0:00:02 > 0:00:05Now, legend has it that buried somewhere within the walls of this
0:00:05 > 0:00:07now crumbling but once grand manor house
0:00:07 > 0:00:10is a secret chamber that was once the hiding place
0:00:10 > 0:00:13for one of the richest men in medieval England.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16But who was he? Why was he hiding? And where are we?
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Well, join me in just a moment
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and I will tell you a remarkable story.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Today, a pair of bubbly newlyweds are leaving the big smoke behind
0:00:41 > 0:00:43in a bid to return to their country roots...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46There's an effervescence about your response to this property.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48There's a lot of fizz going on.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50..and some of our houses take their breath away.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Wow.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54You've...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- I don't know what to say. - Ooh.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58We haven't bought it yet!
0:00:58 > 0:01:02You haven't bought it yet, exactly. You don't know what it's worth yet.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Well, today, we are in Oxfordshire and these are the impressive remains
0:01:07 > 0:01:08of Minster Lovell Hall.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11It was one of several estates owned by Francis Lord Lovell
0:01:11 > 0:01:13in the 15th century.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Now, he was a close ally of Richard III.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17He fought alongside him
0:01:17 > 0:01:20at the Battle of Boswell in 1485 when, of course, famously,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Richard III was killed.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Now, not only did the battle end the Wars of the Roses,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27it also ushered in the Tudors.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29But what fate befell Lovell himself?
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Well, it's thought that Lovell survived the battle,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but what happens next remains a mystery.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41One popular theory based upon a chance discovery here,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44during the 18th century, of a skeleton sat at a table in a vault,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48might suggest that he came back and went into hiding.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51But were those the remains of Lord Francis?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54In truth, of course, only these ruins probably know.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Situated in the south east of England,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02landlocked Oxfordshire is bordered by six counties
0:02:02 > 0:02:06including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09With its network of fields framed by dense woodland
0:02:09 > 0:02:10and a host of rural homes,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14the county's stunning scenery and striking architecture
0:02:14 > 0:02:16give the region its identity.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Towns such as Woodstock, meaning clearing in the woods,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21was the birthplace of Winston Churchill,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25and features narrow lanes brimming with curiosity shops,
0:02:25 > 0:02:26hotels and restaurants,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29housed in caramel-coloured stone.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30The market town of Wallingford,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32that sits on the west bank of the River Thames,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35is a newcomer to Oxfordshire from Berkshire,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38where it had an address until 1974.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42The town was home to crime writer Agatha Christie for 40 years.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46There's also a plethora of visitor attractions in the county,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50such as the beautiful 11th century Waterperry House and Gardens
0:02:50 > 0:02:53to the east of Oxford.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Once a renowned horticultural college,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58today there are eight acres of superbly maintained grounds
0:02:58 > 0:03:00for visitors to explore.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04So, whether it's breathtaking scenery you're after
0:03:04 > 0:03:06or fabulous architecture,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08escapees cant get much better than Oxfordshire,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10which offers the complete package.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Well, there is no getting away from it - Oxfordshire isn't cheap.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Here, the average price of a detached property is currently
0:03:19 > 0:03:22£453,000.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24That's some 60% above the national figure.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And the reason is simple - for decades,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30it's been popular with commuters keen to get a slice of this
0:03:30 > 0:03:33glorious countryside, but within easy reach of London.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36And as road and rail links have continued to improve,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38so prices have continued to rise.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41A notable hotspot is Henley-on-Thames.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43But, as a broad rule of thumb,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45the further north and west you go from London,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47well, the cheaper it gets.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what's attracted them
0:03:50 > 0:03:52to this part of the world.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Rachel and Tristam currently live in a one-bedroom garden flat
0:03:56 > 0:03:59in Forest Hill, Southeast London.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01They've been married for just over a year,
0:04:01 > 0:04:03but first met five years ago
0:04:03 > 0:04:06during a two-wheeled trip to the French capital.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10So, we met on a bike ride from London to Paris, didn't we?
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I was actually taking part and you were...
0:04:12 > 0:04:13- I was leading the trip. - ..leading the trip.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17And, yeah, we spent quite a bit of the time cycling together
0:04:17 > 0:04:18and then, erm,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21sort of cycled into Paris, sort of, together.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- And then...- Over the finish line, had a party together after.- Yeah.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26And, then, when we got back I asked her out on a date and
0:04:26 > 0:04:28we didn't look back since.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Both Rachel and Tristam work in the charity sector in London
0:04:33 > 0:04:36but, having lived in the city suburbs for a number of years,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38these newlyweds want to upsize to a country home.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42We're currently in a, sort of, one-bed, sort of...
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- Multilevel abode. - ..multilevel place.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Erm, so, I mean it's not bad in terms of space-wise.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- I guess it'd be nice to just have a bigger place and...- Yeah.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55..more space and more of a garden area and everything.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Like, if you open any of the cupboards,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00things will probably fall out...
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Rachel's things.- ..because there's no storage space at all.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06And our couple, who both grew up in the countryside,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09feel that London life is no longer for them,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12particularly since they plan on starting a family in the future.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I think from both of us growing up in the countryside, it was just...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Well, we just had such... I had such a good childhood and...
0:05:20 > 0:05:24We've always said if we have kids we want to bring them up in the
0:05:24 > 0:05:27countryside and not in a city, and make sure that they've got the space
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- to just play and have fun that we both had when we were kids.- Yeah.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Rachel grew up in the Oxfordshire town of Witney,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36which is where her mum still lives,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38so they've set their sights on a return to the county.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Well, it's...it's got lovely old Cotswold stone towns and villages,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46lots of sweeping, rolling hills and rivers
0:05:46 > 0:05:49and just lots of space to go and enjoy the countryside out there.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54And Oxfordshire also lends itself to their hobbies.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59At the moment, we don't really do as much cycling as we'd like to.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02It's mainly commuting in and out of London sort of cycling.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04But, yeah, in the countryside we hope to do a lot more,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07be more active and much more weekend cycling.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And although they'll miss their London friends, of course,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15they've no qualms about moving to a rural setting.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Definitely think the move will change our life, erm...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Everything we look for now when we go away for weekends,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24we could just have on our doorstep.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And what we're missing at the moment is the going for walks,
0:06:27 > 0:06:32going for nice long bike rides and having space, so we think, erm,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36going to the countryside will just give us exactly what we want.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38It's just a new adventure and
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- we've always kind of wanted to do it, haven't we?- Yeah.- So, yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Can't wait to leave London. - Just excited.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Tristam will still be commuting to work in London,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51so we'll be concentrating our search
0:06:51 > 0:06:55in areas with good rail links into the capital.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57But before we get started on our country mission,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I'm meeting them in the county
0:06:59 > 0:07:02to get to grips with the finer details of their property move.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Well, guys...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Rachel, Tristam, welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Now, I gather there is some really exciting news
0:07:09 > 0:07:11concerning the sale of your current property.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13We accepted an offer yesterday.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Yeah.- Brilliant! - It was perfect timing!
0:07:15 > 0:07:17What timing! I mean, we couldn't write that in, really,
0:07:17 > 0:07:18that's amazing.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20So, give us an idea of what property you're looking for -
0:07:20 > 0:07:22a kind of bullet list of its key features.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Well, ideally, two bedrooms or more. - Yeah, two plus.- Erm...
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- So, that's one more than you've got. - Yeah.- OK.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Erm, a good garden, erm...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Cotswold cottage would be amazing, perfect.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Yeah, traditional features, I think. - Yeah.- Log burner would be a plus.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Yep. And just space, in a bit of a community.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- They're the main things, aren't they?- Definitely.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Good-sized kitchen.- Is there anything that you don't want?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Probably...we're less interested in new builds.- Yes.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50The only thing I'd say about new builds -
0:07:50 > 0:07:53you can get a bit more for your money sometimes because they aren't
0:07:53 > 0:07:56as sought-after as your classic, characterful cottage.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57What's the budget for this move?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59So, we're looking at around £400,000.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01So, £400,000.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We've got three properties to show you, including, of course,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06our Mystery House, which we'll get to tomorrow morning.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10But today - look, it's sunny - we've got two to show you.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- Yeah.- Let's go.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Fantastic.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17For their budget of £400,000,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Rachel and Tristam are hoping for a spacious country cottage with
0:08:20 > 0:08:23character and traditional features.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25They want a good-sized kitchen and upstairs they'd like
0:08:25 > 0:08:27at least two bedrooms.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Outside, they're after a nice garden and they'd love a location
0:08:31 > 0:08:33that can link them to the local community.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37We've hand-picked three fabulous properties to show them,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but only after they've finished the tour of each
0:08:40 > 0:08:42will they be given its price.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Our last visit, to our mystery house, might leave them wondering
0:08:45 > 0:08:47if they've turned up at the correct address,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49but, once they step through the door,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52I think they'll be more than pleasantly surprised.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58We're starting off our house search in the village of Freeland,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00some nine miles from Oxford.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Freeland is a medium-sized village with its own pub and two churches
0:09:04 > 0:09:06all built from Cotswold stone,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08as well as a modern village hall
0:09:08 > 0:09:11which hosts a number of local clubs and societies.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14For a wider range of services, the market town of Witney,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17home to Rachel's mum, is a mere 10-minute drive away.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Witney prospered in the Middle Ages
0:09:20 > 0:09:22from a lucrative trade in woollen blankets,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26which built the many grand and honey-coloured limestone buildings
0:09:26 > 0:09:28that now grace its pavements.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30For train services into London,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Hanborough station will get you into Paddington in an hour and a quarter.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37What's more, it's just under a two-mile cycle-ride
0:09:37 > 0:09:38from our first property,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40in the heart of Freeland itself.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44OK, here we are, house number one.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45- Wow.- Wow!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Looks good. Yeah?- It's very pretty. - Yeah, I like the look of this.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- It's sweet, isn't it? - Yeah, really lovely.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53I really like the garden, actually, out the front and the lavender -
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- that's really lovely.- It's got the olde-worlde look we're looking for.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Come on, let's have a look and see what you think.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Dating to the mid-18th century, and essentially a two-up two-down,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05this detached stone-built cottage
0:10:05 > 0:10:07benefits from many characterful features
0:10:07 > 0:10:10including original flooring.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- Look at this.- Ooh...
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Flagstone hallway.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- Lovely.- I love the floor.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Grab the door, Tris.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17Come on into here.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Ah...
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- Wow.- Lovely.- Thankfully, you ducked. It's all good.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25There's a bit of that in this place, to be honest,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- but it does give you this lovely, cosy, quaint feel.- It's very cosy.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- How about the fireplace? - That fireplace is really lovely.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- It's amazing.- There's a lot of little quirks, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- It's really sweet. The window seat...- Lovely exposed beams.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Yeah, what are you thinking? - I think it's nice. I just...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- It's nice that it's got the features.- I absolutely love the character to it.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44This would always have been the main living area because you've got
0:10:44 > 0:10:47the inglenook there. It could also have been where most of the cooking
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- happened, back in the day.- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50But now, of course, it has a kitchen,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53which is the second part of the two-down,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55and that is in here.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56This is a nice kitchen.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- It's nice and bright.- I like it. Nice and bright, it's a good size.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- It does feel quite big, actually in here.- Yeah. It's deceptively big.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05I like the wood flooring, as well.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Right then, so, you currently have one bedroom...- Mmm-hmm.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10..that you've just sold. LAUGHTER
0:11:10 > 0:11:11We might sell you...
0:11:11 > 0:11:14two bedrooms. Let's have a look upstairs, yeah.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17So, good vibes coming from both Tristam and Rachel
0:11:17 > 0:11:20to this lovely stone cottage.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Upstairs, one of the two double bedrooms on the first floor
0:11:23 > 0:11:25could be perfect as a future nursery,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and there's a family bath and shower room next-door.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30The loft has been converted into a living space
0:11:30 > 0:11:33with a single dormer window to the front,
0:11:33 > 0:11:34but we're staying on the first floor
0:11:34 > 0:11:37to check out our couple's potential bedroom.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42This is what is currently being used as the master bedroom.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- OK.- Mm-hm. It's nice. It feels quite compact.- It does feel compact.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I don't know whether it's cos it could be lighter.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50You're right, I mean, it... You know, it is a bit compact.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54I mean, I don't how this compares with what you've got at the moment in London.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Probably around the same size, isn't it?- It's probably about the same size, yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Well, I think it's certainly one to consider.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Let's take a trip back downstairs out to the garden
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- and see what you think it's worth. - Okey-dokey, sounds good.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Right then. Follow me down here.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12As we head outside,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15I'm beginning to sense that the size of this cottage may be of some
0:12:15 > 0:12:17concern to Rachel.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20All the outdoor space is located at the front.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Largely laid to lawn, it's a pretty,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26classic, cottage garden bordered by dry stone walling.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Now, you know this area well.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31So, in terms of, you know, guessing the price,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- you should be pretty good at this, Rachel.- Oh, I hope so.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36I think it's on at 365.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39365? Yeah?
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Tris? I reckon it's on...
0:12:40 > 0:12:42for about 350,000.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44An optimistic 350.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Do you know what, I would probably have said that myself, actually.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49But here's the exciting news,
0:12:49 > 0:12:50it's 325.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51- Oh!- Oh, really?- Yeah.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- OK.- Oh, crikey.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54I should have done better.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56You should have done a lot better!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- A lot better.- She's very good at spending the money...- Yeah.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00You've got two more chances coming up, right?
0:13:00 > 0:13:04But, no - I think 325 for this, given its location,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06what it offers you in terms of space and character...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Yeah, really good. - That's an absolute bargain. I can't get over that.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- There you go, then - go and buy it!- Exactly. Job done.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Well, look...have another look around.- Yeah.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Now you know what it's worth that will, I'm sure,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19change the way you look at it,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21and I will catch up with you a little bit later on.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Brilliant.- OK.- Thank you. - Off you go.- See you later.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28£75,000 under budget,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30this 18th century Cotswold cottage
0:13:30 > 0:13:33comes with a wealth of classic features.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Originally a two-up two-down,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37there's the added bonus of a converted loft space
0:13:37 > 0:13:39and a pretty garden to the front.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Located in a vibrant village,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44it's just a 10-minute bike-ride to the nearest station
0:13:44 > 0:13:45for Tristam's work.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Watch the...- Wow.- ..ceiling.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Oh, wow!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Crikey. What would you do with it?
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Baby room.- Baby room!
0:14:00 > 0:14:04In terms of a Cotswoldy feel and house, it...it's very pretty.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I think the rooms, they had some interesting features but, erm,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10perhaps a little bit compact.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14I think the main thing, actually, for me, was the garden,
0:14:14 > 0:14:16perhaps, being out the front.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21I think location's great, but perhaps this might make us think
0:14:21 > 0:14:24that we could get more space if we were, perhaps,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26slightly further away from the station.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29I quite like this property.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's certainly got a character, which is what we're looking for.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36The curb-appeal's great, the front garden is lovely -
0:14:36 > 0:14:38exactly what I'd look for in a garden.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39The house itself?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Yeah, it's probably a bit on the small side for me.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Right, you two, all done?- Yep.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Not bad for the money, is it?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- It's good.- It's pretty good.- Yeah. - And let's be honest,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55if you did have children, having your mum round the corner is really good news, isn't it?
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Oh, yeah. She'll love you for that.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58Yeah, I bet she will. Come on.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09One of the best ways to enjoy the Oxfordshire countryside
0:15:09 > 0:15:10is on the water,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14and that's easy with a large stretch of the 215-mile River Thames
0:15:14 > 0:15:17running right through the county.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19One master craftsman who makes the most of the river
0:15:19 > 0:15:21is Alistair Phillips.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24He runs workshops in constructing coracles -
0:15:24 > 0:15:27simple, circular boats that date back to the Bronze Age.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30For centuries, their main uses have been for fishing
0:15:30 > 0:15:33and to transport goods or people across waterways,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36but today, they're mainly used for leisure.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Coracles are made all over the world, but Alistair's are based
0:15:39 > 0:15:42on a traditional Welsh craft.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43As well as avid cyclers,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46our couple are also keen kayakers
0:15:46 > 0:15:49and are sure to be interested in this rather unusual vessel.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53They've come to meet Alistair at his workshop near Henley.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55So, how did you get into it, then?
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Erm, I love making things out of wood and,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59when I was about 15,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I saw a coracle being made at a country fair,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05thought it looked fun and I happened to have the opportunity to go on a
0:16:05 > 0:16:08coracle-making course and just fell in love with them,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10and I've making them ever since.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Coracles are much more circular than regular kayaks or canoes.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17How does that affect the balance of the boat?
0:16:17 > 0:16:18They are famously unstable,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20but if you stay in the middle of the boat
0:16:20 > 0:16:22and follow my instructions, you'll be OK.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26But before they get the chance to hop on board,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Rachel and Tristam are going to help finish making one.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34The local ash used to make the coracle has a natural flexibility,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38even more so after it's been soaked in water for a number of days.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40And what we need to do now is we need to bend the ends
0:16:40 > 0:16:43of the stringers up and fix them onto the gunwale here.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45So, I'll start with the middle one.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47It just comes up in a nice, natural bend,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50erm, sits on the rim where it wants to sit,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52and then we're going to grab a clamp
0:16:52 > 0:16:54and just clamp the two of those together.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57So, if we take the next one up now...
0:16:57 > 0:16:58- Yep.- Bend that up.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Put the clamp on.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05That's great.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Next, the stringers, which are thin vertical strips of wood,
0:17:09 > 0:17:10are secured with nails...
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Is that all right?- Yeah. - ..and then the clamps come off.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14Now, when the boat's finished,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16this area's completely hidden by the cover,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20so, we don't have to worry too much about it being super neat.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Now, the protruding tops of the stringers are sawn off...
0:17:25 > 0:17:26And that's it.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29..before a hard-wearing PVC cover is attached.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32The frames were traditionally covered in calico
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and when they were very first made, they would have used animal hide.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38It goes down like that...
0:17:39 > 0:17:41..and then if you can stick that down
0:17:41 > 0:17:44with the length of the boat running lengthways...
0:17:46 > 0:17:47That's it.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Once the PVC has enveloped the frame and is secured,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56they're ready to set sail.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Here's your complimentary paddle and dry bag.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Let's take it down to the river.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04- Let's go.- Fantastic.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Alistair is lucky enough to have the River Thames
0:18:10 > 0:18:13just a short drive from his workshop.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15And with another two coracles to play with,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18each weighing about 15 kilos, it's time to hit the water.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Let's get your boat down into the water.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Don't worry about dragging it on the bottom.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27So, I'll hold it here.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30If you want to climb in and step over to the front,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33and then I'll slide you out into the water.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Obviously, if you were getting in on your own,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37it would be a little bit more difficult.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40With both novice coracle captains safely on the water,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42the fun can really begin.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Right.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46You're looking to paddle in front of you.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47That's exactly right.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49You're now moving forwards.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51The paddling stroke is called a draw stroke.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55We paddle directly in front of us with a figure of eight pattern
0:18:55 > 0:18:59and that slowly pulls us through the water...like so.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02And, erm, if you find you're spinning round in circles,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04then it means you're doing it wrong.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09These coracles are stronger than they look.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Alistair's oldest is seven years old,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13and has only recently needed repairing.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I can't seem to move forward very quickly.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21It's not a race and coracles are not fast.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24If anyone ever says to you, "How quick do they go?",
0:19:24 > 0:19:27it's faster to carry it along the bank than to paddle.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28Oh, really?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Well, both Rachel and Tristam have taken to coracling
0:19:31 > 0:19:33like ducks to water.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Let's hope their house-hunt goes just as well.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Well, I hope you've enjoyed yourselves building a coracle today.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Yeah.- It's been great fun.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- It's been brilliant.- Magic. Well, I'll er...
0:19:43 > 0:19:44leave you to it.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Have fun looking for your new house.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48See you!
0:19:48 > 0:19:49Where are you...?
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Come back, Alistair!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53NERVOUS LAUGHTER
0:19:56 > 0:19:57For our second offering,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00we're heading north-east to the village of Chesterton,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02just three miles from the town of Bicester
0:20:02 > 0:20:05whose station provides a regular 45-minute rail service
0:20:05 > 0:20:08into London's Marylebone Station.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Chesterton is a popular Oxfordshire village dating back to Roman times
0:20:12 > 0:20:15with a predominance of Cotswold stone cottages.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Its parish church was established in the 12th century.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20There's also a pub serving food,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23but the real selling-point of the village is its proximity to
0:20:23 > 0:20:27amenities in Bicester, just a 10-minute cycle ride away.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Our second property is situated right in the heart of Chesterton.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33Here we are then,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36tucked away down this little dead-end lane in Chesterton
0:20:36 > 0:20:37is that - property two.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- That looks really nice. - That looks beautiful.- Yeah.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- Really pretty. - It's such a lovely street.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44It's a great spot. It's a bit quieter than property one.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47But I think this is a house
0:20:47 > 0:20:49you can definitely spread out in a little more.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51It's a young family here at the moment, and I think that
0:20:51 > 0:20:54kind of tells you everything you need to know in terms of
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- how it might fit your future... - Yeah.- ..aspirations.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Right, let's have a look.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Dating to the 18th-century,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03this end-of-terrace property was once a simple stone cottage
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and even operated as a shop in the 1950s.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09The current owners have refurbished much of the interior,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12keeping many of its traditional features.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14Come on in.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17Now, technically,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I wouldn't describe this as open-plan, but when you
0:21:20 > 0:21:23sweep through that hallway past this lovely pillar,
0:21:23 > 0:21:24you're greeted with this space
0:21:24 > 0:21:26which is essentially a main family living room
0:21:26 > 0:21:29but the whole thing flows beautifully through.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yeah.- I really like it. It feels like a good space.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34It's different, I mean, with pillars in the way, but...
0:21:35 > 0:21:39The fireplace is lovely, that's a working open fireplace.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40Nice little window seat there, as well.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41Imagining this is...
0:21:41 > 0:21:44This is what you think it is. This is the television.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46There you go! They've got a projector there.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47It's lovely.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49So, we're having fun in here already, aren't we?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Yeah.- Definitely. Yeah. - This is good.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Fun is a great way to sell a house.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Come through here. This is the dining room.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- There we go.- Ooh.- Oh, lovely.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01This is really nice. Really good size.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It's not bad, is it, really? Yeah.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07And it goes through that door there to a new extension, which is nice.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Bifold doors out to the garden.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12So, you've got an additional kind of family room, as it were, there.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13- Nice play room, maybe...- Yeah.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16..for the future. Just, you know...
0:22:16 > 0:22:17sowing a seed. Erm...
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It's not your traditional kitchen-diner,
0:22:20 > 0:22:21cos this is the kitchen - have a look at it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23It's a kind of galley kitchen that is, kind of,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26attached to the dining room, I suppose.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29My thought really was to just make that hole a bit bigger.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Yeah.- Yeah.- Sort of knock through.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34There's certainly potential to knock through and make it into a
0:22:34 > 0:22:37kitchen-diner and have a really nice space out here, as well.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Yeah.- Really liking it so far.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Yeah, I really like it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41It's really... Yeah.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44There's an effervescence about your response to this property which
0:22:44 > 0:22:46I didn't see in property one, to be honest.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48There's a lot of fizz going on.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Well, let's hope our couple continue to bubble with excitement
0:22:51 > 0:22:53as we head upstairs.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Here we're offering them three bedrooms,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58all arranged off a central landing.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00One of those is a double with a pull-out bed,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04and there's a smaller single with a bunk bed.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07A half-tiled family bathroom serves all three bedrooms,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10which just leaves us with the master.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11Now, this, we're thinking, is for you.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Mmm-hmm.- This is lovely.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16By far the biggest and the brightest of the lot.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Similar aspect to bedroom two, which is next-door, again nice and bright,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- overlooking the lane. - Mmm, just lovely.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Yeah, it's really nice.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26It's really... It feels really bright and airy and
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- it feels like there's much more space upstairs...- Definitely.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30..than the previous...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Absolutely, and you've got the landing area, which is really handy.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36The only thing I would do up here is update the bathroom.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Yeah.- Yeah.- It just feels a bit more...
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- You.- Yeah!- Yeah, you see, that's the word we were creeping towards, yeah.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45Bit more you, Rachel.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Yeah.- Yeah. No, it's great.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- It's brilliant. - Well, let's see if the numbers work.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- OK.- Yeah, let's talk about the price, shall we?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56So, very positive reactions inside.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Outside, the enclosed garden is largely laid to lawn
0:23:59 > 0:24:03with mature trees providing a shaded eating and relaxing area
0:24:03 > 0:24:05at the far end.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08There's also a detached single garage at the front of the house -
0:24:08 > 0:24:10handy storage for the bikes.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15So, it's not the biggest garden in the world, but it does give you,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17I think, a little bit of everything.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Yeah.- Nice bit of shade, bit of privacy there, bit of lawn here...
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- and, then, there's the back of it. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26So, what do you think property two is worth, then?
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Who's going to go first?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Rachel...
0:24:29 > 0:24:31went first last time, so Tris?
0:24:31 > 0:24:34I reckon this is on for 365,000.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- 365. Did you say that last time? - No, that was Rachel.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38Right. 365.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39- Yeah.- Erm...
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I'm going to go 360.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44360?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46What's five grand? 365 to 360.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Well, here's the thing -
0:24:48 > 0:24:49you're both wrong,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52but you can afford it, but you may have to spend a little bit more than
0:24:52 > 0:24:55you were perhaps thinking about, because this is on the market for
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- £375,000.- Oh, OK.- OK.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- What do you think of that? - It's not bad, actually. - That's not bad at all, no.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Brilliant.- Good. We said when we came in it was a house of great fun.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- Yeah.- Yeah.- And I think that theme has continued.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08So, while we're about it, go and continue to enjoy yourselves
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- and I will find you a little bit later on.- Brilliant.- Thank you.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Below budget by £25,000,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19our second property choice
0:25:19 > 0:25:21is a traditional stone cottage
0:25:21 > 0:25:22which has been refurbished,
0:25:22 > 0:25:23offering light and open
0:25:23 > 0:25:25reception spaces
0:25:25 > 0:25:27including an extended sunroom.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Upstairs, there's one more bedroom
0:25:29 > 0:25:30than our previous property, and
0:25:30 > 0:25:32outside there's a peaceful garden
0:25:32 > 0:25:34as well as a garage for storage.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It's located in a popular village,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and a short bike ride from a large
0:25:38 > 0:25:40town and mainline station
0:25:40 > 0:25:41into London.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46I really like this house. It's quirky. It's different.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It's got lots of character, lots of personality.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52It's got space we're looking for inside and outside.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Yes, it needs a little bit of work but we're not afraid of that,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I mean, it gives us an opportunity to put our own stamp on it, so,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00yeah, really pleased with it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I do think it's a contender.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Erm...
0:26:03 > 0:26:04I...
0:26:04 > 0:26:06think I could see myself living here.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11I think I would just have to, sort of, scope out the area a bit
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and think about,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17potentially, the changes we might make.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19So, yeah, quite impressed actually.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21It's really, really, lovely.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- After you, Rachel.- Thank you.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Good. Well, I would say that, all in all,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32it's been a pretty good day's house-hunting.
0:26:32 > 0:26:33- Yeah, definitely.- Yeah.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Thank you.- Certainly a real mixture, but this one was good fun.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- Wasn't it?- Yeah.- Good fun. Is it top of the list at the moment?
0:26:39 > 0:26:40- It is for me.- Yes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- It's definitely top of the list. Yeah.- OK.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Now, that's it for today.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46However, you know this area extremely well.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Where are we going out tonight, then?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Well, we can start at the pub on the corner and then...
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- See what happens. - ..see where the evening takes us. - Come on, then, let's go.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06It's the second and final day of our tour around Oxfordshire,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10searching out a home for newlyweds Rachel and Tristam from London
0:27:10 > 0:27:12to live out their country dream.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Armed with a budget of £400,000,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18we're looking for a property with character and charm.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21We've still got a youthful Mystery House to come...
0:27:21 > 0:27:23There. Come on, smell the newness.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Smell the paint.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29..and I'll be learning how to make books the old-fashioned way.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31I'm going to put my head through there and try and find the
0:27:31 > 0:27:34other end of it. God, that's harder than... That is...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- God, you need the patience of a saint, don't you?- Yeah.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Well, it's 24 hours since we started our house search here in Oxfordshire
0:27:45 > 0:27:46with Rachel and with Tristam,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50and 48 hours since they learned that, at last, their flat in London
0:27:50 > 0:27:52has gone under offer, so
0:27:52 > 0:27:55we really do need to get our skates on and get this move underway.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58So far, we've shown them two, I think,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00beautiful properties full of history and character,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02but, for our Mystery House,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04well, we're going to try something a little bit different
0:28:04 > 0:28:07in a place I don't think they'll have thought of.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Well, guys, one more house to come.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15- I know.- Mystery House.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- The Mystery House.- We're excited.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Any ideas what it might be, then?
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Erm...
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I reckon you might have gone new build for us.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Ah. Why?
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- Just because we were so anti it and... - RACHEL LAUGHS
0:28:28 > 0:28:30To give you a clue as to where we are going...
0:28:30 > 0:28:36so, I am driving with the sun behind me and it's the morning.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- OK...- There's the riddle.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- Right, we're heading west. - Yes.- Yes.- Well done.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42- There we go.- We're heading west.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Yes, for the last leg of our house-hunt
0:28:48 > 0:28:50we are heading west and, in fact,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52we're hopping across the border into Gloucestershire
0:28:52 > 0:28:55to the village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Regularly voted as one of the prettiest villages in England,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02it's fondly known as the Little Venice of the Cotswolds.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Its lovely stone buildings with their towering chimneys
0:29:05 > 0:29:07look down over the elegant arching bridges that
0:29:07 > 0:29:09cross the river Windrush.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12A real draw to visitors, there are plenty of restaurants,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15tea rooms and shops sitting behind the tree-lined embankment.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19And just a few minutes walk from the centre of the village,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22we find our third and final offering, our Mystery House.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27OK. So, you were right, Tristam.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28THEY LAUGH
0:29:28 > 0:29:29It is a new build.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- There you go.- Wow. - What do you reckon to that?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- It looks lovely.- Quite excited. - I'm pleasantly surprised.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Now, the bit YOU get is all of that...
0:29:38 > 0:29:41and that garage and the window above it. So, the dividing line is that
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- down pipe in between those two... - OK.- OK.- ..garages.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46It's only seven years old...
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Wow.- Yeah. - ..but it is Cotswold stone.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- Yes.- So, we've kept with that theme.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Now, the other thing to remind you of is that we have crossed
0:29:52 > 0:29:54the border into Gloucestershire.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It does mean we are offering you the longest commute of the lot.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01The nearest station is Moreton-in-the-Marsh,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03which is about eight miles or so north of here,
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- and it's an hour and a half... - OK.- ..into London.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Were we right to take the risk?
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Definitely. I mean, it's not something we would have ever come and looked at ourselves and...
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Do you know what? We could just be shutting this out for no good reason,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20and I think we both really, really like location and the close.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21- Yeah.- Really?- Yeah.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Just walking in here now, we've changed your mind? - Just walking in here, yeah.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Exciting.- Yeah. Let's have a look. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31This handsome home sits in a development of just nine properties
0:30:31 > 0:30:33and, although our Mystery House is modern,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36it's been designed with traditional features in mind.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39The sheltered front door leads to a spacious hallway.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42There. Come on, smell the newness.
0:30:42 > 0:30:43Smell the paint.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Let's start in here.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- Oh, what a lovely kitchen. - Yeah, this is lovely.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51And that's the great thing about a new build -
0:30:51 > 0:30:53it's designed for modern living...
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- Yeah.- ...obviously. So, they've really thought about, you know,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58that square shape that we all kind of know and love, you know, cooker,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02sink, you know, the kind of preparation triangle is all here.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Yeah.- Mmm.- No, it's a really, really good size. Really good finish.- Yeah.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I could see me spending lots of time cooking.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It's obviously all new, it all works,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12but it still feels kind of cosy and
0:31:12 > 0:31:15has got that kind of countryside style to it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17There's no separate dining room as such,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20that's all part of the living room which is through here.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24So, you see what I mean, you've got living and dining
0:31:24 > 0:31:26all in the same room...
0:31:26 > 0:31:29..with a conservatory leading off there.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31It's nice and airy. I like how bright it is,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33and that view's amazing out there.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It just feels spacious, though, doesn't it?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38It's so light and I don't think we've had that as much before with
0:31:38 > 0:31:40the previous properties, have we?
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Good, so, I think maybe our gamble has paid off...
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Yeah.- ..so far.- So far.- So far...
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Now, this is pretty much it for the ground floor,
0:31:48 > 0:31:49it's pretty compact.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53But it does make up for it, in many ways, upstairs.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Come and have a look.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56Back through the hallway,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59there's some under-stairs storage and a cloakroom.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03A winding stairway leads to the first floor and, off the landing,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06there are an unexpected four bedrooms.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Now...
0:32:08 > 0:32:09all this space to show you.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12You've got a really nice guest double in there.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Mmm-hmm.- All right?
0:32:14 > 0:32:17This is currently set up as a study, kind of, box room.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- That's the smallest of the four bedrooms.- Mm-hmm.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22This is quite nice -
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- another guest double in there. - Lovely.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27What are you going to do with all this room? All right?
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Family bathroom is in here. - Uh-huh.- OK.- OK.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32But your bit...
0:32:32 > 0:32:34This way.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Running the width of the back of the house is the master bedroom
0:32:37 > 0:32:39and it comes with two added bonuses.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43Well, perhaps no surprise that this is yours because you've got...
0:32:43 > 0:32:44- Wow!- Oh, wow!
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Dressing area, en suite shower...
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- and, obviously, bedroom. - Oh, my goodness.- Wow, I'm...
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- A dressing room!- ..impressed with it.- Yeah!- This is amazing.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55So, my area... Rachel's area.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57THEY LAUGH
0:32:57 > 0:32:59This is...
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- I'm...- You're speechless aren't you?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I actually can't say anything.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- The clever thing is... - So much space.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07..part of the footprint is occupied by the garage but,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10up here, the first floor spreads over the garage, so you've
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- got that sense of more space.- Yeah. - It's really well thought out.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Wow.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19You've... I don't know what to say.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- Ooh!- We haven't bought it yet. - You haven't bought it yet, exactly!
0:33:22 > 0:33:25You don't know what it's worth yet. Well, you'd better get thinking,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27because I'm going to ask you in a minute. Come on.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Well, our Mystery House is definitely doing its job
0:33:30 > 0:33:35by both surprising and delighting us. So, as we head back downstairs,
0:33:35 > 0:33:36there's just the garden to see.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42It may be neat but its far-reaching views across fields gives the
0:33:42 > 0:33:44feeling of endless space.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47A small paved patio leads to a lawn bordered by flowers.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Now, in fairness, it's probably not the biggest garden we've been able
0:33:55 > 0:33:56to show you this week,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59but it is all rather pretty and rather beautiful
0:33:59 > 0:34:02and very easy to maintain, as is the rest of the property.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Yes.- Yes.- No, it's a lovely outdoor space.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I mean, the view behind helps.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09So, it's time to get down to business.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Who's going to guess the price first on this one?
0:34:11 > 0:34:12Over to you, Rach.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15I think for the space...
0:34:15 > 0:34:16395.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18OK.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20I'd go for 390,000.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24390? You're pretty close, to be fair, on your estimates this week.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25How about this, then?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- £350,000.- Wow.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- That is really surprising.- Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- Certainly food for thought, isn't it?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37You can't wait to get back upstairs to look at that bedroom, can you? Right, go on, off you go.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Go and enjoy yourselves and I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Well, there you go, they said it themselves - it wasn't what they were looking for, but who knows?
0:34:44 > 0:34:48It may just have worked. That, of course, is the joy of the Mystery House.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Our modern, contemporary
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Cotswold home is a welcome
0:34:52 > 0:34:54£50,000 under budget,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56meaning a healthy kitty if there's
0:34:56 > 0:34:58a new addition to the family.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59There's a great kitchen
0:34:59 > 0:35:00and lounge-diner,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02perfect for entertaining.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04And with youth comes space.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05Upstairs, they get double the
0:35:05 > 0:35:07number of bedrooms they're after.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Outside, the pretty garden has great
0:35:09 > 0:35:11views and although the commute to
0:35:11 > 0:35:12London is a little further than
0:35:12 > 0:35:14they'd want, the location is
0:35:14 > 0:35:16within one of the Cotswolds' most
0:35:16 > 0:35:18desirable villages.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19Oh, this is nice.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- This is great.- Good space.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- And you could put all your bikes in here.- Yeah.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Ticks all the boxes. - Yeah, it's good!
0:35:27 > 0:35:29The space is just amazing.
0:35:29 > 0:35:30I can't get over the space, actually.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- You like your wardrobe, don't you? - Yeah.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34The dressing room area is very...
0:35:34 > 0:35:36That's a bonus. But it's...
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Yeah, absolutely blown away by this house.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Every single room felt light and airy and...
0:35:42 > 0:35:46it was a good size. There was nothing that felt cramped...
0:35:46 > 0:35:48and it was all modern. It's all bang up-to-date.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52We could just move straight in and there'd be nothing to do.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- It's good to go, this house.- Mmm.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Come on, you two.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57- Hello.- Isn't this wonderful?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It gives it such a wonderful setting.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01It's so beautiful. It's really pretty.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- Yeah, we love it. - Would you keep it looking like this?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- I would try.- Yeah, we'd definitely try our best.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Well, we've certainly tried to give you three worthy options this week.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13I daresay there's a bit of discussion to be had.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Absolutely.- It's certainly mixed it up for us a little bit, hasn't it?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Yeah, you've given us a lot to think about, which is a good thing.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21That's the idea. Right then, off we go.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Oxfordshire is probably best known for the world-famous university
0:36:28 > 0:36:32in Oxford, in the heart of this county.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35With scholars come books and with prolific publishing
0:36:35 > 0:36:37of theses and journals over the years,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40bookbinding became a necessary craft.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42It was at its height during Victorian times,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44but with today's technology,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47the art of hand-binding books is now in decline.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Malcolm Kew started his career as a bookbinder
0:36:50 > 0:36:5245 years ago at the British Museum,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55and is keeping this artisan tradition alive
0:36:55 > 0:36:57in his workshop in Thame.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Here, he restores old books
0:36:59 > 0:37:02but also makes leather-bound books from scratch.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- Malcolm.- Hi, Jules. - Very nice to see you.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- And you, sir.- So, you must have seen some fabulous works over the years.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11At one of the places I worked, I did the, erm,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13the logbook for Captain Cook - Captain Cook's logbooks.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- You're joking!- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18So, what's harder - a new book or a restored book?
0:37:18 > 0:37:19Well, you have to, obviously,
0:37:19 > 0:37:24try to restore a book carefully and thoughtfully, where, you know,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26retaining as much of the original as you can.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29It's a fascinating trade to be in really, I mean, it's kind of...
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- No day's the same.- There's never a dull moment, you know, really.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Well, I've come to the perfect place to see how it's done. Yep.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- Show me around.- After you.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Although most bookbinding is now fully mechanised,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42there is still a demand for hand-bound one-off books
0:37:42 > 0:37:45and small runs, which keeps Malcolm busy.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48And he still uses many of the traditional tools
0:37:48 > 0:37:50that were common in the 19th century.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52And is this some of your work?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Yes. Yeah, those are...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- That's incredible.- Those are ones I've done over the years, yeah.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00As well as having the honour of working on Captain Cook's logbook,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Malcolm's also bound special books for royalty,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07including Princess Diana and Her Majesty the Queen.
0:38:07 > 0:38:08So, how do you start?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11How do you begin to compile all the pages together?
0:38:11 > 0:38:12Well, the erm...
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Most books are made up with sections, which is folded paper.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- So, effectively, they're sort of books within books, aren't they, really?- Yeah. Yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26When you're hand sewing, you take a section at a time and...
0:38:26 > 0:38:27So you go in like that,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29go in and out around the tape.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34Until the mid-1400's, when the first Bible was printed in Germany,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36books as we know them didn't really exist -
0:38:36 > 0:38:39they were just sections of parchment sewn together,
0:38:39 > 0:38:41usually religious writings.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42It does look fascinating, though.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- Do you want a go?- Yeah, well, let's see how hard it is.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- I can't even get hold of the needle. - Push it through.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- And then...- And then back in on itself through there.- That's right.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53And through that one there.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I'm going to put my head through there and try and
0:38:55 > 0:38:57find the other end of it. God, that's harder than...
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- God, you need the patience of a saint, don't you?- Yep, yeah.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02The methods you're using presumably have not changed for
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- hundreds of years?- No, this is how they used to do all the books, yeah,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09before the big old sewing machines came in, yeah,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11which would have been Victorian times, of course.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13All of this work is hidden by the cover,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16which is the thing that really defines the beauty of a book in many respects, isn't it?
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Yes. Yeah, that's right. - As well as what's actually on the pages.- Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Doing a new book is one thing, but what sort of condition are books
0:39:22 > 0:39:25in when you're taking them in to restore?
0:39:25 > 0:39:26All sorts.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Erm, I mean...
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- Oh, that's a beautiful-looking book. - There's a good one there.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- It's a lovely book. - I mean that, to me,
0:39:34 > 0:39:36is the iconic hand-bound leather book.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39I've got to try and save the old spine from that.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- It's a bit of a job.- But, you know, for all of us, I think,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- the end result...- Yeah.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45..the really appealing bit is the cover
0:39:45 > 0:39:47and, as far as you're concerned,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49that really is the showcase of your work, isn't it?
0:39:49 > 0:39:52For most people who pick up a beautifully restored book,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55that's what we're all looking at. I guess the final bit,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57the piece de resistance,
0:39:57 > 0:39:59is the lettering - that lovely gold lettering. How do you do that?
0:39:59 > 0:40:04Yeah. Well, I'm doing that over here, so if you'd like to come and have a look...
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Malcolm has numerous brass stamps,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08each engraved with a letter or design,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12and they're heated before gold leaf can be applied to the book.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Show us how you're going to do this one, then.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19The heat of the stamp transfers the gold leaf onto the spine.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Can I pick up this volume here?- Yep.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I don't know what it is, but this is the finished article.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28There we are - an Encyclopaedia, Volume 1.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29That is absolutely beautiful.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32I mean, if ever I were to write my memoirs...
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- Yeah.- ..I know where to come to get them bound.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- Yeah.- Although, I suspect they'd be a bit smaller than that.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Would I be able to get the lettering on the spine?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- It might be more of a pamphlet, yeah!- Yeah.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- Yeah.- Malcolm, thanks, mate, very much indeed.- Pleasure.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Well, we've all shared in the pressure to try and find
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Rachel and Tristam a home in a hurry this week.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56But have we been successful?
0:40:56 > 0:40:57Let's go and ask them.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02Well, we certainly packed a lot in.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06We've given you, I think, three very interesting properties to consider.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07But the burning question as always -
0:41:07 > 0:41:11is any one of them going to be your home for the future?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Have we managed to do it?
0:41:13 > 0:41:14Erm, yeah, second property,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17I think we're going to go back and have another look at that, actually.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18- Are you?- Yeah.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I think we all liked the setting of that, didn't we?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Just off the green, down that private track.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25And then we took you, this morning, to our Mystery House.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28We were totally surprised by that property.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33It's absolutely everything we asked you not to find for us and, erm...
0:41:33 > 0:41:37But it really changed our perception on new houses.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38The space was incredible.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Yeah, the property itself was lovely.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43The location just doesn't work.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45It's eight miles from a station then, I think you said,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49an hour and a half into London, so a bit far out, but...
0:41:49 > 0:41:50like Rach says...
0:41:50 > 0:41:53it was a really pleasant surprise.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57So, come what may, you will make a decision soon.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- We've got a busy few weeks ahead of us, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03The pressure's on with our house under offer now, so...
0:42:03 > 0:42:04So, yeah. Full steam ahead.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07Well, it's been a great pleasure. We wish you the very best of luck.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Let us know how you get on in the next few weeks.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I can't wait to see what you come up with.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- Aw, thank you, we've had a lovely time.- It's been great.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Pleasure.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Well, Tristam and Rachel wouldn't be the first buyers to have
0:42:22 > 0:42:23dismissed new builds
0:42:23 > 0:42:26in favour of the obvious age and character
0:42:26 > 0:42:29that an older property can offer them, but in truth,
0:42:29 > 0:42:30if you do that, you do run the risk
0:42:30 > 0:42:34of missing out on something that could be really special.
0:42:34 > 0:42:35Take this place, Eynsham Hall -
0:42:35 > 0:42:38on the face of it a beautiful Jacobean mansion,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42potentially over 300 years old but, in truth, it was completed
0:42:42 > 0:42:44in 1908.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45Not bad for a new build.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49If you would like to Escape To The Country,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and would like our help, then please apply online at...