0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to a very special edition of Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10Today we're looking at how some of the humblest of buildings, once designed for cattle and livestock,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13are now being turned into the most desirable of country residences.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18Of course we're talking barn conversions and what it takes to get one.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33In today's show, we take a look back
0:00:33 > 0:00:37at a selection of our favourite barn conversions from previous shows.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42Where a stone and steel creation in Northampton provides a stairway to heaven.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Oh, my goodness.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45- Come in.- Well, this is different.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48A Buckinghamshire barn brings out some star quality.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Jess Conrad becomes James Bond.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54My name's Conrad - Jess Conrad.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59And I discover what it takes to get from this to this.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Yes, today we're opening the doors on the ubiquitous barn conversion,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09arguably one of the most popular kinds of property we have on Escape To The Country.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But don't be fooled. This kind of thing takes an awful lot of time
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- and an awful lot of money, doesn't it, Paul?- Yes, it does.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Now, tell us, what kind of building are we in? How old is it?
0:01:18 > 0:01:22It's a 400-year-old barn and it was originally a cattle shed.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24What kind of challenges have you met?
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Lots of challenges. Lots of different challenges. From underpinning the whole complete barn,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33to restructuring the timberwork. New oak, green oak to replace the old stuff that was rotten.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Lots of people would say, "Why bother? Why not just knock it down and start again?"
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Uh, well, I'd have to agree with some people, but the character involved
0:01:41 > 0:01:46is so lovely you've got to restore these back to their former glory.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Any top tips for anybody thinking of taking on a project like this one?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Have lots of money. THEY CHUCKLE
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Well, there you are, you heard it here first. Lots of money, lots of patience and lots of dedication
0:01:58 > 0:02:02but is it worth it? Yes, I think we all agree, it probably is.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12The thing I love about this sort of conversion is the opportunity to breathe new life into old structures
0:02:12 > 0:02:16and, as you'd expect, they're often packed with wonderful, original features
0:02:16 > 0:02:19such as old stone or brick walls and, indeed, lots of timber.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24This old oak will be recycled into this current conversion. I think that's why they work so well.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27It's that heady mixture of old and new.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31And, of course, the other great thing about barn conversions is space.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34If open-plan living is your thing, then a barn could well be for you.
0:02:36 > 0:02:42But now it's time to turn back the clock as we get the chance to revisit some of our favourites.
0:02:42 > 0:02:48Now, as you might expect with so many wonderful conversions to choose from, picking the best of the best
0:02:48 > 0:02:53has been something of a challenge but we're going to kick off with a story set down in Kent.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59Dr Rosh and his wife Nicola had £750,000 to spend but here was the catch -
0:02:59 > 0:03:04Nicola, having grown up in the country, was looking for something a bit more cosy and fairly rustic
0:03:04 > 0:03:09whereas Rosh, a city guy, was looking for something contemporary and fairly slick.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13So where better to start than in a building that would combine, I hoped,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15the best of both - a barn.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23And the property in question was in the village of Kemsing
0:03:23 > 0:03:25in Kent - a 25 minute drive from Tonbridge.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Kemsing is beautifully set at the foot of the North Downs.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33The village has lots of historical features,
0:03:33 > 0:03:41including a well dedicated to St Edith, the daughter of King Edgar who was born in Kemsing in 961 AD.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It also has a Saxon church and plenty of pubs,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and, in much the same way,
0:03:45 > 0:03:51this period barn conversion provides a merry mix between traditional and contemporary.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53We're in rural Kent, but we are within a village.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I know there is a bit of a debate between you two
0:03:56 > 0:03:58as to whether you want to be totally rural
0:03:58 > 0:04:03or have a bit of village life on your doorstep. So, we've got village life on your doorstep, Rosh.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- This looks good. - That's what I wanted you to look at.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- Oh, wow!- That's lovely! - That is very, very nice.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15This development around us has been built around this old 17th century barn.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- So the street's named after it? Old Barn Close?- Yes. This is at the hub of it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25- You don't get the whole thing.- OK. - It is, technically, semi-detached. - Oh, right, OK.- Not that you'd know,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- but you get the bulk of it.- OK.- OK. - What do you think of it?- Nice.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- Initial impression is it looks really good, actually.- Yeah? - Definitely.- Good. Let's go inside
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and see what you think.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Now, Nicola, Rosh, as entrances go...
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- not bad.- No. I really love the beams.- Yeah?
0:04:48 > 0:04:53I'm delighted to hear that, because one thing this place has in abundance are beams -
0:04:53 > 0:04:56many of them probably old ships' timbers,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59because we're not far from Chatham, and when these houses were built
0:04:59 > 0:05:02that was your recycling, so, you know, there's a lot of history
0:05:02 > 0:05:05in the structure of this, not just the fact it's an old barn.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Very promising.- Very promising. - Absolutely.- Good.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Let's go through here and see if you like the main living area. Now, then...
0:05:13 > 0:05:20- Wow!- Oh, wow! That's really nice. - Yeah?- Very nice and airy space.- Very nice.- You've got the beams going on.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- You've obviously got some sort of split-level thing going on here. - Yeah, well, come through.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30'The landing boasts a pine balustrade and handrail overlooking the entrance hall,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33'which makes this area light and spacious.'
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- So this is your kind of thing? - Very much so. Very much so.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41It's really open, a lot of light, you've got all the beams. I love the sort of split-level
0:05:41 > 0:05:47aspect to it as well. You can look out onto the garden from there, so I think it's really good.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Next stop, kitchen. - Lead on.- Come on, then.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Now, come in here.- Wow!- Wow, yeah? - Yeah.- Wow again, yeah.- Very nice.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- Is that a good wow?- Oh, definitely. - Because you've got a great kitchen.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- It's got all these beams, plus you've got another dining area here.- That's really great.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10You might not need a separate dining room.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14You could do it all here, which would make that a huge living room.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17It's very flexible accommodation. It's looking good.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24'Well, if it's homey they're after, just wait till they see what's upstairs.'
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- Let's start in there. Nicola, have a look.- Again, loads of beams, lots of character.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Nice room.- And the windows are nice as well.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- Great view onto the garden. Is this the smallest of the bedrooms?- This is probably the middle one.- Right.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- You've basically got three in this part of the house.- OK. - And there is one downstairs.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49- OK.- Will it work for your eldest? - Yeah, definitely.- Definitely.- For Raymond?- I think so. No, definitely.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- Plenty of space.- Yeah, cool, so you could lock him away up here, he could play with all his toys. Yeah?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Brilliant. Let's have a look at some of the others.
0:06:57 > 0:07:04There are four bedrooms in total, and the master bedroom comes complete with its own little quirks.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09This is the master suite, if you like, and I guess,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13following on from that kind of split level theme in the living room, this is also on two levels, strangely.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16What you've got is this area which is currently a bit of a study
0:07:16 > 0:07:20but could be dressing room, could be a little lounge area on its own.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I think it's a great area. I'd use this as a breathing area or study.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- It's great to have it near the bedroom as well.- Yeah, I think so.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Let's have a look up here and see if we can find you a bit more room.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35What do you think of that?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- This is great! It's really cosy and light.- That's very nice.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- It's very cosy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I really like the little window, the little skylight within the roof.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47But shoe space, how about this?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Oh, wow!- It's just enough! - Just enough?- Yeah, I think so!
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I don't know where your stuff is going to go, mate!
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'So, lots of encouraging thoughts inside the house,
0:08:01 > 0:08:06'but now for the enclosed garden and its centrepiece - the raised pond...'
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- In terms of size of garden, manageable?- Perfect.- Definitely.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- We haven't time to looking after a huge garden, so this'd be perfect. - Yeah.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15It isn't just this bit, there's another sweet area through here.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19'..which is ideal if they're in the mood for entertaining.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22'This patio to the side of the house is a perfect spot.'
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- I think this is really sweet. - That's very nice.- That's nice.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28You could use it as a sort of barbecue area, sort of patio area.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- It is slightly overlooked by... - That would be the only concern.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35You could put up trees here to sort of enclose it in here and then leave this bit open I think.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39OK. So we've seen it inside, we've seen it outside.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41How much is it worth?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- It's tricky.- That's the question! I'm going to go around 675.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- 675?- Yep.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I would say about 705.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53705?
0:08:53 > 0:08:56OK.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- Here's the bad news.- Oh, dear!
0:08:58 > 0:09:01It is 705, but not in that order.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- It's £750,000.- Wow! OK.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Top dollar.- Absolutely!
0:09:07 > 0:09:11But...a good one to start with because I think it gives you
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- a sense of what you're up against in terms of the market.- Sure.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- Sure.- And if you want to go for this level of property where it is - it's all about location here.- Yeah.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23But it's a lovely property. There's an awful lot to take in.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Now you know how much it's worth, have a look around on your own,
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- and I'll catch up with you later and see what you think.- OK.- Go on, then. Off you go. Enjoy yourselves.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38I'm pleasantly surprised. I think it's a great start.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42It ticks a lot of boxes. It's certainly got all the character we wanted.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I think it's a really great property.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49The outside looks really impressive, the garden's really nice.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52You could probably get away with the living area here,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55plus you've enough room for a separate dining table over there,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58you have sort of TV over here, all your sofas and everything.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- You could put some wooden floors down.- It'd look great. - That would be really good.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07SHEEP BLEAT
0:10:09 > 0:10:15This is a brace. Dozens of these are used in every single timber-framed structure you can think of,
0:10:15 > 0:10:22but the question is, how do you get from tree to log, to architectural component in the 21st century?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Well, I've come down to a sawmill to find out.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29And Ternex Sawmill, here in Hertfordshire, has been using
0:10:29 > 0:10:32English and European hardwoods, and principally oak, for construction,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35restoration and joinery for over 40 years.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41Manager Guy Dawson has promised to show me the ropes.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Guy.- Hello, Jules.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- Nice to see you.- Pleased to meet you.- I love all this industry
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- and I love the smell of all this wood.- I knew you'd like it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- Well, come on, show me round. I can't wait to see it.- Follow me.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Getting the best from your wood when building a barn conversion,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59of course starts with the tree.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Fresh-sawn timber is brought to the sawmill direct from UK forests
0:11:03 > 0:11:07and Europe where the forests are properly managed and felling is controlled
0:11:07 > 0:11:09to ensure sustainability.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14This is some wood store, Guy.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17A lot bigger than I've got at home, that's for sure.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Well, it's a wonderful, wonderful setting. I mean, where do we start
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- with a log like that?- With a log like this? This is our next job, Jules.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26To saw this up?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30The log is carefully positioned on the machines
0:11:30 > 0:11:33to get the best cut possible, to maximise the use of the timber.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37OK, this is a first cut, Jules. This is going to remove the first slice
0:11:37 > 0:11:40from the log, which is mostly bark.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Oh, right.- Broken up and used for chipboard.- I was wondering why chipboard wasn't very good.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48You'll be able to see on this, Jules, it's mostly sap.
0:11:48 > 0:11:55I mean, I suppose that one of the key parts of this business is having manageable forests so that
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- your supply is well maintained.- We have to be sure that we're growing
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- more than we're cutting.- And is that the case at the moment?- It is. - So we've got no shortage of oak?
0:12:03 > 0:12:07There's no shortage of oak but the cost of oak has gone up considerably
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- in the last couple of years.- Really? - Yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Mind you, what hasn't? - But more people want oak.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17Yeah. Well, it's a wonderful material and when you see how long it lasts for,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- in many of these barn conversions - 400-500-600 years.- Absolutely. You can see.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27- It's common.- Yes.- It's better than the concrete we're throwing up these days.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- It's the most environmentally friendly product you can have.- Yeah.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33OK.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- This is going to be a big oak beam now, Jules.- Lovely. Look at that.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- That's a little bit of sap, bark. - That's the oak.- Right. Let's follow it off.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47'Now we have our fresh-sawn oak, it's off to the joinery workshop to see how
0:12:47 > 0:12:51'it's turned into the familiar features we see in a barn conversion.'
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Well, for a very traditional material,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57you've got some very hi-tech equipment. What are we looking at here?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's a combination of traditional and modern.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- And here we have a CNC machine. - And what does it do?- This machine
0:13:04 > 0:13:06is computer controlled, fully automated.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11We load the timber onto it and it will cut the shape that's been programmed into it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Let's press the button and see it go.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- MACHINE POWERS UP - Wow!
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Look at that! It's like a robot, isn't it?- It is a robot.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22And hidden within this machine is a whole chest of high-spec tools
0:13:22 > 0:13:25which it automatically selects for each job.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Look at that. It really is taking shape beautifully there, isn't it?
0:13:35 > 0:13:37And five to ten minutes later,
0:13:37 > 0:13:38it's all done.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Here we are, Jules, one brace.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48I can see that, um, the future of timber-frame building is safe in your hands, Guy.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- I hope so.- Brilliant. Thanks very much for giving us a window on your world.- It's been a pleasure.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Absolutely fascinating.- Cheers. Thank you.
0:13:59 > 0:14:07Well, one brace down but, sadly, plenty more needed if I'm to build my very own timber-frame barn,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09but one we did find that was handsomely complete
0:14:09 > 0:14:12was down on the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire borders.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18Melissa Porter had the undoubted joy of showing pop legend Jess Conrad and his wife Renee around.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22A star back in the '60s, he was now heavily involved in panto
0:14:22 > 0:14:30and, armed with a budget of £750,000, he wanted a dressing room and space for all of his costumes.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32And thanks to Melissa, that's exactly what he got.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38The barn conversion Melissa took them to see was in Longwick,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40about eight miles south of Aylsbury.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47This was sure to be something of a surprise as, apart from the unexpected snow overnight,
0:14:47 > 0:14:52Jess and Renee hadn't previously considered a barn conversion.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57I have taken on board that you need high ceilings, new bathrooms and a view.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59This place has all of that.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03100 years old, converted in 2002.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05How would you like to live in a barn?
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- We have seen everything else, let's try a barn.- That's fantastic.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Shall we go and look inside?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18This barn was converted for residential use five years ago,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22and whereas the other three houses have all involved a degree of compromise,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26this one offers full-height ceilings, a fantastic garden
0:15:26 > 0:15:31with swimming pool, and a luxurious boutique hotel-style master bedroom.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36I can tell this place is going to have everything.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43So, the oak flooring runs through the dining room
0:15:43 > 0:15:46and into...
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Perfect, perfect, perfect!
0:15:49 > 0:15:51That is what I was hoping to hear.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Huge fireplace. Look at that!
0:15:54 > 0:15:58That is a wood-burning stove, but what a statement piece in here.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Fantastic.- And all these beams...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Love beams.- ..that add character.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04You can stand up straight.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- That's a nice change. - You wouldn't have to decorate it.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08It's a neutral palette.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- I'm getting a different feel from you two.- This is exciting.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Oh, yes, Jess Conrad could live in a house like this.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Study.- Lovely, right size.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Perfect.- Mm-hm.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Oh!- Look at that cooker!
0:16:24 > 0:16:28The range. Belfast sink.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Space for the large American fridge freezer.- I don't believe all this.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It is fairly land.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Why?- Everything is so beautifully laid out.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41The dining room, into the lounge, into my study.
0:16:41 > 0:16:47Even if you were dying, you could crawl to these places, they are so near to one another.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51I've not seen upstairs, but I'll buy it having just seen downstairs.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54It might just be an idea to have a look upstairs anyway.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56They'll not be disappointed.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59On the top of the landing,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- single bedroom.- Single bedroom.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Perfect for my grandson.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09And family bathroom.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Look at that. Wow!
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Wow!- What a showerhead.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Towards this end of the barn, we have three double bedrooms.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Right, up you go.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Going up to the loft is a bit posh with this red...
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Oh, my goodness!
0:17:30 > 0:17:31This I don't believe.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- You said you wanted your own dressing room.- Look at the bath!
0:17:35 > 0:17:37And your own en suite bathroom.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Jess Conrad becomes James Bond!
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- This is perfect.- Goodness!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Look at that showerhead.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I can't believe this.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Freestanding shower and bath.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56It's a large bath. My goodness me.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Bedroom and dressing room, all in one. It's wonderful.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01Absolutely perfect.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05OK, so the grand finale is looking good.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10So, outside we have a decked area - under this slush -
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and a swimming pool.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Can't think about swimming this time of year, but it's lovely.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- A nice shape.- There's something else in this property that you want.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Round the corner.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Look at that! That's good for weather like this.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Already there.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- That's exactly what you wanted. - Yes, it sure is.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Jump straight in it now.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33OK, what value do you put on this house?
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Gotta be seven-and-a-half, I guess.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39OK, 750,000 from Jess. And you?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I think it's more than that. 785?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46£775,000, this property is on the market for.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51£775,000 for my dream house.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57Why don't you both go back inside, have a look round in private, and join me later.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- OK.- Let's go start thinking.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I could certainly see myself living in this house
0:19:05 > 0:19:07with my lovely wife, Renee.
0:19:07 > 0:19:13Well, Melissa has surely pulled out all the stops, ticked all the boxes.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Everything is superb.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I'm going to pamper myself for the rest of my life,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23laying here in this James Bond bath.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Now for my favourite and final barn conversion.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34We're heading to Northamptonshire, in the company of Ian and Sarah.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37They were looking for a nice light and airy four bedroom property
0:19:37 > 0:19:42with a nice big kitchen, a big garden for their dogs, and lovely countryside views.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Up to this point they hadn't considered
0:19:44 > 0:19:46the idea of a barn conversion,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49but any misconceptions they may have had
0:19:49 > 0:19:54soon disappeared when presented with a truly spectacular property.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59To make the best use of their budget of £500,000,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I took them to the village of Old, seven miles west of Kettering.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09A small and compact village, Sarah and Ian will have to hop on their bikes
0:20:09 > 0:20:12to get to the nearest shop, but the local pub
0:20:12 > 0:20:13was only a short stroll away.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17With impressive electric front gates that hide a building
0:20:17 > 0:20:20that was in the running for an architectural award,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23I was confident this place would wow Sarah and Ian.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- How about this?- That's fantastic.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- I like that. - It just gets better and better.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Good. Brilliant. Now, have a look at that.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35We're liking.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40I'm pretty sure you won't have seen anything quite like this.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- I'm looking forward to seeing inside.- Intriguing me now.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Come in.- Oh, my goodness! - Come in.- This is different.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05It's finished to a fantastically high standard throughout, as you can see.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06- It's bizarre. - I can't get over it.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- But really good.- It just sort of seems to fit, somehow.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13I mean, it's dominated by that, of course, which is the old cart door.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17What they've done, rather cleverly, is put this opaque glass in,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- so you get the light, but you're not overlooked.- You get the privacy.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25And of course, all this structural steel everywhere, which I just think is fantastic.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- It's really got a wow factor, hasn't it?- It has. Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31This is very much the heart of it, the hallway.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Everything radiates off it.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Let's start with the kitchen. - OK.- Come on.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- Go in there.- I don't like it(!)
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- You love it. Look. Look at that. - You've done well.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- All these units came from an old shop.- Oh, how beautiful.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- We've often talked about having something like that. - It's like an old hardware store.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Cooking-wise, Ian, you've got a double gas range.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05I noticed that, and I think I could cope with that.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I mean, it's got a really good feeling about it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14- It's spectacular.- I really like it. - It's very, very, very us, and very me.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17I just love big kitchens. Yes. It's going to cost us a lot of money.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20No! Don't do this!
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Well, it looks like I've hit the jackpot here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27The kitchen also has a walk-in larder and a utility area.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30'And additionally, on the ground floor, are two bedrooms.'
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Have a look in there. In you go.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- That's lovely.- I like that.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38It's got lovely shutters, and look at the depth of those walls.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- So thick.- Thick walls, but there's so much light coming in, as well.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Such a solid, solid home.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Well, it sounds like I don't need to show them any more of this house.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53'The second bedroom is the same size as the first and across the hall is the family bathroom.'
0:22:53 > 0:22:54Oh, I like it.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- It's functional.- No window.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00No window, but maybe you wouldn't want one down on the ground floor.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- We can live with that.- It's got a bath, important, and a shower.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08And it's for your guests. And it's not the only one.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14Because up those fantastic stairs is the rest of this property.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Go on, lead us out.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20The unique glass and steel staircase leads onto a suspended walkway,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23bridging the master bedroom and the living room.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26I can live up here.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31I mean, you would, really. This is clearly the principal living area in this property.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34It's got views out over the farmland, over your garden.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It is awesome.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It really is. It's fantastic.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45It's just mind-blowing. I love the wooden floor in here. This floor's beautiful.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Is that a wood burner in the corner?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49You've got a wood burner over there.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54Again, uber-modern, as you'd expect to find in this kind of...
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- I don't know, what can we call it? - It's very, very special.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- Very special.- I'm getting increasingly worried, Jules.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04You haven't asked us the price yet!
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Don't you worry, just be excited.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- OK. Yeah.- We'll try.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13We have seen pretty much all of it, with one notable exception, and that is a bedroom for you guys,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16which as you might expect, is all right, really.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Come through here.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And this is for you guys...
0:24:25 > 0:24:27I'm thinking.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30I think you're right. I really like this room.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- I'm thinking we could manage in here, somehow.- Be all right?
0:24:33 > 0:24:38Even though this is not a huge room, you have the feeling of space because of the height.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40You've got these built-in wardrobes.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- You'd get a lot of stuff in here, a lot of shoes, probably. - All Ian's clothes.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- Well, what about this? In here, you've got an en suite bathroom, as well.- OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Come in. Open the door behind you.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Perfect.- Yeah. It works really well.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Got a bath, which is obviously important for me.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02And a shower, cos I prefer a shower. Haven't seen one thing that I don't like.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05You haven't seen one thing that you don't like?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- Come on, find something.- But there is a question I have for you. - Go on, then.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Is there another bedroom?- No.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14That's the mystery.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20The mystery is there isn't one, but there are options, which we'll discuss, not in here,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24but outside, because there's a bit more to it out there than meets the eye.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Yeah? Go on, then. Lead on.- OK.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31'After all that excitement, Sarah seems disappointed about being
0:25:31 > 0:25:36'a bedroom down, but I do believe she'll be won over with my solution.'
0:25:36 > 0:25:38First, we'll have a look at the garden.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Is that enough for the dogs?
0:25:40 > 0:25:45That's great for the dogs. I think what we can do is give them a little area at the end that could be theirs.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's a great size garden and nice views as well.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53I love the lovely old original brick wall along there. That's so rustic.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56There is planning permission
0:25:56 > 0:26:00to convert the carport into a studio.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Come over here and have a look.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06So if you could imagine...
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- could be a guestroom on its own, guestroom en suite, could be anything you like.- Teenage suite.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Teenage suite and of course, you've got some of the roof space up there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Getting planning permission with anything that's listed
0:26:18 > 0:26:23is really difficult and the fact this comes with it is not to be sniffed at, really.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24I think it's over our budget.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27OK. How much over? You've got half a million.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I think it's 10% over. 550.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31550. Sarah?
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I think 535.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37535. You've going to love this, mate.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39You are so going to love this.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I'm really excited.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Don't do this!
0:26:43 > 0:26:48It's on the market for £485,000.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- No way!- Yeah.- Don't do it!
0:26:53 > 0:26:58- Don't do it!- I think we might consider making a sensible offer.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02I'm glad you like it. Go back through that door. Have a good look around.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Explore the grounds, too, at your leisure, and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- OK. Let's go and have a look over the fence.- Off you go.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19- It's just a super barbecue area. Sun going down...- Yeah.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Fantastic dog walk straight from the garden. It's a deal.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I've decided.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's just my dream home.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I'm very, very excited about it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32We'd have to do an incredible de-clutter, where we live now,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36but I think I can manage that, just to be living somewhere like this.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I have to confess, that was probably
0:27:39 > 0:27:45one of my most favourite house tours of all time.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Just as I hoped it would be.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50It was a wonderful property and Ian and Sarah loved it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54That's because it had that winning combination of contemporary style,
0:27:54 > 0:27:59all that glass and steel, yet set within a beautiful and characterful building.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Sadly though, that brings us to the end of our review of barn conversions.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I do hope you've enjoyed our trip down memory lane.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Who knows? Maybe one or two of them might have inspired you
0:28:10 > 0:28:13to make your own escape to the country. I'll see you next time.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:32 > 0:28:35E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk