0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to a very special edition,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06where we'll showcase the very best of what one county has to offer
0:00:06 > 0:00:09by following not one, but two sets of couples
0:00:09 > 0:00:11who wish to up sticks and move there.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14We've got six properties lined up for our two sets of buyers,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and for you at home, we've also got some hints
0:00:17 > 0:00:19and tips about planning your own escape.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23Now, this particular county is home to the newest
0:00:23 > 0:00:25national park in the country.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28If you'd like to find out where, join us in a couple of moments.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47On today's show, I'm helping two urbanites
0:00:47 > 0:00:50flee the congested streets of London
0:00:50 > 0:00:52for the quiet calm of a coastal county.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55The countryside has a liberating effect on our buyers.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- It'd be like being on holiday, wouldn't it?- That's the idea!
0:00:58 > 0:01:02And I'll be helping a couple who want to quit the commuter belt
0:01:02 > 0:01:05to begin a new life in a county they've come to love,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09and they're surprised by the amount of space on offer.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Ah! So it doesn't stop just there?
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- No.- Right over there.- Yeah.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Today we are heading south to the sunny climes of West Sussex,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23which, since 2010, is home to the South Downs National Park.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24Plus, on top of that,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27you've got some wonderful beaches along the south coast.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Let's take a look at what else this fantastic county has to offer.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36West Sussex is bordered by Surrey to the north,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Hampshire to the west, and East Sussex.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Its 40 miles of coastline with sheltered beaches
0:01:42 > 0:01:44and expansive views over the English Channel
0:01:44 > 0:01:48give way to miles of lush chalk downs and ancient woodland.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51The gentle rolling hills of the Sussex Downs is
0:01:51 > 0:01:54a tract of outstanding natural beauty,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57where a grassy blanket covers chalk and flint,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59nature's building materials,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01used in much of the local architecture.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04So, whether you're looking for tranquil, sleepy countryside,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07or the quiet seclusion of the coast,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10West Sussex is a county that has it all.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14So, Alistair, I know you live in East Sussex,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17but you must pop over the border to the west a lot?
0:02:17 > 0:02:19I have ventured over, yes. Got my passport out!
0:02:19 > 0:02:22It's a beautiful county, but it is expensive.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23Hands up, I have to say, it is
0:02:23 > 0:02:26one of the pricier counties in the country.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30I think the average figure for a detached house is 376,000,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32which is 100,000 over the national figure.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34I'm putting on my property hat.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36When you look at other areas of the county,
0:02:36 > 0:02:37it can get even more expensive.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40I mean, this proximity to London really comes into play
0:02:40 > 0:02:42when you look at places like Horsham,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45some, what, 35% premium you'll pay just to live there.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46Well, you can hop up on the train.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49But it has this double polarity. You've got London, but also
0:02:49 > 0:02:50the south coast and Brighton -
0:02:50 > 0:02:54although it's not in West Sussex, it does drive up the prices there.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57I would give a tip - if you're thinking of being by the seaside,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- which, of course, is a big draw, Shoreham-by-Sea.- Why?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It's a little bit further along the coast from Brighton,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05but still has that sort of magnetism in terms of prices,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08but you've got to get in quick, because the prices are going up.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11So, in order to move things on, let's talk about your buyers.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- Where are they coming from? - My buyers are coming from London.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They're escaping Harrow for a little slice of West Sussex.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19But before we do that, let's find out what's drawing my buyers
0:03:19 > 0:03:21to this particular part of the country.
0:03:21 > 0:03:2620 years ago, Peter and Jill bought this four-bedroom Edwardian semi
0:03:26 > 0:03:29in the London commuter town of Weybridge.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30With their busy consultancy careers,
0:03:30 > 0:03:35it was perfectly located for transport links to London and abroad.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39But having semi-retired, they're cutting those city ties
0:03:39 > 0:03:41and looking for a new home in the country.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43The time is right.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We're both coming up to that sort of formal retirement age,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50as it were, and we'd like to do it in another location.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52I think it's quite good to change occasionally.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Although they're fairly open-minded about the kind of property
0:03:55 > 0:03:59they're looking for, they do still have a few essentials.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Peter actually has an allotment,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04which can be accessed directly from our own property,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06which is brilliant, because it's like having
0:04:06 > 0:04:10your own vegetable garden outside your garden.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14So I think we probably want to have at least that when we move.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And also a view. I think a view is important.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20As well as a veggie plot with a view,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24there's an indoor space that's also a must for Peter.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27A study in the new house is very important.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32Currently trying to get a Master of Arts degree in modern history,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36and I need the space and quiet to study and think.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42I really couldn't envisage a house without that kind of quiet space.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45So, what have they got to spend on a country home in West Sussex?
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Our budget for this move is £850,000.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'Peter and Jill particularly like the south-west of the county,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56'and as they have friends in Chichester
0:04:56 > 0:04:58'who they'd like to be close to,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01'we're focusing our search within half an hour's drive of the city.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04'I'm meeting up with them to find out more about their move.'
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- Good morning, both of you.- Hello. - Good morning, Jeremy.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Rather damp start to the day, but I'm hoping it's going to brighten up.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16Now, it's quite a big move. So why now? It's...retirement-based?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Yes, we're both semi-retired,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and we thought we'd better move before we get too old,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and it's a change of location more than a change of lifestyle.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26Why this location?
0:05:26 > 0:05:31Because it's lovely, it's nearer the sea, it's tranquil,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33and three lovely cricket grounds within easy reach.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Now you're talking! THEY LAUGH
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Now you are talking!
0:05:37 > 0:05:41The properties themselves, what are must-haves?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46I think must-haves are a good-sized kitchen, for me,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49and a separate utility room, because I've never had one.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52OK. And this kitchen, it's a dining kitchen?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54It could be, but we would like a dining room.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56We tend to entertain friends quite a lot,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58and I think if we're away from London,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00that would probably be even more so,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02so we'd like to have somewhere separate to eat.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Are you expecting to put friends up overnight
0:06:05 > 0:06:06who are coming down for dinner?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Yes, we would be, down here. - So let's talk about bedrooms.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- It's a minimum of three, probably four.- OK.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15Any favoured styles?
0:06:15 > 0:06:20I think you could describe our requirements as characterful
0:06:20 > 0:06:22but without being eccentric.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27OK! Well, what about throwing in some converted churches or barns
0:06:27 > 0:06:30or anything like that? I mean, that's pretty quirky, I know.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31We've looked at a couple of barns
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- and they seem to pinch out at the top, and you lose room.- Yes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39So generally, barn conversions, probably not.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41You sound like you know what you want to an extent,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45but you're prepared to be wowed by something different.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- Definitely.- Yeah! - Is that a fair assumption?
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- Yeah, I think that's a fair summary.- OK.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50It's going to be an exciting couple of days.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54We've got a really healthy budget and a beautiful part of the world,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57so let's finish these cups of tea and coffee and get started.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58- Right.- OK.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04With a generous budget of £850,000, Jill and Peter would like a spacious,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08characterful home, with a large kitchen and a separate dining room.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12They'd like a study for history buff Peter, a utility room,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14and a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Outside, they're hoping for a garden with views
0:07:18 > 0:07:19and a space for a veggie plot.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26and before revealing the price, we'll get them to have a guess at it first.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29One will be our mystery house, whose style and dimensions
0:07:29 > 0:07:32could spark a complete rethink for our buyers.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35But first, we're heading for house number one.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42We are starting the house search 16 miles north of Chichester
0:07:42 > 0:07:46in Bexley Hill, right in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47A mile and a half down the road
0:07:47 > 0:07:49is our first property,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53a detached four-bedroom house in a desirable rural location.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00So...here is property number one.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01It's very green!
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's very green all around, isn't it?!
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Now, I think, in all fairness, this house needs taking hold of.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- It needs a bit of work.- Yeah. OK?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Let's take a look inside.- Sure.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16'The original part of this property dates back to the 16th century,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19'and is believed to have been a woodsman's cottage,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21'but around 25 years ago, it was extended
0:08:21 > 0:08:23'to create a much larger home,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26'which I'm hoping will suit Jill and Peter's needs.'
0:08:28 > 0:08:30So, once through the hall,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- you come to the first, really good-sized reception area.- Mm-hm.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Right. It's nice and light. I love the fireplace.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I think that's really good.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43You said you didn't want necessarily fully open plan,
0:08:43 > 0:08:44so this is semi open plan.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Semi open.- Let me show you the kitchen area.- Right.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- What do you think?- My first impression is, it's a bit small.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55It's quite like a galley type of kitchen, with the long thin space.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- You've got a larder or pantry behind you.- Yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03And then you've got a utility just the other side,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- where you first walked in.- Mm-hm.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07You've said you've not had a utility before?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So you're used to having a big kitchen with all your gubbins in it?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Yeah.- Now, bearing in mind all your food store is out the way,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15your white goods are out of the way...
0:09:15 > 0:09:16maybe you do have enough room.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- Yes, you don't need so much. - Pure cooking area.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Muted opinions here in this kitchen, I would have thought.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Not an overwhelming endorsement. - No. OK.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Let's keep looking around, see how that changes. Follow me.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35So, you've got a reception rooms.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37You've got a small one there,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41so bear that in mind when we talk about the main one here.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Right. We're going on the small side.- Yeah.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I thought you might say that.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51That wall there is just a stud petition.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52HE KNOCKS ON THE WALL
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Knock that through, this becomes quite a large reception room.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Larger area, yes.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01'This relatively simple alteration would certainly give our buyers
0:10:01 > 0:10:04'the more generous living space they're after.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06'Also downstairs, there's an office
0:10:06 > 0:10:08'where Peter can study for his history degree.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12'Upstairs, there is a family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14'One's a single, and the others are doubles,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'so there's plenty of space for their London friends to stay over.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'We've earmarked the largest bedroom for Peter and Jill.'
0:10:22 > 0:10:26The best views in the house are ones that you'd wake up to,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- the master bedroom.- Ah, yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Lovely.- That is beautiful. Isn't that nice? Very nice.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Double aspect too.- Yes, nice and bright, isn't it?- It is.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39It's lovely, yes, from that point of view.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41And there's an en suite. Have a good look.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Oh, this has obviously been done quite recently.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- It's all very modern. - Yes. Nicely done. Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52So, let's head outside now.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Start thinking about price, though.- OK.- OK?
0:10:54 > 0:10:56All right.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59'I'm not sure if this property has really won them over,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02'but maybe the outside will give them a better indication.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05'There's a half acre plot with gorgeous views, and a detached
0:11:05 > 0:11:09'double garage where Peter could stash all of his gardening tools.'
0:11:09 > 0:11:13It's lovely. I mean, I like the garden. I think it's nice.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Plenty of room to grow your veggies. - Yes!- Plenty of apples to harvest.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Yes, quite. - I think the garden's pleasant,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24because it's a nice amount of space, but it's not too much work.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27On paper, you've got lots of what you asked for.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29You've got this land, you've got views
0:11:29 > 0:11:31and a wonderful countryside location,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33but all this comes at a price.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35How much do you think this house is?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I think it's about...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40799.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- OK. Peter?- No, no, I wouldn't put it as high as that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I think more like...
0:11:48 > 0:11:49750.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Right. Well, you may then be surprised to hear that this house
0:11:53 > 0:11:57is on the market for offers of around £850,000.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Yes, I would be.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02It's an asking price, of course it is.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Who knows what price they'll sell at
0:12:04 > 0:12:06until that price comes along and they accept it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:13This 16th century property is right on budget of £850,000.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15It offers a characterful dining room
0:12:15 > 0:12:18and two other reception rooms that could be knocked through
0:12:18 > 0:12:22to create the more spacious living area our buyers are looking for.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25There is a utility room, a study, and four bedrooms,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28and outside, there's a double garage
0:12:28 > 0:12:30and wonderful rural views.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Now, then. Seen enough inside and out?
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Yes, thank you very much.- Excellent. Onwards and upwards. This way.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43The Cowdray Estate in the heart of West Sussex
0:12:43 > 0:12:47is internationally recognised as the home of British polo.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Since they first polo ground was laid down here in 1910,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54a genuine passion for the sport has been passed down
0:12:54 > 0:12:56through generations of the Cowdray family.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00'During the Second World War, polo all but died out,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03'but when John, the third Viscount Cowdray, returned from war
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'having lost an arm at Dunkirk,
0:13:05 > 0:13:09'his determined efforts gave the sport a whole new lease of life.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'His son, the fourth Viscount Cowdray,
0:13:12 > 0:13:13'has since taken up the reins,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'and I'm here at the estate to meet him.'
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Lord Cowdray, thank you very much for seeing me today.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Not at all. Pleasure.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Obviously, there were very few ponies around after the war,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26particularly ponies that you could play polo on,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30and my father had managed to save eight or ten ponies,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32but clearly that wasn't enough to start polo again,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- so he imported 50 ponies from Argentina.- Right!
0:13:36 > 0:13:37And he lent them to his friends,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40so they could actually play some tournaments together.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- He had such a passion for the game, didn't he?- He did indeed, yeah.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46And the fact that he lost his arm during the war
0:13:46 > 0:13:48was not going to stop him playing polo.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51So how did he manage to play after losing his arm?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Well, he got his gunmaker to fashion him a prosthetic limb,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and the prosthetic limb had a hook which went over the rein,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and he used to pull the pony up by swinging his shoulders.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Goodness me! This is a very determined man.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06He was very determined. He wouldn't allow...
0:14:06 > 0:14:08the loss of a limb to stop him
0:14:08 > 0:14:10doing all the things he wanted to do in his life.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14'The first tournament played on the estate was 100 years ago.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17'Today, more than 450 matches are held here each season,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20'including the British Open championship.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'Someone who is very familiar with these grounds
0:14:23 > 0:14:25'is England team player Tom Morley.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28'And who better to give me a few polo playing tips?'
0:14:28 > 0:14:31All you need to start is a basic pendulum,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- so you just swing back and forwards.- Right.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Because once you get that rhythm going, you swing back,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and all of a sudden, it comes up over the top.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Oh, right.- And then...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- That's where you get the power. - What sort of speed are you moving?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45You can be moving up to sort of 35mph, probably.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46So you're going quick enough.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It's been described as playing golf during an earthquake.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51HE LAUGHS I was going to say!
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Because not only are you moving at speed, you're moving
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- up and down, side to side...- Exactly.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58I'm not too concerned about getting on the horse,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01but I am wondering how I'm going to manoeuvre this mallet
0:15:01 > 0:15:05to hit the rather small ball while still staying in the saddle.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08Swung too late, didn't I?
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Oh!
0:15:12 > 0:15:13Getting too close.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19I've got to say, I have a new-found respect
0:15:19 > 0:15:21for anybody playing this tough sport.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24But enough of the amateurs. Let's see the pros do it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28A polo match is typically divided into periods of play
0:15:28 > 0:15:31called chukkas, each lasting seven minutes.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Ponies are rotated and rested frequently during the game
0:15:34 > 0:15:38in order to maintain the stamina this fast-paced sport requires.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43There are four players on each team, and the aim of the game is to score
0:15:43 > 0:15:45by hitting the ball into the opposition's goal.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50Polo fields are 300 yards long and 160 yards wide,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53making them the largest field of any organised sport.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Well, that was certainly an impressive spectacle
0:15:56 > 0:16:00in such a great setting here in the appealing West Sussex countryside.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05Our second property
0:16:05 > 0:16:07takes us 20 miles south
0:16:07 > 0:16:09to the coastal hamlet of Climping.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12A couple of miles down the coast is our second property,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15a Grade II listed house just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19So, pretty good vantage point
0:16:19 > 0:16:22to look at property number two is here. What do we think?
0:16:22 > 0:16:28- Oh, yes.- Well, it's a pretty flint, very typically Sussex cottage.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- First impression, very positive. - Yeah.- Good.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- Let's see if the inside matches up, shall we?- All right.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38'This brick and flint home dates back to the 1600s,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'and over the years, it's had several guises.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44'At one time, it was the village stores and tearooms.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47'Entering the property takes us through the dining room
0:16:47 > 0:16:49'and on into a spacious sitting room.'
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- Ah, yes! Beautifully presented. - Very nice. Lovely fireplace.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58And then a lovely, cottagey feeling to it.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- But not too small in its proportions?- No, no, no.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04But it's just got a nice balance, yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Is this more like it for you, then, Peter?- Much more like it, yes.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Good!- Much more like it.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- So, living room, tick. Let's go into the kitchen.- Right.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So, stepping down into this kitchen,
0:17:20 > 0:17:25it is wider than the kitchen in the first house, but it's a lot longer,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28so it feels even more narrow, but you tell me, what do you think?
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It feels like...I mean, it is still a galley-style kitchen.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35But there's a lot... I think using the lighter surfaces
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- and so on makes it feel more spacious.- Yeah.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42And as you say, the length, so you've got a lot more cupboards
0:17:42 > 0:17:43and storage space involved.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47You've got a utility room at the far end,
0:17:47 > 0:17:49and in between that, you've got a downstairs loo.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52But this brings into play the first reception room that we walked into.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- This is a dining kitchen.- Yes.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I think this is probably just, you know, breakfast
0:17:57 > 0:17:58and...you know, for you two guys.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01But formal dining, maybe in the first reception room.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03I would think so, yes.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05It looks as though they do that occasionally,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07and maybe one would make more of it.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Let's go upstairs and have a look at what's available bedroom-wise.- OK.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13I'll just squeeze through here. Thanks.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16'I think we might be getting somewhere with this property.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19'It seems to suit their needs a little better than the first house.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22'Let's hope upstairs gets a similar response.'
0:18:24 > 0:18:28So, into the master suite this time.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Big enough?
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Much better size, yes.- Yes.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Nice-sized room.- Yes, it is.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Now, I call it a suite, because obviously,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40you've got the en suite there, bathroom, shower and loo,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43but a really good size dressing room.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Right.- With fitted wardrobes. - Good arrangement, isn't it?
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- Very spacious.- Very nice, yeah.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Now, just to give you an idea of what we've got here,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52we've got three other bedrooms.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55One used as a study at the moment, playing into your hands,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and another really good-sized family bathroom.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01So this house is generously proportioned.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- Yes, it is. - Meets a lot of the targets.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Yeah, good. OK. Well, let's go down to the garden, shall we?
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- I know you're dying to have a look. - OK.- Follow me.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13'They definitely seem impressed by the master suite,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'and I know they won't be disappointed by the outside.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20'It's got a beautiful walled garden with a glass roof summerhouse,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22'perfect for entertaining their guests,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24'and there's also a large garage with a workshop.'
0:19:26 > 0:19:30So, a lot more formal, the garden, then the first property.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Until you see the natural meadow next door, which is included.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- Oh!- Ah! Super.- And
0:19:37 > 0:19:41you can't see it just from here, but there is
0:19:41 > 0:19:44a formal vegetable garden just the other side there as well.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45Ooh, goodie.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49So, how much do you think this house is on the market for? Peter?
0:19:51 > 0:19:57- I would say this is pushing the budget. Possibly 865.- OK. Jill?
0:19:59 > 0:20:04I'm going to say it's on our budget at 850.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Well, not much between you.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10This house is on the market for offers around £860,000.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- Ah, split the difference, yeah. - So, we're in between.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Just above budget at £860,000,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23this beautiful period property has a characterful sitting room,
0:20:23 > 0:20:28a galley-style kitchen, and that utility room Jill was hoping for.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, including a spacious master suite.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Its attractive garden comes complete with a summerhouse, a meadow,
0:20:36 > 0:20:37and the veggie plot for Peter,
0:20:37 > 0:20:38and it's all just
0:20:38 > 0:20:40a stone's throw from the beach.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- Right, so, good look around?- Yes, thank you.- Yes, superb.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Got any tips for the gardening? - No, I think we can learn something
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- from them.- I wish I was that expert!
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Well, it did look wonderful, didn't it?- It does.- Really lovely.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58And hopefully, this house has given you something to think about tonight.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Certainly has.- Good. Let's go back.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Well, their reactions got steadily better throughout.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It was good that they've now got something to think about,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14but it does mean it's all down to the mystery house.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- It seems like it's often all down to the mystery house.- Yes.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Let's meet my couple, who are moving down to sunny West Sussex too,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24but to spice things up a little bit, we're not just looking for them.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Born and bred in London, Carl and Katie
0:21:29 > 0:21:32have spent the past 20 years in Harrow, Middlesex.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Now with their three children having left the family home, they feel
0:21:35 > 0:21:40it's time to relocate for a quieter life in the West Sussex countryside.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43We have been here in London all our lives,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and the benefit of the transport, particularly,
0:21:46 > 0:21:47and all the local amenities,
0:21:47 > 0:21:53but I'm really excited about being able to walk out of your front door
0:21:53 > 0:21:59and walk, and have space and air and room and not constantly hear sirens.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02But they are not the only ones who are making the trip south.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05My mum and dad are hopefully going to move with us.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08My dad's at an age that it would be nice to move now, so that we
0:22:08 > 0:22:12can enjoy the new location before he gets too much older.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16There's also a family reason behind their choice of location.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Well, Kate's brother lives down in Chichester.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23I don't want to be too far away from my dad, who still lives here,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26so be able to get back to him to visit
0:22:26 > 0:22:29and look after him if needs be.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31And ideally, they'd like to be within reasonable distance
0:22:31 > 0:22:34of the local Catholic church.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37We've always been involved in the church, so we hope that would be
0:22:37 > 0:22:41sort of our way into a new community and a new lot of friends, really.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44And she is keen to exercise her green fingers.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I love pottering about in the garden.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I think it's something to do with nurturing things,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52when you haven't got your children to nurture.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55So, what are the financial details from the move?
0:22:55 > 0:23:00Our budget for the move is about £750,000, in that region.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Katie and Carl have asked us to focus their search in the south-west
0:23:06 > 0:23:10of the county, not too far from Katie's brother in Chichester,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12on the edge of the South Downs National Park.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18But before we begin our house hunt, I caught up with them in West Sussex
0:23:18 > 0:23:21to find out more about what they're looking for in their new home.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Morning, guys.- Morning! - Welcome to Sussex.- Thank you.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27Lovely, bright day.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32So, what are you looking for in terms of the location?
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Well, we would like to be near to at least a pub, so not too rural,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41but getting away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, really.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44And inside the house, what are you looking for there?
0:23:44 > 0:23:48We'd like three or four bedrooms for ourselves...
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Just to turn around through the seasons?- Yes!- One for each season!
0:23:52 > 0:23:54And then downstairs accommodation or an annexe for Carl's
0:23:54 > 0:23:56mum and dad, who are coming with us.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00And in terms of the accommodation, do you want that sort of
0:24:00 > 0:24:02ready-made, or are you willing to do a bit of sort of DIY?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I think we were looking to potentially refurbish maybe
0:24:05 > 0:24:10a kitchen or a bathroom, perhaps knock a wall down and reconfigure,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12but not really do major renovation work.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Anything else about the inside of the house you're
0:24:15 > 0:24:16kind of secretly hankering for?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Yeah, I would like a kitchen/breakfast room,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- because we've always had one of them, haven't we?- Yeah, and that's
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- worked very well at home. - And I'd like a bit of a garden.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27So how much money have we got to play with?
0:24:27 > 0:24:30750,000 to 800,000 at a stretch.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Well, we've got three lovely properties lined up -
0:24:33 > 0:24:34all sorts of different places
0:24:34 > 0:24:37offering very different things, so come with me.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43For a maximum budget of £800,000, Katie and Carl
0:24:43 > 0:24:46are looking for three to four bedrooms,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49an annexe or downstairs space for Carl's parents,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53a large kitchen/breakfast room, a good-sized garden,
0:24:53 > 0:24:57all within reasonable distance from Katie's family in Chichester.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00We've found three first-rate properties
0:25:00 > 0:25:02to tempt them with, and at each one,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06I'll be testing their valuation skills as we guess the price.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09The third is the mystery house, which could have them
0:25:09 > 0:25:11seeking divine intervention.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20'We begin our house hunt in
0:25:20 > 0:25:22'the quiet hamlet of Lagness,
0:25:22 > 0:25:23'around ten minutes from
0:25:23 > 0:25:25'Katie's family in Chichester.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29'House number one is a barn conversion, surrounded by farmland,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32'in a semi-rural location.'
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Come on in.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Oh, it is lovely.- Wow.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- It's enormous!- Oh, a swimming pool as well!- Oh, it's so pretty.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- See, you don't get that in Harrow! - No!- And then this...
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- How pretty is that?- I do like the look of that.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52..is the annexe for your ma and pa.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- What are your first impressions, then?- Great! Let's go in.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Yeah, yeah?
0:25:57 > 0:25:59I really like the ambience of the garden
0:25:59 > 0:26:02and that extra little property looks lovely from the outside.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I'd like to show you this first,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06because I really don't quite know whether this is going to be
0:26:06 > 0:26:09big enough, or the right size for your ma and pa.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- So let's have a look.- Lovely.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13'The annexe was originally an old stable block,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15'converted into separate accommodation,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18'and I'm hoping it's big enough for Carl's parents.'
0:26:20 > 0:26:21So, step inside.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Yeah, nice.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Originally, I think it was laid out so this was the sitting room area.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31You've got a bathroom and kitchen through the arch.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35And then this would have been the sleeping alcove.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I think that would work better, yes. This is a lovely big area.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Yes, nice big living room, then.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- And then, you've got a lot of storage space.- Oh, and a loft.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Tell me about your mum and dad, what are they looking for?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50What do they want to have in their space?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52I think something like this would be ideal.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57My dad's 92, and my mum's 14 years younger.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00They're both fairly active, but stairs now are becoming more
0:27:00 > 0:27:02of a challenge, so the idea would be...
0:27:02 > 0:27:03They'd be with us a lot.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Quite a lot of the time, they would come in with us,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08so it doesn't have to be their entire...
0:27:08 > 0:27:10And when they're fed up with us, they can...
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- They can hide. - Yes, come back here again.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14And when they're really fed up, they can hide in the attic.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- "We're not here!"- "Go away!"
0:27:17 > 0:27:18Well, in that case,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- I should show you the place where you're going to live.- Yes, let's.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26'Off to the main property now.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28'Originally a barn, it was converted in 2000,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30'and it's packed with country charm.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34'So far, we're getting the thumbs up with Carl's parents catered for,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37'but now for our couple themselves.'
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Come on through into the kitchen.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- Here we can see some of the original beams.- Oh, wow!
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- Oh, they are lovely.- Yes, it's a nice kitchen, isn't it?- Yeah. Good.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- Nice kitchen.- Kitchen/diner. - Nice island.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Quite hankering for an island.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53And you've got this sort of minstrels' gallery there.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55We'll explain that later on.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57How do you feel about eating in here?
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Because this would be the designated dining room, I think.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02I think there's plenty of room.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04OK, well, this is the kitchen area,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06let's move through into the sitting area.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11And then this is your...
0:28:11 > 0:28:13BOTH: Wow!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Wood-burning stove. I like that.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- Fireplace and a half, isn't it?- Real fire.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19French windows onto the garden.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- More garden.- More garden.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- This is also a lovely, natural eating space.- Yeah, definitely.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Yeah, with the vine over the top as well, it's almost like
0:28:28 > 0:28:30an outdoor living space as well, isn't it?
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- It's as if they planned it! - LAUGHTER
0:28:32 > 0:28:35What's nice is that you've got this space up here, which you could also,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39if you were feeling very grand, have this is a formal dining room.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42That's what goes into the minstrels' gallery that looks over the kitchen.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- Does this feel like a house that you could move out of London to?- Yeah.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Everything feels really good, the location, the garden,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53the accommodation. Really looks good.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55First property, and it looks fantastic.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59And it feels very different from a house in the town.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Let's look at the master bedroom.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05The property also has a utility room just off the kitchen,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07and an upstairs study area.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11There are four double bedrooms in all,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14accessed via the spacious main entrance hall,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18with bedrooms two, three and four served by the family bathroom.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21First, the master.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24So, there are three bedrooms on this corridor, but this fourth one is...
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- This would be your master. - It's fantastic.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29And you've got doors to the pool there.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32You have, and also you've got an en suite.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- You can explore that a bit later on. - En suite, eh?- Oh, yes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39And again, it's so double aspect, you've got gardens each side.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Really bright. And the beams again going through.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45It would be permanently like being on holiday, wouldn't it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47That's the idea!
0:29:47 > 0:29:51That's what it's like moving to the countryside. Holiday all the time.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And you can have your morning breakfast there on the terrace.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Well, let's step out this way and past the pool,
0:29:57 > 0:29:59let's talk about the garden.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03'The mainly lawned garden lies either side of the property,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06'including a raised deck area covered by vines,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08'and a garage with a workshop.'
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Ooh, look, stepping out to the pool.- Wow.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14- That'll be lovely on a sunny morning.- Suntrap.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It is a suntrap as well, yeah.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18So you've got a single-level dwelling.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Is that what you were thinking about?
0:30:20 > 0:30:24It really works well. I think it's very practical. The accessibility...
0:30:24 > 0:30:25Oh, for Mum and Dad.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27If they're coming over from the annexe to visit us,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30that wouldn't be any problem for them whatsoever.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35- OK, so the final part of the puzzle is the price.- Yes.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39How much do you think this little parcel of West Sussex costs?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Oh, I'm really, really hoping you wouldn't be mean.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- I've been known to be mean in the past.- I'm going to go 795.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50I'm going to be very optimistic
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and probably hoping more than anything else, 780.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56780.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Well, in this instance, you should listen to your wife,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02cos she's exactly right. It's on the market for 795.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Right, yeah, listen to me. - It doesn't surprise me.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09House number one comes in just under their top budget at £795,000,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12and it gives them four bedrooms,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15a separate annexe, ideal for Carl's parents,
0:31:15 > 0:31:16A large kitchen/diner,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19ample gardens including a swimming pool,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21all close to Katie's brother in Chichester,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and the splendid West Sussex coast.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31- Wow, I had to pull you out of that house.- It's fantastic.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- It's got the thumbs up, didn't it? - Yeah, it really did.- Really good.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- Yeah. - It is only house number one.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47'Many English counties can be identified
0:31:47 > 0:31:50'not only by their landscape but by their buildings
0:31:50 > 0:31:53'and the materials used to construct them.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'With an abundance of flint found in West Sussex,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'it's become a defining feature of the county's architecture.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02'One such building made from this durable quartz
0:32:02 > 0:32:05'is West Dean House in the village of West Dean.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09'Originally built in 1804 for the politician James Peachey,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12'this Georgian Gothic manor house eventually became the
0:32:12 > 0:32:15'West Dean College in 1971 -
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'a centre teaching traditional craft skills.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21'I've come to meet college tutor and flint mason
0:32:21 > 0:32:25'Gerry Williams to find out more about this hardy crystalline.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Morning, Gerry.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29- Hi.- Nice to meet you.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- Welcome to West Dean. - What an amazing building.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- You are a flint fanatic, can I call you that?- A fanatic, yeah.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Absolutely. I'll go along with that.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42I can see this is a very unusually white and very orderly flint.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43What information does that give you?
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Basically, when this was built, they left a cortex,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- which is the outside of the flint left on.- Cortex?
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Cortex, which is like a rind of a cheese.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53What about West Sussex,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55what's typical about this building, for example?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Is there anything you would spot as being typically West Sussex?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Only the fact that there's galleting.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03There's a lot of areas where there isn't galleting,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Even in East Sussex, no galleting. - What's galleting?
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Galleting is the small slivers of flint
0:33:09 > 0:33:13that are knocked off of a big flint so that you get all these
0:33:13 > 0:33:16little bits that you can stick in round the joints.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18It is purely to show a sign of wealth,
0:33:18 > 0:33:22because it costs a lot of money to sit there galleting.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- So this is a wealthy man's house. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29'Found mainly in areas of chalk and limestone,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33'nobody really knows how flint is formed.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36'It is extremely tough, almost as hard as diamonds,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39'and it takes years to learn how to read the flint
0:33:39 > 0:33:42'so you can map it into the exact shape you want.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44'Time for my lesson, I think.'
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Here we have the flint bench.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Ah.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53All the raw material.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55How do you work it, cos it's extremely hard?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It's a tough material.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It's tough material, but it's not specifically hard.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04You have to look at it and assume where you're going to work it,
0:34:04 > 0:34:05and then tap it.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- Then you're listening and looking at the same time.- Listening?
0:34:08 > 0:34:13You listen to hear how it rings, then off you go.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- You'll find out in a minute. - Can we have a go?- Yes.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20I think you'd better put your gloves on.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21They're quite sharp, aren't they?
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Very sharp. Lethal.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Knock a bit off.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27RINGING
0:34:27 > 0:34:29You can hear it's ringing quite well.
0:34:29 > 0:34:34Are there any tips? An I listening for anything in particular?
0:34:34 > 0:34:35What we want you to do,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37just try and think you're going to knock that lump off.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40What you want to be looking at is that nodule there.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Just give it a sharp crack.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48That's it.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Yeah, it's gone.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53Ooh.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- LAUGHING:- That's a bit bigger than I had expected.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00It's got a mind of its own.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01You have to work it.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- So you can see here that... This is the cortex, is it?- That's it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07This is the black, black flint.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Yeah.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10Wow, it's really amazing.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I'm getting the hang of it.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15This is amazing. This has been so instructive.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- I have learnt knapping, gallets. Gallets.- Gallets.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- It's been a real joy. Thank you so much.- Good.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23Good to meet you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26'I have a long way to go before I build my own flint house,
0:35:26 > 0:35:30'I think, but thankfully Gerry is here to pass on these traditional
0:35:30 > 0:35:33'skills to conserve wonderful flint structures for years to come.'
0:35:41 > 0:35:42For our second house,
0:35:42 > 0:35:43we're travelling north-east
0:35:43 > 0:35:45into the South Downs National Park,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47to the hamlet of Watersfield,
0:35:47 > 0:35:48about 30 minutes from Chichester.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53'House number two, an ironstone-built property, can be
0:35:53 > 0:35:54'found at the end of a quiet lane.'
0:35:56 > 0:35:57Swing the corner.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- That's nice.- Oh, wow. - House number two.- That's lovely.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- A nice little country cottage. - Oh, that's gorgeous.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- This one has floors. - Floors, yes, indeed.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Yeah. And a big garage, look.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12If you look to the left, through the hedge.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Another little house for Mum and Dad.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17A separate annexe for your mum and dad.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Is this more of what you were thinking?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21I think this is what I envisaged.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Yeah, just a normal, detached house.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Well, in good country style we're not going in through the front door,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32we're going to go round the side.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36'Built in the 1950s, the property has undergone radical modernisation,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39'mixing contemporary interior design with a traditional exterior.'
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- Come on in, through the boot room. - That's a lovely big boot room.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52- Straight into this.- Oh, gosh. - Fantastic space.- Wow. Goodness me!
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- You weren't expecting that, were you?- No. No.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58You can really have everybody in the kitchen while you're cooking here.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00It's slightly unusual, cos you've got the old kitchen,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02prep-room there.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05That's got all your white goods - washing machine, fridge.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07This is the more kitchen, in the sense that this is the space
0:37:07 > 0:37:10where you'd probably eat and have breakfast.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11If you come through in here,
0:37:11 > 0:37:16you can see the layout of this spectacular add-on that they put.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17Wow, it's a suntrap.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19It's a suntrap.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21It's quite hot now, but the great thing about it is that you can
0:37:21 > 0:37:24open up every single one of these...
0:37:24 > 0:37:25And be outside.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27..and be outside.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Bi-fold doors? I don't even know what you call them.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Concertina doors really lets the outside in.- That's quite something.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37This really I think would be your main walkway.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40You can actually see there's a sitting room there,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42that's opened up to that one.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43At the end there's a study as well
0:37:43 > 0:37:46so you can access all of the rooms from the back and the front.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- Is it nice, though. Do you like it? - I do like it, yeah.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53It's very different.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Yes, getting the head around what you've got here
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- and how you could use it.- It is different from the last property.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Let's look upstairs so you can see the upstairs layout.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04'The downstairs definitely has the wow factor in terms of space,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08'but they seem a little overawed by just how much there is.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12'Upstairs there are three double bedrooms in all.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16'Bedrooms two and three are served by the family bathroom with
0:38:16 > 0:38:17'a square plunge bath.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21'Before that, the master.'
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Oh, look at the stained glass.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Look at the stained glass.
0:38:27 > 0:38:28This is a nice-sized room.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- Up the stairs it's a bit more like a typical 1950s...- Yeah.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- A lot of storage in this property. - Good.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36All your storage here.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40This one has a very nice modern, en suite wet room.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Ah.- And a bathtub. - That's something, yeah.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46How are you feeling about this house? I feel that...
0:38:46 > 0:38:49I think I'm a little ambivalent towards this house because I'm
0:38:49 > 0:38:54confused by the traditional outside and front part of the house
0:38:54 > 0:39:00and then the back view just shocked me. But it's quite a quirky house.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I guess the clincher would be
0:39:02 > 0:39:04what the annexe is like for Mum and Dad, really.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Well, let's go and look. If you'll excuse me, I'll lead the way.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12'With Carl and Katie somewhat dazed and confused, I think
0:39:12 > 0:39:15'the annexe is going to have to be a knockout to put this
0:39:15 > 0:39:17'house into any sort of contention.'
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Come on in.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23What we have here is a much more substantial annexe,
0:39:23 > 0:39:27in the sense it's got three separate rooms - a bedroom out this way -
0:39:27 > 0:39:31and separate mains, separate electricity,
0:39:31 > 0:39:32it's all completely separate.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35It's all finished beautifully, isn't it?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- How does this compare to the last one?- Different, isn't it?
0:39:38 > 0:39:43- This is a larger space, isn't it? - It's much brighter and more open.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48- Obviously it's got less stuff in it. - Totally different feel.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51There is more room here. It's a bigger area, isn't it?
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- It doesn't have a kitchen.- OK. - Yeah, that's the difference.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59You would have to get planning to put a kitchen on.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01We're not sure how much of a problem that would be,
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- cos I'm sure they'd always be eating with us.- Right.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05But first you need to know how much it costs,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08so let's go out into the garden to talk about money.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12'The gardens are mainly laid to lawn,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14'with a paved terrace area leading
0:40:14 > 0:40:18'on from the sitting room looking out over splendid rural views.'
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- The missing piece of the puzzle is the price.- Yes, the price.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- What do you think this is on the market for?- You go first this time.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Well, one less bedroom. Still really nice location.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35I'm thinking maybe 775.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37I was sort of going there as well at 780.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39- 780.- Yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Well, it might be the deciding factor.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44This is actually on the market for £835,000.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- OK.- I still think the issue for me is the mix of the modern
0:40:50 > 0:40:52and the traditional.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59Priced at £835,000, our second house has come in over budget.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03It offers three bedrooms, a huge kitchen/breakfast room.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07A living room with folding doors and windows on all three sides.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09A two-bedroomed annexe.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10A good sized garden,
0:41:10 > 0:41:11all around half an hour
0:41:11 > 0:41:13from family in Chichester.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Well, that is all the houses done for today.- Right.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Time to digest and have a little rest.- Indeed.- Let's go.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- So you hit the ground running with the very first house.- Yes, indeed.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35It was a beautiful house, and yet the second one they just could not
0:41:35 > 0:41:39get their head around that mix of very contemporary and traditional.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Still, there's the mystery house.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43So if we go back to my couple
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Peter and Jill from Weybridge in Surrey,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47they had a good budget of £800,000.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50They were really after a slower pace of life.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53There was one property that Peter said he did not want to look at,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55that was a barn conversion.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Any ideas what the mystery house might be?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- Barn conversion.- Oh, he's good.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Our final property takes us
0:42:03 > 0:42:04three-and-a-half miles west
0:42:04 > 0:42:07to the hamlet of Flansham.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09I'm hoping our mystery house just down the road might
0:42:09 > 0:42:11have our couple waxing lyrical,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14even though it's not exactly the style they asked for.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Rather grand entrance.- Yes.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- Opening up into the courtyard of the mystery house.- Ah.- Ah.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24Come on, be honest, what are you thinking?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26First impression's good.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29I don't want to poke the hornet's nest, but this is a barn conversion.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- Yes, I know.- I know but it looks good so far.- We are open-minded.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32Mm!
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- This is great news. You said you wanted space.- Yes.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- I think this has it.- OK.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- Excellent.- You like the style?- Yes. - You like the position?- Yes.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43Let's look inside.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48'The barn was first converted in the 1980s, and it incorporates
0:42:48 > 0:42:49'the adjoining brick building
0:42:49 > 0:42:51'that was originally a series of cow sheds.'
0:42:53 > 0:42:59- Let's start with a very impressive room.- Goodness, that's super.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Space you said, space we've got.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- You have indeed, haven't you? - Isn't that nice?
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- That's lovely.- That is super.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08That really is.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Now the far end of the barn you've got a downstairs loo
0:43:11 > 0:43:15and another reception room, which is...
0:43:15 > 0:43:18I think it's as big as we've seen already anyway,
0:43:18 > 0:43:21that's in comparison to the small one.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25You've got options to do with this house what you want, and then some.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- Flexibility.- So good reactions. - Very positive.- Very positive, yeah.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33Well, I think you'll like the kitchen. I hope you do. Follow me.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- Goodness. Another lovely, large room.- Well, didn't expect that.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46THEY LAUGH
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- No? You thought we'd used up all the space with the living room?- Yes.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- This house is huge.- It's lovely.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Through that door there you've got a lovely utility room.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59You've got a pantry to the right-hand side and a downstairs loo,
0:43:59 > 0:44:01then an entrance out into the back garden.
0:44:02 > 0:44:03I really like that.
0:44:03 > 0:44:04Look, this is twice as big
0:44:04 > 0:44:07as both the previous houses' kitchens put together.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- It is. Absolutely. - Are you going to fill it?
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- Oh, easily. - The back end of this wing,
0:44:14 > 0:44:16if you like, I think it's fair to call them wings.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19There's a staircase going up to one of the bedrooms.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23We're going to go up the main staircase, then we'll find out
0:44:23 > 0:44:27whether your fears of this being pinched at the top are just or not.
0:44:28 > 0:44:29- Follow me.- Right.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33'This place really does give them the space
0:44:33 > 0:44:36'they've been looking for and more.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40'The property's effectively divided into two sections - the large,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43'original barn part of the house contains the toilet
0:44:43 > 0:44:46'and the two reception rooms we've just seen, and the more narrow
0:44:46 > 0:44:51'brick wing houses the beautiful kitchen and adjoining utility room.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54'Each section has its own staircase leading to the first floor
0:44:54 > 0:44:57'where the same sized space is divided into five bedrooms,
0:44:57 > 0:45:00'with three en suites and a family bathroom.'
0:45:05 > 0:45:06So, master bedroom.
0:45:08 > 0:45:09Oh, gosh.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13- It doesn't pinch out, does it? - No.- Nice height.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16You'll see throughout this property
0:45:16 > 0:45:18that unlike a lot of barn conversions,
0:45:18 > 0:45:20you're not cramped up in the eaves.
0:45:20 > 0:45:21You have genuine roof height.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23Lovely effect with the beams.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25Have a quick look into the en suite, cos I rather like it.
0:45:25 > 0:45:26See what you think.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31- Oh, that's well done, that. - Beautiful.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33Clever.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35- Not a bad size, is it?- It's good.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- Yes, clever.- They've been really clever with the space.- They have.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42Although it's steeply sloped, it still looks spacious.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45There is another bathroom. In fact, I'll explain what we've got here.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47'This well-thought out conversion gives them
0:45:47 > 0:45:51'more than 4,500 square feet.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53'So all of the rooms up here are a really decent size,
0:45:53 > 0:45:59'and they have so much character with the wonderful exposed timber beams.'
0:45:59 > 0:46:04So two bathrooms back-to-back, laid out Jack and Jill, really,
0:46:04 > 0:46:09so you can go in and out of them. But we've now seen four bedrooms.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12This is the fifth. There's four bathrooms.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16Plus there's another floor with another bedroom on its own.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- Goodness.- Fantastic.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22I'm wondering now, with five bedrooms on the first floor, you could
0:46:22 > 0:46:25probably dispense with one bedroom for a really nice
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- first floor office, couldn't you? - Yep.- Absolutely.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32Lots to come back and have a look around, but let's now go outside
0:46:32 > 0:46:34and, on the way there, start thinking about price.
0:46:34 > 0:46:35- OK.- OK.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41'It's pretty clear that against the odds, our buyers are rather taken
0:46:41 > 0:46:45'with this barn conversion and the huge amount of space it offers them.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47'Outside, there's yet more space
0:46:47 > 0:46:52'with a detached double garage and an expansive garden.'
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Thankfully, this house delivers on outside space
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- as well as inside, doesn't it? - It does.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- In every respect. Lovely views. - Super views.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06She's a handsome beast, isn't she, this house? This barn conversion.
0:47:06 > 0:47:07Been nicely done.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I'll just say it again, barn conversion.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- All right, you've surprised us. - Good.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18How much do you think this mystery house is on the market for?
0:47:18 > 0:47:24I think it's probably a bit over our budget. I'll go for 895,000.
0:47:25 > 0:47:26OK.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30Yeah, I'm pretty much of the same mind. Somewhere around the 900 mark.
0:47:32 > 0:47:36Yeah, well, bad news on this one, cos you're way out.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40This is on the market for offers around £795,000.
0:47:40 > 0:47:41- My goodness.- Really?
0:47:43 > 0:47:45- Goodness. - Well, you call that bad news?
0:47:46 > 0:47:48No, I don't, actually.
0:47:48 > 0:47:49THEY LAUGH
0:47:53 > 0:47:54In spite of all that space,
0:47:54 > 0:47:58this stylish barn conversion is under budget at £795,000.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02It has two large reception rooms,
0:48:02 > 0:48:05one of which would make a perfect study for Peter.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08There's a spacious kitchen and separate utility room.
0:48:08 > 0:48:09And with six bedrooms,
0:48:09 > 0:48:12three en suites and a family bathroom,
0:48:12 > 0:48:14they'll have no trouble putting up their friends.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16Outside there's a double garage
0:48:16 > 0:48:17and a garden
0:48:17 > 0:48:18with attractive rural views.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25Now then. You look like you rather enjoyed looking around that house.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26- We did.- Brilliant.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Lots of space, but hopefully that also gives you lots to consider.
0:48:29 > 0:48:30- It does.- It does.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- Let's find you somewhere to do that. - Thank you.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39So hopefully you've had a bit of a chance to think about things.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41We have.
0:48:41 > 0:48:42Which one's your favourite.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44The mystery house, definitely.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- Definitely?- Absolutely. - Why is it your favourite?
0:48:48 > 0:48:51- I think it's one word - space. - Not too big?
0:48:51 > 0:48:53I don't think you can have too much space,
0:48:53 > 0:48:56so long as you can heat it properly and it's liveable in.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58I don't think you two can have too much space.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00- I think you're getting that. - Yeah, quite.
0:49:00 > 0:49:04I've certainly learnt over these past couple of days more about what
0:49:04 > 0:49:06you are after.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08Do you think you've learnt more?
0:49:08 > 0:49:10We've found that you do have to go and have a look.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12You can't just look at what's on the internet
0:49:12 > 0:49:15and look at the floor plan and think,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17"Oh, yes, that's right for us."
0:49:17 > 0:49:19The next step is going back to have a look.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22How interested in the property are you?
0:49:22 > 0:49:23Extremely.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27I think if the locality proves OK,
0:49:27 > 0:49:29then we'd certainly be looking to make an offer on it.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31Fantastic.
0:49:31 > 0:49:32I wish you the best of luck.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35- Whatever happens, please let us know what you decide to do.- We will.
0:49:35 > 0:49:36Keep you in touch.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45There you go, mystery house tactic worked out,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48- he loved the barn conversion. - It was a beautiful house, wasn't it?
0:49:48 > 0:49:51I think it negated any fears Peter had about it being small upstairs.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53Let's face it, the house was massive.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56He loved the idea of entertaining there as well.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59So spinning back to Katie and Carl, they've got £750,000 and,
0:49:59 > 0:50:03to be honest, I think they loved house number one with the pool.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04- But...- But?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Well, they really do have to think carefully
0:50:07 > 0:50:09about what to do with Carl's parents.
0:50:09 > 0:50:10Practicality then.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13So for the mystery house, we are going for divine inspiration.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Can you guess what it is?
0:50:15 > 0:50:18I've got faith that they'll like it. Put it that way.
0:50:19 > 0:50:20'For today's mystery house,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22'we're heading further east
0:50:22 > 0:50:23'to the village of Warninglid
0:50:23 > 0:50:26'putting them about an hour away
0:50:26 > 0:50:27'from Chichester.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30'In the heart of the village is our mystery house,
0:50:30 > 0:50:33'a converted property that was once the hub of the community.'
0:50:33 > 0:50:35Here we go.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37- It's the mystery house. - Oh, my gosh.- Oh, wow.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42- What do you think this used to be? - A church.- A church.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44That's amazing.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47- I said I liked going to church, didn't I?- You did.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50You don't even need to get out of bed, you're in church.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52- Is that all one property? - It is all one property, yes.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54Good heavens.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57- What are your thoughts and feelings?- Amazing.
0:50:57 > 0:50:58Amazing.
0:51:00 > 0:51:01- Let's look inside.- Let's.
0:51:02 > 0:51:03'Built in 1932,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06'the church has undergone a substantial refurbishment
0:51:06 > 0:51:09'and bearing in mind their reaction to the mix of styles
0:51:09 > 0:51:13'in our second property, I'm hoping this sympathetic modernisation
0:51:13 > 0:51:15'will elicit a more favourable response.'
0:51:17 > 0:51:18Oh, my gosh.
0:51:20 > 0:51:21Oh, my gosh.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27It's enormous! It's echoey. Listen to it, it's so huge.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29What a living space.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32This is beyond my wildest imaginings.
0:51:34 > 0:51:35So let's walk down to the...
0:51:35 > 0:51:38Well, I suppose down the aisle to the kitchen.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43This would have been where the altar was, the east end of the church.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47You've got the more elaborate stained glass above the...
0:51:47 > 0:51:48Beautiful colours.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52- Good heavens, indeed.- It's quite a signature kitchen as well, isn't it?
0:51:52 > 0:51:53Yeah.
0:51:53 > 0:51:58The dark units and the contrast with the white surface.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00- Really modern looking. - Is that pleasing?
0:52:00 > 0:52:01I think that looks really nice.
0:52:02 > 0:52:07This is clearly the pa-zang space full of the sound of the angels.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Through the archway is the more modest living space.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14I wonder what your mum and dad would think about living in a church.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19'We're certainly getting more than our fair share of wows
0:52:19 > 0:52:22'with this property, but as we head to the new extension,
0:52:22 > 0:52:27'it's time to address the question of space for Carl's parents.'
0:52:27 > 0:52:29The second half of the house is a bit more modest,
0:52:29 > 0:52:31although anything would be modest after that first half.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35- Has it got the same windows?- Yeah. - Nicely matched in.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38So the challenge of this property, and I will be frank,
0:52:38 > 0:52:40is that it doesn't have a ready-made annexe.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Right.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44However, it doest have, on this floor,
0:52:44 > 0:52:48a massive beautiful family bathroom with a massive shower,
0:52:48 > 0:52:51- which is actually suitable for a wheelchair.- Right, brilliant.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55And this room. Also on this floor, another double and a single room.
0:52:55 > 0:53:00- OK.- So that is basically a living accommodation.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02Let's look upstairs at your bedroom.
0:53:05 > 0:53:07There is enough space for their parents,
0:53:07 > 0:53:09but it remains to be seen whether the property offers
0:53:09 > 0:53:12enough separate space for Carl and Katie themselves.
0:53:13 > 0:53:18So a very nice modern bathroom. Fantastic. Fantastic finish.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20The quality is amazing.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22- This would probably be your room. - Yeah.
0:53:22 > 0:53:27Yeah, definitely, because it's got... Ta-da! ..huge storage.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31- Goodness.- You can fit all your dresses in there.- Yeah, just.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35- There's space over there for more storage.- Yeah, dressing table.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Yeah, nice high room.
0:53:37 > 0:53:38Yeah, even though it's sloping ceilings,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41you wouldn't bang your head, would you?
0:53:41 > 0:53:44The challenge of this property is that you only have
0:53:44 > 0:53:47four bedrooms in total to play with, and one of those is quite small.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Yeah, OK.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52It's just so unlike anywhere we've ever seen.
0:53:52 > 0:53:57It's really got the wow factor, both from outside and from inside.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00- That is why it's the mystery house. - Absolutely.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02There is a little bit of space outside,
0:54:02 > 0:54:03so let's look at the back garden.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08'Bearing in mind Katie wanted somewhere to potter,
0:54:08 > 0:54:11'the garden is relatively modest.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13'At the front is a paved terrace,
0:54:13 > 0:54:16'edged by box hedging with a small lawn to the side.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19'The rear is mainly gravelled with a patio seating area.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23'There's also a garage for Carl to tinker in.'
0:54:23 > 0:54:27- Is it working for you? - It's beyond amazing, isn't it?
0:54:27 > 0:54:32But we're quite messy. We've got quite a lot of things.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36That house needs to be open and clean, doesn't it?
0:54:36 > 0:54:42So I'm still trying to get my head around whether we could live there.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44How much do you think it is on the market for?
0:54:44 > 0:54:46I'd have said 850,000.
0:54:46 > 0:54:48I'd have said near enough that as well,
0:54:48 > 0:54:51maybe 845, something like that.
0:54:52 > 0:54:53You must really like it,
0:54:53 > 0:54:55cos actually it's on the market for 750,000.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57Oh, is it?
0:54:57 > 0:54:59I think they need to put their prices up.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06It seems our mystery house has foxed them.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10On the market for £750,000, it offers them bags of character
0:55:10 > 0:55:14with four bedrooms, a massive kitchen and living space.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18A huge downstairs bathroom, ideal for Carl's parents.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20A garage with workshop potential,
0:55:20 > 0:55:23all set in a beautiful village location.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26- You all done?- Yes, thank you.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28- I'm afraid that's the last house I have to show you.- Oh.
0:55:29 > 0:55:30No more.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33Well, they've all been amazing, the three you have shown us.
0:55:33 > 0:55:34Ended on a real high.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Good. Well, let's go and find somewhere to gather our thoughts.
0:55:37 > 0:55:38Thank you.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48I would bet this cream tea here that the two houses
0:55:48 > 0:55:50you like the most are the first and the last.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53- Yeah.- You're not wrong.- Yes.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56Cream tea is mine. Excellent.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Have you had any thoughts about the first and the last house
0:55:59 > 0:56:01since we've got back?
0:56:01 > 0:56:05I think we really could see ourselves living in the first house
0:56:05 > 0:56:09as opposed to the third house, which was beyond fabulous
0:56:09 > 0:56:14but probably not really practical for us all to live in.
0:56:14 > 0:56:15It's interesting.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17Sometimes I think you're looking for the house for your parents
0:56:17 > 0:56:20rather than yourselves. Have you allowed yourself a bit of,
0:56:20 > 0:56:22"Ooh, this house would be nice for me"?
0:56:22 > 0:56:27I think it is very much for both, so that's why the separate annexe
0:56:27 > 0:56:30and all the accommodation in the first house really did fit the bill.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32So the next step is what?
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Well, certainly, initially to go back
0:56:35 > 0:56:37and have a look at the surrounding area for the first property.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39The first property is very close to your brother.
0:56:39 > 0:56:44Yes, which would be so good to be able to see them on a more regular
0:56:44 > 0:56:48basis and have my niece and nephew come over and play in the pool.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50With that pool you'll be seeing a lot of them, I should think.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52Well, I hope it all goes well.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55There's a few obstacles that you need to get through,
0:56:55 > 0:56:57but your excitement will carry you through, no doubt.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01Yeah, we're really looking forward to moving.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09So a firm favourite. Back to property number one.
0:57:09 > 0:57:10Yes, they loved property number one.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12They weren't so keen on the mystery house.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15- It literally put the fear of God into them.- You could see it.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18How about you, how about Pete and Jill's barn-conversion conversion?
0:57:18 > 0:57:20You know what? I take my hat off to them.
0:57:20 > 0:57:22They said right at the outset, "We're open-minded."
0:57:22 > 0:57:26You can't get any more open-minded than opting for the type of building
0:57:26 > 0:57:30they specifically said they didn't want to see - a barn conversion.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32Also, hats off to Katie and Carl, because they're doing the thing
0:57:32 > 0:57:34that we often have on the show -
0:57:34 > 0:57:36they're moving with their parents.
0:57:36 > 0:57:39They're looking for a granny annexe, and that's not always so easy.
0:57:39 > 0:57:41Sometimes you're looking for two houses in one,
0:57:41 > 0:57:43which always pushes the budget, doesn't it?
0:57:43 > 0:57:46It's a big journey for both of our couples, really,
0:57:46 > 0:57:49who will hopefully both soon be making their full-time escapes
0:57:49 > 0:57:51to the beautiful West Sussex countryside.
0:57:51 > 0:57:56- That's a very good choice.- Indeed. See you next time.- Bye.
0:57:56 > 0:57:57After filming, Carl and Katie decided
0:57:57 > 0:57:59country living wasn't for them
0:57:59 > 0:58:04and have since bought a house in the city of Chichester.
0:58:04 > 0:58:06And Peter and Jill finally found a property
0:58:06 > 0:58:11in the village of Cocking, and hope to move in the next two months.
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