0:00:02 > 0:00:06Believe it or not, I'm standing quite literally on the edge of nowhere. Intrigued?
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Find out more in a moment when we Escape to the Country.
0:00:22 > 0:00:28This week I'll be helping an animal-loving couple find their perfect pad in the country.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32And our search for that fantasy island seems never-ending.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- There is room for an island. - You could fit an island perfectly.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37You could fit a continent in here, young lady!
0:00:37 > 0:00:43But will they land more than they bargained for with the mystery house?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47This week we are in Norfolk, and this area of marshland used to
0:00:47 > 0:00:52be, according to the 19th century directories, known as Nowhere.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Where, for hundreds of years, local residents would come to pan
0:00:55 > 0:01:00not for gold but for salt, which they used to preserve their food.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04However, in 1862, Nowhere was formerly incorporated
0:01:04 > 0:01:10into the local parish of Acle and now no longer appears on the map.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Norfolk in East Anglia is the fifth largest county in England,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16looking out over the North Sea.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Its landscape may be flat but it's no less beautiful for that,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23with 100 miles of sweeping coastline
0:01:23 > 0:01:29offering up stunning white sandy beaches and quiet seaside towns.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33And from the shores emerged one of Britain's most famous seafarers,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Admiral Lord Nelson, who was born and schooled here.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40But he wasn't the only water lover.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Two million visitors a year flock to the Norfolk Broads, the UK's largest
0:01:44 > 0:01:51protected wetland, to soak up its wildlife and expansive views from the comfort of their pleasure boats.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56On firmer ground, Norfolk is home to a host of historic buildings,
0:01:56 > 0:02:04from its 650 medieval churches through to its royal residence, the spectacular Sandringham estate.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07And there are plenty of rural hideaways to tempt any escapee,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11from the traditional flint cottages to detached period homes.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17From Rule Britannia to Cool Britannia,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Norfolk is on the up as, despite being the butt of many
0:02:21 > 0:02:23comedians' jokes over the years,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27the county is on a new charm offensive, championing itself
0:02:27 > 0:02:29not only as a great holiday location
0:02:29 > 0:02:33but as a world-class business destination, too.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35And there are some first-rate properties
0:02:35 > 0:02:40to be found in the county, and here are a few currently on the market.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45For a cool £1 million, this Grade 2 listed six-bedroom manor house
0:02:45 > 0:02:47in Linwood still has period features
0:02:47 > 0:02:52stretching back to the 1600s in its magnificent reception rooms.
0:02:52 > 0:02:59The more modern garden room is very much in keeping and has delightful sunny views over the lawns outside.
0:02:59 > 0:03:05£525,000 would land you this four-bedroomed barn conversion near Bungay.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10With walls replaced by full-length windows, the property makes the most of natural light.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14The kitchen diner is a hub for entertaining and there's
0:03:14 > 0:03:18an alfresco option with the patio, which all the rooms lead out to.
0:03:18 > 0:03:27And for just shy of £300,000, this quirky 1950s three bedroom cottage in Barton Turf features a modernised
0:03:27 > 0:03:31kitchen and comfortable dining in the recently added conservatory
0:03:31 > 0:03:35which overlooks the private rear garden.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40We have searched high and low to find the very best properties here in Norfolk.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43All that's missing is this week's house hunters.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44Let me introduce you to Carol and Philip.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49Philip, who is a fireman, and Carol, have lived and their three bedroom
0:03:49 > 0:03:53semi-detached house in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, for nine years.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Phil works in London but will be retiring in a couple of years, so they've decided that now
0:03:58 > 0:04:01is the time to put down some roots in rural Norfolk.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05And it doesn't sound like they're going to be lonely.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10We like adopting animals that need looking after, and we think we'll
0:04:10 > 0:04:15be able to do that better if we move to a larger property, bigger garden,
0:04:15 > 0:04:23and we can then sort of adopt as many animals as we want to, and look after them and give them a good home.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Another good reason is that Norfolk is only a couple of hours away and,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30we have three children and two grandchildren,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and we still want to be part of their lives.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So far Carol and Phil haven't been prepared to compromise.
0:04:35 > 0:04:42This is probably going to be our final move and we want to make sure that the property that we get is
0:04:42 > 0:04:49perfect, so we have a quite demanding wish-list for you to look at.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53That sounds ominous! So what kind of property are they looking for?
0:04:53 > 0:04:59It must be detached, it must be in a rural location, three or four bedrooms
0:04:59 > 0:05:03with a good-sized lounge, good-sized kitchen and a nice, big garden.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06And there are some other important considerations.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I would really love a big kitchen with a big range cooker and a big
0:05:09 > 0:05:14island in the centre so that we can cook together and entertain together.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19Moving to Norfolk would mean a complete lifestyle change for Carol and I.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24Within the next two years I'll be retiring, I'll have a lot more time on my hands for interesting
0:05:24 > 0:05:28activities such as boating, horse riding, long walks
0:05:28 > 0:05:31with the dogs and hopefully trips to the seaside.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37I'm a great animal lover and I'd love to adopt more dogs and cats, but also I'm worried about
0:05:37 > 0:05:41the plight of the battery hens that need adopting at the moment,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45and one of my passions would be to get some from a battery farm
0:05:45 > 0:05:48and give them a good home for the rest of their lives.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Are there any special features they are after?
0:05:51 > 0:05:57A unique feature, I think, that I would like in the new property would be an inglenook fireplace.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03I think it would be lovely curling up on a winter's evening in front of a wood burner, wouldn't it?
0:06:03 > 0:06:08Very nice, yeah. We've seen a couple of barn conversions on our travels,
0:06:08 > 0:06:14and I particularly like the character of those properties with the vaulted ceilings and the beams.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18And we may have another resident to consider if Carol gets her way.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22I'm quite keen on adopting a donkey as well, but I've got to...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24got to convince Phil of this.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Yeah, I'm very keen to adopt a donkey as well, but if I let you
0:06:28 > 0:06:32have a free rein, we'd have London Zoo down here,
0:06:32 > 0:06:37so I do have to rein you in a little bit.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43Carol and Phil already have their house on the market for just shy of £350,000.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47So with that in mind, what's the budget for their new house in Norfolk?
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Our budget for our move is £350,000.
0:06:52 > 0:06:59We're after a period detached property with a good-sized kitchen and open fireplaces.
0:06:59 > 0:07:06Outside, we need enough land for Carol to adopt a whole menagerie of animals in need of some TLC,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09but I think a paddock for the donkeys may be pushing it.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Although Norfolk is affordable, finding a detached country property
0:07:13 > 0:07:19with land and on their budget, well, it's a big ask.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The couple want to be close enough to London for Phil to commute
0:07:22 > 0:07:26to work and for Carol to continue looking after their grandchildren.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30So with transport links in mind, our house search will radiate out
0:07:30 > 0:07:34from Norwich, from where countryside is just a short drive away.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I'll be showing Carol and Phil some fabulous properties which I hope
0:07:38 > 0:07:43fit the bill, but I won't be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49And, as always, I'll be serving up a mystery property to challenge everything they thought they wanted.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Hi, guys. Welcome to Norfolk. - Thank you.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00So, first things first, your house is on the market in Potters Bar.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- How's that progressing? - Yeah, slow but sure.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04We've had a couple of second viewings.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- So we'll be keeping our fingers crossed on that front?- Definitely.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Now, budgets, remind me what your budget is?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Budget is £350,000.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16And is there any flexibility on that at all?
0:08:16 > 0:08:21There's a little flexibility upwards. We could possibly go to 375.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26Now, Carol, you don't want to be too far away from your grandchildren, about two hours max?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Yep, yep.- And, Phil, you still need to commute into London for a few more years.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- I would do, yes.- So why Norfolk?
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Basically, because it's closer to the family.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39We did look at another couple of places, we looked at Cornwall
0:08:39 > 0:08:43and we looked at the Lake District, but they are really too far away.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48But Norfolk is a beautiful county, we've come here quite a lot of times and we love it.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52And it's easier to get back to the grandchildren.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56We're very much into nature and conservation of things like that,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and there's wildlife sanctuaries to look at,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00so that's another good reason.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Because it does sound like you're going to have your own sanctuary.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05How many animals do you want to re-home?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08We will do our best...
0:09:08 > 0:09:09It's up for discussion.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Discussion and negotiation?
0:09:11 > 0:09:16It is, yes. Carol will have the zoo and I'll have to balance that down a little bit.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Well, I was worried whether we are trying to find you a property or Noah's Ark!
0:09:20 > 0:09:22We've already got Noah's Ark at home.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Is it a new Noah's Ark in Norwich?
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Yes, yes. I mean, obviously we will have our rescue animals
0:09:27 > 0:09:32that we've got at the moment and bring those with us, and hopefully taking on a few more.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Well, we do have some great properties lined up and, of course, the mystery property.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- So are you ready to get started? - Yes.- Very much so, very excited.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46Carol and Phil have set us a budget of £350,000 but could stretch
0:09:46 > 0:09:50to £375,000 for the perfect property.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55And even they admit they've got a demanding wish-list, which includes:
0:10:03 > 0:10:07And enough land so they can re-home their rescue animals,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11including space for hens and, ideally, a donkey.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16So with this big move, and I know you love your horses, your ponies,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19your donkeys, but, Phil, you want to take up horse riding?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Yes definitely, Nicki.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24It's not something that I've done before,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28but it is definitely something that I'm looking forward to giving a go.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33Well, I'm impressed. I horse ride - badly, I have to say - but I'm very impressed.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36You're never too old but it's a long way down when you come off.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38It is a long way down, especially for me.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41And perhaps you can give me some tips on what to do.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Hang on tightly, that would be it!
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Hang on and be nice to your horse!
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Our first property takes us eight miles outside Norwich to
0:10:49 > 0:10:55the popular village of Coltishall, often dubbed the Gateway to the Broads.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00Besides its thatched cottage, built using a distinctive knapped flint, the village has
0:11:00 > 0:11:05some traditional shops and there are some eye-catching period properties dotted about.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10So let's see if the style of our first house gets the thumbs-up from our couple.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Come on through, Carol and Phil. - Thank you.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Because here is your first property. - OK.- Oh, wow!
0:11:18 > 0:11:22It's a barn conversion, and I know a barn conversion was high up on the wish-list.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It was, yeah, very much so, yes.
0:11:24 > 0:11:30- So this barn dates back to the 1850s, it was only converted about 25 years ago.- Right.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's got an awful lot of character.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38It's got a lot of character. I like the mixture of the brickwork and the flint.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- So are you ready to take a look inside?- Yes, very much so.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Let's start with our first property. - Thank you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Phil and Carol may find they have to compromise on something,
0:11:47 > 0:11:52but let's see what their first reactions are to inside. In we come.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- OK.- Oh, look!- Oh, that's nice!
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Pretty.- Very spacious.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59And you've got a downstairs cloakroom.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02OK. Always handy for guests.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04It's good for your guests.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07And Carol, I know you said you wanted a big kitchen.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Try this for size.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- OK.- Thank you.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Oh, wow! Look at that!
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Yeah, the size of the kitchen is exactly what we're after.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23The butler sink is lovely, I've always wanted one of those,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26so that's lovely as well, and the work surfaces are beautiful.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- It looks nice.- And they've done the windowsill as well, in the granite.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Oh, look!- Lovely.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I know you wanted an island in an ideal world.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37I reckon you could fit one there quite nicely.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40You could fit an island in there perfectly
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and it would be very useful for working around that area.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45But there would be no problem.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- And have you seen the range? - It's beautiful.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49It's wonderful.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- And then you've got your dining area here.- Yeah.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58When you look from the outside it looks so small as if nothing's been done inside.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And then you come in, it's like a little TARDIS.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I just hope you're not too disappointed on the size of the next room.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Oh, OK.- Follow me.- That's worrying.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12Just teasing, Phil - I think they'll both be awestruck when they see the lounge.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16How is this for living space?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Oh! Wow!
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- That's lovely. - Look at the fireplace!
0:13:22 > 0:13:24The fireplace is fantastic!
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Now, you've got to guess what this was used for during the Second World War.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Would it have been some kind of
0:13:31 > 0:13:32hospital-type place?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Oh, nice, but no, actually.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36This was the cinema during the war.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41And then just after that they used it for tea dances and barn dances.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Oh, my word!- So this really was the heart of the community here.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46So it has got huge character.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Hasn't it just?!- Yeah. - Let's have a better look down here.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Lovely. Oh, wow, look!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55It is a huge space.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57It is a very big space.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59And you've got access to the patio as well.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01For the barbecues!
0:14:01 > 0:14:05Wonderful. Well, when the children come and stay they're going to need somewhere to sleep.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- That's right.- So let's look at those four bedrooms.- Thank you.
0:14:09 > 0:14:15Well, it's been a very positive reaction to the quirky but spacious downstairs rooms.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20So fingers crossed for upstairs as we explore the bedrooms.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21So here is the master bedroom.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Right.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27A bit smaller than the room we've just come from, yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30It's hard not to compare, but you're not going to get those dimensions up here.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- You can see the potential that's there.- Yes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And the master en suite is a real bonus,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40with corner bath and separate shower cubicle.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Just down the landing there's the family bathroom,
0:14:44 > 0:14:49a small room currently set up as a study and a light, bright double room.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53The two further bedrooms are tucked away on the top floor -
0:14:53 > 0:14:58one a single, which would be good for the grandchildren, but will take a look at the fourth bedroom.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- This is a big room, isn't it? - It is a big room considering it's in the roof, basically.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- In the eaves, yes.- And it's got a good high ceiling again.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Yep, good high ceiling.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12But not so much space outside, unfortunately.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14That might have to be the compromise.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Let's take a look at the garden and the patio?- Lovely.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Definitely have a look at that, yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Well, Carol and Phil seem to like the house.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28There is certainly enough space and they seem happy to put their own mark on the interior.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31But the space outside is what we need to tackle now.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33So here's your garden.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38It's separated into three areas, you've got your formal garden there, patio for entertaining here,
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- and then off-street parking for two cars behind us.- Yep.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Not huge.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46No. Not very much land at all for animals.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50You look really disappointed, it's breaking my heart!
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's a shame, because the house is so beautiful.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56So how much do you think this barn would cost you?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It's quite a difficult one, I think it's going to be...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Not much change out of 370, I don't think.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03OK.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07I think it might be a little bit lower, but not a lot.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12You'd actually get £45,000 change from your budget,
0:16:12 > 0:16:18the asking price is £329,950.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19My word! 329.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22It's certainly something to consider.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27Pop back into the barn, have another look around, and I'll catch up with you in a minute.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Lovely, thank you.
0:16:31 > 0:16:38Under budget at just shy of £330,000, this property does have a lot going for it,
0:16:38 > 0:16:39including:
0:16:52 > 0:16:53This is a good-sized bedroom.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Very good-sized bedroom, all the bedrooms are a good size.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Yeah, plenty of room for when the kids come down and stay.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Yep, plenty of room. The garden was a little bit small
0:17:03 > 0:17:08for our requirements, but the actual property itself had loads of character.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11This is a great space, isn't it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It is a great space.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Oh, playing chess, are we?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I would offer you a game, but we've got plenty more to see.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Are you ready to keep going? - Yes, please.- Definitely.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Although Carol and Phil want to find a home in the Norfolk countryside,
0:17:29 > 0:17:35they are eager to explore the city of Norwich before making their move.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40Much of Norwich's rich history still survives today, and with 31 medieval
0:17:40 > 0:17:46churches still standing within its city walls, it boasts being the most complete medieval city in Britain.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51From the 14th century the city prospered on the back of the wool trade.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Even now the city's vibrant market is open for business
0:17:54 > 0:18:00six days a week, and it is where Phil and Carol are meeting town guide Christina Lister,
0:18:00 > 0:18:05who is going to take them to the very heart of Norwich's historic centre.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Among the city's 1500 listed buildings is this inn,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11which dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest building
0:18:11 > 0:18:14still standing on Norwich's oldest surviving street.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Elm Hill is one of my favourite streets in Norwich.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22It's a beautiful, cobbled medieval street with lots of charm and lots of history.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25It is beautiful. Who is responsible for building the street?
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Well, it was a very affluent street in its heyday,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32lots of merchants and civic dignitaries like the city's mayors
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and sheriffs lived here, as well as craftsmen who thrived on
0:18:35 > 0:18:37having the River Wensum parallel
0:18:37 > 0:18:42to the street, which is obviously very handy for unloading wares and so on.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45And it's survived, so the street you see today is pretty much
0:18:45 > 0:18:47what it looked like in the 16th century.
0:18:47 > 0:18:54Close by, Norwich's beautiful Norman cathedral is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Romanesque
0:18:54 > 0:18:58architecture in Europe, housing the largest cloisters in England.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Ahead of us is the beautiful cathedral spire,
0:19:02 > 0:19:08which is the second tallest cathedral spire in the UK, closely behind Salisbury Cathedral.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Beautiful.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Well, Phil and Carol can enjoy the spoils of this impressive city when
0:19:13 > 0:19:19they move - if they have the time with so many animals to look after!
0:19:20 > 0:19:25We're going 12 miles outside of Norwich for our next property, to the Broadland village of
0:19:25 > 0:19:30Swanton Abbott, which still holds on to its Norfolk charm with its flint church and local pub.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34The village is packed with pretty cottages,
0:19:34 > 0:19:39and I don't think Phil and Carol will be disappointed when they see this one.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Here is your cottage.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Oh, look! - OK. That's not too shabby.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48THEY LAUGH
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- I think we could live with that. - Yes.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- It is big and it looks lovely. - Isn't it lovely?
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Well, I say "It's your cottage",
0:19:55 > 0:20:02but originally it was two cottages dating back well over 200 years.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04And then they think around a hundred years ago,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07one side was extended, a bit was put in the middle.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10And then 20 years ago, it was made into one property.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- OK. It is big and it looks lovely. - Isn't it lovely?
0:20:13 > 0:20:19- Yeah. And all the plants and the shrubs set it off perfectly. - Good.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22I don't think you're going to be disappointed with what's inside.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- Thank you.- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29'We are definitely off to a great start with this character cottage.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33'Let's hope the inside has the same wow factor for Carol and Phil.'
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- From the hallway I want to bring you straight into the sitting room. - Oh.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40A bit smaller than it looks from the outside.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Looks enormous from the outside, so...
0:20:43 > 0:20:45yeah, a little bit smaller than I thought.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49So it's a snug feel. It isn't the biggest of rooms.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Yeah. It is a very nice room, but a lot smaller than I was expecting.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57One positive about it is that the lounge does overlook the garden.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01The garden is very impressive. To be able to sit in here at night
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and look out onto the garden is a plus point.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07So do you think this room is workable with your eye, decoration?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10You could do something with it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12It depends what the rest of the house is like.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Let's see what you think. I'm going to take you next door now. - OK.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20'And hopefully size won't be an issue in here.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- So here's your kitchen at the back of the property. - Right.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- How are we doing for beams? - Yeah!
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Yeah, it's a close call, but I think I can make it
0:21:30 > 0:21:33and walk upright in here.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35So it's... It's not too bad.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38It is quite a big space cos it's long rather than wide.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41And you've got the dining table there.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I don't think you'd get your island in here.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I don't think there's enough room for an island.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49You wouldn't get an island, but what you do have behind me
0:21:49 > 0:21:53is a huge walk-in pantry, a walk-through pantry,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55into a huge utility room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Then through that door you've actually got a downstairs bathroom.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03So you've got a free-standing bath, huge shower - it's massive actually.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- Oh, lovely. - I want to take you through to the dining room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12'I think this will be a great room for their family get-togethers.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:16So this room is used as a dining room. But it's pretty big.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19It is a very big dining room, yes.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22With the kitchen just being a kitchen and not a kitchen/diner,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24then that frees up some space.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29And again it looks out onto the garden, which is a plus point.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34And there's another reception room to show you downstairs. Let's keep going.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37'So we'll go through to the second old cottage,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39'and I've still got the family firmly in mind.'
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Oh, right. This is obviously a similar room to the lounge.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Yes. - About the same size and everything.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50You've spotted exactly where the original cottages were, cos this was one.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- This would be the second cottage. - Yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- And this could be the play room. - Yes, good idea. Good idea, yeah.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- Play room for the grandchildren. - I'm always tripping over their toys. - There we are - found the solution.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- Time for upstairs. - Lovely. Thank you.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'Although we've seen three reception rooms, I think Phil and Carol
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'are still weighing up if there's enough living space for them.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14'I think upstairs might convince them.'
0:23:18 > 0:23:22So this cottage has a total of six bedrooms.
0:23:22 > 0:23:29- My word! - OK. A lot of space upstairs then. - Quite a lot of space, yeah.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- And this is the master.- OK.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37- For a cottage it is a very big room. - And it's nice and light.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- Yes. - And you've got a higher ceiling too.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Higher ceiling, so I'm not worried.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45It looks out over the garden as well, which is perfect.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49And you don't have neighbours overlooking this property.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51No, that's nice.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The other five rooms include a generous single room,
0:23:54 > 0:23:59again with garden views, a quirky room with space for another couple of single beds,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01and a double with exposed beams.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06Next door, the fourth bedroom is currently set up as a study.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11There's also a small family bathroom and a separate WC.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15But we'll cross the landing and get creative in the final bedroom.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17It is a lovely-sized room, the second bedroom.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Yeah, it is a very good size, yeah. - Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- It also has views across the garden. - Oh, lovely.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25And the fields in the background as well.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30It is either for you or your guests, cos you could consider this as a master bedroom.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34That's a stud wall, and behind it is the hallway leading to the toilet.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36So you've got plumbing in the corner.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- You could knock that back and actually make that an en-suite. - OK.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- That's a good idea.- Yeah. - Worth considering?- Definitely.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46This is probably about the same size as the master anyway,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49so we're not losing anything by doing that, yeah.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Might even be a bit bigger. You've still got views over the garden. - In any case, yeah.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Talking of the garden, are you ready to go outside?
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- You can't wait, can you? - No!- Come on then.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04They seem to be thinking through their options with this house,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07but it's definitely going to be the lie of the land
0:25:07 > 0:25:09that's the deciding factor.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- So what do you think of the gardens? - It's stunning, isn't it?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- Absolutely stunning. - The garden's wonderful.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18I mean, I'd take the garden right now. It is lovely.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23It's sort of just what we've thought about and what we've envisaged.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Definitely. - You've got about a third of an acre. - OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29You've got a greenhouse, a shed, a garage,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33and behind us, the garden is divided into two.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Loads of space, I think, for chickens.- Definitely.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39A huge chicken run, an aviary at the bottom of the garden.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42A small chicken run and an aviary!
0:25:42 > 0:25:46He doesn't want too many, does he? You can only eat so many eggs, yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Start off small and we'll see how it goes from there.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53So, thinking about this property,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59I would probably put it in the region of 325?
0:25:59 > 0:26:02I'm going to go for 345.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- Neither of you are that close. - Really?
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- £375,000. - OK. Right at the top.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- Top end of the budget. - OK. I can see that cos it is a big place.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- Why don't you have a think about it? - Of course.- OK.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- Have a wander and I'll catch up with you in a little while. - Wonderful, thank you.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Pop back into the house. - Thank you.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27This is an extensive property with a lovely large garden.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31But the price tag has perhaps made Carol and Phil realise
0:26:31 > 0:26:34it would be difficult to have everything on their budget.
0:26:34 > 0:26:40At £375,000, this extended cottage offers three reception rooms,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43a large kitchen, six bedrooms,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46so plenty of space for the family to come and stay over,
0:26:46 > 0:26:51and a third of an acre of mature gardens with spectacular views.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54So this is the bottom half of the garden.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Looks a pretty good place for some chickens. - Yes, perfect.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01I would never have considered coming to look at this property
0:27:01 > 0:27:04if I'd seen it come through the post.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07However, it's wonderful that we have seen it,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and it's given us other choices, as well, things to think about.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14There's certainly plenty of room here, isn't there, for us?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17There certainly is, there's enough room for us,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20children and grandchildren to stay.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23With this property, the outside was spectacular.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Inside, it was a little disappointing because the rooms were small,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31and with this being at the top end of our budget,
0:27:31 > 0:27:36there's very little movement for redevelopment.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40So, you both happy, have you seen enough?
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- Yes, thank you very much. - OK, let's go.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50We may or may not be able to find a property with enough land
0:27:50 > 0:27:53for Phil and Carol to keep donkeys on,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57but I'm taking them to a rescue sanctuary just outside Great Yarmouth
0:27:57 > 0:28:01which currently cares for over 1,100 horses, ponies
0:28:01 > 0:28:04and donkeys on its various sites.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06We've come to meet Nicola Jarvis, the senior vet,
0:28:06 > 0:28:11to find out just what it takes to care for these endearing animals.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Hi, Nicola, great to meet you. - Good morning.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Lots of very friendly faces.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- Yes, I'm swamped by donkeys on this field.- You are.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21How many donkeys have you actually got here?
0:28:21 > 0:28:25In the sanctuary as a whole we have about 60 donkeys, I think,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28but 30 on this farm that you can see today.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29How much care do they need, then?
0:28:29 > 0:28:33Quite a lot, in fact we have some in stables today, if you'd like to see them.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- I'd love to. - That'd be great, wouldn't it?
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Let's go have a look.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Adopting a pair of donkeys involves a lot of care, cost and land.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46It's advised to set aside an acre and a half for them to roam,
0:28:46 > 0:28:52plus a couple of thousand pounds to cover the vet's bills, insurance and feed.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Nicola, who do we have here?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00This is Tufty, our adoption donkey,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03and we also have Charity, his friend.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06He doesn't look that young. Not wanting to be rude.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09He's not a spring chicken, our Tufty, is he?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12I don't think he'll take offence, but you're quite right,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15he's no spring chicken, he's about 26 years old.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17And what age can they live to?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Well, the donkeys I've come across,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22probably the oldest one I've met was about 50 years old.
0:29:22 > 0:29:2450, did you hear that, Phil?
0:29:24 > 0:29:2750 years old, that's a long time to look after a donkey.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29You've got to think of that, yeah.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32If you're going to keep a donkey, could you just have one?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's always recommended to have more than one.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Ideally they're kept in pairs.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42They tend to pine, not eat properly and lose condition if they're on their own,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44but it hasn't got to be another donkey,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47sometimes you can get them to pair up with, say, a small pony.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Well, it's hard not to fall in love with these adorable animals,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55but it'll be a real commitment for our couple and a challenge
0:29:55 > 0:29:58for our house hunt to find the perfect house with enough land.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04As the first day of our house hunt draws to a close,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Phil and Carol reflect on the properties they've seen so far.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11So, dear, what did you think of the barn conversion, then?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14I was blown away by the lounge.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18When we walked into that lounge and saw that huge fireplace,
0:30:18 > 0:30:23the vaulted ceiling and the beams, I thought it was absolutely wonderful.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- The kitchen was almost perfect. - Yes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29It was a kitchen dining room, it was to our taste.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34The master bedroom with the en suite was lovely.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37But on the negative side, there's a small garden
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and that rules out the animals.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Which is one of the reasons why we're doing all this.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45This is one of the reasons we're moving.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48What did you think of the yellow cottage?
0:30:48 > 0:30:51It was pretty much the perfect garden, for me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Actually standing in the garden
0:30:53 > 0:30:56and looking back at the cottage it was everything that we wanted,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00but I must admit, I was disappointed when I walked through the door.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04One of the reasons we're leaving Potters Bar
0:31:04 > 0:31:07is because our lounge and our kitchen diner is too small.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10These rooms in this property were even smaller.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14That's right, and it's a shame, because I know cottage properties
0:31:14 > 0:31:17do have small rooms, but they just seem to have
0:31:17 > 0:31:20knocked the two cottages into one and left the rooms the same size.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Well, we've had a great day today.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25And here's looking forward to another day tomorrow.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Fireman Phil and animal-loving Carol
0:31:33 > 0:31:36want to seek out a dream home in Norfolk.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Armed with £350,000, the couple are looking for a large house
0:31:40 > 0:31:44with land which allows them to adopt rescue animals.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46So far, they've seen two properties,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50but, coming up, Phil and Carol are smitten.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- Yeah, I can see us here, no problem at all.- Definitely.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Definitely, she says, definitely!
0:31:55 > 0:31:57But, there's more to the lie of the land
0:31:57 > 0:32:00than they think with our mystery house.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Yesterday taught us that, not only does the house needs to be
0:32:05 > 0:32:08right for Carol and Philip, but the land surrounding
0:32:08 > 0:32:11the property's got to be right for their animals, too.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Well, it's the beginning of a new day, let's see what it brings.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Next, we're heading to the village of Garvestone,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24some 20 miles from Norwich in the heart of rural Norfolk.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28Besides walking opportunities in the surrounding countryside
0:32:28 > 0:32:30and the local knapped flint church, there's a scattering of
0:32:30 > 0:32:34rustic properties, and I've got high hopes for our next house.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Oh, wow, look!
0:32:38 > 0:32:43So, here we are, it's a new day, a new property, and here she is.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- She's beautiful, isn't she? - Lovely, looks really nice.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49The land, and the lovely mature trees -
0:32:49 > 0:32:52I know you wanted mature shrubs.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- Yes, that's a mature garden, all right.- Lovely pond there.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There's nothing there that really needs changing at all,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02I don't think, on first glance.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05First glances are always good, so let's take a step inside.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- Yes, please.- Fantastic.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11Well, it looks like a great first impression,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14and there's the bonus of a double garage and car port.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16But let's take a look inside.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Come on into the cottage.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19Oh, look at this.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Look at that fireplace!
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- That's what you call a fireplace. - Isn't that beautiful?
0:33:25 > 0:33:28You've spotted the inglenook straight away.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It looks like there'll be clearance,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33as long as I don't grow any more, we'll be all right.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Jolly good news, don't want to be bumping your head as you walk through the door.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39You've got a large downstairs bathroom,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42and you've got a toilet, so two toilets downstairs.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43You've got a utility room,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46and leading off the utility room is a large study.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Let me show you what the reception room's like,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53because I don't think you're going to be too upset when you see it.
0:33:53 > 0:33:54- OK.- Lovely.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57GASPS
0:33:57 > 0:34:03- Another fireplace, look! - Nice size room, really nice size.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06And you do have your wood burner, as you noticed.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It's lovely, isn't it?
0:34:08 > 0:34:09That is beautiful.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I can imagine sitting there in front of that of a night time.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- Yeah, I can see us here, no problem at all.- Definitely.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Definitely, she says, definitely!
0:34:18 > 0:34:19Access to your garden.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Yeah, and we've got it all.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Very pleasing, we have got it all.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- We'll carry on and see what you think of the next room.- OK.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30It's all smiles so far -
0:34:30 > 0:34:34fingers crossed that continues as we see what's cooking in the kitchen.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Oh...my...word!
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Now, you wanted a big kitchen.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40Yeah.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43This has to be one of the biggest kitchens I've ever seen.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45OK.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47It's not too shabby, is it, dear?
0:34:47 > 0:34:48It's...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Are you all right?
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It's beautiful...
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Look at that, look at the cooker. Have you seen the cooker?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58The wood...
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- It's a bit of a journey for you, isn't it?- It's wonderful.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06It's a wonderful size, initially, OK, we're going
0:35:06 > 0:35:09to see a cottage, you think, small rooms, and then what
0:35:09 > 0:35:12we've just walked through and into this is quite surprising, really.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13- It is.- Really surprising.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It's really taken my breath away.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Nothing I can say against it.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19And I don't care about the island!
0:35:19 > 0:35:22You could fit a continent in here, young lady!
0:35:22 > 0:35:26There's a sort of an island there, isn't there?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I can live with that, don't worry.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's beautiful.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33And, through that door, you have a conservatory.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- As well! - We like conservatories.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39So, you two have got a lot to explore with this property,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41I'll let you have a good look around.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Just a bit, and I can gather my thoughts.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45I need to gather my thoughts!
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Well, I'm glad it's impressed you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Thanks ever so much, Nicki, it's lovely, thank you.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- I've got to get upstairs right, haven't I?- That's the thing, yes.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- Shall we head up those stairs? - Yes, please. Thank you.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01This house is definitely working its magic.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04The all-important kitchen has totally overwhelmed Carol.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09While she catches her breath, we'll retrace our steps into the reception hall
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and head upstairs to look at the first of the three bedrooms.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Come on through into the bedroom.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Right.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20As you can see, it's much more of a cottage up here.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21Sure.
0:36:21 > 0:36:22Yeah, a little bit smaller,
0:36:22 > 0:36:24nice ceiling height, having said that.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27So there's no problem with the ceiling height.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32Like the window as well, looking outside, and it's light.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Cottages can be dark, but it's not that at all.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40The other two bedrooms include one that's set up as a study,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42but I'm saving the best till last.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- I've been a little bit crafty... - You have been crafty, haven't you?
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Look at the size of this, I never expected anything this size.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Not from a cottage.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- Is this more like it? - This, definitely.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57On our wish-list we're doing quite well, aren't we?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- There was something that you would like.- Mmm.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04And that was a bedroom with an en suite.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06That's right, yes.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Thank goodness I can say yes to that.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I love your expressions!
0:37:20 > 0:37:24That's not an en suite, that's a master bathroom.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Yeah, look at that.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29It's important that you're both happy.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- Just a minute, that wouldn't be a dressing room, by any chance?- It is.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- Oh, my word!- With so much storage.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40I love that little window there in the dressing room as well,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43again, looking out on the trees and everything. It's brilliant.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- I think you need some fresh air, don't you?- Just a bit.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Time to go outside? - Yes, please.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54What a reaction, but I can understand why.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58There's all the space and character they could possibly ask for,
0:37:58 > 0:38:01and outside there's an old stable block,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03which I'm sure Carol will put to good use.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Is half an acre enough?- Oh, yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- Plenty of room for my chickens, and maybe a donkey. - It's just about the right size.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13And we're at the head of the River Yare,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and that's your boundary line, so you've even got a stream
0:38:16 > 0:38:19running through your property, which has never flooded.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Now I'm going to bring you both back to reality. - This is the hard bit.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24I'm going to ask you how much this is worth.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Who wants to go first?
0:38:26 > 0:38:28I don't want to say too much,
0:38:28 > 0:38:32because I don't want it to be above our budget, but...
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- I'll say the top of our budget, 375.- OK.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I'm going to go for a little less, I'm going to go with 360.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Current asking price...
0:38:43 > 0:38:48£349,950.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50We can afford it as well!
0:38:50 > 0:38:52We can, yes.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53That's wonderful.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56I'm so pleased, you're so emotional.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00Do you think you might want to go round again and have a little like?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Can you wait a few hours? - We'd like the rest of the day.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04It won't be a short one.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07You take your time, make sure you've got a hankie with you.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Thank you, bye.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Well, I have never, ever had that reaction before.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Tears!
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Fingers crossed we might be cementing a deal.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Under budget at just shy of £350,000,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28this character property has everything on Phil and Carol's
0:39:28 > 0:39:31wish-list, and dare I say, could be their dream home,
0:39:31 > 0:39:35featuring a large, light sitting room with wood burner,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39an enormous kitchen/diner and conservatory, three bedrooms
0:39:39 > 0:39:42with a master en suite and dressing room,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46and besides all the outbuildings there's half an acre of garden,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49so plenty of room for Carol's menagerie of animals.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56It's a beautiful room, got my lovely inglenook fireplace, The beams...
0:39:56 > 0:39:57Lovely beams.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- I think our furniture's going to be perfect in this room.- Definitely.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I'm just speechless, really.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05It's a wonderful property.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08This is a really good sized room, as well, isn't it?
0:40:08 > 0:40:11It's a perfect-sized room for the grandchildren.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14A couple of little beds in here no problem.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17This is definitely a property I can see Carol and I retiring to,
0:40:17 > 0:40:22living in and spending many wonderful years here.
0:40:26 > 0:40:27That face says it all.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30I really don't want to drag you both away,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32but I'm afraid I am going to have to.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33That's a shame.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34Come on.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Animal-lovers Carol and Phil are eager to re-home battery chickens,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45and are all too aware of their plight.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48In fact, it's been a hot topic highlighted by Jamie Oliver
0:40:48 > 0:40:50and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, with most leading supermarkets
0:40:50 > 0:40:55now banning battery-laid eggs from their shelves.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00But although the EU plans to ban the use of battery-farmed eggs by 2012,
0:41:00 > 0:41:0516 million battery hens still sit in their cramped cages.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07However, help is at hand.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Carol and Phil are meeting Simon Taylor
0:41:09 > 0:41:14from the Battery Hen Welfare trust to get some rehoming tips.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17This is an example of a chicken house.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19This is home-made,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23but there are all sorts of houses on the market that you can do.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Just open it up.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32What do you actually need inside one of these for the hens?
0:41:32 > 0:41:37Inside you need a nest box with bedding in it, we usually use hay.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41They've been in cages and they may not have feathers on,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43and it's softer for them and for the eggs.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47How many hens would you get in a structure this size?
0:41:47 > 0:41:50In here, I'd have thought you'd have easily have six.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Always make it bigger than you need.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56How many eggs do they lay when they come from the farm?
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Once they've settled down, they'll be laying approximately
0:41:59 > 0:42:0240-50% of what a caged bird would do,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06so you might get three or four eggs a week, but we are currently
0:42:06 > 0:42:10getting from our little girl one a day, and you'll notice
0:42:10 > 0:42:14the change in the eggs as well, from what they were originally.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17From a pinky tinge to the shell,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21they'll start becoming firmer and take on a nice brown colour.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24They get the nutrition back into them.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Would you like to come and meet some of the birds?
0:42:26 > 0:42:27- Love to.- Yes please.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31As hens are flock animals and very sociable, Carol and Phil
0:42:31 > 0:42:36might want to think about rehoming at least three birds for starters.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38Although the cost in keeping them is minimal,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42they do need to be cleaned out regularly and given fresh water
0:42:42 > 0:42:44and feed daily, as well as being able to roam free every day.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48And once they feel the fresh air, it doesn't take long for them
0:42:48 > 0:42:51to recover from their ordeal.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Here are some ex-bats that we've had for a while now.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56They soon start feathering up.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00As soon as they're out side getting proper nutrition, moving around.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02As you can see, they scratch around.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06What sort of time frame from when you initially get them
0:43:06 > 0:43:09to when they look healthy, like they are now?
0:43:09 > 0:43:13They'll start re-feathering within four to six weeks,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16gradually, and within a couple of months
0:43:16 > 0:43:19they should really have come back together again.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Carol and Phil are not just thinking about improving
0:43:22 > 0:43:25their own quality of life when they move to the country.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27They're also serious about doing what
0:43:27 > 0:43:29they can to rehome rescue animals.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35My goodness, what a reaction to that last house,
0:43:35 > 0:43:39especially from Carol, who got very, very emotional.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42However, we still have one more property to show them,
0:43:42 > 0:43:45because it's time for the mystery house.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52So, we're going to be seeing the mystery house in a bit.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56What's the priority? The land, or the house?
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- That's very difficult, isn't it? - That's a very difficult question.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04- It's got to be a little bit of both.- You want it all, don't you?
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Our mystery property takes us to the village of Alderford,
0:44:09 > 0:44:11just over 10 miles from Norwich.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14It's a quiet, rural spot, surrounded by fields, but Carol
0:44:14 > 0:44:17and Phil could head four miles down the road to Reepham
0:44:17 > 0:44:20for their provisions and a bite to eat.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24There are some interesting looking properties tucked away round here,
0:44:24 > 0:44:28including our historic mystery house which dates back to 1900
0:44:28 > 0:44:32and is one of two recently extended dairy cottages.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35So, guys, here is your mystery property.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- OK.- OK.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41As you can see, two cottages, farmers' cottages,
0:44:41 > 0:44:42so it is semi-detached.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45This is the one we're looking at,
0:44:45 > 0:44:48and I know that wasn't on your wish-list,
0:44:48 > 0:44:51but if you can, I want you to keep an open mind.
0:44:51 > 0:44:52- Certainly.- Of course.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54So, what are your first impressions?
0:44:54 > 0:44:57Lovely outlook, beautiful over the fields, lovely garden.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59I like the look the house.
0:44:59 > 0:45:05- Your mystery house is waiting. Are you ready?- Yes, take us in!
0:45:05 > 0:45:09It's a muted first impression from Carol and Phil
0:45:09 > 0:45:11but the living areas inside are a real surprise.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- So come on through.- Thank you.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18Into the hallway. It has to be a very large hallway
0:45:18 > 0:45:21or you could use it as a reception room
0:45:21 > 0:45:23or as they have, keep it as a playroom.
0:45:23 > 0:45:28Playroom, very good. Lovely fireplace with a nice wood-burning stove.
0:45:28 > 0:45:29- You like those, don't you.- I do!
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- I like a nice fireplace.- Excellent.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34And it flows nicely into the next room.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37You've got a separate dining room.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41Lovely. That's very nice indeed.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43Lovely, lovely fireplace.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46I like the exposed brick. It's a really nice sized room
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- and I really love the floor as well. - Yeah.
0:45:49 > 0:45:50Good.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53The kitchen's behind us so it's a great location for a dining room.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57- I want to take you straight through into the garden room.- Ooh!
0:45:58 > 0:46:00They call it the garden room
0:46:00 > 0:46:04but it feels like a very, very nice conservatory to me.
0:46:04 > 0:46:05It's beautiful, isn't it!
0:46:05 > 0:46:08- It's big.- Really, really nice.
0:46:08 > 0:46:13Very big, very light, very airy. Lovely views outside into the garden.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15You couldn't get better than that.
0:46:15 > 0:46:16- Beautifully done?- Yes.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- Let's see what you think of the kitchen.- OK.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25- My word!- Very nice.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- You love a country kitchen! - Yes.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Look at those flagstones. They're beautiful.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- Shall I let you into a little secret?- Go on.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36It's cement, made to look like flagstones.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37My word!
0:46:37 > 0:46:41So really hard-wearing and it looks fantastic, I have to say.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43Forget the floor. What do you think of the kitchen?
0:46:43 > 0:46:47It's beautiful. Very nicely done again.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49I really like the cabinets.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51Yeah, yeah. Nice range.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54So we can still do plenty of cooking.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57And there is room for an island if I really wanted one.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Through the door, you've got a utility room
0:47:00 > 0:47:03and you've got a downstairs shower and toilet as well.
0:47:03 > 0:47:04- Gosh.- OK.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06So this is all the new part of the house.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08- Right.- Yes.
0:47:08 > 0:47:09So workable for you?
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- Definitely.- Definitely workable.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- Good. Shall we go upstairs? - Yes, please.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17With such a surprising amount of space on offer,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20perhaps Carol and Phil can put the fact it's semi-detached
0:47:20 > 0:47:22to the back of their minds.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25And upstairs, you certainly wouldn't expect five bedrooms
0:47:25 > 0:47:28so let's see what they think of where they'd sleep.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31So, I want to show you the master bedroom first.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34Yes. Nice size. Very nice size.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37Lovely views through the window. I love that.
0:47:37 > 0:47:42It's quite a low window as well so you could probably look out of there from the bed.
0:47:42 > 0:47:43Big enough for you both?
0:47:43 > 0:47:47- Yes.- Just about big enough.- Workable.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51I'm sensing a little bit of reluctance.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56Yeah. At the back of my mind, I know this property is semi-detached
0:47:56 > 0:48:00and at the top of our wish-list was it must be detached
0:48:00 > 0:48:02so I'm a little bit reserved.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Everything's wonderful.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07The house itself and everything you're showing us is lovely
0:48:07 > 0:48:10but at the back of my mind, I'm thinking, it's semi-detached!
0:48:10 > 0:48:12Is it putting a dampener on it?
0:48:12 > 0:48:15- Unfortunately. - I agree. Just a little bit.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20- The only thing I can say to you is this is the mystery house.- Sure.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22- So bear with me. - OK.- Certainly.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24- Let's go upstairs.- OK.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29I leave them in suspense while we explore the other four bedrooms,
0:48:29 > 0:48:33which include a light single room, great for the grandchildren,
0:48:33 > 0:48:37and one large enough to be a double with those space-saving fitted wardrobes.
0:48:37 > 0:48:42There's a bright, modern family bathroom with separate bath and shower cubicle.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Every inch of space has been put to good use,
0:48:45 > 0:48:48as we discover upstairs in the former loft.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53So we're at the very top of the house.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55Oh, goodness me!
0:48:55 > 0:48:59I don't think this is ever going to be Phil's bedroom!
0:48:59 > 0:49:02- It won't be my space I don't think! - But I could live up here!
0:49:02 > 0:49:04And perfect for guests and grandchildren.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Very nice, yeah. Very nicely done.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10Someone shorter than me would have a good time up here.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13The good news, the other bedroom just along the landing
0:49:13 > 0:49:16has got a higher ceiling so that'd be all right.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19It's also got exposed chimney breasts, if you like,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22with exposed brick, which makes a very attractive feature.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Behind you is a bathroom
0:49:25 > 0:49:27so your guests up here have their own bathroom.
0:49:27 > 0:49:33That's probably a very good thing cos stairs during the night could be a bit dangerous.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37So shall we pop back outside, have a look around the ground?
0:49:37 > 0:49:39Look at the house and have more of a chat?
0:49:39 > 0:49:40- Sure. OK.- Lovely.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42- Phil, you lead the way.- OK.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45This is a beautifully-presented house
0:49:45 > 0:49:48but I wonder if they can forget about it being attached.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Outside there's three-quarters of an acre,
0:49:51 > 0:49:54so plenty of space for Carol's chickens.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58On top of that, I have a deal on the land up my sleeve.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Standing here, you can see all the garden.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03It actually wraps itself around the cottage.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06It's beautiful. Lovely, lovely garden.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09How much do you think this is worth?
0:50:09 > 0:50:11It's your turn first.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15It is my turn and I'm going to go for 345,000.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19I think I'll go a bit less, I think it'll be about 339.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21You're very close between you!
0:50:21 > 0:50:24The actual asking price for the cottage...
0:50:24 > 0:50:27is £300,000.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30- My word!- 300? OK.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33- I've got something else to show you. - Thank you.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42- I know your animals are very, very close to your heart.- Yeah.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46This mystery property has the added bonus of being able to buy some land.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48Really?
0:50:48 > 0:50:52From here to that hedge, and all the way around there,
0:50:52 > 0:50:55all the way literally to where the trees are there,
0:50:55 > 0:50:57- that's just under two acres.- OK.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01That is for sale separately from the house
0:51:01 > 0:51:06so the house is 300,000 but you could buy all of that land for £30,000.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08- OK.- Oh my word!
0:51:08 > 0:51:12- A lot to think about. Options as well.- Lots of options.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15Why don't you go and take another look around the cottage?
0:51:15 > 0:51:16Love to. Thank you.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20Have a think about that land and I'll catch up with you in a while.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22Lovely. Thank you.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26It may be semi-detached but our mystery proposition
0:51:26 > 0:51:30would give them enough land for a couple of donkeys.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Under budget at £300,000, it offers them -
0:51:33 > 0:51:38three very versatile reception rooms with lots of character,
0:51:38 > 0:51:40a large country-style kitchen,
0:51:40 > 0:51:44five well-decorated bedrooms along with two bathrooms
0:51:44 > 0:51:46and three quarters of an acre of garden,
0:51:46 > 0:51:51with the option of buying another two acres for £30,000
0:51:51 > 0:51:55and they'd still come in under budget.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57You've got five bedrooms here.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- It's amazing how they've been able to do that.- It is.
0:52:00 > 0:52:05I definitely think that I could see myself living in this property
0:52:05 > 0:52:09so it does make me think that there might be something
0:52:09 > 0:52:12that we could do with this property even though it's semi-detached.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Just under two acres is a lot of land.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18And it's beautiful land as well. We could do so much with it.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20I can see myself in this house.
0:52:20 > 0:52:25I would have to think about it a little bit longer,
0:52:25 > 0:52:27whether I would want to take up that additional land.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30You two have got a lot to think about!
0:52:30 > 0:52:32An awful lot. An awful lot.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37Let's take you somewhere quiet and you can think what your next move could possibly be.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39- OK.- Lovely, thank you.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46Well, our house-hunt is at an end
0:52:46 > 0:52:51and our properties have certainly given Carol and Phil lots of options to think through.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00It's been a real emotional couple of days for Phil and Carol,
0:53:00 > 0:53:03especially for Carol,
0:53:03 > 0:53:06but I suspect we may have found them their dream property.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10There's only one way to be certain. Let's go and ask them.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15Carol and Phil, it's been a great few days.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18- I hope you've enjoyed yourselves. - Absolutely wonderful.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- Thank you very much.- Had a wonderful time. It's been very exciting, yes.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26So let's talk properties and start off with the barn conversion.
0:53:26 > 0:53:27What did you think about that?
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Barn conversions were something I was very keen on
0:53:31 > 0:53:33and very keen to have a look at
0:53:33 > 0:53:37and while the property was stunning inside, the garden wasn't very big.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40We followed on with the cottage.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Originally it was two cottages and joined in the middle.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45What were your first impressions of that house?
0:53:45 > 0:53:47Very chocolate boxy.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51You looked at it and you thought, "Oh, that's really pretty".
0:53:51 > 0:53:53It was just so beautiful.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56It was. The garden was stunning.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59When we turned around and saw the house, it looked amazing.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02From those two things, I'd have almost bought it straight away
0:54:02 > 0:54:08and then we went inside and it was literally a cottage inside
0:54:08 > 0:54:13with some very small rooms, so that was a little bit of a downer for us.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Well, a new day, a new property.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19And we saw that very old cottage
0:54:19 > 0:54:24with the extensions either side and the enormous kitchen.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26It took my breath away, didn't it!
0:54:26 > 0:54:29I went all overcome when I saw it!
0:54:29 > 0:54:31LAUGHTER
0:54:31 > 0:54:33I just fell to pieces, I don't know!
0:54:33 > 0:54:36I got very emotional because again,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40when we walked in, I saw all the land and I thought, "this looks perfect".
0:54:40 > 0:54:44As we moved from room to room, it got better and better and more positive
0:54:44 > 0:54:49and throughout the whole of the tour of the property and the grounds,
0:54:49 > 0:54:53there was pretty much no disappointment at all.
0:54:53 > 0:54:58Until you took me into that small room and tried to make out it was the master bedroom!
0:54:58 > 0:55:00That was a bit mean, wasn't it!
0:55:00 > 0:55:01It was a bit mean!
0:55:01 > 0:55:05And then you took me into that wonderful master bedroom
0:55:05 > 0:55:08with the en-suite, the bath, nice corner bath,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11and then the dressing room at the back as well.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13It was just stunning.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16Our last property was our mystery house.
0:55:16 > 0:55:17Yeah.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20- That was a mystery as well, wasn't it.- It was.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22It was stunning gardens.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25And a beautiful-looking house.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29And again, going through the rooms, they were spectacular.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32The disappointment was that it was semi-detached
0:55:32 > 0:55:35and we're really sticking by that we want a detached property
0:55:35 > 0:55:37so that was a little disappointment,
0:55:37 > 0:55:42especially as there was an additional couple of acres of land
0:55:42 > 0:55:43to buy on top of that.
0:55:43 > 0:55:47And it is a shame because I would've loved that extra land
0:55:47 > 0:55:50and to have done something with that
0:55:50 > 0:55:54but I think we've got enough land with the cottage anyway.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56Yes. And the garden that comes with it.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59That sounds quite leading!
0:55:59 > 0:56:03I was going to ask you, what is the next step?
0:56:03 > 0:56:07- I think almost certainly a second visit is on the cards.- Definitely.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11And I'm looking to see where the Christmas tree's going to go.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Oh! That's sounding very positive.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- And you will let us know how you get on.- Definitely, yes.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20Thank you both so much. It's been a great few days.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23- It's been wonderful. - Thank you very much.
0:56:29 > 0:56:33For Carol and Phil, this house-hunt wasn't just about finding a property for them,
0:56:33 > 0:56:36it was also getting a property with enough land
0:56:36 > 0:56:40to support all their furry and feathered friends.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44With their flexibility on location and general open-mindedness,
0:56:44 > 0:56:49I think we may have found them the perfect Norfolk home.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52Join us again next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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