0:00:02 > 0:00:04This place has needles you can't thread,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Freshwater that you can't drink and Cowes that you can't milk.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45'In today's show, I'm on the hunt for the perfect property for a couple's unique holiday business.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'The layout of one house has them a bit confused.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- It's upside down.- Yes.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- That's kind of our character, being slightly quirky, anyway. - Well, yours, speak for yourself.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00'But the mystery property could be just the thing to raise their spirits.'
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Wow!
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I'll close my eyes and open them again.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11I'm in the Isle of Wight, which has a Lake where you can stay dry
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and a Ryde where you can walk.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Obviously, these phrases are a play on words
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and as much as I'd love to claim these witticisms as my own,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22they've actually adorned the front postcards,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26extolling the beauty of the Isle of Wight for over a century.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30'Separated from the Hampshire coast by the Solent straight,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34'the Isle of Wight is 23 miles wide and 13 miles long
0:01:34 > 0:01:38'and is home to around 138,000 year-round residents.
0:01:38 > 0:01:45'It's most prestigious event, Cowes Week, is the longest running regular regatta in the world,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50'dating back to 1826, with over 1,000 yachts competing each year.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53'The island is renowned for its sandy beaches with resorts
0:01:53 > 0:01:56'which have been holiday destinations since Victorian times.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00'Queen Victoria herself was a regular visitor.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04'So, if it's stunning scenery and easy access to the sea you're looking for,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07'the Isle of Wight could be just the place.'
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Despite the allure of the island, house prices on the Isle of Wight remain pretty much on par
0:02:13 > 0:02:17with those of the mainland, with the average price of a detached property
0:02:17 > 0:02:19coming in at around £255,000.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Now, properties with sea views, obviously, command a premium
0:02:23 > 0:02:28and in places like Old Cowes, Bembridge and Yarmouth, prices are usually 10% higher
0:02:28 > 0:02:31than those found on the rest of the island.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Now, towards the middle and upper end of the market,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37and in particular where house prices are above £400,000,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40they tend to stay on the market quite a bit longer,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44so that should mean that today's buyers have a bit of room for negotiation.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Let's look at what's currently available.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50'For £250,000, you could be living in a Grade 2 listed
0:02:50 > 0:02:54'thatched stone cottage in Newbridge.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57'With a modern kitchen and a cosy, yet characterful lounge,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01'it offers amazing views of the countryside.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07'This four-bedroom barn conversion in Luckham is on the market for just under £450,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'It offers spacious reception rooms with original features,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16'a modern kitchen, a swimming pool and breathtaking views towards the sea.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23'Or this modern three-bedroom thatched house in Limerstone could be yours
0:03:23 > 0:03:26'for a purse-stretching £850,000.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31'It comes with its own stables, a barn and 22 acres of land.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38A fantastic selection of properties, but what exactly are today's buyers after?
0:03:38 > 0:03:39Let's find out.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46'Today's property hunters are Colin and Elaine who have run a computer consultancy company
0:03:46 > 0:03:48'for the past 25 years.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53'Now that their two older children have grown up, home life at their five-bedroomed house in Kent
0:03:53 > 0:03:56'is centred on Thomas, their 13-year-old son.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00'Thomas has autism and is the main catalyst for their move.'
0:04:01 > 0:04:08We want to move to the country because Thomas needs a lot of space to run around in,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13air to breathe, without being near too much noise. He likes the freedom
0:04:13 > 0:04:19of being out running in the country with not having any distractive noises around him.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22The rooms that we'd like to take with us are Thomas' wet room,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26which is attached to his bedroom, and the sensory area of his bedroom.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31This is what we've set up for his needs - touch screen television, lights in the floor. He's got a ball.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36All these help him, as an autistic child, to focus on things to help him learn.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40'It was Colin and Elaine's experience bringing up Thomas
0:04:40 > 0:04:45'that gave them the idea to start a holiday business catering for families with autistic children.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50'They've settled on the Isle of Wight, having found a good school for Thomas there.'
0:04:50 > 0:04:53We're looking to move to the Isle of Wight because it's fairly small,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56the school that Thomas would go to is in the centre,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58so the whole island is an opportunity to us.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02We've done a lot of research into this business, spoken to a number of people,
0:05:02 > 0:05:07a lot of families who have autistic children and they want to come and stay as soon as it's up and running.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12We've also done some research on the island as well from the holiday side of things, the council...
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- We've spoken to the council, as well.- We have and they all are very positive about the idea.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21'It's a fantastic plan, but it could prove a challenge
0:05:21 > 0:05:24'pinning down what sort of property would best suit their venture.'
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Our requirements for us would be three bedrooms,
0:05:28 > 0:05:33one for Thomas with an ensuite, one for ourselves
0:05:33 > 0:05:39and one for any guests, or if our elder children want to come and visit.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44Then from the business side, we need rooms to convert into self-contained units,
0:05:44 > 0:05:48or space available on land that we can put self-contained units onto.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I think some of the features we're looking for are period features.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- We do like high ceilings and big windows.- Yes.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00We are definitely prepared to renovate. We know they will unlikely come with a wet room
0:06:00 > 0:06:02because they're quite specialised.
0:06:02 > 0:06:08- We've done this before.- Yes, we're used to challenges, aren't we?- Yes.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12'With such varied requirements, it's a good thing their budget is so flexible.'
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Our budget is fairly flexible from £500,000 to £800,000,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22depending on the property and how well it's already set up to start the business running straight away.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25'It won't be all work and no play when they move, as they're hoping
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'to spend time messing about on the water.'
0:06:28 > 0:06:32The plan is to spend a lot more time on the boat.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- Do some more scuba-diving, because I enjoy scuba-diving.- Well, YOU do.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- I do.- I'd rather stay on dry land, thank you!- You stay on the boat.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53'As the Isle of Wight only takes 45 minutes to drive across,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56'and holiday attractions and beaches are easily accessible,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59'one thing we're spoilt for choice on is location.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02'We've found three fantastic properties to show our buyers,
0:07:02 > 0:07:08'but I won't be letting on how much they're on the market for until they've guessed the price first.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12'Then, of course, there's our mystery house. My chance to throw out their wish list
0:07:12 > 0:07:16'and ask them to consider something different.'
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- So, welcome both of you to Antigua. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25On a beautiful day, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else, would you?
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- It's wonderful, isn't it?- It's got everything that we could possibly ever want for a place to live.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36You're in for a treat here, because, I know space is a big thing, isn't it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Not only with the properties, but outside, out and about
0:07:39 > 0:07:42and you get that on the Isle of Wight, it's not densely populated.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- For Thomas, it's a very simple lifestyle.- Yes.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Because he doesn't need the gadgets and toys that children play with these days.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54They like the open areas. He loves the beaches.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59It sounds like the Isle of Wight will be a perfect location for a lad like Thomas.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04Hopefully, we've got the right environment for maybe guests to come and stay there as well.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Get it right for Thomas, then we can get it right for the business. - Exactly.- Yes.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Let's see how we get on at the first property and go from there. OK.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Thank you.- This way.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19'With a flexible budget of between 500 and £800,000,
0:08:19 > 0:08:24'Colin and Elaine want a property with three to four bedrooms to fit their family.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26'They need a secure environment for Thomas,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29'in which to recreate his sensory room with an adjoining wet room.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34'And, they need plenty of additional room for their new holiday let business,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37'allowing up to three families to stay at any one time.'
0:08:40 > 0:08:43You've looked comprehensively
0:08:43 > 0:08:46for locations for your business and, obviously, Thomas.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49There's not a massive tranche of properties for sale.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53A lot of people bought places to retire to and second homes here
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and they've not been inclined to put them back on the market yet.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- So, there isn't a huge stock of properties out there.- Yes.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04We'll endeavour to show you the very best of what's here at the moment.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12'We're starting our property search 1.5 miles outside the island's
0:09:12 > 0:09:18'county town of Newport, where Colin and Elaine have already found a school for son Thomas.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21'Located in the middle of the island, Newport was founded in 1180
0:09:21 > 0:09:25'and has a population of around 24,000 people.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28'Our first property is a unique new build,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31'et in a stunning rural position on three acres of land
0:09:31 > 0:09:35'and with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.'
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- First impressions, what's going through your mind?- First thought, I have to say, is the road.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Yes.- Road.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- How much of a stumbling block is that, Elaine?- It's workable.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- I'm not sure. Open-minded at this point.- Thank goodness for that!
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- What about the properties themselves? This is around six years old.- It looks new.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- It was originally built on an old farm, this is the old dairy.- Yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03The only original part of the old house is the horseshoe you can see on the door.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- So it's a new house.- A new house.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- But, hopefully, with maybe older-style proportions and dimensions inside.- OK.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14'Not the best of starts outside,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'but I'm hoping the quirky interior will capture their imagination.'
0:10:18 > 0:10:22This house, internally, is quite different to what you might expect.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Four of the five bedrooms of this house are on the ground floor.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30It's an upside-down house for a very good reason.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35I think, upstairs I'm hopeful you'll rather quite like it.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40I know you said you worried about new houses being maybe a bit boring.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I don't feel this is boring.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- You come inside, it's not just a new house.- No, quite.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- It's quite quirky, it's upside down.- Yes.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- That's kind of our character, being slightly quirky. - Well, yours, speak for yourself!
0:10:55 > 0:11:00That's not a problem. They've certainly made best use of what it's got, and that's the view.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Oh, absolutely!
0:11:03 > 0:11:08You want something very different from a house, a home and business. Would you keep this arrangement
0:11:08 > 0:11:12configured as it is at the moment, living/dining room?
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- I'd need to see all of the house. - Let's have a look at the kitchen and make that decision then.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Whilst I'm sure this is a lovely kitchen for a family at the moment, I know,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26that you may well be doing some cooking for guests.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30I had an idea that whilst there's a utility room just through there,
0:11:30 > 0:11:34there's also a fifth bedroom, or snug, that's ensuite,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37which, with all the plumbing that's there as well, you could
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- incorporate into a bigger catering kitchen, or prep area.- Yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Should you want to go down that route.- Yes.- What do you think?
0:11:46 > 0:11:49If the rooms are there, yes, conversion is possible.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I like, when I'm cooking, to check on Thomas what he's up to.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56So if he's on the ground floor, I'm going to be running up and down the stairs.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01"What's he up to?" And leaving things on the stove, so. Ideally...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It's the upside-down nature of this house that isn't working.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- We're not sure yet with the upside-down nature if it's going to fit.- Yeah.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13'Well, with a bit of thought and conversion, this kitchen could work better for them.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18'I don't think they are convinced. Let's show them what's at the top of this very individual house.'
0:12:18 > 0:12:23This room isn't the most practical, but I almost didn't care
0:12:23 > 0:12:26because this is just for you two.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Yes.- This is your sanctuary. - Yes. This is the getaway.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Or, this is an office for you to do work. I don't know, what do you think?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35We've got an office at home, so that's quite nice.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Especially as we're running a business, we're going to need an office, aren't we?
0:12:39 > 0:12:44Back downstairs, in this upside-down house, the four bedrooms are all generously sized
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and two of them have ensuite bathrooms, so there's
0:12:46 > 0:12:51plenty of extra space for the couple's two older children when they come to stay.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52I want you to come in this room,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56because I thought this would be an amazing room for Thomas.
0:12:56 > 0:13:03- Lots of light.- Yes. - Ensuite and storage space.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05At the back of the house, is this quiet enough?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Yes.- I think it is.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- I know that you said Thomas' senses are heightened sometimes.- Yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- You're right, this is a good room for Thomas.- Yes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20I can see this is working well in my head, which is good.
0:13:20 > 0:13:26- Really? It's difficult because we started upside-down and it's putting the jigsaw puzzle together.- Yes.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Outside there are spectacular views over the surrounding countryside
0:13:30 > 0:13:32as well as three acres of land
0:13:32 > 0:13:38and there are the two outbuildings which could play a vital part in their new holiday venture.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42They did say they'd be happy to do some building work, so I'm hoping they can see the potential.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Stud partition wall, two bedrooms.- Yes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Go with me on this one, keep coming.- Yes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Small kitchen area with a loo and shower room
0:13:52 > 0:13:55and then this, the living room.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Yes.- I could see, if I was coming here, as a holidaymaker,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04and this was where I was living, I would feel like it was my home.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06It's almost finished, as is the one next door.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09There are two of these units, similar sized.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- One to two-bedroomed units. Perfect holiday lets.- Ready to go?- Yes.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18There's one massive stumbling block. They don't have planning consent.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'Whilst there's no guarantee, Colin and Elaine could seek
0:14:22 > 0:14:28'planning consent from the local council for their unique and well researched business venture.'
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- With that potential of planning consent...- Yep.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Can you see why we've brought you here?- Absolutely.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37I'd certainly want to come here with Thomas.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42'I'm pleased that they're seeing the possibilities in these two buildings for their new venture
0:14:42 > 0:14:46'but how much do they think it's worth?'
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So, seeing what you've seen so far, have a go at pricing this house.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Bearing in mind I'm not any good at this, but if I was guessing a price...
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- 500,000?- OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I'm going to go bit higher and say 525, then.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- Crikey, well, this is going to come as a shock.- Right.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- This place is on the market for £675,000.- Really?- Way off!
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- OK.- OK.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I think this is a really good opportunity for you guys
0:15:18 > 0:15:21to go back into the house, have a good look around
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and discuss what you've seen so far today.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- I'll catch you in a moment. - OK, thank you.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I've rarely got a valuation from someone who is
0:15:33 > 0:15:36so much below what a property is on the market for.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I know we're looking for a lot today,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42but the Isle of Wight isn't a particularly cheap part of the world -
0:15:42 > 0:15:45a lot of the property prices are in line with much of the mainland UK.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It's just that we do want a lot for our money today.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52We're going to struggle to provide both Colin and Elaine with what they're after
0:15:52 > 0:15:57without giving them something that they need to put a lot of effort into, maybe some building work.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04'More than they expected, but still well within their budget at £675,000,
0:16:04 > 0:16:09'this property offers what they said they wanted from a rural home.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13'It has five generous-sized bedrooms, three with ensuite bathrooms,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17'all of the bedrooms are downstairs giving Thomas a secure environment,
0:16:17 > 0:16:22'plus the two outbuildings which could, with the correct planning consent, be used as holiday lets
0:16:22 > 0:16:24'for their new business.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28'And, it's all set within three acres of grounds.'
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- It has got beautiful views.- Yes.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Shame about the road, shame about the road, though.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35The space itself is great.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41There's the two separate buildings, so families could come and have their own space.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Very surprised at both the layout and the way it'd been constructed, internally.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51That was a benefit, but also a challenge because it was upside down.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Now we're having to think how we would live in an upside-down house.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58I found a friend!
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I'm not sure he comes with the house or not.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Are you all done inside? - Absolutely.- Let's go.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17'The Isle of Wight attracts over 2.5 million visitors a year
0:17:17 > 0:17:21'and with one in every four jobs being linked to tourism, it seems
0:17:21 > 0:17:24'a promising place for Colin and Elaine to set up a holiday business.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27'Possibly, the best-known of the island's towns, Cowes,
0:17:27 > 0:17:33'started out as a cluster of 16th-century fishermens' shacks at the mouth of the River Medina.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35'It's now the island's principal port,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38'as well as the world's premier yachting centre.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43'Earlier in the week, Colin and Elaine, who are bringing their own boat with them when they move,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46'met up with skipper Kevin Redbourne to discover
0:17:46 > 0:17:50'how a boating life on the island can play a part in their new venture.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Thanks for joining us. We're moving to the island because we want to set up a holiday place
0:17:54 > 0:17:58for families to come on holiday, particularly with children with autism
0:17:58 > 0:18:01because we have an autistic child ourselves.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04We know how they really do like the peace and tranquillity when they go away.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07What's your opinion on the island and is it suitable?
0:18:07 > 0:18:11I think the island is totally appropriate for what you're looking for.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Peaceful, scenic locations dotted along the north coast.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Bembridge in the far east, Bembridge harbour is beautiful.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Cowes itself here, the Medina River is glorious.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Yarmouth to the east, and between here and Yarmouth,
0:18:23 > 0:18:28there is Newtown Creek, which is an amazing estuary and nature reserve.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32I think it's ideal for what you're looking for, to be honest with you.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'Cowes harbour will play a major role in the 2012 Olympics,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40'with some of the larger yachting series' scheduled to begin here on the way to Weymouth
0:18:40 > 0:18:44'which is the centre of the Olympic sailing event.'
0:18:44 > 0:18:48This is the East Cowes Marina. East Cowes generally is developing.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53There are massive plans from SEEDA, the development agency
0:18:53 > 0:18:56to redevelop the eastern side of the harbour entrance.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00'On the island's north coast,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03'Newton Creek is a beautifully unspoiled natural harbour.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06'Owned by the National Trust, the mudflats and wild marshes
0:19:06 > 0:19:11'provide a safe haven for birds, as well as a peaceful mooring for boats.'
0:19:11 > 0:19:15This is Newton Creek, guys, this is what we were talking about.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17It's beautiful. How pretty it is on either side.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Amazing.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23This is an overnight mooring for yachts and cruisers.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- They'll drop anchor and stay here.- Yes.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29This is what we were talking about when we were saying about taking the family out,
0:19:29 > 0:19:34not part of business, but just something special for them.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- A real treat.- It is. - Do you think you can move here?
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I think I could be persuaded.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43'Well, after that voyage of discovery,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46'let's hope the rest of our house search is plain sailing
0:19:46 > 0:19:51'as we continue our quest south of Newport in the charming village of Godshill.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55'With thatched cottages, medieval church and abundant tea rooms,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59'Godshill is one of the island's most popular tourist destinations.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04'Our second property is on the edge of the village, dating back to the Victorian era,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08'it's comprised of converted farm buildings with a piggery and a hayloft.'
0:20:08 > 0:20:11If you come right up where I'm going to stand here,
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- this will give you the best view of everything that's on offer.- OK.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Yes.- Very different, a lot of character.- Oh...
0:20:23 > 0:20:29I'm very intrigued, excited, erm, I want to get in there.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31'Well, what a great start.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35'I'm confident they'll love the inside just as much.'
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- Now, then, quite quirky inside.- Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44What do we think?
0:20:44 > 0:20:47The kitchen is around here, better look at it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Quirky, but lovely.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- It's got a lot of character, hasn't it?- Yes, lovely to look at.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Yes.- Visually, lovely. - Absolutely.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Practicality wise, beyond that door is a pantry.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05If you're having different cooking areas, you might have to do something with this space.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Well, yes, all things are possible.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10What a difference a house makes!
0:21:10 > 0:21:13As long as it's in budget and we've got the available,
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- you know, funds to do that. - What did she have for lunch?
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Something very positive, this is great news.- Yes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24'Elaine seems to be feeling optimistic about this property,
0:21:24 > 0:21:29'so while she's all smiles, let's move on to the potential ground floor area for Thomas.'
0:21:29 > 0:21:36As regards ground floor bedrooms are concerned, this isn't big enough for Thomas at the moment.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- No.- I'm asking you to do some work here.- Yeah.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43You've got a shower room and a loo opposite
0:21:43 > 0:21:48and then next door to them you've got a bathroom with a loo in it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51But, you need only one so I'm suggesting...
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Let me run through what I'd like to do.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59So, doorway here, so that's your ensuite there
0:21:59 > 0:22:03and then you've got that entire bathroom which is the size again of that.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- This room becomes double the size. - Oh, right.- That's your first job.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14That is a very good suggestion. That wouldn't worry me at all, doing that, would it you?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- As long as it was structurally sound.- OK.- What's your thoughts?
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- Absolutely, that looks like it's more than feasible.- Good. All right, upstairs.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26'I'm glad to hear they're open to carrying out building work
0:22:26 > 0:22:28'and they'll need to stay that way upstairs.'
0:22:28 > 0:22:34This is where I'm asking you to make some quite tricky decisions.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38First of all, as a master bedroom, do you like this?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- It's a lovely view, isn't it?- Yes.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Now, you get two bedrooms on this floor
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- and a loo.- OK.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- But only a loo.- And we've just knocked the bathroom down.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54There was two bathrooms and we got rid of one, otherwise Thomas couldn't have the ground floor room.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55That's it.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'To replace the downstairs bathroom they've two choices.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03'They can either convert the second bedroom into a bathroom or, keep that as a guest room,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07'and extend the dormer area where the WC is to fit in a shower.'
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Both options involve an element of compromise.- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15For us, the paramount needs of Thomas, if he's happy, we're happy.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16If it suits him, it suits us.
0:23:16 > 0:23:22'It's great that they're so positive about making those necessary changes upstairs
0:23:22 > 0:23:26'but, back on the ground floor, there's an area that won't need any alteration.'
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Now this reception area is split into two,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31there's a dining area and the living room.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Not huge, I know.- No, very nice.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I like this, I love the brickwork.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45I love the views. There's lots of light. It feels cosy.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- It's not too small for us. There are only three of us.- Yeah.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51So for the three of us, it's ideal. An ideal size.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56'The home side of things seems to have really lifted Elaine's mood,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58'let's see how the business side goes down.'
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Now, I know you've been dying to look at this.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03This is the business element.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08You've got two apartments here or two self-contained holiday apartments. OK?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- Self-contained?- Self-contained, that's the key thing.
0:24:12 > 0:24:18The downstairs holiday let comprises a conservatory, a kitchen with dining and living space,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24We're taking a look at the accommodation upstairs.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29This pretty much mirrors downstairs minus the conservatory.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- Two double bedrooms with a bathroom and big kitchen/dining living room.- Yes.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Mm?- Yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37- Yes.- Yes.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41This is already set up as the English Tourist Board recommends it.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43It's four stars with the English Tourist Board.
0:24:43 > 0:24:49Peak season, they get up to £625 a week.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Those are the sort of figures we were thinking about on a weekly rental.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Again, I could see, if I was on holiday,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- I would feel like I was in my own space, which is a good thing.- Yes.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04'Outside, tranquillity is the key word in this massive back garden.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09'With views of the local church and surrounding countryside, it's the perfect, peaceful,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12'and secure environment for children like Thomas to play in.'
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Do you like it?- Oh, yes, definitely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I mean, you could just sit here and relax. This is a lovely place.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- How do you value it, then?- Badly! You know that's the case.- I know!
0:25:24 > 0:25:25THEY LAUGH
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Oh, I've been thinking about this as we've been going around the house.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34- This might take a while, might it? - No, no. I'm thinking of 795.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- Right, OK. - Towards the top end of our budget.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- It would be nice if I've overpriced that.- I'll let you know in a moment.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- It's always nice to overprice. - Well...
0:25:48 > 0:25:53Yes, OK, I'm not thinking quite so high, I'll put 750 on it as a price.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Well...
0:25:55 > 0:25:58It's on the market for £650,000.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00SHE GASPS
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- OK.- Oh!
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- You see, I said I was no good at this.- In a good way, today.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- But in a good way. - You haven't seen the ground floor self-catering holiday let.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Have a look at that one. I'll catch you in a bit.- OK.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18'Well within their budget at £650,000,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21'this property easily delivers on their demands.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24'With three good-sized bedrooms and the main cottage,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29'the potential to convert the bathroom into a bigger ensuite room for Thomas,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33'two up-and-running holiday lets and an acre of lawns.'
0:26:33 > 0:26:38Oh, wow. This is brilliant. Look at this.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Wow, this is perfect for guests, isn't it?
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Open planned, the dining room there, lounge, kitchen... perfect.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Potentially in the future, as Thomas grows up and he's older,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53he may need his own living accommodation.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56That would be an ideal place for him to have the lower ground floor
0:26:56 > 0:27:00which is connected to the main building so he has his own living space but he's also with us.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02It really is looking good.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09So plenty to have a look around. Did you manage to see it all?
0:27:09 > 0:27:10Absolutely, yes.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Hopefully, I've given you something to sleep on, at least. Good.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15It'll keep me awake.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16SHE LAUGHS
0:27:25 > 0:27:29'So as the day draws to a close over the Isle of Wight,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32'it marks the end of the first day of our property search.'
0:27:37 > 0:27:42'After years of running their own business, Colin and Elaine have set themselves
0:27:42 > 0:27:45'the challenge of starting a new one on the Isle of Wight,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48'offering holidays to families with autistic children.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51'Our two properties so far have had varying results
0:27:51 > 0:27:55'but, coming up, it's all smiles at the mystery house.'
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- This has got style, character.- Yes.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01'And I get a taste of the latest crop at the Isle of Wight's garlic farm.'
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Well, a fairly topsy-turvy start to yesterday,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09especially when we went to that upside-down house.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12It was there that I really started to understand
0:28:12 > 0:28:16just how specific some of Elaine and Colin's requirements were.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19I would like to think that in the afternoon that house gave them
0:28:19 > 0:28:22a lot of what they are after on their shopping list.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Today, I don't know if you can tell, it's a fairly blustery start to the day
0:28:26 > 0:28:30and we're off to see the mystery house, which is here to challenge the expectations
0:28:30 > 0:28:35of our house hunters and, hopefully, like the weather, it'll blow them away.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44'Our mystery property is close to the town of Brading on the east side of the island.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49'Said to have been founded by King Alfred in the 7th century, it's one of the oldest towns.
0:28:49 > 0:28:55'One claim to fame is the boards used to display hymn numbers were invented here in the 18th century.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00'Our mystery property is a stone-built former vicarage dating back to the 1800s
0:29:00 > 0:29:03'but last extended in the 1950s.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08'What makes this house our mystery property is that the holiday let space and family accommodation
0:29:08 > 0:29:14are all contained under one roof, so Colin and Elaine will be living alongside their guests.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15LAUGHTER
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I can't tell what his contorted, facial expressions mean.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- What are you saying to me? - What a great-looking house.- Oh!
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- Happy?- Very.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25LAUGHTER
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- There you have style, character.- Yes.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- It's quite some building. - It is, isn't it?
0:29:30 > 0:29:32I love the stonework.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- I love the entrance hall. - Yes. So much to look at.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Look at those chimneys. They're huge.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- First impressions?- It looks good. - Good. Come on, let's get inside.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Now then, as far as grand entrance halls go,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I think this is pretty much OK, isn't it?
0:29:55 > 0:30:00- It's about average(!)- It's grand! - No, it's average, isn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- It's a lovely hallway. - That's an understatement.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- If you react well to this entrance hall...- Love the arches.
0:30:05 > 0:30:11- I'm going to pull you out of here. - OK.- Love the beams...- Or not.- Yeah.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13The entrance hall is great, I love it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15But I want you to concentrate on this first room
0:30:15 > 0:30:18because I think it's going to blow your heads off, OK?
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- I'll keep my head on. - Righty-ho.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24In we come.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Oh, wow.- Wow.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Close my eyes and open them again.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Am I believing this? Am I seeing this?- Very elegant.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38The amount of light coming into this room is something to behold.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- And so open as well.- Yeah.- So open.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45It's huge, absolutely huge this room.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- Thomas'd love this room.- Would he? - I think so.- Because it's so light?
0:30:49 > 0:30:53It's quiet, it's light, it's airy, it's interesting.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58- It's restful. You get a feeling of rest.- Wonderful.- Spot-on.- Spot-on.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02The best use of this sprawling house would be for all
0:31:02 > 0:31:05of the downstairs area to be used for family accommodation.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09This office space could easily be used as a bedroom.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Colin and Elaine's main focus is for Thomas to have a secure
0:31:12 > 0:31:14and quiet environment, so with that in mind,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18let's see which area would work best for his needs.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Right...- Oh! Oh, this is a surprise. - OK.- What were you expecting?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- I wasn't expecting that.- No. From the main hallway,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29we've led off somewhere into a bit of an Aladdin's cave,
0:31:29 > 0:31:30a little secret corner.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34I'm going to bring you round this house in a slightly different way.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37There's so much to get your head around, OK?
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Now, you walk through that corridor there,
0:31:40 > 0:31:44the bottom of that corridor is a bathroom.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I think it would perfectly suit whoever uses this room.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- Thomas.- Mm.- Ground floor, light.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- Yeah.- Yes. It's a beautiful room.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58Mm-hmm. I think we should go now into the business premises. OK?
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- I might have confused you, but stay with me.- OK.- All right?
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Upstairs, the top two floors have a series of light,
0:32:06 > 0:32:10well-proportioned rooms forming three separate apartments, perfect for guests.
0:32:10 > 0:32:17So, first floor, self-catering apartment.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- Big kitchen area, isn't it?- It's massive, isn't it?- Yeah. It is big.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24And I'm loving the open-plan aspect, with the windows
0:32:24 > 0:32:27and the source of light, and the tall ceilings.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29It's continued as downstairs, pretty much.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- And still in the atmosphere of the building.- Yes.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36This apartment has two good-sized adjoining bedrooms
0:32:36 > 0:32:40as well as a cosy sitting-room area which leads out onto a balcony.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45Somewhere to sit and admire those great views.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Over in the opposite wing of the house,
0:32:48 > 0:32:52there's a good-sized living area, a family bedroom and bathroom,
0:32:52 > 0:32:56plus there's a spacious extra room currently set up as an art studio.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59You've got access to that beautiful main staircase.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04You've also got access to the rear of this apartment as well.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07So you can really separate the families that are staying here.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11'And up on the second floor, there's a kitchen/living area
0:33:11 > 0:33:14'with a balcony and a triple room with en suite,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18'providing accommodation for a third holidaying family.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22'Outside, secure and mature gardens to the front and back
0:33:22 > 0:33:25'provide an ideal space for children to play.'
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Overall, whistle-stop tour, happy with what you've seen?
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- More than happy.- More than happy? - You've done a fantastic job there.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36So, how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Based on what we've seem, the number of rooms, the potential
0:33:40 > 0:33:42for the business, the outside space,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46all the period features as well, I think it's going to be
0:33:46 > 0:33:50at the top end of our budget but I'm kind of going on the...
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Oh... 690?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56690? 690. OK.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- It's never a short answer, is it? - Never! No, no.- OK.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Fantastic property. It's got to be up there,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07definitely around the 700 mark.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10You're both there or thereabouts, really.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15It's recently come on the market at offers above £685,000.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- OK?- OK.- You can see where their aspirations lie, then,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20in and around maybe where you're going.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24I'm sure you're dying to get back in and have a look at potentially your own kitchen
0:34:24 > 0:34:26and all the other accommodation,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29so why don't you do just that and I'll catch you later on.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Lovely.- Thank you very much.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39At just over £685,000, and well within their budget,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42this property could be just the job. It's got three bedrooms
0:34:42 > 0:34:45for the family, plenty of space downstairs
0:34:45 > 0:34:47to expand for Thomas's needs,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51separate and flexible business accommodation on the upper floors
0:34:51 > 0:34:54for holidaying guests and secluded grounds,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56perfect for kids and their new venture.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59Ooh!
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Wow.- That's a big kitchen.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07That'll do nicely, thank you.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Yet another door. Ooh!
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- Another door, lots of doors. - More rooms.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- More rooms. Stone, beautiful. It's going to be original.- Yes.
0:35:18 > 0:35:24- That is lovely.- You need a map! It is a confusing house.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26There's lots of rooms all over the place,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29but once you start to divide it up into areas, for us
0:35:29 > 0:35:32and from the business side, this really is, I mean,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34it's a very clever building.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Wow. Lounge and diner's just amazing.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42All the original features were there.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46And it was so restful in that room. So quiet and tranquil.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49You couldn't ask for anything better.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- Now that is one big smile on both of your faces.- Absolutely.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58- Show we find somewhere to have a bit of chat?- Fantastic.- Good man.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Whilst the largest industry in the Isle of Wight is tourism,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10the island also has a strong agricultural heritage
0:36:10 > 0:36:15including sheep and dairy farming and the growing of arable crops.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18It's also home to the UK's largest garlic farm.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Traditionally, garlic is grown in hot Mediterranean countries,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26but due to the long sunlight hours enjoyed on the island, it also thrives here.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Colin Boswell has run the farm for over 30 years
0:36:29 > 0:36:34and now employs 40 people to work his 60 acres of garlic crop,
0:36:34 > 0:36:39including varieties such as Solent White and elephant garlic.
0:36:39 > 0:36:45- This is elephant garlic.- Right. - So it's a big, big...- Right, OK.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Now, that's only half size.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49That'll double in size in the next two weeks.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53This is actually closer to a leek than it is to garlic.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Elephant garlic is a hardneck.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57That means it produces a flowering spike.
0:36:57 > 0:37:04But what we do, we snap that off and it is absolutely superb
0:37:04 > 0:37:08just dipped in batter, deep-fried
0:37:08 > 0:37:11and served with a sweet chilli sauce.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Oh, wow.- Incredible. In fact, you could try now.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Just nibble.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Very crunchy. It's like a tastier, more pungent spring onion, isn't it?
0:37:27 > 0:37:29As well as selling to the mainland,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33the garlic is also exported to Italy, Spain and even France.
0:37:33 > 0:37:39On-site, there's a restaurant where you can eat your garlic baked, steamed, boiled or roasted.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Chef Charlie Bartlett gave me a test of what's on the menu.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46You've just brought me some elephant garlic and I've got a couple in here.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48I've got a nice, big, juicy one there.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51These have been in for probably about an hour, an hour 15.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- The longer they cook, the better they are.- I can see some
0:37:54 > 0:37:56good, old-fashioned garlic bread.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58We're going to show you a meze dish,
0:37:58 > 0:38:02which includes the Solent White, the garlic bread, some salad
0:38:02 > 0:38:04and some garlic dips. And I'm going to show you
0:38:04 > 0:38:07how to make deep-fried scapes. Come round this side.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09We've got the bottom end of the scape.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13The top end is the most important bit for us, because they're really nice.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- Do you want to chop some for me? - Why not?- OK.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18'A garlic scape is the curly stem from which the seed head
0:38:18 > 0:38:21'of the garlic bulb is formed.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23'When young, it's tender and delicious,
0:38:23 > 0:38:28'especially when deep-fried in tempura batter, a signature dish of the Farm restaurant.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31'The batter is made with self-raising flour,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34'cornflour and sparkling water.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38'After whisking, the scapes are dipped in batter
0:38:38 > 0:38:42'and then placed in hot oil for a minute or two until golden.'
0:38:42 > 0:38:46As it hits the hot oil, you'll find that it will cook and rise
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- and it makes it quite light. - So quickly as well.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- 'Then, they're ready to plate up.' - Grab some scapes.- Yep.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55And then we pile them on one side,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- just stack them all up there, please, Jonnie.- OK.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01I suppose everything is made on the island?
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Pretty much. The bread, the garlic, the cloves.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07All our hummus is home-made here using Isle of Wight products.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- So the carbon footprint is pretty low.- Absolutely.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Then we put the elephant garlic with the bread.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- Well, Colin's back from the field. Shall we see how these taste?- Sure.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Looking forward to this.
0:39:23 > 0:39:29Now, then, this looks like one amazing spread, doesn't it?
0:39:29 > 0:39:30So, shall we dig in?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32OK.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Start with the scape.- OK.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Just dip it into the sweet chilli sauce.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41I think you'll be surprised at how they taste.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43That is quite something.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45And the batter. I must say,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48this feels all a bit too tasty to be good for you!
0:39:48 > 0:39:50'But good for you it certainly is.'
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Garlic is well known for lowering blood pressure
0:39:53 > 0:39:55and strengthening the immune system,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58making it truly worthy of the term "superfood".
0:39:58 > 0:39:59Garlic all the way.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02'We're hoping that Colin and Elaine have an equally healthy chance
0:40:02 > 0:40:06'of success in their move here, because now it's time to find out
0:40:06 > 0:40:10'what they really thought of our three properties.'
0:40:10 > 0:40:13So, the Isle of Wight. It's a fantastic place to visit.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- But then it comes down to the properties.- Yep.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- So, property number one didn't start great.- Yeah.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22My heart sank as I first saw the property,
0:40:22 > 0:40:27because of the road, because of the safety element of it.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30But you couldn't beat those lovely views, stunning.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33It was a new-build.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37It lacked the character we were looking for. While for some people,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39that's ideal, for us it wasn't the case.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41It was upside down
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and quirky, which again,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48some people will like. But we just couldn't see how, for us,
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- that would fit.- In the afternoon, we went to a converted piggery.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54You really warmed to its, I suppose, quirkiness
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- as much as anything else, didn't you?- Yes.- Quirky works for us.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Anybody who knows us will say that's true.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03I've come to understand that that works for both of you.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- But the business was there already. - It was.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09The only problem with the house
0:41:09 > 0:41:13was the configuration of the bathroom and bedroom for Thomas
0:41:13 > 0:41:15and how we'd do that. Some changes to be made.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- But we were prepared to do that.- It was interesting enough to work with.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Now, the mystery house is often full of surprises. Your reaction
0:41:24 > 0:41:27said it all. You were almost skipping through the front door.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31I was absolutely mesmerised by it.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34There was the amazing reception room.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37You reacted great to that. But we got into Thomas's room,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- and that was more than adequate, wasn't it?- Definitely.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43It's all in close proximity, but in the same sense,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46it was also disconnected enough that as he gets older,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49it can feel like his place.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Then we started concentrating on the business element.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54How much work do you think is needed
0:41:54 > 0:41:57to make that work for you in your business?
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- There's actually very little.- Out of all the properties we've seen,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- which is your favourite? - Got to be the third.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- Mystery property? - Definitely.- Yes, same here.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10What do you want to do about this mystery house?
0:42:10 > 0:42:14The next step for us is to go away, do the figures, do the finance,
0:42:14 > 0:42:18make sure everything ties up. We've already talked about bringing Thomas
0:42:18 > 0:42:23back to see the house. So hopefully, very soon we'll have that business up and running.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26I hope the viewing goes well. I hope Thomas loves it as much as you do.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Let us know how you get on.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29I'm sure I will.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- Thank you very much for a thoroughly wonderful time.- Good.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34I've enjoyed myself as well.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Whilst these past couple of days have been rather challenging,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43I've found them really interesting,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46looking at properties through Elaine and Colin's eyes.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47And in choosing the mystery house,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50I don't think they're making many compromises.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53So let's just hope this is the start of a new beginning
0:42:53 > 0:42:55for their family, especially Thomas,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59but also the start of a successful business, whereby their clients
0:42:59 > 0:43:03can come here and enjoy the fantastic getaway
0:43:03 > 0:43:05of the Isle of Wight. See you next time.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07'With their business plan finalised,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10'Colin and Elaine have been back
0:43:10 > 0:43:13'to see our mystery house with their son, Thomas.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15'They're planning to make an offer on it
0:43:15 > 0:43:18'once they've secured a buyer for their current home.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21'If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:21 > 0:43:24'Northern Ireland or England and would like our help,
0:43:24 > 0:43:26'please apply online at:'
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:42 > 0:43:46E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk