0:00:02 > 0:00:04Over millennia, torrents of water have carved out
0:00:04 > 0:00:06this spectacular ravine and in some
0:00:06 > 0:00:10places the wall is 20 metres above the stream below.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Today's house-hunting journey takes us from country cottage...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- I love it.- Yeah.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- It's lovely. Really nice.- I think it's rather beautiful.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Feels really cosy as you come in.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44..to super-sized manorial splendour.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Ta-da!
0:00:47 > 0:00:48Wow!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Very grand!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's grand, isn't it?
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Amazing!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Today, we are in North Yorkshire and this is How Stean Gorge
0:01:00 > 0:01:03in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Back in the last ice age,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08this whole area would have been covered with massive glaciers and as
0:01:08 > 0:01:12they melted, the torrents of meltwater carved their way through
0:01:12 > 0:01:13the limestone rock.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Now the waters are much calmer,
0:01:15 > 0:01:20but there's still a network of amazing walkways, caves and tunnels.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22And I'll be taking a slightly unorthodox view
0:01:22 > 0:01:25on the gorge later on in the show.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28The largest of England's counties,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31North Yorkshire is bordered to its east by the North Sea.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Spanning its western edge is the Dales National Park.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41680 square miles of undulating valleys.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Malham Dale is home to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Malham Cove,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48rearing up over 200 feet.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50To the east is Nidderdale,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54which takes its name from the Celtic word for bright or brilliant.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57And in Pateley Bridge, one of its charming market towns,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59it's evident why.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02The streets of its well-preserved centre are home to an array of
0:02:02 > 0:02:04traditional retailers.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Robust limestone buildings are a common sight across this county,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13notably in Helmsley, which borders the moors.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Overlooking the town are the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19This once impressive stronghold
0:02:19 > 0:02:22enjoyed a three-month siege during the English Civil War
0:02:22 > 0:02:24at the hands of Cromwell's army,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27who eventually overthrew it.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31The county's rich geology, visible across its varied landscapes,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36market towns and villages, combined with its strong cultural identity,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39means that carving out a country life in North Yorkshire
0:02:39 > 0:02:42is an attractive option for many escapees.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Not only does North Yorkshire have attractive scenery,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52it has attractive property prices.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57The average price for a detached house here is just shy of £312,000,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01which makes it £15,000 less than the national figure.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Although it is the largest county in England, so prices do vary.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Your money goes the furthest closest to Skipton,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11which is the gateway to the Dales,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15and it goes a lot less far inside one of the two national parks.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18But it's a beautiful big county with lots to offer and you can understand
0:03:18 > 0:03:20why people want to move here,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22so let's meet two people who definitely do.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Liz and Steve from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire met when they were
0:03:28 > 0:03:32both working backstage in the theatres of London's West End.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39We met at the Queen's Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41I was a technician
0:03:41 > 0:03:42and Liz was a stage manager.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Because of the nature of our job,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48we were talking a lot before we actually came face-to-face with each
0:03:48 > 0:03:52other, because we spoke to each other on headsets during the show.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53- We had seen each other.- Yeah!
0:03:55 > 0:03:58But we knew a lot about each other before we actually
0:03:58 > 0:04:00went out with each other.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03Once the couple were married,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07they upped and moved to the suburbs to raise their family.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10But since their two sons became young adults,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12town life has begun to lose its charm
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and they are ready to make the leap
0:04:14 > 0:04:16to country living in North Yorkshire.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19We've been here for 15 years.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20It's served its purpose for us, I think.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Yeah, absolutely has, yeah.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We've had two children, who have now flown the nest.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Now seems the right time,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30while we are still young enough to enjoy living the dream,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32living somewhere we have always wanted to live.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Now seems like the right time to do it.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37We really want to move to the Yorkshire Dales.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40We've always holidayed in Yorkshire.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44We met a friend of Steve's when we were last up in Yorkshire.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47And the view from his house was just...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Breathtaking, wasn't it? - Breathtaking. Yeah, absolutely.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53It was a beautiful sunny day and you could see for miles.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55It was just amazing.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59With plans to scale back their working lives,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02the couple have a number of leisure pursuits they are looking forward to
0:05:02 > 0:05:05enjoying once they've made this rural move.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I collect films, old cinema films.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12And film projectors.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16In my spare time, I really love any sort of yarn craft,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19so I do lots of knitting and crochet.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I like a little bit of photography.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26So taking some pictures of beautiful areas would be quite nice.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Space for enjoying their pastimes is a must.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34And although their sons won't be making the move with them,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37there are two other family members who will be
0:05:37 > 0:05:39embracing the great outdoors.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43We will be going up to Yorkshire with our two dogs,
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Barney and Ralph. I'm sure they'll be going on many long walks.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53We always take them somewhere that's, you know, countrified,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55but you always have to get in the car.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I think one of the things I'm looking forward to is just being
0:05:58 > 0:06:00able to step out of the house and just walk.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04With their house on the market and the dogs in tow,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08the time is right for this bold next step up north.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Hopefully our lifestyle will become a lot more relaxed,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- a lot less stressful, and much less hectic.- Yeah.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Liz and Steve have been particularly focused on the area surrounding
0:06:24 > 0:06:26the scenic Yorkshire Dales,
0:06:26 > 0:06:30so we will be concentrating our hunt on the western side of the county.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- I'm meeting them on Yorkshire soil to learn more about the home they're after.- Hiya.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Hey. Lovely place.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- It is gorgeous, isn't it? - Welcome to Yorkshire, you guys.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - Where the sun always shines.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44It's probably brighter here than it is in Hemel Hempstead.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Definitely today.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Because this is a bit of a break for you.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51You're packing in your job, having a bit of downtime.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Yes.- Hopefully we will have a bit of a buffer to survive
0:06:55 > 0:06:57for a couple of years.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And then we'll have to look for jobs.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01But, no, for a couple of years,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05we're going to settle in and enjoy the countryside.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07What's the reason for the move?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10What's the motivation for the move right now?
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Both our sons have left home and that's when we'd planned to make our
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- move.- And the boys will be coming to visit soon.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Hopefully, yes. Lots!
0:07:19 > 0:07:22In terms of the house, then, so you probably want some rooms for them,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25what's the spec of the house, how many bedrooms and so on?
0:07:25 > 0:07:26At least three bedrooms.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Yeah.- Detached.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Has to be detached.- We need a garden because we've got two dogs.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34But not too big. You're not such a keen gardener, is that right?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I'm not a great gardener, no.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38No, I can mow the lawn.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39A sort of manageable garden.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Yeah.- An outbuilding of some description,
0:07:42 > 0:07:47be it a double garage or an out store for Steve's hobby.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So you've got your amazing film collection, film projectors.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Film projectors and films.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57- I have quite a large collection that at the moment resides in a storage unit.- What about the location?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Where do you want to be in terms of...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Do you want to be in the middle of nowhere or in a village?
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Maybe not...
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Maybe not a house on its own with nothing around it...
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- In the middle of the moors. - Maybe not that.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13But certainly in a village or on the outskirts of a village
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- would be just fine. - Yeah, sounds good.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And the style of the property, a bit like this, but smaller?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- That would be nice!- Yeah, a little bit smaller.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23But sort of a traditional house, nothing too modern.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25We live in quite a modern house at the moment.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29So we want to go back to sort of a character house, I guess.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Remind us of your budget.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32How much are we playing with?
0:08:32 > 0:08:36We are looking at about... really top is 400,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39OK. We have found some really nice properties.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Excellent.- And I can't wait to show them to you.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Great.- Good.- Follow me.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Liz and Steve have a budget of £400,000 and for that
0:08:51 > 0:08:54would like a characterful, three-bedroom property.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55They need a garden for their dogs,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57space for Liz's sewing room
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and preferably outbuildings for Steve to store
0:09:00 > 0:09:02his collection of projectors.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05We've cherry picked three properties
0:09:05 > 0:09:07that will give them different options to consider,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11although they won't know the price tag until the end of each tour.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15The final property of course will be our Mystery House,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18a grand and dramatic offering which may require some home-making
0:09:18 > 0:09:21imagination from our theatrical pair.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32To get the wheels in motion on our North Yorkshire house hunt,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34we are heading to the village of Constable Burton.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Accessible amenities are just a five-minute drive away in Leyburn.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Granted its market charter in the 17th century,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45today it is a base for walkers
0:09:45 > 0:09:47looking to take a stroll across Leyburn Shawl,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51which provides views over Wensleydale.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Back in Constable Burton, it's time to view the first of our houses.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Here it is, our first little slice of Yorkshire.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's very Yorkshire, isn't it, with the stone and everything?
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Beautiful, yeah.- It is.- It's very pretty.- What do you think?
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- What are your first impressions? - Very pretty.- From the outside
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- it looks lovely, yeah. - Yeah.- I love that front door.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17But in terms of the look of the property,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- is this what you were aiming for? - Yeah.- Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22It's got your old front door with two windows either side.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Front door, window either side.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- Yeah, that's certainly a promising start.- Looks great.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29All you have to do now is fall in love with the inside.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- OK.- Yeah.- Let's have a look.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36There is an attractive symmetry to the front of this converted
0:10:36 > 0:10:41stone-built barn conversion that really seems to have resonated with them both.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Dating back to the 18th century, it was renovated in the 1980s.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50The main section of this home is the original footprint of the old barn,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53and the rooms off it were all later additions.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58This home doesn't have any existing outbuildings but, as they'll see,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00inside should compensate for that.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04This is the oldest part of the house,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08this would have been the entire house, actually, when it was a barn.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11What do you think of the style inside?
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- I love it.- Yeah.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It's lovely. Really nice.- I think it's rather beautiful.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Feels really cosy as you come in.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I like the stone walls and the fireplace is great.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21The fireplace is fantastic.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24And the beams, yeah, no, it's lovely.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25Any other thoughts on the space?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Does it kind of feel warm and...?
0:11:27 > 0:11:28It does. It feels cosy.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- It feels homely, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Really nice.- Let's have a look in the kitchen because that's important, too.- Cool.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I'm loving their positivity.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39And so pleased that the living space
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and the historic features are scoring highly.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47Their hobbies could be catered for in an additional snug off the living
0:11:47 > 0:11:50room, giving Steve a space for his projectors.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54There is another smaller room off that that would serve well as Liz's
0:11:54 > 0:11:57knitting area, plus there's also a downstairs shower room.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01With their separate interests dealt with,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04time to get their collective view on the generous kitchen.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Who's the cook?- Me.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Definitely not me!
0:12:10 > 0:12:11So this would be more your domain?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Yeah. No. It's great.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14Absolutely lovely.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Very in keeping with the style of the house.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Yeah.- In terms of the size, is it a good enough size?
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It's a great size, yeah.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Especially having the dining table in here as well.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Makes it a part of the home.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Well, the bedroom is obviously important, too.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- Let's have a look there.- OK.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34This tour just keeps getting better and better.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Upstairs would provide them with three bedrooms.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40There's a double under a sloping ceiling,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42plus another single spare bedroom.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46And the family bathroom has enough space
0:12:46 > 0:12:48for a bath and separate shower.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55The master bedroom also has a high beamed ceiling, exposed timber
0:12:55 > 0:12:59floorboards and ample storage with three built-in wardrobes.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- This is lovely. - Yeah, a really good size.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Fantastic view out of your bedroom window.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08You can see the sheep when you wake up.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- That is smashing. - You can see the high beams
0:13:12 > 0:13:15that go right up into the kind of rafters of the original barn.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Lovely.- So, it's all very positive so far.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19You haven't even wrinkled your nose.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20No.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24It's a really lovely house.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Yeah.- What would be the deal-breaker here, if there was any?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Maybe the away from the house storage
0:13:29 > 0:13:31that this house doesn't have.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Well, there are some options outside,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- so let's go and have a look. - Excellent.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Overall, they seem enthusiastic about the inside,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45so hopefully those smiles will continue outside.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49The thoughtfully landscaped garden
0:13:49 > 0:13:52also includes pretty stone patio areas
0:13:52 > 0:13:53and paved walkways.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57An attractive mix of flowers and planting
0:13:57 > 0:13:59enhances the rural surroundings
0:13:59 > 0:14:01of this handsome stone property.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05It's a lovely garden,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08it's very well presented and it would be easy to maintain.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10This is about a manageable size, I think, for us, yeah,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- it's a perfect garden.- Yeah.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Good for the dogs to have a bit of space to run about in.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17One of the options are, behind here,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19there is a sort of like shed which
0:14:19 > 0:14:21you could extend into a summer house.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Yeah.- Good. And what do you think the price of this is?
0:14:25 > 0:14:27I think this is quite close to our budget.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30I think £380,000.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37I think I'm going to go even closer and say 390.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Well, you're a bit pessimistic because this is actually on
0:14:39 > 0:14:41the market at £375,000.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Wow.- Good.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- That's good news.- So why don't you go inside and have a look and then I
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- will see you out the front?- OK.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54That's pretty much signed, sealed and delivered.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56I mean, they loved it. Good price.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I don't need to show them any more.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Under budget by £25,000,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07this traditional stone-built barn conversion has proved to be a great
0:15:07 > 0:15:08opening gambit.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Dating back to the 18th century, it has a large living room,
0:15:12 > 0:15:18plus two further reception areas and the three bedrooms they asked for.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Outside there is an attractive garden for the dogs
0:15:21 > 0:15:23and it's set close to a village.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26I think it's a really beautiful house.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30It looks great from the outside, the front is gorgeous.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33I like the two rooms downstairs the most.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35They're really cosy, they definitely have a feeling of warmth.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Maybe I was expecting maybe an outbuilding,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41which this property doesn't have,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44but I think there are probably ways round that.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48It fits the character cottage, the stone-built,
0:15:48 > 0:15:53traditional style house that we're looking for.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56You know, obviously it is property number one, not to get too excited,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58but it's a really lovely house.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05That was a very good first house tour.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06It was a great first house.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- Brilliant.- I feel like I don't need to show you any more, but I will.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11So follow me.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22The Yorkshire Dales is home to a rich variety of habitats,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25from native woodlands to swathes of pasture land
0:16:25 > 0:16:27across limestone valleys.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31That is exactly the reason why our nature loving couple have chosen to
0:16:31 > 0:16:32relocate here.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Both have a passion for wildlife and Steve is keen to build
0:16:36 > 0:16:40on his love of photography and capture his natural surroundings.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45With that in mind, they're meeting local photographer Simon Phillpotts.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Highly commended in the British wildlife photography awards on
0:16:49 > 0:16:51several occasions, he has offered to pass on his insight
0:16:51 > 0:16:56on achieving the best images of the much-loved yet elusive red squirrel.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- Hello, there.- Hi.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Hi, nice to meet you, I'm Simon.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- And you, I'm Liz.- Steve, hiya.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- What are you up to?- Well,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09I'm just putting out some food here for one of our native mammals,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13the red squirrel. As you can tell, we're in a pine forest here,
0:17:13 > 0:17:18lots of Scots Pine and spruce trees,
0:17:18 > 0:17:23which really are the squirrels' preferred natural habitat.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- Right, OK.- So, I can see you've got a camera.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Yeah.- You're looking forward to photographing some?
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Absolutely.- Well,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31we can do that and hopefully we should see some very shortly,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33so if you follow me, we'll go into the hide.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- Excellent.- Follow me.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40The UK is home to around 140,000 red squirrels.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44The introduction of their grey counterpart in the 1870s devastated
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- the population. - And, actually, just on cue...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Yeah.- Here we have one. - Here we have one.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Today in England, red squirrels are found in areas of the Isle of Wight,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Cumbria and Northumberland, as well as here in North Yorkshire.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05In this woodland, the red squirrels are fed and their preferred trees
0:18:05 > 0:18:08are planted, meaning the chances of seeing one are favourable.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13So why can't the grey and the red squirrels live together?
0:18:13 > 0:18:17The grey squirrels carry a very virulent squirrel pox virus.
0:18:17 > 0:18:2380% of the grey squirrels carry the virus, which is easily passed on to
0:18:23 > 0:18:28reds when they come into contact with each other and it can kill
0:18:28 > 0:18:30a red squirrel within two weeks.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34So, at the moment, this particular squirrel is a pregnant female,
0:18:34 > 0:18:40so hopefully, within another month's time she will go into her dray and
0:18:40 > 0:18:44give birth to up to four youngsters, known as kittens.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Fantastic. So they are on the increase and that is a good thing.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53They are, but they need the help of the local community to really expand
0:18:53 > 0:18:56further. At the moment it's quite a fragile population still.
0:18:56 > 0:19:03So, fingers crossed that they can be helped and we can get them so
0:19:03 > 0:19:06everyone in the Dales can see them one day.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Spotting a red squirrel may be a rarity,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14but their distinctive colour and long, bushy tail make them easy to
0:19:14 > 0:19:18recognise. On average, their tails can grow up to 20cm,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20almost the same length as their bodies,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24which comes in handy when climbing and keeping their balance.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25So, Simon,
0:19:25 > 0:19:29what would be your top tips on how to take a brilliant photo of a red
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- squirrel?- OK, well, first things first, it's a dark day,
0:19:33 > 0:19:38so we want to have your camera as steady as possible and you can use
0:19:38 > 0:19:39one of these beanbags.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44That will damp out any vibrations to make the shot as steady and sharp
0:19:44 > 0:19:45as possible.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Frame up the squirrel and you actually want to focus on the eye of
0:19:49 > 0:19:52the squirrel, because that is the part that communicates with whoever
0:19:52 > 0:19:54is looking at the final picture.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Nice, slow squeeze of the camera button and see how that looks.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Steve produced some impressive results,
0:20:04 > 0:20:05and clearly has a flair for capturing
0:20:05 > 0:20:07the stunning wildlife here.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Time to find them a picture-perfect country property from which they can
0:20:11 > 0:20:12enjoy the region.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21For our next offering, we are off to the village of Hudswell.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24On the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales and set by the banks of the
0:20:24 > 0:20:27River Swale, the landscape and views are exceptional.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Furthermore, there is something here that I think our couple will be
0:20:31 > 0:20:32pleased with.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35So, just going to take a moment here in Hudswell.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- This is the village where the house is.- OK.- To look at this.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Not very prepossessing from the outside,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41but it is quite interesting.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44This is one of the first, perhaps the first,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48pub in Yorkshire that was taken into community ownership.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54- Oh, OK.- And last year, in 2016, it won best pub in the whole country,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57according to the Campaign For Real Ale.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59So it's a quality boozer.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- Absolutely.- Let's go and look at the house.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Having taken in a major focal point for the community,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07we're strolling to our next property,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09which is under a five-minute walk away.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Set back from the lane,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17it's a home with wonderful kerb appeal and good historic bones.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19This is house number two.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20- Wow.- Yeah.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23This is in an extension that you see on the side,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25the full top-to-bottom extension.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28From the outside, it looks fantastic.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29It does look lovely.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yeah.- Perfect.- Chocolate box.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32Let's look inside.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37The location and the look of the property seem to have garnered
0:21:37 > 0:21:40good reactions. Dating back to be 19th century,
0:21:40 > 0:21:44this stone property effectively blends old and new.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Which is immediately evident in the central hallway.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Towards the back of the property is the more recent addition,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56added in 2009, where we find the kitchen.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Come on through. Rather unusually,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02I'm going to show you the new part first.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- OK.- So this is the extension that they put on, maybe ten years ago...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Right.- ..to give you this big, bright kitchen-dining room.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11This is rather lovely, isn't it?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13That is gorgeous. Yeah, really lovely.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16The island in the middle, that looks great.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17Yeah, a great island.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- That's really nice.- And is this a bit more up to your speed
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- in terms of units?- Yeah.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Yeah.- That was unanimous. - Yes, that was unanimous, wasn't it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Certainly looks promising.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Yeah.- You don't sound so convinced.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Um... No,
0:22:34 > 0:22:39I guess first impressions is not as a classic internal Yorkshire house,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41I guess, as I was expecting.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44But I don't dislike it at all.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Let's have a look at the rest of the ground floor.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Hopefully, the more Steve sees, the more he will feel at home here.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So now we are going back in time, as it were,
0:22:56 > 0:22:57into the older part of the house.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58You can see the cornicing -
0:22:58 > 0:23:00this would have been in the original building.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Again, this is an extension towards the back.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It's nice having windows at both ends of the room.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Another wood burner - that's good.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Yeah.- It is a big room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14And then on the other side of the hallway,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18there is quite a nice-sized study,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20but we though that could be your film room.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23OK. Mm-hm. Certainly, yeah.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Upstairs gives them four bedrooms, all of a good size.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32There's a double, a single and one is set up as an office.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Good accommodation for their visiting sons.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39There's also a bright family bathroom with a stylish shower.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44The master bedroom is generous and benefits from dual aspect windows.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50A lot more size here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54This is your bedroom with its own en suite.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Lovely.- Yeah, I like this room.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59I'm trying to win you round with the room upstairs.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- I know.- It's really nice.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05So it's a really picturesque spot, and from upstairs
0:24:05 > 0:24:07you really do get the views.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Yeah, it's lovely. A really nice room.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14There really is so much potential in this home, and plenty of space.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16In the top-floor attic there is a fifth bedroom -
0:24:16 > 0:24:20a potential perfect fit for Liz's sewing room.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Outside also provides useful storage for Steve, with a detached garage.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Another great selling point of this house is the view,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32overlooking scenic Swaledale.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38This classic Yorkshire vista is the ideal place to take a view of what
0:24:38 > 0:24:41the asking price is for this substantial package.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Here you go.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46It's a blank canvas, this garden.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Obviously you can see it's fairly new.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50So the land really goes down to that second fence.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Uh-huh.- Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- And also there is a covenant on the land behind that they are never going to build on it.- OK.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58That's nice to know.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Not going to interrupt that lovely view.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Yeah, you don't get that view very often.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05You can see the little outbuilding here.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's not huge, but it's of historic interest.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- Yeah.- Could be a useful store for...
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- For films and things.- Films and things, yeah.- Indeed, yeah.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17The only piece of the puzzle we don't have is the price.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Yeah.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I think this is a really difficult one.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Do you want to go first? - Yeah, I'll go first.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I think it's...
0:25:26 > 0:25:29..maybe a little bit over our budget,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31so maybe round about 410,000.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I'm going to go less. I think...
0:25:35 > 0:25:37..£370,000.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Well, you should probably listen to your wife,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42because it's more in her ballpark.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45This is on at £400,000 and offers above.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- OK.- Oh, OK.- So it would be more in your ballpark.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Yeah. OK.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51- Yeah.- That's interesting. - That is interesting.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54So, have a look inside again and explore all of those rooms.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- OK.- See where you would put things and I will see you at the front.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- OK. Thanks.- Cool.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Bang on budget, this sympathetically extended 19th-century property
0:26:07 > 0:26:09delivers a large, modern kitchen,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13whereas the living spaces hold on to their history and character.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Upstairs, there are five bedrooms
0:26:17 > 0:26:19and outside provides a detached garage
0:26:19 > 0:26:22and uninterrupted views across countryside.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It's a lovely, lovely property.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27The kitchen is amazing.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28I love the kitchen.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31First impressions from outside is it is a beautiful house,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34typical chocolate box house.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38Very nice. I felt the spaces were a little bit smaller than I was
0:26:38 > 0:26:41expecting. I'd quite like a room
0:26:41 > 0:26:45that was a bit more substantial in size.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48A little bit disappointed that the living room is a little bit smaller
0:26:48 > 0:26:50than we would have liked.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Although it does have fantastic views, so there's pros and cons.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Hey, guys. Are we all done?
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Yeah.- Yeah. Finished in that one, I think.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04So... We are all locked up. So that's all the houses for today.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Time for you to put your feet up and have a reflect.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Excellent.- Excellent.- Come with me.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16I'm in North Yorkshire,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20helping Liz and Steve from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire
0:27:20 > 0:27:22find their dream character home in the Dales.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26They would like space for visiting sons,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Liz's sewing and Steve's film projectors,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31all for a budget of £400,000.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Coming up, our Mystery House will have our couple thinking they are
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Yorkshire gentry.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39We'll have to get some paintings as well,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41to hang below all the lights.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Probably need to get the two of you painted.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Family portraits.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50And later, I will be putting my life on the line.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51Ta-da!
0:27:53 > 0:27:54That makes me feel much safer.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02It's the second day of our house hunt here in North Yorkshire
0:28:02 > 0:28:06and the sun is totally shining on our Mystery House today,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10which is a good thing because it is slightly, as always, controversial.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Liz and Steve really seem to like the first house and their tastes are
0:28:14 > 0:28:18quite quiet, conservative with a small c,
0:28:18 > 0:28:22nothing too extravagant, which is problematic because the Mystery
0:28:22 > 0:28:26House is an extravaganza, which they are either going to love
0:28:26 > 0:28:27or totally hate.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Is there anything you would dread I was showing you?
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Something on an estate.
0:28:40 > 0:28:46Something really on its own in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Stuck on the moors.- Yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Yeah, yeah, that would probably be not great.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Our final destination for the Mystery House is Brough Park,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02just outside the market town of Richmond.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Here, Liz and Steve would find a variety of appealing shops in a
0:29:08 > 0:29:10stunning architectural setting.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The town's castle dates back to Norman times
0:29:13 > 0:29:15and its 12th-century keep is
0:29:15 > 0:29:18a strong reminder of this imposing fortification.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Historic town equals grand properties,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25and our Mystery House five miles south-east of Richmond certainly
0:29:25 > 0:29:29delivers that. It will challenge them to think grand thoughts
0:29:29 > 0:29:32and should appeal to their theatrical backgrounds.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37The sheer scale might be daunting,
0:29:37 > 0:29:40but playing the roles of lord and lady of the manor
0:29:40 > 0:29:43might prove tempting for our couple.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Look what I'm showing you, it's a grade one-listed mansion.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- Oh, wow!- That's a bit of a surprise.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54What are your thoughts about living here?
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It's a beautiful building in amazing grounds.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Yeah.- I'm fascinated to see what you are actually going
0:30:01 > 0:30:02to show us inside.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- It's not all of it.- Oh!- OK.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Sadly. This is Brough Hall.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10And the portion that you will own is this wing on the right,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- just downstairs.- OK.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- Oh, OK.- And you get access to the whole nine-acre estate.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17- That's nice.- Yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18- Yeah. Lovely.- Fantastic.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19Let's go and have a look.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25This country mansion dates back to the 15th century, when it was home
0:30:25 > 0:30:28to the prominent de Burgh family.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31The present interior largely reflects the 18th-century
0:30:31 > 0:30:33neoclassical Robert Adam style.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38All laid out on one level, the home is currently unfurnished,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42providing a Georgian empty stage full of possibilities.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45The main reception area is truly magnificent,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47the perfect place to start our tour.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Ta-da!
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Wow.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54Very grand.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55It's grand, isn't it?
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Amazing.- Yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Beautiful space.- So, obviously, it's not furnished at the moment,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04but, wow, look at the kind of theatricality of it.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05Incredible, isn't it?
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- It's...- This is the main space... - Yeah.- ..as you can imagine.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15And it is really all built around this incredible Adam-style ceiling
0:31:15 > 0:31:18piece, the central panelling, which is listed.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21And also the wonderful kind of cornicing and flagging
0:31:21 > 0:31:23around the doors and the great big...
0:31:23 > 0:31:26It's a gas fire, but just a great big kind of fireplace.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Wow.- Gorgeous.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Have to get some paintings as well for...
0:31:31 > 0:31:32To hang below all the lights.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Probably need to get the two of you painted.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Family portraits.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Yeah.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Let's look in the kitchen.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Having set the scene and fired up their creative energy,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47we're going to what I suppose you would call backstage,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49to think practically.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53So, obviously, the Georgians weren't very big on cooking for themselves,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55so this would not have been a kitchen.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58The question is, is it adequate or big enough, or...?
0:32:00 > 0:32:02I think it's certainly big enough.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Yeah.- Compared to THAT room, it feels quite small.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06It does.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10Most kitchens, you wouldn't have such a great wonderful window.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12No. Fantastic.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It's not a bad view to cook Sunday lunch over, is it, really?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Let's look in the bedrooms. They're all on the ground floor.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19OK.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24I think our slice of mystery mansion has overwhelmed them a bit.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Moving onto the next act,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29the sleeping quarters are equally as impressive.
0:32:29 > 0:32:35Three good-sized double bedrooms all retain the same sense of grandeur.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37And there is a modern fitted family bathroom.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43The largest bedroom is the master, with its own en suite.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46All three are blank canvases and give our couple
0:32:46 > 0:32:49the chance to make their own decorative mark.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54At the far end of the master is a staircase leading past storage space
0:32:54 > 0:32:59and to a superb mezzanine level overlooking the vast living room.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Perfect hobby space for them, perhaps.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05For now, though, we will pause for breath in the master.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09It keeps on being grand in the bedroom.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Sure does.- It does.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Loads of space.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19Really lovely. Just picturing our things in here and where we would
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- put everything and...- Yeah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- Yeah.- If you don't have kind of Regency furniture,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28it is quite a shift, isn't it?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Let's go outside, though, and look at the outside.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31OK.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Brough Hall is grade one-listed,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37but a few alterations could still be made,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39subject to planning permission.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43The nine acres come with a maintenance charge
0:33:43 > 0:33:44of around £2,000 a year -
0:33:44 > 0:33:47worth bearing in mind when they guess the price.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Out here there is also a dedicated double garage as well as a small
0:33:52 > 0:33:56private garden that Liz and Steve would have to themselves.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06So this is your portion, it's quite a small portion.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09It's basically just this little strip...
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- OK.- ..of grass here.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14But your big garden is nine acres.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17So you can think of it this way,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20that the bit that you have to look after, Steve, is quite small.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21- Sure.- I have to cut this bit.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- Exactly.- OK.- So it's a slightly unusual set-up,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26unusual property, unusual garden,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29everything about it is unusual.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32What do you think the price is? Do you think that's unusual?
0:34:32 > 0:34:37I am going to go for £390,000.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40And I think it's going to be a little bit more than that.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44I think it's going to be £415,000.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45Actually, you're both a bit over.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48It's actually on the market for £385,000.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- Oh, OK.- OK.- But it is...
0:34:50 > 0:34:52It's a striking proposition.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Very striking. Yeah.- So I'm going to let you go back in and wander
0:34:55 > 0:34:58the grounds, dance in the ballroom,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01and I will come and pick your brains once you're done.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02- OK, lovely.- Thanks.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Under budget by £15,000,
0:35:10 > 0:35:15our mystery slice of country mansion living makes a real statement.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It features an enormous Adam-style reception room,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21a great mezzanine and three bedrooms.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Outside, their own private garden is small and manageable with access to
0:35:26 > 0:35:28the wider nine-acre estate.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32When I first saw the house, my initial reaction was
0:35:32 > 0:35:35"Oh, my goodness, that's amazing."
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Set in the most fantastic grounds.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38The whole thing is just stunning.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41I thought the house was amazing.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44What a beautiful area to live in.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45I think I could live in here,
0:35:45 > 0:35:50but I have got reservations about the practicalities of living here,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54with the dogs and our storage needs and things like that.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59So, if you had asked me before we saw the property if I could imagine
0:35:59 > 0:36:02us living here, I probably would have said...not really.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05But now we've been here and had a look round, then, yeah,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08I am starting to think, yeah, we could live here.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10It would be quite something.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Hey, guys. I was just enjoying the last of the bluebells.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- They're beautiful.- Beautiful.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19So that is our time in this Georgian pile all done.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- But let's find somewhere to have a cup of tea and we can talk about all the houses.- OK.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features
0:36:35 > 0:36:38over 200 square miles of rugged moorland scenery
0:36:38 > 0:36:40and incredible views.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46One natural spectacle here is How Stean Gorge.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47It's a remarkable site,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50and not being one to settle for admiring from afar,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53I'm meeting with Stan Beer, who's going to show me
0:36:53 > 0:36:56how I can get up close to this incredible feat of nature.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- Hiya, Stan.- Hiya.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Nice to meet you. This is a good place to work.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- Thank you. Yes.- So, how long have you been working at How Stean Gorge?
0:37:05 > 0:37:09We actually bought the place about ten years ago, but prior to that
0:37:09 > 0:37:11I used to come up on my days off because I used to be a paramedic and
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- had a few days.- So you have got all sorts of things that you do here.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16I know you do lots of activities.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- But we're going to be looking at the... What is it called? - The via ferrata.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- Via ferrata.- That's Italian.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Via is the way and ferrata is iron.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Am I going to come out of this with skills?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Yes, you will do. Yes.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- Life skills.- Wonderful.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Can we have a go? - You can have a go, yes.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32- Lead the way.- I'll lead the way.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Stan has nine years of experience
0:37:36 > 0:37:39and an activity this daring should not be attempted
0:37:39 > 0:37:42without an expert like him as a guide.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47After a rigorous safety briefing, and with the right kit on,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50it's time to traverse the gorge.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- OK.- So I basically just hang on to the wire now?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Just hang on to the wire, that's right.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02The via ferrata are thought to have first been used
0:38:02 > 0:38:06during the First World War as a means for soldiers to reach
0:38:06 > 0:38:09inaccessible areas of the Austrian mountains.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13I can feel my confidence growing.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Ta-da!
0:38:16 > 0:38:18That makes me feel much safer.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23A series of metal rungs have been worked into the stone
0:38:23 > 0:38:26and a continuous cable runs the length of the route
0:38:26 > 0:38:30for the daring adventurer to clip themselves onto for safety.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Yeah, because how do you get these metal things into the rock that are
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- safe?- Well, they're all resined in.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44And then they are all tested with a puller and we have to test them
0:38:44 > 0:38:47annually, they are inspected regularly.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52This is just one of three via ferrata courses in the UK.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53Although the shortest,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57it's unique in that it is the only one located in a gorge.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59It also has the reputation for being the trickiest,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01and I think I know why.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Oh, lordy. That's hard.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Don't forget to look around and enjoy the scenery.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14This is a long one.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17I'm actually feeling a bit scared.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19It is quite a long way down.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20And it's really wobbly.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I know I'm attached, but my body is, like, going,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26"This is a bad idea. You should get right off this thing."
0:39:26 > 0:39:29And look at Stan grinning like a loon behind me.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Happy as a sandboy.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33This is what makes my job so exciting.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38To complete our route, I need to cross the main crevasse.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Known as a Tyrolean traverse...
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Holy Moley!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45..this method was developed in the Italian Dolomites in order to
0:39:45 > 0:39:49navigate large, precipitous drops.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51The important thing is, do I look stylish, Stan?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I don't think I do.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Something tells me I'm not looking my best.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57You now get to the uphill bit.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02And there I am.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Are you there? Well done.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05Thank you.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12You make it look so easy, Stan.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20I have to say, it was a bit more frightening than I was expecting.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Good. Well, not frightening...
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- It was...- You sort of eased me in, like, you know, it would be no problem.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26And then there was quite a few quite hairy moments.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- Built up slowly, didn't it? - Thanks, Stan.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30- A good day out.- Very good.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32I've enjoyed myself. Thank you.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36After that high adrenaline activity,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I think it's best to stop and take stock as we return to our lovely
0:40:39 > 0:40:43couple, who are also in search of North Yorkshire's natural drama.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54Liz and Steve are such good-natured,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58sweet-tempered house-hunters that it is quite difficult to pierce through
0:40:58 > 0:41:00their very polite responses and find out
0:41:00 > 0:41:03which of the houses they actually like.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06I have a hunch it might be number one, but let's go find out.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Hi, guys.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13- Hi.- Hiya.- Nice cup of tea.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Lovely. Three houses under our belts.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Any of them contenders?
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Me, personally, I think number one was probably the favourite.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Yes, that doesn't surprise me.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26- What about you?- Yeah, same.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29I think I loved property number one, same as Steve,
0:41:29 > 0:41:34property number three, the Mystery House, was amazing,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36but I think the head takes over from the heart.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38I don't think it was really us.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42We prefer somewhere a bit more homely, a bit more cottage-y,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44a bit more traditional.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- Yeah.- Now, the first house really did sort of offer you that,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49it was a very homely, solid property.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51What are you going to do next, what is the next step?
0:41:51 > 0:41:56Well, I think we might return to Yorkshire in a couple of weeks and
0:41:56 > 0:41:59maybe arrange to have another look, I think.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00Yeah.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Anything else that has come into focus?
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I think it has confirmed that we are doing the right thing and we love
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- the area.- Yeah, definitely.- And certainly see ourselves spending the
0:42:10 > 0:42:12rest of our lives here, I guess.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Well, I hope it all works out in Yorkshire.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Sounds like you could do with a couple of years relaxation,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and it's a beautiful spot, so thanks for bringing us here.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Thank you very much.- Been a pleasure showing you around.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- It's been brilliant.- Yeah.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30For a couple who met in the theatre,
0:42:30 > 0:42:35I was hoping that the spectacular interiors of the Mystery House might
0:42:35 > 0:42:38just bowl Liz and Steve over.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41But they have grown older and wiser and are looking for something a bit
0:42:41 > 0:42:45cosier, and I can quite understand how house number one would win them
0:42:45 > 0:42:48over. But I do hope they come back and I hope they buy our house,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50but even if they don't, look at all this.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Who wouldn't want to move here?
0:42:52 > 0:42:55And I'm hoping it's also going to inspire you to join us next time
0:42:55 > 0:42:57for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02And if you would like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:43:02 > 0:43:07Scotland, Wales or England and need our help, please apply online at...