0:00:02 > 0:00:06You may be wondering where in the country I am. This piece of fruit offers two vital clues.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Not only is this county famous for its agriculture, growing wheat, barley and rape seed,
0:00:11 > 0:00:16this country residence behind me is home to an important scientific discovery,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19one that keeps you and I firmly rooted to the ground.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On today's show
0:00:33 > 0:00:36we're helping a couple find an English country treat
0:00:36 > 0:00:39to go alongside their slice of American pie.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42And we've got mouth-watering properties on the menu,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44some of which come in generous portions...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I wasn't expecting anything this size.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..And others that aren't quite to taste.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Er, it's a little small for a master bedroom.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55..And we dish up something that's totally irresistible.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Can you say that again for me then?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59This is what I want.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04I'm in Lincolnshire and it was here at Woolsthorpe Manor
0:01:04 > 0:01:07that one of the county's most famous residents
0:01:07 > 0:01:10observed the falling of a single apple.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Now many before him had seen apples fall, but it was Sir Isaac Newton
0:01:13 > 0:01:17who first questioned the scientific implications of such a simple event.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Now, we're not hoping to rediscover the laws of gravity,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23but we are hoping to make some discoveries of our own
0:01:23 > 0:01:26that could have a significant impact
0:01:26 > 0:01:29on the lives and living arrangements of one lucky couple.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Lying up against the east coast,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Lincolnshire borders eight other counties,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39including a tiny 19-metre stretch that's shared with Northamptonshire,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42making it the shortest county boundary in England.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Lincolnshire's landscape varies from the 50 miles of attractive North Sea coastline
0:01:46 > 0:01:49to the low-lying marshlands of the Fens.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54Such unspoilt vistas have been preserved partly because there's no major motorway network here.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The extensive patchwork fields of rich, fertile soil
0:01:58 > 0:02:01have been shaped by agriculture for more than 4,000 years
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and generate more fresh produce than any other county.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06With much of its land given over to farming,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10there's little room left for the small population who live here,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13but some might say that makes it the perfect place
0:02:13 > 0:02:15for those chasing a truly rural escape.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22So for potential buyers looking for some peace and quiet,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25the lack of a major motorway is actually a major positive,
0:02:25 > 0:02:26and it's not the only one.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30The house prices in Lincolnshire are some of the lowest across the country.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The average detached house here will cost you £128,000.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39Now that is an astonishing 28% lower than the national average.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44If you head to Harmston you could get an attractive family home
0:02:44 > 0:02:47for a fraction under £390,000.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51This four-bed property has a sitting room with an inglenook fireplace,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55two further receptions and a large kitchen/breakfast room.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03Or further south in Grantham you could live the country dream for £825,000.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06This elegant four-bedroom house has an immaculate kitchen
0:03:06 > 0:03:11and spacious reception rooms designed to take in the views
0:03:11 > 0:03:12across the delightful rear garden.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16But if you can dig deep to the tune of £1.5 million,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18you'll get a serious amount of house
0:03:18 > 0:03:22in the form of this grandiose Victorian abode in Northorpe.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Built in Norman revival style, it has eight bedrooms,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29a bright country kitchen and opulent reception rooms
0:03:29 > 0:03:30featuring colossal cornicing.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34And this beautiful property sits in grounds of six acres
0:03:34 > 0:03:36that reach as far as the eye can see.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Well, Lincolnshire certainly has an abundance of rural retreats,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44so let's hope our property search helps today's buyers
0:03:44 > 0:03:46find a perfect slice of country living.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Today's house hunters are Stuart and Van,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52who live in this bungalow near Northallerton.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Van is a Yorkshire lass born and bred,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57and Stuart has spent most of his working life in the county.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58But when they retired two years ago,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02they decided to spread their wings in search of a new adventure.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07At the moment we have a property in Florida, in Naples. It's very nice.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11We're a couple of miles away from the beach, we can cycle everywhere,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13we can walk to places.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Um, it's just a great lifestyle.
0:04:15 > 0:04:21With their transatlantic aspirations satisfied by the Floridian sun for half of the year,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24they're looking for a new location this side of the pond
0:04:24 > 0:04:26to see them through the summer months.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28We do like the English countryside
0:04:28 > 0:04:30and we want somewhere where we can enjoy that.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- One of the things I do want is a good golf course within the area.- Yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- We do need to have that.- It's a must. - Because we both play golf.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Not only must the location match their recreational needs,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43but they also want more amenities to hand as well.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47This village just doesn't have the facilities that we want,
0:04:47 > 0:04:48there isn't a corner shop.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52In this village we have to get the car out just to go for the newspaper.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55And Stuart has a clear and simple philosophy
0:04:55 > 0:04:56on how to support rural life.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01Obviously, you're not going to do all of your weekly shop at the local corner shop,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04but you need to use it, you need to go to the pub,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- you need to use the local... - Yeah, prop the bar up.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Yeah. And have a bar meal there once a week.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Go to the local restaurants, use them.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Cos if you don't, they won't be here in another ten years' time.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17So, aside from more local facilities,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19what type of property are they looking for?
0:05:19 > 0:05:21We're not looking for a large house,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24we're looking for something no bigger than our existing property,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27we certainly will be happy with slightly smaller.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29We only want a garden that is manageable.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31It must have at least two bedrooms.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34If not a kitchen/diner as one,
0:05:34 > 0:05:41it must have the ability to be able to create the open-plan atmosphere that we like.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43And the fourth must-have for me,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46it must have, or must have the ability for us to put together,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49an en suite bathroom off our main bedroom.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51And Stuart has very particular ideas
0:05:51 > 0:05:54about what he wants from the outside space.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59One of the things I did when I first moved in here was to set up this vegetable patch.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04And when we move, I really must have an area where we can put the same sort of system in here.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08To find the perfect English countryside to complement their American lifestyle,
0:06:08 > 0:06:13they've decided to head south, but what has drawn them to Lincolnshire?
0:06:13 > 0:06:18This is the area that we decided was within a distance of Yorkshire that people would come,
0:06:18 > 0:06:23and would give us somewhere that we know a little bit about but not a lot about.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Their bungalow is just about to go on the market,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29so let's find out from a local agent what it's worth.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32This is an immaculate property in a village in North Yorkshire.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I would value this property at £355,000.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41So what's the final budget for this Lincolnshire move?
0:06:41 > 0:06:48Our budget for the new property is around about £275-280,000.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54The problem is that it's becoming an all-too-familiar tale
0:06:54 > 0:06:57that village shops, local pubs and local post offices
0:06:57 > 0:06:59are closing down all across the country.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03In 2009, there were 400 closures of village shops.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06In Lincolnshire people are certainly taking things into their own hands.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Cooperatives are becoming more popular
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and they've already got two in this county,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13so fingers crossed there'll be more following suit soon.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16As for the house, we need to find something compact,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19it's got to have a contemporary interior
0:07:19 > 0:07:20and a south-facing garden.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Let's get going.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Stuart and Van want to be within reasonable travelling distance
0:07:26 > 0:07:28of their old mates back home in Yorkshire,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30but they also have friends down in Cambridgeshire,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34so we'll be concentrating our house search on the villages in south Lincolnshire
0:07:34 > 0:07:37between the bigger towns of Grantham and Spalding.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40We've got some great homes on offer to tempt our buyers,
0:07:40 > 0:07:44but as ever I'll be keeping my lips sealed as to the prices.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47And to top it off we've also got the mystery property
0:07:47 > 0:07:49which could add an unexpected historic dimension
0:07:49 > 0:07:52to their house quest.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53Oh, great shot.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Wow, that's a fantastic shot!
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Lovely to meet you, Van. - Nice to meet you.- Hi, Stuart.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Nice to meet you, Denise.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Was it the golf courses that first enticed you down to Lincolnshire?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- We certainly need a good golf course.- Yeah.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Wherever we live we need to be within a short distance of a decent golf course, yes.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- I'm presuming your time in Florida means you've had plenty of practice? - We have.- Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18You've been having all this snow, rain, hail, freezing cold weather
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- and we've been basking in the sunshine.- Rub it in! Rub it in!
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- But Yorkshire's also beautiful, it's a great place to live.- It is.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26So why Yorkshire to Lincolnshire?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I've been there all my life
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and we've got no dependents now and nobody to look after,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35it's time for ourselves, we can have an adventure and move on.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39So long as we're not too far away from all our friends there, it's going to be good.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Not only will you be close to your old friends, you can meet new ones,
0:08:42 > 0:08:43get stuck in to community life.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- Absolutely.- We do, yes. I used to be a parish counsellor in the village that we used to live in
0:08:48 > 0:08:50so, yeah that's the sort of thing I want to do.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I want to get involved in the community.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55I play some tennis, I'd like to be able to go to a tennis club and join a club
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and not just play golf, you know, play tennis as well.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Meet people in the local pub.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Yeah. That's important. - Yeah, very important, of course.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05So we've got to get you going on this adventure.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07How urgent is the move?
0:09:07 > 0:09:12Well, I had a phone call yesterday while we were... as we were driving down here,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and the estate agent who's working for us
0:09:15 > 0:09:17thinks he might have a buyer for us,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21and we only put it on the market last week, so that's good news.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- Brilliant news! And it means the pressure is on to find you the perfect home.- It is.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Come on, that's enough golf, let's get going.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35So for £275,000 Stuart and Van want to downsize
0:09:35 > 0:09:37into a cosy house in south Lincolnshire
0:09:37 > 0:09:39that has at least two bedrooms.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42They've specified an en-suite to the master bedroom
0:09:42 > 0:09:44and the ability to create a kitchen-diner
0:09:44 > 0:09:47as they both prefer a modern open-plan layout.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Outside they'd like a manageable south-facing garden.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52Fundamental to the move
0:09:52 > 0:09:54is to be within walking distance of a buzzing village
0:09:54 > 0:09:58that has a few shops and a public house where they can socialise.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02And lastly, the location needs to be within easy reach of a golf course.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05So, with all of that in mind, it's time to tee off.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10How did you make your decision in Florida?
0:10:10 > 0:10:13We rented a property over there, and as soon as we got there,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17and looked at the community and how everybody accepted us straightaway
0:10:17 > 0:10:19and were so friendly, that was just a done deal.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Within three weeks we'd bought a property.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Well, we haven't got three weeks,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27we've got just a couple of days to find their summer digs,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29so let's get straight to our first property,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32which is in Billingborough towards south Lincolnshire.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36At the heart of Billingborough is a spring known as Spring Wells,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38which provides a focal point for the village.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41It's a relatively small place, but has a shop, a post office,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44a small bank and not one, but two pubs.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Just a short walk from the village centre
0:10:46 > 0:10:50takes us to the quiet cul-de-sac where our first house is located.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53And here we are!
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Well, this looks quite... - It's a nice house.- It's nice.- Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00This is big, yes. I wasn't expecting anything this size.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03No, I thought you'd find us a tiny little place.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- What are your feelings, Van? - It's very nice actually.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- I just can't wait to get inside. - Really?- Yeah.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- I thought you might enjoy the palm tree. A taste of Florida...- Oh, yes. - ..in Lincolnshire.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Well, that's the outside, you're right, let's have a look indoors.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Immediately the size of this modern property
0:11:19 > 0:11:21is a really pleasant surprise.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24It was built just 15 years ago and inside should really suit
0:11:24 > 0:11:28their penchant for the more contemporary style.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Well, our first stop is the lounge.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32This is a nice size.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34I recognise those wall lights.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- They're the same lights as we have at home.- Really?
0:11:37 > 0:11:38My first question was going to be,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41how does this compare to your current home?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Exactly the same lights. - The same lights, they've good taste.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Not a huge space, but it's quite light.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49The windows are nice, the windows at the front,
0:11:49 > 0:11:51the side and then the French doors at the back.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- It's a good start.- Yes, yes. - It is a good start.
0:11:54 > 0:11:55Positive. A bit of a smile there.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Great. Well, as you can see, it leads on to another room
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- so let's have a look round there. - OK.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05So it opens out into this.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Not as large as I expected, whether our dining table would fit in here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10BOTH: I'm not sure it would.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- It's quite a large one. - It's a nice room.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Nice, light and airy, but I'm not sure our table would fit in it.- No.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17How big is the table?
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- It's 6'10".- Yes. - It's a table I'd like to keep.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22OK, that was my question.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Does the house have to fit the table or if you found the right house,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29would you compromise on the table?
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- Possibly. Possibly. - Yes. I think that's...
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Obviously, we would, yes.- Yes. - You can't live for a table, can you?- No, you can't.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36I don't know, some people can.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We like the idea of having the kitchen/dining room,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42so people, you can talk... When you're cooking, you can sit and...
0:12:42 > 0:12:43You don't feel alone in the kitchen.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Reservations about the proportions seem to be somewhat contradictory
0:12:48 > 0:12:50as they did say they were looking for somewhere smaller.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54It seems the idea of scaling back in theory is one thing,
0:12:54 > 0:12:55but the reality is quite another,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58especially when they've got prized possessions to fit in.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Fortunately, we've got another mealtime option to run by them.
0:13:01 > 0:13:08So come through and tell me, well, if this sort of kitchen size with some space to dine would work?
0:13:08 > 0:13:12It's a little smaller than I would like, but I suppose it could work.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- It's nice, isn't it?- It's nice, a nice kitchen.- I like the units.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I think the only thing is the... As we said before,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23not being able to talk to our guests while we're cooking.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Just a different layout. - Just a different layout.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29It does have that lovely utility space out there
0:13:29 > 0:13:30and a downstairs bathroom.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- Oh, right. - That's nice.- That's handy.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- That leads straight out onto the garden as well.- Right.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Well, you're keeping an open mind, I hope.- Yes.- Very much so.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43- Let's have a look upstairs because there is a lot more to this property.- OK.- Follow me.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Unexpectedly, space seems to have become a contentious issue at ground level,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51so time to take it up another level to see how the first floor fares.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- We've got a lovely galleried landing here.- Yes.- It is nice.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56It's nice. Makes it nice and open.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58And first two bedrooms.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03Not the largest, but I think they're plenty adequate and you've got nice light.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07A good-size family bathroom.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11The master bedroom.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Oh, this is nice. Oh, look at that!
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- And a dressing area. - Nice dressing area.- That's right.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19It's lovely. His and hers dressing tables as well.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23The little extras make all the difference, they can make a room work for you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- This is a nice big space as well.- Yes, it is.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28It's a nice big room and with that area on it, it's lovely.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31And something else that I know is important to you,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33there is an en suite just behind here. Come and have a look.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Oh, this is nice.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37This is nice, I like this.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Yeah, brand new, just done.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Yes.- You can see the fittings, the shower is lovely.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45How are you feeling now? The smile is widening.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Well, it's a lot more spacious upstairs.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54It can't be, I know, but it seems bigger upstairs than it does downstairs.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- But it's very nice.- It is, it's lovely.- Very nice. I like this.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59But that's not all -
0:14:59 > 0:15:02up another set of stairs there's also a family shower room
0:15:02 > 0:15:07and the last two double bedrooms which are flooded with light from the skylight windows.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12Overall, this property certainly isn't lacking when it comes to accommodation.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Inside there's plenty of room to entertain and put up guests,
0:15:15 > 0:15:20but outside, will the garden be the perfect place for Stuart's veggie plot?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22So the good news about your garden
0:15:22 > 0:15:24is that it is southwest facing.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Oh, that's lovely, yes. It's a nice garden.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31It's a lovely garden. The only problem I've got is my vegetables.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I have an area that's probably about...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36half the size of this garden that I use for vegetables at home.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38It's something I would want to do when we move.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42That's interesting, I thought this garden would be the right size for you.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47And given that you're away six months of the year, perhaps you wouldn't want to do that.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- But you need more space. - As a garden, it's lovely...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- It's a lovely garden. If there... - If there was a veg-planting area.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57An area around the corner, hidden away, that would be fabulous.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Well, it could be a compromise you're willing to make
0:16:00 > 0:16:03when you find out how much this property is worth
0:16:03 > 0:16:06which is what we're going to discuss now. So come over here
0:16:06 > 0:16:12because you can get a good look at the garden, and more importantly, back at this house.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Drum roll...- How much?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Van, I'm going to start with you.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Oh! I don't know. It's very hard.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- Um, I'd say probably about 275.- OK.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- I would go 285, maybe 290. - You think that would be a fair sum for this property?
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Well, it's a lovely big property. - It's lovely.- Brace yourselves.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Property's on the market at £250,000.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Well...- It does surprise me.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- It's another consideration, then.- It is.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44That smile's coming through again.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- It certainly gives you a lot to think about.- It does, it does.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51So why don't you have another little meander round
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- and I will see you later on to see what you've come up with.- Right.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57But there's a lot to think about, so get considering.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Thank you very much.- All right. Bye.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01Well, there you go.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05They thought it was too big for them, then they thought it was too small,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08but overall they get a lot of house for their money
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and you can see the little cogs going round in their head.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15But I thought they wanted to downsize, so that's what we still have to explore.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19So at a surprising £25,000 under budget,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23this large, modern house is laid out over three storeys
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and is on the market for £250,000,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30and at that price they'll only have to pay a 1% stamp duty
0:17:30 > 0:17:34which could save them more cash than they anticipated.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35It comes with five bedrooms
0:17:35 > 0:17:38and the master bedroom has its own en suite.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Downstairs there are two reception rooms,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43a newly-fitted kitchen/breakfast room,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and the garden has that south-facing aspect.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49And what's more, the property is situated in a village
0:17:49 > 0:17:52that has all the vital amenities open for business.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59This garden's lovely, it faces south, it's not overlooked, it's a nice garden,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but there's nowhere for me to grow the vegetables.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05If I grew them in the garden we'd step out of the French doors
0:18:05 > 0:18:08onto cabbages and cauliflowers which is not really ideal.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12It's a lovely property, it's very, very nice, it's been beautifully done,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17but I just think the layout is not quite what we're looking for.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- A-ha! You found your way back out of the TARDIS.- Yes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Well, that was the first property, we've got a lot to do so let's keep moving.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27OK, fine.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Van and Stuart have chosen Lincolnshire for its central position
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and the value for money the county offers, but beyond that,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42they know little else about the area.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46So a good starting point is a visit to Lincoln where they are meeting up
0:18:46 > 0:18:49with local expert Brian Taylor for a guided tour.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Lincoln is the county's oldest city.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Its heritage started back in the first century
0:18:54 > 0:18:57when the Romans conquered Lincolnshire and built a fortress here.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02One of the few remains left from the original Roman town is the Newport Arch.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06AD 47, the Romans arrived here at Lincoln and this became a colony town,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which meant the legionnaires could retire here.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12This is the northern entrance exit to that Roman city.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Started in the third century, this archway,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18and it's the only Roman archway in the British Isles through which traffic can drive.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24With over 2,000 years of history, the city's long legacy can be traced through its architecture.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30But it was probably the Normans who left the finest reminders of the past, including the majestic castle
0:19:30 > 0:19:35built by William the Conqueror in 1086, and the magnificent cathedral.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The original cathedral building was damaged by fire and an earthquake
0:19:39 > 0:19:43and, apart from one wall, it was rebuilt in medieval-gothic style during the 13th century.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47But maintaining this prominent landmark is a continuous task.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Running across the front of the cathedral you see a medieval frieze.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55If you look on the left-hand side you can see the lighter ones,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58that is being recreated by our cathedral stonemasons.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02The old frieze, which dated from probably the 1140s at least,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05that was so badly polluted, they had to take it down and it took 12 years
0:20:05 > 0:20:09for our cathedral stonemasons to faithfully recreate that frieze.
0:20:09 > 0:20:15Over a million pounds every year is spent keeping the cathedral in shape and works manager Carol Heidschuster
0:20:15 > 0:20:18is taking Stuart and Van behind the scenes.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Through a dedicated workforce of craftsmen and women,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25preserving the cathedral's stonework, sculptures, leadwork and stained glass,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30is done using processes that have changed little since the medieval period.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33There are over 700 plain and historic stained-glass windows
0:20:33 > 0:20:36in the cathedral which become dirty and brittle over time
0:20:36 > 0:20:39and it's a painstaking task to repair them.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42This is a training panel.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- Oh, right.- It's to show the different elements of putting a stained-glass window together.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52And the design of that is taken from a design in the cathedral.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Now as a little surprise, here's one we made earlier.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57That's lovely.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00And we'd like to present this on behalf of Lincoln Cathedral
0:21:00 > 0:21:03welcoming you to Lincolnshire and hope you find your dream home.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Oh, that's beautiful. Thank you.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09With a fine souvenir from their time in Lincoln,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12they'll need the perfect Lincolnshire home
0:21:12 > 0:21:15where it can hang pride of place.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19We're travelling 20 minutes east for our second property,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21into the quiet countryside of Gosberton,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23seven miles north of Spalding.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Gosberton is quite a large village with a good selection of facilities,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30including a doctor, a dentist, two shops and a pub.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33And right in the heart of the village is our second house.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38But despite its central location, it has a real sense of being off the beaten track.
0:21:40 > 0:21:46Tucked at the end of this very long driveway is the property I want to show you.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- Have a look at that. - This is a surprise.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- Very surprising. - So, first impressions?- Good.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Very nice.- Yes, I like it. - Let's have a look inside.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Yes, wonderful.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00It's an impressive approach up to the house through a generous front garden
0:22:00 > 0:22:06and already I think they're beginning to feel the potential here, but downsizing this is not.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09First room - the kitchen.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Come in here.- Oh, Stuart.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- That's nice.- Yes, I like that.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Is this more you?- Yes, it is.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- Yes, definitely.- The ability to have the more open-plan look. - Yes.- Yes, it's nice.- Yes, I like it.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Would your big glass table fit in there?- Can we have a look?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Do you want to have a look? Sure.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I think, at a push, we'd get it in.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Yeah, we don't need anything else in the room, we don't have a sideboard.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39We only have the table because you're next to the kitchen
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and you can store everything in the kitchen.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Well, not everything, because all your white goods are out there,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48so you've got a huge utility room as well.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Oh, lovely, yes. - And that leads on to the garden.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56It's still not the hugest space, but it's just the layout that seems to be...
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- Yes.- Yes.- Yes, I think it is.
0:22:57 > 0:23:05I think it is, yes. It seems to have more space, usable space, for us because of the way we like to live.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Fantastic. The kitchen/diner is hitting all the right notes.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13So with the cooking and eating sorted, let's find them somewhere to relax.
0:23:13 > 0:23:19So the other side, a similar-size space but it's all dedicated to the living room.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Again, the dual aspect windows.- Yes.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Light coming in from both sides.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Yes.- All of that is modern and contemporary and so is the fireplace,
0:23:27 > 0:23:32but what I love about the fireplace is that it's a working open fire, so it adds that rural feel I think.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Yes.- Yes, it does. - This is nice, yes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It's better than nice, go on. - Oh, it's a lovely surprise.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41All right. Well, out here you've also got a downstairs cloakroom,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- they've made good use of the space, but let's have a look upstairs.- OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51There are three bedrooms in this house.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Just to our left, here, we've got one of the smaller guest rooms
0:23:54 > 0:23:58but lets have a look at this bedroom over here.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02And this one is currently being used as the master bedroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Oh. Um, it's a little small for a master bedroom.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Yeah, I can see what you mean.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11As I said, it's CURRENTLY the master, I'll show you another one
0:24:11 > 0:24:15which has previously been the master. So if you think of it as a guest bedroom what do you think?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18This is about the size of our guest bedroom at home.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- It is, yes.- So, yes, this would be more than adequate as a guest bedroom.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- And it's got a lovely view. - Oh, can I have a look?- Of course.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Oh, this is nice, you look right down the drive. And the lake.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- Very nice. - So a good guest bedroom.- Yes, it is.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Let's have a look then at what could be the master.- OK.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40They may have to compromise on size in this house,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43but they are getting one more bedroom than they asked for.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- So here we are. - Oh, this is interesting.
0:24:45 > 0:24:51Yeah. And it is slightly bigger and the positioning is great, just look out there.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- Oh, yes, that's beautiful. - You can really take in that lake.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Yes, I like this. It's not big, but it's big enough, I think.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Yes, nice size. - You like this place.- I think so.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04I can tell because you haven't said, but there's no en suite.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Well, we... THEY LAUGH
0:25:05 > 0:25:08We thought you might have something up your sleeve.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I tucked it away in that wardrobe there.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Sorry to disappoint you, I haven't.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17But when you see the bathroom you might understand why there's no en suite.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18- OK.- Let's go and have a look.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30This is the amount of space they've devoted to the bathroom.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- This is a nice bathroom. - It's a lovely size.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Oh, yeah.- It's grand.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- Yes, it is.- It is grand.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So with a bathroom this size, would you still need an en suite?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44How do you feel? It's not the biggest house, really.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I suppose it could be workable for a while until we could get a solution.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It's worth thinking about, yes.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54I like that - "It's worth thinking about." You haven't written it off.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- That's the spirit. - Be positive.- Be positive.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03Well, Stuart, there's a lot to be positive about outside, starting with the garden's aspect.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05This garden is south-facing...
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Oh, lovely.- ..from the back here.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09So come out and have a look.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- What do you think?- Nice.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- This is lovely. - It's a lovely garden, yes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17I mean this house is just sort of a little island, isn't it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- It is.- Yes.- In amongst... You're very near to people, yet you have your own space.- Yes.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25It's an oasis in the middle of the village, it's lovely.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- Golf club - only a mile and a half away...- That's good.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33Sunny evenings out here, you've got a patio space, and I think there's enough room for a vegetable patch.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- There is.- But you're the expert.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40There is. You can certainly use this corner here and it wouldn't impinge on the garden. That's big enough.
0:26:40 > 0:26:46It's certainly big enough, as the garden here wraps itself all the way around the property.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52This house ticks a lot of the right boxes for both Stuart and Van, so what do they think it's worth?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- It is nice.- Nice? How nice?
0:26:56 > 0:26:57- Very nice, yes.- Very nice.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- More than nice.- So how much do you think it's worth?- Oh, your turn.
0:27:01 > 0:27:02Ah, you forgot, didn't you?
0:27:02 > 0:27:08I forgot about this, yes. Let me guess. 265?
0:27:08 > 0:27:10I might push a little bit more.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- 270.- 270.- Well, that's close.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Would it be in the running even at that price for you?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- It's a possibility.- Yes.- Yes, I think it would be a possibility.
0:27:20 > 0:27:26- Well, get this - this is on the market at 249,995.- Never.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Five quid short of 250 grand.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Again back in the 1% stamp duty. - There you go.- You've done well.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36And there's more to explore, so why don't you have a wander and I'll see you later?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41For a fiver less than £250,000,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44this house is yet again under budget,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46leaving loads of money left over
0:27:46 > 0:27:49to put towards flights to Florida.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Located in the village centre,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53this handsome detached property
0:27:53 > 0:27:54is in a great position
0:27:54 > 0:27:56to take advantage of the local amenities
0:27:56 > 0:27:58without compromising on privacy.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Outside there's room for growing vegetables
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and inside the open-plan kitchen/diner
0:28:03 > 0:28:06makes the perfect place to cook and consume the crop.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08There are three bedrooms
0:28:08 > 0:28:09and a massive family bathroom,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13but will they be able to reconfigure the layout
0:28:13 > 0:28:16to squeeze in their much-desired en suite?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- From that post here...- To about here.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22To about here and then go back to...maybe there.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Yeah. And you could get dressing area, bathroom and study.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31I could see myself living in this property, it's a very nice property.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35With a little bit of an addition to one side I'm sure we could manage
0:28:35 > 0:28:37to make that into a very, very nice place.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43The location's great, you come up the driveway, the garden sits around the house, I can have my vegetable patch.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47It's a lovely house, just the sort of house that we were looking for.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50I think they're in love with this house.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53So much so I'm not sure I'm going to get them out. Hello?
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Come on, it's not yours just yet.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58We've still got the mystery house to look at
0:28:58 > 0:29:00so let's get a move on.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11So, with Stuart and Van reflecting on the two properties
0:29:11 > 0:29:16they've seen so far, the first day of our house hunt draws to a close.
0:29:16 > 0:29:23With a budget of £275,000, Stuart and Van want an English country home in Lincolnshire
0:29:23 > 0:29:26to complement their American winter abode.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30So far our search has served up two great houses.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31It's an oasis in the middle of the village.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36But words can't even describe what's coming up in the mystery property.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- This is speechless.- Speechless!
0:29:40 > 0:29:46After yesterday, it's very clear that for Stuart and Van this move is all about the lifestyle.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50The property details, yes, they're important, but they're looking for open-plan living.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56You certainly get open spaces here in Lincolnshire, and property number two seemed to do it for them.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01Today, it's all about the mystery house and while it's a property they would never have looked at,
0:30:01 > 0:30:05if open-plan living is what you want, it's what they're going to get.
0:30:05 > 0:30:12- What would be your worst nightmare for this mystery house?- What would be the worst nightmare for you?
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Well, not having outside space, I think, would be the real nightmare.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21- Yeah.- We do need somewhere to be able to sit outside, to barbecue, do a little bit of gardening,
0:30:21 > 0:30:24relaxing, and for me to grow my vegetables.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Well, Stuart may have to rethink his planting methods
0:30:27 > 0:30:30for the mystery property, which takes us back out west
0:30:30 > 0:30:34towards Grantham and into the attractive village of Folkingham.
0:30:34 > 0:30:40This small village grew out of what was once a meeting place for traders, farmers and robbers.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44Today the market square forms its hub with tearooms, a pub and even a chocolate shop.
0:30:44 > 0:30:50But the square is dominated by a 17th century former coaching inn
0:30:50 > 0:30:54and behind its historic Georgian facade, our mystery property is revealed.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Before we go in and have a look at the apartment, it is an apartment...
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- OK.- ..so that we set the scene there.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Obviously, we have been looking at detached homes for you.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11- What are your feelings about that? - It's not something I would have looked at.- Me neither.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- We've thought about an apartment maybe in the future.- Yeah.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19It's certainly something we wouldn't have to worry about looking after when we're not here.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20- No.- Just shut up the door and go.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- So it's all about fitting your lifestyle, really? - Mmm, I think it is.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28All right, I can see Van's face going, "Show me this apartment!"
0:31:28 > 0:31:33- Just show me it!- I'm going to show it to you because I am convinced you will be impressed.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- All right.- Come on.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38This ground-floor mystery apartment is a low-maintenance option,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41making it an ideal lock-up-and-leave for our buyers
0:31:41 > 0:31:44who are essentially ex-pats for six months of the year.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- So, lifestyle.- Oh...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50(LAUGHS)
0:31:50 > 0:31:52This is...
0:31:52 > 0:31:54This is lovely, isn't it?
0:31:54 > 0:32:01- This is drama, high drama. - Oh, the kitchen! - This is speechless.- Speechless!
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- This is lovely.- This is wonderful. - Yeah.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05This is what I want.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Let's just preserve that moment. Can you say that again for me, Van?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- This is what I want.- Wow.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15You see, I knew you would like it.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21This is the sort of living, the space, the kitchen and the living area being as one.
0:32:21 > 0:32:28The kitchen is all brand-new, you've got oak worktops, fridge and freezer are in here
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- but towards the back you can put your washing machine, etc.- It would be a shame to put them in here.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36And it's very modern and fresh and clean.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37'It's a fabulous start.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42'Not only does this place have the modern open-plan living arrangement they're after,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46'but it's combined with an historic elegance that they never imagined.'
0:32:46 > 0:32:48What a lovely fireplace this is.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52They obviously put this canopy in so that you could use it as a real live fire.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54You can. You can indeed.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57You can then again look back at the size of this room.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- That big glass table in the middle of the room, maybe.- Yes.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'And when the fire's lit in that enormous inglenook fireplace,
0:33:05 > 0:33:09'maybe they could be tempted back for the winter months as well.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11'But let's see what's on offer in the sleeping quarters.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15'Down the long hallway there are two double bedrooms,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18'the smallest of which has another enormous fireplace,
0:33:18 > 0:33:20'but we're going to take a look at the larger of the two.'
0:33:20 > 0:33:22So this is one of the two bedrooms. Nice and light.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- Good. Lovely.- It's lovely and light.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- What do you think? - It's a little bit small.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31You'd need to use a bit of imagination because it is unfurnished at the moment.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- That's right, yes. - So you know, take some time,
0:33:34 > 0:33:39do your measurements etc, but you could get some good wardrobes on this side, and a bed.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42'Now there isn't an en suite here, but right at the end of the hallway
0:33:42 > 0:33:45'there's a spacious, modern family bathroom.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51'And with a tour of the flat complete, it's time to view the secluded garden.'
0:33:51 > 0:33:52So here's your garden.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57It's an apartment, so you've got a fitting garden. It's not the hugest,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00but you've got lots of little spots I think you could enjoy.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02So here, sitting out of an evening, glass of wine.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07Up there is a lawned area, potentially, or it could be your vegetable patch.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12It could be, yes. It wouldn't be a big one but it certainly would be adequate.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15And then if you lead out that way, you've got a communal space,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19so you could spend some time with your neighbours, and on the other side another patio area,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21so lots of little spots.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24Little spots, yes, to go around, follow the sun round -
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I don't think it's on this bit, is it?
0:34:26 > 0:34:29No, it's not south-facing here but it is feeling quite warm, isn't it?
0:34:29 > 0:34:34Yes, it's a sheltered spot, yes, and in the summer it could well be a little sun trap.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37I could just imagine sitting here with a glass of wine of an evening.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38- Yeah, well...- Or two!
0:34:38 > 0:34:41So you're still open-minded towards this property?
0:34:41 > 0:34:45I think we are, yes, because I think the kitchen and living space
0:34:45 > 0:34:49is really good, it's really exactly the sort of thing we're looking for.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Well, it all depends on the price, doesn't it?- Gosh.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Van, I'm going to start with you.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Oh...255.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- 255?- I know, a bit high maybe.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07Well, that's your...I don't know... I'm not going that high. 225?
0:35:07 > 0:35:10And you are warmer than you've been before.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I'm afraid, Van, you lose this one.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- The price is 229,950.- OK.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19And you were just under, there, but around about the right mark.
0:35:19 > 0:35:25- You have that wander round anyway and start thinking about what you'd do and I'll see you later on.- OK.
0:35:25 > 0:35:31At £229,950, this apartment is again under budget,
0:35:31 > 0:35:34to the tune of some £45,000.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36It's one of ten luxurious modern apartments
0:35:36 > 0:35:40which have been tastefully converted from an historic former coaching inn.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43There are two double bedrooms, a family bathroom
0:35:43 > 0:35:46and huge open plan kitchen, dining and living areas,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49ideally suited to their preferred way of living.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52And rather unusually for a property of this type,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56it comes with its own private garden as well as communal areas.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Now, they have said they want to downsize,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01but are they really ready for such a step?
0:36:01 > 0:36:06I think the open-plan kitchen/dining/living space is quite nice,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09it's a workable area. There's a lot of lounge there to work with.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13It's just a shame that it lacks a bit of storage, for my mind.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Yes.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20But I suppose there's such a large area about us that maybe a mezzanine would fit in.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23As a property, it's a lovely property, and this room,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27this space, the fireplace and the light, airy space of this room is lovely,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and that's the sort of thing we were looking for.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36- It is lack of storage space that would be the problem for me, and the lack of garden, in all honesty.- Yes.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- Yeah. You would miss your garden. - I'm not quite ready yet.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- Maybe in ten years' time I'll be ready for something like this.- Yeah.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48That is it, the end of the amazing adventure in Lincolnshire.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53- You've seen all the houses, let's find somewhere for you to sit down and have a think. OK?- Yeah.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Lincolnshire has a rich farming tradition
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and one of the county's most famous exports must be its sausages.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10But currently the Lincolnshire sausage can be produced anywhere in the country,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12so five years ago, a campaign was established
0:37:12 > 0:37:16to get protected geographical indication status
0:37:16 > 0:37:21so they can't be called a Lincolnshire sausage if they're made anywhere outside the county,
0:37:21 > 0:37:26which should give a real boost to the county's smaller butchers and farmers.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29The earliest recorded reference to the recipe dates back to 1886
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and I've come to Market Rasen where butcher Nick Bradley is going to demonstrate
0:37:33 > 0:37:37the art of making an authentic Lincolnshire sausage.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- Hi, Nick.- Hi, how are you? - Good to see you. I've got my apron on...- Very good.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44..washed and scrubbed up and I can see you're ready too.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Yeah, we're going to make 20 pound of Lincolnshire sausages.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49This looks like we've got proper meat here.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Yeah, proper shoulder of pork...
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- Right. - No rubbish, just quality stuff.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00- Now, what's the ratio of meat to other ingredients in a proper Lincolnshire sausage?- About 75%.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Once it's coarsely ground, the meat is then seasoned with white pepper,
0:38:03 > 0:38:08salt and sage, which gives the sausage its distinctive herby tang.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13It's then blended with water and bread rusk, but I can't give you Nick's exact quantities
0:38:13 > 0:38:17as that's a closely guarded secret recipe that's been in his family for over 50 years.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22How do you feel about other areas making sausages that they then call Lincolnshire sausages?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24They should make them in Lincolnshire.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27If it's a Lincolnshire sausage, it should be made in Lincolnshire.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30It's a bit like Melton Mowbray pork pies are made in Melton Mowbray,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34it's the county's recipe, it should be made in Lincolnshire.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Pig intestines are soaked in salt and water
0:38:36 > 0:38:41to make the casings, and after being shown the ropes, it's my turn to have a go.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43So nice and slow, gently does it.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- The slower you go, the better, so away you go.- Slow.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Gentle.- Slowly. Gentle. - Nothing's happening. Oh...
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- That's it now, that's it. - Oh, it's a bit thick.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- No, keep your fingers on there. - Oh, yes, on there, sorry.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57They'll be perfectly all right. We don't mind any sort of size.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02SHE LAUGHS They're perfect, they're perfect!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Nothing wrong with them at all.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09'Well, it looks like my sausage-making skills won't get me to the top of the class,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14'and now lessons are over, the real proof of the pork is in the tasting.'
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Mmm.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18You get the taste of the sage, the pepper,
0:39:18 > 0:39:22not overly strong, just a nice flavour our Lincolnshire sausage should be.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Absolutely. It's got flavour, It's not too spicy...
0:39:24 > 0:39:29Yeah. There's no gristle, there's just shoulder meat, the best you can get.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31How many of these do you eat a day?
0:39:33 > 0:39:36We make 200 pound, but I'm not going to eat them all!
0:39:36 > 0:39:40It's only a matter of time to find out whether the campaign is successful,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44allowing Lincolnshire folk to bring their Great British product back home.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49So the mystery house went quite well, a great reception from them,
0:39:49 > 0:39:53although they do still have some misgivings about the amount of space.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56But we've shown them a good variety at some great prices here in Lincolnshire
0:39:56 > 0:40:01and now it's time to find out if any of our homes are for them.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Well, hello, you two.- Hello.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10The end of our journey together,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13getting you on this move down from Yorkshire to Lincolnshire.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- And we've seen a lot of properties, haven't we?- We have.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22You've had a bit of a chance now to mull it over a bit, so I'm going to go through them one at a time
0:40:22 > 0:40:24and see if you've made any decisions.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Let's start right back at the beginning with that wonderful five-bedroom house,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30which you didn't expect to have quite so much space.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Well, I thought the upstairs was much better than the downstairs.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- It was the layout of the downstairs that you had big issues with?- Yes.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Yes, the kitchen...
0:40:39 > 0:40:44The kitchen and the dining room weren't next to each other so you couldn't even knock them together,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46you were stuck with the rooms as they were.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48The second property, that was a surprise -
0:40:48 > 0:40:52it had that sweeping drive and it was set right back
0:40:52 > 0:40:54so you didn't really know it was there.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57From the outside it was lovely, and the inside.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01The rooms were smaller than I would have liked
0:41:01 > 0:41:03and the kitchen, although it was lovely
0:41:03 > 0:41:05and maybe the way we would have liked it,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09I still felt it was a little bit small and confined for me.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12The garden, though, was spectacular, the way it just engulfed
0:41:12 > 0:41:15the whole property, plenty of room for your vegetable patch.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- There was.- It was super garden. - And looking down onto that lake and the woodland.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Yes. The view from the bedrooms, it was just stunning.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- And then there was the mystery.- Yes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26What a mystery!
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Definitely one that you would not have put on your list, I am guessing.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31- No.- No.- Not at all.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34The first impression when I walked through the door
0:41:34 > 0:41:37was stunning, the space in the main living area.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42But sadly for me it lacked a lot of storage area and the bedrooms were small.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45It's the sort of property that
0:41:45 > 0:41:47living away for six months of the year,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50you'd think, that's what you want, to be able to lock it up and go away.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And maybe if I was a little bit older and not as active as I am now
0:41:53 > 0:41:57and didn't really want to do the garden, that would be an ideal property.
0:41:57 > 0:42:03Does that mean this experience has helped you re-prioritise or reassess what your needs are?
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- I think yes, it has helped.- Yes, I think it has. It really has.- Yeah.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10You know, now we can look at things with fresh eyes again
0:42:10 > 0:42:14and see what our criteria is.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Can you tell us, were any of our properties something that would
0:42:17 > 0:42:20hit your shortlist, that you might consider putting an offer on?
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Of the three, I think the second one would certainly be...
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- The house with the drive. - Yes. There's a lot of ticks for that.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30So your next steps are to speak to the agents?
0:42:30 > 0:42:33I think, I don't know, do you want me to do that or do you?
0:42:33 > 0:42:39I'm going to leave that one entirely to you. You are the man who has the final, the final decision.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- Yeah.- I'd like to talk to them about it, yes.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47- Well, it's certainly been a pleasure sharing this part of the journey with you.- Thank you all very much.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48It's been a good experience. Thank you.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54For Van and Stuart, after so long living in Yorkshire,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58the move down to Lincolnshire was always going to be a big adventure.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03I think property two could work for them and at least they're going back to have another look,
0:43:03 > 0:43:08but it may take just a bit more time before they're really ready to make their escape to the country.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11I'll see you next time.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:13 > 0:43:16in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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