0:00:02 > 0:00:06This is the ancestral home of the reputedly hard gambling man
0:00:06 > 0:00:09who gave his name it to the most humble of foods -
0:00:09 > 0:00:10the sandwich.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Where am I?
0:00:11 > 0:00:16Join me to find out for another lip-smacking Escape To The Country.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31With their London terrace on the market,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35today's city-based house-hunters are seeking sanctuary in the country,
0:00:35 > 0:00:38for both themselves and their children.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Room for the kids to run. That's what it's about.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42I think Jack would be happy here.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44I think this would be great for the children.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46It's really quirky, isn't it? Upstairs?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And a character property is definitely on the agenda.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51Amazing! Look at the fireplace.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55But will their country escape suit parent and child?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- Do you like it?- I don't know.
0:00:59 > 0:01:05Today I'm in Cambridgeshire, and this is Hinchingbrooke House,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09once home to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Now the story goes that as a voracious card player,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13he'd get his valet to bring him meat,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16tucked into two pieces of bread,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20so he could continue his cribbage without getting his cards greasy.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24In time, others used to ask for "the same as Sandwich"
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and the name was born.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30But it's not the only thing in this county to make your mouth water.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35In the heart of East Anglia,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37the landlocked county of Cambridgeshire
0:01:37 > 0:01:39covers over 1,300 square miles.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45In 2009, over 4.5 million people made a beeline to Cambridge,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48to gently punt along the River Cam,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and soak up the sights of the world famous university.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55But there's more to Cambridgeshire than this historic town.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Delving deeper into the countryside to the north,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01you'll find Holme Fen, the lowest point in Britain
0:02:01 > 0:02:03and one of nine nature reserves in the county.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07The horizon of the Cambridgeshire Fens is only broken
0:02:07 > 0:02:10by medieval churches and cathedrals
0:02:10 > 0:02:14that stand like soaring monoliths across the landscape.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Towering over the east of the county is the 11th-century Ely Cathedral
0:02:18 > 0:02:21which sits within one of the smallest cities in England.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Fondly referred to as The Ship Of The Fens,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29it could be seen for miles across this vast, watery plain.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33But it's the villages that so easily charm passers-by.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Timber and brick homes built from locally-sourced materials
0:02:37 > 0:02:40add the finishing touch to this attractive county.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44A detached property here in Cambridgeshire
0:02:44 > 0:02:48would set you back around £265,000.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52That's just 7% higher than the national average.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55But these figures don't give the true picture.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Never historically a wealthy county,
0:02:57 > 0:03:02the construction of the M11 was the making of modern Cambridgeshire,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05putting the south of the county firmly in the London commuter belt.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08That prices in the south are on average
0:03:08 > 0:03:1337% higher than in the north is testament to that fact.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17So let's take a look at what's currently on the market.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20In Terrington St John,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24this detached house is on the market for just under £300,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27The rustic beams in the spacious living area
0:03:27 > 0:03:29continue into the kitchen diner.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32There are four good-sized bedrooms
0:03:32 > 0:03:36and the conservatory looks out over a finely manicured garden.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Further up the property ladder in Conington, you can pick up
0:03:40 > 0:03:45this beautifully restored period property for £499,000.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48The country kitchen is simply stunning.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The living room boasts a host of period features
0:03:51 > 0:03:54that continue in the bedrooms.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59And to the rear, a patio looks out over the expansive garden.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Finally, for £825,000,
0:04:02 > 0:04:08this Grade 2 listed village house in Shudy Camps dates back to 1537.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10With character oozing from the kitchen
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and exposed beams in every room,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15the period features just keep coming.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18The two reception rooms both have an inglenook fireplace.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22The four bedrooms are charming and the garden's immaculate.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27With its rural charm and properties to match,
0:04:27 > 0:04:33Cambridgeshire has plenty to tempt even a self-confessed city slicker.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35And this week's couple are definitely that.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37So let's meet them.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Professional couple John and Natalie
0:04:39 > 0:04:42have lived together in John's three-bedroom East London terrace,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45since Natalie moved in four years ago.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47With their son Jack fast approaching school-age
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and one-year-old Rebecca growing up fast,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54it's now or never if they want to make their rural dream a reality.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58The priority now is, basically, schools.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Jack is one of those children
0:05:00 > 0:05:03that will probably be the youngest in his class.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06He's three quite soon so he's only got another year
0:05:06 > 0:05:09and we need to get settled before he starts school.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Definitely. We have talked about moving for so long
0:05:13 > 0:05:14so it's now or never really.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18So how do John and Natalie picture life in the country?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I think what we're really looking for is to find somewhere
0:05:22 > 0:05:26that's nice and peaceful, some beautiful surroundings,
0:05:26 > 0:05:27some nice, open spaces.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- We don't want to be too remote. - It's for our children.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35We're not looking through rose-tinted glasses. We've thought this through.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37It's a lot to leave behind but it's an adventure going forward.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41And what sort of property should we be looking for?
