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Escape To The Country - Season 26 Episode 31 -Herefordshire
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00:01Today's escapees are looking for a house with land.
00:05Oh, wow. Oh, that is amazing.
00:07This is picture-esque, isn't it?
00:09Oh, it is.
00:10But what they find keeps surprising them, room by room.
00:14Look at this.
00:15You wasn't expecting this, was you?
00:18Not at all.
00:19And view by view.
00:21Imagine waking up in the morning to that.
00:22I hope I do.
00:26A long list of needs and one home that might just bring it all together.
00:31What do you think of this lot?
00:33Well, we couldn't ask for anything better.
00:34It's got everything that we wanted.
00:35Everything, yeah, it's just beautiful.
01:00Today, we're in a deeply tranquil county with lots of rural character.
01:06Where rolling hills and lush green fields give way to culturally rich market towns.
01:12Herefordshire satisfies every taste, whatever your tipple.
01:17There must be something in the water around here,
01:20because Herefordshire grows enough apples to produce more world-class cider than any other county.
01:26In fact, the cider's so good that in the 14th century,
01:29they would baptise babies in the stuff.
01:31So what it is in the water, I'm not quite sure.
01:34But Herefordshire and its orchards love it.
01:37Tucked against the Welsh border on the western edge of the Midlands,
01:41Herefordshire is one of England's hidden gems.
01:44To truly appreciate its scenery, head out along the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way.
01:49A stunning 60-mile trail that starts and ends in the city of Hereford.
01:55Along the route lies the pretty village of Dawston, home to the county's oldest pub.
02:01Alternatively, a climb to the top of Garway Hill is more than worth the effort.
02:06From the summit, you can see as far as the Morverns and the Black Mountains.
02:10It's just you, the open skies and the wild grazing ponies.
02:16Herefordshire may be under the radar, but for those who live here, it feels like the top of the world.
02:22The county is one of the least densely populated in the country and that really shows.
02:28The three market towns and Hereford City itself, obviously there are a number of people that live there.
02:34But in between is the most beautiful countryside.
02:37You can just go out for a drive around and see all kinds of interesting things and beautiful views.
02:42It's a most beautiful county. It's soft rolling hills. It's very different scenery from one part to another.
02:52It's just somewhere that I want to live for the rest of my life.
03:01Moving to the countryside comes in all shapes and sizes.
03:05For today's buyers, it is a simple step over the border, from Gloucestershire to Herefordshire.
03:11It may not be a long journey, but it's certainly a meaningful one.
03:19Hi, I'm Annette. This is Martin.
03:21Hi. We've lived in this property for 21 years and we've really, really enjoyed it.
03:26But we are ready now to make a move into the country, aren't we?
03:30Really looking forward to it and we can't wait. It'll be really exciting.
03:35Since Annette and Martin's three children left home, the couple has felt ready to sell their three-bedroom semi-detached
03:42property
03:42just outside the Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury.
03:46We've chosen Herefordshire because it's just a lovely part of the country.
03:50We don't know the county that well.
03:52I've only worked in Herefordshire a couple of times and that was years ago.
03:56And every time we mention to someone, that's where we're looking, they're like,
03:59oh, it's lovely there, oh, it's really nice, isn't it?
04:02That's right, and it's not far away.
04:04It's not that far, is it? No, not at all.
04:06So, yeah, so it's really good.
04:08They might not know much about Herefordshire yet, but one thing it promises, and one thing they're certainly going to
04:14need, is land.
04:16Lots of it.
04:17My vision is I want my house where I can wake up in the morning and just be with my
04:23animals.
04:24I'm longing for it. I'm not too sure how many we'll get.
04:27We're looking to get some alpacas, definitely.
04:30Definitely getting those.
04:31And they do suggest a minimum of three.
04:33I want at least probably three or four dogs, rescue dogs, I'd love to.
04:37I love them so much.
04:38And we've got a couple of cats that will be coming with us.
04:39Oh, yeah, definitely, yeah, the cats are going to come with us.
04:42And who knows what else.
04:44Work is still going to play a part in their new life, with Annette continuing her job as a support
04:50worker in Cheltenham two days a week,
04:52and Martin running his glazing business with the help of their two boys, Jack and Archie.
04:58Hi, Martin here. We're just off to work.
05:00We do the double-glaze windows, doors conservatories.
05:03I've been self-employed now for, must be, 25, 30 years.
05:07My boys got them on board with me now, which is great.
05:10So when I'm looking to retire, they'll be taken over from me.
05:15Annette and Martin have set a budget of £500,000, hoping it will buy them a detached home with two
05:22or three bedrooms.
05:23Beyond that, the focus shifts from the house to what surrounds it.
05:27At least an acre of land for animals, sweeping countryside views.
05:32And all within an hour's drive of Gloucester, so Martin can still get to work.
05:41To me, this feels a little bit like two different property searches for two different people.
05:47On one hand, you've got Annette who wants somewhere to have a few animals,
05:51and on the other side, you've got Martin, who needs to be able to get back to Gloucester for work.
05:56But one thing they both agree on is they want it to be somewhere family would visit.
06:02So with the house already on the market, we better get rigolant.
06:12I'm on my way to meet them in, yep, you guessed it, a cider apple orchard.
06:19Well, it doesn't get much prettier than this, does it?
06:22It certainly doesn't. Lovely.
06:24Such a nice day.
06:26Who's been the driving force?
06:28Who is it that's been saying, I want to move to the country?
06:31It's me. It's me.
06:32How long have you been doing it for?
06:34Oh, quite a while. It's definitely, definitely me.
06:36But you have come round to it now, haven't you?
06:37Oh, definitely. At first I was like, no, we've done so much to the house, it's all done.
06:40We can relax now. But the more I think about it.
06:44The more you're getting excited.
06:45Oh, yeah, definitely. The more I want to do it.
06:46Yeah. How exciting.
06:48So although it's just the two of you moving, you still want to have family at the back of your
06:52mind, don't you?
06:53Yeah, we do, don't we? We want our grandchildren and our family.
06:57We've got a really big family, so it'd be really nice that they're so excited about coming along, aren't they?
07:01Yeah.
07:02Spend the weekends with us.
07:03Spend the weekends with us.
07:04I'm sure, yeah, the kids will be like, right, Nanny, you can have the grandchildren,
07:07because I want to come and see the animals that hopefully I do get.
07:10Well, you seem pretty sure about the animals there. Martin, have you got a say in this?
07:15I have now, I think now. At first I didn't, but now I've come round to the idea.
07:21So what's more important to you then? Are we looking at the land first and the house second?
07:27Yes, I think the land is more important because the main thing is the animals.
07:32We're quite flexible on the size of the house.
07:34Yeah, we're really laid back on that, aren't we?
07:35Yeah, we're really laid back on the house, but the land is the main.
07:38Okay. Definitely.
07:40I need to let you know at this stage that land is expensive, and the closer we get to Gloucester,
07:47the higher that price goes.
07:48Okay.
07:49But don't let that scare you. We've got plenty to see and loads to explore.
07:53I'm so excited. Thank you.
07:55Let's have a look, shall we?
07:56Okay.
07:56Come on then.
08:01Our journey begins 12 miles east of Hereford, in the village of Ashpurton.
08:07This is a place where classic black and white cottages, typical of this area, share the
08:13village with practical 1970s homes.
08:16It's just a 10 minute drive to the market town of Leadbury, where the couple can find
08:21all the essentials, and for Martin, it's a manageable 40 minute commute to Gloucester.
08:27And in the shadow of St Bartholomew's church, glorious, eh?
08:32It's beautiful.
08:34Lies the property we've come to check out.
08:39Oh, wow.
08:40Oh, that is amazing.
08:43That's lovely.
08:43Yeah, but this is picturesque, isn't it?
08:45Oh, it is.
08:46This paddock comes with the property.
08:48How much land do you think we've got here?
08:50I would say at least an acre.
08:52This is just over half an acre.
08:53Oh, wow.
08:54Is it really?
08:55Yeah.
08:56With the house and the land the other side of the paddock fence, in total it comes in
09:00at about an acre.
09:01So this is just over half of the entire land.
09:05Amazing.
09:06Weigh enough, isn't it?
09:07Yeah, it is.
09:07Oh, I'm so excited.
09:08I just love it already.
09:10It's looking right.
09:11I love it.
09:11It looks really so pretty.
09:14Great news.
09:15But shall we see what the land comes with before making up our minds?
09:20Overlooking its very own paddock, this detached timber frame cottage has been lovingly maintained
09:25by the current owners, who have called it home for over 55 years.
09:31Oh, beautiful.
09:32Oh, wow.
09:33Oh, this is beautiful.
09:34Look at all these.
09:36All hidden away.
09:37Oh, it is.
09:37It's lovely.
09:38It's been kept lovely, hasn't it?
09:39All these flowers.
09:41So come through.
09:43Oh, it's quite a nice size kitchen.
09:44Into the kitchen space.
09:46Yes.
09:47Oh, wow, yeah.
09:47I wasn't expecting it to be this size.
09:49Yeah.
09:50And it's a nice, like, country, isn't it?
09:52Yeah.
09:52Kitchen.
09:53Really nice.
09:54I do like it.
09:54Yeah.
09:54It is lovely.
09:55Really nice.
09:56I like the windows both sides.
09:57Yeah.
09:58Especially like we did with the animals and you could see them there, couldn't you?
10:01Yeah.
10:01And the kitchen actually spills through.
10:03Oh.
10:03Oh, I didn't see that.
10:05Oh, yeah.
10:06That is lovely.
10:07Well, this is Martin's part, isn't it?
10:09This is where Martin does the cooking.
10:11Oh, okay.
10:12Right.
10:13So we're going to divide it to cooking and washing up.
10:15Yeah, there you go.
10:15That's it.
10:16Yes.
10:16Size wise, how does it feel?
10:18Fine.
10:19Fine.
10:19Isn't it?
10:19Yeah.
10:20Absolutely fine.
10:20I don't think we wanted anything really too big.
10:22Workable?
10:23Definitely workable.
10:24Yes.
10:24Definitely.
10:25Definitely.
10:25Definitely.
10:26Let me take you through the rest of the house.
10:30Just off the kitchen is a handy cloakroom.
10:32The final room in the newer extension added around 20 years ago.
10:38Step into the living room though and you'll be transported back in time.
10:42This is where the rich history of the house really comes to life.
10:47Oh, this is cute, isn't it?
10:49This is very nice.
10:50Oh, this is so cosy.
10:52Really, really nice.
10:53Yeah?
10:54I like this.
10:55I can see myself sitting here.
10:57Yeah?
10:57Right, I can just picture this in the middle of winter.
11:01That's right.
11:01Being a real snug room.
11:04Really, really nice.
11:06Martin cooking.
11:06Oh, of course.
11:08Wouldn't that be any other way, wouldn't we, Martin?
11:10No, we don't.
11:10Wouldn't that be any other way.
11:12Beyond the living room, there's a cosy snug that could easily double as an extra bedroom
11:17when family come to stay.
11:19Handy, as there are just two bedrooms upstairs.
11:23Oh, this is a sweet room.
11:25Nice and light, isn't it?
11:26It's really nice and light.
11:29Oh, that's the church, isn't it?
11:31Oh, that is lovely.
11:32No, that's really nice.
11:35The second bedroom has its own cloakroom, and there's an unconventional shortcut to
11:39access the en-suite in the principal bedroom.
11:42Because who needs doors these days?
11:45Oh, that goes through there.
11:49Oh, that is so beautiful.
11:51And this is a nice-sized room, isn't it, for me and you?
11:54This is fine.
11:55Definitely, yeah.
11:55This is plenty.
11:56Can we go through?
11:57Oh, look at this.
11:59Oh, wow.
12:00Oh, look at this.
12:02Oh, this is amazing.
12:04Oh, look at this.
12:05Oh, my God, I can have a night.
12:06Look, see the animals when I'm out.
12:08Oh, it's so beautiful in the shower there.
12:11That's all we need, isn't it?
12:12Yeah.
12:13Oh, this is lovely.
12:14Oh, it's so gorgeous.
12:16So, looking out here.
12:18Every room's got a view with the puddle.
12:21Things seem to be going well so far, but what Annette and Martin don't know is that this
12:26property comes with some hidden extras.
12:30Outside, the detached double garage has been converted.
12:33One into carport and the other, well, see for yourself.
12:39Oh, Martin.
12:40Look at this.
12:41You wasn't expecting this, was you?
12:43Not at all.
12:44It is just, it's just so big.
12:46Yeah.
12:46And the snooker table.
12:47Oh, you'd just love that, wouldn't you?
12:49Absolutely.
12:49Imagine the boys.
12:50They would just love it.
12:51This is just amazing.
12:52And right at the end of the house as well.
12:54Yeah.
12:54It's out of the way.
12:55Oh, I just love it.
12:56Yeah.
12:56If that wasn't enough, there's also a pretty, quirky summer house and a neatly kept lawn
13:02that features a shed and a greenhouse.
13:04So, in addition to caring for animals, this home offers even more ways to make the most of the great
13:12outdoors.
13:13All right, you two?
13:15Yes, thank you.
13:16How was your wonder?
13:17Oh, it was lovely.
13:18Really nice.
13:19We love the bedroom, the quirky bathroom.
13:21I can't fault it.
13:22I really can't.
13:22It's beautiful.
13:23And what about this pristine garden?
13:27Perfect.
13:28Oh, it's just gorgeous.
13:30I wouldn't change it.
13:31No.
13:31It's lovely.
13:32Music to my ears.
13:34But, of course, it comes at a price.
13:36What do you think this beautiful property with an acre of land 40 minutes from Gloucester is worth?
13:41What do you think it's on the market for?
13:43I'm going to go in at £460,000.
13:47£460,000.
13:49I don't know, but I'm just, yeah.
13:51Okay.
13:51I think £480,000, only because there's lots of added extras.
13:56It is.
13:56It's beautiful.
13:57It's on the market for offers over £500,000.
14:00Oh, yeah.
14:01You can see why, can't you?
14:02It's just, yeah, it's beautiful.
14:03Yeah.
14:04Everything about it is just, it's just gorgeous.
14:07Set in immaculate gardens and overlooking more than half an acre of paddock,
14:12this fantastically maintained three-bedroom cottage is comfortably within the one-hour drive of Gloucester my buyers requested.
14:20It's at the top end of their budget, but having been on the market for a year, there might be
14:25room for negotiation.
14:27It's just beautiful.
14:29I just love it.
14:29I could see myself being here, relaxing with my animals, my grandkids being here, my family.
14:36I think it's a place where you could just move into.
14:37And also they've kept it absolutely beautiful.
14:40It's just so, so pretty.
14:42I love it.
14:43Annette, and myself, has fallen in love with this.
14:46And I know it's the first house, but I would really love to put an offering on this one straight
14:50away.
14:51Honestly, it's beautiful.
14:52It's all and more that we wanted really is.
15:07Although Annette and Martin have lived just next door in Gloucestershire for most of their lives,
15:12they've barely scratched the surface of neighbouring Herefordshire.
15:16So while we're here to explore the local property market, I also want them to discover the character of the
15:22county.
15:22It's towns, landmarks, and the people who call it home.
15:27That's why we're sending them to the historic market town of Ross-on-Wy.
15:32Oh look, another antique shop.
15:33I know, that's so pretty.
15:35I love looking through antique shops.
15:37The town is proud of its genuinely independent High Street, which maintains its popularity throughout the year.
15:44But it's the summer months that the town truly shines, when both locals and visitors make a beeline for the
15:51riverside to soak up the sun and scenery.
15:54Ross-on-Wy is brilliant actually. We've got such easy access to great outdoor activities.
16:00We've got the river behind me, with paddle boarding and canoeing.
16:03And then we've got amazing walks and woodland. Yeah, I feel really lucky to live here.
16:08The community events in Ross are varied and many.
16:12Just this last weekend we had the beer fest down at the rowing club.
16:15We have Hereford Arts Week, which runs in September, which brings all of the creative folk together.
16:21Honestly, there is something going on pretty much every month that people can get involved with.
16:26Annette and Martin dream of not only escaping to the country, but also building a home that's big enough to
16:32share with a host of animals.
16:34So they're in the village of Walford, just outside the town, to meet a couple who have taken that dream
16:40one step further.
16:41Can we show you around?
16:42Yes, I'd love to.
16:43We'll grab some food, some bits and bobs.
16:46Come on through.
16:48Four years ago, Pete and Kelly moved here and established the Penny Bryn Animal Sanctuary.
16:55Since then, they've rescued everything from ponies to doves, and just about everything in between.
17:01They're giving our couple a tour, plus some tips on what it takes to care for so many animals.
17:07We're looking to get about an acre. What kind of animals we could get to fit in?
17:12So we've got about four acres here.
17:15Okay.
17:16And I think you're looking for sort of smaller rather than big, or smaller quantities as well.
17:23Yeah, definitely.
17:24So with our ponies, they've kind of got a half an acre at a time, but they get rotated round.
17:29So if you're going to have an acre, then probably separating that into two half acres is better than just
17:36a whole acre.
17:38You know, allow the space to rejuvenate really.
17:41Yeah, definitely.
17:42Also cost, because obviously as soon as the grass goes, you're then providing hay constantly.
17:46You've got to provide a different feed.
17:48Most important lesson we've learned is to know your limitations.
17:52And that's sort of financial limitations, that's time limitations, space limitations.
17:58Because if you don't appreciate that, then you're letting down the ones you've already got.
18:05We've certainly learned that, haven't we?
18:08With over 160 animals to care for, there's never a quiet day at the sanctuary.
18:13So Annette and Martin are rolling up their sleeves to lend Pete a hand.
18:18That's what we're going to do. Scrape out all that.
18:20OK.
18:22And I'll do the hard work of bringing the wheel back to you.
18:26You're being inspected to make sure you do a good job.
18:28You will get marked out of ten.
18:33Proof that moving to the country takes hard work, and a bit of muck from time to time.
18:38But it's all worth it in the end.
18:40Now let's get back to finding a home for Annette, Martin and their future flock.
18:48Our next stop sees us straying back into familiar territory,
18:52as we head to the outskirts of the Gloucestershire village of Clearwell.
18:57Sitting on the eastern side of the River Wye,
18:59and within the Wye Valley National Landscape, the village is known for its ancient caves.
19:05Mined for iron and ochre for almost 5,000 years, and still in limited use today.
19:11It's also home to Clearwell Castle, England's first Georgian Gothic revival castle, built in 1727.
19:19We're about 45 minutes from Gloucester with this one, so let's discover whether it will charm our buyers or send
19:26them packing.
19:27And here we are then, you two.
19:30Very nice.
19:30It's a little different, isn't it?
19:31It is.
19:32Really different.
19:33I like that, though.
19:34I like the look of it.
19:35Yeah.
19:35I do.
19:36Really like the look of it.
19:37Well, what I want you to do as we go around, Martin, is have that builder's hat on.
19:41Yeah, sure.
19:42Just a little bit, OK?
19:43Because it's a perfectly nice property.
19:45Yeah.
19:46But, it's fair to say, you might want to make it yours a little bit.
19:48That's right, yeah.
19:49Shall we have a look inside?
19:50Yeah, let's.
19:55This detached former coach house is built from stone with a traditional slate roof.
20:00The current owner lives in the house next door, so the property is vacant.
20:04But I'm hoping Annette and Martin will see past the empty rooms and spot the potential.
20:12Ah, right.
20:14Well, this is a nice-sized kitchen.
20:15Yeah.
20:16Again, we don't want nothing that big, do we?
20:18Yeah.
20:18And look, look at that looking out there.
20:20That is really nice.
20:21Yeah, I like that.
20:22So, you can see here that the kitchen spills through into that direction as well.
20:27OK.
20:27Plenty of room for all of your, like, white goods.
20:31Making this space a little bit cleaner and fresher.
20:33Yeah, definitely, I like that, yes.
20:34Much easier on the eye.
20:35Yeah.
20:36So, Martin, this is a completely blank canvas.
20:39Yeah.
20:40What do you think in terms of how you'd make it yours?
20:43I'm knowing Annette, she'd probably change the doors.
20:45Yeah, probably.
20:46And the work tops, wouldn't you?
20:47Yeah, probably.
20:48Yeah.
20:48And the flooring.
20:51But the actual layout is fine.
20:53And the size of it is fine.
20:54Yeah, the size is fine.
20:55The size is fine.
20:55Do I want it any bigger?
20:56No.
20:57No, definitely not.
20:58Let me show you into another room that I think you're going to quite like.
21:01OK.
21:05Oh, this is quite a nice sized room.
21:07I wasn't expecting this actually.
21:09Oh, that's nice as well, isn't it?
21:11So, this is your wintery room.
21:13Yep.
21:13Come out here.
21:15Oh, look at this.
21:17This is so warm in here as well, isn't it?
21:19Yeah.
21:20So warm in here.
21:21And the view.
21:22All the way around.
21:23Oh, it's lovely.
21:24Yeah.
21:25I love that.
21:26Anywhere from this room is a view, isn't it?
21:28Yeah.
21:28Yeah, definitely.
21:29Doors open.
21:30Yep.
21:31Barbecues.
21:32Children running around.
21:33Yeah, definitely.
21:34So why don't you go and have a look around upstairs and I'll see you out in the garden
21:38shortly.
21:39OK.
21:43Well, they've already mentioned the views and they only get better the further up you
21:47go.
21:48And it's so full of character up there too.
21:53Much like the first house we saw, there's a third bedroom option on the ground floor.
21:58Then there are two further bedrooms upstairs.
22:01But here, each of these has its own ensuite in addition to the family bathroom.
22:08Oh, look at this.
22:10Oh, wow.
22:11Look at this, Martin.
22:12So that's the original.
22:14Yeah, the whole, all of this is the original.
22:16It's a big enough room, isn't it?
22:17Oh, yeah.
22:18And the views again.
22:19They're beautiful.
22:20I love the views.
22:22What's in there?
22:23The ensuite.
22:23Oh, wow.
22:25Oh, that's a little bonus.
22:27Oh, wow.
22:28And another nice sized room.
22:29Oh, this is just like an empty canvas, isn't it?
22:32Yeah.
22:32That we could do anything to, couldn't we?
22:35I do like it.
22:36But first house, I had the feeling in the garden.
22:40Yeah.
22:40As soon as we walked into the house.
22:41Yes.
22:42Yeah.
22:42In every room, to be honest.
22:44Yeah.
22:44But here, I'm just, I'm just not getting that feeling if I'm honest.
22:48Same as you.
22:49Beautiful surroundings help, but the right house has to feel like home.
22:53Even so, the space outside delivers on a practical level.
22:57There's a paved patio for relaxing or entertaining, with steps leading to a half acre paddock.
23:03Ideal for alpacas, or a catch up with Annette and Martin.
23:08All right.
23:08Yeah, thank you.
23:10How was your wander around?
23:11What did you think?
23:12I don't think we're feeling this one.
23:14It's lovely, but it's just not me.
23:16No.
23:16There's something that I'm just not feeling, is it?
23:18Not like the first one.
23:19Not like the first property.
23:20I understand.
23:21Yeah.
23:22So what do you think this is on the market for?
23:24I'll let you go first.
23:25I'm going to go 485.
23:29485,000.
23:30Yeah.
23:30Okay.
23:30Right.
23:31I'm going to go our top range, 500,000.
23:34Really?
23:34Yeah.
23:35Okay.
23:35That's what I think, because we're in Gloucestershire.
23:37That's what I think.
23:38You're closest with your guess of 500,000 pounds.
23:40It's on the market for 495,000.
23:43Oh, right.
23:43Okay.
23:44Okay.
23:44So, yeah, you're both in the right sort of area.
23:46How about we go and have a chat, discuss how Gloucestershire and Herefordshire have treated
23:50us so far?
23:51Yep.
23:52I know just the place.
23:53Okay.
23:58Despite being five grand shy of their top budget, the views of this former coach house in the
24:04Y Valley aren't enough to convince Annette Martin.
24:07But it does have some standout features, including a half acre paddock, a stunning orangery, and
24:15a bathroom for each of the three bedrooms.
24:18This paddock here is amazing.
24:20The views are amazing all the way around, but when you buy something, it's got to have
24:27everything.
24:28Yeah, it's all got to come together.
24:29It's all got to come together.
24:30Yeah, come together.
24:31We're just not feeling it, are we?
24:33No, we're just not feeling it with this one, no.
24:35And I wouldn't have the passion to do the work on this, because it's not what we wanted,
24:39would it?
24:39No.
24:46It's been a day of mixed emotions.
24:48Some excitement, some uncertainty, and a lot of land to process.
24:53So, before we wrap up, I want to take a few moments to check in with the couple and hear
24:59how they're feeling after their first day on the hunt for a home in Herefordshire.
25:03Well, take a seat.
25:05Take the weight off, you two.
25:07What a day we've had, eh?
25:09We've had a great day, haven't we?
25:10Brilliant.
25:11It would be remiss of me not to go back to that first property and your reactions there.
25:17That was a reaction, wasn't it?
25:19Perfect.
25:19Yeah.
25:19It was one of those houses.
25:20The more I think about it, the more, yeah, I can't fault it.
25:24No, he loved it.
25:25It was just, everything about it was just beautiful.
25:27The gardens, the view, the land, wasn't it?
25:31I mean, tell me if I'm wrong, but Annette, I really thought you was the driving force
25:36behind all of this, but as time's gone on, Martin, I've seen more and more enthusiasm
25:40from you as we've seen more and more of Herefordshire.
25:43Oh, I've fallen in love with it.
25:45It's brilliant.
25:46I love the place.
25:47It's what I imagined.
25:49It's really got me.
25:49And I can't think of a sentence that has come out of your mouth without the word alpaca
25:55in it.
25:55Or something to do with alpacas.
25:57I've got to.
25:57Yeah, I've got to.
25:58I've got to have my three alpacas.
26:00I've chose my colours.
26:01Have you really?
26:02Yes.
26:02Oh, my goodness.
26:04Now we've just got to choose a field to put in.
26:06Yeah, that's it.
26:08Well, do you know, I could sit out here looking at this view all evening, but I think the
26:13mosquitoes are going to start getting the better of me soon.
26:16How about we call it a night and we pick up again where we left off tomorrow morning.
26:20Oh, that would be great.
26:22Yeah, thank you very much.
26:34When grown up children fly the nest, it often sparks a desire for change.
26:39And for many parents, that means a move to the countryside.
26:43If you're thinking about following in Annette and Martin's footsteps, here's what you need
26:48to know about the Herefordshire property market.
26:50The average price of a detached home in the UK is just over £438,000.
26:57And here in Herefordshire, you'll pay about £443,000 for a similar property.
27:04Compare that to Gloucestershire, where Annette and Martin are moving from, and there's a noticeable
27:09difference.
27:10Prices there are almost 17% higher than the national figure at around £518,000.
27:17So the move to Herefordshire could offer better value, particularly for those looking for
27:23more land and room to grow.
27:28The rural heritage of this county means there's an incredible array of properties to choose
27:34from.
27:34For renters, this semi-detached barn conversion has a large living room and three bedrooms,
27:40including an ensuite principal.
27:42It's in a peaceful, rural location.
27:46Not far from the Welsh border, and is available for £1,100 per calendar month.
27:53For buyers, this multi-storey home forms part of a converted mill on the edge of a village.
27:58It's a totally unique offering, with three bedrooms, a recently refitted kitchen, and a private courtyard.
28:06And it could be yours for £260,000.
28:11Or consider this super-cute grade 2 listed cottage, which is full of character features.
28:18There are three bedrooms, two reception rooms, and gardens to both the front and rear.
28:24Located in a small village, it's priced at £295,000.
28:32It's Mystery House Day, and I'm looking forward to challenging Annette and Martin when it comes
28:37to that all-important extra land.
28:40For our last stop, we're venturing to North Herefordshire, and the hamlet of Coombs Moor.
28:46One of the nearest villages is Pembridge, set on the banks of the River Arrow.
28:51And it's where I'm taking Annette and Martin for a sneaky peek at what could be on their doorstep,
28:57if they were to go for the Mystery House.
29:00It's a lovely, peaceful spot, isn't it?
29:02Oh, it's beautiful. It's really nice, yeah.
29:03Just listen, isn't it? So, yeah, so peaceful.
29:06Have you travelled this far across Herefordshire before?
29:09I haven't.
29:10No, normally. No?
29:11It does look beautiful, though.
29:13It does look very nice, yeah.
29:14Well, your priorities seem to have been the land, followed by the distance from work,
29:20the travelling, and, of course, the property itself.
29:24Yeah, sure.
29:24It's the Mystery House.
29:25I'm going to push you on those priorities and see which one really is most important to you.
29:30So, while I go and get that sorted, why don't you go and look around Pembridge?
29:34I'll see you shortly.
29:36OK.
29:40Nestled in the North Herefordshire countryside, the village of Pembridge is often seen as the jewel in the crown
29:46of the county's famous black and white villages.
29:49There's a charming mix of local amenities, too, including a pub, a cafe, and a village shop that doubles as
29:57a tea room.
29:58And best of all, it's just an eight-minute drive from today's Mystery House.
30:04Martin and Annette have asked for around an acre of land for their animals, but this is the Mystery House,
30:10and through this gate at the bottom of the garden are 33 acres that this property has grazing rights to.
30:17Those animals won't believe their luck!
30:20But this Mystery House isn't just about the outside space.
30:24Inside, it's a beautiful, well-maintained family home that anyone would be happy to call their own.
30:34Martin had his sights set on being within an hour of Gloucester.
30:38Now we're stretching that a bit here, but I think it's worth it to see what an extra 20 minutes
30:43can buy you.
30:45All right, you two?
30:47Yeah, all good, thank you.
30:48Turn and face the Mystery House.
30:51Oh, look at that.
30:52Oh, lovely. Really nice.
30:53And it comes with the biggest plot that I've shown you so far, just over an acre.
30:57Oh, wow.
30:58Before we get into the outside, let's get inside.
31:01Yes.
31:01Come on!
31:05This semi-detached cottage dates back to the mid-19th century.
31:10An 80s extension brought in a set of functional ground floor spaces.
31:15So come on in. Utility room.
31:18Lovely utility room.
31:19Downstairs bathroom.
31:20That's nice, love.
31:22It's really nice.
31:24Leading to a kitchen that still holds plenty of original charm.
31:29This is a nice size.
31:31Really nice.
31:32Is there enough space for you?
31:32Definitely, yeah.
31:33For your cooking?
31:34Oh, it's lovely.
31:36Usable space?
31:37Oh, yeah, definitely.
31:38Sorry, I'll rephrase that.
31:39Usable space, Martin?
31:41Definitely.
31:42Yes, yes.
31:43Oh, yeah, there.
31:44Is it?
31:45Well, let's go and see where you might relax a little bit more while Martin's in the kitchen.
31:49In the kitchen.
31:49Come on.
31:53Oh.
31:54You've got an extension to the side there.
31:56Look at that.
31:57God.
31:57And then into...
32:01Well, I mean, I know what I think of the room.
32:03Oh, this is.
32:04Oh, this is lovely.
32:05Really nice.
32:06Lovely.
32:06Nice size, isn't it?
32:07And the beams.
32:09Yeah.
32:09I love the beams.
32:11Oh, this is a lovely size.
32:13There you go.
32:13There's your office.
32:16There's your kitchen.
32:17There's your kitchen, Martin.
32:18There's your office.
32:19And there's me sat there.
32:20Yeah.
32:22All right.
32:22Well, while the energy's high, we're all happy.
32:25Why don't you go upstairs and have a look around?
32:27Yeah.
32:27And I'll meet you somewhere in the garden shortly, all right?
32:31Somewhere in the garden.
32:31You'll have to come and find me.
32:32Okay, thank you.
32:36Here, all three of the property's bedrooms are upstairs,
32:39where there's also a recently renovated family bathroom.
32:44Oh, wow.
32:45Oh, look at that for a view.
32:47Oh.
32:48Oh, Martin.
32:49Have you got your caves you wanted to see?
32:51Oh, I've fallen in love already.
32:54Oh, a lovely room.
32:56This is absolutely...
32:57Oh, I can't...
32:58This is a beautiful room, Martin.
33:00Oh, look.
33:02Oh, my God, look at the little pond.
33:03It's beautiful, isn't it?
33:04Oh, I love it.
33:05Imagine waking up in the morning to that.
33:07I know.
33:08I hope I do.
33:11I can hear nothing but positivity coming from a net up there.
33:15Martin is maybe a bit quieter.
33:17I think that longer drive might be at the back of his mind.
33:22The garden accounts for about half an acre and provides a huge lawn, flanked by a variety
33:29of outbuildings, including potting sheds, greenhouses and a workshop, to name just a few.
33:36And that's before we even get to the paddock, which makes up the other half of the one-acre plot.
33:41Look how big it is.
33:44Oh, wow.
33:46Beyond that lies common land, where, thanks to a ruling that dates all the way back to 1201,
33:53Annette and Martin would have year-round grazing rights for their animals.
33:58Oh, my little alpacas would love it in here, wouldn't they?
34:01They certainly would.
34:02I can't get over it, Martin, if I'm honest.
34:03You could put what you wanted to in there.
34:04No, you could.
34:05Yeah, you could.
34:07It might be the biggest of the bunch, but could it also be the best?
34:13Oh, thank goodness.
34:15I found you both.
34:17There's so much to look at, so much to talk about.
34:19What do you think of this lot?
34:21Well, we couldn't ask for anything better.
34:23It's got everything that we wanted.
34:24Everything, yeah.
34:25It's got the stables.
34:26We wanted, like, the alpacas.
34:28I can just look round all the time.
34:29It's just beautiful.
34:31We've done our absorbing.
34:33We've soaked it all up.
34:34What do you think it's on the market for?
34:36Oh, Martin, you start.
34:37Cos I just, I'm no good at this.
34:39Can you start?
34:39I've got to say £460,000.
34:42OK, £460,000.
34:45Oh, God, do I go lower?
34:47Um, £475,000.
34:50£475,000.
34:52This, believe it or not, is on the market for £450,000.
34:57Oh, I wasn't expecting that.
34:59Oh, wow.
35:00No, I wasn't expecting that.
35:00Was you?
35:01No, no.
35:01Oh, my God.
35:02I can't go over that.
35:03£450,000.
35:04That's a great place.
35:05Put a big smile on his face.
35:09Firmly established as a home for both animals and humans, this three-bedroom character cottage
35:15needs little to no work.
35:18And is a handy £50,000 under budget.
35:22We're further from Gloucester, yes.
35:24But what the distance gives them in outside space is hard to beat.
35:28A full acre of land.
35:29Plus grazing rights on 33 acres of common land.
35:34As soon as I walked in, I had that feel that I loved it.
35:37Especially the upstairs when you look at all the views.
35:40The land is just what I wanted.
35:42And especially to know that I can extend if I wanted more animals would be amazing.
35:48Before we did this house hunting, Annette said, when we're walking around, if I like it, I'll squeeze your hand.
35:54And she hasn't stopped squeezing my hand all the way around this property.
35:58It's just the commute is the only thing that's picking at me at the moment.
36:02That's the only thing I've got to get my head around and work around.
36:09It always takes time for the dust to settle after a move.
36:13And today I'm meeting Paul and Kesary, who have had plenty of time to make themselves at home.
36:18They moved to Herefordshire 15 years ago, with a little bit of help from us, of course.
36:26In 2009, weary of the corporate grind in London,
36:29the couple set out in search of a new life in the countryside, guided by our very own Denise Nurse.
36:36We like. We like. She likes.
36:40Soon after, they discovered this 16th century site near Hay-on-White,
36:45which they've since transformed into a thriving organic farm.
36:50Hey, Paul, Kesary. What a beautiful spot you've got here then, eh?
36:56Today, the couple has offered to give me a tour
36:59and tell me a little bit about how life has changed since we saw them last.
37:04So, talk me through that escape to the country experience you had then.
37:08We were looking at Wales, because we thought we would only be able to afford in Wales.
37:13The show actually showed us the county of Herefordshire,
37:15and it has to be the UK's best kept secret, because it is absolutely stunning.
37:22For us, you know, the show really helped us to narrow it down.
37:26When we actually drove to this place, we just knew it straight away,
37:29because of the journey we had been on with the show.
37:32And tell me a little bit about what you've got here,
37:34the acreage, the animals, the businesses, everything.
37:38So, we've got about 40 acres of land,
37:40and then the farm actually backs onto a 150-acre common as well.
37:45We have grazing rights on that.
37:47Typically, we have a farmstay business.
37:50We also are a working farm.
37:52So, we lamb, black Welsh mountain sheep.
37:55Wow.
37:56And we have pigs as well.
37:57This was always part of the dream, wasn't it?
37:59Absolutely.
38:00We wanted to let the kids grow up in the country.
38:03Yeah.
38:04And, you know, the farm life has done that for us.
38:06Since first move in here,
38:08Paul and Kesari's toddlers have grown into teenagers.
38:11And just like the kids, the farm has grown too.
38:15With half of it now rewilded and returned to nature.
38:19So, everyone rewilds differently.
38:22How have you done it here?
38:24So, basically, what we did was we selected an area
38:27that has woodland, river or stream and different grasses.
38:32And we've just left it.
38:34And over time, we've just seen the wildlife move in.
38:37It's been incredible.
38:38Not content with just building a farm,
38:42the couple recently expanded into events,
38:45hosting woodland weddings, festivals,
38:47and corporate gatherings right here on site.
38:51Throughout it all, they've stayed true to their original ethos.
38:55Local, seasonal, and of course, organic.
38:58As proud South Africans, they've even trained their chefs
39:02to cook up a traditional barbecue known as a braai.
39:06And today, I'm lucky enough to get a taster of the experience
39:09their guests enjoy.
39:11Wow, Kes, this looks amazing.
39:14Enjoy.
39:15Thank you very much.
39:16May I just tuck in?
39:18Yes, go for it.
39:19So, Kes, Jim went back then, 15 years ago.
39:22Did you think it was going to end up like this?
39:25Well, I guess we always dreamed,
39:27and I think our dreams were made into a reality.
39:29We've developed,
39:30and it's something that we find easy to sell
39:33because we believe in it.
39:34So, if somebody else was looking to follow in your footsteps,
39:37what advice would you give them?
39:39What sort of guidance?
39:40If you are trying to earn money from the business as well,
39:44it is a lot of hard work.
39:46Paul and I probably work harder now
39:48than we did in our corporate jobs.
39:50Obviously, there's a lot of pros to it,
39:51but I think people need to go in with their eyes wide open.
39:55Looking after animals is difficult,
39:57and you're learning all the time.
39:59This is absolutely divine.
40:01You two do a very good job,
40:03whether it's the rewilding,
40:06the passion you've got for the wildlife,
40:08the livestock you've got here,
40:10or the business side of things.
40:11It all just seems to be on the up and up and up.
40:14You've done a great job here.
40:15Well done to you both.
40:17Thank you very much.
40:27It looks like there's two properties
40:29that could be real contenders for Martin and Annette.
40:32Let's see what they're thinking, shall we?
40:38Hey, you two.
40:39Hello.
40:40So, come on then.
40:41Before we start talking about the properties,
40:42we've gone length and breadth now of Herefordshire.
40:46And is it now a county that you could shoulders back,
40:49head high, say, I want to live here?
40:51Yes, it is.
40:52Yeah, I would say so.
40:53Yeah, definitely.
40:53Yeah, I would.
40:54My spidey senses are telling me,
40:57it's a toss-up here.
40:58We've got the first house we showed you
41:01and the mystery house.
41:03That's right.
41:04Well, the first one we do love, don't we?
41:06Because we love the fact that with the animals that I want,
41:09I'd be able to see them, wouldn't I?
41:10You'd be able to see them from the house.
41:11And it was only 40 minutes.
41:13Only 40 minutes away, which is a big factor.
41:15The mystery house was lovely as well.
41:17And if the houses had been swapped,
41:20we would have gone for that one, because it was closer.
41:22So, simply down to location.
41:24Yeah.
41:25The mystery house, we're going to rule out.
41:27I think so, yeah.
41:28I think it's just that little bit too far, isn't it?
41:30Just location, that's all it was.
41:32Yes, that's all it was.
41:33Well, then that just leaves one property, doesn't it?
41:36The first one.
41:37It does, yeah.
41:38I can see it on your faces, you know,
41:39you're excited about all of this,
41:41but what will the next steps be?
41:42I think we're going to go for another viewing, aren't we?
41:44I just said I'd like to go for another viewing.
41:47Annette would like to take her sister and the daughter as well.
41:49I don't need to go for a second viewing.
41:52Martin's sold.
41:53I'm quite happy not to go for a second viewing.
41:55Really?
41:56Yeah, he is.
41:57Really.
41:58Don't let him change his mind, all right?
42:00I'm not going to.
42:02Get in there, take your sister,
42:05take any other family members and make that move.
42:08I wish you so, so much luck.
42:10Thank you so much.
42:11It's been amazing.
42:12I've really enjoyed it.
42:13I've had such a lovely week, I really have.
42:20For years it's been Annette who's been the driving force
42:23behind the move to Herefordshire,
42:24but this week it's been great seeing Martin won over
42:28by this beautiful county.
42:30I wish them all the best for that second viewing
42:32and if all goes well,
42:33it won't be long before them and their animals
42:36will be calling this place home.
42:38Join us again next time for another Escape to the Country.
42:43True to their word, they returned to House One for a second viewing.
42:47Though as Martin predicted, it wasn't really necessary.
42:50They knew it was right, made an offer and it was accepted.
42:53We're absolutely thrilled for them and wish them all the very best
42:58as they begin their new life in Herefordshire.
43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England,
43:04Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and need our help,
43:08why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:43We'll see you next time.
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