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Welcome to Escape to the Country. | 0:00:02 | 0:00:05 | |
These astonishing mountains were the training ground for | 0:00:05 | 0:00:09 | |
the world's first successful ascent of Mount Everest, | 0:00:09 | 0:00:13 | |
but strangely they are closer to home than you might think. | 0:00:13 | 0:00:16 | |
So, where are we? | 0:00:16 | 0:00:18 | |
Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you. | 0:00:18 | 0:00:20 | |
Today's property search reveals something of a generation gap. | 0:00:39 | 0:00:43 | |
-Can you see your mum in here? -Yeah, it's definitely her. | 0:00:43 | 0:00:46 | |
That sounds like it's definitely not you. | 0:00:46 | 0:00:49 | |
Yeah, he doesn't like olde worlde. | 0:00:49 | 0:00:51 | |
I'm thinking I'll whack my head quite a few times. | 0:00:51 | 0:00:54 | |
And it looks like we might uncover Mum's dream country home. | 0:00:54 | 0:00:59 | |
-Lovely! -Yeah? -I knew it would be, I knew it would be. | 0:00:59 | 0:01:02 | |
It's gorgeous, it's gorgeous. | 0:01:02 | 0:01:04 | |
Well, today I'm in North Wales | 0:01:06 | 0:01:08 | |
on the Watkin Path at the base of Mount Snowdon. | 0:01:08 | 0:01:11 | |
This is one of six routes that leads to the peak, | 0:01:11 | 0:01:14 | |
the highest, of course, in England and Wales. | 0:01:14 | 0:01:17 | |
Now, despite being eight times smaller than Mount Everest, | 0:01:17 | 0:01:20 | |
Snowdon and its challenging environment was | 0:01:20 | 0:01:23 | |
the perfect training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary and his team. | 0:01:23 | 0:01:27 | |
They came here in the winter of 1952 to test their equipment | 0:01:27 | 0:01:31 | |
and hone their skills prior to their conquest of Everest itself | 0:01:31 | 0:01:35 | |
in May of 1953. | 0:01:35 | 0:01:38 | |
Now, of course, every year thousands of us make the climb | 0:01:38 | 0:01:41 | |
to the top of Snowdon, following in Hillary's footsteps, | 0:01:41 | 0:01:44 | |
but how many of us really appreciate just what it takes to work, | 0:01:44 | 0:01:48 | |
farm and maintain this stunning environment? | 0:01:48 | 0:01:51 | |
Well, later on in the programme, I'll be finding out. | 0:01:51 | 0:01:55 | |
North Wales includes the Llyn Peninsula to the west, | 0:01:58 | 0:02:00 | |
and the Isle of Anglesey and Colwyn Bay to the north. | 0:02:00 | 0:02:04 | |
At its heart, Snowdonia crosses the areas of Gwynedd and Conwy | 0:02:04 | 0:02:09 | |
and is the largest National Park in Wales. | 0:02:09 | 0:02:12 | |
There are no fewer than nine mountain ranges here | 0:02:12 | 0:02:15 | |
covering over half the park's surface. | 0:02:15 | 0:02:18 | |
But rocky peaks are not the only natural delight on offer. | 0:02:18 | 0:02:23 | |
The area abounds with gorges, valleys and forests, | 0:02:23 | 0:02:26 | |
and is also home to around 26,000 permanent residents. | 0:02:26 | 0:02:30 | |
Settlements include Penmaenpool, | 0:02:32 | 0:02:34 | |
originally built for workers | 0:02:34 | 0:02:36 | |
serving the country residence of a Lancashire entrepreneur. | 0:02:36 | 0:02:39 | |
The hamlet's wooden toll bridge dates from 1879 | 0:02:39 | 0:02:43 | |
and can be used to reach a nearby RSPB wildlife reserve. | 0:02:43 | 0:02:46 | |
On a grander scale, Conway is considered | 0:02:48 | 0:02:51 | |
the best preserved medieval walled town in Britain. | 0:02:51 | 0:02:54 | |
Not only have the stone fortifications remained intact, | 0:02:54 | 0:02:57 | |
they boast an incredible 22 towers. | 0:02:57 | 0:03:01 | |
The castle itself was built in the 13th century by Edward I, | 0:03:01 | 0:03:05 | |
following his successful conquest of Wales. | 0:03:05 | 0:03:08 | |
It overlooks the harbour, | 0:03:08 | 0:03:09 | |
once described by the visiting Daniel Defoe, | 0:03:09 | 0:03:13 | |
author of Robinson Crusoe, as noble. | 0:03:13 | 0:03:16 | |
North Wales' rivers include the Dee. | 0:03:16 | 0:03:19 | |
This 70-mile long waterway journeys from the mountains of Snowdonia | 0:03:19 | 0:03:23 | |
via lush valleys passing through Bala Lake at Gwynedd. | 0:03:23 | 0:03:27 | |
The lake's famously deep, clear waters | 0:03:27 | 0:03:29 | |
are home to an abundance of fish, | 0:03:29 | 0:03:31 | |
including perch and brown trout. | 0:03:31 | 0:03:34 | |
With such a wealth of stunning scenery, | 0:03:35 | 0:03:38 | |
historic settlements and varied coastline, | 0:03:38 | 0:03:42 | |
it's no wonder that North Wales is so popular | 0:03:42 | 0:03:44 | |
with both holiday-makers | 0:03:44 | 0:03:46 | |
as well as those wanting a more rural lifestyle. | 0:03:46 | 0:03:49 | |
Now, when it comes to house-hunting here in North Wales, | 0:03:51 | 0:03:54 | |
property here is remarkably affordable. | 0:03:54 | 0:03:57 | |
Currently the average price of a detached property | 0:03:57 | 0:03:59 | |
in this neck of the woods is just under £200,000, | 0:03:59 | 0:04:03 | |
and that compares very favourably with | 0:04:03 | 0:04:05 | |
the nearly £290,000 average across England and Wales at the moment. | 0:04:05 | 0:04:10 | |
Now, of course, there are hot spots. | 0:04:10 | 0:04:12 | |
Gwynedd, this enormous northern county, | 0:04:12 | 0:04:15 | |
is dominated by swathes of the Snowdonia National Park | 0:04:15 | 0:04:18 | |
and, as with most National Parks, well, of course, | 0:04:18 | 0:04:21 | |
if you're in it, you're going to have to spend | 0:04:21 | 0:04:23 | |
a little bit more than if you're outside of it. | 0:04:23 | 0:04:25 | |
So, if you want your budget to go that little bit further, | 0:04:25 | 0:04:28 | |
my advice is to head west over towards the Llyn Peninsula | 0:04:28 | 0:04:31 | |
and Wales' west coast, | 0:04:31 | 0:04:33 | |
or indeed east over towards Conwy and Denbighshire. | 0:04:33 | 0:04:36 | |
Let's face it, wherever you are up here | 0:04:36 | 0:04:37 | |
you're never that far from the mountains. | 0:04:37 | 0:04:39 | |
But what about today's buyers? | 0:04:39 | 0:04:41 | |
What's attracted them to one of my favourite parts of the UK? | 0:04:41 | 0:04:45 | |
Well, let's meet them and find out. | 0:04:45 | 0:04:47 | |
Today's buyer, Maxine, is from Olney, | 0:04:49 | 0:04:51 | |
within the Buckinghamshire borough of Milton Keynes. | 0:04:51 | 0:04:54 | |
She's lived in her current home for almost 30 years, raising two boys. | 0:04:54 | 0:05:00 | |
Youngest son Cyron is now 20 and studying music at Bangor University, | 0:05:00 | 0:05:04 | |
meaning Maxine feels it's time for her to move on. | 0:05:04 | 0:05:08 | |
I realised this house was far too big for me | 0:05:08 | 0:05:11 | |
and it hasn't got a heart any more, you know. It's a place to stay, | 0:05:11 | 0:05:15 | |
but it's not my ideal home any more. | 0:05:15 | 0:05:20 | |
The area where I live...is a small town, | 0:05:20 | 0:05:22 | |
but it's getting bigger and bigger | 0:05:22 | 0:05:25 | |
and I can just see it getting too big for me, | 0:05:25 | 0:05:28 | |
and neighbours are too close, | 0:05:28 | 0:05:29 | |
I'm overlooked by a number of properties. | 0:05:29 | 0:05:32 | |
As soon as I look out the windows, I'm looking at brick walls, | 0:05:32 | 0:05:35 | |
other people's brick walls. | 0:05:35 | 0:05:37 | |
You know, I feel hemmed in and claustrophobic | 0:05:37 | 0:05:41 | |
and I want to look out into some beautiful countryside | 0:05:41 | 0:05:45 | |
or see hills in the background and think, | 0:05:45 | 0:05:47 | |
"I'm just going to put my boots on | 0:05:47 | 0:05:49 | |
"and go for a nice walk in the countryside." | 0:05:49 | 0:05:51 | |
And there's one place | 0:05:51 | 0:05:52 | |
where Maxine feels her boots were made for walking. | 0:05:52 | 0:05:55 | |
I feel very Welsh. I was born in Newport in South Wales. | 0:05:55 | 0:06:00 | |
And I only left Wales for work, really, when I was in my early 20s. | 0:06:00 | 0:06:05 | |
I just feel the draw. | 0:06:05 | 0:06:06 | |
I suddenly realised how beautiful it was when I was taking my sons, | 0:06:06 | 0:06:10 | |
Casper and Cyron, up to Bangor University. | 0:06:10 | 0:06:13 | |
And every time I went up there, I just thought, | 0:06:13 | 0:06:17 | |
"I don't want to go back home." | 0:06:17 | 0:06:20 | |
Cyron shares his mum's sentiment for her Welsh homeland | 0:06:20 | 0:06:23 | |
and is keen to help her make the move. | 0:06:23 | 0:06:25 | |
I want to sort of bring a slightly younger and fresher perspective. | 0:06:26 | 0:06:30 | |
Having that collective thought would possibly | 0:06:30 | 0:06:33 | |
help better with the move than just one person themself. | 0:06:33 | 0:06:36 | |
It's just getting back to my roots, really. | 0:06:36 | 0:06:39 | |
I'm an outdoorsy person, even though I don't show it, | 0:06:39 | 0:06:41 | |
I still like seeing... | 0:06:41 | 0:06:43 | |
I love my scenery shots. Hill walking, I like that as well. | 0:06:43 | 0:06:47 | |
And especially... Is it Mount Snowdon? | 0:06:47 | 0:06:49 | |
I haven't even been up it yet. | 0:06:49 | 0:06:50 | |
But there are practicalities to consider. | 0:06:50 | 0:06:53 | |
Maxine will have to give up her cleaning business, so the new home | 0:06:53 | 0:06:56 | |
will have to provide both a place to live and a source of income. | 0:06:56 | 0:07:00 | |
When I go to North Wales, the property's got to work for me. | 0:07:00 | 0:07:04 | |
I'm going to start afresh, | 0:07:04 | 0:07:06 | |
so the building really does need to have | 0:07:06 | 0:07:08 | |
either already a holiday let attached to it | 0:07:08 | 0:07:11 | |
or an annexe that I can change into a holiday let. | 0:07:11 | 0:07:15 | |
However, it's not just about earning potential. | 0:07:15 | 0:07:18 | |
There are dreams of what a home in Wales will offer. | 0:07:18 | 0:07:21 | |
When I started to explore villages up in the hills, | 0:07:21 | 0:07:25 | |
in the mountains, I thought, "Yeah, I could be up here." | 0:07:25 | 0:07:28 | |
And there are such beautiful stone properties, | 0:07:28 | 0:07:32 | |
old Welsh stone cottages that I would love, | 0:07:32 | 0:07:36 | |
with little windows and little doors and sheep on the doorstep. | 0:07:36 | 0:07:42 | |
That's where I want to be, really. | 0:07:42 | 0:07:45 | |
And I really do just want to get a little backpack, | 0:07:45 | 0:07:49 | |
with my water in and my sandwiches and my camera | 0:07:49 | 0:07:52 | |
and a woolly hat and a nice raincoat and off I go into the hills, | 0:07:52 | 0:07:56 | |
and I'll be out for hours and hours. | 0:07:56 | 0:07:58 | |
And I really look forward to that. | 0:07:58 | 0:08:01 | |
But most of all it's about starting a new chapter. | 0:08:01 | 0:08:04 | |
It would definitely change my life completely, utterly completely. | 0:08:04 | 0:08:09 | |
It's primarily her house. She's going to be living in it. | 0:08:09 | 0:08:12 | |
I am moving on. | 0:08:12 | 0:08:13 | |
A new life, completely new life, | 0:08:13 | 0:08:16 | |
and I think my mind will be freed up and I'll start to get ideas. | 0:08:16 | 0:08:19 | |
Maxine is open to living anywhere in North Wales, | 0:08:23 | 0:08:26 | |
although she particularly likes the mountain views of Snowdonia. | 0:08:26 | 0:08:31 | |
But before we start to look at houses, I'm meeting her and Cyron | 0:08:31 | 0:08:34 | |
to find out more about the type of property she's hoping to find. | 0:08:34 | 0:08:38 | |
So, officially, Cyron, Maxine, welcome to Escape to the Country | 0:08:39 | 0:08:43 | |
and to North Wales. Why now? | 0:08:43 | 0:08:46 | |
It was from when I was bringing the boys up, Cyron's brother as well, | 0:08:46 | 0:08:50 | |
up to Bangor back-and-forth the last three years, | 0:08:50 | 0:08:53 | |
every time I came up to Snowdonia National Park | 0:08:53 | 0:08:55 | |
I just fell in love with it and I thought, "I've got to come up here." | 0:08:55 | 0:08:59 | |
As soon as I saw the hills, I just relax and I just think, | 0:08:59 | 0:09:02 | |
"Yeah, this is where I want to be." | 0:09:02 | 0:09:03 | |
But you'll have a clearer idea, I hope, of what your mother is after. | 0:09:03 | 0:09:08 | |
Yeah. I've known her for 20 years, | 0:09:08 | 0:09:10 | |
so hopefully I should know a few of her tastes now. | 0:09:10 | 0:09:12 | |
Well, I've got a few of my own, of course. | 0:09:12 | 0:09:15 | |
In terms of the property that you are dreaming of, | 0:09:15 | 0:09:18 | |
give us a quick run through as to what it needs to have. | 0:09:18 | 0:09:20 | |
Definitely not modern. I don't like modern. | 0:09:20 | 0:09:23 | |
I just want older properties, you know, with history. | 0:09:23 | 0:09:26 | |
Anything from Victorian backwards. | 0:09:26 | 0:09:28 | |
You have been very clear on style, but give us the spec - | 0:09:28 | 0:09:31 | |
how many bedrooms, kitchen, dining room - all that sort of thing. | 0:09:31 | 0:09:35 | |
Really small, for myself, just a two-bed. | 0:09:35 | 0:09:37 | |
I don't want anything big to live in. | 0:09:37 | 0:09:39 | |
I'd just rattle around in it, mainly. | 0:09:39 | 0:09:41 | |
My boys will be coming and going. | 0:09:41 | 0:09:43 | |
Cyron is looking, I think, for a studio for himself. | 0:09:43 | 0:09:46 | |
-What kind of a studio do you want? -Music. | 0:09:46 | 0:09:48 | |
Oh, right. OK. So, music studio, yeah. | 0:09:48 | 0:09:51 | |
-Check. Got that. -Yeah. | 0:09:51 | 0:09:53 | |
Some land, because I'm hoping to have a greenhouse, | 0:09:53 | 0:09:56 | |
-maybe get into growing my own veg. -Yeah. | 0:09:56 | 0:09:58 | |
The ideal property would have to work for me. | 0:09:58 | 0:10:01 | |
I've got to either have a property let or B&B, | 0:10:01 | 0:10:07 | |
or if it's got outbuildings on, I'll try and use them for something. | 0:10:07 | 0:10:10 | |
I'll grow things and try and sell them. I'll whittle spoons, anything, | 0:10:10 | 0:10:14 | |
just to be up here and stay up here. | 0:10:14 | 0:10:16 | |
I can look at it and adapt it and make it work. | 0:10:16 | 0:10:19 | |
And how much do you want to spend on this little endeavour? | 0:10:19 | 0:10:22 | |
OK, well, I think my upper limit, | 0:10:22 | 0:10:24 | |
if it's already set up with a holiday let | 0:10:24 | 0:10:26 | |
and I don't have to spend a lot of money on refurbing anything, | 0:10:26 | 0:10:29 | |
will probably be around £350,000. | 0:10:29 | 0:10:32 | |
I don't mind living in almost like a shack, | 0:10:32 | 0:10:37 | |
as long as I'm up here and I can start my business | 0:10:37 | 0:10:40 | |
and my life up here, then I don't mind living in mess, you know. | 0:10:40 | 0:10:45 | |
I think we can find you something a little better than a shack. | 0:10:45 | 0:10:47 | |
-OK. -Come on. -OK. -Let's have a look. | 0:10:47 | 0:10:50 | |
For a maximum budget of £350,000, | 0:10:54 | 0:10:57 | |
Maxine is looking for a property | 0:10:57 | 0:10:59 | |
with some olden day character. | 0:10:59 | 0:11:01 | |
She needs at least two bedrooms to | 0:11:01 | 0:11:03 | |
give her room for her sons to visit | 0:11:03 | 0:11:05 | |
and is keen for the property | 0:11:05 | 0:11:07 | |
to offer some income potential, | 0:11:07 | 0:11:09 | |
such as a holiday let, | 0:11:09 | 0:11:11 | |
as well as having enough land | 0:11:11 | 0:11:12 | |
to grow fruit and vegetables. | 0:11:12 | 0:11:14 | |
And she's happy to take on | 0:11:14 | 0:11:16 | |
some renovation work if necessary. | 0:11:16 | 0:11:18 | |
We've got an incredible variety of properties to tempt them with | 0:11:20 | 0:11:23 | |
and at each one I'll be asking them to guess the price | 0:11:23 | 0:11:27 | |
before I reveal it. | 0:11:27 | 0:11:28 | |
The last stop on our search will of course be our Mystery House, | 0:11:28 | 0:11:32 | |
which certainly delivers on Maxine's requirement for historic charm. | 0:11:32 | 0:11:36 | |
But first, we're off to look at house number one. | 0:11:36 | 0:11:39 | |
Our North Wales property hunt is kicking off in the small village | 0:11:44 | 0:11:48 | |
of Dinorwig, just outside the Snowdonia National Park | 0:11:48 | 0:11:51 | |
and a short drive from the village of Llanberis. | 0:11:51 | 0:11:54 | |
Llanberis is the gateway to Mount Snowdon, | 0:11:56 | 0:11:58 | |
in the heart of the National Park. | 0:11:58 | 0:12:00 | |
The village has a train station | 0:12:00 | 0:12:02 | |
from where it's possible to ascend the mountain by rail. | 0:12:02 | 0:12:06 | |
There's a wealth of mountain and lake activities | 0:12:06 | 0:12:09 | |
as well as plenty of amenities serving both locals and visitors | 0:12:09 | 0:12:13 | |
who come to enjoy this spectacular scenery. | 0:12:13 | 0:12:16 | |
The church of St Padarn was named after a French monk | 0:12:17 | 0:12:21 | |
who settled in Wales, and shares its namesake with Llyn Padarn, | 0:12:21 | 0:12:24 | |
a glaically formed body of water that is one of the nation's largest natural lakes. | 0:12:24 | 0:12:29 | |
In nearby Dinorwig, our first house is ideally located, | 0:12:31 | 0:12:35 | |
sitting high above the lake | 0:12:35 | 0:12:37 | |
with spectacular views of Mount Snowdon itself. | 0:12:37 | 0:12:40 | |
Well, this is what I thought we'd start with, | 0:12:43 | 0:12:46 | |
-and that view. -Wow! | 0:12:46 | 0:12:49 | |
-Something else, isn't it? -That's a view. | 0:12:50 | 0:12:53 | |
It's wonderful. It really is wonderful. Location is fabulous. | 0:12:53 | 0:12:58 | |
It's not too big. It's got a conservatory. | 0:12:58 | 0:13:01 | |
It's got lots of windows, lots of light. | 0:13:01 | 0:13:04 | |
I can imagine lots of light going in there. | 0:13:04 | 0:13:06 | |
Cyron, what do you think of this location? | 0:13:06 | 0:13:08 | |
-A little bit reserved. -Oh, really, why? -Why? | 0:13:08 | 0:13:11 | |
It's still next to a road, so people can peer into your garden. | 0:13:11 | 0:13:14 | |
It is actually a dead end. | 0:13:14 | 0:13:16 | |
-Oh, OK. -It finishes just over there. -Ah. | 0:13:16 | 0:13:19 | |
But in terms of you sitting out here with your laptop composing music, | 0:13:19 | 0:13:22 | |
I mean, look, Elgar had the Malverns, you've got Snowdon. | 0:13:22 | 0:13:24 | |
Yes, better setting. | 0:13:24 | 0:13:27 | |
Originally built in the 1800s, | 0:13:28 | 0:13:31 | |
this scenic detached property comes with the added bonus of | 0:13:31 | 0:13:34 | |
a separate annexe that has a four-star holiday let rating. | 0:13:34 | 0:13:38 | |
Mindful of Maxine's need to feel reassured that she can make income | 0:13:38 | 0:13:42 | |
from her new home, we're going to start our tour in the annexe, | 0:13:42 | 0:13:46 | |
where an entrance hall leads into the open-plan living space. | 0:13:46 | 0:13:50 | |
So, come right in. | 0:13:52 | 0:13:54 | |
And you can get a really good, I think, | 0:13:54 | 0:13:55 | |
understanding of what is on offer here. | 0:13:55 | 0:13:58 | |
Ah! That's pretty. | 0:13:58 | 0:13:59 | |
You've obviously got bed there, kitchenette, shall we say. | 0:13:59 | 0:14:03 | |
I rather like this sort of booth arrangement. | 0:14:03 | 0:14:06 | |
They've basically cut an old pew in half. | 0:14:06 | 0:14:08 | |
-So, putting your business head on... -Yeah. -..could you market this? | 0:14:08 | 0:14:11 | |
Oh, this, definitely. | 0:14:11 | 0:14:12 | |
But I'm not so sure it will give me enough income to live on. | 0:14:12 | 0:14:15 | |
On a good day, it's probably about £400 a week. | 0:14:15 | 0:14:19 | |
OK. Ah! That's a bit better. | 0:14:19 | 0:14:22 | |
I wasn't expecting that. | 0:14:22 | 0:14:24 | |
Yeah, that makes a difference, then. | 0:14:24 | 0:14:26 | |
I would like to stay in a place like this because, I mean, | 0:14:26 | 0:14:29 | |
maybe a single person...got a bed. | 0:14:29 | 0:14:32 | |
It's pretty much all compact into one space. | 0:14:32 | 0:14:34 | |
It's pretty much... | 0:14:34 | 0:14:36 | |
No, you're not having it. It's going to be a holiday let. | 0:14:36 | 0:14:39 | |
Well, I think we can argue over this one all day long, | 0:14:39 | 0:14:41 | |
but let's get on with the main property next-door | 0:14:41 | 0:14:44 | |
cos that I hope is a place that you might share. | 0:14:44 | 0:14:47 | |
You never know. Just thinking aloud. Come on. | 0:14:47 | 0:14:50 | |
A short walk takes us back to the main property | 0:14:52 | 0:14:54 | |
where its porched front door leads straight into | 0:14:54 | 0:14:57 | |
the warm and welcoming reception, oozing authentic period features. | 0:14:57 | 0:15:01 | |
That is just the space that I would like to be sitting in | 0:15:03 | 0:15:06 | |
with my cup of tea every night. | 0:15:06 | 0:15:08 | |
It's lovely. It's really quaint and cosy. I mean, that's your typical... | 0:15:08 | 0:15:13 | |
Is it called Inglenook fireplace? | 0:15:13 | 0:15:14 | |
It is a classic Inglenook, yeah. | 0:15:14 | 0:15:16 | |
-Can you see your mum in here? -Yeah, it's her. It's definitely her. | 0:15:16 | 0:15:20 | |
That sounds like it's definitely not you. | 0:15:21 | 0:15:23 | |
-Yeah, he doesn't like olde worlde. -It's this! | 0:15:23 | 0:15:25 | |
I'm thinking I'll whack my head quite a few times. | 0:15:25 | 0:15:27 | |
Now, the kitchen is not enormous, | 0:15:27 | 0:15:29 | |
-but you didn't want an enormous kitchen/diner, did you? -Nope. | 0:15:29 | 0:15:31 | |
Have a look at this. See if this would work. | 0:15:31 | 0:15:33 | |
-You're going to have to watch your head on this one. -Oh, look. -It's even smaller! | 0:15:33 | 0:15:37 | |
Everybody through without any damage, I hope. | 0:15:37 | 0:15:39 | |
But this is what you've got. | 0:15:39 | 0:15:41 | |
Galley arrangement. You've got a bit of a larder through there. | 0:15:41 | 0:15:45 | |
And then you've got a bit of a kitchen/diner end, | 0:15:45 | 0:15:48 | |
-dominated again by that lovely range. -It's lovely. | 0:15:48 | 0:15:52 | |
It's you, again. It's very you. | 0:15:52 | 0:15:54 | |
Well, that, let's face it, is what we're after here. | 0:15:54 | 0:15:57 | |
-It's very important. -You are the one living here full-time. I'm passing. | 0:15:57 | 0:16:00 | |
But this is very snug and cosy. | 0:16:00 | 0:16:02 | |
Also, of course, you're getting the heat off of the conservatory, | 0:16:02 | 0:16:05 | |
which we saw when we first got here, which is again giving you | 0:16:05 | 0:16:08 | |
a wonderful opportunity to enjoy those views whatever the weather. | 0:16:08 | 0:16:11 | |
-Yeah. -And it could also double up potentially as a dining room. | 0:16:11 | 0:16:15 | |
I was considering that. | 0:16:15 | 0:16:17 | |
-OK. -Just need to practise my cooking though. | 0:16:17 | 0:16:19 | |
I'm sure it's not that bad. | 0:16:19 | 0:16:21 | |
-You've brought up a fairly big, strapping lad, there. -True, yeah. | 0:16:21 | 0:16:23 | |
-Haven't poisoned me yet. -No, not yet. | 0:16:23 | 0:16:25 | |
I think the banter proves that | 0:16:27 | 0:16:29 | |
Maxine and Cyron are both feeling at home | 0:16:29 | 0:16:31 | |
and seeing the potential in this country cottage. | 0:16:31 | 0:16:34 | |
There's also a snug next to the main reception room | 0:16:34 | 0:16:38 | |
and stairs which lead to the three-bedroom accommodation. | 0:16:38 | 0:16:42 | |
At the rear of the house, | 0:16:42 | 0:16:44 | |
there's a large double with two windows, | 0:16:44 | 0:16:46 | |
as well as a smaller double. | 0:16:46 | 0:16:48 | |
Then, to the front of the house, | 0:16:48 | 0:16:50 | |
above the main reception, lies the largest of the bedrooms. | 0:16:50 | 0:16:53 | |
These are all served by a family bathroom. | 0:16:53 | 0:16:56 | |
And there's more outside. The annexe has its own garden and parking. | 0:16:57 | 0:17:02 | |
Whilst in the grounds of the main house, | 0:17:02 | 0:17:04 | |
a useful workshop provides further options for Maxine | 0:17:04 | 0:17:07 | |
and Cyron to wrestle with. | 0:17:07 | 0:17:09 | |
There we go. | 0:17:10 | 0:17:11 | |
So, I think we agree this is quite an interesting package, | 0:17:11 | 0:17:14 | |
-but is it affordable? -Mm. | 0:17:14 | 0:17:16 | |
OK. So, who's going to go first? | 0:17:16 | 0:17:19 | |
-Let's put Cyron on the spot. -The unlucky one. | 0:17:19 | 0:17:23 | |
I would say about 280. | 0:17:23 | 0:17:25 | |
I would have thought, with this view, | 0:17:25 | 0:17:28 | |
it's going to be at least 300,000. | 0:17:28 | 0:17:30 | |
Now, this is a turn-up for the books, isn't it? | 0:17:30 | 0:17:32 | |
-He's nearly right. -No! He's always right. | 0:17:32 | 0:17:35 | |
Usually gets it right. | 0:17:35 | 0:17:36 | |
Well, he's not perfectly right. | 0:17:36 | 0:17:38 | |
To be precise, it's on the market for £275,000. | 0:17:38 | 0:17:42 | |
Oh, wow! OK. | 0:17:42 | 0:17:43 | |
Right, then, off you go. Have a wander around. | 0:17:43 | 0:17:46 | |
-OK. -And I will come and find you a little bit later on. -Right. | 0:17:46 | 0:17:49 | |
£75,000 below Maxine's top budget, | 0:17:51 | 0:17:55 | |
this beautifully situated 1800s house | 0:17:55 | 0:17:58 | |
has both income potential and charm. | 0:17:58 | 0:18:01 | |
The main house offers original features | 0:18:01 | 0:18:04 | |
and a conservatory with extensive views, | 0:18:04 | 0:18:06 | |
as well as one more bedroom than she's asked for. | 0:18:06 | 0:18:09 | |
Then there's the self-contained annexe | 0:18:09 | 0:18:11 | |
that could be offered as a holiday let. | 0:18:11 | 0:18:14 | |
What's more, there's also a useful workshop | 0:18:14 | 0:18:16 | |
that could possibly provide studio space for Cyron's music | 0:18:16 | 0:18:19 | |
when he's back from university. | 0:18:19 | 0:18:21 | |
-Wow. -So, can you see yourself here? | 0:18:24 | 0:18:26 | |
I can, actually, yeah. | 0:18:26 | 0:18:28 | |
You know, now I've had a look round, it's got potential, hasn't it? | 0:18:28 | 0:18:31 | |
And I did think about doing some food. This would be... | 0:18:31 | 0:18:34 | |
-Quite useful. -It depends on how much you had to charge for it, | 0:18:34 | 0:18:37 | |
and how much that would sustain you, say, through the winter months | 0:18:37 | 0:18:40 | |
-if there isn't enough business. -Yeah. | 0:18:40 | 0:18:43 | |
I do actually like the house. I like the quirky nature of it. | 0:18:43 | 0:18:46 | |
I like the low ceilings. | 0:18:46 | 0:18:48 | |
It's got these great massive thick walls, | 0:18:48 | 0:18:51 | |
and it looks like it's going to stay in this spot for many, | 0:18:51 | 0:18:55 | |
many years to come. | 0:18:55 | 0:18:57 | |
The holiday let is ready to be rented out, | 0:18:57 | 0:18:59 | |
which is really good. And then I thought, | 0:18:59 | 0:19:02 | |
"Yeah, actually, I could get a decent income from here." | 0:19:02 | 0:19:05 | |
And feel like I was permanently on holiday, which would be bliss. | 0:19:05 | 0:19:10 | |
Having that view is something to just get up and think, | 0:19:10 | 0:19:13 | |
"Oh, I'm on holiday." | 0:19:13 | 0:19:15 | |
And you could do that every day for the rest of your life. | 0:19:15 | 0:19:18 | |
The house itself... Good for my mum. | 0:19:18 | 0:19:20 | |
Somewhat good for me. It's good for me and my brother to have | 0:19:20 | 0:19:23 | |
separate rooms, and I saw an internet connection box upstairs, | 0:19:23 | 0:19:27 | |
so that should keep me happy. | 0:19:27 | 0:19:29 | |
The more I looked at it, it's growing on me, and I think, | 0:19:29 | 0:19:32 | |
"Yeah, I could really feel at home here." | 0:19:32 | 0:19:35 | |
-Our time is up, I'm afraid. -OK. | 0:19:35 | 0:19:37 | |
-Keep this one in mind, though... -I will. | 0:19:37 | 0:19:39 | |
..because I think this is one you should not forget in a hurry. | 0:19:39 | 0:19:42 | |
It's a really good option. Come on, then. Let's go. | 0:19:42 | 0:19:44 | |
After you, sir. CYRON CHUCKLES | 0:19:44 | 0:19:47 | |
-Looks like he needs feeding. -He does. | 0:19:47 | 0:19:50 | |
Before the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, | 0:19:55 | 0:19:58 | |
the Welsh economy was predominately agricultural, | 0:19:58 | 0:20:01 | |
and making a living from the land | 0:20:01 | 0:20:03 | |
is still a central part of many North Wales communities. | 0:20:03 | 0:20:07 | |
However, over 80% of Welsh farmland is designated less favoured due to | 0:20:07 | 0:20:12 | |
natural features of the climate and landscape, so can offer a challenge. | 0:20:12 | 0:20:16 | |
As Maxine is keen to make a success of growing her own food here, | 0:20:16 | 0:20:21 | |
we've arranged for her to meet prized vegetable producer Medwyn Williams. | 0:20:21 | 0:20:25 | |
He's president of the National Vegetable Society | 0:20:25 | 0:20:28 | |
and a multiple gold medallist at Chelsea, no less. | 0:20:28 | 0:20:31 | |
What's more, he's willing to share | 0:20:31 | 0:20:33 | |
some of his tried and tested tips and tricks. | 0:20:33 | 0:20:36 | |
Welcome to you here on my nursery on Anglesey. | 0:20:36 | 0:20:39 | |
How did you get into producing your own produce? | 0:20:39 | 0:20:42 | |
I was just about seven or eight years old. | 0:20:42 | 0:20:45 | |
My father was a farm worker. | 0:20:45 | 0:20:47 | |
He turned over a bit of soil in his garden, | 0:20:47 | 0:20:49 | |
about a square yard, and he gave me three packets of seeds | 0:20:49 | 0:20:52 | |
and they were radish, mustard and cress. | 0:20:52 | 0:20:55 | |
And I invited my friend, Gareth, over. | 0:20:55 | 0:20:57 | |
We had a big sandwich of radish, | 0:20:57 | 0:20:59 | |
mustard and cress with lots of salad cream on it. | 0:20:59 | 0:21:02 | |
But more than that, my sister and I used to fight passionately | 0:21:02 | 0:21:05 | |
about who went to the flower shows with Dad. | 0:21:05 | 0:21:08 | |
And having a look at this big collection of vegetables | 0:21:08 | 0:21:12 | |
with leeks up in the air and celery on the back boards. | 0:21:12 | 0:21:16 | |
And from then on, I think I was hooked. | 0:21:16 | 0:21:18 | |
I just love growing vegetables. | 0:21:18 | 0:21:20 | |
When I move to Wales, I'm interested in starting my own veg plot | 0:21:20 | 0:21:25 | |
and I wondered what to start with. | 0:21:25 | 0:21:26 | |
The best thing to do is | 0:21:26 | 0:21:28 | |
to have a good think what vegetables you like to eat. | 0:21:28 | 0:21:31 | |
Knowing the soil is very important. | 0:21:31 | 0:21:33 | |
Dad's saying was, "There's no such thing as poor soil. | 0:21:33 | 0:21:37 | |
"You get out of it what you put into it." And that's very true. | 0:21:37 | 0:21:40 | |
-Come along with me to the greenhouse. -Right. | 0:21:40 | 0:21:44 | |
Medwyn grows 45 different types of vegetables here in Anglesey, | 0:21:44 | 0:21:48 | |
many of which you're not likely to find at your local greengrocer. | 0:21:48 | 0:21:52 | |
Well, we've gathered a few vegetables together for you now. | 0:21:54 | 0:21:57 | |
This is not a rugby ball, much as I'd like it to be, | 0:21:59 | 0:22:01 | |
-but it is actually a big onion. -No! No way! | 0:22:01 | 0:22:04 | |
And that weighs about 5, 6lbs. | 0:22:04 | 0:22:07 | |
And here we have this purpley carrot, | 0:22:07 | 0:22:10 | |
which is not the same colour right through. | 0:22:10 | 0:22:12 | |
The beautiful colours, | 0:22:14 | 0:22:16 | |
it's orange outside and yellow in the centre. | 0:22:16 | 0:22:20 | |
And I tell you what, it's the nicest eating carrot I've had. | 0:22:20 | 0:22:22 | |
Some sweetcorn, freshly picked this morning. | 0:22:22 | 0:22:25 | |
-You can eat that. Do you want a bit of that? -Yeah. -Raw. | 0:22:26 | 0:22:29 | |
-OK. -Try that. | 0:22:29 | 0:22:30 | |
That's perfect. | 0:22:37 | 0:22:39 | |
One thing's caught my eye, is those things over there. | 0:22:39 | 0:22:42 | |
-What do you mean? The leeks? -Yes. | 0:22:42 | 0:22:44 | |
-Well, let's go have a look at it, shall we? -Not ordinary ones either. | 0:22:44 | 0:22:47 | |
Legend has it that Welsh soldiers once put leeks in their helmets | 0:22:47 | 0:22:51 | |
to identify themselves in battle, | 0:22:51 | 0:22:54 | |
whilst local superstition holds | 0:22:54 | 0:22:56 | |
that if a girl puts a leek under her pillow, | 0:22:56 | 0:22:59 | |
she'll dream about her future husband. | 0:22:59 | 0:23:01 | |
True or not, Medwyn's leeks are certainly of mythical proportions. | 0:23:01 | 0:23:05 | |
Well, these are the leeks. Quite proud of these, actually. | 0:23:08 | 0:23:12 | |
They're not your regular size. | 0:23:12 | 0:23:14 | |
To create his supersize specimens, | 0:23:14 | 0:23:16 | |
Medwyn grows not from seed but from something called a bulbil, | 0:23:16 | 0:23:20 | |
produced by removing the top of a leek, | 0:23:20 | 0:23:23 | |
stripping the remaining barrel and planting it. | 0:23:23 | 0:23:26 | |
When the plant forms a flower head in the spring, it's cut back. | 0:23:26 | 0:23:30 | |
All we do then is we remove the stalk. | 0:23:30 | 0:23:34 | |
Now that's what we call a bulbil. | 0:23:34 | 0:23:36 | |
Then all you do, you push it into the compost | 0:23:38 | 0:23:42 | |
and before you know it, in a matter of a couple of weeks, | 0:23:42 | 0:23:45 | |
it'll all be straightened up and it'll grow on as a plant. | 0:23:45 | 0:23:48 | |
Medwyn's method gains at least seven-to-eight weeks' growth | 0:23:49 | 0:23:52 | |
and ensures each batch of leeks inherits the qualities of the last. | 0:23:52 | 0:23:56 | |
Now, these have all come from one head. | 0:23:57 | 0:23:59 | |
So, it's very simple, really. | 0:23:59 | 0:24:01 | |
Just grab one. | 0:24:01 | 0:24:02 | |
Cos if you do a good job, we know you're in danger of being | 0:24:02 | 0:24:05 | |
employed here when you live around here, when you buy a house. | 0:24:05 | 0:24:07 | |
I wouldn't mind that at all. | 0:24:07 | 0:24:09 | |
-Are you doing well? -I am. | 0:24:09 | 0:24:11 | |
Well, you've only got another 1,000 or so to do, so... | 0:24:11 | 0:24:14 | |
-Oh, no! -..how about staying on and finishing that? | 0:24:14 | 0:24:17 | |
-Good luck with your house-hunting. Come here any time you like. -I will. | 0:24:17 | 0:24:20 | |
I'll be back for advice. | 0:24:20 | 0:24:21 | |
-Definitely back for seeds. -If you've got any problems, let me know. | 0:24:21 | 0:24:24 | |
-Thank you. -OK, keep going, then. Don't stop. -Oh! | 0:24:24 | 0:24:29 | |
Let's hope today's planting yields another bumper crop, | 0:24:29 | 0:24:32 | |
as we turn our attention back to | 0:24:32 | 0:24:33 | |
finding Maxine somewhere to lay down her own roots here in North Wales. | 0:24:33 | 0:24:38 | |
Our property search is taking us to the small village of Rhosgadfan, | 0:24:43 | 0:24:47 | |
five miles south of the town of Caernarfon. | 0:24:47 | 0:24:51 | |
A royal town and port, | 0:24:51 | 0:24:53 | |
Caernarfon has been settled since prehistoric times. | 0:24:53 | 0:24:56 | |
Despite his name and persistent attempts, | 0:24:56 | 0:24:59 | |
William the Conqueror never did conquer Wales. | 0:24:59 | 0:25:02 | |
Indeed, it was only in the 13th century that the invading English | 0:25:02 | 0:25:06 | |
finally took hold of the region, | 0:25:06 | 0:25:08 | |
promptly erecting the highly fortified castle at Caernarfon | 0:25:08 | 0:25:12 | |
to act as an administrative centre and to maintain rule. | 0:25:12 | 0:25:15 | |
These days, the streets are more likely to be invaded by tourists, | 0:25:16 | 0:25:20 | |
where the draw of history and scenic beauty has seen a plethora | 0:25:20 | 0:25:24 | |
of businesses pop up to cater to the influx of visitors. | 0:25:24 | 0:25:28 | |
The main square is surrounded by Georgian and Edwardian buildings. | 0:25:28 | 0:25:31 | |
And the 19th century philanthropic pioneer of education, | 0:25:32 | 0:25:36 | |
Sir Hugh Owen, is remembered in a statue here. | 0:25:36 | 0:25:39 | |
Close by, a Gothic-influenced Presbyterian church was built | 0:25:40 | 0:25:44 | |
in 1883. | 0:25:44 | 0:25:46 | |
And five miles away in the wonderful Welsh countryside of Rhosgadfan | 0:25:47 | 0:25:51 | |
is the next cottage I want to present them. | 0:25:51 | 0:25:53 | |
Well, Maxine, look at that. | 0:25:55 | 0:25:57 | |
That is the Llyn Peninsula, | 0:25:57 | 0:25:59 | |
this mountainous finger of land that points out into the Irish Sea, | 0:25:59 | 0:26:03 | |
-which is looking particularly calm today, I must say. -It's beautiful. | 0:26:03 | 0:26:07 | |
-But that's what I want you to really take in. -Oh, wow! | 0:26:07 | 0:26:12 | |
One of the first things I was going to do when I got my little cottage | 0:26:12 | 0:26:16 | |
was to paint the door and the window frames red. | 0:26:16 | 0:26:19 | |
-Well, look, we've done it for you. -Yeah, it's already done. | 0:26:19 | 0:26:22 | |
And what do you think, Cyron? | 0:26:22 | 0:26:24 | |
-I have reservations. -No! No! | 0:26:24 | 0:26:27 | |
I'm really excited about this one. | 0:26:27 | 0:26:29 | |
-It's an idyllic spot, this. -Yes, it is nice though. | 0:26:29 | 0:26:32 | |
Come on. Let's see what you think. | 0:26:32 | 0:26:34 | |
Well, that's certainly a very positive first impression | 0:26:36 | 0:26:39 | |
for this Welsh cottage, | 0:26:39 | 0:26:41 | |
from Maxine at least. | 0:26:41 | 0:26:42 | |
Once used as a quarryman's home and smallholding, | 0:26:42 | 0:26:45 | |
the Grade II listed property was built around 1800. | 0:26:45 | 0:26:49 | |
But we're not taking that eye-catching red front door, | 0:26:49 | 0:26:52 | |
we're starting our tour in the conservatory, | 0:26:52 | 0:26:55 | |
which was added by the current owners around eight years ago. | 0:26:55 | 0:26:58 | |
Well, let's start with this | 0:26:59 | 0:27:01 | |
cos I think this is a really, really interesting space, | 0:27:01 | 0:27:04 | |
and it's made such a difference to the footprint of this property. | 0:27:04 | 0:27:08 | |
-The flooring's nice, actually. -Beautiful. | 0:27:08 | 0:27:10 | |
And the blinds are even better. | 0:27:10 | 0:27:12 | |
Ooh, look, good news. Cyron's liking it already. | 0:27:12 | 0:27:15 | |
Yay! You'll be sat in here with your computer, won't you? | 0:27:15 | 0:27:18 | |
Actually, yeah, this seems right. | 0:27:18 | 0:27:21 | |
You can use this, of course, all year round, but I think for those | 0:27:21 | 0:27:24 | |
really cosy wintry evenings, you're going to love the living room. | 0:27:24 | 0:27:27 | |
It's through here. | 0:27:27 | 0:27:29 | |
There. How about this? | 0:27:31 | 0:27:32 | |
Lovely! I knew it would be, I knew it would be. | 0:27:32 | 0:27:36 | |
It's gorgeous, it's gorgeous. | 0:27:36 | 0:27:38 | |
And it's a really good shape to use. Ah, I love it! | 0:27:38 | 0:27:42 | |
I know it's going to sound funny, | 0:27:42 | 0:27:44 | |
but I was going to get a carpet like this to go with my red door, | 0:27:44 | 0:27:47 | |
you know, cos I know the colour fits in places like this. | 0:27:47 | 0:27:50 | |
You know, even to the Welsh harp. | 0:27:50 | 0:27:52 | |
I mean, years ago, Cyron, what did I say? | 0:27:52 | 0:27:54 | |
Yes, you wanted to learn the harp. | 0:27:54 | 0:27:56 | |
-It's a sign! -It's calling you! | 0:27:56 | 0:27:59 | |
I know, I know! | 0:27:59 | 0:28:00 | |
Come and have a look at the kitchen. | 0:28:00 | 0:28:02 | |
-You might need to duck here, Cyron. -Yeah, duck. -Oh, gosh! | 0:28:02 | 0:28:04 | |
Do watch your head, but it's well worth it cos this is what you get. | 0:28:04 | 0:28:09 | |
It just gets better and better. | 0:28:09 | 0:28:11 | |
-Got to agree with that, actually. -You like that? | 0:28:11 | 0:28:14 | |
-Cos it's quite olde worlde. -Yeah, I like this. | 0:28:14 | 0:28:16 | |
It feels modern but still rustic. | 0:28:16 | 0:28:18 | |
-It's got more head height. -Yeah. | 0:28:18 | 0:28:21 | |
It's just wonderful. I wouldn't change anything. | 0:28:21 | 0:28:24 | |
It seems this home is almost made for Maxine, | 0:28:24 | 0:28:27 | |
who not only has warmed to the space, | 0:28:27 | 0:28:29 | |
but also the style of what she's seen so far. | 0:28:29 | 0:28:32 | |
There are three bedrooms all reached via the kitchen. | 0:28:33 | 0:28:37 | |
The first, a good size double, is down a hallway, | 0:28:37 | 0:28:40 | |
next to which sits the family bathroom | 0:28:40 | 0:28:42 | |
featuring a roll top bath and shower. | 0:28:42 | 0:28:44 | |
Directly off the kitchen is a very small bedroom | 0:28:46 | 0:28:48 | |
that the current owners use for their chocolate making business. | 0:28:48 | 0:28:52 | |
And up a couple of steps is the largest of the three rooms, | 0:28:52 | 0:28:56 | |
which Maxine could use for herself. | 0:28:56 | 0:28:58 | |
Now, you could have this as a guest room, | 0:29:00 | 0:29:03 | |
but this is what the current owners use as their room. | 0:29:03 | 0:29:05 | |
-I'd keep it as my bedroom. I love that window. -Hm. | 0:29:05 | 0:29:08 | |
-And the beams. -It's a nice feature. | 0:29:08 | 0:29:10 | |
And the dark furniture. It's just me. | 0:29:10 | 0:29:13 | |
Yeah, I can see myself being here but it'll be like | 0:29:13 | 0:29:16 | |
-being on a permanent holiday, for me. -I think this place | 0:29:16 | 0:29:19 | |
-has won the over, hasn't it? -Yes. It feels like a holiday already, | 0:29:19 | 0:29:23 | |
-just being here. -It's just a lovely feel to it. -It just feels... | 0:29:23 | 0:29:26 | |
modern to my taste, this works for me. | 0:29:26 | 0:29:30 | |
The key thing, of course, is affording it. | 0:29:30 | 0:29:32 | |
-OK. -Let's have a discussion outside as to what the future may hold. | 0:29:32 | 0:29:36 | |
Maxine's heart already seems won over | 0:29:38 | 0:29:40 | |
by this cosy former quarryman's cottage. | 0:29:40 | 0:29:43 | |
And, outside, there's even more to captivate her. | 0:29:43 | 0:29:46 | |
The sizeable 1.8 acres of land includes | 0:29:47 | 0:29:50 | |
a terrace for al fresco dining. | 0:29:50 | 0:29:52 | |
A games room offers possible business options, | 0:29:52 | 0:29:55 | |
plus there's a static caravan with power and plumbing | 0:29:55 | 0:29:58 | |
that could be rented to bring in income. | 0:29:58 | 0:30:01 | |
And it all benefits from the incredible outlook. | 0:30:01 | 0:30:05 | |
-Look at that. -Oh, wow! | 0:30:05 | 0:30:08 | |
So, how far do you think is your £350,000 going to go | 0:30:08 | 0:30:12 | |
with this particular property, Maxine? | 0:30:12 | 0:30:15 | |
Not far. It's just too ideal. | 0:30:15 | 0:30:19 | |
It's got to be top of my budget, | 0:30:19 | 0:30:21 | |
-350 at least, if not more. -Cy? | 0:30:21 | 0:30:24 | |
-I'm going to say about 320. -320. | 0:30:24 | 0:30:27 | |
-I mean, 350 is affordable, technically. -Yeah. | 0:30:27 | 0:30:30 | |
320 is even more affordable. | 0:30:30 | 0:30:33 | |
-295,000, however, makes it really affordable. -Wow! | 0:30:34 | 0:30:38 | |
Oh, that's really good. | 0:30:38 | 0:30:39 | |
-What do you think about that, mate? -Awestruck. | 0:30:39 | 0:30:43 | |
-OK. -I did not expect it whatsoever. | 0:30:43 | 0:30:45 | |
-It really felt like it was too good to be true. -With all this land! | 0:30:45 | 0:30:47 | |
-You've got a lot to think about. -Yeah. -Go on, off you go. | 0:30:47 | 0:30:50 | |
Have a wander around | 0:30:50 | 0:30:51 | |
and I will catch up with you a little bit later. | 0:30:51 | 0:30:54 | |
Well, they think it's too good to be true. | 0:30:54 | 0:30:57 | |
Often when that is the case, | 0:30:57 | 0:30:59 | |
there is something of a catch involved, but not here. | 0:30:59 | 0:31:02 | |
This is good, and it is true and, who knows, | 0:31:02 | 0:31:04 | |
it might just be for them. | 0:31:04 | 0:31:06 | |
£55,000 shy of their top budget, | 0:31:08 | 0:31:12 | |
I think this Grade II listed former quarryman's cottage | 0:31:12 | 0:31:15 | |
might well be Maxine's dream country home. | 0:31:15 | 0:31:18 | |
The single-storey accommodation has enough bedrooms for Cyron | 0:31:18 | 0:31:22 | |
and his brother to visit. | 0:31:22 | 0:31:24 | |
Then, outside, there's a games room | 0:31:24 | 0:31:26 | |
plus a static caravan that could offer income opportunities. | 0:31:26 | 0:31:29 | |
And, what's more, there's a generous amount of land | 0:31:29 | 0:31:31 | |
and the plot boasts incredible views of the mountains and sea. | 0:31:31 | 0:31:36 | |
I really, really like this house. | 0:31:38 | 0:31:40 | |
The style, spookily, is my style. | 0:31:40 | 0:31:45 | |
I love the colour, I love the layout, I even love their furniture. | 0:31:45 | 0:31:49 | |
It's got the caravan, and I know I can rent that out because people | 0:31:49 | 0:31:53 | |
will like to come up here, and stay in that caravan just for the view. | 0:31:53 | 0:31:57 | |
There's lots of opportunities here. | 0:31:57 | 0:31:59 | |
I can see me making a good business here. | 0:31:59 | 0:32:03 | |
My mum would definitely have a beautiful life here, | 0:32:03 | 0:32:05 | |
being able to slow down, unwind, relax, | 0:32:05 | 0:32:07 | |
all the words you can think of! | 0:32:07 | 0:32:09 | |
It's definitely something idyllic for her, and she loves the red door. | 0:32:09 | 0:32:12 | |
It's a lovely property. | 0:32:12 | 0:32:15 | |
I don't think you can show me anything better than this one, | 0:32:15 | 0:32:17 | |
I'd be very surprised. | 0:32:17 | 0:32:18 | |
I think on the way out we need to kick over the "for sale" sign | 0:32:18 | 0:32:21 | |
so nobody else sees it. | 0:32:21 | 0:32:22 | |
I want to have first dibs on this house. It's mine. | 0:32:23 | 0:32:26 | |
You know, this place really is exceptional. | 0:32:27 | 0:32:30 | |
-I can't believe the weather. -It's gorgeous. | 0:32:30 | 0:32:33 | |
-And I can't believe we found you such a bargain. -It's just perfect. | 0:32:33 | 0:32:36 | |
The whole lot is just perfect. | 0:32:36 | 0:32:38 | |
What do you think of this house-hunting lark, then? | 0:32:38 | 0:32:41 | |
Well, this one's definitely a check in my book. | 0:32:41 | 0:32:44 | |
Yay! Good. Let's write a cheque. Come on. | 0:32:44 | 0:32:48 | |
Maxine from the Buckinghamshire borough of Milton Keynes | 0:32:58 | 0:33:01 | |
is with son Cyron, hoping to find her perfect home in North Wales. | 0:33:01 | 0:33:06 | |
We've already shown them some great property | 0:33:06 | 0:33:08 | |
that could give her the lifestyle and income she needs. | 0:33:08 | 0:33:12 | |
But there's still more to see. | 0:33:12 | 0:33:14 | |
And the Mystery House could well offer | 0:33:14 | 0:33:17 | |
all the historic character she's after. | 0:33:17 | 0:33:19 | |
I've been itching to show this to you all week. | 0:33:19 | 0:33:22 | |
-Wow! -It is a wow, isn't it? | 0:33:22 | 0:33:24 | |
-Ooh! -Pretty impressive focal point. | 0:33:24 | 0:33:27 | |
And I'm finding out how some old-fashioned shepherding | 0:33:27 | 0:33:30 | |
is being used to help maintain the dramatic slopes of Mount Snowdon. | 0:33:30 | 0:33:34 | |
-There's a great degree of cunning involved in this, isn't there? -Yes. | 0:33:34 | 0:33:38 | |
Well, as you can see, we have yet another beautiful day | 0:33:41 | 0:33:44 | |
to finish off our final day of house-hunting here in North Wales. | 0:33:44 | 0:33:48 | |
And, at this stage in the show, halfway through, | 0:33:48 | 0:33:51 | |
I think it is a case of so far so good. | 0:33:51 | 0:33:54 | |
Overall, I'm pretty happy, | 0:33:54 | 0:33:56 | |
and I'm pretty sure that Cyron and Maxine are, too. | 0:33:56 | 0:33:59 | |
So, what of today? | 0:33:59 | 0:34:01 | |
We have two more properties to come, including our Mystery House, | 0:34:01 | 0:34:04 | |
which may test Maxine's earlier assertion that she was up for | 0:34:04 | 0:34:08 | |
a bit of a project. Before we get to that, we have property three to see. | 0:34:08 | 0:34:12 | |
And I'm going to give you a little bit of a clue | 0:34:12 | 0:34:15 | |
as to where we're heading. | 0:34:15 | 0:34:16 | |
It's over there, across the water, on the island of Anglesey. | 0:34:16 | 0:34:20 | |
It is a property which I'm convinced offers them everything | 0:34:20 | 0:34:23 | |
they're after, but will it be too much? | 0:34:23 | 0:34:25 | |
We'll just have to wait and see. | 0:34:25 | 0:34:27 | |
So I'll see you on the other side. | 0:34:27 | 0:34:29 | |
Our house-hunt is heading across the Menai Straight to the Isle of | 0:34:33 | 0:34:36 | |
Anglesey, known as Ynys Mon in Welsh. | 0:34:36 | 0:34:39 | |
Our property is located in the tiny hamlet of Llanfair-yng-Nghornwy | 0:34:40 | 0:34:44 | |
a five-mile drive from the large village of Cemaes. | 0:34:44 | 0:34:47 | |
The most northerly village in Wales, | 0:34:48 | 0:34:50 | |
the fishing port of Cemaes is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | 0:34:50 | 0:34:55 | |
that also attracts tourists to its sandy, gently-shelving bay. | 0:34:55 | 0:35:00 | |
There's a good range of facilities here, including a shop, | 0:35:00 | 0:35:03 | |
with post office, a pharmacy, | 0:35:03 | 0:35:05 | |
and a selection of places to eat and drink. | 0:35:05 | 0:35:07 | |
We're ten minutes away in Llanfair-yng-Nghornwy | 0:35:08 | 0:35:11 | |
where the property we're here to see is located | 0:35:11 | 0:35:14 | |
on the edge of its own sizeable country estate. | 0:35:14 | 0:35:17 | |
That is what we are proposing to show you. | 0:35:18 | 0:35:21 | |
To the left, we've got a very spacious two-bed cottage, | 0:35:21 | 0:35:26 | |
-and, to the right, a very spacious one-bedroom holiday let. -Ah! | 0:35:26 | 0:35:31 | |
-With this one, we've got you five acres. -No! -Yep. | 0:35:31 | 0:35:35 | |
So, what do you think? | 0:35:35 | 0:35:37 | |
-I'm surprised. -I'm still reserved. I haven't seen anything yet. | 0:35:37 | 0:35:41 | |
Do we start with the business end of things, through that door, | 0:35:41 | 0:35:44 | |
on the holiday let, or do we start with the house? | 0:35:44 | 0:35:48 | |
-The house. -Yeah? | 0:35:48 | 0:35:49 | |
-See that first. -Come on, then. | 0:35:49 | 0:35:51 | |
Originally a smallholding and smithy dating | 0:35:53 | 0:35:56 | |
from the early 19th century, | 0:35:56 | 0:35:57 | |
we're entering through the generous glass porch, | 0:35:57 | 0:36:00 | |
added by the current owners, who've also extended the property | 0:36:00 | 0:36:04 | |
to create a large, L-shaped kitchen and living room. | 0:36:04 | 0:36:08 | |
So, you come through that little, sort of vestibule, as it were, | 0:36:08 | 0:36:11 | |
into the kitchen. | 0:36:11 | 0:36:12 | |
-Something of a, kind of, kitchen/living, this one. -Yeah. | 0:36:12 | 0:36:17 | |
First impressions, | 0:36:17 | 0:36:18 | |
it's a very practical house but the style is not to me. It's too... | 0:36:18 | 0:36:23 | |
..white and beige, really. | 0:36:25 | 0:36:27 | |
But nothing you couldn't address. | 0:36:27 | 0:36:29 | |
I could change that, you're right, yes, of course. | 0:36:29 | 0:36:31 | |
Cyron, what do you think? | 0:36:31 | 0:36:33 | |
I like the kitchen but this area just feels like it's tagged on. | 0:36:33 | 0:36:35 | |
-It doesn't feel like it merges right. -I think it's just the decor. | 0:36:35 | 0:36:38 | |
-The decor's cold, it's not homely, is it? -No. | 0:36:38 | 0:36:41 | |
Clearly, the flow of this recently renovated 19th century home | 0:36:42 | 0:36:46 | |
isn't yet grabbing Maxine and Cyron. | 0:36:46 | 0:36:49 | |
Completing the ground-floor of the main house is | 0:36:49 | 0:36:52 | |
a good-sized dining room. | 0:36:52 | 0:36:54 | |
A door here leads us through into the neighbouring one-bedroom annexe, | 0:36:54 | 0:36:57 | |
which is where the blacksmith would once have worked. | 0:36:57 | 0:37:00 | |
So, let's hope Maxine and Cyron have a more positive reaction to | 0:37:01 | 0:37:05 | |
this potential source of vital income. | 0:37:05 | 0:37:08 | |
As you can see, nice, sort of, kitchen area here. | 0:37:09 | 0:37:12 | |
You've got a downstairs shower room, etc, in there. | 0:37:12 | 0:37:15 | |
And they've got their own front door, that's the really good thing. | 0:37:15 | 0:37:19 | |
-And door out to its own little patio area. -OK. It's very smart. | 0:37:19 | 0:37:23 | |
-I like this part. It's really nice. -Yeah, I like it. | 0:37:23 | 0:37:26 | |
This will rent out really easily. | 0:37:26 | 0:37:29 | |
-I would easily stay in a place like this. -It's very good. | 0:37:29 | 0:37:33 | |
You know, it's the kind of place I'd like to be, | 0:37:33 | 0:37:35 | |
it's nice and pristine, it's got everything that you need. | 0:37:35 | 0:37:37 | |
You've got a lovely, secluded garden there as well to use. | 0:37:37 | 0:37:41 | |
I'd feel secure that I know I can rent this out all year. | 0:37:41 | 0:37:45 | |
Right, then, let's continue back through to the main house | 0:37:45 | 0:37:47 | |
and see what else you get. | 0:37:47 | 0:37:49 | |
Well, thankfully, | 0:37:50 | 0:37:52 | |
a very positive response to the business end of this property. | 0:37:52 | 0:37:55 | |
Next to the annexe is a garage, and it also has an additional workshop, | 0:37:55 | 0:38:00 | |
which could potentially be converted to increase the rental yield. | 0:38:00 | 0:38:03 | |
Back in the main house, | 0:38:03 | 0:38:05 | |
stairs lead up to two generous double bedrooms. | 0:38:05 | 0:38:08 | |
The first, above the dining room, | 0:38:08 | 0:38:10 | |
overlooks the front and back of the house. | 0:38:10 | 0:38:13 | |
A modern family bathroom offers bath and shower, and, then, | 0:38:13 | 0:38:17 | |
over the kitchen/living room is the second double bedroom with | 0:38:17 | 0:38:20 | |
skylight windows. | 0:38:20 | 0:38:22 | |
This, we think, with a bit of colour would be for you. | 0:38:22 | 0:38:25 | |
-Maybe not your colour. -Yeah, not mine, either. -It is very lilac. | 0:38:25 | 0:38:31 | |
-Very lilac. -But it's easily changed. -Yeah, of course it is. | 0:38:31 | 0:38:34 | |
It's got a lot of potential, get all my furniture in here, anyway. | 0:38:34 | 0:38:37 | |
There's some potential here. | 0:38:37 | 0:38:39 | |
It's not as olde worlde as I was...wanting. | 0:38:39 | 0:38:42 | |
Maybe it's a bit too new for your tastes. | 0:38:42 | 0:38:45 | |
I'm still stuck on the olde worlde, more rustic, | 0:38:45 | 0:38:48 | |
and I fell in love with the house that we looked at yesterday, | 0:38:48 | 0:38:53 | |
but my sensible head says this one is possibly more practical. | 0:38:53 | 0:38:59 | |
There's big potential outside, isn't there? You know. | 0:38:59 | 0:39:02 | |
-Let's have a look at that, come on. -OK. | 0:39:02 | 0:39:04 | |
It may not be tugging at the heartstrings but the low-maintenance | 0:39:06 | 0:39:10 | |
finish and income opportunity of this well-presented property | 0:39:10 | 0:39:14 | |
are starting to add up for Maxine. | 0:39:14 | 0:39:16 | |
And, outside in the five acre grounds, | 0:39:16 | 0:39:18 | |
there's even more potential. | 0:39:18 | 0:39:20 | |
Three paddocks are currently rented out to a local sheep farmer | 0:39:20 | 0:39:24 | |
but Maxine could increase income by turning them over to camping. | 0:39:24 | 0:39:28 | |
A detached outbuilding could perhaps becoming a music studio | 0:39:29 | 0:39:33 | |
or further holiday let. | 0:39:33 | 0:39:35 | |
And then there are the expansive and beautifully landscaped gardens. | 0:39:35 | 0:39:39 | |
But I wonder whether this is actually more | 0:39:39 | 0:39:42 | |
than Maxine had in mind. | 0:39:42 | 0:39:44 | |
Weirdly, it's one of those cases where it's too neat and tidy. | 0:39:44 | 0:39:49 | |
I feel like I would move in and just be maintaining what they'd | 0:39:49 | 0:39:52 | |
already done rather than... relaxing and enjoying it. | 0:39:52 | 0:39:56 | |
It's a good business place. | 0:39:56 | 0:39:58 | |
But I think it's time to follow my heart and not my head. | 0:40:00 | 0:40:03 | |
Well, let's see if the numbers will have an influence over this | 0:40:03 | 0:40:06 | |
-wrangle between your heart and head. -OK. | 0:40:06 | 0:40:09 | |
How much do you think this one is on the market for? | 0:40:09 | 0:40:11 | |
Let's cut straight to the chase, I think 3...30. | 0:40:11 | 0:40:15 | |
I think it's top of my budget. I'd say 350. | 0:40:15 | 0:40:18 | |
Your instincts are right. | 0:40:18 | 0:40:21 | |
Good. | 0:40:21 | 0:40:22 | |
-You are 50 quid short of 350. 349,950. -Yeah, yeah. | 0:40:22 | 0:40:27 | |
I'd be insulting them if I'd said any less. | 0:40:27 | 0:40:30 | |
Why don't you go for a wander up there, through that gate, | 0:40:30 | 0:40:32 | |
get an overview, see what you get, | 0:40:32 | 0:40:34 | |
-because I wouldn't write this one off just yet, if I were you. -Yeah. | 0:40:34 | 0:40:38 | |
Right on budget, | 0:40:40 | 0:40:41 | |
this renovated 19th century former smithy combines the living space | 0:40:41 | 0:40:45 | |
Maxine has asked for with the business potential she needs. | 0:40:45 | 0:40:49 | |
The main cottage has two bedrooms, | 0:40:49 | 0:40:51 | |
and an attached annexe provides a one-bedroom holiday rental. | 0:40:51 | 0:40:55 | |
The extensive grounds could offer camping, | 0:40:55 | 0:40:58 | |
plus there is an additional outbuilding. | 0:40:58 | 0:41:01 | |
And, being so close to both coast and countryside means it's ideal | 0:41:01 | 0:41:05 | |
for visiting tourists. | 0:41:05 | 0:41:06 | |
Where's my view? Let's find a view. | 0:41:06 | 0:41:09 | |
If I was to put glampers in here... | 0:41:09 | 0:41:13 | |
you know, they'd want to have a good view as well, wouldn't they? | 0:41:13 | 0:41:16 | |
So, what can we see? We've got a sea view. OK. | 0:41:16 | 0:41:19 | |
It's not exactly Snowdonia, is it? | 0:41:19 | 0:41:22 | |
For business use, it's perfect. | 0:41:22 | 0:41:25 | |
The holiday let is ready, you know, as soon as I move in, | 0:41:25 | 0:41:30 | |
I can advertise it and I'm sure I can get people in there to use it. | 0:41:30 | 0:41:33 | |
I was looking at the other outbuilding to make | 0:41:33 | 0:41:36 | |
a small holiday let, so there'd be two. | 0:41:36 | 0:41:40 | |
And then the other potential is using the fields for campers. | 0:41:40 | 0:41:44 | |
It is a lovely house, and it has this business potential, but, | 0:41:44 | 0:41:48 | |
this time in my life, I want to listen to my heart, not my head. | 0:41:48 | 0:41:51 | |
It's something that will work better for someone else. | 0:41:51 | 0:41:53 | |
It's not really for my mum. | 0:41:53 | 0:41:55 | |
How are we doing? | 0:41:55 | 0:41:56 | |
-Finding positives. -You have had a good walk, haven't you? -Yeah. | 0:41:56 | 0:41:59 | |
Wow, look at that! | 0:41:59 | 0:42:00 | |
-But has it sold it to you? -No. | 0:42:00 | 0:42:03 | |
There's just something missing, isn't there? I don't feel it here. | 0:42:03 | 0:42:07 | |
In that case, that's all I need to know. | 0:42:07 | 0:42:09 | |
-However, we have one more to show you. -OK. | 0:42:09 | 0:42:12 | |
-Mystery House is almost next door. -Oh, right. | 0:42:12 | 0:42:15 | |
It may be intensely beautiful to look at, | 0:42:24 | 0:42:27 | |
but much of Snowdonia is also working farmland, | 0:42:27 | 0:42:31 | |
the often harsh terrain being particularly suited to sheep. | 0:42:31 | 0:42:35 | |
Whilst the image of herds on the hills maybe a picturesque one, | 0:42:35 | 0:42:38 | |
livestock can damage this environment. | 0:42:38 | 0:42:42 | |
Arwyn Owen manages a 4,500 acre sheep farm | 0:42:42 | 0:42:45 | |
within the National Park. | 0:42:45 | 0:42:47 | |
I've come to meet him to find out how he's combining | 0:42:47 | 0:42:50 | |
the need to graze his flock | 0:42:50 | 0:42:52 | |
with a new and exciting conservation project. | 0:42:52 | 0:42:54 | |
What a place to work - the National Park in Snowdonia. | 0:42:56 | 0:43:00 | |
I mean, this is many people's ideal escape, | 0:43:00 | 0:43:03 | |
particularly for a holiday or a walk. | 0:43:03 | 0:43:06 | |
But as well as managing your flock, you're also managing the landscape | 0:43:06 | 0:43:09 | |
and that's encouraged a new initiative. | 0:43:09 | 0:43:12 | |
One thing we do here is we monitor the impact of how the animals graze. | 0:43:12 | 0:43:17 | |
We have an ecologist who goes out | 0:43:17 | 0:43:18 | |
and actually looks what the impact has been on the plants. | 0:43:18 | 0:43:21 | |
And what we were finding was the animals were still grazing areas | 0:43:21 | 0:43:25 | |
that we didn't want them to graze too heavily, | 0:43:25 | 0:43:28 | |
and then there were other parts of this valley, | 0:43:28 | 0:43:30 | |
specifically the valley floor, that weren't being grazed heavily enough. | 0:43:30 | 0:43:33 | |
The problem is something known as hefting. | 0:43:33 | 0:43:36 | |
Left to their own devices, | 0:43:36 | 0:43:38 | |
sheep develop a preference for grazing certain areas, | 0:43:38 | 0:43:41 | |
which they pass down and reinforce over generations. | 0:43:41 | 0:43:45 | |
In order to break this hefting habit | 0:43:45 | 0:43:48 | |
and establish new sustainable patterns, | 0:43:48 | 0:43:50 | |
Arwyn has returned to the old method of a man and his dogs. | 0:43:50 | 0:43:54 | |
Previously, the sheep did their own thing, | 0:43:55 | 0:43:57 | |
now there's someone here, a shepherd here, | 0:43:57 | 0:43:59 | |
and he's moving sheep from areas which are most sensitive | 0:43:59 | 0:44:02 | |
to those areas that need more grazing. | 0:44:02 | 0:44:05 | |
It's a joy to watch a good shepherd working dogs | 0:44:05 | 0:44:08 | |
and how they understand how the sheep will move, | 0:44:08 | 0:44:11 | |
how the dogs work them. | 0:44:11 | 0:44:13 | |
And it's a joy I'm going to share today | 0:44:15 | 0:44:17 | |
as Arwyn is taking me to see Bryn Griffiths, | 0:44:17 | 0:44:20 | |
who's been shepherding since he was ten years old, | 0:44:20 | 0:44:23 | |
with his three Border Collies - Meg, Non and Pero. | 0:44:23 | 0:44:26 | |
-Hello, Bryn. -Hiya. -Bryn's been with us two years now, | 0:44:28 | 0:44:31 | |
so he knows these mountains pretty well. You've walked, I guess, | 0:44:31 | 0:44:34 | |
-pretty much every inch of them by now, Bryn. -Yeah. | 0:44:34 | 0:44:37 | |
It's a big job, Bryn, trying to keep an eye on hundreds of sheep | 0:44:37 | 0:44:42 | |
in a landscape which gives them plenty of places to hide away in, | 0:44:42 | 0:44:46 | |
-I'm sure. -Yeah. It's quite the task. | 0:44:46 | 0:44:49 | |
I took about a good two months to know the pattern of the sheep, | 0:44:49 | 0:44:53 | |
the way they naturally move. | 0:44:53 | 0:44:55 | |
I'm starting to know which ones are where | 0:44:55 | 0:44:57 | |
and how to get them from there now, yeah. | 0:44:57 | 0:45:00 | |
I mean, there is a psychological element to this, | 0:45:00 | 0:45:02 | |
-which is kind of interesting. -Oh, yeah. | 0:45:02 | 0:45:05 | |
Well, they say that sheep are not smart, | 0:45:05 | 0:45:07 | |
but I've learnt a different side to that since I've been up here. | 0:45:07 | 0:45:13 | |
Well, I'd love to see the dogs working, Bryn. | 0:45:13 | 0:45:15 | |
-Yeah, no worries. Follow me, I'll show you. -Let's have a look. | 0:45:15 | 0:45:18 | |
With 2,000 sheep to watch seven days a week, | 0:45:20 | 0:45:23 | |
Arwyn recently decided to expand operations | 0:45:23 | 0:45:26 | |
by advertising for a second shepherd. | 0:45:26 | 0:45:29 | |
He was shocked by the flood of applicants | 0:45:29 | 0:45:32 | |
from as far afield as Norway. | 0:45:32 | 0:45:34 | |
But, for the moment, it's just Bryn, Meg, Non and Pero, | 0:45:34 | 0:45:37 | |
working pockets of sheep away from the higher ground | 0:45:37 | 0:45:40 | |
and towards the grass of the valley floor. | 0:45:40 | 0:45:43 | |
-These dogs can't wait. -No, they're itching to go. | 0:45:44 | 0:45:47 | |
Using a series of whistles and calls, Bryn directs his dogs | 0:45:48 | 0:45:52 | |
to encourage the ewes to take the tracks to the lower ground. | 0:45:52 | 0:45:55 | |
HE WHISTLES | 0:45:57 | 0:45:59 | |
HE GIVES COMMAND | 0:45:59 | 0:46:01 | |
Bryn's commands, he's commanding the dog to go left and right. | 0:46:01 | 0:46:04 | |
-Yeah. -And there's one command for it to walk on. | 0:46:04 | 0:46:08 | |
-Yeah. -And then obviously stop. | 0:46:08 | 0:46:10 | |
-There's a great degree of cunning involved in this, isn't there? -Yes. | 0:46:10 | 0:46:13 | |
And you've got several minds at work. | 0:46:13 | 0:46:15 | |
You've got the sheep, of course, | 0:46:15 | 0:46:17 | |
you've got the shepherd and the dogs, | 0:46:17 | 0:46:20 | |
so everybody is involved in this great sort of interplay. | 0:46:20 | 0:46:23 | |
And ultimately the sheep as well know that we've got | 0:46:23 | 0:46:28 | |
a little bit more control over them than they thought that we had. | 0:46:28 | 0:46:31 | |
LAUGHTER | 0:46:31 | 0:46:33 | |
It's been a real pleasure to witness farming | 0:46:35 | 0:46:37 | |
and conservation going hand in hand, | 0:46:37 | 0:46:40 | |
protecting this landscape for generations to come. | 0:46:40 | 0:46:43 | |
I think that catching a glimpse of the shepherds working these hills | 0:46:43 | 0:46:46 | |
can only enhance the experience for the tens of thousands of walkers | 0:46:46 | 0:46:50 | |
who currently take the footpaths through the valley | 0:46:50 | 0:46:53 | |
each and every year. | 0:46:53 | 0:46:54 | |
-We have but one more to see. -The Mystery House. -Exactly. | 0:47:00 | 0:47:04 | |
Our Mystery House. | 0:47:04 | 0:47:06 | |
Now, then, Cyron, this is your first foray into property hunting. | 0:47:06 | 0:47:09 | |
What do you think our Mystery House might offer? | 0:47:09 | 0:47:12 | |
It could be anything. I mean, it could be something with... | 0:47:12 | 0:47:15 | |
Ultramodern? | 0:47:15 | 0:47:17 | |
It could be just a derelict house, it's 50 grand | 0:47:17 | 0:47:20 | |
so you've got loads over so you can do it up as much as you want. | 0:47:20 | 0:47:23 | |
Yeah, yeah, I'm thinking it could be something like that. | 0:47:23 | 0:47:26 | |
-Well, that may be what we've got for you. Ah, you see? -Maybe, maybe! | 0:47:26 | 0:47:32 | |
Maybe. Maybe. | 0:47:32 | 0:47:34 | |
Let's just see how big a project you're really up for. | 0:47:34 | 0:47:38 | |
-I'm intrigued. And a little bit nervous now! -Yeah! | 0:47:40 | 0:47:43 | |
Our mystery offering is located | 0:47:47 | 0:47:49 | |
four and half miles south of Caernarfon, | 0:47:49 | 0:47:51 | |
in the small village of Bethesda Bach, | 0:47:51 | 0:47:54 | |
within half a mile of the coast at Dinas Dinlle. | 0:47:54 | 0:47:57 | |
Dinas Dinlle is a small seaside settlement. | 0:47:58 | 0:48:01 | |
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, | 0:48:01 | 0:48:04 | |
the beach here is a mix of pebble and sand. | 0:48:04 | 0:48:08 | |
A cliff above is known as Boncan Dinas | 0:48:08 | 0:48:10 | |
and is home to an Iron Age hill fort in the care of the National Trust. | 0:48:10 | 0:48:15 | |
There is some evidence to suggest it was once the site of | 0:48:15 | 0:48:18 | |
a Roman lighthouse. | 0:48:18 | 0:48:20 | |
And our mystery property is just a short walk away. | 0:48:20 | 0:48:23 | |
There you go. | 0:48:26 | 0:48:28 | |
It's lovely frontage. | 0:48:28 | 0:48:30 | |
That really is a lovely-looking house. | 0:48:30 | 0:48:33 | |
Have you worked out what it was? | 0:48:33 | 0:48:36 | |
There's a big mill stone there. | 0:48:36 | 0:48:38 | |
-Yeah. It's an old mill. -OK. | 0:48:38 | 0:48:40 | |
-It's lived up to its mysterious name. -Yeah. | 0:48:40 | 0:48:43 | |
The lower floor could become a self-contained holiday let or B&B. | 0:48:45 | 0:48:50 | |
OK, OK. I love the stonework. | 0:48:50 | 0:48:53 | |
There is as much stonework visible on the inside as on the outside. | 0:48:53 | 0:48:57 | |
-Sounds good. -That's rustic. -OK. | 0:48:57 | 0:48:59 | |
Come on. Let's see what you think. | 0:48:59 | 0:49:02 | |
Built around 1706, | 0:49:02 | 0:49:04 | |
this former mill house was once part of a large estate. | 0:49:04 | 0:49:08 | |
Arranged over three floors, | 0:49:08 | 0:49:10 | |
we're entering via a door that leads into the ground floor, | 0:49:10 | 0:49:13 | |
which could perhaps be used as a self-contained holiday let. | 0:49:13 | 0:49:17 | |
Its unique hallway features a dining area at one end | 0:49:17 | 0:49:20 | |
and a kitchen at the other. | 0:49:20 | 0:49:22 | |
-Oh! Oh, wow! -Yes? -Yes. | 0:49:25 | 0:49:27 | |
-You like it? -Yeah. | 0:49:27 | 0:49:29 | |
Yeah, I love it. I love the stone. | 0:49:29 | 0:49:32 | |
Come this way. | 0:49:32 | 0:49:34 | |
I love it. | 0:49:34 | 0:49:35 | |
I love it. | 0:49:35 | 0:49:37 | |
It's so solid and it's all higgledy-piggledy, you know, | 0:49:37 | 0:49:42 | |
I love it. | 0:49:42 | 0:49:44 | |
It's definitely at the other end of the spectrum of what I like. | 0:49:44 | 0:49:47 | |
It's too far gone for you. | 0:49:47 | 0:49:49 | |
Yeah, it's a bit too much of what my mum likes. | 0:49:49 | 0:49:53 | |
Have we pushed you over the edge? | 0:49:53 | 0:49:55 | |
-Is it too historic? -I think so. | 0:49:55 | 0:49:57 | |
I mean, you could, of course, | 0:49:57 | 0:49:59 | |
-just leave all this here and do B&B down here. -Yeah. | 0:49:59 | 0:50:02 | |
But I think the holiday let idea down here is a really simple fix | 0:50:02 | 0:50:06 | |
cos it is only just removing that staircase, which is easy. | 0:50:06 | 0:50:09 | |
Yeah. | 0:50:09 | 0:50:11 | |
The historic character of our Mystery House | 0:50:11 | 0:50:14 | |
is certainly charming Maxine. | 0:50:14 | 0:50:16 | |
And if she did decide to offer this floor as a holiday let, | 0:50:16 | 0:50:19 | |
her guests would also have two bedrooms, | 0:50:19 | 0:50:21 | |
both of which are currently configured as twin rooms | 0:50:21 | 0:50:25 | |
and served by a family bathroom. | 0:50:25 | 0:50:27 | |
The two upper floors can be accessed via a bridge on | 0:50:27 | 0:50:30 | |
the other side of the property, | 0:50:30 | 0:50:32 | |
but we're taking the stairs | 0:50:32 | 0:50:34 | |
which take us up to a large landing and snug. | 0:50:34 | 0:50:38 | |
I'm thinking this might be your kitchen area... | 0:50:39 | 0:50:43 | |
-OK. -..if you were to convert downstairs. -OK. | 0:50:43 | 0:50:46 | |
I can see that. | 0:50:46 | 0:50:47 | |
-Can you see it, really? -Yeah, I can, actually. | 0:50:47 | 0:50:49 | |
It would all flow very nicely into this room, | 0:50:49 | 0:50:52 | |
-and I think you would not want to change this into a kitchen. -OK. | 0:50:52 | 0:50:55 | |
You'll see why. Come and have a look. | 0:50:55 | 0:50:57 | |
-I've been itching to show this to you all week. -Wow! | 0:50:59 | 0:51:02 | |
-It is a wow, isn't it? -Ooh! | 0:51:02 | 0:51:04 | |
-Pretty impressive focal point. -It's a castle. | 0:51:04 | 0:51:08 | |
I mean, look at the ceiling. I think that's just been beautifully done. | 0:51:08 | 0:51:11 | |
It's beautiful. It's really got the quirkiness I was looking for. | 0:51:11 | 0:51:15 | |
-Yeah. -Nobody else is going to have a house like this. -Oh, no! -No. | 0:51:15 | 0:51:19 | |
And then up there, the last bit to see, your master bedroom. | 0:51:19 | 0:51:23 | |
-You get your own sort of eyrie, as it were. -Eyrie? | 0:51:23 | 0:51:26 | |
Well, imagine waking up every morning | 0:51:26 | 0:51:29 | |
-and coming down to see all this. -Yeah. | 0:51:29 | 0:51:32 | |
So, finally, here we are - | 0:51:33 | 0:51:35 | |
the top floor and your room. | 0:51:35 | 0:51:38 | |
-Yeah, it's a decent size. -Your en-suite... | 0:51:38 | 0:51:41 | |
I dare say you might turn to something a little more neutral. | 0:51:41 | 0:51:45 | |
-And again, this lovely architecture of the roof. -Beautiful. | 0:51:45 | 0:51:48 | |
-Yeah, it's really quirky. It's individual. -Is it you? | 0:51:48 | 0:51:51 | |
-Yeah, it is. -I thought it would be, yeah. | 0:51:51 | 0:51:53 | |
But, of course, it's all going to come down to the price, isn't it? | 0:51:53 | 0:51:56 | |
-Mm. -Come on. Let's talk about that. | 0:51:56 | 0:51:58 | |
Well, Maxine does seem to be impressed | 0:52:01 | 0:52:03 | |
by the individual character and layout | 0:52:03 | 0:52:05 | |
of this 18th century mill house. | 0:52:05 | 0:52:07 | |
Outside, a plot of around an acre | 0:52:07 | 0:52:10 | |
includes a small manageable garden and a paddock. | 0:52:10 | 0:52:13 | |
There's also a large stone outbuilding that was once the mill | 0:52:13 | 0:52:17 | |
and is currently used as a garage | 0:52:17 | 0:52:18 | |
that could be put to a range of uses. | 0:52:18 | 0:52:22 | |
It's an impressive building. | 0:52:22 | 0:52:23 | |
I'm trying to get my head round rejigging things, you know, | 0:52:23 | 0:52:26 | |
without spoiling the look of the place. | 0:52:26 | 0:52:29 | |
-Difficult one. -Make me an offer on our mystery mill. -Yeah. Wow! | 0:52:29 | 0:52:32 | |
Well, it's really impressive. | 0:52:32 | 0:52:35 | |
I'm going to go for 300,000. | 0:52:35 | 0:52:37 | |
I'm actually going to say 290. | 0:52:37 | 0:52:40 | |
-Interesting. It's on at £295,000. -Hmm, OK. | 0:52:40 | 0:52:45 | |
-Lots to mull over. -Yeah. | 0:52:45 | 0:52:47 | |
You keep giving me these different ideas and I'm getting a headache. | 0:52:47 | 0:52:50 | |
Go and have a wander around | 0:52:50 | 0:52:52 | |
and I will catch up with the pair of you later on. | 0:52:52 | 0:52:55 | |
-Thank you. -Off you go. | 0:52:55 | 0:52:56 | |
Well, mystery houses do, of course, famously come in all sorts of | 0:52:59 | 0:53:03 | |
shapes and sizes but this one really is a classic. | 0:53:03 | 0:53:07 | |
A mystery mill, if you will. I like it. | 0:53:07 | 0:53:10 | |
A significant £55,000 below budget, | 0:53:13 | 0:53:17 | |
our 18th century mystery mill | 0:53:17 | 0:53:18 | |
gives Maxine even more to think about. | 0:53:18 | 0:53:21 | |
It has all the character features she could wish for | 0:53:21 | 0:53:25 | |
whilst the three storey layout lends itself to separate living quarters | 0:53:25 | 0:53:28 | |
and a ground floor holiday let. | 0:53:28 | 0:53:31 | |
There's also a large stone outbuilding | 0:53:31 | 0:53:34 | |
and it all sits on an acre of land | 0:53:34 | 0:53:36 | |
within easy reach of the sea. | 0:53:36 | 0:53:38 | |
The Mystery House certainly has lived up to its title. | 0:53:38 | 0:53:42 | |
It caught me out, actually. The living room here, | 0:53:42 | 0:53:45 | |
with these beautiful high stone walls | 0:53:45 | 0:53:47 | |
and the beautiful wooden ceiling | 0:53:47 | 0:53:49 | |
and the majestic fireplace | 0:53:49 | 0:53:50 | |
is just wonderful. | 0:53:50 | 0:53:52 | |
I feel like I'm sitting in my own castle. | 0:53:52 | 0:53:55 | |
It was something that's not to my taste. | 0:53:55 | 0:53:57 | |
It's definitely to my mum's taste, | 0:53:57 | 0:53:59 | |
and this is basically her perfect property. | 0:53:59 | 0:54:01 | |
I do need an income, and I would have to change it to some | 0:54:01 | 0:54:07 | |
kind of B&B or a separate holiday let downstairs. | 0:54:07 | 0:54:11 | |
It's thrown up some interesting possibilities, and something | 0:54:11 | 0:54:15 | |
to definitely consider but I can't see it really working for my mum. | 0:54:15 | 0:54:19 | |
Right, then. We've shown you as much as we can show you. | 0:54:19 | 0:54:23 | |
It is now time for you to go away, the pair of you, | 0:54:23 | 0:54:26 | |
talk about it and hopefully come up with a plan for the future. | 0:54:26 | 0:54:29 | |
-OK. -Come on. Let's go. | 0:54:29 | 0:54:31 | |
When we first met Maxine, she gave us two challenges, really. | 0:54:37 | 0:54:41 | |
The first was to find her a home, but the second was to find her | 0:54:41 | 0:54:43 | |
some sort of business idea that might go with it. | 0:54:43 | 0:54:46 | |
Well, we've certainly given her plenty to think about, | 0:54:46 | 0:54:49 | |
loads of options, really. | 0:54:49 | 0:54:50 | |
But have we managed to find anything that's truly viable? | 0:54:50 | 0:54:53 | |
Well, there is, of course, only one way to find out | 0:54:53 | 0:54:55 | |
and that's to go and ask her. | 0:54:55 | 0:54:57 | |
-Well, how's it been coming back to Wales? -It's been great. | 0:55:03 | 0:55:07 | |
And I can see myself here very, very soon. | 0:55:07 | 0:55:10 | |
And I think for you, Cyron, you were here not just to advise but also, | 0:55:10 | 0:55:14 | |
I suppose, reassure yourself that Mum, in moving back to Wales, | 0:55:14 | 0:55:18 | |
is making the right decision. What do you feel about that now? | 0:55:18 | 0:55:21 | |
She's definitely got something to come to. | 0:55:21 | 0:55:23 | |
It's a beautiful country, and she's found the perfect property for it. | 0:55:23 | 0:55:27 | |
Well, there is one property. Let me guess. | 0:55:27 | 0:55:30 | |
-Oh, is it the little cottage with the red door? -Yes. | 0:55:30 | 0:55:34 | |
Yes! Of course it is. | 0:55:34 | 0:55:36 | |
Yeah, it was just perfect. | 0:55:36 | 0:55:39 | |
You know, the view is stunning. | 0:55:39 | 0:55:41 | |
I don't have to walk up a hill or around the corner for a view, | 0:55:41 | 0:55:45 | |
I can just enjoy it as it is. | 0:55:45 | 0:55:46 | |
It was a perfect mix of old and new. | 0:55:46 | 0:55:49 | |
The odd bit you could whack your head on but... | 0:55:49 | 0:55:51 | |
head towards the back, you're fine. | 0:55:51 | 0:55:53 | |
What happens next, then? | 0:55:53 | 0:55:55 | |
As soon as I can, I'm going to contact the agent | 0:55:55 | 0:55:58 | |
and find out some more details about the property | 0:55:58 | 0:56:01 | |
with the view of trying to buy the property. | 0:56:01 | 0:56:05 | |
And you'll be just down the road for at least another year or so | 0:56:05 | 0:56:08 | |
at Bangor University so, actually, | 0:56:08 | 0:56:10 | |
you've got somewhere to come and do the washing. | 0:56:10 | 0:56:13 | |
-Are you pleased? -I am very pleased. | 0:56:13 | 0:56:15 | |
-Good. Are you pleased? -Yes, very much. | 0:56:15 | 0:56:18 | |
Phew! That means I am. | 0:56:18 | 0:56:20 | |
We wish you all the best of luck. | 0:56:20 | 0:56:21 | |
I can't wait to hear the good news. | 0:56:21 | 0:56:23 | |
Let's cross everything | 0:56:23 | 0:56:24 | |
-that you finally manage to secure it. -Thank you. | 0:56:24 | 0:56:27 | |
-And good luck with the rest of your studies, mate. -Thank you. | 0:56:27 | 0:56:30 | |
Well, if like me, you're a fan of landscape painting, | 0:56:35 | 0:56:38 | |
I'm sure you'll agree that that is a near-perfect composition. | 0:56:38 | 0:56:42 | |
This is one of my favourite views of Snowdonia. | 0:56:42 | 0:56:45 | |
When I think of North Wales, that is what I picture - | 0:56:45 | 0:56:48 | |
the view south down the Llanberis Pass towards Snowdon, | 0:56:48 | 0:56:52 | |
wreathed in cloud. | 0:56:52 | 0:56:53 | |
And it's this sort of rather dreamy image | 0:56:53 | 0:56:55 | |
that's helped lead Maxine back here to find a new home. | 0:56:55 | 0:56:59 | |
And now, with any luck, well, she's got one. | 0:56:59 | 0:57:02 | |
So, that's it from us, | 0:57:02 | 0:57:04 | |
but I'm going to leave you with that. | 0:57:04 | 0:57:07 | |
I'll see you next time. | 0:57:07 | 0:57:08 | |
If you would like to Escape to the Country in | 0:57:10 | 0:57:12 | |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and would like our help, | 0:57:12 | 0:57:15 | |
then please apply online at... | 0:57:15 | 0:57:18 |