0:00:02 > 0:00:03You know, it's not very often
0:00:03 > 0:00:05when we're away working on Escape To The Country
0:00:05 > 0:00:07that I get the chance to sit down and enjoy a lovely cup of coffee...
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Mm!
0:00:10 > 0:00:12..and have the chance to read the paper.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15But when the paper in question is one of the oldest in the world,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18well, sometimes, it's worth making the time.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22So, what am I about to read and where am I going to read it?
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Today, love is in the air
0:00:43 > 0:00:46as we search for one young couple's happy ever after.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Yeah, I love that, it's really cute, isn't it?
0:00:49 > 0:00:50Yeah. It's quite cosy, actually.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52I like the exposed timber as well.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I thought you were going to say it was cute as well.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55THEY LAUGH
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And we've got more than one reason to celebrate.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00There you are, look,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03complete with brand-new bottle of champagne just to tempt you.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Well, today we are in South Worcestershire,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11home of Berrow's Worcester Journal,
0:01:11 > 0:01:16one of the oldest newspapers still in print anywhere in the world.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Now, the paper started out life back in 1690.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Then, it was called the Worcester Postman.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24But in 1748, one Harvey Berrow bought it,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and it's been Berrow's Worcester Journal ever since.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30They've kept a record of every single edition they've ever printed.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35This beautiful bound volume contains everything from 1815.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39And if you know your history, well, you may recall that it was in 1815,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41of course, that Wellington famously beat Napoleon
0:01:41 > 0:01:43at the Battle of Waterloo.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44And here is the entry.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47The "Glorious defeat of Bonaparte."
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Now, of course, the paper's archives aren't just a fascinating insight
0:01:50 > 0:01:53into the highs and lows of British history,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55they're also a great way of understanding
0:01:55 > 0:01:57just what makes Worcestershire so fascinating,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59both past and present.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02If you want to get a real flavour for what this county has to offer,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05then a trawl through these is a really good place to start.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09In England's heartland, sitting in the West Midlands,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11is the county of Worcestershire.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Carpeted in lush farmland, including 1,000 acres of vivid fields
0:02:15 > 0:02:18of flowers grown for confetti,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21the region has the magnificent Malvern hills running through it,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and the neighbouring counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Described as a mountain range in miniature,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29the eight-mile ridge features some of the oldest rocks in Britain.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33In its foothills is the spa town of Great Malvern,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36a conservation area recognising the splendid architecture
0:02:36 > 0:02:38and history of the area.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Another architectural delight is the county town of Worcester,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45which proudly boasts a resplendent cathedral.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50Towering majestically over the River Severn, it dates back to 1084,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and the beautiful building, which transcends many centuries of styles,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57once graced the reverse of the £20 note.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59A far more contemporary statement in the town
0:02:59 > 0:03:03is the golden honeycomb-clad library, known as the Hive,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06which was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10and holds the archives of Berrow's Worcester Journal.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13So with its historic towns, along with lovely villages
0:03:13 > 0:03:16teeming with thatched cottages or whitewashed, beamed homes,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18and superb, scenic landscapes,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Worcestershire is a perfect choice for any country escape.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Now, when it comes to the cost of property,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29the average price of a detached home here in Worcestershire
0:03:29 > 0:03:33is currently just £11,000 below the national figure,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36so it's not a place where they're exactly giving it away,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38but you may take heart from the fact that property here
0:03:38 > 0:03:42is still some £37,000 cheaper, on average,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44than it is in neighbouring Gloucestershire,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46just across the southern border.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50Now, this is information that may well be familiar to today's buyers,
0:03:50 > 0:03:51because guess what?
0:03:51 > 0:03:53They currently live in Worcestershire.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56But what they don't have is a slice of rural life to go with it.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58And that, of course, is where we come in.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02It was love at first sight two-and-a-half years ago
0:04:02 > 0:04:05when theatre school owner Jo and software engineer Mike,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09from the Worcestershire town of Redditch, met on a blind date.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12And life's been a whirlwind ever since.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13We just hit it off straightaway.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16You know, we spent the whole night talking and...
0:04:16 > 0:04:19I actually called one of my friends on the way home, and I said,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21"He's the man I'm going to marry."
0:04:21 > 0:04:23And I was right.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Last weekend, we got engaged.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Yeah. So I whisked her off on a trip to Rome,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31proposed at the Villa Borghese gardens,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and she said yes, which was fantastic.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Home is Jo's three-storey townhouse.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41But they've now decided it's time to leave the urban area
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and make their first joint property purchase
0:04:43 > 0:04:46in the countryside of South Worcestershire.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49This part of Redditch, where we live, is quite industrial, isn't it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:50And it's very busy.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51This estate, particularly,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54is just full of cars and there's so many people around,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56there's no privacy, really.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58We're very ready to settle down now,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and we just want to find a beautiful family home,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03you know, where we can have children.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05I'm desperate to get a dog.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08We both want a dog, don't we?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11I want to be able to walk my dog, and just be somewhere lovely
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and come home from the craziness of our lives,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and just be able to look out of the window and think, "Oh, yeah."
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Just somewhere peaceful.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20And with Mike's commute to work in Gloucester
0:05:20 > 0:05:22taking up to an hour and a half each way,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24they're hoping to move somewhere
0:05:24 > 0:05:26that gives them more quality time at home.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I leave the house at 6.30, seven o'clock in the morning,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30get back very late, as well.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31And you've got a manic life.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So it would be nice if we could spend more time together, really.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37And even if it's half an hour closer to work,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39that's still an hour you get back every day, which, you know,
0:05:39 > 0:05:40is quite important to us.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45And they won't have a problem filling their extended leisure time.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47We're both very kind of fitness people.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We love to go to the gym and we love to train and keep fit,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53so I think probably spending more time, like, running, where we are,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55instead of running out in the Redditch estates.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59While Mike continues to work in Gloucester,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Jo's hoping to bring her work to a new country location.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04My company puts on projects for children,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07so we do singing, dancing, acting. So it's my whole life.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08So wherever we move to,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11it would be great if we have the local children kind of be involved,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13so we became more part of the community, as well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16So now that Jo has said yes,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and with plans to rent out their current home,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23they're looking forward to exciting times ahead in a new country pad.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I think we'll adapt quite easily to country life.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27We're already there, mentally, I think,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29because we spend so much time in the country,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32cos we're going out to those places.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35But we obviously just are coming back here at the moment,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38so I don't even think there is an adaption period.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- No.- We're just there.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41Already.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Jo and Mike have asked us to concentrate our search
0:06:46 > 0:06:48towards the south of Worcestershire,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51so Mike is within half an hour's drive of his work in Gloucester.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55And before we begin our house-hunt, I'm meeting the happy couple
0:06:55 > 0:06:58to make sure I'm up to speed on their property requirements.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Hello, Jo.- Hello.- Nice to see you.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Nice to meet you.- Hello, Mike. - How you doing?- Good to see you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Now, at this point it's traditional
0:07:05 > 0:07:07for me to welcome you to the county of your choice,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09but you already live in Worcestershire, don't you?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- That's right.- Yeah. - We haven't travelled far!
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Well, we are looking for a very different kind of lifestyle
0:07:14 > 0:07:17in rural Worcestershire, that's the idea, isn't it?
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Yes.- That's right, yes.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So a move and a marriage are both on the horizon,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and your first home together?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Yes. Very exciting.- Yeah.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Hoping to start a family in the next couple of years, as well, so...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- You've got your work cut out, mate, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34And in terms of the property that you are thinking about,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36paint a picture for me, Mike, as to what we're after.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39I think we're looking for something with a bit of character,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41and at the same time, not overlooked.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45An open fireplace would be lovely, a pretty view,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48somewhere we could maybe get a dog and walk the dog.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51We just want to kind of be somewhere a little bit more beautiful,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53where we can enjoy life a little bit more.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55So give us an idea of location.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I think we're quite open, really, aren't we?
0:07:57 > 0:08:01We like the fact that some places can be quite rural and pretty,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03but then it's nice to be near a community
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and be able to maybe whizz back into a bit of a busier place,
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- when we want to shop and socialise. - Yeah.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Somewhere with a bit of a social scene, as well.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Let's get down to the specifics.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14For example, how many bedrooms do you think you need?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Two to three...- Yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- ..would be a great start. - I think three would be ideal,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21but if we found somewhere that had two bedrooms
0:08:21 > 0:08:24with the potential to extend and, you know,
0:08:24 > 0:08:25get three bedrooms out of it,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- then I think that would be OK, as well.- Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29So give us an idea how much you're going to spend on this, then.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Maximum 300.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34So, £300,000, a marriage to prepare for,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36a big move to be had.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39We're open to options and, ideally, in Worcestershire,
0:08:39 > 0:08:40but within half an hour of Gloucestershire,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43so we may in fact hop over the border a bit.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Oh, OK.- That's what I'm thinking, to make that work for you.- OK.- OK.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47I think we should go house-hunting.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Yeah.- Let's go.- Yeah.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12We found a diverse trio of properties to tempt Jo and Mike,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14but they'll only find out each one's cost
0:09:14 > 0:09:15after they've completed the tour.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18And I'm hoping our final visit to the Mystery House
0:09:18 > 0:09:20is spot on for our young couple.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23It's full of history, but bang up-to-date.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32We're kicking off our property search
0:09:32 > 0:09:34in the village of Ryall in the south of Worcestershire.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36It's just a few minutes' walk away
0:09:36 > 0:09:39from the delightful country town of Upton-upon-Severn.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Well, guys, before we get to our first property,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46cos I know you're dying to see what we've got on offer for you,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I thought we'd immerse ourselves a little more in the area.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51This is Upton-upon-Severn.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53It's a gorgeous little town, actually.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's got loads going for it and, of course,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57it has the marina, which is lovely.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00So if you fancy a bit of water sports in your new life,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02this is where you would come to explore the river
0:10:02 > 0:10:04and all that it can offer you.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06I think wherever you end up living,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09it's really important to have somewhere that's really close by
0:10:09 > 0:10:12that's got a really vibrant community about it.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- So this is a scene-setter, if you well.- OK.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17But our first property is in a tiny little village
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- about five minutes that way.- OK.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25The varied selection of independent shops in Upton
0:10:25 > 0:10:29are topped with historic 17th century architecture,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31and there are pubs and eateries galore.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33There's also the grand White Lion Hotel,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37which featured in author Henry Fielding's 18th-century novel
0:10:37 > 0:10:39The History Of Tom Jones.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Less than a mile away in Ryall is this whitewashed detached cottage.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46So, guys, as promised, there it is.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- House number one.- Wow. - Yeah, very cool.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50- Yeah?- Very pretty.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52The real selling point for this one
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- is its proximity to Upton-upon-Severn.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57But also, for you, Mike, Gloucester.
0:10:57 > 0:10:5935 minutes into the heart of Gloucester.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01So there's a lot on your doorstep,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and that's what I like about this one.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05It's been added to over the years,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and extended, particularly at the back.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I like it because I think it gives you the opportunity
0:11:09 > 0:11:11to really give it some personality.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Yeah, I really like it, it's a really pretty country cottage.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16I like how close it is to Upton.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20And, yeah, it's detached, so yeah, very happy so far.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Mike?- Good size, yeah, which is exactly what we're looking for.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Somewhere where we can grow.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Come on, let's have a look.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31The oldest part of this cottage dates back to the late 19th century,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33but the property benefits from extra space
0:11:33 > 0:11:35that the modern extensions have created.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Moving inside, a small hallway leads us into a charming reception room.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Come on through, grab the door, Mike.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46From this corner, you get the idea,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48you've also got this little dining space through there,
0:11:48 > 0:11:49off your main living room.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Wow, yeah, I love that. It's really cute, isn't it?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Yeah, it's quite cosy, actually.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I like the exposed timber as well.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57I thought you were going to say it was cute as well.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58THEY LAUGH
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I mean, you could just remove that wall, to be perfectly honest,
0:12:01 > 0:12:02and open the whole thing up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03More open-plan.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06I think straightaway, I just want to lay a lovely wooden floor.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Oh. Yeah, that would be nice.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12I think that would make it a little bit classy and cottagey.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- Get your thinking caps on.- OK.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Let's see what you make of the kitchen.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20Mm.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Nice size.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It's a pretty good space, isn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- It's handy, cos it's square.- Yeah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- But we talked about knocking your wall through in the living room.- Ah.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33How about doing something similar with this wall?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Cos it leads on into this conservatory.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41And, potentially creating a really nice kitchen diner.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Yeah. That would be big.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Which would mean you could also use
0:12:45 > 0:12:48the dining room and the lounge as a study area, then.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50There you go. Yeah.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Yeah, we want something we can get our teeth into, as well,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56cos that's what's exciting, what we're going to do, you know,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59how we're going to make it ours, and you could definitely do that here.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00Yeah, there's plenty of options.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Let's go upstairs and see what you think of that.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10The stairway takes us upstairs to a long, narrow landing,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12off which there are three bedrooms.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15So the smallest of the bedrooms is in there.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17OK.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19It could probably take a small double, to be honest.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22That's your family bathroom, main bathroom.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26And then this one would be yours, cos it's the biggest...
0:13:26 > 0:13:27- Mm-hm.- OK, yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31..of the lot. And it also benefits from the addition of a dormer,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34which is pushed out to create this squarer room.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36The old roofline is just in the wall there.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Oh, yeah.- And the other bedrooms reflect that.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41What do you think about the upstairs space then, Mike?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Um...
0:13:42 > 0:13:46I think there's a reasonable amount of space.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I'd probably like a little bit more.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Yeah. It's reasonable, isn't it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52It's a reasonable sized master.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54And at the end of the day, most of your time is going to be down there.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Yeah, yeah, which, of course, is the most important area.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00The downstairs areas are really good.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02So, let's have a think about price, then.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Let's go to the garden.- OK.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Next door to the master is the smaller third bedroom,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14and I have to say, I think it's got nursery written all over it.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18As we head downstairs and outside, there's even more to see.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21A long driveway runs down the side of the property to a garage,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23and there's also a raised courtyard,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25as well as an attractive enclosed lawn.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28This is a perfect size for us.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It's not too much to maintain.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32You can cope with this lawn.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Can't you?- Yeah, yeah. - Not too much to mow,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37I think is the phrase you were searching for.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Yeah, so, let's think about the price.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I know we've talked about making a few changes.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45That's obviously going to cost,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48but let's just focus on a realistic asking price
0:14:48 > 0:14:50for property number one, Jo.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I think this is over our budget, because it's detached,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56it's got a lovely garden, and it's three bedrooms.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58So I'm going to guess 325.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00325, yeah? Mike?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04So I'm going to be a little bit more optimistic, and perhaps cheeky,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and I'm going to go for 295.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I do like a bit of optimism.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12This was actually valued over £300,000,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14but the current owners are keen to move on,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16which is why they have priced it
0:15:16 > 0:15:20at 299,950.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Oh, well done.- Very close.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27You're both absolutely, you know, in the zone, so I'm quite happy
0:15:27 > 0:15:30that you've got a realistic grip on the property market here.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Right, then, off you go.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Go and have another wander around, and I will find you later,
0:15:35 > 0:15:36once you've redesigned it.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Yeah.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Off you go.- Thanks.- Thank you.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40Excellent. Well, there we are.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Our house tour is now well under way, but we have, of course,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45two more to come, including our Mystery House.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08So this is the second biggest.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10It's a big single, or small double.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Yes, small double, I think.- Yeah.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15So, possibly nursery or spare room?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Yeah, yeah, I think so.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19This house has been a good family home,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22but it definitely requires some modernisation,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25from our point of view, which we're more than happy to do.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I really like it. I think it's cool.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29I think it's big.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32The downstairs area's specifically my favourite area,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34just because of the potential.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36The upstairs, it's a reasonable size,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39but I personally could live with that
0:16:39 > 0:16:41because the location is fantastic.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Yeah, it's a really lovely house.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- After you, Mike.- Thank you.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50- Thank you.- There we are, Jo.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Excellent. Well,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55I think it all went fairly well, didn't it?
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Yes.- Yeah.- Who's hungry?
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Very hungry.- Come this way.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00THEY LAUGH
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Already residents of north-east Worcestershire,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Jo and Mike are looking forward to heading further south in the county,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14where a more tranquil country life awaits.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17The region's southeasterly tip spills into the Cotswolds
0:17:17 > 0:17:21and joins five other counties to make up this rather special area,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24with stunning landscapes and beautiful villages
0:17:24 > 0:17:26showcasing honey-coloured Cotswold stone.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Often called the Jewel Of The Cotswolds is Broadway,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32the most visited village in the region.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36And just a stone's throw away in the surrounding countryside
0:17:36 > 0:17:39is this shooting ground, where Jo and Mike can try their hands
0:17:39 > 0:17:42at immersing themselves in a real rural sport.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44They're meeting Matt,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46who's a qualified clay pigeon shooting instructor.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51So can you explain just exactly what clay pigeon shooting is?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Certainly can. It's shooting at a clay target,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55called a clay pigeon, with a shot gun.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58It's a really fun, all-inclusive sport to do.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00Clay pigeon shooting
0:18:00 > 0:18:04is one of the fastest-growing rural sports in the UK.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Historically seen as an activity for men and the upper classes,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11it's now becoming much more popular across the board.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12All togged up in safety gear,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16first up is a lesson in how to stand.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17That leg nice and straight.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Little bend in the front knee,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and you want about 60% of your weight leaning forward
0:18:21 > 0:18:23over the ball of your front foot.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Ear defenders on, and a final tutorial - how to hold the gun.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- So if you're ready, I'm going to place it into your shoulder.- OK.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34And I'm going to release it so you can feel the weight.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- How does that feel?- Feels good.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- It's good.- OK, fantastic.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Until 1921, live pigeon competitions were held,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46before they were made illegal in the UK
0:18:46 > 0:18:48and clay targets were introduced.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51They come in different sizes, and simulate the flight of game birds.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Today, Jo and Mike will be aiming at an 11 centimetre disc.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Start with the shotgun in line with the track, above the hills,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- and lock onto that clay, move with it.- Yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04When it pauses, you're going to squeeze the trigger for me.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- OK.- OK. Pull.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Here it comes. Follow him up.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Wait till he pauses.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10GUNSHOT
0:19:10 > 0:19:11Perfect.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13The target is fired out of a trap,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17and if the shooter is successful, it's said that they've had a hit.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18- Pull.- Here it comes.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Follow him up. Wait.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21GUNSHOT
0:19:21 > 0:19:22Good shot. Really well done.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23- Yay!- Fantastic.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29With around 450 registered shooting grounds across the country,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31and a Clay Pigeon Shooting Association
0:19:31 > 0:19:34with around 25,000 members at all levels...
0:19:34 > 0:19:35Pull.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37..there's an opportunity for everyone to have a go
0:19:37 > 0:19:39at this exhilarating country pursuit.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Yay!- Brilliant shot. Really well done.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- What did you think, did you enjoy it?- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45- Yeah, it was a lot of fun.- Loved it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Brilliant. Is it something you'd do again?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- Yeah, I think we would definitely do it, wouldn't we?- Yes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51It would be great fun.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Brilliant. Well, I hope to see you both again, and happy house-hunting.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Thank you.- OK. Thanks a lot. - Bye.- Bye.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Let's just hope that one of our three houses hits the target.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11It's the second day of our journey around Worcestershire
0:20:11 > 0:20:14in our quest to find Jo and Mike from Redditch
0:20:14 > 0:20:16their first home together, further south in the county.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20They've got £300,000 to spend on their first joint property,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and after recently becoming engaged, love is all around.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26We've still got two homes to see,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28including an untouched Mystery House...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Ah, very nice!
0:20:32 > 0:20:35The smell in here may give it away.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- It's brand-new.- It's brand-new!
0:20:37 > 0:20:39..and I'll be trying my rather wobbly hand
0:20:39 > 0:20:42at a very skilled and beautiful art form.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44See, look.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45My hand is shaking!
0:20:45 > 0:20:47There we are. Hey!
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- Not bad.- It's all right, isn't it?
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Well, we've two more properties to come.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Our final day of house-hunting here with Mike and Jo
0:20:55 > 0:20:58is all set to be an extremely busy one.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01We will of course, eventually reveal our Mystery House,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05which I think is as slick and as crisp as they are, but first,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08a cosy cottage packed full of country charm.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11The only thing is, it's not exactly in Worcestershire.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14For our next stop,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16we're crossing the county border into Gloucestershire,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and travelling to the village of South Cerney.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22It's a 40-minute drive from Mike's work in Gloucester,
0:21:22 > 0:21:23has a river running through it,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and is home to a post office and three pubs.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Houses here display the warm hues of Cotswold stone,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and the Grade I listed Church Of All Hallows
0:21:32 > 0:21:35is a particularly attractive example.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37In the heart of the village is our second offering,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41accessed down a lane and through a gate leading to its garden,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44where it can be appreciated in all its glory.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45Grab the door, Mike.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Hopefully, now, it's becoming obvious as to why I walked you
0:21:50 > 0:21:53down a seemingly random lane and took you through a random door.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55To get you into this lovely little courtyard to look at that.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Wow.- Oh, wow. Very cool.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58It's pretty, isn't it?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yeah. It's brilliant.- Sweet.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02It is sweet. It's a slice of the Cotswolds.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04I love the fact it's Cotswold stone, as well.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06That is what this area is famous for,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08even down to the slates on the roof.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10And the famous green door.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12You've got to have one of those. You've GOT to have one of those.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- So, happy?- Yes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17And behind that door
0:22:17 > 0:22:20awaits the country-cottage charm Jo and Mike are hoping for.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23There.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Cool.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27It's sweet, isn't it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- Yeah.- Yeah, it is.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30I just about fit in here, as well!
0:22:30 > 0:22:31THEY LAUGH
0:22:31 > 0:22:32- Just.- You've got no problem.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I don't have that problem.- No.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36It's hard to give it an age.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40I'm guessing probably late 18th century, early 19th century,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44when it was probably a very small sort of one up, one down.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- It's been added to, that way.- OK.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- And it's been added to, that way, to create the kitchen...- OK.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51..as you can see.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- So it's very compact.- Mm.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Oh, "Mm." It's the "Mm".
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I was worried there would be an "Mm".
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Go on, let's have it, come on.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01So, is this the dining area, hallway?
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Dining-hallway.- Yes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Well, at least you're honest.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Yeah, well, you know, it is what it is.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- Yeah.- Yeah.- It's quite cosy.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11No, it's got a lovely feel to it.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Yeah, absolutely. - It's a lovely cottage feel.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- We haven't seen the rest of the house, yet.- Yeah.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Well, it's sort through here, really.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- That's it.- It doesn't take very long to see this one.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20In you go.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Next door and down a couple of steps is the living room,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25which completes our tour of the ground floor.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Very cosy.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Very cosy, yeah.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Yeah? It's nice, isn't it?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I think it's just down to what we decide we would compromise on
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and what we won't, so, you know,
0:23:35 > 0:23:39if we decide we want to be in an area and this was the area,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41that would be the compromise, wouldn't it?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Yeah. It would be more about the area than the space.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45That's why I'm prepared to take more of a gamble
0:23:45 > 0:23:46on what we're showing you,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48because we're not looking for your for ever home.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53No, it is the first home, so we have to remember that, as well, I think.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54Yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57The footprint of this floor is mirrored upstairs,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59where there's just as much cosy charm.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02There's a contemporary bathroom alongside two bedrooms,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05one perfect to welcome a new addition to the family,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and there's a larger master next door.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11There you go, it's quite cute, isn't it, actually?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- It's lovely. It's really nice. - Yeah, it's nice.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I think they've made quite a good use of space in here, as well,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- with, you know, having cupboards set back into the walls.- Yes.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21I think it's definitely on the smaller end
0:24:21 > 0:24:24of what I consider small to be.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27This is further away from where home is at the moment, so,
0:24:27 > 0:24:32when we do have children, having the mums over to help out, maybe,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34it's going to be difficult to accommodate that here.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I think these are all very good considerations.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38Yeah.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- But price might swing it. - Might swing it, yeah.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Oh, are you setting us up for this?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Maybe, maybe.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Right, let's go out to the garden.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Outside, we're back where we started in the garden,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54which features both a patio and a bordered lawn.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57It's a nice little garden, actually.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59It's a nice, secluded container garden, this.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01I think it's gorgeous, actually.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02It's not particularly overlooked,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04even though we've got properties around us.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05It's quiet.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's very mature, as well.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Yeah, a nice little sun trap, actually.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13So, let's think about the price, then.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14Mike.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17OK. I'm going to go 270.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20270. Yeah? Jo?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23I could go either side of that, for different reasons.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27But I'm going to go lower, and I'm going to say 235.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Oh.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Even Mike gasped there!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34235 plays 270.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36OK.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37Mike, your instincts were right.
0:25:37 > 0:25:43This is on the market for £265,000.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- But, open to some very sensible offers.- OK.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- That would be handy with the wedding coming up.- Yeah.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51It would be very handy.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54It would certainly make a big dent in the wedding bill, wouldn't it?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- That's right, yeah.- Right then,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58have a quick look around, and I'll find you very shortly.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Lovely.- Off you go. - Thank you, Jules.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- It's tiny.- Yeah.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30It could be a nursery, but... You know, growing up,
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- I don't know if it's too small to become a bedroom, maybe.- Mm.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Absolutely lovely little cottage, lovely little house,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39perfect location in the middle of a village.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41It's just a shame that, unfortunately,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I think it's just that little bit too small.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think I'd really struggle with us being a family here,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and kind of maybe we could squeeze a little baby in,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53but I think very quickly, we would outgrow this.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55I think this cottage has shown us
0:26:55 > 0:26:57the importance of how much space we need.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01It's reminded us that we perhaps do need a bit more space.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Certainly two bedrooms which are of a decent size.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10You know, everybody loves Cotswold stone.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14It will sell a property time and time again, regardless of how big,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17small or indeed expensive or cheap it is.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Happy to have seen this?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Yeah.- Yeah.- Good. I'm delighted to have had a chance to show it to you.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25I think we have got a good mix so far.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- But it's not over yet.- No.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- Mystery House.- Yes, come on.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38In the heart of Worcestershire is its county town Worcester,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42home to the eponymous Royal Worcester Porcelain.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47The company was founded in 1751 by entrepreneurs Dr John Wall
0:27:47 > 0:27:49and apothecary William Davis.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53And this impressive red brick factory opened in 1840.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56It produced some of the finest porcelain in the country,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59some of it for royalty, and, after 38 years,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02was awarded a prestigious royal warrant.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05After more than two-and-a-half centuries in business,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08the factory closed its doors in 2008,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13and the brand was bought by another revered porcelain manufacturer.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Just a few paces away from the old factory gates
0:28:16 > 0:28:19is a museum dedicated to the history of the company.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Museum director Amanda Savage has worked here for 24 years.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28So, just to set the scene historically, it's the 1750s,
0:28:28 > 0:28:29the potteries are in full swing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32There was great competition for goods in those days.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34What made Worcester stand out?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- Well, Worcester had a secret recipe.- Ah!
0:28:37 > 0:28:39And they were the first factory
0:28:39 > 0:28:42that actually were able to make teapots
0:28:42 > 0:28:46that would withstand the heat of boiling water.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49And if you could make your tea with boiling water,
0:28:49 > 0:28:50you had the best tea,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53and that was what everybody wanted in their fine houses.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57You remember what this factory was like when it was in full swing.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58What was the atmosphere like?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Oh, it was an amazing place.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Everybody knew everybody else.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05There were over ten acres of factory buildings.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07The whole of Worcester, and everybody who worked here,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10had a tremendous sense of pride in their involvement.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14The factory may be silent today,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16but the porcelain it produced and its journey through time
0:29:16 > 0:29:19is celebrated in the neighbouring museum.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Opened in 1946, it holds over 10,000 precious pieces,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27some dating back to the brand's birth in 1751.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28And Amanda's trusting me
0:29:28 > 0:29:31to stand within inches of a selection of them,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33but I'm not allowed to touch.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36This teapot here is a really good early example
0:29:36 > 0:29:40of one of the first teapots that could withstand boiling water.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45And it was made between 1754 and 1758.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47And it's made of china with that secret ingredient.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50How closely guarded was the recipe?
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Hugely guarded.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55The partners, when they signed the original partnership deed,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59had to agree to pay a fine of £4,000
0:29:59 > 0:30:01if they told anybody else the secret.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06Now, without a doubt, the most elaborate item on the table is that.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09This is the Dudley teapot,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12and it was made in 1865.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16It's so fine, and all of this work, which we call jewelled work,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20is just so intricate and time-consuming.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22It takes huge skill and patience.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26How you begin to produce something as beautiful as that,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29I just don't know. It's absolutely exquisite.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Well, luckily, I'm about to find out.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Ken Russell is a master gilder,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37and began his career on the factory floor in 1950,
0:30:37 > 0:30:39aged just 16.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Today, he's keeping this beautiful art form of jewelling alive,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45and he demonstrates his skills here in the museum.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- Hello, Ken. - Morning, Jules, how are you?
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- I'm very well, sir.- Good. - Look at that!
0:30:50 > 0:30:54I've just been marvelling at the Dudley teapot.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57And here you are, recreating all of that skill and talent.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Loosely based on it. It's what we call jewelling.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- And the jewelling is the application of these raised spots?- Spots.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06And what, actually, are you applying? What is that?
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Well, all ceramic colours are basically glass,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11with different oxides to make the different colours.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13And the gold that's on there?
0:31:13 > 0:31:16That's two coats of 24-carat gold.
0:31:16 > 0:31:1724-carat gold?
0:31:17 > 0:31:18That's two coats, yes.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20After each application of jewelling,
0:31:20 > 0:31:25the porcelain is fired in the kiln, and that happens up to ten times.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Can I pick that one up? - Yeah, sure, yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30I mean, how long would that have taken you to make, Ken?
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- About three weeks.- Three weeks.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34That's about £1,000 worth there.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36That's £1,000? I'd better be a bit careful.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37In this day and age,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41three weeks' work for £1,000 isn't a great deal.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43How many dots are on there?
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Well, at a guesstimation, five thousand.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48You can't see this being done anywhere else. This is unique.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50I'd love to try my hand at it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I'm not suggesting I try it on your 24-carat gold plate, though.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55I was going to suggest the same thing.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Great minds. Scoop it up.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Scoop it up, and then look what you've got.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- That's all right.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04I'm not sure my hand is as steady as yours.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- Yes.- How's that?- So you come up straight, otherwise you can...
0:32:08 > 0:32:09You don't want to smudge it, do you?
0:32:11 > 0:32:14There is something very cathartic about it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Do you think people say the same thing after 5,000?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18You will know.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20I won't, cos I don't think I'm going to manage 5,000.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23But I can certainly see how you thought
0:32:23 > 0:32:27it would be an interesting exercise, to try and replicate that style.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Yeah. Well, nobody else has ever done it, again.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Are you going to put the one in the middle, there?
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Now that, presumably, you do by eye?
0:32:33 > 0:32:34- Yeah.- See, look.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36My hand is shaking.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- There we are. Hey!- Not bad.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39- It's all right, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Just a few more thousand to do, mate.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Oh, yes.- Thank you very much. - It's OK, Jules.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47What a fabulous taste of Royal Worcester.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49But now, it's back to the hunt,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52as we put the finishing touches on our house search.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00So, guys, you know what is coming next.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01Yeah, the Mystery House.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03What do you think it might be, Mike?
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I'm going to go for a barn conversion.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- Are you now?- Mm-hm.- OK. Yeah.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Jo?- I'm thinking you might show us a real modern place.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I'm hoping it's not on an estate.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Well, it's not on an estate.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20It has a lovely modern twist to it.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22And...
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Well, your husband-to-be
0:33:24 > 0:33:26might not be so far off the mark.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- Interesting.- Yeah.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- OK. Isn't it?- Can't wait.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Well, you can keep guessing, cos we've got a few miles to travel.- OK.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40For our third and final property stop,
0:33:40 > 0:33:41we're staying in Gloucestershire
0:33:41 > 0:33:43and journeying to the village of Alveston.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46It's a 40-minute drive from Gloucester,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48and just over ten miles north of Bristol.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Three miles away is the handsome market town of Thornbury,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54where the streets are lined with a good selection of eateries
0:33:54 > 0:33:56and independent shops,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00offering both essential amenities and artisan products.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Thornbury is graced with striking architecture.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Saint Mary's Church dates back to the 12th century,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08and is the town's oldest surviving building.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Neighbouring Thornbury Castle, which began life in 1511,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15is now a Grade I listed building and a luxury hotel.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Just a ten-minute drive away and we're in Alveston,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21where our Mystery House is about to be unveiled.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Well, we did have a bit of a drive to get here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27THEY LAUGH
0:34:27 > 0:34:28But I think it was worth it,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31because not only have we found our Mystery House, right there,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34we've also found some very welcome sunshine.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35- Oh, it's lovely here.- There you go.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37That is what is on offer.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39So this is the barn conversion?
0:34:39 > 0:34:40This is the barn conversion.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- You were absolutely right, mate. - Well done.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45It's been done absolutely beautifully. What do you think?
0:34:45 > 0:34:47It looks perfect from the outside.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49It's a really interesting proposition, this one.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Why it's the Mystery House,
0:34:50 > 0:34:55- well, that will become perfectly obvious once we get inside.- OK.- OK.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57But you don't need a paint brush with this one.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- Fab.- Yeah. Come and have a look.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02This gorgeous stone barn
0:35:02 > 0:35:05was a stable and a hayloft in its previous life,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07and has only recently been converted.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10So, if Jo and Mike decide this IS the home for them,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12they'll be its first inhabitants.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15We're entering straight into the open-plan living area.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Oh, very nice.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Yeah?- Wow.- Wow.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22That's a nice finish.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24With exposed timbers.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Yes.- Nice character.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28And if you haven't already noticed,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30the smell in here may give it away.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- It's brand-new. - Exactly, brand spanking new.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34This is very you, isn't it?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- It is, yeah.- Mike likes clean lines.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Come and have a look at this, I mean, just to spoil you.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43There you are, look.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Never used.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Complete with brand-new bottle of champagne, just to tempt you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- The kitchen's got a nice country feel, actually, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54So I think we all love the finish, down here.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56No surprise that continues upstairs.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59It's just lovely. Come and have a look.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02You can tell I'm excited about this one, can't you?
0:36:02 > 0:36:04And there is plenty to be excited about,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07because the luxurious feel and attention to detail
0:36:07 > 0:36:10certainly continues up on the first floor.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12That's bedroom two, we'll say.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16That's the very slick bathroom.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17- Nice.- Yeah?
0:36:17 > 0:36:18His and hers sinks.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23And then this is currently set up as the master.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25I mean, they've furnished it to sell it,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- so it's furnished in a fairly minimal sort of way.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29You know, they've really thought about it.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31These conservation skylights are lovely,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34giving you some views out there towards the River Severn.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Could you see yourselves in here? Cos I can see you here.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Yeah, definitely, yeah.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Yeah, it's definitely that nice mix of new and old, I think.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42And there's nothing to do.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- No, it's just a move in job, isn't it?- Yeah. OK.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Let's go and finish off outside.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48There's a bit of garden to show you,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51and then we'll talk about the dreaded question of price.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52THEY LAUGH
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The back door leads to a real slice of rural life,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58where the outside space is surrounded
0:36:58 > 0:37:01by beautiful countryside views in every direction.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04There's also hard standing for two cars on a driveway
0:37:04 > 0:37:07created from the hayloft's original flooring.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10The garden, this is yours, dedicated to you,
0:37:10 > 0:37:11they haven't done anything with this
0:37:11 > 0:37:14because they're not sure what the new owners are going to want.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15So that really is sort of up to you.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17So that's it, really.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18There is nothing more to say.
0:37:18 > 0:37:19What do you think?
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Yeah, it's lovely. It's been so well done, hasn't it?
0:37:22 > 0:37:23Yeah, it really has.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27I like the way they've left this garden to your imagination, really.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29It's kind of yours to do with as you please.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Absolutely. Yeah. And I think you can have some fun with that,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33to make it absolutely what you want.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35So, guys, I'm afraid it is now time
0:37:35 > 0:37:37for our final price guess of the week.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40You've got £300,000 to spend, so...
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- Go on, then, Jo.- It's so hard.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44This one's the hardest.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47I think I'm just going to pick a number,
0:37:47 > 0:37:48and I'm going to say 280.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50280. Mike?
0:37:50 > 0:37:52I'm going to be really cheeky, and say 250.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Oh!
0:37:54 > 0:37:55That is cheeky.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57THEY LAUGH
0:37:57 > 0:37:58I like your optimism.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00You are closer to it, madam.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03However, it will probably come as no surprise
0:38:03 > 0:38:06that this is on the market for
0:38:06 > 0:38:10299,950.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14So it's 50 quid off of your budget of £300,000,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- because of its finish.- Yeah.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I mean, it is curious, of course, cos it is relatively unfurnished.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Go and have a wander around, play with the space,
0:38:22 > 0:38:23see how you might use it.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25And I'll come and find you later.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26- OK.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34This high-spec converted barn has crept in just under budget,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38and its character and finish combines to offer Jo and Mike
0:38:38 > 0:38:40a luxurious country retreat
0:38:40 > 0:38:44with far-reaching views and plenty of options for nearby walks.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Our Mystery House is ready to go,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48meaning there would be time to spare for wedding planning,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51plus Mike would have a comfortable commute to work.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54So this is bedroom two.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Yeah. It's quite big, isn't it, really?
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Yeah, it's a really good size, actually. It's a good double.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03For this property, you can't really fault it,
0:39:03 > 0:39:05in terms of the way it's been decorated.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08It's got a great finish, and they've made the best of the space, I think.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I love the fact that whenever you look out of a window, it's green.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It's just lovely.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16And it's so modern and such a high standard,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18it's really appealing, because of that.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20And, you know, we wouldn't have to do anything.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23It would be a lovely place to live,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26we've just got to decide whether or not it's big enough for us, I think.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27Yeah.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Look at your beaming faces! And so they should be.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36I think this is a really inspiring job.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39This is how to do it, if you're going to convert any building,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42particularly one like this. But I'm afraid that's it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43House tours are now over.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46You've got to go away and make sense of it.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- It's a nice one to finish on. - It's a great one to finish on.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Is it a house to start with?
0:39:50 > 0:39:52For the future? Who knows? Come on.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Well, we've given Mike and Jo some cracking options this week,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02so where better to find out what their future holds than here,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05in the sumptuous surroundings of Thornbury Castle?
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Now I have to confess, I have a favourite.
0:40:08 > 0:40:09Maybe you do, too.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12But are we right about what they're going to choose?
0:40:12 > 0:40:13Let's go and ask them.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Hello, Jo.- Hello.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21- Hello, Mike.- Hello.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Well, we gave you three, I think quite different,
0:40:25 > 0:40:27but equally viable options.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31So what have you decided upon, Mike?
0:40:31 > 0:40:33We kind of looked at all three of them,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35and I think we decided that...
0:40:35 > 0:40:38the best choice for us would be the first one.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Oh, that's very interesting.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43So, come on then, explain yourself, Jo.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47I think that the last house is just so beautifully done,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50and if we could input that style
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and renovate and recreate that in the first house,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55we would have a pretty amazing house.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59Because the first property has got such a great location,
0:40:59 > 0:41:00it's so close for Mike.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It's not that far for me to get home.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06It is a bit tired, but it has got space there,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10and there's space to extend, and it's a bit of a project.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11So, yeah, I think we're considering
0:41:11 > 0:41:13maybe putting an offer in on that one.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Really? Seriously?- Yes.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17That response has absolutely thrown me.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I was convinced you would go for the Mystery House,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21hook, line and sinker.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23But I have to say, I do like your thinking.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26So, it's Upton-upon-Severn, here we come.
0:41:26 > 0:41:27- Yeah.- That's right, yeah.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Well, you've astounded me.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31And that's a good thing, that's a good thing.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34And I do think you've put the right amount of thought into it.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39I'm delighted to think that you've made all the right decisions.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Brilliant. So when might this offer be going in?
0:41:41 > 0:41:44I think we're going to have a little bit of a further chat tonight
0:41:44 > 0:41:47on what our offer might be, and then, hopefully,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50maybe tomorrow morning, we'll give them a call.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51Brilliant, guys.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Well, I'm going to celebrate with a cup of tea,
0:41:53 > 0:41:54and, look, tuck into those.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- And a macaroon.- And a macaroon.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Cheers. Best of luck. - Cheers.- Cheers.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07Well, bathed in sunshine, for me, the castle here at Thornbury
0:42:07 > 0:42:10is the perfect place to finish this week's house tours.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12And, in some respects,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15its story has some relevance to our own.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Back in 1535,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here for ten days
0:42:20 > 0:42:22while they toured the area.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Now, of course, eventually, Anne infamously lost her head,
0:42:25 > 0:42:26but in some respects,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29I think that's exactly what has happened to Jo and Mike.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32But, thankfully, they haven't lost theirs to a king,
0:42:32 > 0:42:33but to a home.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36So, all in all, a much better ending.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37I'll see you next time.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Jo and Mike did put an offer in on our first property, but,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46sadly for them, it wasn't accepted,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48so their house-hunt continues.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50If you would like to Escape To The Country
0:42:50 > 0:42:52in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and need our help, you can apply online at...