0:00:02 > 0:00:04This may not be a masterpiece, but today's county
0:00:04 > 0:00:07inspired one of Britain's most famous Romantic painters.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10His works have been immortalised in pigment for 200 years
0:00:10 > 0:00:13and back in 1817, he painted this very scene.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Find out where I am as we escape to the country.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33'In today's show, we help a couple escape the fast lanes of Enfield for a slice of the good life.'
0:00:33 > 0:00:35A vegetable patch. Hey!
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'We'll be checking out some beautiful character homes.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Wow, look at that!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'But will the interiors even matter?'
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Where's my farm and the cows?
0:00:45 > 0:00:49'And could today's mystery house blow everything else out of the water?'
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Today I'm in Constable county, Essex.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58He spent his formative years here, painting wonderful scenes like this.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Dedham Church features heavily in his work.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05He used to meet secretly with the love of his life here. How romantic.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08When you think Essex, you don't really think rural escape,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12but you'd be amazed just how much rustic charm this county has to offer.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17'Situated to the northeast of London, Essex is, in fact, mostly rural,
0:01:17 > 0:01:22'with a whopping 70 percent of its 1,500 square miles devoted to farmland.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28'Historic market towns, picturesque villages and endless pastoral views
0:01:28 > 0:01:32'make up the majority of the landscape. And to the east, the 350-mile coastline
0:01:32 > 0:01:38'is as much given over to nature as it is to classic seaside resorts.'
0:01:38 > 0:01:43'Although Saxon in origin, Essex was the first region the Romans made home,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48'following the conquest of AD43, so there's plenty to keep history buffs busy.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53'But if you're expecting the Colosseum, you might be disappointed.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'What you will find are more traditional farmhouses and thatched cottages.
0:01:57 > 0:02:03'14,200 properties are listed here, accounting for nearly three percent of England's total.'
0:02:07 > 0:02:10So, what do you get for your money? Probably not a windmill,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13but £295,000 will get you that detached property,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16that's 18 percent above national average.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19And the further away from London that you travel, the cheaper it becomes.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Agents say that for every minute of commute time,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24£1,000 comes off the price.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Well, here's what's available for princes and paupers across the county.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34'If you won the lottery and had a cool £1.9 million going spare,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37'then this 1920s house near Epping could be yours.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40'It's been sympathetically restored and extended
0:02:40 > 0:02:44'to include five tranquil bedrooms and three opulent reception rooms.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48'But with five acres outside, you might need to hire a gardener.'
0:02:50 > 0:02:54'For the slightly more modest sum of £795,000,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59'how about this Grade II listed, six-bedroomed Georgian manor near Braintree?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02'Recently renovated to its former glory, the three reception rooms
0:03:02 > 0:03:05'are overflowing with period details.'
0:03:06 > 0:03:10'And the bespoke country kitchen is the ideal place to cook up a storm.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18'If downsizing is on the cards, then check out this three-bedroom
0:03:18 > 0:03:22'16th century thatched cottage in Debenham, just over the border in Suffolk.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25'For the price tag of £395,000,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29'you'll get 400 years worth of original features to enjoy.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33'The love of beams will be a must. Just watch your head on that ceiling.'
0:03:34 > 0:03:39When most people think of Essex, they think of the large, southern towns
0:03:39 > 0:03:42or maybe enjoying an ice cream at Southend-on-Sea.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47But today's property buyers are pushing northwards, past the kiss-me-quick booths,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51in order to find their dream country property. Let's meet them.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55'Malcolm, a court clerk, and Anne, a teaching assistant,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59'have lived in their four-bedroom semi in Enfield for 14 years.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'Now their children have flown the nest, they share it with their cat, Molly.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09'But Welsh country girl Anne is keen to escape their busy main road for a rural lifestyle.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:13I want to move to the country because, as a child, that's where I was brought up
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and where I spent all my youth, and I long to get back.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20The area we're particularly looking at is the north Essex, south Suffolk area,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24with quite a few very pretty villages around there, a lot of open countryside,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26plus it's manageable to get to my workplace.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29My firm relocated me a couple of years ago.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33I've been doing a 90-mile round trip to and from work each day.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38'So, easy access to Malcolm's work in Witham will be key to the location.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40'What does their dream home look like?'
0:04:40 > 0:04:47Having some open countryside, quiet roads, looking across fields, that sort of thing, would be superb.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51I'm looking for a country cottagey type place with lots of character,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56maybe with beams, cos I love beams. But they've got to be high so he doesn't bump his head.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Well over six foot high. - And I'd like a bigger garden
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and more space for relaxing in.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- More for me to dig, I suppose. - More for you to dig, yeah. To grow more vegetables.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13'So, the outside space will be just as important as the interiors for these two.'
0:05:13 > 0:05:18I love gardening, growing vegetables in particular. I've got a good batch of Brussels sprouts coming up.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Come Christmas time, they'll be ready to put on the table. But I'd rather have a much larger area
0:05:23 > 0:05:28to grow even more stuff. I'd like cauliflowers and cabbages, as well. I don't have enough space here.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Cake decorating is my main hobby. It's what I really love to do
0:05:32 > 0:05:37and I spend a lot of my time doing this, but as you can see, my kitchen is cramped.
0:05:37 > 0:05:44I haven't got enough room for any of this stuff. If I could have a larger kitchen, it would be magic.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49'And with plans to branch into a cake-baking business, that bigger kitchen will be a must.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51'But what other criteria do they have in mind?'
0:05:51 > 0:05:54This is my son's xylophone. He's a music student up in London.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00'We have a drum kit, a glockenspiel, a set of vibes, all similar sizes, we need somewhere for them.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04'And it's not just instruments that need to be housed.'
0:06:04 > 0:06:09We have three children, so enough space to put them up if they want to come for Christmas.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I think the essential things will be the four bedrooms,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15the large kitchen, so you can do your bits and pieces.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Two bathrooms.- Detached.- And enough space to put up the family.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24'Before they can home in on a new country pad, they need to put their current house on the market,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28'so we've invited a local agent to give them a valuation.'
0:06:28 > 0:06:31A spacious four-bedroomed semi-detached family house
0:06:31 > 0:06:35in a popular residential road close to Enfield town
0:06:35 > 0:06:37and excellent links into the city.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I value it at £400,000.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46We've been here 14 years. We paid £120,000 at that time.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52- So to go up to that figure, it's fairly reasonable, I think. Can't complain about that.- Fair enough.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56'It's a sizeable sum, but will they want to spend all of it on their new home?'
0:06:56 > 0:07:02To move out to the country, our budget will be somewhere in the region of £390,000.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10Essentially, Malcolm and Anne are after the same thing. They want a detached four-bedroom cottage
0:07:10 > 0:07:13so that all of their friends and family can come and stay.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17They want a bigger garden with a vegetable patch and a place to find solace.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Let's not forget the country kitchen for cake-crazy Anne.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24They want all of this away from the main road so that their cat, Molly,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26can roam around unhindered in the countryside.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33'And as Malcolm doesn't want to be situated any further than a 45-minute drive from Witham,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37'we'll be starting the search in the countryside around Braintree, North Essex.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44'We'll view some stunning period homes but, as always, I won't reveal the price tag until the end.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49'And finally, there's the mystery house, which always has the potential to shake things up.'
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Hi, Malcolm, Anne. Welcome to Essex. - Thank you very much.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- In your case I should say... - HE SPEAKS WELSH
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- SHE SPEAKS WELSH - You're from a rural background, right?
0:08:02 > 0:08:06Yes, I used to live in South Wales at the seaside, in the countryside. Beautiful there.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- So this is almost like coming home for you.- Yes, definitely.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- But not for you city boy. - No, born and bred in London, so it'll be a real change for me.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- Your house is on the market. You've had to lower the price, though. - We originally had it valued at 400
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and it's now 380, so hopefully it won't go a lot lower.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Has the budget changed, then?- Well, ideally, we'd like to be below 380,
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- but if the right house comes along, we might be persuaded to push it a little bit.- I'll persuade him.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- We'll both persuade him. - Yeah.- What's your limit?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Probably 400-ish. We wouldn't want to go much above that.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Shall we get on with it? - Yeah.- Come on.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46'So, for a maximum budget of £400,000, Malcolm and Anne have a long wish-list.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49'They want a detached property with bags of character, rural views,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52'four bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55'a big country kitchen where Anne can get creative with cakes
0:08:55 > 0:09:00'and an equally big garden so Malcolm can upscale his veggie plot.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02'No pressure, then.'
0:09:02 > 0:09:07So what are you like when you look round properties? Do you look with your head or your heart?
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Well, I look with my heart and he looks with his head.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14We're very different in that respect. I look how easy it's going to be to maintain
0:09:14 > 0:09:18and the cost of running it and where the radiators are
0:09:18 > 0:09:20and Anne just says, "This is lovely."
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Still excited about it? - Oh, yes. Very.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27'Our first property is on the outskirts of the village of Tiptree
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'near Colchester. At just seven and a half miles from Witham,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'it's ideally situated for Malcolm's work.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38'This once rural hamlet is now a popular village with over 10,000 inhabitants.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44'The commercial centre of Tiptree originally grew up around the Church of St Luke's in the late 1800s.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49'But it's now home to all the amenities you'd expect to find in a much larger town,
0:09:49 > 0:09:54'so it won't be a culture shock for Malcolm, whilst still catering for Anne's countryside needs.'
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Well, it's very pretty.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03- 16th century.- Really? Wow.- It was originally one thatched cottage and then it was split into two,
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- extended in the 1800s. Loads of charm and character, don't you think?- It's lovely.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I love the design on the wall.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- And it is a very quiet road, isn't it?- It is.- Excited?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- I can't wait!- Good! Come on!
0:10:19 > 0:10:23'It's not detached, but that doesn't seem to be putting them off.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26'And inside, this cottage is crammed full of character.'
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Wow! Look at that!
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Oh, what a beautiful fireplace! - Isn't it just?
0:10:32 > 0:10:38This is the 16th century part of the house. Lovely touches. You can see where they sharpened the knives.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Yeah. And the little bread oven.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- So, first impressions? You like it? - Yeah, it's a lovely warm, welcoming feeling as you come in.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48There's plenty more to see. Let me take you through here.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51'Great reactions. But Anne has baking of her own to do,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55'so let's check out the catering and dining area.'
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Newish conservatory. - Yeah, that's really nice.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I'm wondering, when the family come, whether we'd fit them all in
0:11:01 > 0:11:04for a meal around here. Could be a bit tight.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- If you took out the chairs, maybe, put a large dining table there. - We have lots at Christmas.- How many?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- 15, 16.- Right.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Let's hope it's a really nice day and you can eat outside.- Brr!
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- I know you're desperate to see that kitchen, so follow me.- I will.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Can't wait. Oh, yes, I like that.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24That is lovely. Beautifully fitted.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28It's just the sort of kitchen I like, but it feels too small.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32It's smaller than we've got now and I was hoping for something bigger.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38'Right, back through to the living room, and I think I can predict what they're going to say.'
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- It's very pretty, but it does feel a bit small.- Right.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- We'd never get our furniture in here.- You're struggling already.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52- Quite a hunch.- Yeah, I'm conscious of the height. It is much smaller than the room we have now.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58'Ah, there's that word small again. But this is the reality of traditional period cottages.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01'Will they be able to compromise on space for character?'
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Nice wide stairway.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10That's what I like about the property. You've got the 16th century side of it
0:12:10 > 0:12:13but also you've got the new side, 1800s.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- As you say, you can stand up. - It's a mix of wood, as well.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Yeah, reclaimed timbers. They've tried to keep the theme going.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Also, it is an old property. Even the new part of it is old.
0:12:24 > 0:12:30- But tastefully renovated and redecorated. Plenty of light. - Very attractive.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- Have a look at the family bathroom. - Oh, that's nice.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Yes, I like the tiles. It's very modern.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41It's quite attractively finished, but again, it's quite small, quite compact.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'I'm going to use the word cosy instead.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46'And up here are two cosy bedrooms.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50'One is currently used as a study, but could be a little music room.'
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I love the fact that you walk down into your master bedroom.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- Ooh. Look at the beams! - Do you remember this?
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Oh, that's from the fireplace downstairs. The chimney breast.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- And if you look around this room, you're not going to see a radiator anywhere. Come on in.- OK.
0:13:08 > 0:13:14- Why do you reckon?- If you have the fire on, the heat all comes from there.- It comes from the bricks.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- Nice. - And I love the vaulted ceiling.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22The current owners have done this. It was originally there, but it had been blocked off.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27So they took the ceiling down and this is what was there. It doesn't end there. Follow me.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33Come on through. You've got another staircase here that leads to the sitting room and living area.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37And then come on through to Narnia.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Original door.- Mm-hm. - 16th century.- Duck, Malcolm.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Duck and stretch.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47How agile are you, Malcolm?
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Yes, this'll be a test.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Oh, so it's a dressing room. - At the moment, it is, but it could be a bedroom.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59- It's not an en suite. You've got the original... - Oh, isn't that lovely? I like that.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01It's a shame to hide it away up here.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07- But how exciting for your guests to come through to this old room.- Yes.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- This would be my room.- Oh, would it? - Yes.- Your dressing room?- She'd probably need something this size.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Once you got a bed in, there wouldn't be much room.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19But you've got to take into account, look at the size of this thing.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Massive!- Two feet deep.- Yeah.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24But if that wasn't in here, where would it go?
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- That's a point. You're going to be difficult to please, aren't you? I can tell.- Sorry.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31I also don't know how you would get it out.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Presumably is was built in situ.- How the hell did they get it in here?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Through the window, maybe.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44How did they get the wardrobe in here?
0:14:44 > 0:14:46'Well, the wardrobe might be stuck,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49'but we need to get outside and check out the garden.'
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- That's a pretty little area, isn't it?- It is.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Nice glass of wine there in the evening.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I like the archways.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03You've got honeysuckle and passionflower in the arch.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Oh, that's nice. - It's like a little oasis, isn't it?
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- It's really pretty.- When it comes out, you'll get a lovely scent.- Yeah.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Wow. You don't expect this to be down here.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Much wider than you think, isn't it?
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Neat little vegetable patch. - Yes.- Little.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Yes, probably wouldn't feed us for very long, growing vegetables there.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29- You've got this huge double garage. How about that for your cake-making business?- It's a possibility.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33'Maybe Anne will like this pretty summerhouse.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37'And for a true taste of the good life, how about a chicken coop?'
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- So, overall, you like the garden? - Very pretty garden. But, again, small.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48Really? Even though you've got the space for three sheds, space for chickens?
0:15:48 > 0:15:53It's very long and narrow and quite overlooked and totally dominated by the hedge to this side,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56which perhaps is too big a feature for a garden this wide.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00So, I have to ask you the question now. What do you think it's worth?
0:16:00 > 0:16:02It's beautifully done, so that brings it up.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08Because it is absolutely spotless and nothing needs doing in there at all.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- So I would guess 340. - OK. How about you?
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I think that's a bit over the top. I'd go 315, 320.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20Cos it's semi-detached, in a fairly built-up area. I think that'll hold the price down.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- She's bang on the money. - I guessed she would be.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Well done you!
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Excellent! How do you feel about it now?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Also, take into account that you haven't seen the double garage yet.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37This could be the start of your new career, cake decorator of north Essex.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- I think it's big enough. Go and have a look and I'll come and find you. - OK.- See you in a bit.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46'I'm beginning to think these two could be demanding customers.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51'On the market for £340,000, this property's a massive £60,000 under budget,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54'so there could be scope to convert the double garage.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58'This cottage delivers character over and above expectations.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01'It has three to four bedrooms, cosy reception rooms
0:17:01 > 0:17:03'and a very pretty garden.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06'But it will be a compromise on space.'
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Really large garage. Do you think you could do your cakes in here?
0:17:11 > 0:17:16If I had this converted, I could even maybe have the special ovens in here
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and just keep that for the family and do everything out here.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24It had a nice country feel to it. It was the sort of country cottage I'd imagined
0:17:24 > 0:17:29and I was really wowed by that fireplace in the hallway. That was a really unique feature.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32But it was a semi-detached and it looked small.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38Not much space upstairs in the bedroom and a little bit cramped, a bit took cosy for me downstairs.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43It was a very pretty house, really warm, homely feel to it, but the upstairs was just not big enough.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48Having family to stay with, really, one double and one single bedroom would be quite an issue for us.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Seen enough?- Yes. Thank you.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Right, come on, plenty more to see.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01'Despite having lived in London and Essex all of his life,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05'the northern reaches of the county are largely unknown territory for Malcolm.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08'He and Anne may not be moving a million miles away,
0:18:08 > 0:18:13'but they will be buying into a very different lifestyle, so they're exploring before they move.
0:18:15 > 0:18:21'First up is Braintree. This historic town has had a thriving market since 1199
0:18:21 > 0:18:24'and should be the perfect escape for city boy Malcolm
0:18:24 > 0:18:27'when country life gets a little bit too quiet.'
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- Very atmospheric. - Superb. Little, individual shops.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- There's some big shops up there and then we could have a cuppa here. - Sit in the shade under the tree.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41'For country mouse Anne, Flitch Way is prime rambling territory.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44'A 16-mile walk from Braintree to Bishops Stortford,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48'this old rail route has now been reclaimed by Mother Nature.'
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- I bet there's lots of wildlife around here.- You can hear birds singing. There's a lot of nests.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58It's really lovely just to hear birdsong instead of the traffic we're used to.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01'Of course, Anne and Malcolm are keen on character properties,
0:19:01 > 0:19:08'so the period splendour of Audley End House just outside Saffron Walden is a must see.'
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- Amazing architecture. You see all the columns.- This is beautiful. Look at those lovely stone window frames.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'Originally the site of Walden Abbey,
0:19:16 > 0:19:21'the land was given to Sir Thomas Audley by Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries
0:19:21 > 0:19:23'and it took the family a whopping 11 years,
0:19:23 > 0:19:29'from 1603 to 1614, to create this grand Jacobean mansion.'
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Wow. Incredible. Look at that. - That's beautiful!
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- I bet they've had some great banquets in here.- Big table here, people all sitting round.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41There could be a wedding. One of my cakes over there.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44All the people, all in their finery, all dressed up.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48'But it's the land outside that I think will be of more interest to Malcolm.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- Here you are, Malcolm. How's that for a vegetable patch? - This is right up my street.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Think of the Brussels sprouts I could grow here! Would keep us going for years.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Never mind your Brussels. I'll have some nice flowerbeds, I think.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Climbers up the wall. - Plenty of apple trees, as well. Lots of fresh fruit.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Yeah, that's good.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11'Well, it looks like this little taste of the region has whetted their appetite.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16'I just hope they're not expecting us to find them quite such a grand property as this one.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26'For the next house, we're heading north into true rural Essex and the hamlet of Cornish End.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29'Despite being just 19 miles from Witham,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34'the winding country lanes mean Malcolm's journey time to work will just be short of an hour.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38'I'm hoping the idyllic countryside setting will win them both over.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43'The hamlet itself consists of little more than fields and farmhouses.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48'But just a five-minute drive away is the beautiful village of Finchingfield,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50'complete with shops, restaurants and pubs.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54'The words picture postcard perfect could've been coined for Finchingfield.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58'In fact, it's considered to be the most photographed village in the county.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03'With its 18th century windmill, abundant thatched cottages, pretty pond and green,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07'there are plenty of vistas to point a viewfinder at.'
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I hope this is rural enough for you, this lovely country lane.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's lovely.- Miles from anywhere. - This is the property.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- It's really pretty. - Superb.- Beautiful.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Half weatherboarding, as you can see. It's semi-detached.- Oh.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- We might be prepared to compromise. - Ooh! I didn't expect that. I'm glad you said that.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It used to be the original farm-workers' cottages.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34It's also been extended in the 80s.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- Shall I stop talking about it and shall we go and see it? - Yes. It looks exciting.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43'That's what I like to hear. They won't have to compromise on character
0:21:43 > 0:21:45'or space inside the Grade II listed cottage.'
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- So, we're in the 80s part of the house.- Wonderful fireplace.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55I like the fireplace. Multi-fuel. Yeah. I like that.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I love the view. I love that view.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- That is amazing.- It's pretty spectacular, isn't it?- Just what I wanted, a view like that.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- I like the beams. Gives you height. - Even though it's the 80s bit,
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- they've tried to make it feel an old style, as well, and they've succeeded.- Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15OK, let's go and have a look at the rest of the house.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'Of course, at the top of Anne's list is a big kitchen,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'and with this cottage, she gets two for the price of one.'
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- You've got the range here. Quarry tiles.- Yeah.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33- So this is your smaller kitchen. Small but fully functional. - This could be my cake kitchen.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Ah, you think?- Maybe.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39We have his and hers kitchens, so if we have a bit of a disagreement...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- What do you do in the kitchen? - Wash up and...
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Now is not the time for a domestic. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- His and hers kitchens.- And you probably can't see washing machine
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- or dishwasher or anything here. - Tumble dryer. Fridge. - Where are those?
0:22:54 > 0:22:59Do you know why? Cos I'm going to take you through to what could be kitchen number three now.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Wow. This gets better.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- OK, so it is a conservatory. - Yes.- But...
0:23:12 > 0:23:18- Oh, dead clever! - That's a sink. It's got electricity.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24So how about extending this and making this your cake-making area?
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- What else have we got? - Have a look. You've got plumbing for everything here.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34- Dishwasher.- Dishwasher, washing machine. It's a neat idea, isn't it? - It is. I like that.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38It is a lovely room. I like this. I do like it as it is.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Back through the kitchen and there's yet more living space.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46A separate dining room.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Another fireplace. - That's really pretty.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54- Dining room or music room. - You could knock through that wall and make it one big space.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Mm.- This downstairs area.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Having a separate dining room is useful.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- You're thinking musical instruments in here. - You can put the piano in here
0:24:03 > 0:24:05With these quarry tiles, great acoustics.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Yeah.- It's very bright, isn't it? - It is.- Right, come back through.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14'I think we're hitting the right note. Upstairs shouldn't disappoint, either.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19'There are four bedrooms in total. First off, a single, which is currently used as a study,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21'and a double guest room.'
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Have a look.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Oh, I like the light blue.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30It's like a boarded sort of finish. It's good.
0:24:30 > 0:24:36- The only thing I'd say, guys, is that this is the only bathroom. - Not a major problem.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Good, good. Master bedroom beckons. - Good, good. Let's have a look.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45And you can probably tell by the floorboards that we're going from old to new.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Guest bedroom there. - Yeah, that's good. Double bed.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52And this is the master bedroom.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- Is it Malcolm and Anne's master bedroom?- Yes, I think it could be.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Wake up and look straight out onto that, which is lovely.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Doesn't get much better, does it? - No. Beautiful.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06And if you do get bored of that, you can look through...
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- Have a different one out that way. - Wait till you see the garden. You'll love it.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- I'm confident.- Can't wait for that. - Come on, then.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20'I know the outside space is vital for Malcolm and Anne,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22'and this cottage comes with a quarter of an acre.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:31- Oh, yes. So lovely, That's beautiful. - You've been itching to get out here.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36I have. I love the outdoors and it's right there, the countryside is right on our doorstep.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- You touch it, don't you? - Yeah. That's beautiful.- Follow me.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43'And this garden just keeps on going.'
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Oh, this is nice. I like this. This garden works really well for me
0:25:47 > 0:25:50because it's got lovely flowerbeds that I could work on,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54lawned areas, there's a couple of seating areas
0:25:54 > 0:25:58and with that view, very attractive little garden, this.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03- So serene. So quiet. - Quiet and peaceful. No traffic.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08This is farmland, but the farmer is known to sell his land, so you could probably buy a plot if you fancied.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13- But I don't know if you need it. - There's quite a bit of land here. - It's a lovely big garden.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- We're only halfway there. - Greenhouse.- This is really good.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- Come through this lovely little arch.- Lots of different areas.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23More seating areas through here.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- And then we come to... - The vegetable patch. Hey!
0:26:27 > 0:26:31That's good. It's been well looked after, looking at the soil.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36- I could see you extending that, but there's plenty of room.- Big enough to do what we want, but not too big
0:26:36 > 0:26:39to be unmanageable when we're both working full-time. It's good.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44- A lot of pluses in the garden. Like it. Well done. - Let's go back towards the house.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46'Well, now I know what it takes to impress these two.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49'But what will they make of the price?'
0:26:51 > 0:26:56So, you've seen the house, the garden, the vegetable patch and the lovely view.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- What's it on the market for? - It's really hard to guess, because it's a nice house in a nice location.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I don't know.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07380, 390, probably.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I was going to go a bit higher than that, because I think it's got a lot to offer.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Lovely grounds, it's Grade II listed,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18it's mostly got character. There are bits I would like to change.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21So I'll go for 400.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26It's currently on the market, this house with this garden, with that view,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- for £385,000.- Ah. So you win. - I was closer this time.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36- That's good. - Go and have a good look around and I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Thank you.- Cheers.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Well, if only the property was Victorian throughout,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I think Malcolm and Anne would've blown the budget straight away.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48It's just the 80s add-on they're not really keen on.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53But what do they want, a slightly imperfect house or a perfect view?
0:27:58 > 0:28:01'And this cottage is £15,000 under-budget.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04'There'd be spare change to make any improvements they want.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'It's got Anne's farmhouse kitchen, four good-sized bedrooms,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12'potential for music rooms and a quarter of an acre of garden
0:28:12 > 0:28:16'with an established vegetable plot. So, will it come up smelling of roses?'
0:28:16 > 0:28:20This house, it's grown on me as we've gone round.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I do actually really like it. I love the garden.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28I love the views. It's just that first room that we went into that perhaps holds me back.
0:28:28 > 0:28:34- This wasn't what we expected at all. You walk in and it doesn't seem to match the outside.- Mm.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36There's quite a different feel about it.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41But the rest of the house has got more charm, which I think is more appealing.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It's got a lot of character, it's in a wonderful location,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47conservatory was brilliant, I really liked that,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51and the garden was to die for. I could really do a lot with that.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56But I do have reservations about the kitchen being in three different rooms.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Things won't all be to hand and I think that will lead to frustration.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Ah, you're smiling.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Don't tell me what you've decided. There are more houses to see. Come on.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20'Now, both Anne and Malcolm are wildlife enthusiasts.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25'But for Anne, there's one animal she's been longing to see in its natural habitat all of her life.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28'It's the badger. So, to try and make her dream come true,
0:29:28 > 0:29:34'we've come to the Badger Watch Centre in the woodlands just outside of Braintree to meet Rene Byam.'
0:29:35 > 0:29:40- Desperate, they are, to see some badgers.- Oh, well, let's hope they do. Fingers crossed.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44I always thought they came out after dark. The sun is going down.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48We need to get in position before the badgers come out, well before they come out,
0:29:48 > 0:29:53because they've got a very good sense of smell and also hearing.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56'The priority of the Northeast Essex Badger Group
0:29:56 > 0:30:00'is the protection and conservation of these beautiful nocturnal creatures.'
0:30:00 > 0:30:02So where are you taking us now?
0:30:02 > 0:30:06We're going to go and look at a sett before the badgers come out,
0:30:06 > 0:30:11cos we can't really go traipsing round all over the sett when the badgers are out,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15otherwise we stand no chance at all of seeing a badger.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19'I hope the badgers will grace us with their presence tonight.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24'But even if Anne isn't lucky this time round, the group are always in need of volunteers
0:30:24 > 0:30:28'and their most important task is monitoring the badger setts.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:31This has been freshly excavated.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- A badger probably did that last night.- That's one sett?
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- That's one entrance of this sett. - Will they know we're on top of them?
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Yeah, they can probably feel the vibration as we walk across.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- So we have to try not to disturb them too much. - OK.- Be nice and quiet.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51'Right, let's get into that hide sharpish, then.'
0:30:54 > 0:30:58So now you've got us in here, what do we do?
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Just wait. Sit and wait.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- And keep your fingers crossed.- OK.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I don't think I've ever been this quiet in my life.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13There's one.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- I can see one.- There's a badger. - Yes, I can see one.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Beautiful.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24You've seen your badger.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I can't believe that we've only been here 20 minutes
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- and I've seen a badger. - Wonderful, isn't it?
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- I'm so excited!- I am, too.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41It's brilliant.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- I think that Anne's actually found her ideal home.- I have.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- Here. - You're going to move into the hide.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- That was magical. Thank you so much. - It's fabulous, isn't it?
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- It was well worth coming out. - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03'With the night drawing to a close, Anne and Malcolm have a chance to discuss
0:32:03 > 0:32:06'the two houses they've already seen.'
0:32:08 > 0:32:12What do you think of the property in Tiptree, the 16th century cottage?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16I thought it was beautiful. It had every bit of the character
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and charm that I think we're looking for
0:32:19 > 0:32:23and a really pretty little garden, but I felt it was too small for our needs.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28The rooms were a bit small, the kitchen wasn't big enough really for what I wanted to do
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- cake-decorating wise.- My biggest concern was the bedrooms.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37There was one double bedroom, one single bedroom and the other rooms weren't that big.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41For the family to come and stay, it just wouldn't work, we couldn't fit them all in.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44What about the Victorian cottage that was near Finchingfield?
0:32:44 > 0:32:50That had a lot more going for it. It was a much larger property and we could get people in.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53The bit that really hit the buttons for me was the gardens.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58I could really do what I want to do with the vegetables. The garden was really what I wanted.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02What do you think about it? The kitchen, in particular. That was quite unusual.
0:33:02 > 0:33:08I liked the character of it, that it was in three parts, but there were bits I could've improved.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13I think what was a bit of a problem for me was when we first walked into that living room,
0:33:13 > 0:33:20I was disappointed. It was so pretty outside and I was expecting a bit more charm and character in there.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- It didn't really match, did it? - But, overall, I liked it, and I loved the setting.
0:33:25 > 0:33:31- And now I'm just excited about tomorrow.- If it's another day like today, it'll be brilliant.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42'So, the search continues to find Anne and Malcolm their dream character cottage
0:33:42 > 0:33:47'in the north Essex countryside. For a maximum budget of £400,000, they're after quite a lot,
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- 'including a big kitchen, big garden and great views.'- That is amazing.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56- 'But there's plenty more to come.' - I can see cows. I'll never get out of bed.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00'Or will it be today's mystery house that has them signing on the dotted line?'
0:34:00 > 0:34:03She's not buying the house, she's buying the view.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10So, it's a new day and our search continues to find Malcolm and Anne their dream property
0:34:10 > 0:34:12here in rural Essex.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18For country-born Anne, this is like coming home, and she's whole- heartedly embracing the experience.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21But for city boy Malcolm, this is a journey into the unknown,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and I'm not sure he wants to be too remote.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28How far will they escape to the country?
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Malcolm, we've been driving around the countryside quite a lot.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Is this too remote for you?
0:34:35 > 0:34:39Probably not too remote. I think, when you're in the middle of nowhere
0:34:39 > 0:34:43and there's not another house within half a mile, that's probably too remote,
0:34:43 > 0:34:47but if there's a few buildings, a bit of community, I'll cope.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51But for you, Anne, there's no such thing as too remote.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- No. And the nearer to a farm, the better.- Really? Why is that?
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Because I grew up with farms all around me and I just loved it.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03I spent most of my time just in the farms with the animals. Loved it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- So you're looking for a return to your childhood, really.- I am, yes.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10And this has made me realise that, actually.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- Really? Already?- Yes.- Malcolm's got a worried look on his face.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18'Well, I'm confident Anne will love the location of our next property.
0:35:18 > 0:35:24'It's just over the Suffolk border and in the extensive farming region surrounding Great Waldingfield.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29'But at just three miles from the thriving market town of Sudbury and a 45-minute drive to Witham,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31'it shouldn't scare off Malcolm, either.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36'Set in traditional Suffolk countryside with origins dating back to the Bronze Age,
0:35:36 > 0:35:41'Great Waldingfield is a sleepy little place with a population of 2,000 people and just one pub.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48'So our Enfield escapees shouldn't have any difficulties getting to know their potential neighbours.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51'And character homes aren't in short supply.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56'Many of the thatches and farmhouses around here are over 400 years old.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02'Our property isn't quite that old. It's this Victorian farmhouse.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07'Although no longer a working farm, there is one next door, so it should be right up Anne's street.'
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- It's beautiful. Look at that. That is so nice.- What do you think?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15I think it's really lovely. It's just perfect from the outside.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18It was refurbished eight years ago by the current owner,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- so a mixture of old and new. - Lovely. That sounds just right.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Shall we go in?- Mm.- Come on.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Come on in out of the cold.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- So, cloakroom. Very handy. - Yes, that's useful, that.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42This is your hallway.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Oh, that's a nice hallway. I like the exposed brickwork.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- And the wood. I love wood. - They've used reclaimed beams.
0:36:49 > 0:36:55- Have they?- Listen, I can't take the pressure any longer. I've got to show you this country kitchen.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- I'd love to see it. - To see if it's up to scratch.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- Wish me luck.- Go for it.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- Oh, that's really nice.- Plenty of room, isn't there?- Yeah. Love it.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- There's potential, maybe, to put an island.- Or a big table in.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19- Yes, indeed. - Conservatory running off the kitchen. A door out to the garden.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24And in front of you, your view is onto the working farm and beyond.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27It's really nice. I think this'll do perfectly.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32- You can even get your cake tools hidden away somewhere.- I could. There's plenty of room for that.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37- I would move in here very easily. - OK, let's move on. I'm so happy!
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'The kitchen is obviously to both Anne and Malcolm's taste.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43'And there's more space just next door.'
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Oh. And what room's this?
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- This is actually the dining room. - Oh, right. - It's being used as a bedroom.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55It could perhaps become a music room. We could get the piano in there
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- and some of the musical instruments. It'd be quite good for that.- OK.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Follow me.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05'And if the orchestra grows, this study could be used for yet more storage.
0:38:12 > 0:38:18Oh, yeah, I like this. Oh, yes. I like the brick wall with the beams in there.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- Is this the old part of the building? - This isn't the original wall,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26but it's in the same style, but it's the old part of the building.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- I want to bring you slightly this way.- OK.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- Keep looking. - Oh, there's my farm with the cows!
0:38:33 > 0:38:40Oh! I love being in amongst the farms, like where I grew up. Lovely.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44'Well, you can almost touch the cows. You can definitely smell them.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48'And with four bedrooms, I can't see upstairs being a let-down.'
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- Guest room?- Yeah. - It's a good size, isn't it?
0:38:54 > 0:38:59While they've got a single bed in here, you could probably get a double bed in.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- You would, yeah. - It's not a huge space but... - Big enough for a double bed.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Adequate. Yeah. I like it. - Adequate is good. We like that.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12'And I think the two single bedrooms next door should be adequate, too.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16'And the family bathroom is definitely functional.' Welcome to your master bedroom.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- Wow.- This is a nice sized room. Big.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- It's pretty, isn't it?- It is. - Malcolm, she likes the room so much,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- but she hasn't even noticed the view yet.- Give it a chance.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- She's heading that way. Heading towards those cows again.- Cows!
0:39:31 > 0:39:36Oh, bless them. If I can see the cows through the window, I'll never get out of bed.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Just look to your left.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Hey! En suite! - HE LAUGHS
0:39:41 > 0:39:46Who's a happy girl now then, eh? You've got an en suite, as well.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51- Very useful. We've got our en suite here.- Good size shower.- Yeah.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55It's really useful when you have guests to have a separate facility like this.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- Give them theirs and we've got ours. - Yes, you've got your en suite.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- Well done.- She's a happy bunny now.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Come back through here. Let's have a look at that outside space.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09'I know these two are itching to get outside
0:40:09 > 0:40:13'and this garden is the biggest we're seeing, a third of an acre.'
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Anne, I'm glad I could tear you away from those cows.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- What do you think of it?- I love it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24Yes, it's just the right amount of land for what we need.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28It's got everything you want, but can you afford it?
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- That could be a problem.- What do you reckon it's on the market for?
0:40:31 > 0:40:35Well, I think it's going to be over our budget.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38It's further out, so you get more for your money,
0:40:38 > 0:40:44but considering all that it's got, the land, the position, I'm going to go 430.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- 430, OK. - I think it'll be even more than that.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54It's quite close to Sudbury, with the shops and railway, so I think another 5,000 or 10,000 on top of that.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57So probably 435, 440, for this location.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01It's been on the market for just over a year.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- It's had two drops in price.- Mm-hm.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08The current owners are taking offers in excess of £400,000.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- Right.- So it's the top end of your budget.- Yeah.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16- But it doesn't push it totally out of limits, does it?- No. - I thought it would be more than that.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- Ooh.- Look at you! Ooh! - THEY LAUGH
0:41:20 > 0:41:26- Got to do some sums now.- Well, go do some sums, have a look around and I'll catch up with you later.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31'Well, Anne is obviously very taken with this farmhouse and its countryside setting.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35'Although it's on the market for offers over £400,000, it's been up for sale for some time,
0:41:35 > 0:41:40'so they should be able to make an offer in budget and it needs no work whatsoever.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44'The kitchen is ideal. It has the four bedrooms they want
0:41:44 > 0:41:48'and there's ample room for growing sprouts in the garden.'
0:41:48 > 0:41:51This is superb. It's exactly what we're after.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55The journey from Witham might be a bit longer than I would've liked,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57but I'll have to test it out.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00But apart from that, wonderful. It is exactly what we need.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05I can imagine, when the sun's shining in the afternoon, having the doors open into the conservatory.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10- The light would come through and the heat.- It's a really nice family area.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14I really love the house. I love the way I looks, the way it feels when you go in,
0:42:14 > 0:42:21the use of space inside, love it being right in the middle of a farm, a working farm.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25It'd be hard for me to fault anything with it, to be honest.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It's just how I pictured my dream house to be.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33You're just too late. I've just executed my perfect back flip.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38Shall we move on? Why you looking at me like that? You don't believe me, do you?
0:42:48 > 0:42:52'Now, no trip to Essex would be complete without a visit to historic Colchester.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57'It was here in 43AD that the Roman invaders decided to set up home,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59'making it Britain's first ever city.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05'2,000 years of history are in evidence just about everywhere you look
0:43:05 > 0:43:10'and no building is considered to have more historical importance than Colchester Castle.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16'Not only is it the largest surviving example of a Norman keep in Europe,
0:43:16 > 0:43:21'its foundations are built on the remains of the most significant Roman building in Britain,
0:43:21 > 0:43:24'the Temple of Claudius.
0:43:24 > 0:43:30'In 60AD, the temple was all but destroyed by native Britons, led by the legendary Queen Boudica,
0:43:30 > 0:43:33'but two days and 30,000 lives later,
0:43:33 > 0:43:36'the Romans emerged triumphant to rebuild their city.
0:43:36 > 0:43:41'Some of the finest visual examples of the Roman occupation are housed in Colchester Castle,
0:43:41 > 0:43:46'and perhaps none more well-preserved than the mosaics to be found here.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52'So, to inspire Malcolm and Anne with some Roman home decor,
0:43:52 > 0:43:56'we've sent them along to meet local mosaic expert Anne Schwegmann-Fielding.'
0:43:56 > 0:43:59We've got a lot of Roman mosaics here
0:43:59 > 0:44:04and mosaics would be used to adorn floors and walls and vaults in Roman times.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07Would it be a gang of people working on it?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Yeah, there'd be a real workshop of people.
0:44:10 > 0:44:15In Italy, they'd be a lot more elaborate. In Britain, they're slightly more simple designs.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20But this is quite a good one. We have got some special ones here.
0:44:20 > 0:44:25'The Berryfield Mosaic was discovered in 1923 by gardeners digging a hole for their compost.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28'It's believed to date from the second century AD
0:44:28 > 0:44:33'and would've adorned the floor of a prestigious Roman townhouse inside the city walls.
0:44:33 > 0:44:39'A more recent find is the Middlesbrough Mosaic, uncovered at a local dig in 1979.
0:44:39 > 0:44:44'Both are fine examples of this ancient art form, which is still alive and kicking today.
0:44:44 > 0:44:50'Anne's been creating individual pieces for both properties and gardens for the last 14 years.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53'And if you think mosaics are just for walking on, then think again.'
0:44:58 > 0:45:04Striking a balance when it comes to location seems to be the key for Malcolm and Anne.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08So for the mystery property, we've come up with a wonderful solution.
0:45:08 > 0:45:13A house with a great commute for him and solitude and quiet for her.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17And it wouldn't be the mystery property without a twist, would it?
0:45:17 > 0:45:21Do you want to know what the twist is? It's a house on an island.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25'Yes, we're heading just half a mile offshore to the hidden gem of Mersea Island
0:45:25 > 0:45:29'and in particular the little village of East Mersea.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32'The island sits in the estuary of the rivers Blackwater and Colne
0:45:32 > 0:45:35'and is the most easterly inhabited island of England.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39'Linked to the mainland by a half-mile Anglo-Saxon causeway,
0:45:39 > 0:45:42'its five square miles consist largely of farmland.
0:45:42 > 0:45:47'And the entire coastline is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:45:47 > 0:45:51'a haven for wildlife lovers like Malcolm and Anne.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57'And if they get stranded at high tide, they needn't worry.
0:45:57 > 0:46:03'East Mersea has a shop, a pub and a pick-your-own-fruit farm.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06'And just a stone's throw from the water is our mystery house.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10'Dating from the 1920s, it still packs a period punch.'
0:46:10 > 0:46:13Oh, that's nice!
0:46:13 > 0:46:18- That is really beautiful, isn't it? - Can you tell that all these properties are almost identical?
0:46:18 > 0:46:22They were originally owned by the golf club and anyone who had a bit of money in the 1920s
0:46:22 > 0:46:27- would come over for a round of golf and they'd put them up in these cottages.- Very nice.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- I like it.- It looks in really good order, doesn't it?
0:46:32 > 0:46:38'And if Anne thought the views have been good so far, wait until she sees what this house has in store.'
0:46:40 > 0:46:43Come on in. Don't be shy. It's not like you.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45- SHE LAUGHS - Ah, you know me well.
0:46:45 > 0:46:50A typical 1920s property. Let me show you the sitting room first.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- Oh, this is a lovely room. I like this.- Good proportions.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00That's a nice feature, the plate trail up there.
0:47:00 > 0:47:05- It is. And I love the original fireplace.- Gorgeous. - It's working.- That's nice.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- A real coal fire.- Yeah, I love that.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11The bay window, typical of the date of the property.
0:47:11 > 0:47:17- Yeah. It's really pretty. Nice warm, sunny room. - Through to the dining room.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21'The dining room is opposite, but it's the kitchen I really want Anne to see.'
0:47:25 > 0:47:30- Ooh! Oh, yes! - It's bigger than I expected.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- Oh, fabulous.- It's nice, isn't it? - Yes.- It's very you.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- Love the cooker.- Electric range. No gas on the island.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42- That's OK. - But when you live on an island, you put up with that sort of thing.
0:47:42 > 0:47:49- I like this very much.- One thing you haven't noticed is, if you look out the window...- Look at that!
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- Oh, my goodness!- Across the water. - It's just beautiful.- Let's move on.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57'Downstairs, this house just keeps on giving.'
0:48:00 > 0:48:05- Another impressive room, isn't it? - Oh, another reception. Oh, I like that fireplace.
0:48:05 > 0:48:10- Yeah, that's not 1920s. - I like the wood.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Will your furniture fit in here? - I think it would.- Plenty of room.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16- And you've got that out there. - You have. Come on.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22That view. That is just magnificent, isn't it?
0:48:22 > 0:48:27- Yeah.- If I had a pound for every time you've said that to me. - Sorry.- No, it's good!
0:48:27 > 0:48:29She's not buying the house, she's buying the view.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33I think that's the case. You're buying the house and you're buying the view.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37- The outside is just as important to me.- The view might be cheaper.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40- Shall we go upstairs? - OK.- Sounds good.
0:48:40 > 0:48:45'Well, I'm glad those views have Anne sold, because upstairs isn't quite so spacious.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47'First off, the small guest room.'
0:48:47 > 0:48:54- A nice bedroom. It goes round the corner.- There's a lovely little seat in the window.- Very nice bedroom.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58'Next door is a weenie study which could accommodate a few recorders
0:48:58 > 0:49:01'and the family bathroom is quite basic.'
0:49:01 > 0:49:04And I've saved one of the nicest rooms till last.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08- Wow. It's superb, isn't it? - It's an excellent room.
0:49:08 > 0:49:14What I'm worried about in this room is storage, cos you've only got that door, that door, that door.
0:49:14 > 0:49:20- Wardrobes?- His and hers. - So it'll be hers and hers and a little bit of his.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23- I was thinking maybe yours could go under the bed.- Yep.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26And I've left the final room till last.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30- A room that's very important to you, Anne.- An en suite!- It is!
0:49:30 > 0:49:34- Go on, then, go and see. - Oh, what a beautiful one!
0:49:34 > 0:49:40That's really lovely. And that view! Ohh!
0:49:40 > 0:49:43That is really nice, Aled. It's lovely.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47'Let's get out into that garden and take a closer look at the view.'
0:49:50 > 0:49:54- Is this patio large enough for you? - It's massive.- Huge.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57- You could fit a few people on here. - Very beautiful.
0:49:57 > 0:50:03It just seems to go on beyond the garden, into the fields. It's like it's one continuous piece.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07- You're probably wondering about your vegetables. - Yeah. There's a lot of land.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10It's a very wide plot, but it's all used at the moment.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14It's whether we can create a space without it spoiling the prettiness of it.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17- Shall we go and have a look if we can create a space?- Yeah.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21- Have you got your pitchfork? - Get stuck in.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25'At 80 feet, it's a bit of a hike to the end of this garden.'
0:50:27 > 0:50:30- It's not a bad view, is it? - It's beautiful.
0:50:30 > 0:50:34- I'm glad you think I'm right, Aled. - Here I'm thinking maybe his vegetable plot.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39We could create space which wouldn't look too unpleasant from the house. This would be good.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41And if you don't say anything, listen.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44BIRDS CHIRP
0:50:44 > 0:50:47- That's magic, isn't it? - I know. I would sit here,
0:50:47 > 0:50:52- look at that view and listen to that.- You know what I'm going to ask. What's it on the market for?
0:50:52 > 0:50:55A good location, good views,
0:50:55 > 0:51:00edge of Colchester, which is not too far away from big shops,
0:51:00 > 0:51:06- it's probably around 400, perhaps a tad below. I'll go 395.- OK.
0:51:06 > 0:51:11I was going to go a bit more than that, because it's in a very special area here,
0:51:11 > 0:51:14on the island, magnificent views,
0:51:14 > 0:51:19it's a lovely house in excellent condition, although it is only three bedrooms.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21I would say 415,000.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Was on the market for £475,000.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30- I'm not surprised.- Really? - It's been on the market for a couple of years, though.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33- Yeah, go on.- £400,000.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37- Oh. Spot on, then. - Pretty well, yeah.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40You both smiled in a way that you thought, "Ooh, that's good."
0:51:40 > 0:51:47It could've been a lot more. Probably the location being just out of town on the island reduces it a bit.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Have a look around, have a look around your vegetable plot, garden.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54- There's no rush at all. And I'll come and find you.- OK.- Thank you.
0:51:54 > 0:52:00'So, the mystery house is bang on budget at £400,000.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04'Whilst it only has three bedrooms, and one of those is tiny,
0:52:04 > 0:52:07'it does have three good-size reception rooms,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10'so one could be used as an occasional guest room.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13'Both the kitchen and garden are spacious,
0:52:13 > 0:52:17'and this bungalow has something none of the other houses do - stunning sea views.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20'But will this island idyll be the one for Anne and Malcolm?'
0:52:20 > 0:52:22The idea of being on a island is quite fun.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27The house itself is a very pretty house, very well maintained,
0:52:27 > 0:52:32you could walk straight in and live here without doing work, but there's only two proper bedrooms.
0:52:32 > 0:52:38It's too small, really, to use as a bedroom. You would get a bed in here but you wouldn't get much else.
0:52:38 > 0:52:44It's a nice office but, as you say, not really a third bedroom for what we would want. It's a shame.
0:52:44 > 0:52:49I can't fault the position, on the island here with the views, and the location is just tremendous.
0:52:49 > 0:52:54The thing that's lacking for me are period features and character.
0:52:56 > 0:53:01Well, that's it. You've seen all the properties we've got to offer here in north Essex.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Don't rush the decision. Go away and think about it.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09- Don't argue about views or fixtures and fittings. You promise me? - We'll do our best.
0:53:09 > 0:53:14- I'm glad. I've found a lovely spot to meet up and have a chat later. - OK, brilliant.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26'Our property search in north Essex is nearly at an end.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30'Malcolm and Anne have viewed all four houses, three of which could be contenders.
0:53:30 > 0:53:35'So will it be Anne's heart or Malcolm's head that sways their decision?'
0:53:42 > 0:53:48Well, I think it's rather apt that we end our journey here with this rather beautiful view.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- It's been the word of the last two days, hasn't it?- Very much so.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55Let's talk about all the properties. Quite different.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59We'll start with the one with that very impressive inglenook fireplace.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01- You liked it.- I loved that, yes.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05Beautiful character to it, lovely warm, welcoming feel.
0:54:05 > 0:54:12All the period features I'm looking for. Very pretty throughout. But, really, it was just a bit small.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16I don't know where we'd have fitted all our furniture downstairs.
0:54:16 > 0:54:21And the kitchen was too small and there wasn't enough space for me to make my cakes
0:54:21 > 0:54:25- and have them in their various stages of decoration. - A lot of houses around it,
0:54:25 > 0:54:30which made it feel very enclosed, which is not something we were after.
0:54:30 > 0:54:35So I took you to the Victorian semi-detached property with three kitchens.
0:54:35 > 0:54:42I thought the kitchens could be used for what I need it to be used for.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46It had the perfect garden and the views. The location was spot on.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50It probably is a bit too remote. I'd like to have a pub or a church or a shop
0:54:50 > 0:54:53or something within easy walking distance,
0:54:53 > 0:54:57and this was so remote, you couldn't see any other building for miles.
0:54:57 > 0:55:02Great for what Anne is after, but it could easily lead to some marital discord there
0:55:02 > 0:55:05if it was too remote. THEY LAUGH
0:55:05 > 0:55:09We also saw a huge smile on your face when I showed you the farmhouse
0:55:09 > 0:55:16- with the cows almost at touching distance.- That, for me, was my dream house. I thought it was perfect
0:55:16 > 0:55:19and I just fell in love with it more and more.
0:55:19 > 0:55:25Yet again, this is your dream house and maybe not yours.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28I think the house was. When we walked up the driveway and saw it,
0:55:28 > 0:55:31I thought, "Wow, this is the house." It just looked so right.
0:55:31 > 0:55:36The journey time to Witham could've been an issue. I'll have to work out exactly how long it would take
0:55:36 > 0:55:42to get from that house into Witham. But that's not insurmountable. That could be resolved.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46And then we ended up here, the house on the island.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48And the house was a lovely property.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51It didn't have the period features that I liked,
0:55:51 > 0:55:56but because it had such a nice, bright feel to it, I could've overlooked that.
0:55:56 > 0:56:01What stopped me going for that property was the lack of bedroom space,
0:56:01 > 0:56:07because I felt there were really only two useable bedrooms in that house.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09It was very 1920s, which isn't a bad thing,
0:56:09 > 0:56:15but it isn't really what we're looking for. We want a few beams, inglenook fireplace,
0:56:15 > 0:56:21- something with a bit more character from an older era.- Can I ask you, are you going to follow up on them?
0:56:22 > 0:56:27No, I don't think so. I think all the houses had good points and bad points
0:56:27 > 0:56:30but I don't think the good points were enough in number
0:56:30 > 0:56:33for me to really want to go for one whole-heartedly.
0:56:33 > 0:56:39Well, as the sun's setting here, I really do wish you luck as you continue your search
0:56:39 > 0:56:43and it's been a pleasure showing you round the properties. So good luck.
0:56:45 > 0:56:50Well, we didn't manage to find Malcolm and Anne their dream property,
0:56:50 > 0:56:54but with Anne's passion for the rural landscape and the remoteness of it all,
0:56:54 > 0:57:00I don't think it'll be that long until she drags Malcolm to the country. Till next time, goodbye.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04'If you'd like to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:57:04 > 0:57:07'please apply online at:
0:57:09 > 0:57:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:13 > 0:57:17E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:57:17 > 0:57:17.