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Escape to the Country Season 26 Episode 4
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FunTranscript
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 not glass.
00:09I'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.
00:33Done.
00:34See you next week.
00:57The Midlands.
00:59Dynamic and cosmopolitan, but also quiet and untouched.
01:04England's beating heart is full of surprises.
01:10If 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?
01:22But the countryside, probably not even on that list.
01:25But here's the twist.
01:27The Midlands is seriously green.
01:29And I should know because this is my patch.
01:33Today's search will focus on the counties of Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, both sitting in the vast swathe of land known as the Midlands.
01:44The region somehow manages the impossible task of being brilliantly connected and in the middle of nowhere, all at the same time.
01:52I've taken friends out before. I had a bet with him that once we'd been on the boat for half an hour, he wouldn't know where he was.
01:58And he said, I'm so stupid, I'll know. And I asked him about half an hour after we were on the boat, and he said, I ain't got a clue.
02:05So yeah, just to show that within half an hour on a boat, you can be out in the middle of nowhere.
02:09The Warwick's countryside is stunning. So we are just on the edge of the Cotswolds, so there's a plethora of walking routes all around the area.
02:17You've got Ilmington, which is just that sort of Cotswold stone. And 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 Castle 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've found the waters to be warm and welcoming.
02:47So all that's left for them to do now is to take the plunge and fully dive in.
02:55Hi, I'm Natalie, and this 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, so we decided to sort of move to a more semi-royal area.
03:08But even after three years, we still feel that we want to live a more idyllic lifestyle in a 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.
03:27So if you just stand here, this is where we live, top of the village, you see that there is just constant traffic.
03:34It's really quite busy.
03:35Turns out it's not just the traffic that's full on.
03:38Yeah.
03:39Both have demanding jobs, with 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, so I'd love to be able to have some space to be able to look out and work from there, really.
03:53For me, it would be an opportunity just to have that time out and switch off from, you know, the normality of work.
04:00We 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.
04:16So this is one of the things that we love to do, is going out for walks in the countryside.
04:21Really want to recapture some of this, so that we can have access to local fields, and the dogs can go for nice walks.
04:28As you can see, the two of them love chasing the balls. Here we go. There we go.
04:34The couple has a budget of £475,000 to chase their rural dream.
04:40They're after a character property, in turnkey condition, with three bedrooms and space for entertaining.
04:46Natalie craves a home office with a view, and Andy's hoping for a nice big garage to store his motorbike.
04:58What's really nice about Andy and Natalie is that they've already taken small steps into the countryside.
05:08They've done the soft launch, and they seem to really know what they do and don't want from their new lifestyle.
05:14All they need now is the perfect house to go with it, and that's where we come in.
05:18I'm meeting Natalie and Andy at Boddington Reservoir, but we're not here to set sail or cast a line.
05:28We need to get to know each other.
05:33Natalie and Andy, it's so lovely to finally meet you.
05:36Thank you. So lovely to meet you too.
05:38How are you feeling?
05:39We'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.
05:48But you've already taken the baby steps.
05:50Yes, that's right. It took us a long time to get set in the room.
05:53It took me nearly 20 years to move out of Birmingham with, you know, all aspects of life, isn't it?
05:56A little bit of a prompt, a bit of a...
05:57Just give him a bit of a nudge.
05:58So just for my reference, does he need a lot of persuading?
06:01He needs a lot of persuading.
06:03Noted, Andy, noted.
06:04Now, as you can tell from my accent, which is as broad as Andy's shoulders, all of us are from the Midlands.
06:12So what is it about this region that appeals to you so much?
06:15Why do you want to stay here?
06:16Do you know what? Everybody's just friendly.
06:19We 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.
06:26And people are just open to having conversations.
06:28But 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.
06:34It's such a good network to go to places, I find, as well, isn't it?
06:38And don't you feel like the countryside in the Midlands are a bit of a hidden gem?
06:41A hundred percent.
06:42People don't shout about it. It doesn't get the fuss it deserves.
06:45You don't get the words Midlands and countryside mentioned.
06:48I've said this now, too, though.
06:50Yeah, and not publicly.
06:50I'm flying the flag.
06:51Yeah, flying the flag. We're here to fly it with you, so that's exciting.
06:54Right, we've got loads to see. Shall we get cracking?
06:56Yeah, we can't wait. I'm so excited.
06:58And it's my first time, so be gentle with me.
06:59Oh, we'll be great.
07:00Looking at you, Natalie.
07:02We've got this.
07:03Yes.
07:05We're looking at countryside locations within an hour's commute of Andy's job in the Worcestershire spa town of Droitwich,
07:12starting with the Northamptonshire village of Byfield.
07:17Located midway between the towns of Daventry and Banbury, Byfield has all the essentials,
07:22a 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.
07:32Not that Ralph and Ted need those, of course.
07:35Anyway, before I insult anyone else's pups, let's just get on with the house, shall we?
07:39Right, then, follow me.
07:42Eyes down, eyes down.
07:44And I give to you house number one.
07:47Oh, my goodness.
07:48Oh.
07:49Well, this is nice.
07:50I'm very impressed already.
07:52It's lovely.
07:53I love the stone.
07:54You love the stone.
07:55I was going to say.
07:56The doorway there.
07:57I 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.
08:02And then space here.
08:03Look at this.
08:04OK, you're doing a little clap.
08:05I love that.
08:05I love that.
08:06That's Natalie's little...
08:07Yeah, the more I clap, the more I get excited.
08:10It's got character, which is exactly what we asked for.
08:12So, it was originally two farming cottages.
08:15Right.
08:15Specifically dairy.
08:17Right.
08:17So, you see the little shed down there.
08:19Yeah.
08:19The 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?
08:27Yes.
08:27Yes.
08:28Sure, that's it.
08:28Oh, my gosh.
08:30This is amazing.
08:31I love it.
08:32Oh, I mean, I genuinely love it.
08:34Yeah.
08:34Love it.
08:35I'm excited to go inside.
08:36So, shall we go and have a look?
08:37Yes, please.
08:37Follow me.
08:38Yes, please.
08:38Here we go.
08:39Smile on your face.
08:40Oh, well, it's not moving anywhere yet.
08:42Made from local stone, this detached cottage has been standing tall since the 1700s.
08:49It's had a bit of a glow-up lately.
08:51New kitchen and all.
08:52But it's still got that old-school charm.
08:56Wow.
08:56OK.
08:57Oh, this is nice.
08:59You like?
09:00Yeah, I like the sort of, that traditional sort of area here with the stonework.
09:05The exposed brick.
09:05Yes, it's nice, isn't it?
09:07And the sort of old tabletop 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?
09:15Yes.
09:15Yes.
09:15Yeah.
09:15And just through the window, you've got a beautiful courtyard.
09:17Oh, wow.
09:18Out there.
09:18The dogs can nip out there as well.
09:21Yeah, 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, I think, from the outside, I think
09:27the room's going to be big.
09:28Intimate party.
09:29Intimate party, I can imagine.
09:30Yeah.
09:30Speaking of space, you've got this pantry in here and there's a cellar.
09:35I can stand up in the cellar.
09:37Wow.
09:37Yeah.
09:38That's really exciting.
09:39A new twist on those parties.
09:41That's the after party.
09:42Yeah.
09:44If you like this room, wait until you see the dining room.
09:46Follow me.
09:47Fantastic.
09:47Follow me through here.
09:48Oh, I love the door there.
09:50So, 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.
09:58Follow me into the lounge.
10:00Oh, wow.
10:01This is lovely.
10:02This is very bright, isn't it?
10:03I like it.
10:04I love the beam.
10:05Right, this in the centre there.
10:06It's lovely that the beams are a feature throughout the property.
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.
10:17Could you imagine watching the soaps in here?
10:19I can actually imagine sitting here watching my soaps.
10:21Yeah.
10:21I can see us relaxing in here, for sure.
10:25Well, 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.
10:33Upstairs, they'll find the all-important three bedrooms, and yes, they're all doubles, served
10:38by a three-piece bathroom with a shower.
10:40Do you guys want to come into the main bedroom?
10:42Yes, please.
10:43Yes, please.
10:44Just through here.
10:45Oh, wow.
10:47Again, you've got the open brick again, haven't you?
10:49Which is lovely.
10:50It's a good space, isn't it?
10:50Nice height in here as well, compared to downstairs, isn't it?
10:52Yeah, there's much more height in this room, isn't there?
10:54Absolutely.
10:56Yeah, I like it.
10:57And what are you thinking about the shower room?
10:58Um, I do like a bath.
11:01Well, it's worth bearing in mind there was a bath in there, and the current owners took
11:04it out, so there's definitely room to put one in there.
11:07Okay.
11:07And because you work from home, have you had a think about how office space could work?
11:11Looking here, you've got choices.
11:13There's a room downstairs, or there is a space upstairs to have an office, so there's room
11:18to have a desk and to look at outside, which is important at the moment.
11:20I'm facing a wall to work.
11:22Well, have you seen the views out the window?
11:23Oh, just gorgeous.
11:25You'll be doing overtime.
11:26Usually, 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
11:37barn by themselves.
11:40Oh, wow.
11:41This 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'd be great.
11:48But also, I like the idea of hanging the bicycles up.
11:50Yeah.
11:50It's a good idea.
11:51There's parking for two cars on the gravel driveway, and a generous patch of
11:56low-maintenance lawn, ideal 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
12:11there, isn't it?
12:12And it's quiet.
12:13It's quiet.
12:13You can hear the birdsong, which is lovely.
12:15Right.
12:15Should we talk numbers?
12:17Oh, gosh.
12:18How much do you think this is on the market for?
12:20Okay.
12:23£445,000.
12:25Higher or lower, Andy?
12:26I'm going to go lower.
12:28£435,000.
12:30So, you're both wrong.
12:32Oh, gosh.
12:33So, it's currently on the market for £475,000.
12:37Oh, okay.
12:37So, right at the ceiling of your budget.
12:39Yes.
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
12:44want to do, and we'd have to allow for a little bit of money to, you know, do a few
12:49bits and bobs that we'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
12:57are in the local area as well, isn't it?
13:00This detached stone cottage might be at the top of their budget, but it's got the goods.
13:05Character by the bucket load, three bedrooms, a barn for the bike, and a no-fuss garden.
13:11Natalie 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.
13:18Well, when we first arrived, I was pretty much blown away by just the outside of the
13:25property and just seeing that, certainly the character to it.
13:28We've asked for character, and we've definitely got it here.
13:32I love the fact that the beams run really throughout the house.
13:35So, as a first property, I have to say, Richie's 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.
13:48After 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.
14:14So, they're taking a break from our property search to soak up Stratford-upon-Avon, a historic
14:20market 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
14:33across the world, and I think that really adds to the vibrancy of the town.
14:37I think in terms of a small town in the Midlands, it punches well above its weight.
14:41It feels like a small city, but with a very local community.
14:45I love Stratford.
14:48It's a heartfelt community.
14:49There's a lot of love for the town.
14:51There's great independent shops.
14:53Love Academy.
14:54That's heavy.
14:55Feel right for that.
14:56It's because it's got a full butter.
14:59There's some gentle nightlife.
15:01There's some really nice independent restaurants.
15:03There's some nice independent bars.
15:05It'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 and taking
15:14in the town's well-preserved Tudor architecture, buildings the bard himself would have known
15:20well.
15:21It's a bit taller than you, Andy.
15:23But we've come a long way since the 16th century, and whilst I'm gutted, that means I
15:28can't rock a ruff and a velvet cloak anymore, the good news is Stratford's transport links
15:33have definitely kept up with the times.
15:35So it's really, really well connected in the local area.
15:40The train system's great.
15:42They're extending the tram system as well into Birmingham, so you can get from Stratford
15:46really, really easy on the train.
15:47It'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
16:02companies, with three theatres in town staging everything from Shakespearean classics to
16:07contemporary plays.
16:08I think I can remember, alas, poor Yorick.
16:11I knew him so well.
16:13I think that's Hamlet.
16:14I think it's Hamlet.
16:15The biggest of the bunch is perched right by the river, in a setting just as dramatic
16:20as the performance inside.
16:22Sadly, today's not the day for a river cruise, so Natalie and Andy are settling for the next
16:28best thing.
16:29Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
16:30Is it by the window?
16:32Cake!
16:32I've never seen a slice of cake so large in my life.
16:36We're about 1,000 calories here, but we'll get through it.
16:39If the cake hasn't left them with a sugar rush, this fab day out in Stratford surely
16:44has.
16:45But come on, forks down.
16:46It's about time we got back on that property hunt.
16:51We're back on the road, this time crossing over the border and heading to the Warwickshire
16:57village of Shotswell.
16:58Tucked away in a conservation area, this peaceful village stretches across 1,300 acres, most
17:06of it lovely open farmland.
17:09Like the first house we saw, there's a good mix of amenities here, including a local pub
17:14and playing fields, but what really wins me over are all the footpaths that connect
17:19the village to the countryside.
17:21They're perfect for walks, fresh air and soaking in seriously gorgeous surroundings.
17:27Look at that view there.
17:29That's fantastic view.
17:30Oh, and the house itself?
17:32Not bad to look at either.
17:34Oh, wow, that's lovely, isn't it?
17:36There's so much to take in.
17:38So much to take in.
17:39I love the stone.
17:41So that's sourced from a local quarry.
17:43And the house was originally two hovels, but don't worry.
17:46No, don't.
17:47I can see that face.
17:48As soon as you get in there, it's nothing like a hovel.
17:51Beautifully put together.
17:52That's lovely.
17:53And you said, Natalie, you wanted to get involved in the local community.
17:57So there's a motorcycle group.
17:58Wow.
18:00That's old.
18:02John, see you next week.
18:04It's like they knew you were coming.
18:06Oh, wow.
18:07There's a women's WhatsApp group.
18:08Right.
18:09Imagine the gossip in there.
18:11Don't mind the soaps, Natalie.
18:13I don't need them anymore of my own.
18:16I'm liking this energy outside.
18:17Can we see if we can carry it on inside?
18:19Yes, please.
18:19Follow me, Natalie.
18:20Thank you very much.
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.
18:34It's a nice surprise twist that you might not expect from the outside.
18:38I like it.
18:39This is nice, isn't it?
18:41This is so different to the last property.
18:43My goodness.
18:44It's much more modern, isn't it?
18:45Yes.
18:46We've still got a 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.
18:51Good start.
18:52You can tell so much love has gone into this.
18:56But it's livable.
18:56You can move straight in.
18:57Does that appeal to you?
18:59That really appeals to us.
19:00Definitely, with our lifestyles.
19:01With my work, it's very difficult for the time we do have.
19:04We want to enjoy that, going out with the dogs and socialising.
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?
19:13I've got a smile on my face.
19:14I'm liking this so far.
19:16And so is Andy.
19:17I know.
19:17You've broken Andy.
19:19Andy's come alive.
19:20Can we go through to the lounge?
19:23Yes, please.
19:23Follow me.
19:24Just round here.
19:26I like this.
19:27It's beautiful.
19:29Open pan.
19:30Oh, this is lovely.
19:31Yeah, love all the open brick work in here.
19:35I love the fireplace there.
19:37And also, they're seeing the stairwell and the stones there.
19:40I love that feature.
19:41Now, can you feel the floor slightly raised here?
19:43Slightly raised, I can feel, yes.
19:45So this is where the two hovels met.
19:47Oh, I see, right.
19:48And this is where farmers would live, local farmers, in the 1700s.
19:51Wow.
19:51That's amazing.
19:52I know, there's so much history.
19:53It's so much.
19:54And that's why I love it, because what you've done is create this modern environment, but
19:57behind it has got loads of history and character.
20:00Well, I'm going to let you pop off upstairs.
20:02Okay.
20:02But I do have some news first.
20:03Okay.
20:04Upstairs, brace yourself, has a bath.
20:07Oh, fantastic.
20:08See, I knew you'd answer my prayers, thank you.
20:13Just like downstairs, both double bedrooms upstairs are stylishly presented, and those
20:19original beams add even more character.
20:22Oh, this is lovely.
20:23Well, the fact you can fit a seat in there to relax and sit by the window.
20:27It's a different type of character, completely to the last house.
20:30I think it's really appealing in terms of it's very, very tasteful.
20:33Yeah.
20:35Oh, this is a good-sized bedroom, isn't it?
20:37That's a guest room, isn't it?
20:38Yeah, it's really nice, yeah.
20:41So, I'm thinking I like this house.
20:43It's got a more homely feel to it, hasn't it, this house?
20:45And I think it could be a house we could just move into.
20:47I agree.
20:47And then we could decorate over time.
20:49I agree, Andy.
20:50Although, I think the current owners have done all the decorating work for you.
20:55Let's move on to the bathroom, complete with a fancy roll-top bath.
20:59Oh, now look at this.
21:01Look at that front.
21:01Look at this.
21:02Oh, it's lovely.
21:03Oh, and you've got the shower, look, just straight here, isn't it?
21:05Oh, yeah.
21:06Oh, I love this.
21:07This is lovely.
21:09I love the bath.
21:10Yes.
21:10I hope we get to keep that.
21:11Definitely have to ask.
21:12I think that looks very comfy.
21:14I 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, just looking for a four-leaf clover.
21:28Actually, I don't need luck.
21:29They're loving it.
21:30Okay, confession time.
21:33There's no garage for Andy's motorbike, but don't worry.
21:37There'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
21:54own private sanctuary.
21:56Come on down, come on down, come and join me.
21:59I've had an idea.
22:00Okay.
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.
22:07Having a nice garden, you want to appreciate it, so 100% I would consider a garden office.
22:12Well, Shakespeare's over there, and he approves.
22:14But if he loves it, who am I to argue?
22:17Right, shall we talk about the price?
22:18Okay.
22:19Oh, this is hell enough for last time.
22:21It's going to be a tricky one.
22:22Deep breath.
22:23Maybe about £4,000, £6,000, £5,000.
22:25Oh, Natalie.
22:27I'm going to go in at £4,500.
22:30It's coming in at £475,000.
22:34Oh, again, yeah.
22:35I can see it.
22:36I was thinking I was just trying to be really optimistic.
22:39Don't blame you.
22:401-1, 1-1.
22:411-1 is beating me now.
22:43I love how competitive you are.
22:44Absolutely.
22:46Nudging 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 thinking,
23:01there's a way to deliver the all-important garage and home office.
23:05100% 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 is lovely.
23:16Not having 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 of makes up for that.
23:41As the sun sets on our first day of property searching,
23:44I can imagine the reality of Natalie and Andy's move must be starting to sink in.
23:49And 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.
23:57The reason I wanted to show you this part of the world is because this is where I escaped to the country,
24:03into the Midlands countryside, and it honestly changed my life.
24:08It slowed it down, and I've never been more outdoorsy and more active.
24:13Right. That'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, isn't it?
24:20If I'm honest with you, when we first moved to the countryside, I was a little bit scared.
24:25Really?
24:25But our social life has improved so much.
24:27We kind of know everybody around us.
24:30My other half's in the tennis club, I'm in a running club.
24:33They're things that I would never have done living in a big city, do you know what I mean?
24:36Absolutely. And that's nice.
24:37And 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,
24:47which it is in a way, but because life is so fast-paced,
24:51I kind of felt like it went too fast for me to get involved in things, really.
24:55I think it gives you that headspace, doesn't it, to be able to really decide what is it that you want in your life.
25:00And just being ten minutes from that last property here to come here, where the dogs would be, you know...
25:04The feeling of just being able to breathe is just lovely, isn't it?
25:08So, could we file today under Good First Day?
25:10Good First Day, yes, yeah.
25:12Yeah, I think you've done a great job with the properties that you've found us so far, thank you.
25:16Okay, well, brace yourself, because we've got one left to see tomorrow,
25:19and in the words of the great Tyre Wilcox, it's a mystery.
25:24I'll wait to see it.
25:26For now, let's just enjoy this view.
25:28So stunning.
25:29So 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,
25:54£25,000 less than the national average of a little over £437,000.
26:01But head to the East Midlands, and there's an even bigger saving to be made,
26:06with an equivalent home costing just under £357,000,
26:11an 18% saving on the national figure.
26:15Here's a taste of a few other period properties available on the market in the Midlands.
26:20If you're a renter, this unique Grade 2 listed cottage features three bedrooms and a secluded rear garden.
26:30It's in a desirable village not far from the Worcestershire town of Evesham,
26:33and is available for £1,500 per calendar month.
26:39Another Grade 2 listed property in Worcestershire,
26:42but this time on the seller's market,
26:44is this former malt house in a popular village.
26:47It's got two bedrooms, a low-maintenance garden,
26:51and is priced at offers over £275,000.
26:57Heading to Warwickshire, and up in the budget,
27:00this attractive detached cottage is smartly presented inside and out.
27:05With four bedrooms, a standout living room,
27:09and extensive terrace gardens,
27:10it's on the market for £675,000.
27:14It's a new day here in the Midlands with Natalie and Andy,
27:18and it's time for our mystery house,
27:20which may require some imagination.
27:24We're bringing our Midlands property tour to a close
27:27in the Warwickshire village of Barton.
27:30This address would give Andy the quickest commute to work
27:33of all the houses we've seen so far,
27:35just a swift half-hour drive to Drytwitch.
27:39Barton itself is super rural,
27:42with a population of just 80,
27:44but it's only a ten-minute stroll along the river
27:46to the much livelier village of Bidford-upon-Avon.
27:50So really, it would be rude not to stop by and check it out.
27:54And hey, who doesn't love a little scenic detour
27:57to build suspense before the grand finale?
28:00Natalie and Andy, you came back.
28:05We did!
28:06You can stay away.
28:07How are we feeling this morning?
28:10Very excited.
28:12And lovely being by the river here as well this morning.
28:15Obviously, we know this place quite well,
28:17because, funnily enough, our dogs go to the local groomers here,
28:21so Ralph and Ted know this place well.
28:23Absolutely, yes.
28:25Because the reason we are here
28:26is because this is a short walk away from the Mystery House.
28:30Ooh.
28:30Yeah.
28:31So no more than that at the moment.
28:33But I am wondering, Andy,
28:34does this area work for you, do you think?
28:37Well, certainly for a commute to work,
28:38it would only add a minimal amount of time,
28:41so, yeah, so that would work.
28:43And we're close to our friends still then as well,
28:45which is great.
28:45We've made some friends in the village,
28:46and that was one of our considerations,
28:48that obviously we'd be moving maybe away from them.
28:50But this means, actually,
28:51we're still keeping in touch with everybody
28:53that we know and care about, so that's lovely.
28:55Right, I'm going to let you explore the village,
28:57and I'll see you at the Mystery House.
28:58Great, thank you.
28:59See you later.
29:00Bye.
29:04Whilst Andy and Natalie have a mooch around the village,
29:06I wanted to show you today's Mystery House.
29:09And look at that, a stunning converted barn.
29:13It's got the character we know they love,
29:15it's got the space,
29:16it's got the garage for Andy,
29:18the bath for Natalie, hallelujah.
29:21But there is a catch.
29:22It needs a bit of work.
29:23I'll show you what I mean.
29:25This has got real potential.
29:28It's so spacious.
29:31And the character, the exposed beams,
29:33the brickwork,
29:34all it needs is Natalie and Andy
29:36to put their stamp on it.
29:38But are they willing to do it?
29:39Well, let's find out.
29:43Having asked for a turnkey property,
29:45I hope we haven't miscalculated this one.
29:48But Natalie and Andy's enthusiasm so far on this search
29:51makes me think they might be up for the challenge.
29:55Come on in, guys.
29:59I'm going to ask you to tilt your eyes this way.
30:02Okay.
30:02And give me an immediate reaction.
30:05Immediate reaction is I really like it.
30:07I love the panelling there over the door,
30:09and I love the frames, the colour there.
30:11It's got lots of windows, which I love,
30:15which means there's loads of light going into the house,
30:17which I'm really impressed by.
30:18Should we go and have a look?
30:19Yes, please.
30:19Yes, thank you.
30:20I think this brick-and-timber-built barn conversion
30:24has tonnes of potential.
30:26It's got the period features of a traditional cottage,
30:29but the light and space of somewhere much more modern.
30:32Just through this way, then.
30:36Large reception room here.
30:38This is a good size, isn't it?
30:39Yeah?
30:40I love it.
30:41Exposed beams.
30:42Oh, I love those character fields.
30:43Yeah.
30:44We're not compromising on character.
30:45No, no.
30:45I would not do that.
30:46No, thank you.
30:47Through to the lounge.
30:49With the most gorgeous fireplace over there.
30:53This is lovely.
30:54It's got the right space.
30:55I can feel like it's a space we could entertain in.
30:58You know, the fact that you've got the separate dining area there.
31:01I can see a room where we'd have somewhere to work as well,
31:03with 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,
31:08that we've got already.
31:08But it's not a massive reno.
31:10And it's not as though you couldn't move in.
31:12No, exactly.
31:12You could do room by room and do it that way.
31:14It's all manageable, and it's obviously with work,
31:16so potentially...
31:17And it's paint.
31:18And 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?
31:27I'm chuffed to see Natalie and Andy
31:29bringing their trademark enthusiasm to the mystery house.
31:32The real test, though, might be the kitchen.
31:36Probably the spot that's calling out for some modernisation.
31:40Oh, nice.
31:40It's a nice big space, isn't it, in the kitchen?
31:43Could you see yourself in this kitchen, Andy?
31:45Rustling up a breakfast on the weekend.
31:47Yeah, it's on the weekend.
31:48I think you could make me breakfast and bring it in bed.
31:50Yeah, I would do that anyway.
31:51That's not unusual.
31:53Quite well trained.
31:54Now, I'm thinking about one of your parties,
31:56when you're entertaining.
31:58Imagine this wall knocked through.
31:59Yeah.
32:00Yeah.
32:00So you've got your open-pan kitchen diner.
32:03Yeah, I like the idea of that.
32:05100%.
32:05Could have a DJ beefed in there.
32:06Are you offering?
32:07Absolutely.
32:08Yeah, no, actually, yeah, you're right.
32:12It would be good to do that, wouldn't you?
32:13To knock that through.
32:13Yeah.
32:14Yeah.
32:14Yeah.
32:15I've always wanted to do that.
32:17Upstairs, I've really outdone myself.
32:20Three double bedrooms, one family bathroom with the all-important bath.
32:25And, get this, the principal bedroom comes with an en suite.
32:30Oh, gosh, this is a good-sized room, isn't it?
32:33Like the beam above the doorway there as well.
32:34Yeah, again, all the characters through the property.
32:37You've got a blank canvas with the neutral-coloured walls again,
32:39but it's like the carpet.
32:40The carpet's in good shape, actually.
32:41It's obviously the furniture.
32:42They've got the light coming from both sets of windows with the door open.
32:45And the en suite, which is great.
32:47And it looks like this one is more modern.
32:49Yeah, this is great.
32:50So, this has been done, hasn't it?
32:51So, yeah.
32:52Yes, you can see where you're going to want to put, you know,
32:54decorate, to some extent, in here.
32:57But, yeah, it's a lovely happening feature.
32:59Yeah.
33:00Yeah, absolutely.
33:00The wooden beams there.
33:01Really lovely.
33:02It's got a lot of texture.
33:03And I think it gives it a lot more space because of the height in it.
33:06The height in the ceiling is crazy.
33:08Oh, this is great.
33:09Look at this.
33:09This would be nice for me to have as an office, wouldn't it?
33:12Oh, gosh, yeah.
33:12Perfect.
33:14If Natalie and Andy are looking for a peaceful retreat after a busy day at work,
33:18the Rhea Courtyard Garden offers just that.
33:21It's totally secure for the dogs, beautifully landscaped,
33:25and I'm told it gets the sun for most of the day.
33:29Here we could have maybe some sort of grass here for the dogs here, potentially.
33:34Yeah, it'd be nice for them to have some sort of lawn.
33:36And this is beautiful.
33:37This is so established.
33:39The dogs love sniffing around here, don't they?
33:41Oh, 100%.
33:42They'll be smelling all the flowers, all inside the plants.
33:46Out the back, there's parking, plus access to a garage for Andy's motorbike.
33:51So I wonder if 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?
34:01It was lovely, isn't it?
34:02It's lovely upstairs.
34:03Andy smiled a lot more going through this house than I think he has on some of the properties.
34:07Really, Andy?
34:08I think it's got more character, really, in a way, than our current property.
34:11I feel like I've thrown a positive spanner in the water.
34:13You definitely have.
34:14Right, it's time to talk price.
34:17How much do we think this is worth?
34:19I'm going to go in at 460.
34:22I'm going to go higher.
34:23I'm going to say 470,000.
34:26I can tell you that this is on the market for 435,000 pounds.
34:34Because your eyes are lighting up.
34:35I like that.
34:36It did light up.
34:37You're wrong in the best possible way of the escape to the country.
34:41Happily surprised.
34:42Good.
34:42I like happily surprised.
34:44Yes.
34:44Period features and good proportions are the big hitters in this Bond conversion,
34:50as well as three bedrooms, an attractive garden and a separate garage.
34:54It may need a little TLC, but at 40,000 under budget,
34:58the 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,
35:09it's nice to have that space.
35:11And just the character, you know, we love that, don't we,
35:14in terms of those beams throughout the property,
35:17the exposed stone as you walk in.
35:19It's in every single room, the character.
35:21It's not, like, restricted to one particular area, you know.
35:23It's everywhere you look.
35:25So, yeah, it's really exciting to think that, you know,
35:27you can come in and make this yours.
35:31The Midlands is famous for its extensive network of canals.
35:45You may have even heard the amazing stat
35:47that Birmingham has more canals than Venice.
35:51Grazie mille, bab.
35:53Back in the Industrial Revolution,
35:55these waterways were vital for moving goods.
35:57But today, canals are at the heart of a brand-new travel movement.
36:03Slow tourism values quality over speed,
36:06encouraging travellers to move more mindfully,
36:09linger longer and build a deeper connection
36:12with the places they explore.
36:14John Perks, from Black Prince Holidays in Stoke Pryor,
36:18has agreed to meet me to discuss the slow tourism philosophy.
36:22Well, John, tell me about slow tourism.
36:26Generally, this is cruising at four knots.
36:29So, a brisk walking pace is how I describe it.
36:33So, as they're cruising along the canal, you see everything.
36:36You see the wildlife.
36:38We see the kingfishers darting in and out.
36:41Lots of birds, hundreds of different birds.
36:43You see the heron, and he'll just wait until you come along,
36:45and then he'll fly off.
36:47Wow.
36:47It really is magical.
36:49But you don't realise you could be in a city centre.
36:52It's a totally different world.
36:53It really is.
36:54It sounds like...
36:54Why is slow tourism so popular?
36:57Why are people doing it, do you think?
36:59To get away from the rat race.
37:00Really?
37:00I'm certain.
37:01Everything's so fast and everything's so pressured.
37:04Whereas when you step on here, you can't go fast.
37:06Hmm.
37:07You have to slow your life down.
37:09You know, you pull up alongside a nice country pub,
37:11you can stay on the boat, you can have takeaways,
37:13you can do whatever you want to do.
37:14It really is that easy.
37:15And the canal system as well.
37:17So the Canal and River Trust do open up different sections
37:21of the canal over the years.
37:23So it will only get bigger.
37:26I can't stand here and not get on it.
37:27It's kind of shouting at me, get on.
37:29Absolutely.
37:30Will you show me around?
37:30Absolutely, yep.
37:31I'll follow you then.
37:32Right, no problem at all.
37:34Watch your step.
37:35I mean, that could have been a disaster.
37:37Do you want to get on?
37:39OK, we'll pop in.
37:43Do you know what?
37:43It's got that new smell.
37:45It has, yeah.
37:46New hill.
37:47As soon as you come on.
37:47This is our new galley.
37:49It's proper.
37:49Look at this.
37:50All new units in here.
37:51And very spacious as well.
37:53So this is probably bigger than my student flat.
37:55And tidier.
37:56She's a good size.
37:58This is as big as, as wide as a narrowboat can be.
38:01And I could see me on here, actually.
38:03Yeah.
38:03I 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.
38:13Coming along.
38:13It's the night in.
38:14Coming along.
38:16And basically enjoying what we're trying to provide for you.
38:19We're trying to cater for everybody.
38:22But the movement isn't just about relaxing.
38:25It's about protecting the places we explore.
38:28That means sticking to the speed limit to keep wildlife safe.
38:31And making sure no litter, especially plastic, ends up in the water.
38:37I'm fully on board with the slow pace.
38:39But the pressing question is, can I actually steer one of these things?
38:45Oh, Danny, you've drawn the short straw.
38:47You've got to give me a lesson.
38:49I can see the fear.
38:51We'll be fine.
38:52What do I need to do?
38:54Okay.
38:54Basically, stick to the middle of the canal as much as you possibly can.
38:58It's the deepest part.
38:59If you see another canal boat coming along the opposite direction,
39:03you're going to move to your right-hand side,
39:04and 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.
39:09We're going to give you the tiller now.
39:10So if you take control of that.
39:12This is a lot of pressure right now.
39:13Take the tiller over to you in that direction there.
39:16We're just going straight down the centre now.
39:18Straight down there now, yeah.
39:19You've got no choice but to snake a little bit down the canal.
39:22Okay.
39:23What you don't want to be doing is doing that down the canal.
39:25How you doing?
39:26It's me steering the boat.
39:28Yeah.
39:29Sorry.
39:30Concentration is also very important.
39:31It's absolutely fine.
39:32You're doing fine.
39:32I feel really zen actually being out here.
39:34I do feel like if I was on here for like a week,
39:36it would really clear your head.
39:38Yeah.
39:38You've got the countryside around you.
39:40People can bring push bikes along 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 because we're snaking over this way?
39:51That's it.
39:51Over to this direction now.
39:52See, I'm getting here.
39:53That's it.
39:54You'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 OK.
40:00Am I a natural?
40:01Yeah, we certainly...
40:02We're getting there, aren't we, at the minute?
40:04It's like a backhanded cobbler.
40:06We're getting there.
40:07Yeah, we're getting there.
40:09Is this going to make it through?
40:10Yeah, it's going to be fine.
40:11Now into the middle.
40:13Yeah.
40:13That's it.
40:14Right into the middle.
40:15Perfect.
40:16Just call me Captain Ritchie.
40:20Although it might be wise to leave it there before I end up in the reeds.
40:30Well, I've had a lovely time exploring the Midlands with Natalie and Andy, but it's time to see where their heads are at.
40:35Hello.
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, where are we at?
40:48Well, it's given us so much to think about.
40:52More 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.
41:00Yeah, certain areas of Midlands we haven't thought of before, but today, obviously, was really, for me, the favourite property of the three.
41:09Really?
41:09Yeah.
41:09Giving us the scope to make it our own, but also retaining lots of things that we love about our current property.
41:17And Natalie's said before about sort of pushing me, giving that little bit of a push to sort of explore what's out there.
41:25He's a new man.
41:25He's a new man.
41:26Look what you've done.
41:28Rather 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, maybe go and have a drink in the local pub and just get a really feel for it.
41:52Got to do that.
41:53There's always time for a gin.
41:55Well, listen, it's been an absolute joy to meet the both of you.
41:58I think the world of you.
41:59And 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.
42:04You better.
42:05People say that all the time.
42:06I totally will.
42:07Definitely will.
42:07I'm going to invite you to the pub if we move there.
42:09Aww.
42:12Do you know what I love about this process?
42:17Natalie and Andy came along so sure about what they wanted, a turnkey property to move straight in, because they're busy and they've got fast-paced lives.
42:26And 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.
42:35Always be enthusiastic.
42:36Always be open-minded.
42:37And you never know, it could be the most surprising house that wins your heart.
42:42That's it from me.
42:43I'll see you next time.
42:45After some reflection, Natalie and Andy felt that the garden at the mystery house wasn't quite right for the dogs.
42:52But they loved its location.
42:54They're now focused on the countryside around Bidford-upon-Avon and are still waiting for an offer on their property.
43:00If 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.
43:13Bidford-upon-Avon and are still waiting for an offer on Bidford-upon-Avon and are still waiting for an offer on Bidford-upon.
43:43Bidford-upon.
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