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I'm in 627 square miles of prime countryside | 0:00:02 | 0:00:07 | |
that has just been designated the UK's newest national park. | 0:00:07 | 0:00:11 | |
So where am I? Find out in a moment as we escape to the country. | 0:00:11 | 0:00:16 | |
'Today, I'll help a couple head out of the capital and find their first family home in the country. | 0:00:27 | 0:00:34 | |
'But will they be able to agree?' Chalk and cheese! | 0:00:34 | 0:00:38 | |
-This is exactly how I want my kitchen to be. It's perfect(!) -Speak for yourself! | 0:00:38 | 0:00:43 | |
-'We'll see how far we can stretch them with our mystery house.' Are you brave? -I'll take anything on. | 0:00:43 | 0:00:50 | |
I'm in Hampshire on the South Downs | 0:00:51 | 0:00:54 | |
which, earlier this year, was awarded national park status, | 0:00:54 | 0:00:58 | |
60 years after it was first proposed. | 0:00:58 | 0:01:01 | |
Historically, national parks were created in wild, dramatic landscapes | 0:01:01 | 0:01:07 | |
and areas of gentle, rolling, chalkland downs such as this were overlooked. | 0:01:07 | 0:01:12 | |
However, over time, the consensus of what makes a national park has changed, and about time too | 0:01:12 | 0:01:19 | |
because this area gets over 39 million visits a year. | 0:01:19 | 0:01:24 | |
That's twice as many as the Lake District National Park. | 0:01:24 | 0:01:28 | |
With around 120,000 residents, it's also the most populated national park, | 0:01:28 | 0:01:34 | |
making Hampshire a sought-after location for London commuters looking for a bit of country life. | 0:01:34 | 0:01:40 | |
The South Downs stretch for 106 miles across Hampshire and East and West Sussex | 0:01:40 | 0:01:46 | |
and one of the main aims is to conserve its rich natural habitats | 0:01:46 | 0:01:50 | |
while sustaining the farming landscape. | 0:01:50 | 0:01:52 | |
Hampshire is surrounded by Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex | 0:01:52 | 0:01:58 | |
and besides parks, offers up a whole host of charming towns on the coast and inland. | 0:01:58 | 0:02:03 | |
There are plenty of desirable properties from timber-framed thatched cottages | 0:02:03 | 0:02:08 | |
to large, detached period houses, making it an enduring favourite with escapees. | 0:02:08 | 0:02:14 | |
National park status can be a real boost to the local economy, | 0:02:17 | 0:02:21 | |
attracting new visitors, business and investment. | 0:02:21 | 0:02:25 | |
Funding is now available to local entrepreneurs wanting to make their businesses more sustainable | 0:02:25 | 0:02:31 | |
and for those wanting to make the most out of the diversity of this area. | 0:02:31 | 0:02:36 | |
House prices may benefit too. | 0:02:36 | 0:02:39 | |
Properties in the neighbouring New Forest National Park | 0:02:39 | 0:02:43 | |
can be between 15 and 20% higher | 0:02:43 | 0:02:45 | |
than similar properties outside the park boundary, | 0:02:45 | 0:02:49 | |
so with that in mind, take a look at some of these great properties currently on the market. | 0:02:49 | 0:02:55 | |
For top-notch splendour, how about this six-bedroom, Grade II listed country house in Rogate | 0:02:55 | 0:03:01 | |
for £1.25 million? | 0:03:01 | 0:03:04 | |
Its reception rooms retain their Georgian elegance, | 0:03:04 | 0:03:08 | |
but is sympathetically extended to give an open-plan kitchen. | 0:03:08 | 0:03:11 | |
Outside, the gardens look over fields to the South Downs. | 0:03:11 | 0:03:15 | |
Or for £585,000, there's this four-bedroom renovated period cottage in Soberton, | 0:03:15 | 0:03:22 | |
which is quaint with two reception rooms retaining their original beams and brickwork fireplace. | 0:03:22 | 0:03:29 | |
The kitchen-breakfast room has French windows leading outside. | 0:03:29 | 0:03:33 | |
But you could snap up all that period charm for £385,000 | 0:03:33 | 0:03:38 | |
with this three-bedroom cottage in Manleys Hill. | 0:03:38 | 0:03:41 | |
The rustic kitchen-dining room gives a perfect space for open-plan entertaining | 0:03:41 | 0:03:47 | |
and the exposed beams are a running theme through the sitting room and bedrooms. | 0:03:47 | 0:03:52 | |
Some tempting properties there that might fit your bill. | 0:03:52 | 0:03:56 | |
Let's hope the ones we've got for this week's couple fit their bill. | 0:03:56 | 0:04:00 | |
Today's escapees are Will, a sales director in the wine industry, | 0:04:00 | 0:04:04 | |
and Georgie, a fashion buyer, who, along with their son Charlie, | 0:04:04 | 0:04:08 | |
live in a three-bedroom, rented flat in Earlsfield, south-west London. | 0:04:08 | 0:04:12 | |
Having sold their two-bedroom flat, they want to take advantage of the downturn in the market | 0:04:12 | 0:04:18 | |
and buy as soon as possible. | 0:04:18 | 0:04:20 | |
But they can't find the right property and time is ticking. | 0:04:20 | 0:04:25 | |
We've seen 15 to 20 properties | 0:04:25 | 0:04:27 | |
and we've got close on a couple of occasions to buying two now. | 0:04:27 | 0:04:33 | |
But I feel that, uh...you know, it's just the criteria hasn't quite been met as yet. | 0:04:34 | 0:04:40 | |
And maybe we're being too picky. It's difficult to know. | 0:04:40 | 0:04:45 | |
They've lived in London for nine years, | 0:04:45 | 0:04:47 | |
but Will and Georgie were raised in Hampshire and Scotland respectively. | 0:04:47 | 0:04:51 | |
Now they want their son to grow up in the country. | 0:04:51 | 0:04:55 | |
We hope that Charlie will have a similar upbringing to what Will and I experienced as children, | 0:04:55 | 0:05:01 | |
very much outdoors, enjoying walking in the hillsides, | 0:05:01 | 0:05:05 | |
a bit of sailing, ideally, dinghy sailing. | 0:05:05 | 0:05:09 | |
And obviously taking after his father and playing cricket would be what we hope. | 0:05:09 | 0:05:14 | |
They're looking for a village location, | 0:05:14 | 0:05:17 | |
but Mum and Dad still need to travel into London for work at least three days a week. | 0:05:17 | 0:05:23 | |
I'm currently enjoying a very short commute. It's only about 25 minutes door to door. | 0:05:23 | 0:05:29 | |
When we move to the country, we'd like no more than an hour and 20 minutes' commute door to door. | 0:05:29 | 0:05:36 | |
Will and Georgie have drawn up a pretty extensive wish list for their family home. | 0:05:36 | 0:05:41 | |
Ideally, for the new house, we'd need a minimum of three bedrooms. Four would be great. | 0:05:41 | 0:05:47 | |
A bit of character, so period style. | 0:05:47 | 0:05:50 | |
Close proximity to a station. | 0:05:50 | 0:05:53 | |
And schooling is important as well, so close to a good primary school. | 0:05:53 | 0:05:57 | |
They're up for a bit of renovating, but there are some things they can't do without. | 0:05:57 | 0:06:03 | |
The living room is doubling as a study as well, | 0:06:03 | 0:06:06 | |
so it's not ideal when you're being terrorised by a two-year-old infant. | 0:06:06 | 0:06:11 | |
We need a bit of seclusion, privacy. | 0:06:11 | 0:06:14 | |
The kitchen I'm looking for will be larger than this. | 0:06:14 | 0:06:17 | |
I'd love to have a sofa in the kitchen, so we can just relax | 0:06:17 | 0:06:22 | |
and entertain our friends and family. | 0:06:22 | 0:06:26 | |
For me, the must-haves would be a garden area. Anything up to half an acre would be fantastic. | 0:06:26 | 0:06:32 | |
They don't have a property to sell, but how much have they set aside for their dream home in Hampshire? | 0:06:32 | 0:06:38 | |
If we found a house that ticked all the boxes, | 0:06:38 | 0:06:42 | |
we could probably stretch to £465,000. | 0:06:42 | 0:06:46 | |
Buying a house is, as we all know, one of the biggest decisions anyone can make | 0:06:46 | 0:06:53 | |
and few of us expect to find the perfect property straight away. | 0:06:53 | 0:06:57 | |
However, Will and Georgie have already seen nearly 20 properties | 0:06:57 | 0:07:01 | |
and, by their own admission, they are maybe setting the bar too high. | 0:07:01 | 0:07:05 | |
Does the couple's perfect home exist on their budget here in the South Downs? | 0:07:05 | 0:07:10 | |
Well, we're going to find out over the next two days. | 0:07:10 | 0:07:15 | |
'Will and Georgie have decided to return to Will's childhood stomping ground with son Charlie. | 0:07:15 | 0:07:20 | |
'They want to be close to the grandparents in Hampshire, | 0:07:20 | 0:07:24 | |
'so we're basing our search in the South Downs region, | 0:07:24 | 0:07:27 | |
'taking in commuter train stations like Basingstoke and Haslemere | 0:07:27 | 0:07:31 | |
'from where they can get into London in 50 minutes. | 0:07:31 | 0:07:35 | |
'In today's show, we've lined up three fantastic properties which I hope fit the bill, | 0:07:35 | 0:07:40 | |
'but I won't be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first. | 0:07:40 | 0:07:45 | |
'As always, the last of the three is the mystery house to challenge what they thought they wanted.' | 0:07:45 | 0:07:52 | |
Will and Georgie, good morning. | 0:07:52 | 0:07:54 | |
-You've managed to escape the Big Smoke for now. -Yes. | 0:07:54 | 0:07:58 | |
-But who's got Charlie? -Granny's looking after Charlie this week. | 0:07:58 | 0:08:02 | |
-So you can relax, concentrate on the search. -Absolutely. -Good news. | 0:08:02 | 0:08:06 | |
You guys have looked at quite a few properties, nearly 20. | 0:08:06 | 0:08:10 | |
-What was wrong with them? -A number of things, really. | 0:08:10 | 0:08:14 | |
Just not close enough to the station or they were too far out in the sticks, | 0:08:14 | 0:08:19 | |
so there was no sense of community which is important for us. We haven't seen our ideal property yet. | 0:08:19 | 0:08:25 | |
Do you think the perfect property is out there? | 0:08:25 | 0:08:28 | |
We realise we're going to have to compromise somewhere, | 0:08:28 | 0:08:31 | |
but the difficulty is knowing where the compromise is. | 0:08:31 | 0:08:35 | |
Compromise - that's the magic word. Do you mind a little bit of a project? | 0:08:35 | 0:08:40 | |
If need be, yes, indeed. | 0:08:40 | 0:08:42 | |
So you're getting a little bit more flexible for me, which is good news with all that list. | 0:08:42 | 0:08:48 | |
-We do have some great properties lined up, so shall we get started? -Brilliant. -Come on. | 0:08:48 | 0:08:53 | |
For a maximum budget of £465,000, Will and Georgie have asked us | 0:08:55 | 0:08:59 | |
to find them a three or four-bedroom period property. | 0:08:59 | 0:09:03 | |
Georgie wants a big kitchen/diner with enough space for a sofa | 0:09:03 | 0:09:07 | |
to laze away their Sunday mornings. | 0:09:07 | 0:09:09 | |
A study for Will and a big garden for Charlie to run around in. | 0:09:09 | 0:09:13 | |
They also need to be close to a train station | 0:09:13 | 0:09:15 | |
for their commute to London, | 0:09:15 | 0:09:17 | |
and to a primary school for their young son. | 0:09:17 | 0:09:20 | |
Will, you're practically local to this area. | 0:09:20 | 0:09:24 | |
Yeah, not far. Just ten minutes up the road, I was born and bred and went to school. | 0:09:24 | 0:09:29 | |
Quite nostalgic coming back to this county and area. | 0:09:29 | 0:09:34 | |
And also very good baby-sitting facilities on hand as well. | 0:09:34 | 0:09:38 | |
Super Granny up the road, exactly! | 0:09:38 | 0:09:40 | |
We kick off our property search in the rural hamlet of Empshott. | 0:09:43 | 0:09:46 | |
Although there are few amenities here, | 0:09:46 | 0:09:48 | |
just two miles down the road lies Selborne, a pretty village | 0:09:48 | 0:09:53 | |
with two pubs, a local shop and post office, along with its own primary school. | 0:09:53 | 0:09:57 | |
We may be within commuting distance to London, but you wouldn't think it | 0:09:57 | 0:10:01 | |
from the array of beautiful thatched cottages and large rural properties in the area. | 0:10:01 | 0:10:06 | |
On the outskirts of the village, set back from the road, is this cottage, dating back to the 1860s. | 0:10:06 | 0:10:11 | |
So, guys, here is your first property. | 0:10:13 | 0:10:16 | |
-Very pretty. -Very attractive. -Very nice indeed. | 0:10:16 | 0:10:19 | |
I like the fusion of the brickwork using the local stone. It looks very striking. | 0:10:19 | 0:10:24 | |
Now, the property is semi-detached. | 0:10:24 | 0:10:27 | |
So do you mind a semi-detached property? | 0:10:27 | 0:10:29 | |
No, like we said, we're going to have to compromise somewhere. | 0:10:29 | 0:10:32 | |
-So, you know, I think we're... -That's a very good start, yes! | 0:10:32 | 0:10:36 | |
It's quite quiet at the moment, but we are on quite a busy main road. | 0:10:37 | 0:10:42 | |
Yes, I'm quite mindful of the fact it's busy and that does concern me. | 0:10:42 | 0:10:46 | |
-We'll see. -We'll see. We'll see the inside of the house. That's my cue to take you in, isn't it? Come on. | 0:10:46 | 0:10:51 | |
Well, maybe they'll forget about the road | 0:10:53 | 0:10:56 | |
if the inside of the cottage impresses them. | 0:10:56 | 0:10:58 | |
So come on straight through into the sitting room. | 0:10:59 | 0:11:03 | |
-Nice? -Yes. The fireplace is lovely. -Yeah, very pretty. Presumably it's a working fireplace? | 0:11:03 | 0:11:09 | |
It is, you can have a real fire in the winter. What about the size? | 0:11:09 | 0:11:12 | |
-It feels slightly on the small size, I'd say. -Do you have a lot of stuff? | 0:11:12 | 0:11:17 | |
Yeah, but I mean, the sofas and chairs would easily fit in here. | 0:11:17 | 0:11:21 | |
-And as we walked in, there's a shower room behind us. -OK. | 0:11:21 | 0:11:24 | |
-And to the left, off the hallway, the family bathroom, with a huge bath. -Right. | 0:11:24 | 0:11:30 | |
-And is there a bathroom upstairs? -I knew that was coming, I could hear ticking. | 0:11:30 | 0:11:35 | |
-No, that is the family bathroom. -OK. | 0:11:35 | 0:11:37 | |
-Let's take you through to the kitchen. -OK. | 0:11:37 | 0:11:39 | |
'And I'm sure they'll get a good feeling when they see it.' | 0:11:39 | 0:11:43 | |
So it is practically brand new, it's only about four years old. | 0:11:46 | 0:11:49 | |
-Really done well, I think. -Gosh, it's stunning. | 0:11:49 | 0:11:51 | |
It's immaculate, isn't it? Very pristine. Quite sociable, though. | 0:11:51 | 0:11:55 | |
You can have your breakfast in here with the whole family around the table. | 0:11:55 | 0:11:59 | |
-And I can actually see myself cooking here. -Can you? -Yeah. | 0:11:59 | 0:12:04 | |
-Has a very nice feel to it. -An unusual layout. | 0:12:04 | 0:12:07 | |
Yes, I'm mindful of the fact I did want a very big kitchen where we could have a sofa and entertain. | 0:12:07 | 0:12:14 | |
However, I can't help but like the feeling of this kitchen. | 0:12:14 | 0:12:17 | |
I know you're a very social couple. You do have your breakfast bar here. | 0:12:17 | 0:12:21 | |
-Yeah. -However, it does have a dining room just through here. | 0:12:21 | 0:12:25 | |
-OK. -It's not massive. | 0:12:28 | 0:12:30 | |
But it's big enough to take eight chairs there, around that table. | 0:12:30 | 0:12:34 | |
It feels very separate to the kitchen. | 0:12:34 | 0:12:37 | |
I don't think it flows terribly naturally from the kitchen into here. | 0:12:37 | 0:12:40 | |
-I'm not sure I entirely agree. I quite like the room. -Do you? | 0:12:40 | 0:12:44 | |
-Are you missing that sofa you wanted in the kitchen? -I think I'm missing the sofa! | 0:12:44 | 0:12:48 | |
Yeah. I'm not feeling it at the moment, certainly. | 0:12:50 | 0:12:53 | |
Be one big sofa at this rate. | 0:12:53 | 0:12:54 | |
Behind us there's a utility room - enough space for your white goods, | 0:12:54 | 0:12:58 | |
buggy, Wellington boots, perhaps even the toddler's bike. | 0:12:58 | 0:13:01 | |
-Perfect. -Everyone needs a utility room. | 0:13:01 | 0:13:04 | |
-Let's take you upstairs and see what you make of that. -OK. | 0:13:04 | 0:13:07 | |
Well, the dining room seemed to divide them. Will's being quite pragmatic, | 0:13:07 | 0:13:11 | |
while Georgie has a very fixed idea of what she wants. | 0:13:11 | 0:13:14 | |
Will she be prepared to compromise upstairs once she's seen where they'll be sleeping? | 0:13:14 | 0:13:19 | |
-So here's the master bedroom, your bedroom. -OK. Again, very pretty. | 0:13:19 | 0:13:24 | |
In keeping with the rest of the house. | 0:13:24 | 0:13:28 | |
But I think that it's quite small in terms of how we're going to fit our furniture in here. | 0:13:28 | 0:13:33 | |
-Our bed is bigger than the one that's here. -Right. | 0:13:33 | 0:13:36 | |
And we do have a wardrobe | 0:13:36 | 0:13:37 | |
and a chest of drawers which would have to fit in here. | 0:13:37 | 0:13:40 | |
And I think with the sloping eaves, we would struggle. | 0:13:40 | 0:13:44 | |
There are lovely features in here, with that fireplace, which is what I like. | 0:13:44 | 0:13:47 | |
-Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it? -Very pretty. | 0:13:47 | 0:13:50 | |
'With three bedrooms in all upstairs, there's also a small single room, | 0:13:50 | 0:13:53 | |
'but let's see what they think of their guest room.' | 0:13:53 | 0:13:57 | |
-So this is the other double bedroom. -OK. Yep. Very nice. | 0:13:57 | 0:14:00 | |
As a spare room, we don't really need an awful lot of space, | 0:14:00 | 0:14:04 | |
as long as there's space for the bed and chest of drawers, which is what they have already. | 0:14:04 | 0:14:09 | |
Other than that, I think it looks lovely. | 0:14:09 | 0:14:11 | |
-My concern is we haven't seen a study. -Ah. | 0:14:11 | 0:14:14 | |
-Well, this cottage does have options. -OK. | 0:14:14 | 0:14:18 | |
-Shall we go outside and take a look? -Yeah. | 0:14:18 | 0:14:20 | |
'Georgie really wants it all, | 0:14:21 | 0:14:23 | |
'but I think this cottage can deliver because down at the end of the garden | 0:14:23 | 0:14:27 | |
'there's this rather useful outbuilding.' | 0:14:27 | 0:14:30 | |
-So I know accommodation was really important for you both. -Yes. | 0:14:34 | 0:14:38 | |
-So this cottage has this additional outbuilding. -Amazing. | 0:14:38 | 0:14:42 | |
-It's a bit of a curveball. -You've got a downstairs shower room there. -OK. | 0:14:42 | 0:14:46 | |
-You've got all this space, which could be a study. -Yeah. | 0:14:46 | 0:14:50 | |
-It could also be a bedroom. -Yeah, yeah. | 0:14:50 | 0:14:52 | |
And not only that, above us, the same footprint, | 0:14:52 | 0:14:55 | |
you've got that again upstairs, which could be a study or could be another bedroom. | 0:14:55 | 0:15:00 | |
Amazing. Wow. | 0:15:00 | 0:15:02 | |
So when your guests come to stay, they've got their own lodge. | 0:15:02 | 0:15:06 | |
-Yeah. I really like that, actually. Nice, isn't it? -Very good. | 0:15:06 | 0:15:09 | |
-That's given you something to think about, hasn't it? You're looking very surprised. -We are! | 0:15:09 | 0:15:14 | |
-Let's go into the garden, because you've got to think how much all this is worth. -Yes. | 0:15:14 | 0:15:19 | |
Charlie would have lots of space to run around in this lawned garden, which is safely enclosed. | 0:15:19 | 0:15:25 | |
But now we've got to talk money. | 0:15:25 | 0:15:27 | |
The big question is how much does it all cost? Who wants to go first? | 0:15:27 | 0:15:31 | |
-Ladies first. -Erm... I think it's difficult. | 0:15:32 | 0:15:35 | |
I think, with the added cottage, and the garden, 465? | 0:15:35 | 0:15:41 | |
-So the top of your budget. -Yes. -OK. Will? | 0:15:41 | 0:15:45 | |
I was thinking 425 until you threw in the curveball of the cottage. | 0:15:45 | 0:15:49 | |
So...450? | 0:15:49 | 0:15:51 | |
OK. The current asking price for this cottage... | 0:15:51 | 0:15:56 | |
-is £395,000. -No way! That's amazing. | 0:15:56 | 0:15:59 | |
Your face says it all, you're really surprised, aren't you? | 0:15:59 | 0:16:02 | |
-I think that's amazing. Yeah. Wow. -Shocked. | 0:16:02 | 0:16:05 | |
So why don't you go and have a wander, | 0:16:05 | 0:16:08 | |
-have another look around and I'll catch up with you in a while. -OK. -OK, see you in a bit. | 0:16:08 | 0:16:12 | |
Well, Georgie certainly had her reservations about the cottage, | 0:16:14 | 0:16:17 | |
but Will seemed very taken with it. | 0:16:17 | 0:16:20 | |
But at that price, they were both so surprised, | 0:16:20 | 0:16:24 | |
and I think it really has put things in a spin in a very positive way. | 0:16:24 | 0:16:28 | |
Under budget at £395,000, | 0:16:28 | 0:16:30 | |
this cottage would be a great first home | 0:16:30 | 0:16:33 | |
in this popular and pricey area. | 0:16:33 | 0:16:35 | |
And Will's parents are just up the road. | 0:16:35 | 0:16:38 | |
It has some great selling points, including two reception rooms, | 0:16:38 | 0:16:42 | |
a very high-spec kithcen, three bedrooms - | 0:16:42 | 0:16:46 | |
two with those lovely period fireplaces - a large garden | 0:16:46 | 0:16:49 | |
with a fantastic outbuilding which could be a study | 0:16:49 | 0:16:52 | |
and guest suite, and they could catch the train from Alton, | 0:16:52 | 0:16:55 | |
just seven miles away, | 0:16:55 | 0:16:56 | |
and be in London in under an hour and a quarter. | 0:16:56 | 0:16:58 | |
I think, although it's a very beautiful property, | 0:16:58 | 0:17:02 | |
I think that it's actually too small. | 0:17:02 | 0:17:04 | |
-Enough space for your desk and everything? -Storage, filing, yeah, it's perfect. | 0:17:04 | 0:17:09 | |
Georgie probably feels she couldn't live here. But I could if I made a few adjustments. | 0:17:09 | 0:17:14 | |
I think we will differ on this one. | 0:17:14 | 0:17:17 | |
-Have we seen enough? -Yes. -Indeed. | 0:17:20 | 0:17:22 | |
OK, because there's plenty more to see. Let's go. | 0:17:22 | 0:17:25 | |
Will and Georgie have chosen to escape to Hampshire | 0:17:30 | 0:17:33 | |
because of the good connections to London and to be close to Will's parents. | 0:17:33 | 0:17:38 | |
But they also want all the charms that come with living in this part of the country. | 0:17:38 | 0:17:42 | |
12 miles east of Winchester lies the town of Bishop's Waltham. | 0:17:42 | 0:17:46 | |
Today the village is teeming with specialist shops | 0:17:46 | 0:17:49 | |
and traders selling local produce. | 0:17:49 | 0:17:52 | |
But the legacy of the bishops lives on through the town's architecture. | 0:17:52 | 0:17:56 | |
Local historian Peter Watkins is taking Will | 0:17:56 | 0:17:59 | |
and Georgie to the bishops' palace to find out more. | 0:17:59 | 0:18:02 | |
Here we are, this is the Palace of the Bishops of Winchester. | 0:18:02 | 0:18:06 | |
One of them, in fact. He had a large number and he was an extraordinarily rich man | 0:18:06 | 0:18:10 | |
throughout the whole of the Middle Ages and indeed afterwards, too. | 0:18:10 | 0:18:14 | |
The palace was first of all built well before the Norman conquest. | 0:18:14 | 0:18:18 | |
But it was rebuilt by Henry of Blois, | 0:18:18 | 0:18:22 | |
a bishop from about the middle of the 12th century. | 0:18:22 | 0:18:25 | |
At what stage did the palace fall to ruin? | 0:18:25 | 0:18:26 | |
In 1644, it was attacked by the parliamentary army in the Civil War. | 0:18:26 | 0:18:33 | |
And it was damaged so badly that in 1660, when the bishops | 0:18:33 | 0:18:38 | |
of Winchester came back, they decided not to try to rebuild | 0:18:38 | 0:18:42 | |
here at all, and they made their headquarters at Farnham | 0:18:42 | 0:18:45 | |
and took stone from here to Farnham for rebuilding. | 0:18:45 | 0:18:49 | |
At the same time, | 0:18:49 | 0:18:50 | |
the bishops also founded St Peter's Church in the town. | 0:18:50 | 0:18:54 | |
Despite the alterations that have been made over | 0:18:54 | 0:18:55 | |
the past 800 years, it still holds on to some unique treasures. | 0:18:55 | 0:19:00 | |
The most distinguished piece of architecture in the church is | 0:19:02 | 0:19:04 | |
the pulpit, I suppose. | 0:19:04 | 0:19:06 | |
It was given in 1626 by Bishop Lancelot Andrews, | 0:19:06 | 0:19:11 | |
who was one of the translators of the King James Bible. | 0:19:11 | 0:19:15 | |
And he gave the pulpit, which is an Italian one, | 0:19:15 | 0:19:18 | |
and is one of the glories of the church. | 0:19:18 | 0:19:21 | |
Well, they may be escaping the Big Smoke, | 0:19:21 | 0:19:23 | |
but Will and Georgie will still have plenty of cultural hotspots | 0:19:23 | 0:19:27 | |
to discover when they move to Hampshire. | 0:19:27 | 0:19:30 | |
'We're going back to Will's roots for our next property, to Headley Down, | 0:19:31 | 0:19:35 | |
'only a mile away from his parents, so baby-sitting couldn't be easier. | 0:19:35 | 0:19:40 | |
'For facilities, Grayshott two miles away has all handy shops they would need. | 0:19:40 | 0:19:45 | |
'There's a village primary school. | 0:19:45 | 0:19:47 | |
'Good news for commuting too. | 0:19:47 | 0:19:50 | |
'Haslemere train station is only six miles away with a 50-minute train journey into London. | 0:19:50 | 0:19:55 | |
'Our property is located on a quiet country lane and is a 100-year-old cottage.' | 0:19:55 | 0:20:01 | |
So what are your thoughts as we stand here in the pouring rain? | 0:20:01 | 0:20:06 | |
I love the fact that it looks out on to the common. That is fantastic. | 0:20:06 | 0:20:10 | |
I love the idea of just being able to walk out your door and go for a walk with dogs, children, what have you. | 0:20:10 | 0:20:17 | |
-So that's a positive. -Shall we take a look inside? -Yeah. -Come on. -Thank you. | 0:20:17 | 0:20:22 | |
'Even on a rainy day like this, the location certainly hasn't dampened their spirits.' | 0:20:22 | 0:20:28 | |
Oh, that's better - warm and dry! | 0:20:30 | 0:20:34 | |
Come on in, Will. | 0:20:36 | 0:20:38 | |
So...what are your first impressions as you walk through the door? | 0:20:38 | 0:20:43 | |
-What about the hallway? Welcoming? -It's a good size. -I was feeling the opposite. | 0:20:43 | 0:20:49 | |
-LAUGHTER -Chalk and cheese, OK. | 0:20:49 | 0:20:52 | |
So, down the hallway, you've got a study, the magic words, "a study", which is for you. | 0:20:52 | 0:20:58 | |
-We've also got a utility room and a downstairs shower room. -OK. | 0:20:58 | 0:21:02 | |
But I want to take you straight in here. | 0:21:02 | 0:21:05 | |
This is the sitting room. | 0:21:05 | 0:21:08 | |
-Nice size. -Yeah. -I like the fact that quite a lot of natural light comes in here. | 0:21:08 | 0:21:14 | |
Fantastic open fire and lovely, lovely slate around it which looks great. | 0:21:14 | 0:21:19 | |
-And some storage. -And also recesses either side. | 0:21:19 | 0:21:22 | |
-That magic word. -So we can have storage for our CDs and books. I like it. -Good. | 0:21:22 | 0:21:28 | |
-So this would work for you? -It would for me, yes. -Yeah, I think so. -Good. | 0:21:28 | 0:21:33 | |
-Yeah. -Better than the hallway then. It's a positive. I'm going to keep positive. Let's keep going. | 0:21:33 | 0:21:39 | |
'There's more space on offer in the second reception room.' | 0:21:39 | 0:21:42 | |
Through here is the dining room. | 0:21:42 | 0:21:45 | |
-Good size? -Yeah, definitely. -Feels a good size, yes. | 0:21:46 | 0:21:49 | |
Nice view, good light. | 0:21:49 | 0:21:51 | |
-Excellent. And behind you is a wood-burning stove. -Which I love. | 0:21:51 | 0:21:55 | |
-Nice little feature. -That's great for heating the house. | 0:21:55 | 0:21:59 | |
-And big enough for the family? -Yeah. | 0:21:59 | 0:22:02 | |
Through there is... I can only say this is a very small kitchen. | 0:22:02 | 0:22:06 | |
However, we do have some ideas on that, so, Will, if you lead the way, I'll explain. | 0:22:06 | 0:22:11 | |
I think it's fair to say it's a bit bijou. | 0:22:12 | 0:22:16 | |
"Nicki, where is my sofa going?" | 0:22:16 | 0:22:19 | |
I think your sofa would take up the whole of the kitchen. | 0:22:19 | 0:22:22 | |
-This is an extension, so not workable for the two of you with little Charlie. -No. | 0:22:22 | 0:22:28 | |
However, you have mentioned you're quite happy to take on a project. | 0:22:28 | 0:22:32 | |
If you look to the right, there's a patio, so you can extend the kitchen | 0:22:32 | 0:22:37 | |
and have a large kitchen extension at the back of the house. | 0:22:37 | 0:22:41 | |
-You've got plenty of land and you'd have a fantastic kitchen. -OK. | 0:22:41 | 0:22:45 | |
-That's what I would consider doing. -Sounds like a good idea. | 0:22:45 | 0:22:49 | |
There's a project for you and there'd be enough room at the back for the sofa. | 0:22:49 | 0:22:54 | |
'Now we know where the sofa's going, let's head upstairs to check out the three bedrooms. | 0:22:54 | 0:23:01 | |
'First up, we'll take a peek at where they would sleep.' | 0:23:01 | 0:23:05 | |
-Come through to the master bedroom. -OK. | 0:23:05 | 0:23:09 | |
-It's not a bad size. -That's good. Again good light. | 0:23:09 | 0:23:12 | |
-Good storage. Fantastic cupboards along the whole side... -Great cupboards. | 0:23:12 | 0:23:18 | |
-My wife needs storage for her clothes. -We definitely need storage. | 0:23:18 | 0:23:22 | |
-Find me a woman that doesn't need storage! -This'll be all me. I don't know where you'll put your clothes! | 0:23:22 | 0:23:28 | |
'There is another double room with yet another built-in wardrobe if Will needs it | 0:23:28 | 0:23:34 | |
'and a single room with nice views out over the garden. | 0:23:34 | 0:23:38 | |
'Next door, there's a bright family bathroom. Georgie and Will have very high expectations, | 0:23:38 | 0:23:44 | |
'but with some refurb and extending, this could be the family home they're after. | 0:23:44 | 0:23:49 | |
'Let's see if the garden and price can convince them.' | 0:23:49 | 0:23:52 | |
Here we have a rather delightful garden, even in this damp weather. | 0:23:52 | 0:23:57 | |
It's very nice. It's a great size. | 0:23:57 | 0:24:00 | |
It's in segments, so you can have various themes as you go down the garden. | 0:24:00 | 0:24:05 | |
It's over 100 foot long, you've got a greenhouse at the back, a garage and a shed. | 0:24:05 | 0:24:11 | |
-Big enough for your vegetable plot? -Absolutely. -Good, good. | 0:24:11 | 0:24:14 | |
You like the garden. I'm not too sure what you think about the house. I'm sure you'll tell me later. | 0:24:14 | 0:24:20 | |
How much do you think it's worth? | 0:24:20 | 0:24:23 | |
I reckon it needs quite a lot of work inside, | 0:24:23 | 0:24:26 | |
so I'd hazard a guess at 425,000. | 0:24:26 | 0:24:29 | |
That's so cheeky! That was going to be my number. | 0:24:29 | 0:24:32 | |
-You snooze, you lose. -You can agree. -I think I'll go for 420. | 0:24:32 | 0:24:37 | |
-425, 420... -Yeah. | 0:24:37 | 0:24:39 | |
One of you is on the nose. | 0:24:39 | 0:24:42 | |
Will. £425,000. | 0:24:42 | 0:24:45 | |
-Spooky! -Yeah. -Which means you would have £40,000 change. | 0:24:45 | 0:24:51 | |
-Yeah. -To have your dream kitchen and the proper extension at the back of the house. | 0:24:51 | 0:24:56 | |
-Are you happy with that? -Yeah. Good price. -Pleasantly surprised. | 0:24:56 | 0:25:00 | |
Why don't you have another wander around the house? I'll catch up with you in a while. | 0:25:00 | 0:25:05 | |
-OK. -See you later. | 0:25:05 | 0:25:08 | |
Well, Will certainly knows this area, it's his old stomping ground, | 0:25:08 | 0:25:12 | |
and very close to his heart by the sounds of it. | 0:25:12 | 0:25:15 | |
I wasn't quite sure what they thought about the property, | 0:25:15 | 0:25:18 | |
but at that price, with that money left over to make it right for them, | 0:25:18 | 0:25:22 | |
it could be a goer. | 0:25:22 | 0:25:24 | |
Under budget at £425,000, this is a great period property. | 0:25:24 | 0:25:30 | |
And they've got £40,000 left, | 0:25:30 | 0:25:33 | |
so they could make a good start on that extension. | 0:25:33 | 0:25:36 | |
It offers two reception rooms, | 0:25:36 | 0:25:38 | |
three bedrooms, | 0:25:38 | 0:25:39 | |
a large zone garden - so lots of space for Charlie to run around in, | 0:25:39 | 0:25:43 | |
and Will's vegetable garden. | 0:25:43 | 0:25:45 | |
And it's just a stone's throw away from Ludshott Common | 0:25:45 | 0:25:48 | |
and an easy commute to London. | 0:25:48 | 0:25:51 | |
I do like it. | 0:25:51 | 0:25:52 | |
We've got three good-sized bedrooms, but it feels quite compact. | 0:25:52 | 0:25:55 | |
I agree. It all seems quite confined, but with the extra money, | 0:25:55 | 0:25:59 | |
maybe the extension could be the answer. | 0:25:59 | 0:26:01 | |
This property you can put your own stamp on. It's got high potential. | 0:26:01 | 0:26:05 | |
I can really see us sitting here on a cold winter's night, with the fire lit. | 0:26:05 | 0:26:10 | |
-It would be nice, actually. -We have some storage as well. -Yeah. | 0:26:10 | 0:26:13 | |
It has the potential for us to put our mark on it | 0:26:13 | 0:26:16 | |
and for it to become our family home for years to come. | 0:26:16 | 0:26:19 | |
Unfortunately, guys, it is still pouring with rain. | 0:26:23 | 0:26:27 | |
-So, come on. Let's go somewhere dry, shall we? -Yes. -Good idea. | 0:26:27 | 0:26:31 | |
'When Will, Georgie and their two year-old son Charlie | 0:26:36 | 0:26:39 | |
make the move to the South Downs, | 0:26:39 | 0:26:41 | |
they want to take full advantage of the great outdoors. | 0:26:41 | 0:26:44 | |
so I've brought the couple to Hyden Wood | 0:26:44 | 0:26:46 | |
to meet Annette Stickler, a bushcraft instructor | 0:26:46 | 0:26:49 | |
who has worked with the king of survival skills, Ray Mears. | 0:26:49 | 0:26:52 | |
'She's got some fun tips to spark up any family camping trips they might make in the future.' | 0:26:52 | 0:26:58 | |
We're here to learn a little bit about bushcraft. | 0:26:58 | 0:27:00 | |
So what are we going to learn? | 0:27:00 | 0:27:02 | |
First, I think we should do some fire-lighting, | 0:27:02 | 0:27:05 | |
-but we need to do a bit of preparation. -Right. | 0:27:05 | 0:27:07 | |
As you can see, I've collected some firewood, but we need some more. | 0:27:07 | 0:27:12 | |
-What we need is sticks - pencil-thickness. -Yeah. | 0:27:12 | 0:27:17 | |
And you'll see them hanging from the dead beech trees around here. | 0:27:17 | 0:27:21 | |
-OK. -So that'd be great, if you could get some. | 0:27:21 | 0:27:23 | |
-OK, off we go. -Great. | 0:27:23 | 0:27:24 | |
'It's important only to light a fire where you have landowner permission | 0:27:24 | 0:27:29 | |
'and where the terrain is suitable. | 0:27:29 | 0:27:31 | |
'It must not be too near trees or their roots | 0:27:31 | 0:27:33 | |
'which fire can travel along underground | 0:27:33 | 0:27:35 | |
'and always have water to hand to extinguish it properly.' | 0:27:35 | 0:27:39 | |
-Here we go. -Wa-hey! -Just down here? -I've got one. | 0:27:39 | 0:27:43 | |
-Thanks, Nicki. Every one counts! -Good. | 0:27:43 | 0:27:47 | |
'With the kindling sticks gathered in, it's time to strike a light | 0:27:47 | 0:27:51 | |
'with Annette's trusty flint and curled steel | 0:27:51 | 0:27:54 | |
'and create a spark | 0:27:54 | 0:27:55 | |
'which will fall onto the black char cloth and ignite. | 0:27:55 | 0:27:58 | |
'That's the theory anyway!' | 0:27:58 | 0:28:00 | |
-Keep going. -Oh, nearly, then! -Yeah. | 0:28:00 | 0:28:04 | |
It doesn't want to work for me. | 0:28:06 | 0:28:08 | |
Go on, I'm going to let the expert do it. | 0:28:08 | 0:28:11 | |
Let's have a look. | 0:28:11 | 0:28:14 | |
I got a few sparks, but obviously not enough. | 0:28:14 | 0:28:17 | |
-There we go. Can you see that? -Yeah. | 0:28:19 | 0:28:22 | |
-If you get the bracken... -All of it? -Yeah. Make a bird's nest with it. | 0:28:22 | 0:28:27 | |
-Like there's a baby bird in there. -Yeah. | 0:28:27 | 0:28:31 | |
I'm going to place that in. | 0:28:31 | 0:28:33 | |
You don't want to squash it, | 0:28:33 | 0:28:36 | |
but you need the bracken in contact | 0:28:36 | 0:28:38 | |
and you need to have it up above your head | 0:28:38 | 0:28:40 | |
and blow from the bottom up. | 0:28:40 | 0:28:42 | |
Go on. | 0:28:42 | 0:28:44 | |
-There we are. -Goodness, that's impressive! -Yeah. | 0:28:52 | 0:28:55 | |
'Next up, it's time to lay the sticks in a criss-cross formation | 0:28:55 | 0:28:59 | |
'and then get lunch on the go.' | 0:28:59 | 0:29:03 | |
OK, so now we've got a nice established fire going, | 0:29:03 | 0:29:07 | |
we're going to go and collect some wild food to make a bannock, | 0:29:07 | 0:29:11 | |
which is basically a wild bread, traditionally from Scotland. | 0:29:11 | 0:29:15 | |
-There you go. -Home from home. | 0:29:15 | 0:29:17 | |
'So time for the gang to go gathering nuts | 0:29:17 | 0:29:20 | |
which is something kids would love to get stuck into. | 0:29:20 | 0:29:23 | |
The woods are the perfect place for them to get to know about their natural world, | 0:29:23 | 0:29:28 | |
from tree-spotting to animal-tracking. | 0:29:28 | 0:29:31 | |
But it's a bit spooky being alone here, | 0:29:31 | 0:29:33 | |
I hope they're back soon. | 0:29:33 | 0:29:34 | |
-Hello! -You're back, I was getting a bit nervous here on my own. | 0:29:34 | 0:29:38 | |
-You've got a lovely fire now. -Thank you. | 0:29:38 | 0:29:40 | |
Fruitful labours? | 0:29:40 | 0:29:42 | |
Yes, very good. | 0:29:42 | 0:29:44 | |
'Annette's making her bannock with flour, milk powder, | 0:29:44 | 0:29:47 | |
'baking powder, sugar and water, | 0:29:47 | 0:29:49 | |
'with a scattering of beech nuts. | 0:29:49 | 0:29:51 | |
'After mixing together all the ingredients, | 0:29:51 | 0:29:53 | |
'the dough cooks on the skillet for seven minutes each side. | 0:29:53 | 0:29:57 | |
'Once the bannock is cooked, it's time to taste it.' | 0:29:57 | 0:30:02 | |
-Mmm! That is delicious! -That is good. | 0:30:02 | 0:30:06 | |
-What does it taste of? -Sugar. | 0:30:06 | 0:30:09 | |
-It tastes really sweet. -Like a doughnut. -Mmm. -Mmm. -Exactly. | 0:30:09 | 0:30:12 | |
'Well, I'm sure Charlie would be very proud of his parents | 0:30:12 | 0:30:16 | |
'if they could rustle up a meal like this from the forest floor. | 0:30:16 | 0:30:21 | |
'As the first day of our house search draws to a close, | 0:30:21 | 0:30:25 | |
'Will and Georgie reflect on the properties they've seen so far.' | 0:30:25 | 0:30:28 | |
What are your thoughts on the house by the road? | 0:30:28 | 0:30:32 | |
First thoughts when walking in - it was quite small, compact, | 0:30:32 | 0:30:35 | |
-but immaculate and really pristine the way they've laid it out. -Yeah. They were very clever about that. | 0:30:35 | 0:30:40 | |
Very good use of space. | 0:30:40 | 0:30:41 | |
And then they chucked in that quite cheeky curveball of the house outside, | 0:30:41 | 0:30:46 | |
which I wasn't really expecting. It's a real bonus, having that as an additional bedroom. | 0:30:46 | 0:30:51 | |
-And also a study. -It makes a great office for you, doesn't it? | 0:30:51 | 0:30:54 | |
Having that upstairs and being away from the rest of the house. | 0:30:54 | 0:30:57 | |
Peace and quiet. | 0:30:57 | 0:30:58 | |
Yeah. Slightly detached, which is nice. And a nice garden as well. | 0:30:58 | 0:31:02 | |
-Yeah. -Flat, quite a big area. -Yeah. However... -The road... | 0:31:02 | 0:31:05 | |
-It's just too noisy. -I think so. | 0:31:05 | 0:31:08 | |
-What about the house overlooking the common? -My initial thoughts were it wasn't the most attractive of houses. | 0:31:08 | 0:31:14 | |
However, I think when we got inside, I thought the sitting room was a good size. | 0:31:14 | 0:31:18 | |
I like the fact that it had an open fire | 0:31:18 | 0:31:21 | |
and I thought I could see ourselves sitting there in front of it on a dark winter's night. | 0:31:21 | 0:31:26 | |
I like the fact that there's lots of opportunity to develop it - | 0:31:26 | 0:31:29 | |
put the extension onto the kitchen, | 0:31:29 | 0:31:31 | |
make it the kitchen that I've always wanted. | 0:31:31 | 0:31:34 | |
You can see the promise. | 0:31:34 | 0:31:35 | |
You've got the common, it's got a lot of potential, I think. | 0:31:35 | 0:31:38 | |
-So are you looking forward to tomorrow? -Definitely. | 0:31:38 | 0:31:41 | |
Today was exciting. It was great, wasn't it? | 0:31:41 | 0:31:44 | |
So hopefully there'll be more of the same. | 0:31:44 | 0:31:46 | |
-Fingers crossed. -Yeah. | 0:31:46 | 0:31:47 | |
Will and Georgie want to quit the rat race of London | 0:31:51 | 0:31:54 | |
and find a family home in rural Hampshire | 0:31:54 | 0:31:57 | |
in which to raise their two year-old son Charlie. | 0:31:57 | 0:32:00 | |
For £465,000, they're not just looking for | 0:32:00 | 0:32:03 | |
a three-bedroom property with a large garden. | 0:32:03 | 0:32:06 | |
They also need good train connections to London for work | 0:32:06 | 0:32:10 | |
and to be near a primary school for their son. | 0:32:10 | 0:32:12 | |
They've seen two properties so far, | 0:32:12 | 0:32:14 | |
but coming up, Will gets down with contemporary living. | 0:32:14 | 0:32:18 | |
It's quite cool down-lighting. It's a cool barn. Very funky. | 0:32:18 | 0:32:21 | |
But our mystery house could shake things up. | 0:32:21 | 0:32:24 | |
Despite having seen so many properties over the last few months, | 0:32:24 | 0:32:29 | |
I think yesterday brought Will and Georgie back down to earth | 0:32:29 | 0:32:33 | |
with a bit of a bump. | 0:32:33 | 0:32:34 | |
Now, remember, this couple are cash buyers, | 0:32:34 | 0:32:37 | |
so are in a position of strength in the current market. | 0:32:37 | 0:32:40 | |
However, they do need to be realistic | 0:32:40 | 0:32:44 | |
about what type of property they can afford with that cash. | 0:32:44 | 0:32:47 | |
So, it's a new day, let's see what it brings. | 0:32:47 | 0:32:51 | |
Our house hunt continues in the market town of Whitchurch | 0:32:54 | 0:32:57 | |
from where they would have an hour and a quarter train journey into London. | 0:32:57 | 0:33:01 | |
Set mostly within a conservation area, | 0:33:01 | 0:33:04 | |
Whitchurch has its fair share of beautiful listed buildings | 0:33:04 | 0:33:08 | |
and the last working silk mill of its kind in southern England | 0:33:08 | 0:33:11 | |
sitting by the River Test. | 0:33:11 | 0:33:12 | |
Along with the local pub, | 0:33:12 | 0:33:15 | |
there is also that all-important primary school for Charlie. | 0:33:15 | 0:33:18 | |
And just outside Whitchurch, is our next property, a rather unique conversion. | 0:33:18 | 0:33:24 | |
So, it's a lovely new day. | 0:33:24 | 0:33:25 | |
-It's a beautiful day. -And here is your property. | 0:33:25 | 0:33:29 | |
Have you ever fancied living in a barn? | 0:33:29 | 0:33:32 | |
I think it's a cool barn. | 0:33:32 | 0:33:33 | |
Yeah, I like the slate, I like the brickwork. | 0:33:33 | 0:33:37 | |
-And you've got the benefits of the stunning views. -It is beautiful. -Absolutely beautiful. | 0:33:37 | 0:33:41 | |
-It's very rural here. -Yeah. -Keen to get inside? -Yeah, I'd love to have a look. -OK. | 0:33:41 | 0:33:47 | |
'This former cow shed has been given a new lease of life | 0:33:47 | 0:33:51 | |
that I'm sure our couple will be impressed by.' | 0:33:51 | 0:33:53 | |
So how do you both fancy open-plan living? | 0:33:56 | 0:34:01 | |
-Wow, it's stunning. It looks great. -Very cool. | 0:34:01 | 0:34:05 | |
-I love the beams. -They've done it extremely well. | 0:34:05 | 0:34:08 | |
-Has it surprised you from outside? -Very much so. | 0:34:08 | 0:34:11 | |
You just don't expect to come into this beautiful, open living room | 0:34:11 | 0:34:16 | |
with the lovely beams. | 0:34:16 | 0:34:18 | |
It gives it such character. Really lovely. | 0:34:18 | 0:34:20 | |
-Have you been in a barn conversion before? -No, I haven't. Never. | 0:34:20 | 0:34:25 | |
-No. -So you're pleasantly surprised? -Very much so, yeah. | 0:34:25 | 0:34:29 | |
It's crying out for a wood-burner there | 0:34:29 | 0:34:31 | |
-which would be really easy to do. -Would it? -Yeah. -Lovely. | 0:34:31 | 0:34:35 | |
You've got limestone flooring, underfloor heating. | 0:34:35 | 0:34:39 | |
-Lovely. -That's very nice. -Yes. | 0:34:39 | 0:34:41 | |
-You've got the ash staircase up to the mezzanine floor. -That's stunning. | 0:34:41 | 0:34:46 | |
Let me show you the kitchen. | 0:34:46 | 0:34:48 | |
You've got gorgeous quartz worktops, | 0:34:50 | 0:34:52 | |
which you don't often see in a kitchen, which really works well. | 0:34:52 | 0:34:56 | |
Although it's not massive, | 0:34:56 | 0:34:57 | |
you've got all this storage, top of the range appliances. | 0:34:57 | 0:35:01 | |
It's a good size. I like the way they've laid it out, as well. | 0:35:01 | 0:35:05 | |
-It's very modern. -It is. | 0:35:05 | 0:35:07 | |
It also benefits from a utility room which is just next door. | 0:35:07 | 0:35:12 | |
Down the hallway, you've got two bedrooms on the ground floor and family bathroom. | 0:35:12 | 0:35:16 | |
-Let me show you one of the bedrooms. -OK. | 0:35:16 | 0:35:18 | |
This is the bigger of the two bedrooms. | 0:35:19 | 0:35:23 | |
-It's a generous size. -Good size. -Yeah, it's a great size. | 0:35:23 | 0:35:27 | |
Good spare room. | 0:35:27 | 0:35:29 | |
Yeah, probably a spare room. There's plenty of space, storage. | 0:35:29 | 0:35:33 | |
lots of cupboards. | 0:35:33 | 0:35:35 | |
-Look at that for cupboards! -It looks good. -Quite cool down-lighting. | 0:35:35 | 0:35:39 | |
'And there's light streaming into the single room next door. | 0:35:39 | 0:35:44 | |
'Across the hallway, there's a brand-new fitted family bathroom. | 0:35:44 | 0:35:47 | |
'Will and Georgie are shocked by the spectacular blend of old and new in this conversion. | 0:35:47 | 0:35:54 | |
'I wonder what they'll think of the upstairs?' | 0:35:54 | 0:35:56 | |
I really like this little galleried area, | 0:35:59 | 0:36:01 | |
because this could be your office, your study. | 0:36:01 | 0:36:04 | |
-Oh, yeah, I forgot about that! -He hadn't. | 0:36:04 | 0:36:07 | |
-Certainly not. -I forgot that was quite important. -It's a good size, a little sort of nook and cranny. | 0:36:07 | 0:36:13 | |
You could tuck a desk away there, yeah. | 0:36:13 | 0:36:17 | |
I'm going to show you the master bedroom. You haven't seen that yet. | 0:36:17 | 0:36:21 | |
-Wow! Good size. -Yeah. -Great features. | 0:36:25 | 0:36:29 | |
Lovely as well. Just a few more beams as well. | 0:36:29 | 0:36:32 | |
They've done it, again, extremely well. | 0:36:32 | 0:36:35 | |
-I'm afraid I have a negative point, though. -Go on. Hit me with it. | 0:36:35 | 0:36:39 | |
Because of the sloping ceilings, | 0:36:39 | 0:36:41 | |
you wouldn't be able to get any furniture in here. | 0:36:41 | 0:36:44 | |
You could get chairs and you could get a fabulous sofa there. | 0:36:44 | 0:36:48 | |
But the good news is, just round the corner, | 0:36:48 | 0:36:50 | |
you've got your dressing area, so your clothes can go there. | 0:36:50 | 0:36:54 | |
It's really unusual, especially if you're used to living in a flat. | 0:36:54 | 0:36:58 | |
-This is completely different. -It has a very nice, light, airy feeling to it. | 0:36:58 | 0:37:03 | |
-That's great. -So you like the contemporary feel? | 0:37:03 | 0:37:06 | |
Yeah, I like the mix of old and contemporary. | 0:37:06 | 0:37:09 | |
I think you're going to love this next room. | 0:37:09 | 0:37:13 | |
-Wow! -Wow! | 0:37:20 | 0:37:22 | |
-It's pretty cool. -What a shower! | 0:37:22 | 0:37:24 | |
-Here is your en-suite. -Very nice. | 0:37:24 | 0:37:27 | |
-That wasn't on the wish list. -No, it definitely wasn't. | 0:37:27 | 0:37:31 | |
But such a lovely thing to have though. | 0:37:31 | 0:37:33 | |
-Very funky, isn't it? -A real added bonus. | 0:37:33 | 0:37:37 | |
It's a great walk-in shower. | 0:37:37 | 0:37:38 | |
That's a power shower, I presume. It looks pretty powerful. | 0:37:38 | 0:37:43 | |
Again, you could have storage either side. | 0:37:43 | 0:37:45 | |
-Shall we head outside? -Brilliant. -Yeah, definitely. | 0:37:45 | 0:37:49 | |
'"Wow, funky, cool"? | 0:37:49 | 0:37:52 | |
'Will seems to like it, but Georgie has got her practical head on. | 0:37:52 | 0:37:56 | |
'Let's find out what she's thinking as we step outside.' | 0:37:56 | 0:38:00 | |
Here you have the gardens and, luckily, south and west-facing, | 0:38:00 | 0:38:04 | |
-so you'll get sunlight all afternoon, into the evening. -Which is lovely. | 0:38:04 | 0:38:08 | |
So what do you think of the property? | 0:38:08 | 0:38:10 | |
It's beautiful, absolutely stunning, | 0:38:10 | 0:38:13 | |
but I'm struggling with the practical side of things. | 0:38:13 | 0:38:17 | |
Where do I put my Hoover, | 0:38:17 | 0:38:18 | |
where do we put our welly boots and our outdoor jackets? | 0:38:18 | 0:38:22 | |
We're coming from a small flat in London which has very little space | 0:38:22 | 0:38:26 | |
-and I'm just not sure we want to move to a place which lacks the space as well. -Storage? -Exactly. | 0:38:26 | 0:38:32 | |
-What about you, Will? -I love it. | 0:38:32 | 0:38:35 | |
Yeah, practicality, I mean... | 0:38:37 | 0:38:39 | |
Gumboots, coats could all go in the garden shed, as far as I'm concerned. | 0:38:39 | 0:38:44 | |
But I do appreciate where Georgie is coming from. It's very minimalist. | 0:38:44 | 0:38:48 | |
And you don't want too much clutter on display | 0:38:48 | 0:38:52 | |
and we do have a fair degree of clutter. | 0:38:52 | 0:38:54 | |
But you've got to make allowances, | 0:38:54 | 0:38:57 | |
you've got to compromise. | 0:38:57 | 0:38:59 | |
So just build an extra-large garden shed, I'd say. | 0:38:59 | 0:39:02 | |
-Open-plan living, eh? -I don't know. -How much is open-plan living going to cost? | 0:39:02 | 0:39:06 | |
-435,000. -OK. That was very definite. | 0:39:06 | 0:39:11 | |
It was a stab in the dark. | 0:39:11 | 0:39:14 | |
-Georgie? -Oh, no. Erm... | 0:39:14 | 0:39:17 | |
440. I don't know. | 0:39:17 | 0:39:20 | |
OK, it's a bit higher than that. | 0:39:20 | 0:39:22 | |
-It is at the top of your budget. -OK. | 0:39:22 | 0:39:25 | |
-It's £465,000. -OK, OK. -Oh! | 0:39:25 | 0:39:29 | |
It's quite a lot, isn't it? For what you get. | 0:39:29 | 0:39:32 | |
-A lot, but it's all done. -Yeah, true. | 0:39:32 | 0:39:35 | |
-You walk straight into it. -Mm-hm. | 0:39:35 | 0:39:37 | |
Everything is to the highest spec possible. | 0:39:37 | 0:39:40 | |
It has been finished to a very high standard. | 0:39:40 | 0:39:43 | |
-It is beautiful. -You can't dispute that. | 0:39:43 | 0:39:46 | |
-Anyway, go and have a chat. -OK. -Have a wander round that barn | 0:39:46 | 0:39:50 | |
-and I'll see you in a while. -OK. -See you later. | 0:39:50 | 0:39:53 | |
At £465,000, this cow shed conversion is incredibly high-spec | 0:39:54 | 0:40:00 | |
and a fabulous space for open-plan living. | 0:40:00 | 0:40:03 | |
As Will said, they could move straight in. | 0:40:03 | 0:40:07 | |
It would give them an enormous kitchen/living area with underfloor | 0:40:07 | 0:40:10 | |
heating and limestone flooring, | 0:40:10 | 0:40:13 | |
three bedrooms with a superb master en-suite, | 0:40:13 | 0:40:16 | |
a large lawned garden and, despite its rural setting, | 0:40:16 | 0:40:20 | |
London is just an hour and a quarter | 0:40:20 | 0:40:22 | |
away from Whitchurch station. | 0:40:22 | 0:40:24 | |
-What are you thinking? -I love it. I think it's really, really cool. | 0:40:24 | 0:40:29 | |
-They've done it superbly well. -It's absolutely stunning. But where are we going to put all our clobber? | 0:40:29 | 0:40:36 | |
We're getting carried away with how beautiful the property looks | 0:40:36 | 0:40:40 | |
and we have to think about the more practical side of living. | 0:40:40 | 0:40:44 | |
Something this amazing, you'd love to try and make a concession | 0:40:44 | 0:40:48 | |
or some sort of compromise to try and accommodate everyone. | 0:40:48 | 0:40:51 | |
-Could you see yourself living here? -I'm not sure. | 0:40:51 | 0:40:55 | |
I could. | 0:40:55 | 0:40:57 | |
-Happy? -Yes, yes. -Have you sorted out the storage issues? -We're working on it. | 0:40:59 | 0:41:04 | |
-Working on it? -Yes. -That sounds positive. Come on, let's keep going. | 0:41:04 | 0:41:10 | |
'Will and Georgie are, by their own admission, "outdoorsy" people, | 0:41:13 | 0:41:17 | |
'so we thought they might like a chance to get to grips with the country pursuit of fly-fishing. | 0:41:17 | 0:41:23 | |
'Who better to introduce them to it than Ed Stebbins | 0:41:23 | 0:41:27 | |
'who's been fishing this stretch of the River Test since he moved here in the mid-'70s?' | 0:41:27 | 0:41:32 | |
What's the history of the river? | 0:41:32 | 0:41:35 | |
The river was actually a swamp in its beginning. It was never a river. | 0:41:35 | 0:41:41 | |
What you see is essentially man-made. | 0:41:41 | 0:41:44 | |
When the Romans conquered Britain, they took the chalk off the hillsides | 0:41:44 | 0:41:49 | |
and laid it on top of the swamp to force the water into a channel. | 0:41:49 | 0:41:54 | |
-And what other fish are we fishing for today? -The river is quite rich in grayling and pike. -Right. | 0:41:54 | 0:42:00 | |
'While we're over-fishing our seas, | 0:42:00 | 0:42:03 | |
'there are plenty of freshwater fish living in our local rivers that we don't know how to cook. | 0:42:03 | 0:42:08 | |
'Besides brown trout, perch, eel, roach, dace and crayfish all thrive in the River Test. | 0:42:08 | 0:42:14 | |
'Pike are normally thrown away, but local French chef Germain Maquis is a dab hand at turning these fish | 0:42:14 | 0:42:20 | |
'into a culinary masterpiece.' | 0:42:20 | 0:42:22 | |
-Hello. I'm Georgie. GERMAIN: Germain. Nice to meet you. -Pleasure. | 0:42:22 | 0:42:26 | |
-Hello, Ed. -Hi, Germain. | 0:42:26 | 0:42:28 | |
-So what two fish do we have here today? -A small one, a grayling. | 0:42:28 | 0:42:32 | |
And you have here a pike from the River Test which I think Ed will cut it for me. | 0:42:32 | 0:42:39 | |
And over there, we've got some freshwater crayfish | 0:42:40 | 0:42:44 | |
from the river as well which we use to make sauces and all kinds of things. | 0:42:44 | 0:42:51 | |
'It's best to use a specialist knife or get a fishmonger to remove all the bones. | 0:42:51 | 0:42:56 | |
'After filleting the fish, it's time to make the dish.' | 0:42:56 | 0:43:00 | |
Right, from the fillet we have this product now, | 0:43:01 | 0:43:06 | |
which is the meat, which has been chopped very fine. | 0:43:06 | 0:43:11 | |
And we make certain there is no bones. | 0:43:11 | 0:43:16 | |
We fill a terrine with it. | 0:43:16 | 0:43:20 | |
We cook it in the oven in a bain-marie. | 0:43:20 | 0:43:23 | |
Now, this is the end product when we serve it after the terrine has been cooked. | 0:43:23 | 0:43:29 | |
You've got the sauce made with the freshwater crayfish which is around it. | 0:43:29 | 0:43:34 | |
Some of the tails we kept as a decoration and some heads as another decoration, | 0:43:34 | 0:43:39 | |
some watercress from the river. | 0:43:39 | 0:43:42 | |
And all this is a dish made with products from the River Test. | 0:43:42 | 0:43:46 | |
Now, if you take a fork, please just taste it. | 0:43:46 | 0:43:50 | |
Hmm! | 0:43:56 | 0:43:57 | |
I believe that dish, served cold or warm, should become a speciality of the area. | 0:43:57 | 0:44:05 | |
'Will and Georgie seemed hooked by this unexpected local delicacy. | 0:44:05 | 0:44:10 | |
'Let's see if our house hunt can serve up a surprise for them to chew over.' | 0:44:10 | 0:44:15 | |
It's time for the mystery house | 0:44:15 | 0:44:17 | |
and I know that Will and Georgie are prepared to take on a bit of a project. | 0:44:17 | 0:44:22 | |
Let's see how far we can stretch their imagination. | 0:44:22 | 0:44:26 | |
We're on our way to the mystery house. Are you both excited? | 0:44:28 | 0:44:32 | |
-Very much so. Yeah. -Yeah. | 0:44:32 | 0:44:35 | |
What are you hoping to see, or perhaps I should ask what you don't want to see? | 0:44:35 | 0:44:39 | |
Initially we said we were quite happy for a project | 0:44:39 | 0:44:42 | |
so maybe it could be a completely dilapidated property | 0:44:42 | 0:44:45 | |
that needs complete renovation or maybe it's going to be a plot of land | 0:44:45 | 0:44:49 | |
with a barn that needs complete conversion - | 0:44:49 | 0:44:52 | |
a real start from scratch project, I guess. | 0:44:52 | 0:44:55 | |
Taking a wild stab in the dark. | 0:44:55 | 0:44:57 | |
Not a bad guess. Let's see if you're right. | 0:44:57 | 0:45:01 | |
'Our mystery property takes us just over the border into West Sussex | 0:45:01 | 0:45:06 | |
'to Lurgashall in the northern part of the Sussex Downs. | 0:45:06 | 0:45:08 | |
'Will could play cricket on the village green, surrounded by some charming period properties, | 0:45:08 | 0:45:16 | |
'the local pub and a village shop. | 0:45:16 | 0:45:18 | |
'Just a couple of miles down the road in Northchapel is a highly regarded primary school | 0:45:18 | 0:45:23 | |
'and Haslemere train station is only two miles away for that quick commute into London.' | 0:45:23 | 0:45:29 | |
So, Will and Georgie, here is your mystery property. | 0:45:29 | 0:45:33 | |
-LAUGHTER -You're both laughing at me. -OK... | 0:45:33 | 0:45:38 | |
-You did say you wanted a bit of a project. -Yeah. | 0:45:38 | 0:45:41 | |
-This certainly is a project. -OK. | 0:45:41 | 0:45:44 | |
This cottage does need complete modernisation and refurbishment, | 0:45:44 | 0:45:48 | |
-but it is in a great location. -OK. Yeah. | 0:45:48 | 0:45:51 | |
It's whether you fall in love with this. | 0:45:51 | 0:45:54 | |
-What are you thinking? -Interesting. -What do you think, Will? | 0:45:54 | 0:45:58 | |
I think there's projects and there's projects. | 0:45:58 | 0:46:01 | |
-Are you a brave man? -I'm willing to take anything on, but you know, why not? | 0:46:01 | 0:46:07 | |
-Shall we go in? -Yeah. -Let's start the tour. -OK. | 0:46:07 | 0:46:11 | |
'The location is wonderful, so let's see if they are up for our mystery project.' | 0:46:11 | 0:46:16 | |
Come on through. You might have to mind your head, Will. Not the highest of ceilings. | 0:46:19 | 0:46:25 | |
-But here you have the sitting room. Imagine this as your sitting room. -I'm struggling. | 0:46:25 | 0:46:30 | |
It probably wouldn't look quite like this, but you've got the original beams | 0:46:32 | 0:46:37 | |
-and as you can see when you come inside, it needs complete refurbishment. -Yes. | 0:46:37 | 0:46:43 | |
Someone who buys this house has got to absolutely love it. Could it be you two? | 0:46:43 | 0:46:48 | |
I think I'd need some persuasion. I'm a half-full rather than a half-empty person, but... | 0:46:48 | 0:46:54 | |
-It's a challenge. -Are you good at DIY? -Awful. | 0:46:54 | 0:46:58 | |
OK. On that note, let me show you the kitchen. That will really excite you. | 0:46:58 | 0:47:03 | |
'Well, I wonder if Georgie has any creative thoughts about this room?' | 0:47:03 | 0:47:08 | |
This is exactly how I want my kitchen to be(!) | 0:47:08 | 0:47:12 | |
-It's perfect(!) -Speak for yourself! | 0:47:12 | 0:47:15 | |
Yes, it needs a little bit of work, I think it would be fair to say. | 0:47:15 | 0:47:20 | |
Yeah, I wouldn't disagree there. | 0:47:20 | 0:47:22 | |
It is a huge job. We've just gone past the sunroom. This property has the original outside toilet. | 0:47:22 | 0:47:28 | |
-Good for ventilation. -Very good. But you would have to completely gut it and start again. | 0:47:28 | 0:47:35 | |
-Have you ever taken on a project like that? -On a much smaller scale. | 0:47:35 | 0:47:39 | |
Yeah, in London, our flat in London, but this is on the extreme end of that scale. | 0:47:39 | 0:47:45 | |
-What was it like doing up your flat in London? -Hard work. | 0:47:45 | 0:47:49 | |
-It tested our patience and relationship, I think. -Yes, it really did. | 0:47:49 | 0:47:54 | |
To buy this cottage, everything needs so much work, it would have to be a labour of love. | 0:47:54 | 0:48:00 | |
-But the property has potential. It's whether it's something that you guys really want to do. -Yeah. | 0:48:00 | 0:48:06 | |
Not many answers there, so I think I know what's coming, but let me keep showing you around. | 0:48:06 | 0:48:13 | |
'Our mystery house is going to push them to the limit. | 0:48:13 | 0:48:17 | |
'Will they go there when they see the bedrooms?' | 0:48:17 | 0:48:20 | |
The cottage has three bedrooms and a family bathroom, | 0:48:20 | 0:48:25 | |
but this is the largest bedroom, so not huge. | 0:48:25 | 0:48:28 | |
-Proper cottage sizes, I think. -Yeah. -Bijou. | 0:48:28 | 0:48:32 | |
For somebody who has lots of time and energy, they could really make this into a fantastic place, | 0:48:32 | 0:48:38 | |
but I'm not sure that you and I have that at this moment. | 0:48:38 | 0:48:42 | |
It would be a monster project, which would be pretty exhausting. | 0:48:42 | 0:48:46 | |
-A step too far perhaps with the little one and working? -Several steps too far. | 0:48:46 | 0:48:51 | |
'They probably can't see it yet, but there is serious potential | 0:48:51 | 0:48:55 | |
'which will become clear when we step outside. | 0:48:55 | 0:48:59 | |
'One of the other rooms could be a good study and there's a double with lovely views. | 0:48:59 | 0:49:04 | |
'Next door is the family bathroom which would also need an overhaul. | 0:49:04 | 0:49:08 | |
'We'll head outside and examine that potential and the price.' | 0:49:08 | 0:49:13 | |
So coming here to the back of the property, looking at the cottage, we know it needs a lot of work inside, | 0:49:13 | 0:49:20 | |
but you could put a fantastic extension on the back over two levels. | 0:49:20 | 0:49:25 | |
It lends itself and it makes the most of that amazing view. | 0:49:25 | 0:49:29 | |
-The view really is sensational. -It's gorgeous. -Really amazing. | 0:49:29 | 0:49:33 | |
Not only that, but all this land right to the back, over half an acre, is included with the cottage. | 0:49:33 | 0:49:40 | |
-Wow, that's a lot! -It is, yeah. | 0:49:40 | 0:49:43 | |
Are you warming to it slightly? | 0:49:43 | 0:49:45 | |
I am, I am. I mean, the view is sensational. It is amazing. | 0:49:45 | 0:49:49 | |
I suppose the downside of having half an acre on the Three Counties | 0:49:49 | 0:49:53 | |
of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, it's got to be quite expensive. | 0:49:53 | 0:49:58 | |
How much is it worth? | 0:49:58 | 0:50:01 | |
I think it's worth 350. | 0:50:01 | 0:50:05 | |
OK. | 0:50:05 | 0:50:07 | |
I'd like to say £200,000, | 0:50:07 | 0:50:10 | |
but it's on the Three Counties... | 0:50:10 | 0:50:13 | |
I'd say it's slightly less. I'd say it's probably 320. | 0:50:14 | 0:50:18 | |
OK, it's offers in excess of £395,000. | 0:50:18 | 0:50:24 | |
WILL LAUGHS | 0:50:24 | 0:50:26 | |
But if it was £200,000, would you buy it? | 0:50:26 | 0:50:30 | |
I would do and then let the wrecking ball do its worst. | 0:50:30 | 0:50:34 | |
That's honest! | 0:50:34 | 0:50:36 | |
-Because of the location? -Yeah. -Yeah. | 0:50:36 | 0:50:38 | |
-I think I know where you're going to go with this, but have another look around. -OK. -OK. | 0:50:38 | 0:50:44 | |
-See you in a while. -Great. -Thanks. | 0:50:44 | 0:50:46 | |
For £395,000, our mystery property offers up a great development project in a prime location, | 0:50:47 | 0:50:54 | |
slap-bang on the Three Counties border. | 0:50:54 | 0:50:57 | |
-Stunning, isn't it? Half an acre of land. Just think what we can do. -I know. Amazing. | 0:51:14 | 0:51:19 | |
-Whoever builds the house here will be very lucky. -It would be amazing to take on this property. | 0:51:19 | 0:51:25 | |
-I'm slightly warming to the idea of it. -But we'd be financially ruined. | 0:51:25 | 0:51:30 | |
That's true, yeah. | 0:51:30 | 0:51:32 | |
I'd love to say that this is the house for us. | 0:51:32 | 0:51:36 | |
Once we heard the price, we realised there was far too much work to be done with the budget that we have | 0:51:36 | 0:51:42 | |
and sadly, I think it's going to be a "no" on this one, which is such a shame. | 0:51:42 | 0:51:47 | |
-Well, you two have got a lot to think about now, haven't you? -Yes. -Sure do. | 0:51:51 | 0:51:56 | |
-Shall we find you somewhere quiet and you can sit down and gather your thoughts? -Yeah, sure. | 0:51:56 | 0:52:02 | |
'Well, our house hunt is at an end and I think our properties have given them a lot to think about.' | 0:52:08 | 0:52:14 | |
We've given Will and Georgie time to think about all the houses that they've seen | 0:52:19 | 0:52:25 | |
and I hope the pieces of this particular property puzzle are falling into place for both of them. | 0:52:25 | 0:52:31 | |
Let's hear what they've got to say. | 0:52:31 | 0:52:34 | |
Will and Georgie, it's been a great two days. I've really enjoyed showing you around. | 0:52:37 | 0:52:42 | |
-How has it been for you, Will, coming back home? -It was wonderful. | 0:52:42 | 0:52:46 | |
A certain element of nostalgia. It's brought back some lovely memories. | 0:52:46 | 0:52:51 | |
We started off with a house that actually had an additional cottage in the grounds, | 0:52:51 | 0:52:55 | |
although I don't think you both spotted that one straightaway. | 0:52:55 | 0:52:59 | |
-What did you think of that house? -I think our first impressions were very positive. | 0:52:59 | 0:53:03 | |
They'd done it so beautifully. But then, when we started to think about where we'd put our furniture | 0:53:03 | 0:53:09 | |
and how our bits and pieces would fit into that particular house, | 0:53:09 | 0:53:12 | |
we felt that it was just going to be too small for us, | 0:53:12 | 0:53:15 | |
even with the additional space of the cottage. | 0:53:15 | 0:53:18 | |
The down side was always going to be the road, the danger element combined with the noise. | 0:53:18 | 0:53:23 | |
We looked at a house overlooking a common, a very, very quiet road. | 0:53:23 | 0:53:28 | |
-You knew that area very well. -It was spooky, | 0:53:28 | 0:53:31 | |
having gone to school just literally two miles down the road. | 0:53:31 | 0:53:36 | |
-Very strange, almost surreal. -What about the house for you both? | 0:53:36 | 0:53:41 | |
On first impressions, I didn't think it was too bad, but when we went inside, | 0:53:41 | 0:53:46 | |
it had a very family-orientated feel to it | 0:53:46 | 0:53:49 | |
which I certainly liked. | 0:53:49 | 0:53:52 | |
I couldn't get my sofa in the kitchen, but we could build an extension | 0:53:52 | 0:53:57 | |
and with the price, an extension would be quite feasible. | 0:53:57 | 0:54:01 | |
So I think there were some pluses to it. More pluses than there were negatives. | 0:54:01 | 0:54:06 | |
So, a new day, and we looked at the barn conversion, 200 years old, | 0:54:06 | 0:54:10 | |
but certainly very contemporary inside. | 0:54:10 | 0:54:14 | |
I loved it. Absolutely loved it. | 0:54:14 | 0:54:16 | |
Once you went in, the decor and the design was to such a high spec, | 0:54:16 | 0:54:20 | |
it was...it was really cool, yeah. | 0:54:20 | 0:54:24 | |
I totally agree with everything that Will says. It was an amazing house | 0:54:24 | 0:54:28 | |
and I did love it too for all the same reasons. | 0:54:28 | 0:54:31 | |
However, my head and my heart were saying totally different things. | 0:54:31 | 0:54:35 | |
Where will I put the gumboots, the coats, the vacuum cleaner, | 0:54:35 | 0:54:40 | |
all the boring, practical things that you have to think about? | 0:54:40 | 0:54:44 | |
It was such a beautiful house. | 0:54:44 | 0:54:46 | |
I wouldn't want any of our clobber lying around and making the house look untidy. | 0:54:46 | 0:54:52 | |
So, lastly, we saw the mystery house. | 0:54:52 | 0:54:55 | |
Very different from any of the other properties. What were your first thoughts when you saw it? | 0:54:55 | 0:55:01 | |
It took us by surprise because we thought from the outside, "Yes, quite pretty," | 0:55:01 | 0:55:06 | |
went inside and thought, "This is a big project!" | 0:55:06 | 0:55:10 | |
We didn't think we could take it on and then you showed us the garden | 0:55:10 | 0:55:15 | |
and we thought, "Wow, this is amazing!" | 0:55:15 | 0:55:18 | |
The view was sensational and suddenly we began to think, "Hmm, maybe. | 0:55:18 | 0:55:22 | |
"Actually, this possibly could be us." | 0:55:22 | 0:55:26 | |
But unfortunately, I think the price has probably made it too tricky | 0:55:26 | 0:55:32 | |
for us to even think about. | 0:55:32 | 0:55:34 | |
So what's the next step going to be? | 0:55:34 | 0:55:37 | |
I think we need to go back and have a look at the properties. | 0:55:37 | 0:55:41 | |
Will is very interested in the barn and I am too. I don't want to discount it completely. | 0:55:41 | 0:55:47 | |
But equally, I think that I need to show Will the positives of the house on the common | 0:55:47 | 0:55:54 | |
and really look at that and see if it's something we can make into our family home. | 0:55:54 | 0:55:59 | |
-And have a second viewing when the sun is shining. -Exactly. -We did see it in the pouring rain. | 0:55:59 | 0:56:05 | |
-That's going to be quite critical. -It does make a difference. | 0:56:05 | 0:56:09 | |
-You will keep in touch? -Of course. -Let us know how you get on. | 0:56:09 | 0:56:13 | |
-Thank you both. It has been such an enjoyable time. -Thank you. It's been great. -Thank you. | 0:56:13 | 0:56:19 | |
Well, how about that? | 0:56:22 | 0:56:25 | |
When we began this house hunt, I was concerned that Will and Georgie's expectations were just too high, | 0:56:25 | 0:56:32 | |
given their long list of requirements and their budget here in the South Downs. | 0:56:32 | 0:56:37 | |
However, over the last two days, this smashing couple have discovered the magic word - "compromise". | 0:56:37 | 0:56:44 | |
And I really hope the house by the common or the barn is the home for them. | 0:56:44 | 0:56:49 | |
See you next time. | 0:56:49 | 0:56:52 | |
If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help, | 0:56:52 | 0:56:58 | |
please apply online at: | 0:56:58 | 0:57:00 | |
Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd | 0:57:18 | 0:57:21 | |
Email [email protected] | 0:57:21 | 0:57:24 |