0:00:03 > 0:00:06I do love a good castle and this is one of the best.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09It's the largest surviving Norman keep in England
0:00:09 > 0:00:12and it comes with some pretty impressive vital statistics.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15That tower is 110 ft high.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18And it's said that the walls are 12ft thick,
0:00:18 > 0:00:23which goes some way to explaining why it has been here for the last 900 years or so.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26So join me as we lay siege to yet more gorgeous,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29rural properties on today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Today we have two London-based sisters looking for a country property
0:00:48 > 0:00:52to suit their sense of individuality and style.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53This is me!
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Quite excitable.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Aaaaahhhh!
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Mwah! Ohhh! Jules!
0:01:05 > 0:01:09And when they see the mystery house, there's a moment of enlightenment.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11# Hallelujah! #
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Today we're in Essex, inside the great keep at Hedingham Castle.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Home to the de Vere family for the last 550 years,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25over the centuries, they have had some pretty impressive house guests,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27amongst them Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31All of whom, it's thought, dined here in the banqueting hall,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33underneath this enormous arch,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36thought to be one of the biggest Norman arches in England.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38All 28ft of it.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Situated north east of London and due south of neighbouring Suffolk,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Essex offers up the best of both town and country.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52With excellent transport links into the city,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56West Essex is a popular base for commuters to set up home,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00while the north of the county is full of picturesque villages with beautiful countryside,
0:02:00 > 0:02:06which inspired some of the country's most prolific landscape painters.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Meanwhile, more than 300 miles of coastline makes the most
0:02:09 > 0:02:12of some of the highest summer temperatures in the UK.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14In the heart of the county,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Colchester was the capital of Roman Britain
0:02:16 > 0:02:20and still boasts remnants of the occupation.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Many buildings, such as the Norman-built Colchester Castle, appropriated Roman bricks
0:02:24 > 0:02:27as there's very little natural stone in the area.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Essex's rich history explains its 14,000 listed buildings,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36characterised by the medieval timber-framed houses scattered throughout the county.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45So, if value for money is what you're after, Essex could be a pretty good bet.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48There is plenty on the market. What are today's buyers after?
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Well, let's go and meet them.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53This is Morva her younger sister Doreen, who,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56after raising a family in her three-bedroomed terrace in South London,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01wants to swap the city for the country and has enrolled her big sister to help.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Although Morva won't be moving,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07she knows better than anybody what makes her sibling tick.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Doreen is a self-confessed dreamer with one big personality,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13so this move isn't just about a better quality of life.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17This is about fulfilling a lifelong ambition - and she wants it all.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Which is where her sister comes in, to keep things in perspective.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26We are really a team because, of course, my imagination is huge,
0:03:26 > 0:03:27but my pocket is small.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Although Doreen loves her current home,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33this move is about changing location.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38The area has never been ideal. It's just very, very busy.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41If there is a diversion, it goes down this road.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46So, it's goodbye to city traffic, and hello to Essex countryside.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48But what style of property is she after?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51New builds - no, that's not me.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57But Edwardian, Victorian... Oh, my God, churches.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00With the old features still there, intact.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05The steeple again. That's what we've talked about before.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07The smell of old wood.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Doreen, don't get carried away!
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Before we lose Doreen to her impressive imagination,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17let's find out about the details.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Detached property that has three to four bedrooms.
0:04:21 > 0:04:27That Gone With The Wind hallway, where the stairs go up like that.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29You're not going to get that!
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Huge kitchen, enough to put a settee, fireplaces.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Love fireplaces in the living area.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40En suite is good, two is a bonus.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45I love windows that are very church-like. I don't like square.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I'm not a square person. Don't give me nothing square!
0:04:48 > 0:04:53No, don't give me square. It must have some form of curves on it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Grounds. Grounds.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Good-sized grounds. A great plot. Enough plot that I can manage anyway.
0:04:58 > 0:05:06Anything under my budget so that I'm able to change things to how I want them would be the ace card.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10It sounds like Doreen is expecting a country manor to me.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Thank goodness we have Morva to calm things down.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Doreen will be selling her house to fund the move,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17so what is the budget?
0:05:17 > 0:05:20The maximum budget that I have to spend is ?400,000.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Well, I think I'm in for a bit of a treat here.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Doreen is clearly good fun and is after a nice property
0:05:29 > 0:05:32with a few quirks and as much character as she's got.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Squares are out, curves are in and modern?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Well, that's a dirty word as far as Doreen is concerned.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41But she's also clearly a bit of a dreamer.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45?400,000 for a mansion in Essex with a Gone With The Wind staircase,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47that is going to be tricky.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52But fortunately, she's brought her sister along to keep her feet firmly on the ground.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54That is going to be quite a task.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Doreen wants a rural home
0:05:59 > 0:06:02that also has good commuting links into London,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05so we'll be focusing our search between Braintree and Colchester.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07We'll be showing them three properties
0:06:07 > 0:06:10without telling them the prices until the end of the tours.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12The third, of course, is the mystery house,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16which may challenge Doreen's idea of a character country home
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and push the boundaries of her colourful imagination.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Well, guys, it's lovely to see you here in Essex.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29How does it feel to be finally starting your house hunt, Doreen? Very, very exciting, Jules.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Just remind us of the budget.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Well, the budget I have is ?400,000.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37And how do you feel about her moving out of London?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40All your family are there, your extended family.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43You've got a huge family. You're going to be out on a limb.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47No, no, no, because as I said, it's only an hour
0:06:47 > 0:06:53and that is no distance because we are enormously close, so an hour is nothing.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57We've got three properties to show you, including, of course, the mystery house.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Let's go and see what we can find you. OK, please, let's go.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02Follow me, follow me.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08With a budget of ?400,000, Doreen is after a detached character property.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11She'd like a kitchen that could accommodate a sofa,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14a spacious living room, and at least three bedrooms.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19Ideally, she'd also like outbuildings, a garage and land.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23All quite an ask for the budget. So this is going to be a tough one.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Our first property lies in Sible Hedingham, a mile away
0:07:28 > 0:07:31from the attractive medieval village of Castle Hedingham.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Developed around the Norman motte-and-bailey castle,
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Castle Hedingham also boasts an impressive 12th century Gothic church.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43The area is home to a wide selection of timber-framed houses that date back to the 1400s.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Just 15 minutes from Braintree with good rail links back to London,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51our first property is ideally situated for commuting
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and also has loads of period charm.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Let's start with this one. What do you reckon?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Oh! It's very different.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02A lot of the properties here are listed. This is one of them.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06It's listed? Yep. It used to be the old bakery, years and years ago.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08It has been extended in the '70s
0:08:08 > 0:08:11but it has also been recently renovated.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17That's good. So, you've got something with loads of character and history.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22Jules. I just so want to go inside. Please, let's just get inside!
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Stop talking, Jules. Come on!
0:08:24 > 0:08:30Well, no messing about, then. Let's see what this old bakery can cook up for Doreen and Morva.
0:08:31 > 0:08:38Now then. Come on in. What do you reckon? I think it's lovely!
0:08:38 > 0:08:40This is definitely me, I've got to say.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I just think that it's a bit small.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Mm. I've got four boys who are 6ft 3in.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Do you know what I'm saying?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I'm thinking they will be walking like...
0:08:51 > 0:08:54They made 'em smaller in medieval England.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Not a bad first impression
0:08:57 > 0:09:01but Doreen has to realise that a period property on her budget
0:09:01 > 0:09:04isn't going to have the dimensions of a stately manor.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08So, leading on, we've got this. This is quite sweet. Dining area for you.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11Yes, it's actually sweet.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15You see, Morva's worrying me because I know exactly what you're doing.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18You're saying small, small, small. It's a very cosy dining room.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Nice multi-fuel burner there. Really, really cosy.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26This would be more like a study. As a study, would it be better?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Yes it would be, I think so. No, it's a hallway.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Excellent. Let's carry on and have a look at the kitchen.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39This is the kitchen, as you can see.
0:09:39 > 0:09:45Oh, it's sweet. You see, I'm worried straight away. This is gorgeous.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49I do like the feel of the kitchen. I could work in here.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51But it's not big enough at all.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Well, let's have a look upstairs through the dining room, well, hallway, shall we say?
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Nice chimney breast there. That's coming up from downstairs.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It's got such a good feel.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Nice, isn't it? I do. I really like the feel of up here.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12Now, you know, I'm changing again. I'm thinking this works.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15This is a nice room. I do like that.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18OK, so you're happy in here? I'm happy in here.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Let's find you a master bedroom.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22This is your room.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23I love this. I do.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28This is just the type of bedroom I love. It is nice.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31The rusticness of it is so me.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34The other two further bedrooms are set in the eaves
0:10:34 > 0:10:38with one currently being used as a library, and there's also a family bathroom.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43Outside there's a charming 100-foot garden for Doreen to make her own.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Out you come.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46What do you think of the garden?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49It's a workable garden, I'll give you that, yeah. I think so, too.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Yeah? You've got the patio behind us.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Then over there, quite a well-established vegetable patch and so forth.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Let's have a think about the price, shall we? Yeah.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04The price I'm thinking of is 389,950.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07389,950, yeah, OK.
0:11:07 > 0:11:14I think ?350,000. ?350,000? Is that what you're trying to say?
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Actually, yeah, that's what I'm trying to say. ?350,000.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Well, the good news is that you're both wrong.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23This could be yours for 335.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Jules, that is actually very good.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Ah now, look at you change your tune, Doreen!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32That's a decent price, isn't it? It's a very good price.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33It's a very good price.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38You have got my feel. That's definitely got me written on it.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44Under budget at ?335,000, this property has four bedrooms,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46a practical, modern kitchen
0:11:46 > 0:11:49and the living areas offer a host of period features.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51There's a good-sized garden to the rear
0:11:51 > 0:11:54but will the dimensions of the property
0:11:54 > 0:11:57satisfy Doreen's high expectations?
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Let's go and find you... something else. Yeah.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14Over the last century, Essex has lost 59 historic houses.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Including Marks Hall, in Coggeshall, which was demolished in 1951,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20after falling into disrepair.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24This once magnificent mansion was part of an estate
0:12:24 > 0:12:26that covered more than 2,000 acres
0:12:26 > 0:12:31and although the house no longer stands, a charitable trust was established in 1971
0:12:31 > 0:12:33to breathe new life into the grounds.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35I went to meet head curator Jonathan Dukes
0:12:35 > 0:12:38to find out about the impressive arboretum that's been developed.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42How many acres does it cover? The area here we've got as a garden arboretum
0:12:42 > 0:12:44is about 200 acres.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47The estate is now home to a stunning collection of trees and plants
0:12:47 > 0:12:52from around the world, including many rare and endangered species.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I have to say, it's absolutely lovely.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57In terms of the planting we've got here, is this typical?
0:12:57 > 0:13:01The way we decided to form our collection here was geographically.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05This is pretty much Asia. A lot of these are Chinese, Japanese species in here.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09So, plants like to grow with their friends, so we group them like that.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10I love that!
0:13:10 > 0:13:14So, after a stroll through Europe, past one of the last
0:13:14 > 0:13:17of 700-year-old oaks left in the park,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20it's time to experience something even older.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23This looks very prehistoric. What is this?
0:13:23 > 0:13:24This is the Wollemi pine.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27This was found, astonishingly,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29growing in Australia in the early '90s.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32So it was lost to us completely?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34This is what tree collections are all about.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36A rare plant in an endangered environment,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40propagated and moved all over the world, so it's safe in collections.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's a terrific testament to your 25 years here, Jonathan.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48You've rescued this estate from certain destruction.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52So, whilst the house may have disappeared from Marks Hall,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56thanks to Jonathan and the rest of the team here, they've gained an important arboretum
0:13:56 > 0:14:00and saved the estate from being swept away into the mists of time.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04It's time we returned to the house-hunt.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Our second property lies near the village of Panfield.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16the village is also home to a charming 15th century church.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19If Doreen wants to get to know the locals, there's an inviting pub
0:14:19 > 0:14:24and it's also just ten minutes from Braintree for those all-important rail links.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Jules, where are you taking us?
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Well, it's not the normal approach to a property on Escape To The Country, is it?
0:14:30 > 0:14:34But it will all make sense in just a moment, look. Have a look at this.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Now, what was that thing about chapels you said? I love chapels.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41There you go. Is that a chapel? It's a converted chapel.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46Late Victorian chapel. Described as an "Evangelical" chapel. Really?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Just like me. Just like you!
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Jules, my heart is beating too fast. Yeah?
0:14:50 > 0:14:55Can we get inside, please? She wants to go in - we'd better do that!
0:14:55 > 0:15:02Well, it looks like this former Evangelical chapel is singing the right tune for Doreen so far.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03Right.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05Come on in here.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11Let's start with one of the two reception rooms you've got to play with.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Oh, it's nice.
0:15:13 > 0:15:19I'm feeling a bit belly belly belly, because I'm liking it so much, I love it, yeah.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's just so me. Yeah, no, I love it. Is the floor...?
0:15:22 > 0:15:27That's all original. So light, yeah, I know, seriously, loving it.
0:15:27 > 0:15:33It does feel good, and I think this is Doreen. It's actually me as well.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35But you're not buying it! I know! Brilliant.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Well, then, come and have a look at this kitchen. Yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45I love this house. Come on in.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Aaaargh!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Come on in! Now then.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52It's nice. I love this house!
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Please, guys, I'm so grateful. I'm going to cry.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Because I want you to take it all in.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03This was the old Sunday school bit of the chapel.
0:16:03 > 0:16:09It's got this old, you know, this feel about it, that is so me.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13It's so my family. It's got my cooker. I've got that cooker at home!
0:16:13 > 0:16:17In green. Really? It's a sign! It's a sign!
0:16:17 > 0:16:22So, the whole sofa thing? Yes. My spirit has moved in.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23I'm here already.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Come with me. Come and have a look at the third room. Come on. In here.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Right, now then, you've got this other second reception room.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Oh, my God, do you know what I feel like? This is the honest truth.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40I feel like I've won the lottery. This is me! This! Is! Me!
0:16:40 > 0:16:44You may have to win the lottery to pay for it! Jules! Mwah!
0:16:44 > 0:16:45Oh, my God, Morva.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48There's always a first on this show, and that's a first!
0:16:48 > 0:16:54I love this house, just love it! It is nice. Oh, Jules.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57I am speechless, and that's very rare.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00She's not speechless at all - I can't shut you up!
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Hopefully, the bedrooms will continue to impress.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Let's start in here.
0:17:09 > 0:17:09Come here, darling.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Now, this is one of the three that's up here. Three bedrooms.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Now, two of them are this size and there's a smaller box room next door. Right.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22OK, so this would be the guest room.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26This will be where I will be and I think it's a nice room.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It's enough, yeah. I'm loving it. I'm loving it. Isn't that an advert?
0:17:29 > 0:17:30I am... Yeah!
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Well then, a thumbs-up from Morva and Doreen.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Now for the master bedroom.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40And then this, Doreen, is for you, and to be honest with you, they're both very similar,
0:17:40 > 0:17:45although this one is next to the family bathroom, because there's no en suite. I see.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46It's workable.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Well, it looks like we've got a deal, so will the garden seal it?
0:17:54 > 0:17:59Out you come. Look at this. Lovely, late evening sunshine.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I'm home, I've said it. She's landed. I am home.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Let's have a think about it. You've got ?400,000 to spend, Doreen.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Yeah, but I think it's over budget.
0:18:09 > 0:18:16I think it's 400, 415. 415. Yeah?
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Morva? I think it might be just spot-on.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Well, here's the thing.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23You're both sort of right and you both sort of wrong.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29It's offers in excess of ?400,000.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33But it's within your grasp.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35I'm happy.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41It's meant to be. It is meant to be. Enough said.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49For offers over ?400,000, it is potentially just over budget,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52but Doreen does seem completely taken with this place.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55There are three bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57and a garden with a lovely rural aspect.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Not to mention that there's even room for that sofa in the kitchen.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Quite a result.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Come on, let's go.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12So, as the sun sinks over rural Essex,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16I'm pretty sure that both Doreen and Morva will be curious to see whether
0:19:16 > 0:19:20the mystery house tomorrow can compete with our second property.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Well, it's our final day and it's mystery house time.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28The mystery house, as often happens on this show,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32has a lot to compete with after a successful day yesterday,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35but can it be done, I wonder? I'm pretty sure it can, and who knows?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38If I'm successful, I might get another kiss!
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Just 20 minutes from rail links in Colchester,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47our mystery house lies in the rural village of Layer Breton.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48Surrounded by agricultural land,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51the village itself offers a local pub, a convenience store
0:19:51 > 0:19:55and a charming church with a timber tower.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Our final property is in a prime location overlooking open heathland.
0:20:00 > 0:20:06OK. That is the mystery house.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Oh! Now then, Doreen, what do you reckon?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10It is adorable. I'm loving it.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14What we've got here is a Sunday school.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19Ha-ha! Argh! # Hallelujah! #
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Isn't it great?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I am so excited.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26This is my dream. It is just... Morva, it's lovely!
0:20:26 > 0:20:29It does look good from outside. Yeah? Yeah.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Let's have a look inside, follow me. I don't know if I can contain myself!
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Now, to be honest, the Victorian facade is a little misleading
0:20:36 > 0:20:39because, whilst Doreen does love period features,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41our mystery house today has been gutted
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and totally modernised inside, with not a beam in sight.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47So, I can't wait to see what she makes of it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Come on in, guys. There we are.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54I think it's a lovely house. Isn't it? Yes. It's a lovely house.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Let's start in here with this reception room.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Yeah, it's lovely.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00It's big enough.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04I mean, this is workable. It's very clean, and, yeah, I am liking it.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06OK.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07On the other side of the hallway
0:21:07 > 0:21:11there are two smaller reception rooms, both currently used
0:21:11 > 0:21:14for office and study space. But let's cut to the chase
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and get to Doreen's favourite part of the house.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Through here is the kitchen...
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Doreen.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Oh, the kitchen's lovely.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I love the kitchen. This is a nice kitchen.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's really, really welcoming. I am feeling it as well.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Are you? Yes.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Just off the kitchen is a utility room,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41but there's also something here none of the other properties have.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43OK, have a look in there. That's your dining room.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Oh, yeah, this is a lovely room.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Yeah? Yeah. Lovely room. I do like this room. That's true, it's a lovely colour.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54It's very inviting, this room. I think it's lovely.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55And if you like it down here,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I actually think it gets better upstairs.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Really? Which isn't the case with many houses.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Because up there, not only have we got four bedrooms,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06we've also got you three bathrooms.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09No! Yeah, come and have a look. Come and check this out.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14This place really does get better and better.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19If you ask me, it's a real competitor to the property yesterday that Doreen absolutely loved.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22It's lovely. I love it. Love it, love it, love it.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27The feeling here is, yeah. It's beautiful.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32I am amazed that up here is like this. OK. So this could be you then?
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Um, I haven't seen all the rooms yet!
0:22:35 > 0:22:40Well, you can fight over the master bedroom because this is nice. Have a look at this.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Now then, Doreen, I think this is going to work...
0:22:43 > 0:22:48Wow! Of course this is Doreen's room. ..in a way none of the others have, really.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50I love this room.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54I am seeing that dream, do you know what?
0:22:54 > 0:23:00You see? You've got the views, you've got a really gorgeous en suite in there.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Well, go and get excited with what's through there. Off you go.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06What's through there? Go and have a look.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Oh, my God! Ha-ha!
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Oh, my God, a dressing room! I can't believe this!
0:23:15 > 0:23:21I'm loving this! Come on, out you come. Oh, Jules, mwah!
0:23:23 > 0:23:27I am in your bedroom after all, so it's all fair enough, isn't it?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29The other two bedrooms are both a good size
0:23:29 > 0:23:32and also benefit from skylights.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35There's also a modern family bathroom and a shower room,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38so the only thing left to view is the garden.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Right, guys, out you come.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Oh! Yeah. Now, it's very manageable, this.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49But we have got the common opposite.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51And that's the thing.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The location is perfect. This, to me, doesn't matter.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Because I've got - that! It just feels so right.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Well, let's see if the price is right.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Let's get Morva to guess our final price of the week.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06450,000.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10450,000, which would be way over the top,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14and even if you could push it, to 425, but it's a lovely property.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17That location there is what my dream is.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Because 425 is the figure that's attached to this house.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23But... Yeah?
0:24:23 > 0:24:27It's been reduced. This could be yours for ?390,000.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30No! Jules!
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Really? Yes, really. Oh, my God!
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Yes, really. I love you!
0:24:40 > 0:24:45It's been reduced? This has been quite a week, you know?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Yeah, ?390,000.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Fantastic. That's good.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Team hug. There we are. Brilliant.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57So, for ?390,000, this Victorian detached house
0:24:57 > 0:25:00offers plenty of character on the outside and, inside,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04there's a large kitchen-diner and four good-sized bedrooms.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Although the garden is small,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10the property's location opposite the heath has clearly impressed Doreen.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Well, guys, that was the mystery house. Beautiful house. Happy?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I am so happy. You love that one, don't you? I do, I do.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20She's loved them all, in a way.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24No, but I think that's the one she really... Look where we are.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26What's not to love?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29We're in the middle of nowhere! Come on.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It's now decision time for Morva.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40And in particular, for Doreen. What does the future hold, I wonder?
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Well, after the week we've had, it could be anything with these two.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48It's been a huge amount of fun.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Let's remind ourselves of where we started.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57That lovely, beamed 14th-century cottage in Sible Hedingham.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01I wasn't over-loving the outside of the property, and then,
0:26:01 > 0:26:07when I got inside, you had to keep ducking and that really wasn't practical.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10That was the first thing that struck me, the beams were so low.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14And the upstairs, oh, I loved the upstairs
0:26:14 > 0:26:18but that wasn't practical for the same reason, but I loved it.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23Well, it was with some nervousness that we then took you to our second property.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Oh, Jules. I just loved it. Straight away.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30The kitchen is what I'm coming from, but just a little bit bigger.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35And that dining room! Oh! It is just perfect.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38But my dilemma came in when I went upstairs.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I didn't feel the same love upstairs.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Now then, the mystery house.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47I always said, outside my house, I want to see the land.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50I fell in love straight away because it felt so good.
0:26:50 > 0:26:56When I went inside I felt like, hmm, yeah, it was all do-able and whatever.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58But upstairs was awesome.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02You couldn't even count the showers we had up there!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05And then, to top it off, my own dressing room.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Your own dressing room. The price, ?390,000. And the price
0:27:09 > 0:27:11was another thing, so the jigsaw puzzle just slotted in.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16The price was a give-away price. It was meant to be. I'm very happy.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18So, what happens next, then?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Well, now, obviously I've got to sell my house,
0:27:20 > 0:27:24so it's a case of, whoever wants my house, come and buy it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I don't think it will be hard to sell. No.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Thank you very much indeed. And best of luck selling yours,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33and I hope to see you moving in there in the near future. You will.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Thank you so much, and thanks, everybody on the show. Pleasure. Thank you.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Well, there's no doubt about it.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Doreen's not the first person to come on this show
0:27:46 > 0:27:49with an overly ambitious list of requirements,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52but the good news is we've been able to simplify all that.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Armed with the good sense of her very sensible sister, Morva,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59what we've got is something much more realistic.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Gone is the mansion, the stables, the sweeping Gone With The Wind staircase,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and in her words, "a nice house in a nice location".
0:28:07 > 0:28:11And, as you can probably tell, we've had an awful lot of fun along the way.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland, Wales,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Scotland or England, or even further afield to the Continent and would like our help,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22then please apply online:
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:53 > 0:28:54# One, two, three, four... #
0:28:54 > 0:28:58A family memoir that captured the hearts of millions.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00A potter telling stories out of porcelain
0:29:00 > 0:29:02and making objects out of words.