0:00:02 > 0:00:03This quiet, pretty village was the setting
0:00:03 > 0:00:07for one of the most famous executions of a queen in British history.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Intrigued? Don't lose your head over it. I'll reveal all in a moment.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42On today's show, it's my mission to help a retired couple
0:00:42 > 0:00:45find a slice of country life closer to their family.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49They'll need to hold their breath for some breathtaking properties.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53SIGH
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- Do I sigh again? - I think maybe you should but maybe louder than you have before.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04I am in Northamptonshire, in the village of Fotheringay,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08which in the 16th century, was dominated by a great castle.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Today, only these ruins remain.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16But it was here in the Great Hall in the 1587 that Mary Queen Of Scots was beheaded
0:01:16 > 0:01:19on the orders of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Eyewitness accounts tell the gruesome tale of the executioner
0:01:23 > 0:01:26taking two blows with the axe to perform the deathly deed.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29When he lifted her severed head to the crowd,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33her wig came away to reveal that her hair was cut short to the scalp.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39Dramatic deaths aside, this county is packed with heritage that will warm the soul.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44Landlocked in the heart of England, Northamptonshire is bordered by eight other counties
0:01:44 > 0:01:48including a tiny 19 metre stretch that's shared with Lincolnshire
0:01:48 > 0:01:51making it the shortest county boundary in the country.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Much of Northamptonshire's beautiful rural landscape has been shaped by farming.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01But also provides fantastic walking territory, in particular the 70-mile footpath
0:02:01 > 0:02:04of the Nene Valley Way that runs adjacent to the river Nene.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08The river flows serenely through many attractive villages and towns
0:02:08 > 0:02:11including the historic market town of Waendel,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14whose impressive array of 17th and 18th century limestone buildings
0:02:14 > 0:02:20make it clear to see why Northamptonshire is known as the county of spires and squires.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25For many centuries, the main industry was the manufacture of shoes and boots.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29This legacy has preserved in Northampton's museum
0:02:29 > 0:02:33featuring the world's largest collection of shoes with over 12,000 pairs.
0:02:33 > 0:02:39And with fascinating historic locations offering easy access to unspoilt countryside,
0:02:39 > 0:02:46it's easy to understand why Northamptonshire is a shoo-in for aspiring escapees.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50House prices here in Northamptonshire vary across the county,
0:02:50 > 0:02:55though you may be interested to learn that a detached property will set you back £224,000.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58That's £27,000 below the national figure.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04But buyers beware, because property in the highly sought after golden triangle,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06between Daventry, Towcester and Banbury
0:03:06 > 0:03:08carry between a 10-20% premium
0:03:08 > 0:03:13because they are in gorgeous countryside with good motorway links.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17Other hotspots include Oundle and for good value property,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21you should head to Wellingborough and Rushton.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25One thing Northamptonshire isn't short of is housing stock with style.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32The Midlands counties have a rich bounty of building materials
0:03:32 > 0:03:35sourced from the underline Jurassic rocks.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40It's the Northampton sand that contains the distinctive ironstone used to construct many buildings
0:03:40 > 0:03:47such as this four-bedroomed listed home in Finedon, currently on the market for £245,000.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52This region also showcases picture-postcard cottages
0:03:52 > 0:03:56featuring the traditional style of thatched roofing known as long straw.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00It's fixed and finished in decorative crisscross lengths of hazel or willow.
0:04:00 > 0:04:07And at £465,000, this four bedroomed thatched cottage in the village of Barton Seagrave
0:04:07 > 0:04:09is a particularly fine example.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15Throughout the county, many pre-20th century properties are made of pale limestone
0:04:15 > 0:04:20and mellow brick and this lovely listed terraced home in the sought-after village of Cranford
0:04:20 > 0:04:24comes with an asking price of £235,000.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33As you can see, there's great property shopping to be done in this county.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Let's meet today's buyers and find out what they're looking for.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Husband and wife, David and Sheila share a passion for travel.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Their relationship developed from a holiday romance overseas.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49When it comes to their domestic itinerary, it's not always been an ideal destination.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52We've been married for nearly 38 years.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55All our moves have been based around work considerations.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00We've finally got the chance to choose where we want to live
0:05:00 > 0:05:05and not have to worry about being near an office, a railway station or a motorway.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11They are both retired tax inspectors so without the restrictions of work, the world is their oyster.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16At the centre of their world is their family, who all live some three hours drive away
0:05:16 > 0:05:19from their home in the Somerset town of Weston-super-Mare.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24We never saw Weston-super-Mare as our retirement home.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It was a stepping stone.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Now that we are both retired, I retired six years ago, Sheila's just retired.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34We have a grandson living in Northampton
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and we'd love to spend more time with him.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- We'd like to help out.- We can be the nanny and grandpa who help out.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44As well as being more hands-on grandparents,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47they are also hoping for more interaction with the locals.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We would love to find a village.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54With a proper community that we can get involved in.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58We miss the friendship, the camaraderie,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02the whole social scene of village life.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07The new house has to accommodate the potential for socialising with neighbours and friends
0:06:07 > 0:06:10as well as providing a place to stay for visiting family.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13It also has to fit their recreational needs.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I'm very keen to get my knitting machine working again.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I used to have my own little business.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Perhaps that is something I'd look at doing again.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26In a perfect world, our next house would have four bedrooms and a study.
0:06:26 > 0:06:33That would mean David could have his own study and I could have my own room for all my craftwork.
0:06:33 > 0:06:40If we didn't have that, we'd have a discussion about where I'd be able to keep my knitting machine.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43No, definitely not. My computer comes first.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47If David loses the battle, which I'm sure he will,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51he knows the best way to let off steam.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54For relaxation, I enjoy model railway.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59I got my first train set when I was about four which, for many years,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03every time I set it up, we'd moved and I've had to take it down again.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08This next move, hopefully, I can have a permanent trackway
0:07:08 > 0:07:15complete with scenery and enjoy a nice relaxing drive of trains.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Their house has just gone on the market and they've got all their finances in place
0:07:19 > 0:07:21for their Northamptonshire move.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Our budget for the new house is £400,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29But if you found the ideal house,
0:07:29 > 0:07:35we might be able to stretch to £450,000.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47Not only do David and Sheila desire a location closer to their grandson in Rushton,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51they also want easy access to their daughter in Lincolnshire.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57Our house search will concentrate on the villages towards the northern half of the county.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59I caught up with our buyers on the banks of the River Eye
0:07:59 > 0:08:03to discover more about the details of their move.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07So go on then, what are we looking for in this retirement house for you both?
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Go on.- Well, my primary concern, I'm a model railway enthusiast,
0:08:12 > 0:08:16so I need something in the garden an outbuilding, a shed,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19room for a shed, to house all my collection of trains.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Other than that, house-wise, minimum three bedrooms.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I love it. Basically, you're looking for a shed with house attached?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Of course.- Pretty much, yes!
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I'll forget about what you want! What do you want, Sheila?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Erm, we'd like a minimum of three bedrooms with a study,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38or four bedrooms where we could convert one to a study.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42I hate open plan kitchen diners.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- It's a very strong word, hate. - Yeah, it is hate.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- I want a separate dining room.- Why?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I like to be able to shut it away when you finish the meal.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52And I don't like people around me when I'm cooking.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Oh really?- Yeah, I hate people around me. I'm not a very good cook!
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Right.- I like to make my mistakes in private!
0:08:59 > 0:09:02She's better than she will admit to, I have to say.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- And outside space? - Not too big because we're not very good gardeners either!
0:09:07 > 0:09:09What about the property itself? What do you want it to look like?
0:09:09 > 0:09:14We've lived in four new builds, which are fine in their own right.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17But I like a character house.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- Why are you smiling?- Because I actually prefer newer houses.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- So this could be interesting today. - Oh, great! So you want character, you want new?- Yeah!
0:09:25 > 0:09:29As always, we've got three properties to show you, one of them the mystery property.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I'm hoping you were like all three. Only time will tell.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Let's get going, come on.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38For a top budget of £450,000,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40David and Sheila are looking for a four bedroom house
0:09:40 > 0:09:43that has the potential for both a craft room,
0:09:43 > 0:09:47for a knitting machine, and a games room for a model railway collection.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50They have specified a separate kitchen and dining room,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53so no-one can spy on Sheila as she cooks.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56And although they have differing opinions on the property style,
0:09:56 > 0:10:01they're united in wanting a location within a thriving community.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04We have a variety of wonderful family homes lined up,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08but I'll keep our buyers guessing as to the price until the end of each tour.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11And as ever, we've got the mystery house, which promises to derail
0:10:11 > 0:10:15their initial wish list and take them on an entirely different track.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29For the first property we're destined for the village of Gretton,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33practically equidistant from their grandson and their daughter.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36With a travelling time of around 40 minutes to each.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Gretton is a pretty village situated in the Welland Valley,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42which still retains its stocks and whipping post,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46though fortunately, they haven't been used since the mid-1800s.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49The streets are lined with idyllic cottages,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51where it appears little has changed for hundreds of years.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And there's plenty of opportunity to mingle with the residents
0:10:54 > 0:10:57at the local shop, in any of the three pubs,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01or at the coffee shop. So that's exactly where we're headed.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Morning, gents, ladies, how are you? Sorry to interrupt your coffee.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08It's a sleepy little village out there but it's all going off in here, isn't it?
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- This is where the party is. - It is. It is.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I've got a couple of potential neighbours. They haven't seen the house yet.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16We're showing them the village. What's it like?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- It's a fantastic village. - There we go, we'll move in now!
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It's a really good, kind, loving community.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- So you'd recommend this village? - 100%.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- We haven't even seen the houses they've planned for us, but we're in! - But we love the coffee shop!
0:11:31 > 0:11:37- Well, I sort of retired up here. I was principal baritone with New Sadler's Wells Opera.- Wow!
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Do you fancy giving us a little serenade?
0:11:39 > 0:11:43# The pale moon was rising above the green mountain
0:11:43 > 0:11:48# The sun was declining beneath the blue sea. #
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Oh, it's brilliant! We'll leave you to it!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Thank you very much everyone. See you. All the best. See you later.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58After a welcoming serenade, it's time we got to our first property,
0:11:58 > 0:12:04a short stroll away from the high street, tucked down a quiet lane.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- This is it. It's a nice property. - Dave?- Yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Reminds me of a picture postcard.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Perfect mixture of old and new. You like the old?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- I do indeed, yes.- This bit's 1700s.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- Just about right.- Right, this bit for you - your wing.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- My wing? That'll do nicely!- 1990s.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Can you imagine living here?- Yes, I can, but I reserve judgement.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30No, don't say but! Don't say but!
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Just say, "Yes, I can", that's fine. Yes, I can, but what?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- I want to see the inside first. - Really?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39OK, come on then, I'll show you the inside.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42This historic but homely stone cottage has been extended
0:12:42 > 0:12:46and renovated over the years, but still maintains its traditional charm.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52So let's see what David and Sheila make of the abundance of original features inside.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- I think this is lovely.- Yeah.- Yeah. I don't usually like beams,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57but these are lighter than the ones you usually see.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Good headspace as well.- Plenty of headroom.- Is this big enough for you?
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Yes, this looks good. Yeah. I love the window seat.- Good.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I was hoping you'd say that. It's lovely, isn't it?- Yeah. Yes. I really like that.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- So if you did conventional knitting, you could do it there?- Yeah.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- But not with your big machine. - No, but I hand knit as well. - Oh, you hand knit as well?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Yes, I do. - Oh, so you'd be doing at there?- Yes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Yes, that looks really nice. - OK, well let's move on.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Let's go have a look at the kitchen.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Well, the beam theme continues through to the kitchen.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- It certainly does. - What do you think?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It's OK. I'm not sure there's enough storage.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Have you got a lot of stuff? - I'm known as the gadget master,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- so we have gadgets all over the place.- Right.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- I'm not sure...- You've got quite a bit of workspace here, haven't you?
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- Quite a bit, yeah.- It's not the work surfaces that's the problem, it's the cupboards.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51I'm not sure there is enough storage space. Apart from that, it's fine.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- And of course you wanted a separate dining area?- Yes, definitely.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Well I've got one now with a lovely view to show you. Come on.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- What a sun trap.- This is lovely. It's so nice and warm.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Nice large area to it. - It's big enough for you two,
0:14:06 > 0:14:10but it's also big enough for the grandchildren and family coming to visit as well.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- I wouldn't want to use this as a dining room.- No?
0:14:12 > 0:14:14No, I'd want to use this as a conservatory
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and have nice comfortable chairs out here where you could come and sit
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and read the paper on a Sunday.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Back of the hallway is a large utility and store room
0:14:23 > 0:14:25next to a downstairs cloakroom.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28An added bonus is yet another smaller reception room
0:14:28 > 0:14:30featuring double doors to the garden.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33This room could provide an alternative space to dine,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37if Sheila could bear to sacrifice her craft and knit room.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40But, of course, there are options upstairs too.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Alongside the modern and compact family bathroom,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46there are four bedrooms, that include a cosy double room,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50kitted out for a young boy, and a bright single for a young girl.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54But let's check out their potential room.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Currently this is the master bedroom.- OK.- Your thoughts please?
0:15:01 > 0:15:07I can imagine lying in bed and looking at the windows. So, yeah.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Yeah. Again, storage is likely to be an issue in here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Well, you've got the other three rooms to store your clothes.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Might need them!- A dressing room.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Yes, well, we've given you a knitting room, maybe.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Knitting room/dining room. We're still to find somewhere for your...
0:15:22 > 0:15:26for your railways. I could have the answer. Follow me.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- And this is currently a good-size bedroom.- This is big enough.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Yes, I can see walking in,
0:15:38 > 0:15:42little seat here, controller,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46all the points, levers and rest of it.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Perfect layout.- Good.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Sorry, dear, you've lost your... - Do you want a bet?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Your face was a picture all throughout that.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56You're painting this romantic picture of man at play,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00and there you're going, "Not having it, mate. Not having it."
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Yeah. No, mine!
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Well, David seems sold,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07though I'm not entirely sure Sheila is convinced.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Time to get outside and see if the price will sway her.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- So, this is your garden. Manageable, I think is the word.- Yeah.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Yeah, it is a good size.- All this comes at a cost, of course.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Let's talk money.- OK.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22What do you reckon this is on the market for?
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- It has got to be 475,000. - How about you?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Erm, I think it's probably less than that.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- I think it's probably 425.- 425,000.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33It's been on the market for six months.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38It's currently on the market for £419,995.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- OK.- Wow!- That's better than I hoped for.- Yeah.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Well, why don't you go back in?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Have a good look around and see if the rooms do actually measure up.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- I'll be by the front door, sunbathing.- OK, thank you.
0:16:50 > 0:16:51Thanks a lot.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Under budget at just under £420,000,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03our first property is a handsome character cottage with good options
0:17:03 > 0:17:07to fit all our buyers' hobbies, as they can take their pick from...
0:17:13 > 0:17:15The whole lot is set in an enviable location at the heart
0:17:15 > 0:17:18of an atmospheric village.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Very nice indeed. A lot of the house is very nice.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27I'm conscious that my wife is concerned about the storage areas.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31I know I keep on about "I want my model railway,"
0:17:31 > 0:17:34but it has been many, many years in the making,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37and it will be nice to have somewhere where I can just...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40without arguing with the wife, you know, this is my room
0:17:40 > 0:17:44or this is my shed, this is my outhouse, whatever.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48So I think, on balance, this is not the house for me.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51I haven't got any particular aversion to older houses,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55and in fact I do like this house very much.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I'm just not convinced it's big enough.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Even though we're trying to downsize,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I'm not convinced it's actually big enough for what we need.
0:18:02 > 0:18:09I don't think the rooms here would adapt to our particular requirements very well.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Here they come. Ah-ha!
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Seen enough?- Yes, thank you.- Right, come on, let's get in the car.
0:18:26 > 0:18:33For generations, Northamptonshire's central location has played a vital role in trade and travel,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37transporting goods and passengers throughout the country.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40In the Middle Ages, the journey took them along the River Nene,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and in the 18th century, it was down the Grand Union Canal.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47And by the mid-19th century, they travelled on the fast track of the railway.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Such was the popularity of rail travel at the time,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54that entire industry was developed to create small-scale versions of the new locomotives.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01And over a century later, enthusiasm for these miniature trains is still going strong.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04So, where better to send our model railway devotee, David,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06and his wife, Sheila,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09than the Northampton Society of Model Engineers based at Delapre Park,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13where they met up with chairman, Peter Squire.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Hello. Hello, Sheila, hello, Dave.- Hi there.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Welcome to the Northampton Society of Model Engineers.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22The origins of the club really go back to as far as 1933.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Shortly after the club was formed,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27there are records of the big model maker in the town, Bassett-Lowke,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30actually attending some of the meetings and addressing them.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35And we actually have here one of his designs from the '30s and '40s,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38which was actually built by one of our members in 1970.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42It's quite a fine example of those designs at the time.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45And these were the model that everyone wanted.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Bassett-Lowke models had a fantastic reputation.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50They were available in all sorts of scales,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53from smaller than that to quite a lot larger.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56In fact, a lot larger than those that we have here.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Before nationalisation in 1948,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01the country's rail network was divided between four
0:20:01 > 0:20:05regionally-based private companies known as "the big four" -
0:20:05 > 0:20:08LNER, standing for London and North Eastern,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11LMS, for London, Midland and Scottish,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13GWR, which was Great Western
0:20:13 > 0:20:16and SR for Southern Railway.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19The locomotives from each of these companies had their own
0:20:19 > 0:20:22distinct designs and characteristics,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25and allegiance to a particular railway tends to lie with the region
0:20:25 > 0:20:28in which enthusiasts were born and raised.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32GWR, that's me. I love Great Western.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33I'm the same.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Collectors are prepared to pay up to £50,000 for the most
0:20:37 > 0:20:39highly-prized models in mint condition,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43and vice-chairman David Holland explains the mechanics that make the machines move.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47The steam engine is basically just a big kettle on wheels
0:20:47 > 0:20:50with somebody's thumb over the spout to generate pressure.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54The fire in here creates the steam, which then,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57through the cylinders on the side of the locomotive, powers it.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01With the theory done, the real fun can begin.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- And you can't possibly drive without one of those.- Thank you.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06All aboard!
0:21:10 > 0:21:12From the look of intense concentration on David's face,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16it's full steam ahead, despite the sudden change in the weather.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Here comes the rain.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Someone pass Sheila an umbrella!
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Just what we need(!)
0:21:23 > 0:21:25And let's hope we don't hit the rails
0:21:25 > 0:21:27when it comes to our next house.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38We're travelling 15 minutes south for our next stop,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41towards the small village of Stanion, which is just
0:21:41 > 0:21:44a couple of miles away from the larger village of Brigstock.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48In Brigstock, David and Sheila will find a good selection of facilities,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50including a convenience store and post office,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53three pubs and a tea room.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57A short five-minute drive away lies our second property.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Now, our buyers were both concerned about the apparent
0:22:00 > 0:22:02lack of space in our first house.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05So we've really upped the space stakes with this second selection,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07but will it be too much?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- First impressions are - wow! - Wow!- Good.- Yes, it looks wonderful.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It was cattle shed and hay store. - Oh, OK.- Really?
0:22:16 > 0:22:1919th century, yeah. It was converted in the '80s.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- It looks lovely from the outside. - It's got lots of character, hasn't it?- I can't believe it!
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Again, the mixture of old and new. Especially for you and you.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- I'm really pleased you like it. Shall we go in?- Yes, please!
0:22:30 > 0:22:35'Both parties are enthusiastic about this spacious barn conversion from the outside,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'but let's see if the interior meets their expectations.'
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- This is lovely.- Yeah? - I really like this.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Wow. Another wow!- Really? Oh, good. - Got a double wow.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It's nice, isn't it? - It's beautiful, I really like this.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- And double-glazed throughout.- Yeah. Lots of light because of these wonderful arches.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54So, can you imagine yourself in here?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Definitely. Yes, I really like this.- Feel free to think about it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- No, no...- No need to think about it. I like this. I really like this.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I just hope the rest of the house is as nice.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06And the lounge isn't the only place to kick back and relax,
0:23:06 > 0:23:10as there is also a conservatory kitted out with a few comfy sofas
0:23:10 > 0:23:12right off the dining area.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18It's not every day you walk down the stairs to your dining room.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19DAVID EXHALES DEEPLY
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Uh-oh, it's that exhalation of breath again!
0:23:22 > 0:23:25THEY LAUGH I can't believe you've done it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- This is superb, and yes, our table will fit in here.- Extended as well.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- Yes.- Yes, lots of room. - Extended as well(!)
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- Can I just check one thing out? - Yes.- Hold on one second. I'm just going to sit here.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43No, I can't really see you cooking either, it's brilliant. Yay!
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- And shut the door. - Yeah, exactly. Even better!
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- Do you want to go through to the kitchen?- Yes, please.- Come on.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Let's huddle round the island.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56DAVID EXHALES DEEPLY
0:23:56 > 0:23:59That's your THIRD exhalation of breath.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I can't help it. I am...blown away.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- It's lovely. Yes, I like the work surfaces.- Lovely, aren't they?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Lots of them as well. Do you think there's enough storage space?- Yes.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Er, yes. I think this is better. - Fantastic.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Gosh, I'm sensing that you really like this property so far.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17Yes, really do.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Back in the main hallway is a cloakroom and a staircase
0:24:21 > 0:24:23leading up to four bedrooms.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28On this floor is a single bedroom which could make a good study,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32and also two doubles, ideal for guests, grandchildren or hobbies.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35There is also a four-piece family bathroom
0:24:35 > 0:24:38and a rather grand master bedroom.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Goodness me. That is huge!
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- Do I sigh again?- I think you should, but maybe louder than before.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45Oh, incredible!
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- These are beautiful. I think we'd get our clothes in there. - Yours would fit no problem at all.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I was a bit worried about storage space in here, really.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- This is fantastic.- You've also got an en suite round the corner.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- That's good. This is wonderful. I love this.- Modern enough for you?
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Yes, definitely.- Old enough for you? - Characterful enough for me as well.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- You know what's happened so far, don't you?- Go on.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08You haven't talked about knitting at all
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- and you haven't talked about railways at all.- I know.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14For a house like this...
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I might even give up the railways.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18'Steady on, David!
0:25:18 > 0:25:21'There's no need to do anything that drastic, as this grand house
0:25:21 > 0:25:25'is actually marketed with no less than five bedrooms.'
0:25:25 > 0:25:29The four bedrooms we've seen so far lie in the main part of the property
0:25:29 > 0:25:31above the reception areas.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34There's also a self-contained studio-style annexe
0:25:34 > 0:25:37that sits above the garage, which could be used as a bedroom suite,
0:25:37 > 0:25:42but in this case, could make the perfect hideaway for boys' toys.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47The studio also has its own separate access from the outside.
0:25:47 > 0:25:54So this is a separate wing attached to your already massive house.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- This is... You wouldn't like to move in here, would you? - THEY LAUGH
0:25:58 > 0:26:00DAVID EXHALES DEEPLY
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I don't believe it.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- This would be fantastic for your trains.- Absolutely!
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Oh, I can see it here, no problem.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12There's another room through there that would be a great office, great for the internet.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15You've also got your own loo here.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- You'd never see him! - Sounds like a brilliant idea.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20THEY LAUGH
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I'm totally speechless. I can't believe it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- It's a lot of house this, isn't it? - It's a huge house.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27It is absolutely massive.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29The one thing that worries me now is the price
0:26:29 > 0:26:31and whether we'll be able to afford it or not.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- Do you think you will? - Mm, I'm not sure.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I hope so, but I fear not.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Well, we better not keep them guessing any longer, so let's
0:26:40 > 0:26:44get into the courtyard garden and reveal how much it's worth.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47OK, shall we talk numbers?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Well, I think it is probably the top-end of our budget,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53so I think it's probably 450, if not, a bit more.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- OK, 450,000 or more. OK.- Yeah.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Because I'd love it so much, 400.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03OK. Six months ago...
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- it was on the market for £445,000. - OK.
0:27:09 > 0:27:15- It's now on the market for £425,000. - Right. OK.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- So it's within budget. - Within budget.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Go and have another look around, take your time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- You may be waiting a while.- Thanks! - THEY LAUGH
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Go on, spoil yourself.- Thank you.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31Again, under budget at £425,000, this wonderfully large
0:27:31 > 0:27:35barn conversion does a great job of marrying both our buyers' preferred
0:27:35 > 0:27:39property styles by tastefully combining the old with the new.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40It comes with the...
0:27:47 > 0:27:48In fact, with all the space here,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52there's no need to compromise on dining, train driving or knitting,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54nor gadgets or clothing,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58so I suspect we might just have hit the jackpot.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00My first impressions of the house were,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03"Wow, this looks absolutely fantastic.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06"I hope David likes it as much as I do."
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I think from his reaction since we arrived, it's pretty obvious
0:28:09 > 0:28:12that he does love it, if not, even more than I do.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16Wow! What a property. And that was just the outside.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Inside, double wow.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24It just went from, well, from good to better to absolute best.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29I can't see anything wrong with this property. It is right, right, right.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Tell you what, you weren't joking when you said you'd be some time!
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- It's a lot of house to take in. - A lot to look at, yes.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Listen, I know you like it, so what I suggest is we don't bother talking about houses tonight.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- We'll go back, regroup, start again tomorrow. How's that?- That's good. - Good idea.- Come on.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01With the sun setting over the Northamptonshire countryside,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04the first day of a very promising house hunt draws to a close.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'With a budget of £450,000, David and Sheila
0:29:13 > 0:29:17'are hoping to move closer to their family in Northamptonshire.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19'So far, there wasn't quite enough space in the first property,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22'but there was more than enough in our second.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26'But still to come, could we be incarcerated in the mystery house?'
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Shut all the doors, keep them all out, that would be fine.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'And I'll be fleeing for Northamptonshire's fields of gold.'
0:29:36 > 0:29:38It's day two in our house search,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41and I really do feel like we ended on a high yesterday.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Sheila and David seemed to fall in love with that second property, don't you think?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47It had huge rooms and a modern feel.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It was an ideal family home for them. Well, it's by no means over.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56Bring on the mystery house, it'll really test their boundaries.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Anything you'd hate the mystery property to be?
0:30:00 > 0:30:06Erm... A semi-detached, Grade II listed, thatched roof bungalow
0:30:06 > 0:30:10on the main road, in need of serious renovation.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Well, David will be relieved to know that it is none of the above,
0:30:14 > 0:30:15but being that it's the mystery house,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18we are taking our buyers right out of the comfort zone.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21We're going to hop across the county border into Cambridgeshire
0:30:21 > 0:30:23and head towards the village of Helpston.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27And although we're travelling further away from David and Sheila's grandson in Rushton,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30our final stop is only a few miles from their daughter.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Helpston is a picturesque village that has won numerous awards
0:30:35 > 0:30:38for both its charming appearance and its community spirit.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43The village was the birthplace of the peasant poet John Clare in 1793,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46and local businesses include a couple of pubs
0:30:46 > 0:30:49and a convenience store, with post office.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52'In the heart of the village, the mystery house takes pride of place.'
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- So...- OK.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58This is the mystery property.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00It's bigger than I thought it was going to be.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02She goes for size straightaway!
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- How old do you reckon that is? - It looks quite new.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09This is a new build, you're right. 2008. The current owners built it.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11But it has been done in a traditional style,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14so we're hoping that you both like it for that reason.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17You wanted a new build, it's a new build. It's got character.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Stone features, yeah. - The stone's nice, I like the stone.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- First impressions, very good. - Looks very nice.- Oh, good!
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Let's go and have a look, come on.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27'A very positive response.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31'This four-year-old detached cottage has an attractive traditional feel
0:31:31 > 0:31:34'from the outside, but a thoroughly contemporary style inside.'
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- Come through here. - Right, this is nice.- Good.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Not sure about the open-plan, though,
0:31:43 > 0:31:45cos it's not a separate dining room.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49It was going so well until that. I've been really worried.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52I thought, can we push you a little bit on that open-plan living?
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- I'm not so worried, to be honest. - Good.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- There's an element of shut-off there. - There is, isn't there?
0:31:58 > 0:32:01And you could probably put doors on there, perhaps glass doors,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05to shut it off. But I'm not sure at the moment. We'll see.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- Shall we go and see the kitchen? - Please.- OK. It's through a door.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- You should be thrilled!- Oh, good. - Yeah! Come on, follow me.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Again, a very bright kitchen.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Beautifully done.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- Yes, this is very nice, very modern. - A good space, yeah.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23No-one can see you cooking.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27No, shut all the doors, keep them all out. That'll be fine.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Any negatives?
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- Same issue, possibly, over storage space...- Really?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35..as we had with the first one, but I'm not sure that the moment.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Hang on, now, come on. There's loads of the stuff!
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- Yeah, there's more drawers there, aren't there?- Drawers everywhere.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Are any of these built-in appliances at all?
0:32:44 > 0:32:47No. The washing machine, drier and everything are in the garage.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- So that's effectively the utility? - Yes.- OK, that is better.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- So these are all storage areas?- Yeah. You could fill all these drawers!
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Yes, I probably could fill all these drawers.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02'Ironically, I'm sensing that it's character-loving David who is
0:33:02 > 0:33:06'warming to this property, not the self-confessed modernist, Sheila.'
0:33:06 > 0:33:11Upstairs, the sleek finish continues with the family bathroom and five bedrooms.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15There's a boxroom alongside another single being used as a study,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19and there are double bedrooms which both have single beds.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Time, though, to check out their room.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Come through to the master bedroom.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- This looks nice.- Very nice.- Yeah. - Pop your head around there.
0:33:33 > 0:33:34Big en suite.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Oh, that's nice. Yes, good-size shower.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38Big enough for you?
0:33:39 > 0:33:42- Mm...yes. No wardrobes.- No.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46There is, actually.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- Would I show you a room with no wardrobes?- Yes, you would!
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Would I do that to you, Sheila? There's plenty of...
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Well, maybe not for you, but lots of storage.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- No, that's nowhere near big enough. - Right.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00The bedroom itself is very nice.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I like the bedroom and it is plenty big enough for a bed,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06there just isn't enough storage space in this one.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Sadly, cupboard space continues to be a contentious issue
0:34:10 > 0:34:12inside the mystery house.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16But they'll both be pleased to know the garden is another low-maintenance option,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18with a lawned area to the rear that has just enough room
0:34:18 > 0:34:21to construct a large shed for David's train sets.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- Not the biggest garden.- No, no. - Not too bad.- Manageable. Manageable.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- I knew you were going to say that. - A nice, flat lawn.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- Is this big enough for you? - Yes, I think it would be. Yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Yeah, very good.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- Shall we talk money?- OK.- What do you think this is on the market for?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I think maybe 425.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43425,000, OK. How about you?
0:34:43 > 0:34:47Well, I was wildly over with the first property, wildly under with the second.
0:34:47 > 0:34:53- I'm going to split the difference - 435.- £435,000. OK.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Well, £425,000...
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- ..was the figure when it was on the market a year ago.- A year ago? OK.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- It is now on the market for £405,000.- OK.- Right.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- So it's the cheapest we've shown you.- Yes.- Hmm.- Yeah. OK.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- And breathe.- That is the challenge. THEY LAUGH
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- I can see that is the challenge. - Yes.- It is the cheapest.- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- And, literally, you wouldn't have to do anything if you moved in.- No.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Well, it's food for thought, and it is starting to rain,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28so I think you should get back in there
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and I'll be by the front door under that little seat.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- In that seat? Not getting wet. - Not getting wet, hopefully.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35Right, thank you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42For an asking price of £405,000,
0:35:42 > 0:35:45the mystery property is a delightful stone-built character cottage,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49offering all the attractions of 21st century living.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52The reception areas have an open-plan feel, but the kitchen
0:35:52 > 0:35:56can be closed off to prevent prying eyes watching Sheila cook.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58There's a choice of five bedrooms,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01so plenty of room for guests and pastimes.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06And outside, there's a secluded, low-maintenance garden.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08When we first walked up the drive,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I wasn't even aware that it was a new house.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13From the outside, it seems to have the same old character
0:36:13 > 0:36:16as a lot of the other houses here.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18And inside, pleasantly surprised.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22I think that the major issue with this house that would be
0:36:22 > 0:36:25a stumbling block is the lack of storage space upstairs.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27The mystery house is absolutely immaculate.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32It's beautiful, it's decorated exquisitely all the way through,
0:36:32 > 0:36:37but I don't think Aled has swayed my opinion of open-plan houses at all.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I think my view on modern houses
0:36:40 > 0:36:44as opposed to older houses has shifted slightly.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47I think probably because the older house we saw
0:36:47 > 0:36:52had so much more space in it, this house is lovely, it's a new house,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55but I just don't think it's big enough for what we want.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01Ah-ha! Lovely seat. Nice idea.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Now, listen, I think it's fair to say we've shown you three very different properties,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- so I think we should go and have a chat about them.- OK.- Come on.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21When early summer approaches, Britain's countryside becomes
0:37:21 > 0:37:26a blanket of vivid yellow, as the fields of rapeseed come into flower.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30First cultivated by the Romans, it's a defining image of our farming landscape,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34although rapeseed hasn't always been the pick of the crop.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Up until the 1970s, it was intensively grown,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41mostly for animal feed, but not human consumption.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43However, as the decades have rolled on,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45there has been something of a rapeseed revolution.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49So much so that rapeseed oil found its way into our kitchen cupboards.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53In Northamptonshire, this farm near Hargrave highlights how
0:37:53 > 0:37:56the use of this crop has blossomed with the times.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- Duncan, good to see you. - Aled, how are you?
0:37:58 > 0:38:01'I'm meeting Duncan Farrington, who is the fourth generation
0:38:01 > 0:38:04'in his family to run the farm.'
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- So what do you make out of rapeseed? - In Britain,
0:38:07 > 0:38:1097% of rapeseed is used in food, and we'd consume it every day.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13But also, rapeseed oil can be used in cosmetics,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16so, ladies' lipstick, soaps, shampoos,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19but the reality is most of what we grow is used for food.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- And do you just use the yellow flower?- No, not at all. No.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- Shall I pick a piece up? - Yeah, go on.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27So here we have the flowers at the top of the plant.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31They're fertilised at the moment by the bumblebees and insects,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- but if you look further down the plant... Here's one.- Yeah.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37That is the very start of a seed pod,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40and inside that little pod will be lots of little, tiny seeds.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44'And it's these tiny black seeds that are harvested
0:38:44 > 0:38:47'and then carefully cleaned and dried before being cold-pressed
0:38:47 > 0:38:50'at room temperature to create rapeseed oil.'
0:38:50 > 0:38:53They're pressed. What it's doing is taking those little seeds
0:38:53 > 0:38:56and squeezing them in a hole they don't want to go through. And as it's doing that,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- it's literally squeezing the oil out of the seed.- Right.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03But that little, tiny trickle... Think of a bathroom tap.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05You leave your tap dripping overnight, well,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07that trickle adds up to a lot of oil.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09It goes seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12What's the one thing that's popping out the end?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15They're rapemeal, or pellets, we call them.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Two thirds of every seed is rapemeal,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20and that, we sell to local farmers
0:39:20 > 0:39:23and they use it to feed their cows and their sheep and pigs and things.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- So, nothing is wasted at all? - Nothing is wasted at all. No.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- From that tiny little seed. - That's it.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33The oil is filtered through sheets of blotting paper to take out any seed husk.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35It's then ready to be decanted into bottles in its purest form,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38or mixed with other ingredients to make condiments.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43Rapeseed oil is a good source of omega-3, as well as vitamin E.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- How much do you produce in a year, sir?- It's growing.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50In my very first year, I was the first person in Britain to do this,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53and we did 6,000 bottles.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58Now, we can do that number every two or three days.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03Well, this farm may have struck liquid gold in Northamptonshire's fertile fields
0:40:03 > 0:40:07but for now it's time to see if we've got the Midas touch with any of our properties.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Well, I think Northamptonshire,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and let's not forget Cambridgeshire, have been very good for us.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Three lovely, unique properties. Let's talk about the first property.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18It had lots of charm, didn't it?
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It certainly went towards my side of the choices.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23The character of the property.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26The conservatory was beautiful,
0:40:26 > 0:40:28and I think it was rather wasted being used as a dining room.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- Yeah, I didn't really work for us, did it, that one?- No.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Oh, come on, guys, you've got a cafe with an opera singer in it.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37In a gorgeous village with stocks!
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I was very impressed with the village. Really liked it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42It's just a shame that that house doesn't fit the bill for us.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45What about the mystery property? Did we push you too far?
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- Yes, the mystery house...- It's very modern!- It was very modern.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I didn't mind that at all, we've had a lot of new houses.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55And it was a beautifully decorated house. It was immaculate throughout.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- That one just wasn't big enough. - Really?- Really.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03Well, we'll move on to the second property.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07I left that till last, cos I have an inkling that you might like it.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Oh, I absolutely hated it(!)- Yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Good acting, honestly! The Oscar goes to...
0:41:12 > 0:41:16And I'm glad you're sitting down, because every room, this is you...
0:41:16 > 0:41:19HE EXHALES DEEPLY
0:41:19 > 0:41:21You seemed to fall in love with it instantly.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I couldn't believe you'd found a property like that.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27It's a hackneyed phrase about ticking boxes, but it did.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Yes, the second house had absolutely everything we wanted and some.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Absolutely, yeah. I couldn't agree more.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35What were some of the highlights of it for you?
0:41:35 > 0:41:39The living room was absolutely huge. It was lovely.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42The dining room was perfect.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47And when you thought it was over, it wasn't. There was another wing.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- And that was tears to the eyes time. Wasn't it?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56- Hobby heaven.- Oh, God, I don't know how you did it, to be honest.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- Was that too big for your hobbies, do you think?- No, no, no! - No, I don't think so.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Will anything ever be too big for you two? No, I don't think so.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05His railways will expand to fill the space, I'm sure.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- The house really seemed to suit you. - It did.- Oh, yes, very much so.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11From the moment we walked up that driveway to the moment
0:42:11 > 0:42:15we walked back again, everything about it, absolutely fantastic.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- Do you think you'd live there?- I could see us living there, yes.- Yes.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25I think we go away, put the pennies together and make an offer.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Well, I could imagine you living there. I hope it does become yours.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- You've been very positive and great fun to be with, so I wish you all the best.- Thank you.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39So, the barn conversion comes up trumps.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Well, it did give them the character that David was after,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45coupled with the modern interior that Sheila wanted.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48They both think that big is beautiful, and that second property
0:42:48 > 0:42:52gave them more than enough space for all of Sheila's clothes and all of David's trains.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I'd say our work here is done, so it's time to get on board,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58blow that whistle and get out of the county.
0:42:58 > 0:42:59I wonder where my ticket is.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02If I wasn't in such a hurry, I'd consider that mode of transport!
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Maybe not. See you next time on Escape To The Country.
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