0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Let's face it - a pretty parish church with a yew tree
0:00:06 > 0:00:09in its graveyard is not in itself unique,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11but this particular yew tree is.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14And it has quite a story to tell.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15Find out more in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Today, we're helping returning expats
0:00:35 > 0:00:39who have grand ambitions for the perfect property.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43I would take down this wall and I would open up the beams
0:00:43 > 0:00:44to mirror the beams on this side.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I would make this one big room.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And they soon discover that the British countryside
0:00:50 > 0:00:52is full of pleasant surprises.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I know you are cash buyers but, let's face it,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?
0:00:57 > 0:01:01No. There's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Well, today we are in North Wales.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09This is the parish church of Saint Digain
0:01:09 > 0:01:12in the village of Llangernyw
0:01:12 > 0:01:14and this is the Llangernyw Yew.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Now, yew trees have been planted in churchyards for centuries
0:01:18 > 0:01:20to ward off evil spirits, but in the 1990s,
0:01:20 > 0:01:25it was discovered that this one was 4,000 years old.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Now, not surprisingly,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31it's now on a list of 50 of the most important trees in Britain,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33which sort of begs the question,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35what have the other 49 got going for them?
0:01:35 > 0:01:38For me, this should be top of the list
0:01:38 > 0:01:40because, when you think about it,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42it's one of the oldest living things on the planet.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51The unofficial region of North Wales largely encompasses six counties,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54with its northern fringes bounded by the Irish Sea.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56At the heart of the region is Snowdonia.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00At 1,085 metres, Mount Snowdon is the highest peak
0:02:00 > 0:02:03in England and Wales.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07First ascended in 1639 by the English botanist Thomas Johnson,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09it's now the busiest mountain in Britain,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12with some bank holidays seeing queues to reach the top.
0:02:14 > 0:02:1860 miles of the northern stretch of coastline are covered by
0:02:18 > 0:02:19the North Wales Path.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22This stunning and varied route starts at Prestatyn,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25with views across the often wild Irish Sea.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Further east, the resort of Llandudno
0:02:29 > 0:02:31boasts the longest pier in Wales.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34First opened to the public in 1877,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36it's now a Grade-II listed structure.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40So whether it's mountainous landscapes,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43sea views or centuries-old buildings you're after,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45North Wales is an idyllic choice
0:02:45 > 0:02:48for a short or long-term rural retreat.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Now, when it comes to the cost of housing,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56the average price of a detached property here in North Wales
0:02:56 > 0:02:59is currently £183,000.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03That's more or less £100,000 below the national average,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05so it does represent good value for money.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09But if you are thinking of moving here, consider this -
0:03:09 > 0:03:11you may find yourself living in a part of the world
0:03:11 > 0:03:14that some say is more akin to the tropics.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Parts of this landscape are now deemed as temperate rainforests,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22although, to be honest, with the snow on the hills behind me,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24it doesn't feel very temperate today.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26But I don't think that's going to put today's buyers off.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29They've come an awfully long way to find their new home.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Husband and wife Nigel and Jackie both hail from Liverpool
0:03:34 > 0:03:35in the north of England.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39But they've spent most of their 24 years of married life living
0:03:39 > 0:03:42in a selection of glamorous global locations.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44We left the UK in 1997 to go
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and work for a brewing company in South Africa.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50With them, I've moved around the world.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Poland, Panama, Colombia and the USA.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57We've lived in some fascinating and amazing countries.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00We've lived amongst different cultures.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01It's been fabulous.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04When Nigel retired just over a year ago,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08the pair decided it was time to revisit their country of birth.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10What was meant to be a relatively brief trip
0:04:10 > 0:04:13turned into something more life-changing.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Our plan did not include the UK,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18other than a place to come and visit for short trips to see family.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22But now we're back, we've fallen in love with the place.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27We have two sons and they both chose to come back to England.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29We've travelled, we've seen a lot of the world,
0:04:29 > 0:04:34and I feel that it's very important to have a place to call home.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Since returning last May,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40they've been living in a rented house in Southport.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43However, the seaside town has changed considerably
0:04:43 > 0:04:45since they were last in the country.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Southport isn't the way that we remembered it
0:04:47 > 0:04:5020, 25 years ago, when we used to come here regularly.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53We just don't need to live in a commuter belt town.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57We're looking for somewhere more rural, not as flat,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59more pleasant views and so on.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02But when it comes to putting down those important rural roots,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04it's North Wales that really appeals.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08From a geographical point of view, it's close to Liverpool,
0:05:08 > 0:05:09where Jackie's family lives.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Rolling hills, rivers, forests and woods,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15just so many things that we like about the area.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18It's a beautiful and fabulous environment
0:05:18 > 0:05:21with spectacular scenery and it ticks all the boxes.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Having lived in some exotic locations over the years,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29they have some specific requirements for their new country pad.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Our dream house, three-bedroomed, detached,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36we're not that bothered about a huge garden,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38because it's going to be maintenance.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40It must have at least two toilets, please.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Walking distance to a village community centre.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Yes, I think so.- Pleasant views.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50If the rooms are a little bit more adequate...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Commodious. Commodious.- Yeah.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56We've got a king-size bed and it's an American size king-size,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58so it's huge.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01We just want something a little bit unusual.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03A little bit different.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Something that's got character.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09But the most important thing is setting down roots
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and rekindling old ties.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16I think our life will change considerably when we find our home.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19I'm excited that we will be able to say, "This is our home
0:06:19 > 0:06:21"and we're staying here for as long as we want to."
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Jackie and Nigel would like to concentrate their search in
0:06:29 > 0:06:31the north-eastern areas of Wales,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33particularly Denbighshire and Flintshire,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35with proximity to road links to see family.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39But before we head off to take a look at houses,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41I want to find out more about what they're hoping to get
0:06:41 > 0:06:43from their new move.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Well, Jackie, Nigel, welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48So, why North Wales?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It's some of the most spectacular scenery in the country
0:06:52 > 0:06:58and I feel that it suits our needs at this stage of our lives.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It's a nice rural place,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03but easily accessible to the parts of the country we want to get to.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04But broadly speaking,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07I gather you're more interested in something
0:07:07 > 0:07:08that's a bit modern and you,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Nigel, will be happy to look at something that's more traditional.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Yes, I'm more traditional.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17So, give us an idea of the sort of property that you are now after.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Rooms that are not poky and small.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22But with maybe some traditional features.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Particularly for me, a nice garage, workshop space for a couple of cars,
0:07:26 > 0:07:31space to work on those cars as well, not a traditional English style
0:07:31 > 0:07:34garage, something a bit bigger than that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36And we don't necessarily need a lot of land.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39We will travel and that's just maintenance
0:07:39 > 0:07:41that we don't necessarily need.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Just remind us of the budget.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Our budget is 350.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48If the property requires any work, though,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50it needs to be reflected in the price.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Is this a short-term move or a long-term move?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56I think we'll be here at least five years.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00We will be away on holiday and travelling during that time,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03but I think it'll be a base for us for the medium term.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Well, I think this is really exciting,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07because it's clear that it's not just about you
0:08:07 > 0:08:09escaping to the country, it's about you trying to reach
0:08:09 > 0:08:11your family here back in the UK.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- Absolutely.- And with a view thrown in, hopefully.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- With a view thrown in.- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Right then, you've got £350,000, we've got a lot of work to do.
0:08:20 > 0:08:21Drink up, let's go.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27For their budget of £350,000,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Nigel and Jackie are looking for
0:08:29 > 0:08:31a property that combines bright,
0:08:31 > 0:08:32modern proportions
0:08:32 > 0:08:34with traditional character.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35They'd like three bedrooms,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37so they have enough accommodation
0:08:37 > 0:08:38when their sons visit.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39A large garage with workshop
0:08:39 > 0:08:41is a must.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42And they'd like somewhere
0:08:42 > 0:08:43easy to maintain
0:08:43 > 0:08:44that they could lock up and leave
0:08:44 > 0:08:46when they're travelling.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50We've found some fantastic property to tempt them with and at each home,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58The final proposition will, of course, be our Mystery House,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00which could offer a rather surprising spin
0:09:00 > 0:09:01on what they're looking for.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Our North Wales property hunt is taking us into the tiny hamlet
0:09:12 > 0:09:14of Galltegfa in Denbighshire.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Nearest facilities are found in the town of Ruthin, whose name,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23meaning "red fort", aptly describes the castle, originally constructed
0:09:23 > 0:09:25from the local sandstone in the 13th century
0:09:25 > 0:09:27on the orders of Edward I.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Ruthin is also home to a fine collection
0:09:31 > 0:09:33of black-and-white medieval buildings,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36including the oldest-dated timber-framed house in Wales,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38which is now a museum.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43We're just a mile and a half away, down a quiet country lane,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45where our first property is located.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49There we are - have a look at that one.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51It's beautiful. That's absolutely gorgeous.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53I love the plants growing up.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Yeah. It's a pyracantha.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56It's quite interesting, this one.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01It was two cottages, has since been knocked into one.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04And then extended. You can see the change in that roofline.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Yes.- As you can see, it's been well maintained throughout its life.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09What do you think?
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I think it looks gorgeous. It's beautifully maintained.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Yeah, I think it shows promise.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15It's an interesting property.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18This is a kind of lock-up-and-leave.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19This is in very good condition.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I'm looking forward to getting inside.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23We'll start, I think, not through the front door, but this way,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- into the kitchen.- Lovely.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Looking forward to seeing it. - Come on, let's go.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Thought to date back
0:10:30 > 0:10:32to the mid 19th century, the current owners of this house
0:10:32 > 0:10:36have lived in the property for the last 33 years.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40They've combined the original charms of the cottage with modern updates,
0:10:40 > 0:10:44including the creation of a large kitchen-diner from four small rooms,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47and the addition of oil-fired central heating.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Feel the heat.- Oh, that's good.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Come on in.- Lovely.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- There we are.- Right.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56It's quite modern.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57Surprisingly so, isn't it?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Yeah. It's very nice.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I guess, surprisingly spacious.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Yes, no, there's certainly... To accommodate table and chairs,
0:11:06 > 0:11:07it's a good size.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Is this the sort of thing?
0:11:08 > 0:11:10For me, absolutely.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12It's very pretty.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Yes, I like it too and you're right,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16it's a very modern kitchen and very well maintained.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's got a cottagey feel to it,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20whilst being modern at the same time.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Well, it does get more cottagey as we go through.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24Have a look at this.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Leading off the kitchen into the centre of the property
0:11:28 > 0:11:31is the first of two character-filled reception rooms.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34I mean, effectively, I suppose, this is something of a corridor.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36You've got that staircase in here,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38but it is blessed with that lovely wood burner.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- That's gorgeous.- Yeah, it's a beautiful fireplace.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43On a day like today, that is just heaven.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46But of course, it was two cottages so, you know,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49you've got another living room, which is through here.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55To be honest, I think this is probably my favourite room
0:11:55 > 0:11:56down here, actually.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- That's lovely.- Another wood burner, lovely fireplace.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02You could imagine after dinner sitting in here, watching TV,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04or listening to music...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07I suppose, when the boys come back, you know,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10you could have a kind of separation of a kind of telly room or somewhere
0:12:10 > 0:12:12just to relax and chill out.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15I like the stone feature around the fireplace.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And I like the size of the fireplace.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Good. All right. Well, let's have a look upstairs.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Very nice.- Let's see what you think of it. Let's have a look.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27'The marriage of old and new in this well-maintained period cottage
0:12:27 > 0:12:30'has something to offer both Jackie and Nigel.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33'Upstairs, the first of three bedrooms
0:12:33 > 0:12:37'above the second reception room is a good-sized double.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40'Then next to the stairs is a small single bedroom,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42'currently used as an office.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45'And there's also the family bathroom with shower.'
0:12:46 > 0:12:48There we go. And finally, this one.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51This is a beautifully well-proportioned room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53It's a very big room, actually.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55We'd certainly be able to fit our bed in here.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00Now, you mentioned your bed, so how big is it, a Californian king-size?
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Will it fit in here? - It certainly will. It will fit fine.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- Definitely.- And you've got views out there to the Clwydian Hills, look.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Yeah, they're spectacular.- It's as spacious as I think we can expect,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15having gotten used to the spacious American houses and so on.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17It has the cottagey feel to it with the beams.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20I mean, I think the nice thing about this one
0:13:20 > 0:13:21- is it gives you lots to play with. - Yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24But, yeah, we do need to think about the price.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Let's go and get cold.- OK.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33So, room fit for a super king-size and lots of potential
0:13:33 > 0:13:36inside this beautiful and characterful cottage.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39But there's also more on offer out in the garden.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Landscaped, largely self-facing grounds
0:13:41 > 0:13:43provide low-maintenance interest,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45including a water feature.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48There's also an established vegetable plot
0:13:48 > 0:13:51and a potting shed with power and lighting.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52For classic car lover Nigel,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55the large garage with its generous-sized workshop
0:13:55 > 0:13:58provides more than enough space to tinker away.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04I propose we don't spend any longer out here than we need to.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05- Not today.- Yes, it's a bit cold.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08But, you know, views across the fields and what have you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11It's lovely. It's spacious and definitely a nice space
0:14:11 > 0:14:13to drink gin and tonic, I think.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the numbers,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19shall we? £350,000 you have to spend, Jackie.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22What do you think this one is on the market for?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23I think in the region of 310.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Oh! Very direct.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Nigel?- I think the house offers not quite as much space as we want,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34so I'd hope there's some ceiling in our budget, so I would go about 325.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37The reason we brought you here is to really whet your appetite
0:14:37 > 0:14:38for the property market,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42because this is on the market for...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45£279,500.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Gosh.- OK.- It's a good saving, isn't it?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- It's a nice saving, yes. - It's not bad at all.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I know you are cash buyers, but let's face it,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58No, there's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Great.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I know it doesn't have all, particularly, the upstairs space
0:15:03 > 0:15:07you were looking for, but for the money, you know, everything
0:15:07 > 0:15:10has its compromises and maybe it's one you could make.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Yeah.- Go and have a wander round and see what you might do
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- with the change.- Right.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Under budget by a generous £70,000,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24this well-maintained 19th-century Welsh cottage comes
0:15:24 > 0:15:27with a recently fitted, large kitchen-diner,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30two further reception rooms with characterful features,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34three bedrooms and landscaped gardens with outbuildings.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37I was really impressed coming down the lane.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Beautiful place on the outside, it's a really
0:15:40 > 0:15:42welcoming-looking cottage.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44The kitchen is beautiful.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48It's modern and countrified and cottagey, all at the same time.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53The bedroom sizes are a good size. Adequate for what we need.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Right, then. I'm afraid that's it.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58We're going to have to leave the warmth
0:15:58 > 0:16:00of this beautiful cottage behind us.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- But the good news is it's lunchtime.- Excellent.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05- Wonderful.- Come on.- Let's go.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Nigel and Jackie are hoping their move to rural Wales
0:16:13 > 0:16:16will leave them more time to spend on their hobbies.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20With classic car enthusiast Nigel raring to get his hands on a new
0:16:20 > 0:16:23project, we're sending them to a family-run motor museum
0:16:23 > 0:16:28in Llangollen, where Geoff Owen curates a 60-vehicle collection.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29How long has the museum been going?
0:16:29 > 0:16:34The museum's been going since 1980 and my family took it over in 1997.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36And where have you sourced the cars from?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38We've been collecting for 30 years.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Some of the motorbikes, we've had for 30 years.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Right.- Some of the cars, we've had for 20, 25 years as well.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45They all look to be in very good condition.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Do you buy them in that condition or do you restore some?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49We tend to buy them in good condition.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52The TR4 we've had in the workshop, which we restored 25 years ago,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55that's one that's, obviously, a firm favourite.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56Do you do your own restoration work?
0:16:56 > 0:17:00I've been restoring cars for 30-odd years now, for my sins.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02All sorts of variety of cars,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05classic and vintage cars, and motorcycles as well.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Geoff is currently working on a Triumph Vitesse.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Aimed at the family market, more than 51,000 were built
0:17:12 > 0:17:15between 1962 and 1971.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Jackie and Nigel are just in time to help get this model
0:17:19 > 0:17:21from 1970 looking its best.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23What I thought we could do is do something with the bodywork.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26You can see the paintwork's gone quite pink.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28The oxidisation with the sunshine
0:17:28 > 0:17:30and my daughter never washing the car.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34To polish it, we're just going to use a bit of this miracle stuff
0:17:34 > 0:17:37and start with little straight lines.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- You can already see there is a bit of a change going on.- Hm.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- Gosh, it makes a huge difference. - Yeah.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51The polishing fluid Geoff uses is water-based,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54so there's no potentially harmful ammonia, and any residue
0:17:54 > 0:17:56can easily be rinsed off.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59But it's not just about keeping cars on display.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Many here are regularly taken for a drive through the countryside.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05So after all that hard work, any chance of a spin?
0:18:05 > 0:18:08No problem at all. Yes, we'll go and have a look at one of the cars.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- Super.- Lovely.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Nigel is getting behind the wheel of one of the older cars
0:18:12 > 0:18:15in the collection, a 1935 Standard,
0:18:15 > 0:18:20built in Coventry in celebration of King George V's Silver Jubilee.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Believed to be the last surviving example of its type,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27they'll be keeping safely below its top speed of 55mph.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30What do you know about the history of this particular car?
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Well, it's from a chap in South Wales who restored it,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- the outside, into the condition you see now.- Oh.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41And that was some 25 or so years ago,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44so it's showing a few age-related marks,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47but it's still going pretty well.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Do you find that there's a lot of car enthusiasts in the area?
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Yeah, there's a local vintage motorcycle club
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and vintage sports car club.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57It's a beautiful area to live in.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Fantastic scenery and there's some great roads for your classic car
0:19:01 > 0:19:04and vintage car enthusiasts to use.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08So, let's hope Nigel's own classic car may soon be making its way along
0:19:08 > 0:19:12these beautiful Welsh roads, once we continue our house search tomorrow.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22We are in the beautiful countryside of North Wales,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25helping recently returned expats Jackie and Nigel
0:19:25 > 0:19:27put down rural British roots.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31So far, they've been pleasantly surprised with just how far
0:19:31 > 0:19:34their £350,000 budget will stretch.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39But there's more to see and we reach new heights with our
0:19:39 > 0:19:40Mystery House.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Like it?- Yes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47You're lost for words, aren't you?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Both of you.- I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I think you'd get a man in. - A very tall man.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55Plus, I'm muscling in
0:19:55 > 0:19:59on a centuries-old Clwydian shell-fishing tradition.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00Hello.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Hello.- Hello.- Oi!
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Look at that. Fantastic.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Well, thankfully the cold,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12grey gloom that we've had to battle most of this week has given way to
0:20:12 > 0:20:13a beautiful sunlit day,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17our final day of house-hunting here in North Wales with Jackie and with
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Nigel. Now, of course, we have two properties to show them,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22including our Mystery House,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26which offers them a lovely mix of history and high spec.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28But first, our youngest property of the week,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30which I'm hoping will give them
0:20:30 > 0:20:33all the space and light they are looking for.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Our property search is heading to the Flintshire village of Llanasa.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Originally called Llanasaph,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46after the saint whose relics were enshrined here in the 13th century,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50the current church dates back to around the 15th century.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53There's also a pub, pond and village hall,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57which hosts a regular community fruit and veg co-op.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00The property we've come to see is in a secluded position
0:21:00 > 0:21:02on the edge of the village.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Right, then. That's this morning's offering.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- It's gorgeous.- That's beautiful, yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11It's an old design, but it looks like a new build.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13You're absolutely right. It's only 12 years old.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Gosh.- It's a lovely house, yeah. And a nice position too.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Now, the view is terrific,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20with views out across the open fields
0:21:20 > 0:21:22to the River Dee and, I think, over there, you can just about make out
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- the hills of Lancashire across the water.- Yes.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27It's a really, really interesting spot.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Now, the only thing it doesn't, obviously, have at the moment
0:21:30 > 0:21:33is a garage. It has plans for a garage. And I think you could create
0:21:33 > 0:21:35something rather nice there, actually.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39There's space there and it wouldn't spoil the layout of the property.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40Right, then - shall we?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Built just 12 years ago to the current owners' specification,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49this traditional-looking new build could offer Nigel and Jackie
0:21:49 > 0:21:51the combination of period styling and modern convenience
0:21:51 > 0:21:53they're looking for.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Leading from a front entrance hall,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58the right-wing of the ground floor is taken up
0:21:58 > 0:22:01by a generously proportioned lounge.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- It's a good size. Yeah.- Wow! - Nice, isn't it?
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Lovely big room.- Light and bright. - Lovely and warm as well.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09It's really warm. That wood burner is doing a lovely job this morning.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I like the fact that they've kept in line with some of the features,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14like having a nice fireplace in here.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Yeah.- I like the fact that they've got beams.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Is this scoring highly at the moment?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- I think so.- Yes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22I thought it might. Come this way.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Back via the main entrance hall,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29which is large enough to serve as a second reception space,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31is a country kitchen-diner,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34combining mod cons with a traditional feel.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36It's a big room.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- Yes, that's nice. - Very modern kitchen.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- It's nice, isn't it?- Yeah.- A nice sort of country twist to it.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- Yes.- I love what they've done over the range there,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46that sort of mantle arrangement.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49And the doors there again out to the terrace.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51No, that's lovely.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54And then through here, you've got a utility room and a downstairs loo.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56For practical purposes, I think it works quite nicely.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Yes. Like a boot room.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I like the fact that we don't have to do anything in here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- It's move-in ready. - Yes, it absolutely is.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Raring to go. Going to buy it?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Let's get to the end.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10How much do you want for it?
0:23:13 > 0:23:14So, a great response to the layout
0:23:14 > 0:23:18and styling of this characterful new build.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Stairs from the hall lead to the three-bedroom upstairs
0:23:21 > 0:23:24accommodation. A family bathroom with separate shower cubicle
0:23:24 > 0:23:26serves the two guest rooms -
0:23:26 > 0:23:31a double to the front and another double to the rear of the property.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Then there is the largest of the three, the master en suite.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38And then, finally, I think this is for you.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Yes, it's a good size.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41- I love the balcony. - It's sweet, isn't it?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Would this room accommodate, though,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- your enormous Californian king-size bed?- I think so. I think so.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49- Yeah?- Definitely.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It's also got the bonus of this, of course,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53as well, which is rather nice.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- And I get my extra loo. - You do. There you go.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- That's wonderful. - It just kind of works.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's a very honest, simple proposition, this property.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02It would be nice to wake up to see the view in the morning.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- This would work for us. Big-time.- Is it beautiful?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- AMERICAN ACCENT:- It's beautiful. - Oh, beautiful.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09Oh, man, let's go outside.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Come on.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13After you.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15'So everything works well for our house-hunters'
0:24:15 > 0:24:17on the inside.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Outside, there are lawned gardens to the front
0:24:20 > 0:24:21and parking for three cars,
0:24:21 > 0:24:22whilst to the rear,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25a large patio makes the most of those wonderful views
0:24:25 > 0:24:28across the countryside to the Dee Estuary.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31It's nice and private out here.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35It looks like this place here lends itself to having a conservatory
0:24:35 > 0:24:37built and there's actually additional space here
0:24:37 > 0:24:38with the patio.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42I'd go for a pitched-roof, slate-roofed garden room.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43It would give you, then, views that way.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Yes.- I think there's all sorts of scope here
0:24:45 > 0:24:47and it would really extend your living space.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- Yeah. Make it a lot bigger.- Yes.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Right then, let's see if the price is...
0:24:51 > 0:24:53AMERICAN ACCENT: ..beautiful. JACKIE LAUGHS
0:24:53 > 0:24:55350 grand, you have. Sterling, not dollars.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57So, let's have a guess, then, Jackie.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I think... Given location and the views,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I think anything between 320 and 330.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06I think this is going to be over budget, maybe 360, 365.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11- It's on the market for 349,950.- Ah.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13But it's a nice property, in the sense
0:25:13 > 0:25:15that you could just move into it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18But also you can extend it and embellish it
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and really make it your own.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Go on, then, have a wander round.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- I'll come and find you a little bit later on.- OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Coming in on budget, this modern property,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30built with a nod to the local vernacular,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33has the large living spaces downstairs,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36as well as three well-proportioned bedrooms upstairs,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38two bathrooms and a ground floor cloakroom.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Plus, there are those stunning estuary views.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44I think the property is superb.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Jackie's always said she wants a house with a sea view
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and we have sea views from this house. It's light and airy,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52which is something that Jackie wants, but it has that country feel,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54which is something that I want.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57The bedrooms, I was quite surprised by.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Normally, properties in the UK, the bedroom sizes are fairly small.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04It's a property that we might consider.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07I think given the location and the views,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I think it's a property that we could potentially enjoy living in.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14So we could fit the garage down here.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16There's plenty of depth to put a garage in here.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Yeah, but you're going to have to take into consideration that you're
0:26:20 > 0:26:22going to have to put a very strong foundation in
0:26:22 > 0:26:25if you are going to build a double storey.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Yes. But that's manageable.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I love to eavesdrop on people making plans.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33It's a good sign. It means you're thinking about how it could work
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- and that's all I can ask of you, really.- Hm.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36What a day as well. Thank goodness.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It's much easier selling houses when the sun is out,
0:26:39 > 0:26:40- I can assure you. - Yes, a beautiful day.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Right, then. We have plenty more to do, though.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46We're not going to let go of you just yet. Come on.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54With an extensive coastline featuring many natural harbours,
0:26:54 > 0:26:59the sea has long provided food and resources for the people of Wales.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03The town of Conwy is known for its mussels -
0:27:03 > 0:27:05particularly large species are found here,
0:27:05 > 0:27:10making them not only fleshy, but also a fine source of pearls.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13These shellfish, harvested since at least Roman times,
0:27:13 > 0:27:16were by the early 19th century supplying over four kilos
0:27:16 > 0:27:20of pearls to the jewellers of London every week.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23But today, the catch is for eating.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Tom Jones, a third-generation mussel fishermen,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29has agreed to show me what makes Conwy mussels so special.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Tom, I've been coming to Conwy for years and years and years, but I'm
0:27:34 > 0:27:37ashamed to say I had no idea that it was such a hotbed
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- for those who love mussels.- I know. You've been missing out.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42I have been missing out.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Now, what is it about Conwy and the estuary here that means that mussels
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- grow so well? - The key factor, really,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51is that they are natural beds and in an estuary,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54they have a mixture then of salt water from the sea
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and fresh water from the valleys coming down.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00The main thing is the method we use, which is the hand rakes,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02so there's no dredging or rope-grown mussels here at all.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06They are all hand-raked, one man, with a fisherman, hard work.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09As well as using the labour-intensive method
0:28:09 > 0:28:12of hand raking, Conwy fishermen still respect the rule
0:28:12 > 0:28:15of only harvesting the shellfish when there is a letter R
0:28:15 > 0:28:16in the month.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20This allows mussels stocks to naturally replenish over the summer,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22helping to keep them sustainable.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25So I notice the tide is going out, Tom.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29What's the best tidal state to fish mussels?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Well, right on low water, really.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33What we call slack water.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36So, we're heading out now as it's still ebbing,
0:28:36 > 0:28:37the tide is still going out.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40And by the time we find some and start raking,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43the peak time we'll be raking will be at low water.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46So it's all about timing, really.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49The setup's so simple, isn't it? That's your rake, isn't it?
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Yeah, that's it. You're raking them off the seabed.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55It doesn't come any more natural than that.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58There are now fewer than ten fishermen raking the beds here,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01each with their own personally crafted poled rake.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Knowing the best places to stop and the depth of water they'll find here
0:29:04 > 0:29:07is down to skill and experience.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10All right? Come on, then. Anchors aweigh.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Good. Well, I think the anchors are all set, Tom.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- We're ready.- So this is the famous rake.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22This is it. Steel head, handmade, the net there, by the fisherman.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26But the length of the rake, I guess, is dependent on the state
0:29:26 > 0:29:28of the tide that gives you the best opportunity
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- to fetch your mussels in? - Well, yeah, I mean,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33you can be fishing in very deep water, you know.
0:29:33 > 0:29:3620 feet, 25 feet, so you've got to have a long enough pole
0:29:36 > 0:29:37to reach the bottom.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39How many rakes have you lost?
0:29:39 > 0:29:40Well...
0:29:41 > 0:29:43More than one, put it that way.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- Do you want a go?- I'd love a go.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47Well, we'll just swap places.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48- OK.- So you come as I was.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Basically, you're just going to throw it in as far as you can
0:29:51 > 0:29:54and you just want to, like, let it slide down through your fingers.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Don't let go of the end. - That's a really odd sensation.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59You can feel it dragging across the bottom.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Rake it towards the boat and then when you think you've got something,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04so when you're under the boat, you want to lift it now.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05Yeah. And then twist it away?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- Twist it. Yeah.- Cos otherwise they'll all fall off, won't they?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11That's it. We're about halfway. That's it. Keep it coming up now.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Hello.- Hello.- Hello.- Oi! Look at that!- That's it.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Fantastic. That's not bad, is it?
0:30:16 > 0:30:18It's a wonderful picture, though,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20of what's on the sea bed here in the Conwy Estuary.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24Yeah. it just shows how natural they are, isn't it, you know?
0:30:24 > 0:30:28And using such a simple method means you're going to maintain
0:30:28 > 0:30:30the longevity of these mussel beds, hopefully forever.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Well, yeah, it's been going for hundreds of years already.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Hopefully it'll be going for hundreds of years more.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Well, I've certainly worked up an appetite,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41so it's back to dry land and time to get cooking.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43My favourite dish.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Wine - most important thing.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- We're going to steam them.- Yeah.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48And we want to put some onions and celery.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Have you got some onions and celery for us?
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- There we go.- You don't want all of it - just a bit, a bit of each.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- You want to get some onions in there, don't you?- Some onions.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- There you go, that's OK.- Oh, lovely.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Rule of thumb, in terms of cooking a mussel?
0:31:00 > 0:31:03So, they're closed before and then when you cook them,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05they'll all open wide. So let's put some in.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- There we go.- Basically, once they're all open, they're cooked.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- Ready to go.- So just keep an eye on them, leave them in for five,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13six minutes, and once they're all open they're done.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- And what have you got there? - A bit of garlic.- Oh, garlic, yeah.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- A bit of garlic, a bit of parsley. - Yes, you've got to have parsley.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Yeah. And everything's been put in together at the same time,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23so there's no faffing with five minutes on this,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- five minutes on that, get it all in. - Fabulous.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27And you just want to leave the lid on while it's cooking.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30You don't want to keep taking the lid off. I think we're ready.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32It certainly smells like they're ready. Look at that.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- Can I start with that one? - Yeah, go for it.- God, look at that.
0:31:34 > 0:31:41That is a genuinely fleshy, very hot mussel.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Oh, my God. Mm.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50That is fabulous. And that's taken, what, five minutes to cook?
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Yeah. Easy.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Absolutely lovely. Tom, thank you very much, mate.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- It's been a fantastic day. - Thank you for coming down.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00And, I don't care what the rest
0:32:00 > 0:32:02of the world thinks about their mussels -
0:32:02 > 0:32:06the ones here in North Wales in Conwy are the best. It is official.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Any idea what the Mystery House is going to look like, then, Jackie?
0:32:16 > 0:32:19I think it could be a conversion of some sort.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I was thinking exactly the same and what you could do to surprise us.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Well, you two have lived in such quirky properties over the years.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28The nice thing about the Mystery House is
0:32:28 > 0:32:30that we do occasionally give you something else to think about.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34So, let's see if my hunch is right and whether this one
0:32:34 > 0:32:35will work for you.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Looking forward to it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Nigel and Jackie have guessed well,
0:32:40 > 0:32:44because our search is taking us to the former stately home estate
0:32:44 > 0:32:45of Lleweni, back in Denbighshire.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48Just a ten-minute drive away,
0:32:48 > 0:32:53the market town of Denbigh combines historic charm and a sublime rural
0:32:53 > 0:32:56backdrop with a good range of shops and services,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59including a post office, pharmacy and public library.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04Atop a rocky promontory sit the ruins of the 13th century castle.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06We're two miles north-east from here,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09where the buildings of this former grand country seat,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13awarded to the Salisbury family in 1066 by William the Conqueror,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15are definitely not in ruins,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18and provide the location of our mystery offering.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23You're right to think that it might be a conversion.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25We are on the Lleweni Estate.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28The main house, Lleweni Hall,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31used to be down there and then later on they built this.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34And this was the stable block.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- Wow.- The main bulk of the buildings that comprise the working end
0:33:38 > 0:33:41of the estate have been converted.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44So, we're building on this idea of you being able to simply lock up and
0:33:44 > 0:33:47leave on your travels, but have somewhere secure
0:33:47 > 0:33:52that's pretty much brand-new, doesn't need anything doing to it,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55and it's got a double garage.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02But your bit isn't in the stable block.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04It's round the corner. Come on.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Now, I did promise you a double garage.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- That's it.- Oh, wow.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16There's no dividing wall inside, so you've got bags of space in there.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19And it leads us nicely into the entrance
0:34:19 > 0:34:20of what might be your new home.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Come on.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24'A path through a cottage garden
0:34:24 > 0:34:26'leads to the private front door'
0:34:26 > 0:34:29of our semidetached mystery proposition.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Converted from the barn buildings of the former estate,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36an entrance hall leads to the reception areas.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Come on in. We'll start with this main living room down here.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45- Wow. - JACKIE LAUGHS
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Now, that is the first wow of the week.- OK.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- That's your style, isn't it? - It certainly is.- Yeah.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Like it?
0:34:55 > 0:34:56Yes.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00You're lost for words, aren't you? Both of you.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- I think you get a man in. - A very tall man.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09There's a nice bit of graffiti up there, too.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10"1859."
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Oh, yes.- Whoever put that up there in 1859
0:35:13 > 0:35:15could have had no idea it would ever be as comfortable as this.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- No.- What I do want to show you is the kitchen-diner,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20which is next door. Come have a look at this.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24There.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Oh-oh-oh, wow.- Oh, wow. - Yeah?- Yes.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- That's another wow. Excellent. - Yes, that is beautiful.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33I'm very impressed with this room.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34I guess the key thing to consider
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- is whether or not you like the kitchen as is.- No.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38I would take down this wall
0:35:38 > 0:35:42and I would open up the beams to mirror the beams on this side
0:35:42 > 0:35:43and I would make this one big room.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Well, you certainly could do, because this wall...
0:35:46 > 0:35:48KNOCKING ..is not load-bearing.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- Yeah.- So, wow, there's a thought.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55You'd end up with an enormous kitchen-diner-living room in one.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Yes. That would be nice.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Yeah, that could work for me.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Maybe see if you can put a wood burner in there too.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06- Nice little twist.- There we are. - There's a thought.- Come on.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08It's a great sign that Jackie and Nigel
0:36:08 > 0:36:11are engaging with ways they could put their own stamp on
0:36:11 > 0:36:16this already beautifully turned-out country estate conversion.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17After a useful cloakroom,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21the entrance hall leads through a door to a further internal lobby
0:36:21 > 0:36:23and the three-bedroom sleeping quarters.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28A family bathroom serves the guest bedrooms.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31One is a good-sized double with a view to the garden
0:36:31 > 0:36:33and there's a smaller single room.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Then there's a generous-sized master with en suite.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41And I'm hoping this has got enough space for your now-famous bed.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42With room to spare.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45They've got a very big built-in storage unit there too.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Yeah. Lots of space.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51Loads of space and you've got a shower en suite next door.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Very nice. It's all going to come down to the big question at the end.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Where does this fit on the budget scale?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Ah, well, there we are.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02It's the question I love to answer.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07The inside may have them pondering over price
0:37:07 > 0:37:09but outside there is more.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12In addition to that garage, there's a sizeable rear plot
0:37:12 > 0:37:14currently laid to lawn,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17with lovely views towards the surrounding Clwydian Hills.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21We could go right to the end. To be honest, you get the idea.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23The garden could be much more developed.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25But, I guess, from your point of view,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27you want it as low-maintenance as possible.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- And actually...- It's lovely.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33..for a property within a complex, this is a ludicrously big garden.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- Yes.- I would agree with you.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Given it is the biggest garden of the week,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40one might be surprised to have found it here.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43This is interesting, isn't it, this one?
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I think this is the most interesting we've seen.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Good. So let's see if the price then, Nigel, is going to please you.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51I'm completely at a loss here.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53A stab in the dark, I'll say 345.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55345. Jackie?
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I think I'll go for 330, a little less.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01One of you is spot on.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Who is it?
0:38:03 > 0:38:05My wife. Always.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Not on this occasion - it's you, sir. 345, bang on.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10You have your garage, sweetie.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- And my garage as well.- We haven't got to build you a garage.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14- No.- All done and dusted.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Ride-on mower. I think that's the only other extra.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Yeah, well, you'll have to save up for that, won't you?
0:38:20 > 0:38:23THEY LAUGH Right then, off you go.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Have a wander round and I will come and find you
0:38:25 > 0:38:27a little bit later.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32£5,000 below budget,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35this barn conversion within an historic country estate
0:38:35 > 0:38:38has excellent lock-up-and-leave potential.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40It offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43and there's also that double garage, plus extensive,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46but simply maintained, grounds.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49I find the Mystery House quite surprising.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52It's a beautiful with regards to the high ceilings.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Good space.- It's a beautiful house, without a shadow of a doubt.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59And it's a barn conversion, but a very special barn conversion.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03The finishings and the rooms and so on are gorgeous.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Really liked it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Well, our guided property tour is now over.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13That's the last one. Our Mystery House is done and dusted.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Are you happy with what we've shown you this week?
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Very much so.- I think so.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Is there an option there, I wonder?
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- A-ha.- Don't tell me just yet. Right, come on. Off you go.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Let's give you time to think about it.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30You know, for me, one of the most interesting dynamics
0:39:30 > 0:39:33in this particular house search has been the fact that we haven't
0:39:33 > 0:39:36been looking for a forever home for Jackie and for Nigel,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39which you might think would make the whole process that bit easier.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41But, let's not forget, they are going to spend
0:39:41 > 0:39:43an awful lot of money.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46So have we managed to help them find a viable solution?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Well, let's go and find them.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59Well, guys, we are nearly at the end of the process.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I feel confident that we've given you an interesting
0:40:02 > 0:40:06and thought-provoking range of properties to consider.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- I hope you agree. - Most definitely, yes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14But I get the feeling that there are probably two frontrunners.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Am I right? - You're absolutely right, yes.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Let me see.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- The Mystery House. - Is one of the two.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25And I suspect that lovely new build overlooking the sea,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28which wasn't in a location you were perhaps considering,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30but certainly got you talking.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Yes, that's the other one.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37So of the two, which one is your favourite, I wonder?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- I think we have one clear winner. - Do you now?- Mm.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43Is it the Mystery?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Nope.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48So it's the new build overlooking the sea, Nigel?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50It's the new build overlooking the sea, yes.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56What the sea view house had was a proper country village community.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00After seeing the house, we went into the village,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02we visited the village hall and so on.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05It's a wonderful community and that's what's really sold us
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- on that particular house. - You're absolutely right, Nigel.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Two very different sorts of community between the two.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14One much more traditional, one much more artificial,
0:41:14 > 0:41:15I suppose, in a sense.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19But I suspect, although we've talked about this being a sort of
0:41:19 > 0:41:22medium-term move, if you get embedded in the community,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25who knows? You might be there for that bit longer.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Yes, that's a distinct possibility.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Wow. Is that exciting, Jackie?
0:41:31 > 0:41:35I think it is. I think the prospect of that is quite exciting.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39You've introduced us to some very interesting options, I think.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43And our favourite house today was certainly an option that we hadn't
0:41:43 > 0:41:44considered before.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46It's certainly in an area that you hadn't really considered.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- No, we hadn't.- Yeah.- We hadn't.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Jackie said she wanted somewhere that was light and airy.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52I said I wanted something that was very countrified.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53The house provides both.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Well, guys, it's been an absolute pleasure.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59We have had a great laugh this week with the pair of you.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01And we wish you all the very best of luck.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- So let us know how you get on. - With pleasure.- Thank you.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Best of luck.- Thanks, Jules.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14You know, all week it seems, the Clwydian Hills
0:42:14 > 0:42:17have been a real feature of this house search
0:42:17 > 0:42:19with Jackie and Nigel.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22So, where better to finish off than up here amongst them,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26enjoying some very welcome early evening sunshine?
0:42:26 > 0:42:29But I've often thought, this week, that meeting the expectations
0:42:29 > 0:42:32of a couple who - let's face it - have lived in some pretty glamorous
0:42:32 > 0:42:35locations in some very memorable properties
0:42:35 > 0:42:38stretching all the way from Panama to South Africa
0:42:38 > 0:42:40was always going to be a bit of a challenge.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44But yet again, I think this region and its property market
0:42:44 > 0:42:45has not let us down.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48So, while I head off home to Herefordshire,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52I shall leave you to enjoy the view.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I'll see you next time.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:56 > 0:42:57in Northern Ireland,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:43:00 > 0:43:02then please apply online at...