0:00:00 > 0:00:03This unassuming country manor
0:00:03 > 0:00:06was the nerve centre of Britain's Second World War spy operations.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Where am I? Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45On today's show, I help a couple of city dwellers
0:00:45 > 0:00:48buy their first home together in the countryside.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Initially, they're quite guarded about our houses.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55I'll have to see what the outside area's like to see if we can get this one over the line!
0:00:55 > 0:00:57You always need a little bit more!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02But later, their reactions are positively gushing.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Yeah, it's amazing!
0:01:04 > 0:01:05Amazing! Yeah!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today I'm in Buckinghamshire at the national museum of computing.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18And this rebuilt mass of wires, valves and plugs is Colossus,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21the world's very first electronic computer.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24It was here that British spies worked tirelessly
0:01:24 > 0:01:27to crack Hitler's heavily-encoded communications
0:01:27 > 0:01:29during the final years of the Second World War.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Later on, I'll be finding out more about the entire Bletchley Park complex,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37which is one of the greatest secrets of British military history.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40But for now, why not discover more about the wealth of delights
0:01:40 > 0:01:44that make Buckinghamshire such an appealing place to escape to the country.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Covering some 730 square miles in total,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Buckinghamshire forms part of the Home Counties region.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55The River Thames runs along its southern borders,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58before the landscape gives way to the Chiltern Hills.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03Numerous famous writers have settled in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:03 > 0:02:06including Roald Dahl who lived in Great Missenden
0:02:06 > 0:02:11for over 30 years and whose work is commemorated in a local museum.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15The village is one of many that still retains its historic architecture.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Indeed, Aylesbury, which was granted its county town status by Henry VIII,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23is home to over 170 listed buildings.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28And nowadays, in order to claim a slice of Buckinghamshire rural life for yourself,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31you'll need to keep tight hold of those purse strings.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Fortunately, prosperity isn't in short supply here.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40The south of the county has the highest average income in the country
0:02:40 > 0:02:43at £839 a week.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Now, I say fortunately because the house prices do match those high wages.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53You can expect to pay around £477,000 for a detached property here.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57That's some 217,000 more than the national average.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01The thing is, commutability and the countryside do come at a cost.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But in Buckinghamshire you'll get a rich mix of property styles
0:03:04 > 0:03:08as they really have made the most of the building materials available here.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13In particular pockets of the county such as the Aylesbury Vale,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15natural seams of limestone occur.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20The Portland and Purbeck stone types are a feature of buildings in the area
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and were often used in the construction of churches as well as houses.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28This three-bedroomed Grade II listed limestone cottage in Calverton
0:03:28 > 0:03:32is priced at £595,000.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Although parts of Buckinghamshire are popular with commuters to London these days,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40many historic market towns were thriving commercial centres in their own right
0:03:40 > 0:03:42from the 17th century.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45The old town of Amersham
0:03:45 > 0:03:48is home to an array of merchants' houses and smaller workers' terraced cottages,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51providing something for most budgets.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56This three-bedroomed Grade II listed cottage in nearby Beaconsfield Old Town
0:03:56 > 0:03:59will cost just under £390,000.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03So, lots to choose from there.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Hopefully today's buyers have deep pockets.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Finance director Ian and interior design student Christie
0:04:12 > 0:04:15have recently returned to the UK from Dubai.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Although they've loved the buzz of urban living up until now,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21they feel the time has come to lay down some roots
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and buy their first home together in the British countryside.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Generally speaking, we feel as though we've "been there and done that".
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Now it's time to do something different
0:04:32 > 0:04:36and really it's about a family home in our own space.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Having got married a year ago,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Ian and Christie are pursuing having a family.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44However, in the beginning, it was work that initially brought them together.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47We met at Cranfield School of Management.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I was the assistant administrator at the time.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54And basically it started there, didn't it?
0:04:54 > 0:05:01Yeah. I realised quite quickly that I probably needed the inside track at Cranfield,
0:05:01 > 0:05:07so I thought getting a bit closer to the administrative function wouldn't do me any harm!
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Since returning from Dubai,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14they've been renting in Buckinghamshire whilst they research where they want to settle.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18We realised we wanted to be closer to family without increasing the commute.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I know the Milton Keynes area quite well.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25But it's not just the location they're researched.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29As an interior design student, Christie has her eye on a home with definite style.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33We're looking for a property with character, definitely.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39I think we prefer detached but we'd happily go with a semi as well, wouldn't we?
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And even though there are just two of them,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43they both agree that they need to spread out.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46We do need quite a bit of space.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50I'm studying, so I need a lot of room for my course materials.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56Yeah. It's not that we're falling out. There are other genuine reasons why we need the space.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58When they of find their ideal property,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01they're not just after breathing space in the house.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03We'll enjoy doing what we've always done
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and that's going out walking and socialising
0:06:06 > 0:06:10and going out for dinner and drinks
0:06:10 > 0:06:14away from the busy lifestyle that we tend to lead
0:06:14 > 0:06:16eight till six every day.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Ultimately, their house needs to give them room to grow in the future.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23We hope to settle down and have a family as well.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27I think some of the things that I'm most looking forward to
0:06:27 > 0:06:32is actually having a house
0:06:32 > 0:06:34that we can call our own home.
0:06:34 > 0:06:40And as a finance director, it's no surprise that Ian's worked out how much they have to spend.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44The maximum budget for the move is £750,000.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Ian and Christie would like us to focus their property search
0:06:55 > 0:06:58in the outlying villages around Milton Keynes,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02preferably around a 15-minute drive away from the railway station.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06I'm meeting our buyers to find out more about the vision they have
0:07:06 > 0:07:08of their ideal country home.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Good morning, you two!- Morning! - The sun's come out!
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- Yeah.- Lovely.- How specific are you on the area you want to be in?
0:07:16 > 0:07:20It's more a case - we're not so fussed about the county, are we?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's more about not being too far from Milton Keynes central station
0:07:23 > 0:07:25which is where Ian can commute to London from.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Milton Keynes feels about as far north as you can get
0:07:29 > 0:07:33to still have a good commute into London, if that makes sense.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37The other thing to think about is the property itself, not just the commute.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- What kind of house are we looking for?- It's a family home we're looking for,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43hoping to spend the next ten years, rather than short-term.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46So three or four bed, I think.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I think we have a real preference towards big rooms,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51nice high ceilings, that sort of thing.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Yeah, light and airy is nice, yep.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55Outside space is important.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- A nice big garden.- How big a garden?
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Well, I wouldn't say we're going to turn into green fingers,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- but quite a nice...- A decent space. - Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Fantastic. Well, that's not bad for around here.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11I think we've found you three very good properties including the mystery house.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Shall we go and have a look. - Yes.- Definitely.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43We've selected three charming properties to view
0:08:43 > 0:08:47and as usual, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49The last, of course, is our mystery house
0:08:49 > 0:08:52which will test their resolve to renovate it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Mindful of their brief on location,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01we're starting our house tour just 11 miles south of Milton Keynes
0:09:01 > 0:09:03in Little Horwood.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Besides giving Ian a quick travel time to the station,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09the village provides them with a peaceful countryside setting.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Amenities include a local pub, a cricket green
0:09:13 > 0:09:17and the memorial hall acts as a local store and post office
0:09:17 > 0:09:18a couple of times a week.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Our first property is a single-storey barn conversion.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28I have confidence in our first property because this is it.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- Yes.- Right, OK.- A barn conversion. - Wow.- First impressions?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36We've not looked at any barn conversions, so...
0:09:36 > 0:09:41I think for me, I was probably picturing something in its own plot.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45So the fact that there's three, four, five conversions all together,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48probably wasn't what I was looking for initially.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Once you get inside, you'll really feel that it's a very stand-alone individual property.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- And you'll hardly notice there's anyone else around.- OK. - Come and have a look.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03'Although there are subdued reactions to the modest exterior,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06'I think the features and space inside will lift their mood.'
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- Lovely floor.- Great, isn't it? Tuscan limestone flooring,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13right the way through here
0:10:13 > 0:10:16into your kitchen dining room.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- Wow!- Yeah, very nice.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Yes.- First "wow" of the day!
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Yes.- It's very sort of open plan
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and there's obviously some period features in terms of the beams.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30You noticed the beams. This is all the original barn.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- The barn dates back to 1883.- Right.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The conversion was done just under ten years ago.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Right.- OK.- Very nice. I like it.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Very nice? OK. Come and have a closer look at the kitchen.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44What do you think of this for the kitchen?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47I love this. It's not an original feature.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49They've put in this brick surround for the range.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- But it's a nice touch.- Yes. - Yes, it works.- It's impressive.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55I love the central island. That's something I've always wanted in a kitchen.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Looking out there to your guests, all the family sitting around.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Yes. Lovely.- Come and look at this room.- Yep.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- I like this room.- Hmm.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- It's big, isn't it?- This could be another wow.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Yes, it's a big room. Lovely.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Look at the woodburner.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- I think I got a bit of a smile out of you, there.- Almost!- Almost!
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- You must be doing well! - Yes, it's nice.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- Just so you know, that's the only wall that's actually touching a neighbour.- Right.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- OK. I'll bear that in mind.- We'll look at the other side to the house.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31There's nobody on the other side. Just a little courtyard.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34So you're not that close to people. Come on.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'Christie seems taken with what she's seen so far.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41'Although Ian, I fear, may need more convincing.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43'On the opposite side of the property,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45'there are three doubles in total,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48'all of which are spacious, light and airy.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50'There's also a family bathroom.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'But we'll explore what could be their room.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Back with this lovely oak flooring
0:11:55 > 0:11:58into the master suite.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- Ooh!- Mm.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Yes, a good size again.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Loads of storage.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05They've had all of this built in.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's got a huge en-suite bathroom, roll-top bath,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- walk-in shower.- Yes.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Lots of space in there. And a lovely touch, the French doors.- Lovely.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Yeah, it's a good-sized room.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24I'm hearing a lot of "nice" and "I like it" but I'm not feeling much of an emotional connection.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29It just feels almost a bit too new, if anything.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34One thing I haven't mentioned is with my coursework I need a lot of space.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- So we're probably lacking a room, aren't we?- I think so.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40You need an extra room. You need it to not feel so new.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44So the second point maybe you can fix with the interior decor?
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Yes.- And maybe the first point you can fix?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Maybe I can. Shall we go and have a look outside?
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Yes.- Yeah.- That way.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56The property as it stands is a blank canvas
0:12:56 > 0:12:59to which Christie could add her creative touch.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Outside, as well as having well-stocked mature gardens,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05delivers another important element for Christie.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09It's still raining, I'm afraid.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Yes.- Unfortunately, but there you go.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- And if you look that way, beautiful views.- Stunning.- It's a wonderful view.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18You'd never grow tired of that view. It's fantastic.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20What do you think of this as a garden?
0:13:20 > 0:13:26- I think it's a good size for us. - Manageable and it's a reasonable size.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29I brought you out here on the promise of more space.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Down that end you've got what looks like a shed.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But of an outbuilding, it's boarded and got electricity in it.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40It's currently used as a gym. It could be a space for your study for the interior design work.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43You know everything there is to know about this property now
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- except how much it costs.- Why don't we let Christie go first?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Thanks(!)
0:13:48 > 0:13:53OK. Um... I reckon...620,000.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57I genuinely think that is a decent guess.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00I'll go for 650,000.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01You get the first point!
0:14:01 > 0:14:04This is on the market bang on at 650.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- There you go. There you go. - Well done.- Lucky guess.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10So, with that it mind, you probably want to get out of the rain anyway,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13why don't you head back in, have a look at the shed maybe,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- and I'll see you later on. - Great.- OK.- Thanks, Denise.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Comfortably under budget at £650,000,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24this immaculate barn conversion
0:14:24 > 0:14:27is a good opening gambit for our buyers to consider.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29It delivers on many fronts.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- We weren't expecting this, were we? - No.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48What do you think?
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Well...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'm not sure if I could use it for my studio
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- because I'm not sure if it's light enough.- No.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57It probably is a little bit dark.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- We'd probably end up using it for storage.- Yeah, I would have thought so.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Character was really high up on our list.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06And this property does have character,
0:15:06 > 0:15:11but there's just something, there's a new feeling about it, actually.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So even though it's got the beams and fireplace,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15it feels like it's lacking character, somehow.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20I think my first impression was that the barn conversion
0:15:20 > 0:15:22was done very tastefully.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26I think that was quite striking when we first walked in.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28But I think perhaps in the back of my mind
0:15:28 > 0:15:34I was already beginning to question, well, would I prefer a detached property
0:15:34 > 0:15:37with a bit more privacy on its own plot.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41I'm not convinced this house has got enough space for us.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Well, it's still raining, so I definitely think it's time for us to make a move.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Hopefully, they've seen enough now.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- Seen everything?- Yeah. - Yes, absolutely.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54It's time for us to get out of this rain. Come on. Let's go.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Surrounded by countryside and the Chiltern Hills
0:16:06 > 0:16:09is the historic market town of Marlow.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Its gentrified Georgian character can be attributed to its prime location
0:16:13 > 0:16:15on the banks of the River Thames
0:16:15 > 0:16:19where for centuries goods for trade were loaded and shipped downstream to London.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24The Thames is also at the heart of Marlow's sporting heritage
0:16:24 > 0:16:28as Olympic hero Sir Steve Redgrave honed his skills here as a young rower.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32And just a mile down the road is the home of the British Olympic Institute
0:16:32 > 0:16:34at the ancient site of Bisham Abbey.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Marrying Ian's keen interest in sport with Christie's keen aesthetic eye,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43we arrange for them to meet up with Zoe Dixon from Sport England
0:16:43 > 0:16:48to find out more about the story of this impressive Grade I listed site.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- Welcome, guys, to Bisham Abbey. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54This is the flagship National Sports Centre for Sport England.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57The most ancient parts date back to 1138.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02But the Knights of the Templar occupied it until 1308 when they were disbanded.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06There must have been some interesting people that have lived here and visited.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Yes, and some very notable guests.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Henry VIII escaped here from London when one of the plagues was in London.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15He resided here.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Shall we have a look?- Yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24The abbey entrance is one of the oldest surviving parts,
0:17:24 > 0:17:29dating back to 1338 when it was a priory and home to Augustinian monks.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Its rooms resonate with signs from its past.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Here we are in the Great Hall at Bisham Abbey.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40This is now used as our main dining room to feed our athletes.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44But originally it was the main room for the Knights Templar
0:17:44 > 0:17:45who resided here until 1308.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Is this room as it was, or has it been restored at some point?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52A large restoration project took place in the 19th century.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Originally, when the Knights Templar were here,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57there would have been a fire hearth in the middle of the room.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01That has blackened some of the timbers above us.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06Zoe, I noticed a very small window in that corner. What's that about?
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Remember I said Henry VIII came here to escape the plague?
0:18:09 > 0:18:13He used a suite of rooms upstairs as his area.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17He would look down from that window and watch people being entertained in the Great Hall
0:18:17 > 0:18:20and he would choose his wench that was to accompany him for the evening!
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Alongside the preserved features inside,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27this manor house has substantially changed in size and function
0:18:27 > 0:18:29over the past 800 years.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33And it's enhanced by its timeless riverside backdrop.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Here we are at one of my favourite spots on the site.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38We're by the River Thames
0:18:38 > 0:18:40and we've got the abbey behind us.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So Ian and Christie, that's given you a bit of the history of Bisham Abbey
0:18:43 > 0:18:46as well as understanding what we now use it for in the National Sports Centre.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51It's been fantastic. Thanks so much for showing us round. We've really enjoyed it. It's been great.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52You're very welcome.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Having gained an insight into this historic building's links to monarchs and elite athletes,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00we need to return to their house search,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03where hopefully one of our remaining properties will emerge a winner.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12In a bid to deliver as spacious a property as possible,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14we're nudging over the Northamptonshire border
0:19:14 > 0:19:16to the village of Syresham
0:19:16 > 0:19:20which extends Ian's travel time to Milton Keynes to half an hour.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22This village is in a quiet, rural setting,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26one local landmark being its Grade II listed church
0:19:26 > 0:19:28dating back to the 12th century.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Our next house lies on the outskirts of the village
0:19:31 > 0:19:34and certainly has that kerb presence that they're after.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- You wanted a stand-alone detached property.- Yep.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42And that's what we've brought you for property two.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44What do you think?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Yes, it looks nice.- Quite an impressive building, I would say.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- It is.- Looks good.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50How old do you think this property is?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Fairly recent, perhaps, but I don't honestly know.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55It is a 2006 build,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57so it is pretty new.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01But I have to say inside it's chocker-full of great features.
0:20:01 > 0:20:02- Right.- Which I think will impress you.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07It's not a period property, but keen to see inside and then I'll let you know!
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Come on, then. I get the hint. Let's have a look!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14'New build it might be, but I think the inside
0:20:14 > 0:20:18'evokes quite a different feel to what they might be expecting.'
0:20:20 > 0:20:23First feature, a little gallery there.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Yes.- Nice.- Second, through the hallway into the dining room.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Ooh.- Woodburning stove, yes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34I wasn't expecting to walk into the dining room, to be honest.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- I'm perhaps a little bit...- Has that thrown you?- ..taken aback.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40But it's a nice area, isn't it? A nice room.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44I think to put this house into context, you need to see a bit more.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Let's have a look at the kitchen. - OK.- Yeah.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52If you don't want your dining room out here, there, even,,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54what about in here?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Yes, OK.- It's completely different to out there.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00This is much more the style we were thinking of.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05The pine tops and the country Shaker-style kitchen units.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07But round the back there is a utility room.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12You definitely get a lot of space with this property. Let me show you the next room and see how you feel.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13Okey-doke.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Come on through.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Ooh.- The light shining in there.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- The main living room.- It's huge. - The sun's come out. Come in and have a good look.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Yes, it is huge. Have you ever seen an inglenook fireplace that big?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- Really great.- That's a real feature. - That's a great feature.- Yes.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38How about having two additional reception rooms downstairs that you could take your pick on?
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Wow. Sounds good.- You've got a walkway through there, the other side of the dining room.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Then you've got two more rooms. One currently being used as an office/study
0:21:46 > 0:21:50and the other one is a family room with a TV and a corner sofa.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- It's quite cosy.- Ooh.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54You've got all that extra space.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Yeah, sounds like lots of space.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59'The same can definitely be said of upstairs,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03which provides five bedrooms all generously sized,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06light and airy, along with the bright family bathroom.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10But I think we'll really raise the roof when we see the master.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- Goodness!- Oh, your eyes lit up straightaway.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Ian, tell me. Is that a good high ceiling?
0:22:16 > 0:22:21That, Denise, is a good height for a ceiling, I can tell you.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23And an en-suite.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Hooray. Can we have a little look? - Yes, have a look round.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Ooh, big shower.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Wow.- Hmm.- Got enough space in this one!
0:22:33 > 0:22:36That's a really good genuine smile there.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- From you.- This is a super room, isn't it?
0:22:40 > 0:22:45They've kept the beams, which is a really nice feature.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Perhaps I'll have to see what the outside area's like
0:22:47 > 0:22:49to see whether we can get this one over the line!
0:22:49 > 0:22:53You always need a little bit more, Ian! Shall we go out and have a look
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and start thinking about how much this will cost.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- Mm.- Okey-doke.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02'The front of the house benefits from a large driveway
0:23:02 > 0:23:04'which offers plenty of parking space.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06'And there's also a detached double garage,
0:23:06 > 0:23:10'which has a self-contained studio and shower room above.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13'However, they might feel the pinch of compromise at the back.'
0:23:13 > 0:23:18OK. This is your garden. Call it small but perfectly formed!
0:23:18 > 0:23:19OK.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23They've really thought about it. It's not huge, granted.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25What are your thoughts?
0:23:25 > 0:23:27It's on the small side.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32You've seen everything there is. The question is, how much would you have to pay for this property
0:23:32 > 0:23:34and Ian, I'm going to start with you.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Definitely a more expensive property than the last one we looked at.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39So I'm going to go for...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42..725.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- OK.- I had a figure in my head for the same reasons as you, really.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50So I'm going to go for 710,000.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54It's near the top of your budget. It is more expensive than the last one.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58But it's actually on the market for £685,000.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- Right. Interesting. - Yeah, that's surprising.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Has that changed the way you think about it?- Interesting.- Interesting.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Ooh, it's hard to get anything out of you, isn't it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Can't give anything away at this stage, Denise!
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Go up there and have a look at that annexe. See if we can warm you up.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16685! 685, what a bargain!
0:24:16 > 0:24:18They guessed over 700.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22As they said, five bedrooms and a fantastic location in a great village.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27I think it might take a little bit more time for this to warm to Ian.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32Priced substantially under budget at £685,000,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35this huge family home is beautifully presented.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58Funnily enough, the previous property was older and felt new.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01This one's newer, but it doesn't feel new.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Again, I really like the kitchen. I think we could do with it slightly bigger,
0:25:04 > 0:25:09but the style is really nice.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11It really does feel like a country kitchen.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15When I first saw the house outside, I was quite impressed.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It was a plot all on its own,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21so it had that element of privacy.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Overall, I think the garden was on the small side.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29I think they've made good use of the space that's available.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33So I guess, overall, for the size of the house,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I was probably a bit disappointed with the garden area.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42A-ha. I was getting comfortable here. The sun's finally come out.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- It's stopped raining. - Best part of the day.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48And you've got a smile on your face! Can't be bad!
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Seen enough?- Yes.- Come on, then, let's go.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13As evening falls, our buyers can now sit back and reflect on their first day's property search.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Having moved back from Dubai,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Ian and Christie have £750,000 to spend
0:26:26 > 0:26:30on their first country property in the Buckinghamshire countryside.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Our two offerings so far have tried to meet their brief
0:26:33 > 0:26:38of a stylish character property that delivers space inside and out.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Coming up, the mystery house is bordering on perfection.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Almost, not quite, but almost speechless.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Don't go speechless yet!
0:26:48 > 0:26:52And I piece together the county's secret military heritage.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59The start of day two and it's raining again!
0:26:59 > 0:27:01This weather can't make up its mind.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03But we got off to a winning start yesterday.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08Two great properties, the first of which offered everything Ian and Christie were looking for
0:27:08 > 0:27:11on paper, but in reality it was a little bit small for them.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14The second gave them more rooms than they could have wished for,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16but the garden just wasn't enough.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21Overall, I felt that Ian was struggling to see past the owner's furniture.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26So for our mystery house, we're going to force him to use his imagination a bit more.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29This property is all about the potential.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36So what do you think we might show you with the mystery house?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I can imagine it might be something that needs some work,
0:27:39 > 0:27:44for me to sort of use my interior design skills.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49I don't know. I was thinking the possibility of a big project.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- Would you enjoy that? - Um, I would do, yeah.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54It depends on the extent, I think!
0:27:54 > 0:27:58As long as there wasn't too much work to do, it would be good fun.
0:27:58 > 0:28:04Yeah, I think your definition of a project and mine might be a bit different!
0:28:04 > 0:28:06We'll keep them guessing a bit longer.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11One thing that will please Ian is that our mystery house is less than a 15-minute drive
0:28:11 > 0:28:15from Milton Keynes in the village of Deanshanger, Northamptonshire.
0:28:15 > 0:28:21Along with a very active community, amenities include a post office and a choice of local pubs.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25For the mystery house, we've found a property steeped in history
0:28:25 > 0:28:27but it's going to need a little bit of work.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Now...
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Oh, my goodness!- Look at this.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33The mystery property.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- Wow.- You did guess fairly well
0:28:36 > 0:28:38that it may be a bit of a project.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- You didn't guess how old that project would be!- It is a project.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- This is 14th-century Grade II listed.- Wow.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- It was originally a monastery. - Really?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Just like the Christian properties then, it was in the shape of a cross.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Over the centuries there have been some additions.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57And then it was modernised inside in the '80s.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00I'm intrigued to know just how big a project it is,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04but my first impressions are it's just hugely impressive.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05Fantastic.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07But will you be impressed by the inside?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11One thing you'll be impressed by, the front door. Come this way.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16'Our mystery house has sparked their interest and intrigue.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21'So let's move inside and discover what lies behind these historic walls and door.'
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Look at this door!
0:29:26 > 0:29:29This tells you it's 14th century, doesn't it?
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Lovely front door. And it's kept Cromwell's men out at times!- Really?
0:29:34 > 0:29:39During the dissolution of the monasteries, this was a place where priests would come to hide.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Oh, wow. Yeah, it's amazing.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Yeah!
0:29:45 > 0:29:48I think it's just full of character, isn't it?
0:29:50 > 0:29:53And there's a real wow factor here,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55almost, not quite, but almost speechless.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Don't go speechless yet!
0:29:57 > 0:30:03You are coming alive! I like it. You're very excited by this. Come this way.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08So you have another living room.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- Wow.- Wow indeed.- More beams.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Lovely again.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17The current owners have a conservatory there.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19It's dated and in need of work.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Definitely opportunities.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23The one thing you really can't touch is that staircase.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Jacobean with a preservation order on it!
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- Oh!- Really?- Wow! Fantastic!
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- But the thing that is important to you still is the kitchen.- Yes.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39Shall we have a look at that? I'd love to get your thoughts. It's back up that way.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41I'll lead the way.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46'Let's see what Christie's design vision might be in here.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:52Come in. A very traditional style kitchen.
0:30:52 > 0:30:59- Yes.- It's not the kitchen you described to me, the big open plan.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02But there's still a lot in here. Great features.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06A range-style cooker and an electric one, so you can cook in both methods.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11- Yeah.- OK.- And you have got a larder pantry over there.- OK, yes.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13There is another option, I think.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17There is another reception room off the main living room.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Which opens out. That's potentially a space where you could swap the kitchen to over there.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- It's a bit bigger.- OK. Good.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Still happy?- Yes, still positive.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31- Excellent. Let's head upstairs and see the bedrooms.- Show us the way.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35'There's plenty of scope for updating the decor
0:31:35 > 0:31:39'although they'll obviously need to go through the planning process
0:31:39 > 0:31:42'if they want to adapt the internal living spaces as it's listed.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45'Also on this floor is a laundry room and bathroom.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48'We're now making our way upstairs.'
0:31:48 > 0:31:53Four bedrooms. And this is the master and the biggest.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Wow. That's a huge bed. Nice.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58For a property of this age, it comes with an en-suite, which is great.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Oh, goodness. I was just thinking it wouldn't.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05I think it's older than we'd initially envisaged
0:32:05 > 0:32:08or were perhaps looking for.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10But I don't think that's a bad thing.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- All good.- So that just leaves the outside and the price.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16OK. That's going to be very interesting.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- Fascinating.- Very. Start thinking. After you.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27'The first floor also provides two family bathrooms for the three other bedrooms,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29'all of which are good-sized doubles
0:32:29 > 0:32:30'and have spectacular views.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34'Time to survey the extent of the land our mystery house comes with.'
0:32:35 > 0:32:37So this is the garden.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42And it's quite extensive. Definitely the biggest of the three properties.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45It doesn't just go to that fence, it extends beyond there.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48So that paddock beyond would be yours as well.
