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00:02Searching for a new life in the countryside can be emotional.
00:07Don't use my Cardi for your tears. It's only ice. It's £12.
00:11Sometimes you get an instant good feeling about people.
00:14What do you use the living room for at home?
00:16Just for watching escape to the country, mate.
00:18I knew you had good taste. I knew it.
00:20We go the extra mile, even if it doesn't feel like we're moving.
00:25See, nobody told me it was going to be this much hard work, you know what I mean?
00:28And we'll always aim to find a work of art.
00:32Oh, my goodness.
00:33This is Monet, isn't it? This is really, really lovely.
01:03Today, we're in a county where the picture-perfect, peaceful countryside is only interrupted by world-class attractions.
01:15Oxfordshire is bursting with heritage, but it's also got this old-world countryside beauty and charm.
01:22It's alive with culture, but also buzzing with creativity and connectivity.
01:27It's got a city that's shaped minds for centuries. You may have heard of it.
01:31It's fair to say Oxfordshire is proof that a shire can be as forward-looking as it is steeped in
01:36tradition.
01:38Situated in the south of England, Oxfordshire gives off a golden aura, thanks in part to the glow of its
01:45Cotswold Stone architecture, as well as its first-class university.
01:50I couldn't think of anywhere better to study than Oxfordshire. I can get on the bus and in 15 minutes,
01:57I'm in some of the world's most famous historic libraries.
02:01You get to meet all sorts of people from different parts of the world, especially those that come to study,
02:07very interesting people.
02:08But it's got stacks to offer younger families, too.
02:11Yeah, we're raising our son here, so it's perfect for us. The transport links are great, schools are great as
02:17well. There's always green spaces around.
02:21Aside from its world-famous towns, the county boasts lesser-known gems like the village of East Hagbourne.
02:28Over 40 of its buildings are listed, including the award-winning 17th-century pub.
02:35And East Hagbourne itself has won the title of best-kept village in Oxfordshire on multiple occasions.
02:44Now, you don't need to move a million miles to make your escape to the country. Take today's couple, for
02:49example.
02:50They're up in sticks and moving just a few miles down the road, actually.
02:58Kev and Naomi met online four years ago, and live in the Reading suburb of Caversham.
03:04The traffic is just bonkers all the time. It's quite early on in the day here, and it just never
03:10stops.
03:12Peace and quiet is important for both of their careers. Kev works as a TV sound supervisor.
03:19And I'm looking for a slightly more private studio, but what are you doing in here?
03:24You're not supposed to be in here, are you? Don't press buttons.
03:28Naomi teaches forest school and would like some woodland to develop her own business.
03:36I have seen first-hand the powerful and positive impact the forest school approach has on children in general,
03:44but more so children who have special educational needs.
03:49Naomi and Kev met following the death of her husband.
03:52She took a bereavement course and would now like to offer support and residential breaks
03:57to families going through similar experiences.
04:00And just offer them a package where they can stay for a couple of nights for free,
04:05just to give them some time in nature to heal.
04:10They want to remain within 90 minutes of Reading to stay near extended family.
04:17Hello. Hello, my darling.
04:21Naomi enjoys baking for those family members and anyone else, really.
04:25I've made more wedding cakes and birthday cakes than I care to mention.
04:30And they don't mind a building project.
04:32The only issue being that she watches a lot of DIY programmes on the telly
04:36and can't quite understand how if they can do it in 25 minutes, why it might take me two weeks.
04:43Kevin Naomi wants a detached property with four bedrooms, studio space, a large kitchen
04:49and grounds of at least two acres.
04:51By selling a big house in a highly popular location, they have a seriously impressive budget.
04:57Brace yourselves, they've got £1.6 million.
05:01But get this, they could even stretch a little further, depending on the extent of the business potential.
05:10I'm really excited about this, actually.
05:13I think it's fantastic that Naomi and Kev want to give back to the local community.
05:17Their retreat is really going to connect people, but also immerse children into the great outdoors,
05:23which again is just fantastic.
05:24But there is a challenge here because it's not just a business.
05:28This is their first house together.
05:30So they've got to be happy.
05:31It's got to be cosy.
05:32It's got to be private.
05:34And it's a special one this week because, my goodness me, it's a big budget.
05:38So I can't wait for this.
05:42To get in the mood for forest school, I found just the spot for a natter.
05:49Naomi and Kev, I mean, this is all right, isn't it?
05:51It's beautiful.
05:52This is your first house together, which is very exciting.
05:56It really is.
05:56Do you always sing from the same hymn sheet?
05:59How do you work when you're making big decisions?
06:01Kev's face is saying no.
06:03No, I think Naomi's got her own book with stuff in it.
06:07My list is ever changing.
06:08My criteria is ever changing, to be honest.
06:11You're quite good with me, aren't you?
06:14Yeah, I think it's just giving another perspective.
06:15I think sometimes, like the house where we live now, Naomi would tell you herself,
06:21she walked in there when they looked at that house and you said no.
06:25When we drove down the driveway, I said no, no.
06:27Don't even want to look at it.
06:28I need a bit more patience than that today.
06:31You all have it.
06:32You all have it.
06:32I've learnt.
06:33That was a lesson learnt.
06:34Shall we go see some houses and meet some great people?
06:36Follow me then.
06:37Come along.
06:38This is going to be great.
06:42We're kicking off our search in the southern half of the county.
06:45This is a property, destined for the village of Radley.
06:48Like Kev, the pub is award winning.
06:51And there's a village shop, staffed by volunteers, that has an emphasis on local produce.
06:56Which is popular, judging by the empty trays.
07:01Family in Reading can be reached by rail in under 30 minutes and around half a mile from the platform
07:06is the first property for their consideration.
07:10Which Kev will tell you is an entertainment awards phrase.
07:15How are we feeling?
07:17Excited.
07:18Excited.
07:18Excited.
07:18That's what I like to hear.
07:19And so you should be, because I give you our first offering.
07:23Wow.
07:24Pretty house.
07:25Really lovely.
07:26Lovely, clean looking house.
07:28I love the stonework.
07:30Yeah.
07:30I love the colour of the door.
07:31That's right up my street.
07:33It's absolutely stunning inside.
07:35I'm so excited to show you.
07:36Yeah.
07:36You'll bring it up.
07:38I know, I know this is what I do.
07:40But you know what, I'm that confident.
07:41I'm that confident.
07:42I like it.
07:43Shall we go and look inside?
07:44Let's hope we don't disappoint.
07:45Follow me.
07:48This house was built around 1750, but has been extended throughout its life.
07:54And is constructed from a mix of stone, wood lattice, limerender and brick.
08:00We're starting in the oldest part.
08:04Just mind your head as you come through here.
08:06Into one of the living room spaces.
08:09And right under there.
08:10Oh, look.
08:10It's very cosy, isn't it?
08:12Yeah.
08:12It's interesting you say that, because the owners actually call it the snug.
08:15The snug.
08:16I love that word.
08:17Yeah.
08:17And it does feel like a big warm hug when you get in here, doesn't it?
08:20Yeah, it does.
08:21Do you like the character?
08:22Yeah, I love the character.
08:23I love the beams.
08:24Yeah.
08:24Yeah.
08:25And it smells.
08:26It smells old.
08:27It's a nice smell.
08:28I'm not saying it's horrible.
08:29It's...
08:30I was worried that was me, though.
08:34No, it's lovely.
08:35I'm surprised you like the ceilings this low.
08:39Because other places we've been, you've not liked the low ceilings.
08:42But I guess the windows are big, so there's lots of light coming in.
08:45Yeah.
08:46So I think that's probably maybe why you like it.
08:49I like the shutters.
08:49Yeah, they're lovely.
08:51You can actually shut everything out as well when you really do want a cosy night.
08:53So I like that.
08:54I like that feature.
08:55What do you use the living room for at home?
08:57We actually don't...
08:58It's just for watching Escape to the Country, mate.
09:00Yeah, yeah.
09:00I knew you had good taste.
09:02I knew it.
09:03Oh, I do like these two.
09:06There's another larger sitting room where they could watch us on an even bigger TV.
09:13And look, you've got a nice mantelpiece for all your BAFTAs.
09:17Is that enough to get all of them on, though?
09:18Well, yeah.
09:20You might have a photograph of me on there as well.
09:21Come on.
09:23It's all about me.
09:25It's such a lovely sense of space.
09:27It depends, cos we've not been around the whole house yet.
09:29It depends where the kitchen is, but I wonder what we'd use this for.
09:32I'm sure we'd find something.
09:33Oh, yeah, I'm sure we would.
09:34I reckon roller skating.
09:36Do you think?
09:37What?
09:38Everything.
09:39Everything.
09:39You any good on wheels, Kev?
09:41Geoff?
09:42There's a lot to see.
09:43So we're getting our skates on and whizzing past the good-sized playroom
09:47and through the huge dining room.
09:50Yeah, this is fabulous.
09:52We'd live in here, and I think the Christmas tree would definitely go.
09:55Oh, of course.
09:57Buy those patio doors over there.
09:58Fantastic.
09:59Maybe that'd be the second Christmas tree.
10:00Oh, fabulous.
10:02With a hatch connecting to the kitchen.
10:04Is this enough kitchen space for you, Naomi?
10:07I would say this is on the small size of a kitchen for me.
10:12I've not used a range before for cooking, so that would be interesting.
10:15There would be a few cakes in the bin, won't there?
10:17The birds would be happy.
10:19Yeah.
10:19I've got to be honest, although that works, I don't think this works, knowing you and
10:24the size of the kitchen.
10:25This is so wide.
10:26Well, maybe.
10:27Okay.
10:28So that's what I think.
10:29And it's cold, so you could actually model chocolate and do all sorts of things.
10:34Okay.
10:34You've got a good space around, and you've got your roundabout in the middle.
10:38Turning left off the roundabouts is a utility room, and there's a servant staircase.
10:44But for the lord and lady of the manor, the main stairs are by the front door.
10:49If you follow me this way, this could be one of your main bedrooms with an ensuite.
10:57Yeah.
10:57First thoughts on this?
10:59I love the window.
11:00Yeah, I like the shape.
11:01The shape's really interesting.
11:02I really like the shape.
11:03I like the shape.
11:04It's big.
11:05Double aspect.
11:05It's a really good size.
11:07Lovely view over the fields.
11:08Yeah.
11:09Stunning views.
11:10This is the most modern part of the house.
11:12Okay.
11:12It was completed six years ago.
11:14It's interesting, isn't it?
11:14Because the window shape, you'd think it was older.
11:17Yeah.
11:18Yeah.
11:18Okay.
11:20There are another four double bedrooms, one of which is ensuite, and the others share
11:26a bathroom.
11:28With outside space so important for the forest school and glamping pods, I'm sending them
11:34to explore the grounds alone, which cover just over 1.7 acres.
11:41That's intriguing.
11:42It's...
11:43Yeah.
11:43There's lovely little pockets of stuff going on here that could be very...
11:45Wow, yeah.
11:46This is a proper...
11:47Yeah.
11:47It's a bit of a game changer.
11:48Yeah.
11:50Oh, wow.
11:51Look.
11:51Another little orchard.
11:52Gosh.
11:53And enclosed as well.
11:54Look, that's lovely.
11:55Could have pods here.
11:58People can pick their own fruit.
11:59Mm.
12:00Yeah.
12:01Could do.
12:01Could have little jam making workshops.
12:03I could.
12:04You have.
12:05You've got climbing trees.
12:07So the lovely bit about this is you've got so many different areas, haven't you?
12:11This feels a million miles away from kind of a house, doesn't it?
12:14Even though it's not.
12:16When it's time for the pupils to learn complex shapes, the summer house is a dodecagon.
12:22And there's also a substantial barn.
12:25Oh, my goodness.
12:26Look at this.
12:28Oh, wow.
12:29That's the most exciting room I've seen so far.
12:31Wow.
12:32My goodness.
12:33Oh, my gosh.
12:34That is really impressive.
12:35And it's such a good size.
12:36It's not too big.
12:37It's not too small.
12:38Yeah.
12:39No, I mean, you could talk about so many different things you could do with this.
12:41You know, it could be a forest school centre, couldn't it?
12:43It could be a studio.
12:44It could be a craft area.
12:45It could be a...
12:46It could be all of them.
12:47...entertaining space.
12:48It doesn't have to be just one space, does it?
12:50Yeah, that's right.
12:50It could be one space for multiple uses.
12:52Yeah, I love it.
12:53Yeah.
12:54Wow.
12:54Wow.
12:56So could all this potential add up to a profit?
13:00Right, shall we talk price?
13:02Whoa.
13:04Oh, it's so hard.
13:071.3?
13:09I'm going to say 1.35.
13:14So it's on the market for 1.75 million, which I know is right at the top of your budget,
13:22but it's got everything you want.
13:24It's got all this land.
13:26Yeah.
13:26It's got a beautiful house.
13:28But it's already got things there, which are ready-made for you to come in and live in.
13:32And we're thinking of the business.
13:34All of this land, you've got to come and work with.
13:37I think, if I'm honest, I think for the work that we'd need to do, I think that would be
13:41a push.
13:42We'd want to do some stuff.
13:43Well, it's on the market for 1.75.
13:44For sure.
13:45Yeah.
13:46Of course.
13:46Absolutely.
13:47Like Naomi's thinking.
13:48Yeah, exactly.
13:49Always after a bargain.
13:53Priced at 1.75 million pounds, this 18th century farmhouse boasts over 5,000 square feet.
14:01Arranged as multiple spacious reception rooms and five generous bedrooms,
14:07the land covers 1.7 acres and includes a substantial barn.
14:12When you come up to the front of the property, it looks like a really quite small cottage.
14:18The house then opens up massively as you walk through it.
14:22And the garden does that five-fold.
14:25Loads of outbuildings, loads of little hidden corners, little pockets, hiding places.
14:31It just keeps giving.
14:32I mean, it's so exciting.
14:33And I'm quite sure, even though we've walked around it quite extensively now,
14:36I'm sure there's still quite a lot of stuff that we've missed.
14:53We're sending Naomi and Kev to discover the picture perfect postcard town of Burford.
14:59It dates back to the Saxon period and given Naomi's love of trees, its future looks even brighter.
15:08Since 2019, a total of about 15,000 trees have been planted in and around Burford.
15:15So we really want to increase the green spaces and we really want to increase the biodiversity.
15:22That's around 10 trees per resident, who also benefit from a range of independent shops and eateries,
15:29including England's oldest pharmacy, all housed within historic buildings.
15:35The stone's beautiful, though, isn't it?
15:36Well, that would definitely be a dream come true, wouldn't it?
15:39Yeah, I love Cotswold Stone.
15:43Could we have a flat white coffee, please?
15:45And do you want an iced coffee?
15:46An iced coffee with oat milk, please.
15:48Would you like oat milk as well?
15:50No, just normal for me.
15:51Can't do normal because we're dairy-free here.
15:54Oat milk would be lovely, wouldn't it?
15:55I love oat milk.
15:56Serving a wide range of plant-based, gluten-free food and drink, nutmeg and thyme is based within a small
16:03collective of independent Cotswold creators with a focus on sustainability.
16:09That's nice.
16:10Right, I know.
16:11Locals love to come in and buy something a bit unique that they know has been well made and created
16:18ethically.
16:19This area is very popular for farming, lots of farmers, lots of producers of cheese.
16:24So, yeah, I can talk about cheese all day.
16:28And you know what's better than hearing about cheese?
16:31I would like to try the single Gloucester, please.
16:36Single Gloucester is quite special to this area.
16:38It can only be made here.
16:40Oh, really?
16:40So you don't see it so commonly.
16:41I didn't know that was such a thing.
16:46Oh, big hill.
16:47It's a really steep hill, isn't it?
16:49I'm going to need some cheese at the top of the hill, I think.
16:51Definitely going to need a rest, that's for sure.
16:53Give your feet a rest.
16:54Bench and cheese.
16:55Too much shopping.
16:58I'm going to have that one there.
17:00Lovely.
17:01Burford cheesy cheers.
17:02Burford cheesy cheers.
17:04Cheese.
17:08That's worth the trip to Burford on its own.
17:12Burford and cheese go together like cheese and crackers.
17:15They're both great.
17:18Grated cheese?
17:19Sorry.
17:42We had some great reactions yesterday.
17:45But today is Mystery House Day.
17:47And Naomi and Kev might have to bring their friends to the house.
17:50French phrase book.
17:51Don't worry.
17:52It's not actually in France.
17:53It just looks a little bit like it.
17:54You wait.
17:57But before that, nous allons tout droit.
18:01Headed for the village of Piddington.
18:03Near the market town of Thames, which is apparently Brill.
18:07The village hall is licensed and can accommodate 120 guests who benefit from free Wi-Fi.
18:14And they host a pop-up pub on the last Friday of the month.
18:18Around a mile and a half from it is a property packing a picturesque punch.
18:23I give you this absolutely stunning Grade II listed period farmhouse.
18:33Psst.
18:38That's all right, isn't it?
18:40I'm taking this as a good sign.
18:43Wow.
18:43Look at that.
18:44Oh, my goodness me.
18:46Oh, come here, darling.
18:50Just take a breath.
18:52Yeah, good reaction.
18:53Well done.
18:54I'm taking it as tears of joy.
18:55I don't like it.
18:56I hate it.
18:59It's just so homely, isn't it?
19:00It's really, really inviting.
19:01That's a very special looking house.
19:03It's actually exactly what we've been looking for, isn't it?
19:07Amazing.
19:07Can't wait to get in there.
19:08I can't wait to get in there.
19:09Well, from that, shall we go in there?
19:10Yes.
19:11Come on.
19:13Gosh.
19:18Wow.
19:19This farmhouse was built around 400 years ago and has been extended by the current owners.
19:26It's so beautiful, isn't it?
19:28Oh, gosh, there's so much to look at, isn't there?
19:30So much to look at.
19:32It's got a few quirks and surprises up its sleeve, as we'll soon see.
19:38This farmhouse kitchen is just divine.
19:42Look at this.
19:42It is beautiful.
19:43It's charming, isn't it?
19:44Really charming.
19:46Absolutely right.
19:46It is charming.
19:47It's the beams.
19:48It's the size of a page.
19:50Yeah.
19:51I could definitely make a few cakes in there, couldn't I?
19:54I mean, you could do a whole bakery in here, to be honest.
19:57This is the best reaction in three years of looking for an hour.
20:02Buy a, buy a country mile.
20:04I'd put this.
20:05It's a bit speechless.
20:07And this kitchen works for you?
20:08Oh, gotcha.
20:09Yeah.
20:09He's not allowed in the kitchen, does he?
20:11Yeah.
20:11The kettle's there.
20:13Yeah.
20:13That's all I need, really.
20:14So that's fine.
20:15It's all good.
20:16Shall we see some more?
20:17Definitely.
20:18Come on.
20:21There are two dining rooms, one next to the kitchen and another by the front door.
20:28To one side of it is a snug and on the other is an office that leads to the main
20:34sitting
20:34room.
20:35And again, just bags of character.
20:39Come and have a look at this.
20:40Oh, wow.
20:41Wow, indeed.
20:42Look at that.
20:45I mean, where to start?
20:46I don't know where to start.
20:47I don't know what to say, really.
20:48I really don't know what to say.
20:50This is amazing.
20:52A lot bigger.
20:52Feels a lot airier than I thought it would feel in here.
20:55Love the staircase.
20:56I mean, that spiral staircase is just, I mean, you could do a dramatic exit up there,
21:00couldn't you?
21:00Or an entrance at the start of the day, can't you?
21:02I'll slide down on the banisters.
21:04I mean, don't try that at home.
21:06No.
21:07No.
21:08I mean, this is genius architecture, isn't it?
21:11Yeah.
21:11The way it lets the light in, actually.
21:13Yeah, they've really thought about it.
21:14They've made the most of it.
21:15Yeah.
21:16These sort of houses, there's a lovely sense of stillness in this house.
21:20Mm.
21:20When you walk through the door, it just makes you sigh.
21:24Yeah.
21:24And that's the thing that I most like about it, is the feeling of stillness.
21:28Mm.
21:29There's a very peaceful feeling here.
21:31I really love it.
21:31I'm hoping that you love the upstairs just as much.
21:34Shall we go and have a look?
21:35Yes, please.
21:35I mean, you've got the option of the spiral staircase, or there is another staircase.
21:38Spiral.
21:38I knew you'd say that.
21:40Go on then, Naomi.
21:43She makes her dramatic exit.
21:46Oh, there she goes, stomping up the stairs.
21:48Stomping.
21:50The spiral stairs give access to the ensuite main bedroom with a special bonus addition.
21:58Oh, what a lovely lighting room.
22:00Yeah, you could sunbathe on that back.
22:01Oh, my goodness.
22:02I love this window.
22:03Adds real character, doesn't it?
22:05Well, loads and loads of storage.
22:08That's only the half of it.
22:10Ah.
22:12Ah.
22:13Ah, you're happy, aren't you?
22:14Look.
22:14I know what this is.
22:16Yeah, me too.
22:16This is your dressing room, isn't it?
22:18If that was the master bedroom, and the bathroom there, then this kind of all works,
22:22doesn't it?
22:23Because it's like this little end of the house.
22:25You just shut that door.
22:25Yeah.
22:26If we were going to build a house, this is what we would build.
22:29Quite likely.
22:30For this, for us.
22:32I'm not sure there's enough space.
22:34I'm pretty sure she's joking, but there are two more bedrooms on this floor, and
22:39another floor above, with a fourth bedroom that's, again, en suite.
22:44Wow, that's a real treat.
22:46I just love the fact that there's a door and a secret set of stairs.
22:50And that's a relatively small surprise, compared to what's waiting outside, where there's
22:55a super-sized annex covered with solar panels.
23:01I tell you what, you guys go and have a look in there.
23:03Okay.
23:03And I'll see you on the other side.
23:05No, you don't.
23:09What?
23:10What?
23:11Oh, that's a surprise.
23:14My word.
23:16What?
23:17It's a whole other house.
23:18So the annex was originally a tractor barn and a hay store, but the current owners
23:23have turned it into a living space.
23:25There's a gym, there's a wine store.
23:27You've got to have a wine store and a utility room.
23:29But I'm hoping that it screams loud enough that Kev wants to use it as his sound studio.
23:34Yeah.
23:35Nice.
23:36I mean, you could rent this out.
23:38Oh, my goodness.
23:41Oh, that's just lovely.
23:44Look at this lovely kitchen as well.
23:46Have you seen the kitchen?
23:47There's so much to look at, isn't there?
23:49There is.
23:49Yeah.
23:53Well, there you go.
23:54Oh, my goodness.
23:56Who would have known?
23:59So, actually, this would be a better room.
24:02Yeah, I'll be in here.
24:03Yeah.
24:04Yeah, if you need me, I'll be in here.
24:05Oh, my gosh.
24:07Yeah, I'm sure I could make this work.
24:08Well, it's got everything, hasn't it?
24:10It could be a studio area, but it could hive a bit off so that, in adverse weather, I could
24:16bring children inside.
24:17Yeah.
24:18No, for sure.
24:19I love it.
24:21Terrific.
24:22But if the weather's nice, there are 2.3 acres of land packed with trees, trees and more trees.
24:33So, I thought it was only right that we had this chat right next to this beautiful willow tree.
24:41It's beautiful, isn't it?
24:43It's gorgeous.
24:43Absolutely gorgeous.
24:44Nature's crown, really.
24:45Yeah, yeah.
24:45It's just absolutely beautiful in full glory.
24:47Right then, let's talk about the price.
24:50I think it's over budget and I think it will be 1.9.
24:55I'm going to be optimistic.
24:57Oh.
24:58And I'm going to say 1.7.
24:591.7.
25:00Wow.
25:02This is on the market for 1.375 million pounds.
25:08Oh, dear.
25:10Oh, dear.
25:12Oh, darling.
25:16Don't use my Cardi for your tears.
25:18No.
25:19It's £12.
25:20Is it?
25:21Yeah.
25:21Where did you get that?
25:22You light them away.
25:23Oh, my God.
25:25So, as I promised, lots of surprises, not least my Cardi being such a bargain.
25:31As for the house, this grade two listed 400 year old farmhouse has five ground floor reception
25:37rooms, four bedrooms, plus the spacious annex and 2.3 acres of land priced at 1.375 million pounds.
25:48The approach is just wonderful and you are surrounded by a whole mixture of trees.
25:54This is more than we hoped for, if I'm honest.
25:58The house itself has got a beautiful, warm feeling about it.
26:02It's just wonderful.
26:04And whoever lives here right now has just done such a good job.
26:07You can see their personalities shine through this house and I should imagine their personalities
26:12might be similar to ours, actually.
26:23Boasting some of the most desirable addresses in the country, such as Oxford, Henley-on-Thames
26:28and Chipping Norton, it's no surprise that the average price of a detached property in the county
26:33is significantly higher than the £438,000 UK figure at £660,000.
26:44But you can find more affordable homes without having to scrimp on character, such as this
26:50two-bed terrace cottage with historic details like exposed beads, an Inglennock fireplace,
26:56plus a fitted kitchen with butler sink, on the market for £325,000.
27:04While offers in excess of £475,000 could get you this grade two listed three-bedroom cottage
27:11with all the heritage features alongside mod-cons and a mature walled garden to the rear.
27:21Or for £615,000, how about this lovely detached character cottage?
27:27It's accessed by bridge, over a stream, in a central village location.
27:32The grade two listed home boasts three bedrooms, timeless decor and a tranquil garden.
27:46Our final property is towards the east of the county in the village of Cudston, bounded by the River Tane.
27:54We're setting Naomi and Kev for a mooch, although it's a bit windy and Kev's only in a T-shirt,
27:59so better make it brief.
28:02There's a community pub with a well-renowned menu, prioritising seasonality and sustainability.
28:10During the sixties, the vicar of the 12th century church was Robert Runcie, later the Archbishop of Canterbury.
28:18But I can see the chills setting in and they're in a hurry, so I'll get the heating on at
28:22the Mystery House,
28:23which has a certain je ne sais quoi that reminds me of France.
28:29Do you know what? I've been looking forward to this all day. Look at that stonework.
28:33I cannot wait to show them inside, but first, I'll show you. Come on.
28:38Oh, my goodness me.
28:41You know when a property just smacks you over the head with personality?
28:44I just hope it gives them the ooh-la-la sensation.
28:47On a side note, though, I do think they're going to kind of hate me because it's another one in
28:52the mix, but sorry about it.
28:57Perhaps surprisingly, this substantial 18th century property isn't listed.
29:02Although, why would you want to change your thing?
29:05Oh.
29:06I know.
29:07Oh, my goodness.
29:08Come on down.
29:10Oh, what have you done?
29:12Oh.
29:12Oh, man.
29:15Well, you certainly haven't made it easy, have you?
29:17I know, that's what I'm literally here for now.
29:19Oh.
29:20And all of that, because there's a lot of building, is the property.
29:23It's huge.
29:24It's huge.
29:24Wow, it's amazing, isn't it?
29:26I had to check we were still in Oxfordshire because it looks like something off a postcard from a beautiful,
29:31peaceful European village, doesn't it?
29:33It actually looks like a French chateau, doesn't it, don't you think?
29:35It does.
29:36This isn't even the most beautiful angle of the house, and look how stunning that is.
29:40Follow me for the money shop.
29:46This converted water mill has its own private mill race, diverted from the River Tame, offering a special bit of
29:55wow.
29:56Oh.
29:57Imagine, follow me, having this in your back garden.
30:04Oh.
30:06This is Monet, isn't it?
30:08This is really, really lovely.
30:09Wow.
30:10Wow.
30:11That's beautiful.
30:13Absolutely beautiful.
30:14I mean, you said how important nature was to you.
30:16Yeah, yeah, yeah.
30:17Voila.
30:17Yeah, here it is.
30:18Got it by the spade load here.
30:21I'm not sure you'll get a...
30:23Oh, swans and herons galore in here.
30:25Yeah, yeah.
30:25Maybe even a kingfisher.
30:27Who knows?
30:27Who knows?
30:28Imagine having family and friends around here in the summer.
30:31Yeah.
30:31Some lounges over there on the banks of the river.
30:34Yeah.
30:34Pina colada.
30:36Nojito.
30:36Amazing.
30:37You're going to have a floaty boat.
30:38Yeah, yeah.
30:39Quite literally.
30:40Quite literally.
30:40This is really beautiful.
30:42It's gorgeous.
30:42I have to take you inside, but I feel like I just want to stand out here and just take
30:47it in.
30:48Yeah, I just want to go over there.
30:50Listen, let's go inside and I promise you it's just as mesmerising.
30:53Oh, sorry.
30:56On first inspection, this outdoor space might not work for the business, but the mystery
31:02house has another surprise up its sleeve later.
31:05It's arranged over four floors and we're starting at the bottom.
31:12Wowzers.
31:13Oh my goodness.
31:16Oh, this is really really cute.
31:18That's very cute.
31:18Yeah.
31:19Yeah, it's really sweet.
31:21Wow.
31:21Your face is light enough.
31:22Yeah.
31:23I quite like it.
31:24It reminds me of Morocco actually, standing here.
31:26Does it hear?
31:27Yeah, yeah, yeah.
31:27It's the Mediterranean feel about it.
31:29Yeah, I really love it.
31:30Yeah, I like this kitchen.
31:31Look out those windows.
31:32Yeah.
31:33And also when you're cooking, that view.
31:35That view.
31:35And you can open the doors.
31:36Shall we go into the living room?
31:38Yes, please.
31:38Follow me.
31:41And how stunning is this staircase?
31:44Seriously.
31:45It's gorgeous.
31:46So unique, is it?
31:46It's beautiful.
31:47Follow me.
31:50I'm sorry, I'm just in love with these stone walls.
31:53Yeah, me too.
31:54Look at this living room.
31:55Yeah, absolutely.
31:55They're beautiful.
31:56They're such a nice feature, but also probably my favourite thing is the staircase column that
32:02just goes through the whole house and just adds this lovely character.
32:07Funny shaped rooms.
32:08But it gives a lovely shape to the room, doesn't it?
32:10I really like that.
32:11It's so charming, that staircase, isn't it?
32:13Yeah, for sure.
32:13Yeah, it really is.
32:15Lovely thick deep walls as well, though.
32:17Of course they are thick, aren't they?
32:18Yeah.
32:19And you've literally got a view from every single window.
32:22You look out the window and it's like looking at a picture.
32:24Look at that.
32:25Yeah.
32:25Stunny.
32:26At least you've got a door to get the sofa in and out because I don't think it's coming
32:28upstairs, is it?
32:29Yeah.
32:30It's good thinking.
32:31Yeah.
32:32In fact, how would you?
32:35Not my problem.
32:36Next to the sitting room is a study.
32:39A spacious reception room.
32:41I'm thinking sound studio for Kevin.
32:43I mean, you know more about sound than me.
32:45Now that's interesting.
32:46Yeah, if I could get rid of the noise of the river, which has reduced substantially since
32:51I've been in this, I'd have to do a little bit of work, but then the acoustics would
32:54be really nice, actually.
32:55This is a really romantic house.
32:57I've got to be careful here, and we've got to be careful here that we use our heads and
33:01our hearts.
33:02Yeah, for sure.
33:03Yeah, but, yeah.
33:04Well, listen, why don't you take those hearts upstairs and have a look at the bedroom quarters
33:09and the family bathroom, and then I'll see you outside, because there's a lot to see
33:13outside as well.
33:13There's a lot.
33:14I can sense that, yeah.
33:17The main bedroom is on the floor above.
33:22Oh.
33:22Oh, my goodness, yeah.
33:24Yeah.
33:24This is full of character, isn't it?
33:26Oh, look what they've done.
33:27It's really clever.
33:28That's genius.
33:29Little en suite.
33:30Little en suite.
33:30Big en suite.
33:31It's a big en suite.
33:32That's the favourite bathroom I've seen today.
33:34Yeah.
33:34But also imagine if you're in the bar, look at the view.
33:37Just got a huge willow tree outside the bathroom window.
33:40The light in this bedroom and the height.
33:42I wouldn't sleep with curtains closed.
33:45No, I don't think I would.
33:45You'd just want to wake up naturally, wouldn't you?
33:48And there's a family bathroom, plus two more bedrooms on the same floor.
33:55So all the rooms are a really lovely size.
33:57What are you thinking so far?
33:59I adore it.
34:01You'd almost feel a bit honoured to live somewhere like this.
34:02I know what you mean.
34:03You don't feel deserving.
34:04Yeah.
34:05I mean, I'm just absolutely blown away by this.
34:07I've never seen anything like this.
34:10The only time I'd actually go swimming in here, and just imagine that on a summer's day.
34:14I mean, I did offer to do it to show you, but I thought I'd spare you me in my
34:18swim costume.
34:21On the top floor is another large bedroom, and outside there's a garden measuring around three quarters of an acre,
34:28chock full of mature trees.
34:35If we're talking from our hearts, this is absolutely perfect for us.
34:41It's ideal, it's unique, it's by water, practically for a business with children.
34:48I'm not sure it would work.
34:50Well, this isn't the only part of the garden.
34:53Just over the road, through the paddock, you've got 1.5 acres of land, and no water.
35:00Oh, that's another game changer.
35:02I mean, it is really, really beautiful.
35:05How much do you think it's on the market for?
35:07I think it's got to be top end of the budget.
35:111.65.
35:121.65. Kev?
35:14I was going to say 1.6.
35:16So it's up for 1.5 million.
35:18I expect it to be more.
35:19So I'm pleasantly surprised.
35:211.5 million pounds for this 18th century water mill, spread over four floors, and offering four bedrooms, a spacious
35:30kitchen, the potential studio for Kev, and over two acres of land.
35:35That's as practical as it is beautiful.
35:39If I were thinking completely with my heart, and romantically, this is where I'd want to live, because it's so
35:48beautiful. The setting is beautiful, and you could be anywhere in the world.
35:53I actually prefer where this house is set. I prefer the countryside around it.
35:57I think if we were retiring, and we didn't have our dream to do something, I think this would be
36:07the perfect house for us.
36:08Should we just retire? It's tempting.
36:18Naomi is such an advocate of the benefits of immersing yourself in woodland, and that's where I've chosen to meet
36:25an intriguing artist.
36:27Harriet Riddle stitches wonderful works of art, and having worked in Nairobi and the Himalayas, this forest should be a
36:34breeze.
36:35And what's more, she says I can help.
36:39Oh, here you are. I found you. Hello Harriet.
36:43Hi Richie, how's it going?
36:44Good, this is quite the setup. So what's going on here then?
36:47So, I like to draw what I see with my sewing machine, and I take myself to interesting places to
36:53make artworks with thread.
36:56So, obviously a sewing machine needs power, and there's no plugs around here, so I've got the bike, which generates
37:02electricity, and that powers the sewing machine.
37:05So, do you fancy doing some pedalling?
37:07Okay.
37:09Oh, look at that.
37:11So, how hard and how fast do I need to pedal?
37:13You're going to have to give me a little bit more.
37:14A little bit more.
37:14Right, it's not the Tour de France, are you?
37:16Keep going, we're not on yet.
37:18Still more?
37:19That's good.
37:20So, nobody told me it was going to be this much hard work, you know what I mean?
37:22I feel like I'm in a spin class.
37:27So, I'm going to stitch a portrait of you.
37:30Um, yeah, starting with your face.
37:32You might need a lot of material for the teeth.
37:37It's got great cheekbones.
37:39Thank you very much.
37:40I've heard that before.
37:42Has art always been in your family, where did this come from?
37:44My grandmother, she's an artist in Canada and she taught me how to use the machine and how
37:50to, um, use this free motion technique when I was about 10.
37:54Yeah.
37:56Whew.
37:57But it took, uh, an expensive three year degree course to, um, kind of come back round to
38:03the idea.
38:04And I was stitching the naked models and live drawing.
38:07I'm not doing that.
38:08I won't make you take your clothes off.
38:11Not on this saddle.
38:13And it's amazing that this has taken you all over the world as well.
38:17Yeah.
38:18I've been very lucky.
38:20Um, sometimes I take myself on adventures to India.
38:23I've done residencies in Kenya and Taiwan, sort of street festivals around Europe.
38:30I grew up in Oxfordshire.
38:32This woodland was actually the first place I'd ever took my sewing machine.
38:36How intricate can you be with the detail?
38:38Pretty intricate.
38:39I'm just doing your spiders.
38:41Do you want me to do it no-handed so you can see it all?
38:43Like, look, Mum, no hands.
38:45I know.
38:45Look at me.
38:46Showing off now.
38:47Oh, how long we got left?
38:49Um...
38:49Just asking for a friend.
38:53Uh, not long.
38:55I'm on your knees.
38:56Yeah.
38:56You and me both, Harriet.
38:59All good.
38:59You okay?
39:00Yeah.
39:01It's just the pressures of cycling and entertaining.
39:03Have a little rest.
39:04Thank you so much.
39:05I was hoping you'd say that.
39:06It's doing good.
39:07It's doing good.
39:07Please give me a break, Harriet.
39:09Please give me a break.
39:09Right, let me just turn that beep off for a moment.
39:12What's that beeping?
39:13That's not my heart monitor, is it?
39:15No.
39:16I don't know.
39:18Here is your portrait you have worked so hard for.
39:21Well done.
39:21Oh, my goodness me.
39:22That is so incredible.
39:23In here you've got black country, dance, pedal power, and the woods.
39:29By the way, you've been very generous with the teeth as well.
39:32Look.
39:32Thank you for doing that.
39:33Pleasure.
39:34It's been a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for pedaling the bike.
39:37Without you, there'd be no art.
39:38No, it's a team effort, Harriet.
39:40I refuse to take all the credit.
39:41I mean, I did a lot of it, but not all the credit.
39:44How incredible is that?
39:48A portrait and a workout, not a bad afternoon.
39:58I've had such a joy house hunting with Naomi and Kev this week, and we've had some glowing
40:03reviews of our properties.
40:04To be honest with you, I don't know which way this is going to go.
40:08Let's go and find out.
40:11Hello there.
40:12Hiya.
40:13Right there.
40:14Let's get down to it.
40:15I mean, this is stunning here, isn't it?
40:17It's gorgeous.
40:17Yeah.
40:18So where are you at?
40:19Come on.
40:20Let's talk business.
40:22I think it was quite obvious.
40:23I think the farmhouse that we saw with the outbuildings and the land was just beautiful.
40:32It was beautiful and ready to move into, actually.
40:35It's so important that we haven't got any neighbours too close because of what we're going
40:39to do with the business.
40:40And it's so important that people can drive and park easily in and out without disrupting
40:46anybody.
40:46And at that house, that was taken care of.
40:49Do you know when you kind of, it's a bit like your love story.
40:52You know when you meet someone and they're the one?
40:53Yeah.
40:53Yeah.
40:53I feel like you kind of get that from a house.
40:55Yeah.
40:55For sure.
40:55And that's the vibe I got when you were in there.
40:57I did.
40:57Yeah, for sure.
40:58I felt very at home there.
40:59I felt very, very at home.
41:00And funnily enough, if I'd have seen that in particular, I don't know if I'd have gone
41:05to look at it, to be honest.
41:06But being now, it just goes to show how important it is, isn't it, to actually be there so that
41:10you can feel it.
41:11And that's why you should always trust Escape to the Country.
41:13We bring it to life.
41:14I'm not going to argue with that.
41:15Don't worry about them brochures.
41:17Yeah.
41:17We can't argue with that.
41:19So what's next then?
41:21We both really love the farmhouse.
41:25We're going to ask for a second viewing.
41:26So it's in the mix and it could be the one?
41:28Oh, it's well in the mix.
41:29I think so, yes.
41:30Yeah, it's definitely in the mix.
41:32I will absolutely take that.
41:33Will you do me a favour though?
41:34As soon as you get it, because I'm crossing everything, you call me and let me know.
41:38I'm going to.
41:38Welcome round.
41:39There'll be a party, don't worry.
41:40I've already got you a house band.
41:42No, not really.
41:42This is theirs.
41:43You can't say that.
41:44You can't say that.
41:45Listen, thank you so much.
41:48You've made the week lovelies.
41:49Thank you very much.
41:50It's been amazing.
41:51And all your team, it's just been such a joy, hasn't it?
41:54Yes.
41:54We've laughed until we've cried.
41:56Well, I've certainly cried.
41:57You have.
42:04I've had the best time exploring Oxfordshire with Naomi and Kev.
42:08And it never ceases to amaze me actually just how beautiful this county is.
42:13It's been inspiring to hear more about their plans.
42:16And just knowing it's going to make such a difference to so many people.
42:20It's funny because a few years ago, they met on a dating app and it was a love at first
42:24sight.
42:25And when they walked in that farmhouse, I think they kind of had the same reaction.
42:30Love at first sight.
42:31I'm so happy they're going back for a second viewing.
42:34And I hope this marks that fresh start they're looking for.
42:38I'll see you next time.
42:41Naomi and Kev did book to go back and see the farmhouse again.
42:45But having researched the wider area, they found it didn't meet all their needs.
42:50And so their search continues.
42:52We hope they find their perfect property soon.
42:57If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:01and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:38We'll see you next time.
43:39Bye.
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