0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm in a region which produces more of these free range pigs
0:00:04 > 0:00:07than anywhere else in the country and that's no porky.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09In fact, on this farm alone,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13over 900 piglets are born every single week.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Where am I? Stay watching and find out.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47'On today's show, we're under starter's orders
0:00:47 > 0:00:51'to find the perfect pad and paddock to unite a couple with their horses
0:00:51 > 0:00:54'and some places struggle to get them chomping at the bit.'
0:00:56 > 0:00:59To be honest, there probably isn't enough for me to get my teeth really into.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02'And there are some clear favourites.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I think it's lovely.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06I really do love it.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09'But it's the dark horse of the selection that triumphs
0:01:09 > 0:01:11with a truly astonishing victory.'
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Welcome to Suffolk in East Anglia.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20This region is responsible for the production
0:01:20 > 0:01:23of over 30,000 of the pigs reared here in Great Britain
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and it's in Suffolk where you'll find most of them
0:01:26 > 0:01:28running around freely in the great outdoors.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Now, later on in the show,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I'll be finding out why the 20,000 pigs on this particular farm
0:01:33 > 0:01:36are so successful in bringing home the bacon.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40'Tucked in the far eastern corner of the country
0:01:40 > 0:01:42'and bordered by three other counties,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46'Suffolk is also fringed by over 40 miles of heritage coastline,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48'looking out across the North Sea.'
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'This is a largely rural county with a low-level, fertile soil
0:01:52 > 0:01:56'that creates the ideal environment for arable crops.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59'Wheat and barley cover almost half of Suffolk's farmland
0:01:59 > 0:02:03'and agriculture is such a critical part of the local economy
0:02:03 > 0:02:06'that 80% of the land is dedicated to farming.'
0:02:08 > 0:02:11'And when the working day is done,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13'it's the seaside that's a huge draw for visitors.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15'The quiet and unspoiled coastal villages
0:02:15 > 0:02:18'are popular with painters and photographers
0:02:18 > 0:02:21'looking to capture sleepy England at its most beautiful.'
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'A particular favourite must be the picturesque fishing town of Aldeburgh,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30'home to a world-renowned annual music festival, established 60 years ago
0:02:30 > 0:02:33'by the Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37'for whom the rhythmic lull of the waves against the shingled beaches
0:02:37 > 0:02:39'was a constant source of inspiration.'
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Well, if that's music to your ears, let me hit a couple more high notes.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47The average price for a detached property here in Suffolk
0:02:47 > 0:02:49is just shy of £240,000.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54That's around £15,000 cheaper than the average for England and Wales.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58But that's not to say the county doesn't have its property hotspots.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Medieval towns like Lavenham are highly desirable
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and, therefore, attract a premium.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04As to the seaside towns, like Aldeburgh
0:03:04 > 0:03:07where the price of a detached property with sea views,
0:03:07 > 0:03:08close to the High Street
0:03:08 > 0:03:12can command double the asking price of one located on the outskirts.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14So, it's important to choose your area wisely.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17But no matter where you look, it's fair to say
0:03:17 > 0:03:21there's plenty of architectural gems to please the eye.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24'During the 14th and 15th centuries,
0:03:24 > 0:03:25'a prosperous textile industry
0:03:25 > 0:03:28'made Suffolk one of the wealthiest areas in the country
0:03:28 > 0:03:31'and many perfectly preserved timber-framed houses
0:03:31 > 0:03:34'still stand as a reminder of this affluent time.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38'Wealthy wool merchants further enhanced their homes with
0:03:38 > 0:03:42'beautiful ornamental plasterwork which is an East Anglian tradition known as pargeting.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46'Today it will cost in the region of £500,000-£800,000
0:03:46 > 0:03:49'to get your hands on a listed four-bedroom slice
0:03:49 > 0:03:51'of this medieval history.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53'And if you fancy an injection of colour,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56'charming pink dwellings in a variety of shades
0:03:56 > 0:03:58'are a common sight throughout the county.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01'However, a pretty, candy-coloured character house
0:04:01 > 0:04:03'in one of the fashionable coastal resorts
0:04:03 > 0:04:05'will also set you back a pretty penny,
0:04:05 > 0:04:11'with a two-bedroom cottage costing upwards of £300,000.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13'But if you can bear to forego those wonderful sea views,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16'then you can take off at least £100,000
0:04:16 > 0:04:18'for a similar style property, further inland.'
0:04:18 > 0:04:21So, there's a rich assortment of properties here.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24But will any of them appeal to today's buyers?
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Time to meet them and find out.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29'Retiree Mick and his wife Sue met 15 years ago
0:04:29 > 0:04:31'through their shared love of horses.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34'They even tied the knot on horseback.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38'And although they live in this large four-bedroom house in the Essex town of Harlow,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41'for our equestrian couple, home has always been where the horse is.'
0:04:43 > 0:04:45The horses are stabled in Epping Forest.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50It's 12 miles away, it's two motorways, and what we would like to do is have horses at home
0:04:50 > 0:04:53'and be able to ride nice bridleways nearby
0:04:53 > 0:04:55'and our dream is to be able to ride to the local pub.'
0:04:55 > 0:04:58'The whole idea of just being able to walk out the front door'
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and having the horses in the stables nearby,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03it would make life so much easier.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07'And they certainly haven't had an easy ride over the past few years.'
0:05:07 > 0:05:10'Mick had an accident at work four years ago.'
0:05:10 > 0:05:12He very nearly lost his life.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It's left him as a double below-the-knee amputee
0:05:15 > 0:05:20'and that is very much focused the way our lives are now.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22'He does quite a lot but, some of the time,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25'Mick is in the wheelchair so we have to take each day as it is.'
0:05:25 > 0:05:27'I guess, when something like this happens,'
0:05:27 > 0:05:29it concentrates your mind
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and you think about the things you do enjoy in life
0:05:32 > 0:05:36and what you want to get out of your life.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39'Ever optimistic in the face of such adversity,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41'Mick and Sue are determined
0:05:41 > 0:05:43'to create the most fulfilling future possible
0:05:43 > 0:05:47'and their starting point is to find a more practical home.'
0:05:47 > 0:05:51'The house we've got now is not suitable for Mick when he is in a wheelchair.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55'The doors are too narrow, there are too many steps, too many slopes.'
0:05:55 > 0:05:56Our must list is, really,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59we have to have somewhere with spacious downstairs living.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02It doesn't have to be a bungalow but it has to be something
0:06:02 > 0:06:04that we can live mainly on those ground floors.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08We need land. We need land, somewhere we can keep our horses.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09'Four to five acres, hopefully.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13'And, I also want somewhere where I can create a new garden as well.'
0:06:13 > 0:06:14From scratch, if need be,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17but having that potential to do that is also on my must list.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20'As a qualified garden designer,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23'Sue is keen to expand her horticultural horizons
0:06:23 > 0:06:25'and develop her other artistic talents too.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'But it's family and, of course, the love of horses
0:06:28 > 0:06:31'that really sets our couple's hearts racing.'
0:06:31 > 0:06:33'Suffolk is a good area for us'
0:06:33 > 0:06:38because my daughter and grandchildren live in South Norfolk,
0:06:38 > 0:06:42so we'd like to be closer to them so that they can come and visit
0:06:42 > 0:06:45'and, perhaps, get another horse so the children can start to ride.'
0:06:45 > 0:06:49'One thing Mick has been able to do since his accident is to ride his horse.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52'It's one thing he really enjoys and, even when he can't walk very well,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54'one thing he can do is riding his horse.'
0:06:54 > 0:06:58He gets tremendous enjoyment from him, tremendous satisfaction.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It something he feels free doing and it's one thing
0:07:00 > 0:07:02'he wants to carry on doing
0:07:02 > 0:07:05'until he's absolutely no longer able to do so.'
0:07:05 > 0:07:08'Clearly, times have been extremely tough for Mick and Sue but
0:07:08 > 0:07:13'throughout they've been driven and totally committed to one another.'
0:07:13 > 0:07:17'Sue does a great deal for me and I wouldn't be here without Sue,'
0:07:17 > 0:07:20she picks me up when I get down,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23she does most things for me.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Although, I'm still capable of doing a few things on my own.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31But, she's just the rock that I anchor myself to.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40'Mick and Sue have a budget of £575,000
0:07:40 > 0:07:44'to find their ideal escape to the country and location is key.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47'Not only do they want to be closer to their horses,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49'they're also hoping for somewhere
0:07:49 > 0:07:52'near to Mick's daughter and grandchildren in Norfolk.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54'So, we'll be focusing our search around Bury St Edmunds
0:07:54 > 0:07:57'in the northern half of the county.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58'And with the location sorted,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02'I'm finally meeting up with our buyers on Suffolk soil
0:08:02 > 0:08:04'to finalise all the details of their move.'
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Now, at the heart of your search, I suppose, is your accident
0:08:09 > 0:08:11which is dictating the kind of property you're looking for.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13You want it more accessible,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17perhaps with the wheelchair, certainly in later life.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Does that mean just ground floor living, are we looking at bungalows?
0:08:20 > 0:08:22We would prefer bungalows
0:08:22 > 0:08:26but we could live with a place that had the bedroom on the ground floor.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- OK.- And possibly the bathroom on the ground floor.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Or the potential to build a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Yeah.- Open plan downstairs. - Open plan downstairs.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Giving access through doorways, no narrow doorways.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41All right, now, you're also heavily into horses
0:08:41 > 0:08:46and, like anybody else I know that is, priorities are land.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- It's almost a must, isn't it? - It is, I'm afraid, yes.- OK.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- How many horses have you got? - We've got two, at the moment.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56But we'd probably like to get another one
0:08:56 > 0:08:58or maybe two for our grandchildren to ride.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Potentially four.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Potentially four but it's only two at this present time.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06So, we're looking at really a minimum of four acres of land.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08All this comes at a price, of course it does.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11What's the budget we are looking at today?
0:09:11 > 0:09:16For a house that ticks the main key factors, up to a budget of £575,000.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- That's your top, top, top? - That's our top budget.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Well, let's not hang around. Let's get started.- Great.- This way.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27'For a maximum budget of £575,000,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31'Mick and Sue are after a detached house comprising three bedrooms,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34'one of which needs to be located on the ground floor
0:09:34 > 0:09:37'with enough space to create a wet room for Mick.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40'They prefer an open plan layout of generous proportions
0:09:40 > 0:09:45'with minimal floor levels but are flexible when it comes to style.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47'Outside, they'd like a decent plot of garden
0:09:47 > 0:09:50'to expand Sue's horticultural ambitions.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52'And, of course, they need equestrian facilities
0:09:52 > 0:09:55'with around four acres of land for their beloved horses.'
0:09:57 > 0:10:00'We've got some fantastic homes to tempt our buyers but, as ever,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04'I want a revealing the price until they've had a guess first.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09'Our final choice is, of course, the mystery house where we'll be taking a huge, and I do mean huge, gamble.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11'But, will the odds be in our favour?'
0:10:16 > 0:10:19'Our first stop is the small village of Stanton,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23'8 miles north-east of Bury St Edmunds.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25'Here, our buyers can tack up their horses and use
0:10:25 > 0:10:29'the good selection of shops and amenities that line the historic streets.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32'And it was within the ruined walls of the once powerful,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34'ancient local Abbey that the barons of medieval England
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'hatched plans for the Magna Carta.'
0:10:38 > 0:10:40'Back in the heart of Stanton Village,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43'our first property can be found hidden away down a private road.'
0:10:43 > 0:10:45OK, so, property number one.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47We are going to be looking at a bungalow.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49But I know what you're like,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51like any other horse-mad person, you want to look at the stables.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54You can't ignore them. They're fantastic, actually.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- Yeah, they're very good. - You get some pretty good facilities here.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59These loose boxes are probably about 20 years old.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01But they're tidy, well put together.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03They've got hot water and even heat lamps in one of the boxes there,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05to dry the horses off.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- That could be useful.- Luxury. - That's a plus point to start with.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- And on top of that, you've got some outbuildings.- Yeah.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Both of which have power.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16There's space to park a horse lorry, as well.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17Are you impressed with it so far?
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Yeah, very nice.- It's nice and spacious which is one of the things we're looking for.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22What about the bungalow?
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- The house itself? - It's fine.- It's a bungalow, yeah.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29I mean, it's not without character, completely. It's quite...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Yeah, there's nothing wrong with that at all.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- So, all in all, happy? - Yeah.- So far, so good. - Great. Let's look inside.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40'This 1950s brick-built bungalow is of an age
0:11:40 > 0:11:43'not generally celebrated for its beauty
0:11:43 > 0:11:45'but does benefit from a more open plan layout
0:11:45 > 0:11:47'which is high on Mick and Sue's wish list.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49'Let's see what they think.'
0:11:49 > 0:11:51So, straight into the kitchen.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- What are your first impressions of this kitchen?- Very nice.- It's fine.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Lovely.- Bigger than I thought it was going to be, actually.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- I thought that was a mirror when I came in. - Yeah, I took a double take there,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03thinking that, then being able to see right through.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Yeah. Are you happy with this kind of layout? Does it work for you?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10It looks as if it's reasonably well laid out, you can get around it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Yeah.- And, looks like there is scope to, potentially,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16knock through into the living area there if we wanted to make it larger.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17So, first impressions, yeah.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21And, if I was in a wheelchair, I could get around here, easily.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'Back off the entrance hall, there is a good-sized utility and
0:12:25 > 0:12:28'an office-cum-tack-room with plenty of space for equine apparatus.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31'And through the kitchen lies the main living area.'
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Very much more open plan, now. - Mm.- Oh, it is, yeah. - Yeah. It's very nice.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- It's a bit small.- Here's the thing.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40As you've got room for a dining table in the kitchen,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42you could dispense with this
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- and that short wall and make it one big living room.- Hm.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I think we'd probably knock through here and make it into one big room.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51What I did like about this, you know,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55the old parquet flooring and you've got the solid fuel burner there.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56It's, even though, again,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58we keep going back to the fact that it's a bungalow
0:12:58 > 0:13:01but you do get elements of, sort of, country living here, don't you?
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Yeah, it's got some character. - I quite like the beams. - They're all right.- They're great.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- The bay window's all right, it's nice.- Bay window's fine.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10The beauty of this place is, it faces out onto its main feature,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12its main asset. That's the land.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15And I suppose, you know, as a horse lover, that's even more...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Great view of your horses out in the field, there.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20It's great that you can, if Sue's out there, I can watch or vice versa.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23I'll be creating a garden out here as well, of course.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Right.- Yeah, that's all, that's all in scope, isn't it?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28It's got everything we need, so far.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31'Also on the ground floor is the family bathroom
0:13:31 > 0:13:33'and a total of four bedrooms,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37'the smallest of which is being used as a study, alongside two good-sized guest rooms.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41'But I'm going to show our buyers the room that could be theirs.'
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- This is your master bedroom.- Hm. Yeah.- Yeah.- That's fine.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49It's good, I like the double windows.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52I like to have them on either side of the room. It's not huge.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54This looks fine.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- OK, good. You're not high fivers? - No. No. The cogs are all working.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00We're thinking about what we can do to add our own stamp to things...
0:14:00 > 0:14:01All right.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05..and make things easier and, yeah, everything's fine, everything's good.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'It's hard to gauge whether the bungalow
0:14:08 > 0:14:10'is really winning Mick and Sue over,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12'so we'd better turn our attention
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'to the horses, who will be more than catered for outside.'
0:14:16 > 0:14:18'As well as the five stables,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'this plot benefits from fantastic all-weather equestrian facilities.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25'And with the grounds that extend as far as the eye can see,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29'there's more than enough to keep green-fingered Sue occupied.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32'But can they cope with an incredible eight acres?'
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- So, what do you think of the facilities?- I think they're great.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37They're excellent. They are really very, very good.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38You get a lot here.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43Here it seems to all be there and on our doorstep and easy to get to.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Literally on your doorstep. You come out of that nice little bungalow
0:14:46 > 0:14:48then, bang, you're straight here.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51This has got so much scope and potential that it's not an issue at all with this size.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54So, you've got all the facilities that you asked for and,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56bearing that in mind, I want you to guess the price.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59How much is this place on the market for?
0:14:59 > 0:15:03I'm going to try and be optimistic so I'm going to say 560.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04OK.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06I think it's higher than that,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08I think you've really got to the top of our budget.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12So, I'll say 575, hoping it's not too much more than that.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Well, you're right when you said I'm pushing the budget here.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Cos you've got everything.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21This place is on the market for offers around £600,000.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- OK, yeah.- We were being optimistic.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Yes, you are. And we'd spoken to the owners
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and they are prepared to negotiate closer to your budget.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Right.- Why don't you go back into the home part of this,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36see what changes you'd like to make for access
0:15:36 > 0:15:37and I'll meet you at the front...
0:15:37 > 0:15:39OK, we'll go and have a nose.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40..whenever you're ready?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- All right? I'll catch you later on. - See you later.- Bye-bye.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Well, I think they are actually very good reactions there.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51And when they come outside, they clearly come alive
0:15:51 > 0:15:54because it is all about the horses and the land.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58I am worried, though, whether I've peaked a bit too soon.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05'Over budget at £600,000 but with room for a sensible offer,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07'our first property may have been a slow burner
0:16:07 > 0:16:09'but it has come up trumps
0:16:09 > 0:16:12'in delivering what our buyers have asked for and more.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16'Being a bungalow, all the living accommodation is on one level
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'and includes four bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22'But it's the grounds here that really sell this place,
0:16:22 > 0:16:27'boasting a first-class equestrian facilities including five stables.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29'And it's all wrapped up in a stunning eight acres of land.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32'Even more than our buyers had asked for.'
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I think the first property here is really quite good.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41I'm pleasantly surprised by the amount of space,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43both within the house and, certainly, the outside.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45I'm very taken with the exterior space
0:16:45 > 0:16:47because there is space to do everything I want to do,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49not just with the horses
0:16:49 > 0:16:51but my aspirations for creation of the new garden as well.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54There is loads of potential outside for that so, yes,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57my focus has been on the outside, probably.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58But the house isn't bad either.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59This is great.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01We could just use this as the office
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and not use the other office at all, make it a dressing room.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06It gives a lot of flexibility for storage space.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08This is much better than I'd thought.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10And quite a few options here, really, aren't there?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Yeah. It's actually a good size, really, Sue.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14It's not a bad living space, is it?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16I think we'll have to fill that in, though.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Yeah. I'm not that keen on that.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I can imagine you and I shouting each other through there.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I think we'll either have to fill it in or open it all up completely
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and give more of a walkway through on that.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Exactly.- Apart from that, not a bad space.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I'm really impressed with the first house.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34It's got everything we need, really. And it suits us.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38There are some changes we'll have to make for accessibility,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40but not that many.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43How did you get on?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Very good. It's actually a bit bigger than we thought.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Yes, it's got everything we need.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Excellent. OK, all done here. Next property.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04'Time to get back in the saddle
0:18:04 > 0:18:06'and head to the second property of the day
0:18:06 > 0:18:08'and we are crossing the border into Norfolk,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10'even closer to Mick's family.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12'We are heading for the rural village of Starston
0:18:12 > 0:18:17which is just a few minutes' drive from nearby amenities in Harleston.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19'The market town of Harleston is a lively place
0:18:19 > 0:18:21'with a variety of independent shops
0:18:21 > 0:18:24'and the kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured buildings
0:18:24 > 0:18:26'are intriguing, even in the lashing rain.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29'And while the weather may have taken a dive,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31'let's hope we are on the up with our next house
0:18:31 > 0:18:34'which is located down a quiet country lane.'
0:18:35 > 0:18:38OK, then. For the second property,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40you buy one, you get one free.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- We did wonder.- Yeah.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45That is no ordinary annexe but we'll discuss that later.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- What do you think of the property here?- Looks good.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52It's a nice little country house. It looks perfect.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Perfectly good from the outside.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00'At the end of a sweeping drive, this grade 2 listed home
0:19:00 > 0:19:02'has already sparked a flicker of interest with Mick.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06'But can they work with the period features on the inside?'
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Now, then. First impressions as you come into your potential new house?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13It's smaller. There looks like more bitty little bits to it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15What do you think?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I think it's lovely.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I really do love it.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23It's the sort of place, if I still had legs, this would be perfect.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- I'm not sure about the... - Accessibility?- Accessibility.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Well, yes. And that is, you know, believe it or not,
0:19:30 > 0:19:31at the forefront of my mind as well.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34There are a few steps here but I want us to have a look around
0:19:34 > 0:19:38because I'm wondering whether or not we could make this
0:19:38 > 0:19:40practical for you guys, in the future.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Stick with me on this one
0:19:41 > 0:19:44because I think it gets better as you go around. OK?
0:19:44 > 0:19:45Mm-hm.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Right, then. Again, very traditional.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- Yeah, it's not a bad size, though. - No, it's actually very nice.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Again, it is beautiful.- This part of the building is 450 years old.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Yeah, I can believe that.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01- And you see it, don't you?- Yeah.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Yeah, I can believe it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- It's got lots of character. - Yeah, loads of character.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09The beams in here look great.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This is the first time I've seen you smile when you're looking around a house.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Ah, well, yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17I've still got my doubts about practical...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19The narrow doorways, the steps and so on.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23There are other options cos there is another side to this property, quite literally,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- that should help you out a bit. Follow me.- OK, let's see.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- Oh, wow!- Wow!
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- There's a bit of space in there, isn't there?- That's a bit different.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Now, look, here's the thing, all one level, big open-plan kitchen, right?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Into a big dining room,
0:20:40 > 0:20:45going through to the rear hallway/reception room,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47and the owners of this house have disabled friends
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- and they can bring the car right to the back door.- Aha!
0:20:52 > 0:20:56This, I think, is the door you'd use regularly.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Ah, it's actually the back exit. - Pull the car right up to the door.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Yeah, I can see what you are talking about now. That's easy.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06And then come with me through... to the dedicated living room.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- That's quite a good size as well. - This is really nice.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- I love all the windows.- Yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Windows everywhere, brilliant. - On all sides, really, eh?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Look at the outlook, it's just rural.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23It's a lovely country cottage, well, it's a cottage, but it's quite a big cottage.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Yeah. So far?- Very good.- Good. Yeah, excellent.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Mick is clearly taken and I think Sue is jumping on board, too.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32And it's no surprise,
0:21:32 > 0:21:37as this place could give our buyers the best of both worlds.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39As well as an entrance hall to the front of the building,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41the rear hallway provides an alternative
0:21:41 > 0:21:45wheelchair-friendly access into the largest rooms, which collectively
0:21:45 > 0:21:48have an open-plan feel that's hard to find in many cottages.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53A staircase in the back hallway also leads upstairs
0:21:53 > 0:21:56to a small family bathroom and four guest bedrooms.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01All beautifully finished with a real rustic charm.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06However, the low exposed beams and narrow passageways may be a little too cosy for Mick,
0:22:06 > 0:22:11so we've another option to run by them, back down on the ground floor.
0:22:11 > 0:22:18- As it stands, obviously, not yet a bedroom...- Oh, wow. Yeah!
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- Again, it's full of surprises.- Isn't it? Open the door, there's something else there.- Through there, an office,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- which I was thinking dressing room.- Yeah.- Yeah. A bathroom.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28You've already got a bathroom.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31OK, it needs new fittings, but the plumbing is here.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- Yeah, yeah...- No, it's big enough. - It's big enough.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- We'd only need the bedroom.- Bed, bedside tables, everything in there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46- Yeah.- There wouldn't be much else to do in here.- No.- This could be done.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48'That's completed the two of the main house,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51'but it's not the end of the living accommodation.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54'Right next door, the outbuilding we saw earlier
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'has been converted in a fantastic self-contained one-bedroom annex.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'A great place for Mick's daughter and grandchildren to stay
0:23:01 > 0:23:02'when they come to visit.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04'But, of course, it's not ideal for the horses.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'So let's see what's in store for them.'
0:23:07 > 0:23:11One paddock, two paddock... three paddock.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- All in all, land-wise, you get six acres.- OK, that's not bad.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18That's not bad. Not bad at all.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21What you don't get is stabling. That you'd have to build yourself.
0:23:21 > 0:23:27- The outbuildings they had, they converted into that annex.- Yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32That is the ability to earn some extra income from maybe self-catering holidays apartments.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33It's a beautiful part of the world.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39- I mean, there's so many positives to this place. I really do like it. - Something to consider.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- So, try pricing it? - I think you're pushing our budget.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44We've got that annexe there adding to it
0:23:44 > 0:23:50and quite a lot of land as well, so I hope it's not as much, but 610?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- 610, Sue. What about you, Mick? - I would say about 580-590.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Good guess, mate. £585,000 is the asking price for this.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00That's good. I thought you're going to be pushing it.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02You are pushing it, but maybe not pushing as much.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06We are pushing it. Lots to think about.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Why don't you guys go back into the house, into the dry and warm,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13but also have a look around the property and think what changes you would definitely want to make.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15See if it is a practical option or not.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Shall we get in there? - See you in a bit. All right.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23At £585,000, our second house
0:24:23 > 0:24:27is a fantastic four-bedroom period property that offers
0:24:27 > 0:24:30our buyers a lot of flexibility,
0:24:30 > 0:24:35managing to combine old world charm, with large and spacious rooms.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38There's already the potential to create a downstairs bedroom suite,
0:24:38 > 0:24:42as well as a separate annex which could generate some extra income
0:24:42 > 0:24:46and the whole proposition is wrapped up in six acres of grounds.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49But will they like it enough to do the extra work
0:24:49 > 0:24:50needed for their horses?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I do like having a sun lounge effect in here.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Don't know how warm it will get in here in the summer, mind you.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00It might get very hot. But they've got nice curtains up there.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It probably stops that. But it is a lovely dining room. It really is.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08You can spend a lot of time sitting entertaining there, I think.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Yeah, you would. Yeah. And you can see everything from here.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15The second property is absolutely lovely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It's really...
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Um, it's passed my expectations really.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24There's obviously difficulties with it, too.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27But I think we'd be willing to take on this amount of work
0:25:27 > 0:25:30if we could afford it.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32It has more potential in some aspects,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36but it is at the top end of our budget.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38We do not have the equestrian facilities already here,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40but we do have a potential income from something else.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43So it doesn't tick everything but it does do different things as well.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- Using the back door?- Yeah! - Thought you would.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53- Now then, had a good look around inside?- Yes. Very nice. Really nice.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- It is, isn't it? - It's quite specious.- Good.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- All right, that's it for today. Let's go back to the hotel.- OK.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12As the sun begins to set across the Suffolk countryside,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Nick and Sue take time out to reflect
0:26:14 > 0:26:16on their property search so far.
0:26:22 > 0:26:28With a budget of £575,000, Mick and Sue from Harlow are looking
0:26:28 > 0:26:30to break free from suburbia
0:26:30 > 0:26:33to settle in an equestrian property in Suffolk.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36So far, we've shown them two fantastic homes,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39but they've kept a reserved and level head.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- You're not high-fivers. - No! The cogs are all working!
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Still to come, we've got the mystery house.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49But will it be a battle of heads vs hearts
0:26:49 > 0:26:51in an unexpected final showdown?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- It really is nice.- Cottagey! - Cottagey!
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And I'll be going the whole hog down on the farm.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Today, Mick and Sue saw two quite different propositions.
0:27:05 > 0:27:11The first place, fantastic equine facilities and a practical house.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14In the afternoon, a wonderful house with bags of character
0:27:14 > 0:27:16but maybe work to be done with the land.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Having said that, whilst they're different,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20both may well be contenders.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23So, today, with that in mind, we're off to see the mystery house, and,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27as ever, it's going to challenge the expectations of our buyers.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29And this one's no different.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Some people in your position
0:27:34 > 0:27:37get a bit nervous
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and there's a bit of trepidation on their way to their mystery house.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44What would you hope it isn't going to be?
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Over budget!
0:27:45 > 0:27:46THEY LAUGH
0:27:46 > 0:27:47Yeah, I've got it.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Or a house which is absolutely wonderful
0:27:50 > 0:27:53but doesn't have any land, so maybe that's the other thing,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56if it doesn't have any land associated,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58or maybe that's where the compromise is.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01- Shall I turn the car around? - Take us home!
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Now, Mick absolutely loved the historic character
0:28:06 > 0:28:09of our second house, so, let's see just how far
0:28:09 > 0:28:12we can push that feature and hope they'll keep an open mind.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Our final property is in Framsden
0:28:14 > 0:28:18which is just a few miles from the village of Earl Soham.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Earl Soham's well preserved traditional buildings
0:28:21 > 0:28:23have earned it conservation status.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Facilities include a family-run butcher
0:28:26 > 0:28:29and a brewery that puts Suffolk's barley harvest to good use.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32And, on the outskirts of the village,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35lies our very big gamble, the mystery house.
0:28:36 > 0:28:37OK, then, the mystery house.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Here she is.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- First impression, it's a thatched cottage.- Yeah!
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- Didn't really want a thatched cottage.- Didn't you?- Not really.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49It is lovely. It is a lovely little cottage.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52It is a slightly chocolate-box sort of look.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55I wondered how long it'd take for you to get chocolate box out
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- because's that's exactly what it is. - It is, yes. - Let's take a look inside.- OK.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Well, we've had better starts, but dwelling on the positives,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06this 18th century thatched house
0:29:06 > 0:29:09originally started life as two farmworkers' cottages
0:29:09 > 0:29:13and would, for some, epitomise the country dream.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Perhaps the inside will convince Mick and Sue.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19OK, in we come.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Now, tell me your first impressions and I'll explain everything.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- It's lovely. It really is nice. - Cottagey.- Cottagey.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31It's narrow, and what I think of as being a cottage.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Yeah, obviously it's about ground floor living.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38You've got a ground floor bathroom, and on the same level,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I was thinking about converting this sitting room into a bedroom.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Let me show you.- OK.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46So, big enough for a bedroom?
0:29:46 > 0:29:47I would say it is, yes.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It would actually make quite a nice bedroom. It's quite a good size.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Yes, I quite like this room.- Lovely French doors out into the garden.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59It would make a nice bedroom. It's a shame. It's a nice sitting-room.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Yeah, but you've got another sitting-room elsewhere.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03Let me show you.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Right, then.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Believe it or not, this used to be two farmworkers' cottages,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15one this side, one that side, and that would be the dividing wall.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- Brilliant.- Beautiful place, isn't it?- Mmm, it is.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Now, here's another challenge for you guys.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25This would be a living and dining area.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Hmmm. That really, really is small.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31You wouldn't get any of our furniture in whatsoever.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It's certainly smaller than I would have in mind.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38But, we really, really appreciate it. It is lovely.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Hmmm.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Let's have a look into the kitchen. Mind your heads.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48The rustic charm of this place continues in the kitchen.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53- It's a rustic kitchen, and it's small.- Yeah, it is small.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58- Yeah, I mean it all goes...- It's lovely, again.- Beautiful, but...
0:30:58 > 0:31:00But, the more I see of it, I think less and less.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02I'd never get a wheelchair through there.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It's not really working for you that much.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07It's not somewhere that we would think,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10even having thought about whether it would work for us.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15There's just so much, every single room has got something in it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20- Too many compromises.- We would have to pull this place apart.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24The exposed timbers throughout create a cosy cottage feel,
0:31:24 > 0:31:26but all is not what it seems
0:31:26 > 0:31:30as some of the beams in this second reception and hallway
0:31:30 > 0:31:35are purely decorative, so could easily be removed for better access.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Upstairs, the country cottage theme continues to impress
0:31:39 > 0:31:42in the form of three immaculately presented double bedrooms
0:31:42 > 0:31:45and a family bathroom with roll-topped bath
0:31:45 > 0:31:47and stripped wooden floors.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51The present owners have devoted the past 20 years to renovating
0:31:51 > 0:31:54every inch of this property, and the garden is no exception.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57However, not forgetting that this is the mystery house,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00the twist is that we don't have acres of land here for the horses.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05But what we do have is a fantastic garden for Sue,
0:32:05 > 0:32:10featuring a natural pond and a Monet-inspired bridge.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- I love that bridge there. - Except it doesn't go anywhere.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15It's a gardener's folly.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16Yeah. It is.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19To be honest, there probably isn't enough
0:32:19 > 0:32:21for me to get my teeth really into.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Whilst there's no land with this cottage,
0:32:25 > 0:32:26there is a livery yard nearby
0:32:26 > 0:32:30where you can keep pretty much as many horses as you want there,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34but it almost seems a moot point now because the house isn't suitable.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38Albeit maybe not for you, but it's clearly going to be for someone.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Somebody definitely, yeah.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42From what you've seen,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46have a guess how much this place is on the market for.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Without any land at all... 450.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52425.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- It's on the market for 375.- Yeah.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Before we find out exactly what you guys want to do next,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00maybe about the first two properties,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03why don't you just go back and enjoy this house, have a quick look around
0:33:03 > 0:33:05and I'll meet you out the front whenever you're ready.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- OK.- See you in a bit.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It didn't work. It's certainly been a real treat
0:33:10 > 0:33:13looking round this gorgeous property but as I said,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17sometimes the mystery property works, sometimes it doesn't.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19It didn't.
0:33:19 > 0:33:25At £375,000, the mystery house is a stunning 300-year-old
0:33:25 > 0:33:29three-bedroom thatched cottage that leaves Mick and Sue
0:33:29 > 0:33:33with a huge sum of money to make the alterations they need.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37It has a ground-floor family bathroom and two reception rooms,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40one of which could be converted into a bedroom.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43There's also a quarter of an acre of pretty cottage garden
0:33:43 > 0:33:47and despite the fact there are no on-site equestrian facilities,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50the property is just a few miles from a local livery yard.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54First reactions inside, it's a beautiful house.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56The workmanship in here is fantastic.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It's got some lovely, lovely features.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00The outside's nice, it's cottagey.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04It's a nice little garden but a bit bitty for me
0:34:04 > 0:34:08and probably not big enough. I guess the overall surprise to us
0:34:08 > 0:34:12was that it hasn't actually got any land attached to it at the moment.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14I was hoping at least there would be some land
0:34:14 > 0:34:17that we could explore opportunities for the horses.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Though I would say it's a beautiful house
0:34:19 > 0:34:22and it's done to a perfectly good standard,
0:34:22 > 0:34:26a very good standard, but I don't think it's for us.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28It's just very difficult to get around.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33It's a nice bright room.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35It's great, isn't it? It really is nice.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- I like the windows either side. - Extremely good.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42Again, everything's done brilliantly.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48- And again, it's good for guests. - And again, the stairs are awkward.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51It's a challenge. You'd better go head down them again.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58All done inside?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- Yeah, all done. - It's a very pretty house, isn't it?
0:35:01 > 0:35:02It's a lovely house.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- OK, well, that's all three. Let's go.- OK.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Agriculture is big business in East Anglia
0:35:19 > 0:35:21and although Suffolk's farming is predominantly arable,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25the abundance of grain provides food for its many pig herds.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29The county has a long tradition of pig farming
0:35:29 > 0:35:32generating hundreds of millions of pounds every year.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35But it's also home to the highest percentage of outdoor pig farms
0:35:35 > 0:35:38in the country thanks to farmers like Jimmy Butler
0:35:38 > 0:35:43who runs the largest open-air free-range pig farm in the UK.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47I've come to his 300-acre site just outside Halesworth in East Suffolk
0:35:47 > 0:35:50to learn how maintaining the welfare of his herd
0:35:50 > 0:35:52helps make for a successful business.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56So how old is this little piglet here?
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- This little man here is five days old.- Is that all?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01That's all he is, just five days old.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02- May I?- You can indeed.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- SQUEALING - All right, mate, all right.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08A pig itself is quite an incredible animal.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12That animal you've got in your hands is weighing about 1 kilo when it's born.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Six months later, it weighs 100 kilos.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Now that multiplies its own weight 100 times in six months.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21That's an incredible animal that does that.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Isn't it just?- Absolutely. - What breed is this then?
0:36:23 > 0:36:25He's a cross-breed.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27There's four different breeds in there - there's Landrace,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Large White, Pietrain and there's some Duroc.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33They're all in there for different reasons. Some are for flavour,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37some are for growth, some are for length, some are for general shape.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Right. Do you have a lot of lucky pigs
0:36:39 > 0:36:43- helping the sows get pregnant? - We do.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47We have 11 boars that stud and they provide for all of these 2,000 sows.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51They produce somewhere between 900 and 1,000 pigs each week.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52What?
0:36:52 > 0:36:57We produce between 900 and 1,000 pigs each week on these two farms.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- That's a lot of pigs. - That is a lot of pigs.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04Suffolk's combination of relatively low rainfall,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07a temperate climate and free-draining sandy soil
0:37:07 > 0:37:11creates ideal conditions for outdoor pig production.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Newborn piglets stay with their mothers for four weeks
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and are slowly weaned on six different rations
0:37:16 > 0:37:18to get them accustomed to dry feed,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21then it's on to the fattening up stage called finishing.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Only 4% of the country's finished pigs will spend
0:37:23 > 0:37:28their entire lives outdoors in free-range conditions like this.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32What separates free range from intensive farming?
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- What's the difference? - The welfare of the pig.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36The lifestyle of the pig is outside as you see it here.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38OK, we are looking through rose-coloured glasses today.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42It's a lovely sunny day but they are able to roam
0:37:42 > 0:37:44and be outside all the time.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46You see all these pigs, they're digging and routing here now.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48They can't do that in concrete.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Is the industry thriving at the moment?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53At the moment, we're struggling as feed is very expensive.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Wheat has got very expensive, straw has got a very short supply
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and we take colossal amounts of straw,
0:37:59 > 0:38:01so our expenses have gone up.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Eventually, the pig price will have to go up
0:38:04 > 0:38:06to be able to pay for what we're doing.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09How much of our market do we buy from abroad?
0:38:09 > 0:38:14About 40% of the UK pork eaten is coming in from abroad.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18In 2013, new rules for the pig industry are intended to create
0:38:18 > 0:38:22a more even set of welfare standards across all of Europe
0:38:22 > 0:38:25which should see more pigs enjoying the great outdoors.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Ethically, it sounds like a much better lifestyle for the animal,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31of course it does.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32Any difference in the taste?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Absolutely. The flavour is better in these because it's older.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38You've got to remember, when they're running around in here,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41they're developing muscles. What you eat is muscle.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44If it takes longer and they're better developed,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47then you've got the flavour in there that you used to have years ago.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48Right, OK.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It's farms like this one that help to keep Suffolk
0:38:50 > 0:38:55at the forefront of positive and pioneering pig husbandry.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01So, clearly a popular place to keep pigs
0:39:01 > 0:39:04but has Suffolk worked its charms on our house buyers?
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Time to catch up with Mick and Sue and find out.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16So, we had a look around properties by the Suffolk-Norfolk border.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Is this still a place that you want to relocate to?- Oh, yes.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22We're still happy with Suffolk-Norfolk borders, yes.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Even through the rain and the cold?
0:39:24 > 0:39:26If we can see places through the rain and the cold
0:39:26 > 0:39:29and still like the area, that's got to say something.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Let's go through the properties then. The first house,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34I think we started on the practicality bit, didn't we?
0:39:34 > 0:39:36We loved the equestrian facilities at the first property.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Couldn't have asked for better.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Some of the best I've seen, especially for the budget.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44They're fantastic. Everything was there, the stables were there,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46the fields were all laid out, the land was good.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Everything about that place was good from the outside.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52There was garden for me and, yes,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- you definitely did it for us there. - Even the house was practical.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58With a few minor adjustments.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01But we could move straight into that house
0:40:01 > 0:40:03and not have to do anything for ages.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05There was no reason for us not to like it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It just didn't fire us up, but that said,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12it's not something we've discounted.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- And the location was lovely. - The location was fantastic.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17If you look at what you asked me for, the wish list,
0:40:17 > 0:40:19it delivered on everything.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24- It did everything.- Everything. - Pushed the budget but everything.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28But then, I also noticed that you were saying,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31"It's perfectly all right. It's OK," when you were in the house.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33You spend a lot of time in the home, of course you do,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35and I just thought, well,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38is this because I've decided to be practical, or maybe,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41are they seeing something they're just not falling in love with,
0:40:41 > 0:40:46and that's why I wanted to go to the second property yesterday afternoon
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and show you something just with a bit more character.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50It was a lovely property
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and the character of the place was brilliant. I loved it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It wasn't as practical as the first property for me
0:40:57 > 0:41:00so there would be changes to make
0:41:00 > 0:41:04and, of course, it was at the top of our budget again.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06From a practical aspect, financially,
0:41:06 > 0:41:08we would have work to do there on the outside.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11You came up with the land. There was enough land there, that was fine,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14but there were no stables, there were no outbuildings,
0:41:14 > 0:41:15there was no storage.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Hopefully that second property gave you something to think about
0:41:18 > 0:41:22and certainly gave you something to compare against the first, more practical option.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Completely.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Today, we went off to the mystery house
0:41:28 > 0:41:30which didn't really seem to work for you.
0:41:30 > 0:41:36- No.- No, it really didn't do anything that we wanted it to do.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39It was bitty, there were all sorts of angles and steps.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44Things that could be modified but it was beautifully done.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47It was very tastefully finished, a high level of workmanship.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51It was a lovely house but completely inappropriate for us.
0:41:51 > 0:41:57OK, so it didn't work. Always a gamble, but on reflection,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00have you got a favourite out of the first two properties that I showed to you?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03They're very different, aren't they?
0:42:03 > 0:42:07From a practicality point of view, the first one was miles ahead.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10But from the heart, the second one was really nice.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Yeah, I think from the practical aspect,
0:42:13 > 0:42:17the first property is the only one that we'd probably go back
0:42:17 > 0:42:21and have another look at, especially when it's not pouring down with rain.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Well, whatever you decide, please let us know, won't you?
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- Will do.- We will do.- Great, good luck.- Thank you very much.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34It's often quite tricky when you're looking for a rural property
0:42:34 > 0:42:37that gives you the right size and style of house
0:42:37 > 0:42:39but also adequate land and facilities for horses.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42But I think Mick and Sue are doing the right thing by opting
0:42:42 > 0:42:44for the practical property,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47one that suits them now and hopefully in the future,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51and, maybe with a second viewing on hopefully a nicer day,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53they can really fall in love with the place.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Only time will tell.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I'm sure like me you wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00See you next time.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04I'm delighted to report that after a second viewing of property one,
0:43:04 > 0:43:09Mick and Sue made an offer £100,000 below the asking price
0:43:09 > 0:43:12and it was accepted. A winning result.
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