0:00:02 > 0:00:04Across the country, empty properties that could be homes
0:00:04 > 0:00:06are just waiting to be brought back into use.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07I'll be finding out why
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and what you need to do to 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, our heritage
0:00:25 > 0:00:26and why we should be both preserving
0:00:26 > 0:00:30and reinventing Britain's Empty Homes.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Renovating an empty home can be a life-changing experience.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42You'll probably be out of your comfort zone.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45It'll push you to your limits. So you'll need to be brave.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47But the benefits of taking on one of these buildings
0:00:47 > 0:00:49can be truly rewarding.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55On today's show, I'll be meeting a couple
0:00:55 > 0:00:57who recently bought a derelict cottage in Devon
0:00:57 > 0:01:00which they hope will become their dream retirement home.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03- It's hard work.- Yeah.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05There's a lot of stress initially
0:01:05 > 0:01:07till you sort out what you're going to do.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09I'll be visiting a building
0:01:09 > 0:01:12very important to Liverpool's social history
0:01:12 > 0:01:15which is hopefully about to be saved from ruin.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18What we have to remember is this is our heritage
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and we need to preserve this.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24And we'll be following one of Britain's empty property officers
0:01:24 > 0:01:28working to change the fortunes of some of the UK's abandoned homes.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32We really do need to get those windows secured
0:01:32 > 0:01:34and look after this property.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Having spent 26 years in their family home,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Jo and Mark Bushby felt it was time to move on
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and create their dream retirement home.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51And when they found this disused cottage, they knew it was for them.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57It's a nice, quaint, characterful cottage
0:01:57 > 0:02:00in a very pleasant area to retire to.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03When we looked around, it looked perfectly fine.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07It's once we decided to do a little bit of this,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11we found you had to do a little bit of that as well.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The wallpaper was hiding horrendous things, really -
0:02:14 > 0:02:20damp, the woodwork was absolutely pickled in woodworm.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22I'd just never seen anything like it,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24the rot and all the rest of it.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28But there's potential to make it into the property that we want.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And that potential led Jo and Mark to spend £306,000
0:02:32 > 0:02:38when they bought the end-of-terrace cob and stone cottage in 2011.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42To keep their budget in check,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Jo plans to do as much of the work herself as she can
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and she's already got started.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I think it'd be really useful to get some inspiration,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54some ideas from other people that have been there and done it
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and it'll give us better ideas of how to go forwards as well.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Although Jo and Mark have already started work on their place,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09they've quickly realised it's a much bigger job than anticipated.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12I'm meeting them at the 300-year-old cottage
0:03:12 > 0:03:14to hear about what they've done
0:03:14 > 0:03:18and just how they'll go forward with the renovation.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Now, this is actually pretty idyllic, isn't it?
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- I can hear birds singing, amazing view, you've got a trickling stream down there...- Yeah.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28So, apart from the location, what is it about this place?
0:03:28 > 0:03:30How does it sort of suit your needs?
0:03:30 > 0:03:33We were looking for somewhere to retire to
0:03:33 > 0:03:35and this one just fitted the bill.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37It's exactly what we were looking for,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40it has the potential to extend if we can get the planning permission.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43And we can get it to how we want it.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46It has been a bit of a love-hate relationship
0:03:46 > 0:03:48with some of the things that you find behind the wallpaper
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and what have you, but it will be fantastic when it's done.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54OK. Let's go inside and have a look, shall we?
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- And then you can show me around.- OK. - OK.- So, after you.- Yeah.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Now, work has clearly started here.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08So were you optimistic, did you think you'd just strip wallpaper and that would be it,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and then you were surprised by what you found behind?
0:04:11 > 0:04:15We thought decoration, you know, perhaps the odd bit of plaster.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20But we never really envisaged having to replace beams and rafters
0:04:20 > 0:04:22and things like that.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Did I see there's a sort of an outbuilding? What's on the side of the property?- Yeah, there's a...
0:04:26 > 0:04:30What they termed as a workshop, which is actually quite large.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35And, hopefully, we would like to extend that into a kitchen-diner eventually.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- OK. So that's quite a big plan, then?- It is, yes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The couple hope to renovate the cottage step by step
0:04:41 > 0:04:44so they can move into the house as quickly as possible.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47We'd like to eventually move the staircase
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- so we gain a little bit more room downstairs and upstairs.- Ah, OK.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54And make the bathroom a little bit bigger.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00I see, so there's going to be three stages in total. So, first stage, getting the house habitable.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Stage two, extending off the side.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05And then stage three would be to move this staircase
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- from the middle of the house up to the back, extending on to the back slightly.- Yes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- Shall we go and have a look upstairs and see what you've been doing there?- Yeah.- Lead the way.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So here we are upstairs. Now, tell me about this room.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22This is, presumably, the master bedroom.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- It is, but it wasn't originally. - Oh, OK.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27This was actually two rooms and a corridor, believe it or not.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Really? In this space? - In this space.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31When we first saw it, we saw it as it was
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and we liked it, it was charming.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37But, after a while, we started to realise
0:05:37 > 0:05:40that maybe it would be better if we just moved it into one room.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Well, I have to say, for me, it works really, really well,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46I think it's been a great decision to open it up and give yourselves an extra bit of space.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51Let's talk about the budget. I know you've been working on it a bit, you've had builders involved
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and now, you need to do quite a lot yourselves. So what is the budget?
0:05:54 > 0:05:58We initially sort of allocated about 35,000
0:05:58 > 0:06:01for making the cottage habitable
0:06:01 > 0:06:05and then, later on, when we apply for planning permission
0:06:05 > 0:06:08on the buildings next door,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11we hope to sell our other property to fund that bit.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Are you still on targets?- I think it'll be very tight, don't you?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- I think it's going to be a bit on the tight side.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21You know, you always know that everybody goes over their budget,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24but we don't really have that contingency to do that.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28So, looking ahead then, what worries do you have about this project?
0:06:28 > 0:06:33There's a worry that in making larger rooms, trying to modernise it,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35you might just lose the character.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- It's hard work.- Yeah.- And there's a lot of stress initially
0:06:38 > 0:06:42till you sort out what you're going to do and, you know...
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- As you pin it down. Yeah. But it's a huge challenge to pin down.- It is.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Well, I really like this cottage.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50It has loads of history and I think, here,
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Jo and Mark have found the perfect home for them for many, many years to come.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57However I just wonder if they're going to store up
0:06:57 > 0:06:59more problems and cost than they realise.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03It'll be good for them to meet someone who's been through all of this before,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05can share some helpful advice and experience
0:07:05 > 0:07:08and also provide that little bit of extra inspiration.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Up and down the UK,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18many communities are blighted by disused and abandoned buildings.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Often unsightly and known to attract unwanted attention,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26the buildings can become a real cause for concern for local residents.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29However, many local councils have taken the first step
0:07:29 > 0:07:31to getting these houses back into the community
0:07:31 > 0:07:35by employing local empty property officers
0:07:35 > 0:07:39whose job it is to track down the owners and restore these buildings.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44Sue Li does just that in the Amber Valley region of Derbyshire.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48I'm off to see a property now that I've received new complaints about.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52It used to be a pub, which isn't something I'd normally deal with.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56But it's got planning permission to be converted into nine flats,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58so I'm interested.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The pub has been empty for three years.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05A developer recently bought the property and began doing it up.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09However, neighbours have complained that work has been very slow
0:08:09 > 0:08:12and so the building continues to be an eyesore.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Now, I have had correspondence with the owner in the past
0:08:17 > 0:08:22and know all about their plans to convert it to a number of flats.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26But we have to balance between residents' concerns
0:08:26 > 0:08:28and what the owner wants to achieve.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31One thing that residents have mentioned they are concerned about
0:08:31 > 0:08:33is broken glass from windows.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35I can see these windows are smashed
0:08:35 > 0:08:37and although there's no glass on the floor,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39it may well have been cleaned up
0:08:39 > 0:08:43or there may be some around the side of the building.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45So we'll need to take a look elsewhere as well.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50To get a fuller picture of the problem,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Sue has asked local resident Anne White to meet her.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- Hi.- Hi, nice to meet you.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Could you tell me a bit more about the effect this building is having on local residents?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03There's a lot of safety issues with it and, if you've noticed,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07the roof is new, but there's nothing else being done to the property and that was about two years ago.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, really, if you could help me and give me some answers
0:09:10 > 0:09:13on what will be happening with the building.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16OK, Anne, so let's go and take a closer look at the building
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and we'll see what else we can find.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Yeah, you can certainly get in here,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28although I wouldn't recommend it.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29The ceiling is coming down.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33I'm really concerned that people can just get in through this window.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We're very concerned about the building.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Is there anything that we can do to make it safe?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45What I'll do first is serve notice to get that window boarded.
