0:00:04 > 0:00:06Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09These magnificent medieval buildings are built
0:00:09 > 0:00:12on the foundations of England's oldest charity.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16And for some 600 years, they've been home to 25 brothers.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20So, in which county would you find a Grade I listed gem like this
0:00:20 > 0:00:23that you can actually call home?
0:00:23 > 0:00:24Well, stay tuned and I'll tell you.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46On today's show I'm helping a mother and daughter
0:00:46 > 0:00:50who are joining forces to find their perfect forever home in the country.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54'There's no holding back in bagging the best rooms.' This room's lovely.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56This is mine. Oh, really?
0:00:56 > 0:01:00And the thatched roof hits the spot.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Oh! Isn't that gorgeous? It's beautiful.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Well, today, we're in Hampshire, and this is the magnificent
0:01:11 > 0:01:13aerial view of the Hospital of St Cross
0:01:13 > 0:01:16on the outskirts of Winchester.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19It was founded back in the 12th century by the grandson
0:01:19 > 0:01:22of William the Conqueror, Henry de Blois,
0:01:22 > 0:01:23and he had two real aims.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26The first was to demonstrate his piety,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29but the second was to set up a community that would care for men
0:01:29 > 0:01:32who really found themselves with nowhere else to go.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37In time, they became known as the Brothers of St Cross.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40In the 15th century, a man called Cardinal Beaufort
0:01:40 > 0:01:41added the buildings you can now see below me,
0:01:41 > 0:01:46that wonderful range of almshouses with their tall chimneys.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Later on in the show, I'll be back here
0:01:48 > 0:01:50finding out what life is like
0:01:50 > 0:01:53for the brothers who still call this home in the 21st century.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55But in the meantime, here's a little taster
0:01:55 > 0:01:57of what the rest of Hampshire has to offer.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Set on the south coast of England,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03Hampshire is bordered by five counties
0:02:03 > 0:02:06including Wiltshire to the West, and Surrey to the east.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11To the north-east of the county, much of the surrounding landscape
0:02:11 > 0:02:13makes up part of the North Wessex Downs,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Rising in the mid-Hampshire Downs is the River Itchen,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25a classic chalk river and designated a Special Area of Conservation,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29flowing through Winchester on its way to the Solent.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Part of Hampshire's southern landscape is encompassed
0:02:31 > 0:02:34within the South Downs National Park,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36dotted with beautiful villages such as East Meon,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38set on the Meon River, and Buriton,
0:02:38 > 0:02:43both characterised by traditional thatched-roof cottages.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Whether it's the lure of the cathedral city of historic Winchester,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49or the quiet contemplation of its majestic countryside,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Hampshire is a county that has something for everyone.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Now, when it comes to the housing market here,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Hampshire's hot spots have pushed up the price
0:03:02 > 0:03:07of your average detached property to just under ?350,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09And you could pay even more than that
0:03:09 > 0:03:12if you step inside the borders of the New Forest National Park,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15or you fancy a slice of pretty little villages
0:03:15 > 0:03:17such as Stockbridge or Broughton.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19But if you want a bit more value for money,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22head north in the county towards Andover.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24There, you could knock off as much as 25%.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28This is all good news for today's buyers.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30So, let's meet them, find out what they are after,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33and crucially, how much they want to spend.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Tired of their busy, urban lifestyles in Surrey and Cardiff,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Anna, husband Jake, and her mother Sheila
0:03:41 > 0:03:43have decided to combine their resources
0:03:43 > 0:03:46into a large, family home in the country.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48The last six years Jake and I
0:03:48 > 0:03:50have had a house on a main road in Woking,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and it's always a bit worrying with the cat and that sort of thing.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56But actually we really look forward to some peace,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59and want to move out to the countryside,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02live more in a village location,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05pooling our resources with Mum to get a place,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07the three of us together, with the animals.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12The animals are very important. We've got Mum's dog and our cat.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17I was widowed last year and I don't like living on my own.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20After 40 years, it's hard.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21And we get on really well,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25and I get on particularly well with my son-in-law.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28But, having lived in the Cardiff area for around 25 years,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30the last 11 in Penarth Marina,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Sheila feels the time is right to move on.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38The whole of the Marina is a concrete jungle, and I just...
0:04:38 > 0:04:43I'm ready to have my own space, I think.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48To be in a detached house with a lovely driveway and a garden.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I think that would be just perfect.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Being a close-knit family,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54living together isn't such a daunting prospect.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I'm really looking forward to living with Mum.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02We spend many hours on the phone at the moment and we talk every day.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05But obviously with Mum being all the way in Cardiff and us being
0:05:05 > 0:05:08up nearer London, it's a good two 1/2 hours in the car to get down here.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12My husband works quite a lot of weekends, and quite long hours,
0:05:12 > 0:05:17so it would be great to have a shopping partner on a Saturday.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20And even more perfect it means that when Jake and I have children
0:05:20 > 0:05:26we've obviously got Grandma on-call to, er...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29for a little bit of childcare.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30Oh, in your dreams!
