Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 31 heads to the peaceful countryside of Herefordshire, where Steve Brown helps a couple relocate from a Gloucestershire town in search of a more rural lifestyle. With dreams of owning plenty of land, they hope to create the perfect home for a growing collection of animals including alpacas, dogs, cats, and more.
Steve also revisits a couple who appeared on the show 15 years ago and are now successfully living their countryside dream on a thriving organic farm. This inspiring episode showcases the appeal of Herefordshire living and the possibilities of building a rewarding rural lifestyle surrounded by nature.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Herefordshire #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
Steve also revisits a couple who appeared on the show 15 years ago and are now successfully living their countryside dream on a thriving organic farm. This inspiring episode showcases the appeal of Herefordshire living and the possibilities of building a rewarding rural lifestyle surrounded by nature.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Herefordshire #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
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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 picturesque, isn't it?
00:09Oh, it is.
00:10But what they find keeps surprising them, room by room.
00:14Ah, Mum! Look at this.
00:15You wasn't expecting this, was you?
00:17Not at all.
00:19And view by view.
00:21Imagine waking up in the morning to that. I hope I do.
00:25A 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,
01:19because 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, they 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 Morphons 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.
02:36You can just go out for a drive around and see all kinds of interesting things and beautiful views.
02:42A most beautiful county.
02:45It's soft rolling hills.
02:47It'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.
03:10It may not be a long journey, but it's certainly a meaningful one.
03:19Hi, I'm Annette. This is Martin.
03:21Hi.
03:21We'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.
03:32And we can't wait. It'll be really exciting.
03:35Since Annette and Martin's three children left home,
03:38the couple has felt ready to sell their three-bedroom semi-detached property
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
03:55and that was years ago.
03:56And every time we mention to someone, that's where we're looking.
03:59They're like, oh, 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?
04:05No, not at all.
04:06Yeah, 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 in 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.
04:57Hi, Martin here. We're just off to work. We 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.
05:46On 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 a rigolant.
06:12I'm on my way to meet them in, yep, you guessed it, a cider apple orchard.
06:18Well, it doesn't get much prettier than this, does it?
06:23It certainly doesn't, lovely.
06:24It's such 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.
06:32How long have you been doing it for?
06:33Quite a while.
06:34It's definitely, definitely me.
06:35But you have come round to it now, haven't you?
06:37At first I was like, no, we've done so much to the house, it's all done.
06:40We can relax now.
06:41But the more I think about it, yeah.
06:44The more you're getting excited.
06:45Oh, yeah, definitely.
06:45The more I want to do it.
06:46Yeah.
06:46How 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?
06:54Definitely.
06:55We want our grandchildren and our family.
06:57We've got a really big family.
06:58So it'd be really nice if 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.
07:13Martin, have you got a say in this?
07:15I have, no, I think, no.
07:17At first I didn't, but now I've come round to the idea.
07:21So what's more important to you then?
07:22Are 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?
07:37But the land is the main, definitely.
07:39I need to let you know at this stage that land is expensive.
07:44And the closer we get to Gloucester, the higher that price goes.
07:48OK.
07:49But don't let that scare you.
07:50We've got plenty to see and loads to explore.
07:53I'm so excited.
07:55Let's go and have a look, shall we?
07:56OK.
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 village with practical 1970s
08:15homes.
08:15It's just a 10 minute drive to the market town of Leadbury, where the couple can find all the essentials.
08:22And for Martin, it's a manageable 40 minute commute to Gloucester.
08:27And in the shadow of St Bartholomew's Church…
08:31Glorious, eh?
08:31It's beautiful.
08:33…lies the property we've come to check out.
08:39Oh, wow.
08:40Oh, that is amazing.
08:42That'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.
08:51This is just over half an acre.
08:54Oh, 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 at about
09:00an acre.
09:01So this is just over half of the entire land.
09:05Amazing.
09:05Weigh enough, isn't it?
09:06Yeah, it is.
09:07Oh, I'm so excited.
09:08I just love it already.
09:09It's looking right.
09:10I love it.
09:11It looks really so pretty.
09:14Great news.
09:14But shall we see what the land comes with before making up our minds?
09:19Overlooking its very own paddock, this detached timber frame cottage has been lovingly maintained by the current owners,
09:27who have called it home for over 55 years.
09:31Oh, beautiful.
09:31Oh, wow.
09:32Oh, this is beautiful.
09:34Look at all these.
09:36All hidden away.
09:37Oh, it is.
09:37It's been kept lovely, hasn't it?
09:38It's lovely, all these flowers.
09:41So come through.
09:43Oh, that'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.
09:52The kitchen.
09:53Really nice.
09:54I do like it.
09:54Yeah, it is lovely.
09:55Really nice.
09:56I like the windows both sides.
09:57Yeah.
09:58Especially, like, we did have the animals and you could see them there, couldn't you?
10:01Yeah.
10:01And the kitchen actually spills through.
10:03Oh.
10:03Oh, did you see that?
10:05Oh, yeah.
10:06That is lovely.
10:07Well, this is Martin's part, isn't it?
10:10This is where Martin does the cooking.
10:11Oh, okay.
10:12Right.
10:12So we're going to divide it into cooking and washing up.
10:15Yeah, there you go.
10:15That's it, yes.
10:16Size-wise, how does it feel?
10:18Fine.
10:18Fine.
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, definitely.
10:25Definitely, definitely.
10:26Let me take you through the rest of the house.
10:27Okay.
10:30Just off the kitchen is a handy cloakroom, the final room in the newer extension, added around
10:3620 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.
10:56Yeah?
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 have it any other way, would we, Martin?
11:10No, we wouldn't have it 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.
11:25Oh, yeah.
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.
11:34The second bedroom has its own cloakroom.
11:37And there's an unconventional shortcut to access the ensuite in the principal bedroom.
11:42Because who needs doors these days?
11:45Oh, what?
11:47Oh, that goes through there.
11:48Oh, yeah.
11:49Oh, that is so beautiful.
11:51And this is a nice-sized room, isn't it, for like me and you?
11:54This is fine.
11:55Definitely, yeah.
11:55This is plenty.
11:56It's good, isn't it?
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.
12:10And the shower there.
12:11That's all we need, isn't it?
12:13Yeah.
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.
12:23But what Annette and Martin don't know is that this property 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.
12:45Yeah.
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.
12:54It was out of the way.
12:55Oh, I just love it.
12:56If that wasn't enough, there's also a pretty, quirky summer house.
13:01And a neatly kept lawn that 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
13:11outdoors.
13:13All right, you two?
13:14Yes, thank you.
13:16How was your wonder?
13:17Oh, it was lovely.
13:18Really nice.
13:18We love the bedroom, the quirky bathroom.
13:21I can't fault it.
13:22I really can't.
13:22It's beautiful.
13:24And what about this pristine garden?
13:27Oh, 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.
13:48I don't know, but I'm just, yeah.
13:51Okay.
13:51I think £480,000, only because there's lots of added extras.
13:55It is.
13:56It's beautiful.
13:57It's on the market for offers over £500,000.
14:00Oh, yeah.
14:00You can see why, can't you?
14:02It's just, yeah, it's beautiful.
14:03Everything about it is just gorgeous.
14:07Set in immaculate gardens and overlooking more than half an acre of paddock, this fantastically
14:13maintained three-bedroom cottage is comfortably within the one-hour drive of Gloucester my buyers
14:18requested.
14:20It's at the top end of their budget, but having been on the market for a year, there might
14:25be room for negotiation.
14:27It's just beautiful.
14:28I just love it.
14:29I could see myself being here, relaxing with my animals, my grandkids being here, my family.
14:35I think it's a place where you could just move into, and also they've kept it absolutely
14:39beautiful.
14:40It's just so, so pretty.
14:42I love it.
14:43Annette, and myself, has fallen in love with this, and I know it's the first house, but
14:47I would really love to put an offering on this one straight away.
14:51Honestly, it's beautiful.
14:52It's all and more that we wanted.
14:54It really is.
15:07Although Annette and Martin have lived just next door in Gloucestershire for most of their
15:11lives, they'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
15:21of the county, its 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-Wye.
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
15:42throughout the year.
15:43But it's the summer months that the town truly shines.
15:47When both locals and visitors make a beeline for the riverside to soak up the sun and scenery.
15:54Ross-on-Wye is brilliant actually.
15:56We'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.
16:05Yeah, I feel really lucky to live here.
16:08The community events in Ross are varied and many.
16:11Just this last weekend we had the beer fest down at the rowing club.
16:16We 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,
16:30but also building a home that's big enough to share with a host of animals.
16:34So they're in the village of Walford, just outside the town,
16:37to meet a couple who have taken that dream one step further.
16:41Can we show you around?
16:42Yes, I'd love to.
16:43I'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.
17:00They'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.
17:09Right.
17:09What 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 quantity as well.
17:23Yeah, definitely.
17:23Yeah.
17:24So with our ponies, they've kind of got a half an acre at a time, but they get rotated
17:28round.
17:29So if you're going to have an acre, then probably separating that into two half acres is better
17:35than just a whole acre, you know, allow the space to rejuvenate really.
17:41Yeah, definitely.
17:41Also 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.
17:57Because 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?
18:07Yeah.
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.
18:17So what we're going to do, scrape out all that.
18:20Okay.
18:22And I'll do the hard work of bringing the Wilbur out here.
18:25You'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, as we head to the outskirts of the Gloucestershire village
18:55of Clearwell.
18:56Sitting on the eastern side of the River Wyre, and within the Wyre Valley National Landscape, the village is known
19:03for its ancient caves.
19:04Mined 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.
19:30A little different, isn't it?
19:31It is, really different.
19:33I like that though, I like the look of it.
19:35Yeah.
19:35I do, really 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, okay?
19:43Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
19:43Because it's a perfectly nice property.
19:45Yeah.
19:45But, it's fair to say, you might want to make it yours a little bit.
19:48A little bit, 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.
20:13Oh, 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.
20:26Okay.
20:27Plenty of room for all of your, like, white goods, making this space a little bit cleaner and fresher.
20:33Yeah.
20:34Yeah, definitely.
20:34I like that.
20:35Much easier on the eye.
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 know, in Annette, she'd probably change the doors.
20:45Yeah, probably.
20:46And the work tops, wouldn't you?
20:47Yeah, probably.
20:48Yeah, and the flooring.
20:50But, but, but, but the actual layout is fine.
20:52And the size of it is fine.
20:54Yeah, the size is fine.
20:54The size is fine.
20:55Do I want it any bigger?
20:56No.
20:56No, definitely not.
20:58No.
20:58Let me show you into another room that I think you're going to quite like.
21:01Okay.
21:03Yeah.
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.
21:14Oh, 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.
21:25I love that.
21:26Anywhere from this room is a view, isn't it?
21:28Yeah.
21:28Yeah, definitely.
21:29Doors open.
21:31Barbecues.
21:31Children running round.
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.
21:39Okay.
21:43Well, they've already mentioned the views and they only get better the further up you
21:47go.
21:48And they're 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.
22:12Yeah.
22:12So that's the original.
22:13Yeah.
22:14The whole, all this is the original.
22:16It's a big enough room, isn't it?
22:17Oh, yeah.
22:17And the views again.
22:19They're beautiful.
22:20I love the views.
22:21What's in there?
22:22Oh, sweet.
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?
22:31Yeah.
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.
22:49Beautiful 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.
23:07All right.
23:08Yeah, thank you.
23:09How was your round 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.
23:16There'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.
23:21So what do you think this is on the market for?
23:24I'll let you go first.
23:25I'm going to go £485,000.
23:29£485,000.
23:30Yeah.
23:30OK.
23:30Right.
23:31I'm going to go our top range, £500,000.
23:34Really?
23:34Yeah.
23:35That's what I think, because we're in Gloucestershire.
23:36That's what I think.
23:37You're closest with your guess of £500,000.
23:40It's on the market for £495,000.
23:42Oh, right.
23:43OK.
23:43OK.
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.
23:51I know just the place.
23:52OK.
23:53Bye.
23:58Despite being five grand shy of their top budget, the views at this former coach house in the
24:04Y Valley aren't enough to convince Annette and Martin.
24:07But it does have some standout features, including a half acre paddock, a stunning orangery and
24:14a bathroom for each of the three bedrooms.
24:18This paddock here is amazing.
24:21The views are amazing all the way around.
24:23But when you buy something, it's got to have everything.
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?
24:32No, we're just not feeling it with this one.
24:34No.
24:34And I wouldn't have the passion to do the work on this.
24:38Because it's not what we wanted, would it?
24:39No.
24:45It'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
24:58how 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?
25:18Perfect.
25:18Yeah.
25:19It was one of those houses.
25:20The more I think about it, the more, yeah, I can't fault it.
25:23No, 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.
25:48It's really got me.
25:49And I can't think of a sentence that has come out of your mouth without the word alpaca in
25:55it.
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 chose my colours.
26:01Have you really?
26:02Oh my goodness.
26:04Now we've just got to choose a field to put in.
26:06Yeah, that's it.
26:07Well, do you know, I could sit out here looking at this view all evening.
26:13But I think the mosquitoes are going to start getting the better of it 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
26:47to 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 difference.
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.
27:21Particularly for those looking for more land and room to grow.
27:28The rural heritage of this county means there's an incredible array of properties to choose from.
27:34For renters, this semi-detached barn conversion has a large living room and three bedrooms, including an en-suite principle.
27:42It's in a peaceful rural location, not far from the Welsh border, and is available for £1,100 per calendar
27:51month.
27:52For 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.
28:17There 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.
28:31It's Mystery House Day and I'm looking forward to challenging Annette and Martin when it comes to that all-important
28:38extra 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. Just listen, isn't it? So peaceful.
29:06Have you travelled this far across Herefordshire before?
29:08I haven't, is that half of you? No, not me.
29:11No? It does look beautiful though.
29:12It does look very nice, yeah.
29:14Well, your priorities seem to have been the land, followed by the distance from work, the travelling,
29:21and of course the property itself. It'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?
29:35I'll see you shortly. Okay.
29:39Nestled in the North Herefordshire countryside, the village of Pembridge is often seen as the jewel in the crown of
29:46the 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.
30:03Martin and Annette have asked for around an acre of land for their animals, but this is the Mystery House,
30:09and through this gate at the bottom of the garden are 33 acres that this property has grazing rights to.
30:16Those animals won't believe their luck.
30:20But this Mystery House isn't just about the outside space. Inside it's a beautiful, well-maintained family home that anyone
30:28would be happy to call their own.
30:33Martin had his sights set on being within an hour of Gloucester. Now we're stretching that a bit here, but
30:40I think it's worth it to see what an extra 20 minutes can buy you.
30:45All right, you two? Yeah, thank you.
30:47Yeah, we're good, thank you.
30:48Turn and face the Mystery House.
30:51Oh, look at that. Oh, 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. Come on!
31:05This semi-detached cottage dates back to the mid-19th century.
31:09An 80s extension brought in a set of functional ground floor spaces.
31:14So come on in. Utility room.
31:17Lovely utility room.
31:19Downstairs bathroom.
31:21That's nice, love. It's really nice.
31:24Leading to a kitchen that still holds plenty of original charm.
31:29This is a nice size. Really nice.
31:32There's enough space for you? Definitely, yeah.
31:33For your cooking? Oh, it's lovely.
31:36Usable space? Oh, yeah, definitely.
31:38Sorry, I'll rephrase that. Usable space, Martin?
31:40Definitely.
31:42Yes, yes.
31:43Oh, yeah, definitely.
31:44Well, let's go and see where you might relax a little bit more.
31:47OK. While Martin's in the kitchen.
31:48In the kitchen. Come on.
31:54You've got an extension to the side there.
31:56Look at that.
31:57God.
31:57And then into...
32:01Oh.
32:01I mean, I know what I think of the room.
32:03Oh, this is.
32:04Oh, this is lovely.
32:05Yeah, really nice.
32:06Lovely. Nice size, isn't it? Nice size.
32:08And the beams.
32:09Yeah.
32:09I love the beams.
32:10Oh, this is a lovely size.
32:13There you go. There'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.
32:22All right.
32:22Well, while the energy's high, we're all happy.
32:25Why don't you go upstairs, have a look around?
32:27Yep.
32:27And I'll meet you somewhere in the garden shortly, all right?
32:31You'll have to come and find me.
32:32OK, thank you.
32:33See you in a bit.
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.
32:47Oh, Martin.
32:49Have you got your caves you wanted to see?
32:50Oh, I'm falling 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.
33:06I know.
33:07I hope I do.
33:11I can hear nothing but positivity coming from Annette 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
33:25and provides a huge lawn, flanked by a variety of outbuildings,
33:30including potting sheds, greenhouses and a workshop,
33:34to name just a few.
33:36And that's before we even get to the paddock,
33:38which 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,
33:48where, thanks to a ruling that dates all the way back to 1201,
33:53Annette and Martin would have year-round grazing rights
33:56for 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, to be 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.
34:37Because I just, I just, I'm no good at this.
34:39Couldn't you start?
34:40I've got to say £460,000.
34:42OK, £460,000.
34:44Oh, God, do I go lower?
34:46Erm, £475,000.
34:50£475,000.
34:52This, believe it or not, is on the market for £450,000.
34:56Oh, I wasn't expecting that.
34:59Oh, wow.
34:59No, I wasn't expecting that, was you?
35:01No, no.
35:01Oh, my God, I can't go over that, £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,
35:13this three-bedroom character cottage needs little to no work
35:17and is a handy £50,000 under budget.
35:21We're further from Gloucester, yes,
35:24but what the distance gives them in outside space is hard to beat.
35:27A full acre of land, plus 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
35:46would be amazing.
35:48Before we did this house hunting, Annette said,
35:51when 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 round 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 round and work round.
36:09It always takes time for the dust to settle after a move,
36:13and today I'm meeting Paul and Kesary,
36:15who have had plenty of time to make themselves at home.
36:17They moved to Herefordshire 15 years ago,
36:20with a little bit of help from us, of course.
36:25In 2009, weary of the corporate grind in London,
36:30the couple set out in search of a new life in the countryside,
36:33guided 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.
36:52What 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
37:09because 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
37:19because it is absolutely stunning.
37:21For 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.
37:37So 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.
37:49We 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 moving 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?
38:23So basically what we did was we selected an area that has woodland, river or stream and different grasses.
38:31And we've just left it.
38:34And over time we've just seen the wildlife move in.
38:37It's been incredible.
38:39Not content with just building a farm, the couple recently expanded into events.
38:45Hosting woodland weddings, festivals and corporate gatherings right here on site.
38:50Throughout 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 to cook up a traditional barbecue known as a braai.
39:05And today, I'm lucky enough to get a taster of the experience their 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, cast your wine back then, 15 years ago.
39:22Did you think it was going to end up like this?
39:25Well, I guess we always dreamed and I think our dreams were made into a reality.
39:29We've developed and it's something that we find easy to sell because we believe in it.
39:34So, if somebody else was looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them?
39:39What sort of guidance?
39:40If you are trying to earn money from the business as well, it is a lot of hard work.
39:46Paul and I probably work harder now than we did in our corporate jobs.
39:49Obviously, there's a lot of pros to it, but I think people need to go in with their eyes wide
39:54open.
39:55Looking after animals is difficult and you're learning all the time.
39:59This is absolutely divine.
40:01You two do a very good job, whether it's the rewilding, the passion you've got for the wildlife, the livestock
40:09you've got here or 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.
40:18Thank you very much.
40:19Thank you very much.
40:27It looks like there's two properties that could be real contenders for Martin and Annette.
40:32Let's see what they're thinking, shall we?
40:38Hey, you two.
40:40So come on then, before we start talking about the properties, we've gone length and breadth now of Herefordshire.
40:46And is it now a county that you could, shoulders back, head 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, it's a toss-up here.
40:58We've got the first house we showed you and 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, I'd be able to see them, wouldn't I?
41:10I'd be able to see them from the house.
41:11And it was only 40 minutes.
41:12Only 40 minutes away, which is a big factor.
41:15The mystery house was lovely as well.
41:17And if the house had been swapped, we would have gone for that one, because it was closer.
41:22So, simply down to location, the 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.
41:31Yes, that's all it was.
41:32Well, 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, you're excited about all of this, but what will the next
41:41steps be?
41:42I think we're going to go for another viewing, aren't we?
41:45I 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, alright?
42:00I'm not going to.
42:02Get in there, take your sister, take any other family members and make that move.
42:08I wish you so, so much luck.
42:10It's been amazing.
42:13I've really enjoyed it.
42:13I've had such a lovely week.
42:15I really have.
42:19For years it's been Annette who's been the driving force behind the move to Herefordshire,
42:24but this week it's been great seeing Martin won over by this beautiful county.
42:30I wish them all the best for that second viewing and if all goes well, it won't be long before
42:35them and their animals will be calling this place home.
42:38Join us again next time for another Escape to the Country.
42:42True to their word, they returned to House One for a second viewing, though as Martin predicted,
42:48it 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 as they begin their
42:59new life in Herefordshire.
43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:06and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
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