0:00:00 > 0:00:03Today I'm in a county with beautiful chalky hills,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06a murky connection to Henry VIII's love life,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11and home to these waterfowl, who've been gracing our dinner plates for the last 200 years.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17It's a sort of potent mix of poultry and property on today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32In today's show, I'll be helping a horse-loving couple
0:00:32 > 0:00:35saddle up and make the dream move from town to country.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- It's your future coming to get you! - LAUGHTER
0:00:38 > 0:00:41We'll embark on a grand tour of desirable residences...
0:00:41 > 0:00:44If I sat down and had to draw what I wanted, this would be it.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49..and there's our mystery house, which might challenge all their preconceptions.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Today, we're in Buckinghamshire, and the county town is Aylesbury -
0:00:57 > 0:01:00home to...the Aylesbury duck! And here we have a perfect specimen.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Lovely white, with this distinctive pink bill.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- All white ducks are not Aylesbury ducks, though.- Absolutely not.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10No, it's a misapprehension that if it's white it's Aylesbury.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14In fact, it's a completely different strain to a normal hybrid farm duck.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Very handsome birds. But Buckinghamshire has a lot more to offer.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Buckinghamshire is shouldered by Oxfordshire to the West,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to the East.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30The south of the county is dominated by the Chiltern Hills.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Stretching 75 miles across several counties,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37this ridge of chalk and woodland makes an attractive backdrop.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40In the 16th century, Henry VIII made Aylesbury
0:01:40 > 0:01:43the official county town over Buckingham -
0:01:43 > 0:01:46allegedly to curry favour with Thomas Boleyn,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49so he could have his wicked way with his daughter Anne.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53In the 15th century, the area became known for producing bricks.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Initially, they provided in-fill for the timber-framed houses,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00and later, they were seen in grander properties throughout the country.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05The great thing about Buckinghamshire is its proximity to London.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08You've got beautiful countryside, but commuters can glide elegantly
0:02:08 > 0:02:12into all those West London stations. However, it comes at a price.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17Buckinghamshire is the second most expensive place in the country to buy a house.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20In fact, the average detached property price is a laughable
0:02:20 > 0:02:2587% above the national average, at £457,000.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Still, as you're about to see, you can get some beautiful properties.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34If Robin and Kirsten had £1.9 million to spend,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37then they might snap up this six-bedroom former watermill
0:02:37 > 0:02:41in Twyford. The grade II listed building dates from the 18th century
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and provides excellent equestrian facilities.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48And there's no shortage of grazing land, as there is 88 acres.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Alternatively, £695,000 would buy this four-bed timber-framed property
0:02:53 > 0:02:56in Nether Winchendon. Built at the turn of the 20th century
0:02:56 > 0:02:58as an estate worker's cottage,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01the property has undergone much renovation work,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and now offers contemporary luxury accommodation.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Or, if you're searching for something unique,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09how about this two-bed former electricity sub-station
0:03:09 > 0:03:13near Burnham. £395,000 buys a slice of a former estate,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16commissioned in 1905 by a Russian prince.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Designed to resemble a folly or temple,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22the building is truly distinctive.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26As you can see, Buckinghamshire has some beautiful properties on offer,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31but our house-hunting hopefuls today have a very specific home in mind.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Today's buyers are Robin and Kirsten,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36who live in Woking. They both commute - Robin to London,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39for his work as an IT project manager,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44and Kirsten to Farnborough, for auditing work in defence engineering.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48But they never thought of Woking as a permanent home.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49We moved in in August 2004.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It's a fairly modern house built in the 1960s -
0:03:52 > 0:03:56detached, four bedrooms, three reception rooms -
0:03:56 > 0:04:00it's in walking distance to Woking mainline station.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Robin was brought up in the country and is a keen amateur horseman.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07His pride and joy is Killie, who's in stables four miles away,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09but their dream is to have an equestrian property
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- all three can share.- At the minute, I'm away from home a lot,
0:04:13 > 0:04:18I go to the yard where the horse is, spend at least two or three hours
0:04:18 > 0:04:21per weekend day there. Because Kirsten doesn't have a horse,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23it's difficult for her to get involved.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28Riding's not the only activity they plan to do when they move to the country.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32I'd also like to get a little weekend car, a two-seater sports car,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34and have the space to store it in.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- What about you?- Well, I see myself obviously getting a horse
0:04:37 > 0:04:41and being able to actually enjoy Robin's hobby with him.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46I'm also interested in falconry, so I see myself joining a local falconry club
0:04:46 > 0:04:48and becoming more involved that way.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52But the search hasn't just begun - they've been hunting for their ideal horsey home
0:04:52 > 0:04:54for the last 12 months.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58It's just the three elements, I guess - the location, the character
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and the property itself, and then the land that comes with it.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Those three core elements are difficult for us to find.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07So how different will the new house have to be?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10We're really looking forward to being in a village,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14somewhere with a bit more of a community so we can get to know some people.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Here's our garage - I want a bigger double garage,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21and I want to store my cars in it. I'm very car proud.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26This is the porch on the way to our front door. All you can see is muddy boots.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30What would be great in our new property is a big utility room -
0:05:30 > 0:05:33somewhere where Robin can put all his dirty boots and horse stuff.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36What's the full list?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It needs to be a detached property, minimum three bedrooms,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43we need to have the land - so a garden plus sort of three acres
0:05:43 > 0:05:47of grazing land. That land needs to be fairly flat to develop
0:05:47 > 0:05:50some equestrian facilities if they aren't already there.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And then certainly the house needs to have the kitchen-dining area.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Four years ago, Robin and Kirsten bought their house for £373,000.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06And despite the difficult market, they've just sold for £445,000.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12So, what's in the coffers for this new house?
0:06:12 > 0:06:14If you find the property that ticks all the boxes for us,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17we've got a maximum of £850,000 to spend.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22It's a sizeable budget, but will they see eye to eye when our search starts?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25The only difficult will be if I really like the house
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- and can't see a problem with the land...- But I've got an issue with the land.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Then we'll have to discuss things! - Yeah.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I asked a friend of mine whose daughter had a pony
0:06:37 > 0:06:40what he fed the horse, and he said ten pound notes!
0:06:40 > 0:06:43And it's very true that anything in the equestrian world
0:06:43 > 0:06:45comes with a big price tag attached.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49So Robin wants an equestrian property for £850,000,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51and that's a lot of money in this current market,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55but, in Buckinghamshire, in the commuter belt, with three acres -
0:06:55 > 0:06:57it's still going to be a tight squeeze.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Robin and Kirsten have already carried out an extensive search
0:07:01 > 0:07:04of Berkshire, but not found anything to their liking.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So they're now keen to explore Buckinghamshire,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and our new search will centre on Aylesbury.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14In today's show, I'll be taking them on a tour of three equestrian properties,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18but, as ever, I won't be revealing the price tags straight away.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23The last of the three will be the mystery house, which always has the potential to shake things up.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Welcome to Buckinghamshire. - Thank you.- The county's put on a lovely morning for us.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- It's fantastic.- And this is not even the county that you were looking at,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- you were more south.- That's right, more Berkshire way - M3, M4,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- that sort of area.- Well, the M40's good! It's a fine motorway!
0:07:43 > 0:07:45It's a good motorway!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48But it's good, you've looked at a lot of properties.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50We've sold ours, so we're keen to buy.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- We have money burning a hole. - Well, there's two things there.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56One - absolutely fantastic that you sold it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58You're like gold dust in the current market.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03And secondly, it meant you'd seen quite a lot of the houses we wanted to show you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Sorry about that!- Which is partly why we've gone a bit further north.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Equestrian properties are at a bit of a premium - even in this current market,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14people who want equestrian properties really want them,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17so they do tend to go. So we've sorted out some really nice ones,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21and we are taking you a little out of your comfort zone,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- so kind of ride with us, as they say!- OK!- See what I did there?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Right! Good. Well, let's get in the car, let's get going.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Armed with a budget of £850,000,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Robin and Kirsten want a house with a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38a kitchen-diner large enough for entertaining,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41equestrian facilities for at least two horses
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and three acres of land. It's a tall order,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46but, as ever, we'll do our best.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51How are you guys feeling?
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- Looking forward to it.- I'm excited. Bit apprehensive.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01We've been looking for nine months so I'm not sure that you guys can just find somewhere...
0:09:01 > 0:09:06How dare you! You've thrown down the gauntlet now.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- We'll all be working extra hard. - How very dare we!
0:09:08 > 0:09:12What is it that you didn't like about those properties?
0:09:12 > 0:09:18I think we're after something really quite niche, with the land and equestrian aspect,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20so the places we've looked at,
0:09:20 > 0:09:25there's always been something not right - location, not enough land, the house isn't big enough...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Yeah.- Maybe we're too picky!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We're kicking off our search in Aston Abbotts,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37five miles north of Aylesbury.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41It's a quiet village with an attractive mix of housing stock from thatched cottages
0:09:41 > 0:09:44to more recent dwellings.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49At 468 feet above sea level, there are lovely views to the west
0:09:49 > 0:09:51across the Vale of Aylesbury
0:09:51 > 0:09:57and the many bridleways on offer make this area very popular for horse owners.
0:10:00 > 0:10:06Just a tad north of Aylesbury - I know that was your pain limit.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08What are your thoughts about the look of it?
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- I like it. It looks good. - She's scratching her chin. Is that good or bad?
0:10:13 > 0:10:20Erm, I think the big sloping roof... Not sure how that will impact the upstairs rooms.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- That's my initial concern.- Sure. Shall we look inside?
0:10:23 > 0:10:24Yes. Let's go for it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Nice double garage here.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33In you come.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40- This is the entrance hall, which gives a good idea of the tone of the house.- Yep.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44It's so different to what we're used to. We're not used to so much dark wood.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- I quite like that it has more character inside than you might have thought from the outside.- True.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- It doesn't feel dark, it feels light and airy enough.- Yeah, it does.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56That's very true in this room. Let's have a look.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Open fire place.- Very nice. - It's a biggy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04How do you feel about inglenooks? This is a proper one.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- An inglenook is where you can sit on either side of the fire.- Yeah.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13This is a truly, not ancient, but certainly officially an inglenook.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18Yeah, it's what we hoped for and were looking for, as a feature for the sitting room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- It gives a nice snug, cosy feeling. - It does.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26What do you think about the size? Cos this is the main sitting room.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It's a good size.- This is plenty big enough.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- So far, I'd be happy living here. - Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37Well, it flows through into the dining room.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Nice big glass door into the garden...- Yep.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Then, this is the dining room.- Ah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It's a big space, a nice space, definitely.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Yeah, I like it. It's a big room, a good-sized dining room.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Ultimately, everyone's looking for the kitchen-diner these days,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- so let's look at the kitchen.- OK.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Kitchen, always the acid test of any house.- Yep.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- How does it fare?- Good size. - It's like a big, square, open room
0:12:06 > 0:12:10that you would ideally have as a kitchen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Yeah, it feels open enough and light. Certainly big enough.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15The view over the garden is nice.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Lots of light, windows everywhere. These are nice oak-fronted, arts-and-crafts units.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Would you get rid of those?
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- I actually like the style to be honest.- What is your style of interior?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I don't know, would you go contemporary? Old?
0:12:28 > 0:12:33We're quite contemporary but...
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- We're trying a bit more character. - Yeah!
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Trying so hard! - We think we ought to be.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- "Cos we like horses, better have some wood."- Exactly!
0:12:43 > 0:12:49What's nice is that you have a nice little breakfast bar and if you want to poke your head through,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52there's a utility room so you've got oodles more space.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Perfect.- Yes, this is fantastic.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59This is what we want - somewhere we can come from outside, kick off our muddy boots,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- clean out before we go in the main house.- Yeah, this is great.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Happy downstairs?- I can see myself living here very easily.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- It's a very characterful house, even though it's quite young.- It is.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13You were worried about the space upstairs so let's take a look.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It seems like we got off to a good start.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23Just off the hall is the study which will be useful if they ever want to work from home,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25and there's a cloakroom too.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Now for the upstairs. Just in front of us is the family bathroom,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33which they may want to update, and there's plenty of space for guests,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36as this house has five bedrooms.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Two of them are singles, one of which is currently used as a library
0:13:40 > 0:13:46and then there are two small doubles, which would be fine for their weekend visitors.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50I want to show you the master bedroom which I think is very handsome.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52This is great, yeah. A really good size.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56How do you feel about the sloping roof and the size of the room?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Erm...obviously got the built-in cupboards here.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Got a walk-in...
0:14:03 > 0:14:07They've disguised the sloping roof really well.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- There's a lot of attic space as well, which is good.- There is...
0:14:11 > 0:14:12And ta-da!
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- En suite, yeah.- Very nice en suite.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17It's a good size.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Well, this is great.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- And this one's been done up recently, so you probably wouldn't have to do this again.- No.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26No, it works. It's nice and white.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Clean. I love the separate shower. It's good.- Yeah, it's good.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32What do you think? I'm liking it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37Yeah, I'm liking it. I think any change we would make would be very cosmetic.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- We could just move in.- We could. It all just works.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Too well, maybe!
0:14:42 > 0:14:47Ah, you want a challenge, don't you? Don't worry, we'll give you challenges!
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- But you're not really buying the house. You're interested in the land with the horses.- Yes.- Yes.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Let's go outside.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00Well, Kirsten seems happy to move right in. I hope the outdoor space will suit Robin.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05It's one of many exits into the garden, which is a good thing, as the garden is lovely.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I think so. What do you think?
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Very nice.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12It's a very good size.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Looks fairly easy to maintain, I'd say.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Yeah, it's a good size for us, I think.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19And you can get a sit-on the lawn mower?
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- Isn't that what every boy wants?! - Exactly. Everyone wants to sit on the lawn mower.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Through very nice copper beach hedge.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Come with me and enter your very own universe of horse.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Ta-da!
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- Horses!- Horses!
0:15:34 > 0:15:38So, we've got space to put an arena in.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43The fence here is the limit of your paddock and this fence at the back,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47and you can just see on the brow of the hill at the far corner.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- That's the extent of it. It's two and a half acres.- OK.
0:15:51 > 0:15:58So, it's a bit under what you were looking for but we need to know now whether that's sufficient.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Sufficient for you, isn't it?!
0:16:02 > 0:16:08I always want more and more. But I can see how it would work with a stable block there.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13I'm not sure if you could fit the menage in, in the rest of that corner,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17but there's plenty of room elsewhere to put it, and I'd say it would work.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20So, how much do you think it's worth?
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Ha!- Million dollar question.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's not a million dollars.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29I'm going to go in at...hmmm...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- 835.- Ah.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38Wow! That's a big difference, I'm going to go a hell of a lot lower
0:16:38 > 0:16:42and I'm thinking, because of the location and the amount of land,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and the size of the house,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47I was thinking more 740.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Ooh.- Right.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- You're saying because of the location, because it's not near where you want it?- Probably!
0:16:53 > 0:16:57I'm afraid it's right at the top of your budget - it's 850.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03- So I was close.- You were.- Of course, you've got to remember, this is the market price now,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06but you know that the market is very much geared towards you guys,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08so you're in the power seat.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Why don't you have a look around the grounds, have a look at the soil, take some soil samples...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Have another peak indoors and when you've had your fill,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- we'll meet at the front and then we'll press on.- OK.- Thanks.- Thanks.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Phew! I thought that would be a close shave with the acreage,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29because they were very desperate to have lots of space and it's a little bit short,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33and it's our first property. Usually people hate our first property,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36but it's been a blinding success!
0:17:36 > 0:17:39At £850,000, this house is on the money.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Having this access directly from the road would work really well.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57When we first arrived at this property,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I wasn't quite sure...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02what I was gonna make of it. It certainly didn't have the kerb appeal.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05But coming inside, I really like it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- I think this is probably my favourite room.- Do you?- Yeah.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12The fireplace is certainly a magnificent feature.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16It doesn't have everything we want. There's no equestrian facilities in place.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18So we'd have to spend money doing that.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23I do like it. I think if we can work with the land, yeah, possibly a contender.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27- Hello!- Hi there.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- All done?- Yes, all finished. - Good. Let's press on.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Let's not rest on our horsey laurels.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44Robin and Kirsten can't wait to make their move to the country
0:18:44 > 0:18:47so they're taking some time to explore what would be on their doorstep.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51While Aylesbury is famous for ducks, it has a more serious past.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54The town played a vital role in the English Civil War,
0:18:54 > 0:19:00when John Hampden raised his regimental quota from his Buckinghamshire tenants,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03more commonly known as the Greencoats, from the colour of their jackets.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- What do you think?- Yeah, I like it. It's peaceful, it's got everything we need here really.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09But it still feels rural.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Six miles west of Aylesbury is Waddesdon Manor.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Built in the neo-Renaissance style of a French chateau in the late 19th century,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20for the famed banking Rothschild family.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25It's an incredible statement of this county's past wealth and the beautiful gardens were the work
0:19:25 > 0:19:30of the French garden designer, Elie Laine, and resemble those of the Loire valley.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Look at the view.- It's amazing. Our new house is down there somewhere.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38For a taste of the local brew, Robin and Kirsten are heading south
0:19:38 > 0:19:41to the oldest independent micro brewery in the Chilterns.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- Hi, I'm Robin.- Tom Jenkinson. - Hi, Tom.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46His family have been running this business since 1980.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49So this is into the heart of the brewery.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54The brew house is where it all starts and the first job is testing the barley.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59You'll find that for the rest of the day you'll be trying to get the little husks out of your teeth!
0:19:59 > 0:20:02And of course the best part is saved for last, the tasting.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05We've got the barley wine. So, I hope you've enjoyed the tour
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- and I hope you manage to find a place in the area.- Thank you very much.- Thanks for showing us around.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20Our next house is in the village of Hockcliffe, just across the border into Bedfordshire.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25Woburn is just four miles away and is in an unspoilt village known for its many Georgian buildings,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30independent shops and cobbled streets. It's also the place for picking up a few antiques
0:20:30 > 0:20:35which might help Robin and Kirsten achieve the period charm they're looking for.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40One mile outside Hockcliffe, our next house is approached via a long, winding drive.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43So this is the property I want to show you.
0:20:43 > 0:20:50Now, it's a fascinating property. If you noticed, as we came in there was a stately house on the hill.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52This used to be the barn, the stable and the cottage.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56It's an extraordinary plot of land, which we'll look at later.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00But a very beautiful house. First impressions?
0:21:00 > 0:21:06I think when we first came up, because the house is hidden down, we didn't quite know what to expect
0:21:06 > 0:21:08but seeing, um, it's a good-looking house.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- You don't really get much of an idea. We need to go inside.- OK.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Eyes right, don't look up there yet. Concentrate on the house.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26That's the entrance hall but let's go straight into the former barn.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Ta dah!
0:21:29 > 0:21:32What do you think of it?
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- For me it lacks something, I think. - Yeah, it's quite...- It just does seem just like a big space.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41There's no sort of one anything that I'm focusing on, it seem to be just a big room.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46I'm just trying to imagine our furniture in here and how we would use it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- We would have to make more...- More of the fireplace.- Make that more of a feature.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Let's look at the other side of the house, the dining room and the kitchen.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58The dining room is large and flooded with light from the patio doors which lead to the garden.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Next door is the kitchen.
0:22:00 > 0:22:07- Nice and sunny.- Yeah.- Got a nice range. There's also a regular hob as well.- OK.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10What do you think about this room?
0:22:10 > 0:22:11I'm on tenterhooks.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15For me, it's not big enough. It's open plan enough for, the kitchen.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20I know there's a table there but if people were cooking in here, it would just get in the way.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- Um, so, yeah.- You're an all or nothing sort of a guy.- I am, absolutely, black and white.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Good to know. We could save ourselves a lot of time.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- That's why you've seen so many properties, isn't it? - Yeah, probably.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37No, I don't like the guttering. Not buying that one.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40What about you, Kirsten? You seem more level-headed.
0:22:40 > 0:22:47I... I agree, I think we are looking for a kitchen/diner and although yes, there's a small table in here,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- you wouldn't entertain in this room. - Sure.- So...
0:22:50 > 0:22:55This room may not be hitting the mark but at least there's a decent-sized utility room,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58which could easily tuck away all their tack and boots.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02And also just off the kitchen is a staircase that leads up to two bedrooms
0:23:02 > 0:23:06that are currently used as offices. But I'm hoping I can win them over
0:23:06 > 0:23:09with the upstairs of the main part of the house.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- There's a landing, a proper landing to sit and read in.- And a view.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16A view. But it's in a dip. It's low down and you just can't see out.
0:23:16 > 0:23:23- You like to be high up with elevations.- I like to see my land. - See you land.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Well, horses like to be on hills so maybe it's rubbing off on Robin.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Moving swiftly on, there are three large double bedrooms up here,
0:23:31 > 0:23:35the second of which has its own en-suite shower room.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38And then of course, there's the family bathroom.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41But I'm interested in showing them what would be theirs.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Into the master suite. An enormous walk-in wardrobe.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- Fantastic.- Like that.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50En suite.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57I mean, it's always been my dream to have such a large master bedroom with dressing room and the en suite.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02I mean, yeah, it's great for me. It's everything I would want for a bedroom. It's lovely.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04You're remaining tight-lipped, Robin!
0:24:06 > 0:24:13For me, the master bedroom isn't the be-all and end-all, so it doesn't buy the house for me.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- Sure.- There's too much missing. - Sure, the missing hill! - The missing hill.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20If only you'd told us you were a hill dweller.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Well, it's interesting that you mention hill dwelling
0:24:24 > 0:24:27because even though the house is at the bottom of the valley,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30you own the top of the hill. Let's go that way.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41The path up the hill starts here. All these steps and landscaping was done
0:24:41 > 0:24:44when they moved into the property, 20 plus years ago,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- because they are fanatical gardeners.- They sure are.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53How do you feel? Is this all too much?
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- It's a little...- It's way too much, let's be honest. Yeah. We couldn't maintain this.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Oh dear and they haven't seen it all yet.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06After this formal garden, there's another area with raised beds and greenhouses
0:25:06 > 0:25:10but I think I'd better start talking horses very quickly.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15Up here, you've got an old workshop and the greenhouse
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- but what you've got is solid footings throughout.- Yeah. Good foundations.
0:25:19 > 0:25:27- This would be a perfect area for stables.- Yeah.- Because this is right next to the paddock.- Hey!
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Well, it sounds like that gets the thumbs up.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Here it is! Finally, your paddock.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37The house sits on a five-acre plot, four of which belong to the paddock.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- You've got a smile on your face now. - You can tell, I'm happier.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44This is good, I'm liking this. This is a good sized plot of land.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I could be wining them over but I feel that Robin is still holding back.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51You were smiling a second ago and now it's disappeared.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Well, I liked it initially because I can't deny this is a great spot
0:25:55 > 0:25:57and then I remembered about the house.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- It's almost a shame that the house isn't up here and the horses can be down there.- Yeah.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03That would've been a lot better.
0:26:03 > 0:26:09Well, it's s big, big plot of land. Obviously a pretty ambitious garden, if you're that way inclined.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12How much do you think it's worth?
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Oh... Shall I tell you what I'm prepared to pay for it?
0:26:16 > 0:26:18How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:26:18 > 0:26:22OK, so it's nicely done out inside
0:26:22 > 0:26:28and I think it would be on for probably more than our budget.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Probably... 875.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39I'm going to go a bit higher. I'd go for 895.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45- Good because you're both wrong! It's on at 850.- Oh!- In budget.- OK.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50- Still, like naughty school children, I'm going to send you back to have another look.- We're off.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- Take another look, you might change your mind.- Thank you.- Thanks.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59At £850,000, this house is bang on budget but sadly for Robin, not on a hill.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01It has:
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Walking up to it, I thought it was a really pretty property.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16It was just a shame for me that it was hidden down in this dip.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21I do really like the space in this room and would be great for a party.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25Really well kept order. You wouldn't have to do anything to the property.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- The master bedroom has got everything that you really want. - I know. It is, definitely.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34For our needs, for an equestrian property, I'm struggling to see how I could make the land work.
0:27:34 > 0:27:41Formal gardens, I can obviously appreciate, very nice but would be absolutely wastes on us.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- I was just pondering the future of this garden.- Were you?
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- Are you going to be looking after it?- We're not. - I don't think so.- It's safe!
0:27:55 > 0:27:59With Buckinghamshire's rich regal history,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Kirsten's passion for falconry should be well served.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05With a course already under her belt, she's keen to learn more.
0:28:05 > 0:28:11'We've come to meet Max, a peregrine falcon, and his owner Alan.'
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Hello, Alan.- Hello there. - How are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'Alan's been handling birds for over 30 years.'
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- What kind of falcon is he?- He's a Lanner falcon cross Peregrine.
0:28:20 > 0:28:26'Alan has also brought along some of his prize birds, including one of the smallest - American Kestrel.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30'But it's Max who's going to stretch his wings today.'
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- Can he fly?- Yes.- Can we see him do some business?
0:28:33 > 0:28:36We'll stoop into the lure, just a leather pad.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- Stoop him to the lure. Great terminology.- Yeah.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- Great. Let's do that then.- OK.
0:28:41 > 0:28:47Stooping to the lure provides training for the birds to prepare them for hunting.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48WHISTLES
0:28:48 > 0:28:51'The lure is a soft pad which has food attached to it,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53'is swung to represent a live catch.'
0:28:53 > 0:28:56He's so fast.
0:29:00 > 0:29:01He's amazing.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- THEY LAUGH - So beautiful.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06WHISTLES
0:29:06 > 0:29:07He's gonna get it this time.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09Yeah!
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- Amazing!- It was unreal.- Fantastic.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Now I know what it is to stoop.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Whooom!
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Well done, Max. That was a sterling show.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Absolutely beautiful.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24Bravo, Max.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Can we have a go with the hawks?
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- Yes, certainly. - Not doing the stooping?
0:29:28 > 0:29:32No, we can just fly them backwards and forwards. See what happens.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36'Flying from the perch trains the bird to return to the handler.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39'Let's hope Jimmy the hawk returns to us.'
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Kirsten's go the glove on already. - Yes!- Let's do it.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43Right, OK.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Hold your hand there.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53WHISTLES
0:29:55 > 0:29:57He's not as heavy as I thought he would be.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00No, he weighs 1 lb 5 ounces.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03That's about average for a male Harris hawk.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06The female is always the biggest bird.
0:30:06 > 0:30:07Next up, it's Robin's go.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10WHISTLES
0:30:14 > 0:30:16I think Jimmy's the star.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Just use under the thumb? - That's it, under the thumb.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- I didn't have him under my thumb after all. - THEY LAUGH
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Well, I'd love to spend all day here with Jimmy and the birds,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30but we have property to stoop and conquer.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32So before you and we get fed up,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- thank you very much.- You're welcome. - It's been a pleasure.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- Brilliant.- Thanks, Alan. - Thank you very much.- Bye bye.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45As the day draws to a close in Buckinghamshire,
0:30:45 > 0:30:50Robin and Kirsten get a chance to relax and consider the properties they've seen so far.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- What did you think of that house? - Yeah, I really liked it. Clearly!
0:30:54 > 0:30:59When we first arrived, I was unsure about what it looked like from the outside
0:30:59 > 0:31:04and what the space inside would be like but when we walked in, and we saw the beams...
0:31:04 > 0:31:10- The inglenook fireplace...- It made it. The only problem for me, A, the amount of land
0:31:10 > 0:31:15and B, there's no equestrian facilities there currently so we'd have to put in the menage,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18the stables, a barn. And I'm thinking it's already at the top of end of our budget.
0:31:18 > 0:31:24- What about the place with the gardens?- It was almost in a little dip and there were no views
0:31:24 > 0:31:30- from the downstairs rooms whatsoever.- But then there was the big paddock.- Yeah.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32But it doesn't compensate for the house
0:31:32 > 0:31:36because it's going to be the horses spending their time there, not us.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41I think there have been some very good positives, a few negatives. Really excited about tomorrow.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Yeah, I can't wait.- So, cheers. - Here's to tomorrow.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59Robin and Kirsten from Woking are looking to break free from the confines of town-living
0:31:59 > 0:32:02and settle in an equestrian property in Buckinghamshire.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05They have a budget of £850,000
0:32:05 > 0:32:09and so far they've viewed two properties. And coming up...
0:32:09 > 0:32:11I could feel my fingers going. I want it, I want it.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15Then finally, the mystery house that bucks all the trends
0:32:15 > 0:32:16and is a sensible option.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23Very interesting day yesterday. They loved the house I thought they would be so-so about
0:32:23 > 0:32:28and they hated the house I thought they'd love. So slightly different tack today.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I'm going to press on on the period front because it was interesting,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34yesterday, they wanted to feel more grown up.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39So we're going to show them a very grown up property and with the other, I think we're going to test
0:32:39 > 0:32:41whether they want to get into so much debt.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Our first house this morning is in Leckhampstead,
0:32:48 > 0:32:49four miles east of Buckingham.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Deanshanger, just a couple of miles away,
0:32:52 > 0:32:56grew up around the ironworks, which date back to 1820.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Today, only the workers' cottages survive,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00but the history lives on in the road names.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Many of the houses sit around the village green along with the pub,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08where Robin and Kirsten could meet their new neighbours.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13This is the house I want to show you.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- You wanted period.- Yes.- I've given you period.- You sure have.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20THEY LAUGH
0:33:20 > 0:33:23It's two cottages originally that were joined together.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- Probably from the end of the 1600s. - OK.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- What are your first impressions? - Very pretty.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Yeah, I like it. It's very chocolate box.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32So, slightly unusually,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- I thought I'd show you the outside first...- OK.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- ..then take a look inside. Does that sound all right?- Sounds good.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42To be honest, I think you'd probably want to do a bit of work inside
0:33:42 > 0:33:46and I don't want to put you off cos I know that first sign of trouble,
0:33:46 > 0:33:47- you're out of here!- I'm out!
0:33:47 > 0:33:51'I'm hoping this strategy will win them over. First stop is the garden.'
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Tum-ta-ta-tum-ta!
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Wow!- Beautiful, isn't it?
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I could feel my fingers going. I want it, I want it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03That's what I want - grabby fingers!
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- I don't want push-away fingers.- No.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- This just looks immaculate.- Yeah. - Perfect.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13These are the formal gardens. And this is just a big sit-on mower job.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14THEY LAUGH
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Even better.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- Not too much to look after.- No.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- But there's a lot more.- OK.- OK.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25KIRSTEN LAUGHS A pool!
0:34:25 > 0:34:26Wow!
0:34:26 > 0:34:29A pool. You get hidden extras in this house.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- I didn't want just a view. - THEY LAUGH
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- This is a proper leisure house. I'm liking it.- Yeah.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Do you like a pool? Some people are scared off. This is a beautiful one.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Our nephews would love it.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Oh, you'd be so popular!
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Good. Well, there's barbecue space.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- I know you like that.- I do indeed. - There's another water feature over there.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- This is what we're interested in. - A tennis court. Wow!- Do you play?
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- I haven't, but I have friends who play.- We will.- Yeah, definitely.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- Yeah.- Is that a stable block?
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- That's your stable block. - THEY LAUGH
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- To use a good Northern phrase - this is bob-on.- Bob-on.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10'Well, that's a new one on me, but it's great to get this reaction.'
0:35:10 > 0:35:12And here's the horsey bit.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Oh, yes!- Oh, yes!
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- It looks big, actually. - They don't use it for horses...
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- but it's built for that in mind. - Yeah.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25We'll have a look at that later, but let's look at the paddock. It's about three acres.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It takes us up to the hedge there.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32That's all yours and the fence along there. Is it adequate to your horse-rearing needs?
0:35:32 > 0:35:38- This is just fantastic. - If I had to sit down and draw what I wanted, this would be it.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Yeah. You can't really fault it. It's fine.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43We're going to have a look at the house too.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48- Before we do, poke your head in there and see if it's adequate. - All right. Let's have a look.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51Yes!
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Very good. That's quite pleasing.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56It's quite good. I'm working with Robin's psychology.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00If he saw something he didn't like, he'd be, "I'm not interested."
0:36:00 > 0:36:03So I showed him the things I knew he'd like
0:36:03 > 0:36:06because the house needs a little work to make it what they're looking for.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Although it's very period.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13You can see where you'd put the back of the stables by that beam.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- Yeah.- Do I have to drag you away?
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- THEY LAUGH - I know you'd like to live in here.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Still planning it out.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24I think it's safe to say that Robin and his horse will be happy here.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27'Let's hope he doesn't bolt when he gets inside.'
0:36:27 > 0:36:32Come on in. I'm really looking forward to hearing your first impressions.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35- Oh!- In here.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37OK.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Initially, I'm thinking,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42"It's really low and dark and small." But, em...
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Now I'm in, I'm quite liking it. Yeah.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- That surprises me.- Does it?
0:36:48 > 0:36:50It surprises me as well.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- I'm so unpredictable. - What about you, Kirsten?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57I'm liking it. I'm liking that we've got the fireplace still.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Obviously lots of character.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- Mmm.- I'm liking the idea of sitting here, sort of cosy evenings.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05Mmm. Yeah.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- Tons of character.- I'll be honest,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- I think you'll want to do quite a lot around the kitchen-dining area. - All right.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- But let's just nip upstairs cos there's interesting stuff up there. - OK.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19'The lounge is open-plan to the dining room
0:37:19 > 0:37:21'and is certainly characterful.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26'The staircase leads up to a quirky warren of rooms.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29'Just to our left is the smallest of the three bedrooms.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32'The third of which is on the ground floor.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35'The family bathroom is just across the landing.'
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Nice big bath, double sinks.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39A toilet in that little door there.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43DOOR CREAKS Toilet in the cupboard.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45THEY LAUGH
0:37:47 > 0:37:49So it's slightly quirky.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- It is, yeah.- Ah, I love it.- Do you? - It's great, yeah.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54You ARE surprising me today.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56ALL LAUGH
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- Kirsten, what do you feel? - My first impression, I like the style of it.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04You're just waiting to see how the layout works.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- For me, it's the layout.- Sure. It is quite unorthodox.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11It'll make more sense when we see the master bedroom.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17So this is the master bedroom. What do you reckon?
0:38:17 > 0:38:22- It's good. It's a surprise. It's bigger than I was expecting. - It's a good size, isn't it.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24- And it's lighter too. - Yeah, double aspect.
0:38:24 > 0:38:31- You've got light coming from both sides.- Views out the windows. - The precious views.- Both sides.
0:38:31 > 0:38:38- What do you think about upstairs? - It's manageable for us two, the present layout.- Definitely.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- Good. Grounds are good, downstairs is good. Upstairs is good.- Tick!
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- Kitchen! Let's look at the kitchen. - Go on then.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49'They seem to be open-minded. I wonder how the kitchen will fare?'
0:38:49 > 0:38:54In my new strategy of saving the bits you're probably going to like least till last...
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- Mm-hm. - ..this is the kitchen.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- Good views.- Yeah, you can see right out. I like that.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08- It's probably not what you were after.- No.- A big kitchen/diner.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12No, but there's obviously space for a little breakfast bar in here.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15It's not completely separate to where we can actually eat.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Um...
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- But...there is good news.- Oh!
0:39:19 > 0:39:26Because, next door, for no apparent reason, is a bathroom.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Obviously(!)
0:39:28 > 0:39:30This second bathroom is a bit of a luxury,
0:39:30 > 0:39:37and with the correct permissions, could be knocked through, giving Kirsten the kitchen/diner she wants.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38- Are we excited now?- Very.
0:39:38 > 0:39:44Absolutely. I think, ah, honestly, it would work so well.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Excellent.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Let's go outside and talk about how much it costs.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Just next door to this bathroom is the third and final bedroom,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56which has the luxury of an en suite.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59And off the hallway there is also a second reception room,
0:39:59 > 0:40:04complete with an inglenook fireplace. We're heading outside via the conservatory.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06We've come full circle, back into the garden.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09So it's a great property.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- And I'm glad that we've managed to show it to you.- Yes.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15What do you think it's worth?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18I think you're going to kill our budget with this one.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's got the pool, tennis court,
0:40:21 > 0:40:25it's got the land we want, it's got so much character.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Um, so, 930?
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Hmm. I think you've definitely gone over our budget.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I'm going to go for 895.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- You're very close. It's actually on the market for 890.- Ah!
0:40:41 > 0:40:45And the good news is there are indications that they'll take serious offers.
0:40:45 > 0:40:51- That's encouraging.- Definitely. - You're suppressing a smile there. - Yeah, I am!
0:40:51 > 0:40:54I think you might want to have another look around.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59- I'm only giving you ten minutes, cos we've got more things to do.- OK!
0:40:59 > 0:41:03At £890,000, this house may be over-budget,
0:41:03 > 0:41:07but as they are not in a chain, it makes them attractive buyers.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11It has...
0:41:15 > 0:41:18If I had a list of what I'm looking for in a property,
0:41:18 > 0:41:23this place has got to tick off almost all of them, I'd say.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27The entrance is nice. It's pretty. I think I'd say, "chocolate boxy".
0:41:27 > 0:41:31It's warm in here. The views onto your own land, it's incredible.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35We've already got a stable block, we don't need to do much work,
0:41:35 > 0:41:36just a few breeze block walls.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40Big contender, this one. Yeah, this has got everything.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Guys?
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- Hi.- Ah, good. Come on.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- You still in a positive frame of mind?- Yes.- Very good.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02If it's not horses, it's horsepower that holds Robin's interest.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07When he moves to the country, he's keen to buy a sports car to make the most of those winding country lanes.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12To put him on the right road, we've arranged for him and Kirsten to meet Brent Chiswick.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13- Hi. I'm Brent.- Hello. Robin.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15'He runs a local car club
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- 'that meets twice a month.'- Do you have to have a car to join the club?
0:42:18 > 0:42:20No, anybody can. You can just be an enthusiast.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Do you do track work with them?
0:42:22 > 0:42:27Yes, we do. It's really the only place that you can use these cars properly.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Drive up, spin round and drive home again.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Absolutely. Apart from standing talking about the cars,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- the best thing to do is actually drive them. Shall we go and have a drive?- Absolutely!
0:42:37 > 0:42:40This is what I've been looking forward to.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43ENGINE ROARS
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- ENGINE ROARS - That is a good noise!
0:43:04 > 0:43:07It's kind of addictive, isn't it?
0:43:07 > 0:43:11This is great fun as long as you stay within the speed limits like us.
0:43:15 > 0:43:16OK, how was it?
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- Fantastic, Brent. I really enjoyed the drive.- Good.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22I can't wait till I get one of these for my own.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- We'll look forward to having you as a member.- Thanks.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31Generally, I'm happy with their reaction to that house with a pool,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35because I think they might go for it. But two things are preying on my mind.
0:43:35 > 0:43:40One is Robin being slightly panicky about it all being too perfect
0:43:40 > 0:43:45and the second is, do a young, early-30s couple
0:43:45 > 0:43:50really want to mortgage themselves for a big massive house with a tennis court and a pool,
0:43:50 > 0:43:52that really belongs to someone a bit older?
0:43:52 > 0:43:55So, the mystery house is a happy compromise.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01What do you think the mystery house is going to be?
0:44:01 > 0:44:05- Hmm.- Good question. A mobile home with planning permission?
0:44:05 > 0:44:08It'll be something that uses our imagination, I'd say.
0:44:08 > 0:44:15Yeah, certainly not a formally set up, ready to rock and roll equestrian property.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17They could be closer to the truth than they think.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23It's time to reveal that our mystery house is in Stockgrove Park
0:44:23 > 0:44:2512 miles from Aylesbury.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30Nearby Heath and Reach would offer Robin and Kirsten day-to-day essentials,
0:44:30 > 0:44:33including a pub. Back in Stockgrove Park,
0:44:33 > 0:44:38our mystery house is part of a former estate and sits among 80 acres of parkland.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41With a selection of bridleways and beautiful scenery,
0:44:41 > 0:44:44there's plenty to keep Robin and Kirsten busy.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48The way I see the mystery house is it's a chance for you to let go
0:44:48 > 0:44:50of everything you expected to see in a property,
0:44:50 > 0:44:52- and start from scratch.- OK.
0:44:52 > 0:44:57Cos the property I'm about to show you is not all the things you asked for,
0:44:57 > 0:44:59- certainly not inside.- OK.
0:44:59 > 0:45:05- But financially, it gives you the chance to do what you want. - Right.- OK.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- It's a massive project.- Good!
0:45:08 > 0:45:11I know you like a project, but part of you also doesn't like a project.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13So it's a knife-edge.
0:45:13 > 0:45:19- It is. I like the financial aspect of a project.- I thought you would.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21So this is house I want to show you.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25It's part of the Stockgrove estate. The main house is way behind
0:45:25 > 0:45:27and was split up into residential flats.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- So this is ripe for redevelopment. - Good.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36It also comes with a lot of land, which already has horses on it,
0:45:36 > 0:45:40and all the things like a stable block and some barns as well.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- Right, brilliant. - This is sounding really good.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47That's good. But it's not quite as wow as the last property I showed you.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50- No, I'm sure it's not. - Just to brace yourself.- OK.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53This is more a "hmm" property than a wow property.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57So get your thinking caps on and don't be too judgemental.
0:45:57 > 0:45:58- Good.- OK.- OK.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10The hallway is light with an Arts and Crafts feel, and leads straight to the kitchen.
0:46:11 > 0:46:12Now...
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- Hmm...- Yes, I told you it was a "hmm" house.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18ALL CHUCKLE
0:46:18 > 0:46:21But let's talk about what we can do with it.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25This is the kitchen as it stands.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28You have to decide what you want to do with this property,
0:46:28 > 0:46:31to maximise the sunlight, the space and all these things.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Because really it's about the land.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36It's about the stables and the land.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40Is that something you'd be even prepared to think about doing?
0:46:40 > 0:46:46- Yeah.- Absolutely, yeah. You're spot-on. It's about the land and the stables for me.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- Can I be honest?- Please.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52What I've been thinking is that right now, the two of you are working,
0:46:52 > 0:46:58it's a huge financial undertaking to take on a massive mortgage
0:46:58 > 0:47:02- to get a massive property, and have it all now.- Yup.
0:47:02 > 0:47:07Whereas, it might be worth taking something that's less money,
0:47:07 > 0:47:10but has the potential, and doing it bit by bit.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13It would take the stress off, definitely.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16And like you said, in this financial climate,
0:47:16 > 0:47:19my work isn't long-term work. It's contract work.
0:47:19 > 0:47:27So it would really help ease any financial worries we'd have about taking on a big mortgage.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31This could be the project that you kick off the whole house with.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34It wouldn't be at all difficult to knock down this wall,
0:47:34 > 0:47:39and build out on the footprint that you've already got here,
0:47:39 > 0:47:43and have an absolutely beautiful entertaining space.
0:47:43 > 0:47:49- That would be a really good idea. - As it's a slightly complicated house - the layout -
0:47:49 > 0:47:53I'd like you to have a look around, but bear in mind that what you see
0:47:53 > 0:47:58is not what you're going to live with for ever. They're all potentials.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Then we'll reconvene in the conservatory.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04- All right.- Off you go. Imagine well!
0:48:04 > 0:48:07Off the kitchen is the wish-list utility area,
0:48:07 > 0:48:10and at the front of the house is the dining room.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13But Robin and Kirsten may have other uses for it.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- A study would work quite nicely. - A big study.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Across the hall is a room of identical size.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24- Another nice fireplace.- Yeah. - Shall we look upstairs?- Yeah.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28Upstairs there are four bedrooms.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31Where to go?
0:48:31 > 0:48:33The first two have a slightly unusual arrangement.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- Single bedroom?- Is it?
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- No, it's going around. - It's an L-shaped bedroom.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- Oh, with another bedroom at the end. - Another bedroom.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44- You've got good views.- Very good.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46If we're planning on extending below,
0:48:46 > 0:48:50- you could extend over the top. - You'd have to go out that way.
0:48:50 > 0:48:56- It's good to see they're thinking positively about space. - Let's see what's at the other end.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00Across the landing is a large double with dual-aspect views.
0:49:00 > 0:49:06Next door is the family bathroom, but I think they're more interested in the master suite.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08This is quite a big double room.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Yeah, this is a much better size.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13- And it's got an en suite. - This is recently modernised
0:49:13 > 0:49:17and shows the potential of the property.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20- We could live quite easily with this.- Yeah.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24- And then do that up in time along with downstairs.- Yeah.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29We're back.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33- Ah!- Hello!- Very good.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34Are you back in a good mood?
0:49:34 > 0:49:37- Yes.- Ah, excellent.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41- I think we can see some options. - Ah!- We have a plan.- Plans are good!
0:49:41 > 0:49:44It all depends on whether you like the land. Let's see it.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- Fresh air.- Yes.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Out into the important bit.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58These are your equestrian facilities.
0:49:58 > 0:49:59Is that adequate?
0:49:59 > 0:50:01Yeah, it'll do us. It's fine.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- It's got plenty of room for what we need.- Old muck keep.
0:50:05 > 0:50:10- That'll be where you'll be with a shovel...every morning.- Thanks(!)
0:50:10 > 0:50:13- I'm just alerting you to the reality of horses!- My new lifestyle!- Yes!
0:50:13 > 0:50:16Don't get too romantic about the countryside!
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Remember the muck heap. Let's look at the land.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28- Basically, your land starts at this fence here...- Yep.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30- ..goes to the fence at the bottom...- Yep.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32..and you're the next three paddocks,
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- up to the cottage at the edge. - Right.
0:50:35 > 0:50:36It's about three acres.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38- Yep.- OK.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41It's well laid out, they've fenced the paddocks nicely
0:50:41 > 0:50:45and won't really be any work for us to do here...
0:50:45 > 0:50:46- No.- ..which is great.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50Do you see what I mean? It's a completely different proposition.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53This would be your project and you could make it exactly as you wish.
0:50:53 > 0:50:54- Yes.- Yeah.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56If you had the money.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00So how much do you think you'd have to spend
0:51:00 > 0:51:02to buy this land and the house?
0:51:04 > 0:51:05Three acres...
0:51:06 > 0:51:08..and a house that needs work.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12I'm going to go for...
0:51:13 > 0:51:14..650.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19Hm. I think it's a bit more.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21- Do you?- Yeah.
0:51:21 > 0:51:22I was going to go 695.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25- Ooh.- OK.
0:51:25 > 0:51:26Well, in this instance,
0:51:26 > 0:51:28you are right.
0:51:28 > 0:51:29- Hey!- It's on the market at 650.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32- Cool.- I think it's just, from the financial point of view,
0:51:32 > 0:51:37- it's just another option to have in mind.- Yeah, definitely.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41- It's a sensible thing for us to do. - Yeah.- It makes it very affordable.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44At £650,000,
0:51:44 > 0:51:47this house would give Robin and Kirsten
0:51:47 > 0:51:49a whopping 200,000 grand in change.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52It has...
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Even with a substantial extension,
0:52:01 > 0:52:04this house would still come in considerably under-budget.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07After having a good look round the property and the land,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10it's definitely got all the components.
0:52:10 > 0:52:15It's structurally sound, so we could use it straight away.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16I like this place.
0:52:16 > 0:52:21I think it'll work for us. It takes the pressure off financially.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25It's flexible - we'd be able to put our own style to the property.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28Putting an extension on isn't a big deal for us.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31We could still live in the main part of the house.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33Definitely one for us to think about it.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37It's probably more manageable and a more sensible option
0:52:37 > 0:52:38than maybe the other properties.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Realistically, I can't see anything stopping us.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46It's your future coming to get you!
0:52:46 > 0:52:48THEY LAUGH
0:52:48 > 0:52:52We'll go to the car and head off, eh?
0:52:55 > 0:52:58Robin and Kirsten are spending a considerable amount of money,
0:52:58 > 0:53:02but they appreciate their wish list is a tricky mix for their budget.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05With this house throwing a spanner in the works,
0:53:05 > 0:53:08it's time to meet up and find out their final thoughts.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14You had a good canter through Buckinghamshire.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17- We've seen some really varied properties.- Yep.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- Would you agree?- Yeah. We've been surprised by the houses you've shown us.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24What about the Aston Abbotts house, the first one?
0:53:24 > 0:53:28- Yeah.- To me, that was the right balance in terms of the modern feel
0:53:28 > 0:53:29but with the quirkiness.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- The drawback of it was the land. - I tend to agree.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35I think it would be fine for us right now,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38but I think looking into the future,
0:53:38 > 0:53:42it wouldn't support more than two horses, that land.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44Then we also saw the house with all the lovely gardens.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48That was quite an interesting one, I think, certainly from my point of view
0:53:48 > 0:53:50because, sort of walking inside,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53normally that would be...
0:53:53 > 0:53:57The decor, the fact that it was just clear, straight lines everywhere,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00would normally be what I was looking for in a house,
0:54:00 > 0:54:04but I think we are just ready to take on something with a bit more character.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06And for you, it was the setting of the house.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Yeah, I just couldn't cope with the fact that it was
0:54:09 > 0:54:13in a dip almost and you felt really...
0:54:13 > 0:54:16detached completely from the land that came with it.
0:54:16 > 0:54:17The thatched cottage?
0:54:17 > 0:54:22Yeah. I mean, I think if I was to draw something from scratch,
0:54:22 > 0:54:25the quirkiness and the balance with the extension,
0:54:25 > 0:54:28- that really worked for me.- Yeah.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31But the land was just the icing on the cake for me.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33The downside of that one,
0:54:33 > 0:54:36- it's over our budget...- Yeah.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39..and there would be two changes we'd want to make
0:54:39 > 0:54:43within six months to a year of moving in, which would have to be
0:54:43 > 0:54:47- the creation of the manege and extending out that kitchen.- Yeah.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49More money.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52- And it would have been a financial worry.- A stretch.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56- Maybe now isn't the time to be doing that sort of a stretch...- Mm.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58..even though I want that house!
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Ah! Mm-hm!
0:55:00 > 0:55:02Um...
0:55:02 > 0:55:05Talking of financial stretch,
0:55:05 > 0:55:07- the mystery house is £200,000 under-budget.- Yeah.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09I think with that house,
0:55:09 > 0:55:16- you get the house that has the scope for changing to exactly what we would want...- Yep.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- ..and certainly it would ease the financial pressure.- Yeah.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22The land worked and there were already stables there.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24We could move right in.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28- Yeah, it would be a really sensible, good option.- Yeah.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31- I don't know whether... - You're not going to take...!
0:55:31 > 0:55:34I don't know! I honestly don't know.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36I don't know whether there's something
0:55:36 > 0:55:37that is still missing from that
0:55:37 > 0:55:40that's making me say, "I don't know," a lot,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43or whether it is what we want.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46And generally, when you look long-term,
0:55:46 > 0:55:51do you think that you would be able to make that big financial stretch
0:55:51 > 0:55:52and get the dream house
0:55:52 > 0:55:56or make a more sensible financial decision?
0:55:56 > 0:55:58I think it's probably the right time in our lives
0:55:58 > 0:56:00to have more of a stepping-stone house
0:56:00 > 0:56:04- before we get to that absolute dream house...- Mm.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06..and therefore,
0:56:06 > 0:56:10something slightly below our current expectation on budget
0:56:10 > 0:56:12- would be more suitable.- Mm.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14I hope you do find somewhere
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- because it's been a real joy showing you round.- Thank you.
0:56:17 > 0:56:21I look forward to seeing you trotting on, mucking out, very soon.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23- Thank you.- Thanks for having us.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31I'm not at all surprised - indeed, slightly relieved -
0:56:31 > 0:56:34that the Walkers have dropped their budget from 850 to 650,
0:56:34 > 0:56:36and it's amazing how viewing a few houses
0:56:36 > 0:56:38can bring so much into sharp focus.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41And that's our work all done here in Buckinghamshire
0:56:41 > 0:56:44but do join us for more Escapes To The Country.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46If you'd like to escape to the country
0:56:46 > 0:56:51and need our help, please contact us through our website.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:17 > 0:57:20E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk