0:00:04 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Let's face it - a pretty parish church with a yew tree
0:00:08 > 0:00:11in its graveyard is not in itself unique,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13but this particular yew tree is.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16And it has quite a story to tell.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Find out more in just a moment.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Today, we're helping returning expats
0:00:37 > 0:00:41who have grand ambitions for the perfect property.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45I would take down this wall and I would open up the beams
0:00:45 > 0:00:46to mirror the beams on this side.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I would make this one big room.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52And they soon discover that the British countryside
0:00:52 > 0:00:54is full of pleasant surprises.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56I know you are cash buyers but, let's face it,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?
0:00:59 > 0:01:03No. There's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Well, today we are in North Wales.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12This is the parish church of Saint Digain
0:01:12 > 0:01:14in the village of Llangernyw
0:01:14 > 0:01:16and this is the Llangernyw Yew.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Now, yew trees have been planted in churchyards for centuries
0:01:20 > 0:01:22to ward off evil spirits, but in the 1990s,
0:01:22 > 0:01:27it was discovered that this one was 4,000 years old.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29That means it was a sapling at the time
0:01:29 > 0:01:33when the Pyramids were built, when Stonehenge was being put up.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37It was 2,000 years old at the time of the birth of Christ.
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Now, not surprisingly,
0:01:38 > 0:01:43it's now on a list of 50 of the most important trees in Britain,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45which sort of begs the question,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47what have the other 49 got going for them?
0:01:47 > 0:01:49For me, this should be top of the list
0:01:49 > 0:01:51because, when you think about it,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54it's one of the oldest living things on the planet.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02The unofficial region of North Wales largely encompasses six counties,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06with its northern fringes bounded by the Irish Sea.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08At the heart of the region is Snowdonia.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12At 1,085 metres, Mount Snowdon is the highest peak
0:02:12 > 0:02:14in England and Wales.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19First ascended in 1639 by the English botanist Thomas Johnson,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21it's now the busiest mountain in Britain,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24with some bank holidays seeing queues to reach the top.
0:02:26 > 0:02:3060 miles of the northern stretch of coastline are covered by
0:02:30 > 0:02:31the North Wales Path.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34This stunning and varied route starts at Prestatyn,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37with views across the often wild Irish Sea.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Further east, the resort of Llandudno
0:02:41 > 0:02:43boasts the longest pier in Wales.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46First opened to the public in 1877,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49it's now a Grade-II listed structure.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Another notable coastal settlement is Conwy,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55one of the best preserved medieval fortified towns in Britain.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Fine examples of Welsh historic architecture
0:03:00 > 0:03:02are also found in the market town of Ruthin,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05including the oldest known townhouse in Wales,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08which is one of only a few buildings that survived
0:03:08 > 0:03:13the burning of the town by Welsh ruler Owain Glyndwr in 1400.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15So whether it's mountainous landscapes,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19sea views or centuries-old buildings you're after,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21North Wales is an idyllic choice
0:03:21 > 0:03:24for a short or long-term rural retreat.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Now, when it comes to the cost of housing,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31the average price of a detached property here in North Wales
0:03:31 > 0:03:34is currently ?183,000.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39That's more or less ?100,000 below the national average,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41so it does represent good value for money.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44But if you are thinking of moving here, consider this -
0:03:44 > 0:03:47you may find yourself living in a part of the world
0:03:47 > 0:03:50that some say is more akin to the tropics.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Parts of this landscape are now deemed as temperate rainforests,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57although, to be honest, with the snow on the hills behind me,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59it doesn't feel very temperate today.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02But I don't think that's going to put today's buyers off.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05They've come an awfully long way to find their new home.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Husband and wife Nigel and Jackie both hail from Liverpool
0:04:09 > 0:04:11in the north of England.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15But they've spent most of their 24 years of married life living
0:04:15 > 0:04:18in a selection of glamorous global locations.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20We left the UK in 1997 to go
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and work for a brewing company in South Africa.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26With them, I've moved around the world.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Poland, Panama, Colombia and the USA.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We've lived in some fascinating and amazing countries.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35We've lived amongst different cultures.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37It's been fabulous.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40When Nigel retired just over a year ago,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43the pair decided it was time to revisit their country of birth.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46What was meant to be a relatively brief trip
0:04:46 > 0:04:48turned into something more life-changing.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Our plan did not include the UK,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54other than a place to come and visit for short trips to see family.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58But now we're back, we've fallen in love with the place.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03We have two sons and they both chose to come back to England.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07It's strange because even though we know it's home,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09we don't know it's home.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I just have reached a phase of my life where it's important
0:05:12 > 0:05:15to settle, to have roots once again.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18We've travelled, we've seen a lot of the world,
0:05:18 > 0:05:23and I feel that it's very important to have a place to call home.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Since returning last May,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29they've been living in a rented house in Southport.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32However, the seaside town has changed considerably
0:05:32 > 0:05:33since they were last in the country.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Southport isn't the way that we remembered it
0:05:36 > 0:05:3920, 25 years ago, when we used to come here regularly.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42We just don't need to live in a commuter belt town.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45We're looking for somewhere more rural, not as flat,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48more pleasant views and so on.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51But when it comes to putting down those important rural roots,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53it's North Wales that really appeals.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56From a geographical point of view, it's close to Liverpool,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58where Jackie's family lives.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Rolling hills, rivers, forests and woods,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03just so many things that we like about the area.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06It's a beautiful and fabulous environment
0:06:06 > 0:06:10with spectacular scenery and it ticks all the boxes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Having lived in some exotic locations over the years,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17they have some specific requirements for their new country pad.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Our dream house, three-bedroomed, detached,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25we're not that bothered about a huge garden,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27because it's going to be maintenance.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It must have at least two toilets, please.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Walking distance to a village community centre.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yes, I think so. Pleasant views.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39If the rooms are a little bit more adequate...
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Commodious. Commodious. Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45We've got a king-size bed and it's an American size king-size,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47so it's huge.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50We just want something a little bit unusual.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52A little bit different.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Something that's got character.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58But the most important thing is setting down roots
0:06:58 > 0:07:00and rekindling old ties.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05I think our life will change considerably when we find our home.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09I'm looking forward to a gin and tonic in the countryside
0:07:09 > 0:07:11overlooking the Welsh mountains
0:07:11 > 0:07:18and just taking in the fresh air and just being established.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21I'm excited that we will be able to say, "This is our home
0:07:21 > 0:07:23"and we're staying here for as long as we want to."
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Jackie and Nigel would like to concentrate their search
0:07:30 > 0:07:32in the north-eastern areas of Wales,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34particularly Denbighshire and Flintshire,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37with proximity to road links to see family.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40But before we head off to take a look at houses,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43I want to find out more about what they're hoping to get
0:07:43 > 0:07:44from their new move.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Well, Jackie, Nigel, welcome to Escape To The Country
0:07:48 > 0:07:50and to what I hope is going to be
0:07:50 > 0:07:53the next exciting chapter in your lives.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Having lived where you've lived in some wonderful climates,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58many people would think you're bonkers to come back.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Yeah, I think we're bonkers, but there's no place like home.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05So, why North Wales?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09It's some of the most spectacular scenery in the country
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and I feel that it suits our needs at this stage of our lives.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16But it is also handy for the Midlands,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18it's easy to get to London.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20We have family in Liverpool, we have family in Hertfordshire.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23It's a nice rural place,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26but easily accessible to the parts of the country we want to get to.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27But broadly speaking,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I gather you're more interested in something
0:08:30 > 0:08:31that's a bit modern and you,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Nigel, will be happy to look at something that's more traditional.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Yes, I'm more traditional.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40We did have an argument about a place to live in Panama.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Three walls at the back - the rest of the property was glass.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44You could see into the whole place.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47But it was light and it was bright and it was airy.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49If you live in a greenhouse, it's going to be light!
0:08:51 > 0:08:54So, give us an idea of the sort of property that you are now after.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Rooms that are not poky and small.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58But with maybe some traditional features.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03Particularly for me, a nice garage, workshop space for a couple of cars,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05space to work on those cars as well,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09not a traditional English-style garage,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11something a bit bigger than that.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13And we don't necessarily need a lot of land.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16We will travel and that's just maintenance
0:09:16 > 0:09:17that we don't necessarily need.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Just remind us of the budget.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Our budget is 350.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25If the property requires any work, though,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27it needs to be reflected in the price.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Is this a short-term move or a long-term move?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I think we'll be here at least five years.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36We will be away on holiday and travelling during that time,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40but I think it'll be a base for us for the medium term.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41Well, I think this is really exciting,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43because it's clear that it's not just about you
0:09:43 > 0:09:46escaping to the country, it's about you trying to reach
0:09:46 > 0:09:48your family here back in the UK.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Absolutely. And with a view thrown in, hopefully.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54With a view thrown in. Yes.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Right then, you've got ?350,000, we've got a lot of work to do.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Drink up, let's go.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04For their budget of ?350,000,
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Nigel and Jackie are looking for
0:10:05 > 0:10:07a property that combines bright,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09modern proportions
0:10:09 > 0:10:10with traditional character.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12They'd like three bedrooms,
0:10:12 > 0:10:13so they have enough accommodation
0:10:13 > 0:10:15when their sons visit.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16A large garage with workshop
0:10:16 > 0:10:17is a must.
0:10:17 > 0:10:18And they'd like somewhere
0:10:18 > 0:10:20easy to maintain
0:10:20 > 0:10:21that they could lock up and leave
0:10:21 > 0:10:23when they're travelling.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27We've found some fantastic property to tempt them with and at each home,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34The final proposition will, of course, be our Mystery House,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37which could offer a rather surprising spin
0:10:37 > 0:10:38on what they're looking for.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42But first on our agenda is house number one.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Now, in terms of projects,
0:10:49 > 0:10:55are you prepared to think about transforming this next property?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57We want to be in a situation where we can move in
0:10:57 > 0:11:00without having to live in a caravan outside.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I don't think it will be that bad! I hope not, anyway.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05The other side is our adventurousness.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07You want to be away a lot travelling? Yes.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10You're not really looking for that forever home, are you?
0:11:10 > 0:11:12You're looking for something which is going to work
0:11:12 > 0:11:17for the next 5-10 years, perhaps. Yes. To allow you to globetrot. Yes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19What a lovely retirement! It's all to play for.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21We've got some great properties for you to look at.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24We're looking forward to seeing them. Very excited.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Our North Wales property hunt is taking us into the tiny hamlet
0:11:28 > 0:11:32of Galltegfa in Denbighshire.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Nearest facilities are found in the town of Ruthin, whose name,
0:11:35 > 0:11:39meaning "red fort", aptly describes the castle, originally constructed
0:11:39 > 0:11:42from the local sandstone in the 13th century
0:11:42 > 0:11:45on the orders of Edward I.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Ruthin is also home to a fine collection
0:11:48 > 0:11:50of black-and-white medieval buildings,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53including the oldest-dated timber-framed house in Wales,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55which is now a museum.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59We're just a mile and a half away, down a quiet country lane,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02where our first property is located.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05There we are - have a look at that one.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's beautiful. That's absolutely gorgeous.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10I love the plants growing up.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11Yeah. It's a pyracantha.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13It's quite interesting, this one.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18It was two cottages, has since been knocked into one.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21And then extended. You can see the change in that roofline.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Yes. As you can see, it's been well maintained throughout its life.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25But what do you think?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29I think it looks gorgeous. It's beautifully maintained.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Yeah, I think it shows promise.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32It's an interesting property.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34This is a kind of lock-up-and-leave.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36This is in very good condition.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37I'm looking forward to getting inside.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40We'll start, I think, not through the front door, but this way,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42into the kitchen. Lovely.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Looking forward to seeing it. Come on, let's go.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Thought to date back to the mid 19th century,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49the current owners of this house
0:12:49 > 0:12:53have lived in the property for the last 33 years.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56They've combined the original charms of the cottage with modern updates,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00including the creation of a large kitchen-diner from four small rooms,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and the addition of oil-fired central heating.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Feel the heat. Oh, that's good.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Come on in. Lovely.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11There we are. Right.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12It's quite modern.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Surprisingly so, isn't it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Yeah. It's very nice.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I guess, surprisingly spacious.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Yes, no, there's certainly... To accommodate table and chairs,
0:13:23 > 0:13:24it's a good size.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25Is this the sort of thing?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27For me, absolutely.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29It's very pretty.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Yes, I like it too and you're right,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33it's a very modern kitchen and very well maintained.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35It's just very simple, actually.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Lots of natural light. I think they've got the balance
0:13:37 > 0:13:40between old and new just right. It's a nice combination.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42It's got a cottagey feel to it,
0:13:42 > 0:13:43whilst being modern at the same time.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Well, it does get more cottagey as we go through.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47Have a look at this.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Leading off the kitchen to the centre of the property
0:13:51 > 0:13:55is the first of two character-filled reception rooms.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I mean, effectively, I suppose, this is something of a corridor.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You've got that staircase in here,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02but it is blessed with that lovely wood burner.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04That's gorgeous. Yeah, it's a beautiful fireplace.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07On a day like today, that is just heaven.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08But it's always a bit of a conundrum
0:14:08 > 0:14:12as to what to do with these rooms that are, in effect, corridors.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13I know. What would you do with it?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Well, I would use it as a light reading room
0:14:16 > 0:14:17or a music room, perhaps.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Just a little place to chill.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I like the idea of actually using it as a bit of an office as well.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25It's close to the kitchen so I'm close to the smells
0:14:25 > 0:14:28that come from the dinner being prepared.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31But, of course, it was two cottages so, you know,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33you've got another living room, which is through here.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39To be honest, I think this is probably my favourite room
0:14:39 > 0:14:41down here, actually.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45That's lovely. Another wood burner, lovely fireplace.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47You could imagine after dinner sitting in here, watching TV,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49or listening to music...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I suppose, when the boys come back, you know,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55you could have a kind of separation of a telly room or somewhere
0:14:55 > 0:14:56just to relax and chill out.
0:14:56 > 0:15:03I do think that the lack of space for my boys as they are big boys...
0:15:04 > 0:15:08But, most of the time, it's going to be you. Yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09And it's giving you that nice bit
0:15:09 > 0:15:12of authentic rural architecture, if you will. Yes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I like the stone feature around the fireplace.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17And I like the size of the fireplace.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Good. All right. Well, let's have a look upstairs.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Very nice. Let's see what you think of it.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22Come on and have a look.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27'The marriage of old and new in this well-maintained period cottage
0:15:27 > 0:15:30'has something to offer both Jackie and Nigel.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33'Upstairs, the first of three bedrooms
0:15:33 > 0:15:36'above the second reception room is a good-sized double.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40'Then next to the stairs is a small single bedroom,
0:15:40 > 0:15:41'currently used as an office.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45'And there's also the family bathroom with shower.'
0:15:46 > 0:15:48There we go. And finally, this one.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51This is a beautifully well-proportioned room.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53It's a very big room, actually.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55We'd certainly be able to fit our bed in here.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00Now, you mentioned your bed, so how big is it, a Californian king-size?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Will it fit in here? It certainly will. It will fit fine.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08Definitely. And you've got views out there to the Clwydian Hills, look.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09Yeah, they're spectacular. Yeah?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12So, no en suite, although, to be perfectly honest,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15you could incorporate an en suite in here if you wanted to, I think.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Yes, I think having two boys, it's quite... It's a must!
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Yeah, it's quite a must, having a second loo!
0:16:20 > 0:16:23It's as spacious as I think we can expect,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26having gotten used to spacious American houses and so on.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28It has the cottagey feel to it with the beams.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I mean, I think the nice thing about this one
0:16:30 > 0:16:32is it gives you lots to play with. Yes.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35But, yeah, we do need to think about the price.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37Let's go and get cold. OK.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43So, room fit for a super king-size and lots of potential
0:16:43 > 0:16:47inside this beautiful and characterful cottage.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50But there's also more on offer out in the garden.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Landscaped, largely self-facing grounds
0:16:52 > 0:16:54provide low-maintenance interest,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56including a water feature.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58There's also an established vegetable plot
0:16:58 > 0:17:01and a potting shed with power and lighting.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03For classic car lover Nigel,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06the large garage with its generous-sized workshop
0:17:06 > 0:17:09provides more than enough space to tinker away.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I propose we don't spend any longer out here than we need to.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Not today. Yes, it's a bit cold.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19But, you know, views across the fields and what have you.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22It's lovely. It's spacious and definitely a nice space
0:17:22 > 0:17:24to drink gin and tonic, I think.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the numbers,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30shall we? ?350,000 you have to spend, Jackie.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32What do you think this one is on the market for?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I think in the region of 310.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Oh! Very direct.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41Nigel? I think the house offers not quite as much space as we want,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45so I'd hope there's some ceiling in our budget, so I would go about 325.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The reason we brought you here is to really whet your appetite
0:17:48 > 0:17:49for the property market,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51because this is on the market for...
0:17:51 > 0:17:56?279,500.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Gosh. OK. It's a good saving, isn't it?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It's a nice saving, yes. It's not bad at all.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I know you are cash buyers, but let's face it,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05if we don't need to spend it all, why would we?
0:18:05 > 0:18:08No, there's a world cruise and an E-Type Jag in that.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Great.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I know it doesn't have all, particularly, the upstairs space
0:18:14 > 0:18:17you were looking for, but for the money, you know, everything
0:18:17 > 0:18:21has its compromises and maybe it's one you could make.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Yeah. Go and have a wander round and see what you might do
0:18:24 > 0:18:26with the change. Right.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Cos change is what this process is all about -
0:18:30 > 0:18:32a change in lifestyle,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34but also, hopefully, change in their pockets
0:18:34 > 0:18:37to make this property the home they are seeking.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Under budget by a generous ?70,000,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44this well-maintained 19th-century Welsh cottage
0:18:44 > 0:18:48comes with a recently fitted, large kitchen-diner,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51two further reception rooms with characterful features,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55three bedrooms and landscaped gardens with outbuildings.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Ah! This is nice. It is. We could potentially build two storeys
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and have a studio apartment up above.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09That would be good or another bedroom for the boys. Yeah.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11I was really impressed coming down the lane.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Beautiful place on the outside,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16it's a really welcoming-looking cottage.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18The kitchen is beautiful.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24It's modern and countrified and cottagey, all at the same time.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28The bedroom sizes are a good size. Adequate for what we need.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30I think the garden is manageable.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I like the fact that there's a little rockery
0:19:32 > 0:19:34where I can grow my herbs and spices.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Overall, it's a beautifully maintained house.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The space for storing the cars and so on is perfect.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Right, then. I'm afraid that's it.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46We're going to have to leave the warmth
0:19:46 > 0:19:47of this beautiful cottage behind us.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51But the good news is it's lunchtime. Excellent.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Wonderful. Come on. Let's go.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Nigel and Jackie are hoping their move to rural Wales
0:20:01 > 0:20:04will leave them more time to spend on their hobbies.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07With classic car enthusiast Nigel raring to get his hands
0:20:07 > 0:20:11on a new project, we're sending them to a family-run motor museum
0:20:11 > 0:20:15in Llangollen, where Geoff Owen curates a 60-vehicle collection.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17How long has the museum been going?
0:20:17 > 0:20:22The museum's been going since 1980 and my family took it over in 1997.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24And where have you sourced the cars from?
0:20:24 > 0:20:25We've been collecting for 30 years.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Some of the motorbikes, we've had for 30 years.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Right. Some of the cars, we've had for 20, 25 years as well.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32They all look to be in very good condition.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Do you buy them in that condition or do you restore some?
0:20:35 > 0:20:36We tend to buy them in good condition.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40The TR4 we've had in the workshop, which we restored 25 years ago,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43that's one that's, obviously, a firm favourite.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44Do you do your own restoration work?
0:20:44 > 0:20:48I've been restoring cars for 30-odd years now, for my sins.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50All sorts of variety of cars,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53classic and vintage cars, and motorcycles as well.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Geoff is currently working on a Triumph Vitesse.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Aimed at the family market, more than 51,000 were built
0:21:00 > 0:21:03between 1962 and 1971.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Jackie and Nigel are just in time to help get this model
0:21:06 > 0:21:08from 1970 looking its best.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11What I thought we could do is do something with the bodywork.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13You can see the paintwork's gone quite pink.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15There's the oxidisation with the sunshine
0:21:15 > 0:21:17and my daughter never washing the car.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22To polish it, we're just going to use a bit of this miracle stuff
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and start with little straight lines.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31You can already see there is a bit of a change going on. Hm.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Gosh, it makes a huge difference. Yeah.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38The polishing fluid Geoff uses is water-based,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42so there's no potentially harmful ammonia, and any residue
0:21:42 > 0:21:43can easily be rinsed off.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47But it's not just about keeping cars on display.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Many here are regularly taken for a drive through the countryside.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53So after all that hard work, any chance of a spin?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56No problem at all. Yes, we'll go and have a look at one of the cars.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57Super. Lovely.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Nigel is getting behind the wheel of one of the older cars
0:22:00 > 0:22:03in the collection, a 1935 Standard,
0:22:03 > 0:22:08built in Coventry in celebration of King George V's Silver Jubilee.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Believed to be the last surviving example of its type,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15they'll be keeping safely below its top speed of 55mph.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18What do you know about the history of this particular car?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Well, it's from a chap in South Wales who restored it,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24the outside, into the condition you see now. Oh.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29And that was some 25 or so years ago,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32so it's showing a few age-related marks,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34but it's still going pretty well.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Do you find that there's a lot of car enthusiasts in the area?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Yeah, there's a local vintage motorcycle club
0:22:41 > 0:22:43and vintage sports car club.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44It's a beautiful area to live in.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Fantastic scenery and there's some great roads for your classic car
0:22:49 > 0:22:52and vintage car enthusiasts to use.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55So, let's hope Nigel's own classic car may soon be making its way
0:22:55 > 0:22:57along these beautiful Welsh roads,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00provided, of course, we find them a home.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Our North Wales property hunt
0:23:05 > 0:23:08is heading to the village of Glyndyfrdwy.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12A wide range of facilities are available five miles away
0:23:12 > 0:23:16in the town of Llangollen, including places to eat and drink
0:23:16 > 0:23:19and a selection of shops and services.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22The town sits either side of the River Dee
0:23:22 > 0:23:26and is the starting point for a renowned steam railway.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Back in Glyndyfrdwy, the property we've come to see
0:23:28 > 0:23:32also enjoys an enviable location close to both the river
0:23:32 > 0:23:34and the heritage train line.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37How about this one?
0:23:37 > 0:23:39That's very nice.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41That looks a little bit more what I'm looking for.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44It looks bigger, too. It's certainly bigger.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46It's a lovely Victorian build.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48You'll notice next door... There's a school.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Is the school, the old school and this was the headmaster's house.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Ah! It's been extended with this garden room as you can see,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57which is attached to the kitchen.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Looking forward to seeing the inside! I don't see...
0:24:01 > 0:24:05..a garage. There isn't one yet. OK.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07If you are prepared to put one up,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10at least you'd get exactly what you want. There is space, yes.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12And I think this going to give you plenty to think about.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Yeah, I think it's memorable. Memorable, that's a good word, yes.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Definitely. Let's see if we can get a few more memories, then. Come on!
0:24:21 > 0:24:26Originally built in 1913, there's plenty about this grand residence
0:24:26 > 0:24:29to make them forget about that missing garage,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32beginning with its elegant front reception room.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37Come on in. Let's start in here. Oh, that's nice.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40One of three wood burners that are in this building. Three!
0:24:40 > 0:24:43And again you get this idea of these lovely proportions
0:24:43 > 0:24:45that come with this kind of period,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48but this I think really is more of a snug-cum-reading room.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51But what do you think of the sort of styling of it?
0:24:51 > 0:24:53I think the window is exquisite. It's beautiful.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Yes, I like the bay window, too.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57And, look, another hobby for you, dear.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Oh! Yeah! We wouldn't be in Wales without a harp, would we?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Across the hall, a similarly proportioned room still retains
0:25:07 > 0:25:11the influence of its original use as the headmaster's study.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15There you go, Nigel. Oh, yes, that's lovely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18And clearly designed as a lovely light study.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Yes, and with the corner windows there,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22a desk there would be wonderful.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Yes, cos the fire would then warm your back, wouldn't it? Yes.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26They're all multi-fuel.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Multi-fuel is great cos you can burn either coal or wood.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Windows to look out of when you have writer's block.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34And, of course, you can see who's coming and going.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36That's the other thing. It was designed for the headmaster.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39That's the joy of it, really, but I think it's really nice
0:25:39 > 0:25:41to have something which is kind of purpose built.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43I love the natural light that's coming in.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47I think the space in this one is what should make it appeal to you.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Yes, it's quite a large room for a study.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Come next door, have a look at the kitchen-diner
0:25:52 > 0:25:56cos I think this is where you're going to spend most of your time.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Now, if I'm honest, this room or rooms to me
0:26:03 > 0:26:08are what really make this place come to life
0:26:08 > 0:26:11cos it really is the heart of this building. That's spectacular, that.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15It is a classic sort of cottage country kitchen, isn't it?
0:26:15 > 0:26:20I can see this being renovated to my taste, but it's a beautiful space.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23And I think this is a really sensible addition, actually,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and it makes it much more of a sort of family space.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Yeah, having the two living areas close together
0:26:29 > 0:26:32so somebody can be in the kitchen preparing food
0:26:32 > 0:26:35and so on and somebody else can be just enjoying the company.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Sunday morning, coffee, glass of wine of an evening. Yes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Where do we sign? THEY LAUGH
0:26:41 > 0:26:43No, it's a good space.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45It's a good-sized kitchen and I like the fact that it's light
0:26:45 > 0:26:48and that you have the view across the hills.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Yeah. Beautiful.
0:26:50 > 0:26:56Right, beautiful in that kind of American way! Oh!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01So, a good response to the family-friendly space
0:27:01 > 0:27:03available on the ground floor,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05which also features a utility off the kitchen
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and a further lobby into a ground floor double bedroom
0:27:08 > 0:27:12with doors to the garden and its own shower room.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15But let's see if those former Welsh schoolmaster's house
0:27:15 > 0:27:19can retain good marks upstairs where a family bathroom
0:27:19 > 0:27:22serves the three further bedrooms, all large doubles.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25The first sits above the kitchen.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Another above the study is currently set up with bunk beds
0:27:28 > 0:27:34and enjoys a dual aspect and then there's the largest of the lot.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Then, finally, this we're thinking would be for you,
0:27:37 > 0:27:43but I've suddenly remembered your massive Californian king-size bed.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44It won't fit.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47You see, I think the Californian king-size is a bit yesterday.
0:27:47 > 0:27:53I think the thing that's really taking over at the moment
0:27:53 > 0:27:57that's very in vogue is the North Walian king-size,
0:27:57 > 0:28:01which is designed to fit in a room very much like this one
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and, in fact, it's not a lot different
0:28:03 > 0:28:04to the size of that bed there.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07So if you swap one for the other, it would all work, Nigel.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Yes, and we'd save on heating bills.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15I like the view. It's a nice view. Great view out down the valley. Yes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18And just very substantial. So, am I selling it to you?
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Yes.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Ooh, not sure, are we? Not sure.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Let's go outside and talk about the price and who knows,
0:28:28 > 0:28:30maybe the numbers will swing it for you.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Outside, wraparound grounds of around a quarter of an acre
0:28:36 > 0:28:41include a patio plus a selection of sheds and a summerhouse
0:28:41 > 0:28:43and there are wonderful views of the Dee Valley
0:28:43 > 0:28:47with its steam railway running from nearby Llangollen.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And so there's the back of our old headmaster's house.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It's very quaint.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57I mean, you can certainly fit your lives into the building,
0:28:57 > 0:29:02I guess with the obvious omission, at the moment, of the garage.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03The garage.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Back in the day, the headmaster's garage was originally there
0:29:06 > 0:29:08in the corner where that collection of sheds now are.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10But I think it would be difficult to build one
0:29:10 > 0:29:16without spoiling the view from the house or the layout of the plot.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19All of that, of course, is going to add an extra cost
0:29:19 > 0:29:21to the current asking price
0:29:21 > 0:29:23so let's get down to what we think that might be.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28I think this is going to cost between 295, maybe 299.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Yeah? Yeah. OK, Jackie?
0:29:30 > 0:29:33I think 280, given the fact that we have to do the updates
0:29:33 > 0:29:35and we have to build a garage.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Sadly, I can't match your guesses.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43It's on at 315. Wow! OK.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47It is a lot of house in a great spot. Yes, yes.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Right, then, off you go. Go and explore it. OK.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54See if you can find the ghost of the headmaster.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56What would he say, I wonder?
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Leaving a not inconsiderable ?35,000 leeway in the budget,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05this early 20th century former headmaster's house
0:30:05 > 0:30:09enjoys an enviable position in the Dee Valley.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11There's a family-friendly kitchen-diner,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14as well as one more bedroom than they asked for
0:30:14 > 0:30:15and the two bathrooms they need.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21The kitchen-diner's a nice feature and this conservatory is lovely.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23It would be nice to be sitting here in the sunshine.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28The location is beautiful. That to me is a good selling feature.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31The view of the river and the trains going past from time to time
0:30:31 > 0:30:33will add a huge amount of character
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and enjoyment to living in this area.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40The lack of a garage - a big issue.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42There's nowhere logically to put the garage
0:30:42 > 0:30:45without spoiling the look of the house or the view from the house.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48It's not really a property that's designed for us.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55Ah, good! How are we, then? Suitably warm. Suitably warmed up.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Right, now, then, just to finish off today, I think it's been good. Yes.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I think I've learned a lot about what you may want
0:31:03 > 0:31:05so tomorrow is anther day.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Plenty more to see, but, in the meantime,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10there's a very good steak and chips in Llangollen.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Sounds good to me. Let's do that! Come on.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28We are in the beautiful countryside of North Wales,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31helping recently returned expats Jackie and Nigel
0:31:31 > 0:31:34put down rural British roots.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37So far, they've been pleasantly surprised with just how far
0:31:37 > 0:31:41their ?350,000 budget will stretch.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44But there's more to see and we reach new heights
0:31:44 > 0:31:46with our Mystery House.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Like it? Yes.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53You're lost for words, aren't you?
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Both of you. I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I think you'd get a man in. A very tall man.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02Plus, I'm muscling in
0:32:02 > 0:32:05on a centuries-old Clwydian shell-fishing tradition.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Hello.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08Hello. Hello. Oi!
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Look at that. Fantastic.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Well, thankfully the cold,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18grey gloom that we've had to battle most of this week has given way to
0:32:18 > 0:32:20a beautiful sunlit day,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22our final day of house-hunting here in North Wales
0:32:22 > 0:32:24with Jackie and with Nigel.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Now, of course, we have two properties to show them,
0:32:27 > 0:32:28including our Mystery House,
0:32:28 > 0:32:32which offers them a lovely mix of history and high spec.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35But first, our youngest property of the week,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37which I'm hoping will give them
0:32:37 > 0:32:40all the space and light they are looking for.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Our property search is heading to the Flintshire village of Llanasa.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Originally called Llanasaph,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53after the saint whose relics were enshrined here in the 13th century,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56the current church dates back to around the 15th century.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59There's also a pub, pond and village hall,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03which hosts a regular community fruit and veg co-op.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06The property we've come to see is in a secluded position
0:33:06 > 0:33:09on the edge of the village.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Right, then. That's this morning's offering.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15It's gorgeous. That's beautiful, yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17It's an old design, but it looks like a new build.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20You're absolutely right. It's only 12 years old.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Gosh. But what's rather nice is that it blends in very handsomely
0:33:23 > 0:33:27with these older buildings behind us with the stone mullions,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29but it is a brand new house.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's a lovely house, yes, and a nice position, too.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33Now, the view is terrific,
0:33:33 > 0:33:35with views out across the open fields
0:33:35 > 0:33:38to the River Dee and, I think, over there, you can just about make out
0:33:38 > 0:33:41the hills of Lancashire across the water. Yes.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43It's a really, really interesting spot.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Now, the only thing it doesn't, obviously, have at the moment
0:33:46 > 0:33:49is a garage. It has plans for a garage. And I think you could create
0:33:49 > 0:33:51something rather nice there, actually.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54There's space there and it wouldn't spoil the layout of the property.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56So I think this is a nice one for you,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59given that you are thinking of travelling more
0:33:59 > 0:34:01and it's certainly not a project. No.
0:34:01 > 0:34:02Right, then - shall we?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Built just 12 years ago to the current owners' specification,
0:34:07 > 0:34:11this traditional-looking new build could offer Nigel and Jackie
0:34:11 > 0:34:13the combination of period styling and modern convenience
0:34:13 > 0:34:15they're looking for.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Leading from a front entrance hall,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20the right-wing of the ground floor is taken up
0:34:20 > 0:34:23by a generously proportioned lounge.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25It's a good size. Yeah. Wow! Nice, isn't it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Lovely big room. Light and bright. Lovely and warm as well.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31It's really warm. That wood burner is doing a lovely job this morning.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I like the fact that they've kept in line with some of the features,
0:34:34 > 0:34:36like having a nice fireplace in here.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Yeah. I like the fact that they've got beams.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41I like the light. There's a lot of light pouring in here
0:34:41 > 0:34:44from all the windows. It's... It really has a nice homely feel to it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Is this scoring highly at the moment?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I think so. Yes.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I thought it might. Come this way.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Back via the main entrance hall,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57which is large enough to serve as a second reception space,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59is a country kitchen-diner,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02combining mod cons with a traditional feel.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04It's a big room.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Yes, that's nice. Very modern kitchen.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09It's nice, isn't it? Yeah. A nice sort of country twist to it.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Yes. I love what they've done over the range there,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14that sort of mantle arrangement.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18And the doors there again out to the terrace.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19No, that's lovely.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22And then through here, you've got a utility room and a downstairs loo.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24For practical purposes, I think it works quite nicely.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Yes. Like a boot room.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I like the fact that we don't have to do anything in here.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's move-in ready. Yes, it absolutely is.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Raring to go.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35And I think if we chose to go away for longer holidays and so on,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37the house is in such good condition,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41it would be a good walk out and lock up and go sort of thing.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I mean, essentially, it's basically two big rooms down here,
0:35:44 > 0:35:46but I'm not feeling that I'm missing more rooms, actually.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50No, I think it's adequate for a family of four. Yep.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52And certainly, you know, with the visitors
0:35:52 > 0:35:55that we're hopefully going to get, it'll accommodate them all.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Going to buy it?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Let's get to the end.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01How much do you want for it?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06So, a great response to the layout
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and styling of this characterful new build.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Stairs from the hall lead
0:36:11 > 0:36:14to the three-bedroomed upstairs accommodation.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16A family bathroom with separate shower cubicle
0:36:16 > 0:36:18serves the two guest rooms -
0:36:18 > 0:36:23a double to the front and another double to the rear of the property.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Then there is the largest of the three, the master en suite.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30And then, finally, I think this is for you.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Yes, it's a good size.
0:36:32 > 0:36:33I love the balcony. It's sweet, isn't it?
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Would this room accommodate, though,
0:36:36 > 0:36:40your enormous Californian king-size bed? I think so. I think so.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41Yeah? Definitely.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44It's also got the bonus of this, of course, as well,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46which is rather nice. And I get my extra loo.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47You do. There you go.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49That's wonderful. It just kind of works.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52It's a very honest, simple proposition, this property.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It would be nice to wake up to see the view in the morning.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58This would work for us. Big-time. Is it beautiful?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00AMERICAN ACCENT: It's beautiful. Oh, beautiful.
0:37:00 > 0:37:01Oh, man, let's go outside.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Come on.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05After you.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07'So everything works well for our house-hunters'
0:37:07 > 0:37:09on the inside.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Outside, there are lawned gardens to the front
0:37:12 > 0:37:13and parking for three cars,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15whilst to the rear,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18a large patio makes the most of those wonderful views
0:37:18 > 0:37:20across the countryside to the Dee Estuary.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22So, nice and private out here.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25It looks like this place here lends itself
0:37:25 > 0:37:26to having a conservatory built
0:37:26 > 0:37:28and there's actually additional space here
0:37:28 > 0:37:29with the patio.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33I'd go for a pitched-roof, slate-roofed garden room.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35It would give you, then, views that way.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Yes. I think there's all sorts of scope here
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and it would really extend your living space.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40Yeah. Make it a lot bigger. Yes.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Right then, let's see if the price is...
0:37:42 > 0:37:44AMERICAN ACCENT: ..beautiful. JACKIE LAUGHS
0:37:44 > 0:37:47350 grand, you have. Sterling, not dollars.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49So, let's have a guess, then, Jackie.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51I think... Given location and the views,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54I think anything between 320 and 330.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I think this is going to be over budget, maybe 360, 365.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03It's on the market for 349,950. Ah.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05But it's a nice property, in the sense
0:38:05 > 0:38:06that you could just move into it.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But also you can extend it and embellish it
0:38:09 > 0:38:11and really make it your own.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Go on, then, have a wander round.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16I'll come and find you a little bit later on. OK.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Coming in on budget, this modern property,
0:38:20 > 0:38:22built with a nod to the local vernacular,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24has the large living spaces downstairs,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27as well as three well-proportioned bedrooms upstairs,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30two bathrooms and a ground floor cloakroom.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Plus, there are those stunning estuary views.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I think the property is superb.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Jackie's always said she wanted a house with a sea view
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and we have sea views from this house. It's light and airy,
0:38:41 > 0:38:44which is something that Jackie wants, but it has that country feel,
0:38:44 > 0:38:45which is something that I want.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48The bedrooms, I was quite surprised by.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Normally, properties in the UK, the bedroom sizes are fairly small.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56But here, there's two very good-sized bedrooms.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00The kitchen is bright, it's light.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04I love the fact that I've got a view as I'm washing my dishes.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07I think the lack of a garage is a bit of a problem for me.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09The space isn't an issue.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's really what it's going to cost and possibly planning permission.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14It's a property that we might consider.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I think given the location and the views,
0:39:17 > 0:39:21I think it's a property that we could potentially enjoy living in.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24So we could fit the garage down here.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27There's plenty of depth to put a garage in here.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Yeah, but you're going to have to take into consideration
0:39:30 > 0:39:34that you're going to have to put a very strong foundation in
0:39:34 > 0:39:36if you are going to build a double storey.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Yes. But that's manageable.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40I love to eavesdrop on people making plans.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44It's a good sign. It means you're thinking about how it could work
0:39:44 > 0:39:46and that's all I can ask of you, really. Hm.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48What a day as well. Thank goodness.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50It's much easier selling houses when the sun is out,
0:39:50 > 0:39:51I can assure you. Yes, a beautiful day.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Right, then. We have plenty more to do, though.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56We're not going to let go of you just yet. Come on.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05With an extensive coastline featuring many natural harbours,
0:40:05 > 0:40:10the sea has long provided food and resources for the people of Wales.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14The town of Conwy is known for its mussels -
0:40:14 > 0:40:16particularly large species are found here,
0:40:16 > 0:40:21making them not only fleshy, but also a fine source of pearls.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24These shellfish, harvested since at least Roman times,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27were, by the early 19th century, supplying over four kilos
0:40:27 > 0:40:31of pearls to the jewellers of London every week.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34But, today, the catch is for eating.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Tom Jones, a third-generation mussel fishermen,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40has agreed to show me what makes Conwy mussels so special.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Tom, I've been coming to Conwy for years and years and years,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48but I'm ashamed to say I had no idea that it was such a hotbed
0:40:48 > 0:40:52for those who love mussels. I know. You've been missing out.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53I have been missing out.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58Now, what is it about Conwy and the estuary here that means that mussels
0:40:58 > 0:41:00grow so well? The key factor, really,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02is that they are natural beds and in an estuary,
0:41:02 > 0:41:05they have a mixture then of salt water from the sea
0:41:05 > 0:41:07and fresh water from the valleys coming down.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11The main thing is the method we use, which is the hand rakes,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13so there's no dredging or rope-grown mussels here at all.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17They are all hand-raked, one man, with a fisherman, hard work.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20As well as using the labour-intensive method
0:41:20 > 0:41:23of hand raking, Conwy fishermen still respect the rule
0:41:23 > 0:41:26of only harvesting the shellfish when there is a letter R
0:41:26 > 0:41:28in the month.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31This allows mussels stocks to naturally replenish over the summer,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33helping to keep them sustainable.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37So I notice the tide is going out, Tom.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40What's the best tidal state to fish mussels?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Well, right on low water, really.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45What we call slack water.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47So, we're heading out now as it's still ebbing,
0:41:47 > 0:41:48the tide is still going out.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And by the time we find some and start raking,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54the peak time we'll be raking will be at low water.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57So it's all about timing, really.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00The setup's so simple, isn't it? That's your rake, isn't it?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Yeah, that's it. You're raking them off the seabed.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06It doesn't come any more natural than that.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09There are now fewer than ten fishermen raking the beds here,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12each with their own personally crafted poled rake.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Knowing the best places to stop and the depth of water they'll find here
0:42:16 > 0:42:18is down to skill and experience.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21All right? Come on, then. Anchors aweigh.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Good. Well, I think the anchors are all set, Tom.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29We're ready. So this is the famous rake.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33This is it. Steel head, handmade, the net there, by the fisherman.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37But the length of the rake, I guess, is dependent on the state
0:42:37 > 0:42:39of the tide that gives you the best opportunity
0:42:39 > 0:42:42to fetch your mussels in? Well, yeah, I mean,
0:42:42 > 0:42:44you can be fishing in very deep water, you know.
0:42:44 > 0:42:4720 feet, 25 feet, so you've got to have a long enough pole
0:42:47 > 0:42:48to reach the bottom.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50How many rakes have you lost?
0:42:50 > 0:42:51Well...
0:42:53 > 0:42:54More than one, put it that way.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Do you want a go? I'd love a go.
0:42:57 > 0:42:58Well, we'll just swap places.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00OK. So you come as I was.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Basically, you're just going to throw it in as far as you can
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and you just want to, like, let it slide down through your fingers.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Don't let go of the end. That's a really odd sensation.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10You can feel it dragging across the bottom.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Rake it towards the boat and then when you think you've got something,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16so when you're under the boat, you want to lift it now.
0:43:16 > 0:43:17Yeah. And then twist it away?
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Twist it. Yeah. Cos otherwise they'll all fall off, won't they?
0:43:19 > 0:43:22That's it. We're about halfway. That's it. Keep it coming up now.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Hello. Hello. Hello. Oi! Look at that! That's it.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Fantastic. That's not bad, is it?
0:43:27 > 0:43:29It's a wonderful picture, though,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31of what's on the sea bed here in the Conwy Estuary.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35Yeah. it just shows how natural they are, isn't it, you know?
0:43:35 > 0:43:39And using such a simple method means you're going to maintain
0:43:39 > 0:43:41the longevity of these mussel beds, hopefully forever.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Well, yeah, it's been going for hundreds of years already.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Hopefully it'll be going for hundreds of years more.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49Well, I've certainly worked up an appetite,
0:43:49 > 0:43:52so it's back to dry land and time to get cooking.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54My favourite dish.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56Wine - most important thing.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58We're going to steam them. Yeah.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00And we want to put some onions and celery.
0:44:00 > 0:44:01Have you got some onions and celery for us?
0:44:01 > 0:44:04There we go. You don't want all of it - just a bit, a bit of each.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07You want to get some onions in there, don't you? Some onions.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09There you go, that's OK. Oh, lovely.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12Rule of thumb, in terms of cooking a mussel?
0:44:12 > 0:44:14So, they're closed before and then when you cook them,
0:44:14 > 0:44:16they'll all open wide. So let's put some in.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19There we go. Basically, once they're all open, they're cooked.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22Ready to go. So just keep an eye on them, leave them in for five,
0:44:22 > 0:44:24six minutes, and once they're all open they're done.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27And what have you got there? A bit of garlic. Oh, garlic, yeah.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30A bit of garlic, a bit of parsley. Yes, you've got to have parsley.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Yeah. And everything's been put in together at the same time,
0:44:32 > 0:44:34so there's no faffing with five minutes on this,
0:44:34 > 0:44:36five minutes on that, get it all in. Fabulous.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39And you just want to leave the lid on while it's cooking.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41You don't want to keep taking the lid off. I think we're ready.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43It certainly smells like they're ready. Look at that.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Can I start with that one? Yeah, go for it. God, look at that.
0:44:46 > 0:44:52That is a genuinely fleshy, very hot mussel.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59Oh, my God. Mm.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02That is fabulous. And that's taken, what, five minutes to cook?
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Yeah. Easy.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08Absolutely lovely. Tom, thank you very much, mate.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10It's been a fantastic day. Thank you for coming down.
0:45:10 > 0:45:11And, I don't care what the rest
0:45:11 > 0:45:13of the world thinks about their mussels -
0:45:13 > 0:45:17the ones here in North Wales in Conwy are the best. It is official.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Any idea what the Mystery House is going to look like, then, Jackie?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30I think it could be a conversion of some sort.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33I was thinking exactly the same and what you could do to surprise us.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37Well, you two have lived in such quirky properties over the years.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39The nice thing about the Mystery House is
0:45:39 > 0:45:41that we do occasionally give you something else to think about.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45So, let's see if my hunch is right and whether this one
0:45:45 > 0:45:47will work for you.
0:45:47 > 0:45:48Looking forward to it.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51Nigel and Jackie have guessed well,
0:45:51 > 0:45:55because our search is taking us to the former stately home estate
0:45:55 > 0:45:57of Lleweni, back in Denbighshire.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00Just a ten-minute drive away,
0:46:00 > 0:46:02the market town of Denbigh combines historic charm
0:46:02 > 0:46:07and a sublime rural backdrop with a good range of shops and services,
0:46:07 > 0:46:11including a post office, pharmacy and public library.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15Atop a rocky promontory sit the ruins of the 13th century castle.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17We're two miles north-east from here,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20where the buildings of this former grand country seat,
0:46:20 > 0:46:25awarded to the Salisbury family in 1066 by William the Conqueror,
0:46:25 > 0:46:26are definitely not in ruins,
0:46:26 > 0:46:29and provide the location of our mystery offering.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34You're right to think that it might be a conversion.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36We are on the Lleweni Estate.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39The main house, Lleweni Hall,
0:46:39 > 0:46:42used to be down there and then later on they built this.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45And this was the stable block.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Wow. The main bulk of the buildings that comprise the working end
0:46:49 > 0:46:52of the estate have been converted.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55So, we're building on this idea of you being able to simply lock up
0:46:55 > 0:46:59and leave on your travels, but have somewhere secure
0:46:59 > 0:47:03that's pretty much brand-new, doesn't need anything doing to it,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06and it's got a double garage.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13But your bit isn't in the stable block.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15It's round the corner. Come on.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Now, I did promise you a double garage.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24That's it. Oh, wow.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28There's no dividing wall inside, so you've got bags of space in there.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30And it leads us nicely into the entrance
0:47:30 > 0:47:32of what might be your new home.
0:47:32 > 0:47:33Come on.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35'A path through a cottage garden
0:47:35 > 0:47:37'leads to the private front door'
0:47:37 > 0:47:40of our semidetached mystery proposition.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44Converted from the barn buildings of the former estate,
0:47:44 > 0:47:47an entrance hall leads to the reception areas.
0:47:48 > 0:47:53Come on in. We'll start with this main living room down here.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56Wow. JACKIE LAUGHS
0:47:56 > 0:48:00Now, that is the first wow of the week. OK.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03That's your style, isn't it? It certainly is. Yeah.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06This, obviously as you can tell, is a converted barn.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09Architecturally, traditionally, they are built in a series of bays.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11They're divided by these lovely A-frames
0:48:11 > 0:48:15so you've got effectively a kind of bay here, a bay next door.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20Now, of course, beautifully appointed as a modern family home.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Like it?
0:48:22 > 0:48:23Yes.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27You're lost for words, aren't you? Both of you.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30I'm working out how I'm going to change that light bulb.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33I think you get a man in. A very tall man.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36There's a nice bit of graffiti up there, too.
0:48:36 > 0:48:37"1859."
0:48:37 > 0:48:40Oh, yes. Whoever put that up there in 1859
0:48:40 > 0:48:42could have had no idea it would ever be as comfortable as this.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44No. What I do want to show you is the kitchen-diner,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47which is next door. Come have a look at this.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51There.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Oh-oh-oh, wow. Oh, wow. Yeah? Yes.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57That's another wow. Excellent. Yes, that is beautiful.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59I'm very impressed with this room.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02It's a beautiful room, it's nicely done,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05but it's sort of too much dining room, too much kitchen.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07As a kitchen, it'd be lovely if you got rid of that table
0:49:07 > 0:49:09and you made it more of a kitchen.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10I guess the key thing to consider
0:49:10 > 0:49:13is whether or not you like the kitchen as is. No.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15I would take down this wall
0:49:15 > 0:49:18and I would open up the beams to mirror the beams on this side
0:49:18 > 0:49:20and I would make this one big room.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22Well, you certainly could do, because this wall...
0:49:22 > 0:49:25KNOCKING ..is not load-bearing.
0:49:25 > 0:49:26Yeah. So, wow, there's a thought.
0:49:26 > 0:49:32You'd end up with an enormous kitchen-diner-living room in one.
0:49:32 > 0:49:33Yes. That would be nice.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35Yeah, that could work for me.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38Maybe see if you can put a wood burner in there, too.
0:49:38 > 0:49:43Nice little twist. There we are. There's a thought. Come on.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45It's a great sign that Jackie and Nigel
0:49:45 > 0:49:48are engaging with ways they could put their own stamp
0:49:48 > 0:49:50on this already beautifully turned-out
0:49:50 > 0:49:53country estate conversion.
0:49:53 > 0:49:54After a useful cloakroom,
0:49:54 > 0:49:58the entrance hall leads through a door to a further internal lobby
0:49:58 > 0:50:00and the three-bedroom sleeping quarters.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05A family bathroom serves the guest bedrooms.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08One is a good-sized double with a view to the garden
0:50:08 > 0:50:10and there's a smaller single room.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14Then there's a generous-sized master with en suite.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18And I'm hoping this has got enough space for your now-famous bed.
0:50:18 > 0:50:19With room to spare.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22They've got a very big built-in storage unit there too.
0:50:22 > 0:50:23Yeah. Lots of space.
0:50:23 > 0:50:28Loads of space and you've got a shower en suite next door.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Very nice. It's all going to come down to the big question at the end.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35Where does this fit on the budget scale?
0:50:35 > 0:50:37Ah, well, there we are.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39It's the question I love to answer.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44The inside may have them pondering over price,
0:50:44 > 0:50:46but, outside, there is more.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49In addition to that garage, there's a sizeable rear plot
0:50:49 > 0:50:51currently laid to lawn,
0:50:51 > 0:50:54with lovely views towards the surrounding Clwydian Hills.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58We could go right to the end. To be honest, you get the idea.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00The garden could be much more developed.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02But, I guess, from your point of view,
0:51:02 > 0:51:04you want it as low-maintenance as possible.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06And actually... It's lovely.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10..for a property within a complex, this is a ludicrously big garden.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12Yes. I would agree with you.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15Given it is the biggest garden of the week,
0:51:15 > 0:51:17one might be surprised to have found it here.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19This is interesting, isn't it, this one?
0:51:19 > 0:51:22I think this is the most interesting we've seen.
0:51:22 > 0:51:26Good. So let's see if the price then, Nigel, is going to please you.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28I'm completely at a loss here.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30A stab in the dark, I'll say 345.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32345. Jackie?
0:51:32 > 0:51:34I think I'll go for 330, a little less.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38One of you is spot on.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40Who is it?
0:51:40 > 0:51:42My wife. Always.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46Not on this occasion - it's you, sir. 345, bang on.
0:51:46 > 0:51:47You have your garage, sweetie.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50And my garage as well. We haven't got to build you a garage.
0:51:50 > 0:51:51No. All done and dusted.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55Ride-on mower. I think that's the only other extra.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57Yeah, well, you'll have to save up for that, won't you?
0:51:57 > 0:52:00THEY LAUGH Right then, off you go.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04Have a wander round and I will come and find you a little bit later
0:52:04 > 0:52:06while I take in these glorious views.
0:52:06 > 0:52:10The Clwydian Hills are, to my mind, a bit overlooked in the rush
0:52:10 > 0:52:13to get to Snowdonia, but here on a day like this,
0:52:13 > 0:52:15I think I'm going to enjoy them.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19?5,000 below budget,
0:52:19 > 0:52:23this barn conversion within an historic country estate
0:52:23 > 0:52:25has excellent lock-up-and-leave potential.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28It offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms,
0:52:28 > 0:52:31and there's also that double garage, plus extensive,
0:52:31 > 0:52:34but simply maintained, grounds.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37I find the Mystery House quite surprising.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39It's a beautiful with regards to the high ceilings.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43Good space. It's a beautiful house, without a shadow of a doubt.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47And it's a barn conversion, but a very special barn conversion.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50The finishings and the rooms and so on are gorgeous.
0:52:50 > 0:52:51Really liked it.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55The one thing that I didn't like was the kitchen-dining area.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58I felt it was too much of a compromise.
0:52:58 > 0:52:59But it's got a nice-sized garage
0:52:59 > 0:53:02and it seems a nice community and a beautiful location.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07I hadn't envisioned us being so close to the neighbours
0:53:07 > 0:53:10and I hadn't envisioned us being in a semi-detached house.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14Could I cope with that? I'm not sure.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21Well, our guided property tour is now over.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24That's the last one. Our Mystery House is done and dusted.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Are you happy with what we've shown you this week?
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Very much so. I think so.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30Is there an option there, I wonder?
0:53:30 > 0:53:33A-ha. Don't tell me just yet. Right, come on. Off you go.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Let's give you time to think about it.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41You know, for me, one of the really interesting dynamics
0:53:41 > 0:53:44in this particular house search has been the fact that we haven't
0:53:44 > 0:53:47been looking for a forever home for Jackie and for Nigel,
0:53:47 > 0:53:50which you might think would make the whole process that bit easier.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53But, let's not forget, they are going to spend
0:53:53 > 0:53:54an awful lot of money.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57So have we managed to help them find a viable solution?
0:53:57 > 0:53:59Well, let's go and find them.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10Well, guys, we are nearly at the end of the process.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13I feel confident that we've given you an interesting
0:54:13 > 0:54:17and thought-provoking range of properties to consider.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20I hope you agree. Most definitely, yes.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25But I get the feeling that there are probably two frontrunners.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27Am I right? You're absolutely right, yes.
0:54:27 > 0:54:28Let me see.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33The Mystery House. Is one of the two.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36And I suspect that lovely new build overlooking the sea,
0:54:36 > 0:54:39which wasn't in a location you were perhaps considering,
0:54:39 > 0:54:42but certainly got you talking.
0:54:42 > 0:54:43Yes, that's the other one.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48So of the two, which one is your favourite, I wonder?
0:54:48 > 0:54:51I think we have one clear winner. Do you now? Mm.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55Is it the Mystery?
0:54:55 > 0:54:56Nope.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59So it's the new build overlooking the sea, Nigel?
0:54:59 > 0:55:01It's the new build overlooking the sea, yes.
0:55:01 > 0:55:07What the sea view house had was a proper country village community.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11After seeing the house, we went into the village,
0:55:11 > 0:55:13we visited the village hall and so on.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16It's a wonderful community and that's what's really sold us
0:55:16 > 0:55:19on that particular house. You're absolutely right, Nigel.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22Two very different sorts of community between the two.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25One much more traditional, one much more artificial,
0:55:25 > 0:55:27I suppose, in a sense.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30But I suspect, although we've talked about this being a sort of
0:55:30 > 0:55:33medium-term move, if you get embedded in the community,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36who knows? You might be there for that bit longer.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Yes, that's a distinct possibility.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42Wow. Is that exciting, Jackie?
0:55:42 > 0:55:46I think it is. I think the prospect of that is quite exciting.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50You've introduced us to some very interesting options, I think.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53And our favourite house today was certainly an option
0:55:53 > 0:55:55that we hadn't considered before.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57It's certainly in an area that you hadn't really considered.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59No, we hadn't. Yeah. We hadn't.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Jackie said she wanted somewhere that was light and airy.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04I said I wanted something that was very countrified.
0:56:04 > 0:56:05The house provides both.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07Well, guys, it's been an absolute pleasure.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10We have had a great laugh this week with the pair of you.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12And we wish you all the very best of luck.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16So let us know how you get on. With pleasure. Thank you.
0:56:16 > 0:56:17Best of luck. Thanks, Jules.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26You know, all week it seems, the Clwydian Hills
0:56:26 > 0:56:28have been a real feature of this house search
0:56:28 > 0:56:30with Jackie and with Nigel.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33So, where better to finish off than up here amongst them,
0:56:33 > 0:56:37enjoying some very welcome early evening sunshine?
0:56:37 > 0:56:40But I've often thought, this week, that meeting the expectations
0:56:40 > 0:56:42of a couple who - let's face it -
0:56:42 > 0:56:45have lived in some pretty glamorous locations
0:56:45 > 0:56:46in some very memorable properties
0:56:46 > 0:56:49stretching all the way from Panama to South Africa
0:56:49 > 0:56:52was always going to be a bit of a challenge.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55But, yet again, I think this region and its property market
0:56:55 > 0:56:56has not let us down.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59So, while I head off home to Herefordshire,
0:56:59 > 0:57:03I shall leave you to enjoy the view.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05I'll see you next time.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07If you would like to escape to the country
0:57:07 > 0:57:08in Northern Ireland,
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:57:11 > 0:57:13then please apply online at...
0:57:50 > 0:57:53SOMBRE PIANO MUSIC