0:00:02 > 0:00:06The escarpment beneath my feet is so important it even has its own geological era named after it.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Find out what it is and which county is home to these stunning views in
0:00:11 > 0:00:12just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34On today's show, a couple return to their roots after 14 years abroad.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36They might be novice house-hunters,
0:00:36 > 0:00:39but they've a clear vision of what they're looking for...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Well, it's kind of exactly what I described.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Good. Good, good, good.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46..and it seems like the houses deliver.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- Perfect.- Sorry, I keep saying that, don't I?
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Well, you know, if you keep saying perfect,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- I'm going to make you buy a house! - I know, I've got that feeling.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in Shropshire, right on top of Wenlock Edge,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03which is one of the most important geological sites in the world.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Now, the limestone bedrock beneath my feet lends its name to a period
0:01:07 > 0:01:13of time known as the Wenlock era, which occurred some 430 million years ago.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Now, way back then, of course, the world took on a different shape.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Shropshire itself would have been below the equator,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21so we may have had slightly better weather,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25but unfortunately you would also be stood underwater,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28which explains that if you're lucky enough to go walking around here,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31you can uncover all kinds of fossils and even bits of coral.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Landlocked Shropshire is one of England's largest counties and sits
0:01:38 > 0:01:40between the West Midlands and Wales.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42It's also one of the most rural,
0:01:42 > 0:01:47covering an area of roughly 1,300 square miles of rolling countryside
0:01:47 > 0:01:51and wooded valleys, offering countless opportunities for visiting walkers
0:01:51 > 0:01:56and hikers. There's the 177 mile Offa's Dyke Trail,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00which rises and falls across the Shropshire Hills on its route up the
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Wye Valley, along with circular walks around Shropshire's charming historic
0:02:03 > 0:02:08villages and market towns such as Much Wenlock.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12This was the birthplace of William Penny Brookes, who, in 1850,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15founded the Wenlock Olympian Games
0:02:15 > 0:02:19and after going on to campaign for the revival of the ancient Greek games,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23was dubbed the inspiration for the modern Olympic movement.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26The historic architecture in the beautifully preserved market town of
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Ludlow spans the centuries.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32It's home to over 500 listed buildings,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34as well as the former Royal castle,
0:02:34 > 0:02:39which fell into ruin after being abandoned in 1689.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42The town also has a reputation as a gastronomic hub,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46making it the perfect place to hang up your walking boots and refuel with
0:02:46 > 0:02:49some local fare before continuing to explore
0:02:49 > 0:02:52this magnificent varied county.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57As well as a rich industrial past and spectacular countryside,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Shropshire gives you good transport links to the rest of the UK.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But it also offers great value for money when you consider the average
0:03:04 > 0:03:09price of a detached house in this county comes in at around £280,000,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13which is around 15% below the national figure.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16And if you keep travelling further west towards the Welsh borders,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18you'll get even more for your money.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19And today's buyers, well,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22they certainly think it's worth going the distance in order to get
0:03:22 > 0:03:26the right kind of home in this beautiful part of the world.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27Let's meet them.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Paddy and Phaedra met nine years ago on a French language course whilst
0:03:32 > 0:03:34working for the British Army.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38They dated long-distance between their bases in Belgium and Holland before
0:03:38 > 0:03:40getting married four years later.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Since then, their careers have kept them on the move,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47living in Germany before their current base in Holland.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I'm in the military, I'm a Royal Engineer.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51To be honest, it's fantastic,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54the Netherlands is a great country to live in,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57very easy, the Dutch all speak very good English.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59It is absolutely idyllic, lovely.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03The only thing that is missing is the family and our friends.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Phaedra retired from the Army two years ago and is now full-time
0:04:06 > 0:04:09parenting their four-year-old daughter, Lilith.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Lilith's life is great at the moment, for a four-year-old,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15she has me staying at home with her,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19and she goes to a fantastic preschool set in an international school.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23She can recognise four different languages,
0:04:23 > 0:04:28Holland is incredibly child-friendly, so, you know, push-biking,
0:04:28 > 0:04:29trips to the country,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33it's all pretty good, I think.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Although they've loved the Dutch way of life, as Lilith nears school-age,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40their thoughts have turned to settling somewhere more permanently.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43For Paddy and Phaedra, it's an opportunity
0:04:43 > 0:04:46to move home after 14 years abroad.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48We really want to move to Shropshire,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52and the reason we've chosen Shropshire is because most of our relatives
0:04:52 > 0:04:56live in the radius of Shropshire, so my dad lives in North Wales,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59my auntie and cousins live in Mid Wales,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and we've got friends in Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and that's why we've chosen that area.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09They're drawn to Shropshire's accessible countryside and proximity to the
0:05:09 > 0:05:10Welsh mountains,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13where they could continue to adopt the outdoors lifestyle they're
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- accustomed to.- We love to be outside, don't we?
0:05:17 > 0:05:21And walking, mountain biking, road biking.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25We think Lilith enjoys the outdoors, she clearly has up to now, I mean,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27as she gets older, she might have an opinion...
0:05:27 > 0:05:29She doesn't have a lot of choice at this point.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32But at the moment, if we can instil a love of the countryside in her as
0:05:32 > 0:05:36well, then perhaps she can carry that on into later life.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39This next home will be their first property purchased together -
0:05:39 > 0:05:42a long-awaited family home for the future.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Moving to Shropshire will also give them the chance to re-establish
0:05:45 > 0:05:50relationships with family and build friendships old and new.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55I enjoy the community life, village community life, you know, bake sales,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57getting involved with the school.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I think it will be lovely for Lilith to build her ties with her family
0:06:01 > 0:06:06and our friends and just kind of plant roots in so many different ways,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08roots for Lilith, roots of a tree,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11we can plant an apple tree and watch it grow, you know?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18With Phaedra's father in Newtown, just across the Welsh border,
0:06:18 > 0:06:19and friends in Shrewsbury,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23they would like to focus their search on the area between the two,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25and with good road links for Paddy.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29The village of Church Stretton would be their ideal location.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33All I need now is their property wish list.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35So here we are, the big move - welcome to Shropshire.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- Good to be here?- Yeah, good.- Very good.- Good to be back in the UK?
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Lovely.- Marvellous.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43You go away, you work away quite a lot, you're back and forth,
0:06:43 > 0:06:49back and forth, but also I'm sure you're sick of living on bases and
0:06:49 > 0:06:52moving around. You probably want to build a home as part of a community.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Yes, that's right, and in the military we have a really tight-knit community,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59we all support each other, and that's going to be a hard loss for us.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- Yeah.- Now I'm looking to be able to replace that in a small village or town
0:07:02 > 0:07:04where people know us and we know them.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06So let's talk about what you need from the house.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Well, critical for Paddy is a garage and workshop.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- Why so, Paddy?- Uh...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Well, I ride motorcycles, and I like working with my hands,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18so I'd love to have a workshop where we could tinker with motorbikes,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21push bikes, you know, just stuff, lawn mowers!
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Yeah. What about gardening?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- What about a bit of outside space? I mean, your daughter...- That's my bag.- Is it?- That's my bag.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30For me, the garden is the critical space.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I need my place to escape,
0:07:32 > 0:07:38where I can plant my nature pond and have a few trees and watch my apples
0:07:38 > 0:07:39grow, maybe have some chickens.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Lilith wants a goat, happy with that.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43All right, that's a decent sized garden, then.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- All right?- Yeah.- Let's talk about the house.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50We're looking at, you know, no less than three bedrooms.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53I've really got my heart set on a kitchen that can be multifunctional.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55When Lilith comes home from school,
0:07:55 > 0:07:56I want us all to be able to go in the kitchen,
0:07:56 > 0:08:00I want there to be a two-seater sofa, somewhere that we can sit to eat,
0:08:00 > 0:08:04and a decent kitchen where I can cook - all in the same room.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Right.- So that's kind of the dream that I've got in my mind.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11One of the drawbacks of military accommodation is that you cannot put your
0:08:11 > 0:08:15mark on it, so we would like a property where we can, you know,
0:08:15 > 0:08:16we can make it ours.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Style of house?
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Kerb-side appeal is important to us, but we've got lots of different...
0:08:22 > 0:08:24We like lots of different styles of houses.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Character doesn't have to be 200 years old,
0:08:26 > 0:08:31it just has to offer something to the eye and provide the home with a bit
0:08:31 > 0:08:32- of atmosphere.- Yeah.- Correct.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33OK.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38Let's talk turkey - how much money have you got to spend on this home of yours?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42The upper limit is £475,000.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46OK, the upper limit, that means ready to move into, nothing to do to it.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Yep.- Correct.- We've got three great houses for you.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50This way.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55For their £475,000 budget,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Paddy and Phaedra are looking for a detached property
0:08:57 > 0:09:00with at least three bedrooms and a large family kitchen.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04They'd like a garden with space for a vegetable plot and some chickens,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06as well as a workshop for Paddy.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10They also want to be in a community, so are after a village location with
0:09:10 > 0:09:12good schools nearby.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16We've lined up three characterful properties ready for them to view.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Before they find out the price of each one,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22I'll be asking them to take a guess at the end of the tour.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Our final property is the Mystery House,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27which has some unconventional space but with plenty of room to grow.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Now, Paddy, you like your bicycles, you like your motorbikes -
0:09:34 > 0:09:37this is heaven for you, isn't it?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39It is, it's fantastic, isn't it?
0:09:39 > 0:09:43I'm looking forward to taking Lilith over some of these hills.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46There is, genuinely, when the sun is shining,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48there's nothing like being back in the UK.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It is the most beautiful country that we've ever lived in, isn't it?
0:09:51 > 0:09:52Yeah, definitely.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55And that says something, cos you guys have lived everywhere, haven't you?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Yeah, we have.- We have, yeah.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03We're starting our Shropshire house-hunt in Church Stretton,
0:10:03 > 0:10:08Paddy and Phaedra's favourite area, and it's easy to see why.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Declared a market town by King John in 1214,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15it still hosts a weekly market and offers a range of small independent
0:10:15 > 0:10:19shops and eateries housed in a mix of black-and-white Tudor buildings
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and Georgian town houses.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23There is a well-regarded primary school,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and it's perfectly positioned within the Shropshire Hills,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29just a stone's throw from the English-Welsh border.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34It makes an excellent starting point for outdoor activities like hiking
0:10:34 > 0:10:39or mountain biking. All right, then, house number one
0:10:40 > 0:10:42is this fella here.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Wow.- "Wow", that sounds good!
0:10:44 > 0:10:45I mean, it looks in good order.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Mm-hm.- I like the windows, I like the doors.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- No, it looks tidy.- It's got a bit of character.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51Any question marks?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Yeah, I'd quite like a front garden.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55You've got a bit of slate!
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Uh-huh, yeah.- Right, you like a front garden.- Yeah, it's Welsh slate as well, which is great.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Off-street car parking... - I'm not finding the garage.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Because I've not showed it to you yet.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04OK, good.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Ye of little faith, come inside, come with me!
0:11:07 > 0:11:10These two certainly know what they're looking for,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12and I think this detached property,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15originally a pair of workers' cottages, has a lot to offer them.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Parts of it date back 400 years,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22but others have been extended and reconfigured in the last 50.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Let's start with this living room.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You can see it's an empty house, it's been a rental.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29This is where you plan to come after your daughter Lilith has done her
0:11:29 > 0:11:33homework, you've had your evening meal, you do like to sort of repair to your living room.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34So you tell me!
0:11:34 > 0:11:38It's lovely. And I love the dual aspect as well, it's really nice.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39Look at that view. Unbelievable!
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Super, isn't it?- We picked the right time of year to look at the view, to be fair.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's beautiful. And I really like the sort of split fireplace as well,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48that is nice. Wood burner. You want a wood burner, don't you?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I do, and it goes all the way through, which is cool.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Yeah, it's clever.- I've just noticed that. I thought it was a mirror at the back,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55but it actually goes all the way through.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Now, obviously, you're going to want to redecorate anywhere.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Yeah, but to be honest it's neutral, so it's an easy palette to change,
0:12:01 > 0:12:02- isn't it?- Great, OK.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Kitchen, though, is the most important room inside the house.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Fingers crossed, come with me. - Roger.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's kind of good to see a property sometimes without any furniture in it,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17because you'll know just
0:12:17 > 0:12:18how you can make it work.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19It's not huge.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22No, it's not, but we have a small kitchen right now,
0:12:22 > 0:12:23and we can work with a small kitchen
0:12:23 > 0:12:25as long as you've got counter surface,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28which there is enough counter surface, I think,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30and you can have a sofa down here.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32And yeah, it's fantastic.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37Now, upstairs, a few bedrooms to choose from, let me show you.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Positive reactions to the space on offer so far.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Just off the kitchen is a handy utility room with built-in units,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47and there's also a modern downstairs shower room.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53An oak staircase leads past a bright half landing with floor-to-ceiling
0:12:53 > 0:12:56windows to the upstairs, where the theme continues.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59At the back of the house is a spacious dual-aspect bedroom,
0:12:59 > 0:13:01which could be theirs,
0:13:01 > 0:13:06followed by two other bright doubles and a separate shower room.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09We're exploring another option for a master bedroom at the front of the
0:13:09 > 0:13:13house. And you get a family sized bathroom as part of the master suite,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16separate bath and shower and loo, so it's big.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17It's nice and light, isn't it?
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Great for Lilith.- It's suck it and see, isn't it?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- No, absolutely.- Just cos it's en suite doesn't mean
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- you have to use it as your master bedroom, does it?- No.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Yeah, when she's older, that's a very good point,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30she can have her own space, her own bathroom.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Teenage girl - mess!
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Let's go and have a look at the garden,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37cos I imagine that's kind of make or break now, isn't it?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Yes, it is.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Moving every couple of years,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43this couple are used to making a house work for them,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46which bodes well for our search.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Outside, Paddy would have his garage or workshop space alongside the house,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52where the steps lead up to the tiered garden.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58There's a paved terrace with raised beds and a second level with a small
0:13:58 > 0:14:00pond and entertaining area.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's up here that we really see the benefit of this property's hillside
0:14:03 > 0:14:06setting, as the garden's elevated position
0:14:06 > 0:14:10makes the most of the fantastic views.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Look at that!
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Wow, it's lovely up here, isn't it? - Isn't it?!
0:14:14 > 0:14:15But it's where these views are as well,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18you seem to be getting the best of both worlds, aren't you?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Well, it's perfect, isn't it? - Because it's what,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22a mile and half outside of Church Stretton?
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- You couldn't wish for a better location.- So how much would you pay...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- Oh, gosh.- For this perfect location and this house?
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I reckon it's about 425.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32I don't think it's as much as that.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38I would say £380,000?
0:14:38 > 0:14:44This home is on the market for £475,000.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Wow. OK.- Right at the top of your budget.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It doesn't need any work doing to it. It's only cosmetic.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I think you should have a bit of time here,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54start to think about what life would be like here as a family.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Go and have a look around and I will catch you later on. See you in a mo.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59- Lovely.- After you, sweetheart.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Bang on budget, these converted workers cottages make a characterful
0:15:04 > 0:15:07four-bedroom home with a large kitchen,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10a workshop for Paddy and a garden with ready-made
0:15:10 > 0:15:12raised beds and a pond.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16A big plus is that it's just a mile and a half from Church Stretton.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21The fact that we've got raised beds already is great but I think I would
0:15:21 > 0:15:25probably put all of this to turf and then have a nice, big lawned area.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27And you do like mowing the lawn, don't you?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30It's square, which means the lines would be good,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I've got no worries about mowing this lawn.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37I really like the kitchen area and that it opens into the little snug,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I think that would be a really warm family environment.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44The garden, it's not my perfect garden but with a little bit of change
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- it could work.- I like the fact it's quirky, it's set into the hill,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50it's on a number of levels,
0:15:50 > 0:15:54but those levels have been really well thought out and you also get the
0:15:54 > 0:15:56benefits of the view across the valley.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Ultimately there might need to be a compromise because we need to live in
0:15:59 > 0:16:03the location that's important to us and this is the perfect location.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07There is a lot of positives here but it would be a lovely place to live.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08How did you get on?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Great, really good.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Thank you. I think it's a good first start,
0:16:12 > 0:16:13hopefully something to think about.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- Onto the next one?- Let's go.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26As Phaedra and Paddy want to adopt a more self-sufficient lifestyle when they
0:16:26 > 0:16:30move to Shropshire, it seemed fitting for them to visit the Sunnycroft Estate,
0:16:30 > 0:16:36a rare example of a late 19th-century suburban villa and mini estate on
0:16:36 > 0:16:38the outskirts of Wellington.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Approached via an avenue of Wellingtonia trees, this former family home has
0:16:42 > 0:16:47been preserved and managed by the National Trust since 1997.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Phaedra and Paddy are meeting conservation manager Catherine Turnbull.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55It's a beautiful house you've got here, isn't it?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Sunnycroft is an amazing little property. The house was a late Victorian,
0:16:58 > 0:17:03early Edwardian house that really copies what the landed gentry would have,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05so it's a complete mini estate.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09If you think about it, in the industrial time when there was more wealth
0:17:09 > 0:17:13and people were becoming brewers, lawyers, doctors and so on in the town,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17they wanted to live in the countryside so they would kind of edge out onto
0:17:17 > 0:17:18the suburban edges.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21So they built themselves a manor house.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- They certainly have. - That's great, isn't it?
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Many of the Victorian and Edwardian middle classes aspired to be a class
0:17:27 > 0:17:29above themselves.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31By taking elements of a stately home,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33replicating them on a smaller suburban plot,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37they created their own country landscape.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39It's a beautiful looking house.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Was it built in one go or has it been developed over time?
0:17:42 > 0:17:48The first family actually built the house in the 1880s and then about 20
0:17:48 > 0:17:51years later there was a significant extension mainly to do with
0:17:51 > 0:17:55entertaining and rising status within the community.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59When the house was extended Sunnycroft's gardens were also developed, creating
0:17:59 > 0:18:03defined areas mimicking that of a self-sufficient estate.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07From the front veranda and croquet lawn for entertaining, to the essential
0:18:07 > 0:18:10potting shed out the back with an extensive vegetable plot and
0:18:10 > 0:18:16smallholding. Paddy and Phaedra are helping volunteer Glennis Quilliam tidy the beds in the
0:18:16 > 0:18:18rose garden.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24Glennis, the gardens look very original, are they authentic to the actual building?
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Absolutely, that's part of the policy,
0:18:25 > 0:18:32that it retains its initial layout and the feeling of it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35It's important to sort of preserve that level of history.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39What's one of the biggest challenges then in maintaining these gardens?
0:18:39 > 0:18:40This time of the year are the leaves.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You can see how many trees we've got.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45The whole of the pathways are covered and over the last year there is
0:18:45 > 0:18:53quite a lot of hedges and growth that has got out of sync with what it was like.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Bringing it back to how it used to be?- Yeah, so there were photographs we found of the heights
0:18:57 > 0:19:01of hedges etc, so those were cut back so again it's gone back to how it was.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- It's quite precise, then. - Yes, it's important.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Very authentic. Original height hedges.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07It's really important to do that.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10With a total plot of five and a half acres,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13maintaining the gardens is down to the hard work of a team of around ten
0:19:13 > 0:19:18volunteers, led by head gardener Joel Richards who is currently collecting
0:19:18 > 0:19:19apples in the orchard.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Traditionally, Sunnycroft's apples would be pressed on site and the juice served to
0:19:24 > 0:19:28guests sitting under the veranda overlooking the games on the lawn.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Today, visitors are actively encouraged to partake and enjoy the produce
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- from the estate.- Right, turn the handle, yes?- Yeah.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37There you go.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Any apples surplus to house requirements would have been sold locally at the
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- market.- Just tighten this down.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46And see if we can get a...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Cup of juice.- Press.- Yeah.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- Wow, fresh apple juice.- I was going to say, looking forward to this.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Look at that.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00There you go.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Wow, that is really good.- Thanks.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- It is nice.- Oh, that's lovely.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Mm.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11It looks like Phaedra and Paddy definitely have a taste for the
0:20:11 > 0:20:13self-sufficient way of life,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16hopefully their visit to Sunnycroft has provided inspiration for when they start
0:20:16 > 0:20:20growing their own in their new garden here in Shropshire.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Mindful that outdoor space is a priority, our next property takes
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Paddy and Phaedra a little out of their comfort zone.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Ditton Priors is 14 miles away from Church Stretton.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41The village has a remote feel but is well served with a local shop,
0:20:41 > 0:20:46butchers and a pub housed in a former vicarage dating back to the 18th century.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50At its heart the 1100-year-old church retains architectural
0:20:50 > 0:20:54features from the Norman period through to the Victorian era along with
0:20:54 > 0:20:5614th century roof timbers.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02Just two miles away, Brown Clee Hill is Shropshire's highest point and overlooks Ditton Priors from
0:21:02 > 0:21:04a height of 540 metres.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10The house we are seeing is right on the edge of the village.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16- Right, now then, property number two, good-looking, right? - Very pretty.- Very pretty, yeah.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20According to the owner, they thought... She thinks it dates back to around 1850, it looks that way.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Off-street car parking is here.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24No garage for you as yet.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Plenty of room, though.- Plenty of room to build one.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- What do you think? - Lovely.- It looks beautiful.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Let's see what you think of it inside, shall we?- Of course, yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36This traditional detached stone cottage has been added to and altered over
0:21:36 > 0:21:39the years to bring it into the 21st century
0:21:39 > 0:21:42but has retained its character and charm.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45We are starting our tour at the back of the property in the newest part
0:21:45 > 0:21:48where we find what I would imagine would be the hub of the house.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53OK. So a different kind of kitchen,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but I think perhaps more suitable maybe than the first place.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59It's kind of exactly what I described.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- Good, good, good.- Sofa, dining room, lovely kitchen.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Perfect.- A day room, isn't it?
0:22:05 > 0:22:06- Perfect.- Yes.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Perfect.- Nice and simple.- Spot-on.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- Keeping in character, it's nice. - Wouldn't even change the knobs on the cupboards.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14OK, well, this bit of the house is sorted.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Let's see what you think of the rest of it. Thank you, sir.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23Knowing that kitchen space is top of her list, I'm glad it's to Phaedra's taste.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Also at the back of the property is a useful boot room leading to the
0:22:26 > 0:22:30garden. But we'll head to the original part of the property to explore the
0:22:30 > 0:22:31main sitting room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Right, then. Well, you said to me you wanted a bit more of a snug.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Wow, yeah, that's snug, isn't it?
0:22:37 > 0:22:38That's lovely. Look at that.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41That really is lovely. Even the beams painted white,
0:22:41 > 0:22:42is exactly what I would do with them.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46I'm not into dark beams at all, that's beautiful, really lovely.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- Do you actually live here already? - Yes. How did you know?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Designed it all myself.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Now, one particular element of this property where it has an advantage maybe
0:22:55 > 0:22:59over the first house, is bedroom four is on the ground floor.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Across that hallway.- Right.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05And it also has a door going through to its very own en suite,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07loo and shower and basin.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- That's nice.- That would be a nice touch.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I mean, we've already talked about parents staying.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Yeah.- Struggling with stairs.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So far on the ground floor, pretty good.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Let me take you up one of the two staircases.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Oh, lovely.- Right.- Thank you, sir.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28The staircase at the front of the house leads to an upstairs landing with
0:23:28 > 0:23:29access to two of the bedrooms.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Both are bright doubles,
0:23:32 > 0:23:33one with a feature fire place,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37as well as a recently re-fitted family bathroom.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40But we're heading up a second set of stairs to the rear of the property
0:23:40 > 0:23:44to take a look at the largest of the bedrooms.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Now, this set of stairs leads to the master suite.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Good size en suite there.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54A bit of storage. And then this bedroom, it's an absolute treat.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Twin aspect.- That's lovely and bright, isn't it?
0:23:57 > 0:23:58- Yeah.- Goodness!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Although I'm not sure you're going to get to use this,
0:24:01 > 0:24:02are you?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Because you're separated from the other bedrooms here and you've got a
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- four-year-old daughter.- Right.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- OK.- So,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12would you want to be more accessible to your daughter at the moment?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Yeah. You can't knock through or anything?
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- If you knock through, you'd knock through that way...- To the second staircase.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20..and then you'd lose the other set of stairs, which isn't a problem,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22it would just be a bit more engineering, that's all.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Something to think about, isn't it? - No. Absolutely.- OK.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Let's keep looking round. Maybe start thinking about price.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30OK.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Outside, the property sits on a substantial quarter acre plot.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37There's a large level lawn for Lilith to run around and plenty of space
0:24:37 > 0:24:39for chickens to roam.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43For entertaining, there's a patio area just off the kitchen
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and a brand-new summer house, complete with built-in bar,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48which also doubles as a games room.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Perfect.- Perfect.- Sorry, I keep saying that, don't I?
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- You know, you keep saying "perfect," I'm going to make you buy a house. - I know! I've got quite a feeling.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- What do you think, Paddy?- Well, clearly no garage at the moment.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- Correct.- But there is enough space, I think,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09certainly to build a single garage.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11If not, you'll be wheeling your bikes in there.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I was going to say, otherwise I just put a ramp up that step.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Now, you've got to try and put a price on this particular property.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Who's going first?
0:25:19 > 0:25:20You can go first this time.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Go on, then.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Clearly, I was rubbish the first time.
0:25:23 > 0:25:29- So, we'll go for £425,000.- OK.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32£445,000.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Right.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40Good. This house is on the market for offers in excess of £425,000.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Right.- Have a whistle around here first, though.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45All right? See you in a bit.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Comfortably within budget,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51this stone cottage has been sympathetically converted
0:25:51 > 0:25:52to create a balance
0:25:52 > 0:25:56of bright, modern living spaces, and attractive character features.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It has four bedrooms,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02the kitchen of Phaedra's dreams and a large garden.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03It's in a village they're not familiar with,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06but offers them more space for their money.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Oh, wow! Look at that, triple aspect.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13That's fantastic, isn't it?
0:26:13 > 0:26:18Gosh! I walked into the kitchen and looked around and I was like, yes,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21this is my kitchen. This is the kitchen I would build if I was to build a
0:26:21 > 0:26:24kitchen. The living room's lovely and snug.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28It's me and Paddy to a T, it's exactly what we were looking for.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I do like the styling. I mean it has got character in spades, without a doubt.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34I think Phaedra and Lilith will be very happy living here.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38It's very hard to find any fault with it,
0:26:38 > 0:26:40apart from the fact that it's not in Church Stretton,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44but that may not be quite so important to me as it is to Phaedra.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47What we need to decide, and to be honest it's what I need to decide,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50because Paddy's away such a lot of the time, is where I'm going to
0:26:50 > 0:26:53compromise, whether it will be the location or the property.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- So, all done inside?- Yes.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58- Yes, thank you.- Brilliant.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Not tempted to just have a couple in that bar?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- If you're offering?- No.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- I think I'll find a pub for that. Let's go.- OK.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19It's the second day of our Shropshire property search with Phaedra and Paddy,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22who, after more than a decade abroad, are returning to their roots to be
0:27:22 > 0:27:29near family. So far they've seen two great properties for their £475,000 budget.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30But still to come,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33our Mystery House throws a spanner in the works...
0:27:33 > 0:27:37I can feel the wheels grinding to a slight halt here.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40For me, I wouldn't say that is the case.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Good. I've always liked you, Paddy.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45..and it's out of the frying pan and into the fire.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Goodness me, it melts quick, doesn't it?
0:27:47 > 0:27:48Yes. Come back a bit.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Keep your rod in.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54As I found out how these bespoke bicycles are built to last.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Now, today we're off to see the Mystery House, which is always fun,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06but often represents a challenge to our buyers and today is no different.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08They'll have to think laterally,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13not only about the location of the property, but also the lay of the land.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14Let's see how we go.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The furthest north of all of our properties, our Mystery House
0:28:19 > 0:28:20takes us to the village of Grinshill,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23seven miles from the county town of Shrewsbury.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Set beneath the wooded slopes of Grinshill,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30the conservation village by the same name is home to a highly-regarded
0:28:30 > 0:28:35Grade II listed family-run inn, with an acclaimed restaurant.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Scattered across the village are a number of distinctive red brick
0:28:38 > 0:28:41buildings, constructed from local Grinshill sandstone.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Known for its durability,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48it's been used to build a number of notable buildings across Britain,
0:28:48 > 0:28:52including Chequers, the Prime Minister's residence in Buckinghamshire,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55as well as our Mystery House, just around the corner.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Right, then. Our Mystery House.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01This is something a bit different for you.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- Isn't it?- It's semidetached, which is kind of part of the mystery.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- First impressions?- Beautiful, isn't it? It's proper chocolate box.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08Yeah, I think it is, isn't it?
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Really lovely. A beautiful location.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14The properties that you see are all built out of this local stone.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17There's still an active quarry nearby.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18- Sandstone.- Oddly enough,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21it's actually a barn conversion it looks nothing like a converted barn
0:29:21 > 0:29:23because they levelled it and used the stones,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27they refurbished the stones and spun them around to face out this way and
0:29:27 > 0:29:29then rebuilt them as houses.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Right. They've done a fantastic job.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- It looks in good order again.- Do you want to go inside?- Yes.- We'd love to.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Good, good. Come with me.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Converted 35 years ago,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42our Mystery House is the only attached property I've shown Paddy and Phaedra
0:29:42 > 0:29:45and it's effectively a brand-new old property,
0:29:45 > 0:29:47delivering some impressive living spaces.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54OK, small vestibule, straight into our kitchen-diner.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Wow.- Mm!- That's huge.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00That is more cupboards than you'd ever need in your lifetime, isn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Yeah, I think so.- I'm sure we'll fill them, honey.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08I'd probably lose that little bit of sticky out breakfast counter.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Would you not be tempted to lose all that kitchen stuff?
0:30:11 > 0:30:13You've got loads of cupboard here, loads of cupboard there.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Yeah, yeah. That was the first thing I thought, actually.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17You don't need any of that.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Then you could have a nice corner sofa or something there.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22- Yeah.- Let's keep looking through.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Come with me.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28The use of reclaimed materials has given this property masses of
0:30:28 > 0:30:31character, but with all the practicalities of a modern home.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36Also on the ground floor is a study, or possible playroom for Lilith,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39a well presented double bedroom and bathroom,
0:30:40 > 0:30:41and a large family sitting room,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45complete with exposed brick fireplace and wood-burning stove.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47That really is amazing.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- That's really special.- Puts out some heat, that big burner, doesn't it?
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Yeah. I know you like wood burners as well.- I do, yeah.- I love the space.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58The floor, I do like solid floors downstairs.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00When people have already done a house in the same style you think
0:31:00 > 0:31:04you would do it, it makes it an awful lot easier to see how you would live in it.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05Yeah. Shall I show you something upstairs?
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Yes, please.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Although properties can always be adapted,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14the fact that Phaedra openly likes the interior decor of this one is an
0:31:14 > 0:31:17extremely positive sign.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Upstairs, there are two further large double bedrooms and one smaller but
0:31:21 > 0:31:24perfectly formed, sharing the use of a separate shower room.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Up on this level we've got three double bedrooms.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Decent sizes as well.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Yeah?- No wardrobes?
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Well, that's because you've got a wardrobe there, a walk-in wardrobe.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41I know you like the idea of a project, but this is bang, it's done.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Is that attractive to you or do you want to put your own stamp on somewhere?
0:31:44 > 0:31:45No, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:31:45 > 0:31:47It's clean and tidy.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49I think we could always put our mark on it eventually.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55But to not have to do it straightaway is always a bonus.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57So, could you live in this house so far?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Yes, definitely.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Granted, it's attached, but there is space in abundance inside.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05But as we head outside,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08one of the challenges of our Mystery House comes into play.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12There's a double garage for Paddy and a lawned garden to the front.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15A gravel path leads from the back door to a plot at the rear,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18where there's an enclosed vegetable garden.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25I was worried that this chat about you wanting to grow vegetables,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27it was going to turn into some sort of fluffy garden.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31So I've managed to find you something that is just a work area.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32Yeah, see that.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37In true Mystery House style, it's unconventional space.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Yeah. It's just not a very big space.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44I can feel the wheels grinding to a slight halt here.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46For me, I wouldn't say that is the case.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Good. I've always liked you, Paddy.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53Because there is clearly some space here which hasn't been utilised for
0:32:53 > 0:32:55a long time.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59If we are in a position to do a deal for that space as well,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03then all of a sudden this is magnificent.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- Now we are thinking laterally, aren't we?- Yep.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10Taking stock of the internal proportions of this Mystery House,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13we are heading round to the front to take a view on what the price could
0:33:13 > 0:33:18be. Well, how much do you think this Mystery House is on the market for?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20I think it's probably around top budget.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23But I'm going to be a little bit optimistic.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26About 455.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- Paddy?- I would say £430,000.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34The asking price for this house is offers in the region
0:33:35 > 0:33:38of £375,000.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Well, we'll have to get the estate agent's number.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- Really?- And I need to knock on the door of a neighbour.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Good. Interesting.- That is a result.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50£100,000 under budget,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53this Mystery House is the cheapest of our three properties,
0:33:53 > 0:33:58but has four double bedrooms and a large family kitchen and workshop space
0:33:58 > 0:34:00that Paddy and Phaedra asked for.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04It's in a quiet village with a good primary school nearby.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07The unconventional garden space could be an issue,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10but the fact that they are willing to explore options to extend the
0:34:10 > 0:34:13plot means it might still be in the running.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17- That's pretty, isn't it?- It is.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Plenty of wardrobes in this one.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22These are mine. You can have the other.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26Well, clearly. I'll have a drawer somewhere, that's fine.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It's absolutely the perfect sized home for us as a family.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34It envelops itself around us and it feels exactly where we would want to be.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37We could move in tomorrow and the house would be fine.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38It's got the large kitchen,
0:34:38 > 0:34:43we also have enough rooms downstairs so Lilith can have her own playroom.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45The main doubt is the garden.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49For me, it's kind of essential we have a patch of grass at the back of the
0:34:49 > 0:34:54house where I can see Lilith playing and that the garden is attached to
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- the house.- How are you getting on?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Are you starting to muddle things through in your mind?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- Definitely. Yep.- OK, let's find you somewhere to sit down and chat things through,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04and then we'll meet up and have a discussion after that, yeah?
0:35:04 > 0:35:05- Great.- Fantastic.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Shropshire is historically renowned for its iron production.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It was in the village of Coalbrookdale,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19within the world-renowned Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22along the Severn Valley, where in the early 18th century,
0:35:22 > 0:35:27Abraham Derby perfected the technique of using coal to smelt iron.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30This began the tradition of iron making in the area,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33dubbing it the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37It was his grandson who built the world's first arch bridge,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41constructed of cast iron, across the River Severn in 1779.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I've come to the area to find out about an altogether more modern industry
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and one of particular interest to me.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Peter Bird and his business partner, Robert Wade,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54have been handbuilding bespoke steel bicycle frames from their workshop
0:35:54 > 0:35:57in Coalport for over 30 years.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01Peter. Great to meet you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Thank you so much for meeting me today.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Boy in a sweet shop?
0:36:05 > 0:36:06Indeed.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08One of the best sweet shops.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10These are all handmade, all bespoke made?
0:36:10 > 0:36:12All handmade in the Ironbridge Gorge.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15They are bespoke in the true sense of the word here, aren't they,
0:36:15 > 0:36:20I mean, everything you can change, you can alter by the looks of it?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Yeah, 60% of your bike should be a fit.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25We are building the frame to you,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27rather than you playing with bits to get you to fit the bike.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29You're placed on this sizer.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31And this sizer means everything moves.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36We have crank change lengths here, we have angles of change on the seats.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39That would be proportionate to where the pedals are, reach and height.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43You'll see the handle at the end which allows us to balance you on the
0:36:43 > 0:36:45bike at the end. By winding you in and out,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47we're actually moving your body weight.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48Very fine tuning.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51But that fine tuning can be as small as five millimetres,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53but it's enough for you to feel it.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Over 100 or so miles, though,
0:36:55 > 0:37:00those couple of millimetres feel like metres in the end, don't they?
0:37:00 > 0:37:03This is artisan level craftsmanship.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Unlike the mass-produced bicycle market,
0:37:05 > 0:37:11so much work goes into each handmade frame, they make only 10-12 a year.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Peter's invited me into the workshop to show me the brazing process used
0:37:15 > 0:37:17to join the steel frame.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19We're going to get you to braze a fork up.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21There's a fork blade.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26- It's already shaped.- Yes.- And we're going to attach the road end
0:37:26 > 0:37:29into there.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30And we're going to braze that together.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- I imagine I'll put these on, shall I?- We need to put those on.- First,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Peter adds a flux solution to cleanse and to aid the flow of brass during
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- heating.- We'll tap that.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43It has to be an interference fit, so that's what we're doing here.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Then we're actually going to
0:37:47 > 0:37:50put it into the vice, in that position.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52So, I'll light up the torch.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Unlike welding, which is a faster,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57cheaper and therefore more commonly used technique,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01brazing involves melting a bronze or silver rod into the metal,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03acting as a filler to join the two pieces.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It's a more labour-intensive process,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09but creates a neater joint that's just as strong.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11You can see it's like fluid.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14It's like water. What's happening is the brass is going inside,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- into the plug.- It's leaking in there, and then
0:38:16 > 0:38:19as it gets into the part of the steel that's cold, like candle wax,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- it'll solidify.- That's exactly it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23That's exactly the process.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25There we go. So we just move round to the other side,
0:38:25 > 0:38:27just to finish off this.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Then I'll give you the torch to hold.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Thank you, sir.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33By choosing to use steel,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Peter's frames deliver a balance of efficient ride output and shock
0:38:37 > 0:38:42absorption, making them perfect for Britain's bumpy roads.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Goodness me, it melts quick, doesn't it?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Come back a bit. Keep your rod in.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48For those wanting to learn the process,
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Peter runs five-day courses where enthusiasts can build their own bespoke
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- frame.- You are done, sir.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Am I done? Right, OK.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Unfortunately, I don't have five days,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01but I do have five minutes for a test run.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Wheel out the beauty.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Take it for a spin, Jonnie
0:39:07 > 0:39:08and enjoy that ride.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13They might have been building bikes for 30 odd years,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16but these guys are up-to-date with modern technology.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19One of their most recent bikes has built-in Wi-Fi,
0:39:19 > 0:39:23meaning you can change gear at the touch of a button without the need for
0:39:23 > 0:39:29any cables. I'll tell you one thing, my bike has got a gel seat
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and this feels infinitely more comfortable.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36That is obviously down to the frame. Yeah. I've got to say,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39it's been fascinating learning more about what you do here,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41just seeing how a bespoke bike is made,
0:39:41 > 0:39:45but also seeing just how you utilise this fantastic metal.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Before I go, can I have another try? Do you mind?
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Yeah, of course you can. - Thank you very much.- No problem.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Might take it on a bit of a longer route, if you don't mind.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Deserves a better ride, doesn't it?
0:39:56 > 0:39:59It's fantastic to see that within the bones of these old industrial
0:39:59 > 0:40:04buildings local trades continue to manufacture long-lasting products,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07preserving the region's rich industrial heritage,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09whilst moving with the times.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Time to get myself in gear and meet up with our buyers at the end of their
0:40:13 > 0:40:15property finding journey.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22I think we saw great reactions from Phaedra and Paddy in all three houses.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24But for them, at least,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27each one of those properties had its own compromise.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30So, as it is, I'm not really sure where we stand.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31So let's find out.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Now then, how we doing?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Good.- Good?- Thank you, yeah.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44You've had good reactions in all three of the houses, you really have.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48There have been facets that I think have challenged you.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51First house, with the terraced garden, but near...
0:40:53 > 0:40:55well, as close to Church Stretton as you can get without being
0:40:55 > 0:40:58in Church Stretton. The second house, well,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01it was a great house and garden but you felt it was maybe a challenge with the
0:41:01 > 0:41:06location. The Mystery House, I suppose the layout of the property.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Have you got a favourite house?- We have definitely, the Mystery House.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Definitely Mystery House? Why?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Because it was perfect.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15And even the location is...
0:41:15 > 0:41:18You took us out of our comfort zone and you brought us to the other side
0:41:18 > 0:41:20of Shrewsbury.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23But we're still by a main trunk road, we're by a train station,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25we're in a lovely little village with a nice pub,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27near another village with a good school.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30So, you know, you still tick the boxes even though we are away from
0:41:30 > 0:41:37- Church Stretton.- It's clearly been made by very talented artisans.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It has all the benefits, all the character of an old house,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41but it is bang up-to-date.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Everything is level and upright.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45It had everything that we needed.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50If we can get that bit of garden, then we will definitely make an offer.
0:41:50 > 0:41:56If you get to approach the neighbour and try and buy that part of the land
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- and they say no...- What do we do?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01The Mystery House is then out of the game.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- Then what?- Well, we will keep looking in Church Stretton.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Yeah, I think that's your fallback plan.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- Definitely.- Well, I wish you the best of luck.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15You found your favourite area, which is Church Stretton. But you've also, through the Mystery House,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17you've found another area you can compare and contrast with.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Keep your eye on the market and see where it goes.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Thank you for your help.- Good luck. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Well, we came pretty close with that Mystery House.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Although I do think it's a bit of a long shot to try and buy a bit of that
0:42:32 > 0:42:33neighbour's garden.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I think it's much more likely that we see Phaedra and Paddy buying a house
0:42:37 > 0:42:40either in or very close to Church Stretton.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43That's clearly a town they both know and love.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47But, either way, I wish them both the very best of luck and look forward
0:42:47 > 0:42:49to finding out what happens next.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50See you next time.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56Paddy and Phaedra have made inquiries into purchasing extra neighbouring
0:42:56 > 0:43:01land. In the meantime, their search continues.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04If you would like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Northern Ireland or Wales and need our help, you can apply online at...