0:06:20 > 0:06:22is to getting back into my modelling.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Very much looking forward to having a little space
0:06:24 > 0:06:26probably inside the house.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27You need a big space, I think.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Some of the plans I've got are for a big one, yes.- Yes.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34With their house on the market and a shared vision for their future,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Colleen and Martin are fully committed to this move
0:06:37 > 0:06:39and can't wait to embrace island life.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42It's going to make a huge change to our lives.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Last year was a terrible year and we're really looking forward
0:06:47 > 0:06:51to finding something new and exciting to do in our lives.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54The move is going to be the instigator for the whole thing.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Our buyers are more than ready to cross the water,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06and they've asked us to concentrate our search
0:07:06 > 0:07:08towards the east of Anglesey.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But before we begin our quest to find them their dream home,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I want to make sure I know exactly what it is
0:07:13 > 0:07:15they're looking for.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Well, we're hoping this will be a new chapter for you.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- It will be for us. - It's what we need.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Big change for us. That's what we're looking forward to.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23So, why Anglesey?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26It's close enough to home. It's only a couple of hours away.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30We've got two grandsons there.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31It's beautiful.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Now, your current home, as I understand it,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36has eight-ish bedrooms, six reception rooms...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- That's right. - ..and a granny annexe.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Yes.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41You are, I hope, downsizing with this move.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- Yes, please. - OK.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46So, just give us an idea of
0:07:46 > 0:07:48what exactly your new property will comprise.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Ideally, it would have a lovely
0:07:51 > 0:07:55big kitchen-dining-living room, but south-facing...
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Please, please, pretty please. - Yeah.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59..so that it's nice and warm and sunny and bright.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00Yep.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02We need somewhere for Martin to play with his aeroplanes.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Yes, I was going to talk about those in a minute. Yep.- Yes.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Somewhere for our books. - So, a sort of library space.- Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12The piano is very important. Room to sew.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14It's a very creative house, this, isn't it, really?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I love it. The sewing, the music, the books, the model aircraft.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19How much space do you need for those?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Well, not too much space,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23but a room on its own would be very nice.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25And what about garden space? Are you keen gardeners?
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Well, we are not keen gardeners,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30but Colleen is very into her vegetables.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32So, we've got quite a big garden at the moment.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I think we want to downsize from that,
0:08:34 > 0:08:38but at least still have some space to be able to put some vegetables in
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- and keep us busy during the summer months, you know.- OK.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45In terms of specific locations and access to amenities,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47what are your thoughts on that?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I would like to be either in the heart of a village
0:08:50 > 0:08:51or on the edge of a village.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I do like the views in the countryside.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Well, that all sounds fairly doable,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58but the key ingredient of course is the money.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01So, how much do you want to spend on all of this?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Our top money is 300,000
0:09:04 > 0:09:06and for that it would have to be pretty near-perfect.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07We don't want to spend over that.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Now, we have got three rather interesting properties to show you.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13We'll start with property number one and see what you make of that.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- OK, fantastic.- Come on then.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Colleen and Martin's top budget is a pretty healthy one for Anglesey.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23They're open-minded about the type of property they live in,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25but for them, a bright sunny kitchen
0:09:25 > 0:09:28that doubles up as a dining and living space is key.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30They don't have a minimum number of bedrooms,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33but they do need enough rooms to accommodate their hobbies
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and a garden where Colleen can grow vegetables.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40And finally, they'd like to be in or on the edge of a village.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42After digesting their requirements,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46we've chosen three great and contrasting properties
0:09:46 > 0:09:48which will each have something different to offer.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51And the all-important price tag will only be revealed
0:09:51 > 0:09:54after the house has been toured.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Our final visit will be to our Mystery House,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59which has learned many a lesson in its lifetime,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02but will it be a subject Colleen and Martin want to take on?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Now, this is a massive move.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14I mean, how many days do you think you've spent on Anglesey
0:10:14 > 0:10:17in terms of trying to understand and get a feel for it?
0:10:17 > 0:10:18Very few.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23We came for a long weekend this year to look at a few houses.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26One of our options when we're looking was... We have a caravan.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- Yep.- And I've always had an inkling to run a caravan site,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33and the purpose for that would be, A,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35for me to have something to do,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38but also if we have that extra little bit of land,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42it could be mowed, flattened, could become a nice little airfield,
0:10:42 > 0:10:43which would be really good.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- Wow. Wouldn't that be the icing on the cake?- That would be great.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51We're starting our island tour in the east of Anglesey
0:10:51 > 0:10:53in the hamlet of Tyn-y-Gongl,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56which is just under a mile and a half from the resort town of Benllech.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Benllech overlooks the Irish Sea
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and is equipped with a variety of shops and eateries.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05The Anglesey Coastal Path crosses the beautiful stretch
0:11:05 > 0:11:07of sandy beach here,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11and just a five-minute drive takes us back to rural Tyn-y-Gongl
0:11:11 > 0:11:15and our first offering - this handsome 18th-century cottage.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- There you go.- That's lovely.- My gosh.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- I love the stone.- Yeah.- Isn't it?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22But this is what's on offer. It's about 250 years old.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26In its past, it's been a tailors, a family home.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It's been knocked about to create now one big property.- Right.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- I mean, it's got that very, very... - It's got character.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33..country, cottage-y type look about it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- You know, definite character, as you say, hasn't it?- Mm.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Right then, well, let's see what you think of it.- Yes.- OK.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43This stone cottage is fronted by a lawned garden
0:11:43 > 0:11:47and the house's traditional exterior hides a superbly modernised interior.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Come on in.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Wow!- Oh, wow.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Oh, lovely.- Oh!
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- A wood-burning stove. - Wood-burning stove.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- That's so nice.- That's lovely. - Window at the back as well.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Really nice little snug room, isn't it?- It's beautiful.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Well, there's another little snug room in there.- Oh, yes?
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- The reading room. Maybe the library. - Or the piano.- Or the piano.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Would the piano go in there? - Piano and the books.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Happy?- Yes!- Is it appealing?
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- Good start.- Yes.- Right.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Well, come through here cos it gets even lighter in the dining end of it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- There, do you see what I mean? - Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- The light's flooding in here, isn't it?- Yes, wow.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Probably not as open-plan as maybe what you've got at the moment.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Mm-hm.- But connected nonetheless.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31And then this is the kitchen.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Oh, yes.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34That's very nice.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36And again, lovely and light.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39One, two, three windows. Super-duper.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42It's not a living kitchen,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45but it's a very nice place to cook in.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46Yes. I'm with you.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Moving upstairs, there's a family bathroom and three bedrooms -
0:12:50 > 0:12:54a compact double, another sunny dual-aspect double
0:12:54 > 0:12:56and then there's the master.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00And then the last of the three is this one.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01It is the master because
0:13:01 > 0:13:05not only does it have lovely views out to Snowdonia today,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08but also it's got this lovely new en suite shower room,
0:13:08 > 0:13:09the new walk-in cubicle...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11That's Martin's dream shower, that is.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It's all the rage. It works really well.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16So, I'm hoping you're as excited about this property as...
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- I'm liking it more and more. - I am.- Good.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Well, there is one more bit that you need to like,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- and that of course is the price.- OK.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Let's pop down to the garden...- Yes. - ..and talk about that.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Yep. OK.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31The garden is small but easy to maintain
0:13:31 > 0:13:33and benefits from fantastic views.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35There's a decked area, a dining patio,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38plus an outbuilding which Martin could reinvent.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- There we are. The back.- Yes.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Probably not as pretty as the front.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52- It's not as pretty, but it shows the bigger size, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- What you have got out here is that concrete workshop-garage...- Yeah.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00..cos I'd be tempted to start again on the building
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and go for a bespoke workshop.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03- A hangar.- Hangar.- Hangar.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- For the aircraft.- OK. - JULES LAUGHS
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- This is the perfect size for me. - Is it?- It is.- OK!
0:14:08 > 0:14:09JULES LAUGHS
0:14:09 > 0:14:12As long as there's enough room to grow a few runner beans.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16So, what is property number one on the market for?
0:14:16 > 0:14:17You gave us £300,000.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Make us an offer on this one.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22I'm thinking it's quite near the top of the budget.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Maybe 295?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26295, yeah?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28I'd probably agree with Colleen here. 295.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Very good. Well done, because this is on the market for £295,000.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Oh, goodness.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37I would suggest you spend a little bit more time particularly upstairs,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- and I will catch up with you a little bit later on.- OK.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Right then, off you go. - Right. Thank you.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46This charming stone house
0:14:46 > 0:14:49is £5,000 under Colleen and Martin's budget.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52What's more, it's ready to move into.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56It has three bedrooms plus a study, so plenty of options for hobby rooms.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Although the kitchen isn't the ideal living kitchen they're after,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03it does have an adjoining dining room and it gives them brightness
0:15:03 > 0:15:05which is non-negotiable.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09What's more, outside offers them everything they're looking for.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- I really love this room.- Yes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16I think what I like best is the way the windows go down so low.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20It makes it feel almost more like a reception room than a bedroom.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22I think this would suit Martin very well.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25He would be very, very comfortable here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It's got everything that he needs.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I think it's my needs it doesn't quite meet
0:15:30 > 0:15:32with the living area.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37When I first came into the property, I was quite surprised.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38It's very modern.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It's very much of my style. It's very neutral.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43And going around the building,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I find that that same neutrality is everywhere.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48If you wanted to move into this property,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51you could actually move in quite easily
0:15:51 > 0:15:54but then actually finally put your own stamp on it as well.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57How are you?
