Conwy To Buy or Not to Buy

Welcome to To Buy or Not To Buy -

a picture of property harmony.

-Today we're in the land of my fathers.

-Don't you mean father?

Conwy, in beautiful North Wales.

We've the mountains in the distance, the sea lapping at our feet, a medieval castle over yonder.

And Jonny at my side. You can't have everything.

Hey! We're here to help a couple realise their dream

of a quieter life, as we head to the hills in the Welsh countryside.

Will you stand still? I'm nearly finished.

Come on! I've been stood here for hours and we've stuff to do.

Patience is a virtue, my friend. Of which you are not a paragon.

-Also, you cannot hurry genius.

-We've got a dream house to find.

But art is synergy. You've got to be at one with your surroundings.

We've got to sort three houses. One of which they'll love so much,

they're gonna live there forever. And the best bit? They get to...

Try before they buy.

-Is that it?

-What do you mean, is that it? That's a piece of genius.

No, it certainly is not.

Anyway, today we're on the hunt for a new home for Jackie Moore,

-ably assisted by her sister Alex.

-Jackie is married to David.

They've just celebrated their 30th anniversary.

Due to ill health, both have taken early retirement.

As David's poorly at the moment, Alex has stepped into the breach.

A former maths teacher and consultant,

Jackie's keen for a change of scene from their home in the West Midlands

and fancies a slower pace of life in the Welsh countryside.

Like me, she's a budding artist, and wants to be inspired by her surroundings.

With friends and Jackie's mum living nearby, they've chosen Conwy for their future.

Unlike you though, Jonny, Jackie's not deluded, as this is a beautiful part of the world.

Hey, that painting was good.

Jackie and Alex, it's gorgeous here in North Wales. But why are we here?

Well, we've decided we want to move from Wednesbury in the West Midlands,

come up to Wales. Somewhere beautiful, somewhere we can relax,

somewhere that's not got the noise and the traffic.

And just somewhere to retire, really. I know we sound young for retiring, but...

-Who's we?

-That's David and myself.

David's my husband. He's not here today.

-I'm glad you've said that, cos you don't look like a David.

-No.

No, this is my sister. That's not David.

David's just had a tooth taken out, and his face is swollen.

-He's not talking at the moment.

-Enough said.

Normally we ask the budget at the end. But it's an interesting story,

getting to the point of how much you've got. Tell us about that.

About five years ago, my husband was in a syndicate for the lottery,

and they actually won the lottery. It was 1.9 million.

There was 10 of them. We've spent it all though, now.

-And we had £190,000.

-Wow.

So we paid off the mortgage. So, now we've got no mortgage.

We bought a few cars, as well.

So, obviously we've got about £180,000 at the moment.

I'm so excited! I've never met a lottery winner before.

This is brilliant. Sorry, sorry, I'm digressing there.

OK, so with this £180,000 we have, what are we looking for?

I'm looking for...

I'd like a character property, but I don't mind if it's a more modern property.

But what we do need is at least two bedrooms, preferably two double bedrooms.

-So I can come and stay.

-That's right.

And then I'd like, at least, a kitchen with a dining area, if possible.

I want a room where there's some good natural light, for my watercolour painting, cos I like doing that.

Are you quite the artiste?

-I like to think I am.

-So does he.

-You're more enthusiastic than talented, is that about right?

-That's about it, yes.

-Yeah, I know that feeling.

-Yeah, so do I.

-We have to have them on the walls at home.

-You do, yes.

-Just get them out when she comes round.

-Yes, don't tell her though.

And we want off-road parking, if possible. If not, on the road. I don't want double yellow lines,

-cos I don't want a parking ticket.

-You can afford a parking ticket, lottery winner!

So, Jackie doesn't mind if it's not a period property. Is that true?

No, I don't think so. In the end, I think actually, she really does want the proper, quintessential...

Sort of traditional Welsh cottage.

-That's it. Fireplace.

-Stone built.

-Open fire.

-Yeah, wooden floors.

It'd be nice to have somewhere that you hadn't got to walk straight in from the front door

-into the living room.

-OK.

-Nice to have a hallway.

-Yep.

But, other than that, I'm fine.

Because most of the cottages have low ceilings, I'm only 5"1', so, that's no problem.

It's only Jonny in trouble here.

What about outside? Is a garden important?

Want a reasonable-sized garden.

Somewhere that's enclosed, cos we've got two dogs.

But I'd like somewhere where we can grow a few vegetables.

Not something that we want to sell, not a market garden.

Somewhere we can grow our own vegetables.

And, also, we want some ducks and some chickens.

-Nice. Going to build a little pen?

-Yeah, to keep the dogs away. I've got a Jack Russell.

I won't have ducks and chickens if I let them out.

-I understand. Vicious.

-The Labrador will just fetch them in, so...

-Right.

-I got you a duck. Here you are.

-That's it.

-You're sister's quackers, isn't she?

-Yep.

Just one last thing, I said we're in North Wales.

Why this part of North Wales?

Beautiful area, yes. But I have got family living here.

Our mum lives about 15 miles from Conwy.

Did you spend time here before?

From when we were children, we've been coming to North Wales.

-It's somewhere we know well.

-Family holidays.

-There's a nice bit of nostalgia for you, buying here.

-Yes. It feels...home.

-Brilliant.

-Right, OK.

-Trouble for us though, they know the area.

-Yep.

-They know exactly what they want. We've got £180,000.

-Yah.

-We'd better go.

-Yes. See you later.

-We'll see you later.

-See ya. Bye!

-HE SPEAKS WELSH

-You what?

It's Welsh for, "I like coffee".

-HE SPEAKS WELSH

-Time is against us, let's...

Jackie and David, with Alex's help, are looking for a Welsh cottage.

Two bedrooms, room for an artist's studio, kitchen diner and a garden.

Right. And they want all of that for £180,000? Not a penny over.

OK, we've got our work cut out today, then.

-HE SPEAKS UNCONVINCING WELSH

-Come on.

-And you say I'm annoying.

-Touche. Now, say Wales and what do you think of?

Snowdonia National Park, stunning mountains, the coast line, green, lush valleys...

-and leeks.

-Leeks?

-The national emblem.

When I think of Wales, I think of voice of an angel, Charlotte Church,

the Gavin and Stacey sitcom,

Tom Jones, the actor Ioan Gruffudd. Tell you what, Wales is so cool.

And, in this particular part of Wales, you've got Conwy Castle, a world heritage site

and one of the finest medieval fortresses in Europe.

It was built by Edward I, in the 13th century, to help bring Wales under the English crown.

In the shadow of the castle is Conwy Suspension Bridge, one of the first of its kind in the world.

Designed by Thomas Telford in 1826, it was built to improve links to London.

So, we're searching for a home with at least two bedrooms and a garden.

This one is out, then.

It's Britain's smallest house, with just one up, one down.

And you might have to duck to get through the front door.

Jackie'd be all right with that. She's only little.

Jonny Benarr, enough of your cheek!

So, Jackie and David have £180,000 to spend.

What would that kind of money buy elsewhere in the country?

Well, you can pack up your paints and palette knife

and head for this apartment with room for an artist's studio.

It's in a stunning sandstone property in Carlisle.

There are three double bedrooms, one en suite, a light and spacious lounge

and a modern kitchen with a separate dining area. A housing masterpiece, I'd say.

It could be yours for £179,950.

If you want something a bit more modern,

perhaps for a still life or an abstract,

how about this split-level maisonette in Southampton?

It's got two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen,

and open-plan lounge/dining area.

It's well decorated with gardens to the front and back.

All this for not a brush stroke over £180,000.

And if Jackie, or you, Renoir Benaar,

want to paint the perfect seascape, then head to the coastal town of Hunstanton.

And snap up this beautiful two-bedroom apartment.

On the ground floor it has a stunning kitchen/breakfast room,

with Shaker-style units and a window seat.

There are huge bay windows in the 18-foot lounge, which also has a Victorian-style fireplace.

All this for a palatable £168,000.

While Simon checks out the Conwy property scene,

I get to soak up a of bit of Welsh hospitality, and hang out with the locals.

-Hi, Alex? Hello!

-Nice to meet you.

-Thanks for seeing me.

-You're welcome.

-Here's what I'm looking for...

These look like these friendly locals I keep hearing about. How are you?

-Hello.

-Morning.

-Morning. Are you local to the area?

-Yes, we're all born and bred.

May be a little bit optimistic, I think, if you want the traditional Welsh cottage.

But we do have a few to offer you.

What is it about this place, that everyone is just so happy to be here?

-Look around you, it's lovely.

-Stunning.

-A lovely place to live.

-Beautiful place.

Got one here. Gorgeous village of Rowen.

Picturesque, really is ideal.

Three bedrooms, detached, gorgeous garden, stream at the bottom, little annexe.

-But you're looking 325, I'm afraid.

-This is living the dream, isn't it? How much?

-325.

We like going in the castle, on the town walls.

Going on surrounding mountains,

in the countryside, and the lakes. We love it.

The lesson I've learned, looking through these,

is if you want the traditional, gorgeous Welsh slate property

-with all the other requirements, this budget isn't quite there, is it?

-Not quite, no.

Well, it's a very relaxed place to live in.

There's no rat race, as such.

And there's everything to hand here.

I mean, there's beautiful scenery and good shops.

-Alex, pleasure.

-Good luck with the search.

-Argh!

-Ha, ha, ha! How have you got on?

That was horrible! OK, I've done pretty well, I think.

Couldn't quite get that quintessential cottage they're after.

I have got a lovely house in a pretty village called Trefriw,

-with a beautiful view. I like it a lot.

-Ah, right.

Well, my choice, property two, has a beautiful view, in a gorgeous village called Trefriw.

However, I've gone for a slightly more traditional-looking property.

Very quirky this one. I might have topped you here. That's my choice, property two.

-Always got to better me.

-That's the idea.

-Ah, the wild card, our joint choice.

We like this place a lot.

Our other two houses both have beautiful views to the front.

-But, this place...

-360, absolutely gorgeous, out to the sea and the mountains.

That's the wild card. It's also the wild card for another reason,

-which we're not going to tell you just yet.

-Ah.

-It's in the beautiful village of...

-Just outside Conwy, it's gorgeous.

Let's start the viewings at my house, property one.

So, first up today is my choice, AKA property one.

-It's located in the village of Trefriw.

-Bless you!

-Thanks.

Which has stunning views across Conwy Valley

and would provide a perfect setting for Jackie's artwork.

With three bedrooms, a large open-plan lounge/dining room,

it has bags of potential for them to put their mark on it, and make it their own.

It also has a garage, and makes clever use of space behind the house,

with a lovely tiered garden.

OK then, Jackie, my little friend.

Here we are at property number one. I know it's not quite the stone cottage you envisioned.

But, it has got absolutely beautiful views.

It looks really nice from the front.

Really clean. I like the garden, no maintenance.

I saw the garage, as well. Somewhere to put the car, which is good.

I aim to please. Alex, what do you think?

It's nice that you can sit outside at the front,

and look at the views. There's views both ways.

-That's one of the key factors.

-Definitely.

-Ominous, my friend.

They could be ominous. As the thunder rolls in the background. About this house...

at least it's got a Welsh slate roof.

Don't start on me, O'Brien! Look, get yourselves in there. A storm is brewing.

-And I'm about to strike.

-Don't be like that.

-Your Welsh accent was rubbish.

-I thought it was all right, that was, boy.

Oh, it's a nice floor.

Nice spacious hallway.

I'm not sure about the light. I think you'd have to change that.

I think I might need doors on the hallway, before you go into the stairs.

That's quite a draught going up the stairs.

It's nice. It's nice and spacious.

They wanted an entrance hall.

You've given them an entrance hall. You're a special guy. It's like winning the lottery twice.

It's got a nice big, really spacious feeling.

-It's warm, as well.

-Yeah, and there's no heating on.

-No.

Fantastic views outside, though.

It's beautiful. It would be really nice sat out there.

It'd be nice to have a window seat underneath the window, so you could sit outside.

The great thing about that bay window is it maximises those valley views.

-You know what the selling point of this house is.

-It is all about the views.

-I do like the fireplace.

-That's nice.

And I like a gas fire,

cos it looks like an open fire, but it's not.

Yeah, that's true. That's fine.

That comment about the fireplace is what I heard a lot.

Though people like open fireplaces, it's all romantic,

it's a pain building it up and cleaning it out.

As you come in here, look, there's an area for the computer,

-out the way.

-That's good, if there's only two bedrooms.

I think our table would fit in this dining room.

-It's quite big.

-Yeah, you could fit a six...

-A six-seater in here.

It's a nice view out to the garden, as well, isn't it?

-Gosh, yeah.

-It's quite a big garden.

-Really high. Tiers.

I quite like this. I think Jonny's done a good job with this.

Yeah, I think myself and the property team have done well.

Smaller kitchen than...I mean, it's adequate. I suppose there's space

-to extend out if you wanted to. That way.

-Maybe.

If there's that shed there, there's potential to move out, make it a bit bigger.

-You'd want to change these doors - something more modern.

-There's not enough work space.

-No.

-Cos David likes that he can do a lot of cooking.

-He does most of the cooking.

-Yep. That's true.

-Really we need to have a bit more work space.

But maybe you could extend. Well, this is your utility room.

Oh. Yeah, well, that's the only space for the fridge or the freezer, anyway, isn't it?

Maybe you could knock through.

I don't know. I think that's the under stairs.

You could maybe make it a little bit bigger.

-You could probably fit a table in.

-So far, so good.

All they want to do is change the fireplace, knock a wall down, put a new door up in the hallway.

-Brilliant.

-Yeah, exactly, yeah.

Or even knock through into the dining room.

You could actually close off the dining room, and make that your living room.

And then have the dining room and the kitchen together.

-That would be better.

-Yeah.

-Have a kitchen/diner going through, then and knock the wall out.

You've got room for the computer.

-You've got room for your dining table, which is quite big.

-Yeah.

And would your sofas fit in there?

-No, cos there's a three-seater and a two-seater sofa, so...

-Yeah, so it might be a bit tight.

-Don't make that classic mistake of buying a house around your furniture.

-Why not?

-Because it means I'll maybe lose.

-Exactly!

I'm not sure about this. I think you'd have to change the banister.

It's a bit 70s, really, isn't it?

Yeah. I think the wooden pillars are a lot nicer.

-Yeah. So, I wonder what's in...

-That room.

-This one, here.

-Ah!

-Gosh, that's small, though, isn't it?

But this would be great for the computer room.

Yeah, it's a big storage room but you've got a light.

Yeah. Wouldn't it be any good, though, for the art.

-For my watercolours, because there's not enough light, either.

-So, Jonny.

-Yeah.

Is that a single bedroom?

Jackie's tiny, so technically, yes.

-Wouldn't it be fantastic for my shoes?

-Yeah, walk-in wardrobe.

Or even if you knock this wall down, you could make the bathroom even bigger.

-Couldn't you?

-That's a tricky call though, isn't it?

-Yeah.

OK, if you did knock that wall down and open it up

and used it as a lovely big family bathroom,

you would then unfortunately lose your walk-in shoe cupboard.

-What would you do, Jonny?

-Well, I keep my slingbacks in their boxes, so they'd be fine.

-Right, the bathroom.

-Here's the bathroom.

-See, it is small, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Thought so.

-There's no separate shower cubicle.

-If you did knock that down.

-You could have a shower cubicle in there.

You could probably fit a free-standing bath in here then, which'd look really nice.

-We are singing from the same hymn sheets. Make your bathroom bigger.

-It was my idea.

-It's my house, though.

-This hallway's really nice. How these stairs turn, just here.

It's new carpet as well, so you wouldn't have to replace any of that.

-Ah, and it's got wooden floors, which is really good with the dogs.

-Yeah.

Fitted wardrobes, which is really good.

-That's handy. Just change the doors.

-Yeah, I don't like the handles on them, at all.

Modern them up a bit more. There's lovely views outside.

It's quite dark though, isn't it? Or maybe that's the colour.

Well, there's quite a lot of furniture in here, isn't there?

So, it'd probably look bigger if you took some of the furniture out.

Yeah. Perhaps even if you got rid of the fitted wardrobes,

-you could have the double bed this way.

-That would be better.

-And then, have fitted wardrobes, maybe, over on that wall.

-Yeah.

OK, the fitted wardrobes are going, mate.

But good news, seems all the walls might be staying in this room.

-It's another double bedroom. It's really good.

-Oh, that's this.

-So, Jonny's got it really right this time.

-Yup.

-Two bedrooms, two double bedrooms.

-And it's really bright and airy. I like this.

Light and airy, two double bedrooms, superb views.

Inspirational for an artist of her calibre, I'd say.

One, two, three,

four, five. I reckon we got through five rooms before they said you got something right.

The views are fantastic from there.

I can imagine sitting in here, getting David to bring my breakfast up.

-Yes.

-And having breakfast in bed, looking over that view.

I think this would be my room, actually.

-When I came to stay with you.

-OK.

-Yeah, yeah, I think this would be the guest room.

Two double bedrooms so far, and I've still got a little treat for them.

Oh, third bedroom.

-Third bedroom.

-This'd be good for Anderson.

-Who?

-Who?

-You can't make people up?!

-Who's Anderson?

-He'd love that. Coming to visit his auntie Jackie.

-That's it. Views of the mountains.

Yes, especially if there was another storm.

-He'd love that.

-He'd get great views of that.

-And while he's not here, I could use this as my art room.

Because it's got lots of natural light, and you can see the colours properly.

-Yeah.

-They finally found the room they like, mate.

-Wahoo!

-The third bedroom.

-Great.

-Any walls coming down?

Shall we go and see the boys? Jonny's done really well.

-I think he's done fantastic here.

-Only two rooms they didn't want to knock anything down in, mate.

OK, Jackie, you've done the tour. First things first, who's Anderson?

-Anderson! Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't tell you about him.

-No.

He's my nephew. He's my sister's son.

-Right.

-He's seven, he loves to stay with his auntie Jackie.

That would be a perfect room for him. So, I'd have to share it, as a studio.

That's going to be your studio?

But we've got this superb view.

So, it makes sense to make the most of it.

So, you've obviously got the garage here.

If you could reinforce that roof, you'd have a superb working terrace.

And that could be your outdoor art studio.

-Marvellous idea.

-It doesn't stop there.

-Ah!

What we could do, is get reinforced glass slabs to go in the roof,

allowing plenty of natural light to flood into the room downstairs.

-Then you'd have a second studio downstairs.

-And it's quite big down there.

But also, it's all about money, of course. You could go to town on as far as £10,000.

If you wanted to restrict your costs a little bit,

you get some transparent plastic corrugated roofing.

Would still allow the light in downstairs, but you couldn't walk on that stuff.

-No.

-But it would be an awesome outdoor studio.

-I think having it terraced is a better idea.

-Ah, a sun terrace.

I think having them both. Fantastic, that would be, especially with these views.

-Should inspire your watercolours.

-It would.

-It is a gorgeous spot though.

-Really lovely views, yes.

Hello, hello. We're here to play guess the price.

OK, then. Let's get straight to this.

Your budget is £180,000, thanks to the lottery.

-Who's going to go first?

-Alex.

-Oh, OK.

-Alex?

I think around...170,000.

-OK, Jackie?

-I think a little bit more.

172, maybe?

There you go. One, nil. High five.

-Yes.

-This place is on the market for £165,000.

-Wow, that's really good.

-That's really good.

-That leaves me quite a bit left over then,

-to do the changes to the kitchen, the bathroom, and even that sun terrace.

-I tell you what...

-That makes a difference, then.

-You do paint a good picture of somewhere.

-Yes.

-Lot of changes here needed, isn't there?

-Lot of walls to knock down.

-Yes.

-There is. But a gorgeous view.

-It is. I think that makes the house.

But maybe I can show you a better viewing? Come with me. Property number two...

Yes, stop two on our house hunt today is my offering.

And I'm pretty sure Jackie and Alex will love it. A semi, on the edge of Trefriw

has more of the character they wanted.

It has a Welsh slate roof, three bedrooms and a modern kitchen/diner

which lets in plenty of natural light and a magnificent view.

And there's not much for either Jackie or David to do here.

Certainly no walls to knock down, Jonny.

Just before we talk about my property, one thing to bear in mind.

-You know why Wales is so green, don't you?

-Rain.

-Yes.

Yes. OK, so bear that in mind, as you move here.

-OK.

-But, onto my property. Here it is, this gorgeous place here.

First impressions?

-I really like it.

-It's really nice.

Double frontage, that's really good cos you've got lots of light.

-It's quite traditional-looking, I think.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Odd shape.

-Ah, ah, ah!

Quiet. Just stand pretty and hold the brolly, thank you.

-That's an odd shape at the end.

-Yeah. You know why that is? This all used to be a hotel.

It was the Hydro Hotel.

Years ago, steamships used to sail up from Conwy, people would stay here overnight

and then sail back down again. Hence the odd shape.

I mean, it is suitable for artists, would be the next question?

Well, I can tell you this much, Jackie.

An artist lives there,

and a lady who owns a gallery lives just round the corner.

-Ah.

-So, I can paint my pictures and sell them all in one place?

-Oh, yes, indeed.

-Sounds good.

-Yeah. There you go. So, there's the place.

-Enough said?

-Yup.

-Get in there and enjoy.

-Thank you.

-Brilliant. Come on.

Right then, Jonny, let's see if they'll decide to stay permanently in my old hotel.

Oh, yeah, it walks in straight from the front door.

-You said you didn't want that.

-I suppose you could always add...

-You could add a little porch on the front there, really.

-Yeah.

-I like this room, though, Jackie.

-Oh, that's a nice room.

-And there's enough room in here for the settee.

-And there's an area there, for the computer.

So, you could fit your desk there.

-Nice place for the television.

-Yeah. It's about the same size as yours.

-Yeah.

-Views are still really stunning.

-Beautiful views.

And you haven't really got houses in front of you.

-Oh!

-Yeah, the views aren't as obstructed, are they, here?

-Strike against me, that.

-I'm afraid so.

Don't like the ceiling.

Oh, no, Artex. I'd have to have that skimmed.

Yeah, I've got a bit of an issue with textured ceilings, as well.

-How come?

-I just like clean lines.

I'm like the only person of my generation that thinks Artex ceilings are cool.

-I love that seashell effect.

-The only person left in the world!

-It's a lot more traditional than the house Jonny chose.

-Yeah.

-I like the feel of it better, definitely.

-More homely.

-Yes.

So, did I hear that, that right? Did they just say it's got more character than your house?

Just feels more homely... is that right?

-Sorry, I can't hear anything. No.

-No?

-No.

-This is really nice.

-Now, that's a diner/kitchen, isn't it?

-Yes, it's really nice.

Great views. Got two windows, lots of light.

-You could actually make that a window seat.

-You could.

I like the fact though, that they've got a table that you can open out double.

So, you can get the six people round that easy.

So, your table would fit it here. New units?

-New units, so wouldn't have to replace anything in here. And the tiles are nice.

-Yes.

-They don't seem to have found any walls they want to knock down yet.

-Yeah.

Because you're property is so much smaller than mine downstairs!

-I think this is better than property one's kitchen.

-That's it.

It's got more character. There's a more homely feeling.

And having the kitchen diner, as well, that's a nice feeling.

I could live here, definitely.

-Wow, it looks big up here.

-Oh, it's a nice landing.

Much bigger. You know what, I think this is the bathroom.

-Oh, this is much bigger as well.

-Oh, that's bigger than I expected.

Yeah, and it's really nicely decorated.

It's amazing though, with bathrooms.

The quality of the finish can make a huge difference to a small room.

-Also the arrangements of the suite itself.

-Yeah.

-Lovely great big windows, lots of light.

-Yeah, lots of light.

-And I like the showers over the bath.

-Yes, it's very nice.

-Brand new taps. Brand new suite, really.

Yeah, it's lovely.

-There's a door leading outside.

-To the garden.

-You know what I love about this?

It's the first house I've ever seen with an upstairs back door.

That's wonderful. It goes right to the top.

That would be really good to keep ducks and chickens.

That keeps them away from where we could have the dogs down there.

And that would keep them away from them,

but they've got somewhere to run out.

Yeah. And I think there's some more decking further up.

That might be nice, if you've views from up there, for doing the art?

This is a nice bedroom. I think this must be the smaller one, I would think.

But... See, this would be all right, because this would be a small room for a studio, to do my painting.

But the only thing is, there's not enough light coming from there.

There's very little natural light coming through.

-It would be good for Anderson.

-Yeah.

-It is a nice room.

But we still reckon you could get a double bed in there.

I do agree with the estate agent. That is a proper double bedroom, that one.

-Oh, now, this is a nice room, Jackie.

-This is a lot bigger.

And it's got lovely views.

I mean, if this is the main room, it's a bit small for a double room.

Yeah. It's got a double bed in, though.

Yeah, I think I'd have to get rid of all these wardrobes, though and...

I don't think you need all these wardrobes.

Even I don't need that many.

What? Have I just heard a lady say she doesn't need any more wardrobes?

-Oh, I don't know.

-Good space for a computer, though, again.

We've got the computer sorted. We now have Anderson sorted.

-Yup.

-David's still not had much of a mention.

-And this is a lot like...

that's what I meant about the bed, actually looking out at the view.

So, that's how I'd like that room looking. But this is lovely...

It's a bit strange, that door behind the bed, though.

-It's like cupboards, isn't it?

-Yes, but...

And they go right down to the floor.

-Yes. So, maybe that's an airing cupboard, or something.

-Yeah.

And there's nice fitted wardrobes.

I'd change those doors. They're a bit '70s.

I don't think I like looking at myself in the mirror, as I get up.

No, no, definitely. But, just what you said, beautiful views and...

-That's exactly where you'd want the bed, isn't it?

-Three really good size bedrooms.

-Central heating.

-Central heating.

-Nothing to do. Bathroom's good.

-Yeah. Great views.

-Overhead shower.

-Good views. Just perfect.

-Shall we go and find the boys in the garden?

-Yup.

-Well, ladies, that seemed to go rather well.

I really like this one. Perfect.

This has really hit the mark for me. This is everything I was thinking of.

-And more in some things.

-Is it?

-Yeah, really good. Sorry.

Don't worry about Jonny. That's what we're here for.

There are a couple of issues. First of all, your artist's studio.

We were thinking, perhaps, the kitchen/diner,

and there's a lot of light coming in there. So, I could use the table-top easel there.

Could be. But, you know, you've got an artist's imagination.

If you just look behind you here, what looks like a shed.

-Is, in fact a shed.

-No, it does have full electrics to it.

-Oh, right.

-So, get your little heater in there. Views across.

-Our dad's an electrician.

-I'll see if he can get me a heater up there.

-See?

-So, we could do that.

-Oh, it's just perfect.

-It is perfect.

And just one other thing as well,

-you know, you did mention you like ducks, chickens, perhaps.

-Yes.

Well, the garden goes right up to the trees there.

-Oh, right up to the back.

-Yeah. So, it's a big garden.

Plenty of scope to put in all those bits and pieces.

Yeah, so, not a bad property. I'm feeling quietly confident about this place.

There was only one problem.

-What was that?

-My husband's got vertigo.

He gets vertigo on the end of a carpet. And this garden's steep.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

You are moving to Snowdonia.

It's true.

But if I like it, he will, because it'll keep me happy.

-And if he doesn't like it, start looking in Norfolk.

-Yeah, very flat.

-It is guess-the-price time.

So, Alex, you're one-nil up.

Budget's 180,000. Jackie, you go first.

I think it's right on, right around the budget, maybe a little bit more... 182,950?

-OK.

-I think just a little bit under.

About 179?

I'm afraid, Jackie, there's no way back from here.

-It's two-nil to Alex.

-Yes!

And, in fact, you are very good at this. It's actually on for 179,950.

Just £50 short of your budget.

-What do you think?

-I think that's really good.

-There's nothing to do in there.

-No.

-That's what you asked for.

-That's it, so it doesn't matter that it hits the top of the budget.

-Yeah.

-You're good at this game.

-Yeah.

Well, she was an estate agent.

-You were?

-I knew I could smell something.

-Ssh, ssh.

-Says you?

-Oh, yeah.

Anyway, there is one more property to see, ladies - the wild card.

-I'm looking forward to this.

-Can't wait for that one.

The wild card today is our joint choice.

We think it's perfect to retire to, because it's a bungalow.

Imagine a couple of rocking chairs on the deck outside.

Little nephew Anderson playing in the garden.

-Jackie and Alex will love it, and let's hope David will too.

-But, even if they don't, we do.

It's got two bedrooms, a good size garden, modern family bathroom.

And views of the mountains to the back, and the coast to the rear. What more could they wish for?

Tom Jones dancing in the garden? Right then, ladies, here we are.

It's the wild card.

We've brought you to the lovely coastal town of Dwygyfylchi.

All right? I pronounced that correctly!

It hurt a little bit. And this is it, what do you think?

-Is it a bungalow?

-It's a dormer bungalow.

-Oh.

-OK.

-That's good.

That's part of the reason it's the wild card. First impressions?

-The views look fantastic.

-Now you're getting it.

-Right out to sea.

You're looking down to the Bay of Conwy there, over the sea.

So, if you like landscapes, you can look that way. But you also then just turn round.

Because Snowdonia starts here.

-Keep walking that way, you get to Snowdon, eventually.

-Yeah.

But that's all you'd have to do, just turn your easel round.

-I'll do the sea today. I'll do the mountains.

-Yes.

-That looks very nice.

-It's really nice.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Definitely.

-Nice front garden, as well.

-So, you're looking very positive.

-Yeah, I quite like it.

-Off-road parking, as well.

-Yes.

-Oh, and a garage.

-Jackie, we've ticked so many boxes, haven't we?

-You have.

-There are more to be ticked inside. Get yourselves in there.

-Enjoy.

-OK.

-What's it called again?

Dwygyfylchi?

-Come on then, say the name of the village.

-Dwyg...da...fy...

-You say it.

-Concentrate.

Oh, it's a nice hall.

-Oh, it's nice and bright.

-Really open. There's watercolours.

-Oh, yeah. That's local.

Very nice. Those are local pictures, yeah.

They wanted a hallway. It breaks itself up nicely.

-See the artist there. Focus straight in on the watercolours.

-Lovely.

-Oh, first bedroom.

-Downstairs bedroom.

It's really nicely decorated.

I never usually like pink, but that's not over-the-top.

-No, I do. I like that wall paper.

-That is the perfect guest bedroom, downstairs.

It's a double bedroom, it's a lovely size.

-Bit feminine.

-Yeah.

-Suit Alex.

-Yeah. And I like it.

And you're not close to the road, either.

And because the house comes downwards, you're not sort of...

People walking past, they can't see in the bedroom.

You can't really see the view of the mountains, though, doesn't it?

-You've got to look up to see that, so...

-That's true.

-Apart from that, it is quite a nice room.

-Yeah.

-Nice and airy. Spacious.

-Shall we look next door?

-You been giving these two lessons?

-We spent some time together.

Nice and airy, spacious.

-Oh, this is a nice spacious room.

-Yes.

-Now there's a better view here.

-You can see it from this window.

-Not from the bedroom.

-You can see the mountain. Lovely view, except the boys!

Just wave.

-Hi.

-Oh, here we are... still life, still life.

No, I really like this room. You could fit your dining table in here.

-Yeah, you'd get the six chairs round here.

-Perfect, yes.

-So, we could fit that in here.

-And the living room. I like the fact it's got doors.

-So, you can close it off.

-Yes.

-Then you haven't got to have the dining room.

-Hide the mess.

But then you can open it up. We can put Anderson in there.

That's the beauty of a lounge/ dining room, with glazed doors.

You get plenty of light coming through. But you can open them up, to make the room even airier.

-Ah, now, look at that view!

-Yeah. That's beautiful.

-That is wonderful. Now, David would love that view.

David would want this house, cos we've got the view.

Hang on, David just got a mention. David, you like the view.

Oh, now, this is nice. It's not as big as house number two.

No, but they've got a table in, at least. You could just about get in.

-I think that would get in my way.

-Yeah, it's a bit of a squash.

-Yeah. That's it.

-And it's in front of the radiator.

-Which would block the heat.

-This is one of the nicer kitchens of the three properties.

This has got its own dining room. But as a kitchen/breakfast room, it's lovely, that is.

The tiles are nice as well. They're that clay kind of tile.

-Ah! Here's your washing machine, and dishwasher...tumble dryer.

-Oh, that's better. And tumble dryer.

-And that's a nice view of the garden from that.

-That's even better views.

-No, I like this.

-I do. It's really got a nice feel about it.

-It has.

-It flows, doesn't it?

Yeah. It's very homely feeling. I definitely like that.

And even though the other house, the second one we went to see, of Simon's, it's a lovely house.

-But this has got a nicer feel to it.

-Yeah. And I like the views better here.

-Much better.

-The views are really nice.

-Sure you haven't been teaching them?

-They're sounding very estate agent-esque.

-Although, Alex used to be an estate agent.

-Right. That's what I can hear.

-Small landing.

-It is very small, compared to house two, isn't it?

-This must be the

-dormer extension.

-Yeah. But I do like the very nice view from the top of the landing.

-Nice bathroom, though.

-Oh, now it is. This is lovely.

Really laid out well. Nice, clean-cut lines.

Yeah. I like the colours. I like the tiles.

Not much I don't like about it!

Nice modern white suite. Shower over the bath. Plenty of storage.

Spacious. Clean lines.

It's a gorgeous little property, in the lovely village of...

Near Conwy.

And this feels really open.

It's tiled to the ceiling, which is really good, for having a shower.

And I'm not that keen on wallpaper. But the wallpapers here really matches everything.

-Yes.

-Really co-ordinated.

-Ah, this is the second bedroom, then.

-So, there is only two.

-Yeah. So, where are you going to do your art?

-That's going to be difficult.

-Don't you worry about where you're going to do your art.

But the trouble is, David will just die for this view.

And this would be the house he'd like the best.

-And for painting, you've got the best of both worlds for views.

-And it's beautiful light.

So, you get really good light, when it comes to painting.

I mean, this is quite a big bedroom.

Lots of storage here.

-I'm presuming this is going under the eaves.

-Yeah, built in. Can we not?

-Oh, it's very tidy, as well.

-Yeah, nothing like my wardrobe.

-No.

-That's the great thing about these bungalow conversions -

you get superb sized bedrooms upstairs, and loads of eaves storage. Very handy.

-And waking up in the morning to a sea view.

-It's very good.

In fact, you can have the downstairs room, and this can be my guest room.

-Ha, ha! Don't think so.

-No, I don't think so either.

We better go and see the boys. It's going to be a difficult choice.

-We've done well with the wild card.

-Yeah, we started off wanting a traditional little cottage.

-And we've got a modern bungalow. They've fallen in love.

-Thinking outside the box.

Now, Jackie, there is one area you haven't seen yet...

-the garage.

-Very small garage.

It is a small garage. You'd never get a car in here, you know.

Perhaps a little Smart cars or something. But useful storage area.

-Useful for storing, yeah.

-But...

But why is it so small?

Come with me.

-This...

-Wow.

-..is why it's so small.

-That's got a wow factor.

-Hasn't it just?

-It has. That's great.

You wanted your artist's studio.

-How does this grab you?

-Fantastic. I can see it's been used as an artist's studio.

And there's somewhere for the computer, if I need it in here.

Natural light coming in.

Actually, I could maybe even put a roof light in, to let some more in.

I would go one step further. You've got this gorgeous view across the sea.

-Let's open that window, right out.

-Have a bigger window.

-Yes.

-A lot more natural light coming in.

-And you could be inspired by the sea, and the views across to Conwy.

-Fantastic house.

-Yeah.

-And this is really...

So with David liking the view, and me getting a studio as well. What more could I ask for?

Yeah, well, perhaps you could ask for a lower price. It's guess-the-price time.

-Oh, let's hope.

-All right, guys.

OK, we've just found the studio, haven't we, yes?

-We have.

-Nice and clean, isn't it?

-Oh, fantastic. It's sold to me now.

Never mind sold to you. We're not there yet, because...

-Could be too expensive.

-Correct.

-It could all go horribly wrong now.

-It's true. Oh, no.

-Alex is right. It's guess-the-price time.

-It's two-nil, you've had it.

-Oh, well, I've had it, anyway.

-This is for pride, this one, Jackie.

-Right-o.

-We'll get Alex to go first.

-OK, that's a good idea.

OK. I think this is going to be over budget, because of the sea views.

So, I'd say, 189.

Right, I think over budget, but not as much as that. About 184,950?

Jacks, you're back in the game. You've got some pride.

-Brill!

-Good work. This place is on the market for just over your budget, for 182,500.

-Brilliant.

-That's a really good price.

-Very reasonable.

With the sea views for David, and the studio for me, it's perfect.

-Not to mention the mountain views at the back.

-The sea view's better.

-Is that the one that's selling it to you?

-That's it selling it to me.

-But, this one is not sold to you yet.

-Not yet.

-Because we've shown you three gorgeous properties.

-Yes.

You've now got to go and decide

-which one you would like to test drive.

-Or, as we say...

-Try before you buy.

-Off you go.

-All right.

-Go and give it some thought.

-OK. That went pretty well.

-It did.

And here's a little recap.

The first of our property masterpieces today was my choice...

the super semi in Trefriw.

With a lovely view. Three bedrooms, an open-plan lounge/diner...

this house has got bags of potential.

And all for well under budget at £165,000.

Next up was my choice...the double-fronted character property,

which had the kitchen/diner and the master bedroom,

with views across the Conwy Valley, that Jackie could capture on canvas, every day of the week.

And all for just £50 short of £180,000.

And last, but certainly not least, our joint choice...

the delightful dormer bungalow in the village of Dwygyfylchi.

With mountain and sea views all around, it is all about location.

Oh, and the artist's studio in the garage too, of course.

-All for a very reasonable £182,500.

-Where was it, again?

Well, ladies, you have chosen our joint choice, the wild card.

Surprise, surprise. And what a lovely property it is.

Now, before you go in and have a bit of a try-before-you-buy,

we've had our eagle-eyed assessor peruse the property for you.

It's in great condition, this place really is. So, you could enter into it without too many concerns.

But he mentioned that the damp proof course

should normally be a little bit deeper than it currently is. But it's not a major concern.

It's nothing to worry about. It's not a legally binding survey,

so if you did proceed, make sure you get an official survey done.

One thing he pointed out. Now, Jonny and I, we have a good

scour round these places. But we missed this completely.

Our furtive ferret has found a lovely little storage area,

underneath the floor, at the back of the property. There's a little door.

-Open that up, you've got a four-foot void room, right under the floor.

-Ah, that's good.

-One thing you're short of in bungalows?

-Storage.

-Well, this place has got bags of it.

-That's absolutely fantastic.

-Jacks, you won't even have to duck to get in that door.

-Hey! Cheek.

Anyway, see if you can find that, and enjoy your test drive.

-Thank you very much.

-See you later.

-I might have another go at painting you.

-We've only got a day.

No, surprises to see Jackie getting her paints out at the earliest possible opportunity.

And Alex putting the garden to the test.

Now, look and learn, Jonny.

You can't teach a master.

So, what is this, seascape or landscape?

You wouldn't know.

Alex knows how to enjoy a bit of R&R, out in the front garden,

whilst taking in some of that gorgeous Welsh country air.

-You finished yet?

-Yeah, just finished.

-Wow, that's brilliant.

-Brilliant?

Ha! It's nothing compared to a Renoir Benaar.

They're sizing up where they're going to put the pictures.

-Now, Jonny, all the number fours are green, number two is red, and stay inside the lines.

-All right.

-You could have a whole gallery.

-Have a lot of seascapes.

-Yeah.

-Because this is the house.

You've now spent a bit more time in this lovely property. How did it feel?

Really at home, we felt here.

Studio's wonderful. Make the window a bit bigger.

That'll be perfect. And it feels really homely.

Even though it's smaller than the home we're moving from,

there's only David and myself going to be here now, it's just a real good size.

And downstairs, the downstairs bedroom,

I was sort of a bit, oh, you know, downstairs bedroom. But that's a really good place now.

Mum can stay, children can stay. They've got their own toilet there, and everything's there.

-Is she forgetting someone, Alex?

-I know. I never get invited.

No, she just turns up.

-Come on, Alex, what a place to visit?

-It was wonderful. I sat out in the back garden.

It's lovely and peaceful. Perfect place to relax. I think you're going

-to really like living here.

-Yeah.

-Ah!

-Ah!

Do we need to ask the question?

-Well, I think we should ask it anyway.

-Just out of manners?

-To Buy, Or Not To Buy?

-We're going to have a go at putting an offer in, and seeing how things go. Yup.

-Oh, fantastic.

-Brilliant.

-So, that's a To Buy?

-It is To Buy.

-Result.

Ah, brilliant. Ladies, it's been fabulous.

-And, of course, we hope that David loves it as much as you do.

-He will, cos it'll make me happy.

Do you get the idea that David's just going to buy it?

-Pretty much.

-Just before we finish, Jonny, Jackie did paint a picture while we were here today.

-And we'd like to give it to you.

-You see, Jonny, that's called painting.

-Thank you very much.

-The difference between this and what and you do,

-Jonny, is that there's no numbers that you have to colour in.

-It's a different technique.

-It is.

-It is.

-He's got a lot to learn.

-Ladies, enjoy, and do let us know how you settle in.

-We will.

-And hope everything goes brilliant.

-Bye!

Another fabulous result for the To Buy Or Not To Buy team, Jonny.

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