0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today's county is home to the oldest surviving race track in Britain, nay, the world.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08It was James I who first popularised racing here.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11He loved it so much that Parliament had to petition him
0:00:11 > 0:00:14to spend less time racing and more time ruling.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35On today's show, we're coming to the aid of a retired couple who want a change of scenery
0:00:35 > 0:00:37after almost three decades in London,
0:00:37 > 0:00:42and we've got some outstanding period properties to prise them from the city.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I love the idea, I must admit. A little piece of history, and we become part of it.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'But will we be ruled by our hearts...'
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- I'm thinking about you, Marion. - Yes, thank you.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53'..or ruled by our heads?'
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- What are your first thought when you see it?- Money.- Money.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06Today, we're in Suffolk, the international headquarters for flat racing here at Newmarket.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Now, in 1665, Charles II decreed, by an Act of Parliament, no less,
0:01:11 > 0:01:18that every year the Town Plate, the first horse race with written rules, would take place here in October.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22And in 1671, the King rode his horse to victory.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25You'd let the King win if you were racing him, wouldn't you?
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Anyway, the race takes place here every year,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33ever since, and is now the oldest surviving horse race in the world.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38Situated in the east of England and bordered by three counties,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Suffolk also has 40 miles of glorious coastline.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46As you might expect from the home of flat racing, much of the landscape
0:01:46 > 0:01:53is flat too, and this fertile, level soil is perfect for a more commonplace industry, agriculture.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58In the 17th and 18th century, the county became a kitchen garden
0:01:58 > 0:02:01for the rapidly growing metropolis of London.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07And today, this continues with some of the largest arable farms in the UK.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Centuries ago, blood from local livestock was mixed with plaster to colour wash homes.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18And pretty pink Suffolk cottages are a common sight throughout the county.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31In the last few years, Suffolk has done very well in those tables of rural counties we want to live in,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33partly because it is very rural.
0:02:33 > 0:02:3670% of the population still live in villages. It's also very sunny.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Two hours more sunshine a week than the national average.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43On top of that, it's got a very low crime rate and house prices
0:02:43 > 0:02:47are very reasonable, £18,000 less than neighbouring Cambridgeshire.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50But you better get in quick because the population is growing.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Over the next 10 years, 13,000 people are set to move here.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59So if you're house hunting with £650,000 in your pocket,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03this magnificent Grade II listed property in Mendham
0:03:03 > 0:03:06was the former home of Sir Alfred Munnings,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08one of England's finest equestrian painters.
0:03:08 > 0:03:16Sporting dramatic period features, it comes with six double bedrooms and four reception rooms.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22Further west in the village of Beighton, £325,000 could seal the deal
0:03:22 > 0:03:26on this three-bedroom Grade II listed thatched cottage.
0:03:26 > 0:03:32Believed to date back to the 17th century, it's packed with character features,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36including an enormous open fireplace.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38And finally, this three-bedroom cottage
0:03:38 > 0:03:41just outside Bury St Edmunds in Little Whelnetham
0:03:41 > 0:03:45is on the market for just under £210,000.
0:03:45 > 0:03:52It also boasts great period features throughout and comes with a secluded, sheltered garden.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55As you can see, Suffolk has some prize-winning properties but
0:03:55 > 0:03:59who is jockeying for position in this most thoroughbred of counties?
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Let's find out.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Today's couple are retirees Bob and Marion
0:04:04 > 0:04:09who, for the last 28 years, have lived in the same house in East London.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14With their two grown-up children having flown the nest, they are now dreaming of an escape to Suffolk.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19I was born in the country and lived in Devonshire
0:04:19 > 0:04:23for some years when I was young. And I just feel the time is right now.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26I've never lived in the country.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30I'm a Londoner. And this will be a new experience for me.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32But I'm looking forward to it, I think, a challenge.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We know East Anglia quite well.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Myself more than Marion because I've travelled in the area for many, many years.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We've enjoyed the city of Cambridge and now we're going to focus more
0:04:43 > 0:04:46on the Suffolk area and south of Bury St Edmunds.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And what sort of property are they after?
0:04:49 > 0:04:56Three to four bedrooms, a kitchen/diner, a dining room and lounge
0:04:56 > 0:05:02and hopefully an attached garage, although it doesn't have to be.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06And possibly a utility room.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08We'd consider beams, but not too low.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12I think we're looking for property that really is already modernised.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17A house of character, certainly, but a house were we don't really need to do too much internally.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So, character with conditions attached.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21And what about the outside space?
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Well, we do love to sit out in the garden and I'm hoping that
0:05:26 > 0:05:32where we'll be more moving to will be a little less noisy than here because we are very near the M11.
0:05:32 > 0:05:38And...so I'm hoping for a medium to small sized garden
0:05:38 > 0:05:43so that it won't be to much to keep up when we go away.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Although they're looking forward to typical country pursuits
0:05:47 > 0:05:51like walking and fishing, there's another interest they'll be taking with them.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Wine is my passion.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56And we're both sufficiently interested in wine to ensure that
0:05:56 > 0:05:59when we get to the country, we'll join a wine club.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02If we can't join a wine club, we'll maybe start our own up.
0:06:02 > 0:06:09Bob and Marion's house is on the market for £460,000 and they've just accepted an offer.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11They also want to free up some money so they can travel so
0:06:11 > 0:06:15how much does that leave for their rural relocation?
0:06:15 > 0:06:19The budget for the next move is £325,000.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27So, it looks like Marion is trying to get back to her roots, but I wonder
0:06:27 > 0:06:31how born-and-bred Londoner Bob is going to fit in in the countryside?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Still, their budget seems pretty spot-on for Suffolk.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36They've got £325,000 to spend.
0:06:36 > 0:06:43They want three to four bedrooms and the average price for a detached house here is £250,000.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Hopefully we're going to find them something although they do want
0:06:45 > 0:06:51to live near Bury and Bury is 7% above the county average, so we're still going to have to search.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Bob and Marion want to be able to visit their children in North London
0:06:56 > 0:07:00so we'll be concentrating our house search in the surrounding villages
0:07:00 > 0:07:03to the west of the county around Bury St Edmunds.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Over the next few days, we will be taking a couple on a tour of some beautiful country homes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12But I'll be keeping the prices to myself until after the tours.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15And, of course, we're saving the mystery house for last
0:07:15 > 0:07:20where we'll see if they can be tempted by a slice of Suffolk's rich history.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24- Welcome to Suffolk, guys.- Thank you.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Ickworth House, slightly out of your budget.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- What a shame!- Grade II, how do you feel about that?
0:07:31 > 0:07:38Grade II listed buildings, often creates too much upkeep and that's what worries us most of all.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43The cost, perhaps, of altering, if possible, anything to do with it, and the maintenance.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45I know this is an important move for you.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Obviously all moves are important, but particularly these ones at sort of crucial points in life.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52This is a big change for you, isn't it?
0:07:52 > 0:07:59Yes, it is. We've lived where we live for 28 years, the same house.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03So it's a little bit of a wrench but on the other hand, we feel ready for it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:10- We feel ready for a change and some peace in the country. - And what is your budget?
0:08:10 > 0:08:15Well, our limit is £325,000.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18OK, so you're wanting to downsize, get some money in the bank?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Well, not particularly downsize.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Ah, that sort of downsizing!
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Downprice.- Yes, downprice.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30OK, I know where you're going. Well, £325,000 in Suffolk goes a long way. Let's go and look at some property.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39For a top budget of £325,000, Bob and Marion are looking for...
0:08:48 > 0:08:49They would also like a garage
0:08:49 > 0:08:52and the location needs to be on the edge of a village away
0:08:52 > 0:08:57from busy roads, but within walking distance of local shops and a pub.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Are you going to miss London, Bob?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Londoner, born-and-bred.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Yes, I'm sure I will in many ways.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08I think probably what I'll miss most will be
0:09:08 > 0:09:11the 24/7 nature of shops, restaurants,
0:09:11 > 0:09:16quite different from being out in the country, as you know.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21So, we're under starter's orders and it's time to head straight to our first property.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25We're travelling to Bacton, 60 miles east of Bury St Edmunds.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29With a 12th-century church, traditional houses and a selection of local shops,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Bacton is a lively village surrounded by farmland.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36There are good road and rail links nearby
0:09:36 > 0:09:39which could be useful when Bob and Marion want to visit their children.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44And set back behind the village green and pond, is our first house,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47a charming semi-detached period cottage.
0:09:47 > 0:09:54Right, so this is the house I want to show you, on Cow Green. This is Cow Green.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Wow, lovely. - As you can see, it is attached.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00How do you feel about that?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Yes, it looks fine as a cottage.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- As long as it is big enough, we don't mind. - I see it's extended at the back.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I thought you were going to say, "I don't want it now."
0:10:09 > 0:10:13How are you feeling about the location and exterior?
0:10:13 > 0:10:18Well, love it. It is really pretty.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Yes, I like it very much. - Very pretty.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Let's have a look inside.
0:10:23 > 0:10:30Built around 1770, these properties were originally Georgian farm cottages.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33The one we are showing Bob and Marion was first extended in the 1950s
0:10:33 > 0:10:37with a further extension built on the back of the property two years ago.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Come on in, this is the oldest part of the house.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44This actually is Georgian, 1770s.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It's not too beamy.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50No, it's not. It's pretty the way they've got it.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- It's nice and bright, isn't it?- Mmm!
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Often a worry with these older properties is they are quite gloomy.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01That's an important point. But these windows are new, double glazing here.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03That makes all the difference in the world.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08I'm sure the original windows would not have let so much light in but that makes a great difference.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- It's not listed here so you can do what you like in that sense. - Exactly.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- And then the fireplace.- Is that...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- You can have a fire? - Yes, that is working.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23You two are unusual in the sense you use your dining room a lot.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- We do.- We've had lots of wine tastings at our place in London and we will do the same here, really.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- Get the fire going. - With the fire, it would be perfect.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37First impressions are positive and beyond the dining room, the character features of this house
0:11:37 > 0:11:43continue in the downstairs bathroom which was built onto the back wall of the original part of the cottage.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Across the hallway is a bright sitting room.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It's lovely, lovely size.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55Good size, isn't it? This is the 50s extension so this is a much bigger, more practical space in a way.
0:11:55 > 0:12:02- Yes.- And where most of your living and relaxation would go on, I guess.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04A very good size room. Lovely floor. Like the floor.
0:12:04 > 0:12:11- There is oak floor throughout actually. That's all been put it recently.- Very good.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Yeah, it's great, love it, really do.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Positive. It flows on through these double doors into the kitchen.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- This is lovely. - This is a modern extension.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- This was 2008.- Right. - This is a good size.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- A lovely size.- I expected it to be smaller, to be honest.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- It's in that country style. - Yes, country style but fitted well.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Not too fussy. Not too high end.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Yes, it's good. - Let's take a look upstairs.- OK.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43So far, so good.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I wonder how the first floor will fare.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53You've got a lovely, big landing which I think is really beautiful and unusual.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Yes, it is, isn't it?
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- They use it as their office. It is like an extra room.- Good idea!
0:12:59 > 0:13:04Next to this office area there is a pretty single room, perfect as a guest bedroom
0:13:04 > 0:13:07and across the hallway there is a good-sized double.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10On the other side of the landing is a shower room,
0:13:10 > 0:13:17and two further bedrooms, including a large single and the main bedroom where Bob and Marion could sleep.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18This is the master.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Oh, it's lovely, isn't it? - Here in the modern part,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24they put in skylights which is an ingenious idea
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- because it has brought so much light into the property. - Yes.- It has.- Very much needed.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34Four bedrooms, all good size and, it's a bit TARDIS-like, they are all sort of packed into the upstairs
0:13:34 > 0:13:38and yet you've got space for a big landing, enough for an office space.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Yes, it is great. Really nice.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Let's look outside because that is also important.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49This is a great house with plenty of space and it doesn't need any work,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52so Bob and Marion could move straight in.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54But will the garden meet with approval?
0:13:56 > 0:13:58This is the patio here,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00through the rose arch.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Into your garden. It is not a massive garden but you didn't want a huge garden.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- No, this is...- This is perfect.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Just the right size. - Low-maintenance, definitely.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Pretty at the same time with flowerbeds.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Just enough.- Very quiet, peaceful.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19This comes up to your standards?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Oh, it does.- Very much so. - I like this very much.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26OK, so the property is done, we've seen this one.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29All we need to know now is the price.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31So this is the first one you've seen.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32It might be difficult to guess.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35How much do think this is on the market for?
0:14:35 > 0:14:41Well, maybe it's near the top of our budget, 319.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- OK. What do you think? - Slightly higher.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48Must be in the region of 340 or whatever.
0:14:48 > 0:14:55340? OK, so this property is on the market for £290,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Oh.- I am surprised.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01A shade under. And it's very well placed for you guys,
0:15:01 > 0:15:06in the sense that it is close to Stowmarket, you get into London in less than two hours.
0:15:06 > 0:15:13You've got a market town, it gives you four bedrooms and it's a nice little location.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Definitely one to consider here.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19290 is a surprise. I would have thought it would be more.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Now you know the price, have a wander around and I will meet out the front.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- OK, thanks.- Thanks.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29340, that's very pleasing when you tell someone
0:15:29 > 0:15:34that a property is actually £50,000 less than they thought and they like it.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39But, yeah, it will be interesting to see what they think about the inside
0:15:39 > 0:15:42because I'm not convinced Marion really loves it.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Well under budget at £290,000,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50this period cottage is full of character features.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56It has four bedrooms, and although there's no en suite, it does have a bathroom and shower room.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59There is also a well-fitted kitchen/breakfast room
0:15:59 > 0:16:03and two reception rooms including a lounge and separate dining room.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07And outside, there is a garage and a low-maintenance garden.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09They've got it just right in here, I think.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think we could enjoy this room.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Overall, I'm very impressed.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17So far, so good. I am quite keen.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I suppose it is growing on me, in a way.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- We could get used to this low ceiling.- Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Well, I think this property is extremely unusual, very quirky.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33There may be one or two features too many for me.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38It must be harvest time, there are quite a few agricultural things on this road.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Otherwise, it is very quiet.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Hello. All done?- Yes, all done.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Good, if you pull the door to, we will explore more of Suffolk.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Good. Lovely.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58The countryside here is prime grain-growing territory,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02making Suffolk one of the biggest real ale producing counties.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06The historic market town of Bury St Edmunds is home to one of
0:17:06 > 0:17:09the largest British-owned breweries in the country
0:17:09 > 0:17:14and the town's association with ale dates back nearly 1,000 years.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19And it was the Benedictine monks who first started brewing here
0:17:19 > 0:17:24in the 11th century abbey, which once housed one of the most powerful monasteries in medieval Europe.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29Earlier in the week, Bob and Marion went to meet local guide Geoffrey Pickness to learn more.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33The Benedictine monks, they worked to a very strict rules,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37particularly in so far as things like eating and drinking were concerned,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41but I suppose you could say that the abbot bent the rules
0:17:41 > 0:17:45to suit his convenience and the monks' convenience.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48They used to brew ale in the abbey.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51The ale would have been a rather sweet drink.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- Very nutritious, and the monks would have drunk something like six pints a day.- Six?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59You can imagine that they were...
0:17:59 > 0:18:06It wasn't strong ale but it explains why the monks were always rosy faced and had a smile on their face.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08That's right, yes.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11As wine lovers, Bob and Marion will also be interested to learn
0:18:11 > 0:18:16the monks made their own wine too, and to find out whether the grape fares as well as the grain
0:18:16 > 0:18:21in this county, they are returning to magnificent Ickworth House
0:18:21 > 0:18:25although it's not the residents we are interested in today, but rather the gardens.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Installed there in 1703, the estate's five-acre kitchen garden
0:18:29 > 0:18:34is now home to some award-winning vines.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39Planted in 1995, it's the only vineyard on National Trust property
0:18:39 > 0:18:41and it's managed by Charles Macready.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43How many varieties to grow here?
0:18:43 > 0:18:45We grow four varieties.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48This one here is a variety called Rondo
0:18:48 > 0:18:52and the other varieties we have on the wall over there.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54There is pinot noir.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56We also have a variety called auxerrois -
0:18:56 > 0:19:00I cannot pronounce the R of that properly, the French way -
0:19:00 > 0:19:04which is very like chardonnay. We use that in our sparkling.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09Then we have a white variety called Bacchus, which tends to win gold medals.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Does the English climate present too many problems?
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Not really.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Suffolk actually is the driest part of the UK.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21That's good because vines do not like wet feet.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24The vines are happy to grow here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28They need to be persuaded to grow fruit because naturally they just
0:19:28 > 0:19:31grow and grow and grow and don't produce a lot of fruit.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33We have plenty of sunshine.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- I think we have...- We certainly have today.- We certainly have today.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40We have more sunlight hours in East Anglia than the rest of the UK.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45It's not the warmest part but there are more sunlight hours than anyone else.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46Gosh, that's excellent news.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51So, the future looks bright for viticulture in the county
0:19:51 > 0:19:54but what about the prospects for our house hunt?
0:19:54 > 0:19:57It's time to head to our second destination.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Our next stop takes us nine miles east of Bury St Edmunds to the village of Elmswell.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09With a church that dominates the skyline, the name of this village
0:20:09 > 0:20:16comes from the old English, Elmsweller, meaning spring or stream where the elm trees grow.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21Elmswell was recently crowned Suffolk village of the year and its excellent road and rail links
0:20:21 > 0:20:25have seen it grow to become one of the largest in the county.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31On the outskirts is a second property, an Edwardian detached house.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- So this is the property. What do you think of the house from the outside? - I like it, it is nice.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- It's period but not too period. - That's right, yes, definitely.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42It was built in 1910 and at the time, it was
0:20:42 > 0:20:47the poshest house in the village because it for the first one with an inside toilet. Very elevated.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- It is on the road. - It is on the main road.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52That is what worries me slightly.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54It's a fairly busy road.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58It's the main road into the village.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- I see.- Still...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03look forward to seeing what's inside.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08Let's have a look. I'm not sure Marion was completely sold on some of the period features
0:21:08 > 0:21:14of our first house, so let's move forward 140 years to see how this later build compares.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19We'll go in this room first, actually.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22This is the sitting room.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Lovely.- Oh, very nice.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Less period.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Fewer beams.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Wood-burning stove instead of... - A lot smaller than the last house.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Yeah. But it has been finished... It was pretty much a ruin
0:21:36 > 0:21:43- when they moved in nine years ago. They've done everything, replastered it...- It looks newish.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46They used to have 1950s aluminium windows
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- so they put in these very expensive double-glazed sash windows.- Lovely.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53What do you think?
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Yes, it's just the size.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59It is perfectly large enough but...
0:21:59 > 0:22:02when you look back at the other one...
0:22:02 > 0:22:05You are starting to see it through rose-tinted glasses.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Yes.- What about the style though?
0:22:07 > 0:22:09This is much less fussy.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13It is cleaner lines, yes. As you say, less fussy.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Across the hallway is the dining room.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Again, smaller than in the last property which won't be lost on Marion,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22but still with room for a good-sized table.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26I really like this room.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- It's got a...- It is lovely. - It has a lovely open feel to it.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Yes, I like this kitchen.- Good. Nice lighting.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Lots of modern down lighting.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40You have a snug area here which you could convert to an office.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- A study. - A breakfast room or something.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44What do you think?
0:22:44 > 0:22:48This is the heart of the home for many people.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Yes, it's really nice, I like it.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I think this would really work.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Is it big enough? - Yes, it's big enough definitely.
0:22:55 > 0:23:01This is a lovely house and is ready to move into but I don't think it is a contender just yet.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Maybe the upstairs will persuade them.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07On the first floor, there is a family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12A good-sized double which would be perfect for visitors and two single rooms.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Upstairs is also a very simple layout. This is the master.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- It's very nice. - And an en-suite shower room.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- Lovely.- Oh, good.- That's handy.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- Wardrobe space.- It's quite small.- It is slightly smaller than I expected.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36There is no doubt about it. The footprint of the house is smaller,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41more compact. It's about whether you can have something you can lock up and leave,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45low-maintenance, or if you want somewhere you have to dust.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I'm thinking about you, Marion!
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Thank you, I appreciate it.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54Also the land at the back is very nice. Let's have a look at the garden.
0:23:54 > 0:24:01At the back, there is a gravelled, patio area and the old timber garage is now being used as a workshop.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05There is also a greenhouse and even enough space to keep a few ducks.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07On paper, this property meets most of
0:24:07 > 0:24:12our couple's property requirements but how will it fare budget wise?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14What do you think it is on the market for?
0:24:17 > 0:24:19You go first this time.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22I made such a fist of it last time.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24It has got to be around our budget.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26It cannot be less, I would have thought.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I would say 325.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Well, going on the last one,
0:24:31 > 0:24:39I know this is still a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house, although it is detached, it is smaller.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43So maybe I will go...290.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46290? Swapsies. Swapping around.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49This time unfortunately, you're being a bit optimistic, because
0:24:49 > 0:24:54it's actually on the market at your price, it's on the market at 325.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- Right.- Even though it is a smaller property, the location and the garden,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03it's separate, all these things tot up in value.
0:25:03 > 0:25:10Yes. I just think maybe it's because we have lived at our present house for so long, 28 years...
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- It's hard to think of somewhere else.- It is hard, yes.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Hold your thoughts. Have a wander round.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Try to see if it could be the house for you.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Righto.- I will see you out the front.- Thanks.
0:25:20 > 0:25:27With a price tag that matches our buyers' budget of £325,000, this detached, Edwardian property,
0:25:27 > 0:25:32offers four bedrooms with an en-suite shower room to the master.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36As well as a kitchen/breakfast room with an adjoining snug,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40it has a separate dining room, a dual-aspect lounge
0:25:40 > 0:25:43and outside there is a delightful south-facing garden.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46A good-size but still relatively small.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- Yes but it's got these wardrobes here.- Storage.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Plenty of storage.- It is a double after all.- It is a double, exactly.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56I'm undecided, to be frank.
0:25:56 > 0:26:02My first thought was that being on the main road it would be too noisy,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05and it is something that we are trying to get away from.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Traffic is a curse.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12I think this property is ideal in a lot of ways.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14It's got a lovely garden
0:26:14 > 0:26:18and the required four bedrooms, the en-suite bathroom.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21I like the clean lines, the kitchen.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It's fine.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27It is quite a busy road here but I suppose you would not be standing
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- outside the front of your house too often. Hello. All done?- All done.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Right, so pull the door behind you and we are going to go and regroup.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Leaving Bob and Marion to mull over the properties we've
0:26:46 > 0:26:50shown them so far, the first day of our house hunt comes to an end.
0:26:53 > 0:27:00With a budget of £325,000, London-based Bob and Marion have decided to quit the City
0:27:00 > 0:27:03to find some peace in the Suffolk countryside.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07So far we've shown them two super properties, but coming up,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10will be historic charm of our mystery house be a contender?
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I think it's got character, without any shadow of a doubt.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15And we find out whether we've backed a winner.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22Day Two of our property search in Suffolk and the sun is shining
0:27:22 > 0:27:24and making two things clear to me -
0:27:24 > 0:27:27one, that Marion really isn't that keen on period detail.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28What she wants is space.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33And two, that Bob will probably agree with Marion to get an easy life.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36So I'm really looking forward to the mystery house, because that
0:27:36 > 0:27:40is going to challenge them in every which way.
0:27:40 > 0:27:46The mystery house is the last stop on our tour and takes us nine miles east of Bury St Edmunds to Woolpit.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49The centre of this picturesque village is a conservation area
0:27:49 > 0:27:55and many period timber houses as well as an imposing Gothic church can be found here.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00Also a good selection of traditional shops and pubs.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04And right in the heart of this well-served village is our mystery house.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- This is the property I want to show you, the mystery house.- Goodness.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13Because it's challenging some of your preconceptions. It is listed.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- Right.- What are your first thoughts when you see it?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- Fantastic.- Money.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Money? Spending money on the upkeep.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Possibly, but it's a fantastic-looking building.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- Yes, beautiful, isn't it? - How old is this?
0:28:26 > 0:28:30It's from the 1400s, so it's a classic timber-built
0:28:30 > 0:28:34early Renaissance building, like a lot of the buildings here.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38So the property is attached, two properties in this big historic chunk.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44But the reason we brought you here is to challenge your preconceptions about listed being small and poky.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- OK.- Let's have a look inside.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51Built for the community, this property was formerly a hall house and offered somewhere for
0:28:51 > 0:28:56village folk to congregate, and its proportions certainly reflects this.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Come on in.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Into the dining room.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Goodness.- How exciting.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Fantastic.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- Look at the high ceilings.- Yes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11It's bigger than I expected.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14That fireplace is enormous.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Goodness.- Fantastic flooring.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Original flooring, perhaps?
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Yes, this one is original. The same sort of tiles.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I'm very impressed. It is much bigger than I expected it to be.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27I think it's an ideal dining room. I think it's wonderful.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32- Can you imagine having your wine tastings here?- I certainly could. There is enough light, just about.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33Imagine Christmas here as well.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37Yes, I think it's got character, without any shadow of a doubt.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Well, that's a surprise, a glowing response so far, even from Marion!
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Mind your head here, a low door.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Oh, lovely room.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Beautiful.- Incredible.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55This is a room with lots and lots of history, not least this,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58which is a prayer wall,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02so this is a very old original plasterwork
0:30:02 > 0:30:04from the time of the Reformation.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07When Henry VII was pulling down all the monasteries.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09It's very attractive.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12It's tenderly decorated, isn't it?
0:30:12 > 0:30:16I love the idea of a piece of history and we become part of it in a way.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18And it goes along here as well.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22Could Bob and Marion be softening to the idea of a listed property?
0:30:22 > 0:30:25They really seem to love the period features of this house.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30Behind the sitting room is a pretty breakfast-room with
0:30:30 > 0:30:34an unusual kiln-shaped fireplace which leads to the kitchen.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- The kitchen is quite small...- Yes.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38..and strangely shaped.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42So all the units have been hand-made to fit in.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46It is an unusual shape. What do you think, Marion?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- Yes.- Some space there.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Some storage there, and you do have this quite nice pantry
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- and you have your fridge and washing machine in there.- I see.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58And there's the utility room, excellent. I'm attracted to it.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02I think this is very much Marion's domain, but I like it.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07It suits me. It's a case of whether it's big enough for Marion, really. I think it's good.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Well, in the tradition of all mystery houses, it's challenging.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Definitely.- It is a compromise from what we're used to.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Let's look upstairs, because that's a bit higgledy-piggledy.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Well, the kitchen may have put a spanner in the works,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26but I'm sure they'll like what's on offer on the first floor.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Upstairs there's a bathroom, next to a good-sized single bedroom.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33And what does the master bedroom hold in store?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It's got slopey doors and slopey floors.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39This is the master.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Lovely size.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Incredible.- Really nice. - Another fireplace.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48An ideal place to put the chest of drawers.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Good storage. Again, it's much bigger than I expected.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Well, similar sized to the room downstairs.
0:31:54 > 0:32:00- This is certainly the main bedroom. - It's by far the biggest bedroom.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Onwards and upwards, because there is a second floor to this house too,
0:32:04 > 0:32:09with what's referred to as the third bedroom, and leading off that, a study.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- Bet you weren't expecting that, were you?- No! Wonderful office.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Lovely. Lots of light.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20It's a bit of a clamber to get up here, and obviously you're right up in the eaves,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23but it's all very useful space.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- Surprising as well.- Yeah.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30It's certainly attractive, a very attractive room, I must say.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35It's quirky. You know, the layout is not straight up and down stairs.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38How many people could have a home like this?
0:32:38 > 0:32:42Bob seems quite smitten, but I'm not sure about Marion.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45So let's go outside and see if the garden will win her over.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- And out into the garden. The little back gate.- It's lovely.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Well, this is the smallest of the gardens I've shown you,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- but it's quite secluded.- It is.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- Private little garden.- Yes, attractive. Low-maintenance again.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- It appeals to me.- Definitely low maintenance.- Two sitting areas.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05A nice cooking apple tree.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09And you have got a drive, a little lane that goes along the side of your property,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13and behind this cottage there is a garage that belongs to you as well.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15That is good. That is interesting.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18So what do you think...? Let's not go into the period, because
0:33:18 > 0:33:22that's a big discussion point, but what do you think about the price?
0:33:22 > 0:33:25How much to think something like this in the middle of Woolpit cost?
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Marion, you go first. I'm not very good at this!
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Well, because of what it is,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I would say it's above our budget?
0:33:34 > 0:33:39- Maybe 350.- OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41I tend to agree with you, really.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44I would have said in excess of our budget, 330?
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Well, you're both wrong.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49It is spot on your budget, it's 325.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So, it is a challenge, and we knew it was a challenge,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56bringing particularly you here, because we know you're not a huge fan of the period.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01But have a wander round and see if it's made anything re-align
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- in your house hunting, and then we'll see you at the front.- Thanks.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10So I'm not sure whether Marion was just being polite.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14She was smiling and nodding, whereas inside she was hating every moment of it.
0:34:14 > 0:34:20But, even if she did hate every moment it's a good way of focusing your mind on what you do and don't
0:34:20 > 0:34:26want, and I think it does prove the point that period properties don't have to be dark and poky.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Surprisingly bang on budget at £325,000,
0:34:32 > 0:34:38this stunning Grade II listed property is steeped in character and offers a wealth of period features.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42Set on three floors, it has three bedrooms and a study,
0:34:42 > 0:34:46a large sitting room and a separate dining room dominate the ground floor,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50which also features a hand-made kitchen and utility area.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Outside, there is a low-maintenance garden and garage.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- I think it's a terrific room.- Right.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58I love this bit of history on the wall.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- I think it's fantastic, isn't it? - And it goes well with the beams.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05And that door, look at how old this is.
0:35:05 > 0:35:12All the obvious period features, the fireplaces, the stone tile flooring, I think they're wonderful.
0:35:12 > 0:35:18I like the beams, and I think the whole of the downstairs is superb.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Well, it's certainly a mystery in itself somehow.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25It's fantastic, full of character. An amazing house.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30But I've never thought that I could live in a house like that.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35However, going through it, it's such a homely house as well that...
0:35:36 > 0:35:39..you know, I've warmed to it, to be honest.
0:35:41 > 0:35:46So, let's leave all this history and Woolpit behind and we'll go and gather our thoughts.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- OK.- Good.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Although horse racing is part of Suffolk's past, the sport is also very much part of its present.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05The county's association with the turf dates back to the 17th century.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10And today it's home to the largest number of licensed trainers in the UK,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12as well as more than 60 stud farms.
0:36:12 > 0:36:19And some of racing's biggest names live here, including Frankie Dettori and the legendary Lester Piggott.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23But maintaining this enviable reputation means investing in the future,
0:36:23 > 0:36:29and training the next generation of professional jockeys, trainers and those who manage the industry.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32I've come to the British Racing School in Newmarket to get
0:36:32 > 0:36:38a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the life of a bunch of hard-working trainees.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41They're part way through a nine-week course to become stable staff.
0:36:41 > 0:36:47Once they've completed the course and a working in a yard, they can be put forward to train
0:36:47 > 0:36:53as apprentice jockeys, and these three have their sights set firmly on a career in the saddle.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56What are the things they get in the way of being a licensed jockey?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Injury.- Injury?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Yeah, like any job, you can always get injured.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Probably a bit more likely on a skittish racehorse, I should think!
0:37:05 > 0:37:09'With breakfast over, it's back out into the yard to get the horses
0:37:09 > 0:37:13'ready for the second training session of the day.' Which horse is this?
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- This is Miss Jabber.- Miss Jabber!
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Do you ride the same horse for the whole nine weeks?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21No, different horses every day.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Sometimes you might be on the same one on Monday and then again Tuesday,
0:37:25 > 0:37:29but that's one of the good things - you ride a lot of different horses as well.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Have you learnt one golden tip in the last six weeks?
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Yeah, I think the key is to relax and the horses relax.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Keep your horse relaxed. If you're relaxed, the horse will be, and
0:37:40 > 0:37:45the horse can feel you through the reins and everything, your hands.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48If you feel a bit tense, the horse feels it and it passes on to it.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- Oh, hello.- All right, pet.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53As stable staff, the trainees will be responsible
0:37:53 > 0:37:57for exercising their horses for up to an hour and a half a day,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00so they need to be competent riders.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03This is only their second day out on the straight gallop.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07I am with trainer Julie Lingham, who's keeping a watchful eye on their technique.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Just use your voice. Just as you're walking away, nice and quietly, nice soft hands and then use your voice.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Think about your distance there, Matthew.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Racing may be known as the sport of kings, but a jockey's life
0:38:19 > 0:38:23is a tough one, and only a handful will make it to the top.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Professional jockeys can ride in up to 14 races a day,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31sometimes travelling hundreds of miles between racecourses.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35So are the chances of one of these guys being a professional jockey is slim?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37It is slim, yes.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- You're realistic about it and you let them know that? - Yeah, they have to know.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43It is pretty slim, but it's nice.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49If they've got a goal and an aim in life to do it, then it's great to see them come back and get their licence.
0:38:49 > 0:38:55Julie seems pleased with their performance, and I'm keen to find out how they fared.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Well done, you looked amazing, and that's only the second day
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- you've been on the long straight run?- Yeah.
0:39:00 > 0:39:06- How was it for you, Shelley? - Amazing. Like, the feeling of going up that long straight is amazing.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Every time I ride, you get such a buzz about it.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14It's been a real inspiration meeting these enthusiastic young riders.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17And good luck to them all in their chosen career.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Look at this mass of blossom in the beginning of September.
0:39:27 > 0:39:33No wonder Bury is called the floral city of Britain, and it's also been the epicentre of our house hunting,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37so a fitting place to meet Bob and Marion for a final sum-up.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44So we come full circle back to Bury, because I know you love it here,
0:39:44 > 0:39:49to the Abbey Gardens, which I think is a fitting place to finish our historic jaunt around Suffolk.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- It has been quite historic, hasn't it?- Certainly has.- Very.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Let's spin the clock back to the first day when we looked at the house on Cow Green.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- What are your thoughts about that now?- I liked it quite a lot.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05I don't know if it was the first room which seemed so much older
0:40:05 > 0:40:08and almost slightly spooky for me, actually.
0:40:08 > 0:40:14But then moving round, the bigger rooms and so on, and the outside
0:40:14 > 0:40:18aspect of the garden, the big kitchen, it had everything, really.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- So there was space there, wasn't there?- There was space, yeah.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25But it seems you liked the features more than Marion, first off.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27I did enjoy the character of the place.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31Although it was semi-detached, I was quite surprised,
0:40:31 > 0:40:36and I was even more surprised when I found out what the price was. I thought that was really good value.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41You are down pricing rather than downsizing. That was evident in the second house. What did you think?
0:40:41 > 0:40:45I did quite like the front aspect
0:40:45 > 0:40:47and the rear. Inside...
0:40:47 > 0:40:51It was just the bit in between you didn't like!
0:40:51 > 0:40:55It was a little...cosy.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Although I did like the kitchen, even though it wasn't huge.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03My great misgiving, really, would be the location on the main road.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- I think that would niggle me after a while.- It annoys you?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09It was noisier than I expected, that's for sure.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Now, the mystery house certainly had character.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Just a few hours ago, what do you think of that?
0:41:15 > 0:41:19I thought the mystery house was stunning. I really did like it.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Again, it's on the main road, which I think could be a problem,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26but the downstairs area I thought was superb.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32It was far more well lit than I expected it to be and, all in all, I thought it was a terrific house.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I can see myself and there, but I'm not sure about Marion.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38No, you live in that one, I'll live in the other one!
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I noticed you had problems on the stairs in the mystery house.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Yeah, they're a bit steep for me. And curving round.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48It looked like the sort of house that you see in these lovely villages,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52but one that I wouldn't think of actually living in.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57And in terms of what happens next, how will you proceed? What do you think you're going to do?
0:41:57 > 0:42:01The only one I think I would go for
0:42:01 > 0:42:02would be the first one.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07I think I'd like to see the immediate surrounding area.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12- And the village.- Yes, just to sort of judge that and check that out. - So, a second look straight away.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16I hope things work out, if not with our properties, then with others.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It does seem like this is a good place for you to look to down price,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22but also to guarantee yourself some peace and quiet
0:42:22 > 0:42:27- while you are off gadding around the world enjoying your retirement. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- Good luck.- Thank you.- Thanks.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35It's really nice to have a budget in the low 300 thousands that
0:42:35 > 0:42:39gets our couple everything they want plus a bit of history thrown in,
0:42:39 > 0:42:44so fingers crossed that Suffolk comes up trumps and gives exactly what Bob and Marion are looking for.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48If you'd like to see other counties are opening their property treasure chest,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52tune in next time for more Escape to the Country.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57In the end, Bob and Marion didn't pick any of our houses, but they did fall in love with
0:42:57 > 0:43:02the village we showed them where our second property was located. The good news is,
0:43:02 > 0:43:06they've put in an offer on a contemporary style home there.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Wales, Scotland or England and need our help, please apply online at:
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