0:00:02 > 0:00:04During World War II, this picturesque and serene village
0:00:04 > 0:00:07was the base of sabotage and subversion.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Unbeknown to the locals,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13it was the home of a finishing school for secret agents.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16So where am I? All will be revealed in a minute.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38'Today I'm helping a couple park up their caravan for good
0:00:38 > 0:00:41'and get back under a proper tiled roof.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43'In one kitchen, emotions run high...'
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Got to get my tissue out now.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- Oh, we've moved you to tears! - It's lovely!
0:00:50 > 0:00:54'..and our Mystery House is like nothing they've ever seen before.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Oh, my goodness.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- Yeah.- It's certainly different! - Yeah.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Today I'm in Hampshire, in the village of Beaulieu,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08where, in 1941, the British Government set up
0:01:08 > 0:01:13a covert finishing school of secret agents and officials
0:01:13 > 0:01:15of the Special Operations Executive.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Kept in complete secrecy from the local community,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23men and women were trained here in all aspects of spy craft,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27including communication, coding, forgery
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and the skill of silent killing.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Most became special agents who infiltrated occupied Europe
0:01:34 > 0:01:37as part of the resistance against Germany.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Today a plaque in the cloisters of Beaulieu
0:01:40 > 0:01:43commemorates their efforts and bravery
0:01:43 > 0:01:48and this fascinating tale is just part of Hampshire's rich heritage.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52'Situated on the south coast,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'Hampshire is bordered by five counties,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59'including Berkshire to the north and West Sussex to the east.
0:01:59 > 0:02:00'The county town is Winchester,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03'home to one of the largest cathedrals in England,
0:02:03 > 0:02:08'which also boasts the longest nave of all Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13'As the crow flies, there's 34 miles of coast in the county
0:02:13 > 0:02:15'and on a clear day, the Isle of Wight can be seen
0:02:15 > 0:02:18'across the Solent from the costal town of Lymington.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23'A stone's throw from the coast is the New Forest,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'originally created as a royal hunting ground
0:02:26 > 0:02:28'for William the Conqueror back in 1079.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33'It's the largest remaining area of pasture land, forest and heathland
0:02:33 > 0:02:35'in the southeast of England
0:02:35 > 0:02:38'and it's home to around 2,000 wild ponies.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:48So it looks like Hampshire has plenty to offer.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Let's find out what today's buyers are after.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56'Retired mobile home park managers Tony and Denise
0:02:56 > 0:03:00'have been married for 21 years, but for the past year or so,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03'after giving up the home that came with their job,
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'they've been travelling around Britain in a caravan,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11'a decision that was made when Tony had a health scare when on holiday.'
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Basically, I came back to the UK.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15While in the hospital, I decided to retire
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and this is how the caravan's come about.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20When Tony came up with the idea of doing this,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22I'd never caravanned and I thought,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25"Hmm, not sure if this is going to be me",
0:03:25 > 0:03:27but I wanted to see lots of England.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29I hadn't been further than London.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'Now they've done their grand tour of the country,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34'the time has come to swap the wheels for four walls and a roof
0:03:34 > 0:03:37'in their preferred location of Hampshire.'
0:03:37 > 0:03:41One of the reasons for going back to bricks and mortar is I love cooking.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43As you can see from this area,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46my cooking is very restricted
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and I just can't wait to get back to proper cooking.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51'So apart from a big kitchen,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54'there's plenty more on their shopping list for the new home.'
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I miss the gardens and I miss doing my hanging baskets,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00so providing he gives me four greenhouses,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02I can recreate all this.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05You'd like a workshop. I'd like you to have a workshop.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09We'd like half an acre of land?
0:04:09 > 0:04:10Between a quarter and a half.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Couple of reception rooms. Doesn't have to be a separate dining room,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15as long as it's got the three bedrooms,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17two bathrooms and a nice kitchen.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19'And when they find their rural bolt hole,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22'they've got big plans to keep them occupied.'
0:04:22 > 0:04:26When we go back in the country, I'm hoping to have a bit more space.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31You take up again your rebuilding of either tractors or...
0:04:31 > 0:04:32Tractors, cars.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I think there's lots of things out there that I want to do.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38We originate from the country and it's our roots
0:04:38 > 0:04:40and we want to go back.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43It can only change our lives for the better.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47'Using the proceeds from a house that's been left to them,
0:04:47 > 0:04:48'Tony and Denise can move quickly
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'and they've got a clear idea on the finances.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Budget is £575,000,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57but with a bit of a squeeze,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00we might be able to put it up to £600,000.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05To leave the caravan will be strange,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09but I am going to be so pleased to be having my home.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10But she's going to come with us.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22'Tony and Denise are particularly fond of the New Forest area
0:05:22 > 0:05:27'of Hampshire, which encompasses the towns of Lyndhurst and Lymington.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'We've got some really exciting properties for them to see,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33'but I won't be telling them the price of each
0:05:33 > 0:05:35'until they've had a guess first,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39'and, of course, there's our Mystery House, which could really prove
0:05:39 > 0:05:43'the saying that an Englishman's home is his castle.'
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Well, Denise and Tony, welcome to the New Forest.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- You excited about this house search? - Very excited.- Yeah?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51How well do you know this area?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54We've been coming here now for 20-odd years.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57You've been travelling around the country in a caravan for,
0:05:57 > 0:05:58what is it? One year?
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Feels like three, but, yes, just a year.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- How much of the UK have you actually seen?- Most of it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06That is impressive.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09I thought most people that take a gap year out
0:06:09 > 0:06:11at 18, 19 years of age.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13You've done it slightly later in life, but worth it?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Yeah, but he still acts like he's 18.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Yeah, we started northern England last year,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21southern England this year,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23and we've found places we don't want to be
0:06:23 > 0:06:25and we've lots of places we'd love to be.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- This is the county? - Still gravitate back here.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Well, we've got three amazing properties to show you.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34The sun's shining, the sky is blue -
0:06:34 > 0:06:35- let's get going.- Lovely.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39'So with a maximum budget of £600,000,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43'Tony and Denise would like three bedrooms,
0:06:43 > 0:06:44'a bathroom each,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48'a big kitchen for Denise to cook up some real food again,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51'a workshop for Tony to tinker in,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54'a garden with space for a greenhouse
0:06:54 > 0:06:57'and somewhere to park the caravan...permanently.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06'We've travelled to the southernmost edge of the New Forest
0:07:06 > 0:07:11'to the village of Pennington, which has just under 8,000 residents.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14'Our first property is a red-brick detached cottage
0:07:14 > 0:07:16'which dates back to the Victorian era.'
0:07:19 > 0:07:20Here is your first property.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23What are your first impressions when you have a look?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Neat. I like the setting.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- The setting's brilliant. The area's spot-on.- Good.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- Now, it dates back to 1893... - Oh, right.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..but it has been modernised.- Yep. - Quite extensively inside.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- So, shall we start the tour of our first property?- Oh, yes, please.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- Let's go.- Come on.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47'I know that a big kitchen is very high on Denise's shopping list
0:07:47 > 0:07:50'and I think she'll be very impressed by what she finds inside.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- So, from the hallway... - Oh, well.- Whoa!
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- I think we should start off in this room.- Yes.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Oh, for goodness' sake, look at this.- Have a good look.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03This is my sort of kitchen.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Can I move in today? - You can.- Oh, good.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Let me show you the conservatory.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13This is a new addition as well, by the current owners.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Oh, lovely, isn't it? And the outlook.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- And it's south-facing.- Yeah.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20And another place to eat as well.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I can have my lunch out there and you can have yours in there.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Well, it'd be lovely after the caravan, wouldn't it?- Brilliant.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28So far, so good,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32but this isn't the only reception room I've got to show them.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33Here's the second one.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Very nice, I love the fire.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37This would be lovely in the winter, cosy.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41I can imagine, in the winter months, this is a lovely snug.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42With a piece of cheese and a port.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- Yeah, winter's evening, curl up on the settee.- Very good.- Fire going.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Glass of wine.- What more could you want?- There you go.- Yeah.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- As I say, I can move in yesterday. - Right.- OK.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54That's good, I'm loving this!
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Additionally, you've got a downstairs cloakroom.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00It's also got a shower there and some of the white goods as well,
0:09:00 > 0:09:01so they sort of use it
0:09:01 > 0:09:03as a downstairs cloakroom/utility room as well.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- That's good.- Plus the fact, if you've had the wine,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08you can't get up the stairs, can you?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12'I'm hoping Tony will get over his dislike of stairs
0:09:12 > 0:09:15'once he sees what's on the first floor.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17'Up here, there's a study area
0:09:17 > 0:09:19'which leads into one of the three bedrooms,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21'all of which are pretty generous in size,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23'along with a family bathroom,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'but we're taking a look at where they could sleep.'
0:09:28 > 0:09:31So through here is the master bedroom.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33It does have a lot of stuff in this room,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35but what do you think about size?
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Personally...- I'm not sure if it's big enough for us.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46It's lovely, but I think you'd find it claustrophobic.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48This bit is just not me, I'm afraid.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51'Well, Tony's not sold on the upstairs,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54'but he'll be pleased to hear there's a workshop
0:09:54 > 0:09:56'with internet access outside
0:09:56 > 0:10:00'and Denise should be delighted with the lovely garden.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03'There's easily room to put her greenhouses here
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- 'and plenty of mature plants to keep her busy.'- This is lovely.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I think it's beautifully done
0:10:09 > 0:10:11and I could still put my own stamp on it as well.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Big enough for you?- As long as I could get a greenhouse in.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16So we come to the messy bit now.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21525?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Five and a half.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26You're both out, actually. Denise, you're out by quite a lot.
0:10:26 > 0:10:33- £50,000, in fact.- Crumbs, right. - Current asking price is £575,000.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Right.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Has that surprised you? - It has a bit.- Yes.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42'At £575,000,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44'this property is within their budget
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'and offers a great deal of what they need.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49'There's three bedrooms,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52'a huge kitchen for Denise to bake her cakes,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57'a workshop for Tony outside and a delightful garden.'
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Seen enough?- Yes.- I think we have. - And that's only the first one.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01I know!
0:11:11 > 0:11:14'In the village of Eling, on the eastern edge of the New Forest,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18'lies a very important part of our industrial heritage.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23'Situated by Southampton Water and Grade II listed,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26'Eling Mill is the last working tide mill in England
0:11:26 > 0:11:30'and one of only a handful left in the world.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35'It was abandoned in the 1940s, but reopened in 1983.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39'I've come to meet senior mill assistant John Hurst
0:11:39 > 0:11:40'to find out a little bit more
0:11:40 > 0:11:44'about how this rare and ingenious machinery works.'
0:11:44 > 0:11:47What happens is the toll bridge outside is also a dam.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49At one end of the dam, you've got some one-way hatches.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51As the tide comes in, it pushes the hatches open
0:11:51 > 0:11:53and begins filling up our mill pond.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55When the tide goes out, it'll close the hatches upon itself,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58so the water on that side in the pond is trapped
0:11:58 > 0:12:01and then we will basically wait for the tide to go out
0:12:01 > 0:12:03as far as possible off our water wheel.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Then we'll lift the sluice gate up and it's that gate being raised
0:12:06 > 0:12:10that releases the water from the pond to drive the machinery round.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12'As the tide has now gone out,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15'I'm going to help John with the running of the mill.'
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Keep cranking, Nicki.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18CHUCKLING
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- We nearly there?- Almost.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25No, you've released enough water. The machinery's begun to turn.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Look how much water is gushing through!
0:12:29 > 0:12:30You can hear it, can't you?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34'With the huge water wheel turning at last,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'the grain is poured down a chute towards the millstones
0:12:38 > 0:12:39'to be ground into flour.'
0:12:41 > 0:12:44It's just being ground up into a dust, which is the flour,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47and that's falling down a chute and being collected below.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50'The mill produces around eight and a half tonnes
0:12:50 > 0:12:52'of wholemeal flour a year,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55'solely by harnessing the power of the sea.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56'It's a great cottage industry
0:12:56 > 0:13:01'and this could be just the place to inspire Denise in her baking,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'once she's found the Hampshire home of her dreams with Tony.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08'But for now, it's back to the house hunt.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13'We've travelled to the northwest of the New Forest,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'just outside the former market town of Fordingbridge,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19'which is close to the Dorset border.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22'Our second property is located in the nearby hamlet
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'of Cripplestyle and dates back to Victorian times.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:29And here is your second property.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Lovely. At the moment, lovely.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- This is us, isn't it? - Yes, this is looking good.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- So you like the look of the outside. Are you ready to step inside?- Yeah!
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- I'd look at this one inside. - Thank you.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45'Well, a great start,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'and I don't think the interior will disappoint either.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:51So do come on in.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Exactly how I imagined it. Exactly.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- BOTH:- This is us.- Yes, definitely.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The current owners moved in about 2003
0:14:03 > 0:14:07and they extended the property and they did an awful lot of work.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08They've tried to keep it very much
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- in keeping with the Victorian period.- It's lovely.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13So we've got two reception rooms either side.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Let's start off with the sitting room.- OK.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20So here's your sitting room.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Look at this.- Oh, I like this.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23Neat.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Classy.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Cosy.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- We can use our own chandeliers.- It's got our stamp on it, hasn't it?- Yes.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Working fire?- Working fire.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- I just love it. - Yes, I like this a lot.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38But it's important that you have somewhere to dine,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41so let's cross the hallway to the next reception room.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46For your formal dining with your friends and family.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- And how we could dine in here! - Yes, very well.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Your pizza would look lovely on that table.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56It's as if I've lived in a house like this before.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Ah, your mum and dad's house. - Really? It reminds you?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That's why I like it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It's weird.- So your in-laws' property, was it Victorian?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- BOTH:- Yes.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Isn't it strange? We were meant to have this.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11I think we will.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16'I'm thrilled that they love this house so much
0:15:16 > 0:15:18'and the kitchen diner that we're heading for now
0:15:18 > 0:15:21'is bound to be another highlight for Denise.'
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Now, I hope this is big enough. - Oh, this is beautiful!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Come on in, Tony.- Oh, I feel all emotional now, it's lovely.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32This is good.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38I want this more than I wanted the other one. Oh, I do feel emotional.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It's got the right range you want too.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I've got to get my tissue out now.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Oh, we've moved you to tears, Denise!- I know, it's lovely!
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I don't care how much it is - we're having it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I really don't... Oh, dear.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Forget the budget. - No, I like this a lot.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00You've got access to the back garden through the doors there on the right
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and to the left through that door is currently a doggie room
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- and there's a downstairs cloakroom as well.- Oh, right.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- That's a bonus, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14'Well, they both appear to be very taken by this property
0:16:14 > 0:16:16'and the upstairs should seal the deal.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19'The three spare bedrooms are spacious,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'light and very tastefully decorated,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24'and the family bathroom is a good size too,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27'but I'm taking them to see the second bathroom -
0:16:27 > 0:16:30'the en-suite belonging to the master bedroom.'
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- And here is- your en-suite. This is nice. This is what I call a bathroom.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Tony, look at this.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Oh, it is stunning.- I'd be able to get in and out of that.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44And this is your bathroom,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46because the family bathroom is at the top of the stairs.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Hold up, I've got to think about this.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- I suppose, yes, this is going to be your bathroom.- Too right, yeah.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- You're down the corridor. - You're down the other end.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56You've got the family bathroom.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Let's show you where you're going to sleep, though.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Got the thumbs up from the bathroom.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- But how's this for your bedroom? - Beautiful. Beautiful.- This is nice.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Restful, isn't it? - Yes, I like this.- Love it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Yeah, I think we could live here. - I can't explain it.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- It just feels right, doesn't it?- Mm.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16It's like, yeah, you walk into a place
0:17:16 > 0:17:18and it feels right, and this does.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23So, with the house really feeling like home for Tony and Denise,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25there's just the garden left to see,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28and I think they're both going to love it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Oh, my goodness me!
0:17:31 > 0:17:34There's a lovely expanse of lawn, with mature shrubs
0:17:34 > 0:17:38and plenty of room to put up a greenhouse, or three.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- I think it's a spectacular garden. - Put my greenhouses in.- Yep.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46They won't intrude, take away this space. It's just beautiful.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Got a huge double garage there,
0:17:48 > 0:17:49with access at the side of the property,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52so perhaps one for you and one for your workshop.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- That would be brilliant. - It's ticked all the boxes.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Yeah. Everything's coming together too easy.- Oh!
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- I don't like it.- You don't look too happy!- I don't like this!
0:18:00 > 0:18:01You know what's coming next!
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- Yeah!- He knows it's going to cost him money.- How much is all that worth?
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I think this is going to be about six and a half.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- £650,000.- 650,000.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15And I... I, again, like Tony, think it's going to be over,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18and I think, what, 630.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19OK.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25If I said to you it's within budget, just - 599.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- It has come down in price recently. - Mm.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31Gosh.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Don't look at me! Oh.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Now, you wanted us to find you your dream property.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Yeah, but not as nice as this!
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Just within budget at £599,000,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52this house handsomely delivers everything on their wish list.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It has four bedrooms. Two bathrooms.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00A huge kitchen for Denise, A workshop area for Tony.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03A garden that will keep them both busy,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Denise with the shrubs and Tony building those greenhouses!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- What a success, eh? - Oh, lovely.- I think so, yes.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Lovely.- Come on.- Thank you.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26As the evening falls on a very promising house hunt so far,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29it marks the end of our first day in Hampshire.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Now, at the start of this search, Tony and Denise asked us
0:19:34 > 0:19:37to concentrate in the New Forest region.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Well, I'm only taking them two miles down the road.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42But what they don't know yet
0:19:42 > 0:19:44is that we've got to cross the Solent to get there.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51For our Mystery House, we've travelled beyond Hampshire,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53over the Solent to the Isle of Wight,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57just a ferry ride outside their search area.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59We're heading for the resort town of Yarmouth
0:19:59 > 0:20:01on the northwest coast of the island.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04So, guys, what do you think?
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Well, if that's the Mystery House over there, that's brilliant!
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- We're just going to have to wait and see.- Yeah.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14The mystery property is a unique development
0:20:14 > 0:20:16of a historic Victorian fortress,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20which has 360-degree views across the landscape.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25Built in 1863, it was one of 19 forts on the island
0:20:25 > 0:20:28to be built under Prime Minister Lord Palmerston
0:20:28 > 0:20:32as defence against a perceived attack from across the Channel.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34With the support of English Heritage,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38it has now been converted into 18 two-storey homes.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44So, here is your Mystery House.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Welcome to Golden Hill Fort.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Is it the whole of it?!
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- How much would you like?- Because that's a lot of hoovering!- Yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- It's a lot of houses, actually.- Yes. - It's only one part. It's 1/18th.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Oh, right. Certainly different.- It is.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- So, do you fancy owning a little bit of British history?- Open-minded.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Open-minded!- Open-minded.- Fantastic.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10I can guarantee that they won't have seen anything
0:21:10 > 0:21:11quite like this before.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14While the exterior is very imposing,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I think they'll be surprised how modern and bright it is inside.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- So...do step inside the fort. - Goodness me.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Yes.- Certainly different.- Yes!
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Your eyes, they're just drawn to the ceiling.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33We're going to go upstairs in a little while.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- It is an inverted house.- Yeah. - So, the bedrooms are downstairs.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39That will please you, because you don't like stairs.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- No, not very much. - So, let's start the grand tour.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Got a utility room and a storage cupboard through there.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49This property has three surprisingly light
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and spacious bedrooms on the ground floor,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54and all of them come with an en-suite,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56so Tony and Denise can pick one each.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00I'm starting our tour by showing them the master bedroom.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Oh, gosh!
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- That's rather nice, isn't it?- It's a bit like the TARDIS, isn't it?- Yeah!
0:22:06 > 0:22:09So, although it's very old, completely contemporary inside.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Well-designed. By the... So far.- So far.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Yeah.- Let's look at the bathroom.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness. Oh, it's like coming into a cave.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Come in. It's like a vault. - Yeah.- Oh!
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Oh, look at that shower. - Oh, that's a proper shower.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- That's fabulous.- That's quite amazing, isn't it?- It is, isn't it?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Well, I'm going to drag you away from your bathroom.- OK.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Going to go upstairs now.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38If they were stunned by the bathroom,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42I know they're going to be blown away by the living space upstairs,
0:22:42 > 0:22:47a huge area encompassing lounge, kitchen and diner in one,
0:22:47 > 0:22:51with that amazing feature brick ceiling arching above it.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Oh, my goodness!
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Wow.- What do you think?
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- It's fantastic, isn't it? - It's impressive.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04Got mood lighting everywhere, and it simulates natural light.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Again, it's so different to what we've seen in the last two houses.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I mean, it's still breathtaking,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- but so, so different, and ultra-modern.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16And you have your own personal veranda overlooking the courtyard.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- So, in the evenings...- Oh, I see.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20..you can sit out there with your cocktails and enjoy.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- I've got one more thing I'm going to show you.- Right.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Follow me. - It's somewhere to put your tractor!
0:23:28 > 0:23:31OK, there's no traditional lawn,
0:23:31 > 0:23:35but what they don't know is that the gardens for this unique property
0:23:35 > 0:23:39are on the roof, giving them unparalleled views over the island,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42which might make Tony forget all about his tractor.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46This is fantastic. The scenery and everything around it is amazing.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Apparently, this is the only Grade I listed building
0:23:49 > 0:23:50with a communal roof garden.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- I still need my garden.- Yes.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Because after a year - although it feels like three -
0:23:55 > 0:24:00in the caravan, I've got to have the garden.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03So, how much do you think it's actually on the market for?
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Well, I think this has got to be over the budget.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08625,000.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12All right, I'm going to go under, at 595.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16And you would both get change.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21- Oh!- Out of our budget?- Out of your budget. Asking price...- Yeah?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23..£550,000.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- Oh, you surprise me. You do surprise me.- It's just gone on the market.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Yeah. It won't stay on the market for long at that, will it?
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Well within their budget at £550,000,
0:24:33 > 0:24:38this amazing property offers them a complete change of lifestyle,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41as well as meeting a large number of their demands.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44It has three bedrooms, each with an en-suite.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47A huge kitchen space for Denise.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49An open-plan living area,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52where she can keep an eye on Tony while she cooks.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56And those fantastic communal gardens with great views.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- All finished.- All finished. We're going to go back on the ferry.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01That'll give you some time on your own
0:25:01 > 0:25:04to have a think about the three properties, then we'll have a chat.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05- Lovely.- That'll be good.- Thanks.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12So, that's it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Our house search here in Hampshire with our caravanning couple
0:25:15 > 0:25:20is now officially over, but have we found them their dream home?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Let's ask them.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32So, Denise and Tony, have we got you out of the caravan,
0:25:32 > 0:25:34into your dream home here in Hampshire?
0:25:34 > 0:25:38There is no question about that. I am out of that caravan.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- The very first property that we showed you...- Oh!
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- Tony, tell me about that kitchen. - Well, the kitchen was amazing.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45The kitchen and the sitting area,
0:25:45 > 0:25:50and also the conservatory was all amazing.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54But the garden, at the end of the day, was the no-no, I think.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- It was a downfall, wasn't it? - That was the big downfall of it.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Our second house.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03- Well, it had quite an impact on both of you.- There was just...
0:26:03 > 0:26:06There's no words to describe how we felt when we saw it.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11It was just... neat, tidy, our sort of house.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Yes, ticked every box. - Instant love.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- Yes, it was.- Yes.- It was just so lovely.- It felt like home.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22I've never been into a house before where I've walked in and thought,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24"Yeah, this is spot-on."
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- And it had the land that you wanted. - Oh! The garden is just...
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I've sorted out where the greenhouse is going to go.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32We decided, for the Mystery House,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34we were going to leave the New Forest
0:26:34 > 0:26:36and take you to the Isle of Wight,
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- and we went to that remarkable fortress.- Oh!
0:26:40 > 0:26:45- It wasn't for us...- It wasn't for us.- But it was...- It was stunning.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- The quality there was amazing. - Second to none.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- It would make a wonderful... holiday home.- It would.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53So, if...
0:26:53 > 0:26:57my husband feels like it, we could have that for the summer months...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Your husband's not feeling like it. - OK.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- Where do we go from here?- Tomorrow morning, we're ringing the agent.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Fantastic! Oh, you kept that quiet. - I haven't told him yet either.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09No, we made our mind up we were going to ring the agent...
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- We're going to ring the agent. - ..to see what the situation is.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- That's brilliant.- And I think we can make them a reasonable offer for it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17I hope the offer's accepted.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18And also, more importantly,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21you will be out of that caravan very, very soon.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Yes.- Do you know, you're an angel!
0:27:30 > 0:27:32What fantastic news!
0:27:32 > 0:27:37According to Tony and Denise, it's a final farewell to the caravan
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and a big hello to their new home in Hampshire.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45I sincerely hope their offer is accepted. We wish them all the best.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Until next time, bye-bye.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49The good news is that
0:27:49 > 0:27:54Tony and Denise's offer on that second property has been accepted.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57So, it shouldn't be too long before the caravan is parked up for good.