0:00:02 > 0:00:07She had sense and sensibility, pride but little prejudice, and she never set foot in Mansfield Park.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09In fact, she lived in this house.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But one thing's for sure, this county inspired
0:00:12 > 0:00:15one of Britain's most popular novelists in her life's work.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Where am I? I'm sure you won't need much persuasion
0:00:19 > 0:00:21to join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:32 > 0:00:38In today's show, we'll be helping a retired couple find their dream home in the country.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Sometimes they'll be of the same opinion...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- I agree with my wife. - Are you the planner in all of this?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48..sometimes they'll be at odds.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- I do like to be able to close doors on clutter and things like that, and sometimes...- Or me.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58And sometimes, they'll be love struck.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59Bowled over by this. It is beautiful.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Today I'm in Hampshire at Jane Austen's house.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08It's here that she spent her final years
0:01:08 > 0:01:13and penned Mansfield Park, Emma, and her last complete novel, Persuasion.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16But it was this county that really inspired her work.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Not only the stately homes where she attended dances with the landed gentry,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24but the rolling hills of Hampshire where she walked with her suitors.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Bordered by the Home Counties to the east and the north
0:01:28 > 0:01:30and to the west by Wiltshire and Dorset,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Hampshire is a perfect springboard to either the bright lights
0:01:33 > 0:01:37of London or the laid-back delights of the West Country.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41There is something about this county that seems to attract
0:01:41 > 0:01:44some of our greatest writers. From Austen to Keats,
0:01:44 > 0:01:49Trollope to Conan Doyle, they were all inspired by its mix of charming countryside,
0:01:49 > 0:01:54chalk streams and New Forest ponies running through its royal forest.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Hampshire is also home to historic Winchester,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03England's ancient capital, famed for its beautiful cathedral.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08And when it comes to property, thatched cottages constructed from cob, flint and thatch
0:02:08 > 0:02:12can be found in all corners of the county.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17With excellent commuter links to London, it goes without saying
0:02:17 > 0:02:19that property prices in Hampshire are high.
0:02:19 > 0:02:25In fact, the average detached house here comes in at a whopping 33% higher than the national average.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Not only do you have the New Forest on your doorstep,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33the big news is that the South Downs has just been granted National Park status
0:02:33 > 0:02:37and that means about 28% of this county is a protected area.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40National Park status is great news for the local economy.
0:02:40 > 0:02:46It brings in tourism, but it also means that planning controls are subject to the highest levels
0:02:46 > 0:02:48and that keeps the countryside idyllic,
0:02:48 > 0:02:53the housing stock quite limited and the property prices high.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56So, safe in the knowledge that this countryside will remain idyllic,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00let's take a look at the properties on the market right now.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Old MacDonald had one and so could you.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08This stunning four bed, grade II listed
0:03:08 > 0:03:12former farmhouse is now on the market for £1.75 million.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15It includes an atmospheric dining room, a drawing room,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17and a kitchen breakfast room.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22For the more modest sum of £625,000,
0:03:22 > 0:03:27how about this four-bed country house that comes with its own stream.
0:03:27 > 0:03:33There's a kitchen breakfast room and three spacious receptions.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41Less money but equally attractive is this three-bed converted chapel.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Looks can be deceptive as inside it is incredibly spacious
0:03:45 > 0:03:51and it's hitting the market with a price tag of £360,000.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57So we know Hampshire has some beautiful properties but will any of them suit today's buyers?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Today's buyers are retired Chris and Jill,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07who after almost three decades of dreaming are finally in a position
0:04:07 > 0:04:12to find the slice of rural Hampshire they've always craved.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18For 28 years, we lived in our family home in Wokingham and we had many, many happy times there.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22But we knew it wasn't the place we were going to end up in.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We hankered after living in a country environment.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29We sold the house and we moved into rented accommodation
0:04:29 > 0:04:36because that gives us the freedom to move when we see the house that we want and to buy something quickly.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40With their kids having flown the nest,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43this move represents a complete lifestyle change for them.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It's the first opportunity in our lives, really,
0:04:46 > 0:04:51having brought up the children, where we consider ourselves only.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54We actually have an embarrassment of freedom at the moment.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58We've never been in a position where we didn't have to consider
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- somebody else, like our children, or parents, or whatever.- Work.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Actually, we can choose to please ourselves for the very first time
0:05:05 > 0:05:08which is a fantastic and very exciting opportunity.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12So we know a wonderful new beginning is in store but what exactly are they looking for?
0:05:12 > 0:05:14A bit of character and individuality.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19I mean we're not fussy livers in the sense that you've got to have
0:05:19 > 0:05:21an en suite shower or bathroom in the bedroom.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I couldn't care less whether there's a bathroom attached to the bedroom
0:05:25 > 0:05:28as long as there's a decent bathroom somewhere in the house.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Come on, you two, there's more to it than that.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I've been collecting car books and other stuff to do with cars
0:05:35 > 0:05:39since I was about 12 years old and I've got about 2,000.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43What I'd really love in the new house is to have a snug or a library
0:05:43 > 0:05:47where I can just tuck myself away for an hour
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and just read and look at things and dream.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54I don't think we could conceivably have a house
0:05:54 > 0:06:00that didn't have an outside area which was adequate for Jill to have, to replace her allotment.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06Jill's a bit of an earth mother, if she hasn't got her hands in the soil she's not having a proper day.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10I really love growing my own fruit and vegetables on the allotment
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and actually, one of the things I've discovered being in this house
0:06:14 > 0:06:16is that I can bring things in from outside
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and I've got a sink in the utility room which is great,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22because I can get my things cleaned up in here
0:06:22 > 0:06:25so I've got a dirty sink in here and a clean sink in the kitchen.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28This is a Jaguar C-type.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31It's actually a replica, not the real thing.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35What I'd really like is a dry, safe, secure garage
0:06:35 > 0:06:39so that this dear old car can be kept in the way she should be.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43I love arts and crafts, I love being busy, having a project to do.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47We were thinking that we might look for some slightly older furniture
0:06:47 > 0:06:52and it would be really lovely to be able to upholster it myself and learn some new skills.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56This is all sounding rather reasonable so far
0:06:56 > 0:07:00but I wonder if they'll see eye to eye on the properties we find them.
0:07:00 > 0:07:06To be honest, we're not very good at knowing exactly what we want in advance.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10We've sort of got to walk into the car crash to find it, if you see what I mean.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12I knew there'd be a catch.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14But assuming they can actually agree on a home,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16what's their budget for this move?
0:07:16 > 0:07:22Our budget is around £500,000.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31So Chris and Jill are after a character property near a village location with a few bedrooms,
0:07:31 > 0:07:36a decent garden and a library for petrolhead Chris's motor memorabilia.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39However, property prices in rural Hampshire are high
0:07:39 > 0:07:44and their £500,000 budget may not be as healthy as it seems at first.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48They have been revving up for this move though for nearly 30 years
0:07:48 > 0:07:52so let's hope that we can get them off the starting grid.
0:07:52 > 0:07:59We'll be driving around the north-west of Hampshire, close to the town of Andover.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I'll be showing them some gorgeous houses that should meet their requirements
0:08:03 > 0:08:08and, as always, I won't reveal their prices until after they've looked around.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13And there's the mystery house, which might make them see things in a new light.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Now Jill and Chris, usually I would say, welcome to Hampshire,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23but I think it should be the other way round.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25It is. So, welcome to Hampshire.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Being in rented accommodation, you're cash buyers?
0:08:28 > 0:08:34We are indeed. Yes, ideally we'd like to spend £500,000.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39We can stretch that a bit if we find the house that's really perfect for us.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43But, we're in Hampshire which is commuterville,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and that does mean the property market is a tough one.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49So compromises may have to be made.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53We're ready to compromise. Every house purchase is a compromise.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56It's time for us to be a bit more selfish and do what we want to do.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- We've got great houses to show you. - Fantastic.- And the mystery property.- OK.- Fantastic.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09So Chris and Jill have a flexible budget starting at £500,000 in cash.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14They're not too worried about the number of bedrooms, but they are after plenty of character,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17a garage for Chris' car, and a library for his books.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22Jill is after a decent sized garden in which to grow her vegetables.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29You've been renting for a year, why haven't you found a property yet?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33We retired four months after we sold the house.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38We wanted to enjoy ourselves and settle into that change in life.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44To be frank, we hadn't started looking at houses until very recently.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Now we're, as they say, hot to trot.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Perfect! Just as we like you!
0:09:49 > 0:09:53The first house we're off to is in Egbury,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56five miles from the town of Andover in the north of the county.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Just down the road from Egbury is the village of St Mary Bourne.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Set in a rural area of downland, a seasonal stream trickles through it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Charming thatched cottages are dotted throughout,
0:10:08 > 0:10:13while a gorgeous 12th-century church overlooks it all. We're taking them
0:10:13 > 0:10:18to see a Grade II listed thatched cottage dating back to 1760.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Something with character for the first property. A thatched cottage.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- That's wonderful. It's so pretty. - Very pretty. Lovely.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Does it fit your picture of what you're looking for?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35It is quintessentially country, isn't it?
0:10:35 > 0:10:39It fits one picture of it. I notice it's got a double garage
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and that's very important for me.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- The thatch has probably got about 12 years before it needs updating.- OK.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50I've always been a little bit concerned about thatch -
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I've heard there aren't that many people around who do it.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Having said that, I think we're open to everything at the moment.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Yes, definitely.- Well, let's go and have a look.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03It's really great that they are so open minded
0:11:03 > 0:11:06and I think this lovely cottage is a good choice to start with.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08But will it have the feel they're looking for?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Now, cottages often mean small
0:11:18 > 0:11:22and I think this is a prime example of a small-ish kitchen.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It's full of character, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:27It is, and I'm not that tall, so I'm OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33- It's a proper cottage kitchen. Charming. - Which means it must have a larder?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36No. You'd like it to!
0:11:36 > 0:11:40It does have a bit of space tucked behind here, a recess there.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Would this amount of space work for you?
0:11:42 > 0:11:46It is a room we use a lot, so it's important.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- It's doable. - Is it a room that you share?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Yes.- It's the hub of the house.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- She cooks and I eat. - "She cooks, I eat"!
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- So you do share it!- Yes. - I'm glad you like this room.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03As you say, it's charming. There's a lot more to this house.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Next to the kitchen - a separate dining space.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Well, that's lovely.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19A wood-burning stove. Very keen on open fires or wood burners.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Well, that isn't a real wood burner. It's fired by gas.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27But there is an open flue there so you could put one in if you wanted.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31I love the beam. That's a very special beam.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- It's got bundles of character. - Hasn't it?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36We're still in the old part of the property
0:12:36 > 0:12:41but there have been some additions. Let's have a look.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- From small rooms to this. - It's a lot larger, isn't it?
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It's got a lot of light, windows all the way round.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53In the second section,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56they've got a vaulted ceiling, so it goes all the way up.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- Even more ceiling height in there. - A very interesting room. Charming.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- It's bringing a big smile out in you.- Yes.- What are you thinking?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I know feelings in properties are very important to you.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10This house has got a very good feeling.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- It seems to me to be a happy house. - Yeah, I'd agree with that.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17It has warmth.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Just off the living room is a lovely surprise add-on.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Another addition to this property. - Goodness me!
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Oh, how lovely! It's like...a snug.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32You can shut the door and read some books.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Yeah, I can see myself in this part,
0:13:35 > 0:13:40whiling away a few hours with a gin and tonic and a book.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Well, we've found a home for you already! Let's head upstairs.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46'We're doing really well so far.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52'The house has the right feel and Chris has already spotted a place he can unwind with his books.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54'Upstairs are two double bedrooms.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57'But the allure of this house is how its traditional layout
0:13:57 > 0:14:01'has been adapted for modern-day living. But will it suit?'
0:14:03 > 0:14:06This charming period property does come with a few quirks
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and this is one of them. Sort of open plan master bedroom
0:14:09 > 0:14:12which opens up into the family bathroom.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Right.- Right.- What do you think?
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- I love the bedroom. The bedroom is fantastic.- Oh, good.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I have to confess I'm a bit of a beam freak.
0:14:24 > 0:14:30I do actually like beams and looking up at them - quite soporific, helps you to go sleep.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Not sure about the family bathroom being off this room,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36but maybe there are other aspects of the house
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- that might compensate. - That is the bathroom.
0:14:39 > 0:14:45The idea is, you could put a stud wall right the way along here.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49A door around here? This would be the bedroom then
0:14:49 > 0:14:53and you'd have a corridor into the family bathroom.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Could you live with it or would you need to make changes?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I might have to think about that.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- We'd have to think about it.- Don't rule anything out at this stage.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Well, it's certainly not a no-no. Alterations like this
0:15:07 > 0:15:10are the price you pay for these wonderful old properties.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Across the landing is the second bedroom
0:15:13 > 0:15:18which is marginally smaller, but more than adequate for guests.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21And if they are thinking it's a bit of a squeeze, they needn't worry -
0:15:21 > 0:15:24there is another bedroom in an outbuilding.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- So here is the third bedroom. - Oh, right!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31We're next door to the garage and it was added on by the current owners.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35It could be a snug perhaps, a den?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39It does feel more of a snug than a bedroom to me.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41It does have an ensuite though.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44It's kitted out, ready for someone to stay.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- But it's not a bedroom you'd use all the time.- No, an occasional bedroom.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53OK, you have seen everything this property has to offer accommodation wise.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- Time to look at the garden, which is particularly important to you.- Thank you.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00The garden wraps around the cottage
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and, although it is sizeable as gardens go,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06it doesn't leave a huge amount of room for Jill's vegetable patch.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I would have liked to have had a little bit more.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14Um, but put it in the mixing pot and see where we go.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15Absolutely.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19We haven't looked into it, but there's a lot of land around here -
0:16:19 > 0:16:21there's always the possibility of buying some more.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24But that all depends on how much it costs
0:16:24 > 0:16:26to buy the property in the first place!
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- Absolutely .- I'd have to say about £430,000.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- Probably about 470.- 470.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- This property is actually on the market at £525,000.- Right.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46I think it's priced because of its beauty, isn't it?
0:16:46 > 0:16:51Still plenty to consider there. Why don't you have a ramble around
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- and I will see you in a little while.- Thank you.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58There you go, reality check time. Hampshire is expensive.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01You may not get as much for your money as you might think.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06Chris and Jill both underestimated the £525,000 price tag,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09but that may be a reflection of the fact
0:17:09 > 0:17:12that it's the first house they've viewed in Hampshire.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15It's packed to the rafters with period charm.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25It is over budget, but they did say they could stretch to more
0:17:25 > 0:17:29for something special and I think this property is just that.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33I thought the house was stunningly beautiful.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36It really is a chocolate-box, beautiful cottage, isn't it?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- This is such an attractive room, Chris, isn't it?- I think it's lovely.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42I do like the high ceiling.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46It contrasts beautifully with the very low ceiling.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- And it's nice being able to see all three...- Triple aspect.- Yes.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56For me, the character in the property is very nice. I like it.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00I have a question mark over thatched roofs. I'm a bit nervous of them.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03All in all, I'm delighted.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Hello, you two. Seen enough now? - I think we have.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Well, there's lots more to do, so let's keep moving.- Great.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Chris and Jill have been living in Hampshire for a year,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24but have not had time to uncover the history of their new county.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29And if one place can claim to be the beating heart of English history, it's Winchester -
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Hampshire's beautiful cathedral city.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Hello, Jill.- Hello, Graham.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Well, here we are in the heart of Winchester
0:18:35 > 0:18:38and we're standing on the oldest high street
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- of any northern European city. - Really?- Long before the Romans came.
0:18:41 > 0:18:48In 871AD, King Alfred the Great made Winchester England's capital city
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and its first Royal residence.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55Back then, the high street was a massive 75ft wide.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Today, it's much narrower
0:18:57 > 0:19:01because buildings have moved into the street, stealing some space.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04To see that, we need to look at this group of buildings
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and bring in another king - William the Conqueror.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11The Royal palace over there was too small for him, so he extended it,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14knocking down some 12 high street properties,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17leaving a blank wall on the high street.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21There's one thing about merchants and blank walls.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23If you give a merchant a blank wall,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26the first thing he'll do is set up a table and try to sell you something.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30So the whole history of these buildings are market stalls
0:19:30 > 0:19:34growing and growing and taking more and more of the high street.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Winchester's major landmark is, undoubtedly,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42its awe-inspiring cathedral, dating back to 1079.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Just down the road is the 13th-century great hall,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50a fine example of ancient architecture.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54It's home to one of the most famous symbols of medieval mythology -
0:19:54 > 0:19:57King Arthur's round table.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59It was painted during the reign of Henry VIII.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04He was entertaining Charles V of Spain, perhaps the most powerful man on the planet.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09We have rumours that Charles V was being treated with great dignity -
0:20:09 > 0:20:12he sat to Henry's right.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14But if you looked at the name on the table,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16he's sitting in Mordred's seat.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Now, Mordred, is the bad character of the Arthurian legends.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23He's the one who causes all the trouble.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28So he's being complimented with one hand and insulted by the other.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30High politics is being played.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Politicians are always the same. - Indeed.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37Well, I'm voting with my feet and taking Chris and Jill with me.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40We're heading to our next house in Highclere,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44a popular village 11 miles north of Andover.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48Surrounded by attractive countryside, Highclere is home to Highclere Castle.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53Built in 1842, it's the largest country house in Hampshire.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58In 1996, the Highclere Society was formed by the local community
0:20:58 > 0:21:01in order to protect and enhance the village and its environment.
0:21:01 > 0:21:08I'm taking them to a detached cottage that has retained much of its original charm and character.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Well, here we are.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14This is the property that we want to show you.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I really like the aspect of that house. I think it looks fantastic.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21I agree, I think it just...
0:21:21 > 0:21:25It's so attractive. It's nicely proportioned.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I must point out one thing about this property.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32The current owner had a business that he used to run from just behind it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Something to bear in mind. - Sure.- We have an open mind.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40What a great start. This attractive cottage is scoring well already.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Let's hope it lives up to their expectations inside.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48In this property, you come straight into a dining room at the moment.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- It's a great space. - It's a great space.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55I certainly don't have a problem with coming in from the outside into the dining room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59And as Chris has always said, what's a hall? It's a waste of space.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- So I think it's very nice.- I can see this being a very homely place.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Another room tucked away here which could make a nice snug. Shall we keep exploring?
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Excellent.- Please.- Yes, please.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I think this kitchen is nice and bright.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It's lovely and bright, isn't it?
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- Isn't it just? - First impressions are very good.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It could be a little bit wider, it's a little bit long and thin.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28I don't think that matters. We'll have to lose some weight!
0:22:28 > 0:22:33Or you could knock that wall down instead and have one big space
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- and then you can get as fat as you like.- That's not a bad idea.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42Knocking down the wall would open up the kitchen to the spacious living room next door.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- This is a nice room. - It is a nice room.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48It's in keeping with the original age of the property.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51I think we would probably keep this as a sitting room.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56And the kitchen...yes, maybe if we were to buy this property
0:22:56 > 0:22:58and we could get permission, there's no reason why
0:22:58 > 0:23:01perhaps we couldn't push out and do a small extension
0:23:01 > 0:23:03and get a bigger kitchen that way.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- I agree with my wife.- I was about to say, are you the planner...?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Chris just nods and says, "That sounds like a good idea."
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Chris clearly knows his place in this relationship
0:23:14 > 0:23:17but he looks a willing and happy participant.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21At the back of the dining room there's access to a utility room -
0:23:21 > 0:23:23ideal for Jill to wash her fruit and veg in.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33This property has four bedrooms in total.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35You've got one single over there.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Before we see the others,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41I want to show you the family bathroom. Pop your heads in.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Well, it's a jolly good sized bathroom.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- It's bigger than the one we've got at the moment.- It's probably bigger than any that we've ever owned!
0:23:50 > 0:23:52That's true, but we only ever spend ten minutes a day in it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Too much information. Come on, let's look at the bedrooms.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I said four bedrooms with this property and one was out there.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07This space is a little bit deceptive because there's a bed in it.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11But I wouldn't call this one of the bedrooms. We have one that way,
0:24:11 > 0:24:16a good-sized double, you can fit a nice big king-sized bed in there.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19You have two more that way. So actually this...
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Library. - Exactly what I was thinking!
0:24:21 > 0:24:26Well, it's got a lot of books in it already and I'm sure it could be made into... It's a big space.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28It would work. I think you're right.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I think this would be fantastic as a library.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Let's look at the other bedrooms.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Now back here, we're again in the extension, so it's a more modern feel.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44We've got two bedrooms, almost identical. That one's slightly bigger.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49I love this dual aspect. Even with the ceilings like this, there's plenty of room here.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Do you know, this opens up lots of opportunities.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Yes, I mean it's so flexible, isn't it, this space up here.
0:24:56 > 0:25:02To have people to stay, heaps of opportunities. Very, very exciting.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06This is looking good. There's bags of space for them
0:25:06 > 0:25:08and their children when they visit
0:25:08 > 0:25:10and Chris is well sorted for his library.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14All we need now is for Jill to give us the thumbs up in the garden.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Now this is the amount of garden space that you get with this property.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It's not huge but it's adequate and it's got some nice features, just like the house.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25You've got a little brook running behind here.
0:25:25 > 0:25:31The big feature that we can't escape, and we mentioned it at the front, is the warehouse at the back.
0:25:31 > 0:25:37Yes. It's already quite well greened up actually.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42One can't pretend there isn't a great big shed behind,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47but the garden itself is actually really quite nice.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50In a way, it would be nice to have the front garden in the back
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- and the back garden in the front, but you can't have everything.- No.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57There's certainly enough garden, I think.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00We might have to rejig things and be a bit different
0:26:00 > 0:26:04and have a kitchen garden in the front of the house,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06but anything's possible.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09So it does garden, it does library.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12How much do you think you'd have to pay for this house?
0:26:12 > 0:26:16I think you'd have to pay at least £500,000.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21- I think that's spot on. - You're absolutely right, spot on.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23This is on the market at £500,000.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- Seems fair.- I'd agree with that.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- It's definitely on the list. - Something to consider. Why not give yourselves
0:26:31 > 0:26:36a bit more time to consider it and look around some more of the rooms. See you later on.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42There we have it, this property is bang on budget at £500,000.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47It has four bedrooms, so plenty of room for family visits,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50a large landing that Chris can use for his library,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53there's a garage for his sports car, and the size of the garden
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- meets Jill's approval for growing vegetables.- Shall
0:26:57 > 0:27:00we take a quick look at the garage?
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Ah! It's full of boy's stuff!- Well!
0:27:08 > 0:27:12That's what we need. One of those for the lawn.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- There's lots of space in here, Chris. - Bags of space for the car.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19I'm very excited about the potential library area.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23It works well with the bedrooms that are up there.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28There can't be anything more pleasant than walking past a library when you go to bed,
0:27:28 > 0:27:29at least in my book.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33It's got a lovely feel here
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and I think it's a real possibility, this property.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Of course the warehouse is a compromise,
0:27:38 > 0:27:43but I think if you're buying a house for anything under £10 million,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47you have to expect to make a compromise.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Hello. Come on.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53You can't move in just yet.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56We've got a lot more to do. Let's keep moving.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Okey doke, let's go.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Travelling around the country as I do, it's fascinating to see how its landscape is constantly evolving.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11Over 2,500 acres of English countryside are now devoted
0:28:11 > 0:28:16to an area you might be surprised to know is wine farming.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21That's an increase of nearly 50% in just four years.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25416 vineyards are now spread throughout our landscape
0:28:25 > 0:28:31and it's expected that within eight years, we'll be producing around five million bottles of wine a year.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35One of the producers leading the charge is Hampshire's Wickham Vineyard.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40I'm here to meet wine maker William Biddulph.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- So, Denise, here we are. - What grapes are being grown here?
0:28:45 > 0:28:47We've ten varieties.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51We have six white and four red.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Pinot Noir, that a lot of people will recognise.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58We have Dornfelder, Reichensteiner, Schoenenberger...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Some very German sounding wines. - They're German sounding because
0:29:01 > 0:29:05we are very northerly as a vegecultural region
0:29:05 > 0:29:09and we need to plant varieties that can cope with less heat.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11These varieties can cope with that
0:29:11 > 0:29:16but we still need as much sun as we possibly can and not too much rain
0:29:16 > 0:29:20cos of course vines do suffer from various diseases, various moulds,
0:29:20 > 0:29:21which we do have to control.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25It's a delicate balancing act, but nature has been kind this year.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30This is before flowering. You see there are no little stamens there.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35Then after flowering, you get what looks like a bunch of grapes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38I've heard there's a process called bud rubbing.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42Bud rubbing is an ongoing job we do through the growing season
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- which I hear you want to take part in.- I'd love to.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Bud rubbing is the process of removing the shoots from the bottom of the vine.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53This is done to encourage and concentrate growth from a single stem.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57If you have a look down here and we have these shoots
0:29:57 > 0:29:58which are not meant to be there.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03We have to just rub around the trunk like this and all the knobbly bits
0:30:03 > 0:30:06and then you're flicking off something large like that.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Flick that off, it won't hurt.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09Get rid of all of it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13With the job done, it's time to test the fruits of our labour.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Here we have a little bit in the glass.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Never fill the glass too full so we can swirl it in the glass.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Here we are.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Swirl the wine.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28You're right, I feel the anticipation.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34What an amazing aroma.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Light and crisp.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41The smell of the wine should lift you. Your shoulders should be lifted.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44You should think to yourself "Yum, this is nice."
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I don't think I'll have a problem with that.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Shall I have a taste, ready for my yum?
0:30:51 > 0:30:54HE SLURPS
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Yeah, I didn't do any of that but it's yum. I agree!
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Absolutely brilliant.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Given that Hampshire is so ideal for grape growing,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06our house hunter Jill could soon be planting some vines of her own.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12As the day draws to an end in the Hampshire countryside,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Chris and Jill mull over the properties we've shown them so far.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19What did you think of the thatched cottage?
0:31:19 > 0:31:22It was really chocolate box, stunningly beautiful.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28I think downstairs was really good. The upstairs area was disappointing.
0:31:28 > 0:31:34The whole fandango of going through to the bathroom was a bit weird.
0:31:34 > 0:31:40It was beautifully pretty but perhaps we would compromise the beauty
0:31:40 > 0:31:43if we were able to find something with more space?
0:31:43 > 0:31:45I agree with that.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49And there'd need to be a compromise on the price as well.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51What about the ivy-clad cottage?
0:31:51 > 0:31:56My first impressions, walking up to it, were really very positive.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59I loved the balance of the house, the look of the house.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02The big question is,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06what do you think of the big, green box at the back of the garden?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I can think of a lot worse things to have at the back of a property.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- I agree.- I'm quite warmly disposed towards that property.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I'm very warmly disposed towards it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:20We'll see what the next ones bring, but that's a good 8 out of 10.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22I agree.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33Retired couple Chris and Jill have been too busy settling into their Hampshire lifestyle
0:32:33 > 0:32:35to look for their dream property
0:32:35 > 0:32:40but now they're ready to take the plunge and have enlisted our help.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Coming up, Jill is taken aback...
0:32:44 > 0:32:45It is beautiful.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48How's that? And there's more.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52This is a real big kitchen. A grown-up kitchen.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59It's the start of another day's property searching with Jill and Chris
0:32:59 > 0:33:04and we always knew that their £500,000 budget was going to be under pressure in Hampshire.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08I have to say, I'm impressed by how willing they are to compromise so far.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13Today, we want to go that extra mile to give them everything they want.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16For our first property of the day,
0:33:16 > 0:33:20we're off to Finkley a small hamlet just two miles from Andover.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Finkley is a small rural community surrounded by acres and acres of pretty farmland,
0:33:24 > 0:33:29much of which Chris and Jill will be able to walk through.
0:33:29 > 0:33:35In the nearby former Saxon village of Smannell there is a little church and pub boasting good food.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39The property I'm showing them is an extended Victorian lodge.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47It's clear that the two of you like properties with character
0:33:47 > 0:33:51so, today, instead of the chocolate box, we've gone for something a little bit different.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- A very substantial Victorian property.- It looks very interesting.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59There's a lot more to it. It's been extended about 20 years ago
0:33:59 > 0:34:01so it reaches quite far back.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04At the end of the house when we get to the garden...
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Look at that, she's excited already.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Lots of flexibility in here so let's go have a look.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Right, straight into a reception room.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26This should give you an idea of the substance of this property.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It's beautiful, I love this fireplace. Isn't that fantastic?
0:34:30 > 0:34:32It's really lovely. Yeah, it's a good size room.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It's lovely actually, very, very nice.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38It's also a room that has lots of possibilities.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Many doors leading off this one central hub of the house.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44So much choice, I'm going to leave it up to you.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- Where would you like to go first? - Your call.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- How's about that one?- Good choice, I couldn't have chosen better myself.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58It's the kitchen behind this door.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- That's why it's such a good choice. - Lovely.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I think this is a great shape for a kitchen but what do you think?
0:35:05 > 0:35:09I agree, it's square so it enables you...
0:35:09 > 0:35:12That's a nice table size area.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Lovely bench under the window here, looking out into the garden.
0:35:15 > 0:35:21You can have a sneaky peek at what's to come when we get out there but you're impressed already.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Business side of the kitchen. It's got lots of cupboards.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It fulfils everything we need.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Jill will be delighted to know that next to the kitchen, there's a utility room
0:35:33 > 0:35:36which I'm sure she could make much use of.
0:35:36 > 0:35:42Also off the reception room is a study and a dining room with large patio doors out to the garden.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46I'm keen to show off the fabulous room in the newer part of the house.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52We're in the extension to the property. A family bathroom here,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54stairs, which we will come back to.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59First of all, yet another door which leads to yet another reception room.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Goodness!
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- It's a lovely room.- It's a good size, isn't it?- That's a good size.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08With again beautiful views of the garden.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10You have French doors on to the garden.
0:36:10 > 0:36:11Spoilt for choice, I think.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14It really does use the garden views well.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I think it's so flexible this room,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19it works well as this living room or drawing room
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- Could even be a library.- Exactly. You've got a wonderful place to sit.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- Lots of light coming in. - I like this room.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29I like the fact it's actually away from the kitchen
0:36:29 > 0:36:34so if you wanted quiet space, this would be the room to come to.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38This new extension has provided fabulous extra space
0:36:38 > 0:36:45but it does mean there are now two staircases and the first one leads up to just one bedroom.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49The current owners tuck themselves away at this end of the house,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52in the extension, and use this as their master suite.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- Good, it's very light. - It's a lovely size room, isn't it?
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- It's big.- Very light with all of these windows.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Although you don't want one, there's an en suite.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- It's just over there, go and have a look.- Sure.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- What do you think?- It's a good size.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11A very good size bathroom. Nice roll-top bath.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Everything you could possibly want really.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17It's great that they are being really positive
0:37:17 > 0:37:23but Chris and Jill are so polite that I'm not sure I can gauge their true feelings about this house.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27The second staircase is off the sitting room
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and leads up to a single room and a double room with an en suite shower,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33which will be good for when their children visit.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36The crowning glory with this property has to be the garden.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I can't wait to see Jill's face.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45Finally we get you out into this delightful garden.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48It's absolutely beautiful out here, isn't it?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50It is stunning. Isn't it?
0:37:50 > 0:37:55This is someone who loves gardens who's put this together. It just...
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- Bowled over by this.- It complements the house beautifully.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Jill's bowled over.- It's beautiful.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Somebody's put a lot of thought and effort into the planting here.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07We've even got a ready made vegetable patch.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- Oh, fantastic.- All in all, there's half an acre here.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12It's a wonderful size.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15It's just about ideal.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Perfect. Ideal.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22The garden. Is it enough to swing the house as well?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- I'm not sure but let's investigate the vegetable patch first.- Good.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Isn't this wonderful, Jill?
0:38:33 > 0:38:38This is amazing. To have a ready made vegetable garden is just...
0:38:38 > 0:38:42I didn't expect to find anything like this at all.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46It's so beautifully done. It feels just right for you.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48It's ideal. Absolutely ideal.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52You're not forgotten either, Chris, you've got the double garage there.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Power, water in there. You can spend many an hour toiling away looking at classic cars.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Perfect and from down here,
0:38:58 > 0:39:04that's the nicest view of the house we've seen. It's really beautiful.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- So, the garden's bowled you over. - Yes.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10The biggest question of all is how much you'd have to pay to make this yours.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12It's guess the price time.
0:39:12 > 0:39:13Guess the price time.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17This is a lot of house.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21It's in a beautiful area with this fantastic garden.
0:39:21 > 0:39:27I'd imagine it has to be something in the order of £570,000.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31I think it's definitely at the naughty end of the budget.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I'd go a little bit less, I'd say £550,000.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37550. At that level, you could still afford it
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- but it may be pushing the boat a little bit.- Yes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43How would you feel about it then to find out
0:39:43 > 0:39:48that it's actually on the market for £525,000?
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- Wow, that's... - Well, that's beat our expectation.
0:39:52 > 0:39:58- Yes.- That seems on first appearance to be a very good price.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00It does, that seems to be very good value I think.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05I think so too. I think that might make you feel about it differently.
0:40:05 > 0:40:06I think it might!
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Come on, off you go and start thinking,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13plotting what you're going to grow in this garden.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16What a great surprise.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20At £525,000, it's substantially cheaper than they expected
0:40:20 > 0:40:25and Chris and Jill did say they can go beyond their £500,000 budget.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28There's a study that would make an ideal library,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31three bedrooms that include two en suites,
0:40:31 > 0:40:35a staggeringly beautiful garden with a ready made vegetable patch
0:40:35 > 0:40:38and a double garage for Chris's sports car.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- So this is the study?- Yes. I think this would probably be
0:40:44 > 0:40:49- the ideal place to put the library. - This would make an ideal library.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52The property is a little bit of an enigma for me.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54It's very impressive. It looks very nice when you enter it.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57The whole of the downstairs works very well.
0:40:57 > 0:41:04I got a little bit lost with the upstairs, having two staircases.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10I think this garden is ideal. It's just superlatively planted.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11It's got so many wonderful things about it.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16The fact that we have a little kitchen garden as well is just the icing on the cake.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21Let's see if we can get Jill out of the enchanted garden.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I was worried that you'd be there forever - it is beautiful.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- It certainly is.- Absolutely beautiful.- We haven't finished yet.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- There's more to do and there's the mystery house.- Of course.- Tally-ho.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40I know Jill is particularly keen on arts and crafts,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42so we're taking her to a unique Hampshire treasure that she should love.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47Whitchurch Mill around 12 miles north of Winchester, is Britain's
0:41:47 > 0:41:51oldest silk mill still weaving within its original building.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Stephen Brier has come to show them around.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55Built on the River Test in 1800,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Whitchurch Mill is now a working museum.
0:41:58 > 0:42:04It produces high quality silks for historic houses, interior designers
0:42:04 > 0:42:09and costumes for the film industry, including outfits worn by
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench.
0:42:12 > 0:42:18The silk industry moved from London to Hampshire in the 17th century
0:42:18 > 0:42:21because of cheaper labour in the countryside and it being perfectly
0:42:21 > 0:42:26placed on the main trading route between London and Southampton.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Well, this is our winding frame.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34We use this for winding silk on to bobbins
0:42:34 > 0:42:37which is the first part of the process of producing fabric.
0:42:37 > 0:42:43We'll need many hundreds of these to produce the warp which is the length of the fabric.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45And how much silk can you get on each bobbin?
0:42:45 > 0:42:50- Would you believe it's eight miles. - Eight miles?- Absolutely. - That's amazing.
0:42:50 > 0:42:56The next step in this process involves putting the bobbins on to a wooden frame called a creel.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00The thread is then passed through a reed,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03wound around a drum and moved to the loom to weave it into fabric.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07In the mill's heyday, about 18 people would have worked here,
0:43:07 > 0:43:11and the techniques used today are much the same as those used then.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16The process involves moving the shuttle across the loom,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18weaving the fill yarn through the width of the silk thread,
0:43:19 > 0:43:24and beating it tight to create the finished material.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Silk is a natural protein fibre, made by unravelling
0:43:28 > 0:43:33the cocoon of the silkworm before the adult moth emerges.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38And how long would somebody spend on a loom like this each day?
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Probably eight or 12 hours a day,
0:43:41 > 0:43:46and they'd only weave about two metres a day, if that.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50That's incredible. Because it's all so fine?
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Absolutely, that's the very reason, yes.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58And very often they were paid on a piece-rate basis,
0:43:58 > 0:44:01and fined for any wastage.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03So, to prevent wastage, they would employ their children
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- to pick up waste yarn and eat it, so they weren't fined.- Eat it?
0:44:07 > 0:44:09Yes, eat it. All good protein.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15The final property we're taking them to is the mystery house.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Chris and Jill have asked for a place with character,
0:44:18 > 0:44:20so how will they deal with contemporary?
0:44:20 > 0:44:25Shipton Bellinger is a quaint village with a mixture of brick, stone and thatch houses.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29It's surrounded by farmland,
0:44:29 > 0:44:33which should inspire Jill to carry on growing her own fruit and vegetables,
0:44:33 > 0:44:37and the local pub opposite the property is known for its warm welcome.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43I'm taking them to this Grade II listed former school
0:44:43 > 0:44:49with a period exterior, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
0:44:49 > 0:44:54It's mystery house time, and this one will have a real impact on you.
0:44:54 > 0:44:59- Here it is. It's an old, schoolhouse, a Victorian schoolhouse.- Oh!
0:44:59 > 0:45:03- It's very attractive. - Now, how do you feel about living
0:45:03 > 0:45:05in a converted Victorian schoolhouse?
0:45:05 > 0:45:08I don't think that would worry me two hoots.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11It's a long time since I've been in a school.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13THEY LAUGH
0:45:13 > 0:45:16This has great character and it's an historic piece of the community.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19But for all its character and history, you'll be surprised
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- by the interior. Let's have a look. - Let's go.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- In you come. - Goodness, this is huge!
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- And modern?- It is modern.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Modern, yes, throughout this property.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43It's a bit bare in here at the moment.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48We're not anti-modern, not anti-modern at all.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51We're actually...we have an idea of what we might like,
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- but we are, genuinely open minded. - Fantastic.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57Well, this is something that I think will really
0:45:57 > 0:45:59test how open-minded you are. Come this way.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Welcome to the living room.
0:46:06 > 0:46:11- Now this, presumably, had been the old school room.- Absolutely.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13It's great, I love that door.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15Fantastic windows.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Aren't they just fantastic?
0:46:17 > 0:46:20That door was the old entrance into the school.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Let's go into the room, so you can see it better.
0:46:23 > 0:46:24There's a very large wall.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28- You spotted that already! I thought you might...- Library wall?
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Yes! That's what we were thinking.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35It's very different to the cottages and separated rooms.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- I think we'd probably change it quite quickly!- Oh, really?
0:46:39 > 0:46:44Well, I don't mean a change it, but we'd get some old furniture in here.
0:46:44 > 0:46:50And I mean we've got a wood-burning stove, so get everything in round here nice and cosy.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53But, open-plan, I actually like open-plan.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56I think Jill is less sure about it.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00I do like to be able to close doors on clutter and things like that and...
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- Or me. - THEY LAUGH
0:47:03 > 0:47:04Sometimes, yes.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08Just another area that you can go to if you wish to be on your own.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10There's definitely options with this property
0:47:10 > 0:47:14and there is one extra special thing about this room - look up there.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- What... what is it? - Well, exactly. It can be opened up.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20You'll see when we go upstairs,
0:47:20 > 0:47:23but I think it could be opened up and turned into a galleried area.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- Ah, like a minstrel's gallery? - Ah, that's interesting.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- Good start?- BOTH: Fantastic.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31All right, let's keep going.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35This property has the most contemporary interior of all of our houses,
0:47:35 > 0:47:41and it continues in the dining room, which leads on to a really impressive kitchen.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Come in. Is this kitchen big enough for you?
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- It's huge!- Come on in and have a good look, Chris.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57It is, it really is huge.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01- I mean, this is stunning.- Fabulous.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05This is a real big kitchen, a grown-up kitchen.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08More ovens than you can shake a stick at.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11I'm completely shell-shocked by just how much kitchen there is.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- It's fantastic. - Too much for you, perhaps?
0:48:14 > 0:48:18- Oh, I don't think so.- No, you can never have too much kitchen.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22I think, from what we saw of the outside, I'm really quite
0:48:22 > 0:48:27surprised, shocked, but pleasantly surprised and shocked,
0:48:27 > 0:48:31by the Tardis that it appears to be becoming.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34- Let's see if this house can deliver, shall we?- OK.- Come on.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37The show-stopping kitchen seems to have hit the mark
0:48:37 > 0:48:42but I can't judge if they're falling in love with this house or not.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48Now, up here there are four bedrooms with this property.
0:48:48 > 0:48:49One is just behind me, and the family bathroom.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53But, we're going to start with this one through here.
0:48:53 > 0:48:59- Clearly, it's a child or teenager's bedroom at the moment.- Yes.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02But, do you remember downstairs, in the huge living room?
0:49:02 > 0:49:06- With the galleried area. - Yes, indeed.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09So this is where we are now, and, if you could give up one
0:49:09 > 0:49:14of the bedrooms or were minded to, then this is the space I think you could open up.
0:49:14 > 0:49:15Ah, I see. Absolutely.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18Right, let's find some of the other bedrooms.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Moving down the landing, there's the third bedroom,
0:49:21 > 0:49:24which has the beauty of an en suite bathroom
0:49:24 > 0:49:26and that leaves just one more room.
0:49:26 > 0:49:32- The final bedroom, the master. - It's a huge room.
0:49:32 > 0:49:37- It has a nice, clean feel to it. - It really is, and we use this phrase sometimes,
0:49:37 > 0:49:41but it's pretty much a blank canvas. You can come in and you can easily imagine it
0:49:41 > 0:49:46without the current owner's furniture, so you can start to think how yours would fit in.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49And, it does come with en suite.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53I don't think you have to compromise that much inside the house.
0:49:53 > 0:49:59- But, I may as well prepare you, you will have to compromise a little outside.- OK.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02- So, let's see what you could do with it.- OK.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05This is the bit I'm dreading, because I know Jill really wants
0:50:05 > 0:50:08a large garden in which to grow fruit and veg.
0:50:12 > 0:50:17So, I did prepare you, the garden is relatively small, but it's well-formed.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21- It's what you could do with it, I think.- It's a delightful garden, it's lovely.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25You'd need to keep this as a flower garden, I think.
0:50:25 > 0:50:29It would be quite difficult to try and doing any significant vegetable gardening here.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32But this is the garden that comes with this property,
0:50:32 > 0:50:35and it has to all be taken into consideration.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37Interesting?
0:50:37 > 0:50:41It makes a statement? Beautiful? But is it the property for you?
0:50:41 > 0:50:43It may be dependent on the price.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47I suspect it's on... the top side of our budget.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51- I would plump for 540,000.- Jill?
0:50:51 > 0:50:57I think it's probably worth even more than that, so I would say 550?
0:50:57 > 0:51:01This property is on at 570,000.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Right, I can't say I'm surprised,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06because I think it has been done so beautifully.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08It's a stunning property.
0:51:08 > 0:51:12It's making you think. You should go and immerse yourself in that dream property
0:51:12 > 0:51:15- a little bit longer before we hurry off to make some decisions. - OK.- I'll see you later on.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18BOTH: Thank you.
0:51:19 > 0:51:24At £570,000, the mystery house is the most expensive property
0:51:24 > 0:51:28we've shown them, but they have said their budget can be stretched.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32For top money, they would get a massive lounge,
0:51:32 > 0:51:35a superb kitchen which blew them away,
0:51:35 > 0:51:40and four bedrooms, one of which could be opened up to provide a mezzanine level over the lounge.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45My favourite part of the house has to be the old school room.
0:51:45 > 0:51:50I'd never have imagined, looking at the outside of this place
0:51:50 > 0:51:57that an old, quaint village school, with all of that stone
0:51:57 > 0:52:00on the outside, could look anything like this inside.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02I think it shows tremendous vision.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04It's just such a beautiful space.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08You call it a mystery house, and, boy, you really delivered. It's...
0:52:08 > 0:52:12I mean, from the outside to the inside, is such a contrast.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17I feel like the naughty girl sitting outside the headmistress's office.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20But, no, it's just Chris and Jill I'm waiting for.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23Right, that's it, we've seen all of the houses now.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27Time for you to sit down and have some time to mull it over.
0:52:27 > 0:52:28A lot to mull.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36Chris and Jill's journey is coming to an end.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40They've now seen all four properties and there's plenty to think about.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51Chris and Jill have been very expressive in their reactions to the properties
0:52:51 > 0:52:55we've shown them, but I feel they haven't given everything away.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58There was a lot going on in their minds they didn't share.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00But now, it's decision time,
0:53:00 > 0:53:02time to find out what they were really thinking.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10- Here you are. You've found somewhere nice and quiet, haven't you?- Lovely.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13To sit down, think it all over, we've seen a lot of properties,
0:53:13 > 0:53:19and this journey for the two of you has been almost 30 years and two days in the making, hasn't it?
0:53:19 > 0:53:21Exactly.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Now, we started with the thatched cottage,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26And that had a lot of charm, didn't it?
0:53:26 > 0:53:32It was stunningly beautiful. That lovely sun room and the new kitchen.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35It had been done really sensitively.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39There was the odd downside, and that's when we went upstairs - only one bathroom
0:53:39 > 0:53:43and our guests would have to walk past the bedroom.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47- The ivy-clad cottage. That was very different.- From the minute I saw it,
0:53:47 > 0:53:49I thought, "That's great."
0:53:49 > 0:53:54Somehow, the entrance just drew you towards the cottage.
0:53:54 > 0:53:58It was like a little journey, inviting you to go and see it.
0:53:58 > 0:54:03The thing that, for me, did it was that the downstairs was good
0:54:03 > 0:54:06but the upstairs was equally as good
0:54:06 > 0:54:11- and we had an opportunity for... - A library.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14which was actually a really nice space.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17We then went to the Victorian lodge.
0:54:17 > 0:54:25For me, although it had the space, I wanted to love it, but I didn't fall in love with it.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27The upstairs, it didn't grab me.
0:54:27 > 0:54:32- The garden was absolutely perfect, it was beautiful.- Sublime, sublime.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35But, you buy a house to live in a house, not to live in a garden.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39Well, finally, we brought you to the mystery house.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42I think it was certainly impressive from the outside, wasn't it?
0:54:42 > 0:54:49Yes, but that didn't prepare me in any way, shape or form, for that beautiful hall.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54- It is a stunning room. - What about the kitchen, that was really impressive, wasn't it?
0:54:54 > 0:54:56It was so impressive. It was so spacious.
0:54:56 > 0:55:00Beautifully kitted out with everything you could possibly need.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02I mean, it was just wonderful.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04As we wandered round the properties,
0:55:04 > 0:55:07at times it was quite difficult to gauge your true reaction.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10You were very expressive, but I think you were taking time to consider.
0:55:10 > 0:55:15But, having had this conversation, I now have a pretty good idea of which one was your favourite.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18But, please, confirm it for me.
0:55:18 > 0:55:23I think, for us, it was the ivy-clad cottage. It just felt right for us.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26What it did was...tugged at the heartstrings.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30- And I think we both felt the same thing.- Will you put an offer in?
0:55:30 > 0:55:33- I think we very well could. - I think we probably could.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35I mean, we're ready to do it.
0:55:35 > 0:55:39If we think it's the one that really does ring the bell,
0:55:39 > 0:55:41there's no reason to waste any further time.
0:55:41 > 0:55:46- You've taken us perhaps a little bit further along the journey. - That's fantastic!
0:55:46 > 0:55:51- So, if it's the one for you, then very soon you could be moving in to the ivy-clad cottage.- Absolutely.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54I'm so pleased to have been on this journey with you.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57It's been great fun spending time with the two of you
0:55:57 > 0:56:00and I really do hope it's not too much longer before
0:56:00 > 0:56:02- you're moving to the country. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:56:07 > 0:56:12Chris and Jill have been yearning to escape to the country for such a long time.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15The children have left home, they've retired from their jobs,
0:56:15 > 0:56:18now they're ready to start living life just for themselves.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21We started this property search with a long list of criteria,
0:56:21 > 0:56:23but essentially it's all about the feeling.
0:56:23 > 0:56:27It looks like we've found them a place that feels like home.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35Chris and Jill returned to the Ivy Cottage with a view to putting in an offer,
0:56:35 > 0:56:37but it proved too difficult to extend the kitchen.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41So, their search continues for their dream property.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Northern Ireland or England, and would like our help,
0:56:47 > 0:56:51please apply online.
0:57:11 > 0:57:15Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:15 > 0:57:18E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk