0:00:02 > 0:00:04A small building on this ancient bridge behind me
0:00:04 > 0:00:06was once used as the local jail.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10And I must say, when it comes to enviable river views, well...
0:00:10 > 0:00:13it's not the worst place in the world to be banged up, is it?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15So where am I?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17I'll be confessing all in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today, a dynamic house-hunting duo
0:00:36 > 0:00:38has a promising start in their search
0:00:38 > 0:00:39for a country home close to family.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Jonnie, I think you might be on a winner here.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Later, those positive reactions ramp up.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Oh, wow. That looks fantastic.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49That has wow factor.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54Today, I'm in Wiltshire,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58and this is the attractive market town of Bradford upon Avon.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03There's been a settlement here by this river for over 2,000 years.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07In fact, the town gets its name from the term "broad ford".
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Now, it's just this river itself
0:01:09 > 0:01:12that's key to the whole area's prosperity,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16with attractive architecture spanning Saxon, Georgian,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20right the way through the Industrial Revolution periods.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24But, as you are about to see, this is just one snapshot of many
0:01:24 > 0:01:27that this fascinating county has to offer.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Known as the gateway to the West Country,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32landlocked Wiltshire is bordered by several counties,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35including Somerset, Berkshire and Hampshire.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39It's a region of contrasts, from its ancient sites such as Stonehenge,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43said to have taken 30 million man-hours to construct,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46to the famous white horses etched into its hillsides.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48It's thought the oldest at Westbury
0:01:48 > 0:01:52was first carved into the steep, chalky slopes in the late 1700s.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55And it's certainly a great vantage point
0:01:55 > 0:01:57for views across the stunning countryside.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Wiltshire's expansive plains give way
0:02:00 > 0:02:04to an eye-catching carpet of rich, green fields in the Vale of Pewsey,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11The county's architecture is as historic as its landscape,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14ranging from attractive white timber-framed cottages
0:02:14 > 0:02:15and thatched roofs
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and Georgian-style redbrick townhouses
0:02:18 > 0:02:21to rather more decorative facades with feature windows.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Castle Combe, dubbed England's prettiest village,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27is a designated conservation area due to its array of
0:02:27 > 0:02:29beautifully preserved limestone buildings,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32many of which date back to the 17th century.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37With its prehistoric monuments, beautiful rural terrain
0:02:37 > 0:02:39and traditional architecture,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Wiltshire offers the complete country package
0:02:41 > 0:02:43for aspiring escapees.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48But as you might expect,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51the prettiness of Wiltshire does come at a cost.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54The average price of a detached house here in the county
0:02:54 > 0:02:58currently stands at just under £320,000,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02which is around 12% above the national average.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04But don't despair quite just yet.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06There are variations within the county,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09and if you want your budget to stretch that bit further,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11you're better off heading towards the west of Wiltshire
0:03:11 > 0:03:14and the Somerset border. So, who are today's buyers,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18and why have they been tempted by the wilds of Wiltshire?
0:03:18 > 0:03:19Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Former dental nurse Elspeth and her retired dentist husband, Robert,
0:03:24 > 0:03:25from Warlingham in Surrey,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27were in rather a compromising position
0:03:27 > 0:03:31during their first encounter over four decades ago.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34We met over a patient when I was a dental student at Guy's Hospital.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35And she was 19.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39She was tall, slim, beautiful, with long, brown hair,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and so I spotted her immediately.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46And I saw you going up the student staircase, cos we all had
0:03:46 > 0:03:50different entrances, the nursing staff and the dental students,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and I saw this lovely long pair of legs disappearing up the stairs.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56And she said I had a cute bottom, but I don't believe it!
0:03:56 > 0:03:57THEY LAUGH
0:03:57 > 0:04:01We started going out January 1973.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06They were married five years later and now have two grown-up children.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08We've got a gorgeous son, who's called Matt,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and we've got a gorgeous daughter called Heather.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13And the magic bit about the two kids
0:04:13 > 0:04:15is the fact that they both had children
0:04:15 > 0:04:17within six weeks of each other.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19So we've gone from not being grandparents at all
0:04:19 > 0:04:22to having two of the most beautiful little grandchildren.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25We're very proud of them. Proud grandparents.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Elspeth and Rob have lived in their four-bedroom Surrey bungalow
0:04:29 > 0:04:32for 20 years, but are more than ready for a change.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I think our house has got to the stage where...
0:04:35 > 0:04:36It's a little bit big for us.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Because, when we moved in, there were four of us,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41whereas now, we rattle around a bit, don't we?
0:04:41 > 0:04:45It's surrounded by the M25, and that's the big no-no for us.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Because you find whenever you want to get anywhere or go anywhere...
0:04:48 > 0:04:50You have to go on the M25.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So, although where we live is great,
0:04:52 > 0:04:57we want to get away from quite so much traffic and chaos, really.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00And it's family ties pulling them towards the west.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We're looking to move near the Bradford on Avon area
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- to be close to our daughter, Heather.- And my mum.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And your mum.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11No, it's a beautiful area, and it's just time for a change.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13I'd love to live down there,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15and then I can be a proper granny and help out.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Yeah.- Which will be super. And you can be a proper grandad.- Yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Our son lives in West London, so, sort of being out in that corridor,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25on the M4 corridor, would really be brilliant,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29because it would take maybe an hour and a half to get up to west London.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Perfect. Then we can do the grannying on the other child.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35SHE LAUGHS
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This sporty pair are also looking forward to enjoying hobbies,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40like rowing, closer to home.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I've racked up about 120,000 miles in one car
0:05:44 > 0:05:46just going to the boat club and back.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I'd love to jump on a bike and cycle to the boat club.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51That would be my dream.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Elspeth has a love of horses and is an accomplished rider,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58but nowadays shares in Rob's sporting passion.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I joined Robert in learning how to row about 15 years ago,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and fell in love with that too.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05But that's not all.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Elspeth's got plans to get green fingered,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and they're both looking forward to making the most
0:06:10 > 0:06:14of their new country surroundings with their dog, Skye.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17What's more, Rob's pride and joy, his classic sports car,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20will also need a new shelter with this move.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23So, with their house on the market and a zest for life,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26they can't wait to be closer to family, an area they love
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and a future of possibilities.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32We've really enjoyed being here. Loved every minute of it.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35But we're going to love new adventures
0:06:35 > 0:06:36and doing different stuff.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38That's what we want.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41It's because we don't want to miss our grandchildren growing up,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and they're only young once.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45And WE'RE only young once.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Our grandson is the love of my life,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51and so to be able to just pop in and give him a cuddle
0:06:51 > 0:06:52and say good night to him
0:06:52 > 0:06:56and then just zoom home again easily would be a joy.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Although being closer to family is a draw for Elspeth and Rob
0:07:01 > 0:07:03to move closer to Bradford on Avon,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06they're looking to settle in the peaceful surrounding countryside.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Before we start our search,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10I'm catching up with them here to find out more
0:07:10 > 0:07:12about their property aspirations.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16So, family are bringing you here,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18but what is it about this part of the world
0:07:18 > 0:07:20that's capturing your imagination, then, Rob?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's halfway to the West Country, where we like going down to.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26There's a particularly good rowing club here.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Talk me through the kind of village you would like to live in from now.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31Quite sort of smallish.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Perhaps a good pub.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Yeah.- A little post office, perhaps.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Convenience store, maybe, even.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I think somewhere where people know...you know, know us.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43It's community you're after, then?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You want to be part of that, of course.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Now, then, let's talk about the house itself.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49What does it look like?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I mean, this county has just amazing architecture.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Do you want a piece of that old... old feel?
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Trouble is that if it's too old, he's too tall.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- Yeah.- OK. - We don't want low beams.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07I miss them 99 times, but it's that one time in 100 that hurts!
0:08:07 > 0:08:11I think we're very anxious that we have a property
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- that doesn't require a huge amount of maintenance.- OK.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I think that's something that, as you get older,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19you don't have the ability to carry on earning an income,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22so if you have a fabulous place that is listed,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25and so you have to spend an awful lot of money doing it in a certain way...
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Yes.- That is perhaps a no-no.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30And it would be nice to have a good view.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Now, views. Views are important to both of you, aren't they?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Where we live at the moment, we've got the most fantastic view.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38You're moving to the countryside, you want to see a bit of it,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- I suppose, from your windows. - Yes.- And somewhere quiet.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Right, OK.- So we don't want to be on a main road or a cut-through.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47OK, that's fair enough.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- That's quite important. - Now, size of property.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52You've got your son up in West London,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- who'll be coming down to visit. - Yeah.- With grandchildren.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- How many bedrooms? - Minimum three-bed.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59OK.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02It would be lovely to have a big entertaining space,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- cos we're quite big people. - Mm-hm.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Nice kitchen.- Do you like open plan?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- That would be great. - You've not really tied me down
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- as to exactly what style of property you're after.- Light.- Light.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- You want light inside, then, obviously.- Yes.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- OK.- We need somewhere to park cars, and perhaps have a double garage.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20How essential is this garage to you?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Quite essential, cos my car rusts like mad,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26so it would be quite handy to have one.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28We could get away with a single garage.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Yeah, we could.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Finally, what's the budget?
0:09:32 > 0:09:33800.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- £800,000?- Yeah, about 800. - Which is a very healthy budget...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40..in a pretty expensive part of the world.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43But I think we can get there, or thereabouts.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Yeah.- Shall we go?- Yeah, smashing. - This way.- OK.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Elspeth and Rob's budget of £800,000 is extremely healthy
0:09:51 > 0:09:52for this neck of the woods.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So I'm feeling pretty confident as we get our search underway.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58They want a manageable house and garden,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01but, being a sociable couple, it must be geared up for entertaining,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03with a large, light kitchen.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06They're flexible on style but need three bedrooms,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08a large garage for Rob's classic car,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12and a quiet location with fabulous views.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14We've assembled a fantastic mix of properties
0:10:14 > 0:10:16to tempt Elspeth and Rob with,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18but the all-important price will only be revealed
0:10:18 > 0:10:21after they've explored each house.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23The final visit to the mystery property
0:10:23 > 0:10:26will offer this gregarious pair a grandiose option
0:10:26 > 0:10:30in which to accommodate their visiting family and friends.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34You are hoping for a lot of people to come down and visit, are you?
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I think that would be absolutely lovely. That would be great.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Cos we've got lots of chums over the years,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43and now we are all going in our separate directions,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46so it would be great if they would come and stay,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50but, a bit like fish and friends, go off after three days!
0:10:50 > 0:10:51THEY LAUGH
0:10:54 > 0:10:57We're starting our trip round Wiltshire in the village of
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Monkton Farleigh, which is just over two miles from
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Elspeth and Rob's daughter near Bradford on Avon, and around six miles from the city of Bath.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07The quiet and leafy village lanes are flanked by a series of
0:11:07 > 0:11:12impressive Bath stone houses, which this area is known for.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17The 17th-century dining pub lays claim to being Wiltshire's most haunted.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20And just a two-minute walk away is this handsome house
0:11:20 > 0:11:22dating back to the 1,800.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24And even the rain can't dampen its looks.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28So, property number one is this one.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- That's pretty.- Isn't it? - Very pretty.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Now, I know you said you liked the idea of a house with a view,
0:11:34 > 0:11:39but the view over that 11th century church is wonderful, isn't it?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Fantastic. Gosh, it's absolutely beautiful.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47The house itself, mid-19th century wears well, doesn't it, this Bath stone?
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Very pretty. Looks maybe...small.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55It's not huge, so this is where I get to learn about how much you are
0:11:55 > 0:12:00looking at potential downsizing, how big do you need the three bedrooms to be.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Fine. It looks as though it's got a garage.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Well, that could be issue number one.- Ah...- Let me show you inside.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08- OK.- OK.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10This double fronted house may not be vast,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13but it is deceptively spacious.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Much more so than its exterior would suggest.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20And talking of appearances being deceiving, the garage is not actually a garage at all.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24So, into the dry at least.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Small utility area there then brings you straight into this fairly new kitchen.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32I think it might be a bit small. I like the style.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- It's very, very nicely done. - Yes, I thought so. - Nicely done indeed.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41I'm just wondering whether, we're quite big people, and we might bump into each other quite a bit.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- This WAS the garage. - Right.- Ah.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49But that comes around to the first issue.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- There's no garage with the property, Rob, for your car.- Right.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55But we've made enquiries, and the local manor house
0:12:55 > 0:12:58has units to let just up the road.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And there's also some new garages that you can rent as well
0:13:01 > 0:13:03in a new development in the village.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07So there's places nearby that you can store your car and other bits and bobs.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Yeah. OK.- That's a possibility. - Bear this one in mind.- Yes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12And as we walk through you can start thinking
0:13:12 > 0:13:15whether or not this house will or not be big enough for you.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Fine.- Come with me.- OK.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Taking up the entire front of the house and also the oldest part
0:13:21 > 0:13:25is a large sitting room spanning both sides of the old front door.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- More of a cottage-y feel now. - Very cosy.- Very cosy indeed.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Nice log fire. - Do you like it?
0:13:33 > 0:13:37I think so, but immediately I look to that beam and think of Robert's head.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40We're used to slightly higher ceilings as well, aren't we?
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Yes, OK.- I think it's a really well presented room.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45There is a "but" here.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48There is a "but". Robert would hit his head.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51The "but" is him butting his head against that beam. OK, fair enough.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55I think if we were smaller people, this would be a real possibility.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- But... - THEY LAUGH But...
0:13:58 > 0:14:02This house would have been built as a worker's cottage for the
0:14:02 > 0:14:03manor house just nearby.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Perhaps we should think of the manor house.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Yeah, add a couple of zeros, I can help you out there.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09A couple of zeros, yes.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Let's keep looking through, and mind your head there, Rob.- Right.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Also on the ground floor and just behind the kitchen is
0:14:15 > 0:14:18a room in use as a study.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23Then, moving upstairs, there is a compact family bathroom and three bedrooms -
0:14:23 > 0:14:26one flooded with light, a single room, and,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30given what they got downstairs, what will they make of the master
0:14:30 > 0:14:33which overlooks the front and side of the house?
0:14:33 > 0:14:39- I love the bedroom.- Good. - Really nice indeed. Nice floor.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- Lovely and light. I do like light. You could feel really cosy in here. - Yeah, feel cosy in here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Yes.- I can imagine myself in here. - This is good.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Real positive up here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Whilst the weather looks like it's fairly dry,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- let's go outside and start to have a think about price.- OK.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59After mixed reactions inside,
0:14:59 > 0:15:03we're on our way to the landscaped garden to the rear of the property.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09The sun's come out. The garden goes to that stone wall at the top.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Because it is a raised garden, you actually get some of the
0:15:12 > 0:15:14evening sun coming over the top of the house.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16There's your little vegetable garden, Elspeth.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Good height. I can reach that bit. - That's not a bad shout, actually.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23All right. So, we don't need acres and acres.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Is this all right for you guys? - Yeah.- It's a really good sized patio.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So, how much do you think this property's on the market for?
0:15:31 > 0:15:33You go first.
0:15:33 > 0:15:367... 785.
0:15:36 > 0:15:43Because it's very petite, I wouldn't want to pay any more than...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47..675, 680.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Maybe I'm being very rude to the owners, I hope I'm not.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Give me a figure.- 680.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Good guess. This place has a guide price of £650,000.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Wasn't far off the mark.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Look, end of the day, it's probably good news for you,
0:16:05 > 0:16:09meaning that what you're after is maybe attainable in these
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- sorts of areas, because you put quite a lot of money on it.- Yeah.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15OK, I think now is a good time for you to have
0:16:15 > 0:16:17a good look at the house on your own.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22Especially when you look at the differential between how you guessed the price here.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24So go back into some of the other bedrooms,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26have a good snoop around, get to feel the place,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28and I'll meet you whenever you are finished, all right?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- That's great.- See you in a mo. - Thanks.- OK.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35This 19th-century detached house comes in
0:16:35 > 0:16:40a generous £150,000 under Elspeth and Rob's budget,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43which would leave them a substantial pot to put their mark on the
0:16:43 > 0:16:47property, and still have spare cash to enjoy themselves.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50It's in a lovely location and has just the number of bedrooms
0:16:50 > 0:16:51they asked for.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Plus both the house and garden are a manageable size.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58The rooms are light and bright, and although there is no garage,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01there are nearby options to shelter Rob's car from the elements.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05This is quite a petite room.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Cosy room for children, grandchildren.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11When we came down the road to look at this house I thought it was
0:17:11 > 0:17:14a really cute-looking village house and I was really excited.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17When we came inside, it's beautifully done.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18I think it's going to be too small,
0:17:18 > 0:17:23because it's quite low ceilings, and as you go through doorways,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27the doorways are shorter than my husband, so he will bump his head.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I would quite like to have a garage because we have
0:17:30 > 0:17:33a lot of gardening equipment and I've got quite an elderly car that
0:17:33 > 0:17:38seems to rust a lot, so it would be quite convenient to put that in a garage.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41We'll not be needing these, which is good. How did you get on, then?
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- It's a lovely place.- Yeah.- But too small.- Just a bit too small?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Just a bit too small.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Maybe focus on something with slightly higher ceilings for you, Rob?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Yeah.- That would be good. - Let's go.- Let's go.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00When they make their move to the Bradford on Avon area,
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Elspeth and Rob are looking forward to making the most of the River Avon
0:18:04 > 0:18:08and the Kennet and Avon Canal, which both wind through the town.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10As keen rowers for years,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12they've now got their sights set on kayaking,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15and have come to meet expert kayaking coach Mike Purchas
0:18:15 > 0:18:18at the Bradford on Avon rowing and canoeing club
0:18:18 > 0:18:22to learn how to master one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26OK, Robert. I think this is sort of the ideal size for you.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29And Elspeth, ideal size.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- You should be able to just reach up to the top.- Got it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Holding the blade, put your arms up,
0:18:35 > 0:18:40and you want to form right angles with your two arms.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45That's about the correct distance. Yes, that's good. Robert.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48OK, that's good.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55Mike's club has over 150 members and has been running since 1873.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Its most famous alumni is British athlete Ed McKeever,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03who won a gold medal for kayaking at the 2012 Olympic Games.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05And there's a golden postbox in Bradford on Avon
0:19:05 > 0:19:07to commemorate his achievement.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09But there'll be no racing today.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Elspeth and Rob are going on their maiden voyage
0:19:12 > 0:19:16in a wide and stable kayak, perfect for beginners.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Our novice pair are confident swimmers,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21but there are still safety measures to take.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24What happens if we capsize?
0:19:24 > 0:19:28If you capsize, leave the kayak upside down,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31because that contains air inside,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33and then swim to the end of the kayak,
0:19:33 > 0:19:35and then try and bring it into the bank.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38In this case, I'll be there to help you.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42With the safety briefing over, it's time to learn how to hop on board.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Put your blade across the front of the kayak
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- with the curvy bit to the top. - OK.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51And step into the centre of the kayak.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58Still holding on firm. And then let yourself down.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- And then you're ready to go.- Fine.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Well, Mike's made it look easy, and it's Elspeth who's up first.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- Try and get your left leg in, if you can. That's good.- Oh...
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Try and get your bum down quickly.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- One hand on the bank. Keep one hand on the bank.- Ohh!
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- I've landed.- That's fine.- Excellent.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21SHE LAUGHS
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Hold on to the cockpit.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25One hand on to the bank.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- One hand...- Yeah.- ..in there?- Yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Try and lower yourself down slowly.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32That's it. That's good.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34You OK? How does that feel?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Yeah, good.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- You're in.- The eagle has landed.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Mike's got 55 years' kayaking under his belt
0:20:44 > 0:20:47and loves sharing his passion for the sport.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Just relax, Robert.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Arms up a little bit.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56That's good.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Excellent, excellent. How does that feel?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Yeah, I'm getting... I'm feeling a bit happier.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- OK. Robert?- Not quite so wobbly. - Yeah, OK now, actually.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10Basic paddling stroke is into the side of the kayak...
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- OK.- In and then out.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Right, OK.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21But if we want to turn these kayaks, you need to paddle
0:21:21 > 0:21:25one side, draw it out, back paddle, turning round sharply.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- Out, back. OK?- Yes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35Another important stroke is knowing how to stop.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38If you are paddling forward, you just
0:21:38 > 0:21:40put all anchors on...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Like that, OK.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45..and then back-paddle, OK?
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This stretch of the River Avon is very flat and calm,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51providing perfect conditions to learn to kayak...
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Keep paddling, keep paddling.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56..as well as providing a beautiful backdrop.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Kayaks in their earliest form are believed to date back
0:21:59 > 0:22:02at least 4,000 years.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03Originally developed by Inuits,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07they were used for hunting and transporting passengers and goods,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09and were made from seal or other animal skins
0:22:09 > 0:22:13stretched over driftwood or whale bones as they evolved over the years.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Elspeth and Rob are taking to the kayaking like ducks to water.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Does that feel nice and steady in there?
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- Yeah, it does, actually. - Very good. Very good, Robert.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24- Very good.- She's good, isn't she?
0:22:24 > 0:22:25ROB LAUGHS
0:22:25 > 0:22:28This is great! It's fantastic.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- Yeah.- I always want a new challenge.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34This is definitely going to be one.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Yee-hoo!
0:22:37 > 0:22:38SHE LAUGHS
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Oh, we've found a new sport.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Well, I hope we get a new house AND a new sport.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48That would be fantastic.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50And after a mile-and-a-half round trip,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53they're back where they started.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- What are your thoughts? - It felt a bit scary to start with,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59but you soon kind of get the feeling and get your balance a bit.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Yeah. You were going along like a train.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04You were quite professional there. Really good.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It was really great.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09It was good being on the water, and, yeah, couldn't have been nicer.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- It was great fun. - You did really, really well.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Thank you so much for your time. We really appreciate it.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Thank you very much.- Thanks a lot. - Thank you.- Excellent.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Our house hunt continues as we journey to the village of Corsley,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27which is half an hour away from Elspeth and Rob's family
0:23:27 > 0:23:28in Bradford on Avon.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31The nearest towns are Warminster to the east,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and Frome to the west.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37The countryside surrounding Corsley is rich and green,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40with the village's quiet, narrow lanes bordered by hedges,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43behind which are many attractive properties.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45There are plenty of great spots for dog walks,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48and there's a local pub nearby.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Just over a five-minute walk from the pub
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and we're at this rather imposing property,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55quite different to anything else in the area.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Now, then...
0:23:58 > 0:24:00you're after a property of size.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I think this could do the job.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Yes. I think I like that.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- It's got an Alpine style to it. - Yeah, it has.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10I can imagine it in a ski resort in Austria.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Yeah. It's almost got that chalet style, hasn't it?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15You might not be will to see from here,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17but looking through you've got fields behind,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- which suggests a view, something you're after, isn't it? - That would be good.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- OK, good. Let's go inside.- OK.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28This property is of an exceptionally high standard.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32The current owners designed and built it 16 years ago
0:24:32 > 0:24:34and chose everything, down to the materials.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Right, then. Now, for Rob, you'll be pleased to hear,
0:24:40 > 0:24:44behind that door is a boot room and a double garage.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Downstairs loo.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51I think this is your most impressive room in the house.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52What a lovely, big room.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Wow, this is fantastic.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55Yes, I like this.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- It's a really, really good space. - Let me walk you through,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- because the flow is really good in this house.- OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Now, if you want to get your guests out of the way,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07I think this is the perfect room to do it in,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09while still being connected.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Again, spilling out into a really nice terraced area there.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13It is, isn't it?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- But if you want to be cosy, this is the room to do it.- OK.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19The owners call this their best room.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- What do you think of it? - Yes, I think it's a nice room.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27I'm just slightly surprised that they didn't push it more out
0:25:27 > 0:25:32that way, because having that veranda makes it quite dark in here.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I honestly think, it might be a bit darker here, I mean,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38you've got that many windows,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41but if you wanted a light room to hang out in, that's the kitchen.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Yes, the kitchen when we wanted was top-notch.- Good.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Space is the most important thing, isn't it?
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- And you've got plenty of that upstairs, so come with me.- Yeah, OK.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Up a winding stairway, leading to a galleried landing,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59there's a family bathroom with a skylight and four double bedrooms -
0:25:59 > 0:26:01one currently in use as a study,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03another that's dual aspect,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06then there's a cosy double.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08We're heading for the largest of the four,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11which takes in some fabulous views.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Now, the master bedroom, as you would expect, is en suite,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17with a big wardrobe just through those double doors as well.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Oh, great. Lots of storage. That's good.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I like the way it's so light. Good size room.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Yeah. Excellent size.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I was hoping this would be plenty of room for you.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Yeah.- Excellent. - This is plenty big enough.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34OK, well, look, these have been pretty good reactions so far.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- Yeah, excellent.- I'll let you have a scoot around the house later on.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Let's go out to the front of the house, OK?- Right.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42And we'll start talking about price.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's at the front where the majority of the slightly sloping,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50manicured garden is found,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53with a lawn also wrapping round the side of the house.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55What's more, there are decked areas
0:26:55 > 0:26:58which, on a bright day, are real sun traps.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01And at the rear of the property is the double garage
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and also the fantastic views.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10So, as you can see, this house has been designed with socialising
0:27:10 > 0:27:12and a bit of outdoor living in mind,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15but also being able to escape from the weather under various shelters.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- That's a good idea.- Excellent idea.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21This is beautifully designed, sorted, done.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26- You could just move straight in, couldn't you?- Yes, you could. Definitely you could.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29So, after a brief look around this house,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31let's guess the price. Who wants to go first?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- Elspeth first.- Good man!
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I would say 785.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39OK.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40I'm going to go lower.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42750.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Well...
0:27:45 > 0:27:49..Rob, you're closest, but you'll both be pleasantly surprised,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53because the asking price for this place is offers around £675,000.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Wow! We're way out.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56- Way out.- Gosh.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I'm really surprised cos it's... They look after beautifully.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01- It is immaculate.- Yeah.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03It's a lot of house for your money.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Go back inside the house and give it a good go.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Have that chat amongst yourselves.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Could you imagine yourselves in this house, long-term?
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- And I'll meet you whenever you're done.- OK. Smashing.- Good luck.- OK.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20This bespoke-designed chalet-style stone house
0:28:20 > 0:28:23has a price tag that's a jaw-dropping
0:28:23 > 0:28:26£125,000 below Rob and Elspeth's budget,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29and delivers them all the space and light they're looking for.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31There's a great entertaining kitchen
0:28:31 > 0:28:33and one more bedroom than they asked for.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Rob gets his essential double garage here,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40and there are also those sought-after countryside views.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42What's more, the village location
0:28:42 > 0:28:45is perfect for community life.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46- Ah!- Yes, this is good. Big room.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- We could use this as a gym, couldn't we?- Yes, certainly could.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54This sort of property, although it's modern, it would suit us very well.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58We're very flexible on which style of property we have.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03I think it's a little bit further out of my preferred area,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07because if I'm suddenly called in to child mind for my daughter,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09then I've got half an hour of driving to get there.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12But saying that, you get an awful lot of house for your money here.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Yes, I quite like this property.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Immediately we came down the drive, I thought, "Wow.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19"It looks like an Austrian sort of house in a ski resort."
0:29:19 > 0:29:21But, when we went inside,
0:29:21 > 0:29:25I was quite impressed with the amount of space, initially.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28I think Elspeth and I both have the same sort of taste
0:29:28 > 0:29:31when it comes to houses, and usually she's always right.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39So, lots of rooms to look around and decorate, maybe configure.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Absolutely. And maybe make use of the view out the back.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43It does seem a bit wasted, doesn't it?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I know it's south-facing, but that is a tremendous view.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49It is. It's just such a shame not to maximise.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- And you know me and my view. - I know. Well, I'm starting to learn.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Well, hopefully this has given you somebody think about.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Onward and upward. Come with me.- OK.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10It's day two of our Wiltshire house hunt,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12and armed with an £800,000 budget,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16we're seeking out a country home for new grandparents Elspeth and Rob
0:30:16 > 0:30:19that locates them closer to family in Wiltshire.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23And I've still got an overwhelming mystery option up my sleeve.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It's like a baronial hall, isn't it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- It's magnificent.- It is.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Plus, I'll be getting up close to a culinary Wiltshire tradition.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34You can see now why it tastes
0:30:34 > 0:30:36how it'll taste, if you know what I mean.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- Smoky!- It'll just taste beautiful.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44Well, what I have learned so far from Elspeth and Rob
0:30:44 > 0:30:48is they'd like a house to have views and that house, well,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50it needs to be as big as possible.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53And I think the outlook will certainly improve
0:30:53 > 0:30:54with our next house.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57But moving forward to our mystery property,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59if they can see past the lack of vista,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02they will be rewarded by a huge property.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Certainly big enough for all that entertaining they plan to do.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09But before that, our next stop is the village of Westwood,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12around two miles from Bradford on Avon,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16and just 15 minutes from Elspeth and Rob's daughter.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Westwood really showcases that attractive Bath stone,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22which includes its magnificent medieval church,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26whose distinctive and beautifully carved stone tower
0:31:26 > 0:31:29can be seen from miles around.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Historic Bradford on Avon is less than ten minutes away and
0:31:32 > 0:31:34offers a great choice of independent shops,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38along with the opportunity for walks by the River Avon.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Back in Westwood, there's a great village pub
0:31:41 > 0:31:44just over a five-minute walk from our next house,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48which has a story to tell, along with fabulous panoramic views.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51I think I wanted you to come inside
0:31:51 > 0:31:54to get a real first impression of this place. It's an old school.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- OK.- Mid-19th century. What's going through your minds?
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- What do you think?- Yeah, I like the look of it from the outside.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05It looks unusual, a bit quirky.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06- Quite plain.- Quite plain.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11I think the way it's been converted over the years is very sympathetic
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- but it's almost been converted with you both in mind.- Ooh!
0:32:15 > 0:32:18What were your first impressions when you walked through that gate?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- "Where's the garage?"- Well...
0:32:20 > 0:32:23that could be a garage but that is now a fantastic office
0:32:23 > 0:32:26with amazing views. The guy who lives here,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30you can take over the rental of his garage in the village.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Excellent. Yeah, well, that sounds good.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36My only slight reservation is parking for cars.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Where do guests park when they come and see you?
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Is this the only bit of garden? - It is, yeah. You've got...
0:32:42 > 0:32:44two car parking spaces there.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47If you really wanted, you could put cars in here.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48It depends how much garden you want.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- But there is a bit of outside space that goes around the house.- OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- We didn't really want that much gardening to do.- No.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57It's good, actually. It's ideal -
0:32:57 > 0:32:59just one step backwards, one step forwards with the lawnmower.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01THEY LAUGH
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Let's go inside. Come with me. - Fantastic.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08The original part of this property was built in 1841 from local stone.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11It was a primary school until 1976,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14and became a family home ten years later.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16We're going back to school through the door
0:33:16 > 0:33:18which used to be the boys' entrance.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Well, you've got a really nice entrance hall with an office off it.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25And then straight into your huge living room.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26Oh, fantastic.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- I like this.- Come in and get a good look at this view.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Yeah. Oh-ho-ho!
0:33:31 > 0:33:34That's the business.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36This is super.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- What do you reckon?- I love it. It's nice. Fantastic.- So?
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- Yeah.- I like it.- Good feelings, good vibe?- Feelings, good vibes, yes.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47And it's nice and quiet in here. You can't really hear the road.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- The house is orientated away from that road.- Yeah.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52It's ticked a few of our boxes.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- So far, so good.- Good. This way.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Next door serves up a huge, bright kitchen-diner,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03which I am sure they'll like.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04Okey-dokey.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I like-y.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Lovely family area.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10I like it a lot, actually.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13And that's the old girls' entrance,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16which they've turned into a utility room,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19so all the gubbins is out of the way. Domestic bliss.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22So far, Jonnie, I think you might be on a winner here.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Well, I hope so. What we'll do,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27we'll walk out through this way and go upstairs to the bedrooms.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28- Follow me.- OK.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Also on the ground floor, and keeping the old school memories alive,
0:34:35 > 0:34:38is a cloakroom, once the school secretary's office
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and still furnished with the original quarry floor tiles.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Moving upstairs, there's a large family shower room
0:34:45 > 0:34:48and four bedrooms - a decent-sized double,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52along with a slightly more snug one with a skylight.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54There's also a bright double with feature windows
0:34:54 > 0:34:57that benefits from a light, bright en suite.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Finally, at the back of the house is an expansive double
0:35:00 > 0:35:03with a row of windows that allows in lots of light
0:35:03 > 0:35:06and those priceless countryside views.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Well, this bedroom is the one that certainly gets the views.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Oh, wow, that's fantastic.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I'd be quite inspired in here, I think.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21I just want to jump on the bed and peer out there right now.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22THEY LAUGH
0:35:22 > 0:35:24You'd struggle to get up in the morning.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- That's the thing, isn't it?- Yes.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28What's the feel, the vibe you're getting?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- Cos you haven't bought a house for 20-odd years.- No.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Do you like the vibe the house gives?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35I'm getting the same vibes that I got when we bought our last place.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36- Oh, really?- Yeah.- Oh, fantastic.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Yeah, the views, and it's just there's a nice feel to the place.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- It feels sort of cosy. - Could you imagine us living here?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- I certainly could.- Oh, really? - Yeah.- Oh, brilliant.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Well, this sounds very encouraging.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52Let's go back downstairs and just sort of soak up these views
0:35:52 > 0:35:55but also start thinking about how much this house costs.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- Right.- Uh-oh. - After you.- Thank you.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Outside, there's a terrace
0:36:02 > 0:36:05surrounded by well-planted shrubs and flower beds,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08with spectacular views as far as the eye can see.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Although this property may not have the largest garden,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14it does have plenty of great little spots
0:36:14 > 0:36:18from where to soak up the surrounding views, including a hot tub.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- Look at that view.- That is stunning, and I wanted to commune with the sky
0:36:23 > 0:36:25and you sure can here.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27If you look over there, that's the Westbury Horse, look.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Oh, wow! And I used to have a white horse, too!
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Oh, it's an omen.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36OK, so it's time to guess the price.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38I would say it's up in the 600s.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I don't normally give people a second chance, but I like you, Rob.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I would say 685.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46OK. Elspeth, can you do any better?
0:36:46 > 0:36:49I would say 725.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51You're in for a bit of a shock, then.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56This place is on the market for offers around £795,000.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Oh-ho-ho! - Quite a bit above your guess.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00THEY LAUGH
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Well, I was way out before and I'm way out again.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03So at least I'm consistent.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Well, it's interesting. These are the best reactions you've had
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- of a house.- Yeah, definitely. - And it's been your lowest guess.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11ROB SIGHS
0:37:11 > 0:37:13I think he was being ever hopeful.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Could this be the house for you at the right price?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- It could well be. - Well, we'll find out later.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- Go back inside and I'll catch you in a minute.- OK.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26This converted school, built from Bath stone,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28has nudged in at £5,000 under
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Elspeth and Rob's top budget
0:37:30 > 0:37:32and still manages to offer them
0:37:32 > 0:37:34practically everything they're looking for
0:37:34 > 0:37:37in a desirable spot close to their relatives.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41The kitchen-diner and living room are both perfect for entertaining,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and upstairs, there's one more bedroom than they asked for.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47The garden is a manageable size with wonderful views,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51and although the garage has been transformed into an office,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54there is the option of renting a nearby shelter for Rob's car,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57and the village location is ideal.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- This is a cutie room.- Wow.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06That would be fantastic for guests.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09I think it might be a bit iffy for you with your head.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12The guest gets the best room in the house, virtually.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14When I walked through the front door, I just thought, "Wow."
0:38:14 > 0:38:17It's got that wow factor of space.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21It's so light, and the view is stunning.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26The garden area I think is quite minimal. That might suit us.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Slightly anxious that you can't get too many cars off the road easily.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33And we do have lots of people popping by,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36so we'd have to address that issue with the house.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38But the house itself, the rooms are, as I say,
0:38:38 > 0:38:42beautifully spacious, and I could really see all our things here.
0:38:44 > 0:38:45So, all done inside?
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- Absolutely.- Still beaming? - Still beaming.- Yes.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Good. Well, hopefully this is something to really consider.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Time now for something different. Come with me.- Right.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04So, the mystery house.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08You know it's going to be something that sometimes challenges
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- your expectations. - I like being challenged.- Do you?
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Well, you're going to love this caravan, then!
0:39:14 > 0:39:16What would you love the mystery house to be?
0:39:16 > 0:39:18A nice area to dog walk.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23Having really nice reception rooms and kitchen. Entertaining space.
0:39:23 > 0:39:29- Space seems to be coming up a lot. - Yes. And light.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Lots of light flowing into the house.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37For our final visit, to the mystery house,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39we're journeying to the village of Kington St Michael.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42It's just over 11 miles from Elspeth and Rob's daughter
0:39:42 > 0:39:44near Bradford on Avon,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47and just over three miles to the market town of Chippenham.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Kington St Michael is a thriving village offering residents
0:39:50 > 0:39:54a chance to really become part of the busy local community,
0:39:54 > 0:40:00with a village club, its own hall, cafe, shop and a pub.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03There's also the St Michael And All Angels Church,
0:40:03 > 0:40:06whose elegant tower collapsed after a severe storm in the 1700s
0:40:06 > 0:40:08and was rebuilt some years later.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12In the middle of the village, we find our mystery house,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14which might be slightly further from family
0:40:14 > 0:40:16than Elspeth and Rob would like,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19but I'm hoping the space and style on offer here
0:40:19 > 0:40:22makes this outstanding property worth the journey.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Now, I'm starting to get the impression that
0:40:25 > 0:40:30coming to Wiltshire is almost to the manor born.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31- ELSPETH LAUGHS - Yes, I think so!
0:40:31 > 0:40:34And this is as close to the manor as I could get you,
0:40:34 > 0:40:35cos the manor house is there,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38and we're going to be looking around the old coach house.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Oh, wow, that looks fantastic.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42That has wow factor.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Well, I think it looks absolutely awesome
0:40:44 > 0:40:46and it's got the most beautiful roof.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- It's got one of the classic tiled roofs of the area.- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54The owner's son had a big party here, I think, last year,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- and they had 20 cars parked all around the place.- Right, OK.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00So, for your parties, I think we're all right for car parking.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Yeah, definitely.- All right. - She's a beauty, isn't she?
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Yeah, it's absolutely gorgeous. - Absolutely magnificent.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07- Good. Let's go inside.- OK.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Although the mystery property
0:41:10 > 0:41:12sits in the shadow of the neighbouring manor house,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15it's by no means modest in size.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19The oldest part of this old coach house dates back to the late 1700s,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21with various later additions,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23including the handsome Georgian facade.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Good grief. Look at this!
0:41:27 > 0:41:29We're entering the single-storey part of the property,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32turning left, heading straight to the kitchen
0:41:32 > 0:41:34at the back of the main part of the house.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37First of all, you think, "Well, this is it."
0:41:37 > 0:41:41It's quite long and thin, almost galley-style, isn't it?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45But it gets better as we walk through.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Now, pausing just here, I know you like flow and open plan...
0:41:49 > 0:41:51That's a pretty room, isn't it?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Next door to the dining room is a sunny breakfast room
0:41:55 > 0:41:58running from the front to the back of the house,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00with French windows to the garden at one end
0:42:00 > 0:42:02and a picture window at the other,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05with a sweeping spiral stairway in the centre.
0:42:08 > 0:42:09Now, look at this space here.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Well, I think I'd have this as the main kitchen.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Yeah.- Wouldn't you?- It's crying out for it.- Definitely.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Give you the history. This was obviously the coach house
0:42:19 > 0:42:23to the manor house, which was pulled down and rebuilt in the 1800s.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- So, coaches in here. There's a stabling just down there.- Mmm.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30- You can see it, can't you? See where they went in and out.- Yeah.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32So just through the, you've got an office.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- Through here - a living room. Come with me.- OK.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38The large living room adjoining the open-plan breakfast room
0:42:38 > 0:42:40is also on a grand scale.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44Our rather quirky mystery house has certainly come up trumps with space.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46OK, so, I know you like big living rooms.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I know you like big everything, really, don't you?
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Yes, well, I've gone for a big husband so...
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- And he fits in here, doesn't he? - I certainly do.- He does.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I mean, yes, this is a big room. A little bit...
0:42:59 > 0:43:02..I suppose "soulless" is the word that comes to mind for me.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Well, look, you asked for space and you've got it.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09But this is a true mystery house. It's got you thinking.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- It's like a baronial hall, isn't it? It's magnificent.- It is.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- Is it too big, then? - No, no, it's lovely.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17- I- think it's too big.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- You do?- I do.- Oh, no. I love it.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22The extensive living space here
0:43:22 > 0:43:26is beginning to stray beyond Elspeth's comfort zone.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29But there's even more to explore on this expansive floor.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33There's a single-storey wing, comprising a games room
0:43:33 > 0:43:36plus a double bedroom with en suite, along with a utility room.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Our mystery house has begun to divide their opinion,
0:43:40 > 0:43:43but perhaps the upstairs will unite them once more.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48There's the stylish family shower room and three bedrooms -
0:43:48 > 0:43:50a double at the back,
0:43:50 > 0:43:54a large double at one side of the house,
0:43:54 > 0:43:56and on the other side of a galleried landing
0:43:56 > 0:43:59is the master bedroom, with its own en suite.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06Now, you get two equal-sized bedrooms either end of the upstairs,
0:44:06 > 0:44:08but I think this has the nicer view of the manor house.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11Oh, gosh, that's beautiful, isn't it?
0:44:12 > 0:44:14Now, bedroom - size-wise?
0:44:14 > 0:44:17- Fabulous.- It's just the right size, perfect.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19You seem quite happy here.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21- Yeah, I love it. - Is it just because it's massive?
0:44:21 > 0:44:24I could see me here, I'd become lord of the manor!
0:44:24 > 0:44:26- Well, you're pretty close to it! - Yes.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28I like something a bit different.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30I think I would be rattling around,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32wishing people were here apart from...
0:44:32 > 0:44:34Obviously, I thoroughly enjoy your company...
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Grandchildren, they could come down, stay long weekends.
0:44:37 > 0:44:38It'd be wonderful.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41Let's go outside, look at the outside space
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- and start having a think about price.- Oh, gosh.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- Looking forward to this.- OK!
0:44:46 > 0:44:49While Elspeth seems daunted by the space inside,
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Rob already has visions of family staying.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55But we've still got the garden to inspect.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58It's of a reasonable size, completely manageable
0:44:58 > 0:45:01and thoughtfully designed around a large walled courtyard.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03There's plenty of space for parking,
0:45:03 > 0:45:06plus Rob's all-important garage.
0:45:07 > 0:45:08Now, outside space...
0:45:09 > 0:45:14You probably get as much as we've seen, actually.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16- Low maintenance.- I love it.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19People did used to call you Lord Pinkney of Peckham.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- Yes!- There you go.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26Well, it's been fun looking around the place.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28Now you've got to try and price it.
0:45:28 > 0:45:29Who wants to go first?
0:45:29 > 0:45:33I think I'm going to guess this one bang on the nail.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38I would say it's over budget, about 850, 875.
0:45:38 > 0:45:39- OK.- Yep.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- Elspeth?- It's so beautifully done and it's a magnificent property.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47I think, like Rob, I think I would say 820.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52It's on the market for offers around £785,000.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56- Oh!- Gosh, you get an awful lot of property for your money, don't you?
0:45:56 > 0:46:01- Yeah.- Goodness.- So, you know the price, go back inside, discover it,
0:46:01 > 0:46:03fight it out amongst yourselves and I'll catch you when you're done.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- OK.- OK.- See you in a mo.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Our mystery coach house
0:46:10 > 0:46:14is a surprising £15,000 below Elspeth and Rob's budget.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16The super-sized proportions give them
0:46:16 > 0:46:19a wealth of open-plan, bright spaces they wanted,
0:46:19 > 0:46:22and it's perfect for entertaining.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25There's one more bedroom than they asked for
0:46:25 > 0:46:27and, outside, there's a low-maintenance,
0:46:27 > 0:46:29attractive courtyard garden.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31What's more, Rob gets his garage,
0:46:31 > 0:46:33and there's a thriving community
0:46:33 > 0:46:34on their doorstep.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37ELSPETH CHUCKLES
0:46:37 > 0:46:40Party central! Gosh, that's a huge room.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43The mystery house, I think, is absolutely incredible.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45It's huge.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49But I think the practicalities of needing to heat it, clean it,
0:46:49 > 0:46:52fill it with people and fill it with life...
0:46:52 > 0:46:54It feels to me as though
0:46:54 > 0:46:57it's just waiting for a lovely family to live here.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59Oh, this is a pretty courtyard.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- Great for drinking gin and tonics in the evening.- Yes.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06My initial impression when I walked down the drive was,
0:47:06 > 0:47:07"Wow and double wow."
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I just loved the look of the place.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11It's nice and big, nice and airy.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Even though we wanted a smaller house, to downsize,
0:47:14 > 0:47:17as soon as I saw it, I just thought, "Wow."
0:47:17 > 0:47:20It's got to be consensus and Elspeth usually is always right
0:47:20 > 0:47:24and I get voted down, but it is a lovely house.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26It's absolutely fabulous.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33- Now, then, you haven't fallen out, have you?- No. Not quite!
0:47:33 > 0:47:36You don't look like a man that's got his own way, which is...
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- Well, it's disheartening for... - I never get my own way, Jonnie.
0:47:39 > 0:47:40Well, hopefully, we've shown you
0:47:40 > 0:47:43at least one house that's in the running.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45Let's find somewhere for you to have a chinwag,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48- and then we'll all catch up. Yeah?- Excellent.- Let's go.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Wiltshire's landscape is largely agricultural,
0:47:58 > 0:48:00and pig farming is one of the county's
0:48:00 > 0:48:02most important rural businesses.
0:48:02 > 0:48:07Roger Keen is a pig farmer and grew up on the 350-acre farm in Sandridge,
0:48:07 > 0:48:10just south of Chippenham, that he took over from his father
0:48:10 > 0:48:12more than half a century ago.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15I've come to meet him to find out about the Wiltshire bacon
0:48:15 > 0:48:19he produces and cures using a method developed by another local family,
0:48:19 > 0:48:24the Harrises, in the 1800s, now known as the Wiltshire Cure.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27They had a pork-processing factory in nearby Calne
0:48:27 > 0:48:30and made a huge mark on the local employment map.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32When the factory shut down in 1983,
0:48:32 > 0:48:352,000 of the town's 10,000 residents were employees.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40So, Roger, how did pig farming here in Wiltshire
0:48:40 > 0:48:41come about historically, then?
0:48:41 > 0:48:45This area, in the north of Wiltshire, is a dairying area.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47There is always something left over.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49If you're making cheese, it's whey.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51If you're taking cream, it's going to be skimmed milk.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Pigs love both of those items.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56We still feed them to the pigs today.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58It wasn't only dairy products
0:48:58 > 0:49:00that attracted local farmers to keep pigs.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03In the 1800s, animals were walked over long distances
0:49:03 > 0:49:05by people called drovers.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08As they transported pigs from Ireland to London,
0:49:08 > 0:49:12they stopped in this part of Wiltshire after landing in Bristol,
0:49:12 > 0:49:16to rest and feed their pigs before continuing on their journey.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19Calne, which is where the Harris bacon factory was positioned,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22is right on the drovers' route,
0:49:22 > 0:49:24so pigs were walked all the way to London.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Blacklands Hollow, which is one of the stopping places near Calne,
0:49:28 > 0:49:32where they would rest up overnight, perhaps a few pigs in the morning,
0:49:32 > 0:49:34Mr Harris would pop down and get a bargain, as it were.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38"Well, I don't think he's going to make it to London, guv'nor."
0:49:38 > 0:49:40- Talk his quarry down a little bit? - Yeah, absolutely.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43Tell me more about Wiltshire curing, then, Roger.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46Wiltshire curing differentiates from just curing.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49Just curing, the plain curing, taken place since Roman times,
0:49:49 > 0:49:53preserving pork meat with the use of salt.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55Wiltshire curing uses brine, and that produces,
0:49:55 > 0:49:59whatever way you look at it, a much milder bacon.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02And that was what the public wanted back in the 1850s,
0:50:02 > 0:50:03when it was first developed.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Roger wanted to keep the cure process alive,
0:50:07 > 0:50:10so he recruited one of the Harris factory managers
0:50:10 > 0:50:11and some of the workforce,
0:50:11 > 0:50:15skilled at this traditional way of curing bacon in brine -
0:50:15 > 0:50:17a solution of saltwater.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20The bacon house is where all the action is.
0:50:20 > 0:50:23The pork is cured at a constant temperature of five degrees,
0:50:23 > 0:50:26which is perfect to allow the pork to stay fresh
0:50:26 > 0:50:31whilst gently being transformed into bacon by the uptake of salt.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34What's the difference between the bacon that I might buy
0:50:34 > 0:50:37on a daily basis, say, in a big shop or a supermarket?
0:50:37 > 0:50:39They have to make sure
0:50:39 > 0:50:42that the brine gets to the deep amounts of the cut
0:50:42 > 0:50:44in as short a time as possible.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47So whereas we're allowing the side to immerse in brine
0:50:47 > 0:50:49and take up the brine gently,
0:50:49 > 0:50:51it's forced into the side
0:50:51 > 0:50:53because they're looking at a speedy process.
0:50:53 > 0:50:59- OK.- We give it what my daughter often calls "the missing ingredient",
0:50:59 > 0:51:00which is time.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03The pork, cut from the middle section of the animal,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06is immersed in the salty water for four days.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08It's described as a living brine.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10- OK.- Which means it's got, um...
0:51:10 > 0:51:12bacteria within it.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- Yeah.- Helpful bacteria.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16You have helpful bacteria in yoghurts,
0:51:16 > 0:51:19helpful bacteria in making bread, with the yeast.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21But it's a helpful bacteria that, in effect,
0:51:21 > 0:51:26when we started, we took a gallon of the original brine
0:51:26 > 0:51:28that had been used by the Harris company
0:51:28 > 0:51:31and put it in our brine, and since that time,
0:51:31 > 0:51:33we've merely been adding over the years.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35So we could say we've got a brine
0:51:35 > 0:51:38that's history goes back maybe 100 years.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41When it emerges from the brine,
0:51:41 > 0:51:43the pork is stacked for two to three weeks.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46The water drains out of it and the salt that remains in the meat
0:51:46 > 0:51:48cures it and it matures into bacon.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52The next stage for about 40% of Roger's bacon
0:51:52 > 0:51:55is to infuse it with an aromatic smoky flavour.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58Now, behind this door lies what?
0:51:58 > 0:52:00The smokehouse.
0:52:00 > 0:52:05In essence, it's just a room and on the floor is the smouldering sawdust
0:52:05 > 0:52:07that we get from the local sawmill,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10which is smouldering for about two days.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12Wow, I bet it smells good, doesn't it?
0:52:12 > 0:52:14- Well, let's have a go. - Let's have a look.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18- It's dark.- It is.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22Oh. Wow.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25Oh, I can just see some embers on the floor here, still burning away.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29- Absolutely.- I think now we've witnessed the smoke,
0:52:29 > 0:52:31surely we deserve the taste, haven't we?
0:52:31 > 0:52:34- I think that means the farmhouse kitchen!- Lead the way, sir!
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Roger has around 2,000 pigs on his farm,
0:52:39 > 0:52:42and the bacon he produces is sold into local butcher's
0:52:42 > 0:52:46and farm shops in Wiltshire as well as in neighbouring counties.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50Now, it may take up to four weeks for Roger to bring home the bacon
0:52:50 > 0:52:53but the best things come to those who wait.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55This looks absolutely gorgeous.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Well, I think we're ready.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00BACON SIZZLES
0:53:00 > 0:53:01We'd better get to it, then.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Cor, this looks good!
0:53:04 > 0:53:08Now, then, I much prefer pan-fried to grilled, anyway.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17Oh, that is gorgeous. That is absolutely gorgeous.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22- Nice flavour.- It's been fantastic seeing this very traditional process
0:53:22 > 0:53:25and I wish you every success with the future. Thank you very much.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27That's great. Thank you.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33Well, I think we could all see that Rob really fell
0:53:33 > 0:53:36for that huge mystery property. But, personally,
0:53:36 > 0:53:39I'm not convinced it's done enough to beat that house with the views.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42So let's catch up with them and find out.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46OK, you've had a discussion.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48What's the plan? Have you got a favourite?
0:53:48 > 0:53:49Well, I do.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52She goes her way, and I go her way.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55That sounds very sensible.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57So your favourite house is...?
0:53:57 > 0:53:59- The one with the view. - Yes, it was gorgeous.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00The views were stunning.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03Kitchen with a view, living room with a view,
0:54:03 > 0:54:06- bedroom with a view. - Yeah, that's not bad.
0:54:06 > 0:54:07And a small garden with a view.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10To sit there and just look at the White Horse in the distance as well.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12- Yeah.- That's a bonus.- Yep.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14Now, the view, of course,
0:54:14 > 0:54:17that was one of the big things we had to put a tick against
0:54:17 > 0:54:21but you wanted to be within striking distance of Bradford on Avon.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24- Very important.- You're a mile away with that house.- Perfect.- Yeah.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27What about the whole layout of the house?
0:54:27 > 0:54:30Cos you wanted big rooms all along, didn't you?
0:54:30 > 0:54:31I think that worked really well -
0:54:31 > 0:54:34that gorgeous big lounge that all our furniture will fit in.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37- Yeah.- Somewhere for your oar.- Yeah.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40That's important!
0:54:40 > 0:54:42I'm glad it fit, cos you didn't ask me for that,
0:54:42 > 0:54:45- so that's just luck.- Yeah. No, that was good.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48You've agreed, the house with the views is your favourite between you.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50What about the mystery house, Rob?
0:54:50 > 0:54:53You seemed to fall head over heels for that place.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55And it was definitely WOW.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59- Do you still love it? - I do, but it would be...
0:54:59 > 0:55:00slightly impractical, really.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03It was just a bit too big, you know, for the two of us,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06which it would be most of the time.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10I thought it really brought into definition how perhaps I thought
0:55:10 > 0:55:14that the house with the view might not have been downsizing enough
0:55:14 > 0:55:16- for somebody of our age group. - Right.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19But when we went to that big mystery house,
0:55:19 > 0:55:23it made me realise that the size of the one with the view
0:55:23 > 0:55:25was actually perfection.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29And I saw fantastic reactions from you guys in the house with the views.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33- Yes.- Yeah.- You both really seemed to enjoy looking round that house,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- so what's next?- Well, I think a second viewing, definitely.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Definitely a second viewing.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41And then, most probably, discussion with them on price.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45What do you think your daughter will say with you looking at a property,
0:55:45 > 0:55:47quite seriously, for the second time, nearby?
0:55:47 > 0:55:49I think she'll be quite pleased, actually.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51She'll be looking at us as the babysitter, I should think.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54- Which we will love to do.- Yeah.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56- Perfect all round, then, isn't it? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Well, look, I wish you the very best of luck
0:55:58 > 0:56:00with the house with the views.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05Before you go, you loved looking round the house.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08You had you had fantastic reactions,
0:56:08 > 0:56:10your guesses were miles out on price.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14- I know, that's the only slight issue we have.- Price issue. Yeah.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16But we'll work that one through.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20Well, let us know what happens, how you get on with that second viewing.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22- We certainly will.- And if we buy it,
0:56:22 > 0:56:26- we'll stick your picture over the fireplace.- Don't devalue it, please.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28Come on! I've got to advise you against that.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30- Good luck.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:56:35 > 0:56:40Well, Rob and Elspeth gave me quite an exacting wish list, didn't they?
0:56:40 > 0:56:44But I must say, to find a property with brilliant views,
0:56:44 > 0:56:47all that space to entertain, even with a good-sized budget,
0:56:47 > 0:56:50that close to Bradford upon Avon wasn't easy,
0:56:50 > 0:56:54so I do hope they take full advantage of this second viewing
0:56:54 > 0:56:57and really seriously consider this as an option
0:56:57 > 0:56:59to escape down here to Wiltshire.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01I wish them both the very best of luck.
0:57:01 > 0:57:02See you next time.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Elspeth and Rob decided not to pursue the old schoolhouse
0:57:07 > 0:57:10but have since exchanged on a converted barn
0:57:10 > 0:57:12in the same village as their daughter.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:57:15 > 0:57:18Scotland, Wales, or England and need our help,
0:57:18 > 0:57:19please apply online at...