0:00:02 > 0:00:06We're in a county that shares its name with one of the most famous breeds of livestock in the world.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Any ideas where we are? Do these fellows look familiar to you?
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Well, stick around on Escape To The Country and all will be revealed.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32In today's show, we'll be helping a couple search, not only for a new home,
0:00:32 > 0:00:36but also the perfect place from which to run a bed-and-breakfast business.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Half of that big barn. - Half. That's excellent.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- That looks very big.- Very capacious.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45We'll be taking them on a tour of superb properties
0:00:45 > 0:00:49and revealing a room that their guests will never forget.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52It's not cosy. It's, sort of, baronial.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54And there's the mystery house,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56always added to stir things up.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59But will any of our choices get them packing their boxes?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Well, today I'm in Herefordshire.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08And this noisy and somewhat hectic scene behind me is Hereford's own cattle market.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11They've been selling cattle here for hundreds of years.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15They used to sell them in the main street, outside the bank.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Appropriate enough, when you consider how much money these animals do go for.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24But today, nearly 200 of these will go underneath the auctioneer's hammer. But here's some advice.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Don't scratch your nose, or put your hand up.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30You may go home with far more than you bargained for.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Herefordshire is largely a carpet of patchwork fields
0:01:34 > 0:01:37and sits snug up against the Welsh border.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40As a county, it feeds and hydrates us rather well.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44The world-famous Hereford cattle are bred for their high-quality beef.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48And the 350-year-old cider industry is still important.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Property-wise, the county is known for its black-and-white villages.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56A term that was given, due to the high number of timber-framed houses,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59some dating back to medieval times.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01With the Malvern Hills to the east,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06and miles of countryside around, Herefordshire offers a mix of landscapes
0:02:06 > 0:02:10and plays host to a wide range of country pursuits.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12If you've never previously thought
0:02:12 > 0:02:15about moving to Herefordshire, you might want to think again.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Your average detached will set you back around £278,000.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It is 5% above the national average.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23But compare that to Gloucestershire
0:02:23 > 0:02:26where the rise is 20%, you can see that it is fantastic news
0:02:26 > 0:02:28if you are after a bargain.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31And great for today's buyers.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33And they are Martin and Anne,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37who live in a five bedroom house in Walsall, in the West Midlands.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39They're teachers and keen ramblers.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Having raised four children, they're now looking forward to semi-retirement
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and starting a new little business in the idyllic Herefordshire countryside.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50The main reason we'd like to move to the country,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53is because we enjoy being out in the countryside walking.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56We'd like to be able to walk from our door into beautiful surroundings.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Not be surrounded by traffic and noise all the time.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04We are hoping to run a little B & B for a few years.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07We'd like to cater for walkers.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Because we enjoy walking and obviously we enjoy
0:03:09 > 0:03:12the company of people who enjoy walking.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Martin and Anne's Christian faith is an important part of their lives.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19They are already seeing how it will fit in with their new life.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Well, the kind of live we dream of in the country will involve us going out walking in the hills.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Walking to the pub. Going to church together.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30We want to join the choir.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31I want to ring the bells.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33That's the sort of thing.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36They've lived in their current property for 23 years.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41And, whilst it's been a great home for the family, as is often the case, it's not perfect.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44As you can see, we live on a really busy road.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48I'm really looking forward to getting away from all this noise and pollution
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and living in a nice, peaceful area.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56Well, this kitchen's fine. But it's not really big enough for two people to work in.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01And when we're in our new house, we hope we'll both be cooking together.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04And so it would be nice if we had a lovely, big, traditional kitchen.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10And with aspirations of growing their own food, Anne has an important request.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12As you can see, we grow a few gooseberries
0:04:12 > 0:04:15and a bit of rhubarb here. We have a herb wheel in the garden,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18but we haven't a lot of room, it's a tiny patch.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23We'd love a lot more room to grow our own fresh fruit and vegetables.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Those requests all seem reasonable.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28What sort of property would make them a comfortable home
0:04:28 > 0:04:30and give them the accommodation to run a B & B?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34A character property, in a beautiful area.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40With at least three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate dining area.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45Well, it sounds great. But, before we start, we've invited round a local estate agent
0:04:45 > 0:04:48to value the home they bought for £38,000.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54This is a beautiful extended five-bed, semidetached property,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56set in the lovely village of Aldridge.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Great transport links. Great schools.
0:04:59 > 0:05:06In the current market conditions, I would recommend putting the property on the market for £225,000.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Well, it's a little disappointing.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Although, we were expecting the prices not to be so good
0:05:14 > 0:05:16because of the state of the economy.
0:05:16 > 0:05:22However, if the price of the house that we're going to buy has also come down a little,
0:05:22 > 0:05:23then we won't be any worse off.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25It's a pragmatic approach.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28So, how much money is available for the new home?
0:05:28 > 0:05:33For our perfect property, if it ticks all the boxes, £275,000.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Now, in an ideal world for most of us, money would be no object.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43We could all rush out and buy beautiful Tudor farmhouses like the one behind me.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47But, of course, for Martin and Anne, money is an object.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51And for their budget, they're looking for at least three, maybe four, bedrooms,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54a separate dining room in which to entertain their new paying guests,
0:05:54 > 0:05:59a characterful house that they and their guests, will enjoy and remember,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02and something of a garden, to allow a bit of a vegetable plot.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Now, the budget is a challenge,
0:06:05 > 0:06:06but I think we'll manage.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Martin and Anne are open-minded as to their location.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16But their new home needs to be suitably placed to attract B & B customers.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20So, we're focusing our search in the countryside to the west of Leominster.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23We'll be taking them on a whistle-stop tour
0:06:23 > 0:06:27of gorgeous country homes in Herefordshire.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31We may even nip over the border in search of irresistible property.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34And, as ever, our final stop will be the mystery house.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38A property specially selected for its unique qualities.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42The thing I love about house-hunting in this part of the world is the choice.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46You've got everything from medieval, to Georgian, to Victorian.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Quaint little cottages and gorgeous red-brick farmhouses.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53Whatever you fancy, I'm sure that Herefordshire will give it to you.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58If you're lucky enough to have a healthy budget, how about this fine home?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Perched high up in the Wye Valley, on the market for 975.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06Dating back to 1780, the rooms have grand proportions.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10And most of them have views over the garden and countryside beyond.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Or, if like Martin and Anne, you fancy running a B & B, then how about stumping up
0:07:16 > 0:07:2150 grand short of 700,000 for this established B & B property in Whitchurch
0:07:21 > 0:07:25which also comes with two holiday cottages.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28It's spacious and characterful and has beautiful gardens,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31the perfect place for soaking up the fresh country air.
0:07:33 > 0:07:40Alternatively, this Grade II-listed former farmhouse in Wigmore is up for sale, for 425.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43The four-bedroom house retains many of its original timbers
0:07:43 > 0:07:47and will appeal to those looking for a characterful country home.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Well, Anne and Martin, welcome to Herefordshire,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- I suppose I should say.- Yes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Thank you very much.- Now, this is quite a project, isn't it?
0:07:56 > 0:08:00This is some change from what you're used to.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Yes. Big change of lifestyle. - Massive change of lifestyle.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Yes. Cos we've always lived in the town
0:08:06 > 0:08:08and now we want to live in the country.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Well, you've definitely come to the right place.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14But you are doing this with some ambition, aren't you?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Because your budget is not the biggest in the world.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- No.- And you are thinking about a bit of B & B on the side. - That's right.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We're hoping to supplement our meagre income, with a bit of B & B.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Now, let's just be sure about the budget - 275?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30275. But we have more.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Because we're sort of holding back a bit of capital.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36If we got an extra bedroom for letting
0:08:36 > 0:08:39then we would, perhaps, put that bit of capital in.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44So, 275, with three bedrooms. Maybe three, or thereabouts, with four.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Or perhaps a little bit more. Perhaps 320.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Yeah.- Oh, really?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Interesting. All right. B & B is quite good fun.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I grew up in a B & B. My mum ran a B & B for over 30-odd years.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56So, I know roughly what you're taking on.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Whether or not you do or not, is another question.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02We'll see what you make of the properties we've got to offer you.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05But all of them will allow this to happen in some measure.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Let's see if you like a bit of country life.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Yeah.- Come on, then.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Jump in, jump in.
0:09:14 > 0:09:21So, Martin and Anne have a budget of £275,000 for a three-bedroom house.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Or up to 320 for a four-bed.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26They're looking for a large kitchen,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28so they have enough room to cook together,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30a separate dining room,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33two bathrooms so they don't have to share with guests,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and a garden big enough for them to grow vegetables.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Now, whose idea was it
0:09:42 > 0:09:45to enter the world of B & B?
0:09:45 > 0:09:50It was Anne's idea originally, she's said for years that she'd like to run a B & B.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54And I said, "And I'd like to go and live in a grass hut in Tahiti,"
0:09:54 > 0:09:57but, actually, hers just seemed to be a runner
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and mine doesn't. And the more we thought about it,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02the more practicable we thought it would be.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Well, there is no time to waste.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09The first house in our hit list is in Staunton on Wye,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11ten miles west of Hereford.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15The focal point of the village is the 13th-century church,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18where I'm sure Martin and Anne will make many new friends,
0:10:18 > 0:10:19and the village pub,
0:10:19 > 0:10:24that was on their wish list, is just a stone's throw down the road.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27The house we are about to view is the old doctor's surgery,
0:10:27 > 0:10:33but there's not a trace of a clinical feel. It's a comfortable, cosy home, with splendid views.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37Now, have a look at that.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Absolutely gorgeous.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43It's an amazing view. That's just what we want, it's beautiful.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Those are actually the Merbach Hills. If you keep going along those,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51which you might do, if you want to go walking, you end up in the Brecon Beacons.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53That's just what we want.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55You're in great walking country, aren't you?
0:10:55 > 0:10:59This is what I want you to have a look at, this lovely cottage.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It was a two-up, two-down, the bulk of it behind the front door.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Recently, it's been much extended to give it,
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- you know...- More space. - ..a lot more space. Let's see what you think.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Right.- Yes.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19Right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Come on in, Anne. Grab the door, Martin.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23This is lovely.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Is this your sort of thing?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Yes, I really like this, cos it's cosy,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- and it's not poky.- Yeah. It's a mixture of timber beams,
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- as you can see, and brick. - That's lovely.- They've removed some of the panels to open it up.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43That's what stops it being poky and makes it a more attractive room.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I like the fireplace. The beams are lovely.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- And the ceiling's... Yeah, it's good. - It's high enough for us.- Yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55Let's have a look in here. Big enough for you and all your guests?
0:11:55 > 0:12:00I think it'll be big enough for our guests. I don't think we could eat in here with our guests.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03But perhaps we could eat in the kitchen.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Perhaps you could eat in the kitchen! - HE LAUGHS
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Perhaps you could eat in the kitchen! Come through to the kitchen.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14This, I think, might answer the question about the dining area.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17This is an extension that's been added in the last five years.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19It's quite big, isn't it?
0:12:19 > 0:12:22It's bigger than we have at the moment. I like the painted cupboards,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26the cooker at that height's really useful, eye-level grill,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30it's very practical for cooking.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36It's nice that the modern bit of the house is the bit that's got to be especially hygienic.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42The interesting old part for sitting in, but the part where we really want to keep it clean and safe,
0:12:42 > 0:12:43it's modenrn and easy to use.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49'Leading off the kitchen is a study, but Martin and Anne could use this as an additional bedroom.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'And there is a shower room just next door.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57'In addition to that, there are three more bedrooms upstairs.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02'The first is a single, and the smallest of the three, but we're going to head next door.'
0:13:04 > 0:13:07This would be your guests' room.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- I think if I was staying here, I'd be reasonably content. - Happy with this.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Certainly have a nice view out the window.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17If you wanted to stay in a cottage in Herefordshire,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- this is the kind of bedroom you'd want to stay in. - Absolutely.- Exactly.- It's pretty.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- It's nice. It's a lovely shape. - Let's check the bathroom out.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- The bathroom is all-important. - Lead the way!
0:13:27 > 0:13:33'So that's the guests sorted, but what about the bathroom?'
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Yeah... JULES LAUGHS
0:13:35 > 0:13:42Oh, it's nice, when you get in. We'll have to be very careful of that ceiling.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- But once you're in... - Once you're in, it's a reasonable amount of room.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I love this, I love these painted boards.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Nice, white suite. - Now, this is the bathroom
0:13:51 > 0:13:54you would probably have to share with your guests,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58although don't forget, you've got the downstairs shower room.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02I was thinking we might manage with that downstairs shower room when we've got guests.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- And leave them with this. - Yes, so they can spread themselves.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Well, the good news is, you don't need to share your master bedroom.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- That's all yours. Come and have a look at this.- Ah, good.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- JULES LAUGHS - Isn't that the smallest master-bedroom door
0:14:20 > 0:14:21you've ever seen?
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Duck!
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Come on in!
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Come on in.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31Again, I think, decorated in the way that one would expect a nice country B & B to be.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Yes, it's nice.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33It's a really nice room.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36You've got lovely views again of the Merbach Hills.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I think it would work,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42it would work as a one-letting-bedroom bed and breakfast.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- Mm-hmm. Or we could even be thinking of one double and a single.- Mmm.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49That's pretty much it for the interior.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Let's go outside,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- have a quick look at the rest of it...- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..and then we'll have a think about how much it might cost you.- OK.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Off you go. Lead on, Martin.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03'It looks like this cottage really could work as a B & B for Martin and Anne.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09'Outside, there's a single garage, and just to the rear is a patio area where guests could relax.'
0:15:11 > 0:15:14So, you've got another little terraced area.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15Yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Maybe your guests would have breakfast up here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Mmm. It'll get the evening sun, certainly.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23But it might get the morning sun as well.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Well, any excuse to look at that, really, I would suggest!
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Come down here.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32I don't know how much of a garden you really want to have to keep on top of,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34but this is very, very manageable.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It is. It's big enough.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40It's big enough, and you might squeeze a greenhouse in.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41- Yes.- You certainly could.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Some place where I can go and commune with the tomatoes.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- Get away from the guests! - Get away from the wife!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Leave Anne to look after the guests.
0:15:50 > 0:15:57I suppose that bring us neatly on to wonder about how this place sits in relation to your budget of 275.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Your hopeful budget, given that this is three bedrooms,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03that's the figure we're chasing.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05What do you think? What's it worth?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09We could afford 275 for this house, I think.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think it might be a little bit more expensive.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Shall we say 280?- 280.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16Yes, I think I'd go along with that.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- 280!- Is it up for less?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- It is up for less.- Oh! JULES LAUGHS
0:16:21 > 0:16:22By 500 quid!
0:16:22 > 0:16:23Ah, well!
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- Good guess.- 500 quid shy of £280,000. Go on, why don't you go inside
0:16:28 > 0:16:31and have a look around, and see if this will be your new B & B.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- I'll catch up with you later. - We'll do that.- Smashing.- Off you go.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41Well, there we are, just shy of £280,000. You do get a very attractive cottage,
0:16:41 > 0:16:46an absolutely fantastic view, and the possibility of running a small little business within it.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Is it for them? Well, who knows?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53It's not the only house we're going to show them, but it may be the one they're going to buy.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57So this cosy cottage is a shade over their budget for a three-bedroom property,
0:16:57 > 0:17:02at £279,500. But I'm sure they could make an offer a touch lower.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05It has the separate dining room they were looking for,
0:17:05 > 0:17:083 bedrooms, but the study could become a fourth,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11a reasonable-sized garden with patio area,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and of course, those splendid, uninterrupted views.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21Now this is a really nice room, but there isn't a lot of storage space in it,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24and I know I'll have to cut my clothes enormously.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30And also, the guest bathroom's there, right outside our door.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Really, to my mind, will the guests be happy?
0:17:33 > 0:17:37They've got to come out of their bedroom, down the stairs, up the stairs and into the bathroom.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41I think this is a place we could live and run a B & B in, erm...
0:17:43 > 0:17:46..probably. So I have a little doubt about it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49From what I've seen, the location seems fine,
0:17:49 > 0:17:54and as far as walking country's concerned, it's perfect.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57I'm not absolutely certain. It is a little bit small.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02But it is a very pretty house. Very nice. I am very drawn to it. I really like it.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Ah-ha! Our first guest!
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- JULES LAUGHS - Well, you never know! Maybe I will be your first guest!
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Enjoying the view! What about that?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- Fantastic.- It's a lovely property. Really nice to look around here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19It is a great one, and of course, that comes with it for nothing.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23BUT it's not over, there's plenty more to show you. And it's still sunny.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- That's right. This must be Herefordshire weather. - JULES LAUGHS
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Martin and Anne's move can't come soon enough.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39They're eager to explore what will be their new surroundings.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42So they're taking some time to get to know the area.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Historic Leominster dates back to the 7th century.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47This is a real tourist hot spot,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50isn't it? Lots of lovely tearooms and antique shops.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Yeah, just the place for a B & B.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57The small town is awash with medieval buildings
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and, with its fine selection of specialist shops and eateries,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03it makes an ideal place for an afternoon stroll.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08Just four miles up the road is Croft Castle.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Parts of it, including the walls and towers, date back to the 14th century,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16although the 18th-century interior has just undergone a refurbishment,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18restoring it to its former glory.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Good old fireplace here, Anne.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25It's a fantastic fireplace, what a size!
0:19:25 > 0:19:28All we need is a cup of tea and a piece of toast.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30With Martin and Anne's passion for walking,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34they couldn't resist a visit to Queenswood Country Park.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37The 103 acres of semi-natural ancient woodland
0:19:37 > 0:19:40are home to over 500 rare and exotic trees.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44This would be a lovely place to walk if we come here, Martin.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Yes. Just look down there.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52On the cusp of autumn, the trees are just changing colour, and ready to put on a magnificent display.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56It's a place I'm sure Martin and Anne will never tire of.
0:20:05 > 0:20:11Our next house stands on its own, at Brierley Hill, just a couple of miles from the Welsh border.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Wigmore, a few miles away, is the place where Martin and Anne
0:20:15 > 0:20:18can throw themselves into the local community.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21The village is characterised by its 17th-century timber-frame buildings.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25And sitting at its heart is the 11th-century church.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30The bonus with the house is that it sits right next to the Herefordshire Trail,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34a popular walk that should deliver B & B business right to their doorstep.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37So, this is a house not to be missed.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- What about that? - Oh, that's a fabulous view.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Really nice. - Not bad?- Lovely.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Second great view of the day.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47That's right!
0:20:47 > 0:20:50But the most important thing, is that property there.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- That's the cottage. Great. - It is, isn't it? It's absolutely huge.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55It's quite deceptive, actually.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58It's long and thin. Originally two cottages,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01now knocked into one. I think it's got a lot of scope.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04And I think that the fact that it's on the Trail...
0:21:04 > 0:21:06That's a real plus, that is.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10It's a real bonus, yeah. Well, let's go in see what you make of it.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Come on in.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Tiny little hallway.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23You imagine this as two cottages, we're going through the middle.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25But let's start in here.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27This is the, well, the living room.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- This is your reception room. - This is nice.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yes, very nice. - Yes, like this.- Open fire.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Nice, big, stone fireplace.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Like the beams in the wall.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39This is as wide as the house is, though. That's it.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40- A-ha!- You see.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43It looked so enormous from outside, but it's one room.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45and they're small cottage-y rooms.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48It's a nice room. It's a nice room. I like it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- It's not all that small.- No.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Your walking guests would enjoy this.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54They'd appreciate this.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Especially, as it's so near the walk.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02But, you know, if I'm walking through the countryside
0:22:02 > 0:22:05and I'm dreaming of my ideal stopover,
0:22:05 > 0:22:11you know, open fireplaces, stone surrounds, beams, cosy, glass of wine...
0:22:11 > 0:22:13That's the job.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17This would be perfect. It's a proper, rural, Herefordshire house.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- It is.- Yeah, yeah. - But, come on. Come through, here.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25This is the, this is the kitchen-dining room, I suppose.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Now, what do you think of this?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It's lovely. What a great fireplace.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- It's whopping.- It is the mother of all inglenooks, isn't it?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39HE LAUGHS
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- We could smoke our own hams in there.- Yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Well...- Fabulous fireplace.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Yeah.- We'll definitely be warm enough with that going.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- Most certainly.- Nice dining room. - I like the French windows, as well.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54They go someway to describing what's happening with this place.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59It's midway through, you know, quite a detailed renovation,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Some of the doors have been done,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03some of the windows have been done.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Other bits need doing.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07You'll see that as we go through.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08Come and look at the kitchen.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12This is where you're going to have to prepare all these meals
0:23:12 > 0:23:14and so forth, Anne.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Come in here.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Now, I think this is you, all over.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It's beautiful. That's really nice.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's a really lovely kitchen.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27And the free-standing furniture, the table.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28I could work at the table.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Plenty of room and we could eat at the table.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33It's big enough, I'm sure.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34You'd make it cosy with that.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38I love this stove. This is great. This is beautiful.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39Let's think about upstairs.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42That's going to really put the icing on the cake, isn't it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Four bedrooms, enough?
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Oh, yes.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47Four bedrooms is great.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Now, on the way up, you notice the stairs split.- Yes.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Don't forget it was two cottages that have now been amalgamated.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59But this end of things would be something of a guest wing.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02You've got a bathroom in there. Needs a bit of work.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- But in here, guest room. - Yes, lovely, very nice.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Really nice room.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09I like it. Fabulous view.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- Well, yeah, who wouldn't remember... - Fabulous view everywhere.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Who wouldn't remember waking up to that?
0:24:15 > 0:24:17The great thing about having the bathroom,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20next door, means that this whole end is for the guests.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23They don't need to bother you at all.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26But it does mean that the rest of it, down there, is for you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Nice and private. - That sounds good.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Let's go and check it out. Lead on, Martin.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35'Thankfully, the DIY work doesn't seem to have frightened them.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38'Along the landing are two single bedrooms
0:24:38 > 0:24:40'which would have been in the different cottages,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43'but they could be knocked into one for a bigger room.'
0:24:45 > 0:24:47This is the main room itself.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51This is where you guys would have to squeeze yourselves in.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- It wouldn't be a tight squeeze, would it?- No, I don't think so.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- But you've also got an en suite. - Oh, that's nice.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I wondered what was sticking out.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02That's what's going on in there.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06En suite. Let's go outside, check out the final bits
0:25:06 > 0:25:09and then we'll think about how much it's going to cost you.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11How much it's going to be. Yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17Despite the work needed, I think Martin and Anne are seeing the potential of this cottage
0:25:17 > 0:25:20right next to the Herefordshire Trail.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25Outside, the property's position on a hill means the garden is elevated.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Snuggling into the trees, is a seated are which would be lovely for hot summer days,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32but the best thing about this garden is the privacy.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Well, they're your neighbours.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36The sheep.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42And, of course, the Herefordshire Trail goes right the way up that tree line.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Right. So, we can see the walkers coming down it.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49That's where your prey is going to emerge from. Exactly.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I could get the greenhouse in somewhere.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Definitely. Even a few vegetables if you really fancied it.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- Yes. - A bit of vegetable-growing.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59How much do you like it, I wonder?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01How much would we pay for it?
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Well, now then.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Go on then, Anne. Make me an offer.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06295.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- 295.- Whether we could afford that, I don't know.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- But that's what I think it might be on at.- Martin?
0:26:13 > 0:26:14I would go for something lower.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- Oh.- Yes.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I don't know whether that's what it's on the market for,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but I don't think it's worth, to us, more than about 280.
0:26:23 > 0:26:30- It is technically on the market for £320,000.- Crikey. Yeah.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Now, you can see there is some work that needs doing.- There is.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38It's certainly one, if you were interested, that I would...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Knock them down. - ..start negotiation,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45that would explore just what you could realistically give.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Go on, go and have an explore.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48- Thank you, we will.- Will do.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Off you go.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55At £320,000, this cottage is at the top end of Martin and Anne's budget.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00However, it does offer them four bedrooms, including one en suite,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02a kitchen-breakfast room,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and a separate dining room, too.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08And its rural position, next to the Herefordshire Trail,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12might bring in a steady stream of B & B customers.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13It's quite remote, isn't it?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Well, I'm a bit dubious about it, really.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Because I envisaged us walking to the shop, you know.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Walking to the pub and to church, and meeting people.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Yeah.- And not using the car.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Do you think we'll be lonely?
0:27:29 > 0:27:30We might.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36Maybe we could make this work as a B & B.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40The location by the path is very good.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43And the layout of the property is quite good.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Except that it doesn't give us two letting bedrooms,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49only really one and maybe another one.
0:27:49 > 0:27:56I think walkers would really be attracted to it. It's a lovely... Open fires, beautiful views.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58A really nice cottage.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59I think it would work.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04If the Hereford Trail's well used, I think it could be a successful B & B.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Ah.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11Now, then, I think that was well worth you looking at.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12It certainly was, yes.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15It's not what you might have considered, originally.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- But, you know... - It's very interesting.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- It's very tempting.- Good.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- I'm not sure, but very tempting. - Let's think about it.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25There's more to show you.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Let's see if we can tempt you with something else. Come on.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41'Martin and Anne have always enjoyed an active role at their local church
0:28:41 > 0:28:44'and, for Martin, it can't get more active than ringing the bells.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48'He's been pulling the ropes for 24 years, so we've set up a treat
0:28:48 > 0:28:54'at the Priory Church of St Peter & St Paul in Leominster, where we are meeting bell ringer Mark Pugh.'
0:28:54 > 0:28:55Mark, nice to meet you.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59You are relishing the chance to ring somewhere else, aren't you?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Yes, it's what we call "getting a tower grab".
0:29:01 > 0:29:03A tower grab! It sounds sinister to me. Is it?
0:29:03 > 0:29:07No. It's when visitors come along and want to have a go on our bells.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08Where are the ropes?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10I'm afraid they're up there.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15'83 steps later...'
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Wow! We've got some company!
0:29:17 > 0:29:21Absolutely! This is our small band.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Martin, would you like to take number two and rise it after Jim?
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Right, I'll do that.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29What's happening, Mark?
0:29:29 > 0:29:34They're practising ringing a scale from the lightest bell, which is the treble,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37to the heaviest bell, which is known as the tenor.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40And they're trying to get their gap and timing perfect.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And how heavy is the heaviest bell here?
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Just over a ton in metric.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49So is it quite difficult to keep that moving?
0:29:49 > 0:29:54It's all technique. The larger the bell, the easier it is, when it's going,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57to maintain. It's got a lot more momentum to it.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00'Now Martin's warmed up, it's time for Anne and I to have a go.'
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Here we go.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03- BELL RINGS - Now down.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Beautiful.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10'I can see this is not straightforward!
0:30:10 > 0:30:12'Now it's Anne's turn.'
0:30:12 > 0:30:13BELL RINGS
0:30:13 > 0:30:16BELL RINGS
0:30:16 > 0:30:19'As I suspected, I think she's finding it tricky, too!'
0:30:19 > 0:30:21It really is not just a case of pulling a rope, is it?
0:30:21 > 0:30:28No, but it doesn't take years to learn to ring, it's just, you can keep on getting better
0:30:28 > 0:30:30and learning to do more things.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36'I think it's time to step out and let those who know what they're doing step back in.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40'It really does sound wonderful!'
0:30:46 > 0:30:48I've had a great time,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50but I am dying to know one thing.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Do we all think Martin got his tower grab?
0:30:53 > 0:30:55ALL: Yes!
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- JULES LAUGHS - Thank you very much!
0:30:57 > 0:30:58There you go!
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Martin and Anne from Walsall are house hunting in Herefordshire.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12They're looking not only for a cosy home for themselves,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16but also a property that provides enough accommodation to run a B & B business.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21They have a budget of up to £320,000 for a four-bedroom house.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24And so far they've seen two properties that offers possibilites.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Coming up, a house that makes Martin fall into his own trap.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I said I wasn't going to say "wow".
0:31:32 > 0:31:33- But wow!- Wow, is it?
0:31:33 > 0:31:37And a mystery house that turns out to be a TARDIS.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Oh, really nice.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42You don't think we'd be a bit short of space(?)
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Well, it's the beginning of our final day's house-hunt,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52with Martin and with Anne.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55So far, I do think we've shown them some properties that fit the bill,
0:31:55 > 0:32:00but space is the thing - they haven't quite, I don't think, been big enough.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05But now, today, all that is going to change.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12How much of an emotional experience do you think house hunting is for you?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Well, it is one, there's no doubt about that,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19because it's so important to find the right place.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24And it's not like going out to buy a pair of scissors, is it?
0:32:24 > 0:32:26You've got to get it right.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It's the whole rest of our life
0:32:28 > 0:32:31and it's our plan for our future.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35It's all got to be wrapped up in this house so it is emotional.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37It's very important.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45Our first property today is in Pilleth, just over the Welsh border into Powys.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48The small town of Knighton, just four miles away,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51would offer Martin and Anne a whole range of facilities,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54from shops and banks to pubs and restaurants
0:32:54 > 0:32:56and there's a church, too.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01The house we are about to see sits on one of the most important battlegrounds in Welsh history.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05In 1402, the Welsh forces took up their place at the top of the hill
0:33:05 > 0:33:07and defeated the English lying below.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12St Mary's Church stands on the hillside, overlooking the property
0:33:12 > 0:33:16and, without electricity, it offers magical candlelit services.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18The house itself is a little remote,
0:33:18 > 0:33:23but it's such a wonderful property, that I'm hoping the location won't put them off.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31Well, as you can see, we've landed in something of a conversion here.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34We've got this great big farmyard complex.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36What it does is, it gives you neighbours.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- Yes. That's important.- Yes. - That's what I want you to look at.
0:33:40 > 0:33:46- You end up with half of that big barn.- Ah, that's excellent.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- That looks, that looks very big. - Very capacious, yes.
0:33:49 > 0:33:55It's very capacious. The couple that have renovated this, she's a carpenter
0:33:55 > 0:33:57and has done the work herself.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Right. So, it's to a high standard, we can guess.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02It's a very, very high standard.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07And very thoughtfully worked out, in terms of the way the space works and so forth.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Whether it will fit you two, and your new life...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- Only one way to find out. - Seems very tempting.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15Let's go have a look.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Right, come on in.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- So, this is your hallway. - Yes, very nice.- Very nice, yeah.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Big barn conversion. The floor is...
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Oh, it's beautiful. It's lovely.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Lovely flagstone floor.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36These flags were originally in the barn,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38they've been recycled into the new look.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- They're massive, as well, aren't they? Aren't they superb? - Yeah.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43And this is all new oak, is it?
0:34:43 > 0:34:45This is all new oak.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Green oak, a lot of it. So, it's all still settling and creaking a bit.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51And then, of course, oak staircase.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Everything you see, pretty much, is oak.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Few things I'll to show you later,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57but I want you to start in here.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- That is amazing. - That's a lovely kitchen.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- That is a fantastic kitchen. - Isn't it gorgeous?
0:35:06 > 0:35:09It's absolutely great? I love this.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12No, it's lovely. Really, really nice.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15This kitchen would be fine, wouldn't it?
0:35:15 > 0:35:16Everything we needed.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- Excellent, yeah. It's great, yeah. - But it does lead on to this...
0:35:20 > 0:35:22That's very attractive.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24..which is your living room.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26The principal living room-cum-dining room.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Perfect. Lovely log burner.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31I said I wasn't going to say "wow".
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- But, wow!- Wow is it. Yeah.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37The floor? Fantastic.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Couldn't be better.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- It's, it's roomy. - Yeah, yeah. Lots of room.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44In fairness, your guests would have to use this area, too.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48The people we'll get coming here will be walking people.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50They're going to be willing to sit in
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- and get on and be part of the family, really.- I would imagine so, yeah.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55People do that.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59'Judging by their reactions, I think they are blown away by this place.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03'And, quite honestly, I'm not surprised. It's gorgeous!
0:36:03 > 0:36:08'At the other end of the house, is the study or fourth bedroom.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12'And there's the beauty of a cloakroom right next door.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15'And just next door to that, a handy utility room.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18'I can't wait to show them the other three bedrooms upstairs,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20'which are impressive, to say the least.'
0:36:20 > 0:36:21Fabulous staircase.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24More oak floors, oak beams...
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- All the way up here. - Oak, oak, oak.- Now then...- Oh!
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Come on in.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- Oh, my goodness.- Crikey!
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Oh, this is... SHE CHUCKLES
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- I'm speechless!- Lost for words.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38I am speechless. It's so wonderful!
0:36:38 > 0:36:41It's a room that your guests would remember.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43They would. They'd come again.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45I think that's the key thing.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48You know, effectively, you've got a living area, too.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50There's no harm in putting a sofa or two in.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55A TV, tea and coffee-making facilities. All that stuff.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Yeah, everything. It's absolutely stunning. It's fabulous!
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Yes, it's not cosy.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- It's, sort of, baronial! - THEY ALL LAUGH
0:37:02 > 0:37:04You see yourself as a lord!
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- That's it, yes! - You've also then got this.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Have a look in there. That's the en suite.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12That is so good!
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Oh, I love it.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- Absolutely love it.- Yeah?
0:37:17 > 0:37:20This is going to be too expensive.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Well, don't worry about the money!
0:37:22 > 0:37:26You're buying a lifestyle. It's only money, Anne. Come on!
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- You've got four bedrooms in this property, including the one downstairs.- Excellent.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35I think, arguably, you could have two very good letting rooms.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38We've seen two perfectly good letting bedrooms so far.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Well, it doesn't stop there.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44The other two bedrooms up here are equally beautiful.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48The room that I think would suit them certainly isn't second-best.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51The timbers and the height of the rooms
0:37:51 > 0:37:53really make this place feel special.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56It's easy to see the care and attention to detail,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00that has gone into the renovation. And, as you would expect,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03the family bathroom is pretty stylish, too.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Let's wander into the garden and look at the other aspects of this house.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- It's the rear view, but it's still beautiful.- Yes, it's a barn.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- It's a lovely barn. - In terms of garden, what you see is what you get.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19It's quite a small plot in some respects,
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- for a country house. But I don't know how much you want to have to bother with.- It's big enough.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27I don't think it's that small. I don't think it is.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I think maybe the grandeur of the setting makes it look smaller.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- It's quite a big garden. - There's room for my greenhouse.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Yeah.- And room for vegetables. - Plenty of room for vegetables.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Let's talk about the money, shall we?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- It's going to be too much! - It's going to be too much!
0:38:44 > 0:38:47It's so perfect. It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51Well, it's clearly going to budget the challenge a bit, OK?
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Let's have a think about how much you think it's worth.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58Well, to us, we would go to the limit for this one.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00I'd bust a gut to get this!
0:39:00 > 0:39:05And the limit is going to be 330. That's as far as we can possibly go.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Because it's got the four bedrooms?
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- It's perfect.- It's got everything we need. We don't need to do anything else.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13But that's as much as we can raise.
0:39:13 > 0:39:19- OK. So, £330,000 is what you're saying?- Yes, we would go for that.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20All right.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Would it surprise you if I told that this...
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- was on the market for £385,000?- No. - No, it wouldn't surprise me at all!
0:39:28 > 0:39:32You would, therefore, be delighted if I were to tell you that
0:39:32 > 0:39:36it is now on the market for offers in excess...
0:39:36 > 0:39:39of £320,000.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42That's it! It's ours. It's ours!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- So, you've got ten grand to, you know, trade on.- Jiggle it.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- Yes.- Yeah.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- Well, wonderful.- That's fantastic.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52We've got to sell the house, but we'd go for it.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Have a look around and see how you might make the space work for you.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Go and indulge it. Remind yourself of what your dream might be.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Go on.- Right, we will, thank you very much.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Thank you.- Off you go. - Thanks a lot.- Well, there we are.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Two very happy buyers, I am delighted to say.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14This is, of course, stretching the budget to the top of its limit -
0:40:14 > 0:40:17offers in excess of £320,000.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21But I do believe it is within range. They can certainly afford it.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Do they want it? Yes, of course they do!
0:40:23 > 0:40:28This barn conversion, with its £320,000 price tag,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30would make a beautiful home for Martin and Anne,
0:40:30 > 0:40:34and, without doubt, offer stunning B & B accommodation.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36There's a hand-built kitchen,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39a separate dining area, three-to-four bedrooms,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43and it all sits in a fabulous rural position, with superb views.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47It's lovely. It's absolutely perfect. I love this room.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- I love the whole house.- Yes, well...
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I've been walking round like a gibbering idiot!
0:40:52 > 0:40:56I was speechless. I think it's absolutely fabulous.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Perfect for us. I feel absolutely at home.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03I love it to bits. In fact, I'll be devastated if we don't get this one.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Let's go for it!
0:41:10 > 0:41:13It's perfect. It's everything we wanted, and more.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17It's not too remote, because there are some neighbours.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20The building itself is wonderful.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Lost for words!
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Well, that was a job, getting you out of here!
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- Yeah, absolutely. - We didn't want to leave.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Close the door.- Move in tomorrow.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Move in tomorrow? Well... Now then, our house search is not over yet.
0:41:34 > 0:41:40There is one more to come and a few other bits and pieces to show you before you make your minds up.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Well, we've got to keep an open mind, I suppose!
0:41:43 > 0:41:45You'll be hard pressed to beat this one.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Well, I like a challenge. Come on.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Martin and Anne have never been strangers to nature.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01When they move, they're keen to get their walking boots on
0:42:01 > 0:42:04and explore the local countryside.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07They're keen to learn about foraging for food.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11So, we've arranged for them to meet up with fungi expert, Sheila Spence
0:42:11 > 0:42:12to learn a little more.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- Hello, pleased to meet you. - Hello, Sheila.- Let's go.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Sheila is showing them round Brockhampton Estate,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20where fungi grows in abundance.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25But, it takes an expert to know the difference between what's deadly and what's delicious.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27This is a parasol mushroom.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30It would have been edible and very good, maybe three or four days ago.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- But now it's gone over.- How do you know they're not poisonous?
0:42:34 > 0:42:37You have to learn. There's no easy way of doing it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40You have to learn what's edible and what's not,
0:42:40 > 0:42:46out of the some 14,000-odd that you might find somewhere in the British countryside.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Well, that's our first one.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52It's clear Martin and Anne are going to need an encyclopaedia of fungi
0:42:52 > 0:42:57to be confident they're picking one of the 200 varieties that are safe to eat.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59And Sheila has just spotted one.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Wow, look at this.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04This is the ideal mushroom.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07The parasol again. But it's in an excellent condition.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12Fresh and wonderful to eat. So, what we do now, we just pull it out.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16I don't believe in cutting it. We pull it out and it's ready to cook.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Sheila has come equipped with a camping stove.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23And, before long, it's ready for the important bit. The tasting.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26Is that for me? Thank you very much.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Mmm. That's great. Really lovely.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Absolutely delicious.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39At long last, of course, it's mystery house time.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41In a part of the world that is littered
0:43:41 > 0:43:43with beautiful timber-framed houses, like this one,
0:43:43 > 0:43:47it'd be very tempting to offer something similar as the mystery house.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50But, of course, that would be far too obvious.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53We're staying put in Wales for our mystery house
0:43:53 > 0:43:55and it's in the village of Gladestry.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Buying a house here would place Martin and Anne just six miles
0:43:58 > 0:44:01from Kington, back over the border in Herefordshire.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04Despite this small market town's position, on the western edge
0:44:04 > 0:44:09of Offa's Dyke, it has been English for over 1,000 years.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11In Gladestry, I suspect the position and location
0:44:11 > 0:44:15of this next house, couldn't be better for Martin and Anne.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18But will it grab them as much as the last one?
0:44:19 > 0:44:22Right, guys. Well, at last...
0:44:22 > 0:44:24it's mystery house time.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Going back to this theme of walking, and holiday makers, of course,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31- which has dominated our search...- It has.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35..the mystery house here, I think, is a mystery house for two reasons.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- One, because we're on Offa's Dyke. - Right. Good place for walking.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41It's a fantastic place for walkers. We're actually on it.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- It runs through the road in front of us.- Lovely.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47Well, it used to, once upon a time. It's now eroded.
0:44:47 > 0:44:53The other reason the mystery house is the mystery house is because it's that converted Zionist chapel.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57Right. It looks very smart. It looks very...well done.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- Yes, in good condition. - Good condition.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02Yeah, it's interesting. It's nice.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- Attractive big windows. - Let's go and have a look,
0:45:05 > 0:45:07and see what you make of it.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12Right, guys, up you come.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14This is amazing.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- Martin, what do you think? - Yes. Spacious, airy.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Lots of light. Like the big windows.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23Yeah. But the key ingredient in it is, of course, the kitchen,
0:45:23 > 0:45:28which again is, as you'd expect, it's only recently been renovated.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31All of that is pretty new, really.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34Yes, it's all... efficient, smart, clean.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37It's modern and nice, and so forth.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39It's not... It's not quite...
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- country-ish, is it? It's not... - I would say it's practical.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- Yes, yes.- I mean, it's certainly not...
0:45:46 > 0:45:48I don't dislike it. It's just, sort of...
0:45:48 > 0:45:50I don't know. It hasn't got the same warmth.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- It's not a hand-built, aged... country kitchen.- No, it isn't. No.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00What they done here is to put in a floor level behind me, there.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03So, most of the living is upstairs
0:46:03 > 0:46:06and most of the bedroom accommodation...
0:46:06 > 0:46:07- is downstairs.- Ah, good.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- That's probably making best use of these big windows.- Yeah.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- Well, indeed. It means your living area benefits from the height.- Yes.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17And down here, as I say,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20is where you, and maybe your guests, would be accommodated.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- Let's have a look at that and see what you think.- Oh!
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Down here, there are three bedrooms.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29The first is quite small, but it does fit two single beds.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32Then there's another larger twin-bedded, or double room,
0:46:32 > 0:46:35which I think could work for Martin and Anne.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38Next door is the family bathroom which is small but clean and modern.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40Last up is the master bedroom,
0:46:40 > 0:46:43which I think should be for the bed and breakfast visitors.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48Oh, yeah. It's a lovely square, balanced room, isn't it? It's lovely.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51You've got this panelling running around it.
0:46:51 > 0:46:52Yes, that's a nice feature.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55'Now, it might not be a huge room,
0:46:55 > 0:46:59'but it has an en suite bathroom, which the paying guests will appreciate.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03'But the added bonus here is that it has a porch-cum-boot room,
0:47:03 > 0:47:05'attached with a door to the outside,
0:47:05 > 0:47:09'offering the guests, and of course Martin and Anne, plenty of privacy.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12'Time now, though, to look at the upstairs.'
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Come up here. I can't wait to see what you think...
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- of this.- Oh, that's...
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Oh, yes, that is a lovely room.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27- Oh, really nice.- You don't think we'd be a bit short of space(?)
0:47:29 > 0:47:32It's great, isn't it? You could do all sorts with this, actually.
0:47:32 > 0:47:34- Yeah.- A barn dance!
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- You could have a barn dance! - I mean...
0:47:37 > 0:47:41I don't know whether that's allowed in a chapel!
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- That's lovely. Great big wood burner.- Excellent, yes.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47In terms of space, you know, they've got it arranged
0:47:47 > 0:47:51with these two huge sofas in...in a kind of L-shape.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54But you could break this up in terms of different zones.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57Sofas in one area, tables...
0:47:57 > 0:48:01- Nothing to stop you having another dining table. - We might like to do that.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05- A study area.- Let's go outside. The views are quite interesting.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08Let's go out through these doors onto the decking area
0:48:08 > 0:48:11and think about how much it might set you back.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15Right, out you come.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17There we are. Something of a view for you.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19- Beautiful views.- Yes, lovely.- Yes.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22Now, in terms of garden, all you've got is that.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24Again, that's plenty.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27- You've also got of parking there... - Plenty of parking.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30- ..which is great for guests. - Very useful. And camper vans.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- Greenhouse, somewhere.- Bags of room for a green house.- Yes.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36That's not a problem. And then, you've got this decking area.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39There's also something of a terrace down below us
0:48:39 > 0:48:42which would allow a table and chairs. Underneath here,
0:48:42 > 0:48:45a wood store, which you'll need for the wood burner.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48- Yes, that would be true. - Now, then...
0:48:48 > 0:48:51your budget of £275,000.
0:48:51 > 0:48:57How far is it going to go, or indeed stretch, to achieve this place?
0:49:00 > 0:49:03I think we'd definitely get the custom.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05We've only got the one letting bedroom,
0:49:05 > 0:49:08but it's a nice one. It's got the en suite and everything.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10- Yep.- So, that's good.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14I think we might push it a little bit up,
0:49:14 > 0:49:16but...I don't know. 280?
0:49:16 > 0:49:18Yes, that sounds like a...
0:49:18 > 0:49:21You'd be happy with £280,000 for this,
0:49:21 > 0:49:24but you might think you need a few quid left over.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Supposing you could snap this up for £245,000?
0:49:28 > 0:49:31- Well...- That would be great!
0:49:31 > 0:49:34Yes, that would...
0:49:34 > 0:49:37That's amazing. That's icing on the cake, really, isn't it?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40- We wouldn't have to work very hard, then.- We wouldn't, that's right.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43Lots to think about, then, I suspect.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45- We've got some choices to make.- Yes.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47- Choice is good.- Choice is good, yes.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51Having choices is good. Even being slightly undecided at this stage,
0:49:51 > 0:49:55it's good because it'll make you focus your minds. Have a look around.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58See what you get for 245 and see if it'll work for you.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00- Thank you.- Go on, then. In you go.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Ah, I'll catch up with you later.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Well, there we are. That was it. That was the mystery house,
0:50:07 > 0:50:10on the market for a cool £245,000.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12It is nearly a quarter of a million,
0:50:12 > 0:50:15but it is comfortably under their budget,
0:50:15 > 0:50:18and it does expand their horizons, in terms of what they can buy
0:50:18 > 0:50:22and how this country dream might actually come to life.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26At £245,000, this converted chapel would offer them
0:50:26 > 0:50:29unusual accommodation, in the heart of the village.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31It's a characterful property.
0:50:31 > 0:50:37It has the three bedrooms they need, a huge living room and a garden.
0:50:37 > 0:50:38We'll definitely get walkers here.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42- That's ideal downstairs, the little...- I'm happy with that.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46..boot area. Going into the bedroom separately. Yeah, that's good.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- That's superior. - I'm pleased with that.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50Like this property.
0:50:50 > 0:50:55Very impressed with this old chapel. It's got lots of character.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Interesting. An improvement on the house we live in, at the moment.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00For us, it would be very practical.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04This is our kitchen. Can you imagine cooking for the B & B in here?
0:51:04 > 0:51:08Yeah. We've probably got the guests sitting at the table there,
0:51:08 > 0:51:10- saying, "Where's my sausages?"- Yeah.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12- We'll be frying. - We'll be burning them!
0:51:12 > 0:51:17Yes, that's right! But, I think we can cope with being on show.
0:51:17 > 0:51:18Yeah, I think so.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21I was very surprised at it.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23It's amazing inside.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26The fact that they fitted three beautiful bedrooms into the bottom
0:51:26 > 0:51:29and that stupendous living room.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31It was...
0:51:31 > 0:51:33really surprising.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37And, although it's not altogether to my taste,
0:51:37 > 0:51:41I could see that I could really make something of it.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43I could make it my own. It's really nice.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46OK, well...the chapel.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48What do you think we should call it?
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Like, The Chapel B & B?
0:51:51 > 0:51:52Zion Chapel B & B?
0:51:52 > 0:51:55Or The Zion B & B?
0:51:55 > 0:51:58It sounds like the most important bit's been sorted!
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Once you get the name right, there's nothing else to worry about.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03I think I'd put my vote on The Chapel.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05- The Chapel.- The Chapel B & B.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07- Come and stay at The Chapel. - There you go.- Yes.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11And, who knows? Maybe people will, IF you decide to buy it.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14- But you've got a lot of thinking to do.- We have.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17We've shown you a lot of properties that may well work for you.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19I think we should get you out of here
0:52:19 > 0:52:25- and somewhere where you can think about everything that you've seen. - Good idea.- Sounds good.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- JULES LAUGHS - Come on!
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Finding a property that serves as a comfortable home
0:52:41 > 0:52:46and lends itself to a B & B business with all its requirements isn't an easy task.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49But Martin and Anne have now seen all the houses
0:52:49 > 0:52:51and it's time weigh up the balance.
0:52:51 > 0:52:56Well, overnight, Martin and Anne have had plenty of time to reflect on all that we have shown them.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58But, of course, now it is decision time.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02As you can see, behind me, the market is in full swing.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Plenty of people are selling, but are our buyers buying?
0:53:05 > 0:53:07Let's go and ask them.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12Well, guys, this is...it.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16You've had time to think about everything that we've shown you.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20- Has the experience matched up to what you thought it would be? - It's been really exciting.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23I've really enjoyed the couple of days.
0:53:23 > 0:53:28Well, it all started with the old surgery, the lovely cream cottage
0:53:28 > 0:53:29with that amazing view.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32The view from that place was stupendous,
0:53:32 > 0:53:35it really was, it was the best.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38However, you can't live on a view.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41It's good, but we need other things too.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43I think it would make a lovely home,
0:53:43 > 0:53:48but it's maybe a little bit on the small side to do the B & B.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52So then, with some optimism, we went to that extraordinary place on the hill.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55The two now knocked into one.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59Now, as views go, that really was something special, I thought.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02The actual setting was great, in that little valley.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05The footpath was there, which was a real plus,
0:54:05 > 0:54:08but it was a long way out from anywhere.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11It only had two double bedrooms.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13The other two were quite small.
0:54:13 > 0:54:18So, from our business point of view, it really only had three bedrooms.
0:54:18 > 0:54:22And there was quite a lot of work to do inside, but it was SO my style.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27I really enjoyed looking around there, really did.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31Well, then, we all slept on it and another day dawned.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34We took you to...
0:54:34 > 0:54:37that extraordinary barn conversion. On the site of a battlefield,
0:54:37 > 0:54:41overlooked by a beautiful church. Just over the border into Wales.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43- What about that one? - It was fantastic.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48It was... I never dreamed that we could afford some place like that.
0:54:48 > 0:54:49It was so beautiful.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52Absolutely magnificent inside.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55The craftsmanship that had gone into that house...
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Somebody really put all their heart and soul into that, and I loved it.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02Everything was so beautifully done.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06It was quite interesting. I can see that you're very excited about it.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10- Yeah!- But it wasn't over just yet, of course.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12It was time to take you to the mystery house.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15Great place for walkers, on the top of Offa's Dyke.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18Yeah, it was a great place, really nice.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22I liked it. It had plenty of character. The room that we would have let,
0:55:22 > 0:55:26it might have been purpose-designed for a letting room with its separate access,
0:55:26 > 0:55:29its boot store and everything. That would have been superb.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32Well, I am now dying to know what happens next.
0:55:32 > 0:55:38I suspect anybody watching this discussion will not be surprised by your decision.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40Put me out of my misery. What are you going to do?
0:55:40 > 0:55:43We're going to go all out to get the barn conversion
0:55:43 > 0:55:45because I absolutely love it.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49It makes me want to cry, thinking about it. It's so gorgeous.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52I love that barn conversion, I have to say.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55I'm glad you did, as well. Let us know how you get on.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58As soon as you're able to buy it and move in, I'll come and stay.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00Can I be the first guest?
0:56:00 > 0:56:03You certainly can, and it'll be on the house!
0:56:03 > 0:56:06- Well, it's been great having you on the show.- No, thank YOU very much.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09- We've thoroughly ourselves. - Yes, I wish I knew how...
0:56:09 > 0:56:14I wish I'd known in advance what fun it was going to be. I would've looked forward to it more!
0:56:14 > 0:56:18- Well, don't move again. But, if you do, come back!- OK.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25The thing I take away from this house search is that,
0:56:25 > 0:56:31for many of us, the idea of escaping to the country might seem to be a very expensive process.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35But I think the story about Martin and Anne's house search is this -
0:56:35 > 0:56:37whatever your budget, no matter how big or small,
0:56:37 > 0:56:41as long as you remain focused on what you want, it is entirely possible.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45Escaping to the country doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47I'll see you next time.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52If you would like to Escape To The Country, and would like our help,
0:56:52 > 0:56:54please contact us, through our website at...
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:19 > 0:57:22E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk