0:00:02 > 0:00:05I'm stood in front of a Martello tower, one of 103 circular fortresses
0:00:05 > 0:00:08built to defend our country in the early 19th century.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12But in which county was this one built? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46'On today's show, I'll be helping a young couple escape the big smoke to find
0:00:46 > 0:00:50'a breath of country air for themselves and their two young daughters.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52'And our house hunt provides plenty of pitfalls.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- There's one thing though, isn't there?- What?- Doink!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- 'Lots of tension...'- This would be the living room, basically.- Hmmm.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- We're going to disagree on camera. - Well, look, you know...
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Wait till you buy the place to have a real argument.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09'And a great deal of anticipation.'
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- Blimey!- What is it?
0:01:15 > 0:01:16Today I'm in Essex,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20where 11 of these Martello towers were built in the early 1800s.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23The name is derived from tour de Mortella, a circular fortress
0:01:23 > 0:01:27in Corsica that withstood an English attack for several days
0:01:27 > 0:01:28and so impressed its attackers,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32they decided to copy its design for use back here in England.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Now, in 1812, all of these towers in Essex were completed
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and housed around 25 soldiers, all poised for action,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41should Napoleon launch an invasion of England.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44But of course, the invasion never came
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and these towers remained unused
0:01:46 > 0:01:47and eventually unmanned.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51But, as you're about to see, there's plenty more to this wonderful county
0:01:51 > 0:01:54than just this snapshot of naval history.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The county of Essex is bordered by Suffolk to the north,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01meets the fringes of Greater London in the south-west
0:02:01 > 0:02:05and extends as far east as the North Sea.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08In fact, its deeply indented coastline stretches out
0:02:08 > 0:02:14across some 350 miles, making it the longest of any English county.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17And it's the strength of the sea breeze over this largely flat
0:02:17 > 0:02:20terrain that was once harnessed to power the vast number
0:02:20 > 0:02:23of windmills found throughout the region.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Over 70% of the county's landscape is rural,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30with many small villages and hamlets nestled into rolling farmland
0:02:30 > 0:02:32and ancient woodland.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's this unspoiled, tranquil beauty that proved
0:02:35 > 0:02:40so inspirational to the 19th-century painter John Constable.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43And it's easy to see why this attractive countryside,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45coupled with the close proximity to the city,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49makes Essex such a prime location to set up home.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53The average price for a detached house here in Essex
0:02:53 > 0:02:55is just shy of £300,000.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00That's around £50,000 more than the national figure. Why?
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Well, one reason might be that there are over 14,000 listed homes here -
0:03:04 > 0:03:07that's more than the neighbouring counties of Suffolk and Norfolk.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10But on top of that, Essex is a highly accessible county.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Fast trains from Colchester
0:03:12 > 0:03:16and Chelmsford can get you into London in around 45 minutes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21But you can expect to pay a premium of around 15% in villages around these towns.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24But no matter where you look, I think it's fair to say that there
0:03:24 > 0:03:28are plenty of architectural styles to greet the eye.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Windmilling in Britain is believed to date back to the 12th century
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and reached a peak in Essex around the early 1800s.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40At that time, around 285 of these grain-grinding iconic structures
0:03:40 > 0:03:42could be found in the county.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Today, there are still a number of restored windmills creating
0:03:45 > 0:03:48a striking feature across the region.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50As for traditional residential properties,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53there's a wealth of homes to choose from,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57including picture postcard thatched cottages, a prime example
0:03:57 > 0:04:00being this utterly charming two-bedroom home in Little Hadham.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05It's on the market for just shy of £280,000.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06Or you can take your pick
0:04:06 > 0:04:09from a choice range of medieval timber-framed homes,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12such as this handsome five-bedroom house in Stansted.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15With an asking price of £600,000,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18it dates all the way back to the 16th century.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23A great range of architectural styles there,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25but what kind of property are today's buyers after?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Time to meet them and find out.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Young professionals Stuart and Bryony met overseas and have spent
0:04:31 > 0:04:36the past 2½ years living the City dream as a married couple in London.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39But after the arrival of their twin daughters Amelia and Olivia,
0:04:39 > 0:04:4218 months ago, they've decided to trade in their urban lives
0:04:42 > 0:04:46for a more family-focused rural existence.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49They're getting to the age where they want to run around, they need
0:04:49 > 0:04:53a bit more space and we just feel that now the time is right to go.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56At the moment, in our garden, we don't have any grass,
0:04:56 > 0:05:01so just simple things like that, that you take for granted,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05they'll be discovering, so, you know, it should be fantastic.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07When it comes to the preferred location,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10they have a very specific criteria.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We've been focusing on the area where the three counties meet -
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23And really, the main factors dictating that are the commute
0:05:23 > 0:05:25to work - I need to get into Oxford Circus -
0:05:25 > 0:05:30and the availability of good schools, as well, for the kids.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33That's also equally key for us, isn't it?
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Yes, my ideal location would be in a village.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39As it's our first move out of a big town, I don't want to be
0:05:39 > 0:05:43completely stranded on our own in the middle of nowhere.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Since the twins were born,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48they've been living in this rented Victorian terrace in south London
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and working out exactly what they want from their new home.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57For me, I'd love a minimum of four bedrooms, a detached house and a
0:05:57 > 0:06:02really big eat-in kitchen, something that will be the heart of the house.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06I'd also love a separate sitting room to the playroom,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09so we can get all the kids' toys out of view.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12We would consider doing works and reconfiguring space,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14knocking down walls and so on.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Bryony does really like her period properties
0:06:17 > 0:06:20and it probably is the quirkier the better, isn't it?!
0:06:20 > 0:06:22I just like a bit of character!
0:06:24 > 0:06:27So, a traditional home is certainly on their wish list,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30but they also want somewhere to explore their passions.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I really want to get into my cooking
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and I'd love to have the space to do that.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I'd also like to maybe do something with my garden,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44maybe grow my own veggies, see if I could do it.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Out in the countryside, I plan to see myself doing more cycling,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52obviously with the family. And I love tennis, as well,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55so hopefully there will be some facilities nearby to be able
0:06:55 > 0:06:58to play tennis and spend a bit more time doing that.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Stuart and Bryony have each sold properties to fund this move,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06so their finances are all ready to buy their first home together.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11The budget is between 700 and £750,000.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Both Stuart and Bryony need to commute into London for work,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20so they want to concentrate their search in the villages
0:07:20 > 0:07:22around Saffron Walden, near to where the three
0:07:22 > 0:07:26counties of Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire meet.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29So, with the location sorted, I'm meeting up with them
0:07:29 > 0:07:32on Essex turf to clarify the details of their move.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34So, here we are in Essex.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Why have you chosen this particular part of the world?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's still easy to commute into London
0:07:39 > 0:07:42and we think we can get a bit more space than we have at the moment.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44What sort of commute time are you looking at?
0:07:44 > 0:07:48I think probably about an hour and a quarter, max. Door-to-door.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Door-to-door? That's amazing, isn't it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54You can come out to the countryside and be in central London in
0:07:54 > 0:07:57an hour and a quarter, but obviously
0:07:57 > 0:08:00that's reflected in property prices.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Yes.- How much more are you hoping to get for your money out here?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Um, size wise, not that much for the actual house,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- but outside space is very important. - How much garden do you want?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Acres, or just something for your children to run around in?
0:08:14 > 0:08:15About a third of an acre.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Yes. From our research so far, about a third of an acre.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21So you've both got some clear criteria,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23which makes it easier to find a property, I think.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- So how many bedrooms?- Four. We want to be able to extend.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30If there's only four, I want to be able to extend it to get five.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31Sounds like you want to extend your family!
0:08:31 > 0:08:34You've got twins at the moment, four to five bedrooms -
0:08:34 > 0:08:37are you moving out hoping to have guests coming to stay,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39or do you just want a huge family home?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42You've got to go for the son and heir! We've got two girls at the moment!
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Right, OK, got you! All right.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Might as well start? - Yes.- Let's get cracking.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54For their maximum budget of £750,000, Stuart
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and Bryony are after a sizeable and characterful detached
0:08:57 > 0:08:59family home with potential
0:08:59 > 0:09:02as they're quite willing to take on a project.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04They need a minimum of four bedrooms,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06a large kitchen/diner
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and two separate reception rooms.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11And essential to their checklist are good transport links
0:09:11 > 0:09:15into central London and access to excellent local primary schools.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We'll be taking Stuart and Bryony to view some of the best traditional
0:09:19 > 0:09:23and unconventional family homes on the market, but as always,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I won't be revealing the price tags until they've had a guess first.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30As ever, our final choice is the mystery house -
0:09:30 > 0:09:34but will it provide a happy landing or just be a flight of fancy?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Our first property is situated in the village of Quendon,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45which has a local primary school rated good by Ofsted and a nearby
0:09:45 > 0:09:50train station offering a direct 45-minute connection into London.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Quendon lies side-by-side with the idyllic-looking village
0:09:53 > 0:09:57of Rickling, characterised by a large, lush green
0:09:57 > 0:10:01and framed by picturesque houses as well as a popular country pub.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04The house we're viewing is a period home dating back to the 1800s
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and has good road links right on the doorstep.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13So here is Essex's first offering.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It's a nice-looking house.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Two garages. Well appointed.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20Very nice.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It's fully enclosed, this property.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26But...there is the road.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27- Yes.- How much of a problem?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I think it might be a problem. - A big problem.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33We've brought you here because of the accommodation
0:10:33 > 0:10:36and because there's plenty of character here and plenty of space.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38It does look like a great house.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41OK, let's see what you think of it, anyway.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'Despite the proximity to the road, they both seem
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'to like the appearance of this timber-framed house.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'And I'm hoping the bounty of traditional features inside
0:10:50 > 0:10:53'will more than make up for any potential traffic noise.'
0:10:56 > 0:11:01OK... So... Living room.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- I'll say now, one of your living rooms.- Ah...- It's a decent size.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07If that puts a different slant on it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- Good feature fireplace. - Yes, nice fireplace.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- There is one thing though, isn't there?- Yeah!- Doink!- Ah, yes!
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Well, again, that's what you get with character.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- It feels cosy, though. - Yes, it feels like a nice room.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24I think this room would potentially be maybe more of a summer room,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26cos it spills out into the garden,
0:11:26 > 0:11:27maybe more of a "best" room,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30more formal, because the sitting room
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I'm about to show you is next door to the kitchen.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- I think you'd get a lot more use out of that.- OK.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Right, then. Bit more of a flow to this room.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- It's a good room.- Yeah?- Well... L-shaped.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48And this is the older part of the property again.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50It feels that, doesn't it?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- It just has a bit more character to it, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57It's obviously period, I quite like it, actually. It's got a good feel to it.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I think everything we've seen so far
0:11:59 > 0:12:01I definitely think could work for us.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06The fact we have a formal area and then more of a snug, playroom
0:12:06 > 0:12:12- type area, where you can have the kids making a mess.- Yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Let's go straight through to the kitchen,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- because I think it's all quite integral, really.- Yeah.- So...
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Here it is.- Again, full of character.- Yes, it is, isn't it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It is.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I think it's a really good kitchen.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29It's light, it's spacious.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33A mean, these old beams and stuff - that's great. Really characterful.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's great you've got your kitchen area and your eating area.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- But at the same time, it's completely open.- That's good.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44So, at the moment, this marries up to
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- the sort of style that you're after for your new countryside house? - Yes.- Yes.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'The kitchen sits at the back of the property,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55'right next to a huge utility room with a downstairs cloakroom.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59'In the front hallway are the stairs up to the sleeping quarters,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03'and there are five bedrooms in total, all of which are doubles.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06'The three smallest rooms are grouped together in the centre
0:13:06 > 0:13:10'of the house and all share a large five-piece family bathroom.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13'Then, there's a huge bedroom, currently being used
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'as a games room, which also benefits from an en-suite bathroom.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19'That just leaves the largest bedroom...'
0:13:19 > 0:13:22This is very much the master.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24This is a BIG room.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Good room.- Isn't it?- Yes, very good. - And there's a walk-in wardrobe...
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Oh, that's my dream!
0:13:32 > 0:13:36The depth of that en suite goes halfway behind the bed
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- and then the other half is walk-in wardrobe.- Wow.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- It wasn't a prerequisite, but that is a big tick in a box.- Yes.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46'After the initial road reservations, both Stuart
0:13:46 > 0:13:49'and Bryony appear to be keeping positive about this property
0:13:49 > 0:13:52'and it's no wonder - there's a lot of house here.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55'And the garden is also a substantial size,
0:13:55 > 0:13:59'with a total plot that covers a third of an acre, featuring a large,
0:13:59 > 0:14:04'paved patio and a level lawned area ideal for their two young children.'
0:14:04 > 0:14:06So how much is this house on the market for?
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- I'm going to let Stu go first! - Very good of you!- OK.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I think around 700.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- OK. Bryony?- 695.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17JONNIE INHALES SHARPLY
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Naughty bid that, five grand under. But you're closer...
0:14:21 > 0:14:22It's on...
0:14:22 > 0:14:27Yeah! It's on the market for offers around £650,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Oh, so the road has a bigger impact than I thought.- Yes.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32If you picked this up and put it in a village,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35I think you could add another 150,000, easily.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- You'd struggle to afford it, absolutely.- OK.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Why don't you go back into the house, then, have a good scoot
0:14:40 > 0:14:43around and I'll meet you outside at the front in a few moments.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Perfect, thank you.- Thanks a lot.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52This spacious 19th-century period property is £100,000
0:14:52 > 0:14:55under Stuart and Bryony's top budget,
0:14:55 > 0:14:59but comes with all of their specified criteria.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02There are two separate reception rooms, a large kitchen/diner
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and five bedrooms,
0:15:04 > 0:15:05as well as a good-sized garden
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and it's located within their preferred commute time.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So, on the face of it, this property is a perfect match,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14but it remains to be seen
0:15:14 > 0:15:17whether the roadside location will bypass its benefits.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- Another big room.- The games room! - Or, OR a guest bedroom.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26This is a good-sized room.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Yes, this has the other en suite. It's another good-sized bathroom.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33This is a really lovely guest bedroom.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I thought the house itself inside was great -
0:15:36 > 0:15:40loads of period features, which was fantastic, beams, but not too many,
0:15:40 > 0:15:45which makes it not that dark, which was also a plus point.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Feature fireplaces, great eat-in kitchen,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51so on the whole, the style of house was definitely to our liking.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Five bedrooms was a real bonus.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I really like the period nature of the property.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02I think the styles are very eclectic, very intriguing.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08Full of character and the house itself I think we really like, actually.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- All done inside?- Yes, thank you. - All good.- Plenty of bedrooms.- Lots.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Yes, lots of space. - OK, let's go on.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Much of the pastoral landscape
0:16:29 > 0:16:32where northern Essex meets the Suffolk borders
0:16:32 > 0:16:35epitomises the traditional English farmed countryside.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38It's a setting that was to become world-famous when captured on
0:16:38 > 0:16:44canvas by the Romantic painter John Constable in the early 19th century.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Constable was born and raised in the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51which are now preserved as areas of outstanding natural beauty.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56And an ideal way to explore this iconic scenery is by bike.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59So during the week, we sent keen cyclists Stuart
0:16:59 > 0:17:02and Bryony to meet Paul Armstrong for a guided tour
0:17:02 > 0:17:06through countryside that inspired some of Constable's greatest works.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10They've started with a beautiful panorama that he painted in 1802.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13OK, we just arrived here at the lip of Dedham Vale,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16looking down over the Stour Valley.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20This is actually very close to a famous scene of a famous
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Constable picture...
0:17:22 > 0:17:27which he actually painted from the top of the church tower behind us,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29looking out across the valley.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Unfortunately, it doesn't look quite the same these days,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- because the trees have grown a bit. - What a view, hey?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Apart from the bigger trees,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40I think you'll agree that the actual scenery -
0:17:40 > 0:17:43this was painted 200 years ago -
0:17:43 > 0:17:46has barely changed in the time since then.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51So where is the famous Hay Wain in relation to this?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Oh, we've still got two or three miles to go to reach that.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59The route runs along country lanes, past lowland meadows
0:17:59 > 0:18:02and through medieval villages, down to Flatford Mill,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04which was once owned by Constable's father
0:18:04 > 0:18:09and is the location featured in the classic painting the Hay Wain.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Here we are to finish off at the scene of Constable's...
0:18:13 > 0:18:18Probably his most famous work, about 1820, but now of course is
0:18:18 > 0:18:24renowned as one of the most famous landscape pictures that we have.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Willy Lott's cottage looks pretty much the same.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31It's very impressive. What a fantastic setting, as well.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33It's beautiful.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Life may have changed greatly since Constable's day,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40but it's comforting to see that many of the scenes
0:18:40 > 0:18:43he painted have retained their natural timeless quality.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46For now though, it's time to get back to the house hunt and find
0:18:46 > 0:18:49an unspoiled pocket of Essex that our buyers can call home.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57For our second property, we're stepping out of Essex
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and into Hertfordshire.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01We're heading for Little Hadham,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04only a couple of miles from Bishop's Stortford,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06with its mainline train service to London,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08which takes around 45 minutes.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10There's also a local primary school,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13again with an Ofsted rating of good.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Little Hadham is a pretty hamlet surrounded by fields and full of
0:19:16 > 0:19:21whitewashed timber-framed farmhouses and immaculate thatched homes.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24These line the quiet, winding streets and narrow lanes
0:19:24 > 0:19:28that take us straight to the outside of our second house.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30So now, from the first property,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32hopefully a vast improvement on the road.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- This is the road connecting the property.- A bit quieter.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- Yes!- A great improvement. - And that is the house.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42It looks big from here. Very long.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Yes, it's an old worker's cottage,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48a labourer's cottage for a big, old farm that was up the road.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50But it has been extended, right through that gable end.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55So it's a whole lot more property than it was initially built as.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- When was it built?- 1660.- OK.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00So, location wise?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- The right sort of area, isn't it?- Yes.- Good.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- Let's see what you think of the inside.- Perfect. - Let's go and have a look.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10'And in true country tradition, we're skipping the front door in
0:20:10 > 0:20:14'favour of the back entrance, which takes us straight into the kitchen.'
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Come right in, because I know it needs a bit of work -
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- I want you to get up close and personal with it.- Seems quite dated!
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Yes.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Now, the estate agents have told the owner,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and quite rightly in my opinion, not to put a new kitchen in,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36because to spend all that money on a new kitchen, it still
0:20:36 > 0:20:39might not be the taste of the incoming purchaser...
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Is there any way that you could increase the size of the kitchen?
0:20:42 > 0:20:48Yes, it's going to involve steels, but you've got a ground-floor
0:20:48 > 0:20:53loo and shower room on the left as you came in, a utility that way.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- So you can go out that way, quite easily.- OK.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- Increasing the size of this kitchen by...probably 50%.- OK.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06I think what we'd like to do is just see it in the context,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10if we could create a bigger kitchen here and just see it in the context of the rest of the house.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Absolutely. - And how it fits in with that.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Subject to the correct planning permission of course,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18knocking through could be the perfect solution to create
0:21:18 > 0:21:20the large kitchen/diner they so desire.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25But as it stands, there's still plenty of reception space, starting
0:21:25 > 0:21:29with the cosy drawing room that has an enormous inglenook fireplace.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32This room flows into the second reception area,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36which is laid out as a dining room and is next to the compact office.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'After that is the sitting room.'
0:21:39 > 0:21:40They've used...
0:21:40 > 0:21:44They found old timbers when they did this. I think it's a gorgeous room.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Yes, it is.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49It's great, and it spills out onto the patio area, as well.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52The house is very long and quite thin, I think.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Yes, because I would see this as a formal drawing room.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00I see this as the room where you'd spend...
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- This would be the living room, basically.- Hmmm.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05We're going to disagree on camera.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Well, look, I think, you know,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10wait until you buy the place to have a real argument!
0:22:10 > 0:22:11No, I'm only joking!
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It's the first time you've seen it and you've lots of thoughts
0:22:14 > 0:22:16going through your mind, which is great.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18This house is always going to challenge someone,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22because it's old, it's... It's not conventional.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25But there's so much in it that I thought you would like.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- The character, essentially, I suppose.- Yes, I agree.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33There's a really warming mood to this house tour which shows
0:22:33 > 0:22:35it may be working for them.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Upstairs, the master bedroom has an element of interconnection, too,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42as it can be accessed via a private staircase
0:22:42 > 0:22:45from the kitchen or from the landing, through the second bedroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Right... Not massive.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- But so much character. Look at these floorboards.- I know.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Cor, you feel like the whole room is on a gradient.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11It's like being in a ship, isn't it?
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- It's amazing. I love all the wobbly floors.- What about the dimensions?
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- Could you live in smaller-bedroomed accommodation?- I could.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21I think my issue would be
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- not being able to get in on both sides of the bed.- Good point.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29That's the big thing that shouts out to me in this room.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33But other than that, I think it's quite a nice little quirky room.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34There are four bedrooms in total
0:23:34 > 0:23:38and the last two are off the main landing next to the family bathroom.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Outside, the mature gardens cover half an acre,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46with a wide expanse of lawn and a veggie plot.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49In addition, there is also a three-acre paddock,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52so more than enough space for their children to run around.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58Land, gardens... Beautiful old 17th-century house...
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- What would you price it at? - I think 725,000.- OK.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09OK, I'm going to go upper end, actually - 745.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Good guess. £750,000.- Oh!
0:24:17 > 0:24:23- Yes!- No!- No, that's more money we've got to pay.- Yes. That's my point.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27It's more, but whether or not you could negotiate this property
0:24:27 > 0:24:31to a price that would allow you to make changes...
0:24:31 > 0:24:32would remain to be seen.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36But hopefully it's given you something to think about.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37- Definitely.- OK.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Look, you haven't looked in the garage,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42you haven't looked at the other bedrooms. Now is your chance.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Last thing we're doing today -
0:24:43 > 0:24:47I shall be relaxing somewhere in this lovely garden.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- See you in a moment.- Have fun.- Bye.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Bang on budget at £750,000,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56the second property is a fascinating
0:24:56 > 0:24:59detached 17th-century period cottage
0:24:59 > 0:25:01set in a quiet hamlet.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05It's also close to great transport links and good schools.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It comes with a kitchen/ breakfast room,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11no less than three reception rooms and four bedrooms.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13All in all, it's an absolute beautiful setting,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15with over three acres of grounds.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22I thought it looked lovely, slightly set back from the road,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24really quiet country lane.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28First impressions going into the kitchen were that it would need
0:25:28 > 0:25:31a lot of work and it would want to be much bigger.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34We're looking for a big kitchen/diner,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37but on the whole, a lot of space on the ground floor.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43Three big reception rooms and it seems great - loads of character.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47The price means there is no flexibility for us to do anything.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51I think in terms of the configuration of the house, and particularly with
0:25:51 > 0:25:56the ceilings in the upstairs, it's going to be a real compromise for us.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- What's your favourite veg?- Potato! - There you go. What about you?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- Carrots!- Ah, I don't think there's any carrots there yet.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06I don't know if I'd know even if there were!
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- Anyway, seen enough inside? - Yes, thank you.- Good.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12It's been a great day. I've learnt lots about your search.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Hopefully you've had something to get your noggin ticking with tonight.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- No, it's been good. - Let's make our way.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30As the evening draws in,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33the first day of our house hunt comes to an end.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44With a budget of £750,000, London-based Stuart and Bryony
0:26:44 > 0:26:48are looking for a family home in the Essex countryside.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51And so far they've seen two very characterful period properties,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54the second of which had them swaying with joy.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57You feel like the whole room is on a gradient.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Like being in a ship, isn't it?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02But still to come,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05there is almost unimaginable individuality in the mystery house.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10- It's very different to any house I've ever seen before.- Me too.- Yeah.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15And I should like to be beside the seaside, beside the sea.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Yesterday, Bryony and Stuart saw two great properties,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26both had character, good access to London and schools,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30but also both did have an element of compromise.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Today, we're off to see the mystery house - hopefully,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35the sun will break through those clouds later.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Now, I reckon I've shown my fair share of quirky properties to buyers
0:27:39 > 0:27:44in the past, but I reckon this one pretty much takes the biscuit.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51So... Two properties down.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Off to see the mystery house.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- You guess it, I'll buy you lunch. - Ooh.- Pub conversion.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00You're going for pub conversion.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Do I have to do a specific type?
0:28:04 > 0:28:05I'll go barn conversion, then.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10OK. Enjoy the ride. All will be revealed soon.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Well, lunch won't be on me.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Our final destination is in the rural outskirts of Hadstock,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20tucked right up against the Cambridgeshire county border.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22The nearest train station has a line into the City,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24which takes just over an hour
0:28:24 > 0:28:28and the nearest primary school is again rated good by Ofsted.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Hadstock is just four miles from the town of Saffron Walden.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Here, our buyers can purchase items from a whole host of shops
0:28:35 > 0:28:39housed within attractive Tudor and Georgian architecture and
0:28:39 > 0:28:44they can use the twice-weekly market that dates right back to 1141.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Saffron Walden's prosperity blossomed through
0:28:47 > 0:28:50the growth of the saffron crocus in the 16th century
0:28:50 > 0:28:54and it's not just the town's name that references the flower.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Much of the local architecture features the saffron buds too.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Time to check out our mystery property
0:29:00 > 0:29:03and it's safe to say it's a truly remarkable house.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08SHE LAUGHS
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- Are we looking yet?- I'm looking! - Have a look!
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- Blimey!- What is it?
0:29:14 > 0:29:19- This is... a World War II...- Yes?
0:29:19 > 0:29:21..aircraft control tower.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be? - As... As... Yeah!
0:29:24 > 0:29:27I don't think I've ever seen one of those before!
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- I don't think I have. - This is unexpected, to say the least. - That WAS unexpected.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34It's pretty much the quirkiest property I've shown someone.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Now inside, you said you wanted character.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Not necessarily old, but first good news,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43you're not going to be banging your head.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Excellent.- Let's have a look. - Fantastic.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Set amid fields of rapeseed on the remains of the WWII airfield,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55this Grade II-listed control tower
0:29:55 > 0:29:58is a unique home with an upside-down layout,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02as all the reception and living areas are on the first floor.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- OK, then. Get a load of this.- Wow.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- Yeah! Look at that. Surrounded by yellow.- This is unbelievable.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16I think the yellow gives it that extra wow factor when you come in.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Yes.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21This is the biggest kitchen we've seen so far, even though
0:30:21 > 0:30:25it's open-plan beyond. It's totally, totally bespoke.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29This is Bry's favourite type of kitchen. Open plan...
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- It's very different to any house I've ever seen before.- Me too.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37So let's look in the living area...
0:30:37 > 0:30:39How brave are you?
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- No, I can do that! Quickly!- Waaaay!
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- Do you like this style?- Yes. I think it works.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Where we're stood at the moment was the control room.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Built in 1943,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00so this has had a major input into our history, really.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03The building was commissioned and built in the early 1940s
0:31:03 > 0:31:08and used by both the Royal Air Force and the US Army Air Force.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It was converted into a home ten years ago,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13to a highly contemporary design.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Also on this first floor is the master bedroom
0:31:16 > 0:31:18where the sleek finish continues.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Right then, your master.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- It's very light. - Yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29It's a good size.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31OK, so that protrudes into the kitchen, that bit there?
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- Behind that walk-in wardrobe... - Another tick!
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Is that rosewood cupboard.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43And then round the other side is an en-suite shower and loo.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- It's quite cleverly done. - It's good, isn't it?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50The remaining four bedrooms are all back down on the ground floor,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53alongside a huge family bathroom.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56There is a large, light double with a door out to the garden
0:31:56 > 0:32:01next to another double with Mondrian-inspired built-in storage.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04And the last two are also a similar size.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Well, that wraps up the accommodation,
0:32:06 > 0:32:08and it's time to survey the land.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Where better to take it all in than up on the roof?
0:32:11 > 0:32:14So let me explain what we've got here.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20You've got...just under an acre. Not easy to price.
0:32:20 > 0:32:21Not easy.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23But have a go at it.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29- I would estimate in excess of 700, probably about 725.- OK.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34I'm just going to go in with a value of 700,000.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35Very good guess.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's on the market for offers around £695,000.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44It's a really interesting proposition.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Tell you what, go downstairs, I'll meet you out the front.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48Where is the front? I forget!
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- I'll meet you at the bottom, whenever you're ready.- OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- See you there.- Enjoy it.- Bye.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Well, that's just it - I want them to enjoy this house.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01It's SO different. It's been fun looking around this place.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04But also, as quirky as it may seem,
0:33:04 > 0:33:09it actually gives them everything they asked for. This could be their new family home.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15On the market for offers around £695,000,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19the mystery property is an historic and unique Grade II-listed home,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22converted from a former aircraft control tower.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It comes with a modern kitchen and living area, five bedrooms
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and that enormous roof terrace,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33which features commanding views as far as the eye can see.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36This proposition presents a rare opportunity for our two
0:33:36 > 0:33:40London-based buyers to get a slice of contemporary City style living
0:33:40 > 0:33:42in the heart of the countryside.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Um, for us, I think we're quite traditional in the sense that
0:33:47 > 0:33:52we like to go upstairs to bed, but obviously this property is unusual.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55A fantastic setting, and you've got to make the most of that.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58It's something that we need to go and think about in terms
0:33:58 > 0:34:01of the logistics of it and how it would work.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07Um... Yes, TBC. To be continued.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10It is very much an entertaining house and Stu and I,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12especially with the move to the country, want to be able to
0:34:12 > 0:34:16entertain people, so from that side, it's a definite tick.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19So I think we just need to work through it,
0:34:19 > 0:34:24see how we could play with the space and see if it would work for us.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Well, it's very pleasant out here, I tell you.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Jonnie, you make this property look good!
0:34:30 > 0:34:34No, it's the furniture, not me! Have you seen enough in there?
0:34:34 > 0:34:35- Yes, thank you.- Good.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- Let's find somewhere for you to have a bit of a catch-up and talk things through.- Great.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Britain's love affair with the seaside dates back
0:34:51 > 0:34:55some 300 years and in the Victorian heyday,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58sea bathing was therapeutic, fun and fashionable.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00With the early 20th century
0:35:00 > 0:35:03came the ultimate in private changing-room facilities
0:35:03 > 0:35:05in the form of beach huts, which still make
0:35:05 > 0:35:10a colourful splash across many a British seafront promenade.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Today there are over 20,000 bathing boxes decorating the UK's
0:35:13 > 0:35:19coastline and over the past decade, they've become the iconic des res.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I've come to Frinton-on-Sea to meet local resident Giles Watling,
0:35:22 > 0:35:27whose family have owned a beach hut on the parade here since 1957.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29These are called the Whalings.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33There are 100 huts here and of all the 3,000 or so huts
0:35:33 > 0:35:36we've got on the Tendring Peninsula around here, around the Frinton
0:35:36 > 0:35:40area, these are the only ones that stand up like this over the sea.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43The tide will come right in here and all the way up and under the huts.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46If the water comes right up to the huts,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49they must look like floating structures at one point?
0:35:49 > 0:35:51It's like being on a boat, really.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53You've got the sound of the sea underneath you,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56sitting there with a gin and tonic and a book in your hand.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Were these an extension of the residents' here or were these
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- for the people who couldn't afford a holiday home? - No, an extension of the residents'.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06There was a rule until a few years ago where you couldn't have a
0:36:06 > 0:36:10beach hut down here unless you lived in the Tendring Peninsula.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12That rule was taken away, which had two effects - one,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14it increased the value,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18but it also meant that we have a lot of absentee landlords, if you like,
0:36:18 > 0:36:22who are in London and they only get down here so often.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24The majority of beach huts are privately owned
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and they come with a very long waiting list.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30On this part of the coast, huts typically cost between five
0:36:30 > 0:36:34and £30,000, but one that recently sold in Dorset is thought to be
0:36:34 > 0:36:37the most expensive beach hut in the UK,
0:36:37 > 0:36:41selling for a whopping £170,000.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47I must admit, Giles, I've never seen a beach hut with its own back garden before.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48This is rather exclusive, isn't it?
0:36:48 > 0:36:50They are quite unique with this veranda.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- Can you show me inside?- Yes, let's go and have a look. Come inside.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59This feels like a lovely sort of boat cabin, doesn't it?
0:36:59 > 0:37:01I use it as an office.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03For inspiration, you'd struggle to find any better...
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Well, it is stunning. Look at that sea, sparkling away.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- May I have a look?- Go ahead,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- stick your head out of the window. - It's wonderful.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- I suppose the water pretty much comes up here, does it?- Under here.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16You can drop out a bucket
0:37:16 > 0:37:20and pick up some water to scrub down the decks.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22I'm sure you're probably loath to go home sometimes.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I don't want to go home. This is paradise.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28And who needs a holiday, frankly, in Spain or wherever,
0:37:28 > 0:37:30when you've got this? Look at it.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Ongoing maintenance is crucial to protect huts from the harsh
0:37:34 > 0:37:37coastal weather and corrosive salt air,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40but there are passionate experts who will help get the job done.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42John Robertson is one of them.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48Now, John, you're involved in what, the upkeep of these beach huts?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Yes, basically it starts out some people come along
0:37:51 > 0:37:55and want a door repaired or something very simple.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Then somebody else comes along and wants a new kitchen fitted.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Some are so luxurious, some have a full sink, a gas fridge,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04I mean, they've got to have their beer and wine cold!
0:38:04 > 0:38:07So the uses have changed over the past 100 years or so,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10but essentially, they're here to enjoy the beach
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- and the weather we have here. - Yeah, that's it.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Over 100 years since they first graced our promenades,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21these modest candy-coloured landmarks are still a defining
0:38:21 > 0:38:25and treasured reflection of life and leisure at the British seaside.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Well, that's real estate with a guaranteed sea view at least.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Maybe a mystery property for the future.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Time now to catch up with today's buyers and see
0:38:34 > 0:38:38if this beautiful county of Essex has worked its charms.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47All right, let's start at the beginning. First property...
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I don't think, if we're really honest with each other,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- we never got over that road, did we?- No, we didn't.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58It was a fantastic house, a lot of space.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01But we just couldn't live on that road.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05No, but I learned quite a bit from you guys about what you like.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I mean, internally, you both...
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- got on quite well with that house, didn't you?- We did.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14It was pretty much... It pretty much ticked all the boxes.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16It was just the road that was the issue.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20OK, because you reacted so well to the garden in the first house,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I was really looking forward to the afternoon,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26where I took you to that beautiful 17th-century cottage.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Built back in 1660, however,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32we started looking at the proportions which came into play.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35The ceilings came into play, big-time. But that was...
0:39:35 > 0:39:38That was a quieter setting,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40very chocolate box-y,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I think was how we described it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44As you say, the garden was great.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48The house was full of character and that was all good news.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I think the configuration of the bedrooms on the top floor
0:39:51 > 0:39:52was difficult.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56There probably wasn't enough space there for us
0:39:56 > 0:39:58and our family and future family,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01but also, it was Grade II-listed, so I think the potential
0:40:01 > 0:40:05for expansion and extension there was limited as well.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Well, there were some changes to be made and it was, as you say,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Grade II-listed, so maybe a bit of a challenge.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But outside, fantastic garden, wasn't it?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17That three acres was obviously a large plot of land
0:40:17 > 0:40:21and it just gives you that extra potential.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Well, hopefully, we ended on a bit more of a high,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25something to think about overnight.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28And I say this with a wry smile, I was very much looking forward to
0:40:28 > 0:40:30showing you the mystery property today.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34What were your thoughts when you looked up
0:40:34 > 0:40:38and saw a converted aircraft control tower?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I wasn't sure what to think, to be honest.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45It's not something that you'd ever imagine going to see, so...
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- No.- I was a bit shocked.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50But you seem to be embracing it, both of you.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Definitely. - I thought it was exciting, actually.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54It looked like the sort of property
0:40:54 > 0:40:57where you could get some decent dimensions internally.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Obviously, the roof terrace was fantastic.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- Miami meets Saffron Walden!- Yeah!
0:41:05 > 0:41:09But fantastically quirky and fantastic space,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11both inside and out.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13So of the three properties,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15that's the one that we would go away and think about.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Is that what you're going to do, or is that just a favourite?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21That's definitely our favourite one out of the three and we'll take it away,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24we'll consider how it will work for us and the kids
0:41:24 > 0:41:27and so on with the upstairs downstairs.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28And, um...
0:41:28 > 0:41:32We'll see what we think, have a good old think about it.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34That doesn't surprise me that you say that,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36because it's just so different, isn't it?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- Are you cool enough to live in that place?- That's my worry!
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I don't know anybody that cool!
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I think, by purchasing that place, you would BECOME very cool!
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I know. It's a bit of a statement.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- I think you'd have to get new friends.- And new furniture!
0:41:51 > 0:41:56Definitely new furniture! Well, best of luck with your decision.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59No matter where you go, I know you've chosen to relocate
0:41:59 > 0:42:02to a wonderful part of the world, but whatever you do, do let us know.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04It's been a really enlightening experience, thank you.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's been fun, so thank you, too.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Well, it's been a great few days here in Essex,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18but certainly the highlight for me was showing two rather
0:42:18 > 0:42:23discerning house-buyers a converted aircraft control tower.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Now, they've told me they want to go away, consider this carefully
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and I think it's a really good idea, because, well,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33they had great reactions first of all, but on reflection,
0:42:33 > 0:42:35yes, of course it's unconventional,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37but it's actually quite practical.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Internally, well, Stuart wouldn't be banging his head,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43but externally, you've got the land, you've got access to great schools
0:42:43 > 0:42:47in Saffron Walden, but most importantly, the commute time -
0:42:47 > 0:42:49within an hour and a quarter of London,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52so Stuart should be fairly happy there, too.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54So, maybe, just maybe,
0:42:54 > 0:42:59that very quirky mystery property may have found two new buyers.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Who knows? See you next time.
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