- 9 hours ago
Escape to the Country 2007 Season 27 Episode 1
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00:02it's not unusual for a house hunt to have a homecoming at its heart but today's escapees
00:11know their search area better than most my sister used to live on this state no other side yes that
00:19means we hit a familiar spot or two do you recognize the area yes we often go for a stroll
00:26with our daughter along the road here but we've still got some surprises up our sleeves I loved
00:33it with a capital L and a capital O and a capital V and a capital E
01:06wetlands water sports and Welsh culture if you're after a wonderful escape we've got the why when
01:17and where welcome to come Marthenshire mostly green and almost always serene Carmarthenshire is
01:26somewhere you can really take your foot off the gas apart from here Pendine sands seven miles of
01:33beach for some but for others it's a petrol heads delight this is where land speed records have been
01:39broken so whether you want to escape to the country in the fast lane or the slow Carmarthenshire could
01:45be a permanent pit stop located in southwest Wales Carmarthenshire's expansive and characteristically
01:55flat coastline is now seeing a big push for nature good news for all who like a walk on the
02:02wild side
02:04an amazing place to come and just watch birds I've got my binoculars with me today second largest tidal
02:10range in the world things I like looking along the tide line for special shells loads to be interested in
02:16here the mythic home of Merlin the wizard residents and visitors alike will tell you there's certainly
02:23something magical here the best thing about Carmarthenshire I would say is being able to go down by the beach
02:30the lush green countryside it's quiet it doesn't get too busy all year round I'll be coming for a long
02:37long
02:37time 50 60 years it's just a lovely part of the world it's just so picturesque it's it's calming it's
02:43soothing you come here you sit on the beach with your book and everything's all right with the world
02:56there's nothing quite like a homecoming and for my couple today moving back to Carmarthenshire is exactly
03:02what their escape to the country is all about in 2020 we moved to the walkingham red in area because
03:12Ben is part of the
03:15Paralympic GB training squad which train in Carversham near Redding Welsh rower and Paralympic gold medalist Ben and his wife
03:26Megan a physiotherapist along with their two-year-old daughter Ever are currently living between pair and
03:32parents in Wales whilst they wait to sell their bungalow near the Berkshire town of Wokingham
03:38so I grew up in an area called Amford and Ben is from an area of Swansea called Mumbles and
03:45we both really enjoyed going to the beaches and we'd love for our daughter to grow up in the same
03:51environment
03:52Meg's family are full of Welsh speakers and it's really important for us to pass that on to Ever and
03:57let Ever grow up with a local language and amongst family
04:02but unfortunately we haven't found the right house yet
04:06I'm a wheelchair user and because of that we're either looking for a bungalow or but the floor plan would
04:15have to enable a lift to go from downstairs to upstairs
04:18which has been pretty tough to find and I hope you guys can really help us
04:24Megan and Ben have a budget of £400,000 with some wiggle room they want a three bedroom bungalow or
04:32a four bedroom house to accommodate a lift and like open plan living plus a separate reception room
04:39style wise a Georgian or traditional Welsh exterior with a modern interior would be a bonus
04:51this move is about more than enjoying the Welsh countryside and the beaches this is about family and most importantly
04:58giving ever the opportunity to learn Welsh
05:01they've been living in between houses for a year now they must be desperate to find a home
05:12before we kick off the property tours we're catching up in the spectacular surroundings of Carmarthen Bay
05:22Ben and Megan welcome home or should I say is it Croeso Adref have I got that right?
05:29Croeso Adref welcome back this is where you both grew up isn't it in Wales yes it is what's it
05:38like being back here thinking about settling down
05:41it's been really nice and been really nice to be close to family as well and to hear more people
05:47speaking the Welsh language
05:49or trying
05:51and forever it's important that she learns to speak Welsh
05:54yeah we kind of want our daughter to have that tradition and have it passed on and in this area
06:00there's Welsh schools are plenty
06:01so we can get settled in the area she can make friends in nursery and then hopefully go to school
06:04with those that same cohort
06:06it's been a little while that you've been mid transition haven't you?
06:10yeah so the last year we've been living three weeks with my parents and then three weeks with Ben's parents
06:16which has been great with childcare
06:17but it's a bit unsettling between moving between houses and having belongings actually divided over three houses
06:23so this move is at a point of urgency now I should imagine so all we need to do is
06:29find you the right home
06:30that can suit all of your needs and bring this family all together
06:34yeah
06:34shall we get going?
06:35yes please
06:35look this way
06:36look this way
06:40for the first house we're staying at the coast heading for the seaside town of Klanethli
06:47Klanethli beach is part of a ten mile long millennium coastal park
06:51that offers wheelchair suitable paths as well as cycling, water sports and dog friendly access year round
07:00there's a bistro boasting breathtaking views of the Gower and Locher estuary
07:07Klanethli is one of six stations in Wales becoming step free
07:10and serves routes including Cardiff, Swansea and London Paddington
07:15not that far from the coastal walkway on a modern development is a house I can't wait to show Megan
07:22and Ben
07:24oh this is so exciting it's a proper house looking house for you is this an area you know well
07:30it is actually my sister used to live on this estate
07:34no way
07:35but the other side yes so I know it very well
07:37it's a nice place to go for dog walks and you've just got a golf course around the corner as
07:41well
07:41which is really nice to go and walk on so yeah it's a really good area
07:44so this is the house you want to show you and I just love the way it looks
07:48I like that kind of stone look
07:50good first impression
07:51what do you think Eva would think of coming home to this?
07:53oh yeah she'd love it
07:55this is my parents house I'd be chuffed
07:57well let's see if we can continue that chuffed feeling inside I think we will
08:01come on
08:04built nine years ago in a Georgian style this detached grey brick home on an end plot
08:11has green space owned by the local authority to one side
08:15solar panels have been added to the well insulated home by the current owners
08:19giving a very good overall energy performance rating of B
08:24accessible housing in the UK is in short supply
08:27and with this property Ben and Megan will need to make adjustments
08:32from the central entrance our tour begins through the double doors of a living room
08:37spanning the left hand side of the ground floor
08:42how's this for you? spacious enough? definitely spacious
08:46yes a lovely size
08:47it's lovely and homely and you can imagine us relaxing here in the evening
08:52this house has another reception room
08:56you've got like a dining room area
08:57that other room could be Eva's playroom
08:59yes it'd be nice to have our own space and watch TV and then just close the door for the
09:04toy room
09:05yeah absolutely
09:06just looking at the garden
09:07that looks lovely
09:08I can't wait to go and have a little nosy
09:10well before you do
09:11let me show you another view of the garden from another very important room
09:15this way
09:18at the back sits the kitchen with more double doors to the outside space
09:24as promised I'd have a glorious view of the garden from this amazing kitchen
09:30yeah what a hosting space
09:31isn't it? very spacious
09:33and there's loads of access space all around it
09:35yeah it looks like I can wheel all the way around and use the kitchen
09:38I do like to cook
09:40yeah
09:40and this seems to be like a decent height that I could eat off
09:43you know and prep food and use
09:46so yeah it's really versatile
09:47this house has got a lot in it and you can see why we've brought you here
09:51yeah
09:51the thing for me is the lift you know how would we make that work
09:55but I'm sure as we look around the rest of the house that will become evident
09:58let me show you upstairs
10:00perfect
10:00I'll do it
10:05completing this level is a downstairs loo
10:08then locating the essential lift
10:11we'll need to consider how this ground level layout
10:13sits with the position of the upstairs bedrooms
10:17starting with the principal ensuite located at the front above the living room
10:23so this is the main bedroom of the four bedrooms
10:26they've got quite a big bed in here
10:29what's nice is that I can fit down both sides of the bed
10:31yay
10:32and also in front of the bed
10:33so it's nice that I have a choice here
10:35excellent
10:36well there's also an en suite here so have a look
10:43that's ample space in here isn't it
10:44yeah I think you've got enough space to turn around in your chair
10:47and plenty of space in the shower
10:49but yeah it works on most levels doesn't it
10:51yeah it's great
10:53there's a smaller room used as an office
10:56that's above the back of the living room
10:59another double with built-in storage sits above the dining room
11:03and bedroom 4 located over the kitchen
11:06is a further double with a rather special edition of a balcony
11:11it's gorgeous
11:12yeah
11:12yeah what a beautiful view
11:14you're looking out onto the gower there
11:16you've got a golf course behind you
11:19yeah it's lovely to be able to have an outdoor space upstairs isn't it
11:22you know at least you can be upstairs outside enjoying while you're doing bedtime as well
11:26a lovely bonus to a property isn't it to have this balcony
11:31obviously this couldn't be ever's room because you wouldn't want ever coming out onto the balcony
11:34but obviously there's other bedrooms that we can have a look at and make a decision
11:38so lots of facilities thereby
11:40good schools
11:42so you've got a dual language school and a Welsh medium school
11:45so if you want to go full Welsh or half and half there are options there
11:52we round off upstairs with a family bathroom that has a modern grey finish
11:58outside a tarmac drive leads to a garage with electrics and a boarded loft
12:03the gated rear garden includes a couple of sheds some lawn a paved patio and decking
12:11plus a hot tub that comes with the sale
12:13this again is pretty fantastic isn't it
12:17yeah there's plenty of space
12:19I think because it's a south facing garden you're going to get a lot of sun all day
12:23you've got to think about how we could live in the space and I think if you're doing that then
12:27you clearly like the property
12:28but yeah first impressions are really really good
12:31but the last bit of information you need of course is the price
12:34what do you think this is on the market for
12:36um I think maybe around 390
12:40okay 390,000 pounds
12:42yes
12:42I think I'm going to go more than that
12:44I think I'm going to go 405
12:47405,000 pounds so a little bit over budget
12:49this property is on the market for 400,000 pounds
12:55oh
12:56so right bang on the money there
12:58yeah
12:58it's given you a great baseline hasn't it
13:00yeah I think the price is right for the house as well
13:04so do you want to spend a bit more time wandering around here before I drag you away
13:07yes please
13:08alright you go off on your own
13:10yeah
13:10and I will see you later
13:13I don't think we could get much of a better start could we they love the area they love the
13:18house they even like the price
13:20on budget at 400,000 pounds this Georgian style 21st century home offers a large modern kitchen diner two reception
13:30rooms and four bedrooms
13:32there are options for a lift and it's close to wheelchair friendly paths as well as the facilities of a
13:39large town
13:40oh Meg I think we found the playroom forever
13:43yeah I think this would work for Oliver's toys
13:47because it would eat into such a big bedroom
13:50however the lift come in here
13:51yeah
13:52but that office down the corridor that might be
13:54yeah
13:54a better solution for the lift
13:56above the lounge
13:56yeah
13:57it's a really nice house I think the space works well
14:01and then there's a lot of options outside as well which again works really well with what we're looking for
14:07this house sings to me and it makes me really feel like it could be a family home
14:11I can see us trying away there doing ever's homework on the kitchen table
14:29a big reason for my buyers move back to Wales is the chance to enjoy some coastal activities
14:37Ben's already taken up surfing and today he and Megan are at Caswell Bay on the Gower Peninsula to ask
14:43friend and local
14:45Ben Clifford about the accessible options he offers
14:49so Ben what made you want to start surfability
14:52I volunteered at an event for autistic children and it was just epic it was so good
14:57and I asked the boss of the surf club I was working for if we could start a weekly autism
15:01surf group
15:02and we did so that was how I got into adapted surfing and I just really enjoyed it and wanted
15:07to do more and more
15:08so like someone get in touch and they say you know I have x condition can you help me
15:12and then having to learn about what that condition is and then thinking have I got the equipment have I
15:18got the staff
15:19have I got an operating procedure for there so it's that building and building and building to where
15:23kind of at this point now where we can pretty much say yes to everybody
15:27so Ben we've learned that you take lots of people down to the water's edge with various impairments
15:33are there different equipment that you need and different accessibility measures that you put in place
15:37so yeah we've got all kinds of different adapted equipment eight beach chairs we've got three hoisted changing rooms
15:42seated boards prone boards we've got competition ones that are really high performance
15:47giving people that access to this amazing place that I love and also just giving people that opportunity to get
15:54radical you know
15:55like let's push our limits do you have volunteers that help out as well yeah volunteers are just absolutely vital
16:01to us
16:01we can do it without volunteers some some sessions are seated surface for example might take four people to take
16:08one person surfing
16:09so volunteers make it affordable they provide extra safety really builds the community around what we do as well
16:16and people from all walks of life all ages it's a really really fantastic thing
16:24one of the things volunteers do to help out is carry boards
16:30so not effortly big but we've got enough we can surf
16:33I'm thinking just like here over here if we just sit and we be patient
16:38and it's just be a case of we'll try and find the good peaks really
16:42perfect so yeah when you're ready Meg if you can just pick up the ball take it into the water
16:50as a top-level athlete Ben is already super fit and used to the water
16:57so once at a sufficient depth to float Megan holds the board as he self-transfers out of the adapted
17:03chair
17:05and he's all set to catch some surf
17:31I wouldn't be surprised if he's soon adding to that medal collection
17:35but now to see if I can hit gold on our house search
17:44for our next option we're heading to the rural outskirts of the town of Ammonford
17:50offering shops and services the settlement was originally known as Cross Inn
17:55after an establishment located on a crossroads
17:58coal and tin industry saw expansion and by 1893 the railway stop here was named Amford
18:05to mark it from other Cross Inns
18:09a couple of miles from the station
18:10we're at what I expect might be a rather familiar spot for my buyers
18:18we're literally around the corner to where your parents live
18:21and so where you're currently living at the time
18:23do you recognize the area?
18:25yes we often go for a stroll with our daughter along the road here
18:30so we've walked past a few times but not quite inside
18:33and you didn't know that this was up for sale
18:36no it is a nice area
18:37it could work potentially
18:39yeah I'm intrigued to see what the inside looks like
18:42yeah ready to take a look?
18:43yeah
18:43let's go
18:44have a look
18:46built in the 1950s the entrance to this brick and rendered bungalow
18:51is via a covered addition between the house and a generous garage
18:56taking us via a hall through a cosy snug
18:59which then leads into open plan kitchen dining area
19:04and a better look at that garden from here as well
19:07yeah
19:08I was just looking at the roof of the conservatory
19:10I think it's a bit dark
19:13so we probably do what your parents have done
19:15and they put the glass on
19:17I take that as a good sign then
19:19you're thinking about how you might make this house work better for you
19:22yeah
19:23yeah it is a bit of a longer kitchen
19:25but you can still see through to the dining area and the sitting area in the conservatory
19:30yeah you wouldn't feel cut off from the house if you were cooking in this kitchen
19:34probably wouldn't be able to have cupboard doors open
19:36but yeah it's definitely accessible
19:40across the hall at the front of the bungalow is the separate reception that could be my buyers toy free
19:46space
19:46what I love here is that bay window
19:49it has got that Christmas tree in the bay window
20:16a double that could be Ben and Megan's
20:19so main bedroom through here
20:22a very generous space I think with this one
20:25yeah again size to go down both sides of the bed
20:28and it isn't an ensuite but it is literally next door to the family bedroom
20:31exactly
20:31so this house gives you two proper bedrooms and then that third space there which they currently use as an
20:38office
20:38and then they have built up into the attic an amazing room which has got a shower in it as
20:43well
20:44so you've got a little en suite that could be a teenage room at some point
20:48yeah
20:49and definitely a guest room
20:50yeah
20:50yeah for now so it offers a lot
20:53it does
20:54having everything on mainly on one level is that something you prefer to have
20:59I think if all the bedrooms were on one level I think yes if the children were upstairs and we
21:04were downstairs that would be a bit difficult
21:08with questions over the ensuite loft room that is currently inaccessible to Ben
21:13I've sent them to look at the room below that houses the stairs
21:18okay so we've got could use it as a little office
21:21yeah or potentially a little crib room
21:23yeah block off the stairs
21:25yeah
21:27yeah it's got a lovely view of the garden
21:30and that's where we're heading now
21:32a third of an acre plot that includes an outbuilding with electricity and enough space to park your tractor
21:39I think the outdoor space is is a real plus isn't it you know it's a lovely lovely place to
21:44sit it's really nice
21:45we go and feed the horse around the corner most evenings with ever at the moment so that's one of
21:49our nightly activities
21:50so yeah it is a lovely place to live
21:52I'm just still not so sure that the house itself is enough yet
21:56it doesn't have to be you move in and it's all perfect it could be we make it perfect
22:01yeah
22:01and is it worth making it perfect how much do you think this house is on the market for
22:06I'm gonna go in with a 355,000 pounds
22:10355,000 pounds okay
22:13um 365,000
22:17365,000 pounds
22:19okay it's on at 375,000 pounds
22:24so thinking about changes you know there's possibility the scope yeah
22:29below budget this 1950s bungalow offers a galley kitchen which is semi open to conservatory living and dining
22:37there are four bedrooms in total a large garden and the location means they could be neighbours with Megan's parents
22:45so very handy for babysitting
22:47I like that the property has some open plan living around the kitchen and the conservatory
22:54and we're used to living in a bungalow so we do like being able to kind of go from the
22:59living room into the bedroom without having to go upstairs or in a lift for yourself
23:03we're literally a one-minute walk away from the in-law so it'll be childcare will be really easy
23:09I'm still not sold on the internals of the house I think it doesn't quite work for me
23:12I don't move into a house where I'd kind of be a prisoner to certain areas of the property that
23:17I wouldn't be able to go upstairs for example
23:19and that for me is a big now
23:25that's it second house done
23:26yes
23:28shall we go and see if my mother put the kettle on
23:30that would be lovely
23:32after you
23:48we're ending the day just moments away visiting Megan's mum Elaine and dad Dorian who've been looking after two-year
23:55-old Ever during our house hunt
23:59I mean this is such a lovely welcome this is what this is all about isn't it family time
24:03I got Welsh cakes homemade
24:06so delightful
24:07and spending so much time here back in the home you grew up in what's that been like
24:12it has been nice helping with kind of washing and not needing to tidy the house
24:17and then being able to have more time quality time with Ever then because day-to-day jobs have been
24:22done by my parents
24:25and I think as well not many grandkids get that opportunity to live with their grandparents you know
24:30and it's amazing to see their relationship develop and she gets excited going between the houses
24:36the hardest part is trying to keep a routine in dissimilar situations
24:42how will it be for you to have your daughter your son-in-law and your granddaughter no longer living
24:49in your house anymore
24:51great to have them but it's been strange having coming from just the two of us in a house
24:56to an extra two others and ever
24:59and a lot of coming and going
25:01yeah
25:02but we're managing great we get on well we get on so well that we're even going on holiday next
25:07Saturday
25:08oh fabulous
25:09for two cars for two weeks so I think they haven't got fed up of us
25:13can't get enough but it's lucky because they might be buying the house rather down the road
25:17we've had a good start today haven't we
25:19yes we have
25:20I think we've given you lots to think about
25:21yeah
25:22yeah
25:22yeah
25:23but I genuinely feel we're a bit closer to this becoming your reality
25:27yes
25:27can we give you thumbs up?
25:29yeah
25:29what about
25:30what about
25:31thank you
25:42thank you
25:43thank you
25:49average sold price of detached houses in Wales currently sits at around 327,000 pounds
25:57in Carmarthenshire that figure falls to around 286,000 pounds
26:05to give yourself an even greater chance of finding a home in South Wales
26:09it's also worth considering neighboring areas of Pembrokeshire to the west and Swansea or the Gower to the east
26:17so if somebody was to move into the area and they weren't really versed on the area
26:22then I would most certainly say Bishopson is a really lovely area
26:26purely because you get a community feel you're also within walking distance of the coast
26:30but if you wanted to go more west down the Carmarthen area you could definitely look at areas like Machynes
26:35property prices are slightly cheaper down that area
26:37and then the further you go west you'll end up going down to Pembrokeshire, Temby
26:41and if you wanted something more coastal but slightly quieter then you can move on the outskirts of Temby
26:51if you're tempted by what you've seen so far here's a pic from more properties close to where my buyers
26:56are looking
26:57this period two-bedroom end of terrace is in a pretty village location north of Swansea
27:04it comes with extensive gardens and views on the market for 150,000 pounds
27:14this detached four-bedroom three-bathroom option has modern interiors and feature windows
27:20the location on the southern bank of the Loughar estuary provides panoramic vistas
27:26for sale it offers in the region of 625,000 pounds
27:32for a short self-catered stay in Carmarthenshire
27:35this cozy converted coach house with a garden sleeps up to five
27:40and costs from 570 pounds for a one-week stay for two
27:44additional guests cost 10 pounds per person per night and part weeks are also available
27:57for Megan and Ben this move is all about homecoming
28:00and recreating their childhood memories for their own little family
28:04but they also live incredibly busy lives and barely get to see each other
28:08so today it's all about ease
28:11something they can move straight into and not have to worry about a thing
28:17my mystery house is in the village of Manava Gareg
28:21a little over a mile from the town of Kidwelli
28:24which sits on the Gwendraeth estuary above Carmarthen Bay
28:30this location is out of my buyers comfort zone
28:33being the most westerly I've taken them so far
28:37the castle established by invading Normans and fortified by the English King Edward the first
28:43now proudly flies the Welsh flag
28:47trains run from Kidwelli to major locations including Cardiff Swansea and Manchester
28:53with step free access to the platforms
28:57the coastal habitats here are a haven for wildlife
29:01so whilst I leave Megan and Ben to check out the nature watching opportunities
29:07I've nipped ahead to give you a sneak peek at my mystery house
29:11what better than a really sustainable property one that's got an A grade EPC rating
29:19yes we've gone contemporary for the final offering with a two year old fuel efficient option
29:26that I'm hoping will tempt Megan and Ben into this expanded search area
29:32the thing I love about a modern house is that you get all of this
29:35look open plant living so much space a real flow of energy
29:42and I think this could be perfect for a growing family
29:46now to see if my buyers agree
29:49hello hello
29:50welcome to our mystery house
29:53so I'm hoping that we've brought you somewhere a bit further out than you've been looking
29:57yeah
29:57not too familiar with the area
30:00and to a practically brand spanking new house
30:04definitely very aesthetically pleasing
30:06definitely got a curb appeal
30:08and again another property with a balcony
30:10which is unusual
30:11few young families here
30:13they say the young children can play out here and it's pretty safe
30:16and coming home to somewhere that's peaceful, quiet and easy
30:20yeah
30:20yeah
30:22let me take you inside
30:25built in 2023 with solar panels and an air source heat pump
30:30this detached home with an integrated garage is one of around 25 on this recent development
30:37a small entrance hall leads into the L-shaped open-plan kitchen, dining and living room
30:45so you've got this lovely space it goes all the way around there
30:48which means a nice flow if you want to live like that with the family
30:51yeah
30:52I really like the open plan
30:55it's kind of
30:56because the kitchen's tucked away
30:58that makes it slightly separate but nice and open as well
31:01someone could be in the kitchen preparing food
31:03and you still feel communicate with each other as well
31:07yeah it's that
31:08where do you shut away the toys
31:09that's kind of why I'm looking at the space
31:10yeah
31:11like this is like
31:12there's nowhere to hide toys really
31:14yeah
31:14hiding toys is great storage
31:16there's all sorts of things you can do
31:18yeah
31:18when you've got a larger footprint
31:20also
31:21we've got to talk about the lift and where that might go
31:23I am thinking it could go here
31:25and the room they would connect to would be the main bedroom
31:27so that's something again that would use up this space
31:30and maybe this would become the play toy storage area
31:33yeah
31:33and then move all the kind of family general living a bit further up
31:37yeah
31:37yeah
31:37should we go look at the kitchen?
31:38yeah
31:38yes please
31:41you can see the expanse of the kitchen there
31:44yeah
31:44the current owners have put in this island
31:47yeah I like the island in the first property
31:48but in this one it kind of makes it in an inaccessible past
31:52you know I'm going to have to only go that way past by the sink and round
31:55rather than be able to cut through there because of where the chairs are
31:57and that's important obviously
31:59yeah
31:59I think I fell in love with that first property and I think that's what I'm struggling to get past
32:03I'm loving how much you love the first house
32:05don't struggle with that
32:06yeah
32:06that is not a problem
32:10also on this floor is the integral garage which can be reached internally via that utility room
32:16giving another potential location for the lift perhaps
32:19above this is a front facing double bedroom that goes out to the balcony
32:25a smaller room above the utility is in use as a study
32:28then above the dining area is a double room that could perhaps be forever
32:35these are all served by a family bathroom with a neutral finish
32:39and that leaves the final bedroom number four the ensuite principal which also has access to the balcony
32:47and I think family wise it's really lovely that you can have maybe over there
32:52a nursery one of the rooms and a guest room
32:55yeah
32:55and options for where you put the lift
32:58I think downstairs living room to this room may work with the lift which then opens up the other three
33:05bedrooms then
33:05you've got access to the balcony from this room in this house
33:09yeah
33:09plenty of space to move around the bed
33:11we've got the ensuite in here which is obviously a bit of a bonus
33:14have a look
33:17yeah
33:18can you shut the door or no?
33:22no
33:23not quite
33:23no
33:24so
33:25yeah
33:26probably just a bit smaller but I'm not you know we could probably work something out with that
33:30yeah
33:30put a sliding door on the outside maybe so it's slid across rather than
33:33yeah
33:34and these are the things to consider aren't they
33:37yeah
33:38also something to consider is the rear garden where there's a raised lawn currently reached via steps from the ground
33:44level paved patio
33:48it is a bit challenging because you've got the two tiers so adjustments would need to be made
33:52the two levels if you wanted to play with ever kind of some ball sports you'd really struggle to get
33:58up onto the grass area
33:59what do you think though of what you've seen
34:02I think there's too many compromises for me to make to want to progress with this property
34:07it's a very nice property it's just probably not the one for me
34:10well the other thing to think about of course is how much it would cost to buy this property out
34:15here
34:15how much do you think this property is on the market for?
34:18I'm not sure what the market is like in this area
34:23so I'm going to have a guess at 370
34:26okay 370,000 pounds
34:29I think the fact that it's a new bill 2 years old all the solar panels and everything I think
34:33it could be a bit more expensive than that
34:35so I think 395
34:36okay 395,000 pounds
34:39yeah I think so
34:40this property is on the market for 399,995 pounds so just short of 400,000
34:46I think it's great for you to see where the market's at what you can get for your budget and
34:52to help you with your decision making
34:54this detached modern house will make a lovely home for somebody
34:58it has an energy performance rating of A, an open plan kitchen layout, 4 bedrooms and an integral garage
35:06it's in a small family friendly community albeit somewhat outside my buyer's search area
35:14it is a lovely house you know it's got everything you would need for a 4 bedroom house
35:18it's got a lovely downstairs kitchen open plan space
35:21it's got a big garage and the upstairs space is nice as well
35:25so for me it's the location to this house that kind of put the brakes on before we even got
35:30started
35:30very nice just not too sure about the location
35:46we often meet couples who want to change their busy city based lives
35:51for a more calm serene existence in the country
35:54well earlier this year Tig, Piers and their young children did exactly that
36:01six months ago a new job offered Tig, who works for the NHS
36:05the chance of leaving the city of Nottingham to fulfil a dream of raising a family in her Welsh homeland
36:12along with her partner Piers, who's employed by an animal feed company
36:16she asked us to find a home for them, five-year-old Annika, three-year-old Roscoe
36:22and a third anticipated arrival
36:24but before we could step in they brought this Carmarthenshire farmhouse
36:29eight miles from the nearest town of Narberth
36:31I can't wait to get out of the rain and find out just what prompted their move
36:38hello
36:39you must be here
36:41I am, lovely to meet you
36:42nice to meet you, hi
36:43nice to meet you
36:45come on in
36:46thank you
36:48now this is cosy
36:51you haven't been here that long, have you?
36:53six or seven months
36:54six months
36:54yeah
36:55so we're yet to have a Welsh winter
36:57everyone keeps saying
36:58you're not yet living in the reality of Wales
37:00so
37:00well you've got the perfect setup to live in the reality of Wales
37:03but I can't wait to hear more about your story
37:07Tig and Piers are slowly uncovering more about the former dairy farm that's their new home
37:15even on a wet and windy day this is still quite a sight to behold
37:20this is the milking parlour which we only really properly discovered when we took away a lot of the ivy
37:25and on the right you've got some of the older buildings here that have got the more traditional Welsh stone
37:30there's always a job on a farm property like this isn't there?
37:33there's always something for someone to do
37:34absolutely
37:34or a Wiggum
37:35when I get a minute
37:37oh I love that
37:37so what's on the when I get a minute list at the moment?
37:40inbound baby number three needs to arrive
37:42and then look at maybe redecorating when it's safe to do so
37:46absolutely
37:47don't need to rush
37:48we don't need to rush
37:49oh you're right
37:50so
37:51sit down have a cup of tea
37:52wait for that baby to turn up
37:54yep
37:57and a cosy cuppa in the farmhouse kitchen is just the tonic right now
38:02oh look at this a proper farmhouse kitchen
38:07this is lovely thank you
38:09so I have to know how you ended up here because you were living the city life as I understand
38:14it in Nottingham
38:15for a long time 18 years
38:17yeah 18 years went up for uni met a local lad
38:21ah
38:22so Nottingham's your home
38:23yeah Nottingham's where I was born in Nottingham
38:25and in the countryside so I had a rural upbringing
38:27when we first were together I did declare didn't I babe
38:31that we would end up having family in Wales
38:33after coming through motherhood I was pretty determined
38:36and how have the children adapted and welcomed this change
38:40absolutely loved it we've got our son into a Welsh speaking
38:42we call it preschool but it's Matheryn
38:45and he's loving that
38:47they're always wanting to be outdoors
38:50and in terms of activities on our doorstep
38:54beach, woodland
38:55it's endless
38:56Annika's typical is five
38:59and decides she wants to be a vet
39:01but Roscoe is determined he wants to be a farmer
39:03that's the one he's declared he's three and he said I want to be a farmer
39:05what about how you found this property
39:08because I know you wanted our help
39:09we did want your help
39:10with a very short amount of notice because you were moving
39:13and there was threat of me being left with two children
39:17it nearly didn't happen because you thought it might be a bit too remote
39:21yeah I did I ruled it off for being quite rural
39:24but I knew tactically to just stay really quiet
39:28because I felt that it was right
39:31but we needed to both obviously be sure
39:33and thankfully it went the way that I hoped
39:36an amazing home that you can imagine yourselves being in forever I should imagine
39:40I'm not moving again
39:43I can sit and talk to you for the rest of the day
39:46but I've also got my eye on
39:48it's hard to resist
39:49with some barred breath of course you can
39:52you can't come to Wales and not have barred breath
39:54absolutely
39:54with a good slab of salty butter
39:56there we go
39:57oh it looks delicious
40:01Tig and Piers are proof positive
40:04that with the right ingredients
40:05you can have your Welsh cake and eat it
40:09but have we come up with the right recipe for Ben and Megan's homecoming?
40:18well it's been a year for Megan and Ben of living between parents
40:22and searching for their ideal home
40:24so let's find out if we got them a step closer to finding it
40:32hello both
40:33Megan and Ben it's been so much fun showing you houses in your manner
40:39I feel like we've been on a bit of a rollercoaster journey
40:41but where are you both now?
40:43to be honest you kind of knocked out of the park with house number one
40:46I was blown away and pretty speechless going around that property
40:49thinking this has everything and more
40:52I went to bed really happy last night
40:54thinking this is the start of the next chapter
40:56I haven't been that enthused by a house I've seen before
40:59you know I kind of
41:00I loved it
41:01you know with a capital L and a capital O and a capital V and a capital E
41:04tell me what is it you loved about that property?
41:07the kind of level access outside
41:10and there's a couple of options where the lift could go
41:13the hot tub that's there already
41:15and it's quite private even tucked away right at the end
41:18got a lovely view of the golf course and the coast
41:21and it is pretty much bang on in the middle duration wise from both parents
41:26and from work and close to shops and everything as well
41:30for me it was the ability to leave the house and go for a big walk
41:34so that was a huge selling point
41:36the only negative with this house number one is that we can't really do anything to it to make it
41:40our own
41:41and Meg was like how is that a negative?
41:43I was like it's not really
41:43it's the only thing I could come up with
41:46so I think that's a really good sign
41:48that's a very good sign
41:49I think the next step is a second viewing and trying to go from there
41:53that is so exciting!
41:56after a year of going between parents
41:59it sounds like this could be the beginning of a chapter where you get a revisit from me
42:05thank you so much
42:07did I get that right?
42:09that was perfect
42:10you nailed it
42:14Megan and Ben's story is one of hope, resilience and dedication
42:19now he after all is a world champion
42:21but together they've been dedicated to bringing their family home to Wales
42:26so they can give their daughter the childhood that they both enjoyed
42:30and I'm so happy that we've been a part of that journey
42:33and helped them get a step closer to finding that dream home
42:36I'll see you next time on Escape to the Country
42:40Ben and Megan went on to put an offer on the Georgian style house number one
42:45and I'm delighted to announce it was accepted
42:48we hope their new home brings them lots of L-O-V-E in capitals for many years to come
42:55if you would like to escape to the country in Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland
43:01and need our help
43:03why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part
43:09the project
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