0:00:02 > 0:00:04This is the UK's newest national park.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Covering an area of over 600 square miles,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09it's up there with the likes of the Lake District,
0:00:09 > 0:00:14the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia as an area renowned for its diverse wildlife,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18its cultural heritage and its stunning countryside.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:51 > 0:00:57On today's show, I'll be helping a couple quit life in the suburbs and head out of town to the country.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01We have to contend with some very particular tastes...
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- It's got a conservatory. - It has got a conservatory.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07The windows!
0:01:07 > 0:01:11'..which makes the reaction to our mystery house all the more surprising.'
0:01:11 > 0:01:12- Right.- Oh, wow!
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- Gosh.- It's fabulous, isn't it?
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Today I'm in West Sussex and this is the South Downs National Park.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Stretching over three counties - Hampshire, West Sussex
0:01:24 > 0:01:29and East Sussex - the park became fully operational in April 2011.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32But it didn't happen overnight,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35as it was first suggested back in the 1940s.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40Today, nearly 108,000 people live within its boundaries,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44making this the most populated national park in the country.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48When you look around, it's quite easy to see why they all want to be here.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54West Sussex's position amongst the south-east counties
0:01:54 > 0:01:58offers a great blend of coastline and countryside,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02half of which falls within the national park borders.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07Besides its conservation areas, the county holds onto a wealth of architectural gems,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10notching up 7,000 listed buildings in total.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15While Chichester is defined by its Georgian town houses and Gothic cathedral,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Arundel Castle's Victorian Gothic superstructure
0:02:18 > 0:02:23rears up imposingly from its Norman and Mediaeval foundations.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26And there are distinctive styles to be found in the properties here
0:02:26 > 0:02:29with the red clay hung walls,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33a legacy of the house building boom in the 1920s and 1930s.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The average cost for a detached house in West Sussex at the moment
0:02:41 > 0:02:44is £359,000.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48That's an incredible £100,000 above the national average.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52That rather high figure reflects some very attractive housing stock
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and some wonderful landscape the county has.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Perhaps more than that, it also reflects the proximity
0:02:58 > 0:03:02the county has to London and access to great transport links,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06which in turn keep the prices high for those wishing to keep their city jobs
0:03:06 > 0:03:09but also experience countryside living.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12With that in mind, take a look at a selection of properties
0:03:12 > 0:03:14that we found currently on the market here.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19£279,000 will buy you a two-bedroomed property
0:03:19 > 0:03:23in this converted building in Halton,
0:03:23 > 0:03:28which has been renovated to offer a bright, open-plan interior.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31For just shy of £600,000,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34this extensive four-bedroom property in Fakenham
0:03:34 > 0:03:37includes a modern kitchen and separate dining room,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40with a fire place in the living room providing a real focal point.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Outside, in the garden, the heated swimming pool
0:03:43 > 0:03:45takes centre stage.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Or if your budget was stretched to £775,000,
0:03:49 > 0:03:55this spacious three-bedroomed barn in Brook Green makes great use of natural materials
0:03:55 > 0:03:58to add high-spec character throughout its rooms.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Outside, the grounds amount to nearly an acre.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04A great selection of properties.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07What kind of home are today's buyers keen to get their hands on?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Time to find out.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16Mark and Janet have lived in Stoke Poges near Slough for five years.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21During that time they've completely refurbished their four-bedroomed property.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Now that Mark's work as a finance director means he'll need to commute to Surrey,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29they've decided to find a new home across the border in West Sussex
0:04:29 > 0:04:31that meets their varied lifestyle.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I'm just looking for a way to relax a bit more.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I'm starting a new job which will be quite high pressured.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43I'm a keen cyclist. I'm quite looking forward to cycling around some country roads
0:04:43 > 0:04:45rather than the busier roads around Slough.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I'm hoping to spend more time
0:04:48 > 0:04:51working with animals in a charitable way.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54It's something I wanted to do more locally here
0:04:54 > 0:04:57but unfortunately there aren't that many charities
0:04:57 > 0:05:00in the area that need volunteers.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05They'd prefer an edge-of-village location with amenities within walking distance.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08That sounds perfectly achievable, as does their property wish list.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10At first glance.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We definitely need four bedrooms. We need a room for a study.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15The fourth bedroom would have to be a study
0:05:15 > 0:05:18because Mark works from home sometimes.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20A dining room, kitchen/breakfast room...
0:05:20 > 0:05:25A large, mature, south-facing garden. Plenty of land.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29But they also have very specific things they're not keen on.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I don't like conservatories.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I don't like beams, diamond-shaped leaded windows I don't like.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38On top of that, Mark has put in a request for a pond
0:05:38 > 0:05:42that his koi carp can call home.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Their house searching efforts over the past year have come up short
0:05:45 > 0:05:47and they're the first to admit the cause for that.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53- We're quite fussy. We've got quite a long list of criteria.- Wish list.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Yes, we are very particular. We're not prepared to take second best.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Janet's very black and white.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03On Janet's planet, everything is either yes or no.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07I think I tend to be a little bit more willing to compromise.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12Fortunately, they're prepared to put in the work to create their perfect property.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Definitely willing to renovate or modernise.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18No matter what house you buy, it will never be the house you want.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24They're about to put their house on the market for £725,000
0:06:24 > 0:06:27and they have a healthy budget for their move.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- If we could move straight in, no work, no stress then...- We'd pay.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- £700,000 would be... - Our maximum budget.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Mark and Janet have a maximum budget of £700,000
0:06:43 > 0:06:46to find their perfect rural retreat.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49That's a great budget, but in this part of the world,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51it may not stretch as far as they wish.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55My concern is, it took them two years to find their current house
0:06:55 > 0:06:56and I've only got two days.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01Plus, their list of don't-wants is almost as long as their lists of what they do want.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02But, as ever, we'll aim to please.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07As Mark needs to be a commutable distance
0:07:07 > 0:07:10from his new job in Camberley across the border in Surrey,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15we're focusing our property search in the northern part of West Sussex.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We've cherry picked three stunning properties to show them
0:07:18 > 0:07:22and they'll have to guess the price of each before I reveal it to them.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24And last but not least, there's our mystery house
0:07:24 > 0:07:29which will throw all the criteria they've set down up in the air.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Welcome, both of you, to West Sussex.- Thank you.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40How well do you both know this particular area around Arundel?
0:07:40 > 0:07:45Not particularly well, but we have an appreciation of the area and it's absolutely beautiful.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48The house you live in at the moment - took you a while to find that, didn't it?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Two years.- Yeah, very fussy.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53I'll ask you to be open-minded,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57but don't be afraid to speak up if you really, really don't like something.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Because I need to learn from you. - I won't!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- ALL LAUGH - OK!
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Let's find out from the first house what you don't like about it,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07what you do like about it and we can go from there.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- All right?- Wonderful. - Good, come this way.- OK.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Armed with their £700,000 budget,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Mark and Janet want a detached country home
0:08:19 > 0:08:22with a large kitchen/breakfast room,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25four bedrooms - one of which Mark could use as a study -
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and a large, attractive garden.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30If there is a ready-made pond, all the better.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32They're happy to renovate and redecorate,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36but location is important, as they want to be close to a village
0:08:36 > 0:08:41with easy access to Camberley, so Mark can get to work within an hour.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Talk to me about your internet searches to date.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I mean, have you seen much...
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Um...
0:08:49 > 0:08:52..for your budget that fits the bill?
0:08:52 > 0:08:57No, everything I like is probably 100, 200, £300,000
0:08:57 > 0:09:00more than we have to spend.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02That's a little bit of a worry,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06because whilst you have an amazing budget, your desires
0:09:06 > 0:09:09and tastes are for a much bigger budget, aren't they?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Yes.- So what's going to happen?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Are we suddenly going to find another £300,000
0:09:15 > 0:09:18or are you going to pull your aspirations down a little bit?
0:09:18 > 0:09:22We will have to pull our aspirations down. I don't think...
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Correct answer, Janet.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25ALL CHUCKLE
0:09:25 > 0:09:27'I hope Janet holds that thought
0:09:27 > 0:09:31'as we get our property search underway in Coolham,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34'which is unachievable drive to work for Mark.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36'Although it's a semi-rural hamlet,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40'the amenities of Billingshurst Village lie just four miles away.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42'On the outskirts of Coolham,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45'and accessed via its own private driveway,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47'is of first property, which I hope will give them
0:09:47 > 0:09:51'the requisite land and style of house they're looking for.'
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Now, this house... you do have that road...- It's quite busy.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58It can be quite busy.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02But I was hoping you'd think this house is set back far enough,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04being situated just there.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Yeah.- OK.- That's nice.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Nice spot. - What does that smile mean, Janet?
0:10:10 > 0:10:15Cos I see a conservatory-looking thing at the back of the house, but it's quite tastefully done.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's in keeping with the style of the house.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- More of a sun room. - It does look...OK.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25It's got wood, it's got bricks and inside, I think...
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I hope you'll feel it's an extension of the house
0:10:27 > 0:10:31rather than something that's just stuck on. Let's go inside.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36'Built in the 1930s, and extended in 2008,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39'this property provides them with an array of spacious rooms.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43'On one side of the hall there is a ready-made study,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45'along with a cloakroom and separate utility room.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49'But we'll explore the main living areas.'
0:10:49 > 0:10:53I'm hoping you like the dimensions. Come right in next to me. Lovely.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Now...- This is a nice space.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- It's big, isn't it?- Yeah.- It is, actually. Yeah, it's a nice space.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Odd for a dining room, though. Kind of feels more like a hallway.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10- I think you're right. You've got a plethora of doors coming off this space.- Yes, you have.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Let's look at the kitchen, because kitchens are often the most important part of the house.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- What do you think of what the lady's done here?- I like it, actually.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22It's not the kind of thing I'd go out and think, "Oooh,"
0:11:22 > 0:11:24see it in a brochure and would take it,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27but I like the colour of the units.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Not a kitchen you could live in, though - it's a functional kitchen.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34You come in, do what you have to do and go out again, there's nowhere to sit.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- You would prefer more of a dining kitchen?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- OK, well, let's keep looking round. - Great.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43'Hopefully, the living room will measure up.'
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Now, then, big living room.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Gosh, that's huge, isn't it?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- I didn't expect this at all, actually.- Wow.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- Fireplace.- Yeah. Wood fire, wood-burning stove. - A real one.- Yeah.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- I like this.- Lots of beams.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Tall, though, you could paint them. They're not encroaching.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- I'd have to paint them. - Look through there.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I know, I've just seen the dining room, the dining table.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- That's the conservatory.- It doesn't look like a conservatory, does it?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Exactly.- It looks like it's part of the house.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And that's because the glass roof has had a cover put over it.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20It's like a ceiling.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Yeah, and they've got a brick bottom and it's wooden-framed.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26So actually it feels more like an extension room.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'Looks like we've changed Janet's preconceptions about conservatories.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34'But let's see what they make of their potential sleeping arrangements.'
0:12:34 > 0:12:39Now, ground floor bedrooms aren't everybody's cup of tea.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Come right in.- Right.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Oh!
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Are they your cup of tea?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Not something I'd normally go for, to be honest.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I tell you what, if this isn't something you'd go for,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- let's look at this as a guest bedroom.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57And I think it's a wonderful guest bedroom - it's a double,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00walk-in wardrobe for your storage, but you've got an en-suite,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04so it doesn't encroach on any part of your personal living space.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09'Their visitors would certainly be queuing up to use this state-of-the-art ensuite,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13'complete with slick shower cubicle and bath.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15'With three bedrooms in total,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17'we'll head upstairs to check out the others,
0:13:17 > 0:13:23'one of which is a good-sized double with a bright, modern family bathroom next door.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26'But let's see what they make of the third room.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:30I was looking forward to bringing you up here because I expected
0:13:30 > 0:13:33it might not be ideal for you to sleep on the ground floor.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36I thought these rooms were a decent size and nicely lit.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40They are decent-sized bedrooms.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- They're pretty good.- Where would you put the wardrobes, though?- Ah.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- Storage. - We do have lots of wardrobes. - You have lots of wardrobes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52This is a conversation I've heard many times before.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Let's go out to the garden.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- OK.- Start thinking about price.- OK.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03'Although they have reservations about upstairs, overall,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06'this house delivers the contemporary clean lines
0:14:06 > 0:14:08'and generous living spaces they asked for.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10'And outside certainly builds on that.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12'At over three-quarters-of-an-acre,
0:14:12 > 0:14:18'the garden includes a heated swimming pool for them and the pond Mark wanted for the koi carp.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20'What's more, the setting is great.'
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- Look at those views through there. - They're stunning.- Beautiful views.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Beautifully framed, isn't it? - Yeah.- It's gorgeous.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32So how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- 650.- OK.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I think 675.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45The price of this house is offers around 689,950.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Wow. OK.- Gosh. OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49You weren't a million miles away
0:14:49 > 0:14:53but you are far south enough for it to be maybe a bit of an alarm call?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55BOTH: Yeah.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Yeah, that's a surprise.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- So maybe have a chat around the house about what you will compromise on.- OK, then.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Catch you in a bit.- OK.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09'Seeing this house has been a valuable lesson for Mark and Janet
0:15:09 > 0:15:14'so they can start working out which items on their property wish list they want to prioritise.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19'That said, on paper, this house answers their brief on many levels.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22'Under budget at just shy of £690,000,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26'it provides them with three spacious, adaptable living areas,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28'a large, contemporary kitchen,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31'three bedrooms, one with a great en-suite,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'and along with three-quarters-of-an-acre of garden,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36'it's located on the edge of a village
0:15:36 > 0:15:39'and falls within commuting distance of Mark's work.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Walking up to the house, I thought, "Wow it's actually amazing."
0:15:42 > 0:15:45The garden looked stunning.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48The house wasn't anything I would normally look at.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52The bedrooms were too small, there's only two bedrooms upstairs
0:15:52 > 0:15:56and the house has only got single-glazing and it is on quite a busy road.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59When I first walked up through the driveway,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01it had potential and seemed like a nice property.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And I spied a swimming pool through the hedge
0:16:04 > 0:16:07which was beyond all my expectations. But I think,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10overall, the balance isn't quite right.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Not enough bedroom space upstairs
0:16:13 > 0:16:16and probably not enough living room space downstairs.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20And certainly not a liveable kitchen which is something we are very used to.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- All done?- Yes, all done.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Hopefully, that's given us something to think about
0:16:26 > 0:16:28at least for the other two houses as well?
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Yes, a good benchmark. Let's move on. - Good. Good news.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Sandwiched between the South Downs and the English Channel,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47the West Sussex coastline stretches for some 40 miles.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53Six miles south of Chichester, Pagham Harbour may be the smallest in the Solent
0:16:53 > 0:16:57but this wetlands site has an international reputation.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Its 1,500 acres of salt marsh and shingle beach
0:17:00 > 0:17:03support a wide range of wildlife,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05including wading birds and wild fowl.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10Also close to Chichester is the Brent Lodge bird and wildlife hospital.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14And since Janet is keen to volunteer for an animal charity once she moves to the country,
0:17:14 > 0:17:19earlier in the week, we arranged for them to meet its founder, Dennis Fenter.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- Hello.- Hello, I'm Janet.- Welcome to Brent Lodge. Hello, Janet.- I'm Mark.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- Hello, Mark.- Nice to meet you. - Come and sit down.- Thank you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31How long ago did you found the hospital?
0:17:31 > 0:17:351971, so it is 40 years ago this month.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38How many animals do you treat now?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Around 3,000, I suppose.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45If I'd realised when I started just what it was going to grow into,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I'd probably have run a thousand miles!
0:17:48 > 0:17:53It's very intensive work for the 20 volunteers who help at the hospital,
0:17:53 > 0:17:57as the baby birds need feeding every 20 minutes throughout the day.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00The number of patients is steadily increasing,
0:18:00 > 0:18:05as Mark and Janet discover from Emma Pink, who's worked at the hospital for 12 years.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08How many animals a week do you get in here?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11This time of year? 20 to 30 a day.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15In the winter, it's down to around five or six a day. Really, it's a seasonal thing.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- Is it because it's the bird season? - Yeah, it's baby season, so more people are out walking dogs
0:18:20 > 0:18:22and come across things
0:18:22 > 0:18:27and there's babies falling out of nests, cats taking birds out of nests, all sorts of things.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- I see we've got an audience of four owls.- Yeah.- What are they? How did they come here?
0:18:31 > 0:18:33They're tawny owls.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- When would you look to release them into the wild? - They'll be with us a while.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41We'll get them to a soft release area where they're left in an aviary for a couple of weeks.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43They're fed and then the aviary roof is opened
0:18:43 > 0:18:48and they get out and come back and forth for food as and when they want to.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51It gives them that opportunity if they can't hunt straight away,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55cos they won't be natural hunters cos they haven't got a mum to teach them.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Mark and Janet are keen to develop interests that will involve them in community life.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07With that in mind, we arranged a game of lawn bowls at the Arundel Bowling Club,
0:19:07 > 0:19:12where Jim has offered to give them some tips on how to get started.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16The idea is the wood bends towards the jack.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Right.- Right.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21And that's the bias, the small dot. So you just bend down,
0:19:21 > 0:19:26put two feet on the mat, one foot forward and go like that.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- It comes in then.- That's good. - That's rather a good one.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- You've done this before! - Yes, occasionally.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Go on, you have a go. Come on.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38So two feet on the mat...
0:19:39 > 0:19:40A little bit of weight.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43That's it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47He's taking it back for me.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52That's it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Oh.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Yes.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Look at this! Look, look, look.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59That's your hand, isn't it? Well bowled.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- APPLAUSE - Look at that!
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Honestly, we've never played this before!
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It looks like Janet's talent might win her a signing
0:20:09 > 0:20:11to the local ladies team.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15But whether she'll be bowled over by the rest of our properties remains to be seen.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Our house search continues in the small village of Dial Post,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27giving Mark an hour's drive to work
0:20:27 > 0:20:30but also greater access to the local community,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34much of which is centred on its village green and hall.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38As it borders the Knepp Castle Estate, there is also an abundance of wildlife
0:20:38 > 0:20:42and walking opportunities right on their doorstep. As is the local pub,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46which is just a stone's throw from our second property.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50We've got a very different proposition for you now,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54and you'll see what I mean as soon as you come round this corner.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Oh, gosh!- Wow.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Crikey.- That's a bit bigger than the other one. It's a lot taller.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01That's some house, isn't it?
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It's a very grand looking house, isn't it?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- It is, lovely wisteria. I love wisteria.- Do you?- I do.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10The house itself, whilst it was built in 1905,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12it lends itself very much to a 1920s-style house,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15certainly with the proportions inside.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But funnily enough, it was built on the site of a 16th-century property
0:21:18 > 0:21:22and they've used some of the materials in building this now.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24So what do you think of the look of this house?
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- I like it a lot, actually. - Do you?- Yeah.- I do.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Good news.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33'This impressive house is set over three levels
0:21:33 > 0:21:37'and certainly gives them more space than they asked for.'
0:21:38 > 0:21:42OK. In we come. You might have to give that door a bit of a slam.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- Oh.- Oh, wow.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- This is nice.- Yeah.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- Beams.- Beams aren't necessarily your favourite things?- They're not.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- You're not going bang your head on them, at least. - BOTH: No.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- I like the floor.- That floor seems very nice, look at the size of these floorboards.- That's the original.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- This is lovely. I love this. - I like that a lot.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Yeah, very nice. - Excellent. All good stuff.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Big, isn't it?- Yeah. - Bigger than the last one. - Yes, and there's a real flow to it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15'Leading off the main reception room is a large conservatory
0:22:15 > 0:22:17'which Janet can pass judgement on later.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22'But across the hall is a second reception room with a cosier feel.'
0:22:22 > 0:22:25For me, it's a snug, and these warm colours
0:22:25 > 0:22:28make it feel like a room you'd come into in the winter.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33What I like about this is the lovely open-plan feel as you walk in,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36but you get a separate reception room, especially in the winter.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Yeah, a bit of privacy.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41'So it's thumbs up for the reception rooms.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42'Let's hope we can build on that
0:22:42 > 0:22:45'with the all-important room at the end of the hallway.'
0:22:47 > 0:22:50So have we improved on the first house with this kitchen?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- Yes.- It's great.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- Yes, it's a lot better than the last one.- Relief sweeps over me.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- See, I'm already leaning against the breakfast bar.- This is good!
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I like the granite worktops.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07I like pale wood kitchens.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11I can see a door, which is nice, cos it's the first one I've seen so far.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14That goes down to the utility and a downstairs loo
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and, obviously, the back door.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17I like the lighting in here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22A lot of times people put a fantastic kitchen in and skimp on the lighting.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's been done really, really well.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Let's see what do you think of the bedrooms. There's loads of them.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'The fact that the seven bedrooms are laid out over two floors
0:23:31 > 0:23:33'is a real plus for Janet.'
0:23:34 > 0:23:40Oh, yes. I've always wanted to live in a house with two flights of stairs.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45- Nice wide landing, a sofa. Fantastic. - Good-sized family house, isn't it?
0:23:45 > 0:23:49It's nice and light here as well, isn't it? Very nice.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Now, then, I know storage space was an issue in the first house.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Yes, it was.- Better?
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Yes, it's got the wardrobes and another wardrobe over there.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Now, I think this is used as the master as it's twin aspect,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06but, actually, the bedroom the other side of the landing is much bigger.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- OK.- Much bigger.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11There's four bedrooms on this floor with a bathroom.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14On the top floor, there's a further three bedrooms with a bathroom.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Seven?- Seven-bedroomed house.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- This is turning into a luxury home, isn't it?- It is, actually.
0:24:21 > 0:24:27'The other two potential double bedrooms down the other end of the landing are light and spacious.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'Sandwiched between them is a modern family bathroom.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33'Upstairs on the second floor,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36'the remaining three bedrooms are all large enough to be doubles
0:24:36 > 0:24:39'and are served by a small shower room.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42'This property so far certainly puts to bed any concerns
0:24:42 > 0:24:46'Mark and Janet had about space and storage, and it's immaculate.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49'So unless they want to put in the odd en-suite,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52'there's nothing really for them to do.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56'Outside, the house sits in the middle of a half-acre plot,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59'and has a large fully-networked office which Mark could make use of.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03'There's also enough space for them to keep chickens too,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06'but if they want to plough their energies into a project,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09'there are more opportunities for more land.'
0:25:09 > 0:25:14Quite a bit to discuss in the garden because there may be some options.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18At the moment, there's some light industrial buildings there
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and they spread right down beyond this office.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25That is now owned by a trust.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29They're keen on this land being used but it can only be used
0:25:29 > 0:25:33according to the trust, in a way that benefits the local village.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36They have said in the past that they would be open to offers
0:25:36 > 0:25:40to the person who owns this house to lease some of that land.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45- OK.- If you were able to lease the land beyond it, even just lease it
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and let it out as pasture land to a local farmer,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52it would safeguard the views of your property and make this property
0:25:52 > 0:25:56much more attractive, not only to yourselves but any future buyers.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57- Yeah.- OK.- It's an idea.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Um...
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- ..650, 660? Yeah?- OK.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10I'm going to go slightly higher than that and I'm going to go...
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- Even though I'm not overly keen, I'll say 710.- Slightly higher.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Not overly keen? Right, OK. Interesting.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- It's on the market for 650. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27Have a think about it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- I'm going to make friends with the chickens.- OK.- Look for some eggs.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Under budget at £650,000,
0:26:36 > 0:26:40this immense property has been renovated to an impeccable standard
0:26:40 > 0:26:43and offers them two large reception rooms,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45a high-spec kitchen, which Janet liked,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49seven bedrooms, one of which they could make into an en-suite,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51and around half an acre of land.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53What's more, it falls within Mark's search area,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56so he can still commute to Camberley.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00It's got a massive conservatory but I'd quite happily lose it,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02demolish it and make the garden more usable.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Definitely, yes. I couldn't cope with that.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06It's not for us at all,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09but I do like this space because, as you stand there,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11you can see through to the kitchen.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12A great sight line through here.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17This property's intriguing. There's a balance here.
0:27:17 > 0:27:23From the front it's great. Real presence. Big property.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Three storeys. Old timbers.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Ground floor, great reception areas, fantastic kitchen.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Upstairs - more bedrooms than we'd ever know what to do with.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36I think there are real question marks over the development potential
0:27:36 > 0:27:41of the industrial area at the side and that could be a real sticking point.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- I'm hopeful this house has got us a bit closer?- Yeah, I think so.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51- It's something to sleep on. - Good. That's good.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01As evening falls over the South Downs,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04the first day of our house search draws to a close.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15'Mark and Janet are poised to sever their suburban ties to Stoke Poges near Slough
0:28:15 > 0:28:19'and make a break for rural freedom in West Sussex.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23'In their own words, they are fussy house-hunters,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26'and in spite of a healthy £700,000 budget,
0:28:26 > 0:28:31'I'm not convinced our two houses so far have matched up to their exacting standards.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34'But coming up, will our mystery property give them a new perspective?'
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Oh, wow.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40'And I experience the breathtaking scenery of the South Downs
0:28:40 > 0:28:43'at bracing speed.'
0:28:46 > 0:28:47Today is a new day
0:28:47 > 0:28:50and it's an absolutely glorious day here in West Sussex.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52We're off to see the mystery house now.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56As ever, it's here to challenge the expectations of our buyers.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58And this one's no different.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03What do you think we might be showing you for the mystery house?
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Bearing in mind we had three of the things
0:29:07 > 0:29:13I didn't ask for yesterday, I'm just hoping it's going to be...
0:29:13 > 0:29:18have a large garden, have some good views, not on a main road
0:29:18 > 0:29:21and not have a conservatory of some sort.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- I think I can put ticks against some of those things you just mentioned. - Oh, thank you!
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Our mystery property lies close
0:29:33 > 0:29:35to the quiet village of West Chiltington,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37which, while close to the South Downs,
0:29:37 > 0:29:40still allows Mark to commute to work in around an hour,
0:29:40 > 0:29:44and gives them the local amenities they were after.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Much of its historic architecture survives,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49including the 12th-century Norman church
0:29:49 > 0:29:52and a scattering of traditional properties.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Our mystery house is set in superb gardens,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58but will challenge them to take on some renovation.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02What's more, Janet will have to get over some of her pet hates.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- So, mystery house time.- Wow.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Yes, this is nice, isn't it?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14It's a house. Although it's got a conservatory.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- It has got a conservatory. - And the windows!
0:30:17 > 0:30:21What about the whole package, because that's what we're looking at here, isn't it?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24I think it's fantastic. It's gorgeous. It's so established.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- The gardens are stunning.- Good, OK. This is positive.- Inside?
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Let's go, yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32'Well, their initial reactions seem encouraging,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'and what a blessing Janet didn't run a mile when she saw the conservatory.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39'Built in the late 1930s, this is a house with character.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'But whether the layout and room sizes inside will be a hit
0:30:43 > 0:30:46'remains to be seen.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:51OK, reception hall. Dining hall, almost.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Yes, well, I wouldn't put my dining table in the hall, that's for sure.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- It's too cramped in here. - I think so.- It's nice but...
0:30:57 > 0:31:00I don't think you need to have your dining table here.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- You've got other options. Just through here, in fact.- OK.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08'Through here is the dining room, but we'll head to the kitchen next.'
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- What do you make of the kitchen? - Wow, country kitchen.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15It's a bit more contemporary with the granite worktops and the breakfast bar.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- You can adopt a pose. - Yes, the teapot.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It certainly brings it into this century.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23There are plans for this house to have a big, two-storey extension
0:31:23 > 0:31:25going out on the gable end.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Either two more reception rooms with a bedroom above...
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I think you'd probably slightly change that
0:31:31 > 0:31:33and have one big reception room going out that way.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But I think that's more of a long-term goal.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39'So there's a project in the making
0:31:39 > 0:31:41'if they want to enlarge the living areas.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46'Let's see what they think of the existing sitting-room, which lies back through the hallway.'
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- The living room. Not huge.- No. - But nothing in this house is.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- No, it isn't.- Cosy. - But it's not tiny.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57You've got that return going down there.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Of course, the conservatory is potential added room.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- But you won't like that.- It would have to come down.- Yeah, I think...
0:32:03 > 0:32:08I'd change the fire, I'd put an open fire, a proper fire, in there.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Maybe hopefully you're liking this tour around the house.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14We're pointing out parts of your I-don't want list.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18But you're saying, "OK, I can live with that, I could get rid of that."
0:32:18 > 0:32:20You're starting to make that compromise.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23The compromise often comes in the right place.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27- I like the little windows either side of the fire as well. Did you notice those?- Yeah.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30OK. Do you like the diamond leading in the windows?
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- I wasn't going to talk about that. I like the windows, I said.- OK!
0:32:34 > 0:32:37'OK, maybe I'm pushing it just a little.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40'So let's head upstairs and check out the three bedrooms.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43'There's a single, which Mark might make into his office,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46'and two rooms large enough to be doubles -
0:32:46 > 0:32:48'one which offers a real room with a view.'
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- Right.- Oh, wow.- Gosh. - It's fabulous, isn't it?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58It's so quiet. You could be anywhere, couldn't you?
0:32:58 > 0:33:01All you see is rooftops, you don't see many windows.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- I think it's a really private, secluded spot.- It's very private.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- So...- I'm liking it. - You are, aren't you?- I am, actually.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Excellent news.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13'The balcony view seems to have won Janet's heart.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18'And there's no denying that from the outside this is one handsome mystery property
0:33:18 > 0:33:20'set in a beautiful half-acre plot.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25'I wonder if they are prepared to take on the extending and renovation work we've talked about.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29'And that brings us to the question of money.'
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- We've had a pretty good tour, I think.- Mmm-hmm.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Time to now have a go at guessing the price.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40I would say... 690.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- 690,000.- OK. Janet? - I'd go lower than that.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47I'd say 660.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- The house is on the market for offers around £685,000.- OK.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56I think there's a deal to be done. Go back into the house.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00Maybe start pricing up in your mind how much jobs would be
0:34:00 > 0:34:02that you would like to do to this.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Because maybe a bid price for this house would need to reflect some works.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- I'll catch you later on. - OK.- Thanks.- Thank you.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14I think the guys walking around the house now is vital.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18They've got to get in their mind what work they'd like to do to the house
0:34:18 > 0:34:20and how much they're prepared to spend on it.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I think only then will they be able to decide
0:34:23 > 0:34:25whether or not this place is for them.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26I hope it is.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31So our mystery property has done what it should
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and put these two in a real quandary.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37It is under budget at £685,000.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40And, as it stands, gives them three reception rooms,
0:34:40 > 0:34:44including a conservatory one of Janet's pet dislikes -
0:34:44 > 0:34:48a large, light country kitchen and three bedrooms.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52It's surrounded by half an acre of lovely wraparound gardens.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56But is the setting and location an attractive enough proposition
0:34:56 > 0:34:58for them to overcome the size of the property?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01The mystery house today has been a total surprise.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Walking up the driveway, absolutely stunning.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Gardens are beautiful, perfect location,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10it's very, very quiet and it's absolutely gorgeous around here.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15I think it's an absolutely stunning home. It's in a fantastic setting.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It's a beautiful house, it's got some character.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22I must say, it's very pleasant sitting out here in the sun.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- It's gorgeous, isn't it? - Yeah, a few rays. Nice outlook.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Well, let's try and find you somewhere equally pleasant
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- to go through things in your mind. - OK.- Great.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47The South Downs National Park encompasses some wonderfully ancient
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and varied landscapes, stretching from Winchester in Hampshire
0:35:50 > 0:35:53towards the coastal cliffs near Eastbourne.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56After 60 years of campaigning, this swathe of English countryside
0:35:56 > 0:35:59is now protected by its National Park status.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03'To learn more about the significance of this area,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07'I'm meeting Phil Belden from the South Downs National Park Authority.'
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Phil, thanks very much for seeing me.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- Looks like we picked the right day for it.- Fantastic weather.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16So what makes this part of the world and these collection of hills so special?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Birdlife is very rich, and, as you're going along the Downs,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22you're just listening to this wonderful cacophony of birdsong.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Lots of people come down to the Downs because of the orchids.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28The orchids on the chalk are absolutely legendary, really.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Associated with the chalk, you get these lovely blue butterflies.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35People have been bemoaning the fact butterflies are getting rarer -
0:36:35 > 0:36:39we've got some really good hotspots around for butterflies. So that's really good.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42It's the green lungs for the whole of the south-east of England,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45it's the place to come when you want to relieve your stress,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49and we've got 10 million people living within an hour's travel of it all,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52and this is their local wilderness.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59The best way to take in its natural splendour
0:36:59 > 0:37:04is via the South Downs Way, a 100-mile route that traverses the park
0:37:04 > 0:37:08and is shared by walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10'I'm keen to experience it on two wheels
0:37:10 > 0:37:16'and mountain biking guide Sean is an expert on the local terrain.'
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I'm very much looking forward to this today.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I don't know the South Downs as a mountain biking Mecca.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- You're a guide around here, how good is it?- It's excellent.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- It's got a great variety.- Yeah?
0:37:28 > 0:37:31So you've got some great open trails so you can cover some ground,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34get some great views, make some distance.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37It's also got some nice little secret spots of exciting technical downhill
0:37:37 > 0:37:41to give you the spice and the adrenaline you want from mountain biking.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46That's where you come in, isn't it? You need to know the area and be specialised in finding the tracks.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Yes, and also helping people ride them safely.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54'The South Downs offers opportunities for cyclists of every ability,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58'with gentle, undulating bridleways for beginners
0:37:58 > 0:38:03'through to challenging trails where you need more advanced bike handling skills.'
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- Right, got a bit of a puff on, that's good.- Good. You've earned your reward now.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- Now we've got a nice little bit of single track we're going to ride. - Excellent.- OK.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13I'll just give you a couple of pointers,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- just to make you more effective on the bike.- Uh-huh.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21Stand-up out of the saddle, that way you can move your body around more and let the bike respond.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- Yeah.- Feather the brakes - they're pretty powerful, these brakes.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Tapping.- Exactly.- Right, OK. - Gently squeeze.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Most importantly of all, look ahead.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36- Look where you want to go.- OK. How far ahead should I be looking?
0:38:36 > 0:38:40Well, I would try and get yourself to the trail about 30 feet or so ahead.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- All right. Lead the way, then, boss. - Great.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55'Although mountain biking is hugely enjoyable,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58'for these trails it's vital to have a handle on the right skills,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01'such as body positioning, choosing the right line
0:39:01 > 0:39:03'and mastering effective braking at speed.'
0:39:03 > 0:39:06I see what you mean about looking ahead. I'm trying my best to,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09but the shift of your weight makes such a difference,
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- especially when you go through that bit there, doesn't it? - Yeah, absolutely.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- The faster you go, the more complicated it gets.- Yeah.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21- It's getting all that information to your brain as quick as possible. - Yes.- That is... It's stunning.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25I can feel the adrenaline pouring through my veins at the moment.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28'There's no doubt this is an exhilarating way to explore
0:39:28 > 0:39:31'one of England's finest natural green spaces,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34'whose heritage is now preserved for future generations to enjoy.'
0:39:38 > 0:39:42So, after a couple of days of house-hunting round this rather pleasant part of the country,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44I'd like to think we've ended on a high.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48That mystery property, of course, it came with its compromises,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50but it certainly got Mark and Janet thinking.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Time now, though, to find out whether it's done enough to be a genuine contender.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02So cast your minds back to yesterday morning to our first property.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- Yeah, good house.- I loved walking up the drive, that was nice.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Lovely gardens, quite nice. Busy-ish road.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14Once you got in, the house was actually well set back from the road
0:40:14 > 0:40:16so you didn't quite hear it so much.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Upstairs, it was just far too small. Two bedrooms upstairs
0:40:19 > 0:40:22and a downstairs bedroom just doesn't work for us.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Moving on to the afternoon, we went to the second house.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27As soon as you came round that hedge,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- you were met by this huge building, weren't you?- Three storeys, lovely.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- That seemed to impress both of you initially.- It did. Definitely.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37A lot of presence to it, great character.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40There was a flow to it, almost open-plan in some parts.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44It was a bit too open-plan for me. As I walked through, I thought, "Wow, this is really nice."
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Then we actually stood there, there wasn't a hallway
0:40:47 > 0:40:50so you'd walk straight off the street into the house.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53It was a nice house.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56The double conservatory did put me off.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Upstairs, although the accommodation was good,
0:40:59 > 0:41:04it was probably too many rooms, certainly for the two of us, even with guests
0:41:04 > 0:41:09- and even with kids staying, it's still an awful lot of house upstairs. - A lot of space.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Let's talk about the mystery house. We had good reactions right from the off.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Very good reactions, yes. Through the gates and it was gorgeous.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I was a little nervous, because you go around the corner,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23you instantly are met with a conservatory.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28And some leaded light windows. Diamond leaded lights. But...
0:41:28 > 0:41:30As I said, you can change the windows.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33It's got to be the location, and that was absolutely stunning.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37The house can be changed, you can't change the grounds that it's standing in.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It was in lovely grounds.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Beautiful character house, but with nice little contemporary twists.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Great kitchen.- How much do you like the mystery property?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Enough to say that Mark actually said
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- he would probably consider putting an offer in.- Yeah.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- Oh, well, great. Look, I'm relieved. And happy.- Good.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59I wish you all the very best in the next stage, really,
0:41:59 > 0:42:04in the meetings you have with the owner, get through those plans and then put together a bid.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Good luck.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Right from the very outset of this property hunt,
0:42:14 > 0:42:18it was always going to be an element of what Janet and Mark wanted
0:42:18 > 0:42:21and twinning that against perhaps what they didn't want.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25It seems a little bit unfair that even with a healthy budget of £700,000,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29when you're looking to move to an area that is fairly expensive and in such demand,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32when you consider its proximity to the capital,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34there's always going to be elements of compromise.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39While I like to think that we might have done it with the mystery property,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41even that house had its compromises.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44But it just goes to show if you find the right house,
0:42:44 > 0:42:49somebody looking to buy their perfect home is prepared to maybe forgive its foibles.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51So we wish them the very best of luck
0:42:51 > 0:42:57and hopefully they will be moving to this glorious part of the country sometime soon.
0:42:57 > 0:42:58See you next time.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Mark and Janet did make an offer on the mystery house,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06but unfortunately, it was turned down.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09But they are still eagerly searching West Sussex for their new home.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Northern Ireland or England, and would like our help,
0:43:15 > 0:43:18please apply online at...
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