0:00:02 > 0:00:07These historic buildings behind me are still standing because of one man's extraordinary vision
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and a care for conservation way ahead of its time.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Brick by brick, these once endangered buildings were
0:00:12 > 0:00:16dismantled, relocated and painstakingly reconstructed...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19so which county inspired such architectural devotion?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Find out, as we Escape To The Country.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36In today's show I'll be helping a couple who have hardly lived
0:00:36 > 0:00:41together during their 34 years of marriage find a home in the country
0:00:41 > 0:00:45where they can finally settle down together.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Sometimes we take them by surprise...
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- I didn't expect this! - It's certainly different!
0:00:50 > 0:00:51This is huge!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Sometimes we take their breath away...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- We're just speechless, I think, it's so...- So right!
0:00:57 > 0:01:01And sometimes we send them spiralling out of control...
0:01:01 > 0:01:06I'm not keen on galley kitchens, to be honest, sorry!
0:01:06 > 0:01:07Hide the knives!
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Welcome to West Sussex.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17I'm at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Opened in 1970, this unusual museum is home to around
0:01:20 > 0:01:2450 historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and it's all down to the extraordinary passion
0:01:27 > 0:01:30for conservation of one man, Roy Armstrong.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Well, let's hope our tour of this county unearths
0:01:32 > 0:01:35properties as beautiful as that one!
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The South Coast county of West Sussex is bordered by Surrey
0:01:40 > 0:01:45to its north with Hampshire and East Sussex to either side.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48The chalky South Downs are its key geographical feature,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51parts of which have been designated a new National Park.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55The area's climate makes for good farming and many English wines
0:01:55 > 0:01:58are produced here and of course the sea is never far away.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02The county has a busy history, to which the many
0:02:02 > 0:02:06architectural styles, stately homes and castles bear witness.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Arundel Castle, perhaps the most impressive, looks out across
0:02:09 > 0:02:12the county's fast-flowing river, the Arun. The Romans called
0:02:12 > 0:02:16the river The Trespasser, because of its tendency to flood.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Well away from the flood plain, however, there are many lovely houses to be found.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25West Sussex offers beautiful countryside
0:02:25 > 0:02:28within easy reach of London but despite its commutability,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32this county has really managed to retain its sense of heritage,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35but being able to escape the rat race and step back in time means
0:02:35 > 0:02:38that property here really does come at a premium.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The price of a detached house is 38% above national average,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44so with prices so high today's buyers are going to have to be
0:02:44 > 0:02:46realistic about what they want.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49This, though, is what you get for your money.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54Fancy riding around your own equestrian country estate in Horsham?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57It comprises a four bed family home with an orangery,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00an obligatory swimming pool, stable, yard and paddocks.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I'm not horsing around when I say it's on the market for
0:03:03 > 0:03:051.4 million pounds!
0:03:07 > 0:03:09For less cash and less animals,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12this charming cottage in Pulborough could be yours.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Set within a beautiful landscaped garden,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18it has three bedrooms and a large drawing room with vaulted ceiling.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22It's being sold for £595,000.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23How would you like to own
0:03:23 > 0:03:27this two bedroom thatched cottage in Amberley?
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Throw £395,000 down its well, and your wish may come true!
0:03:31 > 0:03:35This Grade II Listed property with its exposed beams could be yours.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Such lovely properties there,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41it really does bode well for today's househunters.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Shall we meet them?
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Michael and Julie from Billingham in Teesside have been married
0:03:46 > 0:03:49for 34 years, yet for the majority of their marriage
0:03:49 > 0:03:53they've been forced to live apart because of Mike's job working
0:03:53 > 0:03:56all over the world within the oil industry.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58However, things are about to change as Mike
0:03:58 > 0:04:01has recently returned to these shores to start a new job
0:04:01 > 0:04:04in Staines where he currently rents this property.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08But although Mike will be permanently based here,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Staines is 250 miles away from the family home,
0:04:13 > 0:04:18so Julie has decided to leave this, her four bed semi in Teesside,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21to make a new home together with Mike down south.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24This move will be harder for me because I live up North
0:04:24 > 0:04:27and my family are there, my grandchildren are there,
0:04:27 > 0:04:32but the time has come when really we need to spend more time together.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36There's no doubt it will be a wrench for Julie and her family.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39I can't deny I'm going miss my mum and dad but after 30 years
0:04:39 > 0:04:42of living apart I think it will be a great opportunity for them
0:04:42 > 0:04:45to spend some quality time together. I just hope there's room for me!
0:04:45 > 0:04:47But at least Julie will be taking
0:04:47 > 0:04:50her four beloved Cocker Spaniels for company.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53It will be great for the dogs and it will be great for us
0:04:53 > 0:04:59to be together, to go walking, just pursuing pastimes that we both enjoy.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04Considering that Mike and Julie will be living together full-time for the first time ever,
0:05:04 > 0:05:09it's essential the house meets their requirements, so, what are they looking for?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12In the next house I'm looking for a detached property
0:05:12 > 0:05:14in a semi-rural, or rural, area
0:05:14 > 0:05:18with a minimum of three bedrooms and a good sized garden...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And possibly an outbuilding outside which is somewhere I could use
0:05:22 > 0:05:24as a grooming room for the dogs.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25And that's not all!
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Special features I'm looking for
0:05:27 > 0:05:30will probably be period with some character.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Open fires.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35I would like a large kitchen, possibly kitchen diner.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39But how much have they got to spend on their new property?
0:05:39 > 0:05:43We're not selling the property up in Teesside, however, I have made
0:05:43 > 0:05:46other investments and we're going use them to finance the property.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49The budget for the new property is £450,000.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54However, if it ticked all the boxes, I'd be willing to go to £500,000.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Hopefully that will be enough to find the perfect escape for Mike,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Julie, Monty, Sasha, Ellie...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02and let's not forget, Paisley!
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Michael and Julie have had their fill of living separate lives
0:06:09 > 0:06:12and are desperately seeking a three bedroom period property
0:06:12 > 0:06:15with a couple of reception rooms and a decent size kitchen.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Close to Julie's heart are her four Cocker Spaniels, so ideally she'd
0:06:19 > 0:06:22like a utility room or an outhouse to double-up as a grooming parlour.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26It all seems pretty reasonable. I think it's time we go walkies!
0:06:28 > 0:06:31We'll be stretching our legs around the western part
0:06:31 > 0:06:34of Michael and Julie's chosen county... West Sussex.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Ideal for Julie's dogs with it being so close to the sea
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and handy for Mike, who won't have far to commute.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43In today's show we'll be viewing three fabulous country houses
0:06:43 > 0:06:46that meet their requirements, but as usual, I won't be revealing
0:06:46 > 0:06:48their price tags straightaway.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51The last of those three will be the Mystery House,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53which might make them think twice...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Welcome to West Sussex. Looking forward to this?- Yes, we are.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01A massive move for you because you've never been away from Teesside.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03You've been everywhere for the last 30 years!
0:07:03 > 0:07:04How do you feel about that?
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Leaving the grandchildren will be the hardest thing.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12They're both only small at the moment but they can always come and visit!
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Now what about the budget? It was originally £500,000?
0:07:15 > 0:07:19We said £450,000 but obviously we've got the £500,000 if we can
0:07:19 > 0:07:23tick all the boxes and we can see that that's the right place for us.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I have to say that you've chosen a pretty expensive area.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- Are you adaptable?- Certainly am!
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I knew you'd be adaptable, it's this one I'm worried about!
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Are you going be adaptable?- Urm... if it's suitable for the dogs, yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- They're important to you? - The dogs are my family now!
0:07:40 > 0:07:41Get rid of him!
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I get the impression that it's dogs and then maybe you?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47You're quite right, yes, I'm at the lower end!
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- The dogs come first! - I'm looking forward to it.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52We've got some lovely properties to show you,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- including the mystery property. Come on, follow me!- Thank you.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57After 34 years of marriage,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Michael and Julie are ready
0:07:59 > 0:08:02to start this new adventure together.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04With a budget of up to £500,000
0:08:04 > 0:08:06their wish list is achievable,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09so long as they compromise in certain areas.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11They're hoping to get a three bedroom period house
0:08:11 > 0:08:14with an area for grooming Julie's dogs.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16What they're willing to sacrifice, however,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18is up for grabs but something tells me
0:08:18 > 0:08:21her precious pets won't be going without!
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Mike, let me ask you, why did you concentrate on this area to move to,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33because it still gives you quite a bit of a commute, doesn't it?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36It's more concentrating on what we want to do in the future.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40We want an area where we're going to settle down eventually.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43We didn't want to be too close to London and this was the compromise.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Doing the extra commuting gives us
0:08:45 > 0:08:48the availability to get to the beaches, etc.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Our first house is in Cocking, a much sought-after village
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and a 46 mile commute to Mike's work in Staines.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Named after Cocker, a Saxon warlord,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Cocking is a quiet village within the South Downs.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06It has a post office, tea room,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10a church dating back to the 11th century and plenty of footpaths,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13ideal for Mike and Julie to walk their dogs along.
0:09:13 > 0:09:18The house I'm taking them to is in a prime spot within the conservation area of the village.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22It's a Grade II Listed Tudor cottage, bursting with character.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Can you imagine walking the dogs up this nice country lane?
0:09:26 > 0:09:27Yes, a great possibility!
0:09:27 > 0:09:33Really sought-after, the properties here and I don't know why you're looking at me... that's the house!
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Right. It looks very nice.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36It's lovely.
0:09:36 > 0:09:4116th century, loads of period features, as you can imagine.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42This one, I think!
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- You've gone very quiet on me, straightaway!- Yeah!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48What do you think?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50It is... it's absolutely gorgeous!
0:09:50 > 0:09:54It's fantastic, isn't it! It's a lovely looking building.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57One thing I should tell you right away is that you don't get
0:09:57 > 0:10:00the impression from standing here, but it is semidetached.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Oh, right.- Right. - Didn't realise that!
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Right! You got all 'sergeant-major' on me, then!
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- But you don't get that impression at all, do you?- Well, no!
0:10:10 > 0:10:14It's the other side of the property so even when you're in there,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17you really don't get the impression that you're semi-detached.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20I've done enough talking out here. I think we should get in?
0:10:20 > 0:10:21- Yes, sure.- Let's go!
0:10:21 > 0:10:23We're taking a bit of a risk with this house.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27It's not the detached property they were after, but there are lots
0:10:27 > 0:10:31of period features that they did want, so fingers crossed!
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Come on in.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Close the door behind you.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- So?- That's certainly different! - Little downstairs bathroom.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Lovely!- The current owners are using it as a kind of utility room
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- as well because it's got a washer dryer there.- OK.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Let's not dwell in the hallway,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54because there's plenty of other rooms to show you that are fantastic,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I think, anyway. Follow me, come on.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Methinks you'll like this room.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Oh, fantastic, yeah! I didn't expect this!
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- That is certainly different! - This is huge!
0:11:05 > 0:11:11- So, kitchen diner/reception room? - Yeah, reception room.- All in one!
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It's Grade II Listed and this was added on in 2002,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17but if you're sympathetic with your extensions, you get away with it
0:11:17 > 0:11:21and I would say that this has been done really sympathetically.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Yeah, it has. Make a nice garden room.- Yeah, that type of thing.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Can you imagine yourself living here?
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- So far, yeah!- I get the impression the dogs are part of the family
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- and can imagine them scampering around in here.- This is ideal.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37They'd love it especially with the sofa here as well
0:11:37 > 0:11:41because from the sofa to the biscuit cupboard, not too far.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44So if the dogs are laying on that sofa, I'd better show you the sofa
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- that you're going be laying on.- OK. - Follow me. I'm going look after you!
0:11:48 > 0:11:51If it's a cosy sitting room you're after...
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Oh, I see what you mean!
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- This is lovely! Look at that fire! - Yes, the sort of thing I like.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Inglenook, you've got a wood burner in there.- Inglenook fire.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01I just wanted to check one thing.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03If you could stand there and you stand here.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Oh, we're all right! You're not going bang your head!
0:12:06 > 0:12:07It is clear, is it?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- You're fine!- I'm fine, I'm fine.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11You do expect that with period properties,
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- so it wouldn't surprise me. - I love this... it's cosy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17You could just imagine this in the winter, couldn't you?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20This house is "majorly" growing on you!
0:12:20 > 0:12:22To be honest, it is.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- It's lovely, it's quirky. It does have some lovely features.- Yeah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28We've ascertained that the dogs are going be very happy
0:12:28 > 0:12:30in the breakfast room with their biscuits on the sofa,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- and they lounge here in front of the fire!- They'll love that fire!
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Shall we find out where they're going sleep?- We shall!- Come on!
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- There's three bedrooms for them. - Oh, God!- Wonderful!
0:12:41 > 0:12:44So far, so good, but will the dogs take the large bedroom,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47or will the master be left for the Master?
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Lovely!- You'd get four dogs on that bed!
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- That bed is lovely! - It's huge, isn't it!
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Plenty of room on there for four dogs!- I'm surprised at that!
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- I was joking!- I know, the dogs are no joke!
0:13:01 > 0:13:04These dogs are important, aren't they!
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Very, very, yes, certainly are!
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- What do you think of this room? - I think it's lovely!
0:13:09 > 0:13:12It's surprising how big it is for a period property.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I was very surprised. I wasn't expecting anything as big as this.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18You don't get the feeling that you're semidetached?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- It doesn't give that feeling at all.- Yeah, you're right.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- I'm glad you like it!- Yeah, we do.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Shall we have a look at the other bedroom?- Yes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Come on, then. I'll lead the way.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31With the family bathroom on the ground floor, this shower room
0:13:31 > 0:13:35is perfectly placed between the two bedrooms and
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- the original beams continue in here. - That's certainly got a slope on it!
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- It has, yeah!- You'll be sleeping all over the place here!- Yeah!
0:13:42 > 0:13:45I'm quite surprised by the light
0:13:45 > 0:13:48in this place because I expected it to be a lot darker.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50And there's more!
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Up a wooden stepladder is a converted loft space,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56perfect for the grandkids when they come to stay.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's time to head outside where there's plenty of room
0:13:59 > 0:14:04for Michael, Julie and their four legged friends to run around.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07For a property with sloping floors,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10you'd expect a garden that slopes as well, wouldn't you?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Yeah, I'm quite impressed. It's well-established, isn't it?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16There's nothing to do and it's not overlooked.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19It's very private. You've got established apple trees,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- you've got cherry trees, hazelnut. - This is certainly private here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25You don't get the impression that it's a semi at all.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- You've got a little outbuilding there as well.- Great! Grooming room!
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Why not, if you fancy it! - Yes, definitely!
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- OK, let's talk money.- OK.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Don't look like that!
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- I'm nervous, it's a habit. - The fun bit... what do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40With it being a semi,
0:14:40 > 0:14:44I'm going knock it down a little bit so I'm going to say 435.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- £435,000?- Yep. - OK. How about you, Michael?
0:14:47 > 0:14:52It's the area that's probably the thing that's really going to pull this up,
0:14:52 > 0:14:53so I'm going to say 445.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56£445,000? Interesting!
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's actually on the market for £499,500.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- The area's playing into it a lot. - Very close to the top of your budget.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09It was originally on for £550,000. Has that changed anything?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12It's not a "no" if I can see I can make some improvements,
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- so I've got to keep that in mind. - No pressure to make your mind up just yet.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Go and have another look around the house and garden.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- I'll come and find you! - OK.- Thank you.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Well, who'd have thought it!
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Hands up if you thought that Julie was going be the difficult one
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and actually she really loves the property!
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Michael sees the positive, but I think we need to work on him.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36We didn't think it was going be a walk in the park, did we?
0:15:38 > 0:15:42This 16th century property is at the top of Mike and Julie's budget
0:15:42 > 0:15:45but it does have the large kitchen and period features
0:15:45 > 0:15:48they were looking for and although it is semidetached,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50it has three bedrooms and a large garden
0:15:50 > 0:15:54with enough space for the grandkids and the dogs to let off steam.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00It certainly has potential to make into a nicer kitchen,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02you could make a breakfast bar around that side.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's got so much potential, such a large space,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- It would be... you can do anything you want with it, can't you!- Yeah.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12I really like this room. It's cosy, isn't it, and look at this fireplace!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Yeah, that's absolutely gorgeous!
0:16:14 > 0:16:18You can imagine in the winter the heat this will actually give off
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and it's even got a bread oven in as well!
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I like the squareness of the room.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25You certainly get a good feel in there, it's...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It's a decent size, yet it's cosy.- Yeah.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I think this house could be a contender.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35The kitchen area is absolutely smashing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38You could do anything you want with that.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43I'm not so keen on the upstairs, but the garden is ideal.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47It's at the top end of the bracket for me and there's certainly some
0:16:47 > 0:16:50work to do on the house to bring it up to where I would want it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Aah, there you are. You're smiling, that's a good sign!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Come on, let's get on with it, plenty more to see!
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Character features are always top of our escapees' wish lists
0:17:07 > 0:17:08so it's a real privilege to come
0:17:08 > 0:17:12to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18this former Museum of the Year is home to nearly 50 historic buildings
0:17:18 > 0:17:22all rescued from destruction. The museum is the legacy
0:17:22 > 0:17:26of historian and teacher, Roy Armstrong. In the 1960s,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Armstrong saw that the rush to redevelop was sweeping away
0:17:29 > 0:17:33our knowledge of how to use local materials and building techniques
0:17:33 > 0:17:36in order to preserve our architectural heritage.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I'm here to find out more from the museum's director, Richard Harris.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- Great to meet you, Richard. - Nice to meet you, too.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Thanks for having us. What a fascinating place!
0:17:45 > 0:17:48It's a really beautiful place. People love coming here.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51It's open, free and fascinating to see the buildings, yeah.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Tell me a bit about the history of the place.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58We opened in 1970 and it was really started by a group of enthusiasts
0:17:58 > 0:18:03who were fed up with seeing medieval farmhouses being destroyed
0:18:03 > 0:18:07in the urge for development after the War and so they thought that if they
0:18:07 > 0:18:10were to dismantle them and rebuild them here,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13a sort of a graveyard but also makes it interesting for people
0:18:13 > 0:18:15to come and see how the buildings were.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20We're trying to give people the opportunity to explore old buildings
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- in a realistic context. - Can we have a little wander?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Yeah, let's have a look round. - Come on.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30The museum is recognised as being of national importance.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35With its collection of market halls, schools and shops dating as far back
0:18:35 > 0:18:39as the 13th century, 146,000 visitors wandered through
0:18:39 > 0:18:43these ancient structures last year, experiencing a tangible sense
0:18:43 > 0:18:47of what it was like to live in medieval England.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52Aah, this is impressive!
0:18:52 > 0:18:57This is one of our earliest and sort of flagship exhibits.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It's a very common type of good quality farmhouse in the Weald.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Dates to about 1500 and it has an open hall, that is,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06the fire doesn't have a chimney. You've got a big window
0:19:06 > 0:19:09at that end that lights the high table at the upper end of the hall.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14You can smell the fire!
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Yes. We burn a fire in here all through the winter and of course
0:19:17 > 0:19:20there's no chimney so the smoke rises and blackens all the beams and
0:19:20 > 0:19:24in order to introduce some element of light and colour, they used textiles
0:19:24 > 0:19:26in front of the darkened walls,
0:19:26 > 0:19:30that's common through all medieval houses. In the 17th century when
0:19:30 > 0:19:34the fires were put underneath chimneys, then you could have whitewashed walls
0:19:34 > 0:19:37so houses changed entirely in the 17th century from black to white.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Nowadays these buildings would almost certainly be listed
0:19:41 > 0:19:44but in Armstrong's day their future was far from secure.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48So if Roy Armstrong was around today and he had the vision
0:19:48 > 0:19:52to set up this museum now, would it be possible with all the listings and everything?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Probably not. In a sense, we're victims of our own success.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58We very, very rarely get offered buildings of any quality.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03This unique collection is a lasting and fascinating tribute
0:20:03 > 0:20:06to the passion and dedication of one man,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09but I must drag myself back into the 21st century and continue our hunt
0:20:09 > 0:20:13for a period home a little more suitable for Mike and Julie.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18As afternoon turns into evening,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22our first day of property hunting is over.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Michael, Julie and her four dogs from Teesside are all looking
0:20:33 > 0:20:37for a new home in West Sussex. So far they've seen one house
0:20:37 > 0:20:40and coming up, we get their tails a-wagging!
0:20:40 > 0:20:41- Ho-ho-ho!- I don't believe it!
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Oh, this is absolutely gorgeous, it really is!
0:20:44 > 0:20:48But the mystery house has Julie totally barking up the wrong tree.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It looks like a pub!
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Looks like a pub?!
0:20:55 > 0:20:58So, it's a new day in the search to find Michael and Julie their
0:20:58 > 0:21:01dream property here in West Sussex.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05How silly of me! It's a new day in the search to find Michael, Julie
0:21:05 > 0:21:09and their four Cocker Spaniels their dream property here in West Sussex.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12They want a three bedroom house with plenty of character
0:21:12 > 0:21:14and as we saw yesterday, that's totally achievable,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17but they don't do small rooms, they want lots of space!
0:21:17 > 0:21:19I'm afraid space plus their budget
0:21:19 > 0:21:22is a sum that doesn't add up in this county!
0:21:24 > 0:21:25Our next house is in Felpham,
0:21:25 > 0:21:30a coastal village with a population of around 10,000.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Felpham was once home to the poet William Blake
0:21:32 > 0:21:36who described the village as "the sweetest spot on earth".
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's right on the coast, perfect for walking the dogs and
0:21:39 > 0:21:43taking a dip. The house we're taking them to see is Grade II Listed.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46It's a 17th century thatched cottage.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Well, they did ask for a period property!
0:21:52 > 0:21:53You're here to see this.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Oh, wow!- Wow!- That is spectacular! - That's something else, isn't it!
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Yes, oh, I like that!
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- Do you like it?- Yes!- I love it!
0:22:01 > 0:22:04What about the fact that it is on a road? Not a really busy road.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- I would say that's a minus. - But inside you'll see
0:22:07 > 0:22:10it's a perfect marriage of old and new, it really is.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- Shall we get in there?- Yes, I'd love to.- Come on, then.- Excellent!
0:22:14 > 0:22:15Yeah!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17It seems like love at first sight!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Fingers crossed their passion won't wane as I show them around.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Come on in.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25- Little hallway.- Lovely!
0:22:25 > 0:22:31The current owners have it as an office, open fire.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32This is really nice, yeah.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And you're clearing your beams, just about, which is good.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- That's right.- Come on through to the snug.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Oh, this is great, isn't it! - Yes.- Gobsmacked!
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Really, really nice.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Hey, this is a good reaction! You like it?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Yeah, I do like it, lovely. Nothing not to like, is there?
0:22:48 > 0:22:49It's absolutely gorgeous!
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Lovely fireplace there as well. - Gorgeous!- Oh, yes.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Would you keep this as a snug?- Yeah.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57And keep it away from the dogs, let them play elsewhere
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and we can come out of the way. This is lovely!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02You're telling me there's a room
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- that the dogs aren't allowed to go into?- Well...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- It's more that...- It won't work, no!
0:23:07 > 0:23:11It won't work! Scrap the idea, she says! You've gone a bit quiet!
0:23:11 > 0:23:15I'm just amazed, actually, I'm speechless! It's lovely!
0:23:15 > 0:23:20Oh, good. If you like the snug, you're going to love the sitting room!
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Fantastic!
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- This is absolutely gorgeous! Look at that!- I'm a bit worried
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- that fireplace isn't big enough for you!- That's big enough
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- for all four dogs! - Oh, this is tremendous!
0:23:34 > 0:23:36You can almost feel history in this house?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38You can feel the history in this house.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Those doors make such a difference,
0:23:40 > 0:23:45- the doors leading onto the garden, they let so much light in.- Yeah.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46It's not gloomy.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49It really was a vision that I had,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52yeah, yeah. This is what I was looking at.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I think I'm going to cry! I thought he was going make a speech then!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57I'm really pleased!
0:23:57 > 0:23:59You can imagine yourself here, then?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Yes.- Yes, I could as well. It's lovely.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03Sorry, what was that?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Yeah, I could!
0:24:05 > 0:24:06- She could!- Yeah!- Lovely.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10We've only seen two rooms. Shall we carry on with the tour?
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Yes, that would be good. - Come on, then, follow me.- Great.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15Julie seems lost for words!
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Things are going well, and there's more to see.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23If I remember rightly, you wanted a farmhouse country kitchen?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- You've found one! - Tick! it's good, isn't it!- Yeah!
0:24:26 > 0:24:27I like these flagstones.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31These flagstones are fantastic and they'll be great
0:24:31 > 0:24:33for the dogs as well, coming in from the garden.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38There's nothing you would want to change even, is there? It's spot-on.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42You've gone a little bit quiet on me, come on, tell me how you feel?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I think we're just speechless, I think, it's so...
0:24:44 > 0:24:47So right, it is...
0:24:47 > 0:24:50It's beautiful, it's totally amazing, it really is!
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Even doing your washing up, look at the view out of that window
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- into your garden! You've moved in already, I think!- I have, I have!
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I think we have, yeah.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- OK. Onward. You wanted a utility, didn't you?- There we are.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04I don't know whether we need one now, but!
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Well, whether you need one or not, you're going get one!
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Brilliant!
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Aah, yeah! And it's so in line with...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Very good size this is as well, isn't it!
0:25:16 > 0:25:19You've got a downstairs toilet there as well, wash basin.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20This would make a great dog room!
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- Good, good. You've seen downstairs. - Yeah.- Time to go upstairs.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Can it possibly get any better for Michael and Julie?
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Upstairs there's a beautiful shower room.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Slate tiles complement the ancient beams and modern fittings just perfectly.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39There's a double bedroom encased with more original timbers
0:25:39 > 0:25:43and I can't wait for them to see the spectacular master bedroom!
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Wow!
0:25:45 > 0:25:46I don't believe it!
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Oh, this is absolutely gorgeous, it really is!
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Stunning, isn't it!- That is, yes. - Absolutely stunning!- Yes!
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- What's the matter, Julie? - I can't get over it! It's lovely!
0:25:56 > 0:25:58So you can imagine this as your master bedroom?
0:25:58 > 0:25:59It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01This property is in the heart of the village.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Yeah. I noticed it doesn't have the rural aspect to it.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Where it is located
0:26:06 > 0:26:11is a compromise overall but it's a compromise I'd go for.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15And also, you know, you are on the road, but there's a gate,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18so the dogs can't just leave the property and get onto the main road.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- That is the most important factor. - You're loving this, then?- Yeah!
0:26:22 > 0:26:25The only thing this room could do with, if you asked me,
0:26:25 > 0:26:26would be an ensuite...
0:26:26 > 0:26:28lucky it's got one, eh?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35That is an ensuite!
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- That is an ensuite and a half, isn't it?- Yes.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40It's perfect, isn't it? You wouldn't have to change anything.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Nothing, no.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- This is a Jack 'n' Jill bathroom. - OK.- D'you know why?
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- Yeah.- There's another bedroom! - Bedroom three through there.- Great!
0:26:49 > 0:26:53This is your third bedroom and actually it's got its own staircase.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's really a double room, isn't it?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Yep. We've seen the inside of the house and I'm guessing
0:26:58 > 0:27:02from the smiles and the "oohs" and the "aahs" that you like it...
0:27:02 > 0:27:03We do, yes.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06But I also know that the outside space is important to you.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Yeah. The outside space is crucial.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Crucial! You're putting a lot of pressure on me now!- I am!
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- That's fine. The outside space is lovely. I'll show you.- Right.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- It's handy having these little stairs.- This really is unique.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22There's plenty to get their pulses racing here but before
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Mike and Julie take a breather, I want to take them back through
0:27:25 > 0:27:29the big kitchen to show them the equally big garden.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Lovely little seating area here.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36That's a lovely little suntrap as well, isn't it?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- It is, isn't it!- Wow!
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- This is your garden. - Right.- Fantastic!
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Couldn't ask for anything more than that, plenty big enough.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47This really works. This gives us plenty of room,
0:27:47 > 0:27:48nice and secluded, excellent.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Double garage.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53There's plenty of room in there to do the grooming as well.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56That's what I thought, and there's loads of storage as well.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57There's two floors, really,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00you can store all your junk in the first floor.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02That's excellent, very, very good.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05What do you think it's on the market for?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I think it's going be way past our budget, to be honest.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- OK. I'll go for 510.- I'll go for...
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- 510? £510,000?- Yes. - I'd go with more than that.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Go on, then.- 570?- 570?- Mmm.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- I can't believe how much you like it!- I love it, it's great!
0:28:19 > 0:28:23You love it, OK. Will you still love it when I tell you that
0:28:23 > 0:28:27it's currently on the market for £525,000, slightly over your budget.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29I was expecting it was going be in that region.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Is it worth that extra 25 grand?
0:28:32 > 0:28:33Yes, I can see it being.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35If we could try and find that bit extra,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38then it would be definitely be worth a shot, this one.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Certainly worth putting an offer in and see what comes of it.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44If you're thinking about making offers, I think you should
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- go and have another look round.- OK.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51- Enjoy the house. Imagine yourself in it.- OK, thanks.- Thanks.- Cheers!
0:28:51 > 0:28:54You see, that's one thing I really can do...
0:28:54 > 0:28:58I can imagine them in that property, two very happy customers.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Even when I told them it was 25 grand over their budget,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04they were still kind of smiling!
0:29:04 > 0:29:07I think we've got a winner in this one!
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It is £25,000 over their budget of £500,000
0:29:10 > 0:29:13but Mike and Julie are still keen.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15It offers just about everything
0:29:15 > 0:29:17they've asked for.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19A detached property with
0:29:19 > 0:29:21a large kitchen, period features
0:29:21 > 0:29:22and three bedrooms.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24The utility room would make
0:29:24 > 0:29:25the perfect space for dog grooming
0:29:25 > 0:29:27and the garden is big enough for
0:29:27 > 0:29:29all four of them to run around in.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31I must admit, I'm very, very impressed.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Yeah, I can see us here.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36This really is the vision that I had.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37It's a fabulous house.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41There's nothing really in it to do, there's nothing to change,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45it's completely to my taste, anyway, and I'm sure it is to Mike's as well.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47It would be fantastic for the dogs.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50This room's definitely got the wow factor for me!
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Yeah, I agree with that... it certainly is lovely.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Airy rooms, light, you've got everything in here.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58I love them windows as well!
0:29:58 > 0:29:59This house is great.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02There are a couple of downsides, one of them being the road outside.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06It's got so many plus points and it has tremendous gardens
0:30:06 > 0:30:10out the back, good size garage for meeting all our expectations.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17Come on, you two. I know you wanna stay in there.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24To be fair, the wish list for this house wasn't that unrealistic
0:30:24 > 0:30:28so we've been able to show our couple properties with bags of character and history
0:30:28 > 0:30:31and their reactions have been quite favourable.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Let's shake things up a little, shall we?
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Let's see if Michael and Julie do modern.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38So we're off to the mystery property.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Looking forward to it?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Yes.- Certainly am.- Michael, what would you like it to be?
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Well, certainly a barn conversion would be the type of thing
0:30:46 > 0:30:50I would have expected it to be and that would quite appeal to me.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52What would you really, really hate it to be?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54So long as it's got potential there
0:30:54 > 0:30:56to do something with it, I'd consider anything.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- Except a tent!- Except a tent! Oops!
0:31:00 > 0:31:02We're nearly there.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Our mystery house is in the hamlet of Lyminster,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10just south of the village of Burpham.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Burpham is a former Saxon village whose name derives from
0:31:14 > 0:31:17the Anglo-Saxon word "burp" or "fortification".
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It has stunning views across the West Sussex countryside
0:31:20 > 0:31:25and its magnificent church dates back over 800 years.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Slightly younger is the century-old cricket pitch on which
0:31:28 > 0:31:31the legendary WG Grace has played.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34I'm taking Mike and Julie to see something that might
0:31:34 > 0:31:37just be out of their comfort zone. It's a 100 year old detached
0:31:37 > 0:31:41chalet-style property with a surprising interior.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46I'll tell you what, I've noticed that you're walking a bit slower to the mystery property!
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Yeah, we're a bit worried about this one!
0:31:48 > 0:31:51You said it might be a barn conversion...
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- Yeah.- It ain't!- OK.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- This is your mystery property.- OK.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58It looks like a pub!
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Looks like a pub! Is that what pubs look like in Teesside!
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- Or a tea room, then!- A tea room! - I'd go with that.- I can see that.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10It's the mystery property because...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- it's really modern inside. - Is it?- Yeah.- Oh, right.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Current owners have totally refurbished it eight years ago
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and then added another extension on in 2002.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- Got to keep an open mind. - Yeah, exactly.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Good for the dogs, nice and rural so far?
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Yeah, very good for the dogs.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Okey-doke. Shall we go in?
0:32:27 > 0:32:28Yeah.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Julie might not have been won over by our mystery home's exterior,
0:32:31 > 0:32:35but hopefully she'll be pleasantly surprised by its modern interior.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Come on into your modern house in the country.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39Right.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41So, what do you think?
0:32:41 > 0:32:43It's very, very modern, isn't it?
0:32:43 > 0:32:45It is.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- It's certainly different. - It is different.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- Good different, bad different?- Good.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Reasonable.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Good from you and reasonable from you?- Yes, it is.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I'm sorry, it's got competition!
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- Yeah, OK. We're talking about the last property we saw?- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- The last property we saw, yeah, but...- Do you like this?
0:33:05 > 0:33:07I like this, yes, I think it is lovely.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- Let me show the kitchen first of all.- OK.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12You've got Welsh slate here.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16This is your galley kitchen.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- It's a galley kitchen. - How do you feel about that?
0:33:19 > 0:33:23I'm not keen on galley kitchens, to be honest, sorry!
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Hide the knives!
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Why don't you like galley kitchens?
0:33:27 > 0:33:31I just don't like the narrowness of them. I prefer a square kitchen where
0:33:31 > 0:33:35you can actually put a table and it does have a breakfast bar
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- but it's just not the same. It doesn't have the same appeal.- OK.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42But we've only seen this, so let's see what the rest of it is like
0:33:42 > 0:33:44and there's always potential to do things with it.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47This is the Mike I'm used to - positive!
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Let's go upstairs, shall we?
0:33:49 > 0:33:50OK, yeah.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Mike's thankfully keeping his options open but I'm afraid
0:33:55 > 0:33:57we're facing an uphill task with this one!
0:33:58 > 0:34:01So upstairs for your master bedroom.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- Right, OK.- This is different, isn't it?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Tell you what I do like about this.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- What's that?- The dogs will have a job getting up here!
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Oh, really! Yeah, I think they would a bit!
0:34:11 > 0:34:13You've found a positive... well done!
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I think they would have a bit of trouble climbing up. I did!
0:34:16 > 0:34:18However, the howling might kill us off!
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- What do you think?- The stained glass window is absolutely... that's lovely!
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- You've got a little en-suite.- Yeah. - It's quaint, it's quirky.- Yeah.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31- But overall, can you imagine this being your master bedroom? - No.- No? OK.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36I'd be struggling with that, to be quite honest. There are some nice features here but overall...
0:34:36 > 0:34:43- It's not what we're looking for, is it?- OK. Do you want to look at the bedrooms?- Yep.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51So,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55you've got a good size family bathroom through there,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- free-standing bath, again the Welsh slates on the floor.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Off the main living area, there are two further bedrooms...
0:35:02 > 0:35:03a single overlooking the garden
0:35:03 > 0:35:09and a double which shares a bathroom with the fourth and final bedroom.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- And you come through to a good sized double.- This is nice, this is lovely.- It is, isn't it?
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- This is quite pleasant, this.- Yes, very pleasant.- I like the French doors, so...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- It's really nice.- I'll be quite honest with you,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- I would prefer to be in this room than the one upstairs.- OK.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28If you make this your master bedroom, you'll like what's behind this door.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33- It's a wet room.- Brilliant! - It's seriously impressive, that, isn't it?
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- That's good, yeah.- Really nice shower, Welsh slate again.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Brilliant!- That works OK.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42You're probably wondering where you could put your plasma screen?
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- That would be interesting! - I'll show you.- OK.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51All right... I see what you mean!
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- This is different!- That would certainly suit that!- This is a huge family room, isn't it!
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- It is, isn't it!- Yes, I like this. - Why not make this your kitchen? - We could do!
0:35:59 > 0:36:02There's nothing to say that that's got to be your kitchen.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06if this was your kitchen, it would be a pretty impressive one!
0:36:06 > 0:36:10It would be impressive, yeah. It is a nice room this, isn't it?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- Can you imagine yourself here? - I don't think I could imagine myself here all the time.
0:36:13 > 0:36:19It does give you the feeling of being a holiday-type place... it doesn't feel like a home.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20No, it doesn't.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21OK. Well, shall we go outside?
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- Love to!- The garden's lovely and plenty of space for dog-grooming.
0:36:26 > 0:36:26Right.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- Right!- I knew that would put a smile on your face! Come on!
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- You've got to like this, haven't you?- Yeah. This is very nice, isn't it? It's a good size.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44What I love is that there are so many hidden pockets in this garden.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49- You've got a gorgeous barbecue area. What I want to show you is that outbuilding.- Aah!
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- Ideal for doggie grooming.- Ideal, it's just the perfect size.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- Looking back at the house here, it looks fantastic, doesn't it? - It does!
0:36:56 > 0:37:00Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What do you think it's on the market for?
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- 450.- Do you want to have a think about that?
0:37:05 > 0:37:07This place is not for you at all, is it!
0:37:07 > 0:37:09You just don't want to even linger!
0:37:09 > 0:37:10No.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13OK, well, I've taken into consideration where it is.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17I think it'll probably fetch a bit more than that. I'd say 465.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20£465,000, OK.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Are you sure about that?
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- I think it's going to be more. - You think it's going to be more? - Yeah, it's going to be more.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Well, I can tell you that you're both wrong... it is more.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34It's currently on the market for £499,000.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36So we were quite way off there, weren't we!
0:37:36 > 0:37:41- Well, you've got more exploring to do, so have a look around and I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45With an asking price of just under
0:37:45 > 0:37:49half a million, this ultra-modern house slips in just under budget.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51What it lacks in character features,
0:37:51 > 0:37:55it more than makes up for with its light, spacious and hi-spec interior,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58not always found in older properties.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Many people would yearn
0:38:08 > 0:38:10for such a stylish house in a rural location,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13but it's obvious that Mike and Julie only do period...
0:38:13 > 0:38:15period.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19I would certainly have preferred it be a lot wider.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Yeah, I prefer the country kitchen style, which would be a lot squarer,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24to be able to put a table in the middle.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Yeah, that would make sense.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31The kitchen is far too small as a galley. I'd certainly need it double the size of that.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35We're more into the farmhouse, certainly with it being a rural area,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38and also it appears to me to be more like a holiday home.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42The house has been tastefully modernised and it's bang up to date.
0:38:42 > 0:38:49We were looking more for a countryside period property which this obviously isn't.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Stay! Sit! Stay!
0:38:52 > 0:38:53What an obedient dog!
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- It certainly looks it!- It must be trained by you!- It must have been!
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Seen enough?
0:38:57 > 0:38:58Yes.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01You've seen all the properties, so it's decision time. Don't look so worried.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Shall we find somewhere to have a chat?
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- Yeah.- Come on!
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Michael and Julie's house tour is finally over
0:39:12 > 0:39:16and there's plenty to think about.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21Well, it's decision time. It's going to be very interesting to hear what Michael and Julie have to say.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25They seem to like the area, they seem to like some of the properties,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29but do they like it all enough to want to Escape To The Country?
0:39:29 > 0:39:30Let's find out.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40What a beautiful way to end a beautiful house hunt. Here we are in the South Downs.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Let's talk about the properties.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Start with the 16th century one. What did you make of that? - I like that.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51When we first saw that one, I thought it was going to be far too small but it was quite Tardis-like inside.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55However, it does need some work doing to it to bring it up to
0:39:55 > 0:39:59what we want it to be but on the whole, I think that was a very nice house.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03You weren't sure to start with if you were going to move down from Teesside.
0:40:03 > 0:40:09- That's true!- And this house was the start of your transformation process, I think, really?
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- Yeah.- Because you were quite surprised by the size of the rooms. - Yes, I was.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- But you weren't?- I thought it was all right, that property.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21There were a couple of things we didn't like and the fact that it was semi-detached.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25I appreciate the fact that when you're in it, you couldn't actually tell that
0:40:25 > 0:40:28but you do know that you've got them neighbours about.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32The good things about was it was access to the South Downs was good
0:40:32 > 0:40:34and you were in the right area.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- You were really conscious that you might make a noise with the dogs.- Yeah.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41That is a big issue because we would hate to find a property that we love,
0:40:41 > 0:40:46only to find we have neighbours that don't like dogs and then we're back to square one again.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50But you know, was the 16th-century house a contender for you?
0:40:50 > 0:40:55- I wouldn't rule it out.- OK. - I think I was more taken with it than what Michael was.
0:40:55 > 0:41:02- OK. Let's move on to the thatched house.- That was good. - The smile's back!
0:41:02 > 0:41:05The thatched house is a dream house.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10It totally was a dream house. I mean, that everything that you could ever possibly want.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15The only thing I could say against that was that it was on the road,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18which was something I wasn't really looking for
0:41:18 > 0:41:22with having the dogs but we wouldn't rule it out because of that,
0:41:22 > 0:41:26because I think we could make it safe so that the dogs were fine.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28What about the house itself? You were bowled over?
0:41:28 > 0:41:33That's it... that was my dream, so I was really happy with it.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36It's over budget. Is that going to be an issue?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40I would be willing to stretch if I needed to, to go that extra mile.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43It really meant that much to me, that one.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- You probably can't say that for the mystery property?- No.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50The problem was, although there were some nice features,
0:41:50 > 0:41:54I would class that as a holiday home and that's not what we're looking for.
0:41:54 > 0:42:00It did have a nice room at the back, the staircase was absolutely lovely.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- It was a bit quirky up the stairs. It didn't appeal to me.- It was just too modern, wasn't it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:08If I was gonna push you, then, are you gonna go for one?
0:42:08 > 0:42:13What we'd like to do is actually go back to the area and have a look more round the area...
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Where the thatched one was.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18We've been very lucky with the weather - it's been glorious.
0:42:18 > 0:42:24It's about to pour down, I think, so we should fold up our blanket and finish these drinks inside.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- Good idea.- It's been fantastic meeting you.- And you.
0:42:27 > 0:42:32- Good luck with your move, and I hope you make it down.- Cheers. - You're lovely people.- Thank you.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36When I first met Michael and Julie, I don't know about you
0:42:36 > 0:42:40but I got the impression this was a move for Michael and Julie was along for the ride.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I don't think she was considering moving from Teesside,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46but what a difference it's made to her actually being here,
0:42:46 > 0:42:51so much so that they're thinking of increasing their budget, so with that sort of commitment
0:42:51 > 0:42:56and adaptability, it's only a matter of time until they're here enjoying the country life of West Sussex.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Until next time, goodbye.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05Great news! Mike and Julie have put in an offer on the thatched cottage which has been accepted,
0:43:05 > 0:43:10and they're looking forward to finally moving in together for good after 34 years of marriage!
0:43:10 > 0:43:13If you'd like to Escape To The Country and would like our help,
0:43:13 > 0:43:15please apply online -