0:00:02 > 0:00:06I'm in a county that is working hard to protect the British barn owl.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Now, this gorgeous little chap is just one of their success stories.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14But where was he born? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45On today's show, I'm house hunting with a professional couple
0:00:45 > 0:00:48who are on the verge of giving up work.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52And one of our properties is almost too good to be true.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57It looks like it's just come out of a book of photographs of beautiful cottages.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59It's absolutely lovely.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03And expect the unexpected behind the doors of our mystery house.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Yeah, I could spend a few hours in here, that's for sure.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13Today, I'm in Suffolk with a brood of month-old barn owls.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Adorable, aren't they?
0:01:15 > 0:01:18But a fully grown pair of barn owls will need to hunt
0:01:18 > 0:01:23over 10,000 shrews and voles a year to raise their family.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Now, back in the 1980s, their numbers went into serious decline.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32But here in Suffolk they've been studying these adorable creatures,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37providing homes and new habitat which hopefully will increase their numbers.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Now, I'm going to be finding out more later in the programme.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44But first, let's see what else Suffolk has to offer.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49The county of Suffolk is bordered by Norfolk to the north,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Cambridgeshire to the west, and Essex to the south.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Suffolk's unspoiled coastline boasts resorts
0:01:56 > 0:01:58such as Southwold, Felixstowe and Aldeburgh,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02which is home to the annual classical music festival,
0:02:02 > 0:02:07founded in 1948 by composer Benjamin Britten, who was a resident here.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12For 600 years, the south of Suffolk was a major player
0:02:12 > 0:02:14in the production of woollen cloth.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Indeed, Lavenham was once one of the richest towns in medieval England,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20thanks to its wool trade.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Today, it has over 300 listed buildings
0:02:23 > 0:02:26and is one of Britain's best-preserved medieval villages.
0:02:30 > 0:02:37The average cost of a detached property here in Suffolk is £247,000.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41That's some £9,000 below the national average.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46However, there are pockets of the county that command significant premiums.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Most notably, the east coast villages, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54where prices can rise by 50%.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Worth bearing in mind if you're seeking a rule retreat here in Suffolk.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03So let's take a look at some of the properties currently on the market.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07For £300,000, you could be living
0:03:07 > 0:03:10in this delightful three-bedroom cottage in Bedingfield.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13It boasts a thatched roof and rustic interior
0:03:13 > 0:03:14with period features,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19along with a third of an acre of beautiful gardens.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25For sale at £375,000, there's this four-bedroom
0:03:25 > 0:03:28brick and tile barn conversion in Broome.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31It retains a wealth of traditional features inside,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33including an inglenook fireplace.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39Outside, there are stunning and uninterrupted views over the Suffolk countryside.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43And if you can stretch to £650,000,
0:03:43 > 0:03:48you could be the owner of this Grade II listed timber-framed cottage in Chelsworth.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50It's been sympathetically modernised,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54with a range cooker and granite worktops in the kitchen.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56There's also over an acre and a half of grounds,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59including a paddock and a pond.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Some impressive houses there.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Time now to meet today's buyers, eager to escape to Suffolk.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Kevin and Debbie have been married for 33 years
0:04:09 > 0:04:13and run a mortgage broking business together in Hertfordshire.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16They bought their five-bedroom house here just five years ago
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and have recently brought forward their plans to retire to the country.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26We had a little wake-up call with a bit of health problems earlier in the year.
0:04:26 > 0:04:33And I think that's really accelerated our decision to look at other property, a bit more rural,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37with an opportunity then to move down there,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41or move out to that property as and when business things are right.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44They've appointed new staff to take some of the load in their business,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46but they want to be able to travel back regularly,
0:04:46 > 0:04:51so they've picked Suffolk as their ideal location.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54And they already have plenty of plans for when they move.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56We're members of the National Trust,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58but time has always been at a premium
0:04:58 > 0:05:02so we've never really had the opportunity to fully explore
0:05:02 > 0:05:05all the opportunities and properties that you can go out and see.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09They've decided to keep this property as an investment,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11and there's one particular aspect it has
0:05:11 > 0:05:15that Kevin wants to recreate in his new home.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19When we first moved to this house, the garden was very much a blank canvas.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And we've very much enjoyed getting to the stage it's at now.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We'd like to do it on more grand scale in a larger garden at the next house.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30They'll also need a garage for Debbie's pride and joy.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33I changed my car recently. I'm really pleased with this
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and I'm looking forward to taking it round some of the country lanes in Suffolk.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38It should be quite fun.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41And as for the rest of their new country home,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44well, the wish list is all set and ready to go.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Definitely a large kitchen-diner.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I do like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Three, preferably four bedrooms, at least two reception rooms and lots of space.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59I don't like converted chapels or barn conversions especially.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Other than that, I think we're fairly flexible on the type of property.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Just one more thing to cover, and that's the finances.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12If everything is absolutely perfect and exactly what we're looking for,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15then our maximum budget would be £500,000.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Kevin and Debbie are particularly keen on the Suffolk countryside,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29close to the medieval town of Lavenham.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33We've got three lovely properties for them to view, but, as usual,
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I won't be telling them the price until they've had a guess first.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40The final property is, of course, our mystery house,
0:06:40 > 0:06:46which could make them eat their words when it comes to one of their pet hates.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Kevin and Debbie, welcome to Suffolk.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I understand with your present house,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59you popped out for a loaf of bread and came back with a five-bedroom property.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Yes, that's absolutely right.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We had gone shopping just to get some bread and some milk
0:07:05 > 0:07:09and came back, just being nosy, went to have a look at some new houses.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13And we decided to buy one. That was it, on the spot.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17I'm going to take you via a supermarket to each property while we're in Suffolk.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19So, do you agree on everything straight away?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- You obviously know exactly what you want.- No, no, no.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- I don't think we ever agree straight away.- Yes, we do.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29OK, this is good, bit of honesty coming through here.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- I mean, do you argue?- Yes, all the time.- Seriously?- Seriously.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34How will you agree on this property,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37because you bought your present house very quickly?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Do you both know as soon as you rock up to a house,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43or is it going to take a bit of compromising?
0:07:43 > 0:07:48I think it will be a case of we both walk in and really, really like it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50We have to both agree when it comes to buying houses.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55I don't think you never find the house that is exactly perfect. It's always a compromise.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59We've got three houses lined up for you to see, one being our mystery house.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- So, the sun's shining. Shall we get going?- Yes.- Let's. - Follow me.- Thank you.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10With a maximum budget of £500,000, Kevin and Debbie would like:
0:08:25 > 0:08:28We've travelled four miles north of Lavenham
0:08:28 > 0:08:30to the village of Cockfield,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34an active community with many flourishing clubs and societies.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36It also has a medieval church
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and a village store which sells locally-sourced produce.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43In the heart of the village, house number one is a period property
0:08:43 > 0:08:46believed to date back in parts to the 18th century.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52So here is your very first property in Suffolk. So what do you think?
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- It looks very nice. - It has a lot of character to it.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00My only concern is the windows are quite small and the doors,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03how much light there will be inside.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- We won't know until we get in. - Come on, then. That's a good start.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11I'm glad to see Debbie is keeping an open mind about this property,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and I think they'll both be really delighted
0:09:14 > 0:09:16when they see what lies behind the front door.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17Come on through.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20This is very nice.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22This probably is the oldest part of the house.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- You can tell, actually, by the ceilings.- Yes.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27As you come through, you've got a utility room.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- And it leads us to this little reception space.- Nice tiles.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Very nice tiles.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39You're going to see lots of character and personality with this house.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Let's go straight into the sitting room.- This is a lovely room.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Really cosy.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50You walk through that olde worlde part of the house into part of the modern extension.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53But it still retains the character and follows through with the rest of the house.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- That's lovely.- Good. And you're a very social couple.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Can you imagine having your friends and family here?- Oh, yes.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Especially in winter, with the fire. It would be lovely.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Excellent. OK, let's head off.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09The year-round socialising potential of this house
0:10:09 > 0:10:11would be of real benefit to these two.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14So to help with that, they need a good-sized kitchen,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and I think this one might be just right.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21This is very nice. It's a fair size, isn't it?
0:10:21 > 0:10:22It's really very nice. I love the cooker.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Absolutely perfect for me.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28It looks like it's in an old inglenook.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30But I think that's probably modern and added on.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32But it's been done very sympathetically.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Can you imagine yourselves in a kitchen like this?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's smaller than the one we have.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40We have a dining area in the kitchen at home,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43but the dining room through here joins onto the kitchen.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45You've spotted it!
0:10:45 > 0:10:49'Let's see how they'd feel about continuing their social occasions
0:10:49 > 0:10:51'in the next room.'
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Conveniently close to the kitchen.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57It's close enough without being directly in there. It's good.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58It's a nice room.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Good size for a dining room.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02It's a good start.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07It's very nice. You've done well, first house.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10I'm feeling good. Haven't even taken you upstairs. Come on.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'As we head to the first floor,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16'we pass by a study area which might prove useful for Kevin,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19'to keep on touch with the business.'
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Upstairs, there's four very good-sized bedrooms.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Two with en suite bathrooms,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26and all of them with real character,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29thanks to original features and exposed beams.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33The family bathroom is large and modern, with a free-standing bath.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36'But I'm showing our buyers where they might sleep.'
0:11:36 > 0:11:39So a fair-sized master bedroom.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41It's very nice. Nice and bright.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43It's very nicely done.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- You have an en suite. - Let's have a look.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Go on. Stick your head in.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55That's lovely. Nice big shower.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58It's more of a wet room, isn't it, really?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Very nice. Perfect.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Great.- Good.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- The sort of thing you had in mind? - Yup. Very nice.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09Yeah. Every room you go in just seems to surprise you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Just absolutely surprise you.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15There's still one more surprise to let you in on. Follow me!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18'Before I reveal that surprise, we'll head outside
0:12:18 > 0:12:20'to look at one of Kevin's priorities - the garden.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25'Which comes complete with a large shed and beautiful unspoilt views.'
0:12:25 > 0:12:28You've got a sugar beet field right in front of us.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31And you're not overlooked at all by your neighbours.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Although it's not the largest of gardens,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36you do get a fair degree of privacy.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It's a bit smaller than I was hoping for, garden-wise,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41but the views are stunning.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- And I did mention an additional surprise.- You did.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Four double bedrooms with this property,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51but it also has its own separate annexe.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Beautifully done.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57You have a garage, which leads through into the annexe.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00You've got a separate kitchen, all fitted out.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Then upstairs you have a sort of sitting room-cum-bedroom,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06with its own bathroom.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Absolutely amazing.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09A good start?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- A very great start.- Lovely house.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- Yeah, you both seem very taken with it.- Yeah, instantly.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17And you are both agreeing on this property.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Yes, surprisingly.- Amazing! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:20 > 0:13:21It won't last!
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Let's see if you agree on the price.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24It's going to be interesting.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Who wants to go first? - He can go first.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- I'm allowed to go first? - Just this once.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Erm, from what I've seen,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34I would say probably near the £500,000.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- Debbie?- £485,000, I think.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43The current asking price is £535,000.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45OK. A bit more than we thought.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Yeah, I got that very wrong!
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Well, you weren't too far out,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51because we've spoken to the owners, and they would look at offers
0:13:51 > 0:13:55in the region of the top of your budget, £500,000.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57So, if this is the house for you, it is within budget.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00That's good. That's reassuring.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Do you fancy having another look around the house?- I'd love to.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05I think you start off with the annexe.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07We definitely need to have a look at that.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Have a wander, and I'll meet you out the front when you're ready.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Thanks very much.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15At £535,000,
0:14:15 > 0:14:20but with offers accepted at the top end of their budget of £500,000,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23this property has everything on their wish list.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28Including four bedrooms - so plenty of room for the family to visit,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31a good-sized kitchen and dining area,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33a garage, for Debbie's car,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36and a pretty garden.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Even though it may not be enough of a challenge for Kevin.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41This is lovely. It would be absolutely perfect,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43if Mum and Dad come and stay.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45They have their own section.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Even the kids, if they want to come up.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Or I could put you in here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Thank you very much(!) - That would be perfect.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54When we first drew up outside, I wasn't too sure.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57I thought it might look a little small from the front
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Maybe the windows were small, so it might be a bit dark inside.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04But once I was in, the house is really nice.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Four big bedrooms, lots of space, The extension,
0:15:07 > 0:15:08though not something we need,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10is really useful.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11I was absolutely amazed.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14It had lots of beams, lots of character.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18More importantly, it was very light as well.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20The big negative is the garden for me.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23If there's one negative, it's that.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- All right?- Yup.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28All done? Finished, that's our first house done.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Great start. - Good, I'm glad you're pleased.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- We'll continue.- Next one.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45The historic market town of Framlingham
0:15:45 > 0:15:48is home to a magnificent 12th century fortress,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52one of Suffolk's 12 surviving ancient castles.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54In the past 400 years,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58it's been used as a poor house, and a county court.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Framlingham Castle ranks amongst
0:16:00 > 0:16:03the most fascinating medieval castles in Britain.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06And is one of the first built with a ring of towers,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08rather than a fortified keep.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Built by Roger Bigod,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13the second Earl of Norfolk, around 1190,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16it remained the chief seat of Norfolk earls and dukes
0:16:16 > 0:16:19for well over 400 years.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Over the centuries, the castle changed hands on several occasions,
0:16:23 > 0:16:28and by 1553, was in the possession of King Henry VIII's daughter,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Mary Tudor.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Earlier in the week, Kevin and Debbie met up
0:16:32 > 0:16:35with local historian Robert Halliday,
0:16:35 > 0:16:36to discover more about Mary Tudor,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40and her role in the castle's history.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43When Edward VI dies in 1153,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47the Earl of Northumberland thought he could hang on to power,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50by installing his cousin, Lady Jane Grey as Queen.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53And he sent his bodyguard to arrest Mary.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Now, Mary got wind of the plot,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57and fled to Framlingham Castle.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00When she got here, she raised her standard and said,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04"If anybody supports the justice of my cause, join me at Framlingham".
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Within a few days,
0:17:05 > 0:17:0920,000 people were camped around Framlingham Castle,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12all ready to defend Mary's right to become Queen.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15And Mary, of course, did go on to become Queen,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17after this pivotal stand-off at the castle.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21One of the many impressive features of this fortress,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24along with its magnificent gate tower,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28is the large number of brick Tudor chimneys dotted across the roof.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31And there are many tales about their construction.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35There is one rather amusing story about how all these chimneys
0:17:35 > 0:17:37came to be built at Framlingham Castle.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39I should add it is just a story.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41When the Howards were renewing the castle,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44there was a mason there.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48He fell foul of... He committed a crime.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52He was sentenced to death, and he said,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54"Please, before you kill me,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57"how about giving me time to finish the chimneys?"
0:17:57 > 0:17:58The Howards were well in with the judge,
0:17:58 > 0:18:03and they said, "All right, could you postpone his sentence
0:18:03 > 0:18:05"until he finishes modernising our castle,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07"and building all these chimneys?"
0:18:07 > 0:18:10After that, he kept building chimney after chimney, after chimney,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12so he wouldn't have his head chopped off.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17And that story might explain why most of the chimneys
0:18:17 > 0:18:21are strictly ornamental, with only two having functioning flues.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Whatever the reason,
0:18:22 > 0:18:26they are the earliest ones of their type in England.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Now it's time to head back to our property search,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and see if Kevin and Debbie
0:18:31 > 0:18:35can find a slice of Suffolk history to call their own.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39We've travelled five miles from Lavenham
0:18:39 > 0:18:42to the remote agricultural village of Hitcham,
0:18:42 > 0:18:47home to wheat farms, the very grand All Saints Church,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and amenities such as a pub and village shop.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Our second property is a thatched cottage,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56typical of the region, and dating back to 1450.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Here we have our second property.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05A quintessential Suffolk thatch.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07It certainly is.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It looks like it's just come out a book of photographs
0:19:09 > 0:19:12of beautiful cottages. It's absolutely lovely.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Have you ever seen inside a thatch before?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19No, we'd never considered a thatch, so we'd be very interested.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It is an intriguing house.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25It has so much character bursting the seams.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Shall we start the official tour? - Good idea.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'Wow, they love the outside,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35'but are they ready for their first thatch experience?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38'In typical style, the door frames are low, the kitchen is rustic,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'and not as large as they're used to.'
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Come on through.- Goodness me.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48So, here is the kitchen.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Interesting. Interesting.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Very different from the first property.- A bit small.- Yes, it is.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58There's lots in here, so I suppose if you take everything out,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01it's going to make a difference.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05It's actually how you would picture a thatched cottage kitchen.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09'A cottage like this can take a little bit of getting used to,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12'if you're more accustomed to a modern house.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14'But it also has its advantages,
0:20:14 > 0:20:18'with gorgeous period features, like in the next room.'
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- This is a lovely room. - It's impressive, isn't it?
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Yeah, very nice.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Stunning, this. Absolutely stunning.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Lovely fireplace.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Really nice fireplace.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30That's what you'd call an inglenook.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32It is, with the traditional bressummer beam.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35But that wouldn't have been there when this house was built.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37The fire would have been right in the centre.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39There wouldn't have been this floor above us.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41It would have reached right to the top,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and they'd have lived in this part of the house.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- So, just the one room open to the top?- Huge room.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51If you look inside, you've got timber mullion windows here.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53So they're original. Then you can see here
0:20:53 > 0:20:56where they've added these timbers.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57This is where the flooring's put in.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59To put the other floor.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01I've never seen that before.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03'And I don't think Kevin and Debbie
0:21:03 > 0:21:06'will have seen anything with quite so much charm
0:21:06 > 0:21:08'as the next room, either.'
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Here's your sitting room. - Very nice room.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Really cosy and comfortable.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Cosy, isn't it?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Are you agreeing with me?
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Yeah, I know!
0:21:18 > 0:21:19SHE LAUGHS
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Have we not had an argument, or disagreed at all, on anything?
0:21:22 > 0:21:24You're in danger of being united here!
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Two houses, and we haven't had a disagreement.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27It's not going to happen.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30So you've got the exposed beams here.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Fantastic fireplace. Look at that.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35If you wanted, you could put a wood burner in there.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Personally, I wouldn't change it.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41As long as you clean it out, cos I'm not cleaning it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- As always.- As always.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45He's got the extra time on his hands.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Oh, it's brewing. I wonder if I can get this fire going?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Before I have to step in and referee,
0:21:51 > 0:21:52I'm going to take them upstairs.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56There are two staircases in this fascinating property.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Both dating back to Tudor times.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03One rather steep set, leading up to a characterful bedroom
0:22:03 > 0:22:05with its own bathroom.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06'The other, the main staircase,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09'which leads directly into a study area.'
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- Ha-ha! This is interesting. - Very different.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Isn't this unique?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18When I said to you when this house was originally built,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21in the medieval times, it was a whole house.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Yeah, you can see how.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The brickwork in front of us is the original Tudor fireplace
0:22:25 > 0:22:26that was added in.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29All of this is a great feature, the beam and the brickwork.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33But it makes use of the room difficult.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Well, the beam does.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38But it is great as an office, as they've got it here.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39Yes.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42'So, a useful office space, where they can gradually
0:22:42 > 0:22:44'wean themselves away from work.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46'But now, let's have a look along the hall,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49'where there are two further bedrooms,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51including the one they could be sleeping in.'
0:22:51 > 0:22:53This is the master bedroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Very small.- It IS small.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57It doesn't have an en suite, either.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Or storage.- But there's a family bathroom next door.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Good point.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Very little storage.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06There's nowhere to actually put a wardrobe.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08There isn't here.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11But there is, in the centre of the property
0:23:11 > 0:23:12where their study is.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14You could potentially...
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- .. Make it a sort of dressing room? - Yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18You could have wardrobes built in there, perhaps.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- That's true.- That's a thought.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23It's nicely done. It really is nice.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27I think it's a bit small.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Downstairs is lovely,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32but this is perhaps a little small.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35This is frightening, cos I totally agree with her!
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Frightened that you actually are agreeing?- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41While peace reigns,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45I think this might be a good time to show them the garden,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48which is where Kevin may want to spend most of his time.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49There's a secluded patio,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53which could be a lovely place to socialise.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54'And nearly a third of an acre of garden,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57'with mature beds and fruit trees.'
0:23:57 > 0:24:00You do have the most beautiful cottage-like garden,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02with loads of flowers and mature plants
0:24:02 > 0:24:04wrapped around the house itself.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Then you walk through here, and you have all this additional space.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12It's exactly what we were looking for.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15And the hidden garage, I notice, for my car.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17There is a garage,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20hidden away, surrounded by shrubs and beautiful plants
0:24:20 > 0:24:24So, you've seen the house. How much is it on the market for?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I would say £490,000.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29£490,000. OK.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33It's a slice of history, and I think about £510,000.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Very good guesses, I have to say.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39The current asking price is, for this medieval home,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42£495,000.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47- So you're just £5,000 off. - Doesn't surprise me.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Do you want to have another look around, have a wander,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51check out the garden,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- and I'll catch up with you later? - That's great.- Thank you.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59Just under their budget, at £495,000,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01this wonderfully characterful property
0:25:01 > 0:25:03has three bedrooms,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06spacious reception rooms for socialising,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09a cute kitchen,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11loads of garden space for Kevin,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and a garage for Debbie's car.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Well, this is, erm, interesting.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Oh, my word!
0:25:18 > 0:25:21If we were going to use this for guests, it is a lovely room,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25but people we have as guests, especially my parents...
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Dad's 80.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29As nimble as he is, he'd never get up those stairs.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Great-looking house. Obviously a lot of character.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The gardens, overall, are absolutely beautiful.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I could see myself spending many an hour out there,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41getting it looking really, really nice.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44It's an absolutely beautiful-looking house.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Inside, the kitchen was a bit small.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49The lounge and dining room are absolutely beautiful.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Upstairs,
0:25:52 > 0:25:53not so good.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55The rooms are really small.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Although it's full of character, and really lovely,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00I'm not sure that we would be able to live here.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04This really is a very special house.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- OK, you two?- I think so.- Good.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09This is it for the day.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Great.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25As dusk falls over the Suffolk countryside,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28the first day of our property search comes to an end.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Kevin and Debbie currently run a mortgage broker business
0:26:39 > 0:26:42near their home in Hertfordshire.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44But, with plans for retirement on the horizon,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47they're looking to move to the Suffolk countryside.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51'So far, we've had mixed responses to our two properties,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55'but, coming up, we go all out to change Kevin's perceptions
0:26:55 > 0:26:59'as we reveal our mystery house.'
0:26:59 > 0:27:00It's a converted barn.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Oh!
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- Your mystery house! - Bless you, Nicki(!)
0:27:04 > 0:27:05SHE LAUGHS
0:27:05 > 0:27:08And I discover how conservationists in Suffolk
0:27:08 > 0:27:13are helping rejuvenate the county's barn owl population.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Well, we haven't been blessed with quite the same weather as yesterday.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29But it's not going to put us off.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31We're on our way to the mystery house.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Kevin, I'll start with you.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Anything that you're really hoping to see today?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Yeah, our ideal property with a nice garden, well-located.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42What about things you're really dreading,
0:27:42 > 0:27:46in your heart of hearts you hope aren't just round the corner?
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Barn conversions. I've yet to see one that I like.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53But, hey-ho, there's always a first, I suppose.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56What about you, Debs?
0:27:56 > 0:27:59You never know. You might find something you do like.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Well, let's hope so.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05We've travelled some distance out of our target area.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07to the village of Metfield,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10which is about 30 miles northeast of Lavenham.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12The village has a church,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14a community-run stall which sells local produce,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16and a weekly market.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The mystery house is a style of property
0:28:19 > 0:28:22that tops Kevin's list of dislikes,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24a barn conversion.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'But we think this one might just make him change his tune.'
0:28:27 > 0:28:30We're not going to let this weather dampen our spirits,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33because it is mystery house time.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37It is quite secluded. You can see the walls, but through there...
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- is a converted barn.- Oh.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Your mystery house. - Bless you, Nicki(!)
0:28:43 > 0:28:44THEY LAUGH
0:28:44 > 0:28:47And you've always wanted to see one, haven't you, Kevin?
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Yes, of course I have(!)
0:28:50 > 0:28:54As I said, I've never seen one that I liked yet.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57But never's a long time, isn't it?
0:28:57 > 0:28:58So, open mind.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01'I think Kevin took that quite well,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05'but I expect this place still has some convincing to do.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06'Let's get out of the rain,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09'and see how they both react to the inside of this property.'
0:29:09 > 0:29:13So, let's start off with the sitting room.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- Very nice room.- It's very nice.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The beams are great. Lovely fireplace.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22It's very nice.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25It's a nice shape to the lounge, as well.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Plenty of light coming in from all those windows.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30The barn actually dates back to the 1830s.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32You can see how old the barn is.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33There's your A-frame, there.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- That's an original. - That's a great feature in here.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39This room actually leads into a bedroom.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43'And this bedroom could easily be converted
0:29:43 > 0:29:46'into a room for them to work from.'
0:29:46 > 0:29:49It would make a good office. Especially on the end of the lounge.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Light, spacious, airy.- It's good.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Plenty of storage.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Lots of room to put wardrobes and everything in.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Pleasantly surprised.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Well, that's a result from Kevin!
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Have we found a barn conversion he actually does like?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08We're going to try and make Debbie happy now,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11as we pass through the dining area
0:30:11 > 0:30:13to one very impressive kitchen/diner.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Wow, this is brilliant. Really lovely.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Fantastic, yeah.- Really lovely room.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Just my thing. This is really great.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Love the tiles, like the floor. Units are great.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I think the floor is absolutely beautiful.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26It is great, isn't it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28If you picture a farmhouse-type kitchen,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31for dining in and entertaining,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33it's fantastic.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34It works. Perfect.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Through that door to the right is a huge utility room.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42The tiles go all the way through, and they have a huge fridge-freezer,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45and their white goods there, as well.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46- Absolutely brilliant.- Lovely.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Good reaction on the kitchen! - THEY LAUGH
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- We all love this kitchen. - Love the kitchen.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53With a great response on the kitchen,
0:30:53 > 0:30:58we'll head for the other side of this barn conversion.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02Off the hallway are four more very generously-sized double bedrooms,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04with loads of light and character.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07As well as a big family bathroom.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11But I'm going to show them the potential main bedroom area,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13which has its own en suite shower room,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16but is currently being used for something other than sleeping.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- How is this... - .. This is different.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22.. for a boys' room?
0:31:22 > 0:31:25You'd be happy in here, wouldn't you?
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I could spend a few hours in here, that's for sure. Really unusual.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32In all honesty, this could make a fantastic master bedroom.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33It would.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Would you convert it back?
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Yeah, I'm afraid so. Sorry, Kevin!
0:31:37 > 0:31:39I think there'd be a bit of a battle there.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40I think there might be.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43But I think it would make a really lovely bedroom.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Especially with the windows out, and the door to the garden.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Who's going to win this one?- I am. - Oh, OK, then.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49No question!
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- We'll talk later.- Yeah, we will.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Wow, it's great that they like this house so much,
0:31:54 > 0:31:58they're debating how they'd actually use the space.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02And with Debbie in love with the kitchen,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05let's see if Kevin will feel equally at home in his domain, the garden.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Outside, there's a terrace with raised beds,
0:32:08 > 0:32:10a pergola and a lawn,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13as well as a car port tucked away at the side.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It's warm but very wet today, so, the garden.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19As you can see, it's set out as a courtyard.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Perhaps could do with an overhaul.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Bit of TLC, yes. Very attractive.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28These are very positive comments you're making to me.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Dare I ask, are you converted with a barn conversion?
0:32:32 > 0:32:36I must admit, I'm going more round towards liking this.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40I've never seen anything like it on just one level, wrapped around.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42It's superb. Absolutely superb.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45This is Mr "I will never live in a barn conversion, I don't like them."
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- Yeah.- OK.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51I'm a bit concerned he's already moved in.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54This could end up in words, I have a feeling.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Jokes aside, we'd better get onto the price,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59haven't we, before we get too wet?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02How much do you think the barn conversion's on for?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05525,000, I would say.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09I think just over budget, about 505,000.
0:33:09 > 0:33:15The asking price is £535,000.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18You've won again!
0:33:18 > 0:33:22But, we have spoken to the owner.
0:33:22 > 0:33:23We've double-checked it
0:33:23 > 0:33:28and they would take offers in the region of £500,000.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31That's good news. That's good news.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36That certainly puts it in the discussion point, doesn't it?
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Please don't argue.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Off you go, go back in the drive.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Have a wander around, have a think about it again
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- and I'll catch up with you later. - Great.- Thanks very much.
0:33:47 > 0:33:55At £535,000 but with offers accepted at maximum budget of £500,000,
0:33:55 > 0:33:57this property has certainly got them
0:33:57 > 0:34:01thinking outside the barn-shaped box.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07It has five bedrooms, space to use as an office, a huge kitchen/diner,
0:34:07 > 0:34:11a courtyard garden for Kevin and a good-sized carport.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13As a mystery house, this was really good.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16All of the rooms are really nice.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21The courtyard, garden, everything is done very nicely.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23I'm just not sure if it's really for me,
0:34:23 > 0:34:24and I think Kevin is going to really like it.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I think he's going to love this house.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30And I think we could have words over this.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I thought it would be a no-no.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Because my initial reaction, looked at it and thought,
0:34:34 > 0:34:35this is a barn conversion.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38And I've never liked one yet. But I must say,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I'm now converted.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Certainly impressed by a barn conversion at long last.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50That's it. Mystery house is finished.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- Shall we go somewhere dry and have a chat?- I think that's a good idea.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05For almost 50 years,
0:35:05 > 0:35:09the Suffolk Wildlife Trust has been working to protect
0:35:09 > 0:35:13the land, flora and fauna of the county,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17with projects devoted to the preservation of such species
0:35:17 > 0:35:19as sparrows, harvest mice and barn owls.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25The county's population of barn owls has declined markedly,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27due to the loss of readily-available nesting sites.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31One factor has been the prevalence of Dutch elm disease,
0:35:31 > 0:35:34which has reduced the number of trees where the owls might nest.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38While another has been the issue of barns being boarded up
0:35:38 > 0:35:40or converted into dwellings.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42In an attempt to reverse the decline,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47a team of volunteers formed the Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Their work providing nest boxes is relieving competition
0:35:51 > 0:35:53for the few remaining natural nest sites.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57I've come to a local nature reserve to meet founder member
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Steve Piotrowski who's going to tell me more.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01We were looking at putting up
0:36:01 > 0:36:0490 boxes up in five years
0:36:04 > 0:36:08but we completely underestimated the enthusiasm of the farmers
0:36:08 > 0:36:11and the general public, and their love of barn owls.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16And after the first year, we already had 250 boxes up.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19And now we've got 1,300, which we monitor every year.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21And can you guess
0:36:21 > 0:36:24how many more barn owls there are because of this project?
0:36:24 > 0:36:30When we started the project we have an estimated 125 breeding barn owls.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Our ultimate aim is to get to 450 by 2015.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37So far, we've got halfway because we're now
0:36:37 > 0:36:40at around about 250 from 125.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43So you're on track. That's an amazing achievement
0:36:43 > 0:36:45in such a short period of time.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Obviously our little feathered friends love these nesting boxes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51They really do, they take to them very, very well.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55The project's work involves checking the nesting boxes twice a year,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58so I've joined Steve and his colleague Andrew
0:36:58 > 0:37:00to see if we could find any.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04Andrew moves in with a device called an includer,
0:37:04 > 0:37:06that's placed over the entrance
0:37:06 > 0:37:09to ensure that any owlets are kept inside
0:37:09 > 0:37:11to make examination easier.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Once the includer is set,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Steve moves in with the ladder to see if we're in luck.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- So, are there any in there?- Yes.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- How many?- At least three.- Oh!
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Are they old or very young?- I think they're round about five weeks,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28by the look of it. We might have four.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- Look at that one.- Oh!
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Fantastic, look at that.- Look! - So we put them in the bag.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37So you're delighted with having four.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39That's very good, yes, that just goes to show
0:37:39 > 0:37:41how good the habitat is here because
0:37:41 > 0:37:46the more successful the owl is, the better the feeding area it's got.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Each owlet is placed in a cotton bag,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53which helps to keep them calm.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54Before they can fly the nest,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57they are weighed, measured and ringed,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59and the data carefully recorded.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03And after that, I finally get my chance to see
0:38:03 > 0:38:06a baby barn owl at close quarters.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- Oh, look at all that down! - OK, yes...
0:38:10 > 0:38:12they're losing their down now.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15You can see it's blowing off as we're talking.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18When they first hatch, do they have anything on their skin at all?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20They're completely naked when they first hatch.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Then they grow this down within a week.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26That protects them for the first five or six weeks,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- then the feathers, as you can see, are growing now.- Yes. - They're still very much in pin.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33You can see the lovely silver and fawn and creams.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35For the ringing process,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38a light metal tag carrying a unique reference number
0:38:38 > 0:38:41is placed around the bird's leg for easy identification.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Once it's in place, all we have to do
0:38:45 > 0:38:49is measure the wings of these beautiful young birds.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- What is this going to tell us?- It's going to tell us how old this owl is.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57So we have...underwing,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01we've got 28. Now, if you just pass me the book there,
0:39:01 > 0:39:03we'll have a look at this particular bird.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05So this is your reference in the book?
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- Yes, if you go to that card there.- Right.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09If you look at 28 here,
0:39:09 > 0:39:13so it's 33 days old.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Halfway to fledgling, sex can sometimes be deduced now.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20It can, yes, because what we could do, if we just have a look,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23yeah, we can see. What we need to look at, see these spots here?
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Yes.- That shows it's a female.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- So, one down, three more to go. - That's right, yes.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Adult barn owls have exceptional hearing
0:39:33 > 0:39:36and can find prey by sound alone.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40And as to the noise they make, well, it's not actually a hoot,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42but more of an eerie long screech,
0:39:42 > 0:39:47which accounts for their alternative name, the screech owl.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Well, it's been a wonderful experience
0:39:49 > 0:39:51to see these baby owls up close,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53but now it's time to find out
0:39:53 > 0:39:58if Kevin and Debbie will be adding to the human population here,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02as they give their verdict on their three properties.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Well, you two, Suffolk has shown us three very different properties.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Let's start off with the first house we saw in Cockfield.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Tell me what you thought.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13It was a nice house,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17it offered what we were looking for in terms of bedroom space.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Main downside for me was the garden because that's
0:40:21 > 0:40:24the big thing that we said we wanted, a larger garden.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28So moving to the second property, we went south of the county.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- What about that medieval house? - To look at it,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34it was beautiful.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Everything about the outside of it was wonderful. Inside,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40loads of character. Very nice.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44But to all that beauty and history, the functionality upstairs...
0:40:44 > 0:40:47It just wasn't practical.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51The rooms were smaller than we really wanted, in terms the bedroom sizes.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53The big thing was lack of storage.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56But the garden was just what we wanted,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00so it was a shame the house didn't offer all the other bits and pieces
0:41:00 > 0:41:02we wanted on our checklist.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Which leads us to our mystery house.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10We decided to show you a converted barn. But, Kevin, you were the surprise here.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16Yes, it was a lot, lot better than I'd imagined a barn conversion.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21Because the property was all on one level, that appealed to me.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23And being in a horseshoe, I thought
0:41:23 > 0:41:27each room lent itself in some way to what we were looking for.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28I thought it was really good.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30That was one of the problems I had with it,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32the fact it was on one level.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37I'm not really sure that that's what I would want.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Having said that, I thought it was lovely inside.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42So, where do you go from here?
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Can I answer that?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45You can answer that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- You can disagree with me afterwards.- I will.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51I would like to do a trial drive,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55to see what the time's like to get back to Hertfordshire.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57If that stacks up, we could have another talk
0:41:57 > 0:42:00about my plans, what I think we could do with the house,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02then see where it goes from there.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05But I never thought I'd be saying that about a barn conversion.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Are you happy with this course of action, Debbie?
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Um...maybe. We'll...
0:42:11 > 0:42:15we'll have a look and we'll have a few discussions
0:42:15 > 0:42:17and we'll go from there.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- That's probably as near to yes as you'll get from Debbie.- Is it?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Well, you never know, that house may be the one for you.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Whatever happens, we wish you all the best with the move to Suffolk.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Well, that's it from beautiful Suffolk.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Now, Kevin and Debbie have left us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Will the mystery house get Debbie's final support,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46because it's certainly convinced Kevin?
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I think we're just going to have to wait and see.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Until next time, bye-bye.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55After viewing the mystery property again
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Debbie won the battle and they've decided not to make an offer.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03However, they are still house hunting in the Suffolk area and,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07lo and behold, are considering barn conversions.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:09 > 0:43:13in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
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