0:00:02 > 0:00:03Today, I'm in a county that boasts
0:00:03 > 0:00:05one of the oldest British breeds of sheep,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07that owes its popularity to monks and royalty,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and has a fleece so valuable, it was once referred to as "ore".
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Today's quest to help a couple find some countryside calm
0:00:35 > 0:00:39is one met with some very encouraging feedback.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- Wow.- Oh, I love a wow.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Well, you got a wow.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And it's not long before we uncover a potential home,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48where things become overwhelming.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- You all right?- Yeah, I'm fine. It's just so lovely.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53It's just what we're looking for, really, isn't it?
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It is.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in Herefordshire, and these are Ryeland sheep.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02The earliest records show that the monks of Leominster
0:01:02 > 0:01:05developed the breed more than 800 years ago,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09making them one of the earliest breeds recorded in England.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Leominster became the main wool market, and their fleeces
0:01:12 > 0:01:16were so valuable they were referred to as "Leominster ore".
0:01:16 > 0:01:19The popularity of the breed increased in the 16th century,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21when it was said that Queen Elizabeth I
0:01:21 > 0:01:25was gifted a pair of socks made from Ryeland wool.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28She liked them so much that she said she would only wear
0:01:28 > 0:01:30clothes made from the wool in the future.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33But sheep like these aren't the only thing
0:01:33 > 0:01:35that's highly prized here in Herefordshire.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Let's see more of what this beautiful county has to offer.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Nestled up against Wales, landlocked Herefordshire
0:01:44 > 0:01:47shares borders with the Welsh counties of Powys and Monmouthshire,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50as well as three other English counties.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53A deeply rural and sparsely populated region,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Herefordshire has a long history of farming and food production,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02is home to over 3,000 orchards and 5,000 farms.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Scatterings of native Hereford cattle also help
0:02:05 > 0:02:08to mould the landscape and are believed to be one
0:02:08 > 0:02:11of the UK's oldest pedigree beef breeds.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The county's only city is Hereford, whose foundations were laid
0:02:16 > 0:02:20by the Saxons in the 7th century AD on the banks of the River Wye,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22England's fifth-longest river.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28And just a stone's throw from the water is the 11th-century cathedral,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32an ancient site of worship that's also home to the Mappa Mundi -
0:02:32 > 0:02:34the largest medieval map of the world.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38When it comes to other architectural gems,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40highlights also include a significant number
0:02:40 > 0:02:43of striking monochrome timbered buildings,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47with black-painted beams and panels of white plaster.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49A particularly notable example can be found in
0:02:49 > 0:02:53the market town of Ledbury, whose centrepiece is a 17th-century
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Grade I listed market house
0:02:55 > 0:02:59that sits suspended on 16 oak stilts.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02So, with a fascinating supply of properties
0:03:02 > 0:03:05that echo with history, set against a striking backdrop
0:03:05 > 0:03:09of lush grazing land, there's every reason to choose
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Herefordshire as a perfect place to get away from it all.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Herefordshire offers country living at a good price.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21The average cost of a detached property here is
0:03:21 > 0:03:27around £270,000. That's £20,000 below the national average.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Now, the east of the county is more expensive
0:03:29 > 0:03:33because it's close to the central Midlands and the motorway network.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36If you want more for your money, head towards the Welsh borders.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Now, this is one of the least populated counties in England,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43so rural life is almost guaranteed.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45But what are today's buyers looking for?
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52It's a three-bedroom bungalow in a suburban cul-de-sac
0:03:52 > 0:03:55just on the outskirts of the coastal city of Brighton
0:03:55 > 0:03:58that our couple, Ian and Les, currently call home.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01We met seven-and-a-half years ago.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05We met through mutual friends and we've been living together
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- for five years.- Yes.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09We've been civil partners for three.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Ian is a nursing assistant at a local hospice
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and Les is involved in the finance sector for a leisure company.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19But both parties feel their lives are dominated by work,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22so they want to semi-retire, cut back their working hours
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and reduce the travelling.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29My commute is excruciating. I mean, on an ideal day,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I could do it maybe within an hour.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34But on an average day, it's nearer two.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37We want to do something completely different, not quite sure what yet.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40We may do something together, may do something separately,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42we're not quite sure. So the world's our oyster.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44And we think moving to the country will just be a nice,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48simpler lifestyle. Less frenetic, I would say, probably.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And top of the list for that more straightforward way of life
0:04:51 > 0:04:53is a joint property purchase.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56I think we're very excited about buying a house together
0:04:56 > 0:04:57for the first time.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00We're really looking forward to it, aren't we?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I think it's going to be easy because we've got very
0:05:02 > 0:05:04similar tastes.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07We kind of know pretty comprehensively what we're
0:05:07 > 0:05:09looking for and, probably more importantly,
0:05:09 > 0:05:10what we don't like.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Yeah, I think we're both singing from the same hymn sheet,
0:05:13 > 0:05:14as they say.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17So they've put their 1950s bungalow on the market
0:05:17 > 0:05:20and have plans in place to head inland
0:05:20 > 0:05:23to find some serenity and solitude in the countryside.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27We're looking at Herefordshire but we don't really mind
0:05:27 > 0:05:29hopping over borders.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Because Les's family live in Scotland and mine live
0:05:31 > 0:05:34in Guildford, it's a good midway place between the two.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Yeah. Herefordshire, to me, represents everything
0:05:36 > 0:05:38we're kind of looking for in the country.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40You know, it's very underpopulated.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44It's very quiet, lovely properties, lovely little villages,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47little towns, very relaxed.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- It just seems ideal for me.- Yes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53And with their new-found freedom, they're both looking forward
0:05:53 > 0:05:56to focusing more on their hobbies, both at home
0:05:56 > 0:05:57and out in the open air.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02We are looking at joining a rock choir.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Ian's very much into his amateur dramatics,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07so he's going to be looking to do more of that.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I love cooking, so I want to expand on that
0:06:09 > 0:06:12and that will also involve growing a lot of food as well,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15which everyone says they do, I know, but we will.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18We certainly love walking and we feel we've exhausted
0:06:18 > 0:06:21this area now. That's another reason why we want to move,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23because we can explore new areas and there's plenty of
0:06:23 > 0:06:27walking opportunities where we're planning to move to.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31With a fresh rural location, a change of pace
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and, hopefully, their first home found together,
0:06:34 > 0:06:38the couple are wholeheartedly embracing this next chapter
0:06:38 > 0:06:40in their lives.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It's a very exciting adventure.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I think sometimes, as people approach retirement,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46they don't necessarily plan it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48We've got the opportunity to plan a whole new beginning
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and that, to me, is very exciting.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Ian and Les are very open-minded about location
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and would even consider crossing the border.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02So to find their perfect property, we'll be focusing
0:07:02 > 0:07:07our house search in the western portion of the county, near Wales.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09I'm catching up with the buyers to discover
0:07:09 > 0:07:12a little bit more about the details of their move.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- Welcome to Herefordshire. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17This is quite a change for the two of you.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Why now, why this particular time for this move?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Well, we've reached the stage now
0:07:21 > 0:07:24where we wanted to slow down, really, in our work.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26And we hope to work part time.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- One of us has reached a special birthday.- That would be me.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Oh, I was expecting to press you on that, but you volunteered!
0:07:33 > 0:07:38- Yeah, I turned 60 this year. Ian's not far behind.- Thank you!
0:07:38 > 0:07:41So we decided that, really, now would be the time to do it,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44before, you know, we get too old to enjoy it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46OK, let's talk about the property.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48When you envisage in your mind's eye the home
0:07:48 > 0:07:51that you're going to live in here, what does it look like?
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Somewhere detached, with two to three bedrooms, study,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59a big kitchen-diner, half an acre of garden...
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Half an acre is quite a hefty garden size.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I'm guessing that one of you has got green fingers?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06We both enjoy gardening, actually, yeah.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08We've got quite a big garden at the moment,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11so we're quite happy to develop that.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Perhaps grow a bit of our own veg as well, that sort of thing.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Fruit trees, if there's some - that would be lovely, too.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- We're in the right county for fruit trees, that's for sure.- We are.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23But what are the things you aren't prepared to compromise on?
0:08:23 > 0:08:25We don't want a modern house, do we, particularly.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28We don't want modern, no. We don't want semidetached either.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I think it's got to be detached.- Mm.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32So if the property was right,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34you wouldn't be averse to a bit of border-hopping?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Nope.- No, not at all.- Not at all.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39So, what's the budget that we're working with?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- 300,000.- That's it.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Well, it's a good budget for Herefordshire and we've got some
0:08:44 > 0:08:47fantastic properties to show you, so are you excited, ready to get going?
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Absolutely.- Very excited, yes. Really looking forward to this.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Let's get started.- OK.- Good.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58For a top budget of £300,000, Les and Ian are looking for...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Then, outside, they're after half an acre of grounds
0:09:07 > 0:09:11to fulfil their ambitions of gardening and self-sufficiency.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We have a variety of wonderful homes lined up,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18but I'll keep our buyers guessing as to the price of each one
0:09:18 > 0:09:20until the end of the tour.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22And to finish off our property hunt,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24we'll be presenting the mystery house,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29where they may have to scale back their grand garden plans outside,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33but which promises grandiose character inside.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38It's quite exciting, I guess, because am I right that this is
0:09:38 > 0:09:40the first home that the two of you have chosen together?
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- It is. - How does that feel for both of you?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46It feels great. It feels a real natural thing to do.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Because the house we're in at the moment,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I bought that originally and then Ian moved on.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52So, yeah, it feels great.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56We can really put our roots down, that's the exciting thing.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- So this is the for ever house, is it?- It is.- It is.- It is.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03For the first property on our tour,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05we're driving up to the north of the county
0:10:05 > 0:10:08and heading for the quiet hamlet of Ivington Green,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11just a ten-minute drive from Leominster.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Known as the Town in the Marches,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17the black-and-white-timbered market town of Leominster
0:10:17 > 0:10:20has a fine selection of facilities both essential and luxury,
0:10:20 > 0:10:25including a butcher's, a grocer's, cafes and boutiques.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28So Ian and Les wouldn't be too far from civilisation,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31but far enough to really escape the hustle and bustle
0:10:31 > 0:10:35and find some serious peace and tranquillity back in Ivington Green.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38And it's here that we find our first house,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40with a lovely outlook across agricultural fields
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and walking trails right on the doorstep.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- So, this is our property.- Oh! It's very nice.- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- It sits quite nicely. Nice location. - Yeah, beautiful views.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Fantastic views.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56It's quiet, but not too far away from anywhere,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58so, no, I think it looks really good.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Nice extension.- Yeah, what about the style of the property?
0:11:01 > 0:11:02What do you think of that?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I'm not too enamoured on conservatories,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06to be perfectly honest, but, you know,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- we'll wait till we get in and see it.- Of course, yeah.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Let's take a look.- OK, I'm looking forward to this.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Originally a two-up, two-down Victorian cottage,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17this detached home is a much-evolved property
0:11:17 > 0:11:20that still retains its traditional charm.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It was considerably extended in the late 1980s,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26with a further addition of a conservatory just four years ago.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Our first stop inside is the main reception room.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34So, we come through the little porch
0:11:34 > 0:11:38and straight into this cosy, snug living room.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41You can see the original Victorian fireplace
0:11:41 > 0:11:43and it's got the old bread oven in the corner.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Oh, wow!- It's lovely. That is lovely.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48It's a real feature of the room, isn't it?
0:11:48 > 0:11:49I love the fireplace.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- That's really nice.- I love the tiles.- And how about this for size?
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- What do you think of the size of this room?- It's quite small.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Would this be your main living room? - This is the main living area, yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Right, OK. It is a bit on the snug side.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It's a character property, it's an old Victorian property,
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- it's a cottage.- Yeah.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- And with all of those things often comes smaller-sized rooms.- Yes.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Let's go through, cos I think the kitchen is a really good size.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- So let's wander through and take a look at that.- Yes.- OK.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Follow me through here
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- into the modern part of the house. - Oh, this is a nice space, isn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Yeah, this was the extension that was added on in the '80s.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- Right.- This is a big room. This is good. Yeah, I like this.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Again, a nice floor. - Nice tiles again.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Yeah, it's a modern take on what you've got in the other room.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Yeah, yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38You've got a utility room just off it, with the back door
0:12:38 > 0:12:41that leads out into the garden, so you can use that as a boot room,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43washing machines, everything in there,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- keep it all out of sight, which is good.- Yes.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48What about the space and the style of this room?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Yes, I love the kitchen units. I think they're really nice.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53No, I like this. I like this room a lot.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Let's just wander through to the conservatory,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- cos I've got an idea to run by you both.- OK.- OK.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Amazing views!- Yes.- Oh, wow!
0:13:02 > 0:13:05You could turn this into something more substantial.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08So you could effectively turn this into an extension that could
0:13:08 > 0:13:11become your main living area and I think it really could give you
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- the opportunity to put your stamp on it.- Yes, yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I think it would, or maybe something slightly bigger,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21but it's certainly an improvement on the other room, I would say.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24What do you think of the prospect of taking on an extension
0:13:24 > 0:13:28and a bigger project? Does that faze either of you?
0:13:28 > 0:13:32No, not really, does it? We already expected to have to do some work.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Yeah. - So, that wouldn't faze us at all.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38That completes all there is to see on the ground floor
0:13:38 > 0:13:42of this cottage, and although open to the possibility of a project,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44it seems that space is a real issue.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48But upstairs, there are the three bedrooms they requested,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50all of which are served by a four-piece family bathroom.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54A double bedroom, presented as a single,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56has an exposed brick feature wall.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59The smallest room upstairs is being used as a study
0:13:59 > 0:14:03and that just leaves the final dual-aspect bedroom.
0:14:03 > 0:14:09- And into the master bedroom, the largest of the three.- Right.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Again, in the new part of the house.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13And fitted wardrobes, I notice, which is...
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Oh, yeah, that's always handy.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18It's not a big room, but it's big enough for our purposes.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- It is, yeah, it is.- It's just not grabbing me completely yet.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24OK, well, I know the outside - the garden, the views -
0:14:24 > 0:14:28matter to you, and that's definitely a very strong point about this house
0:14:28 > 0:14:30so shall we go and explore outside?
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Absolutely.- Thanks.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Fortunately, the home really opens up
0:14:36 > 0:14:40when it comes to the grounds outside and so should provide Ian and Les
0:14:40 > 0:14:43with plenty of options for growing fruit and veg.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Spread over about a quarter of an acre,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48the garden has been zoned and partitioned,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50with low box hedging and shrubs.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52There's also paved seating areas.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54And then, of course, there's the pizza oven
0:14:54 > 0:14:57that the current owner built, which is fantastic.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58Yes, unusual, isn't it?
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Are you pizza fans, the pair of you? - Very much so, yes.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04We will be more now.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07So, the garden - is it the kind of size you had in mind?
0:15:07 > 0:15:11For me, yes, it is. I think it's really manageable.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13I would definitely redesign part of it,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15but, yeah, I think this is great.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18This is just the sort of size I was kind of thinking of, really.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Yeah, I agree with that, really. It's not too big, not overwhelming.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23So, what do you think this house is on the market for?
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Who would like to go first? - I'll go first.- OK.
0:15:25 > 0:15:31Erm, I would say about 275.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- And Ian? - I'll go a little lower, I think.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- 265, I'm going to say.- OK.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Well, Ian, Les...
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- you're both wrong, I'm afraid.- How unusual!
0:15:43 > 0:15:47It's under budget, and it's under budget quite substantially.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53- It's on the market for £250,000.- Is it?- Really?- It is.- Oh, right.- Gosh!
0:15:53 > 0:15:54Well, that's a surprise.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- It's certainly something to think about, I think.- Yeah, definitely.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Well, why don't you go back inside,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03take another look around? Now you've got the price in mind,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07see where perhaps you might spend what you'd have left in the budget
0:16:07 > 0:16:09and come and find me when you're ready.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10- OK.- Thank you very much.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Under budget by £50,000, our first property...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28The house is set in a peaceful location -
0:16:28 > 0:16:31neighbouring farmland at the edge of a pretty hamlet.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- This is quite a nice space.- This is the guest room, then, isn't it?- Yes.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Yeah. That's nice, isn't it? - Yeah, that wall is good.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Yeah, that's unusual.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- And that window's quirky, isn't it? - Oh, yeah. Yeah.- I like that.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I certainly think we would have to spend a bit of time
0:16:46 > 0:16:49thinking about the house, whether it would be the right one for us.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I'm really glad we've seen it. Obviously, the views are fabulous.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56But not quite sure whether it's what we're looking for at the moment.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I feel this house might not be for us.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I think it's a bit on the small side. Everything else is fine.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Location, everything else is good.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I just think it's a bit too small for us.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14- Time, gentlemen, please! Come on, now!- Hello!- Seen enough?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- Yes, thank you. It's been good.- And thoughts?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Yeah, I think it's definitely food for thought.- Yeah, definitely.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Yeah, a little more time to think about it.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- Food for thought's good, cos we've got more to see.- Lovely.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Those views, though, hey?
0:17:26 > 0:17:27- Those views...- Beautiful views.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41When they make their move to Herefordshire,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Les and Ian want to make the most of their new surroundings,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46exploring the great outdoors,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49which is something that Paul Morton embraced
0:17:49 > 0:17:52when he and his wife bought 38 acres of woodland
0:17:52 > 0:17:56in the village of Ullingswick six years ago.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59They try to live a low-impact lifestyle within the woods
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and also use the land to make a living.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03We arranged for our buyers to visit their coppice woodland
0:18:03 > 0:18:05to find out more.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08What is coppicing and how did you get into it?
0:18:08 > 0:18:13Well, coppicing, simply, is to cut a tree down and allow it to grow.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14Once we've cut them,
0:18:14 > 0:18:20a coppice worker will then add value to that produce by turning it
0:18:20 > 0:18:24into various products like bean rods, pea sticks, hurdles.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30Me getting into it was a need for a change of lifestyle
0:18:30 > 0:18:33and career, really. I love working outdoors.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37I love working with hand tools. Every day is different.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42So, conservation and wildlife is also part of why I do this job.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45For me, it's the perfect job.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48We're trying to have a sort of zero-waste policy,
0:18:48 > 0:18:53so that means trying to add value to all the brush as well.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56We also found this product, pimps.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Instead of burning it and letting it rot,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02this product is ideal for adding value.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05So, Paul, what are pimps? I've never heard of them before.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Well, pimps is a traditional handmade form of kindling.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- And if you follow me, we'll harvest them today.- OK.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18This time of year is perfect for harvesting kindling,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21and Paul usually starts coppicing,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23which provides him with his raw material,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26from October through to the end of February.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29How do you know when it's ready for coppicing, Paul?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32For pimps, the younger the better.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35But pimps are just a minor product that we make.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's the hazel which takes charge of when we cut it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So when we cut the hazel and a few other products,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44we also harvest the birch at the same time.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46But the younger the better.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48The side branches are trimmed away
0:19:48 > 0:19:50using an edged tool called a billhook.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54This will make a nice hedge stake.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56And after the lengths for the principal products
0:19:56 > 0:19:59have been selected, the smaller excess branches
0:19:59 > 0:20:01and shoots are then collected.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03These will provide the kindling,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06but only once they've been seasoned for the best part of a year
0:20:06 > 0:20:09to dry out can they be turned into pimps.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14And the pimp-making is done in Paul's timber-framed workshop.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17This is the birch harvested last year.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20It's been down about ten months.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But the longer the better you can season it, the drier it will be.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27A couple of handfuls of kindling are cut to size - about ten inches -
0:20:27 > 0:20:32with a small axe and then put into a woodman's vice to clamp the birch,
0:20:32 > 0:20:36which frees up the hands to securely fasten the bundle with string.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39And what's the wood, this wood that you've got on the base?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Well, that's what you put in first with the string,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45so the string goes in first and these bits of hazel are slightly
0:20:45 > 0:20:50larger pieces of wood and that'll just help the fire get going.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Oh, right.- OK.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56It takes 25 small bundles to make a pimp, so Ian and Les have got
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- a lot of chopping and prepping to do.- That's it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Pimps were traditionally transported to London during the Victorian era
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and it's thought that the name came from the essential role
0:21:07 > 0:21:12the kindling plays as a kind of agent between the coal and the fire.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13Ease it down.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17It typically takes Paul about an hour to make 25 bundles,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20so Paul and Les need to pick up the pace.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Once the last one has been tied... - That's it.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28..the next step is to fasten all 25 together with string
0:21:28 > 0:21:30to create a complete pimp.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- That's your finished bundle.- Wow!
0:21:33 > 0:21:36And how many fires could this light, this bundle?
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Well, there's 25 bundles within that.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Erm, each one can be broken up.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45You can get two out of each so there's 50, 60,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- 70 fires easily, really.- Right.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51That should be enough kindling to keep our couple going
0:21:51 > 0:21:55through the winter, but with the amount of fireplaces on offer
0:21:55 > 0:21:58in our next property, they might need to head back here
0:21:58 > 0:22:00for another pimp before the season is over.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09We're on the road, travelling down to the south of the county
0:22:09 > 0:22:11to the small village of Pontrilas.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Local amenities include a post office
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and a 400-year-old pub, and neighbouring properties
0:22:17 > 0:22:21include a Grade I listed estate at Kentchurch Court,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24a stately home situated in 5,000 acres
0:22:24 > 0:22:26of prime Herefordshire countryside.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31Now, Ian and Les were both concerned about the apparent lack of space
0:22:31 > 0:22:34in our first house so we've really upped the ante and are giving them
0:22:34 > 0:22:38an extra 700 square feet of property with this one.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42So, this is the property I wanted to show you.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Ooh, it looks big.- Substantial.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46It is big and that's one of the reasons I wanted to show it to you
0:22:46 > 0:22:48because I know you've got a lot of friends
0:22:48 > 0:22:49who will be coming to stay,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52you'll be entertaining, and it gives you the space to be able to do that.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Yeah, very interesting.- Excited.- OK. - Yeah, it's very attractive.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59It's an Edwardian property, built turn of the 19th century
0:22:59 > 0:23:02and it's got a lot of character going on inside,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04so I think we should head straight inside
0:23:04 > 0:23:06cos my only worry, really, about this property is -
0:23:06 > 0:23:08is it going to be too big for you?
0:23:08 > 0:23:09- Oh, OK, good.- Good.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14First impressions are extremely encouraging
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and they'll be even more excited to learn
0:23:16 > 0:23:20that this property has not one but three reception rooms.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Through a porch is a large entrance hall,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26off which there are the two front reception rooms,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30one a more snug sitting room and, on the other side, a dining room.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Then the main living room lies at the back,
0:23:33 > 0:23:35with patio doors onto the garden.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38You may have two good-sized rooms at the front,
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- but you've also got them... Ah! Here!- I didn't expect that.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- This is very nice, isn't it?- That's fantastic. That's such a surprise.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- It is.- I didn't expect that at all. That fireplace is amazing.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51That's really good.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54So, Ian, what do you think of the proportions of the room?
0:23:54 > 0:23:55Yes, I really like it.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59The high ceilings, the spaciousness of it all. And it's very light.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00So, this is your big living room.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03You've also got a cosy sitting room there at the front
0:24:03 > 0:24:08- and a dining space as well down here with a good-sized dining room.- Yes.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09So, how does that feel for rooms?
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Well, that's a lot more than we expected
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and a lot more than you would think from looking at the house.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I didn't expect to find this at the back, so this is a real bonus,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18and it's a big room.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21The final room down here is the kitchen/breakfast room
0:24:21 > 0:24:23that lies just next door.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29- Oh, wow!- My goodness!- Oh, I love a wow!- Well, you got a wow.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- My God, it's huge!- It is.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Again, you've got original cupboards over there.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37You've got a range and it's a real country kitchen,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- with room for a table. - It's fantastic.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46We can sit and eat in here and entertain in the formal dining room.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- There's plenty of space for everything, isn't there?- There is.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- This is great.- I love the original cupboards.- Beautiful.- Yeah!
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Just behind us there,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58you've got a utility room and also a downstairs bathroom, which is handy.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04- Perfect.- Yes, very nice.- And it all flows just really well, doesn't it?
0:25:04 > 0:25:07I love the style of it. This is very much the stuff we like, isn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Victorian, Edwardian, that type of thing, you know.- You're smiling.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16- I am!- And you're smiling!- He's smiling.- That's great.- Two smiles.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21A joint seal of approval for the ground floor, and there's more
0:25:21 > 0:25:25to keep those smiles on their faces as we head upstairs.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29There are four bedrooms on offer, one more than they asked for,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33and they all make use of a contemporary family bathroom.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Each of the bedrooms is a good-sized double and every one comes
0:25:36 > 0:25:38with an original feature fireplace.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41A pale-blue room is presented with a single bed,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44while another is made up as a home office.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47And this is the master bedroom.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- Oh, very nice!- Oh, wow!- Another wow!
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Another wow!- Yes, and another fireplace.- Yeah.- Lovely.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Again, typical of the era, aren't they?
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Very big rooms, nicely proportioned rooms.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00Yeah, I'm very excited about it, really.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Very impressive, very impressive. Very big.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Yeah.- But you know, guys, you might not want this
0:26:07 > 0:26:08to be the master bedroom
0:26:08 > 0:26:12and you definitely have options in this house. Just follow me.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Because this one is definitely big enough.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Oh, yes, this is a nice room.- OK? - Double aspect as well.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Yeah, definitely.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Although the large internal footprint gives great options
0:26:27 > 0:26:31within the walls, the possibilities are more limited outside.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35And when it comes to the plot size, well, it's not so spacious.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Set just off the road, there's no front garden to speak of,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42but at the back, there's a secluded gravelled area with enough room
0:26:42 > 0:26:45for a table and chairs as well as an ornamental pond.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50So, guys, the house has more space than you imagined,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53the garden isn't quite as large as you probably hoped.
0:26:53 > 0:26:54This is what you get.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57The garden is small, isn't it?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It is, it is. But I think you can do things with it.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01Yeah, there's potential.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I think there's things you could change to make it
0:27:03 > 0:27:05a more sort of cottagey-style garden,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08so I don't think it's a deal-breaker.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09So, potentially, this would be OK?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Yes, cos we do realise we've got to compromise somewhere
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- and we're happy to do that.- Yep.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17So, let's guess the price, my favourite bit.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Who wants to go first this time? - Ian, do you want to go first?
0:27:20 > 0:27:21OK, I'll go first this time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25Well, it's a beautiful house so I think it's going to be
0:27:25 > 0:27:31near the top of our budget, so I'm going to say 295.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35So, just under your £300,000 budget. Les?
0:27:35 > 0:27:37I think it's even closer.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43- Do you?- Yeah, I do, so I'm going to say 299,950.- 299,950, OK.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It's on the market for £240,000.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- Really?- Really.- What?!- Goodness!
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- I love that reaction!- 240?
0:27:53 > 0:27:56We can tell the vendor to put it on for a bit more, if you like.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- No, no, no, please. - You're fine, you're fine.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01- You have read that right? - Yeah, it's £240,000.- OK.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02It's not been on the market long.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- Right.- It's only been on the market for a short time.- Right.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- It's a good house.- Right.- Um...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- And offers you a lot of space. - Right!- It certainly does that.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14And it gives you money left over in your budget as well, which is
0:28:14 > 0:28:17always a good thing, that doesn't happen often, let's face it,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- when we're buying houses.- Yeah! Wow.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Now, with that in mind, go back in, take a look around,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25take your time and I'll come and find you.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- I think you might be some time. - I think we will!- Thank you.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29- See you later.- Brilliant.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Well, that was a really positive reaction.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37And the reaction they've had to this house proves one thing that
0:28:37 > 0:28:41I always believed to be true - the things that you think matter
0:28:41 > 0:28:43in a house go completely out of the window
0:28:43 > 0:28:45when it just feels right inside.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Hugely under budget by some £60,000,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54this traditional Edwardian property comes with...
0:28:59 > 0:29:02It's absolutely chock-full of period features
0:29:02 > 0:29:04and has a compact gravelled garden.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07This house, yeah, it's very much my sort of taste, really.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12Large rooms, there's a lot of original features, high ceilings,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16lots of space and the fireplaces in every room is an absolute bonus.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I love that. It really gives it character.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21I really like this house. I think it'd be a great house.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I can see us living in it quite comfortably.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26There's not much I would change.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28The garden is smaller than we would have perhaps liked,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31but we can work with that, really.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34I think it looks the part and it looks like a proper Edwardian house.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37So, yeah, I really like it. I like it a lot.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41You took your time!
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Well, no surprise, it's so huge - lots to see.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45There's a lot to see there
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- and we've still got more to see, so come on.- OK.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02It's the second day of our property search
0:30:02 > 0:30:04and with semi-retirement on the cards,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07our buyers Ian and Les have a £300,000 budget
0:30:07 > 0:30:10to spend on their move away from the busy suburbs
0:30:10 > 0:30:15of Brighton, West Sussex, into the wonderful Herefordshire countryside.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Still to come, we have the mystery house to unveil,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21which might be a perfect match for our couple.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24This is exactly what we were thinking about
0:30:24 > 0:30:27when we were talking about moving -
0:30:27 > 0:30:29something a bit unusual, something a bit different.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32And I'll be finding out how small-scale drinks production
0:30:32 > 0:30:37is being brought to the masses with some age-old hard graft.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38Just give them a shake.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41You need muscles, don't you?
0:30:43 > 0:30:46It's the start of our second day's house-hunting here in Herefordshire,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48and one thing became clear yesterday -
0:30:48 > 0:30:50our couple are prepared to compromise,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53particularly when it comes to outside space,
0:30:53 > 0:30:57which is just as well, because the mystery house offers them
0:30:57 > 0:31:00all the space and character they're after in the heart of a village,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03but you don't need green fingers to live there.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06But first, we're off to take Les and Ian for a spot of border-hopping.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Our first port of call this morning takes us just out of
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Herefordshire and into the Welsh county of Powys.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17The property we're driving to is in the village of Norton,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20which is located just a couple of miles from Presteigne.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled border countryside,
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Presteigne is a small town, but with a large range of independent shops,
0:31:29 > 0:31:34restaurants and pubs, many housed in attractive historic architecture.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38And we're stepping back in time with our next property -
0:31:38 > 0:31:42back to the 18th century, when it's believed that this rendered
0:31:42 > 0:31:44stone cottage in Norton was built.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Our couple, Les and Ian, may be prepared to make concessions
0:31:48 > 0:31:52on their initial vision for the outdoor space, but we're about
0:31:52 > 0:31:57to find out if they share that same vision when it comes to the inside.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00So, here we have an 18th-century,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03three-bedroom detached property and it has a lot of potential
0:32:03 > 0:32:06for the two of you to really put your stamp on it.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- We're always up for a project, aren't we?- Yes, we like a challenge.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Yes. That sounds good.- OK.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I do like the fact that there seems, from here, to be
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- plenty of space either side of the property.- Yes.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Now, I need you to let your imaginations run wild,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20I need you to be visionary, cos we're going to go
0:32:20 > 0:32:22and take a look inside, cos I think
0:32:22 > 0:32:24this is quite an exciting property, that offers a lot of scope
0:32:24 > 0:32:26to do something really interesting with it.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- That'd be good. - I look forward to it.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32The charming exterior is drawing our buyers in
0:32:32 > 0:32:36and a Victorian iron gate leads up to the front door.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40So, let's come straight in.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44I'm going to move you right through quickly into the living room,
0:32:44 > 0:32:49because I think this is where the wow factor of the house is.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50How about that for a fireplace?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- That's a lovely fireplace. - That's a big fireplace.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Considering that takes up so much room, I think
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- there's still a fair bit of room left.- Yeah, I agree.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01It's a...nice-shaped room, yeah. I like it.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Can you see potential in here?
0:33:02 > 0:33:07I mean, can you imagine what you could do to put your own mark on it?
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- I can. Yeah.- Yes.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Now, I think the real potential here in the house lies in the kitchen,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15cos that's where you could create something quite interesting,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19so let's go and investigate. Come on, follow me.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22To the far end of this main living room is a light, bright area,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26which could make a good study, with storage and a window seat.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30This then flows into a long conservatory, spanning
0:33:30 > 0:33:32the entire width of the property
0:33:32 > 0:33:34and overlooking the back garden.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37In the front entrance hall lies the staircase, which rises to the
0:33:37 > 0:33:42first floor, and also a doorway, which takes us into a dining room.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45And what I would do, if you could get the planning permission,
0:33:45 > 0:33:46is open all of this up.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Take the walls out, really create a big space, and then through here,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52in the kitchen at the back,
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I'd put an extension on.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Lovely skylights, so you'd have views out over onto the garden.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Yes.- So you'd create one really big kitchen/dining space.- Yeah.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03Can you see the potential?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Do you know where I'm coming from on this one?
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Oh, yeah, I can see it. It's too many rooms.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- It needs it to be knocked into one. - Yeah.- Big project.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- Yes, huge project, but... - But, yeah.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15I can definitely see it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's fair to say that this cottage needs modernising.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23A little TLC and a lot of vision will bring it
0:34:23 > 0:34:25into the 21st century,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28but it has good bones, with lots of historic features
0:34:28 > 0:34:31and fairly generous dimensions downstairs.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34It is smaller on the first floor,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37but there are still the three desired bedrooms -
0:34:37 > 0:34:41one is a single room and the other two are cosy doubles.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- Again, lots of character up here. - Right.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46It'll need your own stamp putting on it,
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- it all needs a little bit of updating.- Yes.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Quite high ceilings for a cottage, though.- They are, yes. That is true.
0:34:52 > 0:34:58- It is a bit small for us.- It is, yeah.- And overlooks the road, so...
0:34:58 > 0:35:00This would probably be the occasional one, I'd say.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04It strikes me that you don't see the potential upstairs in the same
0:35:04 > 0:35:06way that you did downstairs.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08No, I think downstairs you can play around with,
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- up here, it's a bit more difficult to configure.- I agree, yes.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Well, let's head out to the garden and see
0:35:15 > 0:35:19if a look at the garden and the price may convince you that,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- actually, this could be worth considering.- OK.- Come on.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27The cottage sits comfortably in its plot, surrounded by private,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29well-tended gardens.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31At the end of a long driveway is a garage
0:35:31 > 0:35:35and there are a number of outbuildings. With great views
0:35:35 > 0:35:38over the beautiful countryside and neighbouring fields,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42the gardens quite literally give a taste of country living, as the
0:35:42 > 0:35:47last of the harvest is still hanging temptingly on the fruit bushes.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48Rolling hills, sheep,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- you've got countryside walks right on the doorstep.- Beautiful.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56I still struggle with the amount of work involved, I think
0:35:56 > 0:35:58that's going to be a bit beyond us, I think.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01OK, well, let's see if the price can sway you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I'm going to go in pretty low. I'm going to say 225.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Ian?- That's an interesting price. - Thanks!
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I think I will go...
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- 215.- Oof!- 215? OK.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17So you're both going low today.
0:36:17 > 0:36:18Going very low.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22It IS under budget, but not by as much as either of you have said,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- cos it's on the market for £240,000.- OK.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Even with that price reduction, it still wouldn't work for us,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- I'm afraid.- Of course, I can tell that this house isn't grabbing
0:36:31 > 0:36:33both of you, but still, go inside, take another look around,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- and come and find me when you've seen enough.- OK.- Thank you.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Yet again under budget,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44this stone cottage has bags of character
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and could present a potential project for our buyers,
0:36:47 > 0:36:49but in its present state comes with
0:36:49 > 0:36:51two separate reception rooms,
0:36:51 > 0:36:52including a large living room,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55a conservatory, three bedrooms
0:36:55 > 0:36:57and a large, mature garden.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00The style of the house is very cottage-y,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02which is something we like.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Love the fireplace. I could see the potential of opening that up
0:37:05 > 0:37:07and having a wood-burning stove there, or something like that.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09In the cottage, there's a lot of nice features,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12a lot of things you would keep.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15It's got a great garden, great views, great features,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18but I don't think it's for us.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20I think this would be a bit too much of a project for Les
0:37:20 > 0:37:22and I, to be honest.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25So we can see the potential, there's a lot of work to do,
0:37:25 > 0:37:26but I think a bit too much for us.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Hello, you two.- Hiya.- Hello, Ginny.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Time for us to move on, because it's time to see the mystery house.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- Looking forward to that.- Great.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47A defining characteristic of the Herefordshire landscape
0:37:47 > 0:37:49has to be its orchards.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Once described as a forest of fruit trees,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55this region has a proud history of cider
0:37:55 > 0:37:59and perry production that dates back to the 17th century.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Today, over 1 billion Herefordshire apples are needed to meet
0:38:02 > 0:38:05demand for the cider industry on a commercial level.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10But at the domestic end, many of our home-grown apples are wasted
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and left to rot, so local resident Deborah Davies
0:38:13 > 0:38:16has come up with a way of using up all the fruit
0:38:16 > 0:38:19you may have cultivated in your back garden.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23I've come to her home in the village of Putley to find out more.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Hi, Deborah!- Hello, Ginny, nice to meet you.- Good to meet you, too.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Now, I've brought you some apples.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30My apple tree at home has had so many this year
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- and I've run out of ideas for what to do with them.- Excellent.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- I think you might have a solution for me?- I do.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Lots of people have one or two trees in their garden
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and the same thing as you explain, they just fall on the ground
0:38:41 > 0:38:45and rot, so what we have set up is a little pressing service
0:38:45 > 0:38:47for small volumes of fruit,
0:38:47 > 0:38:51where we can turn your apples into cider and apple juice.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53So people like me, who are just fed up of making chutney
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- and apple pies, have an alternative. - You certainly do!
0:38:56 > 0:39:01So can any kind of apple be brought along here to you, anything at all?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Traditionally, cider is made with cider apples, it has
0:39:04 > 0:39:09the tannins, you tend to not be able to eat those apples on their own.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12But you can make cider from dessert apples as well.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Well, here's a selection of some of mine.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Some of them are windfall, some I picked.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Are the windfalls OK as well?
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Windfalls are fine to use,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- but you need good fruit to make a good cider.- OK.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29So we would reject any apples like this one that has got mould
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and the reason is, that could give taint to the actual cider you make,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35so we would reject those.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39But the other apples you have, they would be fine to use.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43On their own, my batch isn't enough to make a sufficient pressing,
0:39:43 > 0:39:47so we're going to pick a few more from Deborah's orchard to bulk
0:39:47 > 0:39:50up my basket. So, how are we looking, Deborah?
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I think we have enough apples here. Let's get them over to the press.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Lovely.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58The prime motivation for starting the press was to encourage
0:39:58 > 0:40:02locals to safeguard the original Herefordshire species,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05now mostly found in residential gardens,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08the feeling being that by helping people to maximise
0:40:08 > 0:40:10the yield of the apple crop,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12the more likely they'll be to tend,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14prune and graft their trees,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16which should in turn preserve them for the future
0:40:16 > 0:40:19and so protect the heritage varieties.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Deborah's partner Nigel is already sorting
0:40:21 > 0:40:25and cleaning apples for the next pressing batch.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- What, mix all the different varieties in?- Yes.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31OK, so that's unusual. I would have thought you'd have used
0:40:31 > 0:40:34one variety of apple to produce cider from, but that's not the case?
0:40:34 > 0:40:37It makes a much more full, rounded juice and cider
0:40:37 > 0:40:39if you use different varieties.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43It takes about 50kg to make 25 litres of juice.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47OK, so the apples are washed, they're ready to go.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49How many buckets of these are we going to need?
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Probably another five or ten.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Let's do this one. Fill this one up, lovely.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Shake...
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Gosh, you need muscles, don't you?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Next up, we slowly and steadily transfer the apples to the scratter,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06which mashes the fruit into a pulp.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The next stage is to shovel these scratted apples, the pulp,
0:41:10 > 0:41:15into the press and we're then going to put a number of shovelfuls
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- in each cloth, fold the cloths over to create cheeses...- OK.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Cheeses, as per cheese-making, you squeeze the juice
0:41:23 > 0:41:26out of the cheese, it's the same principle with cider.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28You make a cheese and squeeze the juice out of it.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30With gloves on,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33we then place shovels of apple pulp into the cloth cheeses.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36You can see it's coming through quickly already, isn't it?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Just from the weight of the fruit.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42The cheeses are stacked neatly on top of each other and then
0:41:42 > 0:41:44they're topped with a heavy, sturdy block,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47which will evenly distribute the weight across the press.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- Would you like to come up and have a go on the press?- I'd love to.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Right, if you come in here, where I am...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Simply pull the handle towards you.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Now lift very gently and push back
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and watch the peg drop into the next hole and pull again.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03How do you know when it's done?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Because you can't squeeze it any further.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- We've got a long way to go yet!- OK!
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Once all the juice has been extracted,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11the pulp scraps are given to
0:42:11 > 0:42:14a local farmer who feeds it to his rare-breed pigs
0:42:14 > 0:42:17and that leaves the fresh apple liquid, which is bottled
0:42:17 > 0:42:21and left to ferment for six months before it becomes cider.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25But I can't wait that long and after all that work, I've
0:42:25 > 0:42:26definitely built up a thirst,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28so Deborah has a glass for me to sample.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Wow, that's not what I was expecting at all.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34It's not as sweet as a lot of the commercial varieties,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37that's what I like about it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38It tastes really like apples.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42All of the sugar will be fermented to alcohol,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46so it's completely dry, but it is bottle conditioned,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49so we've got a little bit of yeast giving it a fizz.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- Just got to wait six months to try mine!- You do!- Can't wait!
0:42:54 > 0:42:56What a treat on a sunny autumn day,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00to make and taste the local nectar in a county where
0:43:00 > 0:43:05fruit production is woven into the fabric of its economy and culture.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- So, you two, we're off to see the - mystery house. Very exciting.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13It is very exciting.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15What do you think I've got lined up for you,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17what are you expecting to see?
0:43:17 > 0:43:19I think it's probably something that's going to be
0:43:19 > 0:43:23a conversion of a pub or chapel or something unusual.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26Yes. Semirural, maybe not semirural.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Bring it on now, really. I don't want to wait much longer.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32We'd better get off to the mystery house, then, hadn't we?
0:43:32 > 0:43:33- Absolutely!- Be very quick!
0:43:33 > 0:43:38Our last property stop is again down south in Ewyas Harold,
0:43:38 > 0:43:41right near the border of England and Wales.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45Before we get to the mystery house, I want to show Les and Ian
0:43:45 > 0:43:48all that's on offer in this pretty local village that serves it.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51Well, we're in the village of Ewyas Harold,
0:43:51 > 0:43:54in south-west Herefordshire. Do you know the area?
0:43:54 > 0:43:56Yes, we're pretty familiar with it.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59Oh, how do you know it? Do tell all, come on.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01Well, we've got friends that live very close by,
0:44:01 > 0:44:03- so we definitely know it. - And do you like it?
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Oh, very much. It's a lovely little village, yes.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09It's a really popular village, not least because it's so pretty,
0:44:09 > 0:44:11but also, it's got just about everything you need,
0:44:11 > 0:44:13which is why I really wanted to show it to you.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16There's a fantastic butcher's, they cure their own bacon in there.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- Great!- Lovely.- There's a village shop and post office that
0:44:19 > 0:44:22has everything you need and then some. A couple of really good pubs.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25There's also an amazing fish and chip shop.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- That sounds good!- Are you ready to go and see the mystery house?
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- We are!- We are.- Come on, then, follow me. Right this way.- OK.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36Because the mystery house is literally on your doorstep.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40- Oh, right!- Good heavens! Good grief.- That was a long walk!
0:44:40 > 0:44:43- Goodness me.- Oh, right. Wow.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46So, if you need your bacon from the butcher's, it's just over there.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48When you run out of anything else, the shop's there.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50- I love the look of it.- I do. - I think it looks great.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53It's a detached stone property, dates back to the early 1800s,
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- and it's a barn conversion.- Ah!
0:44:56 > 0:44:59And the mystery isn't just the location here in the village.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- There isn't a garden with this property.- Right.- No garden at all?
0:45:02 > 0:45:04No. That's your compromise.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- There's a tiny little courtyard garden, that's all.- OK.- OK?- Yes.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- I'm excited about this one. - So am I.- It looks great.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- I can't wait to see it now. - Yes, definitely.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15Right in the heart of the community
0:45:15 > 0:45:17of this classic Herefordshire village,
0:45:17 > 0:45:21our early-19th-century detached mystery property
0:45:21 > 0:45:23has great appeal and presence from the road,
0:45:23 > 0:45:27and I'm keen to find out whether our buyers will like what lies beyond.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31Formed from the conversion of two stone barns, it has double gables,
0:45:31 > 0:45:36an integral garage, and a robust wooden front door.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39So, we're straight into this fantastic,
0:45:39 > 0:45:41- cosy kitchen-dining space.- Oh, wow!
0:45:41 > 0:45:45- You can really see the history of the barn, can't you?- Wow.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- Wow, this is great.- Do you like it? - I do.- Very much.- Very much.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- This is exactly what you like as well, isn't it?- Yes.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Excuse me, guys. Sorry.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- No!- It's just really nice.- Is it?
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- Has it just got you somewhere?- Yeah.
0:45:59 > 0:46:03- You all right?- Yes, I'm fine, but it's just so lovely.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06It's just what we're looking for, really, isn't it?
0:46:06 > 0:46:08It is, this is exactly what we wanted.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11I love the stone walls and the beams. The thickness of the walls.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- The feel of it.- It's a real country thing, isn't it,
0:46:14 > 0:46:16- coming into the kitchen?- Yes.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- I like that.- It's great. - This is lovely.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- Well, we're off to a good start. - Absolutely.- Let's carry on.- OK.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27- Well, if it's character and space you're after, how about this?- Wow.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- Crikey, this is lovely. - Oh, my God, this is great.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- This is really beautiful. - A minstrel's gallery!
0:46:34 > 0:46:35- Isn't it lovely?- Wow.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- This is fantastic. - It's really lovely.- And so bright.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- I was going to say how light it is. - Isn't it?- I love those windows.- Yes.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- Beautiful.- You can really see in here that it was two barns.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- You can see the high ceilings, all the detailing.- Yes.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51It is all there, isn't it?
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Les, no tears from you,
0:46:53 > 0:46:56but you do seem quite emotional in your reaction to it.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58Yes, I'll cry in private, don't worry!
0:46:58 > 0:47:02Provoking high and hidden emotions, there's no doubt
0:47:02 > 0:47:05that the mystery property is having a positive impact.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09And the proportions are certainly impressive, too.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12As well as the kitchen-breakfast room and large living room, the
0:47:12 > 0:47:14ground floor also features a study,
0:47:14 > 0:47:16which is accessed via a dining room.
0:47:16 > 0:47:21This separate dining area could be a great space for formal occasions,
0:47:21 > 0:47:24when hosting all the guests our couple plan on entertaining.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27The study behind it has original exposed brickwork,
0:47:27 > 0:47:30and offers privacy and quiet.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32When it comes to storage solutions,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35there's also a utility room to hide away the white goods,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39as well as the large garage with double timber doors to the front.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44This is exactly what we were thinking about
0:47:44 > 0:47:46when we were talking about moving.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50- Something a bit unusual, something a bit different.- Yeah.- It's great.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53- Yes, and even the colours are just so lovely.- Yes.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55It's bright, it's really bright.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58What I haven't told you is that upstairs you've got plenty of space
0:47:58 > 0:48:02- as well - you've got four bedrooms. - Four bedrooms?!- Yes.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05- Let's go and decide which one could be the master suite.- OK.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Upstairs, off a grand galleried landing,
0:48:11 > 0:48:13there are two bedrooms at the rear of the property.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18Then the other two have aspects to the front and include the largest
0:48:18 > 0:48:21double, as well as a smaller room, currently used for craft and sewing.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25Then at the back, a third bedroom is presented as a dressing room,
0:48:25 > 0:48:28next to which is another pleasantly decorated double.
0:48:28 > 0:48:29I'm bringing you into this one.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31It's not currently used as the master bedroom.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33It's not the largest,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- but I just think there's something really pretty about it.- It is.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38- It's really sweet, isn't it? - It's very light.
0:48:38 > 0:48:42- If you just take a look behind you, I love that.- Oh, yes.
0:48:42 > 0:48:43- Yes, the beams.- Beautiful.- Yes.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46There's a smaller bedroom being used as a dressing room
0:48:46 > 0:48:48right next door, and you've got a shower room next door,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51so you've almost got a little self-contained suite here.
0:48:51 > 0:48:52- You have.- Yes.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54There's the other bathroom,
0:48:54 > 0:48:56- for when you've got visitors that come to stay.- Right.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58This is great.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00This is a lovely room, and it's a good size.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Let's explore the other bedrooms,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- and you can decide which one you fancy.- OK.
0:49:05 > 0:49:06There's options with four.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11So, everywhere you look up here is just another beautiful feature.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13- It's gorgeous. - Yes, I love this, Les.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16This is the room currently used as the master bedroom.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19Again, it's got the beautiful features, the original beams.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22- Yes, lovely.- It's a nice atmosphere.- Yes?
0:49:22 > 0:49:24- Are you smiling?- I am. - Oh, absolutely.- OK.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Both Ian and Les are quite clearly bowled over
0:49:28 > 0:49:31by everything within the chunky, historic walls
0:49:31 > 0:49:33of this striking mystery property.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36And this is normally the point where I would say, "Let's explore
0:49:36 > 0:49:40"the garden outside," but there really isn't that much to consider.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43What we do have, however, is a pretty,
0:49:43 > 0:49:46intimate and sunny south-facing courtyard.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48So, here we are.
0:49:48 > 0:49:53Straight out into a compact little courtyard.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56I did say there was the mystery, and this is the mystery.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59It's very private, though. It feels very private.
0:49:59 > 0:50:00It is, yes. It is.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02And it's small.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04You know, we saw a small one yesterday as well,
0:50:04 > 0:50:07- and we were prepared to comprise on that.- Yes.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09I think we could live with it.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12So, how are you both feeling at this point? Les?
0:50:12 > 0:50:15I'm feeling fearful that it's going to be over our budget.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18But I'm hoping it won't be.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21What do you think this is on the market for?
0:50:21 > 0:50:24I think it's going to be very near the top of our budget,
0:50:24 > 0:50:28so I'm going to say £295,000.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33- OK.- OK. I'm going to say a very hopeful £285,000.
0:50:34 > 0:50:40- Ian, you are bang-on. It's on the market for £295,000.- Is it?- Yes.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44- My goodness. Look at that, I got it right!- Well done!
0:50:44 > 0:50:48But, more importantly, it is within your budget.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50How do you feel now?
0:50:50 > 0:50:55- That's great. I was convinced it would be over.- Yes, I was too.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58- Definitely.- Very excited. - That's fantastic.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00- Would you like to go and look around again?- We'd love to.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04- I think we should.- Go on, then, take your time.- Thank you.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Come and find me when you're ready.
0:51:06 > 0:51:07This is fantastic.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09They've gone from hoping for half an acre
0:51:09 > 0:51:11to being happy with a pretty little patio.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15It just shows, if the house is right, that's all that matters.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21On the market for offers around £295,000, the mystery property
0:51:21 > 0:51:24is a detached stone barn conversion
0:51:24 > 0:51:26with roots in the early 1800s.
0:51:26 > 0:51:27As such, it's laden with
0:51:27 > 0:51:30historic gems and character.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34It comes with four bedrooms, a kitchen-diner and three reception
0:51:34 > 0:51:35rooms, and although limited
0:51:35 > 0:51:39on outdoor space, the property is very well connected for local
0:51:39 > 0:51:42amenities, being smack bang in the middle of a desirable village.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47- A dressing room.- It's something we've never had before.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Exactly, no. And something worth keeping, I think.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52And you've still got three bedrooms.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56- Yeah.- So, you know, you could afford to lose one.- Absolutely.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58I'm very excited by this house,
0:51:58 > 0:52:01and it's certainly a very strong contender.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03I know we didn't ask for a dining room, Les,
0:52:03 > 0:52:05but this is a lovely room, isn't it?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Yes, you wouldn't change this. It just lends itself to it.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- It does. Can you imagine formal dinner parties in here?- Yes.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14- The best thing is the study. - I know, isn't that lovely?
0:52:14 > 0:52:17That's fantastic. We're definitely excited about this house, yes.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19There's no doubt about that.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23As I say, it really got us thinking from when we saw it first,
0:52:23 > 0:52:26this is the unique, ideal kind of house for us,
0:52:26 > 0:52:29so we're definitely going to give it some serious thought.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37- Big smiles.- Yes.- And lots for you to take in.- Absolutely.- Lots.
0:52:37 > 0:52:38- That's all the houses seen.- OK.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42- Now it's time to do some thinking and then some talking.- OK.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Two properties have really struck a chord with Les and Ian.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Now they've had time to reflect,
0:52:52 > 0:52:55I wonder if they'll still feel the same about them.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02Hello, you two.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04- Hi!- Hello, Ginny.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08Wow. Sadly, the end of our house-hunt here in Herefordshire.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11And I think that two properties have stood out for the two of you.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15- Would that be fair to say?- I think that's very fair to say, yes.
0:53:15 > 0:53:16So, come on, talk me through them.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20Well, the Edwardian house we saw, we really liked that,
0:53:20 > 0:53:22which compromised on the garden, obviously.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26But the house itself really fulfilled
0:53:26 > 0:53:28everything we were looking for, didn't it?
0:53:28 > 0:53:30Yes, it had lovely spacious rooms,
0:53:30 > 0:53:32plenty of them. We did like that.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36- And then there was the mystery house.- And then the mystery house.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39The mystery house. Well, it was a mystery.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42A real surprise, actually.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44Lovely village, lovely location,
0:53:44 > 0:53:48and we were taken aback with the size of the house
0:53:48 > 0:53:49when we walked into it.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52I really loved the rooms, lots of original features.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54Yes, we were very taken by that, weren't we?
0:53:54 > 0:53:57Yeah, and really surprised to hear it was a barn conversion,
0:53:57 > 0:53:58as it didn't look like a barn conversion,
0:53:58 > 0:54:01and that, to me, is an advantage. I really liked it, it was great,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04it gave us more than we'd asked for again.
0:54:04 > 0:54:05Again, a compromise on the garden,
0:54:05 > 0:54:08but that wouldn't be the end of the world for us.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12So, is there a "what next?" with either of those two properties?
0:54:12 > 0:54:15I think the one that stands out, really, is the mystery house.
0:54:15 > 0:54:16Yes, definitely.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20Definitely, so that'd be the more likely one that we'd see again.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23That had a really strong reaction, particularly with you, Ian.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25- It did, yes.- And actually, Les,
0:54:25 > 0:54:29you commented as well on how atmospheric it felt...
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Absolutely, yes. It just struck you when you walked in.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36- It was great.- And there was a great warmth about it,
0:54:36 > 0:54:39not just because the heating was on, there was a genuine warmth.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43- It was a much-loved house. That's what came across.- Yes, definitely.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45And beautifully furnished, beautifully decorated.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48- So that's more likely.- So, would you say after our house-hunting
0:54:48 > 0:54:50here in Herefordshire that you're drawn more
0:54:50 > 0:54:53to remote, country properties,
0:54:53 > 0:54:57or properties that are a bit closer to a village,
0:54:57 > 0:54:59a bit more in the thick of it all?
0:54:59 > 0:55:02- I think it's more in the villages, isn't it?- Yes.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04We like to have facilities quite nearby.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07So I think that's been more sort of reinforced by
0:55:07 > 0:55:10this whole exercise really, hasn't it?
0:55:10 > 0:55:13Yes, I think that's true. We didn't want to be too remote,
0:55:13 > 0:55:15but being on the edge of the village gives you
0:55:15 > 0:55:19the chance to go out in the country if you want to, but you've also got
0:55:19 > 0:55:21- the amenities, as you say, on your doorstep.- Yes, on hand.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24You want to escape to the country, but you're not ready to
0:55:24 > 0:55:27leave all the bright lights behind yet. You want a few glowing there!
0:55:29 > 0:55:31Not in the MIDDLE of the country.
0:55:31 > 0:55:35But is Herefordshire the county for you, is this where you want to be?
0:55:35 > 0:55:37- Definitely. For me.- Yes, and I think,
0:55:37 > 0:55:40certainly in the few days we've been here,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43travelling through the countryside, we've covered a few miles
0:55:43 > 0:55:46and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the countryside. It's been so beautiful
0:55:46 > 0:55:49this time of the year, with the leaves changing colour,
0:55:49 > 0:55:52so it's really reinforced for us both, really, hasn't it,
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- how much we want to move here. - Yep, definitely.
0:55:54 > 0:55:55- And the sooner, the better.- Yep.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58- You'll have to make sure you tell us.- Oh, of course we will.
0:55:58 > 0:55:59We definitely will.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Well, I love Herefordshire, I think it's a beautiful county,
0:56:02 > 0:56:06and I can completely see the two of you making it home.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09I hope it's in the mystery house, but wherever it is,
0:56:09 > 0:56:10be very happy here.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12- Thanks very much. - Thank you very much, Ginny.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22It's the end of our house search here in Herefordshire,
0:56:22 > 0:56:25and it's wonderful that Les and Ian have found two properties
0:56:25 > 0:56:27that they can imagine living in.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30Whilst they definitely do want to be rural, I think our search
0:56:30 > 0:56:32has shown them that they also want to be in the heart
0:56:32 > 0:56:36of a village, and the mystery house in particular would give them that.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39With a second viewing on the cards, I hope we've helped them find
0:56:39 > 0:56:42their home together in this beautiful county.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:46 > 0:56:50Well, after that second viewing at the mystery house,
0:56:50 > 0:56:51I'm delighted to report
0:56:51 > 0:56:54that Les and Ian were still enamoured with the property.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57So much so, they put in an offer, which was accepted,
0:56:57 > 0:57:00and they're now enjoying life living in Herefordshire
0:57:00 > 0:57:02in that beautiful historic home.
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