0:00:03 > 0:00:08Not every day you do this. This is the giant oak of Bowthorpe, thought to be one of the largest
0:00:08 > 0:00:12oak trees in Europe. But which county is it in? I'll let you know in a few seconds.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32On today's show, I'll be helping a couple of first-time buyers
0:00:32 > 0:00:35leave their city life far behind them
0:00:35 > 0:00:38and find their forever home in the countryside.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41A family is on the cards, but they're still young at heart.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Hiding places. That's what I like about old houses.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48You like playing hide and seek? I'm finding out more about you than I really needed to!
0:00:48 > 0:00:52And there's our mystery house. But will it fulfil all their dreams?
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- You've thrown a spanner in the works now.- What do you mean by that?
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Welcome to Lincolnshire, home to this giant oak,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04which has been standing here for more than 1,000 years.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09It measures a whopping 13m in circumference. That's a big oak!
0:01:09 > 0:01:12There are quite a few stories as to what it's been used for.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15One previous owner used to shelter his calves underneath it,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17so a unique residence.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20But there's plenty that's unique about this beautiful county.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Situated on the east coast and spanning over 2,500 square miles,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Lincolnshire is England's fourth largest county.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37In the centre of the county are the gently undulating Lincolnshire wolds,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40which served as inspiration for one of its most famous sons,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46To the south east of the county are the low lying Fens,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50which were reclaimed from the sea in the 18th and 19th century.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54This land provides some of the richest soils in the country for arable farming.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Indeed, farming is the county's main source of revenue
0:01:57 > 0:02:01and Lincolnshire produces more than a quarter of the nation's vegetables.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09It's time to find out what today's house hunters are looking for in their new property.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15South African Ryan and Derbyshire lass Stephanie
0:02:15 > 0:02:17tied the knot 18 months ago.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22They've been renting this four-bedroom terrace house in east London for around six years,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24but now they're keen to head to the country.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28We want to start a family and we don't particularly want to bring kids up in London.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Steph and I are both very outdoorsy people.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34With the impending plans for a family,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37being settled in the right location is all important to them.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Steph and I have decided to look in Lincolnshire
0:02:41 > 0:02:45because we believe you get a lot more for your money there.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Although they are first time buyers,
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Ryan and Stephanie have a clear vision of what they want their new home to deliver.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56A large, old building with lots of character,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and maybe a little bit of land.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Definitely four to five bedrooms.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Wooden floors, exposed beams, even an outhouse like a barn that needs to be fixed up.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Something that would give me a bit more outdoor...
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Space for all your tools and stuff.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16But the wish list doesn't end there.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18We want it to be relatively close to a village.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21We don't want to be driving miles to get to the closest shop.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24This is a big move for both of them
0:03:24 > 0:03:28but, luckily, Stephanie knows her own mind and, it seems, Ryan's too!
0:03:28 > 0:03:31You want a very open plan downstairs living area,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35whereas I would like to have somewhere where you can close kids
0:03:35 > 0:03:39and other people away and have a bit of privacy.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Part of that privacy will hopefully be found in a room
0:03:42 > 0:03:45where Stephanie can focus on her passion for dressmaking.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Though I'm not sure Ryan's convinced she deserves it.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- Who do you think has the final say? - Of course, I do.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54I don't think that's true.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56No matter who gets the final say,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00one thing they are both agreed on are the finances.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03The budget for this move is £250,000
0:04:03 > 0:04:06but obviously we're looking for a property
0:04:06 > 0:04:09where we might want to do some work on it so £250,000 is the maximum,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12including all work that we will be doing.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22For Ryan and Stephanie, we'll be focusing our search
0:04:22 > 0:04:25around the market town of Spalding,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27which is within striking distance of Peterborough,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30which is where Ryan's new job will be based.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34We've cherry-picked three fantastic houses to whet our buyers' appetite.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40But I won't tell them what they're on the market for until they've guessed the price themselves.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42And for our mystery house, we've lined up a property
0:04:42 > 0:04:46that will offer our buyers the ultimate in secluded country living.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Welcome to Lincolnshire. How are you?- Fine, thanks.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- Looking forward to it?- Yes. - Very much so.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56How serious are you about making the move to Lincolnshire?
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Now that my job is definite, we're definitely going ahead with the move.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05- So there's big pressure really to find somewhere.- Yes. I would say so.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Yes. So find somewhere, Jones! So what are you looking for?
0:05:09 > 0:05:16At least four bedrooms, decent size garden, fireplace.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19A relatively old building. We don't want a brand-new house.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24Something with a garage or a barn we can turn into a workshop or a studio for Steph.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Yeah.- Anything else? - Erm, I think...- I was joking!
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- That's about it.- Phew! That's quite an extensive list.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34I have heard there's a bit of disagreement
0:05:34 > 0:05:38as far as open plan living and separate living goes.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Yeah. Ryan would really like a whole open plan downstairs area,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46but I'm not so keen, especially if we have kids.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49It might be nice to have somewhere to close them in.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50What about budget?
0:05:50 > 0:05:54£250,000 is the top whack,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57but if we need to do any work on it or anything,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00all the work needs to be included in that.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03OK. I hope we can find you the right property. Shall we get going?
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Let's do that.- Come on, then.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Ryan and Stephanie's maximum budget is £250,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14For that, this couple have got a big wish list.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18They're after a character property with an open fireplace.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22A minimum of four bedrooms and a sizeable garden.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24But they also want a large garage or barn
0:06:24 > 0:06:26where they can store Ryan's bikes and tools
0:06:26 > 0:06:30and create a studio space for Stephanie's dressmaking.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Our first property is situated close to the village
0:06:39 > 0:06:42of Gedney Dyke in the south east of the county,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45which is 23 miles north of Peterborough,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48which is where Ryan will be working.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Gedney Dyke is a charming mix of 18th and 19th century buildings.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56It's got all the amenities they'll need, with a village shop and post office.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00and there are plenty of community activities run from the village hall.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Our first property is a detached cottage which has been updated
0:07:03 > 0:07:06and extended in recent years.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10It sits on a large plot and offers very spacious accommodation.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- You're probably wondering why I've brought you here.- Yeah.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20This could be your first-time buy together. What do you think?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I think it's really nice. It's got the double garage we're looking for.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- The garden looks nice. - You're saying all the right things.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Shall we go inside? Let's hope that smile on your face stays.- OK.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Well, what a great reaction.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I hope the interior keeps those smiles coming.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Let me bring you through to the kitchen.- Wow.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- That's really nice, I like the floor.- Ceramic tiles throughout.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Nice, decent-sized.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Is this big enough for you?
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Yes, I think so. The only slight issue might be counter space.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59It doesn't look like it has a huge amount of counter space.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02We'll have more of a look, I'm sure we will.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- So far, so good.- I like it. - Excellent. Good, good, good.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Let's go through to the living room. Follow me.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15You've got the tiles continuing into the living room.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22I like this. It's very light. I like the doors into the garden.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- It's quite cosy though, isn't it? - It is. Very light.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- I don't like dark, dingy rooms. - This is not a dark, dingy room.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- Not at all.- Excellent, OK. Let's go upstairs.- Perfect.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37I'll squeeze through you. Thank you.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Downstairs, there's also a cloakroom and a handy utility room,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45along with a double garage that can be accessed from the house.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Let's see what they make of the rooms on the first floor.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54Let me bring you into this bedroom. What do you think?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's a bit small, to be honest.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00There isn't much room when you've got a double bed.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Is this the main bedroom in the house?- No.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- I'm keeping it up my sleeve.- In that case, that's a fair-sized room.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11You say it may be a bit on the small side, you say it's OK.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13It's an average-sized room, I think.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- You know that other bedroom I had up my sleeve?- Yes.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Let's go and have a look at it.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21'That's not quite the response I was looking for.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23'Let's see if the next room will bring them round.'
0:09:23 > 0:09:26This I would imagine would be your room.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Oh, wow. I like this. Much bigger size.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34They've got a huge wardrobe in here as well
0:09:34 > 0:09:37which I don't know if you have wardrobes that size.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40What you haven't noticed yet is it's also en suite.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Great.- A good sized en suite. - That's a big plus.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- It's a good room, isn't it?- It is. - Again, very bright.- Lots of windows.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Once again, the red brick and nice high ceilings.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54I'm really glad you like the red brick.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- I think we'd have been pretty doomed if you didn't.- I do like it.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00It's not overpowering because it's only one wall in each room.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01What do you think?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- I like it.- Impressed. - Very impressed.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- Very impressed!- Yeah. - Shall we go outside?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Let's do that.- Why not?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Also on this level is a family bathroom,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19a fair-sized single bedroom
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and a fourth bedroom that's currently being used as storage.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Outside, there's a huge garden extending to the front
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and rear of this property.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31What do you think? The whole plot of land is half an acre.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35The house is basically in the middle of that plot.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40So, you've seen everything and you're both smiling, which is good. Let's talk money, shall we?
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- What do you think this house is on the market for?- I reckon 235,000.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48£235,000. How about you, Ryan?
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- I'll go for 230.- £230,000.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56I can tell you that the house is currently on the market
0:10:56 > 0:10:58for £259,950.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Before you say anything, the current owner is willing to listen
0:11:02 > 0:11:05to offers around the £250,000 mark.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- OK.- So it's at the top end of our budget.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So, for a shade under £260,000,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17this detached cottage has plenty of space.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19It has a sizable kitchen and dining room,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24four bedrooms and a double garage, perfect for Ryan's man space.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27It would also work as a studio for Stephanie.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29There's also a large garden to the front and back
0:11:29 > 0:11:31with views over the open fields.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Seen enough?- Yes, we have.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Come on, let's get into the car.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Lincolnshire is a county with very fertile land,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55and there are a number of local producers
0:11:55 > 0:11:59who are championing real food, a return to making it in the traditional way.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03I've come to meet Dave Dobson, who runs the Barefoot Bakery in Spalding,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05which supplies low-cost organic bread
0:12:05 > 0:12:08using only locally-sourced ingredients.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Today, Dave is going to pass on some of his baking secrets.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- This is a batch that I did 12 hours ago.- Right. Wow!
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- It's really like a marshmallow. - Goodness. Oh, wow.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26So, that tiny amount of yeast, because it's been given the time, has done all that work.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'Now the dough has risen, it's ready to be prepped for the oven.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34So you're just going to go...
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- So we're cutting from there?- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- HE GASPS - Oh!
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- Was that right?- Yes, but no fear.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- So, push in and pull back? - Push in and pull back.- OK. Hooray!
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- I've done something right. - Perfect.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Fantastic. How exciting.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04'Now, they do say that a watched loaf never bakes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06'Actually, I've just made that up.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- 'Still, I can't take my eyes off this one.'- We're going to...
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Well, you can, actually. Just push it in, and your loaf will land on.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Push it right to the back, strong.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24And then just pull back, and it will come with it. Absolutely perfect.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It's hot! Funny, that. What an idiot.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Shall I put it down here?
0:13:30 > 0:13:31That's fine.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36Dave cuts down on food miles by delivering his bread to schools
0:13:36 > 0:13:40and other places where his customers will already be gathering.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Right, let's deliver some bread.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49You've got a very special one.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- I'm very sorry, but I made this one. So don't choke on it.- You did not!
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Well, it's good to see one lot of satisfied customers
0:13:56 > 0:13:59stocking up on this local bread.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03But, for now, we're returning back to our house hunt.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Our second property is close to the village of Holbeach Bank,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14which is set in the middle of an agricultural landscape.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19Conveniently for Ryan and Stephanie, there's a large primary school here.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21The property I'm showing them is a detached farmhouse
0:14:21 > 0:14:25which has been extended to provide generous living accommodation.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Just checking for that smile. - Yeah, still there.- Hey-hey!
0:14:29 > 0:14:33The current owners of this property call this spot their little oasis.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- It's surrounded by farmland. - I can see why.- It's nice, isn't it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41What we've got here, this part of the house is 200 years old.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43It was renovated in the 19th century
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and the current owners did some work in 2004.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It looks like a lovely place.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Lots to explore, not just in the house but in the garden as well.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52He even said if you want to buy the house
0:14:52 > 0:14:55and you want the Mini with it, he'll do you a deal on it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Oh, really!- Your face - wa-hey!
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- I love Minis.- Do you? It might be a deal cruncher.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Shall we go in?- Yeah, let's go.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10Let's hope she loves the interior of this house as much as the car.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Come on through to the kitchen.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- She's surveying.- Yeah, I am. More counter space than the last place.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27But not quite as much... rest of the area.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30This is the kitchen, so not a kitchen diner.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- A very modern kitchen. - Yeah.- It's different.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37It's nice, it's bigger than the other place, like you said, the kitchen counter space.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- I like the sink as well. - It's got the sink you wanted.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Through here you've got - it may seem strange -
0:15:44 > 0:15:47the family bathroom. A really good, big family bathroom
0:15:47 > 0:15:49and a utility room as well.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Great.- All in one. I'll let you explore that later
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- but I think we should go through to the dining room.- OK.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Got some storage space here, for your Hoover.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04I don't know if you do Hoover. This is the dining room.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- It's a nice spacious room. You've got exposed beams.- The original beams.- That's lovely.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12You're both smiling, saying kind of the right things
0:16:12 > 0:16:14but you're not both going wow!
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- We liked the cottage. The other house was a bit modern.- Too modern.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22Perfect and straight. But this, you've got curves and bends
0:16:22 > 0:16:25and not everything's level which is what we are looking for.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Little cupboards hidden everywhere, little hiding places.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- That's what I like about old houses. - You like playing hide-and-seek.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I'm finding more about you than I really needed to!
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Come on, let's carry on.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Let's have a look.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- If it's a cosy living room you're after...- Yeah, it's nice.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- It's a lovely size room.- You say it with surprise in your voice.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51No, because the other rooms have been quite a bit smaller.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I was expecting this to be a similar size
0:16:54 > 0:16:56but it's much bigger than I'd anticipated.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- Do you like it? - Yeah, I do like it. Very much.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- Good. You too? - So far, so good.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Is it big enough for you? - I think so, yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06OK, there's loads more to see so we should
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- venture upstairs and let's see if you're still smiling then. - OK.- Come on.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Downstairs seems to be getting a lot of positives.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Let's see if we can build on that momentum upstairs.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24This is currently the master bedroom. Very bright.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- Yeah, big as well.- It is a big room. Nice high ceilings as well.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I'm impressed.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- Are you?- Yeah.- Can you imagine you here?- I could, yeah.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Definitely.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38It hasn't got any of that modern factor in it
0:17:38 > 0:17:40which we weren't looking for.
0:17:40 > 0:17:46- That's good.- It ticks that box as well.- Good.- Exciting.- Come on, then.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53'Now, there's a lot to discover in this house. It's full of surprises.'
0:17:53 > 0:17:55We're above the garage. As you can see,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58there is a really good-sized bathroom.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- Yeah.- And I want to show you a really magnificent bedroom, as well.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- I've got an idea for this.- OK.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09You see, if you didn't fancy the other bedroom,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13which didn't have the en suite at the moment, you could have this
0:18:13 > 0:18:15as your master kind of part of the house, couldn't you?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- I like the door window. - It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- Overlooking the garden. It couldn't be more natural. - This could be a main bedroom.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- It's got a lot of potential, in a good way.- Oh, excellent. - I really like it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I'm really glad you like inside.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Of course, there's the garden, as well, which is important.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- So shall we take a look?- Of course.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38'I tell you, I really like it when people can see potential.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41'There are two single bedrooms upstairs, which would make
0:18:41 > 0:18:43'perfect children's rooms in the future.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47'Ryan and Stephanie also wanted lots of outdoor space.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50'I hope they'll be impressed with the quarter of an acre
0:18:50 > 0:18:52'of pretty garden that comes with the property.'
0:18:53 > 0:18:59You've got strawberries, but imagine the fruit and vegetable patch you could have with all that.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01OK, all this comes at a price.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04You went first last time, so I think you should go this time.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- What do you reckon?- 230 again. - So, same price as the last property.
0:19:09 > 0:19:15- How about you, what do you reckon? - I reckon 245,000.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Oh, OK. Close. You're good.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24- £246,500.- That's not bad. - I'm delighted you like this.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29I think you're right in the fact that it has got potential, and also a lovely feel.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It's got a lot of character, as well.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35So, for just under £247,000,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38this detached farm offers extensive accommodation.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40There's a large kitchen and dining room.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45There are four good-sized bedrooms along with a garage and workshop.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47What's more, there's a large, rambling garden.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Let's take stock, and then we'll start again tomorrow. How's that?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Sounds good.- I'll even drive you back.- Thanks.- I'm all heart!
0:20:09 > 0:20:13As the day draws to an exciting close over the Lincolnshire landscape,
0:20:13 > 0:20:18our buyers could be one step closer to finding their first ever home.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27So, here we go again.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29It's a brand-new day, and our search continues
0:20:29 > 0:20:32to find Ryan and Stephy their dream property here in Lincolnshire.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37I wonder if a good night's sleep has dampened Stephy's enthusiasm for the second property.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40You know, the one with the Mini? She absolutely loved it.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Ryan wasn't as convinced. Has his head now ruled her heart?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's time to bring on the mystery property.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49And for a sizeist girl that thinks that big is beautiful,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52we're showing them massive, but with a twist.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59For the mystery house, we're taking Ryan and Stephanie
0:20:59 > 0:21:02further north to the village of Thornton-Le-Fen,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05which is nine miles from the town of Boston.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10One of the town's most famous landmarks is the magnificent medieval church of St Botolph's,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14which is one of the highest church towers in Britain.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19The town is also home to the Maud Foster mill, one of the UK's tallest working windmills.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24I'm showing them a detached cottage which has a very unusual entrance.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29It's got the four bedrooms our buyers want, but it's currently two separate cottages,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and needs some work to turn it into a family dwelling.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- So, this is your very own bridge. - Can you get a car over it?- You can. Plenty strong.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- So, what do you think? - Fantastic bridge.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- I like it.- Yes, you've really thrown a spanner in the works now.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48What do you mean by that?
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Well, from what I can see from here, it's sort of what we're looking for.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- Shall we go inside? - Yeah, let's.- Come on.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57'I'm taking them straight into the kitchen,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00'which I think Ryan and Stephanie could put their own stamp on.'
0:22:02 > 0:22:05You've got the original tiled flooring there.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- And you may have spied the utility room with...?- A pantry.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Yeah, a walk-in pantry. - I'm impressed. I like it.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- You wanted one of those. - I like the sink.- And the range?
0:22:17 > 0:22:19And the range, yes.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- It's not a giant kitchen. - It's got a lot of potential.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Which is what we were looking for. - Yeah.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28You're thinking work surfaces, aren't you?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Yeah, but I'm thinking there's a lot that still could be done to it.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35You've got a living room behind you, which I won't take you to now.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37We'll go upstairs, I think. OK?
0:22:37 > 0:22:40'With spirits high, we're going up to the first floor,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'as there's a surprise about the downstairs layout
0:22:43 > 0:22:46'I want to keep up my sleeve.'
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Lots of wood. Wooden staircase, you've also got this sort of wooden stud wall.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I don't know what you would do with this room.- I like it.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58It is obviously smaller than the second house we saw yesterday,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- but it's still...- What you've got here is two bedrooms, similar size.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05The other one is probably a little bit brighter, actually,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09because it overlooks your garden. You've also got a good-sized family bathroom,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and a fireplace you could reinstate.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- You'd have to get it checked, of course.- It's an average-sized room.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16- I love all the wooden floors. - Yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- There's a lot you could do with this place.- Your mind's racing.- It is.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- It's good. I like it. - OK, shall we go downstairs
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- and I'll show you the living room?- Yes.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- You're saying all the right things.- Good.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33'So, they are making all the right noises thus far.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36'There's more of this property to show them.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Again, you've got the tiled flooring in the living room as well.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- Wow!- Come closer. What do you think?- I like the fire.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Yes, a multi-fuel burner. - Got the fireplace.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53It's a bit small, but I like it.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55It must be quite cosy in the winter with a fire going.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59This property comes with a sunroom, as well. Shall we wander into it?
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- Yeah.- Let's have a look.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Nice and bright out here. - Yeah, it is.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08And that's your garden, an acre.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- There is one thing I haven't told you.- What?
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Well, actually, the house you've just seen is replicated exactly there.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18And it's all your house.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23So actually, if you divide this down the middle, you are getting two for one.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27So you could be sitting there in your house,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and you could be sitting here in your house.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32That's actually perfect! You can do what you want in your side
0:24:32 > 0:24:35of the house, and I'll do what I want my side.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Let's go and have a little peek. Come on.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40So, you see? Exactly the same.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43You have got the dining room/living room,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46so you could knock it through and have one big living room.
0:24:46 > 0:24:52- With one giant fireplace in the middle.- Now you're talking!- Possible.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Voice of reason behind us!
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- And the kitchen. - Identical kitchen again.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- I'm impressed.- Let's pop out to the garden.- Perfect.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10Upstairs has two further bedrooms and a good-sized family bathroom.
0:25:10 > 0:25:16Outside, there's an extensive paddock with its own woodshed, workshop and stables.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- I'm very excited about this property.- You are?- I am, yes.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Yeah, me too. I like it. - It ticks almost every box.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- We've just got to get to the price now.- So, what do you reckon?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- What do you think it's on the market for?- I'd say about 245.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Go on, you go, Ryan. What do you think?
0:25:33 > 0:25:38I'm going to go with what I have been saying all along, and say 230.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's currently on the market for £250,000.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45And that's exactly what the current owner wants for it. At the moment, non-negotiable.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's leaving us with a lot to think about.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55For £250,000, this detached farmhouse has not one, but two kitchens.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58There's a cosy sitting room and spacious dining room,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00both of which open onto a sun lounge.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03It also has four bedrooms, and it's situated within
0:26:03 > 0:26:07an acre of garden that includes a workshop and two stables.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- We'll catch up with each other later?- Perfect. Sounds good.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I think it's fair to say that Ryan and Stephy have found
0:26:25 > 0:26:28positives in all the properties that we've shown them.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32They've tried hard to imagine what it would be like to live in all three houses.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37The question is, do they like any of them enough to make imagination turn into reality?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Let's find out.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Well, we've done quite a bit of travelling in the last few days.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- We have.- We've seen a lot. Let's start with the first property.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52You seemed positive when we walked up to it. You liked it.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I did, but now thinking back on it, I think it was just too modern.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59I think we'd have got bored in that house.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Your face was a picture when you saw the second property.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- You loved it.- Yeah, I did.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09- That was a really nice, quaint little house.- You needed some convincing.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12It was sort of the top of the budget, almost,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14and there was things we would like to do to it
0:27:14 > 0:27:17like remove one of the staircases and expand the kitchen a bit.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- The third one really has thrown a spanner in the works.- Yes, it has.
0:27:21 > 0:27:27It had a lot of potential, a lot of things that could be done to it.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29So, yes, in its own way, wonderful.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31So, what are you going to do?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I think within the next month or two, we'll be back.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38We'll contact estate agents and definitely revisit both properties.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- I think sooner than that! - Within the next month.- Friday?
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- OK.- You're keen! She'll be moving in on Monday. - You don't want to go home!- I don't.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- She might have found a new home. - That's true.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- It's been great meeting you. - Yeah, you too.- Really good fun.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00And that's it from Lincolnshire,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02where two of our properties have really hit the mark.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07You know, with Stephy's passion and energy and Ryan's methodical mind and positivity,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11I'm sure it won't be long until they find their ideal home in this beautiful county.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Until next time, goodbye.
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0:28:16 > 0:28:18in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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