0:00:02 > 0:00:06This magnificent machine has been helping to shape the British countryside for decades,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10and if not for the industrious folk of the county we're visiting today
0:00:10 > 0:00:13I think the rural landscape would look very different.
0:00:13 > 0:00:19So it's full steam ahead as we go in search of the perfect escape to the country.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Off we go, Barry!
0:00:37 > 0:00:43Today we're helping a couple swap a semi in urban Essex for a detached home in the country.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48We'll be scouring the countryside for a kitchen big enough to satisfy our house-hunters' hunger for space.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Kitchen perhaps not quite as big as I'd hoped for.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56We'll be helping them realise their hidden dreams of traditional timekeeping.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01We've got a secret desire for a grandfather clock, and that would be a good place for it.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07And today's mystery house offers up a whole new career, but will they buy into the business?
0:01:07 > 0:01:12I wonder whether I could run a small tea shop from here and be completely objectionable to all the customers.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Well, today I'm property searching in Suffolk,
0:01:19 > 0:01:25and this Ransome steam traction engine was built just down the road from here in Ipswich back in 1919.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Now, Ransomes were the UK's largest manufacturer of farm equipment,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31supplying not just the UK but the world.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37It takes half a ton of coal and two men to power this beast, but it doesn't go very fast.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40At only four miles per hour, it's not the fastest way
0:01:40 > 0:01:44to explore the countryside, but it's definitely a great ride.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49An agricultural stronghold in the south of England,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Suffolk's farming heritage
0:01:51 > 0:01:54has created a county blanketed by open fields
0:01:54 > 0:01:58crisscrossed with hedgerows and dotted with coppices.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00With Norfolk lying to its north,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07sleepy Suffolk forms the mid-portion of the East Anglian peninsular.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09The county shoreline boasts some of
0:02:09 > 0:02:13England's most sought-after coastal getaways, Aldeburgh and Southwold.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Inland Suffolk has escaped major motorway development,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20and with a limited rail network its villages have been given
0:02:20 > 0:02:22a reprieve from becoming major commuter communities.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24A trip through some of the villages
0:02:24 > 0:02:28will bring you face to face with some beautiful ancient buildings,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31like this 15th-century guildhall in Hadley.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33But for those who are particularly squeamish
0:02:33 > 0:02:37it might be worth avoiding any of the well-known Suffolk pink houses,
0:02:37 > 0:02:42as traditionally it's said the colour was obtained by mixing pig's blood with chalk and clay.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Today, however, far more conventional methods are used,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48but whether it's a pink Suffolk cottage
0:02:48 > 0:02:51or a mansion house you're after, it's all here for the taking.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59With house prices having dropped by 20% here in the last year,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04many homeowners are choosing to hold off from putting their properties on the market.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10So much so that compared with only 12 months ago there are 25% less properties being marketed.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14That being said, if Suffolk whets your house-buying appetite,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16there's still plenty out there to tickle your taste buds.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20One and a quarter million pounds could see you happily ensconced
0:03:20 > 0:03:23in this beautiful Victorian farmhouse
0:03:23 > 0:03:26in the entertainingly named village of Helions Bumpstead.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30With eight bedrooms you certainly won't be running out of space,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33but if you get bored of admiring the period features inside
0:03:33 > 0:03:36you can always go and feel like the king of the castle in the garden,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40which comes complete with its own wood and even a moat.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44If barns are your thing then we've got a stormer for you.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47High standards have been maintained throughout this conversion.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51The contemporary kitchen beautifully complements the sitting room
0:03:51 > 0:03:56with its impressive use of glass, and it's yours for £600,000.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00But if quaint and cosy is more your style
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and you have £389,000 burning a hole in your pocket
0:04:03 > 0:04:06then this cottage could be the place for you.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It has all you could want from a country house, with exposed beams,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13a thatched roof and a pretty garden for those summer afternoons.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Some impressive properties there, so let's meet today's buyers who are
0:04:17 > 0:04:20ready to don their wellies and plunge into the country.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Alan, an engineer, and Sheila, a primary school teacher,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28have been married for 26 years and for the last 17 have lived in
0:04:28 > 0:04:30their four bedroom semi-detached
0:04:30 > 0:04:33in busy Upminster on the Essex/London border.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37But, now their two grown-up children have flown the nest,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40their home no longer meets their needs.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42The garden is far too big for me.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46I can't manage it, it gets overgrown every year. The kitchen's too small.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48All our married life I've had a small kitchen.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53I have a dream of having a big kitchen with a big table in the middle
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and I could be there making cakes.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00After nearly two decades of urban living they're finally ready
0:05:00 > 0:05:04to make the move and have decided on the Suffolk/Essex borders.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07But are they ready to go totally rural?
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I don't think we want to be particularly remote, because you don't drive, do you?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14So that... We'd need some transport facilities.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20I quite like the idea of having, you know, at least a couple of shops perhaps in walking distance.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25And, while she is giving up work, Sheila won't simply be putting her feet up.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31I'd really like to be part of the local community and get involved in whatever is going on there really.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36I've got lost of interests, so whether it's wildlife projects
0:05:36 > 0:05:43or local history or amateur dramatics, you know, I'm up for having a go at most things really.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47So that's new pursuits covered, but what about the property?
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Ideally we'd like something traditional, lots of character.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I like cottages.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57One of my hobbies is DIY, so if it is an older house
0:05:57 > 0:06:01with a bit of work to do on it then I'm happy to take it on.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- I'd quite like to take the summerhouse with us.- Oh, yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08If not, at least have the space for one the same.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10We don't have a very rigid idea of what we want.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14We are quite open-minded about the kind of house we'd like.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18I think you go in and you just think, you know, this feels right.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21It's like...almost like a feeling that you've been there before
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and that you're almost coming home when you go in there.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29Oh, that old chestnut, the elusive "right feeling",
0:06:29 > 0:06:32but what about the more tangible criteria?
0:06:32 > 0:06:36We would like a bigger kitchen and a bigger study.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41We would like three bedrooms and a smaller garden that would be more manageable.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I'm not bothered about having an en-suite bathroom, although I do have
0:06:45 > 0:06:48a secret dream to have a dressing room, that would be quite nice.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Exciting times, but before Sheila and Alan can embark on their new beginnings
0:06:53 > 0:06:58they need to sell their current house, so we've invited a local agent to give them a valuation.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03This is a fine example of a 1930s-built semi-detached house
0:07:03 > 0:07:07located in a sought-after residential area within easy reach
0:07:07 > 0:07:10of the mainline railway station, so it's ideal for commuters.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16Value, we'd say between £425,000 and £450,000.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23With that in mind, what's the final spend for this move?
0:07:23 > 0:07:28Our budget is £450,000 or thereabouts.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35So Sheila and Alan have a good budget for what they want, a three-bedroom detached house with
0:07:35 > 0:07:38a good size kitchen and a garden large enough for a summerhouse.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40That shouldn't be that difficult.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43But the important factor for these two is location
0:07:43 > 0:07:48and I think balancing the need for a strong community, shops and public transport links
0:07:48 > 0:07:52with their requirement of a peaceful rural setting,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54you know, that just may be the tricky part.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57As Alan regularly commutes into London
0:07:57 > 0:08:00they want to focus the property search on the Suffolk/Essex border
0:08:00 > 0:08:04between Sudbury, Ipswich and Colchester.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10In today's show I'll be taking them to see three fantastic properties in search of that "right feeling"
0:08:10 > 0:08:13but, as ever, I won't be revealing the price tag straightaway.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17The last of the three is the mystery house, which offers up a complete
0:08:17 > 0:08:21change in lifestyle, but will our buyers be up for the challenge?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Oh, well, hello, Sheila, Alan. - Hello.- Thank you for bringing me to Suffolk.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30But we're not going very far. Essex is where you are at the moment, hopping across the border.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Does that mean you know this area pretty well?
0:08:33 > 0:08:34Not really, not that well.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37We've been here a couple of visits in the past.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42We know a few places but it's a world of difference from where we live, which is effectively Greater London.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Sheila, you're the dreamer and obviously you're retiring from your current job,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49so what do you think you'll do when you move here?
0:08:49 > 0:08:53I don't know really, I just want some time and space to think about it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57A change of lifestyle, thinking about all the things I'm interested in,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01you know, from a hobby point of view and from a work point of view,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and just coming up with something that's a little bit different,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07a bit more what I want to do rather than what I have to do.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- And you, Alan, are sharing that dream!- Oh, yes, yeah. I'd like a bit more peace and quiet.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Peace and quiet is what it's all about. Time to relax.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19With £450,000 and modest requirements, I have high hopes for this search
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- but it's Suffolk and things here are moving relatively quickly, so let's not waste any more time.- OK.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Come on, let's go.
0:09:27 > 0:09:34So Alan and Sheila have £450,000 to spend on a detached period home with plenty of character.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38For cake-baking Sheila, a large kitchen is the ultimate dream.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Three bedrooms and a good size study are must-haves,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45and Alan's after a small, manageable garden.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Location will be all-important,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50a peaceful setting combined with excellent transport links
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and amenities within walking distance for non-car-driver Sheila.
0:09:53 > 0:09:59And there's one indefinable factor which could make this property search a tad trickier,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01and that's getting the right feel.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04My instincts tell me this is going to be interesting.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12We're kicking off today's proceedings
0:10:12 > 0:10:14just 5½ miles south of Ipswich
0:10:14 > 0:10:17in the very quiet village of Hintlesham,
0:10:17 > 0:10:22a good location for Alan's commute into London with the Ipswich to Liverpool Street direct rail link.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27However, bar one pub, a church and a deli, there are few amenities here.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Just five miles away is the busy market town of Hadleigh,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34and its high street comes with amenities aplenty,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38including a butcher, a couple of pubs, coffee bars,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40a post office and a farm shop.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Most importantly for Sheila, though,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47it's accessible by bus from Hintlesham.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51This property is a five-minute walk from the centre of the village
0:10:51 > 0:10:55and as a traditional character cottage is at the top of Sheila's wish list.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57That's what we'll start with today.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01And this is the house, a traditional Suffolk pink cottage.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Early part 17th-century, the rest of it extended over the years
0:11:05 > 0:11:07right up into the 20th century,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10a lovely substantial house. What do you think?
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Well, it's a large cottage. - And it's quite pink.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18I'm not sure I'd live with the pink, would you?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20No, I think I might change that.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24'Pink isn't to everyone's taste even if it is traditional to the county,
0:11:24 > 0:11:28'and to be honest we're not viewing this cottage for its colour palette.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'This property is all about country character.'
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Come on in. Straight through here.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41I know you said it looks bigger than you expect a cottage to
0:11:41 > 0:11:45but inside it's definitely got that sort of cottage feel, hasn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Yeah.- Yes, it has. - A lot of traditional features.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Yeah.- First impressions?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- It's nice.- It is.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Yeah.- It's got a warm feeling about it, cosy.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59Cosy, yeah. The kitchen perhaps not quite as big as I'd hoped for.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I'd like to be able to put a table in the kitchen.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- You can see straight through into... - You've got a table close by.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's almost open-plan and they've kept in the original beams, which...
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Yeah. No it is nice. - ..is a nice quirky feature.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- It is a bigger kitchen than what you've got now, though.- Definitely!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Out here you've got more utility space. A lovely walk-in pantry,
0:12:18 > 0:12:19great for a regular kitchen.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- You like walk-in pantries. - Definitely, yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- It's a big tick for you there!- Yes. - Oh, yes, yes.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Shall we keep moving?- OK.- Yes.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29'Good marks from teacher so far.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33'Let's see if we can get a gold star for the rest of the house.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:37This is the extension. They've done a good job of retaining the timbers.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Definitely.- It's got a very relaxed feel, hasn't it?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Yeah. You pick up different things from the ambience of the place.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46It feels like quite a creative sort of space, really.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Plenty of room for your books, Sheila.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Oh, yeah.- You're a book collector as well. Woman after my own heart.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Absolutely.- Let's have a wander through, then, have a closer look.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01So this is the other half of the sort of living area
0:13:01 > 0:13:04in this property, and this is it for the main house really.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08If that was our sitting area...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10what would we do with this bit?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Could this be your study?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14It could be, couldn't it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17There are other options with this property, interestingly enough.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20You have a garage outside and they've built a studio up there.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Oh, OK.- Oh, right.- Up the top.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Or you could possibly have a more formal dining table here
0:13:26 > 0:13:28for special occasions,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31still taking most of your meals in that area by the kitchen.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33That would be another possibility.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34'That's a good sign.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37'They're already visualising how they could use the space,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40'and there's plenty more possibilities upstairs,
0:13:40 > 0:13:45'as we're delivering over and above expectations, with four bedrooms.'
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Let's just pop in here to the smallest of the bedrooms,
0:13:49 > 0:13:54which is currently being used as a small little study or office,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56so another option for you really
0:13:56 > 0:13:59if you didn't want to use that downstairs space.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02If you wanted to use it for dining, you could work up here.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Yeah.- Yes.- Yeah, it's quite a good size as a study, isn't it?
0:14:05 > 0:14:07It's bigger than your study at the moment.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Across the landing are two single bedrooms,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12one of which is also being used as a study.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15And at the end is the family bathroom.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Up the steps into the master bedroom.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Definitely can fit a double bed in here.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Ooh, silence!
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Go on, tell me what you're thinking, don't hold back.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32The painting is sort of overpowering...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Well, that's always the way.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- It's a trick to take out someone else's belongings...- Yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42..and picture the space, one, empty, and, two, with your own belongings in it. What do you think?
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I'm getting used to it now actually. I think it's not a bad room.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I think it's quite pleasant.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Yeah, it is. Again, it's just...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- Windows either side... - Windows either side.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- Nice and light.- It's very different to what we have at the moment.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Yeah. It's a little bit small.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I'm kind of concerned about where we'd fit a wardrobe in.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Ta-da, I have an answer to that.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- Do you?- You have a his and hers, one of either side.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- Oh, OK.- You find a door as well.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09You do have some wardrobe space.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Yeah.- And remember this has got four bedrooms in total,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- one which we thought could be a study...- Yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16But perhaps one you could sacrifice
0:15:16 > 0:15:19to make a wardrobe, dressing room area.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Yeah, perhaps we could do something like that.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27'So Sheila could get her fantasy walk-in wardrobe. But let's turn our attention to Alan.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30'He wants a nice manageable garden but enough room
0:15:30 > 0:15:34'for his summerhouse, and I think this one will be spot on.'
0:15:35 > 0:15:38What do you think of the garden? Is this enough space for you?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I think this is about the right size as a garden.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Yeah, it's about the size we'd like, really.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49The question is, though, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Hmm.- Hmm, pondering. Who shall I start with? Alan?
0:15:52 > 0:15:57I'd say it was up for about £450,000.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- That's right on your budget.- Yeah.
0:16:00 > 0:16:06I don't think it's quite as much as that. I was going to say 420.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I hate to disappoint you, but I have to!
0:16:09 > 0:16:13You were right, Alan, right on the money. This is on the market at £450,000.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- You wouldn't really have to do much to it.- It's a big property.- Yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Why don't you have another wander round and think about
0:16:20 > 0:16:23how you would modernise this property a little if it were yours.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- OK.- OK.- I'll see you later.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28With a price tag of £450,000,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32this traditional character cottage is bang on budget.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It's deceptively spacious, with two reception rooms,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39a country kitchen cum dining room, and four bedrooms.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Alan gets his manageable garden
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and there's an added bonus of an attic room above the garage.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Location-wise, the village offers up the peace and quiet they're after
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and there's nearby access to rail links for Alan.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53But with very few amenities here
0:16:53 > 0:16:56will it be a bit too quiet for non-driver Sheila?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00I think it's a house with a lot of personality.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06I like the way that the rooms are a little bit quirky and they're different shapes, and
0:17:06 > 0:17:12a bit of a jigsaw puzzle I think, fitting in what we've got now into a completely different environment.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15But I do think it's got possibilities, I do like it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20I've been used to a traditional '30s house where the ceilings are a lot higher.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22There's a tendency to
0:17:22 > 0:17:24naturally sort of stoop a little bit in order to
0:17:24 > 0:17:27avoid the beams, but I think I could get used to that.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Oh, it's great. I mean it's lovely and peaceful and calm.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31BIRDS CHIRRUP
0:17:31 > 0:17:34It's nice and secluded, I quite like the hedge here as well.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Mm.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38You can hear the birds as we speak.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Yeah, you can!
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I think Alan quite likes it. Yeah, I think
0:17:44 > 0:17:49sometimes when he's not said anything negative he quite likes it.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Round one over.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56I know you wanted to keep exploring but we've got so much to do
0:17:56 > 0:17:58we're going to have to keep moving. Come on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Although Sheila and Alan have visited Suffolk a few times
0:18:07 > 0:18:10they've never made it to the historic town of Sudbury,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14and since many of our properties will be within striking distance
0:18:14 > 0:18:16they are taking an opportunity to explore.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22A thriving market town today, Sudbury has been a prosperous destination since medieval times
0:18:22 > 0:18:27and was at one stage one of the most important weaving centres in Europe.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31One of the key factors for its wealth and success was its access to the River Stour.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37Now an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Suffolk countryside doesn't get much better than this.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41To find out more, Sheila and Alan are meeting up with Barry Wall,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44chairman of the Sudbury history society.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Now this piece of land here is known as the freeman's great common.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51This is the oldest common land in the whole of the country.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- It's lovely. - Oh, it's beautiful.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54It's so tranquil and peaceful.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Has it always as peaceful?
0:18:56 > 0:19:01No, not really. About 1710 when it was made navigable
0:19:01 > 0:19:04it introduced barge traffic to Sudbury so it was
0:19:04 > 0:19:09especially good for the brick industry which we had established here, and bricks
0:19:09 > 0:19:15went all the way down to London which were used in such places as St Pancras Station, the Albert Hall.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19But the river is probably more famous for being the inspiration for Thomas Gainsborough
0:19:19 > 0:19:23who was England's greatest landscape painter
0:19:23 > 0:19:28from the 18th Century, and then Constable carried on the tradition afterwards in the 19th Century.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32But these pools, as the cattle are grazing around them, they remained
0:19:32 > 0:19:35in his mind all the while throughout his life and he painted them over
0:19:35 > 0:19:43and over again, and he really is Sudbury's, probably our greatest son and our greatest pride.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49In his lifetime Gainsborough produced over 300 landscape paintings and an estimated
0:19:49 > 0:19:52800 portrait pictures of English aristocracy.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56He was born in Sudbury and they're dropping in to the house he lived
0:19:56 > 0:20:02in until he was 13 years old which today houses the largest collection of his work in Britain.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06And they're meeting Diane Perkins, one of the curators, to find out more.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14Well, Gainsborough was a really important artist in the 18th Century and part of that's because
0:20:14 > 0:20:20he was very unusual because he was painting both portraits but also landscape paintings,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and that was quite unusual because at the time, landscape painting was
0:20:24 > 0:20:31considered to be a rather lowly branch of art and many other artists steered clear of it, if you like.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33But Gainsborough was very brave and went ahead
0:20:33 > 0:20:36because he obviously had a great passion for the Suffolk landscape.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42He would have seen scenes exactly like this one with the river and the cows drinking at the stream,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45the wooded landscape, it's clearly this landscape.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47It looks like what we've seen today.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Even the trees look like there's a wind blowing which is what we've seen as well.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57That's right. But it's exactly that sort of scene that really inspired him.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03With the sun setting over the Suffolk countryside, the first day of our property tour is at an end.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09On today's show we're looking to help Alan
0:21:09 > 0:21:13and Sheila swap their semi in Essex for a detached rural residence.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17So far they've seen a house packed with character features so today
0:21:17 > 0:21:21we're changing tack and opting for something a little more modern.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25And I'll take them out of their comfort zone and into the mystery house.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Oh. No.- Crikey.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36Well, after yesterday it is very clear that for Sheila the kitchen size is all-important.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40But even in the Suffolk countryside, if you're moving to a detached
0:21:40 > 0:21:42it comes at a premium and something has to give.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47Today it's either the traditional features or the room size.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48I'm going for room size.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Let's find Sheila that big kitchen that she really wants.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57We're popping just over the border into Essex for our first property of the day, to the very quiet
0:21:57 > 0:22:04village of Foxerth, whilst lacking on the local amenities front itself, is just four miles north of Sudbury.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10One of the big attractions of Sudbury is the twice weekly market, held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It's the perfect place to stock up on locally-grown fresh produce.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20However, there's just one bus a week on a Thursday to and from Foxerth,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23so if our next property is a contender Sheila may have to
0:22:23 > 0:22:26bite the bullet and get behind a steering wheel.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31What do you think?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- It's very attractive, a nice clean look to it.- It is.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Just to set the scene with this house,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41what we compromised on this morning is the traditional features perhaps.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- It used to be the old police station though...- Oh, right.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48It does have a story to it and there's an extension added on.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51This is a really sizeable home and I have very high hopes
0:22:51 > 0:22:57it will deliver the kitchen Sheila's been dreaming of, but let's get them in the front door first.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04In we come. Nice big hallway for you.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- Definitely, definitely. - Is that to your liking?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- So far, yes.- Yeah, we've got a secret desire to have
0:23:10 > 0:23:14a grandfather clock and that would be a good place for it there.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- I think I can see a vision there, but I know another important room to you is the kitchen.- Definitely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22So let's go there first.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Sheila, what do you think of this for a kitchen?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Yeah, that's lovely. Nice.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- This is more like it.- Nice size.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I like the chunky wooden worktops, I like wood.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Nice range there as well.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- Kitchen dining area.- Dining area.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Window out over the garden.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Yeah, it's ideal isn't it?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Yes.- You're saying you like it but I'm not sensing your excitement.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I want you to be excited because I thought
0:23:50 > 0:23:53this could possibly sell a house to you.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58I have to see the rest of the house before I let myself get too excited!
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Well, there's nothing wrong with being cautious.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Let's just hope that the rest of the house lives up to the kitchen.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09Now, over to this side of the property, this is a lovely big reception room.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11As you can see, being used as a dining room but
0:24:11 > 0:24:13you could do with it as you wished.
0:24:13 > 0:24:19Very nice, actually. It's big enough sized room I think for either living room, lounge.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22It's light, isn't it? I like the windows on both sides.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Yeah, of course, it's got that sort of cosy feel about it already.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29OK, let's have a look through in the next room, the living room.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34This is obviously currently being used as the living room. Working fireplace, that's a nice feature.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38There's lots of possibilities really, dining room, sitting room, study area.
0:24:38 > 0:24:44You see I was concerned that it wouldn't have enough period features for you or tradition, that you
0:24:44 > 0:24:50quite like the charm of inglenooks and beams and you might find it too much of a blank canvas,
0:24:50 > 0:24:56so I'm interested and I'm pleased that you do like it so much but how do you measure that?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58How is that working for you?
0:24:58 > 0:25:03I think we could stamp our own personality and tastes on it.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- I think it's the design and layout of the rooms...- Yes, I think so.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09..which is very attractive.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10It's light and the rooms are big.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15There's a lot more possibilities of doing what we want to do with it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The good news is that I don't think upstairs is going to
0:25:18 > 0:25:21disappoint you, which can sometimes be the case, particularly
0:25:21 > 0:25:26with period properties, but here you get generous rooms upstairs as well. Let's have a look.
0:25:26 > 0:25:32In total there are four bedrooms upstairs so plenty of space for an office for Sheila.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36I promised you wouldn't lose out on space up here and you've got a big family bathroom.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40It's a good size, isn't it?
0:25:40 > 0:25:41- No work to do in here.- Good.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47- And a bonus, I know you don't need them, but there are two en suites in the bedrooms as well.- OK.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51So in fact you end up with almost three bathrooms.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Pretty generous, I think. - Yeah, definitely.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Come on, let's go and have a look at them.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04So this is one of the double rooms, in fact all the rooms you could fit a double in.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- Oh, that's good.- But this one you can fit a good size double in.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10It's got a lovely view, hasn't it?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Yeah.- Out of the over the fields.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13The en suite's just there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17That's nice.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Yeah, it's a good shower cubicle, isn't it?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- You don't feel you've lost out...? - No.- No.- Not at all.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23- On the bedroom space.- Very nice.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Good. And all of that and this isn't even the master. Let's go find it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Along the hallway are three further bedrooms, a single
0:26:30 > 0:26:34and decent sized double, but we're heading to the largest of them all.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Now this room could be the master,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and I know it doesn't feel that way with two single beds here
0:26:42 > 0:26:45but this is why, have a look at this en suite.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48SHE LAUGHS
0:26:48 > 0:26:54Now, Sheila, I know an en suite was not only not on your wish list, it's not something you particularly like.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- It's really nice I think.- Yes, it is.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00But given your feelings, are we going to be ripping this out?
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- No.- Probably not, no. - Probably not. It's a risk.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06No, no, no. I could live with it.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10You wouldn't have to do a lot of work on it when you first move in.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- No.- But perhaps develop it as time goes on.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15And it needs some storage space...
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Yeah.- Some storage units put in.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Well, I'd say it's top marks for the interior.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Let's see if we can match that outside.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Alan and Sheila are looking for a manageable garden and with its tidy
0:27:26 > 0:27:30patio and lawn I can safely say this property delivers.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35I think it's a good shape and size and it's got that wonderful apple tree right in the centre.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38What do you think? Could it work for you?
0:27:38 > 0:27:44I think this garden could be really because it's about the right size, not too big, not too uncontrollable.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46We could develop a bit... .
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Yeah.- On this.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- It's a beautiful property.- Yeah.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- All the space that you needed and a bit more.- And a bit more, yes.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59And you're even happy with the garden. I am so pleased but the big question is
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- how much do you think it's worth? - I would have said it's about...
0:28:02 > 0:28:05I'd say 470,000.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10I think it's above our budget as well. I'll go for 480,000.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12- Right, so quite a bit above your budget.- Mmm.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14At that price, could you stretch to it?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Well, I think we'd want to try and negotiate.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Well, let me put you out of your misery.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27You're both right, it is above your budget, but only by 15 grand.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31It's on the market at £465,000.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Not quite so bad. I don't think we'd need to spend a lot of money on it
0:28:34 > 0:28:38because there certainly aren't anything major that needs to be done with it.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40It's all sounding so positive.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43I know you enjoyed wandering around so I'm going to
0:28:43 > 0:28:47free you up to have a look around on your own without me and I will see you later on.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- OK.- What a result!
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The room size and extra rooms definitely works for them.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56I think they're definitely willing to give up on some
0:28:56 > 0:28:59of the traditional features to give Sheila that proper kitchen.
0:28:59 > 0:29:07At £465,000 this property is £15,000 over budget, but despite
0:29:07 > 0:29:11being on the market for just a couple of months I've been assured there is room for negotiation.
0:29:11 > 0:29:17Sheila gets her big kitchen diner, there are two reception rooms, and four bedrooms.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22There's a large driveway and Alan gets a garage to store his DIY tools.
0:29:22 > 0:29:28The village itself is quiet but popular Sudbury with amenities and transport links is close by.
0:29:28 > 0:29:34However, to get there Sheila will either have to learn to drive or just go on Thursdays.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Look at all this worktop space, I can't believe it.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39After having to pile everything up for years
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- you can actually spread it out in here, couldn't you?- Yeah.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44It seems to have everything we want.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46It's certainly got enough space.
0:29:46 > 0:29:52It's done out enough that we can move in without having to do any major work on it.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57If we could negotiate a keener price then I think it's a serious consideration.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00I really like this house, I feel quite taken with it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04There's lots of scope to look at each room and decide how
0:30:04 > 0:30:08we'd like to use it and what we'd do with it. The location's nice as well.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12I mean it's close to some villages and towns that we really like.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It's got a lot going for it.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Well, you two, if you do move here I don't think you're going to get lost are you?
0:30:19 > 0:30:21A sign pointing the way home.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23But which way shall we go now?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- I'd like to explore every direction. - I think that way. Come on.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Once Sheila has made the move to Suffolk she's hoping to spend
0:30:33 > 0:30:38more time on her hobbies and as one of her passions is wildlife we've sent her and Alan out into
0:30:38 > 0:30:44the countryside to meet Max Lock, who's involved with the Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project, which
0:30:44 > 0:30:48has been established to protect and preserve this now very rare species.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52From the 1930s to present day their numbers have dropped from
0:30:52 > 0:30:5812,000 pairs to 4,000 and there are just 125 in Suffolk.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02Agricultural barns, which are the preferred nesting ground of the barn owl,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05it's in the name really, are fast disappearing thanks
0:31:05 > 0:31:10to both a drop in farming and, of course, the ever-popular conversions for home buyers.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13But the project is desperately trying to increase the population
0:31:13 > 0:31:16by building them safe habitats in which to nest.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23This is one of the boxes that we put up, about five years ago now, and
0:31:23 > 0:31:26last year was the first year that we actually had barn owls nesting in it.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Do owls make their own nests?
0:31:29 > 0:31:34A lot of the time they actually need somewhere man-made to actually get a decent nest.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Barn owls years ago used to nest in the
0:31:37 > 0:31:43holes in trees but, of course, a lot of them trees are actually falling down or being cut down nowadays.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Raising awareness of the plight of the barn owl is key to the project's
0:31:47 > 0:31:53success and one of the ways it gets the community involved is at the owl sanctuary in Stoneham Barns where
0:31:53 > 0:31:58members of the public can get up close and personal with these magnificent birds.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06This is Cobweb our male barn owl that we fly here at the centre.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12He's about five years old this bird and he was actually one of our rescue birds, he got brought to us.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17He was in a bit of a sorry state when we first got him, he was only about two days old.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22Now one of the main features about this bird is the fact that he's pure white underneath.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25The reason that he's pure white is because we're looking at a male barn owl.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30The females are slightly darker and they have a little bit of black speckling on the chest.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Usually have a little bit of eyeshadow on,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35and the way you can always remember it is always think of humans.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39The girls wear the make-up, the boys stay completely clear like that, nice and simple.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43I'll just go out here and I'll just let him go.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47The sanctuary also offers the opportunity for volunteers to help out.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Great for a wildlife lover like Sheila.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55From cleaning out the aviaries to preparing food or getting involved in the live shows.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57And it's not just home to barn owls.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There are over 60 rescued birds of prey here.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02There's always something to be getting on with.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07And for now we'd better be getting on with the house hunt.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10For the mystery house we're making Alan and Sheila really think
0:33:10 > 0:33:13about their retirement so we're taking them to one of the most
0:33:13 > 0:33:16popular villages in Suffolk to show them a house
0:33:16 > 0:33:22that offers them the opportunity to start a business, and it brings the community right to their doorstep.
0:33:23 > 0:33:30We're heading off to one of Suffolk's prettiest and largest villages, Long Melford.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33At the heart of the Stour valley, the village has plenty of green
0:33:33 > 0:33:39spaces, but it's the two and a half mile high street that is a big draw for both residents and tourists.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43A fabulous mix of largely Tudor and Georgian architecture,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47it now houses an abundance of independent retailers.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53There's everything from family-run butchers to clothing boutiques to antiques shops, and we're heading
0:33:53 > 0:33:58to one of five art galleries in the centre of the village.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03This is the property, right on Long Melford road. Something a little bit different, isn't it?
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Looks like a cross between a house and a shop.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It is. It was completely rebuilt.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It serves as a little sort of art gallery.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14The point of this is that you could run a business from here
0:34:14 > 0:34:17if you were so minded, and live in the heart of the village.
0:34:17 > 0:34:23I think they're slightly stunned, but Sheila did say she was looking for a new career as well as a new
0:34:23 > 0:34:28home so this could be the perfect combination if they're up to the challenge.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Now this is definitely worth taking a look at I think.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- All your living accommodation is on the next two floors...- Oh, I see.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40And really I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how much space you get up there.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44So all of this floor would just be a work space, business area.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49This is the beauty of it, Sheila. This space could be whatever you want it to be.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51What do you think you would do with this space?
0:34:51 > 0:34:57Well, I suppose you could have a tuition centre here for after school and weekends.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Rent out parts of it, perhaps for craft groups to come and get together and make things.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06If you wanted to run a business here, you'd just have to pay the business rates,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- and they would depend on what you were doing.- OK.- So a lot of flexibility
0:35:09 > 0:35:14of what you could do. Alan, you've had plenty of time to think now, what would you do?
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I wonder whether I could run a small tea shop from here,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- and be completely objectionable with all the customers. - THEY LAUGH
0:35:20 > 0:35:25- I think you'd do a thriving trade, Alan! - SHE LAUGHS
0:35:25 > 0:35:27In all seriousness, would you?
0:35:28 > 0:35:31I don't know. I don't know if I'd be able to do anything like that.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34You really would have to be quite pleasant with people.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- SHE LAUGHS - It would be a stretch!
0:35:36 > 0:35:40This mystery house could open up a world of possibilities for them,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43but it's going to involve our old friend, compromise!
0:35:43 > 0:35:46And we're on our way to the first one, upstairs in the kitchen.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Not an awful lot of storage space, is the first thing that comes to mind.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58- It's smaller than we wanted, although you have got the dining area over there as well.- You have.
0:35:58 > 0:36:04They haven't made the most of this area, although it's got the dining table, if you wanted extra storage,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- there's no reason why you couldn't just extend this kitchen. - That's true.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Let's see the living room, just next door.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15So right next door!
0:36:15 > 0:36:19It's got a lovely view up the street.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23It's quite pleasant. And it's quite a nice shape. But it's not all that big, actually.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27If this is all your living space, it's not much.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29If they want to increase the floor plan in here,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32they could knock through to what's currently being used
0:36:32 > 0:36:37as the master bedroom, keeping this floor purely as living accommodation with the family bathroom.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41But that would leave them with just two bedrooms on the top floor.
0:36:45 > 0:36:51So this is the room that I think could be probably a better master, actually.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55You've got more space, that great view out there,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57two wonderful built-in wardrobes, his and hers.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02- They've managed to fit a whole sofa in here, so it's really quite a big room.- Yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- I think you're right, there's a much more tranquil feel to it.- Yes.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- And the view is 100% better than the roofs.- Than looking at roof tiles!
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- Yeah. Yeah.- So this could really work. And...
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I know this isn't on your wish list, yet we keep giving them to you,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18another en suite. Have a look in there.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- That's big, isn't it for an en suite. - It's nice.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Wouldn't have to do any work on it. - No. It's all quite new.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Yes, definitely warmer, isn't it? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Well that was a more positive response.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Could they be warming up to the idea of a home AND business?
0:37:33 > 0:37:37There's just one last thing to check out and that's the outside space.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40If Alan really wants manageable, I don't think
0:37:40 > 0:37:42he'll find more low maintenance than this garden.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46So here's your garden with this property. It's not huge,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50but I think it's quite cute, really. Little al fresco areas.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53They've made good use of having some flowers and plants.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55You've seen all of the the mystery house now,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59and I still think it's worth us discussing how much it would cost, because you don't know that!
0:37:59 > 0:38:03So, who's going first? Give me a number. We'll start with you!
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Well, it's difficult in a way, because obviously,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09you've got the business premises down stairs, and I really don't know
0:38:09 > 0:38:13what difference that would make to the value of the property.
0:38:13 > 0:38:19- I'm going to say 395.- 395. OK. Alan?
0:38:19 > 0:38:21I wouldn't be far off that.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- I think around 420.- 420. So, a little bit more.- Yeah.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28It's actually on the market at 399,950.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- So that's a good 50 grand under your budget.- Mm-hm.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Certainly leaves you scope. Something for you to think about.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38While you have the opportunity,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40go back in and have a look around and imagine if you were
0:38:40 > 0:38:43running the tea shop, even though it's something
0:38:43 > 0:38:45you're probably unlikely to do. Go on!
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I'll see you later on. Milk and two sugars, please!
0:38:47 > 0:38:51Well there you go! It's the mystery house! We try. We throw a curveball,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But hopefully,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57it's helped them crystallise exactly what they are looking for.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01So at just a snip under £400,000, this business property
0:39:01 > 0:39:04is 50,000 under budget. So the spare change could be
0:39:04 > 0:39:07ploughed into starting up an enterprise.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11The owner's accommodation comes with an open plan kitchen/diner,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13a living room, three bedrooms
0:39:13 > 0:39:15and a low maintenance courtyard garden.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17The whole package offers a home,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20as well as an alternative career path for Sheila.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23But will it be one either of them want to go down?
0:39:23 > 0:39:28It's certainly made us think that little bit out of the box, actually.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31It's perhaps been a little bit too extreme.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34We've just gone one step a bit too far, with a shop,
0:39:34 > 0:39:40- small garden, small kitchen.- I have got ideas about having some kind of business,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43but I don't think it would be the kind of thing I would run
0:39:43 > 0:39:47from a shop. I don't think I would want to be dealing with the public
0:39:47 > 0:39:49all the time. I don't think that's me, really.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Right, that's it. You've seen all the houses now.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57It's just starting to rain, so I'm going to find you somewhere dry
0:39:57 > 0:39:59to sit down and think it all through,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01and see if you can some decisions. Come on.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Sheila and Alan have been pretty forthright in their opinions
0:40:10 > 0:40:14on this property search, so I've got a very good idea of which property
0:40:14 > 0:40:18is their favourite. But now it's time to find out for real.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Good morning, guys! You've got breakfast already here.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29We certainly had an interesting time together.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Your requirements were fairly straightforward - three bedrooms,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36detached, decent size garden and kitchen.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I thought what would be tricky was getting the location right
0:40:38 > 0:40:40and the mix between the traditional and modern.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43We started with the Suffolk pink cottage.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Very traditional. What did you think from the outside?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Not particularly liking the pink,
0:40:48 > 0:40:50but just thinking it was quite an appealing house,
0:40:50 > 0:40:54you felt you wanted to go inside and have a look and see what it was like.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59- Immediately it gives a feeling that it was cosy.- Yeah. It had character.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00- Quite taken with it, really. - We were.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05Now, we went to the old police station. That was certainly an imposing property, wasn't it?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I liked it as soon as I saw it, really,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10because I liked the raised position of it.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13And it had a kitchen that was just the size you wanted, Sheila.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Lovely kitchen with a dining area alongside it.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18A little bit on the bland side.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21But I think that would be good, because you would go in
0:41:21 > 0:41:25and just decide on how you wanted to use colour and give it your own personality.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29The garden area was manageable, really. It wasn't too large.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32You could sort of keep control of it.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35For the mystery property, we took you smack, bang
0:41:35 > 0:41:41into the middle of Long Melford for that property with a business. A real opportunity for you.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I don't think I really need to ask. Tell me how you felt about it.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49We thought about it. But we couldn't see ourselves in a business opportunity there.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54The rooms were quite small throughout the house.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Apart from downstairs where the shop was.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02I'm still going to weigh up possibilities, but I don't think
0:42:02 > 0:42:06using a kind of premises in that way is something that I'd want to do, really.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09You've both been very clear as we've looked at the properties
0:42:09 > 0:42:11as to your likes and dislikes, and I have a very strong idea
0:42:11 > 0:42:13as to which one is your favourite and which one is
0:42:13 > 0:42:16your least favourite. But, put everyone out of their misery
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and let us know. Are you going to go for any of our properties?
0:42:19 > 0:42:25- We're very tempted by the old police house. And I think we'd like to go back and have another look...- Yeah.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29..at the house and the area in general.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34It's been a real pleasure exploring the Suffolk countryside with you and helping you to find your dream home.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- With any luck, it won't be long before you're escaping to the country!- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Well they may not have moved for 17 years, but Sheila and Alan
0:42:43 > 0:42:46definitely know what they want and it looks like
0:42:46 > 0:42:49it's that old police station in the Suffolk countryside.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54And that's the house they're going to lock themselves away in for the next 17 years.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Sheila and Alan revisited the old police station a couple of times,
0:43:05 > 0:43:09but after much consideration, decided sadly it wasn't for them.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12However, this house hunt has clarified where they want to be.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14Long Melford or Sudbury.
0:43:14 > 0:43:15So their search continues.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18And if you want to escape to the country,
0:43:18 > 0:43:21in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:21 > 0:43:24and would like our help, please apply online.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk