0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The County.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06This rather pretty body of water behind me, let's face it,
0:00:06 > 0:00:07could be anywhere in the UK,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11but this one formed a key component in an 18th-century valleyscape
0:00:11 > 0:00:14that is now being painstakingly rediscovered.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17It is just part of a much wider country estate
0:00:17 > 0:00:21that has, at its heart, a Gothic mansion that's been equally
0:00:21 > 0:00:23lost in time. So, where are we?
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Today, I'm with a pair of sisters used to living it up in London.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51But one of them is packing it in for a life in the countryside
0:00:51 > 0:00:55and taking a touch of the city buzz with her.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- It lends itself quite nicely to a really funky playroom or...- Yeah.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- ..party room. - THEY LAUGH
0:01:01 > 0:01:02I wondered when we'd get to that!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Yeah, I get the feeling you two are quite used to a good party.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08And it looks like there might be cause for celebration,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11as our search throws up a few surprises.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13And you may open your eyes now.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Oh, my goodness!- Oh, wow!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Well, today we are in Gloucestershire
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and these are the beautiful landscape surroundings
0:01:22 > 0:01:25of Woodchester Park and that, perhaps not surprisingly,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27is Woodchester Mansion.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Now, from the outside it looks pretty sumptuous, but in truth,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33in 1873, the money ran out, the builders left
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and it remains a time capsule - a unique study
0:01:37 > 0:01:40in late 19th-century architectural practice.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Now, later on in this show, I'll be back here taking a closer look
0:01:43 > 0:01:45at the work that's being done to restore
0:01:45 > 0:01:48all that Woodchester has to offer. It is a peculiar part
0:01:48 > 0:01:51of Gloucestershire's tantalising countryside.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Gloucestershire is situated in the south-west of England,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00where the River Severn flows into the Bristol Channel.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03The county encompasses a major part of the Cotswolds Area
0:02:03 > 0:02:05of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09the Severn Vale and the Royal Forest Of Dean.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Lying in the western part of the county
0:02:12 > 0:02:14and occupying over 27,000 acres,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17the ancient forest was originally a hunting reserve,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and in 1938 was the first park in England to be designated
0:02:21 > 0:02:26as a national forest. Its woodland is home to over 20 million trees.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31Within the forest, the magical dense woodland of Puzzle Wood is a mass
0:02:31 > 0:02:35of twisted tree roots and dramatic moss-covered rock formations.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37So striking is its imagery,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40it was said to have been one of JRR Tolkien's inspirations for
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Middle-earth in Lord Of The Rings and is also recognisable from
0:02:44 > 0:02:49its appearance in the recent Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Gloucestershire also boasts equally stunning scenery in the form
0:02:52 > 0:02:54of its historic architecture.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57The charming Cotswolds villages in the east of the county are
0:02:57 > 0:03:01made up of ancient honey-coloured limestone cottages, like those
0:03:01 > 0:03:03in the village of Bibury.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Described by William Morris as the most beautiful village
0:03:06 > 0:03:10in England, its famous stone weavers' cottages at Arlington Row
0:03:10 > 0:03:12are some of the most photographed in the UK.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16And their iconic image even features on the inner page
0:03:16 > 0:03:19of the British passport. But there's certainly no need
0:03:19 > 0:03:22to go abroad when you've got all this in Gloucestershire.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26From varied landscapes and heritage, to picture-perfect towns
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and villages, there really is something for everyone.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Well, who wouldn't be seduced by this glorious Gloucestershire
0:03:35 > 0:03:36countryside? But, of course,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40moving here does come with something of a premium attached.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44At £330,000, the average price of a detached property here
0:03:44 > 0:03:47is some 30 grand above the national figure.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Now, you may not have to be
0:03:49 > 0:03:52a millionaire to move here, but it is perhaps worth remembering
0:03:52 > 0:03:54the story of local man James Wood.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56He owned the old bank in Gloucester.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58He was, reputedly,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Britain's very first millionaire, but was also said to be so tight
0:04:02 > 0:04:06with his money, he was the inspiration for Charles Dickens'
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Ebenezer Scrooge. But what about today's buyer?
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Let's hope that she is far more prepared to part with her money.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Today, we're house-hunting with south Londoner Mickey,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19who lives in a four-bedroom terrace house with son Tom
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and their two dogs, Didier and Mouse.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Having family living nearby, Mickey sees her younger sister Charley
0:04:26 > 0:04:27on a daily basis.
0:04:28 > 0:04:34I live in Wandsworth at the moment and I absolutely love this area.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37It's a very close-knit community, everything is on my doorstep.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41Tom's school is five minutes away from the house, as is the Common,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43as are cafes.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Despite living in the affluent borough for nine years,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Mickey's job as a property design consultant
0:04:49 > 0:04:52has meant they never stay put in one property for long.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I have moved seven times in the last six years
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and done up every single property that I've lived in.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03So I take bare bones of a house, I redo the layout
0:05:03 > 0:05:07and create beautiful homes for people
0:05:07 > 0:05:10for the ways that families live today.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Mickey has the most incredible vision.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So when she walks into a property she can see what she can do with it,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17which a lot of other people don't.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22The London lifestyle suits Mickey down to the ground, but with
0:05:22 > 0:05:26seven-year-old Tom about to change schools, she feels the fast-paced
0:05:26 > 0:05:28city isn't the best place for him to grow up in.
0:05:29 > 0:05:36This move is driven solely by Tom and his changing schooling needs.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Um, I would like him to grow up in the countryside
0:05:38 > 0:05:42without the pressures of London and being in a city.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46He'll have freedom to run around, like we did when we were younger.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Mickey's done her research.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Although she's unfamiliar with the countryside,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54she has friends in Gloucestershire and has found
0:05:54 > 0:05:55a school there for Tom.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57The idea of moving seems a no-brainer.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Gloucestershire is the only place Mickey can go.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03It has the most amazing links back to London
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and, I think, a great friend network there.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Whilst I am going to embrace it, I am slightly dreading it
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and clinging on for the last few months of my London life.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19But I will take it with both hands, but I am quite scared.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Such a big move is a daunting prospect,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27but there are a few things that Mickey won't miss about city living.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Whilst I like having neighbours,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33living in a house that's joined up to neighbours
0:06:33 > 0:06:35can pose some problems with dogs that bark,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39and if I ever have a party at night or something like that,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41it can be a little bit troublesome for the neighbours,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44so I'm looking forward to having a little bit more space.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I'm really looking forward to having a parking space outside my house.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52And with a change of scenery may also come a change of career.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56I have always loved the idea of owning a boutique
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and, whilst they are two-a-penny in London,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01there aren't that many in Gloucestershire.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04So, I would really like to look at opportunities,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08to see whether maybe I could realise my dream of owning a little shop.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Although she's a pro when it comes to buying and selling,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16there's more pressure on getting this next property purchase right
0:07:16 > 0:07:20than ever before. So she's bringing sister Charley along for support.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Charley has got a very wise head on her shoulders.
0:07:24 > 0:07:25We work together quite well,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28because I have the artistic flair
0:07:28 > 0:07:32and my ideas sometimes run away with me
0:07:32 > 0:07:36and Charley is probably more likely to be the...the...
0:07:36 > 0:07:37- Handbrake?- Yeah!
0:07:41 > 0:07:44The school Mickey has found for Tom is in Minchinhampton,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47so we're looking in the villages and towns within
0:07:47 > 0:07:49a reasonable distance for the school run.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Now although this is one lady who's used to talking property
0:07:52 > 0:07:55particulars, I need to find out what's on the wish list
0:07:55 > 0:07:57for this next move.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Well, guys, look at this, what a place to start.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03So, formally, Charley, Mickey, welcome to Gloucestershire.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05This is a really interesting story,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10I think, because you're not a typical escapee, are you?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12No, I don't think I am.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16What's the real motivation behind this move for you?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19The real motivation is Tom and his schooling.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Now I'm just looking for the perfect property.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Charley, you know your sister better than anybody -
0:08:24 > 0:08:27what's your role going to be this week?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29I think I'm here to be the voice of reason.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Mickey has moved a lot and, therefore, she's not scared
0:08:33 > 0:08:36to take on a project and it's easy for her.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38So, I think I'll be more...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Look at the bigger picture.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Most people coming out here to make a move
0:08:43 > 0:08:45of the sort that you are doing
0:08:45 > 0:08:47don't necessarily want a massive project,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50but actually I think you really enjoy the business
0:08:50 > 0:08:51of a huge project, don't you?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I do, I do. I really enjoy a huge project.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59I don't think I'd ever be happy turning up and turning a key
0:08:59 > 0:09:01and moving my stuff in because it would never work.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04With this move, are you looking for an investment property, or a home?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06I'm looking for a home,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08that will ultimately be an investment, as well,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10but I'm looking, first and foremost, for a home.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Let's talk about the specifics.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14What do we need to have on our wish list?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Probably the main key component is the location.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21So, I'm very keen for a village location.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23I do not want it to be too rural.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I would quite like a pub within walking distance.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31And then, in terms of the property, four bedrooms.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Um, and a garden that isn't too big.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Just remind us of your budget.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I've got a budget of, maximum, 900,000.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44That's for all the work that I would like to do on the property, as well.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46That's my complete budget.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51Is it possible, Charley, that we could find the perfect home
0:09:51 > 0:09:54that didn't need anything doing for your sister?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Um, I think that's incredibly unlikely!
0:09:56 > 0:09:59That's my worry. Why?
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Why is it so unlikely?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Because if it's not Mickey's way, she doesn't like it.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06You've got a fantastic budget,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09we've got some great properties here to show you.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- Shall we?- Yeah, brilliant. - Come on, let's go.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Let's see what we can find you.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15It's nearly a million quid, you know. It's not bad, is it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:16THEY CHUCKLE
0:10:19 > 0:10:22With a healthy budget of £900,000,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Mickey's looking for a property with a minimum of four bedrooms,
0:10:26 > 0:10:30a substantial yet manageable garden for Tom and the dogs
0:10:30 > 0:10:33and she's not shy of doing a little bit of work, if required.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Used to life in the city, Mickey doesn't want anything
0:10:36 > 0:10:39too remote and she'd like to be able to walk to a pub.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43The most important factor is to be close to her son's new school.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46We've got some cracking properties to show Mickey and Charley,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48all with an abundance of character
0:10:48 > 0:10:51and an interesting mix of old and new.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54I'll be asking them to guess the price of each before I tell them.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58And for our final offering, I have a Mystery House to rival all
0:10:58 > 0:11:03mystery houses, with a very special and unique additional extra.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10We're beginning our search in a tiny hamlet called The Vatch,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13which is in the southern Cotswolds.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Situated on the edge of the Slad Valley,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19it's less than a mile from the picturesque village of Slad,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23famous as the home and final resting place of author Laurie Lee.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26His 1959 novel Cider With Rosie
0:11:26 > 0:11:29was based on his childhood experiences in the village
0:11:29 > 0:11:32and captures the essence of this special corner of England.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Today, the village is focused around the parish church and the
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Woolpack pub, which continues to receive visitors keen to see
0:11:39 > 0:11:44the place where author Lee whiled away the hours writing his books.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47As we wander back down the hill, the property I want Mickey to see
0:11:47 > 0:11:50stands in a prominent position on a rather impressive plot.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53- Wow!- That's property number one.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Is it? Wow!- It's beautiful.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Originally, a coach house.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Now the outside fabric, as you can see, is all in pretty good order.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06It's the internals that are going to require a bit of Mickey magic...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Yeah.- ..I suspect.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11It's undoubtedly beautiful.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16I'm a bit concerned about how rural it is for London Mickey.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19But I'm intrigued to go inside.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- It's a good barometer, I think, this one, to start with...- Definitely.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25..as to how much of a project you're up for.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27It's big. It definitely looks really big from the outside.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30I mean, it comes with three acres of land.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Oh, my goodness.- OK.- OK. Sugar.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Yeah, sugar. Come on, let's sweeten that pill. Let's have a look.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Made of Cotswold stone,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43this three-storey house retains a number of charming features from
0:12:43 > 0:12:45its former life as a coach house
0:12:45 > 0:12:47and, surprisingly, it isn't listed.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Inside, it certainly is as large as it looks from the outside.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55The ground floor is currently divided to create a self-contained
0:12:55 > 0:12:58one-bedroomed annexe, separate from the rest of the property, with its
0:12:58 > 0:13:01own entrance, a separate kitchen/dining area
0:13:01 > 0:13:05and a bathroom, but we're starting in the main house,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07which I think could offer Mickey the development
0:13:07 > 0:13:11potential she's after, subject to the necessary permissions.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Right, Mickey, come on in.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17What do you think?
0:13:17 > 0:13:20I think these walls need to come down.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21It's a little bit disappointing.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25From the outside, you expect to walk into something a little bit more...
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Opulent?- Opulent, yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- And welcoming.- Yeah.- Instead, you walk into a wasted room.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34This wall, I suspect, should absolutely go.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37It's creating a hallway here, which is completely unnecessary, really.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Yes.- What do you think, Charley?
0:13:39 > 0:13:41I'm intrigued, because this is what Mickey likes.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- She likes going in somewhere and seeing the bigger picture.- Yeah.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48So, I'm just intrigued to see the rest of it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51That's a picture we need to create, don't we? Come through here.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Here we are.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Oh, gosh.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Right now, I'm not sure I'm really feeling it.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05From the outside, it had so much potential, it was beautiful.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09So far, it's lots of little rooms that aren't flowing
0:14:09 > 0:14:11and really working for me.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14It goes through here to give you a sort of kitchen-diner.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Again, I would remove this, to be perfectly honest, and this,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and make the whole thing a whole.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Yes. Definitely, for the way that we live,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26this kitchen would have to be bashed out.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31I would prefer to open it up bigger than even the existing floor plan.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Yeah.- I'm just worried about...
0:14:33 > 0:14:35The property looks enormous from the outside...
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I'm afraid it is.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Come upstairs. You'll see what I mean.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Despite her vision, Mickey is clearly struggling
0:14:46 > 0:14:49to get her head around the space on offer here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Hopefully, she might change her mind when she sees upstairs.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56On the first floor are two of the five possible bedrooms -
0:14:56 > 0:14:59both doubles - as well as a large family bathroom,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01and a huge dual-aspect living area.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Now up here on the first floor is where you get your first real
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- kind of reception room. - Yeah, this is great.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- This is amazing.- Ah, you see.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Suddenly, it reveals its magic, yeah.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It's beautiful and I can totally see the potential.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Yeah, I think this is... You're now getting on the par
0:15:22 > 0:15:25with how beautiful it looks from the outside.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27It gives you the potential to be able to see it,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31or people like me, who don't have a vision, how it could look.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Now, if you like this space, and all that it offers you,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36you're going to love what's on the top floor.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Come and look at this.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40What's really exciting about this property
0:15:40 > 0:15:43is the flexibility it offers.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47The top floor has over 270 square feet of space,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51described on the particulars as two bedrooms.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53So, the current master is there.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55This little dressing corridor,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59but this, to me, is the main event.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00The real selling point....
0:16:00 > 0:16:01- This is amazing.- Wow!
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- ..of this building. - Wow, this is great.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I love it, amazing beams.- Would you go for a family room up here?
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Would you keep this as is or go for more bedroom space?
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Master suite up here?
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Well, it could be a master suite, but I think, also,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18it lends itself quite nicely to a really funky playroom
0:16:18 > 0:16:21or party room.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22I wondered when we'd get to that.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26I get the feeling you two are quite used to a good party.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28No, it's good.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31This is definitely a real wow point of the house.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Upstairs doesn't worry me at all -
0:16:33 > 0:16:36it needs a bit of knocking around but it's good.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Downstairs worries me a little bit more.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41OK, let's go and have a look at the garden space and see
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- what that offers you. And we might talk about the price.- Yes.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48That worries me a little bit, as well!
0:16:49 > 0:16:53There is certainly some work to be done with this place, but for
0:16:53 > 0:16:56someone with Mickey's development experience, it offers endless
0:16:56 > 0:16:59possibilities, and I think it could make a fantastic home.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Outside, it's surrounded by a well-maintained cottage garden,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09as well as three acres of sloping paddocks.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12So let's climb up here.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Give you a view of what you get at the back of this one.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19In terms of the garden set-up, you've got an immediate garden here,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23but let's not forget, you've also got three acres that come with this.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25So how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:17:25 > 0:17:30I think it'll probably be on the market for in excess of 800,000.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Mm-hm. Yeah, Charley?
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- 775.- Oh!
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- Well, um, this is on at £830,000.- Gosh.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46I mean, I think, whilst it is a beautiful, beautiful property,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50I think the sheer cost of what it would cost
0:17:50 > 0:17:54to make it into the property that I would like to live in,
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- I think it probably is just one step too far.- Interesting.- Price-wise.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Go and have a quick run around,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05make sense of it and I will come and find you a little bit later on.
0:18:05 > 0:18:06- OK.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11This fabulous converted coach house offers Mickey
0:18:11 > 0:18:14a project she could really sink her teeth into.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17There's plenty of room for visiting guests to stay,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20lots of entertaining space and that separate annexe.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23What's more, there's a large garden for Tom and the dogs and it's
0:18:23 > 0:18:26within walking distance to the pub in Slad and is just
0:18:26 > 0:18:29a 15-minute drive to Tom's school.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33I would absolutely love to take on something like this.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Tom would absolutely love the playroom upstairs.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38I mean, he could have the whole run of the top floor.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41I think probably that's where it'd end.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44He's lazy, so the sloping garden, he would find that pretty tedious.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47There's only two of us, with two little dogs.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51We would really rattle around in a big property like this.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55But a mini version, that would be perfect.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59It's nice to see this property nestled in this little valley.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03Maybe this was a view that Laurie Lee favoured, who knows?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- All done, girls?- Yes, thank you.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Come on, then, the pub's just up the road. Lunch time.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17At the turn of the 20th century, Gloucestershire became an important
0:19:17 > 0:19:22centre for the Arts And Crafts Movement, led by William Morris.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Faced with the effects of industrialisation and the
0:19:24 > 0:19:28introduction of mass production, many British designers championed
0:19:28 > 0:19:33the movement that was in favour of simpler, traditional ways of making.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Groups of craftsmen left the cities
0:19:35 > 0:19:37to set up workshops in the countryside.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40One of the most popular destinations was the Cotswolds.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Bespoke shoemaker Caroline Groves comes from a long line of craftsmen.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Her great grandfather was a cabinet-maker
0:19:47 > 0:19:50and right-hand man to designer CR Ashbee,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52a key figure in the Arts And Crafts Movement,
0:19:52 > 0:19:58who led a team of 150 craftsmen to Chipping Campden in 1902.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02With Mickey's ambition to one day open her own fashion boutique,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06we sent her and Charley to meet up with Caroline at her workshop.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Hi, Mickey. Nice to meet you. Hi, Charley.- Hi.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Handicraft and design, obviously, runs in your family.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Was it a natural progression for you to go into the industry?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Yeah, that was my childhood. I thought everybody made things.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24I didn't realise it was a natural progression until I was
0:20:24 > 0:20:27at home with my first child in my early 20s.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31I found that I reverted to wanting to make things with my hands.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36The rest is history. Almost 30 years of working with leather.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Caroline trained and worked with a local shoemaker for 15 years
0:20:40 > 0:20:43before setting up her own business.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46As well as producing bespoke artisan shoes,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50she also makes leather accessories like bags, purses and belts.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54You have some beautiful pieces, and what's this in your hand?
0:20:54 > 0:20:55This is called a last.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57This is where we start.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02It's a shape which includes the client's measurements and it
0:21:02 > 0:21:07includes style details, such as heel height and toe shape.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10On average, how long does a pair of bespoke shoes take to make?
0:21:10 > 0:21:15If I'm doing standard work, I may make as many as two pairs of shoes
0:21:15 > 0:21:19in a week. Something like this, that's highly decorative,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22if I was producing a pair of those in two weeks,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24I'd be a happy person.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Would you mind us having a look in your workshop?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28No, please come along.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33All Caroline's items are entirely handmade, using just basic tools
0:21:33 > 0:21:39and traditional methods, hence a price tag upwards of £2,750.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Today, the sisters are going to be having a go at
0:21:42 > 0:21:43a process called skiving,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47used to reduce and refine the edges of leather, before it's folded.
0:21:47 > 0:21:53Generally, a first skive is quite a steep cut,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57taking the edge off the leather.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Always cleaning away.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Then, a shallower cut,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07so that you get a nice,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09pared edge.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13So, prior to folding that edge, I'm just going to notch it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17How has this process changed over time?
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Are you still doing this in the same way as craftsmen used to?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26There's nothing I'm doing here that a shoemaker 150 years ago
0:22:26 > 0:22:28wouldn't recognise.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32After adding a rubber solution to the edges, to make them tacky,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Caroline gently manipulates the leather to form the shape.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Again, with the hammer
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and encourage that over.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48There's an edge
0:22:48 > 0:22:51that could be, you know, similar.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55You know, it's got similar curves that you would have on the top line
0:22:55 > 0:22:57of a shoe.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02Now, traditional shoemaking has been largely superseded by industrial
0:23:02 > 0:23:05mass production, due to the sheer volume that can be produced,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09not forgetting the speed, but when it comes to quality and attention
0:23:09 > 0:23:12to detail, I think the craftsmen of the Arts And Crafts Movement
0:23:12 > 0:23:16were right - you can't beat time-honoured, handcrafting skills.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19Well done. Gosh!
0:23:19 > 0:23:20THEY CHUCKLE
0:23:20 > 0:23:21I could train you.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Well, if you're ever looking for an assistant,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30I'll be moving up to the Cotswolds in the next few months.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32So, er, please do give me a call.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Yeah, for sure, Mickey, I think you'd be excellent.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37But if the potential job doesn't work out,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Mickey could always stock some of Caroline's bespoke pieces
0:23:40 > 0:23:42in her planned boutique instead.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Our next stop is in the small village of Falfield.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55The vibrant market town of Wotton-underEdge is six miles away
0:23:55 > 0:23:58and has a selection of independent shops and cafes.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Originally built on the prosperity of the wool trade,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05its street layout remains mostly mediaeval.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08A mix of architecturally important listed buildings
0:24:08 > 0:24:10and traditional Cotswold stone houses.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15A landmark of Wotton is the clock perched on the Tolsey Building
0:24:15 > 0:24:17overlooking the high street.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19It was erected in 1897
0:24:19 > 0:24:23to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25For visitors more interested in exploring the countryside
0:24:25 > 0:24:30than the shops, the famous 100-mile footpath, the Cotswold Way,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33passes through the town on its way from Chipping Camden to Bath.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37But back on the outskirts of Falfield,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39our property is a converted farm building.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44Now, to be honest with this one,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46I'm not entirely sure which is the front.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49For argument's sake, we'll deal with this side first
0:24:49 > 0:24:52because I think this really gives you an idea of what's on offer.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Owned by a builder and he's spent many years transforming
0:24:56 > 0:25:00what was a derelict barn into a really interesting family home.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It looks good. I think it looks like it's already been done.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Mickey?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Looks like there's not much of a project here
0:25:08 > 0:25:12but I'm definitely excited to see what's behind those doors.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16That doesn't worry me because I think you'll always find something to do.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- No, no, I will. You're right.- Let's see what they have done. Come on.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Originally a barn belonging to the neighbouring stately home,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28the property was converted in 2000.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Part of the cobbled terrace outside dates back to 1876.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Although this house looks modest from the front,
0:25:36 > 0:25:41the interior provides over 1,300 square feet of living space.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44The ground floor is laid out in an inverted L-shape
0:25:44 > 0:25:47with an entrance that leads into the breakfast room.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52So, Mickey, what does your designer's eye make of this lot?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Well, rather too many walls but they look...
0:25:55 > 0:26:00There are always going to be too many walls for you, I suspect.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02We need a barn, don't we? We've got one
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- but with a few more walls... - No, no, it's looking good.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I mean, you've got quite a nice garden room through here.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Everything does sort of flow together. What do you think?
0:26:13 > 0:26:17I think it's great. I like the character of the exposed brickwork.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22And it all continues through here into this rather lovely
0:26:22 > 0:26:25open-plan dining area, as you can see.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27That looks good.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31I can see the wheels are turning, yeah.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I hadn't appreciated when we came in, I thought
0:26:33 > 0:26:37that was the kitchen, so to see it all opening up, it's good.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40You're going to love what's next door. Come and have a look at this.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41The living room.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Spatially, I think this could really work for Mickey.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47The living room at the back of the house
0:26:47 > 0:26:51is divided into two seating areas - one up on a raised mezzanine.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Oh, brilliant.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Wow. That's kind of cool.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Isn't it?
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Brilliant, cool. Can you add to that, Charley?- This is amazing.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- Amazing.- Gosh, and from the outside,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04it looked really kind of low,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07and then this has got a hugely high ceiling.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- I'm pleasantly surprised. - Hoorah, excellent. Good.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Let's build on that and look upstairs. Let's go this way.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Also on the ground floor is a large study and two double bedrooms
0:27:19 > 0:27:22ideal for Mickey's London guests,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24each with its own en-suite shower room
0:27:24 > 0:27:26and a great utility space.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Upstairs, there are two further doubles which share the use
0:27:30 > 0:27:32of a very stylish curved modern bathroom
0:27:32 > 0:27:34and of course there's the master.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38So this, we are thinking, Mickey, would be yours.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- Gosh. Good view.- Amazing view. - Lovely window seat, too, actually.
0:27:42 > 0:27:48But you also have a kind of similarly appointed en suite
0:27:48 > 0:27:50with rolltop bath slap bang in the middle of it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55I think we can all agree that the finishes are excellent,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59but probably not quite what Mickey would want
0:27:59 > 0:28:02in the way that you Mickey-fy your properties.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05But I think, Charley, the bones are here.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I think this has been a beautifully put-together house
0:28:08 > 0:28:11and I think it wouldn't take Mickey two seconds
0:28:11 > 0:28:13to bring it in line with her taste.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15And colour scheme.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- That's fantastic.- So it's really a bit of cosmetic fun, I suspect.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Right, then, let's finish up outside.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Let's head down via the mezzanine.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26There we are.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Outside, there are number of spaces for Mickey and Tom to make use of,
0:28:30 > 0:28:34including a cobbled inner courtyard, great for entertaining,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37and a triple garage with huge storage space.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41There's also a large veggie patch alongside the lawned back garden
0:28:41 > 0:28:44with rural views across the surrounding fields.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48And then this, I think, is a really useful patch,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51just to give somewhere for Tom to let his hair down
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- and kick a football around and all the rest of it.- This is cool.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- And you can try your hand at the vegetables, why not?- Why not?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02What could possibly go wrong?!
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I think this is perfect.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08It's about as much as I can handle, I like it. The garden is good.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11So how much is it worth, Charlie?
0:29:11 > 0:29:15I'm going to go with £780,000.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Are you? £780,000.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21OK, Mickey.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26I think I will probably go for 725,000.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Just not high enough, girls. - Oh, really?- Just not high enough.
0:29:30 > 0:29:36This is on at £895,000.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37It's not?
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Oh, my goodness. - It's Gloucestershire.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Bristol is not that far away.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- Bit of a shock.- Yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Go back and have another look around.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Just soak up those sumptuous finishes
0:29:49 > 0:29:52and see what you get for that sort of money here. Off you go.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56I will catch up with you a little bit later on,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58while they do some more sums.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03This property might be at the top end of Mickey's budget
0:30:03 > 0:30:06but it really wouldn't require any major work,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08other than a little tweaking.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10It's got one more bedroom than she wanted,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14a flat, manageable garden and it's within walking distance of a pub.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18What's more, Tom's school is just a 15-minute drive away.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19It's a double-edged sword for me
0:30:19 > 0:30:24because I'd hate her to move down here and be bored,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27and she would be if she didn't have something to get her teeth into.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Yet again, I think there is a happy medium.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33I don't want her to take on the world.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I could have pictured myself loving in this house, definitely,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39when I could have afforded to put my own stamp on it.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43It's a lovely house, it would be an easy place to live.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I think it's a case of so far, so good,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50but clearly we have a lot more to do to get this house search right
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and to get you into something that's going to work,
0:30:53 > 0:30:54so, ready to go?
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Yeah. Right, then. Let's go.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It's the second day of our search with Londoner Mickey
0:31:09 > 0:31:12who, with the help of sister Charley, is looking for a
0:31:12 > 0:31:17country pad for her and her son Tom on a generous budget of £900,000.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Having lived in seven properties in the last six years,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23she's decided it's time to put down roots
0:31:23 > 0:31:26in the Gloucestershire countryside.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Still to come, our Mystery House makes an impact.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It's not at all what I expected the Mystery House to be.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35No, it's a million, zillion times better.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38And I find out why this 19th-century Gothic mansion
0:31:38 > 0:31:41remains unfinished to this day.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Just going into the dining room now.- Wow.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45That's amazing, isn't it?
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Despite all the obvious fun we're having this week
0:31:50 > 0:31:52on our house search with Mickey and her sister,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55as we begin day two, I do have one major concern,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59and it's not about the budget, as is often the case.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02My worry is that Mickey's obsession with wanting to redesign
0:32:02 > 0:32:06her new home is rather overshadowing the real challenge that she faces.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10And that is leaving all that's familiar behind in London
0:32:10 > 0:32:13and trying to set up a new life here in the countryside.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I'm just not fully convinced she's prepared for what
0:32:16 > 0:32:19that is going to involve. So, what can we do about it?
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Well, today we have, of course, two more properties to come,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25a stunning Mystery House, which, amazingly,
0:32:25 > 0:32:29has managed to combine almost every period in British
0:32:29 > 0:32:32architectural history, with a nice little twist to boot.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36But first, a property which, at first glance, may look more at home
0:32:36 > 0:32:40in the Tuscan countryside, but in truth, of course, it's not
0:32:40 > 0:32:44in Italy, it's on a hillside in Gloucestershire, just over there.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49We are heading for the village of Horsley, again situated in
0:32:49 > 0:32:53the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58The village itself is small, but the nearby town of Nailsworth
0:32:58 > 0:33:00is just over a mile away.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Nestled in a wooded valley and surrounded by unspoilt
0:33:03 > 0:33:06countryside, it's popular with visiting hikers and mountain bikers
0:33:06 > 0:33:11who come to explore the variety of footpaths and cycle trails.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14In recent years, Nailsworth has also gained a reputation
0:33:14 > 0:33:17for award-winning restaurants and eateries.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21The individual shops and boutiques house a variety of goods,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24from locally grown produce to antiques and collectibles.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Featured in The Sunday Times
0:33:26 > 0:33:28as one of the best places to live in Britain,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31and just ten minutes from Tom's school in Minchinhampton,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I could really see Mickey living somewhere like this.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Our property is in an elevated position above the Horsley Valley,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41down a quiet country lane.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Right. Here we are, then.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- Wow.- What do you make of that? - It looks good.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Definitely a bit of a suntrap here.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55The whole thing has been geared up to capture not just the sun,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58but also the views beyond.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00At this point, we're not seeing much of the house,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02cos I'm guessing it all faces towards the views.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Absolutely.- But from a view perspective, spectacular.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09It's so different, this one. It wouldn't work for everybody
0:34:09 > 0:34:13but I think for you two, this should be of interest.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15That's my plan, anyway!
0:34:15 > 0:34:16Good. Exciting.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Good, come on, let's see what you think.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23With its Cotswold-stone exterior, from the outside,
0:34:23 > 0:34:28this single-storey house appears typical of the local architecture.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30But if Mickey and Charley are envisaging
0:34:30 > 0:34:33a traditional interior, they'd be wrong.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Built in 2000, the current owners designed it
0:34:36 > 0:34:38from a mix of foreign influences after living abroad.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44I don't think this is what you might have been expecting.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- No, it definitely isn't.- Wow.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- No, it's really cool.- Isn't it? - It's quite sort of nautical.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I think you're right to pick up on the boat idea -
0:34:54 > 0:34:57there are lots of model ships everywhere, which is kind of helpful
0:34:57 > 0:35:02but also it leans heavily on the owners' love of the Mediterranean.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07Yeah, it's like the plasterwork... you find in Spanish villas.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Oh, yeah. It all opens up and flows through here, creating this lovely
0:35:11 > 0:35:14sort of...forum, if you like...
0:35:14 > 0:35:19To come back to the Italian idea of celebrating the view.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Wow, it's amazing.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Charley looks a bit lost for words.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28No, I mean, I love the fact that it all revolves around the fantastic view.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31The space is good, you know. I like the way the space works.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33I mean, I would probably need a slightly bigger kitchen
0:35:33 > 0:35:36but I could definitely work with it, it's good. Thumbs-up so far.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Thumbs-up so far!
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Now, it's got four bedrooms. The current master is down some steps
0:35:42 > 0:35:46over there, but I'm going to take you in here, because I think this
0:35:46 > 0:35:49is the perfect master suite. And you'll see why.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Three of the property's four bedrooms lie off the central
0:35:53 > 0:35:56living areas. They're all doubles and each has its own en suite.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Right, come in.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02- Ah, you see...?- Oh, my goodness.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Sort of sitting area, and then through here...
0:36:06 > 0:36:08..is revealed the main bedroom area.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Oh, wow.- Is this the sort of thing
0:36:11 > 0:36:13that you think you could put your stamp on?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Oh, I think I could definitely put my stamp on something like this.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21I mean, it's not as much work as I thought I would want to take on,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24but I could definitely make it my own.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27I mean, we have to be realistic about what's involved in this move, don't we, Charley?
0:36:27 > 0:36:29You are my helper!
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Try to argue points of reason, because
0:36:32 > 0:36:36If you ARE to take on something, you know, you haven't got a lot of time
0:36:36 > 0:36:39to get the sale completed, do any work you want to do
0:36:39 > 0:36:42and have it all up and running for the start of the school term.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45So, I'm thinking this is just a way of getting this move underway
0:36:45 > 0:36:47with the minimum of aggravation.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Yeah. I think it's important that, when Mickey brings Tom down here,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54there is a home for them to move into and that
0:36:54 > 0:36:58he's happy and feels secure before he goes to a new school.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59Yeah.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01But she has to do something...
0:37:01 > 0:37:02THEY LAUGH
0:37:02 > 0:37:04..and this could be the perfect option.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05You can come and do mine, if you like!
0:37:05 > 0:37:08If you're short of things to redesign.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10But, you know, I think you could have a lot of fun here...
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- Yeah. No, you're right. - ..in a very simple cosmetic way.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18The Mediterranean influences are all over this property,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21in the bathrooms and even the stairs to the fourth bedroom
0:37:21 > 0:37:24in the loft, which is currently used as a study.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Outside, there is a useful workshop space and a garage.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31The landscaped gardens to the rear have been designed for ease of maintenance,
0:37:31 > 0:37:32with a decked sun terrace,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36accessed through French doors from the living areas.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Whoa, look at this. Bright.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42Bright sunshine. Bouncing off the floor.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43There we are.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Little stream down there, that's really sweet.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Oh, lots of walking around here.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Which is just as well because you don't get acres, you don't get a football field-sized garden -
0:37:51 > 0:37:53what you've got is this terraced garden here,
0:37:53 > 0:37:55and it runs down to that little, erm...
0:37:55 > 0:37:59box hedge at the bottom with a vegetable patch, as well, thrown in
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- for good measure. But a very social space, I think.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And again, another suntrap. Good for sunbathing.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Absolutely.- When the weather's good. - You can top your tan up almost all year round.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12So, Charley, how much do you think it is on the market for?
0:38:12 > 0:38:17It's an incredibly unique property. I think I'm going to go with...
0:38:17 > 0:38:22£870,000.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25And I think probably £850,000.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Not bad, actually.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- You are spot on.- Oh!
0:38:29 > 0:38:31THEY LAUGH
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Yeah, £850,000.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36For a slice of Mediterranean life
0:38:36 > 0:38:38in the heart of the English countryside.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Right, then. Off you go. Go and explore it.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42Take your time with this one.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- I'll spoil you with it. - Thank you.- Brilliant.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47While I...
0:38:47 > 0:38:49enjoy the sunshine and the view. Look at that.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56This fantastic Mediterranean-style modern home has the four bedrooms
0:38:56 > 0:39:00Mickey needs, and is already a great example of open-plan living,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04meaning she wouldn't need to go knocking down any walls.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05It's got a low-maintenance garden,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09it's half a mile from the local pub in Horsley, and, best of all,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12it would just be a ten-minute journey for the school run.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17I really like the house. It's really challenged everything that I thought that I would want,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20but I think, for me, this particular house,
0:39:20 > 0:39:25the garden is just not going to work for Tom and for the dogs -
0:39:25 > 0:39:27it's just on too much of a slope.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28Mickey needs to decide between
0:39:28 > 0:39:31her dream of doing a big project
0:39:31 > 0:39:34and finding a home and security for Tom.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I don't think, in the short time frame she has between now
0:39:37 > 0:39:42and the time Tom needs to go to school, she can satisfy both dreams.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46I mean, if the perfect house was out there and I saw it,
0:39:46 > 0:39:48it would actually be a result for me
0:39:48 > 0:39:51so that I wouldn't have to do anything.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Because then I could just get involved
0:39:53 > 0:39:55in starting my new life in the country.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59But, erm... Yeah. It remains to be seen.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03This is lovely. I could sit here all day long.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06But we can't. We've got one more to see.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- Happy here?- Yes.- Excellent.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Let's go and tempt you with our final offering.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21The Cotswolds' wool trade was, to a great extent, responsible for
0:40:21 > 0:40:23the prosperity of the region.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26But its character is most definitely a result of the abundance
0:40:26 > 0:40:31of stone, used to build hundreds of its villages.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35I'm visiting Woodchester Mansion, a 19th-century Gothic masterpiece,
0:40:35 > 0:40:40that was abandoned, mid-construction, in 1873.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Over the years it's been saved from dereliction, but it will never
0:40:43 > 0:40:44be completed.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Ray Canham from the Woodchester Mansion Trust
0:40:47 > 0:40:49is showing me around.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Just going into the dining room now. - Wow.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53That's amazing, isn't it?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56And this is what the mansion is about.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58You can see the way it's not complete -
0:40:58 > 0:41:02as we're looking around, you can see the way the centring
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- is used to create the arches... - Isn't that wonderful?
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- And that is the original timber centring?- Yes.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08And I'd like to think they had left it there
0:41:08 > 0:41:10so we could show it to you today.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12But what is the story, Ray? How did it come to pass that this
0:41:12 > 0:41:17building was begun, and then left so spectacularly unfinished?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20William Leigh, the mansion builder,
0:41:20 > 0:41:25inherited, when he was very young, about £170,000 from his father.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29And he converted to Catholicism in the 1840s.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32And wanted to move somewhere where he could establish
0:41:32 > 0:41:33a Catholic community.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36On the site was a Georgian mansion.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39William Leigh took advice from Augustus Pugin,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42and Pugin said, "Pull it down, and start again."
0:41:42 > 0:41:44As perhaps an architect might!
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- He's obviously looking for a bit of business, isn't he?- He was.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50But why go to all the trouble of creating a GOTHIC mansion?
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Because I'm sure the original Georgian one
0:41:53 > 0:41:57would have sat in the valley in a pretty aspect, and yet this
0:41:57 > 0:41:59is so clearly over the top.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01It's not really a cosy family home, is it?
0:42:01 > 0:42:04I don't think it was ever going to be a family home, but that is just
0:42:04 > 0:42:07a personal view. This could have been to entertain the great
0:42:07 > 0:42:08and the good of the Catholic Church.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Looking at the sheer scale of this place, it seems as though Leigh's
0:42:11 > 0:42:15ambitions for the building could never have been realised.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18As his capital diminished, progress became slow.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23When he died in 1873, over 20 years after work began,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26the building was never completed.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29But his misfortune is our fortune. We're now able to not only marvel
0:42:29 > 0:42:31at this building,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34but study it in a way that we would never have imagined.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Stonemason Johnny Anderson has been at Woodchester
0:42:36 > 0:42:41for eight years, using its masonry history for training others.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Hello, Johnny, nice to meet you.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- Pleased to meet you. - A bit of conservation in action.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Well, that's why we're here.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Now, what a training ground for any stonemason.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I mean, surely every technique you would ever need to master
0:42:53 > 0:42:55is identifiable.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Yeah, and you don't need a textbook, you just point to it.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I was lucky enough to have a traditional apprenticeship,
0:43:01 > 0:43:06but today, the young people in a sterile workshop environment,
0:43:06 > 0:43:09when they come here, they join the dots together
0:43:09 > 0:43:13and see their workshop work
0:43:13 > 0:43:14and the site work,
0:43:14 > 0:43:19and they marry the two together and it's all explained here.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22What are you about to replicate with this block?
0:43:22 > 0:43:26So I'm taking this block down, I'm squaring the top off and this
0:43:26 > 0:43:29is one of the first things you learn to do as an apprentice.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31So if I give you a short demonstration,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- would you like to have a go? - Yeah, go on.- OK.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37What you want to do is get a rhythm.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41And the idea is to get a draught going...
0:43:41 > 0:43:42- Draught?- A draught.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45And the draught is the name for the straight line
0:43:45 > 0:43:48that the mason works in across the top of his block.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52There are over 30 different types of limestone used in the building,
0:43:52 > 0:43:54and looking around, you can see
0:43:54 > 0:43:58countless examples of techniques, finishes and tool marks on show.
0:43:58 > 0:44:03If you try and keep the straight line going,
0:44:03 > 0:44:05you're working towards the end of the block.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Kept in its current state,
0:44:07 > 0:44:09the mansion offers us a fantastic window
0:44:09 > 0:44:12on 19th-century architectural practice,
0:44:12 > 0:44:14and provides a remarkable research tool,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18to teach and inspire new generations of students and tradesmen.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Outside, the 500-acre grounds of Woodchester Park
0:44:22 > 0:44:25have a story of their own to tell.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27Although now overgrown with trees,
0:44:27 > 0:44:31area ranger Max Dancer and his team from the National Trust
0:44:31 > 0:44:34have discovered the remains of a 19th-century terraced garden
0:44:34 > 0:44:37that has fallen into disrepair.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40This is what I really want to show you, Jules.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45Welcome to Woodchester's own Italian gardens.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47So, this was made for the...
0:44:47 > 0:44:50Georgian mansion that would've sat where the
0:44:50 > 0:44:52current Victorian mansion sits now.
0:44:52 > 0:44:53That's incredible.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56I'm fascinated by this archaeology that you've uncovered here.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58It's just fantastic, isn't it,
0:44:58 > 0:45:00this is the remains of an old water fountain.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04Imagine water trickling down here, so beautiful, romantic, therapeutic.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08I would love this area to be grassed, for the cascade
0:45:08 > 0:45:12above us to be on show, and for the public to be able to see it.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16And really sort of put themselves back into 18th-century Britain.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20The ambition they're bringing to this project is admirable.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23I just hope that, unlike the builders of the main house,
0:45:23 > 0:45:26Max and his team are able to finish what they've started,
0:45:26 > 0:45:29opening up some of this fascinating history for the public.
0:45:33 > 0:45:34Heading back to our search,
0:45:34 > 0:45:37I've got another historic masterpiece to show Mickey.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42So Jules, we're really excited about the Mystery House.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44Does it...
0:45:44 > 0:45:45have a flat garden?
0:45:45 > 0:45:47It does have a flat garden.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49Does it have a...
0:45:49 > 0:45:50thatched roof?
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- No.- Good.
0:45:54 > 0:45:55Is it listed?
0:45:55 > 0:45:58Might be. Might be!
0:45:58 > 0:46:00Does it need any work?
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Well, this is always the leading question with you, Mickey. Erm...
0:46:03 > 0:46:06For many of us it probably wouldn't need any work at all,
0:46:06 > 0:46:08but I know you'll want to do something
0:46:08 > 0:46:10so I think there's scope for you to play around with it. Yeah.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16We're on the road heading to a hamlet called The Mythe,
0:46:16 > 0:46:18on the northern edge of the Cotswolds
0:46:18 > 0:46:21close to the Worcestershire border.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24The nearby medieval market town of Tewkesbury
0:46:24 > 0:46:27lies at the confluence of the rivers Severn and Avon.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Steeped in history and medieval character,
0:46:30 > 0:46:33visitors can take a stroll through a town rich in black-and-white
0:46:33 > 0:46:37timber-framed buildings, or visit the 900-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey
0:46:37 > 0:46:40with its striking Norman tower.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42In the 16th century, most of the monastery buildings
0:46:42 > 0:46:45were destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48But the Abbey was rescued by the parishioners,
0:46:48 > 0:46:52who bought it back for the sum of £453.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55Crossing over the River Avon, our mystery house is just a mile
0:46:55 > 0:46:58from the town and is set back from the road.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02Oh, this is trust, isn't it? This is trust! Keep walking.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04Keep walking, keep walking.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07Keep walking. Oh, feel that lovely sunshine.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11And stop there. And you may open your eyes now.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- Oh, my goodness!- Oh, wow.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Wow. Oh, you definitely saved the best till last.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- Yeah, didn't we just?! - Wow. It's amazing.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20You could be Lady of the Manor. How about that?
0:47:20 > 0:47:22I can't quite believe it.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Well, there is more truth in that than you might think
0:47:24 > 0:47:28because this one actually does come with a title.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32If you owned this, you'd become Lord of Mythe and Mythe Hook -
0:47:32 > 0:47:33Lord of the Manor of Mythe and Mythe Hook.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35Oh, right. Do I need a sex change?
0:47:35 > 0:47:36THEY LAUGH
0:47:36 > 0:47:40No. But you can give it to Tom..
0:47:40 > 0:47:43- Oh, I see.- ..as a moving present. How about that?
0:47:43 > 0:47:47None of his mates are lords, at seven years old, I'm sure. Er, yeah.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51OK, right, then, let's do it country-style - let's use the back door, shall we?
0:47:54 > 0:48:00Not surprisingly, this rare property is Grade II-listed.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04Less than 6% of all listed buildings have this grading.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06The first owner on record was William the Conqueror's wife,
0:48:06 > 0:48:10Matilda - the land given to her as a gift from her husband.
0:48:10 > 0:48:11It was later sold to King John,
0:48:11 > 0:48:15who used it as a hunting lodge in the 13th century.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Over the years, it has been added to and embellished,
0:48:18 > 0:48:21and was sympathetically restored and extended in the 1980s
0:48:21 > 0:48:24to create a beautiful family home.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27So...
0:48:27 > 0:48:28my Lady.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30THEY LAUGH
0:48:30 > 0:48:32Oh, my goodness.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34It's really grown up!
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- Well, we are all sort of growing up, I mean...- Yeah.- You know.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42It's not at all what I expected the Mystery House to be.
0:48:42 > 0:48:46No. It's a million, zillion times better.
0:48:46 > 0:48:47Come on, have a look through here.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51I mean, this is obviously the diner end of the kitchen/diner,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54and bearing in mind, you know, this IS the new extension,
0:48:54 > 0:48:56once again, just beautifully done and thought through
0:48:56 > 0:48:59with these oak beams and doors out to the garden...
0:48:59 > 0:49:01Yes.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Come through here. This is the living room...
0:49:04 > 0:49:08The magical mix of medieval and 16th-century architecture in this house
0:49:08 > 0:49:11really works with the modern finishes.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14The main reception room is south-facing,
0:49:14 > 0:49:16making it wonderfully light.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20You see, I'm wondering whether this room has already been Mickey-fied.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23- MICKEY GASPS - Yes, it has a bit.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25- It's amazing. - Yeah, it's really good.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29So, I don't think you'd have to do too much to this to make it yours.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32- No.- Who'd have thought it possible that we might have found something
0:49:32 > 0:49:34that you didn't to rethink?
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- Oh, she'll find something! - Yeah! Well, I'm sure, but...
0:49:38 > 0:49:39come on, let's go upstairs.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44I think Mickey is genuinely taken with this house,
0:49:44 > 0:49:46as I hoped she would be.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49The five bedrooms are split across the two top floors.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51There are three bedrooms on the first floor,
0:49:51 > 0:49:57one with an en-suite shower room, and a luxurious family bathroom.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00But as we head up the Norman tower, there are a further two bedrooms,
0:50:00 > 0:50:04the largest used as a living room - the perfect playroom for Tom.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07And then there's the master bedroom.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13- Oh... Wow.- Yeah.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15It's like we've stepped back in time.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17Well - this is you, the maiden at the top of the tower.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19This is one of the oldest parts of the building,
0:50:19 > 0:50:22the Norman tower of course, looking out...
0:50:22 > 0:50:24- Oh, I see, yeah.- ..into the garden.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26- I love that window.- I do, too.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29Would you come and stay, Charley?
0:50:29 > 0:50:32- I think I'd probably never move out. - THEY LAUGH
0:50:32 > 0:50:35I'm thinking about relocating, myself.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38It's really fun. And, you know, we are a little bit further away
0:50:38 > 0:50:40from the school in Minchinhampton
0:50:40 > 0:50:42that you're thinking of sending Tom to -
0:50:42 > 0:50:44about 45 minutes - but the building you get as a result...
0:50:46 > 0:50:49..Charley, come on, help me...
0:50:49 > 0:50:53- It's gorgeous.- No, I totally agree. I mean, the building is beautiful.
0:50:53 > 0:50:54What do we think it's worth, then?
0:50:54 > 0:50:57You can think about it on our way to the bottom. Come on.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03Outside, the property is surrounded by beautiful level-lawn gardens
0:51:03 > 0:51:07to the front and side, with a number of seating areas.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09There's also a purpose-built arts studio, which I imagine
0:51:09 > 0:51:12Mickey would make use of as a garden room, or entertaining space
0:51:12 > 0:51:14in the summer.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18So, make us an offer, then, on our final offering - our gorgeous,
0:51:18 > 0:51:20wonderful Mystery House.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23Well, I never in a million years thought I would be able to afford
0:51:23 > 0:51:26anything like this, and I'm going to be optimistic in my price...
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Mm-hm. Yeah.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31..and put it right on my top budget,
0:51:31 > 0:51:33which was £900,000.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35£900,000. Yeah? Charley...?
0:51:35 > 0:51:39- I'm going to go with £950,000. - £950,000.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41I mean, any of those figures, frankly,
0:51:41 > 0:51:44I think would be completely justified on this one,
0:51:44 > 0:51:46but here's the trick...
0:51:46 > 0:51:48And this is why I think
0:51:48 > 0:51:50the 45-minute commute
0:51:50 > 0:51:53is worth making, because this could be yours...
0:51:54 > 0:51:57..for £850,000.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59No!
0:51:59 > 0:52:01THEY LAUGH
0:52:01 > 0:52:02- Oh, my goodness!- Wow!
0:52:02 > 0:52:05- So is that just because of the different location?- Yeah.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08- We've come a little bit... - We've stepped a little way outside of the heart of the Cotswolds.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- Oh, my goodness.- Yeah.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13Lady Mickey!
0:52:13 > 0:52:15THEY LAUGH
0:52:15 > 0:52:19Right, then, I'm going to give you as much time as I can though here,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21and I will come and find you a little bit later on.
0:52:21 > 0:52:22Go on, off you go. Go on, Charley.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24Take your time.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29This beautifully presented house offers Mickey a real slice
0:52:29 > 0:52:35of local history - and a title - for an amazing £50,000 below budget.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38The generously proportioned rooms offer a great living space,
0:52:38 > 0:52:42with five bedrooms, and the perfect flat garden for Tom and the dogs.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44It's only minutes to Tewkesbury,
0:52:44 > 0:52:48but the compromise is the 45-minute journey to Tom's school
0:52:48 > 0:52:50in Minchinhampton.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54- Nice arts studio.- Yeah, amazing.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56Such a versatile space, you could actually do anything with it.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58But how cool is that house?
0:52:58 > 0:53:00I mean, amazing, isn't it? Look at it.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03I can really imagine you here, I think it's...
0:53:03 > 0:53:06It's very homely, it's everything you want.
0:53:06 > 0:53:11- Tom would love it.- Can you imagine coming to one of my brilliant dinner parties, at that dining-room table?
0:53:11 > 0:53:13And probably not leaving, yeah!
0:53:15 > 0:53:17I mean, I absolutely love the house -
0:53:17 > 0:53:20the one reservation that I have is
0:53:20 > 0:53:24I've kind of gone down the route of putting Tom into a school,
0:53:24 > 0:53:28and so I think we've just got to try and work out whether...
0:53:28 > 0:53:33you know, in reality, it's doable.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38You know, I love this building - it's been here for over 1,000 years,
0:53:38 > 0:53:42and if its walls could talk it would tell tales of kings and queens, and who knows,
0:53:42 > 0:53:46maybe in the future, Lady Mickey of the Manor, how about that?
0:53:46 > 0:53:49- I know, it sounds good. - It does sound very good, doesn't it?
0:53:49 > 0:53:52Well, my ladies, I'm afraid your carriage awaits, we've got to go.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55You've got a lot to think about. Come on.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Well, our journey this week has certainly thrown up
0:54:04 > 0:54:07plenty of challenges for Charley and, importantly, for Mickey.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09But also, I think,
0:54:09 > 0:54:12one or two conclusions that they weren't really expecting.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14We've given them lots to think about -
0:54:14 > 0:54:17but have we managed to find them a house for the future?
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Well, let's go and ask them.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30Well, guys... This is the end of the line, I'm afraid.
0:54:30 > 0:54:31The process is nearly over.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35We've given you, I think, some really interesting properties
0:54:35 > 0:54:36this week to consider,
0:54:36 > 0:54:38but I suspect, Charley,
0:54:38 > 0:54:41it's going to come as no surprise to anybody, watching this,
0:54:41 > 0:54:43that there is one clear favourite.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Am I right?
0:54:45 > 0:54:49You're right, Jules, the Mystery House was incredible.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54It's put a real cat amongst the pigeons, because now everything
0:54:54 > 0:54:58is up in the air. I've got to look a little bit more into the area...
0:54:58 > 0:55:00You know, even potentially look at different schools,
0:55:00 > 0:55:04because I'm not sure 45 minutes is workable for me, but...
0:55:04 > 0:55:06I absolutely love that house,
0:55:06 > 0:55:10I never imagined that we'd see anything like that,
0:55:10 > 0:55:12and er... I mean, that's a house that I feel that
0:55:12 > 0:55:16we can really grow in and enjoy.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18- A proper family seat!- Yeah.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21With, let's not forget, a title!
0:55:21 > 0:55:22You know, come on.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26Your Ladyship. I mean, it's all good.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28And Tom being His Little Lordship.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30I mean, there is still a lot to consider.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32So what happens next?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34Well, I think I've got to do some driving around,
0:55:34 > 0:55:37I've got to consult the map.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41And erm, yeah, got to... move forward, I think.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43It's been a lot of fun, guys...
0:55:43 > 0:55:45We've made light, in some respects,
0:55:45 > 0:55:47of this enormous decision that you are having to make,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50but I do think you're coming to the right area.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53You've had some brilliant advice this week from you, Charley,
0:55:53 > 0:55:54thank you for YOUR help.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56Made my job a lot easier.
0:55:56 > 0:55:57It's been a great pleasure -
0:55:57 > 0:56:00- best of luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10Well, we finished up this week in the lovely surroundings
0:56:10 > 0:56:11at Elmore Court.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13It's said that the grounds and the gardens here
0:56:13 > 0:56:16so inspired a young Hubert Parry
0:56:16 > 0:56:19that he composed the tune to the hymn Jerusalem.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21Now, of course, the words we now all know and love
0:56:21 > 0:56:24written by the poet William Blake.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29"And did those feet in ancient times walk upon England's pastures green?"
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Well, in truth, of course, we will probably never know
0:56:32 > 0:56:35the answer to that one, but I do hope that, in due course,
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Mickey's will. Or should it be Lady Mickey? Watch this space.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41I'll see you next time.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45After researching her options,
0:56:45 > 0:56:47Mickey eventually decided our Mystery House
0:56:47 > 0:56:50was just too far from the school.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53But I am pleased to report she's just bought another property
0:56:53 > 0:56:56close to the school, which, of course, needs work.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58I have no doubt, once she's turned it into her dream home,
0:56:58 > 0:57:01she and Tom will be very happy in Gloucestershire.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:57:06 > 0:57:08Northern Ireland or England and would like our help,
0:57:08 > 0:57:13why not apply online at...