0:00:03 > 0:00:05Spanning over 320 metres,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08this public bench lays claim to being the longest in Britain
0:00:08 > 0:00:11but to find out which county shores you'll find this on, well,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15you'll have to stay on the edge of your seat for a few moments longer.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35On today's show, I help a couple quit London's commuter belt
0:00:35 > 0:00:38to begin a new phase of life in a county they've come to love.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39It's not a brilliant start,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43as I get to grips with what they're really looking for.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- My first impression is that it's a bit small.- OK.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Luckily, things progress a little more positively.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Ah, so it doesn't stop just there? - No.- It's right over there.- Yeah.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Today, I'm in West Sussex, in Littlehampton,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02where this stylish bench has cut an architectural dash along this
0:01:02 > 0:01:06promenade since it was unveiled here back in 2010.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09It was designed by the help of local school children
0:01:09 > 0:01:12and the idea behind it was that people could pay for these
0:01:12 > 0:01:14individual slats to be personalised
0:01:14 > 0:01:17with their own messages and dedications.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19I must say, looking at some of these, it's clear that this
0:01:19 > 0:01:23stretch of coastline remains a very special place to many people,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27which is no doubt the case across this beautiful county.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Situated on the south coast of England, West Sussex is
0:01:32 > 0:01:35bordered by Surrey, Hampshire and East Sussex.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38It's 40 miles of coastline, with sheltered beaches
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and expansive views over the English Channel,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45give way to miles of lush chalk downs and ancient woodland.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Tucked amidst this pristine, rural landscape are evocative
0:01:48 > 0:01:51reminders of the county's rich history, including
0:01:51 > 0:01:55this spectacular and perfectly restored Arundel Castle
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and the Cowdray Ruins,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00haunting remains of a once magnificent Tudor mansion.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05The Cowdray Estate has long held ties to neighbouring Midhurst,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09an attractive market town where some of the houses bear distinctive
0:02:09 > 0:02:13window frames, painted in the estate's signature Cowdray yellow.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16South of Midhurst, on the plains between the Downs and the sea
0:02:16 > 0:02:20is Chichester, the only city in West Sussex and its county town.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24This elegant centre is home to one of England's most intact
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Norman cathedrals and an historic harbour with a picturesque marina.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Just north of the city, stretching across the county,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34is the South Downs.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35The UK's newest national park,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39it was established in 2011 to help protect the rare
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and diverse beauty of this stunning part of the country.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49There's no getting away from it,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52buying a property here in West Sussex can be very expensive.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The average price for a detached house here
0:02:54 > 0:02:57comes in at around £363,000.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Some £100,000 above the national figure.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Now, good road and rail connections into London for commuters is
0:03:04 > 0:03:07one of the main driving factors here.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10So much so, that in Horsham, right in the centre of the county,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14you can even pay another 35% premium on top of that.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16But, buying a home here in this county needn't cost you
0:03:16 > 0:03:19the earth, especially if you comb the property
0:03:19 > 0:03:23market around the coastal areas of Shoreham-by-Sea.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26So, whereabouts in this county are today's buyers looking to move?
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:28 > 0:03:3220 years ago, Peter and Jill bought this four bedroom Edwardian
0:03:32 > 0:03:35semi in the London commuter town of Weybridge.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38With their busy consultancy careers, it was perfectly
0:03:38 > 0:03:42located for transport links to London and abroad.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But having semi-retired, they're cutting those city ties
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and looking for a new home in the country.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The time is right, we're both coming up to that,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55sort of, formal retirement age, as it were and we'd like to do it
0:03:55 > 0:03:56at another location.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I think it's quite good to change occasionally.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01It gives you a different perspective on things.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Makes you tidy the house out...get rid of some clutter.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10That's my hidden agenda, dear, you're not supposed to know about that.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12With close friends already living in West Sussex,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15they've made regular visits to the area
0:04:15 > 0:04:18and have got to appreciate what the county has to offer.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21I think there's some wonderful views because of the rolling country,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23with the South Downs.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And you've got that combination of nice areas to walk in
0:04:27 > 0:04:29and the hills and the coast.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35So, it's a lovely balance of natural amenities and open space.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Although they're fairly open minded about the kind of property
0:04:39 > 0:04:42they're looking for, they do still have a few essentials.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Peter actually has an allotment,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48which can be accessed directly from our own property, which is
0:04:48 > 0:04:51brilliant cos it's like having your own vegetable garden
0:04:51 > 0:04:53outside your garden.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57So, I think we'd probably want to have at least that when we move.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00And also a view...I think a view is important.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I wouldn't want to have somewhere where you've a blank
0:05:04 > 0:05:07wall at the end of the garden and you feel hemmed in.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10As well as a veggie plot with a view,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13there's an indoor space that's also a must for Peter.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16A study in a new house is very important.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21Currently, trying to get a Master of Arts Degree in Modern History
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and I need the space and quiet,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26to study and think.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30I really couldn't envisage a house without that kind of
0:05:30 > 0:05:32quiet space.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35So, what have they got to spend on a country home in West Sussex?
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Our budget, for this move, is £850,000.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Peter and Jill particularly like the south west of the county
0:05:45 > 0:05:47and their friends live near Chichester.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50So, we're focusing our search within half an hour's drive of the town.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54I'm meeting up with them to find out more about their move.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Good morning, both of you. - Hello.- Good morning, Jonnie.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Rather damp start to the day
0:05:59 > 0:06:00but I'm hoping it's going to brighten up.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- No rain yet.- No, no, you're prepared, which is good.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Now, it's quite a big move, so why now?
0:06:08 > 0:06:09It's retirement based?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Yes, we're both semi-retired
0:06:11 > 0:06:14and we thought we'd better move before we get too old
0:06:14 > 0:06:18and it's a change of location, more than a change of lifestyle.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Why this location?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Because it's lovely, it's nearer the sea,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26it's tranquil and three lovely cricket grounds within easy reach.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Now you're talking! - THEY LAUGH
0:06:29 > 0:06:30Now you are talking!
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Location wise, I mean, you're leaving transport hopes behind,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36you're looking for something more rural then?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Yes, yes.- How rural?
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Well, village based.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42I think, we'd like to be within walking distance of one or
0:06:42 > 0:06:45two facilities, be it a pub or a shop.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46OK.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Not a little hamlet with nothing.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52The properties themselves, what are must-haves?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I think must-haves are a good sized kitchen, for me
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and a separate utility room cos I've never had one.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03OK, and this kitchen, it's a dining kitchen?
0:07:03 > 0:07:06It could be but we would like a dining room.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08We tend to entertain friends quite a lot and I think
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- if we're away from London, that will probably be more so.- Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14So, we'd like to have somewhere separate to eat.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Are you expecting to put friends up overnight,
0:07:17 > 0:07:18who are coming down for dinner?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Yes, we would be down here. - So, let's talk about bedrooms.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25It's a minimum of three, probably four.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27OK, any favoured styles?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31I think you could describe our requirements as characterful,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33without being eccentric.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35OK!
0:07:35 > 0:07:36What about throwing some, you know,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39like converted churches or barns or anything like that?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I mean, that's pretty quirky, I know.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43We've looked at a couple of barns
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and they seem to pinch out at the top and you lose room.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Yes.- So, generally, barn conversions, probably not.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53You sound like you know what you want, to an extent, but you're
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- prepared to be wowed by something different?- Definitely.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Yeah, absolutely.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- I think that's a fair summary.- OK.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02It's going to be an exciting couple of days.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We've got a really healthy budget and a beautiful part of the world.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Sure.- So, let's finish these cups of tea and coffee and get started.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Great!
0:08:10 > 0:08:14With a generous budget of £850,000, Jill
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and Peter would like a spacious,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20characterful home with a large kitchen and a separate dining room.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23They'd like a study for history buff Peter, a utility room and a
0:08:23 > 0:08:26minimum of three bedrooms.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Outside they're hoping for a garden with views
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and space for a veggie plot and they'd ideally like to be
0:08:32 > 0:08:36within walking distance of one or two local amenities.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with
0:08:39 > 0:08:41and before revealing the price, we'll get them
0:08:41 > 0:08:43to have a guess at it first.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45One will be our mystery house, whose style
0:08:45 > 0:08:49and dimensions could spark a complete rethink for our buyers.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But first, we're heading for house number one.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56So, do you guys have something that you want to get involved in,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58when you come to move down here?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- I have an interest in history and...- Right.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04..I'd like to do some local history.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07So you want to do a study of your new area, down here, then?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Yes, to see what's going on down here would be very interesting, I think.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Is there anything new you want to take up once you make this big move?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18I think I'd be quite interested in doing some sort of volunteer work.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22I've got a friend down here who is working at a local museum
0:09:22 > 0:09:24and I think something like that could be quite interesting.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27You're going to have a busy time moving down here, aren't you?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29We won't have time to unpack!
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Let's get you a house first, shall we?
0:09:35 > 0:09:39'We're starting the house search 16 miles north of Chichester
0:09:39 > 0:09:44'in Bexley Hill, right in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47'The nearest village is the rather beautiful Lurgashall and before
0:09:47 > 0:09:50'we visit our first property, I'm bringing Jill and Peter here
0:09:50 > 0:09:53'to show them a couple of features I think they might just like.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:57So welcome to Lurgashall.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00You both said you wanted to be close to a pub.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Dah-da!
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- I know you have a love of cricket... - And there's a cricket green.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- This is perfect.- Perfect.- It doesn't get any better than this?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- And it's pretty. - It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:10:11 > 0:10:14They regularly play cricket here and you've even got your shop
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and post office right in the heart of the village itself.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Shopping list completed.- Done.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It's stunningly picturesque.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26All we need to do now is find you a house nearby.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- To match.- Ah, well.- Let's go.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34'A mile and a half down the road is our first property,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38'a detached four bedroomed house in a desirable rural location.'
0:10:41 > 0:10:45So here is property number one.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47It's very green!
0:10:47 > 0:10:50It's very green all around, isn't it?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I think, you know, in all fairness this house needs taking hold of.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- It needs a bit of work.- Yeah, OK.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Let's take a look inside.- Sure.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01'The original part of this property dates back to the 16th century
0:11:01 > 0:11:05'and is believed to have been a woodman's cottage.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09'Around 25 years ago it was extended to create a much larger home,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'which I'm hoping will suit Jill and Peter's needs.'
