0:00:02 > 0:00:06500 years ago, the Lord Chamberlain handed over the London villages
0:00:06 > 0:00:08of Paddington and Chelsea to his king
0:00:08 > 0:00:11in exchange for this country estate.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Find out in which county he happily set up his new home
0:00:15 > 0:00:17in just a few moments.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Space is the theme of today's show,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40as we help a couple escape the claustrophobic commuter belt
0:00:40 > 0:00:43for the vast expanse of the countryside.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46One of our properties fails to hit the mark...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- It's a little smaller than I was expecting.- Yes.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51..but they're impressed by another.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52You both look a little overwhelmed.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Is that fair to say? - Overwhelmed is a good word, yes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56It's very difficult to take it all in.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Today, I'm in Hampshire and this is Mottisfont Abbey,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06originally a 12th-century Augustinian priory
0:01:06 > 0:01:09which Henry VIII gifted to Lord William Sandys
0:01:09 > 0:01:12when he abolished the monasteries in the 1530s.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Lord Sandys, like many other noble beneficiaries,
0:01:15 > 0:01:20then transformed his religious property into lavish dwellings
0:01:20 > 0:01:22and actually incorporated the nave
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and the church tower into his conversion.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28With the River Test running through the grounds,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31he certainly created a stunning rural retreat,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35which today remains a real gem in this county.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Hampshire is situated on the south coast of England
0:01:40 > 0:01:44and is surrounded by five counties, including Dorset and Wiltshire
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and West Sussex and Surrey.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52The county capital is the historic cathedral city of Winchester,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55which is packed with awe-inspiring architecture
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and is home to Winchester College,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00which claims to be the oldest continuously running school
0:02:00 > 0:02:02in the country.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05The countryside offers a variety of landscapes,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08from hilly downland to coastal heath.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Hampshire boasts two national parks,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13one of which is the New Forest.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Established as a royal hunting ground
0:02:15 > 0:02:18by William the Conqueror in the 11th century,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21it's famous for its own indigenous breed of pony.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25On the southern edge of the New Forest
0:02:25 > 0:02:27is the costal market town of Lymington,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30well-known as a sailing resort, with two large marinas.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The town itself is characterised by narrow cobbled streets
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and a range of Georgian buildings.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40It's this enchanting blend of coast and countryside
0:02:40 > 0:02:42that makes Hampshire an appealing destination
0:02:42 > 0:02:46for those looking for rural beauty in their surroundings.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53House buying in Hampshire comes at a price.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56The average cost of a detached property here
0:02:56 > 0:03:00is just shy of £350,000.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05That's around 90,000 above the national figure.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09There are more affordable options if you look beyond Winchester
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and New Forest locations, like Lymington or Lyndhurst.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15With that in mind, let's meet today's buyers.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Chris and Gillian currently live in a four-bedroom new build
0:03:20 > 0:03:22in Chalfont St Peter,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26in the heart of the London commuter belt in Buckinghamshire.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Chris has lived in the village all his life
0:03:28 > 0:03:30and Gillian for the last 20 years.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33But over that time, they've noticed a change.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36The area's becoming busier and busier
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and it's very easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses
0:03:39 > 0:03:40of how it was when I was a child,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43but it's not the village that I would like to be living in
0:03:43 > 0:03:45in the future.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46We've found that in commuter land,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49there's much, much more traffic now than there used to be,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51there's more people around.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Getting an appointment at the doctor
0:03:53 > 0:03:55is much more difficult than it used to be.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58So I think we're just looking forward to being more relaxed
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and living a slower pace of life
0:04:00 > 0:04:03which we're both ready for at this stage.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05They've been together for seven years
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and have two children each from previous relationships.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12With Chris having taken voluntary redundancy from his job
0:04:12 > 0:04:14as a financial services manager in London
0:04:14 > 0:04:16and Gillian's youngest daughter off to university,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18it's a chance to realise their dream.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I think ever since we've known each other,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23we've known that we would like to go and live in the country.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24I was certainly brought up in the country
0:04:24 > 0:04:26and have always wanted to go there
0:04:26 > 0:04:29but it's not been practical with family commitments
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and work commitments, but now is our opportunity.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Chris and Gillian previously owned a second home together
0:04:34 > 0:04:36on the Isle of Wight, which they've now sold
0:04:36 > 0:04:38to help finance this move
0:04:38 > 0:04:41and it's given them a taste of the country.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43When you look back at the TV programme The Good Life,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47we can see something in that, with growing our own things,
0:04:47 > 0:04:52chickens and I know somebody would like some other animals as well.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57But it would be very much home alone and self-sufficient.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59They've set their sights on Hampshire
0:04:59 > 0:05:02to begin this new chapter in their lives.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Hampshire's a very beautiful countryside, with the New Forest.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We've got Border collies and we do a lot of walking
0:05:08 > 0:05:12and I like the idea of being in a small village
0:05:12 > 0:05:14because they're very, very pretty
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and also it's accessible to the coast
0:05:16 > 0:05:19so, to me, Hampshire's got everything.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Gillian is a freelance musician
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and is keen to get involved in the local community.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29I play the piano and the cello and I accompany choirs,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31musical theatre companies,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I play the cello in amateur dramatics.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39I'd like to do more of that, I've found that I've done less recently.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Chris also has a range of hobbies that he wants to pursue,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45which includes gardening.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Photography is another one of my hobbies
0:05:47 > 0:05:51and I think I could enhance my skills and interest in it by,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54for example, joining a local camera club that I haven't been able to do
0:05:54 > 0:05:57while splitting time between two houses.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00But having divided their time between their main residence
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and their holiday home, this move is really a chance
0:06:03 > 0:06:06to bring everything together under one roof.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Our budget for the move is £800,000
0:06:08 > 0:06:11but we are willing to go a little above it
0:06:11 > 0:06:13if we find the perfect house.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Our buyers would like us to focus our property search
0:06:20 > 0:06:23in the southwest of the county, around the New Forest,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26so I'm joining them in Hampshire to go over the finer details
0:06:26 > 0:06:28of their proposed move.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- Hello, Gillian and Chris. - Hi.- Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- Welcome to sunny Hampshire. - Thank you.- Lovely to meet you.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Thank you very much.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38How are you going to approach finding this property?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Are you going to be very practical or do you want to go in
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and get a feeling about the place?
0:06:43 > 0:06:48We're quite chilled about what it looks like,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51it doesn't have to have character or special features.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It has to have space around it
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and we don't need to be in commuter land any more
0:06:57 > 0:07:00so that's really the drive of the countryside
0:07:00 > 0:07:02and having air around it.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Are there any deal breakers?
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Yes, it's got to be detached.- OK.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10We would very much like a view. That's almost a deal breaker.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15We would like a big reception room, big master bedroom, en-suite.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We have four daughters between us,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22all of whom have their own cars, so when they all descend upon us,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24there needs to be some parking space for them.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- So it must have sort of the four bedrooms...- Yes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- ..and some outside space.- Yes.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Are you both on the same page? - I think so, yes.- I think so.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I don't think there's any major differences and I think, yeah,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38we've very much in tune on what we're after.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Remind us of your budget.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Up to £800,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46However, if something ticked all of the boxes,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- we could probably find another pound or two.- Just a pound of two?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- Maybe up to another 50,000 on top of that.- OK.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Well, we have chosen three lovely properties to show you.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Let's get on with starting your new life.- Good.- Thank you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06For a maximum budget of £850,000,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Chris and Gillian would like a detached property
0:08:09 > 0:08:11with lots of space, both inside and out.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13It should have large reception rooms,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16four bedrooms for when the children come to stay
0:08:16 > 0:08:19and a large driveway to accommodate all their cars.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22They're not too fussy about age or style but would like a view,
0:08:22 > 0:08:23if possible.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28We've lined up a selection of stunning homes here in Hampshire
0:08:28 > 0:08:30for Chris and Gillian to view and at each one,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34I'll be asking them to guess the price at the end of the tour.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36And then there's our mystery house, which could give them
0:08:36 > 0:08:39a little bit more than they bargained for.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Are there any compromises that either of you are making
0:08:45 > 0:08:46for the other person?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I don't think they're really compromises, things have changed.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53I was very much wanting a house with a sea view
0:08:53 > 0:08:55which is what we got with the Isle of Wight
0:08:55 > 0:08:59so I'm prepared now to say I've been there, done that
0:08:59 > 0:09:03and now want something with a more rural setting and view.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07I think buying any house probably involves a level of compromise
0:09:07 > 0:09:10but we've very open-minded about this.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Maybe ask us at the end of the day. - THEY LAUGH
0:09:16 > 0:09:20For our first property, we're travelling to the village of Wellow
0:09:20 > 0:09:21on the edge of the New Forest.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Some people refer to East and West Wellow,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27but officially, it's just one village.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Services found here include a post office, a greengrocer
0:09:31 > 0:09:32and a butcher.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Our first house is a five-minute drive from the village,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38just inside the boundary of the New Forest National Park.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- So this is your house number one. - Great, it's really pretty, isn't it?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- Yeah, very nice. - And it's in a lovely spot.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- Lots of open spaces around you here. - Brilliant.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- And look at your driveway.- Well, that will take some cars, won't it?
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Yeah. And detached for you, of course.- Thank you.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58What are your first impressions?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Very nice. Nice setting, very quiet.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Does this feel rural enough for you?
