0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today on the show we're going to be looking at one of
0:00:05 > 0:00:08the most resplendent periods of British architecture.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12It was a time when subtle hints of the rococo nestled within
0:00:12 > 0:00:18the straight lines of neoclassicism. Where Palladian palaces like this sat amongst the smooth lines
0:00:18 > 0:00:24of gardens laid out like Arcadian idylls. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, have no fear.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28By the end of this special edition of Escape To The Country, you will.
0:00:42 > 0:00:48Today we're stepping back in time to review some of the finest Georgian homes we've had in past series.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Hold tight for some unusual interiors...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- A bit blown-away by the wallpaper! - Just a little bit, yeah.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Panoramic views...
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- George, you could lie in the bath and watch the seasons change! - A bit of a long bath, but yeah!
0:01:00 > 0:01:04And one of those all-time classic Escape To The Country moments...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Woooh! It's fabulous!
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Plus I'll be discovering the secrets of Georgian furniture conservation.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15It's just like CSI Antiques!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17It is, indeed. Forensic science at its best.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And I'll be given a guided tour of a classic Georgian stately home.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- What are your favourite features about this room? - It has to be the secret room.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27A secret room?
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Today on the show we are celebrating the architecture of the Georgian period.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38That stretches from the accession of George I in 1714
0:01:38 > 0:01:42all the way through to the death of George IV in 1830.
0:01:42 > 0:01:48Now in terms of interiors, it's all about high ceilings, big windows, lots of light, big volumes,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50quite austere style and then outside,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52we're talking about rolling countryside
0:01:52 > 0:01:56made famous by Capability Brown, the father of British landscape gardening.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01But we're not going to be talking about too many gardens today, because we're going to be
0:02:01 > 0:02:05digging deep into the world of this most beautiful architectural style.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12We've been all over the UK, looking for property on this show,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16but I have to say that some of the most attractive I've seen have to be Georgian.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21The architecture of this period was heavily influenced by the classical buildings of Rome and Greece.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Square, symmetrical shapes, pillared entrances and a stone plinth
0:02:25 > 0:02:30above a central door are all common features of a Georgian house.
0:02:30 > 0:02:36Pleasing to the eye and elegantly spacious, Georgian houses often get
0:02:36 > 0:02:37the right reaction from our buyers.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45As you can imagine, we've seen quite a few beautiful Georgian properties
0:02:45 > 0:02:48on Escape To The Country over the years, so it's been quite difficult
0:02:48 > 0:02:51whittling them down for your delectation.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54However, our first offering takes us to the East Riding of Yorkshire
0:02:54 > 0:02:58and mother and daughter team of Amanda and Sarah.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Now, they had £1.1 million to spend and Amanda wanted a big property
0:03:02 > 0:03:05to show off her interior decorating skills
0:03:05 > 0:03:08but I don't think either one of them at that point in the show
0:03:08 > 0:03:12were prepared for the Georgian splendour we were about to show them
0:03:12 > 0:03:14just outside the village of Laxton.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Laxton village is in the south-west corner of Yorkshire's East Riding,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23giving easy access to Leeds, York and Hull.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Set within extensive grounds, I was hoping
0:03:27 > 0:03:31this stunning Georgian manor house would impress Amanda and Sarah.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Wow! This is more like it!
0:03:34 > 0:03:36I like it as well.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41This is very nice. This is probably... more or less exactly what I had in mind.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46It's a beautiful, beautiful old property. This part is from the 1700s, Georgian,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and then in the Victorian period they extended, they had a bit
0:03:49 > 0:03:52of money in the family and they extended it forward.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Look at the beautiful windows...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57all original sash windows from the period.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02It's just "wow", isn't it? This is sort of more what we initially kind of imagined,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06approach-wise, and you just can't hear any traffic or anything.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It just feels really sort of peaceful.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Deep into your own countryside!
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Let's have a look inside.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17This house really is a proper country pile,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20with generous rooms and a real feeling of grandeur.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Look how high the ceilings are!
0:04:28 > 0:04:31That's exactly what I wanted.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- No banging your head here! - No banging my head, no.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Let's go and look in the front room, it's wonderful.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- Oh, this is great!- Wow! - It's good, isn't it?
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- It's just beautiful!- It's lovely!
0:04:43 > 0:04:45It's just what we kind of imagined, isn't it?
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Yes, this is just what I had in my head that we wanted
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and it's been really nicely done as well.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59You've got the original white marble fireplace. Very simple, very much in keeping with the country style.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00That is a good fireplace.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04But the greatest feature is these incredible windows...
0:05:04 > 0:05:06floor to ceiling sash windows.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- It's so rare to see them in their original state. - It is. That's lovely.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12There's a second living room that's equally impressive.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Wow! A bigger room!- This room is even bigger than the last one, isn't it?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18It's just a blank canvas really, isn't it?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Especially even with the way they've decorated it,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24you can sort of envisage what you'd do with it.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Kitchen.- Kitchen. And this is how kitchens used to be.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41They weren't jam-packed with fitted units everywhere.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44They decided very deliberately to keep it very simple.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48What do you think about it? It's quite unusual for our modern tastes?
0:05:48 > 0:05:51It is unusual and I think I would prefer, actually,
0:05:51 > 0:05:56go to with something a little bit more... modern, up to date.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59It would be fairly straightforward to add modern fitted units,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03but there is quite a bit of extra storage just off the kitchen.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08You've got all your washing machines and more storage in there.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11It's effectively like having another kitchen there.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15This goes through to the garage which also is a pantry.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17That's useful, isn't it?
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- And then another space here which is a gym.- Yay!
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Wow!
0:06:23 > 0:06:26The layout of this house does take a bit of getting used to
0:06:26 > 0:06:29though the dining room is fairly conventional.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Actually a bit of a disappointment, this room.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37It's a little bit smaller than I would have thought the dining room would have been.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40It just seems that this one has sort of been abandoned as a room that they haven't used.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Very often in these big, formal houses, you get rooms that do get
0:06:44 > 0:06:47slightly abandoned because people don't formally dine any more.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50It just needs a bit of redecoration and care.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54I think Sarah is right, a little TLC would bring out the charm.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59It's beautiful! The whole thing... it's just great!
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- Upstairs there are even better views of the garden and grounds.- Oh, wow!
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Look at that view!- That is amazing!
0:07:07 > 0:07:09That's fantastic, it's gorgeous!
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Again, what is interesting about the house is that it's laid out
0:07:12 > 0:07:14in actually a Georgian style,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16whereas the Victorian rooms were very discreet,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20these are all joined, they're enfilade. This would probably be the husband's room,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24and then you have a dressing room for him that's linked to the lady's dressing room
0:07:24 > 0:07:27which takes you through to another bedroom which would have been her dressing room.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31This is now the bathroom so it's like a Georgian en suite.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- Again, very sizeable.- It's beautiful. It dwarfs the furniture, doesn't it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:40There are three more good-size bedrooms, although once again
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Amanda might want to add some of her design flair.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Good size as well, isn't it?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Blown away by the wallpaper?
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Just a little bit, yeah.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55There's also a study and family bathroom, but it's the grounds that are truly impressive.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59It's more than 4 acres of land.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It's absolutely fabulous. I love it!
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Really?- So beautiful.- And listen...
0:08:04 > 0:08:07All you can hear is birds! That's just what I was looking for.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09And this coppice is beautiful.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I mean you've got the two paddocks, you've got all the land around it.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Great garden, lawn, you've got a pond down there.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18It's just so well maintained as well. There's just nothing that needs doing.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21It's not like "Oh, it could have been a beautiful garden with work..."
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- it just is!- So, the big question is, how much do you think it's worth?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I mean we are in a quiet corner of Yorkshire,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30but you're still very well-connected for Huddersfield with the M62
0:08:30 > 0:08:33and you're really lucky to be so quiet because there is nothing
0:08:33 > 0:08:36to disturb your peace, and it's a beautiful house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I think this would be the top of the budget,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42so I think it would be around £1.1 million.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43I think it's a bit less.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46I'm going to go a bit more conservative and go 999.99.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Well, you are both wrong.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53This property is on the market for...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- £950,000.- Really?
0:08:57 > 0:09:03- Wow!- Fantastic!- I think she's a happy bunny!
0:09:03 > 0:09:06I've been estimating how much it would cost me to do the changes
0:09:06 > 0:09:09that I want as I've been going around and that fits nicely!
0:09:09 > 0:09:11£150,000, would that do it?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- That would more than do it! - I should hope so!
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- So what do you think, then?- I really like it.- I do, I think it's perfect.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23This house is just sort of perfect in many different ways.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26It's got the land we wanted, the room we wanted.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30The rooms themselves are a perfect size. It's just not something we would have...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- it's not a place we would have thought of...- Looking.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Looking for this kind of property. It's amazing!
0:09:35 > 0:09:37It's exactly what I was looking for.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42It's like he reached into my head and saw the picture and found it for me. It's just wonderful!
0:09:45 > 0:09:51Now that was a success, because they really love that property and you can see why, because those beautiful
0:09:51 > 0:09:55clean lines and geometric spaces in a Georgian property are perfect
0:09:55 > 0:09:59for an interior designer and if you've got the neo-classical bug,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01then take a look at some of these properties
0:10:01 > 0:10:05which could be yours, because they're all on the market at a whole array of different budgets.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11If your pockets are deep, how about this classic Georgian farmhouse,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14on the market at £1.2 million in East Sussex?
0:10:14 > 0:10:20Set within 14.5 acres, this four- bedroom house has some stunning gardens,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24a stable block and that most un-Georgian of features,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26an outdoor swimming pool.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Inside, the property has been tastefully modernised and still retains many original details.
0:10:31 > 0:10:38If that's a little too expensive, then you might like this Georgian home in Yorkshire.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41It may not look big from the outside, but once you get into
0:10:41 > 0:10:44the spacious interiors, it really delivers.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49With plenty of outbuildings ripe for conversion,
0:10:49 > 0:10:54this property is on the market for £875,000.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58If that's still too expensive, then fear not.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04You can pick up a slice of Georgian rural life with this charming farmhouse in Norfolk.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10Just £350,000 will get you this home, full of original features...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16..the most spectacular being this stunning central staircase.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22To understand the full glories of living in a Georgian property
0:11:22 > 0:11:27and indeed what makes a Georgian property, I've come to Aynhoe Park, near Banbury.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Not too shabby, huh? Although I have to say that up until about
0:11:31 > 0:11:33four years ago, it was quite shabby.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It's been remodelled and remodelled and remodelled, but the present owner, James Perkins,
0:11:37 > 0:11:44has lavished incredible care and attention and brought it up to its former glory. Let's meet him.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Aynhoe Park was originally built as a Jacobean house in the 1660s.
0:11:51 > 0:11:59It's been added to several times but perhaps changed most notably by Sir John Soane, in 1805.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05It was then the house was given the typically Georgian features that is has today and it's those features
0:12:05 > 0:12:10that current owner, self-made property man, James Perkins, can tell us all about.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12James, morning.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Hello.- It's an amazing place! When did you purchase it?
0:12:15 > 0:12:17About three years ago, now.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22Now I know you've done an enormous amount of research to get it back to the original Georgian feel.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Perhaps, while we're out here, what would you point out
0:12:25 > 0:12:29as being the classic Georgian features of the property?
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- The thing that is most noticeable here is the windows, of which there are many!- Many!
0:12:33 > 0:12:38Yes, I mean the style of the windows as opposed to the normal Victorian sash window, this type,
0:12:38 > 0:12:43style of window is typical of the period. You can see that when you go up
0:12:43 > 0:12:46from the different floors, the actual window panes become smaller,
0:12:46 > 0:12:47so you get that sense of scale.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- That's an illusion, isn't it, to make it look bigger than it actually is?- That's right.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55It looks like everything is big about this house!
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Yeah, I mean on your right there, that was the old...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00where all the housekeepers lived and the kitchens and laundry,
0:13:00 > 0:13:06and on the opposite side, over here, although it doesn't look much like it now, that was the stables.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Really? - So very smart-looking stables.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13Well, the horses and the staff lived well, didn't they? And which bits did Soane design?
0:13:13 > 0:13:19We've got the front door, the door surround, the pediment on the top and the wonderful,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22triumphal arches which are just absolutely fantastic
0:13:22 > 0:13:24and of course that's just on this elevation.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27When the Cartwright family who lived here before,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31their visitors came along, it was a tremendous statement for their friends
0:13:31 > 0:13:36about how powerful they are, how important they were and how in fashion they were with their designs.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- So, shall we look inside?- Let's go.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48James, it's like the British Museum in here!
0:13:48 > 0:13:51In the 18th century, the Georgians they were very big collectors
0:13:51 > 0:13:53because they were just beginning to travel the world
0:13:53 > 0:13:56and they used to bring back all these wonderful pieces
0:13:56 > 0:14:02from their travels and I think that very colourful, exciting period
0:14:02 > 0:14:06of European influences is really something I admire.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11But James' collection is not just reserved for the entrance hall.
0:14:11 > 0:14:18In true Georgian style, he has filled his home with an eclectic mix of casts and statues.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21In fact, the whole house is an Aladdin's cave
0:14:21 > 0:14:25of classical artefacts and contemporary treasures.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Collected over 24 years and presented beautifully
0:14:29 > 0:14:32within the big spaces of this solid, Georgian frame.
0:14:32 > 0:14:39Every room's a treat. Well, this is a complete change of gear!
0:14:39 > 0:14:42So you actually live here - this is your lounge!
0:14:42 > 0:14:43That's right, yes.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47This is known as the "salon". This was the entrance hall, originally,
0:14:47 > 0:14:54but then this was completely remodelled by Soane and hence you get all these wonderful shapes.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55And incredible views!
0:14:55 > 0:14:58The striking thing about Georgian properties is that
0:14:58 > 0:15:01it was the first time the view was brought in, wasn't it?
0:15:01 > 0:15:07Yes, and in fact Capability Brown in about 1770 drew up a scheme for the house and really very much
0:15:07 > 0:15:10heavily influenced the view that you see today.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14And also, symmetrical, and that's a very key factor, isn't it?
0:15:14 > 0:15:17So this is the centre and then it goes off from both sides?
0:15:17 > 0:15:22Yep. With these central connecting rooms, it's absolutely perfect
0:15:22 > 0:15:24for hosting parties and having guests.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27That's what it was all about, wasn't it?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30That's right, so it could be for 20 people or for 200 people...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32so therefore, you just open more doors.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40Although James is hoping to open up the house to weddings and parties, I still have to remind myself
0:15:40 > 0:15:45that this is essentially his home and we're about to see one of his favourite rooms.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Look at all these things! Amazing!
0:15:47 > 0:15:50This was the library, presumably?
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Indeed. This was all remodelled by Soane and this really is a fantastic example.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- If you look at the cornice work, really, really unusual.- Aah, yes.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03It doesn't look like there's been many coats of paint here in the past,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07because it's not heavily over-painted, so therefore you still get that richness of the detail
0:16:07 > 0:16:13and one of the things I have uncovered was the Soane frame, mirror frame.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- Oh, right, that's an original? - That was covered in, yeah, 200, I don't know, 250 years of paint.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21What are your favourite features about this room?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- It has to be the secret room. - A secret room?
0:16:24 > 0:16:29In the bookcase, yeah, and it's where all the family silver was kept.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- All right! Do you tweak her nose and it opens, then?- There we are.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Much simpler than that.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39And behind here is the safe door.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44Aah, look at that! And now your DVD collection!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48What a house full of adventures.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54'And the adventure continues as we make our way to the centrepiece of this Georgian palace.'
0:16:59 > 0:17:07So here we have the Soane staircase and, synonymous with his work, is the Soane lantern and the purpose
0:17:07 > 0:17:13of the Soane lantern with the stained glass in is that it catches the beautiful sense of light.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15The little ring of orange glass?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18That's right, you get this wonderful colour when the sun is setting.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23Obviously you would expect to see family portraits and that sort of thing, but in my case,
0:17:23 > 0:17:29I've got a passion and love for old buildings, so I thought why not follow in Soane's footsteps
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and show off some of the most amazing architectural elements
0:17:32 > 0:17:34from across many, many periods of thousands of years.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40Well, you've done a fantastic job, because it feels like a home but obviously an incredible amount
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- of research has gone into it, but thank you so much.- Thank you.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54For our second Georgian flashback, we're reeling back the years
0:17:54 > 0:18:00to meet George and Sam, two doctors who had £700,000 to spend on their new property.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03They wanted a bit of the Good Life with some space for some animals,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07but when Jules Hudson showed them the mystery house,
0:18:07 > 0:18:12as befits a mystery house, he wanted to challenge their ideas of big, open spaces
0:18:12 > 0:18:18and paddocks for the animals and try and persuade them to take something a little more stately.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22So, Jules' mystery house was in quaint village of Hartshead,
0:18:22 > 0:18:28only 22 minutes by car from Leeds and a stone's throw from Dewsbury.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Hartshead itself is an old Norman settlement with plenty of history,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34but would this property's historical charm
0:18:34 > 0:18:37work on George and Sam?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Now then, guys, mystery house time.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45What do you feel about living in the kind of aristocratic community,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47because that's what you've got here?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- It's like a stately home! - It is a stately home.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54It's Kirklees Hall, OK. Originally in private hands but was converted
0:18:54 > 0:18:57in the '80s to provide 15 separate houses
0:18:57 > 0:19:02and the house I'm going to show you is the second biggest one here,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06but what you do get is a fantastically well-proportioned property and something
0:19:06 > 0:19:11that is rather cosy, which I suspect is a bit more you, Sam.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- OK, yep.- Would that make sense? - Yep.- Shall we go inside?- Yep.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15Let's go for it!
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Now come in to the hallway. - Oh, wow!- Goodness me!
0:19:21 > 0:19:25You get a sense of this kind of grandeur because that's what you've got.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29You've got a chunk of pucker English country house, the sort of thing
0:19:29 > 0:19:34that most buyers could never even think of affording, but you get a slice of it.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Let's start in here. This is the kitchen.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Now then, Sam, if you don't like this, there's no pleasing you!
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Oh, no, it's gorgeous!- That is...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Yeah!- Really beautifully decked-out, isn't it?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48I think it's pretty special.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- Yeah, really amazing!- And these cupboards are like a second bedroom!
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- They're huge!- Yeah, how much clobber are you guys bringing?
0:19:55 > 0:19:58If you can't get it all in there, you know, you need to start
0:19:58 > 0:20:01giving some of it away, because that's a lot of storage.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Now, is this moving you more, do you think in some ways?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Yeah. The kitchen, yeah, definitely.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- It's very big, it's got everything we need and it looks really nice. - You'd find this in a magazine.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Yeah, you would, wouldn't you?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16As indeed you would the rest of the house! Come through here.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21Now you've got two reception rooms in this property. This is the first one.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23We'll just look in here, briefly.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- Quite a cosy little room.- It's lovely.- Nice working fireplace there.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Oh, very good, yeah.- Original.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Still working, is it?- Yeah, still working.- Brilliant.- And look at the views!
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Nice views out, yeah.- That's good.
0:20:35 > 0:20:42Now, come through here, because this is simply enormous!
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Oh, my goodness!- That is huge!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It's a hell of a room, isn't it?
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- Yep!- What do you reckon?- I love the windows. Three big windows, amazing!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Yeah. Really light from those... I mean it's very grand, isn't it?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58It is! Can you see yourselves in here?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Is it too big, is it too grand, or is it workable?
0:21:01 > 0:21:09Certainly it's very lovely, very pretty, but maybe a little bit too grand, the style in here.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It is the mystery house. Yes... The tour continues.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Shall we go upstairs?- Absolutely!
0:21:14 > 0:21:15Come on, follow me.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20The tour of this remarkable property takes us upstairs,
0:21:20 > 0:21:25which is equally impressive. There are four well-appointed bathrooms and five bedrooms,
0:21:25 > 0:21:30all lovingly decorated with a rich sense of country house style.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36Now, come into this room because this is the master bedroom and,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40probably no great surprise, it's pretty masterful in a property like this!,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Gosh?- Massive again, yeah! - Yeah?- That is...
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- well, grand, to say the least! - Lovely fireplace.- Working fireplace.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Yeah, really lovely. - Yeah, really, really beautiful.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58- And, you know, whatever size bed you guys have got or want, it will fit in here.- No problem!
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Loads of storage, all built-in and, you know again, glorious views and light.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Yeah, to wake up to that every morning must be a real privilege.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- Yeah.- Yeah, it's good fun. Also, of course, another bathroom,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13no surprise, come through here.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16There's the en suite that goes with this one.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- So, same size as the...- Yeah, almost as big as the other one!
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Yeah, I mean, you know, and it's only the en suite,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24but yeah, it's huge and, look, another great window.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27George, you could lie in the bath and watch the seasons change!
0:22:27 > 0:22:30A bit of a long bath, but yeah!
0:22:30 > 0:22:36Yet another flight of stairs takes us up to a study area and the last bedroom.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Right, so, as promised, the final bedroom,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42five of five,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44and I love this, these stone mullioned windows,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46right up in the gods of this property.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49That is stunning, isn't it? Through there and the big tree
0:22:49 > 0:22:52really sort of highlighted by that central window.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- Yeah, it's really sweet. - So, what do you think?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Again, another beautiful property. Very big, again.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Yeah, massive, yeah.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- So yes, it's really nice.- OK.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08Let's go outside and have a look at the landscape that comes with it because
0:23:08 > 0:23:11you know, it does really set it off. That's what it's about out there...
0:23:11 > 0:23:17- 18 acres of original parkland, and you get a bit of it as well! - Amazing!
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Now, come out here.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Let's go down the garden and have a proper look at this property
0:23:25 > 0:23:29cos, architecturally, I think it's fascinating. It's a piece of history.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34When you get back out here, you can really see how this place has evolved over time.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It's quite an interesting place, isn't it?- It's great!
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- And your bit, is there.- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- Definite little block, yeah.- With those four windows running across and you've got these two gables.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Now, as I say, the whole thing is within 18 acres,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49stretching off into the background.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54It rather does frame this property quite nicely and it's the formal areas that you get a chunk of -
0:23:54 > 0:23:57the bit between that black railing and that one over there,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01but you do have shared access to all the rest of the parkland.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Sort of walking...?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Walking, bike-riding, running around, do what you like!
0:24:05 > 0:24:07I assume not for practical use as in?
0:24:07 > 0:24:09That's the rub, that's the rub.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11If you wanted pigs, etc,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13you would have to find somewhere else to do it.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18- OK.- So, let's have a think about how much it's going to cost you.
0:24:18 > 0:24:24- Oooh!- I think it's probably going to be around 670, something like that?
0:24:24 > 0:24:28I'm thinking around the same sort of thing, but possibly a touch lower,
0:24:28 > 0:24:33but I think maybe if you hadn't gone for that, I might have gone for the same!
0:24:33 > 0:24:34We'll say 650 to 660, perhaps?
0:24:34 > 0:24:41OK. You wouldn't get it for 650, nor 660, nor indeed 670.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- It's on the market for 750. - We were way out!
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I mean it may answer your question, perhaps,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49as to whether this is the property for you.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Lots to think about, lots to take on board, very interesting house.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Go on, get out of the rain, go and have a look around
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- OK. This is a real typical, country kitchen, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It's what I imagined the houses would be like.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09Absolutely. I mean we've got an Aga, Belfast sink.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12All of that sort of ties in nicely and I think gives it
0:25:12 > 0:25:15a really lovely feeling, a family type feeling.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19We really wouldn't have thought to have looked anywhere like this, but cos it's got everything...
0:25:19 > 0:25:23It's got the kind of country living
0:25:23 > 0:25:26but with still being close to Leeds and also not being very isolated,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30which is one of the things that we wanted so it was a clever choice coming here.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34This property is a fantastic family home.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It is set in stunning surroundings.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42It has a real sort of little community feel because of the other properties in the same place,
0:25:42 > 0:25:48but I don't know that it's quite for us, but, you know, that's just an individual thing.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I think that was a compromise too far for Sam and George
0:25:51 > 0:25:54but it had so many amazing period details,
0:25:54 > 0:26:01we couldn't resist putting it into our Georgian jamboree and if your mouth is watering at the site of all
0:26:01 > 0:26:05those high ceilings and beautiful sash windows, then have no fear.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Take a look at these properties which are on the market right now.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- For our second set of houses on the market today,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15we're kicking off with this unusual
0:26:15 > 0:26:22slate-fronted piece of Georgian architecture in Kent for £395,000.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27Through the front door, you're greeted by a high-ceilinged hallway,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30with stairs leading to five bedrooms.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33The grandeur continues into the drawing room,
0:26:33 > 0:26:40with a marble fireplace and French windows leading to a garden full of archetypal Englishness.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44If you have a little more to spend,
0:26:44 > 0:26:50then £925,000 will get you this charming cottage in West Sussex.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Four bedrooms, a huge Inglenook and a country kitchen
0:26:54 > 0:26:58illustrate just some of the period charm of this Georgian home.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03A fantastic rural garden is surrounded by some incredible ancient woodlands.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09For just £50,000 more, this impressive Georgian farmhouse
0:27:09 > 0:27:13in East Yorkshire is on the market at £975,000.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Six bedrooms and three spacious reception rooms
0:27:18 > 0:27:21are full of some unique period features.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26There is permission to convert the outbuildings into holiday lets
0:27:26 > 0:27:30but who would want to share the regal lifestyle this property has to offer?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38You've bought your beautiful Georgian house so the chances are
0:27:38 > 0:27:41you want to fill it with beautiful Georgian furniture, but remember,
0:27:41 > 0:27:46these are artworks on legs and so they require a great deal of special knowledge
0:27:46 > 0:27:49to keep them in good nick, so I've come here to the West Dean College
0:27:49 > 0:27:54in West Sussex to talk to Mike Podmaninski who will initiate me
0:27:54 > 0:27:57in the mysteries of furniture conservation.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- Mike?- Alistair, how good to see you!
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I didn't expect you to be looking through a microscope!
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Well, this is one of my most important conservation tools.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18What I'm looking at is a small bit of finish, a tiny little speck that's been taken from the box
0:28:18 > 0:28:23that allows me to see that finish right up close and to help design
0:28:23 > 0:28:27the treatment that I'm going to do to bring it back
0:28:27 > 0:28:28to its lovely condition.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32I can see it much better through the microscope than just with glasses on, you see.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34It's like CSI antiques?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It is, indeed. Forensic science at its best.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42Now I know that you really specialise in conservation as opposed to just restoration?
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Conservation is a holistic approach to preservation of our heritage
0:28:46 > 0:28:51objects that have come down to us over 200-500 hundred years.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54We're interested in Georgian furniture. Have you got any?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- We do have some. Why don't you come in.- Yeah, after you.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Right, this is our workshop.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- So you have full-time students at conservation, here?- Yes, we do.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07They're working with us on pieces of furniture
0:29:07 > 0:29:10such as this Georgian chest of drawers.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13It's actually in very good condition, structurally,
0:29:13 > 0:29:17but there are some surface issues we're concerned about
0:29:17 > 0:29:22such as the pushed-out veneer, some losses here.
0:29:22 > 0:29:28What we do is we preserve evidence of use and wear
0:29:28 > 0:29:32but we deal with areas of abuse and loss.
0:29:32 > 0:29:39- Say, this area that has been stained by polish for 350 years... - Polishing the handles?
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Polishing the handles, or running their hands over it.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46That is seen as a lovely highlight to the piece.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51That's showing the evolution of this finish, so where we would clean it
0:29:51 > 0:29:57very carefully, we would maintain that history of all that use.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58So conservation keeps that story...
0:29:58 > 0:30:03because that's like the story of the furniture, that people have been touching it
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- and polishing it and you say you don't want to get rid of that? - Exactly.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Your students learn how these things were made?
0:30:09 > 0:30:16Yes, indeed. If you step over here, we have actually from an earlier period, sorry it's not Georgian,
0:30:16 > 0:30:21a 17th-century stool that a student has made starting
0:30:21 > 0:30:25literally with a log on the ground, and with only hand tools.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28It's almost finished now. It just needs a top to be comfy.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- It's 17th-century because of the way it's made?- It is in every way.
0:30:31 > 0:30:38It just happens to have been made now and the student will now go on to work with mahogany and walnut
0:30:38 > 0:30:40and dovetails and all those techniques
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- that were used in the Georgian period.- So, no nuts and bolts?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45No nuts and bolts, no glue.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49Once Mike's students have an understanding of how a piece
0:30:49 > 0:30:54of furniture was made, they're equipped for the business of conservation.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Alistair, this is Dave. - Hello, Dave.- Hi, nice to meet you.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- One of our conservation students. - Wonderful! What are you doing here?
0:31:01 > 0:31:05I'm working on this 18th-century gilt wood mirror frame
0:31:05 > 0:31:09at the moment, which came to us with various losses to the carve detail.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- So these have snapped off at the side there?- Exactly that.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16There was some damage here and this is a piece that I carved in
0:31:16 > 0:31:19last week and various other small pieces of damage.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23And there's a big thing at the top missing?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Yeah, yeah. I mean the focal point of these mirrors is generally
0:31:26 > 0:31:31the central section at the top there and as you can see,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35it was all lost, so over a period of a couple
0:31:35 > 0:31:38of weeks really, I've been researching what it was,
0:31:38 > 0:31:42based on the existing carving that is already there.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47This is detective work, looking at historical precedent and finding out what other people do?
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Exactly that. It's a very exciting-looking object as you can see now,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54but what that would have originally started out as
0:31:54 > 0:31:56would have been as four pieces of timber -
0:31:56 > 0:32:02a bottom, two sides and a rather larger piece at the top here, so if you can just imagine a line
0:32:02 > 0:32:08that runs down there, that's around about the width of the original timber, and the original craftsman
0:32:08 > 0:32:11would have gone in and relieved all of these areas
0:32:11 > 0:32:14and carved it all away so it gives the impression
0:32:14 > 0:32:18of a frame with the flowers and the ribbons curling round.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It really is a tour de force of Georgian carving.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25There's a tremendous amount of work that went into it originally
0:32:25 > 0:32:27and as with the stool we looked at before,
0:32:27 > 0:32:32this is Dave's exercise in getting into the head of that original craftsman
0:32:32 > 0:32:36and understanding how he used his hands and then putting that back
0:32:36 > 0:32:38into the piece for the restoration.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40It's wonderful work.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Thank you for showing me around and it does
0:32:42 > 0:32:45bring these items alive and if you're living in a Georgian house,
0:32:45 > 0:32:47actually to have these Georgian artefacts around
0:32:47 > 0:32:50does make you feel very connected to that period!
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Oh, it's lovely. A warm, warm feeling.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02In a moment, I'll be showing you my all-time favourite Georgian property but take a look
0:33:02 > 0:33:06at some of these beautiful period properties that we've featured over the years.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I want you to look at that.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Yes!
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Really!- I think she likes it!
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Now that's how exciting Georgian architecture can be.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23For Emma and Malachi, this striking Georgian house was love at first sight.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25It's beautiful! I'd move in tomorrow!
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Don and Leone were put in a spin by this fantastic Georgian farmhouse...
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Very nice!- It's a job to know which way to look!- I know!
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- That's always a good sign! - This is lovely!
0:33:35 > 0:33:39And Leone certainly enjoyed the Georgian period features.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41You know I like that arch, Alistair!
0:33:41 > 0:33:46A charming setting and beautiful interiors were helping Rosemary
0:33:46 > 0:33:49persuade Fred to move into this period property.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Does this period appeal, this Georgian period?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- It does to me.- Fred? - And I do what I'm told!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Rosemary was even planning her family around this house...
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- How many bedrooms did you want, ideally?- Five.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05OK. This has nine.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10Ooh, right, OK! Sons and daughters had better start producing, I think!
0:34:10 > 0:34:14When it comes to buying Georgian property, the race is on.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- Go back inside, have a good look and tell me what you think afterwards. - Come on, let's run!
0:34:25 > 0:34:30Our final Georgian treat is in Sutton Lane Ends in Cheshire and we were house-hunting
0:34:30 > 0:34:36for a lovely couple from Manchester called Kate and Eric, and Kate was working at Manchester Airport,
0:34:36 > 0:34:41so she needed to commute, but unusually, they also wanted space for archery and alpacas,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44and we don't look for that very often!
0:34:44 > 0:34:50However, we managed to find them a house that offered them that, plus some beautiful Georgian interiors.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56The village of Sutton Lane Ends is just south of Macclesfield
0:34:56 > 0:34:59and only a 30-minute drive to Manchester Airport.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Eric and Kate wouldn't go thirsty with a choice of pubs to look after them,
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and if they needed to walk off a hearty pub lunch, then there's always
0:35:10 > 0:35:16the Macclesfield Canal, with stunning views of surrounding countryside.
0:35:16 > 0:35:22With their budget of £950,000, I had high hopes for this property.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25This is your property.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- Oh, right! - What are your first thoughts?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's quite splendid, really!
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I quite like the look of it from the outside.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34It used to be the toll house for the silk road to London.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- Did it?- Down to London.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Right, it's got quite a bit of history, then?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Let's have a look.- OK.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- So we're heading into the loft. - OK, thank you.
0:35:47 > 0:35:54- Wow!- What do you think of that? - That's fabulous! Oh, look, an island!
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- Isn't that lovely!- Yes, that's absolutely gorgeous, I love it!
0:35:58 > 0:36:00That absolutely fits the bill.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- It's quite a change of gear when you come inside. Very contemporary.- Absolutely!
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- And quiet!- And quiet, yes.- And that is a spectacular kitchen.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09That is beautiful, it really is pretty.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- Very nice.- And here is your island. You wanted an island, I give you an island.- Absolutely fabulous.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- And two sinks! - Marvellous, beautiful.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Big butcher's block which you can pull out and clean.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20- Oh, yes, look!- Fabulous!
0:36:20 > 0:36:22It's a wonderful kitchen.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24You've got a nice little sitting area there,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27so you can sit and chat to your friends while they're cooking.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- Yep..- That's nice. - And lots of nice features.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34There's a filter water tap on that sink over there, right, and this is something I really like.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36I'd buy the house just for this.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38You want your cup of tea, it's fine.
0:36:38 > 0:36:44You put your tea bag in your cup and then, hey-hey...
0:36:44 > 0:36:46non-stop hot water!
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Oh, that is brilliant!
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- Boiling hot water on tap. - Where is it coming from?- Wow!
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- Is it from the Aga? - Yeah, it's heated from the range. That's fantastic!
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- That's brilliant!- Yes! - We could move in here.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- Yes, definitely.- Definitely!
0:37:00 > 0:37:04The hi-tech kitchen has gone down a storm but there's plenty more to see.
0:37:04 > 0:37:10Behind the kitchen is a light and airy study and well-equipped, spacious utility.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- All your white goods here, big American washer.- Utility room...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Loads of storage space. - Lots of free...
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Loads of space to work, absolutely!
0:37:18 > 0:37:22But before I reveal the rest of downstairs, I want to win them over
0:37:22 > 0:37:25with the upstairs, where there are four generous bedrooms.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30In the original late-Georgian/early- Victorian property, these would have been
0:37:30 > 0:37:32the grandest rooms because then the front of the house
0:37:32 > 0:37:35would have just been onto a gentle sort of horse-track.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40Now in contemporary times with the busy road, the master bedroom moves to the back of the house.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41Right, yes, yeah.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45On the way to the master bedroom is the family bathroom.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49So the bathroom is a little small but if you come down into what they're using as the master bedroom,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53it's got it's own little en suite with a sort of wet room/shower.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54Right.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Well, it's not huge. It's not as big as the house...
0:37:57 > 0:38:00It's almost as big as the two other bedrooms, isn't it?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- This actually would have been the servants' part.- Right.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- Not the grand part.- This is just the sort of house I dreamt of!
0:38:06 > 0:38:08I've saved the best till last.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09My gosh, is there more?
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Of course there's more!
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Back downstairs is the stylish sitting room.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19- This is just... - This is absolutely fabulous.
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- It's much more contemporary. - Absolutely fantastic, isn't it? - It's absolutely top-notch!
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- So you've got this see-through... - I love it!- Both sides open, gas-effect fire.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33That's so contemporary. It really is.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Even though it's an old house, it just fits so well.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- But if you like that room, you're gonna love this one!- Oh, my gosh!
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Woo-hoo!
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- This is absolutely magnificent! - Good gracious!
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- This...- Oh, it's lovely!
0:38:48 > 0:38:53Is one of the most impressive winter gardens/orangery/greenhouses I've ever seen in my life.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Absolutely spectacular, isn't it?
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- It's absolutely brilliant. It's perfect.- Yeah.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- This was actually designed by Joseph Paxton who built the Crystal Palace. - Really?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07And although it's been renovated, the struts and the outside columns
0:39:07 > 0:39:09are the original parts of the orangery.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- Who would have thought?- Oh, my gosh!
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Just driving past the front of the house.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15Think of the parties!
0:39:15 > 0:39:17This is... I was just going to say the same thing!
0:39:17 > 0:39:20This is a party room.
0:39:20 > 0:39:21- It's so brilliant!- It is.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24This is, absolutely.
0:39:24 > 0:39:25Now, outside.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Well, my gosh!
0:39:27 > 0:39:32This is absolutely fantastic! Which bit is ours? I can't believe it!
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Just put it this way.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35The lake is yours.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39Wooh, wooh, it's fabulous!
0:39:39 > 0:39:40The geese are yours.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43If they'll stay!
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- What about the sheep? - The sheep are yours.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50No, oh, there's some alpacas! Ooh, look!
0:39:50 > 0:39:52That is absolutely amazing!
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Don't say I don't listen to your wish-list!
0:39:55 > 0:39:57That is absolutely perfect!
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- It's got everything! - Oooh! What's the matter?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Why can't we have it?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05It's a glorious bit of property.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- Isn't this abs... - You've got almost 6 acres.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Come on, let's meet your alpacas! - Aah!
0:40:11 > 0:40:16The more formal gardens and terraces near the house open out to fields
0:40:16 > 0:40:20and paddocks, providing plenty of room for ducks,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22sheep and those all-important alpacas.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- They're quite willing to sell these with the property.- Really? - Yes.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- Beautiful faces.- I think every country estate should have one!
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Hello!- Absolutely! And they're very self-sufficient...
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- look after themselves! - They're hilarious, yeah.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40You just shear them every year, and that's it!
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- This is your river.- No way!
0:40:44 > 0:40:50- This is excellent!- This is outstanding, absolutely outstanding!
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Basically you have fishing rights all along this bank
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- and your property goes into halfway across the river. - Isn't it beautiful?
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Oh, it's just like a fairytale...
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- it's gorgeous!- Here's the crunch.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06What? Oh, no!
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- This is almost 6 acres, about 5 and a half acres of land.- Right.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12How much do you think this is on?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Please don't say 675!
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- I'd say yes, it was over 950, definitely over that! What do you think?- Yes, well I'm going to say...
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- I think I'll say 950, because you knew that was our budget.- Right.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29You're being hopeful, with that. I like that. Optimist is good.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31It's actually on at 985.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- Really?- Mmm-hmm.- For all of it?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- All of it!- That's fantastic!
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- Well..- I think it's worth every penny.- You've got to bear in mind...
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- what you have got to bear in mind is all budgets are negotiable.- Exactly!
0:41:43 > 0:41:47They have actually brought it down from over a million, so why don't you have a wander.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49I know you just want to play with the alpacas, but you should go inside,
0:41:49 > 0:41:56take in the full scope of the property and I'll meet you here, talking to Fru-Fru and Fi-Fi.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- Is that what they're called? - That's what I've called them.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00- OK.- I think they're both men, actually, but still!
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Fru-Fru, Fi-Fi!
0:42:06 > 0:42:10My first impressions of the outside of the house, I didn't think I was going to like it,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13so I was surprised, because when you came through the front door
0:42:13 > 0:42:16and you came straightaway into the kitchen.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20I mean the kitchen is really my thing, and you couldn't help but love it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I'm absolutely amazed! This is just an outstanding property.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28It ticks all the boxes, to use an overworked cliche.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- This is an "us" room, really.- It is.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- It's an "Eric and Kate" room, yeah. - It's got everything we want.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39The outside space was, to me, unbelievable. I was speechless.
0:42:39 > 0:42:46Look at these little guys, they look like pigeons with webbed feet!
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- Oh, it's lovely! - Thank you very much indeed.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51It's lovely, absolutely gorgeous!
0:42:54 > 0:42:56That was a beautiful Georgian property,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59although I'm not sure how "period" the alpacas were!
0:42:59 > 0:43:04It brings us to the end of our stroll through the orderly and symmetrical world
0:43:04 > 0:43:07of the Georgians, and I hope that we've inspired you
0:43:07 > 0:43:10to go out and love this most spectacular period
0:43:10 > 0:43:12in British architectural history,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16and make sure you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21And if you'd like to Escape To The Country yourself
0:43:21 > 0:43:24and need our help, please contact us through our website...
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:47 > 0:43:50E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk