0:00:02 > 0:00:04Of the thousands of villages across England and Wales, 53 of them,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07including the one I'm in today, are known as Thankful Villages.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11In a moment, I'll tell you why, and where I am.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Today's search is about family ties
0:00:32 > 0:00:36as I'm with a lady returning to her roots to be nearer her parents.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39I'm feeling this is a good speechless.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Yeah, it's giving me goose bumps. It's lovely.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47But it's not all smooth sailing with my straight-talking buyer.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Deal-breaker.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in North Yorkshire, in the Thankful Village of Scruton.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02It's a term which came about in the 1930s and describes a village
0:01:02 > 0:01:06such as this, as one that lost no men during the First World War,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10and all those who went off to serve king and country came home again.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And it's a gorgeous county to come home to.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19North Yorkshire lies in the north of England and is the largest
0:01:19 > 0:01:24of the four counties that make up the historic region of Yorkshire.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Dominated by its two beautiful and characterful national parks,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33the famous Yorkshire Dales boasts some of the finest limestone scenery
0:01:33 > 0:01:34in the UK.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Its fields and pastures
0:01:36 > 0:01:39are crisscrossed by distinctive dry-stone walls
0:01:39 > 0:01:42that now look a natural part of the scenery.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45To the east, the landscape of the Moors
0:01:45 > 0:01:47is the wildest of the two parks,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51whose expanse of heather moorland provided the atmospheric backdrop
0:01:51 > 0:01:55for Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte's only novel.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Dotted throughout the county are market towns and villages,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01like historic Helmsley and Thornton-le-Dale,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05thought by many to be the prettiest in the national park.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07If it's photo opportunities you're after,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11the view from Sutton Bank was described by author James Herriot
0:02:11 > 0:02:14as the finest in England.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17In the mining village of Glaisdale, you'll find Beggar's Bridge,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21built in the 1619 by Thomas Ferries,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24after he and his sweetheart were stranded from one another
0:02:24 > 0:02:27when the waters became too treacherous to cross.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29So, be it bridges or even Bronte sisters,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33the fascinating Yorkshire landscape has inspired many romantic tales,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35both fact and fiction.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41If it's space you're after, then North Yorkshire could be for you.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43As well as being England's largest county,
0:02:43 > 0:02:4740% of it is made up by the two national parks.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49And as well as all this gorgeous scenery,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53the prices here for houses are pretty attractive, too.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57The average price for a detached property is around 281,000 -
0:02:57 > 0:03:00that's 18,000 lower than the national figure.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Although, those prices do jump up if you're looking for a postcode
0:03:03 > 0:03:05within the national parks.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07So what about today's buyer?
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Well, she's not so much escaping to the country as returning to it,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14having been born and bred here.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19Retired sales manager Ann currently lives in the city of Cardiff.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23She met friend Shona when she moved to the Welsh capital for work
0:03:23 > 0:03:2435 years ago.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27My relationship with Shona
0:03:27 > 0:03:33is one of mutual likes of shopping
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and going to spas.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39We never argue. I can't remember ever arguing.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Ann is great company.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46She's also a very typical Yorkshire person, I would say -
0:03:46 > 0:03:51very forthright in her opinions - which I like.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Buying and selling houses regularly,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Ann has worked her way up the property ladder over the years
0:03:56 > 0:03:58to achieve a home she's really proud of.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03My present house is a big four-bedroom detached.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08I've got a fantastic garden with all my friends who come to visit,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13as in my squirrels, and my hedgehog and all the birds that I feed.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15It's the perfect house for me at the moment.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16Ann is very stylish
0:04:16 > 0:04:19and very good interior designer, I would say.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24She's redesigned the interior of this house several times.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27And it always looks stunning, I think.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Whilst she's enjoyed her years spent in Wales,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Ann has recently felt a pull back to her Yorkshire roots.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37My parents are in their late 80s.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43My father, in particular, has had a few health issues.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46My plan is to actually just be there if they need me,
0:04:46 > 0:04:47if they need to do things,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51but also to take them for a run out and have them round for lunch
0:04:51 > 0:04:52and just do things.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57Just, you know, appreciate them while they're still around.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Although the move is predominantly one of practicality,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04there are number of things Ann's missed about her home county.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09Yorkshire is just a fabulous county, full of beauty, full of history,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11and full of Yorkshire people,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15who are the friendliest people you can meet, I think.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Her friends have promised to visit regularly and to make sure she
0:05:18 > 0:05:22picks the right property, with plenty of space for guests,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Shona's coming along to support her on her search.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I think Ann may have chosen me to help because I'm such
0:05:28 > 0:05:30a level-headed, sensible person
0:05:30 > 0:05:33and I will give her an honest opinion as well.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37I love that part of the world, so it won't be a hardship going to visit.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40We might overstay our welcome from time to time.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41No, it's fine, it's fine.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Although Ann currently lives in a new-build home,
0:05:44 > 0:05:48for her next move, she'd like somewhere she can put own stamp on.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51The challenge will be to find somewhere she likes
0:05:51 > 0:05:53as much as her a current home in
0:05:53 > 0:05:57a location that works for Ann, her parents, and her visiting guests.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58There's a lot to consider,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02but with a clear goal in sight, Ann isn't fazed.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07I think waking up the first day in the new home is going to be
0:06:07 > 0:06:10a great feeling, cos it's going to be the start of a new era,
0:06:10 > 0:06:16it's going to be the start of my masterplan coming to fruition.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Ann wants to be around 45 minutes
0:06:21 > 0:06:23from her parents in Middlesbrough,
0:06:23 > 0:06:24so we're concentrating our search
0:06:24 > 0:06:26in the centre of the county,
0:06:26 > 0:06:27where the villages and towns
0:06:27 > 0:06:29have good road access to the north.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31I've got the location down,
0:06:31 > 0:06:36now I just need to find out what Ann's looking for in a property.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Ann, Shona, good morning! - Good morning.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Welcome to North Yorkshire,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- or should that be, welcome home to North Yorkshire?- Yes, yes.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- When did you leave?- 1978.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Um, went to London, then obviously, on to Wales a few years later.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53So, key things about this property?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Key things are, I'd ideally eventually want three bedrooms
0:06:57 > 0:06:59cos I'm prepared to do a renovation.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I want a nice...one of these big kitchens,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03very similar to my one at home now,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07that's kind of like a living-kitchen and a nice garden I can potter
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and just do a bit of, you know, a bit of vegetables.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And how important is community in this search?
0:07:12 > 0:07:13How rural can we take you?
0:07:13 > 0:07:17I would like to be within the edge of a village.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21I don't want neighbours on top of me type thing, and very close.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23But I don't want to be rural.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27And, Shona, Ann looks like a lady who really knows her mind.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Will you know what she wants when you see it, too?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I think I will know what she wants when she sees it.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36However, what she's looking for now is something quite different from
0:07:36 > 0:07:38anything she's ever lived in before.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I'm used to living in very old properties, doing things with them
0:07:42 > 0:07:44and Ann has always lived in something very modern in the past,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48but she's looking forward to looking for something a bit more rural
0:07:48 > 0:07:50and a bit more...dilapidated.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52SHONA LAUGHS Something that needs...
0:07:52 > 0:07:54I shouldn't have said anything about that!
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Something that needs bit of work. - Yeah.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- And what do you not want us to show you?- Semidetached.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01OK!
0:08:01 > 0:08:04There's no arguing with that!
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Yeah, I definitely...
0:08:06 > 0:08:07It has to be detached.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10So, is Shona here actually to support me in this search?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- I might need it!- It's very likely!
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Just remind me what your budget is again?
0:08:15 > 0:08:19Well, my top budget, absolute top budget is 500,000.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Well, the sun is shining for us. Shall we get this search under way?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- I'd love to.- Come on then, let's look.- I'm looking forward to it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29So, with a budget of £500,000,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Ann's hoping to get a three-bedroom property,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35with a spacious kitchen and good-sized garden to grow some veg.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36She'd like a project,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39but any work would have to be factored into the budget.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Last but by no means least, she's after a detached property,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46but she doesn't want to be too isolated
0:08:46 > 0:08:49so would like to be in or near a village.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54We've got three fantastic properties,
0:08:54 > 0:08:59all of which are great contenders to become Ann's new Yorkshire home.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03I'll be asking the ladies to guess the price of each before I reveal it
0:09:03 > 0:09:07and for our final offering, the Mystery House -
0:09:07 > 0:09:10we're throwing the wish list to one side and showing Ann a property
0:09:10 > 0:09:13she won't be expecting.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Our first stop is the village of Alne.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24This peaceful, pretty village is home to a well-regarded pub
0:09:24 > 0:09:25and a church.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29There's an active community with a number of sporting clubs for locals
0:09:29 > 0:09:33and an unusual local shop in the form of a street cart.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Locals leave their money in exchange for fresh local produce.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38Once a year in the summer
0:09:38 > 0:09:42the village also plays host to a popular street fair.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45It's close to the junction of the A19,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48which would offer Ann a direct route to her parents in Middlesbrough.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50The house we're seeing is on the edge of the village
0:09:50 > 0:09:53on an attractive, mature plot.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57So here we are, property one.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I like the look of it. I like the look of it, yeah.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Shona?- It's certainly got a feel of an older property.- Yes. Yeah.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06My only observation now would be the houses.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- The neighbours are quite close. - Yeah, overlooking.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11But it's very impressive. It's very pretty.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12But the look of the house is great.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15I'm getting the sense you want to get in there, don't you?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- You're like, "OK, let's just go in," yeah?- Stop talking.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Come on, come on, let's go and explore!
0:10:20 > 0:10:24This detached house was built in 1910 and it's been extended twice
0:10:24 > 0:10:27to create a fabulous five-bedroom home.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31OK, come on through, ladies, into the sitting room
0:10:31 > 0:10:33and if you come down to this end of the room,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35you can really get a sense of how big it is.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37What do you think?
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Yes, I like the size.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Um, unusual with the L-shape.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Shona, what do you think? - I think it's a lovely space.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Really lovely living space and the sun floating in through the windows,
0:10:49 > 0:10:50- just super, isn't it?- Mm.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Now, you mentioned the L-shape of this room.- Mm.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Well, downstairs you have a study that we passed on the way in...
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Uh-huh.- ..and we also have a study behind you here.- Oh, right.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- But...- I don't have to study twice, though, do I?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04THEY LAUGH
0:11:04 > 0:11:06They've had an architect in, the current owners,
0:11:06 > 0:11:07to look at this space.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09You could just knock that wall down...
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Knock it through, build back and make this bigger..
0:11:11 > 0:11:14..And then have a really gorgeous open living-entertaining space.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Yes, yes. I need to see more.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Would you like to see more? - Absolutely, let's go.- OK.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Kitchen's just behind us. Come this way.- OK, good.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Ann certainly knows what she's looking for this search and so far,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I'm loving her enthusiasm.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Into your kitchen-breakfast space. What do you think?
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's... I love it. Yeah, I mean, I love the colours,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41I like the sink.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45It's probably a little bit smaller than I was wanting,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49cos I was wanting it more of a kitchen-living,
0:11:49 > 0:11:51but as it is, it's a nice kitchen, yes.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Shona, could you see Ann cooking here?
0:11:54 > 0:11:55I wouldn't see Ann cooking anywhere.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- That wouldn't be my first thought. - All the secrets!
0:11:58 > 0:12:00But it's a lovely compact kitchen.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03I mean, it would be nice for cooking if you did much.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05And you can eat in here as well...
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- It'll take a microwave! - THEY LAUGH
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- There's lots of natural light, too. - Yes.- It's a super space, I think.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- You mentioned bedrooms to me earlier - you wanted three.- Yes.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- This place has five. Shona, would you lead the way?- I will.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- All right. Yeah.- Five.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20QUIETLY: So far, so good!
0:12:22 > 0:12:25The stairs are at the front of the property off the main entrance hall,
0:12:25 > 0:12:30where there's also a useful utility space, WC and a larder.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Upstairs, there are five decent-sized double bedrooms,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37which share the use of a family bathroom.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- So this room is currently being used as the master bedroom.- Right.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- What do you think? - I think the size is fine, yes.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49I think there's obviously a sink over there,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52but I think as a master bedroom, it should have an en-suite.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54But, as you've said, there's five bedrooms
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and I only really want a good three,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00then there's two to play with, so it might be just a reconfiguration
0:13:00 > 0:13:01that needs doing.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- I can feel the cogs working. You're trying to work out...- Oh, yeah.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05My head is going, "Zzh-zzh," yeah.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Well, it's time to pop outside to the garden and start thinking about
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- what this house would be on the market for.- Right. OK.- OK.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'Although this house is ready to move into, there's certainly
0:13:16 > 0:13:20'enough of a project here for Ann to sink her teeth into.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21'Outside, there's a large'
0:13:21 > 0:13:25detached garage and a secluded patio just off the kitchen area.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28The main garden is to the front of the house,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31making the most of the southerly aspect.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34So, here we are, back in the garden.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37You've got established fruit trees, apple trees.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Shona, do you think this would work for Ann?
0:13:39 > 0:13:42I do and there's plenty of room for the vegetables plot or more beds
0:13:42 > 0:13:44if she wanted, and she likes her birds.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47There's lots of wild birds in this garden, it's lovely.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Ann, I am sensing, there's a little something that's holding you back
0:13:51 > 0:13:52- with this one.- It is.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54It's the proximity of all the other properties.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58And particularly at the back, I would feel surrounded.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02Well, OK. Time to guess the price.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05What do you think this property is on the market for?
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I would say...420.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09OK.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Shona?- Oh, I think it'd probably be more than that cos it's
0:14:12 > 0:14:15a super location and there's lots of potential in the house itself,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17so I'd say about 450.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21This property is on the market for 475.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Oh.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Yeah, I mean, I'm not surprised.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Well, now you know the price, time to have another explore, I think.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- OK.- I'll catch up with you in a bit. - OK, thanks.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Coming in £25,000 under budget,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42this extended property has two more bedrooms than Ann asked for
0:14:42 > 0:14:45and downstairs it offers plenty of project potential
0:14:45 > 0:14:47to reconfigure the layout.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51There's a lovely large garden and it's in a great village location,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54just 45 minutes' drive to Ann's parents in Middlesbrough.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Yes, I think, you see, what we could do with this,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01certainly it would take a double bed, wouldn't it?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- I think it would.- Yeah. - It's as big as most doubles.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09Yeah, and people coming to stay don't need lots of wardrobe space.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12The good points about this house for Ann is that it's got lots
0:15:12 > 0:15:16of opportunities to turn it into the property that she's looking for,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19so she could reconfigure the downstairs if she wanted to,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22to make a larger lounge or relocate the kitchen
0:15:22 > 0:15:24if that was important to her.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27The house is great and got huge potential but I think
0:15:27 > 0:15:30the overlooking houses at the back,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I think would just make it a no-no for me.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Hello, ladies.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Hi.- Have you seen enough?
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- Yes, thank you. - Ready for the next property?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Absolutely.- On we go.- OK, good.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51On the southern border of the North York Moors
0:15:51 > 0:15:54like the ruins of a great medieval fort.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58The 900-year-old castle in Helmsley played host to a mighty siege during
0:15:58 > 0:16:01the Civil War and today acts as a reminder
0:16:01 > 0:16:04of Yorkshire's a rich history.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Although the castle is now at peace,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10the market town of Helmsley still finds itself facing conflict today,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13albeit of a more peaceful nature.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17In 2015, the town fought off challenges from high streets
0:16:17 > 0:16:22across the UK to be awarded best market town high street in Britain.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Ann and Shona are paying a visit to another award winner.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Auntie Anne's Bakery stands on a site which has been serving baked
0:16:31 > 0:16:34delights to the people of Helmsley for over 70 years.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Hello.- Hello, Ann.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40This looks like a really lovely traditional Yorkshire bakery.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Yes, it's been here for as long as I can remember from being a child.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- There's always been a bakery. - And how long have you been here?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50About nine years ago, me and my daughter Susan took it over.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Oh, so you've been a professional baker for many years, then?
0:16:53 > 0:16:54But when did you start baking?
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- As a child?- I started baking as a child, helping my mum.- Lovely.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01We're local farmers from just five miles away, so I've always, yeah,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I've always done traditional baking.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05It's just something I've loved all my life.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- Yeah, I love doing it.- A natural.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Yeah.- If I was going to take something home for my grandchildren,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11what would you recommend?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14My grandchildren love, actually, the Yorkshire curd pies.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17They come here and help bake it and if you'd like to come through,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I'll show you how we make it and you can fill a pie for yourselves,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- if you want.- Ooh, that'd be fabulous.- OK. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Ann prides herself on using traditional time-honoured baking
0:17:27 > 0:17:29methods and locally-sourced ingredients.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Her famous Yorkshire curd pies have been named the best
0:17:33 > 0:17:35in the North of England.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Traditionally, farmers wives' made Yorkshire curd tarts
0:17:39 > 0:17:44using cow's milk containing colostrum, which when heated,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46automatically turned into curds.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Nowadays, Ann heats her milk to boiling point before adding
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Epsom salts to separate it.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Now, I just sprinkle on the top like that to start with and then,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59just gently stir it in.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Oh, it is boiling away, isn't it? My goodness.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- If you look closely can you see... - Ooh, lumps.- ..as it's curdling,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11yeah, that's when it's starting to curdle.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14So if we go through, then I'll show you what the next stage is.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16OK, follow you.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18The process takes half an hour.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The milk is then strained to separate the curds from the whey
0:18:21 > 0:18:25and left to cool before mixing with eggs, cream, sugar, and nutmeg.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Ann also likes to add currants.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29And this is the secret ingredient.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31And then your finished product.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32It's a different colour as well.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35It's a different colour, because it has a lot of rich ingredients in
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- there.- Something extra. - She's not going to tell you.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38I'm not going to tell you.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Is it this that makes yours better than anybody else's?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43It is this that makes it better than anybody else's.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44It's a nice, moist...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47A lot of people's curd are quite dry, whereas this curd tart,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51when it gets baked, it's still quite moist and soft texture.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53After filling the pastry shells,
0:18:53 > 0:18:57the tarts are cooked for 20 minutes then best served cool
0:18:57 > 0:18:59with a nice cup of Yorkshire tea.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Mmm, that's lovely.- Is that OK?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The pastry is so crisp. I can't get over it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- I can understand why you won an award for this.- Yeah, me too.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- It's delicious.- Mmm.- I've not tasted anything like this before.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20In the height of summer,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Ann and her team make in excess of 300 tarts a week.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I know how much these ladies love a cup of tea and a chat
0:19:27 > 0:19:30but there's no time to soak up the sun.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31We've got a house to find.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Next, we're travelling further north to Scruton.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42A small rural village,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Scruton has a mix of agricultural buildings and farms,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49period cottages and newer developments.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53At the heart of the village lies the 18th-century church and local pub.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Despite the peaceful position,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59it's got good access to major roads and is just a 15-minute drive
0:19:59 > 0:20:03to the town of Northallerton should Ann need to satisfy
0:20:03 > 0:20:04her shopping habits.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Our next property is situated just outside the village centre
0:20:08 > 0:20:09in a semirural setting.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15So here we are. Property number two.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- Barn conversion.- Yeah, like it.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21My only aversion to them is often that they're either very,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24very isolated, which I didn't want,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28or they are in a courtyard and you know, it's got that neighbour thing
0:20:28 > 0:20:31that I didn't really want, but, no, I like the look of it.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34The barn conversion could also come with your lovely little paddock
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- behind you there.- Uh-huh. - A vegetable plot over there, maybe?
0:20:38 > 0:20:39That crossed my mind then, yes.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I was just thinking that, the vegetable plot.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Quite a few cabbages in there, Ann.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46And then you have so much space out here.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50It comes with an integrated garage but that could also be part
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- of the living space inside.- Uh-huh.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Let's go.- OK, let's waste no time!
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Converted in 2003, this property was originally a cattle barn
0:21:00 > 0:21:04in the 1800s and has some lovely original features remaining
0:21:04 > 0:21:06which I hope Ann will appreciate.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09She did say she was looking for something a bit different
0:21:09 > 0:21:13to what she's used to and this is certainly that.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- We're heading into your kitchen space first.- Right.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So you have a lovely range in this kitchen,
0:21:19 > 0:21:20although, according to Shona,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22you might not be using that too much with your cooking.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23For my extensive cooking, yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25She can lean on that on a cold winter's day, though.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- That'd be good. - Have you cooked on a range before?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Yes, yes. Definitely.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- You'll give me some lessons.- Yes.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Lots of reasons to come and stay. - Mm.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36She can come and do the cooking!
0:21:37 > 0:21:40And you've got enough space to get that sort of breakfast-dining
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- experience.- Yeah.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- This is meeting with your approval. - Yeah. Definitely. Keep going.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Keep going, all right. OK. Let's waste no time!
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Although unfurnished, they seem to like the character of this place
0:21:52 > 0:21:55which is good, because there's more to come.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56As we move into the rear wing,
0:21:56 > 0:21:57we find a bedroom,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59bathroom and sitting room.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Into your living space.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06You've got a fireplace there. How does this feel to you?
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I think I need to put it all into kind of where everything
0:22:09 > 0:22:13is planned out, but, yeah, it looks good. I mean, what's there?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Well, this is your guest wing.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- So you've got a lovely wing. - A wing? I like a wing.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24You've got a beautiful, big double bedroom and then a gorgeous,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- big bathroom at the end. - So how many bedrooms in this one?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- You've got three bedrooms, three bathrooms.- Oh, right.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Shall we check the rest of the bedrooms?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- I think we need to. - All right, come on.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37I think this property could really work for Ann.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39As well as the separate guest wing,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43upstairs, there are two further generous-sized bedrooms,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45both with their own bathroom -
0:22:45 > 0:22:47an ideal set-up for visitors from Wales
0:22:47 > 0:22:49or if her parents decide to stay.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- And then through into what could be a new master bedroom.- Right.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Are you loving those features of the old barn?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Yeah, because it's obviously so plain in the way they've
0:23:00 > 0:23:03obviously done it but then keeping those and obviously not
0:23:03 > 0:23:06boarding them in or anything like that. It's just, yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Structurally, it's clearly very sound so it's more doing
0:23:09 > 0:23:12the personalising it to your taste, isn't it?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Yeah, yeah.- Some structural things. - And I could do it while live here,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19because one of my feelings was, with something I had to convert,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I would have to go into rental for a while and, you know, the stress of
0:23:22 > 0:23:25doing that, you know, I keep saying I want to do that but, you know,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27can I handle the stress?
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- Can the builder handle me having the stress?- Being so stressed!
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Well, I'm glad you're liking everything you see so far.- Uh-huh.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- There's still outside space to show you.- Uh-huh.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38There is one little fly in the ointment,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40which we're going to tackle head-on.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41Let's have a look.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48At the back of the property is a lawned, low-maintenance
0:23:48 > 0:23:50walled garden which can be accessed
0:23:50 > 0:23:52from main living areas of the property.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59OK, Ann, Shona, here's our little, little fly in the ointment,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03your guest wing is attached at the very end.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08Right.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Deal-breaker.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16It's such a pity. Such a pity.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21Yeah, I absolutely didn't want any neighbours, and certainly, you know,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25somebody I can look into their garden and it's such a shame.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- Even with another foot.- No, no. No. - And then a nice secluded garden?
0:24:29 > 0:24:34No. No, because noise would come over and I mean, all I need is,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37you know, whole group of children out and having fun.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- Enjoying themselves.- Yes. - Don't like that.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46So it's detached, detached with distance...
0:24:46 > 0:24:50You know, even a little bit of remoteness, that was kind of,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52you know, I was adapting to that.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- That is not my compromise.- OK.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57What's this on the market for?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I'm going to guess 450.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I would say 475.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Shona's on the money on this one. 475.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Worth considering at that price? - No. No.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Why don't you take in some more of the property while you're here?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- OK. Thanks.- Thank you.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20This great three-bedroom, three-bathroom barn conversion
0:25:20 > 0:25:24offers Ann flexible living space and somewhere she can tailor
0:25:24 > 0:25:27to her own taste without the need for doing too much work.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31It has a private garden, an option to purchase an additional paddock,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35lies close to the village and is 40 minutes from Ann's parents,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38but the fact that the bathroom wall in the guest wing is adjoined
0:25:38 > 0:25:43to another property seems to make it a no-go, which is a real shame.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48I was starting to fall in love with this place, and you know,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52even some of the compromises, I was prepared to make them,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and then unfortunately, I discovered I had a neighbour.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I think Ann has learnt a lot from her experience today.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01It might not have all quite sunk in yet, what she's learnt,
0:26:01 > 0:26:02but I think when she reflects,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05she will realise that perhaps her ideal property
0:26:05 > 0:26:10doesn't actually exist and she might have to make more compromises
0:26:10 > 0:26:12than she'd originally thought.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14But I don't want to be the one to tell her!
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Ann, Shona, day one is wrapped up.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- Time for a cup of tea.- Definitely!
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- At least!- Or maybe the bar.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38We're in Yorkshire with Ann and her friend Shona.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39After 35 years in Cardiff,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Ann's heading back to her home county to be close to her parents.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46With a budget of £500,000,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49she's looking for a property that she can put her mark on.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54Coming up, Ann makes a connection in our Mystery House.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I feel I'm related the owner.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I would do everything the same.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05And I visit a local farm to find out the benefits of eating organic.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Line moves fast, doesn't it? - It does, it does.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Uh, I really felt for Ann yesterday.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16The look on her face when she realised that
0:27:16 > 0:27:20that lovely barn conversion was ever so slightly attached,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22really said it all, which means,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25today's Mystery House has to deliver the goods.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29To stand a fighting chance, it needs to give Ann everything
0:27:29 > 0:27:33she wants and also push her out of her comfort zone.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36After all, it's not called the Mystery House for nothing.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40So today, we're going to take her and Shona to a property
0:27:40 > 0:27:43with a project, but there's a twist.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It's not Ann's project. She'll find out why very soon.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Ann, what do you think the Mystery House might be today?
0:27:55 > 0:27:59After yesterday, I'm probably expecting you're going to have to go
0:27:59 > 0:28:05for more of the renovation side of things, and give me a nice project.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- And would that be good news?- Yes.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Yeah, I'm quite prepared for a lot of things, but you know,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I'll remember these words later on today!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15THEY LAUGH
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Our mystery offering is in the village of Thornton-le-Clay,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25near the county border and the city of York.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Thornton-le-Clay is a quiet village with a population of around 200,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32and it's perfectly positioned amongst gentle hills,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34just south of the North York Moors,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38making it a popular spot with visiting walkers and cyclists.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Strolling past the characterful stone cottages,
0:28:41 > 0:28:46passers-by can purchase home-grown produce left for sale by locals.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49There's a family-run pub, hosting regular events and live music,
0:28:49 > 0:28:55a few doors down from which is our final property.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59And here is your Mystery House. What do you think?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02It's not as big a mystery as I thought it was going to be.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04SHE CHUCKLES
0:29:04 > 0:29:09It looks lovely. It's very nice, clean-looking, lovely garden.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11So, yeah, looks good.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- Now, this, Ann, is a turnkey house. - Uh-huh.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Turn up, drop your bags, it's all done.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20There is one extra mystery about this property.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24There is within the plot another house that has permission
0:29:24 > 0:29:27to be built. But I'm going to talk to you a bit more about that...
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- That's a project? - ..when we head inside.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- Right.- Come this way.- OK.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39Built in the 1960s, the current owners have spent in the region
0:29:39 > 0:29:42of £120,000 extending and refurbishing this house
0:29:42 > 0:29:45to an extremely high standard.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48I know Ann wasn't planning on buying a newly modernised property
0:29:48 > 0:29:50as she wanted to do the work herself,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53but this one is so beautifully presented,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55I think it's worth throwing into the mix.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02And we come through into your kitchen-diner.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- Oh, fabulous.- It's amazing.- Yeah.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- I'm feeling this is a good speechless.- Yeah.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14It's giving me goose bumps. It's lovely. Yeah, this is nice.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15- Well, don't cry yet!- Are you...?
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Yeah, well, it was such a bad day yesterday. I just...
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Yeah. No, it's lovely. I mean, it's...
0:30:22 > 0:30:25It's so like my one at home, you know, in many respects,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- you know, because of the style, but better.- Even bigger and better.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- Even bigger and better. Yeah. - Stunning.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- Let's explore your Mystery House. - OK.- Let's keep this tour going.- OK.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Come on, ladies. Into your living space.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Which connects from the kitchen through into your sunroom,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- so very open, fluid living.- Uh-huh.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47Would that work for you?
0:30:47 > 0:30:52Yeah, and certainly this furniture is a similar size to mine, so...
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Yeah, it would fit.- Yeah. But a nice corner unit would actually work,
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- wouldn't it?- OK. OK.- Yeah. - Shall we see more?
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Oh, yes. Carry on.- Come this way.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04As we move into the newer part of the house,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08the ground floor benefits from the addition of a utility space,
0:31:08 > 0:31:12a small double bedroom and what is now the largest of the bedrooms.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17And into the main master bedroom.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19It's lovely. Lovely colour.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21You've got a lovely open space here.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25You've got en suite bathroom, you've got a little study area there,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28which you could turn into a nice dressing room area for yourself.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Goodness me. It's like a TARDIS.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32And there's all those wardrobes.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33Built-in wardrobes.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35I feel I'm related to the owner!
0:31:37 > 0:31:39We seem to have, you know, the same taste.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I would do everything the same.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Originally, you were asking for a property with older character.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Do you think more of a new build is really what is appealing
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- to your heart? - I think probably, yes.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55I've had so many new houses and you know,
0:31:55 > 0:31:56not had to do a lot to them.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00So there was that worry that if I buy an older one,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02will it need keep doing and, you know,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05will I adapt to it as much as I would to something like this
0:32:05 > 0:32:07with the clean living?
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And Shona, is this more of what Ann has traditionally lived in,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12the houses she's brought before?
0:32:12 > 0:32:17This is very much more in the style of Ann's homes that she's had before
0:32:17 > 0:32:19and in fact, this is very,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21feels to me just like she could just move straight in.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24So it's time to head outside, look at the garden,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27talk about price and a little more about what makes this
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- the Mystery House.- Right. OK. - Come this way.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37On the first floor, there are two more good-sized double bedrooms,
0:32:37 > 0:32:39sharing a smart modern bathroom.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43Now, it's time for me to take a deep breath before tackling an issue
0:32:43 > 0:32:45that awaits us outside.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Ann, now, you can really take in the house.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52The current property comes with this garden up to the fence,
0:32:52 > 0:32:56and the original property came with the extra space there,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59but the current owners have permission, planning permission,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02to build a new property in that corner of the garden.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04But for this point,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08I just want you to think about the price for this bit of garden
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- and the house. - You can go first today.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I think that it's probably on for 495.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18I'm going to say an optimistic 475.
0:33:18 > 0:33:24This property is currently on the market for £495,000.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Shona, you are bang on the money.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34But I've had a chat with the owners and they would be willing,
0:33:34 > 0:33:38further to a little extra negotiation to walk away
0:33:38 > 0:33:40from the entire plot.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42But that's a conversation you would have to have with them.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Yes, I understand.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Well, now you know the price,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48why don't I let you explore the upstairs bedrooms
0:33:48 > 0:33:50and I'll catch up with you a bit later. Lots to talk about.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Lovely.- Thanks. OK.- Thank you.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57It looks as though this converted dormer bungalow might just
0:33:57 > 0:33:59have won Ann over.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01It has four bedrooms and a modern open-plan kitchen-diner
0:34:01 > 0:34:03she was after.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Its high standard of finish means there's no work needed
0:34:06 > 0:34:08but with a neutral decor,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10it still gives Ann the chance to make it her own.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14There's a lovely lawned garden and the journey to Ann's parents
0:34:14 > 0:34:16would take around an hour.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Oh, this is lovely.- Mm.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25I think what I would do would be to make the whole of this one level
0:34:25 > 0:34:26as the master suite.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29As soon as I walked through the front door,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I had a feeling that this could really be a house that Ann would
0:34:32 > 0:34:35love and that's been reinforced all the way round, actually.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- It's got my name on it.- It has, yes.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39I think the last couple of days have certainly been a bit of
0:34:39 > 0:34:42a roller-coaster emotionally.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44You know, I was caught between,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47"Do I want an old house? Do I want a new house?"
0:34:47 > 0:34:49I knew what I didn't want.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54And I knew what I did want.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57At least, I've found that now.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58What do you think of the garden?
0:34:58 > 0:35:00I think it's fabulous.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I love the established bushes over there and the fact
0:35:02 > 0:35:03- that you've got...- Hello.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Ann, it sounds like you're moving in already!
0:35:06 > 0:35:08- Possibly, yes.- Lots to talk about.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Let's go find somewhere to chat.- OK.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18With spring most definitely in the air,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21farmers across the country are busy planting crops
0:35:21 > 0:35:23for the growing season ahead.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25I've come to Home Farm,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28to meet third-generation farmer Peter Richardson,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32to talk about the wide variety of crops he's currently planting
0:35:32 > 0:35:35and to find out what he's going to do with them once
0:35:35 > 0:35:36they've been harvested.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Hi, Peter. Good to see you.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39What are we planting today?
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Just a bit of broccoli today. These are the first of the season.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45So we're putting in about 10,000 plants to the acre.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47This crop will be ready mid-July.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49How many different crops do you grow here?
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Oh, somewhere in the region of about 19 to 20.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54So it's fairly full-on.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56And why do you plant so many different crops,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58because that's a little bit unusual?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Well, just basically, we're involved with this Riverford, and basically,
0:36:01 > 0:36:02we've got this box scheme.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Most growers will just tend to grow one crop for a big supermarket and
0:36:06 > 0:36:07then it will be packed centrally.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09The model we use is totally different.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It seems to work. Customers like it.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16The 500-acre farm grows in the region of 70 to 80 acres
0:36:16 > 0:36:17of veg most years.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22In 1996, Peter decided to convert the farm to organic before joining
0:36:22 > 0:36:26forces with the Devon-based Riverford team who were looking
0:36:26 > 0:36:28to set up a box scheme in Yorkshire.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31When you decide as a farmer to go organic,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33what does that mean for you?
0:36:33 > 0:36:35You've got to think differently.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37You've got to work with nature.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39You can't fight it.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Your crop rotation is very, very critical.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45For instance, if we grew broccoli on the same land year in, year out,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47we'd get pest problems and disease problems.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50But it's what the market wants
0:36:50 > 0:36:53and it's a nice way to do it, to be fair.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Despite using modern machinery,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59being organic means that Peter uses traditional farming methods
0:36:59 > 0:37:02like crop rotation, which makes for harder work but promotes healthy,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04nutrient-rich soil.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07They also make their own organic fertiliser
0:37:07 > 0:37:09with an anaerobic digester.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11So, Peter, what does this do?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Well, basically, it's a process where we make methane,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17which creates electric and we also have a by-product of fertiliser
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- which we use on the farm.- And how does that actually happen?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Basically, the big, blue thing over there, that's the feed hopper.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26We feed that up with about 18 tonnes of food a day,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28and every half hour, it automatically feeds itself,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31basically pushes the food into the tank,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33whereas the temperature in the tank is about 40-odd degrees.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- A bit cosy!- Yeah.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39And all the bacteria gets to work and it creates the methane which
0:37:39 > 0:37:43goes off to the CHB engine and we probably use about 20%
0:37:43 > 0:37:46of the electric it produces for the fridges and the rest of it
0:37:46 > 0:37:48is exported to the grid.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51And when you say food, what are you feeding it with?
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Basically, cattle manure, any out-grade veg, and grass silage,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57which is basically grass.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- All the leftovers, almost. - Basically, yes.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03As well as producing electricity to power the farm,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07the remaining vegetable matter is used as compost and the liquid mass
0:38:07 > 0:38:10pumped back out and used as an organic fertiliser,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13meaning nothing of the farm goes to waste.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15So it sounds like what you're producing here
0:38:15 > 0:38:17is the most natural, sustainable way
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- to create great fertiliser for the earth.- Without a doubt, yeah.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22Can't beat it, in my opinion.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- And how do these veggies look that you're growing?- They look fantastic.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Yeah?- We're actually just packing a few at the moment.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Can I give you a hand? - Of course you can. Please come this way.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34In the packing shed, every veg box is packed by hand with a range
0:38:34 > 0:38:36of seasonal produce.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Manager Greg Penn is on-site to show me how it works.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42Greg, good to see you.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Hi, how are you, Margherita?
0:38:44 > 0:38:45I'm good. How can I help today?
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Well, we'd like you to pack some broccoli, it that's all right.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- OK.- I need two heads of broccoli per box.- Great, OK.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53And what can we expect from each box?
0:38:53 > 0:38:54What will the customer get?
0:38:54 > 0:38:57It's really a range of organic, seasonal produce.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00It's all grown for flavour and taste and depending on how,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02the sort of time of year,
0:39:02 > 0:39:04it depends a little bit on what we're actually growing
0:39:04 > 0:39:05and putting on in the boxes.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06The line moves fast, doesn't it?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- It does, it does. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:39:09 > 0:39:12The boxes come in a variety of sizes, as does the veg.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Some of it might not look as beautiful as it does
0:39:14 > 0:39:19on the supermarket shelves, but the taste certainly isn't compromised.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22So, Greg, do you think organic farming is actually changing
0:39:22 > 0:39:25the way we're eating as a nation?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Absolutely, because ours is a seasonal box of vegetables,
0:39:28 > 0:39:32our customers really have to cook with what we provide them, really.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36A lot of families get our veg boxes and they cook with the kids
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and they explore our recipes and they have to do a little bit
0:39:39 > 0:39:41of research, as to what they might want for tea that night,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44depending on what's gone in the veg box that week.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And people get really excited about that, certainly.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47Passionate about food again.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Really passionate about food, really passionate about vegetables.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54We are real veg nerds and we really want people to embrace that,
0:39:54 > 0:39:57you know, really fantastic-quality veg and we believe we do that
0:39:57 > 0:39:59in the best way.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Well, I'm going to get going now, but thank you so much for having me
0:40:01 > 0:40:02and showing me the ropes.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05It's been really lovely to have you and I think it's only fair
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- that you grab yourself a veg box on your way out.- Oh, lovely! OK.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13The company has three farms in the UK, between them
0:40:13 > 0:40:16delivering to a staggering 47,000 households a week,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18which goes to show
0:40:18 > 0:40:21there's certainly demand out there for organic produce.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23I for one am definitely converted.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31Taking Ann to the Mystery House really was a bit of a gamble
0:40:31 > 0:40:32but I think it's paid off.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34There's only one way to find out.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Ann, Shona. It's been an adventure.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45- It has. - We've had a few ups and downs.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- I hope you'll agree we ended on an up today.- We did, we did.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Now, usually with a Mystery House,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53it's the property that takes people right outside their comfort zone.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- We brought you right back into yours.- Yes.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00And that concerns me a little bit,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02that I kind of haven't gone for that adventure
0:41:02 > 0:41:04of finding something different.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08And probably most people who know me will not be surprised
0:41:08 > 0:41:11that I've ended up where, you know,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14thinking that the Mystery House is the one, really.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16So what happens next?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19What are you going to do about the Mystery House?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21I like it. I like it a lot.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26I think what I would have to do is work out the distance
0:41:26 > 0:41:27from my parents.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30And Shona, do think the Mystery House is a home
0:41:30 > 0:41:31that Ann could be happy in?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I'm sure it's a home she could be happy in.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Just her instantaneous reaction when she walked through the door,
0:41:38 > 0:41:40it just told me that she felt she was at home there.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42She could move straight in.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Ann, if you find out that commute could be workable
0:41:44 > 0:41:47from the Mystery House to your parents,
0:41:47 > 0:41:49would you go back and have a chat with the vendor?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52I think a bit of negotiating needs to be done, yes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54OK, that is wonderful news.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I'm over the moon to hear that and just thank you so much.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00It's been a joy to share your home county of North Yorkshire
0:42:00 > 0:42:02with you and show you around a little bit more,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- welcome you back home. - Thank you very much.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08It's been a pleasure meeting you and I've got to also thank Shona
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- for helping me out. - And being my moral support as well.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It's been my pleasure. It really has.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22In the Mystery House, Ann described the last couple of days as being
0:42:22 > 0:42:26a real roller-coaster of a journey and I know how she feels.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28I've been right there with her.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32I'm hoping that after a little more investigation into that journey time
0:42:32 > 0:42:35between the Mystery House and her mum and dad's and whether
0:42:35 > 0:42:39that commute could work for her, we'll be getting a call from Ann
0:42:39 > 0:42:43to say that she is now calling North Yorkshire home once again.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45We wish her all the best and I will see you next time
0:42:45 > 0:42:48on Escape To The Country.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50After further research,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Ann decided the Mystery House was a stretch too far from her parents
0:42:53 > 0:42:54in Middlesbrough.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58She's continuing her search but has altered her criteria.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01She's now definitely looking for a modern property.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Northern Ireland, or England, and need our help,
0:43:08 > 0:43:09you can apply online at: