0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today we're in a county which amongst other things is famous for these medieval churches.
0:00:06 > 0:00:12They're also uniquely round towered, so why were they built like this and where am I?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36On today's show, we're in cahoots with a couple wishing to escape
0:00:36 > 0:00:39chaotic town life in Buckinghamshire.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Not only does it promise to be a real journey of discovery...
0:00:43 > 0:00:45It was very different to anything I've had before.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49..but there'll also be a few firsts along the way.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Never in our lives have we looked at an older property.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56So it's out with the new and in with the old.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Oh, wow! We got a "wow!" Yes. Oh, yes. Yes!
0:00:59 > 0:01:01The first "wow" of the week!
0:01:03 > 0:01:10Well, today I'm in Norfolk, and this is just one of the 126 round-towered churches
0:01:10 > 0:01:13that the region is famous for. But why round?
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Well, if you think about it, if you're going to build square towers,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18you need nice big slabs of stone.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24Norfolk is not famous for its quarries, but it is well-known for this stuff, for flint,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26a material that really lends itself
0:01:26 > 0:01:29to creating these great big tubular structures,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31and they've gone on to inspire the faithful
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and generations of architectural historians for centuries.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Bordering Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Norfolk is the largest of the counties
0:01:41 > 0:01:44that originally made up the area of East Anglia.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49Stretching out to the north and east are 100 miles of sweeping coast
0:01:49 > 0:01:51with wide expanses of sandy beaches,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55flanked by grassy dunes, much of which have been designated
0:01:55 > 0:01:58as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Moving inland from its peaceful shores to the heart of the county,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04you'll find the city of Norwich,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07dominated by the 315-foot towering octagonal spire
0:02:07 > 0:02:10of its medieval limestone cathedral.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14County-wide, you'll find stunning flint properties
0:02:14 > 0:02:16that characterise the Norfolk landscape.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23Well, take it from somebody who grew up in East Anglia,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Norfolk is a wonderful part of the world and will, I hope,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29provide a very welcome home to today's buyers.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Meet David, a self-employed tax consultant
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and his wife Marion, a retired book-keeper,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39who've lived in their 1960s home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41for the last 15 years.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43But they're now keen to shake off the hustle and bustle
0:02:43 > 0:02:45of their urban surroundings
0:02:45 > 0:02:48in favour of a roomier rural retreat in Norfolk.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52We've only ever lived in or around towns in our life and wanted to move
0:02:52 > 0:02:53to a more country location.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Well, we're looking forward to moving to a smaller community where we can
0:02:57 > 0:03:03integrate with the local people, and we like ballroom dancing.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06But what do they need from the property?
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Three to four bedrooms,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10large kitchen,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16an en suite to the larger bedroom, a good garden.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Preferably, I'd say, a lounge and a dining room, separate.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Yes. And it would be really nice to have a study.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25It would be nice to have a study. For your work.
0:03:25 > 0:03:31What I would like is a bigger kitchen to house all my kitchen equipment.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33But what style of house
0:03:33 > 0:03:37will be filled with the aroma of Marion's freshly-baked treats?
0:03:37 > 0:03:40I certainly wouldn't want particularly
0:03:40 > 0:03:43to live in an open-plan type of house.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46I'd quite like that, though. I wouldn't mind an open-plan kitchen.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51We have looked on television at barn conversions,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53and they'd be interesting,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55although normally they tend to be open-plan,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57so perhaps I'll forget I've said that.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59We shall have to see.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03They may have conflicting views about the layout,
0:04:03 > 0:04:04but they're both agreed
0:04:04 > 0:04:07that the location must have good transport links.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08David is partially-sighted,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12so I have to drive him everywhere,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14so we're sort of joined at the hip, really.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19Their house is already on the market for ?369,000,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21so what's the final figure for David and Marion
0:04:21 > 0:04:25to waltz their way from Wycombe to the Norfolk countryside?
0:04:25 > 0:04:30I think if the property actually ticked all our boxes,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33we would be happy to pay ?350,000.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41For urbanites David and Marion, this is a big move.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45It's their first foray into the countryside,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47but if we can find a nice big kitchen and a garden
0:04:47 > 0:04:50to keep Marion happy and get her creative,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54and a location good enough to service the sort of amenities David needs access to,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57you never know, we might stand a fair chance
0:04:57 > 0:05:00of finding them their new dream home in the country.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Good transport links are essential for our buyers, not only to give David more independence
0:05:07 > 0:05:12but so they can visit their two grown-up sons in London, therefore our house search will take us
0:05:12 > 0:05:16to some wonderful country villages which are well connected to Norwich
0:05:16 > 0:05:17for trips into the capital.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Over the next couple of days,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23we'll be taking David and Marion to see some great homes,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27but I'll be keeping the prices to myself until the end of each tour.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And of course, to top it off, we'll be venturing
0:05:30 > 0:05:33into previously uncharted territory with the mystery house.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Well, guys, I'm pretty optimistic about our chances of finding you something that I hope will prove
0:05:40 > 0:05:45of interest and will be a workable solution to the new life that you're trying to create.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Just remind me of the budget.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53350. If it was a little bit higher, we could probably stretch to 370.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Yeah. But it would have to be a wow. Yes.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00They're all going to be wows, Marion, come on!
0:06:00 > 0:06:05If it was a question unless you paid 370, you'll not get it
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and we said we really want it, then we probably could...
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Yes, when you see the house you like, you almost do anything to get it.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14That's it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17The weather is supposed to get better. Good.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Let's see what we can find, shall we? This way, David. OK.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25So, for a slightly flexible budget of ?350,000, David and Marion
0:06:25 > 0:06:29are after a property that has three to four generous bedrooms
0:06:29 > 0:06:32with an en suite to the master, a large kitchen/diner,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36two further reception rooms and ideally a separate study.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Marion wants a decent-sized garden for growing veg, and the location
0:06:40 > 0:06:44needs to be on the edge of a village with good transport links for David.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Well, without hesitation,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55we're taking our buyers straight out of their comfort zone.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Our first house takes us back a few hundred years
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and it's set on the rural outskirts of Elsing.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03With a pretty 14th-century church and a local pub,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Elsing is a quiet rural village
0:07:05 > 0:07:09with a bus route that reaches Norwich in just under half an hour.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11As for the property, we're starting off with
0:07:11 > 0:07:15an attractive former farmhouse dating back to the 17th century.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20Now then, what do you think? Looks all right. It does. I like the frontage.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22We're in a very, very very quiet lane here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24It's a lovely property, this. Right.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Shall we have a look? Yes, please. Come on then, follow me this way.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32It's an impressive approach up to the property, a large gravel drive,
0:07:32 > 0:07:33and once inside the farmhouse,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36it boasts terrific period features throughout.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Right, what do you think?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Oh, it's old. It's very old this.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I never thought I'd have the opportunity to have an old house.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Well, now's your chance, Marion. Now's your chance.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51This is something of a corridor come dining room, as you can see. Yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54But it leads on very nicely into this reception room.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Now then, come on in here, cos if you want cosy cottage...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Oh, nice. Oh, yes.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Come on in, David. Lovely cosy feel this has to it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Yeah. That's another thing I've never had which is a proper fire.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10In size, compared to what we've got now, it's probably a little smaller.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Would you be happy in here on a winter's day with a glass of wine?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Lovely. Yes. I think so. Definitely.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20With its magnificent inglenook fireplace as the centrepiece,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22the drawing room sits at the back of the property,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25with a lovely stable door that leads to the back garden.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29But we're heading back to the main hallway to see what Marion makes of the kitchen.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Come on in. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. A range cooker.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Yeah. Very nice.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38I mean, it's not the biggest kitchen in the world.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41No. You tell me. This is a place you're going to want to spend a lot of time in.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Yes. Yes. It's a bit small, really.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Unusually for a property of its age,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51this building isn't listed, so to maximise the space for Marion,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54there could be the potential to extend this area, subject of course to planning.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Downstairs also houses the family bathroom
0:08:57 > 0:09:01with an elegant freestanding roll-top bath taking centre stage.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05That wraps up the ground level, so time to take it up
0:09:05 > 0:09:08another level, to the first floor, where there are four bedrooms.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The smallest one is presented as a snug,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14which could make a good office space with a front-facing aspect.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20And there's also a pretty single room as well as a light, bright double.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25Now then, guys, this would be your master bedroom.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Right. We'd probably want to put a larger bed in, cos we're big wide bed people. Yeah.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34A lot of people are, you know, you're in good company.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Right. Certain you could get that in here, couldn't you?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39This is nice, though. A vaulted ceiling.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Like tall ceilings.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44The one thing you said you did want was an en suite.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Yes. And this has one. It's in here.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Tucked away behind this door. There you go. Unexpected.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52And it's got a shower, David.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Nice big shower too. Exactly the sort of shower I pictured.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56For what is a modest cottage... Yes.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59..this is a very, very, generous en suite. Yes. Absolutely.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02It's safe to say that the space upstairs seems to have impressed,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06but back outside, I've got a surprise in store for them
0:10:06 > 0:10:09which will more than make up for the possible lack of space downstairs
0:10:09 > 0:10:14and unusually, it's actually attached to the neighbouring house.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Right, come on into here. This is really interesting.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Yes. Totally, yes. It's sort of self-contained.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27We've got a living room, a very generous double bedroom, bathroom, and you know, kitchen area as well.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Right, yes. My mother, who's nearly 93, can't get upstairs any more
0:10:30 > 0:10:32so if she comes to stay with us,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35this would be perfect, have her own space.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37I'm thinking of the boys. Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38They'd love it. They'd love it.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41They'd love it so they didn't have to talk to their parents so much!
0:10:41 > 0:10:45We'll finish the tour in the back garden. It's a bit of a blank canvas at the moment,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47so for our keen gardeners,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51this presents a good opportunity to get creative.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54What do you think it's worth?
0:10:54 > 0:11:01I would say, because of the annexe, perhaps 360,000.
0:11:01 > 0:11:07Yeah. OK. I would say, perhaps, it might even be 365 or 370 even.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Yeah. Yeah. You're very good.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11The pair of you are very good.
0:11:11 > 0:11:17Really? Yeah. This could be yours for ?365,000. Right. Right.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25At ?365,000, our first offering is a lovely
0:11:25 > 0:11:29detached 17th-century farmhouse that's full of period features.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It's got four bedrooms, including a master en suite
0:11:32 > 0:11:35and two reception rooms as well as a kitchen breakfast room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Outside there's a good-sized garden
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and even a separate one-bedroom self-contained annexe.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But will the quirky historic character here manage to charm
0:11:44 > 0:11:49buyers who are so accustomed to straight late 20th-century builds?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Marion. David.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Out you come. Did you enjoy that one?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Very interesting indeed. Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Very interesting and very unexpected. Very unexpected.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Yes. I didn't have anything like this in mind at one time. No.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04You're on Escape To The Country, guys. Indeed.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It's always about the unexpected. You should know that by now.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08I should do. I should do.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Norfolk's level terrain and coastal location have ensured that it's had
0:12:24 > 0:12:27a long and distinguished role in Britain's aviation history.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30And by World War II, there were over 30 airbases
0:12:30 > 0:12:34built here for use by the American Air Force and the RAF.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38One aviation legend who's experience these times first-hand
0:12:38 > 0:12:42is Wing Commander Ken Wallis, who took his first flight in 1936.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46I've come to meet him to find out more about his extraordinary life.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Well, Ken, East Anglia is famous for its flying pedigree, not least for its wartime...
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Oh, yes. You obviously had a passion for flying.
0:12:53 > 0:13:01Tell me where that came from. Well, it started with my father and my uncle, who made an aeroplane in 1910.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Flying and indeed, inventing, runs in the family.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10In 1964, Ken retired from the RAF to concentrate on developing his very own aircraft,
0:13:10 > 0:13:14of which he has now amassed a private collection of over 30 models.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18By improving the design of a gyroglider to his own specifications, and including an
0:13:18 > 0:13:24engine, the revolutionary autogyro was to steer his career in a whole new direction.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31The autogyro is exactly the same principle as the sycamore seed.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It's rather like when two seeds join together, they're circling
0:13:34 > 0:13:38around each other. So you're pushing yourself into the wind,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40all the way? That's right. Yeah.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43One of his models was to take him to Hollywood.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It was featured in the film You Only Live Twice.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50And it was Ken himself who doubled as James Bond for all the aerial stunts.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54So this is the one in which Sean Connery sat? Yes.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59Fabulous. It was hung up and there was a fan ruffling his shirt.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03And the background scenery being moved.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07And even in his 90s, Ken can't resist taking to the skies.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13In fact, he's in training to break his own autogyro world speed record, which currently stands at 129 mph.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Well, they do say you can't keep a good man down,
0:14:17 > 0:14:22particularly not a magnificent man in his flying machines.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24It's time we return to the house hunt.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32We're travelling 12 miles south,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34close to the market town of Wymondham.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Dotted with Elizabethan and Jacobean buildings,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Wymondham also has a medieval church
0:14:39 > 0:14:44and features a half-timbered 16th-century market cross in the centre.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47House number two is three miles away in the village of Wicklewood.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49We're stepping further forward in time to the 1800s
0:14:49 > 0:14:51with our second house,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55this handsome Victorian cottage lying in a quiet country lane.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Here we are, there it is. What do you think?
0:14:58 > 0:14:59OK. It looks nice.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's fairly substantial by the look of it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's very substantial. There's a lot of it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05What's interesting about this one for you two,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07is the location.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Right. Wicklewood is a really busy good village. Right.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12The pub is ten minutes walk away.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17Right. The village hall is, you know, pretty much next door,
0:15:17 > 0:15:22and they have their own village ballroom dancing classes.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Right. Sold.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26See, I thought you'd like it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27So location I think is good.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Right. Transport links brilliant.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33The only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not you can fall in love with that building.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Yeah. That's the next step.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Can we go and have a look?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Yeah. Come on then.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Well, the possibility of a quickstep right on the doorstep
0:15:43 > 0:15:46has certainly got David and Marion hotfooting it inside.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Let's see whether the interior will get them moving, starting with the sitting room.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Right.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Marion, what do you think? Yes.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Another cosy room. Yeah. It is.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I mean, we haven't got the huge inglenook of our earlier property. No.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Although, in some ways, this feels a bit more spacious, I don't know why.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Yes. Yes. I know exactly what... I wonder if it's because of the beams.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Possibly. Maybe, you know, less of it's fireplace because you've got that nice breast there.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14That's true, yes.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18With French doors opening out to the front garden, the simple uncluttered
0:16:18 > 0:16:21style of the sitting room seems to be hitting the right notes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26And right across the hallway, is a similar-sized dining room.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I think this is rather nice. Yes. This is a nice room. Yes.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Cosy, cottagey, but elegant at the same time.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Come and have a look at this, Marion. Tell me what you think.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37There you go.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Oh, right, that's the kitchen.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Yeah. Isn't it? That's the kitchen. Yes.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44It's got loads of character, this.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46It's all built in. Hand-finished kitchen.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50You know, classic kind of Belfast sink and so forth. Yes.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52This is more my type of kitchen.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Is it big enough? Yes. Yes. Definitely. Hurrah.
0:16:55 > 0:17:02Things are definitely looking up with the large kitchen/diner, so time to get upstairs.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07The family bathroom serves a total of four large bedrooms, one of which is set out as a twin.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Then there's another smart double guest bedroom, and the third bedroom
0:17:11 > 0:17:15is kitted out as an office with a built-in desk and study space.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Then finally, of course, there's the room that David and Marion might call their own, the master bedroom.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24It's got that feeling of space in a bedroom. I'm so unused to it
0:17:24 > 0:17:28that it makes me think it's a nice-sized room.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33I mean, I do appreciate it's going to be quite hard for you to fall in love with a property
0:17:33 > 0:17:37straightaway, because as you said in the car, this is the first time in what, 15, 16 years... Yes.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40..that you've actually looked at a property at all. Yes.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42So you've hit the ground running with us. Yes.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45And never in our lives have we looked at an older property.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48On all sides, the house is completely enveloped by its own grounds.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52It even has a little pond, attracting all manner of wildlife.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58But what's more, the plot comes with a huge double-garage block which could be converted into a
0:17:58 > 0:18:04separate study or even make a really useful space for David and Marion to practise their ballroom dancing.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Let's have a think about the money, then.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12You went first last time, David, so, Marion?
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Hm...355.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20355. Yeah. David? I've got a feeling it's going to be a bit more than that.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21380, I would say. 380.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24That's very interesting. You're very astute, sir.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27This is on the market for ?375,000,
0:18:27 > 0:18:32so teasing the top end of the budget, obviously.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38I know you said you would go to that if it was perfect and if it wowed you. Yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Has it wowed you, I wonder?
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Don't answer that question just yet. No. OK.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50At ?375,000, our second house is a great Victorian cottage that comes
0:18:50 > 0:18:57with four double bedrooms, a separate dining room, alongside a huge kitchen/breakfast room.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Outside, there's a double garage with project potential
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and a large landscaped private garden.
0:19:02 > 0:19:08This may be another historic property, but it's a later build than our first house, with spacious
0:19:08 > 0:19:14dimensions and a classic layout - more the type of home our buyers are accustomed to.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Did you enjoy that one, then? Yes. Yes, indeed. Yes, I did.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Good. Well, it's a very, very nice house in a fantastic spot.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Yes.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36So as the sun sets over the famously flat Norfolk landscape, the first day of our house hunt
0:19:36 > 0:19:39comes to an end.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50So having had a chance now to sleep on it, do you think
0:19:50 > 0:19:52your attitude to looking at properties has changed a little bit?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Yes, slightly, yes. It has.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57I think you've kind of opened a new world to us, really.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01So the mystery house has a fairly good chance of being received well?
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Yes. Yes. I think so. I think so. Good.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08And just in the distance, straight ahead of us, is the small
0:20:08 > 0:20:11village of Beeston, where our mystery house lies.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16Beeston is a peaceful rural place that has recently been voted Norfolk village of the year.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19And our mystery house is a contemporary brick and flint
0:20:19 > 0:20:22open-plan barn, parts of which date back to the 19th century.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25But this type of property is something our buyers
0:20:25 > 0:20:29specifically said they didn't want, so let's see if we can tempt them.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Right, chaps, well, this is the mystery house. Right.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34That's totally different. Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Absolutely. Yes.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40I mean, it's effectively a barn conversion. Right.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44OK. The old bit is this bit to our left here with these lovely arched windows in it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47They're cute. What's interesting is, that bit over there that contains
0:20:47 > 0:20:50the second storey and the garage, that's all brand-new. Right.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53It ties in exactly with... You'd never know.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58No. Of course, it does incorporate some of the features that you'd expect in a building of this style.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Right. Old beams and that sort of thing.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Yes. But with all mod cons. Are we getting there? Yes.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10Yes. I like what I'm hearing so far. Great. Come on then, let's have a look inside. Right.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16The layout is open-plan so let's see if they'll be open to our latest proposition.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Oh, wow.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21We got a "wow"! Yes. Yes. Yes.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24We got the first "wow" of the week. Yes. That's very nice.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27The mental picture of what we've had. Something like this. Yes.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32This is it, you've achieved it. The floor, what do you think of that?
0:21:32 > 0:21:32That's beautiful.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Now then, under-floor heating throughout. Oh, right, great.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42It's something else that we talked about. Look at the smiles!
0:21:42 > 0:21:45OK. Excellent.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This property is empty. It's ready for you to move into. Right.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50But you'd get a very generous dining table in there.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Yes. And of course, you've got doors out there to the little patio.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56All right. Yes. Very nice. That's just what I wanted.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Yeah. So you're cooking, friends are chatting.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Yes. That's right. Yeah? Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02Exactly as we'd envisaged.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Now, reception rooms you've been challenged by, I think. Right, yes.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I think they've all been lovely, but hopefully this one is a bit bigger for you.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Yes. That's a lovely size.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13That is a lovely size. Yes. Nice fire.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Now, I know that you're not traditionally sold on open-plan.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21I know that you're loving this. Yes. OK. What do you think, really?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25This is the best compromise that I've ever seen, because
0:22:25 > 0:22:29it's open-plan but it's not open-plan, because it's got this lovely feature here. Yeah.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Which, as far as I'm concerned, makes all the difference.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36The use of a full-height exposed brick chimney breast is an attractive and practical solution
0:22:36 > 0:22:42to dividing the space up, designating clear zones for living and dining.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45But at the far end of the single-storey part of the barn,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49a room has been partitioned off which could make a lovely study for David.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Lovely size. Absolutely perfect size for me, this would be. Yeah?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Yeah. I can picture the desk with me sitting at it.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00The study makes up one of the four bedrooms in this property, and
0:23:00 > 0:23:04another ground floor bedroom lies in the newer wing at the opposite end, the dual-aspect double room.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08A good-sized utility room and modern family bathroom with
0:23:08 > 0:23:13separate bath and shower cubicle can also be found down here.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16And if the huge open-plan kitchen/diner wasn't enough,
0:23:16 > 0:23:21there's also a separate dining room with double doors out to a patio.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25But next, it's time to take the oak staircase upstairs to explore the top level.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28..the final two bedrooms and this, your master bedroom. Oh, gosh.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Right. Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33En suite in here, look, there you go.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Oh, yes. This is nice. Beautiful.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41Very nice. I mean, anywhere else that would be quite a handy, you know, family bathroom.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Yes. Yes. Indeed.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46The other bedroom up here is also a comfortable double room,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49featuring generous built-in wardrobes, but as this is the mystery house,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51there's another twist.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56OK, Marion, come on out. This is the compromise, isn't it?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59This is the end bit you've got to think about. Yes.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03The rest of it, as you have seen, is absolutely lovely. It's beautiful. Spot on.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08OK. Well, let's get down to the kind of hard bit of it, our final discussion of money over the week.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13Go on, David. You go first this time.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17I'm fearing it could be about...400.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21I'm hoping it's 370. You're hoping it's 370?
0:24:21 > 0:24:22Well, it is the mystery house.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25We do like to sort of push you in all sorts of ways.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28I think we've pushed you in terms of the design and style of this building.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31What we haven't done is push you on the price. Right.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36Cos this could be yours for ?340,000. Really?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Right. Wow. That's good news.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40I think that buys you a courtyard garden.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42That is fantastic. Yes.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Yes, cos that's the difference, isn't it?
0:24:45 > 0:24:49You're not paying for that extra bit of land.
0:24:49 > 0:24:57Surprisingly under budget at ?340,000, this beautiful period barn conversion is awash with character,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00without compromising on space inside.
0:25:00 > 0:25:07It has four double bedrooms with a master en suite, a separate dining room and living area,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11and to top it off, we've even found the perfect kitchen/breakfast room for Marion, and it's huge.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15But there is a trade-off with the bijou garden.
0:25:15 > 0:25:21So, will they be willing to downsize on their preferred plot of land?
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Brilliant. I've had to drag you kicking and screaming out of the mystery house.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Didn't think we'd get them out of there!
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Well, it's now decision time for Marion and for David.
0:25:35 > 0:25:41I have to say, when we started this house search, it all seemed pretty straightforward but my sense is that
0:25:41 > 0:25:45they've learnt a lot more about themselves and property in general than they ever thought they would.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49So let's go and see what they think now.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Let's think about the first property that we showed you. Yeah.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56That lovely little cottage with the holiday lets. What did you make of that one?
0:25:56 > 0:26:02When I first saw the outside, the front especially, I thought, "Great, looks really, really nice."
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Went inside and was quite surprised by the exposed beams
0:26:05 > 0:26:08because I hadn't thought about anything like that.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12The rooms, some of them were a little bit smaller than I'd imagined they might be.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16We took you to our second property. Yeah.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Lovely Victorian build surrounded by a very generous garden. Yes.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Double garage on the edge of the village, a village complete with...
0:26:25 > 0:26:27A dancing class. A dancing class. I mean, come on!
0:26:27 > 0:26:32Yes. That was a real bonus if you'd like to have that sort
0:26:32 > 0:26:35of community village there, which was something we'd very much wanted.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38And the garden was also beautifully set out.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Yes. I liked the garden and I liked the house in many ways,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45but again, there were aspects of it that we would have liked to have changed.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50I would have liked to have added on another bathroom and perhaps a utility room. Yes.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Yeah. And that would have cost extra and it was at the top of our budget.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56But again, the location there was so good. Yes, it was. Yes.
0:26:56 > 0:27:02That was a big consideration, and I found it difficult because I could actually imagine living there.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Let me take you to our final property, the mystery house, which I was very excited about.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Tell me what happened when you walked into that kitchen, Marion.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Well, yes, blown away, because I loved the kitchen.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15The kitchen was definitely a "wow", and so was the whole thing, really.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Yes. It was very well done.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19You could absolutely just move in there. Yeah.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21There is nothing you would have to do. No.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23No. The only thing you would need to consider
0:27:23 > 0:27:26is the garden. Yes. Yes.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31So are we going to furnish you with our mystery house, I wonder? Cos that's the only contender.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Well, yes, indeed. Yes. Yes. Well, it's...
0:27:34 > 0:27:38obviously, as I think you know, there's the problem with our own house.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41If that went through, I think we'd be...
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Knocking on the door. I think we would be.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Good. Well, best of luck, and let us know how you get on.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48We'll certainly do that. Thank you.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53Well, there's no doubt that this has been an enjoyable and eye-opening journey for David and Marion.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56And the good news is that the Norfolk property market
0:27:56 > 0:28:00seems to have delivered the perfect home for them in the form of our mystery house.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02I'm absolutely delighted.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04If you would like to Escape To The Country
0:28:04 > 0:28:07in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Wales, England, or even further afield to the Continent
0:28:09 > 0:28:13and would like our help, then please apply online at BBC...
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd