0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I'm in the midst of 30 buildings that span
0:00:04 > 0:00:06over 700 years of architectural history.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But I'm not in a village and I'm not in a market town.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And I'm not where you may think I am. So, where am I?
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Find out in just a moment.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38'Today's selection of country houses leaves one couple lost for words.'
0:00:38 > 0:00:41What's going through your minds at this point?
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Stunned.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49'And we might just have found the right house for them.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:50- Purpose-built for us, I think.- Yeah.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- I've bought it.- Yeah.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Today, I'm in Worcestershire
0:00:56 > 0:00:59and this is Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04Since the 1960s, they've been on a mission to rescue, relocate
0:01:04 > 0:01:08and preserve buildings of historical importance from across the Midlands.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11You'll find a medieval townhouse from Bromsgrove,
0:01:11 > 0:01:1514th century roofing from part of Worcester Cathedral,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17right through to a Victorian counting house
0:01:17 > 0:01:20that was rescued from the local cattle market.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Later on in the show, I'll be taking a look
0:01:22 > 0:01:26at the latest renovation project to have the wind put back in its sails.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30But first, let's take a look at what this wonderful county has to offer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Situated in the Midlands region of England,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Worcestershire shares borders with six counties,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41including Shropshire to the north-west
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and Herefordshire to the west.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Winding its way through fertile farmland,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48the Severn is the longest river in Britain,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51passing through Worcestershire towns and villages,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53including Bewdley and Upton.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Some of Worcestershire's most stunning vistas are found
0:01:57 > 0:02:01around the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06crisscrossed by around 100 miles of bridleways and footpaths.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10The landscape is said to have inspired Edward Elgar,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12who spent much of his life here.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16A statue of the composer is located in Great Malvern, a town that
0:02:16 > 0:02:20was also once a popular spa resort with the Georgians and Victorians.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Historically believed to have healing properties,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27the local water flows from natural springs
0:02:27 > 0:02:29dotted around the town to this day.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Georgian and Victorian architecture sits beside a medieval gems,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39including the Abbey Gateway, home to Malvern's Museum.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The town of Evesham was founded around an eighth-century abbey
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and is considered a gateway to the Cotswolds.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52Its arched bridge that crosses the River Avon was built in 1856,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55commissioned by long-time mayor Henry Workman.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58He also had the river dredged and used the sediment to create
0:02:58 > 0:03:00the neighbouring Workman Gardens.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04With such a wealth of classic English landscape
0:03:04 > 0:03:05and historic interest,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08it's little wonder that Worcestershire is a popular place
0:03:08 > 0:03:12for both the temporary and more permanent country escape.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18The good news is that Worcestershire as a whole is affordable.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23The average cost of a detached house here is around £280,000,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26just a few thousand pounds shy of the national average.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29But when you delve a little deeper, you will see that there's an
0:03:29 > 0:03:32east-west divide when it comes to price.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35East carries a premium because of its easy access to motorways
0:03:35 > 0:03:39and also to Birmingham, which makes it ideal with commuters.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42If you're looking for more from your property pound
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and you don't mind going more rural, then west is best,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48towards the borders of Shropshire and Herefordshire.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52So, let's meet the couple who are hoping to call this county home.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59Lee, a retired fireman, and Jane, a nurse from the city of Birmingham
0:03:59 > 0:04:02first got together over an unfortunate encounter
0:04:02 > 0:04:04at a post-rugby match party.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08I think it was coming to the end of the night and I had a few beers.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I tried to put my pint in an alcove - well, I thought it was
0:04:11 > 0:04:15a shelf but I think it was Jane's head and then it just soaked her.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18So, we agreed to meet and I think I was going to pay for the...
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- Dry cleaning. - The dry cleaning, yeah.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Obviously you don't like a beer shampoo very often.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27But he was quite a charming character when we met up.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Lee's charms led Jane to accept his proposal of marriage
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and the couple went on to set up home and raise three children
0:04:36 > 0:04:39in the city where they were born and bred.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43But once again, a rugby event, this time in neighbouring Shropshire,
0:04:43 > 0:04:48intervened in their lives and opened their eyes to pastures new.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I think the major turning point for us was when we went to
0:04:51 > 0:04:53an away match, for the rugby match.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55When we travelled down to Ludlow.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00I'd never ever been to Ludlow and we were just absolutely stunned
0:05:00 > 0:05:04by the countryside, what's out there, it's amazing.
0:05:04 > 0:05:0610 miles outside Birmingham, it's a different world.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- I think we've done Birmingham. - Yeah. To death.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13So, with their horizons broadened
0:05:13 > 0:05:15and once their children had flown the nest,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17they began planning their country escape.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And the three-storey family house they've called home for two decades
0:05:22 > 0:05:24has recently gone on the market.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27'I think you've got to grab life with both hands.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:30It's not worth sitting back and just letting life go by.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- You've got to get out there.- Hmm.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35'I've got to the stage now where I don't like the noise,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I don't like the crowds in the centre of town.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I find it quite depressing, to be honest.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44The move to the countryside will be a new challenge.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47It'll be something different, somewhere different to explore.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51We can go out for a walk, we can discover new things.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53That's all I want, really,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57just a nice quiet life but just something different.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02We haven't moved very far from where I was born, I'm still in Birmingham.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06And I really would like now to move just outside,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10just far enough away that you're not part of the city...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14..hustle and bustle, I've had enough of that now.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Cars rushing, noise and...
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I'd like, now, that little bit of quiet.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23And to make that move,
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Lee and Jane want a countryside location with easy access to family
0:06:28 > 0:06:31and their beloved grandchildren, who are all back in Birmingham.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34We're looking really to move towards Worcester,
0:06:34 > 0:06:38maybe Shropshire area and we need to be within probably an hour
0:06:38 > 0:06:42of my workplace currently, and also so we can get back
0:06:42 > 0:06:44if the children need us.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47It's the ideal time now to just do what we wanted to do
0:06:47 > 0:06:49and that's get out of the city completely.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Despite being lifelong city dwellers, they're confident
0:06:54 > 0:06:57their old skills will stand them in good stead in the country.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And they're keen to learn some new ones too.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03I was always brought up, you make sure you've got a full larder.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And that's how we live.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07We could go for months if there was a nuclear strike.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10We've got enough, we've got enough in there to live.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13One of our rooms will be a designated larder
0:07:13 > 0:07:14and then we'd just fill it.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18And it would be nice to have some new hobbies that we can do.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23I'd like to do either clay pigeon or target shooting, but...
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Each day hopefully will bring a new challenge.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28I mean, that sounds twee but it really is time to go.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Now with their own house sold and buyers waiting to move in,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36the need to find themselves a new home is more urgent than ever.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39We put this house on the market to go after one particular property.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41And then we were gazumped.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Four properties, we've been gazumped.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49And we are due to be homeless in about two weeks' time.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52So really, we are desperate now to move.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Jane and Lee are focusing their attention on Worcestershire
0:08:00 > 0:08:03but will also consider areas of Shropshire that are within
0:08:03 > 0:08:07an hour's drive of Jane's nursing job in Dudley.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09But before we start looking at properties,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11I'm meeting them in the Worcestershire countryside
0:08:11 > 0:08:15to find out more about the home they'd like to live in.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Welcome to Worcestershire.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19I wanted to bring you up to the beautiful Clent Hills,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22it's such a gorgeous part of this county.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24I'd like to know what the two of you envisage
0:08:24 > 0:08:27when you think of your new home here in Worcestershire.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Smaller than the one we've got.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32At the moment, we've got a whole floor that we don't use.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36And it's time to move and make a much smaller place.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37What about the style of the property,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40the number of bedrooms, the living space.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43A minimum of two bedrooms ideally but three would be nice
0:08:43 > 0:08:46for when the children come to stay.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49A nice-sized garden, so when they do come, we can put them outside.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50An office, maybe.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Just something that when you walk in,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57it's different and there's that little surprise round the corner.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58So, are you looking for a property
0:08:58 > 0:09:01that you can literally just move into, put your slippers on
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and relax in or are you happy to knock down a few walls,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05do some renovations?
0:09:05 > 0:09:09I really would like to put our own stamp on the property.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Anything, new kitchen, new bathroom,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13an outbuilding to do up, take your pick.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16You mentioned a workshop, is that going to be your man cave then, Lee?
0:09:16 > 0:09:17I do like doing a bit of pottery.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22And I really do fancy a lathe, I fancy a bit of wood turning.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24So, would the money for the renovations need to come from
0:09:24 > 0:09:27within the budget or is that an extra pot?
0:09:27 > 0:09:31£410,000 on the property and then we'll save up, not a problem.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Well, 410,000 is a very healthy budget for this part of the county.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38How flexible are you about the location?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40We have looked a lot around North Worcestershire
0:09:40 > 0:09:43but we have seen places also across the border in Shropshire,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46we'd be more than happy to go across and look at those, yes.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Now, what position are you in at the moment?
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Well, we're actually sold and moved out of our current property.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Homeless.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- OK, so no pressure on me at all?- No.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00OK, we'd better get our skates on and find you two a home.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- We've got some brilliant properties to show you. Ready to look?- We are.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04- Can't wait.- Come on, let's go.- OK.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12For a maximum budget of £410,000,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Lee and Jane would like two or three bedrooms
0:10:15 > 0:10:17with space for an office
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and a garden to play with the grandchildren in.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Lee is after a workshop for his pottery and wood turning
0:10:23 > 0:10:28and they're both happy to do a bit of work to make the house their own.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31We've found some fantastic properties to tempt them with
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and I'll be getting them to guess the price of each
0:10:34 > 0:10:36before I reveal it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38The final stop on our search will be the Mystery House,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42which could really make these downsizers assess their plans.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Now, a project doesn't faze you, does it, Lee?
0:10:52 > 0:10:54What is it that you quite fancy about them?
0:10:54 > 0:10:56I've got to find something to do.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I don't mind if it needs a new kitchen, I don't mind that,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00new bathroom, I don't mind that.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Something to play with outside.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- You don't mind knocking walls down either?- No, no.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07And I guess now you've actually got the time to do that as well.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I've got all the time in the world.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Mindful of the need to be close to Jane's work as a nurse,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17we're just a 25-minute drive south of Dudley
0:11:17 > 0:11:20and six miles south of the large town of Stourbridge
0:11:20 > 0:11:22and the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Village facilities here include a newsagent and shop,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30cafe and post office and a selection of pubs.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Built on a site of pagan worship, the Holy Trinity Church,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40which dates back to the 14th century, saw three of its priests
0:11:40 > 0:11:43succumb to the Black Death in its first 50 years.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Once a centre for industry and agriculture,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49the world-famous Nash and Waldron scythes
0:11:49 > 0:11:52were made in Belbroughton until 1968.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57The house I'm showing Jane and Lee backs onto open countryside
0:11:57 > 0:12:00and also has connections to the area's cottage industries.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05This is the property that I've brought you to see
0:12:05 > 0:12:07and, Lee, if you cast your eyes over to the left, there you go.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- That's it, perfect. - Some people call it a garage,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I call it a fantastic potters shed/man cave.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15That will do.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- So, what are your first impressions? - It's certainly different.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19You said you wanted quirky.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Yeah, you've got the quirkiness, well done.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23It's so different from what we've got.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26We are looking to downsize, which is fine.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- But it's not that small to look at. - It...it seems rather a lot of it.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- I think you need to see more of what's inside.- I think you're right.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34- Come on, let's take a look.- OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Dating back to the beginning of the 19th century,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43this detached property was once a nail makers' cottage.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44It's been extended over the years
0:12:44 > 0:12:48but leading straight off the front door, we're starting our tour
0:12:48 > 0:12:50in the original part of the home,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52now a dining hall with an attached snug.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57So, here we come straight into
0:12:57 > 0:13:01what would have been the old nail makers' part of the house.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03It's got a really cosy feel with the fireplace that opens up
0:13:03 > 0:13:06into both rooms and the final room from there would have been the shop
0:13:06 > 0:13:08where the nails were sold from.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Quirky, different. Unusual!
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Not as low as I thought it'd be.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I thought the ceilings would be lower if it was an old cottage.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Is that a good or a bad thing? - That's good.- That's good, yeah.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- We've talked about downsizing, this is of course a downsize.- Yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- How does the space feel to you? - You can see where the flow goes.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- I like it. - Let's take a look at the kitchen.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- Let's see how you feel about downsizing after that.- OK!
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Because I think this is going to put downsizing to the test.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I don't know how big your current kitchen is.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's a lot smaller than the one we've got but it's got
0:13:38 > 0:13:41everything you need in it, plenty of room to bake.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42I don't mind the space so much.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45I'm still looking at what wall can come out.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Funny you should talk about that because there's definitely
0:13:48 > 0:13:50potential in here to add your own stamp on it.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52One thing the current owner mentioned to me was that
0:13:52 > 0:13:55she's often considered extending out the back here
0:13:55 > 0:13:57to make it into a bigger kitchen diner.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Yeah, that's a definite, I think.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You've also got a downstairs toilet
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and a really well-equipped utility, which is in there,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06so you don't need to worry about having all those appliances in here.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08That leaves you more room for storage in the kitchen itself.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10There's more to show you down here.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Do you want to see the sitting room? - Yes, please.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'Back through the dining hall to the rear of the house
0:14:16 > 0:14:18'is the largest of the reception spaces.'
0:14:18 > 0:14:22This is just such a wonderful light sitting room.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25And it looks out over the south-facing garden,
0:14:25 > 0:14:26beautiful aspect.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Where does the telly go?
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Well, at the moment, the current owner
0:14:32 > 0:14:34has got the television in that little sitting area.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38But I mean, you could find your perfect spot for it, I'm sure.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- I'm sensing reticence from you.- Hmm.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It's a nice house but I think there's just something missing
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- and I don't know what it is at the moment, to be honest.- OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Possibly the feature fireplace. There ain't one.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52My thought for this room would be...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..you knock out that side and take it out.- Yeah?
