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Short Tales
  • 6/22/2025
#ShowFilm98
#EscapetotheCountry
Transcript
00:01Today we're searching for a home that meets expectations and also exceeds them.
00:07The space is amazing, outside, tick tick tick tick tick.
00:11Yeah, that's what I was thinking.
00:13Finding our buyers a place that's spacious
00:16And surprisingly tall actually, silly.
00:18With character.
00:20The only thing you've got to bend down for is to look at the view.
00:22Yeah.
00:23Through the window.
00:24There you go, just move on, let me see.
00:27Where every feature tells a story.
00:30There's so much history in this house.
00:36And every step brings them closer to their new life in the country.
00:41No.
00:42Come on mate.
00:43That's amazing.
00:44Could not have imagined this.
00:45No.
00:57Today we're escaping to North Wales.
01:16Where every day feels like a getaway.
01:20And the only thing higher than the mountains is your quality of life.
01:24Now ever since I started presenting Escape to the Country, I've come to realise that the countryside isn't just the place where I am lucky enough to live.
01:33It's also the place where I get to work.
01:36Now as many of you will know, Wales for a long time was my home.
01:40I absolutely love coming back here.
01:43And whenever I do, I know it's going to be a fantastic few days.
01:47So welcome to this edition of Escape to the Country and welcome to my office.
01:58The region of North Wales spans six diverse counties including Gwynedd, Conwy and Flintshire.
02:05From the peaks of Ariri National Park to the dramatic coastline along the Llin Peninsula, it's a landscape that's as varied as it is breathtaking.
02:19But it's not just for adventure seekers.
02:22History lovers can step back in time in places like Llanroost, home to standing stones and a beautiful 17th century bridge.
02:30Then there's Llanberis, positioned at the foot of Snowdon, where you can hop aboard the famous mountain railway for an unforgettable ride to the summit.
02:43So come to North Wales, where the mountains are high, the views are endless and the property prices surprisingly down to earth.
02:52So who wants to move to this beautiful part of the country?
02:56Well, let's meet him and his four-legged friend.
03:05Shall we send the outtakes?
03:06Yes.
03:08Hi, I'm Darren.
03:09And I'm his cousin Becky.
03:10And that's Loki.
03:11And I want to escape to the country.
03:13And I'm here to help them.
03:15Darren's home is a three bedroom mid terrace in the Cheshire town of Northwich,
03:20where he lives with his beloved dog, Loki.
03:24When not working as a director of an IT company, Darren is off exploring new destinations.
03:30And his cousin Becky is always up for joining him.
03:33Lots of the travelling was to do with diving.
03:35So going on level boards in Egypt and going to Malta.
03:38I went to Mexico a few times and Florida and a few trips to France.
03:42I've been to Iceland and in Marrakesh.
03:45Camel riding.
03:46Quad bikes in the desert.
03:47Yeah.
03:48Yeah, we've done lots of things together.
03:49So whenever we get time out and we get a chance to do something, we tend to do it together.
03:55And it was whilst holidaying together in North Wales that Darren decided he wanted to make a home there.
04:02Becky asked me recently, she said, well, what is it you're looking for?
04:05And I said, what I actually want is when we were away recently in Wales with the dogs, that's what I want.
04:11And she said, well, you just want to be permanently on holiday, don't you?
04:14And I went, yes, that's what I want.
04:16I want to be permanently on holiday and I'll come back and work a little bit.
04:21Darren currently works Tuesday to Thursday, so plans to stay with Becky in Cheshire during that time.
04:27That would leave him with four glorious days a week to relax and enjoy life in his new country home.
04:35Ultimately, I think this move will just make Darren happier because he will be in an environment that he wants to be in and he can get out and there's peace and quiet.
04:44I think that will be really good for him.
04:46Yeah, yeah, the most noise I want to hear is me chopping wood, I think.
04:52Darren is hoping to find a detached property, preferably with a modern finish and a minimum of two bedrooms plus space for a home office.
05:01A large dog friendly garden is also required and it should be in a rural location with easy access to countryside walks for him and Loki.
05:16Well, what an adventurous pair of cousins these two are.
05:24They seem to have been almost everywhere together and it's therefore no surprise that they are once again coming together to share Darren's adventure of finding a new home here in North Wales.
05:36And even though it is a bit grey and a bit misty for me, you've just got to love it, whatever time of year it is.
05:43And my goodness me, he clearly does because he's been here so often with Becky, exploring it, falling in love with it.
05:50And now, hopefully with our luck, finding a home in it.
05:54Before we dive into the property hunt, I'm meeting Darren and Becky to get the inside scoop on what they're hoping to find here in North Wales.
06:09Darren and Becky, welcome to Escape to the Country, but you need no welcome or introduction to this place, do you?
06:15Betsy Coyne in the heart of Snowdonia, you know this very well.
06:18I do know it well, yeah. Spent a lot of time in North Wales.
06:20So you and your Labrador Loki.
06:23Loki, yes.
06:24This is great because we clearly have so much in common already, Becky.
06:27We love Labradors. We all love North Wales.
06:30And you, as part of the family, cousin to Darren, are along to be the voice of reason, to offer guidance.
06:39What do you think?
06:41Darren's quite a logical person, has a very long list of things that he wants to achieve in his property.
06:48Whereas I'm probably more of the creative side.
06:52Well, what would happen is that I would walk into a property, see that it hasn't got a bath and I'm out.
06:58It doesn't got a bath.
06:59Just like that?
07:00Yeah.
07:01Whereas I would be, well, if you move that sink and you do this with that bit, then you can fit a bath in there.
07:06Yeah.
07:07So you and I are offering the kind of creative reassurance that perhaps you need.
07:10Yeah.
07:11That's exactly what it needs, yeah.
07:12And we've got your budget.
07:13Yes.
07:14So the budget is £400,000.
07:17And I could probably stretch to £425,000, but I'd have to sell my rally car to do that.
07:24Ooh.
07:25Ooh, that ouch.
07:26That would hurt then.
07:27It would hurt, yes.
07:28Well, fingers crossed we don't need to get rid of the car to make this work.
07:32But we have got some miles to travel and some properties to see.
07:36Okay, good.
07:37Come on then.
07:38Let's have a look.
07:40Our property tour begins in the southern part of the Ururi National Park, not far from the village of Llanjuklin.
07:50For a buyer seeking an authentic escape, this sparsely populated area should really suit.
07:56But six miles away is the attractive town of Balla, providing everything in the way of amenities and a good selection of pubs for the days we're not at exploring the nearby lakes and mountains.
08:09And nestled seamlessly into this rugged landscape is our first property offering, not far from Wales' largest natural lake.
08:21There's the lake Balla and the sweep of the valley.
08:25Wow.
08:26That's incredible.
08:27Yeah.
08:28Brilliant, yeah.
08:30The view is perfect.
08:32Yeah.
08:33Have you viewed anything with this sort of aspect before?
08:38No.
08:39Okay.
08:40No.
08:41Okay, so already we're getting somewhere, maybe.
08:42Yeah.
08:43But have a look at this.
08:44Feast your eyes on our property, because that is what's on offer.
08:47Current owners have only had it a few years.
08:50They've got two enormous Alsatians.
08:52Yeah.
08:53So it's all dog-proofed.
08:54Right.
08:55So you and Loki, this is your little domain.
08:58Yeah.
08:59The space is amazing.
09:00Yeah.
09:01And I can just see him now running around there, like, doing his crazy stuff.
09:04Yeah.
09:05Yeah.
09:06Tip, tip, tip, tip, tip, tip, tip.
09:07Yeah?
09:08Yeah.
09:09That's what I was thinking.
09:10Yeah.
09:11Yeah.
09:12Right, well, let's see what you think of the inside.
09:13Let's get a bit creative, shall we?
09:17This detached property dates back to 1890 and is constructed from local stone and slate.
09:24Inside, the first reception area offers somewhere for formal dining or for displaying small ornaments.
09:32But we're starting in the cosy living room next door.
09:35The sort of main event is in here.
09:40Oh, yeah.
09:41I like this room.
09:43It's a nice space.
09:44It's a good-sized living room.
09:45This is lovely.
09:46I have got a really big sofa.
09:48And that's...
09:49It would fit there.
09:50It would fit there.
09:51That's great.
09:52Are we winning?
09:53Yeah.
09:54We're winning.
09:55We're winning.
09:56Yeah.
09:57Have a look at the galley kitchen, then.
09:59Not a huge kitchen diner, obviously, but hopefully the rest of it will make up for that.
10:05Yeah, yeah, yeah.
10:06Yeah, it's perfect for me.
10:07I think it's a perfect size.
10:09It is.
10:10Yeah.
10:11Dog-friendly floor.
10:12Yeah, really.
10:13You should see the size of these Alsatians.
10:15You know why.
10:17And it goes through to the little sort of conservatory, come boot room, garden room, whatever.
10:22They leave the door open, their dogs just have access to the fenced-off perimeter.
10:27Yeah.
10:28Are more than happy.
10:29It's really nice.
10:30Yeah.
10:32Mind you.
10:33It's like you're holding onto it.
10:34You don't want to let it go.
10:35Yeah, we're staying.
10:39On that positive note, let's head upstairs.
10:42One thing to add about this property is that the bathroom is located on the ground floor.
10:48But that makes for a spacious upstairs footprint where there are three bedrooms.
10:53Oh, yeah.
10:54Oh, this is nice and big.
10:55I've got a big bed, so it'll fit there.
10:57Yeah.
10:58And surprisingly tall, actually, ceiling.
11:00Yes.
11:01Yeah.
11:02I've not even thought about it.
11:03No, I didn't even notice the ceiling.
11:05No.
11:06The only thing you've got to bend down for is to look at the view.
11:08Yeah.
11:09Through the window.
11:10It is.
11:11It's beautiful, that view.
11:12It is, yeah.
11:13Let me see.
11:15You're never going to tire of that, are you?
11:16No.
11:17I'm leaving Darren and Becky to explore the rest of upstairs by themselves.
11:24And it seems Becky is already feeling quite at home here.
11:27This will be my room.
11:29This will be your room.
11:30Yeah.
11:31Yeah, you've got water on space as well.
11:33You know, keep some used to be.
11:35You've still got the views.
11:37Oh.
11:38I want to see the view again.
11:40Yeah, no, good room.
11:41Happy with that.
11:42Yeah.
11:43OK.
11:44Oh, this would be great for an office for you.
11:48Yeah.
11:49I wonder where they can get the desk up there by the window.
11:52I think so, yeah.
11:53Yeah, I know.
11:54It's still got the views.
11:55Yeah, definitely working here.
11:56This upstairs is great.
11:58The only thing it hasn't got, of course, is it's not got bathroom upstairs, it's only downstairs.
12:02Yeah.
12:03That's the only negative I can find so far about this house.
12:06I love it.
12:08The property's interior appears to have satisfied Darren and Becky so onto the outside.
12:14Sitting in a plot of just over half an acre, we've already established that the lawn garden is both dog and human friendly.
12:23And did I mention there's a view?
12:25I mean, that's what sells it, right?
12:28Yeah.
12:29Yes.
12:30And you get to look at it every day from this.
12:34Yeah, it's just, it's incredible.
12:35Yeah.
12:36I think you've hit the jackpot day one.
12:38Yeah.
12:39Well, let's talk about the price then, shall we?
12:40OK.
12:41What do you think this is on the market for?
12:43Erm, I think somewhere in the region of 390,000.
12:48I think 375,000 pounds.
12:55All right, here's the rub.
12:56Here's the rub.
12:57It is on the market for offers in the region of 370,000 pounds.
13:04Oh!
13:05So you get to keep the car.
13:07You get to keep the car.
13:08Yeah.
13:09There you go.
13:10Done.
13:11Done.
13:12This gem of a find is £30,000 under Darren's top budget and comes with three bedrooms plus
13:21a dog-friendly garden.
13:23The far-reaching valley views can be enjoyed from the grounds and its idyllic setting means
13:28he'll be able to head out into the countryside with Loki whenever he fancies it.
13:33Can I imagine myself and Loki living here?
13:36As soon as I think about that, the answer's yes.
13:38He would love this space and I've never seen a view like that before for sale.
13:44The negatives only probably that there's only one bathroom and the bathroom is downstairs
13:49next to the kitchen.
13:50I could totally see Darren living here.
13:52It would suit him down to the ground.
13:54He's got the walks on his doorstep.
13:56Erm, he's got the space that he needs.
13:58I think it's perfect for him, yeah.
14:00In today's world of remote working, online shopping and virtual meetups, escaping to
14:17the country has never been easier.
14:19And let's face it, most of us who crave the great outdoors aren't ready to give up modern
14:25conveniences completely.
14:27In North Wales, the coastal town of Llandidno might just offer that perfect blend of relaxed
14:33seaside living with all the perks of town life on the doorstep.
14:38So we're sending Darren and Becky to check it out.
14:41Llandidno is known as the Queen of the Welsh Resorts, so it's the largest seaside resort
14:47in Wales.
14:48And so it retains that 1850s Victorian architecture.
14:51Really, really nice attractions.
14:53Apart from Cardiff in Wales, it's got the most bed spaces in the whole of Wales.
14:57So it was designed by the Victorians as a tourist town and it's as popular as ever.
15:02Llandidno's promenade stretches for almost two miles and connects to the pier, which is
15:11home to Britain's oldest running Punch and Judy show.
15:14Llandidno.
15:15I like living in Llandidno because you can escape up the Great Orme away from the hustle
15:19and the bustle or get along the front at night if you want a little stroll.
15:22You've got the hills, you've got the countryside, you've got the sea, the pier.
15:26It's a really great place to live.
15:29One of the town's standout attractions is the Great Orme, a limestone headland rising
15:34over 200 metres above sea level.
15:37For those that don't fancy the hike, you can take a ride on the historic cable car,
15:41the longest of its kind in Britain, offering unbeatable views.
15:48The town centre is filled with elegant shops and cafes, including one which describes itself
15:53as a general store for dogs and humans.
15:56Opened in 2021, owner Jason had the goal of creating a community of dog lovers with the
16:04cafe at its centre.
16:05So he's an ideal person for Dara and Becky to come and meet.
16:09So what happens here in the cafe?
16:11So we've got all in the same building, we've got a dog groomers, the dog cafe and the dog
16:16shop.
16:17We run free to access vat sessions.
16:19We do dog birthday parties, which is the fun side.
16:22Usually, they're usually smaller dogs, but it's utter chaos when we have one of those.
16:27Yeah.
16:28So what's the local dog community like around here?
16:30It feels like everyone has a dog here.
16:32But you've got really lovely groups of people that, you know, people meet on walks.
16:37They'll come into the cafe.
16:39People see each other on the beaches.
16:41It's a lovely community.
16:43Very strong, very supportive, actually, I've found.
16:46But it seems even for those without a dog, Llandidno is a special place to be.
16:52It's amazing to live here.
16:54I feel when I'm here, a weight's lifted off you.
16:57The pace of life is calmer.
17:00It's not necessarily slower.
17:02Everyone has businesses and we're not cut off from the world or living in a different time zone.
17:08It's just that it's just a nice, relaxed place to live.
17:12And I'm happy.
17:13Most people are happy here.
17:15So a ringing endorsement for this popular seaside resort.
17:19If spending time here is on the horizon for Darren, we'd best get back to the search and see if we can top our first property.
17:26We're heading north to continue our property search in the Flintshire village of Llanasa.
17:39Just one mile away is the popular beach resort of Tallaka, boasting miles of golden sands framed by dunes.
17:47Its iconic lighthouse, standing 18 metres above the sand, has been there since 1776.
17:54This area is a haven for walkers and cyclists year round, come rain or shine.
18:00And today, we're getting the full experience with the kind of weather that really keeps you on your toes.
18:08Well, the brollies are out, as they were going to be, I suppose.
18:13They are in Wales after all.
18:14We are.
18:15But that is what is on offer.
18:17I'm looking forward to seeing it.
18:18I'm looking at where Loki's going to be.
18:20So, I'm interested more for what space he's got and what he can do.
18:25Well, there is space for Loki, don't you worry.
18:27OK, good.
18:28Come on then.
18:29Let's have a look inside.
18:30OK.
18:31Like property one, this detached cottage is built from traditional stone and slate.
18:36But this one is grade two listed, and its origins date back even further.
18:41Look at that.
18:421674.
18:43Just as though were any down.
18:48It was converted into two cottages in the late 19th century, before being restored as
18:54a single dwelling in 1973.
18:56Come on in.
18:57Come on into all this history.
19:00So, the kitchen's in there.
19:01Yeah.
19:02Not the biggest, but I'll let you have a look at that in more detail later on.
19:09But let's sort of set the scene through here.
19:11Just watch your head.
19:12On there.
19:13OK.
19:14Squats.
19:15Oh.
19:16This is nice.
19:17Wow.
19:18You like?
19:19I do like, yeah.
19:20Yeah.
19:21Can I have five plates?
19:22That's amazing.
19:23Isn't it super?
19:24Yeah.
19:25You wouldn't expect it to look like this inside.
19:29From the outside.
19:31Yeah.
19:32It's stunning.
19:33I'm taken back by how pretty this room is.
19:36Yeah.
19:37It's not what I expected when I saw the building outside.
19:39No.
19:40See, I get a feeling that actually your interest needle has just gone up a bit.
19:43Yeah.
19:44Because I wasn't seeing the love outside, but now we've come in.
19:47Yeah.
19:48It's just so pretty.
19:52Heading upstairs, the bathroom in this property is located on the first floor.
19:56And again, there are three bedrooms to choose from.
19:58Potentially four if you count the mezzanine level accessed from the principal bedroom.
20:07This, which is a later addition.
20:09Yeah.
20:10You'd move this and you'd have a vaulted.
20:12Yeah.
20:13Main bedroom.
20:14Yeah.
20:15It's a decent sized room.
20:16It's lovely.
20:17I like the beams behind the bed.
20:19It's a big room.
20:21And I'm just, I'm still taken aback by all the wood.
20:23Yeah.
20:24And it's like, wow.
20:25It's just not what I expected at all.
20:27It's amazing.
20:28A little bit lost for words, really.
20:30Are you?
20:31Yeah.
20:32Yeah, I want to see more.
20:33You want to see more?
20:34Yeah.
20:35Darren and Becky are free to wander through the rest of the house at their own pace.
20:40And they're not the only ones excited by the historic character features.
20:44Do you know, one of the things I love about showing properties like this is having a chance
20:49on a quiet moment to explore them.
20:51And this Inglebook is absolutely gorgeous.
20:53The old bread oven is stuck up there.
20:56And on a day like this, with the fire on, oh, it's perfect.
21:04Look at that water.
21:06There's just so much history in this house.
21:11Oh, look.
21:15I don't even like that.
21:19Isn't this fascinating?
21:20Look, the old hinges on these posts.
21:22I mean, so much has happened in this building to make it what it is today.
21:27So many additions and subtractions.
21:28Look, lots of little marks here.
21:30All of them telling part of its story.
21:34Be nice to think that some of these might still work.
21:38Keys to the past.
21:41Oh, this is cool.
21:42Got range.
21:43Oh, good colours.
21:47Yeah, there's nothing I don't like about the kitchen, except it's small.
21:49But I'm quite happy with the size of it and the range is nice.
21:52But it's certainly big enough for my needs.
21:56I don't think I'd use this as like a study area.
21:59I think the upstairs middle bedroom is ideal for the study.
22:03And this is where I'd put my table close to the kitchen.
22:06So I think that would work.
22:10The outside space includes a vegetable patch
22:13and a detached garage for storing the rally car.
22:15There's also a range of outbuildings dotted around the edges of the secluded rear garden.
22:22Well, selling anything in the rain, some might say, is an uphill battle.
22:28But come up here and have a look.
22:29Because I think this actually is one of the more interesting aspects of the property
22:32because you get to see just how big it is.
22:35Yeah.
22:36Let's think about how much this is going to be on the market for, Darren.
22:38I think this is going to be quite high with it being grade two listed.
22:41So I'm going to go £390,000.
22:43£390,000.
22:45£390,000.
22:46OK, yeah.
22:47I would say it was probably in the region about £410,000.
22:53£410,000.
22:54If it were, you might have to sell the rally car.
22:58I might.
22:59So here's the thing.
23:00£400,000.
23:02Right.
23:03That's what you're into.
23:04Right in the middle.
23:05Yeah.
23:07Offers around that.
23:08Yeah.
23:09So that means you could keep the rally car.
23:11We could.
23:12Yeah.
23:13Have somewhere to put it.
23:14Yeah.
23:15And a house comes with it.
23:17This detached grade two listed stone cottage is full of quirky original features that hint
23:22at its history.
23:23Inside there are three bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom whilst outside the large garden accommodates
23:30lots of additional storage in the form of a garage and outbuildings.
23:34I'm really surprised and bowled over by this property.
23:37So much different to the first one.
23:39And it's given us quite a lot to think about.
23:41There were some quirks that we like and there are some quirks that we don't like so much.
23:45The outside space is smaller.
23:47So it's quite small for low key.
23:49And there are some low doors in here.
23:51So I need to look at that to whether we can do something about that.
23:54Or whether I'm just going to have to start to.
23:56Duck.
23:57To learn to duck.
23:59Yeah.
24:00And put padding on the door frames.
24:02Yeah.
24:03Yeah.
24:06Ah, goodness me.
24:07Well, not quite as bad as it was.
24:10But that's the end of our first day of house hunting.
24:13Yep.
24:14I get the feeling that actually you might be quite surprised with what you have seen today.
24:17I'm very surprised with what I've seen today.
24:20Today's been amazing.
24:21This is definitely a curveball.
24:23We're going to have to talk about this this evening.
24:25Yeah.
24:26Because it was just completely unexpected.
24:28Yeah.
24:29Definitely.
24:30It's, as I said, it's left me speechless because it's just so fascinating inside the history for it.
24:36Now, you know how to read Darren better than anybody.
24:38Yeah.
24:39Is that a happy face?
24:40Yeah.
24:41He's smiling.
24:42Good.
24:43But it's not over just yet.
24:46We've got one more to come tomorrow.
24:49Whatever the weather.
24:51Yeah.
24:52I've got the bollies.
24:53Come on.
24:54Let's go.
24:55The scenic landscape of North Wales is undeniably appealing, but what about its property market?
25:12On the more affordable side, Denbyshire has the best value, with detached homes averaging just over £249,000.
25:22Meanwhile, Conwy tops the list as the most expensive county in the region, where you'll pay nearly £308,000 for a similar property.
25:31But that figure is still considerably less than the current national average, which stands at over £438,000.
25:40So, with a mix of affordability and natural beauty, North Wales remains an enticing choice for home buyers.
25:48We've sourced the particulars of properties in the region to bring you a selection of what's on offer here.
25:53Down a quiet country lane in Denbyshire, this semi-detached cottage has three bedrooms and a well-maintained rear garden.
26:00What's more, it enjoys unspoiled views of the surrounding countryside and is available for £250,000.
26:10In the popular resort of Betusracoid, this established guesthouse provides five ensuite bedrooms,
26:16plus owner's accommodation that includes two bedrooms and a glazed sunroom.
26:21Beautifully presented with woodland views, this detached property is on the market for £675,000.
26:30But for some, North Wales will always just be the ultimate holiday retreat.
26:35If so, this glamping tent in Gwynedd is surrounded by the dramatic Mulwillian Mountains.
26:41It accommodates up to five guests, is dog-friendly and prices start at £130 per night in low season.
26:51Well, it's the start of our final day of house hunting here in North Wales,
26:56as we set about trying to find a new country home for a Labrador called Loki and his best friend Darren.
27:03Now, so far so good, but we have one more property to go and that, of course, is our mystery house.
27:09Fingers crossed our four-legged friend will approve and his two-legged dad will like it too.
27:15Our mystery house is taking us into the southern part of the county of Conwy, not far from the village of Kereke Dridion.
27:24One of the village's standout features is its historic parish church.
27:29Some of the present structure is medieval, but the site has been a place of worship since 440 AD.
27:39While Darren and Becky explore everything modern village life has to offer,
27:43I'm going on ahead to our last property offering, just a five-minute drive away.
27:47And, like all the houses we've seen so far, this one boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
27:54But since this is the mystery house, that's where the similarities end.
28:00Prepare for something a little unexpected.
28:05How about this? What do you think they'll make of it?
28:09Gorgeous, isn't it? Stone built, but you're probably thinking a bit small, Jules.
28:13Well, don't worry, because it also comes with this, yes!
28:16This lovely little courtyard is all that's on offer with our mystery house.
28:21And we do know Darren loves a bit of history and a bit of character when it comes to property.
28:25And no surprise, this one is packed with it.
28:34If he wants character, texture and light and a genuine sense of history,
28:38ringing the changes from the life he is leaving to the life he is trying to find,
28:42I think Darren will love this.
28:45Fingers crossed. I'm right.
28:48But there's only one way to find out.
28:52Darren and cousin Becky are back from exploring the nearby village
28:55and ready for the mystery to be revealed.
28:58Come on down. Watch these steps. They're a little bit slippery.
29:01But well worth the trouble, I think.
29:05Because this is what they lead you to.
29:09Wow. That's cool.
29:13Yeah. Wow, indeed.
29:15We have focused this search, obviously, on finding a home for you and for Loki.
29:19But the nice thing about this one, Becky, is that potentially you could have that all to yourself.
29:24Because that is a one bed annex.
29:25Oh.
29:26Get your own front door.
29:27Like that.
29:28But then you, sir, would get all of this. Another one bedder.
29:31It couldn't be more spot on in terms of what I had in my mind and what you've just picked here.
29:36Yeah. This is, it's more in line with what I was thinking.
29:40Yeah.
29:41Yeah.
29:42And the fact that you've got two buildings, I'm really excited.
29:44Yeah.
29:45Get my own.
29:46Let's start with the main event.
29:47Okay.
29:48See what you think.
29:49Excited.
29:50What did you get, Bryce?
29:51Ooh.
29:52Accessed via a private tree-lined driveway, this charming rural cottage with a detached annex sits in a quarter of an acre plot.
30:02Inside, it's been sympathetically restored. Nowhere more so than in the kitchen, which is packed with original features.
30:11Now, as kitchens go this week, I think this is probably the best of the lot.
30:16It is.
30:17It's huge.
30:19Look at the smiles.
30:21I love that.
30:22That colour is perfect.
30:24I mean, I'll be honest with you, if I'd seen that on a colour chart, I wouldn't have picked it.
30:27But it really works, doesn't it?
30:28It does, yeah.
30:29It does work.
30:30It's really nice.
30:31And the floor is fantastic.
30:32The dogs.
30:33It's Loki proof.
30:34There's not anything that I would change in this kitchen at all.
30:38It's just perfect.
30:39Absolutely.
30:40Wow.
30:41Okay.
30:42Our mystery house is beginning to really sort of flicker in your mind, isn't it?
30:45It is.
30:46Yeah.
30:47Beautiful.
30:48Right.
30:49Well, let's see where it takes us.
30:50Come through here.
30:51You're going to love this.
30:53Up a small flight of steps and enjoying a dual aspect is the living room.
30:58Wow.
30:59No.
31:00Come on, mate.
31:01That's amazing.
31:02You tell me.
31:03Wow.
31:04I could not have imagined this.
31:05No.
31:06All that space.
31:07It's so light.
31:08Yeah.
31:09And it's just so high.
31:10The space is just amazing.
31:11All the brickwork, the fire.
31:12Look at the fire.
31:13I know.
31:14Everything about it is just stunning.
31:15Such a light room.
31:16I love it.
31:17I can see you in here as well.
31:18Well, as I said to you on the outside, this whole element is technically only a one bed.
31:21Yeah.
31:22And it's up there.
31:23So why don't you go and explore that.
31:24Okay.
31:25And I'll meet you out by the annex so we can look at your bit.
31:26Go on, after you.
31:28You may need to duck though, Darren.
31:29Okay.
31:30But, you know, you'll figure it out.
31:31Probably don't need to do it once and then you'll remember.
31:33Another short flight of stairs leads to the bathroom and next door is the principal bedroom.
31:34Oh, look at this.
31:35Look at the fire.
31:36Look at that.
31:37Look at that.
31:38This is really nice.
31:39It's a nice light room again.
31:40The bed will go in there perfectly.
31:41Yeah.
31:42We've got a stove, the stove.
31:43And we've got the stove.
31:44And we've got to go in there.
31:45And we've got to go out by the annex so we can look at your bit.
31:46Go on, after you.
31:48You may need to duck though, Darren.
31:49Okay.
31:50But, you know, you'll figure it out.
31:51Probably don't need to do it once and then you'll remember.
31:52Another short flight of stairs leads to the bathroom and next door is the principal bedroom.
31:57Oh, look at this.
31:58Look at the fire.
32:01Look at that.
32:02This is really nice.
32:03It's a nice light room again.
32:05The bed will go in there perfectly.
32:06Yeah.
32:07We've got storage.
32:08The layout, the way it works is great.
32:10It works for me brilliantly.
32:12Oh, it's beautiful.
32:13That's one mystery house down and one more to go.
32:17Good.
32:18So is that upstairs bedroom going to work for Loki?
32:20Yeah.
32:21It's amazing.
32:22Yeah.
32:23Okay, no problem.
32:24It's just so lovely inside.
32:27So you're sorted with that?
32:29Yeah, yeah.
32:30Right, come with me, madam.
32:31Okay.
32:32So down here, they've currently got this as a bit of a sort of utility space.
32:35Some of the white goods are here and the shower room is down there as well.
32:39Yeah.
32:40But you could make this much more homely, I think.
32:41Make it more of a sort of a snug.
32:42Yeah.
32:43But the main event, I think that's what you said, is up here.
32:46Okay.
32:51There we go.
32:52What about this then for an occasional sleepover?
32:55Yep.
32:56Sold.
32:57Yeah.
32:58Oh, it's lovely.
32:59It's really, really nice.
33:00You don't have any problem staying here, would you?
33:01Not.
33:02Family discount?
33:03Yeah.
33:04Yeah.
33:05So light.
33:06It's gorgeous, isn't it?
33:07Yeah.
33:08I know you hadn't asked for a separate annex as such, but having found you a property with
33:14one, I could see actually it's a real bonus.
33:17Yeah.
33:18Cogs are going, thinking about, yeah, who's going to be in what place.
33:21I know Becky's already thinking I'm in here and she's in here.
33:24Yeah.
33:27Outside, both properties enjoy a shared patio, ideal for brighter days.
33:33And the generous garden includes a well, a pond and a handy shed.
33:41Would this work?
33:42Yeah.
33:43No, absolutely.
33:44In the summer, it's going to be absolutely amazing.
33:46Beautiful, yeah.
33:47Yeah.
33:48And today's not exactly, you know, the sunniest of days.
33:50Exactly.
33:51But stood in the courtyard, it's definitely silent.
33:53Yeah.
33:54And it still looks pretty.
33:55Yeah, yeah.
33:56Even though it's a bit overcast.
33:57Yeah.
33:58So, let's think about then, how much this is going to cost you.
34:02Oh.
34:03Right.
34:04Definitely top end of the budget, £425,000.
34:07£425,000?
34:08Yeah.
34:09Okay.
34:10Yeah, I think it's top end as well, £410,000.
34:14This is on the market for...
34:17£350,000.
34:19No.
34:20No.
34:21Honestly.
34:22Oh.
34:23No.
34:24Wow.
34:25This detached cottage, complete with a separate annex, comes in an impressive £50,000 under budget,
34:35offering a perfect setup for hosting family and friends.
34:39Across the two properties, there are two cosy bedrooms and the secure garden is generously sized.
34:45Then, to top it all off, are the breathtaking countryside views from every angle.
34:51It's really exciting, actually.
34:53I expected it to be at the top end of the budget because, essentially, it's two properties.
34:58However, when Jules told us the price, I was completely blown away.
35:02I think I've not stopped grinning since I've walked through the door.
35:05This property is a one bed house, not the two or three bed house that, yeah, I wrote down on my criteria.
35:11But the price is such a positive that the negatives start to disappear and you start to not see them anymore.
35:16So, yeah, the price of £350,000 is really making me think that I can make it work.
35:22With 250 miles of coastline, North Wales attracts thousands of visitors each year
35:41who come to explore the region's golden beaches and hidden coves.
35:47It's also a magnet for Atlantic grey seals who return to land each autumn to birth and feed their young.
35:55But with increasing pollution and a higher risk of threats,
35:59it's becoming vital to monitor these marine animals to ensure their protection.
36:04Marine biologist Jem Simmons is the founding director of the North Wales Seal Research Organisation,
36:11a non-profit committed to studying and conserving the local seal population.
36:16I've come to meet her on the headland to hear more of her love for these playful mammals
36:21and how we can all play a part in safeguarding them.
36:27Hello.
36:28Well, if I were a seal, this is exactly the kind of place I would want to call home.
36:33But tell us a bit more about the origins of the North Wales Seal Research Organisation.
36:38It's a bit of a mouthful, but for good reason, because it does a lot of good work.
36:42Yeah, absolutely.
36:43We were seeing, I guess, kind of multidimensional impacts from human beings directly on these animals
36:50and it felt at times that nothing was being done.
36:52So I just kind of set about on a little project myself, which originally I was going to use as a PhD, my own PhD.
36:58And it just grew into this huge project that people liked being involved in.
37:03And we've gone really broad and we do lots of different things, hence the complicated name.
37:07Now, next year the organisation is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary, which is amazing.
37:13I mean, over that time, you know, have you been able to really register and understand how they're doing?
37:19Absolutely.
37:20There was maybe two sites along the coast where the pups are born
37:23and we've now established at least 10, I would say.
37:28The organisation carries out surveys along the coastline to track the local seal population.
37:34Their research is also supported by public sightings data, collected by a team of around 300 volunteers or citizen scientists,
37:43proving that anyone can be a conservationist and do their bit.
37:48And today, it's my turn for a bit of citizen science.
37:53As a new volunteer, what kind of information should you be looking to record?
37:57If we can, we want the male-female ratio.
38:00And then looking deeper into that, we also want to check them individually to see if there are any injuries or anything that is a cause for concern.
38:09And then from there, move on to getting an ID, if we can, from their fur pattern.
38:13Also, because once they've had their pups and breds, they actually have what we call the offshore season.
38:19And we have no idea where they go and what they do.
38:22They just return in kind of August time really fat, having fed really well.
38:27But it must be a real sense of excitement when you get that first sighting report to know that they're all beginning to come back.
38:36It's very exciting, yeah. I get really quite emotional when they're ones that we've rescued and that they're doing really well out in the wild.
38:43When monitoring seals, it's essential to remain at a distance to ensure the safety of both the seals and yourself.
38:51Using a scope is one way to take a closer look without causing any disturbance.
38:56So here we go. I'm a rookie volunteer, day one.
39:00So females are lighter background, darker spots.
39:04Males are darker all over.
39:06Young ones are smaller and normally have white fur.
39:11And it's as individual as a fingerprint.
39:13So no two seals on the planet have got the same pattern in their fur, and we call that the pellage pattern.
39:17Then we can use that as ID to track where they go and what they get up to.
39:21And it looks like there's a new pup in the colony.
39:25Oh my God, that's amazing.
39:27So how old do you think that pup is?
39:29Less than 24 hours.
39:31Oh my goodness.
39:32I can see mum there taking a well-earned rest.
39:35That's incredible.
39:36Well, the joy of this is that anybody can join the organisation.
39:40Yep.
39:41And do their bit.
39:42Absolutely.
39:43And we encourage everyone to get involved, no matter your level of experience or however many hours you can contribute.
39:49It's all helpful to us.
39:50Well, Gem, it's an absolute joy.
39:55Well, the challenge this week was always going to be trying to find a property that Darren would respond to positively and genuinely.
40:08And in fairness, I think we've managed to do that.
40:10Three really good options.
40:12But is any one of them going to be a genuine contender?
40:16Well, let's go and find out.
40:18Well, as a little treat for battling all the weather this week, I thought we'd finish up the near by the fire.
40:28And a nice cup of tea.
40:29I think we've earned it in fairness.
40:31We have.
40:32I've been so pleased this week at just how well and positively you've responded to what we've shown you.
40:37And perhaps there's been a slight change in tack in the way that you look at prospective new homes.
40:43Oh, absolutely.
40:44Yeah.
40:45Before this week, I didn't have a property that I thought was a property for me.
40:49Sat here today, I've got more than one property that's a potential property for me.
40:53Ooh, more than one.
40:55Clearly the first one.
40:56First one was amazing.
40:57Yeah.
40:58So then we took you to our mystery house.
40:59Yeah.
41:00Which gave you two for the price of one, effectively.
41:02It did.
41:03Yeah.
41:04And is it a contender?
41:05It is a contender, yeah.
41:07It's not as strong a contender as the first house, but it's certainly a contender.
41:12Brilliant.
41:13And in terms of the journey that you know Darren has been on, did you ever come away thinking,
41:17Oh, for goodness sake.
41:18Yes.
41:19When is he going to get it?
41:21When is this going to work?
41:22On numerous occasions.
41:24And I definitely think that property number one is the strongest contender because it
41:29does have all that space that Darren's looking for.
41:31So what are you going to do about it?
41:32What happens next?
41:33So, as soon as I get back home, I'm going to be contacting the agent.
41:36I need to go back and view it again and make sure the dogs like it.
41:39So, lots of waggy tail.
41:41Yeah, yeah.
41:42Yeah.
41:43You'll know.
41:44Yeah, I'll know.
41:45Fabulous.
41:46Let us know how you get on and have us back to see how life is treating you in the future.
41:50Yeah, we will do.
41:51We'd love to have you back.
41:52If nothing else, I want to come and see Loki.
41:54Yeah.
41:55But guys, absolute pleasure.
41:56And best of luck.
41:57All right.
41:58Thank you very much.
42:04Well, the weather this week has perhaps not been as kind to us as we would have liked,
42:08but the rain here has certainly brought many of the rivers that crisscross this region
42:13of the river.
42:14And as for Darren, well, his is a story which is, I suspect, as old as the hills themselves,
42:20of that close bond between one man and his dog.
42:24A bond which has now got space and a place to grow and develop here in the mountains of
42:30North Wales.
42:31It is precisely the kind of happy ending I was hoping for.
42:36I'll see you next time.
42:38Darren returned to property number one, taking Loki with him to ensure doggy approval too.
42:45However, he's still chasing a buyer for his current home before he can seal the deal.
42:50We hope it all works out for him with this exciting next step.
42:54If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland
42:59and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:24We'll see you next time.