0:00:00 > 0:00:02Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:02 > 0:00:06This beautiful woodland and the paths and tracks that run through it
0:00:06 > 0:00:09were once home to and inspired the great English poet,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Alfred Lord Tennyson.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14As to where I am and importantly where I'm heading,
0:00:14 > 0:00:16join me in just a few moments and I'll show you.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51On today's show, I'll be helping creative couple get the wheels in motion
0:00:51 > 0:00:55on a new life in the countryside. And early on in our house hunt,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58one property makes them giddy with excitement.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- That is lovely, really impressive. - Absolutely, that's different.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05But their enthusiasm quickly turns to discontent.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07To be honest with you, Jules, I'm disappointed.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Today I'm in West Sussex, on top of Blackdown Hills,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18the highest point in the county, the perfect place to get an overview
0:01:18 > 0:01:22of this glorious landscape with its ever-changing hues and colours.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26No surprise then that it inspired Tennyson to write these words
0:01:26 > 0:01:28about the place in which he lived.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32"You came and looked and saw the view, long known and loved by me.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37"Green Sussex fading into blue with one great glimpse of sea."
0:01:37 > 0:01:40A beautiful poem inspired by a beautiful county.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47The south-eastern County of West Sussex is bordered by East Sussex,
0:01:47 > 0:01:48Hampshire and Surrey.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51The county covers some 760 square miles,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55half of which is dominated by the South Downs.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And the grazing sheep of on this chalky soil over many centuries
0:01:58 > 0:02:03has resulted in a distinctive landscape which is known as old chalk grassland.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Located high on a hilltop on the edge of the Downs is Arundel,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12a mediaeval town that has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk
0:02:12 > 0:02:16for seven centuries and whose fine castle looks over the River Arun.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20As if plucked straight out of a fairytale,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Arundel Castle towers high above the town,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25which attracts thousands of visitors a year.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28With such rich heritage and countryside on offer,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31it easy to see why this is a compelling option for househunters
0:02:31 > 0:02:33in search of a rural retreat.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38West Sussex is full of property hotspots
0:02:38 > 0:02:40and in many respects, it always has been.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43For decades it's been popular with commuters from London
0:02:43 > 0:02:47thanks to its excellent road and in particular rail links to the capital.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51But, of course, all that comes at a premium. To put it in context,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54when you consider that the average house price in the UK
0:02:54 > 0:02:56is around about £258,000 a year,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01you could comfortable add another 100 grand onto that figure.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But I suppose the burning question is, is it worth it?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07As you can see from the rich array of architectural styles on offer,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09for many people, it undoubtedly is.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13One of the key building blocks of villages
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and towns throughout West Sussex is flint.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It's been used for centuries by local craftsmen to create
0:03:19 > 0:03:23an array of characterful homes. Since the Norman period,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27sandstone has been used to build a wealth of Sussex properties
0:03:27 > 0:03:30from cottages and barns to impressive manor houses.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34This attractive stone has been in use since around 1320
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and its fine texture initially radiates a subtle honey colour
0:03:37 > 0:03:41that, over the years, weathers to a range of autumnal shades.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47And this 18th-century three-bedroom cottage could be yours for £550,000.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51The 16th century brought the use of timber to prominence,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55with the construction of oak frames providing a distinctive local look.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00However, properties in this highly sought-after style often come at a premium.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05This five bedroom detached house is on the market for £935,000.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Well, if that little selection has whetted your appetite
0:04:10 > 0:04:13and inspired you to make a move to West Sussex,
0:04:13 > 0:04:14you're in very good company
0:04:14 > 0:04:17because this is exactly where today's buyers want to call home.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Geoff and Fran live in Sutton in south-west London
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and have been married for 38 years.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27They met at university and it was Geoff's not so subtle choice
0:04:27 > 0:04:30in clothing that first attracted his future wife.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32It was a graduation show.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Yes, you had that really bright green, stripy jacket,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- which was particularly vile. - Green and yellow.- Yes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Geoff is hooked on pottery and studied ceramics at college.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45He's since gone on to inspire others to get creative.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49I've had my hand in clay since I was 14.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I was very fortunate in going to a school where there were a couple
0:04:53 > 0:04:56of extremely good teachers who could make pots.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59They fired me with enthusiasm and I hope I've done that for other people too.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- You've been firing ever since. - That's absolutely right.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Fran has just had a hip replacement but continues to work
0:05:06 > 0:05:09in a high-pressure job as a PA for an investment company.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11She's planning on retiring soon
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and can't wait to escape the noise of the city.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17What's really appealing to me about the countryside is not being
0:05:17 > 0:05:21surrounded by concrete and a lot of green. I love trees.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25One thing I have noticed and absolutely love not hearing
0:05:25 > 0:05:28is police sirens and the constant drone of traffic.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Our buyers now want to combine their talents to start
0:05:31 > 0:05:34up their own pottery and B&B business.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Our idea is to have couples or individuals coming down
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and spending time with us, maybe a weekend, maybe a week
0:05:41 > 0:05:45or maybe just using the studio on a daily basis or hourly.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49They're hoping to find their country retreat around the Hampshire-West Sussex border.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52But the actual location of the property is not
0:05:52 > 0:05:54top of their priority list.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00The place we want to move to in terms of the type of building
0:06:00 > 0:06:05and buildings is probably more important than the immediate area.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08So we are reasonably open within those confines.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12We need to be not too far from London because if we have clients coming down,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16they need to be able to get to us reasonably quickly and the journey won't put them off.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19And when they're not entertaining pottery-loving guests,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22they have plenty of other passions they want to pursue.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25What I like about fly-fishing is that it's active.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28You're moving around, you're thinking all the time,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30you're changing tactics.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Although I've not done any, and I have to admit this,
0:06:32 > 0:06:37for, oh, probably 16 years, but I'm really keen to get back into it.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I miss it.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42While Geoff's eyes will be firmly glued on the water,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Fran has set her sights on relaxing in all manner of ways.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Perhaps take a life-drawing class,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50devote more time to doing some gardening.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Our buyers have already accepted an offer on their house
0:06:54 > 0:06:58so all their finances are in place to get the wheels turning on their new venture.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Our budget for this move is around £640,000.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Geoff and Fran want to move to the villages around Chichester
0:07:12 > 0:07:17which has good transport links for any potential guests for their pottery and B&B business.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19I caught up with our creative couple
0:07:19 > 0:07:21in the beautiful West Sussex countryside
0:07:21 > 0:07:24to find out the finer details of their move.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Well, Fran and Geoff, welcome to Sussex.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Give us an idea of the sort of property you're after
0:07:31 > 0:07:32and what you want to do with it
0:07:32 > 0:07:35because there is a twist to this story, isn't there?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38We want to embark on something we hope will be a success
0:07:38 > 0:07:40but if it isn't, it's still going to be a way of life for us,
0:07:40 > 0:07:45which is for Geoff to open a pottery school and me to do B&B and evening meal.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49So how big does this studio have to be?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51It's got to accommodate half a dozen potter's wheels.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55The rest of the equipment, the kilns will be in a different building
0:07:55 > 0:07:59so I guess you're looking at something at least about 30 feet
0:07:59 > 0:08:01by 20 feet, must be.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04And you say six wheels, how many people are you hoping to have stay?
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Half a dozen.- Half a dozen, so in terms of bedrooms, have you thought?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10We've got to have four beds, haven't we?
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Which leaves us with the question of budget.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- Where are we now with our final figure?- I guess £640,000.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23We might push it a bit if we really find the right place.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Well, we are blessed with some sunshine today.- Wonderful.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28We've got three properties for you to look at. Shall we go?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I can't wait to see it.- Follow me.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Geoff and Fran have a maximum budget of £640,000
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and are seeking a property with character and period features,
0:08:39 > 0:08:44a sizeable kitchen, at least four bedrooms so there's enough accommodation to offer B&B,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48and a room large enough to be a pottery studio or outbuildings
0:08:48 > 0:08:50that could be converted.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53We've found three intriguing properties, which we think
0:08:53 > 0:08:55will really appeal to our buyers and at each one
0:08:55 > 0:08:59I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01As ever, our final offering is the mystery house,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05which could really add some shine to their ceramic endeavours.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12For our first house, we're travelling three miles south
0:09:12 > 0:09:15of Chichester to Sidlesham in the Manhood Potential.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Sidlesham is a small, picturesque village
0:09:17 > 0:09:20full of chocolate-box-style country homes.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22The main focal point is the local pub,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26where the community can get together whilst enjoying local seafood,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30freshly caught from just down the road in the seaside town of Selsey.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But will property one, dating back to the 1800s,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36be Geoff and Fran's catch of the day?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38There you go. House number one.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- That's rather nice. - That is so pretty.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- It's a nice, classic Sussex picture, in a sense.- It's quite charming.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Yeah.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- Let's see if you can fit in it. Follow me.- OK.- Go for it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55This picture-perfect cottage has certainly captivated our buyers.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Let's hope they're equally as happy when they see the inside.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05Let's start in here. Come on in. The dining room is our first stop.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- What do you think?- It's OK, isn't it? Perhaps smaller than I'd like.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It is, I'm just trying to take it all in.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- There is access to it, the staircase. - What's nice are all the beams.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21I do like the beams. And I like the fact they've not been adulterated.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27No. A good word. The house, in a way, I suppose, flows quite nicely.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31It all sort of drifts through into here, which is the main living area.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Oh, it's much bigger than I expected to find. It's a really nice space.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- It's a nice room.- Deceptive, isn't it?- It is.- It goes on a bit.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43There's this sort of L-shaped arrangement in here,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46which they've got as a bit of a study at the moment.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49And that leads on to a downstairs cloakroom.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- That's a really nice space too. - Let's have a look at the kitchen,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55because that's going to play a key role in how this works.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01OK, Fran. Come on in.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06This is a really nice space, much bigger than I anticipated.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Looks to me like there's been an extension put on here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16It's another L-shaped arrangement with a diner, as it were.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- That is nice.- It means you could have breakfast separate to your guests.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- Ideal.- The only thing we haven't got for you is a more dedicated,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27large utility room which I know is something you were keen on having,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30but you have got that space through that door over there.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Let's have a look upstairs, OK?
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Well, their enthusiasm about this house seems to have
0:11:35 > 0:11:38dipped from the high praise outside.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Time, then, to see if we can stem the tide
0:11:40 > 0:11:42as we check out the master bedroom.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46So this, I'm thinking, would be your bit of what's on offer.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- That is a good-sized room. - Big enough?- Absolutely big enough.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Cosy enough?- It is.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56But without being cramped.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I think it's helped by having again, the dual-aspect windows,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- which is really nice.- It's doable.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Not en suite but you have got the two separate bathrooms,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- unusually, out there.- I'm not worried about an en suite.- Hurrah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10But it does mean, rather fortuitously,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13that you can have a bathroom to yourselves
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- and your guests can have theirs. - Yes, that's good. That is good.
0:12:16 > 0:12:22- That's very good. Quite a surprise, actually.- OK. So that's the house.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I'm not going to ask you what you think of it just yet
0:12:25 > 0:12:27because we need to finish off outside,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31because this is never going anywhere unless we can find space
0:12:31 > 0:12:34for at least one potter's wheel and a kiln.
0:12:34 > 0:12:35Let's go outside.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Also on this floor is another double bedroom alongside a single.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43On the next level, the loft has been tastefully converted
0:12:43 > 0:12:46and now provides another two large bedrooms.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51But out in the back garden, I've got a surprise in store.
0:12:54 > 0:12:55OK.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Out you come.- Thank you.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- We've also got you a pool. - Wow.- That's amazing.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Now some people do have a pool on the list of requirements.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09This was a bonus, in terms of entertaining your guests.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- It would be super.- Marvellous, yeah. - It would be quite nice, wouldn't it?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Yes, absolutely.- But let's not get distracted by that too much
0:13:15 > 0:13:18because that's what I'll want you to really feast your eyes on.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Right, yeah, that's quite nice. - That's a big space.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Shall we have a closer look? - Let's do that.
0:13:26 > 0:13:32- Now then, is that going to be big enough?- Possibly.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36The point I probably should make is that this building has, in the past,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- had planning on it.- Really? - For a conversion as an annex.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- For living accommodation?- Yeah. Now that's lapsed, OK,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46but the fact that it's been granted in the past,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- I suspect it wouldn't be difficult. - It sets a precedent.
0:13:49 > 0:13:56So let's draw this to a close with a discussion about the value
0:13:56 > 0:13:58of property number one.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02What do you think property number one will cost you?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Well, I think it's under our maximum.- Mm-hmm.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I'd agree with that.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- I think about £580,000. - £580,000. Fran?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Well, I was actually going to go slightly less,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17which might be me being optimistic.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- You're allowed to be. - I would go £550,000 on a good day.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22You're both wrong.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25But you're both right. Because it is under budget.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32This would cost you £599,950.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35But there's a lot to consider with this one.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39It's given us a nice idea of where we're pitching. Worth seeing?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Absolutely right.- Too right.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Well, go and have a poke around in there, you too,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46in the barn, and tell us what you would do with that,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- and I'll catch up with you later. - Lovely, thank you.- Off you go.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55On the market for just under £600,000,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58this property comes in well under their budget,
0:14:58 > 0:15:02leaving them plenty of spare cash for the barn conversion.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03This is a charming period home
0:15:03 > 0:15:06that still retains many characterful features
0:15:06 > 0:15:08such as the wood burner in the main living room.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12There are five bedrooms which gives them plenty of space for guests.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Outside, there's a heated swimming pool and topping it off,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18there is a detached barn that's just big enough to be converted
0:15:18 > 0:15:20into a pottery studio or holiday lets.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26It's a large space. A lot of possibilities, actually.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It's big enough, that's a fact.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32On arrival, I thought this was a very pleasant place.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Certainly from the external aspects.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38Coming in, the size of the rooms is perhaps a little small.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44Outside space, fabulous. I mean, absolutely loads of potential.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- So a brilliant start for number one. - A good start?- Absolutely.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Right, come on.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03In the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park
0:16:03 > 0:16:07is the town of Petworth. Since the mid-1970s,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Petworth has become a thriving hub for antique shops with over 30
0:16:11 > 0:16:14spread across the town and in recent years
0:16:14 > 0:16:17it's even been voted the best antiques town in the UK
0:16:17 > 0:16:20in the British Antique Collectors Awards.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23As Geoff and Fran share a passion for collectables,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26earlier in the week we took them to meet Janice Enticknap,
0:16:26 > 0:16:30who runs the antiques market and has a very personal connection
0:16:30 > 0:16:33to the story of how Petworth created such a name for itself
0:16:33 > 0:16:35in the world of antiques.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Well, in the 1960s, there were several antique shops here,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41as there were in most towns.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43And my mother decided to go into antiques
0:16:43 > 0:16:47and she approached a lady in an antiques shop in Angel Street
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and asked her if she could take a small space.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54The lady said yes and my mother saw potential for an antiques centre,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57which was quite novel in those days.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00So she expanded the upstairs attic, took on stallholders
0:17:00 > 0:17:05and as the business grew, they decided to buy these premises.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08My mother was in the business right until she died last year.
0:17:08 > 0:17:1182, she was still pricing up stock the day before she died.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Well I never. Super.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Having revealed the history of the market, Janice was now keen
0:17:17 > 0:17:20to test Geoff's own unique knowledge of a very useful antique.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I've got a corkscrew here that I need to put in the cabinet.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26It was one of my mothers. I don't know much about corkscrews.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Can I have a look, please?- Sure.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32This is what we call a Henschel button, which was designed
0:17:32 > 0:17:35and patented by Samuel Henschel at the end of the 18th century.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- Oh, right.- It's Victorian. It has what we call a balusters stem on it.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- It has nice cipher work, can you see that?- Yes, that is nice.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46I've also got a bit of porcelain that hasn't been put out yet.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Just little spriggy cups and saucers. About 1780.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Pretty sprig pattern. - That's delightful.- It is pretty.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Pretty colours, I think.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Alongside this more affordable market,
0:17:58 > 0:18:03the town also has a thriving trade in much rarer collectables.
0:18:03 > 0:18:0512 dealers are housed in the Tudor Rose building
0:18:05 > 0:18:08and our buyers are off to discover more about the antiques
0:18:08 > 0:18:10held inside from the owner, Elizabeth Lee.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13This is probably the oldest building in Petworth.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18It dates from about 1600. It was an old alehouse originally.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- How do you go about selecting stuff? - The things I select I've got to like
0:18:21 > 0:18:25because if I don't like them, I can't get very fired up
0:18:25 > 0:18:29about trying to sell them. There's no real, overall style.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30It's a real mixture
0:18:30 > 0:18:33and probably allows people to express themselves far better.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35If we come down to the front of the shop,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39I've got a particularly interesting piece called a porter's chair
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- that I think you might be interested in.- Lovely.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Here is the porter's chair. - Look at that! It's splendid!
0:18:45 > 0:18:48There aren't too many of these around now.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53This example is early 20th century. There were four porters.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58So whether you're talking about a London club or a hotel,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02or a smart house. Perhaps you'd like to sit in it, try it for size?
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Golly!- Yes, that's... - That's lovely, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Well, it's time to get Geoff and Fran out of the hot seat,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14as it were, and back to the rather important job of finding them a hot property.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Now we don't have to travel far to get to house number two
0:19:21 > 0:19:26as it's also located in Sidlesham, exactly the same as property one.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29As we already know a little about the village, I thought I'd take
0:19:29 > 0:19:33our buyers on a quick detour to the seaside, just a mile down the road.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Selsey lies just south of Chichester and is a busy and picturesque
0:19:38 > 0:19:42coastal town extending six miles out into the English Channel.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Dominated by the sea, this place is well known for its fresh fish
0:19:46 > 0:19:50and local crab, as we're about to find out.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- Right, then, who's for a seafood snack?- Absolutely.- Too right!
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Hi there, how are you?- I'm fine, thank you. What can I get you?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- It looks like you've got a bit of everything here.- We've got dressed crabs, we've got lobsters here.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Shall we try a dressed crab?- Why not?- I've never eaten crab before.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- Can you believe it? - Let's have a bit of crab then.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Finish the job off.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- I bet that's good.- Now these two are trying to buy a house down here.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Would you recommend life in this part of Sussex?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21It's lovely, because you've got the sea close by you,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25and then you've got Chichester, which is really, really beautiful.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- I love Chichester.- Well, there you are.- That an endorsement, isn't it?!
0:20:29 > 0:20:32You've heard it from the primary source for the area. There we are.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- Thank you very much indeed. - Brilliant. Much obliged.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Right, we're househunting, as if you didn't know. Come on.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- Thanks very much indeed. Bye-bye. - Bye!
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Time to go and see that second house in Sidlesham. There you go.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- That is lovely, really impressive. - Absolutely. That's different.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54It is, it is different. It's a lot bigger than property number one.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Yes.- The other thing to point out, while we're here,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00are these two outbuildings which, to be fair, Geoff,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02they do need a bit of attention.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Look at the size of them, though! - Just a bit(!)- They are massive.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07They'll do, absolutely they will.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- Now the whole lot sits in about 1.2 acres.- That's good.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- There's a bit more that way too. - Really?
0:21:15 > 0:21:19The only thing that I think draws from it is the road noise.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Yes, yes, absolutely.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- But saying that, it does mean you're accessible.- I'm really interested.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- It looks the business.- I can't waits to get in there.- Let's go.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Well, despite the road, Geoff and Fran are still really positive.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35We're going to start by moving through the hallway,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37right into the heart of this home.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Right, come through here. The hallway. Downstairs shower room
0:21:41 > 0:21:43and cloakroom and what have you.
0:21:43 > 0:21:49And then this is the kitchen. What do you make of this, Fran?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52To be honest with you, Jules, I'm disappointed
0:21:52 > 0:21:54because I can see beyond the decor.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58It's just the space, the narrow galley-type shape of it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- I just don't think it'll work. - It's quite small.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Bear with me because I think the rest of this property, you know,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08it's one of these ones that gets better
0:22:08 > 0:22:12the further you go through it. Come and have a look in here.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18This is where I think this house really starts to make sense.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Oh, that's a lovely sized room, really nice and light,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27really light. Really good proportions.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28Do you see what I mean?
0:22:28 > 0:22:32It does evolve in a very positive kind of way.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- I'm liking it better already. - You should do,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37because I think there's a lot going for this place.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42This is the dining area that they've currently got set up,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- which again really components this whole room.- That's lovely.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It really is, very light. - Beautifully light.- I love that.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Lovely view of the garden all round.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Yes. So, thinking back now to the kitchen,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59which, let's face it, was on a bit of a downer,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03would you be prepared or interested to reconfigure that end of the house
0:23:03 > 0:23:06to make it match what we've got here?
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- I think it would be imperative.- Yes, provided it's within our budget.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Absolutely. That's my concern.- Good.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Well, there is method in the madness. Let's continue upstairs.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Let's go through this door, why not?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19So, after a rocky start in the kitchen,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22we seem to be finishing the downstairs of this tour on the up.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26On this floor, there is also one of the four bedrooms
0:23:26 > 0:23:27while the other three are upstairs.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Let's take a look at the room best suited to them.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33This I love. I think this is where it works for you up here,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36because you've got your own sort of master wing, as it were.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40A little study in there. En suite in here.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Oh, right, that's good.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- And here, your master bedroom. - Nice and bright, isn't it?
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- It is. It is a very good size. - The reason I love this layout
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- is because it does give you your own space here.- Too right.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56You've got the other bathroom at the end over there,
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- so your other two guestrooms have the use of that.- A very good idea.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04We've got the other bedroom downstairs and a shower room.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08So you've got three very viable letting doubles
0:24:08 > 0:24:10and you've got all this.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- That's certainly true. - I can see the potential here.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Brilliant.- You've also got the added bonus of this balcony.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Come out here.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Have a look at this. How about this?!- Great.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- A nice bit of afternoon sun. - Brilliant.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28And quite a nice view, actually, of what's on offer, plot-wise.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Indeed.- Lovely.- Fantastic.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- So, you know what's coming now, don't you?- I'm afraid so.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38It's the money bit. Go on, Fran, you go first this time.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- Make us an offer on property number two?- I would say about six two.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Six two? £620,000 says your wife, sir.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50I would have thought it was £640,000, £645,000,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- somewhere like that.- Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56It's open to offers between £600,000 and £650,000.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59That's the kind of guide bracket that goes with it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- So worth thinking about.- Absolutely.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Right, then, I'm going to leave you up here on your own to ponder
0:25:06 > 0:25:10all that you survey and I will catch up with you later.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- Enjoy the sunshine.- Thank you.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19On the market for offers between £600,000 and £650,000,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23we got off to a slow start but I think Geoff and Fran
0:25:23 > 0:25:26can see the potential. It has a large sitting room
0:25:26 > 0:25:29with a wood burner, a lovely and light dining room
0:25:29 > 0:25:31with fabulous views of the garden,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33four bedrooms including one with an en suite
0:25:33 > 0:25:36and a magnificent roof terrace
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and two large outbuildings ready to be given a new lease of life,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43possibly as Geoff's studio or as a holiday let.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I particularly like the land, I particularly like the size
0:25:46 > 0:25:49of the workshops and the potential upstairs for taking guests
0:25:49 > 0:25:53so that they can be separate is extremely good.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55I was very disappointed with the kitchen
0:25:55 > 0:25:57but after looking around the whole thing,
0:25:57 > 0:26:02I could see a potential for us to be able to do what we would like to with that area.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Absolutely worked in terms of guests
0:26:05 > 0:26:09and having a separate bedroom and dressing area for us potentially.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12So that's it then, property number two done and dusted.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15What will come tomorrow? Mystery house time.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- You're doing very well so far. - Fingers crossed, though!- Absolutely!
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Come on, then.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34As the sun sets over the South Downs,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36it marks the end of our first day of househunting.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Pottery-loving Geoff and his wife, Fran, want to remould their life
0:26:48 > 0:26:52and move from Sutton in south-west London to West Sussex.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55So far, they thought our first property was charming
0:26:55 > 0:26:56but the kitchen in the second house
0:26:56 > 0:26:59failed to live up to their expectations.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02However, coming up, will the mystery property fire up our buyers
0:27:02 > 0:27:05or leave them glazed and confused?
0:27:05 > 0:27:09And I get to grips with a piece of Sussex motoring heritage.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12These bus drivers, and you, must have arms like Popeye!
0:27:12 > 0:27:13HORN BLARES
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Well, it's the start of our final day of househunting,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23which means we only have a few hours left to try and find Fran
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and Geoff their home of the future.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Now, to be fair, it has been a bit of a challenge so far
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and I suspect that challenge is set to continue.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Of course, it's never over until it's over.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35One more property to come. It's mystery house time.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44But what, I wonder, do Fran and Geoff think we've got for them?
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- Are we all suitably excited, sitting on the edges of our seats?- Always.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It's going to be very interesting.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55You've always given us the land in abundance
0:27:55 > 0:27:59so it's just what's goes on it now is the consideration.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03It's just what goes on it. Let's see what you make of our final offering.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09We're travelling around 40 miles east of Chichester to Lyminster.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12This small village is famous for its tale of the Knucker Hole,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16a bottomless watery pit inhabited by a fearsome dragon
0:28:16 > 0:28:19called the Knucker that was killed by a local dragonslayer.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22The story is one of the best-known in Sussex folklore
0:28:22 > 0:28:25and it's believed that the tombstone of the slayer,
0:28:25 > 0:28:30known as the slayer's slab, sits in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33For our mystery house, I'm taking Geoff and Fran
0:28:33 > 0:28:37to a detached property that will hopefully solve all their guest accommodation worries
0:28:37 > 0:28:40as it's already an up-and-running B&B.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Well, there is our mystery house.
0:28:43 > 0:28:4542 years old. It was built by the current owners
0:28:45 > 0:28:48but this is currently an up-and-running B&B.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- Oh, really?- Wow. - So this is the real deal.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54And they're making quite a nice living at it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55That's really good to know.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59We've also got you a double garage, which offers you a lot of space,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and a couple of outbuildings as well.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05It's an interesting one this. Let's have a look around.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Well, we're off to a great start and I'm really looking forward to
0:29:08 > 0:29:11revealing the wonderful potential this place has.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15How about this, then? It's got a sort of Edwardian feel, actually.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- It's very open.- Nice, open staircase.- Nice and bright.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Very wide staircase. And then in here we've got the kitchen.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28That's a really good space, a lovely square area. Very light.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31I think you could do a really good job in here.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- We'd need to do something here. - But it'd be really easy to do.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37I think you've alighted on the main point, and that is its proportions.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40You're absolutely right. The other nice thing about this kitchen,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42it is absolutely slap bang in the middle,
0:29:42 > 0:29:46so guests eat and relax through here.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55Now I think this is a really clever solution to the business
0:29:55 > 0:29:57of accommodating your guests.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01In terms of dining and living space, this is all for them.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03That's really perfect.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- Yeah, that's good.- Fantastic.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- And the door there from the kitchen, sliding door.- Oh, great.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- They've also got a guest conservatory.- So I see.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- That's ideal, actually. - And they've got use of the pool.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- We've got another pool for you!- I can't believe it! Isn't that amazing?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25We've found you two out of three.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29Your living room is at the end of the corridor. Nicely tucked away.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Have a look at this.
0:30:34 > 0:30:40- So this is you when you want to get away from it all.- Right.- Yeah?
0:30:40 > 0:30:43That's a really good size room. It's lovely.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Really generous, isn't it?
0:30:45 > 0:30:47And again, lovely views out to the garden.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50And in a way, I suppose, when we get out there,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53you'll see the garden has a guest side as well.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55So you've got your own space
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and that will be your little terrace out there.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00That's perfect.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02That's why this building really works
0:31:02 > 0:31:05because everything's been really proportioned.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Very much so. Super. - Upstairs then. Let's go.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14The more they see of this property, the more appealing it seems to be.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17And I really do think it meets all their requirements.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22Also on this floor is a handy utility room and a cloakroom.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Onwards and upwards, and we're now going to check out their room.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30Have a look in here. This would be, I think, the master.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- You've got a little loo area in there, as it were.- Right.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38So sort of an en suite, I suppose.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- And then you've got this great big balcony again out here.- Oh, wow.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- That's a nice touch.- Really making the best of the garden.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50All of the bedrooms are good-sized and well appointed
0:31:50 > 0:31:52and two of the three are en suite.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56On this floor is also the family bathroom.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Time is now for us to head outside
0:31:58 > 0:32:00to see what they think of the grounds.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Now I think this would be a great sell for any would-be guests.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- Amazing.- Isn't it lovely? And it's heated.- No?- Yeah.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- That's quite nice actually. - Not bad at all.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- The owner tells me he was swimming in it this morning.- Get away!
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- How wonderful.- How about that? Come and explore the rest of it.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25So as you can see, we've got quite an interesting little package for you here.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28The garden is gorgeous, it's in the National Gardens scheme.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- It's lovely.- It's stunning. There are little rooms within it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Beautiful. - What could possibly go wrong?
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- We can't afford it? - Right, yes!
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Well, let's have a think about that then, Geoff.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Go on, then. It's our final guess. You go first.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- I reckon it's £675,000. - £675,000, yeah.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- I'd probably go to 700, actually. - To £700,000?- I would have thought.
0:32:55 > 0:33:02- This could be yours for £595,000. - No!- You're joking!- How about that?
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Wahay, that's the first big smile we've had when we've talked about the money!
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- I think you've done well.- Hurrah!
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Well, go and have a look at those outbuildings and the garage
0:33:14 > 0:33:16and so forth, and I'll meet you later by the veg patch.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- Brilliant.- Great. - Off you go. Brilliant.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Well, finally it looks like the mystery house might have delivered.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30This has been a pretty tough search, as you can probably tell.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31But I'm pleased with this one.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34It delivers everything they're looking for and it's under budget.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Hoorah.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44On the market for £595,000, this property is a welcome surprise
0:33:44 > 0:33:49as it's already a successful and well-established B&B business.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52It has a large kitchen with breakfast room,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56a useful utility, an open-plan dining and garden room,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00four double bedrooms including two which are en suite,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03and there's even a heated swimming pool plus two outbuildings
0:34:03 > 0:34:06that could be converted into a studio for Geoff.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08The mystery house really blew me away.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13I wasn't thinking we'd be looking at anything of this size or a business.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15The plot of land is already beautiful.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18The running business is something I'd never considered.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21But in fact it might well work for us.
0:34:21 > 0:34:27The big question is can we put a pottery in the back garden?
0:34:27 > 0:34:29And if we can do that, it would be really excellent.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33I think it's viable and I'm feeling quite positive, to be honest.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Of course, there's the pool, that's an advantage,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38and then the lovely garden.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43So that's it. House tours over. That was our mystery house.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Time to go and weigh it all up for you too.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48You've given us a huge amount to think about, in a really good way.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- I'm feeling very positive. - I am too.- Keep that thought, Geoff.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Follow me.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Not far from Arundel Castle, at the heart of our house search area,
0:35:13 > 0:35:15is the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Set in the South Downs National Park,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21this 36-acre site is dedicated to celebrating the industrial
0:35:21 > 0:35:25heritage of the South East with a special interest in transport.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29I'm going to take a nostalgic look at how people used to travel
0:35:29 > 0:35:33around this county with long-serving volunteer, Bill Thornycroft.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Bill!
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Hello.- Hi, sir, I'm Jules. Nice to see you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- This is your pride and joy, surely?- Yes, it is.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- And what are we looking at?- Well, it's a pre-First World War bus.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51The body is over 100 years old. The engine is 1914.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54So this was created at the outbreak of the First World War
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- and it's still running?- Yes.- And you've nursed it along ever since.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Well, we had to rebuild it. It was in a scrapyard.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05But you've done it absolutely beautifully, I have to say.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08This is almost indestructible, and any idiot can drive it.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- Probably even me if I tried my hand at it!- No gears at all.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15But when you look at the anatomy of this vehicle,
0:36:15 > 0:36:20it does hark back to a bygone era of horse-drawn transport.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Yes, the construction of the body is exactly the same as a horse bus
0:36:24 > 0:36:26but bigger. It's made of timber frame,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29bolted together with great big iron brackets.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32But it's got that stagecoach feel.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35I guess that's why we call it coachwork, don't we, even now.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38That's one piece of mahogany, the whole length of the bus.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41There's absolutely nothing comfortable about it.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43There's no give in these tyres.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Solid rubber, but you don't get punctures.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- I absolutely love it. Can we get up top?- Certainly, yes.- Wonderful.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53I can't think of a better way to see the Sussex countryside than up here.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- It's a lovely way to see the countryside, yes.- Wonderful.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00Nothing very salubrious about the seating but very practical, I guess, because it's going to rain.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04When it's wet, you sit down, you hold these over your knees,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07just keep your knees try.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- So they're called knee aprons. - Knee aprons?- Yes.- Absolutely lovely.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12And this is the oldest bus
0:37:12 > 0:37:16that is still giving regular rides to the public.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- In Britain?- I think probably anywhere, I don't know.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Possibly the world!
0:37:20 > 0:37:23The introduction of motor buses in about 1904
0:37:23 > 0:37:27really revolutionised life, particularly in the country.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Almost every village was within walking distance of a bus service.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35For the first time, ordinary people could afford to go to the town
0:37:35 > 0:37:36to shop, to go to the theatre.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I suppose it also works the other way, it gave people in towns
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and cities the chance to, well,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44escape to the country for the first time
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and explore this glorious landscape.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49You said earlier when we first met
0:37:49 > 0:37:51that almost any idiot could drive one.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56- Yes.- What are my chances?- Well, of course you can drive. I trust you.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57- Let's have a go.- Yes.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- OK. Thank you.- In the hotseat.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08So these things, we've got no gearbox, no clutch.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11So how do we actually go about firing it up?
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Well, we've cheated on this.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17Because we're getting old and feeble, we can't crank it any more.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20In those days, you cranked it with a handle at the front,
0:38:20 > 0:38:22so we've fitted an electric starter.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- I think we can forgive you that. - We've cheated.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- If you'd like to press the starter button.- OK. 1, 2, 3.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32ENGINE SPLUTTERS INTO ACTION
0:38:32 > 0:38:34There we are. OK.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38It's come to life. Wonderful.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Push that forward, take the handbrake off like that,
0:38:42 > 0:38:44tickle the accelerator a bit.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- And off we go. Bit more, bit more.- Fabulous.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Gosh, I tell you what, you can see why they invented power steering.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58These bus drivers, and you, must have arms like Popeye!
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Well, this one's quite light, compared with some of them.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05This is lovely. It's alive, it's living.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- I might just beep the horn, how about that?! - HORN BEEPS
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Haha!
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Oh, right, you've really got to think ahead on your turns, haven't you?
0:39:12 > 0:39:14BEEPING
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Bill, thank you very much indeed.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19I feel very privileged to have had a go.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25Not just in a world gone by, but your world.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Right, then, I think there's time for one more hoot of the horn
0:39:29 > 0:39:31before we get back to the rest of the show.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- Ready?- Right. HORN BEEPS
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Haha!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Well, it's nearly the end of the day and nearly the end of the show.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Perfect timing, if you ask me.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47As you can see, it is now pouring with rain.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52There's just one more thing to do, and that's to find out if Fran and Geoff have reached a decision
0:39:52 > 0:39:54as to where their future home is going to be.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00So, Fran and Geoff,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04here we are at the end of our little voyage of discovery.
0:40:04 > 0:40:10Has it helped to firm up your idea of the sorts of property
0:40:10 > 0:40:14or sort of property that would really make this move work?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17One side of the coin, yes, it has. And on the other side,
0:40:17 > 0:40:20no, it hasn't. It's opened a lot of other doors and other thoughts.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22OK. Well, let's just remind ourselves of the trip
0:40:22 > 0:40:25we took to open some of those doors.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28It started with property number one.
0:40:28 > 0:40:34Lovely image of a classic Sussex facade, really, with the pool
0:40:34 > 0:40:37and that quite useful outbuilding as well.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- You seemed to respond quite well to that at the beginning.- I did.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I thought it was a really charming view, coming around the corner.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- The outside space certainly worked really well.- OK. Geoff?
0:40:47 > 0:40:52A lot of positives about it but also quite a few negatives,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55things that wouldn't work for us.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Like going straight into that dining area from the front door
0:40:58 > 0:41:03and then into the sitting room. I do feel that's a bit awkward.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07As we said at the time, the trick was trying to fit a business
0:41:07 > 0:41:10or two businesses, really, the pottery and the B&B,
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- into a family home.- Yes.- Which is what the budget was going to get us towards.- You were close.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19But I think we got a bit closer with property number two,
0:41:19 > 0:41:24which had a lot more space and would allow you all kinds of options
0:41:24 > 0:41:27in terms of how you organise yourselves and your guests
0:41:27 > 0:41:30in the property. I know there were some issues over the kitchen, Fran.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Yes, but you did take me their first and it kind of made me feel
0:41:34 > 0:41:38that was never going to work but once we carried on exploring,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I could see the possibilities that could work there really well.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- I quite like that house.- I guess the only big drawback was the road.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- The road.- Unfortunately. - Everything else was very good.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Well, then, today, mystery house time.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56An up-and-running, fully-functioning B&B.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58What did you make of it?
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- I think it was brilliant, actually. - Stunning.- I liked it a lot.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05It certainly has, well, I'm feeling good about it, actually.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07We were both very impressed with that.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10I never would have expected to see such a beautifully-proportioned,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13albeit fairly modern... The garden, absolutely heavenly,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16with the field beyond. I mean, really beautiful.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19OK, what happens now then?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22We need to make some careful considerations
0:42:22 > 0:42:24but I certainly think it's a runner.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27I want to go back and talk to the owners, find some things out.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Well, I would love to wish you all the very best of luck.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It's been an absolute pleasure.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - It's been our pleasure.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44As we all know, buying a house is never easy.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Buying one in an area that you're not that familiar with
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and trying to develop a business that you've never run before,
0:42:50 > 0:42:51well, that really is a challenge,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55a challenge that's been matched by our house search this week.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57But I have no doubt that,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00having gotten to know Geoff and Fran the way I have,
0:43:00 > 0:43:02they will eventually make a go of it.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04The next time I fancy a little break,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08getting away from it all, and the chance to learn how to be a potter,
0:43:08 > 0:43:12well, I know where I'll be coming. I'll see you next time.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:18 > 0:43:23and would like our help, then please apply online:
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