0:00:02 > 0:00:04This serene body of water is the largest lake in
0:00:04 > 0:00:05the country that I'm standing in.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08And also, according to local legend,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10it is home to a reclusive monster.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12But, it's probably not the lake you're thinking of.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So, find out where I am, and what it's called, in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today's buyers are excited about returning to their roots
0:00:36 > 0:00:39and embracing a rural life back in the UK.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Our couple question whether they've moved to the right country...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46These cupboards are looking decidedly French.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Even to the cooker hood.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..but are then pleasantly surprised when our properties
0:00:51 > 0:00:52render one half of our duo speechless.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Quiet is good.- Yes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Well, Helen will soon tell you if she doesn't like something.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Today, I'm in North Wales and this is Lake Bala, or to give it
0:01:04 > 0:01:09its Welsh name, Llyn Tegid, which means the "Lake of Serenity."
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Now, despite the name, locals say that the lake, which is
0:01:11 > 0:01:15four miles long and a mile wide, is home to a very retiring
0:01:15 > 0:01:19monster that they call, appropriately, Teggie.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Now, we don't know about the monster's whereabouts,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25but we do know that this is the only lake in Wales that is home to
0:01:25 > 0:01:29a very rare species of fish called the gwyniad, which has been living
0:01:29 > 0:01:30here since the Ice Age,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34and you can guess with views and landscape like this that human
0:01:34 > 0:01:36inhabitants have always chosen to live here too,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39at least for the last 10,000 years.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43North Wales is made up of six counties,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46including Denbighshire and Flintshire.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Covering some 800 square miles of the region is the Snowdonia National
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Park, which is home to the highest peak in England and Wales,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Mount Snowdon.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57On the southern edge of the famous mountain range,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59and perched on the edge of the River Malvac,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02is the beautiful hamlet of Penmaenpool.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06In 1879, a wooden toll bridge spanning the picturesque estuary
0:02:06 > 0:02:09was erected.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Now, costing just 20p for pedestrians
0:02:12 > 0:02:16and 60p for cars to cross, this Grade 2 listed structure is
0:02:16 > 0:02:20also a popular spot for bird-watching.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Out towards the northern coast, at Conwy,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26is one of the country's 600 castles.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Commissioned by Edward I, during the 13th century,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33it was a key fortress in his iron ring of castles,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35strategically situated high above the River Conwy,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and certainly remains one of Wales's most magnificent castles.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Inland market towns include Ruthin, which boasts the oldest
0:02:46 > 0:02:48timbered townhouse in the country,
0:02:48 > 0:02:53which was constructed around 1435 to house weavers' merchants.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58With its enticing mix of historic architecture and vast,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01unspoiled scenery, cut by some of the most dramatic
0:03:01 > 0:03:05waterfalls in the UK, this region really does make the ideal
0:03:05 > 0:03:09backdrop for those looking to get away from it all.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Bricks and mortar are good value in Wales.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18The average price for a detached house is £170,000, which is
0:03:18 > 0:03:22a whopping £100,000 less than the national figure.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24So, your property pound goes a lot further,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26particularly when you consider that if you
0:03:26 > 0:03:28cross the border over into Shropshire, the same sort of house
0:03:28 > 0:03:31might cost you £70,000 more.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34So, apart from good value and beautiful countryside,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37what else is attracting our buyers here, this week?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Marketing manager Robin and his wife, Helen,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45are visiting Wales for a week and are staying at a hotel in
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Ruthin, whilst they search for a new home.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51They met at a mutual friend's barbecue in 2001,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54and during their early married years, Robin was offered
0:03:54 > 0:03:58a relocation package which took them from Wokingham,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00in Surrey, to overseas.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02So, for the last 12 years they've been living in
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Normandy, north-west France.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09We had an opportunity to have a complete lifestyle change,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and Helen was able to live at home, and have animals at home,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and be a housewife, and do what she always wanted to do.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18And we arrived in France saying, "Wow! What have we done?"
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- And that was it. It was the start of a new adventure.- Yes.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24But, the children are at a point where they're getting ready
0:04:24 > 0:04:28to leave home, so we think it's now an ideal time for us to make
0:04:28 > 0:04:32a move and do something different with the rest of our lives.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Two of their three daughters are
0:04:34 > 0:04:36already finishing higher education in the UK.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Furthermore, although our couple have tried
0:04:38 > 0:04:40their best to learn French in a bid
0:04:40 > 0:04:44to integrate with the locals, they are far from fluent.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47There are other elements of daily life that remains a bugbear.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Everything shuts at 12 for two hours.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52The supermarkets, the banks, all the shops.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55And it's... You always run out of things at 12:05!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00They've also come to the conclusion that video-calling close relatives
0:05:00 > 0:05:04based in the UK just doesn't compare to face-to-face contact.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08The thing we miss the most is our friends and our family.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Not as easy to see them, catch up with them,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and our parents are getting older. They can't travel to France so much.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17So, easier for us to see them and for them to see us.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Excited about exploring a new location, which still gives
0:05:20 > 0:05:24the countryside they've enjoyed in France, but with less
0:05:24 > 0:05:28language issues, they've decided to return and settle in North Wales.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31It's lovely and green, and when the weather is nice
0:05:31 > 0:05:32here, it's beautiful.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36One thing we'd like to do is discover more about Wales,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38more about its history, its heritage.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Come and look at some of the major landmarks.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43We are both interested in old houses,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45castles, that type of thing.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Since Helen no longer has to run around after their daughters,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52she is looking forward to following more green-fingered pursuits,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55particularly the possibility of growing plants
0:05:55 > 0:05:56for medicinal purposes.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Whilst I've been in France, I have been studying herbalism.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I really want to pursue that more, and give more time to that.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08As well as horticulture, their new Welsh home also needs land
0:06:08 > 0:06:11that's suitable for their three dogs, as well as the ducks
0:06:11 > 0:06:14and chickens they're hoping to continue keeping.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17They're also keen to introduce eco-friendly measures
0:06:17 > 0:06:18which they already have in France.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22We have a well in the garden which we extract water from by
0:06:22 > 0:06:24a pump, which is used for watering the garden,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27and we harvest the rainwater from the house,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and that goes into the pond, which is used by the ducks.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33With their beautiful French farmhouse already on the market,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35it's au revoir to France and hello,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39or perhaps, more appropriately, bore da, to Wales.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41We're not running away from France.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43We're not escaping from France back to the UK.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47It's a new adventure. It's a new area. It's new people.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50It's now our time to go and do things as a couple
0:06:50 > 0:06:54and actually think, "OK. This is what we want to do
0:06:54 > 0:06:56for the next, you know, 20 years, before we retire."
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Robin and Helen are fairly unfamiliar with the countryside
0:07:03 > 0:07:08of North Wales, and are therefore flexible about where they move to.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Not only am I eager to welcome them back and find out exactly what
0:07:11 > 0:07:15they want from their new home, I'm also itching to practise my French.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Bonjour. Welcome to Wales. Pay de Galles.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24How are you feeling being back in the homeland?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Very good. Very good.- Yes? - It's nice. Nice to be back.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- Nice English weather you brought with you.- Yes. Just the same.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34And I know you struggled bit with French. How is your Welsh?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Absolutely non-existent, but I can say, "Bore da."- Oh, very good.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- That will come in handy. - I learnt that recently.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42And, Robin, what are you looking for in terms of the house?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45So, ideally, we are looking for a four-bedroomed property,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47with up to an acre of land.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50We'd like the new property to maybe include some eco-features,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53or the ability to incorporate those later on.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55So, we are thinking more along the lines of solar power.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Maybe a ground-source heat pump system.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Something just to be a little bit more greener.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01What will you use the four bedrooms for?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04The four bedrooms will give you a larger footprint downstairs,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06which is where, obviously, we spend most time.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It will give the ability for Robin to have an office, as well
0:08:09 > 0:08:12and possibly me, also to have my own area.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14And you want an acre of land. That's quite a lot of land.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15What you going to do with that?
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Personally, I'd like a nice big workshop, a garage.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21We both like outdoor space. Helen loves her garden.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23I want to grow some herbs
0:08:23 > 0:08:26and have a wild area, as well.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29And in terms of location, do you want to be in a village,
0:08:29 > 0:08:30out in the middle of nowhere?
0:08:30 > 0:08:33On the edge of a village, somewhere that we can
0:08:33 > 0:08:35join in with the community,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39but, be far enough away to be rural.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42And in terms of the style, are you looking for an old building, new?
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Tell me about that.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Not a new build. Really, anything with character.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50But you also want modern because you want the eco-features?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52No, because the eco-features can be external.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And remind us again of your budget?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57£400,000.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Within that we'd like to include some of the
0:08:59 > 0:09:00eco-features, if possible.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Your money goes quite a long way in terms of
0:09:02 > 0:09:05property in France. Have you got a massive estate?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Six bedroomed. So we are downsizing, in effect.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And before it starts to rain,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12let's get in the car and go. Follow me.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15With a budget of £400,000 to play with,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19our buyers are after a character property with four bedrooms.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20Robin would like a workshop,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24whilst Helen requires an acre of land to grow herbs.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Ideally, they'd also like their new property to feature elements
0:09:27 > 0:09:29that are eco-friendly.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32We hunted high and low to track down some beautiful Welsh
0:09:32 > 0:09:34properties in stunning settings,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37which I hope will appeal to our couple,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41but the price will be held back until each house tour is over.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Our final effort is our rather challenging mystery option,
0:09:43 > 0:09:47where proportions and plots present an alternative arrangement
0:09:47 > 0:09:49to their ideal Welsh retreat.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So, imagine. You've got your house. You've moved in.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57What are the things you're most looking forward
0:09:57 > 0:09:59to be able to go and do?
0:09:59 > 0:10:01You'd quite like going to the WI, wouldn't you?
0:10:01 > 0:10:02You quite liked the sound of that.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Helen makes a lot of jams and chutneys.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Robin, you'd probably join a 4x4 club.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Yeah, I mean, I have a couple of older ones.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13One, I'm currently restoring. One is waiting to be restored,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17and maybe we'll find a new hobby, together.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Yeah. That would be great.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22We are beginning our search on the Welsh Shropshire border
0:10:22 > 0:10:26and heading to the hamlet of Pentrecoed.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Nearby is the traditional market town of Ellesmere,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32where a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings sit
0:10:32 > 0:10:36alongside a scattering of small craft and antique stores.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38The high street is a hive of activity,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42with a wealth of everyday amenities and a variety of eateries,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45ranging from quaint tea rooms, to 16th Century pubs.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Just over three miles away, situated down a quiet lane, and with
0:10:51 > 0:10:55far-reaching views over the Welsh landscape, is House Number One.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59And this is the first property.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's an unusual property because it's a converted barn
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and then there's this outbuilding
0:11:03 > 0:11:05which is converted into another dwelling, here.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- So, it's sort of two.- Lovely. - OK, yes.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Very nice. It's very quiet.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- Nice and peaceful. - A very warm kind of feel to it.- Yes.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- It looks very new. - Well, it actually dates back to 1807.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- That's the original barn. - Not so new, then.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I'd be interested to see inside.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Let's go in.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28This 19th-century barn, converted around 15 years ago,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31previously formed part of Pentracoed Farm.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Sympathetically renovated, original character
0:11:34 > 0:11:37features are apparent in all three levels of accommodation.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41With conservative reactions outside, I'm hoping that interior might
0:11:41 > 0:11:45just conjure up some comparisons to our couple's current home.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48These cupboards are looking decidedly French.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- So this is home from home? - Even to the cooker hood, yes?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Space for a table's good, though.- Yes, that's good.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It's a little smaller than I'd thought.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59But then again it's only going to mainly be the two of us going
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- through it.- This is it!
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- You are downsizing. - We are downsizing.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07You've got a utility room, there, with all kind of white goods,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10a fridge and also, kind of a downstairs loo and a shower.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Downstairs shower? Great for dogs.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Put them straight into the shower and wash them off. Excellent.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17And also, to point out that there is a dining room,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- as well, so this is not your only eating space.- OK, good.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23I have a feeling that Helen is a little unconvinced.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26The main living room is located on the first floor and provides
0:12:26 > 0:12:30more character, so perhaps she'll be taken with the beamed ceiling.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Mind your head.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35So, the beams get a little bit lower on this second floor.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38That is quite intimidating, actually.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41And that, I think is going to become a real issue, because it's
0:12:41 > 0:12:43right in everybody's line of vision, as well,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and it divides the room up.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47That will be a first for us having to duck our heads.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49But, nice outlook to the garden through the windows,
0:12:49 > 0:12:50so that's nice. Good.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It's nice but it's small.- Yes. It feels small.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Maybe that's something we have to come to terms with.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Things have changed over the last 12 years, since we've
0:12:58 > 0:13:00been away, and we have to be a little bit more realistic.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Houses have shrunk.- Yes!
0:13:04 > 0:13:06You've got this sitting room here and then, over there,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- you've got this study-come-bedroom. - OK.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Let's go upstairs. That's where the master bedroom is.- OK.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Robin seems to be open to what's on offer,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18but Helen is proving to be a tougher cookie than I first thought.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I'm not giving up though as there is plenty more to impress.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Up in the eaves, there is a modest family bathroom which is
0:13:25 > 0:13:29shared by two well-presented and comfortable double bedrooms.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32We are stopping off at the largest of the bedrooms, which benefits from
0:13:32 > 0:13:36the height of the original wooden A-frame of the barn's structure.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- This space opens up here, up in the eaves.- It's nice.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Yeah, this is fine. This is all right. It's the low door, again.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Yes. That will be tricky, I think.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49It would take a while to get acclimatised to that.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51It's a nice room, but it's just...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55There's something not there. Something's missing.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- The doorway's done it.- Yeah.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02Let's look at the modern extension and see if that has higher doors.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06We don't appear to have made much headway,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09as the property doesn't seem to be tugging at their hearts.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11But I've got one more shot at winning them over.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Back outside, and with its own entrance, is a detached
0:14:15 > 0:14:20garage, which could be useful for storing Robin's 4x4 vehicles.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Above the garage, there's a large, flexible living space, which
0:14:23 > 0:14:27was converted, by the current owners, nine years ago.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Yeah, this is nice.- It's lovely. Yes. Nice head room.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- This could be your office.- Yes. - A small commute.- Yes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37We're not too far to go and fetch cups of tea for each other.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- That'll be good. - Well, there is a washroom and shower
0:14:39 > 0:14:42downstairs and you could make that into a bedroom, if you wanted.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45It's possible. Maybe if one of the children came back.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47We'd have to move our office but...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Or put a sofa bed up here?- Let's take a look at the outside spaces,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53because that's the one thing we haven't discussed.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Thank goodness for that. Some positive reactions at last.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Finally, it's time to explore the garden, which is
0:14:59 > 0:15:02located at the front and to the side of the property.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Mostly lawn, with established borders, this quiet,
0:15:05 > 0:15:10rural setting is surrounded by uninterrupted country views.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's not quite the acre Robin and Helen were after,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17however the adjacent field could provide a solution.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20So, land. This property only has a third of an acre.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24It's pretty much this lawned area is your garden.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28This paddock doesn't belong to you but it would be available to rent.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Excellent!- It belongs, basically, to the farmer next door
0:15:31 > 0:15:33and, as you can see they don't have anything on it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- The other part of the puzzle is the price.- Hmm. Yes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38What do you think this property is on at?
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Well, I would go in at £365,000.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I'd probably say £375,000.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48You are actually smack bang in the middle
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- of those. It's £5 short of £370,000. - Wow! Right!
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- OK.- It's very good value, yes. Yes. - So, have a look round.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Take your time to explore and I'll see you later.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02£30,000 below the top budget,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06this converted barn with a host of charming character features
0:16:06 > 0:16:10has three bedrooms, situated in a rural setting.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14On paper, it has pretty much all the elements that our couple are after
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and they would still be left with money in their pocket to
0:16:17 > 0:16:18install eco-features
0:16:18 > 0:16:20It's obviously a lovely home.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22It's ideal with the outbuilding, the garage,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24the living accommodation above.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26It's been restored to a very good standard.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29The only issue I have with it, really, is the low ceilings.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Location and setting-wise,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33I don't think we could have asked for anything more.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34I'm just not...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37not sold on the second floor of the house.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Good. You haven't crowned yourself on one of those low beams.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- No, not at all.- OK. That's this one all done and dusted.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Let's head onto the next one.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52When they make their move to Wales, our buyers are keen to
0:16:52 > 0:16:54lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58And they'll be in good company as the country is home to
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Europe's leading eco-centre on the site of the disused
0:17:01 > 0:17:06Llwyngwern slate quarry in the Snowdonia National Park.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11Originally built in 1973, the centre for alternative technology,
0:17:11 > 0:17:16known as CAT, now attracts over 65,000 visitors every year
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and we've arranged for Robin and Helen to meet communications
0:17:19 > 0:17:25officer Kim Brian to get some green ideas for the prospective new home.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27So, what is CAT's ultimate aim?
0:17:27 > 0:17:28I think what we are trying to do is inform,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31inspire and enable people towards practical solutions for sustainable
0:17:31 > 0:17:34living, and that can be somebody that comes
0:17:34 > 0:17:36here and wants to go home and build themselves a straw bale house,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39and install solar panels on the roof, or it could be somebody who
0:17:39 > 0:17:42comes in and goes home and just wants to change their light bulb.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45So, what are the features here that help people live a more sustainable
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- lifestyle?- Well, we've got the wonderful, organic
0:17:47 > 0:17:50gardens which are demonstrations of how you can grow
0:17:50 > 0:17:53vegetables, and flowers, and the importance of bio-diversity
0:17:53 > 0:17:55in the garden. We've got examples of renewable
0:17:55 > 0:17:58energy. We've got hydro, wind and solar, and we've got examples
0:17:58 > 0:18:00of sustainable buildings around the site.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03So what kind of things could we do to make our house more sustainable?
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Insulation. Insulate your walls. Insulate your floors.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Insulate your roof, because that's where we lose so much of our energy.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11The other thing is energy efficiency,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14so that's the type of appliances you buy, be it your washing machine,
0:18:14 > 0:18:18your tumble drier, and making sure they've got a triple-A rating.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20There's lots of little, little things that
0:18:20 > 0:18:22you can do around the house that will make a difference.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26As well as advice on how to make our homes more energy efficient,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29the centre offers lots of practical courses,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33teaching sustainable skills, such as rustic furniture-making
0:18:33 > 0:18:35and traditional timber framing.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40Our buyers have been invited to join today's course on straw baling,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42with expert Bee Rowan, who has been teaching this
0:18:42 > 0:18:45technique around the world for about 18 years.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Where do you get the straw from? - Local materials,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52local straw, and we always encourage people to develop a good
0:18:52 > 0:18:54relationship with their local farmer and as long
0:18:54 > 0:18:56as the bales are nice and dense,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58they're uniform length and they're kept dry,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00you can build with them. So, now, to be a straw bale builder, one of
0:19:00 > 0:19:03the first things you need to know how to do is to split
0:19:03 > 0:19:06a bale, because, if you imagine, we're going to be using them as
0:19:06 > 0:19:08big bricks, we need whole bricks and half bricks,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10so, let's go and spin a bale.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12Straw, as a building material, has been used
0:19:12 > 0:19:15for many thousands of years.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18However, straw-bale construction was greatly facilitated
0:19:18 > 0:19:22by the mechanical hay baler which was invented in the 1850s.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Firstly, Bee uses garden twine to mark the centre of bale
0:19:26 > 0:19:29before it is then threaded through a giant needle.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32The string going round the right side through the top hole
0:19:32 > 0:19:35from the right, and the one going round the left through
0:19:35 > 0:19:37the bottom hole from the left.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39It's then inserted through the middle of the bale.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Robin, would you like to go round and just hold that bale for me.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Steady that while I take this needle through.- It is dense.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47It is very dense, isn't it?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Very nice dense building bale.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Straw bales are perfect for load bearing,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55as well as infill and insulation.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Taking the string through the centre and then tying it
0:19:58 > 0:20:03around the outside, helps each new half-bale to retain its form.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Helen, you're a natural. And I'll do the same here.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10The original strings left by the baling machine are then cut.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13So this is where it gets interesting. You ready? That's it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Separate those out.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18If you'd gone through...
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Let's pop those up.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23There we have our two wonderful new half-bales.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- So, you now have your straw bale building badge.- Stage one.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Thank you.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Using straw to build is a low cost and low impact option.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35But its simplicity doesn't compromise on quality.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38This means it's making a comeback,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41even in the building of modern properties.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43So, with some green ideas under their belt let's hope
0:20:43 > 0:20:46we can find Helen and Robin their perfect home
0:20:46 > 0:20:49where they can put some of them to good use.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Our second offering takes us further into Wales,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00to the county of Denbighshire and the rural hamlet of Saron.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Close by is the town of Denbigh.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05With more listed buildings than any other in Wales,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08the town has been home to princes and earls,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12revels and revolutionaries who have shaped the local architecture.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18For nine centuries, the castle walls have protected the town where there
0:21:18 > 0:21:23is a fine selection of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Just over five miles away and nestled within a valley
0:21:25 > 0:21:29in the foot of the Clwydian Hills, is our next property.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33I wanted to bring you here partly because this is your paddock.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34Right.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39And this, should you accept the challenge, is your house and view.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Wow!- That is fantastic.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43ALISTAIR LAUGHS
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Absolutely fantastic.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- It's a lovely view. - Yes, thank you, we'll take it.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- It's pretty special, isn't it?- Yes. - Gorgeous, yes.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56And a solar panel already so we're starting off with the eco...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59The green is already noticed.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02What you're looking at is an old Welsh long house.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07That long ridge to the left is the long house
0:22:07 > 0:22:11and then there's a barn to the front that have been joined into one.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- It goes right back to the beginning of the 18th century, so 1717.- Mm-hm.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- Shall we venture down?- We should. - Yes,- please. This way.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23'As an unconventional house,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26'the accommodation is on various levels and was extended
0:22:26 > 0:22:30'by the current owners to incorporate a converted barn in 2008.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34'So, it presents our couple with a quirky blend of old
0:22:34 > 0:22:35'and new features.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'Given their reactions outside, let's see what they make
0:22:39 > 0:22:43'of the interior as we head to the historic heart of the house.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And this is the kitchen. Now you see these fantastic kind of flagstones.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- Written on the beam there you can see 1717.- This is lovely.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- It's a beautiful kitchen. - How does it grab you for size?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56The size, it's good.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It just seems to be spacious.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01This side of the house is really heated by the range cooker there
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- and by a big log burner.- OK.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06The other side of the house is underfloor heated
0:23:06 > 0:23:09by a ground exchange system.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Wow, fantastic.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- You know that and that's what you were looking for.- Yes.- Indeed.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Does it get the thumbs up?- It does. - It certainly does.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20This is the older part, let's look at the new part.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22'On the ground floor,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'the oldest part lies in one wing of the property.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27'As well as the kitchen which we have just seen,
0:23:27 > 0:23:32'there's also a utility room, a sitting room and two bedrooms.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'One is an attractive gust room
0:23:34 > 0:23:37'and the sitting room features a wood burner.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'But we're going to explore the main living room in the more recent
0:23:40 > 0:23:43'wing of the property, which is slightly elevated
0:23:43 > 0:23:46'and so maximises those views across the valley.'
0:23:46 > 0:23:51This side of the house is a real change of gear. Much more modern.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Very nice.- Lots of light, windows.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Looks like a balcony outside as well.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00You've got a fantastically huge, sort of dining area, roof terrace.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03And then a small balcony here which looks right over the Clwydian Hills
0:24:03 > 0:24:06and the rising sun.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- What are you thinking, Helen? You're quiet.- Just taking it in. - Taking it in.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Is that a good sign?- Yes.- I can't quite read her body language.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- No, no, no. It's a good sign.- OK. Good.- It's a good sign, yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Quiet is good.- Yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Helen will soon tell you if she doesn't like something.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Well, this is the sort of area here.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25You've got another office next-door.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- But actually, your sleeping accommodation is underneath.- Right.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31'Well, what a difference a house makes.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34'And there's still more to see.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36'Downstairs, but still within the newer part of the property,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40'there's a kitchenette and two good sized double bedrooms.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42'One of these is currently being used as a gym
0:24:42 > 0:24:45'and has its own en suite with the added bonus of a sauna.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49'But as tempting as that may sound, we're heading to the master.'
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- It's a house that just keeps on giving.- It is.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Fancy waking up in the morning and just looking...
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- You wouldn't draw the curtains, would you?- It's a lovely view.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- And this part can be completely self contained area.- Excellent.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05It's fantastic. The house is unusual, it's quirky in its layout
0:25:05 > 0:25:08but it's certainly very special.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09Very good.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I am going to drag you out, confusingly, out into the garden now
0:25:12 > 0:25:17to give you the price and to have a look at these lovely grounds.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23'Outside to the front go the property there's a huge workshop,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26'ideal for Robin, in particular, as it can be accessed from the house.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31'Then for Helen, the extensive grounds here amount to four acres
0:25:31 > 0:25:35'and include three separate paddocks which surround the property.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39'Set within the ornamental gardens is a vegetable patch,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42'a variety of fruit trees and a duck pond.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46'I suspect these beautiful gardens surrounded by all this land
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'might just be the icing on the cake.'
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Chickens, ducks...- And a cat. Aw.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- And a cat. What more could you want? - That's right.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59It's a substantial property. What do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:59 > 0:26:04It's definitely over our budget so I would say £410,000.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09I'm going to go even higher. I'm going to say as much as £440,000.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11They wouldn't be that cruel, would they?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- ALISTAIR CHUCKLES - Would they?
0:26:13 > 0:26:14You'd be surprised.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Well, once again, between you, you're pretty accurate.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20We are a little cruel in the sense that it is officially
0:26:20 > 0:26:22on the market for £425,000.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26But we have spoken to the owner
0:26:26 > 0:26:30and he has said he would take an offer at your top budget of 400.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Wow. That seems incredible for the quantity of the land
0:26:34 > 0:26:36and for the size of the property.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Yes.- And with all the eco features already installed.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Well, go and explore and then I'll meet you at the front
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- once you've got your bearings. - OK.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47And you, yes, come back to me.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50What do you think, Pussy, eh? Should they buy it?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52ALISTAIR MIAOWS
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Just over the maximum budget at £425,000,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00but with the owner open to negotiation,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03this extended Welsh long house combines a mix of traditional
0:27:03 > 0:27:05and modernised character features.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08With eco measures already in place
0:27:08 > 0:27:12and four acres of land set within an idyllic rural location,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15this property appears to suit our couple down to the ground.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20It's a fantastic location. We're in lovely countryside here.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22It's nice and quiet and peaceful.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26The bonus, I think, is the eco features that already come with the house.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Really spectacular. This is a very big contender.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33So, that one's all done for the day.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Got a little time to digest it.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- And then we'll regroup for tomorrow. - Excellent. Thank you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49It's day two of our property search with Helen and Robin who,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52after 12 years living in Normandy, France, want to help
0:27:52 > 0:27:56themselves to a slice of country life by moving to north Wales.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Coming up: Our mystery property leads our couple
0:27:59 > 0:28:02to have a change of heart when it comes to character features.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05No exposed stonework or beams.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- So is no exposed stonework a good thing?- Oh, yes.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13And I head to Llandudno to take a tram trip down memory lane
0:28:13 > 0:28:16and admire some of the best views in Wales.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- And you can see the town now opening up behind you.- And the bay, look.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Beautiful.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Day two of our property search amongst the wonders of Wales
0:28:25 > 0:28:28and I think we've probably got Helen and Robin hook, line and sinker
0:28:28 > 0:28:29with the house yesterday.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32But they do have to sell their property in France of course,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and we've got the Mystery House yet to come.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Now, this is a much more compact, much more simple
0:28:37 > 0:28:39and beautiful property
0:28:39 > 0:28:43but will it be enough to dislodge house number two from yesterday?
0:28:43 > 0:28:44Let's find out.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48For our mystery option, we're remaining in Denbighshire
0:28:48 > 0:28:51and travelling to the tiny hamlet of Bont Newydd.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Nearby is the city of St Asaph where, set on the banks
0:28:55 > 0:28:59of the River Elwy, is the smallest cathedral in Britain.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03An important spiritual centre since 560 AD.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Today, the bustling high street features an array of shops
0:29:06 > 0:29:09and cafes, as well as arts and craft galleries.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Located just over three miles downstream
0:29:14 > 0:29:18and sitting neatly in a river valley is our mystery property.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21For a couple who have lived in a large French farmhouse,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I couldn't resist showing them something with
0:29:24 > 0:29:27historic Welsh roots as well as modern style.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30But the compromise here is on the dimensions inside
0:29:30 > 0:29:35and the gradient outside with not an eco feature in sight.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38'This is the first time I've shown you a property that's
0:29:38 > 0:29:40'actually in amongst other properties.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:42It's nice to feel we've got immediate neighbours
0:29:42 > 0:29:45that you can talk to and learn a little bit about the area,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48and got to for help sometimes if you have a problem
0:29:48 > 0:29:50and you don't know how to resolve it.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- So, the River Elwy here and then this is the Mystery House.- Oh.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59It's about 200 years old and the present owner's have spent 25 years
0:29:59 > 0:30:03remodelling it in this incredibly, almost Zen-like perfection.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06It does look very, very quaint.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- It does.- Fantastic.- Beautiful.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Can't wait to see inside.- Yes. - So, follow me.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15'Constructed during the early 19th century, this property,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18'built from locally sourced stone and slate,
0:30:18 > 0:30:19'was formerly two cottages.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24'The Mystery House is the smallest of all the properties we've shown
0:30:24 > 0:30:26'Robin and Helen in a bid to challenge their mind-set
0:30:26 > 0:30:30'on the amount of space they're after from their new home.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34'Although small, it's perfectly formed.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37'It's been exceptionally renovated to a high spec throughout
0:30:37 > 0:30:41'but I wonder if this is enough for them to see past the proportions?'
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Very nice. - It's beautifully finished.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I love the wooden units here.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47And the range stove as well,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- plenty of heat for the colder parts of the year.- Yeah. Nice...
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Very nice.- Nice light coming through.- Yeah, both windows.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- Both sides.- And the kitchen really, for us, is the focal point...
0:30:56 > 0:30:58It's the heart of the home, isn't it?
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Helen spends a lot of time in the kitchen
0:31:00 > 0:31:03whether she's making pickles or herbal infusions.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05And this is beautiful, this is ideal.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Behind you you've got a second kitchen which is a utility room
0:31:08 > 0:31:10with all the fridges, the work surfaces.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13They wanted to keep this as a sort of old school,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Welsh country kitchen, not with any kind of fitted units.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19This is a bit of a wild card this house
0:31:19 > 0:31:21because from your spec it's a bit too small.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22But we are downsizing.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26We do have to come to terms with the fact that we are downsizing.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31This, actually, is the right size for a kitchen. It's ample space.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35'It's a promising start inside so I'm intrigued to hear
0:31:35 > 0:31:38'their thoughts on the size of the next room.'
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Here's the sitting room.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- Slightly smaller than I'd thought but it works.- Yes.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46It's beautifully done.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49What is the sort of vibe you're picking up from this place?
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Very calm, very relaxing.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54And welcoming.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58You see this huge beam here, a local historian has traced that back as a
0:31:58 > 0:32:01mahogany ship beam and that probably means it goes back
0:32:01 > 0:32:03to the mid-1700s, early 1800s.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Let's look at the sleeping accommodation.- Lovely.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13'It seems that the impeccable interior has indeed won them over
0:32:13 > 0:32:15'but there's till more to explore.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'On the ground floor there's also an office which could be useful
0:32:18 > 0:32:22'for either Robin's work or Helen's studies.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26'Next, we're heading upstairs where there are a total of three bedrooms.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30'There are two spacious double rooms and a small single.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34'All the bedrooms are served by a well presented family bathroom
0:32:34 > 0:32:37'which features a free standing bath.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39'We're off to explore the master,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41'pausing briefly to admire the landing.'
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- You could have a little library here with the books and the view.- Yes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- Nice comfy chair to sit in.- Yes.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- You don't get enough landings these days, do you?- No.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- Ideal space for books and sitting and reading.- Absolutely.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55What a beautiful bedroom.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57This is lovely, very nice. Well finished.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02Nice and square, no exposed stonework or beams.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- So, is the no exposed stonework a good thing?- Oh, yes.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09There's almost a serene feeling if that's the right word to use.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11I might rearrange the furniture
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- so you wake up looking at this view over the river.- Across the valley.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- You see the river...- How Green Is My Valley?- Yes.- Very green.- Very green!
0:33:19 > 0:33:21The odd sheep walking around. Yes, very nice. It's a lovely spot.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Let's go look in the garden because that's obviously important for you guys.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29'To the outside and front of the property there is a garage
0:33:29 > 0:33:32'organised as a super neat workshop.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35'To the rear, the gardens are carefully tiered
0:33:35 > 0:33:37'and immaculately maintained.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41'Interspersed with seating areas to take full advantage of the valley
0:33:41 > 0:33:45'views, Helen might have to rethink her grand horticultural plans.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49'There's also a summer house featuring a wood burning stove.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52'With the house receiving resounding praise so far,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55'I wonder if the lack of flat space out here for their dogs
0:33:55 > 0:33:58'and future poultry, is going to be a sticking point?'
0:33:59 > 0:34:02The issue, the fly in the ointment perhaps is that it's not huge.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06These formal gardens are pretty much the extent of your land.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- It's terraced and that, for me, is a big compromise.- Hm.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- I have to think about it.- Yes, OK.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- But you do get the view. - Yes, fantastic.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- A beautiful view across the valley. Yes.- You see, that's the payoff.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Yes. It's a lovely location. - It's absolutely beautiful.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22It is, it's a fantastic spot.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Of course, the question is, can you afford it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27What do you think the price of this one is?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I say it's one pound short of our budget.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35So, £399,999.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40I think I would venture as much as £415,000.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44It is actually £5,000 short of your top budget.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46It's on at £395,000.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- Wow.- And it's worth it. - Yes, yes.- It's lovely.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52Just below our buyers' top budget,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56our mystery cottage with three bedrooms has been beautifully
0:34:56 > 0:35:00restored to complement the original features of the property.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03With an immaculately kept terraced garden and workshop,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05it's located in the centre of a small hamlet.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Holy...- Wow!
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Now this is a workshop and a half.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I don't think you'd see me much upstairs in the house
0:35:15 > 0:35:16if I was down here working.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19We could get one vehicle in and work round it.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- I think this is the best one we've seen.- Yes...- Workshop wise.- Yeah.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25This is just amazing.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29It's everything I thought I didn't want and find that, actually,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I really do!
0:35:31 > 0:35:33So, it's lovely, really lovely.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Why would any man want to leave this space really?
0:35:36 > 0:35:38It's an ideal working space.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Truthfully, this is our ideal home.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44My head's saying, "hang on, you need to think about this,"
0:35:44 > 0:35:47but my heart and my head are going to have a quiet battle
0:35:47 > 0:35:51all of their own and I know my heart's going to win so...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It's like the Mystery House is an evil genius that has upset
0:35:54 > 0:35:56all their plans.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57I think once Robin's seen that workshop,
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Helens' going to have to settle for that as her vegetable patch.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Did we win with the Mystery House? - I think you might have done, yes.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Ah, good. Let's go and find a spot to think it all over.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19Along the north Welsh coast lie two prominent limestone headlands
0:36:19 > 0:36:23that sandwich the elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Named the Great Orme and the Little Orme,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29the larger of the two rises over 200 metres from the sea,
0:36:29 > 0:36:34and on a clear day boasts, arguably, the best view in north Wales.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40But in the late 1800s, visitors to Llandudno faced an exhausting hike
0:36:40 > 0:36:42to enjoy the panorama.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46So, a mile-long tramway was built that ferried passengers
0:36:46 > 0:36:49through the town's narrow streets and up to the summit.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53I'm meeting tram attendant Robert Donahue to hear about the only
0:36:53 > 0:36:56cable hauled public tramway in the UK.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Remind me, what's the definition of a tram?
0:37:00 > 0:37:05A tram is on a road whereas a railway runs off a road.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- So, this is a sort of half tram, half railway?- Yes.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10It's known as a tramway
0:37:10 > 0:37:12but the upper section is across open country land.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16How many people do you take up in a year, say?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19We took just on 180,000 passengers last year.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- So it's a popular business. - It is very popular, yes.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23It's popular all year round.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- And are these the original carriages from the 1900s?- Yes.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29It's the original carriages built and first operated here in 1902.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- So, do I get to ride in the tramway? - Certainly. After you.- Thank you.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35TRAM HOOTS
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'The tram operates in pairs with the gravity of the descending car
0:37:39 > 0:37:41'helping to pull its ascending partner up through the town.'
0:37:41 > 0:37:43How fast are we going?
0:37:43 > 0:37:46We're doing probably about four mile per hour at the moment.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- So you could walk up quicker? - But your legs would know it.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Your legs would hurt. It's pretty steep, isn't it?- It is. It's one of the steeper sections.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55You can see the town now opening up behind you.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- And the bay, look.- Yes. There's the bay.- Beautiful.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02'Although each tram has an attendant, it's the person
0:38:02 > 0:38:06'who actually winds the cable who holds the title of driver.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09'Drivers are based at a station halfway along the track
0:38:09 > 0:38:14'and it's here where we change carriages in order to continue on the second leg of the journey.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- It's a bit parkier up here, isn't it?- It's a lot fresher.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18It's always a bit fresher on the top.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21One of the original architects and designers was a doctor
0:38:21 > 0:38:25and he believed this was the best air in the United Kingdom.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Plenty of fresh air. That's why, no windows.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31'In total, the journey takes 20 minutes from these seafront,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34'up the headland to our final destination.'
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- Thank you very much, Bob. It's been a real joy. - I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Pleasure, I'm going to explore the summit. See you on the way down.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- You might do, yes.- Enjoy yourself. - Thanks now. Bye-bye.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51At two miles long and a mile wide, the Great Orme is home to a
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Bronze Age copper mine as well as a unique array of plants and wildlife.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58In fact, the site's geology, wildlife,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01archaeology and landscape are all protected
0:39:01 > 0:39:04as an Area of Conservation and Special Scientific Interest.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Now under the care of the National Trust, the Trust's Jane Richardson
0:39:09 > 0:39:14is giving me a heads up on the views from this magnificent vantage point.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18If you look over that way, you start with Anglesey.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21You come along the north Wales coast past Llanfairfechan and then
0:39:21 > 0:39:25the majesty of Snowdonia and the Carneddau mountain range behind.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28So, it's almost like a, sort of, best bits of north Wales.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30How wonderful. So, if I came up here and had enough time
0:39:30 > 0:39:34to explore the whole of the Great Orme when it was a lovely day,
0:39:34 > 0:39:36what might I be lucky enough to come across?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39The really, really special thing is the butterflies.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41And if you came up here on a summer's evening
0:39:41 > 0:39:43and you were walking along one of the paths in the quiet,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46you might get the silver-studded blues just in a cloud
0:39:46 > 0:39:48all around you and it would be unforgettable.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Amazing, and what about the future?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Are there plans the Trust have for the future of the Orme?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56600,000 people a year come to visit.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59The main bit on the top, which is the bit the Trust owns,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01has always been out of bounds.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04What we want to explore is, can we put footpaths through there?
0:40:04 > 0:40:06The other really big priority is about opening up
0:40:06 > 0:40:09the access for visitors and local people to enjoy.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13What a delight to get a taste Llandudno's seaside heritage
0:40:13 > 0:40:16but also the unique landscape and wildlife of its headland.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19It's also good to know that this special part of the Welsh coast
0:40:19 > 0:40:22is being preserved for future generations.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32This is going to be a revealing chat because I would have put good money
0:40:32 > 0:40:35on Helen and Robin going for house number two.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38But the Mystery House may have knocked it out of the water.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Let's find out what they think.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47It seems like the Mystery House caused a bit of a ruckus.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50You were sailing straight towards the second house
0:40:50 > 0:40:53but I think the Mystery House may have put a spanner in the works.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Is that right?- A huge spanner, yes. - ALISTAIR CHUCKLES
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Yesterday, we were convinced it was everything we'd asked for.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01A large house, country location, land,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04space for workshops and garage. Just everything we wanted.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07So, what happened as you were walking round the Mystery House?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09What was going through your head?
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- Everything in it was as we would have it.- It was very well done.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16We could see straight away that our furniture would fit,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18photographs would go on the wall.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21The kitchen was a nice feature with the range.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25The gardens being terraced were different to what we have now
0:41:25 > 0:41:28but, as far as Helen's concerned, completely workable.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I think you were saying you were actually sold as soon as you
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- saw the man cave, weren't you? - Yes, let's be honest.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35The workshop did sway it slightly,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I will be perfectly honest with you about that one.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You know all the tools don't come with the property?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Oh, he's got the tools!- OK, OK.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- Is that a house you would have visited?- Actually, no, we wouldn't
0:41:45 > 0:41:47because it didn't have any of,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50what we thought of, as our specifications.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52So, what happens next? What are the next steps for you?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Obviously, you've got your place in France to deal with.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Our next step is to go back home to France to speak with
0:41:58 > 0:41:59the estate agents.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Find out what efforts they're making to sell our current property.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06And we'd like to come back to Wales very soon and have another look.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Well, it's been very exciting because, you know, we set off
0:42:09 > 0:42:12down one track and we sort of veered at the last moment down another.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16But I really hope it works out and I do cross my fingers that the
0:42:16 > 0:42:19place in France sells because it seems you're ripe for the move.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Absolutely.- Love to. Thank you very much.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Bonne chance.- Merci.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30That was a wonderful journey from la belle France to wonderful Wales.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33But I do hope that Robin and Helen manage to get
0:42:33 > 0:42:36all their ducks in a row and move as quickly as possible
0:42:36 > 0:42:39because that Mystery House really is an exceptional property,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41even though it was not at all what they were looking for!
0:42:41 > 0:42:45And I do hope that you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:52 > 0:42:58Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online at: