0:00:02 > 0:00:04After those long nights and grey days of winter,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06there's no better sight to show that spring has finally sprung
0:00:06 > 0:00:08than a host of golden daffodils.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And visitors come from far and wide to view this beautiful display.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15So where is it? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Today's house hunters are longing to move away from
0:00:35 > 0:00:39cluttered coastal living to wide open spaces in the countryside.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Our properties offer the country style they've always craved...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Could you imagine yourselves in here?
0:00:45 > 0:00:46- Yes.- Yes.- Don't look so surprised.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49THEY LAUGH
0:00:49 > 0:00:52..along with bedrooms which blow them away.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53- Perfect.- He's happy.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55If he's happy, I'm happy.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Today I'm in Staffordshire,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03and the daffodils are in full bloom here at Shugborough Hall.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06There are thought to be around 50 species of daffodils
0:01:06 > 0:01:09growing wild in Britain, but that's just a drop in the ocean compared
0:01:09 > 0:01:15to the 24,000 cultivated varieties that can be found in our gardens.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18It's a staggering number that reflects
0:01:18 > 0:01:21the enduring popularity of this vibrant symbol
0:01:21 > 0:01:23of British springtime.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25The landlocked county of Staffordshire
0:01:25 > 0:01:28is situated in the West Midlands region of England,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32covering an area of over 1,000 square miles.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33The north of the county features
0:01:33 > 0:01:35the heather-covered Staffordshire Moorlands,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39a great vantage point to take in panoramic views across this
0:01:39 > 0:01:43undulating, natural and working landscape.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45In the south lies the market town of Tamworth,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50with its historic Norman castle overlooking the River Tame.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52The castle's motte, or mound,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56is the second largest in the country after Windsor.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Lichfield's three-spired cathedral is a unique architectural landmark.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Dating back over 800 years, it's one of England's finest
0:02:03 > 0:02:07medieval examples, built in the Gothic style.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Open, sweeping landscapes include Cannock Chase,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18And set by the River Trent, Great Haywood is home to
0:02:18 > 0:02:19the picturesque Haywood Junction,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22where two of the country's finest canals meet.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26With 6,000 acres of national parks and a multitude of historic gems,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Staffordshire is a savvy choice for aspiring escapees.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35If you're after a slice of rural life in a county that offers
0:02:35 > 0:02:37some truly remote countryside,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39but is in a central, accessible location,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43then Staffordshire is worth some serious consideration.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45House prices are hard to beat, too.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49The average cost of a detached property here is £220,000.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53That's £60,000 below the national figure.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56So what is it about Staffordshire that excites our potential buyers?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Angie and Steve met 18 months ago through a chance encounter,
0:03:03 > 0:03:07when she was invited to join Steve and his friends aboard his boat.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10They were sailing to the Isle of Wight from Christchurch,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- in Dorset, where they both live. - Love at first sight.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- Yes, it was love at first sight. - Steve is a fascinating man.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20He's intelligent. Very sociable.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Good sense of humour.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Angie is a very caring and kind person.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29She has a lot of friends.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31She's liked by everybody.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Corporate events manager Angie
0:03:33 > 0:03:35moved in with electronics MD Steve
0:03:35 > 0:03:37just two weeks after they met.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40However, having lived in the area for over three decades,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Angie has noticed a lot of recent local development.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48There's been a lot of development and interest in the coast,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and big apartment blocks have been popping up.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56There's a load more cars, there's more people,
0:03:56 > 0:03:57it's just very, very busy now.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Living life in the fast lane, both Angie and Steve currently
0:04:03 > 0:04:08travel extensively, conducting business across the UK and Europe.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11They feel a move to Staffordshire, relocating away from the coast,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14would be more beneficial to their lifestyle.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Moving towards the middle of the UK, in towards the country, allows us to
0:04:18 > 0:04:23have a much better location, because it'll be less time travelling.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24So it should give me
0:04:24 > 0:04:29the ability to have more of a better work/life balance.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I would like to spend even more time at home.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34It's time to just slow down now.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Angie and Steve both have grown-up children
0:04:37 > 0:04:39from previous relationships,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and having spent time with Angie's daughter in Staffordshire,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45they've realised that in addition to the area's convenient location,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49it's also the ideal place for them to buy their first home together.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53It is such a beautiful area. I love the countryside.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Not only because of the views that it lets you enjoy,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59but you can get some solitude and tranquillity.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Everything changes as the seasons go.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04There is a lot to enjoy, and the quietness,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08which you don't get in a built-up area.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10By reducing the pace of their busy lives,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14our buyers hope this move to the countryside will allow them
0:05:14 > 0:05:17to dedicate more time to their leisure pursuits.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19I started riding when I was five.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I'm really looking forward to getting back in the saddle
0:05:22 > 0:05:24and spending a lot more time doing that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I've acquired myself a vintage car to enjoy
0:05:28 > 0:05:30cruising around the countryside.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Also, Steve loves to keep chickens, and it is something I've not done.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38We are looking for more land, ideally to change some hobbies
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and interests, bring along some animals.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Their faithful four-legged sidekick, Truffles, will be moving with them.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47And they're hopeful that a new location won't just bring them
0:05:47 > 0:05:49a new lease of life,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53but also a renewed focus on each other into their future.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I'm looking forward to the move so that we have more us time.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I'm going to, naturally, miss the coast.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03But I'm even more excited about moving to the country.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Angie and Steve are fairly flexible about where
0:06:09 > 0:06:12they live within the county, as long as it has good access to
0:06:12 > 0:06:15motorways and airports for their work commitments.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I'm catching up with them to pinpoint
0:06:18 > 0:06:21what they want from their new country pad.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Well, welcome to Staffordshire.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27So what is it that draws you to this part of the countryside?
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Well, my daughter lives up here, so we've spent some time with
0:06:30 > 0:06:33her and loved it. Every time we've come up,
0:06:33 > 0:06:34we've enjoyed our time here.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Well, it's quite a move. Why make it now?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I'm going to be doing a lot more travelling across the UK,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42and being central rather than on the south coast helps.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- So that's an advantage. - What's on the wish list
0:06:45 > 0:06:47for this lovely property, here in the country?
0:06:47 > 0:06:50The wish list is long. Um...
0:06:50 > 0:06:52We like long, we don't mind long.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54As long as it is doable.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Primarily, we want some land,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00because we are looking at having some animals. Space.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05We are quite social people, we like spacious houses.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07We don't want doors that are going to stay shut
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and rooms that are going to be unused.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11So even though there is only two of us,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14with the occasional visitor, we are looking for space,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16and of course we need to work...
0:07:16 > 0:07:17Home office space.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20So it sounds like you're looking for a lot of space,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23but space that you can use to live in, for offices, for living space,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- rather than lots of bedrooms that you might not use.- Exactly.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- And when you say land, how much land?- Two to five acres.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Oh, OK, so that's a challenge. Now what about community?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Is a local community important to you?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39I think it would be nice to have the obvious local community,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43in terms of a nice local pub, good food.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47And not too far for the emergency milk that you need to purchase.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51OK. And neighbours. How do you fancy having a few neighbours around you?
0:07:51 > 0:07:53I think we are both looking for a bit more seclusion.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Having a neighbour there is OK,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- as long as they're not in full view all day.- OK.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Can we talk about compromises on the list? Can we go there?!
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- We can try!- Well, if there were only five things on the list,
0:08:06 > 0:08:08there'd be no compromises.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11I think, because there's probably 15 things on the list,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13we could probably compromise ten of them.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- But you're not going to tell me which ones, are you?- No.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17I can tell, you're just going to go,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20"Well, that's something we could compromise on" when you see it,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- or not.- Or not.- OK.- Yeah. - Now, remind me of the budget.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26In an ideal world, we'd be looking to spend
0:08:26 > 0:08:29around £650,000.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33If something really blew us away, we could probably stretch to seven,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36but it would have to be "move-inable".
0:08:36 > 0:08:39That's a good, healthy sum of money for this part of the country.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41And you'll be pleased to hear we've got
0:08:41 > 0:08:43some fantastic properties to show you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Do you want to take a look? - Love to.- Let's do it.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53Angie and Steve have a healthy budget of £700,000
0:08:53 > 0:08:56and a very precise list of requirements.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59They're after four bedrooms with enough living space to allow
0:08:59 > 0:09:03for regular entertaining and home office options for them both.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Ideally, they'd also like enough land to house some animals,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09all wrapped up in an edge-of-village location.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We've lined up an enticing mix of properties that aim to
0:09:14 > 0:09:17meet our couple's brief. And after each of the tours,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21they'll have to guess the price before I reveal it to them.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Our final house is the mystery option, thrown in for good measure
0:09:24 > 0:09:29to challenge these ideals and make them reconsider their priorities.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33So, you two, how have we ended up here, driving round in a car
0:09:33 > 0:09:35in Staffordshire, looking for properties?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Um, well, this, for us, is joining dots,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39so this is the first property we've bought together.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41That said, we moved in together on our second date.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Yeah.- After our second date. So...didn't hang around.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- I was, uh... - Steve does not procrastinate.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- So now it's time to fulfil a dream, I think.- Yeah.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56And, for you, Angie, this move will bring you closer to family as well.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01It will. Although I will be leaving my two sons down on the south coast,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06my eldest, my daughter, does live in Staffordshire, um...
0:10:06 > 0:10:08And she loves it here.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10And she also has some land and animals,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13so I think, uh, it's rubbing off on me.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15But it'd be lovely to be close enough
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- to spend some more time with her. - That's exciting. That's great.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24We're starting our property search
0:10:24 > 0:10:28in the village of Draycott in the Clay, to the east of the county,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31which has a local store with post office and two pubs,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34all surrounded by rural countryside.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Nearby is the larger village of Tutbury,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40which lies at the foot of the medieval ruins of Tutbury Castle.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44A handful of independent shops and an antiques store sit alongside
0:10:44 > 0:10:49more practical amenities, like a mini-market and a pub.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Just ten minutes' drive away
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and located down its own private driveway
0:10:54 > 0:10:56is where we'll find our first offering.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58It's a detached property.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Built in 1760, originally.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02The present owners have had it for 19 years.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's been beautifully renovated and extended.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- It certainly looks like a very nice property.- Very attractive.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Beautifully done, well-kept. It looks modern.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It looks modern because it is modern.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- The front part of the house is the more recent addition.- OK.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18I've always had new properties,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21so to get a blend of modern and...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24more traditional would be lovely.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Very attractive. In a lovely location.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30We have noticed that it does have a neighbour, at this point in time.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Yes, there's a farm next door. Lovely couple.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34They haven't farmed it for 15 years.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37I think you'll be surprised once we go into the property,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- and you see how it's laid out, how the gardens are laid out.- Yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43You don't feel as if you have neighbours quite so close.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Are you still keen to have a look inside?- Yes.- Yes.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Come on.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Dating back to the 18th century,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53this character property started life as a cottage for workers
0:11:53 > 0:11:56on the surrounding land, owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00'Although the extension at the front was added during the 1980s,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04'it is a sympathetic design in keeping with the house's history.'
0:12:05 > 0:12:08OK, come on. Straight into the living room.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10So this is the new part of the building.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- These are old, reclaimed oak beams.- OK.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Just to give it that older feel to the property.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Lovely, cosy log burning stove.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20It's certainly very welcoming and cosy.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22If this is the main lounge,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26probably smaller than I had in my mind, what we were looking for.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It is a small space on its own, but if we go through here,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30we have a lovely sunroom as well.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Sun...travels right over here during the day,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36so it's always warm and light and bright.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- You can't help but want to imagine your own furniture in...- Yeah.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43.. and coming in the door and having your glass of wine.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I'm trying to get the flow of the property.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Certainly, it's very...it is cosy, it's very nice.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Very nicely presented.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I just want to see more of it, see how it all works.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55OK, well, let's go on with the flow because there is
0:12:55 > 0:12:57a definite flow to it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01So we come through from those rooms
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- to a cosy snug.- OK.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I'd be hard pressed to choose which room to sit in, though,
0:13:06 > 0:13:07- because they're fairly similar. - Yeah.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09You could sit in one each, couldn't you?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Hopefully not, but you know!
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Now, I'm conscious that there are a lot of rooms here,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18but I do think that they have a feeling of flowing in
0:13:18 > 0:13:19from one to the other.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Well, it does seem to flow so far.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25There's not going to be doors that are going, so far, remain closed.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Closed, yeah.- And rooms unused.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Angie, I know the kitchen matters to you.- It does.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32You're keen to do lots of cooking, lots of entertaining.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Shall we go and take a look? - Yes, please.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Also on the ground floor, there's a formal dining room,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40handy for hosting their guests,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42and a study which could be useful
0:13:42 > 0:13:45for either Angie or Steve to work in from home.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Is this your kind of kitchen, Angie?- It's beautiful.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Great size, beautiful quality. Beautifully done.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- It's got your range. - It's got the range.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I can see me...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- cooking up something lovely there.- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03This is a good social space. Very nice.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Anything that you'd, you know, would you change about it?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I'd put a wine fridge in, probably.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- It's beautiful.- OK, you've got an idea for the flow of the space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17How is that working for you so far?
0:14:17 > 0:14:18It's nice.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24I think, from my side, the way the living space is laid out into
0:14:24 > 0:14:29the sunroom and two lounges, isn't perhaps as open as I had in my mind.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32But it is done to a very high standard.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33I think we need to head upstairs,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36because wait until you see the views from some of the bedrooms.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38So, come on, let's go up.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42On the first floor, there are four immaculately finished bedrooms.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Three good-sized, lovely lit doubles and one single.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50There's also a stylish bathroom, complete with freestanding bath.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53The master bedroom's down in the new extension.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55'We're heading to the largest of the four bedrooms.'
0:14:55 > 0:14:57They're real views.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59From both windows.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Really pretty.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03A very nice modern en suite.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06You might notice that the house has just been decorated.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09It's really only in the last few months - new carpet,
0:15:09 > 0:15:10new wallpaper, it's all freshly painted.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- I think the owners have got lovely taste.- They have, indeed.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Very homely. And very welcoming.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17You probably want a bigger bedroom.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- I probably would want a bigger bedroom. Yeah.- Yeah.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21You tend not to get, unless you're looking at
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- a Victorian, Edwardian property, those really big rooms.- Yeah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- It's all about the compromise! - I know!- It is.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- It's all about the compromise. Yeah.- Lovely.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Let me show you the garden,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- and let's have a chat about the subject of land.- OK.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40The manicured garden here sits within an acre of land,
0:15:40 > 0:15:45and includes a good-sized lawn, vegetable plot and a duck pond.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I know our buyers are after more land than on offer here,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50but I've got a potential solution up my sleeve.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56It does sit in the middle of land owned by the Duchy of Lancaster,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58and there is a possibility of renting a field,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00some fields, off them.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Would that appeal?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I think, if it was an adjacent field, and depending on the size,
0:16:04 > 0:16:05that's a possibility.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- There's also stables and a livery, a mile away, just up the lane.- OK.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13So if you did want to get horses straightaway,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- there's definitely somewhere that you could keep them.- OK.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20It's beautifully proportioned, and you're spoilt for places to sit.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- And spoilt for which view to look out.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24I think the best elevation of the property as well.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Really? That's interesting, because this, of course,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- is the original front of the property.- OK.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Let's come to the tricky part.- Mmm.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- Let's guess the price!- OK.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I think because we're on the east side of Staffordshire,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39near the Derbyshire border,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41the price is going to be slightly higher.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44So I'm going to go with 625.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45OK. Angie?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I agree, I think house prices in this area
0:16:48 > 0:16:51are a little bit more...
0:16:51 > 0:16:52expensive.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55So I will... It's a tough one.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I'll go with 635.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59It is a more expensive part of the county.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02It's actually on the market for 675.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05What do you think now you know that?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It doesn't surprise me, really.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Because there are still too many compromises,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I think I would probably continue my search.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- It's not grabbing you in the heart, is it?- It's not, no.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19You haven't got that gut feeling for it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I think you should still go back, have a look around,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23just appreciate those beautiful views,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- and then it's on with the search. - Thank you.- OK. Thank you.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31£25,000 below the top
0:17:31 > 0:17:33of their budget,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35this immaculate character cottage,
0:17:35 > 0:17:36with four bedrooms,
0:17:36 > 0:17:37multiple living areas,
0:17:37 > 0:17:38office space
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and a large country kitchen,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43would provide the blend of old and new
0:17:43 > 0:17:44that Angie and Steve are after.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Outside, the gardens are surrounded
0:17:46 > 0:17:47by beautiful views
0:17:47 > 0:17:49of the countryside,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51and a home to a few chickens.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Great views.- You've got your space for the chickens.- Yes.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- And your duck. Oh, look, this gate here.- Yep.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Goes right through out to...
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- the field.- That's good space.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I mean, that is a pretty big field.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- You could get a horse or three on there.- Yeah.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09But you'd have to put the other animals in with them.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It's nice, the fact that it's not just open fields,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14that there is, you know, it's broken countryside,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16undulating hills.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- It's good.- Mm.- Good space.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20I felt the inside,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23for me, was limited in terms of the flow and the space.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Having more...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29accessibility within that living space would be better.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32When I first saw the house,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I thought it looked really attractive, beautifully kept.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39The interiors have just been done up so beautifully. Great quality.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41The grounds are beautiful, well tended.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Just a little bit too much garden for me, rather than not enough land.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Any change of heart?
0:18:53 > 0:18:55No. Come on, let's look at the next one!
0:18:55 > 0:18:56THEY LAUGH
0:19:02 > 0:19:05The Staffordshire countryside has been shaped
0:19:05 > 0:19:07by its working landscape.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Arable and pastoral farms are both common throughout the county.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14And Angie and Steve are keen to find out more
0:19:14 > 0:19:16about what the land could offer them.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19So we've arranged for them to meet Louise Fletcher-Chard,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22who runs a small educational farm in the heart of the county,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25helping people with learning disabilities.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29She started with just two horses, but now her land is home
0:19:29 > 0:19:33to five other types of livestock, including sheep, pigs and poultry.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38So tell me about Sherratts Wood.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Well, we are not a traditional working farm.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42We are helping some of the most vulnerable people
0:19:42 > 0:19:45in our community, with learning disabilities,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47mental health problems, brain injury,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49to develop the skills to live an ordinary life.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52So they learn about teamwork, they learn about communication,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54and they do that through the animals.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56What sort of activities do you do on a daily basis
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- with your participants?- They get involved in everything we do.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Mucking out pigs, feeding all the animals.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07So these are some of our Portland sheep.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Would you say sheep make good companions, or best left alone?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13You can see in here we've got a pygmy goat in with them,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16and I think as long as the companion animal that comes in
0:20:16 > 0:20:18isn't aggressive or too assertive,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21the sheep tend to be quite accepting of them, really.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Would these be suited for us? - Oh, yes, they're a really good Smallholders breed,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27the Portlands. They are really easy to look after.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30You really don't need to be up early to look after sheep.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33They just get fed once. Generally, for us,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- it is midday, that sort of time. - Right.- Very civilised.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Yes, indeed.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40To keep any farm animal on your land, you need a holding number
0:20:40 > 0:20:42and must follow regulations
0:20:42 > 0:20:46and guidelines set out by animal health authorities such as Defra.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Lambing season is underway at Sherratts Wood,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52and although Angie and Steve aren't thinking about breeding sheep,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56let's hope they don't become too attached to these little beauties.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- Do you want to hold?- Yeah.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- And how old is he?- This is Zara,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05and she was born on Friday - she is only four days old.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07And this is Zed, who's three weeks old.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08You can see the difference already.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- So they get used to being handled really quickly- Oh, yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14At what point are they weaned?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17They generally will wean themselves, this breed.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Come on then, Zed.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But we tend to give them sort of four months, maybe a bit more,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24depending on how well they're getting on, and then...
0:21:24 > 0:21:27and then we'll separate them for a little bit.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29OK, ladies. So if you want to come with me,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31I'll take you to see some other animals
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- that I think might suit you. - Thank you.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36In the mid-1800s, Shetland ponies were brought to Staffordshire
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and other counties to work in the coal mines
0:21:39 > 0:21:43instead of children and women, who by then were prohibited by law.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Their strength and size made them perfect for passing through
0:21:46 > 0:21:50low underground tunnels, hauling truckloads of coal.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Today, they're simply loved as family pets or used to
0:21:53 > 0:21:56entertain children with rides at country fairs.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58So how much land do these guys need?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01They don't need an awful lot of grazing, half an acre,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04you'd be absolutely great. They're like a garden variety, really.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06So would they make good companions for a horse?
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Oh, brilliant, yeah. Really playful with other horses as well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Although they do tend to think that they're bigger than they
0:22:11 > 0:22:15actually are, so they do tend to be quite cheeky.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17The docile nature of Shetlands means
0:22:17 > 0:22:20that they're low-maintenance for owners.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21Once a month, they need to be
0:22:21 > 0:22:23brushed from head to tail to remove mud
0:22:23 > 0:22:25and check that they're healthy.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28So, if you want to get your brushes,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30and just give her a little bit of a brush?
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And you can use that one, Angie, to do her mane, actually.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36It works well.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42This is the type of time where we would just check
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- whether they're feeling a bit fat.- OK.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I would also have a look at their feet, as well.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51So we'd run our hands down, pick their feet up,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55just make sure that they looked OK, making sure that the nose is clear,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58looking really healthy, nice bright eyes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00She's looking happy.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Thank you so much for sharing your animals with us.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Thank you very much.- You're welcome.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07With a better understanding of what it takes to keep farm animals,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10it's back to the property search to see if Angie and Steve
0:23:10 > 0:23:12can find a place with enough land
0:23:12 > 0:23:15to live out their very own countryside dream.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22For our next stop, we're travelling west to the village of Standon,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26just four miles from Eccleshall, where Angie's daughter lives.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Lying in a conservation area,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Eccleshall is a thriving market town, featuring many attractive
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Georgian-fronted buildings neatly lining its high street.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38The town offers a range of local stores,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41a sweet shop and a variety of pubs and restaurants.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Back in Standon, the River Sow meanders around the edge
0:23:44 > 0:23:47of the village, just a few minutes' drive from our house.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52A sprawling property, which is best appreciated from the rear.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Now, this is the property that I've brought you both to see.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- What are your initial thoughts on it?- It's a house.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01It's a house!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03I notice you said house rather than home!
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- It's modern.- Yeah. More modern than expecting.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Part of the reason we're here is because of the location.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- It's ten minutes from Eccleshall... - OK.- ..which...- Perfect area.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- ..I know you know well. - The right location.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Because your daughter is in Eccleshall, isn't she?- Indeed.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20You've said it's a house.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Are you interested to see if it feels like a home inside?
0:24:22 > 0:24:23- Indeed, yes.- Yes. We must.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25OK, come on, let's go and look.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Formerly two cottages built in the 1930s,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32this modern property was made into a single dwelling in 1997.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35The exterior may not have impressed our buyers,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39but I'm hoping the open-plan layout inside will be more to their taste.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43So I'll bring you in through the folding doors,
0:24:43 > 0:24:48into a lovely big, spacious family room, kitchen-diner.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50It is a great size space.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51And just come in here,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54because I want you to get a better idea of how the space works.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- And there is a lot of it. - And it flows.- It does flow.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00It's a good, open space.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Could you imagine yourselves in here?- Yes.- Yes.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- Don't looked so surprised. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Slightly am, actually.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13That isn't the response I was necessarily expecting...
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- after we talked outside. - No, it is nice.- Open minds.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20When there's just two of us for the majority of the time, it's
0:25:20 > 0:25:23nice to be able to have somewhere to sit, to eat, to relax,
0:25:23 > 0:25:24without moving too much.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27And on the subject of places to sit, that's something that this house
0:25:27 > 0:25:30isn't short of, so let me show you another one of them.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32OK.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34'Flowing on through from the kitchen,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37'the dining area should be spacious enough for their dinner guests.'
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- This is your sitting room.- OK.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43And I think because the house is so open and airy,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46what I liked about it was the cosy feel that it has in here,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50that when it is a cold winter's night, you come and lock yourself away in here.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55- Yeah.- Yes, it's lovely. I agree totally.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Yes. And it does flow. It does flow.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01It definitely flows. This is the more formal...
0:26:01 > 0:26:04evening, cosy.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05Yes, warm.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Guess we should look upstairs. - I think we should.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Yes, that's a good cue. Come on. Follow on.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15'Also on the ground floor, there's a large study with an adjoining
0:26:15 > 0:26:18'conservatory overlooking the garden.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22'Back through the entrance hall, we're heading upstairs.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24'All five bedrooms are good-sized doubles.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'One is currently used as a twin,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29'whilst another is used as a dressing area.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32'A further roomy double benefits from its own en suite,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34'and there's also a family bathroom.'
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Now, I'm going to show you what is the master bedroom. - It is a good size.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Yeah, good size.- How do you feel about the fact that this house
0:26:42 > 0:26:45has got five bedrooms?
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- See what we... Maybe we can make them into three. - Or make it into four.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51You're talking about knocking walls down?!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53THEY LAUGH
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Five bedrooms would be wasted, so we'd have to look at what
0:26:57 > 0:27:01we could do in terms of just making some bigger rooms, but fewer.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03There's a lot of improvements that can be made.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I'm going to take you downstairs, out into the garden. I have an idea I'd like to talk to you about.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I know you seem quite receptive to ideas and knocking things down and building things.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13OK.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16After a shaky start, Angie and Steve seem to be appreciating
0:27:16 > 0:27:19the full potential of this property.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22With a garden of half an acre, there isn't enough room to keep sheep,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25but there is a duck pond and enough space for chickens
0:27:25 > 0:27:29and goats to roam amongst the established garden and woodland.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33As well as a large lawned area and a patio for dining outdoors.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I was quite pleasantly surprised inside with the reaction from
0:27:38 > 0:27:43the two of you, but I sense it was the outside that didn't grab you straightaway.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Yes, the kerbside appeal doesn't get it for me, but inside works.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Just coming back to the kerb appeal of the house, how familiar are you
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- with the New England-style property, those wooden-clad properties?- OK.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- The beach house type. - Yeah. I like that.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Because I think the shape of the house, and particularly with
0:28:00 > 0:28:04all those gables, lends itself to perhaps being clad in wood.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06You could cedar-clad it, you could paint it
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and give it that kind of very, you know, New England feel.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Yeah, sounds good.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13I like your thinking.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18Could potentially change how you view it from the outside quite dramatically.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- Yeah.- Yes.- But, of course,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23that would all depend on how much money you have left in your budget.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- Ah.- Always.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29So, shall we move on to that one?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Oh! It's a whole lot of house.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36So I'm going to tip my hat at 675.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40I'm going to go lower than that. I'm going to say 640.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44OK, you're both under, actually.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48It was on the market for £725,000.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52It was reduced a year ago to £695,000.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56I'm sort of surprised.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- But not wholly.- Because it is a lot.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01It's a lot of bedrooms, a lot of house.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Are you getting that slightly more emotional feel that you
0:29:04 > 0:29:06didn't necessarily get with the last property?
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Yeah, it's a lot more interesting.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12It has a lot more scope for change.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16Why don't you two go back inside, have a chat about knocking
0:29:16 > 0:29:20walls down, putting cedar cladding on, have a think?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- OK.- That's lovely. - I'll see you soon.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30£5,000 under our couple's maximum budget, this modern detached
0:29:30 > 0:29:35property has five bedrooms, open-plan kitchen and living spaces
0:29:35 > 0:29:39and home office options that seem to suit their desired lifestyle.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41Although well-presented throughout,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45it appears to offer the potential for our buyers to make it their own.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49A-ha.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- OK, the office.- Potential office.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Interesting why it runs into the conservatory.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Not quite sure how that works.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02You know what, if you just took this whole little section out and
0:30:02 > 0:30:04then pushed everything together...
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Yeah, lose this fifth of the property,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- lose the bedroom above it, and then it starts to...- To work.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14But this is one of those rooms that potentially wouldn't be used.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16'My initial thoughts, when I saw the property,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20'were, it's a modern, purpose-built house.'
0:30:20 > 0:30:23So I was a little bit disappointed when we first saw it.
0:30:23 > 0:30:29However, when we came inside, the space downstairs was beautiful.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32The kitchen and social living space was excellent.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36Lovely hallway and dining area and beautiful sitting-room.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41It is pretty much perfect in terms of its flow and its space.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44The ground floor of the house has been given some love and care,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47but upstairs, I think it needs quite a bit of attention.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49I think the property needs some work
0:30:49 > 0:30:52to turn it into the perfect home for us.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55In part because of the excess number of bedrooms,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and outside doesn't have the... doesn't have the separate
0:30:58 > 0:31:04office space, and of course there's no adjoining land for the animals.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Oh, no, you're going to make me get up from this lovely sunny spot,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- aren't you?- Up you come. - So have you seen enough
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- to get some thoughts about it? - Yes, I think we have.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17We've spent some good time walking around the house.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20You're quite cagey, you two, you're not giving much away at this point.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22I think it is probably time for a glass of wine
0:31:22 > 0:31:24and some mulling over.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Glass of wine, sleep on it - sounds good to me.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Angie and Steve, from the town of Christchurch in Dorset,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41have a budget of up to £700,000 and they are itching to buy their
0:31:41 > 0:31:43first home together in rural Staffordshire.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48Coming up, our mystery property throws uncertainty into the mix...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- You've gone very quiet on me. - I know.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I can hear your brain whirring, almost.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56And I get to grips with the county's most iconic of
0:31:56 > 0:31:59agricultural monster machines.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- It's like driving a really big automatic car.- Exactly!
0:32:03 > 0:32:06We didn't quite get things right yesterday.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Angie and Steve have got a really healthy budget
0:32:09 > 0:32:11for this part of the country.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13But they also have a very healthy wish list,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15which they're not prepared to compromise on.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18But I've got high hopes for today's two properties,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21particularly the mystery house, which I think will offer them
0:32:21 > 0:32:23that elusive flow that they are after.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25As long as they can live with the neighbours.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29But before we get to the mystery house, for our next property stop,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33we are travelling north and hopping over the border into Cheshire.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Our destination is the village of Bridgemere, which has great
0:32:37 > 0:32:41road and rail connections for Angie and Steve's work.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Nearby is the village of Audlem,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47with a run of 15 locks on the Shropshire Union Canal.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51There are canalside pubs and it attracts thousands of visitors annually.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55The high street has a delicatessen, local stores and post office.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58And five miles away is the house I want to show them.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- It certainly has Steve's kerbside appeal.- Yes.
0:33:06 > 0:33:07It looks really lovely.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It's a 1960s house, but it's got a lot of character going on,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- which I know would appeal to you two.- Yes.- Yes, indeed.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- Well, shall we see if you're still smiling when we get inside?- Yes.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Yes, absolutely.- Come on.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'Over the ten years that the current owners have lived here,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25'they have scoured reclamation yards for timeless pieces to add a sense
0:33:25 > 0:33:27'of tradition and rustic charm
0:33:27 > 0:33:30'to the exterior and interior of the house.'
0:33:30 > 0:33:33You come into a really good-sized entrance hall.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I'm going to show you, first of all, the main family room.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- It doesn't look like a 1960s property.- No.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- An exciting property. Like it. - How do you feel?
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- You actually imagine yourselves cosying down here?- Yes.- Definitely.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48This actually isn't the largest living and entertaining space.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51That's just round here, so follow me.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- You've got this substantial-sized dining room.- Beautiful.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59And then this brings us through
0:33:59 > 0:34:03to this really lovely summer room, a snug.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08Again, lots of great features found in those reclamation yards...
0:34:08 > 0:34:09And still lots of light.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Because even though there's a lot of wood and quite dark wood, it's...
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- There's lots of light coming in. - Yeah.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16It's got this quite modern feel, I think,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- which is in contrast.- Mmm. It's beautiful.- It's good.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21It's got great personality.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24The doors are lovely, they open out on both sides,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26one onto the garden, the other onto the patio area that gets
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- the sun all day and it's a fantastic barbecue spot.- OK.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- Well, you've got smiles on your faces and your eyes are lighting up...- Yeah.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36It's really homely. Quirky.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40OK, well, I know kitchen is important, particularly to you, Angie,
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- so I bet you're keen to take a look at that.- I'm very keen now.- Yeah.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47'Back through the dining hall, there's also a large utility room,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51'and I'm hoping the positive vibes I'm getting from Angie and Steve
0:34:51 > 0:34:53'are going to keep coming.'
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- Wow.- Is this your style, Angie?
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Yeah, yeah, I think the set-out's OK.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00It'd be nice if it was a little bit bigger, but doable.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03And what about the elusive flow that we've been talking a lot of?
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Are you getting a feel that the house has a flow?
0:35:05 > 0:35:08I think it has the warm feel, it's welcoming
0:35:08 > 0:35:12and because it's open space, going through the dining hall
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- towards the sunroom, it's... - It still works.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- OK. You keen to see upstairs? - Yes.- Yes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Let's go and look at the bedrooms.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26We're heading upstairs to where there are four bedrooms in total.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The three double bedrooms, although full of character,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31don't lack in space and light.
0:35:31 > 0:35:37There's also an airy single and a wood-panelled bathroom.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39So, I want to show you the master suite,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42which I know is something that you were both quite keen on.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45As you can see, this has got lots of space.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48It's got a good-sized en suite just round the corner, there.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- Is this the kind of thing you had in mind?- Perfect.- He's happy.
0:35:51 > 0:35:52HE LAUGHS
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- If he's happy, I'm happy. - What do you like about it?
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Space, character...- As I say, the mix of space is right.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01This is the perfect-sized bedroom.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03One of the things yesterday that I know was
0:36:03 > 0:36:06a bit of an issue for both of you, was office space.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- Because in an ideal world, you'd rather not have the bedroom next door...- No.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12..becoming the office.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15I'm happy to say that that's not a problem that you'll face in this house.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- OK.- So, come on, let me show you the office.- OK.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Got to go back downstairs.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25The office is built above the double garage, which is attached to the house.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Stylish in its finish, it's spacious enough
0:36:27 > 0:36:31for a double bed and a smart en suite.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- So, is this the kind of thing you had in mind?- Yeah.- Perfect.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- Yeah, absolutely.- Lots of daylight. - Yeah, it's nice.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- Doesn't need anything doing to it. - THEY LAUGH
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- Yeah, that's good.- Nice views. - Yeah.- Brilliant.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48There's actually, attached to the house, a separate one-bedroom annexe.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51It's a really good size and gives you another alternative
0:36:51 > 0:36:54for an office space, or you could have one each.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56So we've got to go back out into the garden and we'll wander through
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- and take a look at it. - Right.- Perfect.- OK.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Back outside, and with its very own entrance,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05the annexe here isn't shy of space, either.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08There's a good-size studio-style living area with a
0:37:08 > 0:37:13fully fitted kitchen, compact shower room and a double bedroom.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15BELL RINGS
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Come on into the one-bedroomed annexe.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22So is this a welcome addition, or actually something
0:37:22 > 0:37:24that you think you wouldn't use?
0:37:24 > 0:37:29I think it's a welcome addition, if we were to make this the office space,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31because there's a lot of room in here to
0:37:31 > 0:37:34actually have office and meeting space.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- Which is what you wanted. - Absolutely. Choices now.- Yeah.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- But you haven't seen the garden yet. - OK.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44While the house here gives them super-size proportions,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46the compromise is on the land.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49The secluded and tranquil garden makes up
0:37:49 > 0:37:51three quarters of an acre, and is mostly lawned,
0:37:51 > 0:37:56surrounded by established trees and also features a charming brook.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00There's not enough space for a horse, but there could be, next door.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02The neighbour keeps horses, she has stables
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- and she's got a number of paddocks at the back of the house.- Right.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Who knows, you could have a conversation with her...
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- You're smiling still! That's good. - Still smiling, yeah.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12THEY LAUGH
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- Yeah.- No, I think that might have to be the compromise.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16It's got a good space.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19And now, I think we need to talk about the price, don't we?
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Yes.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23It is a lot of property,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25and I think it's going to be over our budget at 725.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29It is a beautiful house, a lot of house and lovely grounds,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31so I'm going to...push up to 750.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- Are you?- Mmm.- OK.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39Well, you'll be both very pleased to hear that this property is actually
0:38:39 > 0:38:41under your budget.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It's on at £650,000.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- That's good news.- Yeah, that's very good news.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Why don't you go and have a look around?
0:38:49 > 0:38:51There's so much to see.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58Under budget by £50,000, this modern, quirky, character property
0:38:58 > 0:39:01with four bedrooms has more space inside
0:39:01 > 0:39:04than Angie and Steve could have wished for.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06With a fabulous master bedroom suite,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08two potential home offices
0:39:08 > 0:39:10and set within a beautiful,
0:39:10 > 0:39:11secluded location,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14this house is a strong contender.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Stunning. Absolutely perfect.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- Yes, the babbling brook.- Whoa!
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Oh! Big fail.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- Just brilliant.- Amazing.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Ticking the boxes as I walked through.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33The gates, the gravel driveway, the kerbside appeal,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35recognising the space that it's got.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40The annexe is an additional part of the property that we hadn't expected,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43but would make extremely good working space.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46And then the space above the garage could become a cinema room
0:39:46 > 0:39:50or some kind of games room or additional accommodation for guests.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Overall, I would say we are nine-and-a-half out of ten.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Great property.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59There are really modern features in the house and some really great
0:39:59 > 0:40:03traditional ones, so I can have my balance of quirkiness and modern.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I love the outside space, it is not manicured,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08but it is beautifully kept.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11You've got the space for the chooks and the ducks.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Got lots of social space. Yeah, very nice.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Of the properties that we've seen, this probably sums Steve and I up.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's got the space, it's got the ability for us to
0:40:21 > 0:40:25put even more personality into it and it has a lot of character.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28It's warm, it's different and we love it.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Have you seen enough? - Yes, thank you.- I really like those positive smiles.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- Very good property.- And we've still one more to show you.- Wow.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48For our mystery house, we are staying within Cheshire,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51but heading north to the hamlet of Hunsterson.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Nearby is the market town of Nantwich,
0:40:55 > 0:40:58whose centre is made up of over 130 listed buildings,
0:40:58 > 0:41:03including many preserved black-and-white timber-frame structures.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05A popular local town,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09the busy high street is home to everything our couple would need.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Seven miles away and overlooking wide-open views
0:41:12 > 0:41:15is our final proposition.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19So, here we have the mystery house.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's a beautiful detached, period barn conversation.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26It was renovated six years ago and it's done to an incredibly high standard.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30What are your first thoughts?
0:41:30 > 0:41:34It pushes all my buttons for modern and sleek and...
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Which is possibly what I was trying to get away from,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38so it's going to cause me a problem.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Yes. What about you, Steve? Because you...
0:41:40 > 0:41:42No, I like it. I like the look of it.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Yeah, we considered barn conversations
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and this certainly... Yeah, it looks impressive.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50One of the really strong points about this property, I think,
0:41:50 > 0:41:53is that you've got this stunning rural location.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- I mean, could you wake up and look at those views every day?- Very nice.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Lovely. And it's so quiet and secluded.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Very attractive.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- Well laid out.- Yeah. The development looks nice.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09Even though they've got the neighbours, it looks immaculate.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I think you're going to like the inside.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Are you keen to have a look? - Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15I think you're going to be smiling.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Set within a small development of four barn conversions,
0:42:18 > 0:42:22the mystery element is the close proximity of neighbours.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26However, with such a smart and open-plan interior to consider,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30maybe Angie and Steve will be seduced by its impressive interior design.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- So you come straight into this amazing entrance space.- Wow.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37It's a dining hall, isn't it?
0:42:37 > 0:42:40And straightaway in here, you will get an idea and
0:42:40 > 0:42:43a look and feel for the fact that this has a flow!
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- Yes, yes.- It does have a flow.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Whoever lives here has beautiful taste.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Mmm, it's got my name on it.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53STEVE LAUGHS
0:42:53 > 0:42:56It couldn't be more of a contrast to the property we've just seen
0:42:56 > 0:42:59and I do think this will challenge both of you into exactly what
0:42:59 > 0:43:01you're prepared to compromise on.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03So, follow me... The dining hall.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08We come into a brilliant-sized family room.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12It's very bright and airy for a barn conversion. What do you both think?
0:43:12 > 0:43:17Nicely done. It is the perfect barn conversion, yeah.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Yeah, it doesn't feel like a barn at all.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22That's maybe because you expect wood, beams, A-frames.
0:43:22 > 0:43:28Well, it flows through nicely from your entertaining space, through...
0:43:28 > 0:43:31You've got an open-plan feel into the kitchen.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33And look, there we go.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Lovely ceiling height.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39The kitchen, again, is done to a fantastic specification,
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- good quality wooden units, nice marble worktops. - So bright and clean.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- Yeah.- Lots of light.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- Yeah, that's what we're looking for, in terms of...- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50..openness and...
0:43:50 > 0:43:53There's another really nice sitting room that I'm going to show you,
0:43:53 > 0:43:55so let's just wander back through the central entrance hall.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00- It's beautifully done, isn't it? - Yeah. It's good.
0:44:00 > 0:44:06- The living space is good. - It is, it's beautiful. And spacious.
0:44:06 > 0:44:07The flow is superb.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09The back, there, it's used as an office,
0:44:09 > 0:44:12- so it is all kitted out as an office. It's a home office.- OK.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15I know the two of you are quite keen to have a separate feel to that,
0:44:15 > 0:44:17rather than it be part of the house,
0:44:17 > 0:44:20and one thing I thought you could do is, you would lose some light,
0:44:20 > 0:44:23but you could take the double sets of doors out,
0:44:23 > 0:44:26and you could put an internal wall across there, and you could access
0:44:26 > 0:44:29the office by a separate door there at the back.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31It would give you that separation you need.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34You needn't know it was there, but if you really felt strongly
0:44:34 > 0:44:37about that, you could separate it from the rest of the house.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39- You've gone very quiet on me. - I know.
0:44:39 > 0:44:40STEVE LAUGHS
0:44:40 > 0:44:42I can hear your brain whirring, almost.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46I think it's playing to Angie's weakness in the...
0:44:46 > 0:44:48take it immaculate...
0:44:48 > 0:44:53It's the pristine property and it does what it is.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55In my head, I'm thinking,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58I want to pick this up and put it somewhere more secluded.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00We want the mystery property to challenge you,
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- to challenge the way you're thinking.- It's doing that. - I did feel that.- Good.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06Well, I know what a sucker you both are for a big master suite!
0:45:06 > 0:45:10We've got one waiting upstairs for you.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13The mystery house has divided opinion,
0:45:13 > 0:45:17so I wonder if upstairs is going to receive harmonious reactions?
0:45:17 > 0:45:20There are four double bedrooms, featuring the original beams
0:45:20 > 0:45:23of the property, which give character and height to the rooms.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26There's also a stylish family bathroom, with neutral decor,
0:45:26 > 0:45:29but we are heading straight for the main bedroom.
0:45:31 > 0:45:36- Here we go. How about that for an original feature?- Oh, wow.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39Beautiful old... It's the old A-frame.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41- It's lovely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- Good character.- And it's a good-sized bedroom, extra large.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46- You've got an en-suite. - Nice.- Amazing.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48It's still well proportioned.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51And also, a walk-in wardrobe, just behind us there.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- So much light coming in. - There is a lot of light. And a lot of character.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56It is a good space, nice.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Let's go downstairs, let's explore a little bit more,
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- and just talk about what the options could be outside.- OK.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Extending to a third of an acre, the garden's proximity to open
0:46:07 > 0:46:11fields and uninterrupted views might just prove to be of more
0:46:11 > 0:46:15interest to Angie and Steve than first meets the eye.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17So, back in the garden.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Interestingly, I think of all the properties we have seen,
0:46:20 > 0:46:24this one gives you the best options for having some land,
0:46:24 > 0:46:27because the local farmer owns all the fields around me,
0:46:27 > 0:46:33- and you could potentially buy an acre here, right opposite you.- OK.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35We've got so much to think about now.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37And there's a bit more we need to think about now,
0:46:37 > 0:46:41because I need to know how much you think this property is on the market for.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43Ooh! Is it my turn to go first? Um...
0:46:43 > 0:46:47I'm going to be very precise and say, 649,950.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51I'm going to go lower than that. I'm going to say 629,950.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55Well, this evening's glass of wine goes to...Angie.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58It's on the market for £650,000. And then, of course,
0:46:58 > 0:47:02whatever negotiations happen with the land would be in addition to that.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- Absolutely.- How does that feel, now you know that?
0:47:06 > 0:47:11Well, clearly, it needs nothing doing to it. You'd just up and move in.
0:47:11 > 0:47:12- Yeah.- And...
0:47:14 > 0:47:15I don't know how I feel about that.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18I haven't actually seen you both this quiet over the last two days!
0:47:18 > 0:47:20THEY LAUGH I think you need to go and digest...
0:47:20 > 0:47:23- I feel like I've given you a lot to think about.- You have.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25And that's what the mystery house is supposed to do.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27So why don't you go in, have a look around,
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- explore the garden, go take a look over the fields?- OK.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36£50,000 below budget, our mystery barn conversion
0:47:36 > 0:47:39is beautifully presented throughout
0:47:39 > 0:47:42and has a spacious, open-plan layout with four bedrooms.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44It has rural views, as well as
0:47:44 > 0:47:47the opportunity to purchase land.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49It's given them a lot to think about.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53This property has challenged every requirement, I think,
0:47:53 > 0:47:55we had in a house.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58It has really given us something to think about.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Internally, you can't help
0:48:00 > 0:48:03but be totally impressed by how immaculate it is.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07It works, it flows, the spaces are big, there's loads of light.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11I think it's probably just a bit too perfect for me.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16It doesn't have the charm that we saw in the previous property,
0:48:16 > 0:48:20because it seems very clinical, very clean, very immaculate, and I would like
0:48:20 > 0:48:24to put a bit of Steve and Angie into the property to make it feel like ours.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31- You seen everything you want to see? - I think so.- Good.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34Final property done. All that's left is for us to find
0:48:34 > 0:48:37- a nice quiet spot and have a chat. - OK.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Staffordshire is home to one of the greatest British manufacturing
0:48:45 > 0:48:48success stories of the last seven decades.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50From humble beginnings as a small, rural business
0:48:50 > 0:48:54selling farm trailers, the company has grown to become one of
0:48:54 > 0:48:58the biggest names in construction and agricultural machinery,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01and highlights how British innovation has changed
0:49:01 > 0:49:04the face of farming and building across the globe.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06I've come to meet Lord Anthony Bamford,
0:49:06 > 0:49:09son of the founder, at the world headquarters,
0:49:09 > 0:49:12to discover how the county's home-grown machines
0:49:12 > 0:49:15have become an iconic part of the rural landscape.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17How lovely to meet you.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19I would love you to tell me about your father
0:49:19 > 0:49:22and about the company that he founded, how it all came about.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24Of course.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27It goes back to 1820 in Uttoxeter,
0:49:27 > 0:49:30and our family started as blacksmiths.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33They were shoeing horses
0:49:33 > 0:49:39and they gradually went into making things for farms.
0:49:39 > 0:49:45In 1945, after the war, he wanted to do all sorts of modern things,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48like welding, rather than riveting.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52And his father got fed up with him and sacked him,
0:49:52 > 0:49:54so he started on his own.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58He wasn't allowed to use the name Bamford by the other members of the family,
0:49:58 > 0:50:03so he called it JCB, and he invented this thing called a backhoe loader.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06And that was in the early 1950s.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10And that is when we really got into construction machinery.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14Worldwide in their distribution, with 12 factories in Britain,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17the Bamford family have committed to keeping 11 of those
0:50:17 > 0:50:21factories in Staffordshire, where the company was born.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25Why has it been important for your company to stay in this county?
0:50:25 > 0:50:28I am from here, my father's from here and my grandfather.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31I think, obviously, that is where our roots are.
0:50:31 > 0:50:36And we've grown up with many generations of people,
0:50:36 > 0:50:39many of our engineers, their fathers were here,
0:50:39 > 0:50:41and maybe their grandfathers were.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44So a lot of it is the sort of family thing.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48When the company began, they made a few hundred machines a year.
0:50:48 > 0:50:53They are now producing 75,000 annually and employing 7,000 staff.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57I'm meeting Ivan Dyke, who, as a loyal worker,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00just can't quite tear himself away.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02What's your story with the company? What's your history?
0:51:02 > 0:51:05I've been here 48 years.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08I was on the shop floor in manufacturing, machining,
0:51:08 > 0:51:12I took early retirement 13 years ago,
0:51:12 > 0:51:14came back as a tour guide, looking after visitors.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18- Is your story unusual? - It isn't unusual these days.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22There's people been here ten years longer than me,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24working as tour guides today.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26I think you'll be here for quite a few more years to come,
0:51:26 > 0:51:27I have a feeling!
0:51:27 > 0:51:30If the legs will stand up to it, maybe so!
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Over the course of its history, the company's initial
0:51:33 > 0:51:38production of 2-3 products has now flourished into a range of 350.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43I think it's time for me to test drive one of these machines,
0:51:43 > 0:51:46so I am being given a quick lesson by agricultural marketing manager,
0:51:46 > 0:51:48Richard Foxley.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52- Hey, Richard!- Hello.- How are you doing?- Good, are you?- I'm fine.
0:51:52 > 0:51:54Now, this is an absolute beast!
0:51:54 > 0:51:56Yeah, it's the biggest tractor that we produce.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00- Are you up for giving me a lesson? - Yes, yeah, let's come and have a go.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02OK. I think the first challenge will be getting in it.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04'And the second challenge, I discover,
0:52:04 > 0:52:08'is that Richard would actually like me to plough the field.'
0:52:08 > 0:52:11Great. So, clutch...
0:52:11 > 0:52:16- Engine on.- OK, so, to go forward, hold the joystick,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19press the trigger and then push the lever forward.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20- OK.- OK.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25This is an absolute monster.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- It's like driving a really big automatic car.- Exactly.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31I mean, an enormous automatic car,
0:52:31 > 0:52:33- but it's actually really simple to drive.- It is.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37- OK, now drop the implement to the ground. There you go. - There we go.- OK.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39Great, so it's in.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43- So now you turn that on, that engages the cultivator to start going round.- OK.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46So now you want to increase the revs of the tractor.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50- Oh, you can really feel it revving! - Now, if you touch the throttle...
0:52:51 > 0:52:54- Is slow and steady the best way to keep it straight?- Yeah.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58On a sunny day, in the English countryside,
0:52:58 > 0:53:01you could while away an hour doing this.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04So, how long would it take to plough an acre?
0:53:04 > 0:53:08With a large plough, you could probably do an acre in ten minutes.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11You could easily cover 60-70 acres a day with this tractor.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13Am I keeping straight?
0:53:13 > 0:53:16Yeah, you are covering it all anyway, so you are doing a good job.
0:53:16 > 0:53:21You're a natural to it. OK, so, now drop your revs off. Perfect.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23- That was a lot of fun, thank you.- It's easy.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26Although world leaders in their industry, it is
0:53:26 > 0:53:30heartening to see that a home-grown company has remained on UK soil,
0:53:30 > 0:53:33staying true to their Staffordshire roots.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36I will be back in the summer. I'll be back for the harvest!
0:53:36 > 0:53:38THEY LAUGH
0:53:39 > 0:53:42It's been nice to see such strong and positive reactions
0:53:42 > 0:53:45from Angie and Steve to both today's properties.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47I wasn't that surprised, really.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50I thought the mystery house would appeal to Angie, in particular.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52But you know, now, thinking back over the day,
0:53:52 > 0:53:54I have a feeling I might be wrong.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01There's a lot of contemplating going on there.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04You know, I sensed a lot more enthusiasm from both of you
0:54:04 > 0:54:06today for the two properties that we saw.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09So where are we at? How're you feeling?
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Today's been...an enlightening day.
0:54:14 > 0:54:15The first property we saw today,
0:54:15 > 0:54:19we really engaged with, we really felt at home,
0:54:19 > 0:54:22and felt it delivered so much of what we are looking for.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25What about the mystery house, Angie?
0:54:25 > 0:54:29I think I went into a very small state of shock when I saw that,
0:54:29 > 0:54:33because on paper, it would be everything I would be looking for.
0:54:33 > 0:54:39It was a barn, it was immaculate, tidy, clean, straight lines.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42So I felt a bit of conflict between how I felt
0:54:42 > 0:54:45about house number three and the mystery house.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47But it didn't take too long to overcome that.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Totally discounted the mystery house.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53It's what I've always done - clean lines, modern interiors.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56And the point is, we are changing everything,
0:54:56 > 0:54:59we are changing our lifestyle and changing...
0:54:59 > 0:55:01Yeah, changing everything.
0:55:01 > 0:55:02I find that quite surprising.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04I think a lot of people will.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07So, that quirky house that we saw...
0:55:07 > 0:55:10What next? What are your plans?
0:55:10 > 0:55:14Certainly want to have a second viewing, have another look around.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17Because, as Angie said, it's the top of the list.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19When we go back and have another viewing,
0:55:19 > 0:55:22if we're still that enthusiastic, it will hopefully lead to an offer.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24So, we started off in Staffordshire,
0:55:24 > 0:55:28but we ended up pushing you just over the border, into Cheshire.
0:55:28 > 0:55:29How do you feel about that?
0:55:29 > 0:55:32It's still not that far away from the boundaries we set.
0:55:32 > 0:55:37We are still within 20 miles of where we wanted to be, I think.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40- Yeah.- Just! And it's such a beautiful area.
0:55:40 > 0:55:41And I've got to ask,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44this thing about the land - if it turns out that the quirky house,
0:55:44 > 0:55:49you can't get any land with it, would that be a deal-breaker?
0:55:49 > 0:55:52That, I will know when I go back and have another look.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57There are horses behind the house,
0:55:57 > 0:56:01there might be an opportunity to help somebody with their horses,
0:56:01 > 0:56:04ride with them, if I can't get my own.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06So, there are conversations to be had a little bit more,
0:56:06 > 0:56:08interrogation...
0:56:09 > 0:56:11But I don't think it's a deal-breaker.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14But the two of you can imagine starting this next chapter
0:56:14 > 0:56:17of your life together, in your first home together, in that house?
0:56:17 > 0:56:18- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22That's absolutely fantastic news, I'm so thrilled to hear that.
0:56:22 > 0:56:23Keep us informed.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25We are coming back up in a few weeks,
0:56:25 > 0:56:27so we will make arrangements to go and have another look.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31I just wish you so much luck with your move, and lots of happiness.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - It's been great fun.- It has.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36And yeah, we've learnt an awful lot.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41The two days I spent with Angie and Steve
0:56:41 > 0:56:43could not really have been more of a contrast.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46I felt like I had a slightly disappointed couple on my hands
0:56:46 > 0:56:47at the end of the first day!
0:56:47 > 0:56:51But today has been so positive and I've just left two people who,
0:56:51 > 0:56:54I sense, are very excited at the prospect that they could have
0:56:54 > 0:56:58found the property that will become their first home together.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01A great end to our visit to Staffordshire.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
0:57:04 > 0:57:09And if you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland, Wales
0:57:09 > 0:57:13or Northern Ireland and would like our help, you can apply online at: