0:00:02 > 0:00:04These magnificent and beautiful horses
0:00:04 > 0:00:06used to roam this landscape for centuries.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08But they're actually a critically endangered species.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12So find out where these rare but beautiful animals call home
0:00:12 > 0:00:13in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35On today's show, we're flexing our muscles to find a country home
0:00:35 > 0:00:36for a first-time buyer
0:00:36 > 0:00:40who's bringing his mum along for moral support.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Of course, first impressions count.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45I love it. It looks nice from the outside.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47I like it. It's quirky, isn't it?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50But it's what's on the inside that really matters.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Could be onto a winner if the rest of it matches up, yeah.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in the Yorkshire Dales National Park,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and this is Flora, a Dales pony.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06There's only around 1,500 of them left in the UK.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08But right up until the middle of the 19th century,
0:01:08 > 0:01:13they were heavily used in this area's thriving lead industry.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16After the Second World War, when many of them were used as pack
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and artillery ponies, their numbers dwindled.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Later in the show, I'll be finding out how they're being protected
0:01:22 > 0:01:24and their future is going to be assured.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But first, let's look at some of the other beauties
0:01:27 > 0:01:29the Dales have in store.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33North Yorkshire is England's largest county,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37covering some 3,000 square miles of breathtaking countryside.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Of the two national parks within its borders,
0:01:41 > 0:01:46the pastoral scenery of the Dales is found in the west of the county,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48whose stunning rolling landscape
0:01:48 > 0:01:51is lined by a latticework of dry-stone walls.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55As well as man-made features,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58the waterways that charge through the terrain
0:01:58 > 0:02:02powered textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The county's abundant supply of water is evident at Aysgarth Falls,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09a magnificent triple-flight waterfall
0:02:09 > 0:02:13that was captured on canvas by landscape painter JMW Turner
0:02:13 > 0:02:15following a visit here in 1816.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21There's a rich mix of architecture that resonates with the drama
0:02:21 > 0:02:24of the Dales landscape, from scattered farm buildings
0:02:24 > 0:02:29set in remote valleys, to historic abbey ruins.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30At the gateway to the Dales,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34the market town of Skipton features one of the most complete
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and best preserved medieval castles in England,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40constructed back in 1090.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44But away from the picturesque towns and villages,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49the Dales are a place of wide and wild natural beauty, which provides
0:02:49 > 0:02:52a timeless source of inspiration and serenity.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Property prices in North Yorkshire are rather good.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01The average price for a detached house here is £314,000,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04that's £15,000 less than the national figure.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Of course, if you choose to live inside the Dales National Park
0:03:07 > 0:03:11with its tighter planning laws, then there is a bit of a premium,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14but that falls away if you choose to go outside, for example,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17the Skipton area, the gateway to the Dales.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Luckily, today's buyers know this area very well indeed.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25In his quest for a more rural way of life,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28born-and-bred Lancastrian Sebastian
0:03:28 > 0:03:32has called on our help, and his mother Tina.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Seb's very similar to me.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Very confident, very outgoing.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Kind, considerate, hard worker. Couldn't ask for a better son.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44This mother-son duo has a very close and steadfast relationship.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48So much so, that they successfully manage their own company.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53The business that we have together is a fire safety company,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56which my father set up 25 years ago.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Our working relationship is really great.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Most of the time, we get on absolutely fantastically.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Aside from running the family firm,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Sebastian dedicates most of his free time to working out.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12He began training two years ago,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15prompted by the death of his beloved father,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18who suffered from motor neurone disease.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21After his loss, Sebastian started to focus on
0:04:21 > 0:04:23leading a healthier lifestyle,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and in a relatively short period of time,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28completely transformed his body.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33The positive results of that means he is now a fitness model
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and competes as a natural body-builder.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I've just come out of competition prep.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I'm driving to the gym every day.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43It's taking me half an hour to drive there.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46I'm doing cardio twice a day, so first thing in the morning,
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I've to either go running round the streets.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55I would love to find a property that I can walk straight out of the door,
0:04:55 > 0:05:00lovely, rolling hills, and I can just get straight out into that.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I'd love to be able to put a gym in the house.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07And ideally, I would have some land as well there for some chickens,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10or goats, and provide my own eggs.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14And, er, maybe look at making some goat's cheese.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17This upcoming move will be Sebastian's first step
0:05:17 > 0:05:20onto the property ladder, and it's one he wants to make
0:05:20 > 0:05:22in a more inspiring environment
0:05:22 > 0:05:26than his current rented terrace in the town of Earby,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Seb's always been a country boy at heart.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33From being two, when he used to try and shout the sheep in
0:05:33 > 0:05:35from over the fence, he'd try and get
0:05:35 > 0:05:37all the wild animals in the garden.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38So, he really needs to live in the country.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I've got such happy memories of being able
0:05:41 > 0:05:44to just walk out into the countryside, climb trees,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46jump in rivers.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Sebastian has chosen the Dales
0:05:49 > 0:05:52as he believes it will provide an invigorating terrain
0:05:52 > 0:05:56for his fitness regime, for both body and mind.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59What's more, it's not too far away from mum Tina.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03It's a big chapter in my life, buying my own house.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I've lived in the family home
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and then I've lived with a friend for a few years.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Now it'd be great to get a place of my own.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14I'm really pleased that Seb's made the decision
0:06:14 > 0:06:16to finally get somewhere of his own
0:06:16 > 0:06:18and make a life for himself in the country,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20because that's what he's always wanted.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And you know, he can't have my house, so he's got to find his own.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33The family business is based in the Lancashire town of Colne,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36so ideally, Sebastian would like a Yorkshire Dales address
0:06:36 > 0:06:39that will allow for a reasonable commute to the office
0:06:39 > 0:06:40a couple of times a week.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'm catching up with first-time buyer Sebastian and his mother,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Tina, to talk more about this move.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Thanks for bringing me up to the Yorkshire Dales.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51This is your sort of stomping ground.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53My parents used to bring me up here when I was a child
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- and I love it, yeah. - So, what is the...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58..what is the draw of the Dales, particularly?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I just love the outdoors, to be honest.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Erm, I was brought up in a really rural area.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07I've missed that for the last few years, so I'd like to...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10..like to move back somewhere close to home.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- So, do you know this area? - I know it really well.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I did a lot of my courting in this area years and years ago.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Wow! And in terms of the spec of the house, what are you looking for -
0:07:18 > 0:07:21bedrooms, outside space?
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Well, a minimum of two bedrooms, you know, maybe three would be nice.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Erm, some land.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33Ideally, it would be detached, in the middle of my own field.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Yeah, he's not used to neighbours.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Realistically, I would be happy to have semidetached.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42A nice big kitchen.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Maybe a range cooker.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Open fires. Something along those lines.- Mmm.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And remind us again of your budget, how much are we playing with?
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Er, we're looking at a top end of 300,000.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Good. Well, we've got three lovely houses lined up.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57All we have to do is get your seal of approval,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58so let's get in the car and visit.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Great!- Look forward to it. - Follow me.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05For a top budget of £300,000,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Sebastian is after a character property
0:08:08 > 0:08:13that has a contemporary interior, ideally with countryside views.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18It needs at least two bedrooms, the potential to create a home gym,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22around an acre of land, and to offer an accessible commute.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26We've got a great selection of Yorkshire homes
0:08:26 > 0:08:30that might help Sebastian to make his first property purchase,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33and they certainly have the winning hand when it comes to scenery.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36But I'll be keeping my lips sealed as to the price tags
0:08:36 > 0:08:39until the end of each tour.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Lastly, we've got the Mystery House,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45where we focused more on the long-term future plan.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53We're starting out in the small hamlet of Marsett,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55right in the middle of the Dales.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58About an hour and a half's drive from Colne,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02the property is just under five miles from the town of Hawes.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Set 850 feet above sea level,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Hawes is one of the highest market towns in England.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Amenities include a grocer's and cafe,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and the town is home to the celebrated Wensleydale cheese.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Back in the peaceful hamlet of Marsett,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20near the banks of Lake Semerwater,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23there's a smattering of traditional stone homes,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26one of which marks the beginning of our tour.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Ooh, this is cute, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Here we have property number one.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It's out in the middle of the sticks, you wanted that.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Mmm.- Beautiful landscape. - It certainly is.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40These farm buildings go back to about 1700.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42So, it's this one that we're looking at.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- This is... This would be yours. And the garage as well.- OK.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48There's a possibility that you could turn the garage into a gym.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Yep.- Yep.- What are your first impressions?
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Looks lovely. Looks fairly small from the outside.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58It doesn't appear as though there's much land.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Mmm.- But it does look very nice.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I think it looks lovely, but I don't know where the chickens'd go.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Yes! Indeed.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08This one's not really big on the personal land.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Obviously, you've got lots of land all around you.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12But this wouldn't... You'd struggle to get your goats.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- Let's have a look inside, shall we? - Love to.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20There's no question that this first property is a truly rural escape,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24so Sebastian could just step out into the Dales countryside.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28The stone-built property started life as a barn and has been recently
0:10:28 > 0:10:30modernised and decorated throughout.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Coming in. Is there a little porch?
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Straight into the dining room.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Very nice! Lovely.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Oh, I think this is a nice-sized dining room.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Because he will be entertaining, whether he knows it or not!
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- HE LAUGHS Be entertaining you?- Yeah. Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Come into the kitchen, see if it's up to snuff.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Nicely done. Yep.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00I like the, er, Belfast sink.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04It's very nice, but again, quite small.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07They have it as their second home, so they use it as a holiday cottage.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- Yeah.- So, erm...- Got that feel.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Well, we were thinking for, you know,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13essentially a bachelor house, you know, first house.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15I don't know how big you want it.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18How much space do you need to throw pasta around?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Is it a...?- Er, essentially, I don't really need
0:11:21 > 0:11:23much more than this, I suppose.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24No, it's big enough.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27So, through there, there's a nice, sort of, like, sitting room
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- with a big log burner.- Right. - Nice and snug.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- But we're going to go upstairs right now.- OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36The layout of this charming home is a fairly simple one -
0:11:36 > 0:11:39with the two separate reception rooms and kitchen
0:11:39 > 0:11:43down on the ground floor, above which there are two double bedrooms
0:11:43 > 0:11:45and the family bathroom.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Two bedrooms upstairs, both sort of equal size.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52This one and the one next door.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56And then you've got a family bathroom serving them both.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- No wardrobe.- Yeah. - No wardrobe in here, yes.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Yeah, clothing-wise, I'd fill...
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I'd fill this room with clothes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Yes, so you might struggle getting all your clothes in here,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11unless you sacrifice a whole bedroom and have just a walk-in wardrobe.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Mmm, yeah, it'd be a one-bedroom house.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Mmm.- Yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19It's lovely, but I'd think it was a guest room, you know,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- and not your main bedroom. - Yeah, it's all very nicely done.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It's been a positive tour, but I'm sensing some reticence
0:12:26 > 0:12:29from both Sebastian and Tina
0:12:29 > 0:12:33about this property's potential as his new home.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Now they've had a chance to take in all there is to see within the house
0:12:36 > 0:12:38and outside in the gardens,
0:12:38 > 0:12:43it's time to hazard a guess as to what it might be worth.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Just so you get a kind of outview of the whole kind of property
0:12:46 > 0:12:49as it sits, amazing hills around
0:12:49 > 0:12:51and the little Methodist chapel across the way.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Mm-hm.- Still in use.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55So, what do you think the price tag of this would be?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Oof, tough one.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59I'd probably put it around...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..250.- Mm-hm.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- What do you think, Tina?- Ooh. I've obviously not been looking!
0:13:06 > 0:13:09I don't know, I would have thought about 180.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- 180?- But I have no idea.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Yes, you may be a bit out of the loop.- Yeah.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17This is on the market, pretty much as you said, it's on at 255.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- £255,000.- Wow.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I get the impression it might be a bit squeezy for you,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25but have a look around, think about maybe whether the gym could work,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28and then I'll come and find you and we can press on to the next one.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- OK.- Thanks a lot.- Head back in.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Oh, good first property.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Nice, er, bones.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Perhaps a little too small.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Considerably under budget, at £255,000,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47this detached barn conversion gets us off to a solid start,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50meeting a lot of Sebastian's initial criteria.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It comes with two reception rooms,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54two bedrooms, a pretty enclosed garden,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and provides great gym potential in the separate garage block.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02All this amidst serene Dales landscape.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Very nice, yeah. It's a lot better than I thought.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- That's nice for a gym. - Yeah, definitely.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I could make this work, I think. It's a nice size.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Oh, this is nice. - Yeah.- Very nice and cosy.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Yeah. I love the ceiling.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Yeah, and this, er, this woodburner's lovely.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28It's a lovely little place, but is it big enough?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Mmm.- That's my only question. I'm not sure.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36It's very pretty, picturesque, in the countryside.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Er, lovely house, lovely features.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Perhaps a little bit small.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47Perhaps, er, slightly more remote than I was looking for.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49It's a lovely property.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53The inside's absolutely lovely. It's really quaint, cottagey.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58Nice place, but I think it's probably too remote for Sebastian.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Hi, guys.- Hi. - All done?- Yeah.- Good.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04So we're finished on this one.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- We can get the wagons rolling ready for house number two.- OK.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Sebastian's dream of a rural move into the Yorkshire Dales
0:15:16 > 0:15:20is one where he hopes to get closer to the natural environment
0:15:20 > 0:15:24by taking his exercise regime into the great outdoors.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28And whilst there's no shortage of inspiring landscapes in plain view,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32such as the dramatic limestone cliff of Malham Cove,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35below the surface, the National Park
0:15:35 > 0:15:38has a few more fascinating scenes to discover.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Keen to broaden their experience of the region,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44we sent Sebastian and Tina to meet John Connaughton
0:15:44 > 0:15:48at a particularly picturesque Dales spot.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Wow, what an absolutely beautiful area.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Whereabouts are we, exactly? - We're at a place called Ribblehead,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57part of the Settle-Carlisle railway line.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00It's beautiful overground, but there's just as much hidden beauty
0:16:00 > 0:16:03that you aren't even aware of, or can possibly see,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05actually underneath our feet in the whole of this area.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- So, what is beneath our feet, then? - Well, cave systems galore.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11But we're going to see one in particular
0:16:11 > 0:16:13which I know very, very well. White Scar Caves.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Where does it get the name White Scar Caves from?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18The name is basically the name of the cliffs
0:16:18 > 0:16:22that are directly behind the caves, on the escarpment behind us.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Great. And can we have a look round the caves?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26You're more than welcome to go. I'll take you, with pleasure.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Do you want to follow me this way?
0:16:30 > 0:16:34The spectacular underground network of White Scar Caves
0:16:34 > 0:16:38was uncovered in 1923 by student Christopher Long.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40He was spurred on to investigate
0:16:40 > 0:16:44after hearing the distant sound of running water.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48On his head, Long wore nothing more than a bowler hat for protection,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and was carrying three candles to light the way.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Right, well, this is the first area in White Scar Caves
0:16:55 > 0:16:58that he actually explored back in 1923.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01You wouldn't actually have been able to stand up properly as you are now.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Originally, they cave passage in this area would have been at least
0:17:04 > 0:17:08that high, and with your little bowler hat and three candles,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10you'd be very pleased to see the waterfall
0:17:10 > 0:17:12that you're now looking at behind me.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Has the cave ever flooded?
0:17:14 > 0:17:19The cave does flood, and if we get severe periods of rain in the area,
0:17:19 > 0:17:21specifically, directly overhead, over two or three hours,
0:17:21 > 0:17:25the water levels in this cave will actually rise quite significantly
0:17:25 > 0:17:27in a very, very quick space of time.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30From this point, as we go through the low section,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34the show cave really does come alive with formations all around you.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Even the flow of the water under your feet becomes interesting.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40The cave becomes alive. Do you want to follow me?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42And enjoy yourselves, OK? Come on, then.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52White Scar lays claim to be the longest show cave in Britain.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55From the entrance, it runs a third of a mile deep,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and there are four and a half miles of known passageways,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01some of which are rather narrow.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02As well as underground waterfalls,
0:18:02 > 0:18:07there are thousands of falling stalactites and rising stalagmites
0:18:07 > 0:18:10that have developed into curious formations.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14So, John, where are we now?
0:18:14 > 0:18:17We're now in the area known as the Battlefield chamber.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Why is it called the Battlefield?
0:18:19 > 0:18:22It's called the Battlefield Chamber because the first young lady
0:18:22 > 0:18:24who actually got into the cave system
0:18:24 > 0:18:27to explore the chamber itself, back in 1973,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29she was called Hilda Guthrie,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and the first expression she used was,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33"It looks like a battlefield in here.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35"It looks like the Somme."
0:18:35 > 0:18:36Because of all the steam and mist
0:18:36 > 0:18:38that came off her body when she got here,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42all she could see was slimy wet cave mud everywhere, and boulders.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45So, the name stuck. The Battlefield.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47So, how big is the chamber, John?
0:18:47 > 0:18:52Well, the chamber is over 320 feet long, 60 feet wide in places,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55and 80 feet high, and then we have one or two avens
0:18:55 > 0:18:57which actually go 150 feet up.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01So, what does the future hold for White Scar Caves?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Basically, we don't know. This simple answer is somebody,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06someday, could move a boulder above us.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09As a result of moving that rock, a new cave passageway
0:19:09 > 0:19:11may be explored, and hopefully one day,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13be able to open up and let everyone else enjoy
0:19:13 > 0:19:15what's going to be found in the future.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20But in the immediate future, we need to find our young buyer a new home,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24so he and his mother need to get back above ground
0:19:24 > 0:19:26where we can all continue with the pressing issue
0:19:26 > 0:19:28of uncovering that perfect property.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35For our next stop, we're travelling to Carperby,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38in the east of the National Park.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41This attractive village is full of stone-built houses,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44and engulfed by outstanding countryside.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46During the 17th century,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48it was an important centre for the Quaker movement,
0:19:48 > 0:19:53and a meeting house overlooks the market cross on the village green.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Carperby also has a popular pub,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59where the 20th-century veterinary surgeon and author James Herriot
0:19:59 > 0:20:02stayed on his honeymoon.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Right in the centre of the village, we find our next house.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09This is the second property I want to show you, and as you can see,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11it's slightly bigger.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13You can see with the grey windows from that point there,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15all across to the very end.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18So, it's a bigger property. What do you think?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Yeah, I mean, initially, it looks much bigger.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26First concerns are that it's on a road.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28In terms of the style and the fact that it's attached,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30how does that strike you?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34That's fine. I love it. It looks nice from the outside.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36I like it. It's quirky, isn't it?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39They have had it all repointed, and the roof redone,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43and the lead around this chimney's all in the last two years.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- No, it looks nice.- Shall we take a peek inside?
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- Yeah, can't wait.- Great.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52This handsome character cottage lies at the end of a stone terrace,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55with an integrated garage with wooden double doors.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57We're starting in the main reception room.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01So, come into this corner,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05and you can see the full expanse of this very beautiful sitting room.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09These fantastic flagstone floors.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Mm, love it.- Fireplace. - Yeah, I like it.- Yeah, it's nice.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- Nice size.- I like the stone floor.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18And I like the windows either side.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Makes it feel more airy and spacious.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Could be onto a winner if the rest of it matches up, yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30An encouraging start for this charming country cottage,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34as they are both appreciating the period style in the living room.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38And over on the far side of the property, beyond a staircase,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41lies a decent-sized kitchen diner.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Come in here, because this is...
0:21:45 > 0:21:47The other side of the house is the kitchen,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50and through there there's a kind of old larder,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54a stone larder with these fantastic stone shelves.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- What do you think of this space? - I like it.- Yeah, it's nice.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Lovely, bright. It's a good start, I think.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03So, it's a fairly simple layout, but I think, obviously,
0:22:03 > 0:22:05much bigger and much more kind of,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07perhaps more useful for you than the first was.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Yeah, I think it works better.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12And this property has three bedrooms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Very good.- Good.- So, you've got some options upstairs.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Exactly. Now I know that you need a walk-in dressing room.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Probably. Probably have a dressing room.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23And a very lovely flight of stone stairs.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Lead the way.- Oh, yeah.- Very nice.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30The three bedrooms fan off a narrow hallway,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33at the end of which is a stylish bathroom
0:22:33 > 0:22:35with a roll-top bath and shower.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39There's a single bedroom, and a cosy,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42characterful double with built-in storage.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45But we'll take a view on the largest of them.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51This is the master suite.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Because you've got an ensuite shower room through there.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Ah, great. I think this looks great, largely.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02It's a nice size. I like the wooden floorboards.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Yes, some nice features.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07And absolutely cracking views out over Pen Hill.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Wow, yeah, the views are nice.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And these wonderful picture windows.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Yeah.- I think so far, so good.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17How are you feeling? You're quite a muted fish.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20It's quite difficult to read your excitement.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Just taking it all in, I think. Yeah.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25It just feels really homely to me. I really like it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28So, you can explore all the other rooms in your own sweet time,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30but let's go outside and we can perhaps
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- talk about gyms and gardens and prices.- OK.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41All the land that comes with this cottage sits at the back,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45and it's a private area, enclosed by dry-stone walls.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50This garden faces south and has been divided into a patio,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54lawn and flower beds, along with a couple of outbuildings.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00So, there's lots to look at. Got the beautiful view.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05And then these nice features like the steps going up to the hayloft,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07a little kind of dovecote up there.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11And also this barn, sort of stone building at the back.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Some of them have been turned into offices along the row,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15but at the moment, it's just storage.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18So, there are two options, Sebastian, for your gym.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21That, and also this side retreat at the end.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25So, the sort of side is like a garage now, but could be a...
0:24:25 > 0:24:26Yeah, that looks interesting.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Definitely looks like I could get a bit of a gym in there, yeah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- The garden's nice. - It's obviously not an acre.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I mean, I think, I mean, realistically, for your budget,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37an acre is probably a bit ambitious.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- Mmm.- I'm really impressed with it.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Yeah. Extra space, garden, sitting out area.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- I really like it. - Good. Thumbs up, everywhere.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47Yeah. I like this one.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50What about the price tag? What you think that might be?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Well, I was useless on the last one.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57So, I think more like 275 for this one.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Sebastian?
0:25:00 > 0:25:04I think this is probably up at 285.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06In this instance, you should listen to your mother,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09because she's exactly right. It's on at £275,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- Bang on, yeah.- Yeah.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- Fair enough.- So, it's still under your top budget.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Yeah.- You'd have enough money to perhaps do your gym,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- a little bit over.- You're getting a lot more house.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23No, the inside's nice and it is bigger than the other.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Well, there's pluses and minuses,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27so if you want to go inside and sort of weigh them up,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- then I'll come and find you round the front.- Great.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Again under budget at £275,000,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40this lovely stone end-of-terrace cottage comes with a kitchen diner,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43three bedrooms, two bathrooms,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46a private garden and an integrated garage,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49which could make a good option for Sebastian's home gym.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Oh, wow.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Very nice. That's good, yeah. Bonus.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Don't know whether it's big enough, though.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- Wide enough?- Probably fit something in,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05but I'm not sure if it's quite big enough.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Yeah, you could soon have that levelled out, though, couldn't you?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Put a false floor in.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13TV and a screen here, doing your exercises.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Yeah, maybe. We'll see.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21It's probably the right size, perfect size.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24It'd suit me with that regard.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29I think maybe I could make do with gym in the garage.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I think the garden's great.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I'm not sure yet. I'll have to sleep on it, I think.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- Hey, guys. Are we all done inside? - Yeah.- Sorted.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43So, wrap up warm, we're all done for today,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46we can go and find somewhere warm to relax.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- Good.- Great.- Thank you.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01With a budget of £300,000,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Lancashire-born fitness fan Sebastian wants to move out
0:27:05 > 0:27:08into the rural wilds of the Yorkshire Dales
0:27:08 > 0:27:10to buy his very first home.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13And he's brought along his mother Tina for support.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Still to come, some quiet confidence in the Mystery House...
0:27:17 > 0:27:20So, what are you thinking? It's quite hard to read you, Sebastian.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- You're keeping your cards close to your chest.- Is it?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- He's jumping inside.- Is he?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27And I'll be trotting out with these hardy residents
0:27:27 > 0:27:28of the North East.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29Free to let him go, walk on.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32Walk on, Paddy!
0:27:35 > 0:27:37It's a lovely, misty, and atmospheric morning here
0:27:37 > 0:27:39in the Yorkshire Dales.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Perfect weather for a Mystery House, don't you think?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Now, yesterday, Sebastian, who's looking for his starter home,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46didn't quite fall in love with either of the properties
0:27:46 > 0:27:49that we showed him, so for the Mystery House, we're going to
0:27:49 > 0:27:51shake things up a little bit,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53and instead of showing him a bachelor pad,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56how about a future family home?
0:28:00 > 0:28:02So, in terms of the Mystery House,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04what do you think we might be showing you?
0:28:04 > 0:28:10I would probably say that it would be a terraced property,
0:28:10 > 0:28:11or an apartment.
0:28:11 > 0:28:18Yeah, maybe an apartment in an old chapel or mill, or old pub.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20There's plenty of those closed down.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Our last property destination is out of the Yorkshire Dales National Park
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and into the hamlet of Tosside,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31right on the edge of the Forest of Bowland.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35This location would bring Sebastian within a 45-minute drive
0:28:35 > 0:28:38of both work and his mum.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40In fact, Tosside sits across the North Yorkshire
0:28:40 > 0:28:42and Lancashire border.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Though some parts lie in North Yorkshire,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48most of the residents have an address for the neighbouring county.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Local facilities here include a community hall,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54a cafe serving traditional home-cooked produce,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56a late 17th-century church,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59and a former public house that is now a B&B.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Lying in Gisburn Forest,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05within reach of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Tosside also benefits from great mountain biking
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and walking territory.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12So, all in all, it would make an ideal location
0:29:12 > 0:29:14for a fitness enthusiast.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Here we have it, the Mystery House.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- OK.- Looks amazing.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20Best one so far for me.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- Nice and quiet. - Yeah, very peaceful.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's the first one we've managed to show you with a bit of land,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29because the idea of the Mystery House
0:29:29 > 0:29:32is that we're no longer looking at a bachelor pad,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35we're looking at a family house.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- Great.- So, thinking ahead...- Yeah, a few years. Give me a few years.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41To your future.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43And it gives you pretty much everything you want and a lot more.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46So, you've got some land, you got this little paddock here
0:29:46 > 0:29:47and this little triangle of land here,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50and then actually another little patch on the other side of the road
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- where you could have some chickens. - I really like it.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55To me, it feels more like home, to me.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- Yeah.- It's lovely.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Yeah, it's the nicest views as well, that we've had so far,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02which is definitely a big thing for me.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- I want to get inside. - Let's do it, then!
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Set in a particularly beautiful location with endless rural views,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13it's no surprise that this mystery barn conversion
0:30:13 > 0:30:15is drawing Sebastian in.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Semidetached, with just one immediate neighbour,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21the property has been used as a holiday let in the past,
0:30:21 > 0:30:23but is well presented throughout,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27ready and waiting for a new owner to make it their permanent home.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Come into the warmth!
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- Oh, lovely.- And this big, open plan space.- Yeah.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- Kitchen.- I like it.- It's great.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- It's the biggest kitchen. - Nice kitchen, yeah.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41- It's nice.- Nice and modern.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46No range, but there's plenty of room to change things around if needs be,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48but I like it as it is, to be honest.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50I do. I like the tiles, I like everything.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53And the great views, when you're doing your washing up.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54That's nice.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Yeah, it's definitely the best views out of the three so far.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01And then, obviously, this is the main living space.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- And I think really great.- Yeah.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07You've got a nice log burner, which kicks out a lot of heat.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Log burner looks nice.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It's a much bigger space, isn't it?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14It's all been renovated in the last two years,
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- so it's very spick and span.- Yeah.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19So, what are you thinking? It's quite hard to read you, Sebastian.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- You're keeping your cards close to your chest.- Is it?
0:31:21 > 0:31:24This, so far, is ticking all the boxes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- Yeah.- He's jumping inside. - Is he?- Yeah.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- He's a cool cucumber on the outside. - Yeah, yeah.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31So far, this is definitely the best.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35What's nice about this is that it has potential for you to expand
0:31:35 > 0:31:38from being a single man into a family,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41because you've got three bedrooms upstairs
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and one big bedroom downstairs, and all of them have ensuites.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Wow!- Yeah.- Fantastic. - That's a lot of ensuites!
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Wow.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51The open plan kitchen,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54dining and living area seems to be hitting all the right notes,
0:31:54 > 0:31:58and Sebastian should be thrilled to know that this Mystery House
0:31:58 > 0:32:01offers different options for his gym.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04The first of these is inside, on the ground floor.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Currently, this is set up as the fourth bedroom,
0:32:08 > 0:32:13and actually they use it for holiday lets, so they've got single beds in.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- Right.- But we thought this would be a great sort of gym,
0:32:15 > 0:32:16because it has an ensuite.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19A big ensuite and a shower room, through there.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- Oh, wow!- Massive, yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25So, you can work out, go straight into the shower, shower down.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Wow.- And also, you can head out here and go for a run.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Perfect, yeah. I think this would be a great gym.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35If you did ever fancy putting a treadmill in
0:32:35 > 0:32:36instead of going outside,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39you could look straight outside there, which is lovely, yeah.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- No, it's great.- And upstairs is also very spacious,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44and you've got three rooms to choose from,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46so let's go and look at the master.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52There are a generous four bedrooms in total,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55and the other three lie upstairs.
0:32:55 > 0:32:56All large doubles,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59they each come with their very own spacious ensuite.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02One even has its own balcony,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04to make the most of the stunning location.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09So, as I mentioned, there are three rooms upstairs.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- They're all pretty big. - Wow, it's huge.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12Yeah, and lovely views.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14And again, a nice big ensuite.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- And a shower.- Wow.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Yeah, they're all decent sized rooms, aren't they?
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- I'll have any.- Yeah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23All right, then. You can have any.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24You can pick and choose.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29Yeah, it's big, nice, and plenty of room for storage.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I think we're getting there with this one.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34And you do get great views from pretty much every window.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- Yeah.- Looking out over the countryside.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38And even though it's on a lane, it's not noisy.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- No.- Yeah, it's very quiet.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42- Peaceful.- Talking of views,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45let's go outside and we can talk about the price.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46OK.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49If Sebastian were to use the downstairs as a gym,
0:33:49 > 0:33:50and take on clients,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54he could make the most of the large gravelled area to the rear side
0:33:54 > 0:33:58near the road as guest parking, by removing part of the perimeter wall,
0:33:58 > 0:34:01subject to the right permissions.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03However, there is another option
0:34:03 > 0:34:06for that all-important exercise studio.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Lying at the front, where we started, is a large outbuilding,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13half of which provides garaging for this house.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15But, with a little time and money,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18it could be transformed into Sebastian's dream gym.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22So, a lovely package.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23It's great.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26It seems to... be pleasing you both.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Yeah. I really like it. It's lovely.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30What do you think the price tag is?
0:34:30 > 0:34:32SHE SIGHS
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It's a tough one, because obviously, it's a different area.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37I'd probably put it up at 290.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Right. Well, I thought it was more like 320.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Well, it's actually just a shade under the top of your budget.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48It's £299,950.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- OK, yeah.- Right.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51So, why don't you go and explore?
0:34:51 > 0:34:52You can explore the barn again,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54maybe decide where you will put your gym,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56or you could have two gyms,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58and then I will meet you when you're done,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00and we can wrap things up.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01- Great.- Thanks.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02Thank you.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Right at the top of Sebastian's budget,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11the Mystery House is a large, semidetached barn conversion
0:35:11 > 0:35:14with an open plan kitchen and living area,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17four ensuite bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor,
0:35:17 > 0:35:18a paddock,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20a separate garage,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23and uplifting rural scenery all around.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- Oh, this is great.- It's huge.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Yeah. The floor's good.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Nice high ceilings.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34You'd have to put heating in, though!
0:35:34 > 0:35:35It is cold.
0:35:37 > 0:35:43My first impressions of the Mystery House were just almost blown away.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48I wasn't expecting to see exactly what I wanted, and this is it.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52I'm really pleased that we both agree on the Mystery House.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54I think it's absolutely perfect,
0:35:54 > 0:35:56because he can move in straightaway,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59and the downstairs bedroom can be his gym temporary,
0:35:59 > 0:36:04and he's got plenty of time to save up and make a fantastic gym outside.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07This is somewhere I could see myself, you know, long-term.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Maybe, yeah. When I do meet the right girl,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13that she'd move in with me.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15Can almost see your house from here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Yeah. Fantastic views, but I think I'm that way, so...
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- Yeah.- You won't be able to spy on me.- A few hills over there.- Yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Fantastic.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Then you are. Pretty as a picture!
0:36:26 > 0:36:28So, if you want to close on up,
0:36:28 > 0:36:29and we'll meet you out the front and we can...
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- OK.- All right.- See you soon.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Ah! They look right at home.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38That's probably going to be Tina's guest room when she's a grandmother,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40a little further down the line.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41Right, let's wrap things up.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49For centuries, the upland Dales area of England
0:36:49 > 0:36:53have been the stomping ground for sure-footed Dales ponies.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The breed was valued for their hardiness
0:36:56 > 0:36:59and ability to carry heavy loads long distances
0:36:59 > 0:37:01through the diverse and vast countryside.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07But by the 1950s, these ponies had become critically endangered.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Today, the numbers are still terribly low,
0:37:09 > 0:37:14but the Dales Pony Society is optimistic about their future,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17with members such as Anna Pennell, whose family breeds them,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19and is dedicated to raising their profile.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Anna... This is Flora. I met her at the beginning of the show.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25She's very beautiful.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28But tell me about the Dales ponies, because I don't actually...
0:37:28 > 0:37:29I'm not very good with horses,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32so what makes a Dales pony a Dales pony?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35The Dales pony, they're known for being a great all-rounder.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37They're fun, they're active, they love their work,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and they're a brilliant pony.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40What's not to love about that?
0:37:40 > 0:37:41Exactly!
0:37:41 > 0:37:44And physically, are there any distinguishing physical features?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Yes, she's pretty much a classic Dales pony in terms of,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50you see them with the full manes and tails.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54They come in the black, predominantly, with the feather,
0:37:54 > 0:37:55which protects their limbs,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and they are renowned for their big, high stepping trot.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00We call them the hidden gem of the north-east.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02And tell me a bit about Flora's history.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- How old is she?- So, Flora's an eight-year-old mare.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05We bred her.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08She proves how versatile the Dales ponies are.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11This year, she was third at the Horse Of The Year show,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13which is the highest pinnacle for ridden showing,
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- and she was the highest placed mare, so...- Well done!
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- She does it all.- Star pony!
0:38:17 > 0:38:19So, I'm notoriously bad at riding horses,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21and I wouldn't put Flora through that,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24but I hear there is a more sedate way of travelling with the ponies.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Yes, they love to drive,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28and I've brought along a friend today,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Richie Longstaff, who's happy to take you out for a drive.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Fantastic. See you, Flora.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38The strength and endurance of the Dales ponies
0:38:38 > 0:38:40made them a firm favourite for the military
0:38:40 > 0:38:42for pulling artillery and supplies.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45They nearly faced extinction after the Second World War,
0:38:45 > 0:38:50and by 1955, there were only four registered foals left.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55However, Dales enthusiasts like Richie Longstaff's father
0:38:55 > 0:38:57helped boost the numbers,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00and Richie now breeds the ponies himself.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Can I get up? Yeah?
0:39:03 > 0:39:05What's the name of this fine animal?
0:39:05 > 0:39:06- Paddy.- Paddy?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Paddy is a bit smaller than Flora.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10Is he were typical of the size of the...?
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Yeah. They vary from 14 hands to 14, 2".
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Ah, OK. And how many ponies have you got?
0:39:18 > 0:39:19About 12.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- 12?!- That's all I've ever known, is Dales ponies, actually.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24They're sturdy beasts, aren't they?
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- Yeah.- And so they're also good at pulling traps, I'm guessing.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- Yeah.- What's the instruction here?
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Now, you just take hold of the reins in between your fingers,
0:39:33 > 0:39:34like that.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Finger over the top, like that.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39That's it. And then when he walks, just tell him to walk on...
0:39:39 > 0:39:41I'd better hadn't say that, because he will.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43You could just whisper it. So, what are the instructions?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- Walk on?- Walk on, and then whoa, for stopping.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- Whoa.- Yeah.- Frida, let him go.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Walk on!
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Walk on, Paddy.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Paddy is six years old,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58and can manage to trot a distance of some ten miles.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00He's quite easy to drive, actually.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01Go on, lad. Go on.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Richie takes him out every other day in the summer,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09and I must say, it's a particularly serene way of travelling.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Whoa, lad.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14This is stunning countryside to trot ten miles through, is it?
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Yeah. It is.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17It's been absolutely fantastic.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20I could spend the whole day with you and Paddy,
0:40:20 > 0:40:21trotting round the Dales.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Well, you can take me home. - Come on, Pad.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Come on, Paddy.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29So gracious.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30Yeah.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31For thousands of years,
0:40:31 > 0:40:35ponies like Paddy were a vital part of working life,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38and although technological advances have changed the relationship
0:40:38 > 0:40:39between man and beast,
0:40:39 > 0:40:44it's been encouraging to know that committed breeders are trying
0:40:44 > 0:40:47to ensure that the story of the Dales pony is one of survival.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52Aw, cute!
0:40:52 > 0:40:57So, we've finally come to the end of Sebastian's house hunt.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Time to find out whether he really can afford the Mystery House,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03cos it seems that's his favourite.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Well, guys. That was a very nice week in the Dales,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17and hopefully not entirely unproductive.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I'm guessing that it was the Mystery House that took your fancy?
0:41:20 > 0:41:21It was indeed, yes.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23The mystery house was fantastic.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It was exactly what I'm looking for to be honest.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30The only one issue I had with it was, it was bang on my budget.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I need to put a gym in,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34weigh up how much it's going to cost,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37and then look at maybe putting a bid in.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38- So, it's a goer?- Yeah, yeah.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Definitely.- Yeah,
0:41:40 > 0:41:45it certainly made me realise exactly what I want and where I want it,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48and what I want out of life, right now, I think.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Good. Well, so, next week, you're going to revisit?
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Just look at the financial side of things?
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Yep.- Yeah.- So, do let us know if you press ahead and buy,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00because we'd be delighted to hear that you went for the Mystery House.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Will do, yeah.- House-warming party.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03House-warming party, indeed.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Yeah. There's enough land to put a marquee up, yeah.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- Absolutely.- Good, well, all the best,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11and thanks again for inviting us up to the Dales.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- No, thank you very much. - Thank you for showing us.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22It's so lovely to have someone on the show who's buying a starter home
0:42:22 > 0:42:24at the beginning of their house-buying career,
0:42:24 > 0:42:27rather than a forever home at the end of theirs.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28And it was very pleasing to me
0:42:28 > 0:42:31that Sebastian decided to go for something a little less remote,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34in this beautiful but often quite isolated countryside.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36I think he'll be happier in the Mystery House.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40And that it has longer legs, as it were,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42for his future family to come.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43And I hope that you've enjoyed the show
0:42:43 > 0:42:46enough to join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales,
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Northern Ireland or Scotland, and need our help,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56why not apply online at...