0:00:02 > 0:00:04It is hard to believe that this little Hampshire village
0:00:04 > 0:00:07was once the bustling centre of shipbuilding for the British Navy.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13In fact, it was here that three of Nelson's ships, used later in the battle of Trafalgar, were built.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Find out where I am in just a moment on Escape To The Country.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34In today's show I will be helping a couple make a downsized move
0:00:34 > 0:00:37to the country, but they can't stop thinking big.
0:00:37 > 0:00:44I'm dreaming of a bigger garden so that I can have a little rotavator going up and down.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46You want a little tractor, don't you?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50But will our mystery house throw the idea of downsizing out the window.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Here is your room.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Oh, it's wonderful.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56This is fantastic.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Absolutely fantastic!
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Today, I am in Buckler's Hard on the River Beaulieu in Hampshire.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Back in the 18th century this really was a big shipbuilding outfit.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13It was well placed, on the edge of the New Forest, and all the ships were built of oak from the forest.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17You can imagine, back in the 1780s, for example, Nelson's favourite ship, the Agamemnon,
0:01:17 > 0:01:22was built here - 160 ft long, space for 64 canons and 500 men.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26It would have towered above these little houses.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Then came the advent of iron ships and the ship building here
0:01:29 > 0:01:32died a death, but it did leave behind this beautiful little village.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38A fitting starting point indeed for our adventures today on Escape To The Country.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Hampshire offers the best of both worlds with beautiful coastline
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and countryside within its borders.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49To the south west of the county you'll find one
0:01:49 > 0:01:55of Hampshire's two national parks, the New Forest, famous for its wild ponies which roam freely over
0:01:55 > 0:02:02this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which William the Conqueror declared his new hunting forest.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Running south to the coastline the Forest continues
0:02:07 > 0:02:09to the attractive Georgian market town of Lymington.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14A popular destination with seafaring enthusiasts.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Hampshire has a long maritime history.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19With just a short hop across the Channel,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22it has been a popular choice with invaders,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25captured first by the Romans and falling again to the Normans.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31So whether it is a forest escape or a seaside retreat,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Hampshire certainly has plenty of options to choose from.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44If you want to be a Hampshire hog then you'll have to pay for the privilege because,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46even with the recent dip in the market,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50house prices in Hampshire are 26% above the national average
0:02:50 > 0:02:52and if you want to live in the New Forest
0:02:52 > 0:02:55you have to add another 15 or 20% on top of that.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00So dig deep into your imaginary pockets and take a look at what's on the market.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05If you've got a big budget, take a look at this fabulous
0:03:05 > 0:03:09four-bedroomed Victorian farmhouse in Bockhampton for £1.4 million.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11After cooking up a storm
0:03:11 > 0:03:16in the country kitchen, where better to relax than in this stunning orangery.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22Then there's plenty of recreational options with a barn converted to a games room and a swimming pool.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30On the market at £535,000, this three-bedroom Grade II listed
0:03:30 > 0:03:34cottage in Crawley is packed to the rafters with country charm
0:03:34 > 0:03:39with its inglenook fireplace and exposed beams, which also flow through into the kitchen.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Outside, the mature gardens amount to a third of an acre.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49But you can also get thatched for less with this three-bedroom
0:03:49 > 0:03:53cottage near Ringwood priced at £389,000.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Its open fireplaces are a running theme throughout its living room and separate dining room.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04All those property pearls cast before Hampshire hogs,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07but will it be enough to tempt today's buyers
0:04:07 > 0:04:12to leave their life in the city for a new life in the New Forest?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Anil and Shirley have lived in their six-bedroom semi-detached house
0:04:16 > 0:04:18in Ilford, Essex, for the past 22 years.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24Now that all four of their children have left home, these empty nesters are ready to make a move.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30Prompted by Shirley's recent retirement, they are primed to make the most of their new-found freedom.
0:04:30 > 0:04:37This house is really too big for as. We don't need the six bedrooms and now that we are both retired,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41we don't need to travel into London for our work
0:04:41 > 0:04:45so we feel it's an ideal opportunity
0:04:45 > 0:04:48to move to an area where we have more outdoor life.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'We love cycling and walking.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:56I am particularly looking forward to a big garden so I can do some gardening.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Tired of fast-paced city living, Anil and Shirley are planning to
0:04:59 > 0:05:05get more involved in their local community.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07If there's a local village hall with any clubs,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12we are very keen to join things like gardening clubs and yoga.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15With the rest of the family supporting their parents' move,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18which area of Britain have the set their sights on?
0:05:18 > 0:05:20We'd love to live in the New Forest.
0:05:20 > 0:05:27It has been our dream for some time because it's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31So are they looking to live in splendid isolation?
0:05:31 > 0:05:36We don't want to be isolated, but we definitely want tranquillity.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40What about their wish list for the new property?
0:05:40 > 0:05:45We are looking for a detached four-bedroom house with a garage
0:05:45 > 0:05:48and a large kitchen
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and a large dining room because our family visit often.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56We are not looking for any thatched cottage
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Grade II listed building or anything like that.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04We prefer something more modern for ease of maintenance.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Although retired, they are still planning to keep themselves busy.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13As you can see, I'm in my study where I spend a lot of my time silver surfing
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and in my new house
0:06:16 > 0:06:20I'm hoping that we'll get a similar-sized study.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23KNITTING MACHINE RASPS
0:06:24 > 0:06:27This is my favourite room in the house.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32It is where I come to get away from it all and to do my knitting
0:06:32 > 0:06:36so in my next house I would like a room at least this size
0:06:36 > 0:06:38to accommodate all my knitting machines.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42In order to see how much they have to spend on their new home,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46we asked a local estate agent to value their property.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50It is a large six-bedroom house in a much sought-after location.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Houses like this
0:06:51 > 0:06:56rarely come onto the market and we value this property at £750,000.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59With that in mind, what is the budget
0:06:59 > 0:07:01for their house in the country?
0:07:01 > 0:07:07Our budget for the new property is £700,000 maximum.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11A property wish list like Anil and Shirley's
0:07:11 > 0:07:13is not so unusual on this show.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Beautiful house, lovely views, wraparound garden, four bedrooms...
0:07:17 > 0:07:23But what will be tricky is finding that in the sparsely-populated 150 square miles that is the New Forest.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25However, here on Escape To The Country,
0:07:25 > 0:07:30the one thing we are good at is seeing the property wood from the trees.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Today our house hunt is focused around the New Forest
0:07:35 > 0:07:37and the historic harbour town of Lymington.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39We have lined up some delightful country homes
0:07:39 > 0:07:41for Shirley and Anil to inspect but, as always, I'll be
0:07:41 > 0:07:46getting them to take a guess at the price of each of the properties before I reveal the asking price.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49And of course there's the mystery house
0:07:49 > 0:07:54which is a bit of a wild card, but I'm hoping it will sweep them off their feet.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Welcome to the New Forest.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- You don't know this area so well? - Not at all. No.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02It's the first time we are visiting it.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05That's amazing. What made you want to move down here?
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- We like cycling so we think it's an ideal place for cycling.- Quite flat.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Yes, it's lovely. And also walking.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Perfect and I know your house selling is progressing nicely.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20So what's our budget because it is expensive down here?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We are prepared to spend up to 700.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25700,000.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26I think that's a good budget.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30You do want to downsize. You've got six bedrooms at the moment.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Yes, so we are looking for four.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34You've got four children.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Are you hoping they will all come back for Christmas?
0:08:37 > 0:08:42They definitely will for all occasions - Christmas, birthdays and holidays.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45You've got a good budget. Let's go and look at some properties.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Our downsizers, Anil and Shirley, are hoping
0:08:50 > 0:08:53their £700,000 budget will buy them a four-bedroom detached house.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08In terms of house hunting, it's been a long time, hasn't it?
0:09:08 > 0:09:1122 plus years since you last looked for a house.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Are you are excited or a bit nervous?- No, we're excited.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20We're excited about starting a new chapter in our lives
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and moving to a new area.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32We're kicking off our house search in the village of Sway, tucked within the New Forest boundary.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37It's a popular spot with a smattering of handy local shops.
0:09:37 > 0:09:44On the outskirts of the village is this recently refurbished property, built in the 1930s.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50Come around the corner, hidden from view, is this property.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- I love it.- Beautiful.- Beautiful.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- A lovely cottage. - I love the style of it.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58The owners have been here about ten years and they've done lot of work.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02They've extended in all sorts of directions and really remodelled it from top to toe.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07'Great. So with a positive first impression of this property, let's see what they make of the inside.'
0:10:11 > 0:10:15So here we have the main sitting room.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16Oh, yes. This is beautiful.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Oh, yes. Very nice.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21It's warm as well.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22It's cosy.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27So this is, presumably, smaller than the sitting room that you've got at the moment, is it?
0:10:27 > 0:10:32It is. But then we will be looking at the totality
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- of the footprint of the house. - Remember that we're downsizing.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- That's right, yes. - This is why I flagged it up.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Very often it's like, "Oh, it's a bit small." Because you're used to big.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44We're not comparing it with what we have and what we don't have.
0:10:44 > 0:10:51We're just looking at what will go with our future projected lifestyle.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54'One of Shirley's many hobbies is cooking.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59'The question is, will she want to put her culinary skills to work in this modern kitchen?'
0:11:01 > 0:11:02What do you think about this?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's very nice, yes. Beautiful.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- I know you like to cook.- Yes.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Is this going to be enough workspace for you?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Yes, definitely.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Also you've got a separate utility room.- Yes.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16With an entrance so you can bring your shopping in.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- That's really a bonus. - That's very useful.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I know that you're quite keen on having a separate dining room.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- That's right.- In a smaller property like this,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27that's possible, but something will have to give.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30However, as you may have noticed, they do have this lovely option.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'Yes, I think I've found somewhere for the visiting family to eat.'
0:11:34 > 0:11:36What do you think of this?
0:11:36 > 0:11:39This is beautiful. Yes, very light and bright.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Could you imagine using this as the dining room?- Yes, definitely.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45For the most part of the year,
0:11:45 > 0:11:50because it's south-facing, there will be plenty of sun and warmth in here.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53On the ground floor of this former bungalow, there are three good-sized bedrooms.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59So it will be a question of drawing straws to see which one Shirley turns into her knitting room
0:11:59 > 0:12:04and which one becomes the study for Anil to indulge in a spot of silver surfing.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06There's also a modern family bathroom.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11But, for me, it's on the next floor that this former bungalow comes into its own.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Step inside.- This is gorgeous.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Brilliant.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It's great, isn't it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Along with all of the wardrobes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Five wardrobes. - This is very relaxing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- It's a lovely room.- Why don't you have a look at the en suite?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Ooh. Very nice.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Beautiful. Absolutely.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Are you getting your head around that it's not a family house any more?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- It's a house for two people?- Yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45We are beginning to realise that
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- and, yeah, we've got to... - Easier to maintain.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52In that sense, it's very good.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Easier to maintain.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58The interior seems to satisfy a lot of our couple's requirements.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01So let's see if the outside can deliver.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07You step out of the conservatory, or the double doors, into this very nice flagged patio area.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Let's talk about the garden. I know that's a big issue for you.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- It is, yes.- What's your honest opinion of the size of the garden?
0:13:15 > 0:13:20I think the size is a bit small for what I'm dreaming of.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25A bigger garden, for a vegetable plot and a little rotavator
0:13:25 > 0:13:27going up and down.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29You want a little tractor, do you?
0:13:29 > 0:13:30A little tractor.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Like all retired men, you want a sit-on lawnmower and tractor.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Absolutely, that's my dream. It's beautiful, though.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40There is a little secret garden at the bottom.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Let's have a look, yes.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46'I'm not sure the garden's quite living up to Anil's dream.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48'Maybe this little hideaway will help.'
0:13:48 > 0:13:50So, again, have a look in here.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This is a little sunken garden, because you are slightly overlooked in the main garden.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Yes, a nice little corner.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58And suntrap.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02'And there's scope for projects aplenty in the garage.'
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Look at this. I was surprised by this.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Oh, yes. This is a useful area.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Very useful, yes.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14There's a huge workshop and garage space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20- You could convert it into anything. You can even convert it into more living space.- Yes.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It could be Shirley's knitting room.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25She needs a large room.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Let's go back into the garden and talk about the price.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34You can see the house from the back much clearer, what they've done.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36They've raised the ceiling there.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Yes.- What do you think it costs?
0:14:38 > 0:14:44I think it's 635.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46So, high up.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48645.
0:14:48 > 0:14:55645? You'll be pleased to know this is on the market for 565.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- That's a good price. - Very good price.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01I wanted to show it to you because, on paper, it fits a lot of the things.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It does, yes.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- And it gives you a big chunk of change to enjoy your retirement with.- Yes.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Also it's quite difficult to find properties in the forest.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12They go like hot cakes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14So why don't you wander around inside
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and see whether the compromises outweigh the money you save.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Then we'll take it from there.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27It's a great first house.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30It does offer pretty much everything.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Maybe the garden, not so much. The location, perhaps.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38But in terms of the property, I think it's a really good property if they really want to downsize.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41And it's a bargain.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Under budget by a massive £135,000,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48this property is a great low-maintenance option for them
0:15:48 > 0:15:50to live out their retirement years featuring...
0:16:01 > 0:16:05But how committed are they to downsizing?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I think it's a beautifully presented house.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11We wouldn't have to do any work to it, just move in.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15The upstairs master bedroom, with the en suite, is amazing.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I can imagine lying there and reading.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21It would do for your knitting.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25I could have my machine there and another machine there.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Plenty of light, as well. Yeah.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32One issue that I have, personally, is the size of the property,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36particularly the dining room/conservatory.
0:16:36 > 0:16:43Because we have a large family and I was looking for space enough for a 10-seater table.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47The garden is all right by London standards.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49But not for what I'm looking for.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03While the forest dominates inland Hampshire, its coastline is defined by ports.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08Southampton and Portsmouth, which have played their part in generating this county's wealth.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14Lymington is also a key coastal port, whose identity has endured over the centuries.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Earlier in the week, Anil And Shirley met Steve Marshall, director
0:17:17 > 0:17:22of Lymington's St Barbe's Museum, to find out more about its history.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Back in medieval times, when they were looking for
0:17:24 > 0:17:28a place to set up a town, they chose Lymington because of the river.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's got a nice connection with the Solent and the sea.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33And also with the Isle of Wight.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35So a good place to trade from.
0:17:35 > 0:17:42From the Middle Ages until the mid-19th century, Lymington was famous for producing sea salt,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47which, at its peak, reputedly supplied the whole of South England and lined the pockets of many
0:17:47 > 0:17:52a rich merchant, whose legacy still lives on in the town's architecture.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57We're here in the middle of Lymington High Street, looking at this particular house.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It's called Bellevue House.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02It was built in the 1790s.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07It was home to a chap called Charles St Barbe, who opened Lymington's first bank.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08But he also owned saltworks.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11When you see a grand building like this,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16it's a fairly safe bet that the money to build it came from making salt.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Beside Lymington's OFFICIAL industry,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24more illicit operations were rife in its pubs and inns by the 18th century.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30One of the ways people made most of their money in the 18th century, locally, was by smuggling.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34The inn here was reputed to be a place where smugglers would meet.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Legend has it that there are tunnels running under the high street.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- That's interesting.- From down on the quay, up to here and beyond.
0:18:45 > 0:18:51Above ground, a unique surviving feature of the town is its serpentine walls, which were built
0:18:51 > 0:18:56by Hanoverian soldiers in exile at the beginning of the 19th century.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Back in the Napoleonic wars, foreign troops were based here in Lymington.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01They brought the building method with them.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03They knew how to make walls in this way.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06They're cheap on materials because they're only one brick thick.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Oh, right, I didn't realise that. Solid, is it?
0:19:09 > 0:19:12It is solid, it's not going to go anywhere.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14That's why they make them wavy.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17The curves gives it the strength.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Lymington's position has made it an attractive draw
0:19:20 > 0:19:23for a rich and varied influx of people throughout the ages.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27And our second property is all about location, too.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35It's tucked well inside the New Forest Park in the village of Mockbeggar.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39For amenities the historic market town of Ringwood is two miles away
0:19:39 > 0:19:42with an array of local pubs and independent shops.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46The national park itself is quite literally on their doorstep,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50as are the locals who tend to keep a healthy distance.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52We won't go over the cattle grid.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56That's to stop the New Forest ponies coming in.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58We're right on the edge of the New Forest here.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- Excellent.- This is the property I want to show you.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Wow.- Beautiful.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09It's a 1950s bungalow and it's been stretched out to the front and the side.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- In the last 10 years, it's doubled in size.- It looks very spacious.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20'This modernised property is a surprisingly spacious option
0:20:20 > 0:20:24'which may be just the ticket for our reluctant downsizers.'
0:20:24 > 0:20:27And straight ahead into...
0:20:27 > 0:20:30the fabulous kitchen.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- My!- Oh, yes. Very nice.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- This is beautiful.- I like the island. - Did you always want an island?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Yes, it's very useful.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Then there's a good-sized utility over there.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Is this going to work?
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I think this is exactly what we were looking for.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Well, it naturally draws you through...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53to this splendid room.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02This is a BIG conservatory.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03It's more than a conservatory.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Yes, it's amazing. I can imagine us spending a lot of time in here.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Would you make this your dining room?
0:21:09 > 0:21:11We could do.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13I'd like to sit here and read.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- We could do both. There's plenty of room here.- Yes, it's a big room.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20We could have a dining table and there's plenty of room.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24This could be a dining room or, if you follow me...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Ta-dah!
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- It's another dining room. - Ooh, it's lovely. Ideal.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38Personally, I wouldn't use it as a dining room.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It would make a nice dining room because it's next to the kitchen.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Well, there's that one as well.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46We have a choice!
0:21:46 > 0:21:49You could have a winter dining room and a summer dining room.
