0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today I'm in a part of the UK that's famous for this -
0:00:05 > 0:00:10honey-coloured limestone, great for building houses and also these dry stone walls,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12which are a very important part of the landscape here.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17In fact, if you added up the length of all the dry stone walls in this neighbourhood,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21then the total length would be greater than the Great Wall of China.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Fancy that. Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42In today's show, I will be helping a couple exchange suburban living for
0:00:42 > 0:00:45a new life in an extremely desirable part of the country,
0:00:45 > 0:00:49and they soon receive a sharp wake-up call when it comes to prices.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Wow.- You're joking.- Good grief. - Whoa!
0:00:53 > 0:00:56'They'll be viewing some stunning properties in the local area
0:00:56 > 0:00:58'and start quaking in their walking boots'
0:00:58 > 0:01:02I'm really impressed by it. I'm dreading to know how much it's going to actually cost.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07'And finally, there's the mystery house, but will this or any of the others
0:01:07 > 0:01:09'be their new country pad?'
0:01:11 > 0:01:12I'm in the Cotswolds today
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and these dry stone walls are real works of art.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Obviously you can't use any cement.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20The skill has been around since at least the 18th century.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Chris here hasn't been around that long. How long have you been doing it?
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- Seven years now.- How old would you say this wall is?
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Approximately 100 years old.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31What is the secret to putting them together?
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Making sure you place your stones correctly so that the water sheds out,
0:01:35 > 0:01:36rather than running back in.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38And we've got to the top now?
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Yes, so if you would like to grab one of those...
0:01:42 > 0:01:44and stick it on there.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49Make sure it is nice and flat and tight up against the other one
0:01:49 > 0:01:50and then the next one.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It's quite heavy. See you later.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58'The Cotswolds lie in the south west of England
0:01:58 > 0:02:01'and are the largest protected landscape in Britain.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03'Quarried here since Roman times,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06'the limestone has made the Cotswolds world famous.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10'Warm and honey-coloured in the north and slightly grey in the south,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13'the stone is used not only for buildings,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17'but also roof tiles, and it all contributes to a magical uniformity.
0:02:17 > 0:02:23'At 790 square miles and with over 3,000 miles of public footpaths,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'the Cotswolds are an international tourist hot spot
0:02:26 > 0:02:28'that bring in millions of visitors every year.'
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Of course, the Cotswolds aren't cheap - 16% above the national average.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39The average detached house clocking in at £317,000, often a lot more.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43But what's really interesting is that there are places to buy here.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Around the country people are not selling but here, with so many second home-owners feeling
0:02:48 > 0:02:52the crunch and selling up, there are properties on the market,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55which is great for our buyers, perhaps.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57'Today's house hunters are Andy and Sally.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01'They live in a four-bedroom detached house in Letchworth in Hertfordshire.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05'After many years both working as accountants, they took time off
0:03:05 > 0:03:09'for a trip of a lifetime around China, Australia, and New Zealand,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11'and it led to a change of heart.'
0:03:11 > 0:03:13We'd really like to move out to the country.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15We've been away for a year.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18We've come back. We've had the most fantastic year away.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20We've completely re-assessed our life.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22We want space, so we can walk out the front door.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26On top of that, we've got used to the big, wide open spaces
0:03:26 > 0:03:30that you get out in Australia and New Zealand. We'd like a big garden.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32There's more to life than living where we are,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and that's why we'd like to move to the country.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38'Andy and Sally can't wait to start enjoying country life.'
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We both really like being outside and walking.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Our dream life would be walking out the front door into the countryside
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and go for walks, possibly orienteering,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50tougher walks, that sort of thing would be great.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Any sort of outdoor activity.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Horse riding would be ideal. We'd like to explore that a bit more.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01We'd also like to grow our own fruit and vegetables and keep a few chickens and...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- A goat.- Absolutely!
0:04:03 > 0:04:07'Well, a goat is something they certainly can't keep at their current property.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12'Ten years ago, the house suited their needs but now a new property's
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'on the cards, they've drawn up a wish-list, and it all starts in the kitchen
0:04:16 > 0:04:17'for keen cook Andy.'
0:04:17 > 0:04:20A major problem here is the kitchen is fairly small.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24What we are really looking forward to is a larger kitchen,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27farmhouse style, with all of the work space that goes with it.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31One of the problems with this house is the master bedroom is very small.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36We'd really like a much bigger master bedroom and if at all possible, an en suite would be fantastic.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39A main requirement for our next property is a large bathroom,
0:04:39 > 0:04:45rather than this rather small and yucky avocado green design we have at the moment.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47'Andy and Sally are also keen gardeners,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51'and if they want to keep livestock and grow vegetables,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53'they're going to need a much bigger garden.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55'To sum up, what kind of home are they looking for?'
0:04:55 > 0:05:00Our ideal country property would have 2-3 bedrooms - ideally three.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05A study, a large kitchen, a farm-house-style kitchen, and a large master bedroom.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Yes, also a large garden so we can grow vegetables.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13'With no time to lose, we've invited round a local estate agent to give a current valuation.'
0:05:13 > 0:05:17This stylish, four-bedroom family home occupies a good location
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and a south-facing rear garden.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22For that reason, I would value it at £325,000.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I think it's a really good price. Higher than we anticipated.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35If we could realise that sort of money, that would give us a nice budget to work with.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37'So how much money are they looking to spend now?'
0:05:37 > 0:05:40If the property ticked all the right boxes,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43our maximum budget for the new property would be £400,000.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Sally and Andy are not looking for anything we haven't seen before.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52They want two to three bedrooms, a big nice kitchen and a garden,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55rather unusually, they might want to keep a goat in it.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58But the difficult thing is where they want to buy.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01They want to buy in the Cotswolds, which is not cheap
0:06:01 > 0:06:05and they don't have lots of money, but we'll try our hardest.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Andy and Sally are open-minded as to their exact location
0:06:09 > 0:06:14so we're focusing the search between Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17It's a highly desirable area of the country and to find them
0:06:17 > 0:06:22what they're looking for, for £400,000, might be a tall order.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Over the course of two days, I'll be taking them to see houses
0:06:25 > 0:06:28that I hope will whet their appetite.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32But I won't be revealing the prices until they've had a good look round.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34And last on our tour is the mystery house,
0:06:34 > 0:06:40which might make them reconsider the focus of their search.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45And if all this golden Cotswold beauty has got your property juices flowing,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49take a look at what you can buy around here, whatever your budget, high or low.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51At the pricey end of the market
0:06:51 > 0:06:54is this 17th century property in Broadway.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57It's up for sale at a smidgen over £1.6 million
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and will appeal to those looking for a touch of contemporary glamour.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04If you can brave the British weather, there is a fantastic pool
0:07:04 > 0:07:08with glorious views out over the Cotswold countryside.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13A little further south near Cirencester, is this slightly less expensive renovated farm house.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18It still has a hefty £895,000 price tag, but it does buy you
0:07:18 > 0:07:23five bedrooms and a world of period charm, with impressive timbers
0:07:23 > 0:07:25and generously proportioned rooms.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Or, at the more budget-conscious end of the market,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31is this gorgeous double-fronted country cottage in Blakeney.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35At £5 short of £300,000, it is a cosy three-bedroom property,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37with a wonderful private garden.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Welcome to the Cotswolds, you two. - Thank you.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46I know you're not from the Cotswolds, you've not lived here before.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Have you stolen a march on us by doing loads of research?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51No, we purposely didn't so we're hoping to be surprised.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Well, you might well be surprised. Tell me about your budget.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Well the top end of the budget is £400,000.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Ideally we would look for something a bit less, but if the perfect property
0:08:01 > 0:08:05comes along, we are prepared to go up to £400,000.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08You know the Cotswolds is not the cheapest place to buy.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Are you willing to compromise?
0:08:10 > 0:08:15We are happy to compromise on certain things. There are certain things we think we must have.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17But we'll definitely compromise.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Well, we have great houses lined up, including the mystery house,
0:08:21 > 0:08:22which is a twist on things.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Are you looking forward to it? - Oh, yes.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26Shall we go?
0:08:29 > 0:08:36'To sum up, Andy and Sally have a budget of £400,000 and are looking for a period property.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38'They need a study from when they work from home.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41'A large kitchen to keep Andy happy.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45'Ideally three bedrooms and a garden large enough to keep a goat or two.'
0:08:50 > 0:08:53The Cotswolds are beautiful. Is this the English countryside
0:08:53 > 0:08:57you were dreaming about when you were away in New Zealand?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Very much so. Travelling around New Zealand, we were very accustomed to
0:09:01 > 0:09:06the open space and rolling hills, the greenery.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10When the sun comes out, it is just even more magical.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Is that what made you decide in this area particularly?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16The Cotswolds is well-known for that sort of thing,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18so we thought this was an ideal place to live.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23Have you had a chance to look at any properties or will these be the first you've seen?
0:09:23 > 0:09:27No, these will be the first houses we've seen, so it's quite exciting.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Absolutely, we're looking forward to it immensely.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35'It certainly is a beautiful area, and Burford,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38'the location of the first property on our list, is no exception.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42This lively medieval market town enjoys a fantastic vantage point,
0:09:42 > 0:09:48sitting on the High Wold with its main street sloping down to the River Windrush.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52With its range of beautiful shops and restaurants, it's a desirable place to live.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Unfortunately for Andy and Sally, it has price tags to match.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Nevertheless, I'm keen to see their reaction to this first house,
0:09:59 > 0:10:04which sits just off the high street and score top marks for convenience.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07As you can see, we are in the centre of Burford,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09and this is the house I wanted to show you.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- That's lovely.- Three storeys. I wasn't expecting that.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Three storeys.- Yeah. - I love the stone. It's lovely. - It's got the Cotswold stone.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- It looks really lovely.- Yeah. - It's from the 1720s, like a lot of the properties round here.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25As you said, three storeys. Lots of lovely original features.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29It's not a massive property, I can tell you that right now. Largely because of where it is.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34What do you feel about the location, about being in... Burford is quite a busy town.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I don't mind actually being in a town, as long as it's not in the main high street.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- That's the main high street, so we're OK.- So it's just outside.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Shall we have a look inside?- Yes. - Excellent.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Come on in.- Oh, my word.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- This is a classic little cottage. - Yeah.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01The owners have done an enormous amount of work. They've been here six years.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Are the beams original? - The beams are original, yes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07They've done a very good job of restoring while using what's original.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12For example, the fireplace is obviously original; a lot of the beams are. But if you see here,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15you've got this lovely kind of window seat.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19The present owners found matching old pine
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- and made these shutters, which is a theme throughout the house. - They blend in quite well.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Very well done, yeah. - Yeah. It's cosy. It's got a really cosy feel to it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30I do like the genuine woodburner and the fireplace as well.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- This is your living space. - Indeed, yes.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37This is what I meant by... You're not wrong about it being sort of not so huge.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- What do you think about it? - It's got a lovely feel to it. It's cosy and it's nice.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's certainly got the character that we've been looking for.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- Absolutely, yeah.- It's dripping character.- Indeed, yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Shall we take a look at the kitchen?- Yes.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56Mind you head.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- So this is your kitchen.- OK.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01You seem pleasantly surprised.
0:12:01 > 0:12:07Yes, the size of that room, I was expecting this to be possibly a bit smaller. It's an unusual shape.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- It's a sort of wedge shape.- Yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12That is the outside wall of the original cottage.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15This was an extension they put on in the '60s
0:12:15 > 0:12:19that got a bit sort of derelict. And the present owners added this - another third here.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25- So, Andy, you're the cook, aren't you?- I am. I do like to play around in the kitchen, I must admit.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- What are you looking for?- Good work surfaces. I like the sink.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31You've got some great sort of hardwood here, possibly reclaimed teak,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35which is very unusual in the kitchen, but I think works really well.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39This is the first property we're looking at. Is this ticking boxes or not?
0:12:39 > 0:12:40I think slightly a little small.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- The kitchen?- Yeah. - The whole downstairs, really, is slightly small,
0:12:44 > 0:12:50in that we were thinking a kitchen that you could sit people to eat in when they come over for dinner.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52So I think slightly small, but like the character.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54It's very quaint, I must say.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58This is your ground space downstairs. It's not massive, as you astutely pointed out.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- But you do have three floors. Shall we look upstairs?- Absolutely. - Thank you.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- We're going upstairs here.- OK.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Oh.- Gosh!
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- This is one of the three bedrooms. - Three bedrooms.- OK.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23They've turned it into a study. There's lots of light.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Indeed.- So would this work as a study area?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- I would say so, yes. It's got a light, airy feel to it. - I think it's great.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32And it's got the character that we wanted.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- It would be ideal as a study. - Yeah, I think so.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- It could also be a guest bedroom when people come to stay. - Absolutely. Yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Because the two of them are living here on their own, they have rather luxurious bathing options.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- Oh!- So let's take a look.- Oh, definitely!- Looking forward to this. - Take me there.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Oh, wow. This is more like it.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59That's certainly better than my avocado green bathroom at home.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Yes, yes.- Well, you're definitely changing gear when you come here.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- This is your style of bathroom, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It's a very classy bathroom. - It is.- It is.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- So is this the sort of bathroom you're looking for?- Oh, yes. Most definitely, yes.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Nice wooden laminate floor here, which is nice and easy to clean.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20These are both reclaimed. There's an extraordinary sink unit which I've never seen before.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22The bathtub also similarly re-enamelled.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25What do you need? What are you looking for in a bathroom?
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Just something a bit luxurious, and that's ticking boxes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- It's classy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- A glass of wine... - Champagne, maybe!
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Yes, looking over the rooftops.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- Yes. Actually, that's nice as well, the view out there. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46'And as well as this wonderful bathroom, there's also a convenient shower room next door,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49'so there won't be any queues in the morning.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54'Just by the stairs is another small room which the current owners use as a dressing room,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57'but we're going to head straight up to the master.'
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- I love this.- Wow! Oh, it's wonderful.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04This is character. This is real character again.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- It's a really good size, isn't it? - It's a great size.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- You don't expect it at the top of these old properties.- No.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Usually they're tiny little servants' quarters.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17But they've made a great job of incorporating all the old beams
0:15:17 > 0:15:20and giving yourself a really lovely master suite.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- Sally, is this the sort of master bedroom you were looking for? - Oh, most definitely, yes.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29And it's got the nooks and crannies and little sort of places you can put things, and it's lovely.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33You do get the feeling of space of above your head as well as around you as well.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Which is very unusual in the top of a building like this.- Indeed.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- I know one of the big issues for you is the garden.- Mm-hm.- Let's have a look.- OK.- Mind your head.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43After you, darling.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49It is surprising how much room there is in this house,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53but we are in the heart of Burford, and that means a compromise with the outside space.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Let's talk gardens.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- I know it's a big part of your move...- A very big part of our move, actually.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- This is not a big part of anybody's garden dream.- No.- No.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07It's a courtyard, and a small one at that.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- It's a nice courtyard, but I have to say...- It's a little bit too compact, I feel.- Yeah.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17I'm not pretending that this is an enormous garden and you just can't see it.
0:16:17 > 0:16:24- No, quite.- It is the nature of partly the location, being in the middle of the town,
0:16:24 > 0:16:31and also, I hate to say it, but also budgetary. In this location to get this sort of house and a big garden
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- would be a bit out of your budget. - Right. OK.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- How much do you think this property is worth?- Ooh...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Difficult one, I would say. Probably top end of our budget - 395.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45I think I'd like to go in a bit less at something like 360.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49I know the location it's in, but I'm thinking sort of 360.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- Well, you might be surprised and alarmed to know this is on at 435. - You're joking!- Wow.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- Good grief.- Whoa!
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- That's location for you, I guess. - It's location, and the Cotswolds are not cheap.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Indeed, yeah.- But don't despair.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Plenty of properties out there and this is just the first one, a taster.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Why don't you walk around and I'll see you out the front?- OK.- Sure.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16I think they were totally, totally floored by the price of this house.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21It's cos it is very small, but it's charming and beautiful and in a very desirable area.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24But it's a bit of a wake-up call, which is no bad thing.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30This lovely townhouse is on the market for £435,000.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41It is £35,000 over budget,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45but in the current climate, it may be worth putting in an offer
0:17:45 > 0:17:48which makes it within Andy and Sally's £400,000 limit.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50It's got some very nice period features.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55It's got the character that we wanted. Some of the space is slightly smaller than we'd imagined.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00It's a courtyard garden. It is perhaps a little bit too compact.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04The main downside was the garden - no room for Andy's veg patch
0:18:04 > 0:18:08and certainly no room to keep a goat in, which is something else he'd quite like.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Upstairs, the master bedroom was fantastic, just what I'd want. Absolutely perfect.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- This is what I was thinking of with the master bedroom.- It's an extremely good size.- It's perfect.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22We're happy to compromise on quite a few things now we know what the prices are looking like.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25But I think one thing we really can't compromise on is the garden.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- Hello, guys.- Hiya.- Hi.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- I'm sunning myself. The sun has come out on our search. Shall we continue?- Indeed.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Andy and Sally have enjoyed a few weekend breaks in the Cotswolds,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47but they aren't too familiar with Stow-on-the-Wold.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50So they're taking some time to explore what could be their new home.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55The attractive market town grew up around the wool trade in the Middle Ages.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Today, with its range of antique shops and galleries,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00it's one of the most well known of the Cotswold towns.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Oh, I like this street. This is nice.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10Just a few miles south is a miniature replica of the famous Cotswold town Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15It was built by local craftsmen in the 1930s from locally quarried stone,
0:19:15 > 0:19:16just like the original.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- It's lovely, isn't it? - It is. And here we have the lovely village church.- Absolutely.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24The clock's showing the right time as well.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Look at this cottage.- Isn't that idyllic?- Maybe a little bit small even for me.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Do you think it might be a bit cramped inside?- A tiny bit.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Another local attraction is Birdland, home to some 500 feathered friends.
0:19:39 > 0:19:46The site, built up around the River Windrush, provides a natural habitat for the many exotic birds.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49One of the most popular attractions is the family of king penguins,
0:19:49 > 0:19:55who, at three feet tall, are the second tallest penguins in the world.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Visitors can arrange to hand-feed them, and Andy and Sally have arrived just in time
0:19:59 > 0:20:01to fill some hungry mouths.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Hello! - ANDY LAUGHS
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Do you want one?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15There's just one daily feed of mackerel for these penguins
0:20:15 > 0:20:20and they're all determined to get their fair share.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Having fun?
0:20:22 > 0:20:23SALLY GIGGLES
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It's time to move on.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Our next house is in Bledington, close to the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire border.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39It's an attractive village,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42the houses built in the warm, honey tones of Cotswold stone.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Much of the housing stock, including our house, is centred around the green,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49but the big bonus for Andy and Sally is that this property
0:20:49 > 0:20:52sits on the doorstep of the Oxfordshire Way walk.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Away from the village green. This is the property I want to show you.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Oh, wow.- Oh, wow.- It's beautiful.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Do you like it? - I love it. I love it. Really nice.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It is. A nice little cottage. It looks like it's full of character.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- It's what we are looking for. - It used to be the stables.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15You can see underneath that sill, that was a door.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18You can see they've turned it into a window.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20This area is called Little Bledington.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23You are in Bledington, but this complex is called Little Bledington,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26so it will be Little Bledington, Bledington, Cotswolds.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Sounds good.- Shall we look inside?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Please.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38You mentioned wanting a proper hallway.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42This is a proper hallway. And the coat hooks and everything.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Lovely oak flooring throughout.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47This is nice, this is nice. The beams.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48The beams throughout.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50You will see that more in here.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Plenty of features in here.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Oh, wow, yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- It is a nice lounge, isn't it? - Very nice.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01It'll certainly be nice and cosy in here, comfortable as well.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02Is it your sort of style?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05It is nicely finished, yeah, absolutely.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I do like the beams going across, up and down and across.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- You can see the original hangings for the horses.- Indeed.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16Great Portland stone surround fireplace.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18That's perfectly working.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21The present owner doesn't use it because you have central heating
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and you have these very nice steel-framed windows.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I think they are a real feature.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29They are certainly sizable enough. They let the light in well.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Which is what we like, we don't like it too dark.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It is lovely and you have space, again.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Big smiles?- Absolutely.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42What about the kitchen? I know that's very important for you.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I'm looking forward to it.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50So this is the kitchen, oh, wow.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Oh, this is...- Yeah, yeah, we like!
0:22:56 > 0:23:01You have all the original depth of the wall and a lot of the beams are here, obviously.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05You have this great sunken window again through the deep walls.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08And this is fantastic, you actually have space.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11You have a clearly delineated dining space.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Is this kind of answering your cooking needs?
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Yeah.- It is a nice, light and bright kitchen which is good.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Yeah and certainly the whole house so far is
0:23:21 > 0:23:27- light and bright.- Big smiles. Sally, are you...- Yes, I like.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30There is also an extra room on the ground floor, which is currently
0:23:30 > 0:23:35a study, but could easily be an additional bedroom. But we're heading upstairs.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42This is the guest bedroom.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44But a great size, I think.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48You've only got two bedrooms upstairs but they are substantial,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50high ceilings and nice dual aspect.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- A lot of head space.- Yeah, a lot.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55And nice, deep window sills.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Nice view out the front.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01There is easily space for a double bed and storage.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Yeah, a good-size guest room, I would say.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Next door is the family bathroom,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10which is undeniably small, but you can't have everything.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13However the next room is something quite special.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Wow.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19That's nice and big, isn't it?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- This would be the master. - This is very nice, yeah.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Views from both windows, which is brilliant.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28You can wake up and look over and see what's happening
0:24:28 > 0:24:29on the village green.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33There is a little bit of storage under the eves, not masses,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- and sadly no en suite.- That's OK.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37What are your thoughts, then?
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Very nice. It does feel spacious, which is good.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43It is light and bright and airy, which is what we want.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Is the indoor space adequate to your needs, do you think?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I think it's pretty close.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Obviously more is better, but I think with our budget, we're beginning to
0:24:52 > 0:24:56realise maybe we can't get as much as we thought for our money.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58The clincher is going to be the garden.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59Let's take a look at that.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05'They seem to really like the house
0:25:05 > 0:25:10'and I do have a bit of a garden for them, but massive it isn't.'
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Clearly, we've done a little better this time because you've got some lawn.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23- We've got some lawn, yeah. This is better.- It is.- It's better.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25What do you think of the dimensions of it?
0:25:25 > 0:25:30It's slightly smaller than you'd like, but it is nice actually, it is nice.
0:25:30 > 0:25:37- It's nice and private - enclosed. - The thing about this garden is that it's very overgrown,
0:25:37 > 0:25:43it's not really been looked after in the same way that the house has. You see this arch -
0:25:43 > 0:25:49behind that, there is another good three or four metres of garden.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Oh, wow.- There is quite a big shed with electricity.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It is completely overgrown, swamped up by this big leylandii.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58I think if you cleared all that,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01you could have a little archway through to a veggie patch.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04That's got huge potential, hasn't it?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07It's not a farm. But you're not going to get a farm in the Cotswolds
0:26:07 > 0:26:12with all the house things that you want for your budget, sorry.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Talking of budget. The moment you've been waiting for.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Can you afford this lovely property?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- What do you think it is on at? - I think you should go first cos I was so wrong before.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31I'm sort of thinking, my guesstimate is going to be the same as I had before - high 300s.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I'm thinking probably around about £380.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I'm going to guess £390, I think.
0:26:37 > 0:26:44- Well, the two of you are getting a lot better because this property is on at £385.- Oh!
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Slap bang in the middle of those two guesstimates.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51That's pretty good for the spec.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53That leaves £15,000 to do something.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56It's been on the market for about seven weeks.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's always worth putting in an offer.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I can see you are itching to have a look at the back.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I'm dying to see that!
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Why don't you two have a look around there, and then a look
0:27:06 > 0:27:09around the house, and then we can take a look at what happens next.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Thank you.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Ah, you see, it's all about the garden.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Everyone loves a garden, particularly in the Cotswolds.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20And this one is a good garden -
0:27:20 > 0:27:25it is not a goat's pen, but it'll do, won't it?
0:27:27 > 0:27:32'At £385,000, this house is comfortably under budget.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34'It has a kitchen/breakfast room,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37'a study, which was on their wish list, two bedrooms
0:27:37 > 0:27:39'and a reasonably sized garden -
0:27:39 > 0:27:42'but I think they'd struggle to fit in a goat.'
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Oh, my word ,that is a big space.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Overgrown. We can knock out the tree and the shed.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55It's the perfect size for a veg patch. This is growing on me. This is growing on me.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59I really like the downstairs, it is pretty much perfect.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01The kitchen-dining area is just what we wanted.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Upstairs, the two bedrooms are a fairly good size.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08My only issue is possibly the size of the bathroom.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12It is a wee bit small. You could perhaps put in a shower by the bath.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16It has potential. As far as the house is concerned, I'm feeling quite comfortable with it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Overall, I think it's a good buy.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37As well as the country pursuits that Andy and Sally hope to take up when
0:28:37 > 0:28:40they move to the Cotswolds, they'll also have time to dabble with a few
0:28:40 > 0:28:42new ideas, and as Andy is a keen cook,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46we thought a quick lesson in fudge making might go down a treat.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50So we're visiting local fudge maker Eileen Anderton at her shop.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55- You must be Eileen. This is Sally and Andy.- Pleased to meet you.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57I can smell the fudge.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03'There are 25 varieties on sale, and today Eileen is showing us
0:29:03 > 0:29:09'how to make two different types. They both start off with the same chocolaty base.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15'First into the vat is the butter, water and cream powder,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18'and then the chocolate powder and icing sugar.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23'Next up is the all important vanilla flavouring,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26'and then it all needs a good old mix.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32'When it's a lovely smooth consistency, it's ready to
0:29:32 > 0:29:34'be spooned into the trays.'
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Phwoar! Looks delicious!
0:29:39 > 0:29:42So, are we going to do a special chocolate recipe?
0:29:42 > 0:29:47Yes, we are going to do a chocolate cherry and a rocky road,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51which is chocolate with marshmallows and walnuts in.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55OK, so you pop in the marshmallows and press them down,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59press them quite hard because they tend to bounce up again,
0:29:59 > 0:30:00and mix the colours a little bit.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03How long would this take to set?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06About 24 hours, a little bit longer in the warm weather.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10But at room temperature it is about 24 hours.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12'Well we can't wait that long to taste it,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15'so fortunately Eileen has some she made yesterday.'
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Help yourselves.- OK, dig in.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- That's good.- Just a little bite.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31You like it? Could you stay here all day eating? You can't.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- Eileen, thank you so much.- You are welcome, it's been a pleasure. Thank you for helping me.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I hope this is a big seller, I'm sure it will be.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44With day one of the house-hunt over,
0:30:44 > 0:30:49Andy and Sally retreat to their hotel for a sum-up of their thoughts so far.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52So what did you think of the three-storey cottage in Burford?
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It certainly had all the character we were after.
0:30:55 > 0:31:02But I really think the garden for me, it was just not big enough. There wasn't enough space there.
0:31:02 > 0:31:08- But the bathroom was just what I'd like.- Good size bathroom, had a separate shower room as well.
0:31:08 > 0:31:14The kitchen, for my liking, was possibly a little bit on the small side.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18OK, we also saw the cottage overlooking the green at Bledington.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- What did you think of that?- It was just beautiful. It's just how you imagine a cottage should look like.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27And its location was wonderful - right opposite the village green,
0:31:27 > 0:31:31with greenery everywhere you looked. It was picture perfect.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- What did you think? - It's a very charming cottage.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38It's made of the archetypal Cotswold stone, which is what we're looking for.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- The kitchen is pretty much spot on, I felt.- I think absolutely spot on.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- What did you think of the bathroom? - I would really like a bigger bathroom.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- One of your main things is a bathroom, so... - It would be such a bonus, yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55A garden - it's unkempt at the moment, but it's got huge potential.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- We could really put our own stamp on it.- Very much so.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Looking forward to tomorrow. I must admit, I'm very intrigued about this mystery house.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16'Andy and Sally, from Letchworth in Hertfordshire,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18'are looking for a new home in the Cotswolds.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23'They have a budget of £400,000 and want a three bedroom house with a large garden,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25'possibly for keeping chickens or goats.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29'So far, they've viewed two houses, which have been a mixed bag
0:32:29 > 0:32:33and highlighted the sort of space they'll get for their money.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Coming up, there's a treat in store.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38This is more like it, this is a nice kitchen.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41'And have we hit the nail on the head?'
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I think I'm falling in love with it already, actually.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Yesterday turned into a bit of a quest for that elusive garden for Sally and Andy,
0:32:51 > 0:32:55but today I'm feeling more horticulturally hopeful.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02'Our first house this morning is in Avening,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'which sits further south of the Cotswolds.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09'The village became prosperous during the Cotswold wool trade
0:33:09 > 0:33:11'in the 14th and 15th centuries.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14'It is a picturesque place with a stream running through its heart.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17'I'm very excited about the house we're viewing, as I think
0:33:17 > 0:33:21'it has the indoor and possibly the outdoor space they're looking for.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23'and it's steeped in history, too.'
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Come take a look. Obviously we've come a bit further south.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Not for any particular reason, other than we wanted a garden,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33and they are thin on the ground.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37This is the house I wanted to show you. It used to be a coach house
0:33:37 > 0:33:41from the 1700s, but it's been completely rebuilt in 1990.
0:33:41 > 0:33:47It has all the mod cons, but within the shell of an older building.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- What do you think of it from the outside?- Lovely.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54I'm very impressed with it so far. Absolutely. Nice old stone work.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- Shall we look inside?- Please.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00Come on in.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Nice quarry tiles.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Gosh.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Really unusual, isn't it?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- Nice and open.- It's very open plan.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15This is the dining room hall, as halls should be.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Indeed, a proper hall.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Let's take a look at the living room.
0:34:21 > 0:34:22So you can see, actually,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25even though it was rebuilt, they've kept the same plan.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29These big windows would have been where the coaches came in,
0:34:29 > 0:34:30that's why they're so big.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34It certainly gives it that nice light, airy feel.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37This is east facing so you get the morning sun in here.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42Very nice, light, bright, airy character again, so very impressed,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44yeah, a really nice feel to it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- I do like the alcoves either side of the fireplace.- It's a nice touch.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54This bath stone which you see is a little bit lighter than the golden
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Cotswolds stones further north.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- What do you think, Andy?- I'm liking it so far, that's for sure.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02'Great, that's what I wanted to hear.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06'Back off the dining hall is a room for our chef, Andy.'
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Here's your kitchen.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Oh, this is more like it.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13This is a nice kitchen.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15What do you like about it?
0:35:15 > 0:35:19It's spacious. It's got loads of worktops.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23The stove there blows your mind, really, I think.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Well, this is the country kitchen I thought you were looking for.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30It's very big and square as well. It's not like narrow.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34Lots of windows, lots of light coming in from different directions.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Anything you like about it, Sally? - I think simple is nice.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40We like the simple style - a real farm house kitchen.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I can see us sitting at that table and having breakfast.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49You have a range cooker, have you ever cooked with those before?
0:35:49 > 0:35:51I haven't, but I look forward to using it.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It's good for stews and casseroles.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- How about curries?- And for curries. Shall we take a peek upstairs?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Yes.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03'Well, that seems to have satisfied them both.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07'Upstairs there are three bedrooms, the first is set up with a raised
0:36:07 > 0:36:09'single bed, but it could take a double.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12'Next for us is the second bedroom.'
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Straight ahead.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19It's a fair size, isn't it?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- Oh, a little alcove. - It goes around the corner.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24What do you think of the size?
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Excellent, the whole place is... Yeah.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Absolutely, and it has fairly tall ceilings as well.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- You could easily get a double bed in here.- I should think so.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- It's a very good size. - 'All positive stuff.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42'But next we head to the bathroom, which I can't pretend is huge.'
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- Have a look in. - It's not tiny, it's not tiny.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48It's...fine.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Actually, it has a lovely outlook there.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Certainly fully functional by the looks of it.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55You will have to put the shower in.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58It has the plumbing there, so that's OK.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01'Well, it doesn't look like that was a deal breaker.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04'Lastly on our tour inside is the master bedroom.'
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- There you go.- Wow. - This is good.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Pretty simple. They haven't done an awful lot with it,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14but you could put your mark on it quite easily.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16It's a very good size, isn't it?
0:37:16 > 0:37:20It's not a square room which is good, there's lots of potential there.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22What do you think of the inside space altogether?
0:37:22 > 0:37:24I'm really impressed by it.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27I'm dreading to know how much it is going to actually cost.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29But the space is brilliant.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34As far as the overall interior is concerned, all the rooms are tall,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38which, you know helps enormously. OK it means you have to use a bit more
0:37:38 > 0:37:40paint but hey, that's not a problem!
0:37:40 > 0:37:44'There's also the added bonus of a loft room, which isn't a bad size.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48'But we're heading for the garden which I'm hoping delivers more of
0:37:48 > 0:37:50'what they're looking for.'
0:37:50 > 0:37:53So you can see the garden is very steeply banked, or was.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Actually when they first rebuilt the house it came in a bank
0:37:56 > 0:37:58straight down into the kitchen.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59So they dug all this out,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02put in this retaining wall and these rather attractive steps up.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06Wow, I do like those steps.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09So this would be your outside space, for eating and dining.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- You are protected.- That's brilliant.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I do like this, actually.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Would you use it?- Oh, yeah, a lot.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- We like eating outside.- We do.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- Shall we go up?- Please.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Mind the steps.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Outside toilet, original.- Wow.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Now a potting shed.- My word.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Your garden is really this brick wall, this retaining wall is the
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- edge of your garden right up to the end there.- Oh, wow.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42And then down to the road.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44What are your thoughts about the garden?
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- It's fantastic.- I love it. - It's fantastic.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51Good, I was worried it wasn't going to be quite big enough for you still.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I think size-wise, absolutely, there's loads of space
0:38:55 > 0:38:56for a veg plot down there
0:38:56 > 0:39:00and it looks like there are a few fruit trees already established.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03That was something on our list we didn't think we'd get.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07It's a real added bonus having those down there, that's for sure.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11It is an unusual shape, so it feels like there's lot of bits to it,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14it's not a square garden again.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18The question mark still hangs over your goats.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20That's the big question mark.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24But I was thinking, you know, if you can't find the land,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26you might be able to rent a patch nearby.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Well, what are your thoughts about the price?
0:39:32 > 0:39:33The garden, the property?
0:39:33 > 0:39:38Very difficult question. Because it is quite an unusual style.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43It's got a lot more ground than the previous ones we've seen. I'm going to pitch in at £425.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45I'm going to go for £417.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49An unusual figure.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Well, then you may be pleasingly surprised to know that the house
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- is on the market for £395,000. - Wow.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Just under your budget.- Yeah.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00That's amazing.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Pleasingly surprising, I would say.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Why don't you have a look around
0:40:04 > 0:40:08some more and then, as usual, we'll reconvene at the front.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Excellent. Will do.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well, that's very satisfying.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16I thought for a moment they weren't going to like it so much, because of
0:40:16 > 0:40:18its location being further south
0:40:18 > 0:40:22and maybe because it's near the road, but, it seems to be fine.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Good.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31'At £395,000, this house scrapes in just under budget.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35'There's a kitchen diner that they both loved, three bedrooms,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39'a loft room which they could use as a study and a large garden.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44'Sadly, I don't think with their budget there will ever be room for that goat.'
0:40:44 > 0:40:46We walked through the entrance hall - fantastic,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49a proper entrance hall, which is just what we wanted.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53The bathroom wasn't enormous but it was certainly bigger than the
0:40:53 > 0:40:55others we have seen and I think it'll be fine.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59The kitchen is very nice, pretty much a perfect kitchen.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01What are you thinking?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- I'm really quite liking it. - I like it very much.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09Nice high ceilings, it gives it that nice spacious feel to it.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It's got a homely feel. The best bit was the garden.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15A nice patio area. Oh, our own personal river!
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Oh, wow, like it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19To my mind, the garden is pretty much perfect.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I don't know how you managed to find a property for that price with that
0:41:23 > 0:41:25sort of garden and this sort of space.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Well, it wouldn't be England without a bit of rain, would it?
0:41:28 > 0:41:29Absolutely.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39'If Andy and Sally do buy a goat,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41'they're going to need to know how to care for it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45'So they're dropping in to see local expert, Andy Cole, at the Cotswolds
0:41:45 > 0:41:49'Farm Park, to learn a little more about keeping these animals.'
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Hi, I'm Andy.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53I'm Andy. Two of us!
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Firstly I think we'll do some bottle feeding, we'll start with some young
0:41:56 > 0:41:59goat kids and then go on to goat husbandry.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Sounds good.- And take it from there. Right, let's make a start.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06'Andy's been rearing goats since leaving agricultural college and
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- 'has a soft spot for the animals.' - They are very friendly creatures.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13They sure are. They have a lot of interaction with the public
0:42:13 > 0:42:16on a daily basis - hundreds of people come see them.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20'These baby kids have a twice-daily bottle feed of formula milk, packed
0:42:20 > 0:42:23'with all the essential vitamins they require.'
0:42:23 > 0:42:25You are hungry this morning, aren't you?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28So if you make sure you hold it upright so they can get the milk,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- we don't want them sucking air. - You've nearly finished there.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35He's got most of it on his head!
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Now the bottle feed with the kids is over, there's just time to see
0:42:40 > 0:42:42the older goats in another field.
0:42:42 > 0:42:48Fortunately for Andy and Sally they're for sale, each one for £100.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Home goat keeping has become incredibly popular, especially
0:42:51 > 0:42:54for people who are intolerant of dairy milk.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Fresh milk every morning, if you can get your nanny in kid.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00There is a big demand in the UK. They are hardy animals.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04They are very intelligent and relatively easy to look after.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06It's a myth that they'll eat anything,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08in fact, they are particularly fussy eaters.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11'Andy and Sally seem at home with the goats,
0:43:11 > 0:43:13'but I think they'll have to find
0:43:13 > 0:43:16'a patch of land to rent if they go ahead and buy one.'
0:43:18 > 0:43:22'With three houses down it's now time for the mystery house.'
0:43:22 > 0:43:25They wanted the Cotswolds, so I'm going to give them the Cotswolds!
0:43:29 > 0:43:33Ah, the mystery house. What do you think the mystery might be?
0:43:33 > 0:43:35No idea.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38I don't dare say anything.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41I have a certain hunch it's going to tick quite a few of the boxes.
0:43:41 > 0:43:46I think it might not tick any boxes but it's going to be something completely different.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48A difference of opinion.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51That's good. It heightens the mystery.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58'The mystery house I've been keeping under wraps until now is in
0:43:58 > 0:44:01'Southrop, on the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire border.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06'This village really does conjure up that true chocolate box image of the Cotswolds.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09'The house we've lined up is no exception and is believed
0:44:09 > 0:44:13'to have once been a Victorian pub that pulled in the locals,
0:44:13 > 0:44:16'but now, will it appeal to Andy and Sally?'
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Come along, come along.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22Southrop, what do you think to Southrop?
0:44:22 > 0:44:24A lovely little village.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26Quintessential Cotswolds.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30Very charming. The house I want to show you is this one.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- Oh, wow.- Good grief, that's completely different to the previous ones.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Lovely, absolutely lovely.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41I think I'm falling in love with it already, actually.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Very grand, isn't it?
0:44:43 > 0:44:45It looks fabulous from the outside.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48The present owner is Danish, hence the Danish flag.
0:44:48 > 0:44:49I did wonder about that.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57Come on in, a lovely little hall, I know you like a hall.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Come into the sitting room here.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04Oh, my word.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06This is some living room, isn't it?
0:45:06 > 0:45:10You've gone back to the full country, country, country cottage.
0:45:10 > 0:45:16The fire is absolutely a dream. It's really, really lovely.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20- And again, the high ceilings. - Yeah, we have the high ceilings.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- I like it!- Me too.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26This is definitely the biggest living room I've showed you.
0:45:26 > 0:45:27Sally, what do you think?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Oh, I don't really know what to say, it's wonderful.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34You don't need a TV - you can sit there and look at the fire place.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- I'm loving it so far. - Unfortunately in your budget,
0:45:39 > 0:45:44not a massive house, so the downstairs is not huge,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46but we can look at the kitchen.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- Oh, my word!- Good grief.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- You weren't expecting that, were you?- Certainly not.
0:46:04 > 0:46:08- Isn't it great?- Work surfaces galore, it's got a range as well.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11It's quite similar in size to the last property I've shown you,
0:46:11 > 0:46:16but you can see it's been much more lived in, and it has more authentic
0:46:16 > 0:46:20features - the beams going across, lovely cabinets throughout.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- What do you think? - This is almost too perfect.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25It is almost.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28It is just fantastic.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Andy, you're the cook.
0:46:30 > 0:46:35Indeed and I'm thinking I can work in here quite easily.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38One area that's quite clear and almost new actually,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41because they did it five years ago, it is the conservatory...
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- and then you have all this out here.- Wow. Good grief.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52It is a great contrast. The other side is quite cluttered.
0:46:52 > 0:46:53This is all clean.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56This is only five years' old.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58This is a fantastic space.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00This would be a very useful room, wouldn't it?
0:47:00 > 0:47:03Light and airy and spacious.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06A door that takes you back to the driveway,
0:47:06 > 0:47:08and look, a well, with a pump.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11Water.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- So does it actually work?- Yeah.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18It takes a bit of effort. I'm too delicate to pump.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Would you use this space?
0:47:20 > 0:47:24Oh, we would definitely use this space, definitely, yeah.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27'I'm so pleased the mystery house has impressed them.
0:47:27 > 0:47:33'On the first floor there are two bedrooms and I'm sure they're going to be wowed by the first.'
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Oh, my word.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Good grief.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42- It is the mystery house. - I'm thinking, budget, budget!
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- Look at that ceiling. - I know, fantastic.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48- Gosh. - It is very extravagant in many ways.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51Extravagant is good.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54You can see how big it is - you can see how tiny the double bed
0:47:54 > 0:47:59looks in this huge space, and then you have all this storage up here.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02- Gosh, yeah.- And, behind you,
0:48:02 > 0:48:04your en suite.
0:48:06 > 0:48:12'This shower room is small but it is clean and bright and does the trick.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14'So there's lots of space for grandeur here.'
0:48:14 > 0:48:17You wanted a big bedroom.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20- Indeed we did. - You certainly got us that.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22I can't speak again.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24Gosh, I've torn your tongue out.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26That's quite something, actually.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29So you've got, essentially,
0:48:29 > 0:48:33two bedrooms on this floor and then another surprise.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Oh. We are full of surprises.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- The second bedroom.- Wow.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- This is nice. - What's interesting about this
0:48:55 > 0:49:00house upstairs is rather than having bedroom, en suite, family bathroom,
0:49:00 > 0:49:05bedroom, because of the space being at a premium, they have
0:49:05 > 0:49:07bedroom en suite, bedroom en suite,
0:49:07 > 0:49:09this time with a bathtub.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15So when your guests are here they have their own place,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17but when they are not, you can have a bath.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20This room is a good size, but the reason I'm bringing you in here is
0:49:20 > 0:49:24not just to show you this room but to show you up these stairs.
0:49:24 > 0:49:29Why don't you have a little explore up there on your own.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32A mystery.
0:49:32 > 0:49:33Oh, wow.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38- Here we have the office.- Perfect.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42It's quite spacious, isn't it?
0:49:42 > 0:49:46- Again, remove all the stuff.- Yeah.
0:49:46 > 0:49:47That's enough.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50What about the garden?
0:49:50 > 0:49:53'Well I bet they weren't bargaining for that.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56'This property certainly has the indoor space they are looking for,
0:49:56 > 0:50:01'but as ever, it always comes at the expense of something else.'
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- Here's the rub.- I thought there might be one, yeah.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- A nice courtyard. - A lovely courtyard.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12Well-appointed. Lots of trees around. Not your trees,
0:50:12 > 0:50:17but there are trees. This is officially a garage,
0:50:17 > 0:50:21a store cupboard and there is a little shed behind it as well.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23And you could, if you were interested, take this down.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26You don't really need it, certainly not to park your car.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30And just clear this and it's probably another...3m of garden
0:50:30 > 0:50:36back there, which you could make into a little veggie bed.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- Absolutely.- 'So it isn't the largest garden, but there is potential.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42'At the side of house there is a large driveway,
0:50:42 > 0:50:45'and if they decide to knock down the garage and the shed behind,
0:50:45 > 0:50:49'then they could turn the log storage area into a carport.'
0:50:49 > 0:50:53A driveway of this size is quite a luxury.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56But it is, I think, one of the nicest properties I have shown
0:50:56 > 0:50:57you on paper, inside.
0:50:57 > 0:51:02It really does answer all of the Cotswold dreams.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05- Indeed, yes. - How much do you think it is worth?
0:51:05 > 0:51:08It's got to be over budget. £435.
0:51:08 > 0:51:14I think £435 is probably around about my mark.
0:51:14 > 0:51:21It is priced at £450,000,
0:51:21 > 0:51:23but because it's only
0:51:23 > 0:51:27just gone on the market, it could be that that is not a realistic price.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31'So the mystery house is over their budget at £450,000,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34'but it is always worth putting in an offer.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36'There is a large lounge,
0:51:36 > 0:51:39'a conservatory I'm sure they'd make lots of use of,
0:51:39 > 0:51:43'three bedrooms and a courtyard garden and driveway.'
0:51:43 > 0:51:47There was quite a wow factor to the house. I think we both felt that.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49It was perfect. A lovely sized lounge.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52Lots of space, nice windows, high ceiling,
0:51:52 > 0:51:56and the fire was just gorgeous, absolutely brilliant.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01Downstairs it has a very large kitchen, which is one of our main requirements.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05It's a very, very good size. The storage space is massive.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10It has an en suite. It's the first en suite which I think we've seen.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12It's a lovely, lovely cottage.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16I felt that internally I could actually live here quite happily.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19The real downside, I have to say, is probably the garden.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22I really think we're going to need something
0:52:22 > 0:52:24that's a bit bigger for a garden, which is a shame,
0:52:24 > 0:52:28because the rest of the house was absolutely beautiful.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Ah, coming out of the conservatory door.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Well it has been a long couple of days,
0:52:33 > 0:52:37- time now to regroup, discuss and decide.- OK.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55'Andy and Sally's trip around the south Cotswolds is now over.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58'Their lack of knowledge of area shocked them when it came to prices,
0:52:58 > 0:53:02'so some compromises are going to have to be made.'
0:53:03 > 0:53:06We've tried very hard to find the house that Andy and Sally want to
0:53:06 > 0:53:10match the garden that they want, and we haven't always succeeded,
0:53:10 > 0:53:15but a couple of them have been quite close. How close? I'm about to find out.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25We've had two Cotswolds-stuffed days.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28- Do you think you're settled on coming here?- I think so.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30It is just the sort of place we want.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34First of all we took you to that three-storey cottage right in the centre of Burford.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36Great location, great town.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38What did you think of that three-storey cottage?
0:53:38 > 0:53:42It was a lovely little cottage, but it didn't have the garden.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46But the cottage itself was lovely, and the bathroom... I really liked the bathroom.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50- And you liked the shower room, didn't you?- Absolutely, yes.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52The other big plus that it had
0:53:52 > 0:53:55was the absolutely massive master bedroom
0:53:55 > 0:53:57right at the top of the house.
0:53:57 > 0:54:02What did you think of the location? Because it was slap bang in the middle of Burford.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06It was good, actually, because you could walk into town.
0:54:06 > 0:54:11I think I still would prefer to be further out in the countryside so you can walk out your front door
0:54:11 > 0:54:12and see greenery.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15Later on, we went to see another property which had lots of character
0:54:15 > 0:54:21and was in perhaps an even more Cotswold-y location in the sense it was right on the village green.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23in Bledington. What are your memories of that property?
0:54:23 > 0:54:27It was in a perfect spot. From every room, you could see green.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30It was wonderful. I really liked that.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32I can't really add too much to that.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34The location was pretty much spot on.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36The inside of the house was very good.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39The downstairs was pretty much perfect.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43The kitchen itself - very, functional, loads of workspace
0:54:43 > 0:54:45but I think possibly the bathroom
0:54:45 > 0:54:49was perhaps a bit small for your needs, in particular.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54- What about the garden, Sally? Because it did have a garden. - It did have a garden,
0:54:54 > 0:54:58and first thought was the garden was slightly small. The garden was not a bad size.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02Not bad at all. We both quite liked the property and the garden.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04This morning we went to see the house in Avening.
0:55:04 > 0:55:09This did have a garden, so let's talk about that first. What did you think of that garden?
0:55:09 > 0:55:12I thought the garden was superb, actually.
0:55:12 > 0:55:16It's got huge potential, I feel, for a veggie patch where
0:55:16 > 0:55:19the patio is, if not where the fruit trees are.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21It was an interesting house inside
0:55:21 > 0:55:24as well, it was very different to anything I think we've ever seen.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26We liked it a lot, yeah.
0:55:26 > 0:55:31What about the mystery house? Now, that was an interesting property.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34From the outside - wow. When we went downstairs it looked
0:55:34 > 0:55:38wow, the kitchen was fantastic, the lounge was beautiful, but
0:55:38 > 0:55:42overall it was the garden. No matter how beautiful the house is,
0:55:42 > 0:55:47I think without the garden, that's going to be the selling point for us.
0:55:47 > 0:55:52Overall what have you learnt, do you think, about your budget
0:55:52 > 0:55:54and buying in the Cotswolds?
0:55:54 > 0:55:57We didn't really know what you'd expect for the money.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00We're going to have to compromise on some things to get what we want.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05But we've both learned we couldn't compromise on the garden.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09But we could compromise on being on a road, or possibly the size of the
0:56:09 > 0:56:11- main bedrooms.- What happens next?
0:56:11 > 0:56:15I think we're quite taken with two of the properties,
0:56:15 > 0:56:17in particular the one in Avening,
0:56:17 > 0:56:21and also the one in Bledington. What we're planning to do, is we're going
0:56:21 > 0:56:25to go around and have a drive around both the surrounding area and villages and
0:56:25 > 0:56:30take a look at the local atmosphere, if you like, and take it from there.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34I wish you all the best. I hope you find what you are looking for, with
0:56:34 > 0:56:37- a big garden for plenty of goats! - Thank you very much.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47It looks like the old Cotswold magic has done its job again
0:56:47 > 0:56:50and persuaded Sally and Andy to stay here and move for good.
0:56:50 > 0:56:51And if you love the countryside
0:56:51 > 0:56:55and want to see more of it, make sure you join us again next time
0:56:55 > 0:56:57for another edition of Escape To The Country.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02If you'd like to escape to the country and need our help,
0:57:02 > 0:57:08please contact us through our website at:
0:57:28 > 0:57:31Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:31 > 0:57:34E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk