Kent Escape to the Country


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These oysters have been tickling the nation's taste buds since Roman times,

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placing this seaside town firmly on the map, but where am I? Find out in just a moment.

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'In today's show, I'll be helping a couple beat a retreat from Greater London

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'and enjoy the peace of country life.

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'One of our houses sends their spirits soaring.'

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I'm quite blown away by this.

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'But does it come with the right price tag?'

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-You're looking at me longingly.

-Yes. If it's any more, we're in trouble.

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Today, I'm in Kent in the fishing town of Whitstable.

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Now, oysters have been caught here for almost 2,000 years

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and in the industry's heyday during the 19th century,

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more than 80 million oysters were dispatched from here to the fish markets of London every year.

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Today, the tradition is remembered with an annual oyster festival

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and I'll be joining in the fun later in the programme.

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First, let's take a look at what else this beautiful county has to offer.

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Rubbing shoulders with the capital, the south-eastern county of Kent also borders Surrey and East Sussex

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with which it shares a coastline,

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defined by stretches of chalky cliffs, offering vistas over the English Channel.

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Inland, Kent's crop fields, orchards and hop plantations give rise to the county's nickname

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of the Garden of England.

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The legacy from its hop-growing heritage is evident in its architecture

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with many former oast houses converted into dwellings,

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with their conical roofs a defining feature of Kent's rural landscape.

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If you're contemplating escaping to the Kent countryside,

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it's worth remembering that this county is very popular

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with city workers wanting a rural bolthole within easy commuting distance of the capital.

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In fact, with the introduction of the new super-fast rail link,

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it can take as little as 40 minutes to reach London.

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And those city salaries, well, they're keeping house prices buoyant.

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An average detached property here will cost you £61,000 more

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than the national average.

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So let's take a look at what's currently available.

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For offers over £400,000,

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this three-bedroom, Grade 2 listed, thatched cottage near Wingham

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has been tastefully modernised

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and boasts a large inglenook fireplace which harks back to its 17th century origins.

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Outside, the grounds extend to nearly a quarter of an acre.

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Or how about this four-bedroom, 1940s house in Little Chart

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for £599,000 with its charming thatched roof?

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Inside provides four reception rooms in which the original brick fireplaces are a running theme.

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You will need a big budget for this four-bedroom former granary in Hawkhurst,

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priced at £850,000.

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Its living spaces are open-plan with beams and trusses adding a rustic feel.

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Outside, the three-quarters of an acre of grounds include a swimming pool.

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Some cracking Kent properties there with three more to come,

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but first, we need some buyers, so let's meet them.

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Samantha and Miles currently live in their five-bedroom property in the London borough of Bromley.

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Samantha commutes to her job as a primary school headteacher 12 miles away

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and Miles takes the train into the city where he works for a bank.

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But recent events have forced them to take stock and seek out a more relaxed existence.

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We have a very busy lifestyle. We both work long hours in very busy jobs.

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And it would be really nice to actually leave work and come home to a quieter place.

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But what's really pushed us to think about it sooner rather than later wa my diagnosis of cancer 20 months ago

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which I have fully recovered from,

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but it does make you think a bit mor about perhaps getting there sooner rather than putting things off.

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They both have a clear vision of what they want from their new lifestyle.

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I quite like the idea of being part of a smaller community,

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as opposed to living in this area.

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You don't really get to know people because it's quite transient, people moving in and out.

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So I'd like to be part of a smaller community.

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Yeah, that would be lovely. We'd also like a bit more land, a bit more space.

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Not too much, but enough to actually consider getting back into gardening.

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I know they all say it, but growing your own, it would be so nice to have a greenhouse.

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While house-hunting in earnest over the past six weeks, they've drawn up a wish list for their next property.

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I think we're looking for a four-bedroom, detached house,

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hopefully with quite a large kitchen.

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I really do want those period features -

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the open fireplace.

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And I quite like beams, as long as the ceilings aren't too low. Beams are lovely.

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Around an acre of land, I think.

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And with that view, that outlook ove the countryside would be perfect.

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As well as not being overlooked,

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location is also a top priority

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as Sam needs good motorway access to work and Miles needs a train station.

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That's the shopping list for the house taken care of. The money has been finalised too.

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Our budget for the new property is £700,000.

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Ideally, it could be a little bit less than that because of the costs of moving

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and we don't want to increase our mortgage.

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The past 18 months have been challenging for Miles and Sam,

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but it seems Sam's battle with cancer has made them both focus their minds

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on what they really want from life.

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But what do they both want from a house?

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So far, they've viewed 11 properties and haven't found their dream home.

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Hopefully, we're going to change all that.

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'Mindful that we need fast train links into London for Miles

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'and easy access to the motorways for Sam,

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'we'll be focusing our house search in rural pockets around the Ashford area.

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'We've cherry-picked three beautiful country homes for them to see,

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'but they have to guess the price of each before I reveal it to them.

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'The last of these is our mystery house which throws an unexpected way of living into the mix.'

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-So, Miles and Sam, welcome to Kent, the Garden of England.

-Yeah.

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So you've had enough of city life and you're ready to be a bit more rural? Would that be true, Miles?

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Where we are is quite suburban and it's getting more and more built up all the time,

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so moving down here is completely different.

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-Before we start looking, remind me of your budget.

-700,000, but it would have to have the wow factor

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-and possibly a few period features.

-All right.

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-Ready to get going?

-Absolutely.

-Come on then. Let's go.

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With their £700,000 budget, Sam and Miles are looking for a detached property

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which gives them loads of character features.

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High on the wish list is a large kitchen/diner,

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four bedrooms, one of which can accommodate a study

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and an acre of garden with countryside views.

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Crucially, the location needs to have good transport links,

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so they can travel to their respective jobs.

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There's also other work they are passionate about continuing once they move.

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You've both set up a charity in the Bromley area. Tell me more about that.

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Yes, it's the South East London Breast Cancer Trust

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which we started up following my diagnosis of breast cancer in October 2009.

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And we have raised since then around £160,000

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and bought a specific piece of equipment for the hospital which has improved treatment for patients.

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Wow! Is this something you'll be involved with, even if you move down to Kent?

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I think we will. I'm Chairman of the Trust and Sam does a lot of the organisation,

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so I think we'll keep going for some time, yeah.

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-So we've got to find you a property that's got enough space, so you can run the charity from that?

-Yes.

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The top floor of our house at the moment is charity HQ,

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so we do need a place to stick everything when we move on.

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We'll bear that in mind along with good transport links

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as we get our property search under way close to the village of Charing.

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The train station here gives Miles good access to London via Ashford.

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It lay on the Pilgrims' Way between London and Canterbury

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and these days, many of its traditional timbered buildings

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house a great variety of independent shops and amenities.

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On the outskirts of the village lies this barn conversion.

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Its origins date back to the 19th century.

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What do you think about your first property?

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First impressions, it's really good. Really good, beautiful.

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-Yeah.

-Miles, what do you think?

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Yeah, I like it. It has a nice outlook across the fields.

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Yes, this dates back to about 1860. It's not listed.

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It's Flemish bonding style, the main part of the barn.

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-Yeah.

-And you've had two extensions with the English bonding style

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which is the bricks and the mortar either side.

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You've got a double garage that goes right back with plenty of storage.

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Yeah, that's really important for us

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And having this large driveway in, off-street parking, plenty of room to park a few cars, very good.

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-And a Kent peg tile roof.

-Yes, I like that.

-Typical for this area which is always lovely.

-Very pretty.

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-Time to step inside?

-OK.

-Yeah.

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'They've reacted very positively to the exterior

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'and they'll also find the interior has some striking features.'

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Do come on through.

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This is lovely.

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It's an impressive reception room, isn't it?

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It's the light on both sides coming through. That's quite unusual isn't it, to have it like that.

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You don't usually see this much light and so many windows in a barn.

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I love the wooden floors in here.

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It makes it quite rustic.

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-It's just the sense of space you get from that.

-Yeah.

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-And it doesn't detract from the main body of the house.

-No.

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And the actual living space with the fireplace brings that cosiness in, s you have got the best of both worlds

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-It's been thought through quite well

-You've got a downstairs cloakroom.

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And just to the left through that door is a study.

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-It's got an en-suite, so it could be a bedroom.

-You could do the two, couldn't you?

-Yeah.

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'The huge dimensions and style of this property seem to be winning them over,

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'but will the kitchen with the spacious utility room next door measure up?'

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So up just a couple of stairs leads us into our kitchen.

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Smaller than what I would have wanted

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-and probably I would give it a little bit of an update, but lots of potential here.

-Good.

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'I like Sam's use of the P-word and I think upstairs has plenty to offer too.

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'Off the galleried landing are three bedrooms,

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'two of which are doubles, and a modern family bathroom,

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'but we'll take a look at the master.'

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Yeah, I love the beams in here as well, carrying it through. It's lovely.

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-What do you think of the size of the bedroom?

-It's a little on the small size.

-Yeah.

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In terms of storage, within the bedroom, I think we'd struggle a bit with the size.

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You've got one wardrobe behind me.

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-Yeah.

-This bedroom also has an en-suite.

-Right.

-That's a big plus.

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It's recently been updated, so that wouldn't need anything doing to it.

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Yeah, the en-suite's a real biggie for us.

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'The stepladder leads up to the loft which is used as extra storage space for clothes.

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'With the house covered, it's time to survey the grounds outside which are mainly laid to lawn

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'and offer Sam plenty of scope for growing her vegetables and have those countryside views she wanted.'

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Do you think there's enough garden here for you? Is it manageable?

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Yeah, definitely. We don't need much more than this.

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-I can hear the road.

-That's the A20.

-Yeah.

-That is the A20.

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Just a very little minus there,

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but the outlook is lovely.

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How much is this beautiful barn on the market for?

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I would think about £600,000.

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-OK.

-I'm going to be a bit more generous.

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I think 625 would be a reasonable price.

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Right.

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You're both out by quite a large amount.

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-Oh, God!

-The current asking price, and it's just gone on the market, it's been on for two weeks now...

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£695,000,

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-so right near the top of your budget.

-Yeah.

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Go and have another look around because there is so much you could do with this barn.

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-It's a beautiful building. I'll catch up with you later.

-OK.

-Off you go.

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Although the price of £695,000 came as a surprise,

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our barn conversion is still under their budget

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and delivers many of the criteria on their wish list.

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It provides them with that wonderful reception area with the character features they were after,

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a kitchen/diner which, in Sam's words, had "potential",

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four possible bedrooms

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and a large garden with uninterrupted views.

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What's more, it's well located

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for them both to travel by road and rail to work.

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When I first came to the house, I thought, "Wow, what a good start,

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"absolutely fantastic, really good kerb appeal,"

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and coming into this first room with the light and the double-aspect barn windows was the wow factor.

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I fell in love with this room.

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The bedrooms, OK, but not sure I could go up and down a ladder to retrieve my clothes every morning

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I think this is a lovely-looking property, beautiful from the outside,

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and I'm quite excited about what you could do with this kitchen.

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If you opened it up into the utility room, it would be a fabulous space.

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I'd probably also want to do something with the outside patio area

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which, when that all comes together, feels like it will cost a fair amount of money.

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-Happy?

-Yeah, a very good start, Nicki.

-Good.

-Thank you.

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-All seen enough?

-Yes, thank you.

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-That's just the first one.

-I know.

-Still got more to come.

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Kent's reputation as the Garden of England flourishes thanks to its mild climate,

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due to its proximity to the sea.

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The rich heritage of many of its coastal towns also endures, a fine example being Faversham.

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Its centre is designated a conservation area

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and includes around 500 listed buildings.

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They chart the town's prosperity as a commercial port

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from the late medieval times to the Georgian era.

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Faversham is also appropriately home to the National Fruit Collection based at Brogdale Farm.

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As Sam and Miles are interested in growing their own,

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earlier in the week, we arranged for them to meet one of the orchard experts, Michael Austin.

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-Mike, is this an important area for fruit-growing generally?

-Yeah.

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Kent has always been one of the country's main fruit-growing areas.

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We're close to the sea, so we don't get the very hard frosts in spring that other parts of the country do.

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The first collection was started way back in 1800

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when, even in those days, they were worried that a lot of varieties were disappearing

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and they wanted to preserve them and stop them from dying out.

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All the varieties in the original collections are here, plus others that have come along since then,

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but we can go way back to a Roman apple

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which was supposedly around in about 450 AD.

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That would be our oldest apple, called Decio.

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So how many varieties do you have altogether?

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-Of apples, about 2,300.

-SAMANTHA LAUGHS

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There are roughly about 6,000 apple varieties worldwide, so we've got a fair chunk.

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-I'd say a few more than what's in the supermarket then.

-Just a few(!)

-It's unbelievable.

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The Collection is now owned by DEFRA,

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the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,

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and is part of an international initiative to conserve these plants' genetic diversity for the future.

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The orchards stretch to over 160 acres where 3,500 varieties of fruit thrive,

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including 550 pear varieties,

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320 different crops of cherries,

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and among its vast apple collection are 650 types from this country.

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This one is James Grieve

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which is considered what's called a dual-purpose apple,

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so at this time of the season, it will be an early cooker,

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then if you leave it longer on the tree, it mellows to become quite a nice eater.

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-That will be quite sharp now.

-Very sharp.

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-Yes, yes.

-And all the trees you've got here, people can take and grow themselves?

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We can propagate every variety in the Collection for people to plant in their gardens.

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-Right.

-That's amazing.

-So out of 2,300, there's quite a bit to...

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You need a very big garden.

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If you wanted to try them all!

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Given that Kent has lost more than 85% of its orchards over the last 50 years,

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it's good news that more apples are grown here than anywhere else in Britain

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and there's a wider agenda to protect the rich diversity of our natural food resources.

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'Our house search continues in the village of Mersham.

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'Ashford train station is just over four miles away, giving Miles a realistic commute to London.

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'There are two pubs to choose from in the village, along with a handy local shop.

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'And its church still retains some of its Norman origins.

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'Sitting at the end of a sweeping driveway, our second property has an architectural heritage of its own.

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'It's Grade 2 listed and it's in the quiet location they asked for.'

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Welcome to your second property.

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-Oh, this is lovely, Nicki. I really like this.

-Do you?

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Good kerb appeal?

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-Yeah. It's just beautiful.

-Miles, what do you think?

-It's a beautiful-looking house.

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-I wasn't expecting that entrance either. That's really nice.

-I don't know what to say.

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-It's very quiet here as well.

-It is.

-It's perfect, the house you would draw as a child.

-It is, yes.

-Yeah.

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Step inside.

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'As we enter round the side of the property, there is a fantastic timber-built garage

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'which could serve as a great charity HQ for them.

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'And inside the main house is where the history really comes alive.'

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So, please join me inside.

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-Oh, I do like this.

-The flooring is gorgeous.

-I know. Absolutely wonderful.

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Flagstone flooring.

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What a beautiful entrance!

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-It's so old, it's beautiful.

-It is. Over 300 years. Original beams.

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-It's lovely.

-The history of it, that's it for me.

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And wait till you see the kitchen.

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Yeah, really impressive again.

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The kitchen is brand-new. It was only done about four months ago.

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-It's got Spanish tiles on the floor.

-It's beautiful.

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I'm quite blown away by this.

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-And you look out over the garden.

-The view out there is wonderful.

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-The way the beams are exposed is what makes it, I think.

-It's really been thought through properly.

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-And you love period properties.

-Hmm.

-Miles, how are we doing?

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I think, just cos it's so nicely done, it works for me.

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'And next door carries on that rustic theme.'

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I think a rather intimate dining room.

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Yeah. On the small side compared to what we're used to,

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but it is just off the kitchen, so not too far away in terms of entertaining.

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-You've got access outside as well, so in the summer...

-That's a plus.

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-Let's continue.

-Yeah.

-'Adjacent to here is one of this property's two living rooms.

0:22:100:22:17

'This cosy snug's open fireplace provides a lovely focal point,

0:22:170:22:22

'but the other reception room gives the a more spacious option.'

0:22:220:22:26

This is somewhat larger than the other one, the snug.

0:22:260:22:31

-Yeah, this works better as a living space.

-Yeah.

-Definitely.

0:22:310:22:36

-But the features in here are beautiful. That radiator's stunning.

-It is beautiful.

-So ornate.

0:22:360:22:42

-And again you've got the wood burner.

-Two quite big settees here.

0:22:420:22:47

-So there's plenty of space.

-Can you imagine yourselves living here?

0:22:470:22:52

-Oh, I could.

-Look at both of you, smiling away. That's very good.

0:22:520:22:57

-Do you fancy heading upstairs?

-I can't wait.

-To the bedrooms.

0:22:570:23:02

'The style and layout of this beautiful home seems to be hitting the right note.

0:23:030:23:09

'Let's see if we can build on that upstairs.' So we've got four bedrooms in total.

0:23:090:23:15

-And this one is the master.

-Lovely.

-Big enough size.

0:23:150:23:19

Yeah, absolutely. I don't know what to say.

0:23:190:23:24

Which is quite a first for me. I's just beautiful.

0:23:240:23:29

You've got storage there that leads through to the other bedroom.

0:23:290:23:34

You've got plenty of height as well.

0:23:340:23:37

-I'm saying it again. I'm blown away.

-Delighted, delighted.

0:23:370:23:41

-And if Miles feels the same, it's the icing on the cake. Pressure's on you, Miles.

-I think it is!

0:23:410:23:47

Good. Right.

0:23:470:23:49

'The other three bedrooms include a large, light double with that beautiful sash window

0:23:490:23:55

'and two smaller rooms, one of which they could turn into their study.

0:23:550:24:00

'And the family bathroom features an elegant roll-top bath.

0:24:000:24:04

'With a resounding thumbs up from both of them, it's time to reveal all the spoils outside.'

0:24:040:24:10

So here's all the land.

0:24:120:24:14

It's roughly between two and three acres in total.

0:24:140:24:18

So we've got our friend, the chicken. The pigs behind him.

0:24:180:24:22

We've got a menage at the back and a triple stable block here.

0:24:220:24:27

-We've got dog kennels there. I know you want to go walking, so you'd better get a dog!

-That's it!

0:24:270:24:34

We're surrounded by walks. That country way of life.

0:24:340:24:37

A double garage. And then the land goes all the way round there. With a huge mulberry tree behind us.

0:24:370:24:44

-Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

-It's a lovely setting, isn't it?

0:24:440:24:48

-I'd like to have a walk round it.

-I would love you to explore, but I won't let you until you tell me

0:24:480:24:55

-how much you think this is on the market for.

-This has got to be above our ceiling.

-I'll say £700,000.

0:24:550:25:02

I'm going higher.

0:25:020:25:04

£725,000.

0:25:040:25:06

-You're both looking at me longingly!

-We are!

0:25:060:25:10

If it's any more, we're in trouble!

0:25:100:25:13

OK.

0:25:130:25:15

Current price for this house. Between...

0:25:150:25:19

-£700,000 and £750,000.

-Right. So we're more or less on the money.

-Yeah.

0:25:190:25:26

Do have a wander. Go up and look at the stable block and work your way around the property

0:25:260:25:32

-and I'll meet you out the front. Off you go.

-Thank you.

0:25:320:25:36

Although it edges over their budget with a guide price of £700,000-£750,000,

0:25:360:25:43

we just had to show them this stunning period home,

0:25:430:25:47

which provides them with a high-spec country kitchen,

0:25:470:25:50

two reception rooms with original fireplaces, four bedrooms

0:25:500:25:55

and well over two acres of grounds with those all-important views.

0:25:550:26:00

I think it's a beautiful house in a lovely setting.

0:26:000:26:04

I think as you come into the house, it just looks beautiful.

0:26:040:26:08

Some of the rooms are quite small, but if they were any bigger the house would be a lot more money.

0:26:080:26:15

It's certainly a contender.

0:26:150:26:17

Character-wise, top of the list.

0:26:170:26:19

Very well done. My one reservation might be

0:26:190:26:24

location in terms of distance down the M20.

0:26:240:26:29

And the cost of travel for Miles might be a little bit of an issue.

0:26:290:26:34

Also we'd have to consider opening up this room with the dining room,

0:26:340:26:39

so that we'd have a bit more living space.

0:26:390:26:44

But 10 out of 10 in any other respect. Absolutely beautiful house.

0:26:440:26:48

That's it. Finished for the day.

0:26:510:26:54

Yes, I know. What a beautiful house.

0:26:540:26:57

-Is it good to end on a high?

-I think we have.

-Oh, gosh, yeah. What a wonderful day. Thanks, Nicki.

0:26:570:27:03

You can relax now. Come on.

0:27:030:27:05

As evening falls over the Kent coastline, the first day of our house search draws to a close.

0:27:150:27:21

Armed with their £700,000 budget, Sam and Miles are poised

0:27:290:27:34

to break free from the city limits of the London borough of Bromley

0:27:340:27:38

and seek out a more peaceful life in rural Kent.

0:27:380:27:42

Although nailing the perfect location is proving a challenge,

0:27:420:27:46

the period charm of our second property certainly wowed them,

0:27:460:27:50

but, coming up, the character of our mystery house is on an unimaginable scale.

0:27:500:27:56

Oh, my goodness me!

0:27:560:27:59

-How many times have I said stunning?

-Say it again!

-Stunning!

0:27:590:28:04

'And I can't get enough of Kent's seafood delicacy.'

0:28:040:28:07

-Am I allowed another one?

-Yes. Have as many as you like.

0:28:070:28:12

So Miles and Sam are eager to change their London home for a country retreat, but it does have to be

0:28:130:28:20

within easy commuting distance to the city. The first property we showed them, the barn,

0:28:200:28:26

certainly had the kerb appeal they were after,

0:28:260:28:30

but the close proximity to a major road did seem to put them off.

0:28:300:28:34

Our second property, we took them further afield into east Kent

0:28:340:28:38

and that house seemed to have it all. The only negative would be the extended travel time to work.

0:28:380:28:45

So now it's time for our mystery house, but will this accommodation on such a grand scale

0:28:450:28:51

be to their liking?

0:28:510:28:54

Our mystery property sits on the outskirts of Langley village.

0:28:550:28:59

It has good mainline rail links to London from Headcorn or Maidstone

0:28:590:29:03

and easy access to the motorway for Sam. Complete with a couple of pubs and a medieval church,

0:29:030:29:10

historic architecture is a defining feature of this area.

0:29:100:29:15

Our mystery proposition is certainly no exception,

0:29:150:29:18

although it challenges our couple to entertain the idea of having quite a few neighbours,

0:29:180:29:24

something they specifically didn't want.

0:29:240:29:27

Only a few more steps because we are in the heart of Kent

0:29:270:29:32

and I've brought you to your mystery house. Look up.

0:29:320:29:36

SAM LAUGHS

0:29:360:29:38

Do we get all of this?

0:29:380:29:41

Oh, my goodness me!

0:29:410:29:44

That's amazing. It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

0:29:440:29:48

-I presume it's a part of the house.

-It IS a part of the house.

0:29:480:29:52

The house dates back to the Elizabethan period, around 1599.

0:29:520:29:57

-Wow.

-It's Grade 2 listed. And it's divided up into seven different properties

0:29:570:30:03

-within the manor house. So, Miles, what do you think?

-Which bit?

-Which bit is yours? OK.

0:30:030:30:09

-You'll be pleased to know it's the largest bit. I think we should step inside.

-I think we should.

0:30:090:30:16

'Our mystery offering may be a slice of the whole mansion house,

0:30:170:30:21

'but inside they get grand reception rooms on a huge scale

0:30:210:30:26

'with plenty of historic features.'

0:30:260:30:28

So...

0:30:330:30:34

You come through the main entrance and this is your section of the house.

0:30:340:30:40

-That window is stunning!

-Isn't it? It's a lovely view out of there.

-Wow. We've gone back in time.

0:30:400:30:47

-We certainly have. And you wanted a real fire.

-Yes.

0:30:470:30:51

You've got the original wood panelling all around. Just look at the work.

0:30:510:30:57

I must admit communal living isn't my thing at all,

0:30:570:31:01

-but this building, this room just on its own, is amazing.

-Yeah.

0:31:010:31:06

'The drawing room next door is of a similar size.'

0:31:060:31:10

-I feel like a guide in a stately home!

-It does feel like we're on a tour, definitely.

0:31:100:31:17

Wow.

0:31:170:31:19

There's quite a bit to take in when you're walking round quickly.

0:31:190:31:23

-Yeah. You've got the windows - all of these in here are leaded.

-I love the deep wooden windowsills.

0:31:230:31:30

It's just such an amazing property. I like it cos it's so unusual.

0:31:300:31:35

'After the historic splendour of the reception rooms,

0:31:370:31:41

'we'll take a leap forward in time.'

0:31:410:31:44

So, bit of a contrast when we come through to the kitchen, which is very modern

0:31:440:31:51

-and very different.

-I can see the amount of money that's been spent,

0:31:510:31:56

but I'm not quite sure about the decor.

0:31:560:32:00

I think the work surfaces or the floor on their own are OK, but the two together is quite a lot.

0:32:000:32:06

-It's very busy for quite a small kitchen.

-It's not large. Could you work in a kitchen this size?

-Yeah.

0:32:060:32:13

I think it's doable because there's a lot of space everywhere else. It's not too bad.

0:32:130:32:19

And you can go straight out into the garden.

0:32:190:32:22

'There's a basement, too, which gives loads of storage space and even includes a wine cellar.

0:32:220:32:29

'But we'll head upstairs where there are four bedrooms spread over two floors.

0:32:290:32:36

'Off the first floor landing is an enormous double. It has a really lavish Tudor-esque feel

0:32:360:32:44

'and there's a bright, modern family bathroom opposite. The other three bedrooms certainly won't disappoint

0:32:440:32:51

'on size or character. The two guest doubles are large and light,

0:32:510:32:56

'both with those high vaulted ceilings and exposed beams

0:32:560:33:00

'which are a showstopping feature of the master.'

0:33:000:33:04

So if you fancied being one of Henry VIII's wives,

0:33:040:33:08

you'd probably live in something similar to this.

0:33:080:33:13

-How many times have I said stunning?

-Say it again.

0:33:140:33:19

Stunning!

0:33:190:33:21

-Just...beautiful.

-You've got your window seat you wanted.

0:33:210:33:27

-It's so beautiful.

-It also has a very modern en-suite.

-Oh, right.

0:33:270:33:33

'There's no doubt that our mystery house gives them lots of living space and more period features

0:33:330:33:40

'than they could have possibly imagined. Outside, there are 11 acres of grounds to roam around in.

0:33:400:33:47

'Although they wouldn't have to maintain it, they would share it with the other residents.

0:33:470:33:53

'So let's see if our mystery house has changed their preconceptions.'

0:33:530:33:57

-I don't think you'd have considered this.

-No.

0:33:570:34:01

-You've challenged us.

-Let's see if we've challenged you on price.

0:34:010:34:05

-Oh, no!

-Our final house. What's the price?

-I'll say 725.

-OK.

0:34:050:34:10

I'm going to say... £739,000.

0:34:100:34:16

You're both wrong.

0:34:160:34:19

-Surprise!

-You're both over.

0:34:190:34:22

I'm really surprised at that!

0:34:220:34:25

-£695,000.

-Oh, on the nose, really.

0:34:250:34:29

-Yeah.

-My goodness me.

-Is it a slice of history you want to invest in?

0:34:290:34:34

-Don't tell me yet. Go on. Have some fun.

-OK.

0:34:340:34:39

See you later.

0:34:390:34:41

Well, the mystery house has worked its magic, but how can it not when it's this impressive?

0:34:410:34:48

Under-budget at £695,000, Sam and Miles can afford to buy the principal part

0:34:480:34:56

of our unique and opulent mystery manor house.

0:34:560:34:59

It provides them with two reception rooms with extraordinary character features,

0:34:590:35:06

four bedrooms, including a master suite, and it's all wrapped up

0:35:060:35:10

in over 11 acres of communal grounds and set in an idyllic location.

0:35:100:35:15

I'm blown away by this house.

0:35:170:35:19

It absolutely oozes period charm, everywhere you look.

0:35:190:35:24

I never thought in a million years we'd look at a property like this.

0:35:240:35:28

I just have one tiny reservation. I feel even wrong saying it.

0:35:280:35:33

Am I ready to actually be in more of a communal environment than I had originally anticipated?

0:35:330:35:41

I think this is an amazing house. You get an awful lot of space for the money.

0:35:410:35:46

If the kitchen was bigger, that would be perfect.

0:35:460:35:50

If that was the only compromise, that's not too much of an issue.

0:35:500:35:55

I think this is a real contender.

0:35:550:35:57

It really is the most spectacular mystery property.

0:35:570:36:01

-Right, you two. Have you seen enough?

-We have, I think.

-We have.

0:36:010:36:05

-All three are very different.

-Very different, indeed.

-Hope we haven't confused you too much.

0:36:050:36:11

Utterly confused! You've thrown us a real curveball with this property.

0:36:110:36:16

Well, let's go somewhere quiet. You can gather your thoughts and tell us what you think.

0:36:160:36:22

'I grew up on the north Kent coast so as a local girl

0:36:300:36:34

'I was keen to return to the area and visit Whitstable to sample the local traditions

0:36:340:36:39

'and the seafood delicacy, mainly the oysters, which underpin the town's heritage.

0:36:390:36:45

'I've actually come out of oyster season, which starts on 1st September,

0:36:450:36:50

'but Whitstable's oyster festival is held every year around 25th July,

0:36:500:36:55

'which historically fell within the holiday period for oyster dredgers.

0:36:550:37:00

'I'm meeting the festival organiser Brian Baker to discover more about its past and relevance today.'

0:37:000:37:08

There's been a real resurgence in the love of oysters.

0:37:080:37:12

We can see a lot of children today are building these little shells like domes.

0:37:120:37:17

-What's going on there?

-Well, if we go back to the early days here,

0:37:170:37:21

the children at this time of year would be celebrating with their parents who worked in the industry

0:37:210:37:28

and the 25th July was the Feast of St James, patron saint of shellfish.

0:37:280:37:33

The children would build these grotto shells in the alleyways

0:37:330:37:38

and a passer-by would not be allowed to come by unless they paid a penny for the grotto.

0:37:380:37:44

We think of oysters as millionaire food. They're quite expensive.

0:37:440:37:48

-But 100 years ago, they weren't like that.

-They were the food of the poor

0:37:480:37:53

and millions and millions of oysters came off these beds and straight up to Billingsgate.

0:37:530:37:59

They fed the poor of London. They were a staple diet.

0:37:590:38:02

'In the 19th century, when oyster stocks were thriving and cheap,

0:38:020:38:07

'they were used to bulk out dishes such as pies, soups and stews.

0:38:070:38:11

'Yet by the 1920s, the industry was almost wiped out by a combination of disease and overfishing.

0:38:110:38:18

'However, the oyster beds were revived in the early 1980s.

0:38:180:38:22

'I'm meeting one of the pioneers, Barry Green, whose family run a successful seafood restaurant.'

0:38:220:38:29

Barry, you run the Whitstable Oyster Company. Can I just say thank you?

0:38:290:38:34

You've provided a very fine spread.

0:38:340:38:37

-I love oysters. So I can eat oysters all the year round?

-Yes.

0:38:370:38:41

These are the cultivated ones, native ones, which are farmed in the deeper water.

0:38:410:38:47

-There has to be an R in the month.

-Is that true?

-Yeah.

0:38:470:38:51

They spawn and breed during the summer months.

0:38:510:38:55

-So it's better to leave them.

-Should I cook them or have them raw?

0:38:550:38:59

-You can cook them or have them raw.

-What do you prefer?

-I prefer both!

0:38:590:39:04

This is wine vinegar with shallots.

0:39:040:39:06

-I would eat it with nothing.

-Right.

-But if you dip them in that like that...

-Yes?

0:39:060:39:13

-..for somebody who's never eaten one, it's probably more palatable.

-Better than the shell to your mouth?

0:39:130:39:19

Yes.

0:39:190:39:20

Mmm.

0:39:200:39:21

Oh, I have to say, with the shallots...

0:39:210:39:25

-It makes a difference.

-It does.

0:39:250:39:27

I've had oysters before. I do like oysters, but I really like that.

0:39:270:39:31

-Am I allowed another one?

-Yes.

0:39:310:39:34

'As night falls down on the seashore, the children's grottos are lit after a blessing of the sea,

0:39:340:39:41

'which has been performed for 200 years and still seems fitting for a town

0:39:410:39:47

'so in love with its oysters.'

0:39:470:39:49

Well, you can't beat Whitstable on a sunny day.

0:39:540:39:58

And our house hunt here in the garden of England is over,

0:39:580:40:02

but has the search proved fruitful? Time to find out.

0:40:020:40:06

So our search of Kent is now over.

0:40:100:40:14

Did we find you your dream home?

0:40:140:40:16

The first property we saw, just outside the village of Charing, you tell me what you thought.

0:40:160:40:23

From the outside, as soon as we walked up to the barn, it looked beautiful.

0:40:230:40:29

You could tell it had character.

0:40:290:40:31

Plenty of windows, lots of light.

0:40:310:40:34

And if you'd extended the kitchen into the utility room and done something with the patio area...

0:40:340:40:41

That would have been great. And the surrounding area, the outlook was good,

0:40:410:40:47

but to the right was the M20 and to the left the A20. That put me off.

0:40:470:40:53

-House number two.

-Yeah. That one just absolutely blew me away

0:40:530:41:00

the chocolate box cottage look.

0:41:000:41:02

Much smaller downstairs than I would have hoped for.

0:41:020:41:07

I feel where this property was was just that bit too far.

0:41:070:41:12

It was past Ashford, Junction 10, which would add a considerable amount of time,

0:41:120:41:18

probably another 20-25 minutes on top of the time I was looking at.

0:41:180:41:23

-Oh, if I could move that house a little bit closer!

-There would have been a Sold sign outside!

0:41:230:41:30

-It would be more money.

-Yeah, exactly.

-Very true.

0:41:300:41:34

And, of course, our third and final house, the mystery.

0:41:340:41:37

A little on the small side for the two of you(?)

0:41:370:41:41

It was huge inside! Absolutely stunning.

0:41:410:41:45

I think the mystery house has really blown everything out of the water for us.

0:41:450:41:51

We talked about how it was positioned. You had your own back door and a large portion

0:41:510:41:57

of that back garden - garden's not the right word! - but it would almost be yours.

0:41:570:42:04

But is that more of an executive lifestyle rather than a country living lifestyle?

0:42:040:42:10

-Yeah.

-I don't know.

0:42:100:42:12

-What comes next?

-I think we need to do a bit more homework.

0:42:120:42:16

-I don't think the mystery house is out of the equation.

-Really?

-No.

0:42:160:42:21

-I'm not arguing with that!

-No. Perhaps the mystery property is the one for you.

0:42:210:42:27

-I think we've got some more talking to do.

-More talking, more thinking.

0:42:270:42:31

-Thank you both so much.

-We're really enjoyed it.

-It's been delightful.

0:42:310:42:36

-And hopefully you're one step closer to finding that dream home.

-Thank you very much, Nicki.

0:42:360:42:42

For Sam and Miles, this move represents not just finding a home in the country,

0:42:460:42:52

but a quality of life they both long for after what's been a very difficult 18 months.

0:42:520:42:58

If ever there was a couple you'd want to find the perfect property for, it's these two.

0:42:580:43:04

Although we didn't quite achieve it, hopefully we've got them just that little bit closer.

0:43:040:43:10

Until next time.

0:43:100:43:12

Sam and Miles loved the mystery house, but after much deliberation

0:43:130:43:18

they decided that communal living wasn't for them.

0:43:180:43:22

If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,

0:43:220:43:28

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0:43:510:43:54

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