0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, I'm in a region characterised by big skies and plenty of these.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26In today's show, I'll be helping a couple
0:00:26 > 0:00:29who want to break free from their daily commute
0:00:29 > 0:00:32and focus on family life in the country
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and our house hunt doesn't get off to a good start...
0:00:35 > 0:00:36It looks like a shed!
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- Really?- Yeah. - I think it's intriguing.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But then they really warm to our mystery property.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- Big smile.- Big smile?- Yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today, I'm in East Anglia on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58As far back as the 11th century, mills just like this one
0:00:58 > 0:01:02have harnessed the power of the strong winds coming off the North Sea
0:01:02 > 0:01:06to grind up to 1,000 bushels, or in today's money,
0:01:06 > 0:01:0827 metric tons of grain, each week.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12In their heyday, over 1,100 of these wonderful structures
0:01:12 > 0:01:15would litter the landscape here in Norfolk and Suffolk.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Unfortunately, due to the onslaught of the Industrial Revolution,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21they became redundant.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22But you'll be pleased to hear
0:01:22 > 0:01:25this isn't the end of the story of wind power here in East Anglia
0:01:25 > 0:01:29because at the moment, the world's largest offshore wind farm
0:01:29 > 0:01:33is currently under construction around 12 miles or so out to sea.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Greater Gabbard will have 140 turbines -
0:01:36 > 0:01:41enough to supply the power for up to 500,000 homes.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43So it's great to hear that the same winds
0:01:43 > 0:01:46that inspired these beautiful mills hundreds of years ago
0:01:46 > 0:01:48will be once again used
0:01:48 > 0:01:51to help support the economic future of this region.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54Looking out over the North Sea,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58East Anglia is dominated by the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59The region is famous
0:01:59 > 0:02:02for its large set of interconnected inland waterways
0:02:02 > 0:02:03known as the Broads,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07which provide a picturesque backdrop to this landscape.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The Broads are home to the only wetland national park in the UK
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and support an extensive range of resident wildlife
0:02:13 > 0:02:16that make it one of the world's unique habitats.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Moving coastwards, holidaymakers flock to the region's vast beaches
0:02:20 > 0:02:23with Georgian seaside towns such as Southwold
0:02:23 > 0:02:25holding on to their nostalgic charm.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30And on the Norfolk-Suffolk border you'll find Thetford Forest,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32which, at over 70,000 acres,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35is the largest lowland pine woodland in Britain.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40This mix of rural isolation and undeveloped coastline
0:02:40 > 0:02:42make the area an appealing choice
0:02:42 > 0:02:44for those seeking a countryside home.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46Time now to meet today's buyers
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and find out where they're looking to Escape To The Country.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Stuart, an IT manager, and Mandy, a forensic photographer,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57currently live in their four-bedroom home
0:02:57 > 0:03:01in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, with their young son Sam.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Since his birth, they've sought a change in their work-life balance,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08with Mandy having a much more flexible approach to her career
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and Stuart working around three days a week from home,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15meaning they're no longer tied into a daily train commute into London.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17It's this greater freedom
0:03:17 > 0:03:19and Mandy's Norfolk roots which have been the driving force
0:03:19 > 0:03:23behind their desire to head to the East Anglian countryside.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28We've always been very career focused, been based close to London.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Things have changed with having our son,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34and we want to have more of a family lifestyle
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and experience a bit more of a community spirit in the country.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41However, Stuart will still need good train links into the capital two days a week,
0:03:41 > 0:03:46so they've earmarked the town of Diss near the Norfolk-Suffolk border as their preferred location.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51That said, being close to village life is equally important to Mandy.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53I like the idea of being part of something,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56having the small shops down the road that you can pick up
0:03:56 > 0:04:01your local groceries and just having people you can get to know, really.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05For the next house, they've drawn up an extensive wish list
0:04:05 > 0:04:08which not only allows for their passion for photography and cars,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11but also delivers the key ingredients for a home
0:04:11 > 0:04:14which could last them for many years to come.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18It needs to be in a decent school catchment area.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21We'd like a reasonable amount of outside space -
0:04:21 > 0:04:23something approximately around half an acre.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Three, probably four bedrooms would be ideal.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29A garage would be useful.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- A study area for you for working from home.- Absolutely, a study area.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Well, that's the elements of the house ironed out,
0:04:36 > 0:04:40but of course, what's all-important is their finances.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Our budget for the move is £450,000.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45If we found a property which we fell in love with
0:04:45 > 0:04:49then we would go up to a maximum of £500,000.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Since the arrival of their son Samuel,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57clearly Mandy and Stuart's focus has changed.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Their priorities are now on family
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and having their loved ones close around them.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04What I need to do is show them something
0:05:04 > 0:05:06that gives them this rural feel
0:05:06 > 0:05:08that also has access to the train station in Diss.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11But, looking into the near future,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14their son Samuel will start school soon,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so a good catchment area, I think, is a must.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23For Stuart and Mandy's house hunt,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26we'll be focusing on village locations around Diss
0:05:26 > 0:05:29to keep Stuart's commute time to a minimum.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32We've selected three beautiful country properties to show them
0:05:32 > 0:05:36but they won't find out the price of each until I reveal it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Last up will be our mystery house,
0:05:38 > 0:05:42which gives generously on one hand while taking away on the other.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47So, let's talk about properties.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50What initially attracted you to the idea
0:05:50 > 0:05:53of completely relocating to the Norfolk-Suffolk borders, then?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55I'm originally from Norfolk, born and bred here,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58lived here for 21 years and my family still live here.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01We thought, "Come back to the family now we've got a toddler,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03"spend time with family."
0:06:03 > 0:06:06And I think the fact that I can also work from home more recently
0:06:06 > 0:06:11means it lends itself better to an occasional commute into London.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15How much are you looking to spend on this Escape To The Country?
0:06:15 > 0:06:17We're realistically looking at a budget
0:06:17 > 0:06:20between 450 or an absolute maximum of 500.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23So, where are you in the house sale at the moment?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- Sold or subject to contract or...? - The house is pretty much sold.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30We've got a complete chain beneath us
0:06:30 > 0:06:32and we've had that for some time now.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35OK, well, we've got three properties to see in the next couple of days
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- and a lot of countryside to cover. Let's get on the way.- OK.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13We're kicking off our house hunt just nine miles from Diss
0:07:13 > 0:07:16in the village of Old Buckenham.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19The village green and duck pond are natural focal points
0:07:19 > 0:07:21for its 1,000 strong community.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Along with two pubs,
0:07:23 > 0:07:28the church's 13th-century octagonal tower is a rare local landmark.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29Looking out over the green,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33our first property lies at the end of a sweeping driveway.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41The house itself is around 300 years old.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Built originally as a farmhouse, that was the barn next door,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46which has since been converted.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50I like it. It looks interesting. It's not one of those ones I would dismiss straightaway.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53It looks interesting - I want to go inside and have a look.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56All right, because you want something fairly big, don't you?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Yeah. THEY LAUGH
0:07:58 > 0:07:59Follow me inside.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01'Despite its simple exterior
0:08:01 > 0:08:05'they should find that the interior delivers plenty of character.'
0:08:09 > 0:08:12OK, then, let's go straight into the kitchen.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- I like the kitchen.- You like the kitchen?- Yeah.- Excellent!
0:08:19 > 0:08:23It's the kind of style I go for, it's a "country kitchen" kind of feel.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26It's not too twee, kind of thing, it's got that modern feel to it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31It looks a really nice kitchen. It's obviously been done in recent years.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34'The kitchen also has the added bonus of a utility room.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37'Let's see if they like the style of the other living areas.'
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- OK, so living room.- OK.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Or should I say, one of the living rooms.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Ah, OK.- Which might make you feel different about what you see.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50I mean, it's smaller than what we've got at the moment but obviously,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53it's got more features. It's got a lovely fireplace.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57We've got just a modern kind of thing, but that's lovely.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01The door here leads through to a second sitting room
0:09:01 > 0:09:04which also has an open-brick fireplace
0:09:04 > 0:09:06and would make a great snug.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08At the other end of the house,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10one of the four bedrooms is on the ground floor
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and is currently used as the master
0:09:12 > 0:09:16as it comes with a stylish en suite complete with a walk-in shower.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18However, if they want to sleep upstairs,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20one of the other three bedrooms
0:09:20 > 0:09:22gives them a good option for their room.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29So, we have three bedrooms on this floor but actually,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32whilst this is their son's bedroom, this is the master, I think.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Yeah, OK.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- It's a good size. It's big. - It is a decent size.- Yeah.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- And through that door, take a look if you like. It's en suite.- Oh, wow.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- That's nice.- OK. That's a good size, yeah. It's big, isn't it?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49The thing about this house is there's no separate master bathroom.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Right, OK.- So that's something to bear in mind.- OK.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- OK, so that's the only bathroom upstairs?- Yeah.- OK.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Of the other two bedrooms, one is currently used as a twin,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03so there's ample space for a double bed
0:10:03 > 0:10:07and the smallest is a ready-made home office for Stuart.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10But let's explore the lay of the land outside.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13This is around 1.5 acres,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16so 50% more than you said you wanted.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19That's a surprise, actually. I wasn't expecting it to be quite that much.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I thought it ended around here.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23I thought it was just as far as you could see.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25On top of all that land,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29there's the parking space they requested and a large double garage.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Overall, it's a very generous package.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35So, how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:10:35 > 0:10:40Just for the house, I'd have said it's 450,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- but with that land, I'm pushing it. I think about 490.- OK.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48I guess I'll dip just below Mandy, say 470, 480?
0:10:48 > 0:10:52It's actually on the market for £475,000.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Oh, OK!
0:10:54 > 0:10:56I can tell you've clearly been in the marketplace looking for
0:10:56 > 0:10:59properties, so you've got a good handle on it. Good guesses.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Priced at £475,000,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07our first property is under their maximum budget
0:11:07 > 0:11:11and a great opening gambit. Providing them with...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Good job we didn't get you to walk the perimeter, you'd be here all day.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- I know!- Happy with what you've seen? - It's great, yeah.- Good, let's go.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC
0:11:40 > 0:11:44At the turn of the 20th century, the sounds of local folk music
0:11:44 > 0:11:48would have emanated from numerous pubs in this part of East Anglia.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Many of these songs would have been lost for ever
0:11:51 > 0:11:54were it not for the work of the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I've come to a local pub to meet John and Katie Howieson,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01who are helping to safeguard Suffolk's rural musical heritage.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Why is it so important, first of all?
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Well, the whole of East Anglia had a really rich tradition
0:12:07 > 0:12:09of music and singing.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Do you still get people dancing to it now?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Oh, certainly we do.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15A lot of the tunes we play are for social dancing,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17what we'd call barn dancing or ceilidh dancing,
0:12:17 > 0:12:22but also what you'll see in the pubs these days is step dancing.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26That's one of the things that really have played a big part in keeping it going.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29What used to go on was something called "sing, say or pay".
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Right.- And basically everyone is sitting around the pub
0:12:32 > 0:12:33and everyone has to do something,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36so sing a song, play a tune, get up and step,
0:12:36 > 0:12:37dance the dancing doll.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And if you don't, you have to buy a round of drinks.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43This could be an expensive evening for me.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Well, funnily enough, not many people buy the drinks.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55'Fortunately, the local saying "sing, say or pay"
0:12:55 > 0:12:57'also includes dancing a jig doll,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00'so for the moment I get off lightly.'
0:13:06 > 0:13:09He's a better dancer than I am, that's just for the best, I think.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12'Well, there's no getting out of it,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15'so with tap shoes on, it's time to put my best foot forward.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18'Step dancing is largely self-taught in these informal surroundings
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'and is usually performed to a hornpipe tune.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26'Well, I can't say I've become Suffolk's answer to Michael Flatley
0:13:26 > 0:13:29'but I can certainly say I gave it my best shot...
0:13:29 > 0:13:31'well into the night.'
0:13:31 > 0:13:33SHE WHOOPS
0:13:33 > 0:13:36It's back to the hotel to see if I can unearth their perfect property.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Our house hunt continues a few miles
0:13:42 > 0:13:44from the village of Long Stratton
0:13:44 > 0:13:47which stretches their ideal search area
0:13:47 > 0:13:49as it's 14 miles from Diss.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52However, the location does put them close to the necessary shops
0:13:52 > 0:13:54and amenities.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Sitting on a quiet lane in the nearby village of Tharston,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01we're going all-out for character in our second property,
0:14:01 > 0:14:06but whether it's to the liking of our house buyers remains to be seen.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07So...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Quite different to all the other houses in the village,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- a very recently converted barn.- OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17It looks like a shared!
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Really?- Yeah.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Now, that does surprise me.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- I thought you'd love it. Oh. - OK.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Oh, oh, oh! Hm.- I think it's intriguing.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31It's certainly different.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Will you please reserve judgment until you seen inside?- I will, yes.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Inside, it will be make or break because...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41I'll either walk in and love it or...yeah.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Let's hope you walk in and love it! Come on.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Mandy may think it looks modest from the outside, but as she'll
0:14:47 > 0:14:51discover, the Grade II Listed status of this barn means that the
0:14:51 > 0:14:54original timbers are an integral part of its interior,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57which they'll either love or loathe.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- In you come.- OK.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Oop! It looks different.- Yeah!- Yep.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10It's very different on the inside, yep. To what I expected.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16- Nice shed, isn't it? - It is good, yeah! It's nice.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Very open plan. It's great.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I was the one who said I'm not massively keen on beams,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- but in here, it looks good. - Works, doesn't it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Tucked away off the entrance hall is a luxurious bathroom with
0:15:28 > 0:15:30freestanding rolltop bath.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34But we'll move through to take a closer look at the kitchen.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39So you've got defined areas here, haven't you? What do you think?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41It's good.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I mean, the kitchen is something I'd go for -
0:15:43 > 0:15:46the country style kitchen with wooden work surfaces and everything.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It's nice that you can actually socialise with people if you're
0:15:49 > 0:15:53cooking because they can just prop up and have a glass of wine.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I want to show you the bedrooms now.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Just like the first house, you've got one on the ground floor,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01in fact, you've got two on the ground floor. Follow me.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Stuart will be pleased as he gets his home office,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07but not at the expense of the number of bedrooms.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08There are four in total,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11two of which are down here in the ground floor.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14You've got one room just next... Well...
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Again, this is the master bedroom as they're using it at the moment
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- because it's ensuite and has these big built-in wardrobes.- Yes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23It's big.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- It's nice. - Yeah. It's a big room.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28It's up to you guys
0:16:28 > 0:16:30whether or not you want to live on the ground floor...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Obviously just with having one small child at the moment
0:16:34 > 0:16:37and possibly another one on the way, it's just a case of running up
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- and downstairs in the middle of the night and doing night feeds...- Yes.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42That kind of thing.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45That's why in theory we were thinking of having our room on the same level.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48OK, well let's head upstairs and see
0:16:48 > 0:16:52if the two bedrooms which mirror each other in style make them smile.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01I'm starting to learn, when you smile, it's not always good news!
0:17:01 > 0:17:05It's because I don't know what to say. Um... I don't know.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- What do you think?- I think it's a nice, practical room.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11I think maybe the sloping roofs make it feel smaller.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Not everybody's cup of tea, of course. What do you think, Stuart?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Um... I prefer a big, square room if I'm being honest.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24These two bedrooms both have access to an upstairs family bathroom.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Although they have reservations,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28our listed barn conversion gives them a generous family home
0:17:28 > 0:17:32and is a property style that is traditional to Norfolk.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Outside, Stuart gets a double garage for his cars and what's more,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39the third of an acre garden gives their son Sam loads of lawn
0:17:39 > 0:17:41to run around on.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So a mixture of emotions with this one.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49How most you think this barn conversion is on the market for?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Probably looking something around 430.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55I'd probably go slightly higher, 445,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58just because of the quality of the finish inside. It's done well.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Very good guess from you, Stuart.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- It's on the market offers around £425,000.- OK.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- That's... Yeah. - It's a good price.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Considerably under budget at £425,000,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19this barn conversion provides them
0:18:19 > 0:18:23with a fantastic flow of living areas and a great open-plan kitchen.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Along with four good-sized bedrooms,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Stuart gets a separate office
0:18:28 > 0:18:29and it's all wrapped up
0:18:29 > 0:18:31on a third-of-an-acre plot.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Although it's nudging out of
0:18:33 > 0:18:34their ideal search area,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36there are still good road links
0:18:36 > 0:18:37to Diss from where Stuart can
0:18:37 > 0:18:39catch the train to London.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Fairly eventful day, wasn't it? Seen enough now?- I think so, yes.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- Good - let's go.- OK.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58As evening falls, our housebuyers have a chance to reflect
0:18:58 > 0:19:02on what they've seen as the first day of our search draws to a close.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10On reflection, I think both of the houses that I showed our housebuyers
0:19:10 > 0:19:14yesterday give them attributes of what they've got on their hit list.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Stuart is after a fair amount of outside space and I think the
0:19:17 > 0:19:21first property gave him more land than he'd ever dreamed of.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25And, whilst initially sceptical outside the second property,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28I think Mandy really got on board once she'd seen the internal
0:19:28 > 0:19:30configuration inside.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Now, ultimately, neither of the properties gave them
0:19:33 > 0:19:36one thing which is now clearly really important
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and that's to have all the bedrooms on one level.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42For the mystery property, which were off to see this morning,
0:19:42 > 0:19:44it has to deliver in that point.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47But I'm here to give them something also that they haven't
0:19:47 > 0:19:50thought about - something really different.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Today's mystery property certainly gives them just that.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Our mystery house takes us to the
0:19:58 > 0:19:59village of Banham
0:19:59 > 0:20:01which is just 7 miles from Diss.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Along with having a number of small shops on their doorstep,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07its Grade I Listed church has that distinctive flint facade
0:20:07 > 0:20:10typically found on buildings in this region.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Our mystery proposition, while giving Stuart a shorter
0:20:13 > 0:20:18commuting time to London, also gives them the smallest garden by far.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21However, as they'll see later, it comes with surprise
0:20:21 > 0:20:25accommodation which could really make all the difference.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Right, in you come. Some chickens in there.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- So...- Ahhh. Yes.- It's nice.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- Looks good.- This used to be a cider barn.- OK. Yep.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- It looks very nice.- Looks good. Very nice.- OK.- Let's go in, though...
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- and there's reason for this, through those middle doors there.- OK.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Dating back to the 1880s, here's hoping that the layout and style
0:20:56 > 0:21:00of this barn conversion gets better responses than our last property.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01Right then.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- We like it.- Yeah.- I like this.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Very nice.- Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:21:10 > 0:21:11It is beautiful.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14We've got everything a lot of people expect
0:21:14 > 0:21:17from a countryside property.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Including that feature fireplace.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Like what you see?- I do. - Yes, real attention to detail.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26You've also got a second reception or office space for one of you two
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- just here.- OK.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- OK, I can see why, yes! - I can see this working as an office.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38I'm sure you can!
0:21:38 > 0:21:42No, this is lovely. It's too nice for an office, though.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Too nice for Stuart!
0:21:44 > 0:21:48And hopefully the kitchen will get another smile out of Mandy.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- What do you think of this? - It's beautiful, yes.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- If I could pick a kitchen, this would be it.- Really?- It would be.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00It's your style, isn't it? You like this modern farmhouse look.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- I love the wood blocks and everything. Can I move in now? - Really?!
0:22:05 > 0:22:07The other side of the kitchen leads to our mystery ingredient
0:22:07 > 0:22:10which comes in the form of an annexe,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13providing great accommodation for visiting relatives.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15The sitting room has a stylish feature fireplace
0:22:15 > 0:22:19and wood burner and next door, the modern galley kitchen comes
0:22:19 > 0:22:21with useful storage cupboards on both sides.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26On the first floor, this one of two guestrooms not only has
0:22:26 > 0:22:30a shower, but also has access to its own ensuite bathroom just above it.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33But we'll take a look at the main bedroom which is situated
0:22:33 > 0:22:35next to a relaxing seating area
0:22:35 > 0:22:40and takes the glorious timber-beamed feel to a whole new level.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- So, a small living area here... - OK.- Straight into...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- the master bedroom.- OK.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Oh!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Come right here, because you can see that's no normal minstrel
0:22:54 > 0:23:00- gallery, that is an ensuite. A mezzanine ensuite.- Really? Oh!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02That's interesting!
0:23:02 > 0:23:05So you've got a loo behind that doorway there...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The bath is upstairs.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Loads of storage behind you, built-in.- OK.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- And a pretty good-sized bedroom, I'd have thought.- This is lovely.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- This is beautiful.- Do you like it, Stuart?- Yes, very grand. Very nice.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- It is.- And you have two other double bedrooms on this floor.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- So at last, all three bedrooms on one floor.- Yay!- And...
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- One of the other double bedrooms is obviously an ensuite as well.- OK.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Good?- Yes, looking good.- Good.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Outside may only give them a courtyard-size garden,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44but they do also get a large garage and a store room,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46which could easily become Stuart's office.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48With all elements of our mystery house covered,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51it's now time for some straight talking.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57How much do you think this mystery house is on the market for?
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Because of how it's finished inside, it's absolutely beautiful,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04I think it's going to be top end, 500,000 or more, I think.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- OK. £500,000. Stuart?- Um...
0:24:07 > 0:24:12I think I'm going to go for a more specific 530.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18This property is on the market for £490,000.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20OK... Interesting.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- Yeah. That's a good price.- It's a lot of property for that, as well.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34At £490,000, our mystery house is priced under their maximum budget
0:24:34 > 0:24:38and would give them a family home full of character and space.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40It has two reception areas
0:24:40 > 0:24:42along with a kitchen which had Mandy beaming.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Upstairs, the three bedrooms include a master ensuite
0:24:45 > 0:24:48and in addition to an office for Stuart,
0:24:48 > 0:24:49there's the one-bedroom annexe
0:24:49 > 0:24:52making it a rather fantastic package.
0:24:56 > 0:24:57- All done inside?- No!
0:24:57 > 0:25:01You'll never be short of somewhere to have a wash, will you,
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- in that house!- Not at all!
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Let's find somewhere we can have a sit down and chat.- OK.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Will our housebuyers Stuart and Mandy be dancing with joy
0:25:16 > 0:25:19about any of the properties that we've shown them?
0:25:19 > 0:25:20Time to find out.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So, let's start at the beginning.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Property number one, yesterday morning.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32OK, really liked the property.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The land obviously was a big pro for this property.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Accommodation was slightly on the smaller side,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41but it had possibilities we could've worked around different areas,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43maybe changed a few things.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46But, yeah, it was an interesting one to look at.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47Well, the second property...
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- Not sure you got kerb-appeal from the second house, did you?- No.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52It wasn't my cup of tea, to be honest.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Didn't appeal to me.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Did you ever get over that first impression?
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Because inside you did seem to be quite carried away.- Yeah,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00the inside was finished beautifully.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03What did you think, Stuart? It had a decent garden.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05The garden all being at the front
0:26:05 > 0:26:07with the house being in the corner of the plot
0:26:07 > 0:26:09was probably not my ideal configuration.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12I think what we needed to get our heads around was,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15could we live in that open-plan type?
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Yeah, very different, wasn't it? - Yeah, absolutely.- Yes.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19Now, the mystery house...
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Got some great reactions
0:26:21 > 0:26:23as soon as you walked through the doors there.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Yeah, it was beautiful, yeah. It ticked all the boxes. - We do love the house
0:26:26 > 0:26:29and I don't think there's any doubt in our minds around the house at all.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33But the land itself, I guess the questions we need to ask are,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36"Is it right for the family?"
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Well, look, I think we're halfway there.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41We've found the right area for you, that's fantastic,
0:26:41 > 0:26:46and it sounds like there's a least a possibility that the mystery house is within the running.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- Yeah, definitely.- Yes. - Great. Well, good luck.- Thank you.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Maybe go back there another time and then make your ultimate decision.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Thank you.- It's been great, thank you very much.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Pleasure, it's been fun, hasn't it? - Yep.- It has.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06So the mystery property's done it again, which is just as well,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10cos I don't think either of the other two properties were even in the running.
0:27:10 > 0:27:16Now, I also don't think Mandy or Stuart would've even considered visiting the mystery house
0:27:16 > 0:27:18if they had seen it first on paper.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20But once they saw inside, well, their reactions said it all -
0:27:20 > 0:27:23they absolutely loved it.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Now, ultimately, they need to ask themselves the question,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31is that property right for them in the long term with a couple of children running about the place?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34They're going to be in a much better position to answer that question
0:27:34 > 0:27:36once they've had a second viewing
0:27:36 > 0:27:38and then maybe come away from the place
0:27:38 > 0:27:40so their heart isn't ruling their head.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43On the other hand, they also don't have a great amount of time -
0:27:43 > 0:27:45they've already got buyers knocking on their door.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48But at the end of the day, whatever decision they come to,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51they know they've found an area they both love and want to relocate to
0:27:51 > 0:27:56and I'm sure, just like me, you wish them both the very best of luck.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57See you next time.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Stuart and Mandy did consider the mystery house but eventually decided the garden was too small.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08They've since made an offer on another house with a bigger garden in Diss.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10If you'd like to Escape To The Country
0:28:10 > 0:28:13in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:28:13 > 0:28:15or maybe even further afield to the continent
0:28:15 > 0:28:18and need our help, please apply online at...