0:00:02 > 0:00:05We are in a county that has one set of sand dunes, and I'm standing on them.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07And they are getting bigger every year.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12The wind deposits 7,500 cubic metres of sand.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17That's the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools-worth.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53On today's show I'm taking an artist, accompanied by her good friend,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56to find a home with a difference in the countryside.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01We more than deliver on character, plus amazing views at one property.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I've got a horrible feeling I can't afford this.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07But as ever, the mystery house could be the one that trumps them all.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10My goodness. I'm... I'm flabbergasted.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Today we're in East Sussex. This is Camber Sands,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19whose entire existence is largely due to this chap,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Marram Grass.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Its roots are very deep and they catch the wind-blown sand.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Interestingly, marine biologists point out
0:01:27 > 0:01:30that this grass has only been here for 300 years.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33So, where did it come from?
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Local legend has it that it was caused
0:01:35 > 0:01:39by a shipwrecked cargo of Dutch grass seed
0:01:39 > 0:01:42which landed here in the 17th century.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Hm, not so convinced by that. But one thing is certain,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50it's a beautiful spot and a beautiful county.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Lying in the south of England,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56the county of East Sussex is bordered by neighbouring West Sussex,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Surrey and Kent.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Its coastal town of Rye has been a port since Norman times.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05The wealth of beautifully preserved streets
0:02:05 > 0:02:07from the Medieval Tudor and Georgian periods
0:02:07 > 0:02:12provide a glimpse of the town's long and often chequered maritime history,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16even including smuggling, which back in the 18th century was rife here.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Along the coast, one of England's oldest fishing ports, Hastings,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24is home to Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Every morning their catch is wheeled to the town's fish market,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30as it has been since the 1800s.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Moving inland you'll find the South Downs,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36the UK's newest national park.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39The South Downs Way criss-crosses the entire length of the park
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and offers spectacular walks.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46And the 100-mile trail has an unusual focal point
0:02:46 > 0:02:48in the Long Man of Wilmington,
0:02:48 > 0:02:54a mysterious 235-foot-tall figure cut into the turf on Windover Hill.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56East Sussex is not cheap.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01The average detached house here clocks in at just under £315,000,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04which is 20 percent above the national average.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07And if you're looking inland, the usual things pertain.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12If you're close to a station up to London on the west side, that's more expensive.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16You can get a better bargain if you look at the villages in the east.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20However, if you want a bit of East Sussex with a sea view, like here,
0:03:20 > 0:03:26you can add a whopping 25 to 30 percent onto the price tag.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28But as you're about to discover,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32there are lots of architectural delights to lure you here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Throughout the county, you'll find many fine examples
0:03:35 > 0:03:39of traditional white-weather or clapboarded homes.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Originally named after the Dutch word "klappen",
0:03:42 > 0:03:44these wooden-clad properties
0:03:44 > 0:03:47date back to the 17th and 18th century.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52A three-bedroom family home can typically cost in the region of £300,000.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56The town of Rye itself has many wonderful examples of Tudor architecture,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59dating back to the 1500s.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Prices for a character home in this style
0:04:01 > 0:04:07could cost in the region of £360,000 for a three-bedroom terrace.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09In the 18th and early 19th century,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12clay tiles were a fashionable building material,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16used in the southern counties as an alternative to brickwork.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Called mathematical tiles, they were first introduced
0:04:19 > 0:04:22to make weather-tight old timber-framed buildings.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25For a two-bedroom house in the Lewes area,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29you can typically expect to pay around £330,000.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31It's a beautiful county.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36Can it compete with one of the most happening parts of London, which is where today's buyer lives?
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Let's find out.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Jewellery designer and artist Carol
0:04:41 > 0:04:45is often out and about with Jan, her friend of 30 years,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and has lived in her stylish canal-side flat
0:04:48 > 0:04:52in the north London borough of Camden for almost 12 years.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55It's a place that holds many fond memories.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I think it was when I was being very creative
0:04:58 > 0:05:00that I came to live in Camden.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I was doing a lot of work. I was doing some sculpture, as well,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06so I had a good body of work on me.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11It helped, being in Camden, the vibrancy and what have you...
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Camden Market is such an eye-opener -
0:05:14 > 0:05:19the colour, the vibrant shop fronts, shopkeepers...
0:05:19 > 0:05:21There's so much going on.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27But since being successfully treated for a tumour on her lung in 2011,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Carol's attitude to the big city has significantly altered.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I really think it's time for a change,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38to exchange London and the hurly-burly of London.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40I can't remember who said it, but somebody said
0:05:40 > 0:05:42"If you're tired of London, you're tired of life",
0:05:42 > 0:05:45but I don't think that's completely true.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I think I've still got a lot of life left.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52I think it would be quite nice to spend it in a little more peaceful surroundings.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57The more peaceful surroundings that Carol has chosen are those of East Sussex,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59a place where good friend Jan lives.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03She's pinpointed a number of ideal locations there.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Funnily enough, moving here by the canal
0:06:05 > 0:06:09is a very nice place to be.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14I've always wanted to live by the sea and never have,
0:06:14 > 0:06:19so when I first started looking, I was immediately drawn down to the south coast.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22The area I'd really like to move on to
0:06:22 > 0:06:25is, erm, around East Sussex.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30It's on the borders of Kent. It's Rye and Camber.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Camber Beach is fantastic,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36and there is a row of houses that are actually on the beach there.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40I think they are absolutely fantastic. I'd love to live there.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45These two friends are looking ahead to playing a much larger role in each other's lives
0:06:45 > 0:06:47once Carol makes the move.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50My husband and I are looking forward to her moving closer
0:06:50 > 0:06:52so that we can see more of her
0:06:52 > 0:06:56and be invited to her nice new house, wherever it is!
0:06:56 > 0:06:58It'll be very exciting, won't it?
0:06:58 > 0:07:02When Carol finally does move to East Sussex,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06it'll be great if she can have an exhibition of her art down there.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10I'd be very happy to help with that.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15Carol's current home is a very striking, architecturally-designed property
0:07:15 > 0:07:18so her new house will have a tough act to follow.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20In terms of architecture,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24something contemporary, like this house, would be great,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28but that's not the sort of thing you get down there, is it?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- This is a one-off, really, isn't it? - Yes.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35You wouldn't find anything like it, but you might find something contemporary.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38One final thing, and that's the topic of money...
0:07:38 > 0:07:41The budget for this move is £800,000.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Carol would like a property with a sea view, if she can afford it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Her preferred area of East Sussex is the east coast,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55close to towns such as Camber and Rye.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I caught up with her and Jan in the county
0:07:57 > 0:08:02to discovery the finer details of what she's looking for in her new rural home.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Welcome to East Sussex.- Thank you! - A beautiful sunny day(!)
0:08:06 > 0:08:10You're from East Sussex, Jan, you should've brought some sun.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15It's probably sunny in Burwash right now, but not here. Sorry about that.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- Carol, do you know the area? - I do know the area quite well.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23I know the area stretching from Rye to Camber and that sort of thing,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- and towards Telscombe, as well. - Beautiful.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28But Rye especially has got my number.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- It's really pretty. - Very artistic, as well,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- because that's something you're looking for.- The artistic community would be good.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I'd like you to tell me what you're looking for
0:08:37 > 0:08:39in terms of the property, rooms and...
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Three to four bedrooms
0:08:41 > 0:08:44because, hopefully, my family's growing,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47and a garden suitable for dogs, but not too large.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- You don't have dogs at the moment? - I don't, but I'm looking forward to getting them.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Excellent. - Yes. Looking forward to that.
0:08:53 > 0:08:59What else? Cosy farmhouse-look or very contemporary, which is where I am now.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Those are the physical parameters, but you want something for your artist sensibility.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Yes. Some sort of studio would be good.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08It doesn't have to be north-facing, just with plenty of light,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12but somewhere I can potter around and leave my stuff everywhere,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14because I'm the sort of artist
0:09:14 > 0:09:18who needs inspiration from little bits and pieces all over the place!
0:09:18 > 0:09:20I don't constantly want to be putting things away.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- So, big...- Well, not too big, but somewhere I can have as messy as I like.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Shut the door afterwards.- Yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Jan, do you think she'll settle in to the countryside?- Oh, perfectly!
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- Is she going to get itchy feet? - It's always commutable, anyway, isn't it?
0:09:35 > 0:09:40It's a good distance from here to get to London if you need to.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Good. Well, the rain's slightly setting in.- Yes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49- We need to get you in the car and off to see the first property. - Lovely! Thank you!
0:09:49 > 0:09:52For her generous budget of £800,000,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Carol is looking for a property with character and a sea view,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59a large kitchen / diner, space for an art studio,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01a minimum of three bedrooms
0:10:01 > 0:10:06and a large garden, as she hopes to get two dogs.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09We've got three fabulous properties for Carol and Jan to view.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13After each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price tag.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16One of them will, of course, be our mystery house,
0:10:16 > 0:10:21which I can guarantee has more than just the seaside beside it.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26We've made the journey six miles west of Rye,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29which is close to the leafy village of Broad Oak.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Rye itself has good rail connections to Ashford,
0:10:32 > 0:10:37where Carol can hop on the high-speed train into London for her trips to the art galleries.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Broad Oak is set in pretty countryside
0:10:40 > 0:10:42and has an array of amenities such as a bakery,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46a general store and off licence and a local pub.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51Our first house is a twin roundel oast and granary conversion,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53once used for drying hops.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57It comes with fantastic views over the Tillingham Valley.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59So follow me.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- Here we have...- Wow, an oast house! - ..an oast house.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- I used to live in an oast house. - Did you?
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- I did.- So did I!- Really? - We've both lived in oast houses!
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- I love oast houses!- Adore them! - Very good.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18So two roundels. You've got the working cowl that moves with the wind.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Yes.- Beautiful.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- In terms of the location? - Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Shall we look inside? - Yes, please! Thank you.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28As they've both lived in oast houses before,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31they'll be accustomed to the characterful mix
0:11:31 > 0:11:34of round and square rooms this property offers.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36But there's more to this one than meets the eye.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Through the hall, straight into the kitchen...
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- We'll go in here first. - Oh, look, a roundel kitchen, Jan!
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- Look at that!- Oh, it's lovely!
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- The two of you must be terribly familiar with trying to fit things into circular rooms.- Yes.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- We're thinking that you'll probably want to put your mark upon it. - Oh, definitely, yes.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I would like to contemporise this kitchen.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Those tiles aren't very me, and what have you.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07But I'm not dismissing it because of that.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I do like it. The shape is fantastic.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12People square it off quite a lot.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15This is why this is so nicely fitted.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19I'm pleased they're impressed with the design of this lovely round kitchen.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25Just off it, there's a utility room, which is adjacent to a shower room.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28One the other side of the kitchen is the dining room.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31But we're heading to the main reception.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39So back to a square room in this instance.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Nice fire.- That's a very nice room.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- It's got a nice feel about it. - It has, hasn't it?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47If you strip all the furniture out,
0:12:47 > 0:12:52you've just got the beams, the plaster and the brickwork.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Absolutely.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Then there's this space out here,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00which might work in terms of a studio.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- It might.- There are lots of options.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- You've got the skylight down here. - Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- You could also box it all the way down to the kitchen.- Mm.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11That's a really good idea, yes.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16There's lots you could do here. But there is also something else. Follow me...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20In here is where this house delivers its big surprise.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Ta-da!- Oh, my heavens! Look, isn't that wonderful?!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- My favourite thing!- Is it? - Absolutely!
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- I love swimming!- Do you?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- So, you'd keep it, would you? - I would. Oh, definitely.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35Look at the reflection of the garden in the end of the pool.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- It's beautiful! - We did that specially for you!
0:13:39 > 0:13:44It could've gone either way, but it seems Carol is delighted to have a pool.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47With that treat delivered, it's time to head upstairs
0:13:47 > 0:13:50where there are three double bedrooms,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53two of which are located in the roundel part of the house.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55One of them also has an ensuite.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58But I'm going to show Carol where she could be sleeping.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Come in on.- Thank you.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05This is the master bedroom, based on the same size as the sitting room.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Yes. Very good size.- It is. - With a nice ensuite.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- And what is the view like?- Very nice.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Again, down the valley. - Perfect. Look, Jan.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Beautiful view!- Yes.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- Well, that's the lot inside. Shall we pop outside?- Yes, please!
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- And the price, of course... - Oh, gosh!
0:14:24 > 0:14:28The grounds outside cover 1.5 acres, mostly made up of lawn
0:14:28 > 0:14:32with mature shrubs and trees, as well as a pond.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37It also offers a double garage and a patio area for some al fresco entertaining.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39How much do you think
0:14:39 > 0:14:42this double roundel oast house comes in at?
0:14:42 > 0:14:45The pool is a bonus, as far as I'm concerned,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47but to some people it wouldn't be,
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- so I'm going to say about 700. - 700. Jan, what does the local think?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Well, I've just had the figure of 750 in my mind,
0:14:56 > 0:15:01but perhaps taking into consideration that it's dated,
0:15:01 > 0:15:02maybe 725.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Well, you should've listened to your local voice
0:15:05 > 0:15:08because it is on the market for 750!
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Go and have a look around because there's bits you haven't seen,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14especially the outside, there's a huge garage.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- I'll see you out the front. - OK. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19At £750,000,
0:15:19 > 0:15:24this characterful oast house leaves Carol a good sum of money for any updating.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29It offers a large and round kitchen, a generous amount of living space,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33a light sunroom, which could be turned into an art studio,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36a swimming pool, three bedrooms
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and over an acre-and-a-half of grounds.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I thought it looked very cosy, actually.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Because I previously lived in an oast,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I thought this one looked very compact and neat.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53And it is. Absolutely lovely. Very good start. Very good indeed.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58The only thing that worries me is that it is quite isolated.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01But as far as the actual house is concerned,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I think it would suit her admirably.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08The weather's clearing up. You can actually see a view now. You can see things.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- On a clear day, you can see the windmills over Romney Marshes.- Wow.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- No time to dawdle, though, because we've got another house to visit. - Okey-dokey!
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Awarded National Park status in 2009,
0:16:28 > 0:16:33the South Downs is also home to a multitude of vibrant, working communities
0:16:33 > 0:16:35steeped in history,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37such as the lively market town of Lewes.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Dominated by the remains of its 11th-century castle,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44the town has made a name for itself as a cultural hub,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47due to its many bookshops and art galleries.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Just a few miles from Lewes is Charleston House,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53which, in the early 20th century, became the country retreat
0:16:53 > 0:16:58of the artistic intellectuals and bohemians known as the Bloomsbury Group.
0:16:58 > 0:17:04Novelist Virginia Woolf and economist John Maynard Keynes were among the visitors here.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07As Carol is a keen artist herself,
0:17:07 > 0:17:12we arranged for her and Jan to visit the house for an artistic experience of their own.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13- Hello!- Hello!
0:17:13 > 0:17:18They were welcomed by director Colin McKenzie and artist Sophie Coryndon.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Welcome to the house that was the home of the Bloomsbury Group from 1916.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24It was the artist Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell's,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27and it was their home from 1916 till the ends of their lives.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32With a breath-taking disregard for the fact that it was rented, it was never owned by them,
0:17:32 > 0:17:36from the moment they arrived they started painting every surface
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- with their own designs and patterns, as you'll see.- Yes!
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Come and be inspired.- Yes, please! - Let's start in the studio.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47It was Virginia Woolf, who lived in nearby Asham House,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51who originally found this property for her elder sister Vanessa Bell.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57It's now home to the world's only surviving decorated Bloomsbury-style interior.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Every fixture in every room is painted in the bold and distinctive style,
0:18:02 > 0:18:03from linen and coal boxes
0:18:03 > 0:18:06to fireplaces and underneath the window ledges,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09turning the whole place into one big work of art.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13And now Sophie, who runs painting workshops here,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16is going to help Carol and Jan get creative.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Are you suitably inspired by the house?- I am.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Yes. I don't know that we can keep up the standard!
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I'm sure you can.- Apparently there isn't a standard, is there?
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Exactly. Duncan Grant said, "There's no such thing as bad art." - Excellent!
0:18:31 > 0:18:34You've got free rein! We've got some lovely colours here.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- I see you've brought something from home with you. - Yes. I've got a wooden wine box.
0:18:39 > 0:18:45Hopefully, we can give you a little bit of Charleston to take to your new home.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50Carol and Jan start off their own works of art with a base coat of paint.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52The Bloomsbury style is all about using geometric shapes,
0:18:52 > 0:18:58basic patterns and strong colours with a real sense of vibrancy and enthusiasm.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Jan is aiming to replicate the pattern of a table she's seen in a house,
0:19:03 > 0:19:08while Carol has her own design in mind for her wine box - a grape motif.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12I thought I'd try and be very arty
0:19:12 > 0:19:15and do them in three colours.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19You're doing a fantastic job. You're straight in there. That's what I like to see.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24If this takes your fancy, all you need are brushes, water-based emulsion paints,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27some sandpaper to get that distressed effect,
0:19:27 > 0:19:32and a wax, such as beeswax, to seal and protect your design.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34When they're completely dry,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38a really light sand with a very light sandpaper...
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So just literally wiping that over the surface
0:19:41 > 0:19:43and you'll see instantly what that does.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- It softens your painting.- Does it?
0:19:46 > 0:19:50That's certainly got Carol all inspired for her new property.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55Let's head back to our house search and try and find her that dream home.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01We've travelled around nine miles southwest of Rye
0:20:01 > 0:20:03to the peaceful village of Pett,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07which is surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12Most of the main amenities can be found in nearby towns such as Rye and Hastings.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16But it does offer a post office and a pub with a restaurant.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18At the east end of Pett Village is Pett Level,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22a small seaside community that's a haven for wildfowl.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25It's also home to property number two,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30a 1920s half-timbered cottage, complete with thatched roof.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Oh, my goodness!
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Look at that!
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- Goodness gracious me.- Fabulous! - How lovely is that?
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Beautiful building. Lots of interesting history.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46It's sort of a celebration of Arts and Crafts-style inside,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49but the surroundings are amazing.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54I want to have a look inside because I want to make sure it's as nice inside, really.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56I can't imagine!
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- Let's walk on up.- OK.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03We're off to an excellent start with the very striking and unusual exterior to this house.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Wow! Isn't that fabulous! Look at that door!
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- And the herringbone twill.- Yes!
0:21:10 > 0:21:14I'm sure Carol and Jan are going to be very taken with the inside, too.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- So beautiful panelling... - Lovely. Very, very charming.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- It goes through here. It's a slightly unusual layout.- Yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27And it's not massive, but it's very charming.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Oh, isn't that lovely?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Oh, that is very nice.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38Yes, you see, they've linked together the contemporary with the old
0:21:38 > 0:21:42and also with the Arts and Crafts. Brilliant.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46And the leaded windows, which often make it a bit dark,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- don't in this house...- No, no. - ..because there are so many of them.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56- Wow.- Lots of "wows" and "oohs" and "ahhs"!- Gasping!
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Still a bit speechless.- Gorgeous. - I can see you in here.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Jan seems convinced by this property,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05and we've only seen the sitting room so far.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09On the opposite side of the triangular entrance hall sits a dining room,
0:22:09 > 0:22:14which boasts a feature fireplace and more of those leaded windows.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Let's see if the kitchen will have equal appeal for Carol and Jan.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Come on in. - Oh, my goodness gracious me!
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Look!- Yes!- Look at that. - It's got a range.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- Isn't that fabulous? - Just what you wanted!- Oh, golly.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- It's not a massive kitchen.- No.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Is it going to be big enough for you? I- think so, yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Moving on...! - That's it! No, absolutely.
0:22:37 > 0:22:43- It's a lovely, sunny space. - I just need an area to chop and cook and that's it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46I think you'll use this space a lot more.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Oh, wow, yes. Yes. This is lovely.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55We were thinking this might be a space where you could do your art.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- Yes. It seems a shame... - To mess it up!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It is, in many ways, absolutely perfect
0:23:02 > 0:23:05because it's so light and... Yes.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Actually, I think I'd like to move so you can't have it!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- I think I want to live here. - Hands off!
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Can I have first dibs on this? - It's Carol's house.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- It's amazing. Amazing. - It's so absolutely lovely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It looks like Carol's got some competition for this fabulous house.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Upstairs, there are three good-sized bedrooms,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28all with those very characterful leaded windows.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Some have a feature fireplace, too.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34They all share the very smart bathroom.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Next door to the master is a sunroom,
0:23:36 > 0:23:40which could be an alternative choice for Carol's art studio.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42But I'm going to show her the master bedroom,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45which is where she could be resting her head.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- How neat! - Lovely window seat, as well.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53You could put cushions there and read your poetry at night(!)
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- As I'm sure you do on a regular basis!- I do! Of course I do!
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- This is lovely. - Beautiful. Yes, it's a lovely room.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03So far, I haven't stopped grinning, I don't think!
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Another aspect of this house that would surely make them smile
0:24:07 > 0:24:09is in the modern extension at the rear -
0:24:09 > 0:24:12a gigantic home cinema.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Very luxurious.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Time to show them the grounds.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Outside, there's about an acre of land,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22with immaculate lawns and plenty of shady trees.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25It also has a rather grand summerhouse on a brick plinth
0:24:25 > 0:24:28that rotates to catch the sun all day.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32But even that isn't the highlight of the garden.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- Oh!- So...
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- Any idea where we are? - Right by the sea!
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- Yes! We are indeed. - I'm hoping it's going to be...
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Lookie there.- Oh, wow! - ..Carol's heart's desire there.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- Oh, that is wonderful. - There is the sea.- Oh, my goodness!
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Lovely!- You have a path down to a viewing platform.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- You can't actually climb all the way down to the beach.- You can't.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59But there's a path outside of your property.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Absolutely wow! Magnificent.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06It's mind-blowing, actually! It's absolutely fantastic.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I've got a horrible feeling I can't afford this.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- I know I can't! - A-ha! Let's spin around...
0:25:12 > 0:25:15..and take a look at the house.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20What do you think this little 1920s slice of loveliness is worth?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Oh, golly, golly, golly...
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Well, it's, I would say, yes,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27towards a million.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32- I haven't got that much, so how about 900?- Mm-hm.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Jan?- Mm...
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I'm going to say 825.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- 825.- Am I being daft?
0:25:40 > 0:25:44This is actually on the market at 795.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- You're joking?- You could buy it. - I could buy it!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50That's almost unbelievable.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- Have a look around, explore. - Thank you.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- I'll see you a bit later.- Right.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Towards the top end of Carol's budget, at £795,000,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03this stunning property delivers on all her demands
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and gives her a few extras.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07It has a large kitchen,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10a choice of rooms to use as an art studio,
0:26:10 > 0:26:15a home cinema, three bedrooms, grounds large enough for two dogs
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and a sea view from the end of the garden.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Well, property two is absolutely magical.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25It's really quite sumptuous. I can see myself here.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The house is just lovely. It's very small and neat,
0:26:28 > 0:26:34but very contained and cosy and sweet and very, very nice.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Carol's bowled over with this property
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and I think it's amazing myself.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46I don't know whether she's found her dream house to escape to the country or not,
0:26:46 > 0:26:51but she would find it hard to find anything nicer than this. It's beautiful.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57These are amazing, these roses. There's probably about £5,000 worth of roses just in this circle!
0:26:57 > 0:26:58- Hello, ladies.- Hello!
0:26:58 > 0:27:03- I'm going to have to take you away from Wonderland, I'm afraid. - This is a great shame.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- You like it here.- I'd like to stay. - I think she'll be back!
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- You can come back.- Good. - If you pay...!- We will return.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23So as dusk falls over the magnificent East Sussex countryside,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27it marks the end of a very promising first day of house-hunting.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34After a recent health scare,
0:27:34 > 0:27:39jewellery designer and artist Carol is looking to make the move from the busy London borough of Camden
0:27:39 > 0:27:42to the tranquillity of East Sussex.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Her friend Jan has come along to help her find the property of her dreams.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51So far, they've been impressed with what they've seen.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53An oast house with a pool put smiles on their faces,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57and a 1920s Arts and Craft property with a sea view
0:27:57 > 0:27:58had them in raptures.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03But coming up, the mystery house could just blow the other two out of the water.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06I'm not that easily pleased, really,
0:28:06 > 0:28:11but this has been quite exceptional, this whole trip. This is amazing.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16And I go kite-flying in a buggy on the sands at Camber.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Day two in East Sussex and yesterday,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23with the thatched house, was a triumph.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27But we did think that maybe that property, beautiful as it is,
0:28:27 > 0:28:29secluded up on top of a cliff,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31might be a little too remote for Carol,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34bearing in mind she's recovering from a big illness
0:28:34 > 0:28:37and also that she loved the hustle and bustle of Camden.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40So we found her the mystery house.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44We've travelled around five miles west of Hastings
0:28:44 > 0:28:48to the coastal resort of Bexhill-on-Sea.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Its wide promenade and award-winning beach
0:28:50 > 0:28:53are overlooked by the famous De La Warr Pavilion,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56an entertainment and artistic hub.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00I'm taking Carol and Jan to meet Sally Ann Lycett
0:29:00 > 0:29:04to take a peek at their latest sculptural exhibit on the roof.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- Oh, wow! - HE LAUGHS
0:29:07 > 0:29:10That's amazing!
0:29:10 > 0:29:12It's by the celebrated sculptor Richard Wilson
0:29:12 > 0:29:17and is inspired by the very famous final scene of the film The Italian Job.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21What about volunteers? Is there a way that Carol can get involved?
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Absolutely!- I have done some volunteering for the Roundhouse.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Oh, right! There's plenty of opportunities to get involved, become a member.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Because I don't know anybody in this area, in fact, I don't know Bexhill at all well,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36so it would be nice as a way of meeting people.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Yes. I think we find that a lot of our volunteers
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- use the pavilion for that purpose. - Yes, the social context.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45And we run courses, as well.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49I know that you're interested in art. We run art courses...
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- SHE LAUGHS - ..art appreciation courses,
0:29:52 > 0:29:57artist critique groups, so that kind of thing you could get involved in.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- It's getting better all the time! - It is, isn't it?
0:29:59 > 0:30:03A mere stone's throw from the pavilion is our mystery house,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06a grade II listed Edwardian seafront property.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11It's got a sea view to die for, as Carol requested.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14However, it isn't detached, being part of a terrace.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19We'll have to see if the striking architecture can overcome that hurdle.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Come on in!- Thank you.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- This is the mystery house we've selected for you.- Oh, wow!
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- My goodness. I'm flabbergasted. - That is gorgeous.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33That is so different to any of the other two!
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- It doesn't look that contemporary. - No, it's turn of the century.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- Do you see these little Indian-themed chimney stacks?- Yes.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47The rumour was that it was built for the Maharaja of Cooch Behar...
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Right!- ..at the turn of the century. - Did you make that up?
0:30:50 > 0:30:53And as you see, a terrace of beach houses.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Yes, it's lovely. It couldn't be much nearer to the beach.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00This is very nice. Very tropical!
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- Let's go down the garden path and see the house.- Lovely.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07First impressions seem to be very favourable indeed.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11The unusual south-facing garden, with its architectural-style plants,
0:31:11 > 0:31:16leads us past a deep deck to a set of French doors.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21And these, in turn, take us into the lower level of this stunning property.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Come in from the blinding beach light into this...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- Oh! Wow.- This is lovely and light. - Very contemporary.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- Very contemporary! This is for you! - Yes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33The old building was split in two, so it would've been two rooms.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37The room has been completely remodelled by the present owners.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41Oh, I see, yes. Very nice!
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Exceptional, really. Absolutely.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48The layout's quite simple, because you've got a shower room and a guest bedroom
0:31:48 > 0:31:51and through here, the kitchen.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57The kitchen's on the street side of the house
0:31:57 > 0:31:59so it's a little bit darker.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- But very contemporary.- Yes.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06There's lovely sparkly tiles on the floor and bright red granite.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- It's gorgeous!- That's lovely. - It's nice, isn't it?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12And a lovely big double range and a lovely big utility room.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- With room for dog.- Yes.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I'm not that easily pleased, really,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22but this has been quite exceptional, this whole trip.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- This is amazing.- Well, we do try. - Yes! And succeed.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I'm delighted that Carol is so thrilled with this house.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34I reckon that the best is yet to come on the upper level.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36This is where you'd enter the house from the front door,
0:32:36 > 0:32:40through a vestibule, into a huge hall space.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- You'd come up...- Oh, my heavens! - Well, you'd come in here. This is the front door.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Oh! That's the front door!
0:32:47 > 0:32:50You come into this enormous hallway,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- with this very lovely curved wall. - SHE GASPS
0:32:53 > 0:32:58Through here there's a study, which looks out over the hustle and bustle of the seafront.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00So you can feel like you're part of the town
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- and then you go downstairs and it's gone.- Yes!
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- It just gets better. - It's absolutely lovely.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10As well as the study, there's a bathroom on this floor.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13But the highlight must be the bedrooms,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15which share a balcony overlooking the beach.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19We're taking a look at the ensuite room that could be Carol's.
0:33:19 > 0:33:25Oh! I'm not even buying the house and that's an amazing view!
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Isn't that just stunning? HE SIGHS HAPPILY
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- It's absolutely lovely. - That is beautiful.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Look at the sea today. It's unreal.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Ah, that is so lovely.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- If you were trying to sell a house, you couldn't get a better day, could you?- No.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44And out here is where we could really seal the deal.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48Ohh! To be honest, this is what sells it to me.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Oh, yes!
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Well, how much do you think this little slice of...
0:33:55 > 0:33:57..English Channel paradise costs?
0:33:57 > 0:34:02I would be surprised... Well, it's got to be top of my budget. I will say 800.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Jan?- Erm...
0:34:05 > 0:34:07..790?
0:34:07 > 0:34:11This property is on the market for 695.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Really?!
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- That is lovely.- You can afford that! - I could do that.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19I'm going to let you explore a bit because there are a few more rooms.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- I'm going to sit in the sun. - Good. See you later.- In you go!
0:34:26 > 0:34:31At £695,000, this beautiful beachfront property
0:34:31 > 0:34:35leaves Carol with £105,000 to play with.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39It offers a characterful and contemporary living space,
0:34:39 > 0:34:41a large kitchen with utility room,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43three bedrooms,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46a study, which could be used as a art room,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50and a balcony and garden with sea views.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51This is not a detached house,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55which is what Carol wanted.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58She wanted peace and quiet, which this has got,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02but it's also got people around it and I think that will suit her so well.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07What was really pleasing about it was the fact that it was so contemporary.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11I literally do not have to do a thing.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13It is in such good condition
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I could move everything in straight away and it would all fit. It would be lovely.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22See, look, and then you step out...
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- ..straight into the sea front. - Absolutely!
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- There's the pavilion. - The De La Warr Pavilion?- Yes.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- With a bus on top of it. - With a bus on top of it!
0:35:31 > 0:35:34It reminds me of Camden, but I still like the bus.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36That won't always be there.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40- Let's go and take some refreshment and think about the houses. - Okey-doke.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Stretching from the East Sussex-Kent border to the River Rother
0:35:53 > 0:35:57is the seven-mile-long beach of Camber Sands.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Its coastal dune system, topped by Marram Grass,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04makes it a site of special scientific interest.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08It's been a popular seaside destination since the 1920s
0:36:08 > 0:36:12with up to 25,000 people crowding onto it
0:36:12 > 0:36:14on a busy summers day.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19This naturally-formed landscape is one of the most perfect locations in the country
0:36:19 > 0:36:22for kite-surfing and kite-buggying.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27I've come to meet Rupert Cawte from the local kite-surf centre
0:36:27 > 0:36:30to try my hand at one of these emerging sports.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Obviously, you've got very good, firm sand,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35but what other things are good for kite-buggying?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37The wind coming up the Channel.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Most of the time, we have our prevailing winds.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43The one we get most of the time here is a south-westerly wind.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45As it funnels up the Channel, it gets stronger and stronger.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49For buggying, this is absolutely perfect.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52What sort of people do it? Is it young, groovy people?!
0:36:52 > 0:36:54You would expect that,
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- but the average people down here are probably about 40, that kind of thing.- Really?
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- So like myself? - Exactly! It's a middle-aged sport
0:37:02 > 0:37:05rather than the young sporty people that you expect.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Good. That makes me feel slightly more comfortable.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- What's next?- We're going to get you flying a kite.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13We're going to get you comfortable with a kite,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17and pretty much flying a kite without having to think about it.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19We're going to teach you a few techniques,
0:37:19 > 0:37:23and then get onto the buggies and put those techniques into practice.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25As with every sport, there are safety measures.
0:37:25 > 0:37:31When flying a power kite, you need to be able to let go if the wind gets too strong
0:37:31 > 0:37:33so there's an easy-release safety leash
0:37:33 > 0:37:35that is attached to one hand.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Step backwards as you go. Give it a bit of a tug.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Then left.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Quite a lot more powering...- Whoaa!
0:37:46 > 0:37:49You're controlling it like a bicycle, pivoting on this end to point,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52just turning one way and just turning back,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55just getting used to those motions.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00The basic moves are to gently turn the bar first one way and then back the other way,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03making a figure-of-eight in the sky.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12That's good. Nice.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15A two-hour beginner's lesson costs around £50.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Once the kite-flying has been mastered,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21it's onto the even more fun part - the buggy.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23OK, this is where you'll be sitting.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27You'll be controlling it from here, your feet on that.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- Steer with your feet as we go. - So, I'm steering with my hands and my feet?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34The more we steer the buggy towards the kite, the faster we go.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- If you want to slow down, steer away from the kite.- Yes.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- That's acting as a brake.- Yes.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Before I get into the buggy, Rupert is going to show me how it's done.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Put a bit of movement into it and then a nice big dive of the kite.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Kite-buggying is similar to land-yachting,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54but uses a power kite rather than a sail.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58It's thought to have been invented in China around the 13th century.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03But kite-buggying first became available commercially in the US and the UK
0:39:03 > 0:39:05in the late '70s.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10He's making that look very easy. I'm not convinced!
0:39:10 > 0:39:15As speeds of up to 70 miles an hour can be reached by a skilled driver,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17it's important to wear a safety helmet.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- OK.- There you go. Sit down.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Ooh!
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- 12?- Turn it left a little bit, up towards 12.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Yes. Come on.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Left a bit. Yes. OK.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Wait, wait, wait, wait! Wait!
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Steer the buggy left a bit.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Also know as parakarting,
0:39:43 > 0:39:48the sport is governed by the Parakart Association, formed in 1993,
0:39:48 > 0:39:53and is now the regulating body for kite-buggy racing in England and Wales.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It's a bit like driving. You concentrate on turning
0:39:56 > 0:39:58and then you do your feet with the pedals.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03It's the other way round. You're turning with your feet and pedalling with this bit.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07I've just got time for one more go before we fly back
0:40:07 > 0:40:11to find out the results of our property search.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Well, it seems like - I don't want to prejudge your decision -
0:40:22 > 0:40:25but it seems like the centre of gravity may have moved to the coast,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28so why not discuss by the coast?
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- I'd like to get your opinions on all the houses we've seen...- OK.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- ..spinning back to the oast house. - The oast house was lovely,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39very cosy, lovely sizes of rooms,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42but the swimming pool was a real bonus. That was lovely!
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Jan, what did you think about the oast house in retrospect?
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I really liked it.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- The views were wonderful.- Oh, yes!
0:40:51 > 0:40:55I liked the size of the rooms. A lot I liked about that house.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59And whereas I don't mind being on my own, it was a little isolated.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02What about the second house? This seemed to really wow you.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Oh, it was... it still is fantastic. Absolutely.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10The wooden panelling was just amazing.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12It had you both enchanted. You were like,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15"Nothing can beat that!" and we showed you the mystery house!
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- I know!- Fickle, aren't we? - Isn't that funny?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- Was it the sea that won it over? - I think it's the sea that won it.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26Mind you, it is a very picturesque and well-put-together little house.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30It's got absolutely everything that I would need, and even a studio.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34When did you suddenly think, "This is the one?"
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I think it was Jan saying, actually,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40I didn't go out looking for a terrace,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I wanted something which was actually standing own its own,
0:41:43 > 0:41:47but, as Jan says, you can be as lonely in a terrace
0:41:47 > 0:41:50as you can in an isolated spot, so give it a chance.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54The whole of the place is growing on me.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- I think you won't be isolated here. - No.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I think that's a really big thing.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02You didn't think it mattered until you saw something
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- that was with more neighbours and more going on.- Yes.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10I think you see this and realise that you would've been a bit isolated
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- in either of the other two houses. - Yes. That's absolutely true.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- It's a winner.- It is.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18What happens next? What's the plan?
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Well, I think make an offer. THEY LAUGH
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- Yay!- Result!
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Great! That will be absolutely wonderful.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- I think so.- I have to say,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33I did love the thatched house very much, I could see you there,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- but I can see you much more here. - Yes. Yes.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- See you by the sea soon.- Yes!
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Absolutely. Come and visit. Come and have a cup of tea.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47That was a fun show -
0:42:47 > 0:42:51buggying on the sands at Camber, looking at art at the pavilion
0:42:51 > 0:42:53and, most importantly,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56turning Carol's dream of a country residence into reality.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59But not out in the hills of East Sussex
0:42:59 > 0:43:03but right here, on the beach.
0:43:03 > 0:43:04That's good work.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09Join us for more of that next time on Escape to the Country.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14The good news is, Carol put in an offer on the mystery house.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17The bad news is, she was beaten to it by another buyer.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20But she has since had an offer accepted
0:43:20 > 0:43:23on another seafront property in Camber.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27If you'd like to Escape to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:27 > 0:43:28and need our help,
0:43:28 > 0:43:31please apply online at...
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