0:00:02 > 0:00:05Across the country, empty properties that could be homes are just waiting
0:00:05 > 0:00:06to be brought back into use.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09I'll be finding out why and what you need to do
0:00:09 > 0:00:11to rescue a house for yourself.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14And along the way, we'll be following the property detectives,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17who track down the owners of these forgotten houses
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and help breathe new life into the communities blighted by them.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22And I'll be doing some digging of my own
0:00:22 > 0:00:25to find out more about our housing stock,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28our heritage and why we should both be preserving and reinventing
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Britain's empty homes.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43When it comes to buying a home, there are few things more rewarding
0:00:43 > 0:00:46than taking on an empty property and giving it a new lease of life.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And, of course, if you do jump straight into a big renovation,
0:00:50 > 0:00:51you can make it a perfect fit,
0:00:51 > 0:00:55tailoring the property to meet your every need.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01On today's show, I'll be meeting a couple
0:01:01 > 0:01:04who've just bought their ideal retirement home
0:01:04 > 0:01:09and plan to overhaul it to match their new laid-back lifestyle.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Where would everything go, roughly?
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- Haven't got a clue.- Right, OK.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14I'll be visiting an area in Lancashire
0:01:14 > 0:01:17at the beginning of a regeneration which will bring
0:01:17 > 0:01:19life back to these abandoned streets.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23And we'll be following one of Britain's Empty Property Officers
0:01:23 > 0:01:28in Suffolk working to bring forgotten houses back into use.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33We've got a food source down here. We've got old cans of dog food.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35It's kind of set up for rats.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37I can see why there has been complaints.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44Having recently retired,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47John and Sue Derham were on the lookout for a property
0:01:47 > 0:01:50that would fulfil their dreams of moving to Somerset
0:01:50 > 0:01:52and custom-renovating a home.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57And just recently, they found the very house.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02This move is the last move we're going to do.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- I hope.- We hope, yes.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09So we were thinking practically that we need to be ground floor.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13This classic 1960s bungalow lies in a sleepy village.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17From the outside, it's an attractive proposition,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19but inside doesn't quite match the Derhams' needs.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22We're at a time in our lives
0:02:22 > 0:02:25when we're trying to cut down on bills and things like that,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28so we need to make the building work for us.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31We're absolutely considering reconfiguring the whole footprint,
0:02:31 > 0:02:32the whole plan.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37We just need to reshape it so that we've got proper rooms,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41rather than going out of one door, along a corridor and into another.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46It's clear the current layout doesn't quite work for the couple,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and they are anxious to get it right the first time.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53My main worry, I think, is where they're going to replace the staircase.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57The staircase there at the moment is extremely dangerous.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Always like to look at new ideas
0:03:00 > 0:03:04and see the things that we might have missed.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10We can put our own mark on it, do exactly what we want to with it,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15and make it a comfortable place for us to live in.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20I'm meeting John and Sue at their new bungalow,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22where I can hopefully help them figure out
0:03:22 > 0:03:23their next step in the process.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- Hello, guys.- Hello, Joe.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Nice to meet you. - Pleased to meet you.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- How are you doing?- Fine, thanks. - Congratulations.- Thank you.- Yes!
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I understand you've just literally, a few days ago, got this place.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34That's right. Yes, we have.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- How does that feel? - We're very pleased.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Now, what state's it in?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Does it need a bit of work? Are you keen to do something to it?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Lots of work.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It needs dragging into the 21st century.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46I think we should go and have a look.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47- Yeah.- All right, lead the way.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52The Derhams recently sold their five-bedroom house in Oxfordshire
0:03:52 > 0:03:53to fund this project,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and they are already brimming with ideas and plans.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Right. So.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Take me through the layout, then. We're standing in...
0:04:01 > 0:04:04From what I can see here, it would be a master bedroom, would it?
0:04:04 > 0:04:05- That's right.- Absolutely.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Yes, this part was extended, which has made a very big room.
0:04:09 > 0:04:10Yeah, it has. Really huge.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12It's got en suite as well.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13- Yes.- A big en suite, yes.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16We feel it'd actually make a very good kitchen-diner, this area.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Right!
0:04:17 > 0:04:20So if this wasn't your master bedroom, where would that be?
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- At the back. - Where the kitchen is now.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24OK, so it's like a diagonal swap?
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- Yes.- So where would everything go, roughly?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Haven't got a clue!- Right, OK. - No idea.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But we've got a good architect on board,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and we're hoping he's going to come up with some really good ideas.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37We obviously don't want to be railroaded into his ideas.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41It's our house, and we need it to remain our house.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And we may put the hallway through in that part.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Well, if you move the hall, what would happen to the staircase?
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- It'd probably take up part of what is now the kitchen, I think.- Yes.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Which is going to be one of your bedrooms.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55We have lots of thoughts,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58it's just how we convert that into the final product now.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And within the constraints of the budget.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Very, very good. OK. Well, look,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05if we go to where the kitchen is now, which will be swapped,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07we'll look at that, shall we?
0:05:07 > 0:05:08- BOTH: OK.- Great, after you.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10It's clear the couple are planning
0:05:10 > 0:05:12to reconfigure the downstairs layout completely,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and while they're not novices,
0:05:14 > 0:05:19it's been 25 years since they took on a big project like this.
0:05:19 > 0:05:20And this is the kitchen.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Ah, OK. So, the existing kitchen.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23BOTH: Yeah.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26So this now goes over there, where there's more space,
0:05:26 > 0:05:27and this becomes a bedroom.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- Partly bedroom, partly study, I think.- OK.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So, a big project. How much is it going to cost?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37How much do you budget for something like this?
0:05:37 > 0:05:43Our initial thinking is it'll be somewhere between 80 and £100,000.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45All up. That's everything.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48We have done it before, so we've got some idea,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50but, of course, costs have changed a lot
0:05:50 > 0:05:52in 25 years since we last built.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- Yeah.- So we are hoping that that's going to be enough.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59And a contingency fund hopefully in there as well?
0:05:59 > 0:06:01A little contingency, we hope, yes.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02OK. Shall we continue?
0:06:02 > 0:06:04OK.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11This is lovely. It's a bit of a sun trap,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and it's a really nice size.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15I imagine there's a lot you could do with this.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Yes, we both enjoy the garden, both enjoy pottering.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20This is a very manageable size.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Yeah. So, I know there's some money concerns,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24because you want to keep it on track and on budget.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27You want to get in and get it done reasonably quickly, don't you?
0:06:27 > 0:06:28BOTH: Yes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31And you've got to nail this layout to get it right first time.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34So it'll be really good for you to see another property.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37It's very similar, also a bungalow, had a complete transformation.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39There's a lot you can take away, even things you don't like.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- That means you can rule something out.- True, yes.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44So have a look at the light,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46the fittings and fixtures, how the layout works.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49See what you like and don't like, and see what you can take away.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Right.- OK.- How's that sound?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Great. Yes.- Yeah?
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00A problem affecting many areas right across the UK is
0:07:00 > 0:07:03that of derelict and abandoned buildings.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Often attracting unwanted attention, they can become
0:07:05 > 0:07:08a cause for concern for local residents.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13Fortunately, many councils have a dedicated team of people
0:07:13 > 0:07:16who find these properties and take on the task of getting them
0:07:16 > 0:07:17lived in again.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22And in Waveney, north-east Suffolk, Jason Hall is doing just that.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25He's an Empty Property Officer on the trail of a new case.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Today, I'm going to a property that I believe to be a long-term empty.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34I've carried out a Land Registry check to see who the owner was
0:07:34 > 0:07:35and attempted to contact them,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38but have been told that they're not the owner.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40So today, I really need to go down to the property,
0:07:40 > 0:07:41have a little look around
0:07:41 > 0:07:43and see if I can obtain any more information
0:07:43 > 0:07:46with regards to who is the owner of the property.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49This end of terrace house lies beside a busy road,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51and for many arriving into the area by car,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54this is one of the first sights they'll see.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59OK, the door looks really weathered, very old,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02and it's not had anything done to it for quite some time.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05They've got some rotten sections around it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08We've got Georgian wire in the front here,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11so that's quite secure, and it's locked up quite well.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16And inside, it just looks like it's being used as storage.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18There are quite a few letters in there,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20but I can't see anything with a name on it.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25The main issues local people have reported to Jason
0:08:25 > 0:08:29include fly tipping and vermin in the back garden.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35With the complaint of rats, we've got a food source down here,
0:08:35 > 0:08:40we've got old cans of dog food.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44There's also dirty nappies that have been left down here.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46It's kind of set up for rats.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I can see why there has been complaints regarding it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58This building here is just an old, disused toilet.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59If we've got a rat problem,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01the main issue with that being there is,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05if it's still connected to the drains at the back here,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09then it's a route in and out of the sewers for any rats.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12That needs to be capped off to make sure nothing can get in and out.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15The house is known locally to be empty,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18but there's a possibility someone could be living there.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22This window's looking into the kitchen.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Very strange in its set-up,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26in that it looks like it's still being lived in.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28There's food, there's breakfast cereals,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31there's everything in there that a normal kitchen would have,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34but it's just been walked out and left.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39With the preliminary search completed,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Jason heads back to the office to ascertain if anyone is legally living there.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47Terry, it's Jason...
0:09:47 > 0:09:50He's hoping a call to the council-tax office may provide
0:09:50 > 0:09:51the information he needs.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Yeah. Thank you, bye-bye.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59We've now established that the property has been empty since 2008.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02She's moved to a different address, of which I've just been informed.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04That's where we'll serve her notices,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and we'll see if we can get the work carried out as soon as possible.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Since filming,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13the property has been bought by a developer, who's now renovating.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19The people who take on empty properties
0:10:19 > 0:10:21often share the same attributes.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23They're determined, they're imaginative
0:10:23 > 0:10:25and they're not afraid of a bit of hard work.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Because abandoned dwellings demand a lot from their new owners.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Thankfully, though, when the dust has settled,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34the transformation is complete, it's all over,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36there are rarely any regrets.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41That's exactly how Carole Layfield felt
0:10:41 > 0:10:44when she and her family took on this derelict barn in Nottinghamshire.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47When I first walked in,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49the whole of both rooms were knee-deep
0:10:49 > 0:10:55in all sorts of animal rubbish and old hutches, old bits of wire,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57but we didn't really notice any of that, to be honest.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01We came and looked and said, "Oh, what lovely beams. Oh, it's nice and high here,"
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and, "Oh, we could do this and this." But it was a huge job.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06It took about a month to clear it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09The barn had been empty for several years
0:11:09 > 0:11:13before the Layfields paid £275,000 for it.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Not everyone was convinced it was such a good idea.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19A lot of our friends thought we were bonkers,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24and I don't think very many people understood what we saw,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26and I don't really know why we saw it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29We're certainly not terribly creative in that way.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31We've never done anything like this before.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It didn't really daunt us terribly.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35We just thought, "Oh, yes, we could use this for this
0:11:35 > 0:11:38"and we could do that for that." And we just plunged in.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44One year later, the family had a home most people only dream of,
0:11:44 > 0:11:50with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a beautiful open-plan kitchen-diner
0:11:50 > 0:11:52and even a room for their teenage sons.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Keeping the budget under control can be a full-time job in itself,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02but the Layfields managed to pull off what many find impossible.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08We had a budget of 300,000, and we stayed in budget, which was amazing.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09I don't really know how we did that,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12because managing the budget was not easy.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16The builder and I sat in the kitchen for hours on end,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20writing endless lists of where the money was going,
0:12:20 > 0:12:21but it was all very vague, really,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25because everything that's expensive
0:12:25 > 0:12:27that goes into doing a building like this
0:12:27 > 0:12:31gets hidden under the floor or in the walls,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33so that when you come to the end of the building,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36there's very little left for all the pretty bits,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and probably that's what we didn't take into account enough,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42that you have to be careful that your budget doesn't run out.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Perhaps one of the reasons
0:12:44 > 0:12:46the couple had such a successful renovation is that
0:12:46 > 0:12:48they were aware of their weaknesses
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and made sure they hired the right people.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54The key thing is to have a good builder and a good project manager.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Because we didn't know enough.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58We didn't know how things fit together,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00we don't know which order to do things in.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04So that was extremely important, but I also think that he couldn't have
0:13:04 > 0:13:05done it without us being here either,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08because nobody's ideas are your ideas,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10and there were quite a few things where the builder would say,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12"I've asked the chap to come and do the doors,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14"and we've got eight panels in that door,"
0:13:14 > 0:13:16and we'd say, "No, I just want a big piece of glass."
0:13:16 > 0:13:20And so they were only small things, but I think
0:13:20 > 0:13:23most of the day-to-day progress of the building
0:13:23 > 0:13:26will have hinged on having a good builder.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29And now that the paint has dried and life is back to normal,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32the house suits the Layfields perfectly.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Certainly, we're really pleased with the way it's all turned out
0:13:35 > 0:13:37as a family house,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39and we can all live here and live in our own space
0:13:39 > 0:13:40and we can all get on with
0:13:40 > 0:13:43what we're doing with enough room around us, really.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46And I love that.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53In some areas of the UK,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57rows of empty and boarded-up houses blot the landscape.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Due to the decline in local industry
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and the economic downturn, these streets have been abandoned.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06But a project here in the north-west is breathing life
0:14:06 > 0:14:08back into one such area.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12This part of Pendle in Lancashire is on the up.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13The community here is expanding
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and there are plans for a new school,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18but just six years ago, it was a very different story.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23In 2006, Pendle went through a big change.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Many of these houses did not meet modern living standards
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and were deemed unsuitable for tenants.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Thankfully, the area is being revived,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37and the local council is bringing people back.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40I'm meeting Senior Regeneration Officer Iftekhar Bokhari
0:14:40 > 0:14:42to hear all about it.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46You've had a real problem here with derelict, empty properties.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47What's happened?
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Properties in this area are
0:14:49 > 0:14:51predominantly two-bedroom terraced houses,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55and the housing, what was built in 1880, is not actually suitable for modern-day living today.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Now, here we have Every Street,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01and that seemed to be the focal point of your development.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02Why there? Why start with that?
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Well, the whole block was completely derelict,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and we felt the fact that we needed to concentrate on that block
0:15:09 > 0:15:12and bring that block up to a particular standard.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14So, what did you do? What solution did you come up with?
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The solution that we came up with was that we were going to retain
0:15:17 > 0:15:20the properties and bring them up to heritage standards.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Second thing was to actually create that variety
0:15:22 > 0:15:26to make sure that the housing reflected the needs of the community,
0:15:26 > 0:15:27so we're going to go to two-into-ones.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So, in other words, creating two-bedroom, four-bedroom,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33six-bedroom houses in an area that was
0:15:33 > 0:15:35predominantly two-bedroom houses.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37And this street's a really good example, isn't it?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- This is what you were dealing with before.- Exactly.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41So you've just got the row of derelicts.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44These have just been finished, final lick of paint going on,
0:15:44 > 0:15:45ready for families to move in.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Shall we take a look inside one? - Yes, why not?
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Oh, wow. It's very smart.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59So, you've got a front room there.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03This is a kitchen, also a big dining room. It's knocked through,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and that would be one property originally,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- but you've knocked through to make it two properties into one? - That's right.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10And upstairs, you've got four bedrooms.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11And a family bathroom.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13My goodness. And this is on the market for how much?
0:16:13 > 0:16:15It's on the market for 135.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Wow, OK. And in terms of money,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19you would say you spent far more than 135
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- renovating this and bringing it up to scratch?- We have, yes.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25So the idea is that we're putting the investment in now
0:16:25 > 0:16:28that for next 30, 40, 50 years,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31we have a sustainable community making full use of these houses,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33and as and when their circumstances change,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36the houses are flexible enough to accommodate for that.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The council hopes to bring 200 boarded-up houses
0:16:39 > 0:16:42back into use to build a real community
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and eradicate these ghost streets for good.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48What's happened here in Pendle is really important.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50It shows that large numbers of empty properties can be
0:16:50 > 0:16:51brought back to life.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54You don't have to go down the demolition route.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55Of course, it takes money,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57but you can't put a price on the fact that,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00now, people want to live here again.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04So, finally, a real community is being re-established.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Back in Devon, I'm with John and Sue,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14who have recently bought a 1960s bungalow
0:17:14 > 0:17:17they plan to completely reconfigure.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20To help them decide on the layout, I'm going to introduce them
0:17:20 > 0:17:23to a couple who also renovated a bungalow,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27but did something quite different to what the Derhams have in mind.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Right, guys. This is the place I want you to see.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33As you can see, it's a bungalow, a bit later than yours, 1970s,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37really good one for you to look at, cos it laid empty for 18 months.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Needed a complete renovation, new windows, new doors, everything.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42It's quite big, maybe a touch bigger than yours,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44but I think you'll like the layout.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46It's quite different, how they've used the space.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Retired restaurateurs Carolynne Kortzeenietz and Karl Heinz
0:17:50 > 0:17:55bought this dilapidated villa-style bungalow in 2004
0:17:55 > 0:17:57and set out on a renovation
0:17:57 > 0:18:00that would take them seven years to fully complete.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04The property itself was in a sad and neglected state
0:18:04 > 0:18:05when we first saw it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10It just looked unloved, uncared for and neglected, and dirty,
0:18:10 > 0:18:15but you can see by the wonderful garden
0:18:15 > 0:18:18and by the beautiful view that it had such potential,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20we just fell in love with it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25The location was undeniably a huge draw
0:18:25 > 0:18:28for the couple, who have maximised the available light and view
0:18:28 > 0:18:32to create a bright open-plan three-bedroom home.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38We did do quite a lot of work with the conservatory area,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42because that at the beginning was just a lean-to conservatory,
0:18:42 > 0:18:43so that had to come down,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and there was a great deal of thought spent on that,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and the rest of it was pretty much left as it was by room,
0:18:50 > 0:18:55but just decorated and the bathrooms and the kitchen were put in new.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59And one thing Carolynne's learnt from the experience is
0:18:59 > 0:19:01to hire the right people.
0:19:02 > 0:19:08The renovations were stressful only to the point of being tired
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and finding the correct people,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15the correct tradesmen to do the job to the satisfaction we wanted.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18That was the most stressful thing.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21When I think back to how the property was,
0:19:21 > 0:19:25now, it's absolutely amazing.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28We just love living here. It's absolutely fantastic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Oh, wow. Oh, that's beautiful.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Oh, look at the view.- Yes!
0:19:37 > 0:19:42So much lovely, natural light, and a feeling of space. Beautiful.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Fantastic. How is it you get so much light?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Obviously, you've got a lot of glass here,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48but how do you keep bringing it through?
0:19:48 > 0:19:50What tips do you have there?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Well, yes, obviously we've got this huge conservatory with this big, high roof,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56which brings in a lot of light. A lot of light furniture.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Sort of painted a lot of furniture as well, actually.- Oh, right.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Yes, to make it light. Kept playing around with it all the time.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- Yes, I was just wondering whether we should go open-plan.- Oh, right!
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- It's a big change. - Another wall gone.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Were you going through the process these guys are going through now, where you think one day,
0:20:14 > 0:20:15"OK, we'll do that there
0:20:15 > 0:20:17"and have that there," and then you come back to it,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20"No, actually, that's got to go back there"?
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Oh, yeah, absolutely. Constantly. Absolutely.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25We would discuss and think and change all the time.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I mean, you have to throw ideas at one another, don't you?- Yes, yes.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30And bounce off one another about what you're going to do,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33what you think is right, and what he thinks is right.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Yes.- You're not going to agree all the time, are you?- No.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Staircases, for example!
0:20:37 > 0:20:40You might have different views on that, or whatever.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- And the point here really is a point of considering all the options.- Yes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48We need to spend time there and look at the plans
0:20:48 > 0:20:51and walk through the plans and make sure they are going to work.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Lovely. Well, I think we should see some more, shall we?- OK, yes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Do you want to lead us through, Carolynne?- Yes.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- Oh, this is lovely. - This is nice, isn't it?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- So, this is the master bedroom? - Yes.- It's lovely.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It's a really nice view, isn't it?
0:21:09 > 0:21:11And if you've got this nice bedroom to come to,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- then you've got your private space as well.- Other options.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17It just shows even with open plan, you can divvy up
0:21:17 > 0:21:20and have more private, cosy corners to rooms.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- Yeah.- So let's talk about budget. It was a very big project.- Yes.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26- Took a long time.- Yes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Did you have any idea of what it would cost?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- What did it end up costing? - I think around 80,000
0:21:30 > 0:21:33in the end, really, the majority of which went on the windows
0:21:33 > 0:21:35and the conservatory, obviously.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- And the kitchen and the two bathrooms.- That gives me
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- some hope, then, I think.- Well, it certainly is within the ballpark
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- you were talking about, isn't it?- It's good.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46When it comes to bringing an empty building back to life
0:21:46 > 0:21:48and working with what you have,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51and I suppose, to some extent, being flexible,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54what is it they have to bear in mind? Is it perseverance?
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Is it just trying to stay very buoyant and positive
0:21:56 > 0:21:58even though it can be a long project?
0:21:58 > 0:21:59Yeah, positive. Yes, yeah.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Enjoying every day and being pleased with what you've done that day,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and if things don't go quite right, well, it doesn't really matter,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- does it?- No.- I always say don't worry about it,
0:22:08 > 0:22:09you can always put it right.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- It's not life-threatening.- Exactly.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Yeah.- Yeah.- Well, look, thank you very much.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- You're welcome.- Very helpful.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Back in Waveney, north-east Suffolk,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Empty Property Officer Jason Hall is on his way
0:22:23 > 0:22:25to check up on a house he knows well.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27It was vacant for three years
0:22:27 > 0:22:29until a local developer bought it,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32and, with a grant from the council, is now
0:22:32 > 0:22:34in the throes of redeveloping the house.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Today, basically, I'm going along to have a look at progress,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39to see how the works are going
0:22:39 > 0:22:42so we can get some people moved into the property.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Jason is meeting the developer, Philip,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47to see how the plans are coming along and to find out
0:22:47 > 0:22:50when new tenants will be able to move in.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Hi, Philip. How are you?- All right.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Much of the house was not only uninhabitable, it was also unsafe.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02While there's still a lot to do,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05things have clearly moved on since Jason's last visit.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It looks a lot different out here.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12I take it that's obviously a new addition.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14What have you done on the roof?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16I've reroofed it and reinsulated the roof.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- OK.- Put a new dormer on.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19Yeah. What's in the dormer?
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- That'll be a shower room up there.- OK.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23The windows have all been replaced.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- This room here, from memory, this was the old kitchen, was it?- Yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Obviously, you've taken the whole lot down. What's it going to be?
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- This'll be kitchen, small utility room and a bathroom.- Yeah.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38There's lots going on. Have you come across any problems?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Main problem is this entire house is built on filled land,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44so we had to go down six feet to hit sound soil
0:23:44 > 0:23:45to put the foundations in.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48But we've got past that stage now.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Obviously, there's a lot of stuff gone on in here.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02There was a large hole in this room, wasn't there?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Yeah, well, the roof had gone above, pigeons were getting in.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08We stripped the ceiling out, renewed the ceiling,
0:24:08 > 0:24:09it's been rewired,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- and basically, that's ready for decoration.- Fantastic.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14- Thank you.- Great.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Along with those changes, new foundations have been laid,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and also a new staircase has been installed to allow for safe access
0:24:24 > 0:24:26to the top floor of the property.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Wow, this one's a lot different to when I came last as well.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33I mean, that section there was all timber, falling in,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35broken, wasn't it?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- That's where the pigeons were getting in.- Yeah, I remember it.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Skirtings to match the character of the house.- Yes.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- So, the taller ones, yeah? - Yeah, taller skirtings.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Big question now is when's it going to be finished?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Well, the extension goes up next week,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51so I reckon you're talking six weeks, two months at the outside.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Not too long to wait now, then.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54- No.- Excellent.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58You can see from now, the way it is and the way it's coming together,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00it's going to make a fantastic family home, and yeah,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03we can't wait to get some people in it. Excellent. Thank you.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Thanks. Cheers.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Today's visit went really well.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13When I think back six months ago, it was in a real mess.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15It was a local dumping ground, it had been empty for years,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18but once it is completed, it'll look absolutely fantastic
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and make a lovely family home for someone off our waiting list.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40I've been with John and Sue, who have found their ideal bungalow
0:25:40 > 0:25:42in Somerset, which they plan to customise.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45They've been getting some useful advice from Carolynne,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47who carried out a similar redesign.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Having seen this place, how are you feeling about your project?
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- Excited, yes. Looking forward to getting started.- Absolutely.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Yeah, I think it has shown me, certainly,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01that there are some factors we hadn't thought about before.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Good, and particularly open-plan.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- You seemed quite taken with that today.- Yes, yes.- Yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Has it helped you visualise steps forward?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Because you've got to remember,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13this place probably looked very similar to how yours looked now,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and yet it has been transformed.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Hopefully, we can achieve something, you know...
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Somewhat approaching...- Yeah.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Yeah. Well, I'm really pleased your day has been useful.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23You've got a great place.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It's going to suit you perfectly for years to come.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- You just have to get that layout right, don't you?- Absolutely, yes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Here, you've got lots of ideas. I'm pleased you're taking that away,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34and I've got no doubts at all before long
0:26:34 > 0:26:36you're going to have your perfect home, so really,
0:26:36 > 0:26:37the best of luck with it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Thanks very much indeed.- Thank you.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40And thank you for today.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- It's been lovely.- Yeah. Enjoyed it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Well, I'm so pleased that John and Sue could see this place today.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49In many ways, it really is very similar
0:26:49 > 0:26:51to the bungalow they've just bought.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54So, some great ideas, plenty of inspiration.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55That's really good advice.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58So now, they have to decide what they actually want,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00pin down their final designs.
0:27:00 > 0:27:05And I'm sure, before long, they too will have their dream home.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd