0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06today we're in a town that's not only home to this gorgeous
0:00:06 > 0:00:10minster behind me but was once also home to one of Britain's most
0:00:10 > 0:00:13famous and controversial poets. But where are we?
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Today's mission, to move from the busy big smoke into the calm
0:00:38 > 0:00:42of the country, leaves our buyer almost lost for words.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I'm bowled over, I'm knocked for six, I can't speak.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49And before long emotions become overwhelming.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53You've just found such a wonderful house. I am going to cry.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's OK, it's OK.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Well today, we're in Nottinghamshire
0:00:59 > 0:01:03and we're starting in the pretty Georgian market town of Southwell.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Now, not only is it famous for this lovely 12th century minster behind me
0:01:07 > 0:01:11but it was also home to none other than Lord Byron, one of our
0:01:11 > 0:01:17most famous poets, a man described as mad, bad and dangerous to know.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Now, he lived here during his teenage years
0:01:19 > 0:01:21but wrote of it afterwards,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25"I have never been so happy as I was in old Southwell."
0:01:25 > 0:01:29High praise indeed from one of the countries most famous poets.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Lying in the east midlands,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Nottinghamshire borders four counties and is the gateway
0:01:35 > 0:01:38to Yorkshire in the north and Lincolnshire to the east.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Despite being one of the most landlocked counties in England,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45the water isn't too far away,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48as the mighty River Trent that runs from north to south should quench
0:01:48 > 0:01:52any nautical desires and flows right through the city of Nottingham.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The city centre boasts the UK's largest surviving town square
0:01:58 > 0:02:01as well as many Victorian buildings by the once local
0:02:01 > 0:02:04leading architect, Watson Fothergill, whose distinctive gothic
0:02:04 > 0:02:07revival style designs, are particularly striking.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Quieter pockets can be found in pretty, peaceful villages such as
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Linby, which has been recognised as one of the county's
0:02:17 > 0:02:19best-kept places to live.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22One of the most famous residents, though, must be
0:02:22 > 0:02:24the infamous folk hero, Robin Hood.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27And it's said that Hood lived in the depths of Sherwood Forest,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30which is now a 450-acre national reserve
0:02:30 > 0:02:33and home to many ancient trees who have preserved
0:02:33 > 0:02:36the secrets of this mystical woodland for centuries.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Now, given Nottinghamshire's relatively close proximity to
0:02:42 > 0:02:45London, you might think that house prices here could be
0:02:45 > 0:02:48prohibitive but the good news is they're not.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51To put it in context, over in neighbouring Leicestershire
0:02:51 > 0:02:55your average four bedroom detached could cost you £225,000
0:02:55 > 0:02:58but here in Nottinghamshire,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01the same thing could cost you just £182,000.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Now, as with any county, of course there are variations,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Rushcliffe central and West Bridgford do command a premium here but if value
0:03:09 > 0:03:13for money is your thing, well, why not head north up towards Sherwood?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15You may be surprised at what you can find.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19And let's hope there's plenty on offer to tempt retiree Susan,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21who's drafted in our help this week.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24She lives in a small two-bedroom semi-detached house right
0:03:24 > 0:03:27next to the Thames in London's Docklands.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30But since calling time on her career last year she's decided to
0:03:30 > 0:03:32turn her back on the city too.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I moved down to London nearly 40 years ago to start teaching
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and I've been teaching here ever since.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Because I've always worked in London I've not been able to afford
0:03:42 > 0:03:44the sort of property I would really like to live in
0:03:44 > 0:03:46and now I'm looking forward to upsizing...
0:03:47 > 0:03:53..and having this sort of space that I've always wanted.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Susan may want to increase her square footage but she definitely
0:03:56 > 0:03:59wants to cut back on the chaos that comes with city living.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I'm getting a little bit tired of the hustle and bustle of London.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Waiting for tubes, waiting for buses,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09being squashed on tubes. I want to escape the crowds
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and live in a rural community
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and a village community where the pace of life is much slower.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20I have friends and relations in Nottinghamshire
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and it's not far from Yorkshire, where I have very many friends
0:04:23 > 0:04:25because that's where I went to college.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29She may want a more leisurely lifestyle but she's not planning to slow down.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I would like to live in a village that's got a thriving
0:04:31 > 0:04:35community where I could join in with lots of local events.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38If the village has a WI, I would like to join that
0:04:38 > 0:04:42and I would like to grow my own vegetables.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43Besides learning new skills,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47the key to this move is having more space to play host.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52I like entertaining and I'm looking forward to having a house
0:04:52 > 0:04:55that's bigger so that I can do more entertaining.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00I love having friends round to eat, gossip and then to go out and shop.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06With socializing high on the agenda, this gregarious city slicker isn't
0:05:06 > 0:05:11going it alone and she's roped in her close friend Leslie for support.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Leslie and I have known each other for 45 years,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16we've always been in each others lives.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18She's the person that I turn to for advice,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21she can see possibilities where I can't.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I see my role as helping to keep Susan's feet on the ground
0:05:25 > 0:05:27because I know what she'll do,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30she'll go to houses fall in love with the house and not be
0:05:30 > 0:05:33terribly practical about what it's going to be like to live there.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- That's true, isn't it? - That's very true.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38The core of the home is going to be my kitchen.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Now, I would really like a big kitchen that's big enough for a table
0:05:43 > 0:05:49and a sofa. If I had a little window seat somewhere that would be terrific.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51But you can make a window... This is the thing,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Susan will buy a house because it had a window seat in it, right?
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Whereas, I would say to her, "No, buy this house
0:05:57 > 0:05:58"and put a window seat in it."
0:05:58 > 0:06:00She showed me one last night and said,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04"This is a lovely house, look, it's got a wishing well in the garden."
0:06:06 > 0:06:10And? What's the kitchen like?
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Let's hope we can make Susan's wishes come true,
0:06:13 > 0:06:14with or without a well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17But not before we've discussed the finances for this
0:06:17 > 0:06:20London to Nottinghamshire relocation.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23The budget for this move is £330,000.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Good public transport links are essential for sociable Susan,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33so we'll be searching for properties in and around
0:06:33 > 0:06:36half an hour from the market town of Newark-on-Trent, which has
0:06:36 > 0:06:40great train connections back to London and throughout the country.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Time for me to meet up with our buyer and her friend Leslie, to get
0:06:45 > 0:06:49better acquainted and finalise the details of Susan's impending move.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Well, Susan and Leslie, welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Let's face it, when we talk about moving from the city,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- you are literally moving from the city of London...- I am indeed, yes.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- In the shadow of Canary Wharf. - Yep, not for much longer though.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Not for much longer. Well, the good news is you've sold.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I have indeed yes, subject to contract, yes.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Yeah, and more excitingly for us, you're upsizing.- I am.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Now, Leslie, of course, is joining you this week, you're old friends,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- you've known each other since your teens, haven't you?- We have, yes.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22And I know that incorporating space for family
0:07:22 > 0:07:27and friends to visit is important to you, not least of course somewhere for Leslie to visit you.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Yes, I'm interested in the spare room, yes.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Now, we've already got a rough idea of what you're looking for but just paint a picture of your wish list.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Well, I haven't got a set idea about what I want
0:07:36 > 0:07:40but I'd like at least three bedrooms, obviously a big kitchen living space.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Yeah, everybody says they want a big kitchen.- They do.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- But for you this is going to be a genuine treat, isn't it? - It is, it is.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50It's going to be something that I haven't had and I'm so looking
0:07:50 > 0:07:51forward to having a big table,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55maybe a sofa just somewhere where I can live actually, I don't mind
0:07:55 > 0:07:59about the lounge because that'll just be for, you know, the odd occasion.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01And in terms of its age, are we looking for character?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Are we looking for modern?
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Character, definitely character, nothing too modern, please.- Yeah.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08So, Leslie, how easy is it going to be do you think,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12to satisfy all of these wishes?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Well, I have a feeling it's not going to be too difficult, I think
0:08:14 > 0:08:17that you could take Susan into a house with a range cooker
0:08:17 > 0:08:19and a big kitchen and she'll just want to buy it
0:08:19 > 0:08:23and I'm here to play devil's advocate, really.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Well, my roll is to try and relieve you of £330,000 and to
0:08:26 > 0:08:30show you - I hope - three very interesting and viable properties.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- So, let's get going. - Yep, absolutely.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40So for a maximum budget of £330,000, Susan is looking to upsize
0:08:40 > 0:08:43and is after a character property that has three bedrooms to
0:08:43 > 0:08:46accommodate visiting friends with a large country kitchen
0:08:46 > 0:08:49and living area in which to entertain them.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Outside she'd like a manageable garden
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and the location should have an active and welcoming community.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01And we've got some great traditional properties lined up to tempt
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Susan away from the city but I won't be revealing the prices
0:09:04 > 0:09:07until the end of each tour.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Then, to top it off, there's the mystery house, which takes
0:09:09 > 0:09:12upsizing to a whole new dimension.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16And with Susan's home under offer, time is seriously of the essence.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18So let's get this search under way.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Your relationship is terrific, it's clearly, you know,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26very long-standing and very strong.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- I mean, you're almost like sisters really, aren't you?- Awww.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32There are more of us, there are ten of us in total.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33Ten old good friends?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Yes.- Yes.- So, when you finally get this new place then...?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38They've all got to come and stay.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Well, property number one awaits,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43so let's see if it's all that you hope it's going to be, Susan.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Mmm, ha-ha, I'm so excited.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Our first destination of this house hunt is about 15 miles
0:09:53 > 0:09:57south west of Newark, in the small village of Epperstone.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Surrounded by fields and woodland,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Epperstone is situated within a conservation area where local
0:10:02 > 0:10:07amenities include a grade one listed church and an inviting country pub.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10This small village has an attractive mix of architecture
0:10:10 > 0:10:12and in an exclusive development within
0:10:12 > 0:10:16the grounds of an historic manor, we come to our first house.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20So, property number one, there we are. Come in and see.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- It's beautiful.- What do you think? - Really lovely.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25The thing we liked about it, Susan,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- was that given where you're coming from...- Yes.- ..where you've got neighbours
0:10:29 > 0:10:31and it's quite secure and it feels very at home,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34this offers you the same sort of feel but in a lovely village,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Epperstone, which has got loads going on. WI, lots of groups,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40the church is over there, you know,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43there's a lot of community here for you to get involved with.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- And something with a bit of character about it.- It certainly has.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Come on, let's have a look inside and see what you think.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Right, in you come.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Let's start with the living room.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Whole thing is open plan, as you can see.- Oh, it's lovely.- Very nice.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- And it's exactly what I asked for, isn't it? Open plan.- Yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12How does it compare with where you are at the moment in Surrey Quays?
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- This is much bigger.- This is upsizing.- Oh, this is upsizing.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Good.- This is upsizing plus.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23And very cosy, I think you'd feel very at home and safe here.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Yes, I'm putting myself in here already.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Well, we haven't seen the rest of it yet.- No.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33The kitchen is through here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35There.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Oh, it's lovely.- Oh, it's your open plan.- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- The whole thing.- It's the whole space in one.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Oh, I love it.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I mean in fairness there isn't a huge range cooker
0:11:45 > 0:11:48there at the moment but it think it's a lovely social space.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- It certainly is.- In terms of entertaining and talking to your guests.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- No, it's lovely, I love it, I really do.- Yeah?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Is she telling the truth, Leslie? - She is.- I am.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- You'll know because I might start crying in a minute.- Ohh, right.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Then you'll really know.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Well, before Susan starts to sob, we'll finish up the tour of
0:12:07 > 0:12:11the ground floor that has the added bonus of a large tiled cloakroom.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Then, just off the kitchen, the staircase takes us
0:12:13 > 0:12:14up to the first floor.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18So what have we got up here then?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Family bathroom, very nice again.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24A good double in there, Sue, which I'm thinking, Leslie, would be you.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Yes, that's my room yeah.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31There's another single there and so this is your bit, Sue,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34we're thinking.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- Oh, wow.- Come in, Leslie, look you're hiding Leslie.- Oh, this is lovely.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- There you go.- I love that, the vaulted ceiling, that's so nice.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44You've got loads of built in storage over there
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- and the en suite behind us.- Yes. - Walked past that.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50With its own sort of frosted glass...
0:12:50 > 0:12:51I know, I was going to say what's that?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Well, it just lets in a bit more light.- Yes, oh, of course.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58I think all in all, this is a really interesting package for you.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59It certainly is, yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01So how much do you think it's going to cost you?
0:13:01 > 0:13:02Do you want me to guess now?
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Not yet, I want you to think about it
0:13:04 > 0:13:07but I think we should go out into the garden and get some fresh air.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Right.- And consider the sums, go on after you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17That wraps up what I think has been a very positive reaction to
0:13:17 > 0:13:18house number one.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20All that remains is to check out the veg growing
0:13:20 > 0:13:24potential in the south-facing garden and to work out the price.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Right, come this way.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31We might as well sort of finish where we started.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36What you see is pretty much what you get but if your green fingers get any
0:13:36 > 0:13:39greener, the good news is they're about to open some allotments
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- within the development.- Oh, perfect.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44And the nice thing there of course is you haven't got to go
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and buy it, so you can have a go
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and if you get bored or it becomes too much you can just give it back.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51You also get a garage with it.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- So, let's have a think about the price, shall we?- Yes.
0:13:54 > 0:14:00- You've got £330,000 to spend, Susan. - Yeah.- Make me an offer.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06I hope I can afford it, it had better not be more.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08329,950?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10OK, yeah, Leslie?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I think it must be at the top end of the budget as well
0:14:13 > 0:14:16but I'm going to go for 325.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- 325.- (5,000. 5,000 change.)
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- 5,000 change, wouldn't that be nice? - That would be nice.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26The good news is that is exactly what it is.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- Ohhhh!- She won! She won.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34This could be yours for 325, yeah. How about that?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- I think it's been a really, really good start.- It has.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38- It's been a great start.- Fabulous.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Right then off you go,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43go and have another look around and I'll catch up with you later.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44- OK.- Ha-ha-ha, brilliant.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Well, I have to confess that when it comes to property
0:14:47 > 0:14:51number ones in this game, you don't often get much better than this one.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58On the market for £325,000 the first in our selection is
0:14:58 > 0:15:01a delightful character cottage that nails Susan's wish list
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and gives her £5,000 to play with.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07The property comes with an open plan living,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10dining and kitchen area, three bedrooms including a master
0:15:10 > 0:15:14en suite and a low-maintenance cottage garden.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The size is perfect, the open plan layout is perfect,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20the master bedroom, the en suite, the garden,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24the manor house community development, it's perfect.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Probably the only thing that this doesn't have is that
0:15:27 > 0:15:29farm-housey, country kitchen.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32So I think if you were to take her next to that, I think
0:15:32 > 0:15:36she'd be in a real quandary because I know she likes this one.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39First impressions, the house is absolutely gorgeous.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43It's just such a beautiful, light, airy...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46..It's a beautiful space, I love it.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50I didn't ask for beams, I hadn't even thought about beams but beams,
0:15:50 > 0:15:51love them.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54I would love to entertain people in this space,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I'm very excited thinking about it.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02This garden is such a sun trap, I could happily spend all day here
0:16:02 > 0:16:06but alas, we can't spend all day here, we've got to go, haven't we?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- I think we've spoilt you a bit there.- You certainly have.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Yes, follow that!
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Well, we've got something to keep up with, haven't we?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16But it's Escape To The Country, we never let you down.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26For hundreds of years Nottinghamshire's rural
0:16:26 > 0:16:30splendour has been an attractive destination to lay down roots,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33be that a humble cottage or something more palatial.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Nestled into Sherwood Forest in the north of the county
0:16:38 > 0:16:41are a handful of stately homes named the Dukeries, which once
0:16:41 > 0:16:46housed some of the countries most well-heeled and wealthy residents.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Today the grade one listed, Welbeck Abbey takes
0:16:49 > 0:16:52pride of place on an estate that's still privately
0:16:52 > 0:16:54occupied by descendants of the Duke of Portland
0:16:54 > 0:16:58and is also home to an enterprising community.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02As Susan is keen to learn new skills when she moves, we sent her and
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Leslie to meet development director Richard Mayo, to find out
0:17:05 > 0:17:08more about the estate's resourceful vision.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10So, Susan, Leslie,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- welcome to the Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire.- Thank you.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15A traditional country estate with history
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and heritage that goes back to the 12th century, when it was
0:17:18 > 0:17:22a Premonstratensian abbey and has evolved through the centuries.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25So what's here? What does the estate consist of?
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Approximately 250,000 square feet of historic buildings,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31including riding school, stable court and today with
0:17:31 > 0:17:35the Welbeck project, we're seeking to transform the estate.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37What is the project?
0:17:37 > 0:17:42The Welbeck project seeks to find new uses for a fantastic
0:17:42 > 0:17:45collection of heritage buildings in the East Midlands.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48So far the project has established a wide range of businesses,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52including a well-stocked farm shop selling many local products,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55with an award-winning butchers.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58The former stables have been converted into a charity-run school
0:17:58 > 0:18:01of artisan food, where both the local community
0:18:01 > 0:18:05and food enthusiasts are encouraged to learn traditional techniques.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07And Susan and Leslie are getting stuck into some
0:18:07 > 0:18:11back-to-basics bread making with David Carter.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14So, what exactly is artisan food production?
0:18:14 > 0:18:20Artisan food production is using traditional skills, traditional
0:18:20 > 0:18:24methods and also, principally using your hands as well.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Why do you think it's so important to keep these skills alive?
0:18:28 > 0:18:34Because we need, really, to be able to control our food chain.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38We need to know what's going into our food and try
0:18:38 > 0:18:42and keep what's going into our food as natural as possible.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46To make a batch loaf, a rested dough of malthouse flour
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and ale is shaped and rolled into four equal-sized balls.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Great, look at that!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55The balls are then coated with seeds and put into proofing baskets to
0:18:55 > 0:19:00support the dough during its second rising before they go into the oven.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02But the final stage must be the best bit
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and that's slicing up the loaf, fresh from the oven.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Thank you.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- There we go.- Lovely, thank you.- Mmm.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- That is perfect.- That's good, isn't it?
0:19:17 > 0:19:20So after that hands on taste of Nottinghamshire,
0:19:20 > 0:19:26it's high time we got back on the property search.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31We're venturing right over to the far-eastern side of the county for our second property,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34to the village of Coddington, about three miles from Newark.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38One particularly notable resident of the village was
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Constance Penswick Smith, whose campaign to revive
0:19:41 > 0:19:46Mothering Sunday was launched here in Coddington 100 years ago.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Today the village is still home to very active residents,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52so we're taking a quick pit stop to get some insider
0:19:52 > 0:19:56knowledge from local Mike Clarke, who's lived here for 30 years.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- Hello, Mike.- Hello there.- I'm Jules, nice to meet you.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Well, I need to learn about this thing. Gardening, cooking.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05The East Midlands and particularly the Newark area is very much
0:20:05 > 0:20:08a centre for sort of their own produce.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10You're at the junction of sort of rural Lincolnshire,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Nottinghamshire, the Vale of Belvoir's just down the road
0:20:13 > 0:20:16from the Stilton cheeses, so it all mixes in together here.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18So there's no excuse for not eating well then?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20No, there isn't, I'm afraid.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24I took the liberty of bringing along the village newsletter for you.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Ahh, look, what have we got here?
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- You can see in actual fact from there happens to be activities.- WI.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Yes, there's a WI.- There's loads of stuff here - coffee mornings.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- Sounds good to me. - So, I think we should get going.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36We'll leave you to the rest of your day,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- thank you very much indeed and we'll show you property number two.- Great.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Right then, we're going to go that way, after you, Mike.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46And in an enviable setting at the heart of the village
0:20:46 > 0:20:48is our second property,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51a charming detached cottage believed to date back to 1840.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- Look at this, eh?- Oh, wow.- Property number two.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58Ohhh, a whole wing for me.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00LAUGHTER
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Actually, you're quite right.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Because that's why I wanted to start with this aspect of it because
0:21:07 > 0:21:13it displays this L shape and it is a wing for you, that is a guest wing.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- That is amazing.- Yeah.- I'm bowled over, I'm knocked for six.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19I can't speak.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- This is huge.- A beautiful house.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25It's a much bigger proposition than number one and it's much
0:21:25 > 0:21:29more traditional in the sense that you've got more individual rooms.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Mh-hm, I like.- Yeah.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Well, let's see if we like your bit.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37We're going to start with the guest wing first. How about that? Yeah?
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Come on.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Right, come on in.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Yes? All good?- Yep.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Right, let's start in here with your bit, Leslie.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56This is currently set up as a sitting room.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01This would be something else, wouldn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Well, on the spec this is down as a bedroom
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- because it has an en suite shower room through there.- Yeah, yeah.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09They've got it set up as a sort of library, music room,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11reading room, whatever.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- And it's got a lovely outlook.- Yeah, it's pretty, isn't it?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It is pretty, really pretty.- So, how we doing?
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Excellent,- wonderful.- Look, speechless!
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I know, I can't speak, I can't speak.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- You're going to make this very difficult for me.- Are we?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Yeah, you are because I can see that I'm going to fall
0:22:26 > 0:22:29in love with this one as well.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Once again things appear to be hitting the right notes
0:22:32 > 0:22:34and we've only seen the annexe wing so far.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38This part of the property features two main rooms that can be
0:22:38 > 0:22:42used as extra bedrooms or living areas and they're
0:22:42 > 0:22:45attached to the main two-storey house via the farmhouse kitchen.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- OK, Susan, come on in.- Oh, it's huge.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Yes.- It's fabulous.- Isn't it just?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57And you've given me a kitchen that's big enough to put a sofa in.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Yeah, we brought that in especially.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03You've given me everything I asked for. Look, Leslie and a proper sink.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07You've got a Belfast sink or a buttler sink. Wood burner...
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- And hooks.- Yes and a wood burner. - ..over there
0:23:10 > 0:23:12In the same room.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Now, is there a window seat hiding anywhere around here?
0:23:15 > 0:23:17We didn't have time to fit one of those.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22The other nice thing about this is you've got a gas-topped range
0:23:22 > 0:23:27there but if you wanted to drop a more traditional cast iron
0:23:27 > 0:23:29range in there, you could do so very, very easily.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- Oh, but that's lovely.- Now, it goes on, there's a study next door.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Come through here and your living room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39The study is there, which is really nice actually.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40Oh, that is lovely, yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45And then in here we've got your living room, come on in.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- And this is lovely too.- Yeah.- It's lovely.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49That's what you said, isn't it?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- You didn't want a huge sitting room, you wanted the space in the kitchen. - That's right.- It's cosy.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55So, it's another really good choice, yes, it is really cosy
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- but it's a fine room as well.- It's very elegant, isn't it?- Yes.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00The way it's dressed and presented.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04So, if the upstairs is as good as the downstairs, we're laughing, aren't we?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- We are indeed. - Let's keep laughing, come on.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Along with the bedroom potential we've already
0:24:13 > 0:24:16seen in the annexe wing, this house also has a further three
0:24:16 > 0:24:18bedrooms up on the first floor,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20so Leslie would be spoilt for choice,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24as she can take her pick from a bright double room with
0:24:24 > 0:24:29dual aspect windows or a cosy double guest bedroom with a built in cupboard.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32But it's Susan who's buying, so let's see what she makes
0:24:32 > 0:24:36of the family bathroom that's right next to the master bedroom.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38There we are, there's the family bathroom.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- Come and have a look, Leslie, quick. - It's a bathroom.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- I can dance in there.- Come on, come on.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I'm choking up.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Well, having shown you the rest of the upstairs,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- it's all got a bit emotional, hasn't it?- It has, it has indeed.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56You were a bit excited by the bathroom
0:24:56 > 0:25:00and here we are in what would be, I think, your master bedroom.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02No, I'm having the double aspect one.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Oh, you're having the other one, you're having the guest room.- You're going to have the guest room.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Oh, no, no, this is lovely as well. You've just found such a wonderful house. I am going to cry.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14It's OK, it's OK, you don't have to...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I pull such funny faces when I cry.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Ahhh.- I think it's a hit.- I think it is a hit, Leslie, yeah.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26Let's go downstairs,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29we'll gather our breath and we'll talk about the money.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Before emotions get the better of Susan, we're going to head back
0:25:34 > 0:25:38down to the ground floor as we've still got the garden to take in.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44Now, garden wise, this is it, obviously.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46But of course you do get the view of the green
0:25:46 > 0:25:50and you also get the double garages, which are next door.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55The whole lot, is overlooked by what could be your new beautiful home.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- I love it.- I know you do, I think we all know that.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- Yes, I think so, yes.- Yeah.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Well, let's take the pressure off you then.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Let's ask Leslie to go first on your price guess.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I think it might be a little over budget at 335.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15335, yeah, that would be nice. Susan?
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- I'm going even higher.- Yeah?
0:26:17 > 0:26:22- 340.- 340, yes.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- Oh, it's not, it's 350 isn't it?- No, it's 330.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31- You are joking, you are joking.- Bang on?- You're not lying to me?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34No, I'm not, I'm really not, no. Come on, take it all in.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38This could be yours for your budget of £330,000.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39Oh.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I'm doing it again.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Go on, in you go.- It's fabulous.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Have a good old sob, enjoy it and I'll catch up with you later.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- And I like the other one too. - You can only buy one.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Right on the money at £330,000 the second property is
0:26:58 > 0:27:01an immaculately presented 19th century Victorian cottage
0:27:01 > 0:27:04that's bursting with character.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07It comes with Susan's much coveted farmhouse kitchen
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and two separate reception rooms down on the ground floor.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Upstairs there are three bedrooms but the icing
0:27:13 > 0:27:17on the cake must be the attached, one-bedroomed annexe.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Just perfect in every way, I love it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24I absolutely love it, there's no more to say, you saw me cry,
0:27:24 > 0:27:25that says it all.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28What I was afraid would happen has happened
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and Susan has fallen in love with the house without even
0:27:31 > 0:27:35thinking about any of the other practicalities.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38The house is all and so, we'll have to have a little chat
0:27:38 > 0:27:41later about the other aspects I think.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- After you.- Thank you.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- Well, to say that went well would be...- An understatement.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54I would say so.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59And I think that's a great way to end our first day, how about it?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- Yes.- Yeah? Lots of stuff going round in your mind, isn't there?- Yes.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04But it is beginning to get dark,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- so I suggest we go home and have something to eat.- Good idea.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- And maybe a drink, how about that? - Yes.- A good idea.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Splendid idea.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24It's the second day of our property search and our buyer, Susan,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28has £330,000 to spend on her move
0:28:28 > 0:28:32away from London into the wonderful Nottinghamshire countryside.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Still to come, we have the mystery house to unveil,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37where things are heating up.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- Can I go over and warm my hands?- By all means.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43And I'll be roped into Nottinghamshire's hard
0:28:43 > 0:28:44graft of yesteryear.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47You've managed to get some proper old tarred rope, haven't you?
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Well, when it comes to a perfect day's house hunting,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54yesterday was textbook.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Property number one thrilled Leslie and Susan and just when we thought
0:28:58 > 0:29:03it couldn't get any better, property reduced Susan, in parts, to tears.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06So, the question is, at the start of this beautiful, blue,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10crisp final day here in Nottinghamshire, Can we better that?
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Well, we have one more to come, it is of course, mystery house time
0:29:13 > 0:29:16and that means that absolutely anything could happen.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Well, yesterday got a little bit emotional, didn't it, Susan?
0:29:22 > 0:29:24It certainly did.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27And you've been clearly thinking about those two properties
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- over night. - I've thought of little else.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Well, we've clearly got two very good contenders on our list
0:29:33 > 0:29:36already, which I'm really pleased about.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38But of course, it's not over just yet,
0:29:38 > 0:29:40one more to come, it's our mystery house.
0:29:40 > 0:29:46That's got a lot do, I suspect, to wind it's way into your affections.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48It has to blow the other two out of the water.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Well, let's see if it does.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55The final house on Susan's property quest is
0:29:55 > 0:29:59up in the north of the county, in the village of North Leverton.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03For 200 years a windmill has been the iconic landmark, standing proudly
0:30:03 > 0:30:08in North Leverton and it's still milling flour and animal feed today.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11The village has a few facilities including a pub and you don't
0:30:11 > 0:30:15have to look too hard to find fields with grazing livestock.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19The buzz word to describe Susan's move is upsizing.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22So, after two cottages the mystery house offers up a serious
0:30:22 > 0:30:26amount of living space, over 2,500 square feet.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- So, this is it.- Not the whole house, surely?
0:30:30 > 0:30:33The whole house, the whole mystery house, yeah. What do you think?
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Really? The whole thing?- Yep.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- It's the mystery house because it is undoubtedly the biggest house that we've been able to offer you.- Yes.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Up to now everything we've shown you has had three bedrooms...- Yes.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45..this one has six.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- And three of them are in that bit over there to the right.- Oh, right.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Which is a separate, kind of annexe if you will.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54Wow.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Come and have a look inside.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01With a history that dates way back to 1790, not only is this
0:31:01 > 0:31:07Georgian grade 2 listed home massive but it also has project potential.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Susan wants to explore new opportunities in her retirement
0:31:10 > 0:31:12but will she be up for the challenge?
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Come on in, there we are, right.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Well, let's start in here, which I'm going to call a drawing room
0:31:18 > 0:31:20actually, as opposed to a living room.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25- I think it's got that sort of feel to it.- It's lovely.- Isn't it?- It is.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27And it's not too big either, is it?
0:31:27 > 0:31:30No, it's got a lovely Georgian feel to it and that is the date
0:31:30 > 0:31:34of the bulk of this building more or less, late 1700s probably.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Let's go through to the dining room, which is across the hallway.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45How about you and all the girls having a good old gossip
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- and a natter and a bite to eat? - Yeah.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Let's deal with the kitchen, come through here.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Right, well, in terms of kitchen space this is what
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- is on offer, girls. Not as square as we've had.- No.- Certainly lots of space.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- And a cooker, yay!- It does come with a cooker.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- Can I go over and warm my hands?- By all means.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Despite the heat from the range cooker,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14it's clear that Susan isn't warming to this property
0:32:14 > 0:32:17but we'll continue upwards and hopefully onwards.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Upstairs, the family bathroom serves a total of three bedrooms
0:32:20 > 0:32:21within the main house.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24A single room with built in storage, as well as a lovely
0:32:24 > 0:32:30and light dual aspect double and that just leaves the master bedroom.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- And then finally, in this bit of the house is this one.- Ohhh.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Another double aspect.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38It is another light room with windows on two aspects.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- This is nice.- It's growing on you, that's good.- It certainly is.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44After the lukewarm response on the ground floor,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Susan and Leslie are seeing the positives of the sleeping areas,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50so I'm keeping hopeful and showing them
0:32:50 > 0:32:53what's on offer in the additional wing.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57So, here we are, kind of two for the price of one really.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Now, there's a really nice little kitchen area there with a dining table in it
0:33:01 > 0:33:05and then this is the living room for this part of the house.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07In terms of being self-contained
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and you having your own kind of crash flat...
0:33:10 > 0:33:11With a three-bedroom house?
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Well, yeah, let's not forget we've got three really good double
0:33:14 > 0:33:17bedrooms above here which you can have a look at a little bit
0:33:17 > 0:33:19later on and a proper family bathroom to go with it.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Absolutely, it's a nice little space this as well.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27The annexe rooms add an extra boost to the property's appeal
0:33:27 > 0:33:31but will the same be said for the price? I love this bit of the show.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- Ha, I don't.- The price guess, yes.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Now, in terms of property, as you can see there is a lot of it,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43plus all the bedrooms and all the other rooms that go with it.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47So, who is going to go first on our last price guess of the week?
0:33:47 > 0:33:49I think, Susan, it should be you.
0:33:49 > 0:33:56- 310?- £310,000, that's pretty optimistic. Leslie?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58I think I was going to go lower than that,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02so I'll have to stick with my 305.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03Well, I'm afraid you're both wrong
0:34:03 > 0:34:06but the good news is you can afford this.
0:34:06 > 0:34:12- It is a remarkable, I think, £325,000.- I wasn't far off.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15You weren't far off, I mean, you know but you can still do it.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I can still do it, yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Right then, well, we have sort of touched the surface on some of it.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22I want you to have another look upstairs
0:34:22 > 0:34:24and get an idea of what the three bedrooms here offer you
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Off you go, ladies.
0:34:29 > 0:34:35Just under budget at £325,000 the mystery property is a listed
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Georgian home of two halves.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40The main house features two reception rooms,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43a large kitchen breakfast room and three bedrooms but there
0:34:43 > 0:34:47are also a further three bedrooms in the attached two-storey annexe.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- Well.- Wow, that's a lot of bedrooms. - It certainly is.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58And I haven't got that many beds, have I? No, huge and scary.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03I wasn't that enthusiastic to start with but having looked at it,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05it's gorgeous, it really is gorgeous.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08But it's a project and it's a project for somebody
0:35:08 > 0:35:11that's 20 years younger than me.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Well, who'd have thought it? Our house tours are now all over.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Three really interesting properties,
0:35:17 > 0:35:19not least of course the mystery house behind us.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- What's going on in that mind of yours?- A lot.- A lot?- Hmm.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Thought there might be. Let's get you somewhere for a nice cup of tea
0:35:25 > 0:35:27and a bite to eat and you two can mull it over.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29And then we'll find out what the future holds.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- After you, Susan, go on.- Thank you. - It's your search.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Well, that may be the end of Susan's property tour in Nottinghamshire
0:35:41 > 0:35:44but there's a myriad of options on the market here to suit
0:35:44 > 0:35:46all budgets and all styles.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49For those with deep pockets, this four bedroom period house
0:35:49 > 0:35:54in Whatton-in-the-Vale comes with an asking price of £1 million.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57The impressive accommodation features a bespoke country style
0:35:57 > 0:36:00kitchen breakfast room and a garden room looking over the grounds
0:36:00 > 0:36:03that total more than 25 acres.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08For half that money but equal appeal, £499,000 could buy you
0:36:08 > 0:36:12this spacious and characterful, four-bedroom family home in Calverton.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15It comes with two reception rooms and a farmhouse kitchen diner.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Despite the alluring natural beauty of rural Nottinghamshire,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25it was here in the market town of Southwell that the Victorians
0:36:25 > 0:36:28were drawn for more desperate measures.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Built in 1824, the grade two listed Southwell workhouse became
0:36:32 > 0:36:37the model for a new generation of 600 Victorian workhouses
0:36:37 > 0:36:39created across the country.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Now in the hands of the National Trust,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44it's the most complete workhouse in existence. I went there to meet
0:36:44 > 0:36:49volunteer Samantha Ball, to find out more about last resort life here.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54This is a place that not may people would have really
0:36:54 > 0:36:55- wanted to come, of course.- No, no.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58What's the story behind it, when did it start and who was behind it?
0:36:58 > 0:37:02The workhouse was built by Reverend John T Becher, he was a local
0:37:02 > 0:37:07clergyman in Southwell and he had a strong interest in socio-economics.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12He wanted to improve or change the way that relief was
0:37:12 > 0:37:15given to the poor and needy in society.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Because the workhouses were funded by the local town or parish,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20weren't they?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23They were, yes and because of the success of this workhouse here,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27it changed the way the Government gave money for the poor
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and this workhouse actually became a prototype for the new poor law of 1834.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35At the time, the workhouse was the only
0:37:35 > 0:37:38form of relief on offer to the destitute
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and those who had no choice other than to stay here were separated
0:37:41 > 0:37:45from their family and children in different parts of the building.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49However, this strict segregated regime was intended to deter
0:37:49 > 0:37:51those who weren't truly needy.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54This idea of segregation I suppose is probably more evident
0:37:54 > 0:37:55here than at the front, isn't it?
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Yes, it is and it really does follow Becher's strong
0:37:58 > 0:38:00principles of segregation when you come here.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Families were separated
0:38:03 > 0:38:06and the able bodied would be separated from the old and infirm.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10I mean, for all the hardship of coming to a building like this
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and undertaking all the tasks that were given to you, it seems
0:38:13 > 0:38:16to me and I think probably to many people that the segregation
0:38:16 > 0:38:17really was the cruellest act of all.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It certainly was for children. Mothers were allowed to stay with
0:38:20 > 0:38:22their babies until they were two years old,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26particularly if they were nursing but from then they were separated
0:38:26 > 0:38:30and they could only see each other, families were only reunited
0:38:30 > 0:38:31if they all behaved themselves
0:38:31 > 0:38:35and followed the rules, they could meet on a Sunday afternoon.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38The workhouse provided food and shelter for those at the most
0:38:38 > 0:38:42dire periods of their lives and children were given an education.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45But in return at least ten hours a day of monotonous
0:38:45 > 0:38:49manual labour was required from the adults.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Right, Samantha, what have we got here then? What are we looking at?
0:38:52 > 0:38:58We are looking at oakum and oakum was tarred ropes from old ships.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04And what the paupers were asked to do was to unravel these ropes.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07The unravelled bits of the rope were then sold on,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10either back to the ship makers or to make paper.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Effectively you were giving money for old rope.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I love it when one gets to the bottom of those sort of sayings.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Regardless of the tough and hostile conditions, workhouses
0:39:19 > 0:39:23like this at Southwell paved the way for future social reform.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25I'm delighted that it's still here
0:39:25 > 0:39:28but in many respects I'm also delighted that it's no longer
0:39:28 > 0:39:31a workhouse. Because for anybody to have to come in here and live
0:39:31 > 0:39:34under those conditions, well, we don't know we're born, do we?
0:39:34 > 0:39:35We don't, indeed.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Well, a little while ago I left Leslie and Susan together to
0:39:43 > 0:39:47try and make sense of all that we had been able to show them.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48It is a big decision
0:39:48 > 0:39:52and I think for Susan it's going to be a particularly emotional one.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54So, have they come to some sort of solution?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57What is Susan's plan for the future?
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Well, as ever, there's only one way to find out, let's go and ask her.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- Well, girls.- Well, Jules.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14- We've got a lot to talk about, haven't we, I think?- We have.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- So how are we feeling?- Confused.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19OK, well, let's just deal with the odd one out then,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21property number three, our mystery house.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Obviously the biggest of the lot but I get the feeling, Leslie, that
0:40:24 > 0:40:28one has probably now been discounted for very practical reasons.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Well, it has. It's perhaps a great opportunity
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- but I think not one that you're really looking for, is it?- No.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39That's OK but it does leave us with two very exciting properties.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- I know, I know.- And yesterday when we saw them it was an exciting day, wasn't it?
0:40:43 > 0:40:46So, property number one?
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Property number one was gorgeous, could just pop my furniture
0:40:50 > 0:40:56in a van, move up and move in and it would be absolutely beautiful.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01Little garden, beautiful community, lovely village, it was lovely.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Is there a but?
0:41:04 > 0:41:09There's a little but there. It had a lovely kitchen and lovely bathrooms
0:41:09 > 0:41:14but it didn't quite have what I had in my mind when I came up here.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17So what was in your mind?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20The kitchen in house number two.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- Ha-ha, yes?- The kitchen in house number two filled that bill perfectly.
0:41:24 > 0:41:30- As did the bathroom.- As did the bathroom, the wonderful, wonderful bathroom.- Yeah.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33So, I don't see why this is such a dilemma.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35The reality of it is, if you get a kitchen
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- and a bathroom that size you also get a house that size.- Yeah.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41And in Susan's own words, you still have to live there
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- when everyone's gone home. - OK, let's cut to the chase then.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50If I could give you the keys to any one of our three properties...
0:41:53 > 0:41:54..which one would you take.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57Number one.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- Yes!- So, what happens next?- Another look.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04So, here's to you, it's been a real pleasure.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07Congratulations, let us know how you get on and hopefully
0:42:07 > 0:42:09it'll be because you bought it.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- Yes.- Best of luck.- Thank you, thank you, Jules.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Moving to a completely new area in a different environment and choosing
0:42:18 > 0:42:21the right home, has no doubt been quite an overwhelming
0:42:21 > 0:42:24task for Susan to undertake on her own.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28But she's been helped fantastically by her old buddy, Leslie.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30And that just goes to prove that when it comes to successful
0:42:30 > 0:42:34house hunting, sometimes we all need a little help from our friends.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Well, I'm delighted to report that after a second viewing,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Susan made an offer on property one that was accepted and we wish
0:42:45 > 0:42:48her all the best for her retirement in the Nottinghamshire countryside.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53If you want to escape to the country in Northern Ireland, Wales,
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