North Wales Escape to the Country


North Wales

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This serene body of water is the largest lake in

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the country that I'm standing in.

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And also, according to local legend,

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it is home to a reclusive monster.

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But, it's probably not the lake you're thinking of.

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So, find out where I am, and what it's called, in just a moment.

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Today's buyers are excited about returning to their roots

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and embracing a rural life back in the UK.

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Our couple question whether they've moved to the right country...

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These cupboards are looking decidedly French.

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Even to the cooker hood.

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..but are then pleasantly surprised when our properties

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render one half of our duo speechless.

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-Quiet is good.

-Yes.

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Well, Helen will soon tell you if she doesn't like something.

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Today, I'm in North Wales and this is Lake Bala, or to give it

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its Welsh name, Llyn Tegid, which means the "Lake of Serenity."

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Now, despite the name, locals say that the lake, which is

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four miles long and a mile wide, is home to a very retiring

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monster that they call, appropriately, Teggie.

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Now, we don't know about the monster's whereabouts,

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but we do know that this is the only lake in Wales that is home to

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a very rare species of fish called the gwyniad, which has been living

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here since the Ice Age,

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and you can guess with views and landscape like this that human

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inhabitants have always chosen to live here too,

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at least for the last 10,000 years.

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North Wales is made up of six counties,

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including Denbighshire and Flintshire.

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Covering some 800 square miles of the region is the Snowdonia National

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Park, which is home to the highest peak in England and Wales,

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Mount Snowdon.

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On the southern edge of the famous mountain range,

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and perched on the edge of the River Malvac,

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is the beautiful hamlet of Penmaenpool.

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In 1879, a wooden toll bridge spanning the picturesque estuary

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was erected.

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Now, costing just 20p for pedestrians

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and 60p for cars to cross, this Grade 2 listed structure is

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also a popular spot for bird-watching.

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Out towards the northern coast, at Conwy,

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is one of the country's 600 castles.

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Commissioned by Edward I, during the 13th century,

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it was a key fortress in his iron ring of castles,

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strategically situated high above the River Conwy,

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and certainly remains one of Wales's most magnificent castles.

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Inland market towns include Ruthin, which boasts the oldest

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timbered townhouse in the country,

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which was constructed around 1435 to house weavers' merchants.

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With its enticing mix of historic architecture and vast,

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unspoiled scenery, cut by some of the most dramatic

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waterfalls in the UK, this region really does make the ideal

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backdrop for those looking to get away from it all.

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Bricks and mortar are good value in Wales.

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The average price for a detached house is £170,000, which is

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a whopping £100,000 less than the national figure.

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So, your property pound goes a lot further,

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particularly when you consider that if you

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cross the border over into Shropshire, the same sort of house

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might cost you £70,000 more.

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So, apart from good value and beautiful countryside,

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what else is attracting our buyers here, this week?

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Marketing manager Robin and his wife, Helen,

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are visiting Wales for a week and are staying at a hotel in

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Ruthin, whilst they search for a new home.

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They met at a mutual friend's barbecue in 2001,

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and during their early married years, Robin was offered

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a relocation package which took them from Wokingham,

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in Surrey, to overseas.

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So, for the last 12 years they've been living in

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Normandy, north-west France.

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We had an opportunity to have a complete lifestyle change,

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and Helen was able to live at home, and have animals at home,

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and be a housewife, and do what she always wanted to do.

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And we arrived in France saying, "Wow! What have we done?"

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-And that was it. It was the start of a new adventure.

-Yes.

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But, the children are at a point where they're getting ready

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to leave home, so we think it's now an ideal time for us to make

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a move and do something different with the rest of our lives.

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Two of their three daughters are

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already finishing higher education in the UK.

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Furthermore, although our couple have tried

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their best to learn French in a bid

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to integrate with the locals, they are far from fluent.

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There are other elements of daily life that remains a bugbear.

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Everything shuts at 12 for two hours.

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The supermarkets, the banks, all the shops.

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And it's... You always run out of things at 12:05!

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They've also come to the conclusion that video-calling close relatives

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based in the UK just doesn't compare to face-to-face contact.

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The thing we miss the most is our friends and our family.

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Not as easy to see them, catch up with them,

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and our parents are getting older. They can't travel to France so much.

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So, easier for us to see them and for them to see us.

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Excited about exploring a new location, which still gives

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the countryside they've enjoyed in France, but with less

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language issues, they've decided to return and settle in North Wales.

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It's lovely and green, and when the weather is nice

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here, it's beautiful.

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One thing we'd like to do is discover more about Wales,

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more about its history, its heritage.

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Come and look at some of the major landmarks.

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We are both interested in old houses,

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castles, that type of thing.

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Since Helen no longer has to run around after their daughters,

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she is looking forward to following more green-fingered pursuits,

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particularly the possibility of growing plants

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for medicinal purposes.

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Whilst I've been in France, I have been studying herbalism.

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I really want to pursue that more, and give more time to that.

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As well as horticulture, their new Welsh home also needs land

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that's suitable for their three dogs, as well as the ducks

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and chickens they're hoping to continue keeping.

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They're also keen to introduce eco-friendly measures

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which they already have in France.

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We have a well in the garden which we extract water from by

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a pump, which is used for watering the garden,

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and we harvest the rainwater from the house,

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and that goes into the pond, which is used by the ducks.

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With their beautiful French farmhouse already on the market,

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it's au revoir to France and hello,

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or perhaps, more appropriately, bore da, to Wales.

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We're not running away from France.

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We're not escaping from France back to the UK.

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It's a new adventure. It's a new area. It's new people.

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It's now our time to go and do things as a couple

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and actually think, "OK. This is what we want to do

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for the next, you know, 20 years, before we retire."

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Robin and Helen are fairly unfamiliar with the countryside

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of North Wales, and are therefore flexible about where they move to.

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Not only am I eager to welcome them back and find out exactly what

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they want from their new home, I'm also itching to practise my French.

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Bonjour. Welcome to Wales. Pay de Galles.

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How are you feeling being back in the homeland?

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-Very good. Very good.

-Yes?

-It's nice. Nice to be back.

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-Nice English weather you brought with you.

-Yes. Just the same.

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And I know you struggled bit with French. How is your Welsh?

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-Absolutely non-existent, but I can say, "Bore da."

-Oh, very good.

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-That will come in handy.

-I learnt that recently.

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And, Robin, what are you looking for in terms of the house?

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So, ideally, we are looking for a four-bedroomed property,

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with up to an acre of land.

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We'd like the new property to maybe include some eco-features,

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or the ability to incorporate those later on.

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So, we are thinking more along the lines of solar power.

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Maybe a ground-source heat pump system.

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Something just to be a little bit more greener.

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What will you use the four bedrooms for?

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The four bedrooms will give you a larger footprint downstairs,

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which is where, obviously, we spend most time.

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It will give the ability for Robin to have an office, as well

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and possibly me, also to have my own area.

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And you want an acre of land. That's quite a lot of land.

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What you going to do with that?

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Personally, I'd like a nice big workshop, a garage.

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We both like outdoor space. Helen loves her garden.

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I want to grow some herbs

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and have a wild area, as well.

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And in terms of location, do you want to be in a village,

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out in the middle of nowhere?

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On the edge of a village, somewhere that we can

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join in with the community,

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but, be far enough away to be rural.

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And in terms of the style, are you looking for an old building, new?

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Tell me about that.

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Not a new build. Really, anything with character.

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But you also want modern because you want the eco-features?

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No, because the eco-features can be external.

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And remind us again of your budget?

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£400,000.

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Within that we'd like to include some of the

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eco-features, if possible.

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Your money goes quite a long way in terms of

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property in France. Have you got a massive estate?

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Six bedroomed. So we are downsizing, in effect.

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And before it starts to rain,

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let's get in the car and go. Follow me.

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With a budget of £400,000 to play with,

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our buyers are after a character property with four bedrooms.

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Robin would like a workshop,

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whilst Helen requires an acre of land to grow herbs.

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Ideally, they'd also like their new property to feature elements

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that are eco-friendly.

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We hunted high and low to track down some beautiful Welsh

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properties in stunning settings,

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which I hope will appeal to our couple,

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but the price will be held back until each house tour is over.

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Our final effort is our rather challenging mystery option,

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where proportions and plots present an alternative arrangement

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to their ideal Welsh retreat.

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So, imagine. You've got your house. You've moved in.

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What are the things you're most looking forward

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to be able to go and do?

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You'd quite like going to the WI, wouldn't you?

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You quite liked the sound of that.

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Helen makes a lot of jams and chutneys.

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Robin, you'd probably join a 4x4 club.

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Yeah, I mean, I have a couple of older ones.

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One, I'm currently restoring. One is waiting to be restored,

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and maybe we'll find a new hobby, together.

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Yeah. That would be great.

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We are beginning our search on the Welsh Shropshire border

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and heading to the hamlet of Pentrecoed.

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Nearby is the traditional market town of Ellesmere,

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where a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings sit

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alongside a scattering of small craft and antique stores.

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The high street is a hive of activity,

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with a wealth of everyday amenities and a variety of eateries,

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ranging from quaint tea rooms, to 16th Century pubs.

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Just over three miles away, situated down a quiet lane, and with

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far-reaching views over the Welsh landscape, is House Number One.

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And this is the first property.

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It's an unusual property because it's a converted barn

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and then there's this outbuilding

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which is converted into another dwelling, here.

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-So, it's sort of two.

-Lovely.

-OK, yes.

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Very nice. It's very quiet.

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-Nice and peaceful.

-A very warm kind of feel to it.

-Yes.

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-It looks very new.

-Well, it actually dates back to 1807.

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-That's the original barn.

-Not so new, then.

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I'd be interested to see inside.

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Let's go in.

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This 19th-century barn, converted around 15 years ago,

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previously formed part of Pentracoed Farm.

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Sympathetically renovated, original character

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features are apparent in all three levels of accommodation.

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With conservative reactions outside, I'm hoping that interior might

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just conjure up some comparisons to our couple's current home.

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These cupboards are looking decidedly French.

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-So this is home from home?

-Even to the cooker hood, yes?

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-Space for a table's good, though.

-Yes, that's good.

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It's a little smaller than I'd thought.

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But then again it's only going to mainly be the two of us going

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-through it.

-This is it!

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-You are downsizing.

-We are downsizing.

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You've got a utility room, there, with all kind of white goods,

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a fridge and also, kind of a downstairs loo and a shower.

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Downstairs shower? Great for dogs.

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Put them straight into the shower and wash them off. Excellent.

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And also, to point out that there is a dining room,

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-as well, so this is not your only eating space.

-OK, good.

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I have a feeling that Helen is a little unconvinced.

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The main living room is located on the first floor and provides

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more character, so perhaps she'll be taken with the beamed ceiling.

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Mind your head.

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So, the beams get a little bit lower on this second floor.

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That is quite intimidating, actually.

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And that, I think is going to become a real issue, because it's

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right in everybody's line of vision, as well,

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and it divides the room up.

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That will be a first for us having to duck our heads.

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But, nice outlook to the garden through the windows,

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so that's nice. Good.

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-It's nice but it's small.

-Yes. It feels small.

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Maybe that's something we have to come to terms with.

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Things have changed over the last 12 years, since we've

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been away, and we have to be a little bit more realistic.

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-Houses have shrunk.

-Yes!

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You've got this sitting room here and then, over there,

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-you've got this study-come-bedroom.

-OK.

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-Let's go upstairs. That's where the master bedroom is.

-OK.

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Robin seems to be open to what's on offer,

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but Helen is proving to be a tougher cookie than I first thought.

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I'm not giving up though as there is plenty more to impress.

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Up in the eaves, there is a modest family bathroom which is

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shared by two well-presented and comfortable double bedrooms.

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We are stopping off at the largest of the bedrooms, which benefits from

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the height of the original wooden A-frame of the barn's structure.

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-This space opens up here, up in the eaves.

-It's nice.

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Yeah, this is fine. This is all right. It's the low door, again.

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Yes. That will be tricky, I think.

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It would take a while to get acclimatised to that.

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It's a nice room, but it's just...

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There's something not there. Something's missing.

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-The doorway's done it.

-Yeah.

