0:00:02 > 0:00:05We're in a county with a coast, and a pretty blustery one at that!
0:00:05 > 0:00:09It's a place that bore witness to one of the most ingenious maritime inventions
0:00:09 > 0:00:11of the 20th century,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14one that was powered by the biggest propellers in the world.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16So, where are we and what am I sitting on?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53Today's mission is to help a couple end a year-long quest finding their perfect country home,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56so it's quick-march to places with real potential.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59I'd knock that wall out and have a big kitchen-diner.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- She's a quick thinker, isn't she? - She is!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05And we're making great strides in one property.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07One, two, three...
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Over there is the Solent, beyond it the Isle of Wight,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16and that means that today we are in Hampshire.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21It was on this stretch of coast, just outside Gosport, that back in the late '50s
0:01:21 > 0:01:25one Sir Christopher Cockerell turned his imagination into a reality
0:01:25 > 0:01:27with the invention of the hovercraft.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Now, of course, these extraordinary vessels are known the world over.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Later on, I'll be finding out quite a lot more about them.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39One thing I can assure you of, there's a lot more to Hampshire than just hot air.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Bordered by the Home Counties of Berkshire and Surrey to the north and east
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and Wiltshire to the west,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Hampshire holds an enviable position on the central southern English coast,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55with 34 miles of Solent shoreline.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Although Hampshire is one of the most populated counties in England,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01there are many quieter pockets,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06home to rural villages and surprisingly vast swathes of countryside.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10The lowland heath of the New Forest lies within the county's borders,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13as does a large part of the South Downs,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16England's newest designated national park.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18The splendid natural surroundings here
0:02:18 > 0:02:22were a formative influence on the Hampshire-born literary great Jane Austen,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25who spent most of her short life in the county
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and whose final resting place is in Winchester Cathedral.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34When it comes to property prices, Hampshire may well make your eyes water.
0:02:34 > 0:02:40The average detached property here will cost you around about £346,000.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42If it sounds like a lot of money, well, it is.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46It's a cool £90,000 above the national average.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Why? Well, it's commuter country, with great links into London and the south coast.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54It also benefits from the draw of the New Forest.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59You could comfortably add another £100,000 onto that top figure
0:02:59 > 0:03:01if you fancy living within the forest itself.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05But there is some good news. Head further west towards Andover
0:03:05 > 0:03:07and you will certainly get more value for money.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12As you would expect in a county as pretty and as historic as this,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15there are some wonderful properties on offer.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Hampshire is not as rich in natural building stones as other regions,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23but there are bands of flint that occur in the chalk heartlands of the Downs,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27used in the construction of many handsome properties here.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Flint and red brick have been beautifully combined
0:03:30 > 0:03:32in this detached five-bedroom house
0:03:32 > 0:03:34in the rural village of Little London.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It's thought to date back to the 1700s
0:03:37 > 0:03:41and is now on the market for £650,000.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Another building feature that defines the county's architectural vernacular
0:03:45 > 0:03:47are its straw thatched roofs.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50A prime example is this traditional property,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53which started life as a Tudor farmhouse
0:03:53 > 0:03:57and has been carved into three cottages, one of which is currently for sale.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59It has three bedrooms
0:03:59 > 0:04:04and a guide price of £399,000.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06If you want to upsize that charm,
0:04:06 > 0:04:11how about this detached grade II listed 17th-century cottage near Selborne,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13that comes with three bedrooms
0:04:13 > 0:04:17and a price tag of £550,000?
0:04:19 > 0:04:23So pretty houses in pretty villages in pretty countryside -
0:04:23 > 0:04:28what more does a county have to have to represent the ideal escape to the country?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Hampshire, it would seem, has it all.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Which is exactly why today's buyers want to be here.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36The desperate plea we're answering today
0:04:36 > 0:04:39is from a couple stranded on an island.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Fortunately for them, that island is the Isle of Wight
0:04:42 > 0:04:47where Steve and Lindy are temporarily bunking down in their holiday cottage.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52In their bid for the country dream, they sold up their house in the Surrey town of Camberley,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54but now, almost a year later,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57they're still searching for that elusive dream home.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02It just seems that every property we've come across has some snag and it's so disappointing.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05And, of course, because we're down here on the island,
0:05:05 > 0:05:10we've had little time and little opportunity to be able to search every day.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12We have to do a special trip for it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17Lindy worked as a legal secretary and Steve as a retired chartered builder.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21So now they're not restricted by work commitments, and their five kids have flown the nest,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24they want to pursue their rural dream.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We'd been in Camberley for 40 years and we knew that area so well.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31We knew it when it was the beginning, it was just a small town,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and it's got busier and busier and busier.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37And so we wanted to move to somewhere quieter.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40We have done that, because we've moved to the island.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Yes, it's too quiet!
0:05:42 > 0:05:44But a more leisurely pace of life
0:05:44 > 0:05:47doesn't necessarily mean a less active one.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51I've lived a life of sport. I've worn my body out!
0:05:51 > 0:05:54When I play squash and tennis, they call me Bandage Man
0:05:54 > 0:05:58because I have bandages on most limbs!
0:05:58 > 0:06:02I like the tap and I would love to get back to the ice skating.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05With various sports and social commitments back in Surrey,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07they'd like a location which keeps them connected
0:06:07 > 0:06:10but also opens up new opportunities.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15We'd like to be able to walk out of our house and go for a walk,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19followed by a drink in the local pub.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23They converted their five-bedroom holiday home from a former hospital,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26which took them three whole years to complete.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Even so, they're up for a similar challenge again.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Our friends think, "What do you want a project at your age for?"
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- "You must be mad!" - It's very satisfying to take a place
0:06:36 > 0:06:40that's a shell, or not in good condition,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42and make it yours.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47All that's left is to find out what budget they've earmarked for this final move.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49The maximum figure that we really want to spend,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53when we include all the work we may be doing on this project,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55is £550,000.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10Mindful that they want to maintain their sporting commitments and long-established friendships,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Steve and Lindy's ideal location
0:07:12 > 0:07:15would give them less than an hour's drive back to Surrey.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17We'll be concentrating our house search
0:07:17 > 0:07:21in the rural villages from east to west of the county,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25but all with easy access to the M3 for those good road links.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27And it's in a quiet Hampshire spot
0:07:27 > 0:07:31where we're all meeting up to nail the specifics of their move.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Hello!- Hi there! - How are we, then?- Fine!
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Nice to see you! Lindy, Steve, welcome to Hampshire.- Thank you.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42This is all quite exciting! But there is some pressure with this move, isn't there?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Well, yes, we have been looking for nearly a year!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48We sold our house a year ago and we haven't found a house yet.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51How many houses have you looked at?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55It must be at least 50 houses I should think.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- You're going to sort this all out for us!- You think! I hope we will!
0:08:00 > 0:08:03But the fear is, having looked at so many,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06are you looking for something that's so elusive that it doesn't exist?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- It might be true. - Are we very fussy? I don't think so
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- because we usually do go along with an open mind.- Yes.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17What's interesting about this is that, whatever we find you
0:08:17 > 0:08:21will almost certainly differ from what you end up with in the future
0:08:21 > 0:08:24because you are clearly going to make some changes to whatever it is.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- BOTH: Yes.- The whole thing is that we can see something and we have a vision
0:08:28 > 0:08:31and we can usually see what we would like straight away.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35But in broad terms, what would you start with?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Give me a sense of bedrooms, kitchens, that sort of thing.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Well, I suppose a minimum of two bedrooms.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44The big thing is, we'd like a bit of space and a large garden.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46All of those are reasonable considerations.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- You're clearly good fun, you're up for a bit of a project.- We are!
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Let's see what we can find you. Come on!
0:08:53 > 0:08:57For a top budget of £550,000,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Steve and Lindy are looking for a character property,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03with potential to develop further by renovating or extending
0:09:03 > 0:09:08but whose bare bones consist of at least two bedrooms, spacious living areas
0:09:08 > 0:09:10and a large garden.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Location is key, as they're dreaming of somewhere pretty and peaceful
0:09:14 > 0:09:17but close enough to continue their cross-county hobbies.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Hopefully, our fine selection of textbook country properties
0:09:21 > 0:09:23will have the character our buyers crave
0:09:23 > 0:09:26but also appeal to their creative senses.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30I'll be keeping them guessing as to what the houses are worth until the end of each tour.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Then, to top it off, there's the mystery house,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36which presents a different challenge altogether.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Without a property to sell and with money burning a hole in their back pockets,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49let's head straight to our first location
0:09:49 > 0:09:53in the village of Goodworth Clatford over in West Hampshire,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55giving them around an hour's journey time
0:09:55 > 0:09:58to their respective out-of-county commitments.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01The River Anton meanders through this lovely village,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and there's a warm close-knit community
0:10:03 > 0:10:07who have all come together to run the village shop and post office.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09We're stopping off here to meet Jane Eastwood
0:10:09 > 0:10:13and find out more of what this village has to offer.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Good morning!- Good morning.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20It's often said that the heart of a village is its shop and it makes the community tick.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- You would know all about that. - I would indeed.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26It was my husband's and my shop.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28He died in '03,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31and it is impossible to run this on your own.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35So very kindly, the village got together and took it over in '04.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39It's the focal point for so much. This is a brilliant village, too.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- There's a huge amount going on. - Pubs in the village?
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Two!
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- That's quite unusual, to have a choice!- How about that?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50There's a lot going on. This month, we've got the Harvest Supper,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53which is a church thing but the whole village is invited.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56We've got a film show. That's just one month!
