0:00:02 > 0:00:07I'm in one of the last remaining areas of ancient forests in England, yet there's not a tree in sight.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42In today's show, I'll be helping a couple
0:00:42 > 0:00:45find a new home for themselves and their three children.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51After living in the cramped city, they're keen to make the most of a more spacious lifestyle.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Would you share an office? Is that the plan?- No!
0:00:54 > 0:00:59We've got a mystery house that will leave our straight-talking couple lost for words.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Speechless and grinning ear to ear!
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Welcome to Lancashire and to the historic Forest of Bowland.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12In this case, I'm using the word "forest" in its ancient meaning,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16an area typically owned by the sovereign and used as a royal hunting ground,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18rather than just a big old wood.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23Now, much of the Forest of Bowland is still owned by the Queen as part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
0:01:23 > 0:01:29In the past, wild boar, deer, wolves and wild cats would've roamed here,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33but today you'll find slightly tamer packs of cyclists and walkers
0:01:33 > 0:01:36making the most of this fabulous landscape.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45Lancashire, in north-west England, borders Cumbria and Yorkshire.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49It's a county that boasts spectacular coastal landscapes.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53The stunning sweep of Morecambe Bay has long been a popular seaside resort.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55When the tide is out,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58around 120 square miles of mudflats are revealed
0:01:58 > 0:02:04and the bay provides an important winter sanctuary for a host of wildlife.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Lancashire's Ribble Valley affords a wealth of countryside, perfect for exploration.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Designated an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14it's an idyllic landscape of lush valleys,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18majestic fells and heather-strewn moorland.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Time to find out what today's house-buyers are looking for
0:02:22 > 0:02:24from their new home.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Management consultant Tom and charity director Helen
0:02:29 > 0:02:31have been living in this family home in London
0:02:31 > 0:02:35with their three children for the last 14 years.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Although they've enjoyed the city, they've had a revelation about their working lives.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42I started working from home at Christmas
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and we realised that we could work from anywhere,
0:02:45 > 0:02:50so it became reality rather than just a pipe dream.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55And I also work from home s it just felt like the right thing for us to do at this moment in time.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59As Tom and Helen will be moving with their children, who are still of school age,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03they've had to think carefully about where they should go.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05We want to move up to Lancaster.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09It's between where Tom grew up and where I grew up,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14close enough to the Lake District, but it's a good-sized town with very good schools.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19We're willing to move within a five-mile radius of Lancaster,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21but the further we are out,
0:03:21 > 0:03:26we'd hope there's public transport for the children to get into school.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Space is at the top of the agenda for their move,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32but there's plenty of other demands to take into account.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Minimum of four bedrooms,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38a separate reception room for the children to be able to do whatever they want to do,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41a larger kitchen than we have would be perfect,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45not necessarily an enormous garden, I don't think either of us are interested in gardening,
0:03:45 > 0:03:50but more outside space, or just outside space, is important.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Tom and Helen have already sold their London house
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and they have a healthy sum for their new home.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Our maximum budget is £525,000.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Tom and Helen seem really keen for their three children
0:04:10 > 0:04:13to have the same sort of upbringing as they experienced
0:04:13 > 0:04:15growing up in rural northwest England.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Having ridden the London property wave for the last 14 years,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23they have got a very healthy budget of £525,000
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and that should get them the extra space that their family require.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31But I've got a feeling that it's going to be very important to Helen, Tom and the kids
0:04:31 > 0:04:34for them to not be too isolated in their new home.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Let's get cracking!
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Tom and Helen want a family home in the countryside near Lancaster,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47where their children will go to school.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50So we're focusing our search in villages to the south of the city,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54where we have lined up three fantastic properties to show them.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58As usual, I won't be telling them what they're on the market for
0:04:58 > 0:05:00until they've had a guess first.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03And we have a real surprise for them with our mystery house
0:05:03 > 0:05:06that could leave them speechless.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I don't think I really need to ask why you want to move to Lancashire, but tell me!
0:05:16 > 0:05:22Well, we both work from home and so it seemed like an opportunity to move to a house with more space.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We've got three children. We thought it would be nice to give them more space,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30more opportunity to go outdoors and less confines of London.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Are you ready? What's happening with your property?
0:05:33 > 0:05:38We sold our house about two weeks ago, we accepted an offer,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41so that's now going through, so we're ready to go.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- We've got three lovely properties. - Excellent.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- And while the sun's shining, let's go and have a look!- Fantastic.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56So with a budget of £525,000,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Tom and Helen are after a character property
0:05:59 > 0:06:02with two reception rooms, a large kitchen,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04an office, which is absolutely essential,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08five bedrooms and a manageable garden.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Our first property is in Quernmore, to the south of Lancaster.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25It's just down the road from the charming village of Scorton,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27which is set in beautiful countryside
0:06:27 > 0:06:31and has a range of amenities, including a pub and a post office.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34The first house I'm showing them is a stone barn conversion,
0:06:34 > 0:06:39which was transformed into a home just four years ago.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- It is this one!- Lovely.- Wow.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- That was a "wow". That's a good start.- Yes.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46It's a barn conversion.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- How do you feel about that? - Good.- Good so far.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- BOTH: Very good.- All big smiles? - Very big smiles.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Barn conversion's on your list? - Yes, that was my favourite.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Really? All sounding good. - It's sounding very good so far.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- I guess you want to see inside. - Definitely.- We do.- Come on.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04So positive first impressions.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Let's hope the stunning hallway keeps those smiles coming.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Right, this is pretty much the entrance hallway,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- which I think is pretty impressive. - Lovely. Very nice.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- It is, it's nice.- Lovely.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- And you finally get to see the views through to the back garden.- You do.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- This is by no means the biggest space in this property. - BOTH: Oh, right!
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Yes, intriguing! Shall we keep looking?- Yes.- I'll follow you.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34'Off the hallway is an immense lounge.'
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Now, tell me, what do you think of this?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Oh, wow. Lovely.- That's very nice.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- I promised you more space! - That's gorgeous.- That's a big room.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Come and have a look deeper in.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47As you can see, the windows are really down at this end,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- looking out onto...- Oh, lovely. - ..the gardens and countryside.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54You've got the feature of the fireplace.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59- There's a multi-fuel burner there. - Good. I like the fireplace. I like the wood burner.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Next stop, the kitchen. - I'd love to see that.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07'A big kitchen is one of Tom and Helen's priorities
0:08:07 > 0:08:10'and I don't think this one will disappoint.'
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- This is what I call a lovely kitchen!- Wow, that's lovely. - That's gorgeous. Very nice kitchen.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I like the hob and the oven. Nice and big.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20How does it compare to your current kitchen?
0:08:20 > 0:08:26- It's a lot squarer.- Ours is long and thin, so this is a really nice feel.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29So, you've seen the downstairs.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Of course, what we haven't shown you is an office.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I will be straight. What you get is four bedrooms,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and this is the amount of space you have,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41so you'd have to consider where to fit the office.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Shall we have a look at those bedrooms?- Yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Through this way, it's not a utility room,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- we have a stairway.- Ah!
0:08:51 > 0:08:54'Our couple wanted to have their own space, away from the children,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58'and this might be the quiet spot they're looking for.'
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Up here, you would get your own separate wing!
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- This is lovely. - That's a very nice bedroom.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06It is really nice. Gosh.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09You are away from the rest of the bedrooms.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15- You do get kind of Mum and Dad quiet time.- Fantastic. Brilliant.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- How do you feel about ensuite? Is it a must? - It would be nice to have.- Yes.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Good! Because there's one here. Have a little look.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- That's lovely. That's great. - That's a gorgeous bathroom, gorgeous shower room.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Now you've seen this space, how do you feel about this house?
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- It's a perfect-sized bedroom. - I'm loving you two!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Let's go down, have a look at one of the bedrooms
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and then go outside and talk the hard cash.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- OK.- Come on.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46'Back downstairs, there's a double bedroom with an ensuite
0:09:46 > 0:09:50'and two further bedrooms, one of which is being used as a study,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53'and there's also a family bathroom.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:56And this is an example of one of the rooms.
0:09:56 > 0:10:02- Next door to this, there is a single garage the other side of that wall.- Right.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Currently, you don't have entrance to it from the property,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07but that could be an alternative office.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- It's worth thinking about. - Something to investigate.- Great.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- That's it. You've seen everything inside.- Thank you.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- Let's have a look outside and talk money.- Lovely.- Right.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24'As Tom and Helen aren't very green-fingered, they wanted a manageable garden
0:10:24 > 0:10:26'and I think this could fit the bill.'
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Back outside with these gorgeous views!
0:10:30 > 0:10:32It's beautiful. Really lovely.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- That is spectacular.- Wow.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Well, this is it, your garden space, that total plot,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41including the house sitting on it is about a third of an acre.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46The question is, of course, how much do you think you'd have to pay to get your hands on this?
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Are you going to go first?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52£490,000?
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- I'm more pessimistic, I'm going to say 499.- OK.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- This is on at £475,000. - Oh, wow! OK!- Yes.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- How's that sound? - That sounds really good.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- That's better than my guess! - That gives you even more room to -
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- It could give you potential for the garage.- If that's possible.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Lots for you to think about.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- And a good price.- Very good price. - That's good.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18I'll let you wander round, check out the garage and the bedrooms
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- and we can talk later about what you're thinking. - OK, thanks.- Thank you.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Priced at £475,000,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32this stunning barn conversion has a kitchen/breakfast room,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35one large reception, four bedrooms
0:11:35 > 0:11:40and a single garage which could be converted into an office for our buyers.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43It's great to hear that it was under budget.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46That would give us the flexibility
0:11:46 > 0:11:49to look into how we can manage the garage.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54The only concerns are, we're one room short of perfection
0:11:54 > 0:11:57in terms of the actual floor space of the property.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02We've talked about the possibility of converting the garage. That's something we could look into.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I think it would work if we had the extra room at the end.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18For our second property, we're in the pretty village of Lower Dolphinholme,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21which is south of Lancaster.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23The village, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27has been designated an historic conservation area
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and is situated next to the River Wyre.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33There's a village pub, a post office and a local shop.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37The house I'm showing them is a newly-built detached house
0:12:37 > 0:12:40in a spectacular rural position.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Here we are, second house. This is it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Right. OK.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- New build.- Yes! Well spotted!
0:12:48 > 0:12:52It is a new build. Built in 2006.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- It looks quite big.- It does look pretty big, doesn't it?- It does.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58It looks quite substantial, which is good.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03And set within an area where you've got lots of neighbours, yet it's very peaceful.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- It's very quiet.- It is.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Just what you're looking for? - I think so.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Let's see if the house delivers. - Great.- Thanks.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13'I'm glad they're open to seeing a new build.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'Let's hope the interior will live up to their expectations.'
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Now, straight through into the living room.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Oh, lovely.- It's a great size. Big square room.- Very big.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- You've got the focal point of the wood burner.- Lovely. - That's nice.- Cedar beam above it.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35So there's a little touch there, even though it's a new build.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- But what you do get with this house is quite a few reception rooms. - Excellent.- Lovely.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41After you.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45'Off the hall, the second reception could make a good office space.'
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- OK, smaller reception room. It's still a good size, though.- Yes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Fantastic doors.- They're using this like a snug at the moment.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- It's great for the kids to watch TV. - Yes, absolutely...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Then we can go out into the garden. - ..or an office.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- Would you share an office? Is that the plan?- No!
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- That's not the plan. - I was not expecting that!
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Who's the office for?- For me mainly.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I think the children will try and grab it for a TV room, as well,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- so I'm in competition.- You are.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- Shall we see if we can find an alternative? - Sounds like a good idea.- Come on.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Here you go.- Oh, great. - Another big room.- Brilliant.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30It's used as a dining room. We'll look at the kitchen in a moment.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35What do you think about, potentially, this being an office or keeping it as dining?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I'd quite like to have this as another reception room.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- I think so.- If there's enough room in there to eat, I'd prefer that.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45I think it's wasted as a dining room.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- What do you think? - It's a nice kitchen.- Yes?- It's nice.
0:14:53 > 0:14:59- Is that a utility over there? - You get the extra space of the utility room through there.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Do you think this would be enough for you to eat meals here?
0:15:03 > 0:15:05I think it would work.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- What you don't want to lose is space upstairs.- BOTH: No.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- I'll give you a hint -- You're going to tell us there's three bedrooms. - Would I do that to you, Tom?
0:15:12 > 0:15:15There are two!
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- You've all got to squeeze in! - But they're big!
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- No, there are five. - Excellent.- Brilliant.- Come on!
0:15:25 > 0:15:29'There are three ample double rooms and two single rooms,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31'one of which is being used as a study.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'There's also a family bathroom.'
0:15:36 > 0:15:39So you do still get a lot of space upstairs!
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Wardrobes! My word! - I knew you'd love the wardrobes!
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- Look at that! - We'll have to go shopping. We haven't got enough clothes.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49It's the same size as the lounge. It's massive.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- And the view...- That's gorgeous.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- It comes with an ensuite. - It's a huge bedroom, isn't it? - Really big.- Really big, yes.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- Do you want to see really big? - There's another one? - There's another one! Come on!
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Welcome to your London studio apartment!- Oh, my word!
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- It's huge!- That is amazing! Wow.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16You do have five bedrooms. Three more.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19They're not all this size, but they are good-size bedrooms.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24Why don't we head outside now, have a closer look at that river and see how much this costs?
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Great.- Lovely.- Thank you very much.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30'Outside is a patio area and a private lawned garden
0:16:30 > 0:16:33'which surrounds the property.'
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- This is beautiful, isn't it. - That's gorgeous. Wow.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- That is fantastic.- The River Wyre running behind your garden.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- But this is your garden. - BOTH: Right.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- So it's not the biggest...- BOTH: No. - It's a huge house.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Huge house, great location.- Yes. - It comes at a price!
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Indeed! Right, who's going first? - You go first this time.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It was me second last time.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00I'm going to say £530,000.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Er... No, I don't think it's as much...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06510.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Why do you think it's a bit lower? - Just because of the size of the garden.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12It's quite small.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- You're very good at this, Helen.- Oh. - Spot on!- Really?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- £510,000.- BOTH: Wow.- Yes.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- What do you think about that? - It's interesting. Very interesting.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Interesting indeed! Go spend some more time wandering around.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Have a look at the garage. That's huge, as well!- OK.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- I'll see you later on. - We'll see you later.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Priced at £510,000,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41this new-build house isn't short of space, with...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Gosh, look at this. It's a really big garage.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- That is a big and very nicely organised garage.- Yes.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I think it is a good contender.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01I'm now totally confused because the one this morning got my heart strings,
0:18:01 > 0:18:06but this one seems practical and has the lovely river with it, so I don't know.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08It's certainly given us a lot to think about.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11It's flexible, we can change it around,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14so I think we'll be doing some thinking about that one.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15It's an interesting option.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So at the end of an exciting first day in Lancashire,
0:18:30 > 0:18:35our buyers could be one step closer to finding their new country home.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46We got off to a fantastic start with Helen and Tom yesterday.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50They seemed really enthusiastic about the two houses we showed them.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55The first, I think they were taken with the character, and the second, they liked the practicalities.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59So for our mystery house, let's take them out of their comfort zone
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and show them something with a bit more grandeur.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08What are you expecting from the mystery house?
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Well, since both the houses we've seen so far
0:19:11 > 0:19:15have been almost fresh out of the box and newly developed,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I'm guessing the next one won't be.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- Helen, are you worried about that? - I am. Tom's keen to roll up his sleeves and do lots of work,
0:19:23 > 0:19:28but I think I just want to get here and relax and enjoy the new life.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32The mystery house should throw up a challenge to you,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34something you may not have looked at.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39And people often change their minds. But no promises!
0:19:44 > 0:19:48For the mystery house, we're taking them just outside Caton
0:19:48 > 0:19:50where I found a rather special home.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51It has a touch of grandeur
0:19:51 > 0:19:54that I think might appeal to Tom and Helen.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Just five miles north-east of Lancaster,
0:19:57 > 0:19:58Caton sits in the Lune Valley.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03A main road into the city has all the amenities they'll need,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06from shops and a supermarket to a petrol station.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10The property is a former gate lodge, set within a private park.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14This house doesn't have an office and has a bigger garden than they wanted,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17but I have a hunch they could fall for this unique place.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- You're being good sports. Eyes closed.- Still closed!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24This is your mystery property. Have a look.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Oh, wow. It's a lodge house. Fantastic.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- It's beautiful.- It's gorgeous, isn't it?- So gorgeous.- So it is.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33It's set in these amazing grounds.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37And then you get all of this! How are you feeling?
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- BOTH: Excited! - Can't wait to get inside. - Let's have a look inside, then.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I think I've scored a hit with this house.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I'm taking them straight into the sitting room.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- The grandeur continues inside! - Wow! Gosh!
0:20:54 > 0:21:00- Wow. That is fantastic. Very pretty fireplace and log burner. - I just spotted that.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- That is amazing. - All in working order.- Great.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- What are your first feelings? - Just...- I'm intrigued.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Yes.- Intrigued. Yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:14It's very grand from the outside and it's gorgeous inside. It's been beautiful done up.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Before we see the rest,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- there's a little bit up here I want to show you.- OK.- Come on.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26Immediately above the sitting room is a charming secret double bedroom.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Up we come!
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- Isn't it cute? - It's so cute! Wow! Very pretty.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- The current owners call this a little holiday room for themselves because it's so lovely!- Sweet!
0:21:42 > 0:21:49They'll spend some time in here every now and then, but I imagine one of your children would like it.
0:21:49 > 0:21:55I've got a feeling which one! Very nice. The intrigue continues.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00It keeps unfolding. Let's discover some more.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05'Downstairs, through the sitting room, there's a lot more to discover.'
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Right, back down here, you've got a bedroom there,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- another one through here... - Right. Gosh.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- ..and a second reception room. - Lovely.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Those windows... - Very light room. They are gorgeous.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22It gets better and better.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Having seen that, you need to see the bedroom that could be yours. - Right.- Come this way.
0:22:26 > 0:22:33'They are simply loving this house. Let's see if the main bedroom will seal the deal.'
0:22:33 > 0:22:37You've got a dressing area, wardrobes out here, ensuite.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- And this could be your master bedroom.- My word!
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- That is just beautiful. - You've brought us to a hotel!
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Yes!- Come on in! - It just feels like a hotel.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- I think we've blown you away. - I'm speechless.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- You are actually speechless. - ALL TALK AT ONCE
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Speechless and grinning ear to ear!
0:22:57 > 0:23:00What can make it any better?
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- An amazing kitchen. - Of course. Let's go find one! Out there, to the right.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09'Round the corner from the master bedroom is the hub of the home.'
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- DENISE LAUGHS - Have we delivered?- Wow. Gosh!
0:23:13 > 0:23:15That's...
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- That is fantastic. - That is just beautiful, again.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Quite modern, quite contemporary. - Very much so.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Total contrast to the rest of the house, but works really well. - Brilliant.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Loads of surfaces and space.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Can it get any better? - Well... I don't know!
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Shall I try?- Yes.- Go on, then! - Come on!
0:23:32 > 0:23:35'This house just gets better and better.'
0:23:35 > 0:23:39'Outside, there's another surprise, with a pretty summerhouse.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Oh, my word!
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- It's another room!- Oh, my word! - HELEN GASPS
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- I know you love a party, Helen. - That would just...
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- A bit of entertaining! - That is unbelievable.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- And just for you, there's even a barbeque.- Indoor barbeque.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's even got a vent!
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Oh, my gosh! - SHE LAUGHS EXCITEDLY
0:24:03 > 0:24:05That is just gorgeous.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- We are almost done. Let's step outside.- OK.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- We'll talk about money.- Right. - Off you go.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- So your outside space...- Wow.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- Equally well thought out.- Perfect.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- You have a couple of outbuildings. Opposite us is what's being used as a bit of a workshop.- OK.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26It could be an office. Up there, you have old stables.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- It could be an office! - It could be an office.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33So you have seen everything.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35This is the mystery house.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:38 > 0:24:43I think it's well over budget. It just seems such a high specification.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- Er, £550,000?- OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Just to be different, I'm going a little lower,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54but I still think it's over budget. £530,000.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- £499,000.- BOTH: Really?
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- Gosh!- I'm surprised at that. - That is very surprising.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Go and explore the garden. Have a look around on your own.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09We will catch up later on. This is the last property.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- You've got some serious thinking to do.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Priced at £499,000,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21this gatehouse has two reception rooms,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23a spacious kitchen/diner,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26four bedrooms, an enchanting summerhouse
0:25:26 > 0:25:30and an acre of garden which overlooks the private parkland.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34As you move towards the back of the property, that's when it comes into its own.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39The kitchen is absolutely stunning. It was a perfect kitchen.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42And the garden is amazing.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- This is brilliant.- Oh, wow! - Really brilliant!- That is so cool!
0:25:45 > 0:25:49It's got real wow factor. The garden and the house has got wow factor.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52It's impressive together.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Well, it's only a matter of weeks
0:25:57 > 0:26:01before Helen and Tom have to make the move to gorgeous Lancashire.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05They've seen three houses and seemed to love something about every single one.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09But are they going to buy any? Let's find out.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Tom and Helen, we've had a fun couple of days.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- It's been great. - With a sense of urgency!- Absolutely!
0:26:19 > 0:26:22We started off with that barn conversion.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I really loved that property to begin with.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I loved the open-planned aspect of it
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and the massive living area and the great kitchen.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34t was a really good start, but it's one room shy of perfection.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- The second property, the new build...- Yes.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- How did you feel about that? - At first, I felt a bit disappointed.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I thought, "It doesn't look great."
0:26:43 > 0:26:46But when you went inside, it was such a practical space.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50It didn't feel like a country house. It felt like it could've been anywhere.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Well, from there, we took you to the mystery house.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- What are your feelings about it? - I really, really liked it.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01The more you went in and saw, you know, particularly the size of the kitchen,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04it was a fabulous house, it had such a lovely feel to it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I think it had a lot of potential.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10I think so. I did have potential. It was big.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I could see the children in there. It grabbed us.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Are you going to buy any of the houses we've shown you?
0:27:17 > 0:27:22I think as a matter of urgency, we need to bring the children up
0:27:22 > 0:27:27All things being equal, if the children say, "Love it", would you buy?
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Yes. We'd put an offer in. - I think we would.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I think we're sufficiently taken with it.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37That's the right answer! I was pretty taken with it, too!
0:27:37 > 0:27:41I would love you two and your family settled in there very soon.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Thank you for showing us three great houses
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- and for taking us on this journey. - Thank you. It's been fantastic.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57For Helen and Tom, this move was all about giving their children
0:27:57 > 0:28:01the chance to grow up in the open countryside and peaceful surroundings
0:28:01 > 0:28:03that they themselves enjoyed as kids.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07But they have to find the right house to make that transition.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10That's not just an exercise in being sensible and practical,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15you have to find a home that's going to tug at the heart strings and touch you emotionally.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Do you know what? I think we may have done it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
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0:28:24 > 0:28:27in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England
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