0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The County.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06This rather pretty body of water behind me, let's face it,
0:00:06 > 0:00:07could be anywhere in the UK,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11but this one formed a key component in an 18th-century valleyscape
0:00:11 > 0:00:14that is now being painstakingly rediscovered.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17It is just part of a much wider country estate
0:00:17 > 0:00:21that has, at its heart, a Gothic mansion that's been equally
0:00:21 > 0:00:23lost in time. So, where are we?
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Today, I'm with a pair of sisters used to living it up in London.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51But one of them is packing it in for a life in the countryside
0:00:51 > 0:00:55and taking a touch of the city buzz with her.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- It lends itself quite nicely to a really funky playroom or...- Yeah.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- ..party room. - THEY LAUGH
0:01:01 > 0:01:02I wondered when we'd get to that!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Yeah, I get the feeling you two are quite used to a good party.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08And it looks like there might be cause for celebration,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11as our search throws up a few surprises.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13And you may open your eyes now.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Oh, my goodness!- Oh, wow!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Well, today we are in Gloucestershire
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and these are the beautiful landscape surroundings
0:01:22 > 0:01:25of Woodchester Park and that, perhaps not surprisingly,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27is Woodchester Mansion.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Now, from the outside it looks pretty sumptuous, but in truth,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33in 1873, the money ran out, the builders left
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and it remains a time capsule - a unique study
0:01:37 > 0:01:40in late 19th century architectural practice.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Now, later on in this show, I'll be back here taking a closer look
0:01:43 > 0:01:45at the work that's being done to restore
0:01:45 > 0:01:48all that Woodchester has to offer. It is a peculiar part
0:01:48 > 0:01:51of Gloucestershire's tantalising countryside.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Gloucestershire is situated in the south-west of England,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00where the River Severn flows into the Bristol Channel.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03The county encompasses a major part of the Cotswolds Area
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09the Severn Vale and the Royal Forest Of Dean.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Within the forest, the magical dense woodland of Puzzle Wood is a mass
0:02:13 > 0:02:18of twisted tree roots and dramatic moss-covered rock formations.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20So striking is its imagery,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23it was said to have been one of JRR Tolkien's inspirations for
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Middle Earth in Lord Of The Rings and is also recognisable from
0:02:27 > 0:02:32its appearance in the recent Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Gloucestershire also boasts equally stunning scenery in the form
0:02:35 > 0:02:37of its historic architecture.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40The charming Cotswolds villages in the east of the county are
0:02:40 > 0:02:44made up of ancient honey-coloured limestone cottages, like those
0:02:44 > 0:02:45in the village of Bibury.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Described by William Morris as the most beautiful village
0:02:49 > 0:02:52in England, its famous stone weavers' cottages at Arlington Row
0:02:52 > 0:02:55are some of the most photographed in the UK.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59And their iconic image even features on the inner page
0:02:59 > 0:03:02of the British passport. But there's certainly no need
0:03:02 > 0:03:05to go abroad, when you've got all this in Gloucestershire.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08From varied landscapes and heritage, to picture-perfect towns
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and villages, there really is something for everyone.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Well, who wouldn't be seduced by this glorious Gloucestershire
0:03:17 > 0:03:19countryside but, of course,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23moving here does come with something of a premium attached.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27At £330,000, the average price of a detached property here
0:03:27 > 0:03:30is some 30 grand above the national figure.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Now, you may not have to be
0:03:32 > 0:03:35a millionaire to move here, but it is perhaps worth remembering
0:03:35 > 0:03:37the story of local man James Wood.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39He owned the old bank in Gloucester.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41He was, reputedly,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Britain's very first millionaire, but was also said to be so tight
0:03:45 > 0:03:48with his money, he was the inspiration for Charles Dickens'
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Ebenezer Scrooge. But what about today's buyer?
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Let's hope that she is far more prepared to part with her money.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Today, we're house-hunting with South Londoner, Mickey,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02who lives in a four-bedroom terrace house with son, Tom,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and their two dogs, Didier and Mouse.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Having family living nearby, Mickey sees her younger sister Charley
0:04:09 > 0:04:10on a daily basis.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16I live in Wandsworth at the moment and I absolutely love this area.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20It's a very close-knit community, everything is on my doorstep.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Tom's school is five minutes away from the house, as is the Common,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26as are cafes.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Despite living in the affluent borough for nine years,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Mickey's job as a property design consultant
0:04:31 > 0:04:35has meant they never stay put in one property for long.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39I have moved seven times in the last six years
0:04:39 > 0:04:42and done up every single property that I've lived in.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Mickey has the most incredible vision.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48So when she walks into a property she can see what she can do with it,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50which a lot of other people don't.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54The London lifestyle suits Mickey down to the ground, but with
0:04:54 > 0:04:58seven-year-old Tom about to change schools, she feels the fast-paced
0:04:58 > 0:05:01city isn't the best place for him to grow up in.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08This move is driven solely by Tom and his changing schooling needs.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Um, I would like him to grow up in the countryside
0:05:11 > 0:05:15without the pressures of London and being in a city.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19He'll have freedom to run around, like we did when we were younger.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Mickey's done her research.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Although she's unfamiliar with the countryside,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26she has friends in Gloucestershire and has found
0:05:26 > 0:05:28a school there for Tom.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31The idea of moving seems a no-brainer.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Gloucestershire is the only place Mickey can go.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It has the most amazing links back to London
0:05:36 > 0:05:40and, I think, a great friend network there.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Whilst I am going to embrace it, I am slightly dreading it
0:05:43 > 0:05:47and clinging on for the last few months of my London life.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52But I will take it with both hands, but I am quite scared.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58And with a change of scenery may also come a change of career.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I have always loved the idea of owning a boutique
0:06:01 > 0:06:05and, whilst they are two-a-penny in London,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07there aren't that many in Gloucestershire.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10So, I would really like to look at opportunities,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14to see whether maybe I could realise my dream of owning a little shop.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Although she's a pro when it comes to buying and selling,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21there's more pressure on getting this next property purchase right
0:06:21 > 0:06:26than ever before. So, she's bringing sister Charley along for support.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Charley has got a very wise head on her shoulders.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31We work together quite well,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34because I have the artistic flair
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and my ideas sometimes run away with me
0:06:37 > 0:06:41and Charley is probably more likely to be the...the...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Handbrake?- Yeah!
0:06:47 > 0:06:50The school Mickey has found for Tom is in Minchinhampton,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52so we're looking in the villages and towns within
0:06:52 > 0:06:54a reasonable distance for the school run.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Now although this is one lady who's used to talking property
0:06:58 > 0:07:01particulars, I need to find out what's on the wish list
0:07:01 > 0:07:02for this next move.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Well, guys, look at this, what a place to start.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09So, formally, Charley, Mickey, welcome to Gloucestershire.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10This is a really interesting story,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15I think, because you're not a typical escapee, are you?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17No, I don't think I am.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21What's the real motivation behind this move for you?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The real motivation is Tom and his schooling.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Now, I'm just looking for the perfect property.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Charley, you know your sister better than anybody,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32what's your role going to be this week?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I think I'm here to be the voice of reason.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Mickey has moved a lot and, therefore, she's not scared
0:07:39 > 0:07:42to take on a project and it's easy for her.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44So, I think I'll be more...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46look at the bigger picture.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49With this move, are you looking for an investment property, or a home?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I'm looking for a home,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53that will ultimately be an investment, as well,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56but I'm looking, first and foremost, for a home.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Let's talk about the specifics.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59What do we need to have on our wish list?
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Probably the main key component is the location.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06So, I'm very keen for a village location.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I do not want it to be too rural.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11I would quite like a pub within walking distance.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16And then, in terms of the property, four bedrooms.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Um, and a garden that isn't too big.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Just remind us of your budget?
0:08:22 > 0:08:26I've got a budget of, maximum, 900,000.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29That's for all the work that I would like to do on the property, as well.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31That's my complete budget.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36Is it possible, Charley, that we could find the perfect home
0:08:36 > 0:08:39that didn't need anything doing for your sister?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Um, I think that's incredibly unlikely!
0:08:41 > 0:08:44That's my worry. Why?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Why is it so unlikely?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Because if it's not Mickey's way, she doesn't like it.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51You've got a fantastic budget,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54we've got some great properties here to show you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- Shall we?- Yeah, brilliant. - Come on, let's go.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57Let's see what we can find you.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00It's nearly a million quid, you know. It's not bad, is it?
0:09:00 > 0:09:01THEY CHUCKLE
0:09:04 > 0:09:07With a healthy budget of £900,000,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Mickey's looking for a property with a minimum of four bedrooms,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15a substantial, yet manageable, garden for Tom and the dogs
0:09:15 > 0:09:18and she's not shy of doing a little bit of work, if required.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Used to life in the city, Mickey doesn't want anything
0:09:21 > 0:09:24too remote and she'd like to be able to walk to a pub.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28The most important factor is to be close to her son's new school.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31We've got some cracking properties to show Mickey and Charley,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33all with an abundance of character
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and an interesting mix of old and new.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I'll be asking them to guess the price of each, before I tell them.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43And for our final offering, I have a Mystery House to rival all
0:09:43 > 0:09:47mystery houses, with a very special and unique additional extra.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55We're beginning our search in a tiny hamlet called The Vatch,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58which is in the southern Cotswolds.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Situated on the edge of the Slad Valley,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04it's less than a mile from the picturesque village of Slad,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08famous as the home and final resting place of author, Laurie Lee.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Today, the village is focused around the parish church and the
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Woolpack pub, which continues to receive visitors keen to see
0:10:15 > 0:10:19the place where author Lee whiled away the hours writing his books.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23As we wander back down the hill, the property I want Mickey to see
0:10:23 > 0:10:26stands in a prominent position, on a rather impressive plot.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Wow!- That's property number one.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Is it? Wow!- It's beautiful.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Originally, a coach house.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Now the outside fabric, as you can see, is all in pretty good order.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41It's the internals that are going to require a bit of Mickey magic...
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Yeah.- ..I suspect.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- It's a good barometer, I think, this one to start with.- Definitely.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47As to how much of a project you're up for.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50It's big. It definitely looks really big from the outside.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I mean, it comes with three acres of land.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Oh, my goodness.- OK.- OK. Sugar.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Yeah, sugar. Come on, let's sweeten that pill. Let's have a look.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03Made of Cotswold stone,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06this three-storey house retains a number of charming features from
0:11:06 > 0:11:09its former life as a coach house
0:11:09 > 0:11:10and, surprisingly, it isn't listed.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Inside, it certainly is as large as it looks from the outside.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The ground floor is currently divided, to create a self-contained
0:11:18 > 0:11:22one-bedroomed annexe, separate from the rest of the property, with its
0:11:22 > 0:11:24own entrance, a separate kitchen/dining area
0:11:24 > 0:11:28and a bathroom, but we're starting in the main house,
0:11:28 > 0:11:30which I think could offer Mickey the development
0:11:30 > 0:11:34potential she's after, subject to the necessary permissions.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Right, Mickey, come on in.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41What do you think?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I think these walls need to come down.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45It's a little bit disappointing.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49From the outside, you expect to walk into something a little bit more...
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- Opulent?- Opulent, yes.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- And welcoming.- Yeah.- Instead, you walk into a wasted room.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57This wall, I suspect, should absolutely go.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01It's creating a hallway here, which is completely unnecessary, really.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02- Yes.- What do you think, Charley?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I'm intrigued, because this is what Mickey likes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- She likes going in somewhere and seeing the bigger picture.- Yeah.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11So, I'm just intrigued to see the rest of it.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14That's a picture we need to create, don't we? Come through here.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18Here we are.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Oh, gosh.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Right now, I'm not sure I'm really feeling it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28From the outside, it had so much potential, it was beautiful.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33So far, it's lots of little rooms that aren't flowing
0:12:33 > 0:12:34and really working for me.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Despite her vision, Mickey is clearly struggling to get her
0:12:38 > 0:12:40head around the space on offer here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Hopefully, she might change her mind when she sees upstairs.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48On the first floor are two of the five possible bedrooms,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51both doubles, as well as a large family bathroom,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53but a huge dual aspect living area.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Now up here on the first floor is where you get your first real
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- kind of reception room. - Yeah, this is great.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- This is amazing.- Ah, you see.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Suddenly, it reveals its magic, yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's beautiful and I can totally see the potential.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Yeah, I think this is... You're now getting on the par
0:13:14 > 0:13:16with how beautiful it looks from the outside.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19It gives you the potential to be able to see it,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23or people like me, who don't have a vision, how it could look.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Now, if you like this space, and all that it offers you,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28you're going to love what's on the top floor.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Come and look at this.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32What's really exciting about this property
0:13:32 > 0:13:35is the flexibility it offers.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39The top floor has over 270 square feet of space,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42described on the particulars as two bedrooms.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44So, the current master is there.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47This little dressing corridor
0:13:47 > 0:13:50but this, to me, is the main event.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52The real selling point....
0:13:52 > 0:13:53- This is amazing.- Wow!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- ..of this building. - Wow, this is great.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- I love it, amazing beams.- Would you go for a family room up here?
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Would you keep this as is or go for more bedroom space?
0:14:03 > 0:14:04Master suite up here?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Well, it could be a master suite, but I think, also,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10it lends itself quite nicely to a really funky playroom
0:14:10 > 0:14:12or party room.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I wondered when we'd get to that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I get the feeling you two are quite used to a good party.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19No, it's good.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23This is definitely a real wow point of the house.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25OK, let's go and have a look at the garden space and see what
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- that offers you. And we might talk about the price.- Yes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33There is certainly some work to be done with this place, but for
0:14:33 > 0:14:36someone with Mickey's development experience, it offers endless
0:14:36 > 0:14:39possibilities and I think it could make a fantastic home.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Outside, it's surrounded by a well-maintained cottage garden,
0:14:45 > 0:14:49as well as three acres of sloping paddocks.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52In terms of the garden set-up, you've got an immediate garden here,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55but let's not forget, you've also got three acres that come with this.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58So how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:58 > 0:15:03I think it'll probably be on the market for in excess of 800,000.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Mm-hm. Yeah, Charley?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- 775.- Oh!
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- Well, um, this is on at £830,000.- Gosh.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19I mean, I think, whilst it is a beautiful, beautiful property,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22I think it probably is one step too far.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Interesting.- Price-wise.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25Go and have a quick run around,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29make sense of it and I will come and find you a little bit later on.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- OK.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36This fabulous converted coach house offers Mickey
0:15:36 > 0:15:39a project she could really sink her teeth into.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41There's plenty of room for visiting guests to stay,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44lots of entertaining space and that separate annexe.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48What's more, there's a large garden for Tom and the dogs and it's
0:15:48 > 0:15:50within walking distance to the pub in Slad and is just
0:15:50 > 0:15:53a 15-minute drive to Tom's school.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I would absolutely love to take on something like this.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Tom would absolutely love the playroom upstairs.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02I mean, he could have the whole run of the top floor.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I think probably that's where it'd end.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08He's lazy, so the sloping garden, he would find that pretty tedious.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11There's only two of us, with two little dogs.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15We would really rattle around in a big property like this.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18But a mini version, that would be perfect.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22It's nice to see this property nestled in this little valley.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27Maybe this was a view that Laurie Lee favoured, who knows?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- All done, girls?- Yes, thank you.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Come on, then, the pub's just up the road. Lunch time.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41At the turn of the 20th century, Gloucestershire became an important
0:16:41 > 0:16:46centre for The Arts And Crafts Movement, led by William Morris.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Faced with the effects of industrialisation and the
0:16:49 > 0:16:52introduction of mass production, many British designers championed
0:16:52 > 0:16:57the movement, that was in favour of simpler, traditional ways of making.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01Bespoke shoemaker Caroline Groves comes from a long line of craftsmen.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Her great grandfather was a cabinet-maker and right-hand
0:17:04 > 0:17:06man to designer CR Ashbee,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09a key figure in The Arts And Crafts Movement,
0:17:09 > 0:17:14who led a team of 150 craftsmen to Chipping Campden in 1902.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18With Mickey's ambition to one day open her own fashion boutique,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22we sent her and Charley to meet up with Caroline at her workshop.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Hi, Mickey. Nice to meet you. Hi, Charley.- Hi.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Handicraft and design, obviously, runs in your family.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Was it a natural progression for you to go into the industry?
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Yeah, that was my childhood. I thought everybody made things.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I didn't realise it was a natural progression until I was
0:17:40 > 0:17:43at home with my first child in my early twenties.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47I found that I reverted to wanting to make things with my hands.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52The rest is history. Almost 30 years of working with leather.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Caroline trained and worked with a local shoemaker for 15 years,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59before setting up her own business.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02As well as producing bespoke Artisan shoes,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06she also makes leather accessories like bags, purses and belts.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10You have some beautiful pieces and what's this in your hand?
0:18:10 > 0:18:12This is called a last.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14This is where we start.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18It's a shape which includes the client's measurements and it
0:18:18 > 0:18:23includes style details, such as heel height and toe shape.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27On average, how long does a pair of bespoke shoes take to make?
0:18:27 > 0:18:31If I'm doing standard work, I may make as many as two pairs of shoes
0:18:31 > 0:18:35in a week. Something like this, that's highly decorative,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39if I was producing a pair of those in two weeks,
0:18:39 > 0:18:40I'd be a happy person.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Would you mind us having a look in your workshop?
0:18:43 > 0:18:44No, please come along.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49All Caroline's items are entirely handmade, using just basic tools
0:18:49 > 0:18:55and traditional methods, hence a price tag upwards of £2,750.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Today, the sisters are going to be having a go at
0:18:58 > 0:18:59a process called skiving,
0:18:59 > 0:19:04used to reduce and refine the edges of leather, before it's folded.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09Generally, a first skive is quite a steep cut,
0:19:09 > 0:19:14taking the edge off the leather.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Always cleaning away.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Then, a shallower cut,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23so that you get a nice,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25pared edge.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29So, prior to folding that edge, I'm just going to notch it.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34How has this process changed over time?
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Are you still doing this in the same way as craftsmen used to?
0:19:38 > 0:19:42There's nothing I'm doing here that a shoemaker 150 years ago
0:19:42 > 0:19:44wouldn't recognise.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48After adding a rubber solution to the edges, to make them tacky,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Caroline gently manipulates the leather, to form the shape.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Again, with the hammer
0:19:56 > 0:19:57and encourage that over.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03There's an edge
0:20:03 > 0:20:07that could be, you know, similar.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11You know, it's got similar curves that you would have on the top line
0:20:11 > 0:20:13of a shoe.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Now, traditional shoemaking has been largely superseded by industrial
0:20:17 > 0:20:21mass production, due to the sheer volume that can be produced,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24not forgetting the speed, but when it comes to quality and attention
0:20:24 > 0:20:28to detail, I think the craftsmen of The Arts And Crafts Movement
0:20:28 > 0:20:32were right - you can't beat time-honoured, handcrafting skills.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Well done. Gosh!
0:20:35 > 0:20:36THEY CHUCKLE
0:20:36 > 0:20:37I could train you.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Well, if you're ever looking for an assistant,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45I'll be moving up to the Cotswolds in the next few months.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48So, er, please do give me a call.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Yeah, for sure, Mickey, I think you'd be excellent.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52But if the potential job doesn't work out,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Mickey could always stock some of Caroline's bespoke pieces
0:20:55 > 0:20:57in her planned boutique, instead.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07It's the second day of our search with Londoner Mickey,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10who with the help of sister Charley, is looking for a
0:21:10 > 0:21:14country pad for her and her son Tom, on a generous budget of £900,000.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Having lived in seven properties in the last six years, she has
0:21:19 > 0:21:23decided it's time to put down roots in the Gloucestershire countryside.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Still to come, our mystery house makes an impact.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29It's not at all what I expected the mystery house to be.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32No, it's a million, zillion times better.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36And I find out why this 19th-century Gothic mansion remains
0:21:36 > 0:21:38unfinished to this day.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Just going into the dining room now.- Wow.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42That's amazing, isn't it?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48As we begin day two, I do have one major concern,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51and it's not about the budget, as is often the case.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55My worry is that Mickey's obsession with wanting to redesign her
0:21:55 > 0:21:59new home, is rather overshadowing the real challenge that she faces.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03And that is leaving all that is familiar behind in London
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and trying to set up a new life here in the countryside.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I'm just not fully convinced that she is prepared for what that
0:22:09 > 0:22:12is going to involve. So, what can we do about it?
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Well, today we have, of course, two more properties to come,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18a stunning mystery house, which amazingly,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21has managed to combine almost every period in British
0:22:21 > 0:22:25architectural history, with a nice little twist, to boot.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29But first, a property which, at first glance, may look more at home
0:22:29 > 0:22:32in the Tuscan countryside, but in truth, of course, it's not
0:22:32 > 0:22:36in Italy, it's on a hillside in Gloucestershire, just over there.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42We are heading for the village of Horsley, again situated in
0:22:42 > 0:22:45the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The village itself is small, but the nearby town of Nailsworth
0:22:50 > 0:22:52is just over a mile away.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Nestled in a wooded valley and surrounded by unspoilt
0:22:55 > 0:22:59countryside, it's popular with visiting hikers and mountain bikers
0:22:59 > 0:23:03who come to explore the variety of footpaths and cycle trails.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07In recent years, Nailsworth has also gained a reputation
0:23:07 > 0:23:10for award-winning restaurants and eateries.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Our property is in an elevated position above the Horsley Valley,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16down a quiet country lane.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Right. Here we are, then.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- Wow.- What do you make of that?- It looks good.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Definitely a bit of suntrap here.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30The whole thing has been geared up to capture not just the sun,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32but also the views beyond.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35At this point, we're not seeing much of the house,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37cos I'm guessing it all faces towards the views.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Absolutely.- But from a view perspective, spectacular.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Good, come on, let's see what you think.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48With its Cotswold stone exterior, from the outside,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52this single-storey house appears typical of the local architecture.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55But if Mickey and Charley are envisaging
0:23:55 > 0:23:57a traditional interior, they'd be wrong.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Built in 2000, the current owners designed from
0:24:00 > 0:24:03a mix of foreign influences, after living abroad.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08I don't think this is what you might have been expecting.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- No, it definitely isn't.- Wow.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- No, it's really cool.- Isn't it? - It's quite sort of nautical.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18I think you're right to pick up on the boat idea,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21there are lots of model ships everywhere, which is kind of helpful
0:24:21 > 0:24:26but also it leans heavily on the owners' love of the Mediterranean.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Yeah, it's like the plasterwork... you find in Spanish villas.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36Oh, yeah. It all opens up and flows through here, creating this lovely,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40sort of...forum, if you like...
0:24:40 > 0:24:44To come back to the Italian idea of celebrating the view.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Wow, it's amazing.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Charley looks a bit lost for words.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52No, I love the fact that it all revolves around the fantastic view.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56The space is good, you know. I like the way the space works.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58I mean, I would probably need a slightly bigger kitchen, but I
0:24:58 > 0:25:01could definitely work with it, it's good. Thumbs-up, so far.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02Thumbs-up, so far.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Now, it's got four bedrooms. The current master is down some steps
0:25:06 > 0:25:11over there, but I'm going to take you in here, because I think this
0:25:11 > 0:25:14is the perfect master suite. And you'll see why.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Three of the property's four bedrooms lie off the central
0:25:19 > 0:25:22living areas, they are all doubles and each has its own en-suite.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Right, come in.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- Now, do you see?- Oh, my goodness.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Sort of sitting area, and through here...
0:25:31 > 0:25:33..is revealed, the main bedroom area.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- Oh, wow.- Is this the sort of thing that you think you could
0:25:37 > 0:25:38put your stamp on?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40I think I could definitely put my stamp on this.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45I mean, it's not as much work as I thought I would want to take on,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49but I could definitely make it my own.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51If you are to take on something, you know, you haven't got
0:25:51 > 0:25:55a lot of time to get the sale completed, do any work you want to
0:25:55 > 0:25:58do and have it all up and running for the start of the school term.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01So, I'm thinking this is just a way of getting this move underway
0:26:01 > 0:26:03with the minimum of aggravation.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Yes, I think it's important that, when Mickey brings Tom down here,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10there is a home for them to move into and that
0:26:10 > 0:26:14he is happy and feels secure before he goes to a new school.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15Yeah.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17But she has to do something...
0:26:17 > 0:26:18LAUGHTER
0:26:18 > 0:26:20..and this could be the perfect option.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22You can come and do mine, if you like!
0:26:22 > 0:26:24If you're short of things to redesign.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27The Mediterranean influences are all over this property,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31in the bathrooms and even the stairs to the fourth bedroom,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34in the loft, which is currently used as a study.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Outside, there is a useful workshop space and a garage.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The landscaped gardens to the rear have been designed for ease
0:26:40 > 0:26:43of maintenance, with a decked sun terrace, accessed through
0:26:43 > 0:26:46French doors from the living areas.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51Whoa, look at this. Bright. Bright sunshine. Bouncing off the floor.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53There we are.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55What you've got is this terraced garden here,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and it runs down to that little, erm...
0:26:57 > 0:27:01box hedge at the bottom with a vegetable patch, as well, thrown in
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- for good measure. But a very social space, I think.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08So, Charley, how much do you think it is on the market for?
0:27:08 > 0:27:13It's an incredibly unique property. I think I'm going to go with...
0:27:13 > 0:27:17£870,000
0:27:17 > 0:27:20And I think probably £850,000.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Not bad, actually.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- You are spot on.- Oh!
0:27:25 > 0:27:26LAUGHTER
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Yeah, £850,000.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31For a slice of Mediterranean life
0:27:31 > 0:27:34in the heart of the English countryside.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Right then, off you go. Go and explore it.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Take your time with this one.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42- I'll spoil you with it. - Thank you.- Brilliant. While I...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45enjoy the sunshine and the view. Look at that.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51This fantastic Mediterranean-style modern home has the four bedrooms
0:27:51 > 0:27:55Mickey needs and is already a great example of open-plan living.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Meaning she wouldn't need to go knocking down any walls.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01It's got a low-maintenance garden,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04it's half a mile from the local pub in Horsley and, best of all,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07it would just be a ten-minute journey for the school run.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I think, for me, this particular house...
0:28:10 > 0:28:14The garden is just not going to work for Tom and the dogs.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16It's just on too much of a slope.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Mickey needs to decide between her dream of doing
0:28:20 > 0:28:24a big project and finding a home and security for Tom.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27I don't think, in the short timeframe she has between now
0:28:27 > 0:28:32and the time Tom needs to go to school, she can satisfy both dreams.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- Happy here?- Yes.- Excellent. Let's go and tempt you with
0:28:35 > 0:28:37our final offering.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47The Cotswolds' wool trade was, to a great extent, responsible for
0:28:47 > 0:28:50the prosperity of the region.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52But its character is most definitely a result of the abundance
0:28:52 > 0:28:54of stone,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57used to build hundreds of its villages.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01I'm visiting Woodchester Mansion, a 19th-century Gothic masterpiece,
0:29:01 > 0:29:06that was abandoned, mid-construction, in 1873.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Over the years, it's been saved from dereliction, but it will never
0:29:09 > 0:29:10be completed.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Ray Canham from the Woodchester Mansion Trust,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16is showing me around.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- Just going into the dining room now.- Wow.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20That is amazing, isn't it?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22And this is what the mansion is about.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- And that is the original timber centring?- Yes.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26I'd like to think they left it there
0:29:26 > 0:29:27so we could show it to you today.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30But what is the story, Ray? How did it come to pass that this
0:29:30 > 0:29:34building was begun and then left so spectacularly unfinished?
0:29:34 > 0:29:38William Leigh, the mansion builder, inherited, when
0:29:38 > 0:29:42he was very young, about £170,000 from his father.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46And he converted to Catholicism in the 1840s.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49And wanted to move somewhere where he could establish
0:29:49 > 0:29:50a Catholic community.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54On the site was a Georgian mansion. Leigh took advice
0:29:54 > 0:29:56from Augustus Pugin,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59and Pugin said, "Pull it down, and start again."
0:29:59 > 0:30:00As perhaps, an architect might!
0:30:00 > 0:30:03He's looking for a bit of business, isn't he?
0:30:03 > 0:30:04He was looking for a bit of business.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07But why go to all the trouble of creating a Gothic mansion?
0:30:07 > 0:30:09It's not really a cosy family home, is it?
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I don't think it was ever going to be a family home, but that is just
0:30:12 > 0:30:15a personal view. This could have been to entertain the great
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and the good of the Catholic Church.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Looking at the sheer scale of this place, it seems as though Leigh's
0:30:20 > 0:30:23ambitions for the building could never have been realised.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27As his capital diminished, progress became slow.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31When he died in 1873, over 20 years after work began,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34the building was never completed.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38But his misfortune is our fortune. We're now able to not only marvel at
0:30:38 > 0:30:42this building, but study it in a way that we would never have imagined.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Stonemason Johnny Anderson has been at Woodchester
0:30:45 > 0:30:49for eight years, using its masonry history for training others.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Hello, Johnny, nice to meet you.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- Pleased to meet you.- A bit of conservation in action.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55Well, that's why we're here.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Now, what a training ground for any stonemason.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02I mean, surely every technique you would ever need to master
0:31:02 > 0:31:03is identifiable?
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Yeah, and you don't need a textbook, you just point to it.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09I was lucky enough to have a traditional apprenticeship,
0:31:09 > 0:31:13but today, the young people in a sterile workshop environment,
0:31:13 > 0:31:19when they come here, they join the dots together and see their
0:31:19 > 0:31:24workshop work and the site work and they marry the two together
0:31:24 > 0:31:26and it's all explained here.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30What are you about to replicate with this block?
0:31:30 > 0:31:34So, I'm taking this block down, I'm squaring the top off and this
0:31:34 > 0:31:37is one of the first things you learn to do as an apprentice.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39So, if I give you a short demonstration,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41would you like to have a go?
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Yeah, go on.- OK.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45What you want to do is get a rhythm.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48And the idea is to get a draught going...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- A draught?- A draught.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53And the draught is the name for the straight line that
0:31:53 > 0:31:56the mason works in across the top of his blog.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00There are over 30 different types of limestone used in the building
0:32:00 > 0:32:02and, looking around, you can see
0:32:02 > 0:32:06countless examples of techniques, finishes and tool marks on show.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10If you try and keep the straight line going,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13you're working towards the end of the block.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Kept in its current state,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19the mansion offers us a fantastic window on 19th-century
0:32:19 > 0:32:23architectural practice and provides a remarkable research tool,
0:32:23 > 0:32:27to inspire and teach new generations of students and tradesmen.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Outside, the 500-acre grounds of Woodchester Park
0:32:30 > 0:32:33have a story of their own to tell.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Although now overgrown with trees,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38area ranger Max Dancer and his team from the National Trust
0:32:38 > 0:32:42have discovered the remains of a 19th-century terraced garden
0:32:42 > 0:32:45that has fallen into disrepair.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48This is what I really want to show you, Jules.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53Welcome to Woodchester's own Italian gardens.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55So, this was made for the...
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Georgian mansion that would've sat where the current
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Victorian mansion sits now.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01That's incredible.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I'm fascinated by this archaeology that you've
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- uncovered here. - This is fantastic, isn't it,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08this is the remains of an old water fountain.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Imagine water trickling down here, so beautiful, romantic, therapeutic.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16I would love this area to be grassed, for the cascade
0:33:16 > 0:33:20above us to be on show and for the public to be able to see it.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25And really put themselves back into 18th-century Britain.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28The ambition they're bringing to this project is admirable.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31I just hope that, unlike the builders of the main house,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Max and his team are able to finish what they've started,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37opening up some of this fascinating history for the public.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45We're on the road heading to a hamlet called The Mythe,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47on the northern edge of the Cotswolds,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50close to the Worcestershire border.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53The nearby medieval market town of Tewkesbury,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56lies at the confluence of the rivers Severn and Avon.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Steeped in history and medieval character,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02visitors can take a stroll through a town rich in black-and-white
0:34:02 > 0:34:06timber-framed buildings, or visit the 900-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey
0:34:06 > 0:34:09with its striking Norman tower.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Crossing over the River Avon, our mystery house is just a mile
0:34:12 > 0:34:15from the town and is set back from the road.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Keep walking. Oh, feel that lovely sunshine.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21And stop there. And you may open your eyes now.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Oh, my goodness!
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Oh, wow.- You've definitely saved the best till last.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- Yes, didn't we just?! - Wow, it's amazing.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31You could be Lady of the Manor. How about that?
0:34:31 > 0:34:33I can't quite believe it.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Well, there is more truth in that than you might think,
0:34:35 > 0:34:39because this one actually does come with a title.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42If you owned this, you become Lord of Mythe and Mythe Hook,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Lord of the Manor of Mythe and Mythe Hook.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46Oh, right, do I need a sex change?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48LAUGHTER
0:34:48 > 0:34:53No, but you can give it to Tom as a moving present.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57How about that? None of his mates are lords, at seven years old,
0:34:57 > 0:34:58I'm sure. Yeah.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01OK, right then, let's do it country-style.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Let's use the back door, shall we?
0:35:05 > 0:35:10Not surprisingly, this rare property is Grade II* listed.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Less than 6% of all listed buildings have this grading.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17The first owner on record was William the Conqueror's wife,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21Matilda, the land given to her as a gift from her husband.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23It was later sold to King John,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26who used it as a hunting lodge in the 13th century.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Over the years, it has been added to and embellished and was
0:35:29 > 0:35:32sympathetically restored and extended in the 1980s,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36to create a beautiful family home.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37So...
0:35:37 > 0:35:39my Lady.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41LAUGHTER
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Oh, my goodness.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46It's not at all what I expected the mystery house to be.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49No, it's one million, zillion times better.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50Come on, have a look through here.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54I mean, this is obviously the diner end of the kitchen/diner
0:35:54 > 0:35:57and, bearing in mind that this is the new extension,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00once again, just beautifully done and thought through,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03with these oak beams and doors out to the garden...
0:36:03 > 0:36:04Yes.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Come through here. This is the living room.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12The magical mix of medieval and 16th-Century architecture
0:36:12 > 0:36:14in this house, really works with the modern finishes.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19The main reception room is south- facing, making it wonderfully light.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- This is amazing. - Yes, it's really good.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25So, I don't think you'd have to do too much, to this, to make it yours.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- No.- Who'd have thought it possible that we might have found something
0:36:29 > 0:36:30that you didn't to rethink.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- I'm sure she'll find something! - Yeah! Well, I'm sure.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Come on, let's go upstairs.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I think Mickey is genuinely taken with this house,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42as I hoped she would be.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45The five bedrooms are split across the two top floors.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48There are three bedrooms on the first floor,
0:36:48 > 0:36:53one with an en-suite shower room, and a luxurious family bathroom.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57But as we head up the Norman tower, there are a further two bedrooms,
0:36:57 > 0:37:01the largest used as a living room, the perfect playroom for Tom.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03And then there's the master bedroom.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Oh... Wow.- Yeah.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11It's like we step back in time.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Well, this is you, the maiden at the top of the tower.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16This is one of the oldest parts of the building,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18the Norman tower, of course, looking out...
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- Oh, I see, yeah.- ..into the garden.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- I love that window.- I do, too.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Would you come and stay, Charley?
0:37:26 > 0:37:28I think I'd probably never move out.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I'm thinking about relocating, myself.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34It's really fun and you know, we are a little bit further away
0:37:34 > 0:37:38from the school you're thinking about sending Tom to,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41about 45 minutes, but the building you get as a result...
0:37:42 > 0:37:45..Charley, come on, help me...
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I totally agree. The building is beautiful.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51What do we think it's worth, then?
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Think about it on our way to the bottom. Come on.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Outside, the property is surrounded by beautiful level-lawn gardens
0:37:59 > 0:38:03to the front and side, with a number of seating areas.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06There's also a purpose-built arts studio, which I imagine
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Mickey would make use of as a garden room, or entertaining space
0:38:09 > 0:38:10in the summer.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15So, make us an offer, then, on our final offering - our gorgeous,
0:38:15 > 0:38:17wonderful mystery house.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Well, I never in a million years thought I'd be able to afford
0:38:19 > 0:38:22anything like this, and I'm going to be optimistic in my price...
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Yeah.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27And put it right on the top of my top budget,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29which was £900,000.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31£900,000. Yeah, Charley.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- I'm going to go with the £950,000.- £950,000.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38I mean, any of those figures, frankly,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41I think would be completely justified on this one,
0:38:41 > 0:38:42but here's the trick...
0:38:42 > 0:38:47And this is why I think the 45-minute commute is worth making
0:38:47 > 0:38:49because this could be yours...
0:38:51 > 0:38:54..for £850,000.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56No!
0:38:56 > 0:38:58LAUGHTER
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Oh, my goodness!- Wow!
0:39:00 > 0:39:01Lady Mickey!
0:39:01 > 0:39:03LAUGHTER
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Right, then, I'm going to give you as much time as I can here
0:39:06 > 0:39:08and I will come and find you a little bit later on.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Go on, off you go. Go on, Charley.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Take your time.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16This beautifully-presented house offers Mickey a real slice
0:39:16 > 0:39:21of local history, and a title, for an amazing £50,000 below budget.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25The generously proportioned rooms offer a great living space,
0:39:25 > 0:39:30with five bedrooms and the perfect flat garden for Tom and the dogs.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33It's only minutes to Tewkesbury, but the compromise is the 45-minute
0:39:33 > 0:39:37journey to Tom's school in Minchinhampton.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Nice arts studio.- Amazing.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Such a versatile space, you could actually do anything with it.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45But how cool is the house?
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I mean, amazing, isn't it? Look at it.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I mean, I absolutely love the house,
0:39:49 > 0:39:53the one reservation that I have is I've gone down
0:39:53 > 0:39:56the route of putting Tom into a school
0:39:56 > 0:40:01and so, I think we've just got to try and work out whether...
0:40:01 > 0:40:05You know, in reality, it's doable.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Well, my ladies, I'm afraid your carriage awaits, we've got to go.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11You've got a lot to think about. Come on.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Well, our journey this week has certainly thrown up plenty
0:40:18 > 0:40:20of challenges for Charley and, importantly, for Mickey.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22But also, I think,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25one or two conclusions that they weren't really expecting.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27We've given them lots to think about,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30but have we managed to find them a house for the future?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Well, let's go and ask them.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Well, guys... This is the end of the line, I'm afraid.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44The process is nearly over.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48We've given you, I think, some really interesting properties
0:40:48 > 0:40:51this week to consider, but I suspect, Charley,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54it's going to come as no surprise to anybody, watching this,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56that there is one clear favourite.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Am I right?
0:40:58 > 0:41:02You're right, Jules, the mystery house was incredible.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07It's put a real cat amongst the pigeons, because now everything
0:41:07 > 0:41:11is up in the air. I've got to look a little bit more into the area...
0:41:11 > 0:41:13You know, even potentially look at different schools,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17because I'm not sure 45 minutes is workable for me, but...
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I absolutely love that house,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I never imagined that we'd see anything like that
0:41:23 > 0:41:29and that's a house that I feel we can really grow in and enjoy.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31So, what happens next?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Well, I think I've got to do some driving around,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I've got to consult the map.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40And yeah, got to... Move forward, I think.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42It's been a lot of fun, guys...
0:41:42 > 0:41:44We've made light, in some respects,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47of this enormous decision that you are having to make, but I do think
0:41:47 > 0:41:50you're coming to the right area. It's been a great pleasure.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Best of luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Well, we finished up this week in the lovely surroundings
0:42:03 > 0:42:04at Elmore Court.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07It's said that the grounds and the gardens here so inspired
0:42:07 > 0:42:09a young Hubert Parry
0:42:09 > 0:42:12that he composed the tune to the hymn, Jerusalem.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Now, of course, the words we now all know and love were written
0:42:15 > 0:42:17by the poet, William Blake.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22"And did those feet in ancient times walk upon England's pastures green?"
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Well, in truth, of course, we will probably never know
0:42:25 > 0:42:28the answer to that one, but I do hope that, in due course,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Mickey's will. Or should it be Lady Mickey? Watch this space...
0:42:32 > 0:42:33I'll see you next time.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38After researching her options,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Mickey eventually decided our mystery house was just too far from
0:42:41 > 0:42:45the school. But I am pleased to report, she's just bought another
0:42:45 > 0:42:48property close to the school, which, of course, needs work.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51I have no doubt, once she's turned it into her dream home,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55she and Tom will be very happy in Gloucestershire.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Northern Ireland or England and would like our help,
0:43:01 > 0:43:06apply online, at...