0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello, welcome to a special edition of Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We'll be helping two couples find rural homes
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and we will be revealing the splendours of a certain county.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13We'll also be sharing our advice,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15hints and tips on what it takes to move here.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19But first, we're heading south-east to the bottom of the garden.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Don't worry, it will all make sense, join us in a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43On today's show, we're helping a couple find a rural home where
0:00:43 > 0:00:47they can raise their daughter and enjoy more quality family time.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- Wow!- Along the way, there are some differences of opinion.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Hands up, who's in favour?
0:00:53 > 0:00:55You're in favour, you're not so sure.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56No. I need some more convincing.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01We'll also be helping new parents find a family home
0:01:01 > 0:01:04where they can experience country life for the first time.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Our properties certainly spark some great reactions!
0:01:08 > 0:01:09Oh, my goodness!
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Wow!
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- Oh, my goodness.- Wow. Oh, really?- Really?!
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Well, today, we're in Kent, otherwise known, Jonnie,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22as the Garden of England.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And for centuries, it's been a gateway for both invaders and traders,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29a story which I think is reflected in the architecture from Roman
0:01:29 > 0:01:32styles to Canterbury Cathedral and those lovely weavers cottages.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Sure, but the warblings you have about history,
0:01:35 > 0:01:36I know it's very close to your heart,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39what always surprises me is the fact that just a short
0:01:39 > 0:01:42hop from the capital and you're met with beautiful towns
0:01:42 > 0:01:45and villages, surrounded by that wonderful Kent countryside.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48And that, of course, is why it is perennially appealing.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53One of the English Home Counties,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Kent is bordered by Greater London, East Sussex and Surrey.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Its 350 miles of remarkable coastline encompasses 11 blue
0:02:02 > 0:02:08flag beaches, towering white chalk cliffs and appealing seaside towns.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10The county's most visited and historically rich city is
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Canterbury, centred on its magnificent Gothic cathedral,
0:02:14 > 0:02:19which has been the centre of English Christianity since 597 AD.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Kent's reputation as the Garden of England endures,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25with allotments and orchards found throughout.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28The County's undeniable appeal has inspired countless
0:02:28 > 0:02:31artists, including the famous landscape painter,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35JMW Turner, who portrayed the area in more than 100 works
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and described its skies as the loveliest in Europe.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42And its appeal endures today,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46as people continue to be drawn by the beauty of this unspoilt county.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Well, as we have hinted at,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55you can't really talk about Kent without talking about London.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Its history and its economics are inextricably linked.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Well, for so many people working in the capital,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Kent becomes its playground, its back garden, doesn't it?
0:03:03 > 0:03:05But then, that popularity, obviously,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07has an adverse effect on property values.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Well, when you think about the price of your average detached,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13currently in Kent, it's about £326,000.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15I mean, these are eye watering numbers,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17when you think about what you're getting.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20But unfortunately, not for Londoners seeking that move out,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23that money would still only get you a one bed flat in West London.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- Yeah.- But my recommendation for buyers,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29if they don't need to commute back into the capital, get away from the train stations,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31you get so much more for your money then.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33So, maybe, sort of Canterbury, Maidstone area.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Yes, and Canterbury is still a beautiful city,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39but in fact, it was the open spaces and the larger houses that
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Kent has to offer that was attracting my buyers to Kent.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Well, more from them a little bit later on, but first,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47let's meet MY couple who also had a dream of living in Kent with
0:03:47 > 0:03:49a pretty generous budget.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Andrew and Janine have been living in this four-bedroom
0:03:53 > 0:03:56new-build in the town of Corsham, Wiltshire, for the last seven years.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00They've always craved a more rural lifestyle, but the birth of their
0:04:00 > 0:04:02daughter, Francesca, has given them the impetus
0:04:02 > 0:04:06to finally make the move.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I think the time is right for us to move for Francesca now,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11because she's just getting to the stage of walking and exploring
0:04:11 > 0:04:14and actually understanding the world around her.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16She gets very excited about being outside,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18and being in a modern housing estate, as we are here,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21there is very limited scope for us to do that with her.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25As well as providing Francesca with a wholesome rural upbringing,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28the move will enable Andrew to spend more quality time with her.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31His job as a compliance consultant is based in London,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and his current commute from Corsham
0:04:33 > 0:04:36takes him up to two and a half hours each way.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Francesca's getting to the point, shortly, where I run the risk
0:04:40 > 0:04:43of not seeing her in the evenings.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46And I really don't want to be a dad who sees my daughter
0:04:46 > 0:04:49on a Saturday and a Sunday. So obviously moving to Kent,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51being within an hour, an hour and a quarter,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54of the city, would make family life so much easier.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Ever since they bought their current home, they've never felt
0:04:58 > 0:05:01it's fully reflected their style or their needs.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05And they sense that even more so, now they've become a family.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Ideally, in a property I'm looking for character.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Both of us have said we'd like something older, albeit
0:05:10 > 0:05:14we recognise that that can come with a price tag and its own challenges.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18But certainly something that reflects the historic nature of Kent,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and the sort of houses that are around there.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24The last thing to establish is how much they've set
0:05:24 > 0:05:27aside for their rural family home.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30The budget for the move is between £500,000 and £600,000.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33FRANCESCA COOS
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Andrew and Janine are quite open to looking at any area
0:05:37 > 0:05:40within Kent's borders, as long as it's no more than an hour
0:05:40 > 0:05:44and a quarter's train journey from London for Andrew's commute.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46So before we begin our countywide search,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50I'm meeting up with them to learn more about their move.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Well, Janine and Andrew, welcome to Kent.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Why this county, then?
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Well, it's, as you say, the Garden of England, beautiful greenery,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02the schools are fantastic, and for us it's just the ideal location.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Now the kind of property you're after, give us a spec list, as it were.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Well, for me, it's important to have a nice kitchen.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10The kitchen's always the heart of the home.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Yep.- Ideally, we'd like four bedrooms.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Or three and a study. I do get the chance to work from home,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19albeit it's not as often as maybe I would like.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24OK. Now the budget for this move of yours?
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Well, £600,000 would be our absolute max. If you found us the perfect,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31ideal home, that would be the upper limit.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34But also, you know, if there's a house slightly less than that,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and it needs work doing on it, we sort of said, well, £500,000,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40to give us that comfort zone, that if we needed to extend or build
0:06:40 > 0:06:45a study area in the garden, we actually have the scope to do that.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47I'm hoping the next few days will give you the chance
0:06:47 > 0:06:49to get your feet under the table here in Kent,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53and get a sense of what this county can offer you in particular, Andrew. We've got three, I think,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55very interesting properties for you to look at,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58including our mystery house. Who knows what that will be?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01So I think, without further ado, let's go and find some properties.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- OK.- Great!
0:07:05 > 0:07:09With a maximum budget of £600,000, Andrew and Janine are looking for
0:07:09 > 0:07:13a characterful period home within a commutable distance to London.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15They'd like a large kitchen/diner,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18three to four bedrooms and a study for Andrew.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19They don't need a huge garden
0:07:19 > 0:07:21but would like enough space to grow vegetables
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and for Francesca to play in.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27We've lined up three very different Kentish homes for them to view,
0:07:27 > 0:07:32and I'll keep them guessing about the price until they've had a good look around.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36The last will be our mystery house, a rare historic property, the likes
0:07:36 > 0:07:38of which they've probably never seen
0:07:38 > 0:07:40and might not have considered on paper.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Our search begins three miles south of Maidstone,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Kent's county town in the attractive village of Boughton Monchelsea.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Our first offering, a classic Kentish weatherboard property,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00is in the heart of the village.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02That's it, that's property number one.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Wow.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05I didn't expect to see three storeys.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Interesting, isn't it? Yeah.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Very pretty.- Very pretty.- Yeah? - Yeah.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14The character just springs out as soon as you walked round the corner.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16It's quite beguiling, actually, it's a bit of a TARDIS.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Something of a cliche, but this is probably appropriate for this one,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22because there is a lot more to see once we get inside.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Yeah?- Excellent.- Yeah.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28The house was built around 1825.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Later, in the Victorian era, an extension was added to the rear,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34which almost doubled its size.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Well, let's start in here.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Wow.- What do you think?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- I wasn't expecting that, it's the hidden bit there.- Yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45It really opens up, doesn't it?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48It does create a different, an atmosphere of a different room, but
0:08:48 > 0:08:51the two of them give the, I guess, sense of space, which is one of the
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- things we miss at the moment...- Yeah. - ..and we are looking for.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57We have a very big sofa at home, and it's around the same size as that
0:08:57 > 0:09:02sofa, so you can kind of sense where the furniture would actually fit.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Right, well, let's continue through here.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Now, Janine...
0:09:08 > 0:09:12let's tackle the nice big kitchen/diner that you want.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- It is not one of those.- No.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17But would you be prepared to do a bit of knocking about?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Yeah, obviously, budget allowing, we already talked about that. But, yeah.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I looked at this and thought, "That wall needs to come down,"
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- when I came in.- I think it can go because what it would do is,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28it would open it all up.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31You get the idea. I mean, if that wall were to go,
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- it would transform it... - Absolutely.- ..into a fabulous,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39huge kitchen/diner, within this very substantial,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42and very nicely produced, conservatory.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I like the fact that we can start seeing how we can shape it to
0:09:46 > 0:09:48make it our own. I like the fact that we can bring, you know,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51the outside in, in terms of making this space a more usable space.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55And I can see us having family here and cooking and doing all the things
0:09:55 > 0:09:58that we've discussed that we really want to do from the move, so...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01So far, so good. I just can't wait to see upstairs.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Well, let's do that. Come and follow me.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05There's lots to see - two more floors.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10I'm delighted that Janine is already visualising the family
0:10:10 > 0:10:12enjoying this place.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Also, on the ground floor opposite the sitting room, there's a spacious
0:10:15 > 0:10:18dining room with an elegant, original fireplace.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21And below lies a cellar that's been converted
0:10:21 > 0:10:23into an extra living space.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26The first floor consists of a family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30All of them are doubles, which have some lovely original features.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35So, this is your bit.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Wow.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39There's a huge bed in the way of everything.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Rather nice, actually, a kind of oak, four-poster.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46It is smaller, but we know we're going to go smaller...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48because the room we've got is unnaturally large,
0:10:48 > 0:10:49at the moment in time.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52This is a nice room, the fireplace is nice.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- It's still got that cosy feel.- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56There is an en suite through there,
0:10:56 > 0:10:57which is, you know, very handy
0:10:57 > 0:11:00and usually much sought-after.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04But we also have the top floor, which you spotted from the outside.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07That has, really, two separate bedrooms in it at the moment.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10So, technically, you could say this is a five bedroom house.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12And it's got another bathroom too.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Let's have a look at the garden. then we'll finish up and maybe
0:11:15 > 0:11:18you want to start thinking about how much this is going to cost you.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Outside, there's around a quarter of an acre of land where there's plenty of room Francesca to play in.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Some lovely mature trees here.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31And I love that little house, over there. I think Francesca would have
0:11:31 > 0:11:33a lot of fun in it, and you'd probably have a bit of fun
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- kind of doing it up a bit, actually. - Definitely. - Would this be big enough for you?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Yes.- I think so, yes. I like the fact that it's mature
0:11:40 > 0:11:45and it's almost got places for her to explore, but safe exploration.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48But how much is it going to cost you?
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Mm.- Hmm.- Who's going to go for our first price guess of the week?
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- £525,000.- £525,000! Straight in! - That was quick!
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- No messing there, from Andrew. Great!- I'm going to go...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- £545,000.- £545,000. You're right to err...
0:12:03 > 0:12:05higher, but I'm afraid it's on the market
0:12:05 > 0:12:07for quite a bit more than that.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- This is on the market at £595,000. - Really?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Yeah, well...- Gosh.- ..we are in...commuter belt.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Yep, true.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Just below their maximum budget at £595,000,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24this elegant Georgian home has an impressive reception room,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27a dining room and a kitchen which is next to a conservatory
0:12:27 > 0:12:29that could be knocked through.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32There are also five bedrooms and a converted cellar.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It comes with around a quarter of an acre of land,
0:12:35 > 0:12:36and there are two nearby stations
0:12:36 > 0:12:38for Andrew's commute.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Good. Well, we are a property down.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49We are a third of the way through our house tours,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- but are we any closer to getting you a new home?- Food for thought.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Well, talking of food, let's have some lunch.- Yep.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Sitting high above the River Medway is a fort that has played
0:13:06 > 0:13:08a significant part in Kent's military
0:13:08 > 0:13:12and maritime history for over 250 years.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Built in 1750, Fort Amherst is a formidable structure,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20but its true calling as a military defence came some two centuries
0:13:20 > 0:13:22later during the Second World War.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24To find out more about its intriguing history,
0:13:24 > 0:13:29I'm meeting one of the fort's trustees, Martin Rogers.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Martin, this is a fabulous and somewhat sprawling complex
0:13:32 > 0:13:34but why is it so significant, why is it here?
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Following the Dutch raid in 1667,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40when the Dutch sailed up the Medway and attacked Chatham Dockyard,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43plans were put in place so that this would never happen again.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46A series of river and sea fortifications went in to
0:13:46 > 0:13:50protect the entrance to the Thames and the Medway.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53In that period the Empire was expanding dramatically
0:13:53 > 0:13:57and the Navy was the seat of that power.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00And Chatham was the premier shipbuilding dockyard.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03But the fort itself was never actually called upon to
0:14:03 > 0:14:06defend the dockyard. It was never attacked, was it?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08No, it wasn't, not in that period.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10There's clearly a lot to see above ground but looking at these
0:14:10 > 0:14:14tunnels and doorways, I suspect there's even more to see...
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- below ground.- We've carried out a lot of conservation work below ground.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22The fort was called into service not during the Napoleonic wars it
0:14:22 > 0:14:25was built for, but during the Second World War
0:14:25 > 0:14:26when it housed the Home Guard.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Since the 1970s, a team of volunteers and trustees have been
0:14:31 > 0:14:34slowly restoring it, section by section,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36recreating its vital wartime role.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- Gosh. Oh!- Well, this is it. This is the heart of the civil defence.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Many people won't be familiar with the idea of a civil defence
0:14:47 > 0:14:50network, but during the Second World War they played a vital role,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52didn't they, in managing the civilian response,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54in particular to things like air raids?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Yes, they did, because the dockyard was very heavily bombed,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00and you can just see from the resources on these boards how
0:15:00 > 0:15:03they responded to a particular day in August 1940.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08The reports of the bombs...0900. Bomb damage. CAS, casualties?
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Casualties. Onslow Road in Stroud. And incident number ten.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16And here, the response to it from the National Fire Service,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Auxiliary Fire Service, ARP rescue, demolition.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Isn't it strange that Amherst starts its life in the 1750s
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and doesn't really have a role? It's a grand statement but really
0:15:28 > 0:15:29not much more than that,
0:15:29 > 0:15:36and yet 200 years later in the 1940s it fulfils a very purposeful role.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Had the Germans breached our barriers,
0:15:38 > 0:15:39this was the last line of defence
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- before the dockyard.- But the men that designed this fort would have had
0:15:42 > 0:15:45no concept of aerial warfare, yet
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- what they created was the perfect bunker.- It certainly was. Yes.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53The volunteers have come a long way in terms of getting
0:15:53 > 0:15:55the fort's historical significance recognised
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and it's hoped it may attain World Heritage status.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00This would be a huge help in further restoring
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and developing this fascinating military site.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14We're heading up to the northern part of the county to Lynsted.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Close to the centre of the village, at the end of a private driveway,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20is our second offering.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Now earlier...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25in the car, you said you were quite interested in a barn conversion
0:16:25 > 0:16:29and I teased you about the fact that we might have one and here it is.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Wow.- There you go.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- Some barn conversion.- You've got this L-shaped courtyard, as you can see,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38but the bit we're interested in is that chunk there.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Wow.- Interested?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Yes, please.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- Now there is an interesting debate between you about the merits of beams, isn't there?- Yes.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49Hands up, who's in favour?
0:16:49 > 0:16:52You're in favour. You're not so sure?
0:16:52 > 0:16:53No, I need some more convincing.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- We have no issues with head height in here.- OK.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00So, I'm not worried, actually. I'm really not worried about this one.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I think that the beams will be OK.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04- Let's see if I'm right.- We'll see.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09The barn, which is thought to date back to the 1500s,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11was converted in 1991.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15And it offers more than 3,000 square feet of space.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17But let's begin...
0:17:17 > 0:17:18over here, because...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23..I think this really gets us into the whole beam discussion.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Straightaway, without any messing. - Yes.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29There's a smile here and there isn't here. You see, this is what worries me.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- We're struggling here, aren't we? - And I like the structure, the height,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36the architectural beauty of the beams.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Obviously, dining area, something of a sort of
0:17:39 > 0:17:42living room area here too. This isn't the main living room.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Oh, OK.- Now with our first property we looked at knocking a wall down... - Yep.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48..and my suggestion is that you also do the same thing here,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50and it's that wall that you would take away because the kitchen
0:17:50 > 0:17:57- is behind that...- OK.- ..and it would open all of this up then, to a kitchen-living-dining area.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00You'll see what I mean. Have a look through here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05So, it is a lovely kitchen,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09but it would be lovelier if this wall behind me were gone, I think.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- Yes, I agree.- I can see that.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I think this is the only big compromise with this property,
0:18:14 > 0:18:19because the rest of it goes on and on and on.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- You see, you're there on this one, aren't you?- More or less, yes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24You'll have to help me. We're going to have to persuade Janine
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- that this could be the one.- But I've got to live with her after.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28HE LAUGHS
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- This is a nice space.- Yes? - And lots of light.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Natural light because there's lots of windows.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I think, because it's dark and whilst it's beautiful,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I'm used to barns that are slightly lighter in oak.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I'm used to oak-flooring rather than carpeting and I think it's
0:18:45 > 0:18:49just trying to visualise how we would utilise this beautiful space.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Clearly, Janine still needs some convincing
0:18:53 > 0:18:56but I'm hoping the rest of the house might just do that.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Also downstairs, next to the sitting room,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01there's a study which would be handy for Andrew when he works from home.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Opposite that there's a downstairs bedroom
0:19:04 > 0:19:06which could make a good playroom for Francesca.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Upstairs there's a family bathroom and three more bedrooms.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14All are good size doubles, but it's the master bedroom which has
0:19:14 > 0:19:16particularly generous proportions.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20This is your bit.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21Wow
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Now, your wardrobe.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26I'm thinking you might not need it because through that door is
0:19:26 > 0:19:30an enormous walk-in wardrobe, his and hers either side.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33And...master en suite through there
0:19:33 > 0:19:36so everything, shower, bath, the lot.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- It looks great.- It does.- Yeah?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I love the window seat, absolutely love the window seat.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Let's have a look at the garden and see if that helps the process.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48It seems Janine may be warming ever so slightly to this place
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and I don't think she'll be disappointed by what's outside.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56There's almost a third of an acre of land that includes a ready-made
0:19:56 > 0:19:59veggie garden, perfect for her horticultural projects with
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Francesca and a huge garage and a workshop and space for two cars.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Just to help me sell this property further to you, Janine,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10the sun has blessed us with a bit more support.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11Yes. It's working.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14It's working. Let's see if the price works, shall we?
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Make me an offer.- I think it's going to be slightly over budget.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- I'm going to go 625.- 625?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- I'm going to say 580.- 580.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27You're both wrong.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- But the good news...this is 600. - Really?- Wow.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Gosh, that surprises me.- Yes? Certainly something for you, Andrew.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- For you, it's got to be a grower. - Yes.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Right on budget at £600,000, this spacious barn conversion has
0:20:45 > 0:20:49a large light-filled reception room and a dining room with adjoining
0:20:49 > 0:20:51kitchen that could be knocked through.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53It has a study and five bedrooms,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56including that very spacious master, and outside there's a garage,
0:20:56 > 0:21:01a veggie garden and plenty of space for Francesca to play in.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- After you, madam.- Thank you. - Through the beepy door.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07HE CHUCKLES
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Well, not a bad day, all told. - Good day.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Property number one was nice for you.- Yes.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Property number two was nice for you.- Indeed.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Can we get it right with the third one, the mystery house tomorrow?
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Can't wait.- Let's see. - Time for a pint. Come on.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29So, a really positive start for you, there.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Well, two very different reactions to two very different
0:21:31 > 0:21:34properties, so who knows, roll on the mystery house.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Well, before we do that, time to meet our second pair,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39now I'll be helping an international couple who want
0:21:39 > 0:21:43to try out our British countryside for the very first time.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- These are lovely. - Having a nice time?- Mmm, loving it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- JONNIE:- Canadian-born Kristi and her Italian husband, Francesco,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55currently live in a two-bedroomed flat in London's Muswell Hill.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58They had always fancied moving to the countryside but it was
0:21:58 > 0:22:01the birth of their daughter, Cora, that gave them
0:22:01 > 0:22:03the final impetus to leave city life behind.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05We do have a 21-month-old daughter
0:22:05 > 0:22:08and we just want to give her the best experience that she can have.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13She can have lots of outdoor space, a bigger home for her to play in.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15When I was a kid I grew up in the country.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19For me, it is like my heritage and background.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23I would like to have the same kind of opportunity for my daughter.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Having moved to the UK fairly recently,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29they are not hugely familiar with the country which is
0:22:29 > 0:22:32one of the reasons why they have called for our help.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34They have, however, visited Kent
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and part of its appeal are its handy transport links
0:22:36 > 0:22:38for Francesco's job in business development.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42We've chosen Kent because of its proximity to London
0:22:42 > 0:22:45so Francesco will occasionally need to commute in.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50I think it's probably one of the most beautiful counties here in UK.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52It is important to find the right property
0:22:52 > 0:22:55because we don't want to move in another couple of years.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58So what do they have to spend on a home for keeps in Kent?
0:22:58 > 0:23:03Our budget for the move is around £650,000.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Because Francesco and Kristi aren't fully acquainted with Kent,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12they're open to looking at properties from anywhere within its borders.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Before we kick off our countywide search,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I'm meeting up with them to learn more about their move.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Good morning, how are you?- Morning, very good.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I've got a list of properties here...
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- Great!- ..that you've looked at on the internet and in person.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31My only thought here is that you've looked at a lot of the stock.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34There isn't a great deal on the market and there hasn't been a whole
0:23:34 > 0:23:37tranche of stuff come on the market since you've looked.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- You will need to remain fairly open-minded.- Yeah, we are.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42We are definitely open-minded.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Let's focus on the property itself.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Now what does it look like inside?
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Do you want lots of little rooms, or is it modern?- BOTH: No.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53THEY LAUGH
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- No...- We really like open-plan.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56Yeah, open space.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00We like character but with modern furniture inside.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04We like beams and we really like big fireplaces.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05- Yeah.- And, erm...
0:24:05 > 0:24:09It sounds like you want a property that's been refurbed
0:24:09 > 0:24:11and changed by someone.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- Yes.- What about doing those works yourself? How much work...
0:24:15 > 0:24:17We thought about this.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- The issue is we're not very... - We're not handy.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21We're not handy at all.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25But we know people who could possibly help us with this.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- OK, how many bedrooms? - We think four is the minimum.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Only because there is the possibility that Francesco
0:24:31 > 0:24:36can do some work from home, so really, it could be three bedrooms and that one for him.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39OK, all right. How much outside space are you after?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Well, we would like to have a garden that is manageable
0:24:42 > 0:24:45but also, you know, we plan to have a dog
0:24:45 > 0:24:48We're thinking max an acre. Max.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Max.- That's not a garden, you need a tractor for that!
0:24:50 > 0:24:52And cows!
0:24:52 > 0:24:55All for how much?
0:24:55 > 0:24:59The max budget we have at the moment is £650,000.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- Let's get going, shall we? Just this way.- Let's go.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08With a budget of £650,000 Francesco and Kristi are looking
0:25:08 > 0:25:11for a period home with a contemporary open-plan interior
0:25:11 > 0:25:14and they're looking for four bedrooms,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17one of which will be used as an office for Francesco.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Outside they'd like a minimum of half an acre
0:25:19 > 0:25:22and they're hoping to be within easy reach of transport links
0:25:22 > 0:25:26for Francesco and a good school for Cora.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28We've found a great selection of Kentish homes
0:25:28 > 0:25:30to show Francesco and Kristi
0:25:30 > 0:25:32but I'll keep them guessing about the price
0:25:32 > 0:25:34until we've had a good look around.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37We'll finish off with the mystery house where the layout
0:25:37 > 0:25:39could leave them hot or cold.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Our search begins in the village of Hunton,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51five miles south of Maidstone, Kent's county town.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Just down the road, set on a quiet country lane, is our first house.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- So, property number one is a barn conversion.- Beautiful.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- It's beautiful. - This is a good reaction.- Yeah.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05It's a very good reaction.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08We were hoping for a barn conversion
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and that window in the front is awesome
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- Just to let you know what we're getting... This is shared access. - OK.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17The barn itself starts at the end of this return.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- That is what we're looking at.- OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23You've got all the land from that first hedge in.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- OK.- Yes.- Like it?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Yes.- It's got something.- Let's go.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I'm very happy with their initial reactions.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35The barn has been converted in the last ten years and its huge
0:26:35 > 0:26:39floor-to-ceiling windows were originally the wagon doorways.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42So this is the formal entrance, if you like.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45I love it. I love it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- It's beautiful.- It's beautiful. It's very warm and inviting.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52That window, I love the woodwork.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55It is a good contrast between modernity and character.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Yeah, the floors are beautiful.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Whilst we've walked in this way, I think,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02just like with a lot of country properties,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- you come in via the back door. - Yeah.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Let's go to the kitchen where that is.- OK, perfect, thank you.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- So...- I like the kitchen.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Yeah, it's a good size for us.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Yeah, no, this is great. I love the window by the sink.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18The working area is pretty big.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21There's lots of counter space for you.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I think, on an everyday basis,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25because you park your car around the side of the house,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28you unload the children and what have you and through this door here.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Also, which is really handy, you've got a utility
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- and a downstairs loo as well.- OK.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- So, so far so good.- Yeah.- Living room next, just through here.- Yes.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- Mind your head there. So, living room.- I like it.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- Yeah, it's a good size, I think, yeah.- Yeah.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- You've had great reactions.- Yeah.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55You said you wanted open-plan, it's... I would say, semi-open.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Semi-open, yeah, but it's fine.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00This would be a good definition of open for us.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03The only thing that I see that is missing is a fireplace.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- It's probably lacking a central feature, isn't it?- Yes.- For focus.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- A little bit dark, maybe. - Yeah, some more windows.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12Some more windows,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15but the good thing is it opens into the garden, so we could
0:28:15 > 0:28:20have the baby, you know, playing outside without being worried.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- Yeah, I feel she's safe out there. - She is safe there, yeah.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- Let's go up the stairs and take a look at the bedroom stock.- OK.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Well, the living room hasn't completely wowed them,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33so let's hope the rest of the place makes up for it.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38So, up the stairs, mind your head on that, Francesco.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- This is the master bedroom. - Oh, I like it too.- It's a good size.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46It is definitely a good size, this bed is bigger than ours, so...
0:28:46 > 0:28:47Yeah, it's better, it's bigger.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Through that door there, that's the en suite, and it's got a lovely spa bath.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Sitting in the bath, you can look out over the land beyond
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- which is pretty special.- Nice!
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Now, I do need to tell you that this house is three bedrooms.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01The owner... When they bought it, it was two bedrooms.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04They split that one bedroom at the far end into two.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06There is a shower room
0:29:06 > 0:29:10and a loo just the other side of that doorway that those would use.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14I personally think, in the long run, you might look at encroaching
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- onto that sort of galleried landing area...- Mm.- Yeah.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Take 50% of that up and make it a proper family bathroom,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- cos you've already got the plumbing there anyway.- OK.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25That's a job for the future to make it more of a family home.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- Probably makes more sense, yeah.- OK.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30All right, so it's three beds, something to think about.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32You know, you're looking for your fourth, aren't you?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35So we might have to think about where you might have a home office.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Let's go outside and have a look at the gardens
0:29:37 > 0:29:38cos that was important to you.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42I know you've got this idea of cows and sheep grazing.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- Some space. Ducks.- Oh, you want ducks now as well? Oh, good.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49They don't seem too fazed by the number of bedrooms.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Outside there's definitely no compromise on space, where there's
0:29:52 > 0:29:56almost an acre of land for Cora and their future dog to play in.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02So, outside space. We've got this garden here...
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- Yeah.- And the other side of that post and rail...
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- OK.- That's yours as well. So, enough outside space?
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Definitely, this is a good size, manageable garden.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16More than probably what we said this morning.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Yeah, good, I'm glad you said that.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20You know you said you wanted maybe a fourth bedroom
0:30:20 > 0:30:23for some home office working? We've got this double garage...
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Yes.- Mm.- Maybe you put it there.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So, knowing all of this,
0:30:28 > 0:30:32how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- I'm going to take a guess at £625,000?- OK.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41I think probably slightly higher than that.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- I will go for 645.- OK.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50- Well, Kristi, you're good. - Am I?- £625,000.- Wow!
0:30:52 > 0:30:57Below budget at £625,000, this stylish barn conversion features
0:30:57 > 0:31:01a dining room that flows through to a good sized reception room.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Upstairs there are just three bedrooms, but there is that
0:31:04 > 0:31:08garage which could be converted into an office for Francesco.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10The house is set in almost an acre of land,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13and has open countryside views.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- So, happy with everything? Seen enough?- Yes, thank you.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Thanks, we've seen it all. - OK, onto the next house then?- Great.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28For hundreds of years,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Dover's iconic white cliffs served as the front line of defence
0:31:31 > 0:31:34against attack from Continental Europe
0:31:34 > 0:31:37just 21 miles away across the Dover Strait.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41At the turn of the last century, a gun battery was built on land
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and cliff overlooking the eastern arm of Dover Harbour
0:31:44 > 0:31:46to protect the port and the country,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50with its powerful guns seeing action during both world wars.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Today, this historic military site is home to
0:31:54 > 0:31:56the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
0:31:56 > 0:31:59which uses the excellent vantage point here to survey
0:31:59 > 0:32:01the Dover Straight and coastline below.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04The centre's operations manager is Kaimes Beasley
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and I'm here to meet him.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12There were four 9.2 inch guns situated on this site.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14We're stood on one of the emplacements
0:32:14 > 0:32:16where one of the guns was...
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- Just here?- Indeed, with a concrete apron in front of us.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- What was the range?- Oh, gosh. Easily across the Channel.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26The artillery and war ships may be gone,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29but the Dover Straight still sees a lot of action.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31It's one of the busiest international seaways in
0:32:31 > 0:32:36the world used by more than 400 commercial vessels each day.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Every year over a billion tons of cargo passes through here
0:32:39 > 0:32:42and part of the centre's job is to monitor it all.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Just looking out there now, it's dotted.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47It looks like a giant-sized game of Battleship.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50It must be terribly complicated to keep your eye on
0:32:50 > 0:32:51what's going on there.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54That's part of the function we're performing here.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57We're making sure that vessels are observing what they're suppose to be doing.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01The centre, opened here in 1979, is part of Her Majesty's Coastguard
0:33:01 > 0:33:05and is one of 16 centres dotted around the UK shores.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Its staff provide a 24-hour service to mariners and coast users.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13By employing a combination of radar surveillance systems,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15satellite date and nautical charts,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19the team work to prevent loss of life on the coast or at sea.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22When you see this chart in front of you,
0:33:22 > 0:33:24there's only a small bit of water.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Are you controlling these ships, telling them where to go?- No.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30We are monitoring the vessel traffic to ensure that they comply with
0:33:30 > 0:33:33the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36It's the rules of the road. It's the rules that the mariners will be
0:33:36 > 0:33:38applying as they are navigating in their ships.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40So, you've got a rogue ship somewhere here
0:33:40 > 0:33:42and you've got all this traffic going to and fro.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Yes, that's correct.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46We need to make sure all the other vessels that may possibly interact
0:33:46 > 0:33:51with that vessel are aware to expect something out of the ordinary.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54As well as monitoring the huge flow of traffic that passes through the Strait,
0:33:54 > 0:33:59the centre responds to more than 1,500 distress calls a year.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00Kaimes, thanks to you,
0:34:00 > 0:34:04and everybody here at Her Majesty's Coastguard for letting us in.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I have seen a large pair of binoculars over there which
0:34:06 > 0:34:09I wouldn't mind having a quick look through, would that be all right?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- By all means.- Thanks again. - Thank you.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14It's certainly been inspiring to witness the vital work this
0:34:14 > 0:34:18dedicated team does to protect the vessels and people around this
0:34:18 > 0:34:22world famous coastline and incredibly busy stretch of water.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Our search continues an hour's drive east, to the pretty village
0:34:28 > 0:34:31of St Nicholas-at-Wade, less than three miles from the Thanet Coast.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Our second offering is right in the heart of the village.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42- Now then, I know you like barn conversions.- Yes, we do.- Yes.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44And this is a beautiful one.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- The garden seems to be a little bit small.- That...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50is the only issue you're going to find with this house.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I've only shown you one property, so I don't know everything
0:34:53 > 0:34:57about you, but I think you're going to love this house, I really do.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01At the moment...a balancing act - the garden brings us down here.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Prepare to be catapulted like a trebuchet once you get inside.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- Great!- OK, let's go.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11The property, which was converted around five years ago,
0:35:11 > 0:35:15was originally a threshing barn and dates back to the 16th century.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18So...
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- Open-plan. It's very much open-plan. - Yeah, beautiful.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Yeah, really beautiful. - Yeah, I really like it.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28This is probably what we wanted in terms of open space.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- It's like a loft, right?- Yeah. - Look at the kitchen, though.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- Let's take a closer look. - Yes.- It's a good size, isn't it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Yeah, it's a great size. - Great size.- Yeah, beautiful.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- I like the island in the middle as well.- There's lots of storage there.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44This is a chef's kitchen, isn't it?
0:35:44 > 0:35:47All your other white goods are all hidden
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- because you've got a utility there. - Oh, OK.- OK.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52And just next door you've also got a downstairs loo and
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- a lovely walk-in shower as well. - Oh, wow.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57So, this is where I want you to tell me
0:35:57 > 0:36:00how you're going to start configuring this house, because
0:36:00 > 0:36:03they've laid this out as a dining area, initially, there.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06But the current owner said, "Well, they've got a living room there,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08"another dining room next door, and in the next bay
0:36:08 > 0:36:10"they've got like a home office."
0:36:10 > 0:36:13And that's before we've even got to the living room!
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- So...- Yeah, probably we would change the layout. We don't need so many...
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- I don't think I would dine there. No.- No.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21Well, let's keep looking at the house
0:36:21 > 0:36:25and we'll discuss the more macro rationale later on, shall we?
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- Living room, the far end. - Perfect.- Great.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33This is the dedicated living room.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36The double doors open - it still feels open-plan,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39but you can shut them and have a bit more privacy in here.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41I like it.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I think it's probably bigger than what
0:36:43 > 0:36:44we thought at the beginning, right?
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Yeah.- Even from outside it doesn't look like so big.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51At the end we've got one set of stairs going up.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54You've got a double bedroom, which could also be an office,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57if you didn't have enough space down here, which is also en suite.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00It's a great place for guests to stay.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- We'll go up the main stairs to the main bedrooms, OK?- OK.- OK.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Also on the ground floor, there is a separate room that could be
0:37:09 > 0:37:13used as Francesco's office or perhaps a play room for Cora.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17There's over 4,000 square feet of internal space, featuring
0:37:17 > 0:37:21an impressive vaulted ceiling that makes use of many of the original
0:37:21 > 0:37:25timbers and has reinforced glass balustrades to maximise the light.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Upstairs there is a large and stylish family bathroom
0:37:28 > 0:37:30and five double bedrooms,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34including the one accessed by the spiral staircase we saw earlier.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38We are going to take a look at the impressive master suite.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- So...loads of space up here, as you can see.- Yeah, it's very light.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- Enough space for a sofa!- Wow. - Check out this master suite.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- Wow!- This is fantastic. Wow!- Wow!
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- Yeah!- This is the size of our apartment right now.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Wow.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- It's enormous!- Wow!- It's beautiful. Yeah, it's fantastic.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- You've got an en suite, of course. - That's beautiful.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05More than what we expected.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- We need to understand how to manage all of this property.- Mm-hm.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- If we can afford it.- Yeah, if it's in the budget..
0:38:12 > 0:38:15That is a question you have to ask yourselves.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- So, let's go back outside and do just that right now.- OK.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18OK, perfect.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24I did feel pretty confident they'd love the inside of this place.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28It's just the question of whether the outside offers them enough room.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30There is plenty of parking space, though,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34and a decent-sized garage that can be accessed from the kitchen.
0:38:34 > 0:38:40- So, back from where we started, let's revisit this garden.- OK.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44You've got that little bit round the gable end, if you like.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- What do you think?- You know what? It's growing on me.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It's not so bad after all.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52I think we can compromise.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58- After viewing that house, yeah, garden, not so much.- Funny, isn't it?
0:38:58 > 0:39:02So, how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:39:02 > 0:39:06I think it's well beyond the budget,
0:39:06 > 0:39:10and I'm thinking it's...£735,000?
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- OK.- Yes, I think it's over budget at probably...
0:39:15 > 0:39:21- maybe less than Kristi said. 710?- Right.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26Well...this house is on the market for offers of around £625,000.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31- Oh, my God!- Wow! Oh, really?- Really?
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- Yup.- You're not joking?- Nope.- Wow!
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- And it hasn't been grabbed yet? - Not yet.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38It had a sale and fell through at the last minute,
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- but it's for sale, it's here to be bought.- Oh, my gosh.
0:39:42 > 0:39:48This attractive barn conversion is below budget at £625,000
0:39:48 > 0:39:50and its open-plan ground floor
0:39:50 > 0:39:53offers plenty of flexible living space.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Upstairs there are five bedrooms including a spacious master suite.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Outside there is an enclosed garden.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03And just a two-minute walk away is a highly sought after primary school.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07So, lot of it, isn't there?
0:40:07 > 0:40:10It's a huge house, it's a beautiful house.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Is it too big? - No, it is not.- No.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- I think it's just the right size. - I knew that.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17You don't know this area particularly well,
0:40:17 > 0:40:20so I suggest on the way back we go around some of the villages
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- just to get to know the area. - Yes, definitely.- Thank you.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28So, fair to say they liked it.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Yes, I think you could say that, I mean, to be honest,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32I had half a mind to take them straight
0:40:32 > 0:40:35to the estate agents, so they could put an offer in, but of course,
0:40:35 > 0:40:37we still had the mystery house to show them,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40and as you're about to see later, I had something brewing for that.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Can't wait to see, but, meanwhile, Andrew
0:40:43 > 0:40:45and Janine in Kent with £600,000 to spend,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49now, their story was developing into one of two very distinct halves.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52She loved number one, the white, weatherboard,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54classic bit of Kent architecture.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58He loved our barn conversion, but, it's all about agreement, isn't it?
0:40:58 > 0:41:02So, true to form, our mystery house was a little bit different
0:41:02 > 0:41:04and I would say, somewhat...
0:41:04 > 0:41:05- Quirky?- Yes, quirky.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- JULES:- Our final stop on our house search takes us
0:41:11 > 0:41:1411 miles south to Charing in the district of Ashford.
0:41:14 > 0:41:20And not far from the village centre, our final offering.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22That is our mystery house.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Now, you don't get all of it, I'm afraid.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30You get that timber-framed chunk right there in front of us.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35- So, what do we think of it?- I like it.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Not what I was expecting at all...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39but so far I think it's really interesting.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42You seem more engaged with this one than our property two, which he
0:41:42 > 0:41:43- really likes.- Yes.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47For me, on the outside I prefer the look of this.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50The real selling point with this one is Charing. 40 minutes!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- 40 minutes into London.- Fab.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- It's the closest commute we could find you.- Yeah, great.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- I want to get inside and have a look.- Come and have a look.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Our Grade II mystery property was once part of a larger
0:42:03 > 0:42:0815th century hall house, and is thought to have been once a rectory.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10But it's what's hidden behind that makes this a mystery.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12There isn't a conventional garden as such,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16but a large freshwater lake that used to serve a nearby water mill.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19JANINE LAUGHS
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Oh, wow!- Come in.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22Oh, wow!
0:42:22 > 0:42:27Knowing you have this thing about beams, we thought this would work.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- What a beautiful room.- It's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- It's very different, isn't it?- Oh, yeah.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35It's the best room I've seen in the three houses you've shown me.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- Really?!- Really.- Why, though?
0:42:38 > 0:42:42The almost square shape of this room, with the ceiling height,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46with these fantastic beams and a fireplace, just...
0:42:46 > 0:42:47and they've still got an oak floor.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Lots going on in here but it all works.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- Would you feel cosy in here, then? - Absolutely.- Good.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Well, let's go through to the next bit which hopefully will
0:42:56 > 0:42:57please you as much.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- What do we think of the dining room? - Gosh, what a lovely space.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09- Really light. And the beams are OK. - The beams are OK? And very high.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Yeah. But it's a beautiful room.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13The light streaming in here. What a lovely room.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Now, we don't really have a kitchen/diner as such
0:43:16 > 0:43:18so you'd have to think about how this would work
0:43:18 > 0:43:20with the kitchen that's through there.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- But the kitchen isn't small. Have a look at it.- OK.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Do you see what I mean? It's not tiny but...
0:43:30 > 0:43:32A surprise actually,
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- because I'd only thought of half the size of it.- Yeah.
0:43:35 > 0:43:40- It's actually quite a nice kitchen space.- You're not so sure.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43No. I think from the proportions of the other two rooms,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46I expected this to be bigger.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49It's a workable space but not quite what I had in mind.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51Let's see what you think of upstairs
0:43:51 > 0:43:53because there is plenty of space up there.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58On the next floor, there's a generous landing currently
0:43:58 > 0:43:59being used as a study.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03There's also a luxurious family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06Two are good-sized doubles and one's a single
0:44:06 > 0:44:09and they all have beautiful leaded windows.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12On the very top floor, taking up the entire roof space, is
0:44:12 > 0:44:14an impressive bedroom suite.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Now this is what I think is your master bedroom.
0:44:19 > 0:44:24We're right at the top floor. It's got a lovely shape to it, actually.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Very generous en suite through there and a dressing room beyond.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- Very nice.- So you get your own floor.- Excellent.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36- Unusual. Didn't expect to have this space.- It's a lovely space.- Yeah.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40- Quirky, I think is probably right. - Yes.- Yes.- Would you agree?- Yes.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45- Definitely.- But it may be you. - Certainly challenging my thinking.
0:44:45 > 0:44:46- Interesting.- Absolutely.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49The garden area is certainly going to challenge your thinking
0:44:49 > 0:44:52because this is very different to almost any other property
0:44:52 > 0:44:55I've ever shown on this programme. You'll see what I mean.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57Come and have a look at this lot.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01The outside space is mainly comprised of a cleverly
0:45:01 > 0:45:05designed decked area that wraps around the end of the lake.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07It includes some attractive planting,
0:45:07 > 0:45:10a vegetable garden with raised beds,
0:45:10 > 0:45:14a storage shed, a summerhouse and its own private mooring.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21- But look at this.- Wow!- It's a garden like no other, really.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- What an interesting space.- Er, yes.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28You kind of get the terminus end of this moat and you get this,
0:45:28 > 0:45:32well, decking complex, shall we say?
0:45:32 > 0:45:35So, it's a very different kind of set-up.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38Completely out of anything I'd have ever thought of
0:45:38 > 0:45:40but actually totally charming.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43I suspect your instincts wouldn't have brought you here, ordinarily.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48- No. Certainly challenged us. - Really challenged us.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52Well, is the price going to be a challenge, I wonder?
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Go on, then, Sir, take it away.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- 610.- 610?
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I think, because of location, where we are, slightly higher than that,
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- so I'm going to go 615?- 615?
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- It is £575,000...- Really? - ..for our mystery house.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12- Cheapest of the three.- It is indeed. - That's a real surprise.- It is.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14A real surprise.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17It's the cheapest of the three, it's the quirkiest of the three.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20And in terms of location, for you, I think it's the best of the three.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Absolutely. It's an hour.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Total calculation, if I get my timings right,
0:46:25 > 0:46:28an hour door-to-door to work. You can't put a price on that.
0:46:30 > 0:46:36Below budget at £575,000, this rare 15th century home has
0:46:36 > 0:46:39a sitting room packed with wonderful period features,
0:46:39 > 0:46:43an impressive high ceilinged dining room and four bedrooms,
0:46:43 > 0:46:45including a top floor master suite.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Outside, there's a extraordinary lakeside garden
0:46:48 > 0:46:49and it's all within
0:46:49 > 0:46:52easy commuting distance of London.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54How are we doing?
0:46:54 > 0:46:56- Just admiring the view. - Anybody been for a paddle yet?
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- Got your feet wet?- Yeah...no.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01I think this is a really interesting contender.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04I think it means we've given you three very viable options
0:47:04 > 0:47:09but I suspect there is a debate as to which are the favoured.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- Indeed.- As there would be with you two.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13Right then, let's go think about it. Come on.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Well.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23- Hello. How are you two?- Yes.
0:47:23 > 0:47:28I gather that the planets may have lined up in your universe
0:47:28 > 0:47:31and there may be some form of agreement on one of our properties?
0:47:31 > 0:47:33Is this true?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36The mystery house, for both of us, really took our breath away.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39It wasn't what we expected at all.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42A few challenges in terms of how we'd use the space.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45The garden area for Francesca, how's she going to play?
0:47:45 > 0:47:49How would we rejig the decked area to make it work for us as a family?
0:47:49 > 0:47:55But I think, actually, that for us for now is the house we will go for.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57- Really? So we have agreement on the mystery house?- Yeah.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01As we walked around the mystery house...independently there was
0:48:01 > 0:48:05a meeting of minds which said, "This house really does it for everybody."
0:48:05 > 0:48:10And its location, I suppose, was the thing that really twisted your arms?
0:48:10 > 0:48:14Charing and its commutability and the facilities in the community
0:48:14 > 0:48:18it provides for you on your doorstep makes it very, very amenable.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Definitely. I think the whole reason for this move
0:48:21 > 0:48:23is because of Andrew and Francesca
0:48:23 > 0:48:28and the time they have is going back to actually, "Why are we moving?"
0:48:28 > 0:48:30As much as some of the houses are pretty,
0:48:30 > 0:48:32picture perfect houses, actually
0:48:32 > 0:48:36we need to get down to the reason for the move with Francesca -
0:48:36 > 0:48:40that driver has to be the commute, which is why the mystery house.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43- So, what happens next?- I think for us we don't know the area that well.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45It's not an area we had looked at on our search,
0:48:45 > 0:48:48so I think it's a case of going back round,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51taking Francesca back, just so she can have
0:48:51 > 0:48:53a little run around the house, to see practically what it's
0:48:53 > 0:48:56like with a little baby in the house and then we'll go from there.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00Brilliant, guys. Well, very best of luck. It has been a really fun week.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02You're going to go back for a second look
0:49:02 > 0:49:04but if it doesn't work, there's always the barn conversion.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08Indeed. And plenty to think on, so, thanks, guys. It's been really good.
0:49:08 > 0:49:14- It has challenged and made us think absolutely what we want.- Brilliant.
0:49:14 > 0:49:15Our pleasure.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21You pulled it together with the mystery house, what a place.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24I must say, I've always had aspirations of owning my own moat.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27It was quite a water feature, it has to be said,
0:49:27 > 0:49:29but I'm just delighted that we managed to find them
0:49:29 > 0:49:32- a property that at long last, they could agree on.- All sorted?
0:49:32 > 0:49:34I'd like to think so. No pressure, mate.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36Don't worry about that. Let's not forget,
0:49:36 > 0:49:39our couple, Kristi and Francesco,
0:49:39 > 0:49:44they had a really healthy budget of £650,000. But then, they wanted a lot for that money.
0:49:44 > 0:49:46But never one to shirk a challenge,
0:49:46 > 0:49:48here's what we had lined up.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52The final stop on our search is 45 miles west to the village of Higham
0:49:52 > 0:49:55which borders the Hoo Peninsula.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59The Mystery House is just moments from the centre of the village.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01Our couple did say they were partial to conversions,
0:50:01 > 0:50:05so we've found them another, this time a converted oast house.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11So, the Mystery House, do you like it?
0:50:11 > 0:50:15Yeah, I really like it. I love the brick, I love the windows.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20- It's very spacious outside, very green.- The garden is wonderful.
0:50:20 > 0:50:22Let's see what you think of it, shall we?
0:50:22 > 0:50:23- Great.- Thank you.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27This home dates back to the early 1900s
0:50:27 > 0:50:31and up until 12 years ago it was still a fully functioning oast house.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Let's start off with Francesco's room.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39FRANCESCO LAUGHS Yeah, the kitchen.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43- Very nice kitchen.- I like it. - Very big.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45There's a utility room just through there,
0:50:45 > 0:50:47so a lot of the white goods out of the way.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50- But it's a decent-sized dining kitchen.- Yes, it is.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53If we compare this with the second property yesterday afternoon,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56I was going "wows" everywhere.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59I think the only issue with this kitchen is that it does seem
0:50:59 > 0:51:02a little bit of isolation, right?
0:51:02 > 0:51:04- From the rest of the house? - Yes.- Absolutely.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08The reason we've chosen this is it looks a bit different,
0:51:08 > 0:51:11but it isn't that open-plan that you said you wanted.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14But whilst we also thought that you might be challenged at that end,
0:51:14 > 0:51:16the rooms were of a decent size anyway.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19- So, it's something to get your head around.- Yeah.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22- Let's go and have a look around the reception rooms.- Perfect.
0:51:23 > 0:51:28Not an overwhelming response to the inside of the property so far.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Let's see what they make of the rest.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33As well as the kitchen, the ground floor includes a family room
0:51:33 > 0:51:35that is being used as a home cinema.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38There's also a cloakroom and making use of the rather wide hall,
0:51:38 > 0:51:41the current owners have created a compact office space.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44The end of the hall leads into two large reception rooms,
0:51:44 > 0:51:47one is a dining room and the other is a living room.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51It's a good size. It's got lots of light.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55We are now in the oast house, those tall structures.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58It's not the open space we were thinking of,
0:51:58 > 0:52:00but there are some compromise.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03Every house you look at, it might not be for you,
0:52:03 > 0:52:07but it will help you make your mind up about a couple of things that you see.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10- It is true.- Let's go upstairs and have a look at some of the bedrooms.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12OK.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17It's clear that the lay out of the properties they saw yesterday
0:52:17 > 0:52:19is much more to their style.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Upstairs there are two bathrooms, one with a shower
0:52:21 > 0:52:23and one with a bath.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27There are also five bedrooms, two of those are singles
0:52:27 > 0:52:30and two good size doubles.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32The fifth bedroom is a master suite.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35Aw, it's very pretty.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38I really love the flooring. Wow.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40This is a beautiful room.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42It's a huge room.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44It's a big house.
0:52:44 > 0:52:45You've got this big double room,
0:52:45 > 0:52:50then you've got a dressing area going into an en suite bath.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- You've got a walk-in wardrobe behind this mirror as well.- Wow.
0:52:53 > 0:52:58- I think it's better upstairs than downstairs.- Loads of space here.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02This is your suite if you like, but you're moving here with Cora,
0:53:02 > 0:53:05so let's have a look at her bedroom. I've decorated it for her.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17Come up these steps, we're going to the top of those oast houses.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21- You see the shape now, can't you? - Yeah, I like this shape.
0:53:21 > 0:53:22I love the ceiling height
0:53:22 > 0:53:26and this is a really sweet little room for a girl.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29It's a bigger house than we thought.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- Let's go outside and have a look at that land.- OK.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39This house might not have open-plan appeal, but it does have space.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42Outside, there's almost an acre of land that includes a
0:53:42 > 0:53:44double garage with extra parking
0:53:44 > 0:53:48and a summer house that could be used as an office for Francesco.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Plus, there's even a playground for Cora.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57You get a good parcel of land with this house, don't you?
0:53:57 > 0:53:59Yeah, it's a great size.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02And you're very own walnut tree, apparently.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04- OK.- Yeah.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:54:07 > 0:54:15I think it's pretty much right on budget. I'm going to say £649,995.
0:54:15 > 0:54:16OK.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19I think I'm going a little bit higher than that.
0:54:19 > 0:54:21Probably 660.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Well, in a way you're both right.
0:54:25 > 0:54:32You're probably nearest because the asking price is offers above £650,000.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33So, you're both in the ball park.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36On budget at £650,000,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40this recently converted oast house has plenty of space.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43There are three reception rooms, two bathrooms
0:54:43 > 0:54:46and five bedrooms including a master suite.
0:54:46 > 0:54:47It's set in almost an acre of land
0:54:47 > 0:54:50that comes with a converted summer house
0:54:50 > 0:54:54and the location has excellent transport links to London.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59- So, all done?- All done.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02I can tell you that walnut tree will be bearing fruit well
0:55:02 > 0:55:04this Christmas - there's loads of them there.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Whether or not you'll be picking them, we'll find out.
0:55:07 > 0:55:08Let's go for a chat.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- No coffee for me, then? - No coffee for you today.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22Let's see if I deserved this coffee, then.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25I'm asking almost knowingly, but what is your favourite house?
0:55:25 > 0:55:28- It's number two.- Definitely.
0:55:28 > 0:55:33- Can you put it down to one thing?- We saw it and immediately went, "wow".
0:55:33 > 0:55:34- You did, didn't you?- Yeah.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38You just enter it and it's so grand and it's so spacious
0:55:38 > 0:55:40and it's below budget.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42Yeah, that's just the asking price.
0:55:42 > 0:55:44For me it's the dream home.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48- Dream home.- The inside for sure.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51Well, that's the thing, the garden.
0:55:51 > 0:55:55You know what? Not so bad in the end. When you have that house, yeah.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58Limited garden space is fine.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00We can compromise with it.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05It is our dream house and then we can make it work outside.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08So, I think we can work with it.
0:56:08 > 0:56:13So, if you can make it work, what's your next step?
0:56:13 > 0:56:16Well, today we're going to see a little bit
0:56:16 > 0:56:18more of the areas around the house.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20- This afternoon?- Yes, right away.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24- Drive by the area, see a couple of the villages.- Great idea.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29We need to sell our house and then if everything goes well,
0:56:29 > 0:56:31we move forward with an offer.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34We're prepared to make that offer on it.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38So, fingers crossed your house in London sells and then let us know...
0:56:39 > 0:56:42..when you move in. I'm going to go with when.
0:56:42 > 0:56:46- Yeah, we will.- Good luck. - Thank you so much.- Thanks a lot.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52That was a pretty remarkable mystery house,
0:56:52 > 0:56:55but it was always going to struggle against the barn conversion.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58I was worried, actually, when Kristi and Francesco gave me
0:56:58 > 0:57:00their wish list, if you like, bearing in mind,
0:57:00 > 0:57:03they were looking in Kent, I wasn't sure we would find everything.
0:57:03 > 0:57:08But after being so impressed by the barn conversion, the size and the style,
0:57:08 > 0:57:12I think they are more than happy to bend on the size of the garden.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14But to me, one of the key things there is attitude.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17Having the right attitude, knowing how to look at a property,
0:57:17 > 0:57:20I think, is just as important if not more so,
0:57:20 > 0:57:22than knowing what it is you're looking for.
0:57:22 > 0:57:24We talk about it all the time, don't we?
0:57:24 > 0:57:28It's compromise, whether, like your couple, Janine and Andrew,
0:57:28 > 0:57:31compromised between themselves or maybe like Francesco
0:57:31 > 0:57:35and Kristi, compromise on exactly what they're looking for.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38Let's face it, when you're buying this new family home
0:57:38 > 0:57:42in the countryside, house-hunting is never really plane sailing, is it?
0:57:42 > 0:57:44It's a massive undertaking,
0:57:44 > 0:57:47but the only way through it that I can see is that you have to take
0:57:47 > 0:57:51each property on its own merits and you WILL find what you're looking for.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55- Maybe we did.- Fingers crossed. Well, that's it for today,
0:57:55 > 0:58:00- but do join us again on Escape To The Country.- Bye-bye.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03Kristi and Francesca did put an offer in on house number two
0:58:03 > 0:58:07which was accepted and they hope to move in the next month.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11And Andrew and Janine are still trying to sell their current home.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13If you'd like to escape to the country
0:58:13 > 0:58:16in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England or even further
0:58:16 > 0:58:18afield to the continent and need our help,
0:58:18 > 0:58:20please apply online...