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Finding a free night to hold anything is difficult.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03But it depends on the property. It's a balance.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Well, you've raised an interesting point, of course.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08We're talking hypothetically.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Without the property, who knows what's going to happen?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Thank you very much, Jane. After you.- Bye!- Bye.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22I suspect our gregarious couple will be spoilt for choice with two pubs on the doorstep,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26and one of them is right opposite our first house.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Here we are, property number one.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- It's very pretty. - It is pretty, isn't it?
0:11:34 > 0:11:37It's a classic image. Roses round the door, wisteria...
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Heart of the village, obviously.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- It's the heart of the road, actually!- It is!
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- It was built back in, what, mid-17th century.- It's a quiet road.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- So, we're happy with thatched? We like where we are?- Yes.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Come on, then, let's tempt you.- OK!
0:11:52 > 0:11:56With authentic history and character, this property is grade II listed,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59but as they'll see, the internal space downstairs
0:11:59 > 0:12:03has been updated and opened out to suit modern living.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Come in, guys.- Thank you.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09There we are. We'll start with this bit.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13This is quite an interesting addition. It's only been here, what, ten years or so.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17But I think this garden room really improves what's on offer.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- This would be a lovely room for entertaining, wouldn't it?- Fabulous.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Brilliant. - Entertaining goes on into here.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28I think this space all works rather nicely, the way it all flows.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31You've got the contemporary of the garden room
0:12:31 > 0:12:33and then you've got the old of this bit.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36I think it's a fabulous-size room. It's quirky.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39You've got the staircase. You've got a beautiful fireplace.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44The inglenook - lovely. Again, going back to the origins of the building. So far, so good.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- So far, so good. - So far, it's fantastic.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Fantastic! Wow! Does that happen a lot?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53That might've been over-emphasising it a bit!
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- Let's see if we can qualify that! - So far, so good!- Let's see if we can keep it fantastic.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Then you've got this little snug. Cosy, isn't it?
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- It's full of furniture! There's a woodburner in there. - Oh, possibilities!
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And then it all flows through back into the kitchen.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Yes, it's, erm...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I'd say it looks a bit probably too small.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20I'd knock that wall out there and have a big kitchen-diner.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- She's a quick thinker, isn't she? - She is!
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- Quick as a flash!- "That wall's going!" Have you got a hammer?- Yes!
0:13:27 > 0:13:28That wall can go
0:13:28 > 0:13:31because this is an extension, so nothing listed about that.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34But we're getting into the potential and that's what's exciting.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- At least we've got a bit of a project, haven't we?- Yes!
0:13:38 > 0:13:40We've got to find something we can do to change it!
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Well, there's plenty to do upstairs. - Is there?- Can't wait!
0:13:44 > 0:13:46We don't want any more than this to do!
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Come and follow me. Look at this...
0:13:49 > 0:13:54'Wrapping up the ground floor, there's also a fourth reception room being used as a study
0:13:54 > 0:13:57'and for storage, along with a smart cloakroom.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00'That takes us full circle back to the living room
0:14:00 > 0:14:03'and the staircase, which leads up to the first floor
0:14:03 > 0:14:07'where there are three bedrooms, all served by the family bathroom.'
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Now, this is technically...
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- ..the master bedroom.- Right. OK. - All right?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19They are all of a muchness, the bedrooms on this floor,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21I think you'll agree.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26This one, however, might lend itself to becoming a kind of master suite
0:14:26 > 0:14:30because that wall there is just a stud wall and that can go.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34What it's doing is, it's cutting in half a lovely little fireplace.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- You can see one half of it there. - I can see an alcove. That's it, is it?- Exactly.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40That's one half of it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Let's have a look at the other side of that fireplace
0:14:43 > 0:14:48and, hopefully, the whole thing will begin to make some sort of sense.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53That's the other side of the fireplace itself, all right?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Here, of course, the staircase,
0:14:55 > 0:14:59going up to what is technically the fourth bedroom and a landing.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02But the technical challenge here, Steve,
0:15:02 > 0:15:08I think, is to rejig the staircase to allow you a huge master bedroom,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10with the fireplace as a central feature,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13but still allowing you to get up to the top.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Yes, it's a space-planning challenge, isn't it?
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Well, we've given them scope to fuel their creative instincts
0:15:21 > 0:15:25but I'm not entirely convinced they're buying into the potential here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Let's explore the garden and see whether the figures stack up.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32So finally, the garden...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34What you see is exactly what you get.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- An apple tree! - Not huge, though, is it?
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- It's not acres.- No! - It's certainly not acres!
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- So, Lindy... - SHE LAUGHS
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Why me first? - Make me an offer. Go on.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Erm, well, I would think...
0:15:50 > 0:15:52..525?
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- 525. Yes. Steve?- 495?- 495.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01I can see who's the optimist in the relationship!
0:16:01 > 0:16:04You are right to be fairly optimistic
0:16:04 > 0:16:08because this could be yours for £485,000.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- So automatically... - I was closest.- You were!
0:16:12 > 0:16:17But automatically, you've got 75 grand to throw at this,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20which I think would go most of the way to doing it.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Go and scratch a bit deeper.- Will do!- I'll catch up with you later.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- Let's go and have another look. - Off you go.- See you later.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34With a guide price of £485,000,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37our first house is a listed timber-framed thatched home
0:16:37 > 0:16:41that has the potential our buyers were after to make improvements,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43subject to planning permission, of course.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46In its current state, it stands as a generous family home,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49with four reception rooms and four bedrooms.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54What's more, it's set at the heart of a friendly and lively village.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57I love the open spaces downstairs.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01I love the potential that we have to improve things.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Fantastic location, beautiful village,
0:17:04 > 0:17:09but I just think the garden might be too small for us.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Right, out you come. That's it. - Thank you.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16This house-tour business is pretty straightforward, isn't it?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Piece of cake.- Piece of cake! Easy-peasy!- Show us another one!
0:17:19 > 0:17:21How about another two?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Around Hampshire's historic maritime ports
0:17:38 > 0:17:42lie coastal areas with a distinct heritage of their own.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Just east of Portsmouth is the traditional seaside resort of Hayling Island,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49which became a popular destination in the early 1800s
0:17:49 > 0:17:55when the well-heeled gentry came seeking the medicinal benefits of sea air and salt water.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Health is still very much on the radar,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00as Hayling Island is home to a unique club
0:18:00 > 0:18:03where the historic sport of real tennis is being championed
0:18:03 > 0:18:06by a team of local enthusiasts.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10So, what better place to send our fitness fanatics Steve and Lindy,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13where they met up with real tennis expert Nick Jones
0:18:13 > 0:18:15to find out more about the sport's origins.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Real tennis has been around since the 12th, 13th century
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and lawn tennis purportedly started in 1850, 1860.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I've heard it's a bit of a thinking game.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It's not just racing around that court.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29It is possible to play it that way, but there are markings on the court,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32which are targets,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and you only serve from one end and you win the right to serve.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But it means that you don't necessarily hit every ball
0:18:38 > 0:18:40or win a point with every rally.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- It sounds complicated. - It is quite complicated, but when you get on court...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Sounds like you're going to exhaust our brains rather than our bodies.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Played on an enclosed court, the game is likened
0:18:50 > 0:18:54to a cross between squash, cricket and chess.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57This particular court has just celebrated its centenary,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01built back in 1911 by the scientist, insect expert
0:19:01 > 0:19:04and accomplished real tennis player John Marshall.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07When you look out at that court, there's some strange shapes out there.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10There are 13 different surfaces to play the ball off.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14The balls in real tennis are very passive. They don't bounce much at all.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17You use the tension of the strings to move the ball around,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21whereas lawn tennis, everyone knows you drop a ball on the floor, it bounces back to your hand.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Real tennis balls are tailored to suit each individual court
0:19:25 > 0:19:29and are all handmade within certain size and weight restrictions.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34They started with a certain amount of cork, which we usually use crushed up wine corks,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36and they put a bit of that in a cellophane wrapper.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39You then get this dressmaking tape for hems
0:19:39 > 0:19:44and you wrap it tightly until you get to a certain size and, more importantly, weight.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49And then, you get some twine and you actually tie the ball in a certain pattern
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- and that tightens the whole thing up.- Right.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Then you get this ball cloth and you cut it into shorter pieces
0:19:55 > 0:19:59and that is then tacked, as we call it, onto a ball, and then the ball is sewn.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02So they actually sew it and cut it as they go.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- Would you like to try them on court and see how they bounce? - That sounds a good idea.- Yes.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10The sport is often referred to as royal tennis,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14due to its popularity amongst the aristocracy and the monarchy.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20It's even thought that Henry VIII was informed of Anne Boleyn's beheading whilst playing the game.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23So having got to grips with Hampshire's sporting heritage,
0:20:23 > 0:20:28let's hope that no more heads roll as our property search continues.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39Our next house lies over to the east side of the county in Newton Valence,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43just that bit closer to Steve and Lindy's interests back in Surrey.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46As it's a rural hamlet, the nearby village of Selborne
0:20:46 > 0:20:48is the best place to pick up essentials,
0:20:48 > 0:20:54as it's served by a convenience store and post office, as well as a couple of pubs.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Off the beaten track back in Newton Valence
0:20:57 > 0:21:02is the semi-detached cottage we've cherry-picked as our second house.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- What is this? A little cottage! - It is indeed.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- There we are. Very sweet. - Very pretty.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Really nice. I like it.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16We're in something of a hamlet here, so we haven't got the village that we had in property number one.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18But we've got a nice little semi for you.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- It looks beautiful, doesn't it? - It's very sweet, this one.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25The thought that you had in the last property, "How do you order the space?"
0:21:25 > 0:21:28with this one, it's slightly different.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30We're going to be thinking about "How do we extend it?"
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- But I know you're up for that. - We're certainly up for that.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Come on, then. Let's get you in.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41The core of this cottage has a history that dates back to the late 17th century,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44but it's been considerably extended to one side,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48where the front door takes us into the main living room.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I'm going to start in here.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Oh, another fireplace!
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Another nice inglenook fireplace. - Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Nice square room again.- Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- It's a...- It's a nice room. - It's light and spacious.- Yes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08This, I think, is the room that really describes this house.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10And when we talk about its origins,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13from what you can see, going back to 1680,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15that's really kind of it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- There's an old bread oven tucked away in the back there.- Yes!
0:22:18 > 0:22:23But also, you can see, immaculately done. That's the point about this.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- I love the room. - It's a good size, as well.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28It's worth starting in here because it sets the scene.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- It's a great living room, actually. - This is an amazing fireplace.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- Let's see the rest of it. Let's continue our tour through here into the kitchen.- OK.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40In many ways, this, I suppose, is where it all kind of changes!
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Yes.- A little bit!- It gets smaller. - It gets a bit smaller.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- It's a lovely kitchen.- It is.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- But the point about this building, because it's not listed, and that's exciting news...- Yes.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55..I think you could have quite an interesting conversation with the planners
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- about pushing the whole thing that way...- Forward.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02..and you would create a very nice, I think, kitchen-diner.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Yes.- And I think it needs it. I think the house needs it.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09You could go forward, but maybe you could go backward, as well.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Well, behind us is quite a generous bathroom,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16so bearing in mind we have got a bathroom for you on the first floor, you could sacrifice that.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- It's got a nice feel about it, actually.- Good.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- OK. Let's carry on, then. - Lead the way.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29So there's the bathroom behind the kitchen, which you could extend into.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32And through this little kind of lobby is this,
0:23:32 > 0:23:36which is described on the spec as the dining room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37- Right...- Wow.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Which is not the biggest dining room in the world.- No.- Cosy.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- It could make a nice study, though. - That's my thought.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48If you've created this lovely kitchen-diner next door,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52this would automatically become a snug, a study, a den.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55And I think where this house also scores
0:23:55 > 0:24:00is that the upstairs arrangements are much more obvious again
0:24:00 > 0:24:04and don't really need any great imagination at all.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09- They're going to be spectacular! - Come and have a look. - Let's have a look.- You tell me!
0:24:09 > 0:24:14'Downstairs does give them that mix of authentic character and the scope to renovate,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17'so let's explore up here.'
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- A little study currently in there. - Oh, yes.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Let's finish off in here.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26This is obviously the master bedroom.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- Oh.- It's a big room. - Big size. Lovely large room, yes.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33I mean, tiny bed at the moment...
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- We can replace that.- ..which I guess is the odd thing about it!
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- Yes, it's only a single bed. But it has got fitted wardrobes. - It does indeed.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44'This is the largest of the three bedrooms,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48'which has the same footprint as the living room below.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'Since the third single bedroom sits above the kitchen,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'if the extension we talked about was double-storey,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57'this would substantially increase its size.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00'With the second family bathroom right next door,
0:25:00 > 0:25:05'the plumbing is already in place to create a rather fantastic master ensuite.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07'But this all depends on the price.'
0:25:07 > 0:25:09OK.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Let's deal with the garden first. The garden is what you see.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- It's a vegetable plot. - It's unusual, it has to be said!
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- I suspect you might want to reclaim a bit of lawn.- Yes.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23So of your £550,000, Steve,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25how much are you going to have to part with here?
0:25:25 > 0:25:29I would think it's...
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- ..470.- 470.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Hm... I think it's probably 480.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37480.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- You two are getting quite good at this!- Go on, what is it?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42It's four...
0:25:42 > 0:25:48- ..seventy-nine...- Ohh!- ..500!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- 480, then!- 480. - I think we'll give that to you.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53I think you should give it to me. You've got one, I've got one.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57Let's call it 480. Call it quits on the guesses so far. One each.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Right, have another look around. I'll catch up with you later on.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07For a fraction under £480,000,
0:26:07 > 0:26:12this semi-detached extended character cottage comes with three bedrooms.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14And with 17th-century origins,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18it still retains its historic features in the two reception rooms.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22However, the property isn't listed so, subject to planning permission,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24there is the possibility to extend.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27And as it's £70,000 under budget,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31there's a generous pot left over with which to make alterations.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34When I first came here, I loved the location.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I didn't feel completely cut off because there were houses near by.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Actually, it could work. It could work for us, I think.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44When we came into the house,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I think we felt it was quite small, and it is quite small,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49but it is a village we've looked at before
0:26:49 > 0:26:53so I think we would be considering this house.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- How far would you bring it out here? - Let's see. One, two, three, four.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- As I said, it's about four-metres wide.- Yes.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03I feel like I've walked into the Ministry of Funny Walks!
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Is it as big as you thought it was? - Er, yes.- Yes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- Right then, so we've got a plan. - I think so.- Right, then. This way.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- Follow me. Ready?- Here we go! - One, two...
0:27:25 > 0:27:27As the sun sets across the countryside,
0:27:27 > 0:27:32the first part of our Hampshire house-hunt comes to an end.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Retired couple Steve and Lindy sold up their Surrey lifestyle a year ago
0:27:42 > 0:27:44and have been staying in their holiday home,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47whilst searching for a property with scope for a project
0:27:47 > 0:27:49in the Hampshire countryside.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52So far, they've seen two houses with that potential,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56both of which fell within their £550,000 budget.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00But still to come, the mystery house is full of surprises...
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- This is nice!- Ha-ha!
0:28:03 > 0:28:05I was expecting a small kitchen!
0:28:05 > 0:28:10..and I take off in a vehicle designed and built on Hampshire's shores.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17There's nothing like starting the day in good company.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20How about this lot? Morning, boys and girls! How are we?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23They all seem fairly happy, as indeed do Steve and Lindy.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27We're having quite a bit of fun on this house search,
0:28:27 > 0:28:32but we mustn't let that detract from the serious business of trying to find them a new home.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34They've made it clear they're up for a project.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38We've looked at two properties which certainly lend themselves to that.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41But for our mystery house, we thought we'd flip the coin
0:28:41 > 0:28:44and give them a property that isn't a project at all,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47one in which they can simply move in and get on with it.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49And like all mystery houses, it may challenge them
0:28:49 > 0:28:52but hopefully, it'll thrill them.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59Well, what a sensational day to finish up on.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00It is. It's fantastic.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Are we getting there? Are we any further down the road
0:29:03 > 0:29:07to helping clarify what your new home may look like?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11The second house we saw yesterday got closer in location.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- The first one was closer in size, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18Well, let's hope the mystery house seals the deal.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Our final stop is back over in West Hampshire,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24in the tiny hamlet of Little London,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26which makes for a really rural escape
0:29:26 > 0:29:30but is still well connected to road links for Steve and Lindy's numerous hobbies.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33The neighbouring village of Smannell is within walking distance,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38with its mid-19th century brick-and-flint church being a local landmark,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41as well as a family-run pub.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44But it's this delightful detached thatched cottage in Little London
0:29:44 > 0:29:47that we've chosen as our mystery property.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50So here we are, then, at long last.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- Really, really nice.- Beautiful.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- Quite big it looks like from the outside, too.- It is.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- It's also...- A garage! - ..got a garage.- Yes. Essential.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Now, guess my next question. Has it got a pool? It is listed?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- No!- Oh!
0:30:06 > 0:30:08The other reason it's our mystery house
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- is because it's not a project. - BOTH: Ahh!- Mm.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- Is that good?- I don't know!
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Well...- It has to be pretty spectacular inside, then.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- It's pretty spectacular, I would say.- Is it?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- You could just... live!- Move in.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- Right, then, let's have a look! Come on.- OK.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29'Although this is another cottage dating back to the 17th century,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32'it's already been significantly extended and modernised throughout.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36'But it remains to be seen whether it's to our buyers' tastes.'
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Right, let's start in here. Come on through.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Wow. Yeah!- It's fantastic.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- What do you reckon? - It's a lovely room.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Really nice. In terms of kitchen-diners,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- this, without doubt, is the best one we've been able to show you. - It's a beautiful size.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54A lot of work has been done on this house over the last five years.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58It's only partly furnished at the moment, it's not lived in currently,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01so it does allow you to see the space without too much clutter.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04But it's nicely dressed to sell.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- The kitchen continues through here. Have a look at this, Lindy.- Oh!
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- Yes!- Oh, this is nice! JULES LAUGHS
0:31:11 > 0:31:16- I was expecting a small kitchen! - Not a small kitchen!- No, it's...
0:31:16 > 0:31:18It's fantastic, actually.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20- Brilliant for entertaining, I must say.- Good.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Well, the entertaining space continues. Let's go through here.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30This is the first of two reception rooms that you've got.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Oh, gosh!- Ahh!
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Woodburner there, as well.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39This is the older bit of the building, as you can probably tell from the beams.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43It's a lovely room. Nice colours, as well.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- Are you pleased we came to the mystery house?- Yes.- I am.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- You just quietly said, "This might be the best one we've seen."- It is.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- Yes...- We don't know yet.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Show us some more!- It might be the best one you've seen!
0:31:55 > 0:31:59Let's hope it is! Come through here.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03So back across the hallway...
0:32:03 > 0:32:06..into the extension, we've got this,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- another lovely snug. - Oh, wow! Another...
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Another room.- Another room!- Yes.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- You've got two big, officially, reception rooms.- Yes.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- We can have a living room each. - That sounds a good idea to me.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19You've got a nice woodburner over there.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- And another door.- Stable door out to the garden, which is nice.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24You could open that up and let the breeze through.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- This is the extension? - This is the extension.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31It's been done very sympathetically, with these timbers.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32- Yes.- Nice wooden floor.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36I think this is the most generous we've had a chance to show you
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- and the most well appointed. - BOTH: Yes.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- And the cheapest? - I'm not telling you the price yet!
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Everybody always tries to get the price out of me, but no!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Come upstairs.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53'The ground floor also benefits from a cloakroom,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56'and then up on the first floor is a fully-tiled family bathroom
0:32:56 > 0:32:58'alongside four bedrooms.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02'These include a good-size double, next to a smaller room featuring exposed timbers,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04'and a box room.'
0:33:05 > 0:33:08This is technically the master bedroom.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Unfurnished, but it allows you to see how much space there is.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15And, of course, it's got an ensuite. Nicely finished.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Nice big shower.- Good.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20I think our mystery house
0:33:20 > 0:33:23seems to have put a smile on your faces
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- in a way that the others didn't. - Yes.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Well, it's certainly... Do you think it's one of the nicest?
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- It's probably the best we've seen. - Like all houses,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- they've all got their merits. - They've all got pros and cons.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36'The mystery house is working its magic
0:33:36 > 0:33:39'and really getting our buyers thinking.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43'The dilemma is whether or not they can bear to down tools.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46'Time to find out whether the garden will convince them.'
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- If anything's going to sell a white house, it's the sunshine!- Yes.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Again, what you see is pretty much what you get,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56but it's got this lovely bit here
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- for al fresco dining, should you wish.- Yes.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03And then behind us, we've got the double garage,
0:34:03 > 0:34:07but it's been subdivided to provide an office space here.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09So garden office, should you need it,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- or maybe another den, Steve.- Yes. - Who knows?
0:34:12 > 0:34:17- Another place where you could watch telly.- Where you could go!
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Shall we have a think about the price?- Oh, dear.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- Do we have to?! - Oh, this is a difficult one!
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Go on, Lindy. You've got 550
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- at the top of your budget to spend. - Yes.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Well, it's already done and it's not a project.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I think it's about 525.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- 525. - STEVE SIGHS
0:34:34 > 0:34:36This is a difficult one.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40I would've thought it's 550, 555.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43555, just outside your budget.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Your instincts are right, Steve.- Oh!
0:34:46 > 0:34:52Because this would set you back all of your budget at £550,000.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53- Right.- 550.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- Which I think is fair enough. - So it is the top end. - It doesn't surprise me.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- You certainly wouldn't have to do anything inside.- No.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Right, then, off you go. Take your time!
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- Enjoy exploring our mystery house. - BOTH: Thank you.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Right on budget at £550,000,
0:35:09 > 0:35:14our mystery property is a beautifully renovated 17th-century thatched cottage
0:35:14 > 0:35:19that really challenges our buyers to kick back against their preconceptions for a project.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Ready to move into, it gives them a large kitchen-diner,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26two reception rooms and four bedrooms,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28one with an ensuite shower room.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Outside, the garden has been immaculately landscaped
0:35:31 > 0:35:36and has the added bonus of a single garage with an office.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39It has got a lot going for it. Even though it looks perfect,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41there are still things we would like to do with it.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45The house inside - I love it. It's lovely inside.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47It's a possibility, this house.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49We'd need to think about it.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- So three properties, all very different.- Completely different.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55I think we'll have to put our thinking caps on
0:35:55 > 0:35:58about these three different houses we've seen.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Put them on. Let's start thinking!
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Hampshire's coastal location
0:36:15 > 0:36:19has ensured a long and distinguished role in Britain's maritime history.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Based at the former HMS Daedalus site in the town of Lee-on-Solent
0:36:23 > 0:36:26is the world's largest collection of hovercraft.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29They've been brought together and lovingly conserved
0:36:29 > 0:36:31by a voluntary group of hovercraft devotees,
0:36:31 > 0:36:36determined to celebrate the legacy of this pioneering but somewhat eccentric example
0:36:36 > 0:36:39of 20th-century British technology.
0:36:39 > 0:36:45I've come to find out how it all got off the ground with museum trustee Warwick Jacobs.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- Warwick!- Hello, Jules! Nice to meet you.- Hello, mate. Nice to meet you.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52This is absolutely fabulous, isn't it?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55The collection here isn't open to the public on a regular basis.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57You're hoping to transform this site.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01We have six days a year where we have a hover show. The rest of the time is by appointment.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06But we're hoping this is going to be a permanent hovercraft museum.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11What happened to remove these craft from the seascape?
0:37:11 > 0:37:15They'd done quite well, 33 years in service across the English Channel,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18and they competed against the Channel Tunnel for ten years,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22but where it went wrong was, duty free was abolished and that's where the profits lay.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- So that really is why these are now here, laid up forever.- That's right.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29These are all gas turbine, gas-guzzlers.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Four tonnes of fuel an hour they would use.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35These huge skirts would support them. They look rather sad now,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37all droopy and redundant!
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- You've got 30 tonnes of rubber there, Jules!- Amazing.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell in the 1950s,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48the hovercraft was a revolutionary form of transport
0:37:48 > 0:37:53that floated on a cushion of air and could operate on both sea and land.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57The museum showcases a medley of sea-faring vessels,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00from mammoth cross-channel hovercraft, to five-fan beasts
0:38:00 > 0:38:03and smaller singe-seaters for racing.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08- These look like fun!- Hoverboards, used at the Sydney Olympics, and the hover bike.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11What about all that? That looks...
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- They're the James Bond hovercraft from Die Another Die.- Are they?!
0:38:14 > 0:38:18They had a fleet of 15, 16, 17 craft in that film.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20What's this? There's a lovely logo there.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25The Sultan of Oman, this was his private hovercraft for getting from the royal yacht to his palace.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I suppose you can afford it if you're the Sultan of Oman.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29He had three of them so he must've liked them.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- This is Cockerell's original model. - This is it!
0:38:32 > 0:38:36This is the SRM-1. It was later built into a man-carrying model,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38which crossed the Channel in 1959.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- So, the idea is that air is drawn in through this huge fan in there.- Yes.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- I guess it's got to go somewhere and it has to lift the hull. - That's right.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48The best way to show you how it works is to try it.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51You get one end, I'll get the other and we'll show you.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I do love a good model!
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- It's actually heavier than I was expecting.- It is. You imagine it to be very light.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04But the bigger a hovercraft gets, the more efficient it all works.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07You watch in there as I start the motors up.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- You try moving it now. - Absolutely solid, isn't it?
0:39:10 > 0:39:12It is. Just a little bit of air...
0:39:14 > 0:39:16You can start moving it.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- Can I push it?- Yes.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Look at that!
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Brilliant!
0:39:22 > 0:39:25You could say that this original 1950s model
0:39:25 > 0:39:28is the father of all hovercraft.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Within a decade, this technology was transformed
0:39:31 > 0:39:34into the biggest passenger hovercraft in the world.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38I've never had the pleasure of travelling on one of these extraordinary machines,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41that is until now.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43There's a first time for everything,
0:39:43 > 0:39:45and today it's hovercrafts.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51MOTOR WHIRRS
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Look at that! Brilliant.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Hampshire, history and hovercraft -
0:40:19 > 0:40:22a pretty good combination for a nice day out.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26But we're not here to holiday, we're here to house-hunt.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Have we managed to bring Steve and Lindy's year-long quest to a successful end?
0:40:31 > 0:40:33I wonder...
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Well, Lindy, Steve,
0:40:40 > 0:40:45when we first met, you said that you'd looked at over 50 properties in one way or another
0:40:45 > 0:40:49and that maybe we could solve the problem with just three more.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Have we managed to do it?
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Our first one, that lovely timber-framed thatch...
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- The thing is, it satisfied the project bit, didn't it?- Yes.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Downstairs, as a project, knocking the kitchen through, but quite a simple project.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07Upstairs, knocking the two rooms back into one room
0:41:07 > 0:41:10and maybe re-syncing the staircases.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12I think we found that idea quite exciting.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- It's quite a challenge. - But it would've been possible.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18When we got to property number two -
0:41:18 > 0:41:21something of a hamlet there - a semi-detached,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25but we did need to consider a proper kind of extension.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Yes. I loved the setting of the house.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30We saw how the house could be extended
0:41:30 > 0:41:34but, again, we've got doubts about the size of the garden
0:41:34 > 0:41:37as related to the amount of extension we'd have to do on it.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- You've really thought about the merits of these properties.- We have.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45But that said, we thought our mystery house, we'd make it easy.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- We said, "Let's give you something that's pretty much done."- Yes.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- That was a lovely house. - Beautiful house.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57It's just the sort of house that we would like to have finished with when we'd done a project.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00It was like walking into a house that's already been done.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- It was quite big.- Yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07It was bigger than the houses we've been looking at. But I don't know...
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I mean, I think the truth is, we haven't resolved this problem.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- We have not found you your new dream home.- You haven't.
0:42:14 > 0:42:20But it's made us more aware that we could go out a bit further and get more for our money.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- So it's not all lost.- Not all lost. - But the search goes on.- It goes on.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30- I think it will be back to the drawing board. - But with different parameters.- Yes.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It's been a great pleasure, lots of fun.
0:42:32 > 0:42:38- Let us know how you get on. Very best of luck. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46When I meet couples like Lindy and Steve
0:42:46 > 0:42:50and discover that they've been looking for over a year
0:42:50 > 0:42:53and still haven't found what they're looking for,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57the alarm bells do begin to ring and it begs a question - why?
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I'm not convinced that it's a failure of the property market.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03When we're looking for a home,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06we also need to find somewhere that can accommodate our lifestyle
0:43:06 > 0:43:08and those things have to be in balance.
0:43:08 > 0:43:14I suspect that for them, the scales are still a little uneven.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17I do think they will move to Hampshire for all the right reasons,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22but as to when - well, as ever, only time will tell.
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0:43:28 > 0:43:29and would like our help,
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