0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I've escaped to a western county
0:00:04 > 0:00:08which is responsible for supplying the UK with over 65% of its cider.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11And that's exactly what these apples are going to become.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15And I know what you're thinking, but no, I am not in Somerset.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Join me in a moment to find out where I am.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37In today's show, I'll be helping a couple return to rural life
0:00:37 > 0:00:40and escape the congestion of city living.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It's fabulous. Beautiful.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Love it.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48I'll show them a selection of fine properties for sale in their chosen area.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51It takes your breath away. It's beautiful.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53And our last property, of course, is the mystery house
0:00:53 > 0:00:57but will any of our properties get them signing on the dotted line?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Today, I am in cider country, better known as Herefordshire.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11For over 350 years, this little fruit has been brewed in and around this county
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and now it's the largest producer of cider in the UK,
0:01:14 > 0:01:21churning out over 325 million litres of cider to supermarkets and pubs every year.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28The county sits just below the West Midlands and hugs the Welsh border.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32It is one of England's most rural and least densely-populated areas.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37The landscape is largely a myriad of fields, meadows and woodlands
0:01:37 > 0:01:41with the River Wye and Severn gently meandering through it.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45And as well as its cider production, another of its world famous exports is Hereford cattle.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52The city of Hereford lies at the heart of the county and dates back to around 700AD.
0:01:52 > 0:01:58It grew up on the banks of the River Wye and its 11th-century cathedral is home
0:01:58 > 0:02:02to the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world, dating back to the 13th century.
0:02:03 > 0:02:0840 miles north of Hereford is the historic market town of Leominster,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11which owes its riches to the 14th-century wool trade.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16Leominster is also the starting point for the Black And White Buildings Trail.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20The 40-mile journey weaves through Herefordshire villages,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24displaying examples of 16th and 17th-century timber-framed houses
0:02:24 > 0:02:26that were infilled with lath and plaster.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30The attractive black and white paintwork that gives the area
0:02:30 > 0:02:34its distinctive character is, however, relatively recent.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39The average price of a detached house here in Herefordshire
0:02:39 > 0:02:45is just shy of £278,000, which is 8% above the national average.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47So it's not the most expensive place to buy.
0:02:47 > 0:02:54However, if you take into account the current housing market, property stocks are limited.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59So it may be a little bit tricky to find that perfect house in the country.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03If that hasn't put you off and you think Herefordshire is the place
0:03:03 > 0:03:07for you, then take a look at these properties on offer for all manner of budgets.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13If you're at the top end of the market looking for a handsome property,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15look no further than this house in Huntingdon
0:03:15 > 0:03:18which is on the market for £1.5 million.
0:03:18 > 0:03:24The elegant home offers luxurious living, complete with a wine cellar for chilling those vintage bottles.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27The four-acre garden with its own private boating and fishing lake
0:03:27 > 0:03:30will surely make you the envy of your friends.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37Or just £5,000 short of £800,000 will buy this striking four-bedroom barn conversion near Ledbury.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39The exposed timbers offer character
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and the large, light-flooded rooms offer spacious living.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46And if you're green-fingered, you'll love the landscaped rear garden.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Or if your budget is around the £175,000 mark,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56then you could pick up this semi-detached cottage in Kingsland.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59For a two-bedroom cottage, it's surprisingly spacious,
0:03:59 > 0:04:04and with its light and airy decoration, it's surely got to be a hot property.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09There's an abundance of fine houses to choose from in Herefordshire,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12so hopefully, we'll find something to suit today's buyers.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Steve and Lindsey live in this three-bedroom house in Peterborough.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20After years of country living, where they owned
0:04:20 > 0:04:24a time-consuming boarding kennel business, they sold up and moved to Peterborough.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Although they are glad they sold the business, they bitterly regret
0:04:28 > 0:04:33moving into town and are now desperate to get back to the countryside.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38What I don't like about this house is - and there's not very much I don't like about this house -
0:04:38 > 0:04:40but the views.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43You look out of the window and you can see other houses.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48I want to look out the window and see fields and hills and sky.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I totally agree with that, absolutely.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55We want to be free-range hens, not battery chickens.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59But for Steve and Lindsey, there could be trouble ahead.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04I would like to be totally isolated, outside of rifle range of other people.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09Lindsey would like to be within a stone's throwing distance of other people.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11On the outskirts of a village.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17Satisfying them both could be tricky but they have got a few priorities they both agree on.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I really like this kitchen-diner.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24The next house, I would like something very similar,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27or at least the space to be able to knock a wall down, if necessary,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30to create a large, open, airy space in the kitchen.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Although we want character and we'd quite like a cottage,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36obviously, I'm fairly tall,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39so I don't need any low beams or low ceilings.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44Even though we want to move to the country, we don't really want acres and acres of land.
0:05:44 > 0:05:50A small garden that's easy to maintain, easy to manage, would be absolutely ideal.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53So, what sort of property would suit them best?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I think the main bonus I would like is either an open fire
0:05:57 > 0:06:00or a wood-burning stove in the lounge.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I'd also like an Aga.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Somewhere with character.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08We need an en suite.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12We need two, three bedrooms.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14It doesn't have to be very big.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16A small country estate will do.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20There's also another major consideration to take on board.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Steve is a retired commercial airline pilot
0:06:23 > 0:06:24and owns a two-seater plane
0:06:24 > 0:06:29and has his head in the clouds regarding the ultimate property accessory.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I would like an airstrip - a strip of grass, 600 yards long,
0:06:34 > 0:06:39and a hangar attached to the house. Is that possible?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Very amusing, Steve. There's no chance of that,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45but we might be able to find something close to an airfield.
0:06:45 > 0:06:51Before we get this search off the ground, we've invited round a local estate agent
0:06:51 > 0:06:56to give a current valuation of the house they bought just a year ago for £153,000.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00This is a three-bedroom link-detached house, with a garage,
0:07:00 > 0:07:05in a very nice location and I would value this property at £160,000.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14In today's housing climate, it's a very fair valuation.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20Obviously, I would have liked more, but with house prices declining at the moment, I think it's very fair.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24At least they aren't too disappointed but we need to nail the budget.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30The maximum budget, I'm told, for the new property, is £300,000.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37So, Steve and Lindsey have slightly differing ideas about what they want.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40He wants to be remote and she wants neighbours.
0:07:40 > 0:07:46What they do agree on is that they want a detached cottage, two to three bedrooms,
0:07:46 > 0:07:51and that farmhouse kitchen, big enough to have that table and a more manageable garden.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54But what I do know is that the rural tranquillity that Steve wants,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58on their budget, is going to be hard to find.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Steve and Lindsey have already scoured the area north of Hereford
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and found nothing to their liking.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10So, we are focusing our search to the east and south of the city
0:08:10 > 0:08:13where there should be some rural gems.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Over the course of two days, I'll be taking them on a tour of three rural hideaways,
0:08:17 > 0:08:22but I will only reveal the price tags after they've had the chance to have a good look around.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25The last of those properties will be the mystery house -
0:08:25 > 0:08:31a property they may not have chosen to view themselves, but does offer them possibilities.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Steve, Lindsey, welcome to beautiful Herefordshire.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37What attracted you to come to this area?
0:08:37 > 0:08:42Well, Tim, I first came 25 years ago and absolutely fell in love with it at first sight.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45So, we're just coming back again, hopefully, to live.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Now, your budget was 300,000 but there's been a little bit of a change.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54Yes. We've found another £50,000, so it's now £350,000.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58We did have that put aside for any renovations that might need doing,
0:08:58 > 0:09:03but if we find a property that's in tip-top condition, we can spend that on the property.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Tip-top condition. I've got three brilliant properties to show you, one of which is a mystery property.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Are you ready to go?- Oh, yes.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37So, what are you looking forward to the most about moving back to the country?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Peace and quiet. Solitude.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Not too much traffic.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47Preferably none. And walking, because we both really, really enjoy walking.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51In that case, let's hope we've come up trumps with our property choices.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Our first house is in the hamlet of Aylton, 11 miles east of Hereford.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59The village of Much Marcle stands four miles down the road
0:09:59 > 0:10:02and the shop and post office caters for the day-to-day essentials.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Steve and Lindsey might like to join the locals in the village pub,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09or alternatively, the 13th-century St Bartholomew's Church.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15Our first offering sits at the end of a private driveway, with just a few other houses for neighbours.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17So let's see what they think.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21Well, there we go.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24This is the first property. It was originally a smithy.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- It looks very interesting, Tim. - I don't know if you do quaint, but that's what comes to mind.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Definitely. We like quaint. - Do you?- Yes.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33So what's your first impressions?
0:10:33 > 0:10:37It's got possibilities. Possibilities.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38I'm not sure about the road.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42It's quite close to what could be a fairly busy road.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46This smithy was originally part of the farmhouse which is behind that brick wall
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and this was another outbuilding, all part of the same estate.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53So you do have neighbours, not on top of each other, but it's not
0:10:53 > 0:10:56completely remote, which is, I know, what you wanted.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01Yes. A little bit closer than I would have liked.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- What about you, cos you wanted neighbours?- Yes, but not too close.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Let's see if I can convince you inside.- OK.- OK.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Ta-da!
0:11:16 > 0:11:23One of the remits that we did have was making sure that the ceilings were high enough.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- You're over six foot, aren't you? - I'm six foot two.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31I'm six foot and I don't like to duck when I go in anywhere.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36I think we managed to find you a nice large kitchen in an older property.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40The head room's OK in here. I'm used to ducking going through doors,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42but that door's OK.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's unusual to get a kitchen this big in an older property.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Almost too big.- No, no, no.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- Perfect.- It's a good size.- It's the perfect size. Yes.- Perfect kitchen.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55I like it. It's nice, large, airy, spacious and I love the floor.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00Renovation took place about two years ago, so everything in this is new and to a good standard.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03That'll suit Steve cos he's not really into DIY.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I'm with you on that, Steve. I don't like DIY.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10I'll do it if necessary, but it's certainly... It's not to a professional standard, you know?
0:12:10 > 0:12:14In this place, you don't have to do anything. It's light and airy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Is that something that you like?
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Yes. I think all women like light and airy, don't they?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23I know you wanted a utility room.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Oh, wonderful!
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Utility and downstairs toilet.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- To have this as well as a big kitchen...- No. That's brilliant.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Good bonus. - Exactly what we asked for.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Great. Lindsey's happy with that.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I'm not sure, though, what they'll make of the lounge.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- You may have read in the estate agent's details, "bijou and compact".- Yes.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- "Small" is the word you're looking for!- There you go.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55- What do you think?- Small, but having said that, I love the ceiling and the beams and they're high again.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I like the kitchen. Love the fire.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Is this it? Does it go any further?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Well, this is the trade-off of having a larger kitchen.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Right.- Is it too small for you?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10I think we could manage this size.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- You're being very quiet there, Steve.- It'll be easily heated.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- Very positive.- Be nice and cosy.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20I think that might be a bit of a positive spin.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Next, for us, the upstairs and we're heading straight into the master bedroom.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29Oh, this is lovely.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32This is the master bedroom.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34OK. How many bedrooms has it got?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- It's got two bedrooms.- OK.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40But it has no en suite and I know you wanted en suite.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It's not the end of the world.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- What do you think about the features again?- Absolutely lovely. Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52At least there's room for the bed without it being in the eaves,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56so Steve won't bash his head every time he gets in and out of bed.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00And the views that I keep mentioning, if you look over there.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- You wanted to be in the country. - Can you see, darling?- I can see!
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Is this ticking any boxes for you, this house?- It's lovely. Perfect.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Absolutely lovely. Yes.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- The house is?- The house is absolutely all we could wish for.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17It's the right size. Lovely features in it.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19What about the fact there's no storage up here?
0:14:19 > 0:14:25- The current owner uses this as a second property, so you would obviously need wardrobes.- Wardrobes.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28It's not a problem for me cos these are the only clothes I've got.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31But Lindsey's got hundreds.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Don't exaggerate.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35There's room for wardrobes there.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36There is space, but it's limited.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- It is limited. Yes. Indeed. - It's been very cleverly done to make it feel bigger than it is.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- Lots of Velux windows, a light colour scheme and carpet. - It's beautiful and light.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Your taste, though, I think.- Yes. Absolutely.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Well, let's show you where the other bathroom is, even though it's not en suite.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It certainly is a good size.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57This room, and the beam adds an interesting feature.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Just next door is the family bathroom which I can't pretend
0:15:00 > 0:15:05is huge, but nevertheless, it does have a bath and a separate shower enclosure.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Next door, again, is the second bedroom,
0:15:09 > 0:15:14which would work fine as a guest room and will easily fit a double bed. But we are heading outside.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Steve and Lindsey have said they are not the green-fingered type,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22so I hope the quarter of an acre of garden won't be too big for them.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26And the outside.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Watch you don't slip over cos there is wooden decking here.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- OK.- It does need to be cleaned up regularly...
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Right.- ..which hasn't been done. - Another job for Steve.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- Another job. They're racking up, these jobs, Steve.- Leaves, as well.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- Well, it is a garden(!) - I love raking leaves!
0:15:44 > 0:15:48What do you think of the garden cos you didn't want anything too big? You said "manageable".
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- This is manageable. - It's quite low-key.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Yes. Absolutely. It's plenty big enough. But most of it
0:15:54 > 0:15:56being laid to lawn, it's easy to maintain,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58which is absolutely perfect for us.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Easy for you. I've got to cut it!
0:16:00 > 0:16:03True. It's easy for me to sit on the decking and watch.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05And watch the gardening going on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07But what about the noise of the road?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09It's a little intrusive, isn't it?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It's certainly not unnoticeable.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14It seems to be quite a busy road out there as well.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18I think we should wander round to the other side of the house and talk money.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23The size of the garden might be a hit with Steve and Lindsey,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27but the only plane Steve will be able to land is a model one.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I do, however, have something else up my sleeve.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Just as you see the rest of the house outside, the sun's come out.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Beautiful.- Excellent. - Isn't it?- Absolutely beautiful.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40We've come to that difficult moment when we have to discuss money.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Ladies first. What do you think this property's on the market for?
0:16:45 > 0:16:52Because it's been so well renovated, I would say 285,000.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- 285,000?- Yes.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Steve?- I would have to go a little lower than that. I would say 265.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03265 and 285.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09Well, the current price is £50 short of £330,000.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11What?!
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Oh, blimey.- You're joking? - A bit of a surprise for you.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18I thought you might have said 300, but that's ridiculous.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21A lot more than you two are guessing.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Quite a bit more. Yes.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24I'm gobsmacked.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Seriously.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30In this current market, I think that's way too high.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Has it been on the market long?
0:17:32 > 0:17:36It's actually been on the market for 12 months so you could make an offer on that.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- It's probably negotiable.- Yeah.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41I'm going to send you back to the garden to ponder your prices,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44but one thing you can also ponder about is the fact
0:17:44 > 0:17:47that just over a mile away there is a private airstrip.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50We're not sure if you could use it, but it is something to think about.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52I wondered if you'd find out about that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- We'll see you later.- Thank you.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00They are a really nice couple, but a tricky couple
0:18:00 > 0:18:02because they want certain things.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04They want neighbours, but not too close.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08They want a runway, which I think that they're not joking about.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13With this house, the only box I've ticked is that large kitchen, big enough to put a kitchen in.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36Do you like the kitchen?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- I do like the kitchen. - It's good. Yeah.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41I like the beams with the high ceiling.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43There's nothing I don't like about it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- It's very cosy in here. - Very compact and bijou, but it's got a lot of nice features.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54The bedrooms are fine. I'm sure we could find space for my clothes somewhere.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56A wardrobe or two, somewhere along the way.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01And the bathroom's fine as well. Steve's got his shower, I've got my bath, so we'll both be happy.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04We wanted somewhere more rural, really,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08so you can look out the window and see fields rather than houses.
0:19:09 > 0:19:15I'm going to have to tear you away from that kitchen and make the most of the sun. You ready?
0:19:15 > 0:19:16- Yes.- We're ready.- Come on.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Steve and Lindsey have really missed living in a rural community
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and their escape to Herefordshire can't come soon enough.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33As they don't know the area well, they are taking a trip to explore what will be on their doorstep.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It's busy for a Tuesday.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37Hereford is the county town
0:19:37 > 0:19:42and has long been the livestock and agricultural centre of the county.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45It seems a nice "olde worlde" sort of place.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49It's lovely, all these little alleyways and tiny little shops.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Very nice.- Very nice indeed.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55As Herefordshire is one of the cider capitals of the world,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Steve and Lindsey's trip wouldn't be complete without a tour
0:19:59 > 0:20:01of the Hereford Cider Museum.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Look at all these apples. - What a heck of a lot.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06I didn't realise there were so many.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Set in a former cider factory,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12it's the place to learn more about the traditional methods of cider production
0:20:12 > 0:20:18and have a glimpse at the cellars where there are more bottles than you could imagine.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Steve and Lindsey can't wait to embrace nature when they move
0:20:23 > 0:20:26so are making a start with the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
0:20:26 > 0:20:28a half hour drive south of Hereford.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32The atrium houses around 240 exotic butterflies,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35including 25 different species.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43It's a great opportunity to admire the amazing colours
0:20:43 > 0:20:45and swot up on butterfly facts.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48An absolutely fantastic place, isn't it?
0:20:48 > 0:20:49It's a real eye-opener.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54Heading back to Hereford is the village of Kilpeck,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58which is home to the Norman church of St Mary and St David.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Visitors flock here to see the intricate carvings
0:21:01 > 0:21:05that are the handiwork of the 11th century stonemasons.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Have you seen that one of the rabbit and the dog?
0:21:07 > 0:21:11The carvings in the local sandstone have been magnificently preserved
0:21:11 > 0:21:16They are certainly fascinating, if not always attractive.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20The trip here is also worth it for the view from the churchyard.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Look at those views. Aren't they absolutely fabulous?
0:21:23 > 0:21:27It's certainly very pretty. Beautiful colours at this time of year.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Our second house is in the hamlet
0:21:33 > 0:21:36of Great Doward which lies at the heart of the Wye Valley.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39The nearby village of Whitchurch would be Steve and Lindsey's
0:21:39 > 0:21:42closest place for picking up the milk and papers
0:21:42 > 0:21:44and passing the time of day in the pub.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47The house we're viewing sits in an elevated position,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51set into the hillside, and is a real rural hideaway,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53so it should suit Steve down to the ground.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Now, you wanted isolation. What do you think?- Very interesting.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- It's a bit too isolated maybe. - A bit TOO isolated?
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- It's very promising. Very promising. - Very promising. Yeah. It's very nice.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10This house offers them a lot of what they're looking for, including the aerial views, but sadly,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14not a landing strip for their plane. So what do you think of the views?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16It's absolutely fabulous, isn't it?
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Spectacular.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It almost feels like you're in a plane.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Yeah.- Yeah. It does actually. Almost high enough to be in one.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27I'm going to tear you away from the views
0:22:27 > 0:22:30because I want you to look at the house. It's a three-bed property.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32It had some renovations done a little while ago,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35including this here, which was originally the pigsty.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38What's your initial reaction to the house?
0:22:38 > 0:22:42It's fabulous. Beautiful. Love it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48- Right up my street.- Right up your street. Fantastic. Lovely. Three positives.- Very promising.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- Four.- We're probably going to buy it straightaway.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I don't think we need to go inside!
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- We'll have a quick look round, if you like.- OK.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Come in to the warm.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04It's stunning, isn't it?
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- It takes your breath away, actually. It's beautiful.- You really like it?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- I love it. - It's very salubrious, isn't it?
0:23:10 > 0:23:15I'm glad that you're walking in here cos that was my first point of reference.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- It's lower, this one, but it's not too low.- No.- It's fine.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21And the best part about it is the log-burning stove,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23which is absolutely beautiful.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Could you imagine yourselves spending a lot of time in the winter months here?
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- I can imagine myself spending ALL my time.- Even in the summer?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- Even in the summer.- Yeah.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- I think it's time I took you through to the pigsty.- OK.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43As pigsties go, it's quite nice, I think.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Yes. It's very nice, actually, as pigsties go.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Not much straw on the floor, but very nice.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53What I like about this room is the fact that it takes advantage of those views.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57It's not just a small window. They've got French doors going out.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Yeah. Lovely sitting here having lunch, with the French doors open, in the summer.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Wooden parquet flooring, but what do you think about the decoration?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I think it could do with a lick of paint.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- Mmm-hmm.- To brighten it up a little. - You're not put off by that?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Oh, no, no. Not at all.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- Let's take you into the kitchen.- OK. - Probably a little more work in here, do you think?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Oh, wow. I didn't realise it was quite this large.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- It goes round the corner.- It's a lot bigger than you think.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Much bigger.- Big enough for a table for you to sit round.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34Yes. I don't think you would need a table in here AND the dining room, as they're next door to each other.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38So, it would feel a lot bigger without the table, I think, in here.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- So you like the kitchen?- I love it. - That's good.- Absolutely love it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45The only problem we might have is cleaning that window up there.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47That's another job for you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Yeah, sure it'll be my job.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I want to show you upstairs because if you like the views from here,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- you're going to love them from upstairs.- OK.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Well, we seem to be off to a flying start.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02Off the hall there is a downstairs bathroom and a couple of extra rooms on the ground floor,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05but I'm saving those for when we come back downstairs.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11So, this is the master bedroom.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Oh, this is the master, is it?
0:25:13 > 0:25:18It's small, but probably adequate.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23You can walk round the bed, can't you? So it's not too bad.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27The window could be a little bit bigger, but what you can see is brilliant.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29You wanted an en suite.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34Unfortunately, we don't have one, but we do have this, the second bedroom.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37At the moment, they're using it for storage and a dressing area,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40but you can make this into an en-suite bathroom if you wanted.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I think it's a nice dressing area. Plenty of wardrobe space.
0:25:43 > 0:25:49The third bedroom is pretty much the same size as the master and easily takes a double bed.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Then, of course, there is the family bathroom.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It is rather small, the bathroom, so I'll let you guys go in first.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58OK. Thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Yes. It's quite small, but I would say it's adequate.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Yeah. It's absolutely fine for our needs.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- You'll have to stay that side and I'll stay this side. - OK.- Sloping ceiling.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- Just about the right height for me over here.- What about the decor?
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Well, again, it's dated, isn't it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:20She's good at decorating.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- A job for you. - I'm well-practised with decorating.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26You'll be working on the kitchen and you'll be doing the bathroom.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29I'll be doing the kitchen and the bathroom.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Let's have a look downstairs.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Poor Lindsey seems to be tasked with all the DIY work,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36but, fortunately, doesn't appear to be too bothered.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43Before we head outside, there's a chance to see the extra ground floor rooms I mentioned earlier.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47So, this is the sunroom.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48Oh, that's lovely.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Excellent.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Is it south-facing?
0:26:53 > 0:26:58It's west facing, actually. But you still get so much light from here cos it's glass on three-quarters.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02And you can see right across to the other side of the hills over there.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It will be lovely sitting here with a glass of brandy.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Also, you can be doing some washing, cos you've got your little utility room there.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Another sink, and also, your washing machine.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Very handy.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Now, there's plenty more outside which, hopefully, is going to impress you.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Impress us even more than the house? - Come on.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Or depress us.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33You asked for a small, manageable garden.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Yes.- Does this tick that box?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Yes.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39This is it, to the hedge, is it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- Yep. All this bit is your garden. - Perfect.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47But you can hear the A40, which is way off there in the distance.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- You can.- That's the only down point that we've found, so far.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53It won't be a problem when we're inside.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55We'll have to wear ear defenders when we sit outside.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00The pluses of the house and garden definitely outweigh the traffic...at the moment.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- Noise from the traffic, but no noise from the neighbours.- It's beautiful.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I haven't been completely honest.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13There is also an extra three quarters of an acre of field, but it doesn't need much doing to it.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16And I have another surprise in store.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- A lot of walking today.- Yes.
0:28:18 > 0:28:24Now, if you look up there, there's a very beautiful vista of a small wood.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26That's yours as well.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Three-quarters of an acre of wood.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- Really?- Yeah. - I always wanted to be a lumberjack.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Well, now you can live out your dreams up here.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41And that's not all. There's also a stable block and a few storage sheds.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- There's quite a bit here, isn't there?- There is.
0:28:44 > 0:28:50I want you to think about that whilst you give me your opinion of how much it's on the market for.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54You went first last time, so I think this time... Steve?
0:28:54 > 0:28:56The onus is on me.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Difficult to say, really.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00I think it's beyond our budget.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04350.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- 350.- Maybe even more than that.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08I don't know. Hope not.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- You're going to go for 350?- Yeah.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- 350. - Exactly what I was going to say.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15It's either dead on budget or slightly above.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19So round about 350. I hope.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23- Are your fingers crossed in your pockets?- Yes.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's actually on the market for...
0:29:26 > 0:29:29£350,000.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32Spot on!
0:29:32 > 0:29:36So, the fingers that were crossed in your pockets, are they now doing this?
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- Yes.- Certainly are.- Yours are.- Yes. I've got everything crossed.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Excellent. Go and look at the rest of the land.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43OK. Thank you.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48What a surprise, but a positive surprise.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50I thought Steve would love this as it's so remote,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53but Lindsey's fallen in love with it as well.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56All the boxes have been ticked in this property.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59A little bit of decoration, but the views have made up for it.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05The only way I could improve this property is if there was an airstrip in front of the front door.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I think it'd be easy to see us living here.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30So do I. I can just imagine us sitting here on a winter's evening, in front of the log-burner.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Overall, we've got a good feeling about the property
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and I would give it nine, nine-and-a-quarter out of ten.
0:30:37 > 0:30:44I wanted something that was rural, but that had other houses within sight of it.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49So this is absolutely perfect because you can see two other houses from here.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And yet, it's on its own.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55What I like about this property is the fact that my wife likes it.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57And if she's happy, then I'm happy.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00But no, it's certainly pretty good.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03There's absolutely nothing that I don't like about it.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Let's move in tomorrow.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11OK, guys, come on. The sun's setting and I've got to get you out of here.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- OK.- We're coming. We're coming.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22As the sun casts its final rays over the Herefordshire countryside,
0:31:22 > 0:31:27Steve and Lindsey head back to the hotel for a chat about the houses they have viewed.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30What did you think of the conversion at Aylton?
0:31:30 > 0:31:34I thought the property was absolutely lovely, actually.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36The kitchen was fabulous, lovely size.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40The lounge was very small, probably a little too small for us.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44But it had certainly been renovated to a very high standard.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46How did you feel about it?
0:31:46 > 0:31:47I quite liked it.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52It was a nice kitchen and I didn't mind the small lounge.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Would you like to live there? - Oh, yes.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57You would? I'm surprised.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I couldn't cope with the road, it's far too noisy.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06And the house next door was a little too close for comfort.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09What did you think to the cottage at Whitchurch?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12That was a different kettle of fish. That was much better.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14That was a lovely little place.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17The views there were fantastic.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19That's what I was expecting of Herefordshire.
0:32:19 > 0:32:25It was nicely isolated, although you could see houses nearby. They weren't too close.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I liked it a lot as well. I thought it was fantastic.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- I could see us living there. - So could I.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35They're going to have to go a long way to top that one for the mystery house tomorrow.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- Yes, that should be very interesting.- And very exciting.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Steve and Lindsey, from Peterborough, want to ditch
0:32:52 > 0:32:55their urban lifestyle and return to country living.
0:32:55 > 0:33:01They're chasing a rural retreat in Herefordshire and have a budget of £350,000.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06So far, they have viewed two beautiful properties and coming up...
0:33:06 > 0:33:10an opportunity to hone their range cooking skills,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and a mystery house that really does feel like home.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15It feels like it's got good karma.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Yes.- Good karma.- Good karma.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Steve and Lindsey dream of having a range cooker in their new home.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29They don't, however, have any experience of cooking on one.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31So we've arranged to meet Rose Norman,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34who has over 30 years' experience of cooking on a range.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37She's going to give us a demonstration.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Rose, this is Steve and Lindsey.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42They are keen to find out about the range.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Apparently, you're the expert.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49The great thing about range cookers is they store their own heat.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52What you have to remember when you're cooking
0:33:52 > 0:33:57is your biggest source of heat loss is through your lids.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02So you actually try and do most of your cooking in the ovens.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05It looks fantastic, but it also looks intimidating.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- Are they hard to use?- No, they're very basic, actually.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- You've got three ovens on this one. - Yes, I have.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Do they all come with three ovens?
0:34:13 > 0:34:17You can have a two oven, a three oven or a four oven.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21You can use all of those ovens and if they're used correctly,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25you're going to get the most out of your range cooker.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28This is your hottest oven. That is your roasting oven.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31That is where you would do roast beef, Yorkshire puddings.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34This is your simmering oven.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38That's your coolest oven because it's further away from the burner.
0:34:38 > 0:34:45That oven is your friend because you can cook a casserole all day,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49go out to work and come back and your supper's ready for you.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53It's a brilliant way of managing your life, really.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55And this is your baking oven.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00Lindsey and Steve are on the go all the time. Is there anything you can cook that's simple and quick?
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Sure, I can make you a Victoria sponge
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and show you how quickly we can cook that.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13Or I can show you how to do a fatless egg on toast. What could be more simple?
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- We can do Welsh cakes on the top as well.- Let's do all three.- OK.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23And in that good old tradition, there is some cake mix that Rose prepared earlier
0:35:23 > 0:35:25and as soon as it's in the tins,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27it's straight into the baking oven.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33The hobs may lose the heat, but they still have their uses.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Today, it's for cooking Welsh cakes.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40I think this is Lindsey's first cooking lesson. Steve's getting stuck in too.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Meanwhile, the sponge is coming along nicely.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I would say another five, ten minutes.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50What we're going to do is cook these on the top of the oven.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52This is your simmering plate.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54This, again, is another friend.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Things can be very relaxed with this plate.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00This is a very hot, boiling plate.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04You need to keep your eye on anything you have on that plate.
0:36:04 > 0:36:11To cook these Welsh cakes, I'm going to put that cotton-based covering on.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- Can you use this again?- You can.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18It'll last a year, two years. It's amazing stuff.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20These will take three to four minutes on each side.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26And one of the easiest things to cook is an egg and there's no need for any oil.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28I'm going to put the lid down.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32These lids are domed, so it's not going to touch the egg.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36You've just got heat coming from all sides.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39That will take a couple of minutes.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42And before long we've cooked up a storm
0:36:42 > 0:36:46and I think we've got to grips with the basics of range cooking.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48There we go.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- What do you think?- They're absolutely delicious.- Very good.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54I hope I haven't frightened you
0:36:54 > 0:36:58and I hope that when you've got the hang of cooking on that range cooker,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01you would never want to cook on anything else.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04It's been fascinating, Rose. Thank you so much.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- You're very welcome. It's been a great pleasure and delight. - Very interesting.
0:37:08 > 0:37:14All Steve and Lindsey need now is a range cooker and I'm determined we won't let them down.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Now it's time for the mystery property, and good news, we finally
0:37:21 > 0:37:25found one with an airstrip nearby, for the ever-compromising Steve.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28The fly in the ointment - there are neighbours.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34So, guys, we're on the way to the mystery property,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37what are your expectations?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I don't really know, to be honest with you, Tim.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45I think you're going to find it hard to top the second one we saw yesterday.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- Really?- Yes.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52If it's better than that one, we'll be extremely surprised and it will be a pleasant surprise.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54How could it be better?
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Er...- It could have an en suite, an Aga and a runway.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- The big three!- Yes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06You never know your luck, I might just have two of those in store.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Our mystery house sits in Linton Hill,
0:38:11 > 0:38:1320 miles southeast of Hereford.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16The village of Linton is just a stone's throw down the road
0:38:16 > 0:38:20and is a typical rural village, with a pub, post office
0:38:20 > 0:38:23and even a traditional red phone box.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26The village hall holds regular activities, but apart from that,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29it's a sleepy place that should suit Steve and Lindsey.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33The mystery house is semi-detached but sits in such a prime position,
0:38:33 > 0:38:35with wonderful views to the front and rear,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39that it is, without doubt, worthy of being on our hit list.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46So, this is the mystery property.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47Built around the 1840s.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52It was originally a community house for the whole community.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Everyone used to come here to sort out their problems.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57It's got a lot of history with it.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- Oh, so we could get our problems sorted out?- Absolutely.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Sit in that kitchen looking at the views, there won't be any problems.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- Is it all of this? - You're a canny man. No, it isn't.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10I have to say the S-word. It's semi-detached.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12That bungalow has a neighbour in it.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- In this bit here? - Just that bit there.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17But once you get inside and look at those views,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20you'll overlook the fact that you have a neighbour so close by.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23And if that's not enough, there is a sweetener.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28There is a private airstrip just 20 minutes away that you could possibly use.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- OK.- So we thought that might be a positive for you.
0:39:30 > 0:39:36- Excellent.- And when you get inside, I think there's going to be at least a "wow", if not more.- Yeah?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Can't wait.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Let's go.- You ready?- Yes.- Come on.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Oh, this is lovely.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50This is a surprise from the outside.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- Wow(!) - There was a "wow"! Slightly ironic.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57I didn't want to disappoint you.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59What a surprise from the outside.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Look at that.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Very nice.- Views to die for.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- A beautiful elevated position, isn't it?- Isn't it fantastic?
0:40:06 > 0:40:08No problem with flooding, then!
0:40:08 > 0:40:11And very rare that you get such uninterrupted views.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15- And on a clear day, you can see over 30 miles.- Really?
0:40:15 > 0:40:16- Mm.- No. It's beautiful.
0:40:16 > 0:40:22- Absolutely beautiful.- What about the kitchen itself, because you wanted a kitchen that was big enough
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- to put your table in?- Yes. Perfect. - Is it your style?- Yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- It's got the island in the middle. - It's a nice farmhouse-style kitchen.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- Very nice. - It's got ash units, a granite top.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- A range.- A range cooker.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38See, finally, we got you a range.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Not quite an Aga.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Close.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Oil-fired. And it heats, obviously, the kitchen.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48The pipe goes upstairs, which they use to put their towels on.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53It's multifunctional and it also does all the water in the house as well.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Really?- Yeah. Absolutely.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Even though this kitchen is big enough for you...
0:40:58 > 0:41:00There you go.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Oh, a larder.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Oh, that's very handy.- Excellent.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05- Very handy, indeed.- Good.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Now, if Steve's naughty...
0:41:13 > 0:41:14..you can put him down here.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16- Oh.- That's different, isn't it?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19This cellar runs the footprint of the whole house.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22And the bit that's the size of this kitchen is head-height.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25He uses it for storage and a workshop as well.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27There is another access to the cellar downstairs.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30You don't need to go this way. But good to know.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39So another entrance into the house.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42This is an occasional room, really, which they don't use too much,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- but one thing I want to point out to you is... - HE KNOCKS
0:41:46 > 0:41:48..a very thin wall that could be knocked through.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50OK. I could use this as a study.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55Use this as a study, but if you wanted, you could make it bigger as you have this room here.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59OK. It's quite an unusual-shaped room, isn't it?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- The fireplace, in the corner.- It is.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- It's a big window.- They've really taken advantage of the views here, though, haven't they?
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- Absolutely. - I love this little balcony.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13Can you imagine us sitting out on the balcony? A glass of wine in the summer?
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Spectacular.- And you can't tell there's any neighbours.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Well, they're out at the moment.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Or maybe they're in. You don't know. You'll never see them.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27Well, obviously the views are a big plus-point, but what do you think about the room?
0:42:27 > 0:42:29It's a nice little size, quite cosy.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It's cosy. I quite like the fire in the corner over there, at an angle.
0:42:33 > 0:42:34It makes it a little bit different.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36The chimney's in action, is it?
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- We could have a real fire. - A working fire for the winter.- Oh, lovely.- What do you think so far?
0:42:41 > 0:42:43The lounge is about the right size.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- It's big enough, anyway. - I think it's got good karma.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47- Good karma.- Good karma.
0:42:47 > 0:42:52- Well, we like that. Let's see if the karma continues upstairs.- OK.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57It sounds like this house could be the home of their dreams
0:42:57 > 0:43:00and there's still the three bedrooms upstairs to see.
0:43:02 > 0:43:07So, the master bedroom. You can see all the fitted wardrobes there.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11- OK. This is the largest of the three bedrooms?- This is the largest of the three bedrooms.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16But what you have in this bedroom is the views from the other side of the house.
0:43:16 > 0:43:17So these are fresh views to you.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Sadly, it's a bit rainy today, but you've got lots of things to see over there.
0:43:21 > 0:43:26And can you see this field in front of you, here?
0:43:26 > 0:43:28- Oh, yeah. - It looks like a landing strip.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32That's exactly what I said to Steve, didn't I, when we walked in?
0:43:32 > 0:43:35It would probably work. Yes. Yeah.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38It's owned by the local farmer. He doesn't use it for animals.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- Is it something that you could approach him about? Would you do that?- Definitely.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45But these views just keep selling the house to me. Do they to you?
0:43:45 > 0:43:47- Absolutely.- They're superb.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Definitely the best views we've seen.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52I thought yesterday's was spectacular...
0:43:52 > 0:43:54but this certainly beats that one.
0:43:54 > 0:44:01- No en suite, though?- There isn't any en suite, but I do have an option for you, so follow me for my idea.
0:44:01 > 0:44:02OK.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08So, this is the family bathroom.
0:44:11 > 0:44:16- Where's the bathtub, Tim? - There is no bath here, but you do have this rather lovely shower.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19But there isn't a bath. You could very easily...
0:44:19 > 0:44:21knock through from here.
0:44:21 > 0:44:26- That's the master bedroom and that would make this an en suite.- OK.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28You can see the actual fixtures are really nice.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30To a very high standard.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Oh, yeah. What's here is beautiful.
0:44:32 > 0:44:33But I do like a bath sometimes.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37There is room to reconfigure it to put a bath in.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42- Maybe even have it here so you can take advantage of those views. - Right.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47It would, of course, always be the family bathroom in the house.
0:44:47 > 0:44:53Knocking through to the toilet next door would make it both larger and accessible from the landing, too.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56The first of the remaining two bedrooms is a reasonable-sized double,
0:44:56 > 0:45:02and the final room, which is currently used as a study, would easily fit a single bed.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06Time for us, though, to head outside and explore the terraced back garden
0:45:06 > 0:45:09and enjoy the magnificent view they saw from the lounge.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Watch yourself coming down here.- OK.
0:45:12 > 0:45:13They look quite steep.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16The garden is basically split into four parts.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20You've got two turfed areas here, a vegetable garden down there
0:45:20 > 0:45:22and then over here, some more vegetables.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25And then just a bit of bracken. But this bit's been done rather nicely.
0:45:25 > 0:45:30Here, you've got a little pond. I can imagine you sitting out here when it isn't raining.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- Yes. Absolutely.- Oh, yes.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- What do you think?- I think the views are just spectacular.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- Different, isn't it?- Yeah. Fabulous. - You wanted a manageable garden.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44Yes. This is nice because it's got the vegetable plot,
0:45:44 > 0:45:49the lawn for sunbathing, barbecues etc. No. It's very nice, actually.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53Completely private. Not overlooked by anybody.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55Nobody can see into your garden.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59The bonus with this house is that it sits right next to a public footpath
0:45:59 > 0:46:02with an access gate from their garden.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05So the country walks they long for are right on their doorstep.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09Will this, along with the potential landing strip in the farmer's field
0:46:09 > 0:46:14and the airfield a short distance away, help to clinch the mystery house?
0:46:14 > 0:46:19I've shown you all of the house and outside now, so it's time to talk money.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27I think you went first last time, didn't you? So it's down to you again, this time.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33For the house, I'd go for 280,000,
0:46:33 > 0:46:38but another 50,000 for the views, so 330,000.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40£330,000.
0:46:40 > 0:46:45I think it's a difficult one because, after all, it is a semi-detached property.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Had it been detached, it would probably be worth a little bit more.
0:46:48 > 0:46:53So, I think, on reflection, I would plump for 295.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56295.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59Well, it's actually on the market for...
0:46:59 > 0:47:04£299,950.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06- Oh, you were very close. - You were miles out.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- That's quite a pleasant surprise, actually.- Yes.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13- Yes.- Pleasant enough to consider it?
0:47:13 > 0:47:17We'd certainly consider the views, which obviously come with the property,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20- so, yes. - Oh, well, I'm pleasantly surprised.
0:47:20 > 0:47:25I'm going to start letting you make your way back up to the house, but be careful of the terrace.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27- OK. See you later.- See you later.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31Well, that was quite positive. It is the mystery house -
0:47:31 > 0:47:34you never know what the reactions are going to be.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37A huge kitchen, big enough for that table. Stunning views.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41And a very close airstrip, if not in front of the door.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44But at the end of the day, it's not detached.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05I really like the kitchen, it's a really good size.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07- Yeah. I like the range.- Yeah.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- I like the range, too.- I'm looking forward to your cooking on that.
0:48:10 > 0:48:11Ah!
0:48:11 > 0:48:16It's possible to get a bath in if you take the wall down and rearrange it slightly.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18Move the radiator, obviously.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21You could have the best of both worlds - bath and shower.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26The fact that it's semi-detached was a little disappointing, yes,
0:48:26 > 0:48:30I have to admit, because we are looking for a detached property.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34But again, I think the views make up for the fact that
0:48:34 > 0:48:38it is a semi-detached, so I'll have to have a word with Steve.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43I can understand why it was the mystery house because there are one or two
0:48:43 > 0:48:47interesting issues regarding the property.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51Having views on one side would be a bonus, but having them on both sides,
0:48:51 > 0:48:55whichever side of the house you were looking out of the window,
0:48:55 > 0:48:57is definitely, definitely a huge bonus.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01- Fantastic. I would buy the house just for the views.- Come on, guys.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03We've got to get going.
0:49:03 > 0:49:04Bring your umbrella.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13Our tour around the three Herefordshire properties is now over.
0:49:13 > 0:49:18Steve and Lindsey are looking for a home they can live in for several years, so I'm giving them some time
0:49:18 > 0:49:21to mull over their options and see if we have found them their country dream.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25And as this country has a strong farming heritage,
0:49:25 > 0:49:27I can't leave without mucking in.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32'One of Herefordshire's most prestigious exports for the last 150 years,
0:49:32 > 0:49:34'has been its Hereford cattle,
0:49:34 > 0:49:38'which take their name from the county town where the breed originated
0:49:38 > 0:49:39'in the mid 18th century.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42'This breed, which is bred all over the world,
0:49:42 > 0:49:44'is known for its high quality beef,
0:49:44 > 0:49:47'and I'm keen to find out more.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51'I'm meeting up with Richard Bradstock, the chairman of the Hereford Cattle Society,
0:49:51 > 0:49:54'on his family farm with his prize-winning herd.'
0:49:54 > 0:49:57- These are in calf at the moment, aren't they?- Yes.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59They'll be calving in the spring.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03The Hereford breed is known throughout the world as a white-faced breed.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07'Richard's herd is registered with the Herefordshire Cattle Society
0:50:07 > 0:50:10'who maintain a pedigree record of all the pure-bred cattle.'
0:50:10 > 0:50:13So you really know an individual's family history?
0:50:13 > 0:50:16Yes, we can trace these cattle back to 1846.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18That's amazing.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21The first herd book was produced in 1846.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23We can trace right back.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26So over 100 years, you can trace back the genealogy of these?
0:50:26 > 0:50:28Exactly, yes. This herd is over 100 years old.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31- My grandfather started it. - That's amazing.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35You've got calves back at the farm. Is it possible to have a...?
0:50:35 > 0:50:37- We can do that.- Excellent.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42'Richard leaves the cattle in the field as far into the autumn as possible
0:50:42 > 0:50:44'as it's much healthier for the breed.
0:50:44 > 0:50:50'But we're heading back to the farmyard to see the rest of herd, which have been brought in.'
0:50:50 > 0:50:54They're a popular breed. You don't just find them here, do you, in Herefordshire?
0:50:54 > 0:51:00We believe they're the most numerous breed, either Hereford or Hereford crosses, in the world.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04- They number over 100 million.- They should have their own fan club. - They do.
0:51:04 > 0:51:09'Richard has, over the years, won many awards for his herd,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12'but the coveted first prize doesn't come easily.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16'My next task is to help Richard's son, Tony, prepare a bull for a show.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19'Having had his hair washed, it's time for a blow-dry.'
0:51:19 > 0:51:25- So you're drying it off.- Drying it and blowing out any rubbish.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27How often do you do this?
0:51:27 > 0:51:30In the run-up to a show, three or four times
0:51:30 > 0:51:34in the days before and weeks before.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37Somebody's getting jealous. What's the matter?
0:51:37 > 0:51:44'They're fighting for my attention, but this 14-month-old champion calf is enough for me.'
0:51:46 > 0:51:49That is the first time I've ever made over a bull.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51It's intensive, isn't it?
0:51:51 > 0:51:52Yeah, lots of work.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57'This hardy pedigree breed are for prime quality beef
0:51:57 > 0:51:59'and the fat that marbles through the meat
0:51:59 > 0:52:02'adds to the texture and flavour when cooked.'
0:52:02 > 0:52:05Richard, this is what it's all about.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09- What makes it such a special beef? - It's got that marbling in it.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13That keeps the succulence and flavour. It stops it drying out when it's cooked.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15That's the most important thing with beef.
0:52:15 > 0:52:21The marbling is the fat, but once it's cooked, you lose that but it makes it cook better.
0:52:21 > 0:52:28You lose some of it. A lot will melt while it's being cooked. It will keep the meat succulent.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31- I'm not an expert. Do you think that's done?- It is.
0:52:31 > 0:52:37'It does look mouthwatering and after all the work, I'm peckish.'
0:52:40 > 0:52:44- It's very succulent. - Indeed, and juicy.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46The worst thing you can do to beef is overcook it.
0:52:46 > 0:52:52Thank you for showing me around and allowing me to sample your beef.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55You're most welcome. It's been a pleasure to show you round.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08Lindsey and Steve are a lovely but intriguing couple
0:53:08 > 0:53:12with lots of different ideas about their property search.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16I've shown them three very different houses, but at the end of the day,
0:53:16 > 0:53:19I think it's going to be Lindsey who makes the decision.
0:53:19 > 0:53:20Let's find out.
0:53:24 > 0:53:28So, guys, are you exhausted or invigorated?
0:53:28 > 0:53:30Both, Tim.
0:53:30 > 0:53:31Let's start with property one.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35Now, when you walked in, you loved the interior, didn't you?
0:53:35 > 0:53:38I loved the house. Thought it was fantastic.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41A little on the small side, cos it only had the two bedrooms,
0:53:41 > 0:53:46one of which was very small and the very small lounge, but I actually liked the property...
0:53:46 > 0:53:48very much.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52I liked the property. I thought it was brilliant. Yeah.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55We could live in that, except the neighbour,
0:53:55 > 0:53:58the house next door... A bit too close.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01There was an issue with the noise from the road.
0:54:01 > 0:54:02It was a very, very busy main road.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04The garden was fine.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08- And the decor?- Brilliant. We wouldn't have needed to touch a thing.
0:54:08 > 0:54:13- We could have moved straight in. - Maintenance free.- We like that.
0:54:13 > 0:54:14So, house number two.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16You surprised me with this one.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20I thought you would like it because it was very remote, and you do like
0:54:20 > 0:54:23neighbours somewhat close to you, but you liked that one as well.
0:54:23 > 0:54:30I thought that was absolutely fantastic, that house, and there were neighbours, you know,
0:54:30 > 0:54:35within sight of the property, which is fine. I thought everything about it was fantastic.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37- Everything?- Everything.- No downside?
0:54:37 > 0:54:42Well, no. The only downside is that it needed decorating in parts
0:54:42 > 0:54:46and probably the kitchen modernising slightly, but that's no big deal.
0:54:46 > 0:54:48I could live there. It had a nice feel.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51It felt right when you went in.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55Nice and cosy with that log-burning stove. Super.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58- The house fitted the lifestyle that you'd want?- Yeah.
0:54:58 > 0:55:03Though we noticed the noise from the road when we first arrived, after we'd been there for a while,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06I didn't notice it. So I don't think it would bother us.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08We move on to the mystery property.
0:55:08 > 0:55:13I was a little mystified about the house stuck on the side.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15- The neighbours?- Yes.
0:55:15 > 0:55:20I did think the views would compensate for the fact you had neighbours so close.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23It could have been a possibility.
0:55:23 > 0:55:29Yes. The views were absolutely stunning, out of both sides and they were absolutely brilliant.
0:55:29 > 0:55:35I also had an issue with the garden because it was very steep at the back and it felt quite dangerous as well.
0:55:35 > 0:55:41Even on a dry day, it would have been difficult moving around it.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43- The house, we both liked inside, didn't we?- Yeah.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46All three properties, you liked the interiors.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50- It really came down to the exteriors.- And the location.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53You were a perfect gentleman over the first couple of days,
0:55:53 > 0:55:56quite vocal about deferring to your wife.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Lindsey, which one would you choose?
0:55:58 > 0:56:00The second one, Tim.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04- The cottage at Whitchurch. - Do you agree with that?
0:56:04 > 0:56:08Even if she wasn't sitting next to me, I would say I agree with that.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10So where do we go from here?
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Are you going to have another revisit or ponder?
0:56:13 > 0:56:16- We're going to have another look. - Are you?- Yes. We're going to...
0:56:16 > 0:56:20Well, Steve's going to look into the nearest airfield, obviously...
0:56:20 > 0:56:23when we get home. And then if there's one close enough that suits,
0:56:23 > 0:56:26we're going to come back and have another look.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29It's been great fun taking you round, despite the wet weather.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31And good luck with your quest.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33- Thank you very much.- Thank you, Tim.
0:56:36 > 0:56:42I always thought it was going to be a tricky job to find a house that both Steve and Lindsey liked,
0:56:42 > 0:56:46but lo and behold, they both agreed on a property that had the most acreage
0:56:46 > 0:56:50and they wanted something with a smaller, more-manageable garden.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55So go figure. I don't think it will be that long before they escape back to the country.
0:56:55 > 0:56:56Join me next time.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01If you'd like to Escape To The Country and need our help,
0:57:01 > 0:57:03please contact us through our website:
0:57:18 > 0:57:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:21 > 0:57:24E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk