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Escape to the Country - Season 26 Episode 10 -
Northumberland
Northumberland
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00:00Hãy subscribe cho kênh lalaschool Để không bỏ lỡ những video hấp dẫn
00:30Oh my word, this is exactly what we want
00:35Sitting on England's border with Scotland
01:01Northumberland has witnessed an explosive history
01:04But today its sprawling countryside and vast coastline exude tranquillity
01:10This county has some of the country's best scenery
01:16It's also got some of its best beaches
01:18And not just for building sandcastles
01:21Welcome to Northumberland
01:23And welcome to Escape to the Country
01:26Northumberland is England's northernmost county
01:30On the eastern side of the border with Scotland
01:33It's also the least densely populated
01:36And the sparse population is full of praise for the place
01:40Northumberland is obviously a beautiful place to live
01:43It's got beaches, it's got castles, it's got everything here on your doorstep
01:49It encapsulates absolutely everything you need
01:52There's the rivers, the moorland
01:55We've got fantastic restaurants
01:57I think it's fabulous
01:58Inland, the market town of Hexham
02:03Boasts independent shops and eateries
02:05As well as a twice monthly farmer's market
02:08There's been a church on the site of Hexham Abbey
02:11Since 675 AD
02:13With the current structure built around the 12th century
02:16Over on the coast, the village of Almuth
02:19Was once a vital port for exporting goods
02:22And today is celebrated for its old world charm
02:26For many people, escaping to the country
02:33Marks a brand new adventure
02:35And the start of that is working out
02:38Where you want to escape to
02:40Of course, it helps if you have a brand new motorhome
02:43To test the water
02:44Hi, we're Rachel and Jim
02:49From Marlow in Buckinghamshire
02:51And we're looking to relocate to Northumberland
02:54Jim and Rachel live in a pretty town by the Thames
02:58But it attracts a lot of visitors
03:01On a Saturday and Sunday
03:02People are parking
03:03Anywhere they can find on the street
03:05They abandon their cars, don't they?
03:07Because there's only parking restrictions Monday to Friday
03:09So you come out of your house on a weekend
03:11And it's just chaos
03:13Chaos
03:14They're hoping to find quieter walks
03:17With their seven-year-old cockapoo
03:19And recently acquired a motorhome
03:21To explore further afield
03:23Here's Rachel and she's doing all the prepping
03:25I'm nesting
03:26Nesting for our first trip
03:28And it'll be Rachel, myself
03:30And our trusted companion Truffle
03:32Who's really looking forward to it
03:33Having met ten years ago
03:35So the couple live with their four children
03:37The youngest of whom is studying A-levels
03:40He's going off to university in September
03:44And then we no longer really have any ties to this area
03:47Because mum's coming with us
03:48So it's a really good time to make that fresh start
03:53Rachel is a dental hygienist
03:56And recently reduced her hours
03:58So when we move to the North East
04:00I'm really, I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to keep my hand in
04:04And maybe do one or two days a week
04:05Jim works from home as a healthcare consultant
04:09And he's also a keen cook
04:11One of the things in Northumberland we're looking forward to do
04:14Is getting fresh fish and seafood
04:16And be able to cook up some excellent meals for our family
04:19For their maximum budget of £800,000
04:23Jim and Rachel want a character property
04:26With a minimum of four bedrooms
04:28And ideally an annex for Rachel's mum
04:31Jim needs somewhere to work from home
04:33While Rachel wants space for gardening
04:36And all in close proximity to the sea
04:39Northumberland is beautiful
04:50I love coming up here
04:51The open hills, right by the coast
04:54And Rachel and Jim have a pretty healthy budget as well
04:57So, who knows?
04:59This really could be the county for them
05:01We're kicking things off in the hamlet of High Angerton
05:04Towards the North East Coast
05:06Which is where I'm meeting Jim and Rachel
05:09So, Jim, you've brought us up to Northumberland
05:13I understand this is an area you've spent a bit of time in?
05:16Yeah, I was at university back in the 80s for three years
05:19Love this part of the world
05:21The people are so friendly
05:23And, of course, the coastline is something
05:25That I really wanted to come back to
05:26It's a long break since you've lived up here
05:29What about you, Rachel?
05:30Is there somewhere you know?
05:31No, not really at all
05:32Driven through
05:33Driven through
05:34But I'm really excited
05:36You're adventurers, aren't you?
05:37It's absolutely adventure
05:38Well, why not?
05:39So, being by the coast
05:40How important is that to you?
05:42Even before we met each other
05:43We've both had a love of the water
05:44We've both got a history of sailing
05:46And so we actually have a barge on the River Thames
05:50Which is as near to water as we can get at the moment
05:53But to actually live by the sea
05:55Be able to walk on the beach
05:57We've got a dog
05:58I can't wait to be able to do all those
05:59Wake up in the morning and go for a beach walk
06:01Now, look
06:02We've come up to the countryside
06:04Your first time here
06:05What do you think so far?
06:07It's beautiful
06:08It's beautiful
06:09Rolling hills
06:10And, yeah
06:12Everything
06:12Excited
06:13Well, I'm glad you like it round here
06:14Because our first house
06:15Is just this one
06:16Oh, excellent
06:17Oh, exciting
06:18High Angerton
06:21Is a quiet hamlet
06:22Where locals can access everyday essentials
06:25In the nearby village of Belsay
06:26From here, it's about a half-hour drive
06:29To a sandy, dog-friendly beach
06:31Closer to home
06:33There's a pub
06:34Hosting music and games
06:36And around a mile from it
06:38Is the house we've come to see
06:40Look at this
06:41I feel like Mary Poppins
06:42And they're about to blow away
06:44Oh, steps
06:47Are you OK, then?
06:48Oh
06:48We've had an umbrella failure
06:51I don't know how that happens
06:56Don't worry, Chim
06:58Us ladies love getting our hair wet in the rain
07:00But let's not hang about
07:02Wow
07:03I heard you like a conversion
07:05Oh, yes
07:06So I brought you to a barn conversion
07:07Look at the character of it
07:08It's just gorgeous
07:09With all of that as well
07:10Yeah
07:11Wow, all the way back
07:12Yes, it goes quite far back
07:14It's quite a decent size
07:15OK
07:16OK
07:17It's beautiful
07:18And it's that lovely stone build
07:20Which I just adore
07:21Not too much lawn to mow
07:22Well, you haven't seen it yet
07:24So that would be a plus for you
07:27Yes
07:27Not too much lawn to mow
07:29Shall we take a look inside
07:31Yes, let's do it
07:31I'm so excited
07:32This impressive home
07:35Was converted from cow sheds
07:37By the previous owner
07:38In 2011
07:39It benefits from underfloor heating throughout
07:42And we're starting in Jim and Rachel's
07:44Most important room
07:46Now look at this
07:49For a kitchen
07:50Oh
07:51Oh my word
07:52This is exactly
07:54What we want
07:56I couldn't have written it
07:57Really?
07:58No
07:58Because we wanted room
08:01To be able to put a sofa
08:02Yeah, I could just see grandma
08:03And truffle sitting on the sofa
08:04Yes
08:05Yeah
08:06Because we live in the kitchen
08:07The kitchen is absolutely
08:08The hub of our home
08:10And our lives
08:10And Jim, we both love cooking
08:12But he's a fab cook
08:13I mean, we've had houses where
08:15We've had sitting room we've never used
08:17Dining room we've never used
08:18We just live in the kitchen
08:19Lots of worktops to make mess on
08:21Exactly
08:22And then you've got
08:22I mean, look how they've got this sort of central island table
08:25You can dine here
08:26Definitely
08:27It's a great entertaining space
08:28Do you love entertaining?
08:30Very much so
08:30Are you the house where everyone congregates?
08:33Yeah
08:33Sunday lunch is always at our place
08:35Well, I'll be there
08:36Yeah, you're very welcome
08:38You're very welcome
08:39If you show us houses like this
08:40Exactly
08:40There's also a utility room
08:43And passing through an atrium
08:46This is gorgeous too
08:48I mean, look at this
08:49Get all the sun here in the summer
08:51Absolutely
08:51But this is what I want to show you
08:53We find a great sitting room
08:55Oh, wow
08:57Look at that
08:58Gosh, look at those ceilings
09:00I know
09:00I love it
09:01I mean, it's just lots of
09:02Again, space
09:03It's a warm feel
09:05Cosy
09:06It's got character
09:07And, Jim, I can have a really tall Christmas tree
09:09Yes
09:10Yes
09:10Do you like a good
09:13We're big Christmas people?
09:16That's the first thing I'll think
09:17When are we going to put the Christmas tree?
09:18Yes
09:18I don't get to put the decorations on, though
09:20No
09:21No, no
09:21They've got to be done properly, haven't they?
09:22Of course
09:23What are you saying?
09:25Having seen what Jim did to our umbrella
09:27I'm not surprised
09:28Maybe he's safer carving the Christmas turkey
09:31In the elegant dining room
09:33In the far wing
09:35There's a family bathroom
09:36And two ground floor bedrooms
09:38The larger having its own en suite
09:41So I was thinking
09:43This would work really well for your mum
09:45Yeah
09:46Yes
09:47Fabulous
09:48She'd like this
09:49I can see her here
09:50Yeah
09:50And there's a fitted wardrobe there
09:53With plenty of storage
09:54So much storage
09:55Perfect
09:55And her own little part of the house
09:57Yeah
09:57Because actually
09:58This is kind of in between, isn't it?
10:00Having a granny annex
10:01Or just a
10:02This is so much more than just a room downstairs
10:04Well, she can choose when she wants to join us
10:07Or when she wants her own space
10:08Yeah
10:09All right, well, just to put the cherry on top
10:11Let's take a look upstairs
10:12Jim and Rachel would like four bedrooms
10:17But this house would give them five
10:20So the three rooms up here
10:22One's being used as a study
10:24And another bedroom
10:25But this one has the en suite
10:27And all of this
10:30So I think
10:30This would be the one
10:32That you'd probably want to set in
10:33This is very nice
10:34Yeah
10:35Very nice indeed
10:37Nice high ceilings again still
10:38Everywhere
10:39So you've come up
10:40And you don't lose any of that sort of grandeur
10:42It's been really well done
10:44Very well
10:45It's beautiful
10:45And they've even put a little window seat in here
10:47Yeah, that's quite sweet
10:48That's cute, isn't it?
10:49Yeah
10:49You having your coffee brought up to you in the morning
10:52Who's doing this?
10:54Jim, because you'll be in the kitchen
10:55Oh, OK
10:55Outside, there's plenty of parking
11:00For when the children visit
11:02Plus a garage
11:03And a large garden at the rear
11:04So this is the garden
11:06What do you think of this?
11:07It's perfect
11:08Because it's a nice, manageable size
11:10Jim's criteria was
11:12He didn't want to have to buy us
11:13A ride-on lawnmower
11:15Yeah
11:15Oh, so many people come on this show
11:17And that's all they want
11:18Not for you
11:19All I need is space
11:20So I can cook outside
11:21Yes
11:22And there's lots of lovely areas
11:24For Mum and I to get going with the garden
11:26And it just leaves one question
11:28Oh
11:28Oh, the big question
11:30How much do you think this property
11:33Is on the market for?
11:35I think it's at the top end of our budget
11:37OK
11:38775
11:40Jim
11:41I would say 750,000
11:44Right
11:45This property is on the market
11:49For offers over 795,000 pounds
11:54Oh, OK
11:54So you were right
11:55As in, it's at the top of the budget
11:57I'm not surprised
11:57Right
11:58But you don't have to do anything
11:59Correct
12:00Nothing
12:00Not a thing
12:02It's perfect inside
12:04It gives you everything you want
12:05Yeah
12:06This striking barn conversion
12:08Over delivers
12:09With five bedrooms
12:11Two of which are on the ground floor
12:13There's space for Jim to work from home
12:15And underfloor heating throughout
12:17The grounds have potential for Rachel and her mum's gardening plans
12:21Without being too much for Jim to mow
12:23All for offers over 795,000 pounds
12:27It definitely has the wow factor
12:29It's beautiful
12:30It's characterful
12:32All the things that from the outside
12:34I would love in a house
12:36When we came into the property
12:38You could see it was done to a really high quality
12:40This house would be perfect
12:42In fact, if anything
12:43It's maybe even too big for us
12:45I suppose the one thing
12:46Is it close enough to the sea?
12:53So far, it's been smooth sailing for this water-loving couple
13:04But we're pushing the boat out
13:06And sending them upstream
13:07To explore Berwick-upon-Tweed
13:09England's northernmost town
13:11Which is even further north than Sweden's southern tip
13:15It's right on the border with Scotland
13:17And both Edinburgh and Newcastle
13:19Can be reached in under an hour by rail
13:21The wide range of independent shops
13:24Offer everything you could need
13:26A new apron for you, Jim
13:30I think I've got enough aprons
13:31Someone's doing all right for themselves
13:33And there's more dog treats for Truffle
13:36Than you could shake a stick at
13:38Dog-friendly wine bar
13:40Many of the businesses have a community focus
13:45Yeah, so the cafe run Northern Soul Kitchen
13:49Is really well supported by the community
13:52It wouldn't exist if it wasn't
13:54It's very much donation-based
13:57And we have a pay-as-you-feel model during the week
13:59So the fact that we've been existing for seven years
14:02I think is a testament to the strength of the community here
14:05Well our shop has been around for over 30 years
14:08There's not much that we don't sell
14:10But all with a green slant
14:12Either organic, fair trade
14:14Locally produced
14:15You know, we try and do our bit
14:17Through the business
14:18We've had the chance to actually become
14:20You know, good friends with these people
14:21And they're like family to us
14:23And they've supported my family since 1986
14:27And that's why we've had the opportunity
14:29To be able to give back to the community and help also
14:31Another family-run business is Berwick Boat Trips
14:38Owned by David Thompson
14:39Who was born next to the river
14:41Hi David
14:47Welcome to Sunny Berwick
14:49Thank you
14:49And I'm bored
14:50Thank you very much
14:51Thanks for taking us out
14:53He's taking Rachel and Jim
14:56To see the town
14:57From a different perspective
14:58And this bridge we're coming to here now
15:02The Royal Border Bridge
15:04And this bridge was opened by Queen Victoria
15:08In August of 1850
15:10Beautiful house
15:15Berwick's most famous house
15:17Ah
15:18It's so famous because I was born there
15:20No way
15:21You're joking me
15:23Along with another 12,000
15:25Oh, it was a maternity home
15:26Because it was a maternity home
15:28It was a maternity home
15:29Gifted to the town of Berwick in 1928
15:32By Lord Askew
15:35Oh David, I thought that might be our mystery house
15:37There's no mystery to that one
15:38Well, I'm going to have to drag them back to dry land
15:43Well, I'm going to have to drag them back to dry land
15:43As we've got another house to see
15:45For our next property, we're around four miles inland
15:55In the hamlet of Longridge
15:56It's a short drive to amenities in Berwick-upon-Tweed
16:02Or a quieter option is Norham
16:04A further four miles west on the border with Scotland
16:07Standing above the village is Norham Castle
16:11Founded nearly a thousand years ago
16:13It was besieged nine times
16:17And painted by the artist JMW Turner
16:20On several occasions
16:22The village boasts a range of independent shops
16:25A variety of social groups who meet at the village hall
16:29And a hotel with bistro
16:32Which caters to dog-friendly dining
16:34It's just a 15-minute bus ride to our next house
16:39Well, here we are
16:44And it's quite a big property, I'd say
16:47It looks like it
16:49My impression is that's quite large
16:50It's quite large, isn't it?
16:51I can see a fabulous garden
16:53Yeah, I thought you might like it
16:55Yeah, really lovely garden
16:56It's almost like a putting green
16:57All the boys will be happy
16:59Inside, I'm looking for some wows
17:02OK
17:03Although it's styled more traditionally
17:08This house was built in 1995
17:10Using a timber frame construction
17:13Faced with stone and brick
17:15Come on in
17:18Oh
17:19Oh, now you're talking
17:22Yes
17:23OK
17:23What's taking your breath away?
17:26The open plan
17:26Yeah
17:27I love the sky lantern
17:30Come forward and see
17:31There's your kitchen as well
17:34That's a fantastic island there
17:36With all the things you need to create
17:39And you get to be in and amongst it
17:40With everybody in the island
17:41Yeah, I mean, that's right
17:42This for our everyday living
17:44Exactly what we would like
17:46And you even get a bar
17:47Look at that view
17:48The gin bar is ready
17:49Well, you're looking at the bar
17:50And I'm looking at the pond
17:52Your mum would be beside herself
17:54My mum would be beside herself
17:55The living space is quite incredible
17:57I mean, you could even put a big dining table here
18:00Well, look
18:00Look
18:01It's so big you missed it
18:04Yeah
18:05I want bigger than that
18:06Oh, God
18:07OK
18:08I'm sending them to explore the rest by themselves
18:12Starting with an even bigger dining table
18:15What a size
18:17We haven't got a table big enough to go in
18:19No
18:20Or enough furniture
18:21It'll be good for Christmas
18:22Great for Christmas
18:23Fantastic
18:24And upstairs, there's another living area
18:28Oh, wow
18:29It's not
18:30That's an upstairs living room
18:31Oh, God
18:33That's crazy
18:33Look at this
18:34That's beautiful, isn't it?
18:40That is a fireplace
18:41And you can sit round it
18:42And toast your marshmallows
18:44Wow
18:45That's a lot to take in
18:47I keep saying wow
18:48There's definitely room for the family
18:51Back on the ground floor
18:53Is a study
18:54Three double bedrooms
18:56And a shared bathroom
18:58So this would be great for mum
19:00Yeah
19:01Fantastic view of the garden
19:02Because that's what she really would like
19:04Look at that
19:04Look, you've got downstairs
19:06En suite
19:06En suite with a level floor
19:08So we haven't got where
19:10Walk-in shower
19:10Walk-in shower, yeah
19:12That would be perfect
19:12Perfect for mum
19:13And then an additional room
19:15Listed as a dressing room
19:17With an en suite
19:18And a spiral staircase
19:20Leading to
19:22Me
19:22Come up these stairs
19:24I think there's one more space
19:25You need to see
19:26Oh, look
19:27Oh, that's what goes out
19:29Onto the balcony
19:30Oh, how lovely
19:32Isn't it just
19:33Look at this
19:34Oh, wow, yes
19:36That is stunning
19:37Spectacular
19:38Do you imagine waking up in the morning
19:40And opening the curtains to that?
19:42Well, you come up here
19:43You've got this
19:43You can sit out there
19:44Have a cup of coffee
19:45That's your little toilet area there
19:48The bathroom downstairs
19:49And that space
19:50Would be your dressing room
19:52Okay
19:52This is like your own little
19:54Own little
19:55So never mind mum
19:56Having her granny flat
19:57Or her annex
19:58We'll have ours
19:59You could have yours
20:00You could do it that way around
20:01Yeah, we could do it the other way around
20:02This would be a fantastic family home for us
20:05If the kids were all still at home
20:07Yeah
20:07But obviously we're looking now
20:09For our home that we have
20:10Without the kids
20:12This is on a whole different level
20:14It's just hard to get your head around
20:16The number of rooms
20:17Yeah
20:18And just the size of the property
20:21The sheer expanse
20:22The sheer expanse of it
20:23Yeah
20:23The best place to size up that expanse
20:27Is the garden
20:28Which would make a very attractive par 3
20:31Complete with water hazard
20:32Plus a clubhouse
20:34And the greenskeeper has done an excellent job of the lawn
20:38So there was a lot of house inside
20:43And a lot of house to need
20:45And a fair amount of garden out here as well
20:47I think I'll be mowing this lawn
20:49It's a good job you like gardening
20:51And your mum
20:52Oh yes
20:52It's fabulous
20:53And it's maintained beautifully
20:54So yeah
20:55I think you'll need a golf buggy to get round it
20:57Probably
20:57You're just thinking of creating a putting lawn
20:59Aren't you for your boys
21:00Golf buggy
21:01Bring the drinks out
21:02A lot to consider
21:04Yeah
21:04Well here's the final thing for you to consider
21:05Oh I know the thing
21:06Yeah
21:07I think it's over budget
21:09Yeah
21:09Maybe £850,000
21:11I'm going to go £825,000
21:13Well this property is on the market
21:15For offers
21:17In the region of £750,000
21:20There's no way
21:22That surprises me
21:25Yeah me too
21:26This spacious 90s detached property
21:29Would give Jim and Rachel
21:31The open plan kitchen diner they're looking for
21:33As well as four large bedrooms
21:36And an upstairs lounge
21:37Outside the immaculate lawn
21:40Is just missing a tee and a golf pin
21:43But for £750,000
21:45There's a little room in the budget to add them
21:47I couldn't believe what we very first came into
21:50This room is everything we would want
21:54And actually I wouldn't want any more than this room
21:57It's great
21:58And it's a really family friendly sociable environment in here
22:04I think as we walked around the house
22:06It was very clear that it was a lot bigger than we really need
22:12You know for us we probably wouldn't use a lot of the rooms
22:15And that would be a waste
22:16Having shown Jim and Rachel two homes
22:26They're now welcoming me to theirs
22:28Their motorhome that is
22:30Well here we are
22:35We've made this the end of the day
22:36It's been a busy one
22:37It's been a busy day
22:38It's been an exciting day
22:39How different do you imagine your life is going to be
22:42Moving away from Marlow and the town
22:44And living like this
22:45I think it's going to
22:47For me it's more about living a much calmer existence I think
22:51And having the choice in the morning when you wake up
22:54As to whether you go for a walk on the beach or a walk in the woods
22:56I think we'll have more time to do things we want
22:59Whether it's old things that we've done before like taking up golf again or the gardening for you
23:06It really just opens that new chapter and full steam ahead to find that house
23:13Yeah definitely
23:14Are you getting any clarity?
23:15Did you feel clear before or is anything coming into vision now?
23:18I never thought I'd say a house was too big
23:20But I feel like we need something a bit more
23:24Especially somewhere like Northumberland
23:25I feel like we want something a bit more cosy
23:26Okay
23:27So yeah
23:28And I think the character features also
23:30You know we talked about them before but when they're not there you notice they're not there
23:35And you know so it's really something that provides that quirkiness
23:40And that's something different
23:41And the allure of the sea is really important to you isn't it?
23:44So it's interesting because both houses we've seen have been amazing in their own right
23:49But we're still lacking the sea
23:51Getting closer to the sea
23:53So maybe the mystery house brings the sea
23:55Maybe it does
23:56Maybe it does
23:57But we are sitting here as well in one of your many homes
23:59And I can see that cosiness
24:01This one will get you right on the seafront
24:03Yeah well exactly
24:04Well it's been a fabulous day
24:08So here's to more adventures tomorrow
24:10Thanks for sharing this around
24:12Oh good
24:13That is good
24:15Property prices in Northumberland are significantly lower than the rest of England
24:30And a detached house here will set you back around £361,000
24:35Compared to the national average of £473,000
24:40But certain areas can command a higher price
24:44As local estate agent Peter Wood can explain
24:47I mean the coastal side
24:51So anywhere east of the A1
24:53I think is kind of that prime location
24:56So anywhere that's like Subbanborough, Almouth, Walworth
25:00That's where you're going to get the prices are going to increase
25:03And it's for the views
25:05Obviously you've got the coastal views
25:07So if you weren't right on the seafront with the view
25:10But you wanted to be close and get a good deal
25:12Yeah
25:12How far in that would you go?
25:13Well actually Panic is a great place for it
25:16Because you've got, the coast is ten minutes away
25:18But you've still, you're away from those scenes
25:22Like the scenery of it
25:23The actual views of the sea
25:25So I would say just five, ten minutes in land
25:28And the prices, they go down quite considerable
25:31So taking that into account
25:35The village of Branton is around nine miles west of the A1
25:39And for £330,000
25:41You could snap up this three bed barn conversion
25:44With a cosy lounge and kitchen diner
25:47Or cross over the A1 towards the coast
25:51You'll find this detached barn conversion
25:53Offering four bedrooms and a spacious kitchen diner
25:57All packed with period features
25:59And set in a rural location
26:01For £575,000
26:04But for an address right next to the water
26:07How about this grade two listed former school?
26:12It's set on the riverbank with scenic views from the garden
26:14Or framed by the floor to ceiling windows within the house
26:18The property also enjoys river moorings
26:21And fishing rights
26:22All for £950,000
26:25Today the sun is out
26:33And it's all about creativity
26:34And getting closer to Northumberland's coast
26:37For Rachel and Jim
26:38We're going to show them a mystery house
26:40Which will really stretch their imaginations
26:43For our final offering
26:46We're heading to the market town
26:48Or magic town
26:49Of Anik
26:50Anik Castle starred as Hogwarts
26:53In the first two Harry Potter films
26:55And speaking of books
26:57The town is home to one of Britain's largest second-hand bookstores
27:01The town is also a great hub
27:03For hopping around the area
27:05There are a lot of different things to do in Northumberland
27:08You've got a lot of small towns such as Anik
27:11They are connected mainly by buses
27:14There are some trains through our mouth station
27:16There are things like beaches, the national parks, forests that you can go to
27:21Anik has its own market twice a week
27:25Offering locally sourced products
27:27This market's beautiful
27:29Local crafts
27:30And I'm really looking forward to having a good look around here
27:34This is somewhere definitely we would bring friends to see
27:36Yeah
27:36Well, it is Mystery House Day
27:38And the Mystery House is too far from here
27:41So I want you to spend some time getting to know this area
27:45And this market
27:46I thought we could start by having a chat with one of the storeholders
27:48Let me introduce you to Amanda
27:50Hi
27:51Hi, nice to meet you
27:52Yeah, good to meet you
27:52Hello Amanda
27:53Nice to meet you
27:54This is Rachel and Jim
27:55So could you tell us a bit about what it's like living around here
27:58It's a really friendly place
28:00A really good community spirit
28:01Everybody welcomes you in
28:02I moved here myself from Yorkshire
28:04So it's really friendly
28:07There's lots and lots of independent shops as well
28:10So you can always buy something a little different
28:12And then there's lots of things just on your doorstep
28:15So you've got the beach which is ten minutes away
28:17And an amazing coastline
28:18That's a really, really lovely place to live
28:22Well I'll leave you guys here
28:23I wish you all the best
28:24Carry on chatting and looking at this market
28:26Because I'm going to get ahead to the mystery house
28:28Okay
28:28Open it all up
28:29Yep
28:29All right
28:29See you then
28:30Excited
28:30Thank you very much
28:31See you soon
28:32Bye bye
28:32So how long have you been doing the photography?
28:34Since I was about eight
28:36Whether you're a photographer or not
28:39The area is packed with picture perfect scenery
28:42And around a mile from the market
28:44Is our magical mystery house
28:47Or rather houses
28:49This is such a brilliant house
28:51It's so quirky
28:52It's the kind of house
28:54They could put their own thoughts and style all over
28:58But most importantly
28:59Look where we are
29:00They get to enjoy that view
29:02Oh look at the view
29:05Yeah
29:05Aha you found me
29:08We found you eventually
29:09Yeah
29:09Right at the top of the hill
29:11Yeah
29:11You spotted the CV
29:12We spotted the CV already
29:14First thing I saw
29:15You've got your CV again
29:16Yeah
29:16Spectacular
29:17Spectacular view
29:19Lots of trees
29:20Yes
29:20And welcome to the mystery houses
29:23How's this?
29:25Oh that
29:26Okay
29:26Right
29:27My word
29:27Yes
29:28Yes
29:29First thoughts
29:30Unbelievable
29:31Yeah
29:31Yeah
29:31Yeah
29:32I love the wooden clad
29:34Yeah
29:34I like that
29:35That's very different isn't it
29:36That's quite unique
29:37It is very unique
29:38Let's get started in the annex
29:40And then we'll head over there
29:41Okay
29:41Great
29:42This separate two bedroom building
29:46Would give Rachel's mum independence
29:49Just a few steps from the main house
29:51Right
29:52Oh this is lovely
29:54Gosh it's big
29:54It's very big
29:56So much bigger on the inside
29:57Than you think
29:58This would be great for your mother
29:59Maybe this would be for us
30:01Yeah
30:01Actually yes
30:02That's exactly the conversation
30:04I thought you might have
30:05Let mum have that with your kids
30:06Exactly
30:07You'll be nice and cosy in here
30:09The two of you
30:10Yeah it's great
30:11It's such a lovely space isn't it
30:12It's really gorgeous
30:13Isn't it a great space
30:14Yeah
30:14And we love our mystery house
30:16Because it's always something
30:17A little bit different
30:18And this is certainly different
30:19Isn't it
30:20Yeah
30:20I'm going to let you explore this
30:21And if you've got it on your own
30:22Yeah
30:22And then come out and join me
30:24And we'll head into the main house
30:25Great
30:25Sounds great
30:26Okay
30:26Off you go
30:27Upstairs for first
30:28Yeah let's go upstairs for first
30:29Let's go upstairs for first
30:29Bet you're going to love this
30:32Oh wow
30:34Look at this Jim
30:35It's a gorgeous little mezzanine in the eaves
30:37This is beautiful
30:38Isn't it great
30:39And you can still see the sea from here
30:41You can see the eaves
30:43The bedroom below is a similar size
30:47And has an en suite
30:48What a great bedroom
30:50Ah it is on suite
30:53Yeah
30:53This would be mum's room
30:54Yeah
30:54And then she's got her sitting room through there
30:58This is more than we would have dreamed for
31:01Or she would have dreamt to have
31:02Isn't it
31:03Well she's basically getting her own house
31:04The oldest part of the main house is a turret tower
31:09And while no one is sure exactly how old it is
31:12It's shown on a map dating back to 1851
31:15Oh it's a good solid door
31:19Oh a nice creaky heavy door
31:20This is an entrance room
31:23Oh wow
31:24Not just a hallway
31:24Goodness me
31:26God this is so different from the other
31:28I love the shape of this room
31:29That's quite
31:30Yeah
31:30It's quite impressive isn't it
31:32The shape
31:32Stone floor wood burning character
31:34This has got plenty of character
31:37Hasn't it
31:37Yeah
31:37It's a stunning house
31:39There's one room I need to show you
31:41Okay let's do that
31:42We don't often get to see hexagonal towers
31:48But the rest of this house is more conventional
31:50On the opposite side is a long reception room or bedroom
31:54Then a large kitchen and utility
31:56Alongside a dining room
31:58And finally a staircase leading up to an upstairs sitting room
32:03Incredible
32:06Hexagonal
32:07I love the shape
32:09It's really interesting isn't it
32:10You did ask for views of the sea
32:13I did
32:13So
32:14There you go
32:15I kept mentioning it and now there it is
32:18There it is
32:19Now you got it
32:20I mean it's just so interesting isn't it
32:22Look at the ceiling
32:22All the wood that's been used
32:24Completely unique I would say
32:26I would say
32:27I've never seen anything like this before
32:29I think this is quite a statement house isn't it
32:31It is
32:32It is because it's so different
32:33Go explore there are loads of bedrooms
32:35Lovely kitchen down there
32:37Okay
32:38We're off
32:38Let's go
32:39Thanks
32:39Also upstairs are three large bedrooms
32:44This would make a nice double room
32:45Yeah
32:46And they've got two singles in here but
32:48Yeah
32:48All the boys will want a double bed so that works
32:52It does work very much so yes
32:54Oh another great size room
32:56Yeah
32:57You could almost have a sofa in the bedroom couldn't you
32:59And a CV from this bedroom window
33:01Look
33:01Oh that's
33:02That is
33:03Again what's really striking in here is the number of windows
33:06There's windows everywhere isn't there
33:07Wow
33:08Let's go find the main bedroom
33:09Okay I'm following you
33:10Okay
33:12This is a fantastic room
33:15I actually thought it was another sitting room initially
33:17Yeah I was going to say it's almost like a sitting room
33:18Yeah
33:18Yeah
33:19But it's huge
33:20Oh there's a little balcony type area of it as well
33:24Assume there's an en suite here
33:26Nice
33:28Oh wow this is a very interesting
33:31Very challenging
33:32It's a challenging mystery house
33:33It is a challenging mystery house this one
33:35Downstairs the long room and the dining room lie to either side of the kitchen
33:41Ah this is a great size as well isn't it
33:44It's a shame it's not open plan into that other space there
33:47No
33:48So I don't know whether that's a possibility
33:49I wonder whether you could open it up if you wanted to maybe
33:52I think that would make this a fabulous space
33:54Then that would be exactly what we wanted wouldn't it
33:58It would be the kitchen dining
34:00You'd have room for a sofa and everything in here then all in one
34:02Yeah you would
34:03Outside the grounds cover about half an acre
34:08And include a stone built garage with parking
34:11There's a lot to it
34:13Is it all too much?
34:17So how did you find that?
34:20Mind boggling
34:21I'm so confused now Denise
34:23Have we confuzzled you?
34:25Yes
34:25Yeah it seems to be a mixture of all sorts of things
34:281970s, French influences, the wood
34:32But it would be a project for us I think
34:34The only mystery left to reveal is of course the price
34:38I'm going to really be extreme
34:42Yeah I think you're taking into account what the work you think you need to do
34:52Yes
34:52Probably
34:52And I'm going to remind you of the location, the CD
34:55And the CD
34:55Yeah
34:56So we're way off aren't we?
34:59We're way off
34:59That this is on the market for offers over 785,000
35:04Oh wow, okay
35:05Yeah
35:05Yeah
35:05Someday we'll make this into a lovely house but I don't think it's the project for us
35:09This characterful home with a separate annex offers Jim and Rachel six bedrooms and potential to create their desired open plan kitchen
35:19The main living room has sea views and the grounds extend to just over half an acre
35:25It's on the market for offers over 785,000 pounds
35:30It's a big house but it's got a nice cosy cottagey feel
35:34A lot of the features that we wanted are here, the floors, the fireplace
35:37That lounge really showcased the horizon and the sea
35:43And I think that was the main thing I would take away from this house
35:46Maybe a project just a bit too far for us
35:55This scenic coastline with its wonderful waves has been inspiring artists for centuries
36:06But for Claire Eason, art and the sea are inextricably linked
36:11She'd been an NHS doctor for 30 years but was looking for a change and a way to relax
36:17So combined her lifelong love of art and the beach to create these gorgeous images
36:23One word about Claire's sand art
36:29Wow, it is absolutely fantastic
36:33And what's even better is she's invited me along to have a go for myself
36:37Claire's works are commissioned by everyone
36:41From large businesses to individuals
36:43And today she's working on an exclusive design just for us
36:48So literally just get my rake in and draw a straight line
36:52What's the technique I should be using?
36:54So basically think of it as a pencil
36:56Don't worry if you make a mistake
36:58Because you can just rub it out with your foot
37:00And so you simply drag it through the sand
37:03And the rougher the better
37:05So be bold
37:06Be bold
37:07Okay, well let's dig in here
37:09So it becomes quite a decent workout
37:11Yeah, it does actually
37:13I can feel it in my
37:14My arms, even my tummy
37:15It's got like your core
37:17It's got to dig in, hasn't it?
37:19I could happily be here all day doing this
37:21Sometimes you can walk 11km doing these
37:24I can imagine
37:25Just here and you think
37:26How can I possibly have walked that far?
37:28Yeah
37:28I am finding this very relaxing and therapeutic
37:33How has it affected your mental health since leaving behind a busy GP practice?
37:39At the time I knew that I was really tired and probably more than a bit burnt out
37:44But I didn't realise how much so until I discovered this
37:48This has helped to reset all of the imbalances
37:52And I would say that my mental health is probably the best it's been for a very long time
37:57Some projects Claire works on alone
38:01While others engage communities to join in
38:04What surprised you the most?
38:05What are some of the most surprising commissions?
38:07There's been a whole range of things that have been a joy
38:11But being asked to be part of a proposal
38:14Oh, yeah
38:15So how did that work?
38:16Did she arrive on the beach and see that?
38:18Ah, how magical
38:19He was her keeper
38:20Yeah, he had to be if he'd commissioned something like this for her
38:24That's beautiful
38:25So you commemorate all these moments?
38:27Yeah, exactly that
38:28It's looking good
38:29Right, how long have we got before that tide comes in?
38:32Oh, we've got enough time at the moment
38:34So all is good
38:36So how long will you be out here on a day working on a piece?
38:40So generally it's five to six hours from start to finish
38:43And that includes the setting up
38:45And also the waiting for the tide to come and take it away
38:50The photography allows you to capture the moment forever
38:54But that sense of things being transient
38:58It's just a little reminder that things are transient generally
39:02And I don't see that as a negative at all
39:05I just see it as a reminder to appreciate what you've got while you've got it
39:08So we're going to create some tendrils to give that sense of it being a living structure
39:15And the best way to do it is with the blunt end
39:18Okay
39:19And that is like a fine pencil
39:21So if you create a sense of a spiral
39:28If you're happy with it
39:29Yeah
39:30Then flip the rake over
39:32And fill it in
39:33And then much bolder
39:35That's so satisfying
39:46Isn't it?
39:47Oh, I think I'm happy with that
39:49Happy enough to make it big
39:50Yeah
39:51And bold
39:51Be nice and strong
39:52That's it
39:53Let's get around here
39:54Beautiful
39:58It's just gorgeous
40:00You've got it
40:01I don't even need to tell you about the
40:03The tidying up
40:05What a great way to relax
40:09And enhance the already beautiful scenery
40:11Then, in a few hours
40:14It'll be reclaimed by the sea
40:16Ready for someone else to create fresh works of art tomorrow
40:20Having had time to reflect on our three offerings
40:31Will any of them persuade Jim and Rachel
40:33To swap Buckinghamshire for Northumberland
40:36Hi, Denise
40:38Hello
40:39Hi
40:39Found a lovely spot
40:41Got the tea ready
40:42Oh, I've got, yes
40:43Good tea
40:44Oh, what an epic time we've had, haven't we?
40:47Haven't we?
40:47Really enjoyed the last few days
40:49Really fun two days
40:49Yeah
40:50We showed you three properties
40:51And it got off to a really great start, didn't it?
40:55And you guys, I thought, well, this is it
40:57We loved house number one
40:57Yeah
40:58Did we peak too early?
41:00No, not at all
41:00I mean, I've been fascinated to see all three houses
41:03But actually what it has, it's
41:05I'm going to use your expression
41:07It's crystallised
41:08What we've decided that I think we are looking for
41:11Which is something not too big
41:13I never thought I'd say that
41:14But actually house two and three
41:15Probably ultimately are too big for us
41:18House number one
41:19Slightly nearer the coast
41:22Would be, you know, would fit us nicely
41:25If we could pick it up and move it a few miles
41:27Towards the coast
41:28Jim, Jim, Jim, Jim
41:29And I thought that's what was possible in this programme
41:32You could move things, but no
41:34So you've learned quite a lot of this
41:35Yes, we have
41:35Very much
41:36What are your next steps going to be?
41:38We've already engaged some estate agents, haven't we?
41:41We have
41:41And we've put a date in our diary to come back in a couple of weeks' time
41:47In the motorhome
41:48And there's a few properties that we've already seen that we would like to try and see
41:54Yeah
41:54So it's all really positive things
41:57It really is a special part of the country
41:59And I can't wait for you two to make it your home
42:02Next part of your wonderful adventure together
42:04Next part of our adventure
42:05Well, thank you
42:06It's been so much fun
42:07It's absolutely been a pleasure
42:08Thank you for showing us the properties
42:10We've really, really enjoyed it
42:12And today has just sort of given us that final push to really make it happen
42:18Cheers
42:18Cheers
42:19Cheers
42:19This journey seems to have made it very real for Rachel and Jim
42:28That Northumberland will soon be their home
42:30And I'm so happy for Rachel
42:32That she's fallen in love with the place just as much as Jim did all those years ago
42:37I cannot wait to hear how their lives change
42:41When they settle in this gorgeous, mesmerising county
42:45I'll see you soon on Escape to the Country
42:49Jim and Rachel's house is attracting potential buyers
42:52And they're in the process of viewing more properties in Annick and its surrounding areas
42:57We wish them all the best for their exciting new move
43:00If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:06And need our help
43:08Why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part
43:19I'll see you soon on Escape to the Country
43:32I'll see you soon on Escape to the Country
43:36I'll see you soon on Escape to the Country
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