0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country. Today we're in a county that's home
0:00:05 > 0:00:09to one of the most important pieces of historic rural real estate in the British Isles.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12That now peaceful field beneath me was once the scene of one
0:00:12 > 0:00:15of the most important turning points in English history.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17If that isn't enough of a clue,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19you can poke my eye out with a Norman arrow!
0:00:31 > 0:00:37In today's show, I'll be helping a couple escape urban sprawl for a new home in the country.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39What do you think?
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Perfect.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43I'll be showing them some fantastic country homes
0:00:43 > 0:00:47and when we talk numbers, there are some real surprises.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- I love it.- He's gone quiet now. - I've gone silent again.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53And, of course, there's the mystery house,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56but will any of the properties match their country dream?
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Well, today, I'm in East Sussex and do you remember the tale, I wonder,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08of William the Conqueror, 1066 and all that? This is Battle Abbey,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11built to commemorate the site of the famous Battle of Hastings,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and this stone was laid to mark the spot where poor old King Harold
0:01:14 > 0:01:18got that infamous arrow through the eye and which, of course,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21changed the face of English history. But the good news is that
0:01:21 > 0:01:241,000 years on, everything around here is a lot more peaceful,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27ideal for the jaded city dweller who wants to Escape To The Country.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Bordered by Kent, Surrey and its former partner,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35West Sussex, the coastal county of East Sussex
0:01:35 > 0:01:38boasts some of the South Downs' best landscapes,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42not least, the spectacular white cliffs at Beachy Head.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47The fashionable, vibrant city of Brighton dominates East Sussex urban attractions,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51with its mix of interesting architecture, shopping and entertainment options.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Whilst most famous for Battle Abbey, East Sussex is studded with castles,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59including the 14th century Bodiam Castle,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03one of the very few originally built for a private citizen.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The average local, however, is far more likely to live
0:02:06 > 0:02:10in a property covered with the typical Sussex weatherboard,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12reminiscent of America's New England.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19As you might expect, the close proximity of Sussex to London
0:02:19 > 0:02:22makes it a very popular place to live, not just with commuters
0:02:22 > 0:02:24but also those who've given up their working lives
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and have come here to retire.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Combine that with an already quite high local population,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31no surprise that house prices here
0:02:31 > 0:02:32are some of the highest in the country.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35To be precise, a whopping 34% above the national average,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38meaning that your average four bed will set you
0:02:38 > 0:02:41back around about £325,000,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43but there is some good news.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46In the last 12 months, house prices have dropped 12%
0:02:46 > 0:02:48which means that if you think this place is for you,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51there are some really good opportunities out there.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54If you've got 2.45 million in your pocket,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58then this nine bedroom house in Peasmarsh is worth a look.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00The highlight has to be the kitchen diner,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02where no expense has been spared.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06And if you can't handle the heat in the kitchen, why not take a dip in
0:03:06 > 0:03:11the outdoor pool which sits in just over 14 acres of landscaped gardens.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16Alternatively, if you're hunting for a four bedroom country cottage,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19then 735,000 will buy this property in Rotherfield.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21It has a little bit of everything,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25character features, sleek modern lines, a plunge pool,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27and south-facing garden.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Or for a more reasonable 395,000,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36how about this mock Tudor Edwardian property in Hastings?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38The feature fireplace takes centre stage in the lounge
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and the property's elevated position overlooks the mature gardens.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47So has you can see, if you think East Sussex is for you,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50there's a good chance that you will be spoilt for choice,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54at least, that's what I'm hoping for today's buyers.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Today's aspiring urban escapees
0:03:57 > 0:04:00are accountant, Brian, and credit controller, Caroline, who live
0:04:00 > 0:04:04in a three bedroom detached house in Crawley, West Sussex,
0:04:04 > 0:04:05with their cats.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08We originally paid £110,00 for this house.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11We hope it's now worth round about £330,000.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14The house has three bedrooms and two reception rooms,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16with a south-facing large garden.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19We feel very sad leaving our current home because we've been
0:04:19 > 0:04:23here 15 years, but at the same time, we feel it is now time to move on.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24After years of urban living,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28they're now eager to head for the East Sussex countryside.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I was brought up in a village community
0:04:30 > 0:04:33and I think Brian would really enjoy the new life.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36I've spent most of my life living in a town
0:04:36 > 0:04:40and it's about time I went to see what the countryside was all about.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43We've seen a number of houses over the last 18 months.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47A couple were too near the main road. It just totally put us off.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Their current home has generally suited their needs, but with a move
0:04:50 > 0:04:52on the cards, they've drawn up a few new requirements.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56This is currently my dining room. Brian uses it as an office.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58We'd really love to, in our next property,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00have a separate dining room and an office.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03This is our porch which also doubles up as a utility room.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06What would really put the icing on Caroline's cake
0:05:06 > 0:05:09would be in our new property, if she had a separate utility room.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11This garden's been great for us.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13We're looking for a bigger challenge in our new house,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16having a bigger garden where we can grow more vegetables,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and also a bigger greenhouse if we could possibly have that in there.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25That all sounds pretty reasonable, but where would be their ideal spot?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28The location we're both looking for is a village,
0:05:28 > 0:05:34where perhaps they've got a pub, a small village hall and basically to join with the community.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Before we can kick off the search, we've invited round a local
0:05:37 > 0:05:40estate agent to give a valuation for their current home.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42This property's located in a sought after area.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It's convenient for the mainline station.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48There's good primary and secondary schools located nearby.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50We'd value this property at £315,000.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57We're happy with the evaluation, and that's going to help towards our next property.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00which might be a little bit more expensive.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03So what sort of figure do we have to work with?
0:06:03 > 0:06:05The budget for the new property, with our savings
0:06:05 > 0:06:09and the sale of our existing house, would be £800,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15When it comes to finding your ideal property, sometimes knowing what
0:06:15 > 0:06:18you don't want is just as important knowing what you do want,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20so what exactly are Brian and Caroline after?
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Specifically, at least three bedrooms, a nice big kitchen,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27a separate study so that Brian can move all of his clobber out
0:06:27 > 0:06:30of Caroline's dining room, a nice big garden for some vegetables
0:06:30 > 0:06:32and of course, room for all of those cats.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36They've got a very healthy budget of £800,000, so fingers crossed,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37we should be all right.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Brian and Caroline are happy for us to cast a fairly wide net,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49so our search is going to focus roughly on the south of the county,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51around the Eastbourne and Hastings area.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Over the course of two days, I'll be taking them on a tour
0:06:56 > 0:06:59of the best rural hideouts East Sussex has to offer.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I'll be keeping tight-lipped about the prices
0:07:01 > 0:07:04until after they've given the properties the once-over.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06The last on the list will be the mystery house,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09a property they may not have chosen to view themselves
0:07:09 > 0:07:13but might offer them options they hadn't realised they wanted.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16What a lovely sunny day we've got for the start of our house search.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- Welcome to East Sussex.- Thank you.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- Are we all excited?- Yes.- Definitely.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Are you sure you want to write a cheque for £800,000
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- of your hard-earned money? - For the right house, yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29This is interesting because your requirements are pretty do-able,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32but I'm concerned you've been looking for a long time and haven't
0:07:32 > 0:07:35found anything, so what are we going to do that you haven't done?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38We've been too narrow-minded in our approach to look for a property,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- you'd provide a wider perspective. - A broadening of the mind.- Yes.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- That's right.- OK. There's plenty to choose from.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47The sun's still out. Shall we get a move on?
0:07:47 > 0:07:48- Yes, please.- Come on.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Brian and Caroline have a very healthy budget
0:07:52 > 0:07:54of £800,000, and are looking
0:07:54 > 0:07:57for a spacious three to four bedroom house.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Caroline would love a utility room
0:07:59 > 0:08:01and Brian definitely needs a study.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Above all, they want a garden
0:08:03 > 0:08:04large enough to accommodate
0:08:04 > 0:08:05a vegetable patch.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06It's a good budget
0:08:06 > 0:08:08so hopefully, we should be able
0:08:08 > 0:08:10to find some real gems.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Caroline, you are a country girl at heart?
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I am. Yes.- So where did you grow up? - In Lingfield, Surrey.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23So I suppose in many ways, Surrey, Sussex,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26this part of the world is sort of familiar.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29It is. Yes. Yes. As a child, we used to go out cycling
0:08:29 > 0:08:31and walking long walks across the fields.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34How about you, Brian? Is the country something
0:08:34 > 0:08:37that you are discovering or is it something that's familiar?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Yes. It's something I want to discover more of.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I've lived in a town all my life and I think now's the right time
0:08:43 > 0:08:46to sort of move out into the countryside permanently.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Well, I'm sure it won't take too long to feel at home around here.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54The first stop on our property tour is just outside Fairlight,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56five miles east of Hastings.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's a small village, with just a post office,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02but its position on the doorstep of Hastings Country Park
0:09:02 > 0:09:04makes it an attractive place to settle.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07The house we've lined up sits in a secluded setting,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11so it will offer Caroline and Brian plenty of peace and quiet.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12Right.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16There you go. What do you think?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- Lovely.- Yeah.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- This is a nice shaped house, traditional style house.- Yeah.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23It is very light and airy.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26There's a real kind of contemporary mix in here, as well.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27lots of tall ceilings.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It's also had the addition of that extension put onto it which
0:09:30 > 0:09:33really does extend the accommodation beautifully.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Come on. Let's have a look.- OK.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41Right. Come on in.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Feast your eyes
0:09:44 > 0:09:47on one of the reception rooms that this place has to offer you.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- One of how many?- Well, there's a few.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53I'm not going to give it away just yet, Brian.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's not the name of the game, is it?
