0:00:02 > 0:00:05I'm in a county where the fortunes of this remarkable piece of Victorian engineering
0:00:05 > 0:00:09are definitely on the rise. Find out what it is and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44Today's mission is all about pets, parents and the perfect country pile.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47And we'll be charting some property lows...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Might have to duck, not sure.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51- No, we're OK.- OK, fine.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54..followed by some housing highs.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58That is one tall ceiling and you would really need a long feather duster to get the cobwebs.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Today I'm in Kent, and this is the Leas Lift in Folkestone.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Built in 1885, this funicular railway was designed to take
0:01:08 > 0:01:12passengers from the seafront up to the town above.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Back in 2010, after years of decline and then closure,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18it fell into the hands of a community-based company
0:01:18 > 0:01:21who worked hard to restore it to its former glory.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26Now, 127 years after first opening, it's back on track
0:01:26 > 0:01:29and now attracts around 100,000 passengers each year.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32I'll be finding out more about this iconic mode of transport
0:01:32 > 0:01:36later in the show, but let's first take a look at some unique aspects
0:01:36 > 0:01:37of this county's heritage.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Covering over 1,400 square miles and occupying the south-eastern
0:01:42 > 0:01:46tip of England, Kent shares its border with Greater London,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51Surrey and East Sussex and has more than 350 miles of coastline.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Stretching along part of these shorts are the imposing
0:01:54 > 0:01:58White Cliffs of Dover, that once even forced the mighty Julius Caesar
0:01:58 > 0:02:00to rethink his plans to invade Britain,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02seeking instead a less daunting route
0:02:02 > 0:02:07across a more open and level shoreline near the town of Deal.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10In the early 17th century, the discovery of an iron-rich spring
0:02:10 > 0:02:15in the Kent Weald gave rise to the fashionable resort of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Away from the towns, Kent's mild climate
0:02:18 > 0:02:23and rich, fertile soil creates the ideal environment for farming
0:02:23 > 0:02:27and, due to its abundance of hop plantations, vineyards and orchards,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30the county is justly known as the Garden of England -
0:02:30 > 0:02:32a title supposedly bestowed by Henry VIII
0:02:32 > 0:02:35after he had relished a bowl of Kent-grown fruit.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Now for some figures to get your teeth into.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43The average price of a detached house here in Kent
0:02:43 > 0:02:45is just shy of £314,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49That's around £62,000 above the national figure.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Kent is extremely popular with commuters who are prepared to
0:02:53 > 0:02:57pay a premium for properties with a close proximity to the capital.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Hotspots here include Ashford, with its fast rail line into London,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04and Sevenoaks, with its links to the M25 motorway.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So, if you want your budget to stretch further,
0:03:06 > 0:03:07try the market towns of Lenham
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and Bearsted just to the east of Maidstone.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12But, no matter where you look in this wonderful county,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16there's a fantastic range of architectural styles to choose from.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Kent's 500-year-old hop-growing legacy continues to this day
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and the oast houses used to dry fresh hops are a familiar sight
0:03:25 > 0:03:27throughout the local countryside.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30A number of these old industrial Victorian buildings have now
0:03:30 > 0:03:32been converted into exclusive homes.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36However, their exclusivity can come at a high price,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39with a five-bedroom property with at least an acre of land
0:03:39 > 0:03:42often topping the million-pound mark.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45The densely-forested Weald that once covered much of the county
0:03:45 > 0:03:49has led to an abundance of characterful medieval timber-framed buildings.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Prices for a four-bedroom property immediately east of Canterbury
0:03:53 > 0:03:55can typically start at £400,000.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Kent is also renowned for its weatherboarded-style homes.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Traditionally painted white, these were a popular style in the 18th
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and 19th centuries across the county. For a two-bedroom property
0:04:07 > 0:04:09in the medieval town of Cranbrook,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12prices typically start around the £300,000 mark.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16A great selection of properties there,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19so we should find something suitable for today's buyer.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Let's meet her.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Julia, or Jas as she is known to her friends, lives on a small estate
0:04:25 > 0:04:28in the Hampshire town of Fareham and shares her large
0:04:28 > 0:04:33five-bedroom modern property with her three cats - Lily, Trevor and Basil.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35She works as an air traffic controller
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and has roped in her close friend and co-worker, Kerry,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41to help in her quest to find a new country home.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46I'm hoping that I can help Jas in her search for a new house
0:04:46 > 0:04:50in the country by actually just being a sounding board, a support mechanism.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54We don't socialise that much outside of work, but we have been known
0:04:54 > 0:04:57to sneak off to London to the occasional cat show.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Yeah, and exchanging cat magazines in plain brown envelopes
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- when we've finished with them. - We do do that.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06And, being an animal lover,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10it seems Jas's three beloved cats are among some of her top priorities.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It's got to be quiet
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and it's got to be away from any busy roads or railways.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Nice and safe. Safe environment. - Safe environment for pussycats.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Quiet is important to me, as well.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I don't really want the noise of traffic and noisy people.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I don't mind having neighbours, that's fine,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30but I'd rather the garden wasn't overlooked too much.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Walking distance to the local shops for the milk and paper.- Oh, yes.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38I walk loads, so I'm quite happy to be up to a couple of miles away,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41for that sort of thing, as long as it's a nice walk along footpaths.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Not only does Jas want a better work/life balance,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47she's also hoping this move will allow him more family time.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51I want to go down to Canterbury to be nearer to Mum and Dad.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55The opportunity has arisen at work to go part-time,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58which means I can live in Canterbury, be nearer to them,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02and then just commute back here to work some of the time.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07One of Jas's other aims once she's in the countryside is to fulfil her passion for charity work.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I can imagine that when she moves to Kent, she'll find something.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13She'll be volunteering or she'll be doing something,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15because there's a lot of wildlife places around there
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- and I think she's really going to enjoy it.- Yeah.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Jas has spent a lot of time and care renovating her current property
0:06:21 > 0:06:25and it's a challenge she's looking to tackle head-on in her new home.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27My home is really important to me.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It is the centre of my universe, I think.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I really like doing homely things like baking and reading,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37just knocking about the place and decorating.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39It's definitely my big thing.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- Jas is always very good at making cakes for us on the night shifts.- Yeah.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48One last thing to pinpoint, and that's her finances.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52The budget for my move is £320,000.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Fundamental to Jas's move is her desire to be closer to her parents,
0:07:03 > 0:07:08who live in a small town just a couple of miles north-east of Canterbury.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11So, our search will centre on the pretty villages surrounding the city,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14all within a half-hour drive. Time for me to meet up with both Jas
0:07:14 > 0:07:18and her good mate, Kerry, on the shingle beach of Sandwich Bay
0:07:18 > 0:07:21to finalise all the details of this escape to the country.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Well, ladies, a pretty impressive start to any property search, isn't it?- Beautiful.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31So, straight off the bat, what is the current state of play with the sale of your house, Jas?
0:07:31 > 0:07:35I've accepted an offer on it and the buyers are in quite a hurry to get in.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Right, then, we'd better talk about what kind of home you want, then.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42You're moving away from friends, colleagues,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- people can come and visit, hopefully.- Yeah.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- How many spare bedrooms?- Still, I could go down, minimum of two.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Is this place... If it's only a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54does it have to be a house? Can it...?
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- A detached, semi, end of a terrace, that's fine.- OK.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Kerry, you know Jas through work. Is she decisive?
0:08:02 > 0:08:07She is decisive when she makes her mind up. She's a big considerer.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- This seems at the moment a fairly broad remit.- Yes, yeah
0:08:12 > 0:08:15As her friend, Kerry, any no-nos I should be looking out for?
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Lots of noisy neighbours. Doesn't like noisy neighbours.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Right, OK.- Friendly neighbours who will come and feed the cats for her when she's away.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- That's good. Yeah, yeah. - I'm so glad you're here.- So am I.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I'm going to hopefully defer to you as her counsel.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33But, I want you both to be brutally honest if you
0:08:33 > 0:08:36don't like something, then we can hopefully learn from that, as well.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- Ready?- Yes. - Let's start the search.- Hey!
0:08:40 > 0:08:45On a budget of £320,000, Jas is looking for a modest Kentish home
0:08:45 > 0:08:47with at least two large bedrooms to accommodate
0:08:47 > 0:08:51visiting friends and a kitchen/diner as she obviously loves to bake.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Jas isn't adverse to a spot of decorating,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56so is willing to consider a house with potential.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59And though she hasn't specified a particular age nor style,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03the property should ideally be walking distance to a village.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Critical to the move is the need for a quiet location,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10away from busy roads to keep her three precious cats safe.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14We've got some great properties to show Jas and her friend, Kerry.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19But, of course, I won't to be revealing the prices until the end of each tour.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Our final choice, as ever, is the mystery house,
0:09:21 > 0:09:26which will add an unexpected element of sharing to this house search.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29So, without further ado, let's get started.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34So, Jas, I've got to ask, where does your nickname, Jas, come from? You are Julia, aren't you?
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- My name is Julia, but it's my initials, J-A-S.- Oh, right.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Yeah, everybody who knows me well calls me that.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- OK, so I can continue to call you Jas?- Oh, yes, please do.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46If you call me Julia, I feel like I've been naughty and I'm in trouble.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Well, let's see how we get on with the first property, shall we? - Oh, yeah!
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Unusually, we're viewing just one property today, which is
0:09:52 > 0:09:57in Acol, around 10 miles north-east of Jas's parents near Canterbury.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Surrounded by fields, this village is the perfect destination for a bit of calm and quiet,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06as Acol has one of the smallest communities in Kent, but has still
0:10:06 > 0:10:10managed to retain its local pub, that dates back to the 15th century.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Our first house is located just a short walk from the village centre.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19So, ladies, for property number one, I give you this house.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Very pretty. Love the wisteria.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25It's almost worthy of a jigsaw puzzle, isn't it?
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Yes, it's a very attractive property.- Yes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31These were farm workers' cottages, dating back to around the 1830s.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35It's pretty. It's lovely and quiet.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39So, housewise, is this the sort of house you could see your friend, Jas, living in?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- I think I could. Depending on what was on the inside.- Yes.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Let's take a look.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49With its wisteria and wooden picket gate,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53this property has all the hallmarks of a classic English cottage.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56So, let's see if it's a style that suits Jas.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Come right in to this room.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- I think it's a decent size.- Yes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06What's this like for you?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09It's lovely, because it's kind of a bit old,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12but it's not all dark pub beams.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14It's got the character, but...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17It's cottagey but it's got a modern twist to it, hasn't it?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Yes, yeah, which is just the sort of thing I like.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- So, a good start all round? - Yes, definitely.- Good. OK.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25Let's go into the kitchen next.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Oh, yes.- Yeah? - It's beautifully done, isn't it? Yes.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38It certainly matches, tastewise, the living room, doesn't it? I was hoping you'd like it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- It definitely links in. - Very pretty, very neutral colours. - Yes. I love the range cooker.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Could do some serious cooking on that, I reckon.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- So, functionalitywise, it works for you.- Yes.- You got that.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Now, you've got to have somewhere to eat, obviously.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56On a hot day like today, hopefully, you'd be outside,
0:11:56 > 0:11:57but not a bad little area there, is it?
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Yeah, that's lovely. Nice and sunny and bright.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Yes, plonk there and eat your meals, look out towards the garden.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So, knowing you've got that, would you leave the living room as it is?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Yes, I wouldn't bother with a table in the living room.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- You wouldn't have a need for that, would you?- No, if I had visitors, four, easily.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19We're entertaining now, aren't we? Maybe you could have a later dinner party than you'd normally expect,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23because you have space upstairs for a couple of guests. Let me show you.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It's all going very well so far, as the size
0:12:28 > 0:12:32and design down on the ground floor seemed to be hitting the mark.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Let's hope the positivity continues upstairs.
0:12:38 > 0:12:44Now, this is one of three double bedrooms. Not huge, of course.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49It's beautiful, again, beautifully presented, lovely decor.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Quite cosy, it has to be said. But I'm only sleeping here.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It feels a bit more cottagey up here.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00The current owners have got this property set up similarly to maybe how you would.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04You've got the master here, spare room the other side
0:13:04 > 0:13:07and then the third bedroom is an empty room with
0:13:07 > 0:13:10lots of storage in, which I think works pretty well.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12And a decent-sized family bathroom.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- So, happy with what you've seen so far?- It's very pretty, yes.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Good, all right. Now, let me show you the garden.- OK.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Overall, this property isn't lacking when it comes to accommodation,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25despite its cottage status.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28And with the internal tour complete, it's off outside.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36Right then. How about this...?
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Well, a compact garden?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41I think, definitely small, but perfectly formed, isn't it?
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Beautifully done. The sleepers are great.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47The landscaping on the patio area up there. Lovely.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Now comes the tricky part. I want you to try and value this house.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53I'm going to go for about 300...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- THUNDER RUMBLES ..before the thunder hits us.- I know!
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- I'll go slightly lower, 290.- OK.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- Well, this is being offered for sale by tender.- Oh, right, OK.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13It's a fairly simple process whereby they have a closing date for offers
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and we're looking at the guide price.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- The guide price for this house is offers around £300,000.- Oh, hey.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- So you're spot-on. - Points to me.- Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26So, now it's opportunity for you to have a think about what
0:14:26 > 0:14:29you've seen, have a look at those other two bedrooms and the bathroom
0:14:29 > 0:14:32and then I'll meet you out the front whenever you're ready.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- OK, see you in a minute. - See you in a minute.- Thank you.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41With a guide price of around £300,000,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44our first selection is an immaculately presented
0:14:44 > 0:14:4719th-century cottage that's bursting with character.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49It comes with a country-style kitchen,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52flowing into a dining conservatory, three bedrooms
0:14:52 > 0:14:55and a low-maintenance landscaped cottage garden.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00The whole lot is set back off the road in a rural, peaceful setting.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- This is a really nice room, isn't it?- It's lovely.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- It's a classic cottage kitchen. - They've done it beautifully.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11I love the wooden worktops and these big shelves. They're just lovely.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Plenty of storage.- First impressions of the house, very positive.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It really is a lovely, pretty cottage.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22The whole place has been beautifully done up just to my taste.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Where we start to stumble a little bit is the bedrooms -
0:15:25 > 0:15:29even though they are lovely, they really are a little bit on the small side.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Here they are. All done inside?- Yes.- Excellent. Well, short day today.- Mm.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Let's go back.- OK.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51When Jas moves back to Kent, not only is she hoping
0:15:51 > 0:15:54to explore more of this beautiful county by foot,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58she also wants to make volunteering a regular date in her diary.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So, during the week, we couldn't resist the opportunity to
0:16:01 > 0:16:06send our househunters to Wildwood, a wildlife park and conservation charity
0:16:06 > 0:16:09between Canterbury and the coastal town of Herne Bay.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The park is responsible for more than 300 animals,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16including a variety of endangered and protected species.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Jas and Kerry met up with Trust co-founder Peter Smith
0:16:19 > 0:16:24to find out more about the park's conservation and breeding programmes.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26This is our beaver enclosure.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30What we've done here is built the perfect little beaver habitat.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32We got a lodge and a big pond.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36This is all part of our big plan to get beaver back into Britain.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The beavers create wonderful wetland habitats.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43The burrow into riverbanks, they hydrate the soil, you get rare plants.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47You get dragonflies, kingfishers, otters, water voles,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50a huge range of wildlife live where you've got beaver.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Beavers are the largest rodent native to Europe,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57and were once a common feature in the British countryside,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00but the UK's native beaver population was hunted to extinction
0:17:00 > 0:17:02more than 400 years ago.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Hey. Hey, fella.- Hey.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Ohh. Now, this is our little baby beaver.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12He is four weeks old now, but you can see he's full of life.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Wow.- Look at his little tail go. He's just starting to learn to swim.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- Slap, slap.- You feel that fur there. - That's gorgeous.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24That's the most dense fur in the whole of the mammal kingdom.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- Awww.- It keeps him warm through the winter, swimming.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Unfortunately, that's why they were hunted to extinction.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Yeah, for the fur. Oh, gorgeous things.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Another rodent in a successful breeding programme is the tiny dormouse,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42which has been endangered by the loss of its natural habitat.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Hazel Ryan is a licensed handler who looks after
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- the welfare of these fragile creatures.- This is Hazel.- Hi.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Hazel's our top dormouse handler.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Hazel will show you how we look after these animals
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and a very special treat to actually see one being handled.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Yes, yes.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- Here we go.- Aren't they adorable? - Oh, my goodness.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09This was rescued from the wild and unfortunately he only has half a tail now,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13so he can't go back to the wild, but he's an important animal for breeding.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16And then we monitor populations in woodlands around Kent...
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- See how they're doing. - ..and often these are the people who then send us
0:18:19 > 0:18:22injured ones they find to enter the breeding programme,
0:18:22 > 0:18:27so volunteers are crucial to the whole process of dormouse conservation.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Dormice are mainly nocturnal, so they're gearing up as evening draws in
0:18:33 > 0:18:35and the sun sets across the Kent countryside.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40But for our two househunters, it's now time to wind down
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and reflect on the property search so far.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52With the help of her friend, Hampshire-based air traffic controller Jas
0:18:52 > 0:18:56is reducing her work hours in order to ramp up her rural life
0:18:56 > 0:18:59and be much closer to her parents in Kent.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02So far, we've seen a picture-perfect period cottage,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06but still to come, the character takes on a different dimension
0:19:06 > 0:19:07in house number two.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12And for the mystery property, well, they'll be struggling to contain themselves.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- I'm getting quite excited about this. - I can tell you are.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Hold me back, hold me back!
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Plus, I'll be hitching a lift down to a Kentish beach.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Well, pretty good reactions from yesterday's property.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Jas certainly seems open-minded but also fairly non-specific as to
0:19:28 > 0:19:31exactly what she wants from her new house here.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Today I want to show her a property that bigger both inside
0:19:34 > 0:19:36and out and then we're off to see the mystery property,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40which, as you know, can offer our buyers something rather different.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42This one certainly does.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47Our second property lies in Woodnesborough and it's our furthest destination
0:19:47 > 0:19:49from Jas's parents, just outside Canterbury.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52But they can still be reached within half an hour.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Woodnesborough is just a couple of miles from the larger town of Sandwich,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58where Jas can pick up essentials.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Sandwich was one of Kent's five principal medieval harbours, known as the Cinque Ports,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06and we're stopping here to find out more about this historic town.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Morning.- Morning.- How are we? - All right, fine, thank you.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Now, whilst we're here, could we ask you a little bit about the area as well?
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Sure.- How long have you been here? - I've been here two years now.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- Right, OK.- Came down because of the area, funny enough. It was really nice.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We've just had a little walk round the town, briefly, getting here, and it's lovely.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28It just seems to be everything you need for day-to-day life.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Yes, it's a very quaint little village. Very quaint.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32It's really nice and relaxing down here.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Sandwich, I think, is an up-and-coming place at the moment.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40I think there's great opportunities around here.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Do you sell sandwiches here? - Yes, we do.- Oh, good. At last.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Might get something in for lunchtime. - Not a bad idea. All right.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52Let's take these coffees away. Thank you very much. Maybe you'll see Jas again.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Yes, hopefully.- I think I'm duty-bound to come here now.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Thank you very much.- And good luck with the business.- Thank you very much.- Cheerio.- Cheers, thank you.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Our second property is situated just a few miles
0:21:05 > 0:21:09away from Sandwich, so it's in a very convenient position
0:21:09 > 0:21:11to take advantage of all the local amenities.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15So a couple of miles outside of Sandwich
0:21:15 > 0:21:17and we arrive at our second house.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22Oh, yeah. Very pretty, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah, I love it.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28A really nice, old-fashioned shape and a beautiful outlook onto these fields here.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- Perfect countryside. - It is, and lovely and safe for the cats as well.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35The property itself... History is a little vague.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Speaking to the owners, it's between 200 and 250 years old.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42It was... You can see up to where the brickwork changes.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44All the way from there, back to this gable end
0:21:44 > 0:21:48and it was either two, maybe even three cottages.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Great reactions outside. Let's see what you think of the interior.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Definitely.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57With an organic history that spans hundreds of years,
0:21:57 > 0:22:02this semi-detached period property is chock full of vintage charm.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04But, unlike the first house yesterday,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08it will hopefully have the potential that Jas was after.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14- So, a small sitting room. - Yes, but a very nice one. - Small but cosy.- Yeah.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- Stylewise, it's... It feels older, doesn't it?- Oh, definitely.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25You got the beams, but the ceiling isn't too low. So, yes, it's OK.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28It's just about big enough, certainly just for me.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- I'm not going to have loads and loads of visitors.- No.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35I personally think that this is literally a room
0:22:35 > 0:22:37you just relax in when you're in the house on your own.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- The entertaining part is at the other end of the house.- Comes later.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46- Oh, good, right.- It's certainly got a lot of character to it. - Yes, it has.- Good, yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Right, well, again,
0:22:48 > 0:22:53I think this is potentially the weakest area of the house with regards to size.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56I think we get better as we go that way. Let me show you.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Right, then, this starts to feel a bit more country cottage through here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Oh, yes. Nice. Yes.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Nice big dining room, good-size table
0:23:08 > 0:23:11and I can see it's leading through into the kitchen.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- More of a socialising area. I love the floor.- It's great, isn't it?
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- The flagstone effect. Yes. - Let's take a look at this kitchen.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Not a huge kitchen, but just a kitchen.- Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Got loads of cupboards.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31I can see all the appliances are in here already.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Does it work for you at the moment? - I think so.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36I might update it in a few years' time, perhaps.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- But it's perfectly liveable with.- OK.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Downstairs, what you've seen so far, is it working?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I understand it's quite different to...
0:23:44 > 0:23:47It's very different to what you've got now.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- But when you move to the country, it's a change of lifestyle.- Yes.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I get the sense that the configuration isn't really
0:23:55 > 0:23:59working for Jas, as she had set her heart on a kitchen/diner.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02However, the kitchen sits at the back of the property,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04just behind the internal garage.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Subject to the correct planning permission,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08if she could bear to sacrifice it,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11she could knock through to the current kitchen or dining room
0:24:11 > 0:24:14to create a really impressive space.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Now we've taken in all the living space, it's time to continue upstairs.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- OK, might have to duck, not sure. - No, we're OK.- Oh, fine.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33- Now, then, master bedroom. How are we doing for size?- Very well.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37This is fine. You'd get a king-size bed in here, I reckon. One bedside there.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- Nice double aspect. Lovely.- Good. You've got three bedrooms here.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Three double bedrooms. The third one is fairly small, I suppose,
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- but it's always going to be a spare. - Yes.- The bathroom has the bath and separate shower.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- That's just been done up. - A big bathroom, then.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58- That sounds promising. So, - sizewise, upstairs, it almost...
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I don't know why, but it almost seems bigger. I do know why.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- We go over the garage. - You do, don't you?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Thinking about it from outside, yes. It's just that little bit longer.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- So, seem quite happy up here. - Yes.- Good.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I think you've got enough living space here
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and you've even got a bigger garden outside.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18Let me take you there but also start thinking about price. OK?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Well, all that remains is to see what's on offer outside
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and I'm confident the garden here won't disappoint.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Right, then. A few little bits and bobs in this garden.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32It's sort of comes round the corner, actually.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35It's bigger than I thought, looking out from the house. It's lovely.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- It really is.- Perfect size.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Just tucked away from view is a little summer house with power.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- It's really nice and relaxing. Do you like it?- Yes, I do. Yes.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- It's really sweet. - It's nice and secluded.- Yes.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55Obviously, there are neighbours, but they're not looking over into you and it feels nice and private.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I was hoping this was kind of what you asked for.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00You said you wanted neighbours nearby, someone you could
0:26:00 > 0:26:04give the key to, feed the cats if you go away, but the countryside around.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Yeah. Yeah. It's definitely ticks that box.- Good.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14So, as it's ticking boxes, to use your parlance, not mine...
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- who wants to have a go first at guessing the price?- Go on, Kerry.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21About 290, I think. It's under budget for you, I think.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22290.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I'll say 305.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31- This house is on the market for offers around £335,000.- Really? Ow.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- Blimey. Miles out.- Oh, dear.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37OK, so, yes, right at the top of the budget, maybe a bit over.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Something to think about, then. - Hopefully so.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Go back into the house, have a look at the other bedrooms.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Have a look at the bath, I think you'll love that.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- We'll meet up outside in a moment. - OK. Thanks.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53Just edging over budget for offers in the region of £335,000,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57the second property is a characterful period cottage.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It comes with two reception rooms, three bedrooms
0:26:59 > 0:27:02and a pretty, enclosed garden.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05The location is well suited to Jas being a couple of miles' walk away
0:27:05 > 0:27:07from the fascinating town of sandwich.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11And it suits her cats, too, as it's set down a quiet lane,
0:27:11 > 0:27:12surrounded by fields.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19This is a nice room. The kitchen is OK, but it could be so much better.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21It's that bit behind us where the garage is.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25I have no idea of the structural implications of that.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- You'd have to look into that. - Get a builder in, obviously.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34The location of this one is stunning. Lovely and quiet, safe for the cats.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Coming inside, into the cottage, it is a cottage, of course.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43I'm used to a big modern house. It's definitely a possibility.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Ah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- All done inside?- Yes, thank you. - Something to think about?
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Lots to think about, I think, for Jas.- Good. OK. Onto the next one.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05The final stop on this tour is back inland
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and much closer to Jas's parents near Canterbury.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10In fact, we are just 15 minutes' drive from them
0:28:10 > 0:28:13in the historic village of Chartham.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Located on the banks of the River Stour,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Chartham wraps itself around a picturesque village green
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and local conveniences include a shop with a post office
0:28:21 > 0:28:23and a couple of pubs.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Right on the edge of the village is the mystery property -
0:28:26 > 0:28:30an apartment that takes up one wing of this former Victorian building.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The mystery property, what do you think?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- It's a splendid-looking building. - It is, isn't it? Yes.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43Originally a Victorian building, it was converted just under ten years ago, we believe.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- OK, so it should be quite new and fresh inside.- Yeah, it is.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50How many apartments was it divided up into?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52It's divided into just four apartments
0:28:52 > 0:28:55and we're going to be looking around the ground floor
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- to the right-hand side as we look at it there.- OK. - Ground floor. Good for your parents.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00Good for parents, yes.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04There is method in my madness. Sometimes. Let's look inside.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08The mystery apartment is currently unoccupied
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and is accessed through a rather grand communal entrance hall.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Let's see what Jas and Kerry think.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19OK. Now...
0:29:21 > 0:29:23You do look up some way, don't you?
0:29:23 > 0:29:27That is one tall ceiling and you really need a long feather duster to get the cobwebs.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28Yes.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Now, this hallway forms the spine of the apartment, if you like.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35You've got a third bedroom or a study next door.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40- As we're closer to the bedrooms, let's start with the master bedroom, shall we?- OK.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44OK. This is your master bedroom, as I said.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- Sizewise, what are we thinking? - Good size.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51That is a king-size bed, might even be bigger than that.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56It's a whopping great bed. En suite here, very handy.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Loads of wardrobe space there? - Bags of wardrobe space.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02You've got two bedrooms here.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05The one next door is also en suite, with an en suite shower.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- Oh, yeah, right.- You've also got a separate shower room and a loo.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13There's more loos here than you can shake a stick at.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- I'm getting quite excited about this. - I can tell you are.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- Let's just wait and see the rest of it.- Hold me back, hold me back!
0:30:19 > 0:30:24Well, you've got options here. I'm rather looking forward to showing you the next part of the apartment.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- Right.- Because if you don't like it, well, I'm in the wrong job.- OK.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- Now, this is your dining room... - OK, right.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38..which feeds very nicely into...
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Look at this. - Lounge, I presume.- Yes.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Wowzer.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Oh. Yeah, massive.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- Big enough for you, Jas?- Yes. - I should hope so!
0:30:51 > 0:30:54My furniture is going to be rattling around like a pimple on a drum.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58It's certainly, certainly big enough to be a living/dining room,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02but as you've got a third bedroom or a study AND a dining room,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- you've got more than a few options. - Multiple options, yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I like the fact that it's got windows on two sides, so it's nice and light.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14- This is a better shape for you, as well.- It's a bit squarer, isn't it?
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- Yes, so, it's... Yeah. Yeah, very impressive.- Good.
0:31:18 > 0:31:24- You sound very impressed. Let's see what you think of the kitchen.- Yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- I'll walk you through. Nice flow, isn't there?- Yes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- Kitchen/diner.- Not huge.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39But space for a perfectly reasonable table.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- Yes, you say not huge, this is the biggest one we've seen.- Is it?- Yeah.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47- Funny, isn't it?- It's just the contrast.- Just because you've just come from an aircraft hangar.
0:31:47 > 0:31:53- Compared to the lounge.- Kitchen is functional, but rather dull.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58It looks like a typical builder's kitchen that they've put in to be enough.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02But it's perfectly adequate, I can live with it for a few years.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- Could you bake a cake in it? - Er, yeah. I guess. Yeah.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08All we need to know, isn't it?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10- Yeah.- OK, the plumbing and everything is here.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15Yes, you've got all the basics, everything you need just for day-to-day living.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- But I would certainly change it. - OK. All right.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22There is some outside space out the back. Let me show you.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Apart from altering the kitchen to suit her personal style,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I think Jas is buying into the potential of this generous
0:32:28 > 0:32:33mystery property and there is no shortage of room outside, too.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Right, these are communal gardens.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41This is, unofficially, I suppose, more of a private area for you, although it's not officially yours.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I don't see why anybody else would use it.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- And then this is the communal element.- Yes.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49This is all looked after for you.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- There is a service charge, not a small one, of £1,800 per year.- OK.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Included with that is, as you might expect, buildings insurance,
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- all the maintenance - I think they are overdue a visit here.- Yes.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Plus there's a gymnasium here, as well.- That's a bit tiring.- Is it?
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- Not your cup of tea? - I did all that stuff in my youth.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13The footprint is the entire ground floor of your flat. It's a huge gym.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- It's well worth a look.- Yes.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20So, seeing what you've seen, knowing what you've known inside the place,
0:33:20 > 0:33:25how much do you think this apartment is on the market for?
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- I'll say 285.- OK.- Ooh, that raised an eyebrow.- How about you, Kerry?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- I think I'll stick with 290. - You might as well.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38It's got to be right at some point.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43Well, a stopped watch is right twice a day. This apartment...
0:33:43 > 0:33:45It's a much better guess. This place is on the market.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51It's just been reduced to offers around £315,000.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Mm.- Mmm. Yeah, OK.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- Never let an asking price put you of being interested in a property.- OK. - All right.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01Now, look, I think you should definitely go and have a look at the other bedrooms
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- and I'll meet you out the front whenever you're ready.- OK, then.- All right? Catch you in a bit.- Yes.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11With a guide price of £315,000,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15the mystery property is one of four elegant apartment conversions.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19The rather spacious accommodation lends itself to three bedrooms,
0:34:19 > 0:34:23two of which are en suite which is ideal for friends and family
0:34:23 > 0:34:24when they stay.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26There is also a kitchen/diner as well as two separate
0:34:26 > 0:34:31reception rooms, that include a grand, double aspect sitting room.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34The ground floor location also leads out into the peaceful,
0:34:34 > 0:34:39managed gardens, that could be ideal for her three pet cats.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Well, here's the gym, and it's certainly well equipped,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45loads of gear. I prefer to have a nice simple walk in the fresh air,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49- rather than down here. - Exercise naturally, I think.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54The first impression coming into the apartment was a complete wow,
0:34:54 > 0:34:59just because of the volume of the high ceilings and the nice big rooms.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02I do have some concerns about living in an apartment
0:35:02 > 0:35:07and the management process of the communal areas.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11That strikes me as a little bit of hassle, which I'm not so keen on.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I don't think it's really the one for me this time.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Ah. How are the gym bunnies?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Oh, we're completely pooped. - Tired.- Oh, yes. I ran ten K.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Yeah, I don't believe you for a moment.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Let's find somewhere to have a bit of a conflab
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- and we'll catch up about all three properties.- OK.- OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Set in a prime location at the foot of the North Downs, in the 1840s,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48the coastal town of Folkestone became a prosperous hotspot,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52thanks to greater access offered by the arrival of the railway.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55By the latter half of the century, the town had been developed
0:35:55 > 0:35:58into a high-class Victorian tourism resort,
0:35:58 > 0:36:04and strolling along the cliffs on the mile-long Leas promenade was a very fashionable pastime.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08In 1885, a water-balance lift was built to transport visitors
0:36:08 > 0:36:13and locals up and down the 100-foot stretch from the promenade to the seafront.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18And over 100 years later, the original lift is still in full working order.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23I caught up with local historian Eamonn Rooney to find out more.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25What makes this lift here so special, Eamonn?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It's very special because around the country, there are lots of lifts.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31A lot of them are powered by electricity.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34But there are only three still using the water-balance system.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36We are one of those three.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39The lift operates using water and gravity
0:36:39 > 0:36:42and is controlled from a cabin at the upper station.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Underneath each carriage is a tank which holds about 400 gallons.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48When the top tank is filled to exceed the weight of the lower one,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51it all starts to move.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Both carriages are attached to cables that pass around a pulley wheel and the speed of the ascent
0:36:55 > 0:36:58is controlled by an operator using a brake.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- In essence, it's a simple matter of balance.- It is.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03I think it's ingenious in its simplicity
0:37:03 > 0:37:06and somebody actually had to think of that in the first place.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Can we take a closer look? - By all means, be my guest.- Wonderful.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13By the early 1900, passengers had no less than four water-driven lifts
0:37:13 > 0:37:16to choose from along this stretch of coast.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20But this Grade II listed Leas lift is the only one that still survives.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- Now, then, this looks very Victorian.- It is.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- What does this bit of machinery do? - These are the water pumps.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- They're called reciprocating piston pumps.- Right.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34When the motor is released at the bottom,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36we collect it in two big tanks underneath.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40So this water is pumped right to the top to then fill the tanks.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- It fills from that. It uses that as the source.- OK.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- Can we see it in operation? - Yes, certainly.- Great stuff.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Now I've seen how the mechanics work,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57it's time to experience them in operation.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02At the same time, I can soak up the glorious panorama overlooking the English Channel.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Now we're in... Is it called a car, a cabin?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07A car, we call it the car.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- How many people would normally get in here?- We work around about ten.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13The lift actually closed for business in 2009,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17but two years ago, a group of local residents, including Eamonn,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21formed a not-for-profit company and brought the lift back into service.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22Who runs it now?
0:38:22 > 0:38:26There are three directors who formed the Folkestone Leas Lift CIC.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31We employ drivers with previous experience of running the thing.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- We also have a team of volunteers. - That's fantastic. You've got volunteers,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37so the community have come together to help out here,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40but also, you've re-employed drivers that,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43I imagine, would be obsolete in employment.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- Where else but these skills be needed?- No, it's brilliant.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50How many people, do you think, in all of its years, have travelled this way?
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- Would you believe a figure of about 40 to 50 million?- 40 to 50 million?
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- It's a very handy way of getting about, isn't it?- It sure is.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59It's a convenient way down and an easy way up.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Well, thank you very much for the guided tour. Very interesting.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I'm going to use this transport to take the car back down, I think.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- Yep.- Thanks very much, Eamonn. Good to meet you.- And you, Jonnie.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15A very novel and charming form of transport,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18I'm sure you'll agree, and long may it prosper.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23Time to catch up with today's buyer, to see if the county has charmed her with any of its properties.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30So, how have you found looking for properties in this part of Kent?
0:39:30 > 0:39:34It's been really interesting, just driving around the area from location to location.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Yeah? So, let's talk about property number one,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- the first place we looked at yesterday afternoon.- Yes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42What do you think about the first property now?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45I think it was a beautiful little jewelbox of a house.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Beautifully presented, lovely downstairs
0:39:49 > 0:39:51and it was a lovely quiet location, great for the cats.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55But upstairs, the bedrooms really were very small, especially the second one.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- It was very tight.- Kerry, you had your brief to help Jas out.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- Could you see Jas living in that first house?- Possibly not.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10Upstairs was just too small for Jas's requirements,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13for future proofing what she wants to do.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17All right, fair enough. So, today we went to look at the second property.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20I wanted to show you something bigger, inside and out.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25- I think it was.- Yes. Yeah. The location was spot-on, beautiful.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28The garden was just right and the views out to the front.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33But this time, it was the downstairs that wasn't quite right. Typical. I'm picky, aren't I?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I could make it work, maybe with some building work.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39We might be able to use the garage and introduce that
0:40:39 > 0:40:42space into the house, but that's quite big building work.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- Yeah.- But is that one, I think, it's on the list.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50- It's still a possible contender. - OK. That's two properties down.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55I was starting to wonder whether or not I should show you another period property.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59The trouble is, in this part of the world, you want a village-y
0:40:59 > 0:41:03or rural location for the sort of budget you've got and the size
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- of house you're after, you probably are looking for an older house. - Right, yes.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11So, the mystery property, I thought, was playing into our hands somewhat.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- A conversion. An apartment. You had great reactions at the start.- I did.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17I walked in and thought, "Wahey, brilliant!"
0:41:17 > 0:41:21The feeling of space and light, especially that living room,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25that was amazing, and the great big windows.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29I was really getting excited, but then we went into the kitchen
0:41:29 > 0:41:33and I was like, "Ooh, er, that's not great," but I can do stuff with that.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35That's where you cut in, isn't it, Kerry?
0:41:35 > 0:41:41The kitchen is bigger than the kitchen you've got now, but it was the way it was fitted.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46That's a real shame, but I could do stuff with that, if I've got the money.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- Does that mean that maybe the second property is the favourite? - It is the favourite out of the three
0:41:51 > 0:41:55and I will definitely keep it on the list and discuss it with Mum and Dad
0:41:55 > 0:42:01- and see what they think and maybe go back for a second viewing as well. - Really?- Yes.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06I think Jas has learnt an awful lot about what she thought she wanted and what she actually wants.
0:42:06 > 0:42:12- I think you're right.- It's been very valuable for you.- Yes, I agree.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16I'm very encouraged by the fact that the second property is of interest.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20If nothing else, it serves as something to compare any other properties in that area against.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24But do please let us know what your next step is, especially if you
0:42:24 > 0:42:26go back to Sandwich and even more so if you go back to that house.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- Yes, of course I will. - And Kerry, thank you for your help and assistance.- Thanks.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- It's been interesting.- Hasn't it just? Good luck.- Thank you.
0:42:40 > 0:42:45Well, for Jas, searching for properties in this part of Kent was a bit like going back to her roots.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48I was particularly chuffed when I introduced her to new areas,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52especially the area around Sandwich. She seemed quite taken with the place,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56but just how taken with the house itself? Well, that remains to be seen.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00I think it's a great idea for her to go back to the house and have a second viewing,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04especially as she's got ideas of maybe converting into the garage.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09No matter what she chooses to do, I'm sure, just like me, you wish her the best of luck.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10See you next time.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:14 > 0:43:15Northern Ireland or England
0:43:15 > 0:43:19and need our help, please apply online at...
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Subtitles by Zoe Short Red Bee Media Ltd