Pembrokeshire Escape to the Country

Colossal bluestones like these were used in the construction of one of

Britain's most popular and much-loved Neolithic monuments.

Now, you may be able to guess which ancient monument I'm referring to,

but you might be surprised to learn where I am.

And I'll reveal more about my whereabouts in just a few moments.

Today, our house hunt will be taking us from east to west

and far-flung places.

It's the Costa Del Wales here.

But we end up heading in exactly the right direction.

Which one do you think that might be?

-That one.

-No, it's this one.

We're rubbish!

Today, I'm in Pembrokeshire, in the far western corner of Wales,

at the rocky outcrop of Craig Rhos-y-felin

in the Preseli Hills,

where you will find these bluestones,

the likes of which were used in the construction of the inner circle

of Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Now, geologists have long suggested that those stones

came from this very site.

But what they're less sure about is exactly how they made that

180-mile journey to get there.

Did they go over land?

Perhaps via sea?

Or maybe they were carried there via a glacier.

Now, the mystery of these stones and how they got all the way

to Salisbury Plain from here perhaps will never be solved,

but what isn't up for debate is the glorious beauty that this largely

unspoiled and remote county has to offer.

Lying in the south-west of Wales,

Pembrokeshire is renowned for its extensive coastline,

and shares borders with Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Covering over 600 square miles,

the rugged landscape is peppered with fortifications,

including the majestic Pembroke Castle, that dates back to 1093.

Throw forward several hundred years,

and it was the attractive coastal town in Tenby

that was putting this part of the country on the map.

Victorian holiday-makers came here

pursuing the health benefits of fresh air and bathing in sea water.

Built into the cliff face near Bosherston is a tiny 13th-century chapel.

Measuring just 18 by 12 feet,

it marks the home of the sixth-century hermit St Govan.

Pembrokeshire's beguiling heritage and dramatic natural coastline

make it a tempting proposition not just for visitors

but for those looking for long-term rural adventure.

Although property prices across West Wales have gone up around 10% over

the past five years, this region still offers relative value for money.

The average price of a detached house across the three counties

that make up West Wales comes in at just over £212,000.

That's a very welcome £120,000 below the UK figure.

And today's buyers are prepared to go the distance in order to take

advantage of this value for money,

as they have big plans for their move here.

Newly qualified social worker Miranda

and recently retired fireman David,

from the town of Broadstairs in Kent,

have their sights firmly set on a country move,

having taken a long time getting together.

We met each other probably around 2000, I think.

Yeah, it was, yeah. We started actually seeing each other in 2014,

so it was 14 years of getting to know each other.

I always had really strong feelings for you.

When the opportunity came, it was too good a one to miss, really.

And I said yes, because I thought, "I'm not letting him go this time."

They took decisive action and wasted no time getting married

just 18 months later.

David was quick to introduce Miranda

to one of his favourite places, Pembrokeshire.

I've been to that part of the world quite a few times on holiday,

and you just fell in love with the area, didn't you?

Yeah. There was a particular house just across from where we were staying,

and I completely fell in love with it.

Dave said, "We'll put a note through the door,

"and we'll see if we can buy that one."

That kind of sowed the seed and then we thought, "Oh,

"maybe you could have a little campsite if you had this,"

and that kind of... Our dreams evolved from that sort of starting point.

Since that lightbulb moment,

Miranda and David have developed plans for an exciting business venture.

As well as having a home for ourselves,

we'd ideally like a couple of rental cottages and maybe a small campsite

with a dozen or so pitches.

A bit of glamping.

We'd like to become a little bit more self-sufficient.

Somewhere with a polytunnel would be a bonus.

We also like the idea of growing our own vegetables.

We've got chickens at the moment, so we'll have some more chicks.

But it's not just chickens that would be coming along for the ride.

I shall be taking with me my beloved horse, Rufus,

and then we've got the three dogs between us.

We've got two springer spaniels and then a working cocker.

Actually hasn't ever done any work in his life.

When we move, it will be so lovely to have my horse effectively

in the back garden.

Peer through the curtains and check that he's OK.

Along with hosting camping guests and looking after a menagerie of pets

and poultry, they have other adventurous aspirations.

I'm already a diver, and you'd like to get into diving.

So West Wales has got some lovely diving.

-Yeah.

-The water's really lovely.

I'm hoping that we'll have a bit of freedom to plan our days

as we want to, in our own sort of diary, as it were,

rather than having other people telling us what to do.

I don't want to get too old and think, "Oh, I wish I'd tried that."

So we're going to grab the bull by the horns and give it a go.

Our house-hunters have enjoyed holidaying in the area surrounding

Britain's smallest city, St Davids in Pembrokeshire.

But to ensure we uncover the best properties on the market,

they're willing to extend their search to take in all of West Wales,

including Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

I'm meeting up with them to hear more

about their grand business ambitions.

Not a bad start to the day, is it?

-Stunning.

-Now, this relocation for you,

it's obviously for yourselves all about getting to enjoy this beautiful

part of West Wales.

But tapping into the fact that other people want to enjoy it as well.

This is hospitality?

Absolutely. We want to give people a fantastic opportunity to come on

holiday, whether we've got holiday lets or gites or...

-Glamping.

-Glamping.

Have you ever been involved in hospitality before?

-No.

-Never.

Well, not from the giving end.

From the receiving end.

OK. A lot of people are keen on doing this when they move

to the countryside, but it can be hard work.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, you're absolutely right.

And we are aware of that.

But we're not going to be providing them with breakfast or anything.

And we're not afraid of hard work.

We're used to early mornings and getting on with things, aren't we?

We like to fill up our days with things anyway, so...

OK. There's the business element.

-There's also a requirement for land, and quite a bit of it.

-Mm.

Because you've got a horse with a dog's name.

-Everyone says that!

-Because he has.

-He's called Rufus! Isn't it?

-Rufus, yeah,

so he'll be coming to stay with us as well.

Not leaving him behind.

And he'll need some friends.

-So maybe...

-What do you mean, friends?

-You're going to buy more horses?

-I'm not allowed to buy more horses.

-Once Dave realised how long they live, I wasn't allowed to buy any more.

-40 years.

Well, I think we'll provide livery for local people,

-or people who want to bring their horses on holiday, perhaps.

-Yeah.

So stables would be ideal.

-OK, so minimum land requirement?

-Maybe eight acres.

Eight acres? OK.

-Yeah.

-We've not yet spoken about the most important part of the jigsaw,

and that's the house itself.

What does the house look like in your eye?

As old as possible, as far as I'm concerned,

with as much character as possible.

Plenty of open fires or wood burners.

-Yeah, definitely.

-Something like that.

It's got to have loads of character.

You said that straight away, character, old.

And with that age also comes maintenance.

Yes. That doesn't faze us at all, really.

-No.

-OK.

-A big party kitchen-diner would be good.

We've kind of got this idea of lots of people coming for Christmas,

so a nice space for a big, long table at Christmas would be great.

How many bedrooms are we talking?

-Minimum of three.

-Let's talk budget,

because we're not looking for a two-up, two-down, are we?

-No.

-If we want to buy it outright and be mortgage-free,

we've got a maximum of about £650,000.

Well, I've got three very interesting properties lined up for you.

All will give you different aspects of what you said you're after.

Maybe one of them will give you the lot.

-You ready to go?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

-Fantastic. Thank you.

With the aim of shedding their mortgage commitments,

Miranda and David's preferred budget is £650,000.

But they would nudge a bit higher for the perfect property.

They would like a traditional Welsh farmhouse with three bedrooms and

holiday let potential.

Ideally, around eight acres for a luxury campsite and space

for Miranda's horse, Rufus.

We'll be exploring three very different country homes,

which aim to give our ambitious couple lots to consider.

But they won't know the cost of each until after the viewings.

Last will be our Mystery House,

which is set to push them to think

even bigger than they ever bargained for.

So this move to the countryside of yours, this big escape,

-what do you want to do?

-I want to really get into brewing my own beer.

We'd like an on-site brewery,

hence the reason why we'd like some outbuildings that we can convert.

I was going to say, if you want an on-site brewery,

I'm turning the car right around,

because I've not seen any of those in my property searches!

You'll have to build your own, my friend.

Yes, I think that's what it is.

We'll start out by buying the beer in, you know, a micro pub.

-You know...

-What do you mean? Like,

you would like to have a little microbrewery on-site and then invite

people to come and consume it and pay for it on-site?

Yes, absolutely. Yeah.

You're going at this, aren't you?!

-I mean...

-We're living the dream.

You ARE living the dream.

Or you're living the nightmare.

To kick-start our Welsh property hunt,

we're heading to the village of Solva on the Pembrokeshire coast.

Back in the medieval period,

the village's location on the north side of St Brides Bay

made it was a key point for trading and a centre for lime burning.

A collection of lime kiln remains are still preserved along the harbour.

Fast forward to the modern day,

and the village is a haven for visitors exploring the Pembrokeshire

National Park, or taking in the far-reaching views from the nearby coast path.

Less than two miles away is our property.

Sat on the pilgrims' route to St Davids,

it's in a prime position to tap into the tourist trade,

ripe for a pair of house hunters with big holiday let dreams.

Right then, you are going to be looking around

everything in front of you.

-Oh, wow.

-Wow!

This is beautiful. What a stunning-looking property.

But what a spot as well.

-You would like to think there's plenty of punters that would like to come and stay.

-Yes.

-Yeah, definitely.

-And they can and do stay here.

This is a home and a holiday let.

-Oh, even better.

-But I'm going to show you around this part.

OK.

The Victorian farmhouse features two separate dwellings,

both of which are currently let as holiday homes.

On one side is the original farmhouse, dating back to the 1860s.

This part is smaller and spread over two floors,

which I would think could be Miranda and David's living quarters.

The adjoining barn, originally the milking shed,

is mostly laid out over one level,

and would make an ideal holiday rental.

With business at the forefront of our minds,

we're starting in the former barn's living room.

Just mind the step there, Miranda, as you come down.

Thank you.

-Oh.

-Oh, this is lovely.

Lovely. How nice is this?

-Yeah.

-I love all the exposed beams and the exposed brickwork.

-Yeah.

-Then obviously the fire's so welcoming.

You hear it, you feel it,

you smell it as soon as you walk in to a home like this.

-It's part of the... Part of that...

-Brings it to life, doesn't it?

-Yeah, I think so.

And the room's a really nice size.

Sometimes when they've converted old buildings,

-you get too much height with the ceilings.

-Yeah.

-But it's a really good feel.

Through that little door there is a spare bedroom.

But I want to show you the kitchen, which is decent as well.

-Oh, good.

-OK, thank you.

Now, party kitchen?

I think you said you wanted a big kitchen.

Oh, that's lovely. That's really nice.

That table's big enough for when we have...

-It's quite big, isn't it? Yeah.

-I flipping hope so!

Yeah, that's fantastic. And it's nice and airy as well.

It's really light. I really like it.

Let's take a look at one of the bedrooms, and then we'll get outside.

-OK.

-Let me just squeeze through here.

-Lovely, thank you.

-Mind your step.

-Thank you.

Hopefully our couple are already picturing themselves playing host to

friends and family in here.

In terms of bedroom space, this barn provides them with five in total.

A double, currently with two single beds,

lies upstairs from the living room,

and the remaining bedrooms are all down on the ground floor.

One benefits from its own entrance,

giving this property even greater holiday let credentials.

All the bedrooms share similar character features throughout,

including exposed stonework and beams.

And two come with useful en suites.

There is also a shower room with underfloor heating.

Now, this is the biggest of the bedrooms on this side of the property.

Yeah, it's really nice. Nice and light, isn't it?

You've got lots of options as regards to bedroom space for you or guests.

It would probably take a bit of a while to get your head around how you would use it.

Sometimes, you need to live in a place for a little while,

don't you, and sort of switch things around once you're in there.

-Exactly.

-Yeah.

-You might as well say, "Oh,

"we'll live in the south wing for a couple of nights."

I like the sound of that.

David and Miranda could make this converted milk barn home,

or they could opt for the white- rendered farmhouse next door if

cosier proportions take their fancy.

Although smaller, there's a galley kitchen,

breakfast room and three bedrooms.

One is downstairs, and the other two up on the first floor,

including a master with en suite next to a cosy den.

The current owners have renovated this house with great care and,

in the process, uncovered a wealth of features.

In the sitting-room, they found a huge inglenook fireplace,

which now creates a great focal point.

Heading outside, we reveal the full scope of what's on offer,

with lots of potential for horses.

Well, you can see there's lots to get involved with out here.

You have got this paddock here...

-Right.

-Including that pond.

That pond is spring-fed.

And the field beyond.

All in all, 7.8 acres.

-Yeah. OK.

-I think this property gives you everything.

-How would you price it?

-I'm not really sure,

but I'm going to go for around £600,000.

I think maybe a little bit more, maybe 625.

This place is on the market for offers around £649,950.

-Right.

-Right, OK.

So, why don't you have a good scoot around?

Work out in your minds which of the properties you'd like to live in

full-time. That's the first question, isn't it?

-It is, yeah.

-Yeah, I think I know which one I want.

-OK. Well, go on. Have a look.

-Thank you.

-Catch you in a bit.

On the market just shy of £650,000,

our first property comprises a 19th-century farmhouse with three

bedrooms and an adjoining five-bedroom barn conversion.

It offers ample scope with an up-and-running holiday let,

and comes with almost eight acres of land, plus stabling.

Oh, lovely fireplace.

-It's nice and cosy in here.

-This is nice. And nice views. Yeah.

Look at that for views, that vista out there.

My favourite of the properties as it's set up now is the smaller of the two.

I think it's just a bit more farmhousey and cottagey.

With regards to the character of the properties,

you couldn't ask for more, really.

Lovely old beams everywhere and wonky doors.

My only reservation, really, is the land.

I kind of would have liked a little bit more shelter for my horse.

When we see the right property for the first time,

I think we'll know straight away.

I'm not 100% convinced that this is right for us.

It's a bit of a buy one, get one free house, this, isn't it?

Which one do you think you'd live in full-time?

-This one.

-Oh, right.

Small and cosy and then a moneymaker next door.

-That's exactly it.

-Good thinking.

-Let's keep going, shall we?

-Thank you.

Pembrokeshire takes in 260 miles of protected coast,

with more than 50 fantastic beaches

and a coastal path that was the first

national trail in Wales.

Up in the north-west of the county,

Abereiddy is a particularly dramatic beach,

made up of dark sand formed from grey slate.

In a sheltered spot,

it's a popular place for coasteering thrill-seekers to explore the shore

through swimming, climbing and jumping.

David is keen to give it a go,

but first they're meeting Cleopatra Browne of Celtic Quest Coasteering

to learn about the local conservation efforts.

What a great place to have a business.

-How long have you been down here?

-I've been in Pembrokeshire for about 25 years now.

We are here to do some coasteering. When can we get the wet suits on?

What we'd like to do first, if you don't mind, we'd like to do a two-minute beach clean.

I try to introduce all our visitors to just looking after the coast and

keeping it as stunning as we can.

We've had a quick scooch already and found all sorts of bits of plastic.

-Oh, wow.

-Oh, my word.

And what kind of effect does that have on the marine life?

Oh, it's shocking. It's going to take years and years and years

to break down and then the marine life and the wildlife could end up eating

it, they could get tangled up in it.

It's just not good stuff at all.

So if you take it to the beach, take it away...

-Take it home.

-Take a little bit extra with you.

-Oh, fantastic.

-OK, let's go.

Cleopatra is raising awareness of an important issue,

as litter levels on Welsh beaches

are reported to have increased by 51% in the last decade.

As well as this more local initiative,

the Marine Conservation Society organises an annual litter pick

on a national scale in places right across the UK.

In 2016, almost 6,000 volunteers joined in,

collectively picking up over 200,000 pieces of rubbish.

After doing their bit, it's time to hit the cliffs.

So, here we are, folks, Abereiddy Blue Lagoon.

-Wow.

-What do you think?

-Look at it.

-Crikey!

It looks high.

-Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine.

-I think that's too high for me

so I'm going to stay here and watch you.

-OK, honey.

-And wish you good luck. Have a nice time.

-Let's do it.

-See you later!

Abereiddy Blue Lagoon was once a working slate quarry.

In the 19th century, this was one of Wales' most significant industries.

When the quarry closed just over 100 years ago,

local fishermen created the lagoon by breaching the outer wall

to provide shelter for their boats,

and it's now the perfect place to coasteer from.

-Nicely done, sir.

-Thank you.

David is joining a group of experienced coasteerers at the lagoon,

which plunges down to 20 metres at its deepest.

But depths may vary so it's crucial that you have an accredited expert

on hand for guidance.

-So, here we are.

-What is it you love about coasteering?

Just everything.

Sharing new guys' adventures

and just being out there on that raw Pembrokeshire coast - it's just fantastic.

I can't wait to give it a go. Can we get in there?

Let's get in there. Come on up.

There's no getting around the fact that cliff jumping is dangerous.

Even jumping from just ten metres

will see you hitting the water at nearly 35km an hour.

Cleopatra trains a novice like David by starting off lower.

Today, he'll jump from just seven metres.

-OK, so you're looking straight ahead.

-Yeah.

-A nice big step.

After three. Deep breath.

-Yeah.

-One, two, three...

-Big step.

-Geronimo!

David's gusto for going where many fear to tread is impressive.

It's easy.

Leaving one exhilarating leap into the unknown behind him,

it's time to return to our high-energy house hunt.

For our second proposition, we are leaving Pembrokeshire

and heading to the outskirts of the town of Newcastle Emlyn,

which sits on the Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion border.

Potential guests staying with David and Miranda here would have a short

five-minute drive to the attractive village of Cenarth,

renowned for its series of spectacular waterfalls

and pools on the River Teifi.

Visitors also come to witness salmon leaping upstream here in the autumn.

Throughout the year, the settlement has a range of facilities for both

visitors and local residents,

including two pubs and a traditional tearoom.

Five miles away on the Ceredigion side of the border

is where we find our second house.

Now, then, if you come and stop here,

I think it's the best vantage point to take in this property.

I... Well, I'm speechless, actually.

No, it looks really lovely.

-It does look lovely.

-Huge.

We're up on the hillside.

A house standing proud overlooks some fantastic landscape.

Yeah, I think anyone coming to visit would be very impressed.

Right, enough of this standing around gawping at this massive house.

-Shall we have a look inside?

-Yes, please.

-Yes, please.

The oldest part of this building

dates back to 1634 and although the home

was extended back in 2005,

we are heading to the older section

-to soak up some of that original history.

-Wow.

Oh, yeah, this is more like it.

-That's lovely.

-This has got a bit of everything, this kitchen, hasn't it?

This is a bit of us, definitely.

-Yeah.

-I can imagine cooking there while some of your guests are here and

you can still have that interaction with them.

I like all of it. I like the units. It's really interesting.

-This is lovely.

-I can't wait to see some more.

This is the 17th-century part of the property.

-All right.

-Let me just show you something they've done since buying this place.

Let me just squeeze through the middle there.

-Thank you very much.

-OK.

This property is concealing some secrets, which we will come to shortly.

In the main house, as well as the kitchen,

the ground floor also offers a study and WC.

The present owners extended the house,

adding a boot room and large living room,

which may be newer but still retains a sense of the past with those

character features.

Oh! A nice space, isn't it?

Yeah, definitely.

-So you like what you see?

-Yes, lovely.

-Yeah, very much.

-Now, there's so much to have look at.

-We'll have to get a wriggle on.

-OK.

-Come with me.

Accommodation-wise, on the first floor of the main house are four bedrooms.

Two light and airy doubles,

a good-sized single and a master benefiting from an en-suite shower room.

They all take in the fine surrounding countryside views.

Back on the ground floor,

a separate entrance leads to one of two self-contained holiday lets.

Now, this is a cupboard with a difference.

-Wow!

-It opens up to a new world.

Wow!

And this should shed some light on their business ambitions.

Now, you may not have been expecting this room.

Ooh! It's amazing.

-My word.

-Now, I don't know what you'd use this room for.

I'd grow tomatoes in here and aubergines.

I'd be tempted to put a proper roof on it.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

Spoilsport. What are you talking about, man?

Look at it! This is like being in Spain.

It's like living in a greenhouse.

It's the Costa Del Wales here.

So think of this as a holiday home.

Suddenly, people could have this as their living space and it feels

completely different.

-I've never seen anything like it!

-I think it's lovely.

-You're going to love this.

-My word.

-It's lovely.

It's very spacious.

It's a massive room.

-Yeah.

-A wonderful en suite at the end...

-Lovely.

-And a dressing room to the side.

Yeah, really special. I love all these old beams.

-Because it's so quirky, that's the holiday let market, isn't it?

-Yeah, definitely.

Would you come on holiday to a place like this?

That's the big acid test.

-I would.

-Yeah, I think so.

-If it was dog-friendly.

-Yeah, why not?

-And that's down to us.

-Yeah.

This is a truly unique property,

so I hope that Miranda and David can see the full potential on offer here.

Outside should seal the deal as there's far more than a modest home for

Rufus the horse.

Now, here, I think you don't just get a couple of stables,

you get the potential for a whole livery yard.

-It's lovely.

-One, two, three...

-Isn't it?

-Yeah.

-We'll buy it!

-Oh!

In this plot, you've got seven...

-Right.

-And then within that building, you've got four loose boxes in there.

Ooh!

What are you doing to me, Jonnie?

You've got a business here or maybe

you've got people coming away with their horse,

hacking out around this beautiful countryside around the bridle paths,

of which there are many, and then staying in this quirky cottage.

-Brilliant, thank you.

-Let's go and have a look at some land.

Don't say "thank you" - you've not bought it yet.

Of course this equestrian goldmine has swung it for Miranda

and I'm sure David's brewing ambitions are catered for, too.

As we make our way across the hillsides,

our couple must be dying to know if all this comes within their desired price tag.

Get a load of that!

-My goodness.

-That is fantastic.

-Look at those hills.

-Wow!

As it stands, the house comes with four acres.

This eight acres...

-Oh, right.

-..is available additionally.

OK. And can be bought from the same owner...

-Yeah.

-At the same time.

-OK.

People would go absolutely crazy to open the zip in the morning and look

-at that view.

-Glamping pods would be ideal.

I want you to guess the price of the house and this field.

Given everything that you've said, I think we'd have to get some more

mortgage. I would think about £900,000.

I'm going to go for £875,000.

Well, this place is on the market at £714,000.

-Really?

-Ooh!

714?

Yeah? The house with its four acres is on at £650,000.

And this eight-acre field is on the market for £64,000.

-OK.

-This is far more what we're about, I think, isn't it?

It's more our cup of tea, isn't it?

You know what? Walk the land, get a feel for this place, take some time.

-It's a fantastic spot.

-I'm not going to get bored looking at this.

All right? See you in a bit.

-And find some wine.

-I don't think there's any vineyards down there.

I've really enjoyed showing them this house,

not just because it's a beautiful house, but because every step we took

throughout the building and around the land,

it was a step closer to what I think they're trying to achieve.

I could really see them as a couple living and enjoying living here.

At a total of £714,000,

this home takes our couple over their mortgage-free budget.

But the whole package would give them

a four-bedroom character farmhouse,

along with a unique one-bedroom annexe.

All told, they'd have 12 acres of land plus stabling and outbuildings.

I just thought it was amazing.

When we walked into the kitchen first,

I just felt like I'd come home, almost.

It felt like I belonged here.

It was surprise after surprise.

It built up on the excitement, really.

It really gives you a sense that you can just move straight in.

Well, that is all today.

Hopefully lots to talk about over dinner tonight.

-Definitely.

-Shall we go?

-Yes.

Thank you.

It is day two of our house hunt,

helping Miranda and David boldly go from Broadstairs on the east coast

of Kent all the way across to the western reaches of Wales.

Armed with their budget of £650,000,

they are looking for a home that can accommodate themselves,

holiday-makers and horses.

Up next, we have a slight change to our normal routine.

The birds are singing, no other noises.

We are not going to be looking round the Mystery House.

And, later, I will be getting an insight into the making

of one of the nation's favourite fashion items.

Now, I would normally ask for a go at this,

but I would rather keep my mitts away from that.

That looks absolutely terrifying.

Well, after the success of house number two yesterday,

it's clear we have got a firm contender in the bag,

so I am confident we can take a bit of a gamble today.

Now, if you remember, Dave and Miranda said they would be happy

to consider a project.

And they will certainly be getting that with today's mystery offering.

Now, I use that term offering because, well,

you can't really call it the Mystery House.

You'll see why later.

Our final property port of call takes us back to the outskirts of

Newcastle Emlyn.

But, this time, we are heading

to the Carmarthenshire side of the border.

With pubs and a variety of independent shops on offer,

the town is an ideal place for those

looking to break into the tourism industry.

The town's 13th-century stone castle

was destroyed during the 1645 English Civil War,

and, today, just the walls and gatehouse still stand.

Sat in the bend of the River Teifi, on a hillside overlooking the town,

these atmospheric ruins are the perfect place to take in everything that

Newcastle Emlyn has to offer.

It is famous for the beautiful ruined castle and the wonderful

River Teifi that runs through it.

Apparently, if you believe in such things,

this is where the last dragon was killed as well.

Ah! It's fantastic, I love it.

Stunning views, just stunning.

-Let's see what do you think of the Mystery House itself, shall we?

-Lovely.

David and Miranda said they weren't afraid of a bit of work,

but it is fair to say our mystery offering goes way beyond the realms

of a simple project.

These two have worn their ambition on their sleeves so far,

but it remains to be seen if they're bold enough to take this on.

The Mystery House.

-It's lovely.

-There's lots to it.

Lots of different pockets.

We're not going to be looking round the Mystery House.

We're going to be looking round the mystery hamlet.

That's fantastic.

There's four houses here to look around.

-That's amazing.

-This is going to challenge you.

First of all, just to make decisions.

-OK.

-Which, when, how?

-Right.

-So I am going to take you now into the place that I think you

could move straight into.

-OK.

-With minimum effort.

-OK.

-Which one do you think that might be?

-That one.

-No, this one.

Our couple were after space for all their aspiring plans, but here,

they have not just one, but four separate properties,

all of which require some degree of development.

To get the ball rolling, we are starting with the Welsh longhouse.

Of the four, it's the best presented,

but it is also the oldest of the cluster.

Inside, there's one bedroom tucked into the roof space looking down on

the open-plan living area below.

Oh, I like this. A nice wood burner, nice exposed beams.

The owner reckons it might date back as far as the 11th century.

I mean, this would be just a superb holiday let.

-Yeah, I agree.

-But bear in mind,

we have got the best part of a hamlet to have a look at,

-let's go to one of the other properties, shall we?

-Yes, please.

So, that's one down, three more to go.

Our next stop is a two-bedroom cottage in a former stable block.

Full of original features,

including exposed timber beams in the master bedroom and an original bluestone-tiled floor downstairs,

which is an eye-catching feature.

So, home number two.

Look at the floor.

Now, this is very much the holiday home.

-Yeah.

-The quirky place. Isn't it?

-Yeah. I certainly wouldn't want to change that floor,

-I think that is great.

-Oh, God, no.

-Just have to get a good hoover.

-That will be all right.

-Dave's job.

And the first two buildings, these are very palatable, aren't they?

You can see how these would work for you,

and I am going to push you further and further the more we walk around

this old part, if you like.

-OK. Crank it up.

-Crank it up, you say!

-Yeah.

-Come on, then.

Careful what you wish for.

The next cottage is where the real work starts.

It has an open-plan living area and four bedrooms,

which are in need of redecorating.

It is nice and light.

I really like it, but I can see there's some tidying up to do.

Yeah, I think there is quite a lot of work to do.

-Quite a lot.

-There's time to be spent on this place.

-And money.

-But you can see through that, can't you?

I can. I can see the potential.

We have chosen this as the mystery house,

not just because there is lots of property here,

it has also got that overused word in property - potential.

-Yeah.

-But that is what you are looking for specifically.

Yeah, it has got something very special about it.

Whether it is too much remains to be seen.

This is the gamble, for me.

I think it's really exciting.

He doesn't quite agree with you there.

I think you have got a few alarm bells ringing away here.

We are focusing our mystery tour

on four potential residential properties.

But there are even more buildings to explore,

including a large barn, ideal for Miranda's horse,

and stone outbuildings that could host David's microbrewery.

The final cottage has two bedrooms, a characterful living space,

a modern kitchen and a south-facing garden with amazing views.

Spot on. Yeah, look out the window in the morning, horse is all right,

go back to bed.

This house, houses...

..hamlet, comes with 12 acres of land.

How are you going to put a price on this?

Where do you begin?

So I think I am going to go...

£700,000.

I am going to go 730.

Good guess. This place, amazingly,

is on the market for offers around £695,000.

-Ooh!

-And it would be all-involving.

-Oh, yes.

-I am glad I brought you here, though,

because it has brought out some amazing thoughts here, hasn't it?

Undoubtedly, yeah. You can't look at a property like this without even

-considering it.

-I love it.

I think I'm definitely in with my heart,

but that's probably because I've never had to do any work, really,

-on a house.

-Well, I will tell you what,

there will be no hiding from hard graft in this place.

Now, have a good look around. Just try and see of as much of it as possible.

And I will meet you whenever you are done, all right?

-OK.

-Thank you very much.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

At £695,000,

our mystery hamlet of four Welsh cottages is full of history and

development potential.

Set in 12 acres, there is also a large barn,

stone stable block and views of the Teifi Valley.

You know what I would do with this?

-What?

-Turn it into the brewery and the micropub.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, you will need a drink.

-After all that work.

-So, as a Mystery House,

this is just something else because it is not just one house,

-it is a whole hamlet.

-The mystery house is definitely the best for me.

The work doesn't put me off.

I can see that I am ruled by my heart.

My husband, however, I think,

took a deep breath.

I really love it and I would move in here tomorrow.

Well, you have surprised me all week.

Tell me, which house would you move into first, if you were to?

Here, on this plot, or...?

-Yeah.

-That little cottage, actually.

-Little cottage.

-Oh, really? I got it right, at long last.

-Yeah.

-But I don't think you would have much time for brewing beer for a couple of years, would you?

-You would be busy here.

-Yes. We would be very busy.

I'm not sure I would want to be in your shoes at the moment,

with all the decisions you have got to make,

-but let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a chitchat, shall we?

-Yes, please.

-Lovely, come on.

Across the centuries,

textile manufacture has been a key industry in Wales.

By the mid-19th century,

the centre of this Welsh industry was in Ceredigion.

Woollen mills lined the edge of the River Teifi,

which flows out to Cardigan Bay.

Typically, people may think of wools and flannels,

but for 40 years, in the second half of the 20th century,

Ceredigion was home to the UK's biggest manufacturer of jeans,

turning out some 35,000 pairs a week.

In 2002, the factory closed,

and 10% of the local population found themselves out of work.

That's until David Hiut, who hails from the Welsh valleys,

came up with a plan to resurrect the skill set and heritage

woven into this area.

David, great to see you today. Thanks for having me.

Now, looking out over Ceredigion, there's quite a heritage here.

Well, it used to have Britain's biggest jeans factory.

In this town, everybody's pretty much made jeans at some point in their life.

Wow. You look upon those rooftops,

there will be at least one person that has made a pair of denim jeans.

-That is a big part of your product.

-And skills get handed down.

A lot of people take denim jeans for granted,

but there is so much more involved in the process.

But there's 75 different processes to making jeans.

Look, I am dying to see how you do this and part of the process.

-Can we go and have a look at the factory?

-Yeah.

-Great. Thanks.

All the jeans produced here are made from raw denim,

which has come straight off the loom and has skipped the washing process,

making it more eco-friendly.

Claudio Belotti is a cutter and has been honing his skills

over a 50-year career.

Now, the jeans you guys make here,

I'm particularly keen on selvedge denim myself.

-This is the selvedge denim, yeah?

-That is the selvedge, yeah.

I love the finish. When you first get it, it feels like cardboard,

doesn't it? And then, over time, it softens up.

Over time and we initially say don't wash it for six months.

You just wear the garment and it takes on the features of the person

wearing them. After six months, you wash and wear.

So it has gone from that to that in three years.

The company also drafts in people

who break in the jeans for six months to

achieve a more worn-in look.

But these are like antique furniture, aren't they?

They are going to get better as they get older, aren't they?

-Better as you wear them.

-You are almost creating heirlooms.

We provide a premium service and we make jeans that are individual.

How long did it take you to home your skill?

-How long was your apprenticeship?

-Ongoing process, ongoing learning.

The intention is, because I am not as young as I used to be,

I will train my colleague there to take over doing what I am doing now.

Great to meet you, Claudio. All the best.

These highly skilled staff are known here as Grand Masters -

an appreciative nod to the sheer numbers of hours they have notched up.

It takes around 70 minutes to assemble a finished pair,

and I am meeting Grand Master Amanda Freeman.

-Amanda, how are you doing?

-Hi.

You also worked at the old factory, is that right?

Yes, I did, yeah. The old factory, we did one job all day long.

-What was that job for you?

-Inside legs.

But now, you get to do, what?

The whole garment from start to finish.

-That must be quite satisfying.

-Yeah.

You're close to completion on this pair of jeans?

Yeah, I'm just attaching the belt loops at the moment.

Now, I'd normally ask for a go at this,

but I would rather keep my mitts away from that.

-That looks absolutely terrifying.

-Yeah.

I would like to think that my jeans are part of me,

but I think I'd definitely be part of the jeans if I had a go at that.

We average out about 120 pairs a week, between the four of us.

See, when you start looking at those numbers,

that is not a huge turnover.

No, not in comparison to the old factory when I used to do, like,

say, 1,400 pairs on one job all day.

Wow! Can someone see who has made the jeans?

Yeah, we all sign individually each pair.

Go one, then. Let me witness this.

So it's GMA for Grand Master Amanda, and 17 is the year,

and then they get their own number.

Have you got a different signature that you sign your cheques with?

-Yes.

-THEY LAUGH

-That's a birthday card signature.

-Perfect.

Well, I wish you all the very best of luck. Thanks very much.

The UK jeans industry is expected to grow by 20% over the coming year,

and it's been really interesting to see how this corner of rural Wales

is once again playing a part in that success.

But now it's time to get the outcome of our house-hunt sewn up.

Well, for me, I think it's between two properties.

House number two, maybe their safe bet, and the Mystery House,

or Mystery Houses.

Bags of potential, but maybe too much.

Let's find out their thoughts.

So, do you want to buy a house or a hamlet?

-A hamlet.

-I knew you'd say that.

I reckon it's between the last two properties.

House number two, we finished yesterday,

and it felt like that was a definite contender.

-We've actually booked a second viewing tomorrow for it.

-Get in.

We want to spend a bit more time walking the perimeter to see

exactly how the land lies for maybe the glamping pods and access.

So there is the viewing tomorrow. Good. Good, good, good.

What about the Mystery House, then?

I think we're going to come back there as well.

We're coming back to Wales, we have had it planned for a while,

next month and then, if we make a decision,

that's the time we might make an offer, I think.

Yeah. I would really like to see it.

I'd probably buy it now, actually, to be honest.

Well, it sounds like there's some big decisions to be made.

-I never thought we would have two...

-No.

-..to juggle.

-At best, I was hoping for one.

-I wish you the best of luck.

Whatever you decide, do please let us know, won't you?

-Love to.

-We will.

-Thanks very much for your help.

-Pleasure.

-I can't wait to find out what you do decide.

-Thank you.

-Good luck.

-Thank you so much.

Well, it's no surprise that they are going for a second viewing at house

number two. Let's face it, they loved it at the time,

and it gives them pretty much everything they said they are after.

But it's interesting also to note that they haven't completely

written off the mystery property.

I think Miranda would buy it tomorrow, as she said,

but Dave fully appreciates that it is a huge undertaking.

So, I wish them both the very best of luck at their second viewing

at house two, but I will also be awaiting eagerly to find out exactly

what they decide to do.

See you next time.

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