0:00:02 > 0:00:03This Grade I-listed building may look like
0:00:03 > 0:00:07an imposing medieval fortress built to withstand a siege
0:00:07 > 0:00:10but, in fact, its history doesn't go quite that far back.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Today, we're helping an expat couple return to their roots
0:00:34 > 0:00:39and it looks like the welcome home party could soon be in full swing.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40We can have a dance in there.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42That's lovely.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47And another rustic British feature really gets them fired up.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- It's got a stable door that leads out into the...- Ah!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52I absolutely adore stable doors.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Today, I'm in Cheshire and this is Peckforton Castle.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Built in the style of a medieval castle,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04it's actually a vast Victorian country house
0:01:04 > 0:01:09constructed just 170 years ago by Cheshire's largest landowner,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Lord John Tollemache.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14This grand design is just one of many highlights
0:01:14 > 0:01:17this beautiful county has to offer.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21The county of Cheshire is situated in the north of England,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25bordered by Derbyshire to the east and Wales to the west,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and covers an area of some 900 square miles.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31When it comes to the property market here in Cheshire,
0:01:31 > 0:01:36the average price of a detached home here is around £260,000.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39That's about £20,000 below the national figure.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Prices are by and large more reasonable in the west,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46towards the Welsh border, than in the east, nearer Manchester.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Move further south, though, away from Manchester's cultural centre,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53towards towns like Sandbach and Congleton
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and your money will go that little bit further.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59So what's luring today's buyers to this lovely county?
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Expats Reynaldo and Trish live in Dusseldorf, Germany,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and have been married for six years,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12but they're now temporarily back in the UK to begin their house-hunt.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14A well-travelled couple,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18when Reynaldo, who's originally from Scotland, first met Trish,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20they didn't exactly hit it off.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22She worked for a major airline on the bookings desk
0:02:22 > 0:02:26and he was her least favourite frequent flyer.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30For five years, we constantly went out of each other's way.
0:02:30 > 0:02:36One day, I went to book a ticket to go to Scotland.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39I turned around and, lo and behold,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41it was Trish.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43We both sort of looked at it as much to say...
0:02:43 > 0:02:44"Oh, no."
0:02:44 > 0:02:48And then I said the immortal words, "I'm just a pussycat."
0:02:48 > 0:02:50And she said, "You're not a pussycat."
0:02:50 > 0:02:53And, lo and behold, one and a half hours later,
0:02:53 > 0:02:54we're still talking
0:02:54 > 0:03:00and, a year to that day, we got married in Mauritius.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Trish has lived in Germany for 45 years,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06moving there after holidaying in the country as a student,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09and Reynaldo has spent much of his career in engineering,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11travelling the world,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15but, having both recently retired, they now want to return to UK soil.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I would be the world's biggest hypocrite
0:03:18 > 0:03:20to say life in Germany is horrible. It isn't.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23There are some very good things about Germany.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26But it really is a mentality thing.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Even after all this time,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32we don't feel perfectly at home there
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and that's what we really miss.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38And the timing of the move is also due in part
0:03:38 > 0:03:41to Reynaldo's recent spell of ill health.
0:03:41 > 0:03:462013, I had a big operation for cancer.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Trish was there holding my hand the whole way
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and I don't think I'd have got through it without her.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52And that's what Trish means to me.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53Everything.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57They've chosen Cheshire for their homecoming
0:03:57 > 0:04:00as it's where Trish spent a happy childhood.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I have fond memories of my dad coming home on a Friday night,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07putting us in the car and us all going out on a nice summer evening
0:04:07 > 0:04:10for a picnic in the Cheshire countryside.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14I like it also. And, although I'm from north of the border,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17I'm quite happy to come to Cheshire.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19As well as seeing more of their family,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22including Reynaldo's two grown-up sons,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25they hope their relocation to the UK will also allow them
0:04:25 > 0:04:28more time to indulge in their hobbies.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29We want to go and play golf.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I already play. I've played all around the world.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35But, you know, I have bought Trish's golf clubs.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39We've them in the packaging now for about three years
0:04:39 > 0:04:45and, when we get back, we intend to play golf together in the UK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Despite the enormity of the move,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49they're looking forward to making a new home
0:04:49 > 0:04:52in what would be their first shared property purchase.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I'm really excited about coming home and living a normal life
0:04:57 > 0:05:02with meeting friends, going for a Sunday lunch.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04We want to buy this house together.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09We're looking forward to doing things and planning things together
0:05:09 > 0:05:11for our life back home.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15For work and family commitments,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19our buyers want to be based within an hour of Manchester Airport
0:05:19 > 0:05:23as well as major transport connections to the rest of the UK.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25And we're all meeting up in the county
0:05:25 > 0:05:28to finalise the specifics of their homecoming.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Lovely to meet you, Trish and Reynaldo.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Lovely to meet you too. - Welcome to Cheshire.- Thank you.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Now, what brings you to this part of Great Britain?
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Well, this is the part of the UK that I grew up in,
0:05:41 > 0:05:46so I have really, really fond memories of this particular area.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49And it's actually a halfway house for us,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53because Reynaldo has relatives in Scotland.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58I have... Oh, we both have relatives in the London area,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00so it's a nice halfway house, really.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03And what are you both looking for in a property here in Cheshire?
0:06:03 > 0:06:08Well, what we want is something with kerb appeal.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Obviously, we'd like it modern inside,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12because that's what we prefer.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Just a nice-looking property with minimum three bedrooms.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I'm not averse to large rooms.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I just think it's more space to breathe.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Trish, has Reynaldo left anything out?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Well, I'd like a manageable garden.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I think Reynaldo would like a little bit more space,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32but I'm going to be the one
0:06:32 > 0:06:37who's going to have to do the work or the gardening, so...
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- So you're being the sensible one? - Well, that's right.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43That's probably how it's going to be the whole way with us.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Reynaldo is very much the heart and I'm the head.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Good to note. Good to know early on.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- I'm a softie.- We have actually missed out something.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54It's important to be close to...
0:06:54 > 0:06:58well, within walking distance of a nice pub
0:06:58 > 0:07:00where we can go and have Sunday lunch.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Now, you talked about a modern interior.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04What about the exterior of the property?
0:07:04 > 0:07:07What kind of style are you looking for?
0:07:07 > 0:07:11For me, anything pre-1930s,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13whether it's Victorian or whatever.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Whether we're going to get a Georgian mansion for Reynaldo
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- is debatable.- I don't think so.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Remind me of your budget. How much have we got to spend?
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Well, our budget is £450,000.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29OK. And how soon can you move?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- We're ready to move straight away. - We're ready to go.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33We were ready three years ago.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Let's not waste any time then.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- We've got three properties lined up for you. Let's go.- Wonderful.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47For a top budget of £450,000,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51our challenge is to find Trish and Reynaldo an attractive period home
0:07:51 > 0:07:55with three bedrooms, modern, spacious proportions
0:07:55 > 0:07:57and an easy to maintain garden.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00The location should be nearby to a golf course
0:08:00 > 0:08:02and, after some 40 years living abroad,
0:08:02 > 0:08:07they're particularly keen to be walking distance from a local pub.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10We have a superb variety of homes to serve up,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12but I'll be keeping the price a guessing game
0:08:12 > 0:08:15until we've had a good look around each first.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Then, to finish up our tour,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19we're turning back time with the Mystery House
0:08:19 > 0:08:23that's full of Cheshire promise but which may well divide the camp.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31So, how is this property hunt going to work?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Who makes the final decisions?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37We really, really do think the same way.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's quite refreshing, actually,
0:08:40 > 0:08:45to find someone that actually thinks the same way as I do myself.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47We don't always agree.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54We're starting our property search right up in the north of the county
0:08:54 > 0:08:56in the small village of Great Budworth.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59Perched on a hill,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Great Budworth overlooks one of the county's meres, or lakes,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and is arguably one of Cheshire's prettiest settlements
0:09:05 > 0:09:07with narrow, cobbled streets
0:09:07 > 0:09:10lined with a range of architectural styles.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Notable landmarks include a charming village pub,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17parts of which date back to 1722,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19and a redundant telephone box
0:09:19 > 0:09:21which has been converted into a book exchange,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25almost certainly the smallest library in the county.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Our first property is just a five-minute walk away
0:09:28 > 0:09:29from the village centre
0:09:29 > 0:09:33and less than a ten-minute drive from the nearest golf course.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35This is house number one.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Oh, very pretty. - Yeah, that's very nice.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's a very good-looking house.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44It was actually built in the 1950s, so not an old house at all.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46And the symmetry of the house,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49it kind of reminded me of a Georgian house.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- Yes.- Am I stretching it too far?
0:09:50 > 0:09:54No, it's definitely got the appearance of a Georgian house.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57It's definitely got kerb appeal and that's what I do like.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Yes, it's very nice and the garden looks absolutely fabulous.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Manageable.- Very manageable for my wife.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08The family have done a really good job with the inside.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- I can't wait to see it. - Let's go and have a look.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16Originally a red-brick cottage dating to the 1950s,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18this semidetached property was extended to the side
0:10:18 > 0:10:22around nine years ago, doubling its size.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27It seems we have delivered on that exterior charm Reynaldo was after,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29so let's find out if the interior
0:10:29 > 0:10:31will also match up to their exacting vision.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Come in.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Oh. Yeah.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- This is quite nice and light, isn't it?- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45I think it's a really nice entertaining space.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Very good start.- It is nice.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49With the French doors straight out onto your garden.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- That is lovely.- Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Double Belfast sink.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Could you imagine yourselves in this kitchen?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Yes.- Yes.- Yes, I think so.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Good start, then.- Very good start. - On to the lounge.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Oh, this is a good size. - This is nice.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12A little bit dark.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Yeah, first impressions are a little bit on the dark side.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Fabulous fireplace.- Beautiful.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20They've actually done it up very nice.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Well, this is an extension added nine years ago.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Really?- You really wouldn't know that, would you?
0:11:24 > 0:11:28No. The house actually finished there, so this is the extension.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's been well done, yes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34I could imagine it could be quite cosy.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Yes, we could definitely live with this.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39This is quite nice.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42This triple-aspect living room with its high ceiling
0:11:42 > 0:11:44completes the ground floor tour.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Upstairs there are four bedrooms,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49one more than our couple asked for.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51These include a guest double,
0:11:51 > 0:11:52a smaller double
0:11:52 > 0:11:56and a single room overlooking the front of the house.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58A modern family bathroom serves these bedrooms,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02which just leaves the largest one for our buyers.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08This property comes with a master suite.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Does that mean it has a dressing room as well?
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Dressing area and an en-suite.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Trish would love that. - Perfect for Reynaldo.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Now, who wants it the most?
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- Probably me.- I want it the most, but Reynaldo needs it the most.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I've got the most clothes.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28And dual-aspect windows in the bedroom.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29It's very, very nice.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33I would have preferred it slightly larger,
0:12:33 > 0:12:38but, because it has the dressing area, it could work.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39Well, you've seen most of the house.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Let's see if the garden is to your liking.- All right.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Then we can talk about the price. - Yes.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51A warm reaction to this extended 1950s cottage,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55although I'm sensing Reynaldo is after a bit more space.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57But, outside, there's parking for two cars
0:12:57 > 0:12:59in a large timber-framed garage.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Then the garden wraps itself around the house and is mainly lawn,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06with well-stocked beds and mature trees
0:13:06 > 0:13:09offering a high level of privacy.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Prettily done. Very nice.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Well, is it worth considering?
0:13:14 > 0:13:15How much is it on the market for?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Who'd like to guess first?
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Well, I'll go first.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I was thinking about 410-415.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Well, I think it's probably going to be a little bit more than that.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28I would go about 435.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30OK.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35It's actually on the market for £375,000.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36That's a surprise.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- A pleasant surprise. - That really is a surprise.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43And it makes you look at the house with different eyes.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44Now that you know the price,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47do you want to go and have another look around the house
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- and I'll meet you out the front in a bit?- All right. Thank you.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Under budget by a huge £75,000,
0:13:59 > 0:14:04our first house is an extended 1950s cottage-style family home.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Delivering on traditional character,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08it offers our expat couple
0:14:08 > 0:14:11a spacious kitchen-diner and four bedrooms.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14There's an enclosed, low-maintenance garden
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and the property is located around a five-minute walk
0:14:17 > 0:14:21from a popular English village with that all-important pub.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Well, I thought it was a good start.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I was surprised about the price
0:14:25 > 0:14:30and, size-wise, I think it's more than enough for us.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32The garden is good, it's a good size,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35so I'm not going to be spending all my retirement
0:14:35 > 0:14:39doing housework and doing the garden.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42The property is very pretty.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45It's certainly got kerb appeal.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48I think Trish likes it better than I do.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50That's not to say I dislike the property.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I would have just preferred slightly bigger rooms,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56but it's certainly a nice, little cottage.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- All done?- Yes.- All done. - Seen everything. Thank you.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Let's hit the road.- Excellent.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11For our second property option,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13we're heading towards the border with Wales
0:15:13 > 0:15:15and to the village of Shocklach.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19The closest village for a range of amenities is Tilston,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22which has a parish church built from red sandstone,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26a traditional country pub and a grocers and convenience store.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29A typical English village complete with medieval stocks,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32it should appeal to our returning expats.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Our second house is around two miles away back in Shocklach
0:15:36 > 0:15:40and just a 15-minute drive from the nearest golf course.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43And this property really pushes modern to the max,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45as it's only eight years old.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- Ah, that's nice.- That's very nice. - Yeah. That is lovely.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- I like that.- I think that's your taste, isn't it?
0:15:53 > 0:15:55That's definitely my taste.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- It's very pleasing on the eye. - Nice drive.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Well, you like modern, don't you? - Yeah, I like modern. Yes, I do.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Does it do it for you, Trish? - Yes, I like it very much indeed.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10It is a modern house, but it's done in the traditional style, so yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Shall we see if the inside suits you now?
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Oh, yeah. Looking forward to it.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17It's definitely not Georgian,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20but this handsome, modern, detached property
0:16:20 > 0:16:21with adjoining single garage
0:16:21 > 0:16:24seems to have caught our couple's imagination.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27The interior has been finished to a high standard,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29with oak flooring and character features.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I thought I'd take you into the lounge, the drawing room, first.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- That's a nice shape. - That's a fireplace.- Square.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40You could have a dance in there.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41That's lovely.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45It's quite nice in there because it gives you that olde worlde feeling,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- although the house is quite modern.- Mm.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- That's beautiful. But I think... - Love these doors.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53It's not too large but it's cosy.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Good. Good start.- Good start. - On to the kitchen.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59As well as the living room,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01this side of the house also has a separate dining room,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05again with solid wood floors and a nice aspect to the front.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08We're passing back through the entrance hall
0:17:08 > 0:17:11to check out the kitchen-breakfast room.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Now, as you can see, the kitchen really continues that oak theme
0:17:15 > 0:17:17the whole house has.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I know oak isn't necessarily to your taste,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22but I think it's really tasteful.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23I think it's lovely.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25We can paint this white.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Whether Trish wants to not!
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Trish actually likes white, as well,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35but white would actually go very, very nice with that.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- It would.- With the granite.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40But, size-wise, is this big enough for you, Trish, when you're cooking?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42It's a little bit small
0:17:42 > 0:17:43but it's workable.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47It's big enough for me, thank you.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49And, if the kitchen wasn't big enough,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52they'll be pleased to know there's a separate utility room,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56also fitted with natural oak units that could be painted
0:17:56 > 0:17:58should they agree on the colour.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Upstairs, a half-tiled family bathroom
0:18:00 > 0:18:04serves a total of four good-sized bedrooms,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07all arranged off a central landing.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09They include two double bedrooms
0:18:09 > 0:18:12and a smaller one which is currently being used as a study.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16That leaves the room we've earmarked for Trish and Reynaldo.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19This house has four bedrooms.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22This is the largest, the master.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27Very nice. I can imagine sitting in bed drinking a cup of tea,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30which Reynaldo would bring me...
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- if I'm lucky!- Which Reynaldo's this?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35In truth, I would like it slightly bigger,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38but this actually is a very, very nice bedroom
0:18:38 > 0:18:40and, yeah, I think it could work.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Well, the house is in a really lovely setting,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46but you can appreciate it more, I think, from the garden.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- All right.- So, let's go.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Positive reactions from our cash-buying expats
0:18:54 > 0:18:57to a property they could move into straightaway.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Outside, the landscaped garden is mainly laid to lawn
0:19:00 > 0:19:01and extends to the rear
0:19:01 > 0:19:05with the added bonus of a paved sitting area to one side
0:19:05 > 0:19:07which benefits from some lovely views
0:19:07 > 0:19:09across the neighbouring countryside.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11This would be your garden, Trish.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13This is beautiful and very manageable.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19And what I do like is the open view over the open fields.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21That's really lovely, isn't it?
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Up to now, the house is perfect.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25It is. Mm.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28How much is it going to cost you, though?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Right, well, I don't mind going first in this again.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Oh, yeah.- Of course he doesn't mind!
0:19:33 > 0:19:36We are closer to Wales.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I would actually go 415.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40I would say about...
0:19:41 > 0:19:43..445.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45OK.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Well, Trish is closer this time.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- Oh, right.- It's on the market for £435,000,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55leaving you £15,000 from your budget.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Yes.- Is it something you'd be prepared to pay?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00It's something we'd be prepared to consider paying.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Great.- So who knows? Watch this space.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06The house is actually perfect.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Go and have another look around. Make yourselves at home.- Thank you.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- And I'll meet you out front. - Thanks a lot.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19£15,000 under budget,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22our second choice is a modern, detached property
0:20:22 > 0:20:25finished to a high standard throughout.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28The ground floor features separate living and dining rooms
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and, upstairs, there are four decent-sized bedrooms.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35The garden is landscaped, enjoying views across farmland,
0:20:35 > 0:20:40and the property is situated a short distance from a vibrant village.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Ah, now. This is your room, Reynaldo.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45This is what you've always wanted, isn't it?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- This is really, really nice. - Very tastefully done.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51You can have some music, I'll serenade you.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53I love this property.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It's really nice, although it's not originally what I wanted.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I didn't particularly want a new build,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02but I'm very, very impressed with it.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06It's my type of house. I quite like the new type build.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09But it's actually been built very, very nicely.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11I like the driveway.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I was a little bit concerned whether my car would fit into the garage,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16but that's not a deal-breaker.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I really like this house.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Reynaldo doesn't play his cards to his chest.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23He's overjoyed with this property
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and this is the one he'll be pushing tonight.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31I feel this could really be the one. Could it?
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Well, I think, compared to the last house,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37this is much more to our taste
0:21:37 > 0:21:38and I could see us living here.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40We could definitely live here.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Fabulous. We don't want to get overexcited,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- we do have the Mystery House tomorrow.- Of course.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But, for now, let's go and get a drink to celebrate.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48- Yes.- Oh, good idea.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55The mystery property is located in the northern part of the county
0:21:55 > 0:21:59and is set within the rural village of Cuddington.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Featuring attractive black and white architecture
0:22:02 > 0:22:04and surrounded by open fields,
0:22:04 > 0:22:09Cuddington may be rural but villages are well served by local amenities.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12There's a small parade of shops, a sports club, a pub
0:22:12 > 0:22:14and a couple of places of worship,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16including the local Methodist church,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19which dates back to the mid-19th century
0:22:19 > 0:22:23and lies right next door to our mystery property.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Oh.- What a pretty little cottage.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29That's nice. That's lovely.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31That's really lovely.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34And the location is so pretty.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39Well, this was built around the 1830s.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40- Yeah.- Wow.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43So it is the traditional look that you thought
0:22:43 > 0:22:44you might have been after,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47but there are lots of quirks.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50For example, it's got a chapel right next to it
0:22:50 > 0:22:52that's used every Sunday for services.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- Oh, won't have far to go, then, will we?- No. Exactly.
0:22:55 > 0:23:01And the house itself isn't laid out like a house of that era
0:23:01 > 0:23:03because it was actually two cottages put together.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- OK.- No, that's...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I have high hopes for this one.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Really?- Yes. This is, from the outside, perfect.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13- Really?- Yes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18High praise indeed on the location and look of the Mystery House,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21although Reynaldo is holding back a bit for the time being.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23However, next to the gravel driveway,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25there is a large double garage,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27handy for storing all his golfing gear.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30The house itself sits in an elevated position
0:23:30 > 0:23:34with a pretty landscape garden that covers about half an acre
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and lies entirely to the front of the property,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39overlooking neighbouring fields and woodland.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43But, when it comes to the decor as well as the layout of the property,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46our buyers, and particularly Reynaldo,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48may have to use a little imagination.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52So, as you can see,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54no hallway or a big hallway,
0:23:54 > 0:23:55whichever way you'd like to interpret it.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Absolutely beautiful.- Exactly.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02A log fire that serves both the dining room and the sitting room.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- I love that feature. That's very nice.- Mm. That's nice.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10I'm not very tall but it does feel a little bit claustrophobic.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11It's high ceilings for a cottage,
0:24:11 > 0:24:16but let's go round the house and we'll see if that feeling continues.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19And, on the other side of that lovely fireplace,
0:24:19 > 0:24:20is the sitting room.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Oh, that's really cute.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- And the conservatory's a real sun trap, isn't it?- Mm.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- You can see, today, on a day like today...- Oh, yes.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30You can really see the benefits of it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33I mean, it would almost get too hot at some times of the year.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Never get too hot for me.- No.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Shall I show you the kitchen? - Please.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Because a lot of this decor might need updating
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- on this part of the house, but the kitchen definitely doesn't.- OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54This is nice. Now, this is your taste, isn't it?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56It's very pretty and very nice.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Erm... A little bit small.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Do you know what I've spied?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02I think it's got a stable door.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Ah!- It's got a stable door that leads out into an allotment.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09I absolutely adore stable doors.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10But it is a bit small.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- How do you feel in here? - This is perfectly adequate.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17It's smaller than we would have liked but it's an older property.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19This is fine.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Got to bear in mind, it's the first time you're walking in here.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23You get used to things, don't you?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26First time you met him, you didn't like him, did you?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- Five years later, boom. - There's a reason for that!
0:25:29 > 0:25:32But, yeah, the granite worktops are very, very nice.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36You could move in, five years later, you'll love this place, Reynaldo.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Watch this space.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40Let's go onwards and upwards.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46When it comes to the bedrooms, there are four in total
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and a neutral, family bathroom serves three of them.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Two of the bedrooms are comfortably-sized doubles
0:25:52 > 0:25:54and another, currently used as a study,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57features a huge picture window.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01That just leaves the final room, which has its own en suite.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03This would be your master bedroom.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05That's fine. And an en-suite.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- That's something I didn't expect in a cottage.- Yes.- No.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12The ceilings actually are quite nice. Quite high.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Built-in wardrobes.- You haven't spotted the walk-in wardrobe.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17Oh, it's a walk-in.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Well, there you go, that's my clothes. I'll be all right.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- I have so many clothes.- He's moved in already. That's a good sign.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26You've persuaded him on the walk up the stairs.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- That wasn't too difficult, was it? - How did you do that?- Yeah.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- No...- Nice.- It's quite... I like the high ceilings.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Very pretty. Yeah.- It's quite nice. - I like the shape of the ceilings.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Yeah, they are. - Yeah, they're unusual.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39But the outside space is what you both love the most.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- Oh, the outside space is...- That goes without saying.- ..fabulous.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Let's go and have another look at it.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51It's clear that Trish is quite taken with our mystery property,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54but I think that Reynaldo is really struggling
0:26:54 > 0:26:55to see the potential here.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Outside, directly off the dining room,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00is a wonderful, sunny paved patio
0:27:00 > 0:27:04where we can once again take in those beautiful country views.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09All of this could be yours.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11It's lovely, isn't it?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- Ah, it's fabulous.- Mm. I love it. It's my...
0:27:14 > 0:27:19Not quite perfect, but almost perfect house. Really is.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24So, how much would Trish's almost perfect home cost?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I'm going to let you go first since you love it so much.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30OK. I think this is about 460.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Reynaldo?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I mean, let's say 400,000.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35You're not far off.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38It's on the market for £390,000.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Oh, Reynaldo.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Really?- And it's only been on the market for six weeks...- Oh, no.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48..but, in that six weeks, it's been reduced by 30,000.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51The family have already found another house and they want to move.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54So that might work in your favour,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57if, of course, Reynaldo would be happy here.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- But that's something for you two to work out.- Mm.- Yes.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Yet again under budget at £395,000,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10our mystery proposition is a traditional Victorian property
0:28:10 > 0:28:14that has two reception rooms, a modern country kitchen,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17four bedrooms and a large, bright conservatory
0:28:17 > 0:28:20overlooking the landscape garden.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23The location features far-reaching, rural views
0:28:23 > 0:28:27and let's not forget its close proximity to a golf course.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Oh, I love this house.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32This house is almost perfect.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36I could see us coming in here, putting her own touches on things.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I think it's a really cosy house.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42The views are spectacular.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44I would love to live here.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Oh, this is lovely, isn't it?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- This takes...- Oh, yes. - ..full advantage of the views.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Oh, absolutely gorgeous, these views.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55This is my favourite room.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Yeah, I don't mind you having this room, Reynaldo.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Oh, very nice.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Trish, I know, absolutely loves this house.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08I can just see it in her face.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11It's... She's glowing.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15I just feel that the rooms are a little bit small,
0:29:15 > 0:29:17a little bit claustrophobic.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21I wish the price had been as my wife had guessed.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I think I'd have been... Had an out there.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25Erm...
0:29:25 > 0:29:28We really have to talk about this and discuss this in great detail
0:29:28 > 0:29:34because this is actually a very good property in a very nice area.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38I have given you both a real dilemma, haven't I?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- You certainly have. - Oh, yes, you have.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- I don't know how we're going to solve this.- Let's go and try.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45All right.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Trish and Reynaldo have to find a compromise.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Time to find out if they've made any progress at all.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Have you found a solution to your big dilemma?
0:30:10 > 0:30:13We both like houses two and three.
0:30:13 > 0:30:20Erm, I like three 100%, inside and outside.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24Yeah, I mean, I've got to be fair to Trish and also to myself.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28I do love house two.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32We will definitely go back and look at that again
0:30:32 > 0:30:36and we'll definitely go and look at the Mystery House.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I mean, it had certain things that were really, really nice
0:30:39 > 0:30:40and I know Trish loves it.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43She loves it more than I do, to be fair.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46One of us might have to...
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Not give way, but just maybe come round
0:30:49 > 0:30:53to what the other one is thinking and feeling.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55And that could prove quite difficult.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Do you think one of you will compromise
0:30:58 > 0:31:01or actually will it have to be another property altogether?
0:31:01 > 0:31:05I'm not sure about that.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08At the end of the day, I don't want to make Reynaldo unhappy
0:31:08 > 0:31:13living in a house he really doesn't feel comfortable in.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Well, you have some time.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Take that time. Good luck to you both.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- Thank you.- Well, thank you very much for your help. It's been great.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24We'll work this out, won't we?
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Well, it's been quite a week with Trish and Reynaldo.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34To find one property you like is fantastic.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37To find two, well, that should be amazing,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40but, in this case, unfortunately, they each like a different house
0:31:40 > 0:31:43and can't quite see past that yet.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Personally, I think they'd both be happy in either house
0:31:46 > 0:31:49but let's give them time to find their own compromised solution.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52All I now want is a phone call telling me
0:31:52 > 0:31:55that they've found a house that they both absolutely love,
0:31:55 > 0:31:56even if it's not one of ours.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Let's hope that phone call comes very soon.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01See you next time on Escape to the Country.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Trish and Reynaldo did return to the Mystery House after all
0:32:05 > 0:32:09and they put in an offer which, sadly, wasn't accepted,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12so their Cheshire house-hunt continues.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14If you'd like to escape to the country
0:32:14 > 0:32:16in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
0:32:16 > 0:32:20and need our help, then please apply online at...