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Essentially, as you can see, dining room.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I like it. I like the high ceiling. I like the picture rails, as well.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Yes.- So it adds to the age of the property.- Yeah.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Yeah.- OK.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Nice and spacious. I like it.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Yeah?- Yeah. Nice size. - All smiles all round.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- Yes. Nice.- OK. I think we might have struck a note with this one.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18There's no doubt this is a good start.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Across the hall is the smaller of the two sitting rooms
0:10:21 > 0:10:23which has great views over the garden.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Next for us, though, is the hub of the home.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Right, Caroline, this is all for you.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- Wow.- Come in. What do you think?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Perfect.- Perfect?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Somewhere to eat.- Really?- Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Nice and big. Plenty of workspace.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43It goes on. Come through here. Loads of space.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Very much kitchen diner going on as well,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48but I know the utility room is of interest to you.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50It's not the biggest, but it is there.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Washing machine, all that sort of stuff.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Extra fridges if you need them.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57That's the thing about this house, It's all here.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- You've just got to walk in. - Yes. It's nice.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Yeah?- Yeah. Like the kitchen.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Brian, I'm not getting a sense that this is wowing you.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I would like more of a country style kitchen.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Do I feel like I'm pulling teeth? I'm not sure. Right.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Let's go and have a look at the rest of it,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16because there's lots more to see.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17Back off the central hall
0:11:17 > 0:11:21is the study which I'm sure will be big enough for Brian's needs
0:11:21 > 0:11:24and it also gives access to the larger sitting room.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Tell me what you think of this.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Wow. That's big.- Yes. This is nice.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- This is nice.- Yeah? - Yes.- I like this.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33This is the new extension. They've done it in such a way
0:11:33 > 0:11:36as to reflect the architecture in the rest of the house,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39so nice tall ceilings, big windows, loads of light.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42And more doors out to your garden, which we'll explore a bit later.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44And of course, I've got my fireplace, as well.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Well, again, I mean, you know, one of...
0:11:47 > 0:11:50let's see, one, two, three working fireplaces in this house.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- That's probably the biggest one. - That's a nice one.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56All right, let's go upstairs cos you wanted, how many bedrooms... three?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Three to four.- Three to four.- Yes.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00To five?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03How about five? Come and have a look.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Ah, I've surprised them there.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11All the bedrooms up here are good sized doubles
0:12:11 > 0:12:14with plenty of space for wardrobes and finished to a high standard.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Two of the five have en suites.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20The family bathroom is fully tiled and ready to go,
0:12:20 > 0:12:25but I'm keen to cut to the chase and show them the best room of all.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Now, what about this? This is for you guys.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Your own little wing, as it were.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32I mean, this is above that great big living room
0:12:32 > 0:12:34down below with the huge fireplace.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37So this is on top of the extension that's coming out.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Loads of space, loads of light
0:12:38 > 0:12:41and of course, as you'd expect, you get your own bathroom.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Come and have a look at this, have a look in there.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46And something of a walk-in wardrobe,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49so all that clobber and storage you need, in there.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Go and have a look at the bathroom.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- Nice. It's a nice size. - That's nice.- Yes. Yes.- Nice.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Nice. Nice. Nice.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59Come on.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Good nice or bad nice?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- This is good nice.- It's a good nice.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Hurrah.- Good nice. - OK. No chance of wow, then?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Stupid question. All right.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13I'm unsure as to what they really think about this place.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16They're both being so polite, it's difficult to gauge,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but maybe they'll give me some clues in the garden.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Outside, you've got a purpose-built barn storage down there.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27The whole thing operates in this sort of L-shaped arrangement...
0:13:27 > 0:13:31with this bit making the best use of the views of the sea.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It's a nice bonus, I like that.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36You can see how it's all come together in the renovation.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37There's the new extension.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Loads of doors out to the terrace that's been laid out.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- I like the garden, the views.- Yes.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45So you still feel confident about it working in terms
0:13:45 > 0:13:47of the amount of space you need?
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I think so. In terms of vegetables,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51I think that side area there would be more sheltered.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- That's a good idea. - It'll catch the south westerly sun.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Yeah. And out the back here, perhaps leave this to lawn.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Well, let's get down to the business part of this, shall we?
0:14:01 > 0:14:05£800,000 is burning a hole in your back pocket, Brian.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07How much do you want to spend on this one?
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I don't think we'd get much change out of 780,000.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- Caroline.- I'd say 820.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18820. Interesting. Well, you've kind of straddled it, I suppose.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22It's on the market for £795,000.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Good for you, cos you said 820.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28You've gone a bit quiet.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Yes. No. It's grown on me.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35I think on the scale, the nice scale, it's just gone up a notch.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Hurrah. At last. OK. Go and have a look around inside.- OK.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- I'll catch up with you later.- OK. - Off you go.- Thank you.- Enjoy.- OK.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47This immaculate house
0:14:47 > 0:14:50is up for grabs at £795,000.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52There are three reception rooms
0:14:52 > 0:14:53and a separate study.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54Five bedrooms
0:14:54 > 0:14:56and a large garden which has plenty
0:14:56 > 0:14:59of options for a vegetable patch.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Kitchen, yes, a nice big area.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Yes.- I think you like the decor better than I do... to be honest.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Yeah. It's all contemporary, isn't it, to a country kitchen.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13Yeah, but I think it probably fits in better, the style of house, overall.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Yes. The house is brilliant. Lots of lovely rooms.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21The kitchen has excellent space for us. A place to eat, as well.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24And the living room is lovely. Plus also, added bonus,
0:15:24 > 0:15:29a big dining room and a study for Brian, which he really needs.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Slightly disappointed with the kitchen.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35It wasn't a country kitchen which I was expecting, or hoping for.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38The rooms themselves were very large, which is great.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Nice garden. I like the lounge. - Yeah, it's a nice size.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- Yeah. Nice square shape.- I can just imagine Christmas in here.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- That's right.- Yeah. - If we do go for this property,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50then I think the tree would look nice in that corner there.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54I could see us living here and growing vegetables and doing
0:15:54 > 0:15:58bits and pieces to outside, watching the day go by.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Right. I'm going to drag you away.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07But I think we could be getting there with that one.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Yeah. It's nice.- Very nice.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11- Very nice.- It's growing on me.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13It's growing on you.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17It is, it is an uphill battle, isn't it, mate, it really is.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18And I tell you what,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21we are going to overcome this word "nice" with the other properties
0:16:21 > 0:16:24that I'm going to show you because they're not just nice,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26they're gorgeous. Come on.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35One of Brian's top ambitions is to get a private pilot's licence
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and admire the beauty of the local landscape from the air.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41So we've arranged for him to have a taster.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Roger Burford is a retired commercial pilot and he has kindly
0:16:44 > 0:16:47offered to give Brian a flight in the aircraft he co-owns.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48- Hello.- Hello.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Brian has got it in his head that learning to fly will be a good idea.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I've always wanted to get my private pilot's licence
0:16:55 > 0:16:57and now seems the opportune moment to do that.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Presumably this is not a cheap hobby, Roger.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Oh, no. The full private pilot's licence would probably cost
0:17:03 > 0:17:05in the region of £7-8,000.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08OK. And how long would it take to do the course?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Depends very much on this wonderful weather in Sussex, you see.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13You could probably do it in a month,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17if you went every day, but I should think probably six months, overall.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Yeah.- Going a couple of times a week.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I know with your aircraft seats are limited,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26so the plan is that you and Roger take to the air
0:17:26 > 0:17:28and you and I will sit this one out and have a little chat
0:17:28 > 0:17:32down on the airstrip and you can go and see Sussex from the air.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- You can watch the fun from the ground.- Yeah. Come on, then.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- Off you go.- Right.- Enjoy. - Come with me, Brian.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Spilstead, this is Golf. Give me a foxtrot, foxtrot.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45We're on runway 16.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Look at that.- Woo-hoo!
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Give her a wave.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Brilliant. How about that?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- There they go.- I'm jealous now.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Are you?- Yeah.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08It's fantastic, Roger.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16On a day like this, Brian really is getting a fantastic bird's-eye view
0:18:16 > 0:18:19of the East Sussex coastline and surrounding countryside.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Look at those cliffs,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22that is fabulous.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24I should have taken up flying earlier.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29I've wasted so many years of my life just not flying. It's amazing.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I bet my wife Carol, she's jealous.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35But all good things must come to an end and it's time
0:18:35 > 0:18:37to head back to the airstrip.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- That's them up there. - Yeah. Yeah. It is.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- More power. There we are.- Thank you.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Brilliant.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Great stuff. Right. Let's go and see how they got on.- Yeah.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Well, how was that then?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Wow. That was fantastic.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Oh, brilliant.- I really enjoyed it.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01I don't know why I didn't do this years ago.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03How did he get on?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06He did pretty well, I think. Yes. He's a natural.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- Thanks very much, Roger, for your time today.- You're welcome.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I think you've definitely converted one member of this family
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- and probably another one as well in the future.- Yeah.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- It's going to be a joint hobby, I think.- Come on.- OK.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24As the sun sinks into the horizon,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27day one of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Caroline and Brian, from Crawley, are looking to break free
0:19:39 > 0:19:42from their suburban lifestyle and make a bid for
0:19:42 > 0:19:43the East Sussex countryside.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47They have a budget of £800,000 and are chasing a spacious
0:19:47 > 0:19:49three to four bedroom house with a large garden
0:19:49 > 0:19:51big enough to grow vegetables.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54So far, they have viewed one property which they have been
0:19:54 > 0:19:56terribly nice about.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57- This is nice.- This is nice.- Yeah?
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- It's a nice size.- It's nice.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Nice and big, spacious. I like it.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05But, coming up, it's no more Mr Nice Guy and there's a bonus
0:20:05 > 0:20:06that lights Brian's fire.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- Fantastic. I love it.- It's great. - Yeah.- That's what I want.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- And the mystery house that creates a splash.- It's not going
0:20:13 > 0:20:16to be too big to maintain but big enough to have fun in.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It's the beginning of our second day's house hunting
0:20:22 > 0:20:25here in East Sussex, with Caroline and Brian.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28You remember when we started, they were very keen we should
0:20:28 > 0:20:30broaden their minds, give them food for thought.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Yesterday, I think we managed to do that.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Today that process continues.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Can we continue to stretch their minds? I think we can.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39And we've got a fantastic mystery house
0:20:39 > 0:20:42that I think will really impress them.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Our first house this morning
0:20:45 > 0:20:47is located in Crowhurst,
0:20:47 > 0:20:48four and a half miles
0:20:48 > 0:20:49north west of Hastings.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52It's a peaceful rural village with the usual amenities,
0:20:52 > 0:20:57plus the bonus of a farm shop abundant with local produce.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00The house we're heading for lies on the fringe of the village
0:21:00 > 0:21:02and dates back to 1904.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- All right, Caroline? - Yeah.- Come on down here.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Now, going on a theme, another Edwardian number.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- What do you think of this one? - Got lots of character.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15It's very long. Looks like it'll be a lot of room inside.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18It's huge. Space is one thing you will not be short of
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- in this property.- I'm excited.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Good. And we haven't had the "n" word today, the "nice" word.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- No. Not today.- Top of the scale!
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Come on.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Right. Come on in.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Now then... first impressions coming inside?
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- It's nice. Nice size.- Spacious. I like the floor.- Stripped floor.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I like the little bell up there. Does it work?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- I'm not sure, we'll try it later. - To call the servant?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53You've got enough room for servants. This place would have had servants
0:21:53 > 0:21:56in its day, when it was built, turn of the 20th century, early 1900s.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59But there are loads of reception rooms, as you would expect.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Let's start through here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- What do you think of this?- Oh, yes.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Come on in.- Wow.- Brilliant ceiling.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Yeah. Lovely.- Yeah?- Lovely.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- Yeah.- This is lovely. This mantel is genuinely Edwardian.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- Lovely.- Loads of light and space so I would suspect this would be
0:22:16 > 0:22:18be one of your principal living rooms.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Not a bad start. Choice is what this house is all about,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25but the kitchen really is extraordinary because it's not just a kitchen,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28it's a living room and a reception room, possibly even a dining room.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32It's kind of anything you want to be, really. Come and have a look.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33You'll see what I mean.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Right. Caroline.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- Wow.- Crikey.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Crikey. Whoa!
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Yeah. But it works.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Well, doesn't it just? - I like the windows.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Aren't they great?- Yeah.- And it really does let light pour in.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49We'll explore that area in a moment,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53but you've got this lovely bay window, window seat.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56And this is very much a kind of relaxing cosy living area.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Yes.- Proper country kitchen. - Hurray! Brilliant.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Well, let's have a look at the kitchen. Come over here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05You've got all this wonderful way to enjoy your cooking,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08with a view out of those windows and you've got that gorgeous range.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Look at that.- I bet you love that, Caroline?- Yes.- That's the real thing.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- I love it.- You love it.- Yes.- Hurrah! We haven't had "love" yet, have we?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- We had lots of "nice", we've had a "crikey."- Crikey!
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Now we've got a "love it."
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Now that's what I've been waiting for.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Off the hall is a second reception room and there's a handy cloakroom,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29but we're heading to the next floor.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33The large landing is almost a room in itself and I can't wait to see
0:23:33 > 0:23:37their reaction to what I think is a pretty impressive bathroom.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It's huge!
0:23:41 > 0:23:45It's pretty special, isn't it? Well, the bath is a bath for two.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48So imagine the fun you can have in there.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51And you've got this lovely wet room, walk-in job.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52- Lovely. Yes.- Yeah.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- Yeah.- And is that under floor heating I can feel coming up?
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- Absolutely. Well spotted.- Wow. - Yeah. So really cosy room, this.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Bedrooms. You wanted three. - Yes.- You've got three.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Three enormous doubles, as you would expect.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Let's go and find a room for you guys. Out you go.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- OK.- They certainly won't be stuck for space in these bedrooms
0:24:11 > 0:24:13which have plenty of room for storage.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15In addition to these two doubles,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19there is another single room which is currently used as a study,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21but it's time to look at a room for them.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24This, you know, another huge double room.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26I think this is probably for you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- This is nice. - This is the main bedroom. Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- Yeah.- Lots of light. - Very light and bright.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Lovely view over the garden from that bay window.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Also loads of storage.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37You've got a little built-in arrangement in here.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39There's one over there, Brian.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- So you've got a kind of his and hers, if you want.- Wow.- Yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Through there a little en suite
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- if you don't want to use the big bathroom.- Can we have a look?- Yeah!
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Yes!- A little skylight up there. - Does the job.- There you go.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53So all in all,
0:24:53 > 0:24:58this is quite an impressive kind of end to this bit of the upstairs.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00What are we thinking? Are we going to get a wow?
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Not yet. Want to make you work a little bit harder, Jules.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Why did I know that was coming?
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Caroline and Brian are hard to please but I do have a few more cards to play.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Next up, something for Caroline.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Now, Caroline, how about this? Proper, pukka utility room.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Yes. This is great.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Yes. Be quite happy in here.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27If Caroline wants to be happy in here, that's fine.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32- I'll be happy in my new kitchen. - Doing all your washing and drying, mate. Yeah. Lucky old you.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Well, you say new kitchen, you've got a choice of kitchens, actually, cos you haven't just got that one.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40You've got another one because this annexe is vast. It goes on and on.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Come and have a look.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44The annexe is a real bonus.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Downstairs there's a fully fitted kitchen diner and a lounge come bedroom with doors to the garden.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54But the marvellous bedroom upstairs is something I can't wait to show off.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- Wow. - You've done it again, haven't you?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01What, what have I done?
0:26:01 > 0:26:02Amazed us.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05I mean, this is whatever you want it to be, really.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09It's a separate office, if you really want to work from home and have clients in.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It's a granny annexe if you need it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- So, you know, all sorts of potential.- Definitely.- Right.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Let's go and check out the garden cos that may be the make or break.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- Yeah.- OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Come on.- Right. - Well, that has impressed them.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Let's hope the garden does the same.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Come and enjoy the weather. Look at this.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- What a day, eh?- Gorgeous.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Nice little vegetable patch for you.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Yeah.- This is just right. - Big enough?- Yeah.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- It's big enough to support ourselves. Yeah.- Yeah.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43The other really nice thing is if you get that original Edwardian green house.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- Jules, you want a wow? You get a wow for the greenhouse.- Wahey!
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- This is fantastic. I love it. - It's great, isn't it? - I love it. That's what I want.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- It needs a bit of work but nothing you couldn't do. - That's my dream greenhouse.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Brilliant. Right. Well, let's see if the garden is your dream garden. Come and have a look down here.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01The plot is just under one acre and is mainly lawn
0:27:01 > 0:27:03with mature trees and shrubs,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05providing plenty of scope for redevelopment.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09It seems to be a lot of property here.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11A lot of space.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Well, will you be happy, I wonder though, with the price of it?
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- Probably not.- You've got your 100 grand, of course.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Make me an offer, Caroline.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I'll say 830.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30I'm going to be optimistic and go for 780.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35780. If it was 780 or thereabouts, what would you think?
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Definitely see us interested.
0:27:37 > 0:27:45OK. So you would be really interested then if it was on the market for £749,000.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46- No!- You're joking!
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Absolutely serious.- Really?- Yeah.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- He's gone quiet now. - I've gone silent again.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I think this is a good thing, though, on this occasion, Brian.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Well, look, have a good old think about it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04There's plenty for you to explore still.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08There's a bit more of the annexe to look at and down there, there's some chickens.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09The good life awaits you. Go on.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- Go and enjoy. I'll catch up with you later.- All right, Jules.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- OK.- Off you go. - Let's see these chickens.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19At just under £750,000,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23this house is 50 grand under budget and still offers plenty of space.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26There's a huge kitchen diner, four bedrooms,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29the bonus of an annexe and a large garden
0:28:29 > 0:28:33that could provide Caroline and Brian with the good life.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Chickens'll be useful.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Eggs for breakfast every day.- Yes. - What about the rest of the garden? - Yeah. The garden's lovely.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- It is nice, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43I'm impressed. There's a lot of space.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47The kitchen is just fantastic and the fact that you've got this whole
0:28:47 > 0:28:50dining area, sort of living area, which we're sat in now, it's just amazing.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54We were looking for a house in the country with lots of big rooms,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58lots of space, lovely character and this really fits the bill.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01This is really a bonus, isn't it?
0:29:01 > 0:29:05Yeah. We were sort of thinking perhaps, an annexe for your mum and dad, perhaps.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Yeah. It's just right for the both of them.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10That's right. They can do their own thing if they want to.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Yeah. Locationwise, this is great.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Down a country lane which isn't busy.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17This is really what we're looking for.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22I think it could be hard to top this property. However, Jules has surprised us a couple of times.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I bet he's got something up his sleeve for the mystery house.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26There you are!
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- Hello.- Exploring the new greenhouse. - It's nice. Blossom on the peach tree.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Fantastic, isn't it? I'd love one of these at home, I have to say.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37I really would. Is this going to be your home though, I wonder?
0:29:37 > 0:29:38- Could be.- Could be.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43- Could be.- Well, it's not over yet. There's one more to go and that, of course, is the mystery house.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Will that change your minds?
0:29:44 > 0:29:49- Well, what you've done to us so far, Jules, and come up with all these surprises...- Anything's possible.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54I'm really intrigued to what your definition of a mystery house is going to be because, yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Anything's possible. Come on. Let's see what you think.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04Well, our house tours are nearly at an end and the thing I love about property hunting here in Sussex
0:30:04 > 0:30:07is you've got a wonderful mixture of lovely properties,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10wonderful countryside and some fairly pretty coastline.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14But now, of course, it is time to reveal my mystery house to Caroline and Brian.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Now, like most mystery houses, it is a little bit challenging
0:30:17 > 0:30:21and with this one in particular, not everything is quite as it seems.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Now, are you excited about the mystery house?- Very.- Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32What would be your ideal mystery house, do you think?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Oh, it's going to be a difficult one.
0:30:35 > 0:30:41I don't know. I mean, what we've seen so far plus something else
0:30:41 > 0:30:43which you believe that we want
0:30:43 > 0:30:45and we don't realise we want it until we see it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48I've got just the thing.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51We've headed west for the mystery house which is in Hankham,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53five miles north of Eastbourne.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Again, it's a quiet village with few amenities, but there
0:30:57 > 0:31:02is a nursery for picking up your plants for the garden and a couple of options for afternoon strolls.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Our final house sits at the heart of the village
0:31:04 > 0:31:07and has a little surprise that they haven't asked for
0:31:07 > 0:31:09that I'm hoping they're going to love.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12So, this is the mystery house.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Yeah.- Like it.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- I like the front of it.- Do you?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- Yeah.- What do you like about it? - It's got character.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20It's got a lot of character.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Lots of space. Beautifully made.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25And some really, really lovely details. Come on.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Let's go inside and have a look.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33Come on in. Grab the door, Brian.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Now then, the mystery house inside. Your first view of it, what do you think?
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- Oldey-worldey.- Oldey-worldey. - Nice?
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- Nice beams.- Yeah. The beams have effect without getting in the way.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Well, you've got that beamed feel, but you can stand up, Brian.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Yes.- Yeah.- That's it.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50So come through here.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Let's start with this living room. What do you think of this?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- This is nice.- Parquet flooring.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- Yeah. Parquet flooring.- Nice. - This goes throughout.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02Very typical for this kind of early interwar period.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Well, this is the biggest fireplace we've seen yet, isn't it?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- Yes.- It's fantastic. - Even you could stand up in there.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Yeah. You're right, Jules. - There you go. Yeah.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15Off the hallway is a reception which Brian could use as a study.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18And next door again, is a good size dining room.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21But what will Caroline make of this?
0:32:21 > 0:32:24And then something of a kitchen diner, effectively. What do you think?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- It's what we're looking for, isn't it, a kitchen diner?- Yeah.- Be useful.
0:32:27 > 0:32:28I like the windows.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- Double-aspect windows. - Yeah.- So light.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36It is a long kitchen but you've got behind us, we've got the work space, haven't we? We've got the sink unit.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37We've got the oven.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41You know, it doesn't have your modern double gas hob, etc, but you can do all that.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I mean, that's an easy one to fix.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- Yeah.- All right. - Yeah.- Crikey.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I do feel I'm struggling a bit, with this one. It's the mystery house.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53Come on. Come on. It's going to get better. Follow me through here. Let's go upstairs.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57They do seem to be keeping their cards close to their chests.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02From the kitchen, there's access to the garage which also doubles as a utility room.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Time now, though, to head upstairs.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Immediately ahead of us, is a small but adequately fitted out bathroom.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12This house has four double bedrooms which should be ample for their requirements.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14And some have built-in wardrobes.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17It'll be interesting, though, to hear what they think of the master suite.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20What do you think?
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- Lovely apex.- Yes.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- I like that.- Yeah. You're not used to this, are you?
0:33:25 > 0:33:27This sort of slopey ceiling thing, with bedrooms.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I think you've picked up on that before. But you like it.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- No. I like it. Adds character to the property.- Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Yeah. It is a nice size, as well.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Loads of room in here for storing all sorts of stuff.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41And this is very much a kind of built-in arrangement but again, you can easily change that.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Good. All right. Well, master should have an en suite.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46This one is no exception.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47Come in to here.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- It's huge, actually. - It's a nice size.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Nice.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- It's quite nice. - Nice and bright and cheerful.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57It's really bright and this really is a pukka room in its own right.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59You've got, not just a bath, but shower as well,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03which is nice to have that flexibility and all the things you'd normally expect.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- And loads of light and views and so on.- Yes. It's nice.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Yeah. This is a nice en suite. Yeah.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Yeah.- OK. That word's back again.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13That 'nice' word. Oh, I'm getting nervous now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Well, it is of course, the mystery house
0:34:16 > 0:34:19and no mystery house is complete without a mystery,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21or indeed a surprise. Come and follow me.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- You're going to like this. - That's what worries us, Jules.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25You'll like this.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30OK. So it's nice but I sense they're not completely sold on this place.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35I do, however, have other surprises in store which hopefully, will tip the balance.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36Right. Let's go back outside.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41Lovely day for this house hunt, I have to say. Let's go for a little wander through the garden
0:34:41 > 0:34:44and see what we can find.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- Oh, my God.- How about it?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50It's a big fish pond.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Shark pond, I would suggest. Yes.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55I like it. It's not going to be too big to maintain.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58In fact, it's going to be big enough to have fun in.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- A lot of fun in it and it's really beautifully built, too. - I'll have to learn to swim now.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- Can you really not swim?- No. I can't swim.- Well, perfect place to learn.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08But it's not just about the pool.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- There is more to it than that.- More?
0:35:10 > 0:35:13More. It's the mystery house, Brian. There's a lot more. Come on.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Yes, indeed, I do have more up my sleeve.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21The back portion of the garage building houses a useful space which,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23being plumbed, could make another utility room.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27But it's the room upstairs that I have high hopes for.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32Right. Brian, you wanted an office.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- Oh, wow. This is my office. - It's good, isn't it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- I like it.- They don't come much more purpose-built than this one.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- It's perfect.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I think you can see why this is such a good mystery house.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49Because the property is big, it's spacious, it does accommodate all that you would need.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55But it's also got some really useful features to make your life work immediately. Plus a bonus of a pool.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Yeah. So after a hard day's work, can go down the pool and relax afterwards.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Or relax in the garden. Let's go and have a look at that.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Last but not least.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- You forgot about that, didn't you? - I forgot about that!
0:36:07 > 0:36:09I knew we'd hit the nail on the head with that one.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Now, it's just down to the garden.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16Lots of room to play with. Mature trees, as you can see, some beds and whatnot,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20and one or two kind of little areas that you could dedicate perhaps to vegetables, if you wanted to.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25- But of course, the whole thing frames that view of the property which, I think, is glorious.- Yeah.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It's a nice quaint, country garden.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Yes. Nice and quiet and really lovely.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- You know what I'm going to ask you now, don't you?- I know. Yes. Yes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- Go on then. Oh no, I asked you last time, didn't I?- You did.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Brian. Let's put you on the spot.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Well, very nice property, but I'm always an optimist. 760.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46760. That is optimistic.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Yeah. Go on. Caroline?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Mmm...795?
0:36:51 > 0:36:56795. Part of the reason this is the mystery house is because
0:36:56 > 0:36:59it's also the cheapest property that we have shown you.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03This is on the market for £745,000.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- Really?- Really?
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- Wow.- Has your view changed? Because knowing the price and knowing what else you'd get for it...
0:37:11 > 0:37:16- I think so.- I think Caroline's only concern was the kitchen
0:37:16 > 0:37:18which can be put to our taste
0:37:18 > 0:37:21perhaps a bit more, although it's very nice as it is.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- I can't remember anything else we didn't really like about the property.- No.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Well, go and have an explore. Go on. Go and see if it would work for you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- Which way shall we go? That way or that way?- Go that way.- This way.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Don't fall in the pool.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Well, there we are. That was the mystery house,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40mysterious not just because of its size and its appointment
0:37:40 > 0:37:43but because it is a whopping £55,000 under budget.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Yours for a cool 745,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48but you do get a wonderful house and a wonderful pool.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55Caroline and Brian got a pleasant surprise at the £745,000 price tag for this place.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59It comes complete with a large living room, a separate dining room,
0:37:59 > 0:38:03four bedrooms, a study for Brian and the bonus of a swimming pool.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I can imagine us having quite a bit of fun in here in the summer months.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11It's heated, so maybe in the winter months as well.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14This house, definitely THE mystery house.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17The pool and the office combined,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19wasn't expecting either.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Pleasant surprise, both of them.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26Although I didn't ask for a pool, now I've got the option of possibly having one and I quite like the idea.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It's really amazed both Brian and myself.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33the actual outside of it, as we drew up, it took my breath away.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36It's a really individual style property.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I was hoping to have a nice big cooker put somewhere.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Perhaps if we went for this property we could move the cooker and oven.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Yeah. Rearrange it slightly. But other than that...
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- Yeah. It's workable, it's practical. - It's liveable.- As it stands.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53I was pleasantly surprised when Jules told us the price of this property
0:38:53 > 0:38:57because it does have a lot of character and it's got a lot of features to it.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59It has put the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03It's going to be a really tough choice, now.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09- All done?- Yes.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- Yes.- Good. Want to see any more houses?- No.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17No. We've got enough to think about, I think, after this one, Jules.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I thought you might have. Well, let's get you somewhere
0:39:19 > 0:39:24where you can have a good old think about it and then I'll see if you've made a decision.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36Caroline and Brian have been thrown some interesting property propositions.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38It's time now though to weigh up the balance.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Well, at long last, it is the moment we've all been waiting for.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45It is, of course, decision time for Brian and for Caroline.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50To be honest, picking which house, if any, they may go for isn't as easy as you might think because they
0:39:50 > 0:39:56have been pretty cagey about all of the houses I've shown them, but of course, as ever, there is only
0:39:56 > 0:40:00one way to find out what they are going to do, to go and ask them.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Well, guys, I'm afraid this is it, we're nearly done.
0:40:07 > 0:40:13All right. Well, let's just remind ourselves of the journey we took to the properties of East Sussex.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18We started with that lovely renovated Edwardian property with the new extension on it.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- Yes.- What did you think of that one? - Fantastic.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23The room sizes were brilliant.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Lots of space. - The living room was fantastic.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28That's probably the best part of that property.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- The extension was superb.- And it's nice views out the back as well.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36You can sort of go upstairs and look out over the fields, see the cows grazing.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, then it was another day, a sunny day, I'm glad to say.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43And we took you to that wonderful property just outside Crowhurst.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44What happened there?
0:40:44 > 0:40:49We liked that property. I liked the style of the architecture, the arch-shaped windows.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51The kitchen was great cos it's so open-plan.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52The kitchen was fantastic.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57Also, the separate annexe type site at the end of the house, as well,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- which was independent.- Well, I kept that as a bit of a surprise.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Yes. It was a very big surprise.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- My goodness me! That was a huge addition.- Yeah.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10But it wasn't over yet. There was, of course, one last property to see.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14The mystery house. Now then, what about that one, Caroline?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17I love the actual frontage of it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It's so different from anything else we'd seen.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22The lounge was lovely.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Large inglenook fireplace.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Nice size dining room. And I think the only drawback was the kitchen.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33Obviously, there wasn't a large gas stove, cooker in there.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- The thing that amazed me at the property was the study. - That's right.
0:41:37 > 0:41:44It's the perfect office, independent from the rest of the house, so no unnecessary interruptions.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- And what about the pool? - That took us back.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51Nicely secluded in the grounds of the property.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Big enough to have fun and swim around and enjoy it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58We've talked about it endlessly now. We've shown you round. What happens next?
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- I think we're going to go back and see the mystery property.- Right.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07Definitely. But at this stage, we don't want to rule out the property in Crowhurst.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10If you were to ask us now to make a call, although this could change
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- in the future, the mystery house is edging it, at the moment.- Yes.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Well, thank you for being such good sports.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21I hope we've been able to point you in the direction of your ideal dream home.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22Either of those will be fantastic.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26The mystery house though, great choice. So thank you and well done.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27- Thank you, Jules.- Thank you.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Well, dusk is setting and that,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38of course, brings us nearly to the end of this particular show.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41When we started our journey with Brian and with Caroline,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I really did not believe they knew quite what they were looking for.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Have we solved the problem, I wonder?
0:42:46 > 0:42:50We've certainly given them lots of choice, maybe too much choice.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52The mystery house played its part fantastically.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Certainly put the cat among the pigeons
0:42:55 > 0:42:57and maybe will be their ideal dream home.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01I suspect it's a debate that will rumble on, however, but if they do buy it, it'll be perfect.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03I'll see you next time.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08If you feel like escaping to the country and would like our help,
0:43:08 > 0:43:12then please contact us through our website:
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0:43:24 > 0:43:27E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk