0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06This ruinous and windswept former royal stronghold
0:00:06 > 0:00:11perched high on this hill was built originally to last for centuries,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13but instead just decades after it was completed
0:00:13 > 0:00:16it fell into the state you see behind me.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18But what happened to it and where are we?
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Today our house-hunting pair are eager to relive childhood memories
0:00:43 > 0:00:46in a country that's captured their hearts.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Even though that enthusiasm may be kept under wraps.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- Is this one doing it for you?- Yeah. - Is this Jane being excited, John?
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Yeah.- Yeah, I never get excited. - THEY LAUGH
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Just so I know what to look for. That's OK.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03But it's not long before encouraging signs
0:01:03 > 0:01:05become more obvious.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- I'd love to stay here.- Yeah.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- Well, you might own it. Who knows? - Yeah.- Who knows?
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Well, today we are in North Wales amidst the ruins
0:01:14 > 0:01:18of the once impressive fortress of Castell Dinas Bran,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20or Crow Castle in English.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24It's thought it was built sometime around about 1260
0:01:24 > 0:01:25by a royal prince of Powys,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28but following Edward I's invasion of Wales, well,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31it was abandoned and then deliberately destroyed
0:01:31 > 0:01:34putting it out of use forever in 1277.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Later on in the show I'll be back here
0:01:36 > 0:01:39taking a closer look at ongoing efforts to preserve it
0:01:39 > 0:01:42in this stunning, if harsh, landscape.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48North Wales is made up of six Welsh counties
0:01:48 > 0:01:51with the Irish Sea running along its coastline.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55The area is home to Wales' most recently designated
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02This expanse of beautiful heather-clad moorland
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and limestone cliffs cascades into the striking Dee Valley.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10It's one of only eight protected landscapes in Wales.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14In the heart of the Dee Valley is the village of Glyndyfrdwy,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18once the base of the 15th century ruler, Owain Glyndwr -
0:02:18 > 0:02:22the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25The village hall serves as a memorial to him
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and also houses artefacts he was connected to.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33It was opened by Edward Prince of Wales in 1934.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Closer to the English border is the attractive town of Llangollen
0:02:37 > 0:02:38on the banks of the River Dee,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42over which is an historic 14th-century bridge.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The town's steam railway was opened in 1862,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49and its picturesque ten-mile route through the Dee Valley
0:02:49 > 0:02:51is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54ending its journey in the town of Corwen,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57where Owain Glyndwr is once again remembered.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59So, with magnificent natural beauty
0:02:59 > 0:03:03and man-made creations that includes charming architecture,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08North Wales is a real draw for both visitors and escapees alike.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Now, average house prices across all of Wales are an impressive
0:03:13 > 0:03:17£100,000 below the national figure for both England and Wales,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20which means you certainly get a lot more value for money here
0:03:20 > 0:03:21that you do over the border in England.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23But when it comes to North Wales, well,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26prices here can be surprisingly expensive,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30and that's because of some really good transport links to major cities
0:03:30 > 0:03:32like Chester, Liverpool and Manchester.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34And, of course, coastal hot spots
0:03:34 > 0:03:37like Conwy in the north and Abersoch in the west
0:03:37 > 0:03:39also come with a premium attached
0:03:39 > 0:03:41because of their popularity with tourists.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43So, what about today's buyers?
0:03:43 > 0:03:45What's attracted them to this part of the world?
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Jane and her husband John from Congleton, in Cheshire,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54met 28 years ago on a night out.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59We first met in a nightclub in Manchester.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I was on a hen party.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06My friend really fancied her and I knew she was looking at me.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07The next day I said,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10"No, I definitely won't be marrying that one,"
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- and here I am, what, 26 years later? - SHE LAUGHS
0:04:15 > 0:04:19They were married in 1989 and now have a ten-year-old son, Jordan.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23They've lived in their five-bedroom house for 24 years
0:04:23 > 0:04:25but have always had a yearning to be somewhere more rural,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28particularly somewhere that stirred their souls
0:04:28 > 0:04:29when they were growing up.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32When I was a child we used to go to Wales every year.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Most of my memories are, you know,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38that sort of area around Snowdon and the Conwy Valley.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42We used to go for long walks walking all day in the hills.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45John's introduction to North Wales was quite different.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49He was admitted to hospital there when he was just three years old.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Times were tough,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54but he did find some solace from the surrounding Welsh scenery.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I developed TB through a fractured spine
0:04:58 > 0:05:00from a fall I had when I was a child.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05They transferred me to Abergele in Wales for five years,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09and then once I was able to move around,
0:05:09 > 0:05:14I was able to explore the wonderful forest
0:05:14 > 0:05:17within the hospital grounds and the farmland.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23It didn't really feel like hospital. It was my home as I know it.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28And...yes, it brings back happy memories.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31John has retired from his job as an electrical engineer
0:05:31 > 0:05:33and Jane's hoping to slow things down
0:05:33 > 0:05:36in her job as a neo-natal nurse,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40but they do have plans for making a living from home when they move.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41We'd like an annexe.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And just do holiday lets, or if that wasn't enough,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47work part-time so there's less stress.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48Yeah, it'll take the pressure...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Yeah, maybe not going out to work as much
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and enjoying family life more, more time with Jordan.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55More time with Jordan. Mm.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58And they've got plenty of hobbies to keep them busy
0:05:58 > 0:05:59in their downtime too.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I've got my music.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I have another hobby on the side, you know, boat-building.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Model boats, that is. Not the big ones.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08That keeps me busy.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I do enjoy cooking. I spend quite a lot of time in the kitchen.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14And even when Jordan could barely sit up,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17he was grating carrots and got involved in all the cooking.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19So, with their house on the market
0:06:19 > 0:06:22and Jordan in his last year at primary school,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25this family unit is excited about getting the wheels in motion
0:06:25 > 0:06:26on their move.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Hopefully it'll be the last move we'll make.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32We want to make it our forever home where we'll be happy forever.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Jane and John have asked us to concentrate our search
0:06:39 > 0:06:41between the Conwy Valley and Llangollen.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43And before we begin our house hunt,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47I'm meeting them in North Wales to ensure I'm across the finer details
0:06:47 > 0:06:48of their property wish list.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Jane, John, welcome to Escape To The Country,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53and welcome to North Wales.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57This is a part of the world that both of you know very well.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00What kind of a property have you been thinking about?
0:07:00 > 0:07:06We're looking for a large cottage with large kitchen.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09The bigger the better. Four to five bedrooms would be nice.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Wow.- You know, a decent size.- Wow. What about outside?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I'd say about an acre, but John wants more than that.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Two to three to be right, really. - Two to three acres.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21What are you going to do with them?
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Well, you know, might have the odd garden party.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27THEY LAUGH
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Invite some famous friends around.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31I was going to say, this is a very different kind of life
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- to what it is in Congleton at the moment.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I know you're a keen musician. You've got
0:07:36 > 0:07:37a music studio at the moment.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- You clearly want one of those as well.- Yes.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42And you and I share a peculiar passion for building model ships.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- That's right.- So you need a studio for that as well.- Yes.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Both little boys, aren't we? - We are indeed. Absolutely.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I also gather you want some holiday let potential.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52- Yes.- Yeah.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55We stayed in a couple and we've got the idea.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I mean, we speak to the owners
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and they tell us all about what's involved,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02what they can earn a year and, you know,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04it's something that we'd like to think about, you know,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08for when I'm retired and for when Jane retires.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10You know, just something to support the pension pot.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13And I suppose that leads us very nicely on to talk about
0:08:13 > 0:08:16how much you want to spend on this endeavour, Jane.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Well, if there's work to be done, about 550,000.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22If it was all completely perfect
0:08:22 > 0:08:24and we didn't need to spend anything, about 600.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Well, we've got some good weather. Not always the case in North Wales.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30And three, I think, really interesting properties to show you,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32including of course our Mystery House,
0:08:32 > 0:08:33so let's go house hunting.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Come on then.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41For their top budget of £600,000,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Jane and John are looking for a character property
0:08:43 > 0:08:45with spacious living quarters.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Cook of the pair Jane would like a great kitchen
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and they want four to five decent-size bedrooms.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54They're also hoping for a property that comes with land
0:08:54 > 0:08:57but are at odds as to exactly how much.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01We've chosen three fantastic and contrasting properties
0:09:01 > 0:09:04for them to view, but they'll only find out how much each one is
0:09:04 > 0:09:07after they've completed each tour.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09The final visit will be to our mystery property,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12which may need some lateral thinking
0:09:12 > 0:09:15but could well be the home our buyers have been waiting for.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Is it rather strange then coming back here
0:09:22 > 0:09:25having been a sort of child patient, John?
0:09:25 > 0:09:28You know, my heart is with Wales, really,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32because I never knew I was going to come home.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35I just grew up in hospital all those years,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and it was one day my father came to see me on a Sunday,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41went straight into the consultants, said, "I want to take him home."
0:09:41 > 0:09:45That time I came home, and that was a shock to me.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47So, your dad took you back out of Wales
0:09:47 > 0:09:50really against your expectations, I suppose.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Yes, yes.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56You know, met all my relations that
0:09:56 > 0:10:00I didn't realise I had when I went back to Manchester.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05We're kicking off our journey around North Wales
0:10:05 > 0:10:09in the village of Melin-y-Wig in the county of Denbighshire.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12A good selection of amenities are just over six miles away
0:10:12 > 0:10:14in the larger village of Cerrigydrudion
0:10:14 > 0:10:16in neighbouring Conwy.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19In the 18th century, the legendary engineer Thomas Telford
0:10:19 > 0:10:21built a road between London and Holyhead
0:10:21 > 0:10:24that passed through this village which was the main route to Ireland,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and Queen Victoria was said to have stopped off here
0:10:27 > 0:10:29on her way to the Emerald Isle.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31The village has a primary school
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and a selection of cafes and watering holes to choose from,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Just under 15 minutes away
0:10:39 > 0:10:42is the equally rural landscape of Melin-y-Wig.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Well, look at that for a setting.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Absolutely fantastic. - Yes, lovely, isn't it?
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- And there is property number one. - Yes.- I love the stonework.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- And the Welsh slate.- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57As you probably might've guessed, it was an old farm.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00You've got this old collection of farm buildings that go with it.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- This has six acres.- Wow. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Got to be careful what you wish for, mate. You see?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10But it also has this ruined barn here
0:11:10 > 0:11:15which has planning permission on it to be turned into a dwelling.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17So, what do you think?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- It looks quaint.- Can't wait to get in.- Yeah? Come on then.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25This farmhouse is built from locally-quarried stone
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and is thought to date back around 200 years.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31There's been a farm on this land since at least the 17th century.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35We're heading through the entrance hall and up into the kitchen/diner.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- There you go. - It's lovely. I love the fireplace.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44It's really, really nice, but I was hoping maybe a little bit bigger.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Could you forgive it that?
0:11:45 > 0:11:49It's got potential to expand,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52cos we have got a bigger kitchen than this.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Everything has its errors of compromise.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Maybe on this one the kitchen is one of them.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00And of course, easy for me to say, cos I've seen what's on offer here.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- You haven't. So, follow me. Let me show you the rest of it.- OK.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07We're stepping just across the hallway into the dining room
0:12:07 > 0:12:10which is one of two reception rooms.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Now, this to me is where this property really starts
0:12:13 > 0:12:15to come to life.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Yes.- It's a better size for a dining room.- Yeah?- Mm.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21But the living room is through here. Come and have a look at this.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Again, you step down into it. Isn't that lovely?
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Yeah, love that.- Oh, yes. This is nice, isn't it?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Stunning.- This is lovely, yes.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Are we selling this to you, Jane?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Lounge and dining room-wise, yes.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Kitchen-wise, we'll have to change some of it.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40- Yeah?- Mm.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43I'm not sensing a great deal of enthusiasm, Jane.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45That's what I'm driving at, I suppose.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Well, Jane is definitely keeping her cards close to her chest,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52but hopefully the rest of the house will elicit
0:12:52 > 0:12:54a more positive response.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Also downstairs there's a utility room
0:12:57 > 0:12:58and a family bathroom.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Then an enclosed stairway leads up to the first floor
0:13:01 > 0:13:03where there are four bedrooms,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05each with its own distinctive character.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09There's a double with wooden floors and a feature window,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12another slightly larger double
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and then there's a snug child's room,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16which leaves just the master.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- And then this is your bit. - All right, yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- Bigger than what we've got at home. - Yes. Nice size.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Is there much more storage than what's in the corner there?
0:13:28 > 0:13:29You've got storage there.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32You've got storage in some of the other bedrooms as well.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34The house, I agree,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36maybe short on its immediate storage -
0:13:36 > 0:13:37clothing storage, shall we say -
0:13:37 > 0:13:40but, you know, the six acres that it comes with
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- is littered with all sorts of outbuildings...- Mm.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44..and loads and loads of space,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and that's really what we're going for here.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- So, bear with us, all right?- OK. - Come on, let's go outside.- OK.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Back downstairs, a door from the utility room takes us outside
0:13:54 > 0:13:57where we can fully appreciate what's on offer here.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Let's get to the main event, shall we?
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It's pretty much all that you can see that way.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Includes this huge breeze block barn.- Mm.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08That's very useful, that.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09There is also a strip of paddock behind it,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and it includes that static caravan up there too...
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Yes.- ..which is all powered and watered, as it were.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Mm, it is lovely.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19We know, this is what we see, this is what I've got in mind,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21or the options that are available.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24And then what would you do out here with the lets?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Do the...?- Log cabins or something like that.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27Something like that out there.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- Key thing of course is going to be the price.- Yeah.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- I guess about 525.- 525. Yeah.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40I think it's way below budget. I would say...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- He's hoping.- ..495.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45You're both, I'm afraid, absolutely way off.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50On this occasion I'm afraid it's £465,000.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- Ooh!- There you go.- Scaring me then, thinking, "Oh, no."
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- 465.- OK.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Now, the current estimate on doing up the barn there
0:14:59 > 0:15:04is about 150,000, which would take you more or less to your 600,000...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Yeah.- ..of course. - Quite surprised, really.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10Yeah. Go and have a closer look at that barn and I will come
0:15:10 > 0:15:13and find you a little bit later on.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Thank you.- Off you go. - Thank you, Jules.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20This fabulous farmhouse with all its land and outbuildings
0:15:20 > 0:15:23has rung in at more than £100,000
0:15:23 > 0:15:25under Jane and John's budget.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It offers them the character and space they want
0:15:28 > 0:15:31and also the right number of bedrooms.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Outside, the acreage and barn give them plenty of options
0:15:34 > 0:15:38to have a holiday let business with a stunning view.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Right, Jane. What do we think of this?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- Big, isn't it?- Mm.- Plenty of space.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Be nice to have sections of workshops
0:15:45 > 0:15:48with different aspects of work.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50A dust-proof area.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53I'm quite impressed with the house, really.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56You know, it's got great potential.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59If we go ahead with this, this is what I would be looking at,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03you know, to improve things for our way of life here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Overall, I think it's a good package,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08with the money that would be left in the budget
0:16:08 > 0:16:10to make it how we want it.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13The main thing I'd want to do is make the kitchen bigger,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16so a bit more kitchen/dining room area.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Got it all planned out then?- Yeah.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Can you reimagine it as something else?- Yes, we can.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27But we have got lots more to show you,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29so take one more look at that view, take it in,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31imprint it on your minds.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- Let's get going.- Lovely view. I love it.- Come on.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Wales is proud of its many regional delicacies,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and as Jane is such a keen baker,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53we've sent her and John to sample a Welsh delight available
0:16:53 > 0:16:56in the market town of Llanrwst.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Here in the shadow of Snowdonia National Park
0:16:58 > 0:17:02are the Tu Hwnt Ir Bont Tearooms, next to the Inigo Jones Bridge.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Hwnt Ir Bont means beyond the bridge in Welsh,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08and Tim Maddox took over the tearooms with his wife
0:17:08 > 0:17:0912 years ago.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13The tearooms was built in 1480,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15the bridge about 100 years after the tearooms.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18The building wasn't actually a tearooms originally.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20It was the local courthouse for the area.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Then if we move on several centuries,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27it fell into disrepair a few times.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Eventually it was bought by the town.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34It was repaired and turned into a tearooms in the 1930s
0:17:34 > 0:17:36and it's been a tearooms ever since.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It's great, you know. It's the landmark for this area.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- It's lovely.- Yeah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43What sort of food do you make in the tearoom?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45We make all of our own food in the tearooms -
0:17:45 > 0:17:48everything apart from the jam and the bread.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50We make our own scones, which we're renowned for.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53We make our own bara brith, which we've won awards for.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54What is bara brith?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57It's a really moist, rich cake, so it's got a great shelf life.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59It lasts well once it's been cut.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02It literally translates into speckled bread.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Traditionally, it used to be taken away in lunchboxes
0:18:05 > 0:18:08for the miners or the people that worked in the forestry
0:18:08 > 0:18:10or just general workers.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Bara brith may be a Welsh delicacy,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15but it can be found as far away as Argentina.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19In 1865, when Welsh settlers sailed to the South American country,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23they took the cake with them and it's still enjoyed there today.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Now, something that sounds that good has surely got to be road-tested,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30and Tim's wife Ayla has invited Jane and John
0:18:30 > 0:18:34back to their nearby house to bake some of the traditional Welsh cake.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Now, everyone's recipe differs slightly,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39and Ayla inherited hers when she took over the tearooms.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43OK, first of all we take our mixed fruit,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and this, you can see, it's been soaking in tea overnight.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And the fruit that we've got here, we've got currants,
0:18:49 > 0:18:50we've got sultanas,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53we've got raisins and we've got mixed peel.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Breakfast teabags have been steeped in boiling water
0:18:55 > 0:18:57and dark brown sugar.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Self-raising flour and mixed spice are added
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and it's all given a good stir.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- That's lovely. I love spicy stuff. - You like that? Yeah.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07And that's what makes the lovely smell
0:19:07 > 0:19:09when it's cooking as well.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Do you want to have a go?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13So, how many of these do you have to make a day?
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Um, at the moment we're making around 100, 150 a day.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Wow.- During the summer months when we're really busy
0:19:21 > 0:19:23the numbers go up.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Two whisked eggs are then added to the mixture.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29And then final ingredient is the marmalade.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And what the marmalade does is it's like adding the tea,
0:19:32 > 0:19:38adds moisture as well as flavour so it keeps the loaf lovely, rich.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41A final stir and the fragrant mixture
0:19:41 > 0:19:44is spooned into lined cake tins and popped into the oven
0:19:44 > 0:19:47for an hour to an hour and a quarter.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49And when the bara brith is baked,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52it's down to the tearooms to meet Tim for a tasting session.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55But the cake supposedly tastes even better
0:19:55 > 0:19:58after it's rested for a few days.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Thank you.- John.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Thank you, Tim.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- That's really moist.- Mm. - You can really taste the fruit.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Lovely and soft and fresh.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09- Mm.- Yeah, juicy fruit in it.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Thank you very much. That was wonderful. It was a lovely time.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- You're very welcome. It's nice to meet you both.- Really enjoyed it.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- It's been wonderful.- I wish all our guests made their cakes with us.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20THEY LAUGH
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- And you must take this one back for your son so he can have a try.- Oh.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Thank you very much.- Oh, lovely. - Yeah, no problem.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Appreciate it very much. Thank you.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30So, now we've whetted their appetites,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32it's back to the house hunt for Jane and John.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38For our next destination,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40we're on our way to the village of Llanddoged,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44situated in the Conwy Valley our buyers know and love,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and only a mile and a half from the amenities of Llanrwst.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Just outside the town is Gwydir Castle,
0:20:51 > 0:20:52a fortified manor house
0:20:52 > 0:20:55said to be one of the most haunted properties in Wales.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57The town has a primary and a secondary school
0:20:57 > 0:21:01along with plenty of amenities, including dining pubs.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Back in Llanddoged is our second property,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08which majors on the house for Jane over the land for John.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Now...- That is something.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15This is a very different proposition...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- It's more my cup of tea. - ..to our first one.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Is this more your cup of tea?- Yeah. - It is, yes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22It's an old rectory.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24It is technically a semi, believe it or not.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30- That white bit isn't yours, but the rest of it is.- Yes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34To our right, you've got a brand-new two-bed cottage,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- or holiday let, depending on how you decide to use it.- Right.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40But I really hope when we get through the door
0:21:40 > 0:21:42this flicks a few more switches.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Yes.- Come on. Let's have a look inside.- OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49This handsome stone property was built in 1829
0:21:49 > 0:21:51and was renovated to a very high standard
0:21:51 > 0:21:54from a near derelict state 15 years ago.
0:21:55 > 0:22:01- Let's start in here. There you go. - Oh, it's nice, isn't it?- Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02Yeah.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04You'd like it like this but you'd like a beam on your fireplace,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- which you could easily change. - Yes, that's...- And a brick...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- That's cosmetic, really. - There, something like...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Now, the kitchen in the last property
0:22:12 > 0:22:14was one of the big sticking points.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Tell me what you think of this one.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- Ey up. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:18 > 0:22:22And Jane's domain is found just across the hallway.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Yeah, that's more like it.- Wow. Yes. - Yeah?
0:22:25 > 0:22:28As you can see, the kitchen extends right the way through
0:22:28 > 0:22:32that lovely oak archway into this sort of atrium
0:22:32 > 0:22:35that runs across the full length of the property
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and comes out the other side, of course, of the living room.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39So, come on, Jane.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42You know, we're putting out all the stops. Is this one doing it for you?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Yeah.- Is this Jane being excited, John?
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Yes.- Yeah, I never get excited. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Just so I know what to look for. That's OK.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53If this is excited Jane, that's all right with me. Yeah.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Is it exciting you there, mate?
0:22:55 > 0:22:59It is, yes. As we go along, yes, it's improving.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Also on the ground floor there's a utility room and a cloakroom,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06and then there's an added bonus.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10In the basement, accessed by a hatch in the atrium is a cellar
0:23:10 > 0:23:13in use as a gym as well as for wine storage.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Then upstairs on the first floor there are four bedrooms,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18three of which have en suites.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23There's a colourful master, a bright double, a smaller room
0:23:23 > 0:23:27currently used as a dressing room, and lastly on this floor
0:23:27 > 0:23:29there's a third double which, like the others,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31has its own en suite.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34And on top of all of those en suites,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36there's a stylish family bathroom.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38One floor up, there's an attic office
0:23:38 > 0:23:40and yet another double bedroom.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42But if all that wasn't enough,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46there's still the adjoining self-contained cottage to see.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Wow. That's brilliant. I could stay here.- Could you?
0:23:49 > 0:23:50- Yeah, definitely.- Excellent.- Yeah.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- That's what I was hoping you would say.- Yeah, most definitely.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- Yeah?- Yeah.- Modern kitchen. Nicely appointed.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01And that lovely oak staircase gets you up to two further bedrooms
0:24:01 > 0:24:02and a family bathroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- This is as good as next door. - Absolutely. Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- I mean, take your pick, really. - Yeah, no. I'd love to stay here.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Well, you might own it. Who knows? Who knows?
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- If you can afford it.- Mm.- Yeah. Come on then. Open the door, John.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Get your thinking caps on. What's this one worth, eh?- Yeah.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Outside, there's also a workshop in a carport
0:24:26 > 0:24:27with a large room above it,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and finally a summer house from which to enjoy
0:24:29 > 0:24:31the landscaped garden.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Well, I did promise you a big property
0:24:36 > 0:24:38when we started the tour here.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Perhaps a little more than you were expecting, even so.- Yes.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42Definitely.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- We haven't got all that land for you to play with.- No. No.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47But I don't think that's really what's on offer here
0:24:47 > 0:24:50in terms of the sort of lifestyle it can offer you.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53This is about you in a lovely, sumptuous family home.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54You've got these views here.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57This is about the house amongst all this beauty.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00What do you think this one is on the market for?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02I'm looking at 480.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04480? Ooh!
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- He'll be sorry. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:07 > 0:25:09OK, Jane.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Um, 560.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15I like where you're going with that, however...
0:25:15 > 0:25:17he's almost right.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18- He's almost right.- Really?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20It's 495.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Right.- Wow.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Well, I think now is the perfect time
0:25:24 > 0:25:26for you to go and have another look inside.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27- Off you go.- OK.- Thank you.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- I'll come and find you later. - OK, thanks, Jules.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36This former rectory has surprised us all
0:25:36 > 0:25:37with its price tag -
0:25:37 > 0:25:41more than £100,000 below our budget.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43It's got the featured kitchen
0:25:43 > 0:25:44keen cook Jane wanted
0:25:44 > 0:25:45and just the number of bedrooms
0:25:45 > 0:25:46they're after,
0:25:46 > 0:25:47along with options
0:25:47 > 0:25:49for John's hobby rooms.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50But best of all,
0:25:50 > 0:25:51this property has a beautifully
0:25:51 > 0:25:53appointed holiday let
0:25:53 > 0:25:54that's ready to go and it could
0:25:54 > 0:25:56give Jane the career break
0:25:56 > 0:25:57she's dreaming of.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59The property may not come
0:25:59 > 0:26:00with acres of land,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02but the garden is beautifully
0:26:02 > 0:26:04designed and boasts rural views.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I like this property because it's got all the main things
0:26:06 > 0:26:08that we were asking for.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11The kitchen is the main thing that I go for in a house,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and the kitchen has got the wow factor.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17It's more exciting, this house.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's more like what we're looking for.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23It's quirky, it's cute.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27The more I go around it, the more ideas I've got of what I could do.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31This house has got a really lovely, warm, homely feel about it,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35and I could see all three of us living here very happily.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Now, I know on paper this wasn't technically
0:26:37 > 0:26:40what you were looking for, but have we sold it?
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- Probably.- Probably?- Yeah. - You can't tease me with that.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45There's one more property of course for you to see.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47That's our Mystery House tomorrow morning.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49But in the meantime, come on. Let's go.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04It's the second and final day of our trip around North Wales
0:27:04 > 0:27:07searching out a spacious family house
0:27:07 > 0:27:09so Jane and John from Congleton in Cheshire
0:27:09 > 0:27:11can call the country they love home.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And with a top budget of £600,000,
0:27:14 > 0:27:19they want somewhere with a fantastic kitchen for Jane and land for John.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Still to come, our pair will have to get thinking
0:27:22 > 0:27:23when we introduce the Mystery House.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Are we going to persuade you that this one might work?- Might do.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Or is number two still near the front of your mind?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30No, you might persuade me.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32And I'll be visiting some remarkable ruins
0:27:32 > 0:27:34with breathtaking 360-degree views.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Well, when I first met Jane and John,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44they gave me a shopping list as long as my arm.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46They wanted lots of acres,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50lots of holiday lets and a property with lots of bedrooms,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and I think we pretty much got there with property number one,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56but for a couple who, let's face it, aren't giving that much away,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59well, their reaction said it all at property number two.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01It didn't have everything they wanted,
0:28:01 > 0:28:02but they've fallen in love with it,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05so what can we possibly come up with for our final offering,
0:28:05 > 0:28:06our Mystery House?
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Well, going back to their original brief,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11it's got loads of land and loads of business potential,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13so will it put a cat among the pigeons?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Let's see.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Our journey to the Mystery House takes us to the hamlet of Prion
0:28:20 > 0:28:22back in Denbighshire,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24which is just outside the village of Llanrhaeadr
0:28:24 > 0:28:27where the nearest amenities are to be found.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28Here, the narrow village streets
0:28:28 > 0:28:31are flanked by rows of stone cottages.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34There's a handsome church, a pub to serve locals
0:28:34 > 0:28:36and a primary school.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Nearby are the ruins of King Edward I's
0:28:38 > 0:28:4213th-century Denbigh Castle, with views across the Vale of Clwyd.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Back in Prion, in an equally spectacular rural setting,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49is our Mystery House.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- There it is.- Wow.- Looks good. - Looks good, yes, from here.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57But why have we brought you here? Why is this our Mystery House?
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Now, everything else we've shown you so far
0:29:00 > 0:29:04has had a holiday let element to it.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07This one has none of that.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It is essentially an equestrian property with about 4.5 acres,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11maybe just under.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13With this one, I think it gives you, again,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16lots of possibilities in terms of yurts, shepherd's huts,
0:29:16 > 0:29:17log cabins, whatever.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19And of course they make the best of the views
0:29:19 > 0:29:21over to the Clwydian Range,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23cos that's your land running down there.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25So, that's why we've come to this one.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It also has this former chicken coop
0:29:28 > 0:29:31which is now a fairly messy sort of workshop,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- but I think you get the idea, John. - Yes.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34You could certainly improve that.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Are we going to persuade you that this one might work
0:29:37 > 0:29:39or is number two still near the front of your minds?
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- No, you might persuade me.- Good. Let's see if we can. Come on.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48This country home is 400 years old, with later additions.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50It has a background as a farm.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53The house is accessed via a bright conservatory at the front,
0:29:53 > 0:29:57which leads us into a cosy snug full of rustic charm.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00But we're heading to the kitchen which is just next door,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04and I know it's the room the cook of our pair is most keen to see.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06There we go, Jane.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09I like it, but I would've liked it a bit bigger
0:30:09 > 0:30:11so I could get a table in.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15In terms of making it bigger, the utility room is behind me.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18It would be quite a number, I suspect,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- to try and combine these.- Right.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- But as it stands, it's a classic country kitchen.- It is.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27It is classic, but I do think it's a bit on the small side.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30However, in the living area, there is a dining end.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- Come and have a look at this.- OK.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38There's also a little study area in there, sort of purpose built.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39So, there we go.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42I think this room is gorgeous as a family space, actually.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Oh, this is nice, yes.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- This is the nicest lounge of the three houses.- Yes.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- It's got a really homely feel about it.- Cosy.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Downstairs has had much more attention paid to it
0:30:52 > 0:30:54over more recent years than upstairs,
0:30:54 > 0:30:56which is a little older in feel.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59However, there's still lots of space up there.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Potential.- So, let's complete the picture in your minds.- OK.
0:31:02 > 0:31:03Follow me.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Also on the ground floor and behind the kitchen,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08there's a shower room.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Then moving upstairs and off a long, narrow hallway
0:31:11 > 0:31:13are four double bedrooms, all at the front of the house
0:31:13 > 0:31:17and all served by a tiled family bathroom at the back.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21There is a beautifully bright bedroom nearest the stairs,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24a slightly smaller one but just as bright,
0:31:24 > 0:31:26and a third next door.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28So, that just leaves the largest of the four.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34It's lovely. I like the beam across the slope on the roof.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- It has its merits.- Yes.- Yeah. - It's nice.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38I could see myself living here.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Now, bear in mind, we've come here not just because of the property
0:31:42 > 0:31:45but also because, importantly, it offers you that land
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- that you spoke so highly of when we first met.- Yeah.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51Come on. Let's have a look at it and see what you might do with it.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56As well as the acreage that comes with this one,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59there's a stable block at the side of the house with three stables.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03So, our Mystery House is certainly giving our pair food for thought
0:32:03 > 0:32:06as they'd have to employ some creative thinking
0:32:06 > 0:32:08to turn it into the business they're after.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12We've now seen what this offers you on the inside.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Now let's take a look at the outside, the land element.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- So, about 4.5 acres or so.- Right.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20And the boundary is that big hedge at the bottom.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- And then back up. And it includes this black tin shed here.- Mm.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28And that little white stone building as well,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31which I'm guessing might have been the old privy once...
0:32:31 > 0:32:33THEY LAUGH ..to this place.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Yes, at the moment it's an equestrian property,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37but with the right planning permission,
0:32:37 > 0:32:39you could go for something potentially here
0:32:39 > 0:32:41that would give you that holiday let business,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and all of it overlooked by the beautiful Clwydian Range.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46So, Jane...
0:32:48 > 0:32:52I reckon it's about 550.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54We're still below budget, way below budget,
0:32:54 > 0:32:59and I'm looking at spot-on 500.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Spot-on 500?- Mm.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- He's annoyingly good at this.- Is he?
0:33:05 > 0:33:08But for 50 quid, mate, you are spot-on.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- It's on at 499,950.- OK.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Yeah. So, there you go.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Mm. You've done brilliant. It's been fantastic what you've shown us.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Good. Go and have a wander around
0:33:20 > 0:33:22and I'll catch up with you a little bit later on.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- OK.- Thank you.- Thank you, Jules.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Our detached Mystery House has come in
0:33:30 > 0:33:33well under Jane and John's top budget and would leave them
0:33:33 > 0:33:35just over £100,000 in the kitty
0:33:35 > 0:33:37if they decide to go for it.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39It's got the charm and character
0:33:39 > 0:33:41they're after and enough rooms
0:33:41 > 0:33:43to give John a choice of homes
0:33:43 > 0:33:45for his instruments and boats.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46And outside there's enough land
0:33:46 > 0:33:47and outbuildings
0:33:47 > 0:33:49with potential to turn this home
0:33:49 > 0:33:51into the small business venture they're after.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- Good size for a double bed, but... - Be all right for visitors.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58..it's a bit stuck for storage space, really.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01You could build a cupboard around the corner there, couldn't you?
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- You're thinking of putting your clothes in that?- Yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- I was thinking of my model boats. - Oh, right.
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Of course.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12The Mystery House is fantastic. Lovely.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18You've got 360-degree views all around you. It's gorgeous.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Yeah, the Mystery House has given us
0:34:21 > 0:34:24thought to think about what we wanted again.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28The only thing that we're not really very happy with
0:34:28 > 0:34:29is the kitchen, really,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33but we could probably do a bit of an extension somewhere
0:34:33 > 0:34:34cos there's plenty of land,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37and there is the potential with the holiday let side of it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43I could see myself living here, me and Jane. I was imagining that.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46You know, it's something I'm going to think about, really.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I've not ruled it out.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51That's it, I'm afraid, guys. There's nothing more to see.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Our house tours are over.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- Your job now is to go away on your own and think about it.- Yes, it is.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- Ready for that?- Yeah.- Yeah. - Come on then.- Let's go.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Wales has castles and ancient ruins
0:35:11 > 0:35:13scattered across its stunning landscape,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16giving a glimpse into the country's chequered past.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20In fact, there are an estimated 600-plus castle sites
0:35:20 > 0:35:22perched on vantage points,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25most but not all of which were built by English lords
0:35:25 > 0:35:29as fortifications at a time of unrest between the two countries.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I believe one of the most fascinating of these
0:35:31 > 0:35:34is Castell Dinas Bran outside Llangollen,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36overlooking the Dee Valley.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Sitting within the Clwydian Range,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42it's currently two decades into a project to preserve it.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44David Shiel works for
0:35:44 > 0:35:48the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50and is one of the senior countryside officers.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52His role includes landscape conservation
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and he's going to tell me more about the castle's history.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59It was established by Madog ap Gruffydd in the 1260s
0:35:59 > 0:36:03as part of the defences of this border area with the English.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05The Welsh were at odds with the English at that time.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But the castle itself was famously short-lived. What happened?
0:36:08 > 0:36:12We know that Edward I's armies came up the valley in 1277,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15and at that point it looks like the castle was abandoned
0:36:15 > 0:36:18by the Welsh and burned,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20probably to sort of render it useless to the English.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25I guess this is amongst a rare bunch of surviving Welsh castles
0:36:25 > 0:36:26built by a Welsh prince.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28That's what makes it special.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30It's a Welsh castle, and particularly in this part of Wales,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32very few remain.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34It must really suffer the ravages of the elements
0:36:34 > 0:36:36being perched on that hill.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39It does, and we basically want to stop it disappearing,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41you know, stop the ravages of time taking its toll.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Welsh-built castles tended to have simpler designs
0:36:45 > 0:36:47than their English counterparts,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50relying more on the rugged terrain of the landscape
0:36:50 > 0:36:52around them to act as natural defences.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The spot Dinas Bran is in certainly means climbing up
0:36:56 > 0:36:58to the castle is no easy feat,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02but it's definitely worth the effort when you reach the top.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. Gosh.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Now, the history of Dinas Bran is dominated by the medieval story,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17but I gather there's a much older history associated with this site.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18Well, the rock formations here
0:37:18 > 0:37:20tell a very interesting geological story
0:37:20 > 0:37:22going much further back in time,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25and start to paint a picture of what the landscape was like
0:37:25 > 0:37:27millions of years ago.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30So, how old are these rocks that we're standing on now?
0:37:30 > 0:37:35These rocks were laid down around about 415 million years ago.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- 415?- A long time before the medieval armies came up the valley.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- Before any of us were ever thought about.- That's right.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45For all of its pedigree, does it make good castle-building material?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Well, it's easy to quarry,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49and they've quarried it out of the moat here
0:37:49 > 0:37:51to gather the stone to build the castle,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53so in that respect, it's quite good.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56It's easily won, but it's quite friable
0:37:56 > 0:37:59so the longevity is not great, and that's part of the problem
0:37:59 > 0:38:04that we've got in halting its deterioration.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Friable means the rock crumbles easily,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09but combine that with the castle's historic destruction,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11it's a wonder there's anything left to see at all.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Can you recognise any of the key components
0:38:15 > 0:38:17that would've made it function?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Well, you can see that this is the outer wall here.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- The keep, which is the kind of... - That's the main...
0:38:24 > 0:38:26The stronghold of the castle.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29And the main hall of the castle were these fantastic windows.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- The des res.- The des res.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33That's the place to entertain.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37These ruins are clearly impressive,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40but the castle would have been even more so when it was first built
0:38:40 > 0:38:44before it was ravaged by both war and the weather.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47After the Welsh abandoned Dinas Bran,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50it was briefly taken over by the English, whose commander said,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52"There is no stronger castle in all Wales."
0:38:53 > 0:38:55We've been up here for the last 20 years
0:38:55 > 0:38:58trying to maintain the walls as they are.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02Trying not to rebuild any of it but just to keep it in the ruinous state
0:39:02 > 0:39:05that it is and stop it getting any more ruinous
0:39:05 > 0:39:07but doing it in a way where you actually can't tell
0:39:07 > 0:39:08that we've been here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10And what are the guys doing over here?
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Well, this is the last piece of work still to do,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16this last archway, basically to stop it falling down.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17Paul Warrand is responsible
0:39:17 > 0:39:19for running the conservation work up here.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22We've introduced some modern materials.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24We've put stainless steel dowels
0:39:24 > 0:39:27through either side of the legs of the arch,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31and then we've used grout, which is a lime-based grout.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34And in terms of the lime that you're using, Paul,
0:39:34 > 0:39:38is this as historically akin to what was used originally?
0:39:38 > 0:39:39It was.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I mean, the sand is a local sand from the Denbighshire area
0:39:42 > 0:39:46and the lime is a basic natural material, so, you know,
0:39:46 > 0:39:48obviously we've mixed them together.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51It bonds and protects the building.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54How long do you think your repairs will last for?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Well, they will see me out,
0:39:56 > 0:39:58and I'd like to think that my grandchildren
0:39:58 > 0:40:00and great-grandchildren will be able to come up
0:40:00 > 0:40:03and see it as well still here for everybody to enjoy.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04It is a sobering thought, though,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07to think that you've been repairing it for longer
0:40:07 > 0:40:08than it was probably lived in.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- Thanks for that, yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Well, from one wonderful Welsh address to three.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20I wonder if Jane and John have come any closer to their country dream.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Well, house-hunting, of course, does take an awfully long time.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Making sense of everything you've seen can take even longer,
0:40:30 > 0:40:31but you know what?
0:40:31 > 0:40:35This week with these two, I think it's been a fairly quick decision.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Ah, look at this. A scene of tranquillity.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48But have we managed to find you a property for the future?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Yes, we really, really liked property number two.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55We are thinking of making a second visit.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58We're going to bring Jordan with us this time.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00We've looked at the schools.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Just doing a little bit more research.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06It's not got everything we wanted, but there you go.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07That's the way it is.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10It is funny, isn't it, how one's wish list can change
0:41:10 > 0:41:14once the properties start revealing themselves and all that they offer?
0:41:14 > 0:41:16- Mm. - Has it been a surprise to you, Jane?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Mm. I thought that John would stick out for land.- But you didn't.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- You compromised.- No.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26And I did compromise because I like it, the property,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28and where it is, the situation.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30You know, it's important that
0:41:30 > 0:41:34we're still within reach of the local community
0:41:34 > 0:41:37rather than being out in the sticks, so to speak.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39And what about that separate cottage, Jane?
0:41:39 > 0:41:44Because it was under budget, the difference in the price,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46then I could maybe leave work earlier
0:41:46 > 0:41:49and what I will lose in pension I could make up for
0:41:49 > 0:41:50with the holiday let.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I can see Jordan moving into that cottage when he's a bit older.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- THEY LAUGH - He'll have to pay us.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57He will. There you go.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59You'll give him a family discount.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Brilliant, guys. Well, look, it's been an awful lot of fun.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05I'm really pleased you're going back to have a second look
0:42:05 > 0:42:06at our second property.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08It's been a real pleasure. Best of luck.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- Thank you very much. - Thank you, Jules.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Well, there you have it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14We may well be on the verge
0:42:14 > 0:42:17of concluding yet another successful house hunt
0:42:17 > 0:42:20here on Escape To The Country, and the reason is simple.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24You can have a wish list that can stretch from here to the sky,
0:42:24 > 0:42:25but at the end of the day,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27it comes down to one very simple notion,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29that of compromise,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and that is exactly what Jane and John have managed to do
0:42:32 > 0:42:35in the heart of the glorious Conwy Valley.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38It's long been one of my favourite parts of North Wales,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41and as it turns out, it's one of theirs too.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Happy days. I'll see you next time.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Jane and John did revisit our second property
0:42:48 > 0:42:50and although they're still considering it,
0:42:50 > 0:42:54they've yet to decide exactly what their next move will be.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57But if you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:43:00 > 0:43:01then please apply online at...