0:32:48 > 0:32:49- Oh, wow.- Yes.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51And back down this way you have this orchard.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- I thought, yeah, wow! - Apples and greengages.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- Up to the gate? - Up to the gate there.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- Wow.- And you get this double garage which comes with a loose box
0:33:01 > 0:33:02- so you could have a little pony.- Oh.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Sounds good?- Fantastic.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08So, taking all that into consideration,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- That is a tough question. - Really tough.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Um, I'm going to go for...
0:33:17 > 0:33:19720,000.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22I'm going to go for...
0:33:22 > 0:33:24..735.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28OK. At that sort of price is this in contention potentially?
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- You'll have to ask him! - Possibly. Possibly.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36That's good to know. Because you could get your hands on this house
0:33:36 > 0:33:40for £650,000.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Oh, my goodness! I'm very surprised by that.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Hmm.- Hmm, indeed!
0:33:46 > 0:33:48So, armed with that information,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51have a real wander and explore around this property.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55And I'll see you later on. Because this is the end. That's it.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56It's decision time after that.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Yes.- OK.- Off you go.- Thanks, Denise. - Thank you.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Ooh, they're so hard to measure.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04They really like this property.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08It offers them the history, the space, the outside acreage.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10And it comes in at a great price.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13And yet they're still holding back a little.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Priced at £650,000,
0:34:17 > 0:34:22our historic mystery house leaves them a £100,000 pot
0:34:22 > 0:34:25to renovate and update this into a fabulous family home.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28It retains a wealth of original features.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33The large kitchen has great potential.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46But given that it's listed,
0:34:46 > 0:34:48it does beg the question if it's a project too far.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- Ooh. This is another nice room. - It is, yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57There's a beautiful fireplace there.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04What would you use it for? A study? They've obviously got it as a sort of study.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Yes.- It seems to lend itself to that.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Yes, it would be quite good for my coursework, cos it's quite light in here.- Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12A very light, big room.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- I can't help thinking...- That's a theme around this house.- Yes.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18From the outside, the mystery house looked very impressive.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Quite an imposing look about it, but I like that.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24A really grand-looking house.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Just bags of character and a real feeling of space.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I think we were both really impressed.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I do keep my cards close to my chest.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37And that's the way they're going to remain, firmly close to my chest.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40I'm not going to go as far as to say I love this house,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42but it's a great house, hugely impressive,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47and you'd struggle not to be impressed with this sort of property.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51I think this is exactly the sort of property that Christie's looking for for a project.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53But will it work for Ian?
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- Hello.- Hello.- Hello, hello. - Enjoy that?
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Yes, very much.- Fabulous property to wander round, isn't it?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- Yes.- You've seen them all, now.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- We have.- It's all about making decisions.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Let's find somewhere to sit down. - OK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Buckinghamshire's market towns, quaint villages
0:36:23 > 0:36:27and agricultural landscape conjure up an image of traditional rural England.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30However, during the Second World War,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33hidden within its countryside, the stately home of Bletchley Park
0:36:33 > 0:36:37became the nerve centre of Britain's ultra intelligence network.
0:36:37 > 0:36:43Known as Station X, it was here that the infamous Enigma machine was decoded.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Invented in 1918, it was used by the German military
0:36:47 > 0:36:51to encrypt messages that at that time were impossible to decipher.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Historian Ian Standen kindly offered to show me how it works.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Now, this is one of the infamous Enigma machines, isn't it?
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- Indeed it is.- What would a German officer have to do to use this?
0:37:03 > 0:37:05First of all, they had to set it up properly.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07They had a set of instructions, a code book,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10which told them the various bits and pieces of the machine.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13The first thing was to select which of the various rings -
0:37:13 > 0:37:16you can see inside the machine here.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20There are three in there. These are the two spares so you can have any sort of permutation.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Absolutely. They were told which ones it had to be.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28They were then told which of these cables were to be linked between which of the sockets.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30It says on here S to X, et cetera.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33How many different permutations are there,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35given all the different settings?
0:37:35 > 0:37:38158 million million million permutations!
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Wow!- Which I'm told is about a million more than the National Lottery.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44So, once you've set it up, you've got all these permutations.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47What would you do next? You want to send your message.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51To send a message, the first thing we need to do is find the message. What would you like to send?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- How about escape?- Sounds good. - Seems fitting.- Absolutely.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57OK, so we've set the machine up. We've set it all to the ones there.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01So, press your first letter, which is E, and I'll take down what the coded message is.
0:38:01 > 0:38:08'The Enigma Code was actually first cracked in 1932
0:38:08 > 0:38:10'by a group of Polish mathematicians,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14'who went on to make a replica machine and passed on their knowledge
0:38:14 > 0:38:16'to British military intelligence.'
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Alan, what did the British do to intercept this?
0:38:19 > 0:38:23What we had to do was first of all intercept, through a series of Y stations.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25They were listening to the Germans' transmissions
0:38:25 > 0:38:27and got that and we had lots of ladies sitting down
0:38:27 > 0:38:29taking down this random text.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32It came in, it was given to the code-breakers
0:38:32 > 0:38:34who started off with this.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Very, very clever. British ingenuity. I like it.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41'The race to solve the Enigma Code was won when in early 1940,
0:38:41 > 0:38:46'the English mathematician Alan Turing designed a pioneering code-breaking machine
0:38:46 > 0:38:48known as The Bomb.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50This meant that Bletchley Park cryptanalysts
0:38:50 > 0:38:55were able to intercept and decode up to a staggering 84,000 messages a month.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00It was a machine like this that Ruth Bourne, a Royal Navy wren,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02operated during her war service.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06When you were operating this machine, you would have to be given a menu.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11And the menu would have two pieces of information.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15One would tell you how to set the wheels, or rotors,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17which are equivalent to the Enigma rotors.
0:39:17 > 0:39:23The second piece of information would tell you how to plug the machine up at the back
0:39:23 > 0:39:26to emulate the plugs on the Enigma machine.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Did you ever know the results of any of the code you'd cracked?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32No, we were never told what was in it.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38What a privilege discussing code-breaking
0:39:38 > 0:39:42with a veteran wren who actually worked on one of The Bomb machines.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Let's hope that some of Ruth's skills have rubbed off on me
0:39:44 > 0:39:47so that we can crack the code of Ian and Christie's property problem.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55We've had a good couple of days, haven't we?
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Looking at properties.- We've had a super couple of days.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01So we've shown you three very different properties, really.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Let's go through them one at a time.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05We started with that barn conversion.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08I remember walking up to that and your face going...
0:40:09 > 0:40:11.."This is not detached. I've got neighbours touching me!"
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But talk me through your first impressions.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Unexpected, I think. Perhaps the lack of a second floor was something as well.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22It still had a nice look about it, I felt, though.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25And I don't have such a problem with neighbours.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27I was really impressed with that.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31And the kitchen diner and the living space were gorgeous rooms.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33I agree with all of that.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36But it was actually a comment that Christie made to me
0:40:36 > 0:40:41when she said, "We'll grow out of this property quite quickly."
0:40:41 > 0:40:44So overall a little bit too small for you.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49Second property, size wasn't an issue. It was huge and detached, but quite modern.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Yes, it was surprising. And yet inside,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54it almost felt older than the first property.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57The thing about the second property for me
0:40:57 > 0:41:00was that the upstairs was fantastic
0:41:00 > 0:41:04and I just felt it worked that little bit better
0:41:04 > 0:41:06than the downstairs did.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I was really taken with the upstairs, I must say.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14I don't know. Maybe if I live upstairs and you live... No.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19- Cheeky!- No, we won't do that just yet.- Not now.- Not now!
0:41:20 > 0:41:23But the mystery house was something different altogether again.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27A real period property with loads of history.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I thought the building was a really impressive, imposing building.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34You couldn't help but be impressed.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37The living area was a fantastic room.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Big, high ceilings, period features.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Fantastic fireplace.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48I thought, to be honest, the outside area begged as many questions as it answered, really.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Because I just wondered what you would do with that piece of land
0:41:52 > 0:41:54all joking aside.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56So that was it. That was all the properties.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58You've had time to think about it.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Were any of our properties the right one for you?
0:42:01 > 0:42:07I think property three, the mystery property is a definite maybe for me.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11That's the one for you. What about you, Ian?
0:42:12 > 0:42:17I think I'd like to return to properties two and three.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19You surprise me, you two.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21You played those cards close to your chest all along!
0:42:21 > 0:42:25But to have two out of three that you're interested in is fantastic.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28What are the next steps? Are you heading back there soon?
0:42:28 > 0:42:34I think probably next steps are to revisit the villages
0:42:34 > 0:42:37that these properties are actually situated in,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41to work out exactly what the commute times are
0:42:41 > 0:42:44and to probably have another look round and really challenge ourselves.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- Yeah.- Overall, it's been fun.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- Thank you.- We've enjoyed spending time with you.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50We'd love it even more if you get a property.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- Let us know how you get on.- We will. - Best of luck.- Thank you. - Thanks ever so much.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03There's a surprise. We seem to have hit the mark with two of our properties
0:43:03 > 0:43:07although the jury's still out until Ian and Christie have done a bit more investigation.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12I have a feeling, though, that it's the mystery house that will win out at the end of the day.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16The big question is will they have enough courage to take on a project like that.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20See you next time on Escape to the Country.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:25 > 0:43:27and need our help, please apply online:
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd