0:00:02 > 0:00:05This incredible estate was paid for by a family fortune
0:00:05 > 0:00:08made in the City of London. A family who not only founded
0:00:08 > 0:00:11the country's oldest privately-owned bank,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14but also came up with the concept of using paper as money.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19I'm glad they did. So, where am I and will today's buyers be putting their money where their mouth is?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38This week I'll be helping a couple de-camp from town living
0:00:38 > 0:00:41and find their dream home in the country.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And it needs to be big enough to accommodate a whole army...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I wonder what you're getting at(!)
0:00:46 > 0:00:50I don't know, Helen, what do you think? Could it be a war games room?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52'..but I'm not sure it's going to plan.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:55A conversation might be a bit difficult in here. Mind your head.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00'However, there's always our mystery house which might just seal a victory.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:04I'm in Wiltshire and this is Stourhead House.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06It was built in the 18th century.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09It's the ancestral home of the Hoare banking dynasty.
0:01:09 > 0:01:15It was Richard Hoare who came up with the idea of using paper instead of gold for financial exchanges,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18paving the way for the money that we use today.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22But it's not just Stourhead that boasts a fascinating history.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26You can bank on the fact that this county offers plenty of interest.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Landlocked Wiltshire borders
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Hampshire and Oxfordshire to the east
0:01:33 > 0:01:34and Somerset to the west.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Wiltshire's countryside is shaped by its rich history
0:01:37 > 0:01:43of arable and livestock farming which stretches back thousands of years.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46A working landscape it may be, but two-fifths of the county
0:01:46 > 0:01:49is protected as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty -
0:01:49 > 0:01:54from the chalk grasslands in the south and central areas to the clay-rich vales in the north.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57The Salisbury Plain is home to Stonehenge,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Britain,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and with eight white horses galloping across its slopes,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Wiltshire is quite the county of mysterious landmarks.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09There's a rich assortment of attractive properties too,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12thanks to the wealth of natural materials on offer -
0:02:12 > 0:02:14from thatched and timber-framed houses
0:02:14 > 0:02:19through to the locally quarried stone buildings found near the county borders.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Wiltshire has always been very popular
0:02:25 > 0:02:28with city dwellers in search of an escape route.
0:02:28 > 0:02:34From Marlborough in the north-east of the county you can be in London or Bristol in just under an hour.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36But with property prices so high,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39you'll be seriously stumping up for that privilege.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42If you're willing to look elsewhere, maybe in the west of the county
0:02:42 > 0:02:47away from the commuter hot spots, then property is about 35% cheaper.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Wherever you look around this county there's a wealth of property on offer.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Here's what's currently on the market.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58For just shy of ?1.3 million, this four-bedroom Cotswold stone house
0:02:58 > 0:03:00in Castle Combe blends the traditional features
0:03:00 > 0:03:03of the inglenook and beams with the completely new.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Just look at that inventive en suite.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10And why not take the plunge into this suntrap of a swimming pool?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16On the market at ?725,000, this spacious, five-bedroom new build
0:03:16 > 0:03:18in Worton may have a modern shell, but the interior
0:03:18 > 0:03:22is very traditional, including a large, country-style kitchen.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28Outside, the terrace leads to over 1.5 acres of mature landscape gardens.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Or perhaps you could be converted by this renovated four-bedroom chapel
0:03:33 > 0:03:36in Great Cheverell, on at ?415,000?
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Its large sitting room and separate kitchen have loads of character
0:03:40 > 0:03:43still intact, but outside there's an attractive garden.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50And if you like all that, just you wait until you see what we've uncovered for today's buyers.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52First, let's meet them.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57Our couple are Chris, a retired civil servant, and Helen, who downsized to their current
0:03:57 > 0:04:00three-bedroom house outside Newbury, just five months ago
0:04:00 > 0:04:03with their three tortoise companions.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04After 20 years of happy marriage,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Chris retired and they've been pursuing
0:04:07 > 0:04:10their dream of building a high-spec home in Madeira.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15So why the sudden sea change to Wiltshire?
0:04:15 > 0:04:20It was a couple of months ago we made the decision that because of the economic situation,
0:04:20 > 0:04:25we weren't going to be able to move to Madeira and build the property we wanted NOW.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30Living here is fine, but everything's in boxes and while we were supposed
0:04:30 > 0:04:32to be building in Madeira it was OK,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35but at the moment there's no end in sight.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39So we want to move on, find something bigger, so we can live.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44After designing their dream home, is there any style of property they really don't want?
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Lived in a bungalow for 20 years.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49We've done the bungalow, let's try something different.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53And how do they hope to spend their time once they move?
0:04:53 > 0:04:58We're looking for the lifestyle in the country where you can just stop
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and have a chat to people and talk about country matters,
0:05:02 > 0:05:07about growing seasons and where the best wildlife is and walks in the country.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I'd like to be able to complain about walking to the local shop
0:05:11 > 0:05:14taking three hours, cos everybody stops to talk to you.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Chris needs a games room to wage war with his model army.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22What else are they hoping to find in their English country home?
0:05:22 > 0:05:23We would like a view.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26A view, I think, is very important and everything needs to be open.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31Large, light rooms. At least four double bedrooms, if possible.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Chris is going to steal one for his toy room.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I'd like a nice big kitchen, a big cooker so that I can cook big meals.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Large lounge, open fireplace or a log-burner for a nice traditional feature.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47My book-lined study of course with my oak desk.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We would want at least a double garage, I think,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52to get some of our cars away.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Well, that's quite a list and that's just the inside.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58But outside seems just as important.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I'd like a bigger garden than we have, more private.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03As you can see, it's heavily overlooked.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I spend a lot of time in the garden sunbathing, gardening.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11I'd like a vegetable plot, so I can grow more tortoise lettuce, greenhouse, poly tunnel...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Maybe join a local gardening club, so that I can integrate
0:06:14 > 0:06:16and get to know people, which would be wonderful.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19One of the things I'd like to pick up in the country
0:06:19 > 0:06:22is an old childhood hobby of mine, which is astronomy.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27Looking up at the sky and seeing the stars and the planets with a telescope.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30And they've another BIG hobby.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32We love off-roading.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34We've had various off-roaders.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37In the town we've had to downsize, we don't have the parking.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40When we get to the country we're going to buy some more.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Helen and Chris plan to rent out their current property,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46so how much do they have to spend on their country home?
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Our budget for the new property is ?500,000.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58So, it's a property in Madeira versus a property in Wiltshire.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Both are such different propositions.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05In Madeira, Chris and Helen worked together with the architect
0:07:05 > 0:07:09to design their "dream home" - a light, open, airy space,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12big kitchen, a book-lined library, parking for three cars,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16hobby room... And, oh! Let's not forget the glorious view.
0:07:16 > 0:07:23A wish list that hasn't changed now that they're looking for a ?500,000 period property in Wiltshire,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27a county where a detached property will set you back ?150,000
0:07:27 > 0:07:29above the national average.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Who said I'm not up for a challenge?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Our house search will focus on the south-west corner
0:07:37 > 0:07:42of Wiltshire and radiate out from the town of Devizes, where they have friends.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47It'll also bring them closer to Helen's family, who live just over the border into Dorset.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I'll be showing Chris and Helen some fantastic Wiltshire homes
0:07:50 > 0:07:56and, as always, I'll be asking them to guess the price once they've had a good look around.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01Finally, there's our mystery house which will put what they think they're looking for to the test.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Chris, Helen, welcome to Wiltshire.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Thank you very much. Nice to see you.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09It's lovely here. It's fantastic.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Just what we've been looking for.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Madeira, it ain't.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16A little bit overcast, can't see the tropical plants.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19But we can't do Madeira so we're looking here.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22We know that a house that looks great in Wiltshire looks stupid
0:08:22 > 0:08:26in Madeira and a house that looks great in Madeira looks stupid in Wiltshire.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30We're not comparing the same things, we're looking for a different dream.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33You are willing to compromise, do work on the property?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Absolutely. Put our own stamp on it.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Definitely. It would be nice to have something we can make ours.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41So go on then, let's talk about budget.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46Right, the big B word. We'd prefer not to spend over 500,000.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It's mainly because of the stamp duty.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51But that does leave us doing work to anything that needs doing.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55And also, 500,000 just seems a ridiculously big sum of money to me.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Yes, yes. But it doesn't get you that much these days. Not in Wiltshire.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02No. Or anywhere, really.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06But if you did find something that was over the budget we could stretch it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08I have a spreadsheet and it tells us
0:09:08 > 0:09:12that we can probably afford up to 570... But it has to be perfect!
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It has to be absolute top billing.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I'm loving your spreadsheets.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19She's called Prudence.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21So, a top figure of 570. Very top.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24You've got your strange hobby, the toy soldiers,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26which sounds like it takes up quite a bit of space.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31Yeah. If you can get a, sort of, 10 by 4 foot table in the room, that would be good.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34You're quite precise, aren't you? Very.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I tell you what, I think we should get going.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39We've got some lovely properties, including the mystery one,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42which will put a smile on your face. Let's go.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48So, for ?500,000 we have to find Chris and Helen a home that gives them -
0:09:48 > 0:09:52a large dining kitchen for Helen to serve up her culinary creations,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55a study as well as a games room for Chris's toy soldiers,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59a garage and plenty of parking space
0:09:59 > 0:10:02along with a large garden so that they can grow their own
0:10:02 > 0:10:04and enjoy fabulous countryside views.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10So picture the scene -
0:10:10 > 0:10:13we find you an AMAZING house,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17the only problem is, it hasn't got a games room.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19My God, he's beginning to shake!
0:10:19 > 0:10:20THEY LAUGH
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Games rooms can be built.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26There can be a little corner of the garden which you could put a garden shed in.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Helen would quite happily banish me from the house
0:10:30 > 0:10:33quite a lot of the time, I would think. Absolutely.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36That's a very simple one to compromise on.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44We kick off our house search 16 miles from Devizes in the small village of Bushton.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Surrounded by fields, you couldn't get a much more rural location.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52Leading off the quiet country lanes are some well-marked cycle pathways,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56with a welcome pint on tap at the local pub.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Just down the road brings us to this property.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02It's cream!
0:11:02 > 0:11:03Got some kerb appeal.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06And a garage. And parking!
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Is it rural enough for you? Yeah.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I can see some lovely views up that end,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and we've already checked out this area here and we can see
0:11:13 > 0:11:15lots of weeds our tortoises like.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16What about the house itself?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It's got kerb appeal. Nice so far.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23It's got some history - parts of the house date back 250 years.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It's been extended over the last 20 years.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27But I feel I'm telling you too much.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Shall we go and look? Yes, please! Let's go.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'What a great start, even the tortoises will be happy.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38'Let's stick our heads inside and see what they think.'
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Come on in.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Lovely little hallway, bags of character.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Downstairs loo, lots of storage. Storage, always good. Good.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Let me show you the dining room. Lovely.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Is this big enough for you? Yes.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57All you need in a dining room is a table, and it's plenty big enough for a table.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59So hallway and dining room so far...?
0:11:59 > 0:12:00So far, so good. OK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Excellent. Follow me.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10So, we're now in the oldest part of the house, 250 years old.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Even got a bar! Few interesting things with...the light.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Conversation might be a bit difficult here. Mind your head.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I've got some friends about right for that.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22That bulb's gone. There we go. Magic touch, I've got!
0:12:22 > 0:12:23You like this room as a snug?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It's very nice. Is that a real fire?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28There's a chimney there, yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Real fires are good. Want to see the kitchen? Yeah!
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Oh, yeah. Helen's domain.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38So, Helen, the kitchen is your domain, is it?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Oh, yes. I don't get involved in this room.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44This would do as a kitchen, certainly plenty of worktop space.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Plenty of possibility as well.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49There's a large utility room through there.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53You could knock down that wall and make a substantial-sized kitchen.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's a possibility. It certainly is.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58You wanted another living room, didn't you? Please.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Follow me. Wonderful.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08Good, a sitting room. Nice size.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11We prefer having big sofas to lounge on rather than chairs,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15so it's got two sofas already so it's obviously big enough.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Then this lovely conservatory, looking onto the garden.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Let's lots of light in.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Neither of you have asked me, "Where does that door lead?"
0:13:24 > 0:13:28I didn't want to be rude. I'm sure you're going to show us.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I'm not actually. No, I'm going to sulk!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It actually leads to the garage. That's useful.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Let's face it, a month after moving in, it won't be a garage,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41it'll be a room for his toy soldiers or his book-lined study.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44We need garages, we've got two soft-top vehicles -
0:13:44 > 0:13:46you can't leave them out in the rain.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51You've got a garage, then. And you've got four rooms upstairs for your toy soldiers. Come on!
0:13:51 > 0:13:56'Chris and Helen are fabulous and I'm loving their positive attitude.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01'With downstairs covered, we'll head upstairs, taking in some special features on the way.'
0:14:01 > 0:14:03This old wood panelling is lovely.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07That's very nice. I like that. LOVE the door.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10At the moment, the current owners have this as a study.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12I want to bring you to this room.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14It's currently the third bedroom. Right.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Oh, but it's a double.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19It is. I'm thinking, maybe, not keeping it as a bedroom.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21I wonder what you're getting at(!)
0:14:21 > 0:14:23I don't know, Helen. What do you think?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Could it be a war games room, possibly? It could be.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29I reckon it could work. Yeah!
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Natural light is very important.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I'd probably do a lot of my painting in here as well,
0:14:34 > 0:14:39and there's nothing better for painting tiny little soldiers than natural light.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43It's been good for you, so far. You've got the study, you've got the toy soldier room.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Can I have something now? Yes, let's look after you now.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51'Further down the landing is the main bathroom with bath and shower,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54'and another nice-sized double room with fitted wardrobes.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58'But I'm gunning for what would be THEIR bedroom.'
0:14:58 > 0:14:59This is your master bedroom!
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Wonderful. Good size.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Begs the natural question, what's round the corner? What d'you think?
0:15:06 > 0:15:10At a guess, big lump taken out of the bedroom - got to be en suite.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13You're far too bright. I'm sharp, aren't I? You are sharp!
0:15:13 > 0:15:18It is an en suite. That was on our list of things we wanted.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21What d'you think of the size? It's a good size.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Yeah, even I could actually get down the side of the bed.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Nice big window, so that lets in lots of light.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Could you imagine yourself in here?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Yeah. Yeah. Yes, it has character.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I'm really thrilled you like the inside of the house.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38I thought you would - the mixture of history as well.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It's a nice house.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41Good, I'm glad. Outside?
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Let's go and see the garden. I don't think it's raining. Good.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48'It's early days, but I think we have a thumbs up.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52'Let's get some fresh air and see if the garden would be good tortoise terrain.'
0:15:52 > 0:15:55What I like is the unusual layout of this garden.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59It's certainly different. It's got some useful areas.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00Useful areas?!
0:16:00 > 0:16:04We've worked out that the tortoises could live in the area by the conservatory.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Oh, I had that as a vegetable plot.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09No, no. That's the vegetable plot.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12OK. You don't hang around, you two, do you!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Let's talk money, shall we?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16What do you reckon all this is on the market for?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I was going to say 475.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21475,000? OK.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26I was going to go a bit less than that, I'd say about 465.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28How far out are we?
0:16:28 > 0:16:32It's currently on the market for ?450,000, well within your budget.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37The current owners have had a couple of offers around the ?400,000 mark.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Go and have a look round and I'll find you.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42See you shortly. See you in a bit.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45This house has character and a fair price tag.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Under budget at ?450,000, it offers Chris and Helen -
0:16:49 > 0:16:50three reception rooms,
0:16:50 > 0:16:54four bedrooms, including that important master en suite,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56a large, zoned garden,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00a double garage and lots of parking space for all their cars.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Although there aren't any panoramic views,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05the house IS in a quiet location.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's quite a nice garden.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10We hoped for more, but the tortoises would be happy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13As long as we made them a nice grassy area with lots of weeds.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Yes, I could make a vegetable plot, but...there's no views.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19If only it had a view.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I like it. It's got a bit of history to it - very nice.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26I reckon you'd probably have this wall down, wouldn't you, love?
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Probably, hammer finger's itching. Yes, make a nice big kitchen.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35'It looked like an interesting match up between old things and new things.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36'We saw more of that on the inside.'
0:17:36 > 0:17:39But there was character to it on the outside.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44You took your time, so you obviously like it. Got to see everything.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46It's worth taking a closer look at.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49That's what I like about you, you're thorough.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52But we've got loads to see, so let's crack on.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Devizes is certainly a real hub of a place to be basing our house hunt round -
0:17:59 > 0:18:02it has its fair share of history with medieval streets still
0:18:02 > 0:18:08surrounding its impressive 12th-century castle.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11There's also the imposing Corn Exchange, built in 1857,
0:18:11 > 0:18:18which stands as a lasting testament to the town's wealth from its agricultural trade.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Transporting goods using the local waterways became possible
0:18:22 > 0:18:25in the early-19th century, thanks to a triumph of engineering.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31Chris and Helen are meeting town guide Simon Fisher by the water's edge to learn how it came about.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Here we are at the Kennet And Avon Canal.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37To emphasise how important Devizes was as a trading centre -
0:18:37 > 0:18:42they had to bring the canal through Devizes, which then linked Bristol and London.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44What they did, they created 29 locks.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50The architect, John Rennie, started the project in the late-1700s and it took till 1810 to finish it.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52It was a big piece of work.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56To get down the canal, it would take a whole day to get down the 29 locks.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Today it's a marvellous challenge for anybody in a pleasure boat,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02but obviously in those days it was a major feat.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Before they're tempted to mess about in boats,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08we'd better continue our house hunt.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Our next property is just 13 miles away in the quiet village of Foxham.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21As well as a pub, a great spot to meet the locals,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Chris can explore Foxham's historic church,
0:19:23 > 0:19:28and I think they're going to love the countryside views they'll get from our next house.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32First impressions of the house?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Gorgeous. Wow! Stone and mullioned windows.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Leaded windows... Looks absolutely wonderful.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41You're smiling, but not REALLY smiling.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I want to get in there and have a look! It's a bit of shock.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It looks really, really nice.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Let's have a look in, shall we?
0:19:48 > 0:19:50'The excitement is definitely building.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53'This house is not 30 years old, but with the Cotswold stone
0:19:53 > 0:19:57'features outside and in, there's a great blend of old and new.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00'I hope they agree.'
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Imposing property and imposing doorway. It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06I love the knocker! Nice solid door.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Come through here.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Ooh.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Ooh! That's nice, isn't it?
0:20:14 > 0:20:16I think we can fit in here!
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Great fireplace there, working fireplace.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21And a sort of a bay.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23This was put in by the current owners.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24There's SO much to show you.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28I'm excited about it! Nearly as excited as us, by the sound of it!
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Shall we get on with it? Yes, please.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33'Across the entrance hall, the large dining room
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'is just perfect for friends to feast on Helen's cooking.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'Let's see if she's fired up by the kitchen.'
0:20:39 > 0:20:42This is the kitchen.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Ah-ha. Country kitchen.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's not the biggest kitchen I've ever seen,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48but there's room for a table. There is.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Plenty of cupboard space.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52To my left, there's a utility room.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Is this big enough for you as it is now?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Yes.
0:20:58 > 0:21:04It's not my perfect kitchen, but it's certainly big enough to move in and use.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Notice I haven't asked Chris.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Pointless, isn't it? Like he'd know!
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Shall we go upstairs? Yes, please.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18'Chris and Helen are decisive and seem to be weighing up the options, which I just love.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22'So we'll take a look at how the five bedrooms upstairs could work for them.'
0:21:22 > 0:21:27Come into the smallest bedroom, which is currently used as a study.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Right. And a big loft ladder.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32The reason the loft ladder is down
0:21:32 > 0:21:36is because I want YOU to poke your head up there.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Happy poking! I'm off for a poke.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42(I'm trying to save you a bedroom.) (Thank you.) (No problem.)
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Ah-ha. It's potentially a very, very long room.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I don't know how many books you've got, but what about transforming
0:21:54 > 0:21:57that into a pretty impressive library? Library.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Spiral staircase from the office.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03That could work. Box ticked?
0:22:03 > 0:22:06It's TICKING, yeah.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Ticking! He's getting picky now.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Come on, let's go.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15I'm not favouring Chris.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Well, I am a little bit.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19No, favour me, favour me!
0:22:19 > 0:22:23This could be a bedroom, but then again it could be a great toy soldier room.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25It could. Do you know the dimensions?
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Fourteen three by eleven five.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32That's a 10 by 4 war games table.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34That's a big one. Oh, really?
0:22:34 > 0:22:36That would be VERY nice.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38You've just been into the little study.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41You could of course knock through there, make the study
0:22:41 > 0:22:43and the toy soldier room,
0:22:43 > 0:22:48AND maybe the library, spiral staircase here, all your domain.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Potentially, yes.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51That would be great.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56'Chris has options and there are four other bedrooms, including a single room
0:22:56 > 0:22:59'with built-in wardrobes, and a light, bright double room.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'The main bathroom has a huge corner bath and separate shower cubicle.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'Now it's time to scope the master.'
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Right. Old eagle eyes has spotted the en suite!
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It's a necessity. Laser-guided!
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Yes, yes. Then you've got this view.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Yeah, we can cope.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24You're saying all the right things. Good. Big enough for you?
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Built-in wardrobes. Yes, I think our bed will fit.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Okey-doke, that's the house inside. Brilliant.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Do I get to go into my garden?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35You do, but tell me what you think of inside first.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It's...all right.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40No, I really like it. Really? Yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42It's ticking those boxes again.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46There's scope for us to change things and update things,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and possibly move some things around,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52but, in essence, pretty well everything is there. Absolutely.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Let's go out to the garden, shall we?
0:23:55 > 0:23:59'Let battle commence, the house seems to have won them over.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02'Let's hope the garden can seal a victory.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'd say it's a good-sized garden, wouldn't you?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Yes. Got some nice features again.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09You can see there's a greenhouse,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12there's a lovely little seating area AND...
0:24:12 > 0:24:15My veggie plot! Ready made!
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Raised borders and everything.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21I'm not sure if this garden is big enough. Tell me.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Yes, there's garden at the front as well, it's got my vegetable plot.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Not sure where the tortoises would go but I'm sure they wouldn't mind.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31OK. It sounds all really positive.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33It is pretty positive. Very positive.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36It just depends whether we can afford it.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It does, I suppose. Oh. Hmm. Is it that time again?
0:24:39 > 0:24:43What do you think this property's currently on the market for?
0:24:43 > 0:24:48I would say 485,000.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I would say 520.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56It's currently on the market for ?545,000. OK. Oh.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59The current owners have said that they will take offers.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Right. It's been on the market for just over three months. OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04There's a lot to take in.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Go and look and check out the view again, that might sway it for you.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09The view was a big plus.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Yeah. OK. Thank you very much, see you in a minute. Thank you.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18This beautiful stone house is ?45,000 over budget,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22but Chris and Helen can see where a sensible offer would get them.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24It meets their brief in SO many ways, giving them -
0:25:24 > 0:25:28two large reception rooms with character stone fireplaces,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31five bedrooms with the master en suite,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35a large garden with vegetable plot,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39ample parking for their fleet of monster trucks.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45The garden's a good size, but it's not open.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46There's a big hedge at the back.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I like to feel open and not overlooked.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53'It was perhaps REALLY nice from the front and then,'
0:25:53 > 0:25:56the further we went through... Perhaps the shine came off it a bit.
0:25:56 > 0:26:02'For the work that we'd like to do, I think it's a little worrying.'
0:26:02 > 0:26:06We'd have to think about it VERY carefully and maybe do a bit of negotiation.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I don't know about Chris and Helen, but I can imagine myself sat here,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12looking at that view with a glass of wine.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Notice anything missing? Nice house, isn't it? It is, it's lovely.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18It is, it is. It's very nice.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Lovely garden. It's at the top of your budget, but you've got to take into account THAT view.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24It's not bad. You keep bringing that up!
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It could be yours.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28You need to talk. We do. Oh, yes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Come on, let's go. OK.
0:26:35 > 0:26:41Now, I've always been fascinated by neoclassical architecture and couldn't miss out on a visit
0:26:41 > 0:26:45to one of the first Palladian mansions to be built in England.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48The UK has a wealth of stately homes,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52but Wiltshire has a landed estate with a difference.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56One built up by a family with humble origins whose fortune was made
0:26:56 > 0:26:59on the mean streets of London's fledgling banking industry.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02The Stourhead Estate was the brainchild of Henry Hoare,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05whose father made his fortune in the late-17th century
0:27:05 > 0:27:09establishing Hoare's Bank, the oldest, privately-owned bank in the country.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I'm meeting Alan Power, the head gardener at Stourhead,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15who's offered to show me around.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Alan, good to meet you. Good morning, welcome. Thank you.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21On a day like this, you've got the best job in the world.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I'm lucky to work somewhere like this.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25When the sun's out, it's even better.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27So tell me a bit about this house.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Was this unique at the time? It was REALLY contemporary at the time.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Andrea Palladio, who was a fantastic architect and designer,
0:27:34 > 0:27:39his style of architecture started becoming popular in England
0:27:39 > 0:27:40in the very early 18th century.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Do people come here for the house or the gardens?
0:27:44 > 0:27:45They come here for the gardens.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Inspired by the European landscape paintings
0:27:49 > 0:27:51he saw during his grand tour,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Henry turned his back on the style of formal French gardens
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and created a more natural, romantic landscape
0:27:57 > 0:27:59based around a 15-acre lake.
0:27:59 > 0:28:05He also commissioned young architect Henry Flitcroft to design some stunning classical features.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Alan is going to take me to the Temple Of Flora where it began.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12These follies are magnificent to look at, but there's more to them.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18There certainly is. The Temple Of Flora is the start of Stourhead's journey from initial conception.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21It's sat here since the 1740s and it watched the 30 years
0:28:21 > 0:28:23of development that happened subsequently.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26There's an inscription from The Aeneid over the door -
0:28:26 > 0:28:30"Procul o procul este profani," be gone all you who are uninitiated -
0:28:30 > 0:28:33if you're not going to appreciate my garden, don't visit.
0:28:33 > 0:28:34Get out. Exactly.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36This is an amazing lake. It's fantastic.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38It's...well spotted.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42It provides reflection, almost another dimension to your visit.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44It's got beautiful serpentine edges.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49It increases the scale, it doubles the height of the trees through reflection in the garden.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51It is a wonderful feature.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It's an amazing place. It really is.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56It's the sort of place where I'd love to sit and stare.
0:28:56 > 0:29:02Stourhead is a magnificent monument to the neoclassical tradition, whose blending of art and nature
0:29:02 > 0:29:07pushed the boundaries of the early-18th-century English landscape movement.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12As the first day of our house search draws to a close,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Helen and Chris compare notes on what they think
0:29:14 > 0:29:16of the properties they've seen.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Crikey, what a day!
0:29:18 > 0:29:23Yes, busy, but saw some nice houses.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25We did. What do you reckon on the cottage?
0:29:25 > 0:29:26It really was very nice.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31I loved that it was 250 years old. Yes, history is good, I like history.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Ceilings were a little low in places,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38I can see you cracking your head a few times. I would, at some point, yeah!
0:29:38 > 0:29:40The kitchen was a little small,
0:29:40 > 0:29:45and the garden, again, a little small without the open aspect.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It looked like there were views down the road, although you couldn't see them.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53There were no views from the house itself, but it would be a short walk to find some nice, open fields.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Then there was the stone house.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00The stone house, yes, it was a very good first impression, wasn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03I... You were a little dumbstruck! I was blown away by that,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I've never felt like that with a house before -
0:30:06 > 0:30:08kerb appeal in spades. Absolutely.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12The sitting room, fantastic, and I think the further in we went,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15maybe it did...didn't live up to the initial promise.
0:30:15 > 0:30:21I lost my focus a bit there, and the kitchen was obviously not what you wanted.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Very good location, nice and quiet,
0:30:23 > 0:30:26small village, sounds very friendly. Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Yes... Let's see what comes up next, then.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32Absolutely, very much looking forward to tomorrow. Yeah.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38With dreams of building a new home in Madeira now on ice,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42Chris and Helen want to head for the Wiltshire plains.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Chris's trusty spreadsheet Prudence has calculated they have a ?500,000 budget
0:30:46 > 0:30:51and they have got a wish list which even includes a toy soldier room.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54They've seen two houses
0:30:54 > 0:30:57and, coming up, we may have found perfection.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Can you see it? I CAN see it.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03A huge garden, isn't it? Absolutely huge.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And we might just be victorious with our mystery house.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07It's a brand new day,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10and our search continues to find the lovely Chris and Helen
0:31:10 > 0:31:13their dream property here in Wiltshire.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16On the whole, it went rather well yesterday, I thought.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18But I do have my reservations -
0:31:18 > 0:31:23I think they're slightly unrealistic about what their budget can buy them in this expensive county.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26What I'm hoping is, by the time we get to the mystery property,
0:31:26 > 0:31:32Chris, Helen and, more importantly, Prudence, are all singing from the same spreadsheet.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33Let's get on with it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Our next house is 17 miles from Devizes,
0:31:39 > 0:31:43in the pretty village of Oare. There's everything they could wish for - a village pub,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47a Victorian church to satisfy Chris's craving for local history,
0:31:47 > 0:31:52and sweeping fields with the impressive backdrop of Oare Hill.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Among the variety of properties there's this one,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57next to the village primary school.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01We couldn't have a better day for it! Perfect!
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Here you go. Right!
0:32:05 > 0:32:06Silence.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09We're just enjoying the silence really,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11this is the Pewsey Vale. Ah, you know!
0:32:11 > 0:32:13We know this area, yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16So you like the area? The area's fantastic. It's very nice.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18What about the location of the house?
0:32:18 > 0:32:23I do notice there is a primary school next door, which is possibly a worry.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26How much of a worry? I don't know, it depends on the rest of the house.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Somewhere... There is a compromise somewhere,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33and we need to work out whether that's it, so... OK.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35I'll tell you, it's a house with potential.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I like that word. As you can see, there is a garage there,
0:32:38 > 0:32:43which you could extend out into another room or use it as a garage.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47As usual, you're chomping at the bit, revving yourself up...
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Shall we? After three, ready? Come on, let's go!
0:32:52 > 0:32:54'Tell you what, I can't hold them back!
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'This house was built in the 1950s and extended 20 years ago.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01'Let's keep that word "potential" firmly in our minds
0:33:01 > 0:33:02'as we go inside, shall we?'
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I love it when you get into a house, there's a massive smile on your face.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It's a good size, isn't it? Yeah.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Maybe slightly dated, but that's a huge advantage.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Hold on - "it's dated, that's a huge advantage"?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Yeah, I like to get in and do things,
0:33:18 > 0:33:23get my paint brushes out and fix things... So it's a project, in a way?
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Project, good, yes. Pretty well every house is a project for Helen.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29OK. I like to play. I love Helen.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Oh, thank you! No, I do.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I see there's an open fire but it's covered over.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Is it fully working? It is working, yeah. OK.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Lovely. Onward. Let's carry on. Lovely.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44Yes, lovely indeed. Leading off the entrance hall is a useful toilet.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45And next...
0:33:45 > 0:33:49The kitchen! The kitchen - my kitchen!
0:33:49 > 0:33:54Um...it needs a new one which, again, advantage...
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Put in exactly what I want. Yeah. Fantastic.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00OK, good. Come on. Excellent.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04They can breakfast in the kitchen and lunch in the separate dining-room
0:34:04 > 0:34:06with open views over the garden.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09But we'll press on through to the conservatory.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Good size, isn't it? This is a focal point, isn't it? Yeah. Isn't it?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I'll bet this is where the current family spend most of their time.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21And nice view of the garden. Very nice! Shall we go upstairs? OK, come on.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24'They liked the conservatory, didn't they?
0:34:24 > 0:34:27'Let's hope it'll be enough to make them forget about the neighbouring school.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30'Fingers crossed that upstairs measures up.'
0:34:30 > 0:34:32You've got five bedrooms up here,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36a good-sized family bathroom, a double room there.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39You're not going to get your book-lined study, I'm afraid,
0:34:39 > 0:34:43it's more a box room. Another empty box without a tick.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Never mind. Oh, he's harsh, isn't he?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I could feel the hatred there...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50But this is a room I really do want to show you.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Right... Big enough for a war?
0:34:52 > 0:34:56I reckon I could get an eight by four table in here.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Lives are ruled by sizes of tables.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Let's all go to the master bedroom. Brilliant.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07On the way, we pass the final bedroom, certainly big enough to be a double. On to the master.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Spacious. Not tremendously, not to me.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Notice something that possibly may be missing,
0:35:15 > 0:35:17along the lines of en suite.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22Yes. They're always nice, but it's not a deal-breaker, obviously, but...
0:35:22 > 0:35:26You're going to get to know your guests because there's one bathroom. Yes.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The room is a good size. You can put a bed in it.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35It's not a no? Nothing is a no. Everything is worthy of consideration. Absolutely.
0:35:35 > 0:35:41Until... Having not seen the garden yet, definitely can't make a decision. Let's see the garden.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44'I love the fact that they're trying to see the potential in this house,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48'but I'm not convinced we've hit the nail on the head with this property.'
0:35:48 > 0:35:53If it's a sun trap you're after... It is rather a sun trap. Oh, yeah.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57I do like my sun. Yeah, me too. It's nice and private as well.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Like with the rest of the property, there are doors opening and closing everywhere.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I do like to be able to get in and out of different rooms.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07I'm glad you like this. Yes, I can hear the birds. You can.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Birds full in song there. Yes.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Isn't that lovely? Yes, that's all you can hear really. Very nice.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16It is. I could listen to that all day.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22Very private garden. It is. Yeah. That's wonderful. The garden is really nice.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Yes, I can see the place where the vegetable plot would go. Down there?
0:36:25 > 0:36:30Absolutely. Ideal. The one thing I would do, it sounds like a travesty,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33but I would have quite a lot of these trees down to really open up
0:36:33 > 0:36:37the view of the hills, let more light in. Yes.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Yes, you want to be private, but you don't want that privacy to spoil
0:36:41 > 0:36:43what is essentially a fantastic view. Mm.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48That has the potential to be glorious. OK, let's talk about money. Right yes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Yes. It's a quarter of an acre we're talking about here. Right.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Lovely view. Mm hm. Five bedrooms, with huge potential as you say.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Yes. So what do you think it's on the market for?
0:36:57 > 0:37:01I would probably say about 485.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06I would say it's going to be probably the famous 499,950.
0:37:06 > 0:37:12OK. It was on the market for ?525,000... Right. It was...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14It's been on the market for four months. OK.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16How much did you say?
0:37:16 > 0:37:20499,950...and 35p!
0:37:20 > 0:37:21Now you've ruined it with the 35p.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24It's on the market for ?499,950.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Right. Well done. Congratulations. Thank you. Winner! Champion!
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Very impressive.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31You're smiling.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34I think that's right. Yes. I think that's right. Yes.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Still you've got some money to play around with haven't you? Yes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40We have the scope to do what we feel the house needs.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Go and get your tape measure out and find out how close to the primary school you are -
0:37:44 > 0:37:47whether it's just a little bit too close or not,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51and have a good look around. I'll come and find you. OK. Thank you. See you in a bit. Bye.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54With ?50 to spare this detached property
0:37:54 > 0:37:56has great potential and if Chris and Helen
0:37:56 > 0:37:58dug into their slush fund for refurb work,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00it could give them everything they're looking for.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04There are three large reception rooms
0:38:04 > 0:38:05including that bonus of a conservatory,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09five bedrooms, so room for Chris's soldiers,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13a private, quarter acre, south facing garden.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15And although the primary school is close by
0:38:15 > 0:38:17the house is in a secluded location,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21so it will be birdsong from dawn till dusk.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25The garden's lovely. I can see things I'd like to do with it,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29which is always a good thing. I can see where the vegetable plot would go,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31the tortoises would find their own nice little spot.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35I'd like to think we can see through what the house needs.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I like to have a project. I like to visualise how it's going to be.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43This one is a large project.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46We'd have to carefully sit down and look at the budget,
0:38:46 > 0:38:50and work out whether it would be worth it and whether it would add the value that we wanted it to do.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53There are things that can be done.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Whether they would turn the house into our dream house
0:38:56 > 0:38:58we would have to give serious thought to.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Ah-ha! We made it finally.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I found the perfect place to wait for you.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Rather a soggy bottom, but there we go!
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Seen enough? Yes, I think we have, thank you. Come on. let's go. Wonderful.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Chris and Helen both love cars, with Helen harbouring
0:39:19 > 0:39:22particular passion for 4X4 off-roading.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25With that in mind we arranged for them to visit one of Wiltshire's
0:39:25 > 0:39:27specially made tracks to meet Colin Reid,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30former British 4X4 off-roading champion,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33who's going to give them a gentle introduction to the terrain.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38So, Helen, I hear you're into off-road driving.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42We certainly are. We've got two off-roaders at home. Right. We just need to do some more really.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Right. We've got 700 acres here.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47It's all purpose built man-made courses.
0:39:47 > 0:39:53We have ascents, descents, angles, ditches to get across,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55all bits and pieces... Fantastic. Sounds good.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57..so we'd best go and have a play, OK?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00My turn first? Your turn first. Wonderful. Thank you.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02You want to jump in there? Chris, jump in the back.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06So it's all aboard for a bumpy ride.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Off-roading demands responsible driving on designated terrain
0:40:12 > 0:40:15and it's important to be mindful of the countryside
0:40:15 > 0:40:17and not trespass on protected farming land.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20But it's time for Helen to get the measure of the first obstacle.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23This what we call a ditch crossing.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27What we need to do is to find an angle, all right?
0:40:27 > 0:40:31The angle is approximately 50 degrees, something like that,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34and then what you do is you roll a wheel in at a time.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Nice and gentle, first gear, just roll down in with the car,
0:40:37 > 0:40:41so you'll always have a wheel in contact with the ground to pull you through.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I you'd like to get in the car... Wonderful.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Chris, if you'd like to go over that side, far enough out of the way and watch what's going on.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Well Helen seems revved up and raring to go
0:40:51 > 0:40:54with Chris standing by for moral support.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01That's good. Don't touch down on the pedals. Perfect. Straighten your steering a little bit.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Gently back onto the gas now to pull yourself out.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09Slowly does it. She finds the right angle and clears the ditch successfully.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Thank you very much. Was that all right. I enjoyed that. Good. That was wonderful.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Next up it's Chris's turn to get into the driving seat.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Let's see if he has Helen's nerves of steel
0:41:19 > 0:41:23when he faces his challenge of mastering the steep slope.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It's downhill all the way.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Right, Chris, what we've got here is a nice steep drop, OK?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34It's probably round about 50 degrees,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36so it's quite steep. OK.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Nice and dry today though. Lots of traction on it.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42It's chalk with some flints and that's sticking out as you can see. Yes.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46So there is some grip on it so the car's not going to slide away from us. All right?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49If you'd like to get in. Helen, if you'd like to stand back over there. Yep.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53So it's all systems go as Chris takes to the wheel.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Here we go. That's it. Then off of both pedals.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02On the wheel and down we go.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05The secret to speed control on terrain like this
0:42:05 > 0:42:08is to stay in a low gear, engage both the axles,
0:42:08 > 0:42:10and hold off braking so the car doesn't skid.
0:42:10 > 0:42:17Magic. That's lovely, well done. If you'd like to pull forward and stop there. That's wonderful.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21It's mission accomplished for Chris and now the adrenalin buzz has kicked in,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23it's time to regroup.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Helen, come and join us. Where have you been?
0:42:27 > 0:42:29I made it down the slope.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Good, well done. Excellent. Thank you very much, guys.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35That's been brilliant. You've both been very good pupils.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Chris and Helen seem really fired up by their off-roading antics.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42I hope they feel as passionate about our next property.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46So now, here's a teaser for you -
0:42:46 > 0:42:50what sort of property do you find a couple who have lived
0:42:50 > 0:42:54in a bungalow for 20 years and vowed never to step foot in one again?
0:42:54 > 0:42:58You've guessed it, but this is a bungalow with a difference.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00We're delivering the one thing we haven't so far -
0:43:00 > 0:43:03a lovely view. Will that ONE aspect swing it for them?
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Let's find out.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07Well, I do hope so,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10because I'm not sure they're into bungalows any more.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16For the last 20 years, before the move to Newbury, we had a 1973 bungalow. OK.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18When we were looking for it originally,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22I was wanting a nice little country cottage, but this one came up,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Chris dragged me to it kicking and screaming...
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Why were you kicking and screaming?
0:43:28 > 0:43:31I've always considered bungalows to be a total waste of space.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36Um... They need a much larger plot, for example. And it's quite nice,
0:43:36 > 0:43:40sometimes, to have a separation between living and bedrooms.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Well, let's see what they make of our mystery property.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46It's only six miles from Devizes
0:43:46 > 0:43:49in the popular village of Great Cheverell.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51Helen could get stuck into community life here,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55which centres around the pub, the village shop and post office.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59And, what a location, with the Salisbury Plain right on their doorstep.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04Among the assortment of properties dotted about is this low-lying one.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06What's that I see in front of me?
0:44:06 > 0:44:08No, it couldn't be. It could.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10It's a house in a hole
0:44:10 > 0:44:14or a house where somebody's stolen the top bit.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16I think they call it a bungalow.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Do they? I've never seen one before.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21You liar, you. I am a bit.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24How do you feel about this bungalow with that view?
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Well, the view certainly does help an awful lot.
0:44:27 > 0:44:28That's panoramic, isn't it?
0:44:28 > 0:44:32Yes. We'll have to see if the bungalow itself takes advantage of said views.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34Are you willing to give it a go?
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Definitely. With a bungalow we KNOW what we're talking about.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Exactly. You've been there and done it.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42Yes, good at bungalows.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44Keep saying to yourself, it's got a great view.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47It's the view, it's the view. And the plot. Let's go.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Let's go for it.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52'In fact, our mystery bungalow is far from ordinary.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55'It's a 19th-century lodge house bungalow which has been extended,
0:44:55 > 0:45:00'so Chris would get his dose of history. Let's hope it can work its magic on them.'
0:45:03 > 0:45:05Come on in. Lovely. Thank you.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08It's very welcoming. Yes, it's an impressive hallway.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10This almost looks like a separate house.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14You've got a double glazed window inside the house.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I think this was the front door and this is an extension.
0:45:17 > 0:45:22Useful there, you've got a good sized double bedroom and a wet room.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26So if you've got guests coming that want their privacy... Or we want rid of them, yes.
0:45:26 > 0:45:31I've got loads to show you, but I'm going to treat YOU first. It's always me.
0:45:31 > 0:45:35I'll let YOU go first if he's treating YOU.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Chris, I think this may make you happy.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40I think I know what you're going to say. What, Chris?
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Book-lined study. That's exactly what I was going to say, Chris.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47You've got the original 19th-century fireplace, working fireplace.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50That's nice. Through there, that's a bedroom at the moment.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55A very light and airy bedroom just ideal for...
0:45:55 > 0:45:57My little toy soldiers.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01I can imagine sitting here, a couple of nice armchairs,
0:46:01 > 0:46:04loads of books around, roaring log fire...
0:46:04 > 0:46:06Roaring wife. I'm there.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08I'm curling up. Paradise on Earth.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12Can you see it? I CAN see it. Brilliant.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15There's a plus point for you as well.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Good. We'll leave you there.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Just stand there for a minute. OK. You come with me... We're alone.
0:46:20 > 0:46:21We stand at the door.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26Ah! And there's a chain where we can lock you in.
0:46:26 > 0:46:27Isn't that great?
0:46:27 > 0:46:28THEY LAUGH
0:46:28 > 0:46:32You can come out when Britain's won. I feel so rejected.
0:46:32 > 0:46:37Come on, follow us. 'Now Chris can be imprisoned in his games room,
0:46:37 > 0:46:40'let's go next door and attack Helen's wish list.'
0:46:40 > 0:46:42You've got exposed floorboards.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44They are gorgeous, aren't they?
0:46:44 > 0:46:47It is tiled when you walk in and then you get to the floorboards.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50And this is your room. It's a jolly good size, isn't it?
0:46:50 > 0:46:52It is. It's a proper eat-in kitchen.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56Yeah, but what about the space? The space is absolutely brilliant.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00'Down the other end of the hallway is the third of the four bedrooms,
0:47:00 > 0:47:02'but let's check out the main bathroom.'
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Come in here. Ah! The bathroom.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07It's a jolly good size, isn't it?
0:47:07 > 0:47:10It is, isn't it? It's a really good family bathroom, I'd say.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12It's a jolly good size.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14Yeah. Excellent.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17Let me show you where you're going to kip.
0:47:17 > 0:47:18Ooh!
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Room for a four poster, then? Yes.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Plenty of space to... breathe in here, isn't there?
0:47:27 > 0:47:29And also, waking up in the morning
0:47:29 > 0:47:32and the first thing you see is your garden.
0:47:32 > 0:47:33Ooh, it's got a wood burner!
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Isn't that cute? Isn't that gorgeous?
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Imagine those cold winter nights.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42Well... They wouldn't be cold. After the two glasses of port.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44So you'd go from the...
0:47:44 > 0:47:50From the fire in there to the fire in here and you wouldn't get cold in between.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52And there's one in the middle!
0:47:52 > 0:47:55It's my favourite room, I'll show you that last.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58We're fired with enthusiasm.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00'That's what I like to hear. And it's the biggest one yet,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03'so let's hope they give the room a warm reception.'
0:48:06 > 0:48:08Ooh. Ah-ha, the living room.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Yes, that's a very OBVIOUS feature, isn't it?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13I love the beam above the top.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16A nice sort of study area there... That's nice.
0:48:16 > 0:48:17Wonderful, that is.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19This is a good room for entertaining.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22Totally. Superb, absolutely superb.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24And the room with the views.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26Yes. Have we won you over?
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Yes. I think you have. I'm impressed.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32I'd still like to see the outside, because the garden's important.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35I didn't know you'd say that. You couldn't have guessed.
0:48:35 > 0:48:37It's got all of the things we asked for.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40We said nothing was going to tick all the boxes,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43but there's more ticks than we expected, perhaps.
0:48:43 > 0:48:48I remember that bottom box that just said, "View."
0:48:48 > 0:48:49Let's tick it.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Come on out.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00This is what it's all about, isn't it?
0:49:00 > 0:49:04And how. Fresh air and uninterrupted views.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07I think it needs a conservatory, so that you can actually sit here
0:49:07 > 0:49:10in the winter and take advantage of the view.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13How fantastic would that be? Snow-covered fields...
0:49:13 > 0:49:16'They're getting creative, that's a good sign.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19'They also get a store room and a double-length garage,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22'with a chance to buy the whole barn if they wanted to.
0:49:22 > 0:49:27'But let's give Chris and Helen the opportunity to soak up surroundings in the one-acre garden.
0:49:27 > 0:49:28This is lovely. It is.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31It's wonderful, isn't it? It's close to idyllic.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35It is. Lovely stand of trees,
0:49:35 > 0:49:38there's a, sort of, wilderness patch there that really cries out
0:49:38 > 0:49:41to be levelled off and have something nice done.
0:49:41 > 0:49:42I could do that.
0:49:42 > 0:49:47So, what do you think this one-acre plot of land with a bungalow on it is worth?
0:49:47 > 0:49:51It's got to be about ?530,000.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53OK, how about you, Helen?
0:49:53 > 0:49:54I'm going to say 510.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58Would it make a massive difference if I said it was way over budget?
0:49:58 > 0:49:59If it was 550 or something?
0:49:59 > 0:50:02Yes, it would. It's not.
0:50:02 > 0:50:06It's currently on the market for ?520,000.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08Oh! Middle ground!
0:50:08 > 0:50:12For the size of the plot, the size of the building, the original
0:50:12 > 0:50:16features, the obvious history, I think it's a fair price.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20Yes, I do, it is. Go and have a look round, take it all in.
0:50:20 > 0:50:22See you later. And I'm glad you didn't say, "No."
0:50:22 > 0:50:26Ha! We never say "No". You never say "No," that's what I love about you.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31The mystery property has done it again, it's added that element of confusion, hasn't it?
0:50:31 > 0:50:34You can hear the cogs working as they're walking back.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38You know, it's not always that you instantly fall for a property.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41I got the impression that Helen wasn't too keen on the fact
0:50:41 > 0:50:44that it was a bungalow to start with, but I've just heard her say
0:50:44 > 0:50:47to Chris when she thought I was out of earshot,
0:50:47 > 0:50:49"I'm really falling in love with this place."
0:50:49 > 0:50:54So, maybe it's a case of "bungalo-yes", not "bungalo-no".
0:50:54 > 0:50:56Apologies for that, I do hope so though.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01Because although it's ?20,000 over budget, they do have room for manoeuvre on the money.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Our bungalow gives them -
0:51:03 > 0:51:05a huge sitting room with period features,
0:51:05 > 0:51:10a large dining kitchen for Helen, and a study for Chris,
0:51:10 > 0:51:12four bedrooms and a one-acre plot
0:51:12 > 0:51:15which is a real blank canvas with spectacular views
0:51:15 > 0:51:17over the Salisbury Plain.
0:51:17 > 0:51:21It's a huge garden, isn't it? Absolutely huge.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24The outside of the house is absolutely everything
0:51:24 > 0:51:27we're looking for. The views are to die for.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31The stand of trees in the garden is almost idyllic.
0:51:31 > 0:51:36The mystery house is always going to be a curve ball, and this is the ultimate curve ball.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39We weren't expecting it, we weren't ready for it.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42We had to revise all our opinions, really,
0:51:42 > 0:51:43and start again from scratch.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46This bungalow actually has everything -
0:51:46 > 0:51:50It's got character, it's got space, it's got views.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55Ah! What a vision, both of you through that dappled sunlight -
0:51:55 > 0:51:57absolutely idyllic. You're too kind.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00It wasn't a strain for me, leaning on this post.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02No, it's hard, standing looking at the view.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Well, the property tour is over,
0:52:04 > 0:52:06there's a hell of a lot to take in. Just a bit.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08Oh yes. Bit of thinking to be done.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10I'm not going to put you on the spot,
0:52:10 > 0:52:13you should go away and have a good think,
0:52:13 > 0:52:15and we'll catch up later.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16Sounds fantastic. Fine.
0:52:24 > 0:52:29Our house search has certainly given Chris and Helen a whole host of different options to mull over,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32but will one property rise above them all?
0:52:36 > 0:52:41Well, it's decision time. Which, if any of the houses, will Helen and Chris go for?
0:52:41 > 0:52:43This is going to be a difficult one to call,
0:52:43 > 0:52:47they've had positive things to say about ALL the properties.
0:52:47 > 0:52:52But have we found them the right house, with the right garden, in the right location?
0:52:52 > 0:52:54Let's go and find out.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01Trust you two, finding the most idyllic spot in the whole building.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04We thought we'd managed to escape. Well, you haven't, not quite yet.
0:53:04 > 0:53:09We're working on it. Are you going to escape to Wiltshire?
0:53:09 > 0:53:12Let's talk about the properties, let's start with the cottage.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16It was a nice traditional house, it had some nice features.
0:53:16 > 0:53:22The rooms were small and I would have had a problem with the head height in a number of rooms.
0:53:22 > 0:53:23The garden was pleasant,
0:53:23 > 0:53:27but it missed the important features of the view and...
0:53:27 > 0:53:30Let's move on. OK. The stone house. The stone house!
0:53:30 > 0:53:37I have never, in all the times I've gone to look at houses,
0:53:37 > 0:53:40felt the way I did when I saw the stone house.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43It just looked so traditional,
0:53:43 > 0:53:47the front garden looked nice. Inside, the lounge was superb -
0:53:47 > 0:53:49the fireplace was lovely,
0:53:49 > 0:53:53the, sort of, bay extension was really nice. The lounge was superb.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57It was the back, for me, that was possibly a bit more of a let down.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59What, the garden, then?
0:53:59 > 0:54:01The garden itself was lovely,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04it did feel a little enclosed to me and the back was a lot plainer.
0:54:04 > 0:54:10Let's talk about the 1950s house. Do we talk about the elephant in the room,
0:54:10 > 0:54:14which is the school next door? Yes. We haven't got children, we never wanted children,
0:54:14 > 0:54:18and we don't want everybody else's children.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21I think it's probably a very good house for young families. Mm hm.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24There's a school next door. Just throw them over the hedge in the morning
0:54:24 > 0:54:26and fish them back in the afternoon.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29But for us it just didn't have the feel.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33It almost felt wrong to take that opportunity away from a young family.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36It's just the two of us. We wouldn't need it.
0:54:36 > 0:54:41All right, we'll move on to the mystery property, the bungalow.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44I didn't like it when I first walked in, I must admit.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47And then, room by room,
0:54:47 > 0:54:49it just grew and grew.
0:54:49 > 0:54:55The sitting room, with the views, and the nice little window seats and the huge great fireplace.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58You're never going to get cold in that house, are you?
0:54:58 > 0:55:00And the fact that there's the perfect terrace
0:55:00 > 0:55:03to just put on a small conservatory.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05To me, I actually loved it.
0:55:05 > 0:55:11Whereas, as I walked around, the further I went, the colder I got.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14It just failed to move me one iota.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18But I had this conflict, because I could see Helen's excitement rising.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22Let's cut to the chase. It's not going to be the cottage... BOTH: No.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25..I don't think it's going to be the 1950s property... No. No.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29..which leaves us with two properties... It does.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34..the stone house and the mystery property.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36And we can't decide between the two.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40No, we're still left with two, we're going to have to do lots of research,
0:55:40 > 0:55:42and I think you can probably be fairly sure
0:55:42 > 0:55:44that it will be one of them.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48It's been fantastic. You are such an inspiration to anyone who's looking for a house,
0:55:48 > 0:55:51because you can see past the bricks and mortar,
0:55:51 > 0:55:56you're positive, you put your heart and soul into everything you do,
0:55:56 > 0:55:59and good things happen to good people... We're stuffed!
0:55:59 > 0:56:01You're going to find a lovely property.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04Thank you very much. Cheers. Cheers! Cheers.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12When we were confronted with Helen and Chris's extensive house move
0:56:12 > 0:56:16wish list, I thought to myself, "Uh-oh, we're in trouble, here."
0:56:16 > 0:56:18But, I needn't have worried -
0:56:18 > 0:56:23they've embraced the word "compromise" over the last two days and it's been a joy to behold.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25They're just bursting with ideas.
0:56:25 > 0:56:31You know, this move to the country isn't just a nice idea for them, it's necessary for them to exist.
0:56:31 > 0:56:36And I'd say Madeira's loss is very much Wiltshire this beautiful county's, gain.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39Until next time on Escape To The Country, goodbye.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44Helen and Chris didn't waste any time buying the mystery house.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48After some finishing touches from the builders, they're looking to move in very soon.
0:56:48 > 0:56:53And if you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:56:53 > 0:56:56Northern Ireland or England, and need our help,
0:56:56 > 0:56:58please contact us through our website...
0:57:07 > 0:57:10Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:10 > 0:57:13E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk