0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape to the Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09These astonishing mountains were the training ground for
0:00:09 > 0:00:13the world's first successful ascent of Mount Everest,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16but strangely they are closer to home than you might think.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18So, where are we?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Today's property search reveals something of a generation gap.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Can you see your mum in here? - Yeah, it's definitely her.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49That sounds like it's definitely not you.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Yeah, he doesn't like olde worlde.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54I'm thinking I'll whack my head quite a few times.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59And it looks like we might uncover Mum's dream country home.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Lovely!- Yeah?- I knew it would be, I knew it would be.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04It's gorgeous, it's gorgeous.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Well, today I'm in North Wales
0:01:08 > 0:01:11on the Watkin Path at the base of Mount Snowdon.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14This is one of six routes that leads to the peak,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17the highest, of course, in England and Wales.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Now, despite being eight times smaller than Mount Everest,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Snowdon and its challenging environment was
0:01:23 > 0:01:27the perfect training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary and his team.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31They came here in the winter of 1952 to test their equipment
0:01:31 > 0:01:35and hone their skills prior to their conquest of Everest itself
0:01:35 > 0:01:38in May of 1953.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Now, of course, every year thousands of us make the climb
0:01:41 > 0:01:44to the top of Snowdon, following in Hillary's footsteps,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48but how many of us really appreciate just what it takes to work,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51farm and maintain this stunning environment?
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Well, later on in the programme, I'll be finding out.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00North Wales includes the Llyn Peninsula to the west,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04and the Isle of Anglesey and Colwyn Bay to the north.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09At its heart, Snowdonia crosses the areas of Gwynedd and Conwy
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and is the largest National Park in Wales.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15There are no fewer than nine mountain ranges here
0:02:15 > 0:02:18covering over half the park's surface.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23But rocky peaks are not the only natural delight on offer.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26The area abounds with gorges, valleys and forests,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30and is also home to around 26,000 permanent residents.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Settlements include Penmaenpool,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36originally built for workers
0:02:36 > 0:02:39serving the country residence of a Lancashire entrepreneur.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43The hamlet's wooden toll bridge dates from 1879
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and can be used to reach a nearby RSPB wildlife reserve.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51On a grander scale, Conway is considered
0:02:51 > 0:02:54the best preserved medieval walled town in Britain.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Not only have the stone fortifications remained intact,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01they boast an incredible 22 towers.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05The castle itself was built in the 13th century by Edward I,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08following his successful conquest of Wales.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09It overlooks the harbour,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13once described by the visiting Daniel Defoe,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16author of Robinson Crusoe, as noble.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19North Wales' rivers include the Dee.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23This 70-mile long waterway journeys from the mountains of Snowdonia
0:03:23 > 0:03:27via lush valleys passing through Bala Lake at Gwynedd.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29The lake's famously deep, clear waters
0:03:29 > 0:03:31are home to an abundance of fish,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34including perch and brown trout.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38With such a wealth of stunning scenery,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42historic settlements and varied coastline,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44it's no wonder that North Wales is so popular
0:03:44 > 0:03:46with both holiday-makers
0:03:46 > 0:03:49as well as those wanting a more rural lifestyle.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Now, when it comes to house-hunting here in North Wales,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57property here is remarkably affordable.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Currently the average price of a detached property
0:03:59 > 0:04:03in this neck of the woods is just under £200,000,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and that compares very favourably with
0:04:05 > 0:04:10the nearly £290,000 average across England and Wales at the moment.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Now, of course, there are hotspots, Gwynedd,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15this enormous northern county,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18is dominated by swathes of the Snowdonia National Park
0:04:18 > 0:04:21and, as with most National Parks, well, of course,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23if you're in it, you're going to have to spend
0:04:23 > 0:04:25a little bit more than if you're outside of it.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28So, if you want your budget to go that little bit further,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31my advice is to head west over towards the Llyn Peninsula
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and Wales' west coast,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36or indeed east over towards Conwy and Denbighshire.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37Let's face it, wherever you are up here
0:04:37 > 0:04:39you're never that far from the mountains.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41But what about today's buyers?
0:04:41 > 0:04:45What's attracted them to one of my favourite parts of the UK?
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Today's buyer Maxine is from Olney,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54within the Buckinghamshire borough of Milton Keynes.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00She's lived in her current home for almost 30 years, raising two boys.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Youngest son Cyron is now 20 and studying music at Bangor University,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08meaning Maxine feels it's time for her to move on.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11I realised this house was far too big for me
0:05:11 > 0:05:15and it hasn't got a heart any more, you know. It's a place to stay,
0:05:15 > 0:05:20but it's not my ideal home any more.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22The area where I live...is a small town,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25but it's getting bigger and bigger
0:05:25 > 0:05:28and I can just see it getting too big for me,
0:05:28 > 0:05:29and neighbours are too close,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I'm overlooked by a number of properties.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35As soon as I look out the windows, I'm looking at brick walls,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37other people's brick walls.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41You know, I feel hemmed in and claustrophobic
0:05:41 > 0:05:45and I want to look out into some beautiful countryside
0:05:45 > 0:05:47or see hills in the background and think,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49"I'm just going to put my boots on
0:05:49 > 0:05:51"and go for a nice walk in the countryside."
0:05:51 > 0:05:52And there's one place
0:05:52 > 0:05:55where Maxine feels her boots were made for walking.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00I feel very Welsh. I was born in Newport in South Wales.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I suddenly realised how beautiful it was when I was taking my sons
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Casper and Cyron up to Bangor University.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10And every time I went up there, I just thought,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13"I don't want to go back home."
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Cyron shares his mum's sentiment for her Welsh homeland
0:06:16 > 0:06:18and is keen to help her make the move.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I want to sort of bring a slightly younger and fresher perspective.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Having that collective thought would possibly
0:06:26 > 0:06:30help better with the move than just one person themself.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It's just getting back to my roots, really.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34I'm an outdoorsy person, even though I don't show it,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I still like seeing...
0:06:36 > 0:06:40I love my scenery shots. Hill walking, I like that as well.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42And especially... Is it Mount Snowdon?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I haven't even been up it yet.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46But there are practicalities to consider.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Maxine will have to give up her cleaning business, so the new home
0:06:50 > 0:06:53will have to provide both a place to live and a source of income.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57When I go to North Wales, the property's got to work for me.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I'm going to start afresh,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02so the building really does need to have
0:07:02 > 0:07:05either already a holiday let attached to it
0:07:05 > 0:07:08or an annexe that I can change into a holiday let.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11However, it's not just about earning potential.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14There are dreams of what a home in Wales will offer.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18When I started to explore villages up in the hills,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21in the mountains, I thought, "Yeah, I could be up here."
0:07:21 > 0:07:25And there are such beautiful stone properties,
0:07:25 > 0:07:30old Welsh stone cottages that I would love,
0:07:30 > 0:07:35with little windows and little doors and sheep on the doorstep.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38That's where I want to be, really.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42And I really do just want to get a little backpack,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45with my water in and my sandwiches and my camera
0:07:45 > 0:07:49and a woolly hat and a nice raincoat and off I go into the hills,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51and I'll be out for hours and hours.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54And I really look forward to that.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58But most of all it's about starting a new chapter.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02It would definitely change my life completely, utterly completely.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05It's primarily her house. She's going to be living in it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07I am moving on.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09A new life, completely new life,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and I think my mind will be freed up and I'll start to get ideas.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Maxine is open to living anywhere in North Wales,
0:08:19 > 0:08:24although she particularly likes the mountain views of Snowdonia.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27But before we start to look at houses, I'm meeting her and Cyron
0:08:27 > 0:08:31to find out more about the type of property she's hoping to find.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36So, officially, Cyron, Maxine, welcome to Escape to the Country
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and to North Wales. Why now?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43It was from when I was bringing the boys up, Cyron's brother as well,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46up to Bangor back-and-forth the last three years,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49every time I came up to Snowdonia National Park
0:08:49 > 0:08:52I just fell in love with it and I thought, "I've got to come up here."
0:08:52 > 0:08:55As soon as I saw the hills, I just relax and I just think,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57"Yeah, this is where I want to be."
0:08:57 > 0:09:01But you'll have a clearer idea, I hope, of what your mother is after.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Yeah. I've known her for 20 years,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06so hopefully I should know a few of her tastes now.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Well, I've got a few of my own, of course.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11In terms of the property that you are dreaming of,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13give us a quick run through as to what it needs to have.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Definitely not modern. I don't like modern.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I just want older properties, you know, with history.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Anything from Victorian backwards.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25You have been very clear on style, but give us the spec -
0:09:25 > 0:09:28how many bedrooms, kitchen, dining room - all that sort of thing.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Really small, for myself, just a two-bed.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I don't want anything big to live in.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34I'd just rattle around in it, mainly.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36My boys will be coming and going.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Cyron is looking, I think, for a studio for himself.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- What kind of a studio do you want? - Music.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Oh, right. OK. So, music studio, yeah.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Check. Got that.- Yeah.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Some land because I'm hoping to have a greenhouse,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- maybe get into growing my own veg. - Yeah.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55The ideal property would have to work for me.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00I've got to either have a property let or B&B,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03or if it's got outbuildings on, I'll try and use them for something.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07I'll grow things and try and sell them. I'll whittle spoons, anything,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09just to be up here and stay up here.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I can look at it and adapt it and make it work.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15And how much do you want to spend on this little endeavour?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17OK, well, I think my upper limit,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19if it's already set up with a holiday let
0:10:19 > 0:10:23and I don't have to spend a lot of money on refurbing anything,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26will probably be around £350,000.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30I don't mind living in almost like a shack,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34as long as I'm up here and I can start my business
0:10:34 > 0:10:38and my life up here, then I don't mind living in mess, you know.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41I think we can find you something a little better than a shack.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- OK.- Come on.- OK. - Let's have a look.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50For a maximum budget of £350,000,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Maxine is looking for a property
0:10:52 > 0:10:55with some olden day character.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57She needs at least two bedrooms to
0:10:57 > 0:10:59give her room for her sons to visit
0:10:59 > 0:11:00and is keen for the property
0:11:00 > 0:11:02to offer some income potential,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04such as a holiday let,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06as well as having enough land
0:11:06 > 0:11:07to grow fruit and vegetables.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09And she's happy to take on
0:11:09 > 0:11:11some renovation work if necessary.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17We've got an incredible variety of properties to tempt them with
0:11:17 > 0:11:20and at each one I'll be asking them to guess the price
0:11:20 > 0:11:22before I reveal it.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25The last stop on our search will of course be our Mystery House,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29which certainly delivers on Maxine's requirement for historic charm.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33But first, we're off to look at house number one.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Our North Wales property hunt is kicking off in the small village
0:11:41 > 0:11:45of Dinorwig, just outside the Snowdonia National Park
0:11:45 > 0:11:47and a short drive from the village of Llanberis.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Llanberis is the gateway to Mount Snowdon,
0:11:52 > 0:11:53in the heart of the National Park.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55The village has a train station
0:11:55 > 0:11:59from where it's possible to ascend the mountain by rail.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02There's a wealth of mountain and lake activities
0:12:02 > 0:12:07as well as plenty of amenities serving both locals and visitors
0:12:07 > 0:12:09who come to enjoy this spectacular scenery.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16In nearby Dinorwig, our first house is ideally located,
0:12:16 > 0:12:17sitting high above the lake
0:12:17 > 0:12:20with spectacular views of Mount Snowdon itself.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Well, this is what I thought we'd start with,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- and that view.- Wow!
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Something else, isn't it? - That's a view.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37It's wonderful. It really is wonderful. Location is fabulous.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40It's not too big. It's got a conservatory.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's got lots of windows, lots of light.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I can imagine lots of light going in there.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Cyron, what do you think of this location?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- A little bit reserved. - Oh, really, why?- Why?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It's still next to a road, so people can peer into your garden.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It is actually a dead end.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Oh, OK.- It finishes just over there. - Ah.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01But in terms of you sitting out here with your laptop composing music,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03I mean, look, Elgar had the Malverns, you've got Snowdon.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Yes, better setting.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Originally built in the 1800s,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13this scenic detached property comes with the added bonus of
0:13:13 > 0:13:18a separate annexe that has a four-star holiday let rating.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Mindful of Maxine's need to feel reassured that she can make income
0:13:21 > 0:13:25from her new home, we're going to start our tour in the annexe,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29where an entrance hall leads into the open-plan living space.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33So, come right in.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34And you can get a really good, I think,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37understanding of what is on offer here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Ah! That's pretty.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42You've obviously got bed there, kitchenette, shall we say.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45I rather like this sort of booth arrangement.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47They've basically cut an old pew in half.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- So, putting your business head on... - Yeah.- ..could you market this?
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Oh, this, definitely.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54But I'm not so sure it will give me enough income to live on.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58On a good day, it's probably about £400 a week.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02OK. Ah! That's a bit better.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03I wasn't expecting that.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Yeah, that makes a difference, then.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09I would like to stay in a place like this because, I mean,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11maybe a single person...got a bed.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14It's pretty much all compact into one space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15It's pretty much...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18No, you're not having it. It's going to be a holiday let.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Well, I think we can argue over this one all day long,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23but let's get on with the main property next-door
0:14:23 > 0:14:26cos that I hope is a place that you might share.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You never know. Just thinking aloud. Come on.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33A short walk takes us back to the main property
0:14:33 > 0:14:36where it's porched front door leads straight into
0:14:36 > 0:14:40the warm and welcoming reception oozing authentic period features.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45That is just the space that I would like to be sitting in
0:14:45 > 0:14:47with my cup of tea every night.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52It's lovely. It's really quaint and cosy. I mean, that's your typical...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Is it called Inglenook fireplace?
0:14:54 > 0:14:55It is a classic Inglenook, yeah.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Can you see your mum in here? - Yeah, it's her. It's definitely her.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That sounds like it's definitely not you.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Yeah, he doesn't like olde worlde. - It's this!
0:15:04 > 0:15:06I'm thinking I'll whack my head quite a few times.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Now, the kitchen is not enormous,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- but you didn't want an enormous kitchen/diner, did you?- Nope.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12Have a look at this. See if this would work.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- You're going to have to watch your head on this one.- Oh, look. - It's even smaller!
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Everybody through without any damage, I hope.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20But this is what you've got.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Galley arrangement. You've got a bit of a larder through there.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27And then you've got a bit of a kitchen/diner end,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- dominated again by that lovely range.- It's lovely.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's you, again. It's very you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Well, that, let's face it, is what we're after here.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- It's very important.- You are the one living here full-time. I'm passing.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41But this is very snug and cosy.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Also, of course, you're getting the heat off of the conservatory,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47which we saw when we first got here, which is again giving you
0:15:47 > 0:15:50a wonderful opportunity to enjoy those views whatever the weather.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Yeah.- And it could also double up potentially as a dining room.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56I was considering that.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- OK.- Just need to practise my cooking though.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00I'm sure it's not that bad.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- You've brought up a fairly big, strapping lad, there.- True, yeah.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Haven't poisoned me yet. - No, not yet.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I think the banter proves that
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Maxine and Cyron are both feeling at home
0:16:10 > 0:16:14and seeing the potential in this country cottage.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17There's also a snug next to the main reception room
0:16:17 > 0:16:21and stairs which lead to the three-bedroom accommodation.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23At the rear of the house,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25there's a large double with two windows,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27as well as a smaller double.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Then, to the front of the house,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32above the main reception, lies the largest of the bedrooms.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35These are all served by a family bathroom.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41And there's more outside. The annexe has its own garden and parking.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Whilst in the grounds of the main house,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46a useful workshop provides further options for Maxine
0:16:46 > 0:16:48and Cyron to wrestle with.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50There we go.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53So, I think we agree this is quite an interesting package,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- but is it affordable?- Mm.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58OK. So, who's going to go first?
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- Let's put Cyron on the spot. - The unlucky one.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04I would say about 280.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I would have thought, with this view,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09it's going to be at least 300,000.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Now, this is a turn-up for the books, isn't it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- He's nearly right. - No! He's always right.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Usually gets it right.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Well, he's not perfectly right.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21To be precise, it's on the market for £275,000.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Oh, wow! OK.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Right, then, off you go. Have a wander around.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- OK.- And I will come and find you a little bit later on.- Right.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34£75,000 below Maxine's top budget,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37this beautifully situated 1800s house
0:17:37 > 0:17:40has both income potential and charm.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43The main house offers original features
0:17:43 > 0:17:45and a conservatory with extensive views,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48as well as one more bedroom than she's asked for.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Then there's the self-contained annexe
0:17:51 > 0:17:53that could be offered as a holiday let.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55What's more, there's also a useful workshop
0:17:55 > 0:17:59that could possibly provide studio space for Cyron's music
0:17:59 > 0:18:01when he's back from university.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05I do actually like the house. I like the quirky nature of it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07I like the low ceilings.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11It's got these great massive thick walls,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and it looks like it's going to stay in this spot for many,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16many years to come.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Having that view is something to just get up and think,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21"Oh, I'm on holiday."
0:18:21 > 0:18:24And you could do that every day for the rest of your life.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25- Our time is up, I'm afraid.- OK.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Keep this one in mind though... - I will.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30..because I think this is one you should not forget in a hurry.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33It's a really good option. Come on, then. Let's go.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35After you, sir. CYRON CHUCKLES
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Looks like he needs feeding. - He does.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Before the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49the Welsh economy was predominately agricultural,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52and making a living from the land
0:18:52 > 0:18:55is still a central part of many North Wales communities.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00However, over 80% of Welsh farmland is designated less favoured due to
0:19:00 > 0:19:05natural features of the climate and landscape, so can offer a challenge.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09As Maxine is keen to make a success of growing her own food here,
0:19:09 > 0:19:14we've arranged for her to meet prized vegetable producer Medwyn Williams.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17He's president of the National Vegetable Society
0:19:17 > 0:19:19and a multiple gold medallist at Chelsea, no less.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21What's more, he's willing to share
0:19:21 > 0:19:24some of his tried and tested tips and tricks.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Welcome to you here on my nursery on Anglesey.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30How did you get into producing your own produce?
0:19:30 > 0:19:33I was just about seven or eight years old.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35My father was a farm worker.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37He turned over a bit of soil in his garden,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40about a square yard, and he gave me three packets of seeds
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and they were radish, mustard and cress.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45And I invited my friend Gareth over.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47We had a big sandwich of radish,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49mustard and cress with lots of salad cream on it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And from then on, I think I was hooked.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54I just love growing vegetables.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58When I move to Wales, I'm interested in starting my own veg plot
0:19:58 > 0:20:00and I wondered what to start with.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02The best thing to do is
0:20:02 > 0:20:05to have a good think what vegetables you like to eat.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Knowing the soil is very important.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Dad's saying was, "There's no such thing as poor soil.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14"You get out of it what you put into it." And that's very true.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Come alone with me to the greenhouse.- Right.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Medwyn grows 45 different types of vegetables here in Anglesey,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26many of which you're not likely to find at your local greengrocer.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Well, we've gathered a few vegetables together for you now.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35This is not a rugby ball, much as I'd like it to be,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- but it is actually a big onion.- No! No way!
0:20:38 > 0:20:41And that weighs about 5, 6 lbs.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44One thing's caught my eye is those things over there.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- What do you mean? The leeks?- Yes.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Well, let's go have a look at it, shall we?- Not ordinary ones either.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Legend has it that Welsh soldiers once put leeks in their helmets
0:20:53 > 0:20:56to identify themselves in battle,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58whilst local superstition holds
0:20:58 > 0:21:00that if a girl puts a leek under her pillow,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03she'll dream about her future husband.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07True or not, Medwyn's leeks are certainly of mythical proportions.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Well, these are the leeks. Quite proud of these, actually.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16They're not your regular size.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18To create his supersize specimens,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Medwyn grows not from seed but from something called a bulbil,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25produced by removing the top of a leek,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28stripping the remaining barrel and planting it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31When the plant forms a flower head in the spring, it's cut back.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Now, these have all come from one head.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37So, it's very simple, really.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Just grab one.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Cos if you do a good job, we know you're in danger of being
0:21:41 > 0:21:43employed here when you live around here, when you buy a house.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45I wouldn't mind that at all.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Are you doing well?- I am.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Well, you've only got another 1,000 or so to do, so...
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Oh, no!- ..how about staying on and finishing that?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Good luck with your house-hunting. Come here any time you like.- I will.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57I'll be back for advice.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Definitely back for seeds.- If you've got any problems, let me know.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- Thank you.- OK, keep going, then. Don't stop.- Oh!
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Let's hope today's planting yields another bumper crop,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09as we turn our attention back to
0:22:09 > 0:22:14finding Maxine somewhere to lay down her own roots here in North Wales.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Our property search is taking us to the small village of Rhosgadfan,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27five miles south of the town of Caernarfon.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29A royal town and port,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Caernarfon has been settled since prehistoric times.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Despite his name and persistent attempts,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37William the Conqueror never did conquer Wales.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Indeed, it was only in the 13th century that the invading English
0:22:41 > 0:22:43finally took hold of the region,
0:22:43 > 0:22:47promptly erecting the highly fortified castle at Caernarfon
0:22:47 > 0:22:51to act as an administrative centre and to maintain rule.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55These days the streets are more likely to be invaded by tourists,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59where the draw of history and scenic beauty has seen a plethora
0:22:59 > 0:23:03of business pop up to cater to the influx of visitors.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08And five miles away in the wonderful Welsh countryside of Rhosgadfan is
0:23:08 > 0:23:11the next cottage I want to present them.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Well, Maxine, look at that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15That is the Llyn Peninsula,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19this mountainous finger of land that points out into the Irish Sea,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- which is looking particularly calm today, I must say.- It's beautiful.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- But that's what I want you to really take in.- Oh, wow!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32One of the first things I was going to do when I got my little cottage
0:23:32 > 0:23:35was to paint the door and the window frames red.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- Well, look, we've done it for you. - Yeah, it's already done.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40And what do you think, Cyron?
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- I have reservations.- No! No!
0:23:43 > 0:23:45I'm really excited about this one.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- It's an idyllic spot, this. - Yes, it is nice though.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Come on. Let's see what you think.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Well, that's certainly a very positive first impression
0:23:55 > 0:23:56for this Welsh cottage,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58from Maxine at least.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Once used as a quarryman's home and smallholding,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05the Grade II listed property was built around 1800.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08But we're not taking that eye-catching red front door,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11we're starting our tour in the conservatory,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14which was added by the current owners around eight years ago.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Well, let's start with this
0:24:17 > 0:24:20cos I think this is a really, really interesting space,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24and it's made such a difference to the footprint of this property.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27You can use this, of course, all year round, but I think for those
0:24:27 > 0:24:30really cosy wintry evenings you're going to love the living room.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32It's through here.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36There. How about this?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Lovely! I knew it would be, I knew it would be.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41It's gorgeous, it's gorgeous.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46And it's a really good shape to use. Ah, I love it!
0:24:46 > 0:24:47I know it's going to sound funny,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50but I was going to get a carpet like this to go with my red door,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53you know, cos I know the colour fits in places like this.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54Come and have a look at the kitchen.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- You might need to duck here, Cyron. - Yeah, duck.- Oh, gosh!
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Do watch your head, but it's well worth it cos this is what you get.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It just gets better and better.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- Got to agree with that, actually. - You like that?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Cos it's quite olde worlde. - Yeah, I like this.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11It feels modern but still rustic.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- It's got more head height. - Yeah.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It's just wonderful. I wouldn't change anything.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20It seems this home is almost made for Maxine,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23who not only has warmed to the space,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25but also the style of what she's seen so far.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30There are three bedrooms all reached via the kitchen.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33The first, a good size double, is down a hallway,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35next to which sits the family bathroom
0:25:35 > 0:25:38featuring a roll top bath and shower.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Directly off the kitchen is a very small bedroom
0:25:42 > 0:25:46that the current owners use for their chocolate making business.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49And up a couple of steps is the largest of the three rooms,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51which Maxine could use for herself.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Now, you could have this as a guest room,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59but this is what the current owners use as their room.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- I'd keep it as my bedroom. I love that window.- Hm.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- And the beams.- It's a nice feature. - And the dark furniture.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- It's just me.- The key thing, of course, is affording it.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- OK.- Let's have a discussion outside as to what the future may hold.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Maxine's heart already seems won over
0:26:16 > 0:26:19by this cosy former quarryman's cottage.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22And outside, there's even more to captivate her.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26The sizable 1.8 acres of land includes
0:26:26 > 0:26:29a terrace for al fresco dining.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32A games room offers possible business options,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35plus there's a static caravan with power and plumbing
0:26:35 > 0:26:38that could be rented to bring in income.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And it all benefits from the incredible outlook.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- Look at that.- Oh, wow!
0:26:44 > 0:26:48So, how far do you think is your £350,000 going to go
0:26:48 > 0:26:51with this particular property, Maxine?
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Not far. It's just too ideal.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57It's got to be top of my budget,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- 350 at least, if not more.- Cy?
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- I'm going to say about 320.- 320.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- I mean, 350 is affordable, technically.- Yeah.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09320 is even more affordable.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- 295,000, however, makes it really affordable.- Wow!
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Oh, that's really good.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- What do you think about that, mate? - Awestruck.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- OK.- I did not expect it whatsoever.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- It really felt like it was too good to be true.- With all this land!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- You've got a lot to think about. - Yeah.- Go on, off you go.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27Have a wander around
0:27:27 > 0:27:30and I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36£55,000 shy of their top budget,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I think this Grade II listed former quarryman's cottage
0:27:39 > 0:27:42might well be Maxine's dream country home.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46The single-storey accommodation has enough bedrooms for Cyron
0:27:46 > 0:27:48and his brother to visit.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Then, outside, there's a games room
0:27:50 > 0:27:53plus a static caravan that could offer income opportunities.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55And what's more, there's a generous amount of land
0:27:55 > 0:28:00and the plot boasts incredible views of the mountains and sea.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I really, really like this house.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07The style, spookily, is my style.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09My mum would definitely have a beautiful life here,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11being able to slow down, unwind, relax,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13all the words you can think of!
0:28:13 > 0:28:17It's definitely something idyllic for her, and she loves the red door.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I don't think you can show me anything better than this one,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I'd be very surprised.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24You know, this place really is exceptional.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- I can't believe the weather. - It's gorgeous.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- And I can't believe we found you such a bargain.- It's just perfect.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32The whole lot is just perfect.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35What do you think of this house-hunting lark, then?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Well, this one's definitely a check in my book.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Yay! Good. Let's write a cheque. Come on.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Maxine from the Buckinghamshire borough of Milton Keynes
0:28:54 > 0:28:59is with son Cyron, hoping to find her perfect home in North Wales.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01We've already shown them some great property
0:29:01 > 0:29:05that could give her the lifestyle and income she needs.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07But there's still more to see.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09And the Mystery House could well offer
0:29:09 > 0:29:12all the historic character she's after.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I've been itching to show this to you all week.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- Wow!- It is a wow, isn't it?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- Ooh!- Pretty impressive focal point.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23And I'm finding out how some old-fashioned shepherding
0:29:23 > 0:29:27is being used to help maintain the dramatic slopes of Mount Snowdon.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- There's a great degree of cunning involved in this, isn't there?- Yes.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Well, as you can see, the sun is shining on our final day
0:29:38 > 0:29:40of house-hunting here in North Wales.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42And the thing I really love about this region
0:29:42 > 0:29:44is that it offers, I think,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47the best of both worlds - stunning mountain scenery
0:29:47 > 0:29:49along with some pretty gorgeous coastline as well.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53It also today, of course, contains our Mystery House.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Now, this is a property that I think will test Maxine's earlier assertion
0:29:57 > 0:29:59that she was up for a bit of a project.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01And as for Cyron, well,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03this is definitely a building in which
0:30:03 > 0:30:04he's not going to bang his head.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06So, let's see what they think of it.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Our mystery offering is located
0:30:14 > 0:30:16four and half miles south of Caernarfon,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19in the small village of Bethesda Bach,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21within half a mile of the coast at Dinas Dinlle.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Dinas Dinlle is a small seaside settlement.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33the beach here is a mix of pebble and sand.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36And our mystery property is just a short walk away.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41There you go.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43It's lovely frontage.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46That really is a lovely-looking house.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Have you worked out what it was?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51There's a big mill stone there.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- Yeah. It's an old mill.- OK.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- It's lived up to its mysterious name.- Yeah.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03The lower floor could become a self-contained holiday let or B&B.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06OK, OK. I love the stonework.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11There is as much stonework visible on the inside as on the outside.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- Sounds good.- That's rustic.- OK.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Come on. Let's see what you think.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Built around 1706,
0:31:18 > 0:31:22this former mill house was once part of a large estate.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23Arranged over three floors,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27we're entering via a door that leads into the ground floor,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30which could perhaps be used as a self-contained holiday let.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Its unique hallway features a dining area at one end
0:31:33 > 0:31:35and a kitchen at the other.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Oh! Oh, wow!- Yes?- Yes.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- You like it?- Yeah.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Yeah, I love it. I love the stone.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Come this way.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49I love it.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50I love it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55It's so solid and it's all higgledy-piggledy, you know,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57I love it.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01It's definitely at the other end of the spectrum of what I like.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03It's too far gone for you.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Yeah, it's a bit too much of what my mum likes.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Have we pushed you over the edge?
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Is it too historic?- I think so.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12I mean, you could, of course,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- just leave all this here and do B&B down here.- Yeah.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20But I think the holiday let idea down here is a really simple fix
0:32:20 > 0:32:23cos it is only just removing that staircase, which is easy.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Yeah.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27The historic character of our Mystery House
0:32:27 > 0:32:29is certainly charming Maxine.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32And if she did decide to offer this floor as a holiday let,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35her guests would also have two bedrooms,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38both of which are currently configured as twin rooms
0:32:38 > 0:32:40and served by a family bathroom.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44The two upper floors can be accessed via a bridge on
0:32:44 > 0:32:46the other side of the property,
0:32:46 > 0:32:47but we're taking the stairs
0:32:47 > 0:32:51which take us up to a large landing and snug.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56I'm thinking this might be your kitchen area...
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- OK.- ..if you were to convert downstairs.- OK.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00I can see that.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Can you see it, really? - Yeah, I can, actually.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05It would all flow very nicely into this room,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- and I think you would not want to change this into a kitchen.- OK.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11You'll see why. Come and have a look.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- I've been itching to show this to you all week.- Wow!
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- It is a wow, isn't it?- Ooh!
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Pretty impressive focal point. - It's a castle.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24I mean, look at the ceiling. I think that's just been beautifully done.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28It's beautiful. It's really got the quirkiness I was looking for.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- Yeah.- Nobody else is going to have a house like this.- Oh, no!- No.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37And then up there, the last bit to see, your master bedroom.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- You get your own sort of eyrie, as it were.- Eyrie?
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Well, imagine waking up every morning
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- and coming down to see all this. - Yeah.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48So, finally, here we are -
0:33:48 > 0:33:51the top floor and your room.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- Yeah, it's a decent size. - Your en suite...
0:33:54 > 0:33:58I dare say you might turn to something a little more neutral.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- And again, this lovely architecture of the roof.- Beautiful.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- Yeah, it's really quirky. It's individual.- Is it you?
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Yeah, it is. - I thought it would be, yeah.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09But, of course, it's all going to come down to the price, isn't it?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- Mm.- Come on. Let's talk about that.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Well, Maxine does seem to be impressed
0:34:16 > 0:34:18by the individual character and layout
0:34:18 > 0:34:20of this 18th century mill house.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Outside, a plot of around an acre
0:34:23 > 0:34:26includes a small manageable garden and a paddock.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30There's also a large stone outbuilding that was once the mill
0:34:30 > 0:34:32and is currently used as a garage
0:34:32 > 0:34:35that could be put to a range of uses.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37It's an impressive building.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39I'm trying to get my head round rejigging things, you know,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42without spoiling the look of the place.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- Difficult one.- Make me an offer on our mystery mill.- Yeah. Wow!
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Well, it's really impressive.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51I'm going to go for 300,000.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53I'm actually going to say 290.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58- Interesting. It's on at £295,000. - Hmm, OK.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- Lots to mull over.- Yeah.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04You keep giving me these different ideas and I'm getting a headache.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05Go and have a wander around
0:35:05 > 0:35:08and I will catch up with the pair of you later on.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18A significant £55,000 below budget,
0:35:18 > 0:35:19our 18th century mystery mill
0:35:19 > 0:35:23gives Maxine even more to think about.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26It has all the character features she could wish for
0:35:26 > 0:35:29whilst the three storey layout lends itself to separate living quarters
0:35:29 > 0:35:32and a ground floor holiday let.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35There's also a large stone outbuilding
0:35:35 > 0:35:37and it all sits on an acre of land
0:35:37 > 0:35:39within easy reach of the sea.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43The Mystery House certainly has lived up to its title.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46It caught me out, actually. The living room here,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48with these beautiful high stone walls
0:35:48 > 0:35:50and the beautiful wooden ceiling
0:35:50 > 0:35:52and the majestic fireplace
0:35:52 > 0:35:53is just wonderful.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I feel like I'm sitting in my own castle.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58It was something that's not to my taste.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00It's definitely to my mum's taste,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02and this is basically her perfect property.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Right, then. We've shown you as much as we can show you.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08It is now time for you to go away, the pair of you,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11talk about it and hopefully come up with a plan for the future.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- OK.- Come on. Let's go.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It may be intensely beautiful to look at,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27but much of Snowdonia is also working farmland,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31the often harsh terrain being particularly suited to sheep.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Whilst the image of herds on the hills maybe a picturesque one,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38livestock can damage this environment.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Arwyn Owen manages a 4,500-acre sheep farm
0:36:42 > 0:36:44within the National Park.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47I've come to meet him to find out how he's combining
0:36:47 > 0:36:48the need to graze his flock
0:36:48 > 0:36:51with a new and exciting conservation project.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56What a place to work - the National Park in Snowdonia.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00I mean, this is many people's ideal escape,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03particularly for a holiday or a walk.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06But as well as managing your flock, you're also managing the landscape
0:37:06 > 0:37:09and that's encouraged a new initiative.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13One thing we do here is we monitor the impact of how the animals graze.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15We have an ecologist who goes out
0:37:15 > 0:37:18and actually looks what the impact has been on the plants.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22And what we were finding was the animals were still grazing areas
0:37:22 > 0:37:24that we didn't want them to graze too heavily,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27and then there were other parts of this valley,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30specifically the valley floor, that weren't being grazed heavily enough.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33The problem is something known as hefting.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Left to their own devices,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38sheep develop a preference for grazing certain areas,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42which they pass down and reinforce over generations.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44In order to break this hefting habit
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and establish new sustainable patterns,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Arwyn has returned to the old method of a man and his dogs.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Previously, the sheep did their own thing,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56now there's someone here, a shepherd here,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and he's moving sheep from areas which are most sensitive
0:37:59 > 0:38:01to those areas that need more grazing.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05It's a joy to watch a good shepherd working dogs
0:38:05 > 0:38:08and how they understand how the sheep will move,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10how the dogs work them.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14And it's a joy I'm going to share today
0:38:14 > 0:38:17as Arwyn is taking me to see Bryn Griffiths,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19who's been shepherding since he was ten years old,
0:38:19 > 0:38:23with his three Border Collies - Meg, Non and Pero.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Hello, Bryn.- Hiya. - Bryn's been with us two years now,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31so he knows these mountains pretty well. You've walked, I guess,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- pretty much every inch of them by now, Bryn.- Yeah.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39It's a big job, Bryn, trying to keep an eye on hundreds of sheep
0:38:39 > 0:38:43in a landscape which gives them plenty of places to hide away in,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- I'm sure.- Yeah. It's quite the task.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50I took about a good two months to know the pattern of the sheep,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52the way they naturally move.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54I'm starting to know which ones are where
0:38:54 > 0:38:56and how to get them from there now, yeah.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59I mean, there is a psychological element to this,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- which is kind of interesting. - Oh, yeah.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Well, they say that sheep are not smart,
0:39:04 > 0:39:10but I've learnt a different side to that since I've been up here.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Well, I'd love to see the dogs working, Bryn.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- Yeah, no worries. Follow me, I'll show you.- Let's have a look.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20With 2,000 sheep to watch seven days a week,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Arwyn recently decided to expand operations
0:39:23 > 0:39:25by advertising for a second shepherd.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28He was shocked by the flood of applicants
0:39:28 > 0:39:30from as far afield as Norway.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34But, for the moment, it's just Bryn, Meg, Non and Pero,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37working pockets of sheep away from the higher ground
0:39:37 > 0:39:40and towards the grass of the valley floor.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- These dogs can't wait. - No, they're itching to go.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Using a series of whistles and calls, Bryn directs his dogs
0:39:49 > 0:39:52to encourage the ewes to take the tracks to the lower ground.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56HE WHISTLES
0:39:56 > 0:39:58HE GIVES COMMAND
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Bryn's commands, he's commanding the dog to go left and right.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- Yeah.- And there's one command for it to walk on.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- Yeah.- And then obviously stop.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- There's a great degree of cunning involved in this, isn't there?- Yes.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12And you've got several minds at work.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14You've got the sheep, of course,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17you've got the shepherd and the dogs,
0:40:17 > 0:40:20so everybody is involved in this great sort of interplay.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25And ultimately the sheep as well know that we've got
0:40:25 > 0:40:28a little bit more control over them than they thought that we had.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30LAUGHTER
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It's been a real pleasure to witness farming
0:40:34 > 0:40:37and conservation going hand in hand,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40protecting this landscape for generations to come.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I think that catching a glimpse of the shepherds working these hills
0:40:43 > 0:40:47can only enhance the experience for the tens of thousands of walkers
0:40:47 > 0:40:49who currently take the footpaths through the valley
0:40:49 > 0:40:51each and every year.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57When we first met Maxine, she gave us two challenges, really.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00The first was to find her a home, but the second was to find her
0:41:00 > 0:41:03some sort of business idea that might go with it.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Well, we've certainly given her plenty to think about,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07loads of options, really.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09But have we managed to find anything that's truly viable?
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Well, there is, of course, only one way to find out
0:41:12 > 0:41:13and that's to go and ask her.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Well, there is one property. Let me guess.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- Oh, is it the little cottage with the red door?- Yes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Yes! Of course it is.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Yeah, it was just perfect.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32You know, the view is stunning.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36I don't have to walk up a hill or around the corner for a view,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38I can just enjoy it as it is.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40What happens next, then?
0:41:40 > 0:41:44As soon as I can, I'm going to contact the agent
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and find out some more details about the property
0:41:47 > 0:41:50with the view of trying to buy the property.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And you'll be just down the road for at least another year or so
0:41:53 > 0:41:55at Bangor University so, actually,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58you've got somewhere to come and do the washing.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Are you pleased?- I am very pleased.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- Good. Are you pleased? - Yes, very much.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Phew! That means I am.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07We wish you all the best of luck.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08I can't wait to hear the good news.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Let's cross everything
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- that you finally manage to secure it.- Thank you.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- And good luck with the rest of your studies, mate.- Thank you.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Well, if like me you're a fan of landscape painting,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27I'm sure you'll agree that that is a near-perfect composition.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30This is one of my favourite views of Snowdonia.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33When I think of North Wales, that is what I picture -
0:42:33 > 0:42:37the view south down the Llanberis Pass towards Snowdon,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39wreathed in cloud.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41And it's this sort of rather dreamy image
0:42:41 > 0:42:45that's helped lead Maxine back here to find a new home.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47And now, with any luck, well, she's got one.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49So, that's it from us,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52but I'm going to leave you with that.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I'll see you next time.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57If you would like to Escape to the Country in
0:42:57 > 0:43:01England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and would like our help,
0:43:01 > 0:43:03then please apply online at...