0:21:49 > 0:21:56This is a nice room. This is so good that you could have this as a study or something.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Don't rush, Anil, there are plenty of other options.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02The reception areas keep all unfolding.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04There's a generous sitting room with wood-burning stove
0:22:04 > 0:22:11for the family to gather around and three of this property's five bedrooms are on this level,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15two of which could be contenders for a study or a knitting room.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20There's a handy wet room, not that they would need it, as they have a suite of their very own.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26This is your master bedroom.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- It's lovely.- This is beautiful.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- High ceilings. - This is a new extension
0:22:32 > 0:22:36and a nice en suite if you want to have a poke in there.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Oh, this is nice. It's a good size.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Very spacious.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- Enough space for you? - Definitely.- Yes, plenty of space.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51It's a good job there's another floor then! What are you going to do with all that space?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53This is good.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Space is definitely not lacking in this house.
0:22:55 > 0:23:01Upstairs there's another good-sized double bedroom and family bathroom.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Come through here. I can talk you through...
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Essentially they went up into the attic space.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09An excellent use of the space.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Yes, I want this room for myself.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13That's what I was thinking.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17I was thinking "which rooms are they going to use for what?"
0:23:17 > 0:23:22I was thinking "which room could be the knitting room and which could be the study?"
0:23:22 > 0:23:25It'll be the knitting room, I suspect.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26You'll win.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29She'll win. But basically I want it.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31This is ideal.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35'But before they decide on who's having which room,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38'I want to show them the all-important garden'
0:23:38 > 0:23:42which wraps around the property with space for Anil to rev up his ride-on the lawn mower
0:23:42 > 0:23:46and with potential for him to establish his vegetable garden.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- There's quite a bit of land. - Yeah, as well.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52A lot of the land was lost when they extended the property.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56So that was eaten up by the lovely conservatory.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- It's very quiet.- Definitely.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:24:02 > 0:24:06I think it's at the top of our budget, if not over budget.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I'd say 725.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I'd put a price on it of 695.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- Top of the budget.- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Well, yet again I've some good news for you.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Because this is on the market for 675.
0:24:22 > 0:24:29- Oh, that's good.- You'd have £25,000 to get yourself a pony!
0:24:29 > 0:24:31That's good.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Properties in the New Forest are like hens' teeth.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37They don't come up that often.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42And what you're looking for with the land and everything is a desirable property
0:24:42 > 0:24:43and they get snapped up there.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46But this is a nice property. Without a doubt.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Have a wander around again and look inside and then I'll collect you.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Under budget at £675,000
0:24:56 > 0:25:01this house is ready to move into and wouldn't be a radical downsize.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06Critically, it'd also put them in the heart of some fabulous countryside and give them...
0:25:20 > 0:25:26It feels a very warm and homely house and it's very quiet.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28It's lovely to have so much space.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31It gives us lots of options.
0:25:31 > 0:25:37I like the loft conversion at the top because it's absolutely beautiful and peaceful.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42My only dream still remains that I could get a slightly bigger
0:25:42 > 0:25:47plot of land so I can do a bit of gardening for a vegetable plot.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Two houses down. If you want to pull the door.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53But time for a little reflection.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09As the sun sets over the Hampshire countryside it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Armed with a £700,000 budget, Anil and Shirley are looking
0:26:16 > 0:26:20to downsize to Hampshire where they can enjoy their retirement.
0:26:20 > 0:26:27So far, they've seen two properties and although they say they're keen to downscale with this move,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I get the feeling size does actually matter.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Remember we're downsizing. This is a massive kitchen and utility complex.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38So perhaps we can expand their horizons with our mystery house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Hooray, we're all at sea. This is going to be a very exciting mystery house.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Day two and we've decided to take Anil and Shirley across the water
0:26:48 > 0:26:51from the New Forest to the Isle of Wight.
0:26:51 > 0:26:58Yesterday Anil was insistent what he wanted was quiet and you don't get much quieter than the island.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02We're also crossing the water as the average detached property
0:27:02 > 0:27:08on the Isle of Wight is a staggering £75,000 cheaper than in Hampshire.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- So I'm excited! - Yes, it's a wonderful surprise. We haven't been here before.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15What sort of house do you think we're going to show you?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17It might be a lighthouse!
0:27:17 > 0:27:21There's a famous lighthouse at the end, but that might be occupied!
0:27:21 > 0:27:25I'm sure it'll be a house
0:27:25 > 0:27:29with a certain amount of land and tranquillity
0:27:29 > 0:27:34and a character of its own which befits the island.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36So for our mystery house
0:27:36 > 0:27:38we're heading to Totland Bay
0:27:38 > 0:27:41situated on the west side of the Isle of Wight.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46With breathtaking scenery and spectacular coastal walks, it's easy to see why
0:27:46 > 0:27:50the poet laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson lived in the area for more than 40 years.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54There are 21 chines or coastal gullies on the Isle of Wight
0:27:54 > 0:27:59and today's mystery house is at the top of one of them - Widdick Chine.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Not only are we taking them somewhere they would never have considered
0:28:02 > 0:28:04with our mystery property,
0:28:04 > 0:28:10but we're also doing a U-turn on the modern style and serving up a grand period property.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Come on in.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15This is a very lovely house.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- I'm looking forward to getting your reactions to this.- Beautiful.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20It looks very traditional.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23It's a Victorian property from the end of Victoria's reign.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Full of character. Beautiful.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30A wonderful wraparound garden which I know you're interested in.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Are you keen to get inside?
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- Very much so.- I'm keen to show you inside this one.- Thank you.
0:28:36 > 0:28:43'And when Anil and Shirley see inside, they may leave all notions of downsizing at the front door.'
0:28:45 > 0:28:46Come on in.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51You don't often stop in the hall, but this is a special hall.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- Yes, it's lovely.- One of the striking things about this property
0:28:54 > 0:28:59is the number of windows. A whole wall of windows here
0:28:59 > 0:29:04and a vestibule with another window looking through to the stairwell so the light comes in everywhere.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09'The distinctive character windows are a running theme in our next room.'
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- The sitting room.- Very light.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Lots of nice windows.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Look at this fantastic bay window.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Yes. I can imagine sitting in the bay window
0:29:26 > 0:29:29with a book and there's a lovely fireplace
0:29:29 > 0:29:33so it's really cosy in the evenings in the winter.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37'Let's hope the room across the hallway gets the thumbs up from Shirley.'
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Shirley, this is one for you.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Oh, yes. Very bright.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Lovely big windows.
0:29:47 > 0:29:53- Yes.- And the dining area flows with these lovely quarry tiles into the kitchen.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Yes, it's very nice.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Country kitchen.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Lots of character.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03A lovely range cooker.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07A slightly serpentine kitchen.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09There's a massive utility room through there.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14And another summer room/study on the other side.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16What do you think about the entertainment possibilities here?
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Yes, there's room for a large table.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- For my liking I could do with a bit more space, but that's always the case.- More space than this?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Yes, but that's always the case.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33Remember we're downsizing! This is a massive kitchen and utility complex.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37'Anil isn't going to let go of his table for ten without a fight.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39'Maybe this next room will make him happy.'
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- Ooh!- Ah, was that an "ooh"?
0:30:44 > 0:30:51- It's lovely.- I like the windows, double aspect.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Double-bay windows.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56How many rooms do you see with double-bay windows?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Absolutely. Superb.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Is this big enough, Anil?
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Definitely.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05It's definitely big enough.
0:31:05 > 0:31:12That's the litmus test, will it accommodate family and friends
0:31:12 > 0:31:17more than once a year, a number of times a year?
0:31:17 > 0:31:20And if that's OK then accommodation-wise, it's OK.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26- This could seat 11, 12, 13, 14 people quite happily. - This is a lovely room.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29'This house has a seemingly endless wealth
0:31:29 > 0:31:32'of original Victorian features
0:31:32 > 0:31:36'like this turning staircase with its striking triangular bay window.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41I want you to admire this beautiful bit of domestic architecture.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44It's a fantastic stairwell with this triangular light well.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49- Amazing.- You've got this lovely barrel ceiling.- Oh, yes.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55There are two bathrooms, the larger of the two having shades of Victoriana.
0:31:55 > 0:32:01Two of the four bedrooms on this floor are singles along with another double with a view.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06Who wouldn't want to sit dreaming their days away by this stunning bay window?
0:32:06 > 0:32:10Which leaves the piece de resistance, the master bedroom.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- Here's your room. - Oh, it's wonderful.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Yeah, this is fantastic.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17It's absolutely fantastic.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Absolutely massive.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23You've your bedroom here, your dressing room here.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29- Wardrobes.- Lots of wardrobe space. - En suite with shower.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32My goodness, that's a surprise.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37'This fabulous four-bedroom house certainly seems to have all they asked for.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41'The only thing left is to see whether the garden can match up to the house.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47'With its terraced borders, this well-established garden wraps all the way around the house.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49'There's even a garage for Anil's ride-on tractor
0:32:49 > 0:32:52'and as for dreams of self-sufficiency,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55'I think we may have found him the perfect vegetable plot.'
0:32:55 > 0:32:59And you'll never guess what this used to be, Anil.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Oh, right. I can see, I can imagine.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05With a compost heap there.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07It's really nice, actually. Just right.
0:33:07 > 0:33:14'I think this property has it all, but do Shirley and Anil agree, and can they guess the price?'
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Nice hammock, cos we're very private in this spot.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Yes, it is.- And we get a good view of the property.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24How much do you think it's worth?
0:33:24 > 0:33:32It does need a bit of work in places, so I'd say 685.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I think it's a magnificent property.
0:33:36 > 0:33:42- I'll put it at 725.- If you split the difference, you're spot-on.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47It's just a shade under £700,000, so right at the top of your budget.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51But of course there is space in the current market for a bit of negotiation,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55because, as you say, the paintwork needs freshening up.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00But I think, for what you get on the island, it's incredible.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- This would undoubtedly shade into a million pounds if it was in the New Forest.- Absolutely, yes.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- Yes.- Why don't you have a look around, suck up the beauty,
0:34:09 > 0:34:11and then I'll see you at the front for some decision-making time.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Well, it is a magnificent property and, you know, I'd buy it!
0:34:19 > 0:34:20So I'm kind of slightly prejudiced,
0:34:20 > 0:34:24but there is an amount of work that needs to be doing to it
0:34:24 > 0:34:26and it is on the Isle of Wight,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30which, for some people, is not such a good thing, but I think for Anil and Shirley
0:34:30 > 0:34:36it's actually perfect, because it's quiet and tranquil and the perfect place to retire.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42Sneaking in £500 under their £700,000 budget, they certainly
0:34:42 > 0:34:46get a lot for their money with our impressive Victorian mystery house.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58All set on the Isle of Wight,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00a location they would never have thought of,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02but seem to be warming to.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07I think this is a magnificent house in an excellent location,
0:35:07 > 0:35:12and the rooms are large. This is just the type of place I have been
0:35:12 > 0:35:14dreaming of. This is a large room.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Yeah. Lots of possibilities to use in this room.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20We could extend the kitchen.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25Yes. I think it's a beautiful house, absolutely stunning location.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28One of the best things about the house is it's full of light.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33We didn't think that there'd be such wonderful properties within our budget.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38It's opened up a new world for us, coming here.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Can you resist buying this house?
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- No, it's a beautiful house. - Definitely.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48- You'll have to resist it for a bit longer until we get somewhere else to have a decision chat.- Thank you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50It's beautiful, though, this house.
0:35:58 > 0:36:04'I grew up in Hampshire, so I'm keen to get back to my roots with a visit to the New Forest.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06'Many of today's oak trees replaced those that furnished
0:36:06 > 0:36:10'the shipbuilding industry which boomed in the 18th century.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13'These days, the site is sustainably managed by the Forestry Commission,
0:36:13 > 0:36:21'who look after more than 1.4 billion trees in Britain, producing over 40% of the UK's wood.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25That's more than five million tonnes of timber.
0:36:25 > 0:36:32I'm meeting forester Richard Burke, who's leading a team of woodsmen in an area known as the New Copse.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34So this was planted as farmed oak?
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Yeah, this is a big tree farm, really.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41It was planted in 1860, something like that, as an oak plantation.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43We're trying to get long drawn-up,
0:36:43 > 0:36:49straight, clean stems of timber, that sort of maximises the value.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54We've got some beech that have grown up amongst it, and we're trying to break up the beech
0:36:54 > 0:36:57and the canopies, to try and get more light on to the forest floor.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03'The trees are thinned and felled in cycles to help maintain the health of the forest.'
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- What are we doing here?- Right, we're going to try and favour this tree by removing that tree there.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- So this is the oak?- Yeah, this is the oak that we're after,
0:37:11 > 0:37:15and we're trying to give that as much room to grow and develop as we can.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22'To be honest, I've got rather mixed feelings about watching this beech being felled.'
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- It's almost quite sad. - It is, isn't it?
0:37:31 > 0:37:36- But essentially it's breathing new life into this guy here. - I know, I totally see that.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Like I say, they're grown there to do that
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and produce some wood. That'll get used now
0:37:41 > 0:37:46and made into something useful, or provide heat for someone. So, yeah.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50'But as well as cutting down and clearing trees, the Forestry Commission are also responsible
0:37:50 > 0:37:54'for planting more than 17 million new trees every year.'
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- So when were these planted?- These were planted this time last year,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00so they've been in about a year.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06It shows how slowly they grow. It'll be 150 years before we get that log again?
0:38:06 > 0:38:12Yeah, there's 2,500 trees per hectare planted in this area, and not all of them will make it.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14We'll only need about 200 trees per hectare.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20So what we'll have here in 150 years' time are the best examples of these trees.
0:38:20 > 0:38:27The ones in between will have been taken out in the meantime as firewood and fence posts and planks, etc.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29So in 2160,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31this tree will be a big tree?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Yeah. I'm sure I won't be here then.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36No, I don't think either of us will, even if we try hard.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40It's interesting to see how much a seemingly natural landscape like the New Forest
0:38:40 > 0:38:46needs managed conservation in order to flourish for generations to come.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Anil and Shirley have definitely chartered new territory
0:38:55 > 0:38:59on their house search, and it's given them many options to consider.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02It looks like our Isle of Wight wild card really paid off, because
0:39:02 > 0:39:08I think this would be the perfect island retreat for Anil and Shirley to spend their twilight years.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11But let's find out whether that's true.
0:39:11 > 0:39:17So thinking back to the first house we looked at at Sway, what are your thoughts about that now?
0:39:17 > 0:39:23It was very beautifully presented, no work to do on it, we could just move in.
0:39:23 > 0:39:29It's very convenient for the village and for the forest.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32The only drawback, from my point of view,
0:39:32 > 0:39:38was the conservatory was a bit small and overlooked on one side.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41So the second house was much bigger.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Yes.- It had a lovely big kitchen and conservatory.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- That's right, yes. - What are your thoughts about that?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It had a very homely feel, very welcoming.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51I could see myself living there.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54All the rooms were a good size.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59I liked the flow of the house, the way the kitchen led into the conservatory.
0:39:59 > 0:40:05There was a lovely farmhouse kitchen with an island and a wonderful large cooker.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07The garden was fairly large.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I mean, I could've done with a bit more ground
0:40:10 > 0:40:14for a vegetable patch.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Again, we must balance that against the beautiful views
0:40:17 > 0:40:20in front of the house.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23It was a good property.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27The upstairs, as well, had very large and light rooms.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- Lovely loft conversion, wasn't it? - Yes.- It's almost there.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Was there any downsides for you, Shirley?
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Well, the house was so nice that going round, we didn't notice that
0:40:37 > 0:40:41it didn't have a garage, and we thought about that afterwards.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43That's one of the things that we wanted.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45The mystery house, we came to the Isle of Wight,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48and that was a whole new mystery in itself,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and then I showed you a period property, which you hadn't asked for.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54So what were your thoughts about that lovely house?
0:40:54 > 0:40:58What a stunner it was. And the location, absolutely...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02We have not seen anything like it.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07It has got spacious accommodation, large bedrooms.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12- What about you, Shirley?- Erm, it was all the things that we didn't want,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16a very large, substantial house when we're supposed to be downsizing.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18But I absolutely fell in love with it.
0:41:18 > 0:41:25Large rooms, high ceilings, which is what we're used to, and full of light.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30Ostensibly, you did want to downsize, but, as we looked around,
0:41:30 > 0:41:35it seemed to me that actually you weren't so fussed about the downsizing, actually!
0:41:35 > 0:41:42You wanted a big garden, a big kitchen, a big dining room, space for 12 people to come and stay.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Do you think now that actually you wouldn't call what you're doing downsizing?
0:41:46 > 0:41:52I think it wouldn't be downsizing so much as moving to a quiet location.
0:41:52 > 0:41:59I realise that it's not, strictly speaking, a downsizing exercise, because, had that been the case,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03property number one was most appropriate for it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Is there any one of these that you would proceed on?
0:42:06 > 0:42:11Yes, the Isle of Wight. The house was much bigger, the garden was bigger.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14We would like to contact
0:42:14 > 0:42:17the estate agent and take this matter further,
0:42:17 > 0:42:23because we are very keen that, if properties of this ilk
0:42:23 > 0:42:30- are available, then the chances are that we will be moving to this part of the country.- Wonderful.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32I'm so pleased because I, for one, am glad
0:42:32 > 0:42:36that you're not downsizing, because I think, why downsize when you don't have to?
0:42:36 > 0:42:40And I'm really pleased that we were able to help you make some decisions in that direction.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Yes, you've helped us a lot.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Thank you very much to you and to the team.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47I hope that we'll visit you on the island!
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Definitely! Yes, you must come to our housewarming. - Most welcome, yes. Definitely.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58So despite the obvious beauties of the New Forest,
0:42:58 > 0:43:03it seems like expensive house prices may have driven Anil and Shirley over the water to the Isle of Wight,
0:43:03 > 0:43:08which I think is actually a very beautiful place to play out your retirement years.
0:43:08 > 0:43:13So I hope you've enjoyed this edition of Escape To The Country, and do join us for more next time.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:16 > 0:43:20Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:43 > 0:43:46E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk