- 23 hours ago
Escape To The Country - Season 26 Episode 23 - Pembrokeshire
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00:01Finding a new home is a bit like shopping for clothes.
00:05You need to know what suits you.
00:07Oh, it's my kind of kitchen.
00:08Is it?
00:09It's my kind of kitchen.
00:10I'm really excited.
00:11Oh, she's getting excited.
00:12And how to get the best value for your budget.
00:15Dual aspect and have a look at the view.
00:17Dual aspect.
00:18Wow, you've spoiled me.
00:19I know.
00:20Sometimes there's a two-for-one deal on.
00:23I like it.
00:24Seaside it and cottage it.
00:25Yes.
00:26All at the same time.
00:27But what it really comes down to is the fit and the feel.
00:32Oh, wow.
00:34Wow, sir.
00:35This is lovely, isn't it?
00:37Magnificent.
00:38Yes.
00:39It is magnificent.
00:57Today, we're exploring a county celebrated for its golden sand beaches, dramatic cliffs,
01:11and pretty fishing villages.
01:14Wild, rugged and full of character.
01:18Pembrokeshire.
01:19It's a county where ancient history lingers in the magnificent landscapes.
01:24And from where the majestic ocean is often in sight.
01:28If Pembrokeshire looks and sounds like an amazing place to escape to, that's because it is.
01:34Tucked into the far south-west corner of Wales is the county of Pembrokeshire, home to Britain's only truly coastal national park and more blue flag beaches than any other county in the country.
01:51Well, maa Sir Pembro in Sir Prydifert iawn.
02:06a ma' adeiladau hanesyddol nifer yno gyda ni fel yr Eglwysgedeirol yn Tudewi a y Cystall Pemblwyr.
02:15Tenby is one of the area's most popular harbour towns,
02:18while nearby Saundersfurt offers similar charm on a smaller scale.
02:24One of the best things about being in Pembrokeshire is you can finish work for the day, 5 o'clock,
02:29you can drive to the beach, you can swim, you can go and get coffee on the cliffs,
02:33you know, you can't do that in many places in the UK.
02:37Inland and surrounded by woodland, Dygledhy Estuary is where four rivers meet,
02:41creating a landscape of mudflats, marshes and tidal creeks
02:45that provide a rich haven for wildlife.
02:48So if you like stunning coastlines and peaceful countryside,
02:52you might want to get yourself to this unique little corner of Wales.
03:01Now most of our escapees know the area that they want to escape to
03:05pretty well. Not today's. Not only has she never been to Pembrokeshire,
03:10she's only been to Wales once in her life when she was a child
03:14and has no recollection of the trip.
03:17But her intuition has told her that this is the place
03:22and that we are going to help her find a new home here.
03:29Hi, I'm Ruth. This is my home in Leeds West Yorkshire.
03:32My dream has always been to move to the coast.
03:35Last year I chose to take Ella Retirement and this year is the time for me and my pup
03:40to escape to the country.
03:43Ruth has enjoyed a long career working as an HR manager,
03:46living all over the world including Philadelphia and Toronto.
03:50But after decades spent climbing the corporate ladder,
03:53she's ready for a change of pace.
03:57Back in my thirties I had some family members who moved to Cornwall
04:01and I was like, oh this is a great lifestyle.
04:03But I knew I wasn't ready for that at that time.
04:05But now because I've chosen to take Ella Retirement,
04:08because I've left my corporate career,
04:10it just feels like now is the right time to be in a different place.
04:14Undeterred by having never visited the place,
04:18Ruth has settled on the Welsh County of Pembrokeshire.
04:21I've always been drawn to Wales.
04:23It's a land of myth and legend and folklore
04:27and that's something that really appeals to me
04:29and my spiritual nature and intuitive nature.
04:31I have a micro micro business,
04:34which is I mentor business women to embrace spirituality.
04:38They can bring their intuition, their own knowing,
04:42their connection to the other world,
04:44let it into everything that they do in their life.
04:46As well as her side hustle,
04:48Ruth is hoping the move will provide time to enjoy hobbies.
04:52I love landscape photography.
04:54I love being outside with charcoals and pastels and paints.
04:58So if I could also find some classes
05:00that could help me get better at those things,
05:02that would be fantastic.
05:03And it would be a lovely way to make friends
05:05and meet new people locally.
05:08One of the friends she'll be leaving behind in Leeds is Tracy.
05:11Who also happens to be Ruth's financial advisor.
05:15We've set a budget.
05:17I won't be letting Ruth go over it.
05:19Tracy will keep me on track.
05:20I will.
05:21What I want for Ruth is for her to have
05:23a good standard of living in retirement,
05:25as well as her dream home as well.
05:28Can I just say I am financially responsible for my money
05:31and I have made this decision for myself.
05:33Of her own free will,
05:37Ruth has settled on a budget of £250,000
05:41to find a two bedroom property
05:43with an open plan kitchen diner
05:45and an enclosed garden for Marvin the dog.
05:47It needs to be within easy reach of a community,
05:50not more than a 30 minute drive from the coast.
05:53Everything that Ruth knows about Wales,
06:02and Pembrokeshire in particular,
06:04has come from books.
06:05But she is absolutely certain that she wants to live here.
06:09She feels like she's got a spiritual connection to the place
06:12and she's lived all over the world.
06:14So let's see how we get on.
06:22I'm on my way to meet Ruth and Tracy
06:24before our search can get going.
06:26But with this being Ruth's first time here,
06:29it feels only right to pause for a moment
06:32and take it all in.
06:34Okay, here we are.
06:36Yeah, it's beautiful, isn't it?
06:38It's a bit of all right, isn't it?
06:39Yeah.
06:40It's beautiful.
06:41It's lovely.
06:42How are you feeling?
06:43I'm so excited.
06:44I'm trying to keep the excitement from not bubbling over
06:46and being unbearable,
06:47but I'm so looking forward to today.
06:49Bubble over.
06:50Be unbearable.
06:51We like the excitement.
06:52Please bring it.
06:53The more the better.
06:54Now, Pembrokeshire.
06:55Yes.
06:56I mean, it's a stunning place,
06:58but what draws you here?
07:00It's a feeling.
07:01It's a feeling.
07:02And all this ancient history that it has,
07:04you know, sacred myths of folklore and legend.
07:07I've got the goosebumps just thinking about it now.
07:09It's all of that that kind of drew me to this place
07:12to learn more about it and to live in it.
07:15What about you, Tracy?
07:16It must be so exciting to see your friend doing this.
07:18Oh, absolutely.
07:19I can't wait.
07:20I can't wait to see the houses and a reaction
07:23and hopefully find a dream home.
07:25What do you think Ruth is looking for?
07:27I think Ruth needs a community around her
07:30and services that are accessible for her as well.
07:34She's got Marvin the dog,
07:36so great places for her to get out and about
07:39and walk with Marvin.
07:40Amazing.
07:41And who's the sensible one?
07:44I think I can guess.
07:45Me, obviously.
07:46Yeah, obviously you.
07:47Yeah, yeah.
07:48It's Tracy.
07:49That's why Tracy's here.
07:50Tracy will be the one who will be probably more grounded
07:53because I'll be so excited.
07:54I'll be going in looking at the decor and thinking,
07:56oh, yeah, I could make a cup of tea in here.
07:58It would be lovely.
07:59She'll be looking at the ceiling and the pipes
08:01and all the things that I wouldn't pay attention to.
08:03Well, I'm glad you're here then, Tracy.
08:04Glad you're here.
08:05Shall we get it going?
08:06Yes, please.
08:07Come on.
08:09We're kicking things off less than a 20-minute drive from the coast
08:15in the market town of Narberth.
08:17Frequently appearing on the Sunday Times list of best places to live in the UK,
08:22Narberth is celebrated for its lively art scene and thriving high street,
08:26which, conveniently, is the starting point of our very first house tour.
08:34Welcome to Narberth.
08:36Isn't it lovely?
08:37It's fantastic.
08:38It really is.
08:39I would say, have you been here before?
08:40But we know that you haven't.
08:41Well, you might have been when you were three, but you can't remember.
08:43No memory.
08:44What are your vibes standing here?
08:45How's it feeling?
08:46It feels colourful.
08:47It feels vibrant.
08:48I wanted those independent shops, that feeling of getting away from the big stores.
08:53I really like it.
08:54Really like it.
08:55Oh, good.
08:56Good, good.
08:57I think it's absolutely wonderful.
08:58I think this is right down Ruth Street.
09:01I can just see you and Marvin coming out for your walks.
09:04Definitely.
09:05So we like Narberth so far?
09:07We do so far.
09:08Really good impression.
09:09Fantastic.
09:10Because our first property is literally just off the high street.
09:12I was hoping you'd say that.
09:13Yay!
09:14Are you going to have a look?
09:15Yes, please.
09:16Come on then.
09:17Just a short stroll brings us to this semi-detached home, tucked away in a small 1980s development.
09:26Currently run as a holiday let, it's a blank canvas inside.
09:30Neutrally decorated and ready for Ruth to put her stamp on it.
09:34Here we go.
09:37Okay.
09:38This is a nice size.
09:41It's good isn't it?
09:42Yes it is.
09:44I love the windows.
09:46And I like that you walk into a porch, you're not walking straight into a room.
09:50I really like that.
09:51Very handy with a dog as well.
09:52Yeah.
09:53Cleaner.
09:54So you've got time to dry them off.
09:55Yeah.
09:56Yeah, it's looking promising.
09:57What do you think Tracey?
09:58I think it's lovely and light, which is nice isn't it?
10:01And I think it's a great location.
10:03Yeah.
10:04Great location.
10:05Which funnily enough, it's what I wanted.
10:07Yeah!
10:08We do try and listen to you.
10:10You do it very well.
10:11You do it very well.
10:12We do just pluck them randomly out of the air.
10:15A strong start to the tour, but how will the all-important kitchen diner stack up?
10:21This space in here is just fab.
10:24Oh, it's my kind of kitchen.
10:26Is it?
10:27It's my kind of kitchen.
10:28I'm really excited.
10:29Oh, she's really excited.
10:30I like this.
10:31I really wanted a kitchen diner and this really hits the spot.
10:36Voila.
10:37It does.
10:38It's the old and the new together sort of, isn't it?
10:40Yeah.
10:41And my dining table would fit lovely in here.
10:44It really would.
10:45Oh, wow.
10:46That's good.
10:47It's peaceful.
10:48It's quiet.
10:49Neighbours are really quiet.
10:51Oh, so they are.
10:52Dead quiet, you might say.
10:53OK, so we might get a few visits from Spirits at night time.
10:56The cemetery next door is right down your street.
10:59Do you know what?
11:00As soon as I saw that, I went, Rhys is going to love this.
11:03Not quite the friends I had in mind, but there you go.
11:06Well, quiet neighbours and unexpected friendships.
11:10What more could you ask for?
11:12Upstairs, there's a bathroom with both bath and separate shower,
11:16plus three bedrooms.
11:18The largest of which has principle written all over it.
11:23Yes.
11:24Yes.
11:25Yes.
11:26Yes.
11:27Yes.
11:28Yes.
11:29Dual aspect and have a look at the view.
11:31Dual aspect.
11:32Wow, you've spoiled me.
11:33I know.
11:34That view.
11:35Waking up to that view would be wonderful.
11:37That's fantastic.
11:38It's a good master bedroom, isn't it?
11:40It's double size.
11:41Yeah.
11:42Loaded wardrobe space.
11:43Which I need.
11:46I really like it, Bryna.
11:47Oh, good.
11:48I'm so pleased.
11:49So I'm going to send you and Tracy off to have a look,
11:51and I'll meet you in the garden in a minute.
11:52OK.
11:53Thank you very much.
11:54In a minute.
11:55It's a big room, isn't it?
11:56I wasn't expecting this.
11:57Yeah, it's a good size.
11:58It is a big room.
11:59This could almost be a master as well, couldn't it?
12:00Absolutely.
12:01It's your bedroom when you come to stay.
12:02Oh, lovely.
12:03Oh, even this is quite a good size for a third room, isn't it?
12:05Oh, this would make a nice little office for you.
12:06Yeah.
12:07You'd be able to have your desk in here.
12:08Do my oracle readings.
12:09Do your oracle right next to the cemetery.
12:14Whatever floats your boat, ladies.
12:25Let's leave the spirits for a moment and turn our attention to the garden,
12:28which is fully enclosed, and south-facing,
12:32which is evenlybliced, and south-facing.
12:35enclosed and south-facing how's it going really good thank you yes it's very nice out here isn't
12:45it it's beautiful peaceful you can hear the birds and I think this outdoor space it's got a lot of
12:51weeds going on at the moment but whip those all out get any railing I think this could be really
12:57magical out here yeah it's just enough outdoor space because we want to spend more time outdoors
13:03now in nature low maintenance yeah I think so I think it doesn't need a lot doing to this Ruth
13:09just needs to put her touch in it well let's talk about price any ideas I'm going to say
13:15245 thousand pounds okay I'm gonna say 260 260 thousand pounds well you're both wrong and in
13:25the good way it's actually on the market for offers in the region of two hundred and twenty
13:33thousand times oh well that makes it a lot more attractive doesn't it me this has got real
13:40potential yeah I'm really excited this semi-detached home in the heart of Narberth offers three bedrooms
13:48and a spacious kitchen diner perfect for entertaining guests and when it's time to head out some of
13:55Pembrokeshire's most picturesque landscapes are practically on the doorstep with the coast just
14:00a short drive away I think this house meets a lot of Ruth's needs it doesn't need a lot of work doing to
14:09which pleases me greatly the aspects are lovely she's got Narberth town centre just on the doorstep
14:16so I do think this will be a good bye for Ruth this house in Narberth is definitely a contender
14:23once you come through the door it is like the TARDIS the rooms are a fantastic size and it's just
14:31amazing it's difficult to know how the rest are going to beat this my intuition is feeling really good
14:36about this place for Ruth moving to Pembrokeshire is about following her heart and trusting her
14:56instincts but she's not ignoring her head which is steering her towards somewhere practical well
15:02connected and convenient so we're taking some time out from the property search to let Ruth and Tracy
15:08explore the county town of Haverford West its central position at the heart of Pembrokeshire makes the
15:15town something of a hub for local residents helped by great transport connections but people don't
15:21choose to live here just because it's practical how to rest is a very friendly town the people it's their
15:28first stop when they come to visit you can walk up the street and meet half a dozen people
15:32you know which is always really nice it's a great community place to work with loads of dynamic and
15:37vibrant people I love the commute over from Cardigan every day over the Preselis there's just like
15:43nowhere else like that in the UK and it's just insane there's a few people here that are really
15:48pushing to get this place really going it's got a brilliant scene for the young lots of new places
15:54are turning up it is a lovely lovely part of the world to live in I don't want to overdo it I don't
15:59invite too many people down as well Ruth is looking to do some volunteering when she moves and the town
16:06is home to several charities and social enterprise groups all working to improve the lives of local
16:11people I feel like there's a lot of doors opening for people around here with musical genes and stuff
16:17I love the Harvard hub the hub is like the heart of the town center and it's where I found my feet
16:22Deborah with the emigrated here from the US and runs an art school in the town that offers inclusive
16:29teaching for people of all ages welcome to wonderful Haverford West thank you so much center of
16:36Pembrokeshire many many artists are here because of the light because of the landscape it's also a
16:41community that really nurtures the local people I feel that very much that's great to know because
16:48one of the things I'm looking for is to be part of a community a vibrant community and to get back
16:51into arts so Deborah what drew you to the area I'll give you the short version my father was born in
16:58Wales so I have dual citizenship so after university I came and I came to st. David's in Pembrokeshire and
17:05I saw the landscape and I saw the Cathedral and my eyes filled up and my heart blew out of my chest and
17:12I thought I've got to be here I'm very happy I love that you did that on feelings that's that's why I'm
17:18looking at this area it's completely a feeling that drew me here so it's lovely to hear that you did
17:23that and it's worked out so well for you obviously I speak English and I know there's many people
17:27around here do but is there any pressure to learn Welsh as you know someone move into this area there
17:33are lots of classes you can take no pressure at all from anyone you don't need to speak Welsh but you
17:39just want to know how to pronounce a place name remember that an F is a V so even if you don't know
17:47your Treveen from your Kyivai Haverford West certainly seems like a place that will welcome
17:52Ruth with open arms now let's return to our property search keeping in mind Ruth's wish to
18:05stay within half an hour of the coast we're back on the road this time heading for the village of hook
18:10named after the sharp bend in the nearby Clevay River hook is a mix of old and new from homes that
18:18hint at its coal mining past to more modern developments and it's one of those newer
18:23builds that we're about to explore next welcome here we are thank you our next yes a bit newer than the
18:36last one yes yeah how do we feel about newer houses I wasn't that keen but it looks nice and
18:43I'm kind of like in the the parking situation yeah yes yeah you do get a parking space yeah and yes I
18:50mean it's very quiet it is peaceful should we go and have a look yes please right then
18:55built just five years ago this modern terraced home boasts an A rated EPC so it's top of the class when
19:06it comes to energy efficiency that means a smaller carbon footprint and for budget savvy Tracy some
19:12welcome savings on those monthly bills thank you downstairs Lou okay it's very handy this lovely
19:24kitchen kitchen isn't it it's nice yeah yeah it's been really nicely done hasn't it really smart a nice
19:32flooring it's all ready to move into isn't it yeah you wouldn't have to do anything no nothing to do
19:37here other than add a bit of roof because yeah yeah it needs a bit of a bit of very lights or
19:43sparkles somewhere it's not exactly the kitchen I would choose but there's a lot of good things in
19:46it so I think I just need to see how it fits with the rest of the house you'd see the flow
19:51yes shall we follow on through yes yeah okay thank you come on here okay so you've not got the
20:06kitchen diner no more of a lounge diner yeah nice big space in here yes good size space I do like the
20:13layout I think it's really lovely but I think my heart's with the kitchen diner okay I've seen this
20:20space yeah but I have some very similar furniture to this so I do like the way they've they've done it
20:26all out it's pretty cool do you agree with that Tracy I do yes it's a lovely house it is but um
20:32knowing where Ruth lives and how she lives I don't think this would be not quite right not quite right
20:39for Ruth did I peek too soon with the first house you did this is lovely I think it's that the flow
20:46just wasn't there it's not quite working for you yeah okay well that's fine you go upstairs have an
20:50little explore come find me in the garden okay thank you enjoy thank you it's fair to say this
20:58one hasn't quite captured their hearts just yet the layout isn't what she pictured and the missing
21:03kitchen diner is a sticking point upstairs though there's a bit more to play with a sleek family
21:09bathroom plus three bedrooms two of which are doubles oh this is a nice room oh this is pretty
21:17isn't it yeah it's big as well when you think it's got the double beds look at the view as well
21:21that's a lovely view isn't it this will make the perfect home for someone I'm not sure by the noises
21:31that she's making it's going to be for Ruth but she hasn't heard the price yet and that might change
21:35her mind oh this is a nice double bedroom it is isn't it yeah that's two good-sized bedrooms yeah I
21:43didn't expect two doubles I did didn't expect three bedrooms either yeah it's nice do you see
21:49you still got space for more furniture there absolutely space for furniture here and it still
21:54feels like you've got room to move around there's certainly no shortage of space upstairs plenty of
22:00room for guests hobbies or just spreading out a bit and outside things are refreshingly low
22:07maintenance the secure fenced garden is mostly lawn meaning less time with a trowel and more time
22:13for beach walks or countryside adventures hello hi all right yes thank you yeah good what did you
22:21think of upstairs Tracy yeah there were good-sized bedrooms and a lovely view uninterrupted which was
22:28really really nice but yeah I think it lacked something that Ruth wants from her home yeah how are we
22:35feeling about the flow still still not feeling it okay so not feeling it I think this is a really lovely
22:41house it's just not the house for me well let's talk price because you never know what we think in
22:46trace you go first this time I think three bedrooms 220 220,000 yes 230,000 pounds okay well you're both
22:56wrong again actually on the market for offers over 200,000 pounds right do you know what someone's gonna
23:03get a lovely home for that price aren't they yeah but unfortunately not me no that's okay that's okay
23:08but that's a good price for that home yeah it is isn't it yeah yeah it is it may be 50,000 pounds under
23:15Ruth's top budget but this terraced eco home isn't quite the right fit for her still there's no denying its
23:21practical appeal three bedrooms two sleek bathrooms and a fuss-free garden all wrapped up in a modern energy efficient package
23:30I think it's a nice house but I don't think this home is quite what Ruth's looking for I think she's looking to put a touch on it and I don't think she'd be able to do it here
23:37it's got a few things I do very much like in here it's got some beautiful wooden doors and I really thought actually if those wooden doors were in house number one they would look fantastic and they've got some very natural wood furniture that really sets the whole house off and gives it gives it character so there's definitely some
23:46touches here that they have that I'm taking away with me as our first day of property hunting wraps up I thought it would be fitting to reflect on everything we've seen so far in one of Pembrokeshire's top seaside
24:04towns
24:11welcome to Tenby thank you it's really pretty it's beautiful it's nice at this time of day isn't it with the light coming through yeah what a day it's been I've really really enjoyed it it's been a fantastic experience today
24:19oh I'm so glad I'm so glad and Tracy has it been for you seeing Ruth experience being here I think it's been fantastic for Ruth it really has this is this is what she needed one thing she said was she wanted to come to the beach so we're here yeah I think it's been fantastic for
24:37do you feel like that long-held dream is becoming a reality now I don't think it's becoming I think it is I think it's I think it's here oh it's arrived yeah it's
24:56I think it's here.
24:57Oh, it's arrived.
24:58It's arrived.
24:59Yay.
24:59We've manifested it together.
25:01We think when we change our life, everything's going to happen at once.
25:04And the reality is it doesn't.
25:06It's kind of steps and steps and steps and you get further and further.
25:09There's just a few more steps to go now until it all becomes really real.
25:13And I've just loved being in this part of the country.
25:16It just feels right to be here.
25:19And we've still got the mystery house to go.
25:20Oh, I have no idea what you're going to throw at me tomorrow,
25:22but I'm really looking forward to seeing it.
25:25So I've watched this often enough to know that there's going to be a curveball,
25:29there's going to be something different.
25:31So bring it on.
25:32Watch this space.
25:33Yeah.
25:33Let's go and have a little potter, good night's sleep, and go again tomorrow.
25:37Perfect.
25:38Thank you very much.
25:55Pembrokeshire's rugged coastline and sweeping beaches are nothing short of dramatic.
26:02But moving here doesn't have to be.
26:05So if you're thinking of making the county your home, here's what you need to know.
26:09Property prices are slightly lower in Pembrokeshire than in Wales as a whole,
26:14with the average price of a detached property standing at just over £322,000.
26:21And when compared to the UK figure, which is just over £440,000,
26:26Pembrokeshire stands out as a great value destination for rural escapees.
26:31The county attracts more than 6 million visitors a year who can take their pick
26:38from a great range of holiday lets, including this unique twin pod lodge
26:43located on a small holding in the village of Pelcom.
26:46Its luxurious interior has room for two guests,
26:51and during the low season it can be rented for £160 per night.
26:55If you're ready to make a permanent move to the area,
27:00this character cottage in an attractive fishing village has two bedrooms,
27:05a conservatory and a large garden.
27:07It's offered chain-free for £260,000.
27:12If you're working with a slightly higher budget,
27:15this detached dormer bungalow comprises a spacious living area
27:19and a total of six bedrooms,
27:21occupying a large plot just a short drive
27:23from the historic town of Pembroke,
27:26it's available for offers over £435,000.
27:34Moving to the coast has been a dream of Ruth's
27:37that's been bubbling away for the last two decades.
27:41Now, putting an idea and a feeling into practice
27:45can sometimes not quite go as planned,
27:48but that certainly wasn't the case yesterday.
27:51Ruth was mesmerised by the first property
27:55and I've still got the mystery house up my sleeve.
27:59Ruth's infamous intuition was certainly right about Pembrokeshire,
28:03but it's just a case of which house
28:05will end up beguiling our buyer.
28:08The mystery property is a gorgeous house,
28:11but I know it will all come down to Ruth's gut instinct.
28:15For our final stop, we're travelling east to the village of Begeli.
28:21Just four miles inland from Tembi,
28:24Begeli offers Ruth the best of both worlds,
28:26close to the vibrant community she's been looking for
28:29and perfectly placed for easy trips to the coast.
28:34But Begeli holds its own too,
28:36with a local hotel and restaurant,
28:38a handy store
28:40and even a bakery for those all-important treats.
28:44While Ruth and Tracy take a little detour
28:46through the village centre,
28:48I'm going ahead to the mystery house
28:49to make sure everything's set up for their arrival.
28:52Here on Escape,
28:53we really like to challenge our buyers
28:55with the mystery house.
28:57I think Ruth's expecting maybe a country cottage,
29:00some low ceilings, some beams,
29:01maybe a thatch.
29:03Absolutely not.
29:04This one's fresh out of the box.
29:05Come inside and have a look.
29:08Not only has this house got an amazing open-plan feel
29:15and that flow that Ruth's after,
29:17it's also probably one of the most eco-friendly houses
29:20we've ever had on Escape.
29:23Tucked away on a peaceful five-acre site
29:26with no through traffic,
29:27the mystery house sits on a generous corner plot.
29:3119 of the 21 properties in this brand-new development
29:35have already been sold,
29:36so I don't mean to rush you ladies,
29:38but we might need to get a wriggle on
29:39if we don't want to miss out.
29:42Hi.
29:43Hi.
29:43Welcome to your mystery house.
29:47Wow.
29:47Is this what you were expecting?
29:49No.
29:49Yes, that means we did it right.
29:51Yes, we've got a mystery.
29:52Yeah.
29:52I like it.
29:53I like stonework.
29:54Yeah.
29:55I like the boards.
29:56I like the colour.
29:57Seaside it and cottages.
29:59Yes.
29:59All at the same time.
30:01What about you, Tracy?
30:02Because I know you were slightly not sure about new builds,
30:04were you?
30:05No, but I think if it's the layout that Ruth wants
30:08and she sees the floor in it, it's irrelevant.
30:11I've never lived in a house that no one else has lived in before,
30:13so there is something quite appealing about that, isn't there?
30:16Also, we're only an eight-minute drive from the coast to Saundersfoort.
30:21Wow.
30:22Let's go inside and see if it's got the flow you're looking for.
30:25Brilliant.
30:29The construction of this timber-framed property
30:32has only recently been completed,
30:34meaning it offers the very latest in energy-saving features.
30:38And inside, the quality of the finish is immediately clear.
30:44Oh, wow.
30:46Wow, is that?
30:48You can throw it in there.
30:49Can you feel it?
30:50Do you feel that flow?
30:51Feel it.
30:51Wow, this is lovely, isn't it?
30:52I love the colour of this kitchen.
30:55Yeah.
30:56I would choose this kitchen.
30:57I love the layout of it.
30:59The flow is back.
31:00The flow is back!
31:01Yes.
31:01Yeah!
31:03And it does feel a bit beachy, doesn't it, inside as well?
31:06Nautical.
31:08Well, in terms of energy, it's an A, EPC rating.
31:12Gosh.
31:13In fact, we've said if they could give A-pluses,
31:15it would be an A+.
31:16It's got solar panels, air source heat pump,
31:19energy bills.
31:21Work out around about £600 a year in this house,
31:23which is...
31:24Wow.
31:26...mega.
31:26Yeah.
31:26Yeah.
31:27It's got underfloor heating.
31:28Has it got underfloor heating?
31:30Tracer likes a bit of underfloor heating.
31:32Love underfloor heating.
31:33Can't live without it.
31:35It's a lovely floor.
31:35It's been done really nicely, hasn't it?
31:37They've done a really nice job.
31:39Magnificent.
31:40Ah, yes.
31:42It is magnificent.
31:44A magnificent mystery house, my day is made.
31:50I'm leaving Ruth and Tracey to explore upstairs,
31:53where they'll find two double bedrooms,
31:55and not one, but two en-suites.
31:58Ooh, this is nice, isn't it?
32:03It is, isn't it?
32:04I love the fitted wardrobes.
32:06Plenty of storage space.
32:07A lot of storage space, yeah.
32:09Oh, nice en-suit.
32:11En-suit bathroom.
32:12Yeah, I'm liking that.
32:13Lovely.
32:14Cooler scheme matches all the way through as well, doesn't it?
32:16Yeah.
32:17Yeah, this is lovely.
32:19Really nice, isn't it?
32:22Oh, I love this room.
32:24I'm not sure which one you'd use as the master.
32:26It could be either.
32:27Ah, how bright is this?
32:28Must be self-facing.
32:29Shall we check the en-suit out?
32:31Yeah, let's have a look.
32:33Oh, wow.
32:34Oh, wow, that's...
32:34It's more like the size of a family bathroom than en-suit, isn't it?
32:38It is, yeah.
32:39It's really pretty.
32:40It's bright all the way through.
32:42It is.
32:43It's made a really good job of bringing the light into it, haven't we?
32:47To add to the list of eco-credentials,
32:50the property benefits from an electric car charging point at the front
32:53and all the windows are triple glazed.
32:56The rear south-facing garden is yet to be planted
32:59and on a day like today, those solar panels must be in overdrive.
33:05Hi.
33:06Hello again.
33:08The sun is shining, isn't it gorgeous?
33:10It's beautiful.
33:11So lovely.
33:12What did you think of upstairs?
33:14I liked it.
33:15You know, the light just flows all the way through.
33:18The bedrooms are a good size.
33:20It's great that it's got fitted wardrobes.
33:21You don't have to think too much about furniture.
33:23There's a lot, a lot to love about this place.
33:26And what do you think about the outside space?
33:27I mean, we're going to have to use our imaginations a bit here.
33:29They would obviously put some grass down for you and it would look a bit smarter than it does at the minute.
33:34Yeah.
33:35No, you can definitely use your imagination.
33:37And also, this space here, you know, you could have a little conservatory on here even.
33:41I think it gives you the option to do a little bit more with it.
33:45Yeah, definitely.
33:46Well, let's talk about price.
33:47I'm going to go for £210,000.
33:50Okie dokie.
33:51I'm going higher.
33:53I think because of the EPC rating and the way it's done out, I'm going to say this must be at least budget £250,000.
34:01Ok, £250,000.
34:02Yeah.
34:03You're pretty much right.
34:04It offers over £250,000.
34:06Ah, ok.
34:07So.
34:08I can see why.
34:09I can absolutely see why.
34:11I think the sustainability as well is fantastic.
34:15This is the financial affairs.
34:16Yeah.
34:17Your bills are £600,000.
34:19Yeah, on that alone, for Tracey, it's a serious contender.
34:22Absolutely.
34:22Absolutely.
34:23She sold.
34:24Where to sign?
34:26So, congratulations.
34:28You have given me a dilemma.
34:29Yay!
34:30Yay!
34:34This brand new, timber-framed eco-home is full of modern design features that are good for the planet and your pocket.
34:43Each of the double bedrooms has its own en suite, and it's the closest property to the coast we've seen on our search.
34:50I think it's absolutely a wonderful house.
34:54I love the sustainability part of it.
34:56Obviously, it would be really economical for Ruth to be able to run this.
35:01It's got a great aspect.
35:02It's self-facing.
35:04Plenty of garden for her.
35:06It's been really thoughtfully done.
35:08It's been really thoughtfully done.
35:08They've got beautiful wooden floors.
35:10It does have that real beach, coastal, country, cottage feel to it.
35:15And it does have a good flow, so it's given me more to think about.
35:18Hi.
35:19Hi.
35:20Hi.
35:21OK.
35:22Hello.
35:23Yes, we are OK.
35:25Plenty to think about, don't we?
35:26There is plenty to think about.
35:27Can we have a chat?
35:28Oh, yes, please.
35:29OK.
35:33Escapes come in all different shapes and sizes.
35:36Some people move to the country to slow down, others to start a business, or maybe keep some animals.
35:41Or both, just like Sue and John have done.
35:44So, I'm Sue.
35:49I'm John.
35:50This is John.
35:51We've moved from Whitechapel to Pembrokeshire about 12 years ago to start a new life adventure.
35:59And we now run a glamping site over in Pembrokeshire.
36:03Near the village of Boncath is the couple's luxury eco-glamping site, set across 27 acres on what was once an 18th century farmstead.
36:12Our glamping site is all about being in nature.
36:15And this is one of our lovely naturedines.
36:17We've got some safari lodges up the other meadow.
36:19So, if you look all the way around, you've got some amazing views of the National Park and the woodlands.
36:26And that's what it's all about, is just being in that and getting away from it all.
36:32It's a busy time for Sue and John getting ready for the holiday season, but I'm very pleased to say they've made a bit of time for me.
36:39Hi, guys.
36:40How's it going?
36:41Hi.
36:42Hi.
36:43Welcome to Top of the Woods.
36:44Thank you so much.
36:45I can't wait to have a look around.
36:46Good.
36:47We're super excited to have you too.
36:48Thank you so much.
36:49Right, shall we?
36:50Yep.
36:51Let's go.
36:52Let's go.
36:53The Times newspaper recently named the site one of the coolest places to stay in Britain.
36:59And with safari lodges, nature domes and former barns converted into a cinema and play areas for children, it's not hard to see why.
37:09Oh, that's not a bad spot, is it?
37:11No.
37:12No.
37:13Not at all.
37:14What's going on now at your life before here?
37:17What did it involve?
37:18Early morning commutes, long car journeys, sales targets, stressful meetings, stressful presentations.
37:23Sitting in the office, all that kind of stuff, yeah.
37:25And now what does life look like?
37:27This is our office now.
37:28This is the best office ever.
37:30I know, it's a bit jammy really.
37:31It is.
37:32It is fantastic.
37:33So, when you moved here, what did it look like?
37:36You know, I'm assuming all of these weren't here.
37:38No.
37:39We've done everything here, you know.
37:41We've planted the trees, restored the buildings, because it's so beautiful.
37:45It's an old Georgian farm.
37:46Yeah.
37:47I mean, there hadn't been any farming for a few years before we sort of moved here.
37:51You know, the fields were kind of overgrowing to scrub.
37:53The outbuildings were unused or, you know, becoming a bit derelict.
37:56No roofs.
37:57The roofs were falling in.
37:58So, it was a blank canvas, but it was a hell of a lot of work.
38:01And how long has that taken?
38:0312 years.
38:0412 years and counting.
38:05It's a lifetime project.
38:06The couple's nature-led ethos has earned them multiple awards for innovation and sustainability.
38:13They've restored wildflower meadows and planted a tree for every guest who stayed.
38:19Over 4,000 so far.
38:22Adding to their eco-friendly charm are four much-loved Cooney Cooney pigs,
38:27who are simply adorable and also contribute to the farm's biodiversity.
38:32Hello, girls.
38:33Hi, team.
38:34Now, this one's Myrtle.
38:37This one's Dora.
38:39This is Martha.
38:40Oh.
38:41That's Harry there.
38:42Oh, Harry.
38:43Looks very happy.
38:45Now, what made you decide to go for pigs and Cooney Cooney pigs in particular?
38:50Cooney Coonies are a small, easy-handling breed that make good pets.
38:54And also, they graze more than they root.
38:56So, we can use them for conservation grazing.
38:59So, you don't think about pigs as grazing animals, but actually, the grass on the ground here is their food for most of the year.
39:04So, tell me how they help with the land.
39:07Because they're grass grazing, what they do is create little pockets, like you see these little pockets of habitat.
39:11So, with habitat, what you want is diversity.
39:13So, having different bits of diversity, where you've got long grass there, you've got tussock here, you've got bramble there.
39:19So, it's just creating different levels of habitat and provides richness of food for different sort of creatures that then feed through the chain, really.
39:27Because you hear the term biodiversity, so this is that in action.
39:30It is absolutely that in action.
39:32And you guys are helping without even realising.
39:34It's not all about being lazy, are you?
39:36I mean, Harry looks like he's a lot about being lazy.
39:38Oh, he's worked it hard today.
39:40He's an old boy now.
39:41He likes to snooze.
39:42He's semi-retired, I think, that one.
39:44He looks very happy.
39:45Well, I mean, well done, team.
39:47You're doing a fantastic job here.
39:49And thank you so much for showing me around.
39:50It's been lovely.
39:51I know, it's been super.
39:52It's been super duper.
39:54This eco-glamping retreat offers a peaceful escape and also gives something back, making it a great fit for the natural beauty and values of Pembrokeshire.
40:08Well, I think I know what Ruth's going to say about the houses, but let's go and find out, shall we?
40:17Hi.
40:18Hi, Bryony.
40:19How are we feeling?
40:20Really good.
40:21We're enjoying the sunshine in beautiful Pembrokeshire.
40:22This has been an exciting few days.
40:23It has been a very exciting few days.
40:24It's been an adventure.
40:25I'm feeling really good.
40:26Really good.
40:27Confused partly, but really good.
40:28I'm really sorry we tend to do that.
40:29Yeah.
40:30You've just done a great job.
40:31And I've loved seeing all of Pembrokeshire, the houses.
40:32Yeah.
40:33And I'm reassured that Ruth's making the right move.
40:36Makes me feel a lot better.
40:37Well, that's good.
40:38And I'm looking forward to coming down and spending some time here.
40:41What about the houses?
40:42Obviously, we all saw you fall in love with house number one.
40:45Was it that obvious?
40:46Yeah, a little bit.
40:47Yeah, a little bit.
40:48Yeah.
40:49Okay.
40:50Okay.
40:51Yeah.
40:52I mean, the mystery always likes to throw that spanner in there.
40:54Yeah, and it did.
40:55But I really knew my heart was still with house one.
40:58The thing that I liked about house number one for Ruth was that she was right in the town centre.
41:03She could literally walk out of the door.
41:05She didn't have to get in the car, which I think was really important to Ruth as well.
41:08Wonderful.
41:09So what are your next steps going to be?
41:10Well, the next steps.
41:11Other than going back to pick up Marvin.
41:12Well, before I go to pick up Marvin, I'm going for a second viewing at house number one.
41:13Woo!
41:14Yay!
41:15So I am doing that tomorrow, having another look around on my own.
41:16And then I'll let you know what happens after that.
41:17But yeah, it would very much like that.
41:18Yeah.
41:19Yeah.
41:20Yeah.
41:21Yeah.
41:22Yeah.
41:23Yeah.
41:24Yeah.
41:25Yeah.
41:26Yeah.
41:27Yeah.
41:28Yeah.
41:29Yeah.
41:30Yeah.
41:31Yeah.
41:32Yeah.
41:33Yeah.
41:34Yeah.
41:35Yeah.
41:36Yeah.
41:37Yeah.
41:38Yeah.
41:39Yeah.
41:40Yeah.
41:41Would very much like to be in house number one.
41:45Wow.
41:46Oh, I'm so pleased.
41:47And I'm so excited for the next part of your journey.
41:50You know, this has been a long time coming.
41:51Yeah.
41:52And I wish you all the best.
41:53Thanks.
41:54Please stay in touch and let us know what happens.
41:55I will do.
41:56Probably invested.
41:57Thank you so much.
42:00It's been lovely.
42:02Since Ruth stepped foot in Pembrokeshire, her instinct has told her that she is in the
42:11right place.
42:12She wanted help from us to make her long-held dream come true.
42:16And I am delighted that we could have made it happen.
42:20The first house stole Ruth's heart.
42:23So much so that she's already booked in a second viewing.
42:27And all going well, she could be calling this gorgeous county home very soon.
42:32It would appear the stars have aligned.
42:34I'll see you next time on Escape to the Country.
42:37Ruth went back to house number one, ready to make an offer, but another buyer beat her
42:42to it.
42:43The silver lining, she managed to rent the property for a week, giving her the chance
42:47to explore more of Narberth and view other options.
42:51Her heart's still set on moving to the town just as soon as she gets an offer on her own
42:55home in Leeds.
42:57If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland
43:02and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:25Give us a hug.
43:31Transcription by CastingWords
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