0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to today's show. The extraordinary building behind me
0:00:04 > 0:00:08is one of the most important examples of late Elizabethan architecture
0:00:08 > 0:00:09anywhere in the country.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13It was home to one of the most influential advisers in the court of Elizabeth I.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Who was he? And where are we?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47In today's show I'll be helping a couple who want to up sticks
0:00:47 > 0:00:50from their caravan and find a permanent home in the country,
0:00:50 > 0:00:52although a sledgehammer might be required.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56We could take that wall out if that is the kitchen.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- You're thinking of knocking down another wall?- Possibly.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Our mystery house challenges them to get a new perspective.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Today we're in Lincolnshire and this is Burghley House.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17It was built by Sir William Cecil, Lord Treasurer to Elizabeth I,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19later Lord Burghley.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22The extraordinary thing is that although it was completed in 1587,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24it's been a family home ever since
0:01:24 > 0:01:29and it really is one of the great architectural gems in the county's crown.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Spanning over 2,000 square miles, Lincolnshire sits on the edge
0:01:36 > 0:01:40of England's east coast facing out towards the North Sea.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45It's from this sea that water flows inland to its main estuary known as The Wash,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48where the low-lying fenlands are notoriously flat.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52The region's plentiful rich soil is one of the county's chief assets.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57In fact, farming contributes £1 billion to the local economy
0:01:57 > 0:02:00with Lincolnshire ranking as the largest producer of potatoes,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02wheat and cereal in the UK.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06As one of the major food bowls of England, the county retains
0:02:06 > 0:02:09its rural and rather undeveloped feel,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13making it a prime location for those in search of a peaceful retreat.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Retired police officers Trevor and Vicky really do need our help.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25They sold their character property in Grimsby last year
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and to tide them over while they find their perfect country home
0:02:28 > 0:02:32they've been living in their one-bedroom caravan in Newark, Nottinghamshire
0:02:32 > 0:02:35accompanied by their two dogs.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38But they're desperate to find a more permanent roof to live under.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Now is the right time for us to move and has been for a while
0:02:41 > 0:02:44due to our change of circumstances as we are now retired,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49we have got different lifestyle requirements to we had previously.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52They have nailed down their search area to locations
0:02:52 > 0:02:55between Lincoln, Grantham and Newark.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59But there's divided opinion on quite how rural they want to be.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02We both agree we'd like to be on the edge of a village
0:03:02 > 0:03:05where there's some community activity going on
0:03:05 > 0:03:08but I tend to look at places that are more isolated than Trevor would.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I tend to look at places that are probably bigger than he would look for
0:03:12 > 0:03:14and would probably need some work doing on them.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Although Vicky's renovation ambitions are greater than Trevor's,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22they are both agreed on the overall wish list for their new home.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26What we're looking for in our new house is a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30a decent-sized lounge, decent-sized kitchen
0:03:30 > 0:03:33and somewhere where we can eat. Outside...
0:03:33 > 0:03:38I think outside we want a good-sized garden, up to an acre.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Ideally I would like a storage facility for the caravan and a double garage.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48The special features I'm looking for, a wood burner would be nice
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and beams and some character in the property.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55With money in the bank from the sale of their home,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Trevor and Vicky have a healthy budget for their move.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02If the house is absolutely what we are looking for,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05then we have got a total budget of £500,000.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12On a glorious summer's day such as this,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16the prospect of living in a caravan might not strike you as being so bad.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19But fast forward into the depths of a long, dark British winter
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and you may well change your tune.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Certainly, Trevor and Vicky want to be out of their caravan by then
0:04:24 > 0:04:26and, frankly, who can blame them?
0:04:26 > 0:04:29But I think a few things are conspiring on our side.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33They've got £500,000 which up here, is going to go quite a long way.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36They're cash buyers so let's see if we can't find them
0:04:36 > 0:04:38their new dream home before the winter comes.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Trevor and Vicky are keen to focus their house search
0:04:44 > 0:04:46within a triangle of towns
0:04:46 > 0:04:48which include Lincoln, Newark and Grantham.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51We've found three prime properties to show them
0:04:51 > 0:04:55but I won't be revealing the price of each until they've guessed first.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Our final choice is our mystery house
0:04:57 > 0:05:00which, as always, will throw an unexpected curve ball
0:05:00 > 0:05:02into the housing mix.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08'Now then, Trevor, Vicky, the road is open in front of you.'
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- Yes.- You are hot to trot, as it were, and quite literally
0:05:12 > 0:05:16because you are no longer living at home as it were, but you've got your caravan.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Yes.- The caravan is the home at the moment.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I don't think we've ever had anybody who's been living in a caravan
0:05:22 > 0:05:25who's so keen to find a property so quickly.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We don't mind the caravan in the summer
0:05:28 > 0:05:31but we would like to find a house before the bad weather starts.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- Your budget is half a million. - Yes.- OK.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- That's absolutely your maximum? - Yes.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41But you are effectively cash buyers now.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44This is it, the money's in the bank and we're raring to go.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46We've got some great properties for you to look at.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Let's see if we can spend some money.- Fantastic.- Follow me.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57With their budget of £500,000, Trevor and Vicky are looking for a detached character property
0:05:57 > 0:06:01that offers them a spacious living room, preferably with a feature fireplace,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04a good-sized kitchen/diner, three bedrooms
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and Vicky would like an acre of land.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10On top of that, they'd like it all wrapped up
0:06:10 > 0:06:14in an edge-of-village location so they have a local community on their doorstep.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19'In terms of getting the value for money get the sense, Vicky,'
0:06:19 > 0:06:24you are up for a bit more of a project than Trevor is.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Yes. My passion is renovating properties.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32But Trev's lived through some of my renovation projects before
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and refuses to do it again.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44We're getting our house search underway in the historic hamlet of Temple Bruer,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48named because of the 12th century stone tower that's thought to have been built by the Knights Templar.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52The closest hub for amenities is four miles away in the village
0:06:52 > 0:06:56of Leadenham, where there's plenty of scope to socialise with the community.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Back in Temple Bruer,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01and set in open countryside is our first property
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'which I hope will get Vicky's vote in terms of its size,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06'character appeal and land.'
0:07:06 > 0:07:07OK, here we are.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10- Wow.- Property number one.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Mm.- That was a quick wow!
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Nice to get off and a good footing, I think. Trevor, are we wowing you?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Yes. It looks good. - It is interesting, isn't it?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Can you see, it is in two sort of halves.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29A couple of farm worker's cottages that were knocked into one
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and the whole thing much extended in about 2006.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Let's have a look inside.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39'I've high hopes for this stone property which, since recent renovations,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'provides extremely generous living areas inside.'
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Right, let's see what you think. Come on in.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Could this be the one, I wonder?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- It could be.- Come on in.- Wow.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- How about that?- There's a kitchen! - Yes.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- Very nice indeed.- Isn't it? A nice utility room through there, stable door as well.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Great for the dogs.- Was going to say, it's our kind of style this.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07A farmhouse type look.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10And room for a sofa which is good as well.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12That's where the dogs sleep.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15'The space offered here is echoed across the hallway
0:08:15 > 0:08:18'in the separate dining room, with its lovely feature fireplace.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22'The size of the main living room is a real showstopper.'
0:08:23 > 0:08:28We've got effectively three rooms down here on the ground floor
0:08:28 > 0:08:30but they are all really generous.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Wood burner, a multi-fuel burner, actually, I should say.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36That's going to keep you nice and cosy.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Because it's been recently done it is going to be well insulated,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41it's going to be an easy place to run.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45What's more, their dogs will have fun running in and out
0:08:45 > 0:08:48of the French doors which lead onto a large decked patio area.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51With the useful cloakroom back near the entrance
0:08:51 > 0:08:54that's the ground floor covered so we'll head upstairs,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57which gives them four bedrooms in total.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03OK, as I say, we've got four to choose from and we'll start with this one.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- It could be quite a nice master bedroom...- Yes.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11..or a very nice guest room, entirely up to you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15'The other two bedrooms consist of an equally large double
0:09:15 > 0:09:18with an en suite that the current owners are in the throes of completing
0:09:18 > 0:09:22although the family bathroom has been nicely fitted out
0:09:22 > 0:09:24with a separate shower cubicle.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27The third bedroom is currently decked out with bunk beds
0:09:27 > 0:09:29but we'll take a look at the biggest option for them.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33There we go - it's a huge room.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37It's a size of a generous downstairs reception room.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39But it is the master for the obvious reasons.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42It's a massive room.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I'm not sure I like it this big, actually.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49'The master bedroom also has an en suite which is due to be completed soon
0:09:49 > 0:09:51'but, dare I say it, Vicky seems daunted
0:09:51 > 0:09:54'by the sheer size of the room, which is understandable,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58'having lived in the confines of a caravan for several months.'
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Come outside, come and have a look at this.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03'Although this property gives them acres of house,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06'Trevor will have to forego his request for a garage.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'Nevertheless, they would have just under 2.4 acres of land
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'made up of a formal lawned area at the front
0:10:13 > 0:10:15'and a huge adjoining paddock.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- In terms of vegetables and stuff... - It's an allotment.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21THEY LAUGH
0:10:21 > 0:10:23A huge allotment.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25There's plenty of room for what we want to do.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27We'd probably have to get some sheep.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Let's have a think about the price.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32You've looked at many properties in this area -
0:10:32 > 0:10:35what do you think this is on the market for?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's quite a difficult one.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Top end of the budget.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I think, probably, 485. - 485.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- I would say about 450.- 450?
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Yes. If only it were.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53But it is under budget, that's the good news.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59You were closest, Trevor. This is on the market for £495,000.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Right at the top.- Right at the top but then it's all done.- Yes.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- I think it's a good one to start with.- Very much so.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Go and have a look around.- OK. - Go and have a further explore of it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I'll catch up with you later. Off you go.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19'Under budget at £495,000, our detached stone house
0:11:19 > 0:11:21'answers most of the demands of their brief,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24'giving them a huge character property that includes
0:11:24 > 0:11:27'two large reception rooms, an enormous farmhouse kitchen,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'four bedrooms, two with an en suite,
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'and although the 2.4 acre plot doesn't give Trevor his garage
0:11:34 > 0:11:39'Vicky gets more than twice the amount of land than she asked for.'
0:11:39 > 0:11:43I really like the house. I think it's got good character.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48The kitchen is a superb space and the living room is a nice big living room.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51I like the log burner and the bedrooms are a good size.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Trevor would think there's too much land but I think that's a bonus.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58I don't know that we need a house this big
0:11:58 > 0:12:00or with a garden this big,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04or quite this isolated.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07I think I would prefer to be on the edge of a village
0:12:07 > 0:12:08and have more community contact.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21We continue our house hunt on the southern fringes of their search area
0:12:21 > 0:12:25in the village of Pickworth, which has around 200 residents
0:12:25 > 0:12:28living in its scattering of pretty stone properties.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Just down the road, Folkingham's historic centre
0:12:31 > 0:12:34dates back to the 18th century, when it was a renowned stopping point
0:12:34 > 0:12:37on the Lincoln to London stagecoach route.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Our second house is located, as they requested,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44on the edge of the village and hails from the same Georgian era.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48'It's quite difficult from here to see the whole property.'
0:12:48 > 0:12:49There's a corner of it
0:12:49 > 0:12:54but effectively what we've got you is a gorgeous farmhouse
0:12:54 > 0:13:00that's been quite improved over the years and it's gone through quite a recent transformation as well.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03The other obvious thing to point out here is the double garage.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I noticed that coming down.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- Right, let's go inside and see what you make of this one.- OK. Thanks.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14First impressions of our farmhouse are favourable
0:13:14 > 0:13:17'and I'm sure they'll find the rustic character
0:13:17 > 0:13:19'of the interior promising.'
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Right, nice kind of vestibule, hallway there.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Let's start in here.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- Yeah?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Look at the smile!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Yeah, I think this is more...
0:13:38 > 0:13:39..you.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Yes, I think so. You could take that wall out if that is the kitchen.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46You could just go for it, yes. You could just open the whole thing up
0:13:46 > 0:13:50which would get rid of that archway and give you a massive kitchen/diner.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Happy?- Yes.- Come on, follow me.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Let's see what you would do in terms of redeveloping it.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Yes, you are right. Taking that wall out of make a great difference.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05It's a small kitchen and that's a shame. I think you could incorporate them together really well.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08We've got a very generous utility room through there,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10stable door out and so forth, so again in terms of the dogs...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- That's essential for us. - Right, follow me through here.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19'Let's see if the proportions of the living room measure up.'
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Now, come into here.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26A bit like our first property,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30they've gone for the open plan living space by taking out a wall.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Through here we've got what was a bedroom some years ago.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38It's now is quite a nice little sitting-room area
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- and there's a downstairs shower room through there as well.- Good.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45'We seem to be on the right lines with the scale
0:14:45 > 0:14:49'of the ground floor living areas so let's head up the spiral staircase
0:14:49 > 0:14:53'with the brick barrelled wall an eye-catching feature.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56'There are three bedrooms, one which is a good-sized double,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59'the other a single with a family bathroom next door.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02'But we'll explore the main bedroom at the front of the house.'
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Now, this is not the biggest room
0:15:06 > 0:15:10but it is the master for, I think, some quite nice reasons.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16It's got this lovely curved wall which is the back of the staircase.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18I think the bedroom is big enough.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Yes, this would be more than ample for our needs.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25It does lead on into this, kind of, walk in wardrobe
0:15:25 > 0:15:28kind of, sitting room type arrangement.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I'll have to think about this one, I think.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Very unusual.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Are you thinking about knocking down another wall?- Possibly.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39'This room flows on to an awe-inspiring study area
0:15:39 > 0:15:42'whose vaulted ceiling and exposed beams
0:15:42 > 0:15:44'really enhance that sense of space.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48'But now it's time to make our exit via the second staircase
0:15:48 > 0:15:51'and head outside, which should please Vicky
0:15:51 > 0:15:54'as she gets around two acres of land, including a paddock
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'with a neighbouring apple tree orchard.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'The front of the house looks out over very attractive lawns,
0:16:00 > 0:16:01'which is where we're heading.'
0:16:03 > 0:16:05This is this lovely formal garden. Look at it, lovely.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08There's the property.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13Let's have a think about the price because that's going to have an effect on things.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14So, Trevor.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20I would think probably 445.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24I think top end of the budget. 495.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32You are closest. It is actually on the market for 525.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- Wow.- But, and this is an important but,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39having spoken to the owner, they would take five.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43They wouldn't take any less than five but they would take five.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Go and have another look around, think about how many walls you're going to knock down.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Definitely.- Get his muscles going.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53'On the market at £525,000,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57'but open to offers which would bring it within their budget,
0:16:57 > 0:17:01'our farmhouses is worth serious consideration
0:17:01 > 0:17:03'as it provides them with two reception rooms,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07'a kitchen/diner that Vicky could open out,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10'three bedrooms upstairs and that grand study.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15'Outside gives Trevor his double garage plus Vicky gets two acres of land.'
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I think when we first came down the drive to this property,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21it had a real wow factor to it
0:17:21 > 0:17:26because of the grounds, the horses and the way it sits on the plot is fantastic.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30I think that with the work we would look to do in the kitchen
0:17:30 > 0:17:33we could take it a really nice living kitchen.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37I found the upstairs particularly confusing with the room layout
0:17:37 > 0:17:42as to what rooms were actually intended to be.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46I was a bit surprised with the house when we got to look round it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52It seems a lot bigger on the outside than I actually found it to be on the inside.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07As evening falls over the Lincolnshire skyline,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09the first day of our house search draws to a close.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19So far, Vicky and Trevor have been respectfully polite
0:18:19 > 0:18:24about our first two properties, but I wouldn't say the response has been electric.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Yes, they've been interested butt I want to see them come to life,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31really set alight by the prospect of moving into a property.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33I think we need a bit of a secret weapon.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Something like a mystery house.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Our mystery house takes us to the village of Fulbeck
0:18:45 > 0:18:47which, along with its 13th-century church,
0:18:47 > 0:18:52also has the draw of a local pub and arts and crafts centre.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55At the end of a small country lane, this property swaps Trevor's request
0:18:55 > 0:18:59for a garage with a building that could have money earning potential.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01'What we have got you'
0:19:01 > 0:19:03is something nice and old.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09We think it's Georgian and it also comes with this annexe
0:19:09 > 0:19:12which could be quite a useful form of income for you
0:19:12 > 0:19:17if you decided to go down the route of any kind of long-term holiday let
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- to top up your retirement funds, should you wish to.- It's a thought.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Come on then, let's have a look inside.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28'We will return to that idea for the annexe later
0:19:28 > 0:19:31'but now it's time to explore this former threshing barn
0:19:31 > 0:19:33'which was converted about 25 years ago.'
0:19:37 > 0:19:41OK, Vicky, come in, Trevor.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- That's a nice kitchen.- Yeah?
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- Mm. Nice shape. - Isn't it? Very cosy.- Yes.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51It has got a lovely farmhouse, cottagey feel which is what we want.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54It has got a nice feel about it, it's difficult to explain it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- You're getting closer, Jules, you're getting closer.- OK.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Let's see if we can edge forward to a successful result.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Come and follow me through here.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06'Tucked away off the kitchen is a handy utility room
0:20:06 > 0:20:09'and the reclaimed panelling in the main living room
0:20:09 > 0:20:11'builds on the character feel.'
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- Yes or no?- Yes.- Yes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- It's different.- I love the window, that's the first thing that strikes you when you walk in here.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- The view is superb, isn't it?- Yes.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- I- like the brickwork as well at the back of the fireplace.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Yes, lovely texture to it. Yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Hurrah. Shall we continue? - Yes, please.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Follow me through here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38'At the other end of the sitting room is a superb entertaining space.'
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Now then, in terms of dining rooms.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- That is fabulous.- Isn't it?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Yes, suddenly the ceilings are a lot higher.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Oh, it's gorgeous.- Super room.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- It's also got something of a music room through here.- More rooms?
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Have a look at this. In you come, guys.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Wow, more rooms!- More rooms.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- It does go on a bit. - It keeps going on.- Happy?
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Good, let's have a look upstairs. Follow me.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11'Back on the other side of the dining room, there's a generous study
0:21:11 > 0:21:13'flowing through to an additional office area.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18'Beyond that there's an annexe made up of the kitchenette,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21'a shower room and a nice-sized double bedroom.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24'So, subject to the right residential planning consent,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'the holiday let could become a reality.'
0:21:27 > 0:21:31'With our tour of downstairs complete, we'll venture upstairs
0:21:31 > 0:21:36'to see what they make of the four bedrooms. First stop, the master.'
0:21:36 > 0:21:38This, I think, would be for you two.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- Yes?- Yes.- Yes, this would be ideal.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45This would suit us and our furniture.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Nice oak furniture in here. - Yeah.- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54'The master en suite leads through to a self-contained dressing area.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57'Further down the main landing, the second bedroom is a pleasant double
0:21:57 > 0:21:59'with an exposed wooden floor.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03'At the far end are two well-decorated singles,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07'both with ladder access to some thoughtfully converted loft space.'
0:22:08 > 0:22:10'But time to head outside and survey the garden,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13'complete with a terrace, which is beautifully framed by the house
0:22:13 > 0:22:16'and offers more than initially meets the eye.'
0:22:16 > 0:22:18There we go.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21I love this little courtyard that that extension has created.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26This lovely garden. Loads of herbs and herb beds and so forth. This...
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- Very beautiful.- It's lovely.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It is so tranquil, the setting. Really nice.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40All in all, in terms of space there's about two acres.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43Really?
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- There's more than just this bit. The rest of it is over there.- OK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- We are spoiling you, aren't we? - Yes. Definitely.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54'The garden seems to be coming up roses
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'but I think the land that's set away from the main house might clinch it.'
0:22:58 > 0:23:00This is your little bit extra.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Which bit?- Both bits.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07All in, two acres.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- I think you're taken with the mystery house.- Very much so.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15OK, let's see if you're going to be taken with its price.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- I think it's going to be, I don't know, 540.- 540?
0:23:21 > 0:23:24I can't see it being any less than 525.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- But you're hoping. - But I'm hoping.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30You're hoping that it's 525.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37- It's currently on the market for £585,000.- Wow.
0:23:38 > 0:23:44But it could be yours for £525,000.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Right.- Right.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Also, don't forget, you've got the possibility
0:23:49 > 0:23:54of supplementing the extra cost with the holiday let.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- See if you can make it work. - OK, we'll do that. Thanks, Jules.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04'Granted, our mystery house is over budget at £585,000
0:24:04 > 0:24:06'but we couldn't resist showing it to them
0:24:06 > 0:24:10'because they are cash buyers and can move quickly.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12'What's more, the owners are interested in accepting
0:24:12 > 0:24:16'an offer much closer to Trevor and Vicky's upper limit.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19'It provides them with three gorgeous reception rooms
0:24:19 > 0:24:22'full of character features, a kitchen/diner which got the thumbs up,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'four bedrooms with a master en suite.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30'The icing on the cake for Vicky was the two acres of land
0:24:30 > 0:24:33'which has fabulous views of open countryside
0:24:33 > 0:24:39'and there's potential in converting the self-contained annexe into a money-earning holiday let.'
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I really like the house as you approach it.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45There's a real wow factor when you first see it.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Then, to me, just got better when we got inside.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I loved the kitchen, the size of it, the presentation of it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Likewise with the dining room and the lounge.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00Then again upstairs, the bedrooms delivered as we would want.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02The garden and the grounds outside are absolutely superb.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05I really like this house, it's somewhere you want to
0:25:05 > 0:25:07take your shoes off and stay.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12The only issue for me is that it is fairly well over our budget.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14But there is the annexe.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16We could make some of that money back.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Just by making a few alterations in the annexe could bring in some good revenue.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Definitely one to think about it. Really excited.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33Now, as buyers go, Trevor and Vicky are in a fantastic position
0:25:33 > 0:25:35because they can move straight away.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39Whilst they're not rushing the process, they are keen to get a move on.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Have we managed to relieve them of half a million pounds of their hard-earned money
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and find them their dream home of the future?
0:25:46 > 0:25:50As ever, there's only way to find out. That's to go and ask them.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59So, guys, here we are at the end of our little tour around Lincolnshire,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01an area you know very well.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Let's remind ourselves of what we have showed you.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Our first property, much extended in lovely Ancaster stone.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10The extension was really well done.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14I like the way the arched windows were repeated along the property.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15That was really good.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Nice accommodation downstairs.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23- It started to go wrong for me on the first floor.- Did it? Why?
0:26:23 > 0:26:26That master bedroom, was like a tennis court. It's huge.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28That was part of the problem, the size of it
0:26:28 > 0:26:33and what you could do with it to make it feel cosy.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34Interesting.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Our second property, I had great hopes for.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I think I might have been misguided somewhat. What happened?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I thought the approach to the house, down the long driveway
0:26:44 > 0:26:49with the horses to the left of it and the formal gardens to the right, was superb.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50But the house didn't warm me.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I have to say it with was with some trepidation
0:26:53 > 0:26:57that I took you to our final property, the mystery house.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02Lovely converted barn with a very viable annexe attached to it.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I thought you really both lit up in that one.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09That was the one that most excited me.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I liked the approach.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15I liked the first impact of the property when you saw it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:21It was nicely presented and it had that comfy, cosy family feel to it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23In fairness it was over budget.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30But, do you think it would work if you could turn that whole
0:27:30 > 0:27:34annexe wing into a viable and profitable holiday let?
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It's probably time to work out the finances for that one.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40That leads me onto my next question, where do we go from here?
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- I suspect there's going to be a lot of number crunching going on.- Yes.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46I think that's the next thing. Out with the calculator.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50House number three, the mystery house, was definitely the one I fell for.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Brilliant, guys. It's been a real pleasure. We wish you the best of luck.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- I enjoyed it, thanks. - Really enjoyed it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Well, that's it. Today's show is over.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05The last I saw of Trevor and Vicky, they were heading to the bar
0:28:05 > 0:28:08armed with a notepad and a calculator.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11They've got an awful lot of thinking and planning still to do
0:28:11 > 0:28:14but they've got to get a move on because the summer is running out.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19I'm pretty sure they don't want to spend this winter in their caravan, lovely as it is.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I'll see you next time.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Northern Ireland or England
0:28:26 > 0:28:34and would like our help, them please apply online at -
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd