0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, I'm in the midst of 30 buildings that span over 700 years of architectural history.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09But I'm not in a village, and I'm not in a market town.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And I'm not where you may think I am. So where am I?
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Find out in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38Today's selection of country houses leaves one couple lost for words.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40What's going through your minds at this point?
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Stunned!
0:00:45 > 0:00:48And we might just have found the right house for them.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- Purpose-built for us, I think. - Yeah.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- I've bought it.- Yeah.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Today, I'm in Worcestershire,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59and this is Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Since the 1960s, they've been on a mission to rescue,
0:01:02 > 0:01:08relocate and preserve buildings of historical importance from across the Midlands.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11You'll find a medieval town house from Bromsgrove,
0:01:11 > 0:01:1514th century roofing from part of Worcester Cathedral,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18right through to a Victorian counting house,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20that was rescued from the local cattle market.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Later on in the show, I'll be taking a look at
0:01:22 > 0:01:26the latest renovation project to have the wind put back in its sails.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28But, first, let's take a look
0:01:28 > 0:01:30at what this wonderful county has to offer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Situated in the Midlands region of England,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Worcestershire shares borders with six counties, including Shropshire,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43to the north-west and Herefordshire to the west.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Winding its way through fertile farmland,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48the Southern is the longest river in Britain,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51passing through Worcestershire towns and villages,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53including Bewdley and Upton.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59Some of Worcestershire's most stunning vistas are found around the Malvern Hills,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06crisscrossed by around 100 miles of bridleways and footpaths.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10The landscape is said to have inspired Edward Elgar,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12who spent much of his life here.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15A statue of the composer is located in Great Malvern,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18a town that was also once a popular spa resort
0:02:18 > 0:02:20with the Georgians and Victorians.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Historically believed to have healing properties,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27the local water flows from natural springs
0:02:27 > 0:02:30dotted around the town to this day.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Georgian and Victorian architecture sits besides medieval gems,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38including the Abbey Gateway, home to Malvern's museum.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43With such a wealth of classic English landscape
0:02:43 > 0:02:45and historic interest,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47it is little wonder that Worcestershire is a popular place
0:02:47 > 0:02:51for both a temporary and more permanent country escape.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56The good news is that Worcestershire as a whole is affordable.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The average cost of a detached house here is around £280,000,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03just a few thousand pounds shy of the national average.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05But when you delve a little deeper,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09you'll see that there's an east-west divide when it comes to price.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12East carries a premium because of its easy access to motorways
0:03:12 > 0:03:14and also to Birmingham,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17which makes it ideal with commuters.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20If you're looking for more from your property pound and don't mind going
0:03:20 > 0:03:23more rural, then west is best,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26towards the borders of Shropshire and Herefordshire.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30So, let's meet the couple who are hoping to call this county home.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Lee, a retired fireman and Jane, a nurse from the city of Birmingham,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40first got together over an unfortunate encounter
0:03:40 > 0:03:42at a post-rugby match party.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44I think it was coming to the end of the night.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48I'd had a few beers. I tried to put my pint in an alcove.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49I thought it was a shelf,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52but I think it was Jane's head and then it just soaked her.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55So we agreed to meet and I think I was going to pay for
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- the...- Dry cleaning.- Yeah.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Obviously, I don't like a beer shampoo very often,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04but he was quite a charming character and we met up.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Lee's charms led Jane to accept his proposal of marriage,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14and the couple went on to set up home and raise three children
0:04:14 > 0:04:17in the city where they were born and bred.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19But once again, a rugby event,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21this time in neighbouring Shropshire,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24intervened in their lives and opened their eyes to pastures new.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28I think the major turning point for us was
0:04:28 > 0:04:31when we went to an away match, a rugby match.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33We'd travelled down to Ludlow.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35I've never, ever been to Ludlow,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and we were just absolutely stunned
0:04:38 > 0:04:41by the countryside - what's out there. It's amazing!
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Ten miles outside Birmingham, it's a different world.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I think we've done Birmingham.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Yeah. To death!
0:04:48 > 0:04:52So with their horizons broadened and once their children
0:04:52 > 0:04:55had flown the nest, they began planning their country escape.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58And the three-storey family house
0:04:58 > 0:05:00they've called home for two decades
0:05:00 > 0:05:02has recently gone on the market.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06The move to the countryside will be a new challenge.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07It will be something different.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Somewhere different to explore.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We can go out for a walk, we can discover new things.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15I'd like now that little bit of quiet.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18And to make that move,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Lee and Jane want a countryside location
0:05:20 > 0:05:21with easy access to family,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and their beloved grandchildren, who are all back in Birmingham.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We're looking really to move towards Worcester,
0:05:28 > 0:05:33maybe Shropshire area, and we need to be within probably an hour of my
0:05:33 > 0:05:35workplace currently,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and also so we can get back if the children need us.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41It's the ideal time now to just do what we wanted to do,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44and that's get out of the city completely.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Now, with their own house sold and buyers waiting to move in,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51the need to find themselves a new home is more urgent than ever.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55We put this house on the market to go after one particular property
0:05:55 > 0:05:57and then we were gazumped.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Four properties we've been gazumped.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05And we are due to be homeless in about two weeks' time.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- So really we are desperate now to move.- Yeah.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Jane and Lee are focussing their attention on Worcestershire,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but will also consider areas of Shropshire
0:06:19 > 0:06:23that are within an hour's drive of Jane's nursing job in Dudley.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25But before we start looking at properties,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27I'm meeting them in the Worcestershire countryside
0:06:27 > 0:06:29to find out more about the home they'd like to live in.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Welcome to Worcestershire.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I wanted to bring you up to the beautiful Clent Hills.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38It's such a gorgeous part of this county.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41I'd like to know what the two of you envisage when you think of your new
0:06:41 > 0:06:43home here in Worcestershire.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Smaller than the one we've got.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48At the moment we've got a whole floor that we don't use.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- Yeah.- And it's time to move and make a much smaller place.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53What about the style of the property?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56The number of bedrooms? The living space?
0:06:56 > 0:06:59A minimum of two bedrooms, ideally,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02but three would be nice for when the children come to stay.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Nice-sized garden, so when they do come, we can put them outside.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06An office, maybe.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11Just something that when you walk in it's different and there's that
0:07:11 > 0:07:13little surprise around the corner.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16So, are you looking for a property that you can literally just move in to,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18put your slippers on and relax in?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Or are you happy to knock down a few walls, do some renovations?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24I really would like to put our own stamp on the property.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Anything, new kitchen, new bathroom.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29An outbuilding to do up - take your pick.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32You mention a workshop, is that going to be your man cave then, Lee?
0:07:32 > 0:07:33I do like doing a bit of pottery.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36And I really do fancy a lathe.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I fancy doing a bit of wood turning.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43So, would the money for the renovations need to come from within the budget, or is that an extra pot?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47£410,000 on the property and then we'll save up. Not a problem.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Well, £410,000 is a very healthy budget for this part of the county.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54How flexible are you about the location?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57We have looked a lot around north Worcestershire,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59but we have seen places also across the border in Shropshire,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02we'd be more than happy to go across and look at those, yes.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- We've got some brilliant properties to show you. Ready to look?- We are.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Can't wait.- Come on, let's go.- OK.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15For a maximum budget of £410,000,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Lee and Jane would like two or three bedrooms,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19with space for an office,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and a garden to play with the grandchildren in.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Lee is after a workshop for his pottery and wood turning.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28And they're both happy to do a bit of work to make the house their own.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33We found some fantastic properties to tempt them with,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and I'll be getting them to guess the price at each
0:08:36 > 0:08:38before I reveal it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41The final stop on our search will be the mystery house,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44which could really make these downsizers assess their plans.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Our house hunt is heading 45 miles south-west of Birmingham.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Eight miles north-west of Worcester, to the village of Martley.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Located in the Malvern Hills district of Worcestershire,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07the village features a pub that was once a coaching inn,
0:09:07 > 0:09:08and a Norman church,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11one of the first in the country to have six bells,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14cast locally in the 17th century.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15We're down a quiet lane,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18a mile-and-a-half away from the centre of the village
0:09:18 > 0:09:20and surrounded by fields.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24This is the property I wanted to show you.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Beautiful!- I think the words chocolate box spring to mind.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31It has got the character, hasn't it?
0:09:31 > 0:09:33What about the windows?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Honeycomb, yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36It's beautiful.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Well, let's hope the inside lives up to these really positive
0:09:39 > 0:09:40first impressions.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- Let's go and open the door.- OK.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49The cottage has deeds dating back to 1800, but may well predate this.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Originally built for the poor of the parish,
0:09:51 > 0:09:52it's been extended over the years.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Jane and Lee say they like surprises,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59and with the layout filled with unexpected corners,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02this cottage certainly delivers them.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05We're starting our tour in the very welcoming lounge.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07BELL RINGS
0:10:07 > 0:10:11So we come straight in to the old part of the house.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14You can see all the character and history in here, can't you?
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- It's beautiful.- I do like the fireplace. It's really nice.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19My goodness, yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22There's some really beautiful old touches in here and
0:10:22 > 0:10:27these beams were probably reclaimed from either a local manor house or a
0:10:27 > 0:10:30local church, so although they've been in here since the old part of
0:10:30 > 0:10:32the house was built, they've probably got a longer history
0:10:32 > 0:10:33than that as well.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35They fit this room perfectly.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38I'm eager to look into another room, too.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41That's a great reaction. So, come on, there's lots to see.
0:10:41 > 0:10:42OK.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45As we leave through the back of the lounge
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and pass through a snug into the kitchen-breakfast room,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51there's a feeling of hidden rooms to discover in this house.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Now, do watch your step
0:10:52 > 0:10:56because there are lots of different levels going on in this house.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02So, a good-sized kitchen, with beautiful views out over the garden.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03Mm.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Spot on, the size of the kitchen.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Plenty of space.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08That overused word - potential.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10It's certainly got plenty of potential.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11The size is superb.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13We could live with this for the time being.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- As it is, yeah. - And then slowly do it up.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19So, it's perfect. I just want to see more of it.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22The room I do want to show you is just back over there,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- and it's a gorgeous sunny conservatory.- OK.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31This is one of those rooms that you're going to be in
0:11:31 > 0:11:35on a cold winter's day, and feel cosy and toasty, won't you?
0:11:35 > 0:11:37It's really warm in here, isn't it?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Look at the oranges and the lemons growing.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- It's wonderful.- Is this a space that you'd use, though?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Probably not. Probably never come...
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Joking!
0:11:47 > 0:11:49THEY LAUGH
0:11:50 > 0:11:54The smile tells it all. I'm loving it. It's great.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58And it's smiles all around as the character of this cottage has really
0:11:58 > 0:12:00fired up our buyers' curiosity.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05This floor also features a utility and separate WC,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07just off the kitchen,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and to the front there's a dining room, currently used as a library.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15There's also the first of three bedrooms, currently used as a study,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18with its own dressing area and an en suite bathroom.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Then a staircase takes us upstairs, to the remainder of the sleeping
0:12:23 > 0:12:28accommodation, which includes a double bedroom with a washbasin...
0:12:29 > 0:12:31..a family bathroom
0:12:31 > 0:12:35and, of course, the master, with double aspect windows.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38You might just want to take a look at the view.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Could you imagine looking out over that
0:12:41 > 0:12:43with a cup of tea in the morning?
0:12:43 > 0:12:44That's stunning. Very nice.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47What about the size of the room? Because it's not a huge bedroom.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Plenty big enough. We could probably put some free-standing furniture in
0:12:50 > 0:12:54and use the storage that way, instead of the built-in cupboard.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56I'm so pleased with how this is going.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58I think you're going to like the garden just as much.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00So, let's go and explore that.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01- Lead on.- Thank you.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02After you, my dear.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Outside, the cottage is surrounded by generous,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10secluded gardens to all sides
0:13:10 > 0:13:14which, like its interior, provide many corners to explore.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Filled with mature shrubs, it even has its own mini orchard.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25There are a number of outbuildings, including a greenhouse and shed,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27plus something I know Lee wants, a double garage,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29with power and lighting,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33which offers plenty of scope for pottery and carpentry.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Is it too much for you? Because it's a big garden.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38BOTH: No.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40My part-time job, this will be.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's got lots of different areas, hasn't it? To explore.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It's beautiful.- The shed, the greenhouse, the workshop,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49there's so much potential there, it's wonderful.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- This seems to be going really well. - It does.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54And let's hope it carries on going really well,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57because this is when I have to ask you to guess the price.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01So, let's remind ourselves of the budget. £410,000.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Where do you think this property sits alongside that?
0:14:04 > 0:14:09Fingers crossed, we'd would hope to get it in around 405.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14My heart wants it to be about 300.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18But, realistically, I'm going to go for the 410.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22You're both off the mark, I'm afraid, and you are both under.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27It's on the market for £425,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29However, the owner has told us that
0:14:29 > 0:14:34they would seriously consider an offer somewhere around £410,000.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38So, it could be potentially brought in bang on budget.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39- It's worth every penny.- Yes.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Even though there's a lot of work to do.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43So, I'm guessing you wouldn't mind going back in,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45having another look around.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47I'll come and find you in a couple of hours or so!
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- All right. OK. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57This enchanting character cottage may be pushing their budget,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00but it has all the accommodation and intrigue they're after,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03with lots of potential to put their own stamp on the place.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07There are three bedrooms, including an en suite,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11a selection of versatile reception rooms, with options for an office,
0:15:11 > 0:15:15a beautiful garden, perfect for playing with the grandkids in,
0:15:15 > 0:15:19a double garage giving workshop space for Lee,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21and it's less than an hour to Jane's job.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24Even though it's oldie-worldy,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27it's still lots of space
0:15:27 > 0:15:31and every door has got an even more surprising room behind it.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It really is a lovely house.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36There's so many doors and opportunities.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38There's a room to the left, room to the right.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42It's just a surprise every time you step down a step.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Unusual space. What could we use this for, Jane?
0:15:46 > 0:15:47Could have a dining room
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- or even somewhere for when the children come.- Perfect.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51I think it's a cracking house
0:15:51 > 0:15:53and I really can see me and Jane living here.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- You seen enough?- We have, yes.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I'm quite intrigued.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Is this house smaller than your current house?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- No. It's bigger.- Downsizing, anyone?
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Downsizing? That concept?
0:16:15 > 0:16:18With some of the most fertile farmland in the country,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Worcestershire is a county well suited to growing fruit.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27When the area was opened up in the 19th century
0:16:27 > 0:16:29via new canal and railway routes,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33orchards were planted on a large scale, and they continue to be
0:16:33 > 0:16:36a well-loved feature of the local landscape,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38as well as a haven for wildlife.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43As Lee and Jane are keen to find out about the heritage of the
0:16:43 > 0:16:47countryside, we're sending them to meet fruit farmer Geoff Thompson,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50whose family have been growing apples in the Teme Valley
0:16:50 > 0:16:52since the 1960s.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58So, Geoff, what variety of apples do you grow here?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00We'll have probably ten different varieties.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02But we mainly grow three varieties.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, and Harry Masters Jersey.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Just because we know they are proven for their quality for cider making.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12So are the apples here the same as your everyday eating apples like your Cox's and Bramleys?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15No. Not at all. There's a complete contrast,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19as you will find out if we sample some of these in the basket.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Geoff has three different apples for Jane and Lee to try.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Starting with the dessert variety, Discovery.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Oh, that's nice.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- That's sweet.- You can taste a real sweetness to a dessert apple,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35plus there's an aroma, isn't there,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37to it as you bite it?
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Next up, the Bramley, which is typically used for cooking.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- You're going to find a real contrast with this.- Thank you.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Oh, now, that's a sour apple.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53It's impossible to eat that one
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- without pulling a face, isn't it? - Yes.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58You can see why you cook with them and not eat with them!
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And lastly, a vintage cider apple, known as the Yarlington Mill.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12They're not as bitter as the other ones,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- but they're certainly not sweet, are they?- No.- They're very dry.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20It does have juice and sweetness, but it also is high in tannin,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24so it gives it that, erm,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- totally different flavour.- It's very kind of cloying in your mouth.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28It's difficult to chew after a bit.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30It's just ideal for making cider.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36The orchard provides 66 acres of apples
0:18:36 > 0:18:39for cider-making here on the farm.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42As well as picking the best varieties to blend,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45it's crucial to harvest them at the right time, and that's once all the
0:18:45 > 0:18:47starch in the fruit has been converted to sugar.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53A simple test can check for this, by dipping sliced apples in iodine,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56a chemical that turns the flesh dark if it's not yet ripe.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Once the fruit is ready,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02it's harvested and brought in trailers to be washed and inspected
0:19:02 > 0:19:04before going through the mill.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08It doesn't look much, but that small, little box
0:19:08 > 0:19:10grinds them up to a pulp.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13The pulp then goes through a press to extract the juice,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17which is filtered and put into fermentation tanks.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20During the whole period of harvest between mid-October to mid-November
0:19:20 > 0:19:22we will fill a whole six fermentation tanks.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25How many varieties of cider do you actually make, Geoff?
0:19:25 > 0:19:28We do a medium sweet and a medium dry, and then we also do a nice
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Discovery cider, which is more like a sparkling champagne cider.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Some people refer it to more like an apple prosecco.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Better go up and try some now. - Yep.- OK.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Back out in the orchard, Geoff has some samples lined up.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47We'll start first with the ordinary cider.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52Oh, sweet!
0:19:53 > 0:19:55That is sweet, it is.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56That's a nice one.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- I like that one.- Mm.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01And then the Discovery cider.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03You can tell there's a lot more fizz to this.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Also known as apple Prosecco.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It certainly brings home the dryness in the other one, doesn't it?
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Yes, much, much drier. - I quite like that one.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19I'll take a case.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- It's quite different, isn't it? Quite unique.- Yeah.- Mm.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26- Cheers!- Cheers!
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Well, let's see if we can find Lee and Jane something to raise their
0:20:31 > 0:20:35glasses to when our property search continues in the morning.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Birmingham-based retired fireman Lee and his wife Jane, a nurse,
0:20:44 > 0:20:51have up to £410,000 to make the move into the countryside of Worcestershire or Shropshire.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55We've already had a good response to our house hunt.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56The smile tells it all, I think.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I'm loving it.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01But there's still more to see, including the mystery house,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03which could be a little grander
0:21:03 > 0:21:05than our rural relocators had in mind.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07It doesn't look like a manor house.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09A baronial hall.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13And I'll be turning my hand to some centuries-old building skills.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I could be your daub and wattle apprentice!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Well, it's a misty morning for the second day of our house hunt and we
0:21:22 > 0:21:25have two more homes to show Jane and Lee.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Now, later on, I'll be taking them to see the mystery house,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31which will challenge our DIY loving couple.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Will they find anything to do there?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35But, first, we're doing a spot of border hopping
0:21:35 > 0:21:37and going to look at a house in Shropshire.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Our next property is in the small Shropshire village of Nash.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47An eight-mile drive east of the town of Ludlow
0:21:47 > 0:21:50and a three-and-a-half mile drive north of the ancient market town
0:21:50 > 0:21:52of Tenbury Wells.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Lying on the Worcestershire bank of the River Teme,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58which marks the county boundary with Shropshire,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Tenbury Wells offers a good selection of shops and amenities.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07The Gothic style pump rooms were built in 1862 to house baths filled
0:22:07 > 0:22:11by the local water, which it was hoped would have healing properties.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15With a three-and-a-half mile drive back
0:22:15 > 0:22:18in the rural location of Nash, where, down a country lane,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20the cottage we've come to see is located.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- It's pretty, isn't it? - It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- It's lovely.- Quite a nice view.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- It is.- It's not bad at all.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30What's going through your minds at this point?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Stunned.- It's nice again.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37It's beautiful. It's the setting as well.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40It's just...lovely.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Lee and Jane seem completely taken aback by the appearance of this
0:22:46 > 0:22:50detached cottage, which dates back to the 1700s.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52With an additional wing seamlessly added
0:22:52 > 0:22:55from a converted pig shed in the 20th century.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01We're starting through the entrance hall in the newer part of the house
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and head straight into the country kitchen diner.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I think it's definitely the heart of the house, isn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It is. This is absolutely stunning, this kitchen.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Lots of original features.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13The period beams in here and anything new that's been added
0:23:13 > 0:23:15has been done really sympathetically.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17I don't think I'd change a thing in here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- Nor would I.- No.- Nothing to change.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- It's superb. It really is. - Are you keen to see more?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Absolutely.- Let's step up and we'll go up to the lounge.- Thank you.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31So, this is the main living room,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34with that stunning fireplace there, and it's got the original bread oven
0:23:34 > 0:23:37in the side. This is really a period property, isn't it?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Is it too old?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42No. Very traditional.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- It's beautiful. Yes.- My only concern, believe it or not,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49is I'm wondering what I've got to do? What is there for me to do?
0:23:49 > 0:23:50I need to change something.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53But unfortunately at the moment, nothing needs changing.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Funny you should say that.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Follow me.- OK.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Lee's right - the ground floor of this delightful cottage
0:24:01 > 0:24:02is impeccably presented.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05It also features a garden room, with vaulted ceiling...
0:24:07 > 0:24:09..and study area around the staircase.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13As well as a ground floor bathroom
0:24:13 > 0:24:15with a bath and separate shower cubicle.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18But it's on the upper floor,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20the location of the three bedrooms,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22where I think Lee might find something
0:24:22 > 0:24:24to get his DIY teeth into.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Now, up here you have a... just a toilet.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Yes.- So the main bathroom is downstairs.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35What you could do is take the banister forward,
0:24:35 > 0:24:36knock through
0:24:36 > 0:24:40and put in a second family bathroom for upstairs,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42above the downstairs existing bathroom.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45So, there is your project.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47That's enough to be getting on with!
0:24:48 > 0:24:51The first of the three bedrooms is a good size.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Currently set up as a twin, with dual aspect windows.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58There's another double, with exposed woodwork and then the bedroom that
0:24:58 > 0:24:59could be Lee and Jane's.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03So, this is the master bedroom.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05It's got dual aspect, making the most of the views of the countryside
0:25:05 > 0:25:07that surround this property.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09It's got everything, hasn't it?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12And again those beautiful beams that you can see.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Done a fabulous job, haven't they?
0:25:14 > 0:25:17I like everything about it. It's lovely!
0:25:18 > 0:25:21A very positive response to the inside of this cottage,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25and there's more to see in the third-of-an-acre garden.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29There's not only a detached garage, but a timber workshop, too.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33With a decked terrace running over a stream, plus two patio areas,
0:25:33 > 0:25:38there are plenty of places to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40And enough gardening to keep Lee occupied.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43When it comes to gardening, I'm a major potterer.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Not only pottering, but I certainly like pottering in the garden.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49This could keep you busy. Now, the other idea I had for a project
0:25:49 > 0:25:52is that over in the far corner, you've got a shed and a garage.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55There is potential for you to build something over there as well,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58subject to the right kind of planning permissions,
0:25:58 > 0:25:59if they were needed, of course.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03It all depends on the price there, doesn't it?
0:26:03 > 0:26:06What we've got left in the coffers, in the money bank.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Your budget is £410,000.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10What do you think it's on for?
0:26:10 > 0:26:13I think this is over our budget.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18I like it too much, so, I think probably you're going to say £425,000.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- OK, Lee?- I'll go for £430,000.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- It's actually on the market under budget.- Really?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29It's on at £399,500.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- That's fabulous.- Mm.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- I've bought it.- Yeah.- OK.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I'm sure you're keen to go in and have another look around.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- So, off you go. Come and find me when you've seen enough. - Thank you.- Come on.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Coming in below budget,
0:26:43 > 0:26:48this charmingly presented period property could provide everything
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Lee and Jane are looking for.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53It has a welcoming country kitchen-diner,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55the three bedrooms they've asked for,
0:26:55 > 0:27:00a lovely cottage garden and there's a versatile garage and workshop.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04And it's all peacefully located down a quiet country lane.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Ah! This is lovely.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I can just see the two little people in here, can't you?
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- Nice and snug.- You've taken to this room, haven't you?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- I have, yeah.- Yeah.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Walking down the path to look at it, it's got that
0:27:19 > 0:27:21"come in" feel about it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24And when you actually get in the kitchen, it's stunning.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's somewhere you could sit down
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and just have the whole family around the table at the same time,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31but also be able to see other rooms around corners.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It's got character and space, and it's stunning.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37This is a fabulous room, isn't it?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40You wouldn't think it was a later addition.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42It looks like it's part of the house.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- It's wonderful. Purpose-built for us I think.- Yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I think Jane will definitely,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51will totally divorce me if we don't end up buying this one.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Have you seen enough?- Yeah. - How are you feeling?
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- Yep.- Love this one.- Do you?- Yep.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02That's good. That's the reaction we love to hear.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04But just hold that thought,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- because we're off to see the mystery house now.- Ooh!- Ooh!
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Worcestershire's long history of habitation means its architectural
0:28:19 > 0:28:21heritage spans the centuries.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25But as the needs of the people living here evolve,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27not all of the fascinating reminders of our past
0:28:27 > 0:28:30are safe from dereliction and demolition.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34That's where the Avoncroft Museum, near Bromsgrove, steps in.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Covering 700 years of local architecture,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41it's now home to 30 different buildings,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43all painstakingly transported
0:28:43 > 0:28:46from their original locations to this 19-acre site.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51I'm meet meeting Simon Carter, the director of the museum,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53who's agreed to show me around.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57And we're starting at a 19th century windmill
0:28:57 > 0:29:02that was transported here in 1969, from near Arden in Warwickshire.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04A journey of around 30 miles.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It's quite a feat moving a windmill across a county.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Who was responsible for doing that?
0:29:12 > 0:29:14It was actually a group of volunteers.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17They took it apart in the space of five days,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21numbering all the timbers and dismantling the bricks individually,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24and then brought it here, and over the course of the next few years,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26it was reassembled and brought back to working condition.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- I think that's what they call a labour of love, isn't it?- It is.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34And one of the volunteers who moved the mill in the '60s is here today,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38carrying out maintenance on the sails so it can continue to produce
0:29:38 > 0:29:42flour as it has done since 1977.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45And this is Mike who rescued the mill originally.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Hi, everyone, great to see you all. Don't bang your head on there!
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- I bet you've done that a few times, Mike!- Very often! Yes.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53So, Mike, it's fair to say you're the saviour of the windmill then?
0:29:53 > 0:29:54Well, one of them, yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57There were six of us. But that was quite a few years ago.
0:29:57 > 0:29:5946 years ago now, that was, actually.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04Had you had any experience or a background in fixing windmills
0:30:04 > 0:30:05when you took that project on?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Certainly nothing to do with windmills. Repairing my own home
0:30:08 > 0:30:10which was a timber-framed house, yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12And carpentry was my love, anyway.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13But windmills, no.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15The nearest I got to windmills was sailing.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17So it's been a learning curve over the years then?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- Yes, indeed.- How on earth do you begin to start the process of how to
0:30:21 > 0:30:24operate a windmill? How do you go about learning all that?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26We had one book between us,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29which was called the English Windmill by Rex Wailes.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Mostly it's learning the ancient crafts of the millwrighting crafts
0:30:33 > 0:30:35which we tried to apply.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Even though we used modern materials and modern equipment,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42we try and keep it as original as possible.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44We had professional help as well.
0:30:44 > 0:30:51We had a German carpenter who was absolutely first class at this sort
0:30:51 > 0:30:55of structure. He did the main heavy timber construction.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- Beautiful work.- And what it did feel like when you sliced that first
0:30:58 > 0:31:02chunky slice of bread from the loaf baked from your flour?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06To think that we'd actually put something together that did produce
0:31:06 > 0:31:10proper wholemeal flour, and to bake a loaf and eat the first sandwich
0:31:10 > 0:31:13with a bit of home-made jam, perfect!
0:31:16 > 0:31:19The museum currently has 140 volunteers like Mike.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22And much of their work involves keeping skills alive
0:31:22 > 0:31:24that might otherwise be lost.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Another building undergoing restoration
0:31:28 > 0:31:31is a timber-framed 15th century merchant's house.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34In 1962, it was the first structure brought here.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Rescued from demolition in the centre of Bromsgrove.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40Half a century later,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42maintenance man Mike has the on-going job of
0:31:42 > 0:31:44looking after the panels,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47using a technique known as wattle and daub.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50So, Mark, were you a dab hand with daub
0:31:50 > 0:31:54- before you started working here? - No, I worked with a chap
0:31:54 > 0:31:56who worked here for 30 years.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57He taught me how to do it.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Have you managed to pass this technique on to anybody else yet, Mark?
0:32:00 > 0:32:01I have, but they've left.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05So, you need some willing apprentices.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07I could be your daub apprentice!
0:32:07 > 0:32:08A daub and wattle apprentice!
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Would you like a go? Shall we have a go?
0:32:11 > 0:32:12Listen, my dad's a builder.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15He'd be very disappointed if I didn't have a go.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Hazel twigs are woven together to form the wattle,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22filling the gaps between the timber frame.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26They're literally just built of sections that would have been fitted
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- on site like this? - If you're from an area
0:32:28 > 0:32:31where there's not a natural stone material,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33timber is the obvious choice.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36By only putting the frame up and making the infill out of cheaper
0:32:36 > 0:32:39and more replaceable material,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43you've got a kind of quick way of filling in your wall space.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Once the wattle work is done, a mixture called daub is applied.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Even the name daub sounds great, doesn't it?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52It does. But you may not enjoy working with it,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54if you knew what it originally had in it.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Usually not only would it have had clay and straw,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00but it would have had cow or pig dung in it.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Nice! None in now?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04We haven't put any in today, no.
0:33:04 > 0:33:05But it's still got the horse hair in.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- It's got the straw in.- It has. - It's really sticky, isn't it?
0:33:10 > 0:33:11Now to get daubing.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16How's it looking, Mark?
0:33:16 > 0:33:19I'm not sure I've got your smoothness of touch, I'm afraid!
0:33:19 > 0:33:20It seems all right to me.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's good for a first attempt.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Well, hopefully that will make my dad proud.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30And it's been inspiring to see how much care and effort is going into
0:33:30 > 0:33:32preserving our historic buildings.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43For our mystery proposition, we're extending Lee and Jane's
0:33:43 > 0:33:46search area, heading around four miles south of the Shropshire border
0:33:46 > 0:33:49into the Herefordshire hamlet of Luston.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Three miles north of the town of Leominster.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55With a population of a little under 12,000,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58there are plenty of useful shops and facilities to be found here.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02The town features some traditional timber-framed buildings,
0:34:02 > 0:34:05several of which are reputedly the work of John Able,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08an early 17th century carpenter and mason,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11who was granted the title of King's carpenter.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14We're a three-mile drive north in Luston,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17where our mystery proposition is of similar historic
0:34:17 > 0:34:20and eye-catching construction.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21Hold it!
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Where's me spirit level?
0:34:24 > 0:34:26THEY LAUGH
0:34:26 > 0:34:29So, this is our mystery house.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32And, yes, you're right, you will need your spirit level.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34It's got the kerb appeal.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36It's got the wow factor.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39I didn't expect you to find something like this.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42You really can't take your eyes off it.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45In my opinion, it's just as pretty inside as it is out.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- So, shall we go and take a look? - Yes, please.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53This impressive oak-framed semi-detached house
0:34:53 > 0:34:56dates to around 1640 with Victorian extensions.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Arranged over three floors, plus a basement,
0:35:00 > 0:35:03there's a lot of property to see here.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07So, downsizing is taking a backseat for now and we're starting our tour
0:35:07 > 0:35:09in the rather magnificent dining room.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Welcome to the local manor.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14It doesn't look like a manor house.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It is a baronial hall.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17The grandness from the outside
0:35:17 > 0:35:19is definitely carried on into the inside,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- isn't it? It's a grand room. - It's Grade II listing.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25The current owners have had it for 20 years and they have painstakingly
0:35:25 > 0:35:28restored it and just brought to life the original features.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's got the original stone floor.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32This stunning fireplace.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34The beams and the woodwork on the walls.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Could you imagine living in it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Oh, yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39Oh, yeah!
0:35:40 > 0:35:42The lady of the manor here.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44She's got home again!
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Well, I'd like to talk to you about the dining options.
0:35:46 > 0:35:47Keep this one in your mind,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and I'll take you through to what's currently the living room.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51- Lovely.- OK.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55There was that small extension done in Victorian times.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58And that's the original Victorian fireplace with original tiles.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01So, it's again a lovely sense of history.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04A sense of who's lived here over the centuries.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07This is used as a living space and a part of me wondered whether actually
0:36:07 > 0:36:10you'd want your living space in that central area.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Actually, that would be fine as living space for the winter months,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16purely because we'd have that big fire on.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19We've got two living rooms
0:36:19 > 0:36:23and we just kind of move from one to the other, as the fancy takes us.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26So, actually you're quite happy not to downsize, really, aren't you?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Downsizing, we haven't mentioned that for a bit, have we?
0:36:29 > 0:36:32You keep showing us these houses with so many rooms in it.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Let's just downsize to the two living rooms!
0:36:36 > 0:36:38I want to show both of you the kitchen,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40which again I think is quite pretty.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Back through the dining room,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47the kitchen also shows this home's Victorian influence.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51So, this is the Victorian extension.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Over there in the corner you've got the original Victorian range and the
0:36:54 > 0:36:57bread oven. It's all there.
0:36:57 > 0:36:58It's plenty big enough, isn't it?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Yeah.- There's not a lot to do.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Which is another reason why this is the mystery house.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Could you live with that, Lee?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Yeah. What I've seen so far.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Shall we have a wander around upstairs
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- and see if we can find you anything to do?- OK.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Because I don't know what you're going to do otherwise.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15You might have to sit down for once.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Well, this house may be short on projects,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22but it's not short on accommodation.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24There's a generous-sized basement here,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28plus two upper floors, providing a total of four bedrooms.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31On the middle floor, there's the family bathroom with a corner bath,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33plus a small guest bedroom,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36and then the room that's just for them.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41And into the master bedroom.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44It's fair to say that it befits the rest of the house downstairs,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- doesn't it?- Yes, it does.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Never been in anything like this before.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I think it's just a bit grand, isn't it?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Could you imagine yourself living in anything like this?
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- Oh, I think so, yes. - THEY LAUGH
0:37:56 > 0:37:58And there's still more to show you as well.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Jane and Lee already seem pleasantly overwhelmed by the imposing scale
0:38:04 > 0:38:06and character of what's on offer here.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10But there are two more large adjoining rooms on the top floor,
0:38:10 > 0:38:12where the historic charm raises the roof.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Good grief!
0:38:16 > 0:38:19This is tremendous. This is good.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21You're right at the top of the house.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23You've got a fantastic-sized bedroom in there.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27This could be used as another bedroom. At the moment, it's used as an office, a music room.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31I think your grandchildren might be able to take it over with their toys.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33No. They're not having it. It's mine.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35This is my favourite room in the house.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38I like the roof. I like the fact that it's so far off true it's
0:38:38 > 0:38:40unbelievable. It's marvellous.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43I think downsizing definitely has gone out the window with this one.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Yes. It's a substantial house.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Absolutely. And I need you to start thinking now
0:38:48 > 0:38:50about what you think this is on the market for,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- because the tricky part's coming up. - OK.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Our buyers have been positively wowed
0:38:57 > 0:39:00by our impressive four-storey mystery house.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05And there's more outside in the form of a large workshop and a car port.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08As this house is attached at the rear,
0:39:08 > 0:39:11the entire garden is found to the front of the property,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13and features mature apple trees,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15as well as an original cider press wheel.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19You've seen it all now.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20Are you ready to guess the price for me.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Yes. We'll give it a go.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25So we have £410,000 in the budget.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Where does this property sit alongside that?
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Top of the budget. £410,000.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32You see, I think it's over again.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I think we're going to go £420,000.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38It's actually on the market for less than your budget.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43It's on the market for £350,000.
0:39:43 > 0:39:44Good grief!
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Just move into there. That will do us. Thank you!
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- You like it that much, do you? - I do. It grows on you.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- It really does.- I think with a reaction like that,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58there's only one thing I can say now. Off you go, back in the house.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Start working out where the furniture's going.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01Thank you.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07A staggering £60,000 below budget,
0:40:07 > 0:40:12this distinctive and historic semi-detached mystery house is
0:40:12 > 0:40:14certainly not a downsize for our couple.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16It boasts four bedrooms,
0:40:16 > 0:40:20two generous reception rooms and many original features.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24It also offers Lee a workshop for his pottery and woodwork.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28The outside, it just follows in.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31It's a really grand, imposing building.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It's huge. Like a manor house.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38My favourite room, without doubt, is the top bedroom.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42I'd be tempted to go up there and claim it for my own, to be honest.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44I could definitely move into this house.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47I'd move in as it is today, to be honest.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Hello, there.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Just checking out local removal companies,
0:40:55 > 0:40:56just in case you need them.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Probably will.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00OK. Well, that's all the houses seen.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Yes.- Decision time.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05I think you've got some thinking to do, haven't you?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I'm glad I'm not in your shoes!
0:41:11 > 0:41:13This has been a fantastic house hunt.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16You could just feel the energy building with each house we visited.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18I can't wait to hear what Jane and Lee have got to say.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- Hello, you two.- Hi.- Hi.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Well, you really set us a challenge this week, didn't you?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- Find us a house and can you find it really quickly, please?- Yeah.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Your reactions to the properties,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41they just seemed to get better and better.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So now we're sat down and we've seen them all, where are you at?
0:41:45 > 0:41:49It was between two and I think that's come down to one now.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52There was the house just over the border, into Shropshire.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56I got very strong, positive vibes from both of you on that.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Out of them all, that's the favourite.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02There's enough for Lee to keep him busy,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04adding a bathroom on and the workshop,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07and the garden will keep him busy for years, I would imagine.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10There's plenty of scope to get stuck into that one.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11I could have lost myself for days in there.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13So, now what's your plan?
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Second visit.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19I'm going to do the drive in real life to see how far it is to work,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22and all being well, we'll put an offer in on that one.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Yes. We'll proceed with that.- Yep.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26That's brilliant. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Let us know how you go on and we wish you lots of luck.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30- We will do.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Now when we started this house hunt,
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Jane and Lee challenged us to find them a house and find it quickly.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42And not only have we been able to do that,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46but we've also managed to fulfil our DIY-loving couple's dreams
0:42:46 > 0:42:49of finding a renovation project.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Sadly, the sale of Jane and Lee's home in Birmingham
0:42:55 > 0:42:57fell through yet again.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00So, they've decided to put the move on hold for the time being.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:04 > 0:43:07in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10and need our help, please apply online at: