0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country where today I'm in Cumbria,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09one of the most picturesque and historic counties anywhere in the British Isles.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14These ruins behind me are those of Egremont Castle, one of the most important towns in Cumbria.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19But it's also famous not just for these beautiful old ruins, but also for the art of gurning.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23If you don't know what that is, stick around on Escape To The Country and I'll show you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- Ooh!- In today's show, I'll be helping a couple leave suburbia
0:00:39 > 0:00:44to start a new life in a part of the world famed for its poetic scenery.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Have you, have you noticed Tony, look!- Yeah.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54I'll be showing them some exciting properties in dramatic settings that they just can't quite believe.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Tears of joy, I hope?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59It's just amazing.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03And there's the mystery house, which is almost too good to be true.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09This is the art of gurning, or pulling funny faces,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12a tradition in Cumbria that dates back to 1266,
0:01:12 > 0:01:17and it's here in Egremont that the annual world championships still take place.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19But there's plenty more to this area than gurning.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Cumbria is England's most north-westerly county, situated
0:01:23 > 0:01:26on the west coast, with Durham and North Yorkshire to the east.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30It's home to the Lake District National Park, famed for its
0:01:30 > 0:01:33dramatic and wild mountain ranges, and stunning Lakeland valleys.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38But it's not all remote for some community life. The traditional market towns of Penrith
0:01:38 > 0:01:45and Kendal offer tourists and locals a welcome stop-off with plenty of individual shops and eateries.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50And to the west of the county there are 93 miles of coast to explore.
0:01:50 > 0:01:57But we're interested in property, and in Cumbria it's characterised by solid stone cottages, quarried from
0:01:57 > 0:02:02local limestone with slate roofs, all to be found nestled in beautiful countryside.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Now Cumbria's glorious landscape is full of some fantastic properties,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11but of course they do come at a price.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16Your average detached will set you back around about £273,000,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20six% above the national average. But if property is your thing,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25set within beautiful picture postcard scenery, there is an awful lot on offer.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29For a truly stunning setting look no further than this four bedroom
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Lakeland farmhouse at the foot of the Dunnerdale Fells.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Inside it has retained the original beams,
0:02:35 > 0:02:40open fireplaces and stone floors. £1.3 million is the price tag,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44but how could you put a price on waking up in a bedroom with a view like that?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Or, if you like your history, this former 16th century
0:02:50 > 0:02:55four bedroom Tudor hall is on the market for 598,000.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Whilst sympathetically updated in the kitchen, many original features,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01such as the beautiful oak panelling, remain intact.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09Or for just under 300,000 you could buy this three bedroom barn conversion.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11It has a contemporary feel with solid oak flooring,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15and to the back of the property there's a secluded lawn garden.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21There are plenty of great properties on offer in Cumbria, so today's buyers shouldn't be disappointed.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Jenny and Tony have been living in their five bedroom house
0:03:25 > 0:03:29in Macclesfield, Cheshire, for over 20 years.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Having both recently retired, and with their grown-up daughters about to fly the nest,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37they're keen to make the most of their new found freedom.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Our reasons for moving to the country is that we're not
0:03:40 > 0:03:44restricted any more by jobs and children's schooling.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47We love being able to walk in the country, to walk the dog.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I love the sea particularly.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53I don't like to be enclosed with lots of buildings roundabout,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57and also traffic seems to be getting worse as you get more towards the cities,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00so the country is really where we would love to be.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Cumbria is a perfect choice for them as far as walking
0:04:03 > 0:04:07and open spaces go, but what are they looking for in their new property?
0:04:07 > 0:04:12This is my kitchen, and we've had many happy meals around here.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15It's a priority for me, feeding people, really.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I love cooking, so I would really like to have a lovely kitchen
0:04:19 > 0:04:23where we move to, perhaps with a range cooker.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29But while Jenny cooks up a feast, Tony's vegetable plot needs to grow in size to keep up with the demand.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34So this is the vegetable plot, with also a small fruit patch.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36As you can see, it's a little bit cramped,
0:04:36 > 0:04:40so I'm really looking forward to moving to a new house
0:04:40 > 0:04:45which will give me a lot more scope for growing more fruit and vegetables.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49And, keeping with the simple things in life, Jenny has another request.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51This is my utility room.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57It's a glory hole, and I have to go up and down stairs to it,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00so it makes laundry even harder work than it normally is.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05So I would love a utility room off the kitchen in my new property.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08As far as the location goes, they'd love to be close to
0:05:08 > 0:05:12the coast, but at the same time, they don't want to be too remote.
0:05:12 > 0:05:19The sort of dream lifestyle that we're looking for is get involved with the local community a bit,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23be nice to have a local pub, we'll go and meet people, to make new friends.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27We also enjoy eating out, so to be near some really nice restaurants,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29that'll be nice as well.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35So with no time to lose, we've invited an estate agent around to give them a current valuation.
0:05:35 > 0:05:42This is a five bedroom detached property in an ideal location for schools and local amenities.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46For this reason we would value the property at £365,000.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52With that in mind, how much do they have to spend on their new home?
0:05:52 > 0:05:56If we find our perfect house with three bedrooms,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00a good size kitchen, good flat garden and a view,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03then our budget really is 400,000.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Now it may be that Tony and Jenny's requirements are fairly ambitious.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15They want three bedrooms at least,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18preferably a nice big farmhouse kitchen with a utility room attached,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22and some outside space for some vegetables and somewhere for the dog to play.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27Now of course they do have £400,000, but in a popular part of the country
0:06:27 > 0:06:30like this, it may not be quite enough.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32We've decided to focus our search
0:06:32 > 0:06:35to the south of Cumbria, around the town of Kendal.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Not only will Jenny and Tony have the Lake District
0:06:38 > 0:06:40National Park on their doorstep
0:06:40 > 0:06:42but they'll be in striking distance of the coast.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Over the course of two days I'll be taking them to see a selection of Cumbrian properties,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50but I won't be letting them in on the prices straight away.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56And last on our tour is the mystery house, which today is a property with a unique twist.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- Well, Jenny, Tony, welcome to the Lake District. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05What a fantastic spot you've decided to come and live in.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Couldn't be better, it's absolutely stunning this morning, really lovely.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Now you've got 400 grand or so to spend...- Yeah.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15We want a property for you, but also for your two daughters.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20They've technically left home, but they aren't going to fly that far, are they?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Hopefully they'll come home sometimes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- And of course the dog.- Yes. - Yeah. The dog's important.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28This is a very popular part of the country,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32so it may be a bit of a challenge to fit everything you want in.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- But who knows?- Who knows? - Plenty of property out there,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- I've got lots to show you, so shall we?- Yeah.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- Yes, great.- Come on, then. Look at that!- Beautiful! - Absolutely stunning.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Jenny and Tony have a budget of £400,000.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Keen cook Jenny is after a country style kitchen,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53big enough for entertaining all of her friends, and a utility room.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55They need a minimum of three bedrooms
0:07:55 > 0:07:57for when their daughters come to stay,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58and a garden big enough
0:07:58 > 0:08:02for a decent sized vegetable plot for Tony.
0:08:03 > 0:08:11Now it's obviously a beautiful part of the world, this, but why did you pick it, what does it mean to you?
0:08:11 > 0:08:18Well, I was at college in Lancaster many years ago, and we knew each other then, we were engaged.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22So when Tony used to drive all the way up from the south we often
0:08:22 > 0:08:26used to sort of explore this part of the world, and we loved it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Recently we came in August, and Tony walked across Morecambe Bay,
0:08:31 > 0:08:36and we rediscovered the area really, and thought gosh, this ticks a lot of boxes for us.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40So we really have caught you on the cusp. I mean the iron's hot, isn't it?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Yeah, it is really.- I think it is.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Our first property is to the east of Kendal,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49seven miles from the market town of Sedbergh.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Although officially in Cumbria, Sedbergh is set on the edge of the
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Yorkshire Dales, so there's great walking to be had for Tony.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00And for Jenny, the town provides a focal point for rural life,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04with a post office, book shop and a chemist.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09Property number one is set in a beautiful location, so time to see what Jenny and Tony make of it.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Right, guys, well, this is where we're going to start.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17My goodness me, it's cold. We'll get in there as soon as possible, I promise you.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20But what do you think of this as our first property?
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Well...- It's lovely.- It's impressive I think. It's lovely stonework,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- really like the stonework. - Is this a barn conversion?
0:09:28 > 0:09:33It is a barn conversion, and it's actually set into the hillside, the hill rises up behind it, so,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- in terms of the geography, it's arranged over three floors.- Yeah.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Bearing in mind that it's built into a bank, so we've got
0:09:40 > 0:09:43the ground floor, most of the bedrooms everything are down here.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Right.- So it's all a bit upside down, but it does mean that
0:09:45 > 0:09:51as you go higher your living areas, etcetera, make the best of all of these lovely views.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52- I bet it's for the views.- Exactly.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Yeah.- That's exactly it. Well, let's go inside out of this cold and have a look.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Ah, come on in, come on in. Grab the door.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05There we go.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Right, follow me through here.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- This is probably the biggest room down here.- Wow.- OK.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14- Yeah.- Nice window.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Yeah, very much part of the old sort of barn construction as you
0:10:18 > 0:10:22can see, they've basically glazed a big, you know, double doorway.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24And also, having the light.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- So often these places can be really dark with tiny little windows.- Yeah.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32And that's a really important thing to us, having the light.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37I mean as a bedroom, this is probably the lightest one, certainly on this floor.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38You've also got an en suite in here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43I mean I'm thinking of your daughters, coming back from uni.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Oh, yes, yeah. Having some space.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- They could have their own thing down here.- Yes, yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51So that would work well for them, this particularly would...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Yes, it would, they'd love it, absolutely.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55This is a four bedroom property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59On this floor there are another couple of options for the girls.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03There's a fairly compact double, and a small single, currently used as an office.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06There's also a modern and neutral family bathroom.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- All very straightforward, but it's the living space upstairs where this house gets really exciting.- Ooh.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Oh, wow. Well, this is different.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Gosh, this is nice. It's lovely.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- Beautiful, isn't it? What a lovely room.- It's a lovely room.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26Look at that view!
0:11:26 > 0:11:28That's really beautiful.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31That is a painting in itself, isn't it, there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Yeah, you've got a little mezzanine floor up there.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Potentially a study.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Yeah, yeah. - Gosh, I didn't expect this.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39No, no, it's...
0:11:39 > 0:11:43That is, have you noticed, Tony, look, look, look!
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Jenny, I love it! I mean, you wanted a bit of, a bit of this.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- It's certainly rural.- It's like a painting!- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I mean, you're obviously dominated by this wood burner.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yes, cosy.- Multi-fuel wood burner, which is going to be very very cosy.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Really got a lot of character, that.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- It's tremendous. - Certainly got character.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02And light, it's light. It's super.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- Very nice.- If you like this space, wait till you've had a look in here.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Wow.- Now then Jenny,
0:12:08 > 0:12:09what about this?
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- Ooh, wow! - Come on in, come on in.- Gosh.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- What do you think of that?- Oh, yes, range cooker.- There you go.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Yes, decent, decent cooker.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I like the colours.- Yes, I like the colours.- The tiles are beautiful.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Now I know that utility rooms are quite important to you.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Mm, yes.- Where's the utility room at home at the moment?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33It's downstairs, and I have to keep going down there to get the washing.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35It makes it hard work, I curse it all the time.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- If it was on the same level as the kitchen, that'd be good. - That would be wonderful.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43We have got you one, it is on this level, it's right next door.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Come and have a look at this. - Oh, wow.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Now then, Jenny.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Wow, this,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- this ticks the box.- Yeah?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Gosh.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56To be honest, it's as big as some cottage kitchens.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00I was going to say, you could have a dance in here!
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Now then, top floor is all about you, because that is something
0:13:04 > 0:13:07of a sort of master suite. Come with me.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Right, lead on.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Last but not least, your own little floor.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Ooh, gosh. This would make a lovely study, wouldn't it?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Yes, it would, yes.- Nice area.- Yeah.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27It's not over yet. Have a look in here, because this, albeit not the biggest
0:13:27 > 0:13:31master bedroom in the world, is technically the master.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- Would this work?- Ooh.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Yeah, yeah. We might have to... we've got a big bed!
0:13:37 > 0:13:41It's a little smaller than we've got at the moment, perhaps, isn't it?
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Yes.- But we could make it work.- Yes.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- The upside is you've got an en suite in there.- Oh, good, right!
0:13:47 > 0:13:54Well, I get the sense that as as an overall proposition this place is kind of working.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57It's lovely, it really is.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- It's got better and better.- It's got a terrific amount of character, yes.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02It's certainly a possibility, yes.
0:14:02 > 0:14:08The master bedroom may not be as big as they were hoping for, but offset that against this impressive
0:14:08 > 0:14:13reception room and the stunning views from the garden, I think it makes this house a real contender.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Ah, some nice bracing,
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- mountain weather for you both! - Lakeland weather.- Lakeland weather.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Now the garden as such is pretty much what you can see.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- So it's not acres and acres. - No.- Mm.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29I don't know how much of a garden project you really want to take on.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31We didn't want huge, did we?
0:14:31 > 0:14:36No. I mean, I was looking ideally for a small plot for vegetables and fruit.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Yeah.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- I guess it may be, it may be possible somewhere, but... - So you've got a bit.- Yeah.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I suppose you could argue that your garden is all around you.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Yes, yes, it is.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I mean, beautiful views all round.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Now before we get totally soaking wet and frozen to death,
0:14:54 > 0:14:58let's have a very quick but focused thought
0:14:58 > 0:14:59about how much it's going to cost.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01You've got 400 grand to spend.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04What do you think this little lot is worth?
0:15:04 > 0:15:09Well, bearing in mind the amount of space in there, I'd have thought it was a bit above that.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12I'd have said 425.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14425, yeah, that's not bad.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Yeah, I'd say 425 to 445, really.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- So if it was 399,950...- Oh, really?
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Oh, right!
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- That'd be really cool, wouldn't it? - Yes, it would.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- It would! Bang on. - Bang on the budget.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- That's incredible.- Really good.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33You've got 50 quid change to take your wife out for dinner!
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Yeah, we'll spend that.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Have a look around, I'll catch up with you later. - Get the hair dryer! OK.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Go and see if this is going to be the place for you.- Thanks.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44It has to be said that if you can sell a property
0:15:44 > 0:15:50on a day like this you can sell it in any conditions. The wind's got up, the rain is lashing down.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's bang on the budget, 399,950.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Is it for them? Who knows? When they warm up it might be!
0:15:58 > 0:16:03The price tag of this barn conversion has definitely taken Jenny and Tony by surprise.
0:16:03 > 0:16:12For just under £400,000, you get four bedrooms, a large galleried reception area with character beams.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15The garden is admittedly a bit small, but its location
0:16:15 > 0:16:18means it has some priceless views of the Yorkshire Dales.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22And despite the weather doing its best to put them off, I don't think it has.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25You can have that as a separate, almost like a little telly area.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Yeah.- And then this is cosy round the fire. I'd love it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Yeah.- Absolutely super.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33I think this lounge absolutely sells it.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37It's so wonderful. It'll be difficult to better it, really.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42It's quite stunning when you enter it because of the height of the ceiling.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Terrific amount of space there.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49We did say that we would like to be within walking distance to a shop, and we are a bit away
0:16:49 > 0:16:53from a village, we'd have to get in a car, so we'd have to think about that carefully.
0:16:53 > 0:17:00We'll certainly keep this one in mind, it certainly deserves some serious thought from us.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04If you can picture yourself in a house, that's really important.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07And actually I can. I just think it's got tremendous potential.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12Right, Jenny, Tony, come and brave the weather.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Now then, I think that was quite a good start, really.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Yes, I think it was quite a positive start.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Can it get better?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Well, it might get wetter, and it might get colder!
0:17:22 > 0:17:24But yes, it can get better. Come on.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34For our next property, we're just dipping our toes over the border
0:17:34 > 0:17:38into Lancashire, on the outskirts of the village of Warton, and only a short drive from Morecambe Bay.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43Warton is a small village with its own post office and a couple of pubs to choose from.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47The church of St Oswald dates from the mid 14th century.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Apparently, a local family, the Washingtons, paid for the tower, who it transpires were the ancestors
0:17:52 > 0:17:56of George Washington, the first president of the United States.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04Our second house is just ten minutes from here, in a street of pretty stone cottages. More rain!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- You want to...- Up you come.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Oh, my goodness me. Come on, Jenny.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Now then. I'm going to keep this brief cos it's pouring down,
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- but what we've got here is very much a village cottage.- Yeah.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Right.- Now as you can see it's been much extended.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- You get that bit... - Right.- And you get this bit as well, which is the new bit.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29This is about four years old. What do you think?
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- It's cute.- It's very quaint. Yes, I mean I like it.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- It's secluded in the front. - Front garden. Yes, I like it.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Well, it's in. Positive.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44Right. Let's not labour it, let's get out of the weather. Come on.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Ah, right. Come on, get out of that weather.- Thank you.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- Can you grab the door, Tony? - Yeah, sure.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Right.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- This is all new extension.- Right.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Everything from this wall, that way. - Gosh.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01To give you an idea. It used to be a two up, two down cottage.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Yes.- But it's a lot bigger now, it's basically doubled in size.- Right.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09Essentially. But let's start in here, let's see what you think of this, Jenny.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Yes, yes. - It's not a huge farmhouse kitchen.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15No, but it's nicely done.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- Cosy.- Very nicely done, actually.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- It is quite small. - Mm.- Yes.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22But it is right next to the dining room, which is through here.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Right.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- This is nice, it's a very attractive room, isn't it? - Nice living room, isn't it?
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- Good proportions, I suppose this would have been the main room as you came in, wouldn't it?- Exactly.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37That would have been the front door.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Yes.- And you can see that huge old fireplace.- Beautiful, lovely fireplace. Fabulous.- Yes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44And a multi-fuel burner sat in there, so as a dining room,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46to entertain family and friends...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Very, very cosy. - Very attractive, yeah, very nice.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Very cosy. And also the floor's lovely, isn't it?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Mm, yes.- Original floorboards.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Yes, you can see that.- Creaking away.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Let's explore this extension through here.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- This is the main living room. - Oh. Ooh, this is a good size.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Yes, it is.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- It's lovely, isn't it? - And you get a free cat.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Oh, she's very chilled. Typical cat.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- I like the French windows there too, yeah.- Yes.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19You're getting a sense of how the ground floor works here, this is pretty much it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Kitchen, dining room, living room...
0:20:21 > 0:20:26But you've got nice two rooms off the hallway, which is a nice balance, isn't it?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28There's a downstairs cloakroom
0:20:28 > 0:20:31at the end of the corridor, so that's a nice addition.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33We haven't got the utility room.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- No.- But, you know, who knows?
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- C'est la vie.- C'est la vie.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40I just won't need to do any washing.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Send it out.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- You'll have to do some, because we've got four bedrooms for you.- Gosh.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Gosh, right.- Yes, four.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Let's go and explore those and see what you make of that.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57Admittedly, some compromises do have to be made with this place, but it's in such a great location
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I'm hoping Jenny and Tony think that they're worth making.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Upstairs, there's a bright and shiny new family bathroom.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07And bedroom wise, the first is small, but it has a neat window seat
0:21:07 > 0:21:11with a great view, and there are also two good-sized doubles.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13But then there's the master.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- But this is you.- Oh, right.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Come on in.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19This is nice.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Yeah?- Yeah, it is lovely. - Lovely. Love the fireplace.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- Yeah.- Isn't this lovely, nice cast iron fireplace, probably Victorian.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Yes, we'd say Victorian.- Good.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- The en suite's a bonus. - Yeah, go and have a look in there.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It's really nice and bigger than what we've seen so far.- Oh, yes.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34That's absolutely fine.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38That's beautifully done, isn't it? It's a really good size, actually.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42It's quite rare in a cottage this small to have something that big.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- It is.- It is, I wasn't expecting an en suite at all.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- Ah, you see?- So that's a plus.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49You don't get utility but you do get an en suite.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I'd much rather have a utility room in there as well.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- Washing, over the sink! So that's pretty much it for the interior of this place.- Yeah.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02Let's have a look at the garden and finish it off, and then we'll think about how much it might cost you.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- OK.- That'd be great.- That'd be good. - Follow me, back to the rain.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Right, out you come.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Ah, good old weather.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22Very typical sort of little cottage garden that you'd expect
0:22:22 > 0:22:25in a village location like this, with a property of this sort.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30You've obviously got patio area there, you've got shed,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33a little gate out there to the main street again.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37I mean, once I'm outside the garden's a little bit bigger than I thought.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Yes, it's the vegetable problem again, isn't it?
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Yeah. I mean... - We'll have to get an allotment.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45There isn't an obvious place.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50How much lawn would you be prepared to give up for your vegetables?
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Mm, probably...
0:22:51 > 0:22:56a patch about that area the other side of the path there. Would do it. Yes, yes.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Yeah.- So actually, if that would turn into a nice,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- maybe raised beds or something. - Yes.- Possibly, yeah.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- It is, it is actually bigger than you think, this garden.- Yeah.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11All right. Well, let's have a think about how much this house might be of interest to you, then.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16I mean, I might be a bit on the harsh side, but I'd say 375.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21Yeah, I'd even say perhaps even a bit less than that, 365.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24365. Well, I suppose in some ways you've sort of
0:23:24 > 0:23:29split the difference. It's actually on the market for 369,950.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Oh, right.- OK. - So how does that sound?- Mm...
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Yeah, that sounds realistic.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- It's a very different proposition, this is talking about village life.- This is village life.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- The other is rural.- Yes.
0:23:41 > 0:23:48And we did say that we wanted to be in a community, so again this might have another box to tick it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Possibly.- Have another look around, I'll catch up with you later.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Yes.- OK, thanks.- Thank you. - Can I have the brolly?- Sure.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Thank you very much indeed.
0:23:56 > 0:24:02Being well under budget, this village cottage has a price tag just shy of £370,000.
0:24:02 > 0:24:08It has four bedrooms, two spacious reception rooms, and it's been stylishly refurbished throughout,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10but the garden isn't the biggest.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15But with the coast being so near, will that be enough to make them see past its size?
0:24:15 > 0:24:17I wonder if that wall might come down.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21There is the possibility of knocking that wall down and extending through into the dining area.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- To make a big kitchen diner. - All the way through.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26That would make a lovely big room, wouldn't it?
0:24:26 > 0:24:32I like this house, it's very well proportioned, it's got a nice feel about it.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37There was a lot more space than I thought there'd be from the outside.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Particularly the garden perhaps is a little disappointing, I would have liked something a little
0:24:42 > 0:24:50larger, but overall I think there are some definite positives, particularly being in the middle of a village.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Have you seen enough, do you think? - Yes, yes, we have.- It's been good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- I like the front door colour. - Good...
0:24:55 > 0:24:59It's not over yet, we've seen two, there is one more to come of course,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- and a few more other little bits and pieces...- I know.- ..in the area.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Come with me.- Exciting.
0:25:10 > 0:25:17As the afternoon sun slips over the horizon, day one of our property search draws to a close.
0:25:21 > 0:25:27Tony and Jenny from Macclesfield in Cheshire are looking for a house in Cumbria with a budget of £400,000.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31They're looking forward to retirement in one of the most tranquil landscapes.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35So far they've viewed two properties.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- It's got better and better.- It's got a terrific amount of character.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42But still to come, we surpass ourselves with the mystery house.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I just can't get over it, it's just incredible!
0:25:49 > 0:25:55Tony is a keen walker, and it's one of the driving forces behind their move to Cumbria,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57home to England's largest national park.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02And with around 2,000 square miles to explore, Tony has his work cut out,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05so we thought we'd make a start by arranging to meet a local expert,
0:26:05 > 0:26:10Stephen Lee, who's been mountaineering for 35 years, and most recently scrambling.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- Steve, very nice to see you. Let me introduce you to Tony. - Hiya, Tony.- Hi, Steve.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21As you can see, look, he's got all the gear, sticks and everything, boots and all the rest of it,
0:26:21 > 0:26:26very, very keen walker. I love being in the great outdoors as well, but I've never heard of scrambling.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- What's it all about? - Well, scrambling is like walking but a bit more difficult.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32A bit more of a challenge,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- definitely occasions when you might need to use your hands to help yourself balance.- OK.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41A bit of climbing here and there, and just making our way up the rocky ridge above us.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So it's kind of walking but a bit more interactive with the environment?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Yeah, it's a lot more hands-on, quite literally.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- How do you feel about that? - Good, I'm looking forward to it.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- Right.- Perhaps you'd better have one of my sticks.- Thank you, you're very kind. Right then.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Let's go up there, shall we? - OK.- After you.
0:26:58 > 0:27:04'We're scrambling up Raven Crag, a rocky outcrop on the Egremont of Home Fell near Coniston,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06'as it's suitable for beginners.'
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- Now we might just stop here a moment, folks.- How you doing?
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Doing great, thanks.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16You can see ahead that it gets a bit more steep now, and it's a good place to put a helmet on.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20- OK.- Cos it's an essential part of scrambling equipment.- Right.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24There's a chance you might slip over and you want to make sure you don't bang your heads.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- OK, is yours ready, Tony?- Yeah. - Right, yeah, let's give it a go.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I have to say this does make a very, very welcome change, doesn't it, Tony, to running round houses?
0:27:33 > 0:27:38It does, it's nice to get out in the fresh air, get some exercise, lovely.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41'The summit of Raven Crag is 1,000 feet above sea level,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45'although we're only going to attempt to climb halfway up.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51'The volcanic rocks that make up this crag record nearly 500 million years of geology.'
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Well, shall we have a bit of a breather, do you think?
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Yeah, here's a good spot.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Absolutely glorious.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I mean, Steve, what do you think, having lived here,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04are the real advantages to this part of the world?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07You can be somewhere like this in a 30-minute drive.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11You can wake up, look out of the window and think, "I've got today off,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14"it looks great in the hills," and then pack the car and away you go.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17He's got the rest of his life off, he's retired!
0:28:17 > 0:28:18THEY LAUGH
0:28:18 > 0:28:19I'd thoroughly recommend it then.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- Be a good way of keeping fit in my retirement, hopefully. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28Well, I have to say I could stay up here all day long, it is absolutely terrific,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- but it's not going to help us find you a house, is it?- That's true.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- We've got one more to come. Can you show us the way down, Steve? - Certainly I can.- Come on, then.
0:28:40 > 0:28:46Well, at long last it's time for me to reveal the mystery house to Jenny and to Tony.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Now, it's perfectly clear that they are downsizing, but the mystery house
0:28:50 > 0:28:53wouldn't be the mystery house if it didn't have some kind of surprise.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57The point is, it's bigger, much bigger.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02The mystery house is a little further off the beaten track,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05it's right on the coast in the small village of Silecroft.
0:29:05 > 0:29:12Dominating the village skyline is the mountain of Black Combe, perfect walking territory for Tony.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15It's a quiet rural village, but there is a small train station, so Jenny and Tony
0:29:15 > 0:29:18shouldn't feel completely out on a limb.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23Well, at long last it's time to show you the mystery house.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Now, Tony, how do you feel about a project?
0:29:26 > 0:29:30THEY LAUGH You've got to be joking!
0:29:30 > 0:29:32That looks a bit more than I could take on, I think.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37We've seen one barn conversion, I thought perhaps you'd fancy putting your mark on another.
0:29:37 > 0:29:44- Yeah...- It is a bit of a project, and you would need somewhere to stay while you did it up, in fairness...
0:29:44 > 0:29:46but the good news is, that comes with it.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49THEY LAUGH
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- My heart was sinking!- Oh, right!
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- Gosh, that is amazing.- Wow.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- Wow, yeah. - I mean, what you've got again is
0:29:59 > 0:30:03technically a semi-detached, OK, because there's a property there...
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- It's not a problem. - And there's one here.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- So you've got that similar kind of community feel that we saw in our very first property.- Yeah.- OK.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17but at its core, what we've got here is a possibly 17th-century old mill.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Wow.- Oh, wow.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- It's exciting, it really is. - It is very exciting.- I'm itching to get in and have a look.- Yeah.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Well, come on, let's have a look.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32'And the surprises aren't over yet. Wait till they discover the mystery that's tucked away in the kitchen.'
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Wow, yeah, hasn't it got character? It's terrific.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Oh, the hall is just fabulous.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44- Yeah.- Now you did want a nice big kitchen, didn't you?- Yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Go on, go in there.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47- Go on, Tony.- Thanks.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49In you go.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- Wow, this is...- Oh, gosh!
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- In you go! - Oh, that is terrific!- Oh, wow!
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Just about brings tears to my eyes.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Gosh, that is amazing, that is really amazing.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02That is stunning, actually.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04That is stunning.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- Jenny, you're lost for words.- I am!
0:31:06 > 0:31:08THEY LAUGH
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- It's just...- What a wonderful room. - I don't think I've ever been in such a beautiful kitchen.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Terrific, yeah.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19You, you've really, really done well on this one!
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Oh, I just can't get over it, it's just incredible!
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- Is there a tear there, Jenny? - Yes, it's a tear!
0:31:24 > 0:31:25THEY LAUGH
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- Oh...- Tears of joy, I hope!
0:31:28 > 0:31:29It's just amazing.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33I think the mystery house has really lived up to its... Our expectations.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38- Yeah, terrific. - It's beautiful, really beautiful. Look at those cupboards!
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Well, no, these are not cupboards.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- That's where the mill was. - That contains the old mill working.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Wonderful.- Come and have a look.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- This is the guts of the mill, isn't that just extraordinary?- That is.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It's like a museum piece, isn't it, really?
0:31:52 > 0:31:56It's a beautiful thing, I think, to have. It's stunning, really.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58But it is of course a working kitchen.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- Mm, lovely.- At its heart you've got this great big island which has an electric range cooker in it.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- Everything in this house is electric, including the heating. - Right.- OK.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Just to be able to work here and look at that,
0:32:10 > 0:32:15and you've got your table there, you can just imagine entertaining here, couldn't you?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- It's just wonderful, absolutely amazing.- Terrific.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23Well, it's got all sorts of things. Come through here, cos there is a utility room.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Now I know this is an important space for you, Jenny.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Oh.- So you've got one.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Oh, yes, plenty.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32And it's great that you've got room for a really big fridge.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Well, to be honest I think if that was in there,
0:32:35 > 0:32:40- in the kitchen, it would spoil it. - You're right, it would spoil it. - Very good.- Wonderful.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Now this is pretty much it for downstairs.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- Right.- Upstairs, let's see what you make of that.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49'I'm not sure if it can get any better.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53'Jenny has already been moved to tears and she hasn't seen the lounge yet,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55'which unusually is on the first floor.'
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- Nice wide stairs, aren't they?- Lovely, lovely staircase.- Very nice.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04- And what do you think of this little room?- Little?!- Come on in.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- I think that's the understatement of the series.- Oh, wow.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13- Come in, come in!- That is... That again is... What an amazing lounge!
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- Amazing place.- It's a ballroom! - Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- It's just, it's just... - Yeah, that is stunning.
0:33:19 > 0:33:26They have done it so beautifully. I wouldn't... You know, if they left their decor I would be very happy.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Well, you never know, it's all negotiable.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32There's more to this room than just this bit, because over here, what we've also got...
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- Oh, wow!- is a kind of dedicated study arrangement.- Oh, gosh.
0:33:36 > 0:33:41- Well, isn't that good!- Yeah?- Yeah. - It's incredible. A den.
0:33:41 > 0:33:47- Yeah that's, that's lovely, even with a curtain that you can draw across. - Shut yourself away.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Yeah. That's really useful.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Just what we need, we wanted a study and this would... This would do really well.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Now, this whole property's arranged over three floors.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01We've seen two of them, but of course bedrooms are going to be important.
0:34:01 > 0:34:08- You wanted three, we've got you four.- Wow. Great.- Come and have a look at these.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16'There are two smaller-sized bedrooms, perfect for when Tony and Jenny's daughters come to stay.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20'There's also a large double which would make a good guest room, and a family bathroom
0:34:20 > 0:34:25'which has been quite cleverly split into two, depending on your preference for a shower or a bath.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28'And then there's a room for them.'
0:34:28 > 0:34:33- And this is the master bedroom as currently arranged.- Right.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- You can take your pick from any of the bedrooms up here!- Yes, yes.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39None of them have an en suite, in fairness.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Right.- But you've got your separate shower and bathroom.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- There are two bathrooms, aren't there?- There are.- It's not a problem.- No, not really.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- It's a lovely size room though. - It is, it is. Lovely wardrobe.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- You've got loads of storage. You've also got a sea view.- No! - Have a look through that window.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- Really?- Yeah. The sea is but five minutes away, through there. Yeah.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Let's see. Oh. That's the icing on the cake.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Yeah, terrific, that.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- Lovely.- Oh!
0:35:05 > 0:35:07- No, it's a lovely room.- So it's all working, then, this house?
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- It certainly is.- Certainly is.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- Beautiful house.- It's just incredible.- It really is.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13- Perfect.- It's just incredible.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Good. Right, well there's plenty of options outside as well.
0:35:17 > 0:35:25I don't think we've been able to offer you the kind of outside space that'd complete the dream package.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27But here, we might just have done it.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Great.- Come and have a look. - Look forward to that.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42So back where we started, out in the kind of courtyard area.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- Lovely.- Now, of course, there's the barn,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49which you thought you were going to be getting.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Oh, yeah.- Which you do get. I mean, that's all part of it.- That's extra.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56There's something that will keep you busy through here.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00COCK CROWS
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Sounds of the country.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Now, then, Tony,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09- this would be your own little domain in the garden.- Lovely.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- This really is just ideal, I think. - Absolutely fabulous.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Lovely lawned area there, fruit trees in there already.
0:36:16 > 0:36:23- This stream arrangement is all part of the waterworks that would have once fed the mill, of course.- Yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27So it's all nicely retained by this stone wall. You've also got that wood store arrangement,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31which is behind the barn, so plenty of room for firewood.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36- Yeah, lovely garden.- Wonderful. - But this isn't all of it. Come and look at this.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Now, last but not least...
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- Oh!- You've got this little area. - Wow.- There's a sunhouse.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55- That's lovely.- You've got a lovely walled-garden effect there as well. - Yes.- Yeah, you have.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59I think this is one of the prettiest aspects of the property, through here.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- It is, it's lovely.- It's a real old-fashioned type garden, isn't it?
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- Beautiful.- Well, it's lovely because actually in a way you kind of get a garden each.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- Yes.- Yeah.- You can have the industrial vegetable area over there...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- Yes, the orchard. - And you can have this.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- Yes.- Now, I'm afraid that's it.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- You mean...- You mean that's all?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- That's all there is to this mystery house, I know it's not much.- OK.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- Only joking.- But...- No, it's perfect. - For what there is...
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- It's incredible.- How much do you think it's worth though?
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- It's got to be over our budget. - Over our budget, I'd imagine. I can't even...
0:37:34 > 0:37:37You've £400,000.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- I would have said...- More towards 500,000 I'd have thought.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43I would have said 440, 450 even.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48- Easily, easily, easily.- Go on, then, Jenny, what do you think?
0:37:48 > 0:37:52I'd say more like, I don't know, 465 sort of thing like that.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Mm-hm.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59OK. It was on the market for the best part of half a million...
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Mm, yeah.- I can imagine. - But it is now on the market...
0:38:02 > 0:38:04for...
0:38:04 > 0:38:064...
0:38:06 > 0:38:082...
0:38:08 > 0:38:095.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- Oh!- Really?
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Gosh, yeah, that is... that's pretty good.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Now it's over budget...- Yeah.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- But you do get an awful lot for your money.- Oh, yes.
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- You certainly do.- A phrase which is often heard on shows like this, but I think it's true.- Incredible.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- Yes.- That is wonderful value for money actually.- Could you stretch?
0:38:29 > 0:38:34- I think we might do... - I think we have to.- ..for something as stunning as this.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39- Certainly, we need to give it very serious thought.- Yeah, yeah.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- Yeah.- I mean, you see a place like this, it's a one-off, isn't it?
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- It is, it is.- It's a total one-off.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49And it's like living the dream, really, you know,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52that you'd never thought you could aspire to a property like this.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- Yes, it's really...- Oh, Jenny! - LAUGHTER
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- Go on, take some time. Go and enjoy it.- OK, thanks.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- Thanks.- I'll catch up with you later.
0:39:02 > 0:39:08- HE LAUGHS - Brilliant! Well, there we are, two very, very happy buyers.
0:39:08 > 0:39:15£425,000, yes, it is 25 grand over-budget, but what price the right property for you?
0:39:15 > 0:39:20This is as Jenny says something of a one-off, and if they can stretch to it, they won't regret it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25This former mill is on the market for £425,000.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29It is over-budget, but you do get a lot of house for your money.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32There are four double bedrooms, a huge kitchen cum dining room,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35complete with the original mill workings,
0:39:35 > 0:39:40a large lounge, a barn, two gardens, and it's only two minutes from the coast.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42What more could they want?
0:39:42 > 0:39:46I just can't get over this, how amazing this house is.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51Yeah. A stunning house, absolutely fantastic.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Absolutely love it. The kitchen, I can see myself in it.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00I never ever thought that it would be possible for us to look at a property like this.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04It's a dream, really, it's my sort of dream.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- I thought you weren't going to take this on!- Had to have a peek inside.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Yes, you've got to see it all. It's certainly one to consider. - Certainly is.
0:40:11 > 0:40:18- Let's get you somewhere where you can have a good old think about it all.- OK, thanks.- Thank you.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Well, at long last, it's decision time for Tony and for Jenny.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30We've explored a good deal of what Cumbria has to offer, as well as three fantastic properties.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35I have a sneaky feeling as to which one they might go for, but do you?
0:40:37 > 0:40:42Well, you two, this is it, it's the end of our little journey.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46It all started, the barn conversion set within that courtyard development.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48What did you make of that, Jenny?
0:40:48 > 0:40:54I was very taken with the barn property, particularly the lounge,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58and that amazing view was just stunning.
0:40:58 > 0:41:05- And you had the kitchen you were after and the famous utility room. - Yeah, brilliant utility room.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11I suppose it made us think whether we wanted a property that was that rural.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- In a way, it was quite isolated. - OK, so not a bad start.
0:41:15 > 0:41:22Well, then we went to that little cottage set within the village. What did you think of that one, Tony?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25It had some good features and there was plenty of living space.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- The master bedroom was good, with en suite.- Mm.
0:41:30 > 0:41:37I think the garden disappointed me slightly, in terms of the proportions and the size.
0:41:37 > 0:41:43- So we then trawled round a bit more of Cumbria, and we finally ended up at the mystery house.- Mm.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Well, I think it really knocked us sideways, really.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52I mean, it was...in almost every respect, it was absolutely stunning.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Inside was...- Amazing.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59The rooms were...the main living rooms were absolutely stunning.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Of really tremendous proportions.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04I have to say when I first saw that property,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07and I saw the kitchen - I mean, it was a great kitchen.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Oh, it was a wonderful kitchen.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13You wouldn't want to get out of it. You don't just cook in it, you'd live in it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17It was just so, so homely. It was just totally unique.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19I'm now going to ask you what happens next,
0:42:19 > 0:42:26but I suspect it will be no great surprise to anybody watching as to what your next move is.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Go on, Tony.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Well, we were really knocked sideways by the mystery house,
0:42:32 > 0:42:37and we are very seriously thinking about putting in an offer.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40That's very, very exciting.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Guys, it's a wonderful end to this journey.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Thank you for coming on the show, and we wish you all the best of luck.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Thank you.- Thank you for all your hard work in finding these properties for us.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53It's been a wonderful experience.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01You know, in many ways for me, Tony and Jenny's story is a particularly warm one.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06For a couple who've cherished the idea of living in this stunning part of the world for so many years,
0:43:06 > 0:43:13the thought that they're now going to actually get the chance to live the dream is a wonderful end.
0:43:13 > 0:43:19It just goes to show that if you keep looking hard enough, you too can find that perfect happy ending.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21I'll see you next time.
0:43:21 > 0:43:27If you'd like our help on Escape To The Country, then why not apply online at...