0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today, I'm at one of Britain's oldest lifeboat stations.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But where am I? Find out in just a few moments.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42'On today's show, I'm property shopping with a couple
0:00:42 > 0:00:46'who clearly have differences of opinion from the start.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:50The sort of place I'm looking for. I've got to talk my wife into it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54'I also join in the charm offensive to convince the other half.'
0:00:54 > 0:01:00- Beautifully presented, but...- You've got a "but" as well. I'll keep going and power through the "buts".
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'Even so, the fighting talk continues to the last.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:07We'll have an arm-wrestle to see if we like it or not.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today, I'm in Suffolk and these brave men and women
0:01:13 > 0:01:16are the volunteers of the Lowestoft RNLI station.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20This, the North Sea, is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world
0:01:20 > 0:01:25and Lowestoft's finest have been watching over these seas since 1801.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Later on, I'll be taking the plunge and volunteering myself,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33but in the meantime, why don't you soak up some of Suffolk's other highlights?
0:01:34 > 0:01:38The East Anglian county of Suffolk is bordered by three other counties
0:01:38 > 0:01:44with some 40 miles of Heritage Coast on its eastern fringes that look out over the North Sea.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50Along this glorious stretch of water, the ever popular resort of Southwold is characterised
0:01:50 > 0:01:54by a kaleidoscope of beach huts, elegant Georgian architecture
0:01:54 > 0:01:57and taking centre stage, a historic lighthouse
0:01:57 > 0:02:01that started service in 1890 and still stands in full working order.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Further south in the attractive seaside town of Aldeburgh,
0:02:05 > 0:02:11fishermen land and sell their catch on the shingle beaches, as have many generations before them.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Aside from Suffolk's timeless coastline, it was the countryside
0:02:14 > 0:02:17that inspired one of our greatest artists.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21The pastoral landscape close to the Essex border
0:02:21 > 0:02:26was lovingly immortalised in hundreds of paintings by John Constable.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31And it's a refreshing experience to witness the serenity he captured first hand,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36for it seems that little has changed here in the 200 years since his last brushstrokes.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42The price of the average detached house here in Suffolk
0:02:42 > 0:02:45is currently just under £243,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48That's eight grand less than the national figure,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52so there really is plenty of good value on offer here,
0:02:52 > 0:02:58particularly if you're after an historic, listed home as there are 12,500 in this county.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04Do be warned, if you head towards the coast to areas like Aldeburgh or Southwold, it is a bit more pricey.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09An average detached house there is 40% higher than the national average,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12but head inland and your money will go that bit further
0:03:12 > 0:03:15if you go to a market town like Bungay or Beccles.
0:03:15 > 0:03:22But wherever you're looking in this beautiful county, there are plenty of architectural styles on offer.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27Throughout the county, numerous shades of custom Suffolk pink cottages
0:03:27 > 0:03:29paint a pleasant property picture,
0:03:29 > 0:03:34such as this sweet thatch in the pretty rural village of Milden
0:03:34 > 0:03:37that comes with three bedrooms and a £350,000 price tag.
0:03:37 > 0:03:44But if pink's not your thing, there are many black, weather-boarded barn conversions to choose from.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50Traditionally painted with tar, they have a commanding presence in the agricultural landscape.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55During the 14th and 15th centuries, the textile industry was big business in Suffolk
0:03:55 > 0:04:01and the medieval town of Lavenham has many timber-framed houses, once home to affluent wool merchants.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07One such gem is this three-bedroom, Grade One listed property with an overhanging first storey.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12This home also benefits from a two-bed, self-catering wing
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and as a whole comes with a guide price of £950,000.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25The rich mix of properties on offer should certainly be of interest to today's buyers, so let's meet them.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31Keith and Sheila are Londoners at heart who moved out to Hertfordshire as their family grew.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37Their story started in Stoke Newington where they chanced upon each other over 40 years ago.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40We met through a mutual friend.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44He went out with one of my girlfriends before me,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46so I knew of him.
0:04:46 > 0:04:53There you go, you see. She drove in the six-inch nails and I've been with her ever since.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59Keith spent his working life as a chauffeur and Sheila was a school bursar, but now they're retired,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03the time has come for a complete change of lifestyle.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08Now's a good time to move because we are debt-free,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10we have no mortgage.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17We want to release some capital as a lot of people do of our age.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And we want to do other things with her lives.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28And with the cash they free up, there's a pretty big purchase near the top of their shopping list.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32When we move, it would be nice to get what I call a "day boat".
0:05:32 > 0:05:39It would be nice to be able to go back to the water again and take the boat out when I wanted to,
0:05:39 > 0:05:44so a little bit of room for a boat somewhere or other would be very, very handy.
0:05:44 > 0:05:51When they're not on the water, there are many more activities to keep them busy on dry land.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55The main pastime is golf. I try and play golf twice a week.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59And I also belong to an art society.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03We exhibit once a year and I'm usually lucky enough to sell a couple.
0:06:03 > 0:06:11One of the bedrooms will be turned into a studio. I'll always continue that. I'll never, ever stop painting.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16For 16 years, this five-bed, semi-detached house in Cheshunt has been home,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22but now their two children are grown up and it's just the two of them, many rooms have become redundant.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26We've got to downsize. It's just too big for us now.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31We would prefer a bungalow, not too much ground with it,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34but enough to walk round it, something like that.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I mean, I wouldn't mind a house,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40but Keith would prefer a bungalow.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44He's thinking more in the future
0:06:44 > 0:06:48when we're old and grey and can't get up a flight of stairs.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50I think, "If you don't use it, you lose it."
0:06:50 > 0:06:57Despite their self-confessed character differences, they are united about their housing horrors.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03We really don't want period houses. We don't want thatch and we don't want beams. We really, really don't.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07This house is a lovely, light house and we want to continue that theme.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12All we need to find out is what figure they've earmarked for their Suffolk move.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16The budget for our move is £350,000.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28'Ideally, Keith and Sheila want to be within an hour and a half's drive
0:07:28 > 0:07:32'of their daughter and grandchildren back in Hertfordshire,
0:07:32 > 0:07:38'so we'll focus our property hunt in the beautiful villages near Bury St Edmunds in the west of the county.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43'It's on Suffolk soil where we're meeting up to get better acquainted.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Sheila and Keith, thank you for bringing me to Suffolk.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Gorgeous day. The sun's out, but it's a bit nippy.- Yes, a bit windy.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It's still a beautiful county. What brings the two of you here?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's more our type of place, if you like.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01It's going to be quiet, it's going to be a bit of a challenge for us.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05We've got friends up here as well, so we're going to enjoy it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Have you been looking for a long time?- About a year.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14We've not seen that many properties. We just mainly tend to look on the internet and at home.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20- It's always different when you get out there and have a look at something.- It is.- Without a doubt.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- What are the three must-haves? - Preferably, a bungalow in my view.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30The wife doesn't mind a house. I don't mind a house if it's the right house.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34It must have a bigger space like a double garage.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- Near a village. - And I understand we need to be kind of close to water for you?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42It doesn't have to be right on the water,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45but I would like to go back to boating.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48We used to have a boat a number of years ago
0:08:48 > 0:08:52and never had time to use it enough, really,
0:08:52 > 0:08:57and, obviously, now we've retired, we'll be able to do that as much as we want.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01So how much have we got to spend to achieve all of this?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- £350,000.- OK.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Suffolk is a great county, lots on offer and I think that's a very good budget,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12although finding a bungalow/house is going to be my biggest challenge.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- LAUGHTER It could be.- It could be a bit tricky. Shall we get started?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Yeah, why not?
0:09:19 > 0:09:24'For a top budget of £350,000, our buyers are after a detached property
0:09:24 > 0:09:30'with at least three bedrooms that allows for family to stay and somewhere for Sheila's art studio.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'Inside, they'd like light, spacious living areas
0:09:34 > 0:09:39'and outside, along with a manageable garden, Keith needs a double garage
0:09:39 > 0:09:42'that has enough scope to park a small pleasure boat,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46'but it remains to be seen whether we favour a house or a bungalow.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52'With that in mind, we have a fantastic range of properties which we hope will appeal to both buyers,
0:09:52 > 0:09:57'but I won't be revealing the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03'To top it all off, there's the mystery house which will hopefully bring harmony on every level.'
0:10:10 > 0:10:16'The good news is that Keith and Sheila's Hertfordshire property is now under offer,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19'so time is of the essence to find them their new home.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24'We're getting our search under way in the village of Great Barton
0:10:24 > 0:10:30'within 90 minutes' drive of their daughter's family and just a few miles away from Bury St Edmunds.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36'Our buyers should have no fear of being too isolated as this market town is right on their doorstep
0:10:36 > 0:10:42'and the shops and amenities within its historic civic buildings should please artistic Sheila.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48'Back on the rural fringes of Great Barton is this brick and flint home we've chosen as our first house.'
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Come on up. Have a look at this.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- You get a good view from here...- Oh! - ..of our first property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It looks very pretty. - "Pretty", I like that.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02The front bit that you're looking at was only built in 1993,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- but the back dates back to the 19th century.- Really?
0:11:05 > 0:11:09It was the former gatehouse to a very big manor house.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Dinky, though. It looks like a Dinky toy.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16I'll be very interested to see inside, actually.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.- I can't wait.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23'The good thing is that Keith seems to be keeping an open mind,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27'even though our first offering is obviously on two levels.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'Let's see how things unfold inside.'
0:11:30 > 0:11:34It's straight through into the kitchen/diner.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Very nice, yes.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Yes, I like this. - Yes, it's quite large, isn't it?
0:11:41 > 0:11:46They've opened up this space. You've got the two parts, but it's a good indicator
0:11:46 > 0:11:52of the old part of the property. You've got the 19th century over here, original flooring down there,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- then you've got the new. - Yes, it blends very well.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- It's very similar to ours.- Yeah. - Yeah, very nice.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Tucked round the end there, you've got quite a good utility room.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- It's handy. It's always good to have that, so you can keep your laundry out that way.- Yeah.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13'So far our couple seem suitably impressed by the sympathetic blend of old and new.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15'That feel continues across on the other side
0:12:15 > 0:12:21'in reception areas that include a snug being used as a study and the main lounge.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Right, so, this is the living room.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Yes, yes... Just a square.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31I'm just so used to a huge lounge. It takes a little bit of getting used to.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I don't think it's the actual size of the room.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40Because the ceilings are a little bit on the low side, it makes it seem smaller than it probably is.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Hmm.- You know?
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- But it's very nice.- We're back in the older part of the house.- Yeah.
0:12:47 > 0:12:53- More of a cottagey feeling.- Yeah, and you're going to get the smaller windows in this style of house.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58'Sadly, Sheila's interest seems to be waning after seeing those features and proportions.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04'But there is plenty space upstairs where there are three double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09'One is kitted out for a boy and another as a guest room with dual aspect windows.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'That just leaves the largest bedroom.'
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Right, in we come to the master bedroom.- Right.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- I can see you're already having to duck through that doorway. - I did have to duck.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27- One day, you're going to hit your head on that.- It depends how many you've had the night before.- Yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- This is a large bed, isn't it?- Yeah. - It is a large bed.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- So is there an en-suite?- I thought you'd ask that! "Where are the wardrobes or is there an en-suite?"
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- The en-suite is just through there. Have a look.- OK.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45The current owners have put that in as well and I think they've done a good job.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- That's lovely.- It's very, very nice. - It is a beautiful property.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55- They've done a great job.- They have. - Let's have a look outside because we've only seen a part of that.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01- We've got to find space for your boat.- Yes, please.- We nearly forgot about that. Come on.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07'The majority of the garden spreads itself out to the front of the property and is mainly laid to lawn,
0:14:07 > 0:14:13'but with self-sufficiency elements as there's a chicken coop and an established vegetable plot.'
0:14:13 > 0:14:18I promised we'd talk about space for your boat. Round the side there, there is a garage.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21It's single, but it's got a good bit of width either side.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26Now it's time for you to tell me how much you think this is on the market for.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Well...- Do you want to go first?
0:14:29 > 0:14:34I'd say around about our asking price, maybe a bit more. 360?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36OK.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And I would say just under. 340?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Oh! You've gone under.- Yeah.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- You've both been doing the same property searching, so you've got the same idea.- Yes.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- On this occasion, I have to say you were closer.- Right.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- This is on the market at £365,000. - Only 5,000 out.- Yeah.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00Off you go. Have a wander round. Check out that garage, see if you could fit your boat in.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- I'll come and find you a bit later. - OK. Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06There we go, house number one.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Quite compact, a bit smaller than they imagined, but they are downsizing.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16I was impressed with their guess on the price. They have done their research.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Just creeping above budget at £365,000,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25our first property is an extended, detached former gatehouse,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28part of which dates back to the early 19th century.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31It has been beautifully refurbished throughout.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42Outside, the grounds feature a manageable garden with a vegetable plot and a single garage.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47I thought the property was absolutely beautiful. It looked really nice.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53Inside the property, the ceilings were OK, but a lot of the door frames were very low
0:15:53 > 0:15:59and I could honestly see myself unconsciously knocking myself unconscious.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03It was a very attractive house in a nice position
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and yes, the bedrooms are a very good size.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09It really has everything you need.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14I think we would have liked a little bit more room around the house.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- That was house number one.- Lovely. - I think it was a good start.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- But I suspect you want to see some more.- Oh, we would. - Come on, this way.- OK.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41A defining feature of Suffolk's coastline are its five estuaries,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45amongst them the Rivers Ore and Alde become one stretch of water,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48passing by the towns of Aldeburgh and Orford.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51During the Middle Ages, Orford was a major port
0:16:51 > 0:16:56and as such, in 1173, Henry II commissioned the building of a castle here,
0:16:56 > 0:17:01so given that Sheila and Keith are keen to take to Suffolk's waters when they move,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04they are meeting tour guide Christopher Bond
0:17:04 > 0:17:08to get a bird's-eye view of Orford's unique maritime geography.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14You've now entered the most complete 12th century keep in the country. It's the only one of its kind.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19When they built the castle, they more or less built the town with it,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23so the town is still laid out how it would have been in medieval times.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25What can we see in either direction?
0:17:25 > 0:17:32If we look slightly to your left now where the Ness is, there's Havergate Island which is RSPB.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Right.- It's a bird sanctuary over there.
0:17:34 > 0:17:42If you come over a tiny bit more, then there's the lighthouse which, sadly, will fall into the sea soon.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47The natural movement of the sea has shaped the waterways here and created Orford Ness,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50the longest vegetated shingle spit in Europe
0:17:50 > 0:17:55that was used for bomb practice by the army during the first half of the 20th century,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59but is now inhabited by a wide variety of bird life,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02so what better way to satisfy our buyers' nautical cravings
0:18:02 > 0:18:06than with a boat trip alongside the ten-mile stretch of the Ness
0:18:06 > 0:18:12to find out from skipper Peter West about the marine species that make their home here?
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Welcome aboard Regardless, a one-hour river trip.
0:18:15 > 0:18:22This river way is about 16 miles. It goes from Snape in the north down to Shingle Street in the south.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Nowadays, there's a grass bank that runs all the way around the island.
0:18:26 > 0:18:33- Well, on the inside of that, those bomb craters are now fairly shallow, salt water lagoons.- Right.
0:18:33 > 0:18:39The RSPB open up the sluice gates every now and again just to control the salinity levels
0:18:39 > 0:18:44to ensure that the vertebrae and the insects that the birds feed on thrive.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49Peter, when we move up this way, I'm thinking about getting a little day boat,
0:18:49 > 0:18:5116-foot with a little cabin on the front.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57There are plenty of boats in the moorings here, but yeah, it's a very safe place to have a boat.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Is it possible to do a bit of fishing?- Yeah.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03We get all the species in here, cod, whiting, the lot.
0:19:03 > 0:19:10This area is one of the most uninhabited stretches of coastline on the east coast of England,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14so if you want seclusion, Orford's your place, you know.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19'While Keith and Sheila seem buoyed by this view of Suffolk's coastline,
0:19:19 > 0:19:25'we must continue to steer them in the direction of their perfect Suffolk home.
0:19:26 > 0:19:32'For our second property, we're stretching Keith and Sheila's preferred travel time a little bit.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38'Our destination is the village of Rickinghall, two hours' drive from their daughter in Hertfordshire.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'Together with the neighbouring village of Botesdale,
0:19:41 > 0:19:47'Rickinghall residents are served by an excellent range of amenities, including a post office,
0:19:47 > 0:19:54'a supermarket and a few pubs, but it's a peaceful pocket of the county with many eye-catching buildings,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'one of which is our second property where we're coming down a level.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- There's one thing that you asked for in particular, Keith.- That's right.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- A bungalow!- There you go.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- It wasn't at the top of your wish list!- You're right, it's a bungalow.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- My first reaction is I like it. - That's very definite.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Yeah, it looks pretty again.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Let's have a look inside.- OK.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24'Keith is clearly keen, though Sheila appears to be reserving judgment for now.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28'She needn't worry as behind its modest exterior,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31'this single-storey home offers very generous accommodation.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37'The sleeping quarters are grouped over to one side whilst the living areas are over on the other,
0:20:37 > 0:20:42'and we're starting our tour in the main reception room at the back of the property.'
0:20:42 > 0:20:45I want to show you this room.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Oh, this is very nice.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- This is a very different kind of "very nice", Sheila.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- The vibes, the vibes.- Oh!
0:20:54 > 0:21:00- And all the light you were asking for.- That's right.- You couldn't get more than that, could you?
0:21:00 > 0:21:06- I'm liking the smiles and the warmth in this house. - I like it. Yeah, I really do.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10It's the lightness and openness of it which goes down well.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- It feels very homely.- Yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- I feel quite confident about this place. Come and have a look at the kitchen.- OK.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Tell me what you think of this.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Lovely square kitchen. - Yeah.- Yes, nice size.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- It's big enough for a table. - Exactly, for a table.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The layout is very nice, yeah.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Yeah, definitely.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38It's the sort of place I'm looking for. I've got to talk my wife into this.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43But I'm sure Sheila will... The more we go round, she'll like it.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Yeah.- It does have a really good flow and good energy to it.- Yeah.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52Through there is a great utility space. The larder is huge.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56A lot of storage. And then it flows back through to the dining room,
0:21:56 > 0:22:02- which was at the front.- I saw that. - So everything keeps moving. - Oh, lovely.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08'On this side of the bungalow, there's also the main family bathroom serving four bedrooms,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12'the smallest of which is being used as a study.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- We've got two bedrooms along that corridor.- Right.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- And this is the master suite.- Oh! - Suite?- Suite.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26This is just the beginning of what would be your master bedroom.
0:22:26 > 0:22:33- Through there is your en suite. - Right.- And through here is where your bedroom is. Come on through.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41Yes, yes, I love the spaciousness of it. Yes, yes.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- It's very unusual.- Yeah.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Basically, I like the layout
0:22:47 > 0:22:53and so far what I've seen suits me down to the ground. Very nice.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58It suits YOU down to the ground. How about your lovely wife?
0:22:58 > 0:23:02We've got to have another arm wrestle to see if we like it or not.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Is the idea of a bungalow growing on you?- Yes, that doesn't worry me.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11As long as it's a large one, and this is. That's not a problem at all.
0:23:11 > 0:23:18It just takes me a bit longer, you know, to decide.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23'I've got something in store for Sheila that should win her round to this bungalow
0:23:23 > 0:23:27'and it's outside in the back garden.'
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- Look, Sheila, your own studio. - Absolutely.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Oh, that's very handy!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- Very handy.- Could you work in a studio like this?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Oh, yes, I think I could.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45It's ideal. You have so many bits and pieces when you paint.
0:23:45 > 0:23:51- It's lovely to be able to put it in one place.- Yeah. You can come to your space.- Yes.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57- It's a lovely aspect, isn't it? - I don't know if you'll be allowed in.- To pose, maybe.- It's "me" space.
0:23:59 > 0:24:05- The great thing about this garden is it offers lots of spaces. I'm sure there's one for you.- Better be!
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Let's head out and I'll tell you more about it.
0:24:09 > 0:24:16Right, so a studio for you. You can see there's another outbuilding there.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21That's currently like a dressing room studio at the moment.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25It's even bigger. If you wanted more space, you could maybe use that.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30It's a bit deceptive, this garden. You've got these mature trees, but it extends back to that fence.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Down there is a greenhouse and there is a garage.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Are you sure?- Just there!
0:24:36 > 0:24:41To the side of the house is a garage, double doors.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- You've made a hit with house number two with me.- Good.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Will I make a hit with the price? - Ooh, yeah. The price.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53How much, Keith, do you think this is on the market for?
0:24:53 > 0:24:55I would say...something...
0:24:55 > 0:24:58About 3...365?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- OK.- Like before.- Yeah.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06Let me see. I'm going to say...350.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08350?
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- Well, I'm afraid... Sheila wins again!- Oh!
0:25:12 > 0:25:17This time you're £50 out! It's on at £349,950.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- That's good.- Do you want to have a wander round?- Yes, I'd like to.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Spend some time in there.- Thank you. - I'll see what you think later on.
0:25:29 > 0:25:35Nipping in under their £350,000 budget, our second property is a superb spacious bungalow,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40which certainly delivers on Keith's dream of single-storey living.
0:25:40 > 0:25:46There are three light, airy reception rooms, a good-size kitchen/diner and four bedrooms,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48including a generous master suite.
0:25:48 > 0:25:54Then within the private gardens artistic Sheila can take her pick from not one, but two studios,
0:25:54 > 0:26:00whilst Keith gets his garage. I'd say this place matches just about all their requirements
0:26:00 > 0:26:03if Keith can convince Sheila.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07It flowed beautifully. It had a lovely light feel.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14The lounge was very impressive. Nice outlook onto the garden and the bedrooms off to one side,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18which is what I prefer, to have that in separation.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23It suits me down to the ground. Obviously our decision has got to be right,
0:26:23 > 0:26:29so as far as I'm concerned, it's lovely. If she feels the same way,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33then I can honestly see us going for it.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- Hello, there!- Hello!
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- It looks like it could be your home already.- Well, you never know!
0:26:40 > 0:26:45But we still have the mystery house. You've got a night to sleep on it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:51- That's true, yes, but I'm quite taken with this one. - It's you we've got to work on!
0:27:04 > 0:27:08As the evening draws in across the Suffolk countryside,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12the first day of our property search comes to a close.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20With a budget of £350,000, Keith and Sheila from the town of Cheshunt in Hertfordshire
0:27:20 > 0:27:26have spent a whole year looking for the perfect slice of Suffolk countryside.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31So we found three more properties to help them settle into retired life,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35one of which was a bungalow that was ideal for Keith.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39But still to come, our mystery house provides stiff competition.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41I knew it would be beautiful inside.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46And I'll try to keep my head above water learning survival skills.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50You've got to concentrate, haven't you?
0:27:52 > 0:27:56After a tricky start yesterday, I really think we gathered momentum
0:27:56 > 0:28:02when we showed Keith and Sheila the bungalow, which hit the mark with Keith. So for our mystery house
0:28:02 > 0:28:06we're going to show them something which combines both of their wishes.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11A bit of upstairs and downstairs, a very modern finish and with lots of character.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14The question is can they handle it?
0:28:16 > 0:28:20So how did you sleep last night? Were you tossing and turning?
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Yes, definitely. I was.
0:28:22 > 0:28:29I think the second property really kept revolving around in my brain for hours last night.
0:28:29 > 0:28:35- I thought it might be the mystery house worrying you.- We've seen a house and a bungalow.- What else?
0:28:35 > 0:28:40So what are we going to see? A Bedouin tent?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Or a...? I don't know.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48A barn conversion? A chalet bungalow? I don't know. Purely a mystery.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54- Anyway, we can't wait, so if you don't mind putting your toe down... - Let's get on with it!
0:28:54 > 0:29:02There's nothing like eager buyers and we're mystery house-bound to the small village of Norton.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07But before we get there, we're stopping off a couple of miles away at the ancient estate of Wyken,
0:29:07 > 0:29:15once a Roman settlement. Today it's a 1,200-acre farm with a vineyard, farmers' market,
0:29:15 > 0:29:21shop and restaurant. Local resident Storm Scott has taken time out of her working day to tell us more.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- Nice to meet you. This is Sheila and Keith.- Welcome to Wyken.
0:29:26 > 0:29:33The idea of working with local producers and having a restaurant where everything's sourced locally,
0:29:33 > 0:29:40- it's quite fashionable these days. How long's it bee happening here? - This year is our 20th birthday.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44It started with a small cafe and restaurant and it's slowly grown
0:29:44 > 0:29:48into a very big restaurant which we have several awards for.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53And the shop sells all sorts of things, from bread to cakes,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56all the range of meats, game.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- We produce our own wines, which I think you'll enjoy.- Oh, yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05- Is it a place for locals? - A lot use us as their local shop.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09For all their cards and bits and pieces.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14- You could even up selling your art here. Extend it even further. - You never know.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Thank you very much for your time.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21'Just a short drive away in the idyllic countryside of Norton
0:30:21 > 0:30:25'is a barn conversion we've picked out as our mystery property.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29'To many, this striking home epitomises Suffolk tradition and charm,
0:30:29 > 0:30:37'but for our couple's more modern tastes, this period home could be a real hurdle to overcome.'
0:30:37 > 0:30:41One thing you said was it might be a mix of the two things -
0:30:41 > 0:30:46- a bit of downstairs, a little bit of upstairs.- Yeah. OK...- OK.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50It has got some history to it. It dates back to about 1830.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55It was a granary barn. Because of this, it is Grade 2 listed.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- OK.- All right.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- That's another thing to make you go...- Yeah!- It's the mystery house.
0:31:02 > 0:31:08- Something you would not have looked at.- No.- And I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have!
0:31:08 > 0:31:13'Our mystery property is an unusual shape, wrapping itself around a shingle courtyard
0:31:13 > 0:31:18'that provides off-street parking. It was transformed just seven years ago
0:31:18 > 0:31:23'and, as we're about to find out, this is one high-quality conversion.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28'So if any period property was ever going to win over Sheila and Keith,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30'this would be the one.'
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Come on in. You can feel the warmth already, can't you?
0:31:35 > 0:31:40- Yeah, it's lovely.- Underfloor heating.- Oh, is it? Very nice.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42And through here is the kitchen.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46Oh, this is lovely. I knew it would be beautiful.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- It's immaculate.- I know!
0:31:49 > 0:31:56- It's gorgeous. I love these worktops.- It's everyone's dream kitchen, something like this.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- It's lovely.- You have the room and the doors out to the garden, which is ideal.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05That's a gorgeous little space out there. They do barbecues.
0:32:05 > 0:32:11- You've got a utility room back there with a door leading out. - Beautifully presented.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- It's absolutely wonderful, but... - You've got a "but" as well.
0:32:16 > 0:32:22I'm going to keep going! I'm going to power through the buts and take you to the living room.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- Right. Can I wow you with this room? - Wow.- Lovely.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- It has got beams.- Yes. - This was the granary barn.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40- If you have beams, you want it like this.- Well, yes. Nice and high.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- That's nice. - What's on your mind, Sheila?
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- It's dark.- I knew you'd say that!
0:32:46 > 0:32:47Yeah.
0:32:49 > 0:32:56- It's too dark for you? - It's a lovely size.- These two rooms are superb.- And it gets better.
0:32:56 > 0:33:02- It gets better?- Yeah. There are three bedrooms. One of them, just for you, is on this floor.
0:33:02 > 0:33:10- Is it really? Oh, wonderful. - But you can still keep up the exercise going up and down stairs!
0:33:10 > 0:33:12OK, that's fine.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17'Up on the first floor, the two bedrooms include a large double with exposed timbers
0:33:17 > 0:33:21'alongside a single room currently used as a study.
0:33:21 > 0:33:28'And there's a family bathroom. But back down on the ground floor, with stylish en suite shower room,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30'lies the master bedroom.'
0:33:30 > 0:33:36- That's a nice big bedroom. - It's huge.- Yeah, ideal.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- Very nice.- Built-in storage right the way across there.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45- Right.- What are you thinking? - I think it's well over our budget!
0:33:48 > 0:33:54- You've leapt ahead already! - I'm sorry, but yeah. It's just so perfect, isn't it?
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- It is. It's pristine. - Beautifully done.- Yeah.- Yes, yes.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04- You want to take all these ideas and keep them here.- OK.- Lovely.
0:34:04 > 0:34:10So we're going to head out to the garden, right? And then we will guess the price.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14And then you can tell me what you really think!
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- Don't hold anything back! - We wouldn't do that!
0:34:18 > 0:34:26'Despite the charms of our mystery house, Sheila just won't budge on embracing character features.
0:34:26 > 0:34:32'But they both appreciate the immaculate finish here. And the grounds were no afterthought.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37'We're going to wrap things up outside in the second walled garden off the sitting room.'
0:34:37 > 0:34:42Now how much do you think this barn conversion is on the market for?
0:34:42 > 0:34:45I would say...340.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48I think it's probably about 375.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53Well, Sheila really has got a handle on the market around here!
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Keith, you've got to go back to research!
0:34:57 > 0:35:00This is on at £379,950.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- Oh, see? Only £5,000 out.- Yeah.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- You're very, very good.- Yeah. - Yes, I thought so.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13- But it's been a great property to show you.- It has.- Without a doubt. It's lovely, yeah.
0:35:13 > 0:35:19- Do you want to spend a few more minutes with it?- Why not? - Of course. OK, you're on.
0:35:19 > 0:35:25What can you say? It's not the house for them, but, my, it's beautiful.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32At just shy of £380,000,
0:35:32 > 0:35:38our mystery house does come in over budget, although if it had swept them away,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42they could have seen what a respectful offer might lead to.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46This 19th-century barn conversion features a stunning kitchen/diner,
0:35:46 > 0:35:52a large sitting room with woodburning stove and three bedrooms, one on the ground floor.
0:35:52 > 0:35:58Outside lends itself to two landscaped walled gardens and parking for several vehicles.
0:35:58 > 0:36:05I've never really considered a barn conversion, but coming inside this is a superb conversion
0:36:05 > 0:36:12- and it's been very, very well done. - Although the inside of this house is immaculate,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15it's very, very nice,
0:36:15 > 0:36:21but outside I must have a workroom or utility room or a workshop
0:36:21 > 0:36:24or something like that. And this house hasn't got that.
0:36:26 > 0:36:32- Are you there?- Yes. - This property is so perfect. Even the flowers are immaculate.
0:36:32 > 0:36:38- I know. It's like a show home. - It really is.- Couldn't be better inside.- No, that's right.
0:36:38 > 0:36:44- A lovely, lovely home.- I know you're dying to share your thoughts, but I think you need thinking time.
0:36:54 > 0:37:00At the heart of Suffolk's Sunrise Coast and securing the most easterly point in the country,
0:37:00 > 0:37:05lies the port town of Lowestoft, home to one of the UK's oldest lifeboat stations,
0:37:05 > 0:37:11founded back in 1801, before joining the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
0:37:11 > 0:37:14that was established 23 years later.
0:37:14 > 0:37:20'For over two centuries, the busy waters on this stretch have seen many eminent rescues,
0:37:20 > 0:37:27'including crossing the Channel as part of the effort to evacuate more than 300,000 British soldiers
0:37:27 > 0:37:29'from Dunkirk in 1940.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34'Today it's a crew of volunteers that form the backbone of the service,
0:37:34 > 0:37:40'dedicating their time to saving those in danger at sea. I've come to visit the station
0:37:40 > 0:37:46'to meet Coxswain John Fox and join the rest of the crew for a routine training exercise.'
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Aha! You must be John. - Hello, Denise.- The man in charge.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55'The first thing is to get kitted out in some waterproof safety gear.'
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- We're nice and bright and visible. - We are indeed.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- You're all ready to go. - We're good to go.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Let's get training.- OK. Here we go.
0:38:05 > 0:38:12'Around the UK, the RNLI charity has over 4,000 volunteer lifeboat crew members
0:38:12 > 0:38:16'with a further 3,000 shore-based members supporting them.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21'They need to be ready at a moment's notice, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27'The lifeboat we're launching today is The Spirit of Lowestoft. It's been in service since 1987
0:38:27 > 0:38:32'and, under John's expert guidance, I'm taking the helm.'
0:38:32 > 0:38:36It's quite sensitive, isn't it? Oh, I've gone too far!
0:38:36 > 0:38:39A bit more, bit more.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Ah, look at that. I'm steering.
0:38:41 > 0:38:48- Whoa! Got to concentrate, though, haven't you?- Got to keep your eye on it.- Got to keep your eye focussed.
0:38:48 > 0:38:54'Today's exercise is an attempt to rescue a man overboard and it's crew volunteer Andy
0:38:54 > 0:38:59'who is throwing himself into the icy cold waters' He's off!
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Wow!
0:39:01 > 0:39:07'That's my cue to put my navigational skills to the test and follow the direction of Colin,
0:39:07 > 0:39:14'driving slowly around to pick up the victim on the port side.' Off we go. Oh - a bit fast.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19'In 2011, an average of 22 people were rescued by the RNLI every day.'
0:39:20 > 0:39:24When he's in line, straighten up and start to slow down.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30'This may seem like plain sailing, but I can only imagine the adrenaline and real danger
0:39:30 > 0:39:36'when out at sea during a storm in the pitch of night.' Oh, there he is!
0:39:36 > 0:39:38There goes the rope.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Excellent!
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Great. Great stuff. Hey! We got him back!
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- He's all there.- All in one piece.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Our first rescue.
0:39:54 > 0:40:00- That was actually quite exhilarating.- You did very well.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04What was great was to see how a team works together as well.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07There's definitely not one person. It's a whole crew.
0:40:07 > 0:40:15'With all the crew back on deck, all in one piece, I leave it to John to steer us safely back to shore.'
0:40:16 > 0:40:20It's nice to be back on dry land. Thank you very much, everyone.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25Now it's time to find Sheila and Keith and see if they've made any decisions.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32You've been searching for a year
0:40:32 > 0:40:40and spent two days with us! I'm hoping we finally got you a step closer to moving to Suffolk.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Shall we go through them one by one? The first one was the house.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Inside was very nice.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52A little bit low on some of the doorways, but other than that it was very nice.
0:40:52 > 0:40:59- I was impressed with your guesses. You guessed the price fairly accurately.- I've done my research!
0:40:59 > 0:41:06You did very well. So we went from a house to something for you, Keith, the bungalow, the second property.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Aah! The moment I saw that,
0:41:09 > 0:41:16the way it was spread out, it was my type of place. It appealed to me straight away.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22- Sheila, you were taking a bit more time to think about it. How are you feeling now?- It grew on me.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- So, yes, it's a definite possibility. - And the layout for you.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32One of your things with bungalows was everything downstairs and seeing bedrooms,
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- but it had very distinct separation. - It did.- That great corridor. - That's what I liked.
0:41:38 > 0:41:44A bungalow, OK, it's not exactly what I'd like, but as long as it's spread out with plenty of space,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47then, yes. It wasn't a problem for me.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52I had a feeling you might say that. And also about our mystery house!
0:41:52 > 0:41:57- Well... - It's designed to show you something that you wouldn't have looked at.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00It wasn't...it wasn't lived in.
0:42:00 > 0:42:06And also the outside space, there was just nowhere I could put anything. It's a crying shame.
0:42:06 > 0:42:12- Inside was beautiful. - I'm not really one for beams, but I must say that was top drawer.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17That was a lovely conversion. A beautiful picture book house.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Just not enough space for all of his stuff!- That's the problem.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27- But your feelings for number two, how strong are they?- Quite strong. I'm quite taken with that.
0:42:27 > 0:42:33I honestly do feel we'll put in an offer for that and, hopefully, who knows?
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I am SO pleased, I really, really am.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- It's been very entertaining. - Thank you.- It's been great.
0:42:41 > 0:42:48- I really do hope you put an offer in and it's accepted.- Thanks, Denise. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:42:51 > 0:42:57After a year's house searching, Keith and Sheila were really struggling to find the perfect home.
0:42:57 > 0:43:04Sheila had a good handle on the Suffolk property market, but Keith understands what they want.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08I think that bungalow delivers everything they want.
0:43:08 > 0:43:13It just needs Keith to finally convince Sheila to make a decision and make the move.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16See you next time.
0:43:16 > 0:43:22If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England or Wales
0:43:22 > 0:43:29and need our help, please apply online:
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd