Suffolk

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0:00:03 > 0:00:06Many people believe this six-storey medieval tower

0:00:06 > 0:00:10was built as a place of study for the daughter of a wealthy lord.

0:00:10 > 0:00:14On the first floor, she learnt charity, the second, tapestry,

0:00:14 > 0:00:17the third, music, the fourth, painting.

0:00:17 > 0:00:19On the fifth floor she learnt literature

0:00:19 > 0:00:21and on the sixth, astronomy.

0:00:21 > 0:00:23But is this fact or fiction?

0:00:23 > 0:00:25Find out in just a moment.

0:00:41 > 0:00:45Our couple today are trading their current rather crowded house

0:00:45 > 0:00:48for a slice of spacious rural life.

0:00:48 > 0:00:51What we've seen is just what we're looking for.

0:00:51 > 0:00:55We found them three properties to tempt them into the country.

0:00:55 > 0:00:57Oh, wow! Weren't expecting this.

0:00:57 > 0:01:01And our mystery house certainly raises a smile!

0:01:01 > 0:01:03Wow! I love it.

0:01:07 > 0:01:12Today, I'm in Suffolk by the River Orwell, and this is Freston Tower,

0:01:12 > 0:01:15believed to be the oldest folly in Britain.

0:01:15 > 0:01:19It was also the subject of a popular 19th-century best seller.

0:01:19 > 0:01:23Freston Tower and the Life and Times of Cardinal Wolsey

0:01:23 > 0:01:27told the tale of the cardinal and his learned mentor, Lord Freston,

0:01:27 > 0:01:31who built this tower as a place of study for his daughter.

0:01:31 > 0:01:35Over the years, fiction has made its way into the history books.

0:01:35 > 0:01:41It's much more likely this medieval skyscraper was built by a wealthy Ipswich merchant

0:01:41 > 0:01:43in the mid-1500s

0:01:43 > 0:01:45as a look-out for his returning ships.

0:01:45 > 0:01:48And what a beautiful setting he picked.

0:01:50 > 0:01:54Suffolk is a landscape of gently undulating countryside,

0:01:54 > 0:01:59made up of wetland, meadows and farmland.

0:01:59 > 0:02:01Home to some of the largest arable farms in the country

0:02:01 > 0:02:05it's the perfect environment to grow wheat, sugar beet and barley.

0:02:05 > 0:02:09Once a commercial powerhouse due to the textile industry

0:02:09 > 0:02:15in the 14th and 15th centuries, Suffolk became one of the richest counties in England.

0:02:15 > 0:02:18The evidence of this medieval prosperity

0:02:18 > 0:02:22can be seen in Suffolk's range of magnificent churches

0:02:22 > 0:02:23and timber-framed buildings.

0:02:23 > 0:02:28With East Anglia boasting 11 per cent more sunshine than the rest of the country,

0:02:28 > 0:02:32it's no wonder that artists such as Constable and Turner

0:02:32 > 0:02:38spent so much time outdoors painting iconic images of this picturesque county.

0:02:46 > 0:02:51I just hope we can find today's house-hunters their dream country pile.

0:02:51 > 0:02:56Meet property developer Graham and scuba-diving instructor, Nicky.

0:02:56 > 0:02:58Both have daughters from previous relationships

0:02:58 > 0:03:01so now's the time to swap a crowded house on an estate

0:03:01 > 0:03:04for a spacious country retreat.

0:03:04 > 0:03:07So why Suffolk?

0:03:07 > 0:03:10We can get a lot more for our money in Suffolk than we can in this area.

0:03:10 > 0:03:13Also, we're looking for really good schools.

0:03:13 > 0:03:16So what type of location are they after?

0:03:16 > 0:03:21We'd like something with a village feel to it. Maybe at the edge of a village

0:03:21 > 0:03:26or I don't mind going out to a stand-alone house in a country lane somewhere.

0:03:26 > 0:03:28Happy for either of those.

0:03:28 > 0:03:32OK, but what about the house itself?

0:03:32 > 0:03:35I'd like Georgian, or a nice barn conversion.

0:03:35 > 0:03:40We're looking for something with nice frontage, wow factor as you approach.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43A nice big space. Lots of character.

0:03:43 > 0:03:47Is there anything we should steer away from?

0:03:47 > 0:03:49Not really interested in a thatched cottage.

0:03:49 > 0:03:53Or the housing estate. I don't want to live on a housing estate.

0:03:53 > 0:03:58We should be able to find a suitable period property minus the thatch.

0:03:58 > 0:04:01So let's get down to the details.

0:04:01 > 0:04:07I'd like a nice big double garage, with some sort of workshop, storage area onto it.

0:04:07 > 0:04:11Some nice big bedrooms, a minimum of four.

0:04:11 > 0:04:12Nice and light and airy.

0:04:12 > 0:04:15Yeah, and room to put a pool in, if possible.

0:04:15 > 0:04:21I teach scuba diving, so to be able to use my own swimming pool would be fantastic.

0:04:21 > 0:04:24And obviously room for parents to stay.

0:04:25 > 0:04:29And Nicky wants an acre of land to satisfy her equine urge.

0:04:29 > 0:04:33It's a dream to be able to have horses at the house

0:04:33 > 0:04:35so that we can look after them ourselves.

0:04:35 > 0:04:39To fund their move, they'll be selling their current property.

0:04:39 > 0:04:42What sort of money do we have to work with?

0:04:42 > 0:04:44Our budget is ?650,000.

0:04:48 > 0:04:52Nicky and Graham's main priority seems to be space,

0:04:52 > 0:04:54both inside and out.

0:04:54 > 0:04:59They plan to get a horse, so we need to find them at least an acre of land.

0:04:59 > 0:05:03Inside, they hanker for high ceilings and large windows.

0:05:03 > 0:05:08So a traditional Suffolk cottage just isn't going to cut it.

0:05:08 > 0:05:11However, they do have a rather healthy budget,

0:05:11 > 0:05:13?650,000.

0:05:13 > 0:05:18So we should be able to find them something a little more spacious.

0:05:19 > 0:05:24We'll be concentrating our search in the north of Suffolk, near the market town of Eye,

0:05:24 > 0:05:28an ideal location to find good schools for their respective daughters.

0:05:28 > 0:05:32We'll be showing Graham and Nicky three Suffolk gems

0:05:32 > 0:05:35without telling them the price until the end of the tour.

0:05:35 > 0:05:41As always, there's the mystery house, a twist in the tail of the house-hunting trail.

0:05:45 > 0:05:48Graham and Nicky, welcome to Suffolk. Thank you. Hi.

0:05:48 > 0:05:54You live in a beautiful area in Hertfordshire. Why move? We'd like more space. More garden,

0:05:54 > 0:05:57and the pool is important for my work.

0:05:57 > 0:06:02And our family has doubled in size, so we want to find a family home for the four of us.

0:06:02 > 0:06:06This is the first time you've bought a home together. Yes. Yes.

0:06:06 > 0:06:09For the whole family. Yes. That's wonderful.

0:06:09 > 0:06:15This move, you're looking for a bigger house, four bedrooms. Land. You want to get horses.

0:06:15 > 0:06:20Yes, the youngest daughter would like a pony. Yeah?

0:06:20 > 0:06:25OK. This list is growing! We have got three great properties to show you.

0:06:25 > 0:06:29One of which is our mystery house. Ready to get started? Yes!

0:06:29 > 0:06:32Come on, then. Thank you.

0:06:33 > 0:06:39With a budget of ?650,000 Graham and Nicky want a detached character property.

0:06:56 > 0:07:01Our first property is just outside the small market town of Eye.

0:07:01 > 0:07:05Lording over the town, the 14th-century church

0:07:05 > 0:07:07is said to be one of the finest in the country.

0:07:07 > 0:07:13On the high street, Graham and Nicky will be well-serviced with a post office, speciality shops and pub.

0:07:13 > 0:07:17And there's a selection of good schools within easy reach.

0:07:17 > 0:07:22Our first offering has an impressive 17th-century pedigree.

0:07:22 > 0:07:27Well, Nicky and Graham, let the house search begin. Here's Property One.

0:07:27 > 0:07:30Wow! It's really nice. Yeah?

0:07:30 > 0:07:35Built in the late 16th, early 17th century, it's not listed.

0:07:35 > 0:07:39Cool. That's probably music to your ears, Graham! Certainly is.

0:07:39 > 0:07:45You might have noticed, this section is different. That was the Victorian extension. Stunning.

0:07:45 > 0:07:49Great start. Shall we head on in? Lovely. Thank you.

0:07:52 > 0:07:54Do come in.

0:07:54 > 0:07:56Here is your hallway.

0:07:56 > 0:07:58Very nice. Nice and big.

0:07:58 > 0:07:59Wow. Lovely.

0:07:59 > 0:08:02I like the bell!

0:08:02 > 0:08:06Tea, please, butler! Straight through into the sitting room.

0:08:08 > 0:08:11That's really sweet! Fantastic!

0:08:11 > 0:08:13Wow!

0:08:13 > 0:08:17It's a super sitting room. I love the windows. And the bookcases.

0:08:17 > 0:08:21This is exactly what I was looking for, in every way.

0:08:21 > 0:08:24That's a very good start. I can feel the pressure!

0:08:24 > 0:08:28It's got to go up. It can't go down! Let's continue.

0:08:28 > 0:08:34'For a 300-year-old property, it is light, so Graham should continue to be impressed.'

0:08:34 > 0:08:39Through the hallway, you have your large country kitchen.

0:08:39 > 0:08:41Yep, that's a good size.

0:08:41 > 0:08:46It's a good size. Could do with a bit of updating, modernising.

0:08:46 > 0:08:48I could have my bespoke kitchen.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51Every woman's dream! Absolutely!

0:08:51 > 0:08:53Like what you see? Love it.

0:08:53 > 0:08:55Perfect. So let's keep going.

0:08:59 > 0:09:04Here is your sort of second sitting room/reception room.

0:09:04 > 0:09:07Beautiful fireplace. Open fire.

0:09:07 > 0:09:11Absolutely beautiful. I love the beams. Beams are fantastic.

0:09:11 > 0:09:15Then the beams are a natural divide into the dining area.

0:09:15 > 0:09:16That works, doesn't it? Yeah.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19It's a big space here as well.

0:09:19 > 0:09:21Nice big table in for Christmas. Yeah.

0:09:21 > 0:09:23Absolutely perfect.

0:09:23 > 0:09:27Next to the dining room is a useful study and downstairs bathroom.

0:09:27 > 0:09:33Upstairs are two bedrooms separated from the main sleeping quarters,

0:09:33 > 0:09:36perfect for when Nicky's parents come to stay.

0:09:36 > 0:09:39But we're exploring the master bedroom.

0:09:41 > 0:09:43Here's your master.

0:09:43 > 0:09:45Loads of storage.

0:09:45 > 0:09:48More storage for books, if you're avid readers!

0:09:48 > 0:09:52Your own en-suite, done in tongue-and-groove style.

0:09:52 > 0:09:55Uh-huh. And here's your bedroom.

0:09:57 > 0:10:02That's cool. Big enough. That's nice. Perfect size. Good head height still.

0:10:02 > 0:10:06Nice and light still as well. Yeah.

0:10:06 > 0:10:09The two other double bedrooms have a great aspect,

0:10:09 > 0:10:12and there's also a shower room for the girls.

0:10:12 > 0:10:15But we haven't finished with the accommodation.

0:10:15 > 0:10:17We have a rather impressive outbuilding, perfect for guests.

0:10:24 > 0:10:27We have the old granary.

0:10:27 > 0:10:31Wow! I wasn't expecting this! You kept this one quiet, didn't you?

0:10:31 > 0:10:33It's just under 100 years old.

0:10:33 > 0:10:36It was converted about five years ago.

0:10:36 > 0:10:40You've got the kitchen, a downstairs bathroom, and above us, the mezzanine,

0:10:40 > 0:10:44there's another bedroom. OK.

0:10:44 > 0:10:48So another option is to put your mother in here when she comes to stay. Yeah.

0:10:48 > 0:10:50This is bigger than most people's flats.

0:10:50 > 0:10:52It's huge.

0:10:52 > 0:10:54Right. Let's show you the land.

0:10:58 > 0:11:01So you've got this huge pond

0:11:01 > 0:11:04and an acre and a half of land in total.

0:11:04 > 0:11:06Fantastic. Yeah.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09It doesn't have a pool, Nicky.

0:11:09 > 0:11:14No, but there's a really good space over there, if we could get planning permission,

0:11:14 > 0:11:16if we need planning permission, we could put there.

0:11:16 > 0:11:19So, it's guess the price time.

0:11:19 > 0:11:20You go first!

0:11:20 > 0:11:26I was going to say 645,000 cos I think it's near the top end of the budget.

0:11:26 > 0:11:30I'm going to have to go above that.

0:11:30 > 0:11:32Slightly over our budget.

0:11:32 > 0:11:37I'm going to go probably...660.

0:11:37 > 0:11:41It's just gone on the market. Hasn't been on very long at all.

0:11:41 > 0:11:46Current asking price ?625,000. Wow.

0:11:46 > 0:11:47I'm shocked at that!

0:11:47 > 0:11:49In a good way? Yeah!

0:11:49 > 0:11:51Stunned.

0:11:51 > 0:11:56Yep. Speechless. It's a lot of house for 625. It's a beautiful house. It is beautiful.

0:11:57 > 0:11:59Well, we've set the bar high.

0:11:59 > 0:12:04At ?625,000, we're well under budget.

0:12:15 > 0:12:16Seen enough?

0:12:16 > 0:12:19Wow, you've really set the benchmark now!

0:12:19 > 0:12:22Now you've got to clear your minds cos we've got other properties to see.

0:12:22 > 0:12:25Come on!

0:12:33 > 0:12:39Every era of English history has seen its share of decorative trends and fashions.

0:12:39 > 0:12:44In medieval Suffolk, it was the timber-framed wattle and daub house that ruled the roost.

0:12:44 > 0:12:48In the 16th century, homeowners began to decorate these houses

0:12:48 > 0:12:53with ornamental plasterwork. The richer you were, the more elaborate the decoration.

0:12:53 > 0:12:55The craft became known as parjety

0:12:55 > 0:13:00and, along with North Essex, south-west Suffolk was the heartland of this art.

0:13:00 > 0:13:04Today, a handful of craftsmen are keeping the skill alive.

0:13:04 > 0:13:08Earlier in the week, I met up with freehand parjeter Bill Sargent

0:13:08 > 0:13:11at one of his most recent projects.

0:13:11 > 0:13:15Now, you're a parjeter. What does the word mean? I've never heard it.

0:13:15 > 0:13:18It's a French term, and it means to throw.

0:13:18 > 0:13:21How far does it go back in England?

0:13:21 > 0:13:24As far as we know, to the reign of Henry VIII.

0:13:24 > 0:13:27Can I have a go? Have a go! See what you're like.

0:13:29 > 0:13:32Bill and I set to work on creating a cockerel,

0:13:32 > 0:13:37using just a plasterer's small tool with a mixture of sand, lime and pigs' hair.

0:13:37 > 0:13:43Because it's fibrous, it allows some give, as timber houses move over time.

0:13:44 > 0:13:47Feel how soft and pliable it is. Lovely. Yeah.

0:13:47 > 0:13:52It's got to flow and you have to remember that everything has to be done

0:13:52 > 0:13:56so it won't trap water. Think of that all the time.

0:13:56 > 0:13:58OK, you have a go now.

0:13:58 > 0:14:02Thank you. Here's some material. And the trowel.

0:14:02 > 0:14:04Like that? That's it.

0:14:04 > 0:14:06Hold the trowel on its side.

0:14:09 > 0:14:13Push it in. Push the material. That's it, Nicki.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16What's amazing is this has taken you a couple of minutes

0:14:16 > 0:14:19and already the cockerel is emerging.

0:14:19 > 0:14:20You can just see it now.

0:14:20 > 0:14:23I'm loving this. Thank you so much.

0:14:23 > 0:14:25You've been quite a good assistant!

0:14:25 > 0:14:27We'll put a twist in him.

0:14:30 > 0:14:32That bit fell off!

0:14:32 > 0:14:36Bill may say parjeting is easy,

0:14:36 > 0:14:38but then he's a master craftsman.

0:14:38 > 0:14:41I'll leave it to the professionals!

0:14:41 > 0:14:43For now, it's back to the house-hunt.

0:14:45 > 0:14:47Our second property is also a period build

0:14:47 > 0:14:49that's been added to over the years.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52So we're heading just over the border into Norfolk

0:14:52 > 0:14:54to the town of Diss.

0:14:56 > 0:14:59Boasting one of the deepest inland lakes in England,

0:14:59 > 0:15:04this six-acre mere makes for a peaceful centre-piece to the town.

0:15:04 > 0:15:07Our next property is ideally located five miles from town.

0:15:07 > 0:15:11So they'll have plenty of peace and quiet.

0:15:12 > 0:15:14So here is your second property.

0:15:14 > 0:15:17Graham, you like Georgian houses. I do.

0:15:17 > 0:15:22This has Georgian features. Built around the end of the Georgian period.

0:15:22 > 0:15:26What do you think? Yeah, it's OK. Have a look inside.

0:15:26 > 0:15:30Not the wow factor straightaway. Not the wow factor, no.

0:15:30 > 0:15:32What about you, Nicky? I like it.

0:15:32 > 0:15:37It's an attractive-looking house. A period house. It's Grade II listed.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40Shall we start? Sure! Come on. Lovely.

0:15:46 > 0:15:50You've got this first room. It could be a small sitting room.

0:15:50 > 0:15:55OK, yeah. Nice big space for an office. Yeah. A snug or anything.

0:15:55 > 0:15:58This gets the thumbs up? Yeah.

0:15:58 > 0:16:00Let's keep going.

0:16:05 > 0:16:07A very large kitchen.

0:16:07 > 0:16:11Wow, yes, that's very nice. Yeah. Good size.

0:16:11 > 0:16:14I think I'd like to work some magic in here as well. Yeah.

0:16:18 > 0:16:21Next to the kitchen is another reception room.

0:16:21 > 0:16:25But we're going to explore an unlikely addition to this listed building.

0:16:29 > 0:16:35So, the house is Grade II listed. However, they were granted approval for this massive extension

0:16:35 > 0:16:39which practically doubles the footprint of the downstairs of the house. It's quite stunning.

0:16:39 > 0:16:45I love all the glass. Yeah.

0:16:45 > 0:16:48As well as this, there's a small study next door.

0:16:48 > 0:16:50There's a wet room on the ground floor.

0:16:50 > 0:16:55On the next level, light streams into the two dual-aspect double bedrooms

0:16:55 > 0:16:57which would be perfect for the girls.

0:16:57 > 0:17:00There's also a cosy single.

0:17:00 > 0:17:03But we're heading to the master bedroom.

0:17:03 > 0:17:06Come into just one of the bedrooms.

0:17:06 > 0:17:09All the rooms are about this size. OK.

0:17:09 > 0:17:11One's a bit smaller.

0:17:11 > 0:17:15I like the windows and the views out. It's a bit small.

0:17:15 > 0:17:18Yeah. A bit small, but you know...

0:17:18 > 0:17:21This floor also has a family bathroom,

0:17:21 > 0:17:24a shower room and a large dressing room.

0:17:24 > 0:17:27So reconfiguring it is definitely an option.

0:17:27 > 0:17:29Outside, there's plenty of room for Nicky's scuba gear.

0:17:31 > 0:17:35Now, I know you both need plenty of storage space.

0:17:35 > 0:17:38You've got a double garage there.

0:17:38 > 0:17:40And additional storage on this side.

0:17:40 > 0:17:44You've also got a massive barn-type shed.

0:17:44 > 0:17:46Perfect.

0:17:46 > 0:17:50Let's check out the garden, cos I know that's close to your heart.

0:17:51 > 0:17:56The landscaped garden frames the property beautifully

0:17:56 > 0:17:58and there's even space at the rear for a pool.

0:17:58 > 0:18:02But all this does come at a cost. I just hope they're ready for the price.

0:18:03 > 0:18:08So you've got about 1.8 acres with this property. Yeah.

0:18:08 > 0:18:12So, it's time to guess the price. That's a hard one.

0:18:12 > 0:18:14Who wants to go first?

0:18:14 > 0:18:19I think ?595,000.

0:18:19 > 0:18:20OK.

0:18:20 > 0:18:24I'm going to go with, again, slightly higher.

0:18:24 > 0:18:26I'm going for 625.

0:18:27 > 0:18:29You're both out.

0:18:29 > 0:18:34It's on the market for ?675,000!

0:18:34 > 0:18:37Hmm. Yeah.

0:18:52 > 0:18:56The garden can easily fit a swimming pool,

0:18:56 > 0:19:01but the combination of price and upstairs space may be the issue.

0:19:15 > 0:19:18As the sun settles over the Suffolk wetlands,

0:19:18 > 0:19:21Graham and Nicky will be considering all they've seen

0:19:21 > 0:19:23on their first day of house-hunting.

0:19:27 > 0:19:31I thought yesterday's house hunt went really well.

0:19:31 > 0:19:33Despite their long list of requirements,

0:19:33 > 0:19:39what Nicky and Graham crave is a characterful and spacious family home

0:19:39 > 0:19:41in a decent plot of land.

0:19:41 > 0:19:43Today, we're going to show them just that.

0:19:43 > 0:19:48But hey, it's the mystery house, so there's got to be a twist!

0:19:51 > 0:19:56Our mystery property is located outside the historic village of Laxfield.

0:19:56 > 0:20:01Officially laid out around the 14th-century church with its imposing tower,

0:20:01 > 0:20:05the post office and store is on one side, the pub is on the other,

0:20:05 > 0:20:11and an impressive timber-framed 16th-century guild hall is opposite.

0:20:11 > 0:20:13Nicky and Graham wanted character

0:20:13 > 0:20:15and this property delivers just that.

0:20:15 > 0:20:19But it is a new build, and then there's the thatched roof!

0:20:21 > 0:20:25So, mystery house time.

0:20:25 > 0:20:28Now, this property does have a thatch.

0:20:28 > 0:20:31Which I know you weren't keen on.

0:20:31 > 0:20:34But it's a traditional house built in a contemporary style.

0:20:34 > 0:20:39Perhaps it's something you might not have looked at before,

0:20:39 > 0:20:42but it's certainly worth looking around this property. OK.

0:20:42 > 0:20:44What are your first impressions?

0:20:44 > 0:20:46Actually, very nice. Yes.

0:20:46 > 0:20:51The thatch is beautifully done. Yeah. Love it. Quite impressed.

0:20:51 > 0:20:54Originally, there was a 200-year-old cottage here.

0:20:54 > 0:21:00They got permission to take it down and build this house. So the footprint is what the cottage was.

0:21:00 > 0:21:03Ready to get started? Yes! Yes, please.

0:21:03 > 0:21:04Come on.

0:21:04 > 0:21:08Being a water reed thatch, the roof should last between 50 to 70 years

0:21:08 > 0:21:12which will appeal to Graham's practical side!

0:21:12 > 0:21:15And like the exterior, the inside has plenty of character

0:21:15 > 0:21:18with a modern twist.

0:21:18 > 0:21:20So, step inside. Wow!

0:21:20 > 0:21:22I love it! Do you?

0:21:22 > 0:21:25Yeah! A very good strong first impression.

0:21:25 > 0:21:27How do you feel as you step inside?

0:21:27 > 0:21:30Lovely. Stunning. I love it.

0:21:30 > 0:21:34All three of us are like Cheshire cats!

0:21:34 > 0:21:36So, loads of space here.

0:21:36 > 0:21:39You've got a nice study next door.

0:21:39 > 0:21:41Good size, so that would easily make a family room.

0:21:41 > 0:21:43Let's keep going.

0:21:44 > 0:21:49So off the hallway you've got a very large kitchen.

0:21:51 > 0:21:53Very nice, yeah!

0:21:53 > 0:21:57It doesn't need replacing. No, I won't have to do much to this!

0:21:57 > 0:22:01A very nice space.

0:22:01 > 0:22:05Beautiful kitchen. It's even got its own larder.

0:22:05 > 0:22:08Goodness. Right, follow me!

0:22:08 > 0:22:12Clearly both Graham and Nicky love the chic country styling

0:22:12 > 0:22:16and the dimensions are also winning them over.

0:22:16 > 0:22:21Here is your second reception room downstairs.

0:22:21 > 0:22:24Very nice. Excellent. Cosy. It's nice. I like the fireplace.

0:22:24 > 0:22:27Nice and bright. Very.

0:22:27 > 0:22:31The beam above the fireplace is from the original cottage.

0:22:31 > 0:22:33So that's 200 years old, at least!

0:22:33 > 0:22:37OK. The house is a little bit younger!

0:22:37 > 0:22:41Let's have a look at those bedrooms. Excellent.

0:22:41 > 0:22:46There's also a utility room and a downstairs cloakroom on the ground floor.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49Upstairs is a spacious room for Graham and Nicky,

0:22:49 > 0:22:52and I think Graham will enjoy the triple aspect.

0:22:52 > 0:22:56As a master, is this big enough for you?

0:22:56 > 0:22:59They're lovely sized rooms. It's got a really good feel.

0:22:59 > 0:23:02It really feels absolutely beautiful in here.

0:23:02 > 0:23:04Triple aspect again. Yeah.

0:23:04 > 0:23:08The other two bedrooms on this floor are spacious and light.

0:23:08 > 0:23:10There's also a family bathroom.

0:23:10 > 0:23:14One more level up, and it's the bedrooms for the girls.

0:23:15 > 0:23:18Here we are at the very top of the house.

0:23:18 > 0:23:21Ha, ha! Very sweet!

0:23:21 > 0:23:23Nice.

0:23:23 > 0:23:25A bit of mischief going on up here?

0:23:25 > 0:23:28You know priest holes?

0:23:28 > 0:23:31Hundreds of years ago, they'd hide priests in doors like that.

0:23:31 > 0:23:35That one actually leads through to the other bedroom!

0:23:35 > 0:23:38So the girls could have tremendous fun up here

0:23:38 > 0:23:41back and forward! And you wouldn't even know!

0:23:41 > 0:23:44The second bedroom is another double.

0:23:44 > 0:23:48The girls would also have their own bathroom.

0:23:48 > 0:23:52And to the rear, I have a few surprises for Nicky and Graham.

0:23:52 > 0:23:56So your outside space is quite substantial.

0:23:56 > 0:24:00You've got four stable blocks there, and a tack room.

0:24:00 > 0:24:05A double car port here and lockable storage. Fantastic. Perfect.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08And the last thing to tell you is land.

0:24:08 > 0:24:0911 acres!

0:24:09 > 0:24:12Wow! 11 acres! A little bit of land!

0:24:12 > 0:24:19Surrounding us are fields all the way back. That's a lot to think about.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22So that is the mystery property.

0:24:22 > 0:24:25Has it worked its magic? Let's find out on the price.

0:24:25 > 0:24:27Who wants to go first?

0:24:27 > 0:24:30You can on this! 700!

0:24:30 > 0:24:32?700,000?

0:24:32 > 0:24:33Maybe just under.

0:24:33 > 0:24:40OK. I'm going to take a cheeky one and go 650,

0:24:40 > 0:24:41just on the cheek!

0:24:41 > 0:24:44He is a bit cheeky, isn't he?

0:24:44 > 0:24:48Too cheeky for my liking, cos you're very close! OK?

0:24:48 > 0:24:51?645,000.

0:24:51 > 0:24:53Sold!

0:24:53 > 0:24:56Yeah? Unbelievable!

0:24:56 > 0:24:57That's brilliant.

0:24:57 > 0:25:01Yeah. And it's perfect in every way. Yeah, it is.

0:25:01 > 0:25:02See you later!

0:25:02 > 0:25:07Well, it doesn't get much better than that for a house tour.

0:25:23 > 0:25:27Time to reflect on all three properties.

0:25:27 > 0:25:29Let's go somewhere quite to gather your thoughts.

0:25:29 > 0:25:32Yeah, I think so. Yeah. Those grins!

0:25:40 > 0:25:43Well, our house hunt is now complete.

0:25:43 > 0:25:48Even though Nicky and Graham started off with a comprehensive wish list,

0:25:48 > 0:25:52we thought our work was done after that very first property.

0:25:52 > 0:25:57However, the mystery house has worked its magic once again.

0:25:57 > 0:26:00It's certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons!

0:26:00 > 0:26:04Which one will they go for? Let's find out.

0:26:07 > 0:26:14That first property that we saw. Late 16th, early 17th century with the Victorian extension.

0:26:14 > 0:26:17You got off on a very good start.

0:26:17 > 0:26:19We didn't think you'd be able to top that one!

0:26:19 > 0:26:22We liked it that much. It was a very nice house.

0:26:22 > 0:26:28It ticked all the boxes. A couple of areas needed some work, but other than that, it was great.

0:26:28 > 0:26:33Then we moved on. The second property was very different.

0:26:33 > 0:26:36It was Georgian style. I liked the front of the house.

0:26:36 > 0:26:39I wasn't so keen. You weren't so keen.

0:26:39 > 0:26:41Something wasn't quite right.

0:26:41 > 0:26:45Inside, beautiful kitchen. Then through to that extension.

0:26:45 > 0:26:47Fantastic living room space.

0:26:47 > 0:26:51And the gardens were fantastic. Fantastic, weren't they?

0:26:51 > 0:26:56But there was a small stumbling block for you, that was the upstairs. Yes.

0:26:56 > 0:27:01I don't think I could do what we need to do to that house to create what we need.

0:27:01 > 0:27:04Then lastly we saw the mystery property.

0:27:04 > 0:27:07I thought it was amazing.

0:27:07 > 0:27:08And then once we went inside, it was even better.

0:27:08 > 0:27:11Looking at the thatch now, it set that place off.

0:27:11 > 0:27:16We've converted you! I think you have! Mystery house converted you to a thatch. Then there's the land.

0:27:16 > 0:27:2011 acres! How often can you say 11 acres!

0:27:20 > 0:27:23And a stable block and room to build your pool!

0:27:23 > 0:27:25Yes. Yes, it was perfect.

0:27:25 > 0:27:27It had everything and more.

0:27:27 > 0:27:30And of course it was under budget, which is always a nice surprise.

0:27:30 > 0:27:35A massive surprise! I can't wait to hear what you're going to do!

0:27:35 > 0:27:37We have spoken already.

0:27:37 > 0:27:41We do think we may put an offer in on the mystery house, actually.

0:27:41 > 0:27:44Fantastic news!

0:27:44 > 0:27:45I think that's the house for us!

0:27:45 > 0:27:51All the very best. It's been an absolute pleasure. No, thank you very much. Thank you.

0:27:57 > 0:28:01It was our mystery home that completely bowled them over.

0:28:01 > 0:28:07The 11 acres and that ample stable block might just have been the icing on the cake!

0:28:07 > 0:28:11I truly hope that Nicky, Graham and their girls

0:28:11 > 0:28:14make Suffolk their new home very soon.

0:28:14 > 0:28:17See you next time!

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