0:00:02 > 0:00:05This magnificent building was once not only topped by the tallest spire
0:00:05 > 0:00:07in the whole of the United Kingdom,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11but also lays claim to be final resting place
0:00:11 > 0:00:14for the first-ever king of all England.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19I'll reveal who that was and where I am in just a few moments' time.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Today I'm with a couple who live in suburbia
0:00:39 > 0:00:43but have their sights set on community life in a village.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46However, the prospect of living in a country home
0:00:46 > 0:00:48takes time to adjust to.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Diane, talk to me.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55I'm not feeling it, I'm afraid. Yeah.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58So will our properties persuade them to make their move?
0:00:58 > 0:01:02The feeling's here, so at the moment it's looking promising.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Wonderful, and may it continue!
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Today I'm in Wiltshire at Malmesbury Abbey.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Founded in the 7th century,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17it once had a spire that reached nearly 30 feet higher
0:01:17 > 0:01:19than Salisbury Cathedral.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22King Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25is thought to be buried right here.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Crowned at the age of 30, he defeated the Vikings at York,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32uniting the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and became the first king of all England.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40He died after just 14 years on the throne,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and it's not known exactly where he's buried,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48but inside the Abbey is a 15th-century tomb commemorating his
0:01:48 > 0:01:50place in this county's history.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Landlocked Wiltshire lies in the south-west of England, and is home
0:01:55 > 0:01:58to three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03A recurring sight on the landscape here are the white horses,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06etched into its rolling chalk hills.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Eight horses are still visible today.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13The oldest is at Westbury and was carved in 1778,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15although it's believed that an earlier one
0:02:15 > 0:02:18was created back in Saxon times.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Set within the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies the
0:02:22 > 0:02:24market town of Marlborough.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29In the famous college grounds lies a mysterious mound, which laid claim
0:02:29 > 0:02:33to being the burial site of legendary wizard Merlin.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38In recent times, though, it's been proven to have prehistoric origins.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Also within the Downs on the Kennet and Avon Canal is Pewsey.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47A focal point of the village centre is a statue of Alfred the Great,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49the 9th-century king of Wessex,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and it's also home to several timber-framed Tudor buildings.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57So, as a county of beautiful landscapes and legends,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Wiltshire is a welcome escape from the pressures of city life.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Wiltshire's countryside and good transport links mean
0:03:07 > 0:03:10it's an expensive place to move to.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15The average price of a detached home here is nearly £400,000.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20Now, that's £64,000 above the national figure.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Market towns, such as Marlborough in the north and around Salisbury in
0:03:23 > 0:03:26the south, tend to command a premium,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31so you may get more for your money towards the centre of the county.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34What you definitely can get is a slice of rural life
0:03:34 > 0:03:37with a real community spirit,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40which I think will appeal to today's buyers.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Chris and Diane used to work as managers
0:03:44 > 0:03:46at London's Heathrow Airport,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and that's where their romance began over 40 years ago.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53We both worked at Heathrow for most of our lives,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58and we met in the old British Airports Authority social club.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I looked at him, he had his Dr Marten boots on,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and he looked like Fonzie out of Happy Days,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07but still very attractive!
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Marriage and children soon followed.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15We've got twin boys, 33 years old.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17One's married with two children,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20so we've got a grandson and a granddaughter,
0:04:20 > 0:04:25and now they've realised, and we realise, it's time that we now
0:04:25 > 0:04:28spread our wings and start enjoying life for ourselves,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32because we've done so much for the boys.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Both Chris and Diane seem to agree on the secret to
0:04:34 > 0:04:37their long-lasting happiness.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41Diana and I are quite similar in our tastes,
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- but I think it's tolerance and forgiving.- Friendship...
0:04:46 > 0:04:47- And friendship.- Yeah.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Being friends, as well, I think is a big part of...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Yeah, and having a good laugh together.- ..being together.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- Yeah, we laugh at each other as well.- Yeah, we can.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59They currently live in West Drayton,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02a suburb of west London close to Heathrow.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05West Drayton, when I was a lad,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09was almost village-like, and it had a real community feel to it.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13The pace of life is a lot faster round here now,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16whereas it was sort of laid-back and people had time for each other,
0:05:16 > 0:05:17they haven't got any time now.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20They're all, sort of, like, darting off in different directions
0:05:20 > 0:05:22to get where they want to go.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26There isn't a community, and it'd be nice to be able to go
0:05:26 > 0:05:30into a post office or a shop or a pub and people say,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33"Hello, Chris and Diane," you know, people know us,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35so you have that sense of belonging.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Chris and Diane have ridden the length and breadth of the UK
0:05:39 > 0:05:42on their beloved motorbikes.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46When it came to deciding where to move, one county stood out.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51Wiltshire, we'd been through quite a few times on our motorcycle,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55through different towns or villages within Wiltshire, and the more we've
0:05:55 > 0:05:58seen of it, the more we like.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00They won't be making the move alone.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Their Chow Chow Simba will be joining them,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and the rural surroundings are going to make life a lot easier for both
0:06:07 > 0:06:09dog and owners.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14The one thing I'm looking forward to is being able to walk outside your
0:06:14 > 0:06:20door, and then walk not too far, and enjoy the dog's company more,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23because, at the moment, when we take him over to the park,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27we have to get in a car before we get anywhere that we can actually
0:06:27 > 0:06:28walk the dog.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31They're both looking forward to having a country home that will
0:06:31 > 0:06:35welcome family and grandchildren, and where they can open their doors
0:06:35 > 0:06:38to fresh air and a new beginning.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42I want to be able to stand out on a patio or decking,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46and just take in deep lungfuls of air
0:06:46 > 0:06:51and just feel like I'm, you know, in heaven.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I think it's going to be great.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Diana and Chris have been entranced by the whole of Wiltshire on their
0:07:00 > 0:07:01motorbike tours,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and while they don't want to be too far from a local community,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08they're open to exploring all the county has to offer.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But they do have specific property requirements,
0:07:11 > 0:07:12so I'm meeting up with them,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15determined that the weather won't dampen their spirits.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I didn't plan this weather.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21The memo went out that we were going to have sunshine,
0:07:21 > 0:07:22but we are smiling.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23It's not going to put us off.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- No, it's not. No. - No, definitely not.- Good.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27What are we looking for with our new house?
0:07:29 > 0:07:30- We're looking for...- Very similar.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Detached.- Yep.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Not too old.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39If it is old, we want it to have been modernised.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- A modernised one?- Yeah.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43What's the layout? What does it look like in your minds?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Are we looking at open-plan...?
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- No.- Big tall ceilings? Are looking for intimate...?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Look at you, I can see out the corner of my eye, "No."
0:07:51 > 0:07:52"No, Nicki, no open-plan!"
0:07:52 > 0:07:54No.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Not open-plan. - We'd like a large lounge...
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Definitely, yeah.- ..so we can have people round and entertain.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Maybe a kitchen-diner, something like that.- Yeah?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Yes. - How many bedrooms are you after?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Three. - Three. Three, maybe more.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06Three, so we can have grandchildren over.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- But definitely three, the least. - Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11A little bit of land? You know, we've got the wonderful
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Simba that's going to be making the move.- Yes, definitely.- Yes.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16So, are there any architectural styles that you, sort of,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18gravitate to or perhaps you don't?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- There are ones that we don't want... - No, no.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Go on, then. - ..and that's thatched cottages...
0:08:24 > 0:08:25- OK.- Yes, definitely.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28..and barn conversions, because they're open-plan
0:08:28 > 0:08:30and I don't like open-plan.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Because you're used to living in a bustling, sort of, busy area,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36ideally you're not going to want to be too rural?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- No.- No, we don't want to be isolated.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- No.- We want to be part of a community.- Definitely.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Let's remind ourselves of how much we've got to spend with
0:08:43 > 0:08:45this important move.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Our maximum budget is 650,000.- 650.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48- OK, OK.- Yes.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Well, it's a new life. You've recently retired.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- You've got your dog.- Yes. - You want to live in the countryside.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56We do have some rather wonderful gems
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- to explore with you. - Excellent.- Brilliant.- Fantastic.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Shall we get started? - Yes, certainly!- Yes, thank you.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07With a maximum budget of £650,000,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Diane and Chris would like a detached modern property
0:09:09 > 0:09:12with three bedrooms for visiting family.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15They want to be close to a village with a thriving community.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They're also after a spacious, dog-friendly garden
0:09:18 > 0:09:21and somewhere to house the motorbikes.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I'll be showing them a rich mix of country homes,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27and after each of our tours, I'll be asking them to hazard a guess
0:09:27 > 0:09:29at the price tag.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Finally will be the Mystery House,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33which introduces an unexpected element.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Time to take to the road.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45So, now you've both retired,
0:09:45 > 0:09:49are you looking to take up new hobbies or sports?
0:09:49 > 0:09:53I would like to try out things that I've never done before,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56like archery, erm, clay pigeon shooting,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59all sort of countrified pursuits.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00- Ooh.- I'd like horse riding,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- but my husband don't like horses, unfortunately.- No, horses scare me.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I think they're beautiful creatures but they scare me!
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Perhaps we could help you with some of that...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- That would be nice, yes. - That'd be great.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- ..over the next few days. - That'd be great.- Good.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18In a bid to set Chris and Diane at the heart of a community,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21we're starting our search in the village of Downton,
0:10:21 > 0:10:22in the south of the county,
0:10:22 > 0:10:27which is home to a busy pub and a wealth of local amenities.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29The village is known for the Moot,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32remnants of a 12th-century earthworks castle
0:10:32 > 0:10:36which was converted into a garden in the early 1700s.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41The Grade I listed Moot House is an impressive residence dating back to
0:10:41 > 0:10:43the late 17th century.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47The property we've come to see is on the village high street.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Now, you didn't want to be too far from the community, and the reason
0:10:50 > 0:10:54we've picked this house is we are indeed at the heart of the village.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- OK.- Here's our first property. It dates back to the 1900s.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Quite unusual for a high street.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01We've got a garage to the side.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- OK.- Shall we step in and see what you think?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Yes.- Yes.- OK, yeah.- Yeah, please.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- So, let's start off with the sitting room.- Oh.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14I like the size of it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15- Yeah?- It's good, yeah.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17A neutral palette, I think it'd be fair to say.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Yes, yeah. I think so, yeah. - Yes. Definitely, yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23I like the fireplace - that's nice to have.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25I think this house is quite deceiving -
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- that's what I'm going to throw out there as we start the tour.- OK.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Yeah, cos I wasn't expecting the first room to be this large.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Yeah.- No, I wasn't.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35And it's not open-plan.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- No.- No, a bonus for Chris. - A big tick in the box!
0:11:38 > 0:11:42And then just across the hallway, you've got a separate dining area.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Oh, that's great, cos that's what we're used to.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46OK, right, let's see a little bit more.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47OK.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54Walking through, got a great study there,
0:11:54 > 0:11:55that leads you to...
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Is this the most important room in the house?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- It looks very impressive, very modern.- Wonderful.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- It looks very family-orientated, this room.- Yeah.- It's great.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Now, tiled, for ease with Simba the dog.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- Yeah.- Yes.- That's good. - Access to outside.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14You also have a pantry to our left, and then through the door,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18that leads through back access to the garage.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Oh, lovely.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I think storage is the name of the game with this house.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- Yeah, that's great.- Yes, yes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28So far, what's your initial reaction with this property?
0:12:28 > 0:12:29It's not a no at the moment.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31No.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Was that from both of you? - Yeah, I think so, yeah.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Yeah, I'd concur with that, definitely.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38All right, let's head upstairs.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Initial reactions to this property are mixed,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45but we'll press on to explore the sleeping accommodation,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48which is laid out over two storeys.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50On the first floor are three bedrooms -
0:12:50 > 0:12:54one with a period fireplace, along with a separate bathroom,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57so perfect for visiting family.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59At the top of the house is a spacious landing,
0:12:59 > 0:13:01which leads to the largest bedroom.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05This is beautiful. Yeah, I like this.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It is lovely, but I think it'd be a bit too much for Chris.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Yeah, a few too many stairs. - Yeah.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Because you're currently living in a bungalow, aren't you? - Bungalow, yeah.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I think three is a bit too many.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Yeah.- Although, ideal for the grandchildren
0:13:18 > 0:13:20or guests that we've got coming?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Yeah.- But then next to me is a massive dressing room...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Wow.- With an en-suite.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28So if you did decide that you wanted one of your boys,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31when they come with their family, to live up here, wonderful,
0:13:31 > 0:13:36because downstairs you've got three really good-sized double bedrooms,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38plus a family bathroom, so four in total.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40So you don't have to do those stairs every day.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41- That's good. - Fantastic, yeah, that's good.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Do you think the grandchildren would like this house?
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- Oh, they'd love it.- They'd love it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48One final thing to show you, which is the outside space, the garden.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Yeah, right.- So, Chris, if you wouldn't mind leading the way?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Certainly, yes. - OK, let's head outside.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Having covered the inside, it's time to take a view
0:13:58 > 0:14:02on whether the layout and size outside is on the money.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Let's see what you think of the garden.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12A laid patio here, so it makes it quite low-maintenance for you,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14and then you've got a little bit of a garden there.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15- Yeah, that's nice.- Uh-huh.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17And although we are, as I keep saying,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21in the heart of the village, it's very private, isn't it?
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Yeah, it is - it's nice.- Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- I like that. - Similar to ours at home.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- What price do we think it's on the market for?- Oh.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33I think I would have a guess about 65.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36So, £650,000?
0:14:36 > 0:14:37- Yes.- OK. Chris?
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I think it's going to be over budget.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I think 675.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Diane, you are spot-on.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- Oh!- It's on the market for £650,000,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49so we've taken you to the top of your budget, but not over.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- That's a pleasant surprise, yeah, definitely.- It is.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54So, now you know that,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57do you want to have another look around the property,
0:14:57 > 0:14:58on your own this time?
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- Yes.- Yeah, I think so.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01- Yeah, that'd be nice.- Yes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Have another look around, and give me a shout when you're ready.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- We will do. Thank you, Nicki. - Lovely. Thank you, Nicki.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11On budget at £650,000,
0:15:11 > 0:15:15our first property puts them at the centre of a community, as requested.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Four bedrooms provide space for the family,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20and there are two separate reception rooms.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23There's also a kitchen-diner and a secluded garden.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26This must be the garage.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Oh, yeah, this is good. Yeah, I like this.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- Plenty of room for the bikes. - Nice size.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37It's a shame there isn't room for a car and the bikes, though.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40The house itself, if it was in a different location,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I would really, really consider on putting an offer,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46but at the moment I'm a bit disappointed with it
0:15:46 > 0:15:49being so close to the road.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52The community, the village, is ideal.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Beautiful village, perfect location.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57The house looks great,
0:15:57 > 0:16:02but unfortunately sitting on the main road with no front garden isn't
0:16:02 > 0:16:07ideal, and also being in three floors again isn't ideal,
0:16:07 > 0:16:08coming from a bungalow.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13How are we both feeling?
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Yes, thank you, Nicki. The village is lovely.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Um, the property, I think, we need to go and think about a bit more.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Yeah, definitely.- Fair enough? - Only our first.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Yes.- Got more to show you. - Yeah, great, fantastic.- Good.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Wiltshire's broad valleys and undulating downland is sought-after
0:16:33 > 0:16:35terrain that's highly prized by
0:16:35 > 0:16:38those who enjoy outdoor sporting life.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Diane is considering taking up clay pigeon shooting when she moves to
0:16:42 > 0:16:46the country, so we've sent her and Chris to try their hand at this
0:16:46 > 0:16:51popular activity. Instructor Pete Johnson is meeting them here at
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Lucknam Park, set in 500 acres of listed parkland
0:16:55 > 0:16:58near the village of Kington St Michael.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Pete, are you a local guy?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Yeah, I grew up in a small village called Sutton Benger, just about ten
0:17:02 > 0:17:06miles away, and I now live in an even smaller village, Lacock.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Can you tell us a bit about your background,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10and how long you've been shooting?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Yeah, I left school when I was about 16 and started as a gamekeeper,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17a local gamekeeper, and then moved on into working at shooting school,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21and I've probably been shooting now and teaching for the past 30 years.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24So if me and Diane wanted to get into the sport,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26are there many clubs we could get involved with?
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Yeah, I mean, in this area alone, within about ten miles I can think
0:17:29 > 0:17:31of at least five clubs, small clubs,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35and then the next step up is actual shooting schools, shooting grounds.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38There's probably about four or five of those a little bit further afield.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39- And is it a family affair?- Yeah...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Can family come along, or is there a restriction on ages?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45No, there's no restrictions, really. It's down to the individual parents.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46We do recommend ten years old.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50I get families coming to shoot as well as the serious shooters.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51- Oh, fantastic.- That's great.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Clay pigeon shooting emerged in the late 19th century as a way for
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Victorian hunters to practise for live shoots.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02Although competition shooting in Britain using live birds was banned
0:18:02 > 0:18:06in 1921, clay targets became popular in their own right,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and a new sport was born.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Before they get started, a few pointers from Pete -
0:18:12 > 0:18:13firstly, on stance.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Everything comes from your feet in shooting.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18As a right-handed person, your left foot is your front foot,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20and your right foot bears out to the side of your body.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Then there's safety... - First of all you check the gun is empty and clear before we start to
0:18:24 > 0:18:27shoot. OK, and then when you close the shotgun up, you close it toward
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- the ground in front of you. - And lastly, handling the gun...
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So you have your cheek up forward and alongside the stock,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36not hunched up at the back,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38and definitely not over the top of the gun.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42After putting on the all-important eye and ear protection,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46it's time to see whether our novice couple are high-flyers at mastering
0:18:46 > 0:18:49this country pursuit.
0:18:49 > 0:18:50OK, Diane, our target we're
0:18:50 > 0:18:53going to be shooting today is there, what we call a low incomer,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56and the optimum point to shoot the clay is obviously as close as it
0:18:56 > 0:18:58can, and to shoot it at the top of its flight line,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00before it starts to drop.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Clay targets can mimic the speed and flight of different birds,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06so the target is constantly unpredictable.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08So the gun's on top of the tree line.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10When the clay comes in in a moment, Diane,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12we'll just move the gun together, slowly, up to the clay,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15and take the shot when you think you're in the right place.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16OK, here comes the clay.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Left eye closed. There. - GUNSHOT
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- That's it. Well done - you hit it. - Wow, brilliant!
0:19:21 > 0:19:24OK, next shot. Start below it and move up.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Slowly. - GUNSHOT
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- There. Well done. Two out of two. High five!- Thank you.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- That was brilliant.- Can Chris compete with Diane's keen eye?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37OK, so in go the cartridges, close the gun towards the ground.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42OK, cheek forward, finger off the trigger, safety forward,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46and finger on the trigger. OK, here comes the clay.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- GUNSHOT - A little bit low, Chris.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- Yeah.- Yeah. Nice and steady.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53GUNSHOT
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Great. Good shot.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Down to your hip, and tip it... That's it. And top lever across,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01and open up.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- In the bucket. High five, Chris! - Thank you very much. - LAUGHTER
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- How did you enjoy that?- Yeah, it was fantastic. Thank you very much, Pete.- Great.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11You've done very well, and you both got to hit a few clays.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- Chris, I hope to see you at my next clay shoot...- Yeah, you will.- ..and you, Diane, you're welcome as well.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Thank you very much.- And good luck in your house-hunting.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - Cheers, bye.- Bye.- Bye.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Well, Diane and Chris were right on target.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Fingers crossed our property search can hit the sweet spot.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Next, we're travelling over the county border into Hampshire,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36towards the village of West Tytherley.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40The village pub, The Black Horse,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44can trace its origins back to being a 17th-century coaching inn.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Traditional timber-framed cottages line the lanes,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50and the local shop is a useful amenity.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Though more rural than our first property,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58this one has an attractive setting and kerb appeal.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04So let's take a look at our next property.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Yeah, it looks nice, first impression.- Pretty, very pretty.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09What is it that catches your eye about this house?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Is it characterful, does it look welcoming?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I like the character. I like the styling.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19I like the roof and the porch, and the black oak beams,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21a lot of pitches.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- It is an old property...- Yeah. - ..with a modern and contemporary feel inside.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Oh, that sounds good. - That's what we wanted.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- It sounds good.- Yeah. - Good, excellent.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Right, let's see how we get on.- OK.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36The house dates from the Victorian era and was once owned by the son of
0:21:36 > 0:21:39the inventor of the Singer sewing machine -
0:21:39 > 0:21:43evidence of which is still proudly on display.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45The kitchen is our first port of call,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48which I hope they'll be impressed by.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Right, well, I think we'll start off with the kitchen.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Oh, this is nice.- It's nice. - Very nice.- Very modern, very nice.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58You've got a nice big range here,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00and as you can see it's been completely redone.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03This part of the house has been, it looks like, extended out.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07But if this is to your taste - and is it?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I wouldn't change it.- You wouldn't have to change, would you?
0:22:10 > 0:22:11- No.- No.- We wouldn't have to change.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15To the right, you have a utility room, which is a good size...
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Oh, that's good.- ..and also a downstairs cloakroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- All in one.- Fantastic.- Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I mean, it's well fitted, this kitchen.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24What is it that appeals to you?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I like the idea that you've got a centre aisle,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29and then, if you're entertaining, if you're cooking and you're busy,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32you've got a place for someone to actually sit down.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- And you can have a chat while you're actually doing that.- Yeah.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Aww, what a great start to the tour.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Superb, yes.- I hope it continues. - Yes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Across the hallway, there's a separate dining room,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50sitting room and a more recent extension used as a study.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53All these reception rooms have been styled sympathetically by the
0:22:53 > 0:22:57current owners. I would hope that the character and clean lines hit
0:22:57 > 0:22:59the mark.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01I like the beams.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- It's fantastic.- So you've got your wood burner - tick.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Yes.- The view is from the front rather than from the back,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and then you've got a second sitting room next door,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14which they currently use as a study.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- OK.- All right, OK. - Diane, talk to me.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I'm not feeling it, I'm afraid.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I like the decor, I like the colouring.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28I think it's on the small side.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31I mean, this is a beautiful house, but I'm not getting that feeling.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Well, let's see. I'm not going to give up.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35No, please don't.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Let's see if upstairs might sway you.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- OK.- Thank you.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Hopefully, Diane's doubt will be cast aside
0:23:45 > 0:23:48when she sees the three bedrooms upstairs.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50A bright bedroom, family bathroom,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53and a separate shower room lie to the left,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57while turning right takes us past the second light airy bedroom
0:23:57 > 0:23:59to the master next door.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Again, I think this house is quite roomy as far as properties go.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Nice decor again.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08They've done it very tastefully.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Just through that door they've actually converted that space, attic space,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13into a walk-in wardrobe.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Wow, brilliant - that's good.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Now, Diane, feelings?
0:24:19 > 0:24:20It doesn't feel like home.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Right, just not doing it for you.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- No.- I'm going to throw this one into the mix.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Do you think you're ready to leave your current home?
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Yes, definitely.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Oh, well, that's good. - Definitely, but I think, maybe...
0:24:33 > 0:24:34Phew!
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Not as much as me!
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Maybe I'm looking at the wrong sort of location.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Literally on the town, but just on the outskirts.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Right on the edge?- Yeah.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49That urban life, is it slightly calling?
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- I think so.- I'm not one to give up.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54And I know you want to see outside.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Let's head back downstairs, thank you.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58After you, Chris.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Perhaps the dog-friendly low-maintenance garden
0:25:03 > 0:25:06will help Diane warm to this beautiful property,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08but I'm not holding my breath.
0:25:08 > 0:25:14See, I like the fact that I can give you an ample sized front garden,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16because we didn't on the first property.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- No, we didn't.- You have this gravel driveway, at the moment,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22so you can get at least two or three cars in here,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24but you also have this part, as well,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26which is the additional garden.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So, Chris, I'm going to start with you.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31We need to put a value on our home here.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- What are we thinking? - I'm thinking, perhaps hoping,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38that it'd be our budget, top end of our budget.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39650, I think.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41OK. Diane?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I would say it's slightly over - 66.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47OK, £660,000?
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- And you said 650.- Yeah.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Absolutely right, Chris.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Asking price is £650,000.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- OK.- I wonder if we're getting close to what it is you asked for,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02but, in actual fact, we're pushing you in another direction.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Hold that thought! The two of you,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06why don't you have another look together?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- Lovely, thank you.- Find me when you're ready. Thank you.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12It's an interesting one, isn't it?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15And I think Diane is being very honest.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19It's one thing sitting at home, dreaming of this country idyll,
0:26:19 > 0:26:23living out here surrounded by trees, lovely village,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25everything you think you want -
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and then when you get close to actually having it,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30the doubts start to appear.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32She doesn't look that comfortable, does she?
0:26:32 > 0:26:34We'll just have to see how we get on.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40That said, this detached Victorian property is on budget,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44and has been tastefully modernised to a very high spec.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It has the three bedrooms they're after,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and is close to a few village amenities.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52The proportions of the rooms are generally good.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56The bedroom sizes, although slightly small, we could make work.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01The kitchen is absolutely wonderful - good size, very modern,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03nice looking kitchen.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I could see myself living in this house.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I'm feeling that it's not really for me.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I'm a townie at heart and I believe that I should be looking
0:27:13 > 0:27:16on the outskirts of a town,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20rather than in a little community of a village.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Now, I'm not sure whether we've secured a house sale today,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29but I do think we're helping you focus your mind, especially for you,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Diane, on what it is you want and what you don't want
0:27:31 > 0:27:33from this next property. Yeah?
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- Yes.- Who knows? Hey, tomorrow it's the Mystery House.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38We might even hit the jackpot.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39Let's hope so.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I'm property shopping in the Wiltshire countryside
0:27:52 > 0:27:56with Chris and Diane from the suburbs of West London.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57For their £650,000 budget
0:27:57 > 0:28:00they think they're looking to live in a village community
0:28:00 > 0:28:04However, the realities of rural life
0:28:04 > 0:28:06are starting to come into focus for Diane.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11Still to come - our Mystery House may change her mind.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12- Ideal size.- Yeah!
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Win, win!
0:28:16 > 0:28:19And I volunteer at a conservation scheme
0:28:19 > 0:28:22for one of Wiltshire's most endangered birds.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Well, I want to see this tree-lined superhighway for them.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Something I could help you with? - Absolutely.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30You've only got to the top of the hill to do, though - you'll be fine.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It's the second day of our house hunt with Chris and Diane,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38and I think we may be getting a little closer
0:28:38 > 0:28:41to the kind of location that they can both agree on.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44But, here's the rub.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45It's the Mystery House,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49and a property style they both may have reservations about
0:28:49 > 0:28:51from the very beginning.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55The Mystery House is located in Cherhill,
0:28:55 > 0:28:56ten miles west of Marlborough.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Cherhill has a population of around 700,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05and some of the village's thatched cottages date from the 14th century.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08As well as the Church of St James,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12the pub and village hall also offer opportunities for becoming involved
0:29:12 > 0:29:15with the local community.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18The bridle paths leading to the nearby downs
0:29:18 > 0:29:20are perfect dog walking territory.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Well, we've certainly driven around this county, haven't we?
0:29:23 > 0:29:24We have, yeah.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28For our final offering we've brought you to the village of Cherhill.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30An unusual name - well, Cher-Hill,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32but "Cherill" is how the locals pronounce it.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Your Mystery House is within this village.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It has a beautiful rural setting,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42however, the location is I think something that might appeal to you,
0:29:42 > 0:29:46because we're only about 15 minutes from Marlborough here,
0:29:46 > 0:29:47and about ten minutes from Avebury,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51so, although you've got a pub and the facilities of a village
0:29:51 > 0:29:52right on your doorstep,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54you've got everything that you could possibly need.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Fingers crossed. - That sounds good.- Yeah, brilliant.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- That's promising.- A lot of people know this village, actually,
0:29:59 > 0:30:01because it has one of the famous white horses,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03the Cherhill, Wiltshire, white horse.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05It dates back to about 1780,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08so no-one's going to forget where you might be living.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09No, they won't, will they?
0:30:09 > 0:30:10Let's go and take a look.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20This is our Mystery House.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Interesting.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27I want you to tell me what is going through your mind, Chris,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- with this one.- Well, it's the wood.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Yeah. The weather boarding?
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Yeah, the weather boarding - different.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37I mean, I do like brickwork, but I'm not saying I dislike it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Has it been converted, or...
0:30:39 > 0:30:41This was all farmland with outbuildings.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Oh, right, OK. And surprisingly it looks older,
0:30:43 > 0:30:48but this one was actually built in 1999, as was the development.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50This land all comes with the house.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53It's got triple garages behind us.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Obviously there is access for others, but these three are yours.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Oh, wow.- OK.- And all of this.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Chris is reserving judgment on the exterior of our Mystery House,
0:31:03 > 0:31:04and well he might,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08as I'm hoping the light spacious interior will win them over.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11We are starting our tour in the sitting room.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Ideal size.- Yay!
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Win, win!- It is nice, yeah.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18It's a good size.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22I thought this property looked quite barnlike outside,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25so that was our curveball with the mystery, you see.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I was waiting for you to say, "No," and you didn't.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- And you liked it?- I did, I did.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32But not barnlike inside at all.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- No, not at all.- So you have a wonderful fireplace then.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Made from local Bath stone, because we're not too far from Bath, as you know.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Patio doors leading out to the garden, for Simba.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Yes, that'd be great for him.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47And off the hallway you have a really good-sized study next door.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Oh, that's good.- But I'd like to show you the kitchen.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Positive reactions so far.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Let's see if the heart of the home measures up.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- So, again, a practical tiled floor for animals...- Yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04..but you've also got a utility room next door,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07with access outside to the garden.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10I wouldn't have chosen the floor-units combination,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12but I think it actually works.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15That terracotta colour's quite warming, isn't it?
0:32:15 > 0:32:16Yeah, it is, yeah, it really is.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Large enough to have a table and chairs in, which is always good.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22We have a separate dining area behind us.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- That's great.- Which is good, so you have the choice.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Could you see yourselves living here?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31The feeling's here, so that's getting there.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33So I haven't seen the rest of the property,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35but at the moment it's looking promising.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Wonderful - may it continue!
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Diane seems to be a convert to the Mystery House,
0:32:43 > 0:32:45so let's keep that momentum going
0:32:45 > 0:32:48and head upstairs to the four bedrooms.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Up here you have a fabulous landing.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- It's huge.- A grand staircase.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Wow, this is beautiful.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58Absolutely.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03So let's explore the upstairs of our Mystery House.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06And we have to see the master bedroom, really, don't we?
0:33:06 > 0:33:08We certainly do. It's lovely and big.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Yeah, it's a good size.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Wardrobes as well, built in.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Yeah, which is great. You have your en-suite as well.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Oh, that's a bonus. Fantastic.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18Never had one of those.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20No, that is a bonus.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And you actually have FOUR double bedrooms.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- Four?- With integrated wardrobes, yeah.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- Wow.- And they're really big!
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Yeah, I just can't get over the size of this property.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33From the outside, it looks quite large,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36but all the rooms are really generous, aren't they?
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Yeah, they are.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Having had a few concerns, Diane, in the past,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44about the size of rooms and the layout,
0:33:44 > 0:33:46is this working for you?
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Yes, it appears to be.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50It's a decent size.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54I can see all my furniture fitting in here quite nicely.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57I just think that I've got that homely feel with this house,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59whereas I didn't with the other two.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Yeah, it feels good. It does feel nice.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Ooh! It's heading in the right direction.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08I don't know if I should push you two any further.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13Our mystery property seems to have raised the bar, and their spirits.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15The rear garden is reached through double doors from sitting room.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Now, we step out here and I had this feeling inside,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23thinking, "I really want them to love the garden."
0:34:23 > 0:34:26It's a decent-sized garden.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- Enclosed, safe.- Definitely. - Do you like the way I'm pointing out
0:34:29 > 0:34:32all the merits to the garden for dogs?
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- You are, you are indeed! - For the dog, yeah.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35We love the house.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- We're mulling over the location, I think, aren't we?- We are.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42If we were going to put a price on our final property...
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- Oh, my goodness! - Because it has come to that time.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48675.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Thank you. Chris?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I'm hoping not, but I'm thinking about £700,000.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Interesting guesstimates.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Well, neither of you are on the money this time,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00but you're both over.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02- Oh!- Oh?- Oh, yes. Asking price -
0:35:02 > 0:35:05£650,000.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- Wow.- Well, that's a nice surprise. - It is.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11You get an awful lot of house here, don't you, for your money?
0:35:11 > 0:35:12- Yeah, you do.- It's beautiful.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15And it's beautifully laid out - it's fantastic.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- Sounds like you might want to go and have another look.- Yes. Yeah, we do.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Please, do.- Thank you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Bang on budget, it appears the Mystery House
0:35:26 > 0:35:28is right up their street.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It provides a generous four bedrooms
0:35:30 > 0:35:32and a sitting room, which they loved.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35There's a pleasant kitchen and utility for their dog,
0:35:35 > 0:35:39plus a triple garage provides ample space for the bikes.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- Yeah, three garages, that's perfect. - There is a single next door.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- Ah, wow, look at that. - Wow, that would suit your needs.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- That's ideal.- That's fantastic, would fit the car and the bikes.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55I thought wood, I'm not over keen on - I do like brick buildings.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59But it's not an ugly building by any stretch of the imagination.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04It looks good, but I wasn't sure what type of building it was.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06I like the outside, unlike Chris,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10but I also liked the amount of space
0:36:10 > 0:36:13and the airiness and the warmth that you felt from the house.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16So I can see us maybe living here,
0:36:16 > 0:36:18but I think I'd have to do some more...
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- Research. - ..research in the local area.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30That's it, you've seen all three of our properties.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34I think it's safe to say that's been the best reaction out of all of them.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Yeah, without doubt.- Good.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Well, let's go and have a chat, and see what happens next.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40- OK.- Thank you.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Set in the heart of Wiltshire are the sweeping chalk hills
0:36:52 > 0:36:54that make up the Marlborough Downs.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58The area is the focus of a plan to diversify natural habitats
0:36:58 > 0:37:03that's uniting conservationists, farmers and local residents.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08I'm meeting project manager Jemma Batten to discover more.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Hi, Jemma. Good to meet you.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Hi. Welcome to the Marlborough Downs.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17This is a beautiful spot, even on a foggy day like today.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I only wish that you could see more!
0:37:20 > 0:37:24So tell me more about this project that is close to your heart.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27The original project was a pioneering project
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- which was started in 2012. - And what's it called?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32It's called the Marlborough Downs Space For Nature project.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34In the same year, the Government funded
0:37:34 > 0:37:36a number of nature improvement areas
0:37:36 > 0:37:40to benefit conservation across entire landscapes.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Funding ended three years later,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47but the Marlborough Downs scheme, led by local farmers, has continued
0:37:47 > 0:37:50and its work is helping to protect birdlife.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I read so much about the decline of our bird population,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57especially farmland birds,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59and that's something that you're particularly aware of, isn't it?
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Yeah, that's something that brought
0:38:01 > 0:38:03the farmers together in the first place
0:38:03 > 0:38:07and consequently we've got a very strong farmland bird programme,
0:38:07 > 0:38:08which everyone's involved in.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12One endangered bird is the tree sparrow.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15The country cousin of the common house sparrow,
0:38:15 > 0:38:16it's suffered a severe decline,
0:38:16 > 0:38:21with numbers plummeting by 90% since the 1970s.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25It features on the RSPB's red list of the most endangered birds.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28One of the reasons for this fall in population
0:38:28 > 0:38:30has been intensive agriculture,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34but fortunately the Marlborough Downs Space For Nature project
0:38:34 > 0:38:36is taking steps to boost the birds' numbers.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40What we've done here is we've planted spiky things
0:38:40 > 0:38:41which will grow up and bush out
0:38:41 > 0:38:44and protect the tree sparrows from predators,
0:38:44 > 0:38:45so things like sparrowhawks.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47And then dotted around we've also got things
0:38:47 > 0:38:50that will have berries and fruits and flowers,
0:38:50 > 0:38:54so that'll attract insects which the tree sparrows feed their young on,
0:38:54 > 0:38:56so Mum and Dad can pop over there
0:38:56 > 0:39:00and grab a beakful of food for their babies and pop back again.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02The difficulty that we have, though, of course,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05is that if you were a tree sparrow, you wouldn't want to fly across
0:39:05 > 0:39:06that great big open space,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08because this is where all the sparrowhawks and...
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- The predators are.- Yeah.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14So to protect the adults in their quest to find food for their young,
0:39:14 > 0:39:17the volunteers are constructing a sheltering hedgerow.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Well, I want to see this tree-lined superhighway for them.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Over here?- Absolutely, yeah. - Something I could help you with?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- Absolutely. We'll go and find some plants.- Right.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31The work of the Marlborough Downs Space For Nature
0:39:31 > 0:39:33is having a positive impact.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37In just under five years, existing tree sparrow populations
0:39:37 > 0:39:42have increased in size and sightings have become more widespread.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45I can see a huge ditch has been dug along here.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48We've only got to the top of the hill to do, though, you'll be fine!
0:39:48 > 0:39:50All right, well, let's get started.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54A variety of species including hawthorn, blackthorn,
0:39:54 > 0:39:55spindle and dogwood,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59will give the tree sparrows protection from predators.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01If you wiggle the spade backwards and forwards a bit
0:40:01 > 0:40:03and it makes a slot, it's called slot planting.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06The scheme has already planted nearly a mile and a half
0:40:06 > 0:40:11of these protective hedgerows and they have plans for more.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13And then push it in so that
0:40:13 > 0:40:15as much of those hairy roots are in as possible.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- And then use your feet.- And then use your feet and heel it in, that's it.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21- Is that it?- You're nearly there.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- It needs to go all the way to the top, that's it.- Poor little sapling.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25They're quite tough.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30This is a labour of love for those involved, but definitely worth it.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Oh, that's nice! Yeah!
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- It's beautiful!- That there? - That's perfect, yes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40It's heartening to see how agriculture and conservation
0:40:40 > 0:40:45are working hand-in-hand to promote Wiltshire's natural biodiversity.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Finally, a house that both Chris and Diane agree on,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56but has the mystery property done enough to convince them
0:40:56 > 0:40:59to make the move? I'm going to find out.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Well, Chris and Diane, of all the houses that we showed you,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10the Mystery House really appealed.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Oh, without a doubt.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Wonderful house, yeah, beautiful.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17So if there was a question mark, because I guess there is one -
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I'm sensing it - would I be right?
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Yeah, there is.- And if there is a question mark, what is that?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I think we need to look at the geography
0:41:25 > 0:41:28of where the location is in more detail.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Although the house is nice,
0:41:30 > 0:41:34maybe we should be moving closer towards the town,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36which was my ideal dream.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39So if you could pick up the Mystery House and, say,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43move it a quarter of a mile outside of Marlborough, would that be ideal?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- That would be a sale.- I think so.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- That'd be a sale! - That would be a sale.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51So, overall, has it been a worthwhile experience?
0:41:51 > 0:41:52It has, yeah.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57Being out there and looking at the properties has opened our eyes up,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00and perhaps prompted a lot of...
0:42:00 > 0:42:04..a lot more thought about what we really want.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07You've got a firmer idea of what it is you do want with this next move?
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Yes, we do, yeah, and thank you.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Wonderful. Well, thank you, and all the best when you do make it.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- BOTH:- Yes, thank you very much.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Now, we've been very polite, haven't we?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Shall I be mum?- Oh, yes, please. - Lovely, thank you.- I'll pour.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31I often find that people start off with one idea in their mind
0:42:31 > 0:42:32and by the end of the house-hunt
0:42:32 > 0:42:35they've settled for something completely different,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38and that's certainly been the case with Chris and Diane.
0:42:38 > 0:42:44But I think what they'll take away from the last few days is clarity -
0:42:44 > 0:42:48having a clear idea now what they really want from their property
0:42:48 > 0:42:53and, just as importantly for them, having it in the right location.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55So that's it from me from Wiltshire,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58but I'll see you again soon on Escape To The Country.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:03 > 0:43:05in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:43:05 > 0:43:07and would like our help,
0:43:07 > 0:43:12you can apply online at...