Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 10 travels to breathtaking Northumberland, where Denise Nurse helps a Buckinghamshire couple prepare for their next chapter as empty-nesters — with grandma joining the move too. Together, they search for a countryside home offering stunning views, space for family life, and the perfect balance of comfort and tranquility.
From charming rural properties to a mystery house full of promise, this episode showcases the beauty of Northumberland living. Denise also visits a spectacular beach to meet a retired GP who creates remarkable artworks in the sand, highlighting the creative spirit inspired by coastal life.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Northumberland #CountryLiving #FamilyHome #BritishTV
From charming rural properties to a mystery house full of promise, this episode showcases the beauty of Northumberland living. Denise also visits a spectacular beach to meet a retired GP who creates remarkable artworks in the sand, highlighting the creative spirit inspired by coastal life.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Northumberland #CountryLiving #FamilyHome #BritishTV
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00:00On Escape to the Country, we like to show our house hunters something a little bit different.
00:06I've never seen anything like this before. I think this is quite a statement house, isn't it?
00:10Yes, it is.
00:11Sometimes it's all about the personal connections.
00:13I was born there.
00:15No way.
00:16You're joking me.
00:17And people can get distracted.
00:19I mean, you could even put a big dining table here.
00:22It won't work.
00:23It won't.
00:25But whatever it takes, we strive to find what they're looking for.
00:29Oh, my word.
00:31This is exactly what we want.
00:34This is exactly what we want.
01:04Today, its sprawling countryside and vast coastline exude tranquillity.
01:12This county has some of the country's best scenery.
01:16It's also got some of its best beaches and not just for building sandcastles.
01:20Welcome to Northumberland and welcome to Escape to the Country.
01:27Northumberland is England's northernmost county, on the eastern side of the border with Scotland.
01:34Northumberland is also the least densely populated, and the sparse population is full of praise for the place.
01:40Northumberland is obviously a beautiful place to live.
01:43It's got beaches, it's got castles, it's got everything here on your doorstep.
01:49It encapsulates absolutely everything you need.
01:52There's the rivers, the moorland.
01:54We've got fantastic restaurants.
01:57I think it's fabulous.
02:01Inland, the market town of Hexham boasts independent shops and eateries, as well as a twice-monthly farmer's market.
02:09There's been a church on the site of Hexham Abbey since 675 AD, with the current structure built around the
02:1512th century.
02:16Over on the coast, the village of Almuth was once a vital port for exporting goods, and today is celebrated
02:24for its old-world charm.
02:30For many people, escaping to the country marks a brand-new adventure, and the start of that is working out
02:38where you want to escape to.
02:40Of course, it helps if you have a brand-new motorhome to test the water.
02:48Hi, we're Rachel and Jim from Marlow in Buckinghamshire, and we're looking to relocate to Northumberland.
02:55Jim and Rachel live in a pretty town by the Thames, but it attracts a lot of visitors.
03:01On a Saturday and Sunday, people are parking anywhere they can find on the street.
03:05They abandon their cars, don't they, because there's only parking restrictions Monday to Friday.
03:09So you come out of your house on a weekend, and it's just chaos.
03:15They're hoping to find quieter walks with their seven-year-old cockapoo, and recently acquired a motorhome to explore further
03:22afield.
03:23Here's Rachel, and she's doing all the prepping.
03:25I'm nesting.
03:26Nesting for our first trip.
03:28And it'll be Rachel, myself, and our trusted companion, Truffle, who's really looking forward to it.
03:33Having met ten years ago, the couple live with their four children, the youngest of whom is studying A-levels.
03:40He's going off to university in September, and then we no longer really have any ties to this area, because
03:47Mum's coming with us.
03:49So it's a really good time to make that fresh start.
03:54Rachel is a dental hygienist, and recently reduced her hours.
03:58So when we move to the north-east, I'm really, I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to keep my
04:03hand in and maybe do one or two days a week.
04:06Jim works from home as a health care consultant, and he's also a keen cook.
04:11One of the things in Northumberland we're looking forward to do is getting fresh fish and seafood and be able
04:16to cook up some excellent meals for our family.
04:20For their maximum budget of £800,000, Jim and Rachel want a character property with a minimum of four bedrooms,
04:28and ideally an annex for Rachel's mum.
04:31Jim needs somewhere to work from home, while Rachel wants space for gardening, and all in close proximity to the
04:38sea.
04:48Northumberland is beautiful. I love coming up here.
04:51The open hills, right by the coast, and Rachel and Jim have a pretty healthy budget as well, so who
04:58knows?
04:59This really could be the county for them.
05:01We're kicking things off in the hamlet of High Angerton, towards the north-east coast, which is where I'm meeting
05:08Jim and Rachel.
05:10So, Jim, you've brought us up to Northumberland. I understand this is an area you've spent a bit of time
05:15in?
05:16Yeah, I was at university back in the 80s for three years.
05:20Loved this part of the world, the people were so friendly, and of course the coastline is something that I
05:25really wanted to come back to.
05:26It's a long break since you've lived up here. What about you, Rachel? Is there somewhere you know?
05:31No, not really at all. Driven through, driven through, but I'm really excited.
05:36You're adventurers, aren't you?
05:37It's absolutely adventure. Well, why not?
05:39So being by the coast, how important is that to you?
05:42Even before we met each other, we've both had a love of the water. We've both got a history of
05:45sailing, and so we actually have a barge on the River Thames,
05:50which is as near to water as we can get at the moment, but to actually live by the sea
05:55and be able to walk on the beach.
05:57We've got a dog. I can't wait to be able to do all those. Wake up in the morning and
06:00go for a beach walk.
06:01Now, look, we've come up to the countryside. Your first time here. What do you think so far?
06:07It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Rolling hills and, yeah, everything.
06:12Excited.
06:13Well, I'm glad you like it round here, because our first house is just this way.
06:16Oh, excellent.
06:17Oh, exciting.
06:20High Angerton is a quiet hamlet, where locals can access everyday essentials in the nearby village of Belsay.
06:27From here, it's about a half-hour drive to a sandy, dog-friendly beach.
06:32Closer to home, there's a pub hosting music and games, and around a mile from it is the house we've
06:39come to see.
06:40Look at this.
06:41I feel like Mary Poppins.
06:43They're about to blow away.
06:46Oh, steps. Are you OK, there?
06:47Oh.
06:49We've had an umbrella failure.
06:55I don't know how that happens.
06:57Don't worry, Jim.
06:58Us ladies love getting our hair wet in the rain.
07:01But let's not hang about.
07:04I heard you like a conversion, so I brought you to a barn conversion for your first.
07:07Look at the character of it. It's just gorgeous.
07:09With all of that as well.
07:11Yeah.
07:11Wow.
07:12All the way back?
07:12Yes, it goes quite far back.
07:14It's quite a decent size.
07:15OK.
07:16OK.
07:16It's beautiful.
07:18And it's got a lovely stone build, which I just adore.
07:21Not too much lawn to mow.
07:22Well, you haven't seen it yet.
07:24You don't know.
07:25So that would be a plus for you.
07:28Not too much lawn to mow.
07:29Shall we take a look inside?
07:30Yes, let's do it.
07:31So excited.
07:34This impressive home was converted from cow sheds by the previous owner in 2011.
07:39It benefits from underfloor heating throughout, and we're starting in Jim and Rachel's most important room.
07:48Now, look at this for a kitchen.
07:50Oh, my word.
07:53This is exactly what we want.
07:56I couldn't have written it.
07:57Really?
07:58No.
07:59Because we wanted room to be able to put a sofa.
08:02Yeah, I could just see Grandma and Truffle sitting on the sofa.
08:05Yes.
08:06Yeah.
08:06Because we live in the kitchen.
08:07The kitchen is absolutely the hub of our home and our lives.
08:10And Jim, we both love cooking, but he's a fab cook.
08:13I mean, we've had houses where we've had sitting room we've never used, dining room we've never used.
08:17We just live in the kitchen.
08:19Lots of work types to make mess on.
08:21Exactly.
08:22And then you've got, I mean, look how they've got this sort of central island table.
08:25You can dine here.
08:26Definitely.
08:27It's a great entertaining space.
08:28Do you love entertaining?
08:30Very much so.
08:30Are you the house where everyone congregates?
08:33Yeah.
08:33Sunday lunch is always at our place.
08:36Well, I'll be there.
08:37Yeah.
08:37You're very welcome.
08:38You're very welcome if you show us houses like this.
08:42There's also a utility room.
08:44And passing through an atrium.
08:47This is gorgeous too.
08:48I mean, look at this.
08:49Get all the sun here in the summer.
08:51Absolutely.
08:51But this is what I want to show you.
08:53We find a great sitting room.
08:55Oh, wow.
08:57Look at that.
08:58Gosh, look at those ceilings.
09:00I love it.
09:01I mean, it's just lots of, again, space.
09:04It's a warm feel, cosy.
09:06It's got character.
09:07And Jim, I can have a really tall Christmas tree.
09:10Yes.
09:11Do you like a good Christmas tree?
09:13We're big Christmas people.
09:15That's the first thing I always think.
09:17Where am I going to put the Christmas tree on?
09:18Yes.
09:18I don't get to put the decorations on, though.
09:20No.
09:21No, no.
09:21They've got to be done properly, haven't they?
09:22Of course.
09:25Having seen what Jim did to our umbrella, I'm not surprised.
09:29Maybe he's safer carving the Christmas turkey in the elegant dining room.
09:33In the far wing, there's a family bathroom and two ground floor bedrooms,
09:38the larger having its own en suite.
09:41So I was thinking this would work really well for your mum.
09:45Yeah.
09:46Yes.
09:48Fabulous.
09:48She'd like this.
09:49I can see her here.
09:50Yeah.
09:50And there's a fitted wardrobe there with plenty of storage.
09:54So much storage.
09:55Perfect.
09:55And her own little part of the house as well.
09:57Yes, because actually, this is kind of in between, isn't it?
09:59Having a granny annex or just a...
10:02This is so much more than just a room downstairs, isn't it?
10:05Well, she can choose when she wants to join us or when she wants her own space.
10:08Yeah.
10:09All right, well, just to put the cherry on top, let's take a look upstairs.
10:15Jim and Rachel would like four bedrooms, but this house would give them five.
10:21So there's three rooms up here.
10:22One's being used as a study and another bedroom.
10:25But this one has the en suite and all of this.
10:30So I think this would be the one that you'd probably want to settle in.
10:33This is very nice.
10:35Yeah.
10:36Very nice indeed.
10:37Nice high ceilings again still.
10:39Everywhere.
10:39So you've come up and you don't lose any of that sort of grandeur.
10:42It's been really well done.
10:44Very well.
10:44It's beautiful.
10:45And they've even put a little window seat in here.
10:47Yeah, that's quite sweet.
10:48Oh, that's cute, isn't it?
10:49Yeah.
10:50You having your coffee brought up to you in the morning.
10:52Who's doing that?
10:53Jim, because you'll be in the kitchen.
10:55Oh, OK.
10:58Outside, there's plenty of parking for when the children visit, plus a garage and a large
11:03garden at the rear.
11:05So this is the garden.
11:06What do you think of this?
11:07It's perfect because it's a nice, manageable size.
11:11Jim's criteria was he didn't want to have to buy us a ride-on lawnmower.
11:15Yeah.
11:15Ah, so many people come on this show and that's all they want.
11:18Not for you.
11:19All I need is space so I can cook outside.
11:21Yes.
11:21And there's lots of lovely areas for Mum and I to get going with the garden.
11:26And it just leaves one question.
11:28Oh.
11:28Oh, the big question.
11:30How much do you think this property is on the market for?
11:35I think it's at the top end of our budget.
11:37OK.
11:39775?
11:41Jim.
11:41I would say 750,000.
11:44Right.
11:47This property is on the market for offers over 795,000 pounds.
11:54Oh, OK.
11:54So you were right.
11:55Mm-mm.
11:56As in, it's at the top of the budget.
11:57Right.
11:58But you don't have to do anything.
11:59Correct.
12:00Nothing.
12:01OK.
12:01Not a thing.
12:02It's perfect inside.
12:04It gives you everything you want.
12:06Yeah.
12:06This striking barn conversion over-delivers with five bedrooms, two of which are on the ground
12:12floor.
12:12There's space for Jim to work from home and underfloor heating throughout.
12:17The grounds have potential for Rachel and her mum's gardening plans without being too
12:22much for Jim to mow.
12:23All for offers over 795,000 pounds.
12:28It definitely has the wow factor.
12:29It's beautiful.
12:30It's characterful.
12:32All the things that, from the outside, I would love in a house.
12:36When we came into the property, you could see it was done to a really high quality.
12:40This house would be perfect.
12:42In fact, if anything, it's maybe even too big for us.
12:45I suppose the one thing, is it close enough to the sea?
13:00So far, it's been smooth sailing for this water-loving couple.
13:04But we're pushing the boat out and sending them upstream to explore Berwick-upon-Tweed, England's
13:10northernmost town, which is even further north than Sweden's southern tip.
13:15It's right on the border with Scotland, and both Edinburgh and Newcastle can be reached
13:20in under an hour by rail.
13:22The wide range of independent shops are for everything you could need.
13:28A new apron for you, Jim.
13:30I think I've got enough aprons.
13:32Someone's doing all right for themselves.
13:34And there's more dog treats for Truffle than you could shake a stick at.
13:38Dog-friendly wine bar.
13:43Many of the businesses have a community focus.
13:45Yeah, so the cafe I run, Northern Soul Kitchen, is really well supported by the community.
13:52It wouldn't exist if it wasn't.
13:54It's very much donation-based, and we have a pay-as-you-feel model during the week.
13:59So the fact that we've been existing for seven years, I think, is a testament to the strength
14:04of the community here.
14:05Well, our shop has been around for over 30 years.
14:08There's not much that we don't sell, but all with a green slant, either organic, fair trade,
14:14locally produced, you know, we're trying to do a bit.
14:17Through the business, we've had the chance to actually become, you know, good friends
14:21with these people.
14:22They're like family to us, and they've supported my family since 1986, and that's why we've
14:28had the opportunity to be able to give back to the community and help also.
14:35Another family-run business is Berwick Boat Trips, owned by David Thompson, who was born
14:40next to the river.
14:46Hi, David.
14:48Welcome to Sunny Berwick.
14:49Hi, David.
14:50I'm on board.
14:50Thank you very much.
14:52Thanks for taking us out.
14:54He's taking Rachel and Jim to see the town from a different perspective.
15:00And this bridge we're coming to here now, the Royal Border Bridge.
15:05And this bridge was opened by Queen Victoria in August of 1850.
15:14Beautiful house.
15:15Berwick's most famous house.
15:17Ah.
15:18It's so famous because I was born there.
15:20No way.
15:21You're joking me.
15:23Along with another 12,000.
15:25Oh, it was a maternity home.
15:27Because it was a maternity home.
15:28It was a maternity home.
15:29It was a maternity home, gifted to the town of Berwick in 1928 by Lord Askew.
15:35Oh, David, I thought that might be our mystery house.
15:37There's no mystery to that one.
15:40Well, I'm going to have to drag them back to dry land, as we've got another house to see.
15:51For our next property, we're around four miles inland, in the hamlet of Longridge.
15:59It's a short drive to amenities in Berwick-upon-Tweed, or a quieter option is Norham, a further four miles
16:05west on the border with Scotland.
16:08Standing above the village is Norham Castle, founded nearly a thousand years ago.
16:15It was besieged nine times and painted by the artist JMW Turner on several occasions.
16:22The village boasts a range of independent shops.
16:26A variety of social groups who meet at the village hall.
16:30And a hotel with bistro, which caters to dog-friendly dining.
16:35It's just a 15-minute bus ride to our next house.
16:43Well, here we are.
16:44And it's quite a big property, I'd say.
16:47It's just, I was supposed to say, my impression is that's quite large.
16:50It's quite large, isn't it?
16:51I can see a fabulous garden.
16:53Yeah, I thought you might like it.
16:55Oh, yeah.
16:55Really lovely garden.
16:56It's almost like a putting green.
16:57Oh!
16:58All the boys will be happy.
16:59Inside, I'm looking for some wows.
17:02Okay.
17:06Although it's styled more traditionally, this house was built in 1995,
17:11using a timber frame construction faced with stone and brick.
17:16Come on in.
17:18Oh!
17:19Oh!
17:19Oh!
17:21Oh!
17:21Oh, now you're talking.
17:22Yes!
17:23Okay.
17:24What's taking your breath away?
17:25Come on in.
17:26The open plan.
17:27Yeah.
17:27I love the sky lantern.
17:30The roof.
17:30The roof.
17:31The roof.
17:33There's your kitchen as well.
17:34There's your kitchen as well.
17:35That's a fantastic island there with all the things you need to create.
17:39Yeah.
17:39And you get to be in and amongst it with everybody.
17:41Yeah.
17:41I mean, that's right.
17:42This, for our everyday living, is exactly what we would like.
17:46Yeah.
17:46And you even get a bar.
17:47Oh, look at that view.
17:48The gin bar is ready.
17:49Oh, you're looking at the bar and I'm looking at the pond.
17:52Your mum would be beside herself.
17:54My mum would be beside herself.
17:55The living space is quite incredible.
17:57It's fantastic.
17:57I mean, you could even put a big dining table here.
18:00Well, look.
18:01Look.
18:03It's so big you missed it.
18:04Yeah.
18:05I want bigger than that.
18:06Oh, God.
18:07Okay.
18:09I'm sending them to explore the rest by themselves, starting with an even bigger dining table.
18:15Gosh.
18:16What a size.
18:17We haven't got a table big enough to go in.
18:19No.
18:20Look at that.
18:20Or enough furniture.
18:21It'll be good for Christmas.
18:22Great for Christmas.
18:23Fantastic.
18:26And upstairs, there's another living area.
18:28Oh, wow.
18:29It's not...
18:30That's an upstairs living room.
18:32Oh, God.
18:32That's crazy.
18:33Look at this.
18:37And that...
18:38That's beautiful, isn't it?
18:39That is a fireplace.
18:41And you can sit round it and toast your marshmallows.
18:45Wow.
18:45That's a lot to take in.
18:47I keep saying, wow.
18:49There's definitely room for the family.
18:52Back on the ground floor is a study, three double bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
18:59So, this would be great for mum.
19:00Yeah.
19:01Fantastic view of the garden, because that's what she really would like.
19:04Look at that.
19:04Look, you've got downstairs en suite.
19:06And en suite with a level floor.
19:09So, we haven't got...
19:10Walk-in shower.
19:10Walk-in shower, yeah.
19:12That would be perfect.
19:12Perfect for mum.
19:14And then an additional room, listed as a dressing room, with an en suite and a spiral staircase,
19:20leading to... me.
19:23Come up these stairs.
19:24I think there's one more space you need to see.
19:26Oh, look.
19:27Oh, that's what goes out onto the balcony.
19:31Oh, how lovely.
19:33Isn't it just?
19:33Look at this.
19:34Oh, wow.
19:35Yes.
19:36That is stunning.
19:37Spectacular.
19:38Do you imagine waking up in the morning and opening the curtains to that?
19:41Well, you come up here.
19:43You've got this.
19:43You can sit out there, have a cup of coffee.
19:45That's your little toilet area there.
19:48The bathroom downstairs, and that space would be your dressing room.
19:51Okay.
19:52This is like your own little...
19:54Own little...
19:55Own little...
20:07Yeah.
20:07But obviously we're looking now for our home that we have without the kids.
20:12This is on a whole different level.
20:14It's just hard to get your head around the number of rooms.
20:17Yeah.
20:18And just the size of the property.
20:21Sheer expanse.
20:21Sheer expanse of it, yeah.
20:24The best place to size up that expanse is the garden, which would make a very attractive
20:30part three, complete with water hazard, plus a clubhouse, and the greenskeeper has done
20:36an excellent job of the lawn.
20:41So there's a lot of house inside.
20:43A lot of house, Denise, yes.
20:45And a fair amount of garden out here as well.
20:47Yeah.
20:47I think I'll be mowing this lawn.
20:49It's a good job.
20:50You like gardening, and your mum.
20:52Oh, yes.
20:52It's fabulous, and it's maintained beautifully.
20:54I think you'll need a golf buggy to get round it.
20:57Probably.
20:57You're just thinking of creating a putting lawn, aren't you, for your boys?
21:00A golf buggy, bring the drinks out.
21:02A lot to consider.
21:04Yeah.
21:04Well, here's the final thing for you to consider.
21:05Oh, I know the thing.
21:06Yeah, yeah.
21:07I think it's over budget.
21:09Yeah.
21:09Maybe £850,000?
21:12I'm going to go £825,000.
21:14Well, this property is on the market for offers in the region of £750,000.
21:21No way.
21:21You're joking?
21:21No way.
21:23Yes way.
21:24That surprises me.
21:25Yeah, me too.
21:27This spacious 90s detached property would give Jim and Rachel the open-plan kitchen diner
21:33they're looking for, as well as four large bedrooms and an upstairs lounge.
21:38Outside, the immaculate lawn is just missing a tee and a golf pin.
21:42But for £750,000, there's a little room in the budget to add them.
21:47I couldn't believe what we very first came into.
21:50This room is everything we would want.
21:54And actually I wouldn't want any more than this room.
21:57It's great.
21:58And it's a really family friendly, sociable environment in here.
22:04I think as we walked around the house, it was very clear that it was a lot bigger than we
22:11really need.
22:12You know, for us, we probably wouldn't use a lot of the rooms and that would be a waste.
22:21It's great.
22:23Having shown Jim and Rachel two homes, they're now welcoming me to theirs.
22:28Their motor home, that is.
22:34Well, here we are.
22:35We've made it to the end of the day.
22:36It's been a busy day.
22:37It's been a busy day.
22:38It's been an exciting day.
22:39How different do you imagine your life is going to be moving away from Marlow and the town and living
22:44like this?
22:46I think it's going to...
22:47For me, it's more about living a much calmer existence, I think,
22:51and having the choice in the morning when you wake up as to whether you go for a walk on
22:55the beach or a walk in the woods.
22:56I think we'll have more time to do things we want, whether it's old things that we've done before,
23:02like taking up golf again or the gardening for you.
23:06You know, it really just opens that new chapter and full steam ahead to find that house.
23:13Yeah, definitely.
23:14Are you getting any clarity?
23:15Did you feel clear before or is anything coming into vision now?
23:19I never thought I'd say a house was too big, but I feel like we need something a bit more,
23:23especially somewhere like Northumberland, I feel like we want something a bit more cosy.
23:27Okay.
23:27So, yeah.
23:28And I think the character features also, you know, we talked about them before,
23:32but when they're not there, you notice they're not there.
23:36And, you know, so it's really something that provides that quirkiness and that's something different.
23:41And the allure of the sea is really important to you, isn't it?
23:43So it's interesting because both houses we've seen have been amazing in their own right,
23:48but we're still lacking the sea.
23:51Getting closer to the sea.
23:53So maybe the mystery house brings the sea.
23:55Maybe it does.
23:56Maybe it does.
23:57But we are sitting here as well in one of your many homes and I can see that cosiness.
24:01This one will get you right on the seafront.
24:03Yeah.
24:04Well, exactly.
24:04Absolutely.
24:05Exactly.
24:06Exactly.
24:07Well, it's been a fabulous day.
24:08So here's to more adventures tomorrow.
24:10Here's to more adventures tomorrow.
24:11Thanks for showing us around.
24:12Oh, good.
24:14That is good.
24:15Oh, good.
24:19That is good.
24:25Property prices in Northumberland are significantly lower than the rest of England
24:31and a detached house here will set you back around £361,000 compared to the national average
24:37of £473,000.
24:41But certain areas can command a higher price, as local estate agent Peter Wood can explain.
24:49I mean, the coastal side, so anywhere east of the A1, I think is kind of that prime location.
24:56So anywhere that's like Subbanborough, Almouth, Walworth, that's where you're going to get the prices are going to increase.
25:03And it's for the views.
25:05Obviously, you've got the coastal views.
25:07So if you weren't right on the seafront with the view, but you wanted to be close and get a
25:11good deal.
25:12Yeah.
25:13How far in there would you go?
25:14Well, actually, Annick is a great place for it because you've got, the coast is 10 minutes away, but you've
25:19still, you're away from those scenes, like the scenery of it, the actual views of the sea.
25:25So I would say just 5-10 minutes inland and the prices, they go down quite considerable.
25:32So taking that into account, the village of Branton is around 9 miles west of the A1.
25:39And for £330,000, you could snap up this 3-bed barn conversion with a cosy lounge and kitchen diner.
25:48Or cross over the A1 towards the coast, you'll find this detached barn conversion, offering 4 bedrooms and a spacious
25:56kitchen diner.
25:57All packed with period features and set in a rural location for £575,000.
26:05But for an address right next to the water, how about this Grade 2 listed former school?
26:11It's set on the riverbank with scenic views from the garden or framed by the floor to ceiling windows within
26:17the house.
26:18The property also enjoys river moorings and fishing rights, all for £950,000.
26:31Today the sun is out and it's all about creativity and getting closer to Northumberland's coast.
26:37For Rachel and Jim, we're going to show them a mystery house which will really stretch their imaginations.
26:44For our final offering, we're heading to the market town, or magic town, of Annick.
26:51Annick Castle starred as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.
26:55And speaking of books, the town is home to one of Branton's largest second-hand bookstores.
27:01The town is also a great hub for hopping around the area.
27:05There are a lot of different things to do in Northumberland.
27:09You've got a lot of small towns such as Annick.
27:12They are connected mainly by buses, there are some trains through Elmouth Station.
27:16There are things like beaches, the national parks, forests that you can go to.
27:23Annick has its own market twice a week, offering locally sourced products.
27:28This market's beautiful, local crafts, and I'm really looking forward to having a good look around here.
27:34This is somewhere definitely we would bring friends to see.
27:36Yeah.
27:36Well, it is Mystery House Day, and the Mystery House is too far from here.
27:42So I want you to spend some time getting to know this area and this market.
27:46I thought we could start by having a chat with one of the storeholders.
27:49Let me introduce you to Amanda. Hi.
27:51Hi, nice to meet you.
27:52Hello, Amanda.
27:53Nice to meet you.
27:54This is Rachel and Jim.
27:55So, could you tell us a bit about what it's like living around here?
27:58It's a really friendly place, a really good community spirit.
28:01Everybody welcomes you in.
28:02I moved here myself from Yorkshire, so it's really friendly.
28:07There's lots and lots of independent shops as well, so you can always buy something a little different.
28:12And then there's lots of things just on your doorstep.
28:15So you've got the beach, which is ten minutes away, and an amazing coastline.
28:19That's a great attraction for us.
28:20It's just a really, really lovely place to live.
28:22Well, I'll leave you guys to carry on chatting and looking at this market,
28:26because I'm going to get ahead to the Mystery House.
28:28Okay.
28:28Open it all up.
28:29Yep.
28:29See you there.
28:30Thank you, Amanda.
28:31See you soon.
28:32Bye-bye.
28:33So how long have you been doing the photography?
28:34Since I was about eight.
28:36Whether you're a photographer or not, the area is packed with picture-perfect scenery.
28:42And around a mile from the market is our magical mystery house, or rather, houses.
28:49This is such a brilliant house.
28:51It's so quirky.
28:53It's the kind of house they could put their own thoughts and style all over.
28:57But most importantly, look where we are.
29:01They get to enjoy that view.
29:03Oh, look at the view.
29:06Yeah.
29:06Aha.
29:07You found me.
29:08We found you.
29:08We found you eventually.
29:09Yeah.
29:10Right at the top of the hill.
29:11Yeah.
29:12You spotted the sea view.
29:12We spotted the sea view already.
29:14First thing I saw.
29:15You've got your sea view, Jim.
29:16Yeah.
29:17Spectacular.
29:18Spectacular view.
29:19Lots of trees.
29:20Yes.
29:20And welcome to the Mystery Houses.
29:23Houses.
29:25Oh.
29:25Okay.
29:26Right.
29:27My word.
29:28Yes.
29:28Yes.
29:29First thoughts.
29:30Unbelievable.
29:31Yeah.
29:31Yeah.
29:32Yeah.
29:32Yeah.
29:32I love the wooden clad.
29:34Yeah.
29:34I like that.
29:35That's very different, isn't it?
29:36That's quite unique.
29:37It is very unique.
29:38Let's get started in the annex and then we'll head over there.
29:41Okay.
29:41Great.
29:44This separate two bedroom building would give Rachel's mum independence just a few steps
29:50from the main house.
29:52Good night.
29:53Oh, this is lovely.
29:54Gosh, it's big.
29:54It's big.
29:55It's very big.
29:56So much bigger on the inside than you think.
29:58It must be great for your mother.
30:00Maybe this will be for us.
30:01Yeah.
30:01Actually, yes.
30:02Yeah.
30:02That's exactly the conversation I thought you might have.
30:05Let mum have that with your kids.
30:06Exactly.
30:07That's true.
30:08You'll be nice in case you'd hear the two of you.
30:10Yeah, it's great.
30:11It's nice.
30:11It's such a lovely space, isn't it?
30:12Isn't it a great space?
30:14Yeah.
30:14And we love our mystery house because it's always something a little bit different.
30:18And this is certainly different.
30:19Isn't it?
30:20Yeah.
30:20I'm going to let you explore this and if you've got it on your own.
30:22Yeah.
30:22And then come out and join me and we'll head into the main house.
30:25Great.
30:25Sounds great.
30:25Okay.
30:26Off you go.
30:27Upstairs first.
30:28Yeah, let's go upstairs first.
30:29Let's go upstairs first.
30:31Bet you're going to love this.
30:33Oh, wow.
30:34Look at this, Jim.
30:35It's a gorgeous little mezzanine in the east.
30:37This is beautiful, isn't it?
30:39Isn't it great?
30:39And you can still see the sea from here.
30:42You can see the sea from here.
30:44The bedroom below is a similar size and has an en suite.
30:49What a great bedroom.
30:51Ah, it is en suite.
30:53Yeah, yeah.
30:55And then she's got her sitting room through there.
30:58This is more than we would have dreamed for, or she would have dreamt to have, isn't it?
31:03Well, she's basically getting her own house.
31:04Her own house.
31:06The oldest part of the main house is a turret tower.
31:09And while no-one is sure exactly how old it is, it's shown on a map dating back to 1851.
31:17Oh, it's a good solid door.
31:19Oh, a creaky, a nice creaky heavy door.
31:21This is an entrance room.
31:23Oh, wow.
31:24Not just a hallway.
31:25Goodness me.
31:26God, this is so, it's so different from the other.
31:28I love the shape of this room.
31:29That's quite...
31:30Yeah.
31:30It's quite impressive, isn't it?
31:32The shape.
31:32You wanted a bit of character.
31:34This has got plenty of character.
31:35Definitely got character.
31:35This has got plenty of character.
31:37Hasn't it?
31:37Yeah.
31:38It's a stunning house.
31:39There's one room I need to show you.
31:41Okay, let's do that.
31:44We don't often get to see hexagonal towers, but the rest of this house is more conventional.
31:51On the opposite side is a long reception room or bedroom, then a large kitchen and utility,
31:56alongside a dining room, and finally a staircase leading up to an upstairs sitting room.
32:05Incredible.
32:07Hexagonal.
32:07I love the shape.
32:08It's really interesting, isn't it?
32:10You did ask for views of the sea.
32:13I did.
32:14So...
32:14There you go.
32:16I kept mentioning it, and now there it is.
32:18There it is.
32:19Now you got it.
32:20I mean, it's just so interesting, isn't it?
32:22Look at the ceiling, all the wood that's been used.
32:24Completely unique, I would say.
32:26I would say you wouldn't...
32:27I've never seen anything like this before.
32:29I think this is quite a statement, Hash, isn't it?
32:31It is.
32:31It is, because it's so different.
32:33Go explore.
32:34There are loads of bedrooms.
32:35Lovely kitchen down there.
32:37Okay.
32:38We're off.
32:38Okay, let's go.
32:39Thanks.
32:41Also upstairs are three large bedrooms.
32:44This would make a nice double room.
32:46Yeah.
32:46And they've got two singles in here, but...
32:48Yeah.
32:49Oh, very nice.
32:49All the boys would want a double bed, so that works.
32:52It does work, very much so, yes.
32:55Oh, another great size room.
32:56Yeah.
32:57You could almost have a sofa in the bedroom, couldn't you?
32:59And a CV from this bedroom window, look.
33:01Oh, that's...
33:02That is...
33:03Again, what's really striking in here is the number of windows.
33:06There's windows everywhere, isn't there?
33:07Wow.
33:08Let's go find the main bedroom.
33:09Okay.
33:09I'll follow you.
33:12Okay.
33:12This is a fantastic room.
33:15I actually thought it was another sitting room initially.
33:17Yeah, I was going to say, it's almost like a sitting room.
33:18Yeah, yeah.
33:19But it's huge.
33:20Oh, there's a little, um, balcony-type area off it.
33:24And I assume there's an en-suite here.
33:27Nice.
33:28Oh, wow, this is a very interesting...
33:31It's a very challenging, isn't it?
33:32It's a challenging mystery house.
33:33It is a challenging mystery house, this one.
33:37Downstairs, the long room and the dining room lie to either side of the kitchen.
33:42Ah, this is a great size as well, isn't it?
33:44It's a shame it's not open-planning to that other space there.
33:47No.
33:48So I don't know whether that's a possibility.
33:49I wonder whether you could open it up if you wanted to, maybe.
33:52I think that would make this a fabulous space.
33:54That would be...
33:54Then that would be exactly what we wanted, wouldn't it?
33:58It would be the kitchen dining.
34:00You'd have room for a sofa and everything in here then, all in one.
34:02Yeah, you would.
34:05Outside, the grounds cover about half an acre
34:08and include a stone-built garage with parking.
34:12There's a lot to it.
34:13Is it all too much?
34:17So how did you find that?
34:20Mind-boggling.
34:21I'm so confused now, Denise.
34:23Have we confuzzled you?
34:25Yes.
34:25Yeah, it seems to be a mixture of all sorts of things.
34:291970s, French influences, the wood.
34:32But it would be a project for us, I think.
34:34The only mystery left to reveal is, of course, the price.
34:38I'm going to really be extreme.
34:44680.
34:45Yeah, I would have said 650.
34:48Okay.
34:48I think you're taking into account what the work you think you need to do.
34:52Probably.
34:53Probably.
34:53And I'm going to remind you of the location, the CV that we're in, Annex.
34:56And the CV.
34:56So we're way off, aren't we?
34:59We're way off.
34:59And tell you that this is on the market for offers over 785,000.
35:04Oh, wow.
35:04Okay.
35:05Yeah.
35:05Somebody will make this into a lovely house, but I don't think it's the project for us.
35:10This characterful home, with a separate Annex, offers Jim and Rachel six bedrooms and potential
35:16to create their desired open-plan kitchen.
35:20The main living room has sea views and the grounds extend to just over half an acre.
35:25It's on the market for offers over 785,000 pounds.
35:30It's a big house, but it's got a nice, cosy, cottagey feel.
35:34A lot of the features that we wanted are here, the floors, the fireplace.
35:37That lounge really showcased the horizon and the sea.
35:43And I think that was the main thing I would take away from this house.
35:47Maybe a project just a bit too far for us.
36:00This scenic coastline, with its wonderful waves, has been inspiring artists for centuries.
36:05But for Claire Eason, art and the sea are inextricably linked.
36:12She'd been an NHS doctor for 30 years, but was looking for a change and a way to relax.
36:17So combined her lifelong love of art and the beach to create these gorgeous images.
36:26One word about Claire's sand art.
36:30Wow!
36:30It is absolutely fantastic.
36:33And what's even better is she's invited me along to have a go for myself.
36:38Claire's works are commissioned by everyone, from large businesses to individuals.
36:43And today she's working on an exclusive design just for us.
36:50Is it literally just get my rake in and draw a straight line?
36:52Like, what's the technique I should be using?
36:54So basically, think of it as a pencil.
36:57Don't worry if you make a mistake, because you can just rub it out with your foot.
37:00And so you simply drag it through the sand and the rougher the better.
37:05So be bold.
37:06Be bold.
37:07OK, well let's dig in here.
37:09So it becomes quite a decent workout.
37:12Yeah, it does actually.
37:13I can feel it in my arms, even my tummy.
37:15It's got like your core.
37:17It's got to dig in, hasn't it?
37:18I could happily be here all day doing this.
37:21Sometimes you can walk 11km doing these.
37:24I can imagine.
37:25Just here and you think, how can I possibly have walked that far?
37:28Yeah.
37:30I am finding this very relaxing and therapeutic.
37:33How has it affected your mental health since leaving behind a busy GP practice?
37:38Well, at the time I knew that I was really tired and probably more than a bit burnt out.
37:44But I didn't realise how much so until I discovered this.
37:48This has helped to reset all of the imbalances.
37:52And I would say that my mental health is probably the best it's been for a very long time.
37:58Some projects Claire works on alone, while others engage communities to join in.
38:04What surprised you the most?
38:05What are some of the most surprising commissions?
38:07There's been a whole range of things that have been a joy.
38:11But being asked to be part of a proposal.
38:14Oh, yeah.
38:15So how did that work?
38:16Did she arrive on the beach and see that?
38:18Yeah.
38:19How magical.
38:20He was a keeper.
38:21Yeah.
38:21He had to be if he had commissioned something like this for her.
38:24Yeah.
38:24That's beautiful.
38:25So you commemorate all these moments?
38:27Yeah, exactly that.
38:28It's looking good.
38:29Right.
38:30How long have we got before that tide comes in?
38:32Oh, we've got enough time at the moment.
38:34So all is good.
38:36So how long will you be out here on a day working on a piece?
38:40So generally it's five to six hours from start to finish.
38:43And that includes the setting up and also the waiting for the tide to come and take it away.
38:50The photography allows you to capture the moment forever.
38:55But that sense of things being transient is just a little reminder that things are transient generally.
39:02And I don't see that as a negative at all.
39:05I just see it as a reminder to appreciate what you've got while you've got it.
39:09So we're going to create some tendrils to give that sense of it being a living structure.
39:15And the best way to do it is with the blunt end.
39:18Okay.
39:19And that is like a fine pencil.
39:21So if you create a sense of a spiral, if you're happy with it, then flip the rake over.
39:32And fill it in?
39:34And then much bolder.
39:43Oh, that's so satisfying.
39:46Isn't it?
39:47Oh, I think I'm happy with that.
39:49Happy enough to make it big.
39:50Yeah.
39:51And bold.
39:51Nice and strong.
39:52That's it.
39:53Let's get around here.
39:57Oh, beautiful.
39:58It's just gorgeous.
40:00You've got it.
40:01I don't even need to tell you about the tidying up.
40:07What a great way to relax and enhance the already beautiful scenery.
40:12Then, in a few hours, it'll be reclaimed by the sea, ready for someone else to create fresh works of
40:19art tomorrow.
40:28Having had time to reflect on our three offerings, will any of them persuade Jim and Rachel to swap Buckinghamshire
40:35for Northumberland?
40:37Hi, Denise.
40:38Hello.
40:39Hi.
40:40Found a lovely spot.
40:41Got the tea ready.
40:42Oh, I've got, yes.
40:43Good tea.
40:44Oh, what an epic time we've had, haven't we?
40:47Really enjoyed the last few days.
40:49We showed you three properties and it got off to a really great start, didn't it?
40:55And you guys, I thought, well, this is it.
40:56We loved house number one.
40:58Yeah.
40:58Did we peak too early?
40:59No, not at all.
41:00I mean, I've been fascinated to see all three houses, but actually what it has, it's, I'm going to use
41:06your expression, it's crystallised what we've decided that I think we're looking for, which is something not too big.
41:13I never thought I'd say that, but actually house two and three probably ultimately are too big for us.
41:18House number one, slightly nearer the coast would be, you know, would fit us nicely.
41:25If we could pick it up and move it a few miles towards the coast.
41:29Oh, Jim, Jim, Jim, Jim.
41:29And I thought that's what was possible in this programme, you could move things, but no.
41:33So you've learned quite a lot.
41:35Yes, we have.
41:35Very much.
41:36What are your next steps going to be?
41:38We've already engaged some estate agents, haven't we?
41:41We have.
41:43And we've arranged, we've, we've put a date in our diary to come back in a couple of weeks' time
41:47in the motorhome.
41:49And there's a few properties that we've already seen that we would like to try and see.
41:54Yeah.
41:55So it's all really positive things.
41:57It really is a special part of the country.
41:59And I can't wait for you two to make it your home.
42:02Next part of your wonderful adventure together.
42:04Next part of our adventure.
42:05Well, thank you.
42:06It's been so much fun.
42:07It's absolutely been a pleasure.
42:08Thank you for showing us the properties.
42:10We've really, really enjoyed it.
42:12And today has just sort of given us that final push to really make it happen.
42:18Cheers.
42:19Cheers.
42:24This journey seems to have made it very real for Rachel and Jim that Northumberland will soon be their home.
42:30I'm so happy for Rachel that she's fallen in love with the place just as much as Jim did all
42:36those years ago.
42:37I cannot wait to hear how their lives change when they settle in this gorgeous, mesmerising county.
42:45I'll see you soon on Escape to the Country.
42:49Jim and Rachel's house is attracting potential buyers.
42:53And they're in the process of viewing more properties in Annick and its surrounding areas.
42:57We wish them all the best for their exciting new move.
43:00If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and need our help,
43:08why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:13We'll see you soon.
43:27Bye.
43:31Bye.
43:35Bye.
43:43Bye.
43:44Bye.
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