0:11:13 > 0:11:15So once through the hall,
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- you come to the first really good sized reception area.- Mm-hm.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Right. It's nice and light. I love the fireplace.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26I think that's really good.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29You said you didn't want necessarily fully open plan
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- so this is semi open plan. Let me show you the kitchen area.- Right.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- What do you think?- My first impression is it's a bit small.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's quite like a galley type of kitchen,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41it's got the long, thin space.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44You've got a larder or pantry behind you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Then you've got a utility just the other side
0:11:48 > 0:11:50where you first walked in.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- You said you've not had a utility before?- Mmm.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55So you are used to having a big kitchen with all your gubbins in it?
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- Yeah.- Bearing in mind all your food store is out of the way,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02your white goods are out of the way, maybe you do have enough.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Yes, you don't need so much.- Just pure cooking area.- Yes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Muted opinions here in this kitchen, I would have thought.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Not an overwhelming endorsement. - No.- OK.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Let's keep looking around and see how it changes. Follow me.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22So you've got two reception rooms, you've got a small one there,
0:12:22 > 0:12:27bear that in mind when we talk about the main one here.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28Right.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Again, on the small side.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- I thought you might say that.- Mm-hm.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38That wall there is just a stud petition.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Knock that through and this becomes quite a large reception room.- Yes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47'This relatively simple alteration would certainly give our buyers
0:12:47 > 0:12:49'the more generous living space they're after.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'Also downstairs there's an office
0:12:51 > 0:12:54'where Peter can study for his history degree.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57'Upstairs there's a family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00'One's a single and the others are doubles
0:13:00 > 0:13:03'so there's plenty of space for their London friends to stay over.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07'We've earmarked the largest bedroom for Peter and Jill.'
0:13:07 > 0:13:11The best views in the house are the ones that you would wake up to.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13The master bedroom.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Oh, yes.- Lovely.- That is beautiful. Isn't that nice?
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Very nice. Double aspect, too.- Yeah, nice and bright, isn't it?- It is.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23It's lovely from that point of view.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27And there is an ensuite. Have a good look.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- This has obviously been done quite recently, it's all very modern.- Yes.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Nicely done. Yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39So let's head outside now, start thinking about price though.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- OK.- OK?
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'I'm not sure if this property has really won them over
0:13:44 > 0:13:47'but maybe the outside will give them a better indication.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50'There's an half acre plot with gorgeous views and a detached
0:13:50 > 0:13:54'double garage where Peter could stash all of his gardening tools.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:58It's lovely. I mean, I like the garden. I think it's nice.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Plenty of room to grow your veggies? - Oh, yes.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Plenty of apples to harvest. - Yes, quite.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08I think the garden's pleasant because it's a nice amount of space
0:14:08 > 0:14:11but it's not too much work.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13On paper, you've got lots of what you asked for.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17You've got this land, you've got views, a wonderful countryside location
0:14:17 > 0:14:19but all this comes at a price.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21How much do you think this house is?
0:14:21 > 0:14:25I think it's about 799.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28OK, Peter?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31No, I wouldn't put it as high as that.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- I think more like 750.- Right.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Well, you may then be surprised to that hear this house
0:14:39 > 0:14:43is on the market for offers around £850,000.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Yes, I would be.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49It's an asking price, of course it is. Who knows what price they will sell at,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- until that price comes along and they accept it.- Indeed.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Why don't you go back inside, have a look at those other three bedrooms,
0:14:55 > 0:14:56have a look at the office area,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59the double garage, whatever you want to see.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Take your time and I will meet you whenever you're ready. OK?
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- OK.- See you shortly.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13'This 16th century property is right on budget at £850,000.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16'It offers a characterful dining room
0:15:16 > 0:15:18'and two other reception rooms that could be knocked through
0:15:18 > 0:15:22'to create the more spacious living area our buyers are looking for.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26'There's a utility room, a study and four bedrooms
0:15:26 > 0:15:30'and outside there's a double garage and wonderful, rural views.'
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- Mind your head.- Oh, right.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Yes, you have to stoop, don't you?
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- It's quite a pretty room, isn't it? - It is a pretty room, actually.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42I think the house itself is a bit on the small side
0:15:42 > 0:15:45for what we're looking for, particularly the kitchen area
0:15:45 > 0:15:49and, obviously, a couple of the bedrooms are quite small.
0:15:49 > 0:15:56I think, for me, it's probably not a house I'd leap at straightaway.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00When we got inside I was particularly struck by the dining room area
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and the wood fire, I loved that.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's a really nice feature of the house.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08In terms of living space and layout,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11it's not large enough in terms of the rooms.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14It's not quite what we're looking for.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Now then, seen enough inside and out?
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- We have.- Excellent! Onwards and upwards, this way.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28'The fertile lowlands of West Sussex and the south-east
0:16:28 > 0:16:31'they're fascinating evidence of its Roman heritage.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35'With a significant concentration of Roman villas found in the area.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39'One of the largest and most intact of these was most unwittingly
0:16:39 > 0:16:43'unearthed in Bignor in 1811 by a farmer called George Tupper
0:16:43 > 0:16:45'when he was ploughing his field.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49'The site which dates back to around 30 AD is still owned by the
0:16:49 > 0:16:53'Tupper family and has been open to the public for the last 200 years.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57'With Peter's passion for history in mind, we've arranged for him
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'and Jill to meet up with Liz Tupper, whose husband is a sixth
0:17:00 > 0:17:04'generation descendant of the man who found this place.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07'You're standing in the centre of the courtyard Roman villa here at Bignor.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- All right.- It would have covered about two hectares.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- It's extensive.- Very extensive.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15How many people would have been living here?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18At its height, about 300AD, there would have been 70 family members
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and probably 200-300 slaves.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24The crops that they would've had, the arable crops, the cereals,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27would have gone off to the market towns in Chichester
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and would have been sold to the Roman Army
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and that's where we think they would have got their wealth from.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35'Eager to make their growing status visible to society,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37'these wealthy farmers commissioned
0:17:37 > 0:17:40'elaborate ornamentation for their homes.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43'Peter and Jill are escaping the rain for a tour of what's known
0:17:43 > 0:17:47'as the Summer Room, which houses some of the finest mosaics in Europe.'
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Here we have the Ganymede and Jupiter mosaics.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53They were very good at borrowing mythology from the Greeks
0:17:53 > 0:17:55and other classical mythology.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Again, it was a status symbol so they alluded to their wealth
0:17:58 > 0:18:01for the visitors that would dine with them in this room.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03It must have been quite a sophisticated family.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06And if we have a closer look, I have a piece here.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09This is a piece of Purbeck marble, all the way from Dorset.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12This is the black in the mosaic.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16The white is chalk and the yellow, red and orange is sandstone.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19'When the weather got cooler the residents would abandon
0:18:19 > 0:18:22'the Summer Room for a cosy part of the house.'
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Here we are now in the Winter dining room,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28which would've been the very best room at the back at of the villa.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32'The room was kept warm by a sophisticated heating method
0:18:32 > 0:18:35'that involved raising the floor and is known as the hypocaust system.'
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It's old-style under floor heating.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40It certainly is and very efficient, too.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44You would have two slaves outside of the room with a large fire.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47They would blow the hot air through a tunnel which would circulate
0:18:47 > 0:18:50around the piles of tiles, heating the floor from the underneath.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Nice and toasty warm on the day like today.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55'As well as the many intricate mosaics,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'other artefacts have been found on the site that help build up
0:18:58 > 0:19:00'a picture of the people who lived here.'
0:19:00 > 0:19:02These only come out on very special occasions.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05You have the gold ring. That was found in 1818
0:19:05 > 0:19:09and we believe it to have belonged to the Roman master of the house.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Solid gold with a Carnelian stone. - Beautifully made.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14You can try it on, if you like.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17I think a Roman's finger might have been a bit smaller than yours.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19I doubt it. Well, yes.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20THEY LAUGH
0:19:20 > 0:19:24'Having acquainted themselves with the Sussex Roman real estate,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28'we need to return to finding them a 21st century home of their own.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35'Our second property takes us 20 miles south
0:19:35 > 0:19:38'to the coastal hamlet of Climping.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'A five-minute drive away is Middleton, a charming seaside village
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'with several shops including a post office, greengrocer and butcher.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48'A couple of miles down the coast is our second property,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52'a Grade II listed house just few minutes walk from the beach.'
0:19:54 > 0:19:57So a pretty good vantage point to look at property number two is here.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- What do we think?- Oh, yes.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04It's a pretty flint, very typically Sussex cottage.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- First impression, very positive. - Yeah. I like it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Let's see if the inside matches up, shall we?- Right.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15'This brick and flint home dates back to the 1600s
0:20:15 > 0:20:17'and over the years it's had several guises.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20'At one time it was the village stores and tea rooms.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23'Entering the property takes us through the dining room
0:20:23 > 0:20:26'and into a spacious sitting room.'
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Ah, yes.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Oh, beautifully presented.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Very nice, a lovely fireplace.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35A lovely, cottagey feeling to it.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- But not too small in its proportions.- No, no, no.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41It's just got a nice balance.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Is this more like it for you then, Peter?- Much more like it, yes.- Good.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Much more like it.- Can you see your life being transported
0:20:47 > 0:20:50into this house, essentially?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53We certainly see this as a very comfortable living room.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55It's got a lovely character to it.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58So, I mean, we just walked into the home.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- So far, I think...- It hits the spot?
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Good, so living room tick, let's go into the kitchen.- Right.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15So stepping down into this kitchen...
0:21:15 > 0:21:19It is wider than the kitchen in the first house
0:21:19 > 0:21:21but it's a lot longer so it feels even more narrow.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- You tell me what you think? - It feels...
0:21:24 > 0:21:28It is still galley-style kitchen but, I think,
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- using the lighter surfaces makes it feel more spacious.- Yeah.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35And, as you say, the length.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- You've got a lot more cupboards and storage space involved.- Mm.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42You've got the utility room at the far end,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- which means you got a downstairs loo.- Mm.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48This brings into play the first reception that we walked into.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- This is a dining kitchen.- Mm.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54I think this is probably just breakfast for you two guys.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57For formal dining, maybe in the first reception room.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58I would think so yeah.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00It looks as though they do that occasionally
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- and maybe one would make more of it. - Mmm.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Let's go upstairs and have a look at what's available bedroom wise.- OK.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Let me squeeze through here. Thanks.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11'I think we might be getting somewhere with this property.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15'It seems to suit their needs a little better than the first house.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'Let's hope upstairs gets a similar response.'
0:22:19 > 0:22:23So into the master suite this time.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Big enough?- A much better size.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- A nice sized room.- Yes, it is.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I call it a suite because you've got the ensuite there
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- bathroom, shower and loo.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40But a really good sized dressing room with wardrobes.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- A good arrangement.- Very spacious. - Really nice, yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Now just to give you an idea of what we've got here.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49We've got three other bedrooms, one used as a study at the moment
0:22:49 > 0:22:53playing into your hands and another really good-sized family bathroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- This house is generously proportioned.- It is.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Meets a lot of the targets. - Yeah, good.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03For you guys, from what I'm learning that you want,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- this seems to be a lot closer to the finished product.- Mm-hm.- Yes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09We've not talked about knocking walls down
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- or doing any work to this so far.- No.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Because I think they've, obviously, done that in there time
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- and done it well.- Good stuff.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20OK, well, let's get into the garden, shall we?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I know you're dying to have a look. Follow me.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26'They definitely seem impressed by the master suite
0:23:26 > 0:23:29'and I know they won't be disappointed by the outside.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32'It's got a beautiful walled garden with a glass roofed summer house,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'perfect for entertaining their guests
0:23:34 > 0:23:37'and there's also a large garage with a workshop.'
0:23:38 > 0:23:44So a lot more formal than the garden in the first property,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48until you see the natural meadow next door, which is included.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Ah, super.- It's lovely, isn't it? - Yeah.- Yes, it is.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Obviously somebody's put a lot of care and love into the garden.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56- Very much so.- It's beautifully done.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00And, you can't see it just from here, but there is
0:24:00 > 0:24:04a formal vegetable garden just the other side there, as well.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09Like the inside of the house, they've done the outside really nicely.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14So how much do you think this house is on the market for, Peter?
0:24:14 > 0:24:18I would say this is pushing the budget,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20erm, possibly 865.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22OK, Jill?
0:24:23 > 0:24:28I'm going to say it's on our budget at 850.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Well, not much between you.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33This house is on the market for offers around £860,000.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37We'll split the difference.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So we're in-between.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Encouraging from my point of view, is the fact that you've both reacted
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- really well to it and you've guessed pretty much the asking price.- Yes.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Now is the time for finding out whether or not it's you,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- whether you're going to get this feeling walking around the whole house on your own.- Mm-hm, yeah.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56So why don't you both go and do just that.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Have a good look around every room. Spend a bit of time here.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- It's the last thing we're seeing today.- OK.- All right?- Will do.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- See you whenever you're ready. - Thank you.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'Just above budget at £860,000,
0:25:09 > 0:25:13'this beautiful period property has a characterful sitting-room,
0:25:13 > 0:25:14'a galley style kitchen
0:25:14 > 0:25:17'and that utility room Jill was hoping for.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22'Upstairs there are four bedrooms, including a spacious master suite.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25'Its attractive garden comes complete with a summer house,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27'a meadow and a veggie plot for Peter.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30'And it's all just a stone's throw from the beach.'
0:25:30 > 0:25:33The second property is very charming.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35It's been beautifully done.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Everything's at a very high quality.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The main bedroom suite is delightful.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44It's tastefully done, very elegant and lots of space.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I really like this property. I think they've done it extremely nicely.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52It's got a lot of features which meet our requirements.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53It's got a lovely garden
0:25:53 > 0:25:58and it's also in a lovely location with the beach not too far away.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03I think this is really worth having a serious think about as a property.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I think, overall, I'd still say that that the
0:26:06 > 0:26:09length of almost all the rooms is excellent
0:26:09 > 0:26:10but the width of the house,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14it does mean you've got a long, narrow space.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18And that's perhaps slightly different from what we had in mind.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- Right, so, a good look around? - Yes, thank you.- Yes, superb.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Got any tips for the gardening?
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- No, I think we can learn something from them!- I wish I was that expert!
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- It did look wonderful, didn't it. - It does.- Really lovely.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Hopefully this house has given you something to think about tonight.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- It certainly has.- It certainly has.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39- Good, let's go back.- Right.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50'It's the final day of our property search
0:26:50 > 0:26:54'and on a budget of £850,000 we're helping Peter and Jill
0:26:54 > 0:26:58'leave the London commuter belt for a slower pace of life in West Sussex.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02'Coming up, the mystery house offers more than they bargained for.'
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's a lovely, large room.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07I didn't expect that.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10'And I saddle up for a rather challenging sport.'
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Thanks.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14You seem to be walking off and leaving me on my own.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16A bit awkward.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Well I learnt quite a big about Peter and Jill yesterday
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and we certainly got much better reactions as the day went on,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25especially with that second house.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27I'm still not convinced they're getting the proportions
0:27:27 > 0:27:29they said they're after.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Now today, we're off to the mystery house.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33In order to get them more space,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35we're going to have a look around a property that is
0:27:35 > 0:27:39built in the style that Peter said he's not particularly keen on,
0:27:39 > 0:27:40a barn conversion.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Now my suspicion is he doesn't think these conversions give him
0:27:44 > 0:27:46the space upstairs he's after.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I firmly believe this one does.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51In fact, the only problem I can foresee is that
0:27:51 > 0:27:54this particular mystery house might even be too big for them.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59'Our final property takes us
0:27:59 > 0:28:02'3.5 miles west to the hamlet of Flansham.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04'A handy village a couple of miles away is Felpham,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'where there are plenty of shops and amenities
0:28:08 > 0:28:10'so Pete and Jill won't feel too isolated.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13'Felpham's most famous resident was the poet and mystic,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16'William Blake, who enjoyed three years in the village
0:28:16 > 0:28:18'and wrote about it in some of his poems.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21'I'm hoping our mystery house, just down the road,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23'might have our couple waxing lyrical,
0:28:23 > 0:28:27'even though it's not exactly the style they asked for.'
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- A rather grand entrance.- Yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- Opening up into the courtyard of the mystery house.- Ah...
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Come on, be honest, what are you thinking?- First impressions, good.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- I don't want to poke the hornet's nest but this is a barn conversion. - Yes, I know.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- I know, but it looks... - But we are open minded.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- It looks good so far.- Mmm. This is great news.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- Well, you said you wanted space. - Yes.- I think this has it.- OK.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- All right.- Excellent. - But you like the style?- Yes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- You like the position?- Yeah.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- Let's look inside.- OK.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59'The barn was first converted in the 1980s
0:28:59 > 0:29:02'and it incorporates the adjoining brick building
0:29:02 > 0:29:04'that was originally a series of cow sheds.'
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Let's start with a very impressive room.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Goodness!
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- That's super.- Space, you said. Space, we got.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- You have indeed, haven't you? - Isn't that nice?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- It looks lovely. - That is super. That really is.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24At the far end of the barn you've got a downstairs loo
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and another reception room, which is...
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I think it's as big as we've seen already, anyway.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- That's, in comparison, a small one.- An extra room.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- You've got options to do with this house what you want.- Yeah.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- And then some.- Mmm.- Flexibility.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- So good reactions.- Very positive. - Yeah, very positive.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Well, I think you'll like the kitchen. I hope you do, follow me.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Goodness! Another lovely, large room.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57I didn't expect that.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58THEY LAUGH
0:29:58 > 0:30:03- I didn't expect that.- Did you feel we've used up all the space with the living room?- Yes.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- This house is huge.- Yeah. - It's lovely.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Through that door there you've got a lovely utility room,
0:30:08 > 0:30:12you got a pantry to the right-hand side and a downstairs loo
0:30:12 > 0:30:14and an entrance out into the back garden.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15I really like that.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19This is twice as big as both the previous houses' kitchens put
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- together.- It is, absolutely.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Are you going to fill it? Oh, easily.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28The back end of this wing, if you like, and I think it's fair to call
0:30:28 > 0:30:32them wings, there's a staircase going up to one of the bedrooms.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35We're going to go up the main staircase and then we'll find
0:30:35 > 0:30:40out whether your fears of this being pinched at the top are just or not.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Follow me.- Right.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45'This place really does give them
0:30:45 > 0:30:48'the space they've been looking for and more.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52'The property is effectively divided into two sections.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55'The large original barn part of the house contains the toilet
0:30:55 > 0:30:58'and the two reception rooms we've just seen
0:30:58 > 0:31:01'and the more narrow brick wing houses the beautiful kitchen
0:31:01 > 0:31:03and adjoining utility room.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06'Each section has its own staircase leading to the first floor
0:31:06 > 0:31:09'where the same sized space is divided into five bedrooms
0:31:09 > 0:31:13'with three ensuites and a family bathroom.'
0:31:17 > 0:31:19So, master bedroom.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Gosh.- It doesn't pinch out, does? - No.- Nice height.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28You'll see, throughout this property, that,
0:31:28 > 0:31:32unlike a lot of barn conversions, you're not cramped up in the eaves.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- You have genuine roof height. - Lovely effect with the beams.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Have a quick look into the ensuite, cos I rather like it. See what you think.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- It's neat, the way they've done that. - It's lovely. Beautiful.- Clever!
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- Not a bad size, is it?- It's clever.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- They've been really clever with the space.- They have.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54Because although it's steeply sloped, it still looks spacious.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57There is another bathroom. I'll explain what we've got here.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00'This well thought out conversion gives them
0:32:00 > 0:32:03'more than 4,500 square feet.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06'So all the rooms up here are a really decent size,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09'and they have so much character
0:32:09 > 0:32:12'with the wonderful exposed timber beams.'
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- So, two bathrooms and back-to-back.- OK.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Laid out Jack and Jill, so you can go in and out of them.
0:32:18 > 0:32:24We've now seen four bedrooms, this is the fifth. And there's four bathrooms.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29Plus there's another floor with another bedroom on its own.
0:32:29 > 0:32:30- Goodness.- Fantastic.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34So I'm wondering now, with five bedrooms on the first floor,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37you could probably dispense with one bedroom
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- for a really nice first-floor office, couldn't you?- Yeah. - Absolutely.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Lots to...come back and have a look around,
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- but now let's go outside, and on the way there, start thinking about price.- OK.- OK.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54'It's pretty clear, that against the odds, our buyers are rather taken
0:32:54 > 0:32:57'with this barn conversion and the huge amount of space it offers them.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02'And outside, there's yet more space with a detached double garage
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'and an expansive garden.'
0:33:05 > 0:33:06So, thankfully,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10this house delivers on outside space as well as inside, doesn't it?
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- It does, it does.- In every respect. Lovely views.- Super views.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- She's a handsome beast, isn't she, this house?- Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- This barn conversion.- It's been nicely done.- I'll just say that again - barn conversion.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- All right, you surprised us.- Good!
0:33:25 > 0:33:29How much do you think this mystery house is on the market for?
0:33:29 > 0:33:36- I think it's probably a bit over our budget, and I'll go for 895,000.- OK.
0:33:36 > 0:33:43Yeah, I'm pretty much of the same mind, somewhere around the 900 mark.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48Yeah, well, bad news on this one, cos you're way out.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52This is on the market for offers around £795,000.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- My goodness!- Really?! Goodness. - Well, do you call that that news?
0:33:58 > 0:34:00Well, no, I don't, actually!
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I want you to two go back inside, have a look at all the rooms,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09cos there's a lot to see, and then whenever you finish,
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- I'll meet you outside and will go. All right?- OK.- Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19Well, best reaction so far, no doubt. Time will tell if it's for them.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I'm looking forward to seeing what they think.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23In spite of all that space,
0:34:23 > 0:34:28this stylish barn conversion is under budget at £795,000.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30It has two large reception rooms,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33one of which would make a perfect study for Peter.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36There's a spacious kitchen and separate utility room.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40And with six bedrooms, three ensuites and a family bathroom,
0:34:40 > 0:34:44they'll have no trouble putting up their friends.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Outside, there's a double garage
0:34:46 > 0:34:48and a garden with attractive rural views.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Goodness, another very big room. - Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55I think it's bigger than the sitting room in the first one
0:34:55 > 0:34:59- we looked at.- Yes, this keeps going and going and going, this place.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Coming round the corner and seeing a barn conversion,
0:35:02 > 0:35:07one caught a glimpse of a mischievous smile on Jonnie's face.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13But actually my first impression was wow! It has wonderful space. It really does.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15It's retain the character of the barn,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19but it's been intelligently modernised to a very high standard.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23I think the mystery property is a really lovely house.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27The main living area, with that beautiful fire
0:35:27 > 0:35:30and fireplace, is obviously the centrepiece of the whole house.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33But the kitchen itself is also spectacular.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36The sheer amount of space upstairs, the bedrooms
0:35:36 > 0:35:39and the number of bathrooms, it's got everything.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44Plenty of space to be comfortable in and to entertain and have friends in.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Now, then, you look like you've rather enjoyed looking round
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- that house.- We did!- Very much. - And lots of space, but also, hopefully,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54that gives you lots to consider.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- It does.- It does.- Let's find you somewhere to do just that. - Thank you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04The Cowdray Estate in the heart of West Sussex is internationally
0:36:04 > 0:36:07recognised as the home of British polo.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Since the first polo ground was laid down here in 1910,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14a genuine passion for the sport has been passed down through
0:36:14 > 0:36:16generations of the Cowdray family.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19During the Second World War, polo all but died out,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23but when John, the 3rd Viscount Cowdray , returned from war,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25having lost an arm at Dunkirk,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29his determined efforts gave the sport a whole new lease of life.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33His son, the 4th Viscount Cowdray, has since taken up the reins,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37and I'm here at the estate to meet him.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Lord Cowdray, thank you very much for seeing me today.- Not at all. Pleasure.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Obviously, there were very few ponies around after the war,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46particularly ponies that you could play polo on.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51And my father had managed to save eight or ten ponies, but clearly that wasn't enough
0:36:51 > 0:36:56- to start polo again, so he imported 50 ponies from Argentina.- Right.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00And he lent them to his friends so that they could actually play some tournaments together.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- He had such a passion for the game, didn't he?- He did, yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08And the fact that he lost his arm during the war was not going to stop him playing polo.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10So how did he manage to play, after losing his arm?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Well, he got his gunmaker to fashion him a prosthetic limb...- Yeah.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17..and the prosthetic limb had a hook which went over the rein,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and he used to pull the pony up by swinging his shoulders.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Goodness me, this is a very determined man.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27He was very determined. He wouldn't allow the loss of a limb to stop him
0:37:27 > 0:37:30doing all the things he wanted to do in his life.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34'The first tournament played on the estate was 100 years ago.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37'Today, more than 150 matches are held here each season,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'including the British Open Championship.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43'Someone who's very familiar with this grounds is England
0:37:43 > 0:37:48'team player Tom Morley, and who better to give me a few polo-playing tips?'
0:37:48 > 0:37:50What you need to start is a basic pendulum.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- So you'd just be swinging back and swing forwards.- Right.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- And once you get that rhythm going... - Yeah.- ..you swing back,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- and then all of a sudden, it comes up over the top.- Oh, right.- And then... That's where you get the power.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04- What sort of speed are you moving on a pony?- You can be moving up to, sort of, 35mph, probably.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06So you're going quick enough.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09It's been described as playing golf during an earthquake.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I was going to say, not only are you moving at speed,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- you're moving up and down, and side to side.- Exactly.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19'When it comes to selecting polo ponies, temperament is critical.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21'They need to be quick and responsive under pressure,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24'yet not too excitable and difficult to control.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28'I'm not too concerned about getting on the horse.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32'But I am wondering how I'm going to manoeuvre this mallet
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'to hit the rather small ball while still staying in the saddle.'
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Swung too late, didn't I?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Oh!
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Getting too close.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I've got to say,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I have a newfound respect for anybody playing this tough sport.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Enough of the amateurs, let's see the pros do it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59A polo match is typically divided into periods of play called chukkas,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01each lasting seven minutes.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Ponies are rotated and rested frequently during the game,
0:39:04 > 0:39:08in order to maintain the stamina this fast-paced sport requires.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12There are four players on each player, and in the game
0:39:12 > 0:39:16is to score by hitting the ball into the opposition's goal.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Polo fields are 300 years long and 160 yards wide, making them
0:39:20 > 0:39:23the largest field of any organised sport.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Well, that was certainly an impressive spectacle
0:39:27 > 0:39:31in such an great setting here in the appealing West Sussex countryside.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34So I'm now, though, to return to our buyers to find out
0:39:34 > 0:39:36how they feel about the properties we've shown them.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41So have you had a bit of a chance to think about things?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- We have. - Which one's you favourite?
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- The mystery house, definitely. - Definitely?- Absolutely.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52I thought as much, but, you know, sometimes a bit of cooling-off time changes the mind.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- Why is it your favourite?- I think it's one word - space.- Yeah.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- Mm-hm.- Not too big?- I don't think you can have too much space,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04so long as you can heat it properly and it's liveable in.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09- I don't think you two can have too much space!- I think you're getting there.- Yeah, quite.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12I've certainly learnt, over these past couple of days,
0:40:12 > 0:40:16more about what you are after. Do you think you've learned more?
0:40:16 > 0:40:18I think...
0:40:18 > 0:40:21by looking at things you realise you don't want,
0:40:21 > 0:40:25you learn something about what you DO want.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28The second house was a tad too small,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31and we realised that we really do need the space.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- And I think particularly the kitchen in the mystery house was wonderful. - Yeah.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39So much space you could also have a living area within it if you wanted to.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Whereas the other two houses both had galley-type kitchens,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46which doesn't leave a lot of flexibility.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Of course, a lot of houses, it's about compromise.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- But that was one room you said was very important to you.- Mm.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53We find that you do have to go and have a look.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56You can't just look at what's on the internet
0:40:56 > 0:40:59and look at the floor plan and think, "Oh, yes, that's right for us."
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Because, at the start of this, if you remember,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04you said you'll know the house when you cross the threshold
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and see maybe the first couple of rooms.
0:41:06 > 0:41:12And I feel like we almost had those reactions and emotions today.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- We did.- Yeah, I think so. - Yes. That instant...grabs me.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19It really grabs your attention.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23And the dramatic main room is a great place to start.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26So the next step is going back to have a look
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- not only at the house but the area. - Yes.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32You don't know the area, so I think it's a very prudent thing to do.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37If all that goes well, how interested in the property are you?
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Extremely. And I think, if the locality proves OK,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- then we'd certainly be looking to make an offer on it.- Fantastic!
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Are you surprised you've got, potentially, this far down the road
0:41:50 > 0:41:56- in just a couple of days? - Yes! I think we thought it would be a very interesting process,
0:41:56 > 0:42:02but I don't think either of us expected to be so impressed by the mystery house.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- Well, you've got a bit of research to do.- We have.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Another trip back here on another day.- Definitely.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10I wish you the best of luck, and whatever happens,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- please let us know what you decide to do.- We will.- Keep you in touch.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- Good luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20At the start of this, Peter and Jill told me they were open-minded.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23And to be fair to them, they were just that, weren't they?
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Let's face it, their favourite property was a barn conversion,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30a style of property they specifically told me they didn't want.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33But in doing so, well, they got bags of character
0:42:33 > 0:42:35and all the space they could ever need.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36So I think, hopefully,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40they'll soon be making an escape to this beautiful part of West Sussex.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42See you next time.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Although Peter and Jill loved the mystery house,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48after returning to investigate the area more fully,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51they decided it wasn't quite right for them.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53And they're continuing their search further west,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55closer to where their friends live.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:59 > 0:43:01in Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland
0:43:01 > 0:43:05or even further afield to the Continent, and need our help,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07please visit...