0:00:02 > 0:00:06Every year, around 100,000 visitors descend on this county,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08simply to mess about on boats.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Where am I? Join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45On today's show, I'll be trying to help a couple find a property
0:00:45 > 0:00:48to fit three generations of the same family.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Grandma gets almost as much space as you do!
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Grandma would really like this. I'm very impressed with this.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- I think the kids would love this. - Definitely, yeah. They'd fight over this one!
0:00:58 > 0:01:01And our mystery house challenges them to think really big.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04You've given up on vocabulary now, haven't you? It's just, "Ooh!"
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Bit of a whistle.- Yeah.- Superb.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today, I'm in Norfolk, on the world-famous Broads,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16which lie about a metre below sea level.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18And all the rivers that flow through here are tidal,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20so they're at sea level,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24all of which means this area is at constant risk of flooding.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26So later on in the show, I'll be finding out
0:01:26 > 0:01:29about a conservation project which aims to keep the sea at bay.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Forming the largest part of the East Anglian coastline,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Norfolk's remote beaches and low-lying hinterland
0:01:39 > 0:01:42are defining features of its landscape.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47The 117 square miles of protected wetland that make up the Broads
0:01:47 > 0:01:50are earmarked as an area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53which, although a haven for wild species of birds,
0:01:53 > 0:01:58has been shaped by man-made activity that spans centuries.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00It was the Romans who first excavated
0:02:00 > 0:02:03this area's rich peat beds for fuel.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07In the Middle Ages, these peat pits flooded when sea levels rose.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Today, it's a site kept buoyant by 7 million visitors,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16who bring in £414 million to Norfolk's economy.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Yet, this county has a very undeveloped feel,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21which is reflected in its architecture,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25with traditional materials of brick and knapped flint
0:02:25 > 0:02:28giving local buildings their distinctive look.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36Just under £215,000 is what you can expect to pay
0:02:36 > 0:02:38for the typical detached house here in Norfolk.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Now, that's some £42,000 less than the national average.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44However, we are in the Broads,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48and this area has the same protected status as a national park.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52So properties here are in high demand but short supply.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57There are only 3,016 properties within the boundaries of the Broads,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01and for any one of them, you can expect to pay up to 50% more
0:03:01 > 0:03:04than for the same property elsewhere in the county.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So with that in mind,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09here's a selection of what's currently on the market.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15£295,000 will buy you this five-bedroom barn conversion
0:03:15 > 0:03:18in South Burlingham, with character vaulted ceilings
0:03:18 > 0:03:22a running theme throughout its main living areas.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23If thatch is more your style,
0:03:23 > 0:03:28then look no further than this Grade II listed cottage in Aldborough.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32On the market for £425,000, it's been sympathetically renovated,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35with roof beams an eye-catching feature
0:03:35 > 0:03:37of one of its three bedrooms.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40And outside offers a generous one-acre garden.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46Or if you can dig deep, there's this handsome four-bedroom detached house
0:03:46 > 0:03:50in Poringland, priced at £625,000.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Its living areas include an impressive conservatory,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57which overlooks the one acre of grounds.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Some great houses there, and, of course, we've got three more
0:04:03 > 0:04:05tucked up our sleeves to show today's buyers.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08All we need to do now is meet them.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Julie and Ian have lived in their four-bedroom detached property
0:04:13 > 0:04:16in Crook, County Durham, with their two children
0:04:16 > 0:04:19for the past 11 years.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Although they both grew up in the area, Julie's father passed away last year,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and that, along with Ian's imminent retirement from the police force,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30has propelled them to make the move down to Norfolk,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32as it's an area that's close to their hearts.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We're looking at Norfolk because we have enjoyed holidays
0:04:35 > 0:04:38on the Norfolk Broads, and that's something we want to do.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Get a boat, cruise on the Broads,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42but somewhere that's not too far away from Suffolk,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44so it's on the Suffolk side of Norfolk.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48I've got a sister there, and for my mum, obviously she wants access.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51She wants to be able to visit my sister on a regular basis.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54In fact, Julie's mother Jean is also selling up,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56and investing in their next family home.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00Well, I would like to move with Julie and Ian to Norfolk
0:05:00 > 0:05:03so that I would be with the grandchildren all the time,
0:05:03 > 0:05:08and I would like an annexe that would be adjoining the house.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Besides finding a country home which can accommodate Grandma,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Ian and Julie also have a clear list of criteria we need to factor in.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21We would be looking for a house with a rural setting,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24with lots of space around it, you know, in the countryside,
0:05:24 > 0:05:25ideally on the Broads.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28And the house, ideally, would have four or five bedrooms,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31a large kitchen-diner.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35We do like character features, but we also like modern, so it's going to be
0:05:35 > 0:05:39a combination of a character property with modern in there as well.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44And Julie has a fixed idea of what she wants outside.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I've got a small vegetable plot, but the size is somewhat limited,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and I'm looking for something, possibly up to about an acre
0:05:51 > 0:05:56of land, so I can grow the vegetable plot on a much grander scale.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01Ian and Julie recently put their house on the market for £250,000,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and that, combined with the sale of Jean's property,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07means they know exactly how much they have to spend.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11The ideal budget for this house move would be round about £540,000,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13but if it was the absolute dream home,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15we could probably go to about 580,000.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22How many of us have dreamt of permanently moving
0:06:22 > 0:06:26to our favourite holiday destination but never done anything about it?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Most of us, I suspect, but not Ian and Julie.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32What with Ian's decision to take early retirement
0:06:32 > 0:06:35and the family deciding that Grandma should move with them too,
0:06:35 > 0:06:37this family's dream of moving to Norfolk
0:06:37 > 0:06:40is finally becoming a reality,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43and it's up to us to help make that dream come true.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Ian and Julie are keen to find a property that puts them within
0:06:47 > 0:06:49striking distance of the Broads,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53so that they can live out their dream of a boaty lifestyle.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56However, their criteria might mean we have to edge our way
0:06:56 > 0:06:58over the Suffolk border.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01We've lined up three fantastic houses for them to look at,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04but as ever, I won't be revealing the price of each
0:07:04 > 0:07:06until they've had a guess first.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Our final offering will be the mystery house,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12which will give them much more than they bargained for.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Good morning, you two.- Hello! - Welcome to sunny Norfolk!
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- You've only just retired, a couple of weeks?- I have, so I'm adjusting to retired life.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23I suppose this feels like a holiday again, then?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It is!- It certainly is, yes. It's lovely.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Well, isn't that the dream for the two of you?
0:07:28 > 0:07:32To turn what was or has been your holiday home, into your real home.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Definitely, yes.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36It's the waterways, the sailing and the boats down here.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Our kids love it, so it's the way of life.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43I think things are looking good, because you're both selling your houses, Grandma and you,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- which means you've got a pretty good budget.- We have.- We've got 540?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Round about that, yeah.- Willing to go up to...- About 580 if we had to.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Lots to cover, but don't worry, we've got three great properties,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56you've given me a great budget, so let's get house hunting!
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Fantastic. Thank you.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Ian and Julie have a budget of £540,000,
0:08:03 > 0:08:08although they would consider going up to £580,000 for the right house.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10As well as being detached,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12they would like a property which mixes old with new.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16More specifically, they need a large kitchen-diner
0:08:16 > 0:08:19in which the family can congregate, four bedrooms,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22an annexe for Julie's mum, an acre of land,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25and it needs to be located close to the Broads.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38We're getting our property search underway a short drive
0:08:38 > 0:08:41from the village of Loddon, with schools to cater for both children,
0:08:41 > 0:08:46along with a post office and a beautiful 15th-century church.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48With the Norfolk Broads on their doorstep,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51a boating life is definitely theirs for the taking.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53A mile and a half away in the secluded hamlet
0:08:53 > 0:08:56of Heckingham Holes, we find our first house.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Formerly two farmer's cottages dating back to 1830,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04now knocked into one and recently extended.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Right, here we go, property number one, and this is it!
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- Wow!- I got my first "Wow!" Fantastic! - Yeah, that's very nice.- Beautiful.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- It is, it's lovely. - Fantastic setting as well.- Very nice.
0:09:16 > 0:09:22It's been added to over the years, you've got an extension that way, one here, and some conservatories.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Fantastic. Lovely!
0:09:23 > 0:09:27'The character exterior seems to have gone down well,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'and as they'll see, the inside continues the theme.'
0:09:30 > 0:09:32In we come!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Here we go. Well, first test passed.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- You're not bashing your head on the ceiling!- No, that's fine.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- That looks lovely there.- Yes!- Wood burning stove.- Fantastic! I saw that.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46I love that it's open so it leads through to the other room.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48What do you think of this as an entrance way?
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- It's lovely.- This is what you like. A good character about it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Very rustic, lovely.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55It is very rustic,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58but I want to start off with this side of the house,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01because obviously one of the things with this property is, you can see,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05it's all one property, so there's not a separate annexe for Grandma.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08However, it's a big house. There is lots of room.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- So let's start this way and talk about where Grandma might go.- OK.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18Through here you have a family living area, as you can see.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- A lovely living room. What do you think?- It is nice.- Lovely.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- It's very cosy, isn't it? Very nice. - It is very nice. I like it. First impression's brilliant.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Through here, we've got another couple of rooms,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30so come and have a look, because the way I see it,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33this is such a big house, Grandma could either have this whole area
0:10:33 > 0:10:37from that door onwards, or you could keep this as a family room
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and Grandma just has that little bit at the end.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- So come and have a look. - Somewhere to lock Grandma, is it?
0:10:43 > 0:10:47So through here, what was the garage has become the study
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- and a single bedroom. - Bedroom? Oh, right.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54My thoughts are, this could, therefore, be Grandma's bedroom,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57but clearly there's no bathroom here, so a bit of work for you
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- if you wanted to give her her own bathroom facilities.- Yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- I mean, this is just a stud wall, you could take that down.- Yeah.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- That's quite a fair-size room, you know.- So there is a possibility.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- You don't mind her being integrated in the house?- No, that's ideal.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14She comes in, this is her side, and let's see what the other side's like.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20- You're absolutely right! Let's see what the other side's like. You lead the way, Ian.- OK.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22'Back across the hallway is the focal point
0:11:22 > 0:11:26'for all three generations to congregate.'
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Well, if that side of the house is for Grandma,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31this would be for everybody.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Fantastic! Lovely big kitchen, which is what you wanted, wasn't it?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- It was one of your main criteria. - Beautiful, yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39Wood-burning stove in the corner.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44That's the other side of the stove from the wall, so you've got that lovely feature.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47And behind here, you do get a separate utility space which is quite big.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51And I've got to say, there are two big conservatory areas out there.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54One's sort of open, one closed for dining,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57so if you're entertaining friends, if your sister's coming over,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01family coming down from County Durham, lots of space out there.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Spoiled for choice, actually. It's good, it's very good.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's very good. You can explore all of that on your own a bit later.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- I want to show you the upstairs now. - Jolly good.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14'These downstairs rooms give them plenty of spacious, flexible,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18'living areas, which they can configure to suit their family.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20'Upstairs, among the four bedrooms,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22'is a self-contained retreat for them.'
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Up here, they call this an en suite, but I think it's pretty big.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This could almost be a bedroom on its own, couldn't it?
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- It almost could!- Superb.- I'm sure it could.- Like it?- I do. Very nice.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Good, because this would be the en suite to your bedroom.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39So this bedroom next to that bathroom
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- gives you a master suite. - Yeah, nice.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Very nice, it is. What I do love is the view out that window.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- Unbelievable.- It's spectacular!
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Just sitting or lying in bed, waking up in the morning,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- looking out at that puts you in the right frame of mind for the day. - It does.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Now, you have got four bedrooms up here,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00so there is obviously the option of Grandma being up here.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04The other three bedrooms are light, spacious, doubles
0:13:04 > 0:13:06and are real blank canvasses.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10They all have the use of the modern family bathroom.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13'This house certainly gives them ample living space to accommodate
0:13:13 > 0:13:15'the needs of all the family,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18'and outside, offers them a very generous proposition.'
0:13:20 > 0:13:23You'll get plenty of outside space and garden with this property.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Not only do you get the acre that the house sits in
0:13:26 > 0:13:30and this space here, which comes with a few little friends...
0:13:30 > 0:13:33We've got our little Indian Runners quacking beside us.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..but you also get an extra acre.- Of land.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Right here, there's a paddock. - Ah, the horses!
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Couple of horses which are negotiable!
0:13:42 > 0:13:44So we've got sailing, you've got water.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48You're surrounded by water, not that you'd sail there, but I tell you what you can do.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50The current owners are keen canoeists
0:13:50 > 0:13:54and they rent the following eight acres of land over there.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Only costs them £200 a year.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00They grab the canoes and they trudge out to the River Chet
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and off they go into Loddon, which is the local town.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- 15 minutes.- Uh-huh. Fantastic. - Very nice lifestyle.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08I can't believe it's got so much land!
0:14:08 > 0:14:13There's a vegetable patch as well and all those sorts of things. They do keep chickens here as well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Brilliant lifestyle. Lovely.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18It's all there to get stuck into and develop, and it comes at a price.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Mm.- So you've done a lot of research on the internet.- Some, some.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24But here we are.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28The land's thrown me somewhat, but I would say around 540?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Top of the budget.- Nah, I think maybe it's a little bit higher.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Maybe about 550, 560?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37550, 560, so really pushing into your extra budget
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- for the dream home.- Possibly, yeah.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Well, let me tell you how much this property will cost you.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Think you'll find it very interesting.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It's on the market at £520,000.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- Under.- Mm-hm.- So you're wrong! - Sounds good, sounds good!
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- And I was even wronger! - You're both wrong!
0:14:55 > 0:14:57You were closer, but, most importantly,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- it's well within your budget. - It is.- It certainly is.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Tell you what, have a little wander round, I will see you
0:15:02 > 0:15:05when you've had a chance for it all to sink in a little bit, OK?
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- OK, thank you.- Off you go.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Comfortably under budget at £520,000,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17our first property is a great opening gambit
0:15:17 > 0:15:21and addresses the many and varied demands of their wish list,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24giving them a huge family dining kitchen
0:15:24 > 0:15:27along with three further reception rooms.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Upstairs provides four bedrooms, including a master en suite.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33What's more, there's the potential for Julie's mum
0:15:33 > 0:15:36to have her own downstairs wing.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38And outside delivers two acres of land
0:15:38 > 0:15:41with the option of renting another eight acres.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46So their dream of outdoor pursuits could certainly be a reality.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50As soon as I walked in the door, I placed the Christmas tree next to the wood burner.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I liked the feel of the place.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56I had in mind where my mother would be living and where I would be living
0:15:56 > 0:16:00and I think this house does give us the option of letting my mother have her own independent life,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04yet close enough to us for company and to help each other.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09The outside space of the house is brilliant, something we hadn't actually asked for.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Far more than what I would expect for that price.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Here we go. Good start, hey? - It certainly was.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17But we're not done yet.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20There's a few more properties to see. Come on.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Sitting either side of the River Bure, the twin villages of Wroxham and Hoveton
0:16:38 > 0:16:42are widely largely regarded as the capital of the Broads.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Its 125 miles of navigable inland waterways
0:16:45 > 0:16:49draw in 100,000 boating visitors a year
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and in the past has included Ian and Julie.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Indeed, spending more family time messing about in boats is key to their move.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03So we've arranged for them to have a sailing lesson from instructor Gina Hilton,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06who is a lifelong resident of the Broads.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09After donning their life jackets, it's time to hop aboard
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and gain first-hand experience on these beautiful waters.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Let's get under way.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16This is a lovely Broad to sail on,
0:17:16 > 0:17:21because you have a nice gentle area here, where there's a lot of wildlife.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22You've got water lilies here,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26there's always a lot of grebes here, breeding.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30It's nice and peaceful. Sailing is all practical.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32It's important to know what the wind is doing.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36I've done wind surfing and I think, "Is it the same idea as windsurfing?"
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Well, sailing is sailing, see? Using the wind and using that angle.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42As well as taking lessons,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47an easy way to get started as a family is to join a sailing club,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50where you can often try dinghies or yachts and decide what suits best,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53whether it be for just cruising or racing.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58In Norfolk, the joining fee can be as little as £80,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01with an annual family membership costing around £110 more.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Now it's time for Gina to test out their tacking technique.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Let's do a ready about so push the tiller way from you, Ian,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12all the way across, and the boat will go around.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Say when. - OK, do it now.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Ready about, mind your heads, and change sides.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Straighten the tiller up, Ian. Into the middle.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23That's right, lovely.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Excellent! Well done. When you're tacking, you've got your three Ts.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33Tacking, tiller, towards. That's it, ease your sail out a bit.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Gina's bought them out in her 1950s half decker yacht,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41which along with being a Broads classic, has a fixed keel and cannot capsize.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44A great family all-rounder would be a 15-foot Wayfarer dinghy,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48which can be picked up second-hand for a couple of thousand pounds
0:18:48 > 0:18:53with around £1,000 in mooring fees and insurance to factor in.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59With their sailing ambitions in mind,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02we are staying near to the Broads.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Our house hunt continues near to the village of Claxton,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07which means the school run is an achievable car drive
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and the amenities of Loddon are just four miles away.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15The Grade I listed church with its distinctive knapped flint facade
0:19:15 > 0:19:18is a real landmark, as is our second property,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21which lies to the south of the village.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Property number two, very different to the first.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30I bring you a barn conversion.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35This part, 300 years old, that part, 100 years old,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38and the conversion was done about in the '80s.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Looks great from the outside. Looks fantastic.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Very impressive, actually. Very nice.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48And with this property, what you will get is a very good space for Grandma.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Come inside and have a look.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55We'll come to Grandma's living arrangements,
0:19:55 > 0:20:01but first we'll get a sense of the main core of this property.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Straight through that huge entrance hallway.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09It is a barn conversion, so you get that full ceiling height there, which they've made the most of.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- And into a pretty big living room. - Fantastic.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Fantastic lounge, isn't it? - Very nice.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Taking it all in.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Yes, your eyes were immediately drawn out there, aren't they?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22The last house was going to take some beating, but this,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25from first opinion, walking through the door, is very nice again.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27The main window looks out onto a central courtyard,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31which is flanked on each side by two separate wings,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35one for them and the children, with the other providing
0:20:35 > 0:20:37an ideal retreat for Julie's mum.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Not only would she get this room,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44there are three bedrooms in the back there and a bathroom already.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48Do with it whatever she wants to do with it.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It's like a separate annexe, isn't it?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53It is, but it is connected, so you've not got to leave the house to get here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It's certainly a good start. Keeping Grandma happy.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Can it keep the rest of the family happy?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- Let's find out. - Come on.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07'We will retrace our steps towards the separate dining room
0:21:07 > 0:21:10'before we reach the all-important kitchen.'
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Now, over this side of the house,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18there's a lot of space for the family.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20We've got obviously a dining room, that's a lovely big area.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24We've got a corridor leading to a downstairs cloakroom
0:21:24 > 0:21:28and obviously, we are standing on a pretty sizable kitchen.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Lovely big kitchen, isn't it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:32The layout of it is great.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34This way, you've got a larder.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38That will be good for cooking, but through there you've got utility space,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40which is often used as a front door.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43There's a door to the outside, like a boot-room.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45The other side is the door to the double garage.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49That doesn't house cars, they keep their boat in there. Ideal.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54We're only a mile away from the River Yare.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Lots to think about. You challenged us.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58I did challenge you. You're getting there.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00LAUGHTER
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Let me show you upstairs, and then we'll see the garden space.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09'There's no doubt that the ground floor has a raft of rooms
0:22:09 > 0:22:12'to accommodate all their needs.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14'We'll explore the three bedrooms upstairs
0:22:14 > 0:22:16'which all file off the landing.'
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Up here, you get another fabulous view of that courtyard,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and this time, it's from the master bedroom.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Fantastic view. Look at those windows. Brilliant. - Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Again, you can keep an eye on Grandma.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Very good.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It comes with an en suite, which is through there.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Have a look. It's a shower room. It's a good-sized room, though.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40And I think, like a lot of this property,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42probably needs a bit of updating,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45but a chance for you to do as you will with it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49Up here, there are two more good-sized bedrooms,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51three in total, plus another smaller room,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53which is being used as a walk-in wardrobe.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So plenty of family space.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Lots of potential. Lots to think about.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01I think you're absolutely right.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Lots of potential with this property.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08Depends how creative you want to be, how much you want to put your stamp on something.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13Ian and Julie's reactions to the interior have been encouraging.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It's time to walk round the side of the barn
0:23:15 > 0:23:17and survey the property from the gardens,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19which amounts to half an acre.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23The view from the back of your garden.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27There you go. You can take in the house in all of its glory.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Great view, as well. You see right across the fields.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- You're elevated. - You might have your vegetable patch, here, might you not?
0:23:33 > 0:23:37My vegetable plot is going the other side of the house, and this is the sun terrace.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- As ever, it comes at a price. - Ah-ha.- Yes!
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Ah-ha, indeed. Who's going to go first and give me a number?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47It hasn't got the land, but I think it has got more inside,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50so I'm going to go for about 540.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52OK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- I'm going to go a little less than I did last time and go about 500.- 500.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59That's a lot less than Julie's guess.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I think Julie's been doing a bit more research than you have.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04She did, actually! She did. Didn't you?
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Because you win again!
0:24:06 > 0:24:10This is on the market at a guide price of £545,000.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13There is a lot to consider in this house,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15so go and think about what Jean might want
0:24:15 > 0:24:17and tell me about it later on.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm going to put my feet up and enjoy the view.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25With a guide price of £545,000,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28the layout of our barn conversion
0:24:28 > 0:24:31is a great option for accommodating three generations.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Along with three reception rooms boasting character features,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38the family can gather in the large kitchen diner.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Furthermore, there's a whole wing which Julie's mum
0:24:41 > 0:24:44could claim as her own.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46And the half-acre plot is large enough
0:24:46 > 0:24:49for Julie to cultivate her vegetables.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52It is all set just a mile and a half away from the Broads.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56This is an older house and has more potential.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01I do like the annexe - that is a part of the house which would give Grandma her own defined space.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04So, obviously, we'd have to think about how we would lay that out.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I certainly wouldn't rule it out.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I think from the outside, it's a fantastic-looking property.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11However, once I was inside the property,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15it didn't give me that homely feel as much as the previous property did.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Yes, there was great spaces for Grandma, and maybe it's just the fact
0:25:19 > 0:25:22that I need to think about what I'd do with the space
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and how I'd put my stamp on it, make it look how I would want it to look.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Here you are. So you've seen it all for today.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Quite a lot to think about there.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37A lot of potential and a lot to think about, you're right.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It's growing on us, but whether it's growing enough, I don't know.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Well, you can sleep on it, and we've got more for tomorrow.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59As evening falls over the Norfolk countryside,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09After a lifetime spent in County Durham,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Ian and Julie have up to £580,000 to make the move
0:26:13 > 0:26:17to the Norfolk Broads with their two children and Grandma Jean.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21The two properties we've shown them so far have given Grandma good annexe options,
0:26:21 > 0:26:26but coming up, our mystery house takes their search to a new level.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28This is better than the kitchen she's got now.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32And I learn more about a project that ensures Norfolk
0:26:32 > 0:26:35will keep its head above water for future generations.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42What a wonderful start we had to our search yesterday.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Ian and Julie loved the first house,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47they could see the potential of the second,
0:26:47 > 0:26:53but they're still struggling to work out how they'll balance their needs with the wants of Grandma Jean.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Let's see if our mystery house can deliver.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Today we're off to the mystery house, as you know.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07What would be the last thing you'd want to see?
0:27:07 > 0:27:09A tiny cottage with a thatched roof and low ceilings.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Anything else?
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Very specific. I like it.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17And one of the main criteria for you has always been Grandma.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21How demanding is Grandma? Would she be very exacting on what things have to be like?
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- Be honest. - Fairly exacting, yes. Yes.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Like mother like daughter, I'm sure, Julie.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33For our mystery property, we have to edge over the Suffolk border
0:27:33 > 0:27:37and away from their preferred location of the Broads.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40The nearest amenities are a four- mile drive away in Halesworth,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44an attractive market town whose array of historic buildings
0:27:44 > 0:27:46house a range of shops and businesses.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50It also has reminders of its brewing past.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Ian and Julie asked for a granny annexe,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55but if they can accept the change in location,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59our mystery property could provide them with two distinct homes.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Open your eyes and have a look at the mystery.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Oh! I've got silence! Is that good silence?
0:28:09 > 0:28:11I like it. I really like it.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16This house is special. We've taken you to Suffolk to bring you not just a space for Grandma,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18not just an annexe for Grandma,
0:28:18 > 0:28:22but Grandma's very own little Grandma cottage, right there.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- Fantastic. - I thought I'd get a smile there!
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- "Ah! This could work!" - I think that would work.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30I think that's what Grandma needs.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Her own space. - She definitely needs her own space.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- And we need Grandma in her own space. - I had a feeling you might say that!
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Let's have a look inside and see how much space you get,
0:28:39 > 0:28:40as well as Grandma.
0:28:40 > 0:28:46'This former barn is Grade II listed, and although the exterior retain its traditional pantiled roof
0:28:46 > 0:28:51'and timber facade, the interior will fit with their modern tastes.'
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Come on through. Let's go straight into the kitchen.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00I know how important it is and I think this one won't disappoint.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- Very nice.- Fantastic. Lovely. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Very nice. Very rustic.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- Good start?- Definitely. - More than a good start.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Let me tell you about what's at this end of the house, then.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14You've got all this space here.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Next door, you've got another room being used as a bedroom, so it's got a double bed in there.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Next door to that, you've got a wetroom.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24A shower, downstairs loo and utility space, which is quite big,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26leading onto the courtyard,
0:29:26 > 0:29:30but that's also the connecter into Grandma's cottage.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- She's attached if she wants to be. - Which is what she wants.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37If she doesn't want to be, she can go through her own front door.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Let's have a look at that next. - Yeah, definitely.- Yes, please.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46'And Grandma's kitchen is equally as impressive as theirs.'
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- Come through. Look at this! - This is smart!
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Grandma gets almost as much space as you do.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Grandma would really like this. I'm very impressed with this.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03I was worried that, yes, that house is fantastic, this might've just been a little add-on, but it's not.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05It's not just a little add-on.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08This door leads onto her own back courtyard.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10That leads into yours.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12She's got her own front door, though, just through there.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16There's a living room, a downstairs loo.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19No need to go upstairs, very convenient.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Upstairs, the space has a shower room and two bedrooms,
0:30:23 > 0:30:26so she can have guests if you keep it configured that way,
0:30:26 > 0:30:30or you could open up the space and give her a huge master suite.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32I think she'd love this.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I didn't expect to find as much as this.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37It's fantastic, it really is.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- I'm quite excited. Show me more! - Very excited!
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Again, this is, I know you like to think you're quite reserved,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45but I'm feeling this is the most excited you've been.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46I am.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49'Let's see if we can set their hearts soaring
0:30:49 > 0:30:52'as we take a peek at the central core of their living space.'
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Now, this is what you get with a barn conversion.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Fantastic space, isn't it?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- That's great.- You've given up on vocabulary now, haven't you?
0:31:05 > 0:31:08I don't need to say. It's absolutely superb.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Superb?- I love it.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13You've got all of this. Let's get into this space.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15There is so much of it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18You get the ceiling height, the character, the beams,
0:31:18 > 0:31:20and I love the modern twists in here.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22That's what we like -
0:31:22 > 0:31:25the modern twist yet still retaining its original character.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27The size of the room - it's open.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30So big, isn't it? I like the beams.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- Light and airy as well. - Then you get even more space here.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36You've got that as a separate study
0:31:36 > 0:31:40and through there, you've got another downstairs cloakroom.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43And a door leading out onto the back courtyard, so bags of space.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Space all over the place.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Where would you do Christmas?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Grandma's, I suppose. Grandma can do the cooking at Christmas.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- She does Christmas dinner. - Pile into Grandma's cottage.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- We're not going to be late, are we? - What a fantastic room for Christmas.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00The light, open-tread staircase
0:32:00 > 0:32:04leads up to a galleried landing, off which are three bedrooms,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06all with their own quirks.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Now, before we look at the master,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16let's have a look at the children's rooms.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- Up there!- You've spotted it!
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- I think the kids would love this. - Definitely, yeah.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- They'd fight over this one, though. - Do you know what?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26They wouldn't have to. The other one is just the same.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Never. Really? This is great.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34They've it lovely. Really have done it for the family, they've designed it for themselves.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Superb, the way they've done it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I've used too many good words today, but it's fantastic.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42I'm never going to be upset with you for using good words
0:32:42 > 0:32:45about a property we show you.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- That's great if you feel that way. - I do. It's great.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50'Tucked away down this end of the landing is a light,
0:32:50 > 0:32:55'bright family bathroom, which makes the most of those exposed rafters.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58'But now with the children and Granny taken care of,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01'it only remains to get their verdict on the master.'
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Watch your heads. The only time I'll have to say that to you, I think.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- Look at the drama in this room. - Fantastic. Lovely, isn't it?
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- This would suit us, wouldn't it? - Definitely.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13You get your own en suite,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and this is like your own wing of the house.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Right on this side, the children and Grandma.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Just love the space, the big ceilings.- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- Still like it?- Yes.- Still like it. - Happy, happy, happy.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30'So far, the mystery property has received nothing but praise from our couple.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34'Whether they'll be as pleased by what's outside remains to be seen.'
0:33:36 > 0:33:39So, half an acre, the total plot.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Ian, plenty of work for you to get on with.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44We can manage that.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47As well as all of the space in the house and Grandma's cottage,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50you also get this fantastic garage.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52You can keep all kinds in, can't you?
0:33:52 > 0:33:56You can probably keep a boat for each of you in there. It's huge!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59I can see you scratching your head, "How much is this going to cost?"
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- I'm going to start with you. - Don't do that! This is the bit I was dreading.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I'm going to say about 600,000, but I still think
0:34:05 > 0:34:08that might not be enough. That's my guess.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13- Bit of a guess, 575. - 575.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Your wife does it again! This time, she is spot on.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- You've got better and better, Julie. - Fantastic!
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Well, you're right. It's on at 575, which means...
0:34:23 > 0:34:25It's within budget.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Yeah, well, I usually say there's lots to think about,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32but I think there's lots to explore and have fun with.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Definitely. - Go and do that. Have some fun.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Have a think about it, and we'll chat later on.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Wow! In spite of moving the location goalposts away from the Broads
0:34:46 > 0:34:51and into Suffolk, they seem smitten by our mystery house.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Under budget at £575,000,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56this character barn conversion
0:34:56 > 0:34:59is in-keeping with their own decorative tastes
0:34:59 > 0:35:03and serves up a huge hi-spec home with three bedrooms,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06including that spectacular master.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10The highlight is that Grandma gets her own separate dwelling,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and it's all wrapped up on a half-acre plot.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16My first impressions of the mystery house were that I loved it.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The house, even though it's open plan with all the rooms,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23there's lots of space, and you're not going to be tripping over each other,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26which will be important for people to adjust to living together.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29This mystery house fulfils all that criteria.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33The best thing about this house is that it's ideal for Grandma.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36She is half of the equation and she's very well catered for here.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39I know she'd love it here. It's ideal.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42It gives me the chance to keep an eye on her, look after her,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44but it gives her total independence.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45Superb little cottage on the side for her
0:35:46 > 0:35:48and a fantastic property for us too.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54That's it. Goodbye to the mystery house.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58We've seen three properties, plenty for the two of you to think about.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59There is.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Let's find somewhere for you to sit, and we'll have a chat afterwards.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19The Norfolk Broads are not just a water lover's paradise.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22They're home to one of the most diverse ecosystems
0:36:22 > 0:36:24found anywhere in the UK.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29The Broads are a fragile habitat and under constant threat from the sea.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33The Environment Agency is currently halfway through a 20-year scheme,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36called the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39whose mission is to protect this magical environment
0:36:39 > 0:36:41for years to come.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42I've come to Acle,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45to find out more from its project manager, Paul Michelmore.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Good morning, Paul.- Hello, Denise. - Nice to meet you.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51What's the purpose of this project?
0:36:51 > 0:36:55The river system here is connected to the sea, so the rivers are tidal.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57There are fairly strong tidal currents.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02The water level goes up and down twice a day as a consequence of that.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05There's a lot of boat use - the river is navigable,
0:37:05 > 0:37:07so there's a fair amount of boat wash,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10which potentially could wash the river banks away.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14What we're trying to do is relocate the banks
0:37:14 > 0:37:17so we can deal with the erosive effects of the river
0:37:17 > 0:37:20more effectively and more sustainably.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23We are reconstructing the banks 20 or 30 metres inland.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28That enables us to promote vegetation growth in the area
0:37:28 > 0:37:31between the new bank position and the edge of the river.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34We're then able to dispense with the steel sheet piling
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and timber piling that we have, that provides this hard protection.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42Is it much more natural defences or organic?
0:37:42 > 0:37:44It is working with nature, very much so.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47This is an area of National Park status,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50and there are nature conservation benefits as well.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52We promote the growth of reed beds,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56and that contributes to the biodiversity of the area.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Besides protecting the rich habitat
0:37:59 > 0:38:03that thrives within this huge area of Broadland,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07the miles of flood banks ensure that over 1,000 residential properties
0:38:07 > 0:38:09stay above water.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14The river banks are being made wider and taller by at least a metre,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17and giving the diggers a steer on the right measurements,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21is Kevin Percival, who's setting out the level of the new flood bank.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Hello, there. You must be Kevin. - Hello.- Nice to meet you.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- Nice to meet you, Denise. - I'm all kitted out now I'm on site.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29What are you up to? What's this bit of kit?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31This is a satellite GPS.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35We use it to mark out levels and points where we do our work.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39It tells us exactly where we are within 15 to 20 millimetres.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42So, presumably we're not high enough here yet.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Where do we need to be on this post?
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Approximately about here, so there's quite a bit to go on there.
0:38:48 > 0:38:49Just over a metre.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Quite a lot to pile on here. What can I do to help?
0:38:52 > 0:38:56If you could help put in one of these pegs at the right level...
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Take the white one.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Fine, OK.- That's right.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- OK, if you just put it in somewhere around here.- Here?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Yes, just there.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Then what? Just bash it?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Yes, if you start hitting it down into the ground.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21What I'll do is check it every now and again.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22That might be about right.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25That's about right.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29So, our friends, the diggers, come in.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31The diggers will come along, start building it...
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- Start building up to this level. - Yes.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34Thanks very much.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37With sea levels at nearby Great Yarmouth
0:39:37 > 0:39:40predicted to rise by around six millimetres a year,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44this project is protecting an important swathe of countryside,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48which otherwise, over time, would be lost to the sea.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53There we go.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59Two days, three great houses but, I suspect, one very confused couple.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Let's find out what they've decided.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11It's been a great two days with the two of you.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14We started with the cottage, two cottages converted.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16They had a lot of space.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Looking at it, it looked very homely, lovely inside,
0:40:18 > 0:40:20very well done out.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Then once we stepped into the back garden and the space outside,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25we were blown away with the space there.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29That was a big surprise because that wasn't on your wish list.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31A decent-sized garden was what you'd asked for.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33There you got two acres.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- How did that skew things for you? - Loved it.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39It was an added bonus and it was a lot extra for us to think about.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41The whole house did have a wow factor.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44I've got to say, I think the reaction from the two of you
0:40:44 > 0:40:47was really great in that first house.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49There was an emotional tug there
0:40:49 > 0:40:52which I didn't find with the second property.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55From the outside, it looked good, it had the kerb appeal,
0:40:55 > 0:40:58and the road leading up to it and the fields looked fantastic.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Going inside the property, I didn't get that homely feel.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03In its favour, it was a lovely setting.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06It could've been the nicest of the three
0:41:06 > 0:41:08for the setting and location and the drive into it.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12I think out of the three, that was my least favourite.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13The mystery house, then,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15as ever, to take you out your comfort zone.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18We took you out to the county, into Suffolk,
0:41:18 > 0:41:19a little bit closer to your sister.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Two houses, really. You got the cottage for Grandma.- That was it.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24You walk inside, and it had a wow factor.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29The fact that my mum would have her own house within a house,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32that was what pulled me on that one.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I loved the house and I loved it from the moment we saw it.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38It's ready to move into. It's fantastic.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40There would be nothing to do it,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42other than change the decor how we like it.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Number three is a strong contender as well.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48You're more passionate about number three, definite emotions from Ian.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50From my point of view,
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I see it that your choices are very much tied in
0:41:53 > 0:41:55with how you want to live with Grandma...
0:41:55 > 0:41:56That's right.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58..and the rest of the family.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Where are you now with that?
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I think if it was our choice, it would be number one.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04The family on its own would be number one.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05For you too?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07For us and the kids, but with my mother involved,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10that puts number three into the equation.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12I think Grandma's choice would be number three.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14What I think we should do, is come back with Grandma
0:42:14 > 0:42:16and look at number one and three.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18It's been a real pleasure. I'm so pleased.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20This is a highlight for me.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Not one but two properties.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25I want to know very soon which one you've gone for.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26- Thank you.- Definitely, thank you.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33This move was always about so much more than a lifestyle change
0:42:33 > 0:42:35for Ian and Julie.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Yes, they wanted to be closer to the water.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41What they really wanted, was to be much closer to Grandma Jean.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Although she wasn't actually with us on this search,
0:42:43 > 0:42:45I certainly felt her presence.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48One thing is for sure, whichever property they go for,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50be it the first or our mystery house,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52they're just that one step closer
0:42:52 > 0:42:55to making their escape to the country.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56I'll see you next time.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00After going home and talking to Grandma,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04Ian and Julie are very interested in putting an offer in on house one,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08but they're waiting to sell their property first.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:10 > 0:43:13in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
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