0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today I'm only a stone's throw from London,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08in a county renowned for its world-class country homes and gardens.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And I'm lucky enough to be standing in one of the jewels in the crown.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16What is it and where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50In today's show I'll be trying to help a couple with big ambitions.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55It's... It's... I feel slightly confined still.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56I feel like a giant.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02But our mystery house could be head and shoulders above the rest.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- Is this more...- Yeah. - ..what you need?
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Definitely.- Yes!- It is bigger.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09We finally scored on bigger.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Welcome to Surrey,
0:01:12 > 0:01:17and the Royal Horticultural Society's flagship garden at Wisley.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19With such an abundance of woodland, wildlife
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and world-class attractions like this one,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24in many ways Surrey really does typify
0:01:24 > 0:01:28the very essence of the traditional English landscape.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29And it's no wonder.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It's an ever-popular destination with city-dwellers
0:01:32 > 0:01:35looking to start a new life in the country.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Covering an area of 642 square miles,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Surrey stretches from Hampshire in the west,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47all the way to the border with Greater London in the north east.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50The county's countryside is naturally beautiful.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55And, due to a lack of intensive farming, extremely rich in wildlife.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Divided in two by the chalk ridge of the North Downs,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02there's not only 140 square miles of woodland
0:02:02 > 0:02:05but also hundreds of acres of heathland, too.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Enough to keep the most avid rambler on their toes.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Surrey has long been a favourite with the elite
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and enjoys a reputation for being a sought-after retreat
0:02:13 > 0:02:15amongst wealthy Londoners.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18It's no wonder that such a desirable location
0:02:18 > 0:02:22is also the most expensive county in which to buy a property
0:02:22 > 0:02:23in the whole of the UK.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Today's buyers are ready to escape the commotion of the city,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34so let's meet them and find out why they think Surrey
0:02:34 > 0:02:36might be their ideal rural retreat.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Meet Brian, a film producer, and Melissa,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43who runs her own interior-design business.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46They've lived in their south-London home for the last ten years.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48But they've had enough of life in the big smoke
0:02:48 > 0:02:51and are ready to give it up for the lure of the countryside.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Their daughter, Amelie, will soon be old enough to go to school,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58so they're keen to find the right educational establishment
0:02:58 > 0:03:00which is also close to Melissa's family.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02We're looking to move to Surrey
0:03:02 > 0:03:05because it's that much closer to my mum in Somerset,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07so it'll be easy for me to travel to visit her,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12and also the schools are very good there for our daughter, Amelie.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14So Surrey hits the spot,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17but London will still feature in their lives
0:03:17 > 0:03:20as Brian needs to commute to work.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I think we're looking for somewhere that's got local amenities.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26It needs to be close to a train station for myself, ideally,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and for Melissa as and when she needs to go to town.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I'm definitely the dreamer of the family,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35where I want to always have that little bit more.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41But then Brian grounds me and puts realism in the picture.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43With one realist in the mix,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47we should be able to keep their feet on the ground in terms of the wish list.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I would never consider buying a house with a thatched roof...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54..or a house with very small windows.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56An old property
0:03:56 > 0:03:59with lots of character but with a contemporary twist to it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- Big family space.- Big family space, lots of room, possibly a loft.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07And a garage. So I can store my junk.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11They also want at least three bedrooms,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and for the property to be detached
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The buzzword for these guys has got to be space.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20But whether it's achievable all depends on their finances.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22The budget for the next property would be £400,000.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34We're starting our house search in our buyers' preferred county.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37But because it's SO pricey in Surrey
0:04:37 > 0:04:41we'll also be border-hopping into neighbouring Kent and West Sussex.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43All three counties have enough countryside
0:04:43 > 0:04:45to please the most demanding escapees,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48with gorgeous, gentle hills and sweeping woodland.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Our buyers are in for a treat
0:04:50 > 0:04:53with the houses we've got lined up for them.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55But as usual, I won't tell them what they're on the market for
0:04:55 > 0:04:58until they've guessed the price themselves.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Then, of course, there's our mystery house,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03which is my chance to show them something
0:05:03 > 0:05:05that could turn their world upside-down.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Hello, good morning. - Pleased to meet you.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- Lovely to meet you.- You, too.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Thank you for getting me across to Surrey.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I've got to say, it's beautiful here.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I've been sitting here relaxing, taking in the birdsong, looking at the wonderful view,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23wondering why on earth you'd want to come from London to here!
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- It is beautiful here, isn't it? - And it's not that far, is it?
0:05:25 > 0:05:30No, it's close enough to still have your contact with the city life.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32£400,000 is a very healthy budget.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34However, in Surrey that's a bit of a challenge,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38so if you'll make any compromises, and I hope you're willing to,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40where would you make those?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Well, we do need the three bedrooms.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47I do need an area to work, a study to work.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49How about location?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Location-wise, I think...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56I'm used to travel... I can put up with average...an hour.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01It does open up the choice and it means we've got a wider scope of areas to look at.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- Just have an open mind, have a look around.- Absolutely.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Are you willing to do that with me? - Definitely.- Great!
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- Let's go and look at some houses, then.- Excellent.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Brian and Melissa have a budget of £400,000
0:06:15 > 0:06:18to finance their rural dream.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21They want a detached property with at least three bedrooms,
0:06:21 > 0:06:26a large kitchen and a good-size garden for their daughter, Amelie.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Location-wise, they need good local schools
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and a train station close by
0:06:30 > 0:06:33for Brian's daily commute to the capital.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36And all in the most expensive county in the UK.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39What's the saying? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50To kick off, we're in Surrey, Brian and Melissa's chosen county.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52The villages in this area are close to the M25
0:06:52 > 0:06:55so have great transport links,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59but they've also got some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02The popular village of Bletchingley has good amenities
0:07:02 > 0:07:06and is under an hour from London. So a practical option for Brian.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10It also has a respected school for young Amelie.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Our first property is a characterful detached family cottage
0:07:14 > 0:07:16built in the 1920s.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19On the way to the front door, the winding path leads visitors
0:07:19 > 0:07:22through the well-established front garden.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30So, here we are, the first house. Take it all in. What do you think?
0:07:30 > 0:07:34I really like this front-garden area, it's really pretty.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I do like the first impression of the garden.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39It's nice. I can see Amelie running around.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes, please.- Come on.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45'The attractive exterior has got us off to a good start.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48'I hope the inside will follow suit.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:55This house, you come straight through into the living room.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- This is nice, I like the big, open fire.- It's a working fireplace.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02It takes up a big part of the room,
0:08:02 > 0:08:06where it's one end of the room... dedicated to the fireplace.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07It's nice, I love it.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Hmm. Right, let's have a look at the next room.- OK.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14'Straight through the doorway is a homely dining room.'
0:08:15 > 0:08:18So, what do you think of this space?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20It's nice and light.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Cosy.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Yeah, I think cosy is the word, by which you mean small.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30It's a little small, because we're used to having all open-plan,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32This room does just back onto the kitchen there,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35so a thought that I had is that you could take this wall away
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and open it up, so you've got some open-plan space.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39That's definitely a possibility.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Let's have a look at the kitchen so you can see what we're talking about.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48So, now you're in the kitchen,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51you can probably see why I suggested you might want to open it up.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I can see what you mean, it is quite small.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57But I wonder if you did knock this wall down,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01you'd lose a lot of storage space and where everything would move to.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It's not really that practical, to be honest.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06It's not big enough, the whole thing.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10'Also on this floor, next to the dining room, is a WC.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14'We've had disappointing responses from Brian and Melissa so far,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18'so let's hope we can change the mood upstairs.'
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Gorgeous windows up here letting in lots of light. It's brighter.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Not the hugest of rooms.- I think our bed would take up the whole...
0:09:26 > 0:09:28We do have an extra-large bed.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- It's huge. - Would you give up the bed?- No.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34'I'm a little concerned.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37'Let's see if the next room fares any better.'
0:09:37 > 0:09:41This is the other double bedroom. I think it's around the same size.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- It feels a bit enclosed for me.- Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45It's just too small.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- I think we're too large for the house.- Mm.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Yeah. I feel like a giant.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56'Next door is the family bathroom.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00'Across the hall is a third room, which could hold a single bed
0:10:00 > 0:10:02'but is currently set up as an office,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05'perfect for Melissa to work from home in.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08'I'm hoping I can lift their spirits with a little surprise
0:10:08 > 0:10:11'I have for them in the back garden.'
0:10:13 > 0:10:15This is the garden space at the back.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- You've got a little courtyard. - Very nice.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Before we talk about this, behind you, I've got a man cave for you.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22Fantastic. Excellent.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Is that about the right size?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- It's perfect size...- Yeah? - ..for my little shed.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31So something that's actually the right size in this property!
0:10:31 > 0:10:36The question is, of course, how much do you think you'd have to pay for this property?
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Bearing in mind I know we're in Surrey,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I think this has to be on the budget if not slightly above,
0:10:42 > 0:10:43so I'm going to say...
0:10:44 > 0:10:46..400,000.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I'm going to say 370.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- OK. It's on the market at £410,000. - OK.- OK.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- So, a little bit above.- Yep.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- That doesn't surprise me. - No, not at all.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01I think that's...what it's worth, really.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Well, the current asking price is just over budget
0:11:06 > 0:11:08at £410,000.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10And despite Brian and Melissa's reaction,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14it provides a good-sized family home for their money
0:11:14 > 0:11:16in highly sought-after Surrey.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19The living room boasts an impressive original fireplace
0:11:19 > 0:11:22and upstairs there are three bedrooms.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26The back courtyard benefits from a sunny southwest aspect
0:11:26 > 0:11:29and also houses a man space for Brian.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Location-wise, London is within an hour's commute
0:11:33 > 0:11:36and there are good local schools nearby, too.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I think the first house is really pretty. The garden is ideal.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41I really think the garden is beautiful.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45I think that initially I was expecting to get more for our money.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47I'd still like more space.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51First impressions were nice. It's a nice feel to it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53But it's like reverse effect of the TARDIS -
0:11:53 > 0:11:56you walk in and it gets smaller. Every room needs a lot of work, too,
0:11:56 > 0:12:01just to...match our sort of taste, really.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10How are you feeling having seen your first property?
0:12:10 > 0:12:15I feel excited to see what else is in store because
0:12:15 > 0:12:19there were parts of that property that I really liked, like the garden.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- But, obviously, the space was an issue.- Yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25It's a shame, really, because the first impression was really nice.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30As prices are high in Surrey, to make their money go further,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32we're hopping over the border into Kent,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34where things are a little more affordable.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Our second property is in the village of Groombridge.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Just under an hour from London, it has a good selection
0:12:40 > 0:12:43of shops and is lined with period properties.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45But it's not long before you feel
0:12:45 > 0:12:48you're in the heart of the countryside.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Well, after this morning,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54we wanted to show you something a bit more rural.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- I think we've done that.- Yeah. - You saw the open fields over there.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58- Beautiful.- I like it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Now, obviously, this time we haven't brought you to a detached house,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04because it is attached. How do you feel about that?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- That's not a problem at all. - I'm absolutely fine with that.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- It looks nice from the outside. - I like the look of it, definitely. - Yeah.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13You two have a track-record of liking the outside of properties,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17and I know that what really counts is how much space you get inside.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- So let's have a look.- OK.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22'Brian and Melissa seem to be open-minded about this property,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24'which is good news.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28'Let's see if our first room puts a smile on their face.'
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Knowing how important the kitchen is, what do you think of this one?
0:13:32 > 0:13:33It's nice and light.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Views when you're washing up out onto that open field.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Beautiful. That is lovely.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40This way, although it is still relatively narrow,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43at least you do open up into the dining space.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- So, space-wise, this is better. - Space-wise, yes.- Yes.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48It's...
0:13:49 > 0:13:52..slight... I feel slightly confined still.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- I like it. - SHE GASPS
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- (They like it.)- (We like it.)
0:13:56 > 0:13:58'I wasn't expecting that.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01'I just hope they like the next room, too.'
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- Now, second very important room... your study.- Ah, my office.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- That's nice, that's really nice. As an office, I like this.- Great.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- So, more ticks.- Definitely. - Let's check out the living room.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- (Silence.)- This is quite smaller than I was expecting.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28I don't know, I'm not too sure. I think something had to give in that respect.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I don't think it's that small.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33'Next door is a WC.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37'And upstairs on the first floor there are two bedrooms -
0:14:37 > 0:14:40'a compact single and a more spacious double.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'There's also a modern family bathroom.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'But now I'm hoping to reach new heights with our buyers.'
0:14:49 > 0:14:53As well as having two bedrooms and a family bathroom on your middle floor,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55up at the top...you've got this.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- This is nice.- I like it. - I like the shape of the roof.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02I like being in the roof. I've always wanted a room at the top.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05And storage-space-wise, you've got a couple of little cupboards here,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07but behind here...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11..wardrobe space, and then out here, a cupboard.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Yup.- The downsizing includes your wardrobe space, I'm afraid.- Yes.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18But what you do get out here is your own bathroom.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21A shower room through there, it's a bit of an en-suite.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I like the idea of that. I do like the idea that.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Well, I like the fact that you both seem to like this house
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and outside we've even found a man cave for you.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- That's a nice size.- I like this.- Look at the amount of space up in there.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- I know.- That's great.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45But I think this could be just mine only, and no-one else's.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47When it comes to space,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50who wouldn't be impressed by the length of the front garden?
0:15:50 > 0:15:54As well as the views of the surrounding fields at the back of the property.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- This is beautiful.- It's lovely.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59It's gorgeous - silence, the fields, and right next to your house.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01You've seen everything this house has to offer. Of course,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05the all-important question is, how much do you think you'd have to pay?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I want to say 395,000.- OK.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12I think maybe a little bit less, because we have come out to Kent.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15I think probably 375.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- This is on the market at £395,000.- OK.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Yes, we've come a little bit further out, but you get more for your money.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Yeah. This really is... This is what we wanted.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30And that's the thought I want you to stick with. "This is what we wanted."
0:16:30 > 0:16:34So go away, spend some time thinking about it.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Spread over three floors,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39this barn conversion is just within budget
0:16:39 > 0:16:42at £395,000.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44The kitchen and dining room offers
0:16:44 > 0:16:46open-plan style living
0:16:46 > 0:16:49and the cosy sitting room has a feature fireplace.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Plus, there are three bedrooms.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55This property isn't detached, but the semi-rural location
0:16:55 > 0:16:57provides spectacular country views,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00and wonderful walks right on the doorstep.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Plus, there are good schools for Amelie
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and London is within an easy commute.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Overall, really like the place, love the surrounding area.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12The property's nice, it's a lovely garden.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I couldn't really ask for much more, just a little more space.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20We've realised what we need is a lot more than...
0:17:20 > 0:17:22what we thought we needed,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26so we probably are more fussy and particular.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29We thought we'd be very easy-going and easy to please,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32but I think this proves that it's a lot more difficult
0:17:32 > 0:17:35finding the house that you actually really want.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47As the evening draws to a close,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58After yesterday, I'd say that Brian and Melissa have been
0:17:58 > 0:18:02a little bit spoilt with the amount of space they have in their London home.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Yesterday was really a reality check as to how far their budget
0:18:06 > 0:18:07will go in Surrey.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09So, for our mystery house,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11we're going to give them something a little bit different.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14They will have to be more flexible with their wish-list,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16but it does deliver more space.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19And to do that, we've had to hop over the border again,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21but this time into West Sussex.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Like Surrey,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28West Sussex offers plenty of countryside,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31but house prices here are considerably lower.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Our mystery property is in the village of Ashurst Wood.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Packed with pretty period properties,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41it also provides a generous helping of neighbourhood amenities.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44The train station is a ten-minute drive away,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47from where you can reach London in an hour.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51Plus, the local school is a convenient 150 yards
0:18:51 > 0:18:52from the property.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Our mystery house has a very well-to-do neighbour, Ashurst Abbey.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Formerly a school, this impressive building
0:19:00 > 0:19:03now houses luxury apartments.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Set back a little is the abbey's old stable block,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which has also been converted into five properties,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13making Brian and Melissa's wish for a detached home a non-starter,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15but it offers more in other ways.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19The mystery house, here it is.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21You get your very own clock tower.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Clock tower's beautiful, I really like that.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- I like it.- Lovely? You like? Good.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It's a mystery not because all of this belongs to you,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- but because this bit would belong to you.- OK.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35So you'd be attached at either end.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It looks nice. I like the immediate feel of it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I like the kind of courtyard. Obviously, it's shared.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43But I like the look of that.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'They like the shared courtyard, which is good.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50'But it's the inside that I think will be the real showstopper,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52'providing them with the space they're after.'
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Oh, wow.- Ah! "Wow".
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Mm-hm.- Yeah, I like this.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Encouraging sounds coming from Melissa.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Look, you're getting settled already!
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Prompting a taking-off of the coat from Brian!
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Yeah. Oh, this is lovely, Really like it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09And it even delivers your fireplace.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It's boarded up now but you can open it up and have a working fire.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- So it's a working chimney behind? - There you go.- Oh, brilliant.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- I love the size.- I love the size and I love the height.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- It echoes my voice.- Oh, no!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Does it echo your living arrangements back in London?
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- Is this more what you need? - Definitely.- Yes!- It is bigger.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31We finally scored on bigger.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'Fingers crossed this reaction continues, because we're moving on
0:20:34 > 0:20:37'to the room that's been the major sticking-point so far.'
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Wow. Now, this is the kitchen I wanted.- Yes!- This is mine.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45(Fine!)
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I had a feeling this is more what you were looking for.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Without a doubt. It's got all the workspace,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52it's also got the little bar area so people can sit there.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54And lots of storage space.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57This is great. And the light coming in from those windows is lovely.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01How do you feel about having this as a sort of dining area here?
0:21:01 > 0:21:05I think it's great. For breakfast area, I think it's fantastic,
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- or a tea area. Erm... - Friends and family, no.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- No! Not good enough! - All together at once.- Yeah.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- You'd need a bit more space for that.- Yeah, a bit more space.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Good, because there's a dining room next door. Come on.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Is this enough space for you two?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26That's a lovely size.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- That's a really nice size.- Very nice.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- I like it.- Oh, I can see you really, actually thinking about this one.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Mm!- I'm thinking further down the line.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Ah! Let's have a look upstairs.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'The open staircase creates even more light
0:21:44 > 0:21:48'and offers a wonderful view of the living room, with that high ceiling.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52'Let's hope what I show them next is roomy enough for them, too.'
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Now, this is the master bedroom. - That's a nice size.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I think you should be able to fit your big bed in here.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02They've got a bigger bed so that's good to see.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06I'm judging how much you like it by how quiet you've gone, Brian.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- There you go.- I'm NEVER quiet.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Yeah, you're right there, Denise, definitely.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Up here there's also another double room that's made up
0:22:16 > 0:22:17as a children's bedroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19And there's a family bathroom.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21But this house keeps on giving.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Up another flight of stairs, there's even more on offer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Now, this is really pretty. I really like this. I think it's lovely.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34It's lovely and light. I love this wooden arch.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38I like the features, this little original cupboard. It's very pretty.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43Not only do you get all this space, though, you also get an en-suite.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Oh, wow. That's a really nice size. - It is.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- So, you two have lots to think about now.- Yeah.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51You're getting me quite excited, I've got to say,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54cos I can feel how much you like this property.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57So, come on, let's go downstairs. You can have a bit of a wander round
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- and I'll wait for you outside.- OK.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03The communal courtyard is pretty,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06but will the ample proportions inside
0:23:06 > 0:23:09compensate for the lack of space and a rural aspect outside?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- See, it's a beautiful outside space. - Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18It's just whether we can live with the close proximity of having
0:23:18 > 0:23:22what would be our garden is the access points for the neighbours.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27Overall...the size just grabs me and, you know, squeezes me.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Heya. Come and take a seat.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41You've had time to have a little bit of a wander round?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Thank you. Yes, we have. We've had a good look round.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47And now you want to know how much you'd have to pay, right?
0:23:47 > 0:23:52We do. That is the question that we really, actually want to know now.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- OK, so who wants to go first with a guess, then?- Ladies?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58I think it's a little over budget...
0:23:58 > 0:24:03But not too much, because of the outside space. So I would say 410.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I'm going to go a little bit higher and say 430.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11Well, the bad news is that this property was on the market
0:24:11 > 0:24:14at £475,000.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- But that was in July last year. - OK.- Since then, recently,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22they've dropped it down to offers of 400,000 and over...
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- OK.- ..which brings it back into your realm.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- That's interesting to know.- Mm.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- That's very interesting to know. - Mm, indeed.- Mm.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- I think we'll have to think about this one.- Yeah.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35So, let's just go away,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39you two have some time on your own and then we'll have a chat about it,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- this whole journey. See where we get to.- OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Right, let's go.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49This character clock-house property comes in at the very top
0:24:49 > 0:24:53of Brian and Melissa's budget, at exactly £400,000.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57But for that, they get a splendid, spacious interior
0:24:57 > 0:25:00with high ceilings and superb period features,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02set over three floors.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05The Continental-style courtyard is communal,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07with two neighbours on either side.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10On the upside, it's located in the grounds
0:25:10 > 0:25:12of the impressive Ashurst Abbey.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15But will the interior space and setting be enough?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I really love the house, I think it's beautiful.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23I think the space is exactly what we want. My niggle is the outside space,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26cos the courtyard is all you've got and it's communal.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30And Brian doesn't have his man shed. He said that doesn't matter.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Does he really mean that?
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I've got to say, because he does like to get away from me.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Absolutely amazed. It was really nice.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The house was a lot more than we expected.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Definitely a bit of the wow factor there, without a doubt.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Now it's time to me to find out if any of our properties
0:25:56 > 0:25:58caught Brian and Melissa's eye.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Well, we've found a spot for you guys to sit down
0:26:01 > 0:26:03and enjoy this gorgeous countryside.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07It's been a bit of a journey. Let's just reminisce!
0:26:07 > 0:26:08Take ourselves back.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11We started right in the heart of Surrey,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and I always thought this would be a bit of a challenge for us.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Your budget's great, but in Surrey it's tricky.- Yeah.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20So what where your first thoughts when we took you to that property?
0:26:20 > 0:26:25I loved the garden - small, manageable but perfectly formed. It was absolutely lovely.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Yeah, the first impressions were brilliant. I really did like it.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30The house looked big and it was a detached, as well.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35That said, once we got inside, everything seemed to shrink.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38So, we tried to get you a bit more space.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And to do that, we moved out across the border into Kent.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44What did you think of that property? Beautiful views over those fields.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49I loved those views. I really did love that. And it was a very, very pretty house.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53First impressions, again - outside, fantastic. But once again, inside,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56it just seemed a little bit small in that respect.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59So, the mystery house, into West Sussex, completely off script,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02it was attached, nothing that you were looking for.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04However, it did have the space.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07The space was amazing. Is amazing.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09It's not often I don't have much to say.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13But it's when I don't say anything, it means I'm just thinking and thinking and...
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Mm, mm...
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Really liked it. Much more than what we expected.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- But the mystery house was definitely the wow one for me.- Without a doubt.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25It was the first time I got a wow out of you, so I was really pleased.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27So, that said, I think it's clear that was your favourite...
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Yes.- ..it's safe to say.- Without a doubt.- How much of a favourite?
0:27:30 > 0:27:32How are you feeling about it? What will you do next?
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Well, we're going to discuss it when we get home.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I think we need to do some talking about it cos we're both very keen on it.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43We've got to think about what we can do with the outside area.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I'm hopeful that this is the one and that you're able to make
0:27:45 > 0:27:48those little tweaks to get Amelie out to the school of choice
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- and you can start your new life here.- Thank you so much.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53It's been brilliant.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00I'm really pleased for Brian and Melissa.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02I have to admit, I was a little bit worried at the beginning
0:28:02 > 0:28:06that they were going to be too inflexible with their wish-list.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07But with the mystery house
0:28:07 > 0:28:10they seemed to be finally convinced to make that move.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Scotland, Wales or England and need our help,
0:28:20 > 0:28:25please apply online at bbb.co.uk/beonashow
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd