0:00:03 > 0:00:06On an overcast summer's day 366 years ago, on this very spot,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08the destiny of the British Army,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11the future of one man, one vote democracy,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14and the fate of the British nation hung in the balance.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Today I'm helping a retired couple search for a new home for themselves,
0:00:49 > 0:00:52AND their car.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54And our properties are certainly to their liking.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- It looks absolutely delightful. - It looks lovely.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Then the unusual charms of our mystery house
0:00:59 > 0:01:02get them to think the unthinkable.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- Perhaps we'll get a smaller car. - Oh!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Today we're in Northamptonshire
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and we're very close to the village of Naseby
0:01:11 > 0:01:16and it was on these fields on the 14th June, 1645,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18that the Battle of Naseby took place.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Charles I's Royalist troops over there,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and Cromwell's Roundhead Army behind.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Now, the outcome of that battle, the Roundheads won,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30led to the end of the absolute monarchy.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33It also eventually led to parliamentary democracy in Britain,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37AND it was the first outing of Cromwell's New Model Army
0:01:37 > 0:01:40which eventually led to the modern British military.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43So, Northamptonshire very important historically
0:01:43 > 0:01:45but for a whole bunch of other reasons too.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Known as the rose of the shires,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Northamptonshire is boarded by eight counties,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Buckinghamshire.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Rich pasture-land led to a buoyant wool trade in the 13th century,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06but by the 1500s the production of leather had emerged as a key business.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10By the 17th century shoemaking was the county's main industry.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15Beautiful unspoiled villages like Middleton Cheney dot the countryside
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and there are plenty of attractions
0:02:18 > 0:02:21like the Victorian feat of engineering, Harringworth Viaduct,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24which was built in 1876.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26It's the longest brick-built viaduct in the country,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31with 82 arches that stretch into the neighbouring county of Rutland.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Let's talk property prices.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42The average detached house in Northamptonshire costs £223,000,
0:02:42 > 0:02:48£33,000 less than the national average.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52But when you consider that in their county's priciest neighbour, Buckinghamshire,
0:02:52 > 0:02:58a detached house cost is 87% higher than the national average,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02then suddenly those extra 10 or 20 miles on the M1
0:03:02 > 0:03:04seem like a good deal to get to Northamptonshire.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08So let's take a look at what the county has to offer in terms of property.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14For just under £300,000 this three bedroom Grade II listed cottage
0:03:14 > 0:03:17in Little Billing offers ample space.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21There's a light reception room which features exposed beams,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24and a dining room with an inglenook fireplace.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27It also has a large conservatory which leads out onto a lawned garden.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Bought for £599,000 there's this five bedroom cottage in Badby,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36which comes with half an acre of garden.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40The property has been with a bright, modern kitchen-diner,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44which leads through to a stunning oak-framed garden room.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46At the top of the scale you could buy
0:03:46 > 0:03:52this four bed Grade II listed house in Laxton for £725,000.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56It has an impressive vaulted ceiling in the kitchen-diner,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00and you'll never be cold in front of the huge living room fire.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Outside the house is surrounded by nearly an acre of land.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Some corkers here in the county.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Let's meet the couple who are planning to make their escape here.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Retired civil servants, Mike and Frances,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17have lived in their four-bedroom house on the outskirts of London
0:04:17 > 0:04:19for over three decades.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But now they feel it's time for a gearchange,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and they're ready to head to the country to find a home
0:04:24 > 0:04:31that can provide peace and tranquillity for them, and their rather large car.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34We've both been in London for 36, 37 years.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37And although Dr Johnson once said,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41"If you're tired of London you're tired of living"
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I think outer London has lost its charms, as far as we're concerned.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48It's so crowded here. The traffic is very busy. There are lots of people.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52It would be nice to have a gentler pace of life.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Another thing I would like to say goodbye to
0:04:55 > 0:05:02are frequent police sirens and helicopters and aircraft.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05With a shared love of motor racing
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Mike and Frances are keen to move to a county
0:05:08 > 0:05:12that provides the perfect backdrop for their favourite pastime.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Motorsport is a fairly big part of our lives.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19We go and watch motor races about once every fortnight or three weeks in the season.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Our reason for moving to Northamptonshire
0:05:21 > 0:05:24is, of course, Silverstone's in Northamptonshire,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28so we'd like to be closer to the circuit than we are currently.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33We're members of the Silverstone Racing Club, and go there quite a lot.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38And it takes two-and-a-quarter hours from here,
0:05:38 > 0:05:43so that anywhere that takes, say, an hour's drive would be such a treat.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48After so many years spent living in the same house, our buyers know their neighbours well,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and they're hoping to find a similar sense of community in Northamptonshire.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56They also have a clear idea of what they want from their next home.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00I don't think we'd want to be particularly isolated,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03a village or the edge of a village, I think, would suit us,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05would suit is very well.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08What we'd like would be three bedrooms, minimum,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10two reception rooms,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13slightly larger kitchen than we have now,
0:06:13 > 0:06:18and I'd like a conservatory, cos I like the one we have,
0:06:18 > 0:06:23and I've never had a utility room, so a utility room would be nice.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27We don't mind whether it's detached, or semi-detached.
0:06:27 > 0:06:34And a large garage or at least space to erect a large garage if one isn't available.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I think our main concerns about moving
0:06:36 > 0:06:39is the amount of stuff we've got.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41We're both magpies.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I've got about 7,000 books,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46hundreds and hundreds of CDs.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51So, they'll need plenty of storage space.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Only one more thing to factor in, and that's the finances.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Our budget for the move will be £325,000.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04But if there was something particularly wonderful or ideal
0:07:04 > 0:07:08we might perhaps stretch to £350,000.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17I get the impression that Mike and Frances's property requirements are not too taxing,
0:07:17 > 0:07:21as long as they're close to their beloved Silverstone motor circuit.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25However, we are also housing a 17-foot long car.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Whoever heard of such a thing?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Mike and Frances have asked us to focus our search
0:07:32 > 0:07:34on the area around Silverstone village,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37which is just over 10 miles south of Towcester.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40We've got three great properties for them to explore,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42but as usual before I reveal the price
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I'll ask them to guess how much each property is on the market for.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Our last property is as ever our mystery house,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52and I'm hoping our couple will fall for its unusual charms.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- Morning, morning, morning.- Hello.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Welcome to Northamptonshire. - Thank you.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02I know that one of the main factors of your move
0:08:02 > 0:08:06is finding a home for your very large car.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- It's about 17 feet long. - That's long!
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Well...- There are longer.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15I'm sure. Do you know this area in terms of villages and properties?
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Not all that well.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18We've got one or two well-beaten paths to Silverstone,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20but apart from that no, not really.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23It'll be an adventure looking at new properties.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Absolutely, all we've done so far is look on the internet.- Very good.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Well I suggest that we get in our hot rod,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- sort of hot rod, and find and properties.- Great.- Come with me.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Mike and Frances have a budget of £325,000,
0:08:41 > 0:08:46although they could stretch to £350,000 for the right property.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49They're looking for a three-bedroom house with two reception rooms,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53one of which they'll use as a lounge and the other as a dining room.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57They'd also like a good-sized kitchen and a conservatory.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00And a utility room would be an added bonus.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02But the absolute essential
0:09:02 > 0:09:04is space for their classic car.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We begin our search in the pretty village of Charwelton
0:09:14 > 0:09:16which is to the west of Towcester,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19it's only 20 miles from the village of Silverstone
0:09:19 > 0:09:22and our buyers' beloved racetrack.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Surrounded by farmland, Charwelton offers the peaceful country life Mike and Frances are after.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31There's plenty of amenities including a village hall, a church, and a pub.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The property I'm showing them is a semi-detached stone cottage,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38dating back to 1736.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Here we have house number one.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45That's fun, isn't it? Cute.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46It's very pretty.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49It looks as if it had a lot of work done on it, as well.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Yes, it's been extensively remodelled.
0:09:51 > 0:09:57Well, it's 275 years old, and it's a charming, compact property.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58What do you think from the outside?
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- It looks absolutely delightful. - It does look lovely. Yes.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03I suppose the pressing issue
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- is going to be housing the beautiful monster.- Yes!
0:10:07 > 0:10:09So shall we look at that first?
0:10:09 > 0:10:10- OK.- Good idea.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12'Well I think that's a thumbs up so far.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16'Just as long as there's a potential home for their car.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:23Unsurprisingly, this house doesn't have a garage for a 17-foot car.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27It being a rather petite country cottage.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32However, we have enquired about planning and regulations,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36and it seems that it's not infeasible that at some point
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- you could construct something here. - Oh, right.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41That's eight-foot wide.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Will she get through there?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Oh yes.- Yes.- I think so.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48A tight turn from that road. But she'd get it.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- So can we leave the car behind and look at the house?- OK.- Good idea.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58'In the courtyard there is also a small outbuilding that could work as a utility area,
0:10:58 > 0:11:03'but I'm taking them to a room that I think will particularly appeal to them.'
0:11:03 > 0:11:04So we enter in the back.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Thank you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Straight into the conservatory,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12kitchen area.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- It's nice and bright.- It is.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Lovely views of the garden. - I like it. It's a good size.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Bearing in mind it's a relatively small cottage.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Workers' cottage. - It's a good size. Yes.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Let's go through and look at the living room.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31'Well, they wanted a conservatory and a large kitchen,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33'so we're on the right track.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37'Let's hope the sitting room meets their requirements too.'
0:11:38 > 0:11:40What do you think of this?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- A surprisingly nice sized room. - Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Even the ceiling height.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49From the outside you do think it's going to be a bit pokey.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53But actually the extension, I think, has been really well done.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55And these rooms have probably been opened up,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58they may well have been divided at some point.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03'Next to the sitting room is a bedroom which is currently being used as a snug.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05'If they turn this into a reading room
0:12:05 > 0:12:08'some of their many possessions could be accommodated here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12'Upstairs there's a guest bedroom with exposed timber beams,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15'and an attractive, contemporary bathroom.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17'But we'll check out where they might sleep.'
0:12:17 > 0:12:19This would be your room.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Surprisingly light and airy, isn't it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Yes, and the high ceilings are definitely a good point.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29As I mentioned, you only have two bedrooms upstairs,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31is that going to be a deal-breaker?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34No, it'll cut down the number of visitors we have!
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- OK, so that's your lot in terms of inside space.- Right.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Shall we have a peak in the garden? - Yes, let's.- After you.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49'Mike and Frances haven't expressed the need for a particular size of garden,
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'but I'm hoping the mature shrubs and bushes will be to their liking.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Now, we have to cross this little rabbit-proof fence
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- so give me your hand. - Thank you.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Not huge, but charming.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Yes, I think I could cope with something this size. yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11I really have no idea.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Haven't moved for 30 years.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17But I'll just guess our budget, £325,000.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19OK. What about you, Mike?
0:13:19 > 0:13:24I'd say, probably, £335,000.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Well, it is actually right on your budget.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29It's on for £325,000.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31So, yes, it's all there.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35It's whether you love it enough to want to proceed.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Have a look inside, go and look in the rooms we didn't see,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42and I shall meet you back in the garden and we can proceed from there.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- OK.- In you go.- Thank you.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Matching their minimum budget of £325,000,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54this beautifully-presented cottage has three bedrooms,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56one of which is currently being used as a snug,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00a good-sized kitchen which leads on to a conservatory,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and a large reception room with period features.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06There's also a pretty, mature garden
0:14:06 > 0:14:08tucked at the back of the property.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11When I first saw the house it looked very small,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14very chocolate boxy, but very, very small.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15However, once you get inside,
0:14:15 > 0:14:20the extension that's been built just makes it so light and airy.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23When I first saw the property I was very taken by it,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I thought how pretty it looked.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28And indeed how well cared for, well-kept.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I thought it was likely to be quite small,
0:14:30 > 0:14:36and was agreeably surprised when we went in to find it's really quite spacious.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Very quirky, lots of nooks and crannies which I like very much.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43So, house number one done and dusted.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44- Yes.- I liked that.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48And if you can bear travelling in my very less than classic car,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50we'll go onto the next one.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Northamptonshire has a fine architectural heritage,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and as Mike and Frances are interested in local history,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09earlier in the week we arranged for them to visit
0:15:09 > 0:15:13one of the county's gems, the magnificent Elizabethan manor,
0:15:13 > 0:15:14Canons Ashby.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18It's been the home of the Dryden family for the last 450 years,
0:15:18 > 0:15:23and Laura Malpas from the National Trust is showing them around.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26The earliest part of the house that you can see
0:15:26 > 0:15:28is the central tower here,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31built probably around 1550 to 1555,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33by John Dryden who came down from Cumbria.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35This is, we believe,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39a kind of Cumbrian architectural design called a peel tower.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42When he realised there were no marauding Scots people
0:15:42 > 0:15:45he then went on to build an H-shaped Tudor house.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Although the core of the house dates back to around 1550,
0:15:49 > 0:15:54there are subsequent additions from the more recent Georgian and Victorian eras.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58170 volunteers keep the house and gardens ticking over,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02and 10 of the rooms are open to the public.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05Welcome to Sir Henry's book room.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Sir Henry was our Victorian owner of Canons Ashby.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11He made wonderful drawings and recordings
0:16:11 > 0:16:15of the gardens at Canons Ashby, all the architectural features.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16He drew everything.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18And you can just imagine him sitting here
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and gazing at his beautiful garden.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Do you remember imperial measures, a chain?
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Yes.- Oh yes.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27This is a Victorian chain,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30which Sir Henry used to measure the dimensions of the garden.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33You can see his glasses and we've got his drawing implements,
0:16:33 > 0:16:37and these indeed are some of the drawings that he made.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- You can see he was very talented... - A real draughtsman, absolutely.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Now, Sir Henry was quite a character.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45He was very practical, very pragmatic,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and he didn't really stand on ceremony.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51And he believed if he had a house guest coming to stay,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53that they really should earn their dinner.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57So he used to keep a handy selection of gardening tools here,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00so that if somebody was coming for dinner and they looked like
0:17:00 > 0:17:03they should then their supper, he'd send them out
0:17:03 > 0:17:05to do a spot of gardening, a bit of weeding.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Shall we go on?
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Different parts of the house
0:17:09 > 0:17:13chart the Dryden family fortunes back through the centuries.
0:17:13 > 0:17:19The drawing room in particular provides a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship
0:17:19 > 0:17:21seen in the domed plasterwork ceiling
0:17:21 > 0:17:24which was installed in 1632 by Sir John Dryden,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27who, it seems, was an incredibly busy man.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29John was 53
0:17:29 > 0:17:31and childless and wifeless,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35so the family found him a 22-year-old who was,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37even better, was an heiress,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40and in nine years she gave him nine children.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Making up for lost time! - He certainly did.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49He put up this celebratory ceiling, probably using her money,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53and all of the symbols on it are do with fertility.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56So we've got thistles, bursting open pomegranates,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59bunches of grapes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Nine children!
0:18:01 > 0:18:03In nine years! Good heavens!
0:18:03 > 0:18:06I think she died quite soon after that.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Canons Ashby is also renowned for its pristine lawns,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15with croquet a regular pastime for visitors like Mike and Frances.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Let's hope we won't have to jump through too many hoops
0:18:18 > 0:18:21as we continue our house search.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Our second property is in the village of Wood Burcote
0:18:29 > 0:18:32which is just a mile down the road from Towcester,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Northamptonshire's oldest town.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38In the 18th-century this vibrant market town became a popular
0:18:38 > 0:18:42stop off point for stagecoaches travelling from London to Holyhead.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47And the pretty 12th century church of St Lawrence still survives today.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51The property I'm showing them is a detached stone cottage
0:18:51 > 0:18:54with motor racing connections that I think they'll like.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Now, we are only three miles from Silverstone now.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Brilliant. - Smell the burning rubber!
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Exactly. Smell Formula 1 in the air.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07And this is the property I want to show you.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It's intriguing, isn't it?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Another, looks old, and the stone built is fun.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Slightly less old, 200 years old this one.- Gosh. Modern!
0:19:16 > 0:19:18It used to belong to Lord Hesketh.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Oh, right! - Who I'm sure you know as well.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Indeed, yes, he gave James Hunt his Formula 1 drive.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26There you go, I knew you'd know that.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I've never heard of him, but anyway.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Used to belong to his estate
0:19:31 > 0:19:33and again, probably a farm workers' cottage
0:19:33 > 0:19:36or a hay barn of some kind. It's been extensively remodelled.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38It's actually quite modern inside.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41It looks a bit bigger than the last one.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44It actually has all the rooms you asked for.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes.- Yes.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52'This house has all the right credentials on the outside,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54'let's hope they find the interior as appealing.'
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Straight into the kitchen.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Right.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Quite a different layout, here.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Yes. I think this is very attractive and spacious,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08a lot more space than we used to, so that would be nice.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09I think that's gas.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11It is, double gas.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Great, wonderful.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14So it scores well on that.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17You could cook up a storm there.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Nice floor, like the floor as well.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23So you've got a utility room in the little hallway there.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25You seem a bit more positive about this one.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Is that because it used to belong to Lord Hesketh?
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Well, that's got to help, hasn't it?
0:20:31 > 0:20:32I think it's probably sold it!
0:20:32 > 0:20:34What about this room?
0:20:36 > 0:20:38This is the living space.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Here we've got a bit more living space than in the last one.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Because we've got the dining room here as well.- Yes.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47It's a lovely room. It's a beautiful floor.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51I'm just a bit concerned that it is living and dining together.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I prefer separate spaces.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- For dining?- Hmm.- Right, OK.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57What about you, Mike?
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Again, it's a nice big room, nice and airy,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03and again the ceilings aren't too low.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07I get the impression that you're not very used to open plan.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08No. No.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10So that would be different.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Would take a bit of getting used to.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Well, there it an option for more downstairs space around the corner.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24This is a bit of a conundrum room.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Because I'm not sure what you would use it for.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Could be a book room, perhaps?
0:21:29 > 0:21:30It could.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Gosh, yes, that would be good, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Again, quite a nice sized room.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37It has an attached bathroom, shower room,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39so it lends itself to being an extra bedroom
0:21:39 > 0:21:41but I don't you need an extra bedroom
0:21:41 > 0:21:44because you've actually got three upstairs.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47After you've done some heavy duty reading you can freshen up in the ensuite.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49A scrub down!
0:21:49 > 0:21:51If you've read anything a bit heated!
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Talking of that, let's go upstairs.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00'We're heading back through the living room
0:22:00 > 0:22:02'to explore the layout on the first floor,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05'where I think there should be plenty of room for all the possessions.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08'Off the landing there's a good size double bedroom,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12'and a small single room currently used as a dressing room.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'There's also a pleasant family bathroom
0:22:15 > 0:22:17'with a rolltop top, and a shower.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20'But I'm taking them to what could be their room.'
0:22:20 > 0:22:23I wanted to show you the master bedroom,
0:22:23 > 0:22:28which is an interesting shape.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- Yes.- Interesting window.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33The dual aspect makes it very light.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Absolutely. It's quite fun, isn't it?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39And not a bad size.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41And the back of the house so very quiet.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- Yes.- Shall we have a look outside and for space for the lady?- Oh, gosh.
0:22:46 > 0:22:52'As their car or the old lady as they fondly refer to it is such a key part of their move,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56'it's time to see what living quarters might be available for her.'
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Garden, again, not massive,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02but you didn't want a massive garden so that's fine.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Space around the corner for a little shed.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07They did put in planning permission to extend the house,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11so I don't think there would be any problem with putting a garage on the side.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14There's obviously that extra expense you'd have to factor in.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17And we'd have to look at the space as well.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21What do you think it on the market for?
0:23:21 > 0:23:22You go first this time.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24330.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I'd say 335.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29This one is actually a bit more expensive.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33This is on at the top of your budget at 350.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34It's not been terribly long,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but I guess it's because of its location
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and also because of the extra bedroom.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41But do have a look around inside,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44think about whether the layout works, the size works.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- And then we can compare notes afterwards.- OK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Costing £350,000 this barn conversion
0:23:55 > 0:23:58is at the top end of their budget.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00But then it does have four bedrooms,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03one of which could make a great reading room for our buyers.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05There's also a good-sized kitchen,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08and a large open-plan sitting and dining room.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Outside there is a manageable garden
0:24:10 > 0:24:13and space to build a garage for their car,
0:24:13 > 0:24:14better known as the old lady.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Another interesting house,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20and probably more of the sort of house were looking for.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22It's more open plan than the first house,
0:24:22 > 0:24:27the only compromise is that you'd be dining in the sitting room
0:24:27 > 0:24:31or sitting in the dining room, but that's not a huge compromise at all.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34So all in all, I think, yes, it's a nice house.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38I think this house meets our needs more closely
0:24:38 > 0:24:40than the previous house we look back.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44It's got a lovely feel, a lovely ambience,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47and it's interesting, it's got character,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49there's space for the old lady.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53However, we would want to build a garage or carport
0:24:53 > 0:24:55which might be a bit difficult
0:24:55 > 0:25:00because this is at the absolute top of our budget.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03But overall it's a very pleasant,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06very attractive property.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Right, let's go and retire for the day.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22As the sun sets in Northamptonshire
0:25:22 > 0:25:25the first day of our property search draws to a close.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Car-racing enthusiasts Mike and Frances
0:25:35 > 0:25:39are keen to swap urban life for a peaceful country home.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41We've shown them two properties so far.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45One which was tantalisingly close to their favourite racetrack.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Smell the burning rubber.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Exactly. Smell Formula 1.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53'However, I'm still hoping our couple will be tempted
0:25:53 > 0:25:56'by the eccentric charms of our mystery property.'
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It's a bit higgledy-piggledy.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59That doesn't worry us.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Day two, and I have to say I was quite pleased
0:26:07 > 0:26:10with the result of our first day of property shopping.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Mike particularly was impressed, I think, with the properties.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Although Frances has a slightly more steely, insightful gaze
0:26:16 > 0:26:20when it comes to things like structural problems, storage, where to put things.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23So the mystery house, although is not a classic mystery
0:26:23 > 0:26:25in that it's not a ruined castle or a windmill,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27it will definitely give them space.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36I'm conscious that you must have amassed
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- quite a lot of stuff in 30 years. - True.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Are you getting anxious about having a house
0:26:42 > 0:26:44that's going to fit it all in?
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Well, yes, I think so.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49We're trying to declutter a bit,
0:26:49 > 0:26:54but there's so much stuff that we really don't want to get rid of.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58So one thing you're not going to declutter is the Bentley.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Erm...- He might get a more modern one, possibly.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03But that would be even bigger.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15'For our mystery house I'm taking them to the rural hamlet of Gayton,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17'which is just to the north of Towcester.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21'Set in idyllic countryside, Gayton is a peaceful village
0:27:21 > 0:27:25'full of historical buildings with some charming thatched cottages.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29'The village is well served with a pub and local shops.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34'The house I'm showing them is a semi-detached cottage,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37'which has a hidden entrance, access through the car parking space.'
0:27:37 > 0:27:39The mystery house.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Now, I have to say,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I'm afraid this is where Her Majesty's going to have to go.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- Right.- OK.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47It is 18 foot long.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Well that's more space than she's got now.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53A few more inches.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56We're not sure how YOU'D get in the house.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59You just have to have a rope ladder
0:27:59 > 0:28:02to climb over the car to get into the door,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04which we shall do much easier now.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06'It's a relief they're sounding OK
0:28:06 > 0:28:09'about manoeuvring past their car to get in.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12'I hope they'll remain as open-minded
0:28:12 > 0:28:14'about the unique layout of the house.'
0:28:18 > 0:28:21OK, so a better view of the actual house here
0:28:21 > 0:28:23from your little magic garden.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26It's another picture book place.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27Absolutely.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- It's a little bit higgledy-piggledy. - That doesn't worry us.- No.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33- Not a problem?- No, it'll be fun. - And from the outside?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Yes. It looks delightful.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38It looks really pretty.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Let's look inside.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42'All very positive so far,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45'and there are certainly more delights to come.'
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Straight into the kitchen
0:28:49 > 0:28:51and this is probably the biggest one I've shown you.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It is, yes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- Good size, isn't it? - Yes, and lovely floor.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And lovely cross beams which are quite unusual.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01It's fun, isn't it?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04It's a big kitchen, space for a big table.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- Yes.- What do you think, Mike?
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Yes, I like it. It's nice, good size.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12What about the dining table in the kitchen?
0:29:12 > 0:29:16I don't actually like dining in the kitchen, I have to confess.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Well as I mentioned, this house has many rooms.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22I'm sure you can put a dining table somewhere else. Let's have a look.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27'In contrast to the modern kitchen this house also has some wonderful period features,
0:29:27 > 0:29:31'as they'll discover when they see the next room.'
0:29:31 > 0:29:32This is the other main room.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Right, it's a lovely room.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- Absolutely delightful. The fireplace.- Gosh.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Dual aspect. It's very pretty.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43It is.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Actually, it's a very functional room, lived in and liveable.- Yes.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49What do you think of the vibe of the house, Mike?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51It's great, isn't it?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It is, it's a charming place.
0:29:53 > 0:29:54Absolutely delightful.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- There's a nice terrace outside where you can eat in the summer,- Yes.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00But let's have a look upstairs.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05'The house seems to be winning them over, even without a dining room.'
0:30:05 > 0:30:08This room, probably not big enough for a dining table,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- but a lovely snug. - It is, it's delightful.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Quirky.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14'It's on up to the first floor
0:30:14 > 0:30:17'where there's a good-sized master bedroom.'
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Here's your bedroom.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Certainly big enough, isn't it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:26Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28It is. And unusual. Beams.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Storage, light.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Sort of window, floor level.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36Yes, I like that.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39And how are you getting under the door?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Do you have to remember to duck?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- Not by much. - And it has a very nice ensuite.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Ensuite as well, my word!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Which is very charming. Spacious.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Let's peek upstairs as well so you get the idea of how many rooms there are.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58'Opposite the main bedroom is a guest room with exposed ceiling beams,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01'and a contemporary shower room.
0:31:01 > 0:31:07'This house also has a landing space that cleverly doubles as an office.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11'But we're continuing up more stairs where there are yet more bedrooms.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18So now we really are up in the eaves.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20With this room up in the attic.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22And on the other side
0:31:22 > 0:31:25you've got exactly the same. It's sort of like symmetrical.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- That's amazing, isn't it? - And two staircases.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32I love all these staircases, such good exercise.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- It's quite a quirky... - It certainly is, yes.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39And it's much, much bigger than you'd think from the outside.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Is it the sort of quirk that appeals to you, though?
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- Very much so.- Oh yes.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45It's just whether
0:31:45 > 0:31:48you're going to be able to get the big old Bentley in.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Well, perhaps we'll get smaller car.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51Oh!
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Did I hear that you were thinking of maybe shopping in the big car?
0:31:55 > 0:31:56Well...
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Mind you, I would believe that when I see it, I have to say.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02But it would be stupid that the car would become a deal-breaker.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05A house has got to come before a car.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06Music to my ears.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10I kind of wish you'd told us that before we started searching for the houses, but still...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I'm actually fairly gobsmacked hearing him say that
0:32:13 > 0:32:16and I'm not entirely sure that I completely believe it.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- We'll see.- You can work on him.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Let's go back to the ground floor and talk about price.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23Oh dear.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28'So, the car may be sporting its own for sale sign soon,
0:32:28 > 0:32:30'as they seem to have really embraced
0:32:30 > 0:32:32'the unusual layout of this property.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34'But how much do they think it's worth?'
0:32:34 > 0:32:37It's a bit like coming out of a labyrinth
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and suddenly you're back in the fresh air.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Yes, it's like a Chinese box, isn't it?
0:32:42 > 0:32:43It's brilliant.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Certainly much bigger than you think from the outside.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50The missing piece of the puzzle is the price.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54It's got to be over our budget.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57I'll just pick a figure out of the air and say £360,000.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I was going say that. 365.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Ah, so a little bit more.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06Well, it's actually £50 less than your budget.
0:33:06 > 0:33:07Good grief!
0:33:07 > 0:33:11It's on the market just under £350,000.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12Oh!
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Why don't you both go and explore and see what is doable.- Right.- OK.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25'For just shy of their maximum £50,000 budget,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28'this quirky former pub has plenty to offer.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31'It has four bedrooms, a large eat-in kitchen,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34'the main sitting room features exposed beams,
0:33:34 > 0:33:36'with an inglenook fireplace.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38'There's also a small parking bay
0:33:38 > 0:33:39'at the front of the house
0:33:39 > 0:33:42'where their beloved car could reside
0:33:42 > 0:33:43'if they don't sell it.'
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I think it's a brilliant house. It's fantastic.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51Not a straight line or a right angle anywhere,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55rooms opening one into and one out of the another like a Chinese box.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It's just fascinating.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00When we came to the house I thought, gosh,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02cute but small.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04In actual fact it's cute but large.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07I think at one time it was a public house,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10and the rooms are just fun.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12I didn't think there's a street beam
0:34:12 > 0:34:14or a straight wall in the house at all.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15It goes up two floors,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18most rooms are a good size, it's absolutely fascinating.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I think we've with both fallen in love with the place.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25The slight downside is the parking space outside,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I don't think it'll be big enough for the big car,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31so perhaps it's time to get a smaller car instead.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Ah!
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- See, that was a long discussion. - It certainly was.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Long discussion is good discussion.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42But I'm going to have to drag you away from this mystery house
0:34:42 > 0:34:43to make some decisions.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58In 1642 Civil War broke out in England
0:34:58 > 0:35:02when King Charles declared war on his subjects
0:35:02 > 0:35:05after they questioned his divine right to rule.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08I've come to where one of the key conflicts,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10the Battle of Naseby, was fought
0:35:10 > 0:35:13between the Royalists of King Charles,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and the Parliamentarian soldiers of Oliver Cromwell.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18The site is a treasure trove of objects
0:35:18 > 0:35:22which allow military historians like Martin Marix Evans
0:35:22 > 0:35:25to understand more about how the battle unfolded.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28I'm assuming some of the evidence about what happened that day
0:35:28 > 0:35:32comes from people finding things, farmers digging things up?
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Yes. I've got with me a 12-ball musket ball.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Oh, it's heavy.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40It's one 12th of a pound of lead.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- Is that why it's called 12 ball? - Yes.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44That weighs just the same amount.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It's cut off a slug of lead before it was melted down to make a musket ball,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52but if you look at the surface carefully you'll see there are dots on it.
0:35:52 > 0:35:53- It's a dice.- It is.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56You can imagine them on the night before the battle,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58playing dice,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02in order to take their mind off what might happen to them the following day.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05One of the most touching things perhaps is this.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07This is a little piece of silver,
0:36:07 > 0:36:09and looking at it here,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12the lettering
0:36:12 > 0:36:14is Y
0:36:14 > 0:36:16C E.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18And we believe this is the tail end
0:36:18 > 0:36:20of Joyce.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Oh, so it's someone...
0:36:22 > 0:36:24The girl's name. That's so sweet.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28And whoever had that in his pocket
0:36:28 > 0:36:30turned the edges up
0:36:30 > 0:36:34so he wouldn't mistake it for a coin and he would keep it.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37But also we don't know what happened to Joyce.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Did he ever get back to see her?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42It's wonderful how these things come alive.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45This was fought by real people, this battle.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47It wasn't just a thing in the history books.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52During the Battle of Naseby the Parliamentarian Army of Cromwell
0:36:52 > 0:36:55inflicted a fatal blow on the Royalists of King Charles,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58which eventually led to their defeat.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03The Battle of Naseby is being celebrated
0:37:03 > 0:37:06at the annual Festival of History nearby.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10I've come to meet two Civil War re-enactors
0:37:10 > 0:37:14to see if I can tell the difference between a Royalist and a Parliamentarian.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Afternoon, gentlemen. Looking very splendid indeed.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Are you, surely, a Royalist?
0:37:21 > 0:37:22No, I'm actually a Parliamentarian.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25It's a popular myth both sides looked very different.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Civil war, society split down the middle,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29officers were generally gentlemen,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32gentlemen were fashionable and wore fashionable clothes.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34How do they know which one to kill?
0:37:34 > 0:37:37By the colour of the scarf, or a sash as you might call it nowadays.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39The Royalists generally wore red.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Parliamentary soldiers wore the colour of their generals personal colour.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48Do you sympathise philosophically or ideologically with one side or the other?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51The Parliamentary cause would be the one I'd support.
0:37:51 > 0:37:52What about you, Stephen?
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I would have chosen the Parliamentarians side,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59because that was the origins of our modern Parliamentary democracy.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- And they won. - Of course we did!
0:38:03 > 0:38:05So who's missing?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07The pikemen, which is going to be you.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12The pikemen were a defensive line which protected the musketeers
0:38:12 > 0:38:14by presenting a fearful set of spikes
0:38:14 > 0:38:18against which the cavalry would hesitate to attack.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20This is going to stop me
0:38:20 > 0:38:22from being hacked to death by a Royalist.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It won't be musket proof
0:38:24 > 0:38:26but it will protect you from pikes and swords.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28So, it wasn't really much use for this army.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Not towards the end of the war. Both sides realised
0:38:31 > 0:38:34the musket was the dominant weapon on the battlefield.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37'Well, it's time for me
0:38:37 > 0:38:41'to leave the battlefield behind and get back to the day job.'
0:38:43 > 0:38:46I think you'll have to agree that for the 325 to 350 price mark
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Northamptonshire has come up trumps.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Those were three very handsome cottages,
0:38:52 > 0:38:54quite big enough for two people on their own,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58but maybe not big enough for 30 years of Croydon and the old lady.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Let's find out which one they like the best.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Isn't Northamptonshire lovely?
0:39:07 > 0:39:08- Glorious.- Beautiful county.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I have to thank you for tasking us to find you a house here.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14It's been such a lovely week exploring the county,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16looking at all these properties.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17- It's been wonderful.- It has.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Apart from looking round the lovely countryside,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22we also showed you three houses
0:39:22 > 0:39:24so I'd like to get your views on those.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Go through them one by one, let's go back to the first property.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28Your thoughts about that now?
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Very picturesque.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31Yes, it was cute.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- In beautiful condition. - Good decorative order.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36It was delightful.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38But I think a bit small all-round.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Silly with just two of us.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Yes, for two normal people who aren't magpies it would be ideal.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I think for us it was just a tad on the small side.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50The second house, however, did have more space for your bits and bobs.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53It was considerably bigger and it did have space
0:39:53 > 0:39:55not only for the old lady,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- but also for my little runabout and some visitors' cars as well.- Yeah.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02And a fascinating history, Lord Hesketh being the owner
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and the connection with Formula 1 there was very interesting.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10But it was right at very top of our budget,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and we would still have had to construct
0:40:13 > 0:40:17some sort of carport or garage for the old lady.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Yes, and I think
0:40:19 > 0:40:24- there was a question about the sitting and dining area as well. - Yes.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28We do like a separate dining room and that wasn't an option, really.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30The dining room and the old lady
0:40:30 > 0:40:32both came into play in the mystery house,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35although here, interestingly, they didn't seem quite so important.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39The mystery house was boggling. It was wonderful.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42I kept likening it to a Chinese box,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45there were more and more rooms opening one out of the other.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50It was such an exciting, intriguing place.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53From the outside it just didn't look big at all.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54Yes, the TARDIS effect.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It was absolutely delightful,
0:40:56 > 0:41:01not a straight line or square corner or straight beam.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Rooms leading to other rooms. It was absolutely delightful.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06It's interesting though,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10because, it actually didn't meet your brief really at all.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11There wasn't a huge garage,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15the old lady would either have to be hung drawn and quartered,
0:41:15 > 0:41:16or parked on the road.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18And there wasn't a separate dining room.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20And yet you still loved it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Absolutely. But those are the problems.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26And really, what do we need with that number of bedrooms?
0:41:26 > 0:41:29But it's just so fascinating.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30It really grabs us.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33We can always downsize the car, can't we?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35I reserve judgement on this.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Frances, give me the inside scoop, do you think that will ever happen?
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I just don't know. I was amazed when he came out with that.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So I shall await the future with interest.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47It's clearly what keeps your marriage so exciting.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Always surprising one another. Well very good.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Would you proceed on any of them?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53What is the next step?
0:41:53 > 0:41:57We might contact the estate agent for the mystery house.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01I think the third house is definitely a contender.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Well I'm very glad that we managed to come up trumps,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07despite a slightly challenging brief.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- A bit bizarre, I know. - Bigger garage than house, please.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Yes.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14And I fully expect to see you
0:42:14 > 0:42:18peddling your pushbikes over the hills of Northamptonshire very soon.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Perhaps not that far!
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- Thank you very much. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28It's really lovely to have a couple whose house hunting is galvanised
0:42:28 > 0:42:31not only by the love of the beautiful English countryside,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35but a fantastic, single point, single location hobby
0:42:35 > 0:42:37like Silverstone motor racing.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39However, it would be very ironic
0:42:39 > 0:42:44if Frances and Mike then sold their beautiful car in order to do that.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Ironic, but perhaps fitting.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Because this is a lovely place to escape to.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50If you've enjoyed the show this time round,
0:42:50 > 0:42:54but sure you tune in next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Mike and Frances decided they could not part with the old lady,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01not even for the mystery property which they loved.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04So the house hunt in Northamptonshire continues.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:06 > 0:43:09in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:09 > 0:43:15and need our help, please apply online at:
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd