0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country and this,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06a quintessential view of the English landscape,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09a beautiful village church overlooking its churchyard.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Now, this one is 800 years old.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Not in itself remarkable, but old enough nonetheless.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20But its age is nothing in comparison to this beautiful yew tree which it
0:00:20 > 0:00:24overlooks. So, how old do you think it is, and where are we?
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Today it's close family ties drawing a loving couple towards
0:00:48 > 0:00:51the great British countryside and there are plenty of surprises
0:00:51 > 0:00:53along the way.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Ooh.- Now, this wasn't what you were expecting, was it?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- No.- No.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Some more welcome than others.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01And I'd be your neighbour.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Upsides, downsides.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06So, that's already put a hole in it, hasn't it?
0:01:06 > 0:01:07You're never going to buy it!
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Well, today we are in Herefordshire,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16and this is the church of St Bartholomew in Much Marcle.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20It was built about 1220, and has been serving the village ever since.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25But its age is nothing in comparison to this beautiful yew tree which has
0:01:25 > 0:01:27been here an awful lot longer.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Just how long? Well, get this.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33They've just dated it to some 1,500 years old.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Nearly twice as old as the church itself.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40That makes it one of the oldest living trees in England,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and with a whopping circumference of some ten metres,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45also one of the largest.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52The county of Herefordshire shares a border with Wales to the West
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and three other English counties to the east.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00The region is one of the most rural and sparsely populated in England,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03with the River Wye gracefully winding through it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The terrain here is largely given over to agriculture,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10and is well-known for its fruit and cider production.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12In the county town of Hereford,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14the magnificent Grade I listed
0:02:14 > 0:02:17cathedral is around a thousand years old.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Prior to that, it also lays claim to being the burial site of
0:02:21 > 0:02:23King Ethelbert in the late eighth century.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Pilgrims flocked to see his relics,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and he was subsequently made a saint.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Another historic highlight of the county's architecture are the
0:02:32 > 0:02:34distinctive timber-framed buildings.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Some particularly handsome examples
0:02:36 > 0:02:39survive in the attractive village of Pembridge,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42part of the North Herefordshire's Black And White Village Trail.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Another landmark here is the
0:02:44 > 0:02:46medieval St Mary's Church with its
0:02:46 > 0:02:48unusual detached belltower.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52So, with its fine country scenery and rich architectural heritage,
0:02:52 > 0:02:57Herefordshire possesses a wonderful charm for prospective escapees.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Well, you know, I have long been a fan of Herefordshire.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So much so, in fact, that for the last five years or so,
0:03:06 > 0:03:07it's been my home, too.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10So if you fancy life here on the borders,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12well, here are some useful facts and
0:03:12 > 0:03:14figures that can help you on your way.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Currently the average price of a detached property here is
0:03:18 > 0:03:21just north of £310,000. That's some
0:03:21 > 0:03:25£10,000 below the figure for the UK as a whole.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28But if you want your money to go that little bit further, well,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31my advice is to head over towards the border with Wales.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Basically, the further west you go, well, the cheaper it is.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38But there is no getting away from the fact this is a beautiful county
0:03:38 > 0:03:41full of culture and a real sense of identity.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Just the sort of things, of course,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46that today's buyers are looking for, too.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Charity worker Diana and her
0:03:49 > 0:03:51business consultant husband Jules met as
0:03:51 > 0:03:55students, and over four decades later, they couldn't be closer.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59She's a wonderful mother, wonderful friend,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01best wife one could ever have.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03He's lovely.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07We met a long time ago, so we've been together a long time.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12He's always been there and always supported the whole family.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13But when their paths first crossed,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17it wasn't in the most conventional of circumstances.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23It was at a pyjama party at Leicester Polytechnic in 1974.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28And it took a fair while, but three years later, we were engaged.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Five years later, we were married.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35When Jules got a job in his hometown of Birmingham in 1976,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Diana moved to be with him, and they've been there ever since.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I'm a Brummie.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42No, I've been here all my life.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45It's been a good city. It's been a great city.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47But there's a lot going on now.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It's grown. It's a lot busier.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51It's a young person's city now.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Just ready to move on now.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57The couple have lived in their Edwardian home for over 30 years.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Their two sons and daughter have left home, but when they move,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02they want to be close to their eldest, Ellie.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Our daughter's disabled,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and she's recently moved to Hereford
0:05:08 > 0:05:11to live in a residential centre there,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13which is a fantastic place.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15And we're too far away from her,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19so we need to be closer so that we can see her more frequently.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22As well as spending more quality time with Ellie,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24they are also looking forward to having more time to enjoy some of
0:05:24 > 0:05:27their many passions.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28I love astronomy. In the
0:05:28 > 0:05:32countryside - no light pollution, big skies,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35good views. That's the sort of thing that we're looking forward to.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40My hobbies have always been sort of knitting, sewing, a bit creative.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42I'd like to be an artist, but I'm not.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46But there's one rather decadent
0:05:46 > 0:05:48activity that Diana and Jules both like.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Hot tub came from a holiday we had last year,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54where we spent most of the time,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57actually, in the hot tub in Cornwall,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59which was brilliant. We thought, "You know what?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02"For our anniversary, let's literally splash out."
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Treat ourselves. Splash out!- Splash out.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06So, with hopes riding high,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Diana and Jules are now looking forward to their new life in
0:06:09 > 0:06:10Herefordshire.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13You've got hills. You've got open skies.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- It's a different pace of life there. - A different pace, you know.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18You just look across at the River Wye
0:06:18 > 0:06:19and you just see it flowing gently
0:06:19 > 0:06:21past and you think, "I'll have some of that."
0:06:21 > 0:06:25We're 60 now, so it's time to sort of wind down.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30Ellie has actually decided our move, so rather than going to the seaside,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33we are going to Hereford. Because that's where she is and that's where
0:06:33 > 0:06:35she's happy, so we'll happy there as well.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Diana and Jules want to be within half an hour's drive
0:06:42 > 0:06:44of their daughter Ellie in Hereford,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46so that's where we're focusing the search.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49But before we hit the road and begin our Herefordshire house hunt,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53we're catching up in the county so I can be sure I know exactly what
0:06:53 > 0:06:55it is they're after. Well, Diana and...
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Well, Jules.- Hello, Jules.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- Nice to see you, sir.- Nice to see you, Jules.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Welcome to Herefordshire.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Thank you.- Now, in terms of the property that you're looking for,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06obviously we do need to cater for
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Ellie's very specific needs, don't we?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12So what sort of property would work for you?
0:07:12 > 0:07:14We do need room for the boys to come and stay,
0:07:14 > 0:07:15and Ellie to come and stay,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18so we're looking for three bedrooms.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20We need a downstairs bedroom and a
0:07:20 > 0:07:22wet room for Ellie to come and stay...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Or potential to convert. - ..or potential to convert.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Yeah.- But we'd also, as we come into retirement,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29looking for some income potential as well,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32so potentially we could let out that room
0:07:32 > 0:07:36or have an annexe attached where we could have a retirement income.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39What do you want in terms of your social space?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Garden. We like a garden.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Don't want a huge garden, but we like garden.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Our little pleasure is a hot tub, so we've got to have space for hot tub.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Table tennis table.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Her pleasure is beating me at table tennis,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57so she needs a table tennis table, so, yeah, that's her little thrill.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59So, we're looking for a house of fun, aren't we, really?
0:07:59 > 0:08:01A hot tub, somewhere for table tennis.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Everyone can come and visit.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Brilliant. The one thing you haven't talked about, really,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08is sort of reception rooms and kitchen.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10I mean, most people want something big and open plan.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Is that you?- I'd rather have individual rooms.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15But I don't want small rooms.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16- He's quite tall.- Yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Traditional high ceilings, big rooms type places,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22so I can sort of stretch out a bit.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Are we looking for something brand-new?
0:08:24 > 0:08:25- Preferably not.- Not usually, no.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Prefer the older, traditional style. A bit more character.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30So, traditional but with space.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Yeah.- Please.- But what about sort of exact situation?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36We'd love to be isolated, but we are getting older,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38so we need to be able to get out
0:08:38 > 0:08:40easily to get our pint of milk, or...
0:08:40 > 0:08:41It'd be nice to be able to walk to the pub,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43but it'd be nice to be part of the community as well.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45So how much is this move, centred on
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Ellie's needs, going to set you back?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49What's the budget, then?
0:08:49 > 0:08:51We can go up to £500,000.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Well, I think we've got some very interesting properties to show you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Let's go house-hunting. Come on, then.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57Spend your half a million.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00You put it like that, it disappears quite quickly, doesn't it?
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- Sounds good, that.- Yes, it does!
0:09:03 > 0:09:05For their top budget of £500,000,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09Diana and Jules are hoping for a traditional home with space and high
0:09:09 > 0:09:13ceilings. They prefer separate reception rooms to open-plan.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16They need three bedrooms, with a ground floor annexe,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19or the potential to create one for daughter Ellie.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21They're also after a decent-sized garden
0:09:21 > 0:09:23with space for a vegetable patch,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and location wise, they want to be close to Hereford.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31We've lined up a wide selection of country homes for Diana and Jules to
0:09:31 > 0:09:32view, but only after they've
0:09:32 > 0:09:34completed each tour will the price be
0:09:34 > 0:09:37revealed to them. Finally,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39our mystery house will require them
0:09:39 > 0:09:42both to size up something altogether different.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47As we travel to our first house,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50it's clear that this move will benefit them as parents.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Now, Diana, I'm just trying to
0:09:52 > 0:09:55envisage the sort of amenities that Ellie's
0:09:55 > 0:09:57going to need in your new home.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Do we need, you know, specific wheelchair access, for example?
0:10:02 > 0:10:05On occasions, yes, we do need... She is in a wheelchair,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08so we'd need to have obviously access to the house.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10The door needs to be accessible with a wheelchair,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12and space in the rooms and the halls
0:10:12 > 0:10:14for turning the wheelchair when needed.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17For you two, having the chance to be
0:10:17 > 0:10:22once again so much closer to Ellie in her new home
0:10:22 > 0:10:24must be a great relief, Jules?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Absolutely. Absolutely.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31Having her close to hand rather than hoiking down the M5,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33that would be a big comfort to us.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35It's being able to do the quality things with her,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37to take her out and to have some fun with her.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40We can just say, "Let's pop and see Ellie tonight,"
0:10:40 > 0:10:41which will be much nicer.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46We're travelling to the small village of Preston Wynne,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49just over a 20-minute drive from Ellie in Hereford.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Three miles away, the pretty village
0:10:51 > 0:10:55of Withington provides the essentials at the local shop.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Also here is a memorial commemorating soldiers who fought in
0:10:58 > 0:11:02the First World War. The churchyard of St Peter's Church is also the
0:11:02 > 0:11:05resting place for Commonwealth War graves.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06On the edge of the village,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10the local pub is just a few minutes' drive from our first offering.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Right, come on in,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17because I think as a place to start, this is really good.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19To the right, recently renovated,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24really nice and recently extended old Victorian farm worker's cottage.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28And then here, separate annexe.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29Oh, this looks nice.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31I can see a vegetable plot there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33You've got a veg patch here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- No big trees.- No big trees.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Well, apart from the one that's in your back garden
0:11:38 > 0:11:41which dominates the 1.3 acres this comes with.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Wow. I think it looks like more than we can afford.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Do you think so? Well, let's see how much you like it first,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49and then we'll talk about how much it's going to cost you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- Yeah, hmm, right.- Come on.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55This extended period cottage dates back to the 1850s.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00Built from local Hereford brick, it's topped with a smart slate roof.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04It's clear this property has benefited from a lot of TLC.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It's been in the same family for over 100 years.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09We're going into the main part to explore the kitchen.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13OK. There we are, madam.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- What you think?- Oh, very nice.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18It's got loads of space, and this link,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20this clever structure that joins
0:12:20 > 0:12:22what was the old cider barn to the rest
0:12:22 > 0:12:25of the property, I think offers Ellie the sort of space...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Lots of space to get a wheelchair in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Yeah.- Look at your face.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- This is lovely.- It's very good so far.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36You've got a big burner to operate a wok on, as well,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39so the range-y type cooker will do nicely, thank you.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And you don't really need to pick up a paintbrush, do you? Come this way.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45No, it's all done.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Just off the kitchen is a potential breakfast area,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51currently being used for storage, along with a utility room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Next door, there's a dedicated dining room leading into a bright
0:12:55 > 0:12:56conservatory beyond that,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00delivering the separate living spaces Diana asked for.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03So, nice dining space next door,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07and then this is the most recently renovated part of this property.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10First impressions - it looked quite small, but actually,
0:13:10 > 0:13:11you've got two sofas in here.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Nice.- I'm liking, I'm liking this.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I think this is a really, really good fit.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- It is.- Let's... Let's continue our tour.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- By all means.- Follow me, Jules.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23We're moving upstairs to the sleeping quarters,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25where there are four bedrooms
0:13:25 > 0:13:27serviced by a family bath and shower room.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Facing the front of the property,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32there's a cosy double and another slightly larger one.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34The third is a snug-sized single,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37but we're going to explore the most substantial on offer,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40which they would use as theirs.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45And then finally, you've got this room, which is the master,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48for obvious reasons, really. It's the biggest of the lot.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49You've got a sort of dressing area there,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51and a little shower en suite round the corner.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- High ceilings, Jules.- Yes. I still...
0:13:56 > 0:13:58As bedrooms go, this has the highest ceilings of the lot.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00I mean, you've got the four bedrooms here,
0:14:00 > 0:14:05but I think the annexe is the real issue with this one,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07because I think it's all about Ellie,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10and the annexe is what's going to make this house work for her.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- OK.- Let's go and have a look at that.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- Let's go and have a look.- After you, mate.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17The annexe is a barn converted eight years ago,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21and has been cleverly joined to the house by a closed walkway.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24So, what do you think Ellie would make of this?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Wow.- Come on in.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Lots of space.- That is rather good.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34The spiral goes up to a very simple kind of mezzanine. I'm thinking,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37you know, for when the boys come to stay.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Obviously you've got this very new kind of kitchen area here.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Behind it is the downstairs shower room.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46And then this space, which I'm thinking - bedroom.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Yes.- Not bad for a first one, actually.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Yeah, not bad at all.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52Not bad, not bad.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55So, let's go and talk about how much it's on the market for, shall we?
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Yes.- Let's go outside.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Well, they do seem impressed by the layout and space inside.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Outside, the garden includes a number of defined areas,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10from the vegetable plot to the front,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13to a chicken house and orchard to the rear.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15So, there's this beautiful tree that
0:15:15 > 0:15:17I was referring to when we first arrived.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- Bags of room for the hot tub, I think.- Yes.- Yes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22A few spaces.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24So, we now need to think about how
0:15:24 > 0:15:27much this is going to be on the market for.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I thought it looked more than we could afford,
0:15:30 > 0:15:31so it's got to be top of the budget.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- 500,000.- £500,000, yes, that's fair enough.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38I tend to agree with her, but I hope it's about 485.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42You hope it's 485.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Your instincts are absolutely right.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48This is £499,995, so I am pleased
0:15:48 > 0:15:51to say it is technically under budget.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- It's fab.- It's absolutely stunning.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I think you should go and have a look around,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57and I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Off you go.- Smashing, thank you. - Fabulous, thank you.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03This extended mid-19th-century cottage is just
0:16:03 > 0:16:04a whisker under budget,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07but does meet all of Diana and Jules' requirements.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's traditional, without low ceilings.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11It has four bedrooms,
0:16:11 > 0:16:15separate reception rooms and a self-contained annexe.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18What's more, it's less than half an hour away from their daughter Ellie.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I'm really surprised by it.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22I'm impressed by it.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's, um...
0:16:24 > 0:16:27It looked quite small from outside, and when we got in,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30it was so spacious downstairs, lots of room.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Outside is absolutely fabulous.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I love the garden, love the orchard.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38The only small thing is the bedrooms. Literally the small thing.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41They are smaller than I would like, but whatever house you go to,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43there's going to be a compromise.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44Absolutely stunning. It's got
0:16:44 > 0:16:46everything we need without the need to do
0:16:46 > 0:16:50anything to tidy it up or any extra work.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52It's a bit close to our budget,
0:16:52 > 0:16:56but on that basis, because there's no work, quite happy with it.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00That was a cracking start.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01Yes. Really good.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Very good.- Our other two properties have got a lot to beat, I suspect.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- No pressure.- Well, it's always there!
0:17:14 > 0:17:17When they've settled into their new country life,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Diana and Jules are planning to put their green fingers to good use
0:17:21 > 0:17:22and grow their own produce.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26They may well decide to introduce herbs to their kitchen garden.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29But they have far more uses than just adding some flavour to cooking.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Paul Richards has developed an
0:17:32 > 0:17:34alternative purpose for the herbs he's been
0:17:34 > 0:17:37growing on his organic five acre farm for over 30 years.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40At any one time,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44there is a colourful array of over 20 different flowers in bloom, all,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47he believes, rich in powerful nutrients.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Tell us about the history here.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54My father and my uncle used to take me out on walks and show me various
0:17:54 > 0:17:55birds and plants and so on.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58I actually got really interested in the plants,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and I found that there are also lots
0:18:00 > 0:18:02of interesting uses for these plants,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04and that is something that has kind of sown the seed in me,
0:18:04 > 0:18:08and I then went on to do botany at university.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Then, eventually, I managed to find some land here in Herefordshire,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and got going.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19Paul started his herb pharmacy just outside Eardisley ten years ago.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22What makes it so good for growing the plants here?
0:18:22 > 0:18:23The soils are very rich.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26They're nice, red Herefordshire soils,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28and it's also a really nice place to be.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- It's beautiful. Beautiful. - So, what's this in front of you?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32It looks a bit like an evening primrose.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- It's not, is it?- It does a bit, and the colour is almost identical,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38but it is from a different family.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41This is what the gardeners know as Verbascum,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43or mullein, as we call it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45These flowers we pick individually,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48and they are actually quite an interesting herb.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52It's got anti-inflammatory, it's got emollient,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57and also it is reputed to help with the elasticity of the skin, so,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- fine lines.- Youth and beauty.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- Yeah, that's it.- Yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02We need some of that.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Diana and Jules are helping Paul to pick some of the
0:19:04 > 0:19:06vibrant yellow flowers,
0:19:06 > 0:19:07which will be one of the key
0:19:07 > 0:19:10ingredients in a facial balm they'll be learning
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- how to make later.- Do you do this all by hand,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15or do you use any machinery to pick them?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17We do all this by hand.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Having picked these potent fresh flowers,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23it's off to the drying shed to see how Paul preps and processes the
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- blooms.- These are what they look like when they're dried.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- How long does that take?- It takes about 48 hours for most herbs.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33So, then, how do you extract them?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Yes, so we've got to try and get the properties of these herbs into our
0:19:36 > 0:19:40skin care products, so we mainly use oil to extract.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42So, for instance, with these
0:19:42 > 0:19:45mullein, if we fill up a container with them -
0:19:45 > 0:19:48in quite tight, there, like that.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51And then, gently, we pour in sunflower oil.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53This is a high oleic sunflower oil.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55So, then you close it down there,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58then that goes in something like the airing cupboard,
0:19:58 > 0:19:59- if you are doing it at home... - Yeah.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01..to keep it warm, for about three weeks,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05and you shake it every day to keep it agitated.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09And then it is strained out, and it is ready to use
0:20:09 > 0:20:10in the balm.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Showing them how to create the natural balm is
0:20:14 > 0:20:16deputy production manager Orla Henning.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20A variety of herbs have been steeped in oils,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22which will be mixed together.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25First in, we can put the marshmallow and jojoba.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Would you like to pour that into this jug?
0:20:27 > 0:20:32- Yeah.- Marshmallow root extract is believed to soothe delicate skin.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Next up, we've got the marshmallow and sunflower.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37So, why the two different mixtures with marshmallow?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39This one's sunflower.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45So, sunflower is our main base oil, whereas the jojoba, it's lot richer,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47so we like to use a mixture of both of them.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Next, it's the calendula.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51That one is the anti-inflammatory.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The mullein in sunflower oil is then added.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57It's the active ingredient in this rejuvenating balm.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00And, lastly, in goes some beeswax.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02And that's for the texture, is it?
0:21:02 > 0:21:06That's right. That will set it into a solid state.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Here we are, all of our ingredients.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11We will pop this on the heat to get up to just over 80 degrees.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15After around an hour and a half, the ingredients are pasteurised.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16I'll just add the essential oils.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19We add these at the very end so that they don't get too cooked.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22It will make it smell nice.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27The liquid balm is then poured into warm jars, where it's left to set.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29I think yours is better than mine.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Of course it is!
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- You have both done really well.- Of course it is!
0:21:34 > 0:21:35This is setting really quickly.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37How long do you leave these to set for?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40We normally leave them to set, depending on the size of jar,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43for between half an hour to an hour.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45OK. And when can you use it?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47We can use it right now if you like.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48- OK.- OK.- We've got some that have already set.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Help yourself.- Right, thank you.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Oh, it is quite solid.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58That just softens up straight away, doesn't it?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Give it a smell.- Mm.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03A lot of people get a little bit put off because it's a balm,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06but actually, it's more moisturising than a lot of creams,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08and it will go into the skin quicker.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Well, thank you so much.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12This is really good to see how this balm has been made.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Thank you very much. It's been brilliant.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15Absolute pleasure.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24We're continuing our property search in the village of Madley,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28which is under a 20-minute drive from Hereford.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31The attractive stone parish church has been a landmark here for around
0:22:31 > 0:22:331,500 years.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37The oldest part is the window and arch over the main door,
0:22:37 > 0:22:38which is Norman.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Today, the village is well served by
0:22:40 > 0:22:43a handful of shops and a couple of local pubs.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And on the outskirts of the village, we reach our second property.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49What do you think?
0:22:49 > 0:22:50It's different to the last one.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Very different to the last one. - Very different to the last one!
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Yeah.- The obvious thing, of course, is that it is single-storey living,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59this. Yeah. I'm not going to call it a bungalow because it's vast.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- OK.- OK, that's promising.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04If I tell you there are some 20 rooms here,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06not including the garage...
0:23:06 > 0:23:07Wow...
0:23:07 > 0:23:10But the fact that it's all on one level, I think,
0:23:10 > 0:23:11makes it quite an interesting
0:23:11 > 0:23:13proposition for what you need to sort out
0:23:13 > 0:23:16for Ellie. Yeah. And I'd be your neighbour.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Upsides, downsides!
0:23:19 > 0:23:21So, that's already put a hole in it, hasn't it?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23You're never going to buy it!
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- But let's see what you think of it. - OK.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Two people called Jules in the same village.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34This rather unusual yet extensive property was built in the mid '60s,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but has more recently been updated,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41and the neutral exterior is hiding a rather more vibrant interior.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43There.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Ooh.- Now, this wasn't what you were expecting, was it?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- No.- No.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49No, this is a lovely space.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Yeah?- Yeah.- This is
0:23:51 > 0:23:55intriguing. There's lots of light coming in here, which is good.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56It's nice and quiet.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- Yeah.- I just love the space.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I think it's fantastic.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Like you said, the light coming through is lovely.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04And then this all opens up through
0:24:04 > 0:24:06here to give you this sort of L-shaped
0:24:06 > 0:24:08arrangement to your living space.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Something of a sort of dining area, I suppose,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13with the hatch through to the kitchen.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Lovely.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Let's have a quick look at the kitchen while we're here.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Now, given the scale of this place,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24the kitchen actually is surprisingly small,
0:24:24 > 0:24:29but given the amount of rooms that, you know, surround it,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32it doesn't bother me, to be perfectly honest.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33No, there's plenty of work space,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35which is the main thing in the kitchen,
0:24:35 > 0:24:36and quite a bit of storage.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38There's a big smile from your wife here.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- I like it.- I think she's liking it.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- I like it!- I'm just seeing work.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46That's fine.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48It's a project! You'll love it!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Well, there's plenty more for Diana
0:24:51 > 0:24:53to love as we move through the living areas.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55The property is laid out in sections,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58with the kitchen situated over in one wing.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Fanning out from it is a utility and cloakroom,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05as well as a raft of rooms they really could make their own,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10including a spacious library and a bright study, along with a bathroom.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14So, having made sense of the living spaces,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16we're heading over to the four
0:25:16 > 0:25:19bedrooms that occupy two separate wings.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25Another room to do with what you like.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28But it leads us on to this suite of rooms,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31and I'm thinking this might work really nicely for Ellie,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35because you've got two of the five bathrooms over there.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38One is a separate bathroom. The other one is the shower room.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40You've got another bedroom behind there.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42So, if you forego the idea that this
0:25:42 > 0:25:45contains a bed and you put the bed next door,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47this would be her sort of living space.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- Oh, OK.- And, of course, when the boys come to stay,
0:25:51 > 0:25:52they'd have the run of it as well.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Master bedroom there?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Yeah, the master bedroom, as is, is behind that wall there.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Yeah?- Yeah. Got some ideas.- Will it work?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Lots of ideas.- Yeah, I mean, I'm just chucking them out there,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- but you've got to make sense of it all.- Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I think this could work.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09I do think now is probably the time to step outside into that lovely
0:26:09 > 0:26:12afternoon sunshine and start thinking about the price.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14So, come with me.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15- OK.- Thank you.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Outside also delivers generously.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23There is a garage-cum-workshop, a pleasant patio,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25and the garden stretches to almost an acre,
0:26:25 > 0:26:30which includes a vegetable patch, a shed and a summer house.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Now, to be honest, I think from here,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35you do actually get the best view of it,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39because you can begin to see how it all fits together.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40Look at your face. This is good, isn't it?
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- It's all good.- I can see you're leading the charge, here, you know,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46between you, Diana, on this one.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- Look, he's worn out.- Jules can manage the garden.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- OK...- Please make her stop.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Let's talk about the price of this one, then.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57There's still stuff to be done for us.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Round about 425.- 425.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I'm thinking 440, 450.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06OK. This is on the market for
0:27:06 > 0:27:09£450,000.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I win.- Yes, you did, you did.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Go and explore it.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Thank you.- And once you've figured it out, come and tell me,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19because I have no idea how it all fits together.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21If we're not back in half an hour, send out a search party.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Yeah, I will. You will probably get lost.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30This detached single-storey property already goes a long way to meeting
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Diana and Jules's family needs,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36and would also leave £50,000 change in their pockets.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39It's got four bedrooms, including good options for Ellie,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42a variety of other living rooms, and a garden
0:27:42 > 0:27:43that is large but manageable.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Plus, it's less than a 20-minute drive to Hereford.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52This is a lovely room, isn't it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- Yeah.- Great space.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55What you think of this house?
0:27:55 > 0:27:59It's bonkers and great in equal measure.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00It's got a lot of potential.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05Huge potential. I love all the separate spaces in the house,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07and obviously space for Ellie.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- Space for Ellie.- There's lots of space for Ellie.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Lots of options for space for Ellie.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13And also, possibly, income potential as well.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Yeah.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Our work is pretty much done, guys, you'll be pleased to know.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Which means, as it's
0:28:22 > 0:28:25apple harvest time, we should probably go and try some cider.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Yay.- Really?- Yeah, we really...
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Must we?- Yeah, come on.- Oh, dear.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42It's day two of our Herefordshire house hunt,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44searching out the perfect country
0:28:44 > 0:28:46pad for Diana and Jules to call home.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51They've got £500,000 to spend on a property suitable for not only them
0:28:51 > 0:28:53but also visiting family.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Coming up, we've still got a lesson
0:28:55 > 0:28:57or two to learn with our mystery house...
0:28:57 > 0:28:59It's not a bad view, is it, really?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Very nice.- I could take that.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04And watch the seasons go by.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06..and I'll be rolling up my sleeves
0:29:06 > 0:29:08and getting to work on an accessory for
0:29:08 > 0:29:09my own Herefordshire home.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13That's a good effort.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I think there's a... You can tell who's done it before, can't you?
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Well, so far this week our house
0:29:23 > 0:29:25search is proving to be as challenging as
0:29:25 > 0:29:28it is rewarding. Trying to find a home, of course,
0:29:28 > 0:29:29not just for Jules and Diana,
0:29:29 > 0:29:31but also one that can meet the very
0:29:31 > 0:29:34specific needs of their daughter Ellie.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Well, as we head into our final day,
0:29:36 > 0:29:37we are, of course, halfway through.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40We've seen two, we've got one more to come,
0:29:40 > 0:29:44so what possibly could our mystery house provide them that our first
0:29:44 > 0:29:45two properties haven't?
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Well, it's very simple. Two words - splendid isolation.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Our mystery journey takes us to the hamlet of Brinsop,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56just 20 minutes drive from Hereford.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59It's a rural setting,
0:29:59 > 0:30:00but St George's church here
0:30:00 > 0:30:02contains some exceptional Norman carvings,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and is thought to be where the legend of
0:30:05 > 0:30:07St George and the dragon hails from.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The 19th-century saw poet William Wordsworth
0:30:10 > 0:30:12visit the area on many occasions.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16And just a stone's throw away is our final offering.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18The mystery house,
0:30:18 > 0:30:22a perfect example of how wonderful things come in small packages.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Right, then. The wait is over.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29At last, I can show you our mystery house.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31There it is. What do you think?
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- It's very pretty.- It's very pretty.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36You may be forgiven for thinking you are in the middle of nowhere,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39because look at where we are. It's the most gorgeous setting.
0:30:39 > 0:30:40- Fabulous.- The one thing we need
0:30:40 > 0:30:43to sort of think about is whether or not
0:30:43 > 0:30:47you'd be interested in converting that detached garage there
0:30:47 > 0:30:49for a more bespoke solution to
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Ellie's needs when she comes to stay.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54- Yeah.- The only other thing to point
0:30:54 > 0:30:56out is that once upon a time it was an
0:30:56 > 0:30:58old schoolhouse, believe it or not.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Oh, really?- It's not the biggest we've shown
0:31:00 > 0:31:03you, but it's absolutely 100% done,
0:31:03 > 0:31:04raring to go. Yeah?
0:31:04 > 0:31:05- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Come on, let's see what you think. - Let's go.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Our mystery schoolhouse dates back to the 1860s,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16and with age comes character, which we're just about to take in.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20We're heading inside and going straight into the sitting-room.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Come on in. There, what do you reckon?
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- Very nice.- It's nice.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26It's a bit small. I don't know, is it small?
0:31:26 > 0:31:28It's certainly big enough for me.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30I don't have to touch the ceiling.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Yeah.- I can stretch out a little bit.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34So, yeah, that's good. It is nice.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Yeah.- It's not the only reception area.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37You can probably just get a
0:31:37 > 0:31:39glimpse of what's going on through there.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41That lovely oak-framed garden room.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43And it's done, there's nothing to do.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- That's true.- There's nothing to do. Come through here.
0:31:47 > 0:31:48Beyond the sitting-room
0:31:48 > 0:31:50with doors to the garden is the dining room,
0:31:50 > 0:31:54which adjoins the impressive kitchen and utility space.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56This is my favourite colour.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57- You like it?- I do like it.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- Yeah.- The sort of classic duck egg.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Now, the other thing to point out
0:32:01 > 0:32:03about this arrangement is that next door
0:32:03 > 0:32:04we've got a downstairs shower room.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- Good.- OK? So, if you did do something in the garage for Ellie
0:32:09 > 0:32:11and combine the two buildings,
0:32:11 > 0:32:15you've already got the possibility of a wet room downstairs for her.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- OK.- I'm liking this...
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Probably more so than she is.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I love the kitchen. It is smaller.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24- Yeah.- But I like it.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Let's continue, then. Come on.
0:32:26 > 0:32:27Let's continue.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Jules clearly loves the impeccable finish in this house,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34which means there's nothing left for him to do.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37So, let's see if the theme continues upstairs,
0:32:37 > 0:32:41where there's a white-tiled family bathroom and three double bedrooms.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45There is one to the front, complete with feature beams and fireplace,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48another which is equally well presented, and lastly,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50there's the master to see.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52That's fab. That's beautiful.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54And you've got this storage up here.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56This is rather sweet, the ladder that comes with it.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Yeah, very cleverly thought through.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04And that fabulous window that just brings that beautiful view right in.
0:33:04 > 0:33:05So, let's go out to the garden and
0:33:05 > 0:33:08give a bit more thought to how we might
0:33:08 > 0:33:11connect this building with the garage...
0:33:11 > 0:33:12- Yeah.- Yeah.- ..you know, for Ellie.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13Yeah.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17With the right planning in place,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21the garage could offer accommodation options over two floors.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Outside, the mature gardens enjoy
0:33:24 > 0:33:26spectacular views to the Brecon Beacons,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29with a decked area, a perfect space for relaxing.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's not a bad view, is it, really?
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- Very nice.- I could take that.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- Very nice.- And watch the seasons go by.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38It's lovely, isn't it? But what I
0:33:38 > 0:33:40want us to really try and make sense of
0:33:40 > 0:33:41is how we connect these two buildings.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45You can see this lovely oak-framed garden room here,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48so I'd be interested to talk to the planners and see whether or not we
0:33:48 > 0:33:51could extend that right across to meet the garage.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53That would give access for Ellie, then,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- so she'd still be part of the house.- Absolutely. Yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59How much do you think this, as it currently stands,
0:33:59 > 0:34:00is going to set you back?
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I'm going to go for 420.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05I'm going to go a little bit lower, about 410-ish.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07410-ish?
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Because of its size?
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Yeah?- Mm-hmm.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16Well, it's on the market for £435,000.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- Right.- So, it's doable.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- It is.- The question is - do you want to do it?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23So, I'm going to give you a bit of time here to wander around this one.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24- Off you go.- Cheers.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26And I'll come and find you a little
0:34:26 > 0:34:28bit later on, after our mystery house,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32I hope, has worked one final bit of magic.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Under budget, our immaculate mystery schoolhouse may not have the huge
0:34:38 > 0:34:40proportions they were after,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43but it has character and bags of potential.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46There are three bedrooms, separate living spaces,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49and an annexe ready and waiting to be transformed.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Plus, it's just a 20-minute drive to visit Ellie.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57This is a really tough one because it's a beautiful house.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Loads of character.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I don't know whether we would fit in it.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03And then there's the extension for Ellie as well.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05It's beautiful. The location is perfect.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07So I'm looking around how could it work,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09but I'm not sure if it will for us.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11I think this house is absolutely fabulous.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Sadly, I don't see it necessarily being for us.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17For our particular needs,
0:35:17 > 0:35:19the change that we'd have to do to
0:35:19 > 0:35:21the back of the house to get something
0:35:21 > 0:35:25in for Ellie might be just that little bit too far.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28We've really spoilt you for choice this week, haven't we?
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- No pressure.- No, well, the pressure's all on you...- OK.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34..I've done my bit.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37It's up to you to try and make your minds up.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Come on, let's go.- Magical. Thank you.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Well-known for its historic
0:35:46 > 0:35:49architecture and abundance of cider orchards,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Herefordshire is also home to makers
0:35:51 > 0:35:54reviving many traditional craft skills.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58In the south-west of the county, on Garway Hill,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Aaron Heath has switched from farming to blacksmithing,
0:36:01 > 0:36:06and has a forge creating a range of beautifully-made items and artworks.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Hi, Aaron, nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11You know, we talk about blacksmithing...
0:36:11 > 0:36:13I mean, you've taken what is a very
0:36:13 > 0:36:16traditional craft into the 21st century,
0:36:16 > 0:36:18looking at some of the shapes and
0:36:18 > 0:36:21the forms that you make around here.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24What we do, we try and do a lot of traditional work,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27but then it's also gone on into
0:36:27 > 0:36:31other areas where we do an awful lot of teaching now.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36And then we also do some of the more modern twists on the traditional
0:36:36 > 0:36:38element of the business.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40As well as creating these elaborate pieces,
0:36:40 > 0:36:45Aaron and his team also skilfully replicate heritage ironwork,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48which has included commissions for Hereford Cathedral and conservation
0:36:48 > 0:36:54- agencies.- A large percentage of our work is doing work for English
0:36:54 > 0:37:00Heritage and Cadw, doing architectural hinges and latches,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02down to anything that needs repairing,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05whether it be a church or a manor house.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06I'd love to see how you go about
0:37:06 > 0:37:09replicating some of these items from the past.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- OK.- Let's have a look, then.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14The forge is a family business,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and working with Aaron and his wife is a team of six blacksmiths.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21Oh, this is lovely, mate.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23I presume this is just some of the
0:37:23 > 0:37:25range of items that you've had to make
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- over the years?- Yes, of course.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28This is just a few examples.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I could take all of this home, to be perfectly honest with you.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32I've got uses for all of it, however,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34there is one thing I do need,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and it's something, actually, like that, with these very flat ends.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41I've got one on one side of a door, but not on the other.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43OK, I'm sure we can help you with that.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Aaron has taken on the challenge of helping me make a door handle,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50so I can have a matching pair at home.
0:37:50 > 0:37:51We've got one on the go here.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- Oh, look at that. Red hot.- So, this, I've formed as a blank.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57We've got the bean end here, which we need to splat out,
0:37:57 > 0:37:58give it some more width.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00You're going to splat it out?
0:38:00 > 0:38:01- That's right.- What sort of
0:38:01 > 0:38:03temperature are you heating it to there?
0:38:03 > 0:38:06It's about 1,300 degrees.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08I'm looking to be working at yellow,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10because the steel doesn't stay hot for long.
0:38:10 > 0:38:11- There we are.- Let's have a go.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Wow, you've absolutely got every last ounce of heat out of that,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23haven't you?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Yes, we've increased the size of that considerably.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- So, would you like to have a go? - I would, absolutely, yes.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33That's it. Go for it.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35An even splat.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37An even splat, we're looking for.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40That's it.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42That's a good effort.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45I think there's a... You can tell who's done it before, can't you?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Right, the next stage is called swaging
0:38:48 > 0:38:52and we're going to put a curve over the width of the handle.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Swaging, yeah, that lovely sort of arc you've got there.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Yeah, which just makes it more comfortable in your hand.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59This is called a swage.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01It goes in the hardy hole in the anvil.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03The swage allows me to hammer a
0:39:03 > 0:39:06groove into the back of my new handle.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07Hold it nice and centrally.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12This requires all my effort and
0:39:12 > 0:39:14concentration, but if Aaron was making it,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16he'd do it in ten minutes.
0:39:17 > 0:39:18Uh-oh.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20If we take another heat again...
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Right.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24There's a lot to learn, isn't there?
0:39:25 > 0:39:26The metal is steel,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29and once it cools it needs to be heated again and again to make it
0:39:29 > 0:39:31malleable to shape.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Once red hot, it goes into the vice,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35where the curve can at last be added.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37And I'll hold it here.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39If you could hammer into there, please.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Right in at the bottom?- That's right.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Ah, you really get that sharp angle.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51That's right. And then if you can put a bit more curve in there now.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- Brilliant!- There we go.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57So now we've got to form it around the mandrel.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00This is a clever little device, isn't it?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Yes.- A few more knocks into shape...
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Yeah?- Excellent.- It's almost there, isn't it?- Almost there.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07So, a few finishing touches from the
0:40:07 > 0:40:10expert and my handle might actually look
0:40:10 > 0:40:11like it's supposed to!
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Cool it off.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Fabulous. A period handle that really does match
0:40:19 > 0:40:22the one I've already got on the door. Fabulous.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Cheers, mate.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28So, let's forge ahead and see if Diana and Jules have come to a firm
0:40:28 > 0:40:30decision about any of our properties.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Well, Jules and Diana wouldn't be the first buyers I've met who've
0:40:36 > 0:40:38actually complained about being
0:40:38 > 0:40:41spoiled for choice, but in my experience,
0:40:41 > 0:40:42that can only be a good thing.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45But, of course, they can choose only one.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48So, which one of our properties are they likely to go for?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Well, to be perfectly honest, I really don't know.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58So, what's it to be, then,
0:40:58 > 0:41:03if indeed any of our properties are likely to suit?
0:41:03 > 0:41:06They've been fascinating properties, all of them.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Erm, it's trying to make what will work for us.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10We liked all of them.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Yeah, they were all brilliant,
0:41:13 > 0:41:18but the one that was bonkers, big and rambling, a bit like me...
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It's the second one for us.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- Yeah?- It was great.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26And what do you think Ellie will make of it?
0:41:26 > 0:41:28I think she would love it, actually.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30She loves... She loves walking, so walking around there,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33there's loads of things to look around and see,
0:41:33 > 0:41:34but the garden she'd love,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37because the garden is as rambling as the house.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40There's lots of different areas and she'd love that.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Yeah. If you do buy property number two,
0:41:43 > 0:41:47we can virtually wave at each other from our gardens!
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Jules! Jules!
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Guys, thank you very much, it's been a lot of fun.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55You're obviously going to go back and have another look, I suppose.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56- Yes.- Will you take Ellie with you?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Very much so.- Yeah.- Yeah, yeah.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03Good. Well, let us know how you get on, and I dare say...
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Well, friends and neighbours will
0:42:05 > 0:42:08tell me before even I know if you've bought it.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10But I look forward to hearing how you've got on.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Aww. Yeah, we'd love to have it. - Thank you so much indeed.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Well, this certainly has been a
0:42:16 > 0:42:18house search with a difference because
0:42:18 > 0:42:23of one fundamental element that we have not sought to compromise on,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27and that is Diana and Jules's wish to find a home that is absolutely
0:42:27 > 0:42:30perfect for their daughter, Ellie.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31The journey that's brought this
0:42:31 > 0:42:34family here to Herefordshire has had many
0:42:34 > 0:42:35twists and turns over the years,
0:42:35 > 0:42:39and I suspect it has not been entirely easy,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42but hopefully that is a journey that is now coming to an end -
0:42:42 > 0:42:44an end that in itself marks the
0:42:44 > 0:42:47start of a new life here in the Borders.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Take it from me, I can certainly recommend it.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52I'll see you next time.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:54 > 0:42:55in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Wales or England and need our help, you can apply online at...