0:00:01 > 0:00:06Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the show that searches out all those hidden treasures
0:00:06 > 0:00:08around your home and then we sell them at auction.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Well, today, I've come to Charleston in Sussex.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16And this used to be the place where writers, intellectuals and artists met.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19A group otherwise known as the Bloomsbury Group.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24A collective of friends and relatives, their work deeply influenced literature and attitudes
0:00:24 > 0:00:27towards topics such as feminism and pacifism.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30And famous members included Virginia Woolf and EM Forster.
0:00:30 > 0:00:36The house's interior was decorated by artists inspired by Italian fresco painting.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39And the walled garden reflects southern European style,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42with mosaics, box hedges, gravel pathways and ponds.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50Well, after seeing such a fantastic collection of art, I'm feeling inspired to find some antiques
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and collectables of our own that will raise lots of cash.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Our expert is taking a gamble on one of our family's lots.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24It could be a safe bet. Yes.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28And he seems to think he's the only one rummaging. A lady of leisure.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31A lady of leisure. Talking of which, let's go and find Lorne.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34But we're all working together come auction day.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Wow, that's great, isn't it? It's picking up.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Let's hope we'll still be smiling when the final hammer falls.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50I'm in Haywards Heath and I've come here to meet two fabulous ladies
0:01:50 > 0:01:52who have called in the Cash In The Attic team
0:01:52 > 0:01:57to help them raise some funds so they can get tree-top views.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Frances Drews runs a B from this beautiful 16th century home in the heart of West Sussex.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07She's spent four years renovating the property and its two acres of gardens.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11And, although she has created a stunning place inside and out,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14there's one final green-fingered touch she wants to add.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17So she's called us, and her friend Kim, along to help.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Morning! Good morning. This is great.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23It's like Dingly Dell meets Hansel and Gretel. I'm glad you said that.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28The house is an antique in its own right. It dates back to the 16th century.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Isn't that fantastic? This, for me, really, epitomises England.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's absolutely beautiful. I hope it's full of English antiques.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39The two ladies are ever so nice. So come and meet them. Ah, good.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Ah, good morning.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44You must be Frances. I am.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46So you must be Kim. Yes.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50I understand you two have been friends for a long time, is that right? Yes.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Kim came to stay with her family for a fortnight when they were
0:02:54 > 0:03:00in the process of moving down to Lingfield and we've been friends ever since.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Well, this is an amazing place, so what is your plan?
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Well, I'd like to get a tree house, or a tree platform. A budget tree house.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13I don't want a roof to it, because I want to be in, amongst the trees.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19And I have a pair of oak trees up there, and a tree platform strung between them
0:03:19 > 0:03:22would be fabulous. Do you think this is a good idea? It's excellent,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26because when you go up to the top there, there's stunning views.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29And it would be a lovely place for a gin and tonic.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33These things are expensive nowadays. So what sort of price are you.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Mine will have to be a sort of budget one, without a roof on it.
0:03:37 > 0:03:44I want more of a platform than a roofy thing, so we're probably looking around ?4,000 to ?5,000.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49Crikey, is that what you want to raise today? No, I've not got anything worth that much,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52but if we can get ?1,000 towards it, that'd be lovely.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55We need to raise ?1,000 towards the tree house then? Yes.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59All right, then. Shall we go and see whether Paul has managed to find anything yet?
0:03:59 > 0:04:01He'll sniff out the antiques.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07That will be lovely. Frances's garden will be a real show stopper if she can get that tree house.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10It's all hands on deck so we can get on with the search.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Luckily, we have our expert, Paul Hayes, to help.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18With a passion for antiques of all shapes and sizes, he's just the man
0:04:18 > 0:04:21we need to help pick out the best items for auction.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23There you are! Hello, how are you?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Found something already? One of my favourite items.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I love this, a little miniature painting.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Where did this come from? Is this one of the pieces you've inherited?
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Actually, I inherited by accident, really.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40It was in this frame behind a photo.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44The photo fell off and I found that behind it.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49And I started using it as a coaster for my tea or coffee mug.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54Wow, you often hear of old masters found hidden behind other paintings and so on.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56And that's what you've got here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59This is an original painting. Late 19th century, 1880, 1890.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01And it's very Russian.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06I suspect it's been a larger panel from the top of a box.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09The Russians were very much into that sort of thing.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12They would make these wonderful papier mache boxes
0:05:12 > 0:05:16and they'd have snow scenes and nobility and Cossacks and so on. But look at the detail here.
0:05:16 > 0:05:22This has been a good artist who has done it. You have individual eye lashes and individual whiskers here.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26What you've got here is a piece of history. These are wonderful items to have.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32It's late 19th century. It's an original painting. It's papier mache. It's Russian.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37If I said at least ?80 to ?120, how does that sound?
0:05:37 > 0:05:40For something I used to use as a coaster, I think that's...
0:05:40 > 0:05:43For something that should be something else,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47and has been cut down, I think that's a pretty fantastic result.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51It's beautifully done and is really collectable at the moment.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55That's a good start. Right, come on, let's see what else we can find.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Have you got any more coasters like that? Sadly, no. Oh, that's a shame.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05I don't think Frances will be putting hot drinks on that one any more.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11The painting gets us off to a cracking start and we're all keeping our minds firmly focused
0:06:11 > 0:06:15on that ?1,000 target as we divide and conquer this beautiful property.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Kim's been hard at work and she's found this swing mirror
0:06:19 > 0:06:21which would have been part of a dressing table set.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Paul hopes it will make ?40 to ?60.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Meanwhile, in the hallway, it looks like our expert might have come up trumps himself.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Frances? Yes, Paul?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32You've a nice card table here.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Do you ever use this one?
0:06:34 > 0:06:38No, I've only recently had it from my parents' house.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43Oh, right, so this isn't something you've bought then. No. It's a proper heirloom then.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48A lot of the furniture I've got in the house has been collected over a period of years,
0:06:49 > 0:06:50A lot of the furniture I've got in the house has been collected over a period of years,
0:06:50 > 0:06:57trying to find the right piece of furniture at the right age to go into the bed and breakfast.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02It's quite a nice example, isn't it? It's a demi-lune, or half circle.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05This dates probably 1890, 1900.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08It's a lot newer than the house, obviously.
0:07:08 > 0:07:15A couple of things to look for. Over a period of time, the surface can get warped and it can "smile".
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Have you heard that expression? No, but I can see what you mean.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Can you see? This is a gap here, it looks like a smile.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25And that can be sorted out, but it is quite a costly job to do.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29And that is quite a problem, Right. But the actual style is lovely.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32You this frieze here. Very classical.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37Do you like it? I notice most of the things in your house tend to be a bit older than this one.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's too young for the house.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45And I thought I had a spot for it, but haven't. Do you use it at all?
0:07:45 > 0:07:51Only as a side table here, and once I got it back, I thought, "Oh, it's not really right for the house."
0:07:51 > 0:07:55With a bit of restoration on this, you could have quite a nice table.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Yes, but would the restoration not be out of kilter with its value?
0:08:00 > 0:08:05It would cost quite a lot to do. But at the end of the day, it's a nice example. It's mahogany.
0:08:05 > 0:08:13It needs a bit of work, but if I said ?80 to ?120? I'd be happy about that.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17It could be a safe bet. Yes!
0:08:17 > 0:08:23Well, we've certainly scored highly on that round with another ?80 in the kitty.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28I leave the rummaging in Paul's capable hands for a while and catch up with our two ladies.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Now, this is absolutely amazing.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35I mean, it is so typically English, isn't it? I mean, this is what most people dream of.
0:08:35 > 0:08:41A chocolate-box cottage and these beautiful gardens. How long have you been here, Frances?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I've been here about 15 years. Was it like this when you moved here?
0:08:44 > 0:08:49No, the garden had a couple of roses and a rhododendron in it,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53and looked absolutely nothing like this whatsoever.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56So, apart from the trees, what did you have to do?
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Well, first of all, I had 28 lorry-loads of dirt taken out.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05I had a JCB in here on three occasions, because on two occasions it sank.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08So we had to get it out before we lost it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:16And gradually, over a period of years, the planting has gone on.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Do you share the love of gardening? No, I don't. Not as much.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26I enjoy walking. And we walk every week and take a map with us and write down where we've been
0:09:26 > 0:09:31and then Frances can print it out when we get back and she gives them to the guests
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and they can go on the same walks as well.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Oh, how lovely. So it's all around here, is it?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Yes, it is. I bet you see some interesting places, don't you?
0:09:39 > 0:09:41We've seen some gorgeous places, yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:47Some of the walks are from here, and others start at various points.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53There's usually a hostelry of some description either at the beginning, the middle or the end.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55And sometimes in all three places.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00Yes. And I won't walk through a field of cows, so we sometimes have to go the long way round!
0:10:02 > 0:10:08So this tree house you're having built, it's not in this tree behind us here, it's in the two up there?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Yes, you walk up the 59 oak steps.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15Wonderful. And you turn to the left up there, and you come to these two oak trees.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19And the reason I don't want a roof on it, because most tree houses have a roof,
0:10:19 > 0:10:24is that because I know I have dormice in the area and dormice live in
0:10:24 > 0:10:29the canopy of the trees for part of their time.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34And, although the chances of seeing a dormouse are remote, in fact,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38almost zilch, it would be nice to feel they're not that far away.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42That's fantastic, isn't it? I can smell the wood fire burning as well.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46I'm hoping Paul has found something we can sell rather than put on the fire.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Shall we go and find out? Yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54It sounds like the tree house will be the perfect finishing touch to Frances's much-loved garden.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So we need to get back to work and make that ?1,000.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Luckily, our man from Morecombe is never one to lose sight of the target
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and he's found an unusual copper beer slops filter.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08He's hoping the bidders raise their glasses on auction day
0:11:08 > 0:11:09and valued it at ?30 to ?40.
0:11:09 > 0:11:15Meanwhile, our tree house fund gets another welcome addition when Frances decides to add
0:11:15 > 0:11:17this wonderful wooden table to the auction.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Paul hopes it will make ?80 to ?100.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24And next door, our expert spotted another piece of furniture.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Kim? Hello. Do you know where this piece of furniture came from?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30This came from an auction. Oh, right.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Did Frances buy many things from auctions?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Yes, she did. She bought this about five or six years ago,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40for the bed and breakfast, to put the teas and coffees on.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43She going for that antique look to match the house?
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Yes, yes. It does blend well with the age of the house.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52Old pieces of furniture are very, very difficult to find in original condition.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55These legs, that's called bobbin turned.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00And that was really fashionable around the year 1600, 1650.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Which is 400 years ago. Oh, wow!
0:12:03 > 0:12:06So I suspect what has happened is this frame here is all original,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09but it has had a replacement top, which you would expect.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13If you look at the bottom, this would have sat on a stone floor
0:12:13 > 0:12:18and it would get damp and people would mop around the floor and it would have got water damage.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20And the base has rotted away.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26So what somebody has done is put on the very small legs on the bottom, to give it a bit of height.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28But the bottom is quite rough, actually.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31So what you've got is a really old piece of furniture.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35It's had a few alterations, and a bit of nip and tuck here and there.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39But it's still a beautiful item and those legs are fantastic.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42So I'd say at least ?100 to ?150. How does that sound?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45It sounds great. All right, let's keep looking.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I'm surprised the table is worth that amount.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52She bought it to put the teas and coffees on it.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I hope it goes for that and I'm glad she's getting rid of it,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57because she has got too much clutter.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Frances's house is proving to be a real treasure trove.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04If we keep this up we're going to be on track for that ?1,000 in no time.
0:13:04 > 0:13:11There's yet another top-drawer furniture find when I spot this lovely table with inlaid marquetry.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17Paul hopes it could make ?80 to ?100 under the hammer.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Meanwhile, our furniture-lover has another room she wants to show Paul.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Paul, there's a rocking chair.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Oh, that's quite a nice one.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30I took a shine to it and realised it had originally been caned.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33And because I have done a bit of caning in the past,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36I thought that would be a job for a winter's evening.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40However, two or three winters have gone, and I still haven't done it.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45You say you've done the caning yourself before. And that's quite a difficult?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47No, it's just time-consuming.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52What I like about this is that it has a great frame. This is probably 1880, 1900.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55It's solid mahogany and it has a lovely patina.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59You can see where the sunlight has hit it that the bottom is dark,
0:13:59 > 0:14:04but where someone has sat on the front here, you can see the wear from the elbows. That's lovely.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08I love to find furniture like that. It has a real lived-in feel to it.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Was it very expensive when you bought it?
0:14:11 > 0:14:13I can't remember what I paid for it.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Probably ?60 or ?70, something like that.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Which I thought was enough for something that needed hours of work.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23What is nice about this one is that the actual rockers aren't huge.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27I've seen rocking chairs before where the stretch comes back here
0:14:27 > 0:14:30and they take up an awful lot of space in the house.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34This looks like a comfortable armchair, but you are able to rock.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38The whole idea was, that when you're not rocking the item backwards and forwards
0:14:38 > 0:14:41it naturally settles where your centre of gravity is.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44So you're constantly in an unstressed state.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49Whereas in an ordinary chair you're quite scrunched up or uncomfortable.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54This one settles so everything is perfect. What a marvellous invention it must have been.
0:14:54 > 0:15:00Well, in its present state I think you're looking at least ?80 to ?120.
0:15:00 > 0:15:06I think done up, you could be looking ?150, maybe ?200.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09But there is hours and hours of work there.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15So it's probably not worth doing. Leave that for somebody else. I think so. A lady of leisure.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Talking of which, let's go and find Lorne!
0:15:19 > 0:15:22I'll have you know, I've been working very hard, Mr Hayes!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24But I will leave you to hold the fort
0:15:24 > 0:15:27because I want to find out a bit more about the lady of the house.
0:15:27 > 0:15:33Before you moved here and set up the bed and breakfast business, what did you do?
0:15:33 > 0:15:40I've been in travel most of my life. Working for an airline and travel company.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45Then I started working as a freelance secretary,
0:15:45 > 0:15:50but during that time I did do up a couple of houses.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Although it took me several years to do up each one and then I moved here.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58When you first found out about this property, what were your thoughts?
0:15:58 > 0:16:03When I first arrived I think I decided I wanted to live here
0:16:03 > 0:16:08before I'd even turned the engine off in my car.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12And I saw it in the morning, had my surveyor over in the afternoon
0:16:12 > 0:16:17and got an offer in by the following morning.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20So I really did fall in love with it hook, line and sinker.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24What was it like when you bought it and what did you have to do to it?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28The renovations took three-and-a-half years.
0:16:28 > 0:16:35The fireplace was blocked in. There was just a 1920s fireplace down at the bottom here.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41And it took several days to unblock the fireplace.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46And to take the paint off the stone here,
0:16:46 > 0:16:53which also revealed these areas where people have sharpened their farm implements
0:16:53 > 0:16:56and kitchen implements over the years.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00And, yes, it was a lovely day when I was finally able
0:17:00 > 0:17:04to light a fire in it and see that it did, in fact, draw.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08It's a shame to have to leave the roaring fire for more rummaging.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12But it's back to work as we need a few more finds before we can put our feet up.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Paul's still on top rummaging form,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17and he's found a lovely bookcase with glazed doors.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It would have once been the top part of a bureau
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and Paul has given it a ?40 to ?60 price tag.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Meanwhile, Kim and I have been tackling one of the guest bedrooms.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Paul? Yes.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Ah, look at that, that's a real antique, isn't it?
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Kim really likes and doesn't think it should be sold.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36But Frances has given us strict instructions that
0:17:36 > 0:17:39everything should be valued so she can decide.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43She's obviously keeping blankets in it, is that what it's for?
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Yes, it's a type of coffer. This would be to keep your prized possessions of the house in.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51It would be used for things like blankets, curtains, textiles
0:17:51 > 0:17:54and they would have been quite expensive commodities.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59Judging by the colour of this, this patina, it's probably 1700, 1680.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02That sort of time. So it's 300 years old.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04They were designed to be part of a dowry.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09If you were getting married you'd keep your possessions here, like a wedding present.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14And I've seen some of them with a date on it, that would say 1679, or 1700,
0:18:14 > 0:18:19and then they'll have two sets of initials and they are the two people who have joined together.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22and their possessions would be kept under lock and key in this box.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27The carcass itself is solid oak and you can see just how deep and thick the oak is on there.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31That's a solid piece of furniture. It will outlive us. It's fantastic.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36What is going on here? It looks like this top has been replaced at some point.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41Ah, yes. I suspect what has happened here is this carcass itself is all original.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45These stretchers are original, because you can see the holes go in the middle.
0:18:45 > 0:18:51But this top looks like the end of a table. Oh, yes. So what sort of value would you put on this then?
0:18:51 > 0:18:53If this was complete, they are a lot harder to find
0:18:53 > 0:18:59and you'd be talking several hundred, but I think, as a nice decorative box.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05It's a good, strong, usable piece of furniture, I'd say ?100 to ?150 is a fair estimate on that one.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Is there a chance, that somebody might buy it and take this top off, as it's not right?
0:19:09 > 0:19:14Is it ever possible to match anything or restore anything like that, if this wood is so old?
0:19:14 > 0:19:20You'd never get it right and people do love to see things in the original condition you find them.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23When you start altering things, the value tends to get lost.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26And you can spend more money that what the final result will be.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30So if it's don't broke, don't fix it, really, just leave it as it is.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32That's the secret. Not a bad result.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I'll have to see whether Frances is up for selling that.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40We'll keep you out the way, so you can't convince her otherwise! Let's see what else we can find.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Another ?100 sitting at the end of the bed.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47There are antiques everywhere you turn in this house,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50and Frances decides to let this wooden cupboard go to auction.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53She bought it from the headquarters of Thomas Cook,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56when she worked there and Paul values it at ?40 to ?60.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59We're almost out of time for today's rummage,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03but I've spotted an item I don't think Mr Hayes would want to miss out on.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Hi, guys. Oh, look at that.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09You're obviously familiar with this, Frances? I am, indeed, yes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13It's absolutely lovely. I've one question before you start, though.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Yes. What's going on here?
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Do you know what they are?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19No, you tell me. They're called Bible boxes.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25They go back to the medieval times when you used to have to hide your family Bibles from visitors.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Oh, that's how you did it! I couldn't see how that operated.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31That's right. That's a traditional item you find.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Nowadays you tend to keep your most precious possessions in there.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39They're hidden away. I take it they're empty and there's nothing in there?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I'm afraid so. There's no Bible either.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47No, this one is the same. But what I love about this one, if I just shut it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51It's made from veneered walnut and that was very expensive.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57If you look at an 18th-century item here, the way the walnut has been done, the piece is quite small
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and it's placed upside down to make a pattern called butterfly veneering.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06Sometimes you get a herringbone effect in the middle here, where they make this wonderful effect.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09That's because it was an expensive wood.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14So they've made the carcass from oak and veneered it with this wonderful walnut. And it has a lovely patina.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18And what is lovely quality about this one is the graduated drawers.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21You've got a small, narrow drawer at the top, getting bigger,
0:21:21 > 0:21:26bigger again, and bigger again and they're all original. Absolutely beautiful.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32If that went to auction I'd love to see that with at least a ?300 to ?500 estimate, just to give it a chance.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36But on the day, somebody might take a shine to it. So it's up to you.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40How would you feel about selling it at the price Paul has said?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I would like to think it would go for a bit more.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48I would like to think for a while as to what sort of reserve ought to go on it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52I think quite a higher reserve than Paul said.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55But it's only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00I'm not 100% sure about this, although it is a beautiful piece of furniture.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04I'll just give Kim a shout, and then we'll see how much we've made. Kim?
0:22:04 > 0:22:10We're not 100% sure whether this is going to auction or not.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15If it does, it's going to have a reserve. But we've run out of time, I'm afraid, for rummaging.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18So it's time to learn how much you may or may not make at auction.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23The value of all the items we know are definitely going to go to auction comes to ?750.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26That's fantastic. Are you pleased with that?
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Yes, it's a good sum.
0:22:27 > 0:22:34But were the bureau to pop up to auction it takes us to ?1,050, which is nearer your target.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38The ?1,000 will be a great help towards the tree house.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41The next time we see you is at the auction house.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Good. Look forward to it. Yes, see you, then. Thank you.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51What a stunning property and what a fantastic collection of antiques we've found inside it today.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54There's the Russian miniature portrait, or is it a coaster?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Which Paul valued at ?80 to ?120.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01And furniture of all shapes and sizes
0:23:01 > 0:23:05from the rustic rocking chair, valued at ?80 to ?120.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09To the elegant card table, also valued at ?80.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12We'll have to wait to see whether Frances decides to sell
0:23:12 > 0:23:15that lovely Queen Anne-style writing bureau.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18With a massive ?300 to ?500 valuation,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21it could take the tree house fund to a luxurious level.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23But will Frances decide to part with it?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Still to come on Cash In The Attic.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Some of our items fail to find new owners.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37I'm very pleased to be taking it home.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Whilst others fly out of the sale room.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41That is good news. Excellent.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Oh, dear, oh, dear. Oh, Lordy!
0:23:44 > 0:23:47But will we have reached our target when the final hammer falls?
0:23:49 > 0:23:54It's been a couple of weeks since we were at Frances's beautiful, quite idyllic country cottage.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58And, with the help of her friend Kim, we've found lots of lovely antiques
0:23:58 > 0:24:01that we've brought here, to Chiswick Auctions in west London.
0:24:01 > 0:24:07Remember, Frances is looking to raise around ?1,000 towards the cost of building a tree house
0:24:07 > 0:24:10so she can enjoy those spectacular countryside views.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16Let's hope when the items go under the hammer, the bidders are prepared to pay sky-high prices.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20It looks like it's shaping up to be another busy day here at Chiswick,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23so I only hope the bidders have come with full wallets.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I find our Paul Hayes eyeing up one of our smallest lots.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Good morning, Paul. Good morning, Lorne. Have you found some bargains?
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Yes, do you remember this little fella? I hope he's not too much of a bargain, because he's lovely.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39The quality is superb. These Russian paintings are fantastic.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44Apparently there has been quite a bit of interest in it. Oh, really? There's a "rush on"(!)
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Oh, no! It's far too early for that.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53We've also got that enormous chest that was at the bottom of the bed,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56but the top was not authentic. No, but it has rustic charm.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01If you live in that lovely house, like our family did the item fits in well.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05One item I haven't seen here yet, is that fabulous bureau.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Remember that lovely bureau?
0:25:07 > 0:25:12I hope they've brought it, because if they haven't we might not make the total.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Which means they might have to break it down to use it to build the tree house!
0:25:16 > 0:25:23We leave the bidders browsing and head off to find our family in the sale room.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24Good morning. Hello. Look at that.
0:25:24 > 0:25:30I wanted to know whether you'd brought the bureau, and the answer is, yes, you have.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's pride of place under the auctioneer's podium.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35You couldn't ask for more, could you?
0:25:35 > 0:25:39But it is still a nice piece. And have you put a reserve on it?
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Yes, I have, the ?300.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Is there anything you'll be sad to see go?
0:25:46 > 0:25:49The only thing I'll be sad to see go is the Russian miniature.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I think it is lovely, but I think it is right to let it go.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56So, are you ready for the auction? Yes. Right, OK.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Let's go and make some money.
0:25:57 > 0:26:04The bidders are ready and waiting and, as the auctioneer takes to the rostrum, we find our places.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09Now, our first lot comes up for sale - the copper beer filter.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11I used to work in a pub and I don't remember these.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13So is this a Victorian piece then?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It must be old. Yes.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19It's solid copper and there's quite a bit of weight there.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25Do you remember it being used? No, I bought it because I thought it was an interesting item.
0:26:25 > 0:26:31I have been told what the proper name is and I've forgotten. Oh, right. That makes two of us!
0:26:31 > 0:26:35?30 to ?40 sounds quite good, because copper is scrapping at a very high price now,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38apart from the fact that this is a lovely antique.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41So let's see if we can attract a few brewiana dealers.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44What is it worth? ?10 for the lot.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Anybody know what they want to do with this for ?10?
0:26:47 > 0:26:52Surely, ?10. A maiden bid and it's going to be sold at ?10.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54At ?10 it goes, 588.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Oh, dear.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00That wasn't very good, was it. Maybe the price of copper's going down, I don't know.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Yes, absolutely fine.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04It's not the most exciting start to our day,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08but it's the first step towards the ?1,000 for Frances's tree house.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Maybe our next lot will have a bit more success, though.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16It's that miniature portrait which Paul valued at ?80 to ?120.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Although Frances is really quite attached to it.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Have you protected it with a reserve? Oh, yes. Which is? ?80.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26What do you think, Paul? I think you're very wise to do that.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30It doesn't take up a lot of room, but it's a beautiful painting.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34You've got the frame at home, if you need to bring it back.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37OK, so we need more than ?80 if this is going to sell.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40A little Russian portrait.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45Start this for ?50. 55, 60, 65. ?65.
0:27:45 > 0:27:4970. ?75. It's still with me at ?75.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51One more and we'll buy it.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54So ?75 then, ?75?
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Not sold.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Is that OK with you? I'm actually very pleased to be taking it home.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05That's fair enough if you like it and you're attached to it.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08One more bid and he would have let that go. But the reserve means ?80.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I'm really happy to be taking the Russian miniature home with me.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It had a reserve of ?80 on it.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20It only got to ?75 and I had a little cheer when it didn't make its reserve.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Frances may be pleased, but it's a blow to our target,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27especially early on in our day.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30It looks like the cupboard might suffer a similar fate.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33?14 for the pot cupboard.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36?14, anybody want? ?14.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38?16, I'll take? For 14.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40At 14? Not sold.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Crikey, this isn't going very well for us today.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46We're three lots in and only ?10 banked.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Our ?1,000 target seems a million miles away.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Surely the first of our furniture items
0:28:51 > 0:28:53will get the bidding back on track?
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Our next lot I think is lovely.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59It's this 19th century demi-lune card table.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Now these are always so elegant, I think.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05What do we want for this, Paul? We're looking at ?80 to ?100.
0:29:05 > 0:29:11Remember, this one was smiling at us? There's always a few smiles here today when it sells.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Is it worth ?50? Start me at ?40.
0:29:13 > 0:29:1640, 45, 50, ?50 for that card table.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18And five?
0:29:18 > 0:29:23At ?50 only? Nobody bidding. At ?50.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Not sold, I'm afraid.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26Oh, that's not sold either.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31Oh, dear, it looks as if the smiling table was a bit too off-putting for these stern bidders.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36Can the lovely rocking chair finally win them over?
0:29:36 > 0:29:40I'm surprised at you selling this, a lovely rocking chair
0:29:40 > 0:29:45by that fantastic fire you had, are you not going to miss that?
0:29:45 > 0:29:49I will, because it's an incredibly comfortable chair to sit on.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53But it does need re-caning
0:29:53 > 0:29:56and I just never seem to get time for these jobs.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Start me at ?40 for the rocking chair.
0:29:58 > 0:30:0240, 45, 50? For ?50 for the rocking chair?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05?55? For ?50. Anybody bidding?
0:30:05 > 0:30:07?50, then? 50?
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Not sold.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12It might be a project you're going to have to take on board now.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It does look like it.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Oh, dear, another item heading back to Sussex with Frances.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24We're having a somewhat disastrous morning and with just one lot left before we break for half-time,
0:30:24 > 0:30:26we're hoping for a few more pounds.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Our next lot is another piece of furniture.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32It's the display cabinet.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34What do you want for that, Paul?
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Anything, obviously will do!
0:30:36 > 0:30:40?40? A useful piece of furniture. You can put anything in it.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45These items are worth this sort of money and you can't force people to buy them, can you?
0:30:45 > 0:30:49And we don't want to give them away. No. So let's hope for ?40. OK!
0:30:49 > 0:30:52?10 for the display cabinet surely?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54?12.
0:30:56 > 0:30:5814? 14 there.
0:30:58 > 0:31:0016?
0:31:00 > 0:31:02?18. Nearest to us at ?18.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06It's being sold for ?18. 20 there?
0:31:06 > 0:31:11At ?20 then in front of me ?20.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13284.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15?20!
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Goodness.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21It may be underestimate but Frances is being practical.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24It's just nice to sell something this morning.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29It took up space in my kitchen and I wanted to get rid of it.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31We're relieved to have made a sale.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Before we head off for a cuppa, let's see how we've done so far.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38I don't think I'm going to need a calculator for this one.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44Now, I know you wanted ?1,000 towards the cost of the tree house, but frankly, I think
0:31:44 > 0:31:49we might have been better off buying all the furniture here and building it ourselves!
0:31:49 > 0:31:51We've had a bad time on the furniture front, haven't we?
0:31:51 > 0:31:56I know, but at least the furniture is out of the house and I've got some space to swing a cat.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01I thought you were going to say you'd got some space to swing an expert.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04What's going on? You know, no two auctions are the same.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07On another day you'd do well with those pieces.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10The auctioneer is struggling with lots of furniture today.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14On another day I think you would have got a good price for all of those.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17He's done you a favour by not giving them away.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Yes, but unfortunately we did want ?1,000 and so far we've only made...
0:32:21 > 0:32:27I don't think I've ever known such a low amount... ?30. I'm so sorry.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Well, it's a good thing I've got a bed and breakfast that's successful, isn't it?
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Well, we've got a bit of a break until the second half of the auction,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38so let's hope we can make up the difference.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40You've spotted a few items. I have, my career, lot 27!
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Oh, let's go and have a look. Come on.
0:32:43 > 0:32:50While the ladies take a break, our Mr Hayes seems to have been distracted by some champagne,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54although, quite what we have to celebrate so far, I've no idea.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59Paul, I've always wondered about these vintage bottles, what have you got?
0:32:59 > 0:33:03These were in the garden shed belonging to a wine merchant.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07They must have been his best stash. A bottle of champagne from 1964.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10That's the year before... No, I wasn't born then.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Anyway, what else have you got there?
0:33:12 > 0:33:18The one I really like is this bottle of wine which was made in France in 1945. Oh, right.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22If you can imagine, at the end of the war, why wasn't this drunk as a celebration?
0:33:22 > 0:33:27So that's a very rare find indeed. And Chateau La Tour is very good.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31I'm not a great wine drinker. Not a brilliant wine drinker or champagne drinker,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35but I can see there is a good few quid here. And they're ?50 to ?80.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39I bought lots like this before because they make brilliant presents.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45If you know people who do enjoy a glass of wine or a whisky, Well, at ?50 there's potential there.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50They might be a bargain buy? Definitely. All right, let's see what happens.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59If you're planning on heading to auction, remember that charges such as commission will be added
0:33:59 > 0:34:02so check the details with your local sale room.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07The second half of the auction is already under way when we get back and after the morning,
0:34:07 > 0:34:13we're hoping for a change in fortune. First under the hammer is the wooden swing mirror.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15We're looking for ?40 to ?60 for this pretty lot.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Have a look at that, is it worth ?20?
0:34:18 > 0:34:2020? 20 I'm bid.
0:34:20 > 0:34:2622, 24, 26, 28, ?28 there. At ?28.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30At ?28. 30, now I'm bid. 32?
0:34:30 > 0:34:3134.
0:34:31 > 0:34:3636. ?36 there in the cap. At ?36?
0:34:36 > 0:34:39All done at ?36.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41GAVEL BANGS
0:34:41 > 0:34:43?36. Phew! That's more like it, isn't it?
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Thank goodness.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Only slightly short of Paul's ?40 estimate
0:34:48 > 0:34:52and ?6 more than our entire earnings from the first half.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56We've five furniture lots to sell now and after our bad luck,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59we need to keep everything crossed. The blanket box is up first.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03This really is a great item.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06It's hundreds of years old, if it could only tell a story.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10It has got a replacement top, but we're looking for about ?100.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I'm bid ?80 to start, with me. 85?
0:35:12 > 0:35:1890. 100. 110. 120?
0:35:18 > 0:35:22?120 for that coffer. At ?120.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25At ?120 with me at ?120.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28At 120, then? Selling it for ?120.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29Oh, that's great.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31That's more like it.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35The first of our items to make over Paul's lowest estimate
0:35:35 > 0:35:39and the first big step towards the ?1,000 for Frances's tree house.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Our circular table with large spiral support
0:35:42 > 0:35:44doesn't manage to pull in quite so many pounds.
0:35:44 > 0:35:5038, to my right. At ?38, it's still cheap for ?38. It can be sold, though.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Selling then. At ?38 it goes.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Failing to achieve even half its lowest estimate,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58but with every pound counting today,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01it's nonetheless an addition to our kitty.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Maybe our next table will cause more of a stir in the sale room.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Now, next it's furniture, we seem to be sticking with a theme.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13It's an "oak side table with a single drawer and bobbin-turned supports.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16"Elements of the 17th century." Do explain that to me!
0:36:16 > 0:36:20What does that mean? Well, there are parts of it that are from the 17th century,
0:36:20 > 0:36:24but over time bits have been replaced. But the actual frame is great.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29And those bobbin legs are fantastic. Different, and people love to have different furniture.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Is that why we've got ?100 to ?150 on it? That's right.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35But it is a real antique. It's 300 years old. Wow!
0:36:35 > 0:36:39248, this has got some fantastic bit of turning on the legs.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Have a look at that. 248.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45I've got a little bit of commission interest to start us off at ?80.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50At ?80. 90. 95. 100.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53110.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55In the stripes at ?110. Is that all?
0:36:55 > 0:36:57At ?110.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02It's going to be sold then for ?110. At ?110 it goes then.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06120. ?120 then.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11All done? 130. ?130 now.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13With the lady still at ?130.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Sure done and finished ?130.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20?130! Wow, that's great, isn't it?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Life's picking up! Getting better.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28The table with the bobbin legs has gone for ?130 and that is marvellous.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33I think we are beginning to move now.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35That's a fantastic result.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39It seems like the furniture buyers are coming out of the woodwork!
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Will they dig as deep for our next furniture lot, though?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45The next lot is the marquetry table.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49This is lovely, isn't it, Paul? This is one of the better styles,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Inlay with the beautiful flower in the middle.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Yes, ?80 we're looking for on this one.
0:37:54 > 0:37:5675 for the little table. At 75?
0:37:56 > 0:37:5880. 85.
0:37:58 > 0:38:0090. 95.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01100 in the room.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04At ?100. At ?100 in the room. At 100.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06It seems still cheap. 110?
0:38:06 > 0:38:08?110. 120 with the lady.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Not expensive at ?120
0:38:11 > 0:38:13but it can be sold.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Going then, at ?120, it sells.
0:38:15 > 0:38:21?120, well, that's a bit more like it. Are you pleased with that?
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Oh, yes, very.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26That's a great addition to our tree-house fund
0:38:26 > 0:38:30and the first of our lots to exceed Paul's highest estimate today!
0:38:30 > 0:38:33We're almost at the end of this rather unpredictable sale,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37but not before our highly-valued lot takes centre stage.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41The Queen Anne-style writing bureau which Paul valued at ?300 to ?500.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45It was tugging at Frances's heartstrings to part with this one.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I hope the sale room digs deep.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51Now it's our piece de resistance, that lovely bureau.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I hope people have spotted the inside as it had those secret drawers.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Yes, the interior is fantastic. And the exterior as well.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04Normally, those bits would have lifted and bits of damage on it. It says, "In Queen Anne style,"
0:39:04 > 0:39:06what does that mean? It's not of the period.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11If that was very early 18th century or earlier, you're looking at quite a lot of money.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14It's a lot later, but it's still a nice example, isn't it?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16A bit of interest in this lot again.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21No point in starting it below ?280. We're off to a good start at ?280.
0:39:21 > 0:39:28290. With me at ?300. 320? 340?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31360. 380.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36400. In the room then at ?400. At ?400. Anybody else want to come in?
0:39:36 > 0:39:40It's ?400 and 20 I'll take? No. ?400, it sells then.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Oh, ?400. That's superb.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45I'm really pleased with that.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Are you? Yes. I am.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Excellent. Oh, dear me. Oh, Lordy!
0:39:50 > 0:39:55Wow, what a relief, almost half our target in one sale.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58But was it enough to get us near the ?1,000?
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Now, obviously you live in the most amazing cottage.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05I know you've worked hard to make it what it is today.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07But it would be fantastic to get that tree house.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Do you think you're anywhere near your ?1,000 target?
0:40:10 > 0:40:15I would be amazed if it was anywhere near the ?1,000, but I'll still have the tree house.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Well, you've got ?874 towards it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23That's not so bad after all, is it? No, I'm quite amazed really.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26We've got quite a lot unsold and we managed to make that much money.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I don't know whether I'm pleased or relieved.
0:40:36 > 0:40:42A few weeks after raising ?874 on that roller-coaster day at auction,
0:40:42 > 0:40:48the time has finally come for Frances to splash out and get work started on the tree house.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54Since the auction I've been in touch with a local company who are now making good progress.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57They were rained off, because the weather has been so atrocious.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03But now progress is good and we're on course for an early finish.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05How are you getting on at the moment?
0:41:05 > 0:41:12We've got all the main support struts in now, and concreted in down here, because of this slope.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14It's a very steep slope.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18But the main structure is held by these two oak trees and they're holding the thing together.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29A couple of weeks later and the final touches are being made.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31The tree house is really taking shape.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Just in time for its first visitor.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38I can't wait to get up to the tree house and look at the views.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I've waited for weeks watching them build it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So it's going to be great when we get up here, I'm sure.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47It looks good.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It may not quite be the weather for a gin and tonic,
0:41:50 > 0:41:54but both ladies seem pretty impressed with the result.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Ah, isn't it wonderful?
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Look at the workmanship. It's really great. And the view.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03And the views!
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Ah. I think it's better than expected up here.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10The views are stunning and you see a lot more than I expected to see.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13There's a lake in the distance.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16And the garden and the house look splendid from here.
0:42:16 > 0:42:22So I'm hoping that I can bring the children up and they'll enjoy some of the summer holidays up here.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27The tree house is absolutely splendid. It's more than...
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Well, it's much better than I thought it was going to be.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34I excited about it, and people are asking me whether it's for the children.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37But it's not, it's for the child in me!
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd