0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to what promises to be a fairly military Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Covering some 30 acres, this beautiful castle behind me really is
0:00:08 > 0:00:11a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14But where is it? Well, join me in just a moment and I will tell you.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Today's property hunters have decided to say goodbye to a nomadic
0:00:34 > 0:00:38army lifestyle and have set their sights on buying a forever home
0:00:38 > 0:00:42in the countryside - so we've pulled out all the stops to impress them.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- I like it.- Do you want to buy it? - Maybe!
0:00:47 > 0:00:51What's more, the size of our properties gets them eagerly planning for the future.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Six bedrooms.- Really?
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- We have to have more babies. - Fantastic.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Well, today we are in South Wales
0:01:00 > 0:01:05and these are the truly fabulous remains of Caerphilly Castle.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09It was built over a 22-year period during the late 13th century
0:01:09 > 0:01:10by Gilbert de Clare.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13But, astonishingly enough, that enormous keep behind me
0:01:13 > 0:01:15was put up in just three years.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Now, not only is it second in size to Windsor Castle,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20it was the first castle of its kind
0:01:20 > 0:01:23to be built with two sets of defensive walls
0:01:23 > 0:01:27making it virtually impregnable and technically concentric.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31And it's that concentric design that, at the time, was hailed as
0:01:31 > 0:01:34a turning point in the construction of castles like this one
0:01:34 > 0:01:37and went on to revolutionise the design of fortifications
0:01:37 > 0:01:40right across Britain in the years ever since.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43It is remarkable. I love the fact that it's so complete.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45But, as you might expect, there's more to this part of the world
0:01:45 > 0:01:47than just the medieval history.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55South Wales is famous for the valleys that carve their way through
0:01:55 > 0:01:59counties such as Monmouthshire to the east and Glamorgan to the south.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02This area played a key role during the Industrial Revolution
0:02:02 > 0:02:05and was synonymous with coal mining.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08To the north of the region lie the dramatic Brecon Beacons, which cover
0:02:08 > 0:02:12520 square miles of mountainous national park.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Around four million visitors a year flock to this stunning natural landscape.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Some may have spotted wild Welsh ponies grazing the lush moorland,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23which have roamed these slopes since Roman times.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26To the south and looking out to sea is the Vale of Glamorgan,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30where you'll find the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline, with views over
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Standing proud on its cliffs is the Nash Point Lighthouse,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38which was built in 1831.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42It was the last manned lighthouse in Wales until 1998,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45when it switched to automatic operation.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The history and varied geography of this part of the British Isles
0:02:48 > 0:02:52offers a genuine wow-factor and provides a real escape for those
0:02:52 > 0:02:55looking to turn their back on an urban existence.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Now, across South Wales, house prices can vary hugely.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10In the ever-popular Vale of Glamorgan and next door in neighbouring Monmouthshire,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16here the average price of a detached property is currently £265,000.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It's only £17,000 below the national average.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22So, if you want more value for money, well, here is the top tip -
0:03:22 > 0:03:25head into the former industrialised heartland
0:03:25 > 0:03:28of the Welsh valleys themselves here.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30For the same sort of property,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33well, you could knock £100,000 off the bill.
0:03:33 > 0:03:34So, what about today's buyers?
0:03:34 > 0:03:38What has attracted them to jump onto the Welsh property ladder?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Andy and Kelly have been married for nine years
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and recently had their daughter, Evelyn.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48They are both officers in the British Army.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Andy helps rehabilitate injured soldiers and Kelly ensures
0:03:51 > 0:03:55doctors and nurses in the medical corps are ready for deployment.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01Andy is very meticulous, very funny.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06He is a great dad and he's just a really nice person.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Kelly is warm, friendly, a really good mother,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12very thoughtful and very, very helpful.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Military life means they have been moving home every couple
0:04:14 > 0:04:18of years and the pair have also spent periods of time living apart.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22But now with their daughter and two Springer Spaniels - Dave and Milly -
0:04:22 > 0:04:24priorities have changed.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I think, because we have moved around so often, we're used to not
0:04:27 > 0:04:29having roots and anywhere to stay
0:04:29 > 0:04:32and it would be really nice if we gave Evelyn the opportunity to have
0:04:32 > 0:04:35those roots and have friends that she's going to grow up with
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and not be moved every two years and disturbed.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41These evocative valleys and mountains have special memories
0:04:41 > 0:04:42for Kelly in particular.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47We want to move to Wales - South Wales, in particular -
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and the main reason being is that I went to university there
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and have lived here the majority of my childhood.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56And we find that when we come back here,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- we always feel quite at home.- Yeah.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01After 28 years of service in the army,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Andy is due to retire in a matter of months.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It means he could be a stay-at-home dad
0:05:05 > 0:05:09while Kelly starts a new placement in Cardiff.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11So, this is the first property we have ever bought.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Yes, we're really excited about that.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- We are both first-time buyers. Mature first-time buyers.- Yeah.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19So, that's really exciting and I know that's going to be
0:05:19 > 0:05:23a challenge because we do have different criteria that we want.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Give and take a little bit. - A little bit.- A little bit, yeah.
0:05:26 > 0:05:27HE CHUCKLES
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Although buying houses is completely new terrain for them, they do agree
0:05:31 > 0:05:33on their love of the great outdoors.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37It just seems a natural place for us to move to
0:05:37 > 0:05:42and we're more a countryside family than we are a beach family.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43We're outdoor people.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46You can get up in the morning, open your window, got beautiful views
0:05:46 > 0:05:49or you can just go put your walking boots on and away you go,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51go up into the hills for a wee wander. It's great, isn't it?
0:05:51 > 0:05:55To establish a home in the country will be a big lifestyle change
0:05:55 > 0:05:58for both of them, but one they are more than ready to make.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02I think every time we say we're coming back to Wales, we get really excited about coming.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03Yes, get butterflies.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Andy and Kelly are looking for a location that would be within
0:06:13 > 0:06:17a 30-mile radius of Cardiff, but also close to the Brecon Beacons,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20where they both have fond memories of training exercises
0:06:20 > 0:06:23they've completed there over the years.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But before we start our search, I'm meeting up with them in the region
0:06:26 > 0:06:30to get a clearer idea of what they're after in their new home.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Well, Kelly, Andy, welcome to South Wales.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Now, you're both in the army and, unusually,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39you've only lived together for, what, 1½ years,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- even though you've been married for how long?- Eight years?
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Er, nine years.- Nine years!
0:06:43 > 0:06:45JULES LAUGHS
0:06:45 > 0:06:47You see, you fell at the first hurdle.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50So that's an extraordinary thing and I think, for many people who aren't
0:06:50 > 0:06:54familiar with service life, that's kind of not an unfamiliar pattern,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- is it, really?- No, not really. It's part and parcel of the jobs.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01We accepted that when we both joined.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05But we've just had a baby eight months ago and she's changed our priorities.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Times have changed.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09It's time to find our roots, settle down and get ourselves
0:07:09 > 0:07:12sorted out for Evelyn when she's growing up.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14You've had plenty of time to imagine what this new house
0:07:14 > 0:07:16is going to look like. What does it need to have, then?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19We've been quite spoilt with military quarters,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22because they've been generally quite large, but they've been
0:07:22 > 0:07:24quite boxy with lots of different rooms.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27So, separate dining room, separate kitchen, separate lounge.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31And what we would like is an open-plan living space.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36So, kitchen-diner with potentially an open-plan lounge attached
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- or at least one or two reception rooms that are quite large.- Yeah.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- We've got two Springer Spaniels, so we need a big garden.- Yes.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45We've got some gym equipment, so if there was room in the garage
0:07:45 > 0:07:49for our gym equipment, that would be wonderful. Four bedrooms and...
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Decent sized garden.- Yeah. And that's pretty much it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54We're very low-maintenance, I think.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Now, talking about the garden, I read in your notes somewhere
0:07:57 > 0:08:00that you said, "Life is too short for gardening," Andy.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- It is. - THEY LAUGH
0:08:01 > 0:08:05I say I want a large garden, but easy to look after.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07I don't want a lot of plants. I'm not a plant man.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Just really something for the dogs, isn't it?- That's all, yeah.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11And how much are you going to spend?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13You've had plenty of time to save. What's the budget?
0:08:13 > 0:08:17We've got up to £350,000 to spend on a nice house.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- That's going to go quite a long way here.- Oh, we hope so, yeah.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I think many people will be quite surprised at the sort of value
0:08:23 > 0:08:26for money that one can achieve in this very unique part of the world.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Well, I think we've got some really interesting properties to show you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I'm hoping the weather will improve slightly.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Let's go and see if we can spend £350,000.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Yeah, lovely.- Brilliant, thanks.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40So, armed with that decent budget,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Kelly and Andy are looking for a house with four bedrooms.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48Ideally, the reception areas would be open plan and the property should
0:08:48 > 0:08:52have a generous garden and enough space to house their gym equipment.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56They're also looking for a location that offers them an outdoor lifestyle
0:08:56 > 0:08:58whilst being commutable to Cardiff.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01With a great mix of homes up our sleeves,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04we're hoping to impress Andy and Kelly.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06I'll be holding back on the respective price tags
0:09:06 > 0:09:09until they've fully explored each property.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Lastly, of course, we'll be marching our way towards the Mystery House
0:09:12 > 0:09:15that will take them to uncharted territory,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17but could provide a magnificent payoff.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Now, one thing we haven't really talked about is style of property.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Well, I like a new-build, really, Jules.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Clean, that looks nice and clean and tidy and uniformal from the outside.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32But Kelly likes the old...
0:09:32 > 0:09:35I don't mind what it looks like from the outside
0:09:35 > 0:09:37cos it's all about the living space for me.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39And it's really quite nice
0:09:39 > 0:09:42if something surprises you once you go into it.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44So, it could look like a shed and if you go in
0:09:44 > 0:09:48and it's got the living space that we need, I'd be more than happy.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51That's just as well, because we've got lots of surprises
0:09:51 > 0:09:53for you this week. I hope good ones!
0:09:54 > 0:09:58We're kicking off our house-hunt in Ystrad, which is a 40-minute drive
0:09:58 > 0:10:00to Cardiff for Kelly's work.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04It's a former coal mining community set in the Rhondda Valley
0:10:04 > 0:10:09with great access to a variety of bracing walks for our buyers.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12There's a good selection of amenities nearby and a choice of two
0:10:12 > 0:10:16primary schools that could work for daughter Evelyn when she's older.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Finally, the railway station offers a direct service
0:10:19 > 0:10:21to Cardiff in just under an hour,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25so I think this area could be a good option for our young family.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Our first property is set halfway up a hillside, surrounded by meadows
0:10:29 > 0:10:31and woodland, in a peaceful spot.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- Look at this, a classic view of the valleys.- It's amazing.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Especially splashed with sunlight. - Beautiful. Beautiful.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- And that's the property I want you to look at.- Yeah, wow.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47It looks quite big.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I just hope it's as nice on the inside as it is on the out.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- It's five-bed.- Oh, OK. - That looks really nice.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- I'm really looking forward to it. - Come and have a look.- Thank you.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01This modern brick-built house was constructed in 1994.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05We're bypassing the main entrance and stepping inside via the doors
0:11:05 > 0:11:08at the end of the property, leading into the kitchen area.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Now, I think this is a real treat. - Oh, right.- Lovely.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Straight into the kitchen-diner...lounge.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- It's really slick, isn't it? - Yeah.- This is lovely, yeah.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- I like it.- And look at that.- I like that.- That's nice.- That's beautiful.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- They can't take that with them, can they?- No, that's going to stay.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29First impressions are I like this.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- As a family living space for you and Evelyn...- I love it.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Yeah, I really like it.
0:11:34 > 0:11:40I can see Evelyn crawling, walking around. The dogs would love it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- For the dogs, this is a brilliant solution...- This is ideal.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..this kind of travertine floor. - I love it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48You did say in the car that actually it was all about the inside
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- and I think this is a property that does that.- Yeah. I like.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53The finishes are just terrific.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- I mean, look at this. It's huge! - It's awesome.- It's amazing.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- I've always said I've wanted this in my kitchen.- You have done, yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01But I said on the floor, but it's on the worktop.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- This is lovely.- I think it's lovely.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06I just feel like the whole family gather in here.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09This has got a really nice feel to it, to be honest with you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- I like it.- Do you want to buy it? - Maybe!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Good. Right, let's go through to the living room. Come on.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- It's got so much space. That's what I love about this place.- Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Now, this little room on the right was designed as a study,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- but they filled it with some other furniture.- OK.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- But this is your living room.- Yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- That's nice.- Yes. Light, airy.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Smaller than I thought, but it's fine.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40And I love the fireplace. That's a lovely feature, really lovely.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42I like the whole sort of separation, which is nice.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43You can just come and chill out here.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47And I think a slightly warmer feel with the oak floor as well,
0:12:47 > 0:12:48which is nice for those evenings.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52It's still got that great view. The windows offer so much light.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Effectively, it's two rooms down here.- Absolutely.- But I like that.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I mean, that's what we wanted. The living space is important to us
0:12:59 > 0:13:02and we would live in these two rooms.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Now, upstairs, five bedrooms.- Wow.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Two bathrooms and, as you would expect,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- the finish up there is just as good.- OK.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Well, if it's like anything down here, yeah, my God.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Just you wait.- OK. - Come and have a look.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17'Well, so far, so good.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20'We're continuing past a handy cloakroom at the bottom of the stairs
0:13:20 > 0:13:23'and making our way up to the first floor.'
0:13:23 > 0:13:27On one side are three bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31And, on the other, two bedrooms, including the master and a wet room.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34There's the clever inclusion of a door halfway down the hallway
0:13:34 > 0:13:37that would allow them to split the living accommodation in two,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40so our couple could shut themselves away if they had guests.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44These five bedrooms consist of a bright and compact single,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46a spacious double with dual aspect
0:13:46 > 0:13:50and another double with an imposing view of the adjacent valley ridge.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56They're all serviced by the stylish monochrome family bathroom.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58At the other end of the hallway is a bright double bedroom
0:13:58 > 0:14:00currently home to a running machine.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04It's a space Kelly and Andy could also use for their gym equipment.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07There is also a well-appointed and tastefully decorated wet room
0:14:07 > 0:14:08opposite the master bedroom.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- There we go.- Oh, OK. This is nice.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Nice, nice. Spacious.- Yes.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- Our German bed would fit in, which is good.- German? So, large?- Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's lovely. The views are amazing, aren't they?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Let's remind ourselves that you haven't ever property-hunted before,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31so this is all really exciting.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33It's really exciting and we've just got to remember
0:14:33 > 0:14:37to rein ourselves in a little bit and maybe think with our heads
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- rather than our heart at the moment. - No. Go with your hearts.- OK.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41- Enjoy it.- I love it.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Jump on the ride and see it to its end, that's the point of it.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48For the first property we've ever viewed, this is stunning.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52And it's exactly what we wanted. It's our style of property.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- This is lovely.- I think this is a really, really good start.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57- It's an amazing start.- Fantastic.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- How much is it worth, then? - Oh, I don't know.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Start thinking, cos I'm going to ask you in a minute.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03JULES LAUGHS
0:15:05 > 0:15:09This high-spec family home has really delivered so far,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12but we do need to explore the outside space.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The garden is tiered and the top section is grassed with a brick-paved
0:15:15 > 0:15:19patio area for unwinding and taking in the brilliant views.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23The lower section, made up of sloping lawn, could be landscaped further.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27It does need a bit more work and I'm happy to share some ideas.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Personally, I'd look to kind of join them together...- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33..with some nice sweeping steps
0:15:33 > 0:15:36that took you down with a new sort of fencing or hedge arrangement
0:15:36 > 0:15:40round the front that would be Evelyn-proof, dog-proof and so on.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43But that's the only thing, because the property itself
0:15:43 > 0:15:47has got more than probably you were imagining.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- No, more than we expected. - Absolutely.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- It's slightly overwhelmed us a little bit, I think.- It has, yeah.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54But the garden isn't too much of an onerous task.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56I think we wouldn't be too scared to do that.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58No, not at all. I can live with the garden.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- So, got your hands in your pockets. - Yeah, jingling my change.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I was going to say, "Let's fish around for that 350,000 that's
0:16:04 > 0:16:06"tucked away in there somewhere."
0:16:06 > 0:16:09What do you think this is on the market for, then, Kelly?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It definitely has to be the top end of our budget,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15so I'm optimistically going for £350,000.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19I'm going to go more, just for the five bedroom, location, views.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I'm going to go 365.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27- Well, here's the thing, it WAS on the market for £375,000.- Wow.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29But it's been reduced to 350.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- On the nose?- On the nose.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32- Really?- Yeah. My God! JULES LAUGHS
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- OK.- Wow!- Yeah. Happy? - Yes, very happy.- Very happy.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Why don't you spend a bit more time and have a wander round and just
0:16:40 > 0:16:43cement in your minds what this offers you?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- I'll catch up with you a little bit later on.- Thank you.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Off you go.- Thanks, Jules. Thank you.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Bang on budget, this house gives our couple pretty much everything
0:16:52 > 0:16:54they asked for and more.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56They wanted four bedrooms,
0:16:56 > 0:16:57but this home has five.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59It offers the impressive open-plan
0:16:59 > 0:17:00living space they wanted
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and it's located in the heart
0:17:02 > 0:17:05of the Valleys with plenty of countryside to explore.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It's also a 40-minute drive to Kelly's work.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13So, I think this would be Evelyn's room. Big enough for her furniture.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Absolutely - play area. - Play area... And it's really cosy.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22I was quite overwhelmed by the feeling of space,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25but it is exactly what we're looking for
0:17:25 > 0:17:29and I think all of our boxes have been ticked.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32And this bathroom is the guest bathroom. Huge two-person bath.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I can just imagine lying in that bath.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Well, you can't cos that's the guest bath.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- But what about when we haven't got any guests?- OK.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- We can just lie there, glass of wine and look out there.- Oh, I love it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45I thought property one, it has beautiful views,
0:17:45 > 0:17:46very, very spacious house.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It had that warm, homely feeling to it, as well.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Walking away from house one, very content.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Now, then, ah! In the kitchen. This is the place, isn't it?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00This is going to be the heart of this home, if you buy it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Let's go and show you something else. Come on, follow me.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13On the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons National Park is
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Merthyr Tydfil, which is home to the Brecon Mountain Railway.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Andy and Kelly clearly have a particular passion for this part
0:18:19 > 0:18:22of the world, so we have arranged for them to take in the landscape
0:18:22 > 0:18:24from a completely different point of view.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Our buyers are meeting up with Michael Hills -
0:18:27 > 0:18:31son of the company's founder and a lover of all things locomotive.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Hello, I'm Michael.- Andrew. Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Kelly. Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you, too.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Are you glad you're moving to the area?
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Yes, we are. Really looking forward to it.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43By the 1960s, the Brecon and Merthyr Railway had become redundant because
0:18:43 > 0:18:47people were using cars and there was less freight to be transported.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50But, thankfully, Michael's father acquired the land in 1979 and,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54with the help of his family, breathed new life into the line.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57By 1980, the doors opened to the general public
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and today there are four steam trains that ferry passengers
0:19:00 > 0:19:02up and down the five-mile track.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- Is it busy throughout the year? - It is, yes.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07We get an awful lot of passengers in the summer,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10all across the world to see the Brecon Beacons and the views.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- So, it's a busy track, then?- Yes. We carry 85,000 passengers a year.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15So, how is the railway funded?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19We're funded by actual tourism. We purely rely on passengers.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22We're not a charity or a trust or anything like that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25And every person which buys a ticket on the Brecon and Merthyr Railway
0:19:25 > 0:19:30helps with restoring these steam engines and maintaining them.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Over the years, the Hill family have extended their fleet by purchasing
0:19:35 > 0:19:39neglected or wrecked locomotives from around the world.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42It's a long-term mission that has seen them buy locos from as
0:19:42 > 0:19:45far afield as South America.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49This is our old steam engine, which we brought back from Brazil.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53It's 1897, it was in a terrible state when we had it,
0:19:53 > 0:19:58but we're hoping that it should be running on steam next year.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It's time for Andy and Kelly to jump on board.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07They're travelling on Locomotive Number Two -
0:20:07 > 0:20:10a Baldwin Pacific that was built in Philadelphia in 1930.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14It was bought by the South African Eastern Province Cement Company,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17but it was derailed and wrecked in 1973.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Anthony and the team purchased it in 1993 and spent four years
0:20:21 > 0:20:25rebuilding it, making it fit-for-purpose once again.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26What's the top speed?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Well, on this locomotive,
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- it's probably around 65, 70mph.- Wow.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- But we do 50.- Yeah, yeah. - A nice, comfortable way to view...
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Nice and comfortable to see the views and relax.- It is beautiful.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48The journey takes over an hour to get to Torpantau.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It's the highest point on the route, where passengers can enjoy
0:20:51 > 0:20:54wonderful views from the all-weather observation carriages.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Well, at the moment we're going past Pontsticill Village.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04You can just, at the moment, see the outline of the reservoir.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Originally, that village there used to be in the reservoir
0:21:09 > 0:21:13before it was built. The old church, when the water's very, very low,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15you can still see the top.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17It's still there, the structure.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21and you can see the Brecon Beacons just off into the distance.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22Yeah.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29The impressive Taf Fechan Reservoir was completed in 1927
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and holds over 3,000 million gallons of water,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36which supply cities such as Cardiff and Swansea.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
0:21:39 > 0:21:41What's the purpose of the whistle?
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- The purpose of the whistle is for warning.- OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49And he's whistling there for anybody on the station or anything
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- to know that there's a train coming through.- OK.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Maintenance crew, so they know that a steam engine
0:21:55 > 0:21:58just entered their section, and for the railway enthusiasts...
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yes.- I love that. - ..because they love the whistle.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Is it powered by coal?- Yep.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Powered by coal, which is mined three miles away at Ffos-y-fran.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It's proper Welsh steam coal. - Yeah.- How much coal does it use?
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Well, this loco, in comparison to most,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23actually uses very, very little.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It uses half a tonne a day and that's on four trains a day.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30So, it's very economical and very environmentally friendly.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35It's taken over 30 years and a lot of hard work to get all the trains
0:22:35 > 0:22:39and track operational, but they still have big plans for the future.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Just around there, where you'll see those trees have been felled,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46that's where we hope to lay the next two miles of track,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49taking you right to the foot of the Brecon Beacon hills.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Well, it's the end of the line for Kelly and Andy.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Thank you so much, Michael. - That's all right.- Thanks, Michael.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- It's been a pleasure to have you. - Thank you.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03And there's no doubt this heritage railway experience
0:23:03 > 0:23:06has given them a unique perspective on this part of South Wales.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08But now, it's back to the house-hunting.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Our next destination is Ynysybwl,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23a former mining community and the closest we've lined up to Cardiff.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Kelly's commute would take just half an hour.
0:23:25 > 0:23:31In the 1841 census, it was noted that the village only had 200 inhabitants.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34But it transformed and thrived after 1884
0:23:34 > 0:23:37when the Lady Windsor Colliery opened.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The last census recorded that just under 5,000 people
0:23:40 > 0:23:44were living here, and despite the closure of the pit in 1988,
0:23:44 > 0:23:49the resilient community remains in this part of South Wales.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51The property I'm showing Kelly and Andy
0:23:51 > 0:23:55is a five-minute drive away in a situation surrounded by farmland.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Right. Come over here, then.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- There we go.- Wow.- There is a prize if you can tell me when it was built.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09ALL LAUGH
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- 1999!- There you go. Well done.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14A very different proposition to number one.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Much more rural here,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19which I think is worth testing the water with, as it were.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Yeah, it suits me down to the ground.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- And look at that view across there, lovely.- Oh, it's beautiful.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- It's really lovely.- It's ideal, actually.- It feels quite secure.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Um, because our dogs seek out trouble,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34the front garden is secure and if I let them out,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I know they're penned in and they can't go anywhere, which is great.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40The whole thing is very dog and child-proof, I will say that. Happy?
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- Yeah, very happy.- Let's have a look.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47This distinctive detached family home
0:24:47 > 0:24:50has an impressive approach and five bedrooms.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55It might just provide our first property with some stiff competition.
0:24:55 > 0:25:01- There we are. Not a bad entrance hallway, really, is it?- It's not bad.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It's amazing. Really impressive, isn't it?
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I'm speechless, to be honest with you.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I like the light fitting, actually. It's quite funky.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Yeah, no, I love it. I hope they keep that.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- It's really nice.- It's really nice, really light, open.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I just want to look at all the other rooms.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Well, everything kind of emanates from this hallway.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21But have a look at this living space. This is huge.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22I mean, if you're into big sofas,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- this is the room in which to put them.- Wow.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Yeah, they're quite impressive, these sofas,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29and a lot bigger than ours, I think.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- This is a really good family property, I think.- Absolutely.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35And for a potentially growing family,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37you've got bags of room to grow into,
0:25:37 > 0:25:41because this is a property you want to be in for a long time.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Well, we're looking for, hopefully, our forever home to settle in
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- and get squared away.- It's so exciting, isn't it...- It's fantastic.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50..getting rid of the whole temporary life that's dogged you
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- for so many years?- Yeah.- Now you can really put down some roots.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Come and have a look at the kitchen-diner through here.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59There we go.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00- Wow.- Yeah?
0:26:00 > 0:26:02This is nice.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03I wasn't expecting this at all.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I like it, yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08It's nice, isn't it? Clean...
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Crisp.- Yeah, I like it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Well, we've got you five...bedrooms! ALL LAUGH
0:26:14 > 0:26:15Not that you need five,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19but you've got them whether you like it or not, so, come and have a look.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Also on the ground floor is a sitting room
0:26:21 > 0:26:23that could make a snug or TV room,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and a study with useful fitted shelves.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30But we're heading upstairs...
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I liked that kitchen, nice.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37..to the five bedrooms, two of which are good-sized child-friendly rooms
0:26:37 > 0:26:39with built-in wardrobes and drawers.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41There are two further double bedrooms,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45one of which has fitted wardrobes and a desk area built in
0:26:45 > 0:26:48and another that could make a cosy guest bedroom.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50All these share a family bathroom,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53which is tiled and has a range of fitted cabinets.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And then there's the sizeable en-suite master bedroom.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02And then, this is yours, we think.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Oh, yeah. I love it. - This is, yeah, yeah...
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- That's big, that's... That's nice and big.- Really good size.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13- We'll fit our German bed in.- This German bed!- Obviously, quite large.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- And more space.- I really like it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- There was almost a "but" then. - No, there is no "but"!
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I just can't find a but.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I do, I like it.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25This is the en-suite arrangement.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Shower room, wet room kind of thing.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29It's kind of interesting - no door.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32But, again, nicely finished, that's the key thing to take away,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34I suppose. But I think, as a room, as a proposition,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38this is a really interesting way of packaging up our final bit
0:27:38 > 0:27:41of the tour, because I think this is a property
0:27:41 > 0:27:44that you really can grow into. I mean, we talked about it before,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46but hopefully that's the kind of picture, it's...
0:27:46 > 0:27:49I agree. I think, in time, we could make our own stamp on it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- Yeah, lots of things to think about. - Yeah, it's a good one, isn't it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- Very good, very good.- Yeah.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55- All right, then. - A really good choice.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Let's pop out to the garden and talk about the money, shall we?
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- OK.- Oh...
0:28:03 > 0:28:06I'm hoping we've cracked it with this house's garden,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09because it's a good size for the dogs and for Evelyn to play in,
0:28:09 > 0:28:10but it's all on one level
0:28:10 > 0:28:13and wouldn't need a lot of care and attention.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19There we are. Very simple arrangement here for you, Andy.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Yeah, easy to look after. - Really, really simple.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26That's the garage, which is now given over to the sort of gym space,
0:28:26 > 0:28:27which you can look at a bit later on.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30There's quite a lot of stuff in there, but you'll get the idea.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35There is plenty of space for us and a low-maintenance back garden
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- is really good.- It's great for me. - And really secure here.- Yeah.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- I've got a good feeling about it. - So, you've got £350,000, sir,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44make us an offer.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Well, I'm going to go with the top end of the budget
0:28:46 > 0:28:48and I'm going to say 350.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54I have my fingers crossed that it is under budget at 340.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56Please.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58ALL LAUGH
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- Bit cheeky, isn't it, really? 340,000.- I know...
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Fingers crossed.- No.- No.- Oh...
0:29:04 > 0:29:09It's on at £339,950.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Amazing.- No way! - ALL LAUGH
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- So, apart from 50 quid, or whatever it is...- I love it.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Definitely food for thought, isn't it?- Yeah, very.- Off you go.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- Thank you.- Have another look around. - OK.- Thanks, Jules.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21Get the bug for house-hunting.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Under budget, this detached modern home, built in 1999,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30fulfils many of the elements on their wish list.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Our couple like the fact that it's got five bedrooms,
0:29:33 > 0:29:37a huge living area to spend quality family time in
0:29:37 > 0:29:39and an easy-to-maintain garden.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41It's also the closest property to Cardiff.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I've got a feeling they're also going to take a shine
0:29:44 > 0:29:46to the double-fronted garage, as well.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49OK, right.
0:29:49 > 0:29:50Oh, yeah, this is...
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Plenty of room for our gym...
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- Yeah, a good size. - ..and other storage.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- I like it.- Good, yeah. Happy with that. Yeah, I like it.- Very happy.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01We know the area a little bit,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04we have friends that live relatively close to here
0:30:04 > 0:30:06and we're close to the A470,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09which is one of the main routes into Cardiff,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12so it's really handy for the commute, I think.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15There are no bad points about it, just a bit of work inside,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17the interior decoration. But, apart from that,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20more than content to move in tomorrow morning.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Yeah. Really, really good property.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- After you, sir.- Thank you, Jules. - He's a real sir, isn't he...
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- Not for long. - ..with a rank to go with it?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Yeah, retirement beckons, of course.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35But, I think this house-hunting lark is rather appealing to you two.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- It's not bad, is it? - I think we're enjoying it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Yeah, I really am.- Is it easier than you thought it would be?
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Yeah, it's just like shopping! - Just like shopping(!)
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Well, the key thing is, you've got to buy something at the end of it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47But, a good first day, I think.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48So, let's get you away,
0:30:48 > 0:30:52catch up with your daughter, and tomorrow is another day.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53- More to come.- Thank you.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06It's the second day of our property search in South Wales
0:31:06 > 0:31:09and, with a maximum budget of £350,000,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Andy and Kelly have decided to put an end to their roving lifestyle
0:31:12 > 0:31:14as officers in the British Army
0:31:14 > 0:31:17and put down some roots in the Welsh countryside.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Coming up, we've still got the Mystery House to show them,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22which promises to transform their outlook.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24That's just amazing.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25People pay millions for that view.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30And I get privileged access to one of the nation's most treasured institutions.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32What would that have bought you back in 1643?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34I think you'd had to have been a pretty wealthy guy
0:31:34 > 0:31:35to have one of those.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Well, as you can probably tell, we're having an awful lot of fun here
0:31:39 > 0:31:42in South Wales with Andy and with Kelly,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45a couple who are clearly so excited at the process of house-hunting,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49and the prospect of buying their very first property together...
0:31:49 > 0:31:50Well, it is palpable.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53So, what can we possibly come up with on our final day?
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Well, two more properties to come, including our Mystery House.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00If they fall in love with everything by the end of play,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02they're going to have a very difficult decision to make.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08But, before we reveal our Mystery House, the next home
0:32:08 > 0:32:11we've lined up is on the outskirts of a town called Abersychan.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14This location would mean that Kelly has a 45-minute drive
0:32:14 > 0:32:16to get to Cardiff for work.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17However, it does provide them
0:32:17 > 0:32:21with easy access to the beautiful terrain of the Brecon Beacons.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Abersychan also has a rich industrial past
0:32:24 > 0:32:27with a history of iron production and mining.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30However, in the late 1980s, the town fell into decline
0:32:30 > 0:32:33as a result of pit closures.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37But in 1999, two successful funding bids were secured
0:32:37 > 0:32:41and, since then, around £17 million has been invested in the community,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44which benefits from being in the middle of these valleys
0:32:44 > 0:32:45and superb countryside.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48The house we're visiting has been built on the hillside
0:32:48 > 0:32:52and definitely benefits from its elevated position.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55So, what have we got for you this morning? Look at that.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- That's amazing.- Isn't it? - Yeah.- It's beautiful.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- Now, those hills you can see surround Bristol.- Wow.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04So, between us and there, somewhere in the gloom, is the Bristol Channel.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09It's an astonishing view right down the centre of that valley,
0:33:09 > 0:33:11over Pontypool looking kind of south-eastward.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14And this property makes the best of those views.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17That is huge.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20You can see it's arranged over what appear to be three floors.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's actually over four floors.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- It goes right up into the loft space at the top.- No!- Yeah.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30It's a four-storey, six-bedroom family home.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- Six bedrooms?- Really? - Oh, my God.- And it's got a gym.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- We have to have more babies. - Fantastic.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I thought we were going down the furniture route but no,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42you are going into the family route, OK.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- I hope you like stairs.- OK.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45Come on.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50The current owners built this four-storey modern family home
0:33:50 > 0:33:53with sensational Valley views.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56At ground level is a double garage with electric up-and-over doors
0:33:56 > 0:34:00and a separate space that is currently being used as a gym.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Very good for the legs, this house, I think.- This is beautiful.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06But we're heading straight for the first floor that consists
0:34:06 > 0:34:09of a reception room, which at the moment is being used as a study,
0:34:09 > 0:34:13and also a tastefully decorated downstairs cloakroom.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Open-plan living is really important to Kelly and Andy.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20I'm confident this property has a space they'll love.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21But, before I take them there,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24we're popping into a room that's perfect for unwinding.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27JULES CHUCKLES
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Now, there is so much to see with this one.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31We're going to whizz through it
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- and then I'll let you have the house to yourselves.- OK.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- But let's start with the living room. - That's nice.- Nice, nice.- Nice size.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39It's big enough for our furniture.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Not too big, not too small. It's just right.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Again, lovely views out there, a little Juliette balcony.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47The fire's interesting, actually. It's a sort of lookie-likie number.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50More of a convector heater, I would suggest.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Very modern kind of feel to it, actually.- Clean. You'd like that.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56I like that. I really like the flooring. Nice, yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- Right, kitchen. You're going to love this.- OK.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Here we go, look. This is fantastic.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- Wow. Oh!- Ha-ha! You jumped. Oh, caught you by surprise.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Really light, airy, open.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I like the sort of kitchen into the conservatory.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15I like the little play area.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18I mean, you could have this more as a sort of family area but the
0:35:18 > 0:35:22conservatory, the current owners use that really as a good dining space.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24They get all the family round.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- I mean, it is just enormous. There you go, and the view.- Yeah, wow.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29This is brilliant.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- This is fantastic. This is stunning. - Really lovely.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Perfect for a dining space.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Right then, we've got another two floors to explore.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37It goes on, doesn't it?
0:35:40 > 0:35:44The second floor is home to a well-equipped spacious family bathroom,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47a bedroom that's currently used as a walk-in wardrobe,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50two generously sized children's bedrooms and a large,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53light and airy double bedroom, which is a good option
0:35:53 > 0:35:56for the master, given that it benefits from an en-suite.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- OK.- Oh, lovely.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- Oh, that's lovely.- Mm. - The view is amazing.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04All I can see is trees and the quarry.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05Very nice, very nice.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10- And it's got very nice en-suite shower room in there.- OK.
0:36:10 > 0:36:11So, this is the current master.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15However, when they built this house, they designed it
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- so that the master should really be upstairs.- OK, so there's two masters?
0:36:20 > 0:36:23There are two masters, yes, indeed. Come and have a look at this.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26'I'm keen to get them into the loft conversion to see what they could
0:36:26 > 0:36:28'earmark as theirs if they want a bit of seclusion.'
0:36:30 > 0:36:32This could give you your very own master suite.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34There is another bedroom through there,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36more as a kind of storage room at the moment.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39But this is what they designed as the master.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- SHE LAUGHS - My God!
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- This is amazing!- I thought the first one was nice, this is impressive.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- This is a living bedroom, isn't it? - It's great.- This is... Yeah.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Sofa in the corner over there. Really nice en-suite through there.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55These skylights work a treat, actually.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- It's huge!- Smiles all round. - Yeah. Like it a lot.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59OK, let's see if you can afford it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Yeah.- Oh, dear.- Come with me. - That's the big question.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Well, their reactions to this house have been overwhelmingly positive,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12so let's see what they make of the easy-to-maintain terrace garden.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15And although the outside space is on different levels, the decking,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19landscaping and fencing is all finished.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Now, there is lots more garden for you to explore, but I thought
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- we might as well finish up where we started, with that lovely view.- Yes.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- Hands are in the pockets.- Good.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Well, you might have to dig a bit deeper on this one.- I think we might.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Let's play a little game then. Who's going to go first?
0:37:36 > 0:37:37I think it's over budget.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41It deserves to be over budget because it's a beautiful property.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46So I'm going to optimistically go for £375,000.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Uh-huh.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Me, I'm going to go slightly more. The house is fantastic.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53It's beautiful, well presented...
0:37:53 > 0:37:54I'm going to go for 395.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58It's on the market for 300...
0:37:58 > 0:38:00That's good. Good start.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02..and 25.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- No way.- Wow!- Really?- Yes, really.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07- No?- Yes.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09SHE LAUGHS
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Is that a deal then, Andy? - That house... Shake...
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Go on, then. There we are, done. Brilliant.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- Really, 325,000?- That's amazing.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It just goes to show what you can achieve here
0:38:20 > 0:38:24in the Valleys of South Wales.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29I'm speechless, I am. The house is beautiful. The price is even better.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Oh, my God.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33I'm...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Yeah, yeah...- That doesn't happen often.- No!- Not at all.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Brilliant.- But it's lovely.- Good. Go and have a look at that garden area.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42I think it's important to see if that will work practically, you know,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- for your daughter and for the dogs, of course.- OK.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48And we will give you a little more time here perhaps...
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- Yes, please.- ..to soak it all up.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- Off you go.- Thanks, Jules. Thank you.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54Brilliant. Well, there we are.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56It's quite nice when buyers are left speechless.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58It doesn't happen very often,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00but this is a property that's certainly done it -
0:39:00 > 0:39:03it's in the right place and, my goodness me, is at the right price.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07I think we've well and truly shocked Andy and Kelly
0:39:07 > 0:39:09by finding this incredible home
0:39:09 > 0:39:12that is £25,000 under budget.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Its four storeys wowed our couple,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16as did the bright and airy
0:39:16 > 0:39:18conservatory with splendid views
0:39:18 > 0:39:19and the six bedrooms.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21It's got a completed garden
0:39:21 > 0:39:23and it would take Kelly just
0:39:23 > 0:39:2545 minutes to drive to work.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27First impression was wow. Took my breath away.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30I can see 90% of our time sitting in this conservatory with a nice
0:39:30 > 0:39:32glass of wine looking at them views.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33If I had my chequebook on me right now,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35I'd quite happily make an offer right now.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Really would.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I think we've got some view from up here.- Yeah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Oh, yeah. That's amazing.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Really see Evelyn, the dogs running around here. You know, good fun.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I don't really foresee any negatives
0:39:49 > 0:39:52other than things that I would have to do is to check the schools
0:39:52 > 0:39:55and I just would like to know that there were the amenities
0:39:55 > 0:39:57that we would need in the area.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00But, other than that, I think it is a lovely home.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01I really, really like it.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- Hi, guys, how are you?- Good.- Good. - You're very happy, aren't you?- Yes.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09We've really spoiled you this week. I love it! And look at that view.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13That's going to spoil you forever more, if this is the one you buy.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Our search could be over, let's be honest.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17We've got plenty of options for you thus far.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18But we have one more to see.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's our Mystery House. Are you ready for something different?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- Ready but nervous. - Ready but nervous, good.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Well, it's certainly different. Come on.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30So, it's our final day, then.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33I think it very much is a case of so far, so good,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36but what might our Mystery House look like, do you think, Kelly?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Maybe perhaps a bungalow or something a little bit different.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Bungalow, townhouse.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45As long as it has open-plan living, I am open to anything.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- Now, this is an exciting time.- Oh, yeah, it's great.- It is exciting.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51You're house-hunting for the first time,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- you're buying for the first time. - I'm really excited about
0:40:53 > 0:40:55finding our own home, settling down and...
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- I really want it to work for you. I really do.- Yeah, family.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01I think you deserve it after all these years serving the nation.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- Running round the world, risking your life.- Yeah, yeah.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06The least we can do is find you a nice house, Andy.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11However, to force them to reconsider their wish list,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14our mystery proposition takes us away from Cardiff
0:41:14 > 0:41:16and towards the remote village of Bwlch,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19which would mean just over an hour's drive for Kelly's work.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23It's located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons - an area dear
0:41:23 > 0:41:24to Andy and Kelly's hearts
0:41:24 > 0:41:27and somewhere they want to explore further.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Bwlch is a popular base with outdoor enthusiasts in pursuit
0:41:30 > 0:41:33of activities such as mountain biking and hiking,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36with some lovely circular walks for them to enjoy.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Our mystery property is to the south of the village in lovely
0:41:39 > 0:41:43countryside with majestic views of the national park.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45In many ways, it's classic Escape To The Country
0:41:45 > 0:41:50and it's got far more of a period feel than our previous options.
0:41:50 > 0:41:56- So...our Mystery House.- OK.- Wow.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58So we've decided to give you a slice
0:41:58 > 0:42:00of something which is much more rural.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03So, for our Mystery House, we're going for a classic cottage.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04- Yeah, nice.- OK.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07So this is arguably the smallest property that we're able to show you,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- but it's still got four bedrooms.- OK.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It is the lion's share of this building,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13so it's technically a semi, but you wouldn't really know
0:42:13 > 0:42:16because the neighbours have only got the smaller end.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- So you get the bulk of it.- Yeah, I'm interested.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Come on, then.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Cat knows where it's going, look. There we are, leading us in.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27'The outside of our mystery cottage is a sympathetic mix
0:42:27 > 0:42:29'of old brick and modern render.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32'And the current owners have renovated the interior throughout,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34'including a rather chic downstairs bathroom
0:42:34 > 0:42:37'with Victorian style roll-top bath.'
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- If you can grab the door, Andy. - Yes.- There we are.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44You know, cosy and bijou, is what I'm selling it as.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- UNCONVINCINGLY:- Yes.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I like a country cottagey feel. Yeah, it's definitely a cottage.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52It's had a lot of work done to it relatively recently,
0:42:52 > 0:42:53so the kitchen is all new.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57And I think they've done it really nicely. It's very crisp, very clean.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- The floor is great again, for the dogs and so on.- Yes.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02I think it's an interesting proposition. It's a very different
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- from anything we've been able to show you.- Absolutely.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09Um, because we wanted the open, airy, light feel.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14We get that on the outside here as opposed to on the inside, I think.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19- Could you envisage this sort of environment, Andy?- Yeah...
0:43:19 > 0:43:21I'm still a bit unsure.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24To me, it's a bit too...closed in.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26I like a bit more open space for me.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28But it does get a bit bigger though here.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30You might be surprised, actually.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34- There you go.- Oh, it's bigger than what I thought.- You see?
0:43:34 > 0:43:36Yeah, deceptive, isn't it?
0:43:36 > 0:43:43It's open, it's light, but I do have a feeling of being enclosed.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44Yeah.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48The ceiling isn't, you know, low-low, but I can feel it.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- The log burner is just stunning. - I think it paints a picture.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Again, a much more rural picture than what we've perhaps seen.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- More classically cottagey, I suppose, one would say.- It is lovely.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Now, on the outside, I did tell you it had four bedrooms.- Yeah.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04Come and have a look.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Upstairs, all the bedrooms share a walk-in shower room
0:44:09 > 0:44:11equipped with a modern suite.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15The sleeping accommodation comprises two currently unfurnished rooms.
0:44:15 > 0:44:16One large enough to be a double
0:44:16 > 0:44:20and a potential single with exposed floorboards.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23There is also a single with garden views on two sides
0:44:23 > 0:44:26but I am saving the largest bedroom until last.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- And then finally, bedroom four. This is you.- OK.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- Yes.- Oh, that's a good size. - It is a good size, actually.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34Bigger than I thought it would be from the outside.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Compared to the other rooms, yeah. It's a lot bigger.
0:44:37 > 0:44:38I think it's rather sweet.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41And, of course, the view from there, I mean out.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- I mean, these open rather nicely, too.- Oh, wow. Yeah.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46I can imagine waking up in the morning and just...
0:44:46 > 0:44:48- God, you can't... - That's just amazing.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50People pay millions for that view.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52They would pay millions for it.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54I mean, you won't have to, but it will cost you something.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57Shall we go down to the garden and talk about the price?
0:44:59 > 0:45:02The garden runs along the side and back of the property
0:45:02 > 0:45:05and provides a tranquil space.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08Right, ooh, there we are. Watch the bush. Come over here.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11There are raised beds for growing fruit and veg, a greenhouse,
0:45:11 > 0:45:15chicken coop and a pretty sun terrace for lazy afternoons gazing out
0:45:15 > 0:45:16across the countryside.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Look, the cat has got the right idea, enjoying the sunshine.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- Yeah, basking in the sun.- Come on then, have a pew. Take a seat.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26Take the weight off and enjoy that view
0:45:26 > 0:45:27because it is gorgeous, isn't it?
0:45:27 > 0:45:29- Yes, it's beautiful.- It's stunning.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31So, it's a nice spot.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34It's a different proposition to what we've shown you before,
0:45:34 > 0:45:37and in terms of pricing it, you've been pretty good so far.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40But I don't know, with this one, how close you're going to get
0:45:40 > 0:45:43because we've got the Brecon Beacons, that's a draw,
0:45:43 > 0:45:44although it's a smaller property.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- Where does your 350 come on this one? - I'm going to say 300,000.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54I think I wouldn't want to pay more than 310 for this.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58That's honest. Yeah, you wouldn't want to pay more than 310.
0:45:58 > 0:45:59Well, you won't have to.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01Er, it's 295.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03- Oh, really? - JULES LAUGHS
0:46:03 > 0:46:05You were right!
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- Oh, wow, OK.- Yeah, 295.- Yeah, yeah.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13Now, in terms of its price, and your future plan, it's an interesting one
0:46:13 > 0:46:15because, yes, it would be a property
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- in which you could all comfortably fit.- Yeah.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20It may not be forever,
0:46:20 > 0:46:27but at 295, it takes the pressure off to the tune of £55,000, potentially.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31And maybe it's a five-year plan, maybe it's a ten-year plan.
0:46:31 > 0:46:32Yeah, a stepping stone perhaps.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35Exactly. Go and have a wander round. Take in these views.
0:46:35 > 0:46:36I'm going to take in the sunshine.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- And I will catch you a little bit later on.- Thanks, Jules.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43Our Mystery House is yet another
0:46:43 > 0:46:45option that comes in under budget.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48It was always going to be a gamble taking Kelly and Andy
0:46:48 > 0:46:50to a rural cottage, albeit with four bedrooms,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53but which gave Kelly a longer commute to Cardiff.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55However, I think showing them something at the heart
0:46:55 > 0:46:58of this incredible setting was well worth it.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00The location is amazing
0:47:00 > 0:47:05and this is always somewhere that I would really love to settle,
0:47:05 > 0:47:07purely because you would never get tired of the views
0:47:07 > 0:47:10and the countryside is on your doorstep.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14And I am really pleased it is such a contrast to the other properties.
0:47:14 > 0:47:15Well, it's something to think about.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17I mean, the location, the area, the views,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20you've got to take all these into consideration.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Is it going to be our forever home?
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Evelyn, where is she going to grow up here?
0:47:24 > 0:47:26And most importantly is Kelly's work.
0:47:26 > 0:47:27Kelly commuting every day to work.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31- Ah, how are we doing then? - Not too bad.- Yeah, good.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33Wow, you know, what a week!
0:47:33 > 0:47:36I have absolutely loved it and we have given you so many options.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38- You have got a lot to think about. - Yes, we do.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40We have a lot. Yes, we have.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42I've got just the place for you to think.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45One of the most stunning views in the Valley. Come and have a look.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Set amongst the rolling countryside of the Rhondda Valley
0:47:56 > 0:48:00is the site of the Royal Mint, where all British coins are made
0:48:00 > 0:48:03and where access is strictly controlled.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05I'm afraid none of those things are allowed on site.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09No coins, no cameras, no camera phones. Right, there you go.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- Phone, keys.- Can you put them in there for me, please, Jules?
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- No cash, that's interesting, isn't it?- Well, it is the Royal Mint.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17- Yeah, you make it, you don't give it away.- Exactly.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23Minting began in Britain around the end of the 2nd century BC
0:48:23 > 0:48:28but by 1279, the Mint had secure quarters within the Tower of London.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31London was the Mint's home up until the 20th century,
0:48:31 > 0:48:34when it then moved to this part of Wales.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36I am meeting the Royal Mint Museum
0:48:36 > 0:48:38director Kevin Clancy to find out why.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41What brought it to South Wales, because it's not an obvious location
0:48:41 > 0:48:43for something as important as the Royal Mint?
0:48:43 > 0:48:45The key thing was that James Callaghan was
0:48:45 > 0:48:48- Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time.- Right.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51That job, and still does, carries the other title,
0:48:51 > 0:48:53Master of the Mint.
0:48:53 > 0:48:54But he also happened to be a Cardiff MP.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56HE CHUCKLES
0:48:56 > 0:48:57So he put it on his own back yard.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00There's a line that he didn't matter what valley the Mint moved to,
0:49:00 > 0:49:02provided it was a Welsh valley.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05We have been here for 40 years and it has been a success.
0:49:05 > 0:49:06So it was a good decision.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09But it's hard for many of us to imagine a world without money.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11- We take it all for granted, don't we?- It is.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13It's part of the air we breathe, in a sense, you know,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16our economic life has been defined by money
0:49:16 > 0:49:20for the last 2,500 years - by coins, particularly.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24There are around 80,000 items in the Royal Mint's historic collection.
0:49:24 > 0:49:25Since the 10th century,
0:49:25 > 0:49:29coinage has displayed an image of the monarch with the crown.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33This tray features rare pieces from the reign of Charles I.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34This is a gold coin,
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- a Triple Unite.- Can I hold it?
0:49:36 > 0:49:38- If you hold it by the edges.- Yeah.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42- Is that solid gold?- That would be 22 carat gold.- There he is. Charles I.
0:49:42 > 0:49:43That's astonishing.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46Of course, who infamously lost his head following the Civil War.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48Look at that, 1643.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50I mean, what would that have bought you back in 1643?
0:49:50 > 0:49:52I think you would've had to have been
0:49:52 > 0:49:54a pretty wealthy guy to have one of those.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58300 years later, and in January 1936,
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Edward VIII succeeded George V as king.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04By the end of the same year, Edward had abdicated,
0:50:04 > 0:50:07leaving the Royal Mint in a bit of a quandary.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09As we would do with the beginning of any new reign,
0:50:09 > 0:50:13the Royal Mint would make designs for a new portrait,
0:50:13 > 0:50:16it would prepare new designs for the tail side, for the reverse
0:50:16 > 0:50:19of the coin, because we thought this reign was going to go on and on.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21And this, in the end, is essentially all that was made.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25He abdicates, and literally, these were put in a safe.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27And I think there was a note on the box in which they were kept
0:50:27 > 0:50:29to say, "Not to be opened until after his death"
0:50:29 > 0:50:31- or something like that.- Astonishing.
0:50:31 > 0:50:33The reign of our current queen, which has gone on
0:50:33 > 0:50:35for many decades, must have provided the mint
0:50:35 > 0:50:38with a great deal of reassurance, albeit her image changing over time.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40There's a sense of euphoria,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42no question, about this post-war Britain.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46And that it's been a long reign, that stability that comes with that,
0:50:46 > 0:50:48we all draw comfort from that, I think.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53Next, I'm meeting Gordon Summers, the Mint's chief engraver to learn
0:50:53 > 0:50:56more about the creative process of coin making.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00This is pretty much where we do most of the work
0:51:00 > 0:51:01developing the designs into coins.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04- And this is the latest one we're going to see later on this year? - It is.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06It's designed and modelled by Jody Clark,
0:51:06 > 0:51:07one of our newest engravers.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09Looking around your studio, Gordon,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12you've got, yes, very modern hi-tech digital imagery there,
0:51:12 > 0:51:14but also some very traditional looking tools over here.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17Yeah, we're still using traditional skills that go back
0:51:17 > 0:51:20thousands of years, still using the same sort of tools -
0:51:20 > 0:51:23basically, pointy bits of metal that we use for engraving
0:51:23 > 0:51:24and removing other metal.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27Skilled processes that take years to learn, very simple tools.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30But how do you go about getting an image like that
0:51:30 > 0:51:32onto a coin that most of us would recognise?
0:51:32 > 0:51:35It's a long process. We'd start with a design.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37We have to have a design that is suitable for coinage.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40But once the design is selected, we have to make some sort of model.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43We'd either do that digitally or we would make a plaster model.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46So this is a super-size version of a pound coin?
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Yes. We're working bigger because we can get the detail in,
0:51:49 > 0:51:51we can get the quality of the finish on it.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54And then we would digitally reduce it down to the size
0:51:54 > 0:51:55of whichever coin we're going to produce.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59Many people will be surprised that this isn't a more mechanised process,
0:51:59 > 0:52:02given the kind of acceleration of technology these days.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04It's a combination of all these sorts of technologies
0:52:04 > 0:52:07but it's about getting the artistry,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10what is in somebody's mind, into the coins.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13And part of that has advantages for security, as well.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17If we reproduce an artist's individual stroke, everything is
0:52:17 > 0:52:18slightly idiosyncratic.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21It's very difficult for somebody else to reproduce it.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24If we went entirely digital, if we've got the technology,
0:52:24 > 0:52:26somebody else could probably do it, as well.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Do you think there will always be a role for skilled craftsmen,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32skilled artisans and artists, like yourself, in our coins,
0:52:32 > 0:52:34or will it all become mechanised?
0:52:34 > 0:52:37It may well be, in the future, more mechanised, but it's all about
0:52:37 > 0:52:40getting the thought out of the people's heads and into reality.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43The technology ultimately doesn't matter, it's about creativity.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45So, as long as we have coinage, we will have coin designers.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48Next time I put my hand in my pocket and pull out some coins,
0:52:48 > 0:52:50I shall think of you. It's been absolutely fascinating.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- It's been my pleasure. - Thanks very much, mate.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56Until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century,
0:52:56 > 0:52:58coins were struck by hand,
0:52:58 > 0:53:00but these days it is a much speedier process.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Well, to finish off my visit,
0:53:03 > 0:53:06the team here at the Royal Mint have let me into the holy of holies -
0:53:06 > 0:53:08the CPR, the Coin Pressing Room.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11It contains some 30 presses producing, wait for it,
0:53:11 > 0:53:14four billion coins, not just for the UK
0:53:14 > 0:53:18but also for some 60 countries around the world every year.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20And here's how it works.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23Basically, blank coins go in the hopper at the top. There we go.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25They then come through the machine.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28This one over here is hard at work and this read-out
0:53:28 > 0:53:32tells us that it is producing some 750 a minute,
0:53:32 > 0:53:35the sort of machine you might expect to find at the end
0:53:35 > 0:53:37of a pier on a day out.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40But today, it is producing these.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43The good old-fashioned 1p piece.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46And these actually do have the very latest image of the Queen on
0:53:46 > 0:53:49and they are, quite literally, hot off the press.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51Now, I am told that when this bin is full,
0:53:51 > 0:53:58it will contain some 250,000 pennies. That's about 25 grand to you and me.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02It's no wonder they made me empty my pockets when I came in here.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08The Royal Mint has a rich history and, thanks to James Callaghan,
0:54:08 > 0:54:12it's playing an important role in the economy of South Wales, too.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18One of the great joys for me of house-hunting is in this part
0:54:18 > 0:54:22of the world is that occasionally I get to drop in on some old friends.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24This farm has one of the best views in the area -
0:54:24 > 0:54:27the perfect place to sit down with Andy and Kelly
0:54:27 > 0:54:30and find out what their future holds.
0:54:30 > 0:54:31They also make a great cup of coffee.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Well, guys, I've had a terrific week, I really have.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42And I think you have, as well.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Well, we've given you some fantastic options.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47I really don't know how to call this one,
0:54:47 > 0:54:49if I'm honest, because you have fallen in love with pretty much
0:54:49 > 0:54:51everything we've been able to show you.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54Sticking my neck out, I think it's probably safe to say
0:54:54 > 0:54:56that you haven't chosen our Mystery House -
0:54:56 > 0:54:57- lovely as it was.- No.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00The Mystery House made us think about the location
0:55:00 > 0:55:02of where we want to be and how close
0:55:02 > 0:55:05we want to be to amenities for Evelyn and the community.
0:55:05 > 0:55:10And I think this time in our lives and Evelyn's life, that's not
0:55:10 > 0:55:15the right time for her to be out on her own in such a small community.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18I think we need to be a bit closer to activities
0:55:18 > 0:55:20and various other amenities.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22So, the hunch about the Valleys was right.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25We have, as we've said, given you some fantastic properties to look at.
0:55:25 > 0:55:26Which one is it going to be?
0:55:26 > 0:55:31We have both agreed on the property for £325,000.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Me personally, I think it's a bargain.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35That for us, offered us the space
0:55:35 > 0:55:38and the living style that we really want.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42The house to me...I just...fell in love with the house.
0:55:42 > 0:55:44As soon as I looked at it, I went, "Wow."
0:55:44 > 0:55:48And I walked into the door, I was just taken away.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51- So, what happens next?- I think we may go for a second viewing...- Yes.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54- ..on the house.- I am delighted you have picked that one.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57It certainly gives you all the space you could ever need to grow into
0:55:57 > 0:55:59over the next few years.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Thank you very much for coming on the show
0:56:01 > 0:56:04- and I wish you all the very, very best of luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Thank you for having us. We've had a really good time.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Well, we started off this week in the Welsh Valleys
0:56:13 > 0:56:16and we finish up here in the mountains of the Brecon Beacons -
0:56:16 > 0:56:20an area of the world that, frankly, Andy and Kelly know pretty well
0:56:20 > 0:56:22thanks to their time in the army.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25In many respects, this whole region has felt to them
0:56:25 > 0:56:26like a home-from-home.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29And that has been just as well for a couple that, let's not forget,
0:56:29 > 0:56:31had never been house-hunting before.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33But now, hopefully, with any luck,
0:56:33 > 0:56:36they will have a home that finally they can call their own.
0:56:36 > 0:56:41And when eventually they do, all of this will be on their doorstep.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44Take it from me, it's well worth having. I will see you next time.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49Andy and Kelly returned to the four-storey home in Abersychan
0:56:49 > 0:56:53for a second viewing and, although they loved it, they felt the hillside
0:56:53 > 0:56:56location made walking access to town too tricky with young Evelyn.
0:56:56 > 0:57:00What's more, they realised having local amenities on their doorstep
0:57:00 > 0:57:03was an important factor they hadn't initially considered.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07So, armed with that new priority, their search continues.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, England, Scotland
0:57:10 > 0:57:14or Northern Ireland and would like our help, you can apply at...