0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07Now, 450 years ago this small market town was the starting point
0:00:07 > 0:00:11for a rebellion which saw 16,000 people rise up
0:00:11 > 0:00:14and march on what was then Britain's second largest city.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16But where are we? Who were they?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18And, frankly, what was all the fuss about?
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55On today's show, we're on a mission to help a couple find a property
0:00:55 > 0:00:59that not only they can call home, but is big enough to house their mum
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and aunt, and an expanding business.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04But we don't get off to a good start.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06It's an absolutely gorgeous room.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09In honesty, though, not for living from day one.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14However, a kitchen soon changes despair into delight.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15- BOTH:- This is nice.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17THEY LAUGH
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Well, today we're in Wymondham in Norfolk
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and these are the remains of the wonderful medieval abbey here
0:01:26 > 0:01:29that overlook this pretty little market town.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Now, back in 1549,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34this area was also home to a farmer called Robert Kett.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38At the time, local landowners were busy fencing off common land,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41denying it to local people who had grazed it for years.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Kett was outraged, raised a force of some 16,000
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and marched northward to Norwich, which he promptly stormed.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51It's said that the battles and chaos that ensued
0:01:51 > 0:01:53lasted for nearly a month.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56As for Kett, well, he met a pretty inglorious end.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00He was captured and then hung from the battlements of Norwich Castle.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Not surprisingly, many people around here regard him
0:02:02 > 0:02:06as something of a local hero, just part of the rich history
0:02:06 > 0:02:08that makes this part of the world so fascinating.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Situated on the east coast of Britain,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Norfolk is the fourth largest county in England.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18It's bordered by Suffolk to the south, Lincolnshire to the north
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and Cambridgeshire to the west.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24The county is home to miles of spectacular coastline,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29with long, sandy beaches, high cliffs and picturesque promenades.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Much of it has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38Moving inland, the Norfolk Broads are Britain's largest nationally-protected wetland
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and also support a huge boating population,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45with over two million tourists visiting its waterways each year.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48And with over 96% of the county given over to agriculture,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51woodland and forestry, Norfolk's open spaces
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and rural landscape are an extremely popular option
0:02:54 > 0:02:56for aspiring escapees.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01When it comes to property prices,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Norfolk would appear to offer pretty good value for money.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08At £213,000, the cost of your average property here
0:03:08 > 0:03:11is a very handy 40 grand under the national average.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14But of course, like anywhere, there are hot spots -
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea, well,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19there you could comfortably double that national figure.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23But as you would expect from one of Britain's most historic counties,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25whatever your tastes and whatever your budget,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28there are some beautiful properties on offer.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Norfolk offers a characterful range of housing architecture,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34including numerous flint and brick properties.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Cottages like these can be seen in many of the villages dotted along
0:03:38 > 0:03:42the North Norfolk coastline, where flint can be found in abundance.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Built in the Victorian period to house local farm workers
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and fishermen, these days they can command high prices.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53This six-bedroom house in Burnham Market will cost you £425,000.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Much of the flint work throughout the county is knapped flint
0:03:58 > 0:04:01and involves uniformly setting flint stone into brickwork
0:04:01 > 0:04:04in an ornate fashion. It's a decorative design that can be seen
0:04:04 > 0:04:08on the outside of churches and cathedrals, as well as houses
0:04:08 > 0:04:11like this eight-bedroom property in Upper Sheringham,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14priced at £799,500.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19But perhaps the most common building material in Norfolk is red brick.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Many of the larger and grander houses are made from it
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and often date back to the Victorian era.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29This four-bedroom property in Aylsham is priced at £395,000.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So, as you can see, a tempting and rich mix of properties,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38which hopefully will satisfy the very demanding needs
0:04:38 > 0:04:40of today's buyers.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Businessman Alistair and his wife Liz, a marketing executive,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47live in this modern three-bedroom bungalow in Orpington, Kent.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49But over the last couple of years,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Alistair's business has really taken off, and they're keen to expand
0:04:53 > 0:04:55as they don't have enough room in their present home.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58My business at the moment is commercial stationery.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Where we are, the space isn't ideal and, looking around,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06seeing what you get for the money, we thought we can combine the two,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08the house purchase price
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and we need some premises for me, as well, commercial.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14And as for Liz, she's wanted to move for a while.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16We're living in what is essentially my house.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20And I think it would be really nice for us to have a place of our own
0:05:20 > 0:05:22that we've bought together.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25They met four years ago in a local pub.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Well, that's at least what they told their nearest and dearest.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31The story we told our friends initially was we met in a pub,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34or we met through friends. But actually we met online.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I bit the bullet and I went online and then she sent me an e-mail
0:05:38 > 0:05:40and so, here we are.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Yeah, hands up.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46And I love him to bits.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50So, with love in their life and a burgeoning business,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52they now want to make the move to the country.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53But they won't be going on their own.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55As well as their two big gun dogs,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57there'll be another couple of escapees -
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Liz's mother, Betty, and Aunt Pat.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02We're a pretty close-knit unit
0:06:02 > 0:06:06and we couldn't go in any good conscience and leave them behind.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10It's important for us that we look out for them as they get older.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Liz expected to have a fight on her hands to convince her mum
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and Auntie Pat to go, but it was quite the opposite.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Elizabeth and Alistair told me about the move
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and I was stunned to my back teeth.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- When she asked us both to go, which we were agreeable to, weren't we? - Mm.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31And Liz's mum has a very definite idea of what
0:06:31 > 0:06:33she wants for their accommodation.
0:06:33 > 0:06:40And I want a nice big house with a big kitchen and a big living room.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I don't care what else goes short,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44but those two rooms must be ginormous.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Large rooms aside, our buyers have decided that Norfolk is
0:06:49 > 0:06:52the right destination to begin the next chapter of their lives,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55as it offers everything they're all after.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Lots of new activities and adventures for us and the dogs,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02and for Mum and Pat. We'll get them out and about with us.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Hopefully get onto the Broads, hire some boats.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Though with so many people to accommodate,
0:07:07 > 0:07:08and an expanding business,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Liz and Alistair's requirements are very specific indeed.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Our ideal property would have a main house.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20We need at least one annexe that's already in situ, if not two,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and then obviously we're looking
0:07:22 > 0:07:24for business premises for Alistair, as well.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28So, just one more thing to factor in - and that's the finances.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Our current property is actually already under offer
0:07:32 > 0:07:35and the budget for our move is £850,000.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Alistair and Liz haven't set their sights on any specific location
0:07:43 > 0:07:46in Norfolk, as they feel finding the perfect house
0:07:46 > 0:07:49that can accommodate all four of them, while offering space
0:07:49 > 0:07:52for Alistair's business, will be a tough enough challenge.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56However, they would like to be close to good roads for any commuting.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I caught up with them in the Norfolk countryside to hear more
0:07:59 > 0:08:02about the details of their planned move.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Well, Elizabeth and Alistair, welcome to Norfolk.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- Is this a part of the world that you know well?- Oh, goodness, no, not me.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- I've been up once.- I've done the Broads, I think, twice.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- So, was this a pin-in-a-map job? - No.- Bit more than that.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Bit more than that. When we looked at properties, we thought,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23"Well, where can we get more bang for our buck?"
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Right. So more bang for your buck is the idea here in Norfolk.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Yes, value. We were looking to get value for money,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33because we have got a particular ask in mind
0:08:33 > 0:08:35and there's quite a lot to it, so...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37I was just going to come onto that.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40You have got quite a long list of requirements, actually.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43You're right, as ever, to look for more value for money.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Let's just list them, Alistair.- OK.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47So, for me,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50a barn that we can convert or has been converted for storage
0:08:50 > 0:08:52for 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57We need a main house for us, so three to four bedrooms, typically,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01and then, the kicker is, we're bringing my mum and my aunt with us.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03They're very independent ladies
0:09:03 > 0:09:05and they'd like their own front doors.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08It's a nice image, this, of you all living together, living the good life.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Well, I'm hoping that we will have an ongoing discussion.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14The three properties we'll show you, including the mystery house,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16will form the backbone to that discussion
0:09:16 > 0:09:21and hopefully find you something that works in a way that I suspect you haven't even considered yet.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Mm.- Yeah. Yeah! No. It sounds brilliant.- That sounds good.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Right then, let's go and find you some properties.- Thank you.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34Alistair and Liz have a maximum budget of £850,000
0:09:34 > 0:09:37and that has to include any work needed to convert barns or refurbish
0:09:37 > 0:09:39any accommodation.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42All in all, they'd like a two-to-three-bedroom house for them,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and two other self-contained annexes for Liz's mother and aunt.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49However, they also want an outbuilding which they can convert,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53or land they can build on, to cater for Alistair's expanding business.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56We've got three charming properties for them to view,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59and, as usual, I'll be asking them to guess the price
0:09:59 > 0:10:00before I reveal it.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03The final option is, of course, our mystery house,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06and in this case, where there's a mill, there's a way.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13For our first property, we're heading towards Holt,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15some 30 miles north of Norwich.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18This attractive Georgian market town,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20set in the North Norfolk countryside,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24is brimming with many interesting antique, book and gift shops.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30And we're going to make a stop to meet a shopkeeper who has called Holt home for many years.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33If you were going to recommend Holt to anybody moving to the area
0:10:33 > 0:10:37who doesn't know it, as these two don't, how would you summarise it?
0:10:37 > 0:10:42I think the great difference for Holt is that it's an independent town.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46We have no High Street chains or anything here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51And also, North Norfolk is unique in that it's not on the road
0:10:51 > 0:10:55to anywhere, so we don't...we're not plagued with people driving through.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57We don't get the riffraff coming through,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01because those who are here have made the effort to get here.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- You talk about riffraff, there's these two!- Yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Don't speak too soon!- You've got a reputation to uphold now!
0:11:07 > 0:11:10But I think that's what's rather lovely about this,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- and there's clearly a great sense of community about it, as well. - Oh, absolutely.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19A seven-mile drive south of Holt is the village of Thursford,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21and it's where we'll find our first property.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29Well, there you go. And a bit of a change from Orpington.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Wow, yes.- It's lovely.- Absolutely. Really charming.- I love the stone.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36This one is interesting, though,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38because they have used it to create a building
0:11:38 > 0:11:40which is only 16 years old.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Wow!- Really? That's impressive.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It looks so much older as well, bags of character.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50It's got a lovely old feel to it, but with a very modern layout.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Excellent.- Excellent. It sounds interesting.- Let's have a look.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Well, a great first reaction there from Alistair and Liz.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Let's hope the enthusiasm continues
0:12:01 > 0:12:04as we head inside into the main part of a house.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Come on in.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09TV room and snug in there.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Downstairs cloakroom.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16And then this is your, I would say,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19principal kind of family living space.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Wow. Yes. Lovely room. - Nice light.- Isn't it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25You've got windows on three sides, which is quite unusual.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- And if you look through that window there...- That's a tennis court.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- It's a tennis court!- Wow. - We don't play tennis.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Now's your chance, mate! Now's your chance.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Yeah, liking this.- Happy? OK, right. Come through the hallway.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- What do you think of this, then? - Oh, wow. This is beautiful. Yeah.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- This is really nice.- This I like.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51What's lovely about it is that they've had the luxury
0:12:51 > 0:12:55of designing this from scratch, but with the idea to create
0:12:55 > 0:12:58a farmhouse kitchen that we all perhaps might envisage.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00It sets off beautifully with the table.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Proper family table there. - That's fabulous, yeah.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05We like to eat in the kitchen.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08There is also, just through that door there, a utility room
0:13:08 > 0:13:13which is half as big again as this, with a door out to the garden.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- That's really nice. - I'm impressed.- Yeah?- I like it.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18'Well, the mood is still very upbeat.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23'And we're now moving upstairs, to take a peek at their potential master bedroom.'
0:13:23 > 0:13:26And then this is you two, in here.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Oh, wow. What a lovely room.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- It's really big. It's really big. - This I like. This is...very nice.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Am I seeing an en-suite?
0:13:36 > 0:13:38You are seeing a hint of an en-suite there,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40which is enormous.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Again, coming back to these modern proportions
0:13:43 > 0:13:45that this house benefits from.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48When they built this, they did it so well, didn't they?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- With the proportions and the sense of space.- Interesting.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Well, talking of space, let's go and check out the annexe.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59There are three more bedrooms on this floor which are close
0:13:59 > 0:14:01to the large bathroom. And, up another level,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04is one more bedroom which has its own living room.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07So there's plenty of accommodation for Alistair and Liz,
0:14:07 > 0:14:11and this sense of space continues in the garden with a large expanse
0:14:11 > 0:14:13of lawn and a tennis court.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15But it's time now to see the annexe.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26Now, what do you think Betty and Pat would make of this
0:14:26 > 0:14:27if you brought them in here?
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Um, I think it's an absolutely gorgeous room.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37It's done really nicely. In honesty, though, not for living from day one.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's a little bit too small for the kitchen and living area,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42but I'm sure there's stuff that we could do.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46It is a holiday let at the moment, and therefore feels a bit Spartan.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I guess the key thing is space.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51We haven't really seen the potential of the two double garages next door.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54There's an additional office on that, too.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57And of course we've got the suggestion of a bit more planning
0:14:57 > 0:15:00that can happen to extend this building further.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Well, we've got you a house and we've potentially got somewhere...
0:15:03 > 0:15:07potentially got somewhere for Betty and for Pat.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10What we haven't got you at the moment is somewhere
0:15:10 > 0:15:11for the business.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14So, the question is, could we take the business off-site?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Yes, as long as I could buy freehold.- OK.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Of course, the price is going to have a bearing on all of that,
0:15:20 > 0:15:25so how much do you think property number one is on the market for?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- I'd say around 710.- 710. Yeah.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- I would be a bit lower. I would say 650.- 650.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36You have done your research well actually, guys, to be fair to you.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42This is on the market now at 699,950. So, just under £700,000.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Definitely food for thought.- Good. OK. Let's keep thinking.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48Out you go.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Let's get you to have another look around and consider it further.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57On the market at a shade under £700,000,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00this spacious detached property offers a lot of potential
0:16:00 > 0:16:03for our buyers. It has a large kitchen/diner,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06six bedrooms including one en-suite,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09a self-contained annexe with two bedrooms,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11and there's also a double garage and office
0:16:11 > 0:16:15which could be converted to create further accommodation.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17When I saw the house for the first time,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I thought it was an amazingly pretty property.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23It's actually quite imposing from outside,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26and it looks substantial and very well-built.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31The barn conversion on the side is also...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33It's got huge potential.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I think we could really make something of that.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42It hasn't got a barn, which is one of the issues that concerns me.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44And that's the only issue right now.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48The other issue is that the annexes look a little bit...
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Well, this place looks a bit grander than the annexes.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55So, bit concerned that Mum and Aunt Pat might feel
0:16:55 > 0:16:57that they're being pushed out a little bit.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00But that said, it is a lovely place.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- After you, Liz. After you, sir. - Thank you.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Well, I think we are beginning to get to grips with, well,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12limitless options, really,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15that may confront you in making this quite complicated move.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- I think this is a great place to start.- Definitely.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- It's an interesting house. Thank you.- Good.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Right then, there are two more to come, of course.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Follow me.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37A famous and familiar sight across the Norfolk countryside
0:17:37 > 0:17:41are acres of lavender fields. Harvested for hundreds of years,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44the plant, and in particular its fragrant oil,
0:17:44 > 0:17:48was used to help treat a range of ailments, including bites and burns.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Indeed, the essential oil of lavender was even used in hospitals
0:17:52 > 0:17:54during the First World War.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56However, in the early 20th century,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00the demand for lavender dropped dramatically, thanks to technological advances
0:18:00 > 0:18:04that led to the creation of a new wave of modern medicines.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06But over recent decades in Norfolk,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09a quiet lavender revival has taken place.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11And this 100-acre lavender farm
0:18:11 > 0:18:13is testament to the conservation efforts
0:18:13 > 0:18:15of a host of local individuals.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19The dedication that has resulted in lavender's resurgence here
0:18:19 > 0:18:23is also seen in their efforts at caring for a number of rare breed animals,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25including a range of poultry.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28As Alistair and Liz plan to keep their own chickens once they move,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31earlier in the week we arranged for them to meet Callum Eglin,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34the animal farm manager at Norfolk Lavender.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39So, what breed would you recommend as a starter breed, to get us off?
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Are you intending to breed or...?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45I think to keep the chicken population up would be nice.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47So we're thinking eggs predominantly,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and then once in a while some chicken would be quite nice,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52without depopulating the whole kind of flock.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54And so we're looking for good eggs
0:18:54 > 0:18:56and a good-tasting bird, as well.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Well, these are the breed for you, then.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02The farm is home to 22 different breeds of hen,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and one of the centre's most prized rare breeds is the Norfolk Grey.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10This county native was believed extinct by the 1970s,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15only to be rediscovered on a small farm near Banbury in 1974.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Thanks to the work here, this is one fowl that's fighting back.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24These originally come from Norwich,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27about an hour's drive away from here.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31These are on the endangered list now and they are pretty critical.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34So, is there an active breeding programme?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37There are only six registered breeders of the Norfolk Grey in the UK,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40so we do need lots more breeders at the moment.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Can I have a...?- Certainly. If you just hold it with its legs there.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- And just hold it like that.- Wow. - Oh, wow, I'm really impressed!
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- So, Callum, do you have any chicks? - Yes, we do, we do.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57But not Norfolk Grey, I'm afraid, but we have got lots of chicks.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00And we have actually got them now hatching, as we speak,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- in the incubator. - Oh, wow.- Oh, excellent.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It takes 21 days to hatch an egg
0:20:05 > 0:20:08and it has to be kept under the correct temperature conditions.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11All eggs have to be turned at least three times a day to prevent
0:20:11 > 0:20:14the developing embryo from sticking to the inside.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Well, this is where we hatch and rear all our young chicks.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21This is where they are from day one.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- This one is a lavender pekin frizzle.- Oh.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- As you can see, she has got a little frizzy...- Yeah. Hello.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33This one is another rare breed. This is a sultan.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35CHICKS TWEET
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- And this one is a silver laced Wyandotte.- Ha-ha.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Well, now that Alistair and Liz have got to grips with the basics
0:20:46 > 0:20:49of life surrounded by chickens, it's time we cracked on with the job
0:20:49 > 0:20:52at hand - to find them the perfect property
0:20:52 > 0:20:53where they can rear their own.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59You touched on it earlier, Alistair, but for Bet and Patty,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01I mean, this is a massive move.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04They where, I think, chuffed that we asked them.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Yeah.- They were so made up that we actually said, "Come with us."
0:21:08 > 0:21:11This is a bold thing, though, you know, you're all living together.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Mum's living with you, Aunt's living with you,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15and you could be working together.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Not yet, they're not living with us!
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Well, it could be sooner than you think, mate.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Yeah, but that's why it's important for us
0:21:22 > 0:21:24to have our own independence and own front doors.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29For our second house, we're travelling inland from Holt
0:21:29 > 0:21:30to Northwold.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33At the heart of it is a 13th century church,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35the only Grade I listed building in the village,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38which has stood here for around 800 years.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41The historic local pub has also been a long-standing hub
0:21:41 > 0:21:46of the community too, first opening its doors 300 years ago.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49The second property I'm showing our buyers is full of character,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and I reckon it has plenty of space for all the family,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55including Liz's mum and Auntie Pat.
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- Come on in, Alistair. What we've got for you here are three...- Wow.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09..dedicated properties within an acre plot.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- OK.- Plus a holiday lodge.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Plus a holiday lodge? Excellent. - There's an awful lot of this.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Where's the barn?- Well...
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- That's one option.- OK. Garage.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Granted, probably not as big as you were planning on.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27You wanted three front doors, you've got them.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I'd suggest we start with that one.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It's arguably the biggest, so this might be your preferred choice.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Sounds good, let's have a look.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39But there may be a scrap over who gets what. Who knows?
0:22:39 > 0:22:41'Well, there's a more reserved reaction to this one,
0:22:41 > 0:22:45'but I'm feeling pretty confident that we'll soon see some smiles.'
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Right, let's start in here.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52It's not what you were expecting, is it, from the outside?
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- No, definitely not. It's lovely. I love the fireplace.- Yes.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Have a look through here.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- There you go.- Oh, goodness. This is amazing.- Is it?- This is really nice.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- It's very unexpected for this property.- I like this kitchen.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12I do like this kitchen.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15It just goes to show what you can do to make something more contemporary,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- doesn't it?- You would be happy in here?- Oh, goodness, yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22And I imagine Pat or indeed Betty would be happy here.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- No. No.- They would be very happy. THEY LAUGH
0:23:24 > 0:23:28You've chosen. "This is the one!" OK, great.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Lovely. OK, if this is for you, let's take a wander
0:23:31 > 0:23:35across the courtyard and have a look at where your mum might go.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- Excellent.- Or indeed Auntie Pat. How about that?
0:23:38 > 0:23:42There are four double bedrooms here, one of which is en suite.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45They're all light and airy due to well-positioned skylights,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48but now I'm going to show them the two-storey annexe.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- Now, who gets this one? - Ooh!- In you go.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54Oh, goodness.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I like that kitchen.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- That is very nice. - Isn't it?- Very funky.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- You know what I said about that bit? - You having next door?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- I think we've just moved! - We've just moved, I think.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I thought you might. I thought this was very much more you.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12It also has a very lovely, great big double bedroom down there.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17There's a huge, great big bathroom in here too. Which is lovely.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Shower, etc.- That is lovely.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24And upstairs, a really funky kind of living room with another
0:24:24 > 0:24:29bedroom, so you've got two bedrooms in this bit alone.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- BOTH:- This is nice. - THEY ALL LAUGH
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Let's have a look across there.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40'The excitement from our buyer seems to be growing as they see more
0:24:40 > 0:24:41'of this property.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'Let's hope it continues as we cross the courtyard to see
0:24:44 > 0:24:45'the detached cottage.'
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- This is effectively a bungalow. - Yes.- Yes, it is.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53As you can see, the kitchen itself in here needs a little updating.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- But it's this space that's the key ingredient.- Indeed.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00You've got a shower through there, nice big larder,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03utility room in there.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08And then, through here, whoever gets this one also gets...
0:25:08 > 0:25:10this living room.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15- Oh...- With a wood burner and so on, as well.- Excellent. This is charming.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- This is nice. This is workable. - And the bedroom's through there.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- So it's all easy, it's all on one level.- Yeah.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23And if that's not enough,
0:25:23 > 0:25:28to cap it off there's a one-bedroom chalet set in the mature gardens.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33So, your £850,000 - how much of it are you going to have to spend
0:25:33 > 0:25:35on property two, Alistair?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- 750.- 750. Yeah. Not bad.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- I think I'll go 720.- £720,000.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44OK. It's on the market...
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- for £699,999.- Ooh!
0:25:49 > 0:25:52So, let's call it 700 grand, for argument's sake.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55So, comfortably under your estimates.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Go and have a good look around, see what you get for 700,000
0:25:58 > 0:26:01and just consider all those factors that we've tried to highlight.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- Yeah. Thank you. We will. - We'll have a look.- Thank you.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Brilliant.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Well, property number two, if ever it were possible,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13has really defined that old adage - never judge a book by its cover.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17This place has been a real surprise, not just to me - but also to them.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Priced at one pound short of £700,000,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27this property is a welcome surprise for Alistair and Liz.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30It includes a four-bedroom house,
0:26:30 > 0:26:34a two-storey annexe boasting a large modern kitchen,
0:26:34 > 0:26:35a detached cottage
0:26:35 > 0:26:39and what's more, it's all set in just over half an acre of land,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43with a log cabin, which they could consider as a holiday let.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46When I first saw the property, first impressions were really,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48"Wow, what a find."
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Alistair and I had talked about finding something with a courtyard,
0:26:52 > 0:26:56but didn't really expect that we would be lucky enough to find it.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00And, yeah, it was... It took me back a little bit
0:27:00 > 0:27:03because I thought, "Wow, this has got real potential now."
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Do you know what? This place has changed my mind a little bit.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08I mean, it hasn't got a barn.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11But maybe the bit at the back could be extended.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Maybe the farmer across could sell,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17and I think the property could be... It's workable.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Brilliant. All done?- All done, yeah.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27I was just wondering, what would Pat and Betty say
0:27:27 > 0:27:28if they were here right now?
0:27:28 > 0:27:32They would be arguing over who was going where, probably.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Arguing over the fixtures and fittings, as well.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that one.- Yeah, indeed!
0:27:54 > 0:27:58As the sun sets over the wonderful Norfolk countryside,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01it marks the end of our first day of property hunting.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10With a budget of £850,000,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Alistair and Liz, from Orpington, Kent,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16are swapping suburban life for the countryside of Norfolk.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20However, our buyers need space and plenty of it,
0:28:20 > 0:28:21as they're not going alone.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23They are taking Liz's mum and Aunt Pat,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26as well as Alistair's expanding business.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29So far, we've shown them two houses.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Our first property didn't quite float their boat.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34However, our second certainly hit the mark.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38But coming up, can the mystery house steal the show?
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Now, that's something different. We weren't really expecting that.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43No, we weren't, were we?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46'And I help out with some of Norfolk's injured wildlife.'
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Hey, fella. Hey. Incredible, aren't they?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56Well, yesterday's house search, I think, was pretty revealing.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59There's no doubt that Alistair and Liz are enjoying what Norfolk,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and importantly its property market, has to offer.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04But, of course, we are still struggling with the big issue
0:29:04 > 0:29:07of finding somewhere for Alistair's business. The truth is,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10I don't think converting a barn or an outbuilding is going to work.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15What he's after is an industrial unit but in a domestic setting,
0:29:15 > 0:29:17and that is proving almost impossible to find.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21The solution, I suspect, is that he'll have to build something
0:29:21 > 0:29:22and that is going to need space.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Well, our final property has plenty of that.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29What's more, it's also in a part of this county that they do know quite well.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And as mystery houses go, this one is a real classic.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40For our mystery house, we're travelling around 14 miles
0:29:40 > 0:29:43east of Norwich to the village of Stokesby.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47This picturesque location, on the banks of the River Bure,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49has a local store which houses a tearoom.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51There's also a pub to enjoy a glass of wine
0:29:51 > 0:29:55whilst savouring the unspoiled views of the Norfolk Broads.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Our mystery offering is something of a project for our couple,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02but we believe this property is a versatile little gem,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04which could provide all the space they're after.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09There you are. There is our mystery property.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Now, that's something different. We weren't really expecting that.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17- No, we weren't, were we?- It's got a boat on top of it.- Well, yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21When the windmills were built, this one was built around 1746.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Yeah, it's quite striking. - It is indeed.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It's not what we were expecting.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Can you see these two differing roof lines?- Yeah.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31We've got this building here,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34which is currently a sort of annexe,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38and then we've got this bit here, right next to the mill itself,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- which might be for you.- Yeah.- OK.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45In terms of the other one, we were wondering
0:30:45 > 0:30:48if we couldn't do something imaginative with this space here.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- OK.- There's a footprint.- Yes.- It's very exciting. Thank you.- It is.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- It could be quite good.- OK. - Looking forward to seeing it.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Let's have an explore. It is quite unusual, yes.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01'Impressed with what's on offer here,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04'it looks like our buyers don't want to hang about.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07'So, let's get inside and explore everything this very unique
0:31:07 > 0:31:09'property has to offer.'
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Look at this. The base of the mill.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Oh, this is amazing.- Oh, my.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- This is just amazing.- Nice.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Different, isn't it?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21This is a real feature, isn't it?
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- It's completely unique. - Look at the windows, lovely.
0:31:24 > 0:31:30I do love the curved aspect to it, I think it's just so different.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Have a look in the base of the tower there, Alistair. In you go.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37- This was a kind of boozing den, apparently.- Good grief.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42With, as you can see, a fairly sort of elaborate smoke extractor.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44THEY LAUGH
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- This is... Yeah, this is fabulous. - This is lovely. It's very quirky.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Above us there's another floor with absolutely nothing in it at all.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55And that has ladder access currently, through a trap door,
0:31:55 > 0:31:56up to the roof light above.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Come and have a look at the rest of it.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08Now, as you can see, something of a galley kitchen.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09Yeah.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13But my thought is that you could remove these walls,
0:32:13 > 0:32:18they're only stud walls, and open it right out into the dining area.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- Yeah. I can see the potential here. - All right, good.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Let's continue through here.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36Now, to be fair, this is where it all gets slightly unusual.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37All right?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Because you come up the stairs into this space here,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43and the owner currently uses it as his master.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45But have a look round the corner,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48because this is where it might also begin to make sense.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51You've got this huge space.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55There's a slightly awkwardly positioned shower room
0:32:55 > 0:32:59and loo in there, but if you were to open this right up,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02I don't know, it could be quite exciting.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Because you've got this great feature of the tower
0:33:04 > 0:33:07continuing up there, from the mill itself.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It's really quirky, isn't it? Really quite funky.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15With some imagination and a good architect,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Alistair and Liz could truly create a very distinctive home here.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Now, turning our attention to somewhere for Liz's mum or Aunt Pat,
0:33:22 > 0:33:24there's also this attached bungalow.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Currently being used as a self-contained holiday let,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31it offers three bedrooms, two of which are bright doubles,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33and a compact single.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37But now let's take a look at the land that comes with this property.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42You've got five acres or so to play with here.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46And, in shape, it's roughly like a big sort of tadpole.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Big meadow area up near the house over there, and then, leading off
0:33:50 > 0:33:53of it, is its tail, which is this lovely pathway
0:33:53 > 0:33:54that runs over my shoulder.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Otters, deer, call this home, as well.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01And you've got, in amongst it all, a couple of lodges. One there,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04and one just over there behind those trees.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- Let's have a think about the money, then.- Oh.- So, Liz...
0:34:08 > 0:34:11what do you think our mystery house is going to cost you?
0:34:11 > 0:34:15I think it's probably late '70s.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- Say 780.- £780,000. Yeah.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- I think a lot lower. I'm thinking 500, 550.- If only it were.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I can see where you're coming from, in terms of how much money
0:34:28 > 0:34:30you think you'll have to spend on it.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I'm afraid Liz is almost there, actually.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36This could be yours for a pound under 800,000.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42- You know...- We're on a very, very fixed budget, so it depends
0:34:42 > 0:34:46if it's doable within that budget, with the work that needs to be done.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52But it's certainly different enough that it interests me.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53There's a lot to it.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Go and have a wander, explore, and I'll catch up with you later.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- Thank you.- Go on, off you go.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Priced at just under £800,000,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07this property project would leave them with £50,000
0:35:07 > 0:35:09for any renovation work.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12The central feature is the converted windmill itself.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16Adjoining this is the main house, which includes a number
0:35:16 > 0:35:19of reception areas and a master bedroom with en suite.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22There's also an attached three-bedroom bungalow.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Plus there are two log cabins,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28and it's all set in around five acres of land.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32There's going to be too many compromises to live in it as it is.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34If the owner is open to offers,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38then, yeah, we'd be interested.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41This property was very different to anything
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I might have expected to see.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46From my perspective overall, I would say this property is
0:35:46 > 0:35:49definitely my favourite of the three we've seen.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I thought I would find you up here!
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- We're storytelling.- Are you? It's quite special.- It is, isn't it?
0:35:56 > 0:36:00But we can't spend all day up here, I'm afraid. Let's get going
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and get you somewhere you can think about everything we have shown you.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- And then we'll have a chat about it. - All right.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Come on, then, follow me.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Norfolk's unspoiled rural and wetland areas provide
0:36:21 > 0:36:25some of Britain's richest and diverse habitats for wildlife,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29and includes some 162 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Indeed, the importance of the county to Britain's wildlife
0:36:33 > 0:36:36is supported by the fact that it's home to one of just four
0:36:36 > 0:36:40dedicated rescue centres, set up by the animal charity, the RSPCA.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45I'm meeting supervisor Jo Mead, to hear more about how they're helping
0:36:45 > 0:36:48to keep Norfolk's important animal population safe from harm.
0:36:49 > 0:36:56Jo, this is a wonderful facility and they're the objects of what this place is all about, in many ways.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- Yeah.- The lovely seal. Which kind of seal is this, a common or a grey?
0:36:59 > 0:37:01This is a grey seal.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04She was brought to us because she had fishing line really tightly
0:37:04 > 0:37:07round her neck, and along with that she also had lungworm,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10so she was a very, very poorly seal when she came in.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13But it must be very difficult for you not to tame them,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15because they're so good at interacting with people.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19We spend as little time with them as possible, as tempting as it may be.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23And certainly at this stage, which is their final stage before release,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26they'll see somebody three times a day for their food and that's it.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Chimera is set to be released back into the wild in the next
0:37:29 > 0:37:33couple of weeks. But as one seal returns to its natural habitat,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36there are more injured or sick seals being brought in.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Jo is now taking me to meet two new inmates, Judo and Butterfly.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Hey, guys. - HE MIMICS SEAL
0:37:43 > 0:37:48- How old are these?- These are literally only a few weeks old.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- So, who shall I feed?- If you do Judo...- Judo?- You go down,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56make sure your fingers are not too close to the head, that's it.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Here we go. Here you are, fella.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- And he'll just take it all the way down whole.- There we go.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06And how long would you anticipate that they would be here for
0:38:06 > 0:38:08before you can release them again?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11About three months is normal, as long as everything goes fine.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14They're usually with us about three months.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17It takes that long to get them up to a decent release weight.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Hey, fella. Hey. Incredible, aren't they?
0:38:21 > 0:38:25'At any one time, the centre looks after 600 animals that are sick,
0:38:25 > 0:38:27'injured or have been abandoned.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31'The aim is to get as many of them as possible back into the wild.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34'That includes even those in the very early days of their lives.'
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Right, so this is our Orphans Room. - Orphans?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Yep, it's where all the baby animals come in.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44We have birds, hedgehogs, but I've got a treat for you now,
0:38:44 > 0:38:46because we've actually got a leveret in here.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51- What, in there, in that little box? A leveret, a baby hare?- A baby hare.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53He's waiting to have his feed.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58So, you have to be careful because he may jump. You never know.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- So, I'm going to get him now. - Oh, my goodness. How small is he?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- He's weenie.- Oh, look at him! - So, he's now...
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We're going to feed him on goats' milk, by a...
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- Do you want to hold him?- Can I? Yes. - Just keep a firm grip on him there.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- And then you'll see...- How amazing. - ..as I put the teat in...- Yeah.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Oh, bless him. How old is he?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25It's hard to tell with leverets, because they're actually born
0:39:25 > 0:39:28fully-furred and with their eyes open.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30But he'll be a few weeks old.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33But there is nothing like seeing a couple of hares on a nice,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35cool, misty morning, boxing away, having fun.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Absolutely. And that's what this guy will be doing very soon.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Well, he's certainly landed on his feet, as it were, here. Hasn't he?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Absolutely.- Let's hope he has a nice future out in the wild.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54What's extraordinary about this place is that, every year,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58up to 5,000 animals of all species come through here to get help.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01And it's sobering to think that, in just a few days' time,
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Chimera there will be heading out into the wild, home again,
0:40:05 > 0:40:06which, of course, begs the question,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10have we managed to find a home for Alistair and for Liz?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well, as ever, there's only one way to find out.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14And that's to go and ask them.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Well, this is a nice place to finish up, overlooking the Broad.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Well, we've given you some time to think about the properties we have shown you.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Do you remember the first one we went to?
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Quite an interesting property, I thought.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30Yeah, it was lovely.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34For me, I think on balance it was probably a little too big
0:40:34 > 0:40:39in the main house, and probably not enough in terms of
0:40:39 > 0:40:44the substance of the conversions that we could do for Mum and Pat.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47OK. Well, with all that in mind, we went to property number two.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48That was lovely.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Absolutely ideal in terms of how we would have envisaged
0:40:53 > 0:40:56the property being laid out and, you know,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59having proximity to each other but not living in each other's pockets.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02It hit all the spots. OK. It hit all the spots.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06In actual fact, there was less work involved in two of them,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10no work involved, just the one maybe opposite needed a new kitchen.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- The one-bedroom one. - That was about it, really.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17What really put a bit of a dampener on it was that
0:41:17 > 0:41:18there were no outbuildings.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22And the possibility of getting them was a little bit remote.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25And then we took you to our mystery house.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Which, to my surprise, it really caught your imaginations
0:41:29 > 0:41:32in a way that I hadn't honestly expected.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35It was the type of house that you kind of dream of seeing,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37but I think we could also see the potential in it
0:41:37 > 0:41:42because there is a bit of folly there, there's some uniqueness.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46And it was enough of a project, if you like,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48that we knew we'd have to start from scratch.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52So, the mystery house has a kind of question mark over it, perhaps.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57Going back to when we started, and given the pretty tricky list
0:41:57 > 0:41:59that you gave us to try and accommodate,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03have we helped you review or rethink...
0:42:03 > 0:42:05the kind of wish list and the criteria?
0:42:05 > 0:42:09If nothing else, it's sharpened our focus on what we do need.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13And it brought to light what is critical and what isn't critical.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Well, it's been a real pleasure having you on the show.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20I hope we have managed to refine your focus that little bit more,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22and wherever you end up, guys, very best of luck.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Thank you!- Thank you very much.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- And to Pat and Betty too, of course. - Yes, of course!
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Well, speaking as somebody who grew up in this region,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37I can assure you that Norfolk has an awful lot to recommend it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41And if you, or indeed I, had £850,000 to spend
0:42:41 > 0:42:45and all we wanted was a nice family home, we'd be spoiled for choice.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48But the truth is, we've just tried to combine too much
0:42:48 > 0:42:50into the available property market.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53We've wanted three houses in one, and a business solution
0:42:53 > 0:42:57that's turned out to be far more industrial than any of us ever suspected,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01which begs a question of priorities and about the sort of homes
0:43:01 > 0:43:02we want to live in.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Is it ever really possible, or indeed sensible,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07to put business before leisure?
0:43:07 > 0:43:10I'm not so sure, you know. I'll see you next time.
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