0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today you find me 13 metres above ground,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09on one of the longest tree-top walkways in the UK,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12but where can you enjoy this bird's-eye view?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Find out in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35On today's show, our property search puts things into perspective.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37They definitely have focused on the view.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39That's just what we're hoping for.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43I'm going to have a pound for every time we say "view", I think.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45But views aren't everything.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- It's so big.- Yes!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Today, I'm in Gloucestershire,
0:00:53 > 0:00:58and this is the fantastic treetop walkway at Westonbirt Arboretum,
0:00:58 > 0:01:03home to one of the most important tree collections in the world.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08This beautiful bridge, which opened in spring 2016,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11meanders along a 300 metre stretch
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and provides a unique vantage point
0:01:14 > 0:01:17on some of the 15,000 trees here.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Now, the National Arboretum grew from the passion
0:01:20 > 0:01:23of Victorian plant collectors
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and it is rather fitting that, 180 years later,
0:01:26 > 0:01:31the walkway gives us a breathtaking perspective on their legacy.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Gloucestershire is situated in the south-west of England,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38and borders the neighbouring counties
0:01:38 > 0:01:40of Herefordshire and Oxfordshire.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44The majority of the Cotswolds falls within Gloucestershire.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Famous for its distinctive honey-coloured towns and villages,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50which flourished on the back of the medieval wool trade,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52the name refers to the range of rolling hills
0:01:52 > 0:01:55that run down the eastern fringe of the county.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Painswick is one of the best preserved towns here,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01it's known as the Queen of the Cotswolds.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Equally majestic is the Royal Forest of Dean,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07the former hunting ground for Tudor kings.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10It was England's first designated National Forest,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13an accolade received in 1938.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14It's also the birthplace
0:02:14 > 0:02:17of acclaimed British dramatist Dennis Potter,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20who set many of his plays in the forest.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Gloucestershire's literary giants also include Laurie Lee,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26who lived in the village of Slad.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30The pub he frequented is a popular watering hole for fans of his books,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32including Cider With Rosie.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36So, whether it's a literary heritage or historic architecture
0:02:36 > 0:02:37that interests you,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40it seems Gloucestershire has something for everyone.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Well, who wouldn't be inspired
0:02:43 > 0:02:47by this glorious Gloucestershire countryside,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50but living here does come with something of a premium.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53The average price of a detached home in the county
0:02:53 > 0:02:57is just over £361,000.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03Now, that's £50,000 above the national figure.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Property hot spots such as the Cotswolds
0:03:05 > 0:03:07where second homes are in high demand
0:03:07 > 0:03:10really drives up that price tag.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14But, today's buyers are after their forever home,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16and they want their budget to go the distance.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Susan and Bill have been married for 20 years
0:03:20 > 0:03:23after meeting whilst travelling in Tahiti.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26They currently live in Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex,
0:03:26 > 0:03:27not far from the airport,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31but they've been planning a move to a more rural setting for some time.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Stansted Mountfitchet is charming,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37it's also becoming increasingly popular.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40So there's more and more people in a relatively small area.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43We'd like to go out into the country and get some breathing space.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Well, we do like the area,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47it's very convenient for London and Cambridge,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49but it's time for a change.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Whilst Bill has retired from a career in IT,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55and now spends his time running a holiday let
0:03:55 > 0:03:57at their home in Stansted,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Susan works full-time as a lawyer in the City of London
0:04:00 > 0:04:02but she's become frustrated with her commute
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and with her firm offering flexible working,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07she's seizing the opportunity.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Now is the right time for us to move to Gloucestershire
0:04:11 > 0:04:14because I can work in another office, I can work in Bristol.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16I can also work from home.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17It's definitely time to move.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Their current home is a period property,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and while it may seem like they've already made
0:04:24 > 0:04:25their Escape To The Country,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29they are now after a bit less character and a bit more land.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31As you may have heard from my accent, I am American,
0:04:31 > 0:04:32and, as an American,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I thought I'd enjoy a house with a lot of beams,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38a lot of olde worlde character.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41And I discovered I'm not that keen on olde worlde!
0:04:41 > 0:04:46So we need more open-plan space that we can use more conveniently.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48We'd like to look out of the windows
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and see the countryside and the hills.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54As well as its proximity to Susan's Bristol office,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58they've also chosen Gloucestershire for its stunning landscapes.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00It's such beautiful countryside.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We'd be happy to look out of our windows every day
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and see the rolling hills.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07And a great place to hike.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11In addition to hiking, Bill likes to play golf,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15and when she has some spare time, Susan enjoys a spot of gardening
0:05:15 > 0:05:19but, when they move, they want to try something completely new.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24We want some pasture land, so that we can maybe have some alpacas,
0:05:24 > 0:05:25my wife's dream.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29There are very easy to maintain, they look amazing,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31there are very charming,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33and I believe it's going to just look amazing
0:05:33 > 0:05:35to have them out in the garden, in the pasture,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38in front of the house, and be able to watch them.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42For a couple who have lived in different parts of the world,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46including six years in Botswana, they are not afraid of the unknown.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49In the last 15 years, we've moved ten times,
0:05:49 > 0:05:54and we like getting to know a new area, and settling in.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57We're hoping it's just a calmer lifestyle.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Sue and Bill would like to be within 45 minutes of Bristol,
0:06:04 > 0:06:06where Sue's new office is,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10so we'll be looking at properties within easy reach of the M5.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12I'm meeting up with them in Gloucestershire,
0:06:12 > 0:06:13to run over their wish list.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Bill and Susan, I have to say,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17welcome to beautiful Gloucestershire.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Thank you.- Why have you decided
0:06:19 > 0:06:22that this is the county that you want to move to?