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Well, lovely, yes. That was great. - Sorry to have kept you waiting.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Not at all! I've been admiring the garden.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Well, I think that was a pretty good start.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- So, let's have some lunch... - That'd be nice.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..and then we'll go and see property number two.- Yes, that would be great.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Anglesey is surrounded by sea,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25and the waters of the Menai Strait lay claim to a natural gem -
0:16:25 > 0:16:26its salt.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Salt has been a part of everyday life as far back as 6000BC
0:16:31 > 0:16:34and no kitchen larder would be complete without it.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37At times, it's been worth more than gold,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40and historically has even been used as currency.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43In fact, it's where the word salary derives from.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Keen cooks Colleen and Martin have come to meet David Lea-Wilson
0:16:47 > 0:16:50in Brynsiencyn, in the south of the island.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53He helped put salt back on Anglesey's map 17 years ago
0:16:53 > 0:16:57when he started making the most of the waters around him.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Hello there.- Hello.- Hello.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01How have you been doing out there today?
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Well, I haven't been fishing, actually.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04I've been testing this,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- which is something called a refractometer.- OK.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10All I'm doing is checking how much salt there is
0:17:10 > 0:17:11in the seawater.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Right, OK. And how much is there in the water there?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Well, there's just under 4%.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18This is nice and salty seawater,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and this Gulf Stream that is bringing in this clean seawater...
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Yeah.- ..I want to be absolutely certain, A, that it's clean,
0:17:25 > 0:17:26B, that it's got enough salt in.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31To produce edible salt from the sea here,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34David needs at least 3.5% salt content
0:17:34 > 0:17:37in the water, so the readings he takes are crucial.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41The more it rains, the less saline the seawater is.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I take the average of three and then I'll say,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47"Yes, we can pump, we can make sea salt today, boys."
0:17:47 > 0:17:48OK.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51It was an unusual path that led David into salt production.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54He and his wife Alison used to run an aquarium here,
0:17:54 > 0:17:55and when their seahorses,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59who are notoriously fussy about their water, began breeding,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02they knew the seawater here had qualities worth investigating.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- I had to teach myself completely. - Really? Nobody to show you the way?
0:18:06 > 0:18:08So, I walked down here with a saucepan
0:18:08 > 0:18:11and I literally put the saucepan in
0:18:11 > 0:18:15and walked back and put it on a hob to see what would happen.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18And then when the water boiled away, you were left with the sea salt?
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Well, I could see the salt.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It formed a mushy mess, but it did taste salty.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26And from those humble beginnings,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29David now produces about a quarter of a million packets
0:18:29 > 0:18:31of salt every year.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Unlike some manufacturers, he doesn't need to bleach it.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37David's salt is naturally pure white.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39It has also been given
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Protected Designation of Origin status
0:18:41 > 0:18:43from the European Commission,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46which puts it in good company with the likes of Cornish clotted cream
0:18:46 > 0:18:48and Jersey Royal potatoes.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53David has brought Colleen and Martin to his crystallizing room
0:18:53 > 0:18:55where the magic happens.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58The seawater travels directly from the Menai Strait
0:18:58 > 0:19:01up to the salt cote via a pump and a pipe.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02Here it boils at a low temperature,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and after about four days it turns into a salty brine.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11We're at the final stage of making salt,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15where it ceases to be a liquid and becomes a solid in this room.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Ahead of us we've got 12 of these large crystallizers.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22You can actually see a sort of level of crystals.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Yeah, the crystals are forming on the surface,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and when they get too big,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30they drop down and then we harvest them
0:19:30 > 0:19:32at the same time every morning.
0:19:33 > 0:19:3723 people work here to produce and package this product,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40and it goes on to be sold in top-class stores around Britain
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and to over 20 countries around the world.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44This is the final product,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48the result of having been through that two-week process
0:19:48 > 0:19:49from tide to table.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- Would you like to try and taste it? - Yes, I'd love to.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53So, just let it dissolve on your tongue
0:19:53 > 0:19:55or on the sides of your mouth.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56What a lot of the chefs say
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- is that our salt actually has a slight sweet taste with it.- Mm.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04But you've also got that added crunch as well.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06David also produces flavoured salt.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08There's salt smoked over Welsh oak,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and that's one of the less unusual flavours.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14This is actually dried local shiitake mushroom.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Now, we're always looking for new flavours.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18How about coming up with some of the research
0:20:18 > 0:20:21into some of our new flavours?
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Colleen and Martin can combine any ingredients in front of them
0:20:24 > 0:20:27to produce a brand-new taste.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29I would definitely want...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32I can smell that from here.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And I think I would try that with the plain sea salt
0:20:35 > 0:20:36rather than smoked.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39I'm going to try some of this shiitake mushroom,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42a little bit of the oak-smoked.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Just have a bit of a crushing process here...- Yep.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45..to get it mixed up.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Right, when you've both been stirring away there,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52I'm looking at this and I'm really interested in this one
0:20:52 > 0:20:53with the local garlic.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Oh.- It does smell delicious, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56Spring garlic.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I like that one.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Mmm.- Now, let's just go to the smoked.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03That is divine.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's a really interesting aroma, mushrooms.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- And... - They're both very earthy and...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Mm. That's earthy. You could have something there.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Can I suggest that we bag up a sample of each of that?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I have to say, David, it's been absolutely wonderful.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20All the best in your house hunting. Make sure the kitchen is big enough.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Thank you very much, David. It's been wonderful.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27For our second property,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31we're travelling just over seven miles north to the small village
0:21:31 > 0:21:34of Pen-y-sarn, which is just over two miles southeast
0:21:34 > 0:21:37of the coastal town of Amlwch.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Amlwch is the most northerly town on Anglesey
0:21:39 > 0:21:42and has a neoclassical style 19th-century church
0:21:42 > 0:21:45whose clock is wound once a week by the local butcher.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48There's also a beautiful coastline,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51an attractive port with a history of shipping copper worldwide,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53and it's also a great spot for fishing.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58A five-minute drive and we're back in Pen-y-sarn,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00where there's a post office and general store,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02both just a few minutes walk from house number two,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06which sits in the shadow of nearby Parys Mountain.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08So, here we are, then.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Wow.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- Property number two. - What have you brought us to?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Well, I guess I describe it as a small...
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- ..small holding.- Yeah.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- Because what we've got you is the property up there...- Yes.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25..but it has with it an acre.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27An acre of land! Oh, wow.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Complete with those outbuildings and the static caravan.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Yes.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34And I'm thinking about what you said to me in the car, Martin,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37about your, you know, little retirement income
0:22:37 > 0:22:39coming from a few caravans.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Yes. A much larger house. Going to be very interesting to see this one.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Well, let's get inside and see what you make of it.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50This house has good solid proportions on the outside,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54and inside provides the generous living areas our couple are after.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57We're starting the tour in the most important room in the house
0:22:57 > 0:22:59for Colleen and Martin - the kitchen -
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and I don't think they'll be disappointed.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Right. Colleen, come on in. - Here we are.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Ah! This is palatial.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10This is a living kitchen.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- And it's very stylish, isn't it? - Good.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Right, then, well, let's continue. Have a look at the living room.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17OK.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21So, when you've had enough of living in the living kitchen,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24you can come into the living living room.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- I like this. - And with a wood-burning stove.- Yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Yes. It's lovely.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31But it has a lot of light as well in here. A lot of light.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Well, that really helps. - Gorgeous.- The garden room.- Yeah.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- You were very enthusiastic about our first property.- That's right.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38But I get the feeling that
0:23:38 > 0:23:41you are leading the charge on this one, Colleen.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46I think this house is more to my taste,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49but I also see it as being that much bigger
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and needing more work which will fall to Martin rather than to me.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54How do you feel about that?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Well, there's always two sides to this.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01You know, I've always had this view about having a caravan site.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04It's something we've seriously got to think about,
0:24:04 > 0:24:05weighed against the fact that
0:24:05 > 0:24:07we are looking for a low-maintenance,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10so we've got to be very careful about how we balance this one up.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It's clear our couple have a lot to consider with this place,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16and there is plenty more upstairs.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Let's start, unusually...- Uh-huh.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- ..with this room. - Oh, that's fabulous.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Yeah.- Oh, wow.- It's fun, isn't it?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27On this floor, there are also four bedrooms.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31There is a twin with fabulous views, then a sunny single
0:24:31 > 0:24:35and another decent-sized double, but we are heading to the biggest.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37So, this is the master bedroom itself.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Yes.- Yes?- Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45But it does have this tiny kind of loo arrangement.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- Oh! Great.- And sink. - That's fine.- Yeah.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- But I think we should get back outside.- OK.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Have a look at what might become Anglesey's international
0:24:55 > 0:24:57model airport.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- I say.- Yeah? Come on, let's go and have a look.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00- Food for thought.- Let's do that.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07The grounds here offer endless possibilities with expansive
0:25:07 > 0:25:12lawns, the paddock, two storage sheds and of course a static caravan.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15Here we are.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17Come on in.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Oh, this is really nice, isn't it? - Oh.- It is, isn't it?- Yes.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25We don't normally get to talk about the money
0:25:25 > 0:25:27in such salubrious surroundings.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30This static caravan has a double bed at the far end.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Separate shower room and separate bathroom.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35And of course, kitchen area down there, a sort of galley kitchen.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37The caravan owners use it for family, really.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39But they reckon that the market here would
0:25:39 > 0:25:43- sustain about £500 a week for this. - Yes.- OK.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46So, what is property number two on the market for?
0:25:46 > 0:25:50I have to say 350 at least.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Um, I was hoping a little bit less.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55325?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58This is on the market, as it is,
0:25:58 > 0:26:03for offers in the region of £290,000.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- Yay.- Wow. That is surprising.- There is a lot to talk about, isn't there?
0:26:08 > 0:26:09Yeah, I think there is.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12I think this would make a great terminal building.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14THEY LAUGH
0:26:15 > 0:26:18This could be the new centre for the local flying club.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Well, who knows? There is so much going on here.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22I'm going to leave you to it.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Do have a look around the rest of the caravan.- Yes.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26The house is yours to explore, at your leisure.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30And I will find you somewhere. Maybe out there on the runway.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Maybe out there.
0:26:32 > 0:26:33Good stuff, guys.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38This house plus its land and outbuildings
0:26:38 > 0:26:43comes in at £10,000 under Colleen and Martin's budget.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46And with its static caravan, it also has the potential to earn them
0:26:46 > 0:26:48a nice little income.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52The bright and spacious kitchen-diner is just what Colleen is looking for.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54And there are living quarters aplenty.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Plus with four bedrooms, they could allocate a room for each hobby.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02The acre of land gives Colleen bags of space to get green fingered
0:27:02 > 0:27:06and Martin ample scope for his air-traffic control antics.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- So the kitchen here.- This is a lovely appointed kitchen, isn't it?
0:27:11 > 0:27:15My dream kitchen would be this sort of space,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17devoid of any fittings.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19The house offers many things.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23And it offers things which I have thought about for many years,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27about the desire to have a small caravan site.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31The question is, am I really up for it?
0:27:31 > 0:27:32And I need to decide
0:27:32 > 0:27:36whether I'm really going to put my money where my mouth is.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41Ah, you see? I can just see it now. What do you think? Would it work?
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Wonderful!
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- Am I flying in the right direction? - A wonderful job.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49I love it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52This is a very, very different kind of house, though, isn't it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54This one is. This is completely unusual.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56And it has become a different sort of search now
0:27:56 > 0:27:59because I am over houses, I am looking for air strips.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- Because it is now... - It sounds like a brilliant idea.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04- ..the end of the day. - The sun is going over the yardarm.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05- That way, sir.- OK.- Thank you.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Come on, have a go through here.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Nyooow!
0:28:15 > 0:28:19It is the second day of our house hunt on the Welsh isle of Anglesey.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22And armed with a £300,000 budget,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24we have got the challenge of finding Colleen and Martin,
0:28:24 > 0:28:29from Merseyside, a new island home that fulfils all of their wishes.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32The Mystery House is still to be revealed.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34You can see the old walls that originally separated...
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- I love the walls. - ..the girls from the boys.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39And I will be stepping back in time,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43learning what heavy metal meant over 4,000 years ago.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Just blow down it. Don't inhale it.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48THEY LAUGH
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Well, every house tour does of course have its twists and its turns,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57but this week it has been pretty extreme.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00We set out yesterday looking for a simple house for two,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04but by the end of the day, we were planning a caravan park with
0:29:04 > 0:29:07the skies above it filled with the noise of model aircraft.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10And this for a couple who were hoping to retire.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13So before we all get completely carried away, I think
0:29:13 > 0:29:16we shouldn't lose sight of the original brief,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20particularly Colleen's wish for something that is light, airy,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22with an air of relaxation about it.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26And of course, with that all-important kitchen at its centre.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29So our Mystery House, I think, is absolutely gorgeous.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32But it should still give Martin plenty to do.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36For our mystery proposition, we are
0:29:36 > 0:29:40travelling just over 3.5 miles south to the rural hamlet
0:29:40 > 0:29:42of Llandyfrydog,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44which is just under three miles east
0:29:44 > 0:29:47of the small village of Llannerch-y-medd.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52Here, there is a doctor's surgery, shops, a post office and a church.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53A seven-minute drive takes us
0:29:53 > 0:29:57back to the tranquil countryside setting of Llandyfrydog itself.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Well, guys, we have got a real treat for you today. Look at that.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- The sunlit church.- Beautiful. - And over here, our mystery property.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- There you are.- Wow!
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- This is the old schoolhouse.- Yes. - It was once allied to the church.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- Right.- Now, at its core, that bit is 1815.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19So it is 200 years old this year.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22And then it was extended to the left here to create
0:30:22 > 0:30:24a headmaster's accommodation.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28Over on the right there, you have now got a modern study area.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30They have also raised the roof.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32And then in the 1870s, it had another extension,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35a modern extension, shall we say, that pushed it all backwards to
0:30:35 > 0:30:39create a really sublime, light living space.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42It is just very, very quirky. This is a classic Mystery House.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Can we look?- Absolutely!
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Our mystery schoolhouse is Grade II listed.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54It last had the sound of school bells ringing through it in 1917.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Right then, what do you make of this? Come up the steps.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Join me up here on this sort of staging area.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Wow. That is amazing.- Gosh.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Now, this is a proper living kitchen.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It certainly is a proper living kitchen, this one.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- You've done it.- I think we have done it. Is this you?- Oh, this is me.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21This is definitely Colleen's type of living kitchen, there's
0:31:21 > 0:31:28- no questions about it.- The living space is here, down this staging.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- It's fabulous.- It is. - And look at this.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- All that sunlight flooding in there, yeah.- Yeah.- It's lovely.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36On one side of this amazing space is the study.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38And on the other...
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- Oh, this is a nice snug, isn't it?- It is.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44This one has the addition of a downstairs shower room
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- and cloakroom on this level. So if you wanted this as a bedroom...- Yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- So maybe the snug with a bed/sofa. - A sofa bed.- Yeah.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54It reminds me of a shipmaster's room.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- Harbour master's room or something like that.- Think more headmaster.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00THEY LAUGH
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- Let's try the spiral, come on.- OK.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08The wooden stairway here leads to a delightful twin or double bedroom.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11And back in the centre of the house, the spiral stairway offers
0:32:11 > 0:32:15another route upstairs, where there is a fabulous galleried landing.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21- There, look at that.- Oh. - Yes, this is a lovely space.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Yeah, isn't it?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Also on this floor, there is a bright family bathroom.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27And lastly, we'll explore the master.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30It is not en suite, but it is next-door to the family bathroom.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- Yes.- Got a bit of storage, as you can see. A nice little view.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Yes, lovely.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- Across there.- Roomy enough. - It is roomy enough.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41This mystery schoolhouse conversion is unique.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44And if the interior wasn't eclectic enough,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46the outside is just as magical.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49But is it enough to take our Mystery House
0:32:49 > 0:32:50to the top of the class?
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- This was the girls' playground.- OK.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56You can see the old walls that originally separated...
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- I love the walls.- ..the girls from the boys. That is the old privy.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03All right? Down by the brook. THEY CHUCKLE
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Through here is the boys' garden. - Right.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Again, with its privy there.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12And there, of course, our lovely schoolhouse.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- It is a lovely picture of the house...- It is.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16..from this side, with that window.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Can you imagine getting your teeth into this sort of?- I can just about.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Let's talk about the pricing, shall we? Who is going to go first?
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Me. I think maybe 280?
0:33:24 > 0:33:26280. Martin?
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I think... 260 to 270 is what I think it would be.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I am afraid you are both wrong.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- Oh.- On this occasion.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- Our Mystery House comes with a price tag of £299,000.- Oh, wow. OK.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42Now, of course, like everything, it is open to offers.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Right then, the house is yours for the next hour or so.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46- Go and explore it.- Lovely.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- And I will catch up with you a little bit later on.- Thanks.- OK, thank you.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Our 19th-century mystery conversion still gives Colleen
0:33:55 > 0:33:58and Martin £1,000 change from their budget.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01And it does come equipped with Colleen's dream,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03sun-filled living kitchen.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07There are only two upstairs bedrooms, but the two extra rooms downstairs
0:34:07 > 0:34:10could serve as multipurpose guest and hobby rooms.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14The outside space extends to around a third of an acre,
0:34:14 > 0:34:18plenty of room for Colleen to grow her vegetables in and allowing them
0:34:18 > 0:34:21to keep busy into their retirement.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- Oh, this is lovely.- Oh, yes. This is a nice room, isn't it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Lovely and bright and airy.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31I love the fact that the house has got the character.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34And the fact that it was a school makes it so charming.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37When we first walked through the front door, it was a lovely
0:34:37 > 0:34:40feeling, actually, because the living kitchen
0:34:40 > 0:34:42we were looking for was there.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Not necessarily exactly right, but I could see potential in that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I would like to be in a village.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53That may swing the choice once we know a little bit
0:34:53 > 0:34:55more about the location.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- Come on then, you two.- Hello.- Ah!
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- Had a good explore?- Yes, thank you.- A good look around.- Well, that is it.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05You'll be pleased to know that school is now over.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- THEY LAUGH So...- What's our homework?
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Well, homework is to think about everything we have shown you.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- I think we have spoilt you for choice in terms of options.- Yes.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- What is this new life going to look like in the future?- I don't know.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19But have you got some chalk?
0:35:19 > 0:35:20We've got lots of slate to write on.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21Come on, let's go.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34Anglesey is famous for its well-preserved prehistoric ruins,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36which give us a clue to how life was
0:35:36 > 0:35:38before history books were even written.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42This subject has long fascinated me,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44so I have come to meet Adele Thackray,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47from the Welsh Government's historic environment service,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50at Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber at Table Bay,
0:35:50 > 0:35:52on the west coast of the island, to learn more.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Well, Adele, this is a real treat for me.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I haven't been here for 25 years,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58since I was a young archaeology student
0:35:58 > 0:36:03trying to make sense of prehistoric Wales and prehistoric Anglesey.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- It is just gorgeous, isn't it? - It is a beautiful Neolithic tomb.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09As I understand it, is it the biggest tomb of its kind in Wales?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12It is the largest and best preserved tomb of its kind in Wales.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15And England and Scotland as well.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19The Neolithic period, otherwise known as the New Stone Age,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23lasted from around 4000 to 2500BC.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It was the time when people started settling and farming.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30The business of tomb-building, is something that I think
0:36:30 > 0:36:31really defines the Neolithic.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35It is the first big building that kind of happens in our recorded
0:36:35 > 0:36:37human history in many respects.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Somebody has taken a lot of care to make sure that it is structurally
0:36:42 > 0:36:48sound and also that it is quite beautifully decorated as well.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51An excavation in the 1950s unearthed this tomb,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53which was then reconstructed.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57It is a real treat to get back inside and see once again
0:36:57 > 0:36:59our ancestors' handiwork.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01It hasn't changed much in 25 years.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03It hasn't changed much in a few thousand years!
0:37:03 > 0:37:04Well, that is true enough.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08The roof above is a more recent addition to protect this
0:37:08 > 0:37:10fascinating slice of history.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13In this area, there was, in the excavation,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- two cremated males found.- Right.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18And a lot of work went into making sure those two men were buried
0:37:18 > 0:37:20somewhere fitting.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Now, this is arguably the most famous bit of rock art.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25What do we think this symbolised?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28A lot of people think this symbolises the mother goddess.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31You think, what, 4,000 years ago somebody did that?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- It's amazing, isn't it?- I mean, that really is touching the past.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- It is, yeah, definitely. - Absolutely fascinating.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39If only they could tell us what was going on.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- Come on then, let's continue our tour of Anglesey.- OK.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Well, these statuesque stones can't talk,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49but four miles away in Llynnon, someone who can tell us
0:37:49 > 0:37:52a bit more about times gone by is Dave Chapman.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54He is a reconstructional archaeologist.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58And one of his specialist areas is the time around 2500BC,
0:37:58 > 0:38:01when the locals lived in houses like this.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04I am meeting him at the Centre For Rural Life in Anglesey,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08which includes this reconstructed Iron Age farmstead.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- Dave, I presume these are all your own work.- Yes, sir.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14These are early Iron Age, late Bronze Age houses.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16And how long did it take you to build each one of these?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18They took about five months to build each.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20By the Bronze and then the Iron Age,
0:38:20 > 0:38:22man had moved on from relying on stone
0:38:22 > 0:38:26and flint to make tools and had developed the use of metal.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29And inside one of these roundhouses, David's colleague, Colin, is
0:38:29 > 0:38:34making copper using the process that would've been used 4,500 years ago.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36We are actually turning malachite into metal.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39That is beautiful. That is a very familiar thing to me.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- A classic Stone Age axe.- Yeah.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45But we go from that to...that.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46- To bronze.- Yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- What a difference!- Is an incredible technological difference.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53It is astonishing that a worthless looking piece of rock could be
0:38:53 > 0:38:55transformed into majestic looking copper.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- Basically, we crush the ore.- You can see that green in it, can't you?
0:38:59 > 0:39:00- The copper coming out of it.- Yeah.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04And then we can take that ore and we can add that to the furnace.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- It is so simple, isn't it? - We take it over here.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- This, of course, being just half the process of creating bronze.- Yes.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13We take that copper, we melt it and mix it with tin,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16and then that is poured into moulds. Then we have got artefacts -
0:39:16 > 0:39:19we've got our bronze axes and our daggers and our tools.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21So, where are we in the process now? Is it nearly ready to go?
0:39:21 > 0:39:22We are not far off finish,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24just got a little bit of malachite to put in.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- Fabulous green colour. Chuck it on? - Yeah, chuck it on.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- Good work, Colin. - You can give him a hand yourself -
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- we have got an elder blow pipe for you.- Is there a hole in there?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Yep, yep.- Just what, blow?
0:39:34 > 0:39:35Just blow down it like that.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37Don't inhale it.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40THEY LAUGH
0:39:40 > 0:39:44It takes around eight hours to produce the pure copper needed
0:39:44 > 0:39:45to make tools.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- There we have it. Copper metal. - Wow.- Wow.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Now, it doesn't look like the shiny copper we are all used to seeing.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54That needs to be crushed and then put back into the furnace
0:39:54 > 0:39:57over and over again for about five or six times.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00And then we'll end up with beadlets of copper that you can melt down
0:40:00 > 0:40:01and make into metal tools.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05And then somebody figured out that if you added tin, you got bronze.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08I still am staggered by that moment in time.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12That, to me, is far more exciting than computers and the space race.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17That transforms humankind, human society and our evolution
0:40:17 > 0:40:20in many respects more than any other kind of achievement.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21It does indeed.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Without this very first metallurgy,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26none of the technological world that we have around us would exist.
0:40:26 > 0:40:27Well, and thanks to you too,
0:40:27 > 0:40:29and Adele, for a nice trip down memory lane for me
0:40:29 > 0:40:32with the prehistory of Anglesey.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34And, Dave, for showing me something new
0:40:34 > 0:40:36but also something incredibly old.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- That is just brilliant. - Thank you.- Cheers, mate.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Well, it is often said that the best things come in threes.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50And perhaps this week's properties are no exception.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54But is there a best as far as Martin and Colleen are concerned?
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Well, we have given them plenty of time to think about it,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59so let's go and see what the answer is.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- Look at you, enjoying the last rays of the day's sunshine.- Yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13We have given you three properties. You can, of course, choose only one.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Have we managed to get you something that looks like the future?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- I've got a favourite.- Oh. - And I have a favourite.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Now I am automatically thinking that they are probably not one
0:41:23 > 0:41:24and the same thing.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- OK, what is your favourite? - Number one.- Number one?!
0:41:28 > 0:41:31That is very interesting. Why?
0:41:31 > 0:41:36If we could just open up that dining room and make the kitchen
0:41:36 > 0:41:39a part of it, that could be a very liveable space for me.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44So your favourite, Martin, let me think. Oh, is it the campsite?
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- Surprise, surprise! It is number one.- Is it?!
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Ah, you led me on there. Very good. So there is agreement, I was wrong.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- Yes.- There is agreement. The only fly in the ointment is the location.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00And its distance from the village.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Right, so we found the right house but in slightly the wrong place.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07But at least it has demonstrated to you that properties that
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- fit your bill are here for the right money...- Absolutely.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- ..on Anglesey.- Oh, yes.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13And hopefully, you have now got
0:42:13 > 0:42:15a much clearer idea of what to look for.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19It has been a real pleasure, guys. I never need an excuse to come up here.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20I love this part of the world.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- But best of luck. Here's to you. - We've loved it. Cheers.- Cheers.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Well, it is often rightly said that properties come in
0:42:29 > 0:42:34all sorts of shapes and sizes, but so too, of course, do islands.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36As Britons, we are all, by definition, islanders,
0:42:36 > 0:42:41but life on an island like Anglesey is a much more immediate experience.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45I have always found this to be an extremely magical place.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Now, of course, Martin and Colleen's search will continue.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52But I suspect, just like the mainland there across the water,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55a successful conclusion isn't going to be too far away.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I'll see you next time.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00If you would like to escape to the country in
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Wales, Scotland, England or Northern Ireland
0:43:03 > 0:43:04and would like our help,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06then please apply online at...