0:00:02 > 0:00:05This intriguing Georgian building behind me was used for rather
0:00:05 > 0:00:06extravagant purposes,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11and in 1802, welcomed celebrated guest Admiral Nelson.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Find out what it was used for and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Today's search is about trying before you buy, as I help a couple
0:00:37 > 0:00:40of house-sitters on the hunt for the perfect property.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43But is it a consideration?
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- I don't love it enough.- Do you not? - No.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50'But later, it looks like we might have finally found them a house to call home.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:53At the moment, from what we've seen so far, this is...
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Wow!- It's got the "wow!" - It has got the "wow".- Right.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Today I'm looking out over the Welsh borders,
0:01:05 > 0:01:11at this superb vantage point, the Round House at Kymin in Monmouth.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Before it was built in the late 1700s,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18this was the chosen picnic spot for the local gentry, but of course
0:01:18 > 0:01:22the weather would often get in the way of their gastronomic fun.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24So, in 1796,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29they paid for this castle-like structure which housed a kitchen
0:01:29 > 0:01:34and banqueting hall, so that dinner could continue whatever the weather.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Horatio Nelson enjoyed breakfast right here, and I have to say,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41even on a slightly cloudy day like today,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44it certainly serves up a great view.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Today's search is in the southern Welsh borders,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52encompassing the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and the Welsh county of Monmouthshire.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Stretching from Hereford in the north to Chepstow in the south,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02the Wye Valley takes its name from the river that runs through it
0:02:02 > 0:02:05and straddles the border between England and Wales,
0:02:05 > 0:02:11covering 126 square miles of limestone gorge scenery and dense woodland.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14As it flows south towards the Severn estuary,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18the River Wye passes the dramatic ruins of Tintern Abbey,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales, and one of the country's
0:02:21 > 0:02:23most-visited sites.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27It was the inspiration for one of William Wordsworth's most famous poems
0:02:27 > 0:02:29in the late 18th century.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32For those interested in history,
0:02:32 > 0:02:37the Welsh market town of Monmouth is home to an impressive medieval bridge
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and has links to a number of historical figures,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44including Henry V, who was born here, and Charles Rolls,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46of Rolls-Royce fame,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50the first man to fly a round trip across the Channel in 1910.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53With so much to offer, this region,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57rich in history and country charm, is the perfect destination for those
0:02:57 > 0:02:59looking for an escape from city life.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Here in the southern part of the Welsh borders region,
0:03:05 > 0:03:10along the beautiful Wye Valley in the counties of Herefordshire
0:03:10 > 0:03:13and Monmouthshire, the average price of a detached home comes in
0:03:13 > 0:03:17at just over £300,000.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Now that's around £20,000 below the national figure.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26What's more, if you head north to the equally picturesque Borders county of Shropshire,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31you could save a further £30,000 on an equivalent home.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what has drawn them to this
0:03:36 > 0:03:38stunning part of the country.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44Childhood sweethearts Martin and Christine have been married for 36 years.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47They met at a holiday camp when they were teenagers, and it was love
0:03:47 > 0:03:49at first sight.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53I was away with some friends, and he was away with some of his friends
0:03:53 > 0:03:59and we met on the first night and I said to my friend, "Wow, look at that guy."
0:03:59 > 0:04:02'We are both different, which I think in a marriage is a good thing.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07'We both like the same things, but we do different things.'
0:04:07 > 0:04:10And we do get on very, very well together.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11We do have our ups and downs.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- Now and again.- Now and again.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17They have lived in their four-bedroomed semidetached house
0:04:17 > 0:04:20in Harpenden, Hertfordshire for 22 years.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It was perfect for raising their two children,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26but it's no longer right for them now they have retired.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31'It's a nice village. It is a lovely village, but it's a family village.'
0:04:31 > 0:04:32'We've now outgrown it.'
0:04:32 > 0:04:38Our children are grown-up now, and it's now time for us and we want another adventure.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40'I'd like, and Chris would as well,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44'somewhere a lot quieter, to do our own thing.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- 'I like people, but I don't like too many people.' - CHRIS LAUGHS
0:04:49 > 0:04:50Thanks to a recent hobby,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54they've already had some practice at life in the countryside.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58We joined a house-sitting scheme where we have been touring around
0:04:58 > 0:05:02the country, looking after people's houses and pets.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06The funniest thing we have had to do is put suntan lotion on two pigs,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- in the summer. That was really... - Well, I didn't. Chris did that.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Yeah, I was brave. I was brave.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The ones we have done so far have been brilliant.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We thought it would be a good way of seeing different locations,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19different areas.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21After five months of thorough research,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25they finally settled on the southern Welsh Borders area.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32What I like about the Welsh Borders is the openness, the long walks, the greenery...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35It's just... Everything about it is what I like in life.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38I like the local butchers and the local shops.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43While keen cook Martin looks forward to spending more time in the kitchen,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Christine hopes the move will mean a house with more outside space.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50'I like the gardening, although I have to say,'
0:05:50 > 0:05:52we differ on opinion on gardening.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Martin likes it a bit more wild and I like a bit more order,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58so I tend to clip away a bit when Martin is not looking.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02He might not get his way in the garden,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06but Martin definitely calls the shots when it comes to DIY.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10'I like to do things. I like to use my hands. I always have done.'
0:06:10 > 0:06:14If something needs making, especially out of wood... I love wood.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18I always think if we were ever marooned on a desert island,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Martin would be your man to have to make you your shelter.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Martin and Christine are happy to look at houses anywhere in
0:06:30 > 0:06:33the southern Welsh Borders, so we're casting the net wide
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and searching across the counties of Gloucestershire,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Monmouthshire and Herefordshire.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41But first, I need to know more about the property they're after.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Chris and Martin, welcome to the beautiful Welsh Borders.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49I love you two.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52The fact that you have done your homework with this house-sitting,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I have never met anyone that's done that before. I think it's brilliant.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59So far we have done about six house-sits in various parts of the country
0:06:59 > 0:07:02but we've done four around this location.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04That is a magnificent idea.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I wish more people had done it, actually.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11Remind us what it is you're after with this move, the actual house itself.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12A detached house.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16On our wish list would be four bedrooms or three with a study downstairs
0:07:16 > 0:07:20that we can make up, because we have got grandchildren and children
0:07:20 > 0:07:21to come and visit us.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25A large kitchen. What else?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29What about the land? Gardens... Are you after outbuildings?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Outbuildings definitely, because I am into doing things and making things.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36What about the location?
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Maybe near a village,
0:07:37 > 0:07:42maybe on the outskirts of the village, or... Nice and secluded would be lovely,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45but maybe within ten minutes to a village.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46A couple of miles away.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Yeah.- Is there a particular style of property that springs to mind,
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- or are you quite open?- I think we'd quite like an older property,
0:07:56 > 0:07:57but since we've been looking around,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00we have also seen older-style properties that have had extensions
0:08:00 > 0:08:03that have had a nice modern feel to part of the house
0:08:03 > 0:08:05and we quite like that as well.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08With this home that we find you, this beautiful new home,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10if it needs a little bit of work,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13how would you feel? Or would you rather everything was done
0:08:13 > 0:08:19- and you could just move in tomorrow? - I think I'd rather have a house where everything has been done,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23but Martin is really good at doing things, so I'm sure we could persuade him.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28I don't mind doing small projects. Not knocking down walls.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29Small tweaks.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Remind us of how much we've got to spend with this property.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36It's between 450,000 to 500,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38500 being the maximum.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40You wouldn't need to do any tweaking.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Hopefully not.- Shall we get started?
0:08:43 > 0:08:44- Yes, please.- Come on, then.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49For a maximum budget of £500,000,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Martin and Christine are looking for a detached period property
0:08:52 > 0:08:54with a hint of contemporary thrown in.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56They need a minimum of three bedrooms
0:08:56 > 0:08:59with potential for a fourth for when the family stay.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Keen cook Martin would like a large kitchen and a good-sized garden
0:09:03 > 0:09:06with space for a workshop.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We've cherry-picked three great period properties ready for them to view,
0:09:09 > 0:09:14all with character features. At each one, they'll have a chance
0:09:14 > 0:09:18to guess the price before I reveal it, and for our final property,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22we have found Martin and Christine a Mystery House with a history
0:09:22 > 0:09:24that might surprise them.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31We are starting our search in the county of Herefordshire, in the hamlet of Little Cowarne.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Five miles away is the pretty market town of Bromyard.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37With only one national chain on its high street,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41there is a real civic pride in the wide range of independent shops,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43cafes and pubs here.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Often referred to as The Town Of Festivals,
0:09:46 > 0:09:51it plays host to events, from jazz and folk, to literature and even
0:09:51 > 0:09:52a marmalade festival.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55A 15-minute drive away back in Little Cowarne
0:09:55 > 0:09:57is an award-winning local pub
0:09:57 > 0:10:00which is just a short walk from our first property.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I think this is a delightful entrance.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08To show off our first property in all its glory,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11walking through those flowers, divine.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Here she is. Our cottage.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Pretty?- Pretty, yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Not sure yet.- A little bit small, but we'd like to look inside.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Yeah.- OK, do you like the local stone that has been used?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- I like the local stone. - Yes, that's nice.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I like the wooden frames.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29I like the location.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32You've got some nice views and things.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35All right. Let's take a look inside.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39'This detached house dates back to 1860, but the current owners have
0:10:39 > 0:10:45'extended and renovated it in the last five years to a very high standard.'
0:10:45 > 0:10:47You've got a porch,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49which just breaks up that entrance nicely
0:10:49 > 0:10:52leading into the reception room.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54So we do have the beams.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- I like those.- I do like that fire.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Nice surround. It's a lovely feature.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03The windows have been replaced relatively recently.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05as you can see. But they are in keeping.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07They look like original, yeah.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11How does this feel? This is the main sitting-room.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Right, OK. - For me, it's a little small.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17If we had all the children here, it would be too small.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Let's keep going. I'll take you through to the kitchen.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25This cottage might be a modest size, but I'm hoping its character
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and charm might outweigh any negatives for Chris and Martin.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33So here is your country cottage kitchen.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Love the floor.- Beautiful, these old flags, aren't they?- Love it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39Hard-wearing.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43And the range. We have done some house-sits with ranges in,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- and I love them. - Are they the way forward?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I think so. You're the chef, aren't you?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51I am the chef. This is my domain.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52I think the size works.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55I would live in this room, personally.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56I would as well.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I probably would put a sofa in there and make that, you know,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01with a larger table...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04If you don't have a dining room, then you couldn't do that, could you?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06"If" you don't have a dining room.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09What about if I could give you a dining room?
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Shall I squeeze past you, Martin? Thank you.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20So at the moment, this is the dining room.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Chris, does it have potential?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24It does. It's a nice-sized room.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I wouldn't have it as a dining room, though.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32Another second sitting-room, maybe, with a put-you-up sofa or something,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- so that when someone does come, you could turn it into a bedroom. - Great idea.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40The great thing, also, is just up those two stairs is the downstairs shower room
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- so you're absolute right. - That works well.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Is it beginning to win you two over?
0:12:46 > 0:12:47- It is.- It's feeling better.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52We're going to go upstairs and see what you make of the master bedroom.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58On the first floor, there are three well-proportioned double bedrooms...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04..and a beautifully-presented family bathroom,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06all leading off the central landing.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11So you have actually got a really generous landing with the other bedrooms
0:13:11 > 0:13:14off there. Let's show you the master.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17so, you tell me.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Fair.- Yeah.- Not big?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Not big.- You have a big house, you two, don't you?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- I'm getting this vibe. - I don't think it's big.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It would work. It takes a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Exactly.- I like the dual aspect.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34That's nice.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36You also have two other bedrooms of good size.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37- Both doubles.- OK.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42You could put a sofa bed on the landing for the children especially,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44and then everyone is together.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- Yes.- Just a thought.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Just a thought.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- OK.- Let's head outside and look at that beautiful garden.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54'Although it is just the two of them now,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58'I get the feeling Chris and Martin haven't quite let go of the notion
0:13:58 > 0:14:00'of a big family house.'
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Outside, there is a double garage and a ready-made workshop for Martin,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07as well as a large south-facing garden.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Now, I'm going to put my heart on my sleeve and tell you I adore this garden.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I am hoping you're going to feel the same,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20because it has been done beautifully.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23I really like the layout, and I agree with you, the planting's lovely,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26but it just might be slightly too small.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29But it's good. It is a good garden.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Lastly, this shed/studio workshop could be
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- a great workshop for you, for your woodwork and making things. - Exactly. Yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40What price are we going to put on our cottage?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I would say 465.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- OK.- I would say 485.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50You are the closest. It is actually on the market for £450,000.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- 450?- Yep.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57That leaves you quite a substantial amount of funds, doesn't it?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- It does.- That does actually give you more food for thought.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Yeah. I'm going to send you two off,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05first of all start off with that studio and workshop.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Have a look. I'm going to wander around this garden.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Come and find me when you're ready. - Thank you very much.- Thanks a lot.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18This detached character cottage has three bedrooms,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22with options for a fourth in other parts of the property.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25There's also a good-size kitchen for Martin and a large garden
0:15:25 > 0:15:26with a workshop.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30It's in a countryside setting, but close to village amenities.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Wow. Look at that. - It's interesting, isn't it?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39We could do something with this, actually.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- I think you could put the kids in here.- Yeah.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I like the location.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48It's quite remote, although you've still got the community around you.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50The house is nice in lots of ways.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54The only thing I had reservations with is the size.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58I love the kitchen, I love the floor, it feels very homely.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Very good start. I'd like it a tad bigger,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05but, yeah, love the garden.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Love the house.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Right, all ready?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Yeah.- One house done, on to the next.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Lovely.- Thank you.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Hereford Cathedral has for years attracted visitors to a treasure
0:16:30 > 0:16:33it's housed since the 13th century.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37The Hereford Mappa Mundi is thought to be the largest medieval map
0:16:37 > 0:16:39of the world still in existence
0:16:39 > 0:16:41and has been stored in a purpose-built library
0:16:41 > 0:16:44at the cathedral since 1996.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45But in recent years,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49it's not just the Mappa Mundi drawing in the visitors.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50Since 2008,
0:16:50 > 0:16:54over 1,000 people a year have come to explore the recently restored
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Cathedral gardens.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00We sent keen gardeners Christine and Martin to have a look around and meet
0:17:00 > 0:17:03volunteer gardener Dr Anthony Evans.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Hello, Anthony.- Hello, Christine.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Hello, Martin. Lovely to meet you.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I thought we ought to start here in the chapterhouse garden.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16This is the place where we first started doing the garden as volunteers 13 years ago.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19And what changes have occurred?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22There was really no garden here whatsoever.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24So we planted out the bed,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28we planted out the troughs, and there's a little bed over there,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31but I think I ought to show you around the whole place.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33There's more than one garden to see.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Would you like to come and see?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Three of the five gardens here are maintained by volunteers.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Attached to the cathedral since its construction in 1079,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46each one would have served a different part.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50The volunteers began work in 2003 when the cathedral was due to host
0:17:50 > 0:17:54a festival, and it was decided that colours should be introduced
0:17:54 > 0:17:56to reinvigorate the gardens.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Welcome to the cloister garden.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Originally, there were people singing seven services a day,
0:18:03 > 0:18:09called Vicars Choral, and they all lived in here, one up and one down,
0:18:09 > 0:18:1024 of them.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14What we have done is to try and change the planting of it
0:18:14 > 0:18:17so we get colour all the year around.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19When you started the restoration,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- did you uncover any interesting artefacts?- We did indeed.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28That's timber and lath and plaster, and when they opened that up in the '70s,
0:18:28 > 0:18:29they were doing a restoration,
0:18:29 > 0:18:34they found a little kernel, and they sent it off to Kew, and Kew said
0:18:34 > 0:18:36it was the kernel of a greengage,
0:18:36 > 0:18:37La Reine Claude.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39They even identified which greengage it was.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41I think that's amazing.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46This place was built in 1475 and they thought that the plant had been
0:18:46 > 0:18:49introduced in 1600.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54So we planted one over there, and so that plant over there has got
0:18:54 > 0:18:59the same DNA as the kernel that came out of that thing, 500 years ago.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00Amazing.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Next door in the south-facing college garden,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07each resident would have had a plot for growing vegetables.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Traditionally, it was used to feed the Vicars Choral,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15but now we use it for our flowers.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18What's your vision for this garden?
0:19:18 > 0:19:22I thought that we'd plant plants with an ecclesiastical relationship.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25So those dahlias are all bishops.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30The yellow one is our Bishop of York, and then we planted an apple tree
0:19:30 > 0:19:34which is the Reverend Wilks, and the Reverend Wilks was at Shirley,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36and he bred poppies called Shirley poppies,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and those red poppies that you see,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43red, pink and white over there, are Shirley poppies.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46The gardens have clearly been transformed.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Today they are a mass of vibrant shades and varied planting.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Back in the chapterhouse garden,
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Anthony's blue, white and yellow vision, designed to represent the cathedral colours,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58is almost complete.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02As you have noticed, there is plenty of yellow in this bed, and white,
0:20:02 > 0:20:03but very little blue.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07If you plant this, it will be there forever.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Maintaining these gardens year-round is a big task...
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Nice and deep. Lovely.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16..but the volunteers' efforts have been rewarded.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20They've earned themselves Royal Horticultural Merit awards
0:20:20 > 0:20:22two years running.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- All done.- Well done.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Thank you very much indeed.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27I am really grateful to you both.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32That will be there forever, and you can always come back
0:20:32 > 0:20:35and have a look at it if you want to live round here.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Thank you very much, Anthony.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Fantastic.- I do hope that you find a nice home round here.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Now our green-fingered couple have left their mark at Hereford Cathedral,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49it's time to find them a place to put down roots here
0:20:49 > 0:20:51in the southern Welsh Borders.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Next, we're crossing both county and country borders as we head
0:21:03 > 0:21:08to Tintern, a village just within the Welsh county of Monmouthshire.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Lying in the lower Wye Valley,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12this historic village was a major hub of British industry
0:21:12 > 0:21:15from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19In fact, the first brass in Britain was produced here.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Nowadays, visitors come to explore the ruins of the famous Cistercian Abbey,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26or just to soak up the beautiful scenery.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30There's also a selection of tearooms and cafes to enjoy.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Half a mile from the village,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33the property we're seeing is perched on the banks
0:21:33 > 0:21:35of the River Angiddy.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39So up a few steps,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41so that I can show off
0:21:41 > 0:21:44our next property for you.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Very different proposition from the first.- Very different. Completely, yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51You can hear the river trickling past.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It looks interesting.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55This is the main house, detached.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59That's quite a modern extension done about 13 years ago,
0:21:59 > 0:22:04to connect the main house with what used to be a Sunday school,
0:22:04 > 0:22:06a butchers...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08In latter years it's been used as a garage but they have been
0:22:08 > 0:22:11very creative and used it as further accommodation.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12- OK.- Right.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'Substantially larger than our first property,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'this house has an extra bedroom and more living space,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'which I hope will appeal to Martin and Chris.'
0:22:21 > 0:22:22The extension added 13 years ago
0:22:22 > 0:22:25links the ground floor of the house to the garage.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28There is a large sitting room and kitchen
0:22:28 > 0:22:30in the original part of the house
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and a second living area and study
0:22:32 > 0:22:34where the garage was,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36as well as an additional shower room.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39We're starting in the main part of the house.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Through this beautiful door.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Look at the size of it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50- It is a big old door. - Straight into our kitchen.- Wow.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Now, I haven't got a date for the range, but it still works.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57And you've got the grid oven next door.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00And it's long. It is a huge kitchen.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05It's not a galley kitchen, as you imagine, but it's quite wide.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07And you've got a big table.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Might be a few changes I would do. Probably the floor,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- make that a bit more olde worlde. - Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18'Martin's started spotting potential projects in this house already.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19'To one side of the kitchen,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23'the new corridor leads past the shower room to the converted garage,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26'housing that second sitting room and separate study.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29'It also has a large bedroom on the first floor.'
0:23:33 > 0:23:37I'm going to call this the family room,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40because it's pretty large when it comes to a sitting room.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Yes.- Is it large enough?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- It's lovely.- Definitely.- Definitely, definitely, definitely. Yeah.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49When this house was built, this would have been two rooms,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52two reception rooms, and they have opened it up.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55They have got a large family, and I think it really works.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56I like the size of the room.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- It's a nice size. - Change anything in here?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Probably the floor. I might put a proper floor down.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- What would you put down?- I would probably get proper oak floor down.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Would you do that yourself?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- I probably would do, yeah. - He is good, isn't he?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15That's good. I like that. Right.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16Let's head upstairs.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23'On the first floor of the main house there are three more bedrooms,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26'including a double and a generous single,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30'both with lovely character features and, of course, the master bedroom.'
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- I want to hear big.- It's big.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Yes!- It is a big room.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37This is a big room.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40OK. Good. Good, good, good.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43So this is the master. Now, it's not en suite,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46the family bathroom is just across the hallway,
0:24:46 > 0:24:51but you do get a dual aspect, higher ceilings...
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- It's nice and bright.- Yeah.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56The windows make it nice and bright.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- Quite big windows.- Where are we now on the love stakes?
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Don't tell me. Let's go outside and see if that wins your heart over
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and then we can put it all together.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06- OK.- Lovely. Thanks.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09'If Martin and Chris want even more space,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12'on the second floor there is a huge attic room which runs the width
0:25:12 > 0:25:16'of the main house, currently used for storage.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20'Outside, there's a quarter of an acre of mature gardens with a number
0:25:20 > 0:25:22'of seating areas, and a couple of sheds,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25'which Martin could use as a starting point for his workshop.'
0:25:27 > 0:25:29We are nestled here, aren't we?
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- We are.- Absolutely nestled.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35A few properties around, but it's still quite private, isn't it?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Yeah. Interesting.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42So, let's try and put a price on our Welsh home, shall we?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Shall I go first, this time?
0:25:45 > 0:25:48I'd say about 465,000.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49OK.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I'm going to say 495.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57She's very good.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02The asking price is £499,950.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07- OK.- So, we've taken you right to the top of your budget.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Personally, I think that's probably slightly more than I'd pay for this house.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15OK. But is it a consideration?
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- I don't love it enough.- Do you not?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- No.- Why don't you go around on your own this time?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23I think that's a good thing to do.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Take a second look and see if it's worth it for you.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- OK.- OK, we'll have a look. - Thank you very much.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29Thank you.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34There's elements of this house which I know they both love.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36It is right at the top of their budget.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Well, let's see how they get on.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40A second viewing, you never know, might change their mind.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45'This extended period property has four bedrooms and plenty
0:26:45 > 0:26:49'of living space, making it ideal for when Chris and Martin
0:26:49 > 0:26:51'have the family to stay.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53'There's a large kitchen and plenty of scope
0:26:53 > 0:26:55'to build the workshop outside.'
0:26:55 > 0:26:57The kitchen was a nice kitchen.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Lovely worktops, granite again,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01but a little bit of work needed doing in there.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I.e. the floor probably needed doing again.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07There's lots of features in the house that I really loved.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I liked the space, but overall I don't love the house enough,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14at the top end of our budget, to put work in.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17To be honest, the first property I liked a lot more.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21If I could have the first one with this size,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- I think that would have done it. - So, that's it for today.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25We've seen two houses.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28So, we'll hit the road, but don't forget, I've got one more up my sleeve.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Of course, it's going to be our Mystery House, isn't it?
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- Looking forward to it.- Good.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Good.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44'It's the second day of our search with house-sitters Martin and Christine
0:27:44 > 0:27:47'from Hertfordshire. For the last five months,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50'they've tried and tested a variety of properties to whittle down
0:27:50 > 0:27:52'their wish list.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56'Now we're scouring the southern Welsh Borders in search of a period property
0:27:56 > 0:28:00'with a modern twist for their budget of £500,000.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04'Still to come, our Mystery House serves up a few surprises.'
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Intriguing kitchen...?
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- Mm.- I love it.
0:28:09 > 0:28:10It mixes well.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15'And I try my hand crafting this 2,000-year-old invention.'
0:28:15 > 0:28:21- There we go.- How long did you serve as an apprentice?
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- Tell me.- Three years.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Yesterday, we learned that while Martin and Chris don't want a property
0:28:30 > 0:28:32just for the two of them,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36they want a home that could accommodate the whole family when they come to stay.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Now I think we got pretty close with our first house,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42but space was an issue.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Today, with our mystery property,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49we're offering them all the period features and space they crave.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50The twist -
0:28:50 > 0:28:54there are parts to this home that are far younger than they look.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04'Our final property is just two miles away from where our search began,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07'in the Herefordshire village of Stoke Lacy.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11'This peaceful village has a population of around 400 people.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14'There's a local hall and family-run pub,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17'and it's also home to the Wye Valley Brewery,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19'producer of the county's leading cask ale.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24'The nearest shops and amenities are just under four miles away in Bromyard.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29'Our Mystery House is on the outskirts of Stoke Lacy, surrounded by farmland
0:29:29 > 0:29:31'and accessed by a long, private drive.'
0:29:34 > 0:29:38So, our final property is, of course, our Mystery House.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Looks intriguing.- Looks all right, yeah. Looks all right.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Unusual layout, isn't it?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Yes, it is.- Started off as a bakery.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Right.- 1850.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Would have supplied the local community.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52And, as you can see, there's been a little bit of work done on it,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55but it's got the history there, period features...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- Mm-hm.- So, as far as mystery houses go...
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- It looks actually good. - It's not shocking, so...
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- No?- No.- That's good, that's good.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03- Pleasing to the eye.- That's good.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Shall we start our tour?
0:30:07 > 0:30:11'Although parts of our mystery property date back to the late 19th century,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14'it has some much newer additions too, which,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18'thanks to a very sympathetic conversion, are difficult to spot.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20'The original part of the property
0:30:20 > 0:30:22'houses a large kitchen/breakfast room,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26'a bathroom, a snug and a dining room.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29'In the extension, there's an additional sitting room,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32'a bedroom, and another space used as a playroom.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'The main entrance leads us into the kitchen.'
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- So, come on in. It is a lot warmer in here...- It's warmer in here.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41..than it is outside!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- Take this off. - We'll start off in your kitchen.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Now, you know why we've got warmth in here, don't you?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Wow. Yes.- This huge range.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- That's lovely.- And as you walk in, you've got these wonderful old flags.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- Yeah.- Parquet flooring.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Parquet flooring, yeah.- And this
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- intriguing kitchen...?- Mm.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- I love it.- It mixes well.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- It's lovely.- Now, the house dates back to 1850.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09What period would you put on the kitchen?
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- Old. One of the oldest parts. - I'd say one of the oldest parts.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- Yeah.- Yeah.- It's wonderful, isn't it,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19how they've left the exposed beams so you can see through,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22because it's actually 13 years old.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23- 13?- Really?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- This is new? - Welcome to the Mystery House!
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Oh, wow. It's been done really fabulously.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Hasn't it? Doesn't it look old?
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- It does.- I mean, the attention to detail is...
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Fantastic, yeah. - It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- Really lovely. - Let's start off down here.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44So, this is the second sitting room,
0:31:44 > 0:31:46because you've got another one on the other end.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47It's lovely.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49It's lovely. I love it.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- Yeah.- I love the floor.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54I love the way it's been decorated, as well.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Do you? Is it to your taste?
0:31:56 > 0:31:57Yes. Lovely,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00what I've seen so far. This is... Wow.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- Yeah.- It's got the "wow." - It has got the "wow".
0:32:02 > 0:32:03It's got the "wow".
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Right. Brilliant.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08OK. I'm really enjoying this tour.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Right. Down here...
0:32:11 > 0:32:14'A great reaction to the newer part of the property,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17'but this really is a house of two halves.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20'Time to see if they marry up.'
0:32:20 > 0:32:25So, let's step back in time to the original part, the bakery itself.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Oh, yeah, them ceilings.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You can tell, can't you?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31And then you've also got a separate dining area, here.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Do you think they marry up?- They do.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Can you see the join?
0:32:35 > 0:32:37You can't see the join, I don't think.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39No, I think it's been done really well.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41They match perfectly.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- They do.- Now, on this floor,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47you also have a double bedroom and a single bedroom,
0:32:47 > 0:32:49and you have a separate bathroom.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52The family bathroom is just there,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54because we've also got bedrooms upstairs.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56I'll show you and explain more.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01'The staircase in the old part of the house leads
0:33:01 > 0:33:03'to three further bedrooms.'
0:33:06 > 0:33:09So the staircase divides into two.
0:33:09 > 0:33:15One side, there's two large singles. The other side is the master.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Step on in, because I really want you to see that view.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Well, lovely, isn't it?
0:33:22 > 0:33:24It is lovely.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- Yeah?- Beautiful view.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29It's not the biggest of rooms, but it's lovely.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30- It's lovely.- It does the job.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32It does, it does the job.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Now, you can probably hear, it's a little bit squeaky on the floor.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- Expected, yeah.- The reason being,
0:33:38 > 0:33:42they have just put in the plumbing and the extractor fan for a shower, there.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Sink, toilet.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- Ah.- So, you can have a small en suite...
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- So, it's all ready to go?- Yeah.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48Another little project.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51The outside I don't think is going to disappoint either.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Let me show you.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58'I think the garden is a real selling point.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02'There's a large lawned area with space for chickens,
0:34:02 > 0:34:07'a great children's play area, a huge garage and a gorgeous garden room,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10'perfect for whiling away the summer days.'
0:34:13 > 0:34:18So, what we have is about 0.6 of an acre.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- As you can see, it's a proper family garden, isn't it?- Yes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Now, see, this is more of a size I was looking for.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26- Was it?- And Chris, I think.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Yeah.- And it's got a lot of things going on, which is also nice.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34So, now we've got to talk the finances of the Mystery House.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36What figure are you going to give me?
0:34:36 > 0:34:41Price-wise, I think probably over-budget.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43520,000.
0:34:43 > 0:34:44Right.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49I was thinking similar, so I'll go 525.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50The asking price...
0:34:51 > 0:34:53..is under your budget.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56£495,000.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- Just under.- Yeah, no. Happy with that.- That's pleasing.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03OK. OK, that is nice.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05I'm studying your husband's face.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I can see the cogs.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08I'm working things out, yeah.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12So, I think you should go explore on your own, now.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Especially because you know the price.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15- See you later.- Thanks.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18What can I say? The Mystery House.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22We love it when a plan comes together.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27'This impeccably presented but deceptive Mystery House
0:35:27 > 0:35:29'is packed with charm
0:35:29 > 0:35:33'and offers great living space with a harmonious mix of old and new.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34'There are four bedrooms,
0:35:34 > 0:35:39'a large kitchen, and a huge garage ideal for Martin's workshop.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42'It's in an idyllic location with views of surrounding farmland.'
0:35:44 > 0:35:46That tree house. I tell you something, Leo would love that.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Yeah.- I've always wanted to build one, as you know,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52but that is ready to go.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55The house was lovely. The kitchen was lovely.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57You know, the old...
0:35:57 > 0:36:01The way it's been transformed from being new, only 13 years old...
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- It's a surprise.- ..into the existing property, which is mid-1800s...
0:36:05 > 0:36:06I thought it was fantastic.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09That really pulled me in right from the beginning.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It's all been done...
0:36:11 > 0:36:12- So well.- ..so, so well.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Question is, have we ended on a high with our house-hunt?
0:36:17 > 0:36:18- We have.- Have we?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20- Great.- And the price was...
0:36:20 > 0:36:21Yeah. It was nice.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Nice price.- The right direction, wasn't it?
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- The right direction. - Shall we go and have a chat?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- Yes.- Let's please do, yeah.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37'Scattered across the countryside are a wealth of pretty villages,
0:36:37 > 0:36:42'their parish churches adorned with a device dating back over 2,000 years,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46'the weather vane. Long before satellites, this simple,
0:36:46 > 0:36:50'practical invention was used by farmers and villagers to forecast
0:36:50 > 0:36:55'the weather. I'm visiting a converted granary in west Herefordshire,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58'where weather vane makers Karen and Gordon Green are busy keeping
0:36:58 > 0:37:01'the age-old tradition alive.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04'Originally handmade from copper, by Victorian times,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07'the majority of weather vanes were mass-produced from cast iron,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11'forcing the British artisan industry into decline.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16'Today, Karen and Gordon are two of just a handful of makers in the world.'
0:37:16 > 0:37:20First of all, can we touch on the history of the weather vane?
0:37:20 > 0:37:24The first documented weather vane is from 48 BC.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Really?- So, yeah, we're talking way back, aren't we?
0:37:27 > 0:37:29And when did they reach our shores?
0:37:29 > 0:37:349th century. Well, the oldest weather vane in England is down in, actually,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36St Mary, and that's a cockerel.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38And that's from 1340.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Yeah. Still functioning.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41- Is it really?- Yeah.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45And would they have been mainly on churches up and down the land?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- Yeah.- Is that so the whole community could see them?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I think it was mostly that it was actually a Christian symbol.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55The cockerel was to remind us of Peter's betrayal of Christ.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57"The cock shall crow three times."
0:37:57 > 0:38:01And that was to sort of promote piety amongst the parishioners.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- To remind them?- That's right. - I can't wait to have a look at them.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- Can we have a...?- That's great. Let me take you in to show
0:38:07 > 0:38:09where it starts.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12'Although the first examples of weather vanes were cockerels,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16'by the 14th century, more adventurous designs emerged,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18'from dolphins to dragons.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23'As well as on church towers, they became a common feature of manor houses.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25'During their 20-year career,
0:38:25 > 0:38:30'Karen and Gordon have created a huge range of bespoke vanes.'
0:38:30 > 0:38:33So, Karen, is this where the first part of the process starts?
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Yeah, this is sort of my drawing room.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36Now, I'm taking this to be a stork.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Would I be right?- Not quite.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39It's a heron.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42So, this would have been a free-hand sketch that was probably no more
0:38:42 > 0:38:46than two inches long, and then I've enlarged it just using the computer.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50And from here, I have to make full-scale patterns then.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53'After drawing up a template,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57'Karen creates her designs using hammered sheet copper.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02'I'm lucky enough to be able to see her work in progress and have a go myself.'
0:39:03 > 0:39:06OK, so here we have the rest of the heron patterns.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08And this is the finished piece.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Right.- This is what we're trying to repeat.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15So, what I could use help with, is I want to work on this section.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- We'll start with the neck.- OK. - So, these are the two neck pieces.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- I'll put my hair back.- Good. Yes.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20Concentrate on this one.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Exactly. That's your side.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Thank you.- This is mine. So, this is where I shape everything,
0:39:25 > 0:39:26on this wooden block?
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- Right.- So, you can see there are a number of curves on this piece.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32What we're going to try and do with the hammer
0:39:32 > 0:39:33is follow the curve to here
0:39:33 > 0:39:37and then avoid hammering that section.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- Right.- And the same thing here where it's a curve.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41So, I'll show you.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43I'm using the edge of the block, here.
0:39:43 > 0:39:49- Yeah.- By avoiding this section that I've got drawn....
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- It's quite a complex piece that I'm going to have you hammer.- Yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56You have a lot of confidence in me, Karen, I have to say.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00So you can see that if I just press this down,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03that it naturally wants to just start to curve.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Yes. But already it's looking like a wing.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11'Although a simple weather vane can be constructed quickly,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15'more intricate designs like Karen's heron can take up to five weeks
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- 'to make.'- So, if I hold it...
0:40:19 > 0:40:21A little harder. OK.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26But it's all in you manipulating it round, isn't it?
0:40:28 > 0:40:30So, if you hold it now,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32and try and hit it a little harder but doing the same thing,
0:40:32 > 0:40:36doing the same line, but get a little bit closer to the edge.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- A bit closer?- There we go.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43How long did you serve as an apprentice?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45- Tell me.- Three years.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46Gosh.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Well, I have to say, Karen,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51next time I'm driving through a town or a village,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54I'm going to be looking at the skyline for a weather vane.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Imagine my delight if I see one of yours.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57Thank you so much.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01I'm just going to finish this bit before I go, if that's all right?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- That's fine. - But do keep an eye on me.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16It's always so satisfying when you finish a house-hunt on a high,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20but how committed are Martin and Chris to our Mystery House?
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Let's go and ask them.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28So, Chris and Martin, I'm wondering,
0:41:28 > 0:41:32have we got close to finding you your perfect,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34dream home here in the Welsh Borders?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36I think we have, yes.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39The third property, the Mystery House, was lovely.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41We probably will go for a second viewing.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I wasn't sure from the outside, but once you got into the kitchen,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47it just stole my heart.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50And you looked so at home as we were walking around.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51Didn't want to leave, really.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55So, how quickly are you two looking to make this move, now?
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Now we've found something,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58and hopefully you won't need to do any more homework,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01although you're not going to give up your house-sitting, are you?
0:42:01 > 0:42:03No, no. As quick as we can, really.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Our house is ready to go,
0:42:05 > 0:42:11so we've just got to find someone who loves our house, and then we could move.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Well, we are delighted that the Mystery House came up with the goods.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I hope the second viewing goes according to plan,
0:42:18 > 0:42:22and that you are in a position where you could be moving very soon indeed
0:42:22 > 0:42:25and escaping to the country. Thank you both.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Well, after a very pleasant few days driving around the Welsh Borders
0:42:35 > 0:42:37with Martin and Chris,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41it seems like the county of Herefordshire may have provided
0:42:41 > 0:42:43the perfect rural idyll.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48And our house-sitting couple may be putting down roots sooner than they thought.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50We wish them all the best.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53And I'll see you again soon on Escape To The Country.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59'If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, England,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01'Scotland or Northern Ireland and need our help,
0:43:01 > 0:43:03'you can apply online at...'