0:14:56 > 0:14:59You knock out this side and take it out and square it off
0:14:59 > 0:15:01with the back of the kitchen.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04And you have a really big living space that then flows
0:15:04 > 0:15:09into your kitchen and you put a great big feature fireplace in here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- It needs something.- That would make a big difference to this.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Let's go and take a look upstairs
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- and see if that can sway you a little bit.- OK.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20'Lee and Jane have said they want a house
0:15:20 > 0:15:22'with interesting nooks and crannies, but so far,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26'they're not warming to this period property.'
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Stairs from the dining hall lead to three double bedrooms upstairs.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33They include a double-aspect double bedroom,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36a smaller bedroom currently used for storage,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38plus a family bathroom
0:15:38 > 0:15:39and a separate toilet.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44'Then at the rear of the property is the largest of the bedrooms
0:15:44 > 0:15:46'that could become Lee and Jane's.'
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- So, this is the master bedroom. - Yeah?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51How does it compare to the size of your bedroom at home?
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Ah, we've got a monster master bedroom, so...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- It's a whole attic.- OK!- It is slightly bigger.- Seven metres long.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02But this is about the same size as the first floor.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04No, we could do something with this one. No problems at all.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07It's definitely got the potential to do things to.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11It's nicely done but every bit of character has been stripped out.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13You were expecting to see more of those roots of the property.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15From the outside, it looks like
0:16:15 > 0:16:17that's what you're going to get when you come in.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18You know, of course, back in the day
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- when it was a nail makers' cottage, it was tiny.- Yeah.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24So, it has been extended over the years.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27So, that's the issue that you get with older properties
0:16:27 > 0:16:29that have been extended.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30You don't always get that character.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33I'm looking for a hobby so I'll take up nail making, then!
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Well, look, let's go take a look at the garden
0:16:37 > 0:16:40because it's really interesting and quirky and I know you like quirky.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45'The inside isn't convincing them'
0:16:45 > 0:16:49but outside, there's plenty of country character and charm.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51A variety of levels in the landscape garden
0:16:51 > 0:16:53provides two paved areas
0:16:53 > 0:16:57plus eye-catching shrubs, planting and flowers.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Well, it's a gorgeous sunny day to be showing you the garden.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Beautiful.- And it is, it's south-facing, gets stacks of sun.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05It's really sweet.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- It is.- It's beautiful but it's not very grandchild-friendly.- OK.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11All the steps and the levels.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13You couldn't really trust a three-year-old up there.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16OK, you've seen the house and now you've seen the garden.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19So, what's this house on the market for?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I'll say £380,000.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Oh, I was going to say that.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- SHE GASPS - 375.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Oh, you're both very close but you're just a little bit off.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32It's actually on the market for £399,000.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35My biggest problem would still be the garden with the children.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Yeah, I think the garden just finishes it for me, I'm afraid.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Well, I still want you to go back inside
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and have another good look around and I'll come and find you later.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44Thank you.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53With an exact asking price of £399,950,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55this detached former nail makers' cottage
0:17:55 > 0:17:58has many of the features Jane and Lee have asked for.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02There are three bedrooms, giving space for the family to visit
0:18:02 > 0:18:04as well as flexibility for an office space
0:18:04 > 0:18:06whilst the downstairs reception rooms
0:18:06 > 0:18:09offer quirky country character.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Outside, there's a garage workshop for Lee's pottery and carpentry
0:18:13 > 0:18:16and the property offers countryside views and walks.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Plus, it's just a 25-minute drive from Jane's job in Dudley.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Hmm.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27I'm not overly keen on having the separate toilet from the bathroom.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33I'm not sure how you'd incorporate the two with the dogleg.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36To be honest, it's a bit on the small side.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39'The house itself is lovely, I like how it's been done.'
0:18:39 > 0:18:44I think finding a place with a workshop is fantastic.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47But on the whole, I don't think it's quite right for us.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51There's not enough for me to get my teeth into.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Add that to the garden, we love having the grandkids out to play.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I think we need a little bit more lawn area.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01But what really concerns me is the tier garden.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02It is a shame.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05It will make somebody a nice house, but not us.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- You seen enough?- Yes, thank you.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I think what's really refreshing about the two of you
0:19:13 > 0:19:15is that you've not just talked about downsizing,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- you've really got your heads around it, haven't you?- I think so.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19Fully prepared to do it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21I think you might do some furniture shopping
0:19:21 > 0:19:22when you do find that house!
0:19:31 > 0:19:34With some of the most fertile farmland in the country,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Worcestershire is a county well-suited to growing fruit.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43When the area was opened up in the 19th-century
0:19:43 > 0:19:45via new canal and railway routes,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49orchards were planted on a large scale and they continue to be
0:19:49 > 0:19:52a well-loved feature of the local landscape
0:19:52 > 0:19:54as well as a haven for wildlife.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58As Lee and Jane are keen to find out
0:19:58 > 0:20:00about the heritage of the countryside,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03we're sending them to meet fruit farmer Geoff Thompson,
0:20:03 > 0:20:08whose family had been growing apples in the Teme Valley since the 1960s.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14So, Geoff, what variety of apples do you grow here?
0:20:14 > 0:20:16We'll have probably 10 different varieties.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18But we mainly grow three varieties -
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24just because we know they are proven for their quality for cider making.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Are the apples here the same as your everyday eating apples,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- like your Coxes and Bramleys? - No, not at all.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31There's a complete contrast,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35as you will find out if we sample some of these in the basket.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Geoff has three different apples for Jane and Lee to try.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Starting with the dessert variety, Discovery.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Oh, that's nice.- That's sweet.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48You can taste the real sweetness to a dessert apple,
0:20:48 > 0:20:53plus there's an aroma to it as you bite it.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Next up, the Bramley, which is typically used for cooking.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- And you're going to find a real contrast with this.- Thank you.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Oh, now that's a sour apple. - HE LAUGHS
0:21:08 > 0:21:11It's impossible to eat that one without pulling a face, isn't it?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Yes. You can see why you cook with them and not eat them.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19And lastly, a vintage cider apple known as the Yarlington Mill.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28They're not as bitter as the other ones
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- but they're certainly not sweet, are they?- No.- They're very dry.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Does have a juice and sweetness but it's also high in tannins,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40so it gives it that totally different flavour.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It's very kind of clawing in your mouth,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44difficult to chew after a bit.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47It's just ideal for making cider, really.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48I look forward to that.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53The orchard provides 66 acres of apples for cider-making
0:21:53 > 0:21:55here on the farm.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58As well as picking the best varieties to blend,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00it's crucial to harvest them at the right time
0:22:00 > 0:22:04and that's once all the starch in fruit has been converted to sugar.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09A simple test can check for this by dipping sliced apples in iodine,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12the chemical that turns the flesh dark if it's not yet ripe.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Once the fruit is ready, it's harvested and brought in trailers
0:22:17 > 0:22:20to be washed and inspected before going through the mill.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26It doesn't look much but that small little box grinds them up to a pulp.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29The pulp then goes through a press to extract the juice,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32which is filtered and put into fermentation tanks.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36During the whole period of harvest between mid-October to mid-November,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38we will fill the whole six fermentation tanks.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41How many varieties of cider do you actually make?
0:22:41 > 0:22:43We do a medium sweet and medium dry
0:22:43 > 0:22:45and then we also do a nice Discovery cider,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49which is more like a sparkling champagne cider.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Some people refer to it as more like a apple prosecco.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- We better go up and try some now. - OK.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Back out in the orchard, Geoff has some samples lined up.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03We'll start first with the ordinary cider.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Oh, it's sweet!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- That is sweet. It is.- That's why it's best to have this first.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13That's a nice one, I like that one.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16And then, the Discovery cider.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19You can tell there's a lot more fizz to this.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Also known as apple prosecco.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Oh, it certainly brings home the dryness in the other one!
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Yeah.- Yes, much, much drier. - I quite like that one.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I'll take a case!
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- It's quite different, isn't it? - Yes.- Quite unique.- Hmm.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Well, let's see if we can find Lee and Jane something
0:23:42 > 0:23:44worth raising their glasses to.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47A country home that's the apple of their eye.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Our house hunt is heading 45 miles south-west of Birmingham,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04eight miles north-west of Worcester to the village of Martley.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Located in the Malvern Hills district of Worcestershire,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11the village features a pub that was once a coaching inn
0:24:11 > 0:24:13and a Norman church, one of the first in the country
0:24:13 > 0:24:17to have six bells, cast locally in the 17th century.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21There are schools and several footpaths,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24including the Worcestershire Way.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26We're down a quiet lane a mile and a half away
0:24:26 > 0:24:29from the centre of the village and surrounded by fields.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- This is the property I wanted to show you.- Beautiful.- Yes.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Think the words "chocolate box" spring to mind?
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Yes, it has got the character, hasn't it?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42If you're quite eagle-eyed, you can see
0:24:42 > 0:24:45there would have been big sandstone blocks for the majority of it
0:24:45 > 0:24:49and then the roof has been raised, put a good-sized second storey on.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- And that's where the smaller bricks come in.- Yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55So you, see the history in the house and what about the windows?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Holy cow.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58- Yeah.- That's beautiful.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Well, let's hope the inside lives up
0:25:00 > 0:25:02to these really positive first impressions.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Let's go and open the door.- OK.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11The cottage has deeds dating back to 1800 but may well predate this.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Originally built for the poor of the parish,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15it's been extended over the years.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Jane and Lee say they like surprises
0:25:19 > 0:25:22and with a layout filled with unexpected corners,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24this cottage certainly delivers them.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27We're starting our tour in the very welcoming lounge.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30DOORBELL RINGS
0:25:30 > 0:25:33So, we come straight in to the old part of the house.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36You can see all the character and history in here, can't you?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- It's beautiful. - I do like the fireplace.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It's really nice, my goodness.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44There's some really beautiful old touches in here.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48And these beams were probably reclaimed from either
0:25:48 > 0:25:50a local manor house or a local church,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53so although they've been in here since the old part of the house
0:25:53 > 0:25:56was built, they've probably got a longer history than that as well.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- They fit this room perfectly.- I'm eager to look into another room too.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01That's a great reaction.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Now, I know we've talked about the quirky houses.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- Isn't that what's appealing to you both?- Mm-hm.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Well, this house is quirky
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and there's a bit more quirkiness thrown in for good measure.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- So come on, there's lots to see.- OK.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16'As we leave through the back of the lounge and pass through a snug
0:26:16 > 0:26:18'into the kitchen breakfast room,
0:26:18 > 0:26:22'there's a feeling of hidden rooms to discover in this house.'
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Now do watch your step because there are lots of different levels
0:26:25 > 0:26:26going on in this house.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32So, a good-sized kitchen and with beautiful views out over the garden.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37- Mm.- Spot on, the size of the kitchen. Yeah, plenty of space.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38That overused word potential.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41It's certainly got plenty of potential, the size is superb.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- We could live with this for the time being.- As it is, yeah.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46And then slowly do it up.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49So, it's perfect. I just want to see more of it.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52The room I do want to show you is just back over there
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- and it's a gorgeous sunny conservatory.- OK.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02This is one of those rooms that you're just going to be in
0:27:02 > 0:27:05on a cold winter's day and feel cosy and toasty, aren't you?
0:27:05 > 0:27:07It's really warm in here, isn't it?
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- Hence look, the oranges and lemons growing.- That is wonderful.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- Is this a space that you'd use, though?- Probably not.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Probably never come here at all... I'm joking!
0:27:21 > 0:27:24The smile tells it all, I think. I'm loving it. It's great.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28And it's smiles all around as the character of this cottage
0:27:28 > 0:27:30has really fired up our buyers' curiosity.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35This floor also features a utility and separate WC
0:27:35 > 0:27:37just off the kitchen.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41And to the front, there's a dining room currently used as a library.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45There's also the first of three bedrooms, currently used as a study
0:27:45 > 0:27:48with its own dressing area and an en-suite bathroom.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Then a staircase takes us upstairs
0:27:52 > 0:27:55to the remainder of the sleeping accommodation,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58which includes a double bedroom with a wash basin...
0:27:59 > 0:28:02..a family bathroom,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05and of course, the master, with double-aspect windows.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08You might just want to take a look at the view.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11Could you imagine looking out over that
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- with a cup of tea in the morning? - That's stunning, very nice.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17What about the size of the room? Because it's not a huge bedroom.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Plenty big enough.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21We could probably put some freestanding furniture in,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24use the storage that way instead of the built-in cupboard.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I'm so pleased with how this is going.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I think you're going to like the garden just as much.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- So, let's go and explore that. - Lead on.- OK, off you go, my dear.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Outside, the cottage is surrounded by generous secluded gardens
0:28:39 > 0:28:42to all sides, which like its interior,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44provide many corners to explore.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Filled with mature shrubs, it even has its own mini orchard.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55There are a number of outbuildings, including a greenhouse and shed,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59plus something I know Lee wants, a double garage with power
0:28:59 > 0:29:03and lighting which offers plenty of scope for pottery and carpentry.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- Is it too much for you? Because it's a big garden.- No, no.- No.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10My part-time job, this will be.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Yeah, it's got lots of different areas, hasn't it, to explore?
0:29:13 > 0:29:14It's beautiful.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Yeah, the shed, the greenhouse, the workshop,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20there's so much potential there, it's wonderful.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- This seems to be going really well. - It does.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24And let's hope it carries on going really well because this is
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- where I have to ask you to guess the price.- Hmm.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31So, let's remind ourselves of the budget - £410,000.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Where do you think this property sits alongside that?
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Fingers crossed, we hope we'd get it in around 405.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Oh, my heart...
0:29:41 > 0:29:44..wants it to be about 300.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45SHE LAUGHS
0:29:45 > 0:29:49But realistically, I'm going to go for the 410.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Well, you're both off the mark, I'm afraid, and you are both under.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57- Oops. - It's on the market for £425,000.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01However, the owner has told us that they would seriously consider
0:30:01 > 0:30:04an offer somewhere around £410,000.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08So, it could be potentially brought in bang on budget.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09- Oh, it's worth every penny.- Yes.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11Even though there's a lot of work to do.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13So, I'm guessing you wouldn't mind going back in,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15having another look around?
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- I'll come and find you in what, a couple of hours, let's say?- Yes!
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- OK, off you go.- Thank you.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22Well, this is just brilliant,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25it just couldn't have gone any better and they loved the house,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28they see all the potential in it and they love the garden too.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Fingers crossed for this one.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36This enchanting character cottage may be pushing their budget
0:30:36 > 0:30:40but it has all the accommodation and intrigue they're after,
0:30:40 > 0:30:43with lots of potential to put their own stamp on the place.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46There are three bedrooms, including an en-suite,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50a selection of versatile reception rooms with options for an office.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54A beautiful garden perfect for playing with the grandkids in,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57a double garage giving workshop space for Lee,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00and it's less than an hour to Jane's job.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Hmm.- Oh, OK.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Little bit of redecoration required, as in rip the lot out.- Yes.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I don't think you really need a bathroom off another room, do you?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- We'd have to think on this one. - Yeah.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17Even though it's oldy worldy, it's still lots of space
0:31:17 > 0:31:22and every door, it's got an even more surprising room behind it.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24It really is a lovely house.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26There's so many doors and opportunities.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28There's a room to the left, room to the right,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31it's just a surprise every time you step down a step.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Unusual space, what can we use this for, Jane?
0:31:36 > 0:31:37We could have a dining room
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- or even somewhere for when the children come.- Perfect.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43The garden's got just about every plant I've ever seen in any book.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Lovely-sized garage.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Definitely seeing as I'm making a nice workshop out of it in there.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Considering we were looking at downsizing, I didn't really think
0:31:51 > 0:31:56we'd find something we loved as much as this house, given its size.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I think it's a cracking house and I really can see
0:31:58 > 0:32:00me and Jane living here.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02It's so lovely to see them both smiling so much
0:32:02 > 0:32:05looking round this house, obviously thrilled with it.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07And I'm smiling quietly to myself here as well
0:32:07 > 0:32:10because that whole concept of downsizing,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12gone out the window slightly, hasn't it?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- You've seen enough?- We have, yes. - I'm quite intrigued.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Is this house smaller than your current house?
0:32:20 > 0:32:21Nope, it's bigger.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Downsizing, anyone? Downsizing? That concept?
0:32:38 > 0:32:42'Birmingham-based retired fireman Lee and his wife Jane, a nurse,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47'have up to £410,000 to make the move into the countryside
0:32:47 > 0:32:49'of Worcestershire or Shropshire.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53'We've already had a good response to our house hunt.'
0:32:53 > 0:32:55The smile tells it all, I think. I'm loving it.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59'But there's still more to see, including the Mystery House,
0:32:59 > 0:33:00'which could be a little grander
0:33:00 > 0:33:03'than our rural relocators had in mind.'
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- It does look like a manor house, doesn't it?- A hall.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11'And I'll be turning my hand to some centuries-old building skills.'
0:33:11 > 0:33:15I could be your daub apprentice, a daub and wattle apprentice.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Well, it's a misty morning for the second day of our house hunt
0:33:20 > 0:33:22and we have two more homes to show Jane and Lee.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Now later on, I'll be taking them to see the Mystery House,
0:33:25 > 0:33:29which will challenge our DIY-loving couple.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Will they find anything to do there?
0:33:31 > 0:33:33But first, we are doing a spot of border hopping
0:33:33 > 0:33:36and going to look at a house in Shropshire.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Our next property is in the small Shropshire village of Nash,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45an eight-mile drive east of the town of Ludlow
0:33:45 > 0:33:46and a three-and-a-half mile drive
0:33:46 > 0:33:49north of the ancient market town of Tenbury Wells.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Lying on the Worcestershire bank of the River Teme,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56which marks the county boundary with Shropshire, Tenbury Wells
0:33:56 > 0:34:00offers a good selection of shops and amenities.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03The Gothic-style pump rooms were built in 1862
0:34:03 > 0:34:06to house baths filled by the local water,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09which it was hoped would have healing properties.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Falling into disrepair at the end of the 20th century,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15the building was recently renovated and provides
0:34:15 > 0:34:18a community hall and register office.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23'We're a three-and-a-half mile drive back in the rural location of Nash,
0:34:23 > 0:34:24'where down a country lane,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27'the cottage we've come to see is located.'
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- It's pretty, isn't it? - It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33It's lovely, isn't it?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Quite a nice view.- It is.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37What's going through your minds at this point?
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- Stunned.- It's nice again, yeah. - It's beautiful.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46It's the setting as well, it's just...
0:34:46 > 0:34:47lovely.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Lee and Jane seem completely taken aback by the appearance
0:34:53 > 0:34:57of this detached cottage which dates back to the 1700s,
0:34:57 > 0:35:01with an additional wing seamlessly added from a converted pig shed
0:35:01 > 0:35:02in the 20th century.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08We're starting through the entrance hall in the newer part of the house
0:35:08 > 0:35:11and head straight into the country kitchen diner.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- I think it's definitely the heart of the house, isn't it?- It is.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16This is absolutely stunning, this kitchen.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Lots of original features, the period beams in here.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21And anything new that's been added
0:35:21 > 0:35:23has been done really sympathetically.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- I don't think I'd change a thing in here.- Nor would I.- No.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Nothing to change, it's superb, it really is.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- Are you keen to see more? - Absolutely.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Well, again, quirky house, we know you like quirky
0:35:32 > 0:35:34on a few different levels so let's step up
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- and we'll go into the lounge. - Thank you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43So, this is the main living room with that stunning fireplace there
0:35:43 > 0:35:46and it's got the original bread oven in the side.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50This is really a period property, isn't it? Is it too old?
0:35:50 > 0:35:52No. Very traditional.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- It's beautiful, yes. - My only concern, believe it or not,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59is I'm wondering what I've got to do. What is there for me to do?
0:35:59 > 0:36:02I need to change something but unfortunately at the moment,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04nothing needs changing.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Funny you should say that. Just follow me.- OK.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09Lee is right.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13The ground floor of this delightful cottage is impeccably presented.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16It also features a garden room with vaulted ceiling...
0:36:17 > 0:36:20..and study area around the staircase.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23As well as a ground floor bathroom
0:36:23 > 0:36:26with a bath and separate shower cubicle.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30But it's on the upper floor, the location of the three bedrooms,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32where I think Lee might find something
0:36:32 > 0:36:34to get his DIY teeth into.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Now up here, you have just a toilet.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42So, the main bathroom is downstairs.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45What you could do is take the banister forward,
0:36:45 > 0:36:50knock through and put in a second family bathroom for upstairs
0:36:50 > 0:36:53above the downstairs existing bathroom.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55So, there is your project.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57That's enough to be going on with.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01The first of the three bedrooms is a good size.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Currently set up as a twin with dual-aspect windows.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07There's another double with exposed woodwork
0:37:07 > 0:37:10and then the bedroom that could be Lee and Jane's.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13So, this is the master bedroom.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17It's got dual aspect making the most of the views of the countryside
0:37:17 > 0:37:18that surround this property.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20It's got everything, hasn't it?
0:37:20 > 0:37:22And again, those beautiful beams that you can see.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Done a fabulous job, haven't they?
0:37:25 > 0:37:27I like everything about it, it's lovely.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31A very positive response to the inside of this cottage
0:37:31 > 0:37:35and there's more to see in the third-of-an-acre garden.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39There's not only a detached garage but a timber workshop too,
0:37:39 > 0:37:44with a decked terrace running over a stream, plus two patio areas,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47there are plenty of places to unwind and enjoy
0:37:47 > 0:37:50the serene surroundings and enough gardening to keep Lee occupied.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54When it comes to gardening, I'm a major potterer.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Not only pottering but I certainly like pottering in the gardening.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58This can keep you busy.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01The other idea I had for a project is that over in the far corner,
0:38:01 > 0:38:02you've got a shed and a garage.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05There is potential for you to build something over there as well,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08subject to the right kind of planning permissions,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10if they were needed, of course.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Hmm, it all depends on the price there, doesn't it?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16What we've got left in the coffers, in the money bank.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Your budget's £410,000.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- What do you think it's on for? - I think this is over our budget.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24I like it too much,
0:38:24 > 0:38:28so I think probably you're going to say 425.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29OK, Lee?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32I'll go for 430.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- It's actually on the market under budget.- Really?
0:38:36 > 0:38:40It's on at £399,500.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42That's fabulous.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43- I've bought it.- Yeah.- OK!
0:38:43 > 0:38:47I'm sure you're keen to go in and have a look around, so off you go.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- Come and find me when you've seen enough.- Thank you.- Come on, then.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55This has been such a positive viewing.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58I was really concerned that for Jane, she'd found a house
0:38:58 > 0:39:01that tugged at her heartstrings, that she'd fallen in love with,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04but the fact that it wasn't enough of a project would put Lee off.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07However, they seem to be united in it so fingers crossed
0:39:07 > 0:39:09the garden is enough to keep him busy.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16Coming in below budget, this charmingly presented period property
0:39:16 > 0:39:19could provide everything Lee and Jane are looking for.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22It has a welcoming country kitchen diner,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25the three bedrooms they've asked for,
0:39:25 > 0:39:30a lovely cottage garden and there's a versatile garage and workshop.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34And it's all peacefully located down a quiet country lane.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Oh, this is lovely.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Just see the two little people in here, can't we?
0:39:39 > 0:39:40Nice and snug.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- You've taken to this one, haven't you?- I have!
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- Yeah, I have, yeah.- Yeah.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Walking down the path to look at it,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50it's got that "come in" feel about it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53When you actually get in the kitchen, it's stunning.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It's somewhere where you could sit down and just have
0:39:56 > 0:39:58the whole family around the table at the same time
0:39:58 > 0:40:01but also be able to see other rooms round corners.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04It's got character in spades and it's stunning.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07This is a fabulous little room.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10You wouldn't think it was a later addition,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- it looks like it's part of the house.- No, it's wonderful.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- Purpose-built for us, I think.- Yeah.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18It really is so homely the minute you walk in.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's just comfortable, it's just welcoming. It's great.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I think this one's grabbed me and smacked me round the face
0:40:24 > 0:40:28and it's really one that I want to live in, yes.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31I think Jane will definitely...
0:40:31 > 0:40:34will totally divorce me if we don't end up buying this one.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Have you seen enough? How are you feeling?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- Yeah.- I love this one.- Do you?
0:40:44 > 0:40:47That's good, the reaction we love to hear.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Just hold that thought because we're off to see the Mystery House now.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52Hmm!
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Worcestershire's long history of habitation
0:41:03 > 0:41:07means its architectural heritage spans the centuries.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10But as the needs of the people living here evolve,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13not all of the fascinating reminders of our past are safe
0:41:13 > 0:41:15from dereliction and demolition.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19That's where the Avoncroft Museum near Bromsgrove steps in.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Covering 700 years of a local architecture,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26it's now home to 30 different buildings,
0:41:26 > 0:41:30all painstakingly transported from their original locations
0:41:30 > 0:41:31to this 19-acre site.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34I'm meeting Simon Carter,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38the director of the museum, who's agreed to show me around.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43And we're starting at a 19th-century windmill
0:41:43 > 0:41:47that was transported here in 1969 from near Arden in Warwickshire.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49A journey of around 30 miles.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55It's quite a feat moving a windmill across a county.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Who was responsible for doing that?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59It was actually a group of volunteers.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02They took it apart in the space of five days,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05numbering all the timbers and dismantling the bricks individually
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and then brought it here and over the course of the next
0:42:08 > 0:42:11few years, it was reassembled and brought back to working condition.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- That's what they call a labour of love, isn't it?- It is.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18'And one of the volunteers who moved the mill in the '60s
0:42:18 > 0:42:22'is here today, carrying out maintenance on the sails
0:42:22 > 0:42:27'so it can continue to produce flour as it has done since 1977.'
0:42:27 > 0:42:30- And this is Mike, who rescued the mill originally.- Hi.- Hi.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Great to see you all. Don't bang you head on there!
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- I bet you've done that a few times, Mike.- Very often, yes.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38So Mike, it's fair to say you're the saviour of the windmill, then?
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Well, one of them, yes, there were six of us.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44But that was quite a few years ago. 46 years ago now that was, actually.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48Had you had any experience or a background in fixing windmills
0:42:48 > 0:42:50when you took that project on?
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Certainly nothing to do with windmills.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Repairing my own home, which is a timber-framed house, yes.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58And carpentry was my love anyway. But windmills, no.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00The nearest I got to windmills was sailing.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- So, it's been a learning curve over the years, then.- Yes, indeed.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06How on earth do you begin to start the process
0:43:06 > 0:43:07of how to operate a windmill?
0:43:07 > 0:43:09How do you go about learning all that?
0:43:09 > 0:43:11We had one book between us,
0:43:11 > 0:43:14which was called The English Windmill by Rex Wailes.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19Mostly, it is learning the ancient crafts and mill-wrighting crafts
0:43:19 > 0:43:20which we've tried to apply.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Even though we use modern materials and modern equipment,
0:43:23 > 0:43:26we try and keep it as original as possible.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29We had professional help as well.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35We had a German carpenter, who was absolutely first-class
0:43:35 > 0:43:40at this sort of structure, he did the main heavy timber construction.
0:43:40 > 0:43:41Beautiful work.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43And what did it feel like when you sliced that first
0:43:43 > 0:43:47chunky slice of bread from the loaf baked from your flour?
0:43:47 > 0:43:50To think that we'd actually put something together
0:43:50 > 0:43:54that did produce proper wholemeal flour and to bake a loaf
0:43:54 > 0:43:57and eat the first sandwich with a bit of home-made jam -
0:43:57 > 0:43:59perfect.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04The museum currently has 140 volunteers like Mike
0:44:04 > 0:44:07and much of their work involves keeping skills alive
0:44:07 > 0:44:09that might otherwise be lost.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14Another building undergoing restoration is a timber-framed
0:44:14 > 0:44:1615th-century merchants house.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19In 1962, it was the first structure brought here,
0:44:19 > 0:44:22rescued from demolition in the centre of Bromsgrove.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26'Half a century later, maintenance man Mike
0:44:26 > 0:44:29'has the ongoing job of looking after the panels
0:44:29 > 0:44:31'using a technique known as wattle and daub.'
0:44:33 > 0:44:36So, Mark, were you a dab hand with daub
0:44:36 > 0:44:37before you started working here?
0:44:37 > 0:44:40No, I worked with a chap who worked here for 30 year.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42He taught me how to do it.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45Have you managed to pass this technique onto anybody else yet?
0:44:45 > 0:44:47I had, but they've left, most of 'em!
0:44:47 > 0:44:50So you need some winning apprentices.
0:44:50 > 0:44:51I could be your daub apprentice,
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- a daub and wattle apprentice for the...- Would you like a go?
0:44:54 > 0:44:56- Shall we have a go? - SHE LAUGHS
0:44:56 > 0:44:57Listen, my dad's a builder,
0:44:57 > 0:45:00he'd be very disappointed if I didn't have a go.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04'Hazel twigs are woven together to form the wattle,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07'filling the gaps between the timber frame.'
0:45:07 > 0:45:10They're literally just built of sections that would have been
0:45:10 > 0:45:11fitted on site, like this?
0:45:11 > 0:45:14If you come from an area where there's not
0:45:14 > 0:45:18a natural stone material, timber is the obvious choice.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21By only putting the frame up and making the infill out of
0:45:21 > 0:45:24cheaper and more replaceable material,
0:45:24 > 0:45:27you've got a kind of quick way of filling in your wall space.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32Once the wattle work is done, a mixture called daub is applied.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Even the name daub sounds great, doesn't it?
0:45:35 > 0:45:38It does but you might not enjoy working with it if you knew
0:45:38 > 0:45:39what it originally had in it.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43Usually, it not only had clay and straw,
0:45:43 > 0:45:45it would have had cow or pig dung in it.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- Nice! None in now? - We haven't put any in today, no.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- It's still got the horsehair in, it's got the straw in.- It has.
0:45:52 > 0:45:53It's really sticky, isn't it?
0:45:55 > 0:45:56'Now to get daubing.'
0:45:59 > 0:46:00How is it looking, Mark?
0:46:00 > 0:46:04I'm not sure I've got your smoothness of touch, I'm afraid.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07It seems all right to me. It's good for a first attempt.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11'Well, hopefully that will make my dad proud and it's been
0:46:11 > 0:46:15'inspiring to see how much care and effort is going into
0:46:15 > 0:46:17'preserving our historic buildings.'
0:46:24 > 0:46:25For our mystery proposition,
0:46:25 > 0:46:28we're extending Lee and Jane's search area,
0:46:28 > 0:46:30heading around four miles south of the Shropshire border
0:46:30 > 0:46:33into the Herefordshire hamlet of Luston,
0:46:33 > 0:46:36three miles north of the town of Leominster.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40With a population of a little under 12,000,
0:46:40 > 0:46:43there are plenty of useful shops and facilities to be found here.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47The town features some traditional timber frame buildings,
0:46:47 > 0:46:50several of which are reputedly the work of John Abel,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53an early 17th-century carpenter and mason
0:46:53 > 0:46:57who was granted the title of King's Carpenter.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59We're a three-mile drive north in Luston,
0:46:59 > 0:47:01where our mystery proposition
0:47:01 > 0:47:04is of similar historic and eye-catching construction.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- Oh, dear.- Oh!
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- Where's me spirit level? - THEY LAUGH
0:47:11 > 0:47:14So, this is our Mystery House.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16And yes, you're right, you will need a spirit level.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Well, it's got the... It's got the curve appeal, hasn't it?
0:47:19 > 0:47:21It's got the wow factor.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23I didn't expect you to find something like this.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27You really can't...you really can't take your eyes off it.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30In my opinion, it's just as pretty inside as it is out,
0:47:30 > 0:47:32- so shall we go take a look? - Yes, please.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38This impressive oak-framed semidetached house
0:47:38 > 0:47:41dates to around 1640, with Victorian extensions.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45Arranged over three floors plus a basement,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48there's a lot of property to see here.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51'So, downsizing is taking a back-seat for now.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54'And we're starting our tour in the rather magnificent dining room.'
0:47:56 > 0:47:58Welcome to the local manor!
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- It does look like a manor house, doesn't it?- A hall.
0:48:01 > 0:48:02The grandness from the outside
0:48:02 > 0:48:05is definitely carried on into the inside, isn't it?
0:48:05 > 0:48:07It's Grade II listing,
0:48:07 > 0:48:09the current owners have had it for 20 years and they have
0:48:09 > 0:48:12painstakingly restored it and just brought to life
0:48:12 > 0:48:15the original features - it's got the original stone floor,
0:48:15 > 0:48:19this stunning fireplace, beads and the woodwork on the walls.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Could you imagine living in it?
0:48:21 > 0:48:25- Oh, yeah, yeah.- Oh, yeah, oh, yeah!
0:48:25 > 0:48:28A bit Lady of the Manor here. She's got home again.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30Well, Lady of the Manor, I'd like to talk to you
0:48:30 > 0:48:31about the dining options.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34Keep this one in your mind and I'll take you through to what's
0:48:34 > 0:48:37- currently the living room.- OK.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41There was a small extension done in Victorian times and that is
0:48:41 > 0:48:43an original Victorian fireplace with the original tiles.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46So it's again, a lovely sense of history,
0:48:46 > 0:48:49a sense of who's lived here over the centuries.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52This is used as a living space and a part of me wondered whether
0:48:52 > 0:48:55actually you'd want your living space in that central area.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59Actually, that would be fine as a living space for the winter months
0:48:59 > 0:49:02- purely because of that big fire on. - Yeah.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06But we've got two living rooms and we just kind of move
0:49:06 > 0:49:08from one to the other as the fancy takes us.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11So actually, you're quite happy not to downsize really, aren't you?
0:49:11 > 0:49:14Downsizing, we haven't mentioned that for a bit, have we?
0:49:14 > 0:49:16You keep showing as these houses with so many rooms in it.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20"Let's just downsize to the two living rooms!"
0:49:20 > 0:49:23- I want to show both of you the kitchen.- OK.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25Which again, I think is quite pretty.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29'Back through the dining room,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32'the kitchen also shows this home's Victorian influence.'
0:49:35 > 0:49:37So, this is the Victorian extension.
0:49:37 > 0:49:38Over there in the corner,
0:49:38 > 0:49:41you've got the original Victorian range and the bread oven.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44- It's all there.- It's plenty big enough, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:49:44 > 0:49:46There's not a lot to do.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49Which is another reason why this is the Mystery House.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53- Could you live with that, Lee? - Yeah, what I've seen so far.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55Shall we have a wander round upstairs and see if we can
0:49:55 > 0:49:56find you anything to do?
0:49:56 > 0:49:59Because I don't know what you're going to do otherwise,
0:49:59 > 0:50:00you might have to sit down for once!
0:50:02 > 0:50:04'Well, this house may be short on projects'
0:50:04 > 0:50:07but it's not short on accommodation.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09There's a generous-sized basement here,
0:50:09 > 0:50:13plus two upper floors providing a total of four bedrooms.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15On the middle floor, there's the family bathroom
0:50:15 > 0:50:18with a corner bath, plus a small guest bedroom.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21And then the room that's just for them.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26And into the master bedroom.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29It's fair to say that it befits the rest of the house downstairs,
0:50:29 > 0:50:31- doesn't it?- Yes, it does!
0:50:31 > 0:50:33Never been in anything like this before.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35I think it's just a bit grand, isn't it?
0:50:35 > 0:50:38Could you imagine yourself living in anything like this?
0:50:38 > 0:50:40- Oh, I think so, yes. - THEY LAUGH
0:50:40 > 0:50:43And there's still more to show you as well.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47Jane and Lee already seem pleasantly overwhelmed
0:50:47 > 0:50:51by the imposing scale and character of what's on offer here.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55But there are two more large adjoining rooms on the top floor
0:50:55 > 0:50:57where the historic charm raises the roof.
0:51:00 > 0:51:01Good grief!
0:51:01 > 0:51:04This is tremendous. Oh, this is good.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06You're right at the top of the house.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08You've got a fantastic-sized bedroom in there.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10This could be used as another bedroom.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12At the moment, it's used as an office, music room.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16Your grandchildren might be able to take it over with their toys.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18Nope, they're not having it, it's mine.
0:51:18 > 0:51:20This is my favourite room in the house.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23I like the roof, I like the fact that it's so far off true,
0:51:23 > 0:51:25it's unbelievable. It's just marvellous.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28I think downsizing definitely has gone out the window with this one.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Yeah, it is, it's a substantial house, absolutely.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33And I need you to start thinking about
0:51:33 > 0:51:35what you think this is on the market for.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- Because the tricky part's coming up.- OK.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42Our buyers have been positively wowed
0:51:42 > 0:51:45by our impressive four-storey Mystery House.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49And there's more outside in the form of a large workshop
0:51:49 > 0:51:51and a carport.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53As this house is attached at the rear,
0:51:53 > 0:51:56the entire garden is found to the front of the property
0:51:56 > 0:51:58and features mature apple trees
0:51:58 > 0:52:00as well as an original cider press wheel.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06You've seen it all now. Are you ready to guess the price for me?
0:52:06 > 0:52:10- Yep, we'll give it a go.- OK, so we've got £410,000 in the budget.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- Mm-hm.- Where does this property sit alongside that?
0:52:13 > 0:52:14Top of the budget, 410.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Now you see, I think it's over again.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20I think we're going to go 420.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23It's actually on the market for less than your budget.
0:52:23 > 0:52:28It's on the market for £350,000.
0:52:28 > 0:52:29Good grief!
0:52:31 > 0:52:34Just move into there, that's it. That'll do us, thank you.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36- You like it that much, do you?- Yeah, I do.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38It grows on you, it really does, doesn't it?
0:52:38 > 0:52:40I think with a reaction like that,
0:52:40 > 0:52:43there's only one thing I can say now. Off you go, back in the house.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45- Start working out where the furniture's going.- Thank you.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48- Lovely.- Take as long as you want.
0:52:48 > 0:52:49Come on, my lady!
0:52:53 > 0:52:54Yes!
0:52:54 > 0:52:58That was the most amazing reaction and I didn't expect that at all.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00I thought they were set on DIY.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04Just shows you how wrong you can be sometimes.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10A staggering £60,000 below budget,
0:53:10 > 0:53:14this distinctive and historic semidetached Mystery House
0:53:14 > 0:53:17is certainly not a downsize for our couple.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19It boasts four bedrooms,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23two generous reception rooms and many original features.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27It also offers Lee a workshop for his pottery and woodwork.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35I could do the pottery in here, no problems at all.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37This is very useful.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39The outside, it just follows in.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43It's a really grand, imposing building.
0:53:43 > 0:53:44It's huge.
0:53:44 > 0:53:45Like a manor house.
0:53:45 > 0:53:50My favourite room, without doubt, is the top bedroom.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53I'd be tempted to go up there and claim it for my own, to be honest.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56I could definitely move into this house.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58I'd move in as it is today, to be honest.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01I didn't expect to really want to live in
0:54:01 > 0:54:04such an old imposing building but sometimes,
0:54:04 > 0:54:07you've got to forget about downsizing, haven't you,
0:54:07 > 0:54:08when you see something like this?
0:54:08 > 0:54:12You've really thrown a curveball for us now.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18Hello, there.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Just checking out the local removal companies,
0:54:20 > 0:54:22just in case you need them.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24- Probably will.- Oh, OK.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27Well, that's all the houses seen. Decision time.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30I think you've got some thinking to do, haven't you?
0:54:30 > 0:54:32- I'm glad I'm not in your shoes.- No.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39This has been a fantastic house hunt,
0:54:39 > 0:54:42you could just feel the energy building with each house we visited.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45I can't wait to hear what Jane and Lee have got to say.
0:54:52 > 0:54:53- Hello, you two.- Hello.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57Well, you really set us a challenge this week, didn't you?
0:54:57 > 0:55:00- Find us a house and can you find it quickly, please?- Yeah.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02Your reactions to the properties,
0:55:02 > 0:55:04they just seemed to get better and better.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08So now we're sat down, we've seen them all, where are you at?
0:55:09 > 0:55:13It was between two and I think that's come down to one now.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16There was the house just over the border into Shropshire.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20I got very strong positive vibes from both of you on that.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23- Out of them all, that's the favourite.- Hmm.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25That's the favourite house.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28There's enough for Lee to keep him busy,
0:55:28 > 0:55:30adding a bathroom on and the workshop.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33And the garden will keep him busy for years, I would imagine.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36There's plenty of scope to get stuck into that one.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38I could have lost myself for days in there.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41- Yeah, I just loved it, I could move in now.- Yeah.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43You've surprised me, actually.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45Because when you said there were two properties,
0:55:45 > 0:55:50I thought the favourite property for you was actually the Mystery House.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54You had such an amazingly strong reaction to that house.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57What is it that's changed now about that?
0:55:57 > 0:56:00Well, the Mystery House, there was almost nothing to do.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04In terms of downsizing, I don't think we were
0:56:04 > 0:56:07because the house was almost as big as the one we're moving out of.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10It was a gorgeous house but it's not for us.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13By the slimmest of margins
0:56:13 > 0:56:16but someone's going to have a cracking house there, it's gorgeous.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20So now, what next for the house that's just over the border
0:56:20 > 0:56:22into Shropshire? What's your plan?
0:56:22 > 0:56:26Second visit and I'm going to do the drive in real life
0:56:26 > 0:56:28to see how far it is to work.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32And all being well, we'll put an offer in on that one.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34- Yeah, we'll proceed with that one. - Well, that's brilliant.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37I hope that that commute proves to be workable for you.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40We are absolutely thrilled that we found you a property.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42Keeping our fingers crossed for you,
0:56:42 > 0:56:44let us know how you go on and we wish you lots of luck.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46- We will do.- Thank you.
0:56:51 > 0:56:52Now when we started this house hunt,
0:56:52 > 0:56:56Jane and Lee challenged us to find them a house and find it quickly.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59And not only have we been able to do that but we've also managed
0:56:59 > 0:57:02to fulfil our DIY-loving couple's dreams of finding
0:57:02 > 0:57:04a renovation project.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Sadly, the sale of Jane and Lee's home in Birmingham
0:57:11 > 0:57:13fell through yet again.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17So, they've decided to put the move on hold for the time being.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19If you would like to Escape To The Country
0:57:19 > 0:57:24in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and need our help,
0:57:24 > 0:57:27please apply online...