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Is this what you had in mind?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Yeah, I think so. It's... Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Nice and open, airy, fields, quiet.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- Yeah.- Lots of open spaces.- Yeah.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17There's actually plenty to see inside. Let's get going.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Excellent.- Thank you.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22The setting of our first property gets the thumbs up.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26It's a traditional New Forest brick cottage built in the early 1900s.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29And the ground floor should give Chris and Gillian
0:10:29 > 0:10:30the inside space they crave.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Wow.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40So this is one of two reception areas,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43the sitting room and the dining room.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46And the other side of the house has another reception room,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50again with a fireplace, with a dining area and a sitting area.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55And then you've got the conservatory which was put on fairly recently.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Fabulous, it's a really nice room, isn't it?
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Yes. It flows very well. It's nice and light.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03So is this what you were talking about when you said,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- "We want space inside and outside?" - Yes. Yes.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I actually think it works really well
0:11:08 > 0:11:10because each bit of it isn't huge
0:11:10 > 0:11:13but it adds up to a really big space,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16so it's the kind of place that would accommodate just the two of us
0:11:16 > 0:11:20or when the whole family is around, which is seven-plus.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24A working fire, I can imagine on a winter's night,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27a log roaring away there.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28Yeah, very much, it just...
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- It just works and it looks nice. - Shall we go and see the kitchen?
0:11:34 > 0:11:35Please.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- This would be your kitchen. - Oh, it's got a range.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It's got a range, well spotted.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50We've not really talked about what you wanted from a kitchen,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Gillian, but do tell us. - That would be my dream.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54I mean, that is really, really nice.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It's a real cosy sort of country kitchen, isn't it?
0:11:57 > 0:12:01If I was to be critical, it's probably slightly smaller
0:12:01 > 0:12:04than we would like in an ideal world but it's a lovely kitchen.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It's much, much more spacious than it looks from outside, isn't it?
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- The whole house, yes.- Shall we go upstairs?- Please.- Thank you.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I'll let you lead the way.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18It's all going well so far and the ground floor also features
0:12:18 > 0:12:23a utility room, shower room and a second conservatory.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Whereas downstairs has benefited from a side extension
0:12:26 > 0:12:30and those conservatories at the back, the upstairs is more compact.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32There are four bedrooms,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36two doubles and two smaller singles overlooking the garden.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39They're all serviced by one family bathroom.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46So this is one of two double bedrooms you would be able to
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- choose from to create your master bedroom.- Is there an en-suite?
0:12:50 > 0:12:51There is no en-suite.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- Is that something that would be an absolute deal breaker?- Not really.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59It'd be great if there was one.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02But I think, if there wasn't an en-suite, we'd want
0:13:02 > 0:13:05quite a big family bathroom cos there potentially would be a lot of us to use it.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07So you've got four bedrooms here,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- which was your minimum requirement...- Yep, that's perfect.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12..but are two doubles and two singles enough?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Is that big enough for you?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Putting me on the spot now, I think the upstairs is a bit too small.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- But the downstairs is lovely. - It is absolutely fantastic.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- And that sort of size for downstairs would be...- Would be perfect.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24..absolutely ideal.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28If the space upstairs is a concern for Chris and Gillian,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30there are options outside.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34This extensive garage outbuilding also contains a utility room
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and office. A man-shed for Chris, perhaps?
0:13:37 > 0:13:40In addition to the spacious driveway at the front,
0:13:40 > 0:13:44the grounds to the rear include a terraced patio, formal lawn,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47a further entertaining space and two paddocks.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- A sizable garden, I think you'd agree.- Yes.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54There's quite a lot of bits to it,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57so this is obviously the main part of the garden.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01The garden goes right to the oak tree at the bottom.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- You're absolutely right.- Wow. Very nice.- I think it's fantastic.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Now it's time for the tough question.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11What is it on the market for?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- £775,000.- OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- What about you, Gillian? - I think it's a little more than that
0:14:16 > 0:14:18cos the location is absolutely fantastic
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and the amount of garden...
0:14:21 > 0:14:23So I'm going to say 825,000.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25What a perfect married couple.
0:14:25 > 0:14:32- Smack bang in the middle, this house is on the market for £800,000.- OK.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- That's interesting. - Very interesting.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- What do you think about that?- We weren't a million miles apart.- No.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- You look like you are dying to go and have another look around.- Yes.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43You want to see the rest of the garden and the inside.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- Yes. Please.- Thank you.- I'll let you do that and I'll meet you in a bit.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- OK, thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56On the market at £800,000, our first property is bang on budget.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00It's a traditional detached cottage, built from New Forest red brick.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03The downstairs accommodation includes spacious entertaining areas
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and two conservatories.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08It comes with four bedrooms, two of which are doubles, and the
0:15:08 > 0:15:13grounds include a spacious driveway, large outbuilding and paddocks.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15And it's located close to a popular village
0:15:15 > 0:15:18just inside the New Forest National Park.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's a pretty cottage in a nice setting
0:15:22 > 0:15:24and I was very pleased with what we saw.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I think the main issue was that two of the bedrooms were really
0:15:28 > 0:15:32just singles and the family bathroom was probably slightly smaller
0:15:32 > 0:15:33than we would have wanted.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It's got a really nice flow to it, this house,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38and a lovely warm atmosphere.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42I think the reception rooms downstairs are really special...
0:15:42 > 0:15:44but for me, I want a big bedroom.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Did you have a good look around? - Thank you, we did, yes. Lovely.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- Did you explore my man-shed idea a bit more?- I did.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- Forget the house, I'll buy the man-shed. Perfect.- Good to hear.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- On to house two.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Sitting on the banks of the River Test
0:16:09 > 0:16:13in the north of the county is the historic town of Whitchurch.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16The river is a clue to the town's industrial past
0:16:16 > 0:16:17because Whitchurch is home
0:16:17 > 0:16:20to Britain's oldest operational silk mill,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23built around the year 1815.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24Today, it's a working museum,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28weaving bespoke silk products using 19th-century machinery.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Over the years, the mill has supplied a range of products,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35from the linings of legal gowns to silk for insulating copper cables
0:16:35 > 0:16:38during the Second World War.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Since Chris and Gillian are keen to soak up Hampshire's heritage,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45we sent them to try their hand at winding silk the traditional way.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47They're meeting Marie Page,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51who first started working at the factory when she was 16.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54The raw silk is imported from China, just as it was
0:16:54 > 0:16:56when the factory first opened.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59The skein, or thread of silk, has already been dyed
0:16:59 > 0:17:02and is now ready to be wound onto bobbins.
0:17:04 > 0:17:05This is a skein of silk.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Is that... How many threads of silk are there?
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- This is one continuous length of thread.- It's very soft.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19Yes, it is, isn't it? Because it's had the gum taken out,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22the natural gum that was in it when it was in a raw state
0:17:22 > 0:17:26and it's had the gum... been de-gummed and dyed.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28I think I'd like to have hair like this.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Yes, it'd be lovely, wouldn't it?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- And that long.- Yes.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Anyway, what we do is...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39This is called a swift
0:17:39 > 0:17:43and we put the skein onto the swift, like so.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I've put the skein onto the swift
0:17:48 > 0:17:52and the end of the skein
0:17:52 > 0:17:56is tied to one of these strings here.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57There's the end.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- So that's the end, that's the bit you attach to the bobbin?- Yeah.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04And then you wind it round onto the bobbin, over the top...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10..so it winds on that way, like so.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Now it's Chris and Gillian's turn to have a go at winding.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18What if it goes wrong?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Well, if it goes wrong...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24..it could end up like this, but I'm sure it won't.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30In the 19th century, at its height, the mill employed around 80 workers.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Some were children as young as 12 and, like mills across the country,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37hours were long and working conditions were tough.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Life in the mill is very different today and with Marie's help,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46our buyers are finally getting the hang of it.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Magic.- There we go.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- That's fascinating. - And very difficult.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56This winding frame is possibly about 1950s
0:18:56 > 0:19:02so it's still been wound like this for, I guess, hundreds of years.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06After winding, the threads of the individual bobbins
0:19:06 > 0:19:08are arranged lengthways by a machine
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and made into a warp in preparation for weaving.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Some of the looms in the weaving shed
0:19:14 > 0:19:16are more than 100 years old.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- This is a power loom...- Right. - ..which you'll see running today.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23So tell us about all these.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Each single warp thread coming off the back of the loom
0:19:28 > 0:19:31is threaded through an individual eye
0:19:31 > 0:19:35and then it comes through the reed and then it's woven.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37If we get our ear defenders on,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I'll put the loom on and you can see it running.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Today, the working museum produces customised fabrics for clients,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58including modern fashion designers and historic homes.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Now let's see if we can weave our magic and find Chris and Gillian
0:20:02 > 0:20:03a new home in the county.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15For the second house of the day, we're travelling to the other side
0:20:15 > 0:20:19of the national park and to the hamlet of North Gorley.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23The pretty and peaceful New Forest hamlet has a 17th-century inn,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27which was once a royal hunting lodge and a popular tearoom.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30House number two is situated in a conservation area
0:20:30 > 0:20:32on the edge of the hamlet.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- So welcome to house number two. - Great.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36Gosh, that's fantastic.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- I like it.- I like it. - THEY LAUGH
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Wow.- That's really nice. - That is very nice.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- Big driveway, Chris.- Loads of cars. - Just as you asked for.- Thank you.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- A double garage.- Absolutely.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51So, this much parking is OK for you?
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Yeah, I think this will do. Can we go in?- Go on, then.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Chris is eager to get inside our impressive second property,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04which was built in the 1930s and renovated 20 years ago.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11So this really would be your main living room, I think.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13And what I love about this room
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- is the 180-degree views of your outside.- Yep, I like the...
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- What do you call that? A triple aspect, I like that.- Perfect.- Yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- And a well-used log burning stove. - Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- It's a little smaller than I was expecting.- Yes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32The house looks so much bigger from outside
0:21:32 > 0:21:36but this room is smaller than I expected.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- It's still very nice, it's got a nice homey atmosphere.- Yes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42There are two further reception rooms downstairs,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45a formal dining space and a study area
0:21:45 > 0:21:47that could make an excellent snug.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53While I kind of picture your family chilling out in the living room,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57I think this could be the heart of your household,
0:21:57 > 0:21:58where everyone gathers.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- This is a nice room, isn't it? - This is what I call a kitchen.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Now, size-wise, is this a little better for you?- This is great.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08This is a really nice size because it's not too big
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- but it's certainly not small.- Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11And you have a utility room,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14quite a sizable utility room just through there.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- I like the island, as well.- Yes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Yeah, I like islands to chop vegetables and things.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- I've never had one but I think it's something I would like to have.- Yes.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25And the size, it doesn't...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Very often, the island will make the rest of the kitchen look small
0:22:27 > 0:22:29but this doesn't do it to it, so it's nice.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31No, it's a nice sized island.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34So do you think the kitchen matches more what you thought
0:22:34 > 0:22:35the house might look like from the outside?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Chris and Gillian thought the upstairs of our first property
0:22:41 > 0:22:45was on the small side but this house has four spacious bedrooms.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Two are large doubles and there are two smaller rooms
0:22:48 > 0:22:51as well as family bathrooms and a separate shower room
0:22:51 > 0:22:53for when they have a full house.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Oh, this is a nice room. - This is your master bedroom...
0:23:01 > 0:23:03..suite, I'm going to call it.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- That's a very nice room, isn't it? - Yes.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Because you have this lovely dressing area here
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and an en-suite, Gillian, as you requested.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Thank you, yes.- Wow, this is nice.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18This is the sort of size room, again, that we would be looking for.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21A bit more what you had in mind?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Totally what we had in mind.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25That's good, I love that word, totally.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- I love the size of that grin, too. - Yeah. No, this is...
0:23:29 > 0:23:31What's the saying? Light and airy.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Yes, it is.- Well, let's go show you that garden that you want to see.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- OK.- Thank you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42The back garden has been terraced and is mainly laid to lawn,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44with plenty of trees and shrubs.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48And finally, we have the garden.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Very nice.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53With your beautiful views out onto the New Forest.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Fantastic views from here. - They are nice, aren't they?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Like the fruit trees.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00On a slope but manageable.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05How much is the house and garden on the market for?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Gillian, I'm going to come to you first.- I thought it might be me.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12I think 735,000.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14What about you, Chris?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16£700,000, exactly.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I wonder whether those guesses reflect how you feel
0:24:22 > 0:24:25about the property, I'm not quite sure as yet.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29The house is actually on the market for £815,000.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Gosh.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35So, you're both a little out, I'd say.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Which I was going to say leaves you spare change
0:24:39 > 0:24:41to put your own stamp on it,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44make all the changes that you might want, to make it your own.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Yes, that's a big surprise.
0:24:49 > 0:24:55I think, to put our own stamp on it would cost quite a lot of money
0:24:55 > 0:24:58and I think there's work to do in the garden
0:24:58 > 0:25:00to clear the back bit here.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04But I think probably where we've gone wrong is the location.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I wasn't quite sure what the impact of the different side
0:25:06 > 0:25:08of the New Forest made.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Do you want to have another look around?- Yes, please.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Thank you, that'd be lovely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Priced at £815,000,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22our second house is still within Chris and Gillian's maximum budget.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26It's an impressive 1930s family home with four large bedrooms.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Downstairs there are three reception rooms as well as a spacious kitchen.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It has a large driveway and a sloped garden
0:25:33 > 0:25:35with views of the New Forest.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40This has to be the his and hers office.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41The piano wouldn't work in here
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- because of the log burner making it too hot.- Yeah.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- But there's plenty of room for two desks.- Definitely.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48And views over the garden.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I think, coming into the house,
0:25:50 > 0:25:55I was surprised at the size of the main sitting room, the living room.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58It was much smaller than I anticipated it would be,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01given the external size of the house.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05The sitting room is a little smaller than I was looking for,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09but I think the house has the most enormous potential.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Upstairs, the master bedroom and en-suite
0:26:11 > 0:26:15are just the size we've been looking for, so really impressed with that
0:26:15 > 0:26:17and all the other rooms seem to be big, as well.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's one that I feel I definitely need to sleep on.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I am still shocked at the huge gap between their guesses
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and the actual price of this house.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27- Hello, guys.- Hi.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Did you have a good look around? - We did, thank you very much.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- Shall we go and digest what we've seen today?- Right.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's the second day of our property search here in Hampshire
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and on a maximum budget of £850,000,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55we're helping Chris and Gillian swap the commuter belt of Buckinghamshire
0:26:55 > 0:26:57for the peace of the south coast.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Coming up, our mystery house leaves them struggling for words...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- It's just stunning. It really is. - It's difficult to take it all in.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06This is fantastic.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10..and I help rein in some of the county's much-loved locals.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15I think yesterday was a real eye-opener.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18As well as giving Chris and Gillian a reality check
0:27:18 > 0:27:21about how much a property can cost in Hampshire,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25it also allowed us to fully understand what they're after.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28They like the downstairs of house number one
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and the upstairs of house number two.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33So, will the mystery house provide them
0:27:33 > 0:27:35with the perfect all-round package?
0:27:35 > 0:27:41Well, on paper, it could just tick all their boxes, even though I think
0:27:41 > 0:27:45it's a property they would have never considered all on their own.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Our mystery property is a hop over the border into Dorset
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and to the small village of Woodlands.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Nearby Cranborne is the best bet for shops and services
0:27:56 > 0:28:00and was known as Chaseborough in the novels of Thomas Hardy.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05The village has two pubs, a local store and a post office.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06Before we reach our mystery house,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10we're making a stop at one of Dorset's most unusual structures
0:28:10 > 0:28:12to get a better sense of our surroundings.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16So I don't know whether you've noticed,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19but we've actually crossed the border into Dorset.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23We are half an hour away from the New Forest, where we were yesterday.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26The reason why I've brought you here,
0:28:26 > 0:28:30this tower, Horton Tower, it's a classic example of a folly.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35It was once said to be the tallest non-religious building in Britain.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40Apparently, from the top you can see the Isle of Wight.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42How ironic.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45And also, we can see the mystery house,
0:28:45 > 0:28:47which I'm very, very keen to show you.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- So let's go.- OK. - Looking forward to it.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And our mystery house is just a five-minute drive away,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56located on quiet country lane.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Chris and Gillian wanted space, and lots of it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Heading over the border into East Dorset,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04where average detached prices are lower than in the New Forest,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07should give them more house for their money.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08But the question remains
0:29:08 > 0:29:12whether our mystery property might be just a bit too much for them.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- My goodness.- Oh, wow.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Is it all of that?
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- This is your mystery house.- Gosh.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22It looks stunning.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25It's a bit greedy, isn't it?
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Well, this is the reason it's a mystery.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33I know for most of the year it's just going to be the two of you.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34Yeah.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37And that's why I'm not sure that you would have ever considered this,
0:29:37 > 0:29:43because, in fact, this property is double the size of house number two.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- My word.- Well, we can cope with that.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- THEY LAUGH - You were converted quick!
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It's actually... They used to be stables belonging to the
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Earl of Shaftesbury. They were built in the mid 19th century.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- Let's go and see this huge space. - Thank you.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Our enormous mystery house
0:30:04 > 0:30:06has made a good first impression on our buyers,
0:30:06 > 0:30:11but the property may require a bit of work, to the exterior at least.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15You get an immediate sense of its size from the grand entrance hall.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19In total, there's 3,000 square feet of living space on offer here.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24Unlike our first two houses, the interior of this one is open-plan.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28And this, really, I think, would be your main hub,
0:30:28 > 0:30:30your main living area.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32It's massive, isn't it?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- I think you're going to be saying that a lot.- Am I? OK.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- I'll find a different word. - No, no, no.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41It is really, really open-plan living down here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Basically the whole downstairs is pretty open, not many doors.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49But if you did need a private area, just to the end there,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52there is a room with a door that you could use as a study.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55The current tenants are using it as a bedroom
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but it would, I think, make the perfect study area for you.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Might get lost on the way.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05But how do you feel about this kind of living?
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Well...just, yeah, brilliant.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I can't take it in. It's light, it's airy, it's the space we want.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Gillian, can you see yourself in here?- Oh, yes, I can.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17I've never seen anything like it. I think it's wonderful.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- And I know you've already spotted... - I have.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21..that kitchen. Shall we go and soak it all up?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Oh, I do hope this isn't too small for you(!)
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- I think we might be able to fit in it.- I think it's wonderful.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- It's rare I'm silenced. - A huge country kitchen.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46It's fantastic, I could absolutely see us in here.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Even though it's very big and you can't hide that, it's not
0:31:50 > 0:31:54such a size that two people would rattle around and get lost in it.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Shall we see what the upstairs has to offer?
0:31:56 > 0:31:57Yes.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02The house has four double bedrooms.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05One of those is being used as a study and another
0:32:05 > 0:32:10has a quirky add-on, a roll top bath actually in the bedroom itself.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13There's also a good-sized family bathroom.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15And finally, the master suite.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Oh, that's lovely, isn't it? - Oh, wow.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27- That's really special, isn't it? - Yes. Fantastic.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- This is actually one of four double bedrooms in the property.- OK.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34The one that we've just passed, which is just next door,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38if you didn't need it all year round for guests, I really think would
0:32:38 > 0:32:42make a fantastic sort of separate walk-in wardrobe dressing area.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46How do you feel about the beam and the character of this room?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- It's just stunning. It really is. - It's difficult to take it all in.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51This is fantastic.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55The master also has the all-important en-suite for Gillian,
0:32:55 > 0:32:57but this one is a little unusual.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Oh, my word!
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- That's...different.- Different.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- Well...- That's really fun, isn't it?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- His and hers bath.- Yes, that's fun.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- I like that very much. - It's brilliant.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18You both look a little overwhelmed. Is that fair to say?
0:33:18 > 0:33:19I think that's a good word, yes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21It's very difficult to take it all in.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26I was worried we'd given Chris and Gillian too much house,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29but they seem more than comfortable with the idea
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and the whole space theme continues outside in the garden,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35which is enclosed and largely laid to lawn.
0:33:35 > 0:33:41There's also a detached six-car garage block at the front.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44The whole plot, actually, is just over an acre,
0:33:44 > 0:33:45so that's how much land you would have.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47There's room for chickens, as well.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52So you've seen the mystery house. How do you feel about it?
0:33:52 > 0:33:54It's the closest thing to perfection.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57I think certainly far better for us
0:33:57 > 0:33:59than the other two houses you showed us.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Gillian, how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:34:04 > 0:34:09Well, I think it's over budget. I think it's on at £860,000.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I think, actually, fractionally under budget.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- OK.- £835,000.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18It's actually...
0:34:18 > 0:34:20somewhere in the middle.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25This house is on the market for £849,950.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30- So that's very interesting, isn't it?- Yes. That's food for thought.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Would you like some time to walk around and I'll come and meet you in a bit?
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- Take your time, of course. - Thank you.- Will do.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45On the market at just shy of £850,000,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49our mystery house is at the top end of Chris and Gillian's budget.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52It's a large barn-style home, formally a stable block,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54built in the 19th century.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57The house has four double bedrooms and an en-suite
0:34:57 > 0:34:58with a his and her bath.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Downstairs, there are three large reception rooms,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03including a grand entrance hall.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06There's also a spacious kitchen and breakfast room
0:35:06 > 0:35:08and a six-car garage block in the grounds.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10There were a number of winning features,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13but I guess if I were to put it down to two winning features,
0:35:13 > 0:35:15it's the size of the downstairs sitting rooms,
0:35:15 > 0:35:20and we always said we wanted a nice large sitting room,
0:35:20 > 0:35:25and the size of the master bedroom, with a very interesting en-suite.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29The biggest positive for me is the kitchen and the main sitting room.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I think that area works really well.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34I think there's lots of work that needs doing.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I think the windows, a lot of them are single-glazed
0:35:37 > 0:35:40so they would need to be replaced.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43I think Gillian's on a very similar page to me.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45She's probably going to be slightly more cautious
0:35:45 > 0:35:48about the amount of money it's going to take to do things,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51but I think this has got under her skin as well.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- Excited?- Very excited.- So am I.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00I definitely want to hear more of your thoughts, but not here.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01- Come with me.- OK.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13One of Hampshire's biggest draws is the New Forest National Park.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Over 500 square kilometres of heathland and ancient woodland.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22One of its most iconic residents is an indigenous breed of pony,
0:36:22 > 0:36:24aptly named the New Forest pony
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and today, there are around 4,000 of them.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Although they're free to roam, these ponies are owned by Commoners,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34people who have a centuries-old right to put them out to graze
0:36:34 > 0:36:36in return for a fee.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I've come to meet one of these Commoners, whose family have been
0:36:40 > 0:36:44breeding New Forest ponies for generations, farmer James Young.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- James, hello.- Hi, nice to meet you.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50Nice to meet you.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Tell us about the ponies.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55The New Forest ponies have been around in the forest,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57they're mentioned in the Domesday Book.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00My family ran the oldest established herd in the forest.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04My great-great-great-grandmother brought eight mares with her
0:37:04 > 0:37:08as a dowry, as a wedding dowry, and our current ponies descend
0:37:08 > 0:37:11directly from those ponies that came all those years ago.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15And tell us more about being part of a Commoning family,
0:37:15 > 0:37:16what that entails.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21Well, I think any job working with animals is very much a 24-7.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23You tend to live by the seasons.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26We're getting to the time of year now, in the autumn,
0:37:26 > 0:37:27where we have the annual round-ups
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and the foals are got in and some are kept and some are sold.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34There's a lot of management issues with the ponies, worming them,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37putting collars on, just general tending to them
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and care and management.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43The round-up is known as a drift and James and his colleagues
0:37:43 > 0:37:47are in the process of gathering their herd for the annual check-up.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50Over the centuries,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54the New Forest pony has adapted to life in this unique environment.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57It's light and sure-footed so it can move through the scrub
0:37:57 > 0:38:00and it's hardy to cope with the tough winter.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Although they appear quiet, the ponies are semi-feral
0:38:04 > 0:38:08and rounding them up requires skill and years of practice.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- If you could pass me the collar, that would be great, please.- OK.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14So what's the collar for?
0:38:14 > 0:38:17It's a luminous collar and the aim of it is to prevent,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19or reduce, anyway, road accidents.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23The idea being that, particularly with a pony
0:38:23 > 0:38:25that's a single whole black colour like this,
0:38:25 > 0:38:30motorists will see the collar and avoid hitting the pony,
0:38:30 > 0:38:35because that's one of the worst problems with ponies on the forest,
0:38:35 > 0:38:36are the accidents.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39So tell us what else you do on these health checks.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Well, really you're just wanting to make sure that the pony is OK
0:38:42 > 0:38:45to survive the next 12 months, particularly the winter.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47In this mare's case, she's in good condition.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50We're going to wean the foal shortly before she goes back to forest
0:38:50 > 0:38:54because she isn't going to be able to maintain bodily condition
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- while suckling a foal during the winter.- Right.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00So the foal is going to be weaned and we'll need to get that in
0:39:00 > 0:39:03and look after it for this first winter
0:39:03 > 0:39:06because the first winter is the most important for them.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08The ponies provide a natural cutting function
0:39:08 > 0:39:11and are vital in maintaining the balance in the forest,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13feeding on the brambles and gorse
0:39:13 > 0:39:15that would otherwise become overgrown.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Approaching the ponies isn't encouraged.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Do people know how to deal with them?
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Because, of course, they are wild.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Well, sadly, they don't and some misguided people tend to feed
0:39:25 > 0:39:28the ponies and then the ponies get to expect food so that
0:39:28 > 0:39:31when the next lot come along and don't feed them,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33it can cause problems, which is why we're so particular
0:39:33 > 0:39:37about asking visitors and tourists to the forest not to feed the ponies.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I'm going to let you finish off your health check.- Thank you very much.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Thank you so much, it's been an absolute pleasure to meet you
0:39:42 > 0:39:44and your ponies.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Thank you very much.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47Whilst it no longer provides a living,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50the right to graze ponies is still being practised by people,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53like James, because it's a traditional way of life.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Without it, the forest would be a very different place.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04When we left the mystery house, I think it's safe to say
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Chris was very much sold on the property.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08It's time to find out
0:40:08 > 0:40:12if a more cautious Gillian is now ready to take the big leap, too.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23So, Gillian and Chris, after two days of house hunting with us,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25what next?
0:40:25 > 0:40:31Well, I think it's fairly easy that we, with regrets,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33have to dismiss the first two houses.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37They both had lots of things we liked but not enough for us
0:40:37 > 0:40:39to take it to the next stage.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44However, I think we're fairly agreed that today, the third house,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47the mystery house, has a lot of mileage
0:40:47 > 0:40:49and needs some more investigation.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Yes, I could see my family enjoying Christmas there.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I think I've already put the Christmas tree in place.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- Let me guess, in the hallway? - That's it.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58So I think we'd like to do a second viewing
0:40:58 > 0:41:00and perhaps take it from there.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Do you think you've had a bit of a reality check about how far
0:41:04 > 0:41:07your money would go in a county like Hampshire?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Yes, I think it was clear yesterday,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12when we were in and around the New Forest that whilst our budget,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16in our view, is very healthy, it was probably not quite enough
0:41:16 > 0:41:19to achieve what we want, whereas moving out of the area
0:41:19 > 0:41:24only by a small margin, we get much more for our money.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26It's very, very beautiful around here as well,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28so it doesn't even feel like a compromise.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Would you consider an offer on the mystery house?
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Subject to a second look around and another look at the area,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38yes, I would like to think we'd put an offer in on that house.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- Would you be comfortable with that, Gillian?- Yes, I would. Yes.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So you both are still on the same page.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- We said that from the beginning! - Yeah, absolutely.- Very much so.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- Yeah.- And will you let us know how that all goes?- Of course.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52You've been brilliant company.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We've had great fun, thank you very much indeed.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06I'm so pleased that Chris and Gillian are seriously considering
0:42:06 > 0:42:09an offer on the mystery house.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Truth be told, I would have been a little disappointed
0:42:11 > 0:42:14if they hadn't, because I honestly believe it has everything
0:42:14 > 0:42:18they say they want, and that's why I'm genuinely intrigued
0:42:18 > 0:42:21about where their next move will take them.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23If they do end up in Hampshire,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27they may have to reassess their wish list.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Until next time, goodbye.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Reluctantly, Chris and Gillian decided that the mystery house
0:42:34 > 0:42:38was going to be too much of a project for them, but they are now
0:42:38 > 0:42:41looking at properties in Dorset.