0:05:32 > 0:05:34And they are looking for a house large enough
0:05:34 > 0:05:36for the whole family to live in.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38If we could find a bottom-heavy house,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41so that it's bigger downstairs than upstairs,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43so that there's a possibility
0:05:43 > 0:05:46of making a bedroom and bathroom downstairs,
0:05:46 > 0:05:47that would be good.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Because then Anna and Jake could go upstairs to bed
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and I'd have my little bit of independence.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I don't want to be stuck in some little Granny annexe, in a little box.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I'm not ready for that yet!
0:05:59 > 0:06:02And there's one thing in particular
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Sheila is looking for in the new home.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08We've got a tiny little decked area at the back,
0:06:08 > 0:06:12which is crammed full of pots, because I love to garden! SHE LAUGHS
0:06:12 > 0:06:14It's getting a little overgrown now.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18To me, a garden is going to be really important.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21So, all that's left to discover are the finances
0:06:21 > 0:06:24for this combined relocation.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27The budget for our move is ?700,000.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Bearing in mind they're looking for enough living space
0:06:33 > 0:06:36for the whole family, we're going to concentrate our search
0:06:36 > 0:06:38in the north-east of the county
0:06:38 > 0:06:40to try and get them more for their money.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43But before we begin our property search, I caught up with them
0:06:43 > 0:06:47in Hampshire to find out more about this major family move.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Well, hello, Sheila. Good morning to you. Hello, Anna. Hi, how are you?
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Very well, thank you. Now then. This story of yours.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Quite a lot's happened recently, hasn't it? Yep.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00We are looking to combine our resources and buy a property,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02my husband and I, with Mum.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We are also now expecting our first child as well,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07so yes, there's a new addition.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11So, it will be three generations in one household. Brilliant.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Yes, so we really need a house! And fast.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19Now, the kind of property that you have dreamed of for this move
0:07:19 > 0:07:21will be an interesting mix, I suspect,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25between what Mum wants and what you and your husband want.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Luckily, Mum and I have got very similar tastes,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32so that always helps, particularly from an interiors point of view.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We both love pretty character properties,
0:07:35 > 0:07:36so I think for us that's really important
0:07:36 > 0:07:39that you get that really good feel from a house.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Now that we've got a family coming as well,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43it's kind of to set down roots somewhere.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Yes. And actually what we'd really love to find is our forever home.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Give me an idea of bedrooms, because I don't get the feeling
0:07:50 > 0:07:52you're after the classic annexe, are you?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55No. Nobody's putting me in an annexe!
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Yeah, we need at least four bedrooms.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04But the potential for five would obviously... Even if it's not there now, would be good. Yeah.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05And I think actually,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08even if there is potential for a ground floor bedroom
0:08:08 > 0:08:11as the fifth bedroom or something, that would be great. Yep.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Whether it's now or in the future.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15But in terms of social spaces,
0:08:15 > 0:08:20I suppose the classic big kitchen/diner goes without saying.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23But reception rooms, you are going to want your own space,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25aren't you, really? Yes. Yeah, definitely.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27I think in addition to that kitchen/breakfast room,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30which we really do want to be the hub of the home,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33we need at least two additional reception rooms.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Obviously more than that would be great.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37Or, again, if there is the potential
0:08:37 > 0:08:40to do something in the future, then great.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46But I get the feeling that location is relatively flexible? Yes. Yes.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50I work in Bracknell and my husband's in Cobham, so as long as we are
0:08:50 > 0:08:54reasonably distanced from those, about an hour being the Max...
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Well, I don't think you're asking for anything out of the ordinary,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01but we are challenged by a pretty pricey property market here.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03So, let's go. Come this way.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10For a budget of ?700,000,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Sheila and Anna are looking for four to five bedrooms,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17enough downstairs space for Sheila to have her own living area,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19and potential for a bedroom.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20A large kitchen/diner,
0:09:20 > 0:09:25a decent-sized garden for Sheila's horticultural aspirations,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and within reasonable distance to work commitments
0:09:28 > 0:09:30in Bracknell and Cobham.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33We've found three wonderful properties to show them,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and in each one we will see how close they can get to the price tag.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41One, of course, will be our mystery house, which could really change their lifestyle.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45But, first on our agenda is house number one.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49And what does your husband feel about all this?
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Because, of course, he's not here. No!
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Yeah, Jake's well up for the plan as well.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Him and Mum get on brilliantly.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59His biggest thing is that he has his own study,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01or his man cave, as he calls it.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Yeah! Well, I'm going to be Jake this week.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I'm going to put Jake's voice into the ring.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13We begin our search in the north of the county in the village
0:10:13 > 0:10:18of Ecchinswell, around 45 min from Bracknell and an hour from Cobham.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22In 1990, Ecchinswell was declared a Conservation Area,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25with pretty, thatched roofs dotted around the village
0:10:25 > 0:10:27along with its many listed buildings,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29including the 19th-century church.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32For their day-to-day provisions, the nearby village of Kingsclere
0:10:32 > 0:10:36has a general store, post office and a butcher.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39In the centre of Ecchinswell is property number one,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42a Grade II listed cottage overlooking the open countryside.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47OK, ladies. Here we are. Wow. Wow.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Property number one. What do you think of this?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It's beautiful. So pretty. Gorgeous.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Is this the sort of thing you had in mind? Yes!
0:10:56 > 0:11:01Yeah, it's beautiful, yeah. Roses around the door. Yes, yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02Love the leaded lights.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's got this lovely aspect, it's set back from the road.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07You've got the front garden here.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Garage there, with the wood store next to it. Can we go in?
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Let's have a look. Let's not delay any more. THEY LAUGH
0:11:13 > 0:11:17'Dating back to around 1680, the cottage has been recently
0:11:17 > 0:11:21'extended and modernised, but still retains its character features.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24'We're off to a great start, so let's hope that continues
0:11:24 > 0:11:26'with lots of downstairs space high on their agenda.'
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Wow. That's pretty.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I thought we'd start in here. It's lovely.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37Your main reception room. Yeah, it's a great room. Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Really good size. There's space for my books.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Plenty of space for books, don't you worry about that.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Yes. Well, I'm being Jake on this one.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48So, what would I think about this, do you think?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51It's a great sized living room. He'd like the character of it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56In terms of reception areas, this being one of them, next door is one. It's currently a dining area.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Again, we could think about how we might use that space
0:11:58 > 0:12:00as we go round the rest of the building.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03We did want a nice big kitchen/diner. We did. It's this way.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13There we are, Sheila. Oh. Oh, wow. That's lovely! Yeah?
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Look at the wall, as well. That's the old external wall. Yeah.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Of 1680. And they built this on. They've added it on, yep.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24It wasn't what I was expecting, actually. No, not at all.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25No, it's lovely.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27It's been very nicely done,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and it does make the best use of that little terrace out there.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33That's exactly what we wanted, wasn't it? Doors onto the garden. Double doors out onto the garden.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37I mean, you talked about a kind of hub. Yep. Is this it? Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I think so. Good. Right then, let's continue this way.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And then, we've got this. A garden room.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Ah! Shower room. Very nice. And one bedroom, yeah.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54You notice on the way through there was that glazed link
0:12:54 > 0:12:56which is the study at the moment. Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And it goes into this kind of utility area.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04It could be a bit of a... There's a cupboard with a washing machine and drier in it and so on.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05But I'm thinking about reception space,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08to give you somewhere to do your thing. Absolutely.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12This would be perfect. I just think this room is lovely. This is mine.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Oh, really? Right then. Upstairs. Right.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20'The downstairs gets the thumbs up, so let's see if we can keep the
0:13:20 > 0:13:24'good vibes going upstairs with the three double bedrooms and a single.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:31Bedrooms two, three and four are all served by a family bathroom.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33But let's start with the master.
0:13:36 > 0:13:42Oh! Come on in. Oh, how pretty. Oh, isn't it lovely?
0:13:42 > 0:13:45A new edition as well, then? Much renovated.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46I spy another door behind you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Yes, Well, this is your en suite shower room. Perfect.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55So, the question is, I suppose, who gets this room?
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Is it you and Jake, or is it Mum? It's a beautiful room. Yeah.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03I think it's probably Jake and Anna's room. Right, come on.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Let's have a look at the garden.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08The grounds surround the property with lawns to the front and rear
0:14:08 > 0:14:13including terraced areas, an ornamental pond and summerhouse.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Lots to potter around in. Oh, perfect size. Yeah, really good size.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23And for a young child to play in. Oh, and a pretty house from the back.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Yeah, isn't that lovely from the back? How much is it worth, then?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29I'm going to put it at ?675,000. ?675,000, yes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32I'm actually going to go slightly lower,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35because of what I'd like to do with it,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37at ?650,000. OK.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42It is on the market for ?695,000.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44OK. All right?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So, gives you an idea of what the property market here
0:14:47 > 0:14:48might do to you and your budget.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50But it is a lovely house. Definitely.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Yes, it is. Well, we've got a bit of time.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Go and spend it having another look around,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and I will catch up with you later. Great. Thanks.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00And in the meantime, I am going to go and cool off.
0:15:03 > 0:15:10Our Grade II listed cottage comes in just under their budget at ?695,000,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14and gives them four bedrooms, the master including an en suite,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18a very spacious sitting room, a large kitchen/diner,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22the potential to convert downstairs space into Sheila's living area,
0:15:22 > 0:15:23a manageable garden,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25and it's all set in a pretty village
0:15:25 > 0:15:27with views
0:15:27 > 0:15:28over the Hampshire countryside.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32The kitchen's just what I had in my mind's eye,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35with the doors out onto the garden.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37And the garden was bathed in sunshine.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41I think what I would do would be to incorporate the garage
0:15:41 > 0:15:45and the garden room, extend the garden room out a little bit,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and have my own sort of private space there,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50so a sitting room, bedroom, and the shower room.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54It's got the prettiness and the character from the outside and a lovely garden, in a great village.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57And it's got the footprint.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01But I think we'd probably want to pretty much redo the inside.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04The big question in both of our minds is about the location,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07cos it is an area that we hadn't considered,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10and it's quite a long drive for my husband to work.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13For me, it works, but for my husband...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16So, I think that's the one thing that we'd really need to consider.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Ah, this is the life, isn't it? Getting comfy there. I'm loving it!
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Have you seen enough? Yep. We're good.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Well, I had hoped that I would cool down. But... It's extremely warm.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30It's heated, yep! Come on, let's go.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Hampshire is home to the South Downs National Park,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43a biodiverse landscape covering over 600 square miles
0:16:43 > 0:16:46from Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Close to the village of Selbourne on the northern edge of the park
0:16:50 > 0:16:52are 24 acres of lavender fields,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54which complement the natural surroundings
0:16:54 > 0:16:57and form part of Hartley Park Farm.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Given Sheila's interest in horticulture,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02we sent them to meet farmer and lavender grower Tim Butler
0:17:02 > 0:17:06to find out more about this scented blue bloom.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10This is such a beautiful sight. It's a lovely sight.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14It's on the edge of our farm where we farm 1,500 acres of land
0:17:14 > 0:17:16and 24 acres are devoted to lavender.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Is the ground particularly good for lavender?
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The field that we are in now is ideal.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25It's free-draining soil over chalk, and that's ideal.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Freely-drained, south-facing.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30And how is all this sunshine, doing the lavender? Lovely.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32I mean, this is great. Sunshine is the ideal.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35In a sunny summer we produce twice the amount of oil
0:17:35 > 0:17:38to a miserable summer, like last year. Oh, dear.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Does the lavender field give a boost to the natural environment, so bumblebees, that sort of thing?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Yes, it does indeed. And the honeybees,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46although we haven't any hives in this field,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48there are some in the locality
0:17:48 > 0:17:51and they travel up to two miles, and they come into here.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54From now on, it's just coming to the stage where they love it,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and the hum and the buzz of the bumblebees and the butterflies.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00We also see quite a lot of other wildlife in here as well.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04English Lavender is a durable plant with over 250 varieties,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06and here they grow around ten of them.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Some are suited for bunching and drying,
0:18:09 > 0:18:14others are grown for their vibrant colour and the quality of their oil.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Immediately after harvesting, the lavender is loaded into a still
0:18:17 > 0:18:21and oil is extracted using steam distillation.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The oil comes out of just below the flower and the globule there,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26and the top of the seed head there.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29And that's where the majority of the oil comes from.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31And what we're doing is,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33we're passing steam through the lavender
0:18:33 > 0:18:34and where it comes up through,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37it will draw the oil in the steam, if you see what I mean.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41We can drain off the water, and we're left with oil.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45And it's ready, in two years' time, for use. Two years?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Two years, we would say. It's quite a long time. It gets a better scent, actually.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Lavender isn't only used for its iconic fragrance.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57It's also used as an ingredient in biscuit, chocolate and ice cream.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00And its scent can have the opposite effect you'd imagine.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Lavender's good for keeping moths at bay, but also mosquitoes.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07We have people who buy lavender oil or bunches to hang around,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09or use for keeping away mozzies.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Now, what we have here is lavender tea for you to try.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Culinary lavender has become very popular in the last 15-20 years,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19used widely now by so many people.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25I can see you're enjoying that. It's very refreshing.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Especially on a hot day like this. Yeah.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Now that Sheila and Anna have taken some inspiration for the garden,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36it's time to head further afield and resume our property search.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44For house number two, we want to find them
0:19:44 > 0:19:46more space for their budget by travelling west,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50out of the county into Wiltshire, to the village of Chiseldon,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53giving easy access to motorway links for Bracknell and Cobham.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57An old Saxon village, Chiseldon sits
0:19:57 > 0:20:01within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and is characterised by its many pretty thatched cottages.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06The village has the obligatory country pub,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09along with a splendid 13th century church
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and a general store for their provisions.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14House number two is a Grade II listed property
0:20:14 > 0:20:17set in a secluded plot at the end of a no-through lane.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Oh! SHEILA LAUGHS HAPPILY
0:20:21 > 0:20:24So, this is it. This is property number two. Oh!
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Isn't that gorgeous? It's beautiful. Looks pretty big. It's enormous.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33It was originally four cottages, kind of one-up, one-downs. Oh, wow.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36And now, of course, it's all one enormous house.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38That bit over there is the kitchen. Yep.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42And that bit over there, Madam... Oh, yes? Might be your bit.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45It's got bars on the window! THEY ALL LAUGH
0:20:45 > 0:20:49I'm not going to use the words you don't want me to use!
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Let's just say it's a flat. OK.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56As you can appreciate, with it being originally four separate properties,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58you've got more than one reception room,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01more than one staircase, and more than one bedroom.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04So, shall we? Oh, yes. Come on, then.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10The cottage dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14and over the years has been configured into one line of adjoining rooms.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Entering through the main hallway,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19we're attacking the dining and kitchen areas first.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26Well, we've got to start somewhere. So how about in here?
0:21:26 > 0:21:29This is a lovely room. Yeah, very nice.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32They've got this as a dining room, because it's next to the kitchen.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36That makes sense. Yes. Looks good. Happy? Yeah.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Let's have a look at the kitchen. That's through here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46There we are. Oh! It's sweet. Look at the ceiling! Yeah, wow!
0:21:46 > 0:21:49It's got a real, kind of, ''20s feel to it, actually.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Yeah, it does, doesn't it? This classic battening.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Handmade kitchen, it's all elm.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Which, of course, you can't get any more. Yeah, it's really nice.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59It's got a really nice feel about it.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00You would want to update it, but...
0:22:00 > 0:22:02I think you would. And maybe lighten it a bit.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Further on down you've also got a bathroom
0:22:05 > 0:22:06with a bath and shower in it.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Come on, then. Let's go and explore more.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13So, back across the hallway and we end up in here.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15This is currently set up as the kind of main living room,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18as it were. That's really nice. And lovely fire.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Yeah. Nice wood burner in there. Yes. Let's have a look at your bit.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26From the living room we head to a family room,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29our starting point for the other end of the property.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So, what I'm thinking, Sheila,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35is that your bit of the house really would start here.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40How lovely is this? Your own study in there. Yes. Cum-snug, whatever.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43And then the actual accommodation itself is through here.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Oh! My own little kitchen.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Well, there are sort of two kitchens. That's a utility area.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54There's a loo there. Bath and shower there.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00And then this, sort of, living/kitchen area. Oh, gosh!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02And there's a bedroom in there.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Oh, this is has got oodles of potential, hasn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11My guess is that you'd probably gut it and start again. Yeah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15And kind of give it a new floor plan.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19But the space it offers you... Yeah, definitely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It's far more than we could wish for, wasn't it? Yes.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Yeah, it's great. It's lovely.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Let's go upstairs and see what you make of these four bedrooms.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30There are four double bedrooms in total upstairs,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32all served by the family bathroom.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Bedrooms three and four are accessed via a second staircase.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The main stairway leads to a landing area,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43giving access to bedroom two and the master bedroom.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50And then this would be, I think, Anna and Jake. Yeah, lovely. Yeah?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Yeah, really nice. You'd be happy in here? Yes!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Would Jake be happy in here? I think so, yeah.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I have to be the voice of Jake. I keep forgetting about him, poor chap.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03As long as we find him a study, yeah. Well, you take your pick.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Exactly. He's got a few rooms to choose from. Yeah.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11I mean, I know it's a bit further away than we perhaps had hoped for,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14but the space it gives you for that extra bit of travelling. Yes.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Right, then. Let's go outside and finish off, and talk about the price, shall we? Yep.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22The south-facing gardens are mainly at the front of the property,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25with hedged lawns, fruit trees, arches,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28seated areas, and even a well.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34So, let's think about the telephone numbers on this one, shall we? Yes.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36You can go first, this time, Anna.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40I'll go at ?700,000, because of the size of it. OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45No, I think I'll go ?675,000. ?675,000? A cheeky offer?
0:24:45 > 0:24:50Yes, very cheeky offer. Well, Anna's the one who's closest, I'm afraid.
0:24:50 > 0:24:57It is on at ?699,995. Ooh, very good, Anna! Close. Yes.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Lots to think about. Go and wander the labyrinth of property number two.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02I think we will. Thank you, Jules.
0:25:04 > 0:25:11Our second offering sneaks in just under their budget at ?699,995
0:25:11 > 0:25:16and gives them four bedrooms, a separate wing with bedroom,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19kitchen and living area, ideal for Sheila,
0:25:19 > 0:25:24a large kitchen/breakfast room, a dining room, a study for Jake
0:25:24 > 0:25:27and all within the glorious Wiltshire countryside.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Oh, it's just beautiful! It's really beautiful.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35The work that I would want to do to it would be the kitchen,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40the bathrooms, and my wing. SHE LAUGHS
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Which I would reconfigure.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Although having a wing for Mum would be great,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49it feels like she's almost slightly detached from the main house
0:25:49 > 0:25:50and actually a big thing for us
0:25:50 > 0:25:53is about having Mum living as part of the family.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56There's a lot of rooms,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58and I think it needs a bit of figuring out,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00quite how you would use all of those rooms,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04upstairs and downstairs, actually, just how the flow would work.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09So, are we happy with our house-hunting so far?
0:26:09 > 0:26:10Yeah, it's great. Good.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Well, I think it's time for a nice, cold beer. Lovely. Or maybe a glass of wine. Sounds good!
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Come on. It sounds very good.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38'It's day two of our property hunt in Hampshire with Anna and Sheila,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42'who have a combined budget of ?700,000 for their family residence.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45'Coming up, we find out what's on offer at the mystery house.'
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Oh, it's got two front doors.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51'And I tuck into an ancient pilgrim tradition.'
0:26:51 > 0:26:52I might take that with me.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Well, as we head into our final day of house-hunting with Anna and with Sheila,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03once again the weather promises to be a real scorcher.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04But can our final offering raise the temperature of this house hunt
0:27:04 > 0:27:06But can our final offering raise the temperature of this house hunt
0:27:06 > 0:27:08yet further?
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Yesterday, we did take a bit of a gamble with property number two,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13heading all the way over to Wiltshire
0:27:13 > 0:27:16to get them something big enough for this growing family to call home.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20But for our final offering, well, we're going to play it safe.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22We're going to go for plan A and stay in Hampshire -
0:27:22 > 0:27:24but with a bit of a twist.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Our mystery house requires a little bit of work,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30but that's because it has bags of potential.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33This is a property they could be in forever.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36For the mystery house,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39we head back into Hampshire to the north of the county
0:27:39 > 0:27:41to the hamlet of Cole Henley
0:27:41 > 0:27:43to offer them a total change of lifestyle
0:27:43 > 0:27:46with a forever home that could be refurbished over time.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Now, before we get to our final property,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52we thought we'd stop off in its nearest local town.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54This is Whitchurch, this is its church.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Have you ever been here before? No, never. No.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00It sort of gets its name from the white tower of the church itself,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03but its origins are far older than that.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07It goes back to 400 BC, so it's located well into the Iron Age.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10But it is replete with all the kind of things you would need.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16Surgeries, chemists, local shops, boutique shops, coffee shops,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19and the secondary school has an outstanding OFSTED report.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Ah, we need to think about these things now. Thinking ahead, you know!
0:28:23 > 0:28:24There's one other point.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27It's also the home of the author of Watership Down, Richard Adams. Oh!
0:28:27 > 0:28:31So, if there's a romantic bit of landscape out there, that sets the scene... Bunny rabbits!
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Exactly. This could be it. So, shall we? Let's go.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39The mystery house is a Grade II listed farmhouse
0:28:39 > 0:28:42set in a rural location in Cole Henley.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Oh, Anna, look at this. Come on in to our mystery house.
0:28:47 > 0:28:53Oh, this is really pretty. Yeah? Yes. Oh, it's got two front doors.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Yes, it's been an amalgam of once-separate buildings.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Look at these doors. They're beautiful. Yeah, lovely. And the windows I love. Yeah.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04There's a bit of work to do, but that's what will occupy your imagination.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09No, that sounds exciting. I'm really looking forward to this.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11And what's more, the whole thing comes with just over two acres.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16Chickens! Plenty of chickens. Pigs? Yep. Let's see what you make of it.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Come and have a look inside.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23'The renovated farmhouse is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:29:23 > 0:29:26'and has bags of the character that they are looking for.'
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Let's walk through into the kitchen
0:29:28 > 0:29:30because I think this is the best place
0:29:30 > 0:29:33to really start to sell this property. Oh, wow.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36This is the kitchen. This is perfect. Yeah?
0:29:36 > 0:29:39This kitchen definitely is the best kitchen we've seen.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44This is definitely what we're after. What would Jake think? He'd love it. Yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:50This is exactly what we had in mind, really, wasn't it? Yeah.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55Next up, let's go through this lovely hallway and have a look at the living room.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57I love this room.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Now, I get the feeling this is probably your kind of feel of room, Sheila.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Yes, it's definitely my kind of feel of room.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07It's lovely, isn't it? But what do YOU think, Anna?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10It's lovely. It's got a really nice feel about it.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14It could do with a bit of updating, I think. I love this outlook.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17It's all about the feel, and this one's definitely got that.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20None of the rooms here are particularly big,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22but next door to us, the other side of the staircase,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26is a utility room which is probably a little bit bigger than this.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Which I think is a bit wasted, really. Yep. Definitely. You could create another reception room.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34So that is pretty much it for the downstairs,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37with one notable exception. There is an enormous cellar here.
0:30:37 > 0:30:45Oh. Oh. It's not damp. It's nice and big. Man cave it most definitely is! THEY LAUGH
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Brilliant. For Jake.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Our next stop is going to be upstairs. Right.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54The downstairs is completed by a sitting room at the front,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58with the main access to the property and a conservatory to the rear.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02There are four bedrooms upstairs, all decent sized doubles.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Bedrooms one and two are served by the family bathroom,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11and bedrooms three and four have access to an additional shower room.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19Oh, this is a beautiful... No, the baby's not having this room. THEY LAUGH
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Well, we picked this one to show you in more detail
0:31:23 > 0:31:26because it's the lightest of the lot. It's got so much more light than the others.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29They've currently got it as a kind of makeshift office,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32but I think this would make a lovely master bedroom. Yeah.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Yeah, this is definitely the best of the... No, I think this will be my bedroom.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Well, you'd certainly want a room for some period of time,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42but I am thinking that maybe we should go and have a look
0:31:42 > 0:31:44at the outbuilding with a view to converting it
0:31:44 > 0:31:49for you exclusively, in which case, this could be you and Jake's room.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Sounds good. Yeah? OK, let's go back outside.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58'At the front of the property is a two-storey brick and flint
0:31:58 > 0:32:02'stable building which could hold long-term possibilities for Sheila.'
0:32:06 > 0:32:12Now then. This is the project, all right? Wow, this IS a project. Come on in.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14What a fab building.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17You could certainly incorporate a lovely bathroom up there,
0:32:17 > 0:32:22with a bedroom all of your own. Sofa space. Yes. And then down here...
0:32:22 > 0:32:28A nice big living space. Yeah. It's got plenty of potential, hasn't it?
0:32:28 > 0:32:32You seem quite fired up by the idea of a project. I do, I really like this! Yeah, it's great.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36And as I said to you at the beginning, we have got you some two acres or so. Yes!
0:32:36 > 0:32:37Come and look at those.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39At the rear of the house is a walled garden
0:32:39 > 0:32:42with fruit trees dotting the lawn,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44a greenhouse for Sheila's green fingers,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48and a patio seating area, all leading up to three paddocks.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53So, not only do you get those two paddocks there,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56you also get the one we've just walked through.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01And that is the back of the walled garden that creates your formal garden attached to the house.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03You can just see the thatched roof poking up there.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06And the view beyond... It's amazing.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Can you see in the far distance that green hill with trees on it?
0:33:08 > 0:33:14That is Watership Down. Wow. Oh, it's beautiful.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Absolutely stunning.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19I get the feeling this one's taken you little bit by surprise, Sheila.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Yes, it really has.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25And Anna, what do you think? I think it's fab.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30I think the opportunity with it is massive. So... Price?
0:33:30 > 0:33:36How much is it? Oh, no. Anna? OK, I think...
0:33:36 > 0:33:40It's probably at ?695,000, that sort of price. Mum?
0:33:40 > 0:33:45I think it's over that. ?725,000. ?725,000 plays ?695,000.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Well, I'm going to put a smile on both of your faces.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53This is on the market for ?685,000.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58Ooh. Food for thought, definitely!
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Yeah, really! Go on, then. Off you go. Explore.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03I'll come and find you later on.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Ha, ha! Brilliant. Well, there we are.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It's often the case that the mystery house does take our buyers by surprise,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12but this one really has.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13And in a way, I'm not surprised.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17It's in a beautiful location, with some beautiful and frankly historic views.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21But the property, it really is a gem.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27The mystery house comes under their top budget at ?685,000,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30And gives them four bedrooms, two bathrooms,
0:34:30 > 0:34:34a large kitchen/diner, a cellar for Jake's man cave,
0:34:34 > 0:34:38a two-storey outbuilding right for remodelling,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40just over two acres of garden and paddocks
0:34:40 > 0:34:42and all with stunning views
0:34:42 > 0:34:44of the Hampshire countryside.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46We could definitely have a horse in the future though.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Yeah, which would be lovely.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52We could have a pony when the kids are old enough. Yeah.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I think it's amazing. So do I.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59I can really see us here. Yeah.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02It's completely taken my breath away.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08It's a lifestyle, this house, rather than just a house.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12There's so much going on in my head at the moment, what one could do.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14I love it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17The feel of this room in particular, the kitchen, for this house,
0:35:17 > 0:35:19really made it straightaway, as soon as we came in.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Just that real homely feel.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24And with the outbuilding, in particular, for a couple
0:35:24 > 0:35:30of years down the line, to get that into a really lovely home for Mum as well. It's brilliant.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33I think the one elephant in the room always for me is location,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37and making sure that it's feasible for Jake and I to get to work
0:35:37 > 0:35:38and back again.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Right, you too. Come on. That's it, time is up I'm afraid.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47We've got to go and think about what we have seen.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Yeah. There's a lot to think about, definitely.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54A lot of planning going on with this one, isn't there? There certainly is. It's a very good sign.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55Who knows, maybe this is the one!
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Come on, let's go.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Set in the water meadows running alongside the River Itchen
0:36:04 > 0:36:08lies the Grade I listed site of St Cross Hospital.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Founded in the 1100s as a hostel for poor brethren,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15it is home to England's oldest almshouses.
0:36:15 > 0:36:22But rather than being a quaint time warp, it's a living community.
0:36:22 > 0:36:30and, three centuries later, Cardinal
0:36:30 > 0:36:31are known as brothers,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35and today I've come to meet Jim Abson in his 13th year as a brother,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39to find out more about St Cross and life at this historical site.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44This is an extraordinary place.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47It really is a step back in time, isn't it?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's a special place to be,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52and we appreciate it because we're all pretty ancient ourselves.
0:36:54 > 0:37:00But it's been here for a very long time.
0:37:00 > 0:37:01There were a lot of poor.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05There was no National Health Service in those days,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08so his main aim was to look after the poor men.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Not only was it a refuge for the poor,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15but it also provided food rations for 100 men at the gatehouse,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19and served as a way station for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24The only remaining part of Henri's original 12th century site
0:37:24 > 0:37:26is its Norman church.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I'm off to have a closer look and to meet the master of St Cross,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31the Reverend Reg Sweet.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34This really is the most wonderful space. Oh, it's fabulous.
0:37:34 > 0:37:39But as the master, you're in charge of running the whole thing. Sort of, yes. Yes.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43When does it date from? From about 1132, thereabouts.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44And it's been going ever since.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49I mean, it survived the Reformation, it survived everything.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51And it's still going, as it was.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I've noticed there are two different colours of gown.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57James is wearing a black one. There are also some red ones. What's the difference?
0:37:57 > 0:38:02OK, the original foundation, the Black Brothers, 1132.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06400 years or so later, Cardinal Beaufort,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08who was then Bishop of Winchester,
0:38:08 > 0:38:13decided he would like to bring in people of noble poverty,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17and they wear the cardinal red with the Cardinal's badge, you may have noticed.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21It's a wonderful institution. I can't believe that it's still here.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It is an extraordinary survivor. Absolutely marvellous.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27And you can imagine, I mean, it is a charity,
0:38:27 > 0:38:32and the upkeep of this place is quite enormous. Yeah.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Thought to be Britain's oldest charitable institution,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38it has religious roots, but St Cross is a secular foundation.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42The ethos on assisting the poorer men of society remains,
0:38:42 > 0:38:47with places for 25 brothers available to single,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50non-working men of limited means aged 60 and over.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Now, among the many traditions that survive here, there is one
0:38:56 > 0:39:00that I have to experience before I go, and it's that called Wayfarer's Dole.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03And you get it from this little door.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06With a little tap, so I'm told.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Hello, there. I've come for my dole. Certainly.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Now, apparently, it's a little bit of beer
0:39:12 > 0:39:15and a little bit of bread, to help the weary traveller on their way.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18And there it is. Well, thank you very much indeed.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20That has finished my visit off perfectly.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25What a fascinating slice of Winchester's living,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29yet quite hidden history. A real secret gem.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Time though to get back to our property search
0:39:31 > 0:39:33and catch up with our house-hunters.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Well, as you can see, we have found a beautiful spot
0:39:38 > 0:39:41for Sheila and Anna to consider all that we have shown them.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44But if I were a betting man, I'd say they were sunbathing.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Let's go and find out what's going on.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53Well, how are we doing? Very good, thank you. Yes?
0:39:53 > 0:39:57So, have we managed to find you a property that will work, Anna?
0:39:57 > 0:40:03Well, I think the mystery house definitely ticked the boxes in terms of the property,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07and yeah, a completely different lifestyle that it could offer.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12I think the big question for us over this is the feasible locations,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15and what is doable for myself and Jake
0:40:15 > 0:40:17in terms of getting to and from work.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Well, let's talk about the mystery house.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Because clearly that is the main contender.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26What was it, Sheila, for you, about our final property,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29over and above the first two, that you really hit home?
0:40:29 > 0:40:33The location of it. It was in such a beautiful setting. I loved that.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Walking in, you get that feeling.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39And from the moment we walked in through the front door
0:40:39 > 0:40:43and straight up into the kitchen, I thought, yep, I could live here.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45It definitely had that feel.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50It had the really homeliness about it, a good smell of dogs and cats.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Which just works for us.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I think it was daunting, the amount of work it needed,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58because we've never done anything like that.
0:40:58 > 0:41:04And having that extra outbuilding, outside, which I could,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06in the future, make into my own little private home,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09that was exciting, wasn't it?
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Yeah, definitely. What happens next?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15I think we need to work out the location bit.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17And before we start dreaming about our house for the future
0:41:17 > 0:41:22I think we need to just make sure we can tick that box
0:41:22 > 0:41:24and see whether or not it will work
0:41:24 > 0:41:26in terms of getting us to and from work.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30If that's good, yeah, we've got to take Jake to have a look at it.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Well, I certainly think he would respond well to the mystery house.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I think definitely having that cellar, right for conversion
0:41:37 > 0:41:39into the good old man cave,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41will definitely help to whet his appetite.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Well, there's clearly a lot more discussion to be had,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46and at least one more visit to be undertaken.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49But, Anna and Sheila, it's been a real pleasure this week,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52having you on Escape To The Country. Oh, thank you, Jules.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54So, let us know how you get on.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57And we wish you all the very best of luck for the future,
0:41:57 > 0:41:58and the new baby.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Well, we have searched and we have sizzled
0:42:06 > 0:42:10under some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14The wheat is beginning to ripen,
0:42:14 > 0:42:18as indeed are Anna, Sheila and Jake's ambitions to find their ideal home of the future.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21But, like the crop,
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I think their house search still has some way to go
0:42:24 > 0:42:26until it is fully ripened. And why not?
0:42:26 > 0:42:28This is an enormous decision,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32and if you are looking for something that is going to last you forever,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35it isn't something you really want to rush.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36I'll see you next time.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Although they loved the mystery house,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44Anna, Jake and Sheila decided the location wasn't quite right for them.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47They've since found a property that is a major renovation project,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51but it's closer to work and they've had an offer accepted.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53If you'd like to Escape To The Country
0:42:53 > 0:42:56in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58or maybe even further afield to the Continent
0:42:58 > 0:42:59and would like our help,
0:42:59 > 0:43:04then please apply online at...