Escape to the Country Season 24 Episode 10 | South West Wales
Having lived in the same house virtually all her life, a ukelele-playing buyer has £280,000 to relocate to Wales. Briony May Williams is tasked with helping her find the perfect property, and it will need to accommodate an entourage of animals.
Transcript
00:00On Escape to the Country, we aim to present our buyers with the very best their money
00:07can buy.
00:08I wouldn't have dreamed I could have something like this.
00:11Well, you could, and you might.
00:15We'll show them things they want.
00:17Sorry.
00:18Oh, Jan!
00:19It's just stunning.
00:22And even things they didn't know they wanted.
00:25Definitely room for chickens.
00:26There's room for bees.
00:27Bees.
00:28Chickens.
00:29Don't tell me that, because it will happen.
00:33All the while helping to unlock a whole new way of life.
00:36Do you want to go and have another look around?
00:38Oh, yes, please.
00:39I mean, where are the papers?
00:43Just sign them now.
00:59Today, we're in a corner of Wales where lush verdant vistas meet rugged coastal cliffs
01:16and long stretches of golden sand beaches.
01:24Quick maths.
01:25Beautiful countryside plus some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world equals
01:32South West Wales.
01:33Fact.
01:34Another fun fact for you is that the plus and equal signs were introduced in the 1500s
01:40by mathematician Robert Record, who not only was a bit of a clever clogs, but also was
01:46born here.
01:47And as for the minus sign, well, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this beautiful
01:52part of the country.
01:56On our house hunting adventure, we'll be exploring the county of Pembrokeshire and also the neighbouring
02:01counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.
02:06It's amazing community spirit in South West Wales, especially Pembrokeshire, actually.
02:12And there's also so much going on.
02:15There's something for everyone.
02:18This glorious pocket of South West Wales is home to many award-winning beaches known
02:24for their cleanliness and clear blue waters.
02:29Inland isn't bad either.
02:31Historic towns and villages give insight into the region's rich heritage, with striking
02:35castles and medieval monuments which attract millions of visitors.
02:42Though, they wouldn't fit into the UK's smallest city, St David's, all at the same time.
02:55Most people who come on Escape to the Country do so because they're after a change.
03:00And changes come in all shapes and sizes.
03:03But if like today's buyer, you were born and have lived in the same home for over 60 years,
03:09any change is going to be a big one.
03:13Yes, you heard me right.
03:16Retired social worker Jan has lived in her current home in Leamington Spa nearly all
03:21her life and has decided it's high time for a new start in the country.
03:28I've raised my three children here.
03:30In fact, my youngest son was born here too.
03:32They've all grown up, moved away, got their own families.
03:36So I think it's the right time.
03:39It's now or never because I'm getting a bit older and I think if I don't do it, I'll always
03:44regret it.
03:46Animal lover Jan is looking to make the 200-mile move along with her menagerie of pets, including
03:51exotic birds, hens and much, much more.
03:56My idea of Escape is a little cottage in the country near the sea with a huge garden with
04:00space for Bruno, my chickens and my bees, that would be my idea.
04:06Come on Bruno, come on.
04:09My dog takes up a lot of time and having the space to let him off and big garden to run
04:14around in and country walks rather than having to drive somewhere nice to walk him.
04:19My bees, they're in someone else's garden because my garden isn't big enough, so I have
04:23to travel.
04:24So it'd be nice to have them in my own place.
04:28For some support with the search, she's bringing along friend of 20 years, Di.
04:34Why have you chosen me to come with you, Jan?
04:36Because you're my best friend, Di, you're my ukulele buddy, you're my penny dance buddy
04:41and I trust you to be the sensible one.
04:44Okay.
04:45Because you know, I will just want to look at the garden and see if it's a big garden
04:48and I'll forget about looking at the house.
04:50I'll make sure it's got a kitchen for you.
04:52Yeah, and a toilet.
04:53Yes, please.
04:56Jan has a budget of £280,000 and is looking for a two-bedroomed characterful property
05:03within a rural village community.
05:06She'd ideally like two reception rooms, plus a large secure garden with space to house
05:11her beehives and her chickens.
05:17So Jan isn't just moving house.
05:27She's moving away from her family, from her friends, from the home she's lived in pretty
05:31much her entire life and I just think it's so brave and I have such genuine admiration
05:38for her because this is a big deal.
05:46Your Welsh search begins in the pretty village of Llangwm.
05:51The village sits beside the River Cleddau Estuary, which was voted as one of the best
05:56places to live in a 2021 survey.
06:00Enveloped by gorgeous countryside, it's also within easy reach of Pembrokeshire's spectacular
06:06coast.
06:08But before we head there, I'm meeting up with Jan and I a few miles further up the
06:13estuary to find out more about this big move.
06:17Now Jan, I was going to ask you why do you want to move to this region, but I mean, you
06:24don't really need to, do I?
06:25It's breathtaking, isn't it?
06:27It's just so wonderful.
06:29Absolutely gorgeous.
06:30Now, I think you're really brave what you're doing because you've lived in Leamington Spa
06:34your whole life pretty much, lived in the same house pretty much your whole life.
06:3863 years.
06:39Born there.
06:40Born in that house.
06:41Gosh.
06:43So why Pembrokeshire?
06:44I think I've always wanted to live in the countryside.
06:47I don't know why, because I was born in the middle of town, but my mum was Welsh and her
06:52family lived in Wales.
06:53We used to have family holidays in Wales and they were in a beautiful rural setting.
06:57And I've just got such vivid memories.
06:59I loved it.
07:00And I think all my life I've had this hankering.
07:03And now I'm retired.
07:04I've been sort of mulling it over for a few years and thought, well, there's no reason
07:08why I can't do this and actually have the lifestyle and the life that I want.
07:12And there's nothing stopping me except my own mind.
07:15So this is it.
07:16This feels like the moment.
07:17It does.
07:18But I think I've got one more big adventure left in me, though this is probably not a
07:21big adventure for most people.
07:22It is for me.
07:23It's huge.
07:24It is a big adventure.
07:25It is huge.
07:26And Di, how are you feeling about your friend moving all the way here?
07:30I'm very excited about holidays in Pembrokeshire.
07:32It is absolutely gorgeous, but no, I will miss Jan.
07:36That's fine.
07:37She needs to do what she needs to do.
07:39And she's always talked about the opportunity and, you know, the thought of moving to the
07:44country.
07:45So I think she's really brave.
07:47Well, we've got so much to see and do.
07:49Are you ready?
07:50Oh, more than ready.
07:51Oh, let's go.
07:54In the heart of Glamgum Village, our first property is this pretty double-fronted stone
08:00cottage.
08:02It's a big moment for Jan.
08:04So eyes down for a big reveal.
08:07Now, I know you're excited and I'm very excited too.
08:09I feel very privileged that I'm about to show you the first house that you could possibly
08:14buy.
08:15Oh.
08:16So, go on, have a look.
08:17Here we are.
08:18Oh, that is pretty.
08:19It is really pretty.
08:20That is really pretty.
08:21It's fabulous.
08:22I'm really excited.
08:23I just want to go in.
08:24What about you, Di?
08:25I think it's lovely.
08:26I love a house with a sort of a double front.
08:27That's so pretty.
08:28I can feel the excitement fizzing.
08:29Look at you.
08:30You're like...
08:31Oh, my God.
08:32Oh, my God.
08:33Oh, my God.
08:34Oh, my God.
08:35I'm so happy for you.
08:36Ready?
08:37Should we go in?
08:38Yeah?
08:39Okay.
08:40For the first house Jan has ever viewed in person, we're off to a pretty good start.
08:47This property dates back to the 18th century and a new extension was added in the 1970s.
08:57We're starting our tour in one of two living rooms in the original part of the house.
09:02Come on in.
09:03Oh.
09:04Oh, this is lovely.
09:05Look.
09:06I know.
09:07The walls and the beams.
09:08It's just beautiful.
09:09It's thin.
09:10The things they've got are all things I've got.
09:11It's like sort of being at home in a way.
09:12My house is nothing like this, but all the things they've got are very much in keeping
09:13with the sort of things I have in my house.
09:14It helps you visualize it, doesn't it?
09:15Yeah.
09:16With your things in it, actually.
09:17These two spaces here were the original window and back door of the cottage.
09:18Oh, right.
09:19Right.
09:20So, it was extended.
09:21So, it was extended.
09:22So, it was extended.
09:23So, it was extended.
09:24So, it was extended.
09:25So, it was extended.
09:26So, it was extended.
09:27So, it was extended.
09:28These two spaces here were the original window and back door of the cottage.
09:30These two spaces here were the original window and back door of the cottage.
09:32Oh, right.
09:33Oh, right.
09:34Oh, right.
09:35So, it was extended.
09:36Right.
09:37So, it was extended.
09:38So, it was extended.
09:39Oh, right.
09:40So, it was extended.
09:41Oh, right.
09:42So, it was extended.
09:43So, it was extended.
09:44But yeah, isn't that lovely that you've still got those there?
09:45Yeah, you can see how thick the walls are.
09:46Yeah.
09:47Yeah.
09:48And you've got the study through there, which shuts off, and you could use for the birds,
09:49maybe.
09:50That would be ideal, yeah.
09:51you might spend more time down here, to this other living area, which is
09:59obviously a newer part of the building. Check out the high ceilings. Oh my gosh, yeah.
10:05I could put my ukuleles where it's got these guitars. They've got banjos too.
10:09And, amazingly, there's a ukulele group in the village. You're joking? I'm not even joking.
10:16Oh my gosh. Is there another house available? When you stay, just bring your ukulele, all right.
10:24That's amazing. Isn't that wonderful? Yeah. There are also other beekeepers in the village.
10:29Really? There are, yes. Oh, that's useful to know. There you go. So there's a lot of,
10:33hopefully, some familiarity. Like-minded people. Yeah, yeah. Shall we head through to the kitchen?
10:39Oh, yes, please. Oh, yes, yes, yes.
10:44It's quite a good size, isn't it? Nice to have space to have a table. Which is what I like.
10:49Because I like to sit in the kitchen and have my cup of tea. Look, I could sit and look over my garden.
10:55Stop, Jan. You are sneaky. From the yard. Fabulous. But it's side-facing, so you get the sun coming in.
11:04I love it. It'd be very easy to bring your personality to it. A lot of it is already my personality, which is really bizarre.
11:12Well, I'd say, you know, your first ever house tour is going pretty well.
11:15Oh, I'd say well done pretty well. It's amazing. Excellent. Well, I actually believe it.
11:22Halfway up the stairs, there's a modern family shower room.
11:25And then at the top of the other half, a good-sized double bedroom in use as a dressing room,
11:31as well as a rather quirky main suite.
11:35It's got a little reading nook. Oh, wow. Oh, that is so cute.
11:44I like that. I do like that a lot. Room for a dog bed, Jan. It could be the cat's space.
11:49It could be the cat's space. I like to be away from the dog.
11:53This is the main bedroom. Oh, this is a good size. Very cosy and relaxing.
11:59It is. Inside seems to be hitting the spot, but I know for Jan, the outside space is just as, if not more, important.
12:12Come on out. Oh, look at the view, darling. Just look at that view. That is lovely. That's stunning.
12:21Look at this. Look at the decking. It's gorgeous. More Buddhas. More Buddhas. Buddhas everywhere.
12:28The decked terrace area leads down to a lawned garden, which backs onto unspoilt Pembrokeshire countryside.
12:36You know, you want Pembrokeshire. You've got it. You've got it. It's fabulous. It's lovely.
12:40Straight out your back door. Yeah. Have you got an idea of what it might be on the market for?
12:45I'm going to be guided by my budget and say £250,000. I'll go a little bit higher, £260,000.
12:53OK, well, Di, you're bang on the money pretty much. This property is on the market for offers in excess of £260,000.
13:02Wow. There you go. That is a good price, actually. It is.
13:07At offers over £260,000, this lovely semi-detached period property has three reception rooms,
13:15two double bedrooms and a gorgeous garden with countryside views all around.
13:21It's also in a great community, just a few minutes walk from the village centre.
13:27From the outside, I just love the look of the house. It's so pretty and it's quirky and it's very much like my style inside.
13:37And I didn't realise how important that would be. I thought it was all about the outside.
13:42Moving to somewhere like this would make me feel happier for Jan.
13:48It would give me a bit of a reassurance that this is somewhere that she could be happy and would find company and friendship.
13:56I think it's an amazing start. I mean, it will take some topping.
14:01Although there's bits and pieces that are not perfect, I mean, it's nearly there. It's still in contention, I have to say.
14:09The town of Pembroke, not surprisingly in Pembrokeshire, is perfectly located to access those world-renowned beaches the region is famous for.
14:27And, given its lively community, it's a great place for Jan and Di to explore.
14:34Pembroke's a great place to live. It's such a unique town. We've got a great location with the mill pond and the castle pond that flows into Pembroke River.
14:41Pembroke's a very social place. Lots of people know each other, especially here on the main street.
14:46People come to Pembroke for the castle and its surrounding history, but they're always nicely surprised by what the rest of the town has to offer.
14:55It's a lovely laid-back community.
14:58On the high street, old meets new, as the town's historic buildings now house modern shops, cafes and pubs.
15:06Pembroke's medieval castle dominates the landscape and attracts year-round tourism.
15:12I know how important it will be for Jan to integrate into local life, so we've arranged for her and Di to meet Sam Booth,
15:21who made the big move across the country himself nearly 10 years ago and now runs a community project in the town.
15:28We are at Pembroke Castle Pond, which is down underneath Pembroke Castle.
15:33Once upon a time, this would have been fully tidal and this would have actually been the main dock.
15:38So, tell us a little bit about your business.
15:40So, we're a community interest company focused on training young people in Pembrokeshire.
15:46We use the rowboat site as a place for giving work experience and placements to local young people.
15:52Brilliant. Why is South West Wales the perfect place to escape to?
15:56Everyone's really relaxed and chilled out and friendly about everything, and it's just absolutely stunning wherever you go.
16:03We moved down here about 9, 10 years ago ourselves and never looked back.
16:08Everywhere you look, there's beautiful scenery, and particularly if you like being out and about, it's the place to be.
16:16And what better way to take in the beautiful scenery than from the water?
16:21Whales in the sunshine. Absolutely beautiful.
16:25Well, I think you could be very happy in Pembroke, Jan.
16:28I think I could be idyllically happy.
16:31It's so beautiful.
16:33It's a bit different to rowing on the river in Leamington Spar, isn't it?
16:37I could just row up and down here all day, I love it.
16:41It's great to see Jan's already picturing herself here.
16:45Now we need to continue with our mission to find her a home.
16:53For our next property, we're staying in Pembrokeshire, but heading north to the village of Teghran.
17:01High up in the Preseli Mountains, Teghran is surrounded by glorious scenery.
17:07There's a pub and a village hall, which holds regular events for the community.
17:14The house we're here to see is right in the heart of the village.
17:18Oh my word. It's not all of that.
17:21It's all of that.
17:23You're joking. I'm not joking.
17:25Oh, that's lovely. That is gorgeous.
17:27I can't believe that. A cottage.
17:29That is lovely.
17:30From looking at the outside, it's more than I could have dreamed of.
17:33I mean, obviously it depends on what's on the inside, but just looking at this,
17:37I wouldn't have dreamed I could have something like this.
17:41You could, and you might.
17:44Are we going to go inside?
17:45Yes, we're going to go inside. Come on then.
17:50Built in the 1800s, this traditional country cottage was extended in the 1970s.
17:56Our tour of it starts in the kitchen diner within the original part of the house.
18:03Come on in.
18:05Look at that.
18:07So you've got the modern part of the kitchen, and then you've got the old bit as well.
18:12That's amazing.
18:14This is just wonderful, isn't it?
18:17And room for some other bits of furniture as well.
18:20There's so much room. I mean, look at the size of that dresser.
18:22Amazing.
18:24Dog corner.
18:26Sorry.
18:27Oh, don't worry about it.
18:29It's just lovely.
18:32Dog corner.
18:33Sorry.
18:34Oh, Jan.
18:36I know, I saw the dog.
18:38It's just stunning.
18:40Oh, sorry.
18:42I should have brought my tissues.
18:44I've got tissues.
18:46Don't be sorry.
18:48It is lovely.
18:49I'm blown away by it. I'm absolutely blown.
18:51Oh, you're going to set me off again.
18:53No, it's wonderful.
18:55I'm blown away by it, really.
18:57It's such an important thing, though, to have an emotional reaction like that.
19:01Because this is going to be your home.
19:03I know, and just the thought of being in here, it's just lovely.
19:07I knew this property was special, and I'm so happy that Jan feels it too.
19:13So this could be your living room.
19:15Oh, this is lovely.
19:17This is just an ideal size.
19:20This is about what I've got now, and that's plenty big enough for me.
19:24Because I don't need a big space.
19:26There's just me and the dog and his big bed.
19:30It is absolutely beautiful, but I think it depends on, again,
19:35if there's going to be room for birds and things at the moment.
19:39We've got the dogs and the cats sorted.
19:41We've got Jan sorted.
19:43Yeah.
19:45I actually could see myself here.
19:47As much as I've seen so far, I just think it's fabulous.
19:51I just love it.
19:53It's just perfect.
19:55So far, it's perfect.
19:57Fantastic, fantastic. That's what we love to hear.
19:59Well, I'm going to send you off to have a look around,
20:01and then I'll meet you outside shortly.
20:07She loves it, and she's not even seen outside yet.
20:13Off the living room is a separate entrance hall
20:16leading to a downstairs bedroom and shower room in the extension.
20:21Bedroom, Jan.
20:23This is a good size.
20:25Oh, look. Oh, wow, waking up.
20:27Looking at that. That's fantastic.
20:30You'd be happy in here. Very much so.
20:32Yeah, so when I get old and doddery, you know,
20:35and I can't make it upstairs, well, here's my bedroom.
20:38There's my downstairs bathroom and shower room.
20:41All on one level. All on one level.
20:43I think I've moved in, don't I?
20:47Above the kitchen, there's a further double bedroom
20:50as well as a bathroom.
20:52This is a cosy space.
20:54Oh, look at that. This is lovely.
20:56Oh, I've got an en suite.
20:58Now, that's handy.
21:02Outside, a neat lawned garden sits next to the long driveway
21:06with a garage and another outbuilding.
21:10So that's not your only bit of garden.
21:13Oh! Do you?
21:15Oh, wow!
21:18This is it. Look at it.
21:20Look at it.
21:22I can't believe that. All this.
21:24That's brilliant. I do so much with it, Di.
21:27Well, there's definitely room for chickens.
21:29There's room for bees, there's room for chickens.
21:31Look at that, donkeys.
21:33Now, don't tell me that, cos it will happen.
21:35This is just the most spectacular view.
21:38It is beautiful. Yeah.
21:42There's just so much here.
21:44There's so much inside, so much outside.
21:47I'd better shut up, because it's just making me go again.
21:50So, go on, tell me I can't afford it now, Brian.
21:53Go on, do that to me.
21:55So, you really think I'm that mean?
21:57No, not really. Well, we'll see, shall we?
21:59I'm very hopeful.
22:01So, go on, Di, you go first this time.
22:03I'm thinking it's top end of budget this time,
22:06so I'll say £280,000.
22:09OK.
22:11I'm going to go just a wee bit over the top of my budget
22:14and say £285,000.
22:17Well, you'll be delighted to know that I'm not that mean.
22:21And it's on the market for offers in the region of £275,000.
22:26Ooh, that's really interesting.
22:30Just lovely.
22:32I can make it work.
22:34I would want to make it work for me, because I love it so much.
22:37OK. Do you want to go and have another look around?
22:40Oh, yes, please.
22:42Thank you. Off you go.
22:45I mean, where are the papers?
22:47Just sign them now.
22:52For offers in the region of £275,000,
22:56this delightful country cottage has really captured Jan's heart.
23:01It comes with a spacious kitchen and dining area,
23:04a cosy living room, two bedrooms and a garden with huge scope
23:09for Jan as well as her animals.
23:12This life I've sort of been hoping for for such a long time,
23:16I can actually see it coming to fruition here.
23:19This may be only the second ever property I've viewed.
23:24Yes.
23:25But I think it's doing it for me, Di.
23:27I think it's going to be the one.
23:31It's been a terrific day of house hunting,
23:34trying to find a new home to suit Jan and her animal aspirations.
23:39So Jan thought we should celebrate with a ukulele lesson.
23:42But I'm making no promises.
23:51Oh!
23:52I mean, I don't think I have natural skill, but...
23:54I don't know, you're doing all right, better than I did on my first lesson.
23:57Oh, really? Yes.
23:58You're a very good teacher.
24:01So going to get a little bit more serious now,
24:03because it's a big deal what you're doing.
24:05You're moving away from somewhere you've lived your entire life,
24:08from your friends, your family.
24:10This is huge.
24:11How are you feeling about it after being here today?
24:14I mean, it is huge.
24:16It's quite terrifying, but getting less terrifying.
24:19Now I've been here and, I mean, if you look at this
24:22and all the beauty around us,
24:24it's making it so much easier to know that this is the right decision.
24:28If I leave it any later, it's going to be too late,
24:31and I'll always regret it.
24:32I'll always think, oh, just think what you could have had.
24:35You got quite emotional in one of the houses today.
24:38I did. That took me by surprise.
24:40It made me feel, gosh, I could be somewhere like this,
24:43I could be here, and it all made it start to get even more real.
24:47You sort of begin to think, this is big, but it's doable,
24:52and this might be it.
24:53Other than lovely dye that you're leaving behind,
24:56is there anything that's making you think, oh,
24:58or are you a bit like, no, I'm ready, let's go?
25:00I think, you know, I mean, I'm leaving my family,
25:02I'm leaving my children, my grandchildren,
25:04but I'd like to think that, like, when I was a child,
25:08I made such wonderful memories going to visit my nan in Wales,
25:13so I'm hoping my grandchildren will come and visit me,
25:16and they'll have the same sort of experience that I've had
25:18and make these happy memories.
25:20They might not see me as often, but I'm hoping when they do,
25:23it'll be that much more fulfilling for them.
25:26But also they'll see you happier, and you more fulfilled,
25:29and you enjoying your life, so...
25:31Yeah, they'll see me in my proper environment.
25:35Where you're meant to be.
25:36Yes, yes.
25:37Yeah, absolutely.
25:38True nature's child.
25:39Yes, you are.
25:40Born to be wild.
25:41I won't go any further.
25:54If you're tempted to make a move to this fabulous corner of Wales,
25:58you'll need to know the facts and figures bit, so pay attention.
26:03The average price of a detached house in Pembrokeshire
26:06comes in just shy of £333,000.
26:10However, you'll pay less over the border in Ceredigion,
26:14where the average is about £308,000.
26:18But Carmarthenshire is cheaper still, at about £291,000.
26:25And there's a variety of property on offer across the three counties.
26:30You'd get £50 change from £600,000
26:34for this beautiful, traditional stone-built farmhouse.
26:39It has three bedrooms, a high-spec contemporary interior,
26:44a one-bedroom annex, and a garden backing onto fields.
26:51If it's wow you're looking for,
26:53then how about this imposing four-bedroom detached house
26:57on the banks of the Cleddye Estuary?
27:00With water inside and out, it could be yours for around £900,000.
27:08Or, if you're searching for a short stay,
27:11how about going down the woods today to this holiday home on stilts?
27:15You can enjoy a private wood-fired hot tub, a swing,
27:19and for children or childish grown-ups, its very own slide.
27:24Prices start at £795 a week for four.
27:32Well, we had a great time yesterday.
27:34I practically had to drag Jan away from that beautiful country cottage
27:38with the most amazing views.
27:40But it's the start of a new day,
27:42and I want to show Jan more of this fantastic region
27:46and the variety of properties it has to offer.
27:50For our first stop of the day,
27:52we're on the Carmarthenshire side of its border with Ceredigion
27:56in the residential hamlet of Llangeller.
27:59But, just two miles away on the banks of the River Nevan,
28:03a pint of milk and a paper can be bought in the village of Velindre,
28:08where there's also a pub and church.
28:12So, here's our next stop for today.
28:14Oh, that is pretty.
28:16That's beautiful.
28:17Bit of wisteria as well, Jan.
28:18Oh, gosh, yeah.
28:19That's lovely.
28:20Look at the door, Di.
28:21Lovely wooden door.
28:22That is nice.
28:23I'm finding every one of these really exciting.
28:26The whole thing is exciting.
28:27Maybe I need to rein it in, because I think I get a bit...
28:30No, don't rein it in.
28:31The excitement's wonderful.
28:32That's what we want.
28:33Do you want to go and have a look inside?
28:34Oh, yes, please.
28:35Oh, yes.
28:39Over 100 years old, this elegant-looking country cottage
28:43is our first detached offering.
28:46A modern extension was added in 1996
28:49to form the now main entrance, just off the driveway.
28:53The current owners handcrafted an oak porch just last year,
28:57and that's where we're entering.
29:02It's a really good-sized kitchen.
29:03It is.
29:04In practical terms, this is a really...
29:06It's a good space.
29:07It might not have the same emotional sort of impact
29:10that that one yesterday did, cos that did, really.
29:13But thinking about it, being practical,
29:15this is probably a more practical kitchen for me
29:18and for my type of cooking.
29:20So, yeah, it's good. I like it.
29:22I've got my sensible head.
29:23See, I'm learning from Di.
29:25I've got my sensible head on.
29:26We've got sensible down today, haven't we?
29:28Yeah, we have. We have.
29:29It is. It's a good space.
29:31It's a really nice, open space.
29:33Yeah.
29:34Space for Bruno to have his dinner.
29:36Yeah.
29:37As we know, that's the most important thing, the animals.
29:42Off the kitchen is a spacious, open-plan living and dining room.
29:49Oh, that's a nice lounge.
29:51You've got this lovely space here.
29:53Yeah.
29:54Maybe your birds could go in here.
29:55That's what I'm thinking about.
29:57Then it's about whether I can shut the cats out of here
29:59when I go out.
30:01You could actually put a wall in or doors in
30:03or use dividers or whatever, you know,
30:06just if I needed to block it off at all.
30:09It almost feels like a blank canvas, really.
30:11But I can see Jan here with all her bits and bobs
30:15and ukuleles on the wall and things like that.
30:20Upstairs, there's a modern family bathroom,
30:23a good-sized double bedroom
30:25and another double bedroom with dual aspect.
30:28It's a really good size. Do you know what?
30:30I mean, this has got bigger wardrobe space.
30:32I think I'd have this one.
30:34I mean, I can see families living in this house at the moment,
30:38but it's a really practical house.
30:40I'm sort of trying to work out the downstairs space,
30:43you know, the birds and the cats. Yeah.
30:45It might be about what the garden space has to offer.
30:48That might really be the decider, I think, in this house.
30:52I think we're seeing a different side to Jan today.
30:55Yesterday was quite emotional.
30:57She was really feeling every house we went into,
31:00whereas today it seems to have gotten a little bit more serious,
31:03like reality's sinking in,
31:05and this could be a very practical option for her.
31:09The property stands on around an eighth of an acre of land,
31:13comprising a gravel driveway to the side and rear,
31:16a patch of lawn to the front
31:18and a whopping great outbuilding.
31:23Oh, God, look at this. It's huge!
31:26I know you said you wanted to keep your birds inside,
31:29but this would make the most amazing aviary.
31:32You could have far more than an African grey.
31:35I'd never find him, though, because if I let him out...
31:38Where did I put that cage?
31:41This is an amazing space, though. Fantastic.
31:45There's a lot on offer here,
31:47and I think it might just be working for Jan.
31:51So you've had a chance to explore the rest of the property.
31:54Yeah, it's really nice inside, although it's not got the wow.
31:58It's more practical, but I can make it work.
32:01And what about the outdoor space?
32:03Whether I can figure it out for a way that will suit the animals or not,
32:07that would take a bit more imagination, I think.
32:10Well, let's talk money. Oh, no, here we go.
32:12No, here we go, here we go.
32:14It's got to be near the top of my budget.
32:16I'm going to say about £270,000.
32:19£270,000.
32:21OK. Di?
32:23And that was what I was thinking as well, actually, £270,000.
32:26Well, you're bang on.
32:28That's exactly what it's on the market for. Really? Yay!
32:33You're getting good at this. We are.
32:37At £270,000,
32:40this detached country cottage has a spacious kitchen,
32:44open-plan living and dining,
32:46two double bedrooms and a sizeable garden
32:50with a pretty hefty outbuilding.
32:53It's not ruled out, I'll say that,
32:56but it would take a lot more imagination, I think.
32:59For me, if it's just me, I could make it work,
33:02but the dog space, the chicken space, the bee space,
33:06how I could configure that, that's the tricky bit.
33:10For our mystery house, we're stepping away from village life
33:14and heading to the Ceredigion town of Llandysil.
33:19Before we get to the property itself,
33:21we're stopping off so Jan can properly take in the surroundings
33:25and I can explain our mystery house thinking.
33:30So, we're in Llandysil,
33:32and this is where we're going to spend the night.
33:35And I can explain our mystery house thinking.
33:39So, what I want you to do with this one
33:42is understand that we're looking at the community
33:45as well as the property itself,
33:48because that is a big part of it.
33:51It's something we've talked about, isn't it?
33:53I talked about it not long ago,
33:55but I've actually come to realise that while these little,
33:58tiny villages are lovely,
34:00but I actually do need a sense of community
34:03because I may well need some support,
34:05because I am on my own.
34:07Places I can go and things I can do and join in with.
34:10Just getting to know the local area
34:13and being somewhere with a little bit more going on
34:17might be good, might help you to settle in and make friends.
34:21I think you're right.
34:22When you're on your own, to be able to walk to a coffee shop,
34:25to go to the local shop, have a chat with people,
34:28there's more groups going on,
34:30there's more activities that you can get involved in.
34:32Yeah.
34:33So, it's just something else to think about while we're here.
34:36Yeah, and it is important, I've realised.
34:38It is, it is, and we want to show you the full range.
34:41That's great.
34:42So, are we going to keep an open mind?
34:43I am going to keep an open mind.
34:45I have broadened my horizon.
34:47I really believe Glandisil could offer Jan a lot,
34:51perhaps even more than she asked for.
34:54She'd have all the usual things a town provides,
34:57plus the surrounding countryside on tap.
35:00So, it's a tick for the mystery location.
35:03Let's hope for another one at the mystery house.
35:07Oh, that's pretty.
35:08They're so pretty, aren't they, these wall houses?
35:10They are. Aren't they gorgeous?
35:11But this is very different as well, isn't it?
35:13It is.
35:14To what we've seen before.
35:15Yeah.
35:16So, for the fourth and final time with me,
35:17shall we go and have a look inside?
35:18Oh, yes, please, Brian. Let's do it.
35:21This detached cottage is believed to be over 100 years old.
35:26The current owners have given the interior a contemporary makeover
35:30while still retaining its period charm.
35:33We're heading in through the side entrance
35:36and down the hallway,
35:37which takes us straight through to the kitchen.
35:40Come on through.
35:42Oh, Jan, I do like this.
35:44It's nice, isn't it?
35:46Yeah.
35:47That's very nice.
35:48Oh, look.
35:49And it's all compartmentalised.
35:51Yeah.
35:52Oh, and you've got a Buddha.
35:53I noticed that as well.
35:54Yeah.
35:55Jan will like that.
35:56Jan will like that.
35:57It's a sign.
35:58This is a lovely little kitchen.
36:00It is.
36:01It's got a real sort of country cottage feel to it.
36:03Yeah.
36:04I do like it.
36:05I mean, I'm not getting the sort of, you know, the tearful wow,
36:08like that was just, it was so unexpected, I think,
36:11and it was early days.
36:13And you said we've got practical Jan today.
36:15We've got practical Jan today, yeah.
36:17I'm trying to balance, but I do love this kitchen.
36:22And through here...
36:25..is this absolutely beautiful living space.
36:28Oh, it's stunning.
36:29Look at that fireplace.
36:31It's beautiful.
36:32You've got beans as well.
36:33Yeah.
36:34It's just a lovely space, plenty big enough for me.
36:37Get all my furniture in here.
36:39I love it, I just love that.
36:40It's just such a feature, isn't it?
36:42It's beautiful.
36:43Yeah, it's lovely,
36:44but I'm just keen to go and explore what else there is.
36:48Well, there's so much more to take in,
36:50so I'm sending Jan and Di to look around at their leisure.
36:56Upstairs, they'll find a bright, dual-aspect double bedroom,
37:00a smaller room in use as a gym
37:02and the largest of the three bedrooms.
37:06I do like the exposed...
37:08Oh, that's nice.
37:09Yeah, I like the way they've exposed that brick.
37:12Jan, this is really nice.
37:14It is beautiful.
37:15It's really odd because, on paper,
37:17this is nothing at all that I'd sort of asked for, in a way.
37:21It's in a town, but it's working somehow.
37:25It's immaculate.
37:27Absolutely stunning.
37:31There's still another wing to explore
37:33as a study off the kitchen leads to a second staircase,
37:37which gives access to an elevated garden at the rear.
37:40Oh, wow, there's two staircases.
37:43That's unusual.
37:44Yeah.
37:45Oh, it's such a laundry room.
37:47Oh, this is an empty space, isn't it?
37:49Oh, that's cool.
37:52Outside, there's a spacious patio
37:55and a tiered lawned garden
37:57with views across the neighbouring hills and forest.
38:01Hello.
38:02Hello.
38:04Oh, my word.
38:05What?
38:06This was unexpected.
38:08I thought the whole mystery thing was it doesn't have a garden.
38:11Oh!
38:12I wouldn't do that to you, Jan.
38:17This is just gorgeous.
38:18Oh, it's lovely.
38:20Your face, Jan, is a picture.
38:23I'm absolutely stunned.
38:25We're in the middle of a town.
38:27Look at the views over there, Di.
38:29I mean, they're spectacular, aren't they?
38:31So, just to bring you back down to earth with a thump,
38:34we need to talk about...
38:35Yeah, here we go.
38:36..about the price.
38:37It's Di's turn to go first.
38:39Right.
38:40I'm going to say it's top of budget.
38:43I'm thinking £280,000.
38:46OK.
38:47I think it's got to be over.
38:48I'm not going to go hugely over.
38:50OK.
38:51I think it's £285,000.
38:54£285,000?
38:55£285,000.
38:58It's actually on the market for £250,000.
39:02No.
39:03Yes.
39:04Oh, my word, Jan.
39:06Oh, now you've done it, haven't you?
39:08LAUGHTER
39:10There's a small but.
39:11It's been on the market for only a week.
39:13They've had viewings, they've already had an offer,
39:15which they haven't accepted.
39:16This is a gem.
39:17It's going to get snapped up, so...
39:19I need to...
39:20I know there's a lot to think about.
39:22Yeah.
39:23But if this might be the house for you...
39:25I need to act quickly.
39:26You need to act quite quickly.
39:27Yeah.
39:28Comfortably under budget,
39:30Comfortably under budget,
39:32it offers in the region of £250,000,
39:35this impressive detached cottage,
39:38a five-minute walk from the town centre,
39:40has a modern country kitchen,
39:42three bedrooms and a beautiful garden
39:45with views across the Ceredigion countryside and beyond.
39:51The fact that this is in a town or on the edge of a town
39:55I think is reassuring for me.
39:57Jan's got all sorts of facilities just on the doorstep.
40:00She's just got to pop down the road.
40:03I'd never have looked at this house.
40:05I wouldn't have looked at a town.
40:07And now I can see that I need to sort of not be so specific
40:11because you can find what you want
40:13in the place you never dreamed it would be.
40:18OK.
40:19Yeah.
40:20Yeah?
40:21Yes.
40:22Even more to think about?
40:23Oh, yes, I think I've got more to think about.
40:25Let's go and find somewhere nice to sit down
40:27and have a little chat and a mull over it.
40:29That'll be good.
40:30That'll be good.
40:35So, beginning of the week, you hadn't viewed a single property.
40:38No.
40:39Here we are, you've seen four.
40:41I'm getting the sense that you're feeling quite...
40:44..almost overwhelmed.
40:46Yeah, I think you're right, Brian.
40:48It's been...it's been fantastic,
40:51but it's given me so much to think about
40:53and what I've asked for has changed.
40:55What I asked for in the first place,
40:57maybe I don't need to be stuck out in a village.
41:00You've just shown me the most beautiful house
41:02with a beautiful garden in the middle of a town.
41:04You've made me realise that I do need to make sure
41:07that there is that community and there is that support
41:10and I'm not too alone.
41:12I think with the mystery house,
41:14it was walking in and thinking
41:16that this was probably going to be top of budget
41:20or even potentially not affordable.
41:23You don't want to get your hopes up too high, you know what I mean?
41:26But it's a beautiful house.
41:29It's looking famous at the moment, I have to say.
41:32Although I'm still thinking about house number two as well
41:36because that did have a lot going for it.
41:39I'm torn, put it that way.
41:41What happens next?
41:43Well, I'm going to have to sit down
41:45and really seriously weigh them up.
41:47I'd love to come and do some more viewings on each of them.
41:50I think I might just have to make an offer
41:52because I don't want something to sneak away and get away.
41:55Oh, I just want to wish you all the best
41:57because it's been a joy
42:00and I'm really excited for your adventure.
42:03Thank you, thank you.
42:07I think what's impressed me most this week
42:10is the ease and enthusiasm
42:12with which Jan has approached her new house search.
42:15Before this, she'd never viewed a single property in her whole life
42:19but you wouldn't have known it.
42:21And I'm thrilled that she's been taken
42:23by not one, but two of our houses.
42:26And with any luck, with all going well
42:29she might be calling one of them her second ever home.
42:32Isn't that great?
42:34I'll see you next time.
42:36After much consideration,
42:38Jan decided the mystery house wasn't the one for her
42:42but I am delighted to report
42:44that she did make an offer on that charming cottage
42:47with its incredible garden in Teghran.
42:50And her offer was accepted.
42:53I'm sure she, and all her animals, will be very happy there.
42:57If you would like to escape to the country
43:00in Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland
43:03and need our help,
43:05why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:12.
43:17.
43:22.
43:27.
43:32.
43:37.
43:42.