0:00:02 > 0:00:04If you were to stroll with me beyond these gates into the garden,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07then you might not come out alive. Find out why and where I am
0:00:07 > 0:00:10in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31As their work life winds down,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35today's house-hunters are stepping up their search for a new life
0:00:35 > 0:00:37and a new venture.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40As our property search begins, there's excitement in the air.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Wow! Can I say "wow" lots of times?
0:00:42 > 0:00:45You've said it three times. That's great!
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Here comes a fourth - wow!
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And it's very much about what's OUTSIDE our houses.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53This is a room with an astounding view.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's invigorating.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Today, we're in Northumberland, and this is the Poison Garden,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04part of the superb gardens next to Alnwick Castle.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08It's based on a medieval herbalist's plan, but with a twist,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11because all the species here are potentially lethal.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Some of them are so deadly they require a licence,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18and are cultivated inside cages to protect the visitors.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21But don't worry, there are plenty of other vistas and landscapes in this
0:01:21 > 0:01:25great county without such a sting in their tail.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30As England's northernmost county, Northumberland borders Scotland,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and to the east, looks out over the North Sea.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Its beautiful and rugged coastline extends for some 64 miles,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and its natural splendour has earned its status as
0:01:40 > 0:01:43an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The most sparsely populated county in England,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49there are just over 160 people per square mile,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52with around a quarter of the landmass given over to
0:01:52 > 0:01:54the Northumberland National Park.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57The population gathers in its towns and villages,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59such as Alnwick and Allendale,
0:01:59 > 0:02:04whose main streets are lined with a harmonious mix of stone buildings.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09With its proximity to neighbouring Scotland,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13history books tell of border wars in the 14th to 16th centuries,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18with castles and ruins stark reminders of those times of conflict.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22In fact, the county boasts over 70 castle sites,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25more than any other in the country.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28With its mix of dramatic landscapes and history,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Northumberland is well worth the journey for those truly wanting
0:02:32 > 0:02:33an escape.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39If you are looking for beautiful, wide-open landscape like this
0:02:39 > 0:02:41without a hefty price tag,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44then Northumberland might be the place to explore.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46The average price for a detached house
0:02:46 > 0:02:51in England's northernmost county is £244,000.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55That's £80,000 less than the rest of the country.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00Now, down south, and by the coast, your pennies might feel the pinch,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04but there is no shortage of open space for a rural retreat,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and that's definitely one of the factors that attracted
0:03:07 > 0:03:09our house-buyers today, so let's meet them.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Executive assistant Feargha and husband Graham,
0:03:13 > 0:03:14a furniture restorer,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18have lived in their four-bedroom mid-terrace property in Croydon,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20south London, for 13 years.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Their paths first crossed in cyberspace.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27We met online through an online dating agency.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29He sent me an e-mail, and I answered,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and we got talking on the phone,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and the relationship grew from there.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38And then we got married in Rome in September 2003.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43And after saying ciao to Italy, they've never looked back.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45She's got a bubbly personality, a heart of gold.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Graham's my best friend.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51He's great company to be with, very kind, very warm personality.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54The couple both work full time,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58but with Graham's retirement around the corner and Feargha lessening her
0:03:58 > 0:04:03working week, they've decided they want to up sticks and relocate.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Northumberland is the area we're looking at.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08There are some wonderful places around there,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11so we're hoping we manage to get the perfect property.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Graham's formative years were spent in Nottinghamshire,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and he is looking forward to heading north.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19The north, to me, is my homeland.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Your home.- It's where I grew up, and I have a lot of friends there.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25They'll also be closer to Graham's son and grandchildren
0:04:25 > 0:04:27in North Yorkshire.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30As far as we want to be in relation to them,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33we want to be about an hour and a quarter, an hour and a half away.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35So we're close, but not on their doorstep,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38so that we can come together and share family times
0:04:38 > 0:04:41and good times together, and that they know us.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44We love them to bits, and, you know, we're very close.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47After the restrictions of urban living,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Feargha and Graham look forward to enjoying their hobbies
0:04:49 > 0:04:51with a bit more space.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I love being out in the garden,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and what I'd like is something bigger with more...
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- That you can get your teeth into. - Exactly, yes.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01And we've always had an interest in stargazing,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03and one thing about Northumberland is they have
0:05:03 > 0:05:06what they call dark sky night, a protected area,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and it's got the least light pollution.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12So you've got the best skies, and it's renowned now for stargazing.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15But it won't all be down time.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Feargha will be commuting to her job in London,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and Graham will still do some work from home,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24where they've also got plans to set up a new business.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28One of our key things was to have an annexe and to set up a holiday let,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and that's why location, I think, was very key for us
0:05:31 > 0:05:33in that it's in the right area,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37so that we have natural beauty around us that people
0:05:37 > 0:05:39will actually want to come and see.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42So, with their property about to go on the market,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46the couple are ready to start their house-hunt in earnest.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50I am really ready now to go to the country to kind of take a breath,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54exhale and enjoy the pursuits of the country.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I think there comes a time in life
0:05:56 > 0:05:58where you've done all the hard work,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00life can literally be not one long holiday,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04but much more enjoyable and doing natural things...
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Which we hope to do.- ..as soon as you step out the door
0:06:07 > 0:06:09in an area which...
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- We love.- ..we love.- Mm-hm.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Feargha and Graham's friends are towards the north of Northumberland,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and Feargha will be travelling to London to work and to stay there
0:06:19 > 0:06:22three days a week. But they're open to considering
0:06:22 > 0:06:26anywhere in the county, so we're taking all that into account.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Welcome to Northumberland!
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- Thank you.- Thank you very much, thank you.- It's a little cold.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- And wet.- Cold and wet.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36But, you know, that is probably a feature of Northumberland.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- We have to get used to it. - It's a gorgeous county.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41It's just stunning, even in the wet and the rain and the wind,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and I think if you can like it then, when the sun shines,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- it's even better.- So it's a good time of life to be moving,
0:06:48 > 0:06:49particularly for you, Graham,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52because you've got more free time as you work less.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Yes, Alistair, yes, I am looking to slow down as I near retirement.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58And you are going to be commuting back and forth to London!
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- I am, three days a week.- What sort of a commute are you looking for?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03What time is acceptable?
0:07:03 > 0:07:05To get to the station, I don't mind,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09because I think the house we'll have is our forever home,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and so I can live with the travelling.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13So within an hour.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And in terms of the house, you said it's going to be your forever home.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17What are you looking for?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Internally, minimum three bedrooms we'd like.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Big rooms, or big-ish rooms.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Kitchen - big kitchen, I would love a big kitchen.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29It can be a kitchen-diner, or it can be two separate rooms,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and a nice big reception room.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35I'd love an inglenook, but I know that's probably asking too much.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38So a fireplace of any kind that we can make it our own would be fine.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41A utility room! Would love to have a utility room.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- What about outside?- You're looking for a little business venture?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I think on the outside, yes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51We are looking to perhaps develop a holiday let, annexe situation,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54with the house, whether it's something that's existing already
0:07:54 > 0:07:59in the house, or something that we can convert from outbuildings.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02To get all of that might be a little bit of a squeeze.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Anything where you would be able to compromise?
0:08:05 > 0:08:06Of course. We'll look at anything.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08The thing we don't want to compromise on
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- is the land and annexe. - How much land do you want?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Well, you said half an acre, plus. - I think half an acre, plus, really.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I think half an acre would give me the chance to develop a nice garden.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20In terms of the location, what are you looking for?
0:08:20 > 0:08:24In the middle of nowhere with amazing views, or do you want to be in a town?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28On the edge of a village. Or outside, two or three miles outside,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- we don't mind.- No.- Views is definitely something I've really hankered at having.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36I'd love to be able to walk out my back door and there is just this rolling countryside.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- So you want it all.- I do, absolutely. Why not?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Views, annexe, land...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Exactly. We might as well start up and then we can work our way down.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45What's your budget for all this?
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Well, we'd like 440, but if that's not possible, 475.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51So we've got a bit of everything lined up for you.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Great.- And I can't wait to show you. - Likewise.- Come with me. This way. - Thank you.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01For the top budget of £475,000,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Feargha and Graham would love a character stone property,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08a big kitchen and a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Outside, they'd like a garden that Graham can get to work in,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13and a workshop space,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16plus an annexe or the potential to create a space
0:09:16 > 0:09:18to use as a holiday let.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23They're hoping for wonderful views and an edge-of-village location.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28I'll be showing Feargha and Graham a fabulous selection of properties,
0:09:28 > 0:09:33and once we've completed a tour of each, I'll reveal the asking price.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Our final visit will take them to a very special Mystery House,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39which you could say is the ultimate escape.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43I want to know about this business.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45We did talk about a B&B initially,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47but because Feargha's travelling down to London
0:09:47 > 0:09:51for the next 18 months, we thought an annexe would be better.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Because your cooking's terrible! - Then people can come in and it would be self-contained.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Yeah, it is!- You can't do breakfast? - The content's there,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59but it's the presentation, Alistair!
0:10:04 > 0:10:06To kick-start our Northumberland journey,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09we're heading to the village of Haydon Bridge,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11towards the south of the county.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Surrounded by lush green countryside,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16today's village is divided by the River South Tyne,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19and linked by its elegant bridge.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21But the original village lay a mile to the north.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24There's a good sense of community here,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28and a variety of independent shops and eateries.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31The train station allows for an easy journey to London,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and it's just a ten minute walk from our first property.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39Perched on the edge of the village, it overlooks the Tyne Valley.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- Very nice. - Righty-ho, house number one.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- Yeah.- Built from scratch by the present owners and, as you see,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49it really makes a lot of the fantastic views.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Yes.- It doesn't have an annexe.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Right.- Mm-hm.- You'd have to think about doing something here,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57with this big garage.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Yes.- Oh, right. The house is lovely, and the views are stunning.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- So we don't need to go in? Sold? - No. No, not yet. Nearly.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- We'll see.- Well, you WILL see... - We WILL see.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07..when we go through the door.
0:11:07 > 0:11:14This handsome stone house, with its smart slate roof, was built in 2001,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17but its facade has the character of a home much older.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19We're entering into a large hallway
0:11:19 > 0:11:22and going straight to the sitting room at the back of the house.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26It really sets the tone for how this property makes the most of its
0:11:26 > 0:11:29surroundings. I wanted to bring you in here first...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Wow!- ..because this is what this house is all about.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Yes. Wonderful views. - Fantastic.- Isn't it great?
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Amazing views!
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Open space. I like the window, you know, the picture window.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45I love the whole stone look, that really is what we love, isn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48There's another, more formal reception room at the front of the property,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52and next stop for us is the kitchen just behind us.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Its internal window means the sitting room's view can be enjoyed from here.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00A bit smaller than I had hoped for, but still very usable, yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02My thoughts about the kitchen is that it's...
0:12:02 > 0:12:05You could perhaps open it up to make more of that space.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Yes, so you have the whole open kitchen-diner living area,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12which would be very nice, because you would have those amazing views.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Yes.- On the other side here,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17you've got a utility room pretty much the same size as the kitchen,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20but you might want to use that utility room
0:12:20 > 0:12:22as the kitchen facilities for the...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Ah, yes, of course.- ..annexe. - Of course, the garage.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29A huge garage which you could convert into living space.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Adjoining the utility room,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33the double garage is currently used for storage.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37And there's also a study on this floor.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Then, moving upstairs, there's a family bathroom,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42servicing three of four bedrooms.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44They're all at the back of the house,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47each benefiting from views across the valley.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50A dressing room leads to the largest of the four bedrooms.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Very nice. Nice big room.- Nice high ceiling.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55And because you've got the dressing room,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57you've plenty of storage without
0:12:57 > 0:13:00encroaching on the bedroom with wardrobes and that.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- And there's a nice big en suite through there.- Lovely.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- But again, it's all about the views. - It is. The views are amazing.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08I like my bedroom to be my sanctuary.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11This is half as big again as what we have now.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It is, yeah. It is, it's lovely.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17With warm reactions to the inside of the house,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19it's now time to take in the sunshine,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22where the breathtaking views are best appreciated
0:13:22 > 0:13:24from the rear garden.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29It's surrounded by flower beds, low hedges and patio areas.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32There's a large shingle driveway to the front, which offers further
0:13:32 > 0:13:37possibilities, and the whole plot is about a third of an acre.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- It's pretty nice, huh?- Oh, goodness, wow, you know?
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Another view. Nice open space.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43It's fantastic.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46It's quite a chunk of house from the back, isn't it?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Yes.- It's huge. You don't realise when you're standing at the front
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- how much it goes back. - Now, the garden, Graham.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Is this enough, or is this too small?- I think, initially,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I would be thinking about looking at something slightly bigger,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01and perhaps slightly more level.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03It would be a challenge, but it's not something
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- I'd be worried about taking on. - Because, also,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09there's no workshop for your furniture business, either.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12No. Workshops can be built or bought.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14What do you think the price is?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- How much would you have to pay to own it?- 495,000.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Over your budget?- Yes, yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23I, on the other hand, am optimistic, so I'm going to go under our budget
0:14:23 > 0:14:25and say 430. 430,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27430,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Well, the actual asking price is £450,000.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Oh, OK.- Why don't you go round, have a look, and when you're done,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- I'll meet you out the front?- OK, great.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Under the top budget by £25,000,
0:14:42 > 0:14:47this four-bedroom stone property is all about one thing - the views.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50There are options for a great kitchen-diner,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54and the larger sitting room has a spectacular picture window.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Along with a pretty garden, there's money left over,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00and space for Graham to build his workshop.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05All this with amenities nearby, including a station for Feargha.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09This is a big space, isn't it?
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Yeah.- This would be ideal as the annexe.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14You could use the utility room,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16then put a wonderful window in there
0:15:16 > 0:15:18which makes the most of the views.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Yeah.- Beautiful house, lovely stone character property
0:15:22 > 0:15:26with a wonderful living room and an amazing big window.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Yeah, I could see myself living here.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- It's a lovely house.- I think the lounge is the room for me,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33with the working fireplace, somewhere to relax.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37We've not had a fireplace in our house for many years,
0:15:37 > 0:15:38and so that is my favourite room.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It's nice and large, and good to relax in.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Yeah, I think we both can see the potential.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47I think the downside probably for Graham will be the land.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50And a little bit for me, but I think we could make it work.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Oh, it's lovely in Northumberland!
0:15:52 > 0:15:55I'm so glad they chose to buy a house here.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Are you all done?- Absolutely.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Wonderful.- Mm, well, that's house number one done and dusted.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Uh-huh.- Let's head off for house number two.- Great.- Great.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12This stunning Northumberland landscape is
0:16:12 > 0:16:15what's drawing Feargha and Graham to the county,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and they hope it will be a draw for holiday-let guests, too.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21They're also planning on growing their own produce,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23which their visitors can enjoy.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29One local who makes the most of not only home-grown but wild produce
0:16:29 > 0:16:31is Linus Morton.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35He's been foraging since he was a child, and for the past five years,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38he's been running courses in foraging and wild food
0:16:38 > 0:16:41in the heart of the Northumberland countryside.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Feargha and Graham are meeting him
0:16:43 > 0:16:46on a friend's glamping site in the Tarset Valley.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50So, Linus, why is Northumberland so good for foraging
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- and picking wild foods?- We've got so many different habitats,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55we've got wonderful woodlands and pastures.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58I see you've got a combination of plants in your basket,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00but the thing that would concern me, I think,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03would be, how do you know what's not poisonous, what is,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- what's good for you?- The best way, if you are unsure,
0:17:06 > 0:17:07is to come out with an expert,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11somebody who can show you how to identify all the wild plants,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13and also show you how to find them.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15So what goodies have you got in the basket, Linus?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I've got a few wild plants that are quite common around here.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22This is a common sorrel, which is quite an interesting flavour.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- If you'd like to try.- Can I try it? - Yeah.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27So it's got a very sharp, lemon-y flavour to it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32And we have this quite pretty plant, which is lady's smock.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Lady's smock. Just take the top off?
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Yes, just take the top part and have a try of that.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39And it's got quite a surprising little punch.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41That's really nice.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Mm.- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- Peppery. Ooh!- That's a strong taste, very strong, very pungent.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50With foraging off the menu today because of the wet weather,
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Linus's wife Louise has prepared a wild lunch in their food wagon,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57a bespoke mobile kitchen.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59It's being served in a yurt,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02and it's a chance to stay dry and find out a little about their
0:18:02 > 0:18:05self-sufficient lifestyle and business.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08This all looks fabulous. What are we going to be eating now?
0:18:08 > 0:18:12We've got nettle seed bread, topped with lacto-fermented garlic leaf,
0:18:12 > 0:18:13elderberry balsamic vinegar,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16wild mushroom pate from the mushrooms from the woods
0:18:16 > 0:18:18that you've just been through.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21How did you get involved in this lifestyle in the country?
0:18:21 > 0:18:23There's so much here, just in Northumberland.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Yeah.- We'd been living in Newcastle for years,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30and eventually we just went, "Why don't we moved to the country?"
0:18:30 > 0:18:31So that's your chosen lifestyle,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and now you're looking to educate other people through your business.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Yeah, and inspire them to do this themselves,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40to come out and see what's in the landscape,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42because foraging is a great way of engaging more deeply
0:18:42 > 0:18:46with the landscape. It's kind of a walk with a purpose,
0:18:46 > 0:18:48you're going outside, you're enjoying the countryside
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and the beautiful place, but at the same time,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55you're learning more deeply about the species that are present there,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59and also, you're bringing back some delicious, healthy food.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01What kind of clientele do you get?
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Mainly people from, I would say,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05urban dwellers and people from the city...
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- Us!- ..who are coming out to experience a day in the country.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12One of the things that, when we move to the country, we're going to
0:19:12 > 0:19:15hopefully have is a holiday let.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Do you think that there has been
0:19:16 > 0:19:19a surge in tourism in Northumberland?
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Northumberland for a long time was just a day destination.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25People used to come out, do a bit of walking, activities,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27and then go home at the end of it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Now, with the expansion of many developments such as this
0:19:30 > 0:19:32providing accommodation for people,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Northumberland is now becoming much more of a destination
0:19:35 > 0:19:39for people to come and stay for weekends and weeks and take breaks.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40It's such a beautiful place.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42It feels like you have the place to yourself.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- Yeah.- And you can go out and walk all day,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47and all you can experience is the landscape.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48Quite a special experience.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Looking forward to it.- We are lucky,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52because, not only does the countryside provide us
0:19:52 > 0:19:55with a wonderful lifestyle, but wonderful food, too.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Yeah, looks delicious. Can we get stuck in?
0:19:58 > 0:20:01ALISTAIR: Our couple seem inspired by the quality of life
0:20:01 > 0:20:02their move here would mean.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Having sampled Northumberland's wild harvest,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08it's time to resume our house-hunt.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16For our next property stop, we're heading to the hamlet of Redpath
0:20:16 > 0:20:18in the south-west of the county.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Two miles away is the small town of Haltwhistle,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25whose charming streets offer a good selection of essentials.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28It's one of two areas laying claim to being located
0:20:28 > 0:20:30in the geographical centre of Great Britain,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and there are reminders at every turn.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Just under a ten-minute drive takes us to our second offering.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Less than two miles from the local station,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and just over a mile from Hadrian's Wall,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46is this double-fronted stone cottage.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- Oh!- Wow!
0:20:48 > 0:20:50House number two.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Wow! Wow! Can I say "wow" lots of times?
0:20:52 > 0:20:55You've said it three times. That's great!
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Right, here comes the fourth - wow!
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- This is a lovely house. - This is a beautiful house.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03So, not the edge of a village, we're a little bit more remote.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Can we afford it?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07You'll find out.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10So the core of the building goes back to the 1800s.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13It would've been three agricultural workers' families
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- lived on each floor.- Wow.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Big plot, just under an acre, 0.8 of an acre.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Mm-hm.- Big double garage for your workshop.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- Mm-hm.- Yes.- Yeah.- That's not all! Follow me.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Not only am I showing them the stone-built house they've asked for,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34but it also comes with a pretty stone holiday cottage or bothy,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36which is just opposite the house.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Your very own bothy. - Wow, lovely bothy.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Right, fantastic.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Let's have a look inside.- Love to.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47The bothy is detached, and has its own cottage garden.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50Come on in.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55They've kept it very, very simple, which I think is a good thing.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59It's just a bedroom, and a little en suite through here.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00- Wonderful.- No kitchenette,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03they give them breakfast in a little basket on the porch.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It's gorgeous, it's just my taste.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07It's minimalist, but stylish.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- Stunning, I love it.- And they do it very low-key through the internet,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15they don't really push it, they don't advertise,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- they make three grand a year. - Mm-hm, yes.- That's all right.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21That's OK. So, in fact, if you did push it,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23you could probably do a lot better.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Holiday let sorted, now back across the lane to the main house,
0:22:27 > 0:22:33which was extended in the 1980s and is laid out over three levels.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35We're starting on the ground floor,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38where there's a dining room and drawing room at the front,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and a kitchen with utility at the back.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Come into the kitchen, first of all.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49What do you think of this?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Triple wow.- Triple wow!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Triple wow. Great space, isn't it?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Look at the view as well.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I'm not usually lost for words, but this is...
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- This is gorgeous. - So the layout is very lovely here,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06because you've got a beautiful front room,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08south-facing, the sun comes in that side.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Yeah.- Then the dining room on the other side.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- You've got the kitchen, nice big utility room here.- Oh, you do?- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Upstairs, we've got two bedrooms.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19This is a three-storey house.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21So we've got another storey beneath us?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- She's on the ball.- Fantastic!
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Up on the first floor,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29the bright master bedroom has its own stylish en suite
0:23:29 > 0:23:32shower room, and there's a beautifully finished bathroom
0:23:32 > 0:23:35for the second bedroom, also a double.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Down on the lower-ground floor,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41there's a third, smaller bedroom with a neighbouring shower room,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44and there's a study next door.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48In addition, there's a rather large, impressive sitting room.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Wow!- Look at this!
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Fantastic!- It's Aladdin's cave, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Yeah!- What a wonderful building, lovely house.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59And three levels makes it much more interesting,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03and they've used the space so fantastically well.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06One nice feature is that you can go straight into the garden from here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Oh, that's good.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14Outside, there's a large terrace, a summer house, a bordered lawn
0:24:14 > 0:24:16and, of course, the views Feargha spotted earlier.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Out in the beautiful garden, you can see the real height of the property.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Those three storeys really add up from back here.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26It's a solid, really solid house.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Beautiful house. Beautiful.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30The garden is nicely zoned. You've got this beautiful drystone wall
0:24:30 > 0:24:33down one side, then there's a woodland, which is yours,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37and also, the slope down...not quite to the field is also yours.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I think it's a good size,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I think because the house gives us everything we want,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44we've got the bothy, we've got the bedrooms,
0:24:44 > 0:24:49it'd be nice to think that the garden could be dedicated to borders
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- and focal points, really.- What do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56475.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I think it's right on our budget, if not above, but I'll go 475.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04475? I think I'll go for 500. 500,000.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Graham is a little closer.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Unfortunately, it IS over budget.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Yeah.- It's on at 495.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Not surprising. Not surprising. - So £495,000.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17But the owners are keen to move, and they're willing to take an offer.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Right. Yeah, I'm overcome with excitement.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Well, have a stroll around your three floors
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and your less than an acre of land,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and I will catch you when you're done.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- That might be some time. - I think it will be.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- I think we'll be having a good stroll through.- Have another look.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35OK.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Granted, this gorgeous 19th-century stone property might be £20,000
0:25:40 > 0:25:44above their budget, but with the vendor open to offers,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46it could be within reach.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50It has both character and style, with a superb kitchen-diner,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54three reception rooms and three bedrooms.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Outside, there's not only a pretty garden with views,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01but also a detached holiday cottage for paying guests.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05The nearest amenities are less than two miles away.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09This is gorgeous!
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Look at it again, all those windows and...
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Nice fireplace. Beautiful fireplace. - A log-burner, perfect!
0:26:16 > 0:26:20This just hits everything I wanted apart from a massive amount of land,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and the house is just beautiful. It's beautifully done.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28It's the style we love, the rooms are all a really good size.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30The kitchen is gorgeous.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33I could wax lyrical about it for ages,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36it's just such a lovely, lovely home.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38As soon as we turned up outside,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41this house really gave me a tingle in the stomach.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45I know it affected Feargha slightly more emotionally but, yes,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48it's really got everything that we're looking for in a house.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52This is a magical spot.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I so hope they can sort out the finances and get this house.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Hello!- Hello.- I was just singing the praises of this house
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- and how happy you seem in it.- Yes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Yes, I do seem very happy in it. I think it was made for me.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Well, let's take the evening off,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- because tomorrow is the Mystery House, and you never know.- Yes!
0:27:22 > 0:27:25It's the second day of our Northumberland journey on the hunt
0:27:25 > 0:27:29for a country pad for Feargha and Graham from Croydon, south London.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33For their top budget of £475,000,
0:27:33 > 0:27:37they'd like a character stone property with the potential for a
0:27:37 > 0:27:39holiday let.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Still to come, we brave the elements on the way to our Mystery House...
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- Quite remote.- Very!- Yes.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47Not overlooked.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51..and I'll be getting to grips with 2,000-year-old armour.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54When you touch things like that, chills go down your spine.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Day two of our property hunt in Northumberland,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02and the weather's a little bit damper than yesterday,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04but it's not dampening our spirits,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07because Graham and Feargha seemed to really fall in love with
0:28:07 > 0:28:08house number two yesterday.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Even though it wasn't really in a village,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12or even on the edge of a village,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15it did offer them pretty much everything they wanted.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18The Mystery House, however, is a very different offering.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Properties like this do not come on the market very often,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23so we have to show it to them,
0:28:23 > 0:28:27but will it be a step too far when it comes to being in the wilderness?
0:28:29 > 0:28:30For the Mystery Property,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33we're travelling to the historic hamlet of Coalcleugh
0:28:33 > 0:28:35in the south of the county.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40In the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:28:40 > 0:28:42it's just a couple of miles away
0:28:42 > 0:28:45from the small village of Nenthead in Cumbria.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Built in the mid-1700s,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50it was one of the earliest purpose-built industrial villages
0:28:50 > 0:28:54in Britain. It was a centre for lead and silver mining.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Our remote Mystery House was originally
0:28:57 > 0:29:01two mine workers' cottages, and dates back to the 1820s.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Elevated almost 1,800 feet above sea level,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12This is your Mystery House.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- Wow.- It's very striking, Alistair, very striking.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17It IS striking, isn't it? Quite remote.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- Very!- Yes.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- Not overlooked.- It's definitely not overlooked.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25We wanted to show you this because it's quite unique. And very high up.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28This used to be the highest village in England, we think.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31And it was a lead-mining community back in the day, in the 1800s.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Now there's just a couple of properties scattered around.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- Yes.- But what's unique about this is that it's cost neutral.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Wow. So it's an eco house? - It's an eco house.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44The wind turbine generates all the energy that you need,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and you get paid a subsidy for the energy that you create.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Right.- That's a good benefit! - A very good benefit.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- So all we have to do is pick our way across the valley together.- Great!
0:29:57 > 0:30:01The wild weather seems rather fitting on this expanse of moorland,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04as we are blown towards our Mystery House,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07which has been renovated extensively by the current owners.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The front porch takes us straight into the kitchen.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Oh!- Freezing! - So come into the warm.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It's beautiful, and it's really cosy.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18- Stone flag floors.- Gorgeous.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20These are the original flags.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Nice kitchen.- Lovely kitchen.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- Yes.- Very country kitchen. - You've got to understand,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27this is a very different offering
0:30:27 > 0:30:29from the other properties we've shown you.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31It's not quite what you asked for,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33but that's what the Mystery House often is.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Yes.- Because this is really much more like
0:30:36 > 0:30:39you're way out into the wild, open expanses.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44You're very self-contained and you're very self-sufficient.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45- Is it attractive?- Yeah, I think it is.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- I think so.- Yeah.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48It's such a beautiful place,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51and the landscape reminds me very much of Ireland.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54It's very similar, so there's kind of an emotional connection there.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57So keep a very open mind, it's a very different offering,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59but it's this end I want to show you next.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Off the kitchen, there's a boot room and a utility,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06both with access to the outside,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10and off the utility is a handy little study.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Moving to the other side of the kitchen,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16we're passing through a large family room to a beautiful sitting room
0:31:16 > 0:31:19with the most stunning outlook.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Feast your eyes on this!
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- Impressive room to relax and unwind. - This is unbelievable,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29and this is a room with a view again!
0:31:29 > 0:31:31This IS a room with a view.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34And in fact, this is a room with... an astounding view.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- It's invigorating.- It is.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Got a little log-burner here, just the right size for a room this size.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44You could just move right in and be so comfortable and so happy in
0:31:44 > 0:31:46somewhere like this, and it's a real home.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48It's a really loving home.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52In many ways, the package is really for you, it doesn't have an annexe.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- No.- But if you were to, you know, have a holiday let, I mean,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59it's a great draw, because it's just uninterrupted views,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01fantastic walking and amazing stargazing.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Yes, I bet you've absolutely no... or little light pollution out here.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Probably no light pollution at all.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10So when you get the starry nights, they must be stunning.
0:32:10 > 0:32:11- Yeah.- Let's have a look upstairs.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16The remote location of our Mystery House
0:32:16 > 0:32:18brings with it so many plusses,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21and I'm pleased that Feargha and Graham are embracing them.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23It's hard not to.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26On the first floor, there's a family bath and shower room,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30servicing three double bedrooms, all with spectacular views.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Time to explore the master.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37This is the biggest, the one they use.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's got all the fitted wardrobes all the way around.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Plenty storage space. Great views.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Good size.- Yeah. It's gorgeous.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- It's one of those houses you think about when you're thinking about retirement.- Yes.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Your own little bolthole.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- Yes.- It is a bit crazy, because we are snug and warm inside,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55but let's head outside and we can look at all the magical
0:32:55 > 0:32:58green, wind and turbine apparatus.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- OK.- And talk about the price.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07The house has an integral garage, potentially a workshop for Graham.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11The front garden is laid to lawn, and surrounded by drystone walling,
0:33:11 > 0:33:15and there are seating areas to enjoy the view from every angle.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18To the rear, there's the terrace.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21The small stone building in front of the wind turbine was once used to
0:33:21 > 0:33:24store explosives for the lead miners,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and now houses the working of the turbine.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Behind it, there's an extra parcel of land.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32I won't keep you out here too long,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35but what do you think the price tag for this one is?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I haven't got the foggiest notion, Alistair,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40but I'm going to go with 445,000.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- Graham?- I'm going to go slightly less.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I'm going to go for 425.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48Very good. Well, in this case, the price may be a cruncher,
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- because it's on at £495,000.- 495?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Yeah.- But it's a unique property, we had to bring you here.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Incredible, it's an incredible property.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58So why don't you go and explore?
0:33:58 > 0:34:01You can look at the turbine, you can tinker around in all the spaces,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04and we'll find somewhere dry to reconvene.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06OK, all right.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07Great, thank you.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15Our remote eco Mystery House has rung in £20,000 above budget,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19although its energy-saving features mean it's a money-saver.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22It's full of character inside, with a great country kitchen,
0:34:22 > 0:34:26a sitting room with a fabulous outlook, and three bedrooms.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Outside, the property's isolated location
0:34:28 > 0:34:35means it comes with 360-degree views of dramatic open moorland.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So cosy and so warm and homely.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41- Yeah.- And I don't know if it's just me being fanciful,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43but it's got an amazing energy about it.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45My first thoughts was,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48unbelievably stunning situation
0:34:48 > 0:34:51with the amazing countryside around it,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54the hills, and a gorgeous stone property.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Beautiful. Just took my breath away.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00As we have gone through the house, it's just, you know,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02every room has been a delight.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05As a house, it's fantastic.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09It's cosy, it's warm, and it's the type of structure that we like.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Its beams, its stone and its big thick walls and log-burners.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Yesterday, I thought we'd found the one.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18But coming here today, and being in this property,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21it's definitely thrown a spanner in the works,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24and we will have to give it some serious consideration.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Right, come on, then, let's get you somewhere nice warm and dry,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- and we can discuss all the houses. - Great.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Northumberland's position bordering Scotland has seen it experience
0:35:41 > 0:35:44many turbulent times.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48One of the most fascinating iconic monuments has to be Hadrian's Wall.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52Built in the second century in the reign of the Emperor Hadrian,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55it was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire,
0:35:55 > 0:36:00stretching from east to west coast, covering 73 miles.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08I've come to the remains of a Roman settlement in Corbridge,
0:36:08 > 0:36:13close to the wall, to meet historian Dr Frances McIntosh.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15I love Roman history, particularly in Britain,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18because it was such a flourishing civilisation,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20then it sort of vanished. Tell me about Corbridge.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Hadrian's Wall two miles north, we were here before Hadrian's Wall,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25we quite like that claim to fame.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27The Romans settled at Corbridge around the late 70s AD,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and there were successive forts right through till about the 160s.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- OK, so there's a big fort here... - Uh-huh.- Lots of centurions.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Are they sort of people from Italy who have come all this way?
0:36:37 > 0:36:38No, at that stage,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41most of the soldiers might not have been from Italy.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43They were legions of soldiers and auxiliaries,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45part of the invasion force, a real mixture.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47And then the wall is built when?
0:36:47 > 0:36:51122 - building starts, but it's finished by the 130s.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Mid-way through the second century AD,
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Hadrian's Wall was permanently garrisoned,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59meaning no need for a fort at Corbridge.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01And that's when the fort fell out of use.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04The civilians who were living in the town outside the fort move in,
0:37:04 > 0:37:06and it becomes a fully civilian settlement.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09When did it all come to its end?
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Well, officially, the end of Roman Britain is 410,
0:37:11 > 0:37:15so we know that Hadrian's Wall was de-garrisoned by that point,
0:37:15 > 0:37:16and Corbridge the same.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20It kind of slides into decline from the early fifth century.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21And when was it rediscovered?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Because there are some impressive ruins you've got here.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26The first serious excavations were in 1906.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29The footprint of this town is one of the most significant finds
0:37:29 > 0:37:31in British Roman history,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35and provides vital archaeological evidence of how our ancestors lived.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- So exciting!- I know, we've made it to the granaries.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- This is the granaries? - That's right, yeah.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45We're standing on the floor the dried goods would have been on,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47but this raised floor allowed air circulation
0:37:47 > 0:37:49and it also keeps it away from vermin - rats and things.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52This is incredible. So these are original Roman flags?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Absolutely, yeah.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57It's amazing how they built to last. This is 2,000 years old.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- Exactly.- What are we talking about, in terms of the inhabitants?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Are the Romans now married to the British?
0:38:03 > 0:38:05I think there's a lot more blurring of lines,
0:38:05 > 0:38:06particularly on Hadrian's Wall.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09We know lots of soldiers had families with them.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Some of them would have been local.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Here, we have got traders coming in from all over the Empire.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16We know we had people from Greece living here,
0:38:16 > 0:38:20people coming in from different regions to sell material to the soldiers.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22It's a lot less black and white.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Just over half a century ago,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27one of the most important Roman time capsules ever discovered was
0:38:27 > 0:38:31unearthed, allowing a unique insight into those times.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35In 1964, the remains of a wooden chest were discovered,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39containing artefacts that became known as the Corbridge Hoard.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43They're just some of the 34,000 pieces at the museum here,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46too many to display all at once,
0:38:46 > 0:38:50so Frances is going to show me some hidden treasures.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- This is actual Roman centurion armour.- Yeah.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56You see this bit here is curved?
0:38:56 > 0:38:58That's because that part would have been near your neck.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Unbelievable that that's lasted so long.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02You know, 2,000 years old.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Yeah, pretty much.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07When you touch things like that, chills go down your spine.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09What else have we got? Some jewellery.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13This is a penannular brooch, made from copper alloy.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17And it would've been worn up near the shoulder, to hold the cloak on.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20They didn't have zips, you know, they didn't have Velcro,
0:39:20 > 0:39:21so if you need to hold your clothes on,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23these are the only things you've got.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Do you have any other favourite finds?
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Yeah, one of the pieces is this little vessel.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33So this is a Roman perfume or oil flask.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35These flasks are very, very rare.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38There are less than 20 of them in the Empire,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41so we're really lucky to have such a great example.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- And this...- Oh, wow. What's that?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46It's a dodecahedron, so a 12-sided object.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48It's a descriptive name, for its shape,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50but nobody knows what it's for.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Lots of theories out there,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55from candlesticks to predicting the time of the harvest.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57He's quite chunky compared to the armour.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Oh, yes.- He's not very corroded. So he's made from copper alloy.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02And it's in remarkable condition.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05That is so wonderful that we don't know what it is.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- Yeah.- It's like a mystery object. - Exactly.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11I think that's my favourite item ever. The dodecahedron.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Yeah.- Thank you so much for giving us a peek behind the scenes.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Not at all.- It's a real privilege.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Glad you enjoyed it. - History rocks, huh?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Yes, it does.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23How fascinating to witness such a well-preserved
0:40:23 > 0:40:27slice of Roman history hidden for 2,000 years,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30giving us an insight today into a civilisation gone by.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36So I've got Feargha and Graham inside keeping warm by the fire,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39and let's find out which of the houses they fell in love with.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46We are finally warm and dry.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Yes. Yeah, at last.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52But it is part of Northumberland, bit of rain, bit of wind.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55How has it been? Have you got a favourite?
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- Yes, we do.- Yes, we have. - I don't think it's any secret.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59House two, house number two.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- House two, yes.- It was stunning, beautifully put together.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Fantastic. Everything we wanted.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08As soon as I saw it, I liked the construction.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10The stone was great, the garden looked fabulous.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14And you've got the bothy. As I say, it had everything that we wanted,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18and I can see myself keeping myself busy there for many years to come.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It did feel like a perfect fit for you two.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23We worried it might be a bit remote, but that doesn't seem to bother you.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I didn't think it was remote at all.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I mean, in comparison to house three, it wasn't remote at all.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Nothing is remote compared to the Mystery House!
0:41:31 > 0:41:33And what happens next?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37We'd like to go back and have another look at house number two.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- And then make an offer. - Make an offer!
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I know, it's music to your ears, Alistair!
0:41:43 > 0:41:46We felt at home straightaway, as soon as we went in to the front.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I don't think we are going to better it.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50No matter how long we look, I don't think we'll better that one.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53We're ready to go. I mean, we're mentally ready,
0:41:53 > 0:41:58and it's just a case of now getting the stars aligned so we can move on,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and then start saying my prayers on the rosary beads
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- that our house sells very quickly.- I do hope that all the ducks line up,
0:42:05 > 0:42:07because it's a beautiful house for you two,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and I can imagine you having a very happy, long stretch there.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Yes, I think so, too, so thank you very much.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16It's been a great experience this week.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- We've loved every minute of it, haven't we?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25I'm so delighted that Feargha and Graham's house-hunt brought us up to
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Northumberland. It's a wonderful county, even under summer rain,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and we don't come here half enough.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I could tell that that second house will be a perfect fit for them.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37The minute I saw Feargha see the bothy, her eyes lit up,
0:42:37 > 0:42:40and the same thing happened with Graham and that garden.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44So I hope that their house sale in Croydon goes through smoothly,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48and I hope you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52And I'm thrilled to report that Feargha and Graham's offer
0:42:52 > 0:42:54on house number two was accepted,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57so, all being well and good, it'll soon become theirs,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59and we wish them the very best of luck
0:42:59 > 0:43:02with their move to Northumberland.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:43:05 > 0:43:11Wales or Northern Ireland and need our help, you can apply online at...