0:00:02 > 0:00:07Today I'm in an area where house-building has been going on for over 2,000 years,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11proof that this is an ideal place to live, the perfect Escape To The Country.
0:00:22 > 0:00:29'In today's show, we'll help a musical couple swap the house they've outgrown in the West Country
0:00:29 > 0:00:32'for a new life in the countryside.'
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- Is this you?- This is so Nicky, I can't even begin to tell you.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41'They'll be casting a discerning eye over a variety of rustic homes.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Wow, what a lovely, homey, cosy...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- Tardis!- When can we move in?
0:00:48 > 0:00:55'There's a mystery house that will hopefully strike a chord, but will any of our properties hit the note?'
0:00:55 > 0:01:01I'm in West Wales, a region teeming with clues as to how our ancestors lived many centuries ago.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06This is Castell Henllys, a unique reconstruction of an Iron Age village,
0:01:06 > 0:01:12built where it would have stood over 2,000 years ago, but we also want some pretty tidy houses.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15And this part of Wales has plenty on offer.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19One of this area's finest jewels is the Pembrokeshire coastline
0:01:19 > 0:01:23which offers miles of spectacular coastal scenery.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28West Wales takes in the counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion
0:01:28 > 0:01:34which harbour a blend of small towns, tiny villages and rugged mountain scenery.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38With several thousand square miles of land, it's predominantly rural
0:01:38 > 0:01:42and a Mecca for those who enjoy the great outdoors.
0:01:42 > 0:01:48When it comes to property, Wales is a great place to be because things are quite a lot cheaper here.
0:01:48 > 0:01:56Your average four-bedroom detached house here in Ceredigion will set you back around about £214,000,
0:01:56 > 0:01:5926% below the national average.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04And in real terms, that's a cool 55 grand less than the rest of the country,
0:02:04 > 0:02:09so if houses are what you want and Wales is where you want to be, this part is fantastic.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'Today's property seekers are Jason and Nicky
0:02:12 > 0:02:18'who live in a converted barn just outside the busy tourist resort of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23'They're both musicians who sing and entertain crowds on the holiday circuit
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'which keeps them busy throughout the year.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32'They've enjoyed their home which they've made several improvements to
0:02:32 > 0:02:37'but now they're looking to greatly change their lifestyle with a move to rural Wales.'
0:02:37 > 0:02:43We'd like to move to the country just to get away from it all, the hustle and bustle of town life.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Approaching 40 now, it would be nice to have a lifestyle change.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53'Initially, they hope to pick up entertainment work at the holiday resorts on the Welsh coast,
0:02:53 > 0:02:58'but they'd like to supplement their income by having a couple of holiday lets.'
0:02:58 > 0:03:03In the country, I'd like to do some more cooking and a bit more dog-walking.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07But I hope to provide some meals for the guests that stay.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Well, I'm hoping to do more outdoor pursuits,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15probably get involved with some company doing mountain climbing, mountain biking.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18'They're excited about the move
0:03:18 > 0:03:23'and it's important they get it right, so they've drawn up a list of major considerations.'
0:03:23 > 0:03:30We're passionate about music and we hope to have a room where we can set up a recording studio like this one.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36We really like all the character features in this property, in particular the wood-burning stove.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40It would be great if we could have a huge inglenook fireplace.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44In our next property, we're looking for a kitchen very similar,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47but a bit bigger because we have outgrown this one.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53'Jason is also keen to have considerably more land as their current house sits on a small plot.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56'So in a nutshell, what are they after?'
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- We definitely want a detached character property.- With some land.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05With some land with a nice big country kitchen.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- A minimum of two bedrooms.- Or two plus an office or three bedrooms.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13And we do need an existing holiday let preferably,
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- or outbuildings that we can develop a business with to make more.- Yeah.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24'That's quite a list, but before we get the wheels in motion, we've invited around an estate agent
0:04:24 > 0:04:29'to put a value on the barn they bought six years ago for £186,000.'
0:04:31 > 0:04:34This is a charming two-bedroom detached barn conversion
0:04:34 > 0:04:37in a really lovely, tucked away spot.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39I'd market this property at £285,000.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49A little bit less than it was valued at this time last year, but with the current climate, that's expected.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51A bit more than a little bit.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55'It's not the best time, but what's the budget?'
0:04:55 > 0:05:02If it ticked every single box and had a holiday let good to go, it would be a maximum of 330,000.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08There is no doubt that you do get quite a lot for your money here in West Wales
0:05:08 > 0:05:12and that's exactly what Jason and Nicky are hoping for.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Their list sounds straightforward, but there are one or two pitfalls.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21They want a nice characterful rustic home, a nice big farmhouse kitchen,
0:05:21 > 0:05:27a music studio and a holiday annexe to earn them a few quid when they eventually move down here.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Matching that list to their budget could be a challenge.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34As Jason and Nicky will be continuing their singing careers,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38they are keen to be relatively near to coastal holiday resorts,
0:05:38 > 0:05:42so we're focusing our search in the area just south of Aberystwyth.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48Today, I'll take them to see three fantastic properties that I hope will appeal to them both,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52but I'll only tell them the prices after the viewings.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57The last house will be the mystery house which could be a real winner.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01If you're also feeling inspired about a move to Wales
0:06:01 > 0:06:07and you think Ceredigion could be the county for you, don't be daunted, there is plenty on offer -
0:06:07 > 0:06:12everything from gorgeous little cottages to grand old country farmhouses.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16If you're property hunting in the £1 million-plus bracket,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22take a look at this Grade 2 listed mansion just ten miles south of Aberystwyth.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27It dates back to 1635 and comes with a selection of farm buildings and 54 acres of land,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31all for the princely sum of 1.5 million.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36Alternatively, this four-bedroom house in New Quay is on the market for 660,000.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40There's a beautiful hand-crafted kitchen and a spacious lounge
0:06:40 > 0:06:46with a balcony that really cashes in on the panoramic view of the countryside.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Finally, how about this three-bedroom, Grade 2 listed, semi-detached cottage
0:06:51 > 0:06:54on a former mansion estate near Llangoedmor.
0:06:54 > 0:07:01£242,000 buys a country style kitchen, a lounge with a wood-burner to keep you cosy in winter
0:07:01 > 0:07:04and it all sits in three acres of communal gardens.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Well, Nicky, Jason, welcome to West Wales.- Thank you.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- This is what you wanted. This is where you want to be.- Yeah.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- So this is quite a lifestyle change. - Oh, yeah.- Very much so.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- You've been thinking about it for some time.- Mm-hm.- What sort of budget? Just remind me.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- We've got about 330,000 in the pot at the moment.- OK, 330.- Maximum.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- Maximum.- Total.- Total.- No more.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37OK. Before that, you're after something with a bit of a holiday let thrown in?
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- That would be brilliant. - That would be nice.- It would be very nice for £330,000.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- That is going to be a bit of a challenge with the budget.- We know.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52But there is plenty to choose from around here, so going at it with an open mind,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56we may find something that will fit the bill.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- Great.- Let's see what you think. Let's go and see some.- Yes, please.
0:08:00 > 0:08:07'So Jason and Nicky have a budget of £330,000 and are looking for a period property.
0:08:18 > 0:08:24'Achieving all that for their budget will be quite a challenge and compromises may have to be made.'
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- What is it about Wales that attracted you?- The open countryside more than anything.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36You seem to get a lot more space for your money here.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Not necessarily the weather!
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- LAUGHTER - Well, that, I'm afraid, is a bit of a gamble really.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48But the upside is you do get lots of space and peace and quiet.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Peace and quiet.- Yeah. We'd like some of that too, please.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57The first house on our hit list is in the rural hamlet of Bontnewydd
0:08:57 > 0:09:00between Aberystwyth and Tregaron.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06It's real get-away-from-it-all territory with few local facilities and few neighbours,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09which is exactly what Jason and Nicky want.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15There's a pub in nearby Bronant where they can meet the locals, but it's a perfect rural hideaway.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20The house we're viewing sits in a wooded area and it isn't short of history.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Right, now then, you two, come through here.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Wow!- Wow! How about that? - That's so pretty.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34- What do you think?- It's nice. - Very sweet.- It's an old mill. - Lovely.- Really?- Yeah.
0:09:34 > 0:09:41- You can probably hear that rush of water.- Yeah, that's good.- Water is a feature of this property.- OK.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- It kind of surrounds it. - I'm thinking of ducks.- Like a moat?
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- It is like a moat.- A castle. - It could be your castle, Jason. Who knows?
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- It's a classic West Walian cottage.- Lovely.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- I'm very excited.- Can we see it? - Yeah, all right. Come on.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01This is really sweet.
0:10:01 > 0:10:08- This is one side of your moat. - That's fantastic. One side? Is there another side?
0:10:08 > 0:10:13The other side of the house. Look at these lovely stone walls. Really pretty stream.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18All part of the old mill structure that used to be here. Let's look at the house.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Now, come on in here, Nicky.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Now, Jason...
0:10:26 > 0:10:32- Wow!- Got a Stanley.- Yeah, oil-fired range for you there.- Wonderful.
0:10:32 > 0:10:38- Nice beams.- It's quite small. - It's a bit small. We'd have trouble getting our table in here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43It's not the biggest kitchen in the world, but in the context of the house,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- it's pretty well proportioned. - How old is it?
0:10:46 > 0:10:491690 at its core which is really old for round here.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- It's not what you expect from the outside.- No, it's a great start.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- I think it is a great start, but it does get better.- Does it? - Yeah, come with me through here.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02I think you're gonna like this.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05You're right.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- Wow!- What do you make of that?
0:11:08 > 0:11:14- Brilliant. Wow, what a lovely, homey, cosy...- Tardis. - When can we move in?
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Is this what you had in mind? Is this you?- This is exactly...
0:11:18 > 0:11:24- This is so Nicky, I can't even begin to tell you.- Is that true? - Yeah, it's very Nicky.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- The style, it's very...- Yeah. - It's kind of homely.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- It feels as though it's been loved.- Yeah.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36The floors are brilliant. The walls are fantastic. We don't have anything like that at home.
0:11:36 > 0:11:42It's too neat in our little barn conversion. That's fabulous and I love the beams.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46That wood-burner is fantastic. That'll keep you nice and cosy.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49That's about four times the size of ours.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53But I think it's lovely. In terms of your table, Jason...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Not a problem now.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Does that make the kitchen more... - Usable, definitely.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06'If this wonderful space isn't enough, there's also a conservatory accessed from the lounge.'
0:12:06 > 0:12:11This L-shape continues upstairs and as you'd expect, we've seen a lot of space down here,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- there's a good amount of space up there.- Brilliant.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Come and have a look through here.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Now, on the way upstairs, a little family bathroom.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Very little.- Very little. Not huge.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28That suggests it's a bit of a downer.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Well, it's...it's not huge.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- OK? It's not necessarily the end of the world.- No. Good.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Let's go upstairs and see what you make of this lot.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47'The bathroom may not have scored top marks, but there are three good-size double bedrooms upstairs.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52'The first is light and airy with painted wood panelling, but we're heading next door.'
0:12:52 > 0:12:56So this is two of three. Come in round the corner...
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- It goes on and on.- It's huge. It does go on.- It's brilliant.- And deep.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03This is a fantastic room.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- The style of the ceiling, I love this wood.- I do too. I prefer it unpainted.- Do you?- Yeah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- It's fantastic.- A lot of people will find it oppressing,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16but I love cosy spaces, hence I love cottages.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19So that doesn't faze me at all.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23There's one more to look at. Come through here.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29Now, last but not least, this room, which I think may be the bigger one of the lot in some ways.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31It feels like it might be.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- It's quite a large room. - Very light because you've got windows at both sides.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Dominated by these lovely beams.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44I prefer the last room with the tongue-and-groove it's got next door,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47which is a much nicer feature than what we see in here.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51It's easily done. How much of a DIY-er are you?
0:13:51 > 0:13:58- I'm probably one of the best in the business, I think(!)- No. No. - Wonky furniture.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- My saying is, "Get a man in." - Right, OK, but it wouldn't be a massive job to do that.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Right then, so that's pretty much the inside.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- Let's go outside and have a look at that, see a bit more water and see how much it's gonna cost you.- OK.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Come on.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21'James and Nicky are taken with some of the features, but it doesn't deliver everything.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25'And they do have great expectations for their budget.'
0:14:25 > 0:14:28That was the house. That's it, OK?
0:14:28 > 0:14:33So in terms of holiday annexe, we can't offer you one of those here.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38But you do get a little bit of land with it and these two separate streams.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Makes it seem more like an island.
0:14:40 > 0:14:46Well, you are living on an island. You've got the one we walked over earlier and this one here.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51All in all, it's about a third of an acre, so it's not acres, in fairness.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54I know all this is gonna have a bearing.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59I know the holiday let is part of your means of affording this big move.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02So make me an offer, Jason.
0:15:02 > 0:15:09Well, I think, having looked at the property, it's a beautiful house and a really nice location...
0:15:09 > 0:15:13But as we've seen, it's only a small amount of land.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18So I'm gonna hazard a guess at sort of between 270 and 275.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20OK. Nicky?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24I'm gonna go higher than that. I think it's about 285.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- 285.- Hmm.- OK, well, this place is on the market for a fiver short of £300,000.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Is it really?- OK.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39And it doesn't have the annexe. I don't know. You'll have to go figure it out for yourselves.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Have a wander round. See what we're up against
0:15:43 > 0:15:47in terms of matching your dream to the realities of the budget.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Off you go.- OK, thanks.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55We are under budget, but we are not ticking all of the boxes in terms of the accommodation,
0:15:55 > 0:16:01but this is just a chance for these guys to see what they are up against with the West Wales property market.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05But as a house, I think it's beautiful.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10This lovely historic cottage is on the market for just shy of £300,000.
0:16:19 > 0:16:25This cottage has the feel that Jason and Nicky are looking for, but they would have to make compromises.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- It's a really nice room. - I absolutely love it in here.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32I think the lounge is one of the selling points.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- The fireplace is fantastic.- I love the walls. Absolutely brilliant.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43What I liked about this house is that when you walked through the door, it just smacked of character
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and quirky features.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Even though the kitchen was smaller than I would have liked,
0:16:49 > 0:16:55when we walked into the lounge, we thought, "Wow, this makes up for it. We can live with that."
0:16:55 > 0:16:59And even upstairs, the rooms were big too, so that's great.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04But there's not a great deal of land and there is definitely no holiday let.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I pretty much like everything about the house.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12I like the location, the way it's been decorated. The floorboards are fantastic.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The only major problem is we don't have much land.
0:17:15 > 0:17:22That could be an issue with regards to having a holiday property, which is what we were really looking for.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Well, guys, that was number one. Is it on the list?
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- Not quite.- Not quite? Let's see if we can find one that will go on the list. Come on.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47'Our first house had plenty of history, but it wasn't nearly as old as those at Castell Henllys,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51'a reconstructed Iron Age settlement just south of Cardigan.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55'We're meeting with Rhonwen Owen to find out more.'
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- Rhonwen, nice to see you. - Hello.- This is Nicky.- Hi. - And Jason.- Hello.
0:18:00 > 0:18:07This is a unique achievement, the building of this little settlement. Tell us more about its history.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11The uniqueness is the fact that it's a genuine Iron Age hill fort.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15The houses have been reconstructed on the original foundations.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17The fort dates back to about 400 BC.
0:18:17 > 0:18:232,500 years ago, this would have been a bustling settlement here in the heart of Wales.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28Very noisy, very smelly, very muddy. It's quite tranquil here today.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32But it wouldn't have been like this in the Iron Age.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'Let's see what the property market had to offer 2,500 years ago.'
0:18:36 > 0:18:42Welcome to the chief's house. This is the largest house in the fort.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47We've got three beds. Obviously, the middle bed would be the chief's bed.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53Children either side. But it's unique that they're sectioned off. Not much privacy in the Iron Age.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Everybody thinks open plan is the new rage.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02But actually it's all here - free-standing kitchen. What more do you want?
0:19:02 > 0:19:08- How long would it take to erect a building like this?- In the Iron Age, probably about two months.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Now, he's a very keen DIY man(!)
0:19:10 > 0:19:16Yeah, this wouldn't be a problem for me. I could probably do this in a couple of hours(!)
0:19:16 > 0:19:23'It's time for Jason to put his money where his mouth is, as we meet Kai, the resident Iron Age builder.'
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- So you've been doing this for 2,500 years?- Yes, I'm very good at it!
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- Is there a particular reason why you're using hazel? - Hazel's very common round here.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39It's very bendy, so it's very good for bending round the posts and it's also quite strong.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43'When the weaving is done, it's time to clad the exterior wall with daub,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48'which in the Iron Age consisted of animal dung, animal hair, straw and clay.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50'And Kai has some he made earlier.'
0:19:50 > 0:19:56- Let's have a look. Let's get our hands dirty, shall we? - You can.- Oh, chicken!
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Come on, Kai, show us what you've got.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05So what you do is you grab a handful like this.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09And then pat it flat. Get as close as you can.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And all you do is...whack!
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Shall we get really muddy then? Let's have a go.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- Good splat.- Right, go on then. - Feels quite nice.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30'It's all great fun, but I'm glad Kai hasn't asked us to finish off the job.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35'Just a couple more, then time for us to clean up.' Thanks, mate(!)
0:20:40 > 0:20:46'As the afternoon sun fades, day one of Jason and Nicky's property search comes to an end.'
0:20:54 > 0:21:00'Jason and Nicky live just outside the tourist resort of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset
0:21:00 > 0:21:03'and are looking for a new property deep in rural Wales.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08'They have a budget of £330,000 and ideally want a room for a music studio
0:21:08 > 0:21:12'and a couple of holiday lets into the bargain.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18'They've viewed one house and are discovering that their expectations are exceeding their budget,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22'but coming up, we tempt them with a substantial slice of Wales.'
0:21:22 > 0:21:28- You've got bags of space. - Is there a house included? - There is a house included.
0:21:28 > 0:21:34- 'And a mystery property that could be their perfect pitch.'- Wow! - Lovely.- We can't afford this.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Who'd have thought it? Wales without the rain!
0:21:41 > 0:21:46But it is a beautiful, sunny start to our second day's house-hunting on the coast.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52Nicky and Jason yesterday were quite pleased with the budget we offered them, but there wasn't enough space.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58So that's what we need - a bit more land and probably a bit more property for the right price.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02'Our property tour is taking us a little further south today
0:22:02 > 0:22:07'to Ciliau Aeron, just three miles from the coastal town of Aberaeron.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12'The cluster of houses melt into the beautiful landscape which is its best selling point.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16'Ystrad Aeron is just down the road for day-to-day essentials,
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'but it's the rural setting Jason and Nicky crave.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25'The house we're about to see is hidden in woodland and I have a nice surprise for Jason.'
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Now then, what we've got for you here
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- is around about four and a half acres...- Crikey! - ..of your own little mini estate.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40OK. Look around you because we're right bang in the middle of it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46You've got a mixture of open pasture down there, a mixture of this lovely deciduous woodland.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48You've got bags of space.
0:22:48 > 0:22:54- Is there a house included?- There is a house included. That's it nestling up there on top of the hill.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56That's horrible(!)
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- What do you think? - Yeah, it's absolutely lovely.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- It's very pretty.- Is it as nice inside as it is outside?
0:23:03 > 0:23:08Let's go and look, shall we? Let's take a wander through the estate.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Look at it! You get all of this! - Lord of the manor.- Exactly.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'The cottage dates back to the 1800s, but has a modern extension.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'First up is the kitchen in the old part of the house.'
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Come in over here.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- That's very pretty, isn't it?- Yeah?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- Yeah, that's really nice. - You like that?- Beautiful.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- Reclaimed pine tops. - That's really lovely.- And these are all hand-built.- I can tell.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- I can tell they're hand-built. I like that.- But not by me.- Not by you!
0:23:39 > 0:23:45- That's nice. I like that. - It's a really nice size room. Look at that view!
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- Beams on the ceiling.- That's your estate.- That's fantastic.- Beautiful.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Moving on, come through here.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54This is the principal living room.
0:23:54 > 0:24:00We're in the new part, the extension, so it's less than 20-odd years old.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- But it's got some lovely features in it like that. - Fireplace. That's perfect.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Of course, you've got that. - Fantastic big windows. Brilliant.
0:24:08 > 0:24:14- Absolutely perfect. - Office in the corner of the lounge. - That'll be yours then.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17We don't know if there's anywhere else for yours.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21You're gonna be out there looking after all that land.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23George of the Jungle!
0:24:23 > 0:24:29'That's it for the living space in this property, but next on our tour are the bedrooms.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32'The first is a small double, OK for weekend guests,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35'and off the hall is the master bedroom.'
0:24:35 > 0:24:38And this is for you guys.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Oh!- This is nice. - Exposed stone walls, that's nice.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47- Yeah?- Yeah.- Lovely maple flooring running through.- Huge window. - Huge window.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- So we like it in here?- Yeah.- A lot.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Let's finish off the inside. Come with me.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Now, go in there - family bathroom.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01Oh, that's OK. White suites. Nice stonework again.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:25:03 > 0:25:09- The ceiling just needs some paint, I think.- It's a big bathroom. - It's big for us.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15I think the only downside though is the window because you can't see my land through the glass!
0:25:15 > 0:25:18There's a theme emerging!
0:25:18 > 0:25:24Let's get outside, give Tarzan here a bit more land to look at and maybe we'll find you a music studio.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Come with me.
0:25:26 > 0:25:33'At the back of the house, there is also a handy utility room with a door to the garden.'
0:25:33 > 0:25:38Bit more of the estate, Jason. It's gonna keep you fit running round here.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's fantastic.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Look at this, eh?
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Sunshine...
0:25:44 > 0:25:48Look at the view. You've got the house in the middle of it.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- That's just amazing. - Pretty, eh?- Really amazing.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55But recording studio. Come up here.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Now we're pretty much at the top of maybe your land, Jason.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05And at the top of it is this.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11This is a purpose-built shed, fully fitted out as a workshop at the moment.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- There's power and everything. - It's quite big.- A really nice size.
0:26:15 > 0:26:22- Yeah, that would potentially work. - You'd be happy.- Far enough away from the house?- Yeah, that's fine.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Behind us here you've got a huge double garage.- Oh!
0:26:26 > 0:26:33- Gravelled floor. There's another gate up there, so you've got access and off-street parking.- Amazing.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- So you've got all of that, but there is a bit more.- Really?
0:26:38 > 0:26:44- So look at this. Here are some stables as well.- It's just endless.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46And you also get that.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- Wow, that's immense.- My God!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It's a huge paddock.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- That's fantastic. - It really is fantastic.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59So, it begs the question...
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- How much is it worth, guys? - I don't think we can afford this.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10I think it's well over budget. It think it's probably about 350, 355.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14OK. £355,000, says Jason. What do you say, Nicky?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Probably something like 385, actually.- 385.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Offers in the region of...
0:27:22 > 0:27:25three hundred...
0:27:25 > 0:27:27and twelve thousand pounds.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- No?- You're joking?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I'm not joking. I think this is a real steal.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It might even come down a bit more.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- In the current market. - Offers in the region of.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- In terms of the whole holiday let thing...- This is an issue.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It's something you really need to think about.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50If you can develop a bit of this as a holiday let, brilliant,
0:27:50 > 0:27:55but if you can afford it as it is, you'll have an awful lot of fun here. Off you go.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58I'll catch up with you later.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Well, there we are, comfortably under budget, and what a surprise!
0:28:02 > 0:28:06This place is an extraordinarily attractive buy.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11It's got acres of land, acres of potential, bags and bags of character
0:28:11 > 0:28:13and a nice little house thrown in.
0:28:13 > 0:28:19So this lovely cottage is on the market for £312,000.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Unfortunately, there aren't any holiday lets,
0:28:33 > 0:28:39but they could look into the possibility of getting planning permission to build some.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Well, I love this place. I think it's fantastic.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46I know you do. And I can see all its plus points.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49But I'm slightly daunted by the size of it.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- It's every boy's dream.- I know. - Obviously not every girl's dream.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Well, it is, but it just doesn't have everything.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02This place is completely amazing. It's blown us both away, I think.
0:29:02 > 0:29:09And finding out the price of it is making me rethink my doubts a bit, which I'm surprised about,
0:29:09 > 0:29:15because on the downside, the house is quite small. The other concern is the land is quite large.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21I am concerned about the maintenance of that, even though Jason thinks it won't be a problem.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26And the main problem is there is no holiday let and we don't have permission.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30If that were in place, it would be worthy of consideration.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34However, this place is so beautiful. It really is something else.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37And the price, that shocked me.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41I think the property is fantastic. It's a really nice house.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44It's in the perfect location, perfect views.
0:29:44 > 0:29:50It's got all the land that anyone could ask for. I think it's just gonna keep me busy for years.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54If I get my way, we'll be moving in sooner rather than later.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Come on. Time to go. Out you come.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02What I'm dying to know is have we got one on the list?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- Definitely.- Potentially.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09"Definitely potentially." Let's see if we can get another on the list. Come on.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19Well, at long last, I can now reveal the location of my mystery house.
0:30:19 > 0:30:26It's down there in amongst those trees and the rolling beauty of the Ceredigion countryside.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31So far, it has been a struggle to find exactly what Jason and Nicky are after.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36Can the mystery house finally match their own expectations of what they're after?
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Well, fingers crossed, it can.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47'We're actually staying put in Ciliau Aeron for the mystery house,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'so we're a stone's throw from the last property.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54'Three miles down the road is the attractive town of Aberaeron.
0:30:54 > 0:31:00'Once a small fishing village, it grew to be one of the major trading ports along the Cardigan Bay coast.
0:31:00 > 0:31:06'The immaculate Georgian houses that line the harbour give an elegant and colourful feel to the town.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12'Visitors and tourists flock here for a spot of shopping or to soak up the history and relaxing atmosphere.
0:31:12 > 0:31:18'The mystery house is really special and I want to keep it a surprise until the very last minute.'
0:31:18 > 0:31:23Keep walking. Jason, keep walking. And stop and open your eyes.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Oh, cool. That's nice.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Wow!- That's lovely.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- This...- That's fantastic.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33This is the dream.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36We can't afford this.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- I'm feeling slightly teary. - Are you?- Yeah.- Why?
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- Because it's lovely.- It's beautiful. It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Built around about 1820.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- You can see that on the door. - It's full of period charm.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56We've got a range of outbuildings, a lot of land to play with, Jason.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It's the dream.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01I'm very excited.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Come on.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- It's just you, isn't it? - How do you know?
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Come in through the hallway.
0:32:13 > 0:32:19- Tongue-and-groove is a real feature of all the properties we've seen. - Every single one.- A bit wider.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22This is huge. Come in here.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27This is the parlour/snug, very traditional for this kind of building.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30It's a nice little room.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36It's got this lovely multi-fuel burner. This, Nicky, I thought you would really love.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- You're right.- Nice stone walls.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Possibly the original carpet too(!)
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- Well, so far, so good? - So far, so good.- Really nice room.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- You wanted an inglenook, didn't you?- Yeah.- Don't tell me you've found one of those!
0:32:51 > 0:32:54So, what do you reckon?
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- That is some fireplace.- Mm-hm.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- Not bad, eh?- That fire... That's just huge.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06- That's certainly going to keep you warm.- The inglenook is like a room in itself.- It's enormous.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- Not a bad room. Very high ceiling which is unusual in cottages.- Yeah.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15And a nice little door here out to one of the gardens.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- One?- One of the gardens here.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22It is a property that's very old. It does need a bit of updating.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26You'll see what I mean with the kitchen. Come through here.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30Now, I think you get the idea of what I'm talking about.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I do. Yeah.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38It's a good size. It's all here, all the plumbing and that sort of stuff.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- But you would want to start again. - It needs to come out.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- What have you got over there? - Low ceilings again. - An oil boiler in the corner.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53- So you've got oil central heating which is a bonus. So that's pretty much it for down here.- OK.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Let's have a look upstairs and see what you make of that.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02'Upstairs, there are three bedrooms. The first is small, but can still fit a double bed.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06'The next one is larger and does have a fantastic feature stone wall,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10'as does the small family bathroom which is next door.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14'But we're heading to what would be Jason and Nicky's room.'
0:34:14 > 0:34:20This is the last of the three and arguably probably the biggest in some ways.
0:34:20 > 0:34:26- You've got a bit of storage, another nice little textured wall, Nicky.- Yeah, pink, but nice.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Once it's been Nicky-fied, it'll be lovely.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Give me an idea of what Nicky-fying is going to do.
0:34:34 > 0:34:40I'll make things neutral. I would try to lighten some of the wood if that was possible.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44And try and mix slightly more contemporary with this aged feel.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50I don't want to take away from it. I'd have to just get in here and play and see how it goes.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55- Brilliant. Sounds very exciting. What a project!- Yeah, a bit of a project, but that's OK.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58You're gonna be busy, aren't you, love?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Now then, talking about projects...
0:35:01 > 0:35:07because your overall life project is this idea of a holiday let, which may or may not be achievable,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11but if you want to do it here, it is something of a project.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15But it's all possible. Even with your DIY skills!
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Come outside with me. Come and have a look at this.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22'Jason will need a good toolbox to make the best of this property.
0:35:22 > 0:35:28'At the back of the house is access to a loft space above the kitchen which is crammed with stuff,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32'but it could be the ideal spot for his music studio and there's more.'
0:35:32 > 0:35:38Come across the courtyard because this, I think, is the main event. I've been itching to show you this.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41It's a Welsh longhouse, kind of a long barn.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43But it's neatly subdivided into two,
0:35:43 > 0:35:48- so I'm thinking maybe a couple of holiday lets in here.- Two?
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- Two.- Is it big enough for two?
0:35:50 > 0:35:57Well, you tell me, but I have to warn you, they do need a bit of work. You'll see what I mean.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Come in, you two.
0:35:59 > 0:36:05How much vision...have you got?
0:36:05 > 0:36:07This needs a lot of work.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- Yeah.- It probably looks worse than it is.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- Liar!- I'm serious.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I'm serious.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22I get the feeling we'd need to charge quite a lot of money to fund this project.
0:36:22 > 0:36:29Lots to think about here, but let's have a look outside because there's something of a garden to explore.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34'And if that has shocked them, the land that this house comes with might do too.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37'There's a whopping six and a half acres.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42'That includes manicured gardens, a summer house that could make a good music studio,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45'three fields and a paddock.'
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- I think it's really gorgeous. - Very beautiful.
0:36:48 > 0:36:55- I love the garden.- And how about the house?- The house is so pretty. It does need some stuff doing.
0:36:55 > 0:37:01- But very pretty. Very chocolate-boxy. - Jason, are you moved with this six and a half acres and a nice house?
0:37:01 > 0:37:07- Yeah. I'd obviously need to have a look round the land, I think.- Yeah.
0:37:07 > 0:37:13Now then, your 330 grand or so, set against this lot.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15What do you think, Nicky?
0:37:15 > 0:37:22I think it's over our budget which is a concern because we would need money to do what needs to be done
0:37:22 > 0:37:24to make it work for us,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27so I think I'd put my guess at 350.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- 350?- Hmm.- OK.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Go on, Jason.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37Well, when I look at the property, and with all the land, I think I'm gonna think with my heart
0:37:37 > 0:37:41and I'm gonna stab a guess at 320.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45It's on the market for £340,000.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- It's ten grand over budget. - Right.- Offers in the region of.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Go on, off you go. I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Well, there we are, that was it, the mystery house -
0:37:57 > 0:37:59£340,000, ten grand over budget,
0:37:59 > 0:38:03but my goodness me, what a difference ten grand makes!
0:38:03 > 0:38:08Six and a half acres, a wonderful building, a wonderful set of out-houses...
0:38:08 > 0:38:13It is a project. It might be a gamble. Is it worthwhile? Yeah, I'd say it was.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17At £340,000, this property is ten grand above their ceiling,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21but it's certainly worth putting an offer in within their budget.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36I think it's blown them away, but will they take on the challenge?
0:38:36 > 0:38:42I think this would make a brilliant office for me, if we put some double doors here. It's the right height.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47Actually, I think this would probably make a better office for me.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52- We could put you in this one just up here. That's more your size. - I don't think so!
0:38:52 > 0:38:59This house has all the charm of a cottage on the front of a box of chocolates.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03And if I'm honest, that's something that really appeals to me.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08It just is the prettiest thing I've seen, um...ever.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13It was a sweet house. It epitomises what a country cottage should look like.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16The amount of land it comes with is phenomenal.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21The only thing that concerns me is the amount of work that must be done to it.
0:39:21 > 0:39:28The problem is the budget because although they probably would be open to offers in the current market,
0:39:28 > 0:39:32I don't know that it would leave me enough to do what I want to do with it.
0:39:32 > 0:39:39This was the mystery house. House tours are now over. Lots, I suspect, for these guys to think about.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Right, you two. Are you confused?
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- Yeah.- Yeah, a bit. - Lots to mull over?- Yeah.
0:39:47 > 0:39:53Let's get you away where you can have a good think about it and maybe you'll make a decision. Come on.
0:39:57 > 0:40:03'Jason and Nicky have quite a long list of requirements for the size of their budget.
0:40:03 > 0:40:09'They've now seen all the properties and need to weigh up what's important to them.'
0:40:09 > 0:40:12It's now decision time for Jason and for Nicky.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18We've scoured the countryside for a fantastic and broad range of properties and explored them all.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22All that is now done. Let's see what they'll do next.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31Guys, this is it. It's the end of our little trip through West Wales. How do you feel it went?
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- It got better.- It got better? - It got better as time went on, yeah.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Let's think about where it started with that converted mill.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- What did you make of that one? - I loved it. Didn't you?
0:40:44 > 0:40:48It was fantastic. The inside was amazing. It had a homely feel to it.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Yeah, beautiful. Right up my street and Jay's as well. The size was great.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Just had a few boxes unticked.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- Particularly?- Holiday let.
0:40:58 > 0:41:04- Or space for it.- OK. But it was certainly the look you were after, wasn't it?- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Then we went to the house on the hill.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Not far from here in Aberaeron.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16- Now then, four and a half acres or so of beautiful deciduous woodland pasture.- Yeah.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22- That was absolutely stunning. A little bit daunting about the amount of land.- Oh, no.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I'm with you. I don't think that's a problem at all.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29I was ready to get my Tarzan outfit and just go and live there.
0:41:29 > 0:41:35You were making me rethink that land issue, but we still had a slight issue with the size of the property.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41- And we still didn't have a holiday let.- But what about the money? 312 or thereabouts?
0:41:41 > 0:41:44That was really surprising it was on the market for that price.
0:41:44 > 0:41:50- Last but not least, there was the mystery house.- You definitely saved the best till last with that one.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54That was a bit of a "wow". I loved it. I loved it.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59I thought the house was picture postcard, very chocolate box.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01It had "Nicky" all over it.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07It was ten grand over, but that didn't seem out of the way compared to what you were getting for it.
0:42:07 > 0:42:13No, but there was a lot of work that needed to be done and that has to be taken into consideration.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17The location and the house itself was something else.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22Now then, it begs the question. We've seen them all. What are you going to do next?
0:42:22 > 0:42:26We're probably gonna argue and fight for a while.
0:42:27 > 0:42:33- I think I know which one is Nicky's favourite.- Yeah.- Let me guess. The mystery house?- There's a surprise!
0:42:33 > 0:42:39- But you were very taken with the house on the hill. - That was definitely mine.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- The debate will rumble on.- I think so.- Don't let it rumble too long.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Let us know what you decide and we wish you all the very best of luck.
0:42:47 > 0:42:53- It's been great having you on the show. We've seen fantastic properties.- It's been a lot of fun.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- Brilliant. It's been fantastic, guys.- Thanks a lot.- Thank you.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03People often ask me what is the secret to finding your ideal property.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07For some people, it's a simple equation between the budget
0:43:07 > 0:43:10and the bricks and mortar that they think they can achieve.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16But for many, it's an emotional journey. For Nicky and Jason, it was about funding a dream.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21Their search will go on, but sometimes dreams are meant to come true. See you next time.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25If you're thinking of escaping to the country and would like our help,
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0:43:47 > 0:43:51Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2009
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