0:00:02 > 0:00:04This may look like a modest and idyllic waterway,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07but in fact it is the third longest defensive structure
0:00:07 > 0:00:12in the UK, shorter only than Hadrian's Wall and Offa's Dyke.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15And if you don't know what it's called or where it is,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17then you'd better stay watching.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48On today's show, I'll be attempting to find rooms with a view
0:00:48 > 0:00:51for a couple seeking a countryside hideaway.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56And the allure of stunning scenery quickly overrides everything else.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- I love the setting, I just want to get up the hill to actually see the view.- Yeah.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03But then we strike gold with the mystery property.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Where's the contract?
0:01:06 > 0:01:08It's perfect.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Today, we're in East Sussex, and this is the Royal Military Canal.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18As the name suggests, it was built as a defensive structure
0:01:18 > 0:01:24against the Napoleonic hordes who'd be approaching that way from the sea in 1809.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26And it has a kink every 500 metres
0:01:26 > 0:01:29so that the British could fire their guns down it,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32and it was built, incredibly, in five years, by hand,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35at a cost in today's money of about £10 million.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Quite a bargain. Except it turned out to be a huge white elephant.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It was never used for military purposes and remains,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45as today, a haven for birds and nature lovers.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Historically, Sussex was one county,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57but it's now split into East and West Sussex.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59They share England's south-east coastline with Kent
0:01:59 > 0:02:03and are bordered by Surrey to the north.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Traditional weather-boarded houses are popular in this region,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09with the distinctive wooden cladding being used
0:02:09 > 0:02:12on all types of buildings, from cottages and shops to windmills.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The beautiful South Downs are spread across the south of the county,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19skirting the coastal resorts of Brighton and Hove,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23before ending at Eastbourne with its seafront of Victorian hotels.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Along this coastline sits one of the area's most iconic landmarks,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31in the shape of the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Away from the coast, the scenic Wealds was once a vast forest
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and was a notorious hiding place for highwaymen and outlaws.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41However, today you're more likely to spot ramblers
0:02:41 > 0:02:46and cyclists enjoying the delights of this Sussex countryside.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54One of the great selling points of this part of the world is the South Downs,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58a beautiful chain of chalky hills that flows through East and West Sussex.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02However, there is a big difference in price between the two counties.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05A detached house in East Sussex costs on average £322,000.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Across the border in West Sussex,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12the same property would cost you £355,000.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17I'm not promising that either of those prices would get you this view,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21but let's look at what you can buy on the property market.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23This three-bedroom character property in Robertsbridge
0:03:23 > 0:03:27could be yours for around £350,000.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Packed with traditional features, such as exposed beams
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and a cast-iron bath, it's topped off by a pond
0:03:34 > 0:03:36surrounded by expansive lawns.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40For £535,000,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43you could be living in this four-bedroom home in Heathfield.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Formerly a pair of farmworkers' cottages,
0:03:46 > 0:03:51it boasts a Tudor-built mezzanine and a range cooker in the kitchen.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Outside, there is a patio and lawned garden.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And if your pockets are deep enough,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00you could buy this opulent five-bedroom property in Playden.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Priced at £795,000, it offers stunning flagstone floors
0:04:05 > 0:04:08in the kitchen and a spacious sitting room.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12There's also a modern conservatory with a bar and a balcony
0:04:12 > 0:04:16that looks out over breathtaking countryside views.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19I love East Sussex, beautiful properties.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Let's meet the canny couple who are planning to move here.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Today's house hunters are retired wine wholesaler Stephen
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and part-time physiotherapist Suzanne.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32They recently married on a South African safari.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35They've been looking to up sticks and escape
0:04:35 > 0:04:38the busy commuter town of Chipstead in Surrey for around a year.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42In fact, ever since they bought their bungalow with an eye to renovating it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Although it sounds crazy,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48we bought this property knowing full well we weren't going to live here.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53But we've been concentrating on the renovation plans first,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and now we've got those up and going,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59we're now really looking in earnest.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03As they don't want to move too far away from Stephen's children
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and Suzanne's parents in Surrey,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07they've got a not-too-distant county in mind.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11We like Sussex, we've driven down there a few times,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13I have friends who live down that way.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18And it's got wonderful dog-walking areas, especially the South Downs.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I don't think it's the fact that we're antisocial,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23but our neighbours are all to close.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26We'd prefer fields for our neighbours.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31So, a remote location is high on their list of demands,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34along with many other priorities for their new home.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40We're looking for a detached property, three or four bedrooms,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42large kitchen, large sitting room.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48Preferably with a utility room and a driveway as well.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51One of my passions is cars.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I've got a couple of nice sports cars, so one of the things
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I'll need at the new property is a good-sized garage to keep them in.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Taking a spin around the Sussex lanes might be high on Stephen's agenda,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05but it sounds like it won't be all play once they've made the move.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07One of the things we're actually considering is
0:06:07 > 0:06:09actually starting a business together.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12We're not quite sure what that is necessarily,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16but if we found the right property that had some decent outbuildings,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22then we'd probably consider looking at doing something like self-catering or even B&B.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Thanks to Stephen's property-investment portfolio,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29they're lucky enough to be cash buyers, who can move quickly,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33so it's just a matter of how much they have to spend.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36The budget for our purchase is £600,000.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40And if there's any renovation work that needs to be done,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42we've got some money set aside for that.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Suzanne and Stephen are newlyweds, it's so romantic.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54They want to move to East Sussex and they really only want views,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58except I know people who want dream homes in the countryside don't just
0:06:58 > 0:07:02want views, they want lovely houses with lots and lots of wishes.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07So let's see if we can find out what their secret wishes are and satisfy them.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Stephen and Suzanne want us to search for their perfect property
0:07:13 > 0:07:14close to the South Downs,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18the range of chalk hills which stretch along the coast.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22We've got three wonderful properties for them to choose from,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24and as usual I'll be asking them
0:07:24 > 0:07:27to guess the price of each before I reveal it.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29The last option is of course our mystery house,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33which could see them living in scenic splendour.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Welcome to East Sussex, guys. Very nice to see you.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Thank you.- Beautiful setting.- Yes.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46What are you looking for, because you've got a nice house at the moment,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49but it seems you're concentrating on a few things that you want.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53The main thing that both of us would love to find
0:07:53 > 0:07:58in our property together is to have a lovely country view.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01At the moment, our property just doesn't provide that.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Hence, why we're looking to escape to the country.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- It's what you're looking out of the windows towards.- Yes.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10What about the budget? How much are you willing to spend,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12cos I think we've eked a bit more out of your pockets.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Yes, I think we've gone to £650,000 now.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Good, £650,000 goes a long way around here.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Have you had a chance to visit anywhere or look at anything? - No, we haven't, have we?- No.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- This is the start of a nice new adventure for us.- Yes.- Great.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30So we have the advantage over you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Let's get going, let's get in the car
0:08:32 > 0:08:34and see some of these lovely properties.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42So, with their budget now confirmed at £650,000,
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Stephen and Suzanne are looking for a detached property
0:08:46 > 0:08:51with great panoramic views, three to four bedrooms, a large sitting room,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53a kitchen with utility room,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56a driveway and garage for the sports cars
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and some outbuildings, if possible.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Are you both quite sporty? You're particularly sporty, Stephen.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16I started marathon running when I was 30,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20and that virtually continued nearly every year since.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Suzanne, has he managed to tempt you into...?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25He did, he caught me on a weak moment
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and suddenly I'm booked in for the Berlin Marathon this year.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Oh, really?- Yes. Never having run before.- Wow!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35This is a nice place to train, nice and hilly.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We've travelled four miles north of Hastings,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and within 17 miles of the South Downs, to Sedlescombe,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44a village of impressively characterful properties,
0:09:44 > 0:09:50where the local shop-cum-post office supplies most day-to-day needs.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Our first property is in a lovely rural location, not overlooked by
0:09:54 > 0:09:59any neighbours, as requested, and is a charming Grade 2 listed cottage.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Oh! Lovely!
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- This is one of my most pleasing reveals.- Gosh!
0:10:06 > 0:10:08If I could draw a country cottage,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11and put it in a beautiful spot, this would be it.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- Lovely thatch.- I'm blown away, it's beautiful.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- It's very charming, isn't it? - It is.- It really is.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Probably from about 1750, Grade 2 listed.- OK.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- This on the right is an extension they put on three or four years ago. - I see.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- They've done it really well, you can't tell.- Yes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31So you've got a brand-new thatch which will last another 60 years.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Absolutely wonderful, well done!
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Shall we go?- Yeah.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Well, it doesn't get any better than that.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42This property has taken their breath away, and the rustic interior of the new extension
0:10:42 > 0:10:45should keep the smiles on the faces.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51This is the extension, the kitchen/sitting room/office.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Absolutely lovely, isn't it? - Yes, beautifully done, it really is.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58The owner did a lot of the building himself, so it's all bespoke.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Lovely oak floors and oak work surfaces.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- The kitchen is gorgeous, isn't it? - It is, yes,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06you wouldn't have to do anything to it. Perfect.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Round the corner is a nice utility room, so you can bring the dogs in that way.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Perfect.- When they're messy from a walk.- Yeah.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16And what's lovely is that you can have these French windows
0:11:16 > 0:11:18and go straight out into the patio.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Yes. It extends this room, doesn't it, straight out?
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- I'm getting the feeling you're sold on this already. - I am, totally.- Very drawn to it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29There's got to be something drastically wrong with it
0:11:29 > 0:11:30when we go through that we're going to go...
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- You have to sleep in here as well, this is a bedroom.- This is it.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36OK, it's fine.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38With the kitchen area hitting the mark,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43I know they're not going to be disappointed by the older part of the cottage either
0:11:43 > 0:11:45as it has great original features.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Come on in.- Oh!
0:11:47 > 0:11:50And a big inglenook.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Oh, that's fantastic, that's just fantastic!
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Getting great responses from you.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59I don't think we put that down, but that is what we wanted as well,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- wasn't it?- Yeah. I love this, it's very cottagey, definitely.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- But size-wise, it's a really good size.- It's lovely.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- This is a really good-size room. I like it, there's lots of light coming through this room.- I love it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- In the winter it'll be lovely, won't it? So cosy.- Really cosy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19And there's more cosiness upstairs in the two spare bedrooms.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Both are located in the original cottage
0:12:22 > 0:12:24and with plenty of character features.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27They adjoin the family bathroom, but we're heading for the room
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Stephen and Suzanne could be calling their own.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35This is the extension, and by far the biggest room,
0:12:35 > 0:12:36so this is the master bedroom.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- This is a nice-sized room, isn't it? - It really is.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Much higher ceilings than normal.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46Yeah, and I like it with the bedroom ceiling actually being higher. That is nice.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49I have to say, that is unusual in country cottages.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52In the old part, the rooms are smaller. Lower ceilings.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57I'm anxiously trying to look out of the windows now to see our views.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- But this is a nice room, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03You can imagine waking up, looking out of the window, cup of tea, just sitting there.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05A nice little en suite.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- Perfect.- That's impressive, isn't it?- Yes, it's great.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12I think it's a very nice property, and size-wise,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14it's pretty good for us, isn't it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17It is. We're not looking for a massive property.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But you are looking for access to the countryside
0:13:21 > 0:13:23and outside space, so let's look at that next.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27While there aren't the outbuildings they might have wanted,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30there is a double-bay car port for Stephen's sports cars.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34There's also ample garden space, with fantastic views
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and room for the dogs to run around in.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- So your garden...- This is pretty.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Isn't this lovely?- This is probably the most...- Absolutely lovely.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48..the most elevated view.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Because I know you're very keen on views.- We are.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Get you to the corner of the garden that has most of them.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- This is beautiful here. - But you are in the dip of a valley,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00so you don't get the elevated views of the Downs.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- But from here, you do get hints of the views.- I think it's lovely.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08We have got views here. Plot size, we love. This garden is just gorgeous,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- isn't it?- It really is, it's an easy-to-maintain garden.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14What do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I would imagine it's about £630,000.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- OK. - I think it's going to be £590,000.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Your senses are slightly more accurate,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28it's actually on at £595,000.
0:14:28 > 0:14:35- OK.- So...it shows how much you like it, that you valued it so highly.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40At just under £600,000, it doesn't give you everything you want, but it's a really charming property.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It's a beautiful property. - It's beautiful.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46You haven't seen all of it, so do explore the garden at the back
0:14:46 > 0:14:50and there's a few rooms inside that we haven't seen.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- OK.- We will do.- You go around and I'll see you at the front.- Thanks.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02So, well under budget at £595,000,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05this delightful property has a great deal going for it.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09There's a characterful lounge, a kitchen/diner with utility room,
0:15:09 > 0:15:14three bedrooms, a double car port for Stephen's sporty motors
0:15:14 > 0:15:18and fantastic views in that dog-friendly garden.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I thought the gardens were absolutely superb.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24We would enjoy sitting in those and having
0:15:24 > 0:15:27the surrounding fields next to the property.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31I don't have to do any maintenance to those and we can just watch the horses.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34I think one of the boxes it didn't tick was the outbuildings.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36I know you can't have everything.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39At the moment, we're not sure how important those outbuildings are,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42but with this property we wouldn't be able to do anything there.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48The look of the house, it's a perfect chocolate-box cottage - who wouldn't love it?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50I like it being a Grade 2 listed building,
0:15:50 > 0:15:54but my only concern would be that if we found later on
0:15:54 > 0:16:00that we wanted a bit more space, we wouldn't be able to extend, I don't think.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03It's a massive porch. You could turn this into the annexe.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- It would solve all their problems. Hello!- Hi.- Are you all done?- Yes.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Pull the door too, because I have another property to show you.- OK.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29There's no shortage of dramatic coastline in Sussex,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32but Beachy Head takes some beating.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36The highest chalk cliff in Britain, it stands at 162 metres,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40with panoramic views of nearby towns Eastbourne and Hastings
0:16:40 > 0:16:42and the English Channel.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Just a couple of miles up the road is the village of East Dean,
0:16:46 > 0:16:51where you might expect to see a summer game of cricket in action.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55But here, the locals are just as likely to be playing
0:16:55 > 0:16:58the traditional Sussex sport of stoolball,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00which dates back to the 15th century.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05As sporty Stephen and Suzanne are keen to try something with a local flavour,
0:17:05 > 0:17:10we've arranged for them to meet Kay Price, the chairperson of Stoolball England,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14who's been playing the game since she was nine years old.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Hello, Suzanne, I'm Kate. - Hi, I'm Steve, nice to meet you.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Where does stoolball get its name from?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23I think it comes from the milkmaid's stool
0:17:23 > 0:17:27because it definitely has a country ancestry.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31We understand that probably the milkmaids sat on the stool
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and defended the wicket.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35What they used for a ball, I have no idea.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38But one has horrible thoughts about pieces of dung
0:17:38 > 0:17:40flung together to begin with.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Who knows? And then graduated to stoolball as we know it today.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48What do you use for the equipment now?
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Well, this is a typical wicket.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52As you can see, it's now become a square
0:17:52 > 0:17:55instead of the round of a milkmaid's stool,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and the bowler aims at this and tries to bowl you out.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04This is a typical bat. It's made of willow, and that is a stoolball.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07It's a hard ball, it's got cork in the middle
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and leather round the outside.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- So how was it played?- When the ball is bowled, you hit it to the off.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17You have leg strokes to the leg side, straight drives,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19any strokes you like.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23You bowl from 10 yards away. Ball underarm, like rounders.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Can anyone play this? - Yes, anyone can play it.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- Join us and I'm sure you'll enjoy the evening.- OK.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34The game of stoolball involves two teams of 11,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36one batting and one fielding,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38with each over consisting of eight balls.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42The sport's golden age was in the 17th century,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45but its big revival came in 1917,
0:18:45 > 0:18:50due to Major William Grantham of the 6th Royal Sussex Regiment.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56He suggested it as a game for soldiers recuperating from injuries sustained in the Great War.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59In this same year, a stoolball match
0:18:59 > 0:19:02was played at Lord's for the first time.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07It was finally recognised as a sport by the Sports Council in 2008,
0:19:07 > 0:19:12and today there are 258 teams taking part in league matches
0:19:12 > 0:19:17in various counties, ranging from the West Midlands to Kent.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Yes!
0:19:19 > 0:19:21LAUGHING AND CHEERING
0:19:21 > 0:19:24I thank you.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Well done.- Thank you very much.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- It was thoroughly enjoyable. - Brilliant.- Really good.- Well done.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Time now to head back to the house search
0:19:33 > 0:19:37and see if I can bowl them over with our next property.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45We've travelled to Crowborough, a rural market town in East Sussex
0:19:45 > 0:19:48which is around 13 miles away from the South Downs.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51It's packed with pretty pastel houses
0:19:51 > 0:19:55and has a high street full of amenities, including a local pub.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Just over a mile outside the town is property number two -
0:20:00 > 0:20:05a former farmhouse believed to date back to the 1750s.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Here, we have house number two.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Instant first reactions.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Lovely, fantastic setting.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15I love the setting.
0:20:15 > 0:20:21- I just want to actually get up the hill to actually see the view.- Yeah.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I'm intrigued.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26There's lots of things to talk about here, not least of all this.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Because this whole building at the side is yours too.- Ah.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35So you've got a huge space which has planning for residential use.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39So this is a place where you can put your mark. Does that scare you at all?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Not in the slightest.- No, I think
0:20:41 > 0:20:43we'd be up for a challenge like that.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47We see it is a good project to do together, that would be great.
0:20:47 > 0:20:53One of Stephen and Suzanne's top priorities in their joint project is a great view.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57So we're climbing the hill to see exactly what's on offer here.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00The property has always been associated with a fruit farm,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03so these apple trees are kind of in keeping.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- They're lovely.- They're right at top of the garden.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09You can see the view that could be yours...
0:21:09 > 0:21:13were it not for those tall trees at the front of your garden.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16But those big trees all belong to you,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18and there's no tree protection order.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- OK.- But that would free up a great deal of the viewage.- It would.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- It's lovely looking out to the hill beyond.- Yes, it is.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Suzanne, I'm noticing a distinct lessening of the...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34"Oh, I'm so excited!" factor.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38I think it's because I can't actually see the view.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41We can develop a house, subject to planning permission
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and the ideas that we come up with, but we can't develop a view.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48And if the view isn't behind those trees,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51then it will be the wrong location for us.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55With Suzanne not totally convinced by the potential of the view,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I'm hoping that the inside of this property might
0:21:58 > 0:22:01bring back some of that excitement for her.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Here we are, inside the house. You go straight into the dining room.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- This is very sweet, isn't it? - Good size, very good size.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16We don't normally have just a stand-alone dining room,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18so I'm wondering where the kitchen is,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21as to whether it can be knocked into one.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24You're already knocking down walls. That's a good thing.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Let's look at the kitchen, which is straight from here. Mind the step.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34So here we are. It probably requires your special touch.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- But doable.- Definitely.- Yes. And I don't know whether we can...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43That wall. We both thought exactly the same thing.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46You have probably got your sledgehammers out.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Take it straight through into one, yeah.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52It's not a listed building, so you can move things around.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55There's not many of the original features.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58The range cooker does the heating, so it has to be on in the summer.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- As you can feel, it's warm. - Yes, it's warm.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Clearly, it's a happy house already
0:23:03 > 0:23:05and it's got a very nice feel to it and I already feel
0:23:05 > 0:23:08that I could be in here with the dogs and everything else.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10You can feel there's potential in this place,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12and that's how we felt with the last place.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16So the kitchen has worked its magic on Suzanne, and both of them
0:23:16 > 0:23:20are already picturing themselves living here, which is great news.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Now we're moving on to the lounge area,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25which is another room I expect they'll feel equally at home in.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28This is a nice, sunny room.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33It is. It's a lovely size as well.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- One of the things we both like are the windows.- Yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Nice big windows.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41And if my master plan with the trees goes OK,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45then you could sit here and just see across.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- Hmm.- Yes.- What do you think about the beams in this one?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Ideally, in his house, it wouldn't be a crime to actually paint them.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58So that's what we'd probably intend to do if we bought this place.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- Not a big issue here, I don't think. - No.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07I'm more interested in this whole frontage here.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14This property has four bedrooms, all quite generously sized,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16with lots of natural light, which is something
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Stephen and Suzanne will appreciate.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21There is also a family bathroom.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24But I'm taking them to the room that could be theirs.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29This is the biggest of the four bedrooms you've got up here.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33A classic upstairs cottage bedroom, really.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37It's nice that it's the bigger room, because it's got the view.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Clearly, the thing that springs to mind, looking around,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45no ensuite, is there a room next door that simply becomes the ensuite?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Yes, there's actually a corridor down here,
0:24:48 > 0:24:49so you'd have to rejig things.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- Have a wander around later on and get your sketch pads out.- OK.- OK.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- Great.- It suits us, it suits us.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03I'm pleased they're open-minded to the idea of renovating this property,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06but will the asking price suit their budget?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Out here onto the front lawn.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12But, just in terms of money,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I think it's up to £625,000.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19What about you, Suzanne?
0:25:19 > 0:25:22I think it's £550,000.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Once again, Stephen is more in the right ballpark.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Not quite right, it's actually on the market at £600,000.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Why not look inside the outbuilding and see what you can do with that,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- and I'll see you round the front? - OK.- That's what we'll do.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So, well within their budget at £600,000,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44this property has almost everything they asked for and more.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48There is a large kitchen area, with plenty of room for the dogs,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52four bedrooms, good views, with the potential for even better ones,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55a huge outbuilding, which could be developed,
0:25:55 > 0:25:56a spacious garage,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00and it's all set in a lovely secluded location.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06- Oh, this is really big.- Gosh, this is a very nice size, isn't it?- Yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08We could do a lot with this.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Yes, you could actually make it a really good living area
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- cos then you'd get the views.- You would.- A bigger window down there.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16There are several pluses to this property.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Of course, one is the outhouse. I was surprised how big it was,
0:26:20 > 0:26:25and you could convert that into a nice two-storey building,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28perhaps suitable for Suzanne's parents to come and live in.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Really lovely.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34I love the brickwork and the windows and the plot that it sits in.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37The views, I have to take Alistair's word for it at the moment,
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and I'm sure there are some lovely views behind the trees.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I'm yet to find that out.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- Perfect timing, all done?- All done. - Yeah.- Very good.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Right, the day is over, let's reflect.- OK.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06As dusk falls over the beautiful Sussex countryside,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10day one of our property search draws to a close.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Stephen and Suzanne have been living in
0:27:17 > 0:27:22and renovating their home in a busy part of Surrey for the past year,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26but are now seeking a property with stunning views in Sussex.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30So far, we've show them two very different houses, but coming up,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34our mystery property could be the one that steals their hearts.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I'm thinking where we're going to put the furniture. I'm planning it already.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44And I found out more about one of Britain's most famous battles.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Quite a soggy morning after yesterday's brilliant sunshine.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54I hope it's not going to dampen Stephen and Suzanne's enthusiasm
0:27:54 > 0:27:58because they were quite positive about the houses yesterday,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02although I don't think we quite gave them what they were looking for, which is a view.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07The mystery house has views, but it also comes with a catch.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16In terms of East Sussex,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19has this confirmed that this is the right area for you two?
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- Yes, I feel so.- Yes.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23You've shown us some areas
0:28:23 > 0:28:26that we actually haven't been to before at all.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30We definitely want to come back and explore it more...
0:28:30 > 0:28:31with the dogs.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36And even in this pouring rain, it's still a very beautiful county, so yeah, definitely.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41We've travelled five miles north-east of Haywards Heath,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44which is close to the West Sussex village of Horsted Keynes.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Lying on the edge of the Weald,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50under 10 miles from the South Downs, it has all the necessary amenities,
0:28:50 > 0:28:55including a shop and a choice of historic pubs.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59The mystery property is within a huge Victorian country house,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01set in the idyllic location of Ashdown Forest.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06It's one of seven apartments, so the space will be shared
0:29:06 > 0:29:09by a number of neighbours, something they may not be keen on.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13And turn and look now.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Wow! That's fantastic. BOTH LAUGHING
0:29:19 > 0:29:23- You guys are amazing. - That's fantastic.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- It's not all ours, is it? - It's sadly not.- OK.
0:29:27 > 0:29:33This is a very unusual property, and it is set in these 18 acres
0:29:33 > 0:29:38of communal ground, including your own swimming pool...
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- heated.- Wow!
0:29:41 > 0:29:46So this is a perfect place, but it is a communal place.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50Well, that hasn't put me off at all at the moment.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- No.- Not at all, we just haven't thought of it. I love it.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55It's beautiful.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59I'm just intrigued to know which part you're going to show us.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00Which bit would you like?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- I quite like... - I like the bit on the end.- Yes.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06That's good, that's the bit I want to show you.
0:30:06 > 0:30:07THEY LAUGH
0:30:07 > 0:30:09I can breathe a sigh of relief.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12They're obviously enraptured by this property,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16and the fact that it has neighbours doesn't seem to bother them.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18And the love story could very well continue
0:30:18 > 0:30:21once we get out of the rain and see the inside.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23And our brollies.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Step straight into your...
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Oh!- Oh!
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Into your living room.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Wow! I love this.- I love it.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Where's the contract?
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- It's perfect. - That's what we like to hear.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45It's breathtaking, it's elegant, stylish,
0:30:45 > 0:30:46but there's also quirkiness.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50It's not just flat walls, there's the bay window,
0:30:50 > 0:30:52lovely fireplace.
0:30:54 > 0:31:00- I can see us living here, definitely.- Yes.- It's wonderful.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- I'm just thinking where we're going to put the furniture now, I'm planning it already.- OK.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Well, who can blame them for falling for this unique property
0:31:08 > 0:31:11after only seeing one room? I think they'll agree,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14the kitchen is pretty special too.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- This is fantastic.- Very different. Obviously very modern.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- But it works very well, doesn't it? - I can see us living here.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Really clever.- I can see us in here. - Yes, so can I.- No problem at all.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30You've got a worktop and you're looking out onto the gardens through beautiful windows.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34It's definitely not a country kitchen.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36It's...no.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I wasn't looking for country kitchen at all, I was looking for views.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43And you've done this in a lovely-sized kitchen as well.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48I'm having my hand squeezed again. LAUGHTER
0:31:48 > 0:31:51I just have a feeling this is going to be snapped up very quickly.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- Before the end of the tour.- Yes. - Quite possibly, I think.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56Better get a move on.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01A stunning result with the contemporary kitchen
0:32:01 > 0:32:03and those wonderful views.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07Downstairs, there's also a stylishly modern cloakroom.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09But we're heading upstairs,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12where on the first floor are two bright and spacious double bedrooms,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15the largest of which has a modern ensuite.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22This is...well, this is being used as the master bedroom.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- Simply because it has all these views.- Doesn't it just!
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Rather nice, these box windows, quite unusual.- Speechless again.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I love it, absolutely love it.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36This is a lovely, lovely light room,
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- three windows in here. Perfect. - Lovely.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- Absolutely perfect.- It is all about this view.- It is.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Well, great views were top of their list of priorities
0:32:47 > 0:32:51and this house really delivers, as they are about to find out.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53We're heading up again to the second floor,
0:32:53 > 0:32:58which houses a large third bedroom, currently being used as a study,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01which has its own adjoining shower room.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03However, there's one last surprise.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06There's also an exit to the roof terrace.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Umbrellas time again, I'm afraid.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I say, look at this!
0:33:11 > 0:33:15So you're one of the only properties to have a little terrace.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Good gracious!- It's extremely private.- We weren't expecting this.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21And views all the way down over Ashdown Forest.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Obviously on a clear day you can see for miles.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- We said we wanted a view, you've certainly given that to us.- Yes.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- It's magnificent.- It really is.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31We're blown away with this.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34So it's a big pile of property, there's lots to it.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37But let's talk money. Do you think you can afford it?
0:33:37 > 0:33:38How much is it going to cost?
0:33:40 > 0:33:43This is where I hope you guys haven't been cruel.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49It's going to be the top end of our budget, so £650,000.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- I think it's over the top end, I think it's £690,000.- Right.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Well, in this instance, Suzanne, you are right.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It's actually on the market at £650,000.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I'm really glad to hear that.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04We love it. We absolutely love it, don't we?
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- I think we're off to the estate agent.- Well, it's that way.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- Have a wander around and I'll see you downstairs.- Thanks.- OK.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Another very successful house tour.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Right at the top end of their budget at £650,000,
0:34:22 > 0:34:26this amazing property really appeals to them.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It has a fantastic, contemporary kitchen-diner, three bedrooms,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33a share of 18 acres of communal grounds,
0:34:33 > 0:34:37perfect for walking the dogs in, a swimming pool
0:34:37 > 0:34:41and stunning views over the local countryside.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Well, Stephen and I have already moved in,
0:34:44 > 0:34:48so I think that sums up how we feel, well, how I feel about this house.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Eureka!
0:34:49 > 0:34:53You have given us a view, absolutely fantastic.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Even in the pouring rain, this view took my breath away.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00When you think about it, the more it makes sense for us.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04With regards our lifestyle, we want to do a fair bit of travelling,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and to have a lock-and-go and not have a large garden
0:35:07 > 0:35:10to maintain yourselves, actually makes an awful lot of sense.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I can see myself living here.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I feel at home in this kitchen, and I don't really want to leave.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20Right, before you rush to the estate agent and place your offer,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- let's regroup and have some thinking time.- OK.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43Battle Abbey, in East Sussex, is on the spot where, almost 1,000 years ago,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47English history was changed for ever with the Battle of Hastings.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51It was an event of such magnitude that it placed a foreign ruler
0:35:51 > 0:35:55on the throne, altering our language and very way of life.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08It's pretty peaceful and quiet today, but on 14 October 1066,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11these fields were alive with the roar of two opposing armies.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14We had King Harold up on the ridge
0:36:14 > 0:36:17and William, Duke of Normandy, down the.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21That day turned out to be one of the longest battles ever fought on British soil -
0:36:21 > 0:36:2510 hours of fighting, with no quarter given or taken.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30King Harold and the English formed a shield wall along this ridge,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32which gave them the advantage,
0:36:32 > 0:36:34and early in the day there was a rumour among the Normans
0:36:34 > 0:36:38that William had been killed, which spread panic through the ranks.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41William, sensing that his men were losing heart,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43rode through the rank and file with his face uncovered,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46thus showing that he was still alive.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49That gave them the impetus to make a counter-attack
0:36:49 > 0:36:53that pierced through the Saxon defence wall and gained them victory.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57It was during these last exchanges that King Harold was killed,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00by an arrow to the eye if you believe popular folklore.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04And in the very place where Harold met his fate,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I'm here to meet Rosemary Nicolaou of English Heritage.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Hi, Rosemary.- Hello, Alistair. - So this is the spot.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14This is the spot where Harold is said to have been killed.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16The arrow in the eye?
0:37:16 > 0:37:18He was supposedly injured by an arrow in the eye,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22but he was actually hacked to death by four of the William's knights.
0:37:22 > 0:37:23Ah, really?
0:37:23 > 0:37:27So this is the point, and then they built a church on top of it.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28Was that to celebrate it?
0:37:28 > 0:37:32William had gained support from the Pope,
0:37:32 > 0:37:38and the Pope ordered, in 1070, I believe, that he would have to atone
0:37:38 > 0:37:41for all the deaths that he had caused in his invasion in England.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46So he did build an abbey here then. He personally funded it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- So it was a sort of penance. - It was as a penance.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52The stone for the abbey's construction was brought over
0:37:52 > 0:37:56from France, probably as a deliberate ploy by the Normans
0:37:56 > 0:37:59to show their new dominance over the English.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Today, the most complete remains are those of the monastery,
0:38:02 > 0:38:08which was home to a silent order of Benedictine monks for over 400 years.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11This is the monastery. This would have been the novices' room.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13They got up to some very dodgy things.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18There were said to be tunnels that went to the local pub, which was the brothel underneath here.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- And tunnels into the town. - A-ha, so they had mistresses.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Yes, at the dissolution of the monastery,
0:38:23 > 0:38:28a lot of them actually went out to live with their families that were out in the town.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31The dissolution of the monasteries
0:38:31 > 0:38:35was ordered by Henry VIII between 1536 and 1540,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39partly as an act of retribution for the Pope not agreeing
0:38:39 > 0:38:42to his divorce from Catherine of Aragon,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45but also because the monasteries had grown all powerful.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49So their assets were seized and many of their buildings destroyed.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53What was left on this site after the destruction
0:38:53 > 0:38:55was turned into a private house.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58One of the surviving structures is the impressive gatehouse,
0:38:58 > 0:39:02which dates back to 1338.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04You must live, breathe and eat 1066, running this place.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Is it still an important thing for British people?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It is because really it's the start of a national curriculum
0:39:10 > 0:39:12that children learn about in history.
0:39:12 > 0:39:18So, very important, and everyone remembers the date 1066.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- Thanks very much, Rosemary, it's been a pleasure.- My pleasure, thank you.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34All that Norman and Anglo-Saxon history hasn't distracted me
0:39:34 > 0:39:37from the property history that's being made
0:39:37 > 0:39:40as Stephen and Suzanne decide which of the three houses
0:39:40 > 0:39:43they're going to proceed on, or think about proceeding on.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47There's the thatched cottage, the project with the "almost view".
0:39:47 > 0:39:50And then there's the shared ownership of the Victorian mansion.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Which one will it be?
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Well, what a week.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- It's been an amazing journey, hasn't it, the last few days?- It has.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06It's my duty to go through all the houses, including the first one,
0:40:06 > 0:40:11which got a rather knockout first impression from you, Suzanne.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Yes, it was a beautiful, beautiful house.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18I could see us living there, but it didn't have the view.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Yes, it was nestled at the bottom of a valley,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- wasn't it?- Yes, yes.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24I liked the first house very much.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28I think the extension that the owners had done was absolutely superb.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The gardens were absolutely gorgeous,
0:40:31 > 0:40:35and for me, I could see myself living there,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38but if I could pick it up and move it
0:40:38 > 0:40:41probably 50 metres over the other side of the little lane,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44that would have had some very good views.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46The second house, a very different offering.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Lovely, lovely house,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53great potential to turn it into a fantastic home.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58It had the outbuilding, again we could really stamp our mark on that.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01But I couldn't see us living there. Again, there wasn't a view.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- You're singing from the same song sheet?- Yes, very much so.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09I think halfway round, I pretty much decided this would be
0:41:09 > 0:41:11a building project, and a very nice one to do as well.
0:41:11 > 0:41:18But not a place Suzanne and I were going to call our dream house to settle down in.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Tell me about the mystery house.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Well, I don't think it would come as a huge shock to you
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- if I said I absolutely adored the property.- No, it wouldn't.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32I think I gave away quite a bit there.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36It's lovely, yeah, really felt very comfortable in there.
0:41:36 > 0:41:43Lovely high ceilings, clean lines, could really see us living there.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Is that unanimous?- Absolutely.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49There's no question that absolutely caught us by surprise
0:41:49 > 0:41:51and straight between the eyes, I think, that one.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56And what about the communal living thing? It's not your own house, you're not detached.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Yes, it feels detached.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02You just don't feel as if you're living on top of other people,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and I think it's because of the view that you have,
0:42:05 > 0:42:07looking out of all those windows.
0:42:07 > 0:42:1118 acres of land that's kept for us, maintained, fantastic!
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Well, you've bought lots of properties before.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17What's going to happen next? What's your plan of attack?
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Well, we've already spoken to the estate agents,
0:42:19 > 0:42:24and we're having some details on the lease sent through to us later on.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28And we are going back down next week to actually
0:42:28 > 0:42:30look at the property again
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and have a good look at the surrounding countryside,
0:42:33 > 0:42:35exactly where it's situated.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36Great, so you think it could be a goer?
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- For sure.- I'll be very disappointed if it's not.- Oh, well, so will I!
0:42:41 > 0:42:45I really hope it goes ahead. It would be wonderful to see you there.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48I think the property suits you both, and I wish you all the best.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- Thank you.- Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Look at that - another property search nailed by the mystery house.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Although I have to surmise that Stephen and Suzanne
0:43:01 > 0:43:06were probably just as swayed by the beautiful East Sussex countryside.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09If you've enjoyed our adventures in rural Britain,
0:43:09 > 0:43:14then make sure you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16After further consideration,
0:43:16 > 0:43:20Stephen and Suzanne decided not to go for our mystery property.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23So their Sussex house hunt continues.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:28 > 0:43:32and need our help, please apply online at...
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd