0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today I'm only a stone's throw from London,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08in a county renowned for its world-class country homes and gardens.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And I'm lucky enough to be standing in one of the jewels in the crown.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16What is it and where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50In today's show I'll be trying to help a couple with big ambitions.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55It's... It's... I feel slightly confined still.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56I feel like a giant.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02But our mystery house could be head and shoulders above the rest.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- Is this more...- Yeah. - ..what you need?
0:01:04 > 0:01:05- Definitely.- Yes!
0:01:05 > 0:01:07It is bigger.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09We finally scored on bigger.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Welcome to Surrey,
0:01:12 > 0:01:17and the Royal Horticultural Society's flagship garden at Wisley.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19With such an abundance of woodland, wildlife
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and world-class attractions like this one,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24in many ways Surrey really does typify
0:01:24 > 0:01:28the very essence of the traditional English landscape.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29And it's no wonder.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It's an ever-popular destination with city dwellers
0:01:32 > 0:01:35looking to start a new life in the country.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Covering an area of 642 square miles,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Surrey stretches from Hampshire in the west,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47all the way to the border with Greater London in the north east.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50The county's countryside is naturally beautiful.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55And, due to a lack of intensive farming, extremely rich in wildlife.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Divided in two by the chalk ridge of the North Downs,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02there's not only 140 square miles of woodland
0:02:02 > 0:02:05but also hundreds of acres of heathland, too.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Enough to keep the most avid rambler on their toes.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Surrey has long been a favourite with the elite
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and enjoys a reputation for being a sought-after retreat
0:02:13 > 0:02:15amongst wealthy Londoners.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18It's no wonder that such a desirable location
0:02:18 > 0:02:22is also the most expensive county in which to buy a property
0:02:22 > 0:02:23in the whole of the UK.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Despite the sky-high prices, there are still some bargains to be had.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36The average house price in Surrey is £290,000.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41That's £100,000 more than neighbouring Kent to the east
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and £80,000 more than Hampshire to the west.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46That means it's in these border regions
0:02:46 > 0:02:48where the best bargains are to be had.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51But there are a vast array of properties on offer.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54You've got everything from picturesque, timber-framed homes,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57to grand late-18th-century mansions,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00a handful of Georgian and Victorian properties
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and a vast array of more modern homes.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06So there really is something to capture the imagination
0:03:06 > 0:03:07of just about any buyer.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10So let's take a look at what's out there.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15For £335,000, you could be living in this Grade 2 listed,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18three-bedroom cottage in Redhill.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It's been sympathetically modernised and renovated throughout,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23with beautiful exposed beams
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and a magnificent inglenook fireplace in the sitting room.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Or there's this attractive three-bedroom Victorian property
0:03:32 > 0:03:33in Walton on the Hill.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Part of a converted mansion, it dates back to the 1880s.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42All the rooms have been tastefully renovated to a high standard.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46And the large rear garden includes a private woodland.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50The whole package will set you back £575,000.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Or, for a budget-busting £800,000,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59this former coach house and grounds in Salfords could be yours.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00It offers generous accommodation
0:04:00 > 0:04:04combined with the character of a period building.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05A good mix of old and new.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Today's buyers are ready to escape the commotion of the city,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15so let's meet them and find out why they think Surrey
0:04:15 > 0:04:18might be their ideal rural retreat.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Meet Brian, a film producer, and Melissa,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24who runs her own interior-design business.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27They've lived in their South London home for the last 10 years.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29But they've had enough of life in the big smoke
0:04:29 > 0:04:32and are ready to give it up for the lure of the countryside.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Their daughter, Amelie, will soon be old enough to go to school,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39so they're keen to find the right educational establishment
0:04:39 > 0:04:41which is also close to Melissa's family.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43We're looking to move to Surrey
0:04:43 > 0:04:46because it's that much closer to my mum in Somerset,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49so it'll be easy for me to travel to visit her,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and also the schools are very good there for our daughter, Amelie.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58And just the whole country life, we want the great outdoors,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00we do want walking, we want the fresh air,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03we want to be able to walk out of our house
0:05:03 > 0:05:08and see the fields, not lots and lots of cars.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10So Surrey hits the spot,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13but London will still feature in their lives
0:05:13 > 0:05:16as Brian needs to commute to work.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I think we're looking for somewhere that's got local amenities.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22It needs to be close to a train station for myself, ideally,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and for Melissa as and when she needs to go to town.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30And I like the idea of village life and being near a community.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34With such a big move on the cards, not everything is clear-cut.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I'm definitely the dreamer of the family,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41where I want to always have that little bit more.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46But then Brian grounds me and put realism in the picture.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48With one realist in the mix,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52we should be able to keep their feet on the ground in terms of the wish list.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I would never consider buying a house with a thatched roof...
0:05:56 > 0:05:59..or a house with very small windows.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02An old property with lots of character
0:06:02 > 0:06:04but with a contemporary twist to it.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- Big family space.- Big family space, lots of room, possibly a loft.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And a garage. So I can store my junk.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I run my own business, so having a study is really important to me.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Whether it's space in the house or a summer house outside,
0:06:21 > 0:06:22either would do.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26This is my shed.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28I love spending time in it as much as I can when I can,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and I must have this in the new property.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35My perfect property would be something similar to what we have
0:06:35 > 0:06:37but on a bit of a larger scale,
0:06:37 > 0:06:42a detached house ideally with some woodlands, if that's available.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Generally just bigger everything.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48They also want at least three bedrooms.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53The buzzword for these guys has got to be space.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56But whether it is achievable all depends on their finances.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The budget for the next property would be £400,000.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04If we were to go to that amount, then that would basically mean
0:07:04 > 0:07:07that we would like to move in without having to do any work.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10With Brian and Melissa's extensive criteria
0:07:10 > 0:07:13wrapped up in England's most expensive county,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I think we might well have our work cut out.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26We're starting our house search in our buyers' preferred county.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28But because it's so pricey in Surrey
0:07:28 > 0:07:33we'll also be border hopping into neighbouring Kent and West Sussex.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35All three counties have enough countryside
0:07:35 > 0:07:37to please the most demanding escapees,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40with gorgeous, gentle hills and sweeping woodland.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Our buyers are in for a treat
0:07:42 > 0:07:45with the houses we've got lined up for them.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47But as usual, I won't tell them what they're on the market for
0:07:47 > 0:07:50until they've guessed the price themselves.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Then, of course, there's our mystery house,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55which is my chance to show them something
0:07:55 > 0:07:57that could turn their world upside-down.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Hello, good morning. - Pleased to meet you.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03- Lovely to meet you.- You, too.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Thank you for getting me across to Surrey.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07I've got to say, it's beautiful here.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11I've been sitting here relaxing, taking in the birdsong, looking at the wonderful view,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14wondering why on earth you'd want to come from London to here!
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- It is beautiful here, isn't it? - And it's not that far, is it?
0:08:17 > 0:08:21No, it's close enough to still have your contact with the city life.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24£400,000 is a very healthy budget.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26However, in Surrey that's a bit of a challenge,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28so if you're going to make compromises,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31and I hope you're willing to, where would you make those?
0:08:32 > 0:08:38Well, we do need the three bedrooms. I do need an area to work as a study.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Brian can always build a shed,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Brian can make the compromises as far as I'm concerned.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- OK.- And distance-wise, how about location?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- What, from the shed to the house? - Yes.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52A mile.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53Location-wise, I think...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I can put up with an average of an hour.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It does open up the choice,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04it means we've got a wider scope of areas to look at.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Have an open mind and have a look around.- Absolutely.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- Are you willing to do that with me? - Definitely.- Great.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Let's go and look at some houses, then.- Excellent.
0:09:15 > 0:09:21Brian and Melissa have £400,000 to finance their rural dream.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24They want a detached property with at least three bedrooms.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29A large kitchen and a good-size garden for their daughter, Amelie.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Location-wise, they need good local schools
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and a train station close by
0:09:33 > 0:09:36for Brian's daily commute to the capital.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39And all in the most expensive county in the UK.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40What's the saying?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53To kick off, we're in Surrey, Brian and Melissa's chosen county.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55The villages in this area are close to the M25
0:09:55 > 0:09:58so have great transport links,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02but they've also got some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05The popular village of Bletchingley has good amenities
0:10:05 > 0:10:09and is under an hour from London. So a practical option for Brian.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13It also has a respected school for young Amelie.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Our first property is a characterful detached family cottage
0:10:17 > 0:10:19built in the 1920s.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22On the way to the front door the winding path leads visitors
0:10:22 > 0:10:26through the well-established front garden.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32So here we are, the first house. Take it all in, what do you think?
0:10:32 > 0:10:37I really like this front garden area, it's really pretty.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- You get a nice feel for the house. - I do. I get a nice feel first off.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I do like the first impression of the garden.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45I can see Amelie running around.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And it's close enough to the rural aspect,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51the walks that we want anyway.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Lots of good country walks around here
0:10:52 > 0:10:54but probably you've heard enough
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- about all the things you can do outside.- Yes.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes, please.- Come on.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03'The attractive exterior has got us off to a good start.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06'I hope the inside will follow suit.'
0:11:08 > 0:11:11This house, you come straight through into the living room.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- This is nice, I like the big, open fire.- It's a working fireplace.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It was put in by a local craftsman
0:11:18 > 0:11:22when this building was first erected back in 1926.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It takes up a big part of the room,
0:11:24 > 0:11:28where it's one end of the room... dedicated to the fireplace.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32It's nice, I love it. But I'm just thinking of everything else.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34It's a cosy room.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Can you picture this being your living room with your furniture?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I think it would work, I think it would work.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Hmmm. Right, let's have a look at the next room.- OK.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47'Straight through the doorway is a homely dining room.'
0:11:47 > 0:11:49What do you think of this space?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It's nice and light.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Cosy.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Yeah, I think cosy is the word, by which you mean small.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01It's a little small, because we're used to having all open-plan,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- but you can get the feel for it. - Yeah, yeah, you can.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06This room does back onto the kitchen there,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09so a thought that I had is that you could take this wall away
0:12:09 > 0:12:12and open it up, so you've got some open-plan space.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13That is definitely a possibility.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Well, let's have a look at the kitchen so you can see
0:12:16 > 0:12:18what we're talking about.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22So, now you're in the kitchen.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25You can probably see why I suggested you might want to open it up.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27I can see what you mean, it is quite small.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31But I wonder. If you did knock this wall down,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35you'd lose a lot of storage space and where everything would move to.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41I can see you've got an area here that is workable.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43I'm not sure it's enough room for us.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48You could utilise the space, but because it's under the stairs,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50it's not really that practical, to be honest.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It's not big enough, the whole thing.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57'Also on this floor, next to the dining room, is a WC.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59'We've had disappointing responses
0:12:59 > 0:13:01'from Brian and Melissa so far,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'so let's hope we can change the mood upstairs.'
0:13:04 > 0:13:09Gorgeous windows up here letting in lots of light. It's brighter.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Not the hugest of rooms. - Is this the master bedroom?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14They are using it as their master at the moment.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15I think our bed would take up the whole floor.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17We do have an extra-large bed.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- It's huge. - Would you give up the bed?- No.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I wish I'd known that criteria before we started the search.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25Forget the local schools,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29we've got to find a house with a bedroom big enough for the bed.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31'I'm a little concerned.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34'Let's see if the next room fares any better.'
0:13:34 > 0:13:36This is the other double bedroom.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37I think it is around the same size,
0:13:37 > 0:13:42perhaps a little more storage space, a little more space this way.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It is nice and light, again. I like the windows. But...
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- it feels a bit enclosed for me.- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50It's just too small.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- I think we're too large for the house.- Mm.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55Yeah. I feel like a giant.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01'Next door is the family bathroom.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04'Across the hall is a third room, which could hold a single bed
0:14:04 > 0:14:08'but is currently set up as an office,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10'perfect for Melissa to work from home in.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13'I'm hoping I can lift their spirits with a little surprise
0:14:13 > 0:14:15'I have for them in the back garden.'
0:14:18 > 0:14:20This is the garden space at the back.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- You've got a little courtyard. - Very nice.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Before we talk about this, behind you, I've got a man cave for you.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Fantastic. Excellent.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Is that about the right size?
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- The perfect size.- Yeah? - For my little shed.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36So something that is actually the right size in this property.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38We've got a good tick box on the shed.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- What about this being your garden space?- This is lovely.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43I think this is a lovely outside space
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and it would completely satisfy our needs.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47So the question is, of course,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50how much do you think you'd have to pay for this property?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Bearing in mind I know we are in Surrey, I think this has to be
0:14:54 > 0:14:58on the budget if not slightly above, so I'm going to say...
0:14:58 > 0:15:00400,000.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02I'm going to say 370.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05OK. This one goes to you, Melissa,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and you're still wrong.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- It's on the market at £410,000. - OK.- So, a little bit above.- Yep.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- That doesn't surprise me. - No, not at all.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20I think that's what it is worth, really.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Well, the current asking price
0:15:24 > 0:15:27is just over budget at £410,000.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29And despite Brian and Melissa's reaction,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31it provides a good-sized
0:15:31 > 0:15:33family home for their money
0:15:33 > 0:15:35in highly sought-after Surrey.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37The living room boasts
0:15:37 > 0:15:38an impressive original fireplace
0:15:38 > 0:15:42and upstairs there are three bedrooms.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43The back courtyard benefits
0:15:43 > 0:15:45from a sunny southwest aspect
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and also houses a man space for Brian.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Location-wise,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52London is within an hour's commute
0:15:52 > 0:15:53and there are good
0:15:53 > 0:15:55local schools nearby, too.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57I like the kitchen. I like the design of the kitchen,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00but I don't feel it's big enough for our needs.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Far too small.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I mean, our kitchen is our centre of activity in the house.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- It is.- To be honest, it's where everything happens.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- It's the hub of activity.- Yeah.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10And you wouldn't have that in here, sadly.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I think the first house is really pretty. The garden is ideal.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16I really think the garden is beautiful.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20I think that initially I was expecting to get more for our money.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I'd still like more space.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25The first impressions were nice. It has a nice feel to it.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27But it's like a reverse effect of the TARDIS -
0:16:27 > 0:16:31you walk in and it gets smaller. Every room needs a lot of work, too,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35just to match our sort of taste, really.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43That's it. Sold from the outside, love the garden, but...
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Not quite enough space inside.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47That's fine. We've got two more properties to see.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50I've not given up hope yet. Off you go.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02The North Downs in Surrey is designated
0:17:02 > 0:17:05as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08For centuries, deforestation has taken place on the Downs.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12However, nowadays, thanks to the area's steep slopes
0:17:12 > 0:17:16and the curtailing of large-scale deforestation projects,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20much of the North Downs' woodlands still remains in all its glory.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Indeed, Surrey is the most heavily wooded county in England,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26over 22% of it is woodland.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Being a woodwork enthusiast,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Brian will be pleased to know there's still one
0:17:31 > 0:17:35very traditional woodworking skill that has stood the test of time.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40Earlier in the week, we sent Brian and Melissa to meet Richard Hobbs, a bent wood craftsman
0:17:40 > 0:17:43who has been in the trade for over 20 years.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47He is going to show them how this ancient skill should be done.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Using 15-year-old hazel willows, Richard constructs a chair frame.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Which he then skilfully mounts with younger willow shoots.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59We'd end up with one that looks more like this,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02which is what we are going to finish off.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Are you up for that? Bit of drilling and nailing?- Yep.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Richard teaches bent wood furniture making
0:18:09 > 0:18:11all across the southern counties.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Come around the side.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Bent wood is a term used to describe furniture made by
0:18:18 > 0:18:22bending wood and letting it harden into curved shapes and patterns.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Lovely jubbly.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25As it is an ancient craft,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Richard believes in keeping machinery to a minimum.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Using the length of his little finger for guidance,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34he drills a hole just at the right spot.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Do you want to tap that in there?
0:18:51 > 0:18:52- Right there?- Yep.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Just that there like that. You can do your one.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Now all that is left is quality control.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- That's my job. - You have the privilege.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Thank you very much.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Oh, now, that's comfortable. All I need is a cup of tea.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Brian and Melissa have helped produce an eco-friendly chair,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26but for now it's time to leave the woodwork behind and try to find
0:19:26 > 0:19:29a property that WOODWORK for them.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33How are you feeling having seen your first property?
0:19:33 > 0:19:37I feel excited to see what else is in store because there were
0:19:37 > 0:19:40parts of that property that I really loved, like the garden.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- But, obviously, the space was an issue.- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It's a shame, really, because the first impression was really nice.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51And, yeah, it was detached.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Sometimes you get pretty small detached,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56and I think that that was a perfect example of it.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59As prices are high in Surrey,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01to make their money go farther,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03we are hopping over the border into Kent,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05where things are a little more affordable.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Our second property is in the village of Groombridge.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Just under an hour from London, it has a good selection
0:20:11 > 0:20:14of shops and is lined with period properties.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17But it's not long before you feel you are
0:20:17 > 0:20:19in the heart of the countryside.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Well, after this morning,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25we wanted to show you something that is a bit more rural.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I think we've done that.- Yeah. - You saw the open fields over there.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Beautiful.- I like it.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Now, obviously, this time we haven't brought you to a detached house,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35because it is attached. How do you feel about that?
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- That is not a problem at all. - I'm absolutely fine with that.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40I've got to say, it's not just a semi-detached,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42it is attached to another property at the back.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44It used to be the old hot barn.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48It dates back to about 1850, converted in 1987.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52So, you know, you've got a couple of neighbours close by, but in that way,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56open fields and that's a public footpath running through there.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57That's beautiful.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59You got the lay of the land, what about the property?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- It looks nice from the outside. - I like the look of it.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05You two have a track record of liking the outside of properties,
0:21:05 > 0:21:09and I know that what really counts is how much space you get inside.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- So let's have a look.- OK.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14'Brian and Melissa seem to be open-minded about this property,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16'which is good news.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20'Let's see as our first room puts a smile on their face.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Knowing how important the kitchen is, what do you think of this one?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It's nice and light.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Views when you're washing up out into that open field.- Beautiful.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30That is lovely.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32This way, although it is still relatively narrow,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36at least you do open up into the dining space, so you can get
0:21:36 > 0:21:38that feeling of your guests sitting there while you are cooking.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Definitely.- You're not shut off.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- So, space-wise, this is better. - Space-wise, yes.- Yes.
0:21:45 > 0:21:50It's...slight... I feel slightly confined still.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Potentially, you could, I suppose, take this wall away
0:21:53 > 0:21:56and open it right up, have a different kind of space altogether,
0:21:56 > 0:21:58but to start with?
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- I like it.- (They like it.) - We like it.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04'I wasn't expecting that.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06'I just hope they like the next room, too.'
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- Second, very important room, your study.- Ah, my office.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- That's nice. That's really nice. As an office, I like this.- Great.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- So, more ticks.- Definitely. - Let's check out the living room.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- Silence.- This is quite smaller than I was expecting.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31I don't know, I'm not too sure.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I think something had to give in that respect.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35I don't think it's that small.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39I think it feels a little bit smaller,
0:22:39 > 0:22:44but it is your living space were you kind of flop in front of the TV.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- This is a very different cosy. - Exactly.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- There is plenty to work with here. - Most definitely.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51This is pretty much the downstairs,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54let's go and have a look at the upstairs space.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.- OK.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59'Next door is a WC.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03'And upstairs on the first floor there are two bedrooms -
0:23:03 > 0:23:06'a compact single and a more spacious double.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'There's also a modern family bathroom.
0:23:09 > 0:23:15'But now I am hoping to reach new heights with her buyers.'
0:23:15 > 0:23:18So, as well as having two bedrooms and a family bathroom
0:23:18 > 0:23:22on your middle floor, up at the top, you've got this.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- This is nice.- I like it. - I like the shape of the roof.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28I like being in the roof. I've always wanted a room at the top.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32And storage-space-wise, you've got a couple of little cupboards here,
0:23:32 > 0:23:37but behind here, wardrobe space, and out here, a cupboard.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- Yep.- Enough?- Yeah. - I think so.- To me.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44To you.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- Yes.- We might have to find that man cave for you
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and all your clothes get moved out there, I'm feeling.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- The downsizing includes your wardrobe space, I'm afraid.- Yes.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56But what you do get out here is your own bathroom,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59a shower room through there. It's a bit of an en-suite.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I like the idea of that. I do like the idea that.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Well, I like the fact that you both seem to like this house
0:24:04 > 0:24:08and outside we have even found a man cave for you.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- That's a nice size.- I like this.- Look at the amount of space up in there.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- I know.- That's great.- But I think this could be just mine only.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23And no-one else's.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24When it comes to space,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27who wouldn't be impressed by the length of the front garden?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29As well as the views of the surrounding fields
0:24:29 > 0:24:31at the back of the property.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- This is beautiful.- It's lovely.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36It's gorgeous - silence, the fields, and right next to your house.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39You've seen everything this house has to offer. Of course,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43the all-important question is, how much do you think you'd have to pay?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- I would say 395,000.- OK.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50I'd think maybe a little bit less, because we have come out to Kent.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I think probably 375.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- This is on the market at £395,000.- OK.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Yes, we've come a little bit farther out,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00but you get more for your money.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Yeah.- It has only been on the market for two weeks.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- And it's a gorgeous house. - It is a beautiful house.- It's lovely.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- And the surrounding fields, you now. - Yeah, this is stunning.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13This really is. This is what we wanted.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15And that's the thought I want you to stick with.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17"This is what we wanted."
0:25:17 > 0:25:20So, go away, spend some time thinking about it.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- It's been a long day. I'll see you later.- See you later.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26There you go, she said it all. "This is what we wanted."
0:25:26 > 0:25:31Yet, I distinctly got a little bit of a hesitation there from Brian.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34395, within budget, all the space they want,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36but I'm not sure they're happy yet.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39What else can we give them to tick all the boxes?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Spread over three floors,
0:25:42 > 0:25:48this barn conversion is just within budget at £395,000.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50The kitchen and dining room offers
0:25:50 > 0:25:51open-plan style living
0:25:51 > 0:25:55and the cosy sitting room has a feature fireplace.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Plus, there are three bedrooms.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59This property isn't detached,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01but the semi-rural location
0:26:01 > 0:26:03provides spectacular country views,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and wonderful walks right on the doorstep.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Plus, there are good schools for Emily
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and London is within an easy commute.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Overall, I really like the place, love the surrounding area.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18The property is nice, it's a lovely garden.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20I couldn't really ask for much more, just a little more space.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24I think now that we have seen two properties,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29we've realised that what we need is a lot more than what
0:26:29 > 0:26:34we thought we needed, so we probably are more fussy and particular.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36We thought we would be very easy-going
0:26:36 > 0:26:41and easy to please, but I think this proves that it's a lot more difficult
0:26:41 > 0:26:43finding the house that you actually really want.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55As the evening draws to a close,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08With £400,000 to spend, Brian, a film producer, and Melissa,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11who runs her own interior-design business,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15have their hearts set on a detached home with lots of space.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18But while house hunting in their preferred county of Surrey,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21we seem to have hit some brick walls,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23as they space they crave has been lacking on their budget.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I feel like a giant.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30But the mystery house could well be the answer.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Maybe, with just one small alteration.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- I wouldn't change a thing in here. - Wouldn't you?- No.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Why? What would you? I'd get you out of here.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46After yesterday, I'd say that Brian and Melissa have been
0:27:46 > 0:27:48a little bit spoiled with the amount of space they have
0:27:48 > 0:27:49in their London home.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Yesterday was really a reality check as to how far their budget
0:27:53 > 0:27:54will go in Surrey.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57So, for our mystery house, we're going to give them
0:27:57 > 0:27:58something a little bit different.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01They will have to be more flexible with their wish list,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03but it does deliver more space.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06And to do that, we've had to hop over the border again,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09but this time into West Sussex.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Like Surrey,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15West Sussex offers plenty of countryside,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18but house prices here are considerably lower.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Our mystery property is in the village of Ashurst Wood.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Packed with pretty period properties,
0:28:24 > 0:28:29it also provides a generous helping of neighbourhood amenities.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32The train station is a ten-minute drive away, from where
0:28:32 > 0:28:34you can reach London in an hour.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Plus, the local school is a convenient 150 yards
0:28:38 > 0:28:40from the property.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Our mystery house has a very well-to-do neighbour, Ashurst Abbey.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Formerly a school, this impressive building
0:28:47 > 0:28:50now houses luxury apartments.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Set back a little is the abbey's old stable block, which has also
0:28:54 > 0:28:57been converted into five properties,
0:28:57 > 0:29:01making Brian and Melissa's wish for a detached home a non-starter,
0:29:01 > 0:29:03but it offers more in other ways.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Your mystery house, here it is.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08You get your very own clock tower.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11The clock tower is beautiful, I really like that.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- I like it.- Lovely? You like? Good.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It's a mystery not because all of this belongs to you,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20but because this bit would belong to you.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22So you'd be attached at either end.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24It looks nice. I like the immediate feel of it.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28I like the kind of courtyard. Obviously, it's shared.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30But I like the look of that.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'They like the shared courtyard, which is good.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36'But it's the inside of this house that I think will be the real
0:29:36 > 0:29:40'showstopper, providing them with the space they're after.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Oh, wow.- On, wow.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- Uh-huh.- I like this.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Encouraging sounds coming from Melissa.- What do you think?
0:29:47 > 0:29:49You're getting settled already.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Promptly taking off the cape from Brian.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Yep. Oh, this is lovely, I really like it.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- What are these...original features I presume?- Yes, they are.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- So, this is where the coaches used to come in.- Oh!
0:30:00 > 0:30:03So, you've got original features, tonnes of space, high ceilings.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Just what we wanted. - And it even delivers your fireplace.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08It's boarded up now,
0:30:08 > 0:30:10but you can open it and have a working fire.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- So it's a working chimney behind? - There you go.- Oh, brilliant.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- I love the size.- I love the size and I love the height.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18It echoes, my voice.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Oh, no!
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Does it echo your living arrangements back in London?
0:30:22 > 0:30:27- Is this more what you need? - Definitely.- Yes!- It is bigger.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- We finally scored on bigger. - Yeah.- Easily.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- All right, we're on a roll, let's keep moving.- Excellent.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37'Fingers crossed this reaction continues, because we're moving on
0:30:37 > 0:30:40'to the room that's been the major sticking point so far.'
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- Wow, now, this is the kitchen I wanted.- Yes!- This is mine.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Fine!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49I had a feeling this is more what you were looking for.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Without a doubt. It's got all the workspace,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54it's also got the little bar area so people can sit there.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57It's got room for a big fridge.
0:30:57 > 0:30:58And lots of storage space.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03This is great. And the light coming in from those windows is lovely.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I really like the way it's done. I wouldn't change a thing in here.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Wouldn't you?- No. Why? What would you?
0:31:08 > 0:31:10I'd get you out of here.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12I, personally, would do one thing.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- I'd probably put a window in there. - I knew you would say that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18You'd want a bigger window. How do you feel about having this
0:31:18 > 0:31:20as a sort of dining area here?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23I think it's good. For breakfast area, I think it's fantastic.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28- Or a tea area. - Friends and family, no.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- Not good enough.- Altogether at once.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- You'd need a bit more space for that.- Yeah, a bit more space.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Good, because there is a dining room next door. Come on.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46- Is this enough space for you two? - That's a lovely size.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47That's a really nice size.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Space for the wine in there.- Yes.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51- Or, again, you can open that up.- OK.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- If you wanted to put a fire in here, you could.- Which would be lovely.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Very nice.- I like it.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Oh, I can see you really, actually thinking about this one.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Mm.- I'm thinking further down the line.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Let's have a look upstairs.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11'The open staircase creates even more light
0:32:11 > 0:32:15'and offers a wonderful view of the living room, with that high ceiling.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19'Let's hope what I show them next is roomy enough for them, too.'
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- Now, this is the master bedroom. - That's a nice size.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27I think you should be able to fit your big bed in here.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29They've got a big bed, so that's good to see.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34And I love that you've got the two sides of windows, which is great.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38I'm judging how much you like it by how quiet you've gone, Brian.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- There you go.- I'm never quiet.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Yeah, you're right there, Denise, definitely.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Up here there's also another double room that's made up
0:32:47 > 0:32:48as a children's bedroom.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53And there's a family bathroom. But this house keeps on giving.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Up another flight of stairs, there's even more on offer.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Now, this is really pretty. I really like this. I think it's lovely.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05It's lovely and light. I love this wooden arch.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10I like the features, this little original cupboard. It's pretty.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Lovely light, lovely in light.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Not only do you get all this space, though, you also get an en-suite.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Oh, wow, that's a really nice size. - It is.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23If this is the guest suite, then it's ideal for them
0:33:23 > 0:33:25to have their own bathroom.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29This has got a really nice feel because it's light but cosy,
0:33:29 > 0:33:34but not cosy as in tiny, it's just right.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- So, you two have lots to think about now.- Yeah.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- I just hope it's affordable. - That's the question.- Yeah.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Definitely. Lots of things to do if it is.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48You're getting me quite excited, I've got to say,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51cos I can feel how much you like this property.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53So, come on, let's go downstairs.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- You can have a bit of a wander around and I'll wait for you outside.- OK.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01The communal courtyard is pretty,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03but will the ample proportions inside
0:34:03 > 0:34:06compensate for the lack of space and a rural aspect outside?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- It's a beautiful outside space.- Yeah.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15Just whether we can live with the close proximity of having
0:34:15 > 0:34:19what would be our garden is the access point for the neighbours.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Well, that's what we're prepared to sacrifice.- Exactly.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25What do you feel about not having a shed as such?
0:34:25 > 0:34:30Because you have always had that to get away from me.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- I can live with that, I suppose. - Do you think?- Yeah.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37Overall, the size just grabs me and, you know, squeezes me.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47Hello. Come and take a seat.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- Time to have a little bit of a wander round.- Thank you.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Yes, we have. We've had a good look around.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57And now you want to know how much you'd have to pay, right?
0:34:57 > 0:34:58We do. That is the question
0:34:58 > 0:35:02that we really, actually want to know now.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- OK, so who wants to go first with a guess, then?- Ladies?
0:35:04 > 0:35:08I think it's a little over budget.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12But not too much, because of the outside space. So I would say 410.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I'm going to go a little bit higher and say 430.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20Well, the bad news is that this property
0:35:20 > 0:35:24was on the market at £475,000.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- But that was in July, last year. - OK.- Since then, recently,
0:35:27 > 0:35:31they've dropped it down to offers of 400,000 and over.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- OK.- Which brings it back into your realm.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- That's interesting to know.- Mm.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- That's very interesting to know. - Mm, indeed.- Mm.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42I think we'll have to think about this one.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- Yeah.- So, let's just go away,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48you two have some time on your own and then we'll have a chat about it,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- this whole journey. See where we get to.- OK.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52All right, let's go.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57This character clock house property
0:35:57 > 0:35:58comes in at the very top
0:35:58 > 0:36:00of Brian and Melissa's budget,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03at exactly £400,000.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05But for that, they get a splendid,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07spacious interior with high ceilings
0:36:07 > 0:36:10and superb period features,
0:36:10 > 0:36:11set over three floors.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14The Continental-style courtyard is communal,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16with two neighbours on either side.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18On the upside, it's located
0:36:18 > 0:36:22on the grounds of the impressive Ashurst Abbey.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Will the interior space and setting be enough?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28I really love the house. I think it's beautiful.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33I think the space is exactly what we want. My niggle is the outside space,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36cos the courtyard is all you've got. And it's communal.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Brian doesn't have his man shed. He said that doesn't matter.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41Does he really mean that?
0:36:41 > 0:36:46I've got to say, because he does like to get away from me.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49I'm absolutely amazed. It was really nice.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51The house is a lot more than we expected,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53definitely a wow factor there.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Without a doubt.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Brian and Melissa's favourite county is Surrey,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11stealing their hearts with its wonderful wildlife and countryside.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15English Heritage has a staggering 42 Gardens of National Importance
0:37:15 > 0:37:17located across the county.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Today, I am visiting one of the most renowned,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens in Wisley,
0:37:24 > 0:37:30which is a centre of expertise for botany, entomology and soil science.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34I'm meeting up with the curator and head gardener, Colin Crosbie,
0:37:34 > 0:37:35to find out more.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38Hello, Colin.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41I think I'm meeting someone with the best job in the world.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43It's got to be. A curator at Wisley.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46As I always say, I get paid to indulge a hobby.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51Wisley is a fantastic garden. 240 acres of inspirational horticulture.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53It offers something everyone who comes through,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56whether it be a beginner or a king gardener.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Tell me about this magnificent building behind us.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Science is very important to the RHS,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05and here we have a purpose-built laboratory, and behind it
0:38:05 > 0:38:08there's a whole lot of scientific experiments that are taking place.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Has that always been part of Wisley's history
0:38:10 > 0:38:12or did it happen over the years?
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Scientific research and educational work has always been part of the RHS
0:38:16 > 0:38:17and especially here at Wisley.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23The gardens were given to the RHS in 1903,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26but research into horticulture and biodiversity
0:38:26 > 0:38:29didn't start until after 1913.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Today, the gardens aren't just enjoyed by visitors.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34They are like a living laboratory,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38and are studied by scientists who work here.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41The cathedral-like glass greenhouse covers an area equal in size
0:38:41 > 0:38:45to ten tennis courts and has three climatic zones,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47re-creating different habitats.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51People flock here to soak up the splendour of the plants
0:38:51 > 0:38:55and receive top gardening tips from the expert staff on hand.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Guy Barter is the head of scientific research
0:38:58 > 0:39:00and an expert on biodiversity.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Hello, Guy.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07I was told I was coming to a science lab,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10but this is very different to any laboratory I've ever been in.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- What are you doing here? - We're doing this experiment
0:39:12 > 0:39:16over several years to see which plants we can recommend to gardeners
0:39:16 > 0:39:18if they want more wildlife and biodiversity in their gardens.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Guy and his team are trying to discover which plants
0:39:22 > 0:39:25attract the most diverse range of wildlife possible.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28The gathering of data is absolutely an enormous task.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30We're counting the amount of leaf area.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32We're counting the number of insects.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35How unique is this experiment across the world?
0:39:35 > 0:39:39As far as we can tell, no-one has done anything quite like this before
0:39:39 > 0:39:42on this scale or for this length of time, and certainly not for gardens.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45I look forward to finding out the results,
0:39:45 > 0:39:46it may be a couple of years.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- Anyway, nice to meet you, Guy. I'll let you get back to it.- Thank you.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Now it's time to me to find out the results of our own research
0:39:56 > 0:40:00and see if any of our properties caught Brian and Melissa's eye.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Well, we found a spot for you guys to sit down
0:40:05 > 0:40:07and enjoy this gorgeous countryside.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11It has been a bit of a journey. Let's just reminisce.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12Take ourselves back.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14We started right in the heart of Surrey,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and I always thought this would be a bit of a challenge for us.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Your budget is great, but in Surrey it's tricky.- Yeah.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24So, what where your first thoughts when we took you to that property?
0:40:24 > 0:40:29I loved the garden - small, manageable, but perfectly formed.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Yeah, that first impressions were brilliant. I really did like it.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34The house looked big and it was a detached, as well.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38That said, once we got inside, everything seemed to shrink.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42So, we tried to get you a bit more space.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45And to do that, we moved out across the border into Kent.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48What did you think of that property? Beautiful views over those fields.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I loved those views. I really did love that.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- And it was a very, very pretty house. - First impressions, again.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Outside, fantastic. But once again, inside,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01it just seemed a little bit small, with limited storage area.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04It was very limited storage area, I felt, in that house, which,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08even though it was lovely, I just couldn't see our belongings in there.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12So, the mystery house, into West Sussex, completely off script,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15it was attached, nothing that you were looking for.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17However, it did have the space.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19The space was amazing. Is amazing.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's not often I don't have much to say.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25But it's when I don't say anything, it means I'm just thinking
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and thinking. Mm, mm...
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Really liked it. Much more than what we expected.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Everything was perfect.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35And some really unusual, traditional features...
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- Yeah.- ..that were quite quirky, but loved it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41If we could take, you know, the garden from the first house,
0:41:41 > 0:41:42the field and the garage in the second house
0:41:42 > 0:41:46and put it all into the third, it would be perfect.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- But we can't. - It's always the housewives' dream.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- But the mystery house was definitely the wow one for me.- Without a doubt.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56It was the first time I got a wow out of you, so I was really pleased.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58So, I think it's clear that was your favourite.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Yes.- It's safe to say.- Without a doubt.- How much of a favourite?
0:42:01 > 0:42:03How are you feeling about it? What will you do next?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Well, we're going to discuss it when we get home.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I think we need to do some talking about it
0:42:07 > 0:42:09because we're both very keen on it.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14We've got to think what we can do with the outside area.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16If we can enclose it more, for safety for Emily
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and for our dog as well, I think that we may have...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- may have got it right.- Definitely.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I'm hopeful this is the one and that you're able to make
0:42:24 > 0:42:27those little tweaks to get Emily out to the school of choice
0:42:27 > 0:42:29and you can all start your new life in the country.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34- Thank you so much.- It's been brilliant. I really enjoyed it.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41I'm really pleased for Brian and Melissa.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I have to admit I was a little bit worried at the beginning
0:42:44 > 0:42:47that they were going to be too inflexible with their wish list.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49But with the mystery house
0:42:49 > 0:42:52they seemed to be finally convinced to make that move.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56If you would like to escape
0:42:56 > 0:42:58to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Scotland, Wales or England
0:43:00 > 0:43:01and need our help,
0:43:01 > 0:43:03please apply online at...
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