Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 34 follows retired Jenny as she leaves Kent behind for a fresh start in the beautiful North Wessex Downs, hoping to live closer to her son Ollie. With a £300,000 budget, she dreams of a cosy countryside cottage complete with a vegetable patch and a blooming rose garden — the perfect peaceful retreat.
Jules Hudson presents a selection of charming rural properties that offer tranquility, character, and the chance to enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by nature. This episode highlights the timeless appeal of countryside living and the joy of putting down new roots in the stunning North Wessex Downs.
#EscapeToTheCountry #NorthWessexDowns #CountryLiving #CottageLife #BritishTV
Jules Hudson presents a selection of charming rural properties that offer tranquility, character, and the chance to enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by nature. This episode highlights the timeless appeal of countryside living and the joy of putting down new roots in the stunning North Wessex Downs.
#EscapeToTheCountry #NorthWessexDowns #CountryLiving #CottageLife #BritishTV
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00When looking for an exciting new rural experience, you know who to call.
00:05An adventure in the country. Let me think. Yes, you've come to the right place.
00:10We'll help you get into the countryside and get into character.
00:13Just what I'd always thought about. Mum wants to be Miss Marple.
00:16I think this is where she could do it.
00:19Our potential new homes are right on the money.
00:23I can't believe I could afford it.
00:25Wow, that's interesting point. That's incredible.
00:28Meaning the life that awaits you could be just around the corner.
00:32I can't believe you've done this, Jules.
00:57A rich cultural heritage.
01:01Fields that seemingly roll on forever.
01:04And giant chalk horses trotting across the hillsides.
01:09Join me for a wander in a pretty and protected landscape of chalk downland.
01:15This is part of the old Ridgeway path that runs through the North Wessex Downs.
01:20People have been walking along here for the last 5,000 odd years or so.
01:25It does make you reflect. Make you slow down.
01:28And it sets both the scene and the mood for what I hope will be a classic escape to the
01:35country.
01:38Situated in the south-west of England, the North Wessex Downs straddle the counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire,
01:46as well as Wiltshire, where we're focusing our search.
01:51A vast and varied landscape, from chalk downlands to pretty limestone villages, some of England's finest countryside can be found
01:59here.
02:02I'm part of the White Horse Harriers.
02:04We're a small running club, about 200 members.
02:07We get tremendous views all the way across to the Cotswolds.
02:10And whether it's freezing outside, whether it's raining, whether it's sunny, it's such a beautiful place to run.
02:17The town of Marlborough has an alluring blend of history, elegant Georgian architecture and one of England's widest high streets.
02:27Villages such as Ramsbury paint a picture of quintessential country life,
02:31awash with thatched cottages, enveloped in greenery and bursting with community spirit.
02:41Well, today's buyer's move to this glorious part of the country is being driven by her wish for a fresh
02:48start and to be closer to family.
02:54Hi, I'm Jenny from Kent. This is my home where I've lived for 20-odd years.
02:59Now retired, Jenny wants to move within the North Wessex Downs to be nearer to her son, Ollie, who lives
03:06in the Hampshire town of Basingstake.
03:08My amazing, fantastic, handsome, wonderful son, Ollie.
03:13We get on very, very well and he brings out the best in me.
03:17I'm very excited for Mum to start this journey and I can't wait to help her find the perfect house
03:22in the country.
03:23Having lived in the South East all her life, Jenny has seen the area expand and now longs for a
03:29quieter time.
03:30There are so many developments in Kent at the moment. We like London overspill.
03:34So I'm going to be right in the middle of an enormous housing estate and I just don't want to
03:40live like that.
03:40I've always had this sort of dream of living in, you know, this perfect little cottage with a little rose
03:46garden and a pond and my vegetables out the back.
03:49Being a bit of a Miss Marple character in the village.
03:53Eccentric old deer, you know.
03:55And like many of our escapees, Jenny's also looking to pursue new hobbies.
04:00I would like to get into wildlife photography. That's really what I would like.
04:04I have this camera sitting indoors, which really needs using.
04:09Yeah, it'd be brilliant to see that camera once in a while, wouldn't it?
04:13Get that out, come out to the country, take some photos.
04:16Yeah.
04:18Whilst the pair are relatively unfamiliar with the North Wessex Downs, Ollie is sure it'll be the perfect place for
04:25his mum.
04:25It's going to be a great location for mum to Springboard to other places.
04:30I want an adventure for my retirement.
04:32What a retirement.
04:35Jenny is approaching this search with an open mind, but would love to find somewhere with countryside views.
04:41A minimum of two bedrooms and a private garden where she can grow vegetables.
04:45The location should be within easy reach of Ollie in Basingstoke and her budget is £300,000.
05:04For Jen, this is quite a move.
05:07She's elected to come to a part of the country which, frankly, I don't think she knows that well.
05:12So the challenge this week, I guess, is twofold.
05:16Not only have I got to try and sell her a house, I've also got to sell her the region.
05:21But in my experience, if you love the area in which you think you're going to live, the chances are
05:28you will love the property.
05:31Fingers crossed.
05:38Before we kick off the house hunt, I think I should get acquainted with mother and son and they should
05:44get acquainted with the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
05:49Well, Jennifer, Ollie, welcome to your escape to the country.
05:54Oh, it's fantastic to meet you, George.
05:55Yeah, nice to meet you.
05:56Well, you are very welcome.
05:58I love coming to this part of the world.
05:59I love the history, the landscape, the architecture.
06:02It's the perfect mix for anybody, I think, really wanting to get away from it all.
06:05Now, the reasons for your move, I think, are clear to be closer to Ollie.
06:10Yeah.
06:10But just tell anybody who may have missed it how it is you came to be here with me today.
06:16Well, thanks.
06:17Thanks to Ollie.
06:18Yeah, I think I've got a bit of a confession to make there, Jules.
06:21Go on.
06:21Mum's been looking for the country.
06:23She talks about her local area and every time she comes up, I get an earful.
06:27It's building artwork, it's traffic work.
06:30So I thought, I'm going to sign up for the show.
06:32When they got back to me and said, we'd love you to come on, when Mum last visited, I said,
06:38by the way, Mum, we're going to be on Escape to the Country.
06:41So he signed you up?
06:42Yes.
06:42And you didn't know anything about it?
06:44No, no.
06:44Wow, what a relationship you must have to have let that one pass by.
06:49Yeah.
06:50I just know that it's the right thing for her and I know she's excited.
06:53Mum wants sort of an adventure, something different, don't we?
06:57Yeah.
06:58We're sort of looking for that.
07:00In the country.
07:00In the country, yeah.
07:01An adventure in the country.
07:02Yes, please.
07:03Let me think.
07:03Yes, you've come to the right place.
07:05You've come to the right place.
07:06Your wish list, your requirements, they are incredibly broad.
07:09You've not tied my hands in any way at all.
07:12Obviously the budget, you know, gives us a...
07:14That's the only constriction, yeah.
07:15A natural constraint.
07:16Yeah.
07:16But nonetheless, the fact that you have given us free reign to virtually pick...
07:21I'm happy to be surprised.
07:22Three mystery houses, really.
07:24Very happy.
07:25Well, if you want to be surprised, you've definitely come to the right place.
07:29Yeah.
07:30I am super excited, but yes, there is this little thing in the background.
07:35Am I doing the right thing?
07:37You know, am I going to be happy?
07:39Will I find somewhere that makes me happy?
07:42Well, let me reassure you from the get go.
07:45It is our pleasure to try and find you a property.
07:49All you need to do, Ollie, is help me reassure your mum that this is a move that is well
07:53worth making.
07:54And I have every confidence that it is, because this is a gorgeous part of the world.
07:58So, shall we go and spend your money?
08:00Oh, yeah.
08:01Let's get my mum a house.
08:02Come on, let's do it.
08:04Come on.
08:06I can't wait to show off what this region has to offer, starting with our first property in Devizes.
08:14At the south westerly edge of the North Wessex Downs, Devizes is a traditional market town.
08:20Lively and vibrant at its centre, it also offers a taste of tranquility down its pretty stone side streets.
08:27And on the outskirts of the town, we find the house in question.
08:33Right, you two, come on in, Jenny.
08:35Now then.
08:36Oh, you've got your veg packs.
08:37Yeah, you've got this corner plot here with this semi-detached property on it and a little bit around the
08:43back as well.
08:43So you've got plenty of outdoor space in terms of your green-fingered ambitions.
08:48But, yeah, so here we are in Devizes.
08:51As the Wurzels famously said, you never get surprises living in Devizes, but maybe, maybe here we will.
08:57Is it a town you know?
08:59No, I don't know Devizes, no.
09:01Very pretty heart to it.
09:03We are about three-quarters of a mile from the market square here.
09:06So all of that is on your doorstep.
09:08Nice.
09:08The surrounding area looks amazing as well.
09:10The farmland that we've driven through.
09:12Yeah.
09:12So it looks really nice around here.
09:13And you've got a shed as well, which is what you wanted.
09:15Yeah.
09:15Bigger vegetable plot than I've got at the moment.
09:18So that's all good.
09:19And, of course, you've got the hammock for me when I come and see that.
09:22I spotted that already.
09:23Well, that, again, that may go.
09:25That may go on, you know.
09:26Anyway, without further ado, shall we go in?
09:29Come on, let's have a look.
09:30Yes. Thank you.
09:30See what you think.
09:34The location and garden seem to have impressed, and I'm hoping the positive reactions continue as we head on in
09:41through the front porch.
09:43Here we are.
09:45Is this the new life?
09:46Is this the new look?
09:49It's compact, bijou, is that how you say it?
09:52Well, you could indeed say that, yeah.
09:54Yeah, I mean, there's a seating area, which is good.
09:56And you wanted a kitchen that was done.
09:57Yes, yeah.
09:58Yeah, that's important.
09:58It looks all ready to go.
10:00Lots of storage space.
10:01I like blue.
10:02I like the wooden walk tops.
10:04That's nice.
10:05All very functional.
10:06Not a huge property, and you'll be familiar with the constraints that come with the property of this size.
10:12I guess the key thing from your point of view, Ollie, is trying to imagine you all coming over.
10:16Oh, yeah.
10:17Me being here.
10:18For walking in the back door.
10:19Where's my cup of tea, Mum?
10:21Exactly.
10:22Exactly.
10:23Yeah, definitely.
10:23You know, she's got a table that would suit this space as well already.
10:26So I can see, and I think the kitchen's a good size.
10:29You can definitely see Mum in this kitchen.
10:31It's a lovely, lovely place.
10:33Potential of the garden.
10:35So, yeah.
10:35It's got some rather lovely, quite modern twists as well.
10:38Have a look at this.
10:39The living area.
10:40Main living room.
10:41Straight off the kitchen.
10:42Oh, yes.
10:43Feels completely different, doesn't it, when you come in here?
10:45Doesn't it?
10:46Cozy but spacious, isn't it?
10:47It's a lovely floor room as well.
10:49It's nice.
10:50You feel comfortable when you walk in here.
10:52And I like it that it's light and light and airy, and I've got a lovely big window.
10:56That's nice.
10:56Yeah.
10:57I've got the cupboards and the different areas.
10:59It's spacious.
11:00I think that would be good for Mum.
11:01Because you are overseeing, you know, quite a big number here for your Mum.
11:06Yeah.
11:07You've walked her into.
11:08A little bit nervous.
11:10Responsibility.
11:11Responsibility now.
11:12I'm here to help.
11:14You're not on your own, mate.
11:15Don't you worry.
11:16We're going to take good care of your Mum.
11:19Starting by showing her the rest of this house.
11:22Upstairs, there's a family bathroom.
11:24Two bedrooms for Ollie to choose between when he visits.
11:27But I want to show Jenny the bedroom I think she'd call hers.
11:33It's a nice big window again.
11:35Three bedrooms as well.
11:36Three?
11:37I can't go over that.
11:37Cheeky bonus for you, isn't it?
11:40Somewhere for...
11:40Where's my room?
11:41I was going to say...
11:42Where am I staying?
11:43So when you travel to see your Mum, how many are in the car?
11:47Just two of us.
11:48Right.
11:49So actually...
11:49So they can have one each.
11:50They can have one each if you wanted.
11:52Yeah, a bit of room depends on the day, doesn't it?
11:56You know that feeling?
11:56Yeah.
11:58I'm leaving them to explore the other two bedrooms on their own.
12:02A cosy double as well as a single.
12:05I wasn't expecting three.
12:06Third one, yeah.
12:07That's brilliant.
12:08So this could be the hobby room.
12:09Yeah, and I can see the garden, I've got a view.
12:11So now the inside's been sized up, all that's left is to chat figures.
12:17OK.
12:17Let's cut to the chase then, shall we?
12:20OK, thank you.
12:20And think about...
12:21The reason why we're all here, right?
12:22Absolutely.
12:23How much this might cost you.
12:25So, as it's all your fault, Ollie, as to why your mother is here on Escape to the Country,
12:32you, sir, could go first.
12:34I'm going to go £295.
12:37£295,000.
12:39Yeah.
12:40Cheeky?
12:40I'm going to go £285,000.
12:44£285,000.
12:46Yeah.
12:46Well, you're pretty close, aren't you?
12:48You're bang on, madam.
12:50Really?
12:51£285,000.
12:51Oh, wow.
12:52One to me.
12:53One to mum.
12:54I'm having this.
12:56Oh, wow.
12:57You've got a few more goes at this, don't worry.
13:00There you go.
13:00That's way under budget.
13:01That's great.
13:02Well done, yeah.
13:03Yeah.
13:04Well, I love it when a house price pleasantly surprises.
13:07For a guide price of £285,000, this semi-detached home has three bedrooms, a country style kitchen, a modern
13:16living room and a generous garden on a corner plot.
13:21It's clean, it's tidy, it's relatively new and decorated.
13:26She doesn't want to have any work to do in a property. I think she wants a turnkey house.
13:31So there's lots of positives there.
13:33It's a nice looking house. I love the veg patch at the front. The outside space is really good. I'm
13:40not sure that this is quite what I want. This is the first one. So yeah, really excited to see
13:47the next two and then I'll have something to compare this one to.
13:59On the northern edge of the North Wessex Downs sits Wantage. For a small town, Wantage has it all and
14:07more.
14:08Packed with independent shops, from a record store to refill and zero waste shops, residents hardly need to leave. But
14:16if they do, a regular bus service connects the town to Didcot, Abingdon and the city of Oxford.
14:23Wantage is, it's such a special little place. I don't think any other towns have got the level of support
14:28for local independence that we do.
14:30In Wantage has an arts festival every summer, has a literary festival every autumn as well. And this is all
14:37part of the appeal of the town.
14:40It's a town that combines countryside, community and convenience. I think living close to somewhere like this could be perfect
14:47for Jenny.
14:48It's an absolutely beautiful community. Two minutes in any direction and you are in the countryside. And that's a really
14:54amazing thing to have on your doorstep.
14:56For Jenny and fellow nature lovers, the Ridgeway National Trail runs just past the town and Letcom Brook flows right
15:03through the centre.
15:05As a rare chalk stream, it's home to a variety of wildlife. An ideal spot for Jenny to practise her
15:11photography.
15:13This is pretty, look. Chalk stream, yeah. It's fast flowing, isn't it? Look at that.
15:18It's lovely and clear, isn't it? Yes, beautiful, very clean.
15:20There are lots of community-led projects for her to get involved in too.
15:25Here in Downsworth, we work closely with Sustainable Wantage. We have a lunch club, which we invite everyone from the
15:32community to come to.
15:33We have craft groups that meet here. We have mother and baby groups that meet here. It's become a social
15:40hub. And yeah, it's just a lovely, lovely vibe.
15:44I know how important Jenny's garden is to her. And I know how much she wants to become part of
15:51a community.
15:52So we're combining both of those passions and sending her and Ollie to meet Olwen and Joe from the Wantage
15:57Market Garden, a community-run area of greenery in the heart of the town.
16:02So you've got the most amazing space here. You're so lucky to have such a big area. It's lovely.
16:07It is. And pretty much anybody from the community can come and garden here and enjoy this area.
16:12It's great. And what happens to all the produce that you grow?
16:15Everybody who gardens here has a share of what we grow. So they can all take home fresh produce, whether
16:24it's fruit or flowers or vegetables.
16:28And anything extra that we have that nobody wants, we then take to the mix, which is the community shop
16:35in Wantage, and they can be given away to people who come and visit the shop.
16:39Oh, it's lovely. Quite a few volunteers who come here might be people who've moved into a smaller house.
16:46And so they love gardening, but they don't have the space to do it at home, so they can come
16:49and do it here.
16:50Or people who are on their own, so they come so they can garden in company rather than...
16:54Meet people. Yeah, meet people.
16:57And we do have families who come and bring their children as well, so it's open to all ages.
17:01Yeah. Also Mum can bring me along.
17:03Yeah. Lovely.
17:05Well, she keeps an eye on you.
17:06I think it'd be great moving to a new area. You want to meet new people, don't you, as well?
17:10Yeah, yeah. Be involved in a community.
17:12And gardeners are always lovely people.
17:18Jenny really seems at home in a welcoming town community, which bodes well, as I've got a little surprise I
17:25want to show her.
17:31We're taking an unplanned detour to another historic market town, Marlborough.
17:37So, unusually this week we are going to slot in an extra property with which to tempt Jenny.
17:44Life in a place like this does have its advantages.
17:47You've got community, you've got amenities, and I've got just the property, I think, that might work.
17:54And it's this delightful two-bedroom terraced cottage.
17:59This is not technically among the properties I'm planning to show you this week.
18:03Oh. This is a bit of a bonus. Oh, wow.
18:06But what do we think about the idea of living in the heart of someone like Marlborough?
18:11Oh, that's insane. I can't believe I could afford it.
18:13Well, that's an interesting point. That's incredible.
18:16It comes with this little courtyard garden here. It's beautiful.
18:20So, not green, necessarily. You'd have to kind of container garden it, perhaps.
18:25On this occasion, I'm going to tell you what it's worth before you have a look.
18:28Oh. Because I'm going to let you run around this on your own. Oh, brilliant.
18:31But let's have a bit of fun with it. It is within budget.
18:34Really? Go on, then. Stab in the dark. You've not seen it.
18:37What would you expect this might cost you?
18:40It's got to be the top of my budget, surely?
18:42Go on.
18:43300?
18:43300,000 pounds?
18:44Yeah, I was going to say 300.
18:46Shall I be more optimistic to be different? 290?
18:49290,000 pounds.
18:51On the market, currently, for 285,000 pounds.
18:55Wow!
18:56Well, look. It's all open.
18:58You don't need me in there getting in the way.
19:01Go and have a look.
19:01And I look forward to seeing what you make of it a little bit later on.
19:06There you go.
19:08I am so excited to see what they make of this charming period property,
19:13tucked away on a quiet cobbled lane just minutes from the high street.
19:17Oh, lovely.
19:17Oh, this is lovely. Oh, look, lovely fireplace.
19:20Yes, lovely.
19:21It's light in here as well.
19:23Yeah, it's a good size. It's cosy, though, isn't it?
19:25It feels quite homely.
19:26Yeah.
19:27And while Jenny and Ollie look around inside,
19:29I'm nipping off for a chat with a local resident.
19:32JC, when I picture this part of the world,
19:34Marlborough is absolutely in the mix.
19:38It's such a beautiful, such a classic English town, isn't it?
19:42Yeah, yeah, it's very beautiful, especially the high street.
19:45I've always loved living around here.
19:47So, for somebody who might be thinking of moving into the heart of Marlborough,
19:53you would recommend it?
19:55I absolutely would, yeah.
19:57It's quaint, it's relatively quiet and everyone's generally pretty friendly, I'd say.
20:04Well, the locals certainly sell life in Marlborough.
20:08Fingers crossed the house does the same.
20:10Speaking of which, I wonder how they're getting on.
20:13There's a compact family bathroom upstairs,
20:16a cosy double room and another similar-sized bedroom.
20:21Look out over the garden with this one.
20:24Yeah. Which is nice.
20:25It's certainly given me something to think about
20:27and I certainly wasn't expecting this.
20:30No. So that's brilliant.
20:32But it is a cheeky bonus as well, I suppose.
20:34I did ask for a surprise, didn't I?
20:37Could this house be swaying Jenny towards town life rather than a village one?
20:43So, what about a slice of Marlborough living?
20:47Well, that's amazing.
20:49You certainly challenged my thoughts on where I want to live
20:53and what I want from everything.
20:55I think it really gives Mum something to think about.
20:58It's definitely challenged her expectations.
21:00She's got a big smile on her face.
21:02I'm pleased to have seen it.
21:04Thank you very much, Jules.
21:05Shall we continue to challenge you?
21:07Oh, yes, please.
21:07Come on.
21:08Yes, please do.
21:10Maybe get a coffee on the way.
21:11How about that?
21:11Oh, yeah, that'd be nice.
21:16We're exploring the Berkshire stretch of the North Wessex Downs
21:19for our next property, which is situated in the village of Lambourne.
21:24Clues to the area's equestrian heritage are dotted around.
21:28A Norman church faces the marketplace where there's also a mix of shops, pubs and local services
21:34with an annual carnival that animates the village in the summer.
21:39Just a few minutes' walk from all that brings us here.
21:43Right, you two.
21:45Jenny, it's that bit of this semi-detached block.
21:51I like the stonework on the outside.
21:53It's really pleasing.
21:54It's nice, isn't it?
21:55Yeah, it's called napped flint.
21:57Yeah, and you get this parking space.
21:58You get the parking as well.
22:00And an attractive, lovely-looking house, isn't it?
22:03Yeah, there's lots of real positives.
22:04This is an exciting one, Jules.
22:06Nice one.
22:06Well, let's save the place till later.
22:08Let's see what you think of what the inside has to offer you.
22:12Entering through the front door into the hallway, the kitchen lies to the front of the house.
22:17Right, come on in, Jenny.
22:21Is this your new kitchen?
22:22Oh, very nice.
22:24It's quite newish, isn't it?
22:25Yeah, it is. It's lovely.
22:27Good size, yeah.
22:28You've got those sort of country-style doors as well, which we saw in one of the other places, didn't
22:33we?
22:33The hallway continues on and into the living room.
22:37This is very similar to the house where I am now.
22:39Ah.
22:40Very similar.
22:40Is it?
22:41Yeah, in fact, it's probably...
22:42The layout with the stairs going up, yeah.
22:44And then, yeah, the sofa here, similar sort of size, I think, as well.
22:48So you could picture all your stuff in here?
22:51Yeah, I can with this one, yeah.
22:53So in my house, we've got the patio doors, don't we, where we sit?
22:56And it's lovely just to look out on the garden, I think, just have that as part of your front
23:01room.
23:01Or in this case, the lounge, yeah.
23:03Good. I'm glad there is a familiarity to it.
23:06I wonder if upstairs will feel the same.
23:10I'm not going to interfere with this.
23:11OK.
23:12I think you know what you're looking for.
23:13Yeah.
23:13Go on, off you go.
23:15And I'll find you out there in the garden.
23:19It's always reassuring when a house hunter can picture themselves in a property.
23:24Upstairs, a fresh family bathroom serves the two bedrooms.
23:28One being used as a study that could become a guest room for Ollie and a comfortable double.
23:33Oh, this is nice.
23:35Oh, yeah.
23:36Look at that view.
23:38Wow.
23:38That's what you want, isn't it?
23:40So you're waking up in the morning, having a little look at the outside.
23:43Look, horses, look.
23:44And you've got horses right on your doorstep.
23:47That's great.
23:47That is lovely.
23:48This is a good one, actually, I think.
23:50Yeah, this is nice.
23:50For you.
23:51Those horses are, that's a cherry on top for me.
23:54What about the little village?
23:55Yeah, the village is lovely as well.
23:57Gorgeous little place to walk down.
23:59And the beautiful drive.
24:00And did you notice there's a sign to Newbury so I can get down to you easily?
24:04Close proximity.
24:05Yeah.
24:07Inside is staring up some strong feelings.
24:09But I know the outside is just as, if not more important to Jenny.
24:15Well, how was that then?
24:16Very impressive, Jules.
24:17Yeah?
24:18I like it.
24:19You see the view of the horses?
24:20Lovely.
24:21Oh, yeah.
24:21That was really great.
24:22Look what I just found in the garden.
24:24No surprise.
24:25No surprise where we are.
24:27Checking their shoes over the fence.
24:29Yeah, I think the view for me is one of the best things.
24:33The garden, as you can see, absolutely all to play for here.
24:36Yeah.
24:37I think you could really have some fun with some raised beds creating perhaps, you know,
24:42more of a destination to this garden than there is at the moment.
24:45Yeah.
24:46You know, windy path.
24:47Lots of possibilities, isn't there?
24:48That's a lovely property.
24:50But let's think about the price.
24:51Expanding that.
24:51Oh, yeah.
24:51Price.
24:52So.
24:53Okay.
24:54It's in very good repair.
24:55It's a lot newer.
24:57So I would go for £300,000.
24:59£300,000.
25:01Yeah.
25:01Yeah.
25:02Oh, okay.
25:03It's a bit more rural, so maybe we might be getting a little bit more for our money.
25:08Okay.
25:08I will go £290,000.
25:10I will go £290,000.
25:11£290,000.
25:15Neither of you are correct.
25:18Oh.
25:18Oh.
25:19The truth is that this is on the market currently for £295,000.
25:24Oh.
25:25That's amazing.
25:26Wow.
25:27You straddled it.
25:28Oh, wow.
25:29But doable for the budget.
25:30That is good.
25:30Yeah.
25:32Yeah.
25:32For a guide price of £295,000, this modern semi-detached home has two bedrooms, a garden
25:39with scope to landscape and views across surrounding fields.
25:43Just a short walk from the village centre.
25:49I'm pleased.
25:50I'm excited for her because this is a big move.
25:52It's a big adventure.
25:53She needs to get it right.
25:54So if she's comfortable in the property and has that feeling of familiarity, then I'm happy.
26:00And that's probably why we're both a bit more animated with this one.
26:04I like this house.
26:07It's a very similar style to where I live at the moment.
26:11It's got everything that I ask for.
26:14My only concern is it might be too safe.
26:19So, safe.
26:20And I know where I am and comfortable.
26:22Or, you know, tomorrow, challenge me a bit more.
26:32It's been a busy day of house hunting and we've given Jenny a lot to think about.
26:37So, to round it off, we're unwinding in one of Wiltshire's nature reserves.
26:47Welcome, then, to the Ramsbury nature reserve.
26:50Oh, wow.
26:50This is beautiful, Jenny.
26:51Well, yeah, this is what you're after, isn't it?
26:53I'm a member of the Kent Wildlife Trust.
26:55Ah, right.
26:56So this will be familiar.
26:57So I could change my allegiance, couldn't I?
26:59Well, they're always looking for volunteers, as you know.
27:02Yeah.
27:03Oh, well, this would suit me.
27:05Yeah, definitely.
27:05My mum's always talking about the importance of the environment and wildlife.
27:09And I think this would be a lovely place for you to come and relax and unwind.
27:14Yes, this is beautiful, Jules.
27:15Really lovely.
27:16What a fascinating day.
27:18Wow.
27:18And I have thoroughly enjoyed your company and seeing your relationship.
27:22You know, I've said it before, but it's such fun.
27:25I mean, and so supportive, Ollie.
27:27It's great.
27:27He's a good boy, isn't he?
27:28Yeah, absolutely.
27:30He's a good boy.
27:30So now you're finally seeing properties here and being able to picture what your new life
27:36might look like, Jennifer.
27:37How does it feel?
27:39This is country living, how I would like it.
27:42And I really like the areas that you've taken me to.
27:44And I love all the little villages.
27:46The people are just so amazingly friendly.
27:48It's just been so easy to talk to people.
27:50So that fear of moving to a place where I don't know anybody has virtually disappeared.
27:56Well, it's not over yet.
27:58And I'm determined that we will find you something that will absolutely work, if we haven't already.
28:03But what a way to finish off.
28:04Look at that.
28:05Beautiful.
28:06Not quite sunset, but isn't that gorgeous?
28:08Did you remember the wine, Jules?
28:09Sadly not.
28:11Aww.
28:12If you buy the mystery house, I'll get you a bottle of champagne.
28:32Spanning four counties, property prices across the North Wessex Downs can vary somewhat.
28:38In Berkshire, you'll find the highest average prices for detached homes at around £696,000,
28:45whereas Wiltshire offers better value for money, with detached properties coming in a little under £526,000.
28:53But both counties are still way above the £441,000 national figure.
28:59No matter the budget though, or the style, there is plenty of choice in the region.
29:07For a guide price of £450,000, how about this magnificent Grade II listed timber frame cottage?
29:14The traditional exterior houses a modern interior, and it comes with three bedrooms, a courtyard garden,
29:21and a central village location.
29:25Or perhaps this grander thatched property is more up your street.
29:29Bursting with character features throughout, including exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace,
29:35it also boasts five bedrooms and a country garden in a quiet village setting.
29:40The guide price? £750,000.
29:45And if you want to try before you buy, how about doing so in this stylish barn conversion?
29:50For £1,950 per month, you can enjoy a sleek kitchen living room,
29:56two mezzanine bedrooms and a vaulted ceiling with gorgeous feature timber work from every angle.
30:08Well, we have one more day of house hunting ahead of us,
30:10and it is of course now time to reveal our final offering, our mystery house, to Jen and to Ollie.
30:15Now, when I think back to her original wish list, I don't think she'll be quite expecting what we've got
30:21lined up now.
30:22But fingers crossed, if my hunch is right, it could be exactly what she's looking for.
30:29The last property option lies in the picture-perfect Wiltshire village of Oldbourne.
30:35And I'll let you into a little secret.
30:36It's one of my favourite English villages, where enchanting cottages line the village green.
30:42There's a 13th century grade one listed church, a couple of country pubs, plus a community garden.
30:49And it's all surrounded by the scenic beauty of the North Wessex Downs.
30:54What a place to launch our final day of house hunting and our final property, our mystery house.
30:59I can't believe it.
31:00Are we excited?
31:01Really excited, but sad we've come to the end. I can't believe it.
31:05I can't wait. I'm so excited.
31:07We're coming to the end of our house tours, but we may be approaching the beginning of your new life.
31:13How about that?
31:14Well done. Well done.
31:16I like it. I like it.
31:18Well, look, this village of Oldbourne, if you've never been here before...
31:22I haven't.
31:23..I think, to me, represents the classic English village.
31:27It's just idyllic, isn't it?
31:28It's just what I'd always thought about.
31:31Mum wants to be Miss Marple, and I think this is where she could do it.
31:34So, the possibility, then, of living genuinely in the thick of a community like this...
31:40Yep.
31:40..you could curtain twitch, you could see what was going on,
31:43you could catch them on all the gossip, you've got a couple of pubs,
31:46a convenience store, more clubs and societies than you will have days in the week.
31:51So, all of that is catered for.
31:53Amazing.
31:53I mean, what a place to call home.
31:55Yeah.
31:55This is great.
31:56Why don't you have a wander round, explore this gorgeous and historic village.
32:00You'll find a duck pond as well.
32:02I mean, it's got everything.
32:03It's got absolutely everything.
32:04I wanted ducks!
32:06And I'm going to get you to meet me at the Mystery House.
32:08OK.
32:08You cannot miss it.
32:10It's right outside the other pub.
32:13Oh, brilliant.
32:14First round on you, Jules.
32:15Those are the clues.
32:16Those are the clues.
32:17Go on, off you go.
32:18Come on, let's go.
32:22Something tells me Jenny and Ollie are going to love it here.
32:25Well, Jules has certainly found the most fantastic, beautiful picture of it.
32:31Oh, it's amazing.
32:31What other words can I use to describe it?
32:33Yeah, it's beautiful, isn't it?
32:34It's so wonderful, this village.
32:35That village green is idyllic, isn't it?
32:37It's exactly what you've been looking for.
32:39It's a little bit different.
32:40All you can hear are the birds.
32:42Yeah.
32:42It's amazing.
32:44Well, clearly, Jen and Ollie are delighted to be in this village.
32:49Fingers crossed they'll also be delighted with this, our Mystery House.
32:54Well, this is one of those properties that, to be honest with you, it's quite hard to judge
32:58what you get on the inside from what you can see on the outside.
33:02But look at this.
33:03I think it's the right size.
33:05I think it's decorated beautifully.
33:07I am hoping this will draw together everything that we've learnt about what Jenny thinks she
33:13wants for her rural future.
33:15Fingers crossed, this is it.
33:19Excited?
33:20Yes.
33:20I'm so excited, I can't tell you.
33:22We'll go for a drink in there afterwards, I think.
33:23Oh, lovely.
33:24I should need one.
33:28You see?
33:29Here he is.
33:30I told you it wasn't hard to find.
33:32There's the other pub.
33:34And this is our mystery property.
33:37Oh, my goodness, George.
33:38It's gorgeous, isn't it?
33:39Cute little cottage, village life.
33:41So picturesque, isn't it?
33:42You could not be more in the heart of any village, frankly, than in this particular property.
33:50Wow.
33:50How do you feel?
33:51Well, you've certainly come up trumps with this one.
33:54You did say you wanted to be challenged a bit.
33:56Yes.
33:57Yeah, that's true.
33:59I like the look of it.
34:00It's just, and the village, idyllic.
34:03It is idyllic.
34:04Absolutely idyllic.
34:05Ollie, would you be happy if you knew your mum was here and she was on her own?
34:08I think it's put the ketchup amongst the mayo.
34:11This is brilliant, yeah.
34:12I mean, she was really worried about the last house being a little bit safe.
34:17Oh, yeah.
34:18And this is really challenging.
34:19You did say you wanted to be challenged.
34:21Challenged.
34:21Because it doesn't come with an extensive garden.
34:24It has a little courtyard garden at the back of it.
34:26It is another semi, as you can see, but wow, what a semi.
34:29And what a location.
34:31Oh, you couldn't have done better, Jules.
34:32You really couldn't.
34:33Right, well, let's see what you think of it, shall we?
34:34Yes, please.
34:35Come on, this could be the one.
34:36Oh, I...
34:40What this Grade 2 listed cottage lacks in garden space, it really makes up for in character.
34:46I just hope mum and son agree.
34:50Here we are, then.
34:51Here we are.
34:52Oh, look at this.
34:53Wow.
34:55So pretty, isn't it?
34:56Close the door on village life for a moment.
34:58Yeah.
34:58And come into this little tranquil sanctuary.
35:01I didn't expect it to look like this when we came in.
35:03And it's...
35:04Wow.
35:05Yeah.
35:06Newly decorated, isn't it?
35:08Yeah.
35:08It seems like it's got that modern feel to it.
35:10Yeah, that's amazing.
35:11And it's cosy as well.
35:12I really wasn't expecting to open the door and see this when I walked in.
35:15Lovely floors as well.
35:17Yeah.
35:17Lovely wooden floors.
35:18It's lovely.
35:19Coming in from an activity, meeting friends for coffee, being out for a walk, volunteering
35:24somewhere, all of that is in your future.
35:26Yes.
35:27But this is where you would come to chill out and be at home.
35:31It's...
35:32I can't believe you've done this, Jill.
35:37So far, so good.
35:38I think they're going to be just as surprised when they see the kitchen.
35:43Now, Ollie, you might need to duck a bit.
35:47Oh, yeah, I see.
35:48Look at this.
35:49Is that?
35:50I've seen lower ceilings.
35:51I've seen people like this when they go into cottages.
35:54I think I'd be all right in here.
35:56You've got a nice round table that would fit in there perfectly.
35:59Yeah.
35:59Wine rack as well, as we know mum likes.
36:02Have a glass of wine while I'm switching the window.
36:08I'm mixed at the pub as well.
36:10You know, I always say, Tobias, I really want to come back and see how your life is
36:13getting on.
36:14I really want to come back and see yours as you do this.
36:17I could really have village life here, couldn't I?
36:20You're absolutely good.
36:21Yeah, it's brilliant.
36:22Yeah?
36:23Yeah.
36:24I'm so excited.
36:26Yeah.
36:27A time of your life, isn't it?
36:28Yeah.
36:29This is amazing.
36:31I'm leaving them to explore the upstairs by themselves, where there's a generous landing
36:36with built-in bookshelves, a bright and spacious family bathroom, plus two similar sized bedrooms.
36:44So is this one yours, or this one yours?
36:46Oh, I don't know.
36:47I might take this one, actually.
36:50Yeah.
36:51It is.
36:52It's, well, beyond my expectations, this is.
36:55I think the property is amazing.
36:57Oh, the village.
36:58I think the village is amazing.
36:59Couldn't have done better.
37:00So we'll go and have a look at the courtyard, shall we, and then take it from there.
37:04Yeah.
37:04Yeah, the courtyard.
37:06The bijou and block-paved courtyard is accessed via a door from the kitchen.
37:11It's not the country garden Jenny asked for, but there's a lot to be said for lay maintenance.
37:16So this, I think, is the only real compromise here.
37:19Mm-hm.
37:19This is the garden.
37:21This is the courtyard.
37:22OK.
37:22That it comes with.
37:24I'm not overlooked, Jules.
37:25You're certainly not overlooked.
37:26I've got my privacy.
37:27But you are within walking distance of Allborn's community gardens.
37:31Oh.
37:32Oh, there's community.
37:33I was going to ask about that.
37:34Oh, good.
37:34Plenty of space to exercise those passions for gardening.
37:37Green fingers.
37:38Absolutely.
37:39It's a bit sunny, isn't it?
37:40Yeah.
37:40I've got the sun, I've got privacy.
37:42Yeah, you can sit there and have a coffee in the sun.
37:44Yeah.
37:45As long as I have got outside space, that's what's important.
37:47Yeah.
37:48Pots and things I could put on the top there.
37:50And after saying, oh, I want this big garden and I'm going to do it and we're going to plan
37:54it and everything.
37:55Yeah.
37:55So you've really given me stuff to think about now.
37:58Well, I think we've given you all options.
38:00This one tops the lot.
38:02All right.
38:03Wow.
38:03Yeah, yeah.
38:04This is lovely.
38:05So, let's think about how much this is going to cost you then.
38:09Our mystery house.
38:11Ooh.
38:12I'm going to go £305,000.
38:15OK.
38:16£305,000.
38:17Right.
38:18Yeah.
38:19Jen?
38:19Hmm.
38:20I'm going to go, I'm going to say £295,000 only because of the courtyard.
38:28Yeah.
38:29But yeah, I think, yeah.
38:31Well, your optimism is well judged.
38:33This is on the market for £290,000.
38:39Oh.
38:39Really?
38:39There you go.
38:40Wow, £290,000.
38:42And it's a budget.
38:43Where do we sign?
38:44It is done.
38:45Goodness.
38:45Blimey, there you go.
38:46£290,000 is great.
38:47Yeah.
38:48Wow.
38:48That is really good.
38:51I had high hopes for this one and I think it just might have delivered.
38:55It's a fabulous grade two listed cottage with a modern living space, two bedrooms and a courtyard
39:01garden with direct access to the centre of the village.
39:04At a guide price of £290,000, could it be the one for Jenny?
39:11It's lovely.
39:12I absolutely adore the village.
39:14I couldn't have imagined a better village to live in.
39:19And then to find this idyllic little cottage, it's just beautiful from the outside and then
39:25you come in and it's just how I wanted it.
39:27You know, modern and clean and light and spacious.
39:31Yeah.
39:32Oh my gosh, sort of pinch me.
39:34Yeah.
39:35Yeah.
39:36I'm going to really, really think about this one.
39:40I'm way up.
39:41I'd say the only thing against it is just the courtyard.
39:50Well, as Jen has said herself, we've given her and son Ollie much to think about this week.
39:56They are discussing all the options we have shown them, but is there a clear winner?
40:00Is there a favourite that may work for her future?
40:03Let's go and ask them.
40:12Wow.
40:13This is a nice spot, isn't it, to draw this to a close.
40:17I can't believe it's all over, eh?
40:19Oh, no.
40:20I'm a bit sad, yeah.
40:21Well, you set us the challenge of trying to find you at home.
40:25Uh-huh.
40:26And we've given you plenty of options to consider.
40:29But have we found one that you genuinely feel would work?
40:33I love Wiltshire, love the villages, and this one in particular.
40:37Oldbourne.
40:37Is absolutely incredible.
40:40It's just perfection.
40:41It's just wonderful, isn't it?
40:44I mean, the sense of community here is obvious.
40:46Everyone we've met and talked to, everything we've seen, it would certainly sustain you.
40:50Yeah.
40:50And I can really see her, you know, living that sort of life now.
40:54I think you've sold her a lifestyle.
40:56A lifestyle.
40:56Yeah.
40:57Rather than just a house.
40:58Well, you know, what happens next?
41:01Is our mystery house it?
41:02Are you going to go for it?
41:04I love the mystery house.
41:06I love the village that it's in.
41:08There's so many things to think about and to take in.
41:11So, it's looking at the community garden, how would that fit into my life, as opposed
41:16to having a garden that I can go out and work on and sit in.
41:19And we introduced you to another community gardening option, didn't we?
41:23We did.
41:23In Wantage.
41:24Yes, and that was fabulous.
41:25Yeah.
41:25That was lovely.
41:26Yeah.
41:27I would easily have got involved in that as well.
41:29Yeah.
41:29I'm sure that one way or the other, your move will happen soon.
41:34I hope it's to our mystery house, because I would genuinely love, as I've said earlier,
41:38to come back and see how country life is treating you.
41:41I'm sure you'll be welcome any time, Jules.
41:43You will.
41:46The kettle's always on.
41:47Ah, excellent.
41:49Excellent.
41:54You know, for all the buyers we help on escape to the country, every house search is, in
42:00its own way, a very personal journey.
42:02But this one, for Jen and son Ollie, really has been a journey of discovery.
42:07They've come to an area they've never really explored before, the North Wessex Downs, and
42:12they have liked what they have seen.
42:14And as Ollie said, his mum is now certain that this is where she wants to call home.
42:20But more than that, we've also, I think, opened the door, pointed the way to a whole new lifestyle
42:27for Jen.
42:28And fundamentally, that, I think, is what escaping to the country is all about.
42:33And fingers crossed, sometime soon, this will be home.
42:38I'll see you next time.
42:41Jenny returned to the mystery house for a second viewing, but felt the courtyard garden was
42:46a compromise too far.
42:48However, she did love the location and is continuing her search in and around Oldbourne,
42:53where we hope she finds her dream home very soon.
42:57If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales,
43:02and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:08MUSIC PLAYS
43:13MUSIC PLAYS
43:44Transcription by CastingWords
Comments