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Let's look at the modern extension and see if that has higher doors.

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We don't appear to have made much headway,

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as the property doesn't seem to be tugging at their hearts.

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But I've got one more shot at winning them over.

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Back outside, and with its own entrance, is a detached

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garage, which could be useful for storing Robin's 4x4 vehicles.

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Above the garage, there's a large, flexible living space, which

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was converted, by the current owners, nine years ago.

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-Yeah, this is nice.

-It's lovely. Yes. Nice head room.

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-This could be your office.

-Yes.

-A small commute.

-Yes.

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We're not too far to go and fetch cups of tea for each other.

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-That'll be good.

-Well, there is a washroom and shower

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downstairs and you could make that into a bedroom, if you wanted.

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It's possible. Maybe if one of the children came back.

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We'd have to move our office but...

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-Or put a sofa bed up here?

-Let's take a look at the outside spaces,

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because that's the one thing we haven't discussed.

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Thank goodness for that. Some positive reactions at last.

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Finally, it's time to explore the garden, which is

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located at the front and to the side of the property.

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Mostly lawn, with established borders, this quiet,

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rural setting is surrounded by uninterrupted country views.

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It's not quite the acre Robin and Helen were after,

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however the adjacent field could provide a solution.

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So, land. This property only has a third of an acre.

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It's pretty much this lawned area is your garden.

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This paddock doesn't belong to you but it would be available to rent.

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-Excellent!

-It belongs, basically, to the farmer next door

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and, as you can see they don't have anything on it.

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-The other part of the puzzle is the price.

-Hmm. Yes.

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What do you think this property is on at?

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Well, I would go in at £365,000.

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I'd probably say £375,000.

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You are actually smack bang in the middle

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-of those. It's £5 short of £370,000.

-Wow! Right!

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-OK.

-It's very good value, yes. Yes.

-So, have a look round.

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Take your time to explore and I'll see you later.

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£30,000 below the top budget,

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this converted barn with a host of charming character features

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has three bedrooms, situated in a rural setting.

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On paper, it has pretty much all the elements that our couple are after

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and they would still be left with money in their pocket to

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install eco-features

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It's obviously a lovely home.

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It's ideal with the outbuilding, the garage,

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the living accommodation above.

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It's been restored to a very good standard.

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The only issue I have with it, really, is the low ceilings.

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Location and setting-wise,

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I don't think we could have asked for anything more.

0:16:310:16:33

I'm just not...

0:16:330:16:34

not sold on the second floor of the house.

0:16:340:16:37

Good. You haven't crowned yourself on one of those low beams.

0:16:370:16:40

-No, not at all.

-OK. That's this one all done and dusted.

0:16:400:16:44

Let's head onto the next one.

0:16:440:16:46

When they make their move to Wales, our buyers are keen to

0:16:490:16:52

lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

0:16:520:16:54

And they'll be in good company as the country is home to

0:16:540:16:58

Europe's leading eco-centre on the site of the disused

0:16:580:17:01

Llwyngwern slate quarry in the Snowdonia National Park.

0:17:010:17:06

Originally built in 1973, the centre for alternative technology,

0:17:060:17:11

known as CAT, now attracts over 65,000 visitors every year

0:17:110:17:16

and we've arranged for Robin and Helen to meet communications

0:17:160:17:19

officer Kim Brian to get some green ideas for the prospective new home.

0:17:190:17:25

So, what is CAT's ultimate aim?

0:17:250:17:27

I think what we are trying to do is inform,

0:17:270:17:28

inspire and enable people towards practical solutions for sustainable

0:17:280:17:31

living, and that can be somebody that comes

0:17:310:17:34

here and wants to go home and build themselves a straw bale house,

0:17:340:17:36

and install solar panels on the roof, or it could be somebody who

0:17:360:17:39

comes in and goes home and just wants to change their light bulb.

0:17:390:17:42

So, what are the features here that help people live a more sustainable

0:17:420:17:45

-lifestyle?

-Well, we've got the wonderful, organic

0:17:450:17:47

gardens which are demonstrations of how you can grow

0:17:470:17:50

vegetables, and flowers, and the importance of bio-diversity

0:17:500:17:53

in the garden. We've got examples of renewable

0:17:530:17:55

energy. We've got hydro, wind and solar, and we've got examples

0:17:550:17:58

of sustainable buildings around the site.

0:17:580:18:00

So what kind of things could we do to make our house more sustainable?

0:18:000:18:03

Insulation. Insulate your walls. Insulate your floors.

0:18:030:18:06

Insulate your roof, because that's where we lose so much of our energy.

0:18:060:18:09

The other thing is energy efficiency,

0:18:090:18:11

so that's the type of appliances you buy, be it your washing machine,

0:18:110:18:14

your tumble drier, and making sure they've got a triple-A rating.

0:18:140:18:18

There's lots of little, little things that

0:18:180:18:20

you can do around the house that will make a difference.

0:18:200:18:22

As well as advice on how to make our homes more energy efficient,

0:18:220:18:26

the centre offers lots of practical courses,

0:18:260:18:29

teaching sustainable skills, such as rustic furniture-making

0:18:290:18:33

and traditional timber framing.

0:18:330:18:35

Our buyers have been invited to join today's course on straw baling,

0:18:350:18:40

with expert Bee Rowan, who has been teaching this

0:18:400:18:42

technique around the world for about 18 years.

0:18:420:18:45

-Where do you get the straw from?

-Local materials,

0:18:460:18:49

local straw, and we always encourage people to develop a good

0:18:490:18:52

relationship with their local farmer and as long

0:18:520:18:54

as the bales are nice and dense,

0:18:540:18:56

they're uniform length and they're kept dry,

0:18:560:18:58

you can build with them. So, now, to be a straw bale builder, one of

0:18:580:19:00

the first things you need to know how to do is to split

0:19:000:19:03

a bale, because, if you imagine, we're going to be using them as

0:19:030:19:06

big bricks, we need whole bricks and half bricks,

0:19:060:19:08

so, let's go and spin a bale.

0:19:080:19:10

Straw, as a building material, has been used

0:19:100:19:12

for many thousands of years.

0:19:120:19:15

However, straw-bale construction was greatly facilitated

0:19:150:19:18

by the mechanical hay baler which was invented in the 1850s.

0:19:180:19:22

Firstly, Bee uses garden twine to mark the centre of bale

0:19:220:19:26

before it is then threaded through a giant needle.

0:19:260:19:29

The string going round the right side through the top hole

0:19:290:19:32

from the right, and the one going round the left through

0:19:320:19:35

the bottom hole from the left.

0:19:350:19:37

It's then inserted through the middle of the bale.

0:19:370:19:39

Robin, would you like to go round and just hold that bale for me.

0:19:390:19:42

-Steady that while I take this needle through.

-It is dense.

0:19:420:19:45

It is very dense, isn't it?

0:19:450:19:47

Very nice dense building bale.

0:19:470:19:49

Straw bales are perfect for load bearing,

0:19:490:19:52

as well as infill and insulation.

0:19:520:19:55

Taking the string through the centre and then tying it

0:19:550:19:58

around the outside, helps each new half-bale to retain its form.

0:19:580:20:03

Helen, you're a natural. And I'll do the same here.

0:20:030:20:06

The original strings left by the baling machine are then cut.

0:20:060:20:10

So this is where it gets interesting. You ready? That's it.

0:20:100:20:13

Separate those out.

0:20:140:20:16

If you'd gone through...

0:20:160:20:18

Let's pop those up.

0:20:180:20:20

There we have our two wonderful new half-bales.

0:20:200:20:23

-So, you now have your straw bale building badge.

-Stage one.

0:20:230:20:26

Thank you.

0:20:260:20:28

Using straw to build is a low cost and low impact option.

0:20:280:20:32

But its simplicity doesn't compromise on quality.

0:20:320:20:35

This means it's making a comeback,

0:20:350:20:38

even in the building of modern properties.

0:20:380:20:41

So, with some green ideas under their belt let's hope

0:20:410:20:43

we can find Helen and Robin their perfect home

0:20:430:20:46

where they can put some of them to good use.

0:20:460:20:49

Our second offering takes us further into Wales,

0:20:530:20:56

to the county of Denbighshire and the rural hamlet of Saron.

0:20:560:21:00

Close by is the town of Denbigh.

0:21:000:21:02

With more listed buildings than any other in Wales,

0:21:020:21:05

the town has been home to princes and earls,

0:21:050:21:08

revels and revolutionaries who have shaped the local architecture.

0:21:080:21:12

For nine centuries, the castle walls have protected the town where there

0:21:140:21:18

is a fine selection of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

0:21:180:21:23

Just over five miles away and nestled within a valley

0:21:230:21:25

in the foot of the Clwydian Hills, is our next property.

0:21:250:21:29

I wanted to bring you here partly because this is your paddock.

0:21:290:21:33

Right.

0:21:330:21:34

And this, should you accept the challenge, is your house and view.

0:21:340:21:39

-Wow!

-That is fantastic.

0:21:390:21:41

ALISTAIR LAUGHS

0:21:410:21:43

Absolutely fantastic.

0:21:430:21:45

-It's a lovely view.

-Yes, thank you, we'll take it.

0:21:450:21:48

-It's pretty special, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Gorgeous, yes.

0:21:490:21:53

And a solar panel already so we're starting off with the eco...

0:21:530:21:56

The green is already noticed.

0:21:560:21:59

What you're looking at is an old Welsh long house.

0:21:590:22:02

That long ridge to the left is the long house

0:22:020:22:07

and then there's a barn to the front that have been joined into one.

0:22:070:22:11

-It goes right back to the beginning of the 18th century, so 1717.

-Mm-hm.

0:22:110:22:16

-Shall we venture down?

-We should.

-Yes,

-please. This way.

0:22:160:22:20

'As an unconventional house,

0:22:200:22:23

'the accommodation is on various levels and was extended

0:22:230:22:26

'by the current owners to incorporate a converted barn in 2008.

0:22:260:22:30

'So, it presents our couple with a quirky blend of old

0:22:300:22:34

'and new features.

0:22:340:22:35

'Given their reactions outside, let's see what they make

0:22:350:22:39

'of the interior as we head to the historic heart of the house.'

0:22:390:22:43

And this is the kitchen. Now you see these fantastic kind of flagstones.

0:22:430:22:47

-Written on the beam there you can see 1717.

-This is lovely.

0:22:470:22:51

-It's a beautiful kitchen.

-How does it grab you for size?

0:22:510:22:54

The size, it's good.

0:22:540:22:56

It just seems to be spacious.

0:22:560:22:58

This side of the house is really heated by the range cooker there

0:22:580:23:01

-and by a big log burner.

-OK.

0:23:010:23:03

The other side of the house is underfloor heated

0:23:030:23:06

by a ground exchange system.

0:23:060:23:09

Wow, fantastic.

0:23:090:23:11

-You know that and that's what you were looking for.

-Yes.

-Indeed.

0:23:110:23:15

-Does it get the thumbs up?

-It does.

-It certainly does.

0:23:150:23:17

This is the older part, let's look at the new part.

0:23:170:23:20

'On the ground floor,

0:23:210:23:22

'the oldest part lies in one wing of the property.

0:23:220:23:25

'As well as the kitchen which we have just seen,

0:23:250:23:27

'there's also a utility room, a sitting room and two bedrooms.

0:23:270:23:32

'One is an attractive gust room

0:23:320:23:34

'and the sitting room features a wood burner.

0:23:340:23:37

'But we're going to explore the main living room in the more recent

0:23:370:23:40

'wing of the property, which is slightly elevated

0:23:400:23:43

'and so maximises those views across the valley.'

0:23:430:23:46

This side of the house is a real change of gear. Much more modern.

0:23:460:23:51

-Very nice.

-Lots of light, windows.

0:23:510:23:54

Looks like a balcony outside as well.

0:23:540:23:56

You've got a fantastically huge, sort of dining area, roof terrace.

0:23:560:24:00

And then a small balcony here which looks right over the Clwydian Hills

0:24:000:24:03

and the rising sun.

0:24:030:24:06

-What are you thinking, Helen? You're quiet.

-Just taking it in.

-Taking it in.

0:24:060:24:10

-Is that a good sign?

-Yes.

-I can't quite read her body language.

0:24:100:24:12

-No, no, no. It's a good sign.

-OK. Good.

-It's a good sign, yes.

0:24:120:24:16

-Quiet is good.

-Yes.

0:24:160:24:18

Helen will soon tell you if she doesn't like something.

0:24:180:24:21

Well, this is the sort of area here.

0:24:210:24:23

You've got another office next-door.

0:24:230:24:25

-But actually, your sleeping accommodation is underneath.

-Right.

0:24:250:24:28

'Well, what a difference a house makes.

0:24:280:24:31

'And there's still more to see.

0:24:310:24:34

'Downstairs, but still within the newer part of the property,

0:24:340:24:36

'there's a kitchenette and two good sized double bedrooms.

0:24:360:24:40

'One of these is currently being used as a gym

0:24:400:24:42

'and has its own en suite with the added bonus of a sauna.

0:24:420:24:45

'But as tempting as that may sound, we're heading to the master.'

0:24:450:24:49

-It's a house that just keeps on giving.

-It is.

0:24:490:24:52

Fancy waking up in the morning and just looking...

0:24:520:24:55

-You wouldn't draw the curtains, would you?

-It's a lovely view.

0:24:550:24:58

-And this part can be completely self contained area.

-Excellent.

0:24:580:25:01

It's fantastic. The house is unusual, it's quirky in its layout

0:25:010:25:05

but it's certainly very special.

0:25:050:25:08

Very good.

0:25:080:25:09

I am going to drag you out, confusingly, out into the garden now

0:25:090:25:12

to give you the price and to have a look at these lovely grounds.

0:25:120:25:17

'Outside to the front go the property there's a huge workshop,

0:25:190:25:23

'ideal for Robin, in particular, as it can be accessed from the house.

0:25:230:25:26

'Then for Helen, the extensive grounds here amount to four acres

0:25:270:25:31

'and include three separate paddocks which surround the property.

0:25:310:25:35

'Set within the ornamental gardens is a vegetable patch,

0:25:370:25:39

'a variety of fruit trees and a duck pond.

0:25:390:25:42

'I suspect these beautiful gardens surrounded by all this land

0:25:420:25:46

'might just be the icing on the cake.'

0:25:460:25:49

-Chickens, ducks...

-And a cat. Aw.

0:25:510:25:53

-And a cat. What more could you want?

-That's right.

0:25:530:25:56

It's a substantial property. What do you think it's on the market for?

0:25:560:25:59

It's definitely over our budget so I would say £410,000.

0:25:590:26:04

I'm going to go even higher. I'm going to say as much as £440,000.

0:26:050:26:09

They wouldn't be that cruel, would they?

0:26:090:26:11

-ALISTAIR CHUCKLES

-Would they?

0:26:110:26:13

You'd be surprised.

0:26:130:26:14

Well, once again, between you, you're pretty accurate.

0:26:140:26:17

We are a little cruel in the sense that it is officially

0:26:170:26:20

on the market for £425,000.

0:26:200:26:22

But we have spoken to the owner

0:26:240:26:26

and he has said he would take an offer at your top budget of 400.

0:26:260:26:30

Wow. That seems incredible for the quantity of the land

0:26:300:26:34

and for the size of the property.

0:26:340:26:36

-Yes.

-And with all the eco features already installed.

0:26:360:26:38

Well, go and explore and then I'll meet you at the front

0:26:380:26:40

-once you've got your bearings.

-OK.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

0:26:400:26:43

And you, yes, come back to me.

0:26:450:26:47

What do you think, Pussy, eh? Should they buy it?

0:26:470:26:50

ALISTAIR MIAOWS

0:26:500:26:52

Just over the maximum budget at £425,000,

0:26:530:26:57

but with the owner open to negotiation,

0:26:570:27:00

this extended Welsh long house combines a mix of traditional

0:27:000:27:03

and modernised character features.

0:27:030:27:05

With eco measures already in place

0:27:050:27:08

and four acres of land set within an idyllic rural location,

0:27:080:27:12

this property appears to suit our couple down to the ground.

0:27:120:27:15

It's a fantastic location. We're in lovely countryside here.

0:27:170:27:20

It's nice and quiet and peaceful.

0:27:200:27:22

The bonus, I think, is the eco features that already come with the house.

0:27:220:27:26

Really spectacular. This is a very big contender.

0:27:260:27:29

So, that one's all done for the day.

0:27:310:27:33

Got a little time to digest it.

0:27:330:27:36

-And then we'll regroup for tomorrow.

-Excellent. Thank you.

0:27:360:27:39

It's day two of our property search with Helen and Robin who,

0:27:450:27:49

after 12 years living in Normandy, France, want to help

0:27:490:27:52

themselves to a slice of country life by moving to north Wales.

0:27:520:27:56

Coming up: Our mystery property leads our couple

0:27:560:27:59

to have a change of heart when it comes to character features.

0:27:590:28:02

No exposed stonework or beams.

0:28:020:28:05

-So is no exposed stonework a good thing?

-Oh, yes.

0:28:050:28:09

And I head to Llandudno to take a tram trip down memory lane

0:28:090:28:13

and admire some of the best views in Wales.

0:28:130:28:16

-And you can see the town now opening up behind you.

-And the bay, look.

0:28:160:28:19

Beautiful.

0:28:190:28:20

Day two of our property search amongst the wonders of Wales

0:28:220:28:25

and I think we've probably got Helen and Robin hook, line and sinker

0:28:250:28:28

with the house yesterday.

0:28:280:28:29

But they do have to sell their property in France of course,

0:28:290:28:32

and we've got the Mystery House yet to come.

0:28:320:28:35

Now, this is a much more compact, much more simple

0:28:350:28:37

and beautiful property

0:28:370:28:39

but will it be enough to dislodge house number two from yesterday?

0:28:390:28:43

Let's find out.

0:28:430:28:44

For our mystery option, we're remaining in Denbighshire

0:28:450:28:48

and travelling to the tiny hamlet of Bont Newydd.

0:28:480:28:51

Nearby is the city of St Asaph where, set on the banks

0:28:510:28:55

of the River Elwy, is the smallest cathedral in Britain.

0:28:550:28:59

An important spiritual centre since 560 AD.

0:28:590:29:03

Today, the bustling high street features an array of shops

0:29:030:29:06

and cafes, as well as arts and craft galleries.

0:29:060:29:09

Located just over three miles downstream

0:29:110:29:14

and sitting neatly in a river valley is our mystery property.

0:29:140:29:18

For a couple who have lived in a large French farmhouse,

0:29:180:29:21

I couldn't resist showing them something with

0:29:210:29:24

historic Welsh roots as well as modern style.

0:29:240:29:27

But the compromise here is on the dimensions inside

0:29:270:29:30

and the gradient outside with not an eco feature in sight.

0:29:300:29:35

'This is the first time I've shown you a property that's

0:29:350:29:38

'actually in amongst other properties.'

0:29:380:29:40

It's nice to feel we've got immediate neighbours

0:29:400:29:42

that you can talk to and learn a little bit about the area,

0:29:420:29:45

and got to for help sometimes if you have a problem

0:29:450:29:48

and you don't know how to resolve it.

0:29:480:29:50

-So, the River Elwy here and then this is the Mystery House.

-Oh.

0:29:500:29:55

It's about 200 years old and the present owner's have spent 25 years

0:29:550:29:59

remodelling it in this incredibly, almost Zen-like perfection.

0:29:590:30:03

It does look very, very quaint.

0:30:030:30:06

-It does.

-Fantastic.

-Beautiful.

0:30:060:30:09

-Can't wait to see inside.

-Yes.

-So, follow me.

0:30:090:30:12

'Constructed during the early 19th century, this property,

0:30:120:30:15

'built from locally sourced stone and slate,

0:30:150:30:18

'was formerly two cottages.

0:30:180:30:19

'The Mystery House is the smallest of all the properties we've shown

0:30:210:30:24

'Robin and Helen in a bid to challenge their mind-set

0:30:240:30:26

'on the amount of space they're after from their new home.

0:30:260:30:30

'Although small, it's perfectly formed.

0:30:300:30:34

'It's been exceptionally renovated to a high spec throughout

0:30:340:30:37

'but I wonder if this is enough for them to see past the proportions?'

0:30:370:30:41

-Very nice.

-It's beautifully finished.

0:30:420:30:44

I love the wooden units here.

0:30:440:30:46

And the range stove as well,

0:30:460:30:47

-plenty of heat for the colder parts of the year.

-Yeah. Nice...

0:30:470:30:50

-Very nice.

-Nice light coming through.

-Yeah, both windows.

0:30:500:30:53

-Both sides.

-And the kitchen really, for us, is the focal point...

0:30:530:30:56

It's the heart of the home, isn't it?

0:30:560:30:58

Helen spends a lot of time in the kitchen

0:30:580:31:00

whether she's making pickles or herbal infusions.

0:31:000:31:03

And this is beautiful, this is ideal.

0:31:030:31:05

Behind you you've got a second kitchen which is a utility room

0:31:050:31:08

with all the fridges, the work surfaces.

0:31:080:31:10

They wanted to keep this as a sort of old school,

0:31:100:31:13

Welsh country kitchen, not with any kind of fitted units.

0:31:130:31:16

This is a bit of a wild card this house

0:31:160:31:19

because from your spec it's a bit too small.

0:31:190:31:21

But we are downsizing.

0:31:210:31:22

We do have to come to terms with the fact that we are downsizing.

0:31:220:31:26

This, actually, is the right size for a kitchen. It's ample space.

0:31:260:31:31

'It's a promising start inside so I'm intrigued to hear

0:31:310:31:35

'their thoughts on the size of the next room.'

0:31:350:31:38

Here's the sitting room.

0:31:390:31:41

-Slightly smaller than I'd thought but it works.

-Yes.

0:31:410:31:45

It's beautifully done.

0:31:450:31:46

What is the sort of vibe you're picking up from this place?

0:31:460:31:49

Very calm, very relaxing.

0:31:490:31:52

And welcoming.

0:31:530:31:54

You see this huge beam here, a local historian has traced that back as a

0:31:540:31:58

mahogany ship beam and that probably means it goes back

0:31:580:32:01

to the mid-1700s, early 1800s.

0:32:010:32:03

-Let's look at the sleeping accommodation.

-Lovely.

0:32:060:32:09

'It seems that the impeccable interior has indeed won them over

0:32:090:32:13

'but there's till more to explore.

0:32:130:32:15

'On the ground floor there's also an office which could be useful

0:32:150:32:18

'for either Robin's work or Helen's studies.

0:32:180:32:22

'Next, we're heading upstairs where there are a total of three bedrooms.

0:32:220:32:26

'There are two spacious double rooms and a small single.

0:32:260:32:30

'All the bedrooms are served by a well presented family bathroom

0:32:300:32:34

'which features a free standing bath.

0:32:340:32:37

'We're off to explore the master,

0:32:370:32:39

'pausing briefly to admire the landing.'

0:32:390:32:41

-You could have a little library here with the books and the view.

-Yes.

0:32:410:32:45

-Nice comfy chair to sit in.

-Yes.

0:32:450:32:47

-You don't get enough landings these days, do you?

-No.

0:32:470:32:50

-Ideal space for books and sitting and reading.

-Absolutely.

0:32:500:32:53

What a beautiful bedroom.

0:32:530:32:55

This is lovely, very nice. Well finished.

0:32:550:32:57

Nice and square, no exposed stonework or beams.

0:32:570:33:02

-So, is the no exposed stonework a good thing?

-Oh, yes.

0:33:020:33:05

There's almost a serene feeling if that's the right word to use.

0:33:050:33:09

I might rearrange the furniture

0:33:090:33:11

-so you wake up looking at this view over the river.

-Across the valley.

0:33:110:33:14

-You see the river...

-How Green Is My Valley?

-Yes.

-Very green.

-Very green!

0:33:140:33:19

The odd sheep walking around. Yes, very nice. It's a lovely spot.

0:33:190:33:21

Let's go look in the garden because that's obviously important for you guys.

0:33:210:33:25

'To the outside and front of the property there is a garage

0:33:260:33:29

'organised as a super neat workshop.

0:33:290:33:32

'To the rear, the gardens are carefully tiered

0:33:320:33:35

'and immaculately maintained.

0:33:350:33:37

'Interspersed with seating areas to take full advantage of the valley

0:33:370:33:41

'views, Helen might have to rethink her grand horticultural plans.

0:33:410:33:45

'There's also a summer house featuring a wood burning stove.

0:33:450:33:49

'With the house receiving resounding praise so far,

0:33:490:33:52

'I wonder if the lack of flat space out here for their dogs

0:33:520:33:55

'and future poultry, is going to be a sticking point?'

0:33:550:33:58

The issue, the fly in the ointment perhaps is that it's not huge.

0:33:590:34:02

These formal gardens are pretty much the extent of your land.

0:34:020:34:06

-It's terraced and that, for me, is a big compromise.

-Hm.

0:34:060:34:10

-I have to think about it.

-Yes, OK.

0:34:100:34:12

-But you do get the view.

-Yes, fantastic.

0:34:120:34:14

-A beautiful view across the valley. Yes.

-You see, that's the payoff.

0:34:140:34:17

-Yes. It's a lovely location.

-It's absolutely beautiful.

0:34:170:34:20

It is, it's a fantastic spot.

0:34:200:34:22

Of course, the question is, can you afford it?

0:34:220:34:25

What do you think the price of this one is?

0:34:250:34:27

I say it's one pound short of our budget.

0:34:270:34:30

So, £399,999.

0:34:300:34:35

I think I would venture as much as £415,000.

0:34:360:34:40

It is actually £5,000 short of your top budget.

0:34:400:34:44

It's on at £395,000.

0:34:440:34:46

-Wow.

-And it's worth it.

-Yes, yes.

-It's lovely.

0:34:460:34:49

Just below our buyers' top budget,

0:34:510:34:52

our mystery cottage with three bedrooms has been beautifully

0:34:520:34:56

restored to complement the original features of the property.

0:34:560:35:00

With an immaculately kept terraced garden and workshop,

0:35:000:35:03

it's located in the centre of a small hamlet.

0:35:030:35:05

-Holy...

-Wow!

0:35:080:35:10

Now this is a workshop and a half.

0:35:100:35:12

I don't think you'd see me much upstairs in the house

0:35:120:35:15

if I was down here working.

0:35:150:35:16

We could get one vehicle in and work round it.

0:35:160:35:19

-I think this is the best one we've seen.

-Yes...

-Workshop wise.

-Yeah.

0:35:190:35:23

This is just amazing.

0:35:230:35:25

It's everything I thought I didn't want and find that, actually,

0:35:250:35:29

I really do!

0:35:290:35:31

So, it's lovely, really lovely.

0:35:310:35:33

Why would any man want to leave this space really?

0:35:330:35:36

It's an ideal working space.

0:35:360:35:38

Truthfully, this is our ideal home.

0:35:380:35:41

My head's saying, "hang on, you need to think about this,"

0:35:410:35:44

but my heart and my head are going to have a quiet battle

0:35:440:35:47

all of their own and I know my heart's going to win so...

0:35:470:35:51

It's like the Mystery House is an evil genius that has upset

0:35:510:35:54

all their plans.

0:35:540:35:56

I think once Robin's seen that workshop,

0:35:560:35:57

Helens' going to have to settle for that as her vegetable patch.

0:35:570:36:01

-Did we win with the Mystery House?

-I think you might have done, yes.

0:36:030:36:06

Ah, good. Let's go and find a spot to think it all over.

0:36:060:36:10

Along the north Welsh coast lie two prominent limestone headlands

0:36:140:36:19

that sandwich the elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno.

0:36:190:36:23

Named the Great Orme and the Little Orme,

0:36:230:36:26

the larger of the two rises over 200 metres from the sea,

0:36:260:36:29

and on a clear day boasts, arguably, the best view in north Wales.

0:36:290:36:34

But in the late 1800s, visitors to Llandudno faced an exhausting hike

0:36:360:36:40

to enjoy the panorama.

0:36:400:36:42

So, a mile-long tramway was built that ferried passengers

0:36:420:36:46

through the town's narrow streets and up to the summit.

0:36:460:36:49

I'm meeting tram attendant Robert Donahue to hear about the only

0:36:490:36:53

cable hauled public tramway in the UK.

0:36:530:36:56

Remind me, what's the definition of a tram?

0:36:580:37:00

A tram is on a road whereas a railway runs off a road.

0:37:000:37:05

-So, this is a sort of half tram, half railway?

-Yes.

0:37:050:37:08

It's known as a tramway

0:37:080:37:10

but the upper section is across open country land.

0:37:100:37:12

How many people do you take up in a year, say?

0:37:120:37:16

We took just on 180,000 passengers last year.

0:37:160:37:19

-So it's a popular business.

-It is very popular, yes.

0:37:190:37:21

It's popular all year round.

0:37:210:37:23

-And are these the original carriages from the 1900s?

-Yes.

0:37:230:37:26

It's the original carriages built and first operated here in 1902.

0:37:260:37:29

-So, do I get to ride in the tramway?

-Certainly. After you.

-Thank you.

0:37:290:37:32

TRAM HOOTS

0:37:330:37:35

'The tram operates in pairs with the gravity of the descending car

0:37:350:37:39

'helping to pull its ascending partner up through the town.'

0:37:390:37:41

How fast are we going?

0:37:410:37:43

We're doing probably about four mile per hour at the moment.

0:37:430:37:46

-So you could walk up quicker?

-But your legs would know it.

0:37:460:37:48

-Your legs would hurt. It's pretty steep, isn't it?

-It is. It's one of the steeper sections.

0:37:480:37:52

You can see the town now opening up behind you.

0:37:520:37:55

-And the bay, look.

-Yes. There's the bay.

-Beautiful.

0:37:550:37:59

'Although each tram has an attendant, it's the person

0:37:590:38:02

'who actually winds the cable who holds the title of driver.

0:38:020:38:06

'Drivers are based at a station halfway along the track

0:38:060:38:09

'and it's here where we change carriages in order to continue on the second leg of the journey.'

0:38:090:38:14

-It's a bit parkier up here, isn't it?

-It's a lot fresher.

0:38:140:38:16

It's always a bit fresher on the top.

0:38:160:38:18

One of the original architects and designers was a doctor

0:38:180:38:21

and he believed this was the best air in the United Kingdom.

0:38:210:38:25

Plenty of fresh air. That's why, no windows.

0:38:250:38:28

'In total, the journey takes 20 minutes from these seafront,

0:38:280:38:31

'up the headland to our final destination.'

0:38:310:38:34

-Thank you very much, Bob. It's been a real joy.

-I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself.

0:38:360:38:40

Pleasure, I'm going to explore the summit. See you on the way down.

0:38:400:38:43

-You might do, yes.

-Enjoy yourself.

-Thanks now. Bye-bye.

0:38:430:38:45

At two miles long and a mile wide, the Great Orme is home to a

0:38:470:38:51

Bronze Age copper mine as well as a unique array of plants and wildlife.

0:38:510:38:55

In fact, the site's geology, wildlife,

0:38:550:38:58

archaeology and landscape are all protected

0:38:580:39:01

as an Area of Conservation and Special Scientific Interest.

0:39:010:39:04

Now under the care of the National Trust, the Trust's Jane Richardson

0:39:060:39:09

is giving me a heads up on the views from this magnificent vantage point.

0:39:090:39:14

If you look over that way, you start with Anglesey.

0:39:150:39:18

You come along the north Wales coast past Llanfairfechan and then

0:39:180:39:21

the majesty of Snowdonia and the Carneddau mountain range behind.

0:39:210:39:25

So, it's almost like a, sort of, best bits of north Wales.

0:39:250:39:28

How wonderful. So, if I came up here and had enough time

0:39:280:39:30

to explore the whole of the Great Orme when it was a lovely day,

0:39:300:39:34

what might I be lucky enough to come across?

0:39:340:39:36

The really, really special thing is the butterflies.

0:39:360:39:39

And if you came up here on a summer's evening

0:39:390:39:41

and you were walking along one of the paths in the quiet,

0:39:410:39:43

you might get the silver-studded blues just in a cloud

0:39:430:39:46

all around you and it would be unforgettable.

0:39:460:39:48

Amazing, and what about the future?

0:39:480:39:50

Are there plans the Trust have for the future of the Orme?

0:39:500:39:53

600,000 people a year come to visit.

0:39:530:39:56

The main bit on the top, which is the bit the Trust owns,

0:39:560:39:59

has always been out of bounds.

0:39:590:40:01

What we want to explore is, can we put footpaths through there?

0:40:010:40:04

The other really big priority is about opening up

0:40:040:40:06

the access for visitors and local people to enjoy.

0:40:060:40:09

What a delight to get a taste Llandudno's seaside heritage

0:40:100:40:13

but also the unique landscape and wildlife of its headland.

0:40:130:40:16

It's also good to know that this special part of the Welsh coast

0:40:160:40:19

is being preserved for future generations.

0:40:190:40:22

This is going to be a revealing chat because I would have put good money

0:40:290:40:32

on Helen and Robin going for house number two.

0:40:320:40:35

But the Mystery House may have knocked it out of the water.

0:40:350:40:38

Let's find out what they think.

0:40:380:40:39

It seems like the Mystery House caused a bit of a ruckus.

0:40:440:40:47

You were sailing straight towards the second house

0:40:470:40:50

but I think the Mystery House may have put a spanner in the works.

0:40:500:40:53

-Is that right?

-A huge spanner, yes.

-ALISTAIR CHUCKLES

0:40:530:40:55

Yesterday, we were convinced it was everything we'd asked for.

0:40:550:40:58

A large house, country location, land,

0:40:580:41:01

space for workshops and garage. Just everything we wanted.

0:41:010:41:04

So, what happened as you were walking round the Mystery House?

0:41:040:41:07

What was going through your head?

0:41:070:41:09

-Everything in it was as we would have it.

-It was very well done.

0:41:090:41:12

We could see straight away that our furniture would fit,

0:41:120:41:16

photographs would go on the wall.

0:41:160:41:18

The kitchen was a nice feature with the range.

0:41:180:41:21

The gardens being terraced were different to what we have now

0:41:210:41:25

but, as far as Helen's concerned, completely workable.

0:41:250:41:28

I think you were saying you were actually sold as soon as you

0:41:280:41:31

-saw the man cave, weren't you?

-Yes, let's be honest.

0:41:310:41:33

The workshop did sway it slightly,

0:41:330:41:35

I will be perfectly honest with you about that one.

0:41:350:41:37

You know all the tools don't come with the property?

0:41:370:41:40

-Oh, he's got the tools!

-OK, OK.

0:41:400:41:42

-Is that a house you would have visited?

-Actually, no, we wouldn't

0:41:420:41:45

because it didn't have any of,

0:41:450:41:47

what we thought of, as our specifications.

0:41:470:41:50

So, what happens next? What are the next steps for you?

0:41:500:41:52

Obviously, you've got your place in France to deal with.

0:41:520:41:55

Our next step is to go back home to France to speak with

0:41:550:41:58

the estate agents.

0:41:580:41:59

Find out what efforts they're making to sell our current property.

0:41:590:42:02

And we'd like to come back to Wales very soon and have another look.

0:42:020:42:06

Well, it's been very exciting because, you know, we set off

0:42:060:42:09

down one track and we sort of veered at the last moment down another.

0:42:090:42:12

But I really hope it works out and I do cross my fingers that the

0:42:120:42:16

place in France sells because it seems you're ripe for the move.

0:42:160:42:19

-Absolutely.

-Love to. Thank you very much.

0:42:190:42:21

-Bonne chance.

-Merci.

0:42:210:42:23

That was a wonderful journey from la belle France to wonderful Wales.

0:42:270:42:30

But I do hope that Robin and Helen manage to get

0:42:300:42:33

all their ducks in a row and move as quickly as possible

0:42:330:42:36

because that Mystery House really is an exceptional property,

0:42:360:42:39

even though it was not at all what they were looking for!

0:42:390:42:41

And I do hope that you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.

0:42:410:42:45

If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,

0:42:490:42:52

Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online at:

0:42:520:42:58

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