Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 8 takes viewers to the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, where Sonali Shah helps a Berkshire couple search for a peaceful rural home after a life-changing event. Emotions run high as they explore charming country properties, hoping to find the perfect place to begin a new chapter surrounded by nature, tranquility, and fresh opportunities.
Join Sonali as she uncovers stunning homes, local highlights, and the unique lifestyle that makes Herefordshire an ideal countryside escape.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Herefordshire #CountryLiving #PropertySearch #BritishTV
Join Sonali as she uncovers stunning homes, local highlights, and the unique lifestyle that makes Herefordshire an ideal countryside escape.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Herefordshire #CountryLiving #PropertySearch #BritishTV
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FunTranscript
00:04A successful escape to the country is often about making strong connections.
00:09Should we do a group hug before we go?
00:11Yes.
00:11And with strong bonds established, we're able to challenge each other.
00:15I'm trying to find you.
00:17Yeah.
00:18I'm maybe upsetting you in the process at the beginning, but bear with me.
00:23We like to give our house hunters a fresh perspective.
00:26I don't think I ever envisaged the views that you would get from here.
00:30I'm still taking it in, to be honest.
00:33Although sometimes it can get overwhelming.
00:37This is what you've had in your hand.
00:39Yeah.
00:42It's beautiful.
01:09Herefordshire.
01:10Often considered one of England's best kept secrets, but we've known about it for a while.
01:20Can you name the three places in England where hurricanes hardly happen?
01:24Well, one of them is just over there.
01:26Hereford, the cathedral city and top town in this wonderful county.
01:31And the scenery around here?
01:33Lovely.
01:39Situated on the border with Wales, Herefordshire is one of England's most rural counties.
01:46I love the stock of orchards that we have here and the rare varieties that are contained within them.
01:51Herefordshire is a big garden.
01:52So whether it's fruit or vegetables or livestock, beef, pork, lamb, we have everything here.
01:58It's really, really magical.
02:01The Wye Valley is sometimes described as the UK's Grand Canyon.
02:06But while it might not be quite as dramatic, it's arguably more lush.
02:11There's something about the Shire that always draws you back in.
02:17It's beautiful.
02:18We're very fortunate to have all the rolling hills, all the ancient woodland, the little narrow streams, all the little
02:27footpaths.
02:28It's just a very, very gorgeous county to live in.
02:31It's just so green and different from other places that I've lived.
02:37It's so open and you get a real sense of community.
02:42Herefordshire boasts several historic market towns, including Ledbury, famed for its lovely timber-framed buildings.
02:50And every July, the town hosts the UK's biggest poetry festival.
02:56When I moved here 17 years ago, I was struck by how it feels like going back 50 years in
03:03time.
03:04It's very relaxed.
03:07Having owned its personality long ago, Herefordshire is quite happy to just relax and let the rest of the world
03:15whiz by.
03:20Sometimes something happens that completely transforms our lives, an event that flips our world upside down and forces us to
03:29reconsider what's important.
03:32What's important for today's couple is escaping to the country.
03:35I'll let them explain why.
03:40I'm Sarah.
03:42And I'm Matt.
03:43From Binfield.
03:45Life on Escape is often about slowing down, but things can move very fast.
03:51And within a year of meeting, Matt and Sarah got married.
03:54They were living in Berkshire when life took another major turn, while the pair were out with a cycling group.
04:02I was coming down a hill, but it had been raining, then it was dry, then it was raining.
04:06The roads were very greasy.
04:08And the guy behind me said, as I went round the bend, coming down the hill, the bike just went
04:12straight on.
04:13So I hit the oncoming car with my head and my shoulder.
04:17You rugby tackled it.
04:18Rugby tackled it, but got on the wrong side of it, weirdly enough.
04:21The car was driven by a doctor with two passengers, her daughter and son-in-law, who were also doctors,
04:28so able to provide immediate medical assistance.
04:32And her son-in-law held my head for an hour.
04:37Yeah, so he turned Matt, because Matt was face down, he'd stopped breathing, and they knew.
04:42So most people would say, don't touch someone, but he turned Matt straight away.
04:48Stopped breathing, and flipped me over and held my head for, it could be an hour and a half, and
04:56yeah.
04:59Yeah.
05:02Matt was taken to hospital by air ambulance and was in a coma for four weeks.
05:07He sustained life-changing injuries, and his left arm was later amputated.
05:13I feel blessed, in a way, because I've seen so much kindness from everybody since.
05:20We need a new adventure, don't we? It's time now to put a full stop on where we are now.
05:29Having been unable to return to work, they rented out their home and moved in with Sarah's mum, where they
05:35run a dog-focused business, squeezed into her dining room.
05:39So this is our office, and as you can see, it's a little bit chaotic.
05:44We need space for storing our stock. We probably have about five to six pallets worth of stock.
05:52And this is Bella, and she's the reason why we do this.
05:57We campaign and raise awareness for dogs like Bella that have had trauma, that are fearful, and they wear yellow
06:05just so that people can understand that they need a little bit of space.
06:10Moving away from one of the country's most expensive counties will allow them to release equity.
06:16But having visited dog events all over the UK in their camper van, they can't see the wood for the
06:21trees.
06:23When we did start searching a little while, we had to sort of stop because we were all over the
06:28place, we didn't know where we wanted to go.
06:30It's almost like we can't see a future.
06:33I think that's where you guys come in, where it makes our life so much easier.
06:37It's like help, somebody help us.
06:38Yeah, yeah.
06:40You've come to the right place, as we do know a little about the British countryside.
06:45For a maximum budget of £650,000, Matt and Sarah want a similar property to their current one, which is
06:53modern, but not a new build.
06:55They need a minimum of three bedrooms with a bathroom on each floor, plus parking for the camper van, all
07:02within a community.
07:10Matt and Sarah are certainly ready for someone else to take the pressure off this search, aren't they?
07:16We can maybe show them some new locations and maybe introduce them to something that they might not have gone
07:22to see themselves.
07:24Look at it out there. I'm very much looking forward to showing them the best that Herefordshire has to offer.
07:34Where better to start a Herefordshire house hunt than right in the centre?
07:38So that's roughly where I'm off to meet the couple.
07:43Well, we're here, Sarah and Matt, about to look for houses in Herefordshire.
07:48Why do you both look so nervous? I'm not scary.
07:52I just want to see what is possible. I just can't see it at the moment, that's the thing.
07:57Do you feel a little stuck at the moment, a little in limbo? Is that where you are?
08:02Yes. I almost need someone to open my mind a bit, if that makes sense.
08:06You've called the right people. Yeah.
08:08That's what we can do. We'll put some houses on a plate for you.
08:11Thank you so much for saying that.
08:14What's interesting about you both is a lot of people have a location in mind, but you have a lifestyle
08:19in mind.
08:20You know you want to change up your life, you know you want space, but you're really open location-wise.
08:26How do you think you'll both house hunt with me today?
08:29When I first started looking, I was all over the place. I didn't know where to go, and I've been
08:35so engrossed since Matt's accident with being in charge.
08:38It's almost like I needed help, you know. I was overwhelmed on what to do, where to go, what to
08:44look for, so...
08:45I don't think I was much of a help, because I think I was quite negative towards the move.
08:51In my mind, I thought we could stay, and it's just not an option.
08:54Well, the lovely thing about you calling us is all you have to do is go and see some lovely
09:00houses. That is it.
09:02At the very worst, you've had a great day out, but you could actually find something that you like.
09:06Yeah, really excited.
09:08Excited, yeah. And I'm glad you're taking us by the hand.
09:12By the hand.
09:12And leading us around, which would be great.
09:14I know there are nerves. Should we do a group hug before we go?
09:18Yes, please.
09:18Yes, please.
09:19Look, it's all going to be great.
09:21We can do that.
09:22We can do that.
09:26The tranquil village of Withington lies towards the middle of the county.
09:32Punching above its weight, it offers a takeaway, a post office, and a convenience store,
09:38plus a modern village hall that can accommodate 250 people.
09:42The church originated in the 12th century, and just across the road from it is our first house.
09:52Bam!
09:54Okay.
09:55It's very pretty.
09:56Yeah.
09:57A bit concerned about the width of the drive over the van.
10:01You might have to re-home a plant or two, then.
10:03Yeah.
10:03Or a wall, possibly.
10:06No, it's very pretty.
10:08Keep open-minded.
10:10Yeah, yeah.
10:11The property dates back to the mid-19th century.
10:15It was an old carriage house, and that's the old barn, and they've been connected.
10:20Okay.
10:21Over the years.
10:22Okay.
10:22And I know you like contemporary.
10:24Yeah.
10:25But just because I'm me, I'm a little bit naughty.
10:28I see.
10:28I thought I'd start with character, just to see what reaction you had.
10:31Are you up for playing the game?
10:33Definitely.
10:34I think so.
10:34He said with a really serious face.
10:36Come on.
10:37Come on.
10:39Well, there's no point in me just showing them houses they'd have found anyway.
10:43So this 19th century home with modern renovations is all about challenging their preconceptions
10:49and testing how ready they are for change.
10:52And this is the living room.
10:56Okay.
10:57Ah.
11:01It's got beams.
11:03Yeah.
11:04Something that we would never normally go for would be anything with beams.
11:09It's not doing anything for me at the moment, but I need to see more of the house, I think.
11:13I do like the brickwork.
11:15I just, I'm not getting us in here at all.
11:19Are you the type of people that can strip away the furniture and the things in this area and then
11:25see how you might do things?
11:27I can.
11:28Yes.
11:28Yes.
11:28I can't.
11:29Matt struggles.
11:30Matt struggles with that a little bit, don't he?
11:32Yeah.
11:32Sarah's got a great vision of how everything's going to look.
11:35I didn't even like the house that we're in now.
11:37Now we're going to get him out of it.
11:38Now I'm trying to get out of it.
11:40Yeah.
11:41So, yeah, Sarah's got the vision.
11:43I, unfortunately, don't have that.
11:46Okay, then.
11:47Let's try the most contemporary part of the house.
11:51This is that connection between the barn and the carriage house.
11:55Wow.
11:55Now this is very bright, isn't it?
11:57Yes.
11:57Lots of light.
11:59It's definitely more us.
12:00I love the way that the French doors means that you can double the size of this in the summer.
12:05Yeah.
12:05Cooking is a passion of mine and I love being in the kitchen and there's a load of workspace here,
12:10which is great.
12:10It's so social, isn't it?
12:12Yeah.
12:12I love it.
12:13I like how bright it is in here.
12:15Things are looking up and while the barn end of the house is again older, it has a lighter feel.
12:21There in the corner is the requested downstairs bathroom with a shower behind the door, a nightmare to try and
12:28film on a house tour.
12:29As well as space for dining, a studio with a kitchenette and a mezzanine bedroom.
12:35Oh.
12:37OK.
12:37Yeah.
12:39OK.
12:41More beams.
12:42Beams, yeah.
12:43More beams.
12:46It definitely feels like if we were going on holiday or something like that, we'd choose this.
12:51It's a very chocolate box sort of look.
12:55Whether or not I could see myself living here is another thing.
12:58But I just feel that you're trying to analyse us at the moment.
13:01I get it.
13:02You said you were a bit lost and I think I'm trying to find you.
13:06Yeah.
13:07And maybe upsetting you in the process at the beginning.
13:09No, not at all.
13:10Bear with me.
13:11Bear with me.
13:12It's a journey.
13:13It's a journey.
13:14My mum will be chuckling.
13:17It's just because people say they like something and then they're faced with the thing that
13:21they didn't like and then often they're like, oh my gosh, actually this worked.
13:25Yeah.
13:26I'm about to put that theory to the test back in the other part of the house where
13:30upstairs there's a shared bathroom and two double bedrooms.
13:34This is the main bedroom.
13:37It makes me feel tall coming from there, which I like.
13:40It feels dark for some reason to me.
13:43And especially compared to that kitchen, I guess, where it's so lovely and bright.
13:47Yeah.
13:48It's a massive decision for me to move in the first place and the place has got to be
13:53Spot on.
13:54Spot on for it to work for me, I think.
13:56I wish I had Sarah's ideas and the way that she looks at a property.
14:00It's just I don't have that.
14:02So it's almost like it's got to be perfect.
14:04I think though, when you see something, you go, yep.
14:08Yes.
14:09Yeah.
14:10Yeah.
14:10Yeah.
14:11Yeah.
14:12The garden is absolutely gorgeous with this property.
14:16Let's head out there.
14:17Okay.
14:17We'll talk about the price because I think it's a new area for you.
14:21Yeah.
14:21And then at least you can start to get an idea of where your money will go.
14:26Yeah.
14:27Yeah.
14:28Yeah.
14:28That'd be lovely.
14:29Yeah.
14:31Outside, the property feels somewhat continental with a gravel driveway at the front and a
14:37walled garden to the rear, plus a covered dining area.
14:41This gorgeous home may not be Matt and Sarah's style, but can they see the value of it?
14:50Probably 595.
14:52I have no idea.
14:53And I was going to say 600.
14:55So I'm going to stick to that.
14:57So you think 595,000 pounds, 600,000 pounds?
15:00That's what I was thinking.
15:01Why do you think 595,000 pounds?
15:04I think because it's not us.
15:07You always sort of put things...
15:09I think you might be playing mind games with us, possibly.
15:13Yeah, I don't...
15:14No.
15:15Just a guess.
15:17I think you've read me better than I've read you.
15:20You are spot on with it.
15:21Have you had to look up my notes when I've turned my back?
15:25It is on the market for exactly 595,000 pounds.
15:30Oh, wow.
15:30Wow.
15:31OK.
15:31You're better than this than I thought.
15:33Yes.
15:34So I went under budget with this house, but that doesn't save you enough to sway you,
15:38does it?
15:39Um...
15:39No.
15:40No.
15:40No.
15:41It's a learning curve.
15:42It's going to seed properties and that's what we need to.
15:44We need to rule out what we don't like or what we need and what we don't need.
15:51Sarah is bang on the money with her guess of 595,000 pounds.
15:56This linked house and barn conversion offers the required three bedrooms, bathrooms on both
16:02floors and a choice of reception rooms connected by a bright kitchen diner, as well as bags of
16:08space in the walled garden.
16:10It doesn't quite do it for me.
16:13It's a lovely property.
16:14I get it.
16:15It's just not for us.
16:16I know so many people would love this property, but for us it's just shown that we do like
16:24the modern look, the modern feel, but still being in the countryside with all this around
16:29a modern property.
16:41For Matt and Sarah this escape is as much about finding a community as it is a new property.
16:47So we're sending them to explore Bromyard.
16:51A thousand years ago, the town was one of the largest settlements in the county, but
16:56has grown more slowly than some of its neighbours and has retained an old world charm.
17:02I moved here because I like that it's a small town.
17:05There's everything you need here.
17:06You can get to Worcester, to Hereford, onto the M5 for Birmingham, Bristol, up to Droitwich.
17:14So even though we are rural, you still can get to the big sitters if you want to.
17:20It has a strong cultural core, hosting two renowned music festivals each summer.
17:26There's also a history society, a science fiction museum and a theatre run by volunteers.
17:33There's lots of activities going on at Conquest Theatre and activities for younger people
17:38to do as they grow up.
17:40On the outskirts of the town is Wickton Farm, producing organic dairy products from grass-fed
17:47cattle.
17:48This is a little bit of perfect, isn't it?
17:50Yeah.
17:52They have a 24-hour cabin for locals to help themselves to fresh milk and refreshments.
17:57Ooh, let's do a milkshake.
18:09Brilliant.
18:12That's not their only innovation.
18:14Nowadays, most people are familiar with the concept of therapy dogs.
18:18But here at Wickton Farm, they have therapy cows.
18:22So Matt and Sarah are meeting owner Claire with Nancy.
18:27She's nearly 19 years old.
18:29She retired from the dairy herd about three years ago.
18:32Are you allowed to touch her?
18:33Yeah, absolutely.
18:34Get close to her.
18:35Oh, look at you.
18:37Have you ever been this close to a cow before?
18:39No.
18:39I've never even touched a cow before ever.
18:41There you go.
18:41And you can feel the warmth of her.
18:43Yeah.
18:43Something very special to be up close to such a large, warm animal.
18:47Oh, she's so soft.
18:48Yeah.
18:48And she's really molten as well.
18:51Summer's come.
18:52Finally.
18:52A bit of sunshine.
18:53Yay.
18:54So when you say therapy cow, how does that work?
18:57We work with all sorts of different people.
18:59Sometimes it's just building their confidence with animals in a safe space, in a beautiful,
19:03natural environment.
19:05Yeah, it's very beautiful.
19:06For others, it's about building connections between themselves.
19:09So sometimes we have families come that want to build their relationship.
19:13And Nancy provides a sort of core focus that they can relate to.
19:17And they just get to spend time with her and brush her and be close to her.
19:22And she's very gentle.
19:23I can really relate to therapy through animals as well, after Matt's accident.
19:28You know, my therapy, oh, here we go again, comes through my dog.
19:34Yeah.
19:34She was a massive saviour to me.
19:37So, yeah, I can really relate to what you get from an animal.
19:42They're just there for you.
19:43Yeah.
19:43They don't judge.
19:44Yeah.
19:44You don't question.
19:45She's lovely.
19:46She is so fluffy.
19:48Oh, you're lovely.
19:49I love you.
19:50I love you.
19:51It's been a pleasure having you here.
19:52And you too.
19:53Honestly, absolutely.
19:54Thank you so much.
19:56Lovely to meet you.
19:57And you, Nancy.
20:00Well, they've made one Herefordshire friend already.
20:04How wonderful.
20:12Our second property is in the village of Eton Bishop, moving east in the county.
20:19Residents can enjoy the benefits of a village shop in neighbouring Cleehonga, where there's
20:24also a village hall offering music, art and other groups.
20:29Eton Bishop has its own hall, hosting quizzes and other entertainment.
20:34And two doors down from it is our next offering.
20:37That's a bit more of us.
20:41You took the words right out of my mouth.
20:44Is this a little bit more you?
20:46Yes.
20:47I think so, yeah.
20:48Yes.
20:48Definitely.
20:49Easy to get the van and the car on here, no problem at all.
20:52Yeah.
20:52Definitely has a lot more space.
20:54It's very nice.
20:55Yeah.
20:56Pleasantly surprised, because it's quite a big property.
20:58Too big?
20:59No, no.
21:00It's probably similar size to the house that we've got, which is, I suppose, what we wanted.
21:04Almost if we could pick our house up, move it here, it'd be perfect.
21:08And if I had a pound for every time someone asked me to.
21:10I know.
21:11I get it.
21:11But that is the thing.
21:12That's why you were different, because everyone has a location thing.
21:15And in a way you did want to change location.
21:17You wanted more space.
21:19You wanted the countryside.
21:20So we are doing that magic thing of picking up something similar to your house.
21:24Similar, yeah.
21:24Yeah.
21:25Let's get in then.
21:26Oh, exciting.
21:28A more positive reaction to this detached modern home built in 2002.
21:34And knowing they like light rooms, I'm starting by showcasing the dual aspect living room.
21:41Look at your view.
21:43I know.
21:43Yeah.
21:44It's lovely, isn't it?
21:46But more of that later.
21:47Okay.
21:48Look at this space.
21:48How do you feel about this?
21:50Nice.
21:50Yeah, it's definitely a nice size.
21:52Definitely more contemporary than the other property, for sure, yeah.
21:55Are you dining room people?
21:58We do.
21:59When we have guests, but we've got a kitchen diner as well as a dining room.
22:04So we tend to eat more in the kitchen diner than we do in the dining room, don't we?
22:09Yeah.
22:09But you could use this space as it is being used now, couldn't you?
22:14Yeah.
22:14It's got a nice feel to it.
22:16It has got a nice feel to it.
22:18Although we've just come into the one room, you can almost feel the flow to it, rather than the other
22:23house.
22:24It was a bit quirky.
22:25There are cleaner lines in this house, and that sometimes helps.
22:28Yes.
22:28There is less furniture in this house, and that sometimes helps.
22:31Yes.
22:32Or maybe, as you say, the flow just may suit you better.
22:36We're moving through the hall, past the study, which they could use for the business, into another bright room.
22:42Oh, wow.
22:44Oh.
22:45That is nice.
22:47Nice big space.
22:48Nice big space.
22:49I think the kitchen would need a bit of work.
22:51Yeah, but it's got a lot of potential.
22:53I just can't believe, oh, wow, I didn't even see the outbuilding.
22:57I didn't realise the size of the property that may be in our budget.
23:01We're not in Berkshire anymore.
23:02No.
23:03I don't process things in the way that I used to, from the brain injury.
23:07And it's, again, a little bit overwhelming for me with this.
23:10It's almost like, okay, okay.
23:14Yeah, and...
23:17Yeah.
23:18Yeah.
23:18It's a pleasant, pleasant surprise, actually.
23:21Yeah.
23:22I can't believe the view.
23:23I just can't believe it.
23:25That far-reaching view is of Banai Brhainiog in Wales, also known as the Brecon Beacons.
23:31And it's even more impressive from the main bedroom balcony upstairs.
23:35Oh, my word.
23:39Oh, wow.
23:41Now, that is different, isn't it?
23:44Lordy, Lord.
23:45Look at that for a view.
23:47Wow.
23:48Fancy having a view like that to wake up to every morning.
23:50Only quite the birds, I mean...
23:54I don't think I ever envisaged the views that you would get from here.
23:58I'm still taking it in, to be honest.
24:02It's slightly overwhelming.
24:05And there's more, much more.
24:07In addition to this main bedroom, with en suite, there are another four,
24:12including a similar-sized one that shares the view.
24:16Again, en suite.
24:17I quite like the shape of the room as well.
24:20And it's like our house, but we just don't have this.
24:23No, we haven't got that.
24:25That's a beautiful view.
24:26In many ways, this house is their home, but with the views in the countryside.
24:34We've done that thing that everyone asks for, and they're seeing that.
24:40Out the front of the house is parking, plus electric vehicle charging, and a double garage for their business stock.
24:47Then to the rear, a manageable garden would give their dog loads of space, with rural views across to neighbouring
24:54Wales.
24:56You get the sunrise in the morning, so you'd be in that kitchen area for the sun.
25:00Yeah.
25:01And then this is where you get the sun sets.
25:04It's south-west facing.
25:05Oh, wow.
25:06Right.
25:06Yeah, it is lovely.
25:08Yeah, I could definitely see us living in a house like this.
25:12Should we talk about price?
25:13Because I know you've been thinking about it as you've been walking around.
25:17I'd say six, seven, five.
25:19Six, four, five.
25:21Ooh.
25:21It's on the market for £650,000.
25:27Oh, OK.
25:29Two nil.
25:30Two nil indeed.
25:32But more importantly, I think they can both see that this modern house, priced at £650,000, could be the
25:40one for them.
25:41The dual aspect reception rooms have that open feel they're after, and upstairs over delivers with five bedrooms.
25:49For their business, there's a study to work from, and the garage to store stock, all surrounded by priceless views.
25:57The house is nice.
25:58You can see that it would be quite an open-plan, entertaining house like we have now.
26:04You could put our things into the house, couldn't you?
26:08Yeah.
26:09It's a bit mind-blowing, I suppose.
26:11Yeah.
26:12Especially with the balcony and the views from behind.
26:15We're used to seeing a few trees, aren't we?
26:17Yeah.
26:18And some daffodils in March out the front of our house.
26:20We've got views like what we've got behind us now.
26:23Even now, I feel like we just turn around and face the other way to just look.
26:27Yeah.
26:28And I think I have to consider as well how Matt feels.
26:32So Matt's got to feel comfortable with everything as well.
26:36It's a lot to take in at the moment for me.
26:39Yeah, so I have to do everything slowly, but I think seeing something like this...
26:43Is a pleasant surprise.
26:45Yeah.
26:57Finding the perfect house for Matt and Sarah has had its ups and downs, and being the driving force on
27:05their previous attempts to relocate, I want to hear from Sarah how the process is going.
27:10I kind of wanted to check in on you, check how you were feeling about today.
27:15It's really, really nice to be able to see our future, because at the moment we don't seem to have
27:23one.
27:25And I know we've got one, but I can't show Matt something.
27:29I can't say to him, this...
27:31This is it.
27:32This is it.
27:33I mean, he doesn't like change.
27:34He didn't like change even before his accident.
27:37And it's even worse now.
27:40So I want to make sure that he's happy as well, because, you know, he's lived all his life around
27:47Bracknell.
27:48So leaving the area is massive.
27:52And I think we need a vision in our lives now, and space.
27:57Something to look forward to.
27:59Yeah, definitely something to look forward to.
28:02And I want him to feel...
28:08..like there's a future.
28:10Having to find a place and research it all yourself is just a massive thing.
28:17So to be shown these snippets of what's out there is a massive help,
28:22is a really big help, yeah.
28:24This will be your reality soon, being out in this fresh air,
28:28in all seasons, in all weathers... Yeah.
28:31..will be your reality soon.
28:32Yeah.
28:33And I'm looking forward to that.
28:34It's time.
28:36It's time to escape to the country.
28:38That's a great thing.
28:55I agree.
28:58Despite having some of the country's most attractive scenery,
29:03property prices throughout Herefordshire are lower than the English average.
29:08A detached home here will set you back an average of £438,000
29:13compared to the rest of England which is just below £471,000
29:19and the county is almost £77,000 less than neighbouring Gloucestershire.
29:25So you could snap up a bargain like this delightful two-bed detached cottage
29:31with attractive features and exposed stone walls plus a 100-foot of garden.
29:37It's marketed at £245,000, around half the average price of a London flat.
29:45Popping over to Gloucestershire you'll find this gorgeous half-timbered three-bedroom cottage.
29:51It's packed with period features including exposed beams
29:54with a pretty garden that backs onto farmland.
29:57All for offers in excess of £400,000.
30:02Or for something more unusual, how about a short stay back in Herefordshire
30:08in this railway saloon coach.
30:10It sleeps for, has a 60s-style lounge as well as its own picnic area
30:16with barbecue facilities and is available for £210 a night during the week
30:21or £220 at weekends.
30:28It is time for the Mystery House.
30:30Do not worry, dear viewer, it has bags of character.
30:33It has to, right?
30:35In a way, as well, that Sarah and Matt, in my humble opinion, will like.
30:42They just don't know it yet.
30:49For Matt and Sarah's Mystery House, we're heading to the north of the county,
30:53destined for the village of Wellington.
30:56There's a strong community presence with both a social club and community centre
31:01offering groups from gardening and bridge to football and jiu-jitsu.
31:06The village store stocks a wide range of essential products and homemade cakes.
31:12Less than a ten-minute walk from it is our final property proposition.
31:21Are you ready for a Mystery House with epic proportions?
31:26A Victorian period property that feels like a townhouse
31:31set in a gorgeous village in the countryside.
31:35And wait until you see inside.
31:38We know Matt and Sarah love clean lines
31:41and this house even has them on the grass.
31:44As for brightness, what did I tell you?
31:48This property has so much of what Sarah and Matt are looking for.
31:53High ceilings, it's light and airy.
31:56Dare I say it, it has lots of character.
31:58Maybe I won't use that word with them,
32:00but the character is all clean lines
32:02and this is the first property that I'm showing them that has this.
32:08This house comes with its own, already set up, separate workspace.
32:15Really convenient commute, right through the kitchen,
32:19but enough space that you can just leave everything as it is,
32:22close the door and go and enjoy your home after work.
32:27So can this Mystery House work its magic?
32:33Well, welcome to the Mystery House,
32:35which I think is everything you're asking for.
32:38You just don't know it yet.
32:39Hey!
32:42I don't quite think this is in our budget at all, but...
32:46It's beautiful, isn't it?
32:48Isn't it just?
32:49Yes.
32:50It has those things that you've asked for.
32:52It has space.
32:54It is light.
32:56But of course it is the Mystery House,
32:58which means it's wrapped up...
32:59OK.
33:01..in a Victorian period property.
33:03But it looks lovely, though.
33:05Can't wait to get inside.
33:07So, hang on a minute.
33:08Is this you wanting to go see an old property?
33:10Could you...
33:11Yeah.
33:11Could I just hear that in a full sentence with a signature?
33:14I don't know what I want.
33:16Well, while you're both so keen, I say let's go inside.
33:20Let's do it, yeah.
33:21Yes.
33:24This double-fronted home was built around 1861
33:28and has been modernised by its current owners.
33:32Wow.
33:33I feel small again.
33:35Well, you know, there's that achieved.
33:37How do you feel about these proportions?
33:39I love it.
33:40Yeah.
33:40There's two living rooms, one on either side.
33:42This is the bigger one and the sort of cosier one.
33:45What do you think?
33:46I like it.
33:49Wow.
33:50Oh, log burner.
33:53What happened?
33:54Yeah.
33:58This is what you've had in your head.
33:59Yeah.
34:02It's beautiful.
34:04Sarah's always asked for a log burner.
34:06You know, the radiators are lovely.
34:08The windows are beautiful.
34:09I'm just trying to see if, is there a fault and I can't see one yet.
34:13And I've already put my Christmas tree in it.
34:15OK, tell me where it is because you know I'm coming round for Christmas.
34:18I'm behind you.
34:18OK.
34:19That'd be lovely.
34:27The jigsaw puzzle's nearly finished, if that makes sense.
34:32Oh, God.
34:35You couldn't see it, could you?
34:37We talked about...
34:38These are good emotions.
34:39It's not...
34:40You can see the relief.
34:42Your shoulders have dropped.
34:44You're breathing deeper.
34:46Yeah.
34:46We've only seen one room.
34:48OK.
34:48Let's see what else is out there.
34:50Oh, dear.
34:53I love the second reception room.
34:56Oh, wow.
34:57It used to have a dining table in it.
34:59So if you need a dining table, this is your room.
35:01But at the moment, it's such a gorgeous music room.
35:03Mm.
35:03And then, the kitchen with the pantry unit and the utility room.
35:10Oh, wow.
35:11Yeah, I like that.
35:12It's modern yet fits in with the age of the property.
35:16Yeah.
35:18Lovely, isn't it?
35:19Yeah, it is.
35:20So you weren't expecting to like this house?
35:22No, we weren't, no.
35:23That's because you don't know the magic of a mystery house.
35:26No.
35:26It's very magical.
35:27And it is a mystery house, yeah.
35:29To the back is a large study in a single-storey extension
35:33with its own shower room.
35:36Ooh.
35:38Now, that's an office, isn't it?
35:39It's proper.
35:41Yeah, it's not just an afterthought office.
35:43No.
35:43And you can just kind of close everything off.
35:45You know, there's actually a separate entrance.
35:47So if you really want to feel like you're going to work...
35:49Yeah, go out and come in.
35:50You can.
35:50But in terms of cars and goods and deliveries,
35:53it sort of feels like a separate space
35:56that you can just shut off
35:57and then you've got your home, which feels separate.
35:59Yeah.
36:00Do you think this space works for you?
36:02I think this space works for anybody, to be honest.
36:05You could literally roll your suitcase in, couldn't you?
36:07Fancy doing that tomorrow?
36:09Yeah.
36:10I would want to work in here.
36:12And all of a sudden, can I just say,
36:14there is a beam up there.
36:16Oh, yeah, lovely beam.
36:16What a beautiful beam that is.
36:18I like that.
36:19Stunning.
36:19Let me make sure I show you a house with beams.
36:23I can't believe it.
36:25That one is nice.
36:25Friendly, a beam that he likes.
36:28Shall we go see where you might sleep?
36:30I don't know that I can take it.
36:32You look like you need to lie down, I'm going to be honest.
36:35We're friends now.
36:37Yeah.
36:38Oh, dear.
36:39Yes, please, yeah.
36:48Upstairs, there are four elegantly decorated bedrooms
36:51and three of them are double aspect.
36:56I think this is the biggest bedroom we may have seen.
37:00Wow.
37:01It's got a lovely feel to it as well, hasn't it?
37:03Dual aspect again.
37:05Yeah.
37:06It's lovely.
37:07I think I thought of moving out of our house
37:10maybe as a bit of a punishment
37:12because I felt responsible.
37:15I felt that Sarah was going to have to take a hit
37:18and we were going to move down.
37:21And this, like I say, this is like therapy
37:24and therapy works.
37:25This feels like a house that isn't a compromise.
37:28Not a compromise.
37:29And I feel, I don't know how I feel.
37:32I just, this is an emotion that I didn't expect to feel
37:38and I don't quite know what it is.
37:40Maybe it's relief.
37:42She deserves this house, I think.
37:44We deserve this house, I think.
37:47Could we be so lucky as to be able to live in a place like this?
37:50Well, we don't know how much it costs yet.
37:52No, I know, but I'm just saying,
37:53it just feels like that, doesn't it?
37:55It's just, you couldn't imagine being fortunate enough
37:58to own a house like this.
38:03I don't want to make them wait any longer,
38:05so we're heading to the half-acre south-facing garden
38:08with mature trees and seating areas
38:11where we can discuss the price.
38:13It's a stunning garden.
38:15I would say it's way out of our budget.
38:18I think it will be up for £669.
38:23She loves a nine, doesn't she?
38:25I like a nine.
38:26I like round numbers.
38:27I think it's £700, maybe above.
38:30You think I've gone nearly £20,000 over budget,
38:34£669,000,
38:36and of course you think I've been very naughty.
38:39£700,000.
38:40You forget I know you now.
38:42I think you'll be delighted that it's on the market
38:45for £650,000.
38:48Oh, wow.
38:49OK.
38:50I can't believe that.
38:53Could I see some jumping for joy?
38:55I can't speak at the moment.
38:59Let's give them a minute to take it all in.
39:02This Victorian home has two double-aspect sitting rooms
39:06and the annex extension,
39:08which could be ideal for the business.
39:11Upstairs there are four bedrooms
39:12and the garden covers around half an acre.
39:15It's on budget at £650,000.
39:18If I hadn't had the accident,
39:21we wouldn't be standing here in this garden
39:23looking around this beautiful property
39:27and it's almost like...
39:34However negative you feel,
39:36there is always a great positive to come
39:40and that's how it feels for me.
39:42It's from a bad, dark place I've been in,
39:47this is the brightest I've felt
39:51in a very long time.
40:10I'll see you later.
40:22With all the nerves at the beginning of this house hunting journey,
40:26I wonder if Sarah and Matt are now ready to believe
40:29that that mystery house could be the one.
40:36How are you feeling? I feel exhausted.
40:40Yeah, I feel emotionally drained, I think,
40:43but to end with a mystery house,
40:48I think it's everything and more that we ever thought was possible.
40:54You know, if you described it, we would have been like...
40:57Yeah, like a period. Here she goes again.
40:59Here she goes again, we've asked for modern,
41:01and now she's taking us back to the 1800s.
41:04Yeah, you wouldn't believe, though, that it's...
41:05And there's even a beam in the office space,
41:08and I was like, it didn't trigger me at all.
41:10It was beautiful being... I can live with that.
41:12That's because a compromise isn't a compromise when everything else is right.
41:16Yeah. Yeah.
41:17I feel like we could have a happy life again.
41:21Yeah. We would have a place to call home, it's possible.
41:25Yeah. The sunny days are coming.
41:28Mm, definitely.
41:30Today's the sunny day and it's the start of all of that.
41:33Yeah. Oh, dear. I don't get emotional, I'm glad about that.
41:37LAUGHTER
41:39So, what's the next step?
41:41We definitely liked the last house, the mystery house.
41:45Um, and if we can sell our house quickly,
41:49then we'll be talking to them.
41:52Weirdly, somebody's gone in to view it today.
41:55The stars could align.
41:57Yeah.
41:59Yeah.
42:00Mm-hm.
42:00I'm really, really pleased that you've seen something
42:04where you could really be at home in.
42:07Even if this falls through, which, oh, my God, I hope it doesn't,
42:13you've given us hope and we can achieve something.
42:19And we can find our home.
42:21Yeah, I feel content now.
42:30I have to admit, I'm completely exhausted by this house hunt
42:35in a good way, in a great way.
42:37What a few days we've had.
42:39And after everything that Sarah and Matt have been through,
42:42that mystery house wowing them,
42:45you couldn't really ask for anything more.
42:48Actually, no.
42:49You can ask for more.
42:51What we all want now is that life that they began to see today.
42:57We just want them to start living it now.
43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England,
43:04Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales and need our help,
43:07why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:43systems on planet house.
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