0:09:45 > 0:09:51Everything else, regarding rubbish clearance and addressing the overall appearance of the building,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54I'll write to the owner and ask them to do it voluntarily.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58If they then fail to do that, the council has powers
0:09:58 > 0:10:03to either prosecute or clear the rubbish and do the work themselves
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- and recharge that back to the owner. - That sounds really good.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Yeah, I'm sure the local residents will be very pleased
0:10:11 > 0:10:13with that response from Amber Valley.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I have had correspondence with the owner in the past,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19they have been responsive before,
0:10:19 > 0:10:24so what I'll do is I'll approach them about these concerns that we have now
0:10:24 > 0:10:26and try and get them to do something about it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28And what I'd really like to be able to do
0:10:28 > 0:10:31is help them realise their ambitions
0:10:31 > 0:10:35to turn this building into a number of flats.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36I think it would be a great project
0:10:36 > 0:10:39and it will look fabulous when it's finished.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Sue has since spoken to the owner,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43who says they now plan to sell the property,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46but, in the meantime, will continue to maintain it.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49So Sue is hoping someone else will snap up this great opportunity
0:10:49 > 0:10:53and turn the pub into much-needed homes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55When a property stands derelict and abandoned,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58not only is it a complete waste of a building
0:10:58 > 0:11:00but ultimately, it can lead to demolition.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02However, thankfully, there are people out there
0:11:02 > 0:11:04willing to take on these empty homes
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and give them a chance to shine again.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11On the Isle of Wight,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14David and Jean Firmstone found the ruins of a building
0:11:14 > 0:11:20they knew would provide them with the perfect space and location to build their dream home.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24We travelled around the island for two days looking for a site overlooking the sea.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28And we were just about to give up when we came down this road
0:11:28 > 0:11:30and spotted this piece of land for sale.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32We were just so amazed and we stood on this box
0:11:32 > 0:11:34and we saw the view we were going to have
0:11:34 > 0:11:38and I realised what a magnificent house it would make.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43I felt it was very important to actually be near to the sea,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47because my work as an artist deals with both landscape and seascape.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It was just fantastic, wasn't it? We fell in love with it.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55A Victorian House built in 1860 once stood on the plot of land,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57but the building had been empty for a hundred years
0:11:57 > 0:12:02when the couple spent £250,000 buying what was left of it.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06The property was built by a chap called Spindler,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09and some time later, maybe at about 1910, he died
0:12:09 > 0:12:11and the property then remained empty.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14And nobody had wanted to take it on.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16And I could not understand that,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19because it was such an amazing place!
0:12:19 > 0:12:22The plot was so overgrown and derelict that from 1951 onwards
0:12:22 > 0:12:25it disappeared from the ordinance survey.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Until, that is, the couple took it on
0:12:27 > 0:12:31and turned it into this idyllic space.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34What was actually left was just the floor space
0:12:34 > 0:12:37of the original Orchid House.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40There was no glass, it was just the cellars.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44The original cellars provided a fantastic opportunity
0:12:44 > 0:12:47to put a studio under the house.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It's something we've always wanted.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I wanted to design a garden that was green all year round,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56that fits in with the green landscape outside.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58That's why I've designed a palm garden.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Every time I look at it, I think it's lovely.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04The couple tailored the renovation to their exact wants and needs
0:13:04 > 0:13:09and, 18 months after they started, their dreams were realised.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12My favourite space is my work space,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15which has got a lot of the original features of the Orchid House.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19We've got this pool, which reflects light into the studio.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22We've travelled quite a bit
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and one of the things I like our home to express
0:13:25 > 0:13:27is the places that we've been to.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30The paintings and the sculpture that we picked up across the world
0:13:30 > 0:13:34very much dominate the decor in the house.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38The house now features artistic spaces, beautiful gardens,
0:13:38 > 0:13:43a sea view and two acres of land.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45So now, the three-year wait to get planning permission
0:13:45 > 0:13:48seems like a lifetime ago.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52We've got a property which is unique to the area,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54it fits exactly what we want
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and we've had fantastic satisfaction from it.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01We just love living here.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05And it's just a gorgeous place to be. It really is, very special.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15There's nothing new about the need for more housing in the UK.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19The Government and local authorities have been dealing with this for centuries.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21In Liverpool, during the 1800s,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24they opted to build multiple occupancy accommodation,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28where many families lived side by side.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Well, this incredible building
0:14:30 > 0:14:33is the last remaining original-style tenement block in the city.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37It's Grade II listed, which just shows it's a recognised piece
0:14:37 > 0:14:39of Liverpool's architectural heritage.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42But it's been left to go to rack and ruin
0:14:42 > 0:14:46and it's become a landmark, really, for all the wrong reasons.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50And now, it's in danger of being lost for ever.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Local resident Mike Quinn was born and bred
0:14:53 > 0:14:55in the Vauxhall area of Liverpool.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57In recent years,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00the building has been subjected to arson and squatters,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04but he remembers a time when Eldon Grove was a bustling family hub.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07So, Mike, you used to come here as a kid.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I mean, tell me about this place in its heyday.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12I think I first started coming down here mid to late '60s.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14There was always something going on down here,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17so you could come down and get a game of football.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18It's changed completely.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21It sounds like it was buzzing with life, full of people,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23and the flats, I presume, full of families.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25In its day, you know, the people who moved in here,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27they couldn't believe their luck.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29There were quite a few blocks similar to this -
0:15:29 > 0:15:31tenements called the Tennies.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36They sprang up at the time for people who predominantly worked on the docks.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38It was a massive step forward.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Obviously, this is now a shadow of what it once used to be, but the area itself hasn't changed.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46At the area now, there's a lot of new housing just over the roads,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49but I think what we have to remember is this is our heritage
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and we need to preserve this.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Certainly, over the last ten or 15 years,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56there've been all kinds of promises at redeveloping this site
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- and it just seems to be one promise after another.- Yeah.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00And nothing seems to happen.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Every now and again, it looks like work starts
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and then, just as quickly, it gets shelved.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08What would it mean to the community
0:16:08 > 0:16:12to see this place busy and lived in once again?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15The vast majority of people in the area would be overjoyed
0:16:15 > 0:16:17if we got the poor families back in there.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21And that could soon be a reality,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24as local developers have taken over the lease for Eldon Grove from the council.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Rob Cooper is in charge of the regeneration.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30We're really excited about the project.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33We've acquired it some six months ago now
0:16:33 > 0:16:37with a view to redeveloping the original building into 34 apartments.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Within the grounds of the property, we are proposing to introduce some new builds,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45which will be a mixture of new starter homes and some town houses.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I mean, it's a shame, really, cos the building's been left
0:16:48 > 0:16:51to deteriorate probably over the last five, ten years,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and I think it's important for most
0:16:53 > 0:16:55to reinstate it and reinvigorate it and, you know,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58bring it back to its former glory, if we could do that.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02I think a lot of other developers have tried and failed over the years.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03But I think what sets us apart
0:17:03 > 0:17:05is that we've got this real can-do attitude.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I do believe that if we all pull in the right direction
0:17:08 > 0:17:11we'll deliver well-needed housing within the local area.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15This building is a complete one-off
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and bringing it back from the brink isn't going to be easy.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21But, hopefully, this time it can be different,
0:17:21 > 0:17:25so this place can provide good, affordable housing for local people
0:17:25 > 0:17:30and once again be a landmark for all the right reasons.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Back in the West Country, I'm with Jo and Mark Bushby,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42who've already bought a disused cottage they plan to custom renovate
0:17:42 > 0:17:44to create their dream retirement home.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47I'm going to introduce them
0:17:47 > 0:17:50to a lady who took on a similar cottage renovation
0:17:50 > 0:17:56and overcame the many hurdles associated with such old and unique buildings.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- God, this is gorgeous!- Very nice.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01It's lovely, isn't it? Very attractive. Originally a farmhouse,
0:18:01 > 0:18:02hasn't been a farmhouse for a long time.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Now, this was in a very run-down state, quite similar to yours.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09It'd just gradually been neglected over many, many years
0:18:09 > 0:18:12so it had to be stripped back, had to have everything done to it again,
0:18:12 > 0:18:13gutting and starting again.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Here, let me show you, is how it looked from the front.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Now, actually, it looks in an OK condition,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- but when you look at it from the back...- Oh, my goodness!
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- ..You realise how nature had sort of taken hold.- Yes.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31When Angee Fooks-Bale and her husband bought the place,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33it was very run-down,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36most of it was uninhabitable and its sole remaining tenant,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40an elderly lady, was in the process of moving out.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44As we saw the property, it had a kind of magic to it.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48There was just so much potential. It was completely derelict.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50The land was really reclaiming the property,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54because there was a lot of vegetation inside as well as outside.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58And it probably would have been much easier to let the place fall down and start again,
0:18:58 > 0:18:59but I couldn't let that happen.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Angee bought the run-down farmhouse,
0:19:02 > 0:19:07which was originally built in the 1800s, for £392,000
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and embarked on a full-scale, yet sympathetic renovation.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15But the process has been something of a roller coaster.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Shortly after we began the renovation,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20we put a new roof on the small annex
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and we were looking forward to moving into and being on site,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27we had vandals come in overnight and strip the lead off the roof
0:19:27 > 0:19:31and really mess up everything that we'd done so far.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35It really was a low point that I didn't know how we were going to go on from.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Despite such devastating setbacks,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Angee sees the experience in a positive light.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44It was a terrific challenge,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47and I think it is the most important thing I've ever done in my life
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and I'm pleased we've both come out at the end of it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55So, look at this, I'm immediately struck by the similarities with your sitting room, yeah.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57So, generally, what was the plan?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01I wanted to retain as many features as there were.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04We needed to extend the kitchen to make it a decent size family kitchen
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and upstairs, the bedrooms were a complete mess.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11These guys are tackling their project in one big first stage,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13but then with two possible other stages after.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Did you tackle this all in one go
0:20:16 > 0:20:19or am I right in thinking you actually, you had two stages to your plan?
0:20:19 > 0:20:23We needed to get into the property and live here,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27mainly from a practical point of view and a financial point of view.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32The other phase, we had considered doing the existing property as it stood,
0:20:32 > 0:20:36but we wanted to extend a single-storey extension
0:20:36 > 0:20:39and in the end we decided to go straight ahead with it,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42because everybody said, "You won't want to do it again."
0:20:42 > 0:20:47And once you've been in a mess for a long time,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51it's an awful big thing to then say, "That's it, you've got to knock a hole in that wall."
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I can see that being actually quite horrendous to start again.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I know you've thought through these options, but, I mean, how is it now that you've been here?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Well, it does sort of make you think perhaps we should be putting in
0:21:01 > 0:21:05for plans to go into the kitchen earlier than we'd anticipated.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- OK, well, lovely to see your sitting room. Shall we continue the tour? - Sure.- After you.- Follow me.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18So, Angee, tell me about the kitchen, what did you do here?
0:21:18 > 0:21:19We added a single-storey extension,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22which gave us space for a dinning table
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and plenty of space to use the kitchen.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Now that, again, sounds very similar to your plans, that you'd like to extend your kitchen.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32We'll have something similar to this but slightly, different way round, really.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35With hindsight, looking back, is there any area you'd think,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38"We could have saved money there if we'd done it slightly differently"?
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Any kind of advice along those lines?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44I think you need to think about every step of your build.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47I think I was well advised to get on and do this, knocking through.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49You wouldn't have gone back and said,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- "I'd have done the extension later." - No.- You're happy you did it at once.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Anything else, guys, you want to ask while we're here?
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Above your windows and the doors, you've got the oak lintel.- Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Now, was that there before or have you reclaimed it and put it there?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Reclaimed it and put it there,
0:22:05 > 0:22:09because in actual fact we had to put more structural things in
0:22:09 > 0:22:13to make all the window surrounds viable, and then those are really decorative.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15It's a nice idea, I like it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Well, thank you very much. It's been a joy to look around,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20and thank you for sharing so much great advice as well.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- It's been a pleasure having you here. I wish you all the luck with your project.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Back in Amber Valley, Derbyshire,
0:22:32 > 0:22:37Sue Li is on her way to check up on a property she's been dealing with for some time.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42She previously issued the owner of the house with a notice letter
0:22:42 > 0:22:44requesting them to clean up the site
0:22:44 > 0:22:47and board up the windows by a specified date.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53That time has been and gone and Sue is now checking up on the progress.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Well, the owner hasn't done anything that we've asked.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58The land hasn't been tidied,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01the windows haven't been boarded or painted
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and the guttering is still defective,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07and I have noticed we've got pigeons now.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09We really do need to get those windows secured
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and look after this property.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Sue has arranged to meet council contractor Chris Beale,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18who will carry out the maintenance work
0:23:18 > 0:23:20to make the house safe and secure.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I have concerns about these open windows.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27Obviously, some have been smashed through anti-social behaviour
0:23:27 > 0:23:30but the ones up there, they're open to the weather.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32We can board those over the exterior,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35we'll seal that so that no damp can get in.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37That will also keep the pigeons out
0:23:37 > 0:23:40and prevent any more anti-social behaviour.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41All right. Thank you.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48I had asked the owner to remove a mattress and a sofa that were here,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50but it looks like it's just been burnt,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52so we need all of this rubbish...
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Yeah, we'll remove all that, take it away,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57it'll stop anybody making more fires
0:23:57 > 0:23:59which could put the property at risk.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It would appear that vandals have been on the property
0:24:02 > 0:24:06and the garden is clearly overgrown, but those aren't the only issues.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09You've actually got Japanese knotweed on this site.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13If it gets too near the property, it can cause structural damage.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16What we'll do is we'll leave that alone for the time being,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- let it start to grow and then we can treat it.- OK.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23We will need to come back throughout the year and keep retreating it
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- to ensure that we do eventually kill that off.- OK.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32As you can see, one of the drainpipes has been removed,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34it looks like more anti-social behaviour.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Well, we'll replace that as part of the job, so we'll get that down into the connection there,
0:24:38 > 0:24:42so the water drains away and you're not getting damp going back into that property.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48- And hopefully, it'll stop further anti-social behaviour in the future. - Yes.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Thanks for coming today, Chris.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53So what's your next step for me now?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56We'll go back to the office, work out some timescale for you
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and we will be on this job as soon as possible,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02to get this job made safe and tided up for you.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05I can't wait to see this become a family home for someone.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Judging by the state of the garden and house,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Sue has called in the contractors in the nick of time.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15It's always disheartening when you turn up at an empty property
0:25:15 > 0:25:18and the owner hasn't done the work that you've requested in the notice.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22But the good thing is we'll get the place tidied and boarded,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24we'll address the neighbours' concerns
0:25:24 > 0:25:28and we'll just have to bill the owner for the work that we've done.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30What happens after that very much depends
0:25:30 > 0:25:33upon whether the owner decides to pay that bill or not.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I've been with Jo and Mark,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45who bought a disused cottage they plan to renovate and extend.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49They've been getting some useful advice from Angee,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52who successfully completed her own cottage renovation.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- It's quite a place.- Yeah.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57How do you feel now having had a good look around?
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Quite optimistic, really.- Yeah? - Yeah, we've seen quite a few things that were really good.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- And if ours turns out half as nice as that, I'd be really pleased, yeah. - Fantastic.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Now, of course, whether you do your project in the stages you've laid out
0:26:08 > 0:26:13or whether you think, "We should do the kitchen extension at the same time as the house,"
0:26:13 > 0:26:14is a big decision.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18But, hopefully, today has at least enlightened you as to a few of the options
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- and, hopefully, it's helped hearing another person's perspective on it. - It has.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24It's really, really beneficial.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Well, guys, what a marvellous cottage you have.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- Thank you.- I know it's a lot of work, but I'm very excited for you
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- and I really do wish you the best with it, so good luck.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Well, I'm so pleased that Mark and Jo could come and see this farmhouse today.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42It's so similar to their little cottage in many, many ways.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46It really helps them visualise the way forward for their project.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Yes, they don't have all the answers yet
0:26:48 > 0:26:50and they've got some big decisions ahead,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54but hopefully, their visit here today will show them the options available to them
0:26:54 > 0:26:57so that, before long, they'll be in that little cottage
0:26:57 > 0:27:00and enjoying those fantastic views.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd