North Wales Escape to the Country


North Wales

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Welcome to Escape To The Country.

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Let's face it - a pretty parish church with a yew tree

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in its graveyard is not in itself unique,

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but this particular yew tree is.

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And it has quite a story to tell.

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Find out more in just a moment.

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Today, we're helping returning expats

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who have grand ambitions for the perfect property.

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I would take down this wall and I would open up the beams

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to mirror the beams on this side.

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I would make this one big room.

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And they soon discover that the British countryside

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is full of pleasant surprises.

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I know you are cash buyers but, let's face it,

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if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?

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No. There's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.

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Well, today we are in North Wales.

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This is the parish church of Saint Digain

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in the village of Llangernyw

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and this is the Llangernyw Yew.

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Now, yew trees have been planted in churchyards for centuries

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to ward off evil spirits, but in the 1990s,

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it was discovered that this one was 4,000 years old.

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Now, not surprisingly,

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it's now on a list of 50 of the most important trees in Britain,

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which sort of begs the question,

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what have the other 49 got going for them?

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For me, this should be top of the list

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because, when you think about it,

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it's one of the oldest living things on the planet.

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The unofficial region of North Wales largely encompasses six counties,

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with its northern fringes bounded by the Irish Sea.

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At the heart of the region is Snowdonia.

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At 1,085 metres, Mount Snowdon is the highest peak

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in England and Wales.

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First ascended in 1639 by the English botanist Thomas Johnson,

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it's now the busiest mountain in Britain,

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with some bank holidays seeing queues to reach the top.

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60 miles of the northern stretch of coastline are covered by

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the North Wales Path.

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This stunning and varied route starts at Prestatyn,

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with views across the often wild Irish Sea.

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Further east, the resort of Llandudno

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boasts the longest pier in Wales.

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First opened to the public in 1877,

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it's now a Grade-II listed structure.

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So whether it's mountainous landscapes,

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sea views or centuries-old buildings you're after,

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North Wales is an idyllic choice

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for a short or long-term rural retreat.

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Now, when it comes to the cost of housing,

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the average price of a detached property here in North Wales

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is currently £183,000.

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That's more or less £100,000 below the national average,

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so it does represent good value for money.

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But if you are thinking of moving here, consider this -

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you may find yourself living in a part of the world

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that some say is more akin to the tropics.

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Parts of this landscape are now deemed as temperate rainforests,

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although, to be honest, with the snow on the hills behind me,

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it doesn't feel very temperate today.

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But I don't think that's going to put today's buyers off.

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They've come an awfully long way to find their new home.

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Husband and wife Nigel and Jackie both hail from Liverpool

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in the north of England.

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But they've spent most of their 24 years of married life living

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in a selection of glamorous global locations.

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We left the UK in 1997 to go

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and work for a brewing company in South Africa.

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With them, I've moved around the world.

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Poland, Panama, Colombia and the USA.

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We've lived in some fascinating and amazing countries.

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We've lived amongst different cultures.

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It's been fabulous.

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When Nigel retired just over a year ago,

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the pair decided it was time to revisit their country of birth.

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What was meant to be a relatively brief trip

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turned into something more life-changing.

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Our plan did not include the UK,

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other than a place to come and visit for short trips to see family.

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But now we're back, we've fallen in love with the place.

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We have two sons and they both chose to come back to England.

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We've travelled, we've seen a lot of the world,

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and I feel that it's very important to have a place to call home.

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Since returning last May,

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they've been living in a rented house in Southport.

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However, the seaside town has changed considerably

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since they were last in the country.

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Southport isn't the way that we remembered it

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20, 25 years ago, when we used to come here regularly.

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We just don't need to live in a commuter belt town.

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We're looking for somewhere more rural, not as flat,

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more pleasant views and so on.

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But when it comes to putting down those important rural roots,

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it's North Wales that really appeals.

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From a geographical point of view, it's close to Liverpool,

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where Jackie's family lives.

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Rolling hills, rivers, forests and woods,

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just so many things that we like about the area.

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It's a beautiful and fabulous environment

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with spectacular scenery and it ticks all the boxes.

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Having lived in some exotic locations over the years,

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they have some specific requirements for their new country pad.

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Our dream house, three-bedroomed, detached,

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we're not that bothered about a huge garden,

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because it's going to be maintenance.

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It must have at least two toilets, please.

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Walking distance to a village community centre.

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-Yes, I think so.

-Pleasant views.

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If the rooms are a little bit more adequate...

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-Commodious. Commodious.

-Yeah.

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We've got a king-size bed and it's an American size king-size,

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so it's huge.

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We just want something a little bit unusual.

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A little bit different.

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Something that's got character.

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But the most important thing is setting down roots

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and rekindling old ties.

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I think our life will change considerably when we find our home.

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I'm excited that we will be able to say, "This is our home

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"and we're staying here for as long as we want to."

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Jackie and Nigel would like to concentrate their search in

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the north-eastern areas of Wales,

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particularly Denbighshire and Flintshire,

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with proximity to road links to see family.

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But before we head off to take a look at houses,

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I want to find out more about what they're hoping to get

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from their new move.

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Well, Jackie, Nigel, welcome to Escape To The Country.

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So, why North Wales?

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It's some of the most spectacular scenery in the country

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and I feel that it suits our needs at this stage of our lives.

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It's a nice rural place,

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but easily accessible to the parts of the country we want to get to.

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But broadly speaking,

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I gather you're more interested in something

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that's a bit modern and you,

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Nigel, will be happy to look at something that's more traditional.

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Yes, I'm more traditional.

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So, give us an idea of the sort of property that you are now after.

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Rooms that are not poky and small.

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But with maybe some traditional features.

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Particularly for me, a nice garage, workshop space for a couple of cars,

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space to work on those cars as well, not a traditional English style

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garage, something a bit bigger than that.

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And we don't necessarily need a lot of land.

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We will travel and that's just maintenance

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that we don't necessarily need.

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Just remind us of the budget.

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Our budget is 350.

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If the property requires any work, though,

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it needs to be reflected in the price.

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Is this a short-term move or a long-term move?

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I think we'll be here at least five years.

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We will be away on holiday and travelling during that time,

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but I think it'll be a base for us for the medium term.

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Well, I think this is really exciting,

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because it's clear that it's not just about you

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escaping to the country, it's about you trying to reach

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your family here back in the UK.

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-Absolutely.

-And with a view thrown in, hopefully.

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-With a view thrown in.

-Yes.

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Right then, you've got £350,000, we've got a lot of work to do.

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Drink up, let's go.

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For their budget of £350,000,

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Nigel and Jackie are looking for

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a property that combines bright,

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modern proportions

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with traditional character.

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They'd like three bedrooms,

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so they have enough accommodation

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when their sons visit.

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A large garage with workshop

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is a must.

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And they'd like somewhere

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easy to maintain

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that they could lock up and leave

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when they're travelling.

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We've found some fantastic property to tempt them with and at each home,

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I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

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The final proposition will, of course, be our Mystery House,

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which could offer a rather surprising spin

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on what they're looking for.

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Our North Wales property hunt is taking us into the tiny hamlet

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of Galltegfa in Denbighshire.

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Nearest facilities are found in the town of Ruthin, whose name,

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meaning "red fort", aptly describes the castle, originally constructed

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from the local sandstone in the 13th century

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on the orders of Edward I.

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Ruthin is also home to a fine collection

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of black-and-white medieval buildings,

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including the oldest-dated timber-framed house in Wales,

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which is now a museum.

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We're just a mile and a half away, down a quiet country lane,

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where our first property is located.

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There we are - have a look at that one.

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It's beautiful. That's absolutely gorgeous.

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I love the plants growing up.

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Yeah. It's a pyracantha.

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It's quite interesting, this one.

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It was two cottages, has since been knocked into one.

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And then extended. You can see the change in that roofline.

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-Yes.

-As you can see, it's been well maintained throughout its life.

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What do you think?

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I think it looks gorgeous. It's beautifully maintained.

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Yeah, I think it shows promise.

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It's an interesting property.

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This is a kind of lock-up-and-leave.

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This is in very good condition.

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I'm looking forward to getting inside.

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We'll start, I think, not through the front door, but this way,

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-into the kitchen.

-Lovely.

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-Looking forward to seeing it.

-Come on, let's go.

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Thought to date back

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to the mid 19th century, the current owners of this house

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have lived in the property for the last 33 years.

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They've combined the original charms of the cottage with modern updates,

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including the creation of a large kitchen-diner from four small rooms,

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and the addition of oil-fired central heating.

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-Feel the heat.

-Oh, that's good.

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-Come on in.

-Lovely.

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-There we are.

-Right.

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It's quite modern.

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Surprisingly so, isn't it?

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Yeah. It's very nice.

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I guess, surprisingly spacious.

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Yes, no, there's certainly... To accommodate table and chairs,

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it's a good size.

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Is this the sort of thing?

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For me, absolutely.

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It's very pretty.

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Yes, I like it too and you're right,

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it's a very modern kitchen and very well maintained.

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It's got a cottagey feel to it,

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whilst being modern at the same time.

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Well, it does get more cottagey as we go through.

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Have a look at this.

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Leading off the kitchen into the centre of the property

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is the first of two character-filled reception rooms.

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I mean, effectively, I suppose, this is something of a corridor.

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You've got that staircase in here,

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but it is blessed with that lovely wood burner.

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-That's gorgeous.

-Yeah, it's a beautiful fireplace.

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On a day like today, that is just heaven.

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But of course, it was two cottages so, you know,

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you've got another living room, which is through here.

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To be honest, I think this is probably my favourite room

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down here, actually.

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-That's lovely.

-Another wood burner, lovely fireplace.

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You could imagine after dinner sitting in here, watching TV,

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or listening to music...

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I suppose, when the boys come back, you know,

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you could have a kind of separation of a kind of telly room or somewhere

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just to relax and chill out.

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I like the stone feature around the fireplace.

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And I like the size of the fireplace.

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Good. All right. Well, let's have a look upstairs.

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-Very nice.

-Let's see what you think of it. Let's have a look.

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'The marriage of old and new in this well-maintained period cottage

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'has something to offer both Jackie and Nigel.

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'Upstairs, the first of three bedrooms

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'above the second reception room is a good-sized double.

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'Then next to the stairs is a small single bedroom,

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'currently used as an office.

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'And there's also the family bathroom with shower.'

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There we go. And finally, this one.

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This is a beautifully well-proportioned room.

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It's a very big room, actually.

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We'd certainly be able to fit our bed in here.

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Now, you mentioned your bed, so how big is it, a Californian king-size?

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-Will it fit in here?

-It certainly will. It will fit fine.

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-Definitely.

-And you've got views out there to the Clwydian Hills, look.

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-Yeah, they're spectacular.

-It's as spacious as I think we can expect,

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having gotten used to the spacious American houses and so on.

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It has the cottagey feel to it with the beams.

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I mean, I think the nice thing about this one

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-is it gives you lots to play with.

-Yes.

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But, yeah, we do need to think about the price.

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-Let's go and get cold.

-OK.

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So, room fit for a super king-size and lots of potential

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inside this beautiful and characterful cottage.

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But there's also more on offer out in the garden.

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Landscaped, largely self-facing grounds

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provide low-maintenance interest,

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including a water feature.

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There's also an established vegetable plot

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and a potting shed with power and lighting.

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For classic car lover Nigel,

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the large garage with its generous-sized workshop

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provides more than enough space to tinker away.

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I propose we don't spend any longer out here than we need to.

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-Not today.

-Yes, it's a bit cold.

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But, you know, views across the fields and what have you.

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It's lovely. It's spacious and definitely a nice space

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to drink gin and tonic, I think.

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So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the numbers,

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shall we? £350,000 you have to spend, Jackie.

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What do you think this one is on the market for?

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I think in the region of 310.

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Oh! Very direct.

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-Nigel?

-I think the house offers not quite as much space as we want,

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so I'd hope there's some ceiling in our budget, so I would go about 325.

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The reason we brought you here is to really whet your appetite

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for the property market,

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because this is on the market for...

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£279,500.

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-Gosh.

-OK.

-It's a good saving, isn't it?

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-It's a nice saving, yes.

-It's not bad at all.

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I know you are cash buyers, but let's face it,

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if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?

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No, there's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.

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Great.

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I know it doesn't have all, particularly, the upstairs space

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you were looking for, but for the money, you know, everything

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has its compromises and maybe it's one you could make.

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-Yeah.

-Go and have a wander round and see what you might do

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-with the change.

-Right.

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Under budget by a generous £70,000,

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this well-maintained 19th-century Welsh cottage comes

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with a recently fitted, large kitchen-diner,

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two further reception rooms with characterful features,

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three bedrooms and landscaped gardens with outbuildings.

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I was really impressed coming down the lane.

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Beautiful place on the outside, it's a really

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welcoming-looking cottage.

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The kitchen is beautiful.

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It's modern and countrified and cottagey, all at the same time.

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The bedroom sizes are a good size. Adequate for what we need.

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Right, then. I'm afraid that's it.

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We're going to have to leave the warmth

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of this beautiful cottage behind us.

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-But the good news is it's lunchtime.

-Excellent.

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-Wonderful.

-Come on.

-Let's go.

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Nigel and Jackie are hoping their move to rural Wales

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will leave them more time to spend on their hobbies.

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With classic car enthusiast Nigel raring to get his hands on a new

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project, we're sending them to a family-run motor museum

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in Llangollen, where Geoff Owen curates a 60-vehicle collection.

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How long has the museum been going?

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The museum's been going since 1980 and my family took it over in 1997.

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And where have you sourced the cars from?

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We've been collecting for 30 years.

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Some of the motorbikes, we've had for 30 years.

0:16:380:16:40

-Right.

-Some of the cars, we've had for 20, 25 years as well.

0:16:400:16:43

They all look to be in very good condition.

0:16:430:16:45

Do you buy them in that condition or do you restore some?

0:16:450:16:47

We tend to buy them in good condition.

0:16:470:16:49

The TR4 we've had in the workshop, which we restored 25 years ago,

0:16:490:16:52

that's one that's, obviously, a firm favourite.

0:16:520:16:55

Do you do your own restoration work?

0:16:550:16:56

I've been restoring cars for 30-odd years now, for my sins.

0:16:560:17:00

All sorts of variety of cars,

0:17:000:17:02

classic and vintage cars, and motorcycles as well.

0:17:020:17:05

Geoff is currently working on a Triumph Vitesse.

0:17:050:17:09

Aimed at the family market, more than 51,000 were built

0:17:090:17:12

between 1962 and 1971.

0:17:120:17:15

Jackie and Nigel are just in time to help get this model

0:17:150:17:19

from 1970 looking its best.

0:17:190:17:21

What I thought we could do is do something with the bodywork.

0:17:210:17:23

You can see the paintwork's gone quite pink.

0:17:230:17:26

The oxidisation with the sunshine

0:17:260:17:28

and my daughter never washing the car.

0:17:280:17:30

To polish it, we're just going to use a bit of this miracle stuff

0:17:300:17:34

and start with little straight lines.

0:17:340:17:37

-You can already see there is a bit of a change going on.

-Hm.

0:17:400:17:43

-Gosh, it makes a huge difference.

-Yeah.

0:17:440:17:48

The polishing fluid Geoff uses is water-based,

0:17:480:17:51

so there's no potentially harmful ammonia, and any residue

0:17:510:17:54

can easily be rinsed off.

0:17:540:17:56

But it's not just about keeping cars on display.

0:17:560:17:59

Many here are regularly taken for a drive through the countryside.

0:17:590:18:03

So after all that hard work, any chance of a spin?

0:18:030:18:05

No problem at all. Yes, we'll go and have a look at one of the cars.

0:18:050:18:08

-Super.

-Lovely.

0:18:080:18:09

Nigel is getting behind the wheel of one of the older cars

0:18:090:18:12

in the collection, a 1935 Standard,

0:18:120:18:15

built in Coventry in celebration of King George V's Silver Jubilee.

0:18:150:18:20

Believed to be the last surviving example of its type,

0:18:200:18:23

they'll be keeping safely below its top speed of 55mph.

0:18:230:18:27

What do you know about the history of this particular car?

0:18:270:18:30

Well, it's from a chap in South Wales who restored it,

0:18:300:18:34

-the outside, into the condition you see now.

-Oh.

0:18:340:18:37

And that was some 25 or so years ago,

0:18:380:18:41

so it's showing a few age-related marks,

0:18:410:18:44

but it's still going pretty well.

0:18:440:18:47

Do you find that there's a lot of car enthusiasts in the area?

0:18:470:18:50

Yeah, there's a local vintage motorcycle club

0:18:500:18:53

and vintage sports car club.

0:18:530:18:55

It's a beautiful area to live in.

0:18:550:18:57

Fantastic scenery and there's some great roads for your classic car

0:18:570:19:01

and vintage car enthusiasts to use.

0:19:010:19:04

So, let's hope Nigel's own classic car may soon be making its way along

0:19:040:19:08

these beautiful Welsh roads, once we continue our house search tomorrow.

0:19:080:19:12

We are in the beautiful countryside of North Wales,

0:19:190:19:22

helping recently returned expats Jackie and Nigel

0:19:220:19:25

put down rural British roots.

0:19:250:19:27

So far, they've been pleasantly surprised with just how far

0:19:270:19:31

their £350,000 budget will stretch.

0:19:310:19:34

But there's more to see and we reach new heights with our

0:19:340:19:39

Mystery House.

0:19:390:19:40

-Like it?

-Yes.

0:19:400:19:43

You're lost for words, aren't you?

0:19:450:19:47

-Both of you.

-I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.

0:19:470:19:50

-I think you'd get a man in.

-A very tall man.

0:19:500:19:54

Plus, I'm muscling in

0:19:540:19:55

on a centuries-old Clwydian shell-fishing tradition.

0:19:550:19:59

Hello.

0:19:590:20:00

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Oi!

0:20:000:20:02

Look at that. Fantastic.

0:20:020:20:04

Well, thankfully the cold,

0:20:060:20:08

grey gloom that we've had to battle most of this week has given way to

0:20:080:20:12

a beautiful sunlit day,

0:20:120:20:13

our final day of house-hunting here in North Wales with Jackie and with

0:20:130:20:17

Nigel. Now, of course, we have two properties to show them,

0:20:170:20:20

including our Mystery House,

0:20:200:20:22

which offers them a lovely mix of history and high spec.

0:20:220:20:26

But first, our youngest property of the week,

0:20:260:20:28

which I'm hoping will give them

0:20:280:20:30

all the space and light they are looking for.

0:20:300:20:33

Our property search is heading to the Flintshire village of Llanasa.

0:20:360:20:40

Originally called Llanasaph,

0:20:400:20:42

after the saint whose relics were enshrined here in the 13th century,

0:20:420:20:46

the current church dates back to around the 15th century.

0:20:460:20:50

There's also a pub, pond and village hall,

0:20:500:20:53

which hosts a regular community fruit and veg co-op.

0:20:530:20:57

The property we've come to see is in a secluded position

0:20:570:21:00

on the edge of the village.

0:21:000:21:02

Right, then. That's this morning's offering.

0:21:020:21:05

-It's gorgeous.

-That's beautiful, yeah.

0:21:050:21:08

It's an old design, but it looks like a new build.

0:21:080:21:11

You're absolutely right. It's only 12 years old.

0:21:110:21:13

-Gosh.

-It's a lovely house, yeah. And a nice position too.

0:21:130:21:16

Now, the view is terrific,

0:21:160:21:18

with views out across the open fields

0:21:180:21:20

to the River Dee and, I think, over there, you can just about make out

0:21:200:21:22

-the hills of Lancashire across the water.

-Yes.

0:21:220:21:25

It's a really, really interesting spot.

0:21:250:21:27

Now, the only thing it doesn't, obviously, have at the moment

0:21:270:21:30

is a garage. It has plans for a garage. And I think you could create

0:21:300:21:33

something rather nice there, actually.

0:21:330:21:35

There's space there and it wouldn't spoil the layout of the property.

0:21:350:21:39

Right, then - shall we?

0:21:390:21:40

Built just 12 years ago to the current owners' specification,

0:21:420:21:45

this traditional-looking new build could offer Nigel and Jackie

0:21:450:21:49

the combination of period styling and modern convenience

0:21:490:21:51

they're looking for.

0:21:510:21:53

Leading from a front entrance hall,

0:21:530:21:55

the right-wing of the ground floor is taken up

0:21:550:21:58

by a generously proportioned lounge.

0:21:580:22:01

-It's a good size. Yeah.

-Wow!

-Nice, isn't it?

0:22:010:22:03

-Lovely big room.

-Light and bright.

-Lovely and warm as well.

0:22:030:22:06

It's really warm. That wood burner is doing a lovely job this morning.

0:22:060:22:09

I like the fact that they've kept in line with some of the features,

0:22:090:22:12

like having a nice fireplace in here.

0:22:120:22:14

-Yeah.

-I like the fact that they've got beams.

0:22:140:22:16

Is this scoring highly at the moment?

0:22:160:22:18

-I think so.

-Yes.

0:22:180:22:20

I thought it might. Come this way.

0:22:200:22:22

Back via the main entrance hall,

0:22:240:22:26

which is large enough to serve as a second reception space,

0:22:260:22:29

is a country kitchen-diner,

0:22:290:22:31

combining mod cons with a traditional feel.

0:22:310:22:34

It's a big room.

0:22:340:22:36

-Yes, that's nice.

-Very modern kitchen.

0:22:360:22:38

-It's nice, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-A nice sort of country twist to it.

0:22:380:22:41

-Yes.

-I love what they've done over the range there,

0:22:410:22:43

that sort of mantle arrangement.

0:22:430:22:46

And the doors there again out to the terrace.

0:22:460:22:49

No, that's lovely.

0:22:490:22:51

And then through here, you've got a utility room and a downstairs loo.

0:22:510:22:54

For practical purposes, I think it works quite nicely.

0:22:540:22:56

Yes. Like a boot room.

0:22:560:22:58

I like the fact that we don't have to do anything in here.

0:22:580:23:00

-It's move-in ready.

-Yes, it absolutely is.

0:23:000:23:03

Raring to go. Going to buy it?

0:23:030:23:04

Let's get to the end.

0:23:060:23:08

How much do you want for it?

0:23:080:23:10

So, a great response to the layout

0:23:130:23:14

and styling of this characterful new build.

0:23:140:23:18

Stairs from the hall lead to the three-bedroom upstairs

0:23:180:23:21

accommodation. A family bathroom with separate shower cubicle

0:23:210:23:24

serves the two guest rooms -

0:23:240:23:26

a double to the front and another double to the rear of the property.

0:23:260:23:31

Then there is the largest of the three, the master en suite.

0:23:310:23:35

And then, finally, I think this is for you.

0:23:350:23:38

Yes, it's a good size.

0:23:380:23:40

-I love the balcony.

-It's sweet, isn't it?

0:23:400:23:41

Would this room accommodate, though,

0:23:410:23:44

-your enormous Californian king-size bed?

-I think so. I think so.

0:23:440:23:48

-Yeah?

-Definitely.

0:23:480:23:49

It's also got the bonus of this, of course,

0:23:490:23:51

as well, which is rather nice.

0:23:510:23:53

-And I get my extra loo.

-You do. There you go.

0:23:530:23:55

-That's wonderful.

-It just kind of works.

0:23:550:23:57

It's a very honest, simple proposition, this property.

0:23:570:24:00

It would be nice to wake up to see the view in the morning.

0:24:000:24:02

-This would work for us. Big-time.

-Is it beautiful?

0:24:020:24:06

-AMERICAN ACCENT:

-It's beautiful.

-Oh, beautiful.

0:24:060:24:08

Oh, man, let's go outside.

0:24:080:24:09

Come on.

0:24:090:24:11

After you.

0:24:110:24:13

'So everything works well for our house-hunters'

0:24:130:24:15

on the inside.

0:24:150:24:17

Outside, there are lawned gardens to the front

0:24:170:24:20

and parking for three cars,

0:24:200:24:21

whilst to the rear,

0:24:210:24:22

a large patio makes the most of those wonderful views

0:24:220:24:25

across the countryside to the Dee Estuary.

0:24:250:24:28

It's nice and private out here.

0:24:290:24:31

It looks like this place here lends itself to having a conservatory

0:24:310:24:35

built and there's actually additional space here

0:24:350:24:37

with the patio.

0:24:370:24:38

I'd go for a pitched-roof, slate-roofed garden room.

0:24:380:24:42

It would give you, then, views that way.

0:24:420:24:43

-Yes.

-I think there's all sorts of scope here

0:24:430:24:45

and it would really extend your living space.

0:24:450:24:47

-Yeah. Make it a lot bigger.

-Yes.

0:24:470:24:49

Right then, let's see if the price is...

0:24:490:24:51

AMERICAN ACCENT: ..beautiful. JACKIE LAUGHS

0:24:510:24:53

350 grand, you have. Sterling, not dollars.

0:24:530:24:55

So, let's have a guess, then, Jackie.

0:24:550:24:57

I think... Given location and the views,

0:24:570:24:59

I think anything between 320 and 330.

0:24:590:25:03

I think this is going to be over budget, maybe 360, 365.

0:25:030:25:06

-It's on the market for 349,950.

-Ah.

0:25:060:25:11

But it's a nice property, in the sense

0:25:110:25:13

that you could just move into it.

0:25:130:25:15

But also you can extend it and embellish it

0:25:150:25:18

and really make it your own.

0:25:180:25:20

Go on, then, have a wander round.

0:25:200:25:22

-I'll come and find you a little bit later on.

-OK.

0:25:220:25:24

Coming in on budget, this modern property,

0:25:260:25:28

built with a nod to the local vernacular,

0:25:280:25:30

has the large living spaces downstairs,

0:25:300:25:33

as well as three well-proportioned bedrooms upstairs,

0:25:330:25:36

two bathrooms and a ground floor cloakroom.

0:25:360:25:38

Plus, there are those stunning estuary views.

0:25:380:25:42

I think the property is superb.

0:25:430:25:44

Jackie's always said she wants a house with a sea view

0:25:440:25:46

and we have sea views from this house. It's light and airy,

0:25:460:25:49

which is something that Jackie wants, but it has that country feel,

0:25:490:25:52

which is something that I want.

0:25:520:25:54

The bedrooms, I was quite surprised by.

0:25:540:25:57

Normally, properties in the UK, the bedroom sizes are fairly small.

0:25:570:26:01

It's a property that we might consider.

0:26:010:26:04

I think given the location and the views,

0:26:040:26:07

I think it's a property that we could potentially enjoy living in.

0:26:070:26:11

So we could fit the garage down here.

0:26:110:26:14

There's plenty of depth to put a garage in here.

0:26:140:26:16

Yeah, but you're going to have to take into consideration that you're

0:26:160:26:20

going to have to put a very strong foundation in

0:26:200:26:22

if you are going to build a double storey.

0:26:220:26:25

Yes. But that's manageable.

0:26:250:26:27

I love to eavesdrop on people making plans.

0:26:270:26:29

It's a good sign. It means you're thinking about how it could work

0:26:290:26:33

-and that's all I can ask of you, really.

-Hm.

0:26:330:26:35

What a day as well. Thank goodness.

0:26:350:26:36

It's much easier selling houses when the sun is out,

0:26:360:26:39

-I can assure you.

-Yes, a beautiful day.

0:26:390:26:40

Right, then. We have plenty more to do, though.

0:26:400:26:43

We're not going to let go of you just yet. Come on.

0:26:430:26:46

With an extensive coastline featuring many natural harbours,

0:26:510:26:54

the sea has long provided food and resources for the people of Wales.

0:26:540:26:59

The town of Conwy is known for its mussels -

0:26:590:27:03

particularly large species are found here,

0:27:030:27:05

making them not only fleshy, but also a fine source of pearls.

0:27:050:27:10

These shellfish, harvested since at least Roman times,

0:27:100:27:13

were by the early 19th century supplying over four kilos

0:27:130:27:16

of pearls to the jewellers of London every week.

0:27:160:27:20

But today, the catch is for eating.

0:27:200:27:23

Tom Jones, a third-generation mussel fishermen,

0:27:230:27:26

has agreed to show me what makes Conwy mussels so special.

0:27:260:27:29

Tom, I've been coming to Conwy for years and years and years, but I'm

0:27:300:27:34

ashamed to say I had no idea that it was such a hotbed

0:27:340:27:37

-for those who love mussels.

-I know. You've been missing out.

0:27:370:27:40

I have been missing out.

0:27:400:27:42

Now, what is it about Conwy and the estuary here that means that mussels

0:27:420:27:47

-grow so well?

-The key factor, really,

0:27:470:27:49

is that they are natural beds and in an estuary,

0:27:490:27:51

they have a mixture then of salt water from the sea

0:27:510:27:54

and fresh water from the valleys coming down.

0:27:540:27:56

The main thing is the method we use, which is the hand rakes,

0:27:560:28:00

so there's no dredging or rope-grown mussels here at all.

0:28:000:28:02

They are all hand-raked, one man, with a fisherman, hard work.

0:28:020:28:06

As well as using the labour-intensive method

0:28:070:28:09

of hand raking, Conwy fishermen still respect the rule

0:28:090:28:12

of only harvesting the shellfish when there is a letter R

0:28:120:28:15

in the month.

0:28:150:28:16

This allows mussels stocks to naturally replenish over the summer,

0:28:160:28:20

helping to keep them sustainable.

0:28:200:28:22

So I notice the tide is going out, Tom.

0:28:220:28:25

What's the best tidal state to fish mussels?

0:28:250:28:29

Well, right on low water, really.

0:28:290:28:31

What we call slack water.

0:28:310:28:33

So, we're heading out now as it's still ebbing,

0:28:330:28:36

the tide is still going out.

0:28:360:28:37

And by the time we find some and start raking,

0:28:370:28:40

the peak time we'll be raking will be at low water.

0:28:400:28:43

So it's all about timing, really.

0:28:440:28:46

The setup's so simple, isn't it? That's your rake, isn't it?

0:28:460:28:49

Yeah, that's it. You're raking them off the seabed.

0:28:490:28:51

It doesn't come any more natural than that.

0:28:510:28:55

There are now fewer than ten fishermen raking the beds here,

0:28:550:28:58

each with their own personally crafted poled rake.

0:28:580:29:01

Knowing the best places to stop and the depth of water they'll find here

0:29:010:29:04

is down to skill and experience.

0:29:040:29:07

All right? Come on, then. Anchors aweigh.

0:29:070:29:10

Good. Well, I think the anchors are all set, Tom.

0:29:140:29:16

-We're ready.

-So this is the famous rake.

0:29:160:29:18

This is it. Steel head, handmade, the net there, by the fisherman.

0:29:180:29:22

But the length of the rake, I guess, is dependent on the state

0:29:220:29:26

of the tide that gives you the best opportunity

0:29:260:29:28

-to fetch your mussels in?

-Well, yeah, I mean,

0:29:280:29:30

you can be fishing in very deep water, you know.

0:29:300:29:33

20 feet, 25 feet, so you've got to have a long enough pole

0:29:330:29:36

to reach the bottom.

0:29:360:29:37

How many rakes have you lost?

0:29:370:29:39

Well...

0:29:390:29:40

More than one, put it that way.

0:29:410:29:43

-Do you want a go?

-I'd love a go.

0:29:440:29:46

Well, we'll just swap places.

0:29:460:29:47

-OK.

-So you come as I was.

0:29:470:29:48

Basically, you're just going to throw it in as far as you can

0:29:480:29:51

and you just want to, like, let it slide down through your fingers.

0:29:510:29:54

-Don't let go of the end.

-That's a really odd sensation.

0:29:540:29:57

You can feel it dragging across the bottom.

0:29:570:29:59

Rake it towards the boat and then when you think you've got something,

0:29:590:30:02

so when you're under the boat, you want to lift it now.

0:30:020:30:04

Yeah. And then twist it away?

0:30:040:30:05

-Twist it. Yeah.

-Cos otherwise they'll all fall off, won't they?

0:30:050:30:08

That's it. We're about halfway. That's it. Keep it coming up now.

0:30:080:30:11

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Oi! Look at that!

-That's it.

0:30:110:30:14

Fantastic. That's not bad, is it?

0:30:140:30:16

It's a wonderful picture, though,

0:30:160:30:18

of what's on the sea bed here in the Conwy Estuary.

0:30:180:30:20

Yeah. it just shows how natural they are, isn't it, you know?

0:30:200:30:24

And using such a simple method means you're going to maintain

0:30:240:30:28

the longevity of these mussel beds, hopefully forever.

0:30:280:30:30

Well, yeah, it's been going for hundreds of years already.

0:30:300:30:32

Hopefully it'll be going for hundreds of years more.

0:30:320:30:35

Well, I've certainly worked up an appetite,

0:30:350:30:38

so it's back to dry land and time to get cooking.

0:30:380:30:41

My favourite dish.

0:30:410:30:43

Wine - most important thing.

0:30:430:30:45

-We're going to steam them.

-Yeah.

0:30:450:30:47

And we want to put some onions and celery.

0:30:470:30:48

Have you got some onions and celery for us?

0:30:480:30:50

-There we go.

-You don't want all of it - just a bit, a bit of each.

0:30:500:30:53

-You want to get some onions in there, don't you?

-Some onions.

0:30:530:30:55

-There you go, that's OK.

-Oh, lovely.

0:30:550:30:58

Rule of thumb, in terms of cooking a mussel?

0:30:580:31:00

So, they're closed before and then when you cook them,

0:31:000:31:03

they'll all open wide. So let's put some in.

0:31:030:31:05

-There we go.

-Basically, once they're all open, they're cooked.

0:31:050:31:08

-Ready to go.

-So just keep an eye on them, leave them in for five,

0:31:080:31:11

six minutes, and once they're all open they're done.

0:31:110:31:13

-And what have you got there?

-A bit of garlic.

-Oh, garlic, yeah.

0:31:130:31:16

-A bit of garlic, a bit of parsley.

-Yes, you've got to have parsley.

0:31:160:31:18

Yeah. And everything's been put in together at the same time,

0:31:180:31:21

so there's no faffing with five minutes on this,

0:31:210:31:23

-five minutes on that, get it all in.

-Fabulous.

0:31:230:31:25

And you just want to leave the lid on while it's cooking.

0:31:250:31:27

You don't want to keep taking the lid off. I think we're ready.

0:31:270:31:30

It certainly smells like they're ready. Look at that.

0:31:300:31:32

-Can I start with that one?

-Yeah, go for it.

-God, look at that.

0:31:320:31:34

That is a genuinely fleshy, very hot mussel.

0:31:340:31:41

Oh, my God. Mm.

0:31:450:31:48

That is fabulous. And that's taken, what, five minutes to cook?

0:31:480:31:50

Yeah. Easy.

0:31:500:31:52

Absolutely lovely. Tom, thank you very much, mate.

0:31:520:31:56

-It's been a fantastic day.

-Thank you for coming down.

0:31:560:31:59

And, I don't care what the rest

0:31:590:32:00

of the world thinks about their mussels -

0:32:000:32:02

the ones here in North Wales in Conwy are the best. It is official.

0:32:020:32:06

Any idea what the Mystery House is going to look like, then, Jackie?

0:32:130:32:16

I think it could be a conversion of some sort.

0:32:160:32:19

I was thinking exactly the same and what you could do to surprise us.

0:32:190:32:22

Well, you two have lived in such quirky properties over the years.

0:32:220:32:25

The nice thing about the Mystery House is

0:32:250:32:28

that we do occasionally give you something else to think about.

0:32:280:32:30

So, let's see if my hunch is right and whether this one

0:32:300:32:34

will work for you.

0:32:340:32:35

Looking forward to it.

0:32:350:32:37

Nigel and Jackie have guessed well,

0:32:380:32:40

because our search is taking us to the former stately home estate

0:32:400:32:44

of Lleweni, back in Denbighshire.

0:32:440:32:45

Just a ten-minute drive away,

0:32:470:32:48

the market town of Denbigh combines historic charm and a sublime rural

0:32:480:32:53

backdrop with a good range of shops and services,

0:32:530:32:56

including a post office, pharmacy and public library.

0:32:560:32:59

Atop a rocky promontory sit the ruins of the 13th century castle.

0:32:590:33:04

We're two miles north-east from here,

0:33:040:33:06

where the buildings of this former grand country seat,

0:33:060:33:09

awarded to the Salisbury family in 1066 by William the Conqueror,

0:33:090:33:13

are definitely not in ruins,

0:33:130:33:15

and provide the location of our mystery offering.

0:33:150:33:18

You're right to think that it might be a conversion.

0:33:180:33:23

We are on the Lleweni Estate.

0:33:230:33:25

The main house, Lleweni Hall,

0:33:250:33:28

used to be down there and then later on they built this.

0:33:280:33:31

And this was the stable block.

0:33:310:33:34

-Wow.

-The main bulk of the buildings that comprise the working end

0:33:340:33:38

of the estate have been converted.

0:33:380:33:41

So, we're building on this idea of you being able to simply lock up and

0:33:410:33:44

leave on your travels, but have somewhere secure

0:33:440:33:47

that's pretty much brand-new, doesn't need anything doing to it,

0:33:470:33:52

and it's got a double garage.

0:33:520:33:55

But your bit isn't in the stable block.

0:33:590:34:02

It's round the corner. Come on.

0:34:020:34:04

Now, I did promise you a double garage.

0:34:090:34:11

-That's it.

-Oh, wow.

0:34:110:34:13

There's no dividing wall inside, so you've got bags of space in there.

0:34:130:34:16

And it leads us nicely into the entrance

0:34:160:34:19

of what might be your new home.

0:34:190:34:20

Come on.

0:34:200:34:22

'A path through a cottage garden

0:34:220:34:24

'leads to the private front door'

0:34:240:34:26

of our semidetached mystery proposition.

0:34:260:34:29

Converted from the barn buildings of the former estate,

0:34:290:34:32

an entrance hall leads to the reception areas.

0:34:320:34:36

Come on in. We'll start with this main living room down here.

0:34:370:34:41

-Wow.

-JACKIE LAUGHS

0:34:430:34:45

-Now, that is the first wow of the week.

-OK.

0:34:450:34:48

-That's your style, isn't it?

-It certainly is.

-Yeah.

0:34:500:34:53

Like it?

0:34:530:34:55

Yes.

0:34:550:34:56

You're lost for words, aren't you? Both of you.

0:34:580:35:00

I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.

0:35:000:35:04

-I think you get a man in.

-A very tall man.

0:35:040:35:07

There's a nice bit of graffiti up there, too.

0:35:070:35:09

"1859."

0:35:090:35:10

-Oh, yes.

-Whoever put that up there in 1859

0:35:100:35:13

could have had no idea it would ever be as comfortable as this.

0:35:130:35:15

-No.

-What I do want to show you is the kitchen-diner,

0:35:150:35:17

which is next door. Come have a look at this.

0:35:170:35:20

There.

0:35:220:35:24

-Oh-oh-oh, wow.

-Oh, wow.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

0:35:240:35:27

-That's another wow. Excellent.

-Yes, that is beautiful.

0:35:270:35:30

I'm very impressed with this room.

0:35:300:35:33

I guess the key thing to consider

0:35:330:35:34

-is whether or not you like the kitchen as is.

-No.

0:35:340:35:37

I would take down this wall

0:35:370:35:38

and I would open up the beams to mirror the beams on this side

0:35:380:35:42

and I would make this one big room.

0:35:420:35:43

Well, you certainly could do, because this wall...

0:35:430:35:46

KNOCKING ..is not load-bearing.

0:35:460:35:48

-Yeah.

-So, wow, there's a thought.

0:35:480:35:50

You'd end up with an enormous kitchen-diner-living room in one.

0:35:500:35:55

Yes. That would be nice.

0:35:550:35:56

Yeah, that could work for me.

0:35:560:35:58

Maybe see if you can put a wood burner in there too.

0:35:580:36:01

-Nice little twist.

-There we are.

-There's a thought.

-Come on.

0:36:010:36:06

It's a great sign that Jackie and Nigel

0:36:060:36:08

are engaging with ways they could put their own stamp on

0:36:080:36:11

this already beautifully turned-out country estate conversion.

0:36:110:36:16

After a useful cloakroom,

0:36:160:36:17

the entrance hall leads through a door to a further internal lobby

0:36:170:36:21

and the three-bedroom sleeping quarters.

0:36:210:36:23

A family bathroom serves the guest bedrooms.

0:36:250:36:28

One is a good-sized double with a view to the garden

0:36:280:36:31

and there's a smaller single room.

0:36:310:36:33

Then there's a generous-sized master with en suite.

0:36:330:36:37

And I'm hoping this has got enough space for your now-famous bed.

0:36:370:36:41

With room to spare.

0:36:410:36:42

They've got a very big built-in storage unit there too.

0:36:420:36:45

Yeah. Lots of space.

0:36:450:36:46

Loads of space and you've got a shower en suite next door.

0:36:460:36:51

Very nice. It's all going to come down to the big question at the end.

0:36:510:36:55

Where does this fit on the budget scale?

0:36:550:36:58

Ah, well, there we are.

0:36:580:37:00

It's the question I love to answer.

0:37:000:37:02

The inside may have them pondering over price

0:37:040:37:07

but outside there is more.

0:37:070:37:09

In addition to that garage, there's a sizeable rear plot

0:37:090:37:12

currently laid to lawn,

0:37:120:37:14

with lovely views towards the surrounding Clwydian Hills.

0:37:140:37:17

We could go right to the end. To be honest, you get the idea.

0:37:180:37:21

The garden could be much more developed.

0:37:210:37:23

But, I guess, from your point of view,

0:37:230:37:25

you want it as low-maintenance as possible.

0:37:250:37:27

-And actually...

-It's lovely.

0:37:270:37:29

..for a property within a complex, this is a ludicrously big garden.

0:37:290:37:33

-Yes.

-I would agree with you.

0:37:330:37:35

Given it is the biggest garden of the week,

0:37:350:37:38

one might be surprised to have found it here.

0:37:380:37:40

This is interesting, isn't it, this one?

0:37:400:37:43

I think this is the most interesting we've seen.

0:37:430:37:45

Good. So let's see if the price then, Nigel, is going to please you.

0:37:450:37:49

I'm completely at a loss here.

0:37:490:37:51

A stab in the dark, I'll say 345.

0:37:510:37:53

345. Jackie?

0:37:530:37:55

I think I'll go for 330, a little less.

0:37:550:37:58

One of you is spot on.

0:37:580:38:01

Who is it?

0:38:010:38:03

My wife. Always.

0:38:030:38:05

Not on this occasion - it's you, sir. 345, bang on.

0:38:060:38:09

You have your garage, sweetie.

0:38:090:38:10

-And my garage as well.

-We haven't got to build you a garage.

0:38:100:38:13

-No.

-All done and dusted.

0:38:130:38:14

Ride-on mower. I think that's the only other extra.

0:38:160:38:18

Yeah, well, you'll have to save up for that, won't you?

0:38:180:38:20

THEY LAUGH Right then, off you go.

0:38:200:38:23

Have a wander round and I will come and find you

0:38:230:38:25

a little bit later.

0:38:250:38:27

£5,000 below budget,

0:38:300:38:32

this barn conversion within an historic country estate

0:38:320:38:35

has excellent lock-up-and-leave potential.

0:38:350:38:38

It offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms,

0:38:380:38:40

and there's also that double garage, plus extensive,

0:38:400:38:43

but simply maintained, grounds.

0:38:430:38:46

I find the Mystery House quite surprising.

0:38:460:38:49

It's a beautiful with regards to the high ceilings.

0:38:490:38:52

-Good space.

-It's a beautiful house, without a shadow of a doubt.

0:38:520:38:55

And it's a barn conversion, but a very special barn conversion.

0:38:550:38:59

The finishings and the rooms and so on are gorgeous.

0:38:590:39:03

Really liked it.

0:39:030:39:04

Well, our guided property tour is now over.

0:39:060:39:10

That's the last one. Our Mystery House is done and dusted.

0:39:100:39:13

Are you happy with what we've shown you this week?

0:39:130:39:15

-Very much so.

-I think so.

0:39:150:39:17

Is there an option there, I wonder?

0:39:170:39:19

-A-ha.

-Don't tell me just yet. Right, come on. Off you go.

0:39:190:39:22

Let's give you time to think about it.

0:39:220:39:24

You know, for me, one of the most interesting dynamics

0:39:270:39:30

in this particular house search has been the fact that we haven't

0:39:300:39:33

been looking for a forever home for Jackie and for Nigel,

0:39:330:39:36

which you might think would make the whole process that bit easier.

0:39:360:39:39

But, let's not forget, they are going to spend

0:39:390:39:41

an awful lot of money.

0:39:410:39:43

So have we managed to help them find a viable solution?

0:39:430:39:46

Well, let's go and find them.

0:39:460:39:48

Well, guys, we are nearly at the end of the process.

0:39:540:39:59

I feel confident that we've given you an interesting

0:39:590:40:02

and thought-provoking range of properties to consider.

0:40:020:40:06

-I hope you agree.

-Most definitely, yes.

0:40:060:40:09

But I get the feeling that there are probably two frontrunners.

0:40:090:40:14

-Am I right?

-You're absolutely right, yes.

0:40:140:40:16

Let me see.

0:40:160:40:17

-The Mystery House.

-Is one of the two.

0:40:180:40:21

And I suspect that lovely new build overlooking the sea,

0:40:210:40:25

which wasn't in a location you were perhaps considering,

0:40:250:40:28

but certainly got you talking.

0:40:280:40:30

Yes, that's the other one.

0:40:300:40:32

So of the two, which one is your favourite, I wonder?

0:40:320:40:37

-I think we have one clear winner.

-Do you now?

-Mm.

0:40:370:40:40

Is it the Mystery?

0:40:420:40:43

Nope.

0:40:430:40:45

So it's the new build overlooking the sea, Nigel?

0:40:460:40:48

It's the new build overlooking the sea, yes.

0:40:480:40:50

What the sea view house had was a proper country village community.

0:40:500:40:56

After seeing the house, we went into the village,

0:40:560:41:00

we visited the village hall and so on.

0:41:000:41:02

It's a wonderful community and that's what's really sold us

0:41:020:41:05

-on that particular house.

-You're absolutely right, Nigel.

0:41:050:41:08

Two very different sorts of community between the two.

0:41:080:41:11

One much more traditional, one much more artificial,

0:41:110:41:14

I suppose, in a sense.

0:41:140:41:15

But I suspect, although we've talked about this being a sort of

0:41:150:41:19

medium-term move, if you get embedded in the community,

0:41:190:41:22

who knows? You might be there for that bit longer.

0:41:220:41:25

Yes, that's a distinct possibility.

0:41:250:41:27

Wow. Is that exciting, Jackie?

0:41:270:41:31

I think it is. I think the prospect of that is quite exciting.

0:41:310:41:35

You've introduced us to some very interesting options, I think.

0:41:350:41:39

And our favourite house today was certainly an option that we hadn't

0:41:390:41:43

considered before.

0:41:430:41:44

It's certainly in an area that you hadn't really considered.

0:41:440:41:46

-No, we hadn't.

-Yeah.

-We hadn't.

0:41:460:41:48

Jackie said she wanted somewhere that was light and airy.

0:41:480:41:50

I said I wanted something that was very countrified.

0:41:500:41:52

The house provides both.

0:41:520:41:53

Well, guys, it's been an absolute pleasure.

0:41:530:41:55

We have had a great laugh this week with the pair of you.

0:41:550:41:59

And we wish you all the very best of luck.

0:41:590:42:01

-So let us know how you get on.

-With pleasure.

-Thank you.

0:42:010:42:04

-Best of luck.

-Thanks, Jules.

0:42:040:42:06

You know, all week it seems, the Clwydian Hills

0:42:120:42:14

have been a real feature of this house search

0:42:140:42:17

with Jackie and Nigel.

0:42:170:42:19

So, where better to finish off than up here amongst them,

0:42:190:42:22

enjoying some very welcome early evening sunshine?

0:42:220:42:26

But I've often thought, this week, that meeting the expectations

0:42:260:42:29

of a couple who - let's face it - have lived in some pretty glamorous

0:42:290:42:32

locations in some very memorable properties

0:42:320:42:35

stretching all the way from Panama to South Africa

0:42:350:42:38

was always going to be a bit of a challenge.

0:42:380:42:40

But yet again, I think this region and its property market

0:42:400:42:44

has not let us down.

0:42:440:42:45

So, while I head off home to Herefordshire,

0:42:450:42:48

I shall leave you to enjoy the view.

0:42:480:42:52

I'll see you next time.

0:42:520:42:54

If you would like to escape to the country

0:42:540:42:56

in Northern Ireland,

0:42:560:42:57

Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,

0:42:570:43:00

then please apply online at...

0:43:000:43:02

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