0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Now these cavernous ruins are just part of what's been dubbed
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Britain's greatest Napoleonic fortress.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But where was it built and why?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Well, join us in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35'On today's show, we're helping a couple find a rural home where
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'they can raise their daughter and enjoy more quality family time.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- Wow!- 'Along the way, there are some differences of opinion.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Hands up, who's in favour?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46You're in favour, you're not so sure.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49No. I need some more convincing.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'But, thankfully, they eventually find some common ground.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Oh, wow! What a beautiful room.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57It's stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Well, today, we are in Kent, on top of Fort Amherst
0:01:02 > 0:01:06overlooking the sweep of the River Medway below me.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Now the fort here began life in the 1750s, built specifically to protect
0:01:10 > 0:01:13the Royal Naval dockyard at Chatham, just below us -
0:01:13 > 0:01:16then, the most important dockyard in the country.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19It was here, after all, that Nelson's Navy was born.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Now the fort itself was never attacked, although it did see
0:01:22 > 0:01:25service during the Victorian period as a training base.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28But, importantly, then again during the Second World War,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31when it was headquarters to the local Civil Defence.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35These days, their efforts here are far more focused on conservation,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39as they hope that one day this may become a World Heritage Site.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42But, for me, it's Kent's maritime history that really does make
0:01:42 > 0:01:44this county so appealing.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Situated in south-east England,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Kent is bordered by East Sussex,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Surrey, Greater London and Essex.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The county's most visited and historically rich city is
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Canterbury, centred on its magnificent Gothic cathedral,
0:02:01 > 0:02:07which has been the centre of English Christianity since 597 AD.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Stretching across the county is the scenic High Weald,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and one of its many attractions is Bewl Water,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17a picturesque reservoir which supplies much of the county's water.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Kent's reputation as the Garden of England endures,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23with allotments and orchards found throughout.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Of Kent's countless appealing towns and villages, perhaps the prettiest
0:02:27 > 0:02:30is Tenterden, with its beautifully preserved high street,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33lined with historic shops and houses.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Architectural treasures like these, combined with a fascinating
0:02:36 > 0:02:39history and unspoiled natural beauty,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41give this county an enduring appeal.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Now at £320,000, the cost of a detached property here in Kent is
0:02:49 > 0:02:52some £60,000 above the national figure, for the simple reason that
0:02:52 > 0:02:56it offers glorious countryside and easy commutability
0:02:56 > 0:02:58into London for work.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01As a general rule of thumb, the closer you get to Greater London,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03well, the higher the premium you'll have to pay.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05But, interestingly, estate agents are also predicting
0:03:05 > 0:03:09something of a ripple effect, as new fast-track rail schemes
0:03:09 > 0:03:13create something of an uplift for people living further afield.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16For example, Rochester, which is currently pretty affordable,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19by 2015 is expecting a new rail line that'll get you into
0:03:19 > 0:03:22the capital in just 40 minutes.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25So clearly the time is right for today's buyers to make
0:03:25 > 0:03:26quite a savvy property move.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Andrew and Janine have been living in this four-bedroom
0:03:31 > 0:03:35new-build in the town of Corsham, Wiltshire, for the last seven years.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38They've always craved a more rural lifestyle, but the birth of their
0:03:38 > 0:03:41daughter, Francesca, has given them the impetus
0:03:41 > 0:03:43to finally make the move.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46I think the time is right for us to move for Francesca now,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49because she's just getting to the stage of walking and exploring
0:03:49 > 0:03:51and actually understanding the world around her.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53She gets very excited about being outside,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and being in a modern housing estate, as we are here,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58there is very limited scope for us to do that with her.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02I think it's important, as children grow up, to have outside space
0:04:02 > 0:04:06where she can play safely, be a bit of a tomboy, get on a bike,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09climb a tree and have the space to be able to do that.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14As well as providing Francesca with a wholesome rural upbringing,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18the move will enable Andrew to spend more quality time with her.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21His job as a compliance consultant is based in London,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23and his current commute from Corsham
0:04:23 > 0:04:25takes him up to two and a half hours each way.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Francesca's getting to the point, shortly, where I run the risk
0:04:30 > 0:04:32of not seeing her in the evenings.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And I really don't want to be a dad who sees my daughter
0:04:35 > 0:04:37on a Saturday and a Sunday.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38So obviously moving to Kent,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40being within an hour, an hour and a quarter,
0:04:40 > 0:04:45of the city, would make family life so much easier.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Before Janine had Francesca, she also did the London
0:04:48 > 0:04:51commute for her work in management training consultancy.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55But now she's put her career on hold to focus on being a full-time mum.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I'm in a fortunate position that I'm not going back to work.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I'm luckily going to be looking after our daughter.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05So to be able to do the mum things with her, to cook,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09to bake and all those, you know, the kinds of things you don't get
0:05:09 > 0:05:10a chance to do if you're working,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14and really just the chance to move somewhere different
0:05:14 > 0:05:17and to put our own stamp on a different property.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Ever since they bought their current home, they've never felt
0:05:21 > 0:05:24it's fully reflected their style or their needs.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27And they sense that even more so, now they've become a family.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31This house was new when we bought it, so whilst we managed to choose
0:05:31 > 0:05:35the colour of the tiles, there were so many decisions that we didn't get
0:05:35 > 0:05:37a chance to influence, really.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So it'd be nice to move somewhere whereby you can really actually
0:05:40 > 0:05:43start to mould a family home and provide good family living.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Ideally, in a property I'm looking for character.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Both of us have said we'd like something older, albeit
0:05:49 > 0:05:53we recognise that that can come with a price tag and its own challenges.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57But certainly something that reflects the historic nature of Kent,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59and the sort of houses that are around there.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02The last thing to establish is how much they've set
0:06:02 > 0:06:05aside for their rural family home.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09The budget for the move is between £500,000 and £600,000.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11FRANCESCA COOS
0:06:13 > 0:06:16'Andrew and Janine are quite open to looking at any area
0:06:16 > 0:06:19'within Kent's borders, as long as it's no more than an hour
0:06:19 > 0:06:22'and a quarter's train journey from London for Andrew's commute.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25'So before we begin our countywide search,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'I'm meeting up with them to learn more about their move.'
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Well, Janine and Andrew, welcome to Kent.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Why this county, then?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Well, it's, as you say, the Garden of England, beautiful greenery,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39but, most importantly, we have a 14-month-old daughter,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and it's just a great place for her to grow up.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45The schools are fantastic, and for us it's just the ideal location.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Now the kind of property you're after, give us a spec list, as it were.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Well, for me, it's important to have a nice kitchen.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- The kitchen's always the heart of the home.- Yep.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57As Francesca grows, I really want to be doing the baking with her,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and teaching her about food and nutrition. So really a place
0:07:00 > 0:07:04that we can socialise, but also have that time with her.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Alongside with that, we want a garden where she can learn
0:07:07 > 0:07:10to grow vegetables, so she can really learn the whole transition
0:07:10 > 0:07:12between seed, vegetable, on the table.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Wow. But you're obviously going to have family and friends
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- down to stay?- Ideally, we'd like four bedrooms.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Or three and a study. I do get the chance to work from home,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24albeit it's not as often as maybe I would like.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28So, yeah, we have other people around who flit in and out when
0:07:28 > 0:07:31they feel like, so, yeah, we do need a couple of bedrooms for them.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35OK. Now the budget for this move of yours?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Well, £600,000 would be our absolute max. If you found us the perfect,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42ideal home, that would be the upper limit.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45But also, you know, if there's a house slightly less than that,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and it needs work doing on it, we sort of said, well, £500,000,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52to give us that comfort zone, that if we needed to extend or build
0:07:52 > 0:07:57a study area in the garden, we actually have the scope to do that.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Now Kent, as you probably know, is not the cheapest county...- No.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04..in the country. How much research have you done?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06How well do you know this part of the world?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Janine is fortunate, she does have family in Ashford,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12or the Ashford area, so has a connection here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14But I'm from South Wales, I have no connection here.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18So Kent is very much, for me, by reputation.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21But with the reputation of the Garden of England, we know we've got
0:08:21 > 0:08:24a significant uplift from where we live in Wiltshire.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Well, I spent most of my life in Wales,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I know exactly where you're coming from.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I'm hoping the next few days will give you the chance
0:08:30 > 0:08:32to get your feet under the table here in Kent,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35and get a sense of what this county can offer you in particular, Andrew.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38For you, I guess it's something of a homecoming, isn't it, really?
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- Yes, yes.- We've got three, I think,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41very interesting properties for you to look at,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45including our mystery house. Who knows what that will be?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48So I think, without further ado, let's go and find some properties.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- OK.- Great!
0:08:51 > 0:08:55With a maximum budget of £600,000, Andrew and Janine are looking for
0:08:55 > 0:08:59a characterful period home within a commutable distance to London.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01They'd like a large kitchen/diner,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04three to four bedrooms and a study for Andrew.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06They don't need a huge garden
0:09:06 > 0:09:08but would like enough space to grow vegetables
0:09:08 > 0:09:09and for Francesca to play in.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15We've lined up three very different Kentish homes for them to view,
0:09:15 > 0:09:20and I'll keep them guessing about the price until they've had a good look around.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24The last will be our mystery house, a rare historic property, the likes
0:09:24 > 0:09:26of which they've probably never seen
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and might not have considered on paper.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34In terms of style...
0:09:35 > 0:09:37..what do you prefer?
0:09:37 > 0:09:40In terms of style, I'd like something with character.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I'm not hugely a fan of low ceilings,
0:09:43 > 0:09:44being nearly six foot tall,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47so something with a bit of character, a bit quirky maybe.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49And what about you, Andrew?
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Yeah, the character for me is quite important and I actually
0:09:52 > 0:09:55like structural beams where you can see them, so your barn conversion
0:09:55 > 0:09:58type thing, I really like, but not where they're low.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Well, it's good that you like barn conversions. There are lots of them in Kent.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Not giving anything away.- No.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06But you never know what we might have in our midst.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12'Our search begins three miles south of Maidstone,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16'Kent's county town in the attractive village of Boughton Monchelsea.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'There are some useful amenities here, including a village hall that
0:10:21 > 0:10:25'Janine will be pleased to know holds regular parent and toddler sessions.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28'And with plenty of direct London trains from nearby Maidstone
0:10:28 > 0:10:32'and Staplehurst, it's well-placed for Andrew's commute.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36'Our first offering, a classic Kentish weatherboard property,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38'is in the heart of the village.'
0:10:38 > 0:10:41That's it, that's property number one.
0:10:41 > 0:10:42Wow.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43I didn't expect to see three storeys.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Interesting, isn't it? Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Very pretty.- Very pretty.- Yeah? - Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52The character just springs out as soon as you walked round the corner.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54It's quite beguiling, actually, it's a bit of a TARDIS.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Something of a cliche, but this is probably appropriate for this one,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00because there is a lot more to see once we get inside.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Yeah?- Excellent.- Yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06'The house was built around 1825.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'Later, in the Victorian era, an extension was added to the rear,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12'which almost doubled its size.'
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Well, let's start in here.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Wow.- What do you think?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- I wasn't expecting that, it's the hidden bit there.- Yes.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23It really opens up, doesn't it?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It does create a different, an atmosphere of a different room, but
0:11:26 > 0:11:29the two of them give the, I guess, sense of space, which is one of the
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- things we miss at the moment... - Yeah.- ..and we are looking for.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35We have a very big sofa at home, and it's around the same size as that
0:11:35 > 0:11:39sofa, so you can kind of sense where the furniture would actually fit.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Could you imagine getting off the train...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43doing a ten minute drive back home
0:11:43 > 0:11:45and walking in here with a glass of wine?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- I can.- Right, well, let's continue through here via the dining room.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Now Janine...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03let's tackle the nice big kitchen/diner that you want.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- It is not one of those.- No.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08But would you be prepared to do a bit of knocking about?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Yeah, obviously, budget allowing, we already talked about that. But, yeah.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14I looked at this and thought, "That wall needs to come down,"
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- when I came in.- I think it can go because what it would do is,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19it would open it all up.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22You get the idea. I mean, if that wall were to go,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- it would transform it... - Absolutely.- ..into a fabulous,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30huge kitchen/diner, within this very substantial,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33and very nicely produced, conservatory.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37I like the fact that we can start seeing how we can shape it to
0:12:37 > 0:12:39make it our own. I like the fact that we can bring, you know,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43the outside in, in terms of making this space a more usable space.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And I can see us having family here and cooking and doing all the things
0:12:46 > 0:12:50that we've discussed that we really want to do from the move, so...
0:12:50 > 0:12:52So far, so good. I just can't wait to see upstairs.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Well, let's do that. Come and follow me.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56There's lots to see - two more floors.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01'I'm delighted that Janine is already visualising the family
0:13:01 > 0:13:03'enjoying this place.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06'Also, on the ground floor opposite the sitting room, there's a spacious
0:13:06 > 0:13:09'dining room with an elegant, original fireplace.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'And below lies a cellar that's been converted
0:13:12 > 0:13:14'into an extra living space.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17'The first floor consists of a family bathroom and three bedrooms.'
0:13:17 > 0:13:21'All of them are doubles, which have some lovely original features.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26So, this is your bit.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Wow.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30There's a huge bed in the way of everything.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Rather nice, actually, a kind of oak, four-poster.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37It is smaller, but we know we're going to go smaller...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39because the room we've got is unnaturally large,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41at the moment in time.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43This is a nice room, the fireplace is nice.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- It's still got that cosy feel.- Yeah.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47There is an en-suite through there,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49which is, you know, very handy
0:13:49 > 0:13:51and usually much sought-after.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55But we also have the top floor, which you spotted from the outside.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58That has, really, two separate bedrooms in it at the moment.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01So, technically, you could say this is a five bedroom house.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03And it's got another bathroom too.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Let's have a look at the garden. then we'll finish up and maybe
0:14:06 > 0:14:09you want to start thinking about how much this is going to cost you.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12'Outside, there's around a quarter of an acre of land
0:14:12 > 0:14:14'with a west-facing garden,
0:14:14 > 0:14:16'where there's plenty of room to create that veggie garden
0:14:16 > 0:14:18'for Janine and Francesca to potter in.'
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Some lovely mature trees here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25And I love that little house, over there. I think Francesca would have
0:14:25 > 0:14:28a lot of fun in it, and you'd probably have a bit of fun
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- kind of doing it up a bit, actually. - Definitely.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Would this be big enough for you?
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Yes.- I think so, yes. I like the fact that it's mature
0:14:35 > 0:14:40and it's almost got places for her to explore, but safe exploration.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42But how much is it going to cost you?
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Mm.- Hmm.- Who's going to go for our first price guess of the week?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- £525,000.- £525,000! Straight in! - That was quick!
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- No messing there, from Andrew. Great!- I'm going to go...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- £545,000.- £545,000. You're right to err...
0:14:57 > 0:15:00higher, but I'm afraid it's on the market
0:15:00 > 0:15:01for quite a bit more than that.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- This is on the market at £595,000. - Really?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Yeah, well...- Gosh.- ..we are in...commuter belt.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Yep, true.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12Look, come on, I think it's about to rain.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Let's all go in...- OK.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16..and you can have a bit more time looking around.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Just below their maximum budget at £595,000,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26this elegant Georgian home has an impressive reception room,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29a dining room and a kitchen which is next to a conservatory
0:15:29 > 0:15:31that could be knocked through.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34There are also five bedrooms and a converted cellar.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It comes with around a quarter of an acre of land,
0:15:37 > 0:15:38and there are two nearby stations
0:15:38 > 0:15:40for Andrew's commute.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Wardrobe space?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Oh, wow.- Oh, quite nice.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Narnia! Do I dare go through?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53'I like the fact that it looks traditional and, I think,'
0:15:53 > 0:15:58from the back area, where you've got the old and the new merging, it looks really pretty.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00And it's a really attractive-looking property.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03The office space is actually quite a number of spaces that I've looked at
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and thought, "Actually, I could use."
0:16:05 > 0:16:07There's the room upstairs through the wardrobe,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09there's also potential, actually,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12to use one of the first floor rooms as well.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Downstairs space is really, really spacious and light, surprisingly.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Kitchen, for me, was a little bit small but, obviously,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21we've got the scope to do the work into the conservatory area,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25which, I think, opened up, would give us a really nice family space.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Good start. Certainly one to create a lot of thinking,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30in terms of what we do want, what we don't want,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33what works for us, what doesn't work for us.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Good. Well, we are a property down.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41We are a third of the way through our house tours,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- but are we any closer to getting you a new home?- Food for thought.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Well, talking of food, let's have some lunch.- Yep.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56'Kent has an extraordinary heritage of castles
0:16:56 > 0:17:00'and fortified manor houses, due in part to its frontier status
0:17:00 > 0:17:02'and proximity to the continent.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05'Set in the unspoiled countryside of the Weald of Kent
0:17:05 > 0:17:09'is a house that has a unique link to the county's important past.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12'Penshurst Place has stood on the banks of the River Medway
0:17:12 > 0:17:15'since the 14th century, and is one of England's grandest
0:17:15 > 0:17:19'and most perfectly preserved fortified manor houses.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21'Almost 500 years ago,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24'the property was gifted by Edward VI to the Sidney family, who had
0:17:24 > 0:17:28'been advisers and confidantes to the monarchs for many years.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31'Their descendants have lived here ever since.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34'As Andrew is keen to know more about the county's rich history,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37'we've arranged for him and Janine to meet the current owner,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40'the second Viscount De L'Isle, Philip Sidney.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Welcome to Penshurst Place, which has been in my family since 1552.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48I think that makes it about 460 years-odd.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Has the external appearance of the building changed much over the years?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54The original part of the house, the baronial hall,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57was built in local sandstone, but when it came to
0:17:57 > 0:18:01the Elizabethan times, it was more fashionable to build in brick.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04And you put up smart chimneys with patterns on to show that you
0:18:04 > 0:18:05have got some money.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Is it OK if we take a look inside? - Absolutely, please.- Great.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10- Follow me.- Thanks.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14The original part of the house was built
0:18:14 > 0:18:16in 1341 by Sir John de Poultney,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19a wealthy London wool merchant and Lord Mayor.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24As for Andrew today, distance to the capital was key, but Sir John
0:18:24 > 0:18:27wanted a country retreat which was then a day's ride from the city.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Here we are in the Baron's Hall,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33which is the eldest part of Penshurst Place.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36It's unusual because of its unsupported roof
0:18:36 > 0:18:40which is 40 years older than the one in Westminster Hall.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So what would this beautiful space have been used for?
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Well, the original hall would have been used by everyone.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52The fireplace would have been there in the centre,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55a very unusual octagonal fireplace, and there would have been
0:18:55 > 0:18:58a hole in the ceiling where the smoke would have gone straight out.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01'The hall would have been the focal point of the manor,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05'as the room where guests were banqueted and entertained.'
0:19:05 > 0:19:08These are the original trestle tables.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11They are the only example, the oldest example, of their type.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15And the servants would sit down here.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Now when they had finished, they would move the trestles to
0:19:18 > 0:19:20the sides to give them more space,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23so that they could sleep on the floor...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27..which would have been earth covered in rushes.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30And they changed the rushes occasionally.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33'One of the most fantastic and fateful feasts
0:19:33 > 0:19:37'staged at the hall was held for a ten-day visit by Henry VIII.'
0:19:37 > 0:19:43He came here to visit John, Duke of Buckingham,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46who was extremely rich
0:19:46 > 0:19:50and spent the equivalent of £1 million entertaining him.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55The King became jealous and, in 1521, executed him
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and took this house as his own
0:19:57 > 0:19:59and used it for hunting in the park,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03at the same time as pursuing Anne Boleyn
0:20:03 > 0:20:05at Hever Castle next door.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10'Philip's father took over Penshurst Place during the Second World War
0:20:10 > 0:20:13'and it didn't look the way it does now.'
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Has it required much restoration over the years?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Well, it has. My father inherited the house in 1495
0:20:19 > 0:20:20from my great uncle
0:20:20 > 0:20:23and all the windows had been blown out by flying bombs,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26and it took six months to re-glaze the house.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30And he and my mother spent most of the rest of their lives
0:20:30 > 0:20:33restoring it. My mother sadly died in 1962.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37My father continued the work until his death in 1991.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Penshurst Place houses some of the finest collections
0:20:41 > 0:20:43of tapestries and armour.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44And due to the family's restoration
0:20:44 > 0:20:47and constant maintenance over the years, part of the house
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and gardens are open to the public for future generations to enjoy.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55But it's time now to get back to viewing some more modest properties,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57as we continue our house hunt.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08'We're heading up to the northern part of the county to Lynsted.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11'Sitting on the slopes of the North Downs, this lovely village is
0:21:11 > 0:21:14'characterised by an impressive collection of Kentish architecture.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16'And, conveniently for Andrew,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19'it's only a short drive from Sittingbourne Station,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22'where the train journey to London is just 55 minutes.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25'Close to the centre of the village, at the end of a private driveway,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28'is our second offering.'
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Now earlier...
0:21:30 > 0:21:34in the car, you said you were quite interested in a barn conversion
0:21:34 > 0:21:38and I teased you about the fact that we might have one and here it is.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Wow.- There you go.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Some barn conversion. - You've got this L-shaped courtyard, as you can see,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46but the bit we're interested in is that chunk there.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Wow.- Interested?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Yes, please.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Now there is an interesting debate between you about the merits of beams, isn't there?- Yes.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Hands up, who's in favour?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00You're in favour. You're not so sure?
0:22:00 > 0:22:02No, I need some more convincing.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- We have no issues with head height in here.- OK.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09So I'm not worried, actually. I'm really not worried about this one.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I think that the beams will be OK.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Let's see if I'm right.- We'll see.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17'The barn, which is thought to date back to the 1500s,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20'was converted in 1991.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24'And it offers more than 3,000 square feet of space.'
0:22:24 > 0:22:25But let's begin...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27over here, because...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31..I think this really gets us into the whole beam discussion.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Straightaway, without any messing. - Yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38There's a smile here and there isn't here. You see, this is what worries me.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- We're struggling here, aren't we? - And I like the structure, the height,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44the architectural beauty of the beams.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Obviously, dining area, something of a sort of
0:22:47 > 0:22:50living room area here too. This isn't the main living room.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Oh, OK.- Now with our first property we looked at knocking a wall down... - Yep.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56..and my suggestion is that you also do the same thing here,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and it's that wall that you would take away because the kitchen
0:22:59 > 0:23:05- is behind that...- OK.- ..and it would open all of this up then, to a kitchen-living-dining area.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08You'll see what I mean. Have a look through here.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13So, it is a lovely kitchen,
0:23:13 > 0:23:18but it would be lovelier if this wall behind me were gone, I think.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Yes, I agree.- I can see that.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I think this is the only big compromise with this property,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27because the rest of it goes on and on and on.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- You see, you're there on this one, aren't you?- More or less, yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33You'll have to help me. We're going to have to persuade Janine
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- that this could be the one. - But I've got to live with her after.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37HE LAUGHS
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- This is a nice space.- Yes? - And lots of light.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Natural light because there's lots of windows.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I think, because it's dark and whilst it's beautiful,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51I'm used to barns that are slightly lighter in oak.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I'm used to oak-flooring rather than carpeting and I think it's
0:23:54 > 0:23:58just trying to visualise how we would utilise this beautiful space.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Clearly, Janine still needs some convincing
0:24:01 > 0:24:04but I'm hoping the rest of the house might just do that.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Also downstairs, next to the sitting room,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10there's a study which would be handy for Andrew when he works from home.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Opposite that there's a downstairs bedroom
0:24:12 > 0:24:14which could make a good playroom for Francesca.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19Upstairs there's a family bathroom and three more bedrooms.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22All are good size doubles, but it's the master bedroom which has
0:24:22 > 0:24:25particularly generous proportions.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28This is your bit.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Wow.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31Now, your wardrobe.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35I'm thinking you might not need it because through that door is
0:24:35 > 0:24:38an enormous walk-in wardrobe, his and hers either side.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41And...master en suite through there
0:24:41 > 0:24:44so everything, shower, bath, the lot.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- It looks great.- It does.- Yeah?
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I love the window seat, absolutely love the window seat.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Let's have a look at the garden and see if that helps the process.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57'It seems Janine may be warming ever so slightly to this place
0:24:57 > 0:25:00'and I don't think she'll be disappointed by what's outside.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05'There's almost a third of an acre of land that includes a ready-made
0:25:05 > 0:25:07'veggie garden, perfect for her horticultural projects with
0:25:07 > 0:25:12'Francesca and a huge garage and a workshop and space for two cars.'
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Just to help me sell this property further to you, Janine,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21the sun has blessed us with a bit more support.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Yes. It's working.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It's working. Let's see if the price works, shall we?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- Make me an offer.- I think it's going to be slightly over budget.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- I'm going to go 625.- 625?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- I'm going to say 580.- 580.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40You're both wrong.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- But the good news...this is 600. - Really?- Wow.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- Gosh, that surprises me.- Yes? Certainly something for you, Andrew.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- For you, it's got to be a grower. - Yes.- Well, off you go.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Spend some time thinking about it and I will catch up with you later.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Well, clearly property two is working for Andrew
0:25:58 > 0:26:00but is it really going to work for Janine? Who knows?
0:26:00 > 0:26:03It wouldn't be the first time a property has grown on our buyers
0:26:03 > 0:26:05enough for them to want to buy it, but I suspect
0:26:05 > 0:26:09with Janine our beautiful barn still has some way to go.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Right on budget at £600,000, this spacious barn conversion has
0:26:17 > 0:26:21a large light-filled reception room and a dining room with adjoining
0:26:21 > 0:26:23kitchen that could be knocked through.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It has a study and five bedrooms,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29including that very spacious master, and outside there's a garage,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33a veggie garden and plenty of space for Francesca to play in.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37My dream...barn conversion. always wanted one.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38Here I am looking round one.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41They're not really the type of property I would normally
0:26:41 > 0:26:46go for if I saw it on a website or prospectus of an estate agent.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50I much prefer the traditional chocolate box, Kentish house,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52the oast house, that type of look.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54The garden offers huge amounts of space.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Francesca growing up here, I think, would be great.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The master bedroom was a real surprise.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It was a lovely, lovely space, nice and light.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Lovely walk-in wardrobe space and lovely en suite.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09This room is really lovely.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I like the fact that it's probably twice as long as it is wide.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Lots of natural light throughout the property, which for me
0:27:16 > 0:27:20is really, really important so, for me, a really good property.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- After you, madam.- Thank you. - Through the beepy door.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27HE CHUCKLES
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- Well, not a bad day, all told. - Good day.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- Property number one was nice for you.- Yes.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- Property number two was nice for you.- Indeed.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Can we get it right with the third one, the mystery house tomorrow?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- Can't wait.- Let's see. - Time for a pint. Come on.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00'It's day two of our property search and with a budget of £600,000,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03'Andrew and Janine are leaving a lengthy commute
0:28:03 > 0:28:05'from the town of Corsham, Wiltshire,
0:28:05 > 0:28:10'for a family home in rural Kent, closer to Andrew's London-based job.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14'Coming up, our mystery house delivers a watery proposition.'
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Completely out of anything I'd have ever thought of,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19but actually totally charming.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23'And I check out an accidental, unintentional wartime asset.'
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- What they created was the perfect bunker.- It certainly was.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Well, with just a few hours left to go on our property
0:28:30 > 0:28:34search with Andrew and Janine here in Kent, where are we so far?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37At the beginning of every Escape To The Country, we like to ask our
0:28:37 > 0:28:41buyers if they are likely to agree on the properties we show them
0:28:41 > 0:28:43and usually it's just a bit of fun,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46but on this occasion there is clearly some difference
0:28:46 > 0:28:50of opinion as to the respective merits of both property one and two.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52But it is agreement that we seek
0:28:52 > 0:28:55so what can we do as regards our mystery house?
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Well, true to form, it's going to be different
0:28:58 > 0:28:59and it's going to be quirky.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04To give you a clue, imagine this lot with a house next to it.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05Let's see if they like it.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10'Our final stop on our house search takes us
0:29:10 > 0:29:14'11 miles south to Charing in the district of Ashford.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17'This appealing village is situated on the Pilgrim's Way,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20'and in medieval times provided a rest stop for travellers
0:29:20 > 0:29:24'making their way to Canterbury Cathedral, 15 miles away.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27'Today, the village has a host of attractive shops and restaurants
0:29:27 > 0:29:30'yet still retains its historic charm.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34'And not far from the village centre there's history aplenty
0:29:34 > 0:29:36'with our final offering.'
0:29:36 > 0:29:39That is our mystery house.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Now, you don't get all of it, I'm afraid.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47You get that timber-framed chunk right there in front of us.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- So, what do we think of it? - I like it.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Not what I was expecting at all...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56but so far I think it's really interesting.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58You seem more engaged with this one than our property two, which he
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- really likes.- Yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03For me, on the outside I prefer the look of this.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06The real selling point with this one is Charing. 40 minutes!
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- 40 minutes into London.- Fab.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- It's the closest commute we could find you.- Yeah, great.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- I want to get inside and have a look.- Come and have a look.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Our Grade II mystery property was once part of a larger
0:30:19 > 0:30:2415th century hall house, and is thought to have been once a rectory.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26But it's what's hidden behind that makes this a mystery.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28There isn't a conventional garden as such,
0:30:28 > 0:30:32but a large freshwater lake that used to serve a nearby water mill.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35JANINE LAUGHS
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Oh, wow!- Come in.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38Oh, wow!
0:30:38 > 0:30:43Knowing you have this thing about beams, we thought this would work.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- What a beautiful room.- It's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- It's very different, isn't it?- Oh, yeah.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51It's the best room I've seen in the three houses you've shown me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Really?!- Really.- Why, though?
0:30:54 > 0:30:58The almost square shape of this room, with the ceiling height,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02with these fantastic beams and a fireplace, just...
0:31:02 > 0:31:03and they've still got an oak floor.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Lots going on in here but it all works.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- Would you feel cosy in here, then? - Absolutely.- Good.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Well, let's go through to the next bit which hopefully will
0:31:12 > 0:31:14please you as much.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- What do we think of the dining room? - Gosh, what a lovely space.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25- Really light. And the beams are OK. - The beams are OK? And very high.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Yeah. But it's a beautiful room.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29The light streaming in here. What a lovely room.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Now, we don't really have a kitchen/diner as such
0:31:32 > 0:31:34so you'd have to think about how this would work
0:31:34 > 0:31:36with the kitchen that's through there.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- But the kitchen isn't small. Have a look at it.- OK.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Do you see what I mean? It's not tiny but...
0:31:46 > 0:31:48A surprise, actually,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- because I'd only thought of half the size of it.- Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56- It's actually quite a nice kitchen space.- You're not so sure.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59No. I think from the proportions of the other two rooms,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02I expected this to be bigger.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05It's a workable space but not quite what I had in mind.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Let's see what you think of upstairs
0:32:07 > 0:32:09because there is plenty of space up there.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14On the next floor, there's a generous landing currently
0:32:14 > 0:32:15being used as a study.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19There's also a luxurious family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Two are good-sized doubles and one's a single
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and they all have beautiful leaded windows.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28On the very top floor, taking up the entire roof space, is
0:32:28 > 0:32:30an impressive bedroom suite.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Now this is what I think is your master bedroom.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40We're right at the top floor. It's got a lovely shape to it, actually.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Very generous en suite through there and a dressing room beyond.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- Very nice.- So you get your own floor.- Excellent.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- Unusual. Didn't expect to have this space.- It's a lovely space.- Yeah.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- Quirky, I think is probably right. - Yes.- Yes.- Would you agree?- Yes.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- Definitely.- But it may be you. - Certainly challenging my thinking.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02- Interesting.- Absolutely.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05The garden area is certainly going to challenge your thinking
0:33:05 > 0:33:08because this is very different to almost any other property
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I've ever shown on this programme. You'll see what I mean.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Come and have a look at this lot.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18The outside space is mainly comprised of a cleverly
0:33:18 > 0:33:21designed decked area that wraps around the end of the lake.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23It includes some attractive planting,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26a vegetable garden with raised beds,
0:33:26 > 0:33:31a storage shed, a summerhouse and its own private mooring.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- But look at this.- Wow!- It's a garden like no other, really.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- What an interesting space.- Er, yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44You kind of get the terminus end of this moat and you get this,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48well, decking complex, shall we say?
0:33:48 > 0:33:51So, it's a very different kind of set-up.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Completely out of anything I'd have ever thought of
0:33:54 > 0:33:56but actually totally charming.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59I suspect your instincts wouldn't have brought you here, ordinarily.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04- No. Certainly challenged us. - Really challenged us.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Well, is the price going to be a challenge, I wonder?
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Go on, then, Sir, take it away.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- 610.- 610?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I think, because of location, where we are, slightly higher than that,
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- so I'm going to go 615?- 615?
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- It is £575,000...- Really? - ..for our mystery house.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Cheapest of the three.- It is indeed. - That's a real surprise.- It is.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30A real surprise.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33It's the cheapest of the three, it's the quirkiest of the three.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37And in terms of location, for you, I think it's the best of the three.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Absolutely. It's an hour.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Total calculation, if I get my timings right,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44an hour door-to-door to work. You can't put a price on that.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48We have put some sort of price on it, £575,000. Go and explore...
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Thank you.- ..our curious mystery house and I will find you later.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- BOTH:- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56There we are, money does talk and it certainly talks here
0:34:56 > 0:34:58at our final offering.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01We've always said it was quirky but it does work logistically
0:35:01 > 0:35:03and that's the key thing. It's all about family time
0:35:03 > 0:35:06and quality of life. A difficult balance to strike
0:35:06 > 0:35:08but hopefully here, we might have done it.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15Below budget at £575,000, this rare 15th century home has
0:35:15 > 0:35:18a sitting room packed with wonderful period features,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22an impressive high ceilinged dining room and four bedrooms,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24including a top floor master suite.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Outside, there's a extraordinary lakeside garden
0:35:27 > 0:35:28and it's all within
0:35:28 > 0:35:31easy commuting distance of London.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34A beautiful 15th century house.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I've really always loved really old houses so, for me,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41a house that's 500 years old is great.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I think the only compromise for me in the mystery house is
0:35:44 > 0:35:45the kitchen space.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49That being said, it's actually not a compromise too far
0:35:49 > 0:35:51because the rest of the property was absolutely stunning.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55So this property... I actually think that it will probably be the one
0:35:55 > 0:36:00that draws us closer together and this is the one I can see us
0:36:00 > 0:36:01actually being a family.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I think for both of us different elements all come
0:36:04 > 0:36:08together in this house and make it a real strong contender.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10How are we doing?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- Just admiring the view. - Anybody been for a paddle yet?
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- Got your feet wet?- Yeah...no.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17I think this is a really interesting contender.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21I think it means we've given you three very viable options
0:36:21 > 0:36:25but I suspect there is a debate as to which are the favoured.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- Indeed.- As there would be with you two.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Right then, let's go think about it. Come on.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39'Sitting high above the River Medway is a fort that has played
0:36:39 > 0:36:41'a significant part in Kent's military
0:36:41 > 0:36:45'and maritime history for over 250 years.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49'Built in 1750, Fort Amherst is a formidable structure,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52'but it's true calling as a military defence came some two centuries
0:36:52 > 0:36:55'later during the Second World War.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57'To find out more about its intriguing history,
0:36:57 > 0:37:01'I'm meeting one of the fort's trustees, Martin Rogers.'
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Martin, this is a fabulous and somewhat sprawling complex
0:37:05 > 0:37:07but why is it so significant, why is it here?
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Following the Dutch raid in 1667,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12when the Dutch sailed up the Medway and attacked Chatham Dockyard,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15plans were put in place so that this would never happen again.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19A series of river and sea fortifications went in to
0:37:19 > 0:37:22protect the entrance to the Thames and the Medway.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26In that period the Empire was expanding dramatically
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and the Navy was the seat of that power.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33And Chatham was the premier shipbuilding dockyard.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36But the fort itself was never actually called upon to
0:37:36 > 0:37:38defend the dockyard. It was never attacked, was it?
0:37:38 > 0:37:40No, it wasn't, not in that period.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43There's clearly a lot to see above ground but looking at these
0:37:43 > 0:37:46tunnels and doorways, I suspect there's even more to see...
0:37:46 > 0:37:47below ground.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50We've carried out a lot of conservation work below ground.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55'The fort was called into service not during the Napoleonic wars it
0:37:55 > 0:37:57'was built for, but during the Second World War
0:37:57 > 0:37:59'when it housed the Home Guard.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04'Since the 1970s, a team of volunteers and trustees have been
0:38:04 > 0:38:06'slowly restoring it, section by section,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08'recreating its vital wartime role.'
0:38:12 > 0:38:17- Gosh. Oh!- Well, this is it. This is the heart of the civil defence.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Many people won't be familiar with the idea of a civil defence
0:38:19 > 0:38:22network, but during the Second World War they played a vital role,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25didn't they, in managing the civilian response,
0:38:25 > 0:38:26in particular to things like air raids?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Yes, they did, because the dockyard was very heavily bombed,
0:38:29 > 0:38:33and you can just see from the resources on these boards how
0:38:33 > 0:38:36they responded to a particular day in August 1940.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40The reports of the bombs...0900. Bomb damage. CAS, casualties?
0:38:40 > 0:38:45Casualties. Onslow Road in Stroud. And incident number ten.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48And here, the response to it from the National Fire Service,
0:38:48 > 0:38:55Auxiliary Fire Service, ARP rescue, demolition, gas decontamination!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Luckily, you will see that...- is blank.- ..they were not deployed on
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- that day.- There were no gas attacks. - Certainly all the others were.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06Isn't it strange that Amherst starts its life in the 1750s
0:39:06 > 0:39:09and doesn't really have a role? It's a grand statement but really
0:39:09 > 0:39:10not much more than that,
0:39:10 > 0:39:17and yet 200 years later in the 1940s it fulfils a very purposeful role.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Had the Germans breached our barriers,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22this was the last line of defence before the dockyard.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24But the men that designed this fort would have had no concept
0:39:24 > 0:39:26of aerial warfare, yet what they created
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- was the perfect bunker. - It certainly was. Yes.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34The volunteers have come a long way in terms of getting
0:39:34 > 0:39:36the fort's historical significance recognised
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and it's hoped it may attain World Heritage status.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41This would be a huge help in further restoring
0:39:41 > 0:39:44and developing this fascinating military site.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Well, as we reach the end of the programme, I am confident
0:39:51 > 0:39:55we have given Andrew and Janine three fantastic options
0:39:55 > 0:39:58but the trick with this house search has been getting both of them
0:39:58 > 0:40:01to agree on which one is going to be best, but I am assured they
0:40:01 > 0:40:06have now reached a decision and that apparently it's quite surprising.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- Hello. How are you two?- Yes.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19I gather that the planets may have lined up in your universe
0:40:19 > 0:40:23and there may be some form of agreement on one of our properties?
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Is this true?
0:40:24 > 0:40:28The mystery house, for both of us, really took our breath away.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31It wasn't what we expected at all.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33A few challenges in terms of how we'd use the space.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36The garden area for Francesca, how's she going to play?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40How would we rejig the decked area to make it work for us as a family?
0:40:40 > 0:40:46But I think, actually, that for us for now is the house we will go for.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- Really? So we have agreement on the mystery house?- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53As we walked around the mystery house...independently there was
0:40:53 > 0:40:57a meeting of minds which said, "This house really does it for everybody."
0:40:57 > 0:41:02And its location, I suppose, was the thing that really twisted your arms?
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Charing and its commutability and the facilities in the community
0:41:05 > 0:41:10it provides for you on your doorstep makes it very, very amenable.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Definitely. I think the whole reason for this move
0:41:12 > 0:41:15is because of Andrew and Francesca
0:41:15 > 0:41:19and the time they have is going back to actually, "Why are we moving?"
0:41:19 > 0:41:22As much as some of the houses are pretty,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24picture perfect houses, actually
0:41:24 > 0:41:27we need to get down to the reason for the move with Francesca -
0:41:27 > 0:41:31that driver has to be the commute, which is why the mystery house.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- So, what happens next? - I think for us,
0:41:33 > 0:41:35we don't know the area that well.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37It's not an area we had looked at on our search,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40so I think it's a case of going back round,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42taking Francesca back, just so she can have
0:41:42 > 0:41:45a little run around the house, to see practically what it's
0:41:45 > 0:41:48like with a little baby in the house and then we'll go from there.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Brilliant, guys. Well, very best of luck. It has been a really fun week.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53You're going to go back for a second look
0:41:53 > 0:41:56but if it doesn't work, there's always the barn conversion.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Indeed. And plenty to think on, so, thanks, guys. It's been really good.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- It has challenged and made us think absolutely what we want.- Brilliant.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06Our pleasure.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Well, what a roller-coaster it has been this week.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14She loved property one, he loved property two
0:42:14 > 0:42:18but finally it all came together in our mystery house. But why?
0:42:18 > 0:42:22I think it's all about attitude, and having the right attitude is
0:42:22 > 0:42:25exactly what Andrew and Janine have brought to this process.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29It demonstrates that knowing how to look at a property is often
0:42:29 > 0:42:32just as important as knowing what it is you're looking for.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Take each one on its own merits
0:42:35 > 0:42:38and hopefully you'll find your perfect dream home in the country.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Although Andrew and Janine loved the mystery house,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45they concluded it wasn't child-friendly enough.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Instead they put in an offer on the barn conversion which sadly
0:42:48 > 0:42:53was declined. They're continuing their search in the same area.