Wiltshire Escape to the Country

A small building on this ancient bridge behind me

was once used as the local jail.

And I must say, when it comes to enviable river views, well...

it's not the worst place in the world to be banged up, is it?

So where am I?

I'll be confessing all in just a moment.

Today, a dynamic house-hunting duo

has a promising start in their search

for a country home close to family.

Jonnie, I think you might be on a winner here.

Later, those positive reactions ramp up.

Oh, wow. That looks fantastic.

That has wow factor.

Today, I'm in Wiltshire,

and this is the attractive market town of Bradford on Avon.

There's been a settlement here by this river for over 2,000 years.

In fact, the town gets its name from the term "broad ford".

Now, it's just this river itself

that's key to the whole area's prosperity,

with attractive architecture spanning Saxon, Georgian,

right the way through the Industrial Revolution periods.

But, as you are about to see, this is just one snapshot of many

that this fascinating county has to offer.

Known as the gateway to the West Country,

landlocked Wiltshire is bordered by several counties,

including Somerset, Berkshire and Hampshire.

It's a region of contrasts, from its ancient sites such as Stonehenge,

said to have taken 30 million man-hours to construct,

to the famous white horses etched into its hillsides.

It's thought the oldest at Westbury

was first carved into the steep, chalky slopes in the late 1700s.

And it's certainly a great vantage point

for views across the stunning countryside.

Wiltshire's expansive plains give way

to an eye-catching carpet of rich, green fields in the Vale of Pewsey,

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The county's architecture is as historic as its landscape,

ranging from attractive white timber-framed cottages

and thatched roofs

and Georgian-style redbrick townhouses

to rather more decorative facades with feature windows.

With its prehistoric monuments, beautiful rural terrain

and traditional architecture,

Wiltshire offers the complete country package

for aspiring escapees.

But as you might expect,

the prettiness of Wiltshire does come at a cost.

The average price of a detached house here in the county

currently stands at just under £320,000,

which is around 12% above the national average.

But don't despair quite just yet.

There are variations within the county,

and if you want your budget to stretch that bit further,

you're better off heading towards the west of Wiltshire

and the Somerset border. So, who are today's buyers,

and why have they been tempted by the wilds of Wiltshire?

Let's meet them and find out.

Former dental nurse Elspeth and her retired dentist husband, Robert,

from Warlingham in Surrey,

were in rather a compromising position

during their first encounter over four decades ago.

We met over a patient when I was a dental student at Guy's Hospital.

And she was 19.

She was tall, slim, beautiful, with long, brown hair,

and so I spotted her immediately.

We started going out January 1973.

They were married five years later and now have two grown-up children.

We've got a gorgeous son, who's called Matt,

and we've got a gorgeous daughter called Heather.

And the magic bit about the two kids

is the fact that they both had children

within six weeks of each other.

So we've gone from not being grandparents at all

to having two of the most beautiful little grandchildren.

We're very proud of them. Proud grandparents.

Elspeth and Rob have lived in their four-bedroom Surrey bungalow

for 20 years, but are more than ready for a change.

I think our house has got to the stage where...

It's a little bit big for us.

Because, when we moved in, there were four of us,

whereas now, we rattle around a bit, don't we?

And it's family ties pulling them towards the west.

We're looking to move near the Bradford on Avon area

-to be close to our daughter, Heather.

-And my mum.

And your mum.

No, it's a beautiful area, and it's just time for a change.

I'd love to live down there,

and then I can be a proper granny and help out.

-Yeah.

-Which will be super. And you can be a proper grandad.

-Yeah.

Our son lives in West London, so, sort of being out in that corridor,

on the M4 corridor, would really be brilliant,

because it would take maybe an hour and a half to get up to west London.

Perfect. Then we can do the grannying on the other child.

SHE LAUGHS

This sporty pair are also looking forward to enjoying hobbies,

like rowing, closer to home.

I've racked up about 120,000 miles in one car

just going to the boat club and back.

I'd love to jump on a bike and cycle to the boat club.

That would be my dream.

Elspeth has a love of horses and is an accomplished rider,

but nowadays shares in Rob's sporting passion.

I joined Robert in learning how to row about 15 years ago,

and fell in love with that too.

But that's not all.

Elspeth's got plans to get green fingered,

and they're both looking forward to making the most

of their new country surroundings with their dog, Skye.

What's more, Rob's pride and joy, his classic sports car,

will also need a new shelter with this move.

So, with their house on the market and a zest for life,

they can't wait to be closer to family, an area they love

and a future of possibilities.

We've really enjoyed being here. Loved every minute of it.

But we're going to love new adventures

and doing different stuff.

That's what we want.

It's because we don't want to miss our grandchildren growing up,

and they're only young once.

And WE'RE only young once.

Our grandson is the love of my life,

and so to be able to just pop in and give him a cuddle

and say goodnight to him

and then just zoom home again easily would be a joy.

Although being closer to family is a draw for Elspeth and Rob

to move closer to Bradford on Avon,

they're looking to settle in the peaceful surrounding countryside.

Before we start our search,

I'm catching up with them here to find out more

about their property aspirations.

So, family are bringing you here,

but what is it about this part of the world

that's capturing your imagination, then, Rob?

It's halfway to the West Country, where we like going down to.

There's a particularly good rowing club here.

Talk me through the kind of village you would like to live in from now.

Quite sort of smallish.

Perhaps a good pub.

-Yeah.

-A little post office, perhaps.

Convenience store, maybe, even.

I think somewhere where people know...you know, know us.

It's community you're after, then?

You want to be part of that, of course.

Now, then, let's talk about the house itself.

What does it look like?

I mean, this county has just amazing architecture.

Do you want a piece of that old... old feel?

Trouble is that if it's too old, he's too tall.

-Yeah.

-OK.

-I think we're very anxious that we have a property

that doesn't require a huge amount of maintenance.

-OK.

-And it would be nice to have a good view.

Now, views. Views are important to both of you, aren't they?

Yeah. And somewhere quiet.

-Right, OK.

-So we don't want to be on a main road or a cut-through.

OK, that's fair enough.

-That's quite important.

-Now, size of property.

You've got your son up in West London,

-who'll be coming down to visit.

-Yeah.

-With grandchildren.

-How many bedrooms?

-Minimum three-bed.

OK.

It would be lovely to have a big entertaining space,

-cos we're quite big people.

-Mm-hm.

-Nice kitchen.

-Do you like open plan?

-That would be great.

-You've not really tied me down

-as to exactly what style of property you're after.

-Light.

-Light.

-You want light inside, then, obviously.

-Yes.

-OK.

-We need somewhere to park cars, and perhaps have a double garage.

How essential is this garage to you?

Quite essential, cos my car rusts like mad,

so it would be quite handy to have one.

We could get away with a single garage.

Yeah, we could.

Finally, what's the budget?

800.

-£800,000?

-Yeah, about 800.

-Which is a very healthy budget...

..in a pretty expensive part of the world.

But I think we can get there, or thereabouts.

-Yeah.

-Shall we go?

-Yeah, smashing.

-This way.

-OK.

Elspeth and Rob's budget of £800,000 is extremely healthy

for this neck of the woods.

So I'm feeling pretty confident as we get our search underway.

They want a manageable house and garden,

but, being a sociable couple, it must be geared up for entertaining,

with a large, light kitchen.

They're flexible on style but need three bedrooms,

a large garage for Rob's classic car,

and a quiet location with fabulous views.

We've assembled a fantastic mix of properties

to tempt Elspeth and Rob with,

but the all-important price will only be revealed

after they've explored each house.

The final visit to the mystery property

will offer this gregarious pair a grandiose option

in which to accommodate their visiting family and friends.

We're kicking off our trip round Wiltshire in the village of Corsley,

which is half an hour away from Elspeth and Rob's family

in Bradford on Avon.

The nearest towns are Warminster to the east,

and Frome to the west.

The countryside surrounding Corsley is rich and green,

with the village's quiet, narrow lanes bordered by hedges,

behind which are many attractive properties.

There are plenty of great spots for dog walks,

and there's a local pub nearby.

Just over a five-minute walk from the pub

and we're at this rather imposing property,

quite different to anything else in the area.

Now, then...

you're after a property of size.

I think this could do the job.

Yes. I think I like that.

-It's got an Alpine style to it.

-Yeah, it has.

I can imagine it in a ski resort in Austria.

Yeah. It's almost got that chalet style, hasn't it?

-OK, good. Let's go inside.

-OK.

This property is of an exceptionally high standard.

The current owners designed and built it 16 years ago

and chose everything down to the materials.

Right, then. Now, for Rob, you'll be pleased to hear,

behind that door is a boot room and a double garage.

Downstairs loo.

I think this is your most impressive room in the house.

What a lovely, big room.

Wow, this is fantastic.

Yes, I like this.

-It's a really, really good space.

-Let me walk you through,

-because the flow is really good in this house.

-OK.

Now, if you want to get your guests out of the way,

I think this is the perfect room to do it in,

while still being connected.

Again, spilling out into a really nice terraced area there.

It is, isn't it?

-But if you want to be cosy, this is the room to do it.

-OK.

The owners call this their best room.

-What do you think of it?

-Yes, I think it's a nice room.

Space is the most important thing, isn't it?

-And you've got plenty of that upstairs, so come with me.

-Yeah, OK.

Up a winding stairway, leading to a galleried landing,

there's a family bathroom with a skylight and four double bedrooms -

one currently in use as a study,

another that's dual aspect,

then there's a cosy double.

We're heading for the largest of the four,

which takes in some fabulous views.

Now, the master bedroom, as you could expect, is en suite,

with a big wardrobe just through those double doors as well.

Oh, great. Lots of storage.

-That's good.

-Yeah. Excellent size.

I was hoping this would be plenty of room for you.

-Yeah.

-Excellent.

-This is plenty big enough.

OK, well, look, these have been pretty good reactions so far.

-Yeah, excellent.

-I'll let you have a scoot around the house later on.

-Let's go out to the front of the house, OK?

-Right.

And we'll start talking about price.

It's at the front where the majority of the slightly sloping,

manicured garden is found,

with a lawn also wrapping round the side of the house.

What's more, there are decked areas

which, on a bright day, are real sun traps.

And at the rear of the property is the double garage

and also the fantastic views.

So, as you can see, this house has been designed with socialising

and a bit of outdoor living in mind,

but also being able to escape from the weather under various shelters.

-That's a good idea.

-Excellent idea.

So, after a brief look around this house,

let's guess the price. Who wants to go first?

-Elspeth first.

-Good man!

I would say 785.

OK.

I'm going to go lower.

750.

Well...

..Rob, you're closest, but you'll both be pleasantly surprised,

because the asking price for this place is offers around £675,000.

Wow! We're way out.

-Way out.

-Gosh.

-That's a lot of house for your money.

Go back inside the house and give it a good go.

Have that chat amongst yourselves.

Could you imagine yourselves in this house, long-term?

-And I'll meet you whenever you're done.

-OK. Smashing.

-Good luck.

-OK.

This bespoke-designed chalet-style stone house

has a price tag that's a jaw-dropping

£125,000 below Rob and Elspeth's budget,

and delivers them all the space and light they're looking for.

There's a great entertaining kitchen

and one more bedroom than they asked for.

Rob gets his essential double garage here,

and there are also those sought-after countryside views.

What's more, the village location

is perfect for community life.

This sort of property, although it's modern, it would suit us very well.

We're very flexible on which style of property we have.

Yes, I quite like this property.

Immediately we came down the drive, I thought, "Wow.

"It looks like an Austrian sort of house in a ski resort."

But, when we went inside,

I was quite impressed with the amount of space, initially.

I think Elspeth and I both have the same sort of taste

when it comes to houses, and usually she's always right.

So lots of rooms to look around and decorate, maybe configure.

Absolutely. And maybe make use of the view out the back.

It does seem a bit wasted, doesn't it?

I know it's south-facing, but that is a tremendous view.

It is. It's just such a shame not to maximise.

-And you know me and my view.

-I know. Well, I'm starting to learn.

Well, hopefully this has given you somebody think about.

-Onward and upward. Come with me.

-OK.

When they make their move to the Bradford on Avon area,

Elspeth and Rob are looking forward to making the most of the River Avon

and the Kennet and Avon Canal, which both wind through the town.

As keen rowers for years,

they've now got their sights set on kayaking,

and have come to meet expert kayaking coach Mike Purchas

at the Bradford on Avon rowing and canoeing club

to learn how to master one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.

Our novice pair are confident swimmers,

but there are still safety measures to take.

What happens if we capsize?

If you capsize, leave the kayak upside down,

because that contains air inside,

and then swim to the end of the kayak,

and then try and bring it into the bank.

In this case, I'll be there to help you.

With the safety briefing over, it's time to learn how to hop on board.

Step into the centre of the kayak.

Yeah.

Still holding on firm. And then let yourself down.

-And then you're ready to go.

-Fine.

Well, Mike's made it look easy, and it's Elspeth who's up first.

-Try and get your left leg in, if you can. That's good.

-Oh...

Try and get your bum down quickly.

-One hand on the bank. Keep one hand on the bank.

-Ohh!

-I've landed.

-That's fine.

-Excellent.

SHE LAUGHS

Hold on to the cockpit.

One hand on to the bank.

-One hand...

-Yeah.

-..in there?

-Yeah.

Try and lower yourself down slowly.

That's it. That's good.

You OK? How does that feel?

Yeah, good.

Mike's got 55 years' kayaking under his belt

and loves sharing his passion for the sport.

Just relax, Robert.

Arms up a little bit.

That's good.

Excellent, excellent. How does that feel?

Yeah, I'm getting... I'm feeling a bit happier.

-OK. Robert?

-Not quite so wobbly.

-Yeah, OK now, actually.

Basic paddling stroke is into the side of the kayak...

-OK.

-In and then out.

Right, OK.

Another important stroke is knowing how to stop.

If you are paddling forward, you just

put all anchors on...

Like that, OK.

..and then back-paddle, OK?

Does that feel nice and steady in there?

-Yeah, it does, actually.

-Very good. Very good, Robert.

-Very good.

-She's good, isn't she?

ROB LAUGHS

This is great! It's fantastic.

-Yeah.

-I always want a new challenge.

This is definitely going to be one.

-What are your thoughts?

-It felt a bit scary to start with,

but you soon kind of get the feeling and get your balance a bit.

Yeah. You were going along like a train.

You were quite professional there. Really good.

It was really great.

It was good being on the water, and, yeah, couldn't have been nicer.

-It was great fun.

-You did really, really well.

Thank you so much for your time. We really appreciate it.

-Thank you very much.

-Thanks a lot.

-Thank you.

-Excellent.

Our next stop is the village of Westwood,

around two miles from Bradford on Avon,

and just 15 minutes from Elspeth and Rob's daughter.

Westwood really showcases that attractive Bath stone,

which includes its magnificent medieval church,

whose distinctive and beautifully carved stone tower

can be seen from miles around.

Back in Westwood, there's a great village pub

just over a five-minute walk from our next house,

which has a story to tell, along with fabulous panoramic views.

I think I wanted you to come inside

to get a real first impression of this place. It's an old school.

-OK.

-Mid-19th century. What's going through your minds?

-What do you think?

-Yeah, I like the look of it from the outside.

It looks unusual, a bit quirky.

-Quite plain.

-Quite plain.

I think the way it's been converted over the years is very sympathetic

-but it's almost been converted with you both in mind.

-Ooh!

What were your first impressions when you walked through that gate?

-"Where's the garage?"

-Well...

that could be a garage but that is now a fantastic office

with amazing views. The guy who lives here,

you can take over the rental of his garage in the village.

Excellent. Yeah, well, that sounds good.

My only slight reservation is parking for cars.

Where do guests park when they come and see you?

-Is this the only bit of garden?

-It is, yeah. You've got...

two car parking spaces there.

If you really wanted, you could put cars in here.

It depends how much garden you want.

-But there is a bit of outside space that goes around the house.

-OK.

-We didn't really want that much gardening to do.

-No.

It's good, actually. It's ideal -

just one step backwards, one step forwards with the lawnmower.

THEY LAUGH

-Let's go inside. Come with me.

-Fantastic.

The original part of this property was built in 1841 from local stone.

It was a primary school until 1976,

and became a family home ten years later.

We're going back to school through the door

which used to be the boys' entrance.

Well, you've got a really nice entrance hall with an office off it.

And then straight into your huge living room.

Oh, fantastic.

-I like this.

-Come in and get a good look at this view.

Yeah. Oh-ho-ho!

That's the business.

-This is super.

-And it's nice and quiet in here.

You can't really hear the road.

-The house is orientated away from that road.

-Yeah.

It's ticked a few of our boxes.

-So far, so good.

-Good. This way.

Next door serves up a huge, bright kitchen-diner,

which I am sure they'll like.

Okey dokey.

I like-y.

Lovely family area.

I like it a lot, actually.

And that's the old girls' entrance,

which they've turned into a utility room,

so all the gubbins is out of the way. Domestic bliss.

So far, Jonnie, I think you might be on a winner here.

Well, I hope so. What we'll do,

we'll walk out through this way and go upstairs to the bedrooms.

-Follow me.

-OK.

Also on the ground floor and keeping the old school memories alive

is a cloakroom, once the school secretary's office

and still furnished with the original quarry floor tiles.

Moving upstairs, there's a large family shower room

and four bedrooms - a decent-sized double,

along with a slightly more snug one with a skylight.

There's also a bright double with feature windows

that benefits from a light, bright en suite.

Finally, at the back of the house is an expansive double

with a row of windows that allows in lots of light

and those priceless countryside views.

Well, this bedroom is the one that certainly gets the views.

Oh, wow, that's fantastic.

I'd be quite inspired in here, I think.

I just want to jump on the bed and peer out there right now.

THEY LAUGH

You'd struggle to get up in the morning.

-That's the thing, isn't it?

-Yes.

What's the feel, the vibe you're getting?

-Cos you haven't bought a house for 20-odd years.

-No.

Do you like the vibe the house gives?

I'm getting the same vibes that I got when we bought our last place.

-Oh, really?

-Yeah.

-Oh, fantastic.

Yeah, the views, and it's just there's a nice feel to the place.

-It feels sort of cosy.

-Could you imagine us living here?

-I certainly could.

-Oh, really?

-Yeah.

-Oh, brilliant.

Well, this sounds very encouraging.

Let's go back downstairs and just sort of soak up these views

but also start thinking about how much this house costs.

-Right.

-Uh-oh.

-After you.

-Thank you.

Outside, there's a terrace

surrounded by well-planted shrubs and flower beds,

with spectacular views as far as the eye can see.

Although this property may not have the largest garden,

it does have plenty of great little spots

from where to soak up the surrounding views, including a hot tub.

-Look at that view.

-That is stunning, and I wanted to commune with the sky

and you sure can here.

If you look over there, that's the Westbury Horse, look.

Oh, wow! And I used to have a white horse too!

Oh, it's an omen.

OK, so it's time to guess the price.

I would say 685.

OK. Elspeth, can you do any better?

I would say 725.

You're in for a bit of a shock, then.

This place is on the market for offers around £795,000.

-Oh-ho-ho!

-Quite a bit above your guess.

THEY LAUGH

Well, I was way out before and I'm way out again.

So at least I'm consistent.

Well, it's interesting. These are the best reactions you've had

-of a house.

-Yeah, definitely.

-And it's been your lowest guess.

ROB SIGHS

I think he was being ever hopeful.

Could this be the house for you at the right price?

-It could well be.

-Well, we'll find out later.

-Go back inside and I'll catch you in a minute.

-OK.

This converted school, built from Bath stone,

has nudged in at £5,000 under

Elspeth and Rob's top budget

and still manages to offer them

practically everything they're looking for

in a desirable spot close to their relatives.

The kitchen-diner and living room are both perfect for entertaining,

and upstairs, there's one more bedroom than they asked for.

The garden is a manageable size with wonderful views,

and although the garage has been transformed into an office,

there is the option of renting a nearby shelter for Rob's car,

and the village location is ideal.

When I walked through the front door, I just thought, "Wow."

It's got that wow factor of space.

It's so light, and the view is stunning.

But the house itself, the rooms are, as I say,

beautifully spacious, and I could really see all our things here.

So all done inside?

-Absolutely.

-Still beaming?

-Still beaming.

-Yes.

Good. Well, hopefully this is something to really consider.

-Time now for something different. Come with me.

-Right.

For our final visit, to the mystery house,

we're journeying to the village of Kington St Michael.

It's just over 11 miles from Elspeth and Rob's daughter

near Bradford on Avon,

and just over three miles to the market town of Chippenham.

Kington St Michael is a thriving village offering residents

a chance to really become part of the busy local community,

with a village club, its own hall, cafe, shop and a pub.

In the middle of the village, we find our mystery house,

which might be slightly further from family

than Elspeth and Rob would like,

but I'm hoping the space and style on offer here

makes this outstanding property worth the journey.

Now, I'm starting to get the impression that

coming to Wiltshire is almost to the manor born.

-LAUGHING:

-Yes, I think so!

And this is as close to the manor as I could get you,

cos the manor house is there,

and we're going to be looking around the old coach house.

Oh, wow, that looks fantastic.

That has wow factor.

She's a beauty, isn't she?

-Yeah, it's absolutely gorgeous.

-Absolutely magnificent.

-Good. Let's go inside.

-OK.

Although the mystery property

sits in the shadow of the neighbouring manor house,

it's by no means modest in size.

The oldest part of this old coach house dates back to the late 1700s,

with various later additions,

including the handsome Georgian facade.

Good grief. Look at this!

We're entering the single-storey part of the property,

turning left, heading straight to the kitchen

at the back of the main part of the house.

First of all, you think, "Well, this is it."

It's quite long and thin, almost galley-style, isn't it?

But it gets better as we walk through.

Now, pausing just here, I know you like flow and open plan...

That's a pretty room, isn't it?

Next door to the dining room is a sunny breakfast room

running from the front to the back of the house,

with French windows to the garden at one end

and a picture window at the other,

with a sweeping spiral stairway in the centre.

Now, look at this space here.

Well, I think I'd have this as the main kitchen.

-Yeah.

-Wouldn't you?

-It's crying out for it.

-Definitely.

-Through here - a living room. Come with me.

-OK.

The large living room adjoining the open-plan breakfast room

is also on a grand scale.

Our rather quirky mystery house has certainly come up trumps with space.

OK, so, I know you like big living rooms.

I know you like big everything, really, don't you?

Yes, well, I've gone for a big husband so...

-And he fits in here, doesn't he?

-I certainly do.

-He does.

I mean, yes, this is a big room. A little bit...

..I suppose "soulless" is the word that comes to mind for me.

Well, look, you asked for space and you've got it.

But this is a true mystery house. It's got you thinking.

-It's like a baronial hall, isn't it? It's magnificent.

-It is.

-Is it too big, then?

-No, no, it's lovely.

-I

-think it's too big.

-You do?

-I do.

-Oh, no. I love it.

The extensive living space here

is beginning to stray beyond Elspeth's comfort zone.

But there's even more to explore on this expansive floor.

There's a single-storey wing, comprising a games room

plus a double bedroom with en suite, along with a utility room.

Our mystery house has begun to divide their opinion,

but perhaps the upstairs will unite them once more.

There's the stylish family shower room and three bedrooms -

a double at the back,

a large double at one side of the house,

and on the other side of a galleried landing

is the master bedroom, with its own en suite.

Now, you get two equal-sized bedrooms either end of the upstairs,

but I think this has the nicer view of the manor house.

Oh, gosh, that's beautiful, isn't it?

Now, bedroom - size-wise?

-Fabulous.

-It's just the right size, perfect.

You seem quite happy here.

-Yeah, I love it.

-Is it just because it's massive?

I could see me here, I'd become lord of the manor!

-Well, you're pretty close to it!

-Yes.

I like something a bit different.

I think I would be rattling around,

wishing people were here apart from...

Obviously, I thoroughly enjoy your company...

Grandchildren, they could come down, stay long weekends.

It'd be wonderful.

Let's go outside, look at the outside space

-and start having a think about price.

-Oh, gosh.

-Looking forward to this.

-OK!

While Elspeth seems daunted by the space inside,

Rob already has visions of family staying.

But we've still got the garden to inspect.

It's of a reasonable size, completely manageable

and thoughtfully designed around a large walled courtyard.

There's plenty of space for parking,

plus Rob's all-important garage.

Now, outside space...

You probably get as much as we've seen, actually.

-Low-maintenance.

-I love it.

People did used to call you Lord Pinkney of Peckham.

-Yes!

-There you go.

Well, it's been fun looking around the place.

Now you've got to try and price it.

Who wants to go first?

I think I'm going to guess this one bang on the nail.

I would say it's over budget, about 850, 875.

-OK.

-Yep.

-Elspeth?

-It's so beautifully done and it's a magnificent property.

I think, like Rob, I think I would say 820.

It's on the market for offers around £785,000.

-Oh!

-Gosh, you get an awful lot of property for your money, don't you?

-Yeah.

-Goodness.

-So, you know the price, go back inside, discover it,

fight it out amongst yourselves and I'll catch you when you're done.

-OK.

-OK.

-See you in a mo.

Our mystery coach house

is a surprising £15,000 below Elspeth and Rob's budget.

The super-sized proportions give them

a wealth of open-plan, bright spaces they wanted,

and it's perfect for entertaining.

There's one more bedroom than they asked for

and, outside, there's a low-maintenance,

attractive courtyard garden.

What's more, Rob gets his garage,

and there's a thriving community

on their doorstep.

The mystery house, I think, is absolutely incredible.

It's huge.

But I think the practicalities of needing to heat it, clean it,

fill it with people and fill it with life...

It feels to me as though

it's just waiting for a lovely family to live here.

My initial impression when I walked down the drive was,

"Wow and double wow."

I just loved the look of the place.

It's nice and big, nice and airy.

Even though we wanted a smaller house, to downsize,

as soon as I saw it, I just thought, "Wow."

-Now, then, you haven't fallen out, have you?

-No. Not quite!

You don't look like a man that's got his own way, which is...

-Well, it's disheartening for...

-I never get my own way, Jonnie.

Well, hopefully, we've shown you

at least one house that's in the running.

Let's find somewhere for you to have a chinwag,

-and then we'll all catch up. Yeah?

-Excellent.

-Let's go.

Well, I think we could all see that Rob really fell

for that huge mystery property. But, personally,

I'm not convinced it's done enough to beat that house with the views.

So let's catch up with them and find out.

OK, you've had a discussion.

What's the plan? Have you got a favourite?

Well, I do.

She goes her way, and I go her way.

That sounds very sensible.

So your favourite house is...?

-The one with the view.

-Yes, it was gorgeous.

-The views were stunning.

-Now, the view, of course,

that was one of the big things we had to put a tick against

but you wanted to be within striking distance of Bradford on Avon.

-Very important.

-You're a mile away with that house.

-Perfect.

-Yeah.

What about the whole layout of the house?

Cos you wanted big rooms all along, didn't you?

I think that worked really well -

that gorgeous big lounge that all our furniture will fit in.

Yeah. You've agreed,

the house with the views is your favourite between you.

What about the mystery house, Rob?

You seemed to fall head over heels for that place.

And it was definitely WOW.

-Do you still love it?

-I do, but it would be...

slightly impractical, really.

It was just a bit too big, you know, for the two of us,

which it would be most of the time.

I thought it really brought into definition how perhaps I thought

that the house with the view might not have been downsizing enough

for somebody of our age group. Right.

But when we went to that big mystery house,

it made me realise that the size of the one with the view

was actually perfection.

And I saw fantastic reactions from you guys in the house with the views.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-You both really seemed to enjoy looking round that house,

-so what's next?

-Well, I think a second viewing, definitely.

Definitely a second viewing.

And then, most probably, discussion with them on price.

Let us know what happens, how you get on with that second viewing.

-We certainly will.

-And if we buy it,

-we'll stick your picture over the fireplace.

-Don't devalue it, please.

Come on! I've got to advise you against that.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much.

Well, Rob and Elspeth gave me quite an exacting wish list, didn't they?

But I must say, to find a property with brilliant views,

all that space to entertain, even with a good-sized budget,

that close to Bradford on Avon wasn't easy,

so I do hope they take full advantage of this second viewing

and really seriously consider this as an option

to escape down here to Wiltshire.

I wish them both the very best of luck.

See you next time.

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