0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, we're in a county with two national parks,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08one famous for its chalky hills, the other for its gorsy forest.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Find out where we are in just a moment.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30In today's show, I'll be helping a couple desperate to flee
0:00:30 > 0:00:35the urban jungle of London for a peaceful retreat in the countryside.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- Nicely done.- Nice.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Ta-da!
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Oh, my word! A sunken bath!- Nice.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46But they want their rural dream to come with a bit of luxury.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Will our mystery house fit the bill?
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Nicely done, but you can't entertain in here.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Here we are in Hampshire, with the South Downs National Park
0:00:59 > 0:01:04in the east, and this, the New Forest National Park, in the west.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06The New Forest was created in 1079,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10by William the Conqueror, no less, as a royal hunting ground.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Luckily, they didn't hunt everything,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15because these New Forest ponies survive to this day,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17and they're a protected species.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20They're even allowed right of way on the roads.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24With the likes of Dorset and Wiltshire amongst its neighbours,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Hampshire is a solid bet for seeking out unspoilt countryside,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31as around a third of the county is encompassed
0:01:31 > 0:01:33within those two national parks.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36There's history too, with the county town of Winchester
0:01:36 > 0:01:37being the ancient capital
0:01:37 > 0:01:40of King Alfred the Great's kingdom of Wessex.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44But one of the defining glories of the county is its coastline.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46The protected waters of the Solent
0:01:46 > 0:01:50have always attracted yachtsmen and sailors throughout history.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Indeed, the Roman fort of Portchester Castle
0:01:53 > 0:01:56is testament to Hampshire's enduring strategic importance.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59It's this potent mix of heritage and geography
0:01:59 > 0:02:01that makes the county such an interesting prospect
0:02:01 > 0:02:04for aspiring escapees.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Today's couple really are the most city of city-dwellers.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11They live right slap bang in the middle of London,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13so let's find out what it is about Hampshire
0:02:13 > 0:02:16that makes them think this could be a perfect escape.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Luke and Rachel are high-flying lawyers who have spent
0:02:19 > 0:02:23the last 15 years living and working in central London.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28Home is in a modern apartment block overlooking St Paul's Cathedral.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Many city dwellers would give their eye teeth
0:02:31 > 0:02:32to live in the heart of London,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36but the charms of urban living have faded for them,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39and they want to change their city life for a country one.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42My dream for moving to the country
0:02:42 > 0:02:45is to wake up in the morning and hear the birds singing,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and to look out over green fields,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50rather than having been surrounded by a construction site
0:02:50 > 0:02:52and with planes overhead.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Yes, and for me it's about getting up in the morning,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57walking to the village shop to buy a newspaper,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00maybe a nice Sunday roast in the village pub.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03And a walk back over country fields.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06That all sounds idyllic.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Location is all-important for Luke and Rachel,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12as they're keen to be close to their relatives.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14The area we've been focusing on is Hampshire,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18because that's where Luke's mother is, and my mother lives quite close.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21My mother's not getting any younger, so it would be nice if,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24at some stage, she could come and move in with us.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25So, we're looking for a granny flat.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28And there are also a few other things on their list.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32When we move, my absolute must for our dream house
0:03:32 > 0:03:34is a big downstairs entertaining space.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Big open-plan kitchen, plenty of room for friends, family
0:03:37 > 0:03:40to come round and have drinks and dinner.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Maybe somewhere to put a little vegetable patch in,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45growing potatoes and tomatoes.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46Somewhere for chickens.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I'm quite a keen golfer, so I'd like to explore that
0:03:49 > 0:03:50a little bit more in the countryside.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54There's plenty of evidence in support of a country life.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56But it's not quite case closed.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58So far as the style of property is concerned,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02I think we are not wedded to a particular, you know,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05modern or period property.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Our big no-no is low ceilings and beams.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11When it comes to deciding on our dream home,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13I think we'll probably agree,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17provided Luke can have a bit of a reality check.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Yes. I have no doubt we will agree, because I will just say,
0:04:21 > 0:04:22"Yes, Rachel, that's lovely."
0:04:23 > 0:04:26I'm not sure it's going to be quite that easy,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29but one thing that is for certain is their handsome finances.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Our budget for this move is £1.5 million.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Usually at this point, I'd be saying,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40"They haven't really got enough money,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42"and there's not that many properties.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45"There's going to have to be a compromise."
0:04:45 > 0:04:47But actually, they've got a really good budget.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50This part of Hampshire is full of million-pound properties.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So the challenge for us is, actually,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56can we find a property that really sets them up?
0:04:56 > 0:05:00That gives them those big, modern interiors for entertaining
0:05:00 > 0:05:01and the country allure?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Something that is going to express
0:05:04 > 0:05:07what Rachel and Luke want to be for the rest of their life?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Luke and Rachel covet the rural charms of Hampshire,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so we'll be focusing today's search around the New Forest,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19in the south-west of the county,
0:05:19 > 0:05:24which has lots of pretty villages and good transport links to London.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26We'll be showing them some fantastic properties,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30but I won't be revealing the prices until they've had a guess first.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35And there's our mystery house, which is their chance to expect the unexpected.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I'm interested in this big move of yours
0:05:39 > 0:05:40because it really is a big move.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Is it going to be the one and final move?
0:05:43 > 0:05:45We don't want to do this again.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46We want our forever home, our dream home,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49so that we can spend the rest of our lives down here.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51We've both been city dwellers for many years,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and coming down to the country is absolutely what we want.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Is this going to be... Are you going to entertain,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00is this the place where all your friends come down?
0:06:00 > 0:06:01It's certainly my dream.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06One of the things I'm very much looking for is a big kitchen with entertaining space
0:06:06 > 0:06:10so we can have all our friends around, family Christmases, that kind of thing.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Basically, we want to be the hosts.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14What's your dream scenario?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Probably a village, or edge of village location
0:06:17 > 0:06:20so we can still walk to, to a pub, to a village shop.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Having a nice garden, maybe growing vegetables.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But you've got a lovely budget, it's a real joy to show you around.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Let's get in the car and find something.- Fantastic. Thank you.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36For a maximum budget of £1.5 million, Luke and Rachel
0:06:36 > 0:06:40would like a large house with a minimum of five bedrooms.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Keen for great entertainment space, an absolute essential
0:06:44 > 0:06:47is a large reception room and good-sized kitchen.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50They'd like at least half an acre of land,
0:06:50 > 0:06:54so Luke can potter in the garden and try his hand at growing vegetables.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58And an annexe or downstairs bedroom for Luke's mother.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09With their desire for rural beauty in mind,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12I'm taking our buyers to the hamlet of Shobley, near Ringwood.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16With the New Forest on their doorstep, Luke and Rachel will have
0:07:16 > 0:07:18all the country walks they could ever wish for.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23I think our first house will give them all the entertaining space they want too.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Good grief!
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Here we have it.- Wow!
0:07:28 > 0:07:321930s building, you can see the style.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- You've got six garages.- We need more cars.- For your many, many cars.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- What are your first impressions? - It's amazing.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It's very, very impressive. It's a lovely driveway.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47It looks a huge house. We have only got one car, so five garages....
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Better start saving. - Absolutely, yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53I love the fact that it looks symmetrical. Stunning.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- You've got the A31, which is a pretty noisy road.- I can hear that.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02But once you get into the house, that's not a factor any more.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04There's garden at the front, as well.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- That's the least of your garden. - Oh.- Oh, my word.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10Good first impressions,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13so let's hope the inside can live up to their expectations.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Come on in.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Wow.- Wow.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- Talk about party space. - It's big, huh?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- Have you seen the disco floor?- Yeah!
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Come in here, you'll get the full extent.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33- When you said you wanted a modern interior...- Yes.- That will do it.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Thumbs up for this bit? - Definitely.- Super.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Good, let's go and look at the reception room.- Great.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42So that was a hit, and hopefully,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44the open-plan drawing room won't disappoint either.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Wow!- Very different.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Do you like it, or are you not so keen?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It's not to my taste at all, this room.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56I think it feels a bit long and thin. It doesn't feel very cosy.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00That's what I'm struggling with. I don't know what I would do with this space.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04I'm not sure I'd want the dining room. I'd rather entertain in the kitchen.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08It is a simple downstairs. There's a family room at the other end,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10but it's essentially these three massive rooms.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Let's take a look upstairs.- Great.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16'Before we explore the rest of the downstairs,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18'let's take a look at where they would sleep.'
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Here is the master.- Oh.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- That is enormous.- It's big, huh? - Yeah.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- Lots and lots of space. - Where's the cupboard space?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Well, behind you, you have a walk-in wardrobe.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- My dream of a dressing room. - Yeah, yeah.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43And in this cupboard, are you ready?
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- Oh.- Ta-da!- Oh, my word!
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- A sunken bath!- Gosh!
0:09:50 > 0:09:52This is enormous, the en suite.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- It's lovely, isn't it? - Beautiful room.
0:09:58 > 0:10:04This house just keeps on growing. There's three more large double bedrooms on this floor,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08two of which are en suite, and a further family bathroom.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Back downstairs, there's still more to show them. There's a separate ground floor annexe
0:10:13 > 0:10:15which, I think would work well for Luke's mother.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- This is a little bit more scaled down.- This is very cosy.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- Perfect, actually.- This is the annexe that is perfect for your mum.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- It's got a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom all on one level.- Great.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- It's a good idea. It's perfect for her, actually.- This is the annexe,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36but there are more surprises in the garden.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41The property comes with its very own spa block
0:10:41 > 0:10:45which has a large indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and there's also an outdoor tennis court.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Here we get a view of the garden, although it spreads everywhere.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- It's two acres of garden. - Shame about the road noise.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- The road is an inescapable fact of the house.- I think that's right.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05In terms of what you've got, there's a lot on offer here.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09What do you think the price of this property would be?
0:11:09 > 0:11:12I think I'd probably say about £1.3 million.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16OK, I think that's optimistic.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20I would say given the amount of grounds, £1.6 million?
0:11:21 > 0:11:26Well, a little in between, but much closer to yours.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28It's on at £1,395,000.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Wow, that's a lot of house. - A lot of ground.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38So, priced at £1,395,000,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43this fantastic 1930s house certainly has ample entertaining space,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47with its two reception rooms and huge kitchen.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51There's plenty of room for friends and family to stay, with four bedrooms and a granny annexe.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54And there's a huge two-acre garden.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Will this be too much space for them?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- All done?- Yes, thank you.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Pull the door. Let's mosey on.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Fantastic.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18So it's back to the business of finding a home for Luke and Rachel.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23As they're after a quiet spot, we're heading to the tiny village of East Dean.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26As they still need to commute to London for work,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30it's a great choice, as it's only 12 miles to Salisbury,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32which has excellent rail links to London.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Our buyers want to escape the noise and pressure of city living
0:12:35 > 0:12:37and it doesn't get more peaceful than East Dean,
0:12:37 > 0:12:41where there are no shops, just the ancient church of St Winfrith's
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and one pub, should they need a watering hole.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49OK.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Different kettle of fish here. - Very different.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Much quieter.- Much quieter. - Beautiful, yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Lovely entrance as you came through. I love it.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01This is an 18th-century cottage.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05You can see where the chimney was, would've been the end of the original cottage.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Then from the chimney, left, would have been a barn.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13This is a cottage and barn conversion.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15I know that's not what you put top of your list,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19but, nonetheless, we brought you here because we think this is a super property,
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- but I'll let you be the judge of that as you walk around.- Lovely.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28So far so good on the outside,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31but they might be in for a bit of a shock on the inside.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Come on in...
0:13:36 > 0:13:39to another kitchen/diner.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Nice.- Nicely done.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Interesting...beams.- Beams?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Not our favourite.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- I think I said definite no-no. - Mm-hm.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57If you painted these all a nice, bleached-out, chalky white
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- you would immediately feel they were about a foot high.- And lighter.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06Well, it's absolutely what we didn't want, but I'm kind of liking it.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- You know, I need to see more of the house. This feels OK.- Yes, it does.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- For hearty Christmases. - It'll keep us cosy.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Well, if you want hearty Christmases...
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Downstairs, there's a handy utility area and a cosy family room.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35- No low ceilings here!- No low ceilings, but still some beams. - Still some beams.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40This is where I was thinking you could have a good family Christmas.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41Oh, yes, yes.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46It's beautiful on a summer's day like this but it would really work in the winter as well.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52I'm picturing a big Christmas party with children,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54and imagine the games of sardines you could play.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- That's definitely right.- Before we look upstairs, one more room.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Off this grand reception, I think there's a room that might be ideal for Luke's mum.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10- Tiny little room here at the end. - Oh, yes, right!
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Fabulous room.- That's a big room too.- It's a big room, isn't it?
0:15:13 > 0:15:15That's super, actually.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20There are options in this house for Mama, this might be one of them.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Yes, this would work very well if we could get
0:15:24 > 0:15:28a little sitting, bed sitting room and en suite somewhere.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33They're certainly warming to this place. I'm hoping the first floor will deliver,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36providing they don't mind the odd beam or two.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Here is the master bedroom.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Lovely, very nice.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Beam.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- There's a beam right above my bed. - Just a single beam.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I think that one would definitely have to be painted white.- Yes.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56I think that would be doable.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01You've got a lot of storage, you've got a walk-in dressing room there and a big en suite.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Oh, fabulous. Views over the garden as well.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Oh, that is absolutely gorgeous. - Isn't that great?- On all sides.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I can't remember the last time I saw a bathroom with double aspect.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14No, exactly. You can look out both sides and it makes it so lovely and light.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I would definitely spend many hours soaking in that.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- Lovely.- Definitely.- Very nice.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24On the far side of the gallery landing,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28there is a country house-style guest bedroom with its own en suite,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32and a further three bedrooms with bright interiors.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37There is also a family bathroom with whitewashed floorboards.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Outside, there's an expansive garden
0:16:39 > 0:16:41which runs down to the River Dunn
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and a further two acres of private woodland beyond.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- I can see some fabulous garden parties.- Yeah. Oh, yeah.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- You'd lose a few people, I suspect.- Into the stream.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- And into the woods.- Yes. Oh, it is fabulous.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58All the best garden parties end in the woods.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00If you live here, if you buy it...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03which, of course, is dependent on the price.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08I'm going to go for 1.45, I think.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11I think it's less than that.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12Um...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16I think I am going to go 1.15.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Well, yet again, it's somewhere in between.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- And once again, it's closer to you. It's on the market for 1.2.- Wow.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25That's a great price.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30At £1.2 million, this house is comfortably under their budget.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34It's a barn conversion, set in a small rural village.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37It's got a double-height reception room, perfect for entertaining.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41And with five bedrooms, there should be enough space for their family
0:17:41 > 0:17:43and friends to stay over.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47But will the beams leave Rachel feeling exposed?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Lovely.- But let's go and collect ourselves at the end of the day.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Great.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07As the day closes over Hampshire, our buyers have time to consider the properties they've already seen
0:18:07 > 0:18:12and anticipate what the mystery house might have in store.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19For the mystery house, we've reigned things in.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21We have gone a bit smaller
0:18:21 > 0:18:25and retreated from the wilds of the countryside.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27So, let's see how they like that.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Now for the mystery house
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and we've hopped across the border to Ferndown in Dorset.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It's further away than the other houses I have shown them
0:18:38 > 0:18:42but it is still just commutable to London from Bournemouth
0:18:42 > 0:18:43which is seven miles away.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Ferndown itself is a town
0:18:45 > 0:18:49but it's still surrounded by countryside and open fields.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54And, for golfer Luke, there's a championship course which could
0:18:54 > 0:18:58seriously help swing our mystery property right into their thinking.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04- Ooh! Another exhausting walk up one of your drives.- It is a long way up.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- So, what do you think of this? - Wow, fabulous.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- That is not what I was expecting. - No, not at all.- At all.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13That is really stunning.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- And big!- It is quite large.- Again. - Yes.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- This is actually 14 years old. - Is that all?
0:19:19 > 0:19:22So, it's absolutely top spec.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26You have a championship golf course literally across the road
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- because I know you like... - I spotted that on the way in.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31You are really in the middle of a community
0:19:31 > 0:19:32and not way out in the countryside.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes, please.- Yes, please.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Ah, maybe we have hit the jackpot with this house.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42The inside will reveal all.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Ah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47What a fireplace.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49That's the biggest fireplace we have shown you.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Almost a proper inglenook.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Yes. That is nice.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- It is a real feature of this room. - And the only beam in the property...
0:19:59 > 0:20:02..is above the fireplace. I can live with that. That is fine.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I think it would be cosy in here.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08You're right. This is the cosy sitting room which is cooler because...
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- ..here, you've got a sunroom. - Yes, this is lovely.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Very light, yeah.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- Oh, yeah.- And a pool.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- Beautiful. - And what a lovely setting for it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- Outdoors. You don't have to worry about that.- Absolutely.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- There is lots more to see. - Yes. Lead the way.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29'This is going very well.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33'We might have actually found Luke and Rachel their ideal home.'
0:20:33 > 0:20:35So, we go in here.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- One of the things about the house is that there are lots of rooms.- Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Another sitting room. - This is essentially the morning sitting room.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48All the light comes in here in the morning.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50And what a beautiful aspect, actually.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52This is where you have your morning coffee.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Read the papers. - Yes. Lovely. Lovely.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59There is a formal dining room. And then, a kitchen as well.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Let's go and look at that. I know it's very important for you.- It is.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05The all-important kitchen.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Yeah, lovely.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- A bit small.- It is smaller than the ones we have seen. - You've been spoilt.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Yes, I think we have. Very nicely done.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19But you can't entertain in here, I don't think.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23That is the thing, you have a separate dining room.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- It is more of a formal house. - Yes, that's definitely right.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30This is a very expensive kitchen.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- It is a very nice kitchen. - Have you noticed the beams?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- That's what happens when you paint beams white.- I hadn't noticed. - Quite.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39A little bit high on the ceiling, though.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Well, there is more.- Super.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Sounds like we haven't quite sealed the deal on this one yet,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48but I'm going to show them a study and another conservatory
0:21:48 > 0:21:52that could make a perfect bedroom and sitting room for Luke's mum.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Oh, fantastic, yeah. - So, this is the extension.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- This could be a room for Mum. - This is what we were thinking.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04She would love this because she loves the outside garden.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07She could sit there in the morning and there in the afternoon.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- She would love this.- Yeah.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Ideal. Very well done. Very good.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Upstairs is much more conventional.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17You've got four bedrooms and a big master bedroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Let's have a look at that.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21'I get the feeling it's six of one
0:22:21 > 0:22:24'and half a dozen of the other with this house.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26'Let's see if the upstairs can tip the balance.'
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- This is the master.- Ooh.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Just spotting...other bits.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Yeah. So, you've got a big dressing room area here. - Oh, my word, that's huge.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Now, that is your dream, isn't it?
0:22:43 > 0:22:48That certainly is. You've managed to find three dressing rooms in three properties.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Oh, yes. And a big en suite there.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- This is a great size, actually. - Wow, this is huge.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- It's huge.- It's the size of a bedroom!- Yes.- Do you think? - Yes, lovely.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05There are three more bedrooms on this floor, all of them generous doubles
0:23:05 > 0:23:10and two of them are en suite. There is also a family bathroom.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Of all the properties I've shown you, this is the smallest in terms of footprint of land.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It's just under an acre.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21What do you think this property is on the market for?
0:23:21 > 0:23:27I'm going to go in at 975,000.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31I was going to plump for a figure of around 999,950.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Sadly, you're both wrong.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Because this is actually the most expensive house.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- This is £1.4 million.- OK.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42We don't know the area, I suppose.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Because we are edging closer to Sandbanks,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- a very exclusive belt of property. - Right.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53That does surprise me, actually, that it is that much more
0:23:53 > 0:23:57than at least the second property that we saw.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00With a guide price of £1.4 million,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04this new-build house is the most expensive we have shown them.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08It does give them plenty of space with two reception rooms,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13a formal dining room, a large study, two fantastic conservatories
0:24:13 > 0:24:15and four bedrooms.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20- All done?- All done, thank you. - All done.- Good. Come with me.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21Thank you very much.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35I'm fairly sure I saw Rachel's eyes light up as we went around the mystery house.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39It seemed to be the right proportions, lots of things she liked
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and then it was killed dead by the price.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47But I am very interested to see how the whole series of three properties
0:24:47 > 0:24:50have changed Luke and Rachel's ideas about this
0:24:50 > 0:24:54dream country house that is going to express so much about them.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56So, let's go and find out.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Well, I hope it has been a thought-provoking few days.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08We've seen quite a lot of different properties.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13So, the first one we showed you was the big 1930s property,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17lots of outbuildings, lots of space. Big, light kitchen.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Inside, that kitchen was absolutely spectacular -
0:25:21 > 0:25:24my dream entertaining space.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I can certainly imagine having a number of parties there,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29but the big killer for me was actually the road noise.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31And, Luke, what about you?
0:25:31 > 0:25:36Yeah, it was a very grand, very theatrical sort of house.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Perhaps it was a bit too grand for us.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43It was the location, not so much the noise, that I wasn't convinced by.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47The second house really gave you all the things you didn't want
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and yet, it seemed to grow on you?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I loved the second house. A bit beamy inside.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54The ceilings, in the main,
0:25:54 > 0:25:58were high enough and I just loved the outside of that house
0:25:58 > 0:26:00with the little tinkling stream running by.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04I did find myself growing to love the property.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07I thought the downstairs living room was just spectacular.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13But I think I would need to go back and take another look on a gloomy day, for example,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16and see if those beams really do do it for me.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20And the mystery house, this was a shock, in terms of price,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22but what did you think of the house?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26I think the house, as a whole, was probably my favourite.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Certainly, I thought the outside was just delightful.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34The killer, for me, was the kitchen and the entertaining space.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Yeah. I think, for me, location again.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40It didn't feel particularly rural or semi-rural.
0:26:40 > 0:26:46So, I still think a village or edge of village location would be my ideal.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49So, are there any of them that you would revisit?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Any of them that you would take another look at or proceed with?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I think we'd like to explore the area around the second house,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59I think, before going back there,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03just to check out the local village, some of the local pubs.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I don't think any of the three were our dream house.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11No dream house for you, Luke, but I'm duty bound to check - Rachel?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I would actually disagree with Luke.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I don't think we found our dream home,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20but I would like to take another look at the second property, in spite of the beams.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Great. That's wonderful. That's great news.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27And we want to be top of the guest list at your first big country bash.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- Have no fear.- It's been fabulous. Thank you.- Thank you. We've thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43As Luke and Rachel were summing up, Rachel said something that really jumped out at me.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47She said, "Yes, I've got it, this is going to be my entertaining house."
0:27:47 > 0:27:49And for all the reasons we buy houses,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53especially a big house in the countryside, that's got to be a good one.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55You want all your friends to come happily
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and gather at your home and really enjoy themselves.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02So, even though we didn't really find their dream property,
0:28:02 > 0:28:07I think we can be proud that we helped them focus on what it was that they wanted.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10So, that's all we have time for today on the show
0:28:10 > 0:28:15but do join us next time for more property adventures in beautiful rural Britain.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Scotland, Wales or England and you need our help,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25why not apply online at...?