0:06:22 > 0:06:26We're looking for a particularly beautiful part of the country
0:06:26 > 0:06:27and this definitely is.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29We want some space, we want some open views
0:06:29 > 0:06:33and, if you look behind you, you see what we see, and that's why.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Yeah, gorgeous. And ideally you'd like to commute to Bristol,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37not every day but some days, don't you?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Exactly, exactly. - Best of both worlds.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41Exactly, that's the plan.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45So what about the actual property that you're looking for?
0:06:45 > 0:06:46Tell me about that.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47Well, we have - not difference
0:06:47 > 0:06:49of opinion but, perhaps, different priorities.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52For me, it's about the view and the land,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and I'm not that interested in an old house,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57an old thatched cottage.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00That doesn't appeal to me so much,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02and that's partly because I'm American.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05I thought Americans loved our traditional houses!
0:07:05 > 0:07:07That's sort of what we're living in now
0:07:07 > 0:07:10and we've decided that doesn't work for me.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Bill, what's your priorities? - My priorities, the views, also,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16but I want a couple of holiday units,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19because we currently have a holiday let in our house
0:07:19 > 0:07:21and we'd like to carry on doing that.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24We find it's very interesting, meeting lots of different people,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26and the income is really useful, as well.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29How many bedrooms, ideally, do you want?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Well, there's just the two of us, so we don't need that many bedrooms.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Three would be ideal.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37More... It tends to be bigger properties that have these annexes.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- So true. - So if we have more, that's a bonus.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Inside, lots of light.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Bill's quite tall, so we'd rather not him banging his head,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- which he currently does. - Yes, I find that a problem.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- You're good at ducking.- Yes!
0:07:52 > 0:07:55So, lots of light, more open plan than what we have now,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58which is a rather small rooms, so it's all boxy,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00and we'd like it to be opened up.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03If that's something we could do to the property,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05we're willing to take on a bit of a project.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Who's going to make the final decision?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11You were very honest and said you've got different priorities.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13We've both got to love it.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- I like that. - If we don't, there's no point.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So do remind us of your top budget.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Our top budget is about £850,000.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24That is without having to do any work.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- So, ideally, if it needed a little bit of work, under that.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Well we do have three rather splendid properties to show you
0:08:31 > 0:08:35in this lovely county, so shall we get started?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Yes.- Come on then.- Great. Thank you.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42With the generous maximum budget of £850,000,
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Sue and Bill will pay good money to get a property with an amazing view.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51The house itself should be light and airy and, ideally, open plan.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It must include three bedrooms and a holiday let,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57or the potential to build one, and Sue would like some land,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00up to an acre, for alpacas.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02We've lined up three properties
0:09:02 > 0:09:04that best reflect this exacting wish list,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06but they won't know how much it will cost them
0:09:06 > 0:09:08until the end of each property tour.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The Mystery House could challenge our couple to sacrifice
0:09:11 > 0:09:14some of their wish list to get the house of their dreams.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Our property journey starts in the small hamlet of Coopers Hill,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24just outside Gloucester,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27and close to the M5 for Sue's journey into Bristol.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30The closest village to our property is Cranham,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32which is tucked away in a wooded valley
0:09:32 > 0:09:36and features pretty cottages built from distinctive Cotswold stone.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40English composer Gustav Holst
0:09:40 > 0:09:43lived in the village in the mid-19th century.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47His music to the classic Christmas carol In The Bleak Midwinter
0:09:47 > 0:09:50is thought to have been inspired by cold snowy days
0:09:50 > 0:09:52looking out across the valley from his cottage.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Hard to imagine on a day like today.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Under a ten-minute drive away, property one has
0:09:58 > 0:10:02an enviable position situated on the Cotswold way,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04and with commanding views across Gloucestershire.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09So let me introduce you to our first property
0:10:09 > 0:10:12on this elevated position, looking out.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14From what we can see, the views are amazing.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- Superb.- And the house is that lovely Cotswold stone.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22This is reclaimed Cotswold stone, it comes from an old barn,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- because this house was only built around 2004.- Oh, OK.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31And it has been designed with that view in mind.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34You said to me the views are more important than the house.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Yes. Yes, I did.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38But I want the house to work as well for you, so fingers crossed.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Follow me, let's take a step inside.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45With the space for cars and a timber garage to the side,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49the front of the house is designed with practicalities in mind.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53It's when you step inside that you really get a sense of the character
0:10:53 > 0:10:56of this building, which takes advantage of the view.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58So, this house is on different levels,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00you've probably guessed that now.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05So we actually come downstairs to not only marvel at that view,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08which I'm sure we'll be discussing in some detail,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13but also introduce you to the kitchen-dining-breakfast room.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- Very nice.- Good size.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17We like this a lot. Well, I like it a lot.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- What do you think? - I think it's very good.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20And, as you say, looking at that,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22taking advantage of that amazing view.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Our current house, we have no view out the window, from the kitchen,
0:11:27 > 0:11:28we always thought we would like
0:11:28 > 0:11:30to look out and see something beautiful.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- That'll do.- So we're liking the inside so far.- Absolutely.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Let's see what you make of next door to our sitting-room.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Again, I think, generous proportions.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42This is a lovely room.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Light and airy, isn't it?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Windows on three walls.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48They definitely have focused on the view.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50That's just what we're hoping for.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52I'm going to have a pound for every time we say "view", I think,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54because we're going to say it all the time.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Is it going to get obnoxious?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Vista!- Vista, scenery...- OK.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Yeah. We'll have to think of other words.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Out there!
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Yeah, but that's the whole point with this house.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It is a large property,
0:12:06 > 0:12:07but it's all about the view.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Yeah. It's beautiful.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11As well as this living room,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13a spacious garden room lies next door,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15which spills out onto a sunny courtyard.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19There's also a utility and shower room on this level.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, including two good-sized doubles,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25at the back of the house.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29And, a single with exposed stone.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30What's more, there's a study,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33but I'm showing Sue and Bill their master suite.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37So you've actually got three doubles on this level of this house.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42This is the master, so you've got your en-suite, the shower and bath,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45wardrobe space, and then the room itself.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It's nice.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Doesn't knock my socks off but it's very nice.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Yeah, I prefer it a little bit larger
0:12:52 > 0:12:54and bigger windows, I think,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I suppose you could try and open up the view.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Maybe put in French doors, or something like that.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02French doors and a balcony, really.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04That would be lovely, wouldn't it?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I'm saving the best till last here,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11as we're finishing the tour with that splendid view.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Because the property is perched on a hill, the gardens are terraced,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18a patio section leads down to a lawn with well-stocked borders
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and further below there's a mini orchard.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23A few reservations about the property itself,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26but I wonder whether this...
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Stunning, absolutely stunning. - It is absolutely amazing.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Two other things I know you are quite passionate about.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33One is the possibility of having an annexe.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37You may have noticed to the right of the entrance of the property,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40a double garage, wooden structure,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42planning permission has been sought
0:13:42 > 0:13:45for that to be turned into holiday let accommodation,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48has not been granted yet, but the paperwork's gone in.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- We like a project.- You would be starting from scratch.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54There is a great double garage, but there is space there.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57The other thing that you two like is land, isn't it?
0:13:57 > 0:14:01If you're thinking of grazing land, you could look either to the side,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04or, straight in front of us.
0:14:04 > 0:14:10Conversations could be had either about leasing that or buying it,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12but that is something you would need to look into.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- Sounds promising.- We're going to try to put a cost, a price,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19on our first property, with these spectacular views.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21What are you thinking?
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I'm going to be a bit cheeky, I'm going to say 795.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27OK.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Yeah. I would have thought slightly lower than that.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33750.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38OK. The house has only just gone on the market, the asking price is...
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Bill, well done - £750,000.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Good grief. Sounds promising. I think £100,000,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48we could make this house to what we wanted it to be,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and do the holiday unit as well.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I'm glad you're both pleasantly surprised.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It's a good start.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56And now you know that price,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I think you're going to want another look, aren't you?
0:14:58 > 0:14:59Yes, absolutely.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Have a wander on your own this time,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and don't forget the double garage -
0:15:04 > 0:15:07annexe potential, holiday let potential, income.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08Thank you.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13With £100,000 left over,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Sue and Bill seem to have warmed to our first house -
0:15:16 > 0:15:19a modern detached property with character features.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24An open-plan kitchen-diner and large living room have exceptional views,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27and it comes with four bedrooms.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The garage could be turned into a holiday let,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33and there are neighbouring fields available to rent for alpacas.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Well, that's a surprise.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Could obviously be the bedroom.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I think this could work really nicely,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45but you'd have to spend some money to do it.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I think this property has great potential,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51the price is very reasonable -
0:15:51 > 0:15:55750,000, which gives us enough money to change some of the layout
0:15:55 > 0:15:59which we don't like in this house, plus to develop the garage,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01to be a holiday unit.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04The outside area is gorgeous.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I have mixed feelings, I'm not thrilled with the upstairs.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12And the annexe obviously will take a bit of work because it's not even
0:16:12 > 0:16:15there yet. That would take some consideration for us.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19We have mixed views, but the view does sell the house pretty well.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Have we had a good look around for a second time?
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- We have.- A few concerns when we started but, by the end,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31especially with that price, things were falling into place with
0:16:31 > 0:16:33our first property. A good start?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Yes, it's a very good start, lots of potential.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Excellent. We do have more to show you, so let's hit the road.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Sue has expressed an interest in keeping alpacas on their land
0:16:50 > 0:16:52when she and Bill move to Gloucestershire.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56The distinctive woolly creature hails from deepest Peru.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01They first arrived in the UK in the 19th century as exotic zoo exhibits
0:17:01 > 0:17:03but in the last 20 years
0:17:03 > 0:17:08their popularity as pets has grown and there are now estimated to be
0:17:08 > 0:17:11around 35,000 alpacas in Britain.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15We sent our buyers to meet Bridget and James Tibbs-Hamilton
0:17:15 > 0:17:19who own Cotswold Alpacas, a farm near Cheltenham.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23So how did this all happen, running an alpaca farm?
0:17:23 > 0:17:28It's a dream. I worked on a city farm...20 - scary - years ago,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33and learned to spin and use wool and all sorts of fibres.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37I found alpaca and thought, one day, I want alpacas.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40We've been here three years now and just love it.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42What's the difference between an alpaca and a llama?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Good question. People always think these guys are llamas.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Llamas are a lot bigger
0:17:47 > 0:17:51and in their native country, Peru, they are used as pack animals,
0:17:51 > 0:17:52so they're beasts of burden.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56They do have a coat which you can work with, but it's coarser.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01So alpacas are small, highly valued for their fleece.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04We're thinking of getting some alpaca when we move this way.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Are they difficult to manage?
0:18:06 > 0:18:07How much land do they need?
0:18:07 > 0:18:09They are absolutely adorable.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11They don't take an awful lot of land.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13You could have three or four on an acre quite happily.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Really, that much?- Yeah.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Although alpacas are hardy creatures, they do require care.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21As well as an annual haircut,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23alpacas need twice-yearly vaccinations
0:18:23 > 0:18:28against bacterial diseases, and vitamin D supplements in the winter.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Like any animal, they are demanding when they are little,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33and James is on daddy duty.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Hi, how are you doing? - Who do we have here?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38This is little Melody.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39She is having a bit of a bottle feed.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- Would you like to have a go at feeding her?- I'd love to.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Let me stop her a moment.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Steady, mate. I know, that's not fair, is it?
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Take the bottle. What you want to do is stand astride.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Keep your hand around her neck there.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55And then lift up and keep the bottle up nice and high for her.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- That's it, there you go.- And how often do you have to feed her?
0:19:00 > 0:19:03We're feeding her two times a day, sometimes three, depending.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06We're weighing her at the same time just to see how she goes.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Her mum had mastitis last year,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11and she lost some of the quarters off her udder.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15They usually have four teats but she only has one so she is only getting
0:19:15 > 0:19:1725% of her milk.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18And we're backing that up at the moment.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20But she's growing well, she's doing really good.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- What is she drinking?- She's actually drinking goat's milk.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25We've experimented a little bit with her.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28She has a little bit of honey in that, which is a bit of a trick,
0:19:28 > 0:19:29cos it sweetens it slightly cos
0:19:29 > 0:19:32the alpaca milk is slightly sweeter than the goat's milk.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35There she goes.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Alpacas can also generate a healthy income.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Their fleeces are often compared in quality to cashmere,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48and money can be made by turning the luxury fibre into woollen clothing.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Selling the raw fleece alone can fetch up to £90 per animal,
0:19:52 > 0:19:56but spinning the wool into a yarn can reap even bigger rewards.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01We've so much fibre that we send the majority away to a mill in Wales
0:20:01 > 0:20:05and we have yarn made and produced, and we have rugs and throws.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10But I do keep the very nicest, softest cria fleeces to do by hand.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14OK. So you need a piece of fibre each.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Thank you.- The principle of spinning is very, very simple.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21You just pull a piece of fibre out, the wheel will twist it,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25the wheel will pull it in onto the bobbin and wind it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Your job is to determine the thickness of the thread you are
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- going to spin.- OK.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35The three alpacas Sue and Bill would like to keep could generate
0:20:35 > 0:20:38a kilo and a half of quality wool each year.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- Good man.- Easily enough for a warm winter jersey.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46That's it. Get the foot going.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48That's it. You are on a roll. You are on a roll.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Bridget, this has been brilliant.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55We have a lot to learn but we have really enjoyed it.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58I hope you get alpacas and we'll see you one day back here for
0:20:58 > 0:21:00a bit more spinning.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Yeah, we'll look forward to it. Thank you.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08For our second property,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12we are crossing the River Severn to the southwestern part of the county
0:21:12 > 0:21:17and heading to the hamlet of Etloe, a 45-minute journey to Bristol.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Situated near the Severn, the closest village is Blakeney,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22which has a range of local amenities,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25including a post office and public house.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28The nearby Forest of Dean offers plenty of opportunities for walking,
0:21:28 > 0:21:32and as one of the last surviving ancient woodlands in England,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34it provides a steady stream
0:21:34 > 0:21:37of tourists for Bill's potential holiday let.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39House two is a mile from Blakeney,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43situated on a quiet country lane with fabulous views across
0:21:43 > 0:21:44the River Severn.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47So, brought you down a little country lane.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50We are on the other side of the River Severn
0:21:50 > 0:21:53for this, our next property.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Beautiful.- It's got more kerb appeal, hasn't it,
0:21:56 > 0:21:57than the first property?
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Any idea how old this property might be?
0:22:00 > 0:22:05We think there's an older part and then perhaps a newer addition.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06A couple of hundred years old?
0:22:06 > 0:22:0850 years?
0:22:08 > 0:22:1016th century.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Oh, my gosh! That's amazing.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17We are stepping back in time, but, Susan, being eagle-eyed,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19you have noticed there's been an extension.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I'm a little bit worried about the light but we'll see.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23OK. Let's do that.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30This former farmhouse is actually Grade II listed but shows how
0:22:30 > 0:22:34alterations can be made provided you get the right planning consent
0:22:34 > 0:22:36from the local conservation officer.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40We are heading to the kitchen in the extended part of the house.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44So the kitchen - it does have beams.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46They are lovely beams.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- They are nicely... - A great high ceiling.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Yeah. It's a very attractive kitchen.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Yes, I do like this.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I think if you took the table out, this would be a really nice size.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Yes. And you could easily take it out and perhaps put it next door
0:22:58 > 0:23:00because you've got a beautiful garden room there.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- OK.- So if you did want to have separate dining, you could use that.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07I suppose another option is that we can knock through to the next room.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09OK. Let's keep going.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15So we are now stepping into the oldest part of the house.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17You've got your snug to one side,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21dining table on the other. This was the original kitchen.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- OK.- It's a lot smaller. I want to show you through here.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30Next to the dining room, there is a utility with WC and an office.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Although this older part of the house is darker than the kitchen,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36I'm hopeful the living room will allay Sue's fears
0:23:36 > 0:23:37about lack of light.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43So at the end of the hallway, we have this sitting room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45This is a very pleasant room.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49It's obviously smaller than more modern properties but a good size
0:23:49 > 0:23:51for an older building, for a much older building.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Yeah, I love the beam and the fireplace.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55It's got plenty of windows.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Lots of natural light.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00And it's not too twee.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01Not too old-fashioned.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Right.- I probably would prefer more open-plan but I don't think it's...
0:24:04 > 0:24:07I don't know if it is possible with the way the rooms have been...
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Yeah. Let's take you upstairs.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- OK.- See what you make of the bedrooms.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18These include a double and a single
0:24:18 > 0:24:22both serviced by a family bathroom with roll-top bath.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25There's also a large double with exposed ceiling beams
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and en-suite shower room with its own staircase
0:24:28 > 0:24:30leading up from the snug.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33This could serve as the master, but the current owners are using the
0:24:33 > 0:24:37largest and lightest bedroom at the other end of the house.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So here...
0:24:39 > 0:24:41is your master bedroom.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Wow! This is beautiful.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44This is a great room.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- It's so big.- Yes!
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- I found it, a big room. - Yeah, lovely.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Light, airy, good size.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Good views from this one.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Yeah, love the views.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Of course, it's not just finding the right house for our couple.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04I'm mindful that Bill is keen on running a holiday let.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07And, so far, I've been hiding this from them -
0:25:07 > 0:25:13a completely self-contained annexe with two bedrooms and a bathroom,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17a fully-fitted kitchen, and a large living room.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- My gosh!- This is actually part of the dairy.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24When the owners were given planning permission to put the extension on
0:25:24 > 0:25:28and to make changes to the main house, they also converted this.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30So surprising, and such big space.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34It's been sort of landscaped so that they have a little bit of garden,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36but it doesn't infringe on yours.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39That's great. That would work really well for us.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Yes, sounds ideal.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44And then, of course, there's the land for Sue.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47The house sits in an acre plot and although she'd probably want to keep
0:25:47 > 0:25:49the lawned garden for herself,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53a gate leads to a field which is available to rent for alpacas.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56But again, I've saved the best till last.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Perhaps the most important part of this garden is the view
0:26:02 > 0:26:03of the River Severn and beyond.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Stunning view. When we were doing research about this area,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11we weren't that keen on the Severn view, but it's really lovely.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13It's much nicer than we expected.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Yeah?- Yeah.- How much are we thinking for this property?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19What's it on the market for?
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I'm going to go a bit higher this time because of the holiday lets.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23I will say 800.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- OK.- Maybe slightly lower.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- 795.- OK, well, the asking price is...
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- £835,000.- OK.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Has come down quite considerably as well because they are very keen
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- to sell.- OK.- I suppose it's a fair price, cos there is a lot of house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43OK. Well, now you know that figure,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45why don't you have another look around?
0:26:45 > 0:26:46I'm sure the holiday lets,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49you are going to want to explore those for a second time.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52And then go back into the house and see what adjustments perhaps you
0:26:52 > 0:26:54might make to make it perfect for the two of you.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- OK?- Great, thank you.- Be my guest.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00£15,000 below budget,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03our second property is a Grade II-listed farmhouse
0:27:03 > 0:27:05with parts dating back
0:27:05 > 0:27:08to the 16th century, with a new kitchen and garden room
0:27:08 > 0:27:10added recently.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14It has four bedrooms and comes with a self-contained annexe with two
0:27:14 > 0:27:18bedrooms. There is an acre of garden and options for alpacas and, what's
0:27:18 > 0:27:21more, it overlooks the River Severn.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- It's beautiful, isn't it? - Yes, it certainly is.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31With the staircase down right into the snug,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34it almost feels like a self-contained unit.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Which you could do.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Yes. Lovely en suite, isn't it?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41So you could close this off and make this another holiday let.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44This is a lovely home.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's very impressive, the outside, lovely garden.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49The views over the Severn.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50The garden is beautiful,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53but it's not really going to be suitable for the alpacas
0:27:53 > 0:27:55if we did decide to do that.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57So there are some really positive points.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59It's a lovely house overall.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Well, we've certainly had the best weather for house-hunting here in
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- Gloucestershire, haven't we? - It's been beautiful.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10So, interest in what we've seen so far?
0:28:10 > 0:28:11- Interested, yes.- Yeah?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Yeah. We've been very impressed with the houses.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18Hopefully you're going to be even more impressed tomorrow,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- because we've got our Mystery House still to show you.- Great.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39We are in Gloucestershire with Bill and Sue from Essex,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43hoping to find a home with land on an £850,000 budget.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Coming up, the Mystery House reaches new heights...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Wow! This is really surprising.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52..and lows.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I have to bend down like this.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Right, OK. Moving on to the next room.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01And I get the scoop on one of the county's coolest concoctions.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04You're like the Willy Wonka of the ice-cream world.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10Although Susan and Bill told me at the start of this search
0:29:10 > 0:29:14that the view was more important than the actual house, yesterday it
0:29:14 > 0:29:19became clear that the two homes we showed them didn't quite deliver
0:29:19 > 0:29:22on the layout, even though they both had exceptional vistas.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27So today we're going to shift our focus back to the home itself.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Now, the mystery property is a unique new-build but, as ever,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35there is a compromise, and this time, it's the land.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39For our final house,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42we are hopping back over to the eastern side of the Severn
0:29:42 > 0:29:44and heading to the village of Purton.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47A 45-minute journey from Bristol,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50the quiet village is home to a scattering of pretty cottages
0:29:50 > 0:29:54and is one of the last stops along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57The land between the canal and the river
0:29:57 > 0:29:59is known for the Purton Hulks -
0:29:59 > 0:30:02the remains of old boats intentionally beached to protect
0:30:02 > 0:30:03the banks from erosion.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Our Mystery House is set back from the road,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09tucked away behind the parish church
0:30:09 > 0:30:12in the heart of the riverside village.
0:30:12 > 0:30:19So our final house is of course the Mystery, and here she is.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24Wow! This is really surprising in this location. It's beautiful.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Well, this looks really intriguing. Can't wait to have a look.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30This brand-new barn-style property has been
0:30:30 > 0:30:33built with energy efficiency in mind.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Based on the German Passivhaus design,
0:30:35 > 0:30:39the insulation is three times thicker than an average home,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41resulting in very low running costs.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44With triple-glazed windows on every side,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48the main living space is bathed in natural light and takes advantage
0:30:48 > 0:30:51of some stunning rural views at the back.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- Beautiful.- Fantastic, yeah.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Great use of light, space.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- It's really beautiful.- And we know it's important that you love
0:30:59 > 0:31:02the home as much as the view. We've found that out.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04This is all about the home.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06So you've got your kitchen...
0:31:06 > 0:31:08It's a lovely kitchen. I love the island.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It's beautiful granite.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12And you feel like you are outdoors.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- Yes.- My problem is that I've got to duck to look through the windows.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18So you see a big green...
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Blob. Yeah. I don't see the vista.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25I think it's better for someone of your height, to be honest.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I have to bend down like this.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Right, OK, moving on to the next room.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I'm going to take you in here and then hopefully you will see it
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- at its best.- Oh, very nice.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Simple, but great fireplace.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39Yes, I like this area.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42So you do have access to your patio area out there,
0:31:42 > 0:31:46which is slightly raised, and they've put in this huge pond
0:31:46 > 0:31:49which comes from the rainwater off the roof, and you can swim in it.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- That's brilliant.- So when they have
0:31:51 > 0:31:54their friends and their children, they all have a dip in the pond.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- That's great.- Yeah.- And Bill has actually always wanted a pond.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59- I have, yes.- Have you?
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- Ah! There we are. - So that's another tick.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03It's working. It's working.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Right, let's head on upstairs.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09As well as this huge open-plan entertaining space,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13the ground floor also features a bedroom with a wet room en suite
0:32:13 > 0:32:15and a laundry area.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Upstairs, there are three further bedrooms,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20including two good-sized doubles,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23each with their own en-suite bathrooms.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25And, finally, a spacious master.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30I probably should put Bill this side.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Bill will be able to see my view.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35But do take a look at the actual master bedroom as well.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- This is gorgeous. - Fantastic. I do like this room.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- What a wonderful place to wake up in the morning.- Yes.- Great views.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Good size. I love it.- Yes.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45- Really nice.- Yes, we both do.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- This is beautiful. - Let's head back downstairs.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54The Mystery House seems to be working its magic but, as always,
0:32:54 > 0:32:55there is a compromise.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58There is less land here than our previous properties,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02so they'd have to put their alpacas on neighbouring land.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04In addition to the garden at the front of the house,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07there's a small lawn to the side which is the location for one
0:33:07 > 0:33:11of the outbuildings. The current owners use this as an office.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14There's also a separate workshop.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17So the final part of the jigsaw are these beautiful outbuildings,
0:33:17 > 0:33:22really, aren't they? At the moment, set up as an office.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25You've actually got a shower room there, storage, workshop,
0:33:25 > 0:33:26whatever you want.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Now, it is the Mystery House.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32I'm going to give you a "small C" compromise,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36because we don't have holiday lets set up at the moment.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39You would need to seek planning permission to change the use of
0:33:39 > 0:33:42these buildings and make a few changes, as well,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46but there is the potential if you wanted to rent them out.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- OK.- Yeah, that's something to think about.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52There's a lot to take in with this property, isn't there?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55And also now, we've got to try and guess the price.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Shall I go first this time?
0:33:58 > 0:33:59If you want.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Maybe around the 800,000 mark.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- 795.- OK.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- I'm going to go much higher. - I think it's the top of our budget.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09It's a brand-new build, I'm going to say 845.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13The asking price - and it hasn't been on very long,
0:34:13 > 0:34:18it came on at the beginning of the summer - is £770,000.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- Seriously?- Yeah. - That really surprises me.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- It's a good price.- Have a wander around and I'll find you
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- when you are ready. - Great.- Thank you.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29£80,000 below budget,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32our Mystery House is a stylishly modern barn-style property
0:34:32 > 0:34:35with eco-friendly credentials.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37The main living space is light and open-plan
0:34:37 > 0:34:39and there are four bedrooms.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43The third of an acre of land features two timber outbuildings
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and there are stunning country views to the rear.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48A great office, isn't it?
0:34:48 > 0:34:52Yeah. But it would need a lot of work for an annexe.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55We could keep this for ourselves.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57We love the house, we love the space, we love the light,
0:34:57 > 0:35:02and the fact that it is eco-friendly is really attractive to both of us.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04The location is nice but it doesn't
0:35:04 > 0:35:06have the views of the first property.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08The land is an issue,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10because there is not much of a garden.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Is it a compromise too far?
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I'm not sure. It's something that we need to discuss because this house
0:35:15 > 0:35:16is so beautiful.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21I'm just admiring your new neighbours. Look at those cows.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- Hello.- So have you enjoyed our final property?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Very much so. We love this house.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Well, let's go and have a chat and find out what your next move
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- is going to be.- Great.- Thanks.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40The common land near Stroud in Gloucestershire is graced
0:35:40 > 0:35:43by free-roaming cows, who provide a key ingredient to one of
0:35:43 > 0:35:47the county's famous delicacies, ice cream.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50So it's no surprise that Rodborough Common
0:35:50 > 0:35:54has been the historic home to a family-run ice-cream producer
0:35:54 > 0:35:56for three generations.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59They set up on this very spot back in 1925
0:35:59 > 0:36:02and it's now one of the longest-running ice-cream makers
0:36:02 > 0:36:04in the country.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07I've come to the headquarters to meet Frank Winston,
0:36:07 > 0:36:12whose entrepreneurial father started the business nearly 100 years ago.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Well, Frank, lovely to meet you on this gorgeous, sunny day.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19- It's grand, isn't it?- Tell me,
0:36:19 > 0:36:24how did it all get started? Because it is a family business, isn't it?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26My dad started back in 1925.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31He was a French polisher by trade and he was made redundant,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35so he thought, well, we could sell drinks from here -
0:36:35 > 0:36:37a lot of people walking on the common.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41So he put a little wooden shack up and started selling drinks.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43And that went quite well
0:36:43 > 0:36:45and so he thought, "How do you make ice cream?"
0:36:45 > 0:36:46People were asking for ice cream.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49So your father's name was Albert, wasn't it?
0:36:49 > 0:36:51- Yes.- But he had no past experience?
0:36:51 > 0:36:53No. He was quite intelligent. He was pretty bright.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58- Yes.- First lot was atrocious, he said, but gradually got better.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01And then he bought a motorbike and sidecar and started trading
0:37:01 > 0:37:03on the streets around Stroud, in Cirencester.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05I love the fact that the premises
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- is right on the edge of Rodborough Common...- That's the beauty of it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- ..and you haven't moved.- No, no. - So you took over the business.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14I took over the business when...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17I did my National Service and then I went into partnership with my dad.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18And then when my dad retired,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I took over the reins and now my daughter Jane has taken over
0:37:22 > 0:37:24the reins and she runs it.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26Frank still lives on-site
0:37:26 > 0:37:29so he can keep a keen eye on the family business.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Although the company has grown since the days of his father's
0:37:32 > 0:37:36motorbike and sidecar, it's still small-scale.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Frank's son-in-law, Colin Vear, is general manager
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and is showing me around.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45What is it about this region that makes it so special?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48I think this region more than any other is really well-known for its
0:37:48 > 0:37:51dairy products. So, for example, its milk and its cream,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53and I think there's just a certain
0:37:53 > 0:37:56excellence about the milk and cream from this region.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Strangely enough, you've also got to count the water, as well, from this
0:37:59 > 0:38:00particular area.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03There's a certain amount of water in the product, as well.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- It's just got...- Has that flavour.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09I'm not sure exactly what, but it seems to bring it out.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11As well as being proud of their heritage,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13they like to keep things local.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16The milk and cream all come from these grazing cows.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19They sell from their vintage ice-cream vans on the common,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22or direct to nearby pubs and restaurants.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26The rest is sold in the shop but I'm meeting Frank's daughter, Jane,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28who's now in charge of the business.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- This is the magic. - I wouldn't mind having a go.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- Do you need an extra pair of hands?- I do.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35What do I need to remember? What do I need to do?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- OK, you've got your scoops. - Yes.- And cones.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Yes. And what do I offer them? Three different varieties?- Yes.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Or they might want a tub.- These are all the traditional flavours but you
0:38:43 > 0:38:45go out there and do some weird and wacky ones.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49We do. We do rhubarb crumble, we've done gooseberry.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52We are about to try a liquorice and blackcurrant.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55You are like the Willy Wonka of the ice-cream world.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56We've got some customers coming.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Keep an eye on me. I'll give it my best, ready?
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Here we go. Big smile.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04This isn't the first time I've sold ice cream.
0:39:04 > 0:39:081986, Herne Bay Bandstand - I remember it well.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12You've picked a perfect day for an ice cream, haven't you?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15I used to live here and I grew up with 99s.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17If you still do a 99, I'd like a 99.
0:39:17 > 0:39:18- So that's vanilla?- Yes.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22If I can tempt you with a cone, or did you want...?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- I have to have a cone. - And which one would you like?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Which one would you like? - That one will do good.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Yes.- So we are going to have vanilla.- Vanilla.- A double...
0:39:30 > 0:39:31A little more ice cream on it.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- Yeah.- I'm going to put it into a little ball.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Maybe a little bit of a bigger ball.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I'm thinking of her profits.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40LAUGHTER
0:39:41 > 0:39:43There we are. Enjoy.
0:39:43 > 0:39:44- Nice to meet you.- Thank you.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Bye.- Bye-bye.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51Back in the summer of '86, I ate more ice cream than I sold.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Am I allowed a double one? - You are allowed a double one.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Ooh!
0:39:55 > 0:39:59And it seems old habits die hard.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00Total job satisfaction.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Well, we finished on a high, but has the Mystery House done enough
0:40:10 > 0:40:14to convince our couple to move to Gloucestershire?
0:40:14 > 0:40:15Let's go and ask them.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27Well, Bill and Susan, we started off this house-hunt with a very generous
0:40:27 > 0:40:31budget and a very generous wish-list, didn't we?
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Yes.- And how have we done?
0:40:34 > 0:40:36You did well. And hitting our wish list -
0:40:36 > 0:40:38maybe not all on the same property.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40But bits and pieces of all of it, you've got it.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44So, Bill, have we got close with any of our properties?
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Yeah, all three properties were very nice and they had lots of positive
0:40:47 > 0:40:52points. But I think, overall, my favourite was probably number three.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53Was it? The Mystery House?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- Yes.- The house itself was great.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Almost perfect. The light,
0:40:59 > 0:41:01the care that they had taken in putting it together,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03the materials they used.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- It was great.- It did work its magic, but do you love it enough that you
0:41:07 > 0:41:09might consider a second viewing?
0:41:09 > 0:41:10I don't think so.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14We do love the house but there are too many compromises for us.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17It's a lovely house and I'm sure it will be snapped up pretty quickly.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21If I could pick up the Mystery House and take it somewhere where it had
0:41:21 > 0:41:23perhaps more impressive views...
0:41:23 > 0:41:26If you moved it to where the first property was...
0:41:26 > 0:41:27- Yeah.- Yeah. That would have been...
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I think that would have been perfect.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Yes, that would have been our dream house, I think.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35Yes. Because of the land that you are after, this pasture land,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38and it's not half an acre, it's sort of one or two acres,
0:41:38 > 0:41:43with the holiday lets, and I'm going to say, a big home...
0:41:43 > 0:41:47You didn't want a big home, but boy, you like space, you like size.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50We have learnt that we need to increase the budget
0:41:50 > 0:41:51if we get the house of our dreams.
0:41:51 > 0:41:57- Yes.- Yeah. Or we give up something and that may be the pasture land
0:41:57 > 0:41:58and sadly the alpacas.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- The alpacas have got to go. - I'll just go and visit them.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Well, all the best when you do make the move and thank you, both,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- very much indeed. - Thank you so much for this.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- It's been so good. - Yes, we had a brilliant time.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20So, in the end, the Mystery House was a compromise too far.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24However, what this week has shown Bill and Susan is, to achieve
0:42:24 > 0:42:27everything they want to the standard they desire,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30they are either going to have to look at that rather generous budget
0:42:30 > 0:42:33all over again or reduce their wish-list.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38So we haven't secured a sale over the last few days, but I'm pleased
0:42:38 > 0:42:42we've given them clarity, what their priorities actually are,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45and hopefully they'll be making a move very soon.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47So that's it from me from Gloucestershire.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50See you again next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55If you would like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Wales or Northern Ireland, and need our help, you can apply online...