0:00:00 > 0:00:03Today we are landlocked in the heart of England,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07yet water played an important role in this county's history.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11So, where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45In today's show, I'll be helping a couple start a new life in the country
0:00:45 > 0:00:47and it's all smiles
0:00:47 > 0:00:50as a touch of deja vu sets us off on the right track.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- I think I've been here before. - In this house?- Yes.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56But can our mystery house steal the show?
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- So?- Wow!
0:00:58 > 0:01:01That is just beautiful.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Welcome to sunny Northamptonshire.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09At the height of the Industrial Revolution,
0:01:09 > 0:01:13this county was three days by canal boat from London,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16today it's just 50 minutes by train.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22So, understandably, it is becoming increasingly popular with city folk
0:01:22 > 0:01:25who crave the benefits of countryside living.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26Located in the Midlands,
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Northamptonshire is known as the county of spires and squires
0:01:31 > 0:01:34because of the large number of churches and country houses
0:01:34 > 0:01:37that stretch across its landscape.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Its pasture lands and canals are dotted with patches of ancient woodland,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44which once provided deer for the royal hunt.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Beautiful market towns are situated right across the county,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51which also boasts 160 conservation areas.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55So, it's clear why this region is especially appealing
0:01:55 > 0:01:57to house hunters seeking a slice of rural life.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Conveniently situated near the centre of England,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Northamptonshire boasts excellent road and rail links
0:02:08 > 0:02:10to both London and Birmingham.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14A fact that surely helped the 67% increase in house prices
0:02:14 > 0:02:17over the past 10 years.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Yet, surprisingly, it's still a county that poses great value for money
0:02:22 > 0:02:25as far as many home buyers are concerned.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30A detached property will cost you around £225,000,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34that's £30,000 under the national average.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38So, let's take a look at what's currently on the market.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42This delightful two-bedroom grade II listed property in Harpole
0:02:42 > 0:02:45will set you back £250,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Laid out over three floors,
0:02:47 > 0:02:52its elegant rooms are full of character with a contemporary twist.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56For £400,000 there's this three-bedroom property
0:02:56 > 0:02:59in the conservation village of Apethorpe.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Renovated in the 1980s,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04it still retains its exposed beams and feature fireplace.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Its contemporary design provides stylish living
0:03:06 > 0:03:10in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Or, if you can stretch to £765,000,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19you could buy this handsome four-bedroomed Georgian house in Great Harrowden
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Built from local stone, it has splendid period features
0:03:22 > 0:03:27and its rooms are well positioned to make the most of its rural surroundings.
0:03:27 > 0:03:33Today's buyers are looking for a slice of Northamptonshire country life.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Let's meet them and find out why this county is the perfect escape for them.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Busy professionals Paul, a product manager,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43and Suzy, a business consultant,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46are keen to leave behind their hectic lives
0:03:46 > 0:03:49in search of a more peaceful existence in the country.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53They currently live in Paul's modern home in Fleet, Hampshire,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57which he has owned for 15 years, but with marriage on the cards,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Paul and Suzy are eager to start the next chapter of their lives
0:04:00 > 0:04:04with the purchase of their very first home together.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07We feel that having somewhere that is ours,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10as opposed to mine or Suzy's, is the thing to do.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12For Paul, a move to the country
0:04:12 > 0:04:15means venturing into uncharted territory,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19but Suzy is no stranger to rural living.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21I love waking up and not hearing anything.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24I love going to bed at night and hearing owls hoot
0:04:24 > 0:04:27and looking at the stars, and I miss that.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28So...
0:04:29 > 0:04:31..a move to the country would be...
0:04:34 > 0:04:37..back to that peace and quiet, I can still hear the M3 from here
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and I just don't want to hear any traffic.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Suzy's work means she will still need to commute to London,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47but Paul has no such demands on his time as he is due to retire soon
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and he's already got plenty of plans
0:04:50 > 0:04:52to make use of his new-found freedom.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56I think, for me, the interests will be to pick up golf again
0:04:56 > 0:05:00because I've pretty much stopped playing golf at the moment,
0:05:00 > 0:05:05my classic car, which I want to spend more time maintaining and driving,
0:05:05 > 0:05:10and also, if we do get animals, then walking the dog, etc,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14is going to be part of that relaxed retired lifestyle.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18I'll need to join a tennis club because that's part of my...
0:05:18 > 0:05:19that's part of my life.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22After a year researching different locations,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26they've finally settled on an area with strong personal connections.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I think we want to move to Northamptonshire.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Now, there are many reasons for that,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36one is that Suzy has lived there before, it's a lovely area.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41She still needs to be able to commute into London for work,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43plus her parents live in Birmingham.
0:05:43 > 0:05:50While location is important, they also have very specific requirements for their new country lifestyle.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54I use this massage couch for my Reiki healing
0:05:54 > 0:05:57and it would be really lovely if I could have a house
0:05:57 > 0:06:01where there is a room I could have a dedicated healing room.
0:06:01 > 0:06:07We'd be looking for four bedrooms, probably...
0:06:07 > 0:06:12two bathrooms, ideally, maybe one en suite, that would be perfect.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18A downstairs toilet would be good, a good-size kitchen...log fires,
0:06:18 > 0:06:24the whole character bit, garage for Marlene, that's the car...
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Everything has a name, I never knew it had a name!
0:06:26 > 0:06:32And a nice...a good-sized garden, but land isn't crucial for us.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36So I would never want to move to a very modern house,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39it goes against everything that I like,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41so, yes, that would be a big no-no for me.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44And I think a bungalow is something else you REALLY don't want!
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- SHE LAUGHS I want stairs!- Yeah.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52OK, I think I can just about manage stairs, a log fire and character,
0:06:52 > 0:06:57that all sounds pretty achievable, but it's not all they're after.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Food does form quite a large part of our lives.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01We love eating in nice restaurants
0:07:01 > 0:07:03and we love cooking and we love entertaining.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Unfortunately, this kitchen is a little too small
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and we find ourselves tripping over each other.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Cooking up a taste sensation is one thing,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14but their budget will also have to be spot on
0:07:14 > 0:07:17if they're going to have the perfect ingredients for a new home.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Our current budget for the next property will be £400,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29As Paul and Suzy want to be around an hour's journey
0:07:29 > 0:07:31from London and Birmingham,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35we're focusing their house search in the outlying villages in Northamptonshire
0:07:35 > 0:07:38that still give them good transport links.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We've got some lovely properties to show our buyers,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44but before I tell them how much they cost,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47I'll be asking them to guess the price.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Then, of course, we have our mystery house,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52which is designed to challenge their preconceptions
0:07:52 > 0:07:56and is my chance to show them something a little off-piste.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Paul and Suzy, welcome to Northamptonshire.- Thank you.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Do you think you are quite united in what you're looking for?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- I think so, I think so, yes. - I think so.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07We're both quite clear about what we want.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Any room for compromise if need be?
0:08:10 > 0:08:14I think that's probably more a question that Suzy needs to answer!
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I'll be aiming that at you then, if I need to further down the line!
0:08:18 > 0:08:20We've three fantastic properties to show you,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- so shall we get started?- Lovely. - Look forward to that.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31Paul and Suzy have £400,000 to spend on their new home in Northamptonshire.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34They want a property with plenty of country features,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36a good-sized entertaining area,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39possible space for Suzy to practise Reiki healing
0:08:39 > 0:08:43and room for the third person in their relationship,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Marlene, Paul's treasured classic car.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Location is paramount, as Suzy needs an easy commute to London
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and also to be close to her mum and dad in Birmingham.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04Our first property is situated around seven miles from Northampton
0:09:04 > 0:09:06in the scenic village of Flore.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11Steeped in history, the church here dates back to the 13th century.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16Whilst there are plenty of country walks that attract both locals and tourists alike.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Despite having two front doors,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23this attractive property is not two cottages, but one,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and that's not the only thing that makes this house unique.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Come on through.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36- We're in the village of Flore and this is your first property.- Oh wow!
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- Wow!- Thatch, fantastic!
0:09:40 > 0:09:41THEY LAUGH
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Now, there is some history with this property.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It was built around the 1600s as a barn,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49but it was converted in 1687
0:09:49 > 0:09:53as the first Quaker meeting house in the area by Thomas Adams.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56There's a bit more history that goes with that
0:09:56 > 0:09:59because he was the grandfather of John Quincy Adams,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01who was the second president of the United States,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04so a little bit of heritage here.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06It is grade II listed,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10but hopefully today it could possibly be your house.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Shall we start and have a look?- Oh, yes.- Absolutely, look forward to it.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22So, I want to bring you straight through into the sitting room.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Now, off the hallway you do have a family bathroom straight ahead of you,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29but I wanted to show you this room first.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- Sweet. Log fire, tick the box.- Yeah? - That's great, yeah, lovely.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- There's PLENTY of exposed beams here!- Yeah, absolutely, absolutely.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- Now, one of your passions were things not being straight. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Being a little bit quirky and a little bit different.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Yeah.- And I think this house has it in spades.- I think you're right.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- OK, well, let's keep going.- Super.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Now, I know the kitchen is very important.- Yes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- So, I'm probably not showing you the largest kitchen in the world.- No.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- However, I do think it has potential.- Right. Love the floor.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Floor is lovely.- Floor's nice. - Yeah, it's great.- And the...
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- And the old sink, yeah.- Yeah, we've got the butler sink in there.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Now, the house is unusual and it flows,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22so let's head up this staircase and we'll see what I mean.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23- Right.- OK.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29'And the historic quirks of this house continue upstairs in the bedrooms.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:34This cottage has three bedrooms, and mind your head, Paul,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36I don't want you to knock yourself out quite yet -
0:11:36 > 0:11:41we haven't even got to the price! Next door is a large single room.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42Right.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Which could perhaps be the perfect healing room for the Reiki
0:11:45 > 0:11:47and this is the master bedroom.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- Oh, sweet.- Lots of character to it. - Yeah.- Lots of character.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55It's very sweet. I love all these doors everywhere, it's just great!
0:11:55 > 0:11:58It kind of gives you the impression, as you walk in, that it's quite small,
0:11:58 > 0:12:04but actually, when you, kind of, take it all in, it's not that small.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- This is a generous size.- Yeah, yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- It doesn't have any corridors or hallways.- OK.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13In that respect, but what you do have through this door
0:12:13 > 0:12:16is a Jack and Jill shower room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Let's go through and we can talk about it on the other side,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- it'll make more sense.- OK.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'The master leads through to a cute little Jack and Jill shower room
0:12:25 > 0:12:29'that also serves the bedroom on the other side.'
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Oh, sweet!
0:12:31 > 0:12:32Oh, yes!
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- It's very different, isn't it?- I like it.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I love this open stairwell down.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42And that's the other set of stairs that leads back downstairs.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47I've always wanted a house with two staircases! How sad is that?
0:12:47 > 0:12:52'Suzy is clearly overjoyed by this property's unique character,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55'which is the continuing theme back downstairs.'
0:12:55 > 0:13:01- And last, but not least, the dining room.- Oh, lovely.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05It has one added little treasure that I want to point out.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- That, covered at the top, is the Bible box.- Ah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Although the house is listed, that has a listing in its own right.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Oh, my goodness!- And if you look down on the window seat,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- that is the original Bible. - Wow.- It's 300 years old.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- And that comes with the house and has to be looked after? - It comes with the house.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Yes, and every owner over the centuries has left it.- Passed it on.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Fantastic.- Shall we head outside? - Yes, certainly.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35'Let's see if the compact, south-facing garden
0:13:35 > 0:13:37'will be enough for their needs.'
0:13:37 > 0:13:39So, you've probably noticed by now,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42that that secluded garden is the total garden,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44there's nothing, actually, at the back,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48but you're not overlooked by any of your neighbours
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- and this driveway here does belong to the house as well.- Right.- OK.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54This little outbuilding, with the right planning permission,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I think that's worth considering making that into a garage.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- You've certainly got plenty of space here.- OK.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Right, time now to guess the price.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07How much do you think this thatched cottage is currently on the market for?
0:14:07 > 0:14:13I think, given that there is no rear land to the property
0:14:13 > 0:14:17and really all you get is this here,
0:14:17 > 0:14:22I'm going to take a stab at around 385,000.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24OK, so, Paul's 385. Suzy?
0:14:24 > 0:14:29That's interesting, I'm going to go for 410.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Right.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36The owners had an offer put in yesterday, which they've refused,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- because they do want the asking price...- Right.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44..which would leave you both £40,000, it's £360,000.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46You're joking!
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Do you fancy going back in and having another look around?- Yes.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Yes, I think so.- Off you go, take your time.- Thanks very much.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58This grade II listed thatched cottage
0:14:58 > 0:15:01is on the market for £360,000
0:15:01 > 0:15:03and includes three bedrooms,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06one of which Suzy could claim as her healing room.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09The sitting and dining room are full of the character features
0:15:09 > 0:15:11they are looking for.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14With a little renovation of the outbuildings
0:15:14 > 0:15:18there is also potential to house Paul's beloved classic car,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22but really it's the provenance that makes this property so special,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25with a separately listed Bible box complete with Bible
0:15:25 > 0:15:28being, for me, the icing on the cake.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I like this room, I think it's nice, it's cosy
0:15:33 > 0:15:36and I like the height in the ceiling, but without it feeling too lofty
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and too, you know, too cold.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42The layout of the house doesn't bother me too much, to be honest.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I love the idea that there's two staircases,
0:15:44 > 0:15:48quite like the idea of scurrying up one and coming down another.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51For the first property, this is in the right direction
0:15:51 > 0:15:55and certainly the price was quite a nice surprise.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Happy? Have you seen enough? - Yes, lovely, thank you.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Yes, thank you very much indeed, yes.- Well, that was a great start.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Good start.- And it's only our first property!- Thank you.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Earlier in the week we sent Paul and Suzy off
0:16:19 > 0:16:23to discover more about their chosen county, Northamptonshire.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Towcester is the county's oldest town.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Dedicated to the Roman saint, St Lawrence,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32the local church is full of history
0:16:32 > 0:16:36with perhaps the most impressive artefact being this table tomb.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41Built in 1448, there's only around 150 others in existence.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Just down the road from Towcester,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48but with connections much further afield, is Sulgrave Manor.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52This 16th century building was home to George Washington's English ancestors
0:16:52 > 0:16:56and boasts the largest collection of his memorabilia in the UK.
0:16:58 > 0:17:05For the past seven years, the manor has also been home to the Herb Society's National Garden.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08As Paul and Suzy are self-confessed foodies,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11we arranged for them to meet one of the societies directors, Cheryl Waller,
0:17:11 > 0:17:17to find out more about the huge variety of herbs that are grown here.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Hi.- Oh, hello!- Hi, there.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- Welcome to the Herb Society garden at Sulgrave Manor.- Thank you.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26You're not seeing the garden at its best because, obviously,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30it's early on in the season and things are just starting to grow.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34When in full bloom, the plants here are a gardener's delight,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37as these wonderful summer photos show.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Parts of the garden are dedicated to specimens
0:17:39 > 0:17:44which have travelled between England and America over the last 500 years.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Because Sulgrave Manor and George Washington, the connection,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51it's based, this centre bed here,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54on the herbs that actually went over to the Americas on the Mayflower.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58And over here we have the medicinal herbs and then the domestic herbs
0:17:58 > 0:18:00that the manor would've used around that time
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and then the far bed at the end there,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06those are the herbs that came back from the Americas,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08there's a lot of unusual herbs in there.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Increased trade by sea in the 18th century
0:18:11 > 0:18:15meant that herbal varieties from America were being introduced to English soil,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18such as wild indigo and mountain mint,
0:18:18 > 0:18:23along with medicinal plants like evening primrose and echinacea.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28With around 160 different herbs from all over the world growing in this garden,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Paul and Suzy are keen to sample some of the more unusual varieties,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34which are having a renaissance.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Lovage.- Oh, right. - Do you know lovage?- Heard of it.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Wonderful, wonderful celery flavour.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42So, I'll give you a little bit to try,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44but remember it is a strong herb.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- Mmm, mm!- Oh, wow!- Oh, yes! - It is strong.- That's powerful.
0:18:49 > 0:18:55But, into casseroles, with potatoes, any dish with potato.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59And there's another old English herb which is making a comeback.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05- OK, this plant, any ideas what it is?- None whatsoever.- No.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Never seen that one before.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10It's a wonderful plant, it's fallen out of favour completely,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12it's called Good King Henry.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Right.- Good King Henry, a bit like spinach. Do you want to try a bit?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Absolutely.- Absolutely. - Because it's perfect now,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23it's just the time to have Good King Henry, these lovely leaves.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- Try one.- Thank you.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Don't forget, when you're cooking with it it's going to take on a different flavour,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- it's going to be not so harsh.- What would you normally serve this with?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Well, in the old days, they'd make a big platter of leaves
0:19:40 > 0:19:44and they would dress the whole thing with rose water.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45That's a long time ago.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Nowadays you could just chop it, just as you would spinach,
0:19:49 > 0:19:53just serve it with fish or any of your favourite dishes.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Yeah, put in fish pie. - Omelettes, yeah.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59With their appetites whetted, what better way to end the visit
0:19:59 > 0:20:01than with some mint tea and lemon balm cake?
0:20:01 > 0:20:04A great taste of what's in store for them
0:20:04 > 0:20:07once they make their move to the area.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Fingers crossed the rest of our house search comes up trumps.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13So you've seen one property.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Has it consolidated in your minds what you're actually after?
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Somewhere to just have a little bit more room when we do get the pets.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24If there were room to keep a few chickens,
0:20:24 > 0:20:25that wouldn't be a bad idea.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Oh! We're adding to the list, now!
0:20:28 > 0:20:30There was me thinking I was safe!
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'We're heading to the lively village of Byfield
0:20:36 > 0:20:38'with a whole host of local activities
0:20:38 > 0:20:43'taking place in and around the cricket and recreation grounds.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47'There's also a popular sports club for avid tennis player Suzy.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51'Our second property comes in the form of this detached stone cottage
0:20:51 > 0:20:54'which, as they'll discover, gives them more scope outside.'
0:20:56 > 0:20:58So here is your second property.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Very different from the first cottage that we saw.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Built around the 1800s. An attractive looking property?
0:21:08 > 0:21:14- It is, it is.- First impressions, I know, are important for you both.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Lovely backdrop with the church, there.- The church, there.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22And location wise, we really are on the edge of a village.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25He's spotted... He's spotted them over there!
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Let me take you inside first. Come on.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32'The rooms on the ground floor are laid out in a horseshoe arrangement
0:21:32 > 0:21:34'and in the middle is the heart of the home.'
0:21:35 > 0:21:39So the entrance leads straight into the kitchen.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Yes. This is very weird.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Why? - I think I've been here before.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- In this house? - Absolutely. Because I remember that.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- This huge trunk? - Absolutely.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56And I remember thinking, "How extraordinary, having a tree trunk in your kitchen."
0:21:56 > 0:21:58So why would you have been in this house before?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I used to coach tennis in the village
0:22:01 > 0:22:05and the chap that I was liaising with about that lived here.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07That's a first. I don't think I've ever done that with anyone.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Have you seen the rest of the house? - No, I haven't.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I remember thinking, "I'd love to see the rest of the house."
0:22:13 > 0:22:14I'll start with you.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16What do you think about this kitchen,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18because you haven't seen it before, have you?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21No. This is very nice as a kitchen. It is.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24And the fact that you've got a really nice, big table in here.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28You can make this kitchen your own. There's enough space, isn't there?
0:22:28 > 0:22:33We probably wouldn't want a table this big so, you know, that would free up...
0:22:33 > 0:22:38I don't know. Well, two things. The table acts as workspace,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42and also it's just a nice feel to have six people sat in the kitchen.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Please bicker.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I'm liking this because it means you're taking it seriously.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52We're going to continue through here. This is a very good sign.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So we've got a split-level sitting room, here.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- I like that. Yeah. - Nice.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And I love the exposed stone, stonework.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Yeah, it's great. It doesn't feel cold, it actually feels quite cosy.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Through that door you've got a downstairs bedroom.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Which, that's how it is used at the moment
0:23:11 > 0:23:15but it could be used as a study, whatever you choose.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Well, I think we both need an area to use as an office, really.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23'The other side of the kitchen leads through to a utility area,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26'off which is the family bathroom.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29'This extended downstairs wing also houses the dining room
0:23:29 > 0:23:31'and the second of four possible bedrooms.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'The other two bedrooms are upstairs,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'which is where we're heading.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Through here is the master bedroom.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Across the landing you've got another large double.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- OK. - What do you think on this for size?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Yes, it's...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Well, it is quite compact in one way,
0:23:51 > 0:23:55but there's quite a reasonable amount of room here, isn't there?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Yes. Quite a lot of storage just around the corner.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Yes, that's what I was thinking. - Yes, that is what would...
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- And it has its own en suite. - That's nice. That's good.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08You don't have to go back downstairs in the middle of the night.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11And of course, you've got your beams here, as well.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Yeah. - A very quirky beam, there.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Absolutely. You'd have to hang something on there.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20'There are only two bedrooms and one en suite upstairs.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24'But outside there is still more to discover.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26'At the bottom of the garden is a hidden treasure.'
0:24:31 > 0:24:35This is what I wanted to show you.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Now, this is another extension,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40separate from the house.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45It could make the perfect Reiki room/healing room.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48You've got this area here,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51you've got another area next door the size of a large bedroom,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and at the end you've got a shower room.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57So if you did want to have people come to see you,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59and didn't want them trudging through the house...
0:24:59 > 0:25:01This is completely self-contained.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03You could run this as part of your business.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05That's a surprise.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10'So that's Suzy's Reiki healing area catered for.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14'Hopefully what I show them next will be received equally well.'
0:25:14 > 0:25:17So you've seen the property.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Now, it doesn't have the largest garden.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24However, you've got the playing fields and cricket green, there,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27and surrounded by countryside.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29The house has plenty of possibilities.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33We've found a Reiki healing room for you.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Haven't managed to quite crack the garage for Paul.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I was wondering when we might come to that. OK.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43However, every cloud has a silver lining.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45You muttered about chickens.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49This was added to the wish list at a later date. We do have chickens.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53We could get rid of the chickens,
0:25:53 > 0:25:57and with planning permission, you could actually have a garage.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Something to weigh up.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04So, how much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- I went first last time.- OK.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Are you feeling the pressure, as you know this area?
0:26:09 > 0:26:13I am, I am, because I feel I ought to know. I'm going to go lower.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I'm going to say 390.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- OK.- OK. Erm...
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Give me a figure.- 410.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24410.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Current asking price is...
0:26:26 > 0:26:29£425,000.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Right.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35So it is at the top, top of your budget, a little bit over.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39However, they are very keen to sell
0:26:39 > 0:26:41and would look at offers in the region of.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- Do you want to have another look around?- Lovely.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Go on, then.- Thank you. - Catch up with you later.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53'At £425,000, this property is slightly over budget.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55'The large kitchen provides the country style
0:26:55 > 0:26:58'with the cooking and dining space our food lovers want.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03'Plus, there's lots of quirky character to be found in the four bedrooms.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'There's potential for Suzy's Reiki healing room
0:27:06 > 0:27:07'in the outbuildings
0:27:07 > 0:27:10'and if Paul can bear to sacrifice the chicken coup,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13'there's the opportunity to build a new garage
0:27:13 > 0:27:14'for his classic car.'
0:27:14 > 0:27:17That whole thing could go back to the end.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20It would mean losing that room in there,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23but it would open this right up.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25And if you wanted to make a study area,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29you could have it with a nice desk or something at the end.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31You could do that, but don't forget you've actually got
0:27:31 > 0:27:36the extra area off the dining room, or you've got the outbuilding.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38The more you explore the property,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41the more you realise that there are so many different options
0:27:41 > 0:27:43and ways you can use it.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I've only just possibly scratched the surface
0:27:45 > 0:27:47of what is possible here.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52The healing anteroom, whatever, was a complete surprise.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54As I say, I don't know what I thought it was,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58but I wasn't expecting furnished, carpeted space.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01So that has thrown in a really interesting angle on it
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and it frees up some of the rooms here,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06so there are all kinds of possibilities for this property
0:28:06 > 0:28:08so it's actually very interesting.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13What a great day we've had today.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Very favourable reactions to both the properties
0:28:16 > 0:28:18and I've really enjoyed myself.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Come on, you two. You've been in there a long time.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- I see that as a good sign. - Absolutely.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29There was lots to talk about and lots of options to consider.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- A lot to think about. - Good. You can relax now.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It's the end of the day and you can think about what you've seen.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Thank you.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44'As the day draws to a close over Northamptonshire,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48'our first two properties have certainly given our couple
0:28:48 > 0:28:50'plenty to mull over.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56'Paul and Suzy from Fleet in Hampshire
0:28:56 > 0:29:00'have £400,000 to buy their first home together in Northamptonshire.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04'With our two properties so far, we've stuck to Suzy's brief
0:29:04 > 0:29:09'and gone all out for a very distinctive character charm.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13'Will our mystery house overcome their style preconceptions?'
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I could move into this room just as it is.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Today is a new day and it's time for me to show them the mystery house.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Now, they've loved the period properties they've seen so far
0:29:28 > 0:29:31so I think it's time to challenge them.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34'We know a good thing when we see it
0:29:34 > 0:29:36'so we've returned to the village of Byfield,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39'with its village hall and local pub,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41'clear signs of its thriving community spirit.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46'Our mystery property formerly had a congregation of its own,
0:29:46 > 0:29:48'but since being converted in 2002
0:29:48 > 0:29:53'has been completely modernised with not a crooked beam in sight.'
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Here is your mystery property.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- What do you both think? - It's lovely. Yeah, yeah, I like it.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01It's certainly different to anything we'd imagined.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Have you ever considered living in a chapel?
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- Not really. - We wouldn't rule it out.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08No, No. We wouldn't rule it out at all.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10This one was built in the 1800s.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14I think the last service was held in 1999.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19Two years later it was converted into a house. Let's step inside.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26'On each side of the entrance hall there are two rooms.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30'Either one could make a perfect Reiki healing space for Suzy.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34'But I'm heading straight for the star attraction.'
0:30:34 > 0:30:38So here we are in the heart of the chapel. That is the original pulpit.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40OK.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43So they've kept it, which I think is an amazing feature.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48I like the way they've done that mirror within that. That's clever.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- And you like the stained glass? - It's lovely. I hadn't seen that.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54It's lovely, yes. Really adds some character.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Fantastic. Doesn't it?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Now, the ceiling is 13ft.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01It was 26 and this is where they've put the mezzanine in.
0:31:01 > 0:31:07- So, first impressions as you step inside?- Yeah! Like it. Different.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12Different, yes. It's light and airy and yet it still has character.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- Yeah. - OK. Good. Let's continue through.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- So.- Wow!
0:31:21 > 0:31:23That is just beautiful!
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- Is this going to be big enough? - Goodness! That is just a picture.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30I think we could just about sneak in, yes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- That is a kitchen! - And you love your entertaining. - That's just beautiful.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Plenty of room. And it's such a social part of the house.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39I love this. I'm living here.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43And it's nicely segregated so you still have the kitchen area defined
0:31:43 > 0:31:45and you have the dining area defined
0:31:45 > 0:31:47and yet the two are actually communal.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Oh, I think that's fantastic.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Is there anything you two would change in this part of the house?
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- Probably not!- I don't think it needs anything changed.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I could move into this room, just as it is.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Good, on that note, we'll head upstairs.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'The first floor was added five years ago
0:32:07 > 0:32:09'and provides them with four bright bedrooms.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13'Two are large enough to be doubles, with lovely large windows.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15'And there's a comfortable single.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'The family bathroom with roll-top bath and stained glass window
0:32:18 > 0:32:21'echo the period character of the downstairs.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25'But it is time to explore where they would sleep.'
0:32:28 > 0:32:31This would be your bedroom.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36So you've got some huge fitted wardrobes there.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40You've still got the exposed beams.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43But that, for me, is the feature.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45- Yes. That's nice. - That's lovely.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Do you want to poke your head, because there is an en suite?
0:32:48 > 0:32:50See what you think in there.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- Oh, that's nice! - Oh, yeah.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- Yeah. That's lovely. - Yeah. Very functional, very nice.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Nice big shower.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00So you've got four bedrooms in total,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04three good-sized doubles and a single.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Two bathrooms upstairs, including your en suite.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Plenty of space.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12And I might even get a little bit of that.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13The end one, perhaps.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16That's mine, is it? OK.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Let's head back downstairs into the garden
0:33:18 > 0:33:22and you can start mulling over what it's currently on the market for.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Come out into the sunshine.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Can't always say that, can we?
0:33:37 > 0:33:40So what do you think of the outside space?
0:33:40 > 0:33:42I like it, actually.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46It's a little bit on the small side but I suspected it would be.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Again, I still don't see a garage.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53No, there is no garage with this property.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56However, a minute away is the local pub
0:33:56 > 0:33:59and next door to the pub is a garage for rent.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02So the house, or I should say actually, the chapel,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06has just gone on the market only this week.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08So what do you think the current asking price is?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11I'd say about 415,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14given the facilities that you've got here
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and the quality of the inside work.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Suzy? - I'm going to go a bit higher.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- I'm going to go 425. - OK.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26But I've been totally out the last couple, so...
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Current asking price, and it has, it's fresh on the market,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- £380,000. - No! You're joking!
0:34:36 > 0:34:38So you have plenty of pennies
0:34:38 > 0:34:41for that £60 a month rental for your car.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- Gosh.- Wow! - The garage.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- OK. That is a surprise. - That is a surprise.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I think that's something we're going to have to give some really serious thought to.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Yeah.- OK. Do you fancy having another wander around?
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- Yeah. I think so. - Go and have a look round the chapel.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00I'll catch up with you in a little while. Thank you.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Well, a real pleasant surprise on the price.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10And this chapel, it is unusual but I think it covers all their bases
0:35:10 > 0:35:15and with the garage rental being a minute away, have we got close?
0:35:15 > 0:35:16I think so.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20'The chapel isn't only fitting for newlyweds,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24'I think it's a great price at £380,000.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27'For this, you get an incredible living room
0:35:27 > 0:35:30with original pulpit and stained-glass windows,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32'four good-sized bedrooms
0:35:32 > 0:35:36'and of course that fabulous kitchen and dining area.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39'There's also space for Suzy's Reiki healing room
0:35:39 > 0:35:43'and just a minute away there are garages to rent
0:35:43 > 0:35:45'for Paul's much-loved classic car.'
0:35:45 > 0:35:48This part of the house, I absolutely love.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51I think it's got all of the character still in it
0:35:51 > 0:35:54and yet it's got a lovely contemporary feel.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57I thought this was a really interesting property
0:35:57 > 0:36:01and it kind of stopped us in our tracks
0:36:01 > 0:36:08and made us think laterally about whether or not a slightly different style of property would suit us.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09I'm really surprised by my reaction
0:36:09 > 0:36:13because I, and I suppose that is what the mystery house is all about,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15which is great.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17I'm actually starting to rethink.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Although I love quirky, I love slopey, I love natural features,
0:36:21 > 0:36:25there could be a compromise in the middle
0:36:25 > 0:36:28where we have the space but we also have the character
0:36:28 > 0:36:30and something like this could well be it.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39That's it. You've now seen all three properties. Happy?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Yes, very much so.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45You've managed to find us three very different properties
0:36:45 > 0:36:48and even managed to find us a garage within striking distance.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50That's got you thinking, hasn't it?
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Let's go and have a drink, sit down and discuss what we've seen.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Perfect.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10'Northamptonshire's good transport links mean it's a great option
0:37:10 > 0:37:12'for escapees who wish to commute.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16'200 years ago, it was the Grand Union Canal
0:37:16 > 0:37:19'that provided links to the rest of the country.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22'I'm here to meet canal boatman Mike Partridge,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25'who has been working on the water for over 30 years.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28'Even with the noise of the engine,
0:37:28 > 0:37:32'he's got one of the nicest jobs I can think of.'
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Mike, I don't think we could have picked a better day
0:37:34 > 0:37:36for messing about on the water.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- I couldn't agree more. - Beautiful, beautiful.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44So if someone wanted to come out onto the canals, how easy is it?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Basically, you need a little bit of common sense.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49We do show all our customers how to handle a boat.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51We explain about passing on the right,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54staying in the middle of the canal where it's deepest,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57give them pointers on how to turn the boat around
0:37:57 > 0:38:01and off they go and they normally enjoy themselves.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04We're going at a nice speed. How fast are we going, exactly?
0:38:04 > 0:38:08We're going past moored boats and the rule of the road
0:38:08 > 0:38:11is we do between one and-a-half or two miles an hour maximum.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15With scenes like we've got here, do we wish to rush? I don't think so.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21'Today the canals are a place for recreation, but it wasn't always the case.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24'Also on board is historian David Henderson,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27'to explain why these waterways were so important
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'to Britain's industrial past.'
0:38:30 > 0:38:34David, tell me a bit about the history of the Grand Union Canal.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It was all built to do with the Industrial Revolution,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39that all the manufacturing industries
0:38:39 > 0:38:43wanted to transport their goods to London quickly.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- And it was all done by hand? - Yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50There was, there were no bulldozers in those times.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55There was approximately 3,000 men working and digging away.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Once they had built the canals,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01a big narrow boat being pulled by a horse
0:39:01 > 0:39:06could carry a large amount of goods, fairly quickly, to a destination.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10So it was good value for money in those days.
0:39:10 > 0:39:16- And a horse would have pulled the canal boat along the towpath? - Along the towpath, yes.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18'For the men who travelled in them,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21'canal boats were both places of work and home.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26'To make them more attractive, they adorned them with bright, colourful designs.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30'Artists who decorate the boats are known as roses and castles painters.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34'Back on dry land, I'm meeting Terence Edgar,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37'who has been keeping this tradition alive at a local museum.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41'I've booked a lesson and I can't wait to have a go.'
0:39:43 > 0:39:47What we're going to do is finish off the petals on the roses.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Right, OK. I'm going to put on an apron.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I'm not going to be as good as you and paint might go everywhere.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57You should always start with your big petal first.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00'Originally this precision painting would have been done on deck,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02exposed to all the elements.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06'Luckily for me, I'm on much safer ground.'
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- Which one am I going to do now? - You're going to do the yellow one.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13That's the one you're going to be doing.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Press down on the brush.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Press right down to make it fat. There we go.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31That is such fun and I'm delighted that traditions like this
0:40:31 > 0:40:34are still alive and we can all enjoy doing it.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38'Not bad for a first attempt, even if I do say so myself.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40'Let's see how well I've done with our properties.'
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Paul and Suzy, we've had an interesting few days, haven't we?
0:40:47 > 0:40:48We certainly have.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52I think we've seen three really interesting properties and,
0:40:52 > 0:40:57you know, I think they've all got things going for them.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Shall we start with the first one? What did you think of that thatched cottage?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04It seemed to have quite an impact on you both?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07It took my breath away. Archetypal chocolate box cottage.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Beautiful. - Yeah, it was very good.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Inside, the rooms were a little bit small
0:41:12 > 0:41:14and there was a problem with the garage
0:41:14 > 0:41:18but the house itself was absolutely delightful.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22The second property we saw was another cottage, a period cottage.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- That was an interesting one for you too, wasn't it?- No, it was.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27That was quite a surprise, actually,
0:41:27 > 0:41:31in terms of walking into the property and realising I'd been there before.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- Of course, I should have started with that.- That blew me away.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41But yes, not realising that it had all those options in terms of space.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43That brought a different dimension to the property.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46And our third property was the mystery house,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48or should I say the mystery chapel?
0:41:48 > 0:41:51It has kind of brought us back a little bit
0:41:51 > 0:41:54to maybe, you know,
0:41:54 > 0:41:56just think harder about
0:41:56 > 0:42:00what we really, really need out of the property.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It's really made me question.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Yes, I did want quirky, yes, I did want slopey
0:42:06 > 0:42:09and original features and all of that,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12but the space in that house,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16and the way it could be played with and reconfigured.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18The kitchen was awesome.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Just loved it.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23So, pinning you down a bit, Mr Voice of Reason,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27will the mystery chapel get a second viewing?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I think there's a very good chance that it might.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31Suzy, I'm going to be very cheeky.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Make sure you get a second viewing, won't you?
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Yes, I think we should. I think we most definitely should.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Listen, both of you, thank you so much.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- It's been absolutely great. It really has.- Superb.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48For Paul and Suzy,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51the firm favourite came out as the mystery house.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53And I truly hope that with a second viewing,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55this converted chapel
0:42:55 > 0:43:00will be the perfect place to start their married life.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Until next time, bye-bye.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06'After discussing the chapel on their return home,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10'Paul and Suzy decided it wasn't right for them after all.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15'So the search for their new marital home in Northamptonshire continues.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18'If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:18 > 0:43:20'Northern Ireland or England
0:43:20 > 0:43:23'and would like our help, you can apply online.'
0:43:44 > 0:43:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:48 > 0:43:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk