Escape to the Country welcomes Richie Anderson as he joins the team to help two proud Brummies find their dream character home in the rural Midlands. With one buyer a busy primary school head teacher, a turnkey property is a must—but Richie stirs the pot with a bold mystery house that needs a little TLC. Along the way, Richie explores slow tourism by taking to the canals on a narrowboat adventure.
#EscapeToTheCountry #MidlandsProperty #RichieAnderson
#EscapeToTheCountry #MidlandsProperty #RichieAnderson
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00:00It's my escape to the country maiden voyage.
00:04It's me steering the boat.
00:06So first impressions count.
00:08I'm in space here, look at this.
00:10OK, you're doing a little clap.
00:12I clap it more, I get excited.
00:14I need to get to know my buyers.
00:16Yeah, this is very us.
00:18Oh, I like that.
00:19It's very us.
00:20Dare them to think differently.
00:22Andy smiled a lot more going through this house.
00:25I feel like I've thrown a positive spanner in the world.
00:27You definitely have.
00:29And always deliver the goods.
00:32Sold.
00:34See you next week.
00:57The Midlands.
00:59Dynamic and cosmopolitan.
01:02But also quiet and untouched.
01:05England's beating heart is full of surprises.
01:09If I said to you the Midlands, I imagine the first things that pop into your head are probably
01:15big cities, industry and definitely the motorway.
01:19I mean, we've all sat on the M6 for hours, haven't we?
01:21But the countryside, probably not even on that list.
01:25But here's the twist.
01:26The Midlands is seriously green and I should know because this is my patch.
01:34Today's search will focus on the counties of Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, both sitting
01:39in the vast swathe of land known as the Midlands.
01:43The region somehow manages the impossible task of being brilliantly connected and in the middle
01:48of nowhere, all at the same time.
01:51You know, I've taken friends out before.
01:53I had a bet with him that once we'd been on the boat for half an hour, he wouldn't know
01:57where he was.
01:58And he said, I'm so stupid.
01:59I'll know.
02:00And I asked him about half an hour after we were on the boat and he said, I ain't got
02:04a clue.
02:05So yeah, just to show that within half an hour on a boat, you can be out in the middle
02:09of nowhere.
02:10The Warwickshire countryside is stunning.
02:12So we are just on the edge of the Cotswolds.
02:14So there's a plethora of walking routes all around the area.
02:17You've got Ilmington, which is just that sort of Cotswold stone.
02:20And then also all of the history.
02:22So we've got Warwick and Kenilworth Castle, which are fantastic.
02:25Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, the hugely impressive Warwick
02:30Castle attracts three quarters of a million visitors each year.
02:34So join us as we let this sometimes underappreciated part of the country take centre stage.
02:42Today's buyers have already dipped their toe into rural life and they found the waters
02:46to be warm and welcoming.
02:47So all that's left for them to do now is to take the plunge and fully dive in.
02:51Hi, I'm Natalie.
02:56This is my husband, Andy.
02:57Hi there.
02:58And we live in Studley in Warwickshire.
03:00We used to live nearly 20 years in Longbridge in Birmingham.
03:04So we decided to sort of move to a more semi-royal area.
03:09But even after three years, we still feel that we want to live a more idyllic lifestyle in
03:15a sort of smaller village.
03:17Born and bred Brummies, Natalie and Andy have been together for 24 years.
03:22They made the leap from city life three years ago, but it seems they didn't leap far enough.
03:28So we just stand here.
03:29This is where we live, top of the village.
03:30You see that there is just constant traffic.
03:33It's really quite busy.
03:35It turns out it's not just the traffic that's full on.
03:38Yeah.
03:39Both have demanding jobs.
03:40We're Natalie running her own recruitment company from home and Andy working as a headteacher.
03:45I'm just sitting facing a wall in the room where the desk is.
03:49So I'd love to be able to have some space to be able to look at and work from there really.
03:52For me it would be an opportunity just to have that time out and switch off from, you know, the normality of work.
03:59We need something to help him relax because otherwise he just works all the time.
04:03When they do get some downtime, Andy's passion is his motorbike.
04:08So weekends are all about heading off on a drive or rural explorations on foot with Cockapoos Ralph and Ted.
04:15So this is one of the things that we love to do is going out for walks in the countryside.
04:20Really want to recapture some of this so that we can have access to local fields and the dogs can go for nice walks.
04:27As you can see the two of them love chasing the balls.
04:30Here we go.
04:32There we go.
04:34The couple has a budget of £475,000 to chase their rural dream.
04:39They're after a character property in turnkey condition with three bedrooms and space for entertaining.
04:45Natalie craves a home office with a view and Andy's hoping for a nice big garage to store his motorbike.
04:52What's really nice about Andy and Natalie is that they've already taken small steps into the countryside.
05:07They've done the soft launch and they seem to really know what they do and don't want from their new lifestyle.
05:13All they need now is the perfect house to go with it and that's where we come in.
05:21I'm meeting Natalie and Andy at Boddington Reservoir.
05:25But we're not here to set sail or cast a line.
05:28We need to get to know each other.
05:30Natalie and Andy, it's so lovely to finally meet you.
05:36It's so lovely to meet you too.
05:37How are you feeling?
05:38We're so excited.
05:40We just think that we're putting ourselves in your capable hands and that you're going to do it with your magic and find us our dream home.
05:47But you've already taken the baby steps.
05:49Yes, that's right.
05:50It took us a long time to get something wrong.
05:52It took me 20 years to move out of Birmingham with all aspects of life, isn't it?
05:56A little bit of a prompt.
05:57A bit of a nudge.
05:58So just for my reference, does he need a lot of persuading?
06:01He needs a lot of persuading.
06:02Noted, Andy.
06:03Noted.
06:04Now, as you can tell from my accent, which is as broad as Andy's shoulders, all of us are from the Midlands.
06:11Yeah.
06:12So what is it about this region that appeals to you so much?
06:14Why do you want to stay here?
06:15Do you know what?
06:16Everybody's just friendly.
06:17We laugh because like, I mean, you know as a Midlander, you're only going to walk into a room with another one and it's just chatter, chatter, chatter and people are just open to having conversations.
06:27But I think being the sort of where we are, the heart of the Midlands, in terms of accessing and going to parts of the country, it's fantastic, isn't it?
06:34It's such a good network to go to places, I find as well, isn't it?
06:37And don't you feel like the countryside in the Midlands is a bit of a hidden gem?
06:40100%.
06:41People don't shout about it.
06:43It doesn't get the fuss it deserves.
06:44You don't get the words Midlands and countryside mentioned.
06:47No, no.
06:48I've said this, Natalie.
06:49Yeah, and not publicly.
06:50I'm flying the flag.
06:51Yeah, flying the flag.
06:52We're here to fly it with you, so it's exciting.
06:54Right, we've got loads to see.
06:55Shall we get cracking?
06:56Yeah, we can't wait.
06:57I'm so excited.
06:58And it's my first time, so be gentle with me.
06:59I'm looking at you, Natalie.
07:00We've got this.
07:02Yes.
07:03We're looking at countryside locations within an hour's commute of Andy's job in the Worcestershire
07:09spa town of Droitwich, starting with the Northamptonshire village of Byfield.
07:16Located midway between the towns of Daventry and Banbury, Byfield has all the essentials,
07:21a local store, a cosy pub and even a farm shop.
07:26The village hall's a busy spot too, with weekly yoga, art and dog training classes not that
07:31Ralph and Ted need those, of course.
07:34Anyway, before I insult anyone else's pups, let's just get on with the house, shall
07:39we?
07:40Right then, follow me.
07:42Eyes down, eyes down.
07:43Oh, God.
07:44And I give to you house number one.
07:46Oh, my goodness.
07:48Oh.
07:49Well, this is nice.
07:50I'm very impressed already.
07:51It's lovely.
07:52I love the stone.
07:53You love the stone.
07:54I was going to say.
07:55The doorway there.
07:56I love it already.
07:57And the colours as well.
07:58I love that sort of green we have here.
08:00Yeah, we like that.
08:01It's lovely.
08:02Oh, my gosh.
08:03And then space here.
08:04Look at this.
08:05OK, you're doing a little clap.
08:06I love that.
08:07That's Natalie's little there.
08:08The more I clap, the more I get excited.
08:09It's got character.
08:10Yeah.
08:11Which is exactly what we asked for.
08:12So it was originally two farming cottages.
08:14Right.
08:15Specifically dairy.
08:16Right.
08:17So you see the little shed down there.
08:19Yeah.
08:20The cows were kept in there.
08:21They were kept in there.
08:22So who would have thought all those years ago it could go from cows to motorbikes?
08:26Yes.
08:27Yes.
08:28Sure.
08:29That's it.
08:30Oh, my gosh.
08:31This is amazing.
08:32I love it.
08:33I mean, I genuinely love it.
08:34I love it.
08:35I'm excited to go inside.
08:36So should we go and have a look?
08:37Yes, please.
08:38Follow me.
08:39Yes, please.
08:40Here we go.
08:41Smile on your face.
08:42It's not moving anywhere yet.
08:43Made from local stone, this detached cottage has been standing tall since the 1700s.
08:48It's had a bit of a glow up lately, new kitchen and all, but it's still got that old school charm.
08:55Wow.
08:56Okay.
08:57Well, this is nice.
08:58You like?
08:59Yeah, I like the sort of, that traditional sort of area here with the stonework.
09:04The exposed brick.
09:05Yes.
09:06It's nice, isn't it?
09:07And the sort of old table top here and that wood there and that, looking out into the garden
09:11area.
09:12Yeah.
09:13It's definitely slightly bigger than ours now, isn't it?
09:14Yes.
09:15Yeah.
09:16It's got a beautiful courtyard.
09:17Oh, wow.
09:18Out there.
09:19The dogs can nip out there as well.
09:20Yeah, that's perfect.
09:21Yeah.
09:22Is this a party kitchen?
09:23I think it's smaller than I would have expected in terms of like, I think, like, from the outside
09:27I think, yeah.
09:28Intimate party.
09:29Intimate party, I can imagine.
09:30Yeah.
09:31Speaking of space, you've got this pantry in here.
09:33Oh, right.
09:34And there's a cellar.
09:35I can stand up in the cellar.
09:36Wow.
09:37Yeah.
09:38That's really exciting.
09:39A new twist on those parties.
09:40That's the after party.
09:42Yeah, yeah, yeah.
09:43If you like this room, wait until you see the dining room.
09:46Follow me.
09:47Fantastic, thank you.
09:48Follow me through here.
09:50Oh, I love the door there.
09:51So this is a study, but could also be used as maybe a dining room.
09:54But look at that floor, Natalie.
09:55Oh, it's stunning.
09:56I love the floor.
09:57And follow me into the lounge.
09:59Oh, wow.
10:00This is lovely.
10:01This is very bright, isn't it?
10:02I like it.
10:03I love the beam.
10:04Right in the centre there.
10:05Yeah.
10:06I know that the beams are a feature throughout the property.
10:08Yes.
10:09Do you spend a lot of time in the lounge?
10:10I mean, do you watch the sport in there?
10:12What do you watch in there?
10:13Yeah, we do.
10:14I love my soaps.
10:15We do.
10:16Can you imagine watching the soaps in here?
10:18I can actually imagine sitting here watching my soaps, yeah.
10:21I can see us relaxing in here, for sure.
10:24Well, they're sold.
10:26And who can blame them?
10:27This living room's practically begging you to kick back and put the kettle on.
10:32Upstairs, they'll find the all-important three bedrooms, and yes, they're all doubles.
10:37Served by a three-piece bathroom with a shower.
10:40Do you guys want to come into the main bedroom?
10:41Yes, please.
10:42Yes, please.
10:43Just through here.
10:45Oh, wow.
10:46Again, you've got the open brick again, haven't you?
10:48Which is lovely.
10:49It's a good space, isn't it?
10:50Nice height in here as well, compared to the downstairs, isn't it?
10:53Yeah, there's much more height in this room, isn't there?
10:54Absolutely.
10:55Yeah, I like it.
10:56And what are you thinking about the shower room?
10:58Um, I do like a bath.
11:00Well, just bear in mind, there was a bath in there, and the current owners took it out,
11:04so there's definitely room to put one in there.
11:06Okay.
11:07And because you work from home, have you had to think about how office space could work?
11:11Looking here, you've got choices.
11:12There's a room downstairs, or there is a space upstairs to have an office,
11:16so there's room to have a desk and to look outside, which is important at the moment.
11:19I'm facing a wall to work.
11:21Well, have you seen the views out the window?
11:23Oh, just gorgeous.
11:24Gorgeous.
11:25You'll be doing overtime.
11:27Oh, okay.
11:28Usually, the countryside means less hustle, not more.
11:32Before we head into the garden, I'm sending Natalie and Andy to take a peek at the attached barn by themselves.
11:39Oh, wow.
11:40This is a good space, isn't it?
11:42Well, worry is there's room for more than one motorbike.
11:45Well, that's the, maybe the plan is to retire.
11:47That would be great.
11:48But also, I like the idea of hanging the bicycles up.
11:49Yeah.
11:50Actually, it's a good idea.
11:51There's parking for two cars on the gravel driveway and a generous patch of low-maintenance lawn,
11:57ideal for those who like their gardens easygoing.
12:03So, this is the main bulk of the garden.
12:06What are you thinking?
12:07It's definitely much bigger when you're standing from this position than from standing down there, isn't it?
12:11And it's quiet.
12:12It's quiet.
12:13You can hear the birdsong, which is lovely.
12:14Right.
12:15Shall we talk numbers?
12:16Okay.
12:17Oh, gosh.
12:18How much do you think this is on the market for?
12:20Okay.
12:21£445,000.
12:25Higher or lower, Andy?
12:26I'm going to go lower.
12:27£435,000.
12:30So, you're both wrong.
12:31Oh, gosh.
12:32So, it's currently on the market for £475,000.
12:36Okay.
12:37So, right at the ceiling of your budget.
12:38Yes.
12:39You're surprised about that?
12:40Well, I guess it's just whether then we've got to consider with things that we would probably
12:43want to do.
12:44Yeah.
12:45And we'd have to allow for a little bit of money to, you know, do a few bits and bobs that
12:49we'd want to change, really, wouldn't it?
12:51And I suppose, you know, it's gauging this sort of locality and what the house prices are
12:56in the local area.
12:57In the local area, yeah.
12:58As one listens here.
12:59This detached stone cottage might be at the top of their budget, but it's got the goods.
13:04Character by the bucket load, three bedrooms, a barn for the bike, and a no-fuss garden.
13:10Natalie and Andy might want to make a few tweaks, but after eight months on the market,
13:15a cheeky offer might not be out of the question.
13:20Well, when we first arrived, I was pretty much blown away by just the outside of the property
13:25and just seeing that, certainly the character to it.
13:28We've asked for character and we've definitely got it here.
13:31I love the fact that the beams run really throughout the house.
13:34So, as a first property, I have to say, Rich has done a great job.
13:39I think that it really shows that we've been listened to and I can really feel like our
13:44personalities would fit into a property like this.
13:47After spending most of their lives in Birmingham, quiet lanes and rolling countryside are now
14:04top priorities for Natalie and Andy, but finding somewhere with a buzz of the big city on a
14:09smaller scale might help ease the transition.
14:13So, they're taking a break from our property search to soak up Stratford-upon-Avon,
14:19a historic market town that, thanks to a certain famous playwright, needs no introduction.
14:26Actually, Stratford, due to William Shakespeare, is a huge draw from visitors in the UK and across the world
14:33and I think that really adds to the vibrancy of the town.
14:36I think in terms of a small town in the Midlands, it punches well above its weight.
14:40It feels like a small city, but with a very local community.
14:45I love Stratford. It's a heartfelt community. There's a lot of love for the town.
14:50There's a great independent shops.
14:52Love Academy. That's heavy.
14:54Feel the weight of that.
14:55It's because it's got a full Buddha.
14:57There's some gentle nightlife. There's some really nice independent restaurants.
15:02There's some nice independent bars. It's also really close to major cities and to the Cotswolds.
15:08Millions of people visit the town each year, checking out Shakespeare's birthplace
15:13and taking in the town's well-preserved Tudor architecture, buildings the bard himself would have known well.
15:20It's a bit taller than you, Andy.
15:22But we've come a long way since the 16th century
15:25and whilst I'm gutted that means I can't rock a ruff and a velvet cloak anymore,
15:29the good news is Stratford's transport links have definitely kept up with the times.
15:34So it's really, really well connected in the local area.
15:39The train system's great. They're extending the tram system as well into Birmingham.
15:43So you can get from Stratford really, really easy on the train.
15:46It's about 45 minutes to get into the centre, which is amazing.
15:51Convenient links to the town mean getting your cultural fix has never been easier.
15:56The Royal Shakespeare Company, or the RSC, is one of the world's most famous theatre companies,
16:02with three theatres in town staging everything from Shakespearean classics to contemporary plays.
16:08I think I can remember, alas, poor Yorick. I knew him so well.
16:12I think that's Hamlet. I think it's Hamlet.
16:15The biggest of the bunch is perched right by the river,
16:18in a setting just as dramatic as the performance inside.
16:22Sadly, today's not the day for a river cruise,
16:25so Natalie and Andy are settling for the next best thing.
16:28Oh, this is nice, isn't it? Is it by the window?
16:31Cake!
16:32I've never seen a slice of cake so large in my life.
16:35About a thousand calories here, but we'll get through it.
16:38If the cake hasn't left them with a sugar rush, this fab day out in Stratford surely has.
16:44But come on, forks down. It's about time we got back on that property hunt.
16:51We're back on the road, this time crossing over the border
16:55and heading to the Warwickshire village of Shotswell.
16:58Tucked away in a conservation area, this peaceful village stretches across 1,300 acres,
17:05most of it lovely open farmland.
17:08Like the first house we saw, there's a good mix of amenities here,
17:12including a local pub and playing fields.
17:15But what really wins me over are all the footpaths that connect the village to the countryside.
17:20They're perfect for walks, fresh air and soaking in seriously gorgeous surroundings.
17:27Look at that view there.
17:28That's fantastic view.
17:29Oh, and the house itself? Not bad to look at either.
17:33Oh wow, that's lovely, isn't it?
17:35There's so much to take in, so much to take in.
17:38I love the stone.
17:40So that's sourced from a local quarry.
17:42And the house was originally two hovels, but don't worry.
17:45No, don't. I can see that face.
17:47As soon as you get in there, it's nothing like a hovel.
17:50Beautifully put together.
17:52That's lovely.
17:53And you said, Natalie, you wanted to get involved in the local community.
17:56I went to the same.
17:57So there's a motorcycle group.
17:58Wow.
17:59That's a...
18:00It's old.
18:01John, see you next week.
18:03It's like they knew you were coming.
18:05Oh wow.
18:06There's a women's WhatsApp group.
18:08Right.
18:09Imagine the gossip in there.
18:10Oh my God.
18:11Don't mind the soaps Natalie.
18:13I don't need them anymore.
18:14Of my own.
18:15I'm liking this energy outside.
18:17Great.
18:18Shall we see if we can carry it on inside?
18:19Yes please.
18:20Follow me Natalie.
18:21Thank you very much, thank you.
18:22Much like the other stone cottages in the village, this one dates back to the early 18th century.
18:28Thanks to a recent renovation, the interior is actually pretty contemporary.
18:33It's a nice surprise twist that you might not expect from the outside.
18:38I like it.
18:39This is nice, isn't it?
18:40This is so different to the last property.
18:42My goodness.
18:43It's much more modern, isn't it?
18:45Yes.
18:46We've still got the seating area.
18:47We have guests as well.
18:48Yeah, I like this.
18:49This is nice as well, isn't it?
18:50It's beautiful, isn't it?
18:51Yeah.
18:52Good start.
18:53You can tell so much love has gone into this.
18:55Absolutely.
18:56You can move straight in.
18:57Does that appeal to you?
18:58That really appeals to us.
18:59Definitely.
19:00Yeah.
19:01Lifestyles.
19:02With my work, it's very difficult for, you know, the time we do have.
19:04We want to enjoy that, going out with the dogs and socialising.
19:07Yeah.
19:08Yeah, this is very us.
19:09Oh, I like that.
19:10It's very us.
19:11I think he's just got a feel about it, hasn't he?
19:13Got a smile on my face.
19:14I'm liking this so far.
19:16And so is Andy.
19:17I know.
19:18You've broken Andy.
19:19Andy's come alive.
19:20It suits you that, does Andy.
19:21Shall we go through to the lounge?
19:22Yes, please.
19:23Follow me.
19:26I like this.
19:27It's beautiful.
19:28Open pan.
19:29Oh, this is lovely.
19:30Oh.
19:31Yeah, love all the open brickwork in here.
19:34I love the fireplace there.
19:37And also, they're seeing the stairwell and the stones there.
19:39I love that feature.
19:40Absolutely.
19:41Can you feel the floor slightly raised here?
19:43Slightly raised, I can feel, yes.
19:44So this is where the two hovels met.
19:46Oh, I see, right.
19:47And this is where farmers would live, local farmers in the 1700s.
19:50Wow.
19:51That's amazing.
19:52I know, there's so much history.
19:53It's so much, and that's why I love it, because what you've done is create this modern environment,
19:57but behind it has got loads of history and character.
19:59Well, I'm going to let you pop off upstairs.
20:01Okay.
20:02But I do have some news first.
20:03Okay.
20:04Upstairs, brace yourself, has a bath.
20:06Oh, fantastic.
20:08See, I knew you'd answer my prayers.
20:12Just like downstairs, both double bedrooms upstairs are stylishly presented, and those original beams add even more character.
20:21Oh, this is lovely.
20:22Well, the fact you can fit a seat in there to relax and sit by the window.
20:26It's a different type of character completely to the last house.
20:29I think it's really appealing in terms of it's very, very tasteful.
20:33Yeah.
20:34Oh, this is a good-sized bedroom, isn't it?
20:37That's a guest room, isn't it?
20:38Yeah, for a guest room.
20:39It's really nice, yeah.
20:40So, I'm thinking I like this house.
20:42It's got a more homely feel to it, hasn't it?
20:44And I think it could be a house we could just move into.
20:46I agree.
20:47And then we could decorate over time.
20:48I agree, Andy.
20:49Although, I think the current owners have done all the decorating work for you.
20:54Let's move on to the bathroom, complete with a fancy roll-top bath.
20:59Oh, now look at this.
21:00Look at that front.
21:01Look at this.
21:02Oh, it's lovely.
21:03And you've got the shower, look.
21:04You're just straight here, isn't it?
21:05Oh, yeah.
21:06Oh, I love this.
21:07This is lovely.
21:08I love the bath.
21:09Yes.
21:10I hope we get to keep that.
21:11I definitely have to ask.
21:12I think that looks very comfy.
21:13I wonder if the duck comes with it, too.
21:16What's great about the front garden is that it's a clover lawn, which is one of the most
21:21environmentally friendly lawns, so it's great for the pollinators, it's great for the insects.
21:25And don't mind me, I'm just looking for a four-leaf clover.
21:28Actually, I don't need luck.
21:29They're loving it.
21:31Okay, confession time.
21:33There's no garage for Andy's motorbike, but don't worry.
21:36There's some garaging for rent just across the lane behind the phone box.
21:41Problem solved, right?
21:43Out the back, you've got a lovely tiered garden all done up with railway sleepers.
21:48It's lush, well-established, and surrounded by box hedges and trees, so it feels like your
21:53own private sanctuary.
21:55Come on down.
21:56Come on down.
21:57Come and join me.
21:58I've had an idea.
21:59Okay.
22:00Natalie, don't panic.
22:01Have you thought about working outside in maybe an outdoor office space?
22:05Yeah, it's a really good idea.
22:06Having a nice garden, you want to appreciate it, so 100% I would consider a garden office.
22:11Well, Shakespeare's over there, and he approves.
22:13But if he loves it, who am I to argue?
22:16Right, shall we talk about the price?
22:18Okay.
22:19Oh, this is hell enough for last time.
22:20It's going to be a tricky one.
22:21Deep breath.
22:22It's maybe about £4.65.
22:25Oh!
22:26Natalie!
22:27I'm going to go in at £4.50.
22:30It's coming in at £475,000.
22:33Oh, again.
22:34Again.
22:35I can see it.
22:36I was thinking I was just trying to be really optimistic.
22:38Don't blame you.
22:391-1.
22:401-1.
22:411-1.
22:42It's beating me now.
22:43I love how competitive you are.
22:44Absolutely.
22:45Nudging the top of their price bracket, this detached cottage is packed with period features,
22:51plus two generous bedrooms and a sleek kitchen diner.
22:55The private garden is peaceful as well as planet-friendly, and with a bit of creative
23:00thinking, there's a way to deliver the all-important garage and home office.
23:06100% this is a house where we would love to have our friends and family over.
23:11It's got that wow factor when you walk in, and yet it retains a warmth about it, which
23:15is lovely.
23:16Having a garage on site and having to rent it, it's not ideal for me.
23:21I'd want to have my own one on the property, really.
23:24I think that's the same for me with the office space.
23:26It would be lovely to go into somewhere that already had that thought through.
23:30So I guess it's just whether, you know, like you say, the rest of the house really kind
23:34of makes up for that.
23:40As the sun sets on our first day of property searching, I can imagine the reality of Natalie
23:45and Andy's move must be starting to sink in.
23:48And the reason I think I know that, is it wasn't that long ago I was in their position.
23:56So I want to be honest with you, the reason I wanted to show you this part of the world
24:00is because this is where I escaped to the country, into the Midlands countryside.
24:05And it honestly changed my life.
24:07Right.
24:08It slowed it down.
24:09Yeah.
24:10And I've never been more outdoorsy and more active.
24:12Right.
24:13That's amazing to hear, because that's what we're looking for.
24:16And to have the experience of someone who's done that, that's really heartwarming to hear,
24:19isn't it?
24:20If I'm honest with you, when we first moved to the countryside, I was a little bit scared.
24:24Really?
24:25But our social life has improved so much.
24:27I agree.
24:28Like, we kind of know everybody around us.
24:29Yeah.
24:30My other half's in the tennis club, I'm in a running club.
24:32Yeah.
24:33They're things that I would never have done.
24:34Yeah.
24:35Living in a big city, do you know what I mean?
24:36Absolutely.
24:37And that's nice.
24:38And that's something for us as well, being part of that community, you know, being active.
24:41Yeah, we want to embrace that, definitely.
24:43And it's funny, because in a big city you feel like everything is on the doorstep,
24:46which it isn't in a way.
24:48But because life is so fast-paced, I kind of felt like it went too fast for me to get involved
24:53in things, really.
24:54Yeah.
24:55It gives you that head space, doesn't it?
24:56Yeah.
24:57To be able to really decide what is it that you want in your life.
24:59And just being, you know, ten minutes from that last property here to come here, where
25:02the dogs would be, you know...
25:04The feeling of just being able to breathe is just lovely, isn't it?
25:07So could we file today under good first day?
25:10Good first day.
25:11Yes, yeah.
25:12Yeah.
25:13I think you've done a great job with the properties that you've found us so far.
25:16Okay.
25:17Well, brace yourself, because we've got one left to see tomorrow.
25:19Oh, that's so beautiful.
25:20And in the words of the great Tyre Wilcox...
25:22Yes.
25:23It's a mystery.
25:24Can't wait to see it.
25:25For now...
25:26Yeah.
25:27Let's just enjoy this year.
25:29Very gorgeous.
25:30Feeling the pull to the Midlands yourself?
25:46Here's what you need to know about its property market.
25:49In the West Midlands, you'll pay around £412,000 for a detached property, £25,000 less than
25:56the national average of little over £437,000.
26:00But head to the East Midlands and there's an even bigger saving to be made, with an equivalent
26:06home costing just under £357,000, an 18% saving on the national figure.
26:14Here's a taste of a few other period properties available on the market in the Midlands.
26:21If you're a renter, this unique Grade II listed cottage features three bedrooms and a secluded
26:28rear garden.
26:29It's in a desirable village not far from the Worcestershire town of Evesham and is available
26:34for £1,500 per calendar month.
26:39Another Grade II listed property in Worcestershire, but this time on the seller's market, is this
26:45former malt house in a popular village.
26:47It's got two bedrooms, a low-maintenance garden and is priced at offers over £275,000.
26:57When you head into Warwickshire and up in the budget, this attractive detached cottage is
27:02smartly presented inside and out.
27:05With four bedrooms, a standout living room and extensive terrace gardens, it's on the
27:11market for £675,000.
27:14It's a new day here in the Midlands with Natalie and Andy and it's time for our mystery house,
27:20which may require some imagination.
27:22We're bringing our Midlands property tour to a close in the Warwickshire village of Barton.
27:30This address would give Andy the quickest commute to work of all the houses we've seen so far,
27:35just a swift half-hour drive to Droitwich.
27:39Barton itself is super rural with a population of just 80, but it's only a ten-minute stroll
27:45along the river to the much livelier village of Bidford-upon-Avon.
27:50So really, it would be rude not to stop by and check it out.
27:53And hey, who doesn't love a little scenic detour to build suspense before the grand finale?
28:03Natalie and Andy, you came back?
28:04We did!
28:05You can stay away!
28:07How are we feeling this morning?
28:09Very excited!
28:11And lovely being by the river here as well this morning.
28:14Yeah.
28:15Obviously, we know this place quite well because, funnily enough, our dogs go to the local groomers here.
28:21So Ralph and Ted know this place well.
28:23Absolutely, yes.
28:24Because the reason we are here is because this is a short walk away from the mystery house.
28:29Yeah.
28:30So no more than that at the moment.
28:32But I am wondering, Andy, does this area work for you, do you think?
28:35Well, certainly for a commute to work, it would only add a minimal amount of time.
28:40So, yeah, so that would work.
28:42And we're close to our friends still then as well, which is great.
28:44We've made some friends in the village and that was one of our considerations,
28:47that obviously we've been moving maybe away from them.
28:49But this means, actually, we still keep in touch with everybody that we know and care about.
28:54So that's lovely.
28:55Right, I'm going to let you explore the village and I'll see you at the mystery house.
28:58Great, thank you.
28:59See you later.
29:00Bye.
29:03Whilst Andy and Natalie have a mooch around the village, I wanted to show you today's mystery house.
29:08And look at that, a stunning converted barn.
29:12It's got the character we know they love, it's got the space, it's got the garage for Andy,
29:17the bath for Natalie, hallelujah.
29:20But there is a catch.
29:21It needs a bit of work.
29:23I'll show you what I mean.
29:26This has got real potential.
29:28It's so spacious.
29:30And the character, the exposed beams, the brickwork, all it needs is Natalie and Andy to put their stamp on it.
29:37But are they willing to do it?
29:39Well, let's find out.
29:40Having asked for a turnkey property, I hope we haven't miscalculated this one.
29:47But Natalie and Andy's enthusiasm so far on this search makes me think they might be up for the challenge.
29:53Coming in, guys.
29:55Oh, thank you.
29:56I'm going to ask you to tilt your eyes this way.
29:57Okay.
29:58And give me an immediate reaction.
29:59Immediate reaction is I really like it.
30:00Yeah.
30:01I love the panelling there over the door and I love the frames, the colour there.
30:06Yeah.
30:07It's got lots of windows, which I love.
30:08Which means there's loads of light going into the house, which I'm really impressed by.
30:10Shall we go and have a look?
30:11Yes, please.
30:13I think this brick and timber built barn conversion has tons of potential.
30:26It's got the period features of a traditional cottage, but the light and space of somewhere
30:31much more modern.
30:32Just through this way there.
30:36Large reception room here.
30:37Wow.
30:38This is a good size, isn't it?
30:39Yeah.
30:40I love it.
30:41Exposed beams.
30:42I love those character fields.
30:43Yeah.
30:44We're not compromising on character.
30:45I would not do that.
30:46No.
30:48Through to the lounge.
30:50With the most gorgeous fireplace over there.
30:52Oh, it's lovely, isn't it?
30:53This is lovely.
30:54It's got the right space.
30:55I can feel like it's a space we could entertain in.
30:57You know, the fact that you've got the separate dining area there.
31:00I can see a room where we'd have somewhere to work as well with all the light coming in.
31:04It'd be nice to work in here as well.
31:05I can see our furniture working in here as well.
31:07Yeah.
31:08But it's not a massive reno.
31:10And it's not as though you couldn't move in.
31:11No, exactly.
31:12You could do room by room and do it that way.
31:14Absolutely.
31:15It's all manageable and obviously with work, so potentially.
31:17And it's paint and imagination.
31:19Absolutely.
31:20And you've got bags of personality, Natalie.
31:22Imagine making somewhere your place.
31:25That's exciting, isn't it?
31:26Yeah.
31:27I'm chuffed to see Natalie and Andy bringing their trademark enthusiasm to the mystery house.
31:32The real test, though, might be the kitchen.
31:35Probably the spot that's calling out for some modernisation.
31:39Oh, nice.
31:40It's a nice big space, isn't it, in the kitchen.
31:42Could you see yourself in this kitchen, Andy?
31:44Rustling up a breakfast on the weekend.
31:46Yeah, on the weekend.
31:47I think you could make me breakfast and bring it in bed.
31:49Yeah, I would do that anyway.
31:50That's not unusual.
31:51Quite well trained.
31:54Now, I'm thinking about one of your parties when you're entertaining.
31:57Yes.
31:58Imagine this wall knocked through.
31:59Yeah.
32:00So you've got your open plan kitchen diner.
32:02Yeah, I like the idea of that, 100%.
32:04You could have a DJ beefed in there.
32:06Your friend.
32:09Absolutely.
32:10Actually, yeah, you're right.
32:11It would be good to do that, wouldn't it, to knock that through?
32:13Yeah.
32:14I've always wanted to do that.
32:16Upstairs, I've really outdone myself.
32:19Three double bedrooms, one family bathroom with the all-important bath.
32:24And, get this, the principal bedroom comes with an ensuite.
32:29Oh, gosh, this is a good-sized room, isn't it?
32:32Like the beam above the doorway there, as well.
32:34Yeah, again, all the characters through the property.
32:36You've got a blank canvas with the neutral-coloured walls again,
32:38but it's like the carpet.
32:39The carpet's in good shape, actually.
32:40It's obviously the furniture.
32:41You've got the light coming from both sets of windows with the door open.
32:44And the ensuite, which is great.
32:46And it looks like this one is more modern.
32:48Yeah, this is great.
32:49So this has been done, hasn't it?
32:50Oh, yeah.
32:51So, yeah.
32:52Yes, you can see where you're going to want to put, you know, decorate.
32:54Decorate, yeah.
32:55To some extent, in here.
32:56But, yeah, it's a lovely happy future.
32:57I love the front.
32:58Yeah.
32:59Yeah, absolutely.
33:00Really lovely.
33:01It's got a lot of texture.
33:02And I think it gives it a lot more space because of the height in it.
33:05The height in the ceiling is crazy.
33:07Oh, this is great.
33:08Look at this.
33:09Must have been nice for me to have as an office, wouldn't it?
33:11Oh, gosh, yeah.
33:12Perfect.
33:13If Natalie and Andy are looking for a peaceful retreat after a busy day at work, the rear courtyard
33:19garden offers just that.
33:21It's totally secure for the dogs, beautifully landscaped, and I'm told it gets the sun for
33:26most of the day.
33:28Here we could have, maybe, some sort of grass here for the dogs here, particularly.
33:33Yeah.
33:34It'd be nice for them to have some sort of lawn.
33:35Some sort of lawn.
33:36And this is beautiful.
33:37This is so established.
33:38The dogs a lot love sniffing around here, don't they?
33:40Oh, 100%.
33:41They'll be smelling all the flowers, all inside the plants.
33:45Out the back, there's parking, plus access to a garage for Andy's motorbike, so I wonder
33:52if it's enough to get the mystery house firing on all cylinders.
33:56How did you find it upstairs, Anne?
33:59Do you know what?
34:00It was lovely, isn't it?
34:01It's lovely upstairs.
34:02Andy smiled a lot more going through this house than I think he has on some of the other
34:06properties as well.
34:07Really, Andy?
34:08I think it's got more character, really, in a way, than our current property.
34:10I feel like I've thrown a positive spanner in the world.
34:12You definitely have.
34:13Right, it's time to talk price.
34:16How much do we think this is worth?
34:18I'm going to go in at 460.
34:20I'm going to go higher.
34:22I'm going to say 470,000.
34:25I can tell you that this is on the market for £435,000.
34:32You see?
34:33Your eyes are lighting up.
34:34I like that.
34:35It did light up.
34:36You're wrong in the best possible whale escape to the country.
34:40Happily surprised.
34:41Good.
34:42I like happily surprised.
34:43Yes.
34:44Period features and good proportions are the big hitters in this Bond conversion.
34:49As well as three bedrooms, an attractive garden and a separate garage.
34:53It may need a little TLC, but at £40,000 under budget, the money could go towards any work that was needed.
35:01I think we're excited about this house, aren't we?
35:04I think we like the fact that there's, you know, more than one bathroom.
35:07I know we joke about it, but when you do have guests over, it's nice to have that space.
35:10And just the character.
35:12You know, we love that, don't we?
35:14In terms of those beams throughout the property, the exposed stone as you walk in.
35:18Yeah.
35:19Every single room, the character.
35:20It's not like restricted to one particular area.
35:23You know, it's everywhere you look.
35:24So, yeah, it's really exciting to think that, you know, you could come in and make this yours.
35:40The Midlands is famous for its extensive network of canals.
35:44You may have even heard the amazing stat that Birmingham has more canals than Venice.
35:50Grazie mille, bab.
35:52Back in the Industrial Revolution, these waterways were vital for moving goods.
35:57But today, canals are at the heart of a brand new travel movement.
36:01Slow tourism values quality over speed, encouraging travellers to move more mindfully, linger longer and build a deeper connection with the places they explore.
36:14John Perks, from Black Prince Holidays in Stoke Pryor, has agreed to meet me to discuss the slow tourism philosophy.
36:23Well, John, tell me about slow tourism.
36:25Generally, this is cruising at four knots.
36:29So, a brisk walking pace is how I describe it.
36:32So, as they're cruising along the canal, you see everything.
36:35You see the wildlife.
36:37We see the kingfishers darting in and out.
36:40Lots of birds, hundreds of different birds.
36:42You see the heron, and he'll just wait until you come along and then he'll fly off.
36:46Wow.
36:47It really is magical.
36:48But you don't realise you could be in a city centre.
36:51It's a totally different world. It really is.
36:53Why is slow tourism so popular? Why are people doing it, do you think?
36:58To get away from the rat race.
36:59Really?
37:00I'm certain.
37:01Everything's so fast and everything's so pressured.
37:03Whereas when you step on here, you can't go fast.
37:06You have to slow your life down.
37:08You know, you pull up alongside a nice country pub.
37:10You can stay on the boat. You can have takeaways.
37:12You can do whatever you want to do.
37:13It really is that easy.
37:15And the canal system as well.
37:17So the Canal and River Trust do open up different sections of the canal over the years.
37:22So it will only get bigger.
37:25I can't stand here and not get on it.
37:27Absolutely.
37:28It's kind of shouting at me, get on.
37:29Absolutely.
37:30Will you show me around?
37:31Absolutely, yeah.
37:32I'll follow you then.
37:33Right, no problem at all.
37:34Watch your step.
37:35I mean, that could have been a disaster.
37:36Do you want to get on?
37:38OK, we'll pop in.
37:40Oh, do you know what?
37:43It's got that new smell.
37:45It has, yeah.
37:46New hill.
37:47As soon as you come on.
37:48This is our new galley.
37:49It's proper.
37:50Look at this.
37:51All new units in here.
37:52And very spacious as well.
37:53So this is probably bigger than my student flat.
37:55And tidier.
37:56She's a good size, but this is as big as wide as a narrowboat can be.
38:01And I could see me on here, actually.
38:03Yeah.
38:04I could see me cooking here, doing some fajitas, the telly on over there, some music playing.
38:08Absolutely.
38:09This is what we're trying to encourage.
38:11Youngsters like yourself.
38:12Oh, stop it.
38:13It's the night in.
38:14Coming along.
38:15And basically enjoying what we're trying to provide for you.
38:19We're trying to cater for everybody.
38:21But the movement isn't just about relaxing.
38:24It's about protecting the places we explore.
38:27That means sticking to the speed limit to keep wildlife safe.
38:30And making sure no litter, especially plastic, ends up in the water.
38:36I'm fully on board with the slow pace.
38:39But the pressing question is, can I actually steer one of these things?
38:43Oh, Danny, you've drawn the short straw.
38:46You've got to give me a lesson.
38:48I can see the fear.
38:50Yeah.
38:51We'll be fine.
38:52Tell her over to you.
38:53What do I need to do?
38:54Okay.
38:55Basically, stick to the middle of the canal as much as you possibly can.
38:57Okay.
38:58It's the deepest part.
38:59If you see another canal boat coming along the opposite direction, you're going to move
39:03to your right-hand side and they'll pass down the port side here.
39:06That's where I might need your help.
39:07That's where we might need my help.
39:08We're going to give you the tiller now.
39:10So if you take control of that.
39:11This is a lot of pressure right now.
39:13Take the tiller over to you in that direction there.
39:15Okay.
39:16We're just going straight down the centre now.
39:17Straight down there now, yeah.
39:18Okay.
39:19You've got no choice but to snake a little bit down the canal.
39:21Okay.
39:22What you don't want to be doing is doing that down the canal.
39:24Hello, everyone.
39:25How you doing?
39:26It's me steering the boat.
39:28Yeah.
39:29Sorry.
39:30Concentration also very important.
39:31It's absolutely fine.
39:32You're doing fine.
39:33I feel really zen actually being out here.
39:34I do feel like if I was on here for like a week, it would really clear your head.
39:37Yeah.
39:38You've got the countryside around you.
39:40People can bring push bikes long and push bike up the canal as well.
39:44So you've got everything you need in here.
39:46And it does force you to slow down.
39:48Yeah.
39:49So shall I put it towards me as we're snaking over this way?
39:51That's it.
39:52Over to this direction now.
39:53See, I'm getting here.
39:54That's it.
39:55You've got it slightly over to me this direction.
39:56Do you want to put your hand on it with me?
39:57No, you're absolutely fine.
39:59You're okay.
40:00Am I a natural?
40:01Yeah, we certainly, we're getting there, aren't we?
40:03At the minute.
40:04It's like a backhanded cobbler.
40:06We're getting there.
40:07We're getting there.
40:08Is this going to make it through?
40:10Yeah, it's going to be fine.
40:11Now into the middle.
40:12Yeah.
40:13That's it.
40:14Right into the middle.
40:15Perfect.
40:16Just call me Captain Richie.
40:19Although it might be wise to leave it there before I end up in the reeds.
40:25Well, I've had a lovely time exploring the Midlands with Natalie and Andy, but it's time to see where their heads are at.
40:38Hello.
40:39Hello.
40:40Oh, we've had a couple of days, haven't we?
40:42Oh my goodness.
40:43It's been busy.
40:44Three character packed homes later.
40:46Where are we at?
40:47Well, it's given us so much to think about.
40:51More than anything, I think it's opened us up to ideas that we hadn't considered before and made us think about things that maybe wouldn't have even crossed our minds.
40:59Yeah, certain areas of Midlands we haven't thought of before, but today obviously was really, for me, the favourite property of the three.
41:08Really?
41:09Yeah.
41:10Giving us the scope to make it our own, but also retaining lots of things that we love about our current property.
41:16Yeah.
41:17And as Natalie's said before about sort of pushing me, giving that little bit of a push to sort of explore what's out there now.
41:24He's a new man.
41:25He's a new man.
41:26Look what you've done.
41:27Rather than moving in somewhere that is going to be almost done, which is what we thought we wanted, actually having somewhere with a bit of opportunity to create what we would want as our home, that's actually exciting.
41:41So what are the next steps?
41:42I'd like to go back to the area and have a really good look around, maybe even take the dogs down, go explore some of those local walks.
41:48Maybe go and have a drink in the local pub and just get a really feel for it.
41:51Gotta do that.
41:52There's always time for a gin.
41:54Well, listen, it's been an absolute joy to meet the both of you.
41:58I think the world of you.
42:00And I wish you the best of luck.
42:01And please stay in touch.
42:02Let me know how it goes.
42:03We promise that we will.
42:05You better.
42:06People say that all the time.
42:07I totally will.
42:08Definitely will.
42:09I'm going to invite you to the pub if we move there.
42:10Do you know what I love about this process?
42:16Natalie and Andy came along so sure about what they wanted.
42:20A turnkey property to move straight in because they're busy and they've got fast paced lives.
42:25And then they see our mystery house, which needs some care and attention and it wins them over.
42:31And it just goes to show never discount anything.
42:34Always be enthusiastic.
42:36Always be open-minded.
42:37And you never know.
42:38It could be the most surprising house that wins your heart.
42:41That's it for me.
42:42I'll see you next time.
42:44After some reflection Natalie and Andy felt that the garden at the mystery house wasn't quite right for the dogs.
42:51But they loved its location.
42:53They're now focused on the countryside around Bidford-upon-Avon and are still waiting for an offer on their property.
42:59If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and need our help, why not apply online at BBC.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:13We'll see you next time.
43:43Bye.
43:44Bye.
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