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Four to five bedrooms, detached property.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48We'd like a nice country kitchen
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- because most of our socialising is all in the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59I would like a utility room and definitely a downstairs toilet.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04They're also after a workshop for John to practise his hobby of model-making
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and more outside space than they currently have.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09One of the most important things for us
0:06:09 > 0:06:12is to find somewhere with a bigger garden for the children.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14When it comes down to brass tacks,
0:06:14 > 0:06:19if we don't get a nice size garden for the kids to run around in
0:06:19 > 0:06:21and that feeling of space and freedom,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25especially for the youngsters, we may as well stay here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Sounds logical but why Cambridgeshire?
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I work in Newham, East London,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33and the roads are perfect to lead down to Cambridgeshire.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36We initially said an hour from my place of employment
0:06:36 > 0:06:39but now we've stretched that to an hour and a half.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42But that extra half an hour gives us another 30 miles on the motorway,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46which takes us 30 miles past the commuter belt
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Also, we get more for our money the further we go out.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Finally, how much do John and Natalie have to spend
0:06:52 > 0:06:54on their first family home in the country?
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Our absolute limit for the new house is £450,000.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02That's with the sale of this house and some savings we've got.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04That's our absolute limit.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Weary of London life,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14John and Natalie are hoping to swap city sirens for birdsong
0:07:14 > 0:07:19with their aim of bringing their brood up in rural Cambridgeshire.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22They're after a detached property with four bedrooms,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26enough space downstairs so the adults don't trip up over the children
0:07:26 > 0:07:31and, crucially, a large enough garden so the little ones can run free.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33So far, so good.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38But their budget of £450,000 won't stretch that far
0:07:38 > 0:07:42in the south of the county so we may need to look further afield
0:07:42 > 0:07:45to find them both something that fits the bill.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52To find a family home that meets their expectations,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55we'll be casting our property net to the north of Cambridgeshire,
0:07:55 > 0:08:01ensuring that John is within reasonable distance to his place of work in east London.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We'll be showing our couple from the capital three properties
0:08:04 > 0:08:08but won't be telling them the price until the end of the house tours.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Then there's the mystery house,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13a property chosen to push their boundaries.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16John and Natalie, welcome to Cambridgeshire.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20I think we've picked the most fantastic day to start our search.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22You know Cambridgeshire a little bit
0:08:22 > 0:08:27and I'm sure you're both aware that its close proximity to London
0:08:27 > 0:08:30means that you are still in the commuter belt,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34which is reflected in the prices, especially in the south of the county.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- John, I know you're going to commute back into London?- Yes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42So are you both prepared to be a bit flexible about that?
0:08:42 > 0:08:46We might have to look further afield to make sure your money gets what you want.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52I think 90 minutes or maybe just a little more each way is doable.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54There's a cut off, you know.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57I don't want to spend four or five hours a day on a motorway.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Of course.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- I think 90 minutes is probably... maybe a little bit more.- OK.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- That's good there's a bit of flexibility.- Definitely.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08We're happy to look.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13If you can show us the house of our dreams and we walk in and that's the one then...
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- You'll weigh it all up. - Definitely.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Now, let's talk money.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- Your budget is still £450,000?- Yes. - Yeah, we said 450 max.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We don't want any work to be done on the property.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28If it's 450, it needs to be pretty much everything's there.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33Well we've got three great properties lined up for you and the children.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- So shall we get started? - Definitely.- Come on then.- Cool.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44With a top budget of £450,000,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46John and Natalie are after...
0:10:05 > 0:10:08How well do you think you'll both settle into country life?
0:10:08 > 0:10:12Because it is so different than living in a city.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14I think that's what we're looking forward to.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16It's like a new chapter of your life.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20It's all about learning new things, new ways of living.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22The idea is to change
0:10:22 > 0:10:27so we're kind of looking forward to the challenge or the opportunity, whichever way you look at it.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Our first property is tucked inside the Cambridgeshire border
0:10:32 > 0:10:36near the village of Welney, which just nudges into Norfolk.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Once famed for its ice-skating and wildfowl hunting,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43both have become part of a bygone era.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48But this charming village does have an impressive 19th-century church and a pub
0:10:48 > 0:10:52so John and Natalie can get to know some of the 500 residents.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Although it pushes their ideal commute,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58this property has loads of kerb appeal.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Let's take a look.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- That's nice.- A cottage.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03Good first impression?
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Definitely. It's detached, I can see, just looking round.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09It's actually an old farmhouse,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13built at the turn of the century but extended in 2003.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17It's a nice quiet location. It looks a lovely-size detached property.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20I just want to get inside and have a look.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22We want to get inside, all three of us. Come on.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Off to a good start.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27The mix of old and new on the outside is seamless
0:11:27 > 0:11:29and inside, it gets even better.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34So you come through the porch straight into this little snug.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37That's nice. Beams!
0:11:37 > 0:11:39I've never stayed in a place with beams.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Have you not?- No.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44And this is one of the reception rooms, as you walk in.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47You've got another one behind us,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- that's currently used as a children's room.- Fantastic.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53With little ones, if you do have the next door in their play area,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- you want to be quite close, don't you?- Definitely.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00The great thing is the layout of this house, it really flows,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- because the kitchen's just through here.- Great.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- This is nice.- Yeah, this is lovely.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11I know you're both keen to get a country kitchen, quite a large one.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Yeah, it's top three on the list,
0:12:13 > 0:12:17because I've got quite a big family that like to visit en masse
0:12:17 > 0:12:20and we socialise in the kitchen.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24There's plenty of room in here, in this house.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26You could have the family dinners here,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29but when you've got the extended family with you,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31you're going to need a little bit more room.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34So we've got an answer to that in the conservatory.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Because through here is the dining room in a conservatory.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46That's very nice. I didn't expect that.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48No, didn't expect that.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50It's a good space.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Nice size table.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54The floor follows us through.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57The parquet flooring, all the way through - nice.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01I haven't shown you the biggest room of the house downstairs.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03I'll squeeze past you, back through the kitchen.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06So far we haven't put a foot wrong.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and I have a little surprise for John on the way.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13En route, I just wanted to show you this.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The utility room that leads through to the downstairs cloakroom.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- Just for you, John, because I know...- Top of the wish-list! - Top of the wish list!
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- That's going to make you happy. - Definitely. Thank you.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Wow!- Lordy, lord.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31That's unexpected.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33There's more. Gosh, I love the floor.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- That's a beautiful room. - You've got oak flooring.
0:13:35 > 0:13:43Fireplaces. A lovely view outside. Lovely French doors that open up, patio area, decking area.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Is this new? Is this an extension? - This is. This was done in 2003.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50I think it works so well with the property.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Lovely. Really surprised.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Well let's head upstairs
0:13:56 > 0:14:00and hope there's enough space for you there as well.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Apart from an upstairs family bathroom,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06they're four double bedrooms in all,
0:14:06 > 0:14:10the largest has a dual aspect, but we're heading to the master suite.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Oh, God.- Step inside.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17That's what I'm talking about, a window .
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Stunning, absolutely stunning.- Yeah.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- What's through here? What's this door?- That's storage.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26So you've got a walk-in closet, cupboard, there.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Through that door, you've your own en-suite.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- OK.- That's amazing.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34The house seems to have hit the spot for the both of you.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Let's go downstairs to see what you think of the garden
0:14:37 > 0:14:41and at the same time, you're going to have to consider how much this is all worth.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46This property just keeps on giving. Set in half an acre,
0:14:46 > 0:14:51the lawned garden has plenty of space for the children.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56So at the end of your garden, you have the most spectacular view,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58literally right over your fence.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59It's beautiful.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Amazing, didn't expect this.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05You don't ever imagine you could live on the end of a field, do you, John?
0:15:04 > 0:15:05How wonderful.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08That is lovely, but what about the garden?
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I just think this is a fantastic space.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13But the question is, is it big enough?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16I know the garden is very important to the both of you.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- Plenty of room for the kids to run, that's what it's about.- You've got a double carport.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25It looks like a chalet standing this side of it, it's actually a workshop.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27They keep their dogs in it at the moment,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30but you could easily transform that into a workshop.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34And the gazebo here has electricity. There used to be a hot tub in it,
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- that might be worth reinstating. - Yeah, why not?- How much do you think this house is worth?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I'd say £450,000.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46OK. John?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I think Natalie may be right, but maybe...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52£435,000.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56You're hedging your bets. Natalie might be right, but £435,000.
0:15:56 > 0:16:02Maybe, I don't know what property goes for a little bit further out, so I don't know.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05Current asking price,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07£375,000.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- Gosh!- No.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Well below your budget.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Really?- With views like this, I'm surprised.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Exactly, with this amazing location,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20beautiful village, primary school in this village,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23and one in the surrounding area as well,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26why don't you go and have another browse around,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28because that does give you more money to play with.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Thanks very much. - Thank you.- Off you go.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36It may be just outside the 90 minute commute to John's work,
0:16:36 > 0:16:41but that is reflected in the £375,000 price tag.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57But will the commuting distance be an issue?
0:16:57 > 0:17:01If my kids can get what they want,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03a nice quiet lifestyle,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05plenty of room to run around in,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08then the commute and the price makes it more than worthwhile.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Enough room?- Definitely enough room.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13I think Jack would be happy here.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15It's brilliant, the kids will love it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19It's fantastic. I can see things around me.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I'm not completely on my own, it's not remote.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Well, you two, have you seen enough?
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- Yeah, we've seen enough.- Yeah?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Wonderful.- Look at those smiles!
0:17:27 > 0:17:30It's a great start, but we've got more to show you.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32So let's keep going. Come on.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Cambridgeshire may be a county of horizontals,
0:17:44 > 0:17:49but what it lacks in hills and dales, it makes up for in rich farmland.
0:17:49 > 0:17:5489% of the Fens in the north of the county are of the highest farming quality
0:17:54 > 0:17:59and by the Middle Ages, the marshy waterways were teeming with customers and cargo.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Reaching its height in the 12th century,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05St Ives grew up as a busy commercial centre on the River Ouse,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09and once boasted the biggest market in England.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12John and Natalie are newcomers to the area
0:18:12 > 0:18:15so we've organised for local historian, Bob Burn-Murdoch,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19to give them a tour of this interesting medieval town.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Hello, there. How do you do? Welcome.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Built in the 1420s, this bridge is one of the last remaining
0:18:24 > 0:18:27in the country to have an integrated chapel.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30The idea behind this architectural curiosity
0:18:30 > 0:18:35was to offer travellers a place to give thanks for a safe journey.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38There were a few bridge chapels built in the Middle Ages
0:18:38 > 0:18:39but very few have survived.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43St Ives is the only good looking bridge chapel left.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46You had the chapel up on the road level.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51Also, chapel and toll house together, because you had to pay to cross it,
0:18:51 > 0:18:56and of course, the ideal place for having a toll house, is in the middle of the bridge, like this,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58so you can't sneak past without paying.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Upstairs, the vicar-come-traffic-warden
0:19:01 > 0:19:03would offer services in the chapel,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06while demanding a charge for those crossing the bridge.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08But this bridge is also unique
0:19:08 > 0:19:13due to the pointed Gothic arches on one side, and rounded arches on the other.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16In the 17th century, during the English Civil War,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20half of the bridge was blown up by Cromwell's Roundheads
0:19:20 > 0:19:22to stop the King's troops advancing.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24By the beginning of the 18th century,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28the townsfolk decided to reinstate the stone arches,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31but in the rounded Cromwell-esque fashion of the day.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Controversial to the last,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Cromwell had a way of splitting public opinion even after his time.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43In 1901, a statue of the man was erected causing quite a stir.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48So, here we are. This is the statue of the most famous St Ives resident, Oliver Cromwell.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50And we shouldn't really have the statue here,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53because Cromwell only lived in St Ives for a few years,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56and he was born in Huntington, just up the road.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59But when they were going to put the statue up in 1899,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02the people of Huntington were a bit horrified at having a statue
0:20:02 > 0:20:04to the man who cut the King's head off
0:20:04 > 0:20:08and so instead of putting it there, it came to St Ives.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10People in St Ives were perfectly happy with the idea
0:20:10 > 0:20:13and fund-raising went ahead very briskly
0:20:13 > 0:20:15and we raised the money to pay for the statue,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18and it's the only statue of Cromwell anywhere in the country
0:20:18 > 0:20:22that's paid for by public subscription by the ordinary people.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25All the other statues were paid for by benefactors.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- So how much did it cost? - Just over £1,000.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Which was an extortionate amount of money. - That's right, yeah.- Absolutely.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Cromwell isn't the only public figure the people of St Ives dubiously claim for themselves.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40The town is named after Ivo,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44a Persian bishop who was supposedly buried here at the beginning
0:20:44 > 0:20:49of the 11th century, but even this fact is shrouded in uncertainty.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Here we are. This is stone wall here is now all that's left
0:20:52 > 0:20:57of the Priory, St Ivo's Priory, built on the spot where the bones had been found.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00But about 1,000 years later,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03we discover what we think is the true story behind those bones.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06And when these houses here were built in the 1980s,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09there was an archaeological dig on the site
0:21:09 > 0:21:12and they went down through the layers associated with the priory
0:21:12 > 0:21:15and underneath, they found the remains of a Roman villa
0:21:15 > 0:21:18and the Romans buried their dead in stone coffins.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20So, we think the real explanation for that coffin
0:21:20 > 0:21:24was it wasn't a Persian bishop, it was a Romano-British farmer.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27They may have found some sort of inscription perhaps with an IV,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30the Latin letter, the Latin number four,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and misinterpreted that as being the name Ivo.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36After all these years, we finally discover that the whole town,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38the name of the town, is a case of mistaken identity.
0:21:38 > 0:21:44Mistaken identity or not, the quirky history of St Ives is intriguing.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53But it's time to get back on the road.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Just 90 minutes from John's work,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57our second property is in the village of Great Gidding
0:21:57 > 0:22:00in the north-west of Cambridgeshire.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04The thatched properties that were once so prevalent have all but disappeared,
0:22:04 > 0:22:06save a few prize examples,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and the local church is in a stunning condition
0:22:09 > 0:22:12and dates back to the 13th century.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Because John and Natalie didn't want to be too cut off from village life,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19we've chosen a property right in the midst of all the action.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26So this farmhouse, which was attached to the manor, is our second property.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- What are your first impressions? - A very nice property.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- It looks fresh and new. - Yeah, very attractive.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It has been refurbished about 24 years ago,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39but the farmhouse actually dates back to the 1850s.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43It was attached to the manor house that was just up the hill.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46The one thing is property does do is it backs on to a main road.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49How do you feel about that as a location?
0:22:49 > 0:22:54I think with our children being so young, it would probably cast a shadow.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56We just need to divert that road.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Yeah, it'd be nice.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Let's take a step inside the farmhouse and have a look around.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Although the exterior is in good condition,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09there is work to be done inside to turn this house
0:23:09 > 0:23:13into the family home that John and Natalie are looking for.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Do come on in.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19I'm bringing you straight into one of the main reception rooms.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23So, very, very different from the house we saw this morning.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- But full of character and charm. - It's definitely full of character.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- The ceilings are quite low.- Yeah.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33And it's just completely the opposite to what we live in now.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35But you can see the merits?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Yes.- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- It's a nice room, it's very nice room, yeah.- Excellent, OK.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Let's continue through.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46John may have his doubts so far, but to the rear of the property
0:23:46 > 0:23:50I have some surprises that should sway his opinion.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52So, through here we have the dining room.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55As you walk through this farmhouse, you get a feeling
0:23:55 > 0:23:59that it's like a cottage in a way, the way the rooms are laid out.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03But what this dining room does have is the most amazing view.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- Beautiful.- Absolutely. - I'll show you through there soon.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I want to take you to explain about the kitchen.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14So, this obviously is the current kitchen.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Average space, but...
0:24:16 > 0:24:20..you want a nice, big country kitchen, don't you?
0:24:20 > 0:24:26You could knock this through, with the right planning consent, and actually take it next door
0:24:26 > 0:24:27because that is a study.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Next door - John, this is just for you - the downstairs cloakroom.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35I know that gets you excited. It's also got a shower as well.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38And the reason it's got a shower is across the hallway
0:24:38 > 0:24:40is a downstairs bedroom.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Fantastic.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Also on this level is a conservatory,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46a perfect children's play area.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50But we're heading upstairs to explore John and Natalie's sleeping quarters.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- So this is your master bedroom.- OK.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57A real cottage-y feeling in the upstairs of the property.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And, how many wardrobes can you fit into a bedroom?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- There's quite a lot there.- Plenty!
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Thing is, would it be big enough for the two of you?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09It is cosy in here, definitely. It's a nice room.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11This level has another double bedroom
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and a single bedroom.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16There's also a family bathroom.
0:25:16 > 0:25:22But we're heading out into the fantastic garden that comes complete with a huge workshop,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26perfect for John's penchant for model-making. So, here's an amazing garden.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30And not only that, you've got cows right at the very end.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35- Do you think the kids would like cows?- I think they'd love it. This has completely won me, to be honest.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- This is just outstanding, it's amazing.- It's an amazing garden.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Someone's put a lot of work in and it's a beautiful.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44It is beautiful. It's just over half an acre.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46You've got a Wendy house there,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- which the owner actually built himself.- OK.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53The stable block has been converted into a gym.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56That's got electricity, so you could use that as a play area,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59as a bar for your friends and family, whatever you wanted.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02And you're surrounded by countryside.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06So, how much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:26:06 > 0:26:10I would have thought maybe £440,000.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Natalie? - Yeah, I'm going for 415, actually.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18Maybe I'm being too optimistic? Cos we have a lot of land. I mean, it is lovely here.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21If it was 415, do you think that's a good price,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23that you'd be interested?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Yeah, because we got the money there
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and that would be enough to make the changes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31The garden for me is just outstanding.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I just want to put it Jack in here now, really.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38The current asking price for this property is £415,000.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- Really? Gosh.- You were absolutely bang on the money.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- It wasn't just wishful thinking, then!- No.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49You've just said to me you'd be interested, so I'm hoping that is the case.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Have another look round the house, if you could really work for you,
0:26:52 > 0:26:58- because there always has to be a compromise somewhere.- Definitely. - Off you go.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02For Natalie, the impressive space outside
0:27:02 > 0:27:05clearly outweighs the close proximity to the road,
0:27:05 > 0:27:10and the property is well under-budget.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13There's a country kitchen with room to expand, four bedrooms,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17and outside there is a huge workshop and that garden.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21But will the work needed inside be a stumbling block for John?
0:27:21 > 0:27:23The garden for me sort of sells the house.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- I don't know about you, what you feel?- It's a beautiful.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30I like the house, I like the look of the house.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34You can see it's been treated with tender, loving care over the years.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39I'm just a bit concerned that the upstairs
0:27:39 > 0:27:41is a bit small for what we need.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I just love the garden. I want this to be mine.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49I want to sit in here in the summer. I want all my friends to bring their children and enjoy it with us.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Are you guys happy? Have you seen enough?
0:27:54 > 0:27:55Yes, thank you.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59It is typical, it's a lot quieter now as we leave. Come on.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10As the sun drops below the Cambridgeshire lowlands,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12John and Natalie will have plenty on their minds
0:28:12 > 0:28:15after their first day house-hunting.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23Today's house hunters are swapping a terraced house in London
0:28:23 > 0:28:26for a character property in the country.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31This has completely won me. This is just outstanding, it's amazing.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Up next, we'll see how character and history combine.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39This coaching inn's most famous guests allegedly was Dick Turpin.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43But will this grand old place be too much for our country newcomers?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45I've not seen the like of it before.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Has it taken your breath away.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49It has. I didn't expect to see something like this.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Yesterday we showed John and Natalie
0:28:55 > 0:28:58two very strong but different options.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02They were both on the edge of John's commute.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05They reacted positively to each of the houses.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Today we're going to show them the mystery property.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Now they have said they want character and charm.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Well, with this home you've got six centuries' worth.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Our mystery house is in the village of Little Stukeley
0:29:18 > 0:29:20in the north west of the county.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Just an hour and 20 minutes from East London,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27it is also the closest property we have found to John's work.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Boasting a plethora of charming thatched properties,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32and an impressive 12th-century church,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35this rural idyll may seem peaceful now.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37But the village is likely to have been a haunt
0:29:37 > 0:29:39for notorious robber Dick Turpin.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44In fact, he may well have stayed in their next property.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46John and Natalie wanted character,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50but they weren't expecting to walk back in time quite this far.
0:29:50 > 0:29:57So which property is it? Is it the thatch, or is it this period house?
0:29:57 > 0:29:59We did say no thatch.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03You did say no thatch. It is this beautiful house here.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- Oh, OK.- Lovely.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Now, originally it was built in the 1400s,
0:30:08 > 0:30:10and it was a timber home,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14but in 1676 it was completely refurbished.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16The outside walls, which are brick, were added,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18and the plaster, all that plastering,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20has actually been rendered around.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23It was added. Because the owners made it into a coaching inn.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- I'm intrigued. - You are going to love it.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27You're going to absolutely love it.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31'This medieval coach house is an acquired taste.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34'It's something that John and Natalie would never have considered,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37'so it'll be interesting to see how they respond to the inside.'
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Let's step back in time.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- Gosh.- Just mind your head on the beam.- Wow.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Wow.- It's an amazing entrance, isn't it?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And although it's quite low here,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54are you surprised how high this ceiling is?
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Definitely, yes.- I would have expected them to be a lot lower.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02But just take in the walls, the exposed beams and timbers...
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It is a treasure trove of history, this house.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09It's like walking into some historical, I don't know, house, isn't it?
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- Yeah, like a museum. - Yeah, a museum.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It's also has some infamous guests staying here, allegedly.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Not just us. I'll explain more while we go round.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- Now, how's this for a medieval room?- Amazing. Look at this, John.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27Look at the fireplace.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31It's not what I imagined at all, actually. It's a throwback in time.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33I've just not seen the like of it before.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Has it taken your breath away?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38It has, really. I just really didn't expect to see something like this.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- It's kind of stately home-ish, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Do you like it?- I don't know.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Could you be lord of the manor?
0:31:45 > 0:31:49I'm not sure, to be honest. It's kind of thrown me a bit.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55With this house, there is plenty more to see. This is just the start.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00'John is clearly stunned by the grand rooms, while Natalie seems intrigued.'
0:32:01 > 0:32:06So another good-size reception room here.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07I love the door over there.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Yeah. Look at the age of it. Looks like an original, doesn't it? - Yeah, it does.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- So you like this room? It's got a good feel?- It's nice.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- Is it big enough for you? - Yeah, I don't see why not.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- This is your snug, isn't it? - Yeah.- I think so.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- That leads us through to the back of the property and the kitchen.- OK.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25'This house may be old,
0:32:25 > 0:32:29'but thankfully the kitchen has been updated sympathetically.'
0:32:30 > 0:32:34Now, you'll be pleased to know this isn't a period kitchen,
0:32:34 > 0:32:36it's pretty modern.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Yeah, I love this. I love the cabinets and surfaces.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Fantastic sink there. Is that the butler sink?
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- That's a butler sink. It's a dual butler sink.- Yes.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49You've got marble on the floor here, and, believe it or not,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53these units are brand-new, recently gone in, but they've been done
0:32:53 > 0:32:55in a sympathetic style so they don't look too new.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59'Also on this level, there's a utility room
0:32:59 > 0:33:02'and a downstairs bathroom, a must-have for John.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'Upstairs, there are six bedrooms set over two floors.'
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Mind your head as you come through.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15How's this for a bedroom?
0:33:15 > 0:33:18It's in keeping with the rest of the house.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21So it really does give you an idea of what you can create in a room
0:33:21 > 0:33:24with a little bit of time and effort.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27'The owners have modernised the other double on this floor,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30'and there's also a small single bedroom.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34'On the next level, there are two further large doubles and a small single,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37'but on the stairs there is a curious surprise.'
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Now, one of this coaching inn's most famous guests,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44allegedly, was Dick Turpin.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47And here we have a priest hole,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50called that because centuries ago the priests used to hide,
0:33:50 > 0:33:51but apparently,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54the highwaymen used to hide in this very hole in this house.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58So can you imagine what this inn has seen over the years?
0:33:58 > 0:34:02And Dick Turpin could well have hidden in here.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05'So there's even a place for Jack to play hide-and-seek
0:34:05 > 0:34:06'when it's raining.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09'Speaking of which, we're braving the recent downpour
0:34:09 > 0:34:12'and heading back out into the garden.'
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Now, the all-important garden.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20As long as we don't clash umbrellas in this drizzle.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Where we're standing at the moment, the house was set up as a B&B,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26so you've got a huge driveway.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Now, I know you wanted plenty of parking
0:34:28 > 0:34:31because that's at a premium where you live at the moment, however,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34you perhaps don't need this much parking.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36So you could actually lay this all to turf.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So, as garden size goes, how is this for you?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43I was just thinking as I walked out, "where's he going to kick his football?"
0:34:43 > 0:34:45And there's the gravel.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48So yes, if we could remove this somehow, if we could park down here,
0:34:48 > 0:34:49that would be great.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53So, this unique 15th-century house,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55how much is it currently on the market for?
0:34:55 > 0:34:59Just over, maybe, or...say £475,000?
0:34:59 > 0:35:04I agree. I would have thought, maybe, 460, 465.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08Well, you're both right. It is over your budget.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12The current asking price is £485,000,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15but they're emigrating so they're going to put the furniture
0:35:15 > 0:35:19into the final sale, and they would be interested
0:35:19 > 0:35:23in taking offers in the region of £450,000,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- so the top of your budget. - Oh, OK.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29So why don't you go back into the dry, have a look round,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32because it is the most wonderful home. It really is.
0:35:32 > 0:35:33It's there to be loved.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- The question is, are you two the right people to do it?- Sure.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Go and enjoy it. I'll catch up with you later.- Thank you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Although it's over budget at £485,000,
0:35:43 > 0:35:45the vendors are open to offers.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49With six bedrooms, a stylish country kitchen and two reception rooms,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52there's plenty of space for visitors.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54There's a downstairs cloakroom for John
0:35:54 > 0:35:56and a large garden for the children.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00But is it all too much for our city slickers?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02It just keeps going on, doesn't it?
0:36:02 > 0:36:04I think this would be great for the children.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06It's really quirky, isn't it, upstairs?
0:36:06 > 0:36:10You could almost give them the floor, couldn't you, with a friend, to stay?
0:36:10 > 0:36:12The mystery house is probably one of the most unique houses
0:36:12 > 0:36:14I've ever been into.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Really not what I expected at all.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19It's a step back in time, but as I went through the house
0:36:19 > 0:36:22it warmed up for me. It got better and better, really.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- All right, guys?- Yeah, good. - Are you happy?- Yes.- Yes.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31You guys have a lot to think about, so let's find you somewhere
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- where you can gather your thoughts. - Thank you.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50It may have been the busy waterways that created vibrant and historic riverside towns such as St Ives,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53but it's agriculture that has generated
0:36:53 > 0:36:57high-quality produce, bringing commerce and trade to the county.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01And the Fens are a major part of this, being such a fertile
0:37:01 > 0:37:04and well-irrigated part of the landscape.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09But not all Fens produce ends up on our plates.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10As far back as the 11th century,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13reference was made in the Domesday Book
0:37:13 > 0:37:18to the area around Wisbech as a centre for the country's flower industry,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21and despite the influx of flowers from overseas,
0:37:21 > 0:37:25horticulture is still very much at the heart of farming here.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31To find out more, I'm meeting local rose expert John Turner,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34who's been growing flowers on his holding for over 30 years.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- John, great to meet you. - Nice to meet you, Nicki.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Standing here, it's a feast to the eyes.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- We're surrounded by... roughly how many rose bushes, would you say?- 850,000.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49My goodness. I mean, just this variety here... Which one's this?
0:37:49 > 0:37:51This is Lady Of Shalott.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54It's beautiful colours, as far as the eye can see.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57What is it about this part of the world
0:37:57 > 0:37:59that is so good for growing roses?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Well, for horticulture in general, Cambridgeshire and the Fens?
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Well, the soil is very good soil structure.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Good free-draining soil, mostly.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10And got good body in it, so the roses like it.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12I can see, John, people hard at work, part of your team,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14with the plants.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Is there any process that could be done by machinery,
0:38:17 > 0:38:18or is it all done by hand?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20No, there are some processes,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23but you still need the skilled labour to carry out certain jobs
0:38:23 > 0:38:29on the nursery, and budding and patching is a prime example.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32If you'd like to see that, we can show you that on another field.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34I'd love to. Am I going to be a budder or a patcher?
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- You'll have to be a patcher, I'm afraid.- Why's that?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- You're not quite skilled enough at the moment.- Very wise.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Well, I know I'm in safe hands. Let's see if I can have a go.- OK.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49An estimated 20 million roses are grown every year in the UK,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52and although some of the process can be mechanised,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55budding and patching is not one of them.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59Roses can be grown from seed, but the variety of rose you end up with
0:38:59 > 0:39:04may not be what you expect, so, on a commercial level, it's much safer
0:39:04 > 0:39:09to grow a root stock of roses and attach, or patch, a bulb to the stem.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12This ensures a hardier, more resilient plant, and also means
0:39:12 > 0:39:16that you'll definitely get the variety of rose you're expecting.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19So, this whole field has got to be done by hand?
0:39:19 > 0:39:21That's right, by skilled budders.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23So you're budding and I'm going to be putting...
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- It looks like a plaster. - That's right.- OK. Let's go.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30'Working in groups of two, the skill of budding
0:39:30 > 0:39:33'and patching takes time to perfect.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35'I just hope I'm up to the challenge.'
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- OK. Which bush are we going to select?- OK, Nicki,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- we'll have a go on this one. - Yep.- Make the cut.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- Open the stalk up.- Yep.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47And insert the bud.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- Cut the tail off. - So, here is the patch.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54That's right.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Pull it round.- Yes.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- It really is like a plaster. - That's right.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03And then it goes through. Ooh.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Without going through my skin. - That's well done.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- So that is going to protect it? - That's going to protect it.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12So when will that plant be available to be sold?
0:40:12 > 0:40:15That will be available 2011/2012.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Wow, could be a championship variety there.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Probably call it Nicki.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- We'll see it at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.- We might do, yes.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29John, thank you so much. I don't think I could do 5,000 of those.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32I think I'd manage to do about one row, I think, in a day.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- And that would be pushing it. - Probably me also.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- John, thanks very much indeed. - Thank you very much.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Now that John and Natalie have gathered their thoughts, it's time to find out
0:40:47 > 0:40:52which property is closest to their dream of a house in the country.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Well, John and Natalie,
0:40:58 > 0:41:02boy, have we travelled the length and breadth of this county?
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Have you truly fallen in love with it? Is it what you expected?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Love the county, I'm glad we chose Cambridgeshire.- It's turned out
0:41:09 > 0:41:12to be everything we expected and a little bit more.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15We started off our search in a little village called Welney,
0:41:15 > 0:41:19right on the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21What were your initial thoughts when you saw that?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I liked it, I thought it was a lovely place.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25The house was very nice.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28The room sizes, I loved the sizes of the rooms there.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- It was great, and the kitchen was good.- It ticked all the boxes, as well.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- So a good start, that property, for you both?- Yeah, definitely. - Very good start, yes.
0:41:36 > 0:41:41Now, we looked at a house, 1850, in the village of Great Gidding.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45It was right in the centre of the village. There would have to be a little bit of upkeep with it.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47Could you imagine yourself living there?
0:41:47 > 0:41:51For us to live there, there'd be work to do on the house, but...
0:41:51 > 0:41:52Quite extensive work, isn't it?
0:41:52 > 0:41:57What we want to do to it, that's the thing. But for that garden, I mean, I'd be prepared to do that.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I don't think you can beat that.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03The last house was the mystery property.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07And possibly a property that you two wouldn't even have considered.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10The more I saw it, the more I felt comfortable with it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12The more it became homely, really. It didn't at first.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16It was very quirky, you know, awkward-shaped steps.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- It's something that you'd get used to.- Yeah.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20It was a beautiful place,
0:42:20 > 0:42:23but I don't know if I'd want to live in a place like that.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Natalie, you lost your heart a bit to it, didn't you?
0:42:26 > 0:42:30I did, and I was surprised, really, because at first I was intimidated.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- As I saw more...- Intimidated in a nice way?- Of course.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37What's your next move going to be? Because I can't quite read you.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41I know you loved the first one, but was it enough? Put me out of my misery.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43We kind of had a little chat about it,
0:42:43 > 0:42:48and we'll probably go back and see both the first and the second property.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50I mean, that is brilliant news.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53And I'll be keeping my fingers crossed with both of those properties.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- All the best, because it is such a big move.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01For John and Natalie,
0:43:01 > 0:43:07this move is all about giving their children the rural childhood they didn't have.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11And I think the last few days has really confirmed in their minds
0:43:11 > 0:43:13that they are ready to leave the smoke
0:43:13 > 0:43:17and make Cambridgeshire their new home.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Now, if you're tempted by the countryside, join us again soon.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:23 > 0:43:26in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland or England
0:43:26 > 0:43:33and need our help, please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow.
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