0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today I'm in a county that is famous for two things.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08The first, a very decisive battle fought here in 1645.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12The second is shoes. Want to know how the two of them are linked?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:26 > 0:00:33In today's show, I'll be helping two city slickers cast off from life by the River Thames
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and seek out peace and relaxation in the country.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39We'll be seeing houses that make them jump for joy.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40SHE LAUGHS
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Not just space for hanging!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Fantastic!
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Jumping up and down.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Brilliant!
0:00:47 > 0:00:51And there's our mystery house, which might call for drastic action.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53The furniture we have at the moment
0:00:53 > 0:00:56we'll just stick on a bonfire and start again.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Today I'm in Northamptonshire
0:01:03 > 0:01:05and this is a monument to the Battle of Naseby,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08the definitive battle in the English Civil War.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Not only did Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army win that fight,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16they did it wearing shoes and boots made in this very county.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18And that is something that Northamptonshire
0:01:18 > 0:01:22is still famous for. There were 600 pairs of boots
0:01:22 > 0:01:26and 4,000 pairs of shoes marching across this field.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28That's a lot of leather.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31But leather is not the only thing that this county is famous for.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Northamptonshire has been shaped by its
0:01:36 > 0:01:39strategic position in central England
0:01:39 > 0:01:43since the time of the Romans, with transport links by road
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and river ensuring it became a prosperous trading centre.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53The production of leather emerged as one of Northamptonshire's key trades
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, it was the tanning capital of the world.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Besides being a hub for industry, Northamptonshire is often dubbed
0:02:03 > 0:02:07the county of spires and squires, due to the many stately homes
0:02:07 > 0:02:12and churches that rise up from its vast, undulating landscape.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15As for properties, there's a great range,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19from thatched cottages made from local sand ironstone,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23to lavish mansion houses, making it an ideal place to seek out a rural hideaway.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Northamptonshire is great for commuters.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32The M1 runs right the way through the county and there's a regular
0:02:32 > 0:02:36hour service from Northampton station direct to London Euston.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38And those transport links are set to improve.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43In 2011, they are upgrading Northampton station and by 2015,
0:02:43 > 0:02:48there should be brand-new high-speed trains travelling at 125mph.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51And the property prices are pretty attractive round here, too.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54The average detached house comes in at 11% less
0:02:54 > 0:02:56than the national average.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59So let's take a look at what's on offer right now.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03For £1.15 million, this seven-bedroom
0:03:03 > 0:03:05stone-built house in Gayton
0:03:05 > 0:03:08has spectacular character features in spades.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10The kitchen-diner has been modernised
0:03:10 > 0:03:14with doors leading out to the large garden and a host of outbuildings.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20This restored three-bedroom thatched cottage in Spratton,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24on at £410,000, has a contemporary feel
0:03:24 > 0:03:28but retains its beams and fireplaces.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The kitchen is impressively high spec with granite worktops
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and there are doors opening out to the garden.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39For £325,000, this attractive three-bedroom cottage
0:03:39 > 0:03:43has a cosy inglenook fireplace in the dining hall
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and an inviting sitting room with lots of light.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50The garden is divided into zones and has the bonus
0:03:50 > 0:03:53of a separate stone-built office.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56With such delightful properties on the market, I am pretty hopeful
0:03:56 > 0:04:00about our house hunt for today's buyers. So let's meet them.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Paul, a tax adviser, and Lorna have lived in their London
0:04:05 > 0:04:09end-of-terrace townhouse in Docklands for the last five years
0:04:09 > 0:04:13and have loved lapping up urban life on the river.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17But after a holiday in New Zealand, they had a major rethink of their priorities
0:04:17 > 0:04:20and a move to Northamptonshire is very much on the cards,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24which racing car addict, Paul, is very pleased about.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28I regularly visit Silverstone, so I know the area well
0:04:28 > 0:04:32and I've gradually introduced Lorna to that area.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35But it's not just Silverstone that's a driving factor
0:04:35 > 0:04:37for their move to Northamptonshire.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41Paul needs space for a few cars of his own.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44The house is not ideal because I have several cars.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48It would be great to get them out of storage and into our own garage.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52He also has an urge to have a boy's shed.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56They may need more space but don't want to feel isolated.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00I think the sort of location we're looking for for our next house
0:05:00 > 0:05:03is a village within striking distance of a town,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so we can cycle in, which is what we like doing.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10What kind of lifestyle are they hoping for in the country?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13The lifestyle we are looking for in the country is probably
0:05:13 > 0:05:16a lot more relaxed and quiet than we have had in London.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19We are both used to rushing around for work
0:05:19 > 0:05:20and our social lives are really busy.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Lorna in particular has very definite ideas
0:05:24 > 0:05:26on her likes and dislikes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29The sort of house I don't want to move to is the typical
0:05:29 > 0:05:33chocolate-box thatched cottage style, with lots and lots of beams
0:05:33 > 0:05:36running across the ceiling, low ceilings, small rooms.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38In the new house I'd four bedrooms,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41dining room, study, utility room,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44outdoor space, garage,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47and if we can get all those in one place that would be fantastic.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49I'm more flexible than Lorna.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52As long as there's room for me to either have an outbuilding
0:05:52 > 0:05:57which I can use for the vehicles, or create one myself, that's fine.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Interesting. In a county full of rustic properties,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Lorna's saying "no" to thatch and "yes" to minimal.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I'm used to clean lines, minimalist interiors, contemporary feel,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09so I'm hoping that whatever we find
0:06:09 > 0:06:12has that modern feel that we've become used to.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15This is my study. I run my business from here.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19It's really important, when we move, that I have an equivalent room.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23One of the main reasons for moving is more outdoor space,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27as we only have a balcony with two window boxes. I want to grow my own vegetables.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30You can't imagine growing carrots in a window box,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34so if we can move and have that vegetable patch, that would be cool.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39So that they can buy a new home, they need to know how much they have to spend.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42We've asked a local estate agent to value their house.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45This property's beautifully presented,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47brilliantly positioned for a family home,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50so we recommend an initial asking price of £575,000.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56With that in mind, what's the budget for the new house?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Our budget for the new house is around £500,000.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Thatches are a no-go zone.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08But if there's a garage for the car collection
0:07:08 > 0:07:12and enough space in the garden for a vegetable patch, they'll be happy.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18As long as we also find them four bedrooms, a study, some reception rooms and a large kitchen.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21And they want that elusive mix of old and new.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Some beams but not too many. An old shell with a contemporary interior.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29That's becoming something of a trend on this show.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I'm seeing it a lot - but it doesn't make it any easier.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36With Paul and Lorna looking for good road links,
0:07:36 > 0:07:40our house search will radiate out from the market town of Brackley,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and we might stray over the odd county border.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46I'll be showing them a great selection of properties
0:07:46 > 0:07:49but I won't reveal the price until they have had a guess first.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52The grand finale will be our awe-inspiring mystery house.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57Good morning, Paul and Lorna.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Thank you for bringing me here on this fabulous morning.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Great county, Northamptonshire.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Close to Silverstone. Is that the only reason we're here?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Yes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Different ideas on this one.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14We are in central London at the moment and love it, but with friends and family moving out of London
0:08:14 > 0:08:18and located around the country, if we can move somewhere central, it makes life easier.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- So, a lot of thought has gone into this.- Yes.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Not just about the car racing.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29After six months in New Zealand, you have had time to consider this.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32New Zealand's pretty stunning. Why back home rather than there?
0:08:32 > 0:08:37It's a lovely place to visit, beautiful scenery, wonderful people
0:08:37 > 0:08:43- but we don't think we could live there. We would rather go and visit people.- And the style of property?
0:08:43 > 0:08:48Conversions - that's really what you're looking for.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49I would love a barn conversion.
0:08:49 > 0:08:57Something that's got a period look, character, but inside, modern, contemporary, a little bit funky.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01New Zealanders are keen on a bloke shed and it's a wonderful idea.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03So, it's a big wish list. How much money?
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- We have around £500,000.- If it was perfect, we would go to 550.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12OK, so there's a bit of room if it's the ideal property and you don't have to do anything.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16That's good to know because we obviously have fantastic properties.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18We should get going.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52This is a real, big change for you.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Are you sure you going to be able to make the decision easily together?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00When you look at the house, do you think you're going to just know?
0:10:00 > 0:10:05I believe, if you walk into a place, it feels right or it feels wrong.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09So I'm hoping that sort of gut instinct will kick in, either way.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13It certainly happened for us as soon as we walked in at London.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Yeah, the house that we're in at the moment.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- So you're expecting the same magic again.- Yes.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24If a conversion is what they want, a conversion is what they will get.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29Our first property is just over four miles from Brackley in the village of Croughton.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33For drink and provisions, they could bike a couple of miles down the road to Charlton
0:10:33 > 0:10:37with its traditional pub, village shop and post office.
0:10:37 > 0:10:44There are some eye-catching properties in the area, including a Methodist chapel dating back to 1904
0:10:44 > 0:10:49but converted some 15 years ago. Right, this is it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53I didn't realise you were bringing us to the mystery house first.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58It feels like it should be the mystery but given the requirement of a conversion,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00this is going to deliver on that.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03You're surrounded by neighbours and obviously we are on a road.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05How do you feel about the location?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08That's my only reservation is the road.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- It's quite busy. - But I like the front.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16The front's amazing. You've got wonderful arched windows
0:11:16 > 0:11:19and that feeling of a church but you can see it's been converted.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Well, the unique character appeals to Lorna.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28Let's hope they both see the light as we step inside.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29In we come.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Through the vestibule.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Wow!- Indeed.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Nice space.- You have some useful things through here as well.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43you've got a room through there which they're currently using as a gym - quite a good space.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Over here is the downstairs loo and a utility room.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52- That's the washing area, so it's away from things. - Good. I like that sort of thing.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57The room I really want you to see - one of the many - is through here.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Through the big, grand entrance hallway into...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Fairly grand...
0:12:03 > 0:12:04Yes! Like!
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Good space.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11Wood burner.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13This would be perfect.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15It's a nice shape as well.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Easy to put things in and move things around. Yeah, I like it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- Oh! What else? - She likes it, what else?
0:12:24 > 0:12:30A fabulous kitchen. If you like this, you're going to love what I'm going to show you next.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35'Can it get any better? I can't wait to see Lorna's reaction.'
0:12:35 > 0:12:39What do you think of this?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Like it. Look at the size of this!
0:12:41 > 0:12:46I love it already. I just want to be able to sell our house!
0:12:46 > 0:12:49This kitchen is exactly what I'd want. Space. Storage.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55Everything's been done to the highest specifications, great attention to detail.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- That, for example, is your fridge. - Sold! Are they leaving it?!
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- They're leaving it. All of this stays.- Stunning. Stunning room.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Stunning.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Two big yeses so far.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11We're heading upstairs now. What do I need to show you up there?
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Bedrooms, bathrooms, en suite. - "Bedrooms, bathrooms, en suite!"
0:13:15 > 0:13:17More of the same, please.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21This is a kitchen where no expense has been spared and there are more
0:13:21 > 0:13:25beautiful design features on the way upstairs.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29The light streaming through on this stairway is glorious. Isn't it?
0:13:29 > 0:13:35- All thanks to these amazing windows which have obviously stayed from the original chapel.- Double aspect.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Double aspect with huge windows, a great feature.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42You've got the beams and a fair amount of space.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Bit more than perhaps you were expecting?
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Can't see yet.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- How many bedrooms were you looking for, Lorna?- I wanted four.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I'm quite happy with three.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- He'd go down to three.- Do you think you could cope with five? - Five? Up here?- Yes.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Yes, indeed. There are five bedrooms.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02One would make an ideal study for Paul.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06And that leaves them three comfortable guest rooms, including a nice sized double
0:14:06 > 0:14:11and two stylish singles - one with some lovely old beam details.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14But we'll take a look at the family bathroom.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Here we go.- Wow! Oh!
0:14:20 > 0:14:26It's a small space but actually we've got a lot in it and it doesn't feel small. It feels really big.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30I like the huge mirror and that, in itself,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33is what makes the room look twice the size.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- The skylight, looking out at the sky.- Brilliant.- Right.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Time to look at that master suite.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Excellent.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43And through this way.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Lovely. Another great room. Really good.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51So this could work.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52I did call it a master suite.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I did, didn't I?
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Perhaps that's because behind here, there's a little bit more.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Have a look in there.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Walk-in wardrobe. Go on, walk in to the walk-in wardrobe.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Space for hanging stuff.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11And not just space for hanging! Fantastic!
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- A proper wet room. - A proper wet room.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Exactly like at home, which is the room I wanted to take with me
0:15:20 > 0:15:22and be able to plonk somewhere else. Brilliant.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27I've just gone from being a little disappointed to being really happy.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30It's like Narnia!
0:15:33 > 0:15:34This is me, just totally.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37So, you're saying this is you.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39But we're doing a "we", so...
0:15:42 > 0:15:45If Lorna's happy, I'm happy. this suits me fine.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49So, what else would this house have to give you, or are you happy already?
0:15:49 > 0:15:54I'm happy with the interior. I need to see what's going on outside.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I want the same kind of reaction out of you.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01I'm working on you, Paul. I want the joy. And I want some jumping.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Come on. - I can't believe I did jump, actually.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Let's get outside.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10This is an impeccable conversion and I can see Lorna is totally in love with it.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15I'm praying the outside space holds the same magic for Paul.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20This is the area I am going to come to you a little bit more, Paul, to see what do you think.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- The cars.- Yes.- Front of the house,
0:16:23 > 0:16:30you could park five vehicles and on this side there was planning permission to build a garage.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33There's space there. How do you feel about that?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35This is the area where you compromise with this property.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Yeah, it is.- But it's a compromise I'm quite happy with.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44OK, we've reached the moment! Go on. You're going to tell me how much you think it's worth.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I'm going to say 600.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I would definitely go lower. 545.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Wow.- That is very precise.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57And I've got to say, the winner is Paul. That's spot-on.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58How did you do that?
0:16:58 > 0:17:03This property's on the market and has been on for three weeks at £545,000.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Three weeks? That's...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Well, if the... That's great.
0:17:11 > 0:17:17It's do-able. Reversing out of there still could be a problem but let's have a look at it.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Let's have another look at the front.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23I don't know if you can reverse out of the other side of the house.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Lorna's going to find a way to make this work. Off you go!
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Investigate how you'll back out of the front and where the cars will go.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Oh, my word. It's only property number one.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39They love it. Paul, a little bit more reserved, but I have feeling that Lorna gets what she wants,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42but will she still want it when she's seen our other houses?
0:17:44 > 0:17:50At £545,000, this unique chapel conversion is at the top of their budget.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51But there's nothing to change.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Are you prepared to compromise on...?
0:18:10 > 0:18:13There's only one person making the compromises here.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17I'm compromising on the garden! There's no garden.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22Initially, I was disappointed because of the traffic noise
0:18:22 > 0:18:26but once you come in, you completely forget about it and it's just stunning.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29I'm totally attached emotionally to the house.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34I've been here half an hour and can't find fault with it.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- I like just playing with the drawers! - You'd do that all day, wouldn't you?
0:18:41 > 0:18:47I'm going to have to be careful because this doesn't compromise anything, particularly, for me.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51It will be more of a compromise for Paul and we can't always work on what I want.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53I think Lorna's over the moon.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57She will put up with any compromises in order to have it.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06A-ha! Plenty of space for your cars out here and I reckon we can reverse out no problem.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I'm going to make Paul practise now.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11I know you love this one but there's so many more to see.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13So let's get moving.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27Paul's passion for cars and desire to be near Silverstone fuelled their choice of location.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30But they know very little about Northamptonshire.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32What better starting point than Towcester,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36the county's oldest market town, three miles from the race track?
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Towcester is loaded with historic buildings, from its Norman Church,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46built on Roman remains, to the 19th-century corn exchange.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50But, just outside the town centre, is an architectural first.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Stoke Park was designed by self-taught architect Inigo Jones,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56who was inspired by his travels around Italy
0:19:56 > 0:20:00and planned it in the Palladian style.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03In 1629, it was really ahead of its time.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09It was his passion for classical architecture that won Jones many Royal commissions.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12The original house was destroyed by fire in the late 19th century.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17So today only the east and west wings remain.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Our couple of city slickers will certainly have plenty of local gems
0:20:20 > 0:20:23up their sleeve to show to their friends when they come to visit.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Let's hope they continue to be wowed by our line-up of properties.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Our next conversion takes us just seven miles from Brackley
0:20:36 > 0:20:38and we're skipping over the Buckinghamshire border
0:20:38 > 0:20:40to the small village of Chackmore.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Chockfull of desirable properties, there's a pint on tap at the pub
0:20:44 > 0:20:46and lovely walks at Stowe Gardens.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52Let's see if this conversion of an old stable block gets the thumbs up.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Come round here. We've taken you into Buckinghamshire.- Yes.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01Slightly across the border. And this is the barn conversion...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- Aha!- ..that I want to delight you with.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Really pretty.- Paul, what are your first impressions?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It looks quite interesting.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Well, a barn conversion was right at the top of your wish list.- Yes.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15So let's see what you make of the inside.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19On paper, this should suit them down to the ground.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But with Lorna it's all about gut instinct.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Let's see how she reacts inside. Right, through the hallway.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- Nice little boot room area.- Um-hm. - And into the dining space.- Yeah.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35Um...it's a little bit dark, is my first reaction.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- A separate dining room, which I like.- Yeah, no.- You do like that?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I quite like the idea of a separate dining room.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- A muted response. This way. Look at the kitchen. See what you think of this.- OK.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Now, it's definitely a lot lighter in this room, I think.- Yes, it is.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56Fairly nice size. Lots of storage space. Double oven. Brilliant.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- And you like the granite worktops. - Yes. I like granite worktops.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Having a separate dining room, I'm wondering why they need a table here as well.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Breakfast. You don't always sit at the dining table, do you?
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- So there's scope to move things here.- Yes. That's personal taste.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16And I like the curved corners on the windows.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Little details. Oh, yes. OK. So warming up a bit.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Let's go to the other side, the living room,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- to see what you make of that.- OK. - After you.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Right, through here, this is your living room.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33A very nice-sized space.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- It's got a wood burner for you.- Oh, yes, I like that.- It's dual fuel.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- A multi-fuel burner.- Ah!- The exposed stonework, does that work for you?
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- I like that wall.- That wall's nice. - OK.- That wall, no, doesn't work.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- It's not really doing it. - No. It looks too artificial.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Does it feel as if it could be a living room for the two of you?
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I don't see us sitting here.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01I haven't got that gut feel that I should be here,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05whereas in the other property, when I walked in I could see myself there.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07I feel as if I'm not winning you over yet.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Upstairs we've got five bedrooms. - Right.- OK. Right.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- A bonus on what you were asking for. - It is.- So let's have a look.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- You do get a lot of space and this is a great location.- Yes.- OK.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23'Well, you can't predict how someone's going to react. Let's head upstairs.'
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Right. Five bedrooms up here.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30Three on this side and just here is the family bathroom.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- Poke your heads in and have a look. - Well, that's quite small!
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Very small.- Smallest bathroom sink I've ever seen.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- It's normally in a downstairs cloakroom.- It's bijou!
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Bijou, yeah. But there is a bath and shower.- It's a huge bath.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You could have fun in your tiny bathroom! Let's see the bedrooms.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Well, this is one of the larger rooms. It's a child's at the moment.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- You could fit a double bed in but not much else.- Yeah.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It'd be a bed and bedside table probably.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- For guests, do you need much more? - Perfect guest room.- Yeah.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08'Next door, there's study space for Paul and plenty more rooms,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13'with a large double room in the eaves and another single room.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18'Now we'll go right to the end of the landing to size up where they would sleep.'
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Right, master bedroom back here. - Yep.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Bigger than the others. - Yeah, definitely.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28And, because the family bathroom
0:24:28 > 0:24:30was a little bit tinier than you wanted...
0:24:30 > 0:24:33have a look in there.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36So, you get the stand-up shower. A small en suite.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38It's got everything you need.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43So, you've seen pretty much all of the house.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47I've had a fairly, er...restrained response from you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51It's a family home at the moment. So lots of rooms do work for the current owners
0:24:51 > 0:24:56but for you two, there's scope to open some of it up and, as you say, put your stamp on it.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- Make it a little more modern or to your taste.- Yes. More contemporary.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02There's the space here and, in particular,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06the reason we want to show you this property is the outside space.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Oh, right, OK! - This one's for you, Paul.- OK.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10So let's go outside and have a look.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14'This is a great family home.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19It doesn't have the dimensions they expected with a conversion but it does have all the bedrooms
0:25:19 > 0:25:23'and, outside, there's plenty of space for Lorna's vegetable patch.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26'But I'm particularly hoping it will appeal to Paul.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:30So, from up here, you can see your double garage, Paul!
0:25:30 > 0:25:34It will be for you for the cars. You've got two there and this space.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40- I was thinking enough room to build the bloke shed.- Oh!- Could do.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- That's a good idea.- Yeah, that would work.- What are you thinking?
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I had thought I would do away with the bedroom above
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and make the workshop extend upwards.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I like that! Hydraulic things...
0:25:52 > 0:25:57So I can jack the cars up and work underneath.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Three stacked up and you lose a bedroom. You only wanted four!- Yes.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- Exactly, a small one. Of course, if this is the house for you.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08And that partly depends on the price. So, Lorna,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12how much do you think this is on the market for?
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Um...I'm going to say 495.- 495. OK.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- And I will go 450.- 450!
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- So quite a big drop.- Yes. - It's on the market at £475,000.- OK.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30- So you're right, it is under budget. - Yes.- What do you think of that?
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- It's not for me.- Ooh! Nothing to consider.- Um...no.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38It's not a place I've walked into and thought, yes,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41this is where we could move to and be settled.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45And it's strange cos I can't quite put my finger on it
0:26:45 > 0:26:50but we'd have to do quite a lot of work to make it feel like ours.
0:26:50 > 0:26:57Well, before we leave, let's look at that garage and dream about where your classic cars could have lived.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58- Go on.- All right. See you later.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Under budget, at £475,000,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06and with more bedrooms than they asked for,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10this stone-built conversion may not have lived up to their dream
0:27:10 > 0:27:13but it has some great selling points.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34- So is this OK for you? - It would work as a garage but that is all it is. It's a double garage.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- Yes.- I've got a door at the back to access the back garden
0:27:38 > 0:27:40and I could put a workshop out there.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43So, yes, it would work.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48I feel with this house, it's like an ordinary four-bedroom detached house.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49In my head, as a barn conversion,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I was perhaps expecting a property where we got nice,
0:27:52 > 0:27:57high ceilings, bigger rooms, a bit more of an open plan set-up inside.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Perhaps I've just made that up but once I've got that in my head,
0:28:01 > 0:28:05I think I was a little disappointed with how this was in reality.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Right, time to make a move. - All right. Onwards, yes.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Northamptonshire has a fascinating shoe-making history.
0:28:21 > 0:28:27In the late 1940s, there were around 240 shoe-making factories in the county, of which about 34 remain.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31I'm meeting David Dickerson from one of the renowned local companies
0:28:31 > 0:28:33to find out how a best-of-British shoe is made.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37This is where it all starts. The beginning of the process.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39I can smell the leather!
0:28:40 > 0:28:42An amazing array.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45This is a typical calf leather. It's probably three to four months old.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- This is a by-product, isn't it?- Yes, a by-product of the meat industry.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56Although nowadays modern machinery has kicked in to cut out the leather linings,
0:28:56 > 0:29:01traditional skills are still employed in what's known as the clicking room.
0:29:02 > 0:29:08So, here, we're actually cutting by hand and this is where the term "clicking room" comes from
0:29:08 > 0:29:13because the knife, as it goes round the brass-bound patterns tended to make a clicking noise.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16And that's where the term clicking came from.
0:29:16 > 0:29:22And it's next door in the closing room where the shoe uppers start to take shape.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26Well, it's a hive of activity in here, isn't it?
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Here, we're actually doing an operation called under edging.
0:29:30 > 0:29:36This is trimming off the surplus lining material and stitching around the top at the same time.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- What style of shoe is this, then? - This is a classic brogue Oxford.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44And why do we only have girls in this room? Seems segregated?
0:29:44 > 0:29:49Well, historically, it's always been women in the closing room.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54There are stories that machines were brought in, where everything was traditionally hand stitched
0:29:54 > 0:30:01When the machines were brought in, they went on strike and women replaced the jobs the men did.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06So the men went on strike because of modernisation and women came in to save the day.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08That's how the story goes.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11So, where do we find the finished product?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- The next department. - OK, thank you very much.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19From start to finish, these shoes go through about 200 different stages
0:30:19 > 0:30:22and typically take around seven weeks to make.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It's certainly no quick stitch job!
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- What's happening here? - This is called welt sewing.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- This is the most important part. - And what exactly is that?
0:30:33 > 0:30:39We stitch a leather welt to the rib here and we then stitch the sole
0:30:39 > 0:30:41to the welt, so the whole thing is then held together.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Does it make it more waterproof, longer lasting?
0:30:46 > 0:30:51It's a flexible process. The main thing is, the shoes can be repaired three or four times,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53so they become good value for money.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56How much money would a shoe like that cost?
0:30:56 > 0:31:01- It's been through many processes. - Retail, you're talking probably £200.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05Some of our customers charge £300 - £400.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08So, what does the final shoe look like?
0:31:08 > 0:31:11This is pretty well at the end of the process, so...
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Look at that. A thing of beauty!
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- It is.- Isn't it? Just gorgeous.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20I have a new appreciation of what has gone into making it.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23A home-made British shoe.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25100% British, yes.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32With the first day of our house hunt at an end,
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Lorna and Paul have a chance to reflect on the properties they've seen so far.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- So, how do you think today went? - I think it's been very informative for both of us
0:31:43 > 0:31:46because I think we now have a better idea of what we like and don't like.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- So what did you like about the chapel?- The chapel.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54I loved the lounge space. It was great.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59We could do all sorts of things with that. Into the kitchen, clever use of space.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Lots of storage and five bedrooms.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04To have a wet room which was almost identical to what we've got
0:32:04 > 0:32:07and really wanted was brilliant.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10The garden area was a bit small but it would suit me.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14It's not overlooked. We can sit out there.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16We don't have to buy a lawnmower!
0:32:16 > 0:32:18There's hardly any gardening to do, which suits me fine.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21So what do you think about the barn conversion then?
0:32:21 > 0:32:23The kitchen was OK but nothing more than OK.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27It was nice to have a separate dinging room. That was different.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30There was a lot of money that would have to be spent on that place.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32And we still wouldn't be happy with it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- I don't think they're going to be able to top the chapel.- No. No.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- I'd be surprised. - I'd be well impressed.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51Paul and Lorna want to escape from London and, with their £550,000 budget,
0:32:51 > 0:32:56are on a mission to find their perfect country pad in rural Northamptonshire.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Lorna's already got her heart set on one of the properties we've seen.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05But, coming up, our mystery house could well scupper her plans.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- I'm loving it.- He's loving it! A big chuckle.- I knew he would!
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Don't tell him that. Can you up the numbers a bit?
0:33:16 > 0:33:21Yesterday, I think I may have peaked a little too early.
0:33:21 > 0:33:27Lorna's reaction to that chapel is probably the best reaction I've had to a first house on this show,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31so my challenge today is to try to top that. Wish me luck.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Our house hunt continues 27 miles from Brackley in the village of Cogenhoe.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44Paul and Lorna could stride out down the Nene Way into unspoilt countryside.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48Alongside the Norman church that overlooks the village green
0:33:48 > 0:33:52is yet another conversion, dating back to 1843.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- And this used to be the old school house.- Oh, right.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- That's nice. Lovely windows. - You like, but I'm not feeling love. - I like the concept.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04I think it looks really nice. Looks really pretty.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- But what's inside?- You always just want to see inside, don't you?
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Seen the outside now, let's move on!
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Come on, let's see if I can get you jumping up and down.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16This is a really impressive house from the outside.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21And hopefully, they will give the inside a warm reception.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24It's a great door, there, very solid.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Come on in.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31So, this house was bought by an old shoemaker who did the renovation back in the '70s.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Wow!
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- Nice kitchen.- He didn't do this.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42- Modern for his time! I love the oven. Look at that. Really nice. - That's very good.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- I quite like it.- You quite like it? You're surprised, aren't you?
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- This is quite nice! Yes, it is. - I like the flooring, too.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Through there is a utility space and a downstairs loo.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Everything covered and plenty of space to entertain as well.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Let's go and have a look at the living room.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Right, through the glass door, into your living room.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11Fantastic windows all around.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15- Beautiful. Lovely windowsills. - Mullioned windows.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20Over here, this great fireplace. You can still smell it, can't you? You can, actually.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24It does feel nice and comfortable. You can imagine being cosy in here.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26It has a nice feel to it.
0:35:26 > 0:35:33Through there we have another reception room which could easily be a dining room if you wanted it to.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37OK. Let's have a look upstairs. Upstairs we've got a few bedrooms.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- A few?- A few.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42We've got three in fact.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49- We've got three. See if that's enough for you.- OK.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53At the moment, this property seems like a contender.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Let's see if Lorna can compromise on her demands for upstairs.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Great shutters on the windows up here.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04And we follow through into this, which is the master bedroom.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Nice size.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08But there is no en suite.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Er, right. That's a bit of a negative.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17In as much as if we are looking for a property where we could have more friends and family for a visit,
0:36:17 > 0:36:22- the one bathroom situation is not ideal.- A problem.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25If we come up with an option for your guests...?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28If there is a workaround.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31I feel as if it's been growing on you as we've been walking around.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33I felt quite comfortable with it.
0:36:33 > 0:36:39In fact, I've probably gone slightly down, knowing there is no en suite, but if there's a solution...
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- We're still in with a chance! - A possibility.- Right!
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Well, Lorna, fear not. There's a surprise to follow later.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49Upstairs there are two other bedrooms -
0:36:49 > 0:36:52a good-sized double and a nice, cosy single.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55There's also a bright, modern family bathroom.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00I think they're still on board with this house and my surprise outside should hook them even more.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- A good-sized garden.- Very nice. Good views.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- Staircase!- You spotted that already!
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I'm coming to that! Concentrate on the garden first of all.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18- Lovely views.- There's no-one going to be building on that piece.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23And, over here, Paul, a bloke shed. It looks a bit girly at the moment.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- Looks more like a doll's house. - It looks really pretty.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30You can toughen it up a bit.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Finally, I'm going to put you out of your misery. There is a fourth bedroom.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35The staircase leads to...
0:37:35 > 0:37:37The guest room. Come on.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42The bedroom may be in a quirky place but it's not short on space.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46Now, look at this for an extra room.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51- Great space.- Something you weren't expecting.- No. Granny annexe.- Yeah!
0:37:51 > 0:37:54It is, if she can make it up the stairs.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58It's got its own lovely en suite there. Got the shower in there.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03It's a great room. So, take it all in, let's go back outside. And then guess the price.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04All right. Put your thinking hat on.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08This house and garden has a bit of everything they have asked for.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10But now we need to go and talk money.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12This is such a beautiful time of year, isn't it?
0:38:12 > 0:38:17The leaves falling, the colours, and that would be your view if you lived here.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- Wonderful village, 10 minutes from Northampton.- Very quiet.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Quiet. Quaint.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- You know where I'm going with this, don't you?- I'm struggling.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29I'm hoping you will keep talking to give me more time.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33How much do you think it's on the market for? Paul?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I would say it's 500,000.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I'm going to go higher. I'm going to go 540.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42This property could be yours for...
0:38:43 > 0:38:46..£435,000.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Oh, wow!
0:38:48 > 0:38:53- We were both well out.- Well out. It's well under your budget.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- Gosh, that changes things.- It does.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00So, we could afford to put the staircase in and make that annexe a part of the house.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Still don't know where to put the cars.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07But you do keep some of your cars in a separate location at the moment, don't you?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Off you go, start thinking about it.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12I'll see you later on.
0:39:12 > 0:39:19Under budget at £435,000, this old school house is a great property.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24But anything we show them now is going to come up against the chapel conversion which they loved.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- This is a good space. - It's all set up as a study.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43Get all your work stuff in here.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48I'm very concerned about the lack of parking. The garden is lovely.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Nice little surprise to have a balcony where we can sit out and look out across the fields.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- I think the lack of the shower is a problem here.- Yes, we need one.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03If you look in this cupboard...there's no boiler.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04I noticed that.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08So you could do away with that and put a decent shower in this end.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11I think we could do with having that option.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13I quite like this property.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16The downstairs space is really good -
0:40:16 > 0:40:18nice living room and kitchen.
0:40:18 > 0:40:25Upstairs is a bit disappointing. Three bedrooms, two quite small and you'll struggle to fit a double bed.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30There is the annexe but, at the moment, it is a bit impractical.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34We could integrate it with the house but it is going to take time and money,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36so the upstairs lets it down for me.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I think this is where the schoolchildren may have carved their initials into the wall.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Something that Lorna and Paul could be doing... Hello!
0:40:42 > 0:40:46If you moved in here, you could put your name...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50There's more to see. We haven't finished yet. Come on.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Paul and Lorna already cycle in London
0:40:59 > 0:41:03but they're keen to get out and about more on two wheels when they move to Northamptonshire.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09Salcey Forest, just seven miles from Northampton, is perfect for getting on your bike.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14So they're meeting Linda Johns, a local artist, who's a passionate regular visitor to the forest.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- Hi, Lorna. Hi, Paul.- Hiya.- Hello. - Good to meet you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- I gather you're keen cyclists?- Yes. - Yes.- OK. Let me show you the forest.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Spanning 1,200 acres of ancient oak woodland,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Salcey dates back to Henry VIII's time.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Nowadays, it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest
0:41:33 > 0:41:37but there are unexpected sites growing on these trees.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Here we can see we have some books. It's part of a Book Crossing club.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45The idea is that people bring their books up here and leave them
0:41:45 > 0:41:49for others to pick up and when they've read them, they leave them for someone else.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- That's unusual.- It is, yeah. So much goes on in the forest!
0:41:56 > 0:41:58They fell in love with the outdoors in New Zealand
0:41:58 > 0:42:03and this forest certainly has its high points, with a 1,000ft long treetop walk.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Here we are, right at the top of Salcey Forest and you can see out over the trees.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- Over there you can see Northampton. - Great view.
0:42:11 > 0:42:16Well, freewheeling around this forest would be the perfect antidote to Paul's motorsport mania.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18We've just got to nail the right house.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27Right, for the mystery house we have decided to show them something old,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29packed with period features
0:42:29 > 0:42:33and at a different end of the county to that which they were looking for.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37But they are going to get a lot more for their money here
0:42:37 > 0:42:40and they could end up as lord and lady of the manor.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44But what do they think we've got lined up for them?
0:42:44 > 0:42:50I have visions of you taking us to a brand new house. Red bricks, square, my absolute hate.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55- Hate.- But it's more likely to have the double garage and outdoor space than older properties
0:42:55 > 0:42:59because they were not built with that in mind.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02So that's what I think it will be.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05How wrong you are, Lorna!
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Our mystery property is 38 miles from Brackley,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10in the village of Barton Seagrave.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16As well as a handy post office, there's a Norman church right on the village green.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19And, surprise, it's NOT a conversion.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22It's a seventeenth-century manor house.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25I know you like contemporary, so we've brought you period.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Grade 2 listed period.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- I think it looks beautiful. - It looks substantial, solid, old.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- Paul?- I'm loving it!- He's loving it. I got a nice, big chuckle.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40I'm going to score highly with this house with you, I'm sure.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43- Let's have a look inside.- OK.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47Well, Lorna seems a bit awestruck by the period grandeur
0:43:47 > 0:43:50but, dare I say, Paul's revved up and raring to go.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54This house is full...
0:43:54 > 0:43:57of period features. Amazing hallway.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01All of the panelling. Actually, this was put up in the '30s.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03It doesn't date back that far.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05And this room...
0:44:05 > 0:44:08This is what you call a dining room.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11A dining room. Wonderful fireplace there.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- Yeah, the stone hearth. Huge fireplace.- Love the dining table.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19- Yeah.- This is very different to the contemporary sharp lines, clean...
0:44:19 > 0:44:21Yeah, it's totally removed from that.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25- Paul?- I love it already.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28And I'm loving this role reversal.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33Giggles and smiles from Paul, and Lorna is considering her opinion.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- Let's work on that.- OK.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42So, through here you've got a lovely living room.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44Another period part of the property.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- Lots of beams.- Look at that fireplace.- Wonderful fireplace.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- It's huge.- So deep. - I could live here quite happily.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55You're going to have to convince Lorna this time.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- Some good arguments about this one. - Not all of it dates back so far.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02There are some extensions, some modern touches.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Some slightly more modern touches.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08Let's go back to the 20th century.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11Circa 1960. Through here.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13A bit more space.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18- Another sort of seating area. - I think this would make a nice reading area.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Nice reading area. A bonus.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- Something you haven't even asked for.- Yeah, exactly.
0:45:23 > 0:45:28- Something you have asked for, though, is a good kitchen. You might like this one.- Go on, then.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32We need Lorna to love this kitchen if we're going to convince her of living the manor house lifestyle.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35So fingers crossed.
0:45:35 > 0:45:40Now, the kitchen is not the biggest, but I still think it's pretty nice.
0:45:40 > 0:45:45It's smaller, from what we've seen of the house so far from the outside,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48the house looks huge and the kitchen is disproportionately small.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- But you've got everything you want. - "Everything I want", I hear you say!
0:45:52 > 0:45:55"You've got everything you want!"
0:45:55 > 0:46:00- "I love the house, you like the kitchen!"- Yes, you will like it.
0:46:00 > 0:46:06In all seriousness, it's smaller than many kitchens and it's obviously not a kitchen diner
0:46:06 > 0:46:12but this house does extend that way as well, you've got two other fairly sizeable rooms down the corridor.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17Perhaps you could put a kitchen in there, but this is Grade 2 listed.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19There's a lot of space, a lot of options.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- Let's go upstairs and see the bedrooms.- OK.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26Paul seems at home here but Lorna's still reserving judgement.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29She should be happy as there are four bedrooms upstairs.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32Let's see if the master can win her over.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35You get even more character upstairs, I think.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37Partly the furnishings.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41They've really found furniture that fits the period.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44You've got the big four-poster bed. What would you do with it?
0:46:44 > 0:46:50I think this is a room where we could perhaps modernise it to satisfy Lorna's tastes.
0:46:52 > 0:46:57The en suite round here, you get a shower, a stand-up shower, and it's quite nice, that room.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- Could become a wet room.- Indeed. - Paul, you love this house already.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- I do.- Safe to say.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07But what I really want is to make you jump up and down with joy.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10So come and see what I'm going to show you next.
0:47:13 > 0:47:14There are another three bedrooms -
0:47:14 > 0:47:17a very grand double room,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20a single tucked away in the eaves
0:47:20 > 0:47:24and a generous single currently used as a dressing room.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27There's also a family bathroom with a roll-top bath.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30But now let's make Paul a happy boy.
0:47:30 > 0:47:36Right, outside, Paul, and I have finally found you
0:47:36 > 0:47:38what I think is a bloke shed.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41I'm in heaven.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44Jumping up and down.
0:47:44 > 0:47:50Brilliant! You have got your carport, a garage and an extra room.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52Come on, let's have a look.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57'Oh, dear. While Paul's jumping up and down, Lorna's gone very quiet.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02'This is no ordinary garage. There's an upstairs with endless possibilities.'
0:48:03 > 0:48:07Yes, Paul. You don't just get space for the cars,
0:48:07 > 0:48:09you get space for the toys as well.
0:48:09 > 0:48:14- Movie room.- Yes?- Yes, I think it would be a music room.
0:48:14 > 0:48:19- A music room.- I like this, you're actually excited about this.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22- Yeah.- I prefer...
0:48:26 > 0:48:31This could be my ladies' outdoor shed. House, parlour.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Bloke shed out the window.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Lorna's moving in. Sorry, I tried.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38As long as I've still got downstairs, that's fine.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43And that is it. Just the garden to look at and time to talk about how much all this costs.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47- Oh dear! - Off you go. I'll follow you.
0:48:47 > 0:48:52Well, the mystery house has certainly delivered for Paul but it might be a project too far for Lorna
0:48:52 > 0:48:55unless the garden and the price can swing it.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59Well, the house is big and so is the garden.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03Compared to everything else we've shown you, plenty of room for a vegetable patch up here.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Good entertaining area.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10And from back here you can have a good look at the manor which could be yours.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12It comes at a price. What do you think that is?
0:49:12 > 0:49:19- Well, because I'm so in love with it, I'm going to say it's right at the top of our price...- Yeah.
0:49:19 > 0:49:24So I would say, all right, I'll go 540.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26540, OK.
0:49:26 > 0:49:27I'm going to go for 575.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32- 575? Over budget.- Oh, dear. - It's a lot, isn't it?
0:49:32 > 0:49:36But you could get your hands on it for £499,000.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38Wow!
0:49:38 > 0:49:43Don't tell him that, please! Can't you up the numbers a bit?!
0:49:43 > 0:49:47We have to bear in mind there are things we would need to do to it.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50With my heart, I would say whatever the price, and just pay it
0:49:50 > 0:49:54but we've got to take into account the work that needs doing.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56And the furniture we have at the moment...
0:49:56 > 0:50:01The furniture we have at the moment, we just stick on a bonfire and start again!
0:50:03 > 0:50:06That's the first time anyone's ever said that!
0:50:06 > 0:50:10I was looking for a reaction from you, Paul. I wasn't expecting that.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13You love it enough to burn all your furniture. Brilliant.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17- And start again.- I think you'll have to convince Lorna of that.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21And while you work on that, off you go.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Lot of work to do.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Who expected that?
0:50:25 > 0:50:27I did not see that coming.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29I wanted Paul to love it, but not that much.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55- Here's the space that you wanted. - It is.
0:50:55 > 0:51:00Garage next door to keep the valuable cars.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04I love it.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Oh dear, oh dear!
0:51:06 > 0:51:10This house was not at all what I was expecting to see
0:51:10 > 0:51:15but the more I walked around it, the more I could see that it would be a wonderful home to live in.
0:51:15 > 0:51:21And to come out the back and find this as well was just phenomenal.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24My initial reaction about the house when we first arrived was,
0:51:24 > 0:51:29it looks pretty, it looks stable, it looks good in its setting.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33I still feel this is a really large property where just the two of us
0:51:33 > 0:51:38in an average week, we would bumble about it and we would never meet.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Do you reckon they're still talking to each other?
0:51:41 > 0:51:44Hmm? Smiles?
0:51:44 > 0:51:46Fixed grin, I think.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Right. Decisions to be made, so let's find somewhere quiet.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59Lorna and Paul's journey around our properties is at an end.
0:51:59 > 0:52:05I don't think they ever thought they'd find themselves disagreeing on their favourite property.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Just when they think they know exactly what they want,
0:52:11 > 0:52:14we show a couple the mystery house and throw everything into turmoil.
0:52:14 > 0:52:20The problem here is that Lorna and Paul's country dream seems to be going in two different directions.
0:52:20 > 0:52:24Can they get it together? Let's find out.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29A-ha! What a nice place to find the two of you.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31It's great, isn't it?
0:52:31 > 0:52:33In front of an open, roaring fire.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35And...?
0:52:35 > 0:52:36We're talking at the moment.
0:52:36 > 0:52:42Let's just reflect and go through all of them, starting with the chapel conversion.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45What were you thinking when you arrived?
0:52:45 > 0:52:47It was just fantastic.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Kitchen was fantastic. Really high-spec.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52For me, the whole house worked.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55It was a great compromise between old and new.
0:52:55 > 0:53:00They had mixed the two styles together really well and there was nothing I'd want to do to it.
0:53:00 > 0:53:05I could do with somewhere to keep my cars and a shed, so that was missing but there was space for it.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Now, we took you to see a barn conversion
0:53:09 > 0:53:12and that was something specifically on your wish list.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14The initial appearance was lovely.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18The sun was shining off the mellow stone. It looked very nice.
0:53:18 > 0:53:23It was a nice setting but I was disappointed with that first room.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25I think that influenced the rest of my feelings.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30Even though it was a good space, these things are important.
0:53:30 > 0:53:35It's that gut reaction, instinct, that first feeling as you walk in.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37I didn't get it.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40I think all the rooms were on the small side -
0:53:40 > 0:53:45downstairs as well as upstairs - but especially upstairs.
0:53:45 > 0:53:49Sticking with our conversion theme, we took you to a converted schoolhouse.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53So, did it tick all the boxes for you?
0:53:53 > 0:53:55No.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57Why not? It should have done.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00Why not? Where am I supposed to put my cars?
0:54:00 > 0:54:03There was absolutely nowhere.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05No potential.
0:54:05 > 0:54:10- The cars would have had to go. - That is a step too far!
0:54:10 > 0:54:13Definitely a step too far.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17Now, at this point in the show, leading up to the mystery house,
0:54:17 > 0:54:21I was pretty sure we'd already shown you your dream house, the chapel.
0:54:21 > 0:54:26And our mystery, designed to throw a curve ball, might not do the trick.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29What a shock I had.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32I was hoping you would like it, Paul, but you loved it.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33Yeah, I really loved it.
0:54:33 > 0:54:38Beautiful setting, little village green, just looked stunning from the outside.
0:54:38 > 0:54:43Inside it offered a lot more space than even you were expecting.
0:54:43 > 0:54:51Lots of rooms, and of course on the outside, so much room you had your own bloke shed, finally.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53Yes! We even had a room above the bloke shed,
0:54:53 > 0:54:56which could be a music room or cinema.
0:54:56 > 0:55:03Or girls' room!
0:55:03 > 0:55:05I even got you to jump up and down for that property.
0:55:05 > 0:55:10The problem is we have ended up with two houses.
0:55:10 > 0:55:16- Usually I would ask you which one you were interested in but I think it's very clear.- Chapel.- Manor.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19OK, have we progressed this any further,
0:55:19 > 0:55:24the discussion between you as to which one you would go for?
0:55:24 > 0:55:26We've got to decide which we want.
0:55:26 > 0:55:31If we go for the chapel, yes, the location's ideal.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33- And so is the property.- No.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37The house is ideal but it's got nothing that I want.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39I could build it...
0:55:39 > 0:55:43Ideal but not anything that you want.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46It's ideal, the house, but the grounds have not got what I want
0:55:46 > 0:55:50so I'll have to spend a lot of money and time to build what I want
0:55:50 > 0:55:53so that I've got somewhere to work.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56Whereas the manor house has got it already.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Is this the first challenge like this?
0:55:58 > 0:56:03- Do you usually agree on everything? - We do. It's been quite interesting.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06Paul would normally side with me if I've got a preference.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09This is the first time I've stuck up for myself.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14Probably one of the first times where he's actually said, "We need to fight this one out." So...
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- So watch this space. - Watch this space indeed.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19It's been a great journey. I've really enjoyed it.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22I can't wait to find out where you end up.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29Ah! Whoever said the course of true property hunting would run smoothly?
0:56:29 > 0:56:32We started with such a high, then a little low,
0:56:32 > 0:56:36then Paul came to life and fell in love with the mystery house.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40Now, which one will they go for? The chapel or the mystery? I really don't know.
0:56:40 > 0:56:45One thing I do know for sure - whichever one they go for will be ideal for the two of them.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55Paul and Lorna couldn't agree on either house, so for the moment they're happy staying put in London.
0:56:55 > 0:56:59So, if you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Northern Ireland or England
0:57:02 > 0:57:08and need our help, apply online at...
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:28 > 0:57:32Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk