0:00:03 > 0:00:06Life is like a bowl of cherries. Isn't that what they say?
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Rather apt for today's location,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12because this area was once known as Britain's cherry orchard.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14The locals, they call them chuggies,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and they supported the local tourist economy.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Any ideas where I am? Keep watching, as we escape to the country.
0:00:22 > 0:00:23Mmm!
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'On today's show, our couple from the capital
0:00:39 > 0:00:42'are after a character property in the country.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- Big smile on your face. - Yes, well, it's rather beautiful!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'Size is clearly important.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I think this is a bit small, actually.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- It's not huge. - It's just a little bit small.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56'Will we find their spacious country home in the end?'
0:00:56 > 0:01:00The house is massive. You can practically see the curvature of the Earth inside it.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Today I'm in the Chilterns.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08200 years ago this area was covered with orchards.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Places like Tring and Prestwood were called "cherry villages",
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and the first Sunday in August was dubbed Cherry Pie Sunday.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17I wish I'd been around then!
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Nowadays there are only 400 acres of orchards left,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23but that's plenty to keep me going
0:01:23 > 0:01:25as I explore this beautiful area.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30The Chilterns stretch from Oxfordshire in the Thames Valley
0:01:30 > 0:01:33northeast through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire
0:01:33 > 0:01:36and into Hertfordshire. This 47-mile-long strip
0:01:36 > 0:01:40is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43The peaceful canals, red-tiled roofs, thatched cottages
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and brick-and-flint villages are signature details
0:01:46 > 0:01:49that give this area its unique charm.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The Chilterns' landscape is one of gentle hills,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56untouched hedgerows, patchy woodlands and rambling tracks
0:01:56 > 0:01:59through colourful fields and farmland.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03After all, 75 percent of the area is agricultural land.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Although it isn't suburbia, this rural idyll has great links
0:02:06 > 0:02:09both by train and road into London,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12so it's a favourite with anyone that needs the city for work
0:02:12 > 0:02:14but prefers the country life.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Quiet, isn't it? Idyllic, you might say.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Well, that could soon be disrupted.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27There are plans for a high-speed rail network
0:02:27 > 0:02:31linking London and Birmingham, so trains could soon be rattling through here
0:02:31 > 0:02:34at 225 miles per hour.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Work's not due to start until 2019 at the earliest,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and lengthy public consultations are happening at the moment.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43What we say is, do your research before you make that offer.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46But with 517 square miles to explore,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49I'm sure you'll find some peace and quiet!
0:02:49 > 0:02:52We've cherry-picked these properties for you to enjoy.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Surrounded by lush landscaped gardens,
0:02:55 > 0:03:00this 19th-century semi is on the market for just under £400,000.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Inside there are three bedrooms,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04and a sizeable terracotta-tiled kitchen
0:03:04 > 0:03:06leading to a spacious dining room.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10For £500,000, this detached flint-and-brick cottage
0:03:10 > 0:03:14is typical of the Chilterns, and dates back to the 18th century.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18The interior is rustic yet modern in its simplicity,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21with exposed beams in the living area and kitchen.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Upstairs there are three bedrooms.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26And finally, sitting in beautiful manicured gardens,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29this 16th-century Grade II listed three-bed thatched cottage
0:03:29 > 0:03:32is on the market for £995,000.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Painstakingly restored, the property boasts original features
0:03:36 > 0:03:38like the deep-set inglenook fireplace,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41while the sympathetic renovation allows plenty of light
0:03:41 > 0:03:44into the open-plan kitchen and living area.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Well, they say God moves in mysterious ways.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I don't think there's any mystery as to why today's buyers
0:03:50 > 0:03:54want to move to this heavenly spot. Shall we meet them?
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Today we're helping William, a patent attorney,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01and Laura, an education advisor, escape the London rat-race.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04They met 11 years ago at a church group
0:04:04 > 0:04:06whilst attending university, got married
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and moved into their 1920s home in Harrow.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11We've decided that it's time to move now.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13The house is perfect for the two of us,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16but we are thinking about starting a family,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18and we need more space upstairs in the bedrooms,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21and also downstairs for the children to play.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25There's also the area itself. It's nice being an adult here.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I don't think it's a great place to grow up as a child,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30so the location isn't perfect.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33So, what else is luring them away from London and into the country?
0:04:34 > 0:04:38One reason is that we both enjoy country pursuits.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41We like going out hiking, and it would be lovely
0:04:41 > 0:04:44to be able to walk out of the front door and find a footpath,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46and be able to go for a nice long walk there.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49My dream of the countryside would be sitting in the garden
0:04:49 > 0:04:51when the weather's good, having a great view,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55no traffic noise or any planes overhead,
0:04:55 > 0:04:56and having a stress-free life.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Will and Laura have chosen the Chilterns
0:04:59 > 0:05:02because they need to be within reach of London for work,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05but that's not the only reason they're drawn there.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We had a look at other areas around London,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11like Surrey for example, but we've always come back to the Chilterns.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14We think the area is very pleasant,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16the landscape is fantastic,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and it's got good communication to other parts of the country.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23And what do we have on the list of must-haves for the property?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26We're looking for four, maybe even five bedrooms,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29if we can get that, and we'd also still want to maintain
0:05:29 > 0:05:34a separate dining room, though space to eat in the kitchen would be important, as well.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Our kitchen here is very nice, but it's a little on the small side.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40It's fine if just one person's in there,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42but we end up bumping into each other a bit.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45And I'm very keen on having an open fire.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I'd love to be able to snuggle up next to that in winter.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51They want to be in a village with an active church.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54But are there elements we should be avoiding?
0:05:54 > 0:05:58One thing that would be a big no-no for me is a main road.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Another thing we're not looking for is a home that requires a lot of work doing to it.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05We're going to have other things on our mind once we move,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08so we don't want a big project on our hands as well.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11As they'll need to sell their property before buying,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14we've asked a local agent to value their home.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17A very nice 1920s Arts and Crafts house,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20positioned in a very good road, very close to facilities,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24which would suit a growing family moving to the Harrow area.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30I would value this house at £475,000.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36£475,000 is a little bit more than we thought, actually,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40so that's encouraging.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Bearing in mind that the Chilterns is an expensive location,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46what's their final budget?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Our budget for the new property would be somewhere in the region
0:06:49 > 0:06:54of £750,000. If needs be, we could go a little bit higher than that.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01I tell you what - I'm relieved Laura and Will have a healthy budget,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04because an average detached property here in the Chilterns
0:07:04 > 0:07:08will set you back a staggering £665,000.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Yeah, you heard me right.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I'm sure we can accommodate most of their wishes,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15but there won't be much change left over.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17The big story here is transport links.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21If the house isn't in the right location, it won't cut the mustard.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26So I've got my train timetable. It's full steam ahead.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29So, we'll be searching the whole of the Chilterns
0:07:29 > 0:07:32whilst making sure Will and Laura are within easy reach
0:07:32 > 0:07:34of a direct train line to London.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36We have three Chiltern charmers lined up,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39but I won't be revealing the prices till the end of the tour.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42And then there's the mystery house, which will challenge
0:07:42 > 0:07:46our churchgoing couple's idea of heaven in the country.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Laura, Will, hi.- Hi.- How are you? - Welcome to the Chilterns.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- Why here in particular?- We used to come out here walking at weekends,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58and we really feel we'd like to live around here now.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- The more rural, the better? - Yes, definitely,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04although we've got to be within easy access of the train station.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08We both work in Central London, so we need to be able to commute there.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Are we talking about an hour commute?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Up to 90 minutes. - Up to 90 minutes. But not over?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- No, definitely not. - If you want that rural location
0:08:16 > 0:08:18and that all-important commuting distance,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- it's going to cost you a fair bit. - Yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23We've got a budget of about £750,000.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25OK. Are you flexible at all?
0:08:25 > 0:08:29We might stretch up to 800,000 if we saw just the right place.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31We should get on with it. Shall we?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Two wonderful properties to show you. I think they're wonderful.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- And the mystery property, as well. - Yes. Looking forward to that one.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- THEY LAUGH - Keep that thought in mind.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42Come on. Follow me.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47For a top budget of £800,000,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Will and Laura are after a minimum of four bedrooms.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53They'd like a large kitchen and a living area
0:08:53 > 0:08:55with an open fireplace.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58And key to the move is a location that has good transport links
0:08:58 > 0:09:02to London, and an active church community.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Our first property is in Eaton Bray in South Bedfordshire.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Leighton Buzzard is just six miles away,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13offering a 37-minute commute to Euston,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15which is important to both Will and Laura.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18It's also just minutes away from the National Trust site
0:09:18 > 0:09:23of Dunstable Downs, for when they fancy a ramble in the countryside.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26As they're looking for a friendly village community,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Eaton Bray shouldn't disappoint. It comes complete with a village hall,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33as well as St Mary's, a historic 13th-century church
0:09:33 > 0:09:37that conveniently has a creche, fitting any future plans
0:09:37 > 0:09:40for the family. With views over a sprawling countryside,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43our first property is a charming period build.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Yet another box ticked for our London couple.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Nice and peaceful.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Wow!- And, er, this is the property.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- It's three properties, really. That side is 16th century.- Right.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58The middle bit is '60s and '70s,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01and this was renovated five years ago, the right-hand side.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Right! Interesting!- Very good. - It is, isn't it?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- How unusual! Yeah!- What do you think?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Well, it's a country cottage! It's got roses round the door.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- It's very pretty. - Look over there in the corner.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Oh, yes! A little rabbit. - Shall we get in?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Yeah!- Let's have a look.- Come on.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20'This property oozes character,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22'which certainly seems to appeal to Laura,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26'and the thatch is relatively new, with at least 20 years left
0:10:26 > 0:10:29'before it would need replacing.'
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Come on through to the heart of the house.- Mm!
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- You didn't expect this, did you? - No!- Big smile on your face.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Yes! Well, it's rather beautiful! - Isn't it just?- Yeah!
0:10:40 > 0:10:44I think you said to me you don't really like DIY.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- No, absolutely.- Well, you don't have to do that much here.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49No, it's all very complete, very neat.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Chinese slate on the floor here, and in the sun room, as well.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Also reclaimed timbers - even a reclaimed range,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- believe it or not. An antique range. - Yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- And the butler sink, as well. - It's bigger than I was expecting.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I thought it might not go back as far as it does.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- This actually peels back further. Have a look?- Yeah.- Right.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Just when you thought it couldn't get any better...
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Oh, gosh! - ..this space, as well.- Yes!
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- This is lovely.- This is really nice. - I bet it's a real sun trap.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Yeah. Which way does it face? - This is south.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- So we'd get the sun during most of the day.- Yep.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Big enough for you?- I think so. Is this the main sitting area?
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Er, no.- Right. OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- So, is it big enough for you? - I think it is, yeah!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's actually much bigger than I expected
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- from looking at it from the outside. - I love that corner window over there, as well.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- That's beautiful. - OK. Shall we carry on?- Definitely.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49'Next to the kitchen is a utility room and a downstairs shower room,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53'and at the other end of the property is the formal living area.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- And then the living room you were after.- Ooh!
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- "Ooh"? What does that mean? - It's really nice!
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- It is, isn't it?- And this is the modern part of the house?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- They've done a good job of mixing the old with the new.- They have.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10I love the reclaimed wood. You've got the triple aspect,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and the two double doors out into the garden.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Too small for you, or right size?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It would be too small if it was the only sitting area,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21but there is the other one, so it's more like the grown-up area, this.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Ah! You've claimed it already. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Yes. And we've got a fireplace there, with a stove in it.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- OK. Shall we go upstairs? - OK, yeah.- Let's go.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34'Not a bad start so far.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'I just hope the upstairs continues to impress.'
0:12:38 > 0:12:39Have a look in here.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Oh, that's lovely. - This is the family bathroom.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- That's really nice. - It's quite unusual, isn't it?
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Yes. Yeah!- I love the beams and the whole thing.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Yeah!- Good.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55The master bedroom.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- More beams.- Yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02It's quite bright, for a thatched cottage.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Yeah. I think this is a bit small, I have to say.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I don't think we'd fit our four-poster bed in here.- No.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11You didn't tell me you'd got a four-poster bed.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- I've got a saw you could use. - It might be needed.- Yeah.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19That's what you don't like about your current property, the upstairs.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22It is small upstairs. It'd be nice to have something that felt roomy.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29'There are two more double bedrooms connected to each other,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32'that could be knocked together to make room for their four-poster bed.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'At the other end of the house is a further double bedroom.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40'The low beams and room dimensions could be an issue for Laura,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43'so we're heading outside to look at the wraparound garden.'
0:13:43 > 0:13:47I must tell you now that the paddling pool - the swimming pool -
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- doesn't come with the property. - THEY LAUGH
0:13:49 > 0:13:53So...third of an acre you've got here.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- Yes! - That little vegetable plot there,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58fruit there... Pretty, isn't it?
0:13:58 > 0:14:00It's got a lovely open feel to it, yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04There's a lot of potential, quite a lot of space.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05What do you think it's worth?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08If the downstairs carried through to the upstairs,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11it would be near the top of our budget, but as it stands,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I would put it at about £700,000.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Yes. I mean, the location is certainly good,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19but it's still quite a long way from the station,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22so it doesn't carry that premium. I would put it at a little bit less.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I'd say about £650,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Wow! OK. You're miles away.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30This is going to be a good gauge for you, if you like.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's been on the market for six weeks.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35It's currently on the market for £775,000.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40Ooh! That really does surprise me. And, yeah - disappoints.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- I am surprised. - Oh, no! Don't be disappointed!
0:14:42 > 0:14:44THEY LAUGH
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Oh, well! - Go and have another look around.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- You might see something that changes your mind.- Yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Maybe.- Maybe. Maybe not.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- I'll catch up with you later. - We'll take a look.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58The price of our first property has come as a bit of a shock.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01But the reality is that a spacious period build
0:15:01 > 0:15:04with good transport links in the Chilterns doesn't come cheap.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06For £775,000,
0:15:06 > 0:15:10this property delivers all four bedrooms that they're after.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Inside and outside, the property exudes character,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and there's a good-size kitchen and dining room.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It's close to a train station, and there's a local church.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23But will Laura be able to see past the space upstairs?
0:15:23 > 0:15:26I really like the downstairs. It's really beautiful -
0:15:26 > 0:15:27light, airy, perfect, really.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30It's just going upstairs, really, that's the problem.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32It's just a bit small, really.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Very steep ceilings. And the exposed beams are beautiful,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39but don't give much space. It feels rather cramped.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40The price was a bit of a surprise.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44The location's a little way from the station,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47so I would've expected it to be less than what it was,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49but, yeah, I understand. The price is the price.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- Ah! Seen enough?- I think so, yeah.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- The plan is, we carry on looking. We're not giving up, OK?- OK.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Will and Laura are drawn to the Chilterns
0:16:07 > 0:16:11because of the charming character and history of the area.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15As a commercial hub since its first market charter in 1217,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Berkhamsted is all about character,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21with its architecture spanning nearly 1,000 years.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24And one of the most significant buildings is Berkhamsted Castle.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28William the Conqueror received the crown on this site
0:16:28 > 0:16:30after the Battle of Hastings in 1066,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33after which he built a timber fortification.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Then, 100 years later, Thomas Becket rebuilt the castle
0:16:36 > 0:16:40with local stone and flint, and it became a home to royals until the 15th century.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45Ex-mayor John Cook was pleased to tell Will and Laura more about these historic remains.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Hello, and welcome to Berkhamsted Castle -
0:16:48 > 0:16:51in the rain, I'm sorry to say.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54It was a royal residence right until the time
0:16:54 > 0:16:57of the Wars of the Roses.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00At the end of the Wars of the Roses, it stopped being a royal residence,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04and it fell into ruin. After that it was used as a quarry, really,
0:17:04 > 0:17:09because stone was very scarce. There's no building stone in Hertfordshire.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11The place was looted by the locals
0:17:11 > 0:17:14whenever they wanted to build a garden shed or anything,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17and that's why we're left with so little, really,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20of the old stonework of the castle.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23The impressive thing which is left are the moats,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and we have a unique arrangement here, or pretty unique, anyway,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29and that is that there are double moats.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33And they're both still here, and in fact, in wet weather,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36they actually fill with water still.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Although there's not much of the structure left,
0:17:38 > 0:17:43what we have got is a good example of a motte-and-bailey castle.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The motte is the sort of tower, which is over there,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49and the bailey is this part here, this big enclosed area.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53On the tower there would've been a fortification of some sort,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and this is the place, when the castle was under siege,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59they would have brought the animals in to protect them
0:17:59 > 0:18:02from the marauders threatening the castle.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Another area of historical importance in Berkhamsted
0:18:06 > 0:18:09is Ashridge Forest, just a short walk from the castle.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14This woodland would have provided beech for local furniture-makers,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17an important industry for the Chilterns for hundreds of years.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22These beeches are famous because they're very old,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24and they were pollarded in ancient times,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27so they are a grotesque size and shape.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So, what do you mean by pollarding?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Pollarding means that the branches were cut off,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35for fuel, basically, I think,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39and perhaps also for furniture- making, when they were big enough.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Perhaps this is the most famous of them.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44This particular tree is called "The Tree" by walkers
0:18:44 > 0:18:48in this part of the world, because of its particular dimensions
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and shape and spread.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56At a span of 25 metres, the tree is about 400 years old,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58and is thought to be slowly dying,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01although this may take another 200 years.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04The pollarding redefines the natural shape of the trees,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07so the forest has a supernatural ambience,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and, unsurprisingly, Ashridge has been used as the location
0:19:10 > 0:19:13for films such as Harry Potter and Sleepy Hollow -
0:19:13 > 0:19:17just one of the historically significant forests in the Chilterns
0:19:17 > 0:19:20and a perfect place for our rambling house-hunters to explore.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Our second property is in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36just a short walk from Haddenham and Thame Parkway train station.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Again, we've managed to keep Will and Laura's commute into London
0:19:39 > 0:19:43to a minimum. The village boasts the 13th-century Church of Our Lady,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47overlooking an idyllic pond, surrounded by thatched properties,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51and after the Sunday service, they have a choice of inviting pubs
0:19:51 > 0:19:55for a hearty Sunday lunch. With great transport links
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and a charming village on the doorstep,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01our second property is a sympathetic mix of old and new.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Not much further to walk.- OK.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- This is it.- Oh, right! - Ah!- Oh, that's quite different.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13It is, isn't it? This was originally a chicken farm, in the 1800s,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- the middle part of the property. - The chickens have left?
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- The chickens have left.- Good. - This was done about 12 years ago.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22What you're looking at here is your kitchen.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I can just see that through the window.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- What do you think? - Yeah! I think it's interesting.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Very different, and good to have a look round.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32OK. Let's get in there, I think.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34'Based on reactions to the last property,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37'it seems space is a big issue.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'Well, with 3,600 square feet to make use of inside,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42'this property shouldn't disappoint.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:48We'll start here. First thing you've noticed...
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- It's got beams.- I was going to say it's got no furniture!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- THEY LAUGH - You're looking up first.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57What do you think? This could be your dining room,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- overlooking your garden.- OK.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Yeah. I mean, it's quite bright in here.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- We've got windows on both sides. - Not going to hit your head.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06No. That's always a plus.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Um, yeah. I quite like the beam, as well.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14It's seen a bit of action there. It's got a bit of character to it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- When was this bit of the house built?- This is 1800s.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Did you expect it to be like this inside?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21No. I thought it actually...
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- I thought the house itself looked more modern.- Right.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28I think because it's got additions onto it, which they possibly are,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- this bit is a pleasant surprise. - OK, good.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33'So, they have their separate dining area,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'but Laura and Will were also after a large kitchen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'And that's exactly what this property delivers.'
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Come on through.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I am slightly worried that this won't be large enough for you.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- I think it might be! Goodness me! - You could hold a dance in here.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Yes. THEY LAUGH
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- See? I've still got it. - That's good. Yeah.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- It's a good size.- It's huge! I want to put an island in there,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58otherwise I'll be running from one end to the other.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I think so, or you'll be on roller-skates to get round.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- You've got a gas range there. - Right.- Chinese slate again.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09This is, you know, a substantial-size kitchen.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12You could have a massive table in here if you wanted.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Back there you've got a toilet and also a utility room...- Right.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- ..with a door leading out onto the patio, as well.- Right!
0:22:18 > 0:22:21What do you think? Can you imagine yourself in here?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- I think I can, actually, yes. - What I'm particularly impressed by,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28although this is a newer part of the building,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31you've got the beams coming through, so you've got continuity there.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35'At the other end of the hall is a ground-floor bedroom
0:22:35 > 0:22:37'which could be used as a playroom,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40'and next to that is an enormous living area.'
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Whoa!- Yeah.- It's big, isn't it?
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- It is huge. It's got a nice bay window.- Lovely, isn't it?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It's really good. - It's got a working fireplace.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50What about the low ceiling? What do you think?
0:22:50 > 0:22:54I feel that makes it more cosy than small.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I think with a room this long, you can't feel small inside it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Because they haven't painted it, it doesn't really notice.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- Good. Excellent. Let's go upstairs. - OK.- The rooms are tiny.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- SHE LAUGHS - You don't believe me, do you?
0:23:07 > 0:23:12'Upstairs is split into two separate wings.'
0:23:13 > 0:23:16We'll concentrate on that wing of the house later on.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21Um, good-size family bathroom there, bath and shower, storage.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Double room.- Mm-hm.- Double room.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28And then... Well, I don't know. How can we describe this?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It could be a very large master bedroom,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34or it could be a totally separate annexe.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37'Next to this is a hall that could be converted into a kitchenette,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'using plumbing from the adjacent shower room,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42'and there's also a spacious double bedroom.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45'And the space keeps on coming. At the other end of the house
0:23:45 > 0:23:48'is the perfect place for the four-poster bed
0:23:48 > 0:23:51'that they were finding it hard to fit into the first property.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- I was thinking that this would probably be your master.- Yeah!
0:23:54 > 0:23:57We should be able to fit the double bed in here.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59It's lovely to have windows on either side
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- and get a lot of sunlight in. - What do you think's through there?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05I hope an enormous en suite with dressing area.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Oh, come on, then, spoilsport! - THEY LAUGH
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Look what's through here!
0:24:12 > 0:24:15'This room has plenty of wardrobe space,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18'leading to a good-size en suite.'
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- So, you eventually make it into your en suite.- Ooh!
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Wow! And very, very fancy-looking bath.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- That's right. - Spa bath.- Ultra-size bath.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Never get me out of that.- No. So, you've seen the inside of the house.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- I think you like it, don't you? - Very impressed.- Yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Obviously it's huge in every dimension.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41It's reasonably well decorated in most rooms,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45some better than others, but there's no major project
0:24:45 > 0:24:47we'd need to undertake to get it liveable.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Um, yeah. Yeah, very impressive. - Well, I'm glad you like it.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Let's pop outside.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Um, not a lot of space in the garden,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59which I know you've looked at through the window.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Let's get out there and see what you make of it.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05'It looks like the dimensions of the bathroom have also impressed.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'Although the garden is smaller than the first property, it's very manageable.'
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- It's not as big as the last place. - It certainly isn't.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The dry weather recently hasn't done it any favours,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- but it is quite small.- You didn't want a big garden, did you?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23I don't, no, but it is overlooked. That's what I'm disappointed about.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I could cope with the size, without next door looking in.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- Is that a big issue? - Um, it's an issue.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- I'm not sure it's a big issue. - Let's talk money.- OK.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- It's a big property. - It's a big property.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- With a small garden.- It's not going to be chicken-feed, is it?
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- Ooh, good action!- It hasn't got the character of the last property,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- but I think, overall, about £750,000. - I'd put it a bit higher than that,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49and I would say 765,000.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51OK. You said earlier on
0:25:51 > 0:25:56- that the most you could go to was - - 800,000, yeah.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Yeah. This would take you almost to that.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Ooh!- £795,000.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Right.- It's been on the market for three weeks.- Right.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Does that change anything?
0:26:06 > 0:26:10No. That's within the margin of what I was thinking.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Go and have a look around. Please don't take hours.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Don't lose each other, either. - I'll be waiting outside for days.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- THEY LAUGH - OK!
0:26:18 > 0:26:21A shade under budget at £795,000,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24this property has all the space that Laura and Will were after.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27They wanted four bedrooms. We've given them five,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29and the kitchen is huge.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Finally, the transport links to London are great,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35with just over a 30-minute commute.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39The house is massive. You can practically see the curvature of the Earth inside it.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42It's really a head-and-heart thing. It ticks a lot of boxes.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45It's very practical and it's very functional.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48But I don't think there's any one thing about it
0:26:48 > 0:26:50that really makes me passionate about it,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53so from that point of view, I'm not in love with it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56The village seems very pleasant, what we've seen of it so far.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00It's got a good school and a big church, which is a good plus for us.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03There are no big projects we'd have to undertake.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- No. It's generally been well done. - Yes. Yeah.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Hey! You don't look too tired.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I thought I'd have to mop your weary brow, but you're not too bad.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Don't want to know what you think about it yet.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19You have a chat tonight and we'll reconvene tomorrow. How's that?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Sounds good.- Let's go.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25As the sun slips behind the hills,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Will and Laura will be pondering the possibilities
0:27:28 > 0:27:30of the two properties they've seen today.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36'Our London-based house-hunters
0:27:36 > 0:27:39'are looking for a spacious Chiltern character property
0:27:39 > 0:27:43'with plenty of period features. They need good links into London
0:27:43 > 0:27:46'for work, and we've shown them two possible options.'
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- Very, very fancy-looking bath. - Spa bath, as well.- Ultra-size bath.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Never get me out of that.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56'They love the features of their current 1920s-built house in Harrow,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00'so how will the ultra-modern interior of our mystery house compare?'
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- It doesn't fit our furniture at all! - Right. OK.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Morning!
0:28:07 > 0:28:10So, from the beginning we've known that location was key
0:28:10 > 0:28:12to Will and Laura's move here to the Chilterns,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16but yesterday we found out that the house, interior and exterior,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20is also important. Now, this is where the problem arises, OK?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23We found it really difficult finding their dream home
0:28:23 > 0:28:26in their dream location for their budget.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29This is such an expensive area. Something's got to give.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33What will it be? Let the mystery property be the judge of that.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40I must say, it's been difficult finding the dream house
0:28:40 > 0:28:42in the dream location.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Part of the problem is, we've got a very nice house as it is,
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- and so, er, it's quite hard to better it, really.- Right.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53'This is going to be a gamble which could go either way,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57'as the interior of the mystery house is stylistically the opposite
0:28:57 > 0:29:00'of their current 1920s Arts and Crafts home.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03'Just outside the village of Tyler's Green in Buckinghamshire,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06'the property is six miles to a main-line train service
0:29:06 > 0:29:10'at Beaconsfield, offering Will and Laura a 30-minute commute
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'to London. We found them a friendly village atmosphere,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15'from the yearly fete held on the green
0:29:15 > 0:29:18'to the community-minded local church.'
0:29:18 > 0:29:20'A perfect location, and on the outside,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22'it has plenty of period charm.'
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- Come on in.- Right!
0:29:28 > 0:29:30This is it, the mystery property,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33next door to the oldest free house in England.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- OK! Could be handy. - It is an amazing location, yeah.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40How do you feel about being so close to the pub?
0:29:40 > 0:29:44We know the pub, and it's a really good one, so that's not a problem.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48It's not the sort of pub where you'd get a lot of drunken rowdiness.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- It's a quintessential country pub. - It looks lovely.- It's fantastic,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- so I'm happy with that. - Are you bothered about the road?
0:29:55 > 0:29:57It's not a very busy road, so not really.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- What about the property? - It's good. It's quite pretty.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03It's a period property. It's rather nice.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Lat 1800s. The kitchen was added on in the '50s,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and what we've got here, though,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11is a really contemporary interior.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15The mystery property! Why do you think it's the mystery property?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Because it's near to the pub? - That could be it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20We're not looking at four bedrooms here.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- Right. OK. - We're looking at three.- I see.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28And I can guarantee the rooms aren't as large as the second property.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- Right. OK.- Shall we go in?- Let's go.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36'Although it has less space upstairs than our other properties,
0:30:36 > 0:30:41'this house is in a very desirable and much sought-after area.'
0:30:42 > 0:30:44So, just how modern do you want to go?
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- It is pretty modern, isn't it? - Er, yep. Very.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Do you like it?- Not sure.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- It doesn't fit our furniture at all! - Right.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56I mean, it's, um...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59I've got pros and cons in my mind, I think.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02The pro is, of course, it's been done.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It doesn't need any instant attention.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I suppose my concern is that it's very contemporary.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It might date quite quickly,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14so might need a bit of changing before too long.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Some lovely touches, though. - The fireplace is fabulous.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Does it actually work? - Er, no. Not at the moment.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Not a big job, though. The chimney's there,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24so you could sort that out pretty easily.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27I like the way they've opened up the back there,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- and you can see straight through. - It's all double-glazed.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Lovely window in the corner there, as well.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35You do get a lot of light. From the outside,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38it's a house with fairly normal-sized windows,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41but they have made the most of the light you get.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- There's also underfloor heating. - Oh, that's nice.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- So no radiators downstairs. - Gives it a clean look.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49That's the need for the porcelain tiles there.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51I'm going to take you back to the 1950s now,
0:31:51 > 0:31:56- so we'll go to the kitchen. Well, 1950s/2010.- OK.- Come on.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00'Laura is after a large kitchen, so fingers crossed.'
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Ooh! This is different.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- There's some storage there for your coats.- Coats, yeah.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Right! Wow! - It's quite a big kitchen, actually.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- It is, isn't it? - You've got French windows
0:32:11 > 0:32:14straight out onto the patio and the garden.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- So much light!- I do like the way they've done their sun-room area.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It really does make the whole room look much bigger.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Tucked away around the corner you've got a utility room
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- and also a downstairs loo. - Right. Right.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- This is a great kitchen.- It is. It's very functional, I suppose.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Very modern. - You've got granite work surfaces,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37the very modern range, as well. You could do some serious cooking there.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Probably more serious than I normally do.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42'Despite the period exterior,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45'the modern interior is proving challenging for Laura.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48'Next to the kitchen there's a separate dual-aspect living room,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'with a feature fireplace. We're heading upstairs
0:32:51 > 0:32:53'to the bedrooms.'
0:32:53 > 0:32:58- You've got a bedroom through there, just about a double.- Right.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- This is light and airy. - Yeah! That's not too bad.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- Nice corner window again. - High ceiling, as well.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Yes. Yeah.- And plenty of storage.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Yeah. Built-in wardrobes, yes. Yeah.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- It could be a decent-size spare room, couldn't it?- Yes.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16You've got a great view. That's got a lot going for it.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Nice waking up and looking through that window. More to explore!
0:33:20 > 0:33:23'The bedroom next door would be an ideal nursery,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26'and there's a modernised family bathroom
0:33:26 > 0:33:28'leading to the master bedroom.'
0:33:28 > 0:33:31This is your master.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Right! OK.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Yes. It's a reasonable size. It's not huge by any means.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42I think you might struggle to fit our bed in here, our four-poster.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44You can tell you've been married for ages.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45You come in and go, "Right! OK!"
0:33:45 > 0:33:49And then she looks as you as if to say, "Help! Bail me out!"
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- THEY LAUGH - Is there a wardrobe anywhere?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- There is, through there. - That's something, yeah.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57And also a wardrobe back there. Loads of storage space.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- Hadn't seen that. - That's your en suite.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Go and have a look around, see what you think.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Don't think you'd fit your whole family in there.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- It's on the small side, but it's got everything you need. - And it's good that we've got it.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14'Heading downstairs, the kitchen opens out onto a sun terrace
0:34:14 > 0:34:16'and private garden laid to lawn.'
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- This is it.- Right.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- It's manageable. - You wanted a manageable garden.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27We've got the whole countryside as the rest of our garden.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- And you've got that pub next door. - You can't say you're overlooked.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- No, it's wonderfully private. - Shall we talk money?- OK.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I would put it around what I would say was our limit,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- which would be 750,000.- OK.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Interestingly, and we haven't prearranged this,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I would also say £750,000. That's how I'd price it.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49You're going to be happy. It's cheaper than that.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- £725,000.- Oh, OK!
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- Which gives you 25 grand to spend in the pub.- Fantastic!
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- OK.- Does that change things?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Um, it would if it were a little bit bigger.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Well under budget at £725,000,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07this house has a large, well equipped kitchen,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10certainly on their list of must-haves,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14as well as a rural aspect and great transport links to London.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Contrasting with the other two properties, our mystery house
0:35:17 > 0:35:21has an ultra-modern interior, and with three bedrooms,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23it also had the least amount of space upstairs.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Certainly a property worth considering,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28but definitely challenging in style for Will and Laura.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I like the kitchen. A contemporary feel isn't too bad in here.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I'm not sure about the rest.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37The location is just amazing. It's got everything we could want
0:35:37 > 0:35:41from the location point of view, and it's also got great views
0:35:41 > 0:35:44to the countryside around, and it's near to the pub, as well.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47So you couldn't ask for more on that score.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51I like this open-out-into-the-garden bit. Be lovely for a conservatory.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54As a property, I like it. It's got a good feel about it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57It's in a wonderful location. It's just a little bit small.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- You whizzed round there. - Yeah. It's not very big.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03You've seen everything we have to offer,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- so you should have a think. We'll talk through it all.- OK.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Come on.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20Although the Chilterns conjures images of thatched cottages and villages of flint and brick,
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Amersham is home to the first modernist country house to be built in Britain.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28Known as High & Over, the property was a collaboration
0:36:28 > 0:36:33between architect Amyas Connell and Professor Bernard Ashmole.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Built in 1929, this ultra-modern property
0:36:36 > 0:36:39wasn't embraced by all the locals.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41'As I pass it on my travels quite regularly,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45'I've been intrigued by this decidedly un-Chiltern-like house,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47'so I jumped at the chance to be shown around
0:36:47 > 0:36:51'by Alan Powers, the professor of architecture and cultural history
0:36:51 > 0:36:53'at the University of Greenwich.'
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Was this meant to shock?
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- Well, I'm sure it was, yes. - It did, didn't it?
0:36:59 > 0:37:03I mean, Connell and other architects from Australia and New Zealand,
0:37:03 > 0:37:07they didn't have that much respect for the English niceties
0:37:07 > 0:37:11of old Tudor brickwork and crumbly bits and that kind of thing.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13So far, at this point in England,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16there was very, very little in that style,
0:37:16 > 0:37:21so when this was finished, it made a huge impact.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23I think we should get in, don't you? Come on.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Modernism was about creating visions of the future,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30using new technologies such as reinforced concrete and steel,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33buildings for a new way of thinking.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36By 1931, Country Life devoted a large feature
0:37:36 > 0:37:39to the building, which read, "Here is architecture
0:37:39 > 0:37:42pure and unalloyed by sentiment, reminiscence or clap-trap."
0:37:42 > 0:37:46Referred to sardonically by locals as "the aeroplane house",
0:37:46 > 0:37:49their words were grimly echoed in World War II,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52as it's said that the powerful and visual Y-shaped design
0:37:52 > 0:37:55of High & Over was used by German bombers
0:37:55 > 0:37:57as a directional marker.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00In the 1960s it was nearly torn down,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03but by the 1970s, the drama and sincerity of the design
0:38:03 > 0:38:06had weathered the architectural assaults,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09and in 1971, English Heritage listed the building.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15What sort of design characteristics are attached to modernism?
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Well, you can see here in the hexagonal pattern
0:38:19 > 0:38:22of the room, and then the triangles on the floor,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25this is the guiding idea of the geometry of the house.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30Not so typical of the way modernism carried on after that, in fact,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33but this is the sort of Art Deco phase,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37which is very obsessed with angles and geometry.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41And using what light, as much as you can, natural light...
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Yes. Yes, like bringing windows right the way down to the floor.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46- Yeah.- Very light, for the time.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Apart from the opulent chrome front doors,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52the three-storey building houses original features
0:38:52 > 0:38:55like the gilded Art Deco dining room with authentic lighting.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59The steel-framed windows and doors are typically modernist,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and the striking hole that once allowed a ground-floor fountain
0:39:02 > 0:39:06to travel through to the first floor is a reminder of the extravagance
0:39:06 > 0:39:07of Connell's design.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12Thankfully the current owners have kept many of the original features,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15and the decor is sympathetic to the aesthetics of modernism,
0:39:15 > 0:39:19shown off in the living area and the bedrooms.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I presume this staircase is original.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Very much, yes, and you get these fabulous views
0:39:26 > 0:39:30through the space, and that's very much a modernist thing.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Yeah, absolutely. Incredible. Love it.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36An important philosophy of modernism
0:39:36 > 0:39:40was to reclaim the footprint of the house on upper levels,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44and that's precisely what Connell has achieved with this roof terrace.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Why do you love the modernist house so much?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49I think it's the fantastic expression of an idea.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's almost a romantic idea, because it's a dream
0:39:52 > 0:39:55that didn't totally happen.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I think we're still waiting for it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00But there are moments when the sun shines,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02and, you know, it all lights up,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and you sort of believe in this great optimistic hope
0:40:05 > 0:40:08that life is going to be good for everybody.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Will and Laura have been weighing up the pros and cons
0:40:17 > 0:40:20of the charming Chiltern properties we've shown them,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23and now it's time to find out their thoughts on all three.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26So, have you enjoyed the experience, first of all?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29It's been brilliant. It's been such a good experience,
0:40:29 > 0:40:32because we've seen places we'd never have considered before,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- so excellent.- Good, good. Let's talk about the properties.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38We'll start with the idyllic thatched cottage.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41It really was picture-postcard perfect, wasn't it?
0:40:41 > 0:40:45It was fantastic. We couldn't have asked for a better house to view,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49and the little rabbits in the garden, all the birds around -
0:40:49 > 0:40:52it was perfectly cottagey, absolutely lovely.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56The look of the place was incredible, and it's got that isolation as well,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58so you really feel you're in the countryside.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01You seemed to really love the downstairs space,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but you weren't that convinced with upstairs.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06That sums it up very well.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11If the upstairs had been of identical size with the downstairs,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13we would definitely want to go for that property,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16but as it is, upstairs a little bit small.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20There are four bedrooms on paper, but in terms of usable space,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22it's not quite so easy to see how it would work.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Let's move on to the old chicken farm. Lots of space there.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Yeah. I mean, the place was huge. I think it would take us a while
0:41:30 > 0:41:32to work out where to put everything, frankly.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- If you had the furniture to fill it. - We'd probably live at one end
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- and leave the rest for later. - The house I rather liked, actually.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43I liked it more than Will did. But the proximity of the neighbours
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- was what let it down for me. - Finally, the mystery property,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49next to the pub that you already knew,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52right in the countryside in a perfect location.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Yes. It would be perfect if it just had one extra bedroom!
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Right. Any of the properties you're going to see again?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01I think probably the old chicken farm.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04That's the one we'd go back and see again.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07There's a lot to see there. I'd want to have more of a think
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- about how we could use the rooms. - And you?- I agree with Will, yes.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13That property had a lot to commend it,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16and although I was keener than Will, I would like to explore the area,
0:42:16 > 0:42:21see how close the schools are, how long it takes to walk to the station, that sort of thing.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- It hasn't been a waste of time? - Definitely not.- By no means.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting you. You've both been so positive.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33You've seen through the negative and you're dwelling on the positive. I'm sure you'll be here soon. Cheers!
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- Cheers!- Great to see you.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Well, Will and Laura's Chiltern adventure has come to an end.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44They're so enamoured with their current property,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47but for the fact that it's in the city,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49that it's going to be tough for them to find like for like
0:42:49 > 0:42:52in an area where property comes at such a premium.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55But in the little time that we've spent with them,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I think we've given them plenty of food for thought, and who knows?
0:42:58 > 0:43:02They might go for one of our properties. Only time will tell.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Until next time, goodbye.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06'If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:06 > 0:43:09'in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12'and need our help, then, please apply online at...'
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