0:00:02 > 0:00:03Until it was excavated in the 1920s,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07the ruins of this circular earthwork had found fame as the alleged site
0:00:07 > 0:00:09of King Arthur's Round Table.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13But its history actually dates back much further than the Middle Ages.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16So what was its purpose, and where am I?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19I'll reveal all in just a couple of moments.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Today's house hunt is all about bringing the family together.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- I could see us entertaining in here. - Yeah.- See the grandchildren in here.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44Yeah, it's good.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48But will any of our houses deliver just what they're after?
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- I can imagine it in the winter - nice fire, Christmas tree in the corner.- Yeah.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Oh, now you're talking, aren't you? - The kids running around...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- Christmas at Granny and Grandpa's. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Today we're in South Wales in the town of Caerleon
0:01:03 > 0:01:07at the impressive ruins of what was once a grand Roman amphitheatre,
0:01:07 > 0:01:12thought capable of seating up to 6,000 spectators.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15But over millennia, it was lost in time, if you like,
0:01:15 > 0:01:20and reclaimed by nature - that was, until around 1926,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24when locals removed 30,000 tonnes of soil
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and revealed what is today, undoubtedly,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Britain.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36The area of South Wales includes the historic Welsh counties of
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Monmouthshire and Glamorgan, as well as the southern section of Powys,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43with coastline overlooking the Bristol Channel.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47To the north of the region lies the Brecon Beacons mountain range,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51where a national park was established in 1957.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Walkers can enjoy around 2,800 rights of way
0:01:55 > 0:01:56through the impressive landscape,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00formed in the Ice Age by glacial activity.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03To the south, the Vale of Glamorgan includes 33 miles
0:02:03 > 0:02:06of the South Wales coastline.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09At Nash Point, dramatic cliffs are home to what was the last
0:02:09 > 0:02:13manned lighthouse in Wales, automated in 1998,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15and now open to visitors.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Across the region, intriguing ruins provide evocative reminders
0:02:19 > 0:02:21of its diverse history.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Chepstow's castle construction began in 1067,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27less than a year after William the Conqueror
0:02:27 > 0:02:30was crowned King of England.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34This fortification's strategic position, high above the River Wye
0:02:34 > 0:02:37in what is now the southeastern corner of Wales,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40allowed defenders to bring supplies via the river during the times
0:02:40 > 0:02:43of battle and siege.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47So from landscapes to seascapes, ruins to restorations,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51country escapees would do well to head to the diverse region
0:02:51 > 0:02:52of South Wales.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Much like its beautiful landscape,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Welsh property prices vary throughout the country.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03The average price for a detached home here in Wales currently stands
0:03:03 > 0:03:05at around £207,000.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08But here in the south-east, in the ever-popular Monmouthshire,
0:03:08 > 0:03:13you can expect to pay an extra £100,000 for a similar property.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Now that's due in part
0:03:14 > 0:03:16to its commutable distance to Cardiff and Bristol,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20but also its close proximity to the likes of the Wye Valley
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and Brecon Beacons, known throughout the world
0:03:22 > 0:03:24for their unrivalled beauty.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28And it's from across the Atlantic that today's buyers have travelled
0:03:28 > 0:03:29in their bid to move here.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Today's house-hunters, Chris and Helen,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35have recently returned to Britain
0:03:35 > 0:03:37following an adventurous few years' escape,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40having left Wales to live in the United States.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I got a job offer in America.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45The children had grown up
0:03:45 > 0:03:47and either gone to university, or had their own lives.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51It was one of those things where I thought, "If we don't take this
0:03:51 > 0:03:54"opportunity, will we regret it for the rest of our lives?"
0:03:54 > 0:03:57So we took that huge leap, moved to America.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01But shortly after acting on that momentous decision, the elder of
0:04:01 > 0:04:02their two daughters, Natasha,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04gave birth to their first grandchild,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07followed three years later by a second.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10After trying to maintain family ties long-distance,
0:04:10 > 0:04:15the draw of being hands-on grandparents is just too strong.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Yeah, we just want to be grandparents that are around.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22The grandchildren are developing their own little personalities now.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's nice that we're here to be able to see that.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26But since returning,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29they've been moving from one temporary accommodation to the next.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33The latest - a caravan close to Chris's work as a sales director
0:04:33 > 0:04:36for a tech company in Northamptonshire.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40At the moment, we are living in just holiday accommodation.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42We've been moving backwards and forwards.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44It would be really nice just to get a base again.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Now that their nomadic lifestyle is wearing thin
0:04:49 > 0:04:51and Chris can work from home,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54they're looking for a new permanent base that will let them
0:04:54 > 0:04:57rebuild those all-important family connections.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58If we're going to be back
0:04:58 > 0:05:00in the children and grandchildren's' lives,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03we really want to be in close proximity,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05so I think South Wales is the area for us.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Anywhere around there, really. We're quite open-minded,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09cos we like all the area, don't we?
0:05:09 > 0:05:13The pretty little market towns with beautiful countryside around
0:05:13 > 0:05:16on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19And as well as setting down roots, it'll be a chance to start
0:05:19 > 0:05:21a different way of life.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24What I'm most excited about for my move back to the country
0:05:24 > 0:05:29is just to enjoy, really, more simple things.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I had a crazy notion of maybe getting some bees and...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Yeah, you did, didn't you? - ..do some beekeeping.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- He wanted to do that.- And you even looked at getting some ducks, didn't you?
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Oh, yes, yeah, and maybe some chickens.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Maybe start with the ducks and work our way up.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Well, let's not get carried away.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Helen and Chris would like to focus their South Wales property search
0:05:51 > 0:05:56within a 45-minute driving radius of their grandchildren near Newport.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59So, with that in mind, we're meeting up in the area to find out more
0:05:59 > 0:06:01about the type of home they're after.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Welcome to sunny Wales, welcome to tropical Wales.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07- Thank you.- It's gorgeous, isn't it? - Lovely.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09It's like this all the time, I hear.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Now, you're currently living in Northamptonshire.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Yes.- How's that for you?
0:06:14 > 0:06:15You're living in a caravan, aren't you?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Yeah, the novelty's worn off already.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19We need something more permanent now.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Well, you've secured a job.- Yes.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24But I know it's not a job that's prompting the timing.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26So how far away from the grandchildren
0:06:26 > 0:06:28do you want to be based?
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Far enough so that we're not in their hair all the time,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33but close enough that if they want to drop the kids round, or,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36you know, we can grab them for an evening, then it's pretty close.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38So let's talk about the house.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41So what does your ideal house look like, Helen?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'd like something with garden all the way round all the sides.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47OK.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Three bedrooms.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Is three bedrooms going to be enough in the long term?
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- That's the minimum.- Oh, right, OK. - That's the minimum.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I also need some space for a home office,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00so either a fourth bedroom for that, potentially,
0:07:00 > 0:07:05or if there's a large enough reception room
0:07:05 > 0:07:06that could be used as an office.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- I've got you. - Or even an outside space.- OK.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Maybe an open-plan kitchen with, you know, like a family area.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- OK.- But pretty open-minded on the house.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19What's most important is the space, really.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22I thought, if we had some land, what could we do with it?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24And I'm not talking of acres and acres,
0:07:24 > 0:07:29but maybe enough to keep some chickens, or ducks,
0:07:29 > 0:07:30or even bees.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33So in town terms, it seems like land,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35but in country terms, it's a good-sized garden.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- Yes, that's right.- Right, OK.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40What about proximity to other things,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43amenities, other people?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45I'd like to be able to walk to a pub.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Sometimes it's nice to have a little bit of community nearby.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Right, let's talk budget - how much are you looking to spend?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Our budget is £600,000.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57OK. So let's start with number one, and we'll go from there.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Excellent.- OK.- Come with me.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Helen and Chris have up to £600,000
0:08:03 > 0:08:05to find their dream home.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08They would like at least three bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10and wraparound gardens.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11Chris needs a home office space,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15and they'd like to be within walking distance of a pub.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18We found three very different properties to show them,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21but always with their wish list in mind.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25After each viewing, they'll try and guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Our final offering is the Mystery House,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30which could just test how far they're willing to go
0:08:30 > 0:08:32to get away from it all.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39We are kicking off in the Monmouthshire village of Cross Ash.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Just under nine miles away is the town of Abergavenny,
0:08:42 > 0:08:46whose market has played a central role since medieval times.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49The restored Victorian market hall stands testament to this
0:08:49 > 0:08:52and is a draw for the surrounding communities.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56A 15-minute drive away in Cross Ash, and next to farmland,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58we find our first house.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03First impressions, property number one?
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Well, it seems like an older house,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07so I should imagine there's some character in there.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09It's a lovely spot.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11And it's, you know, it's nice and quiet.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- I like the slate roof. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Two chimneys, so I should imagine there's some nice fireplaces inside.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Nice big windows.- Yes.- And I also spotted a green communications box,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22so I should imagine there's decent broadband here.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25He's good, isn't he? Tell you what, Poirot.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Can you tell what it might have been before?
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Well, there's a post office box I can spot.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Oh, he's good. Straightaway, he's good.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34So I'm guessing an old post house.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36At some point, it's been a post office.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39It's also had a couple of other uses, and I will explain those
0:09:39 > 0:09:41as we walk around.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Built around 1850,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47this detached Welsh stone house served as the village store
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and post office until 2003.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Arranged over three floors,
0:09:51 > 0:09:53we're taking the entrance door to the middle floor
0:09:53 > 0:09:56where the area that once offered stamps and groceries
0:09:56 > 0:09:59now serves up a spacious reception area.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Now, hopefully, you'll be pleasantly surprised
0:10:04 > 0:10:06by the dimensions of this room.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It's massive, isn't it?
0:10:08 > 0:10:09Yes, it's a great size.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Big windows letting in lots of light.- Yeah, lovely.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- It's silent here now. - It is, yeah.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17All you can hear is birds tweeting from the open windows at the back.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Have you ever thought about...? There's a doorway just in the corner of the room.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22You've got a really, really nice study.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- OK.- Ready-made office, straightaway. - Great.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28And probably a little bit bigger than the caravan, Helen.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30That's for sure!
0:10:30 > 0:10:32You could fit the whole caravan in here, I think.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- And it's a good size.- Yeah.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38I can see us entertaining in here. I can see the grandchildren in here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Yeah.- Yeah, that'll do. - Yeah, it's good.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- So you've got a lower ground floor, as well.- OK.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Let me show you that now.- OK. Great.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48So a good response to the very generous proportions
0:10:48 > 0:10:51of the middle floor reception room where stairs at the rear lead us
0:10:51 > 0:10:53down to the lower floor
0:10:53 > 0:10:55where there's a large open-plan kitchen-diner.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Now, the history of this property really starts to reveal itself
0:11:01 > 0:11:03when you come downstairs.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Now, one of the reasons why it's such a good size is because
0:11:06 > 0:11:10this property's also been a bakery and a butchers.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Yeah.- If you look behind you, can you see the hooks there?
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Oh, right.- So, do you like it?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Would you make any changes?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Yes. It needs some work.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22But there's certainly space here, for sure.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26I'd like more in the kitchen. I'm not a big fan of islands.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Oh, you're not?- No.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32I would have to change it, cos it's just not to my taste.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33That's fine, that's good.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38There is, like, a guest bedroom and a family bathroom,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42or a guest bathroom on this level, but the other bedrooms are upstairs.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- OK.- Where we're headed.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Up on the top floor are four of this property's five bedrooms,
0:11:52 > 0:11:57all served by a family bathroom with roll-top bath and separate shower.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00There's a guest double with single-aspect sash window,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03a further guest bedroom currently used as a single,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05and the smallest of the upper floor bedrooms,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08currently used as a dressing area,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11which leaves bedroom number five as an option
0:12:11 > 0:12:13for Chris and Helen's master.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Not huge, admittedly.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Would our bed fit?- Yeah, we've got a pretty big American bed.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Those American beds are big. - It's six foot wide.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Six foot wide?- Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Yeah, you'll get that in here. You've got five bedrooms,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30just a bedroom here, and next door is your dressing room.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32OK, yes, that might work.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- OK, yeah.- And you've still got the spare bedrooms for the kids.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36- I want to take you outside now.- OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Come with me. Start thinking about price, though, all right?- OK.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Well, they may have had concerns about the size of the bedrooms,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46but that shouldn't be the case with the garden.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Amounting to three-quarters of an acre, it features outbuildings,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51including a workshop and store.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54There's plenty of off-street parking, plus well-stocked
0:12:54 > 0:12:58flower beds and mature trees surrounding areas of lawn.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Along with pretty valley views, there's lots of scope here for
0:13:01 > 0:13:03keeping their ducks or bees and, of course,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06for entertaining the family.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Lovely, isn't it?- Beautiful. - It's absolutely beautiful.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Stunning, isn't it? - Yeah. Great views.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13You get your hives out of the way, one in the garden.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- Yeah, right in the corner. - Right in that field there somewhere.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's better over there.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- So...- It's a good size. - It's a lovely garden.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Really good.- Yeah, it's nice,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26this is just the type of outside space we're looking for.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Yeah.- So how much do you think this place is on the market for, then?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Who wants to go first? - I'll go first.- OK.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- 550.- Oh, straight in, Helen. I like that.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41I think maybe a little lower - 535.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44OK. Not far out, Helen.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47This place is on the market for £575,000.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- OK.- OK. Not surprised.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53No, it's a lovely house and, again, the gardens are beautiful.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I think you've got an opportunity now to go back into the house,
0:13:56 > 0:13:57have a good look around all the areas,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59on your own this time, discuss what you'd do,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01and I'll catch you later on, all right?
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- OK.- See you in a mo.- Thanks.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Coming in £25,000 under budget,
0:14:06 > 0:14:11this three-storey former post office provides an open-plan kitchen-diner
0:14:11 > 0:14:15and a dedicated study, as well as further options for a home office.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19There are five bedrooms and three-quarters of an acre of garden
0:14:19 > 0:14:21with countryside views.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I know it's on the lower ground floor, but this could be
0:14:24 > 0:14:27a good master with the bathroom next door.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- I think we'd fit our furniture in here.- Yeah. Nice beams.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31I like the beams.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32I think the house is lovely.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34It's in a great setting.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Good study - I could see myself working from home.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I think the grandchildren would love the living room.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I could see them playing around there.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44The house is lovely, great character,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47and lots of different nooks and crannies.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49It's got a fantastic outlook at the back,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53which is where you spend most of your outside time.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Could it work? Is it a possibility?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Maybe.- Haven't ruled it out.- Yeah. - Good.- We'll have to think about it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Yeah.- OK, let's move on, next one. - Thanks.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12As part of their new rural lifestyle in Wales,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Chris and Helen want to get involved in some new pastimes,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17including beekeeping.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20It's something that has a long history in Wales.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25In 1546, the first book printed in the Welsh language contained advice
0:15:25 > 0:15:28on the best time for relocating beehives.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Five years ago, Catherine Clark swapped life as a lawyer to become
0:15:32 > 0:15:36a full-time apiarist in the Llangybi countryside near Usk,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40and today, she's kindly agreed to share the benefit of her experience.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Hi, how are you doing? Nice to meet you.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48What makes this part of the country so good for the bees?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Well, I think it's a beautiful part of the world,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53with all of the natural rolling hills and countryside
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and natural forage, so there's plenty of food for the bees.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58What kind of bees have you got here,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00and what's their main job and function?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- I think there's 20,000 species of bee.- Gosh.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06But the one that we keep generally in Britain is the honeybees,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09cos obviously, we are interested in collecting that lovely honey.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Yeah.- And their main function for us as humans
0:16:13 > 0:16:15is to increase pollination -
0:16:15 > 0:16:18really important for fruits and harvests -
0:16:18 > 0:16:22but also, it's to collect nectar for their food source for winter...
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Of course.- ..which we share with them.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Are you feeling confident about getting the bee suit on?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29No, so I was wondering if Chris could just do it on his own?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Of course he can. You come with me.- All right.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34If beekeeping is a step too far,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38sewing bee-friendly native flowers in the garden helps attract them,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41as well as allowing nectar-giving clover to grow in the lawn.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Catherine keeps ten hives,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47which, at this time of year, can have up to 50,000 bees each,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50all of which need regular inspection to watch for signs
0:16:50 > 0:16:52of an impending swarm.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54If they do swarm, then half your bees are going to fly away -
0:16:54 > 0:16:57if you're not here to catch them, you've lost half your bees.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58And you just know that from experience, or...?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01You're mainly looking for the start of that queen cell being built
0:17:01 > 0:17:05which is a long cell that hangs usually at the bottom of the frame.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08So that's the frame, and you can see the honey's in there.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10So how do you get the honey out?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12You basically slice off the wax cappings,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- which is all the white wax cover. - OK.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18And then you put it in an extractor and it spins all the honey
0:17:18 > 0:17:19out of the cells.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22And this is the wax that I use for making my skincare,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24because it's completely pure,
0:17:24 > 0:17:25there's no chemical residue in it at all,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27it's called cappings wax.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33One of the simplest things to make with the cappings wax is lip balm.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Equal amounts of it are mixed with cocoa butter and sweet almond oil,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40all melted in a microwave for around three minutes
0:17:40 > 0:17:43before stirring in some honey and vitamin E.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44And that looks perfect.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50So all that's left to do now is put in the mould.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52The honey has natural healing properties,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55whilst the beeswax helps to lock in moisture,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58making it a great protective cell.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Perhaps you could work as a team and you could look after the bees
0:18:01 > 0:18:03so Helen doesn't have to be scared,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05and Helen can do the fun bit of extracting and making lots
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- of lovely skincare. - Yeah.- That sounds good.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Thanks, Catherine. - No problem at all.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It looks like this fascinating insight into a new hobby
0:18:12 > 0:18:14has piqued their interest.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16But now it's time to continue our house hunt
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and make a BEELINE for our next property.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Our second offering is in Osbaston,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28a suburb of the historic market town of Monmouth.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Besides good amenities,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33the centre is home to architecture from across the ages,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37from the ruins of the castle - the birthplace of Henry V -
0:18:37 > 0:18:40to the 13th-century bridge across the River Monnow,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44whose fortified gatehouse was added in the 14th century.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Around a 15-minute walk north from here,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50where the town meets countryside, is our next proposition.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55This might not be what you were expecting to see.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- No.- Bungalow - it's an interesting choice.- Well...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Is it a bungalow? - It's not. It was.- OK.- OK.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03A pretty nifty builder has got hold of it.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Over the past year, he has turned this bungalow into what is now
0:19:06 > 0:19:09a four/five bedroom house.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- OK.- This house has been built for the modern family.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- Right.- And after your comments at the last place, I actually thought,
0:19:15 > 0:19:17maybe they're looking for a family home.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Not just a home for you two, all these rug rats running around.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21- Yeah.- What are your first impressions?
0:19:21 > 0:19:23What do you think of how it looks?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Not what I was expecting. - It's nice and quiet here, for sure.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- Yeah.- I think it looks pretty good. - Yeah.- Let's look inside.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- Come with me.- Yeah, open-minded.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Originally built as a two-bedroom bungalow in the 1950s,
0:19:36 > 0:19:37the sloping plot to the rear
0:19:37 > 0:19:39has allowed for a three-storey extension,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43which has been added to the property in recent months.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46The front door takes us through into what is now the middle floor,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50where a lobby into a central hall leads to a very contemporary
0:19:50 > 0:19:54open-plan kitchen-diner and a family room in the new part of the home.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56- Big kitchen again.- Yeah.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Bigger, but more usable, a proper size now, isn't it?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Proper proportions. - Yeah, nice space.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03We wouldn't need to do anything in here.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Nice.- It's a good space. And some...
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Little bit of space for entertaining while Helen's cooking,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- I guess.- I feel it has been done nicely. It wouldn't really be
0:20:12 > 0:20:14something I'd choose.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17I picked up in the last place you weren't mad keen on islands.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Yeah, that's right, this centre.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Right.- Most people like islands, I don't like them.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I think this work surface is good, the island-style surface.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28I think you could come to live with that.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Maybe.- Come to love it, even.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Really? You suggest Helen might like that and Helen says no, she won't,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36she'll rip it out.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39OK. Next up, the living room.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Let's get a bit of respite from the open-plan side of the house,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50come back into the older bit,
0:20:50 > 0:20:51the 1950s bit of the bungalow,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53and it's a traditional living room, isn't it?
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Yeah.- Yeah. - Nice bay window again.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57Lots of natural light.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- A lovely little sun terrace there. - French doors are good.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04I think Helen is going to be the hardest one to please here.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Yeah, it is very chrome-y.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10It's got a lot of chrome. That's just a first impression.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Proportions...
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Yeah.- Decent size - would this be big enough?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Yeah, fine. - This would be good for us.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Yeah, you could still entertain in here, family could come in here
0:21:19 > 0:21:21and be comfortable without being cramped.
0:21:21 > 0:21:27We have got a lovely double suite on this level.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- OK.- Really nice bathroom, door off that into a lovely-sized bedroom.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35But I figured you'd probably want to go upstairs to bed.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- OK.- Yeah, usually, yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Follow me, then.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43Completing this middle floor is a dedicated study offering Chris
0:21:43 > 0:21:46a work-from-home space, whilst the lower ground floor offers
0:21:46 > 0:21:49two further guest bedrooms, each suitable for a double bed
0:21:49 > 0:21:52with French doors out to the rear garden.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55These are both served by a family shower room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57The top floor is completely dedicated
0:21:57 > 0:22:01to an impressive fourth bedroom, the master suite.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07It's really private, and you get a cracking view on that balcony.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Yeah, it is lovely.- It is nice.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Really nice. Still glass and chrome.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Still glass and chrome. We could replace that glass and chrome.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I am not personally making that offer to do it myself, but I get it,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20I get what you're saying.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22But making the most of this elevated position, I think.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25OK. I suppose it's too contemporary.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26OK. Right.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30For me, it's more about the function and the space,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and this is a great space.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Let's go out to the garden.- OK.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Thank you very much.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40So honest and mixed reactions to the contemporary interior
0:22:40 > 0:22:42of this modern detached home.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Outside there is a single garage and workshop
0:22:44 > 0:22:46as well as plenty of parking,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50and a good-sized rear garden that slopes down to a small stream -
0:22:50 > 0:22:54space enough for Chris to perhaps sneak in a beehive or two.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59Now, from here you can see just how big a property it is.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Yeah. Capturing all the light I think,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03and that's evident in the house.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06So you can see it's bringing a lot of the outside into the house.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Of course, we've got neighbours here.- Yes.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Are you a bit too close for comfort for neighbours?
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- It's a little suburban almost, isn't it?- Yeah, estate-y.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17OK. Time to guess the price.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- OK. I'll go first. - That's going to be hard.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Probably go close to the budget, maybe 575?
0:23:24 > 0:23:25OK. Helen?
0:23:25 > 0:23:30I'm really guessing and I would say 525.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Neither of you are a million miles away.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35This house is on the market
0:23:35 > 0:23:37for £545,000.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- OK.- All right, well, look, I think you should go back into the house,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44have a good look around on your own, give it a good chance.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- And I'll meet you whenever you're done.- Thanks.- OK. Thank you.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Tough one, really. This house gives them everything, with the space
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I think - I think the way it's laid out is pretty good for them,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57but when it comes down to it,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59I think there's one thing that's not working for Helen,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02and that's the fact that it's so contemporary.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06A generous £55,000 below budget,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10this three-storey contemporary home provides open-plan living
0:24:10 > 0:24:15in a kitchen-diner and family room as well as four good-sized bedrooms.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20There is a dedicated study, and it's walking distance to amenities.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Well, the house is lovely. It's quite contemporary in style.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26But I can see that everything is finished to a really high standard.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29The countryside here is lovely and there is lots of natural light
0:24:29 > 0:24:31in the house, which I really like.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34It's a bit too contemporary for me.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I'm looking for something a bit more older style, more rustic,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40something maybe I can just put more of myself into.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It's lovely, it would suit lots of people,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44but I just don't think it's for me.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47That's all we're going to see today.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Sleep well tonight, cos if you thought this was a challenge,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53wait till you see the mystery property tomorrow - what am I going
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- to show you then? Come on. - I'm scared.- Yeah, me too.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11We are in South Wales helping Chris and Helen move back to the region
0:25:11 > 0:25:14after recently returning from living in America.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18They've got £600,000 to find their dream country home,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21and so far they have seen two possible options.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26But our Mystery House is still to come, which brings on the jitters.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30This, I feel, almost seems purpose-built for you two.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34I've still got a question mark at the back of my mind, though -
0:25:34 > 0:25:35if we can afford it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40Plus I'm wading into deep water to fish the traditional Welsh way.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- So keep that in front of you and we'll go round the back of these fishermen.- It's a strong current.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45Wow.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Well, after yesterday's properties I think, well,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Helen in particular is looking for a much more conventional layout,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57something approaching perhaps a standard family home.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59And as it's the Mystery House,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I want to go with that and run with it.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06What would be a big challenge for you now? What would be something
0:26:06 > 0:26:09you'd think, right, "I need to really get my head around this"?
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Maybe when the paved road turns into a dirt track.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14LAUGHTER
0:26:14 > 0:26:16You notice the incline on this road?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- Yes.- Yes. - Are you challenged yet?
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- Are you still OK?- Yeah, I'm OK. Yeah.- How about you?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- I'm really curious.- I'm good.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26- See, this is promising now.- Yeah.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- Still climbing.- Still climbing.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35So, practicalities, they need thinking about, but...
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Yeah.- I'm just waiting now to see what the house is.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Our Mystery House is located close to the hamlet
0:26:44 > 0:26:47of Llangattock in Powys.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50The small town of Crickhowell, around a mile and a half away,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53provides provisions, pubs and a post office.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58It's a short drive back up the hill to the outskirts of Llangattock,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01where I'm stopping to show Chris and Helen the lie of the land
0:27:01 > 0:27:05across the Usk Valley before revealing today's mystery property.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Now, take a look at that, guys.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09It's amazing, stunning.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- Gorgeous, isn't it? - Yeah, it really is.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- Breathtaking. - You're back home now, aren't you?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- Wow, yes.- Yeah, this is real Wales.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17- It is.- Yeah.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- It's gorgeous, isn't it? It's peaceful...- Yeah.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22It's absolutely awesome, isn't it?
0:27:22 > 0:27:25You wouldn't need a TV, would you? You'd just look at that all day.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Would you feel a bit too rural? You've got Crickhowell just there.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30I mean, you can see the pub,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- but you'll now know it's a bit of a walk.- That's OK.- Yeah?
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Yeah. I could compromise on that.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Helen, you look rather excited about this.- Yeah, I am quite excited.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Itching to see the house now.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45That's just... You don't get that very often, that view.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46No. No.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51Well, the house I want to show you is just a little turn down a track
0:27:51 > 0:27:52- just down there.- OK.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57With a much-needed nod of approval for the very rural setting
0:27:57 > 0:28:02of our mystery offering, it's time to reveal the house.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Right, then. Take a look at this.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- It's beautiful.- It's just gorgeous.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Now, what they've done, they've done a really,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13really sympathetic job of extension.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17The original part of the house, you could see that's 19th century,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21and then this new extension, that was finished in 2014.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Right.- Oh, wow.- Gosh. - Yeah.- It's done really well.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29- Most importantly, amazing views. - Yeah. Spectacular they are, yeah.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- Not overlooked at all. - It's so private.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33It is private, yeah.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- And that's what you're after, wasn't it?- Yeah. Oh, it's lovely.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Yeah, looks... Pretty much what we were looking for, I think.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Nice slate roof. Traditional style.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43And, like you say, that extension looks...
0:28:44 > 0:28:47You know, if you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't spot it, it's just...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51No. But that extension gives us the kitchen I think you're after.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- Oh, OK.- Let's have a look.- Great.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57A porched entrance in the side of the new extension leads
0:28:57 > 0:29:01into the open-plan kitchen and multipurpose family room
0:29:01 > 0:29:03that I'm hoping will suit Helen down to the ground.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Well, Helen, not an island to be seen.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10No. Love it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Love it?- Yeah. Love it.- Great.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Yeah, it's a great farmhouse kitchen, isn't it?
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Yeah, comfy area,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21you know, kitchen area. Fantastic view.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Gorgeous view. Look at that. Those doors open now.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Sit there and forget the rest of everything, really.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- It's good, isn't it? - Yeah. And not too shiny.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30No, there's no chrome.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- No.- You wouldn't know this is an extension,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35they've done it so sympathetically.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40Wooden windows, there is no plastic UPVC, yeah.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43It's great. Really excited to see the rest.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Why don't I show you the living room?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Because it does marry up to this room in terms of proportion,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- so I think you'll like it. - OK.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Set next to the kitchen to the front of the home is a classic,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55well-proportioned living room.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Now this I think you're going to love.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Yeah, I do.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- Yeah, love it.- This is very traditional, nice floorboards.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05And this is obviously the older part of the property now,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08the exposed stonework is gorgeous.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Look at the size of that lintel over the fireplace!
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It feels cosy and homely.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15That's what you get when you come in, it's like a homely feel.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Yeah.- And that's what we're looking for.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I can imagine in the winter, it's a nice fire,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Christmas tree in the corner.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- Oh, now you're talking. - Kids running round.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Christmas at Granny and Grandpa's.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Yeah.- Yeah.- Can't wait to see more.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30All right, good. Let me take you upstairs to the master bedroom.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32OK.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Our Mystery House is already inspiring Chris and Helen
0:30:35 > 0:30:37to picture happy family scenes,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and completing this floor is the first of this home's six bedrooms.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44A good-sized guest double with its own shower room
0:30:44 > 0:30:46across the lobby. A large hall doubles up
0:30:46 > 0:30:49as a study space, with stairs leading to
0:30:49 > 0:30:51the remaining accommodation on the upper floor.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55There's a twin room to the front of the older part of the house.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59With a single bedroom on each side,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03both with a single aspect window offering countryside views.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07These make use of two family bathrooms,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11providing both a shower and a bathtub.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Then, in the newer extension towards the rear,
0:31:14 > 0:31:16there's a further guest double
0:31:16 > 0:31:17alongside a further shower room,
0:31:17 > 0:31:21which leaves us the master to have a look at.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25The views keep on coming with this house - look at that.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- Yeah, it's wonderful. - Double aspect as well.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- Mm-hmm.- Views out of both windows.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Good-sized room, too. - Yeah, fit the bed in.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Yeah, I think we'd fit our bed in here easily.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- And other furniture as well. - Yeah.- It's like a TARDIS,
0:31:38 > 0:31:39it looks decent-sized from outside,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41but you come inside and it's even more space
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- than you would think.- Helen, could you see yourself living here?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Yeah.- I hardly finished the sentence then! SHE LAUGHS
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Bang, straightaway. - Yeah, I love it.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51I knew as soon as I saw it, I liked it.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55And with all the space you've got here, pick a room for your office.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Sure.- If I was you, I would pick the mirror image of this room
0:31:58 > 0:32:01right at the far end and have your desk looking out
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- onto one of those beautiful hills.- You'd never do any work.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- Yes, I would.- If you're going to be working from home,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09you don't want to feel like you're getting locked away in a room, do you?
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- No.- You want to look forward to going to your office.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- Yeah, that's right. - You like this don't you?
0:32:13 > 0:32:14- Yeah, we do.- Yeah, we love it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17All right, let's go back outside and look at that beautiful view again.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Chris and Helen have had differing opinions
0:32:19 > 0:32:22about the other houses, but so far,
0:32:22 > 0:32:23they seem united on this one.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Outside, the large garden wraps around the property
0:32:27 > 0:32:32and offers a timber store and sheds, a generous area of lawn,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34plus flagstone paths and terraces,
0:32:34 > 0:32:39all enjoying those Usk Valley views towards the Black Mountains.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42I'm going to ask you to turn your back on this view for a moment.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- That'll be hard to do.- Well, yes!
0:32:44 > 0:32:47But just to enjoy this part of the garden, as much as anything else.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- It's really nice, isn't it? - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52On reflection, what's going through your mind, then?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Any if, buts or maybes?
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Or anything?- It's a fantastic house.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- Hm!- I love it.- Simple as that.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- Yeah.- I can't really believe it, to be honest.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06- Really?- No.- This, I feel, almost seems purpose-built for you two.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- Yeah.- Yeah, it is, it's great.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Still got a question mark at the back of my mind though...
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- if we can afford it.- Yeah.- Ah!
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Yes. How much do you think it is then, if you're worried?
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- I think it's over our budget. - OK.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Maybe...635?
0:33:25 > 0:33:27OK. All right.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29I think it may even be higher than that.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30I'd go 650, I think.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35OK, so if I told you it was £599,000,
0:33:35 > 0:33:36that'd be good news?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Are you going to tell me that? - Yep, that's how much it is.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42- Wow.- Excellent.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- That's really good news.- That's real food for thought, that is.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- That's a surprise as well. - Good, I'm glad.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49I think you should take some time here now,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52because you've reacted so well to this property,
0:33:52 > 0:33:54get to know it a bit more,
0:33:54 > 0:33:56start divvying up the rooms if you like, and I will meet you...
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Tell you what, I wouldn't mind enjoying this view
0:33:58 > 0:34:00for a bit longer, so I'll meet you out the front here.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- OK.- Catch you in a mo. - OK.- Thank you.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Bang on budget, our Mystery House
0:34:07 > 0:34:10offers open-plan living in the kitchen and family room
0:34:10 > 0:34:12plus plenty of accommodation.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14If they're prepared to shift on location,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17they get the wraparound grounds they wanted
0:34:17 > 0:34:18and incredible views.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I think this house is fabulous.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Really just love it.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27All of the key blocks that we want are there.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I think this house pretty much ticks all our boxes. Lots of character,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33in a great location, great setting. Beautiful views.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36We could move in straightaway and live here quite happily.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38It just felt very homely and very comfortable.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41They've done it so nicely and they've thought about it,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44and that's what I love about it. I don't know why they're selling it.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48It's lovely!
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Well, I think that's a good place to end things now.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Let's take you somewhere to have a bit of a think through
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- and we'll catch up after that. How's that?- Sounds great.- Yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57Let's go.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07The River Severn is Britain's longest river,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10running 220 miles from the Welsh mountains
0:35:10 > 0:35:12out to the Severn Estuary,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16the location of the second greatest tidal range in the world.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Here at Black Rock on the south coast of Monmouthshire,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21a centuries-old fishing method
0:35:21 > 0:35:24known as lave net fishing is still practised.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26This method of catching salmon survives
0:35:26 > 0:35:28thanks to just eight full-time licenses
0:35:28 > 0:35:32and a few very determined locals.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Martin Morgan is a fourth-generation lave net fisherman
0:35:35 > 0:35:37who's going to talk me through how it's done.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- Martin.- Hello, Jonnie, welcome to Blackrock Lave Net Heritage Fishery.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Thank you very much. Cracking day for it.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Beautiful. Perfect for lave net fishing.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49How did it all start? I take it's quite an old form of fishing?
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Yeah, this is the last traditional method of fishing left on
0:35:53 > 0:35:55the Welsh region of the Severn Estuary.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57These nets date back to the 1600s.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Really?- Certainly, recorded in J Geraint Jenkins' book,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Nets and Coracles, in the 1600s.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Has it changed much, or is this what someone would have been fishing with
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- in the 1600s?- The actual frame of the net is made now as it was then,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12from what grows around the estuary.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- OK.- Willow for the arms of the net.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18The reams. Pine for the headboard.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20And ash for the rock staff.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22So, Martin, this is centuries old,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25who taught you to fish with a lave net?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27My great-grandfather fished with a lave net,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31he was a salmon fisherman, and my uncles actually taught me,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35or showed me, how to use the net.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37My brother and I were offered licenses,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40these licenses were very hard to come by in the village,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42and they were called dead man's shoes,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45because the old fisherman would hang onto the licenses,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47even when they couldn't get down there.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48Didn't want to give them up?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Because they always thought, one day, they'd get up in the morning
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and feel they could get down there.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I've got a temporary licence, allowing me to join Martin today
0:36:58 > 0:37:00on a lave net fish. Opportunities are few,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03as in the three-month salmon season,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06the strong fortnightly spring tides are necessary for using
0:37:06 > 0:37:10this technique. And only on a calm day.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13With all of that in our favour, but only a two-hour window before
0:37:13 > 0:37:16low tide, it's time to get going.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Now, this is the spot, isn't it, Martin?
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- Look at that.- Yeah, it's fantastic. - So, now we're fully togged up,
0:37:22 > 0:37:26talk me through the process, What do I need to know?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Right, it's important, Jonnie, when we get out there that you
0:37:29 > 0:37:32just take things nice and easy. It can be deadly dangerous,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36if you don't follow the rules. When you're walking through the water,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39you always keep the rock staff in front of you, OK?
0:37:39 > 0:37:44- That?- Which is the handle the net. - OK.- Feeling your way, so if you feel
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- a gully, a hole in front of you, just move to the one side.- OK.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Also what you'll find is that the current,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54the tide, is trying to wash you away, so this will help you balance.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00When you get to your spot, I'll give you a shout and you unwrap the net.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Put your foot behind a rock, to stop yourself getting washed away!
0:38:03 > 0:38:06This is starting to sound rather perilous, Martin,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- I have to tell you. - Well, in short!
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- I don't think I am.- Lower the net down onto the bed of the estuary.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17What you'll find, then, is that the net is washed back around your legs
0:38:17 > 0:38:18under tension, with the force of the water,
0:38:18 > 0:38:22that water running down there is three or four knots probably.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Sometimes the salmon will run into the net hard. No mistake - bang.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Right.- Other times, they'll just roll around your legs,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32a slight pull on your finger and then, as quick as you can,
0:38:32 > 0:38:37lift the headline, hopefully, a salmon in the bag of the net.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39You then reach for your knocker.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Well, I've got one of these. I was wondering what this was for.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- The business end?- Yeah, you dispatch the fish quickly and cleanly.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48It's not just standing hoping for the best.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- You're on the hunt now, aren't you? - That's what we're doing.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53We're hunting the salmon. And we're hunting the salmon,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57not with some technical net and method of fishing,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00with an ancient method of fishing,
0:39:00 > 0:39:01much like hunting with a bow and arrow.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06'There is an annual quota of just 15 salmon allowed
0:39:06 > 0:39:07'between all eight licence holders.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12'That may not sound like much, but these are slippery fish to catch,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15'so like the centuries of fishermen who have gone before us,
0:39:15 > 0:39:19'we're hoping today fortune will favour the bold.'
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Keep that in front of you when we go round the back of these fisherman.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23There is a strong current.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Wow.- We'll unfold the net now.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28- Got it?- Yeah.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32And you lower the reams onto the bed of the estuary.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33Nice and quietly.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37Here will be all right. Yeah. Upright with the net.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39So, you're fishing now, Johnny.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41You're always looking for something. The sign of a fish.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45You got to pick that net up and move, to try to catch the fish.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- That's when the hunt is on?- That's when the hunt starts. The hunting.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51The hunting for a salmon. I mean, there's a tremendous,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54tremendous amount of work that goes in to getting that fish.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Yes.- I've been out very often, falling asleep on the net,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00nothing around, nothing around. There hasn't been anything around
0:40:00 > 0:40:03for a week and you're nodding off, to be frank.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- I've had them drop over the headline as I'm picking the net up.- Oh, no.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11It looks like, to coin a phrase, the tide is on the turn now.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Yeah, the water's running back now, Jonnie.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16We've got no depth of water. It's just about finished by here now.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Thank you so much and I wish you the very best of luck for the rest
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- of the season.- Thank you, Johnny. - Cheers, Martin.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22- Save a bit for me, won't you? - I will.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27It's time to assess the catch from our property trawl here
0:40:27 > 0:40:30in South Wales and I'm hoping it won't be a tale
0:40:30 > 0:40:32of the one that got away.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Well, it's fairly clear, isn't it,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40that Helen and Chris both favoured the Mystery House.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43How they wish to proceed from here...
0:40:43 > 0:40:44Well, time to find out.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- You've got my cakes ready for me. Thank you very much.- You're welcome.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Well, this is the part where I normally ask you which of the three
0:40:54 > 0:40:57properties is your favourite, but it's pretty clear
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- it is the Mystery House. - Yeah, it's a bit obvious, isn't it?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03And before we got there, even in the car,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05you were singing a different song, weren't you, Helen?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Yeah, it was just the whole set up was something
0:41:08 > 0:41:11I thought, we were going to like this.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12You've talked about, oh, you know,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15"We'd like to have enough space to have maybe..."
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Well, you called it livestock.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- You're certainly talking about having a few chickens.- Yeah.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22And maybe even keeping bees and stuff.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24You could do that at this house. Is that now a reality? Are you
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- now achieving dreams?- I'm not sure there's space for the bees.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28JONNIE LAUGHS
0:41:28 > 0:41:29No, not at all!
0:41:29 > 0:41:32You're getting closer to this dream now, aren't you?
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Yeah, it will take time to settle in, obviously.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37And then we can make a decision, a valuation on, you know, chickens,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41ducks, whatever. But I think it's pretty close to our ideal house.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43It's clearly your favourite.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45I'm chuffed that you enjoyed looking around the place.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48How much do you like the Mystery House? What's the next step?
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- Well, I think I need to do the drive up to the house.- Yes.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55And do the drive with my daughter, so she is, you know,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57because obviously she might have to bring the kids up.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- Of course, yeah.- So, I think a second viewing...- Yeah.- ..very soon.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04So, all being well, that second viewing goes according to plan...
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- Yep.- You might put an offer in? - I think so.- I think so.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- Yeah.- Yeah.- That's brilliant. - I think, yeah.- Yeah, I think so.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14I can't wait to find out how the second viewing goes,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17how we test drive goes, quite literally, up that country lane.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Let us know how you get on, won't you?
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- Yeah, we sure will.- We will, yeah. - Best of luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29I think, during this process, what we all learned was that,
0:42:29 > 0:42:31whilst they're on their own, Chris and Helen actually want
0:42:31 > 0:42:35a fairly conventional family home. But in choosing the Mystery House,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38they got not only that, but a property in a stunning location,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42with fantastic views. And I think it is a good idea then,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45for this second viewing that Helen does that drive on her own,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47up that, I suppose, fairly daunting country lane.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49And if she can put her mind at rest,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52then I think we'll be hearing some pretty good news fairly soon.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I wish them all the very best of luck.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05you can apply online, at...