0:00:02 > 0:00:04These impressive castle walls, it's thought,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07hold the treasure of an English king.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08Find out where I am
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and which royal reputedly hid his treasure here in just a few moments.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today's buyers can't wait to retreat into a relaxing rural
0:00:33 > 0:00:36environment as they head towards their retirement.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39And I come a cropper when I don't quite hit the mark
0:00:39 > 0:00:41with a certain piece of kitchen kit.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44The one thing that does concern me is the cooker.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47I've never not sold a house because of the size of the cooker.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49And so, I'll come in and do the work myself.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I'll hold you to that.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53You wouldn't want it, mate, to be honest.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56But our properties do come up trumps as they push entertaining
0:00:56 > 0:00:58opportunities to the max.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00That would be very good if you wanted to have a marquee
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- and a party, wouldn't it?- You need to get on with the neighbours
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- before you start planning those parties.- House-warming party.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Well, yeah, quite.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Today I'm in Cheshire
0:01:10 > 0:01:13and these are the formidable ruins of Beeston Castle.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Now, it's thought, back in 1399, King Richard II buried
0:01:18 > 0:01:22a hoard of gold coins here, before fleeing over to Ireland.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26It's a mystery that, literally, rumbled on for centuries.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30So much so that, back in 2009, English Heritage carried out an
0:01:30 > 0:01:35in-depth investigation, excavating deep down into this very well.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Which is quite some feat when you bear in mind it's actually
0:01:38 > 0:01:41the deepest medieval well in Britain.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Now, to date, well,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46the King's supposed fortune is yet to be found,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48but, as you're about to see, there's still plenty to
0:01:48 > 0:01:51discover across this beautiful county.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Located in the north-west of England,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57the rolling hills of Cheshire are bordered to the
0:01:57 > 0:02:01east by Derbyshire, whilst to the west lies Wales.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06The county stretches over 900 square miles of unspoilt countryside,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11including lush pasture, ancient woodland and lowland heath.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15To the east lie the Cheshire Peaks, part of the Peak District,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19which was designated as Britain's first national park in 1951.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24With extensive vistas and windswept moorland,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29they provide the perfect setting for a range of outdoor pursuits.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The hilly backdrop of the Peak District gives way to flat
0:02:32 > 0:02:34and rich expanses of the Cheshire Plains,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38known as the backbone of the region's dairy industry.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Cheshire cheese has been churned here since the 11th century,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44making it the oldest named cheese in Britain.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48At the heart of the region is Chester.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Once a Roman fortress site, it's now a thriving city,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54offering a wealth of architectural treasures,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58such as the Chester Rows, a unique collection of two-tiered shops built
0:02:58 > 0:03:02in black and white timbers, dating as far back as the 14th century.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06With all this on offer it's plain to see why Cheshire is a popular
0:03:06 > 0:03:09location for rural devotees.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Cheshire not only delivers generously on countryside,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18its property values are fairly enticing too.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22As it stands, the average price of a detached house in the county
0:03:22 > 0:03:25is currently around £259,000.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30That's a rather generous £23,000 below the national figure.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33But, of course, there are hotspots.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37And you can expect to pay around a 10% premium in the areas
0:03:37 > 0:03:39round the villages of Tarporley and Kelsall.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Due mainly to the fact they're considered commuter
0:03:42 > 0:03:44towns for Liverpool and Manchester.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46But, if you head south,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49towards more rural areas around the villages of Malpas
0:03:49 > 0:03:54and Farndon, then your budget will stretch quite a bit further.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56So, why are today's buyers being lured
0:03:56 > 0:03:59to this rather charming county?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08Merchant banker Robert and practice nurse Paula met in a bar in 2007.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Two years later, they moved in together
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and they now share a home in a suburban village,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16within the borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19The village is a convenient location for city commuters,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21but, as our couple live on the main road,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24it's beginning to affect their quality of life.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25Although it's a village,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27it's actually between two towns in Romiley and Marple.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30And you get a lot of commuter traffic going both ways.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33There's definitely been an increase in the number of cars,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37particularly in rush hour. So a journey to Stockport in the
0:04:37 > 0:04:40morning, although it's only five miles, can take us up to 45 minutes.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44When it comes to the new property, they have very definite desires.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47And they're looking for the polar opposite of their current home,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50a striking 19th century converted chapel.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54It is unique and it was converted to maintain a lot of the original features.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58So we live upstairs and all the bedrooms are all downstairs.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Although I love the house, I would like the kitchen downstairs.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05It's always quite difficult when we're entertaining,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07carrying trays up and down the stairs.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11They now want a more conventional layout and are hoping that spiritual
0:05:11 > 0:05:15salvation will instead come from their new-found rural backdrop.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16I love the countryside.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I've always been interested in walking, camping,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21the outside lifestyle.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24There's a lot of lovely little villages which are far more
0:05:24 > 0:05:28isolated than here, quieter, but still with a village atmosphere.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Also, I have grandchildren not too far away and I didn't want to move
0:05:31 > 0:05:33a million miles away from where they are,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36so I could have regular contact with them.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Robert currently works from home,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41but they've both recently reduced their working hours.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44So, as the pair of them edge towards retirement,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46this adventurous couple are looking forward to dedicating
0:05:46 > 0:05:51more of their time to their creative and sports related pastimes.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Both of us play golf
0:05:53 > 0:05:56and I know that in that area there's a lot of very good golf courses.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01I enjoy all sorts of things, like patchwork quilting, knitting,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05so I'm hoping that the countryside will inspire me to try various
0:06:05 > 0:06:09other crafts and perhaps develop the crafts that I already have.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Now that their house is on the market,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Robert and Paula are raring to go.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16And with their Jack Russell, Toby, by their side,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18they're ready to begin their search.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23I feel now that the time is right to open a new chapter in our lives.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26So we can actually get settled in and be able to
0:06:26 > 0:06:29enjoy our retirement in our new property.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Our buyers are familiar with the Cheshire countryside and are
0:06:36 > 0:06:39hoping their new home will be in and around
0:06:39 > 0:06:41the large village of Tarporley.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45So that's the location sorted, but, before we begin the house hunt,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I need to find out exactly what they want from the property.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- Well, good morning. - Good morning, Jonnie.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54So who's behind this big decision, who's the driver here?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- I suppose I am, really.- I asked you the question, I don't know why.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- What do you mean, "really"?- Yeah.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I suppose, Rob, really, would've been quite happy to
0:07:02 > 0:07:06stay where we are for another couple of years, but I'm ready for a move.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08What do you plan to do? How are you going to make the most
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- out of this countryside, Paula? - I've always enjoyed camping.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Maybe that's something I'll have to do on my own.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Well, I'm trying to find you a house, if you want to go camping,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- I'll just look for a field for you, that's easy.- Well, I'll just have a big back garden.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Ah, well, is that important to you then, a garden?
0:07:22 > 0:07:23A garden is important.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I would just like to be able to open the doors and just potter outside, as and when.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Bedrooms, how many do we want? - A minimum of three.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Entertaining, do you want open-plan living?
0:07:33 > 0:07:35A big open-plan kitchen-diner would be nice.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- You're used to living in a character property.- Yeah.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- Do you want to replicate that? - We do want character.- Mm.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45But it could be a new-ish house with character.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Location, where is this house situated?- On the edge of a village.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Yeah, OK.- Not too far from a pub.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- Pubs are... It's the heart of the community, isn't it?- I think so.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57We want to join in and, you know, be part of that village.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- How much money are you looking to spend, Rob?- Circa £650,000.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03So the home you live in at the moment, what's going on with
0:08:03 > 0:08:06that, are you for sale, are you sold, what's the latest?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- It's gone under offer at the moment, so...- That's brilliant.- Yeah.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- Yeah, scary.- Scary, well, it means you've got to make this move,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- doesn't it? You're closer to it. - It puts pressure on you.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I don't mind that too much. We'd better get going then, hadn't we?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Yes.- Yeah, no pressure.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22I love pressure, what are you talking about?
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ROB LAUGHS I live for it.- We thrive on it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30With a top budget of £650,000, Paula and Robert would
0:08:30 > 0:08:34still like a character property, but with a more conventional layout.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37They need a minimum of three bedrooms, a modern,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41open-plan kitchen-diner, direct access to a garden
0:08:41 > 0:08:43and an edge of village location.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45We've scoured the property market
0:08:45 > 0:08:48and come up with an attractive selection of Cheshire homes
0:08:48 > 0:08:49to tempt our buyers,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52but they won't be told the price until the end of each tour.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56Then our final contender will be the rather magical mystery house,
0:08:56 > 0:09:01where we're taking contemporary and character to a whole new level.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07So what are you going to do in the countryside?
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Well, we enjoy golfing where we are, so we're hoping that we'll
0:09:11 > 0:09:13join a golf club somewhere around here.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Do you play golf together? - We try not to.- Very occasionally.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19It's a great way to fall out, playing together.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21I can fall out with myself playing golf.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Who's the better golfer?- Me.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26No.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Our property search kicks off in the hamlet of Calverley.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34This is not far from their favourite village, the upmarket Tarporley,
0:09:34 > 0:09:39where handsome 18th and 19th century buildings line the high street.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43With a range of stylish independent stores, coffee shops and boutiques,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45it's home to a host of amenities,
0:09:45 > 0:09:49as well as a variety of restaurants and pubs.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Just over four miles away and benefiting from rural views
0:09:52 > 0:09:55over the Cheshire plains, is house number one.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01So here's our first property. What's your thoughts?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Very attractive, very nice. - It's a barn.- It's a barn.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Did you predict it was going to be a barn?
0:10:06 > 0:10:08We had an inclination it might be a barn, yeah.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- It's a barn converted around six years ago.- OK.- All right.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14And it's got a walled garden round,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- it looks secure to let the dog out and roam free.- Yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- That looks perfect. I like the Cheshire brick.- Yes, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- It is, it gives it character. Yeah, impressed, impressed.- Wonderful.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- It's just what we're looking for. - Yeah.- "Wonderful," she says, OK.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- Yeah, can't wait to get inside. - Well, let's do just that, follow me. - OK.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34This 19th century barn offers a space suitable for modern
0:10:34 > 0:10:39living, whilst maintaining the original character of the property.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Taken with the look of the exterior, I'm feeling positive that the
0:10:42 > 0:10:46fusion of old and new will also appeal inside.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- Let's see what you think of the first big room we come to.- Nice.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54And I can see another little bit round the corner,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57so it's obviously quite flowing.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Well, it is flowing and I know you said you liked open-plan.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Open-plan, yeah.- Yeah. - So, is this what you had in mind?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- It's lovely to see the garden straight outside.- Yeah, good.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- And I can picture opening the door into the garden.- Good.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Through here is where you'll, probably,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14snuggle up and watch the telly on a winter's night.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- OK. Yeah, it's a nice space.- How do you think you'd use this room?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20We have two rooms at home, I watch football in one,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Paula watches programmes in the other, so it would suit us fine.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Well, me and you, Rob, will be watching the football
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- in here I think.- In here.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I think we'd keep this exactly as it is, really.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Yeah, I think it's positive.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Good stuff, kitchen next. - OK.- Come with me.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Heading back through the open-plan living and dining area,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43we're making a beeline for what quite clearly is Paula's domain.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It's, possibly, not quite as large as I would imagine.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- But, because you've got this sort of dining area here...- Mm.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- Ample for the two of us. - ..I think it's fine.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57If you have friends round in the evening, you can be cooking,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01they can be mingling here or outside in the garden.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Mm.- So, yes, I think it works. - It's still got character,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06cos it's maintained the beams and everything. So, it's, yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Well, hopefully, it's getting that nice fusion between old and new.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12And I think I can see a utility room just peeping off up there,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- so that works quite well.- Mm-hm.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- Let's look upstairs.- OK.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19'So far, so good.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21'Next we're going to view the sleeping quarters,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'where four bedrooms are split across two floors.'
0:12:25 > 0:12:27In the eaves, there's a large en suite bedroom, currently
0:12:27 > 0:12:31used for storage, but which could be a good office space for Rob.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Then, on the first floor, there's a sleek family bathroom
0:12:34 > 0:12:37shared by the other three double bedrooms.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40One of them has its own staircase up to a mezzanine level,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42used as a study.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Another is a comfortable double, but we're
0:12:44 > 0:12:48stopping off at the bedroom I've earmarked for Paula and Rob.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Nice size, yeah. - Is it, is it a nice size?
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- It is, it carries on round there. - Oh, right.- Paula thinks otherwise.
0:12:56 > 0:13:02- Oh, no.- Then, the en-suite has not only a shower, but a bath in.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05OK, nice. And I like the height, as well, of the ceiling that goes up.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I just thought, maybe, where would you put a dressing table?
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- I know she's got that under the window.- Under the window, then.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- Maybe.- You could reconfigure it, couldn't you, anyway?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Couldn't have a big mirror, though, cos that would block out the light,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- that's the only thing. - Well, that's the thing.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Do you want a mirror or do you want a view?- That would be a view.- Oh!
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I see, sorry, I missed the opportunity for a sickeningly
0:13:25 > 0:13:27cheesy compliment there, didn't I?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- I'll settle for the view. - THEY LAUGH
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Shall we go outside, take a look at the garden?- Mm-hm.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35But, also, it's your first opportunity to start
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- thinking about the price, all right? - OK, fine.- OK.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41To the front of the property, there's a large double garage
0:13:41 > 0:13:43and parking for three cars.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47To the rear, the beautiful landscaped garden frames a large lawn,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50surrounded by established borders.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52As we make our way across the grass,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I have one more surprise for our couple.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59So what do you think of the garden then, Paula, decent enough size?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01It's a good size. I like it.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04I like the fact that there's a lot of lawn on it, easy to maintain.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Now, one thing you haven't seen is the other side of that wall,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- there's a paddock.- OK.- About an acre, that comes with the property.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14That would be very good if you wanted to have a marquee
0:14:14 > 0:14:16and a party, wouldn't it?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Yes, well, you need to get on with the neighbours,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20before you start planning those parties.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- House-warming party. - Oh, yeah, quite.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27So, how much do you think this barn conversion is on the market for?
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- So I'm going to go for £565,000. - OK, Rob?
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I'll go higher than that, bearing in mind what our budget is,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I'll go for £625,000.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- JONNIE EXHALES He's good.- Is he?
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Spot on. This place is on the market for offers around £625,000.- Yeah.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Well, I tell you what, go back inside this house, have a
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- good butcher's and I'll catch you later on.- OK.- Right, thank you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52£25,000 below their maximum budget, this converted barn,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55with four bedrooms seems to offer the character
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and open-plan living that our couple are after.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Situated within an idyllic, rural setting,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04it also comes with its very own paddock.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08I think the house inside delivered on every aspect that we asked for.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12'I like the layout, I like everything about it, really.'
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Interesting space, this, isn't it?- It is.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Not quite sure what you would use it for.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19It could always be an office.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20I don't know if it's big enough, really.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Could always put the dog up here.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I could see myself living here,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28because, being a converted barn, it's got character,
0:15:28 > 0:15:33it's light, it's airy, it's spacious and it's a mixture of old and new.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35So, yeah, potentially, we could.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38You know, I was thinking, you mentioned you'd love
0:15:38 > 0:15:41to have a house where you just open the door and your dog can run out.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- This is Jacko heaven, isn't it? - It certainly is, he'd love this.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47We're not buying a house for the dog, but I do know what you mean.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50It's wonderful just stepping out into the garden.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52One down, two to go. Come with me.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Just a stone's throw from the village of Tarporley,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03are three lakes known as Winsford Flashes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The Flashes were created as a result of extensive salt
0:16:06 > 0:16:08mining in the 19th century,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12which caused the underground voids to collapse and flood.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Covering an area of 200 acres
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and situated near to the River Weaver, these waters are
0:16:17 > 0:16:22considered locally to be Cheshire's answer to the Norfolk broads.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24With a new-found freedom on the horizon,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28our active couple are keen to try out a new sport together, so we've
0:16:28 > 0:16:33arranged for them to have a sailing lesson with instructor Keith Sowley.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Welcome to Winsford Flash Sailing Club.- It looks lovely, I must say.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37Lovely location.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- Stunning, absolutely stunning.- So, have you done any sailing before?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44I've done a little bit of sailing, but, unfortunately,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I've only had one or two lessons.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- I think you're a secret expert. - No, definitely not.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I can assure you, I'm a complete novice, don't worry about that.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- Right.- Would we be considered quite old to learn to sail?
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- We've got people here who are over 80 who sail.- Wow, really?
0:17:00 > 0:17:05And myself and my wife, we didn't learn to sail until we were over 50.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- Excellent.- OK?- That sounds about perfect for us, yeah.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14The sailing club opened in 1935 and, now in its 80th year,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16has 200 members.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's a blustery day on the river bank,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21so it's essential for Keith to run through some basic training
0:17:21 > 0:17:25on dry land, as there are important safety measures to consider.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Hold on to the boat.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30You can hang onto any of the ropes inside the boat or there is
0:17:30 > 0:17:34a line going all the way round the gunwales, that you can
0:17:34 > 0:17:37hold on to that if necessary.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39So what would happen if we capsized?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42You capsize because the wind is blowing from the side.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47We can let the sail out, but, more importantly, we use our body weight.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Good job I've got plenty of weight then, isn't it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Well, we'll see what happens.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54The club provides boats for beginners, before they decide
0:17:54 > 0:17:56whether to purchase their own.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Boats suited to this type of sailing can cost anything from a few
0:18:00 > 0:18:03hundred to £7,000 or £8,000.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I'll get in first.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Armed with some basic skills, Paula and Rob are taking to the water.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- And off we go, you are sailing. - Shall we go back now?
0:18:14 > 0:18:17The skill of sailing is learning how to harness wind power.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20One basic manoeuvre is called a, "tack", which involves changing
0:18:20 > 0:18:24the position of the boat in relation to the direction of the wind.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26If the wind is coming from the right,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29the left sheet or rope is pulled tight to control the moveable
0:18:29 > 0:18:33corner of the jib, also known as the main sail.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35OK, we're going to do a tack in a moment.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38So you grab hold of the left sheet, are you ready?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Ready!- I'm going to tack, jib across.- Keep hold of it, Rob.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Let go of the jib, Paula.- Me? Yeah.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47There we go. And up to the side, Rob.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49That's it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Whilst the sails are pulled in the direction of the wind,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55it's crucial to maintain the balance of the boat by distributing
0:18:55 > 0:18:57the weight of those on board.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01OK, Rob, when the boat tips up, you need to come up this side a bit, OK?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- OK.- If Paula sits a little bit further forward.- Where, down here?
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- Yeah.- Towards the sail, right up by the sail. That's fine.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- So how are you finding it? - Exhilarating.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- It's lovely, I'm really enjoying this.- Are you?- It is, it's nice. - Yeah.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20As our couple sail off, it's clear that they're eager to embrace
0:19:20 > 0:19:24all that rural life has to offer.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26But we still need to find them a property that lives up
0:19:26 > 0:19:29to their idea of country living too.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Our next offering takes us to Church Minshull, which is
0:19:36 > 0:19:38eight miles from Tarporley.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Characterised by its Tudor-style architecture,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45this village is located within a conservation area.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50There's a popular local pub, village hall and an active community,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53so I think Paula and Rob could find themselves quite at home here.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Situated one and a half miles away, in a peaceful,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58rural setting is our second property.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- So, here we are. And, guess what?- Not a barn?- A barn.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04A barn conversion, there's a theme running here, isn't there?
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Another similar development, of similar vintage, really.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- This was converted just five years ago.- OK.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The original building is around 1890s. What do we think?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- Yeah, it seems quite tiny. - Guess what?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- It's not, it's very far from that. - I like it,
0:20:18 > 0:20:23but everybody seems a little bit in close proximity to one another.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I have got a few reservations about that.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- Valid point.- There must be a back door?- There is a back door.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31And, you know what, this is probably the only property here with
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- a back door you could use and not be seen by the neighbours.- Oh, right.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Escape To The Country.- Yeah, quite.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41When you step through that door, I think, you might start feeling
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- rather differently about the place. - OK.- Come with me.- OK.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'This 19th century barn was originally a cow shed,'
0:20:48 > 0:20:51which formed part of the adjacent farm.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Converted five years ago,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56there are four dwellings which all share a central, lawned courtyard.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'When it comes to the house in question,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03'the current owners reconfigured and extended the layout of the kitchen
0:21:03 > 0:21:07'to take full advantage of the views to the rear of the property.'
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Let's start off with the open-plan aspect of this house.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Nice, I like it.- Mm. - I like it a lot.- Yes.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Nice style of kitchen, this. - Is it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Well, Paula's style of kitchen, my style of table to sit at.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Your spot's over there, man, a seat.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26I do like it. I like the flooring, I like the door out into the garden.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Plus, as well, you haven't just got the garden, you've got the
0:21:29 > 0:21:33fields beyond the garden. So that gives it a very open, rural feel.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- You're in the country now, aren't you?- Certainly are.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39The one thing that does concern me is the cooker.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43It's quite a small cooker and when you've got people at Christmas,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I don't think there's enough space there
0:21:46 > 0:21:48if you're having a big family get-together at Christmas.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52You could put a double-width cooker in here, put a big range in here if you wanted to.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Would that make you feel better about the room?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- It's a possibility, yeah.- Yeah, it's a possibility.- Plenty of cupboard space, isn't there?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yeah, yeah.- You could sacrifice one or two.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04OK, well, look, I've never not sold a house cos of the size of a cooker.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- And so, I'll come in and do the work myself.- I'll hold you to that.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09You wouldn't want it, mate, to be honest.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- All right, let's keep looking through.- OK.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'Our couple seem to be warming to the property.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17'The corridor takes us past the downstairs cloakroom'
0:22:17 > 0:22:19and a dining room.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21But next we're heading to the sitting room,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25where I'm hoping the positive vibes will continue.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I don't like it as much. I think it's the flow of the house, really.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32It's the kitchen with a separate dining room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And I just think it's the carrying everything backwards and forwards
0:22:35 > 0:22:37from the kitchen to the dining room.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39It's a nice house.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42The character of the beams and stuff, yeah, that's spot on,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44but I'm not getting the wow factor from it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- OK, let's go upstairs, see what you think of that.- OK.- OK.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Sadly, we seem to have taken a backwards step.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55But there's plenty more to impress, including a modern oak staircase
0:22:55 > 0:22:58from which the barn's height can be fully appreciated.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02On the first floor, there's a bathroom, featuring a spa bath,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04as well as four bedrooms.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Three of these are doubles,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08which benefit from high ceilings and en suites,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10and could be useful for visiting family
0:23:10 > 0:23:14or for converting into an office for Rob.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16There's also a small but bright single,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19but we're going to view the bedroom with the most character.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- High ceiling.- Nice beams.- Like that.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Is this your master?
0:23:26 > 0:23:27It could be.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- The features are nice, and the Velux window, and...- And the views...
0:23:30 > 0:23:32And the height, and the views, yes.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34There's not really enough wardrobe space, there, though,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but you could have more wardrobes.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- You could have a built-in wardrobe across there.- Couldn't you?
0:23:39 > 0:23:40That's a nice room, yeah.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- It does have a lot going for it, but...- What's missing?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It's been sympathetically done, I'll give you that,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48but I don't think we'd ever use the dining room downstairs.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Look, one of the main reasons we brought you here
0:23:50 > 0:23:53wasn't the internal part of the house, it was the outside space
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- and its outlook, so let me take you there, now.- OK.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Outside of the property there is parking,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01as well as a detached double garage.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05The main benefit of a corner plot in this development is that
0:24:05 > 0:24:06it boasts a generous lawned garden
0:24:06 > 0:24:09that stretches around the side and rear of the barn,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11where features include a paved patio
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and a raised decked area in a secluded spot.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19What's more, this property also has its own paddock.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Amounting to just over half an acre,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24the land here is blessed with far-reaching views
0:24:24 > 0:24:25over open countryside.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28In contrast to the front of the property,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31the sprawling garden here feels quite private.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- Now, this garden is something special, isn't it?- Oh, definitely.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Certainly big enough. Without a doubt.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Without thinking too far into the future, grown-up children now,
0:24:43 > 0:24:44no longer living at home,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47the pitter-patter of grandchildren's feet.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49They'd want to come here, wouldn't they?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51They can have a football pitch there, can't they?
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- I was thinking more a pitch and putt.- Let's guess the price.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I'd actually say it's more than the previous one, I'd go at 645.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00Paula?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I would probably go for about 625.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Well, you're both quite a bit out.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10- This house is on the market for around £550,000.- Blooming heck.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11That does surprise me.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15£100,000 less than your budget.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Would that money make you feel differently about your property?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- No.- OK.- Simple as that.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Fair enough.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24But I do want you to go back inside this house,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26get a feel for what you get for your money, and then,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28well, I'll meet you whenever you're done.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- All right?- Right.- OK. - Thank you.- See you later.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35At £100,000 below the top budget,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37this converted barn has four bedrooms
0:25:37 > 0:25:41and offers a blend of character and contemporary features.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Providing a large kitchen-diner,
0:25:43 > 0:25:44private garden,
0:25:44 > 0:25:45as well as an additional paddock,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48it's all set in a delightful rural location.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Nice house, well presented,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56but I wasn't over impressed with the access to it.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00It's nice, and throughout the house the woodwork's lovely, but...
0:26:00 > 0:26:02This, to me, seems more spacious and a larger room
0:26:02 > 0:26:05than the other one, I think this'd probably be the master bedroom.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Yes, it's definitely better.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It's got the character, it's got the beams,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13but it doesn't quite have the flow that I would like to a house.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- So, all done inside and out? - All done.- All done.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Well, hopefully I've given you something to discuss
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- over dinner today. - You certainly have.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Yes, two barn conversions to compare.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- And one, I think, a clear winner. Let's take you back.- OK.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37It's the second day of our property search
0:26:37 > 0:26:40with Robert and Paula from Greater Manchester.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Their unconventional home is already under offer,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46so the pressure is on to find a more classic property
0:26:46 > 0:26:50in rural Cheshire with a budget of £650,000.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Coming up, our mystery property delivers ultra-modern living
0:26:53 > 0:26:55with dimensions, character and luxury
0:26:55 > 0:26:57that should really raise the roof.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00This is what you call open space. Very impressive.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Oh, yeah, I really, really love it. - Absolutely beautiful.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05And I explore the community life of traditional estate villages,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08where I get hands-on with some of the locals.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09Am I doing that right?
0:27:09 > 0:27:10Absolutely. Spot on.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14So, day two here in Cheshire,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16and it's a beautiful morning.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19But I must say, on reflection to looking at houses yesterday,
0:27:19 > 0:27:21I think Paula and Rob had a clear favourite
0:27:21 > 0:27:23out of those two barn conversions,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25because one delivered the character,
0:27:25 > 0:27:26and perhaps more importantly,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29the open-plan configuration they're after.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Now, today's property certainly delivers those two attributes,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35but, of course, being the mystery house,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38or should I say the mystery property,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41it also comes with quite a big challenge.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Let's see how we get on.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48For our mystery house we're heading to Northwich.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49It is ten miles from Tarporley,
0:27:49 > 0:27:54so it's the furthest village away from Rob and Paula's ideal location.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Close by is the village of Cuddington,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59which originally flourished in 1870
0:27:59 > 0:28:02due to the completion of the Manchester to Chester railway.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Today, residents are served by a family butchers,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08a pub, and a few local shops.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11But, sitting just outside the village, and set within 14 acres
0:28:11 > 0:28:15on its own private estate is our mystery property.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18For a couple comfortable living in a converted chapel,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20I couldn't resist presenting them with
0:28:20 > 0:28:22something featuring such history and style.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25And I'm hopeful that this one should be well worth
0:28:25 > 0:28:26the potential compromise.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30So, this is us.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31What do you make of this?
0:28:31 > 0:28:33It looks like a fantasy castle.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- It's got a touch of that, hasn't it? - Certainly different. Wow.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38It's obviously not the whole thing.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41No, I don't think you want to heat the whole thing. Or repair the roof.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It would be massive.
0:28:43 > 0:28:44- It's a castle.- It is.
0:28:44 > 0:28:51Now, we are staring at a late 19th-century baronial style mansion.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56We will be looking at an apartment in this mansion.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Oh, right.- OK.- OK?- Yeah.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Now, this was designed by architect John Douglas
0:29:00 > 0:29:04for a couple of brothers who were merchants, who unfortunately
0:29:04 > 0:29:06their business collapsed when they lost their ships
0:29:06 > 0:29:08in the blockade of Charleston,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11so they never got to live in this beautiful property.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14And is it a ground floor apartment we would be looking at?
0:29:15 > 0:29:17That's the rub.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- No.- OK.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21The property we're going to have a look around
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- is on the left-hand side there. - First floor?- Right.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Yeah, first floor. Do you want to look inside? Please say yes.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- Definitely yes.- Yes.- Good, come on.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Dating back to 1897,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35this Grade II listed baronial mansion was once a hospital,
0:29:35 > 0:29:39before it was converted into eight homes in the 1990s.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Designed to challenge our couple's mind-set,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46our two-storey mystery apartment delivers historic style
0:29:46 > 0:29:48with a difference.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Providing a magnificent and modern open-plan layout
0:29:50 > 0:29:53of more than 2,000 square feet,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I've a feeling that this will push contemporary and character
0:29:56 > 0:29:59beyond the realms of what Paula and Rob could ever have imagined.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04The first big feature is this.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- Wow, what a staircase.- That's something else, isn't it?- It is.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- It keeps it light as well, doesn't it?- Yeah, it's clever, isn't it?
0:30:09 > 0:30:12This glass staircase was imported from Germany,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16by the developers that have refurbished this entire flat.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17So, is it sold as seen?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- There's often a deal to be done, but let's see what you think of it. OK? - Great.- Let's go.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26Now, this has got to impress anyone, surely?
0:30:26 > 0:30:27ROB CHUCKLES
0:30:27 > 0:30:29How can you not be impressed with a room like this?
0:30:29 > 0:30:31This is lovely, isn't it? Absolutely glorious.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Quite modern fixtures and fittings as well,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36but it just blends in perfectly, doesn't it?
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- This is what you call open space. This is very impressive.- Oh, yeah.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- I really, really love it.- Absolutely beautiful. Yeah.- I do love it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Let's go and take a look at the kitchen, then.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52So, you like the idea of open-plan kitchen and living areas.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Is this what you are after, then?
0:30:55 > 0:30:56You can live in this room.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00You have a dining area there, you've got a social area there,
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- and it just flows, doesn't it?- Now, have you got enough ovens?- Yes. Yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Oven. Ovens.- I think there's three in here, isn't there?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11I wonder what the architect John Douglas would have thought
0:31:11 > 0:31:13when he designed this to be a billiard room,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16then suddenly someone stuck a contemporary kitchen unit
0:31:16 > 0:31:17in the middle of it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- I think he'd be snookered.- Oh!
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Dear, oh, dear! Come with me.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24What fantastic reactions.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Perhaps Rob and Paula like this property so much as it features
0:31:27 > 0:31:31unique characteristics similar to those in their current home.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33But before I jump to any conclusions,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36there's one more room to show them on this floor.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Now, there is a master bedroom on this level which is this.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Beautifully done again, isn't it?
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Again very tastefully decorated, isn't it? Somebody's done a fabulous job on this.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Yeah, they knew that they were doing.- Without a doubt.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52In there, you've got a really cool wet room.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53- OK.- Uh-huh.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55This mystery property delivers in other things
0:31:55 > 0:31:59that you haven't asked for, like the contemporary decor,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01but do these sway you, or are they just impressing you?
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- You can't help but be impressed by the way this has been done.- Yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- It's given me something to think about.- That's good. Follow me.- OK.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13Split over two floors, there are a total of three bedrooms.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Up on the third floor, there are two beautifully presented doubles,
0:32:17 > 0:32:18one with built-in storage
0:32:18 > 0:32:21and another which could be an office for Rob.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23But I'm itching to show our couple
0:32:23 > 0:32:27what I feel is another high-spec highlight of this property.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Now, I think this is where the developer has shown their worth.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- BOTH:- Ooh.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34This is impressive.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Unbelievable, isn't it? You could go to sea in that.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- LAUGHTER - Three men in a boat.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Now, another thing you might not have seen so far,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45that's a wicked little flatscreen TV.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46ROB LAUGHS
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Let's go outside.- OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Outside, the grounds amount to a vast 14 acres,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59featuring beautiful landscaped gardens and a lake,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01all managed by a committee of residents.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04This private setting could also provide our couple
0:33:04 > 0:33:07with the ideal environment for dog walking.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Rob and Paula appear to appreciate everything about this property,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13but I want to know what they really think about its potential
0:33:13 > 0:33:15as their future home.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17So here we are.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- I wouldn't like to mow the lawns. - No!- 14 acres...
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Thankfully, you don't have to. - That's good.- All covered for you.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24OK, well, look.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28You've not really talked about how you fit into this equation.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- I'm still trying to get my head round that.- Yeah.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- Being a first-floor apartment.- Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34And the practicality of where I'd have an office.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Yeah, you'd had to sacrifice one of those bedrooms.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40And those bedrooms are too nice to sacrifice.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41LAUGHTER
0:33:41 > 0:33:42Time to guess the price.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47I'm going to go for...
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- 480.- OK.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51I'll go higher.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55I still think it's below budget, but I will go at 560.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59He's good! This place is on the market for offers around £550,000.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- 2-1!- Yes, 2-1!
0:34:03 > 0:34:05So it is within budget,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08but I'm starting to get... It's...
0:34:08 > 0:34:10There's lots of things you like about it,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13but it perhaps isn't a home for you.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15No. No, I don't think it's a home.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- No?- I just...
0:34:17 > 0:34:19It's a lovely property, lovely, I'm glad you showed us
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- because it is stunning.- Good.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24And somebody will make it into a wonderful, wonderful place to live.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27Again under budget,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31our high-spec, contemporary mystery apartment has three bedrooms
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and is configured so that modern open-plan living
0:34:34 > 0:34:37complements the original character of the mansion.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38With a huge acreage of land,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41it's also located on the outskirts of a village.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45The mystery house has been done to a style that I really love.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47The facade is stunning,
0:34:47 > 0:34:48the grounds are stunning.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52I felt at home in the mystery house immediately.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56It was just the feeling of the light and the space, the airiness.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59It reminded me in certain respects
0:34:59 > 0:35:01of the property that we already live in.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04If the mystery house was on the ground floor
0:35:04 > 0:35:08and we had the doors going out into the grounds,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10then I would certainly say it would be a contender.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- All done?- Yes. Think so.- Suitably impressed?- Very impressed.- You can't fail to be impressed, can you?
0:35:17 > 0:35:21Well, unfortunately, that's all the properties we're going to look at.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24So, time now to find you somewhere to have a little bit of a chitchat,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- and I'll catch up with you after. OK?- OK.- Thanks a lot.- Thank you.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35In the east of Cheshire lies the Tatton estate,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38which is the largest private landowner in the area,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42originally owned by the Egerton family for 400 years.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Since 1957, it has been under the stewardship of the Brooks,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49and falling within the estate are several thousand acres of land,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51and over 500 properties.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Sitting within the land are the two beautiful estate villages
0:35:55 > 0:35:57of Rostherne and Bostock Green,
0:35:57 > 0:35:59which have remained virtually unchanged
0:35:59 > 0:36:02since the late 19th century.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04With foundations laid in 1775,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Bostock Green features a number of
0:36:06 > 0:36:09individual Georgian and Victorian cottages,
0:36:09 > 0:36:13characterised by their uniform cobbled paths and white fences,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16all built from red bricks fired in a local kiln.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20I've come to the village to meet with current custodian Henry Brooks,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23and to learn more about the estate and village life.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- Hello, Henry, how are you? - Very well.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Good morning, welcome to Bostock.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28Thank you very much. Lovely to be here.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Now, Bostock, it seems to be a village with a difference.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Absolutely. Bostock is a traditional estate village,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37which has a strong sense of unity.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41It is also historic, as the centre of the old county of Cheshire,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44and the tree that you came past on your way in
0:36:44 > 0:36:46marked the old centre before the boundary changes.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51Now, this community here forms part of a much bigger estate.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- Absolutely.- What are we talking?
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- You've got businesses located on the estate as well?- We have.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58We see everything from your traditional farms
0:36:58 > 0:37:02and agricultural businesses right up to more intense sort of retail
0:37:02 > 0:37:04and then industrial type businesses.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07You're bringing jobs back in to a village.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11In order to preserve villages, we feel you have to actually invest
0:37:11 > 0:37:16and create new things, to retain young people and opportunity.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17It's a wonderful story.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20We've been able to get the old village hall
0:37:20 > 0:37:22which was completely derelict, falling down,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25and we've managed to invest in it, to repair it,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27and bring in a nursery school,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29which has brought children into the village.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Now, I'm on my way to see dairy farmers,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34give me a heads up, are they likely to get me working for them?
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- I have absolutely no doubt. - Well, I brought my wellies.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- Thank you so much, Henry.- Thank you.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I'm making my way to meet up with third-generation farmer
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Adrian Smith,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49who has run a farm just outside of Bostock Green for 50 years.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Together with his son Jason,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53they are tenant dairy farmers on the estate.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59What does it mean to you guys living and working in the village, then?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Adrian?- It's part of my history, part of my life.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05It's got a great tradition, it's a lovely part, the centre of Cheshire,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07a very unique place to live, yeah.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Now, there must be some new technology, some new practices
0:38:09 > 0:38:12that you might be urging your father to use at all?
0:38:12 > 0:38:17Yeah, I mean, I'd like to bring in computerised herd management systems,
0:38:17 > 0:38:20but Dad's not too keen on it because it means dealing with computers.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22I mean, there's a lot of traditional farmers anyway.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Skills being handed down.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- That mean a lot to you?- It does.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28It does, I mean, somewhere like Bostock has got a lot of history,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30and it's important not to lose that history.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Keep the traditions in place,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34but on the other hand we have to have sustainability,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37so to survive here we have to modernise, too.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- Now, Jason, you milk how many times a day, here? Twice?- Twice a day.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- Can we go out into the fields now, shall we?- Yeah. Sure, absolutely.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49With over 20 million litres of milk consumed each day in the UK,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51some two million cows across the country must be milked
0:38:51 > 0:38:53to keep up with the demand.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55JASON SHOUTS TO HIS COWS
0:38:57 > 0:38:59It only takes ten minutes for the cows to make their way
0:38:59 > 0:39:02from the fields to the milking parlour.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Here, they are fed a nut-based nutrient mix to keep them calm,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07while the milking process takes place.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11How long will this process take each cow, do you think?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Depending on how much milk they're going to give,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15probably about ten minutes.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16This is all automatic, is it?
0:39:16 > 0:39:18This is all automatic, computerised.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21It can tell when the cow's done, finished milking..
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Looks fairly simple. Can I have a go?- Your turn.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Depending on their stage of life,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28each of these cows is capable of producing between
0:39:28 > 0:39:31ten and 60 litres of milk a day.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- Make sure that all these are facing downwards.- OK. Right.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36As you can see, it's neat and tidy. We go up to the cow.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38So I keep this nice and high.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40And then...slide it up.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- Am I doing that right? - Absolutely. Spot on.
0:39:43 > 0:39:44Once the cow has finished milking,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47the units remove themselves automatically.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49How many cows did you say you have in the herd?
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- The milking herd, there's 185. - Goodness me.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- So you've got 185 cows to milk... - To milk...- ..tonight?- ..tonight.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- We better get on with it, haven't we?- We'd better crack on.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- Well, OK, let's go that way. - Let's go.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03Well, modern methods may be replacing traditional skills,
0:40:03 > 0:40:05but farming still takes hard graft,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09dedication, and long hours through all seasons and weather.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12And it's been fascinating to experience first-hand
0:40:12 > 0:40:15how generations of families are continuing the legacy
0:40:15 > 0:40:18that has long been the backbone of rural village life.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Well, from my perspective,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23property number one has pretty much led from the front,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25but after some time to reflect,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28let's find out what Rob and Paula's thoughts are.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34You've had a bit of time to think things through.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36I think there's one clear favourite,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38and that's that first barn conversion.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- What do you think of it now? - I think it merits a second viewing.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45It had everything that we really wanted in a property.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47The garden was an ideal size,
0:40:47 > 0:40:51it had a bonus of a pasture, which we weren't expecting.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54And the layout just worked perfectly for us.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57What sort of things are you going to look out for on your second viewing?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59We would have to have a drive round
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- and get to know the local area a little bit better.- Yep.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07And just perhaps look how the configuration would work out for us, as well.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09So, we showed you the mystery property,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- which was, I'm sure, something you weren't expecting. - Stunning. Stunning.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16Could you see yourself ever living in an apartment some time in the future?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Yes, I think we could see ourselves living in an apartment,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22although it wasn't something I would have considered until today.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Perhaps, though, as you get older, if you lived in an apartment,
0:41:26 > 0:41:27you would need a lift.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Imagine the mystery property was on the ground floor.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32What would you think about it then?
0:41:32 > 0:41:35If it had direct access out into the garden,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37then I think it probably would have been ideal.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41That's quite a journey, then. I mean, you'd never have thought you'd be looking at apartments
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and considering them as places to live, did you?
0:41:44 > 0:41:45Open-minded.
0:41:45 > 0:41:51Well, when are you thinking of revisiting that barn conversion?
0:41:51 > 0:41:52It'll have to be pretty soon,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56because our own property's actually under offer at the minute. So...
0:41:56 > 0:41:58we can't leave it too long.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- There's nothing like necessity to urge you on, is there?- No.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Well, I wish you the best of luck at that second viewing,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06but please let me know what you decide on doing.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- Will do.- Of course we will. - And thank you.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Well, it's certainly great news that Rob and Paula want to go back
0:42:14 > 0:42:17for a second viewing on that first barn conversion,
0:42:17 > 0:42:19and I think that's basically because it works for them.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Certainly on paper it gives them everything they said they wanted,
0:42:22 > 0:42:27but most importantly, that open-plan configuration inside,
0:42:27 > 0:42:31and a house that has a back door opening onto that glorious garden.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33So, for the second viewing,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36they need to ask themselves one very important question.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42Can they turn that house that works for them into a home that they love?
0:42:42 > 0:42:44I'm looking forward to finding out what they think.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45See you next time.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:49 > 0:42:51in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or England,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and need our help, please apply online at: