Worcestershire Escape to the Country


Worcestershire

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Today, I'm in the midst of 30 buildings that span

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over 700 years of architectural history.

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But I'm not in a village and I'm not in a market town.

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And I'm not where you may think I am. So, where am I?

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Find out in just a moment.

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'Today's selection of country houses leaves one couple lost for words.'

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What's going through your minds at this point?

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Stunned.

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'And we might just have found the right house for them.'

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-Purpose-built for us, I think.

-Yeah.

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-I've bought it.

-Yeah.

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Today, I'm in Worcestershire

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and this is Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings.

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Since the 1960s, they've been on a mission to rescue, relocate

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and preserve buildings of historical importance from across the Midlands.

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You'll find a medieval townhouse from Bromsgrove,

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14th century roofing from part of Worcester Cathedral,

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right through to a Victorian counting house

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that was rescued from the local cattle market.

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Later on in the show, I'll be taking a look

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at the latest renovation project to have the wind put back in its sails.

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But first, let's take a look at what this wonderful county has to offer.

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Situated in the Midlands region of England,

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Worcestershire shares borders with six counties,

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including Shropshire to the north-west

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and Herefordshire to the west.

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Winding its way through fertile farmland,

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the Severn is the longest river in Britain,

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passing through Worcestershire towns and villages,

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including Bewdley and Upton.

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Some of Worcestershire's most stunning vistas are found

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around the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

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crisscrossed by around 100 miles of bridleways and footpaths.

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The landscape is said to have inspired Edward Elgar,

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who spent much of his life here.

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A statue of the composer is located in Great Malvern, a town that

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was also once a popular spa resort with the Georgians and Victorians.

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Historically believed to have healing properties,

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the local water flows from natural springs

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dotted around the town to this day.

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Georgian and Victorian architecture sits beside a medieval gems,

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including the Abbey Gateway, home to Malvern's Museum.

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The town of Evesham was founded around an eighth-century abbey

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and is considered a gateway to the Cotswolds.

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Its arched bridge that crosses the River Avon was built in 1856,

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commissioned by long-time mayor Henry Workman.

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He also had the river dredged and used the sediment to create

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the neighbouring Workman Gardens.

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With such a wealth of classic English landscape

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and historic interest,

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it's little wonder that Worcestershire is a popular place

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for both the temporary and more permanent country escape.

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The good news is that Worcestershire as a whole is affordable.

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The average cost of a detached house here is around £280,000,

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just a few thousand pounds shy of the national average.

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But when you delve a little deeper, you will see that there's an

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east-west divide when it comes to price.

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East carries a premium because of its easy access to motorways

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and also to Birmingham, which makes it ideal with commuters.

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If you're looking for more from your property pound

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and you don't mind going more rural, then west is best,

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towards the borders of Shropshire and Herefordshire.

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So, let's meet the couple who are hoping to call this county home.

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Lee, a retired fireman, and Jane, a nurse from the city of Birmingham

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first got together over an unfortunate encounter

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at a post-rugby match party.

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I think it was coming to the end of the night and I had a few beers.

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I tried to put my pint in an alcove - well, I thought it was

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a shelf but I think it was Jane's head and then it just soaked her.

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So, we agreed to meet and I think I was going to pay for the...

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-Dry cleaning.

-The dry cleaning, yeah.

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Obviously you don't like a beer shampoo very often.

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But he was quite a charming character when we met up.

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Lee's charms led Jane to accept his proposal of marriage

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and the couple went on to set up home and raise three children

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in the city where they were born and bred.

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But once again, a rugby event, this time in neighbouring Shropshire,

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intervened in their lives and opened their eyes to pastures new.

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I think the major turning point for us was when we went to

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an away match, for the rugby match.

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When we travelled down to Ludlow.

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I'd never ever been to Ludlow and we were just absolutely stunned

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by the countryside, what's out there, it's amazing.

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10 miles outside Birmingham, it's a different world.

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-I think we've done Birmingham.

-Yeah. To death.

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So, with their horizons broadened

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and once their children had flown the nest,

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they began planning their country escape.

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And the three-storey family house they've called home for two decades

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has recently gone on the market.

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'I think you've got to grab life with both hands.'

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It's not worth sitting back and just letting life go by.

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-You've got to get out there.

-Hmm.

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'I've got to the stage now where I don't like the noise,

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I don't like the crowds in the centre of town.

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I find it quite depressing, to be honest.

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The move to the countryside will be a new challenge.

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It'll be something different, somewhere different to explore.

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We can go out for a walk, we can discover new things.

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That's all I want, really,

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just a nice quiet life but just something different.

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We haven't moved very far from where I was born, I'm still in Birmingham.

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And I really would like now to move just outside,

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just far enough away that you're not part of the city...

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..hustle and bustle, I've had enough of that now.

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Cars rushing, noise and...

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I'd like, now, that little bit of quiet.

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And to make that move,

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Lee and Jane want a countryside location with easy access to family

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and their beloved grandchildren, who are all back in Birmingham.

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We're looking really to move towards Worcester,

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maybe Shropshire area and we need to be within probably an hour

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of my workplace currently, and also so we can get back

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if the children need us.

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It's the ideal time now to just do what we wanted to do

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and that's get out of the city completely.

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Despite being lifelong city dwellers, they're confident

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their old skills will stand them in good stead in the country.

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And they're keen to learn some new ones too.

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I was always brought up, you make sure you've got a full larder.

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And that's how we live.

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We could go for months if there was a nuclear strike.

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We've got enough, we've got enough in there to live.

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One of our rooms will be a designated larder

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and then we'd just fill it.

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And it would be nice to have some new hobbies that we can do.

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I'd like to do either clay pigeon or target shooting, but...

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Each day hopefully will bring a new challenge.

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I mean, that sounds twee but it really is time to go.

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Now with their own house sold and buyers waiting to move in,

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the need to find themselves a new home is more urgent than ever.

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We put this house on the market to go after one particular property.

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And then we were gazumped.

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Four properties, we've been gazumped.

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And we are due to be homeless in about two weeks' time.

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So really, we are desperate now to move.

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Jane and Lee are focusing their attention on Worcestershire

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but will also consider areas of Shropshire that are within

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an hour's drive of Jane's nursing job in Dudley.

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But before we start looking at properties,

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I'm meeting them in the Worcestershire countryside

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to find out more about the home they'd like to live in.

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Welcome to Worcestershire.

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I wanted to bring you up to the beautiful Clent Hills,

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it's such a gorgeous part of this county.

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I'd like to know what the two of you envisage

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when you think of your new home here in Worcestershire.

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Smaller than the one we've got.

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At the moment, we've got a whole floor that we don't use.

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And it's time to move and make a much smaller place.

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What about the style of the property,

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the number of bedrooms, the living space.

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A minimum of two bedrooms ideally but three would be nice

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for when the children come to stay.

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A nice-sized garden, so when they do come, we can put them outside.

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An office, maybe.

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Just something that when you walk in,

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it's different and there's that little surprise round the corner.

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So, are you looking for a property

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that you can literally just move into, put your slippers on

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and relax in or are you happy to knock down a few walls,

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do some renovations?

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I really would like to put our own stamp on the property.

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Anything, new kitchen, new bathroom,

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an outbuilding to do up, take your pick.

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You mentioned a workshop, is that going to be your man cave then, Lee?

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I do like doing a bit of pottery.

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And I really do fancy a lathe, I fancy a bit of wood turning.

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So, would the money for the renovations need to come from

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within the budget or is that an extra pot?

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£410,000 on the property and then we'll save up, not a problem.

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Well, 410,000 is a very healthy budget for this part of the county.

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How flexible are you about the location?

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We have looked a lot around North Worcestershire

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but we have seen places also across the border in Shropshire,

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we'd be more than happy to go across and look at those, yes.

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Now, what position are you in at the moment?

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Well, we're actually sold and moved out of our current property.

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Homeless.

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-OK, so no pressure on me at all?

-No.

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OK, we'd better get our skates on and find you two a home.

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-We've got some brilliant properties to show you. Ready to look?

-We are.

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-Can't wait.

-Come on, let's go.

-OK.

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For a maximum budget of £410,000,

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Lee and Jane would like two or three bedrooms

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with space for an office

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and a garden to play with the grandchildren in.

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Lee is after a workshop for his pottery and wood turning

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and they're both happy to do a bit of work to make the house their own.

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We've found some fantastic properties to tempt them with

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and I'll be getting them to guess the price of each

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before I reveal it.

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The final stop on our search will be the Mystery House,

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which could really make these downsizers assess their plans.

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Now, a project doesn't faze you, does it, Lee?

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What is it that you quite fancy about them?

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I've got to find something to do.

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I don't mind if it needs a new kitchen, I don't mind that,

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new bathroom, I don't mind that.

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Something to play with outside.

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-You don't mind knocking walls down either?

-No, no.

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And I guess now you've actually got the time to do that as well.

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I've got all the time in the world.

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Mindful of the need to be close to Jane's work as a nurse,

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we're just a 25-minute drive south of Dudley

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and six miles south of the large town of Stourbridge

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and the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton.

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Village facilities here include a newsagent and shop,

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cafe and post office and a selection of pubs.

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Built on a site of pagan worship, the Holy Trinity Church,

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which dates back to the 14th century, saw three of its priests

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succumb to the Black Death in its first 50 years.

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Once a centre for industry and agriculture,

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the world-famous Nash and Waldron scythes

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were made in Belbroughton until 1968.

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The house I'm showing Jane and Lee backs onto open countryside

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and also has connections to the area's cottage industries.

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This is the property that I've brought you to see

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and, Lee, if you cast your eyes over to the left, there you go.

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-That's it, perfect.

-Some people call it a garage,

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I call it a fantastic potters shed/man cave.

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That will do.

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-So, what are your first impressions?

-It's certainly different.

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You said you wanted quirky.

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Yeah, you've got the quirkiness, well done.

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It's so different from what we've got.

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We are looking to downsize, which is fine.

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-But it's not that small to look at.

-It...it seems rather a lot of it.

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-I think you need to see more of what's inside.

-I think you're right.

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-Come on, let's take a look.

-OK.

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Dating back to the beginning of the 19th century,

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this detached property was once a nail makers' cottage.

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It's been extended over the years

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but leading straight off the front door, we're starting our tour

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in the original part of the home,

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now a dining hall with an attached snug.

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So, here we come straight into

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what would have been the old nail makers' part of the house.

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It's got a really cosy feel with the fireplace that opens up

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into both rooms and the final room from there would have been the shop

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where the nails were sold from.

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Quirky, different. Unusual!

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Not as low as I thought it'd be.

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I thought the ceilings would be lower if it was an old cottage.

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-Is that a good or a bad thing?

-That's good.

-That's good, yeah.

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-We've talked about downsizing, this is of course a downsize.

-Yes.

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-How does the space feel to you?

-You can see where the flow goes.

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-I like it.

-Let's take a look at the kitchen.

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-Let's see how you feel about downsizing after that.

-OK!

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Because I think this is going to put downsizing to the test.

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I don't know how big your current kitchen is.

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It's a lot smaller than the one we've got but it's got

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everything you need in it, plenty of room to bake.

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I don't mind the space so much.

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I'm still looking at what wall can come out.

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Funny you should talk about that because there's definitely

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potential in here to add your own stamp on it.

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One thing the current owner mentioned to me was that

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she's often considered extending out the back here

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to make it into a bigger kitchen diner.

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Yeah, that's a definite, I think.

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You've also got a downstairs toilet

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and a really well-equipped utility, which is in there,

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so you don't need to worry about having all those appliances in here.

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That leaves you more room for storage in the kitchen itself.

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There's more to show you down here.

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-Do you want to see the sitting room?

-Yes, please.

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'Back through the dining hall to the rear of the house

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'is the largest of the reception spaces.'

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This is just such a wonderful light sitting room.

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And it looks out over the south-facing garden,

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beautiful aspect.

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Where does the telly go?

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Well, at the moment, the current owner

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has got the television in that little sitting area.

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But I mean, you could find your perfect spot for it, I'm sure.

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-I'm sensing reticence from you.

-Hmm.

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It's a nice house but I think there's just something missing

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-and I don't know what it is at the moment, to be honest.

-OK.

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Possibly the feature fireplace. There ain't one.

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My thought for this room would be...

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-..you knock out that side and take it out.

-Yeah?

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You knock out this side and take it out and square it off

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with the back of the kitchen.

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And you have a really big living space that then flows

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into your kitchen and you put a great big feature fireplace in here.

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-It needs something.

-That would make a big difference to this.

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Let's go and take a look upstairs

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-and see if that can sway you a little bit.

-OK.

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'Lee and Jane have said they want a house

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'with interesting nooks and crannies, but so far,

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'they're not warming to this period property.'

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Stairs from the dining hall lead to three double bedrooms upstairs.

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They include a double-aspect double bedroom,

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a smaller bedroom currently used for storage,

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plus a family bathroom

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and a separate toilet.

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'Then at the rear of the property is the largest of the bedrooms

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'that could become Lee and Jane's.'

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-So, this is the master bedroom.

-Yeah?

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How does it compare to the size of your bedroom at home?

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Ah, we've got a monster master bedroom, so...

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-It's a whole attic.

-OK!

-It is slightly bigger.

-Seven metres long.

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But this is about the same size as the first floor.

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No, we could do something with this one. No problems at all.

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It's definitely got the potential to do things to.

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It's nicely done but every bit of character has been stripped out.

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You were expecting to see more of those roots of the property.

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From the outside, it looks like

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that's what you're going to get when you come in.

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You know, of course, back in the day

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-when it was a nail makers' cottage, it was tiny.

-Yeah.

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So, it has been extended over the years.

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So, that's the issue that you get with older properties

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that have been extended.

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You don't always get that character.

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I'm looking for a hobby so I'll take up nail making, then!

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Well, look, let's go take a look at the garden

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because it's really interesting and quirky and I know you like quirky.

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'The inside isn't convincing them'

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but outside, there's plenty of country character and charm.

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A variety of levels in the landscape garden

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provides two paved areas

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plus eye-catching shrubs, planting and flowers.

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Well, it's a gorgeous sunny day to be showing you the garden.

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-Beautiful.

-And it is, it's south-facing, gets stacks of sun.

0:16:590:17:03

It's really sweet.

0:17:030:17:05

-It is.

-It's beautiful but it's not very grandchild-friendly.

-OK.

0:17:050:17:09

All the steps and the levels.

0:17:090:17:11

You couldn't really trust a three-year-old up there.

0:17:110:17:13

OK, you've seen the house and now you've seen the garden.

0:17:130:17:16

So, what's this house on the market for?

0:17:160:17:19

I'll say £380,000.

0:17:190:17:21

Oh, I was going to say that.

0:17:220:17:24

-SHE GASPS

-375.

0:17:240:17:25

Oh, you're both very close but you're just a little bit off.

0:17:250:17:28

It's actually on the market for £399,000.

0:17:280:17:32

My biggest problem would still be the garden with the children.

0:17:320:17:35

Yeah, I think the garden just finishes it for me, I'm afraid.

0:17:350:17:38

Well, I still want you to go back inside

0:17:380:17:40

and have another good look around and I'll come and find you later.

0:17:400:17:43

Thank you.

0:17:430:17:44

With an exact asking price of £399,950,

0:17:470:17:53

this detached former nail makers' cottage

0:17:530:17:55

has many of the features Jane and Lee have asked for.

0:17:550:17:58

There are three bedrooms, giving space for the family to visit

0:17:580:18:02

as well as flexibility for an office space

0:18:020:18:04

whilst the downstairs reception rooms

0:18:040:18:06

offer quirky country character.

0:18:060:18:09

Outside, there's a garage workshop for Lee's pottery and carpentry

0:18:090:18:13

and the property offers countryside views and walks.

0:18:130:18:16

Plus, it's just a 25-minute drive from Jane's job in Dudley.

0:18:160:18:20

Hmm.

0:18:220:18:23

I'm not overly keen on having the separate toilet from the bathroom.

0:18:230:18:27

I'm not sure how you'd incorporate the two with the dogleg.

0:18:290:18:33

To be honest, it's a bit on the small side.

0:18:330:18:36

'The house itself is lovely, I like how it's been done.'

0:18:360:18:39

I think finding a place with a workshop is fantastic.

0:18:390:18:44

But on the whole, I don't think it's quite right for us.

0:18:440:18:47

There's not enough for me to get my teeth into.

0:18:470:18:51

Add that to the garden, we love having the grandkids out to play.

0:18:520:18:56

I think we need a little bit more lawn area.

0:18:560:18:58

But what really concerns me is the tier garden.

0:18:580:19:01

It is a shame.

0:19:010:19:02

It will make somebody a nice house, but not us.

0:19:020:19:05

-You seen enough?

-Yes, thank you.

0:19:090:19:10

I think what's really refreshing about the two of you

0:19:100:19:13

is that you've not just talked about downsizing,

0:19:130:19:15

-you've really got your heads around it, haven't you?

-I think so.

0:19:150:19:18

Fully prepared to do it.

0:19:180:19:19

I think you might do some furniture shopping

0:19:190:19:21

when you do find that house!

0:19:210:19:22

With some of the most fertile farmland in the country,

0:19:310:19:34

Worcestershire is a county well-suited to growing fruit.

0:19:340:19:37

When the area was opened up in the 19th-century

0:19:410:19:43

via new canal and railway routes,

0:19:430:19:45

orchards were planted on a large scale and they continue to be

0:19:450:19:49

a well-loved feature of the local landscape

0:19:490:19:52

as well as a haven for wildlife.

0:19:520:19:54

As Lee and Jane are keen to find out

0:19:570:19:58

about the heritage of the countryside,

0:19:580:20:00

we're sending them to meet fruit farmer Geoff Thompson,

0:20:000:20:03

whose family had been growing apples in the Teme Valley since the 1960s.

0:20:030:20:08

So, Geoff, what variety of apples do you grow here?

0:20:110:20:14

We'll have probably 10 different varieties.

0:20:140:20:16

But we mainly grow three varieties -

0:20:160:20:18

Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey,

0:20:180:20:21

just because we know they are proven for their quality for cider making.

0:20:210:20:24

Are the apples here the same as your everyday eating apples,

0:20:240:20:27

-like your Coxes and Bramleys?

-No, not at all.

0:20:270:20:29

There's a complete contrast,

0:20:290:20:31

as you will find out if we sample some of these in the basket.

0:20:310:20:35

Geoff has three different apples for Jane and Lee to try.

0:20:350:20:38

Starting with the dessert variety, Discovery.

0:20:400:20:44

-Oh, that's nice.

-That's sweet.

0:20:440:20:46

You can taste the real sweetness to a dessert apple,

0:20:460:20:48

plus there's an aroma to it as you bite it.

0:20:480:20:53

Next up, the Bramley, which is typically used for cooking.

0:20:530:20:57

-And you're going to find a real contrast with this.

-Thank you.

0:20:570:21:00

-Oh, now that's a sour apple.

-HE LAUGHS

0:21:040:21:07

It's impossible to eat that one without pulling a face, isn't it?

0:21:080:21:11

Yes. You can see why you cook with them and not eat them.

0:21:110:21:14

And lastly, a vintage cider apple known as the Yarlington Mill.

0:21:160:21:19

They're not as bitter as the other ones

0:21:260:21:28

-but they're certainly not sweet, are they?

-No.

-They're very dry.

0:21:280:21:32

Does have a juice and sweetness but it's also high in tannins,

0:21:330:21:36

so it gives it that totally different flavour.

0:21:360:21:40

It's very kind of clawing in your mouth,

0:21:400:21:42

difficult to chew after a bit.

0:21:420:21:44

It's just ideal for making cider, really.

0:21:440:21:47

I look forward to that.

0:21:470:21:48

The orchard provides 66 acres of apples for cider-making

0:21:500:21:53

here on the farm.

0:21:530:21:55

As well as picking the best varieties to blend,

0:21:550:21:58

it's crucial to harvest them at the right time

0:21:580:22:00

and that's once all the starch in fruit has been converted to sugar.

0:22:000:22:04

A simple test can check for this by dipping sliced apples in iodine,

0:22:050:22:09

the chemical that turns the flesh dark if it's not yet ripe.

0:22:090:22:12

Once the fruit is ready, it's harvested and brought in trailers

0:22:130:22:17

to be washed and inspected before going through the mill.

0:22:170:22:20

It doesn't look much but that small little box grinds them up to a pulp.

0:22:220:22:26

The pulp then goes through a press to extract the juice,

0:22:260:22:29

which is filtered and put into fermentation tanks.

0:22:290:22:32

During the whole period of harvest between mid-October to mid-November,

0:22:320:22:36

we will fill the whole six fermentation tanks.

0:22:360:22:38

How many varieties of cider do you actually make?

0:22:380:22:41

We do a medium sweet and medium dry

0:22:410:22:43

and then we also do a nice Discovery cider,

0:22:430:22:45

which is more like a sparkling champagne cider.

0:22:450:22:49

Some people refer to it as more like a apple prosecco.

0:22:490:22:52

-We better go up and try some now.

-OK.

0:22:520:22:54

Back out in the orchard, Geoff has some samples lined up.

0:22:570:23:01

We'll start first with the ordinary cider.

0:23:010:23:03

Oh, it's sweet!

0:23:060:23:08

-That is sweet. It is.

-That's why it's best to have this first.

0:23:090:23:12

That's a nice one, I like that one.

0:23:120:23:13

And then, the Discovery cider.

0:23:140:23:16

You can tell there's a lot more fizz to this.

0:23:170:23:19

Also known as apple prosecco.

0:23:190:23:21

Oh, it certainly brings home the dryness in the other one!

0:23:240:23:28

-Yeah.

-Yes, much, much drier.

-I quite like that one.

0:23:280:23:31

I'll take a case!

0:23:330:23:35

-It's quite different, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Quite unique.

-Hmm.

0:23:350:23:39

Well, let's see if we can find Lee and Jane something

0:23:390:23:42

worth raising their glasses to.

0:23:420:23:44

A country home that's the apple of their eye.

0:23:440:23:47

Our house hunt is heading 45 miles south-west of Birmingham,

0:23:560:24:00

eight miles north-west of Worcester to the village of Martley.

0:24:000:24:04

Located in the Malvern Hills district of Worcestershire,

0:24:040:24:07

the village features a pub that was once a coaching inn

0:24:070:24:11

and a Norman church, one of the first in the country

0:24:110:24:13

to have six bells, cast locally in the 17th century.

0:24:130:24:17

There are schools and several footpaths,

0:24:190:24:21

including the Worcestershire Way.

0:24:210:24:24

We're down a quiet lane a mile and a half away

0:24:240:24:26

from the centre of the village and surrounded by fields.

0:24:260:24:29

-This is the property I wanted to show you.

-Beautiful.

-Yes.

0:24:300:24:34

Think the words "chocolate box" spring to mind?

0:24:340:24:38

Yes, it has got the character, hasn't it?

0:24:380:24:40

If you're quite eagle-eyed, you can see

0:24:400:24:42

there would have been big sandstone blocks for the majority of it

0:24:420:24:45

and then the roof has been raised, put a good-sized second storey on.

0:24:450:24:49

-And that's where the smaller bricks come in.

-Yeah.

0:24:490:24:51

So you, see the history in the house and what about the windows?

0:24:510:24:55

Holy cow.

0:24:550:24:57

-Yeah.

-That's beautiful.

0:24:570:24:58

Well, let's hope the inside lives up

0:24:580:25:00

to these really positive first impressions.

0:25:000:25:02

-Let's go and open the door.

-OK.

0:25:020:25:04

The cottage has deeds dating back to 1800 but may well predate this.

0:25:060:25:11

Originally built for the poor of the parish,

0:25:110:25:13

it's been extended over the years.

0:25:130:25:15

Jane and Lee say they like surprises

0:25:160:25:19

and with a layout filled with unexpected corners,

0:25:190:25:22

this cottage certainly delivers them.

0:25:220:25:24

We're starting our tour in the very welcoming lounge.

0:25:240:25:27

DOORBELL RINGS

0:25:270:25:30

So, we come straight in to the old part of the house.

0:25:300:25:33

You can see all the character and history in here, can't you?

0:25:330:25:36

-It's beautiful.

-I do like the fireplace.

0:25:360:25:39

It's really nice, my goodness.

0:25:390:25:41

There's some really beautiful old touches in here.

0:25:410:25:44

And these beams were probably reclaimed from either

0:25:440:25:48

a local manor house or a local church,

0:25:480:25:50

so although they've been in here since the old part of the house

0:25:500:25:53

was built, they've probably got a longer history than that as well.

0:25:530:25:56

-They fit this room perfectly.

-I'm eager to look into another room too.

0:25:560:26:00

That's a great reaction.

0:26:000:26:01

Now, I know we've talked about the quirky houses.

0:26:010:26:04

-Isn't that what's appealing to you both?

-Mm-hm.

0:26:040:26:06

Well, this house is quirky

0:26:060:26:07

and there's a bit more quirkiness thrown in for good measure.

0:26:070:26:10

-So come on, there's lots to see.

-OK.

0:26:100:26:12

'As we leave through the back of the lounge and pass through a snug

0:26:120:26:16

'into the kitchen breakfast room,

0:26:160:26:18

'there's a feeling of hidden rooms to discover in this house.'

0:26:180:26:22

Now do watch your step because there are lots of different levels

0:26:220:26:25

going on in this house.

0:26:250:26:26

So, a good-sized kitchen and with beautiful views out over the garden.

0:26:270:26:32

-Mm.

-Spot on, the size of the kitchen. Yeah, plenty of space.

0:26:320:26:37

That overused word potential.

0:26:370:26:38

It's certainly got plenty of potential, the size is superb.

0:26:380:26:41

-We could live with this for the time being.

-As it is, yeah.

0:26:410:26:44

And then slowly do it up.

0:26:440:26:46

So, it's perfect. I just want to see more of it.

0:26:460:26:49

The room I do want to show you is just back over there

0:26:490:26:52

-and it's a gorgeous sunny conservatory.

-OK.

0:26:520:26:54

This is one of those rooms that you're just going to be in

0:26:590:27:02

on a cold winter's day and feel cosy and toasty, aren't you?

0:27:020:27:05

It's really warm in here, isn't it?

0:27:050:27:07

-Hence look, the oranges and lemons growing.

-That is wonderful.

0:27:070:27:11

-Is this a space that you'd use, though?

-Probably not.

0:27:110:27:15

Probably never come here at all... I'm joking!

0:27:150:27:18

The smile tells it all, I think. I'm loving it. It's great.

0:27:210:27:24

And it's smiles all around as the character of this cottage

0:27:240:27:28

has really fired up our buyers' curiosity.

0:27:280:27:30

This floor also features a utility and separate WC

0:27:320:27:35

just off the kitchen.

0:27:350:27:37

And to the front, there's a dining room currently used as a library.

0:27:370:27:41

There's also the first of three bedrooms, currently used as a study

0:27:410:27:45

with its own dressing area and an en-suite bathroom.

0:27:450:27:48

Then a staircase takes us upstairs

0:27:500:27:52

to the remainder of the sleeping accommodation,

0:27:520:27:55

which includes a double bedroom with a wash basin...

0:27:550:27:58

..a family bathroom,

0:27:590:28:02

and of course, the master, with double-aspect windows.

0:28:020:28:05

You might just want to take a look at the view.

0:28:050:28:08

Could you imagine looking out over that

0:28:100:28:11

-with a cup of tea in the morning?

-That's stunning, very nice.

0:28:110:28:14

What about the size of the room? Because it's not a huge bedroom.

0:28:140:28:17

Plenty big enough.

0:28:170:28:18

We could probably put some freestanding furniture in,

0:28:180:28:21

use the storage that way instead of the built-in cupboard.

0:28:210:28:24

I'm so pleased with how this is going.

0:28:240:28:26

I think you're going to like the garden just as much.

0:28:260:28:29

-So, let's go and explore that.

-Lead on.

-OK, off you go, my dear.

0:28:290:28:32

Outside, the cottage is surrounded by generous secluded gardens

0:28:350:28:39

to all sides, which like its interior,

0:28:390:28:42

provide many corners to explore.

0:28:420:28:44

Filled with mature shrubs, it even has its own mini orchard.

0:28:450:28:49

There are a number of outbuildings, including a greenhouse and shed,

0:28:510:28:55

plus something I know Lee wants, a double garage with power

0:28:550:28:59

and lighting which offers plenty of scope for pottery and carpentry.

0:28:590:29:03

-Is it too much for you? Because it's a big garden.

-No, no.

-No.

0:29:030:29:08

My part-time job, this will be.

0:29:080:29:10

Yeah, it's got lots of different areas, hasn't it, to explore?

0:29:100:29:13

It's beautiful.

0:29:130:29:14

Yeah, the shed, the greenhouse, the workshop,

0:29:140:29:17

there's so much potential there, it's wonderful.

0:29:170:29:20

-This seems to be going really well.

-It does.

0:29:200:29:22

And let's hope it carries on going really well because this is

0:29:220:29:24

-where I have to ask you to guess the price.

-Hmm.

0:29:240:29:27

So, let's remind ourselves of the budget - £410,000.

0:29:270:29:31

Where do you think this property sits alongside that?

0:29:310:29:34

Fingers crossed, we hope we'd get it in around 405.

0:29:340:29:38

Oh, my heart...

0:29:380:29:40

..wants it to be about 300.

0:29:410:29:44

SHE LAUGHS

0:29:440:29:45

But realistically, I'm going to go for the 410.

0:29:450:29:49

Well, you're both off the mark, I'm afraid, and you are both under.

0:29:490:29:52

-Oops.

-It's on the market for £425,000.

0:29:520:29:57

However, the owner has told us that they would seriously consider

0:29:570:30:01

an offer somewhere around £410,000.

0:30:010:30:04

So, it could be potentially brought in bang on budget.

0:30:040:30:08

-Oh, it's worth every penny.

-Yes.

0:30:080:30:09

Even though there's a lot of work to do.

0:30:090:30:11

So, I'm guessing you wouldn't mind going back in,

0:30:110:30:13

having another look around?

0:30:130:30:15

-I'll come and find you in what, a couple of hours, let's say?

-Yes!

0:30:150:30:18

-OK, off you go.

-Thank you.

0:30:180:30:20

Well, this is just brilliant,

0:30:210:30:22

it just couldn't have gone any better and they loved the house,

0:30:220:30:25

they see all the potential in it and they love the garden too.

0:30:250:30:28

Fingers crossed for this one.

0:30:280:30:30

This enchanting character cottage may be pushing their budget

0:30:330:30:36

but it has all the accommodation and intrigue they're after,

0:30:360:30:40

with lots of potential to put their own stamp on the place.

0:30:400:30:43

There are three bedrooms, including an en-suite,

0:30:430:30:46

a selection of versatile reception rooms with options for an office.

0:30:460:30:50

A beautiful garden perfect for playing with the grandkids in,

0:30:500:30:54

a double garage giving workshop space for Lee,

0:30:540:30:57

and it's less than an hour to Jane's job.

0:30:570:31:00

-Hmm.

-Oh, OK.

0:31:020:31:04

-Little bit of redecoration required, as in rip the lot out.

-Yes.

0:31:040:31:08

I don't think you really need a bathroom off another room, do you?

0:31:080:31:11

-We'd have to think on this one.

-Yeah.

0:31:110:31:13

Even though it's oldy worldy, it's still lots of space

0:31:130:31:17

and every door, it's got an even more surprising room behind it.

0:31:170:31:22

It really is a lovely house.

0:31:220:31:24

There's so many doors and opportunities.

0:31:240:31:26

There's a room to the left, room to the right,

0:31:260:31:28

it's just a surprise every time you step down a step.

0:31:280:31:31

Unusual space, what can we use this for, Jane?

0:31:330:31:36

We could have a dining room

0:31:360:31:37

-or even somewhere for when the children come.

-Perfect.

0:31:370:31:40

The garden's got just about every plant I've ever seen in any book.

0:31:400:31:43

Lovely-sized garage.

0:31:430:31:45

Definitely seeing as I'm making a nice workshop out of it in there.

0:31:450:31:48

Considering we were looking at downsizing, I didn't really think

0:31:480:31:51

we'd find something we loved as much as this house, given its size.

0:31:510:31:56

I think it's a cracking house and I really can see

0:31:560:31:58

me and Jane living here.

0:31:580:32:00

It's so lovely to see them both smiling so much

0:32:000:32:02

looking round this house, obviously thrilled with it.

0:32:020:32:05

And I'm smiling quietly to myself here as well

0:32:050:32:07

because that whole concept of downsizing,

0:32:070:32:10

gone out the window slightly, hasn't it?

0:32:100:32:12

-You've seen enough?

-We have, yes.

-I'm quite intrigued.

0:32:120:32:16

Is this house smaller than your current house?

0:32:160:32:19

Nope, it's bigger.

0:32:200:32:21

Downsizing, anyone? Downsizing? That concept?

0:32:210:32:25

'Birmingham-based retired fireman Lee and his wife Jane, a nurse,

0:32:380:32:42

'have up to £410,000 to make the move into the countryside

0:32:420:32:47

'of Worcestershire or Shropshire.

0:32:470:32:49

'We've already had a good response to our house hunt.'

0:32:490:32:53

The smile tells it all, I think. I'm loving it.

0:32:530:32:55

'But there's still more to see, including the Mystery House,

0:32:550:32:59

'which could be a little grander

0:32:590:33:00

'than our rural relocators had in mind.'

0:33:000:33:03

-It does look like a manor house, doesn't it?

-A hall.

0:33:030:33:07

'And I'll be turning my hand to some centuries-old building skills.'

0:33:070:33:11

I could be your daub apprentice, a daub and wattle apprentice.

0:33:110:33:15

Well, it's a misty morning for the second day of our house hunt

0:33:170:33:20

and we have two more homes to show Jane and Lee.

0:33:200:33:22

Now later on, I'll be taking them to see the Mystery House,

0:33:220:33:25

which will challenge our DIY-loving couple.

0:33:250:33:29

Will they find anything to do there?

0:33:290:33:31

But first, we are doing a spot of border hopping

0:33:310:33:33

and going to look at a house in Shropshire.

0:33:330:33:36

Our next property is in the small Shropshire village of Nash,

0:33:390:33:42

an eight-mile drive east of the town of Ludlow

0:33:420:33:45

and a three-and-a-half mile drive

0:33:450:33:46

north of the ancient market town of Tenbury Wells.

0:33:460:33:49

Lying on the Worcestershire bank of the River Teme,

0:33:510:33:53

which marks the county boundary with Shropshire, Tenbury Wells

0:33:530:33:56

offers a good selection of shops and amenities.

0:33:560:34:00

The Gothic-style pump rooms were built in 1862

0:34:000:34:03

to house baths filled by the local water,

0:34:030:34:06

which it was hoped would have healing properties.

0:34:060:34:09

Falling into disrepair at the end of the 20th century,

0:34:090:34:12

the building was recently renovated and provides

0:34:120:34:15

a community hall and register office.

0:34:150:34:18

'We're a three-and-a-half mile drive back in the rural location of Nash,

0:34:190:34:23

'where down a country lane,

0:34:230:34:24

'the cottage we've come to see is located.'

0:34:240:34:27

-It's pretty, isn't it?

-It's absolutely gorgeous.

0:34:290:34:31

It's lovely, isn't it?

0:34:310:34:33

-Quite a nice view.

-It is.

0:34:330:34:35

What's going through your minds at this point?

0:34:350:34:37

-Stunned.

-It's nice again, yeah.

-It's beautiful.

0:34:400:34:43

It's the setting as well, it's just...

0:34:430:34:46

lovely.

0:34:460:34:47

Lee and Jane seem completely taken aback by the appearance

0:34:500:34:53

of this detached cottage which dates back to the 1700s,

0:34:530:34:57

with an additional wing seamlessly added from a converted pig shed

0:34:570:35:01

in the 20th century.

0:35:010:35:02

We're starting through the entrance hall in the newer part of the house

0:35:040:35:08

and head straight into the country kitchen diner.

0:35:080:35:11

-I think it's definitely the heart of the house, isn't it?

-It is.

0:35:110:35:14

This is absolutely stunning, this kitchen.

0:35:140:35:16

Lots of original features, the period beams in here.

0:35:160:35:19

And anything new that's been added

0:35:190:35:21

has been done really sympathetically.

0:35:210:35:23

-I don't think I'd change a thing in here.

-Nor would I.

-No.

0:35:230:35:25

Nothing to change, it's superb, it really is.

0:35:250:35:27

-Are you keen to see more?

-Absolutely.

0:35:270:35:29

Well, again, quirky house, we know you like quirky

0:35:290:35:32

on a few different levels so let's step up

0:35:320:35:34

-and we'll go into the lounge.

-Thank you.

0:35:340:35:36

So, this is the main living room with that stunning fireplace there

0:35:390:35:43

and it's got the original bread oven in the side.

0:35:430:35:46

This is really a period property, isn't it? Is it too old?

0:35:460:35:50

No. Very traditional.

0:35:500:35:52

-It's beautiful, yes.

-My only concern, believe it or not,

0:35:530:35:56

is I'm wondering what I've got to do. What is there for me to do?

0:35:560:35:59

I need to change something but unfortunately at the moment,

0:35:590:36:02

nothing needs changing.

0:36:020:36:04

-Funny you should say that. Just follow me.

-OK.

0:36:040:36:07

Lee is right.

0:36:080:36:09

The ground floor of this delightful cottage is impeccably presented.

0:36:090:36:13

It also features a garden room with vaulted ceiling...

0:36:130:36:16

..and study area around the staircase.

0:36:170:36:20

As well as a ground floor bathroom

0:36:220:36:23

with a bath and separate shower cubicle.

0:36:230:36:26

But it's on the upper floor, the location of the three bedrooms,

0:36:270:36:30

where I think Lee might find something

0:36:300:36:32

to get his DIY teeth into.

0:36:320:36:34

Now up here, you have just a toilet.

0:36:360:36:40

So, the main bathroom is downstairs.

0:36:400:36:42

What you could do is take the banister forward,

0:36:420:36:45

knock through and put in a second family bathroom for upstairs

0:36:450:36:50

above the downstairs existing bathroom.

0:36:500:36:53

So, there is your project.

0:36:530:36:55

That's enough to be going on with.

0:36:550:36:57

The first of the three bedrooms is a good size.

0:36:580:37:01

Currently set up as a twin with dual-aspect windows.

0:37:010:37:05

There's another double with exposed woodwork

0:37:050:37:07

and then the bedroom that could be Lee and Jane's.

0:37:070:37:10

So, this is the master bedroom.

0:37:110:37:13

It's got dual aspect making the most of the views of the countryside

0:37:130:37:17

that surround this property.

0:37:170:37:18

It's got everything, hasn't it?

0:37:180:37:20

And again, those beautiful beams that you can see.

0:37:200:37:22

Done a fabulous job, haven't they?

0:37:220:37:25

I like everything about it, it's lovely.

0:37:250:37:27

A very positive response to the inside of this cottage

0:37:280:37:31

and there's more to see in the third-of-an-acre garden.

0:37:310:37:35

There's not only a detached garage but a timber workshop too,

0:37:350:37:39

with a decked terrace running over a stream, plus two patio areas,

0:37:390:37:44

there are plenty of places to unwind and enjoy

0:37:440:37:47

the serene surroundings and enough gardening to keep Lee occupied.

0:37:470:37:50

When it comes to gardening, I'm a major potterer.

0:37:520:37:54

Not only pottering but I certainly like pottering in the gardening.

0:37:540:37:57

This can keep you busy.

0:37:570:37:58

The other idea I had for a project is that over in the far corner,

0:37:580:38:01

you've got a shed and a garage.

0:38:010:38:02

There is potential for you to build something over there as well,

0:38:020:38:05

subject to the right kind of planning permissions,

0:38:050:38:08

if they were needed, of course.

0:38:080:38:10

Hmm, it all depends on the price there, doesn't it?

0:38:100:38:13

What we've got left in the coffers, in the money bank.

0:38:130:38:16

Your budget's £410,000.

0:38:160:38:19

-What do you think it's on for?

-I think this is over our budget.

0:38:190:38:23

I like it too much,

0:38:230:38:24

so I think probably you're going to say 425.

0:38:240:38:28

OK, Lee?

0:38:280:38:29

I'll go for 430.

0:38:290:38:32

I'm afraid you're both wrong.

0:38:320:38:34

-It's actually on the market under budget.

-Really?

0:38:340:38:36

It's on at £399,500.

0:38:360:38:40

That's fabulous.

0:38:400:38:42

-I've bought it.

-Yeah.

-OK!

0:38:420:38:43

I'm sure you're keen to go in and have a look around, so off you go.

0:38:430:38:47

-Come and find me when you've seen enough.

-Thank you.

-Come on, then.

0:38:470:38:50

This has been such a positive viewing.

0:38:520:38:55

I was really concerned that for Jane, she'd found a house

0:38:550:38:58

that tugged at her heartstrings, that she'd fallen in love with,

0:38:580:39:01

but the fact that it wasn't enough of a project would put Lee off.

0:39:010:39:04

However, they seem to be united in it so fingers crossed

0:39:040:39:07

the garden is enough to keep him busy.

0:39:070:39:09

Coming in below budget, this charmingly presented period property

0:39:110:39:16

could provide everything Lee and Jane are looking for.

0:39:160:39:19

It has a welcoming country kitchen diner,

0:39:190:39:22

the three bedrooms they've asked for,

0:39:220:39:25

a lovely cottage garden and there's a versatile garage and workshop.

0:39:250:39:30

And it's all peacefully located down a quiet country lane.

0:39:300:39:34

Oh, this is lovely.

0:39:340:39:37

Just see the two little people in here, can't we?

0:39:370:39:39

Nice and snug.

0:39:390:39:40

-You've taken to this one, haven't you?

-I have!

0:39:400:39:43

-Yeah, I have, yeah.

-Yeah.

0:39:430:39:45

Walking down the path to look at it,

0:39:450:39:48

it's got that "come in" feel about it.

0:39:480:39:50

When you actually get in the kitchen, it's stunning.

0:39:500:39:53

It's somewhere where you could sit down and just have

0:39:530:39:56

the whole family around the table at the same time

0:39:560:39:58

but also be able to see other rooms round corners.

0:39:580:40:01

It's got character in spades and it's stunning.

0:40:010:40:04

This is a fabulous little room.

0:40:050:40:07

You wouldn't think it was a later addition,

0:40:070:40:10

-it looks like it's part of the house.

-No, it's wonderful.

0:40:100:40:13

-Purpose-built for us, I think.

-Yeah.

0:40:130:40:15

It really is so homely the minute you walk in.

0:40:150:40:18

It's just comfortable, it's just welcoming. It's great.

0:40:180:40:21

I think this one's grabbed me and smacked me round the face

0:40:210:40:24

and it's really one that I want to live in, yes.

0:40:240:40:28

I think Jane will definitely...

0:40:280:40:31

will totally divorce me if we don't end up buying this one.

0:40:310:40:34

Have you seen enough? How are you feeling?

0:40:380:40:41

-Yeah.

-I love this one.

-Do you?

0:40:420:40:44

That's good, the reaction we love to hear.

0:40:440:40:47

Just hold that thought because we're off to see the Mystery House now.

0:40:470:40:51

Hmm!

0:40:510:40:52

Worcestershire's long history of habitation

0:41:000:41:03

means its architectural heritage spans the centuries.

0:41:030:41:07

But as the needs of the people living here evolve,

0:41:070:41:10

not all of the fascinating reminders of our past are safe

0:41:100:41:13

from dereliction and demolition.

0:41:130:41:15

That's where the Avoncroft Museum near Bromsgrove steps in.

0:41:150:41:19

Covering 700 years of a local architecture,

0:41:190:41:23

it's now home to 30 different buildings,

0:41:230:41:26

all painstakingly transported from their original locations

0:41:260:41:30

to this 19-acre site.

0:41:300:41:31

I'm meeting Simon Carter,

0:41:330:41:34

the director of the museum, who's agreed to show me around.

0:41:340:41:38

And we're starting at a 19th-century windmill

0:41:390:41:43

that was transported here in 1969 from near Arden in Warwickshire.

0:41:430:41:47

A journey of around 30 miles.

0:41:470:41:49

It's quite a feat moving a windmill across a county.

0:41:520:41:55

Who was responsible for doing that?

0:41:550:41:57

It was actually a group of volunteers.

0:41:570:41:59

They took it apart in the space of five days,

0:41:590:42:02

numbering all the timbers and dismantling the bricks individually

0:42:020:42:05

and then brought it here and over the course of the next

0:42:050:42:08

few years, it was reassembled and brought back to working condition.

0:42:080:42:11

-That's what they call a labour of love, isn't it?

-It is.

0:42:110:42:15

'And one of the volunteers who moved the mill in the '60s

0:42:150:42:18

'is here today, carrying out maintenance on the sails

0:42:180:42:22

'so it can continue to produce flour as it has done since 1977.'

0:42:220:42:27

-And this is Mike, who rescued the mill originally.

-Hi.

-Hi.

0:42:270:42:30

Great to see you all. Don't bang you head on there!

0:42:300:42:32

-I bet you've done that a few times, Mike.

-Very often, yes.

0:42:320:42:35

So Mike, it's fair to say you're the saviour of the windmill, then?

0:42:350:42:38

Well, one of them, yes, there were six of us.

0:42:380:42:41

But that was quite a few years ago. 46 years ago now that was, actually.

0:42:410:42:44

Had you had any experience or a background in fixing windmills

0:42:440:42:48

when you took that project on?

0:42:480:42:50

Certainly nothing to do with windmills.

0:42:500:42:52

Repairing my own home, which is a timber-framed house, yes.

0:42:520:42:55

And carpentry was my love anyway. But windmills, no.

0:42:550:42:58

The nearest I got to windmills was sailing.

0:42:580:43:00

-So, it's been a learning curve over the years, then.

-Yes, indeed.

0:43:000:43:03

How on earth do you begin to start the process

0:43:030:43:06

of how to operate a windmill?

0:43:060:43:07

How do you go about learning all that?

0:43:070:43:09

We had one book between us,

0:43:090:43:11

which was called The English Windmill by Rex Wailes.

0:43:110:43:14

Mostly, it is learning the ancient crafts and mill-wrighting crafts

0:43:140:43:19

which we've tried to apply.

0:43:190:43:20

Even though we use modern materials and modern equipment,

0:43:200:43:23

we try and keep it as original as possible.

0:43:230:43:26

We had professional help as well.

0:43:260:43:29

We had a German carpenter, who was absolutely first-class

0:43:300:43:35

at this sort of structure, he did the main heavy timber construction.

0:43:350:43:40

Beautiful work.

0:43:400:43:41

And what did it feel like when you sliced that first

0:43:410:43:43

chunky slice of bread from the loaf baked from your flour?

0:43:430:43:47

To think that we'd actually put something together

0:43:470:43:50

that did produce proper wholemeal flour and to bake a loaf

0:43:500:43:54

and eat the first sandwich with a bit of home-made jam -

0:43:540:43:57

perfect.

0:43:570:43:59

The museum currently has 140 volunteers like Mike

0:44:010:44:04

and much of their work involves keeping skills alive

0:44:040:44:07

that might otherwise be lost.

0:44:070:44:09

Another building undergoing restoration is a timber-framed

0:44:100:44:14

15th-century merchants house.

0:44:140:44:16

In 1962, it was the first structure brought here,

0:44:160:44:19

rescued from demolition in the centre of Bromsgrove.

0:44:190:44:22

'Half a century later, maintenance man Mike

0:44:240:44:26

'has the ongoing job of looking after the panels

0:44:260:44:29

'using a technique known as wattle and daub.'

0:44:290:44:31

So, Mark, were you a dab hand with daub

0:44:330:44:36

before you started working here?

0:44:360:44:37

No, I worked with a chap who worked here for 30 year.

0:44:370:44:40

He taught me how to do it.

0:44:400:44:42

Have you managed to pass this technique onto anybody else yet?

0:44:420:44:45

I had, but they've left, most of 'em!

0:44:450:44:47

So you need some winning apprentices.

0:44:470:44:50

I could be your daub apprentice,

0:44:500:44:51

-a daub and wattle apprentice for the...

-Would you like a go?

0:44:510:44:54

-Shall we have a go?

-SHE LAUGHS

0:44:540:44:56

Listen, my dad's a builder,

0:44:560:44:57

he'd be very disappointed if I didn't have a go.

0:44:570:45:00

'Hazel twigs are woven together to form the wattle,

0:45:010:45:04

'filling the gaps between the timber frame.'

0:45:040:45:07

They're literally just built of sections that would have been

0:45:070:45:10

fitted on site, like this?

0:45:100:45:11

If you come from an area where there's not

0:45:110:45:14

a natural stone material, timber is the obvious choice.

0:45:140:45:18

By only putting the frame up and making the infill out of

0:45:180:45:21

cheaper and more replaceable material,

0:45:210:45:24

you've got a kind of quick way of filling in your wall space.

0:45:240:45:27

Once the wattle work is done, a mixture called daub is applied.

0:45:280:45:32

Even the name daub sounds great, doesn't it?

0:45:320:45:35

It does but you might not enjoy working with it if you knew

0:45:350:45:38

what it originally had in it.

0:45:380:45:39

Usually, it not only had clay and straw,

0:45:390:45:43

it would have had cow or pig dung in it.

0:45:430:45:45

-Nice! None in now?

-We haven't put any in today, no.

0:45:450:45:49

-It's still got the horsehair in, it's got the straw in.

-It has.

0:45:490:45:52

It's really sticky, isn't it?

0:45:520:45:53

'Now to get daubing.'

0:45:550:45:56

How is it looking, Mark?

0:45:590:46:00

I'm not sure I've got your smoothness of touch, I'm afraid.

0:46:000:46:04

It seems all right to me. It's good for a first attempt.

0:46:040:46:07

'Well, hopefully that will make my dad proud and it's been

0:46:080:46:11

'inspiring to see how much care and effort is going into

0:46:110:46:15

'preserving our historic buildings.'

0:46:150:46:17

For our mystery proposition,

0:46:240:46:25

we're extending Lee and Jane's search area,

0:46:250:46:28

heading around four miles south of the Shropshire border

0:46:280:46:30

into the Herefordshire hamlet of Luston,

0:46:300:46:33

three miles north of the town of Leominster.

0:46:330:46:36

With a population of a little under 12,000,

0:46:370:46:40

there are plenty of useful shops and facilities to be found here.

0:46:400:46:43

The town features some traditional timber frame buildings,

0:46:430:46:47

several of which are reputedly the work of John Abel,

0:46:470:46:50

an early 17th-century carpenter and mason

0:46:500:46:53

who was granted the title of King's Carpenter.

0:46:530:46:57

We're a three-mile drive north in Luston,

0:46:570:46:59

where our mystery proposition

0:46:590:47:01

is of similar historic and eye-catching construction.

0:47:010:47:04

-Oh, dear.

-Oh!

0:47:050:47:08

-Where's me spirit level?

-THEY LAUGH

0:47:080:47:11

So, this is our Mystery House.

0:47:110:47:14

And yes, you're right, you will need a spirit level.

0:47:140:47:16

Well, it's got the... It's got the curve appeal, hasn't it?

0:47:160:47:19

It's got the wow factor.

0:47:190:47:21

I didn't expect you to find something like this.

0:47:210:47:23

You really can't...you really can't take your eyes off it.

0:47:230:47:27

In my opinion, it's just as pretty inside as it is out,

0:47:270:47:30

-so shall we go take a look?

-Yes, please.

0:47:300:47:32

This impressive oak-framed semidetached house

0:47:350:47:38

dates to around 1640, with Victorian extensions.

0:47:380:47:41

Arranged over three floors plus a basement,

0:47:430:47:45

there's a lot of property to see here.

0:47:450:47:48

'So, downsizing is taking a back-seat for now.

0:47:480:47:51

'And we're starting our tour in the rather magnificent dining room.'

0:47:510:47:54

Welcome to the local manor!

0:47:560:47:58

-It does look like a manor house, doesn't it?

-A hall.

0:47:580:48:01

The grandness from the outside

0:48:010:48:02

is definitely carried on into the inside, isn't it?

0:48:020:48:05

It's Grade II listing,

0:48:050:48:07

the current owners have had it for 20 years and they have

0:48:070:48:09

painstakingly restored it and just brought to life

0:48:090:48:12

the original features - it's got the original stone floor,

0:48:120:48:15

this stunning fireplace, beads and the woodwork on the walls.

0:48:150:48:19

Could you imagine living in it?

0:48:190:48:21

-Oh, yeah, yeah.

-Oh, yeah, oh, yeah!

0:48:210:48:25

A bit Lady of the Manor here. She's got home again.

0:48:250:48:28

Well, Lady of the Manor, I'd like to talk to you

0:48:280:48:30

about the dining options.

0:48:300:48:31

Keep this one in your mind and I'll take you through to what's

0:48:310:48:34

-currently the living room.

-OK.

0:48:340:48:37

There was a small extension done in Victorian times and that is

0:48:370:48:41

an original Victorian fireplace with the original tiles.

0:48:410:48:43

So it's again, a lovely sense of history,

0:48:430:48:46

a sense of who's lived here over the centuries.

0:48:460:48:49

This is used as a living space and a part of me wondered whether

0:48:490:48:52

actually you'd want your living space in that central area.

0:48:520:48:55

Actually, that would be fine as a living space for the winter months

0:48:550:48:59

-purely because of that big fire on.

-Yeah.

0:48:590:49:02

But we've got two living rooms and we just kind of move

0:49:020:49:06

from one to the other as the fancy takes us.

0:49:060:49:08

So actually, you're quite happy not to downsize really, aren't you?

0:49:080:49:11

Downsizing, we haven't mentioned that for a bit, have we?

0:49:110:49:14

You keep showing as these houses with so many rooms in it.

0:49:140:49:16

"Let's just downsize to the two living rooms!"

0:49:160:49:20

-I want to show both of you the kitchen.

-OK.

0:49:200:49:23

Which again, I think is quite pretty.

0:49:230:49:25

'Back through the dining room,

0:49:270:49:29

'the kitchen also shows this home's Victorian influence.'

0:49:290:49:32

So, this is the Victorian extension.

0:49:350:49:37

Over there in the corner,

0:49:370:49:38

you've got the original Victorian range and the bread oven.

0:49:380:49:41

-It's all there.

-It's plenty big enough, isn't it?

-Yeah.

0:49:410:49:44

There's not a lot to do.

0:49:440:49:46

Which is another reason why this is the Mystery House.

0:49:460:49:49

-Could you live with that, Lee?

-Yeah, what I've seen so far.

0:49:490:49:53

Shall we have a wander round upstairs and see if we can

0:49:530:49:55

find you anything to do?

0:49:550:49:56

Because I don't know what you're going to do otherwise,

0:49:560:49:59

you might have to sit down for once!

0:49:590:50:00

'Well, this house may be short on projects'

0:50:020:50:04

but it's not short on accommodation.

0:50:040:50:07

There's a generous-sized basement here,

0:50:070:50:09

plus two upper floors providing a total of four bedrooms.

0:50:090:50:13

On the middle floor, there's the family bathroom

0:50:130:50:15

with a corner bath, plus a small guest bedroom.

0:50:150:50:18

And then the room that's just for them.

0:50:180:50:21

And into the master bedroom.

0:50:230:50:26

It's fair to say that it befits the rest of the house downstairs,

0:50:260:50:29

-doesn't it?

-Yes, it does!

0:50:290:50:31

Never been in anything like this before.

0:50:310:50:33

I think it's just a bit grand, isn't it?

0:50:330:50:35

Could you imagine yourself living in anything like this?

0:50:350:50:38

-Oh, I think so, yes.

-THEY LAUGH

0:50:380:50:40

And there's still more to show you as well.

0:50:400:50:43

Jane and Lee already seem pleasantly overwhelmed

0:50:450:50:47

by the imposing scale and character of what's on offer here.

0:50:470:50:51

But there are two more large adjoining rooms on the top floor

0:50:510:50:55

where the historic charm raises the roof.

0:50:550:50:57

Good grief!

0:51:000:51:01

This is tremendous. Oh, this is good.

0:51:010:51:04

You're right at the top of the house.

0:51:040:51:06

You've got a fantastic-sized bedroom in there.

0:51:060:51:08

This could be used as another bedroom.

0:51:080:51:10

At the moment, it's used as an office, music room.

0:51:100:51:12

Your grandchildren might be able to take it over with their toys.

0:51:120:51:16

Nope, they're not having it, it's mine.

0:51:160:51:18

This is my favourite room in the house.

0:51:180:51:20

I like the roof, I like the fact that it's so far off true,

0:51:200:51:23

it's unbelievable. It's just marvellous.

0:51:230:51:25

I think downsizing definitely has gone out the window with this one.

0:51:250:51:28

Yeah, it is, it's a substantial house, absolutely.

0:51:280:51:31

And I need you to start thinking about

0:51:310:51:33

what you think this is on the market for.

0:51:330:51:35

-Because the tricky part's coming up.

-OK.

0:51:350:51:37

Our buyers have been positively wowed

0:51:390:51:42

by our impressive four-storey Mystery House.

0:51:420:51:45

And there's more outside in the form of a large workshop

0:51:460:51:49

and a carport.

0:51:490:51:51

As this house is attached at the rear,

0:51:510:51:53

the entire garden is found to the front of the property

0:51:530:51:56

and features mature apple trees

0:51:560:51:58

as well as an original cider press wheel.

0:51:580:52:00

You've seen it all now. Are you ready to guess the price for me?

0:52:020:52:06

-Yep, we'll give it a go.

-OK, so we've got £410,000 in the budget.

0:52:060:52:10

-Mm-hm.

-Where does this property sit alongside that?

0:52:100:52:13

Top of the budget, 410.

0:52:130:52:14

Now you see, I think it's over again.

0:52:150:52:17

I think we're going to go 420.

0:52:170:52:20

It's actually on the market for less than your budget.

0:52:200:52:23

It's on the market for £350,000.

0:52:230:52:28

Good grief!

0:52:280:52:29

Just move into there, that's it. That'll do us, thank you.

0:52:310:52:34

-You like it that much, do you?

-Yeah, I do.

0:52:340:52:36

It grows on you, it really does, doesn't it?

0:52:360:52:38

I think with a reaction like that,

0:52:380:52:40

there's only one thing I can say now. Off you go, back in the house.

0:52:400:52:43

-Start working out where the furniture's going.

-Thank you.

0:52:430:52:45

-Lovely.

-Take as long as you want.

0:52:450:52:48

Come on, my lady!

0:52:480:52:49

Yes!

0:52:530:52:54

That was the most amazing reaction and I didn't expect that at all.

0:52:540:52:58

I thought they were set on DIY.

0:52:580:53:00

Just shows you how wrong you can be sometimes.

0:53:010:53:04

A staggering £60,000 below budget,

0:53:070:53:10

this distinctive and historic semidetached Mystery House

0:53:100:53:14

is certainly not a downsize for our couple.

0:53:140:53:17

It boasts four bedrooms,

0:53:170:53:19

two generous reception rooms and many original features.

0:53:190:53:23

It also offers Lee a workshop for his pottery and woodwork.

0:53:230:53:27

I could do the pottery in here, no problems at all.

0:53:330:53:35

This is very useful.

0:53:350:53:37

The outside, it just follows in.

0:53:370:53:39

It's a really grand, imposing building.

0:53:390:53:43

It's huge.

0:53:430:53:44

Like a manor house.

0:53:440:53:45

My favourite room, without doubt, is the top bedroom.

0:53:450:53:50

I'd be tempted to go up there and claim it for my own, to be honest.

0:53:500:53:53

I could definitely move into this house.

0:53:530:53:56

I'd move in as it is today, to be honest.

0:53:560:53:58

I didn't expect to really want to live in

0:53:580:54:01

such an old imposing building but sometimes,

0:54:010:54:04

you've got to forget about downsizing, haven't you,

0:54:040:54:07

when you see something like this?

0:54:070:54:08

You've really thrown a curveball for us now.

0:54:080:54:12

Hello, there.

0:54:170:54:18

Just checking out the local removal companies,

0:54:180:54:20

just in case you need them.

0:54:200:54:22

-Probably will.

-Oh, OK.

0:54:220:54:24

Well, that's all the houses seen. Decision time.

0:54:240:54:27

I think you've got some thinking to do, haven't you?

0:54:270:54:30

-I'm glad I'm not in your shoes.

-No.

0:54:300:54:32

This has been a fantastic house hunt,

0:54:370:54:39

you could just feel the energy building with each house we visited.

0:54:390:54:42

I can't wait to hear what Jane and Lee have got to say.

0:54:420:54:45

-Hello, you two.

-Hello.

0:54:520:54:53

Well, you really set us a challenge this week, didn't you?

0:54:540:54:57

-Find us a house and can you find it quickly, please?

-Yeah.

0:54:570:55:00

Your reactions to the properties,

0:55:000:55:02

they just seemed to get better and better.

0:55:020:55:04

So now we're sat down, we've seen them all, where are you at?

0:55:040:55:08

It was between two and I think that's come down to one now.

0:55:090:55:13

There was the house just over the border into Shropshire.

0:55:130:55:16

I got very strong positive vibes from both of you on that.

0:55:160:55:20

-Out of them all, that's the favourite.

-Hmm.

0:55:200:55:23

That's the favourite house.

0:55:230:55:25

There's enough for Lee to keep him busy,

0:55:250:55:28

adding a bathroom on and the workshop.

0:55:280:55:30

And the garden will keep him busy for years, I would imagine.

0:55:300:55:33

There's plenty of scope to get stuck into that one.

0:55:330:55:36

I could have lost myself for days in there.

0:55:360:55:38

-Yeah, I just loved it, I could move in now.

-Yeah.

0:55:380:55:41

You've surprised me, actually.

0:55:410:55:43

Because when you said there were two properties,

0:55:430:55:45

I thought the favourite property for you was actually the Mystery House.

0:55:450:55:50

You had such an amazingly strong reaction to that house.

0:55:500:55:54

What is it that's changed now about that?

0:55:540:55:57

Well, the Mystery House, there was almost nothing to do.

0:55:570:56:00

In terms of downsizing, I don't think we were

0:56:000:56:04

because the house was almost as big as the one we're moving out of.

0:56:040:56:07

It was a gorgeous house but it's not for us.

0:56:070:56:10

By the slimmest of margins

0:56:100:56:13

but someone's going to have a cracking house there, it's gorgeous.

0:56:130:56:16

So now, what next for the house that's just over the border

0:56:160:56:20

into Shropshire? What's your plan?

0:56:200:56:22

Second visit and I'm going to do the drive in real life

0:56:220:56:26

to see how far it is to work.

0:56:260:56:28

And all being well, we'll put an offer in on that one.

0:56:280:56:32

-Yeah, we'll proceed with that one.

-Well, that's brilliant.

0:56:320:56:34

I hope that that commute proves to be workable for you.

0:56:340:56:37

We are absolutely thrilled that we found you a property.

0:56:370:56:40

Keeping our fingers crossed for you,

0:56:400:56:42

let us know how you go on and we wish you lots of luck.

0:56:420:56:44

-We will do.

-Thank you.

0:56:440:56:46

Now when we started this house hunt,

0:56:510:56:52

Jane and Lee challenged us to find them a house and find it quickly.

0:56:520:56:56

And not only have we been able to do that but we've also managed

0:56:560:56:59

to fulfil our DIY-loving couple's dreams of finding

0:56:590:57:02

a renovation project.

0:57:020:57:04

Join me next time on Escape To The Country.

0:57:040:57:07

Sadly, the sale of Jane and Lee's home in Birmingham

0:57:080:57:11

fell through yet again.

0:57:110:57:13

So, they've decided to put the move on hold for the time being.

0:57:130:57:17

If you would like to Escape To The Country

0:57:170:57:19

in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and need our help,

0:57:190:57:24

please apply online...

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